Objective To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of panaxadiol saponins for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC) with chemotherapy-induced leukopenia.Methods 92 NSCLC patients with leukopenia after chemotherapy were selected and divided into the observation group (46 cases) and the control group (46 cases) by random number table method.On the second day after the chemotherapy,the observation group was given panaxadiol saponins capsules,3 tablets/time,2 times/day.The control group was orally given placebo or reserpine,4 weeks for one course of treatment,the two groups were continuously treated for two courses.The clinical efficacy,number of leukocytes,improvement of TCM symptoms and adverse reactions were evaluated.Results After treatment for 4 weeks and 8 weeks,the WBC counts of the observation group were (4.48 ±0.77) × 109/L and (4.92 ± 0.89) × 109/L,respectively,which were significantly higher than those of the control group[(4.02 ± O.93) × 109/L and (4.57 ± 0.86) × 109/L],the differences were statistically significant(t =8.24,8.41,all P ＜ 0.05).After treatment for 4 weeks and 8 weeks,the TCM syndrome scores of the observation group were (24.02 ± 5.91)points and (21.73 ± 4.14) points,respectively,which were lower than those of the control group [(26.33 ± 5.08) points and (23.14 ± 3.90) points],the differences were statistically significant (t =9.68,9.63,all P ＜ 0.05).After treatment for 4 weeks and 8 weeks,the total effective rates of TCM were 76.09％ (35/46) and 82.61％ (38/46),respectively,which were significantly higher than those of the control group [63.04％ (29/46) and 63.04％ (29/46)],the differences were statistically significant(x2 =10.32,8.61,all P ＜ 0.05).The effective rates of leukopenia improvement of the observation group after treatment for 4 weeks and 8 weeks were 69.57％ (32/46) and 78.26％ (36/46),respectively,which were higher than those of the control group [56.52％ (26/46) and 65.22％ (30/46)],the differences were statistically significant(t =9.38,9.51,all P ＜ 0.05).There were no significant differences in adverse reactions between the two groups (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion Panaxadiol saponins in the treatment of NSCLC chemotherapy-induced leukopenia can significantly improve the number of white blood cells,improve the clinical symptoms,and it has good safety.

Objective:To study the effect of flavonoids extracts from semen Astragali complanati (FAC) on the growth of hepatocellular H22 cells and elucidate its action mechanism. Methods:The mouse model bearing H22 tumor cells was established. The effects of FAC on the growth of xenografted H22 tumor, the immune organ, survival time, phagocytic function of macrophages, and lymphocyte transformation in tumor-bearing mice were observed. Results:The growth of H22 transplanted tumor was significantly inhibited by FAC at high, middle and low doses,compared with normal control group (P<0.05). The tumor-inhibiting ratio in cyclophosphamide (CTX) group was similar with that in FAC high-dose group (P>0.05). FAC markedly elongated the survival time of tumor-bearing mice. The high, middle and low doses of FAC elongated the survival time of tumor-bearing mice by 64.9%, 56.7% and 28.1%, which were significantly different with control group (P<0.01). The high, middle and low doses of FAC greatly increased the thymus index and spleen index of tumor-bearing mice (P<0.05, vs control) and elevated the phagocytic function of macrophages and lymphocyte transformation capability (P<0.01, vs control). The effect of CTX on immune function of tumor-bearing mice was opposite with FAC. The difference between CTX group and control group was significant (P<0.01). Conclusion: FAC inhibits the growth of H22 hepatoma, elongates the survival time, and elevates the non-specific immune function of tumor-bearing mice, indicating that FAC maybe exert its anti-tumor effect via regulating immune function of tumor-bearing mice.

Thirty-six male adult rats were divided into 12 groups. The rats, except the control group, were partially (68％) hepatectomized and then killed at intervals between 12-120h after operation. Isolated hepatocytes were prepared and flow cytometry was used to study the proliferative cycle. Mitotic index and binuclear cell count have been performed in liver sections and smears of isolated hepatocytes separately. Tetraploid cells acounted for 76% of all hepatocytes in normal rats and they also constituted the main proliferative population in regenerating liver. During 12-20h after operation, some of the tetraploid cells that remained in G_2 phase entered into mitosis. At 24h after operation, peaks of S phase in tetraploid cells and of octoploid cells occurred. At 36h after operation, mitotic index reached a maxium value and thereafter the percentage of binuclear cells were reduced rapidly. At 48-72h after operation, second peak of DNA synthesis occurred, but showed wide individual variations in time and cell proportion.

Objective To study the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1 ) in the rat cardiac heterotopic allo- grafts and the effect of cyclosporin A on prevention of allograft rejection. Methods Heart transplantated animals were divided into three groups: Group Ⅰ(control), Group Ⅱ(CsA 7. 5mg/kg B W, daily) and Group Ⅲ(CsA l5mg/kg B W, daily). Acute cardiac rejection grade was valued by the standrd of ISHLT(1990 ). Immunohistochemistry was performed to analyze the expression of ICAM-1 in heart grafts and donor aorta segments. Results After heart transplantation, it was found that from day 1 to 3, there was sligtly inflammatory infiltratiation, the rejection was graded 1A of 1B, But from day 11 to 12, there were disseminated inflammation and cardiac necrosis with serous hyperemia, exutation, edema, acute vasculitis and myocarditis. The rejection grade was 3B or 4, and could be reduced 1to 2. 5 grades by administration of CsA. It was also found that both in heart graft and donor aorta segments the expression of ICAM-1 on the endothelium cells, infiltrated lymphocytes was clearly increased. It was time-dependent and could be down-regulated by administra- tion of CsA. On Day 1 and Day 3 the suppressing function of CsA on expressing of ICAM-1 showed singificant dosage-dependent. But from Day 7 to Day 11, it appeared dosage- independent. Conclusiou Trea tment with CsA is an effect ive methed to down- regulate I - CAM-1 expression and could reduce the lympphocyte migration and filtration. These results may explain, in part, the mechanism of CsA reducing acute rejection in a rat cardiac transplantation medel.

Objective To investigate the efficiency of antitumor immune responses induced by a controlled live dendritic cell(DC)vaccine Methods DC precursors were isolated from Fischer 344 rat bone marrow and cultured with granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor and interleukin 4 The rat ovarian tumor cell line NuTu 19 was genetically modified by retroviral mediated suicide gene(HSV 1 TK), and the positive clones were selected using G418 Live DC vaccine was then fused with DC and NuTu 19/TK cell by polyethylene glycol The characteristics of live DC vaccine were assayed with flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy The specific expression of HSV 1 TK gene in live DC vaccine was evaluated by RT PCR and western blot The sensitivity of live DC vaccine to ganciclovir (GCV) was evaluated by methylthiazoletetrazolium assay In vivo, rats vaccinated twice with live DC vaccine were compared to those vaccinated with killed DC vaccine, unfused DC and NuTu 19/TK cell or phosphate buffered saline Seven days following the last immunization, the rats were sacrificed to test the specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity by lactate dehydrogenase release assay, or challenged with NuTu 19 and tumor incidence was observed Results The fusion efficiency was approximately (23?14) Live DC vaccine displayed an up regulated expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) IIOX6 (87 6?3 4)%, costimulatory molecule B 1 2 (71 1?9 3)%, integrin OX 62 (68 0?7 4)%, and adhesion ICAM 1 (77 1?2 0)%, and specifically expressed HSV 1 TK gene. Our data showed that spleen T lymphocytes from rats vaccinated with live vaccine displayed enhanced CTL aetivity (61 8?8 3)% contrast to that of rats vaccinated with killed vaccines (26 0?3 8)% ( P

Objective To investigate whether fasting obestatin level is different in patients with impaired glucose tolerance or type 2 diabetes, and to explore the association between obestatin and lipid metabolism. Methods Eighty-four subjects without known diabetes were divided into three groups: normal glucose tolerance(NGT), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and type 2 diabetes (DM) Plasma obestatin levels were measured with a radioimmunoassay. The relationship between fasting obestatin levels and metabolic parameters was also analyzed. Results Fasting obestatin levels were lower in DM group [(2.82±0.78)ng/ml] and IGT group [(3.25±0.29)ng/ml] than in NGT group[(3.55±0.57) ng/ml, P＜0.01]. Triglycerides and low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels gradually increased among the three groups (P＜0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed fasting obestatin level was independently associated with waist-to-hip ratio, triglyeride and low density lipoprotein cholesterol. The regression equation was obestatin=6.953-3.412×W/H-0.175×TG-0.123×LDL-C. Conclusions The decreased obestatin may be associated with IGR and T2DM, and obestatin level may be associated with lipid metabolism.

Objective To study the changes of circulating triglyceride (TG) in the obese elderly, and to investigate the effect of hypertriglyceridemia on the development of insulin resistance. Methods A total of 82 subjects were divided into simple obesity group, obesity with IGT group, obesity with T2DM group and normal control group. The body height, body weight, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and insulin(FPI), circulating TG and total cholesterol (TC) were measured. The homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. Results The levels of serum TG were significantly higher in the simple obesity group ( 1.3 ± 0. 6) mmol/L, obesity with IGT group (1.9 ± 0.9)mmol/L and obesity with T2DM group (2.1±0.7) mmol/L than in the normal controls [(1.0±0.2)mmol/L, all P<0. 05], Furthermore, the levels of TG, FPG, FPI, HOMA-IR and systolic pressure were significantly higher(all P<0. 05) in obesity with IGT group and obesity with T2DM group than in simple obesity group. There were significantly positive correlations between TG and body mass index (BMI), FPG, HOMA-IR, TC, systolic pressure respectively (all P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that FPG and HOMA-IR were the independent factors affecting TG (both P < 0. 05 ). Conclusions Hypertriglyceridemia may play an important role in the development of insulin resistance.

Objective To observe the efficacy,toxic side effects, survival time and quality of life (QOL) of vinorelbine and vinorelbine plus carboplatin in elderly patients with stage Ⅲ b/Ⅳ non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).Methods Eighty patients aged 65 years or over with stage Ⅲ b/Ⅳ non-small cell lung cancer were randomly divided into two groups.One group was treated with vinorelbine (vinorelbine 25 mg/m2 iv d1,8, repeated every 21 days), the other group was treated with vinorelbine plus carboplatin(vinorelbine 25 mg/m2 iv at day 1 and 8 and earboplatin AUC5 iv at day 1, repeated every 21 days).Results The response rate(RR), median survival time(MST) and 1-year survival rate were 35.0%, 9.0 months and 35.0% in vinorelbine group and were 42.5%, 10.0 months and 37.5% in vinorelbine plus carboplatin group respectively.There was no significant difference between two groups(χ2 =0.296,P=0.586).The incidences of Ⅲ-Ⅳ degree granulocytopenia (χ2 =7.168,P=0.014), Ⅲ-Ⅳ degree thrombocytopenia (χ2 = 5.165,P=0.048)and Ⅲ-Ⅳ degree nausea and vomiting (χ2 =6.275, P =0.025) were significantly higher in the combined chemotherapy group than in the vinorelbine treatment group.The scores of lung cancer symptom scale (LCSS) of appetite loss(χ2 =2.600,P=0.011), fatigue(χ2 =3.169,P=0.002) and pain(χ2 =2.257,P=0.027) were more higher in the vinorelbine treatment group than in the combined chemotherapy group.Conclusions Vinorelbine regimen is effective, well tolerated and more favorable for the elderly NSCLC patients.

OBJECTIVE: To study the role of JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) signal transduction pathway on the nasal mucosa remodeling in allergic rhinitis rats, to explore whether IL-1β participates the nasal mucosa remodeling in allergic rhinitis by JNK signal transduction pathway. METHOD: Totally 60 male Wistar rats (weighing about 200-250 g)were randomly divided into A (AR group) and B group (control group). The rats in A group were sensitized for inducing AR by intraperitoneal injection ovalbumin and Al(OH)₃. Ovalbumin was respectively dropped in each nasal cavity of every rat for 4,8,12 weeks(A4,A8,or A12 group) each had 10 rats. The rats in B group were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection saline. Saline was respectively dropped in each nasal cavity of every rat for 4,8, 12 weeks(B4, B8, or B12 group), and each had 10 rats. The concentration of IL-1β in serum and nasal lavage fluid were tested by ELASA. The protein expressions of P-JNK and P-c-Jun were detected by immunohistochemical technique. Linear correlation analysis showed the correlation between levels of IL-1β in serum and P-JNK protein, levels of IL-1β in nasal lavage fluid and P-JNK protein. RESULT: The concentrations of IL-1β in serum and nasal lavage fluid of A group were all significantly higher than those of the corresponding B group (all P < 0.01). Compared with A4 group and A8 group, concentrations of IL-1β in nasal lavage fluid of A12 group were significantly increased (all P < 0.01). However the levels of IL-1β in serum were not significantly different among them (all P > 0.05). Mean absorbance values of P-JNK and P-c-Jun in A group were significantly higher than those in corresponding B group (all P < 0.01) and compared with A4 group and A8 group, those of A12 group were significantly increased (all P < 0.01). Strong positive correlation were found between P-JNK and concentration of IL-1β in serum or nasal lavage fluid (r = 0.835 and r = 0.902, all P < 0.01). CONCLUSION JNK signal transduction pathway plays important role in the nasal mucosa remodeling in allergic rhinitis rats. IL-1β participates in AR nasal mucosa remodeling possibly partly through activating JNK signal transduction pathway.
Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Interleukin-1beta ; metabolism ; JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism ; MAP Kinase Signaling System ; Male ; Nasal Mucosa ; pathology ; Ovalbumin ; Paranasal Sinuses ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Rhinitis, Allergic ; metabolism ; pathology ; Signal Transduction

Objective The present study was designed to investigate whether pulsing DCs with tumor-derived extracts is an ef- fective way to induce CTL. and antitumor immunity, Methods DCs were propagated from bone marrow (BM)of C57BL/6J(H-2Kb. I- Ab)mice in vitro with GM-CSF + IL-4tumor associated antigen (TAA) extracted from actively growing Hepa 1-6 cells was used to activate DCs. The phenotypes of DCs were detected by FACS, the cytotoxicity of CTL was as- sayed by 3H-TdR labbel assay. Result and Conclusion The TAA extract pulsed DCs exhibited much more and longer cell processes and increased expression of MHC- Ⅰ, MHC-Ⅱ, CD80 (B7-1 ) 、 CD86 (B7-2 ). This experiment has shown that DCs pulsed with TAA extracts of C57B/6J cells could stimulate effectively the responsiveness of syngenic splenic T cells to induce specific CTL against C57BL/6J cells.