Currently, the model of the research evaluation system of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is set up through imitating that of western medicine. The application of quantitative research to TCM does promote the advance of modernization of TCM, which explore the part of TCM that can be measured in quantitative method. However, TCM has a background of profound philosophy and culture. The priority of TCM can not be expressed through quantitative research alone. On the contrary, qualitative research is more suitable to most research area of TCM. In TCM clinical research, the priority of TCM should be fully explored. It is very significant to set up the effectiveness evaluation system of TCM, especially by applying qualitative research to the diagnosis and the evaluation of treatment results and combining quantitative research.

The preparation method, serum stability, efficiency of cellular uptake and apoptosis induction of the cell penetrating peptide TAT and cleavable PEG co-modified liposomes loaded with paclitaxel (C-TAT-Lipo) were investigated. The best preparation procedure was performed by orthogonal test based on single factor screening method. First, the paclitaxel (PTX)-loaded liposomes were prepared by filming-rehydration method, evaluated with entrapment efficiency and polydispersity index. The morphology of C-TAT-Lipo was characterized by transmission electron microscopy. Turbidity variations were monitored in the presence of fetal bovine serum (FBS) to evaluate the serum stability of the liposomes developed here. Next, the efficiency of cellular uptake of different Rho-PE-labeled liposomes on B16F1 cells in vitro was evaluated by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and flow cytometry. The quantitative analysis of apoptosis induced by different PTX-loaded liposomes was performed by Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining. The optimal formulation was as follows: Chol : lipid: 1 : 8 (molar ratio); drug : lipid: 1 : 40 (mass ratio); lipid concentration: 3 mmol x L(-1); temperature of hydration: 25 degrees C. The mean size and polydispersity index of C-TAT-Lipo were about (97.97 +/- 3.68) nm and 0.196 +/- 0.037, the zeta potential was (-0.89 +/- 0.45) mV, the entrapment efficiency of paclitaxel was (90.16 +/- 1.53)%. The particle sizes did not exhibit significant variations in 50% FBS over 24 h at 37 degrees C. The efficiency of cellular uptake of the C-TAT-Lipo increased 1.40 fold following the cleavage of PEG. Apoptosis analysis showed 59.3% increase of the apoptosis and necrosis profile of C-TAT-Lipo after the detachment of PEG shells, which was markedly higher than that of N-TAT-LP with or without glutathione and SL, respectively. The results indicate that the C-TAT-Lipo is successfully prepared by filming-rehydration method and shows significant antitumor activities.
Animals ; Annexin A5 ; Apoptosis ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell-Penetrating Peptides ; pharmacology ; Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate ; analogs & derivatives ; Liposomes ; chemistry ; Melanoma, Experimental ; Mice ; Microscopy, Confocal ; Paclitaxel ; pharmacology ; Particle Size ; Polyethylene Glycols ; chemistry

This article made an in-depth analysis of the pharmaceutical system of Australia in terms of its drug regulatory authorities,drug management policies and drug benefit plans.A summary of the Australian experiences hold that health system of the Australian government boasts a smooth and clear compensation mechanism,and flexible and a drag pricing approach ensuring interests of all parties.Its decision-making emphasizes technical support and covers specific groups of people with special policies,meeting patients' drug needs to the maximum.All these practices are worthy of learning for China.

Objective To evaluate the effect of Chinese herbal medicine immunomodulator on T lymphocyte immune function in peripheral blood and intestinal mucosa of immature rats with obstructive jaundice. Methods Three-weeks Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups. (n= 12, in each): normal control group, sham operation group, obstructive jaundice (OJ) group, OJ + Chinese herbal medicine immunomodulator (OJ+ZY) group. Except for the normal control group, the others' bile duct stones were ligatured to establish rat models with obstructive jaundice. The percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ tlymphocytes and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ in peripheral blood and intestinal mucosa of immature rats was detected by flow cytometry. Results The percentage of CD4+ cell [(36.2 ±4.2)%, (28.8±1.8)% respectively] and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ [(1.14±0.39), (1.37±0.34)respectively] in OJ group were lower than those in normal control group [peripheral blood: CD4+(41.5±5.3)%,CD4+/CD8+(1.37±0.19); intestinal mucosa: CD4+(32.3± 2.4)%, CD4+/CD8+ (1.84+0.28) and sham operation group (peripheral blood: CD4+ (41.2±5.5)%, CD4+/CD8+ (1.45±0.27); intestinal mucosa: CD4+(31.5 ± 2.7)%, CD4+/CD8+ (1.63±0.58)] . The difference was statistical significant(P<0.05). The percentage of CD4+ cell [(42.7±6.3)%, (33.6±2.4)% respectively] and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ [(1.56±0.46), (1.84±0.56)respectively] in OJ+ZY group, were higher than those in OJ group(P<0.05). The difference was statistical significant(P<0.05). Conclusion Chinese herbal medicine immunomodulator can increase T lymphocyte immune function in immature rats with obstructive jaundice, but has no significance in normal control group as well as sham operation group.

The preparation method, serum stability, efficiency of cellular uptake and apoptosis induction of the cell penetrating peptide TAT and cleavable PEG co-modified liposomes loaded with paclitaxel (C-TAT-Lipo) were investigated. The best preparation procedure was performed by orthogonal test based on single factor screening method. First, the paclitaxel (PTX)-loaded liposomes were prepared by filming-rehydration method, evaluated with entrapment efficiency and polydispersity index. The morphology of C-TAT-Lipo was characterized by transmission electron microscopy. Turbidity variations were monitored in the presence of fetal bovine serum (FBS) to evaluate the serum stability of the liposomes developed here. Next, the efficiency of cellular uptake of different Rho-PE-labeled liposomes on B16F1 cells in vitro was evaluated by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and flow cytometry. The quantitative analysis of apoptosis induced by different PTX-loaded liposomes was performed by Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining. The optimal formulation was as follows: Chol : lipid: 1 : 8 (molar ratio); drug : lipid: 1 : 40 (mass ratio); lipid concentration: 3 mmol x L(-1); temperature of hydration: 25 degrees C. The mean size and polydispersity index of C-TAT-Lipo were about (97.97 +/- 3.68) nm and 0.196 +/- 0.037, the zeta potential was (-0.89 +/- 0.45) mV, the entrapment efficiency of paclitaxel was (90.16 +/- 1.53)%. The particle sizes did not exhibit significant variations in 50% FBS over 24 h at 37 degrees C. The efficiency of cellular uptake of the C-TAT-Lipo increased 1.40 fold following the cleavage of PEG. Apoptosis analysis showed 59.3% increase of the apoptosis and necrosis profile of C-TAT-Lipo after the detachment of PEG shells, which was markedly higher than that of N-TAT-LP with or without glutathione and SL, respectively. The results indicate that the C-TAT-Lipo is successfully prepared by filming-rehydration method and shows significant antitumor activities.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway and lung-resistance protein (LRP). Methods:A549 cells were treated with various concentrations of CDDP for 72 h. The LRP mRNA expression was then analyzed using reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). LRP, JNK, and P-JNK were analyzed by Western blotting. The A549 cells were then pretreated with SP600125 (2 μg/ml to 4 μg/ml ) for 1 h. Afterward, CDDP (16 μg/ml) was added into the culture for 72 h. A Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to investigate the sensitivity of CDDP to the A549 cells. Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis rate. The LRP mRNA expression was analyzed using RT-PCR. LRP, JNK, and P-JNK were analyzed by Western blotting. Results:CDDP in-duced the mRNA and protein expression of both LRP and P-JNK in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment with SP600125 enhanced the sensitivity of CDDP to the A549 cells and increased the apoptosis rate. However, the LRP mRNA and LRP expression in the pre-treated cells was lower than that in the presence of CDDP alone. Conclusion:In A549 cells, CDDP induces the LRP expression via the JNK pathway. This result suggests that lung cancer therapy can be improved by the addition of CDDP to inhibit the JNK signaling path-way.

Objective To explore the role of cell cycle regulators in tuberculosis with lung carcinoma.Methods p53,MDM_2,p21~ ras and p21~ WAF1 proteins were detected by LsAB immunohistochemical technique in 69 cases of tuberculosis with lung carcinoma.Results As compared with primary tuberculosis with lung carcinoma,the expression rate p53 or MDM_2 protein in relapsing NPC was similar(78% to 80%,84% to 83%),and the expression rate of p21~ ras and p21~ WAF1 protein in relapsing NPC was obviously descended(73% to 93%,52% to 84%);The high-expression rate of p53 protein in relapsing NPC was similar(42% to 51%),the high-expression rate of MDM_2 protein in relapsing NPC was obviously risen(57% to 32%),and the high-expression rate of p21~ ras and p21~ WAF1 protein in relapsing NPC was obviously descended(16% to 65%,17% to 46%).Among of them,the significant rise of MDM_2 protein expression level in relapsing NPC mainly occurred in the patients of group 2 which relapsing-interval was shorter than 34 months(P

Objective To study the diagnosis and treatment of ureteral obstruction caused by endometriosis. Methods Out of 23 patients suffered from endometriosis treated from 1997 to 2000,ureteral obstruction occurred in 2 accompanied by hydronephrosis and dilatation of ureter.Both the 2 underwent sub total hysterectomy, resection of the intumescence in pelvic cavity, and the ureter was freed from the surrounding tissue. Results Ureteral obstruction was relieved in 7～10 days after the procedure. Both the petients were followed up for 2 years without recurrence. Conclusions Attention shoud be called to ureteral obstruction caused by endometriosis.Ultrasonic examination and intravenous pyelogram before operation, close examination of the ureter and adequate freeing of the ureter from it's surrounding tissue during operation, the application of gestrinone for 6 months after the operation, and scheduled following up would yield a satisfactory outcome.

Objective To investigate the effects of serum from burned rats on the gene expression in cultured rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Methods Bone marrow was extracted from sacrificed Wistar rats, and MSCs were then incubated for 24h in F-12 medium in the presence of normal rat serum (group N) or serum obtained from burned rats 3 days after injury (group B). Total RNA was extracted from both groups.The mRNA was isolated.An Oligo microarray containing 5705 genes was used to compare the differences of gene expression between two groups. Results There were four genes which expressed differently in two groups.In comparison with group N, the expression of steroid sensitive gene 1 was decreased, but that of fibroblast growth factor-4, dihydroxyacetonephosphate acyltransferase and a EST, which was moderately similar to Bmp2-inducible kinase, were increased in group B. Conclusion Serum from burned rats was able to change the gene expression of MSCs, and it might play the key role in wound repair.

Objective To investigate the effects of serum from rats with burn injury on the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs). Methods Bone marrow was extracted from sacrificed Wistar rats and MSCs were then incubated in F-12 medium in the presence of fetal calf serum (FCS) (group F),normal rat serum (group N),or serum harvested from rats with burn injury(group B). Cells of the fifth passage were harvested to investigate the expression of CK and FⅧ by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Results With immunohistochemical staining,both CK and FⅧ were positive in MSCs of group B and negative in the cells of the other two groups. The flow cytometry analysis showed that the positive rates of CK and FⅧ staining MSCs of group B were higher than that of the other two groups ( P 0.05). Conclusions The serum obtained from rats with burn injury could induce differentiation of MSCs to both epithelial cells and vascular endothelial cells,implying that serum after barm injury might promote the MSCs to participate in the process of wound repair.