AIM: To observe the growthinhibiting cell cycle-modifying and apoptosis-inducing effects of satraplatin on human ovarian carcinoma cell line A2780, and to explore its possible mechanism. METHODS: The effect of satraplatin on A2780 cells proliferation was determined using MTT, and the change in cell cycle was analyzed using PI staining. Morphologic change was visualized by fluorescence and electron microscopy. AnnexinV-FITC/PI staining multiparameter flow cytometry and immuno- histochemical TUNEL assay were used to detect apoptotic cells. The activity of caspase-3 and the effect of pan-caspase inhibitor on cell viability were measured as well. RESULTS: The growthinhibiting and apoptosis-inducing effects of satraplatin were dose-dependent and similar to those of cisplatin. Satraplatin mainly caused A2780 cell accumulation in S phase accompanied by minor accumulation in G2/M phase. Cells treated with satraplatin exhibited typical morphology of apoptosis. Satraplatin-induced increase in caspase-3 activity of A2780 cells was concentration-dependent. The viability of A2780 cells was affected by pan-caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk in a dose-dependent manner under certain concentration of z-VAD-fmk. CONCLUSION: Satraplatin-induced apoptosis in A2780 in vitro was observed. Caspase-dependent and independent pathways were involved in apoptosis induced by satraplatin, and the latter included caspase-3 dependent and non-caspase-3 dependent pathways.

Objective To explore the differential expression of low molecular weight proteins in serum of ischemic stroke patients.Methods Serum samples obtained from ischemic stroke patients (n=33) and normal controls (n=39) were analyzed by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/ionization Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The severity of stroke was assessed with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and functional outcome was assessed with modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Results 55 peaks were significantly different between ischemic stroke patients and the controls (P<0.05). There were 7 peaks between 1000~2000 Da, 4 increased peaks and 3 induced peaks in serum of ischemic stroke patients. One induced peak at 1864(m/z) had highest peak intensity in controls and induced significantly in ischemic stroke patients. While induce degree of this peak didn't correlate with the NIHSS, mRS, stroke risk factors and laboratory data. Conclusion The application of this potential biomarker is not restricted to certain subgroups of ischemic stroke patients,so it may serve as one reverse direction biomarker and provide support for early diagnosis and treatment of ischemic stroke.

Objective To investigate the relationship between serum homocysteine and post-stroke depression in elderly. Methods 62 elderly first stroke patients with post-stroke depression, 20 first stroke patients without depression, and 100 healthy elderly as control were detected their fasting serum homocysteine with fluorescence polarization immunoassay. Results Serum homocysteine were (25.59±9.47) μmol/ L, (18.56±7.84) μmol/L, and (12.67±6.45) μmol/L in the depression group, non depression group and healthy group, respectively (P<0.05). The level of homocysteine correlated with the score of Hamilton Depression Scale (r=0.8953, P<0.05) and age (r=0.8462, P<0.05). Conclusion The level of serum homocyteine might be one of risk factor of depression in patients with stroke.

A total of 55 cases of advanced schistosomiasis patients combined with Ⅲ-grade hepatic fibrosis and ascites were randomized into a splenectomy group and non-splenectomy group. The peripheral vein blood phlebotomized from these patients were detected for leucocytes, hematids, thrombocytes, acidophils, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase,alkaline phosphatase,albumin, total bilirubin,three-type precollagen, fore-type collagen, hyaluronic acid, IgG, IgA, C_3, C_4 and the sub-group of lymphocytes such as CD3、CD4、 CD8 、CD56 + 16. There were no significant difference on hepatic function and the level of hepatic fibrosis between the groups above metioned. It could be found that leucocytes, thrombocytes, IgG, IgA, CD56 + 16 increased while CD3, CD4, and albumin decreased in the splenectomy group. In conclusion, leucocytes and thrombocytes increase after splenectomy, cytoimmunity declines and humoral immunity enhances.

The paper reviews the recent developments in pharmacological activities of echinacoside (ECH). ECH is a phenylethanoid glycoside isolated and purified from the stems of Cistanche salsa, a parasitic plant native to northwest China, which is used as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. During past years, ECH had been shown to possess powerful ability of anti-oxidant and free radical scavenging properties. It has been evident that ECH had neuroprotective effects and prevent liver injuries. Besides, ECH has affect in anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antiaging, immunoregulation, improving learning memory and so on. Therefore, ECH should be considered for further study and develop as a novel drug.
Anti-Inflammatory Agents ; pharmacology ; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; Antioxidants ; pharmacology ; China ; Cistanche ; chemistry ; Free Radical Scavengers ; pharmacology ; Glycosides ; pharmacology ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Oxidopamine ; pharmacology ; Phytotherapy ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; Research

Objective To investigate the effects of circadian clock gene Period2(Per2)on the proliferation,differentiation and apoptosis of K562 cells and its probable molecular mechanism.Methods The Per2 expression plasmid pcDNA3.1-Per2 and empty control plasmid were respectively transfected into K562 cells with cationic liposome,and the resistant cells stably expressing Per2 gene were obtained by G418 selection.Their morphological changes were observed under light microscope following Wright-Giemsa staining.Trypan blue excluding staining and MTT assay were employed to evaluate cell proliferation.Flow cytometry was performed to analyze cell cycle distribution and cell apoptosis,and electron microscopy was used to detect cell apoptosis.Meanwhile,the expressions of proliferation and apoptosis associated proteins,such as P53,Cyclin B1 and C-Myc,were respectively detected by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis at mRNA and protein level.Results The K562/Per2 cell line stably expressing Per2 gene was screened out.As compared with either the empty plasmid transfected group(K562/empty)or the untreated group(K562/untreated),K562/Per2 cells was smaller in volume and showed no obvious cellular differentiation.Circadian clock gene Per2 could significantly inhibit both growth and proliferation of K562 cells.The percentage of K562 cells in G2/M phase increased [K562/Per2 group(36.1?5.5)%,K562/empty group(12.5?2.9)%,untreated group(9.7?2.3)%,P

OBJECTIVETo identify and elucidate the vasorelaxant activity of homoisoflavonoids, the main chemical components from Lignum Sappan (the stems of Caesalpinia sappan), in isolated rat thoracic aortic rings pre-contracted with phenylephrine (PE, 1 micromol x L(-1)) and KCl (60 mmol x L(-1)).

METHODThe tension of rat thoracic aorta rings was used to evaluated the vasorelaxant activities of four homoisoflavonoids, brazlin (1), (E)-3-(3,4-dihydroxybenzylidene)-7-hydroxychroman-4-one (2), sappanone B (3), 3-deoxysappanone B (4).

RESULTCumulative addition of homoisoflavonoids (2, 3 and 4) (50-1000 micromol x L(-1)) exhibited an acute relaxation either in endothelium-intact or endothelium-denuded rings in a concentration-dependent manner. However, this relaxation was significantly inhibited in endothelium-denuded condition and in the presence of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) inhibitor, N(W)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NNA, 100 micromol x L(-1)), and a soluble guanylate cylcase (sGC) inhibitor, methylene blue (MB, 10 micromol x L(-1)) when addition of variation homoisoflavonoids brazlin (1) (50-1000 micromol x L(-1)).

CONCLUSIONThese results indicate that normo-homoisoflavonoids (2, 3 and 4) from Caesalpinia sappan mediates endothelium-independent vasodilator action in rat thoracic aortic rings, while the variation homoisoflavonoids brazlin elicits endothelium-dependent relaxation might via nitric oxide (NO)-cGMP pathway. This research could explain the pharmacological activities of homoisoflavonoids to a certain degree.

Animals ; Aorta, Thoracic ; drug effects ; physiology ; Caesalpinia ; chemistry ; Endothelium ; metabolism ; Enzyme Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Flavonoids ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Guanylate Cyclase ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Male ; Muscle Contraction ; drug effects ; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester ; pharmacology ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Phenylephrine ; pharmacology ; Potassium Chloride ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase ; Vasodilation ; drug effects ; Vasodilator Agents ; chemistry ; pharmacology

Stroke is one of the main causes of mortality, long-term physical and cognitive impairment in China. In order to meet the challenge, Stroke Prevention and Treatment Project of the National Health Commission(SPTPC) was established in April 2011 in the Ministry of Health. In 2016, SPTPC issued a work plan of stroke center hospital. In order to shorten the time of pre-hospital, the SPTPC established the stroke center network, stroke map and stroke green channel to create "the three 1-hour gold rescue circle" to form a hierarchical stroke diagnosis and treatment system. The current construction of the Chinese Stroke Center is divided into two levels and four layers. As of December 31, 2018, SPTPC has certified a total of 310 advanced stroke centers, including 30 demonstration advanced stroke centers and 280 advanced stroke centers, and 127 stroke prevention centers, including 85 demonstration stroke prevention centers and 42 stroke prevention centers. The median time from admission to intravenous thrombolysis (DNT) at the advanced stroke center was decreased by 13.2% (53 min vs. 46 min) in the fourth quarter of 2018 as compared with that in the first quarter of 2017.The national thrombolytic rate of acute ischemic stroke was increased 3.24 times (1.78% vs. 0.42%) in 2017 compared that in 2010. In the next step, SPTPC will vigorously promote the construction of stroke centers and graded diagnosis and treatment mechanisms, consolidate quality control and standardization, increase the scope of influence of mobile stroke and remote diagnosis and treatment, and further improve the construction of stroke center systems with Chinese characteristics.

Objective:To investigate the effects of disialyllacto-N-tetraose (DSLNT) on low molecular weight metabolic profile of intestinal contents in neonatal rats with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), in an attempt to explore the protective mechanism of DLSNT on intestinal tract of neonates.Methods:Immediately after birth, SD rats were randomly divided into the control group, the NEC group and the NEC+ DSLNT group according to random number tale method.All rats were hand-fed by special formula milk.Rats in the NEC group and NEC+ DSLNT group were exposed to hypoxia (950 mL/L nitrogen, 10 min, thrice per day) and cold stress (4 ℃, 10 min, thrice per day) for continuous 3 days to establish rodent NEC model.Rats in the NEC+ DSLNT group were hand-fed with special formula containing 300 μmol/L DSLNT.All rats were sacrificed after 72 h, and intestinal contents were collected from ileum and colon, followed by untargeted metabolomic determination with the ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography Q extractive mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QE-MS) method.The terminal ileum was examined by hematoxylin-eosin staining.The metabolome data were analyzed with multivariable analysis using SIMCA 14.1.The metabolites that met both variable importance in the projection (VIP) >1 in the orthogonal partial least squares analysis (OPLS-DA) model and P<0.05 in the t-test were screened as differential metabolites between groups. Results:DSLNT reduced the incidence of NEC and pathological scores of ileum tissue from neonatal rats with NEC [3.0(2.0, 3.0) scores vs.1.0(1.0, 2.0) scores, P<0.01], and also significantly suppressed inflammatory infiltration.OPLS-DA model based on the metabolome data determined by UHPLC-QE-MS could perform effective discrimination between the NEC group and the control group, as well as the NEC+ DSLNT group and the NEC group.There were 64 differential metabolites between the NEC group and the control group (VIP value>1 and P<0.05 for the OPLS-DA model). These metabolites included docosahexaenoic acid (+ 288.0%, P=0.028), xanthine (+ 372.1%, P=0.007), L-arginine (+ 233.1%, P=0.027), L-leucine (+ 232.7%, P=0.015), N-acetylneuraminic acid (-41.6%, P=0.014), and so forth.These metabolites were associated with 34 metabolic pathways.Among them, such 6 pathways as arginine biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism were the most disturbed pathways affected by NEC.There were 15 diffe-rential metabolites in between NEC+ DSLNT group and NEC group, which included D-mannose (-73.5%, P=0.032), xanthine (-63.4%, P=0.008), linoleic acid (+ 137.9%, P=0.047), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (+ 278.2%, P=0.005), and so forth.These metabolites were mapped to 7 metabolic pathways, among them, linoleic acid metabolism pathway was the most relevant differential pathway affected by DSLNT.There were 8 overlapped meta-bolites in both comparison strategies, and the variation trend of these overlapped metabolites in the NEC group was significantly reversed by DSLNT supplementation. Conclusions:DSLNT could significantly attenuate the NEC pathological damage caused by hypoxia/cold stress in neonatal rats.This protective effect is associated with the improvement of the metabolic profile of intestinal contents caused by NEC and the modulation of the linoleic acid metabolic pathway.The early preventive supplementation of DSLNT is of great significance in maintaining neonatal intestinal homeostasis and preventing the process of NEC.

Objective:To analyze survival in patients with advanced oral cancer from prospective clinical trials. Methods:From 2008 to 2010, 256 patients with oral cancer at clinical stage III/IVA were randomly categorized into two groups. Patients in the experi-mental group received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, surgery, and post-operative radiation, and patients in the control group underwent surgery and post-operative radiation. All patients were routinely followed-up after treatments. Survival was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test, and differences were considered statistically significant at P value lower than 0.05. Results: Each group was composed of 128 patients. With the median follow-up period of 60 months, the 5-year overall survival rate was 61.7%and the disease-free survival rate was 53.9%. The overall survival rate (P=0.350) and the disease-free survival rate (P=0.160) were not sig-nificantly different between the experimental and control groups. Patients with positive pathological response to neo-adjuvant chemo-therapy exhibited significantly improved overall survival (P＜0.05). Conclusion:Radical surgery should be emphasized to improve the prognosis of oral cancer. Functional reconstruction could also improve the quality of life and survival of patients. Despite that neo-adju-vant chemotherapy could not improve the survival of patients with advanced oral cancer in entirety, it could benefit patients exhibiting positive treatment responses.