To investigate the effect of Tanreqing injection on immune activity of peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with lung cancer. The peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with lung cancer and healthy persons were separated by the density gradient centrifugation method for subsequent experiments, with those from healthy persons as the positive control. The effect of Tanreqing injection on stimulating the proliferation of lymphocytes with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) was determined by MTT method. The effect of Tanreqing injection on the lymphocyte secretions of IFN-γ and TNF-α and the subset ratio of lymphocytes cultured separately or with Tanreqing injection of different concentrations were examined by ELISA and flow cytometry (FCM) respectively. In addition, the LDH release assay was used to detect the cytotoxicity of cytotoxic T cells (CTL) and natural killer cells (NK). According to the findings, all of immunological indexes of lymphocytes from patients with lung cancer were weaker than that of healthy persons, but with the obvious increases in proliferation activity and IFN-γ and TNF-α secretions of lymphocytes co-cultured with Tanreqing Injection (P < 0.05). Among lymphocyte subsets co-cultured with Tanreqing Injection, CD3+, CD3+ CD4+ and CD3- CD16 + 56+ cell ratios notably increased, whereas CD4+ CD25+ Treg cell ratio obviously decreased (P < 0.05). In the meantime, Tanreqing injection can markedly promote the cytotoxicities of CTL and NK (P < 0.05). In conclusion, Tanreqing injection shows a significant effect in promoting the immune activity of lymphocytes from patients with lung cancer and their anti-tumor immunity.
Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Humans ; Interferon-gamma ; genetics ; immunology ; Killer Cells, Natural ; drug effects ; immunology ; Lung Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; genetics ; immunology ; physiopathology ; T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic ; drug effects ; immunology ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; genetics ; immunology

Objective To investigate the value of radiofrequency catheter ablation(RFCA) on idiopathic ventricular tachycardia(IVT) in children.Methods The treatment efficiency of 35 patients accepting RFCA from March 2000 to February 2006 was analyzed,which was divided into control group and study group,randomly.The target site of IVT was localized by routine mapping in control group,and study group was localized by routine mapping combining doppler tissue imaging(DTI) on the basic treatment.Results Numbers of discharge,X-ray exposure time in study group were shorter than that in control group.There were no significance of radiofrequency energy,achievement rates and relapse rates between two groups.Conclusions RFCA is a safe and effective method on IVT.Children are localized combined with DTI shall decrease numbers of discharge and X-ray exposure time.

Objective To investigate the expression of Foxp3~+ lymphocytes in breast carcinoma tissues and their correlation with other pathological factors,and to investigate the mechanism of action of Treg cells.Methods The expression of Foxp3~+ lymphocytes in the breast cancer tissue and non-cancerous tissue was detected by flow cytometry (FCM) in 30 breast carcinoma patients, and its correlation with other pathological factors was statistically analyzed by multiple linear regression analysis.The expression of TGF-β and IL-10 in the lymphocytes infiltrated in breast cancer tissue and non-cancerous tissue was measured by immunohistochemistry, and their correlation with the expression of Foxp3~+ lymphocytes was statistically analyzed by linear correlation dependability analysis. Results There was significant difference in the expression of Foxp3~+ lymphocytes between the malignant and non-cancerous breast tissues(P<0.05),and it was positively correlated with the clinical stage,blood vessel invasion and the matter of axillary lymph node metastasis(P<0.05). The expression of IL-10 in the tumor infiltrating lymphocytes was positively correlated with the expression of Foxp3~+ lymphocytes(P<0.05).Conclusion The expression level of Foxp3~+ lymphocytes is correlated with invasion and metastasis of breast carcinoma, and the IL-10 secreted by Foxp3~+ lymphocytes may be involved in this effect.Foxp3~+ lymphocytes can be used as an assistant marker for prediction and new therpeutic target of breast cancer.

Background In China,esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and gastric cardia adenocarcinoma (GCA) share susceptibility loci,but different rates of multiple primary cancer and male/female ratio suggest the proportion of familial cancer is not equal.Methods The percent of cases with a positive family history,median onset age,rate of multiple primary cancer,and male/female ratio associated with upper,middle,lower third ESCC and GCA were compared to reveal the proportion of familial cancer.The 7267 subjects analyzed constituted all ESCC and GCA cases in whom the cancer was resected with cure intention between 1970 and 1994 at the 4th Hospital of Hebei Medical University.Results A positive family history for cancer was most often associated with the multiple primary ESCC and/or GCA cases,e.g.with 42％ of the males and 59％ of the females.For upper,middle,lower third ESCC and GCA,the percent of cases with a positive family history decreased by 38.5％,26.3％,26.5％,and 11.2％ in males (P ＜0.000) and 25.0％,22.3％,23.9％,and 9.8％ in females (P ＜0.0001).Median onset age increased from 49,52,55,to 56 years old in males and from 50,53,55,to 56 years old in females (both P ＜0.0001) for upper,middle,lower third ESCC and GCA.Male/female ratio increased from 2.2,2.1,2.2,to 6.2:1 for upper,middle,lower third ESCC and GCA (P＜0.0001).For upper,middle,lower third ESCC and GCA,the percent of multiple primary cancers decreased from 21.2％,2.3％,2.2％,to 1.5％ in males and from 14.3％,2.4％,3.4％,to 3.1％ in females.The preponderance of males,smoking,drinking,or onset-age ≥50 years was significantly higher in GCA than in ESCC,and the difference in the rates of multiple primary cancers between the preponderant and the non-preponderant cases was significant in GCA,but not in ESCC,suggesting non-equal requirement for genetic susceptibility when environmental hazards did not exist.Conclusions The proportion of familial cancer in upper gastrointestinal carcinomas decreases by the priamry site of upper,middle,lower third esophagus and gastric cardia.Considering familial and sporadic cancers differ in preventability,screening strategy and recurrence,our findings have basic and clinical implications.

OBJECTIVETo provide a basis for development and preparation of the new anti-tumor agents from Cortex A-canthopanacis senticosus (CAS), through isolating the active substances from CAS and studying the anti-tumor effect of CAS extracts in vivo and in vitro.

METHODSThe effects of CAS extracts and its isolated ingredients on tumor cell proliferation in vitro was determined by 3H-TdR incorporation; the anti-tumor component of CAS was isolated and purified by chromatography; the tumor bearing mice model was established by injecting tumor cell subcutaneously, and the model was used to observe the anti-tumor effect of CAS extract administered through gastrogavage.

RESULTSCAS extract showed obvious inhibition on tumor cell proliferation originated from multiple tissues (P < 0.01) and displayed a better dose-effect relationship. After orally taken CAS extract, the general condition of mice in the experimental group were better than that in the untreated control group, revealing a slower growth and significantly prolonged survival period (P < 0.01). A protein component, having inhibitory effect on tumor cell proliferation and the molecular weight was 64 kda, it was isolated by the thin layer gel chromatography.

CONCLUSIONCAS has not only the in vitro inhibitory effect on cell proliferation of multiple kinds of tumor, but also a good anti-tumor effect in vivo. The anti-tumor activity of CAS is correlated with a protein component with the molecular weight of 64 kda. Further isolation, purification, study on mechanism will provide scientific evidence for clinical application and development of CAS in anti-tumor effect.

Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; pharmacology ; Cell Division ; drug effects ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Eleutherococcus ; Female ; HL-60 Cells ; pathology ; Humans ; Leukemia, T-Cell ; pathology ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; Tumor Cells, Cultured

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of Astragalus membranaceus extract (AME) in regulating the immune function of human peripheral blood immune cells (PBIC) in vitro.

METHODSEffects of AME on the proliferation activity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and the tumor cell phagocytosis of peripheral blood adherent monocytes (PBAM) were measured by using 3H-TdR incorporation. Effect of the tumor-killing activity of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) was determined by using 51Cr-releasing assay. Effects on production of IgG by peripheral blood B cells (PBBC) and IL-6 by PBAM were tested by means of ELISA, and effect on production of TNF-alpha by PBAM was studied by means of biological method. Besides, the protein elements of AME were analysed by SDS-PAGE.

RESULTSAME could promote the proliferation of human PBMC, elevate the tumor cell-killing activity of CTL, strengthen the tumor cell phagocytosis and cytokines (TNF-alpha and IL-6) production of PBAM, and promote the IgG production of PBBC. AME contained multiple protein elements.

CONCLUSIONAME has effect in enhancing human immuno-function and anti-tumor activity, it could be applied in clinical practice for immuno-modulation and tumor treatment.

Adjuvants, Immunologic ; pharmacology ; Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Astragalus membranaceus ; chemistry ; Cytotoxicity, Immunologic ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Interleukin-6 ; blood ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear ; immunology ; Phagocytosis ; drug effects ; T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic ; immunology ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

This paper focuses on the effect of the venom of the spider Macrothele raveni on the proliferation of human hepatocelluar carcinoma cell line HepG2 and the related molecular mechanism. XTT test showed that the proliferation of HepG2 cells in vitro was inhibited by the spider venom (P<0.05) in a concentration-dependent manner. By using flow cytometry, it was found that the spider venom caused selective G(2)/M cell cycle arrest in HepG2 cells. RT-PCR and Western blot indicated the expressions of p21 mRNA and protein in HepG2 cells were obviously up-regulated by the spider venom. The venom of the spider Macrothele raveni inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells. These results suggest that the possible mechanism of the spider venom is to activate the expressions of p21 gene and protein and to cause selective cell cycle arrest at G(2)/M phase, leading to HepG2 cell apoptosis.
Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Hep G2 Cells ; Humans ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Spider Venoms ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship of serum metalloproteinase with the severity of liver fibrosis and inflammation.

METHODSA total of 88 patients with HBV-related liver fibrosis and early cirrhosis were enrolled from six hospitals. Serum fibrosis markers including hyaluronic acid (HA), IV collagen (IV-C), aminoterminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIIP), laminin (LN), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 1, 2, 9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP) 1, 2 levels were determined. Liver biopsies were assessed according to a modified Scheuer and Chevallier's scoring system.

RESULTSSerum TIMP1 (r=0.540) and MMP2 (r=0.314) were correlated positively with the degree of hepatic fibrosis, whereas serum MMP1 (r=-0.495) was correlated negatively. By receiver operating curve analysis (ROC), the sensitivity to distinguish the fibrosis stage 2 from stage 1 was 90.5% and the specificity was 52.0% if the cut-off value of MMP1 was 13.96 ng/ml, and the sensitivity was 91.6% and the specificity was 64.0% if the cut-off value of TIMP1 was 76.84 ng/ml. The sensitivity to distinguish cirrhosis (stage 4) from fibrosis (stage 3) was 70.7% and specificity was 80.9% if the cut-off value of MMP1 was 6.86 ng/ml, and the sensitivity was 60.5% and the specificity was 92.3% if the cut-off value of TIMP1 was 210.04 ng/ml.

CONCLUSIONSerum TIMP1, MMP1, MMP2 levels and TIMP1/MMP1 ratio could be used as serum fibrosis markers.

Adult ; Biomarkers ; blood ; Female ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; blood ; complications ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; blood ; virology ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 ; blood ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; blood ; Middle Aged ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 ; blood

OBJECTIVESTo further assess the clinical antifibrotic efficacy of Cpd 861 on chronic hepatitis B related fibrosis and early cirrhosis using a randomized, double blind, and placebo controlled clinical trial.

METHODSTotal 136 patients with HBV-related fibrosis and early cirrhosis were allocated randomly into Cpd 861 treatment group and placebo group for 24 weeks treatment. Serum fibrosis markers including hyaluronic acid (HA), IV collagen (IV-C), amino terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIIP), and laminin (LN) and serum MMP1, 2, 9, TIMP1, 2 level were determined before and after 24 weeks treatment. Liver biopsies before and after 24 weeks of treatment were assessed according to modified Scheuer and Chevallier's scoring system.

RESULTSTotal 52 patients in Cpd 861 treatment group and 50 patients in placebo-controlled group completed the 6 months. ALT level decreased from 68.2 U/L+/-68.6 U/L to 45.9 U/L+/-26.1 U/L, AST level decreased from 60.4 U/L+/-62.6 U/L to 46.7 U/L+/-39.0 U/L (P < 0.05) after 24 weeks treatment, whereas there was no significant change in placebo group (ALT: 65.3 U/L+/-48.3 U/L to 85.4 U/L+/-115.5 U/L; AST: 60.4 U/L+/-44.6 U/L to 77.6 U/L+/-89.6 U/L, P > 0.05). Serum fibrosis markers, including HA, IV-C, PIIIP, and LN were decreased after treatment, but there is no statistically significant compared with placebo group. Compared with placebo group, serum TIMP1 and MMP9 level decreased significantly (TIMP1 172.0 ng/ml+/-79.6 ng/ml vs 133.5 ng/ml+/-66.8 ng/ml; MMP9 116.1 ng/ml+/-88.2 ng/ml vs 80.4 ng/ml+/-79.0 ng/ml), and the ratio of TIMP1/MMP1 (48.3+/-96.3 vs 19.9+/-28.0) were also decreased after 861 treatment. In patients treated with Cpd 861, hepatic inflammatory score (from 14.0+/-6.0 to 10.2+/-6.1), fibrosis score (from 11.9+/-6.5 to 8.2+/-4.5), and relative content of collagen (from 18.9%+/-9.5% to 14.9%+/-8.4%) decreased significantly. In contrast, there was no significant change in placebo group. The reversal (fibrosis score decrease > or = 2) rate of fibrosis in Cpd 861 group was 38.9% in S2, 53.3% in S3 (precirrhotic) and 78.6% in S4 (cirrhosis), significantly higher than those in placebo group (14.3%, 25.0%, and 41.7%, respectively). The overall reversal rate was 52.0% in Cpd 861 group, and 20.0% in placebo group (P < 0.05). No serious adverse effects were observed during Cpd 861 treatment.

CONCLUSIONLiver fibrosis and early cirrhosis due to HBV infection in man could be definitely reversed by herbal remedy Cpd 861.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Collagen Type IV ; blood ; Double-Blind Method ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; complications ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Hyaluronic Acid ; blood ; Liver ; pathology ; Liver Cirrhosis ; blood ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Liver Function Tests ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy

BACKGROUNDRetinocytoma (RB) is a very common intraocular malignant tumor during infancy. Chemotherapy has gradually been used as the first-line treatment for intraocular RB in recent years. In this study, Livin and PTEN expressions were observed in the RB tissue, along with the growth-inhibiting and apoptosis-induced effects of topotecan (TPT) on RB HXO-Rb44 cell strain. This study aimed to investigate the antigrowth effects of TPT on RB cell strain HXO-Rb44.

METHODSMax-Vision(TM) rapid immunohistochemistry was adopted to detect Livin and PTEN expressions in the normal retina and in RB, and their relationship with RB clinicopathologic features was analyzed. Human RB cell strain HXO-Rb44 was cultivated and passaged. MTT method was used to measure the survival rates of HXO-Rb44 cell strains under various TPT concentrations. IC50 values were calculated. Flow cytometry was used to detect the effects of various TPT concentrations on HXO-Rb44 cell apoptosis. Western blotting was used to detect the differences of Livin and PTEN protein expressions during cell apoptosis.

RESULTSThe positive expressions of Livin and PTEN in the RB group were obviously different from those in the normal control group. In RB tissue, Livin expression was relevant to PTEN expression. TPT could significantly induce the occurrence of cell apoptosis and had a dependent relationship with drug concentration. Livin and PTEN expression levels varied with the extension of the effect time of TPT based on Western blotting analysis.

CONCLUSIONSLivin and PTEN have high and low expression levels in the RB tissue, respectively. Both of them have key roles in RB occurrence and development. TPT could induce human RB cell strain HXO-Rb44 cell apoptosis, and its mechanism is associated with the inhibition of Livin and PTEN expressions.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing ; analysis ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins ; analysis ; Male ; Neoplasm Proteins ; analysis ; PTEN Phosphohydrolase ; analysis ; Retinal Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Retinoblastoma ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Topoisomerase I Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Topotecan ; pharmacology