Objective To explore the feasibility of the adjustable brace asymmetric tethering in concave side for establishing a porcine scoliosis model.Methods Six minority piglets (aged 8-10-week-old, weight 8-10 kg) were selected and the adjustable brace asymmetric tethering in concave side were applied during the procedure.Roentgenography was performed before and immediately after the operation, and 1, 2 and 3 months after the procedure.Cobb angles were measured based in the plain radiograph.Results A piglet died for narcotic drug overdose and the other 5 pigs succeeded in modeling.The cobb angles were (9.0 ±1.6) ° in one month, (11.8 ±1.3) ° in two months and (21.6 ±2.4) ° in three months after the operation . Conclusion It's is an effective way to establish the porcine model of rapidly progressive structural scoliosis by the adjustable brace asymmetric tethering in concave side.It avoids the damage to the spinal elements and could be an ideal model for further study on corrective techniques.

Multidrug resistance (MDR) plays a major role in the failure of cancer chemotherapy. Since Fe(3)O(4)-magnetic nanoparticle loaded with daunorubicin (DNR) can overcome multidrug-resistance of K562 cells in vitro, the effect of Fe(3)O(4)-magnetic nanoparticle loaded with DNR on multidrug-resistant K562 cells was studied in vivo, the K562-n and its MDR counterpart K562-n/VCR cells were inoculated subcutaneously into both sides of the back of nude mice to establish a human leukemia xenograft model. The mice were randomly divided into group A receiving normal saline, group B receiving DNR, group C receiving Fe(3)O(4)-magnetic nanoparticle, group D receiving Fe(3)O(4)-magnetic nanoparticle loaded with DNR and group E receiving Fe(3)O(4)-magnetic nanoparticle containing DNR with a magnetic field built on the surface of the tumor tissue. The tumor volume was measured on the day 1, 5, 9, 13, 17 and 21 after the first treatment. Tumor tissues were isolated for examination of the expression of mdr-1 by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. The results showed that for K562-n/VCR tumor, the tumor volume was markedly lower in groups D and E than that in groups A, B and C. Pathological observation revealed that the tumor cells of group A and B grew well, some disseminated necrosis and some cells with karyorrhexis and karyopyknosis existed in group C. However, significant fracture, necrosis of cell and subsequently fibrosis were seen in group D and E. The transcription of mdr-1 gene in groups D and E was significantly lower than that in groups A, B and C (group D and E vs group A, B or C, p < 0.05). However, there were no differences about the protein expression of P-gp between these groups. The tumor volume of K562-n in groups C, D and E was markedly lower than that in groups A and B (group C, D and E vs group A or B, p < 0.05). Pathological observation showed that the tumor cell of group A and B grew well, and no obvious necrosis was observed. Significant fracture, necrosis of cell and subsequently fibrosis were seen in group C, D and E. It is concluded that DNR-loaded Fe(3)O(4) magnetic nanoparticles can suppress the growth of the MDR K562-n/VCR tumor in vivo, but can not further enhance its efficacy on the sensitive K562-n tumor as compared to DNR alone. The additional external magnetic field failed to further improve the antitumor effect in vivo.
Animals ; Daunorubicin ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Drug Carriers ; Drug Resistance, Multiple ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; Female ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; Leukemia ; drug therapy ; Magnetics ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Nanoparticles ; administration & dosage ; Treatment Outcome ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

This study was aimed to investigate the reversal effect of 5-bromotetrandrine (5-BrTet) and magnetic nanoparticle of Fe(3)O(4) (Fe(3)O(4)-MNPs) combined with DNR in vivo. The xenograft leukemia model with stable multiple drug resistance in nude mice was established. The two sub-clones of K562 and K562/A02 cells were respectively inoculated subcutaneously into back of athymic nude mice (1 x 10(7) cells/each) to establish the leukemia xenograft models. Drug resistant and the sensitive tumor-bearing nude mice were both assigned randomly into 5 groups: group A was treated with NS; group B was treated with DNR; group C was treated with nanoparticle of Fe(3)O(4) combined with DNR; group D was treated with 5-BrTet combined with DNR; group E was treated with 5-bromotetrandrine and magnetic nanoparticle of Fe(3)O(4) combined with DNR. The incidence of tumor formation, growth characteristics, weight and volume of tumor were observed. The histopathologic examination of tumors and organs were carried out. The protein levels of BCL-2, BAX, and Caspase-3 in resistant tumors were detected by Western blot. The results indicated that 5-BrTet and magnetic nanoparticle of Fe(3)O(4) combined with DNR significantly suppressed growth of K562/A02 cell xenograft tumor, histopathologic examination of tumors showed the tumors necrosis obviously. Application of 5-BrTet and magnetic nanoparticle of Fe(3)O(4) inhibited the expression of BCL-2 protein and up-regulated the expression of BAX, and Caspase-3 protein in K562/A02 cell xenograft tumor. It is concluded that 5-bromotetrandrine and magnetic nanoparticle of Fe(3)O(4) combined with DNR have significant tumor-suppressing effect on MDR leukemia cell xenograft model.
Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Benzylisoquinolines ; pharmacology ; Daunorubicin ; pharmacology ; Drug Resistance, Multiple ; drug effects ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; drug effects ; Drug Synergism ; Female ; Ferric Compounds ; administration & dosage ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Nanoparticles ; administration & dosage ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential benefit of combination therapy with magnetic nanoparticle of Fe(3)O(4) and 5-Bromotetrandrine (5-BrTet) on chronic leukemia. The apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry (FCM), Wright staining and light microscope; the expressions of BAX and BCL-2 were measured by Western blot. The results showed that combination of daunorubicin (DNR) with either MNP (Fe(3)O(4)) or 5-BrTet exerted a potent cytotoxic effect on K562/A02 cells, while MNP (Fe(3)O(4)) and 5-BrTet co-treatment could synergistically enhance DNR-induced apoptosis. After treated with this regimen, the typical apoptotic morphological features were found in K562/A02 cells; the expression level of BCL-2 decreased and BAX increased markedly. It is concluded that MNP (Fe(3)O(4)) or 5-BrTet with DNR can induce apoptosis in K562/A02 cells, and they show distinct synergism when used together. The down-regulation of BCL-2 and the up-regulation of BAX may play important roles.
Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Benzylisoquinolines ; pharmacology ; Daunorubicin ; pharmacology ; Down-Regulation ; Ferric Compounds ; administration & dosage ; Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; Nanoparticles ; administration & dosage ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; metabolism ; Up-Regulation ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; metabolism

This study was purposed to construct and identify the short hairpin RNA (shRNA) eukaryotic expression vector for targeting gene mdr-1 which may play an important role in K562/A02. Short hairpin RNA (shRNA) aiming at the target sequence was to synthesized, the 3491-3509, 1539-1557and 3103-3121 nucleotide of mdr-1 mRNA were selected as targets. The selected nucleotides were cloned in the plasmid pGCSilencer-U6-neo-GFP respectively, and the resultant recombinant plasmids were named as pGY1-1, pGY1-2 and pGY1-3. The sequences of the recombinant plasmids were identified by DNA sequencing and PCR electrophoresis. The recombinant plasmids were transfected into the cell line K562/A02 by lipofection. After being transfected for 48 hours, the inhibition of mdr-1 mRNA was detected by real time-PCR, and P-gp expression was detected by Western blot. The results showed that the specific oligonucleotide was cloned into the vector successfully, and the expression of mdr-1 mRNA and P-gp in K562/A02 cells was reduced after transfecting the recombinant plasmid, as compared to the control group. It is concluded that the shRNA eukaryotic expression vector has been successfully established which can inhibit the expression of mdr-1 mRNA, setting up the basis to futher explore the effects of mdr-1 on cell line of K562/A02.
ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Sub-Family B ; ATP-Binding Cassette, Sub-Family B, Member 1 ; genetics ; Drug Resistance, Multiple ; genetics ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; genetics ; Gene Expression ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; Plasmids ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Transfection

This study was aimed to explore the potential therapy of Gambogic acid (GA) combined with magnetic nanoparticle of Fe3O4 (Fe3O4-MNP) on leukemia. The proliferation of U937 cells and the cytotoxicity were evaluated by MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was observed and analyzed by microscopy and flow cytometry respectively. The expressions of gene and protein were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot respectively. The results showed that GA enhanced the cytotoxicity for U937 cells in dose- and time-dependent manners. The Fe3O4-MNP itself had not cytotoxicity, but could enhance the inhibitory effect of GA on proliferation of U937 cells. The apoptotic rate of U937 cells induced by combination of GA with Fe3O4-MNP was higher than that by GA alone. The typical apoptotic features of cells treated with GA and Fe3O4-MNP were observed. The expression levels of caspase-3 and bax after co-treatment of GA and Fe3O4-MNP were higher than that exposed to GA or Fe3O4-MNP alone, but the expressions of bcl-2, NF-kappaB and survivin were down-regulated. It is concluded that Fe3O4-MNP can promote GA-induced apoptosis in U937 cells, and the combination of GA with Fe3O4-MNP may be a safer and less toxic new therapy for leukemia.
Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Humans ; Iron Compounds ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Magnetics ; Nanoparticles ; U937 Cells ; Xanthones ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the differentiation status of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNC) and peripheral endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) transplanted into myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury region in swine.

METHODSBM-MNC marked with PKH26 (n = 9), EPC marked with CM-DiI (n = 7), phosphate buffer saline (control, n = 7) were transplanted into myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury region of swine by intracoronary artery injection. Specimens were harvested 4 weeks after injection for histological analysis (HE, immunochemical stain for vWF, alpha-sarcomeric-actin and fibronectin antibody). Cell differentiation was observed under transmission electronmicroscope.

RESULTSThe number of small blood vessels was similar between BM-MNC group and EPC group (13.39 +/- 6.96/HP vs.12.39 +/- 4.72/HP, P < 0.05), but was significantly higher than that of control group (P < 0.05). Responsive intensity of immunochemical stain for fibronectin antibody was significantly lower in BM-MNC and EPC groups than that in control group. Responsive intensity of immunochemical stain for alpha-sarcomeric-actin antibody was similar among the three groups. Cluster cells were observed in one swine from BM-MNC group which might relate to the proliferation of stem cells in situ. Immature endothelial cells and myocytes were also detected by transmission electronmicroscope in BM-MNC and EPC group.

CONCLUSIONBM-MNC and EPC transplanted into myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury region in swine stimulated the formation of blood vessels and inhibited fibrogenesis.

Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Survival ; Cells, Cultured ; Disease Models, Animal ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; transplantation ; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation ; Monocytes ; transplantation ; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury ; blood ; Stem Cells ; cytology ; Swine ; Swine, Miniature ; Transplantation, Autologous

BACKGROUNDHuman bocavirus (HBoV) is a parvovirus recently found to possibly cause respiratory tract disease in children and adults. This study investigated HBoV infection and its clinical characteristics in children younger than five years of age suffering from acute lower respiratory tract infection in Beijing Children's Hospital.

METHODSNasopharyngeal aspirates were collected from children suffering from acute lower respiratory tract infection during the winters of 2004 to 2006 (from November through the following February). HBoV was detected by polymerase chain reaction amplification and virus isolation and the amplification products were sequenced for identification.

RESULTSHBoV infection was detected in 16 of 333 study subjects. Coinfections with respiratory syncytial virus were detected in 3 of 16 HBoV positive patients with acute lower respiratory tract infection. The median age for HBoV positive children was 8 months (mean age, 17 months; range, 3 to 57 months). Among the HBoV positive children, 14 were younger than 3 years old, 9 were younger than 1 year old and 7 were younger than 6 months. These 16 positive HBoV children exhibited coughing and abnormal chest radiography findings and more than 60% of these children had wheezing and fever. Ten children were clinically diagnosed with pneumonia, 2 bronchiolitis, 2 acute bronchitis and 2 asthma. One child died.

CONCLUSIONSHBoV was detected in about 5% of children with acute lower respiratory infection seen in Beijing Children's Hospital. Further investigations regarding clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of HBoV infection are needed.

Bocavirus ; isolation & purification ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Parvoviridae Infections ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Respiratory Tract Infections ; diagnosis ; etiology

OBJECTIVETo compare the effects of intracoronary transplantation of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNC) or peripheral endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) in mini-swine model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion.

METHODSThe Mini-swine acute myocardial infarction and reperfusion model was created with 90 min occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery followed by reperfusion and the animals were then divided into BM-MNC group (3.54 x 10(8) +/- 0.90 x 10(8), n = 9), EPC group (1.16 x 10(7) +/- 1.07 x 10(7), n = 7) and control group (saline, n = 7). Echocardiography, hemodynamic measurements and myocardium infarction size were evaluated before and 4 weeks after intracoronary cell transplantations.

RESULTSThe net decrease from baseline to 4 weeks after transplantation of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end systolic pressure, cardiac output and +dp/dt(max) were significantly attenuated post BM-MNC and EPC therapy compared to control group (all P < 0.05) and were similar between BM-MNC and EPC groups. Transplantation of BM-MNC and EPC also significantly decreased myocardial infarction size compared to control group.

CONCLUSIONAutologous intracoronary transplantation of BM-MNC or EPC in this model equally improved cardiac systolic function and reduced infarction area.

Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; Bone Marrow Transplantation ; Coronary Circulation ; Disease Models, Animal ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; Female ; Male ; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury ; therapy ; Stem Cells ; cytology ; Swine ; Swine, Miniature ; Transplantation, Autologous

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and safety of entecavir maleate (ETV) versus ETV in Chinese patients with hepatitis B e antigen(HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B(CHB).

METHODSThe patient population of this previously published randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, controlled, multicenter study was expanded by patients in the 0.5 mg/day ETV maleate group (total n = 110) and patients in the 0.5 mg/day ETV group (total n = 108). At treatment weeks 12, 24 and 48, hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels were measured by the Roche Cobas Ampliprep/Cobas Taqman PCR assay. Adverse events (AE) were recorded.

RESULTSAs in the original analysis, the two treatment groups showed similar characteristics at baseline. In addition, the results for the all therapeutic effects showed identical trends to the results obtained in the original analysis, including the statistically similar effects of ETV and ETV maleate treatment-induced decreases in mean HBV DNA level at weeks 12, 24, and 48 (ETV: by 4.28, 5.00, and 5.53 log10 IU/ml vs. ETV maleate: by 4.46, 4.99, and 5.51 log10 IU/ml, respectively; all vs. baseline P more than 0.05), achievement of undetectable levels of serum HBV DNA ( less than 20 IU/ml) at week 48 (ETV: 38.18% vs. ETV maleate: 35.19%; P more than 0.05), HBeAg loss rates at week 48 (ETV: 10.91% vs. ETV maleate: 12.96%; P more than 0.05), HBeAg seroconversion rates at week 48 (ETV: 7.77% vs. ETV maleate: 10.38%; P more than 0.05), normalization of alanine aminotransferase at week 48 (ETV: 75.47% vs. ETV maleate: 82.86%; P more than 0.05), and overall incidence of AE (ETV: 18.02% vs. ETV maleate: 17.43%; P more than 0.05).

CONCLUSIONPerforming analysis of the therapeutic efficacies of entecavir maleate versus entecavir with a larger study population confirmed our original findings of similar efficacy and safety profiles for these two drugs in patients with HBeAg-positive CHB.

Adult ; Antiviral Agents ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Double-Blind Method ; Female ; Guanine ; adverse effects ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Hepatitis B e Antigens ; blood ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; blood ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult