Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of thymosin alpha 1 on patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Methods 60 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were divided into two groups at random.The two groups were given conventional treatment,and the treatment group was received thymosin alpha 11.6 mg hypodermic injection,1 every other day for 4 weeks,since then 2 times/week for 5 months.All patients were followed for 6 months,clinic every 2 weeks,1 follow-up,evaluation of clinical condition.In two groups,before treatment and 6 months after treatment the blood samples were collected for the measurement of the blood CD3,CD,and CD8 levels.Results In the treatment group,the number and days of patients with acute exacerbation were significantly lower in comparison with those of the control group(all P＜0.01).After treatment with thymosin alpha 1,blood CD4 and CD4/CD8 levels were significantly increased(all P＜0.01).Conclusion Thymosin alpha 1 had a good protection effect for the acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by incresing body cellular immune activity.

Objective To explore the influence of Akt inhibitor MK2206 in the proliferation and apoptosis of tongue squamous cell carcinoma TCA-8113 cells,and to clarify the possible mechanism.Methods The tongue squamous carcinoma TCA-8113 cells at the logarithmic phase were randomly divided into control group and 1,5,25,125, 250 nmol·L-1 MK2206 groups.The inhibitory rate of proliferation of TCA-8113 cells was detected with MTT method,and the apoptotic rate of TCA-8113 cells was determined with flow cytometry(FCM),and the expressions of caspase-9,Bad,GSK-3β,p-Akt and T-Akt proteins in the TCA-8113 cells were detected with Western blotting method.Results The IC50 of tongue squamous cell carcinoma TCA-8113 cells after treated with MK2206 for 12, 24,and 36 h were (112.54±1.67),(79.67±2.01),and (33.33±1.98)nmol·L-1 .The FCM results showed that the apoptotic rates of TCA-8113 cells after treated with 1,5,25,125,and 250 nmol·L-1 MK2206 for 12 h were (14.2±0.74)%,(19.3±0.45)%,(35.1±0.45)%,(39.6±0.48)% and (52.1±0.19)%;there were significant differences compared with control group(P<0.01).The Western blotting method results showed that the expressions of p-Akt, Bad and GSK-3βwere decreased with the increasing of dose and time of MK2206;compared with theβ-actin in control group,the bands got darken;the expression level of caspase-9 was increased, compared with theβ-actin in control group, the bands got darken;the T-Akt protein expression did not change significantly;compared with the β-actin in control group, the color of bands had no significant difference.Conclusion Akt inhibitor MK2206 can inhibit the proliferation of tongue squamous cell carcinoma TCA-8113 cells and induce apoptosis.

AIM: To investigate the effects of proteasome inhibitor Z-LLL-CHO(MG132) on human osteosarcoma cell line MG-63 and its possibly mechanism.METHODS: After treated with different concentration of MG132,the morphological change,ultrastructral morphology,cell viability,cell apoptosis,gene transcription and protein expression in MG-63 cells were accessed by fluorescence microscope,electron microscope,MTT assay,agrose gel electrophoresis,FCM,RT-PCR and Western blotting.RESULTS: Proteasome inhibitor MG132 was an effective inducer of apoptosis in human osteosarcoma MG-63 cells.Not only apoptotic changes,but also cell arrest at G2-M-phase,the accumulation of p27kip1,the accumulation of activated caspase-8 and increased ratio of Bax∶Bcl-2 were observed.However,to normal human diploid fibroblast cells,MG132 did not show apoptosis-inducing effect.CONCLUSION: Apoptosis induced by MG132 may be caspase-8,p27kip1and bcl-2-related.

Along with the increase in fungal infections, Candida albicans prevention and control become the focus of anti-fungal infection at present. This study aims to discuss the effect monomer andrographolide (AG) on C. albicans biofilm dispersion. In the experiment, micro-well plates and medical catheter pieces were used to establish the C. albicans biofilm model. It was discovered by XTT assay and flat band method that 1 000, 500, 250 mg x L(-1) AG could impact the activity of C. albicans biofilm dispersion cells. The morphological structures of residual biofilms on catheter pieces were observed with scanning electron microscopy, which showed that 1 000, 500, 250 mg x L(-1) AG could induce C. albicans biofilm dispersion in a dose-dependent manner, and the dispersed cells were dominated by the yeast phase. According to the real-time fluorescence quantification PCR (qRT-PCR) test, AG could up-regulate HSP90 expression and down-regulate UME6 and PES1 expressions. This study demonstrates that AG could induce C. albicans biofilm dispersion to some extent.
Anti-Inflammatory Agents ; pharmacology ; Biofilms ; drug effects ; Candida albicans ; genetics ; physiology ; ultrastructure ; Diterpenes ; pharmacology ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Fungal Proteins ; genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal ; drug effects ; HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins ; genetics ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Time Factors

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of andrographolide derivative Yanhuning (YHN) on Candida albicans biofilms in rats.

METHODThe rat C. albicans biofilms subcutaneous catheter model was established by intraperitoneally injecting YHN (40, 20, 10, 5, 2.5 mg x kg (-1)), with the FLC (80 mg x kg(-1)) positive group as the control group. After 7 d, CFU counting and XTT assay were used to evaluate the effect of YHN on C. albicans biofllms in vivo. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was applied to observe the morphological changes in rat biofilms intervened by YHN. The real-time fluorescence quantification PCR was adopted to detect expressions of C. albicans adhesion-related genes, such as ALS1, ALS3, HWP1, EAP1 and MP65.

RESULTThe YHN group showed much less CFUs on catheter pieces and lower XTT metabolic activity than the blank group, with dosage dependence. SEM also showed that YHN could obviously decrease C. albicans adhesion on subcutaneous catheters in rats. According to qRT-PCR's results, YHN can down-regulate expressions of ALS1, ALS3, HWP1, EAP1 and MP65.

CONCLUSIONYHN could inhibit C. albicans biofilms in rats.

Animals ; Biofilms ; drug effects ; growth & development ; Candida albicans ; cytology ; drug effects ; physiology ; Catheters ; microbiology ; Cell Adhesion ; drug effects ; Diterpenes ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Rats

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of ethyl acetate extract of Huanglian Jiedu decoction (EAHD) , alone and in combination with fluconazole (FLZ) on FLZ-resistant Candida albicans.

METHODThe minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and sessile MIC80 (SMIC80) of EAHD and FLZ to FLZ-resistant C. albicans were determined by CLSI M27-A3 microdilution method, and the synergy of EAHD combined with FLZ were examined by the checkerboard microdilution assay. Agar plate-method was adopted to observe the rate of antifungal activity according to time-kill curve. HPLC and qRT-PCR were utilized to evaluate the changes of ergosterol content and expressions of related genes, respectively.

RESULTMICs of EAHD ranged from 156 to 1,250 mg · L(-1), those of FLZ from 256 to above 2,048 mg · L(-1) with FICI approximate 0.066 in combination; SMIC80 of EAHD were higher than 1,250 mg · L(-1), SMIC80 of FLZ were higher than 512 mg · L(-1) and up to above 2,048 mg · L(-1). Combination group also showed synergy effect except one group showing addition effect. The results of T-K experiment also confirmed obviously fungicidal effect when treated for 12 h. When compared with control groups, the ergosterol was reduced 85% and 50% in the treatments of combination and EAHD alone by HPLC, respective- ly. The expressions of ERG1, ERG2, ERG6, ERG7 and ERG11 were upregulated, and ACS1, ACS2, MET6 were downregulated when exposed to FLZ. The expressions of the above genes were downregulated by treatment of EAHD. The expressions of ERG2, ERG6, ERG11 were upregulated, while ERG1, ERG7, ACS1, ACS2, MET6 were downregulated in combination group.

CONCLUSIONThe combination of EAHD and FLZ exhibited synergy against FLZ-resistant C. albicans through decreasing the synthesis of ergosterol, and resulting in the breakage of cell membrane.

Antifungal Agents ; pharmacology ; Candida albicans ; drug effects ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Drug Resistance, Fungal ; drug effects ; Drug Synergism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Ergosterol ; biosynthesis ; Fluconazole ; pharmacology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of butyl alcohol extract of Baitouweng decoction ( BAEB) on yeast-to-hyphae transition of Candida albicans isolates from vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) in alkaline pH.

METHODSerial 2-fold dilution assay was used to determine the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of Baitouweng decoction extracts against C. albicans isolates from VVC, XTT assay was applied to determine the metabolic activity of C. albicans hypha treated by BAEB for 6 h. The morphological change of C. albicans treated by BAEB was inspected at different pH by inverted microscope, fluorescence microscope, scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Solid agar plate and semi-solid agar were utilized to evaluate colony morphology and invasive growth of C. albicans, respectively. Quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was adopted to observe the expressions of hyphae-specific genes including HWP1, ALS3, CSH1, SUN41 and CaPDE2.

RESULTThe MIC of BAEB against C. albicans is less than that of other extracts; hyphae grow best at pH 8. 0; 512 mg · L(-1) and 1,024 mg · L(-1) BAEB could inhibit formation of hyphae and influence colony morphology. When treated by 512 mg · L(-1) and 1,024 mg · L(-1) BAEB, the colonies became smooth; while by 0 and 256 mg · L(-1) BAEB, the colonies became wrinkled. In semi-solid agar, the length of hyphae decreased steadily as the concentration of BAEB lowered. The expression of HWP1, ALS3, CSHl, SUN41 were downregulated by 5.12, 4.26, 3.2 and 2.74 folds, and CaPDE2 was upregulated by 2.38 fold.

CONCLUSIONBAEB could inhibit yeast-to-hyphae transition of C. albicans isolates from VVC in alkaline pH.

Antifungal Agents ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Candida albicans ; drug effects ; genetics ; growth & development ; Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal ; drug therapy ; microbiology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Female ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Hyphae ; drug effects ; growth & development

OBJECTIVETo investigate anti-attachment effect of ethyl acetate extract of Huanglian Jiedu decoction (EAHD) on Candida glabrata.

METHODSerial 2-fold dilution assay was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations MICs of EAHD to C. glabrata. XTT assay was used to evaluate the effect of EAHD against adhesion of C. glabrata. Inverted microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and fluorescein diacetate (FDA) staining were applied to observe the morphological changes of C. glabrata in adhesion. PCR was adopted to inspect the expression of attachment-related genes such as EPA1, EPA6 and EPA7.

RESULTThe MIC of EAHD and fluconazole to C. glabrata were 320 mg · L(-1) and 1 mg · L(-1) respectively. The total cells including budding cells decreased in a dose-dependent manner following EAHD treatment. The expressions of EPA1, EPA6 and EPA7 were downregulated dramatically after EAHD treatment.

CONCLUSIONEAHD could effectively inhibit adherence of C. glabrata.

Acetates ; Candida glabrata ; drug effects ; physiology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Fungal Proteins ; genetics ; Lectins ; genetics ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology

Aim To investigate the effect of DHA on NGF-induced neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells and explore the possible mechanism via regulating BMP pathway. Methods PC12 cells were treated with 100μg·L-1 NGF and 100 μg·L-1 NGF + 10 μmol· L-1 DHA for 3, 6 and 9 days respectively. The length and number of neurite were detected by immunofluores-cenc. DHA content was analyzed by gas chromatogra-phy in all groups. The protein expression of BMP4, BMP7 , BMPR-II and p-Smad 1/5/8 was determined by Western blot. Results The length of total primary neurite in NGF+DHA groups was obviously increased, longer than that in NGF group; DHA content in 10μmol · L-1 DHA group was higher than that in the control group;NGF+DHA groups also unregulated the protein expression of BMP4 , BMP7 , BMPR-II and p-Smad 1/5/8 . Conclusion DHA promotes NGF-in-duced neuronal differentiation in PC12 cells, which may be associated with the upregulation of BMP path-way protein.

Objective To observe the expression of Na+/I- symporter(NIS) in cultured lactating mammary cells with different levels of iodine and the effect of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α). Methods Original generation of mouse lactating mammary cells cultured in vitro were divided into low iodine group Ⅰ (LI-Ⅰ), low iodine group Ⅱ (LI-Ⅱ), adequate iodine group(AI), high iodine group Ⅰ(HI-Ⅰ), and high iodine group Ⅱ(HI-Ⅱ). Cells were cultured in DEME/F12 culture medium for 24 h with different concentrations of iodine (0,5,50,3000 and 10 000 μg/L, respectively), and TNF-α( 10-2 mg/L) was added to some of cultured cells for 24 h. The expression of NIS mRNA of lactating mammary cells was determined by real-time quantitative PCR and the expression of NIS protein was detected by In-Cell Western. Results In iodine alone group, the expression of NIS mRNA in LI-Ⅰ group [ (64.66 ± 14.99) x 10-4] was higher than that of AI group[ (22.76 ± 7.36) × 10-4, P ＜ 0.01 ]; HI-I group[ (10.18 ±3.53) × 10-4] and HI-Ⅱ group[ (8.59 ± 2.89) × 10-4] were lower than that of AI group(all P ＜ .0.05); With increased iodine concentration, the expression of NIS mRNA decreased. The expression of NIS mRNA in LI-Ⅰ group [(2.72 ± 0.45) × 10-4], LI-Ⅱ group[ (2.69 ± 0.68) × 10-4] and AI group[(1.80 ± 0.67) × 10-4] with iodine plus TNF-o were all lower than that of LI-Ⅰ group, LI-Ⅱ group[ (29.82 ± 4.47 ) × 10-4], and AI group without TNF-α (all P ＜ 0.01). In iodine plus TNF-α, the expression of NIS mRNA in HI-Ⅰ group[(6.58 ± 2.87) × 10-4] and HI-Ⅱ[(7.04 ± 1.36) × 10-4] group were all higher than that of AI group(all P ＜ 0.05); With increased iodine deficiency or iodine excess, the expression of NIS mRNA increased. With increased iodine concentration, the expression of NIS protein decreased in iodine alone group. The expression of NIS protein in iodine plus TNF-α was all lower than that in iodine alone group. In iodine plus TNF-α, the expression of NIS protein increased in both iodine deficiency and iodine excess conditions. Conclusions Iodine may decrease the expression of NIS mRNA and protein of lactating mammary cells. The expression of NIS mRNA and protein of lactating mammary cells was inhibited by TNF-α under different levels of iodine.