OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of hydrocamptothecin on the expression of Wnt signaling pathway inhibitor DKK-1 in tumor cells.

METHODSHuman HepG2, Hep3B, LoVo and U251 cells were treated with the antitumor drug Hydrocamptothecin. DKK-1 mRNA expression in the cells was detected with RT-PCR, and beta-catenin expression was measured by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS).

RESULTSDKK mRNA in Hep3B, HepG2, LoVo and U251 cells was significantly increased after hydrocamptothecin treatment for 24 h, and the percentage of beta-catenin-positive cells and fluorescence intensity for beta-catenin expression was lowered in the cells after the treatment.

CONCLUSIONHydrocamptothecin promotes mRNA expression of Wnt signaling pathway inhibitor DKK-1 in Hep3B, HepG2, LoVo and U251 cells.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; pharmacology ; Camptothecin ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Liver Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; Wnt Proteins ; metabolism

Adenoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Adult ; Carcinoma, Renal Cell ; metabolism ; pathology ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Ear Neoplasms ; complications ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Endolymphatic Sac ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Kidney Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Middle Aged ; Paraganglioma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Point Mutation ; Von Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor Protein ; genetics ; von Hippel-Lindau Disease ; complications ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo compare the results of application of Qu single abdominal aorta clamping for bloodless hepatectomy and Pringle hepatectomy in 118 cases of liver tumors.

METHODSThe clinical data of 118 patients, including 59 patients undergoing Qu single abdominal aorta clamping for bloodless hepatectomy (Group QG) and 59 patients undergone Pringle first hepatic portal clamping hepatectomy (Group PG) since March 2009 in the Ningbo Tumor Hospital and Jiangxi Provincial Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. The changes of blood pressure, oxygen saturation, urine volume, intravenous fluid volume, amount of bleeding, time of abdominal aorta (or first hepatic portal) clamping, duration of operation and anesthesia, and other intraoperative indexes of the two groups were compared, and the changes of peritoneal drainage, blood tests, liver functions, etc. before operation and 1, 3, 7, 14 days after the hepatectomy in the two groups were also analyzed.

RESULTSAfter taking appropriate measures for intraoperative blood pressure control, only small fluctuations of blood pressure, which could be safely adjusted and controlled with stable vital signs, was observed in the group QG. The amount of intraoperative bleeding in the group QG was (96.25 ± 18.45) ml, significantly less than (536.25 ± 35.65) ml in the group PG (P < 0.05). In the group QG, both the duration of operation time [(227.58 ± 28.20) min] and duration of anesthesia [(249.48 ± 31.35) min] were significantly shorter than that [(261.46 ± 32.12) min and (286.58 ± 35.62) min, respectively] in the group PG (both P < 0.05). The postoperative liver dysfunction in the group QG was also milder than that in the group PG (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSFor liver tumor patients, Qu single abdominal aorta clamping for bloodless hepatectomy can basically achieve the goal of bloodless hepatectomy. This surgical operation is simple and safe, worthy of recommendation to skillful liver surgeons in hospitals there are some difficulties of blood supply.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Alanine Transaminase ; blood ; Aorta, Abdominal ; Aspartate Aminotransferases ; blood ; Blood Loss, Surgical ; Blood Pressure ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; blood ; surgery ; Constriction ; Female ; Hemangioma, Cavernous ; blood ; surgery ; Hepatectomy ; methods ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; blood ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Operative Time ; Portal Vein ; Retrospective Studies ; Serum Albumin ; metabolism ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the inhibitory effect of naringin on monocyte adhesion to high glucose-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

METHODSCultured HUVECs isolated from human umbilical cords were pretreated with or without naringin and induced with high glucose (33 mmol/L) for 48 h. Human monocyte THP-1 cells, after labeling with BCECF-AM, were co-cultured with the HUVECs for 30 min. The labeled THP-1 cells adhering to HUVECs were observed under fluoroscence microscope, and the inhibitory effect of naringin on the cell adhesion was evaluated by measuring the adhering cell density. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expressions of the adhesion molecules in the HUVECs, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the HUVECs was measured using an oxidation-sensitive fluorescent probe (DCFH-DA). The nuclear extracts of the HUVECs were prepared to examine the expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) in the cell nuclei by Western blotting.

RESULTSHUVECs in high-glucose culture showed increased adhesion to THP-1 cells and enhanced expressions of the cell adhesion molecules, which were significantly attenuated by pretreatment with naringin (10-50 microg/ml). High glucose induced DCF-sensitive intracellular ROS production in the HUVECs, and this effect was inhibited by naringin pretreatment of the cells. Naringin also suppressed high glucose-induced increment of NF-kappaB expression in the cell nuclei of HUVECs.

CONCLUSIONNaringin can suppress high glucose-induced vascular inflammation possibly by inhibiting ROS production and NF-kappaB activation in HUVECs.

Cell Adhesion ; drug effects ; Cell Adhesion Molecules ; metabolism ; Cell Line ; Cells, Cultured ; Coculture Techniques ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; Flavanones ; pharmacology ; Glucose ; antagonists & inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Monocytes ; cytology ; NF-kappa B ; metabolism ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism ; Umbilical Veins ; cytology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the cough-relieving, analgesic and antibiotic effects of durian shell extract (DSE) in relieving cough and its analgesic and antibiotic effects.

METHODSThe effect of DSE in relieving cough was assessed in mice challenged with ammonia and SO(2) to induce coughing. The analgesic and antibiotic effects of DSE in mice were evaluated by hot plate test and twisting reaction induced by acetic acid, and by minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and disc-agar diffusion tests, respectively.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, the mice treated with 300 and 900 mg/kg DSE showed significantly prolonged latency with decreased number of coughing induced by ammonia and SO(2), and the effect was dose-dependent. DSE markedly prolonged the latency and decreased the twisting number of the mice induced by acetic acid without affecting the pain threshold in hot plate test. DSE produced no significant inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, or E. coli, and showed a week inhibition against Bacillus aeruginosus.

CONCLUSIONDSE shows obvious effect in relieving cough and produces better analgesic effect against chemical factor-induced pain than against physical agent-induced pain sensation. DSE has a moderate inhibitory effect against Bacillus aeruginosus.

Analgesics ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; pharmacology ; Antitussive Agents ; pharmacology ; Bombacaceae ; chemistry ; Male ; Mice ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; Random Allocation

OBJECTIVETo compare the in vitro inhibitory effect of expolysaccharides from Streptomyces, polysaccharides of Ganoderma lucidum and rice bran on six-alpha-helix bundle formation of HIV gp41 protein.

METHODSThe amount of six-alpha-helix bundle formed in the presence of N36 and C34 was tested by ELISA in response to treatments with different doses of polysaccharides.

RESULTSExpolysaccharides from Streptomyces potentially inhibited six-alpha-helix bundle formation with the effective concentration (IC(50)) of 145.48-/+7.25 mg /L. Polysaccharides of Ganoderma lucidum and rice bran showed no effect on the six-alpha-helix bundle formation.

CONCLUSIONExpolysaccharides from Streptomyces can inhibit the six-alpha-helix bundle formation of HIV gp41, whereas polysaccharides of Ganoderma lucidum and rice bran do not exhibit such activity.

HIV Envelope Protein gp41 ; chemistry ; Kinetics ; Oryza ; chemistry ; Polysaccharides ; pharmacology ; Protein Structure, Secondary ; drug effects ; Reishi ; chemistry ; Streptomyces ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo report experiences of liver re-transplantation.

METHODSThe cause of re-transplantation, the pre-operative MELD score, timing of re-transplantation, technical considerations, 1 year survival rate and the causes of death of the patients receiving liver re-transplantation in First Central Hospital of Tianjin between January 1999 and December 2005 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTSOne year survival rate of re-transplantation was 71.6%. The most common cause of hepatic graft failure and subsequent re-transplantation was biliary complications (45.5%). The 1 year survival rate of patients with a MELD score less than 20 was higher than patients with a score of 20 approximately 30 and > 30 (83.8% versus 57.1% and 66.7%). The peri-operative survival rate of patients who received re-transplantation 30 days after the initial transplantation was higher than those who received re-transplantation between 8 to 30 days post the first operation (83.8% versus 41.7%). The main cause of peri-operative death was celiac infections (accounted for 54.2% deaths) in the patients.

CONCLUSIONSProper indication selection, optimum operation time, right surgical procedure, intensified peri-operative monitoring and infection control are all crucial for the improvement of survival rate in patients receiving liver re-transplantation.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; therapeutic use ; Infant ; Liver Transplantation ; methods ; statistics & numerical data ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Reoperation ; methods ; statistics & numerical data ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Analysis ; Tissue and Organ Harvesting ; methods

OBJECTIVEMicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. 1, 3, 4-tri-O-galloyl-6-O-caffeoyl-β-D-glucopyranose (BJA32515) is a new natural ellagitannin compound extracted from Balanophora Japonica MAKINO. The effect of BJA32515 on the expression of miRNAs in cancer cells has not yet been explored. Objective The present study was carried out to examine the changes in miRNA expression profiles in human HepG(2) hepatocarcinoma cells following BJA32515 exposure.

METHODSThe proliferation of BJA32515-exposed HepG(2) cells was assessed using a colorimetric assay (cell counting kit-8). The miRNA expression profile of the cancer cells was analyzed using a miRNA array and quantitative real-time PCR. Apoptosis was assessed by annexin V and propidium iodide staining.

RESULTSBJA32515 inhibited the cell proliferation and increased apoptosis in HepG(2) cancer cells. The exposure to BJA32515 also caused alterations in the miRNA expression profile in the cells, with 33 miRNAs upregulated and 59 down-regulated. The up-regulation of let-7a and miR-29a and the down-regulation of miR-373 and miR-197 were verified by quantitative real-time PCR. CONCLSION: BJA32515-modifed miRNA expression may mediate the antiproliferative effect of this compound in HepG(2) cancer cells.

Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Balanophoraceae ; chemistry ; Caffeic Acids ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Cell Proliferation ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Glucosides ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Hep G2 Cells ; Humans ; Hydrolyzable Tannins ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; MicroRNAs ; genetics ; metabolism ; Polyphenols

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the bioequivalence of orally disintegrating tablets of pentoxyverine citrate (tested preparation) in healthy male volunteers.

METHODSA single oral dose of the tested and reference preparations at 25 mg were given to 20 healthy volunteers in a randomized two-period cross-over design. Plasma pentoxyverine citrate concentrations were determined by HPLC-MS/ESI+ method. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated and the bioequivalence of the two preparations were evaluated using DAS program.

RESULTSThe Tmax, Cmax, AUC0 15 and AUC0infinity of tested and reference preparations were 1.62-/+0.75 h and 2.52-/+1.21 h, 62.28-/+33.06 microg/L and 59.72-/+33.25 microg/L, 234.44-/+130.01 microg.h.L(-1) and 228.77-/+129.24 microg.h.L(-1), 246.80-/+136.19 microg.h.L(-1) and 244.11-/+140.73 microg.h.L(-1), respectively. The 90% confidence interval of C(max), AUC0 15 and AUC0infinity of tested preparations were 81.4%-138.4%, 86.0%-123.3% and 86.5%-121.2%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe tested and reference preparations are bioequivalent.

Adult ; Area Under Curve ; Biological Availability ; Citric Acid ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Cross-Over Studies ; Cyclopentanes ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Humans ; Male ; Tablets ; Therapeutic Equivalency ; Young Adult

Objective To investigate the oncolytic effect of E1B mutant adenovirus (d11520) on human malignant gliomas. Methods Ad-βgal vector was used to investigate the infectibility of dl1520.U251,Hep3B (positive control) and T24 (negative control) cell lines were infected with dl1520respectively at 50,5,0.5,0.005 and 0 pfu of multiplicity of infection (MOI).The replication efficiency of d11520 in host cells was assessed by plaque assay.The cytopathic effect (CPE) was assessed by crystal violet staining in a panel of tumor cells. Results Crystal violet staining showed the Hep3B cell line was the most sensitive to dl1520 and had the fastest CPE,followed by the U251 cell line,while the T24cell line had no CEP.The replication and infection rates ofdl1520 in the U251 cell line were lower than in the Hep3B cell line but significantly higher than in the T24 cell line (P＜0.05). Conclusion The E1B mutant adenovirus (dl1520) has a significant oncolytic effect on human malignant gliomas.