OBJECTIVETo explore the role of paternal veto cells in preventing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after related HLA- haploidentical stem cell transplantation in mice.

METHODSMHC-haploidentical recipient B6CF1(H-2 b/d) mice pretreated with total body irradiation at 9.0 Gy for 4 h before transplantation. The recipient mice were divided into 4 groups, and in the irradiation group, only injection of 0.3 ml D-Hank's liquid was given through the tail vein; in the control group, the mice received injection through the tail vein of 4.5x10(6) bone marrow cells mixed with 3.0x10(7) spleen cells from C57BL/6 mice without the preventive measures of GVHD; the mice in the two experiment groups received cell transplantation in the same manner, and on day 4 after transplantation, 5.0x10(6) and 1.0x10(7)spleen cells from BALB/c mice were injected through tail vein, respectively. The hematopoietic recovery, engraftment and GVHD of the recipient mice were observed.

RESULTSWithout any treatment, all mice in the control group developed GVHD and died after transplantation. In the 10 mice with injection of 5.0x10(6) spleen cells, GVHD occurred in 5 mice with a 30-day survival rate of 50%; the median survival time of the mice with GVHD was 20 days, significantly longer than that of the control mice (14 days, P<0.05). In the 10 mice injected with 1.0x10(7) spleen cells, 2 developed GVHD and the 30-day survival rate was 80% (8/10) with a median survival time of 30 days, significantly longer than that of mice with injection of 5.0x10(6) spleen cells and the control mice (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONPaternal veto cell transplantation can decrease the occurrence of GVHD after related HLA haploidentical stem cell transplantation in mice.

Animals ; Cell Transplantation ; methods ; Female ; Graft vs Host Disease ; etiology ; prevention & control ; HLA Antigens ; immunology ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; adverse effects ; methods ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Spleen ; cytology ; immunology ; T-Lymphocytes ; cytology ; drug effects ; Transplantation, Homologous

OBJECTIVETo investigate the biodistribution of (18)-NaF as an imaging agent for position emission tomography (PET) in rat models of osteoporosis.

METHODSOsteoporosis was induced in 10 rats via injection with an excess of dexamethasone phosphate sodium, and the biodistribution of (18)-NaF in the rats was studied, with another 10 normal rats as the control group. (18)-NaF PET was also performed in 8 healthy volunteers, and the uptakes of (18)-F- in the bone tissues were measured.

RESULTSCompared with the control rats, the osteoporotic rats showed significantly decreased (18)-F- uptake, especially in the femoral neck, lumbar vertebrae, the 7th rib and the tibia (P<0.05). Dynamic chest PET scanning in the volunteers revealed obvious (18)-F- uptake in the spine, ribs and humerus 20 s after injection of the imaging agent. (18)-F- uptake significantly increased with time in the bones, reaching the peak level 60 min after the injection, and whole-body PET at this point demonstrated obvious skeletal (18)-F- uptake, with high skeletal-to-muscle (STM) ratio that averaged 8.12.

CONCLUSION(18)-NaF is an excellent skeletal imaging agent for clinical skeletal blood flow and metabolism measurements. The uptake of (18)-NaF has significant difference between normal and osteoporotic bone tissues, indicating the value of (18)-NaF PET for study of osteoporosis.

Adult ; Animals ; Bone and Bones ; diagnostic imaging ; metabolism ; Female ; Fluorine Radioisotopes ; pharmacokinetics ; Humans ; Male ; Osteoporosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Positron-Emission Tomography ; methods ; Radiopharmaceuticals ; pharmacokinetics ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sodium Fluoride ; pharmacokinetics ; Tissue Distribution

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of Qingzhi soft capsule, a preparation of traditional Chinese medicine, on blood lipid level and the pathology of fatty degeneration of the liver in rats with hyperlipidemia.

METHODSSD rats were subjected to daily intragastric administration of a high-cholesterol emulsion (10 ml/kg) every morning to induce hyperlipidemia. The rats with established hyperlipidemia were then randomized into 4 groups and received every afternoon intragastric administration of high-dose (150 mg/kg) and low-dose (75 mg/kg) Qingzhi capsule, Xuezhikang (150 mg/kg, positive control ), and distilled water of the same volume (model group), respectively. A normal control group was also used in which the rats were given only distilled water in the same manner. After 21 days of treatment, all the rats were sacrificed for determining the serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels as well as the atherosclerosis index (AI). The liver of the rats was taken for examination of the pathology of fatty degeneration under microscope.

RESULTSThe TC and TG levels in both of the Qingzhi capsule groups were significantly lower than those in the hyperlipidemic model group, but no significant differences were noted in HDL-C and LDL-C levels between the Qingzhi and model groups. AI was markedly lower in the two Qingzhi groups than in the model group. Pathological examination of the liver showed milder hepatic pathology of fatty degeneration in the Qingzhi groups than in the model group.

CONCLUSIONQingzhi soft capsule can modulate the blood lipid levels, ameliorate the hepatic pathology of fatty degeneration and lowers AI in in hyperlipidemic rats.

Animals ; Capsules ; Cholesterol ; blood ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Fatty Liver ; etiology ; pathology ; prevention & control ; Female ; Hyperlipidemias ; blood ; complications ; drug therapy ; Hypolipidemic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Phytotherapy ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Triglycerides ; blood

OBJECTIVETo explore the biomechanical mechanism of impact force-induced mandibular fractures and its finite element analysis.

METHODSThree mandibular impact fracture models were prepared using intact human mandibular specimens and simulated maxillary models according to the Hanau principle of articulator and a MTS-858 biological material testing machine. Mandibular impact was delivered in the direction of the chin level at the mandibular postural position (MPP) on MTS. The computerized mandibular model was then established from 3-dimensional laser scanning images for finite element analysis using ANSYS7.0.

RESULTSThe 3 mandibular specimens were fractured at the chin, where the maximum force was 2151.10-/+ 125.18 N with response time of 17.3-/+2.3 ms. Impact simulation with ANSYS mimicking stress changes in the internal jaw suggested the chin as place where maximum stress occurred. According to the stress curve, the maximum stress of 3201.35 kPa occurred at the point 1.92 cm from the upper edge of the chin.

CONCLUSIONThe combination of mandibular impact experiments and finite element analysis allows quantification of several parameters of the jaw and provides clues for understanding the biomechanical mechanism of mandibular impact fractures.

Biomechanical Phenomena ; Finite Element Analysis ; Humans ; Mandible ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Mandibular Fractures ; physiopathology ; Models, Anatomic ; Stress, Mechanical ; Tensile Strength

OBJECTIVETo investigate the changes of serum inteferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in mice bearing S-180 tumor and explore the role of the endogenous IFN-gamma in confining the transplanted tumor by intervention with immunomodulators.

METHODSMouse models bearing S-180 solid tumor were established and subjected to intragastric administration of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GLP) or cyclosporine A (CsA) at different daily doses for 9 consecutive days. Serum IFN-gamma levels were measured in untreated tumor-bearing mice and in those after completion of GLP or CsA treatments by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the changes of the tumor weight in the treated mice were evaluated.

RESULTSIt was found for the first time that serum IFN-gamma levels in the tumor-bearing mice increased progressively within the initial 20 days after tumor implantation. The serum IFN-gamma levels in the 3 GLP-treated groups (at daily doses of 400, 200, and 100 mg/kg) all increased, which was the most obvious in 400 mg/kg GLP-treated group, and the tumor weight decreased significantly in response to GLP treatment, but the most conspicuous effect occurred with the daily dose of 200 mg/kg, and no significant statistical correlation was found between the two parameters. CsA treatment (at 20, 10, and 5 mg/kg, respectively) resulted in reduced serum IFN-gamma levels but produced virtually no effect on the tumor weight, and no obvious correlation was found between serum IFN-gamma level and the tumor weight.

CONCLUSIONIncreased serum IFN-gamma levels following GLP treatment are not significantly correlated to tumor growth inhibition in mice, and CsA reduces serum IFN-gamma levels without affecting the tumor weight, suggesting that endogenous IFN-gamma is not a major immunomodulating factor in growth inhibition of transplanted S-180 tumor.

Animals ; Cyclosporine ; pharmacology ; Female ; Ganoderma ; chemistry ; Immunologic Factors ; pharmacology ; Interferon-gamma ; blood ; Male ; Mice ; Polysaccharides ; pharmacology ; Sarcoma 180 ; blood ; pathology ; prevention & control ; Tumor Burden ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of cationic liposome-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) in silencing epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) gene in breast cancer cells in vivo.

METHODSA small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting EGFR gene was constructed and transfected into human breast cancer cell in vitro via cationic liposome. The transfected cells were inoculated into nude mice, and the tumor growth inhibition rate was calculated. The tumors were then removed for immunohistochemistry and Western blotting to examine the expression of EGFR protein. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of the EGF receptor gene, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) performed to assess the EGF level in both the serum and tumor extraction.

RESULTSIn athymic nude mice, MDA-MB-231 cells had obviously lower tumor formation rate than ZR-75 cells (30.00% and 88.89%). Transfection of the cells with EGFR siRNA significantly inhibited tumor formation capacity of the cells in vivo as compared with the cells transfected with empty vector or irrelevant siRNA. The results of ELISA demonstrated that in mice bearing the tumors grown from EGFR siRNA-transfected cells, the EGF levels in the serum and tumor extraction were lowered by 16.77% and 12.59%, respectively. Real-time RT-PCR showed that EGFR siRNA transfection caused a specific downregulation of EGFR mRNA expression by 21.05% in the tumor.

CONCLUSIONChemically synthesized 21-nucleotide siRNA duplexes can be effectively delivered via lipofectamine 2000 into breast cancer cells in vivo to induce a longer-lasting gene silencing effect than in vitro transfection. RNAi of EGFR gene may indicate a promising approach for management of lung cancers, especially those nodular ones with easy access.

Animals ; Breast Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; therapy ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental ; genetics ; pathology ; therapy ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Random Allocation ; Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Transfection ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

OBJECTIVETo detect the transcriptional level of a novel gene F10 associated with the pathogenesis of hydatidiform mole in human cell lines and screen the cell lines with low F10 expression to construct a stable eukaryotic expression system for F10 gene.

METHODSThe expression level of F10 mRNA was detected with fluorescent quantitative PCR in A549, 16HBE, Bel7402, HIC, HepG2, 293, PC and MGC cell lines. A549 cell line was transfected with plasmid pRc-CMV2-F10 via electroporation to allow stable F10 expression, and the positive cell clones were selected by G418. The insertion and expression of F10 gene in the A549 cells was analyzed using fluorescent quantitative PCR.

RESULTSF10 mRNA was expressed differentially in these cells lines, and the Bel7402 cells, PC and MGC cells showed the highest F10 mRNA expression, followed by HepG2 and HIC cells and further by 293 cells, and 16HBE and A594 cells had the lowest expression. After transfection, A594 cells showed genomic integration of F10 gene and high expression level of F10 mRNA.

CONCLUSIONThe pulmonary carcinoma cell line A549 with stable expression of F10 gene has been established, which may facilitate further study of the biological functions of F10 gene.

Cell Line, Tumor ; Eukaryotic Cells ; metabolism ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Genes, Neoplasm ; genetics ; Humans ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Transfection ; Trophoblastic Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; Uterine Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo prepare an ultrasound microbubble contrast agent using PLLA-PEG-PLLA copolymer as the shell material, and test their acoustic characteristics in vitro.

METHODSPLLA-PEG-PLLA tri-block co-polymers were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization. Microbubbles were prepared by using double emulsion technique. Light microscope and scanning electron microscope were applied to observe the morphology of the microbubbles. Their size distribution was analyzed using MASTERSIZER 2000. The acoustic characteristics of microbubbles were tested by using color Doppler Ultrasonography.

RESULTSMicrobubbles were well dispersed in water. Contrast enhancement was stronger and longer lasting at low mechanical index.

CONCLUSIONThe polymer-encapsulated microbubbles prepared by using double emulsion technique with PLLA-PEG-PLLA as the shell material can be used as an ultrasound contrast agent.

Contrast Media ; chemistry ; Drug Compounding ; Lactates ; chemistry ; Microbubbles ; Polyesters ; chemistry ; Polyethylene Glycols ; chemistry ; Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color ; methods

OBJECTIVETo prepare sustained-release capsules of cinnamon oil with stearic acid, polyethylene glycol 6000 and gluceryl monostearate.

METHODSAfter the solid dispersion of cinnamon oil was prepared by melting method, the effects of the process variables and formulation variables on solid dispersion and dissolution were investigated. The formulation and preparation process of cinnamon oil solid dispersion were optimized by orthogonal design, and Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was employed to detect the possible molecular interaction between cinnamon oil and the adjuvants.

RESULTSThe in vitro release percentage of the optimized formula complied with the Higuchi equation, and the preparation allowed drug delivery for 12 h. Analysis with FTIR spectroscopy revealed interactions between cinnamon oil and the adjuvents and formation of the solid dispersion.

CONCLUSIONThe solid dispersion capsules prepared through this simple and well reproducible process allow obviously sustained release of cinnamon oil.

Capsules ; Cinnamomum zeylanicum ; chemistry ; Delayed-Action Preparations ; chemistry ; pharmacokinetics ; Drug Compounding ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; pharmacokinetics ; Oils, Volatile ; chemistry ; pharmacokinetics ; Technology, Pharmaceutical

OBJECTIVETo propose a new algorithm for medical image segmentation based on Gibbs morphological gradient and distance map (DM) Snake model, which allows identification of the correct contours of the objects when processing medical images with noises and pseudo-edges.

METHODSGibbs morphological gradient was deduced and the method for image segmentation based on Gibbs morphological gradient and distance map Snake model was presented.

RESULTSThis new medical image segmentation algorithm proved to effectively suppress the noises and pseudo-edges when calculating distance map.

CONCLUSIONThe proposed algorithm is robust for image noise suppression and allows easy implementation in clinical image segmentation without the need of user interventions.

Algorithms ; Computer Simulation ; Fuzzy Logic ; Humans ; Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted ; methods ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed