AIMTo investigate the chemical constituents of the rhizomes of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge.

METHODSThe compounds were separated by means of solvent extraction, chromatography on absorbent resin SP825 and silica gel C18 repeatedly, and their structures were elucidated on the basis of chemical methods and spectral analyses (FAB-MS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 1H-1H COSY).

RESULTSSix steroidal saponins were isolated from the rhizomes of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge. They were identified as (25S)-26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-22-hydroxy-5beta-furostane-2beta, 3beta, 26-triol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-beta-D-galactopyranoside (timosaponin N, 1), timosaponin E1 (2), (25S)-26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-22-methoxy-5beta-furostane-2beta, 3beta, 26-triol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-beta-D-galactopyranoside (timosaponin O, 3) , timosaponin E2 (4), (25R) -26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-22-hydroxy-5alpha-furostane-2alpha, 3beta, 26-triol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-[beta-D-xylpyranosyl-(1 --> 3)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 4)-beta-D-galactopyranoside (purpureagitosid, 5) and marcogenin-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-beta-D-galactopyranoside (6).

CONCLUSIONCompound 1 and compound 3 are new compounds, and compound 5 was isolated from the rhizomes of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge for the first time.

Anemarrhena ; chemistry ; Molecular Conformation ; Molecular Structure ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Rhizome ; chemistry ; Saponins ; chemistry ; isolation & purification

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of the expression of ephrinB2 and EphB4 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and their relationship with multi-slice spiral CT pulmonary perfusion imaging.

METHODSThirty-one nodules with pathologically proven NSCLC underwent CT perfusion scan. The perfusion parameters including blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV), peak enhancement image (PEI) were collected. The expression of ephrinB2 and EphB4 in tumor cells and interstitial vasculature were detected by immunohistochemistry. Correlation analysis and trend test were used to assess the relationship between ephrinB2/EphB4 expression and clinicopathological features, and between ephrinB2/EphB4 expression and perfusion parameters.

RESULTSPositive expression of ephrinB2 and EphB4 in the NSCLC group was 83.9% and 71.0%, respectively, significantly higher than that in the internal control group (P < 0.01). The expression of ephrinB2 and EphB4 was consistently in tumor parenchyma but differently in tumor vessels. The expressions of ephrinB2 and EphB4 were positively correlated with lymphatic metastasis (P < 0.05). The expression of EphB4 was negatively correlated with blood flow (BF) and blood volume (BV), respectively (P < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between ephrinB2 expression and BF (r = 0.516, P = 0.003), and a positive correlation between ephrinB2 expression and BV (r = 0.448, P = 0.013). The expressions of ephrinB2 and EphB4 were not correlated with PEI (P > 0.05). The values of BF and BV in the high and moderate EphB4 expression groups were significantly decreased compared with that in the negative group (P < 0.01). The value of BF in the high ephrinB2 expression group was significantly increased compared with that in the moderately positive group and negative group (P < 0.01). The value of BV in the high ephrinB2 expression group was significantly increased compared with that in the negative group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe CT pulmonary perfusion imaging reflects the density difference of blood vessels with functional lumen, and such difference also depends on the quantity and quality of vasculature with functional lumen.

Adult ; Aged ; Blood Volume ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; blood supply ; diagnostic imaging ; metabolism ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Ephrin-B2 ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; blood supply ; diagnostic imaging ; metabolism ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Perfusion Imaging ; Pulmonary Circulation ; Receptor, EphB4 ; metabolism ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; methods

OBJECTIVETo determine the significance of MSCT perfusion scan on differentiation of NSCLC and to investigate its possible mechanisms.

METHODSForty four NSCLC patients underwent CT perfusion scan by MSCT. Among them, 22 cases were selected to detected the two-dimensional tumor microvascular architecture phenotype (2D-TMAP), the relationships between CT perfusion parameters (BF, BV, PEI, TIP), and the differentiation of NSCLC were analysed by using the correlation analysis and trend test. Spearman correlation analysis was used to study the relationships between CT perfusion parameters, differentiation, and 2D-TMAP.

RESULTSThe total BF, BV and PEI decreased with decreasing differentiation of NSCLC (P<0.05). The total PEI showed a positive correlation with the total MVD (P<0.05). There were negative correlations between the surrounding area BF, the total BF, BV, and PEI, the uncomplete lumen of the surrounding area MVD, and expression of PCNA, respectively (P<0.05). There were positive correlations between degree of differentiation and the uncomplete lumen of the surrounding area MVD (P<0.05). It was the same as degree of differentiation and expression of PCNA, VEGF, respectively. There were positive correlations between the uncomplete lumen of the surrounding area MVD and expression of VEGF, ephrinB2, EphB4, and PCNA, respectively (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONPerfusion parameters reflect the difference of density of vassels with mature functional lumen. Careful evaluation of the differences of blood flow pattern in pulmonary space-occupying lesions by MSCT perfusion scan can be used to identify the degree of NSCLC differentiation.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; blood supply ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Cell Differentiation ; Female ; Humans ; Lung ; blood supply ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Lung Neoplasms ; blood supply ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Male ; Microvessels ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Middle Aged ; Neovascularization, Pathologic ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Perfusion ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; methods ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the commodity specification and grade standard of Pseudostellaria Radix, for standardizing market order and achieving industrialization, standardization and modernization of Pseudostellariae Radix.

METHODThe different areas and grade medicinal materials of Pseudostellariae Radix were respectively measured in quantitative characteristics of appearance, and the present grade classification of Pseudostellaria Radix was scientifically verified by the content of polysaccharide. Then the determination data were evaluated by spss correlation analysis, principal component analysis and cluster analysis. So combining with the actual production, the commodity grade standard of Pseudostellariae Radix was formulated.

RESULTCorrelation analysis indicated that the present grade classification of Pseudostellaria Radix was reasonable, and the more the grade of Pseudostellariae Radix was high, the more the content of polysaccharide was high. Meanwhile, length as a classification index was not suitable for the commodity grade standard of Pseudostellariae Radix. Using principal component analysis and cluster analysis, combining actual production, the thickest diameter, weight of single root tuber and the number of 50 g root tuber were filtrated and the grade was divided into 5 ranks: big, mid- dle, small selected goods, big ungraded goods and small ungraded goods.

CONCLUSIONthe commodity specification and grade standard of Pseudostellariae Radix that mainly included the thickest diameter, weight of single root tuber and the number of 50 g root tuber was formulated, the standard was divided into 5 grade. Each grade was not only consistent with the present situation of medicinal materials market, it could also reflected the intrinsic quality of Pseudostellariae Radix. In conclusion, the standard could be used as a classifica- tion basis to the commodity specification and grade.

Caryophyllaceae ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; standards ; Quality Control ; Reference Standards

Objective To investigate the factors associated with the occurrence of pulmonary complication in patients with cervical spine fiactures and concurrent cervical cord injury in Wenchuan earthquake. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted among the 9 patients with cervical spine fractures and cervical cord injuries treated in our department between May 12 to August 6, 2008. Results All the patients received surgical treatment for cervical spine fractures and cervical cord injuries. Six of the patients developed pulmonary complications 5 days after the injury, including 3 patients with pneumonia, 2 with ventilation disorder, and 1 with lung edema and hemopnenmothorax. Aggressive respiratory management was administered in these patients, and the pulmonary complications were effectively controlled. Conclusion Patients with cervical spine fractures and concurrent cervical cord injury often experience severe pulmonary complications during the acute phase (<5 days), which can be more likely in patients with high level injury, chest trauma, old age, preexisting pulmonary illnesses or smoking history. Early detection of the complications results in better therapeutic effect with conservative therapy.

In order to clarify the chemical constituents in Qiliqiangxin capsule, a rapid ultra-performance liquid chromatography/orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS(E)) method was established. Forty peaks were identified on line using this method. The herbal sources of these peaks were assigned. The results implied that triterpenoid saponins, flavonoid glycosides, C21-steroids and phenolic acids were included in the main components of Qiliqiangxin capsule. The method is simple and rapid for elucidation of the constituents of Qiliqiangxin capsule and the results are useful for the quality control of Qiliqiangxin capsule.
Capsules ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Flavones ; analysis ; Ginsenosides ; analysis ; Glycosides ; analysis ; Hydroxybenzoates ; analysis ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Quality Control ; Saponins ; analysis ; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization ; Steroids ; analysis ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Triterpenes ; analysis

OBJECTIVETo investigate the structural characteristics and clinical significance of two-dimensional tumor microvascular architecture phenotype (2D-TMAP) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODSThirty surgical specimens of NSCLC were collected. The sections of the tumor tissues corresponding to the slice of CT perfusion imaging were selected to construct the 2D-TMAP expression. Spearman correlation analysis was used to examine the relation between the 2D-TMAP expression and the clinicopathological features of NSCLC.

RESULTSA heterogeneity was noted in the 2D-TMAP expression of NSCLC. The microvascular density (MVD) in the area surrounding the tumor was higher than that in the central area, but the difference was not statistically significant. The density of the microvessels without intact lumen was significantly greater in the surrounding area than in the central area (P=0.030). The total MVD was not correlated to tumor differentiation (r=0.042, P=0.831). The density of the microvessels without intact lumen in the surrounding area was positively correlated to degree of tumor differentiation and lymph node metastasis (r=0.528 and 0.533, P=0.041 and 0.028, respectively), and also to the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), ephrinB2, EphB4, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) (r=0.504, 0.549, 0.549, and 0.370; P=0.005, 0.002, 0.002, and 0.048, respectively). The degree of tumor differentiation was positively correlated to PCNA and VEGF expression (r=0.604 and 0.370, P=0.001 and 0.048, respectively), but inversely to the integrity of microvascular basement membrane (r=-0.531, P=0.033).

CONCLUSIONThe 2D-TMAP suggests the overall state of the micro-environment for tumor growth. The 2D-TMAP of NSCLC regulates angiogenesis and tumor cell proliferation through a mesh-like structure, and better understanding of the characteristics and possible mechanism of 2D-TMAP expression can be of great clinical importance.

Adult ; Aged ; Capillaries ; ultrastructure ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; blood supply ; diagnostic imaging ; Female ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; blood supply ; diagnostic imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tomography, Spiral Computed

OBJECTIVETo analyze the allele frequencies of 7 short tandem repeat (STR) loci (D12S1718, D12S1675, D12S358, D12S367, D12S1638, D12S1646 and D12S1682) on chromosome 12 among Kashing-Beck disease (KBD) patients and the control population living in the KBD areas and non-KBD area.

METHODSEDTA-blood specimens were collected from 102 unrelated individuals of Chinese Han population in Shaanxi province including 29 KBD patients,30 controls living in the KBD area and 43 living in the non-KBD area. DNA samples were extracted using the Wizard Genomic DNA purification kit (http://www. Promega. com) and were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. The PCR products were analyzed by ABI 3100 Genetic Analyzer.

RESULTS(1) In KBD patients group, the allele number for 7 STR loci were 4,7,7,8,5,5 and 7, the genotype number were 5,12,13,11,10,9 and 13; (2) In the control population living in KBD area, the allele number for 7 STR loci were 4,9,7,6,6,6 and 8,t he genotype number were 5,10,12,14,12,9 and 13;(3) In the control population living in the non-KBD area, the allele number for 7 STR loci were 7,9,7,7,5,8 and 11, the genotype number were 9,16, 17,16,12,15 and 20;(4) Compared with the allele frequencies among three groups, there were significant differences between KBD patients and the controls living in the KBD area (D12S367: P = 0.034; D12S1638: P = 0.041) and the controls living in the non-KBD area (D12S367: P = 0. 029; D12S1638: P= 0 .028) in the D12S367 and D12S1638 loci; (5) There were significant differences among KBD patients (P = 0.036), controls living in the KBD area (P = 0.039) and controls living in the non-KBD area in the D12S1646.

CONCLUSIONThere was significant difference between KBD patients and the controls in the D12S367 and D12S1638 loci.

Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 12 ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Loci ; genetics ; Genotype ; Humans ; Joint Diseases ; genetics ; Male ; Microsatellite Repeats ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo study the clinicopathologic features and biologic behavior of pediatric immature teratoma.

METHODSThe clinical data, pathologic features, immunohistochemical findings (for cyclin D1, P27 and Ki-67) and follow-up information of 39 cases of pediatric immature teratoma were analyzed.

RESULTSAmongst the 39 cases studied, 12 arose in the sacrococcygeal region, 12 in testis, 5 in retroperitoneum, 4 in ovary, 4 in abdomen and 2 in mediastinum. Histologically, 16 cases were of grade 1, 8 cases of grade 2 and 15 cases of grade 3. Seven of the cases contained foci of yolk sac tumor. Immature neuroepithelial features used in histologic grading included the presence of primitive neural tubules, immature rosettes, undifferentiated neuroblastoma cells and primitive neuroectodermal structures. Immunohistochemical study showed that cyclin D1 was positive in 3 cases of grade 1 tumors, 4 cases of grade 2 tumors and 9 cases of grade 3 tumors. The positivity rates for p27 were 8, 3 and 6 cases respectively, while those for Ki-67 were 3, 4 and 13 cases respectively. Follow-up data were available in 30 cases. Three of them, including 2 cases with histologic grade 3 (with or without yolk sac tumor component), recurred after operation.

CONCLUSIONSThe expression of cyclin D1 and Ki-67 is a useful adjunct in histologic grading. On the other hand, p27 overexpression shows little correlation with tumor grade. The prognosis of immature teratoma in children is different from that in adults. Sacrococcygeal immature teratoma occurring in patients younger than 1 year old and with low histologic grade do not require postoperative chemotherapy if the tumor is completely excised. Similarly, for testicular immature teratoma occurring in patients below 1 year of age, regardless of tumor grading, need no adjunctive therapy. On the other hand, ovarian immature teratoma with high histologic grade requires postoperative chemotherapy, regardless of age of the patients. The presence of microscopic foci of yolk sac tumor is a useful predictor of recurrence in pediatric immature teratoma.

Adolescent ; Cyclin D1 ; metabolism ; Endodermal Sinus Tumor ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Ki-67 Antigen ; metabolism ; Male ; Mediastinal Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Neoplasm Staging ; Ovarian Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen ; metabolism ; Retroperitoneal Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Sacrococcygeal Region ; Survival Rate ; Teratoma ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Testicular Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; alpha-Fetoproteins ; metabolism

To obtain higher potency and specificity, a series of 7-alkoxy analogues of illudalic acid was synthesized on the base of structure-activity relationship (SAR). All of these compounds exhibited submicromolar inhibition of the enzyme when tested against human leukocyte common antigen-related phosphatase (LAR) (for example, for 15e, IC50 = 180 nmol x L(-1)). They represent the most potent small-molecule inhibitors of LAR so far. These analogues also display excellent selectivity for LAR over other protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) except for the highly homologous PTPsigma. The compound 15f is of 120-fold selectivity for LAR versus PTP-1B inhibition. The development of potent enzyme-specific inhibitors is so important that they may serve both as tools to study the role of LAR and as therapeutic agents for treatment of type II diabetes.
Coumarins ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Enzyme Inhibitors ; chemical synthesis ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Inhibitory Concentration 50 ; Molecular Structure ; Receptor-Like Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases, Class 2 ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Structure-Activity Relationship