Background Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a major event in the pathogenesis of posterior capsular opacification (PCO),and the expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) is the marker of EMT.Previous studies showed that breviscapine plays an important role in anti-fibrosis and suppression EMT,however,the mechanism of its effect on EMT in LECs is unclear.Objective Present study was to investigate the effect of breviscapine on the expression of α-SMA and fibronectin (FN) in human LECs induced by transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2).Methods Human LECs strain,HLE-B3,was cultured and passaged in DMEM containing 10％ fetal bovine serum.Different concentrations of breviscapine (6.75,12.75,25.00,50.00 and 100.00 mg/L)were added into the medium for 24,48 and 72 hours respectively,and then cell cunting kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to evaluate the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of breviscapine to HLE-B3.In addition,HLE-B3 was subcultured at the density of 1 × 106/hole and divided into 4 groups.The cells were in free-serum medium as the normal control;the cells were exposed in 10 μg/L TGF-β2 as TGF-β2 group;while in the breviscapine group,10 mg/L of breviscapine was added into the culture medium and another group was the combination of 10 mg/L breviscapine and 10 μg/L of TGF-β2 treatment.Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA expressions of α-SMA and FN as well as their protein in HLE-B3 72 hours after cultured.Results The inhibitory rate of breviscapine to HLE-B3 proliferation was gradually elevated with the increase of concentration of breviscapine,showing a significant inhibition of the cell proliferation among the different groups and at various time points (F =292.851,P=0.000;F =65.037,P=0.000).IC50 of HLE-B3 at 72 hours was 22 mg/L,and therefore,in rest of experiment 10 mg/L of breviscapine was used which was 1/2 only half of the IC50.α-SMA and FN were expressed in cultured normal HLE-B3.The expressing level of α-SMA mRNA and FN mRNA in the HLE-B3 was significantly different among the normal group,TGF-β22 group,breviscapine treatment group and combination group as well as at various time points (F =105.490,P =0.000 ; F =1041.414,P =0.000).Similarly,the protein expressions of α-SM A and FN in the HLE-B3 was significantly different among the four groups and different time points (F=136.872,P=0.000;F=119.820,P=0.000).The expression levels of α-SMA and FN mRNA and their proteins in HLE-B3 were remarkably increased in the 10 μg/L TGF-β2 group compared with the normal control group (at all P=0.000),and those in the combination group were obviously declined in comparison to the TGF-β2 group (P =0.001,0.001,0.001,0.010).No significant difference was found in the expressions of α-SMA and FN in the HLE-B3 between the breviscapine group and normal control group in both transcriptional level and protein level (P =0.551,0.292,0.551,0.360).Conclusions 10 mg/L breviscapine can arrest the proliferation and EMT of human LECs.This result suggests that using breviscapine may be a potential prophylactic approach in the prevention of PCO.

The specification of decoction pieces and quality uniformity are the important factors to influence the efficacy of clinical medicine. Considering the deficiency of diversity, poor quality uniformity and confusion of decoction pieces specifications, we first propose a new idea of precision decoction pieces (PDP) based on clinical demands and fresh-processed technology. In order to explain the idea, a study case of aconite SUP is provided, including the optimized specification design, processing technology, extraction effects, quality uniformity, and toxic and efficacy variation and so on. The results showed that preparing 5 mm PDP by fresh-cutting is rather simple and practicable, with high efficiency and large yield; then, this technology could significantly decrease the ingredients loss and increase the efficacy components; moreover, it was helpful for achieving the quality uniformity and best extraction effects. This work revealed the quality superiority of PDP, and provided a good strategy and example for the standard of decoction pieces specification and modernization of processing technology.
Aconitum ; chemistry ; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; methods ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Particle Size ; Plant Extracts ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Quality Control

In this study, we investigated the pharmacokinetics parameters of SPIO-shRNA dual functional molecular probe and observed the main organ distribution by MRI in vivo. Eighteen New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into three groups and injected intravenously with different doses of SPIO-shRNA molecular probe, respectively. The blood samples were collected to analyze the pharmacokinetic parameters by measuring the iron content at 30 minutes before and after the injection. Twenty-four Kun Ming (KM) mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: the control group was injected intravenously with physiological saline 200 µL per mouse via the tail vein, the other 3 groups were injected intravenously with different doses of SPIO-shRNA molecular probe. MRI observation was performed in 24 hours, and the liver, spleen, kidney, brain and muscle were collected for iron quantification with Prussian blue staining to determine distribution of the SPIO-shRNA molecular probe in the main organ in vivo. Our results suggest that the molecular probe blood half-life is more than 3 hours. The data of MRI suggest the probe was distributed in liver and spleen, and the MRI signal was reduced with the increase in probe's doses (P < 0.05). The results of Prussian blue staining confirmed the results of MRI. Most of the probe could escape the phagocytosis of mononuclear phagocyte system. Our data provide the pharmacokinetic and distribution of SPIO-shRNA molecular probe in organs. Meanwhile, it suggests the choice of the time and dose of probe for MR imaging of tumor in vivo.
Animals ; Half-Life ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Magnetite Nanoparticles ; Mice ; Molecular Probes ; pharmacokinetics ; RNA, Small Interfering ; chemistry ; Rabbits

In this paper, Rhodiolae Crenulatae Radix et Rhizoma extract,with high hygroscopic,was selected as research model, while lactose was selected as modifiers to study the effect of the grinding modification method on the hygroscopic. Subsequently, particle size distribution, scannin electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy and surface properties were adopted for a phase analysis. The results showed that the modified extract, prepared by Rhodiolae Crenulatae Radix et Rhizoma extract grinding 5 min with the same amount of lactose UP2, which hygroscopic initial velocity, acceleration, and critical relative humidity moisture were less than that of Rhodiolae Crenulatae Radix et Rhizoma extract and the mixture dramatically. In addition, compared with the mixture, the size distribution of modified extract was much less, the microstructure was also difference, while the infrared spectroscopy and surface properties were similar with that of lactose. It is the main principle that lactose particle adhered to the surface of Rhodiolae Crenulatae Radix et Rhizoma extract after grinding mofication to decress the moisture obviously.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Lactose ; chemistry ; Particle Size ; Rhizome ; chemistry ; Rhodiola ; chemistry ; Spectrophotometry, Infrared ; Surface Properties ; Wettability

OBJECTIVETo identify the biomechanical feasibility of the thoracic extrapedicular approach to the placement of screws.

METHODSFive fresh adult cadaveric thoracic spine from T1 to T8 were harvested. The screw was inserted either by pedicular approach or extrapedicular approach. The result was observed and the pullout strength by pedicular screw approach and extrapedicular screw approach via sagittal axis of the vertebrale was measured and compared statistically.

RESULTSIn thoracic pedicular approach, the pullout strength of pedicle screw was 1001.23 N+/-220 N (288.2-1561.7 N)ls and that of thoracic extrapedicular screw approach was 827.01 N+/-260 N when screw was inserted into the vertebrae through transverse process, and 954.25 N+/-254 N when screw was inserted into the vertebrae through the lateral cortex of the pedicle. Compared with pedicular group, the pullout strength in extrapedicular group was decreased by 4.7% inserted through transverse process (P larger than 0.05) and by 17.3% inserted through the lateral cortex (P less than 0.05). The mean pullout strength by extrapedicular approach was decreased by 11.04% as compared with pedicular approach (P less than 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSIt is feasible biomechanically to use extrapedicular screw technique to insert pedicular screws in the thoracic spine when it is hard to insert by pedicular approach.

Adult ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Bone Screws ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo prepare andrographolide composite particles, and evaluate their particle structure and dissolution.

METHODThe mechanical crushing method was adopted to prepare andrographolide and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 6000 composite particles. The structures were characterized by the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The contact angles were determined by the contact angle analyzer. The in vitro dissolution curve was detected.

RESULTAndrographolide and PEG 6000 gave rise to coated composite particle structures, with the decrease in the crystallinity of andrographolide. The in vitro dissolution rate of composite particles was significantly obvious than that of its raw materials, ultrafine powder and their physical mixtures.

CONCLUSIONAndrographolide composite particles based on the mechanical crushing method could notably enhance the in vitro dissolution of andrographolide.

Calorimetry, Differential Scanning ; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; methods ; Diterpenes ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Particle Size ; Solubility ; Torsion, Mechanical

Objective To determine whether cleavage developmentally retarded embryos have not cleaved during a 24 hour period could develop into blastocysts and produce hESC cell lines.Methods A total of 120 such embryos were cultured to blastocyst stage by sequential culture.Blastocysts formation rate and quality of blastocyst were detected under microscope.The relation between blastocyst formation rate and blastomere number,the fragment of blastomere and blastomere symmetry were analyzed by stepwise Logistical regression analysis.Inner cell masses(ICMs)were isolated by immunosurgery.Colonies derived from the ICMs were passed every 4-7 days and the derivatives were passaged and identified.Results A total of 22 blastocysts were obtained from 120 embryos.The blastulation rate was 18.7%.Early blatocyst, blastocyst,full blastocyst,expanded blastocyst,hatching blastoeyst and hatched blastocyst accounted for 5.9%,23.5%,35.3%,23.5%,5.9%,and 5.9% respectively.The grade of ICM and trophoblast was mostly scored C or B.Blastocyst formation rate was related to cell number and blastomere symmetry but not fragment.Immunosurgery resulted in the formation of 7 ICMs and 3 primary colonies,which produced 2 cell lines.The cell lines satisfied the criteria that characterize pluripotent hESC cells.Undifferentiated cells were positive for AKP,SSEA-4,TRA-1-60,and TRA-1-81.It could continue to proliferate in vitro and form embryoid bodies when cultured in suspension.It had capability to form teratoma in SCID mice.Both cell lines had normal karyotypes after 45 and 34 passages respectively.Conclusions Our results suggest that a subset of developmentally retarded embryos can form blastocysts and give rise to hESC cell lines.

BACKGROUND:Large numbers of experimental data have confirmed that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s have a positive therapeutic effect on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, but there are few reports about intravenous administration of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel conditioned medium in the treatment of stroke.
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of the conditioned medium of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s on the recovery of neurological function in rats after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.
METHODS:The bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s were isolated from rat bone marrow. When cel s at passage 2 or 3 reached 90%confluence, the original culture medium was removed. Then the cel s were cultured in serum-free DMEM for 18 hours. After that, the culture solution was col ected as the conditioned medium of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s. Adult rats were subjected to 2 hours of right middle cerebral artery occlusion. Ischemia-reperfusion injury rats were randomly assigned to three groups:control group, simple culture medium group and conditioned medium group, and respectively given injection of normal saline, DMEM, conditioned medium (10 mL/kg) via the tail vein at 2, 24, 48 hours after operation.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:There was no difference in the behavioral tests among the three groups at postoperative 2 hours (P>0.05). Compared with the control and simple culture medium group, neurological impairment was significantly improved in the conditioned medium group at postoperative 1, 3, 5 days (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the control and simple culture medium groups. At postoperative 5 days, brain edema was significantly eased in the conditioned medium group in comparison to the control and simple culture medium groups (P<0.05), and there was also no difference between the latter two groups (P>0.05). These results suggest that rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel s-conditioned medium via intravenous administration can significantly ease brain edema and improve the neurologic function after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of Osthol on the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts of rats (rat calvarial osteoblasts, ROB) cultured in vitro.

METHODSThe neonatal SD rat skull was segregated, and enzyme digestion was used to obtain bone cells which were cultured in MEM containing 10% FBS. The medium was changed every three days, and serial subcultivation was performed when cells covered with 90% of the culture dish. The Osthol was added to 96-well plates with final concentration of 1 x 10(-4) mol/L, 1 x 10(-5) mol/L, 1 x l0(-6) mol/L and 1 x10(-7) mol/L, and MTT method was used to evaluate the proliferation. Differentiation analysis: the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was determined at the 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th and 15th days separately after osteogenic induction culture. The synthesis of type I collagen was observed using immunohistochemical method at the 8th day. The ALP stain was performed at the 12th day. The alizarin red staining was done and calcified nodules was counted at the 14th day.

RESULTSThe Osthol with final concentration of 1 x 10(-4) mo/L inhibit the proliferation of ROB. The Osthol with final concentration of 1 x 10(-5) mol/L had no obvious influence on the proliferation of ROB, but it significantly promoted the activity of ALP, enhanced the synthesis of collagen type I and increased the number of calcified nodules.

CONCLUSIONThe Osthol with final concentration of 1 x 10(-5) mol/L can promote differentiation and maturation of ROB, which may be active ingredients of Chinese drugs for the osteoporosis prophylaxis.

Alkaline Phosphatase ; metabolism ; Animals ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Coumarins ; pharmacology ; Female ; Male ; Osteoblasts ; cytology ; drug effects ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Background/Aims: Anti-reflux mucosal ablation (ARMA) is a promising endoscopic intervention for proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-dependent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, the effect of ARMA on esophageal motility remains unclear. Methods: Twenty patients with PPI-dependent GERD receiving ARMA were prospectively enrolled. Comprehensive self-report symptom questionnaires, endoscopy, 24-hour impedance-pH monitoring, and high-resolution impedance manometry were performed and analyzed before and 3 months after ARMA. Results: All ARMA procedures were performed successfully. Symptom scores, including GerdQ (11.16 ± 2.67 to 9.11 ± 2.64, P = 0.026) and reflux symptom index (11.63 ± 5.62 to 6.11 ± 3.86, P = 0.001), improved significantly, while 13 patients (65%) reported discontinuation of PPI. Total acid exposure time (5.84 ± 4.63% to 2.83 ± 3.41%, P = 0.024) and number of reflux episodes (73.05 ± 19.34 to 37.55 ± 22.71, P < 0.001) decreased significantly after ARMA. Improved esophagogastric junction (EGJ) barrier function, including increased lower esophageal sphincter resting pressure (13.89 ± 10.78 mmHg to 21.68 ± 11.5 mmHg, P = 0.034), 4-second integrated relaxation pressure (5.75 ± 6.42 mmHg to 9.99 ± 5.89 mmHg, P = 0.020), and EGJ-contractile integral(16.42 ± 16.93 mmHg · cm to 31.95 ± 21.25 mmHg · cm, P = 0.016), were observed. Esophageal body contractility also increased significantly (distal contractile integral, 966.85 ± 845.84 mmHg · s · cm to 1198.8 ± 811.74 mmHg · s · cm, P = 0.023). Patients with symptom improvement had better pre-AMRA esophageal body contractility. Conclusions ARMA effectively improves symptoms and reflux burden, EGJ barrier function, and esophageal body contractility in patients with PPIdependent GERD during short-term evaluation. Longer follow-up to clarify the sustainability of ARMA is needed.