Child ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin A ; blood ; Immunoproliferative Small Intestinal Disease ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Male

OBJECTIVETo determine whether cysteinyl leukotriene receptor agonist LTD(4) and cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 (CysLT(1)) antagonist pranlukast affect the differentiation of human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells.

METHODSSK-N-SH cell morphological changes induced by LTD(4), pranlukast and LTD(4) + pranlukast were observed with retinoid acid (RA) as the positive control. The expressions of CysLT(1) and CysLT(2) receptors were detected by immunoblotting analysis, and the expression of microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP-2), a neuron marker, was detected by fluorescent immunostaining.

RESULTThe immunoblotting results showed that SK-N-SH cells expressed CysLT(1) receptor moderately, and CysLT(2) receptor highly. The morphological results showed that RA, pranlukast and LTD(4) + pranlukast induced the compaction of the cell bodies and the outgrowth of neurites, while LTD(4) had no significant effect. The immunostaining results showed that MAP-2 was distributed in the cell bodies in control or pranlukast-treated cells; it was distributed in cell bodies and neuritis in RA-treated cells. Pranlukast increased the numbers of MAP-2-positive cells.

CONCLUSIONThe CysLT(1)receptor antagonist pranlukast modulates the differentiation of SK-N-SH cells.

Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Chromones ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Immunoblotting ; Immunohistochemistry ; Leukotriene Antagonists ; pharmacology ; Leukotriene D4 ; pharmacology ; Membrane Proteins ; metabolism ; Microtubule-Associated Proteins ; metabolism ; Neuroblastoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Receptors, Leukotriene ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the potential effect of proanthocyanidins (PA), a natural cross-linker, on the stability of resin-dentin bonds against thermal cycling.

METHODSTen percent, 15% PA-based preconditioners, and 5% glutaraldehyde were prepared for the transient pretreatment of demineralized dentin before bonding. Specimens without pretreatment were used as negative controls (n = 4 teeth for each group). Microtensile bond strength, failure mode, micromorphologies of resin-dentin interface and the collagen degradation of bonded specimens after thermal cycling were evaluated.

RESULTSAfter thermal cycling, the microtensile bond strength values of resin-dentin bond in groups pretreated with 15% PA for 120 s and 60 s [(23.09 ± 3.19) and (21.88 ± 3.49) MPa] were significantly higher than that in control group [(15.47 ± 3.78) MPa] (P < 0.05). Mixed fractures were the most prevalent failure mode. Specimens with pretreatment presented compact hybrid layer, while some narrow gaps were found in hybrid layer of non-treated specimens. Collagen biodegradation rates in groups with pretreatment were significantly lower than that in control group (P < 0.05). Among them, specimens pretreated by 15% PA preconditioner for 120 s exhibited the lowest biodegradation rates [(0.316 ± 0.019) mg/g].

CONCLUSIONSThe application of natural cross-linker PA on demineralized dentin reduced the bond degradation against aging by thermal cycling, and can be helpful to create more durable bonds to dentin.

Collagen ; metabolism ; Dental Bonding ; Dental Stress Analysis ; Dentin ; Dentin-Bonding Agents ; Humans ; Proanthocyanidins ; pharmacology ; Resin Cements ; Temperature ; Tensile Strength ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of exogenous ER beta on the growth of breast cancer MCF-7 cells under different treatment.

METHODSAn eukaryotic expression vector containing 1.6 kb of human entire coding sequence of ER beta (pCDNA3-ER beta) was transfected into human breast cancer MCF-7 cells using lipofectamine 2000. The biological activity of ER beta was detected with the luciferase reporter containing estrogen responsive element (ERE) and the expression of ER beta protein by Western blot. The growth properties of MCF-7, pCDNA 3-transfected MCF-7 and pCDNA 3-ER beta-transfected MCF-7 cells under different treatment, including E2 (17beta-estradiol) and 4-OHT (4-hydroxytamoxifen), were observed.

RESULTSA stronger activation of the reporter by ER beta in the presence of E2 was observed in the pCDNA 3-ER beta-transfected MCF-7 cells than in the pCDNA 3-transfected MCF-7 and in MCF-7 cells. Western blot analysis showed that the protein level of ER beta in the pCDNA 3-ER beta-transfected MCF-7 cells was markedly increased. Exogenous ER beta expression did not change the growth properties and the morphology of MCF-7 cells under normal condition. The pCDNA 3-ER beta-transfected MCF-7 cells proliferated at the same rate as naive cells in the presence of 4-OHT, whereas a strong inhibition of the proliferation of the pCDNA 3-ER beta-transfected MCF-7 cells in the presence of E2 was observed.

CONCLUSIONExogenous ER beta expression does not increase the resistance to 4-OHT, and a strong inhibition of the proliferation may occur in the presence of E2.

Breast Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Estradiol ; pharmacology ; Estrogen Antagonists ; pharmacology ; Estrogen Receptor beta ; genetics ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Tamoxifen ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Transfection

With the extensive application of cellular and molecular genetic techniques in the research of acute leukemia (AL), the diagnosis of AL type has been developed from FAB typing which was based on morphological classification in 1976 to MICM typing in 2001. This progress highlights the importance of cellular and molecular genetic changes in the diagnosis of leukemia. The cellular and molecular genetic abnormalities in acute leukemia can make the stratification of risk and give the guidance for prognosis and treatment, which is also critical for the development of new drugs. This article has focused on chromosomal abnormalities, fusion gene expression and their relationship with the leukemia diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. This article is also a concise review on several common gene mutations in cytogenetics of ANLL for the assessment of disease prognosis. In recent years, further exploration of molecular cytogenetic mechanisms of various types of leukemia in ANLL contributed to the development of new therapeutic strategy for leukemia.
Acute Disease ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Cytogenetics ; Gene Fusion ; Humans ; Leukemia ; genetics ; Molecular Structure

AIMTo investigate the in vitro influencing factors on drug release from matrices with sodium alginate as the hydrophilic polymer.

METHODSSodium alginate hydrophilic matrix tablets were prepared by direct compression method with theopylline as a model drug. The in vitro influencing factors on drug release behavior from matrices were studied by investigating the swelling, water uptake and erosion characteristics of pure sodium alginate matrices.

RESULTSThe results showed that drug release rate and drug release mechanism were both related to the viscosity of sodium alginate used in matrices, pH values and ionic strength of dissolution media and rotation speeds.

CONCLUSIONSodium alginate can be tailor-made to suit the demands of applicants in sustained delivery systems as a good candidate of hydrophilic polymer.

Alginates ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; Delayed-Action Preparations ; Drug Carriers ; Drug Delivery Systems ; Glucuronic Acid ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Hexuronic Acids ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Solubility ; Tablets ; Theophylline ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Viscosity

This study was aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effect of the Naja Naja Actra Venom Component (NNAVC) combined with activated immune cells on human acute myeloblastic leukemia line KG1a cells. The cytotoxic effects of NNAVC at different concentrations on KG1a cells were measured by CCK-8 method. LDH releasing assay was used to detect the cytotoxic effects of activated immune cells, NNAVC combined with activated immune cells on KG1a cells and the sensitivity of KG1a treated with NNAVC to activated immune cells. The results showed that the inhibitory rate of NNAVC on KG1a cells increased with the concentration enhancement, the cytotoxicity of activated immune cells at the different effector to target (E:T) ratios(6.25:1, 12.5:1, 25:1) on KG1a cells were 12.30%, 24.85% and 52.26%. The cytotoxicity of NNAVC combined with activated immune cells at the different E:T cell ratios (10:1, 20: 1) on KG1a cells were 56.21% and 85.59%, which were higher than that of NNAVC or activated immune cells alone. The cytotoxicity of activated immune cells at the E: T cell ratio of 10:1 on KG1a cells treated with NNAVC at different concentrations were 25.65%, 31.33%, 28.63% and 16.78%, respectively, and that at the E:T cell ratio of 20: 1 were 40.62%, 44.70%, 44.62% and 40.72%. It is concluded that:both of NNAVC and activated immune cells have lethal effect on KG1a cells, and the combination of NNAVC and activated immune cells can strengthen their effect on KG1a.
Animals ; Cell Line, Tumor ; drug effects ; Cytotoxicity, Immunologic ; Elapidae ; Humans ; Immunocompetence ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; immunology ; pathology ; Venoms ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the relation of dose intensity and efficacy, toxicity in advanced breast cancer treated with paclitaxel as a single agent.

METHODSSeventy-one patients with advanced breast cancer received paclitaxel as a single agent with different dose intensities. According to the phase I or phase II trial, the standard dose intensity of paclitaxel was defined as 58.3 mg.(m(2))(-1).week(-1). The dose of paclitaxel was 175 mg/m(2) given every three weeks, ranging 33.3 - 70.3 mg.(m(2))(-1).week(-1) [median delivered dose intensity 58.82 mg.(m(2))(-1).week(-1)]. Efficacy and toxicity was evaluated.

RESULTSThe overall response rate in this group of advanced breast cancer was 40.8%. Responses were seen in lungs, soft tissue, bone and liver, with the response rates of 52.0%, 38.0%, 12.5%, 7.7%, respectively. When the relative dose intensity (RDI) was > 1.0, 0.9 - 1.0, < 0.9, the response rates were 44.2%, 47.6%, 0, respectively. The difference between the group (RDI >/= 0.9% - 1.0%) in 7 patients and the group (RDI < 0.9) was significant (P < 0.05). Toxicity was well tolerated, with the efficacy decreased as soon as the RDI had been reduced without embarrassing the toxicity.

CONCLUSIONPaclitaxel as a single agent therapy with standard dose intensity is effective and well tolerated by patients with advanced breast cancer.

Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Bone Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; secondary ; Breast Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Female ; Humans ; Leukopenia ; chemically induced ; Liver Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; secondary ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Paclitaxel ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Remission Induction

OBJECTIVETo investigate the predictive value of HER-2 and ER expression for chemosensitivity of taxane in the treatment of advanced breast cancer.

METHODSOf 268 advanced breast cancer patients treated: 71 were by paclitaxel alone, 32 by docetaxel alone, 110 by paclitaxel combined with anthracylines or gemcitabine or platins and 55 by docetaxel-based combinations. HER-2 and ER expression of all patients treated by taxane underwent immunohistochemical (IHC) assay.

RESULTSUnivariate analysis showed: the response rate (RR) in HER-2 overexpression group was 56.7%, and in HER-2 weak expression group 33.3% (P = 0.003). The response rate in ER positive group and ER negative group was 33.3% and 48.9%, respectively, with a significant difference (P = 0.015). The RR was 67.6% in ER negative but HER-2 overexpression group. However, in ER positive but HER-2 weak expression group and the other groups, the RR were around 35% (P < 0. 01). Multivariate analysis showed that overexpression of HER-2 was the only significant factor to predict the chemosensitivity of taxane (P = 0. 007), but the ER, Karnofsky performance score (KPS), anthracylines, metastatic sites were not the statistically significant chemo-sensitivity predictive factors for taxane.

CONCLUSIONER negative and/or HER-2 overexpression, especially latter, may be associated with good response in advanced breast cancers treated by taxane.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; therapeutic use ; Breast Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Multivariate Analysis ; Neoplasm Staging ; Paclitaxel ; therapeutic use ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Prognosis ; Receptor, ErbB-2 ; metabolism ; Receptors, Estrogen ; metabolism ; Remission Induction ; Retrospective Studies ; Taxoids ; therapeutic use

OBJECTIVETo construct the eukaryotic expression vector of rat GPR17 (rGPR17) cDNA,and to identify its function in HEK293 cells.

METHODSTotal RNA was extracted from rat brain tissue; full-length GPR17 cDNA was prepared by RT-PCR, and cloned into pcDNA3.1(+) plasmid. The recombinant plasmid was converted into E.coli DH5alpha and confirmed by PCR, double enzyme digestion analysis and DNA sequencing. The recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1(+)-rGPR17 was transiently transfected into HEK293 cells using Lipofectamin 2000. Expression of rGPR17 gene was confirmed by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining. The exogenous LTD(4) enhanced intracellular calcium was measured using Fluo-4.

RESULTRT-PCR, double enzyme digestion analysis and sequencing showed that the rGPR17 gene was cloned into recombinant vector, and the recombinant rGPR17 was expressed after transfection in HKE293 cells. LTD(4) increased intracellular calcium release in the transfected HEK293 cells.

CONCLUSIONThe eukaryotic expression vector of rGPR17 cDNA has been constructed; it is functionally expressed in HEK293 cells. This work provides a basis for further research of the GPR17 receptor and its antagonists.

Animals ; Base Sequence ; DNA, Complementary ; genetics ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; metabolism ; Female ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; HEK293 Cells ; Humans ; Male ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Transfection