With the increase of morbidity and mortality, pancreatic cancer will not only become one of the leading causes of death in China, but also a major public health problem in the world. New onset cases of pancreatic cancer all around the world are expected to increase year by year. The prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer is poor. The 5-year survival rate is only about 6%. The major reason for the poor prognosis is the lack of typical clinical symptoms in the early stage of disease, which makes it difficult to detect and control its relevant recurrence and metastasis. Moreover, lack of effective chemotherapy drugs and resistance to existing chemotherapy drugs are also important reasons for its dismal status. Radical resection surgery is still the most effective treatment. However, even after radical resection surgery, early recurrence and distant metastasis are still the main problems that bother patients. This article reviews recent high quality studies on pancreatic cancer including epidemiological investigation, advances in basic research, and clinical treatment.

Eleven compounds were isolated from the culture of Streptomyces sp. CPCC 202950 by a combination of various chromatographic techniques including column chromatography over macroporous resin HP-20, MCI, and reversed-phase HPLC. Their structures were identified as 1H-pyrrole-2-carboxamide(1),5'-deoxy-5'-methylthioinosine(2), vanillamide(3), trans-3-methylthioacrylamide(4), 1,2,3,4-Tetraydro-1H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole-3-carboxylic acid(5), cyclo(L-pro-L-tyr) (6), N-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)]ethylacetamide(7), benzamide (8), cyclo ('L-leucyl-trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline)(9), cyclo-(Phe-Gly) (10), and tryptophan (11). Among them, compounds 1 and 2 were new natural products. In the preliminary assays, none of the compounds exhibited obvious inhibition of HIV-1 protease activity (IC50 > 10 micromol x L(-1)).
Culture Media ; chemistry ; metabolism ; HIV Protease ; analysis ; HIV Protease Inhibitors ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Molecular Structure ; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization ; Streptomyces ; chemistry ; metabolism

Objective To construct the Neisseria surface protein A (NspA) DNA vaccine of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and evaluate the humoral and cellular immune responses induced by this vaccine in mice model.Methods The recombinant expression vector pcDNA3.1 (+)/NspA was constructed by inserting NspA gene into the eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1 (+) and confirmed by poly merase chain reaction (PCR),restriction enzymes HindⅢ,XbaⅠand DNA sequencing.NspA mR- NA in transfected RAW264.7 cells and NspA protein expression in transfected COS-7 cells were de- tected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemical stai- ning,respectively.Forty-five male BALB/c mice were immunized with pcDNA3.1 (+)/NspA recom binant plasmid.The level of serum anti-Neisseria gonorrhoeae antibody of the immunized mice was detected by tube agglutination test,and the level of interieron (IFN)-?was assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).The proliferation of splenocytes was determined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) colormetry.The NspA gene in BALB/c mice was identified by PCR with the total DNA extracted from quadriceps femoris in immunized sites.Results Restriction enzymes digestion a- nalysis and DNA sequencing results revealed that the pcDNA3.1 (+)/NspA had been constructed successfully.NspA gene had been transcripted and expressed in mammalian cells.The peak titer of specific antibody was 1:640 in pcDNA3.1(+)/NspA immunized group and there was no specific an- tibody detected in both pcDNA3.1 (+) immunized group and PBS group.The IFN-?level in pcD NA3.1 (+) immunized group was (23.79?11.85)pg/mL and that in pcDNA3.1 (+)/NspA immu- nized group was(169.71?30.52)pg/mL (P

By using a cell-based high throughput screening model for the CLA-1 up-regulator, Streptomyces 203909 was found to produce up-regulator of CLA-1. A novel trichostatin analogue was isolated from the rice fermentation of Streptomyces sp. CPCC 203909by a combination of various chromatographic techniques including column chromatography (CC) over silica gel, flash C18 CC, and reversed-phase HPLC. Its structure was identified as (-)-(R,2E,4Z)-7-[(4'-dimethylamino) phenyl]-4,6-dimethyl-7-oxohepta-2,4-dienoyl-L-glutamine (1) by the spectroscopic and chemical methods, and combination with the CD spectroscopy and Marfey's method. In the prelimi- nary assays, Compound 1 showed cytotoxicity against human embryonic kidney 293 cell line with IC50 value 35.3 [µmol · L(-1).
Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Fermentation ; Hep G2 Cells ; Humans ; Hydroxamic Acids ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; metabolism ; pharmacology ; Molecular Structure ; Streptomyces ; chemistry ; metabolism

Objective To observe the protein and mRNA expression of thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) in mammary gland tissue of lactating rats,and to explore iodine uptake mechanism.Methods Eighty adult Wistar rats (60 female and 20 male),weighting 210-250 g were selected.All female Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups according to their body mass:normal non-pregnant group,lactating for 5-,10-,15-and 20-day groups and weaning for 5 days group,10 rats in each group.All rats were fed with conventional fodder and tap water freely.In addition to the normal non-pregnant group,other five groups of female and male rats were mated at 3 ∶ 1,respectively.Then the rats in all groups were killed on the 5th,10th,15th and 20th day after lactation and on the 5th day after weaning to get the mammary gland tissue.The protein and mRNA expression of TSHR were determined by immunohistochemical staining and real-time quantitative PCR.Results TSHR protein was expressed in mammary acinar and ductal epithelial cytoplasm.The expression of TSHR in mammary gland showed significant differences between groups (x2 =14.612,P ＜ 0.05),the staining intensity of mammary gland tissue in normal non-pregnant rats(weak,n =4; moderate,n =6) was weaker than that of lactating for 5 days(weak,n =2; moderate,n =3; strong,n =5) and 10 days groups(barely detectable,n =1;moderate,n =4; strong,n =5; x2 =4.113,5.250,all P＜ 0.05).The expression of TSHR mRNA in mammary gland showed significant differences between groups(F=20.488,P ＜ 0.05); the expression of TSHR mRNA in lactating for 10 days group(0.31 ± 0.06) was higher than that of lactating for 5 days group(0.22 ± 0.04,P ＜ 0.01),and the expression of lactating for 15 days group (0.16 ± 0.08) was significantly lower than that of lactating for 5 days group (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions TSHR is widely expressed in mammary gland of lactating rats.The iodine uptake of mammary gland is enhanced in early lactation period when the body may be more susceptible to iodine deficiency,therefore iodine should be supplemented reasonably.

Two hundred thirty specimens of wild birds were collected from some areas in Heilongjiang Province during the period of 2003~2004, including two batches of specimens collected randomly from a same flock of mallards in Zhalong Natural Reserve in August and December, 2004, respectively. Primary virus isolation and identification for avian influenza virus (AIV) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) were performed. The results showed that only two specimens of young mallards collected from Zhalong Natural Reserve in August, 2004 were positive to AIV (isolation rate 0.9%), and one strain (D57) of these two virus isolates was identified to be H9 subtype by hemagglutination inhibition test. Meanwhile, the two batches of blood serum samples of mallards from Zhalong were also examined for antibodies against AIV and NDV. Among 38 blood serum samples collected in August, antibodies against the hemagglutinin of H1, H3, H5, H6 and H9 subtypes of AIV were found in 1, 0, 2, 0 and 8 samples, respectively; and 11 samples were found with antibody against NDV. Whereas the NDV isolation in both two batches of specimens of mallard was negative, all of the 32 blood serum samples collected in December were negative for antibodies against AIV and NDV.
Animals ; Animals, Wild/*virology ; Antibodies, Viral/isolation&purification ; Birds/virology ; China/epidemiology ; Hemagglutination Tests ; Influenza A virus/*isolation&purification ; Influenza in Birds/epidemiology/immunology/*virology ; Newcastle Disease/epidemiology/immunology/*virology ; Newcastle disease virus/*isolation&purification ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

OBJECTIVETo observe effects of Fengbaisan (, FBS) on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in lung tissue of rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and to investigate the preventive and therapeutic mechanisms of FBS.

METHODSThe COPD rat model was established by cigarette smoke exposure and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intra-tracheal dripping. The histopathological changes of lung tissue was observed via hematoxylin/eosin staining. The expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in lung tissue was measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSThe typical histopathological changes of COPD were displayed in the model group, Ambroxol Hydrochloride group and FBS group, and the pathological lesions in the FBS group were less than those in the model group. The expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in the model group increased significantly compared with those in the normal group (P<0.05). After treatment for successive 28 days, the expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in the FBS group decreased remarkably as compared with the model group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSFBS can regulate MMP-9/TIMP-1 imbalance to prevent airway and lung parenchyma remodeling process via reducing the expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in the lung tissue of COPD rats, and this may be a possible therapeutic mechanism of FBS on COPD.

Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic ; drug effects ; Immunohistochemistry ; Lung ; drug effects ; enzymology ; pathology ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; drug therapy ; enzymology ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo study the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its relation to angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, as well as lymph node metastasis.

METHODSSixty-seven archival specimens from patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma were investigated, whose clinicopathologic data were completely conserved. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the expression of VEGF-C, microvessel density (MVD), lymphatic vessel density (LVD). The correlations between VEGF-C expression and MVD, LVD, as well as other clinicopathological features were measured.

RESULTSAlthough no correlation between VEGF-C expression and tumor location, histological grade, or gender of the patients was observed (P > 0.05), OSCC patients with more advanced clinical stages and lymph node metastasis were prone to have high expression of VEGF-C (P = 0.015 and P < 0.001, respectively). Cases with high-expression of VEGF-C also showed significantly more often higher LVD (P = 0.001) but not MVD (P = 0.125). In addition, cases with lymph node involvement presented higher LVD than other cases (P = 0.026).

CONCLUSIONVEGF-C may promote lymph node metastasis by inducing lymphangiogenesis in OSCC.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; Lymphangiogenesis ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Lymphatic Vessels ; Mouth Neoplasms ; Neovascularization, Pathologic ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C

OBJECTIVETo assess the efficacy and safety of Xifeng Zhidong Tablet (XZT) in treating tic disorder children patients of internal disturbance of Gan-wind with phlegm syndrome (IDGWPS).

METHODSA stratified randomized, double-blinded, parallel control of placebo, multi-center trial was conducted in 160 subjects from 5 hospitals in China. They were randomly assigned to 2 groups, the test group and the control group, 80 in each group. Those in the test group were treated with XZT, while those in the control group were treated with placebos. The therapeutic course was 4 weeks for all. The effectiveness indicators covered main indicators and secondary indicators. Yale global tic severity scale (YGTSS) was taken as the main indicators. The amelioration of social function impairment, efficacy, single index of Chinese medical syndromes, Chinese medical syndrome efficacy as well as disappearance rate of single Chinese medical symptoms were evaluated as secondary indicators. The safety indicators included clinical adverse events, vital signs, blood/urine/stool routines, renal and liver functions, and electrocardiogram (ECG).

RESULTSAs for main indicators, the score of YGTSS decreased from 22.10 +/- 6.38 to 11.34 +/- 6.58 in the test group, while it decreased from 22.65 +/- 6.70 to 16.82 +/- 6.53 in the control group, showing statistical difference when compared with the same group before treatment (P < 0.01). Besides, the decrement was more significant in the test group after treatment (P < 0.05). As for secondary indicators, the total effective rate was 83.54% in the test group and 34.18% in the controlled group, showing statistical difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). As for social function impairment, 20,38, 16, 3, 1 case(s) in the test group were ranked as normal, minimal, mild, moderate, obvious degree, while 1, 24, 45, 7, and 0 case(s) in the control group were ranked as normal, minimal, mild, moderate, obvious degree. Better effect was obtained in the test group (P < 0.05).As for Chinese medical syndrome efficacy, it was 87.34% in the test group and 64.56% in the control group (P < 0.05). As for single index of Chinese medical syndromes, the disappearance rate of motor tics, irritability, dreaminess, abnormal tongue proper,abnormal tongue fur, and abnormal tongue pulse condition was 78.67%, 34.72%, 62.26%, 34.62%, 58.97%, and 39.74%, respectively in the test group, while they were 34.67%, 13.11%, 21.82%, 15.58%, 25.97%, and 19.48%, respectively in the control group. Better results were shown in the test group (P < 0.05). Totally 5 adverse events occurred. The incidence of adverse events was 3.75% in the test group and 2.53% in the control group.

CONCLUSIONSAfter 4 weeks of XZT treatment, the integral of YGTSS could be obviously reduced, the degree of social function impairment ameliorated, and Chinese medical syndromes improved. In addition, no adverse reaction occurred in this study.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Double-Blind Method ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Phytotherapy ; Placebos ; Tic Disorders ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; Treatment Outcome