OBJECTIVETo establish an HPLC method for the content determination of baicalin, wogonin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, cichoric acid, corynoline and adenosine in Pudilan Xiaoyan oral liquid.

METHODThe analysis was performed on a Phenomenex Luna C18 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 µm) with a gradient mobile phase of methanol-0.1% trifluoroacetic acid solution system at flow rate of 1.0 mL · min(-1). The detective wavelength was at 280 nm. The column temperature was 30 °C.

RESULTThe standard curves of seven studied components show good linearity in their concentration ranges with r ≥ 0.999 6. The average recovery was 98.73%-102.1% with RSD less than 2.6%.

CONCLUSIONThe method is rapid, simple and accurate, and can be applied for the quality control of Pudilan Xiaoyan oral liquid.

Caffeic Acids ; analysis ; Chlorogenic Acid ; analysis ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; Flavanones ; analysis ; Flavonoids ; analysis ; Succinates ; analysis

Objective: Hepatocarcinoma cell line was transfected with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) hairpin ribozyme gene to observe the effect of hairpin ribozyme on VEGF expression and the growth of the xenografted tumors. Methods: The artificial anti-VEGF hairpin ribozyme gene was transfected into hepatocarcinoma SMMC-7721 cells via lipofectin mediation. The blank vector and the cell controls were prepared simultaneously. Then, positive clones were screened by genticin (G418). The transcription of ribozyme was confirmed by RT-PCR. The effects of the ribozyme on VEGF expression of SMMC-7721 cells were detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemical method. Cells in each group were inoculated into nude mice. The tumor volume and weight were recorded. The change in microvessel density and expression of VEGF was determined by immunohistochemistry. Results: Ribozyme gene was successfully transferred into tumor cells. The proliferation rate of ribozyme-transfected SMMC-7721 cells was significantly slower (P < 0.01). The expression of VEGF significantly decreased in ribozyme-transfected SMMC-7721 cells. After rebozyme transfection, the tumor formation rate significantly decreased and the growth speed of xenografted hepatocarcinoma markedly slowed down. The microvessel density and angiogenesis of the xenografted hepatocarcinoma were obviously reduced. Conclusion: Anti-VEGF hairpin ribozyme gene significantly inhibited the VEGF expression of hepatocarcinoma in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting angiogenesis of tumor cells. This study provided an experimental evidence for anti-angiogenesis gene therapy for hepatocarcinoma.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Division ; drug effects ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; pathology ; Humans ; Selenomethionine ; pharmacology ; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Objective To investigate the intelligence standard for diagnose the sub-cretin children and children with mental retardation of socio-cultural type.Methods The full intelligence quotient(IQ),verbal intelligence quotient(VIQ)and performance intelligence quotient(PIQ)was tested by Wechsler scale(C-WISC)for mild iodine deficiency disordem children,children living in abnormal socio-cultural condition and normal children aged 7～14 years old in Qinba mountain area.The test results had been compared between the groups.Results There were no significant difference between psychomotor functioning well children and children living normal sociocuhural condition in VIQ,PIQ and full IQ(89.24±18.44 vs 90.75±17.58,87.58±15.78 vs 88.95±15.56,87.42±17.84 vs 89.02±17.18,t=1.14,1.19 and 1.24,respectively,all P＞O.05).PIQ and full IQ were significantly lower in mild iodine deficiency disorders children than in children with abnormal socio-cultural background (65.81±10.22 vs 72.33±13.23,62.42±12.31 vs 68.13±14.54,t=3.26,2.55,P＜0.01 or＜0.05,respectively).But the VIQ was not significantly different between these two groups.The average difference of VIQ and PIQ among mild iodine deficiency disorders children wag-0.32 without significant difierence(t=0.28,P＞0.05),however it was-2.91 among children under abnormal socio-cultural condition with significant difierenee(t=-3.59,P＜0.01).Conclusions IQ for iodine deficiency disorders children is characterized by that VIQ is damaged in parallel with PIQ,while that in children under abnormal soeio-cuhural condition is marked by that VIQ is retarded more severely than PIQ,which ean be used as an intelligence standard for differentiating the sub-cretin children from children wjth socio-cuhural mental retardation.

Objective To establish a rapid assay with high sensitivity and specificity based on the sequences for group specific gene (GS) and pathogenicity island pag A gene.Methods The PCR primers and probes were designed after the whole sequence was systemically analyzed with bio-informafion tools and blasted with Genebank database.The amplicons were inserted into plasmids so that they could be used as the standard templates to evaluate the sensitivity of the diagnostic system.This assay was based on TaqMan probes and portable Smartcycle PCR machine.Results The detection level was approximately 100 copies per reaction.There was no cross-reaction with other species of Bacillus.This assay could be completed in one hour in laboratory.Conclusion The duplex TaqMan PCR assay could be used to detect Bacillus anthracis rapidly with high sensitivity and specificity.

OBJECTIVETo characterize DNA-PKcs and Ku70 expressions in hepato- and cholangio-neoplastic tissues and the association with the degree of malignancy and invasiveness of the tumors.

METHODSThe expression of DNA-PKcs and Ku70 was examined in 47 cases of hepato- or cholangio-neoplasm by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSKu70 was expressed in all of the neoplastic tissues examined and with a little variation in levels. The highest expression was observed in adenocarcinomas and adenomas. There was no statistically significant association between Ku70 expression level and the degree of their malignancy extent or invasiveness. In contrast to Ku 70, a wide variation in expression levels of DNA-Pkcs was observed among different types of neoplastic tissues. The highest ratio of positive expressing cells was detected in hepatocellular carcinomas (92.1%), which was significantly higher than that in cholangioadeno carcinomas (65.3%) and biliary cystadenocarcinomas (51.9%). Low or no expression level was detected in papillary adenoma cases. DNA-PKcs expression of invasive adenomas and adeno-carcinomas (61.2%) was significantly higher than that of non-invasive adenomas and adeno-carcinomas (30.4%). There was no expression observed in the normal tissues adjacent to the tumors.

CONCLUSIONDNA-PKcs is expressed in hepato- and cholangio-neoplasms and its variable level of expression is associated with the types of the tumor and their degree of malignancy and invasiveness. DNA-PKcs could be recognized as a new biomarker for liver neoplasm.

Adenocarcinoma ; enzymology ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Antigens, Nuclear ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Bile Duct Neoplasms ; enzymology ; Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic ; enzymology ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; enzymology ; DNA-Activated Protein Kinase ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Ku Autoantigen ; Liver Neoplasms ; enzymology ; Male ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of sulfated tyrosine in regulating the activity of tyrosylprotein sulfotransferases (TPST) 1 and TPST2.

METHODSConstructs of TPST 1 and TPST2 were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), then fused into immunoglobulin G1 Fc region. All the variants in which sulfated tyrosines were mutated to phenylalanine were made by the PCR-based Quick Change method and confirmed by sequencing the entire reading frame. Small hairpin RNA (shRNA) constructs-targeting nucleotides 259-275 of TPST1 and nucleotides 73-94 of TPST2 were generated and subcloned into pBluescript. Human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293T cells were transfected with these plasmids. One day later, cells were split: one part was labeled with 35S-cysteine and methionine or 35S-Na2SO3 overnight, the second part was used for 125I labeled binding experiment, and the third part was retained for binding and flow cytometry.

RESULTSTyrosines at position 326 of TPST1 and position 325 of TPST2 were sulfated posttranslationally. Tyrosine sulfation of TPSTs was effectively inhibited by sulfation inhibitors, including specific shRNAs and non-specific NaCIO3. shRNAs reduced the sulfation of C3a receptor and C5a receptor, and partially blocked the binding of these two receptors to their respective ligands.

CONCLUSIONSThe activities of TPSTs were regulated by tyrosine sulfation. Inhibition of sulfotyrosine decreases the binding ability of C3a receptor and C5a receptor to their respective ligands.

Cell Line ; Complement C3a ; metabolism ; Complement C5a ; metabolism ; Humans ; Protein Binding ; Protein Processing, Post-Translational ; Receptor, Anaphylatoxin C5a ; metabolism ; Receptors, Complement ; metabolism ; Sulfotransferases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transfection ; Tyrosine ; analogs & derivatives ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of CXC chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) in bleomycin-induced lung injury by using CXCR3 gene deficient mice.

METHODSSex-, age-, and weight-matched C57BL/6 CXCR3 gene knockout mice and C57BL/6 wide type mice were challenged by injection of bleomycin via trachea. Lung tissue was stained with HE method. Airway resistance was measured. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed using phosphate buffered saline twice, cell number and differentials were counted by Diff-Quick staining. Interleukin (IL)4, IL-5, IL-12p40, and interfon-y in BAL fluid and lung homogenate were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Unpaired t test was explored to compare the difference between two groups.

RESULTSOn day 7 after bleomycin injection via trachea, CXCR3 knockout mice were protected from bleomycin-induced lung injury as evidenced by fewer accumulation of inflammatory cells in the airway and lung interstitium compared with their wild type littermates (P < 0.05). Airway resistance was also lower in CXCR3 knockout mice compared with wild type mice (P < 0.01). Significantly lower level of inflammatory cytokines release, including the altered production of IL-4 and IL-5 both in BAL fluid and lung tissue was seen in CXCR3 knockout mice than in wild type mice (both P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONCXCR3 signaling promotes inflammatory cells recruiting and initiates inflammatory cytokines cascade following endotracheal bleomycin administration, indicating that CXCR3 might be a therapeutic target for pulmonary injury.

Airway Resistance ; Animals ; Bleomycin ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid ; chemistry ; Cell Count ; Cytokines ; metabolism ; Interferon-gamma ; metabolism ; Lung ; metabolism ; pathology ; Lymphocyte Count ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice, Knockout ; Neutrophils ; cytology ; Pulmonary Fibrosis ; chemically induced ; metabolism ; pathology ; Receptors, CXCR3 ; Receptors, Chemokine ; genetics ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo establish a model of human monocytic leukemia with CNS infiltration in BALB/c nude mice.

METHODSBALB/c nu/nu mice pre-treated by splenectomy, cytoxan intraperitoneal injection, and sublethal irradiation (SCI), were transplanted intravenously with 1 x 10(7) of human monocytic leukemic SHI-1 cells. The leukemic cells engrafted in the mice were detected by RT-PCR, histopathological examination, immunohistochemistry and FCM.

RESULTSThe survival time of SCI-nu/nu mice was 33-46 d. Paraplegia occurred in some of the mice. 5 weeks after transplantation, SHI-1 cells engrafted in SCI-nu/nu mice, multi-organs were involved and green solid neoplasms were formed in some organs. Histopathological examination found that SHI-1 cells infiltrated in liver, lung, kidney and testis of the mice and vertebral and skull bone marrow was replaced by leukemic cells. Leukemic cell penetrated through the surface of vertebrae, formed neoplasm, and entered the subdural space, but seldom involved the spinal parenchyma. In brain leukemia cells were filled in the subdural space and pia-arachnoid, covered the surface of cerebrum, cerebellum, spread along the virchow-robin space on the surface of pia mater, and eventually invaded the brain parenchyma.

CONCLUSIONSHI-1 cells could engrafted in the SCI-nu/nu mice, form an efficient and reproducible experimental model of CNSL and systematic leukemia. This model may be useful for studying the pathogenesis of CNSL.

Adult ; Animals ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Central Nervous System Neoplasms ; Humans ; Leukemia, Experimental ; pathology ; Leukemia, Monocytic, Acute ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Rats ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays ; methods

Associated with the aging of our world population is a sharp increase in the incidence of Alzheimer's disease, which not only poses a significant health issue but also presents a serious social problem. Although pharmacological treatments were developed based on existing hypotheses, the disease pathogenesis remains to be fully elucidated. Given the complexity of Alzheimer's disease, Chinese herbal medicine appears to have therapeutic potential for Alzheimer's disease through multi-target and multi-pathway approach at cellular and molecular levels and holistic adjustment of the body at organ system levels. Recently, a significant breakthrough has been made in the research of Chinese medicine for Alzheimer's disease. In this article, we review the experimental research progress in understanding how Chinese medicine could be used for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer Disease ; drug therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Phytochemicals ; therapeutic use