OBJECTIVE To establish a method for simultaneous determination of plasma concentration of lamotrigine（LTG）， levetiracetam（LEV） and perampanel（PER） in children with epilepsy and apply this method in clinical practice. METHODS Plasma proteins were precipitated with acetonitrile. Using PER-D 5 as internal standard， ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry （UPLC-MS/MS） method was adopted. The determination was performed on ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 C 18 column with mobile phase consisted of 0.1% formic acid with 5 mmol/L ammonium acetate-acetonitrile （gradient elution） at the flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. The column temperature was 40 ℃， and sample size was 5 μL. The analysis time was 5 min. The electrospray ionization source and multiple reaction monitoring mode were used for positive ion scanning. The ion pairs used for quantitative analysis of LTG， LEV， PER and internal standard were m / z 255.9→144.9， m / z 171.1→126.1， m / z 350.1→219.0 and m / z 354.9→220.2， respectively. The steady-state trough concentrations of the aforementioned drugs in the plasma of 14 pediatric epilepsy patients receiving combination therapy were determined using the same UPLC-MS/MS method as above. RESULTS The linear ranges of LTG， LEV and PER were 0.15-24 μg/mL （ R 2 ＞0.993）， 0.312 5-50 μg/mL （ R 2 ＞0.997） and 6.25-1 000 ng/mL （ R 2 ＞0.997）， respectively. The lower limits of quantification were 0.15 μg/mL， 0.312 5 μg/mL and 6.25 ng/mL， respectively. RSDs of intraday and interday precision tests of the three drugs were no more than 9.83%， and the accuracies （relative errors） were between －9.33% and 13.72%（ n ＝6 or n ＝18）； the average extraction recovery rates were 86.4%-97.9%， and the average matrix effects were 86.9%-110.0% （ n ＝6）. The absolute values of the relative errors in the stability tests were all below 15%. The steady-state trough concentrations of LTG， LEV and PER were （5.64±4.03）μg/mL， （10.67±8.78）μg/mL and（450.20±251.27）ng/mL， respectively； the rates of achieving target trough concentrations were 71.4%， 37.5% and 84.6%， respectively. CONCLUSIONS The established UPLC-MS/MS method is specific， rapid and suitable for the plasma concentration monitoring in epileptic children receiving combination therapy.

A matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry(MALDI-TOF MS)method was developed for simultaneous analysis of 10 kinds of aphrodisiac drugs,including sildenafil,acetildenafil,nor-acetildenafil,homosildenafil,lodenafil carbonate,sildlenafil dimer impurity,vardenafil dimer,hydroxyacetildenafil,N-desmethylsildenafil and udenafil.By using different matrices(α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid(HCCA)and sinapic acid(SA)),the effects of solvents,amount of matrices,laser intensity and spotting methods on the peak strength and signal intensity of MALDI-TOF MS for the aphrodisiac drugs were investigated.As a result,SA was chosen as the matrix,and then dispersed in methanol-water(50∶50,V/V),and spotted by matrix firstly and sample secondly approach with the reflect linear positive mode and laser power of 60%.Under optimal conditions,the proposed MALDI-TOF MS method could obtain stable signal,high intensity and well-repeated mass spectrometric results.The results of method validation showed a linear range from 10 to 100 ng/mL,and the regression coefficients(r)were all above 0.985.The limits of detection(LOD)were 0.1-1.0 ng/mL,and the recoveries were in the range of 72.9%-109.9%for health wine,soft capsule and instant coffee samples,while the relative standard deviations(RSDs)ranged from 0.7%to 11.3%(n=3).The test results of 10 kinds of aphrodisiac drugs by MALDI-TOF MS were in accordance with the results of high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.This method exhibited high sensitivity,high accuracy,good anti-interference ability,low chemical solvents consumption and environmentally friendliness,and could be used to detect drugs without standards.The developed MALDI-TOF MS method could realize the non-target screening and detection of 10 kinds of illegally added aphrodisiac drugs in foods.

In this work,a rapid and label-free sensing platform was designed for visual detection of p53 gene.The rolling circle amplification(RCA)process of the assay platform was activated by p53 gene to produce long DNA-wires,which could bound with berberine hydrochloride(BBH)and further enhanced its fluorescence.This method showed high sensitivity with a low detection limit of 5.63 pmol/L,and high specificity toward p53 gene over other interference materials,even for single-base mutation gene.The method could realize the visual detection of targets under the illumination of a UV lamp.In addition,the designed fluorescence detection platform was successfully applied to p53 gene analysis in 10% fetal bovine serum samples,and the relative standard deviation and the recoveries were 0.1% -1.2% and 99.5% -104.7%,respectively.This approach had satisfactory characteristics,such as low cost,label-free,rapidity,high sensitivity,good selectivity and anti-interference ability,and reliable detection capability for complex practical samples,demonstrating a promising prospect in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases,especially for cancer.

To investigate the effects of Biyan Jiedu Capsules on the proliferation and apoptosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells and their molecular mechanism, nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells CNE1 and CNE2 were used. They were divided into control group(30% blank serum medium), low-(10% drug-containing serum + 20% blank serum medium), medium-(20% drug-containing serum + 10% blank serum medium), and high-(30% drug-containing serum medium) concentration group of Biyan Jiedu Capsules according to in vitro experiment. After 24 h of intervention, the effects of Biyan Jiedu Capsules on the proliferation of CNE1 and CNE2 were detected by CCK-8 assay, clonal formation experiment, and EdU staining. The effect of Biyan Jiedu Capsules on apoptosis of CNE1 and CNE2 was detected by flow cytometry. Western blot was used to detect the effect of Biyan Jiedu Capsules on the expression of X-linked apoptosis inhibitor protein(XIAP), survivin, proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA), and PI3K/Akt pathway-related proteins in CNE1 and CNE2. The results showed that compared with the control group, the survival rate of CNE1 and CNE2 in the medium and high concentration groups of Biyan Jiedu Capsules could be decreased in a concentration-dependent way(P<0.05, P<0.01). At the same time, EdU staining and clonal formation experiments showed that the proliferation of CNE1 and CNE2 was significantly inhibited in the medium and high concentration groups of Biyan Jiedu Capsules(P<0.05, P<0.01). Flow cytometry showed that the apoptosis rate of CNE1 and CNE2 was significantly increased in all concentration groups of Biyan Jiedu Capsules(P<0.01), and the apoptosis rate was concentration-dependent. Western blot showed that the expressions of XIAP, survivin, PCNA, p-PI3K, and p-Akt in all concentration groups of Biyan Jiedu Capsules were significantly down-regulated(P<0.05, P<0.01). In conclusion, Biyan Jiedu Capsules can inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells possibly by down-regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
Humans ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/physiopathology* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Capsules ; Carcinoma/drug therapy*

Cryopreservation is the primary technique for in vitro preservation of allogeneic tissue. However, its success is often hindered by factors such as low temperature, ischemia, and hypoxia. This study investigated the potential of Sini Decoction, known for its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties, to reduce cryopreservation-induced injury in rats' sciatic nerves. Sini Decoction was prepared according to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, and its cytotoxicity on Rsc96 cells was assessed by using the CCK-8 method. Sini Decoction at concentrations of 4, 8, and 16 mg·mL~(-1), termed as low-(SL), medium-(SM), and high-(SH) doses group, was used for cryopreservation of rats' sciatic nerves. A normal control(NC) group and a fresh nerve control(fresh) group were set. Flow cytometry and TUNEL staining were used to detect the apoptosis of neural tissue cells after cryopreservation. Western blot was used to detect the expression of apoptosis-related proteins(Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-8) and nerve regeneration proteins(NGF and BDNF) in vitro after cryopreservation. Oxidative damage of neural tissue after cryopreservation was evaluated by measuring levels of GSH, SOD, MDA, ROS, and ATP. Cryopreserved nerves were then used for allogeneic transplantation. One week after transplantation, CD4~+ and CD8~+ fluorescent double staining assessed inflammatory cell invasion in the transplanted nerve segment, and ELISA evaluated the expression of serum inflammatory factors(IL-1, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) in recipients. Twenty weeks after transplantation, electrophysiology and NF200 neurofilament staining were used to evaluate nerve regeneration. RESULTS:: showed that Sini Decoction at concentrations of below 32 mg·mL~(-1) exhibited no cytotoxicity to Rsc96 cells. During in vitro nerve cryopreservation, Sini Decoction significantly reduced cell apoptosis, ROS, and MDA production compared to the NC group. In the SH group, the protein expression of NGF and BDNF in vitro, as well as ATP, SOD, and GSH production, were significantly increased. In the rejection reaction one week after transplantation, compared to the fresh nerve transplantation group, the SL and SM groups showed reduced CD4~+ and CD8~+ T cell invasion in the transplanted nerve segment and down-regulated IL-1, IFN-γ, and TNF-α expression in recipient serum. Twenty weeks after transplantation, the electrophysiological test results of CMAP, NCV, and NF200 neurofilament protein fluorescent staining in the SM and SH groups were superior to those in the NC and fresh groups. These findings indicate that Sini Decoction offers protective benefits in the cryopreservation of rats' sciatic nerves and holds significant potential for the in vitro preservation of tissue and organs.
Animals ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Rats ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; Sciatic Nerve/cytology* ; Cryopreservation ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Protective Agents/pharmacology*

Loss of protein homeostasis is a hallmark of cellular senescence, and ribosome pausing plays a crucial role in the collapse of proteostasis. However, our understanding of ribosome pausing in senescent cells remains limited. In this study, we utilized ribosome profiling and G-quadruplex RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing techniques to explore the impact of RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) on the translation efficiency in senescent cells. Our results revealed a reduction in the translation efficiency of rG4-rich genes in senescent cells and demonstrated that rG4 structures within coding sequence can impede translation both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, we observed a significant increase in the abundance of rG4 structures in senescent cells, and the stabilization of the rG4 structures further exacerbated cellular senescence. Mechanistically, the RNA helicase DHX9 functions as a key regulator of rG4 abundance, and its reduced expression in senescent cells contributing to increased ribosome pausing. Additionally, we also observed an increased abundance of rG4, an imbalance in protein homeostasis, and reduced DHX9 expression in aged mice. In summary, our findings reveal a novel biological role for rG4 and DHX9 in the regulation of translation and proteostasis, which may have implications for delaying cellular senescence and the aging process.
G-Quadruplexes ; Cellular Senescence ; Ribosomes/genetics* ; Humans ; Animals ; Mice ; DEAD-box RNA Helicases/genetics* ; Protein Biosynthesis ; RNA/chemistry* ; Neoplasm Proteins

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of expansive open-door laminoplasty combined with single lateral mass screw fixation on the posterior longitudinal ligament ossification and cervical instability and its effect on sagittal balance. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 65 patients with the posterior longitudinal ligament with cervical instability from May 2012 to July 2018 was conducted. The patients were divided into two groups according to the surgical method. Thirty-four patients were treated with open-door laminoplasty including 19 males and 15 females, aged 49 to 60 years old with an average age of (54.4±4.77) years old;symptoms lasted 8 to 39 months with an average of (21.0±8.2) months. Thirty-one patients were treated with single-door laminoplasty combined with single mass screw fixation including 17 males and 14 females, aged 50 to 59 years old with an average age of (55.4±3.2) years;symptoms lasted 7 to 48 months with an average of (23.7±13.1) months. General information of the two groups, including operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative complications was recorded. Sagittal vertical axis(SVA), C₀-C₂ and C₂-C₇ cobb angle were measured by X-ray before operation and at the last follow-up. Clinical efficacy was evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA) score. RESULTS: Surgery was successful in all patients. The operation time (109±15) min in the single-door laminoplasty combined with lateral mass screw fixation group was longer than that in the single-door group(128±16) min(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss, postoperative axial symptoms and follow-up time between two groups(P>0.05). At the latest follow-up, both groups showed significant improvement in the motor and sensory components of the JOA score and the total JOA score compared to pre-surgery(P<0.05) and no significant change in bladder function score(P>0.05). There was no significant difference between two groups(P>0.05). At the latest follow-up, the C₀-C₂ Cobb angle increased in both groups compared to preoperative and more the single-door laminoplasty group(P<0.05). The angle of the C₂-C₇ Cobb angle decreased in both groups, and the reduction was greater in the single-door laminoplasty combined with lateral mass screw fixation group(P<0.05). There was a significant increase in C₂-C₇ SVA in the single-door laminoplasty group(P<0.05) and no significant change the single-door laminoplasty combined with lateral screw fixation group(P>0.05). CONCLUSION Posterior cervical laminoplasty with unilateral lateral mass screw fixation combined with single-door vertebral plate shaping surgery improves the neurological function and quality of life in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy complicated by ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and cervical instability. Compared with single-door vertebral plate shaping surgery, postoperative cervical lordosis and forward-tilt can be improved.
Humans ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Female ; Laminoplasty/methods* ; Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament/physiopathology* ; Bone Screws ; Cervical Vertebrae/physiopathology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Joint Instability/surgery*

Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) is a critical endocrine mediator implicated in male reproductive physiology. To investigate the correlation between IGF2 protein levels and various aspects of male infertility, specifically focusing on sperm quality, inflammation, and DNA damage, a cohort of 320 male participants was recruited from the Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Hangzhou, China) between 1 st January 2024 and 1 st March 2024. The relationship between IGF2 protein concentrations and sperm parameters was assessed, and Spearman correlation and linear regression analysis were employed to evaluate the independent associations between IGF2 protein levels and risk factors for infertility. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure IGF2 protein levels in seminal plasma, alongside markers of inflammation (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α] and interleukin-1β [IL-1β]). The relationship between seminal plasma IGF2 protein levels and DNA damage marker phosphorylated histone H2AX (γ-H2AX) was also explored. Our findings reveal that IGF2 protein expression decreased notably in patients with asthenospermia and teratospermia. Correlation analysis revealed nuanced associations between IGF2 protein levels and specific sperm parameters, and low IGF2 protein concentrations correlated with increased inflammation and DNA damage in sperm. The observed correlations between IGF2 protein levels and specific sperm parameters, along with its connection to inflammation and DNA damage, underscore the importance of IGF2 in the broader context of male reproductive health. These findings lay the groundwork for future research and potential therapeutic interventions targeting IGF2-related pathways to enhance male fertility.
Humans ; Male ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor II/metabolism* ; Infertility, Male/genetics* ; DNA Damage ; Adult ; Inflammation/metabolism* ; Spermatozoa/metabolism* ; Semen Analysis ; Semen/metabolism* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; Histones/metabolism* ; Interleukin-1beta/metabolism*