OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of microtubule-actin crosslinking factor 1 (MACF1) in the response of glioma cells to temozolomide (TMZ).

METHODSTMZ was applied to a human gliomablastoma cell line (U87) and changes in the protein expression and cellular localization were determined with Western blot, RT-PCR, and immunofluorescence. The responses of the cells with MACF1 expression knockdown by RNA interference to TMZ were assessed. TMZ-induced effects on MACF1 expression were also assessed by immunohistochemistry in a nude mouse model bearing human glioblastoma xenografts.

RESULTSTMZ resulted in significantly increased MACF1 expression (by about 2 folds) and changes in its localization in the gliomablastoma cells both in vitro and in vivo (P<0.01). Knockdown of MACF1 reduced the proliferation (by 45%) of human glioma cell lines treated with TMZ (P<0.01). TMZ-induced changes in MACF1 expression was accompanied by cytoskeletal rearrangement.

CONCLUSIONMACF1 may be a potential therapeutic target for glioblastoma.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Trichinella spiralis and its worm-derived proteins on cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis in mice.

METHODSEighty male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into sham-operated group, CLP group, Trichinella spiralis muscle larvae (ML) pre-infection group (ML+CLP group), soluble muscle larvae proteins (SMP) treatment group (SMP+CLP group) and excretory-secretory proteins (MES) treatment group (MES+CLP group). In ML+CLP group, the mice were orally infected with 300 Trichinella spiralis muscle larvae at 28 days before CLP and those in the other groups were intraperitioneally injected with PBS or SMP (25 µg/mice) or MES (25µg/mice) 30 min after CLP. The general condition and 72-h survival after CLP of the mice were observed. The levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10 and TGF-β were measured at 12 h after the operation, and the pathological changes of the liver and kidney were observed.

RESULTSs Compared with the sham-operated mice, the mice in CLP group showed decreased 72-h survival, obviously increased ALT, AST, BUN, Cr, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, and TGF-β with hepatic cords disorder, hepatocytes swelling, glomerulus shrinkage, and renal tubular cell edema. Compared with CLP group, the mice in ML+CLP group showed lowered levels of ALT, AST, Cr, TNF-α and IL-1β and increased levels of IL-10 and TGF-β; in SMP+CLP group, the levels of ALT, AST, Cr, TNF-α and IL-1β were decreased and TGF-β increased. In MES+CLP group, the mice showed obviously increased 72-h survival with lowered levels of ALT, AST, BUN, Cr, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β, increased levels of IL-10 and TGF-β, and alleviated liver and kidney damages.

CONCLUSIONTrichinella spiralis and its worm-derived proteins can decrease the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increase immunomodulatory cytokines, and MES has more potent effect to reduce structural and functional damages of the liver and kidney.

Alanine Transaminase ; blood ; Animals ; Antigens, Helminth ; pharmacology ; Aspartate Aminotransferases ; blood ; Blood Urea Nitrogen ; Cecum ; Creatinine ; blood ; Cytokines ; blood ; Helminth Proteins ; pharmacology ; Kidney ; physiopathology ; Kidney Diseases ; therapy ; Ligation ; Liver ; physiopathology ; Liver Diseases ; therapy ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Sepsis ; therapy ; Trichinella spiralis

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of polydatin on the growth of TGF-β₁induced humanalveolar epithelium A549 cells and the mechanism of polydatin for inhibiting the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

METHODSA549 cells in vitro cultured were randomly divided into five groups, i.e., the blank group, the control group, the low dose polydatin group, the middle dose polydatin group, the high dose polydatin group. Common culture fluid was added in A549 cells of the blank group. Five ng/mLTGF-β₁contained culture fluid was added in A549 cells of the control group. 50, 100, and 150 μmol/mL of polydatin plus 5 ng/mL TGF-β₁contained culture fluid was added in A549 cells of low, middle, and high dosepolydatin groups, respectively. Morphological changes were observed and recorded at different time points. The optimal concentration of polydatin was determined by MTT method. Protein and mRNA expressions of E-cad epithelial cell marker) and Vimentin (mesenchymal cell marker) were detected by Western blot and Real-time PCR.

RESULTSUnder inverted phase contrast microscope, A549 cells turned from previous pebble shape to fusiform shape after intervened by polydatin and TGF-β1. The intercellular space was enlargedand the intercellular connection became loose. These phenomena were more obviously seen in the control group. A549 cells were more satiated in low, middle, and high dose polydatin groups than in the control group. The EMT inhibition was most obviously seen in the middle dose polydatin group at 48 h. Protein and mRNA expressions of E-cad showed an overall descending tendency after intervened by polydatin and TGF-β1 (P < 0.05). But compared with the control group, protein and mRNA expressions of E-cad were down-regulated in a lesser amplitude in each intervened group. Besides, the tendency was more obviously seen at 48 h than at 24 h. Protein and mRNA expressions of Vimentin showed an overall up-regulating tendency. But compared with the control group, protein and mRNA expressions of Vimentin were down-regulated in a lesser amplitude in each intervened group. Besides, the tendency was more obviously seen at 48 h than at 24 h (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Polydatin could inhibit TGF-β1 induced EMT process of A549 cells time- and dose-dependently. It also played roles in inhibiting pulmonary fibrosis.

Cadherins ; metabolism ; Cell Line ; Epithelial Cells ; drug effects ; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition ; drug effects ; Glucosides ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Stilbenes ; pharmacology ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; pharmacology ; Vimentin ; metabolism

BACKGROUNDIn central precocious puberty (CPP), the pulse secretion and release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) are increased due to early activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, resulting in developmental abnormalities with gonadal development and appearance of secondary sexual characteristics. The CPP without organic disease is known as idiopathic CPP (ICPP). The objective of the study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of domestic leuprorelin (GnRH analog) in girls with ICPP.

METHODSA total of 236 girls with ICPP diagnosed from April 2012 to January 2014 were selected and were randomized into two groups. One hundred fifty-seven girls in the test group were treated with domestic leuprorelin acetate, 79 girls in the control group were treated with imported leuprorelin acetate. They all were treated and observed for 6 months. After 6-month treatment, the percentage of children with peak luteinizing hormone (LH) ≤3.3 U/L, the percentage of children with peak LH/peak follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio <0.6, the improvements of secondary sexual characteristics, gonadal development and sex hormone levels, the change of growth rate of bone age (BA) and growth velocity, and drug adverse effects between two groups were compared.

RESULTSAfter the treatment, the percentage of children with a suppressed LH response to GnRH, defined as a peak LH ≤3.3 U/L, at 6 months in test and control groups were 96.80% and 96.20%, respectively, and the percentage of children with peak LH/FSH ratio ≤0.6 at 6 months in test and control groups were 93.60% and 93.70%, respectively. The sizes of breast, uterus and ovary of children and the levels of estradiol (E 2 ) were significantly reduced, and the growth rate of BA was also reduced. All the differences between pre- and post-treatment in each group were statistically significant (P < 0. 05), but the differences of the parameters between two groups were not significant (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSDomestic leuprorelin is effective and safe in the treatment of Chinese girls with ICPP. Its effectiveness and safety are comparable with imported leuprorelin.

Body Height ; drug effects ; Body Weight ; drug effects ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone ; blood ; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone ; blood ; Humans ; Leuprolide ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Luteinizing Hormone ; blood ; Puberty, Precocious ; blood ; drug therapy ; Treatment Outcome

To compare the difference of total phenol of magnolia solid dispersion prepared by different methods. Hot melt extrusion, solvent evaporation method, and fusion-cooling method were used to prepare total phenol of Magnolia accessory solid dispersion, Plastone S-630 and HPC. The drug dispersion state in the prepared solid dispersion was evaluated with DSC and X-ray diffraction; FT-IR method was used to analyze the possible connections between drug and accessories. Finally, accelerated stability-in vivo dissolution test was use to compare the stability differences between these three processes. The results of DSC and X-ray diffraction showed that all of the drug in solid dispersion processed by three processes can exist in amorphous form; FT-IR results also could not distinguish the difference between the three processes; accelerated stability-in vivo dissolution test showed the stability of solid dispersion prepared by HPC was better than Plastone S-630, and the same kinds of materials solid dispersion prepared by hot melt extrusion showed a better stability than the other two processes.
Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; methods ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Magnolia ; chemistry ; Phenol ; chemistry ; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared ; X-Ray Diffraction

To establish HPLC specific chromatogram and its correlation with the protection effect of Shuanghuanglian on MDCK (Madin-Darby canine kidney) cell injury induced by influenza A virus( H1N1). Nine recipes of Shuanghuanglian based on the official prescription were prepared according to orthogonal test for HPLC analysis and MDCK cells protection experiment separately (cytopathic effect (CPE) method was used for observing the virus infectivity and MTT staining results were used as the determining indexes for drug concentration selection and analyzing cell viability). The results suggested that all the other Shuang-Huang-Lian recipes except recipe1 demonstrate protecting effect on MDCK cell injury induced by influenza A virus (P < 0.01, P < 0.001). Stepwise regression analysis was used for analyzing the relationships between HPLC fingerprint and the protecting effect of Shuanghuanglian on influenza A virus induced MDCK cell injury. Peak 2, 3, 6, 8 and 12 were found to be strongly related with anti-influenza A virus efficacy. Stepwise regression analysis of recipes data and efficacy data showed that Lonicerae Japonicae Flos and Forsythiae Fructus were positively associated with the protecting effect of cells injury. From HPLC fingerprints, we found that peak 2, 3, 12 were from Lonicerae Japonicae Flos and peak 6, 8 were from Forsythiae Fructus. Four peaks were identified through comparing the retention time between the standard and Shuanghuanglian recipes, and they were chlorogenicacid, cryptochlorogenic acid, forsythoside B and 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid respectively. Caffeic acid derivatives in Lonicerae Japonicae Flos and Forsythiae Fructus were found to be greatly correlated with anti-influenza A virus efficacy and maybe the substance basis of Shuanghuanglian.
Animals ; Antiviral Agents ; analysis ; pharmacology ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Dogs ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; pharmacology ; Forsythia ; chemistry ; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype ; drug effects ; physiology ; Lonicera ; chemistry ; Madin Darby Canine Kidney Cells ; Scutellaria baicalensis ; chemistry

The bioactivities, chemical composition and distribution of aerial parts of Panax species are different from the roots. The present paper summarized the phytochemical and analytical studies of aerial parts of Panax species, including P. ginseng, P. notoginseng, P. quinquefoliun and P. japonicus. This review aims so as to provide scientific evidences for further investigation of chemical profile, quality control and optimal utilization of these resources.
Chemistry Techniques, Analytical ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Panax ; chemistry ; Plant Components, Aerial ; chemistry ; Quality Control ; Saponins ; analysis ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2)-siRNA on the inflammatory response of rat cardiomyocytes (H9C2) induced by septic serum and to investigate the possible role of UCP2 in the development of septic cardiomyopathy.

METHODSSerum samples were separately collected from normal rats and septic rats. Cultured rat cardiac cells (H9C2) were randomly divided into blank control, normal serum, 10% septic serum, UCP2-siRNA+10% septic serum and negative siRNA+10% septic serum groups. Stimulation with 10% septic serum was performed for 12 hours in relevant groups. The mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) was measured by RT-PCR. The expression of phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-p38 MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) was measured by Western blot.

RESULTSThe expression levels of p-p38 and NF-κB in the UCP2-siRNA+10% septic serum group were significantly higher than in the 10% septic serum group (P<0.05). The UCP2-siRNA+10% septic serum group had a significantly higher TNF-α mRNA expression than the 10% septic serum group (P<0.01), but IL-1β mRNA expression showed no significant difference between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONSUCP2 plays a regulatory role in the activation of p38 MAPK and NF-κB and the expression of downstream inflammatory mediators in H9C2 cells stimulated with septic serum.

Animals ; Cardiomyopathies ; etiology ; Cells, Cultured ; Inflammation ; etiology ; Interleukin-1beta ; genetics ; Ion Channels ; genetics ; physiology ; Male ; Mitochondrial Proteins ; genetics ; physiology ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; metabolism ; NF-kappa B ; metabolism ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sepsis ; blood ; complications ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; genetics ; Uncoupling Protein 2 ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism

BACKGROUNDMaxillary anterior segmental distraction osteogenesis (MASDO) is a recently used method for correction of severe maxillary retrusion in cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients. In this article, we evaluated the feasibility of MASDO using rigid external distraction (RED) and rapid orthodontic tooth movement to correct severe maxillary retrusion in CLP patients.

METHODSFourteen male and five female complete CLP patients between the ages of 18 and 22 years (mean age 19.7 years) at the time of distraction, with severe maxillary retrusion, were treated with the rigid external distraction (RED) device after maxillary anterior osteotomy. Rapid orthodontic tooth movement was started one week after the MASDO. Standard profile photographic, cephalometric films were obtained preoperatively and after therapy. Sella-nasion-point A (SNA) and Sella-nasion-point B (SNB) angles were measured to reflect changes in maxillary and mandibular position, and the distance between anterior nasal spine and posterior nasal spine (ANS-PNS) was measured to represent the maxillary dental arch length.

RESULTSThe SNA angle increased from an average of 74.6° (range 73.0°-78.0°), preoperatively, to 83.4° (range 78.6°-88.0°) after the RED was removed (P < 0.01). All cases of severe maxillary retrusion were improved. Nine patients' profiles became harmonious after therapy. One patient had a bimaxillary protrusion deformity and needed further surgery. The regenerate alveolar crest and edentulous space on both segments was almost completely eliminated after rapid orthodontic tooth movement.

CONCLUSIONMASDO with the RED system and rapid orthodontic tooth movement is a successful way of correcting severe maxillary retrusion in CLP patients.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Cleft Lip ; surgery ; Cleft Palate ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Osteogenesis, Distraction ; methods ; Tooth Movement Techniques ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate molecular characterization of streptococcus pyogenes isolates involved in an outbreak of scarlet fever in China in 2011.

METHODSSeventy-four Streptococcal pyogenes involved in an outbreak of scarlet fever were isolated from pediatric patients in the areas with high incidence in China from May to August of 2011. Emm genotyping, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), superantigen (SAg) genes and antimicrobial susceptibility profiling were analyzed for these isolates.

RESULTSA total of 4 different emm types were identified. Emm12 was the most prevalent type which contained four predominating PFGE patterns corresponding to four different virulence and superantigen profiles. Emm12 (79.7%) and emm1 (14.9%) accounted for approximately 94% of all the isolates. The speA gene was all negative in emm12 isolates and positive in emm1 isolates. All strains were resistant to erythromycin, and 89.4% of them were resistant to erythromycin, tracycline, and clindamycin simultaneously.

CONCLUSIONSeveral highly diversified clones with a high macrolide resistance rate comprise a predominant proportion of circulating strains, though no new emm type was found in this outbreak. The data provide a baseline for further surveillance of scarlet fever, which may contribute to the explanation of the outbreak and development of a GAS vaccine in China.

Anti-Bacterial Agents ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Child ; China ; epidemiology ; Disease Outbreaks ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field ; Humans ; Incidence ; Molecular Epidemiology ; Scarlet Fever ; drug therapy ; epidemiology ; microbiology ; Streptococcus pyogenes ; drug effects ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; pathogenicity ; Virulence