Objective:Hypoxia is a common pathological phenomenon,usually caused by insufficient oxygen supply or inability to use oxygen effectively.Hydroxylated and methoxylated flavonoids have significant anti-hypoxia activity.This study aims to explore the synthesis,antioxidant and anti-hypoxia activities of 6-hydroxygenistein(6-OHG)and its methoxylated derivatives. Methods:The 6-OHG and its methoxylated derivatives,including 4',6,7-trimethoxy-5-hydroxyisoflavone(compound 3),4',5,6,7-tetramethoxyisoflavone(compound 4),4',6-imethoxy-5,7-dihydroxyisoflavone(compound 6),and 4'-methoxy-5,6,7-trihydroxyisoflavone(compound 7),were synthesized by methylation,bromination,methoxylation,and demethylation using biochanin A as raw material.The structure of these products were characterized by 1hydrogen-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy(1H-NMR)and mass spectrometry(MS).The purity of these compounds was detected by high pressure chromatography(HPLC).The antioxidant activity in vitro was investigated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical(DPPH)free radical scavenging assay.PC12 cells were divided into a normal group,a hypoxia model group,rutin(1×10-9-1×10-5 mol/L)groups,and target compounds(1×10-9-1×10-5 mol/L)groups under normal and hypoxic conditions.Cell viability was detected by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)assay,the target compounds with excellent anti-hypoxia activity and the drug concentration at the maximum anti-hypoxia activity were screened.PC12 cells were treated with the optimal concentration of the target compound or rutin with excellent anti-hypoxia activity,and the cell morphology was observed under light microscope.The apoptotic rate was determined by flow cytometry,and the expressions of hypoxia inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α)and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)were detected by Western blotting. Results:The structure of 6-OHG and its 4 methylated derivatives were correct,and the purity was all more than 97%.When the concentration was 4 mmol/L,the DPPH free radical removal rates of chemical compounds 7 and 6-OHG were 81.16%and 86.94%,respectively,which were higher than those of rutin,the positive control.The removal rates of chemical compounds 3,4,and 6 were all lower than 20%.Compared with the normal group,the cell viability of the hypoxia model group was significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the hypoxia model group,compounds 3,4,and 6 had no significant effect on cell viability under hypoxic conditions.At all experimental concentrations,the cell viability of the 6-OHG group was significantly higher than that of the hypoxia model group(all P<0.05).The cell viability of compound 7 group at 1×10-7 and 1×10-6 mol/L was significantly higher than that of the hypoxia model group(both P<0.05).The anti-hypoxia activity of 6-OHG and compound 7 was excellent,and the optimal drug concentration was 1×10-6 and 1×10-7 mol/L.After PC12 cells was treated with 6-OHG(1×10-6 mol/L)and compound 7(1×10-7 mol/L),the cell damage was reduced,the apoptotic rate was significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the protein expression levels of HIF-1α and VEGF were significantly decreased in comparison with the hypoxia model group(both P<0.01). Conclusion:The optimized synthesis route can increase the yield of 6-OHG and obtain 4 derivatives by methylation and selective demethylation.6-OHG and compound 7 have excellent antioxidant and anti-hypoxia activities,which are related to the structure of the A-ring ortho-triphenol hydroxyl group in the molecule.

Objective To investigate the changes of brain networks function in patients with primary dysmenorrhea(PDM)during menstruation based on topological attributes of brain network.Methods Brain resting-state functional MRI of 57 PDM patients(PDM group)and 50 healthy women(health control[HC]group)were prospectively collected within the first or the second day of menstruation.Clinical scores were obtained and compared between groups.Results Visual analogue scale,cox menstrual symptom scale,self-rating anxiety scale and self-rating depression scale scores in PDM group were all higher than those in HC group(all P＜0.05).At the sparsity of 0.04-0.50,brain networks in both groups conformed to the small world attribute characteristics,and no significant difference of global attributes of brain network was found between groups(all P＞0.05).The node efficiency(Ne)and node degree(Dc)of bilateral posterior cingulate gyrus(PCG),as well as De and node betweenness(Bc)of left middle frontal gyrus(MFG)in PDM group were all higher than those in HC group,while Ne and De of left inferior temporal gyrus in PDM group were lower than those in HC group(all P＜0.01).Compared with HC group,the functional connections between left PCG and right calcarine fissure and surrounding cortex,right lingual gyrus and left MFG,as well as between right PCG and right dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus and left MFG,between right insula and left middle occipital gyrus enhanced in PDM group(all P＜0.001).Conclusion In PDM patients,local brain networks function such as default mode network,central executive network and salience network were over-activated during menstruation,yet the overall brain network still had good coordination and organization.

Objective:To elucidate the cytopathological characteristics,molecular subtypes,and clinical prognoses of metastatic breast car-cinoma with serosal effusions.Methods:Seventeen cases that included effusion cytology and clinical data were retrospectively analyzed.Two patients were diagnosed between April 2016 and September 2023 at the Suzhou Ninth Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University,and 15 patients were diagnosed at The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University.Cytopathological characteristics,molecular subtypes,and prognoses were analyzed.Results:The cytopathological features of metastatic breast carcinoma in serosal effusions were as follows:1)In-vasive ductal carcinoma:one cell type was relatively densely arranged in nests or colored spheres,which displayed an elevated nuclear/cyto-plasmic ratio,irregular nuclear membrane,and cytoplasmic mucin vacuoles.The other cell type was tiled,single scattered,and varied in size and shape,with enlarged nuclei and elevated nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio.2)Invasive lobular carcinoma:cells were scattered and uniform in size and shape.The nuclei had a relatively regular shape,but displayed an elevated nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio.Among the 17 breast can-cer cases,6 had transitioned in molecular subtyping,including 1 case from Luminal A to triple-negative type,1 case from Luminal B to hu-man epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER-2)-overexpressing type,and 4 cases from Luminal B to triple-negative type.Conclusions:The cytopathological characteristics of serous effusion cells combined with immunocytochemical staining and fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH)suggest that it is important to determine the origin and molecular typing of tumor cells.This provides an important basis for precise clinical treatment and prognosis.

OBJECTIVE To explore the protective effect and possible mechanism of baicalein on hypoxia-induced cortical neuron injury in rats. METHODS The cortical neurons of rats （RN-C cells） were studied and cultured under hypoxic conditions （5%CO2， 94% N2， 1%O2） for 24 hours； the effects of different concentrations of baicalein （0.01， 0.1， 1， 10， 100 μmol/L） on the survival rate of hypoxic RN-C cells were investigated； the effects of baicalein （0.1 μmol/L） on the activities of lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） and superoxide dismutase （SOD）， the content of malondialdehyde （MDA）， migration rate， apoptotic rate， cell cycle and the expressions of cleaved caspase-3， B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2） and Bcl-2 X protein （Bax） were all detected. RESULTS Compared with control group， the survival rate of cells in the hypoxia group was significantly reduced （P＜0.01）； 0.01， 0.1 and 1 μmol/L baicalein could reverse survival rate of hypoxia-induced cortical neurons （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Scratch experiments showed that baicalein significantly increased the migration rate of hypoxic RN-C cells （P＜0.01）. Compared with control group， the activity of LDH in the supernatant and the content of MDA in the cells， apoptotic rate and the proportion of cells in G1 phase， were significantly increased in the hypoxia group， while SOD activity and the proportion of cells in G2+S phase was decreased significantly （P＜0.01）. The protein expressions of cleaved caspase-3 were increased significantly， while the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax in cells was significantly reduced （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with hypoxia group， the above indexes were all reversed significantly in baicalein group （P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS Baicalein can promote the proliferation and migration of cortical neurons， improve hypoxia-induced cell apoptosis and cell cycle distribution， decrease the activity of LDH in supernatant and the level of cellular lipid peroxidation， and improve antioxidant levels. Its mechanism may be related to regulating the caspase- 3/Bax/Bcl-2 pathway.

Flavonoids have been reported to possess significant pharmacological activities,such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. However, the low solubility and low bioavailability limits their clinical application. Nanocrystal technology can solve the delivery problems of flavonoids by reducing particle size, increasing the solubility of insoluble drugs and improving their bioavailability. This article summaries nanosuspension preparation methods and the stabilizers for flavonoid nanocrystals, and reviews the drug delivery routes including oral, Injection and transdermal of flavonoid nanocrystals, to provide information for further research on nanocrystal delivery system of flavonoids.
Flavonoids/pharmacology* ; Pharmaceutical Preparations/chemistry* ; Biological Availability ; Nanoparticles/chemistry* ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents ; Particle Size

Objective To study the possible mechanism of 7-hydroxyethyl chrysin (7-HEC) on high altitude cerebral edema (HACE). Methods A rat model of high altitude cerebral edema was established. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in rat brain tissues were measured. The expression levels of apoptosis, cell cycle and autophagy related proteins were detected by Western blotting to explore the protective effect of 7-HEC on high altitude cerebral edema and its mechanism. Results Compared with the control group, the content of MDA in the brain tissue of the hypoxia model group was significantly up-regulated; the activity of SOD was significantly down-regulated, the relative expression of CyclinD1, CyclinE1, CDK6 and CDK2, apoptotic proteins Bcl-2, PARP, and autophagy protein LC3-B were down-regulated; and the relative expression of apoptotic protein Bax and autophagy protein P62 were up-regulated; the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05); Compared with the hypoxia model group, the content of MDA was down-regulated and the activity of SOD was significantly up-regulated in the 7-HEC administration group. The relative expression of CyclinD1, CyclinE1, CDK6, CDK2, apoptotic proteins Bcl-2, PARP, autophagy protein LC3-B was up-regulated and the relative expression of apoptotic proteins Bax and the relative expression of autophagy protein P62 was down-regulated in the 7-HEC administration group. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion 7-HEC has a certain protective effect on high altitude cerebral edema, and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of cell cycle, autophagy, apoptosis and oxidative stress pathways.

Objective To study the protective effect and mechanism of Saussurea involucrata flavone capsule on the myocardial tissue of mice in simulated plateau hypoxia environment. Methods 64 Balb/c mice were randomly divided into normal control group, hypoxia model group, positive control group and Xuelian flavonoid capsule group. Myocardial tissue was observed microscopically and ultra-structurally, and the changes of hypoxia-related indexes were detected. The changes in the transcription levels of hypoxia-related genes were detected by RT-PCR, and the changes in the protein expressions of hypoxia-related genes were detected by Western blotting to study the mechanism of action of Xuelian flavone capsules. Results Saussurea involucrata flavone capsule had significantly alleviated the pathological damage to the myocardium of mice caused by simulated altitude hypoxia, increased the activity of T-AOC in myocardial tissue, reduced the accumulation of LD, and also reduced the expression levels of HIF-1α and VEGF mRNA in myocardial tissue, increased the SOD, CAT mRNA and protein expression levels. Conclusion Saussurea involucrata flavone capsule have good anti-altitude hypoxia effect, which could protect myocardial tissue structure and function, regulate energy metabolism, and improve antioxidant capacity. The mechanism might be related to improving the antioxidant capacity, regulating energy metabolism, and affecting the protein expression of HIF-1α, VEGF, SOD and CAT mRNA in high altitude hypoxic mice.

To investigate the active compounds from on the heart and brain of mice at simulated high altitude.Fifty healthy male adult BALB/c mice were randomly divided into normal control group, hypoxic model group, acetazolamide group, petroleum ether extract of (PESI) group and octacosan group with 10 mice in each group. Acetazolamide group, PESI group and octacosan group were treated with acetazolamide PESI (200 mg/kg) or octacosan by single tail vein injection, respectively. Except normal control group, the mice were exposed to a simulated high altitude of for in an animal decompression chamber. After the mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation, the heart and brain were histologically observed by HE staining; superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, total anti-oxidant capacity (T-AOC) and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in plasma, heart and brain tissues were detected by WST-1 method, ABTS method and TBA method, respectively; lactic acid and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in plasma, heart and brain tissues were detected by colorimetric method and microwell plate method, respectively; ATP content and ATPase activity in heart and brain tissues were detected by colorimetric method. PESI and octacosane significantly attenuated the pathological damages of heart and brain tissue at simulated high altitude; increased SOD activity, T-AOC and LDH activity, and decreased the contents of MDA and lactic acid in plasma, heart and brain tissues; increased the content of ATP in heart and brain tissues; increased the activities of Na-K ATPase, Mg ATPase, Ca ATPase and Ca-Mg ATPase in myocardial tissue; and increased the activities of Mg ATPase, Ca-Mg ATPase in brain tissue. PESI and octacosan exert anti-hypoxic activity by improving the antioxidant capacity, reducing the free radical levels, promoting the anaerobic fermentation, and alleviating the energy deficiency and metabolic disorders caused by hypoxia in mice.
Altitude ; Animals ; Brain/metabolism* ; Heart ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism*

OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical diagnostic features and treatment of desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT), and to improve the understanding and management of this tumor.

METHODSThe clinicopathological data of nine patients treated in our hospital from October 2004 to June 2014 were retrospectively analyzed and a review of the literature was made. The clinical manifestations, pathological characteristics, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of this tumor were summarized and analyzed.

RESULTSNine patients with DSRCT, 5 males and 4 females, with an average age of 21 years (range 8-56 years) were included in this study. Ultrasound examination revealed irregular low-density mass shadow in the abdominal cavity. CT examination found that 6 cases had abdominal and retroperitoneal multiple solid tumor nodules, uneven density, and visible low density fluid area. Postoperative pathological examination revealed that the tumor cells were small, mostly elliptic, gathered to form clear structure of nests with clear irregular boundaries. The central portion of large tumor nests often showed necrosis. Scattered fibroblasts and large amount of hyalinization of collagen fibers were seen in the interstitial tissue around the nests. Six patients received laparotomy surgery, however, all failed to resect the tumor completely. Three patients received postoperative chemotherapy, i. e. two cases had carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy, and one case of chemotherapy regimen not specified. Two patients had radiation and chemotherapy (no concrete plan was available). Another case was lost to follow-up. Two of the three patients without surgery received chemotherapy with CAP (cyclophosphamide+adriamycin+carboplatin) and total rectal lesions, pelvic and inguinal lymph nodes, ilium metastases radiation therapy. Another one patient received EP regimen (DDP+VP16) which was then changed into a TP chemotherapy alone. Eight of the nine cases died shortly after surgery, and only one patient treated with chemotherapy alone was still alive after 11 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONSDesmoplastic small round cell tumor is a very rare, special type of soft tissue tumor, with very poor prognosis. This tumor may be preliminarily diagnosed according to the imaging characteristics and detection of tumor markers, however, final diagnosis is made by pathology. Surgery is the priority of treatment, combined with complementary radiation and chemotherapy.

Abdominal Neoplasms ; complications ; diagnosis ; mortality ; therapy ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; analysis ; Carboplatin ; administration & dosage ; Child ; Combined Modality Therapy ; methods ; Cyclophosphamide ; administration & dosage ; Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor ; complications ; diagnosis ; mortality ; therapy ; Doxorubicin ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Paclitaxel ; administration & dosage ; analysis ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies

Objective To explore the clinical diagnostic features and treatment of desmoplastic small round cell tumor ( DSRCT ) , and to improve the understanding and management of this tumor. Methods The clinicopathological data of nine patients treated in our hospital from October 2004 to June 2014 were retrospectively analyzed and a review of the literature was made. The clinical manifestations, pathological characteristics, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of this tumor were summarized and analyzed. Results Nine patients with DSRCT, 5 males and 4 females, with an average age of 21 years ( range 8?56 years) were included in this study. Ultrasound examination revealed irregular low?density mass shadow in the abdominal cavity. CT examination found that 6 cases had abdominal and retroperitoneal multiple solid tumor nodules, uneven density, and visible low density fluid area. Postoperative pathological examination revealed that the tumor cells were small, mostly elliptic, gathered to form clear structure of nests with clear irregular boundaries. The central portion of large tumor nests often showed necrosis. Scattered fibroblasts and large amount of hyalinization of collagen fibers were seen in the interstitial tissue around the nests. Six patients received laparotomy surgery, however, all failed to resect the tumor completely. Three patients received postoperative chemotherapy, i.e. two cases had carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy, and one case of chemotherapy regimen not specified. Two patients had radiation and chemotherapy ( no concrete plan was available) . Another case was lost to follow?up. Two of the three patients without surgery received chemotherapy with CAP ( cyclophosphamide + adriamycin + carboplatin) and total rectal lesions, pelvic and inguinal lymph nodes, ilium metastases radiation therapy. Another one patient received EP regimen ( DDP+VP16) which was then changed into a TP chemotherapy alone. Eight of the nine cases died shortly after surgery, and only one patient treated with chemotherapy alone was still alive after 11 months of follow?up. Conclusions Desmoplastic small round cell tumor is a very rare, special type of soft tissue tumor, with very poor prognosis. This tumor may be preliminarily diagnosed according to the imaging characteristics and detection of tumor markers, however, final diagnosis is made by pathology. Surgery is the priority of treatment, combined with complementary radiation and chemotherapy.