Albumin is known to have neuroprotective effects. The protein has a long half-life circulation, and its effects can therefore persist for a long time to aid in the recovery of brain ischemia. In the present study, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of human serum albumin (HSA) on brain hemodynamics. Albumin is administrated using repeated oral gavage to the rodents. Sprague-Dawley rats underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion procedures and served as a stroke model. Afterwards, 25% human serum albumin (1.25 g/kg) or saline (5 ml/kg) was orally administrated for 2 weeks in alternating days. After 2 weeks, the rodents were assessed for levels of brain ischemia. Our testing battery consists of behavioral tests and in vivo optical imaging sessions. Modified neurological severity scores (mNSS) were obtained to assess the levels of ischemia and the effects of HSA oral administration. We found that the experimental group demonstrated larger hemodynamic responses following sensory stimulation than controls that were administered with saline. HSA administration resulted in more significant changes in cerebral blood volume following direct cortical electric stimulation. In addition, the mNSS of the treatment group was lower than the control group. In particular, brain tissue staining revealed that the infarct size was also much smaller with HSA administration. This study provides support for the efficacy of HSA, and that long-term oral administration of HSA may induce neuroprotective effects against brain ischemia.
Administration, Oral* ; Animals ; Anoxia ; Behavior Rating Scale ; Blood Volume ; Brain Ischemia* ; Brain* ; Electric Stimulation ; Half-Life ; Hemodynamics ; Humans* ; Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery ; Ischemia ; Neuroprotection ; Neuroprotective Agents ; Optical Imaging ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rodentia ; Serum Albumin* ; Stroke

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Among diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients, determining the appropriate dose and chemotherapy schedule to balance toxicity and efficacy is harder in elderly than in younger patients. Moreover, there are no currently available clinical factors that consistently identify patients who are unfit to receive chemotherapy. Therefore, the clinical characteristics and outcomes of elderly patients with DLBCL and the causes of treatment-related death were investigated in this study. METHODS: The clinical characteristics and outcomes of 44 elderly (> or = 70 years of age) patients diagnosed with DLBCL between January 2005 and June 2013 were evaluated. Variable clinical data along with the response rate, overall survival (OS), and causes of treatment-related death or treatment interruption were investigated. RESULTS: The median OS was 18.6 months, and 19 patients completed curative treatment. The mean average relative dose intensity of adriamycin in patients who completed chemotherapy was 0.617, and of these patients, 16 achieved complete remission. Chemotherapy incompletion, infectious complications, ex tranoda l involvement, high lactate dehydrogenase, poor performance status, and low albumin level at diagnosis were related to a shorter OS. However, multivariate analysis revealed that only infections and chemotherapy incompletion were significantly related to poor prognosis. The most common cause of treatment-related death was infection, and patients who had experienced infectious complications tended to have lower albumin levels than those of patients without such complications. CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of elderly lymphoma patients, the dose intensity of adriamycin is not as important as it is in young patients. However, in elderly patients, infections are particularly dangerous, especially in patients with low albumin levels.
Age Factors ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic/*administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/adverse effects/*therapeutic use ; Chi-Square Distribution ; Communicable Diseases/blood/diagnosis/mortality ; Disease Progression ; Doxorubicin/*administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Female ; Geriatric Assessment ; Humans ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/blood/diagnosis/*drug therapy/mortality ; Male ; Multivariate Analysis ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Remission Induction ; Republic of Korea ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Serum Albumin/analysis ; Time Factors ; Treatment Outcome

There are some small molecules with potential allergenicity in traditional Chinese medicine injections. They are lack of immunogenicity due to their small molecular weight, but they can lead to allergic reactions when they were coupled with appropriate vectors. Therefore, how to couple small molecule semi-antigens with vectors to prepare complete antigens with immunogenicity and reactogenicity is the key for screening small molecular allergenic substances out of traditional Chinese medicine injections. In terms of semi-antigen characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine injections, vector selection and application, coupling method and complete antigen purification and identification, the author introduces the latest research situations of artificial antigen and antibody preparation technology, the advance in experimental studies on screening of allergenic substances in traditional Chinese medicine injections, as well as the application prospect of immuno-chip technology in studies on allergenic substances in traditional Chinese medicine injections, with the aim of providing new experimental thoughts and methods for safety control of traditional Chinese medicine injections.
Allergens ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; immunology ; Antigens ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; immunology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; immunology ; Injections ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; methods ; trends ; Serum Albumin ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; immunology

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Entecavie (ETV) has a potent antiviral effect and low rates of resistance in hepatitis B virus (HBV) and is the first-line monotherapy in patients with HBV-related decompensated cirrhosis. We evaluated the efficacy of 12 months treatment with ETV and tried to determine predictive factors of response. METHODS: Forty-five consecutive decompensated cirrhotic patients who received ETV (0.5 mg/day) for more than six months were included. All patients were positive for HBV DNA, and the Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) scores were over 8 point. Seventeen patients were HBeAg-positive. CTP score, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, serum markers of liver function and HBV DNA were assessed every 3 months. RESULTS: ETV treatment for 12 months resulted in improvement of CTP and MELD scores. Pre-treatment mean CTP and MELD score were decreased from 10.1 (+/-2.0) and 13.48 (+/-4.05) to 7.24 (+/-2.0) and 9.68 (+/-4.85) at 12 months, respectively. The 1-year cumulative rates of HBV DNA negativity and HBeAg loss were 88.9% and 52.9%, respectively, by intention-to-treat analysis. Thirty-two (71.1%) showed improvement in CTP score. Eleven patients did not show change, and 2 patients got worse. The AST/ALT, albumin, bilrubin, prothrombin time were significantly normalized within six months. The good responder group had high level of prothrombin time than the poor responder group (p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Our result shows that entecavir can improve liver function in about 70% of patients with HBV related decompensated liver cirrhosis. INR may be a predictive factor of good response with entecavir in these patients.
Adult ; Aged ; Alanine Transaminase/blood ; Antiviral Agents/*therapeutic use ; Bilirubin/blood ; DNA, Viral/analysis ; Drug Administration Schedule ; Female ; Guanine/*analogs & derivatives/therapeutic use ; Hepatitis B e Antigens/blood ; Hepatitis B virus/*genetics ; Hepatitis B, Chronic/complications/*drug therapy ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis/*etiology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prothrombin Time ; Serum Albumin/analysis ; Severity of Illness Index

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of treatment for severe ovary hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) complicated by pleural effusion and ascites after in vitro fertilization preembryo transfer (IVF-ET). METHODS: One hundred and thirty-two patients with severe OHSS in our hospital (from January 2007 to December 2010) were retrospectively analyzed and the efficacy of three therapeutic methods was compared. Twenty-five patients in group I were treated with low-molecular dextran and albumin, 67 patients in group II were treated with 6% medium molecular-weight hydroxyethyl starch, and 40 patients in group III were treated with active aspiration of pleural effusion and ascites. RESULTS: All three therapies improved the symptoms of OHSS and various blood biochemical parameters. The duration of hospitalization of group III [(7.4±4.5) d] was significantly less than those of group I [(21.4±9.2) d] or II [(15.6±6.7) d], and the cost of group III [(2656.2±1882.8) Yuan] was also significantly lower than that of group I or II [(11937.6±7989.8) and (5182.7±2991.7) Yuan, respectively]. CONCLUSION Abdominal B ultrasonography-guided trans-abdominal wall aspiration of pleural effusion and ascites combined with blood volume maintenance is an effective and economical way to treat OHSS.
Adult ; Ascites ; etiology ; therapy ; Dextrans ; administration & dosage ; Drainage ; Female ; Fertilization in Vitro ; Humans ; Hydroxyethyl Starch Derivatives ; administration & dosage ; Infusions, Intravenous ; Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome ; complications ; therapy ; Ovulation Induction ; adverse effects ; Pleural Effusion ; etiology ; therapy ; Retrospective Studies ; Serum Albumin ; administration & dosage

In this study, polyelectrolyte microcapsules have been fabricated by biocompatible ferrosoferric oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) and poly allyamine hydrochloride (PAH) using layer by layer assembly technique. The Fe3O4 NPs were prepared by chemical co-precipitation, and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and infrared spectrum (IR). Quartz cell also was used as a substrate for building multilayer films to evaluate the capability of forming planar film. The result showed that Fe3O4 NPs were selectively deposited on the surface of quartz cell. Microcapsules containing Fe3O4 NPs were fabricated by Fe3O4 NPs and PAH alternately self-assembly on calcium carbonate microparticles firstly, then 0.2 molL(-1) EDTA was used to remove the calcium carbonate. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Zetasizer and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) were used to characterize the microcapsule's morphology, size and magnetic properties. The result revealed that Fe3O4 NPs and PAH were successfully deposited on the surface of CaCO3 microparticles, the microcapsule manifested superparamagnetism, size and saturation magnetization were 4.9 +/- 1.2 microm and 8.94 emu x g(-1), respectively. As a model drug, Rhodamin B isothiocyanate labeled bovine serum albumin (RBITC-BSA) was encapsulated in microcapsule depended on pH sensitive of the microcapsule film. When pH 5.0, drug add in was 2 mg, the encapsulation efficiency was (86.08 +/- 3.36) % and the drug loading was 8.01 +/- 0.30 mg x m(L-1).
Calcium Carbonate ; chemistry ; Capsules ; Chemical Precipitation ; Drug Carriers ; Drug Compounding ; methods ; Drug Delivery Systems ; Electrolytes ; chemistry ; Ferrosoferric Oxide ; chemistry ; Magnetite Nanoparticles ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Microscopy, Fluorescence ; Particle Size ; Rhodamines ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Serum Albumin, Bovine ; administration & dosage ; chemistry

Ascites, hepatic encephalopathy and variceal hemorrhage are three major complications of portal hypertension. The diagnostic evaluation of ascites involves an assessment of its etiology by determining the serum-ascites albumin gradient and the exclusion of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Ascites is primarily related to an inability to excrete an adequate amount of sodium into urine, leading to a positive sodium balance. Sodium restriction and diuretic therapy are keys of ascites control. But, with the case of refractory ascites, large volume paracentesis and transjugular portosystemic shunts are required. In hepatorenal syndrome, splanchnic vasodilatation with reduction in effective arterial volume causes intense renal vasoconstriction. Splanchnic and/or peripheral vasoconstrictors with albumin infusion, and renal replacement therapy are only bridging therapy. Liver transplantation is the only definitive modality of improving the long term prognosis.
Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use ; Ascites/complications/*diagnosis/therapy ; Bacterial Infections/*diagnosis ; Hepatic Encephalopathy/complications ; Hepatorenal Syndrome/complications/*diagnosis/therapy ; Humans ; Hypertension, Portal/*complications ; Liver Transplantation ; Peritonitis/*diagnosis/drug therapy/etiology ; Serum Albumin/administration & dosage

The aim of this study is to investigate the critical factor affecting the properties of PLGA microspheres fabricated by a solid-in-oil-in-water (S/O/W) emulsion technique with BSA as a model protein. Prior to encapsulation, the BSA microparticles were fabricated by a modified freezing-induced phase separation method. The microparticles were subsequently encapsulated into PLGA microspheres by S/O/W emulsion method, then Motic BA200 biological microscope, confocal laser scanning microscope, scanning electron microscope were used to observe the structure of S/O/W emulsion and PLGA microspheres. The protein content extracted or released from BSA microspheres was measured by Bradford protein assay method. It was found that NaCl added in the outer aqueous phase effectively suppressed material exchange between the inner and outer phase of S/O/W emulsion. Then, the structure and permeability of obtained microspheres were influenced. As a result, with the increase of NaCl concentration in the outer aqueous phase, the encapsulation efficiency of microspheres significantly increased from 60% to more than 85%, the burst release of microspheres reduced from 70% to 20%, and the particle size decreased from 103 microm to 62 microm. Furthermore, the rehydration of encapsulated protein was also retarded and then integrity of BSA was successfully protected during encapsulation process. In vitro release test showed that BSA released from PLGA microspheres in a sustained manner for more than 30 days.
Delayed-Action Preparations ; Drug Compounding ; Emulsions ; chemistry ; Lactic Acid ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Microscopy, Confocal ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Microspheres ; Oils ; Particle Size ; Polyglycolic Acid ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Serum Albumin, Bovine ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Sodium Chloride ; chemistry ; Water

The aim of this study is to prepare cationic biodegradable dextran microspheres loaded with tetanus toxoid (TT) and to investigate the mechanism of protein loading. Positively charged microspheres were prepared by polymerization of hydroxylethyl methacrylate derivatized dextran (dex-HEMA) and dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) in an aqueous two-phase system. The loading of the microspheres with TT was based on electrostatic attraction. The net positive surface charge increased with increasing amounts of DMAEMA. Confocal images showed fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled bovine serum albumin (FITC-BSA) could penetrate into cationic dextran microspheres but not natural dextran microspheres. TT loading efficiency by post-loading was higher compared with by pre-loading. Even though TT is incorporated in the hydrogel network based on electrostatic interaction, still a controlled release can be achieved by varying the initial network density of the microspheres.
Delayed-Action Preparations ; Dextrans ; chemistry ; Drug Carriers ; chemistry ; Hydrogels ; chemistry ; Methacrylates ; chemistry ; Microscopy, Confocal ; Microspheres ; Particle Size ; Polymerization ; Serum Albumin, Bovine ; chemistry ; Tetanus Toxoid ; administration & dosage ; chemistry

It is generally believed that liposomes modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) have no or lower immunogenicity. However, based on many recent literatures, when the PEGylated liposomes were repeatedly applied to the same animal, the immune responses occurred. The first injection of PEGylated liposomes resulted in a reduction in the circulation time and an increase in hepatic and splenic accumulation of the second dose of PEGylated liposomes in a time-interval, which was called "accelerated blood clearance (ABC)" phenomenon. Such immunogenicity of PEGylated liposomes presents a barrier in the research of liposomal formulations and their use in the clinics. This review focused on the definition, the method of verification, the development of the reason for ABC phenomenon, influencing factors of ABC phenomenon, and discussed if other PEGylated nanocarriers also induce ABC phenomenon.
Animals ; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Doxorubicin ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Drug Carriers ; Immunoglobulin M ; biosynthesis ; blood ; Liposomes ; administration & dosage ; blood ; pharmacokinetics ; Liver ; metabolism ; Metabolic Clearance Rate ; Particle Size ; Polyethylene Glycols ; administration & dosage ; metabolism ; pharmacokinetics ; Serum Albumin, Bovine ; pharmacokinetics ; Spleen ; immunology ; metabolism