Molecular Mechanism of Jingfang Mixture Against H1N1 Influenza Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo predict the potential targets and mechanism of Jingfang mixture in the treatment of H1N1 influenza and provide references for clinical application of Jingfang mixture. MethodThe active components and targets of Jingfang mixture against H1N1 influenza were screened out by Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform（TCMSP），SwissTargetPrediction， and TargetNet. The targets of H1N1 influenza were obtained from GeneCards，Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man （OMIM）， and DisGeNET and standardized by UniProt KB. The intersection targets were obtained by Venny 2.1.0. The "drug-component-target" network was constructed with Cytoscape 3.2.1 and analyzed for the topological attributes. The intersection targets were uploaded to STRING 11.5 to obtain the protein-protein interaction （PPI） network. Gene Ontology （GO） enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） analysis were carried out by Metascape. Finally，the top active components ranked by degree were docked to the core targets by Autodock vina and visually analyzed by PyMOL. Balb/c female rats were used for experimental verification. Hematoxylin-eosin（HE） staining was used to observe the pathological changes in lung tissues. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA）was used to detect the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α（TNF-α），interleukin-10（IL-10）， and interleukin-17（IL-17）. Real-time fluorescence-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction（Real-time PCR） and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels in lung tissues. ResultThere were 144 active components in Jingfang mixture. A total of 421 target genes of Jingfang mixture and 2 956 targets of H1N1 influenza were identified，including 199 common targets. Topological analysis showed that the core components of Jingfang mixture against H1N1 influenza included quercetin，luteolin， and kaempferol，and the core targets included prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2（PTGS2），estrogen receptor alpha（ESR1），inducible nitric oxide synthase 2（iNOS2），peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγ（PPARγ），and cyclooxygenase-1（PTGS1）. GO enrichment yielded 697 items in biological process （BP） （P<0.01）， 59 items in molecular function （MF）（P<0.01）， and 21 items in cellular component （CC） （P<0.01）. A total of 132 signaling pathways （P<0.01） were obtained by KEGG enrichment analysis， including phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases（PI3K）/protein kinase B（Akt） signaling pathway and mitogen-activated protein kinase（MAPK） signaling pathway，most of which were related to the regulation of immune inflammation. Molecular docking showed that the binding energy of the active components of Jingfang mixture to the core targets was less than -5.0 kcal·mol-1，indicating good binding activity. HE staining showed that the lung tissues were significantly improved after drug intervention，and Real-time PCR and Western blot showed that Jingfang mixture could reduce the mRNA and protein expression of PI3K and Akt in lung tissues. ConclusionJingfang mixture can play an anti-viral effect against the influenza A virus through multiple components，multiple targets， and multiple pathways. The active components quercetin，luteolin， and kaempferol may control the inflammation and regulate immunity on the PI3K/Akt，MAPK， and other signaling pathways by acting on targets such as PTGS2，ESR1，iNOS2，PPARγ， and PTGS1.

Analysis of chemical constituents in ethyl acetate extract of Taxilli Herba by UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS and screening of potential xanthine oxidase inhibitors / 中国中药杂志

The present study analyzed and identified the chemical constituents from ethyl acetate(EA) extract of Taxilli Herba with UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS and screened active xanthine oxidase(XO) inhibitors with HPLC. The analysis was performed on an Hypersil GOLD C_(18) reversed-phase column(2.1 mm×50 mm, 1.9 μm), with the mobile phase of water containing 1% formic acid(A) and methanol(B) under gradient elution, the flow rate of 0.3 mL·min~(-1), and the injection volume of 5 μL. ESI source was used for MS and the compounds were collected in positive and negative ion modes. Xcalibur 4.1 was used to analyze the retention time, accurate relative molecular weight, and fragmentation of the compounds. The inhibitory activity of some known compounds on XO was screened by HPLC. Thirty chemical constituents were identified, including phenolic acids and flavonoids by experimental data combined with information of standards, data reported previously, and databases, such as MzCloud and ChemSpider. The activities of 10 chemical components were screened. Gallic acid and naringenin chalcone had strong inhibitory activities on XO with IC_(50) of 57 μg·mL~(-1) and 108 μg·mL~(-1). UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS allows the accurate, rapid, and comprehensive identification of main chemical constituents from Taxilli Herba. Gallic acid and naringenin chalcone may be the active components of XO inhibitors.

Chemical constituents from the leaves of Cinnamomum camphora var. linaloolifera and their anti-inflammatory activities / 中国中药杂志

Thirteen compounds were isolated and purified from the leaves of Cinnamomum camphora by the macroporous resin,silica gel,and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatographies. Those compounds were further identified by IR,UV,MS,and NMR techniques:( 2 S)-1-( 3″,4″-methylenedioxy phenyl)-3-( 2',6'-dimethoxy-4'-hydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol( 1),( 2 R,3 R)-5,7-dimethoxy-3',4'-methylenedioxy flavanol( 2),9-hydroxysesamin( 3),sesamin( 4),piperitol( 5),kobusin( 6),(-)-aptosimon( 7),acuminatolide( 8),1β,11-dihydroxy-5-eudesmene( 9),lasiodiplodin( 10),vanillin( 11),p-hydroxybenzaldehyde( 12),and p-hydroxybenzoic acid ethyl ester( 13). Compound 1 was a novel compound,and compounds 2,6,7,9 and 10 were isolated from Cinnamomum plants for the first time. Compounds 4,7 and 10 were found to possess good inhibitory effect on IL-6 production in LPS-induced BV2 cells at a concentration of 20 μmol·L-1 in the in vitro bioassay,with inhibition rates of 51. 26% ± 4. 13%,67. 82% ± 3. 77% and85. 81%±1. 19%,respectively.

Total flavonoids of Drynariae Rhizoma regulates ER-p38 MAPK signaling pathway to improve scopolamine-induced learning and memory impairments in model mice / 中国中药杂志

This study intended to explore the effect and mechanism of total flavonoids of Drynariae Rhizoma in improving scopola-mine-induced learning and memory impairments in model mice. Ninety four-month-old Kunming(KM) mice were randomly divided into six groups. The ones in the model group and blank group were treated with intragastric administration of normal saline, while those in the medication groups separately received the total flavonoids of Drynariae Rhizoma, Kangnaoshuai Capsules, donepezil, as well as total flavonoids of Rhizoma Drynariae plus estrogen receptor(ER) blocker by gavage. The mouse model of learning and memory impairments was established via intraperitoneal injection of scopolamine. Following the measurement of mouse learning and memory abilities in Morris water maze test, the hippocampal ERβ expression was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the expression levels of ERβ and phosphorylated p38(p-p38) in the hippocampus and B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated death promoter(Bad), and cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-3(caspase-3) in the apoptotic system were assayed by Western blot. The contents of malondia-ldehyde(MDA), superoxide dismutase(SOD), and nitric oxide(NO) in the hippocampus were then determined using corresponding kits. Compared with the control group, the model group exhibited significantly prolonged incubation period, reduced frequency of cros-sing the platform, shortened residence time in the target quadrant, lowered ERβ, Bcl-2 and SOD activity in the hippocampus, and increased p-p38/p38, Bad, caspase-3, MDA, and NO. Compared with the model group, the total flavonoids of Rhizoma Drynariae increased the expression of ERβ and SOD in the hippocampus, down-regulated the expression of neuronal pro-apoptotic proteins, up-re-gulated the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins, and reduced p-p38/p38, MDA, and NO. The effects of total flavonoids of Drynariae Rhizoma on the above indexes were reversed by ER blocker. It has been proved that the total flavonoids of Drynariae Rhizoma obviously alleviate scopolamine-induced learning and memory impairments in mice, which may be achieved by regulating the neuronal apoptotic system and oxidative stress via the ER-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(ER-p38 MAPK) signaling pathway.

Research on antitumor active components and mechanisms of natural products / 药学学报

Tumor, especially malignant tumor has become one of the major diseases, a serious threat to the health of people around the world. Modern clinical practice shows that the natural active products extracted from traditional Chinese medicine, marine medicine and other natural drugs, such as terpenes, alkaloids, polysaccharides, volatile oils and peptides, can effectively inhibit the growth of tumor cells. In this paper, the active components of natural antitumor products in recent years were summarized and their related mechanism was elucidated, so as to provide theoretical basis for the further development of natural antitumor drugs.

Tea polyphenols delays human glomerular mesangial cells senescence induced by high glucose via regulating STAT3/miR-126/telomere signaling pathway activation / 中国中药杂志

The aim of this paper was to explore the effects and possible mechanisms in vitro of tea polyphenols (TP) delaying human glomerular mesangial cells (HGMCs) senescence induced by high glucose (HG). HGMCs were cultured in vitro and divided into the normal group (N, 5.5 mmol·L⁻¹ glucose), the mannitol group(MNT, 5.5 mmol·L⁻¹ glucose plus 24.5 mmol·L⁻¹ mannitol), the high dose of D-glucose group (HG, 30 mmol·L⁻¹ glucose), the low dose of TP group (L-TP, 30 mmol·L⁻¹ glucose plus 5 mg·L⁻¹ TP) and the high dose of TP group (H-TP, 30 mmol·L⁻¹ glucose plus 20 mg·L⁻¹ TP), which were cultured in 5% CO₂ at 37 °C, respectively. Firstly, the effects of TP on the cell morphology of HGMCs were observed after 72 h-intervention. Secondly, the cell cycle, the positive rate of senescence-associated-β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining and the telomere length were detected, respectively. Finally, the protein expressions of p53, p21 and Rb in the p53-p21-Rb signaling pathway were investigated, respectively. And the expressions of p-STAT3 and miR-126 were examined severally. The results indicated that HG not only arrested the cell cycle in G₁ phase but also increased the positive rate of SA-β-gal staining, and shortened the telomere length. HG led to the protein over-expressions of p53, p21 and Rb and HGMCs senescence by activating the p53-p21-Rb signaling pathway. In addition, L-TP delayed HGMCs senescence by improving the cell cycle G₁ arrest, reducing SA-β-gal staining positive rate and lengthening the telomere length. L-TP reduced the protein over-expressions of p53, P21 and Rb induced by HG and inhibited the telomere-p53-p21-Rb signaling pathway. Moreover, the expression of p-STAT3 was increased and the expression of miR-126 was decreased in HGMCs induced by HG. L-TP reduced the expression of p-STAT3 and increased the expression of miR-126 in HGMCs. In conclusion, HG could induce HGMCs senescence by activating the telomere-p53-p21-Rb signaling pathway in vitro. L-TP could delay HGMCs senescence through regulating STAT3/miR-126 expressions and inhibiting the telomere-p53-p21-Rb signaling pathway activation. These findings could provide the effective interventions in clinic for preventing and treating renal cell senescence in diabetic kidney disease.

Lowing-intraocular pressure and improving aqueous humor dynamic effects of qingguangan drug granules in spontaneous glaucoma mice / 中华实验眼科杂志

Background Researches showed that the increase of intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucomatous eye is associated with the increasing resistance to aqueous humor outflow effects of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and CD44.Qingguangan is a traditional Chinese medicine and used to treat glaucoma.However,its mechanism of lowing-IOP effect is not elucidated.Objective This study was to investigate the lowing-IOP effect and mechanism of qingguangan granule in DBA/2J mouse,a spontaneous glaucoma model mice.Methods Ten 3 month-old female DBA/2J mice with normal IOP were chosen as control group,and 20 spontaneous ocular hypertension mice aged 9 months were randomized into high IOP group and qingguangan-treated group,with 10 mice for each group.The qingguangan (2.5 g/kg) was administered by gavaging twice per day for consecutive 15 days in the qingguangan-treated group,and normal saline solution was used in the same way in the control group and high IOP group.IOP was measured by anterior chamber injection/suction system at a perfusion rate of 2.5 and 5.0 μl/min,respectively,and the coefficient of aqueous outflow facility (C value) and outflow resistance (R value) were calculated.Another 60 3-month-old DBA/2J mice were randomized into blank control group gavaged with normal saline solution and high-,middle-and low-dose qingguangan groups gavaged with 25.00,12.50 and 6.25 g/kg drugs,respectively,and the mouse serum containing drugs was extracted 7 days after treatment.The scleral tissue with trabecular meshwork were obtained for the culture of trabecular meshwork cells and the cells were identified by immunohistochemistry of fibronectin (FN),laminin (LN) and neuronspecific enolase (NSE).TGF-β was added into the medium for 24 hours with the final concentration of 0,5,10,20,50 and 100 ng/ml,and MMT chromatometry was employed to detect the cell vitality.The cells pre-treated with 20 ng/ml TGF-β were treated with different concentration of drug serum for 24,48 and 72 hours,and the level of TGF-β2 receptor in cell supernatant and the expression of CD44 protein in the cells were detected by ELISA and Western blot assay,respectively.Results The IOPs with perfusion both 2.5 μl/min and 5.0μl/min in the qingguangan-treated group and the control group were significantly lower than those in the high IOP group (all at P＜0.01).Compared with the high IOP group,the C value was significantly reduced (2.35±1.34 vs.1.08±0.36) and the R value was evidently elevated (0.64±0.55 vs.1.05± 0.47) in the qingguangan-treated group (all at P＜0.01).Cultured cells were spindle-shaped with the positive response to FN,LN and NSE antibody.The cell vitality was lower in the 5,10 and 20 ng/ml TGF-β group than that in the 0 ng/ml TGF-β group (all at P＜0.05).Compared with the blank control group,the TGF-β2 receptor content in the supernatant and the related expression level of CD44 protein in the cells were elevated in the TGF-β-treated group (all at P＜0.01),and TGF-β2 receptor contents and CD44 expression levels in the TGF-β+high dose drug serum group was significantly lower than those in the TGF-β group and TGF-β +low dose drug serum group 24,48 and 72 hours after culture (all at P＜0.01).Conclusions Qingguangan can lower IOP of spontaneous glaucoma mice by affecting aqueous humor dynamics.Serum containing qingguangan down-regulates the expressions of TGF-β2 receptors and CD44 in trabecular meshwork cells in vitro.

Effectiveness of different waist circumference cut-off values in predicting metabolic syndrome prevalence and risk factors in adults in China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effectiveness of waist circumference cut-off values in predicting the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and risk factors in adults in China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A cross-sectional survey was condcuted in 14 provinces (autonomous region, municipality) in China. A total of 47,325 adults aged⋝20 years were selected by multistage stratified sampling, and questionnaire survey and physical and clinical examination were conducted among them. MetS was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria and modified IDF criteria.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The age-standardized prevalence of MetS was 24.2% (22.1% in men and 25.8% in women) and 19.5% (22.1% in men and 18.0% in women) according to the IDF criteria and modified IDF criteria respectively. The age-standardized prevalence of pre-MetS was 8.1% (8.6% in men and 7.8% in women) according to the modified IDF criteria. The prevalence of MetS was higher in urban residents than rural residents and in northern China residents than in southern China residents. The prevalence of central obesity was about 30% in both men and women according to the ethnicity-specific cut-off values of waist circumference for central obesity (90 cm for men and 85 cm for women). Multivariate regression analysis revealed no significant difference in risk factors between the two MetS definitions.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Using both the modified IDF criteria and ethnicity-specific cut-off values of waist circumference can provide more useful information about the prevalence of MetS in China. Conclusion Using both the modified IDF criteria and ethnicity-specific cut-off values of waist circumference can provide more useful information about the prevalence of MetS in China.</p>

The study on the relationship between modic change and disc height together with lumbar hyperosteogeny / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To evaluate the relationship between Modic change and disc height together with lumbar hyperosteogeny and study the role of Modic change in lumbar degeneration.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The imaging data of 150 elderly patients with chronic low back pain were analysed retrospectively. All patients underwent MRI and lumbar lateral X-ray examination. The lumbar disc from L1-L2 to L5-S1 were selected for this study, including 750 discs, vertebral and endplate close to disc in 150 patients. The incidence rate of lumbar endplate Modic change, disc height and the degree of vertebral bone hyperplasia were recorded. The ratio of disc height/lumbar intervertebral disc height < 50% was defined as disc collapse. The patients were divided into 4 groups in the basis of imaging changes. Group A1:disc collapse without severe lumbar hyperosteogeny; Group A2: disc collapse with severe lumbar hyperosteogeny; Group B1: Neither disc collapse nor severe lumbar hyperosteogeny; Group B2: severe lumbar hyperosteogeny without disc collapse. The incidence rates of Modic change were compared between the 4 groups by χ(2) test. Finally, the influence of disc height and vertebral bone hyperplasia on the incidence rate of Modic change was analysed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Four groups of patients observed a total of 750 discs. The number of intervertebral discs in the group A1 was 208, the incidence rate was 54.3%. The number of intervertebral discs in the group A2 was 135, the incidence rate of group A2 was 34.8%. The number of intervertebral discs in the B1 group was 225, the incidence rate of group B1 was 16.9%. The number of intervertebral discs in the B2 group was 182, the incidence rate of group B2 was 29.7%. There was significant difference of lumbar endplate Modic change incidence rate among the 4 groups(χ(2) = 69.565, P < 0.05). The results of post hoc test showed that the incidence rate of Modic change in group A1 was higher than group A2, B1 and B2 (χ(2) = 12.524, 66.701 and 24.102, P < 0.00714). There was significant difference of Modic change incidence rate between group A2 and B1(χ(2) = 15.032, P < 0.00714), but there was no significant difference of Modic change incidence rate between group A2 and B2 (χ(2) = 0.945, P > 0.00714) . There was significant difference of Modic change incidence rate between group B2 and group B1 (χ(2) = 9.395, P < 0.00714).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The incidence rate of Modic change with disc collapse but without severe lumbar hyperosteogeny is high in elderly patients with chronic low back pain. There is no significant difference of Modic change incidence between patients with both disc collapse and severe lumbar hyperosteogeny and patients with severe lumbar hyperosteogeny but without disc collapse.</p>

Removal versus preservation of the posterior longitudinal ligament in Bryan cervical disc arthroplasty / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Bryan cervical disc arthroplasty can be used to restore and maintain the mobility and function of the involved cervical spinal segments. The efficiency of posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) resection in anterior cervical decompression and fusion has been demonstrated. However, no clinical reports have compared PLL removal with preservation in Bryan cervical disc arthroplasty. This study aimed to assess the role of removal of PLL in Bryan cervical disc arthroplasty at an 18-month follow-up.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We performed a prospective investigation of clinical and radiological outcomes in patients after Bryan cervical disc arthroplasty. Sixty patients who underwent Bryan cervical disc arthroplasty were included. The PLL was removed in 35 patients (investigational group) and preserved in 25 patients (control group). All of the patients were followed up for more than 18 months. Clinical (Japanese Orthopedic Association score and Visual Analogue Scale pain score) and radiological (functional spinal unit (FSU) angle, range of movement (ROM), and diameter of the spinal cord) parameters were compared between the two groups before and after surgery (18 months).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Clinical outcomes in the investigational group were significantly superior to those in the control group. There were no significant differences in the FSU angle and ROM (P = 0.41 and 0.16, respectively) between the two groups. However, the increase in diameter of the spinal cord in the investigational group was significantly greater than that in the control group (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Removal of the PLL can improve the clinical outcomes of Bryan cervical disc arthroplasty. This procedure does not have a large effect on imbalance and motion of the cervical spine.</p>

In vitro osteoclast-suppressing effect of sodium ibandronate / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Bisphosphonates (BPs) have been reported to reduce local recurrence in giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone because of their osteoclast-suppressing effect; however, the optimal mode of delivery and the dose and duration of treatment of BPs remain to be established. To address these issues, it is first necessary to clarify the manner of action of BPs on osteoclasts. We herein evaluated the osteoclast-suppressing effect of sodium ibandronate in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Mouse osteoclasts (OCLs) were generated in vitro using mouse bone marrow mononuclear cells. First, various concentrations of sodium ibandronate and equal amounts of phosphate-buffered saline were added to cell culture media. The number of multinucleated cells (over three nuclei) was recorded in each group, OCL formation was compared, and the most effective concentration of sodium ibandronate was determined. Then, high concentrations of sodium ibandronate were added to the experimental cell culture media; no ibandronate was given in the control group. Comparisons were made between the two groups in terms of OCL adhesion, migration, and bone resorption.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>OCL formation was suppressed by sodium ibandronate in vitro; the most pronounced effect was observed at the concentration of 10(-5) mol/L. OCL migration and bone resorption were significantly suppressed at this concentration, though there was no effect on OCL adhesion.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Sodium ibandronate was effective in suppressing OCLs and decreasing resorption in GCT. The strong anti-OCL effectiveness at a high concentration in vitro indicates a topical mode of application.</p>

Radiological comparison of bilateral paravertebral muscles in degenerative lumbar scoliosis and its potential importance / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To investigate the radiological change of bilateral paravertebral muscles in degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) and analyze its clinical significance.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>As a retrospective study, 66 patients with DLS and 66 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis were retrospectively enrolled from April 2004 to August 2011 as scoliosis group and lumbar spinal stenosis group, meanwhile 66 health persons with no lumbar spinal stenosis were selected as control group. No significant differences were found in the gender, age and body mass index among the three groups. The cross-sectional area (CSA) and percentage of fat infiltration area (FIA) of the bilateral paravertebral muscles at the L(1)-S(1) levels were measured using T2-weighted axial MRI and Image J software. The measured data were analyzed with a paired t-test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the DLS with bilateral symptom group, the mean percentage of FIA of the multifidus muscle on the convex side were 18% ± 4%, 21% ± 4%, 27% ± 4%, 34% ± 6%, 42% ± 10% and on the concave side were 25% ± 8%, 30% ± 7%, 35% ± 7%, 40% ± 10%, 44% ± 8% at L(1-2), L(2-3), L(3-4), L(4-5) and L(5)-S(1) levels, which showed significant differences between the convex side and the concave side (t = 7.95, 9.30, 5.35, 2.78, 2.38, P < 0.05); the mean percentage of FIA of the longissimus muscle on the convex side were 25% ± 9%, 28% ± 8% and on the concave side were 27% ± 9%, 31% ± 9% at L(3-4), L(4-5) levels, which showed significant differences between the convex side and the concave side (t = 2.52, 3.48, P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the CSA of both muscles between the concave and convex sides (P > 0.05). In the DLS with unilateral symptom group, the mean percentage of FIA of the multifidus muscle on the convex side were 18% ± 5%, 23% ± 5%, 29% ± 5%, 34% ± 6%, 42% ± 9% and on the concave side were 23% ± 6%, 30% ± 7%, 36% ± 7%, 41% ± 10%, 45% ± 8% at L(1-2), L(2-3), L(3-4), L(4-5) and L(5)-S(1) levels, which showed significant differences between the convex side and the concave side (t = 6.67, 7.96, 6.43, 3.86, 2.15, P < 0.05). There were on significant differences in the CSA of both muscles, and in the percentage of FIA of the longissimus between the concave and convex sides (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>There exist asymmetric degeneration in paravertebral muscle in DLS, which have potential clinical importance on the evaluation of curve progression, and muscle degeneration is more often seen in the concave side. Spinal deformity and radiculopathy may contribute to the paravertebral muscle degeneration.</p>

Analysis of axial symptoms after indirect decompression for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the etiology and clinical significance of axial symptoms after posterior operative procedures for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From February 2005 to February 2010, 76 patients with OPLL treated were retrospectively experienced. There were 34 male and 42 female with average of 52.1 years (range from 37 to 74 years), the average duration of the disease was 32.1 months (range from 11 to 56 months). Nineteen patients underwent traditional laminectomy in group A, 33 patients received open-door laminoplasty in group B and 24 patients underwent lateral mass screw fixation in group C. All patients underwent X-ray examination pre- and post operative, computed tomography were used for diagnosis of OPLL, the recovery rate was calculated using pre- and postoperative Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores for each patient. Pre- and postoperative cervical curvature index and axial symptoms were measured and compared. χ(2) test and SNK test were used as statistical methods.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All patients were followed up for 14 - 35 months, average (21 ± 5) months. Loss of cervical curvature index was 4.2% ± 1.7% in group A, 2.9% ± 2.2% in group B and 2.3% ± 1.9% in group C. The difference was significant in loss of cervical curvature indice between group A and B (q = 2.94, P < 0.01), group A and C (q = 4.23, P < 0.01). The average JOA recovery rate was 58.3% for group A, 64.3% for group B and 66.7% for group C. There was no significant difference in JOA recovery rate among the three groups (P > 0.05). The rate of early evident axial symptoms was 7/19 in group A, 30.3% in group B and 33.3% in group C and the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The incidence of late evident axial symptoms was 5/19 in group A, 12.1% in group B and 8.3% in group C, the difference was not significant between group B and C (χ(2) = 13.762, P < 0.01), but of statistical difference between group A and B(χ(2) = 6.368, P < 0.01), group A and C (χ(2) = 11.481, P < 0.01). No kyphotic deformity in the group A, no "Close Door" phenomenon in group B and no internal failure in group C.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The incidence of early axial symptoms are of no significant difference among the three groups, but late axial symptoms are higher in the laminectomy than other groups, which may be associated with loss of cervical lordosis.</p>

Intervertebral disc degeneration and bone density in degenerative lumbar scoliosis: a comparative study between patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis and patients with lumbar stenosis / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Degenerative lumbar scoliosis is common in older patients. Decreased bone density and the degeneration of intervertebral discs are considered to be correlated with degenerative lumbar scoliosis. A means of quantifying the relative signal intensity for degenerative disc disease has not been previously discussed. The purpose of this study was to compare bone mineral density and intervertebral disc degeneration between degenerative lumbar scoliosis and lumbar spinal stenosis patients in a nine-year retrospective study.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 2001 to August 2010, 96 patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis were retrospectively enrolled and 96 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis were selected as controls. Cobb angle, height of the apical disc and the contiguous disc superiorly and inferiorly on convex and concave sides, the height of the convex and concave side of the apical and the contiguous vertebral body superiorly and inferiorly were measured in the scoliosis group. The height of L2/L3, L3/L4, L4/L5 discs and the height of L2/L4 vertebral body was measured in the control group. The grade of intervertebral disc degeneration was evaluated using T2WI sagittal images in both groups. The bone density of lumbar vertebrae was measured with dual-energy X-ray.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In scoliosis group, the intervertebral disc height on the convex side was greater than the height on the concave side (P < 0.001). The vertebral body height on the convex side was greater than the height on the concave side (P = 0.016). There was a significant difference between the scoliosis group and the control group (P = 0.003), and between T-value and the rate of osteoporosis between the two groups (both P < 0.001).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>were verified using multiple linear regression analysis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Degenerative lumbar scoliosis is accompanied by height asymmetry between the intervertebral disc and vertebral body regarding the convex and concave surfaces. There is a positive correlation between the angle of scoliosis and the disc index, the degree of degeneration of the intervertebral disc, and a negative correlation between the angle of scoliosis and bone density.</p>

Sensitizing effect of recombinant human PDCD5 protein on chemotherapy of acute monocytic leukemia cell line U937 and its mechanism / 中国实验血液学杂志

This study was aimed to investigate the sensitizing effect of recombinant human PDCD5 (rhPDCD5) protein on chemotherapy of U937 cell line and its mechanism. The flow cytometry was performed to assess the changes of cell apoptosis and cell cycle influenced by rhPDCD5. Hochst 33258 staining was used to observe morphology of the apoptotic cells. The activity change of caspase-3 was detected to analyse the possible mechanisms of rhPDCD5-induced apoptosis. RT-PCR was performed to observe the expression level of drug-resistant genes. The results showed that the percentage of apoptotic cells and the activity of caspase-3 remarkably increased in U937 cells treated with rhPDCD5 combined with chemotherapeutic drug; the cell cycle arrest induced by anti-tumor drug was also enhanced when combined with rhPDCD5; meanwhile, the expression levels of drug-resistant genes were down-regulated in jointly treated U937 cells. It is concluded that the chemosensitizing mechanisms of rhPDCD5 are complex. rhPDCD5 may increase the cytotoxicity of anti-tumor drugs by promoting the caspase-3-related apoptosis, influencing cell cycle, decreasing the expression of drug-resistant genes and reversing drug-resistance.

Proteomics in Chinese medicine researches: current status, problems and strategies / 中国中西医结合杂志

Proteomics plays important roles in Chinese medicine research at post-genomics era. Its research idea and methods are beneficial for elucidating some elemental features of Chinese medicine. At present, Chinese medicine proteomic studies are mainly focusing on the syndromatology and medical herbal pharmacology. However, there are still some problems, the most important matter was that most of the results were merely the superficial delineations. Further research should put emphasize on the unremitting and penetrating study of proteomics, molecular biology and bioinformatics integrally for illuminating Chinese medicine theory deeply to promote the modernization of Chinese medicine research.

The survival analysis of metastatic prostate cancer / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To analyze the clinical and pathological informations of metastatic prostate cancer patients to find the predictive factors of the survival.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>To filter 364 cases of metastatic prostate cancer in the 940 cases of prostate cancer that were treated in Cancer Hospital Fudan University in Shanghai from March 1998 to June 2009, the cases had hormonal therapy and full clinical and pathological records. All the 364 cases were followed up and the clinical and pathological informations were analyzed, to find the predictive factors that related to the prognosis. Statistic software SPSS 15.0 was used for analysis. Cumulative survival was analyzed by the method of Kaplan-Meier. Cox regression was used for univariate and multivariate analysis. Log-rank method was used for the significance test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The last follow-up date was 30th June 2009 and the median follow-up time was 24 months. At the final follow-up, 240 cases were alive, 109 cases were dead and 15 cases were lost to follow up. The median survival time of metastatic prostate cancer was 64 months, and the one-year, two-year, three-year, four-year, five-year survival rate was 92%, 78%, 66%, 60%, 54%. The univariate analysis indicated that Gleason score (P = 0.033), clinical stage (P < 0.001), the effectiveness of hormonal therapy (P < 0.001), the prostate specific antigen (PSA) nadir during hormonal therapy (P < 0.001) and the time from the start of hormonal therapy to the PSA nadir (P = 0.002) were predictive factors for the survival time of metastatic prostate cancer. The multivariate analysis indicated that the PSA nadir during hormonal therapy (P < 0.001) and the time from the start of hormonal therapy to the PSA nadir (P < 0.001) were independent factors that predict the survival time of metastatic prostate cancer.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The PSA nadir during hormonal therapy and the time from the start of hormonal therapy to the PSA nadir are independent factors that predict the survival time of metastatic prostate cancer.</p>

Bioinformatics analysis and function prediction of the novel gene AY358935 / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To obtain the functional information of AY358935 gene.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The properties, subcellular location, and structure of AY358935 protein, and the expression profile of AY358935 gene were analyzed by bioinformatics software and the biological functions of the gene were predicted. AY358935 expression was detected by Western blot analysis in early virus infection.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>AY358935 was evolutionally conserved. The human AY358935 protein had an amino acid similarity of 74%, 60%, 38% and 33% with its counterpart in horses, mice, zebrafish and Xenopus laevis, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that AY358935 protein was located likely in the mitochondria. There was a N-terminal signal peptide and single transmembrane structure in AY358935 protein, which contained several phosphorylation sites. The secondary structure mainly comprised of alpha helices and random coils. AY358935 was ubiquitously expressed in normal tissues and carcinomas and regulated by the expression of double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase. AY358935 protein expression was obviously upregulated in cells 2 h after infection by vesicular stomatitis virus.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>As a predicted secretary protein with a small molecular weight, AY358935 might have important functions in cellular proliferation and anti-viral innate immune regulation.</p>

Advances in biomarkers for the early diagnosis of prostate cancer / 癌症

More and more studies have revealed that the level of serum prostate specific antigen(PSA) has little value for early diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa). For example, negative prostate biopsies are as high as 70%-80% for patients with serum PSA ranging between 4 ng/mL and 10 ng/mL. However, the negative results cannot exclude the existence of cancer. In the studies of the early diagnosis of PCa, investigators focused on seeking biomarkers that have higher sensitivity and specificity. Recently, PSA derivatives, HPC1, PCA3, TMPRSS2: ETS, GSTP1, AMACR, GOLPH2, EPCA, sarcosine, and the combination of multiple biomarkers are widely discussed. In this article, we have reviewed their recent development and the prospective value of the combination of multiple biomarkers, which may be helpful for the early diagnosis and the prognostic monitoring of patients with PCa.

Down-regulation of lung resistance related protein by RNA interference targeting survivin induces the reversal of chemoresistances in hepatocellular carcinoma / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Both survivin and lung resistance related protein (LRP) are related to the chemoresistances in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). But the relationship between survivin and LRP is indefinite. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of down-regulation of survivin on LRP expressions and the reversal of chemoresistances in HCC both in vitro and in vivo.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expressions of survivin were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting in HCC cell line SMMC-7721 and SMMC-7721/ADM. The sensitivities of these two cell lines to ADM were evaluated by MTT assays. SiRNA which targeted survivin was transfected into SMMC-7721/ADM cells, then the sensitivity of SMMC-7721/ADM cells to ADM and the expressions of survivin and LRP were detected respectively. SMMC-7721/ADM cells were transplanted subcutaneously into nude mice to establish xenograft tumors. Antitumor activities of RNA interference (RNAi) targeting survivin, various doses of ADM and combination therapies were observed respectively. Possible toxicities were evaluated. LRP expression changes were tested. Student's t test was used for evaluating statistical significance.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expressions of survivin in SMMC-7721/ADM cell line showed significant elevation compared to those in SMMC-7721 cell line (P < 0.05). Positive siRNA down-regulated the expressions of survivin significantly (P < 0.05). SiRNA targeting survivin could sensitize SMMC-7721/ADM cells to ADM and down-regulate the expressions of LRP significantly (P < 0.05). Growths of the tumors were significantly inhibited in positive siRNA group as compared with those in the control group from the 8th day (P < 0.05). Combination therapies caused significant tumor inhibitions compared with tumors of nude mice in the other three groups respectively (P < 0.05). No toxicities were found in nude mice treated by siRNA and combination therapies. The expressions of LRP were markedly reduced in tumors treated with siRNA targeting survivin (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Down regulation of survivin gene by RNAi can increase chemosensitivity of HCC both in vitro and in vivo. The reversal of drug resistance may be reduced through the inhibitions of LRP.</p>