(2R,3S)-Pinobanksin-3-cinnamate promotes osteoblast differentiation through cAMP and cGMP pathways

Abstract Flavones have the potential of being used as a dietary supplement for bone health promotion beyond calcium and vitamin D. Recent studies have showed that flavones enhanced bone formation and inhibited bone resorption by affecting osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation through various cell signaling pathways. In this study, we investigated the effects of a new flavone (2R,3S)-pinobanksin-3-cinnamate, isolated from the metabolites of the endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. FJ-1 of Acanthus ilicifolius L., Acanthaceae, on osteoblast differentiation by using MC3T3-E1 cells. It was observed that (2R,3S)-pinobanksin-3-cinnamate promoted osteoblast differentiation, as evidenced by increased mineralization process and alkaline phosphatase activity, as well as expression of genes encoding the bone differentiation. Moreover (2R,3S)-pinobanksin-3-cinnamate treatment upregulated the gene expression of wingless-type MMTV integration site family, bone morphogenetic protein and runt-related transcription factor 2, and protein expression of phosphor-Smad1/5/8, β-catenin and runt-related transcription factor 2 in MC3T3-E1 cells. The osteoblast differentiation effects induced by (2R,3S)-pinobanksin-3-cinnamate were attenuated by the bone morphogenetic protein antagonist Noggin, and wingless-type MMTV integration site family signaling pathway inhibitors Dickkopf-1. Co-treatment with adenosine 30,50-cyclic monophosphate and guanosine 30,50-cyclic monophosphate pathway inhibitors, H89 and KT5823, respectively, reversed the (2R,3S)-pinobanksin-3-cinnamate-induced activations of p-Smad1/5/8, β-catenin, and runt-related transcription factor 2. Our data demonstrated that (2R,3S)-pinobanksin-3-cinnamate promoted the osteoblast differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells, at least partially through the adenosine 30,50-cyclic monophosphate and guanosine 30,50-cyclic monophosphate signaling pathways, providing the scientific rational to develop (2R,3S)-pinobanksin-3-cinnamate against bone loss-associated diseases.

Characterization and bioactivities of a novel polysaccharide obtained from Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis

ABSTRACT Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis is a type of red alga that contains seaweed polysaccharide agar. In this study, a novel non-agar seaweed polysaccharide fraction named GCP (short of crude polysaccharide obtained from Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis) was isolated from Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis. Structural analysis showed that GCP shows triple helical chain conformation when dissolved in water and has many branches and long side chains. Also, 1→3 linkage is the major linkage and the sugar structures are galactopyranose configurations linked by β-type glycosidic linkages. Two macromolecular substance fractions (GCP-1 and GCP-2) were purified by DEAE Sepharose Fast Flow column chromatography. Moreover, a splenocyte damage assay and splenocyte proliferation assay were used to analyse the bioactivities of GCP, GCP-1 and GCP-2. It was demonstrated that polysaccharides could protect splenocyte damaged by H2O2; GCP-2 shows a greatest protection rate, that is, 92.8%, which significantly enhanced the splenocyte proliferation, and GCP showed the highest proliferation rate, 9.30%. The results suggested that this type of novel non-agar polysaccharide displayed remarkable antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities and early alkali treatment could decrease the activities. It may represent a potential material for health food and clinical medicines.

Association of MICA gene polymorphisms with liver fibrosis in schistosomiasis patients in the Dongting Lake region

Major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related A (MICA) is a highly polymorphic gene located within the MHC class I region of the human genome. Expressed as a cell surface glycoprotein, MICA modulates immune surveillance by binding to its cognate receptor on natural killer cells, NKG2D, and its genetic polymorphisms have been recently associated with susceptibility to some infectious diseases. We determined whether MICA polymorphisms were associated with the high rate of Schistosoma parasitic worm infection or severity of disease outcome in the Dongting Lake region of Hunan Province, China. Polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific priming (PCR-SSP) and sequencing-based typing (SBT) were applied for high-resolution allele typing of schistosomiasis cases (N = 103, age range = 36.2-80.5 years, 64 males and 39 females) and healthy controls (N = 141, age range = 28.6-73.3 years, 73 males and 68 females). Fourteen MICA alleles and five short-tandem repeat (STR) alleles were identified among the two populations. Three (MICA*012:01/02, MICA*017 and MICA*027) showed a higher frequency in healthy controls than in schistosomiasis patients, but the difference was not significantly correlated with susceptibility to S. japonicum infection (Pc > 0.05). In contrast, higher MICA*A5 allele frequency was significantly correlated with advanced liver fibrosis (Pc < 0.05). Furthermore, the distribution profile of MICA alleles in this Hunan Han population was significantly different from those published for Korean, Thai, American-Caucasian, and Afro-American populations (P < 0.01), but similar to other Han populations within China (P > 0.05). This study provides the initial evidence that MICA genetic polymorphisms may underlie the severity of liver fibrosis occurring in schistosomiasis patients from the Dongting Lake region.

The clinical study of 120 cases total cystectomy and W shape orthotopic ileal neobladder / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study advantages or disadvantages of total cystectomy and W shape orthotopic ileal neobladder.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Radical cystectomy and ileal new bladder was performed antegradly and retrogradly for 120 male patients. For the construction of the reservoir, the 40 cm ileal segment was isolated along its antimesenteric border and then arranged into a W shape. The incised ileum was sutured blanketly to create urine bag. The ureters were replanted at the two corners of the W shape by way of creating nipple.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The first 50 cases took 210-300 min with a mean of 270 min. The later 70 cases took 110-205 min with a mean of 143 min. Ninety-one of 120 cases had been followed up for 2-88 months with a mean of 30 months. Eighty-five cases had achieved excellent daytime continence, whereas 71 cases had nighttime continence. There were 9 cases of hydroureter and 2 cases of moderate hydronephrosis. Renal function of 2 cases were slightly abnormal. Hypokalemia occurred in 6 cases, and there was no metabolic-disorder. On voiding cystography, only 1 case showed reflux in right ureter. Only 2 case suffered from cancer recurrence of urethral and no patient suffered from cancer recurrence of neobladder. Twenty patients were evaluated by urodynamic examine. The urine flow curve showed continual shape in 12 cases, while intermittent shape in 8 cases. Voiding cystourethrography showed the neobladder outlet presented funnel shape and open well in continual group, while lack of funnel shape or bladder neck opened badly in intermittent group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The modified total cystectomy and ileal new bladder are effective and reliable treatment for patients.</p>

Research on quality system management of software manufacturers for medical devices / 中国医疗器械杂志

Based on the investigation and analysis of the current situation of medical devices' software manufacturers an exploration of new administrative modalities for the enterprises is presented in the paper.

A modified technique of total cystectomy and ileal orthotopic neobladder(report of 25 cases) / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective To present a modified technique of total cystectomy and ileal neobladder. Methods Radical cystectomy and ileal neobladder were performed for 25 male patients. The dome, the upper part or the lateral walls and the base of the bladder were dissected antegradly. After cutting the ureters, the mobilization was then made retrogradly.For the construction of the reservior, the isolated 40 cm ileal segment was opened along its antimesenteric border and then arranged into a W shape. The wall of ileal pouch was created by side-to-side blanket suture of the incised ileum. The ureters were implanted at the two corners of W shape with antireflux nipple. Results 24 of 25 cases of ileal neobladder have been followed up for 2 to 84 months with a mean of 24 months.The operation took 150 to 310 minutes with a mean of 240 minutes. The intraoperative blood transfusion was 0 to 1200 ml.1 patient died of cancer metastasis. 23 patients have achieved excellent daytime continence,whereas only 14 had nighttime continence. The mean bladder capacity for the entire group was 310 ml. Renal functions of 2 patients were mildly abnormal.Hypokalemia occurred in 2.There was no metabolic acidosis.There were 3 cases of hydroureter or hydronephrosis on one side. 1 calculus of neobladder was discovered on BUS. On voiding cystography, no reflux has been noted in all.And no patient suffered from urethral recurrence. Conclusions The modified total cystectomy and ileal neobladder takes less time and is more feasible.