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Aim To investigate the roles of intracellu-lar reactive oxygen species ( ROS ) and Nrf2 pathway in shikonin-induced A549 cell apoptosis. Methods The cytotoxicity was analyzed by MTT assay. The ap-optosis of A549 cells was analyzed by both cellular morphological and biochemical methods. The relative changes of the redox marks ( ROS/GSH) were studied by fluorescence assay in the shikonin-treated A549 cells in accompany with the changes of the intracellular redox homeostasis by GSH/GSSG ratio. ROS inhibitor was also employed in the treatment to find the role of ROS in shikonin-induced A549 cell apoptosis. Real-time PCR analysis and ELISA assay were performed as well to determine the role of Nrf2 pathway in the shiko-nin-induced A549 cell apoptosis. Results The IC50 of shikonin on A549 cells was 3. 2 mg·L-1 . The cellu-lar redox homeostasis shifted toward oxidation signifi-cantly in shikonin treatment in a time-dependent man-ner. The expression of the Nrf2 pathway related genes was up-regulated by shikonin ( 3 . 2 mg · L-1 , 8 h ) . The expression of the anti-apoptotic genes was down-regulated , and proapoptotic genes were up-regulated by shikonin (3. 2 mg·L-1, 24h). Futhermore, the inhi-bition of intracellular ROS alleviated the cytotoxicity of shikonin in A549 cells. Conclusion The critical role of shikonin-induced redox imblance in A549 cell, coped with the secondary produced ROS and Nrf2 path-way antioxidants, result in A549 cell apoptosis.
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Objective The goal of this study was to investigate the correlation between the level of serum vitamin D and bone metabolism and disease activity in ankylosing spondylitis(AS) patients,and thus to explore the role of vitamin D in bone metabolism in AS patients.Methods The serum levels of BALP,TRACP-5b,25-(OH)D3 and blood lymphocytes VDR of 80 AS patients were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and compared with those of the control group.Bone mineral density (BMD)was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).The ESR and CRP level of AS patients were also measured.The correlation between those parameters was analyzed and evaluated.Patients were divided into normal,insufficient and deficient subgroups according to the serum 25-(OH)D3 levels for further comparison.Indepondent saimple t test,t'test andx2 test were used for statistical analysis.Results The 25-(OH)D3 of AS patients [(11.9±2.7) μg/L] was significantly lower than that of the control groups [(22.3±7.9) μg/L] (P＜0.05),while the serum levels of BALP [(3.9±2.7) μg/L] and TRACP-5b [(46±25) ng/L] of AS patients were significantly higher than those of the control group [(2.4±1.0) μg/L] (P＜0.05).According to linear correlation analysis,25-(OH)D3 was negatively correlated with CRP (r=0.324,P=0.003).The ESR,BALP,TRACP-5b in the deficient subgroup were higher than those in the normal and insufficient subgroups(P＜0.05).Conclusion The plasma 25-(OH)D3 may decrease in AS patients,and this may activate bone metabolism,results in increased morbidity of osteoporo-sis,and negatively affect disease activity.
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Objective To study the adsorption and separation of licorice flavonoid with macroporous resins. Methods Eight types of macroporous resin were selected to compare their performances in absorbing and desorbing licorice flavonoid. The optimal type for licorice flavonoid was decided, meanwhile, its kinetic curve and dynamic absorbing behavior were studied. Results HPD300 resin possessed higher adsorption and desorption capacity. The appropriate adsorption and desorption conditions were as follows:concentration of sample was 2.0 mg/mL, velocity of sample solution was 1.5 BV/h, volume of sample solution was 2 BV (bed volume);velocity of 80%ethanol was taken as eluant 1.5 BV/h, and the volume was 3 BV. Flavonoid content was increased more than 2 times under above conditions. Conclusion HPD300 macroporous resin showed better comprehensive adsorption property. It can be used to purify and separate licorice flavonoid.
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Objective To develop an evidence-based community extended care model for patients with asthma.Methods Mixed research methods were applied to integrate best evidences:80 literatures were included in systemic review; 394 medical records were analyzed; 112 nurses admitted a test and a questionnaire to assess their competence on asthma care; clinical observation to both hospital and community centers were conducted; 6 multidisciplinary experts were consulted; and 100 patients admitted a questionnaire on patient needs and 17 of them were further interviewed.Results The nursing care model with the feature of hospital and community health service center collaborating to provide extended care for patients with asthma was established.Conclusions The development of a nursing care model for practice should be based on the current best evidence generating from the best research evidence,professional judgment on clinical practice requirement and patients' needs.