Effect of various intracanal materials on the diagnostic accuracy of cone-beam computed tomography in vertical root fractures / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To study the effect of various intracanal materials on the accuracy of oral maxillofacial cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for the diagnosis of vertical root fracture (VRF).@*METHODS@#A total of twenty-four structurally intact single root canal dried and isolated teeth extracted for orthodontic treatment or periodontal disease were collected. The teeth were decrowned along the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) and then used as samples for the study after conventional root canal preparation and post preparation. The 24 samples were divided into two groups with 12 samples in each group. Group A was the control group (no VRF group). According to intracanal materials, they were divided into five subgroups: blank group, fiber post group, gutta-percha point group, titanium post group and gold-palladium post group. Group B was the experimental group (VRF group), and subgroups were grouped as above. The VRF model was prepared by a unified method in the VRF group: the root was completely fractured in the buccolingual direction with a custom root canal nail and then cemented and reset. The control group was not subjected to the simulation of VRF. Titanium post and gold-palladium post were made according to the individuality of the root canal preparation, and the tightness of the post to the root canal wall was confirmed by X-ray radiograph. Then all the samples were scanned by CBCT in the isolate swine mandibular alveolar sockets. The diagnostic accuracy was statistically analyzed via blind interpretation by experienced endodontic specialists and oral and maxillofacial medical imaging specialists.@*RESULTS@#The accuracy of the diagnosis of VRF in the blank group, fiber post group, gutta-percha point group, titanium post group, and gold-palladium post group in CBCT was 95.83%, 91.67%, 87.50%, 79.17%, and 45.83%, respectively. Compared with the blank group, the differences were not statistically significant in the fiber post group (P>0.999), the gutta-percha point group (P=0.500) and the titanium post group (P=0.125). The lowest diagnostic accuracy of VRF was found in the gold-palladium post group, and the difference was statistically significant compared with all other groups (P < 0.001).@*CONCLUSION@#Various intracanal materials have different degrees of influence on the diagnostic accuracy of VRF diagnosis in CBCT. The influence of fiber post, gutta-percha point and titanium post was small, while the influence of gold-palladium post was significant.

Mechanism of HES1 regulating herceptin resistance in gastric cancer cells by ferroptosis / 药学学报

Drug resistance of cancer cells is the main causes of chemotherapy failure, and gene mutation or function loss is key factor to induce drug resistance. Previous studies have shown that hairy and enhancer of split 1 (HES1) is up-regulated in herceptin-resistant gastric cancer cells, and inhibition of its activity can reverse its resistance while the potential mechanism has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we employed CRISPR/Cas9 to establish HES1 knock-out cell line (△HES1/NCI N87R) to investigate the functions of HES1 in herceptin resistance of NCI N87R cells and its potential mechanisms. We investigated proteomics profiling of △HES1/NCI N87R cells based on quantitative proteomics. Gene ontology analysis was conducted by GeneSet Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Metascape database, and pathway enrichment analysis was done using GeneAnalytics database. The selected molecules were quantified by Western blot and some pathways were verified by using inhibitors. The results showed that the resistance to herceptin of △HES1/NCI N87R cells decreased compared to NCI N87R cells. Proteomic data demonstrated that the expression of 1 263 genes changed significantly in △HES1/NCI N87R cells, among which 761 genes were up-regulated while 502 ones down-regulated comparing with NCI N87R cells. Pathway analysis showed that ferroptosis, fatty acid β-oxidation, autophagy and glutathione metabolism, etc. exhibited notable changes in △HES1/NCI N87R cells. The functional studies showed that the levels of iron ion and malondialdehyde increased, and glutathione decreased in △HES1/NCI N87R cells. It was further found that Fer-1, a ferroptosis inhibitor, could reverse the expression of pTP53, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in △HES1/NCI N87R cell, and reduce the sensitivity of △HES1/NCI N87R cells to herceptin. It is suggested that HES1 regulated the resistance of NCI N87R cells to herceptin through TP53/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway, and targeting TP53/SLC7A11/GPX4 signal axis mediated by HES1 is a potential strategy to reverse herceptin resistance in gastric cancer.

Calibration on chromone reference extract and application on quality control of Saposhnikoviae Radix / 中国中药杂志

The calibration of chromone reference extract(CRE) was conducted and a quality control method of Saposhnikoviae Radix(SR) was established based on CRE. Meanwhile, the quality control system of SR was improved and the feasibility of using reference extract as a substitute for single reference substance in quality control of Chinese medicine was discussed. In this study, the content of the prepared CRE was calibrated with prim-O-glucosylcimifugin, cimifugin, 4'-O-β-D-glucosyl-5-O-methylvisamminol, and secO-glucosylhamaudol as indicators. Subsequently, an HPLC analytical method was developed to determine the content of four chromones in 20 batches of SR samples based on the CRE with known content as the standard substance. T-test was used for the comparison of the determination results of the two methods(single chemical component and CRE as reference substances, respectively), and the P values of prim-O-glucosylcimifugin, cimifugin, 4'-O-β-D-glucosyl-5-O-methylvisamminol, and sec-O-glucosylhamaudol were 0. 16,0. 39, 0. 14, and 0. 42. The results demonstrated that there was no significant difference between the two methods. This study initially verified the feasibility that the CRE could be used as a substitute for single reference substance in quality control of SR. In conclusion,this study is expected to provide a scientific basis and a new research model for the application of reference extract in the quality control of Chinese medicine.

Application of the calculated electrophysiological parameters in early diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome

@#Objective: To investigate the application of the calculated electrophysiological parameters in early diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Methods: 44 patients (60 hands) with a diagnosis of CTS and 31 healthy volunteers (44 hands) were enrolled. Acquired indicators include median nerve distal motor latency (DML), complex muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude, conduction velocity (MCV), median nerve sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitude, and conduction velocity (SCV). Then the terminal latency index (TLI), the residual latency (RL), and the difference in peak sensory latencies between the median and ulnar nerves (ΔPSL) were calculated. Results: The two groups were matched in age and gender distribution. The CTS group showed significant difference in SCV, DML, SNAP, and CMAP compared with the control group. The sensitivity, specificity, cutoff value, Youden index, and area under the curve of each indicator are respectively as follows: TLI (0.733, 0.932, 0.622, 0.629, and 0.877), RL (0.750, 0.977, 1.334, 0.727, and 0.907), ΔPSL (0.950, 0.841, 0.150, 0.791, and 0.942), SCV (0.950, 0.796, 56.5, 0.746, and 0.946), DML (0.867, 0.932, 3.55, 0.799, and 0.930), SNAP (0.683, 0.932, 21.68, 0.615, and 0.844), and CMAP (0.683, 0.773, 8.76, 0.456, and 0.758). Conclusion: The calculated electrophysiological parameters have higher sensitivities and specificities relative to a single electrophysiological parameter, which could greatly improve the accuracy of early diagnosis of CTS.

UPLC-MS~n analysis and certification evaluation of main chemical composition in naphthopyrone reference extract of Cassiae Semen / 中国中药杂志

The main chemical constituents of naphthopyrone reference extract( NRE) with definite content and relatively fixed chemical composition were analyzed and determined. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-LTQ-Orbitrap XL mass spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography were used to systematically study NRE from the aspects of main chemical components and determination. The results showed that the chemical composition of naphthopyrone reference extract of Cassiae Semen was relatively fixed,and seven naphthalopyranones were identified. Cassiaside B_2,cassiaside C_2,rubrofusarin-6-O-β-D-gentiobioside and cassiaside C were the main chemical constituents of NRE,of which the determination and uncertainty results were( 11. 40+ 0. 26) %,( 11. 68+0. 24) %,( 16. 60+0. 22) %,( 28. 8+0. 48) %,respectively. This study contributed to the accurate evaluation of NRE and the foundation for the application of NRE in the quality control of Cassiae Semen,and provided a new idea for the replacement of single chemical reference substance by the reference extract of traditional Chinese medicine.

Research progress on chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Prunella vulgaris / 中草药

Prunella vulgaris with the function of clearing fire eyesight and softening hardness and dissipating mass, has been widely used in clinics. P. vulgaris mainly contains terpenoids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, sterols, coumarins, organic acids, volatile oils and carbohydrates, and other ingredients with antihypertensive, hypoglycemic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, free radical scavenging activity and anti-oxidation, antitumor, inhibition of virus growth, and other pharmacological effects. According to the literature at home and abroad in recent years, we summarize the chemical compositions and pharmacological actions of P. vulgaris to provide a reference for its clinical applications and further development.

Systematic Evaluation of Shenmai Injection for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiotoxicity Induced by Chemotherapy of Malignant Tumor / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy of Shenmai Injection for the prevention and treatment of cardiotoxicity induced by chemotherapy of malignant tumor. Methods Literature about RCTs of Shenmai Injection for the prevention and treatment of cardiotoxicity induced by chemotherapy of malignant tumor in CNKI, Wanfang Database, CBM, VIP, Pub Med, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science was retrieved by computer from the establishment of database to March 2017. Two investigators independently conducted literature screening, data extraction, and literature quality evaluation. Rev Man 5.3 software was used for Meta-analysis. Results 14 articles were included in the study, involving 1105 patients. The results of Meta-analysis showed that the incidence of abnormal electrocardiogram in Shenmai Injection group was significantly lower than that in control group [RR=0.36, 95％CI (0.29, 0.44), P＜0.000 01]. CK-MB elevation value [SMD=-0.29, 95％CI (-0.58, 0.00), P=0.05]and c Tn T elevation value [SMD=-1.28, 95％CI (-2.48, -0.09), P=0.04]in Shenmai Injection group were less than control group, with statistical significance. Conclusion Shenmai Injection is beneficial to the prevention and treatment of early acute cardiac toxicity and myocardial injury induced by chemotherapy of malignant tumor. However, more large-scale, multi-center, and high-quality clinical RCTs are needed for further verification

Individualized Medication of Warfarin by Quantitative Pharmacology / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE :To introduce two commonly used algorithms for warfarin individualized medication——multiple regression analysis(MRA)and maximum a posterior Bayesian (MAPB), and provide reference for individualized medication of warfarin in clinical practice. METHODS: The principles of MRA and MAPB for warfarin individualized medication, as well as the decision support tools to realize MRA and MAPB, were introduced. The function of MAPB tool, including formulating an initial dosage regimen, adjusting the regimen and its application in special clinical situations, was described by five typical cases.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION :MLR is simple to calculate, however, it can only be used to formulate the initial dosage regimen and dose adjustment cannot be carried out, which limits it clinical application in a certain extent. The application of MAPB can not only develop individualized medication of warfarin and adjust dose according to international normalized ratio(INR) with satisfactory prediction performance, but also be applied in special cases with better flexibility, such as judging medication adherence and instructing withdrawal. It could serve as an effective decision support tool to be promoted vigorously, which has a promising prospect.

Optimal separation and purification of extract in Sanao Sustained-release Tablets with macroporous resins by multi index comprehensive score / 中草药

Objective: To explore the optimal separation and purification of extract in Sanao Sustained-release Tablets. Methods: Taking the adsorption ratio and desorption ratio of ephedrine hydrochloride, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, amygdalin, and glycyrrhizinate as evaluation indexes to optimize the purification process of Sanao Sustained-release Tablets by multi index comprehensive score. Results: Macroporous resin HPD 300 had the best adsorption and desorption properties. In the course of adsorption, the optimum concentration of the sample liquid was 1.67 g crude drugs of per milliliter, the resin column size ratio was 1: 7, the concentration of sample solution was 0.6 g/mL crude drug, the sample flow rate was 4.0 BV/h. In the course of elution, 2 BV deionized water was used and the resin column chromatography was eluted with 5 BV of 70% EtOH by flow rate of 3 BV/h. Conclusion: Macroporous resin HPD 300 is suitable to separate and purify the extract from Sanao Sustained-release Tablets.

Establishment and practice of online anticoagulation clinic / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility and necessity of online anticoagulation clinic for patients taking warfarin.

Efficacy of intravenous scopolamine for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting after cesarean section / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the efficacy of intravenous scopolamine in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after cesarean section (CS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 260 pregnant women with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status Classification class I-II who underwent elective CS under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia (CSEA) were randomly divided into four groups (n = 65): at the end of surgery, 0.3 mg/5 ml scopolamine (scopolamine group), 4 mg/5 ml ondansetron (ondansetron group), 0.3 mg scopolamine plus 4 mg ondansetron per 5 ml (combination group), or 0.9% normal saline 5 ml (control group) were intravenously infused, respectively. The episodes of PONV and adverse effects were observed within 24 hours after operation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The incidences of PONV within 24 hours after surgery were 87.7%, 89.2%, and 92.3%, respectively, in scopolamine group, ondansetron group, and combination group, which were all significantly higher than that in control group (73.8%) (all P < 0.05). However, the incidences of PONV showed no significant difference among these three groups (P > 0.05). No significant difference in the incidence of adverse effects was observed among the four groups (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Intravenous scopolamine (0.3 mg), with a comparable efficacy as ondansetron 4 mg, can effectively decrease the incidence of PONV after CS.</p>

Assessment of the reliability and validity of the Sub-health Measurement Scale Version1.0 / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the reliability and validity of the Sub-health Measurement Scale Version 1.0 (SHMS V1.0).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A spot trial sampling of 2000 individuals was conducted to study the test-retest reliability, Cronbach alpha coefficient, split-half reliability, contract validity, content validity and criterion-related validity of SHMS V1.0.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The spot trial results indicated a test-retest reliability of SHMS V1.0 of 0.644 (P<0.001) with a Cronbach α coefficient of 0.917 and a split-half reliability of 0.831. The results showed a close correlation between each item of SHMS V1.0 and its dimension, but a low correlation between a particular item and other dimensions. The dimension score was significantly correlated to its subscale scores, but not to other subscale scores. The results of factor analysis matched the theoretical conception of SHMS V1.0. The correlation coefficient between SHMS V1.0 and SF-36 was 0.664 (P<0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>SHMS V1.0 has a good reliability and validity, and is a reliable and valid measurement scale for sub-health evaluation.</p>

Celecoxib enhances the lethal effects of bleomycin in human tongue squamous carcinoma cell line Tca8113 / 中华口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the role of COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib in enhancing the lethal effects of bleomycin in Tca8113 cell line.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Tca8113 cells were treated with different concentrations of celecoxib and bleomycin for 24, 48, 72 h. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay was used to calculate cell growth inhibition rate and Jin Zheng Jun's method was used to evaluate the interaction of celecoxib and bleomycin on Tca8113 cells. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the effects of combined use of celecoxib and bleomycin on cell cycle progress and apoptosis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Low dose of celecoxib (10 micromol/L, < IC(50)) combined with bleomycin showed synergism or additive lethal effect on Tca8113 cell line. Celecoxib could notably enhance the inhibitory effect of bleomycin on Tca8113 cells by blocking cell cycle progress and thus resulting in the increasing G(0)/G(1) cells [(60.93 +/- 0.32)%] distribution and inducing apoptosis [(1.87 +/- 0.11)%].</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Low doses of celecoxib could significantly enhance the lethal effect of bleomycin on Tca8113 cells by inhibiting cell growth and proliferation through blocking cell cycle progress and inducing apoptosis. The ways of these interactions on inhibiting Tca8113 cell growth were synergistic or/and additive.</p>

MTT assay for detecting osteosarcoma cell apoptosis / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the feasibility of using MTT assay for detecting the apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells following chemotherapy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The osteosarcoma cells derived form surgical specimens were cultured in RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 10% calf serum. Chemotherapeutic agents were administered in the cell culture, and MTT assay was used to observe the cell apoptosis under optical microscope.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>MTT staining accurately identified apoptosis of the osteosarcoma cells, and the apoptotic cells were easily distinguished from normal cells and dead cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>MTT staining is convenient and practical for detecting osteosarcoma cell apoptosis.</p>

A rapid colorimetric assay for viability of osteosarcoma cells after chemotherapy / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To introduce a rapid colorimetric method for assessing the viability of osteosarcoma cells after chemotherapy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Colorimetric assay and automatic microplate scanning spectrophotometer were used for assaying the viability of osteosarcoma cells.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Close correlation was found between the absorbance at 570 nm of the formazan products and the number of viable osteosarcoma cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>An effective, sensitive and convenient colorimetric assay has been established to assess the survival of osteosarcoma cells following chemotherapy.</p>

Blocking TrkB-BDNF signal pathway decreases the livability of neuroblastoma cells / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its specific tryrosin kinase receptor-B (TrkB) are highly correlated to the chemoresistance of neuroblastoma (NB) cells and poor prognosis. This study observed the changes of the sensibility of NB cells to chemotherapy drug cisplatin (CDDP) before and after blockage of TrkB-BDNF signal pathway by specific tyrosin kinase inhibitor K252a.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Human NB cell line SH-SY5Y (SY5Y) was routinely cultured. Expression of TrkB was induced with nM all trans-retinoid acid (ATRA). Then BDNF, CDDP or K252a were added to the cultured SY5Y cells. Cell livability was assessed by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. TrkB autophosphorylation was determined by Western blot analysis. Cell apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry (FCM). The conformation of apoptosis cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The livability and apoptosis rate in SY5Y cells treated with ATRA, BDNF and CDDP were not different from the blank control group. However, after K252a together with ATRA, BDNF and CDDP treatment, the sensibility of SY5Y cells to chemotherapy drug CDDP increased, the livability decreased and the apoptosis rate increased in SY5Y cells when compared with the blank control group (P <0.01). K252a treatment resulted in blockage of TrkB autophosphorylation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The blockage of TrkB-BDNF signal pathway by K252a use can increase sensibility of NB cells to chemotherapy and thus decrease the livability of NB cells.</p>

Expression of COX-2 and VEGF-C in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and its correlation to lymph node metastasis / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the coexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) in human squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue (SCCT) and assess their correlations to neoangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis of the tumor.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Tissue samples of primary SCCT and the metastatic lymph nodes were obtained from 46 patients undergoing surgical resections of SCCT for immunohistochemical detection of COX-2 and VEGF-C expressions.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The over-expression rates of COX-2 and VEGF-C was 82.61% and 73.91% in the primary tumor, respectively, significantly higher than those in normal oral mucosa. A significant correlation was found between the expression scores of COX-2 and VEGF-C with a concordance rate of 82.61% (P<0.01) and a kappa value of 0.495 according to Cohen's kappa test (P<0.01). High expression of VEGF-C, but not COX-2, was correlated to the presence of lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). The mean microvessel density was significant higher in tumors with strong positivity for COX-2 or VEGF-C than in tumors with only weak or negative expressions (P<0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The expressions of COX-2 and VEGF-C are closely correlated in SCCT, and may have clinical value for assessing the prognosis, metastasis and invasion of SCCT, but the mechanism of these proteins in carcinogenesis in SCCT needs further investigation.</p>

Microsatellite analysis and hMLH1/hMSH2 expression detection in young patients with colorectal cancer: value in screening hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the frequency of microsatellite instability (MSI) and absence of hMLH1/hMSH2 expression in young patients with colorectal cancer, and investigate their role in screening hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC).</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Seventy-three young patients (below 40 years old) with colorectal cancer were examined for DNA mismatch repair deficiency by microsatellite testing and immunohistochemical detection of hMLH1/hMSH2 gene products.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The frequency of MSI and absence rate of hMLH1/hMSH2 expression are 56.16% and 49.32% in these patients, respectively, which increased significantly with younger age for cancer diagnosis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Defects in the DNA mismatch repair system are frequent in Chinese young patients with colorectal cancer. Microsatellite analysis and immunohistochemical detection are useful for efficient identification of HNPCC in these young patients.</p>

Treatment of mouse liver metastasis by intraportal injection of Adv-p53 / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the anti-tumor effect of intraportal administration of Adv-p53 in the treatment of the liver metastasis in mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>2 x 10(5) of MCA-205 cells were injected into the mouse portal vein to establish a murine liver metastasis model. The spleen was transpositioned subcutaneously to enable the administration of Adv-p53 continually into the portal system. Different doses of Adv-p53 were injected intraportally, while HBSS and Adv-CMV were injected intraportaly in the control group. Tumors in the liver were examined on day 21 after Adv-p53 administration.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The liver weight in the Adv-p53 treated mice on day 0 group (1.20 +/- 0.34 g) was significantly less than that in the Adv-CMV group (2.59 +/- 0.48 g, P < 0.05). The number of metastatic nodules in the Adv-p53 treated mice on day 0 group (9.0 +/- 9.9) was significantly less than that in the Adv-CMV group (57.1 +/- 11.3, P < 0.05), indicating that intraportal administration of Adv-p53 inhibited the formation of liver metastasis. This anti-tumor effect was in a dose-dependent manner. After the liver metastasis was formed, Adv-p53 was administered intraportally. The liver weight in the Adv-p53 treated mice on day 5 group (1.22 +/- 0.09 g) was significantly less than that in the Adv-CMV group (3.98 +/- 1.01 g , P < 0.05). The number of metastatic nodules in the Adv-p53 treaed mice on day 5 group (5.5 +/- 3.5) was significantly less than that in the Adv-CMV group (113.2 +/- 5.8, P < 0.05). Repeatedly intraportal administration of Adv-p53 could enhance this anti-tumor effect.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Local administration of Adv-p53 into the portal system would be a useful strategy for the liver metastasis treatment.</p>

Combination of gamma-interferon with TRAIL and cisplatin or etoposide induces apoptosis in human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of gamma-interferon (IFNgamma), tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL), and cisplatin or etoposide induced apoptosis in human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y and its possible molecular mechanisms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expressions of Caspase 8 mRNA and protein were detected with RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. The effects of IFN-gamma, TRAIL, IFNgamma + TRAIL, IFN-gamma + Caspase 8 inhibitor + TRAIL, IFNgamma + cisplatin + TRAIL, and IFNgamma + etoposide + TRAIL on the growth and apoptosis of SH-SY5Y cells were detected with the methods of MTT and flow cytometry. The relative Caspase 8 activity was measured with colorimetric assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Caspase 8 was undetectable in SH-SY5Y cells but an increased expression of Caspase 8 mRNA and protein was found after treatment with IFNgamma. SH-SY5Y cells themselves were not sensitive to TRAIL, but those expressing Caspase 8 after treatment with IFNgamma were. The killing effect of TRAIL on SH-SY5Y cells expressing Caspase 8 was depressed by Caspase 8 inhibitor. Cisplatin and etoposide could enhance the sensitivity of TRAIL on SH-SY5Y cells. The relative Caspase 8 activity of SH-SY5Y cells in IFN-gamma + TRAIL group was significantly higher than those of control group, IFN-gamma group, TRAIL group, and inhibitor group (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference among IFN-gamma + TRAIL group, IFNgamma + cisplatin + TRAIL group, and IFNgamma + etoposide + TRAIL group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>IFNgamma could sensitize SH-SY5Y cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis and this may be realized by the up-regulation of Caspase 8. Cisplatin and etoposide could enhance the killing effect of TRAIL on SH-SY5Y cells.</p>