Clinical features of 19 patients with SIL-TAL1-positive T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia / 中华血液学杂志

Objective: To assess the clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with SIL-TAL1-positive T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) . Methods: The clinical data of 19 SIL-TAL1-positive T-ALL patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between January 2014 and February 2022 were retrospectively computed and contrasted with SIL-TAL1-negative T-ALL patients. Results: The median age of the 19 SIL-TAL1-positive T-ALL patients was 15 (7 to 41 years) , including 16 males (84.2%) . SIL-TAL1-positive T-ALL patients had younger age, higher WBC, and hemoglobin compared with SIL-TAL1-negative T-ALL patients. There was no discrepancy in gender distribution, PLT, chromosome abnormality distribution, immunophenotyping, and complete remission (CR) rate. The 3-year overall survival (OS) was 60.9% and 74.4%, respectively (HR=2.070, P=0.071) . The 3-year relapse-free survival (RFS) was 49.2% and 70.6%, respectively (HR=2.275, P=0.040) . The 3-year RFS rate of SIL-TAL1-positive T-ALL patients was considerably lower than SIL-TAL1-negative T-ALL patients. Conclusion: SIL-TAL1-positive T-ALL patients were connected to younger age, higher WBC, higher HGB, and poor outcome.

Butyl alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction alleviates vulvovaginal candidiasis in mice by downregulating NLRP3 inflammasome and related signal pathways / 中国中药杂志

This study aims to explore the effect of butyl alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction(BAEB) on vulvovaginal candidiasis(VVC) in mice and to clarify the mechanism from Toll-like receptors(TLRs)/MyD88 and Dectin-1/Syk signal pathways and NLRP3 inflammasome. To be specific, female KM mice were randomized into control group(i.g., normal saline), model group, fluco-nazole group(i.g., 20 mg·kg~(-1)), and low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose BAEB groups(i.g., 20, 40, and 80 mg·kg~(-1), respectively). VVC was induced in mice except the control group. After the modeling, administration began and lasted 7 days. The ge-neral conditions and body weight of mice were recorded every day. On the 1 st, 3 rd, 7 th, and 14 th after vaginal infection by Candida albicans, the fungal load in the vaginal lavage fluid of the mice was measured with the plate method, and the morphology of C. albicans in vaginal lavage fluid was observed based on Gram staining. After the mice were killed, vaginal tissues were subjected to hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and periodic acid-Schiff(PAS) staining for vaginal histopathological analysis. The content of cytokines in vaginal lavage fluid, such as interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-18, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), IL-6, and S100 a8, was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and content of reactive oxygen species(ROS) in vaginal tissues by tissue ROS detection kit. The protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, Dectin-1, Syk, MyD88, TLR2, TLR4, and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) in vaginal tissues was detected by Western blot, and the levels and distribution of NLRP3, Dectin-1, Syk, MyD88, TLR2, and TLR4 in vaginal tissues were determined with the immunohistochemical method. The results show that BAEB can improve the general conditions of VVC mice, reduce the fungal load and C. albicans hyphae in vaginal secretion, decrease ROS content in vaginal tissues and content of cytokines in vaginal lavage fluid, and down-regulate the expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, Dectin-1, Syk, MyD88, TLR2, TLR4, and NF-κB in vaginal tissues. The above results indicate that BAEB exerts therapeutic effect on VVC mice by down-regulating the key proteins in the TLRs/MyD88 and Dectin-1/Syk signal pathways and NLRP3 inflammasome.

Main components in butyl alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction inhibited neutrophil chemotaxis / 中国中药杂志

The present study aims to investigate the effects of the main components(aesculin, berberine hydrochloride, and anemoside B4) in the butyl alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction(BAEB) on the chemotaxis of neutrophils induced by dimethyl sulfoxide(DMSO). HL60 cells were cultivated in RPMI-1640 complete medium, and transferred into a 6-well plate(2 × 10~5 per mL) with 4 mL in each well, followed by incubation with DMSO at 1.3% for five days. The morphologic changes of cells were observed under an inverted microscope. The CD11 b expression after DMSO induction was analyzed by flow cytometry. The effects of aesculin, berberine hydrochloride, and anemoside B4 on the cell proliferation and migration were detected by CCK8 assay and Transwell assay, respectively. The effects of the main components on the production and polarization of F-actin protein were also examined by flow cytometry and laser confocal microscopy. PI3 K/Akt signaling pathway was checked by Western blot. As revealed by the results, neutrophil-like HL60 cells were observed after DMSO induction. The CD11 b expression in these cells increased significantly as indicated by the flow cytometry. Additionally, 100 μg·mL~(-1) aesculin, 8 μg·mL~(-1) berberine hydrochloride, and 80 μg·mL~(-1) anemoside B4 were potent in inhibiting the migration of neutrophils and reducing F-actin expression. Berberine hydrochloride was verified to be capable of diminishing phosphorylated PI3 K/Akt protein expression. The findings indicate that aesculin, anemoside B4, and especially berberine hydrochloride in the BAEB can inhibit the chemotaxis of neutrophils, which is possibly achieved by the inhibition of F-actin and PI3 K/Akt signaling pathway.

The parametric measurementof physico-chemical parameter and three types of effective components in Jiedu-Zhixue Decoction / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective@#To set up a method to measure the content of baicaline, wogonoside, and paeonol in Jiedu-Zhixue Decoction extract and to measure their physico-chemical parameters.@*Methods@#By using HPLC analytical methods to measure the content of baicaline, wogonoside, and paeonol in Jiedu-Zhixue Decoction extract. The RP18 column was adopted, gradient eluted with mobile phase of acetonitrile-1% phosphoric acid water, flow rate was 1 ml/min, detection wavelength was 274 nm, and the column temperature was 30 ℃. The method quantitatively analyze the compound extracts of baicaline, wogonoside and paeonol were used.@*Results@#The method isrepeatable, stable with good recorey rates. The calibration curves of baicaline was in good linearity over the range of 0.191 2-1.147 2 μg. The calibration curves of wogonoside was in good linearity over the range of 0.041 5-0.207 4 μg. The calibration curves of paeonol was in good linearity over the range of 0.019 5-0.156 3 μg. There was no significant difference among the component of 3 different batches of Jiedu-Zhixue Decoction extract, and the pH value range was 5.240-5.753, relative density range was 0.846-0.889.@*Conclusions@#The method used in this stydy to measure the effective components of Jiedu-Zhixue Decoction extract was stable and feasible, which is suitable for quality control of Jiedu-Zhixue Decoction.

The parametric measurementof physico-chemical parameter and three types of effective components in Jiedu-Zhixue Decoction / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To set up a method to measure the content of baicaline, wogonoside, and paeonol in Jiedu-Zhixue Decoction extract and to measure their physico-chemical parameters. Methods:By using HPLC analytical methods to measure the content of baicaline, wogonoside, and paeonol in Jiedu-Zhixue Decoction extract. The RP18 column was adopted, gradient eluted with mobile phase of acetonitrile-1% phosphoric acid water, flow rate was 1 ml/min, detection wavelength was 274 nm, and the column temperature was 30 ℃. The method quantitatively analyze the compound extracts of baicaline, wogonoside and paeonol were used. Results:The method isrepeatable, stable with good recorey rates. The calibration curves of baicaline was in good linearity over the range of 0.191 2-1.147 2 μg. The calibration curves of wogonoside was in good linearity over the range of 0.041 5-0.207 4 μg. The calibration curves of paeonol was in good linearity over the range of 0.019 5-0.156 3 μg. There was no significant difference among the component of 3 different batches of Jiedu-Zhixue Decoction extract, and the pH value range was 5.240-5.753, relative density range was 0.846-0.889. Conclusions:The method used in this stydy to measure the effective components of Jiedu-Zhixue Decoction extract was stable and feasible, which is suitable for quality control of Jiedu-Zhixue Decoction.

Proteomic identification of differentially expressed proteins in blood exosomes of patients with hypertension / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To analyze the proteins included in exosomes derived from blood of patients with hypertension and seek the main pathologi -cal changes in hypertension .METHODS:Forty-seven patients and healthy subjects were recruited and divided into two comparisons :healthy subjects vs atherosclerosis ( HS vs AS) , and atherosclerosis vs hypertension plus atherosclerosis ( AS vs HT+AS) .We extrac-ted exosomes from blood and utilized LC-MS/MS to identify the protein expression .We used GO analysis to established the hierarchy programs of biological process and molecular function .PPI was used to find the proteins related to the terms .RESULTS:It was found that three final child terms repeatedly shown in BP of the two categories ( HS vs AS and AS vs HT+AS):“signal transduction in re-sponse to DNA damage”,“response to zinc ion”, and“platelet aggregation”.It was found that two final child terms in MF of the two categories:“interleukin 2 receptor binding” and“ploy(A) RNA binding”.The proteins, PSMA6, PSMA7 and CA2, were related to the terms in the two categories .CONCLUSION: We discovered that the exosome proteins may indicate the pathological changes in hypertension through the biological processes related with the specific proteins .These specific proteins, such as VCL, PSMA6, DP, AKAP, ATP5B and CA2, can be the new indicators for severity of hypertension and new therapeutic targets .

Inhibition of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by exosomes secreted from mesenchymal stem cells / 中国病理生理杂志

Exosomes secreted by mesenchymal stem cells have shown great therapeutic potential in regenerative medicine .In this study, we performed meta-analysis to assess the clinical effectiveness of using exosomes in ischemia /reperfusion injury based on the reports pub-lished between January 2000 and September 2015 and indexed in the PubMed and Web of Science databases .The effect of exosomes on heart function was evaluated according to the following parameters:the area at risk as a percentage of the left ventricle , infarct size as a percentage of the area at risk , infarct size as a percentage of the left ventricle , left ventricular ejection fraction , left ventricular frac-tion shortening , end-diastolic volume , and end-systolic volume .Our analysis indicated that the currently available evidence confirmed the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cell-secreted exosomes in the improvement of heart function .However , further mechanis-tic studies, therapeutic safety and clinical trials are required for optimization and validation of this approach to cardiac regeneration after ischemia/reperfusion injury .

Proteomic identification of proteins in exosomes of patients with atherosclerosis / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:Atherosclerosis primarily involved systemic arteries .Luminal surface , a monolayer of endothelial cells , of artery directly exposes to blood and is susceptible to active substances in the blood .Exosomes contain significantly amount of proteins and RNAs .Ex-osomes can be good and bad for cells , depending on their component .Thus, exosomes may contribute to atherosclerosis by affecting endothelial cells .This study analyzed the relationship of exosome proteins and atherosclerosis .METHODS: Fifty-six patients and healthy subjects were recruited and divided into two comparisons:healthy subjects vs atherosclerosis ( HS vs AS) , and hypertension vs hypertension plus atherosclerosis ( HT vs HT+AS) .Serum exosomes were decoded by protein mass spectrometry .The protein profile and function were analyzed by gene ontology ( GO) .RESULTS:It was found that five child terms repeatedly appeared in “response to stimulus” and “immune system process” of BP of the two categories ( HS vs AS and AS vs HT+AS):“positive regulation of innate immune response”,“immune response-activating signal transduction”,”activation of innate immune response”,“innate immune re-sponse-activating signal transduction” and “innate immune response activating cell surface receptor signaling pathway ”.Two child terms repeatedly showed in “binding” of MF of the two categories:“antigen binding” and “enzyme binding”.Two proteins, PSMA6 and PSMA7, were repeatedly shown in the two categories .CONCLUSION:GO analysis was utilized for structure hierarchy “tree” to illustrate these proteins involved in various terms in BP , CC and MF.The PPI analysis supplied proteins which may play potentially im-portant roles in AS process .Innate immune system and blood coagulation pathway contribute to AS formation .The proteins, PSMA6, PSMA7 and Annexin A2, may can be the new target proteins for prevention and treatment of AS .

Protective effects of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived exosomes on high glucose-induced injury in human endothelial cells / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To investigate the effects of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived exosomes (hiPSC-exo) on cell viability, capillary-like structure formation , and senescence in endothelial cells exposed to high glucose .METHODS: Exosomes were isolated from the conditional medium of hiPSCs and confirmed by transmission electron microscopy , nanoparticle tracking analysis , and Western blot analysis using Alix and CD63 as markers.hiPSC-exo were labeled with PKH26 for tracking.Cultured HUVECs were treated with high glucose (33 mmol/L) with or without hiPSC-exo (20 mg/L) for 48 h, and cell viability, capillary tube formation, and senescence were assessed .RESULTS:hiPSC-exo showed a typical cup shape and could be taken up by human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) in a concentration-dependent manner.When exposed to high glucose, viability and tube formation in HUVECs was signifi-cantly reduced, whereas the proportion of senescent cells was higher compared to that in control HUVECs (P<0.01).Furthermore, hiPSC-exo restored cell viability and capillary-like structure formation , and reduced senescence in HUVECs exposed to high glucose (P<0.01).However, hiPSC-exo had minimal effects on normal HUVECs.Therefore, stem cell-derived exosomes can promote cell proliferation, enhance capillary-like structure formation , and reduce senescence in endothelial cells exposed to high glucose . CONCLUSION:Our study highlights the role of exosomes derived from hiPSC and may provide a new strategy for maintaining vascular health, preventing vascular aging , and avoiding pathological vascular remodeling that occurs in many diseases .

Study on Dinggui gel paste on analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe effects and mechanism of Dinggui gel paste analgesic anti-inflammatory.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty-four male KM mice weighted from 18 to 22 g and aged 4 to 5 weeks were randomly divided into 7 groups, named blank group, model group, matrix control group, Votalin group, high dosage of Dinggui gel paste group with group, equivalent dosage of Dinggui gel paste group, Dinggui gel paste group, 12 mice in each group. Except blank and model group, the other groups were paste ointment for 7 days, and one time a day, matrix control group were pasted isodose blank matrix gel patch. Pain threshold were tested at 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after the last ad-ministration. Hot plate test were performed by injection of 5% formalin for 20 µL on right hindfoot sole after the last administration. The cumulative time of mice licking right rear foot were observed at stage of I and II, and content of IL-1, TNF-α were tested by ELISA method. Differences of weight between right and left ears were measured by ear swelling method and anti-inflammation experiment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In hot plate test at 90 min, pain threshold in equivalent dosage of Dinggui gel paste group was (24.87 ± 14.67) s and (15.28 ± 8.23) s in model group; (26.33 ± 15.45) s in high dosage of Dinggui gel paste group and (15.31 ± 5.02) s in model group at 120 min in hot plate test, there were no statistical differences between two groups. Pain period at stage I, licking cumulative time in high dosage of Dinggui gel paste group was (66.70 ± 22.83) s and (101.80 ± 33.65) s in model group,and had significant differences between two groups; there were statistical differences in licking cumulative time at stage I of pain period among high dosage of Dinggui gel paste group (51.30 ± 43.60)s, equivalent dosage of Dinggui gel paste group (64.00 ± 47.27) sand model group (109.50 ± 36.78) s. Content of IL-1 in model group was (28.70 ± 8.24) ng/L and (13.33 ± 2.20) ng/L in high dosage of Dinggui gel paste group, there was obvious meaning between two groups; There were significant differences in TNF-α content among model group (93.60 ± 23.65) ng/L,high dosage of Dinggui gel paste group (63.21 ± 10.54)ng/L and equivalent dosage of Dinggui gel paste group (72.69 ± 16.26) ng/L; while there were no statistical meaning in ear swelling degree among model group (5.73 ± 0.80) mg,high dosage of Dinggui gel paste group (5.42 ± 0.68) mg and equivalent dosage of Dinggui gel paste group (4.98 ± 1.52) mg.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Dinggui gel paste could increase pain threshold, reduce licking accumulative time, and decrease ear swelling degree, and relief pain by regulating level of TNF-α and IL-1.</p>

Value of CT angiography in reducing the risk of hemorrhage associated with mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy

ABSTRACTPurpose:To evaluate the clinical value of computed tomography angiography (CTA) in reducing the risk of hemorrhage associated with mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).Materials and Methods:A total of 158 patients with renal or ureter stones who had undergone mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy were retrospectively enrolled into this study from May of 2011 to April of 2014. Group 1 (65 patients) underwent computed tomography angiography, and Group 2 (93 patients) underwent non-contrast CT. The clinical characteristics of the patients and hemorrhagic complications were recorded. The hematologic complications (transfusion rate, and preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin values) were assessed.Results:There were no statistically significant differences in age, body mass index(BMI), stone diameter, operative time, stone-free rate, and hospital stay between the 2 groups. In group 2, 1 patient (1.1%) developed a renal arteriovenous fistula and was treated with embolus therapy. In addition, Group 2 showed significantly drop in hemoglobin (3.6 g/dL vs. 2.4 g/dL, respectively; P <0.001) and more transfusions (9.7% vs. 1.5%, respectively; P <0.05) compared with Group 1.Conclusion:The study showed that patients who underwent computed tomography angiography prior to percutaneous nephrolithotomy had lower drop of hemoglobin and needed less transfusions. These findings may suggest that the use of computed tomography angiography may reduce the risk of bleeding during percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Inhibitory effects of curcumin on hyphal development and biofilm formation of five kinds of non-Candida albicans / 中草药

Objective: To observe the inhibitory effects of curcumin on hyphal development and biofilm formation of five kinds of non-Candida albicans. Methods: Serial 2-fold dilution assay was used to determine the MICs of curcumin to C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, C. parapsilokis, C. krusei, C. guilliermondii; XTT assay was used to determine the SMIC50 of curcumin to the five non-C. albicans. Inverted microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were applied to inspectting the morphological change of non-C. albicans treated by curcumin, The dilution method was applied to inspecting the hyphae around the colonies. Results: The MICs of curcumin to C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, C. parapsilokis, C. Krusei, C. guilliermondii were 64, 128, 256, 256, and 128 μg/mL, and the SMIC50 were 512, 512, >512, >512, and 512 μg/mL, respectively. We found that curcumin could inhibit the hyphal and biofilm formation of the five kinds of non-C. albicans by observation with inverted microscope and SEM, and curcumin could inhibit the hyphal development around the colonies by observation with optical microscope. Conclusion: Curcumin could inhibit the hyphal development and biofilm formation of the five kinds of non-C. albicans.

Anti-attachment effect of ethyl acetate extract of Huanglian Jiedu decoction on Candida glabrata / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate anti-attachment effect of ethyl acetate extract of Huanglian Jiedu decoction (EAHD) on Candida glabrata.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Serial 2-fold dilution assay was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations MICs of EAHD to C. glabrata. XTT assay was used to evaluate the effect of EAHD against adhesion of C. glabrata. Inverted microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and fluorescein diacetate (FDA) staining were applied to observe the morphological changes of C. glabrata in adhesion. PCR was adopted to inspect the expression of attachment-related genes such as EPA1, EPA6 and EPA7.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The MIC of EAHD and fluconazole to C. glabrata were 320 mg · L(-1) and 1 mg · L(-1) respectively. The total cells including budding cells decreased in a dose-dependent manner following EAHD treatment. The expressions of EPA1, EPA6 and EPA7 were downregulated dramatically after EAHD treatment.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>EAHD could effectively inhibit adherence of C. glabrata.</p>

Inhibitory effects of butyl alcohol extract of Baitouweng decoction on yeast-to-hyphae transition of Candida albicans isolates from VVC in alkaline pH environment / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of butyl alcohol extract of Baitouweng decoction ( BAEB) on yeast-to-hyphae transition of Candida albicans isolates from vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) in alkaline pH.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Serial 2-fold dilution assay was used to determine the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of Baitouweng decoction extracts against C. albicans isolates from VVC, XTT assay was applied to determine the metabolic activity of C. albicans hypha treated by BAEB for 6 h. The morphological change of C. albicans treated by BAEB was inspected at different pH by inverted microscope, fluorescence microscope, scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Solid agar plate and semi-solid agar were utilized to evaluate colony morphology and invasive growth of C. albicans, respectively. Quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was adopted to observe the expressions of hyphae-specific genes including HWP1, ALS3, CSH1, SUN41 and CaPDE2.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The MIC of BAEB against C. albicans is less than that of other extracts; hyphae grow best at pH 8. 0; 512 mg · L(-1) and 1,024 mg · L(-1) BAEB could inhibit formation of hyphae and influence colony morphology. When treated by 512 mg · L(-1) and 1,024 mg · L(-1) BAEB, the colonies became smooth; while by 0 and 256 mg · L(-1) BAEB, the colonies became wrinkled. In semi-solid agar, the length of hyphae decreased steadily as the concentration of BAEB lowered. The expression of HWP1, ALS3, CSHl, SUN41 were downregulated by 5.12, 4.26, 3.2 and 2.74 folds, and CaPDE2 was upregulated by 2.38 fold.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>BAEB could inhibit yeast-to-hyphae transition of C. albicans isolates from VVC in alkaline pH.</p>

Effect of Huanglian Jiedu decoction in combination with fluconazole on ergosterol of fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of ethyl acetate extract of Huanglian Jiedu decoction (EAHD) , alone and in combination with fluconazole (FLZ) on FLZ-resistant Candida albicans.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and sessile MIC80 (SMIC80) of EAHD and FLZ to FLZ-resistant C. albicans were determined by CLSI M27-A3 microdilution method, and the synergy of EAHD combined with FLZ were examined by the checkerboard microdilution assay. Agar plate-method was adopted to observe the rate of antifungal activity according to time-kill curve. HPLC and qRT-PCR were utilized to evaluate the changes of ergosterol content and expressions of related genes, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>MICs of EAHD ranged from 156 to 1,250 mg · L(-1), those of FLZ from 256 to above 2,048 mg · L(-1) with FICI approximate 0.066 in combination; SMIC80 of EAHD were higher than 1,250 mg · L(-1), SMIC80 of FLZ were higher than 512 mg · L(-1) and up to above 2,048 mg · L(-1). Combination group also showed synergy effect except one group showing addition effect. The results of T-K experiment also confirmed obviously fungicidal effect when treated for 12 h. When compared with control groups, the ergosterol was reduced 85% and 50% in the treatments of combination and EAHD alone by HPLC, respective- ly. The expressions of ERG1, ERG2, ERG6, ERG7 and ERG11 were upregulated, and ACS1, ACS2, MET6 were downregulated when exposed to FLZ. The expressions of the above genes were downregulated by treatment of EAHD. The expressions of ERG2, ERG6, ERG11 were upregulated, while ERG1, ERG7, ACS1, ACS2, MET6 were downregulated in combination group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The combination of EAHD and FLZ exhibited synergy against FLZ-resistant C. albicans through decreasing the synthesis of ergosterol, and resulting in the breakage of cell membrane.</p>

Inhibitory effects of butyl alcohol extract of Baitouweng decoction on virulence factors of Candida tropicalis / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of butyl alcohol extract of baitouweng decoction (BAEB) on the fungal cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH), filamentation and biofilm formation of Candida tropicalis.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Gradual dilution method was used to determine the MIC. XTT assay was applied to determine the SMIC80. Time-Kill assay was employed to draw the Time-Kill curve. The water-hydrocarbon two-phase assay was used to measure the cell surface hydrophobicity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was applied to observe the morphological changes of the biofilm. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was applied to determine the thickness of the biofilm. The quantification real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect expression changes of releated genes (UME6, ALST3 and NRG1). result: The MICs of BAEB against C. tropicalis strains are determined as 64-128 mg x L(-1). The SMIC80 s of BAEB against the biofilm of Candida tropicalis strains are determined as 256-512 mg x L(-1). Time-Kill curve results indicate that BAEB has a promise fungicidal effect at 256 and 512 mg x L(-1). SEM results shows that 512 mg x L(-1) BAEB can inhibit the formation of C. tropicalis biofilm on Silicone catheter, and the morphology of biofilm is also affected by BAEB. The thickness of C. tropicalis biofilm is reduced by BAEB according to CLSM results. Furthermore, qRT-PCR results indicate that expression of UME6 and ALST3 are significantly down-regulated by BAEB 256,512 mg x L(-1), and NRG1 is not affected by BAEB.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>BAEB inhibits effectively the CSH, filamentation and biofilm formation of VVC strains of C. tropicalis.</p>

Effect of andrographolide on quorum sensing and relevant virulence genes of Candida albicans / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of andrographolide (AG) on quroum sensing (QS) and relevant virulence genes of Candida albicans.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was applied to detect the changes in the content of farnesol and tyrosol in C. albicans intervened by AG. The real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was adopted to inspect the expressions of relevant virulence genes such as CHK1, PBS2 and HOG1 regulated by QS.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>At 2 h after the growth of C. albican, the farnesol and tyrosol secretions reduced, without notable change after intervention with AG. The secretions were highest at 12 h and decreased at 24 h. After the intervention with different concentrations of AG, the farnesol content reduces, whereas tyrosol increased, indicating a dose-dependence, particularly with 1 000 mg x L(-1) AG. qRT-PCR revealed that 1 000 mg x L(-1) AG could down-regulate CHK1 by 2.375, 3.330 and 4.043 times and PBS2 by 2.010, 4.210 and 4.760 times, with no significant change in HOG1.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>AG could inhibit the farnesol secretion, promote the tyrosol secretion and down-regulate QS-related virulence genes CHK1 and PBS2 expressions.</p>

Effect of andrographolide derivative Yanhuning on in vivo Candida albicans biofilms in rats / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of andrographolide derivative Yanhuning (YHN) on Candida albicans biofilms in rats.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The rat C. albicans biofilms subcutaneous catheter model was established by intraperitoneally injecting YHN (40, 20, 10, 5, 2.5 mg x kg (-1)), with the FLC (80 mg x kg(-1)) positive group as the control group. After 7 d, CFU counting and XTT assay were used to evaluate the effect of YHN on C. albicans biofllms in vivo. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was applied to observe the morphological changes in rat biofilms intervened by YHN. The real-time fluorescence quantification PCR was adopted to detect expressions of C. albicans adhesion-related genes, such as ALS1, ALS3, HWP1, EAP1 and MP65.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The YHN group showed much less CFUs on catheter pieces and lower XTT metabolic activity than the blank group, with dosage dependence. SEM also showed that YHN could obviously decrease C. albicans adhesion on subcutaneous catheters in rats. According to qRT-PCR's results, YHN can down-regulate expressions of ALS1, ALS3, HWP1, EAP1 and MP65.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>YHN could inhibit C. albicans biofilms in rats.</p>

Effect of andrographolide on Candida albicans biofilm dispersion / 中国中药杂志

Along with the increase in fungal infections, Candida albicans prevention and control become the focus of anti-fungal infection at present. This study aims to discuss the effect monomer andrographolide (AG) on C. albicans biofilm dispersion. In the experiment, micro-well plates and medical catheter pieces were used to establish the C. albicans biofilm model. It was discovered by XTT assay and flat band method that 1 000, 500, 250 mg x L(-1) AG could impact the activity of C. albicans biofilm dispersion cells. The morphological structures of residual biofilms on catheter pieces were observed with scanning electron microscopy, which showed that 1 000, 500, 250 mg x L(-1) AG could induce C. albicans biofilm dispersion in a dose-dependent manner, and the dispersed cells were dominated by the yeast phase. According to the real-time fluorescence quantification PCR (qRT-PCR) test, AG could up-regulate HSP90 expression and down-regulate UME6 and PES1 expressions. This study demonstrates that AG could induce C. albicans biofilm dispersion to some extent.

Effect of ginkgolide B-loaded self microemulsifying drug deliver system on pharmacokinetics of ginkgolide B in retina / 中华实验眼科杂志

Background Ginkgolide B (GB) has been proved to have neuroprotective and anti-apoptotic effects and can effectively inhibit apoptosis of retinal photoreceptor cells.But the high hydrophobic feature and low bioavailability of GB limit its clinical application.Self microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) can effectively improve the infusibility drug dissolution and bioavailability in the retina.Objective This study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics and drug-time change of GB-loaded SMEDDS in retina.Methods Eighty SD rats were randomized into 2 groups,2.5％ GB(40 mg/kg) of SMEDDS or GB suspension(0.1％ DMSO dissolve) were gastrically given respectively in two groups.The rats were sacrificed and retinas were isolated 15,30,45 minutes and 1 hour,2,4,8,12 hours to prepare the retinal suspension.The content of GB in retina was assayed with high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-(1) (1)ss spectrum (HPLC-ESI-MS) and contrasted with standard curve.Practical drug dynamics program 3p87 was used to detect the pharmacokinetics parameters.The maximal content(Cmax,mg/g),time to peak (Tmax,h),clearance ratio (Ke/h),high-life period (t1/2) and area under the concentration-time curve(AUC0-∞,mg/(g · h)) of GB in various time points in retina after a single oral dose were calculated and compared between two groups.Results The standard curve was obtained over the concentration range of 1-32 mg/L with a linear regression equation,Y =0.0732X + 0.056 (r =0.992).A similar content-time curve was seen between GB suspension group and GB-SMEDDS group.The GB content was higher in GB-SMEDDS group than that in GB suspension group from 30 minutes through 12 hours after administration of drugs.The Cmax of GB-SMEDDS group and GB suspension group were(15.83±1.84) mg/g and(2.65±0.10) mg/g,the AUC0-∞ were(15.30±0.11)mg/(g· h)and(6.42±0.19)mg/(g · h).Conclusions HPLC-ESI-MS is proved to be a rapid,accurate,sensitive and suitable method for pharmocokinetic study of GB.SMEDDS can raise the concent of GB in retina,and it probably improve the bioavailability of GB.