Preparation and stability evaluation of artemether-loaded mixed micelles composed of the sodium glycocholate and soybean lecithin / 药学学报

In this study, artemether (ARM)-loaded mixed micelles (MM) composed of the sodium glycocholate (SGC) and soybean lecithin (SL) were prepared by film dispersion method. The effects of hydration medium, SL mass ratio and total concentration of excipients on the solubilization of ARM were investigated and the stability of MM was evaluated. Results showed that the particle size distribution of SGC-SL-MM prepared by phosphate buffer solution (PBS, pH 7.4, 0.05 mol·L-1) was uniform, with an average size of 3.58 ± 0.14 nm and the polydispersity index (PDI) value was 0.16 ± 0.04. The solubility of ARM increased significantly from 0.64 ± 0.04 mg·mL-1 to 13.7 ± 0.13 mg·mL-1 along with the concentration of total excipient increasing from 1.0% to 30.0% (w/w). The calculated results of Arrhenius parameter and storage stability showed that the degradation rate constant of ARM in MM was smaller than that in acetonitrile-PBS (pH 7.4) at either 37 ℃ or 60 ℃. The experimental ARM-MM was clear after storing for two months at 25 ℃ and the degradation of ARM was less than 7.0%. In conclusion, the SGC-SL-MM can not only improve the solubility of ARM in aqueous solution, but also improve its chemical stability in aqueous solution at low temperature.

Metal-organic frameworks for advanced drug delivery

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), comprised of organic ligands and metal ions/metal clusters

In situ characterization of structural change and internal particle distributions of soft capsules based on synchrotron radiation X-ray micro computed tomography / 药学学报

It is difficult to directly observe the structural transformation inside of soft capsules if their shells are opaque. This study was designed to noninvasively in situ measure the structural characteristics of the soft capsules and internal particle distributions to reveal the intrinsic quality of the soft capsules and develop a new technique for reverse engineering and the physical stability evaluation of the soft capsules. In this research, the CT projection images of soft capsules, namely, propolis soft capsules, were collected via synchrotron radiation X-ray micro computed tomography (SR-μCT). After three-dimensional reconstruction, the structural differences of the soft capsules under long-term test and accelerated test for 6 months were quantitatively analyzed by calculating the three-dimensional structure parameters such as volume, number and distribution of the particles inside and the thickness for the wall of the capsules. There were only a small number of particles evenly distributed in the soft capsules stored under common storage condition without layering. On the other hand, the shell wall of the soft capsule turned thinner locally at the occlusal portion and the particles with strong X-ray absorption were densely distributed at the edge of the capsule wall after the accelerated test. This study revealed that the structural parameters of soft capsules obtained by SR-μCT could be used to evaluate the influence of storage environment on the physical stability of soft capsules. The technology provides a new method for quality control and evaluation for the soft capsules.

Research on the effect of nanofat combined with granular fat injection in the treatment of mixed dark circle at lower eyelid / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To investigate the clinical effect of subcutaneous injection of nanofat combined with autologous fat into tear trough deformity to improve the mixed dark circle at lower eyelid, and the feasibility of using L*a*b* value to objectively evaluate the improvement of skin color at the lower eyelid with dark circle.@*Methods@#A total of 14 patients with the mixed dark circle at lower eyelid, admitted by Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology from November 2017 to August 2018 were selected. They were all female, aged between 21 and 46 years old. Thigh or abdomen was selected as the fat donor area. Autologous fat was filled into the tear trough deformity. The prepared nanofat was injected into the subcutaneous layer of the lower eyelid with dark circle. Photoes were taken under the same condition and same room temperature for patients before operation and 6 months after operation. Photoshop, CS7 exposure correction, as well as 64 Image J software measurement were adopted to evaluate the skin L* a* b* value at dark circle of lower eyelid. SPSS 20.0 rows of data statistical analysis was applied with paired t test(P<0.05).@*Results@#All patients were followed up for 6 months after the operation, and a satisfactory effect was achieved after one injection, with an overall satisfaction rate of 78.6% (11/14). The color and skin fine wrinkles at the dark circle of the lower eyelid were improved in 14 patients, and the contour of the injection area was smooth without obvious complications. 6 months after the operation, the L* value of the skin at the lower eyelid with dark circle was 55.13±5.56, which was 7.74±2.39 higher than the preoperative value of 48.23±5.63, showing significant difference(t=12.089, P=0.00). Six months after surgery, the a* value was 14.68±2.84, which decreased by 0.11±0.60 compared with 14.79±3.04 before surgery, showing no statistically difference(t=-0.71, P=0.49). Six months after surgery, the b* value was 19.77±3.45, which increased by 0.27±1.03 compared with 19.50±3.45 before surgery, showing no statistical difference (t=0.98, P=0.35).@*Conclusions@#Subcutaneous injection of nanofat combined with autologous fat injection for tear trough deformity is effective in the treatment of lower eyelid with mixed dark circle. The L*a*b* value can objectively evaluate the improvement of skin color at the lower eyelid with dark circle.

Network pharmacology-based study on material basis and mechanism of Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix in treatment of Alzheimer’s disease / 中草药

Objective This study was designed to predict the main targets of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix based on network pharmacology and molecular docking methods, and to explore its “multi-component, multi-target, and multi- pathway” mechanism. Methods According to the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), the library of chemical constituents of Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix was established by referring to Chinese and foreign literature reports and collecting targets for treating AD in DrugBank. The Discovery Studio 3.5 software was used to carry out molecular docking, virtual screening of the chemical composition set of Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix combined with AD target, and KEGG database was used to enrich and analyze the key target of virtual screening. The active compounds of Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix with anti-AD activities were yielded to Discovery Studio 3.5 software and molecular docking to predict the poteneial proteins and carry out related KEGG pathways notation separately. Finally, the network of “active compound-target proteins-pathway” was built and analyzed using the Cytoscape 3.2.1 software. Results The 58 active compounds were selected from Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix, of which were mostly small alkanes, esters, and carboxylic acids followed by flavonoids and terpenoids. These active ingredients may regulate 36 potential target proteins such as CaMK-IIα, CaMK-IIβ, CaMK-IIγ, Akt1, and TNF-α to play a role in the pathogenesis of AD. The results also suggested that 12 signaling pathways were involved in the pathogenesis of AD, such as MAPK signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathways and so on. Conclusion This research method initially revealed that the active ingredients of flavonoids and glycosides in Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix are the material basis for the treatment of AD. Its mechanism of action involved anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptosis and so on.

Paraneoplastic syndrome associated to Hodgkin's lymphoma-nephrotic syndrome / 临床儿科杂志

Objective To analysis the association between nephrotic syndrome (NS) and Hodgkin lymphoma. Methods The clinical data of one child with clinical manifestations of NS before diagnosed Hodgkin's lymphoma were retrospectively analyzed. Results A 3-year and 8-month-old boy, with NS as the first onset symptom, was poor response to hormone therapy. Hodgkin's lymphoma was diagnosed with cervical lymph node biopsy. After chemotherapy, the symptoms were relieved and the renal function turned to normal. Conclusion NS can be a paraneoplastic performance of Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Study on mechanism of Klotho reversing resistance of breast cancer to paclitaxel by inhibiting autophagy / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To investigate the mechanism of klotho reversing the resistance of breast cancer to paclitaxel in MCF-7/PTX cells.Methods The Klotho expression in MCF-7 and MCF-7/PTX cells was detected by Western blot.The effects of Klotho on paclitaxel resistance in MCF-7/PTX cells was measured by MTT assay.The effects of Klotho and 3-methyladenine (3-MA) on proliferation and expression of Beclin1 in MCF-7/PTX cells were detected by MTT and Western blot assay,respectively.Results The expression of Klotho in MCF-7/PTX cells was decreased compared with MCF-7 cells.Klotho could sensitize MCF-7/PTX cells to paclitaxel.The expression of Beclin1 in MCF-7/PTX cells was higher than that in MCF-7 cells.Klotho and 3-MA could decrease the expression of Beclin1 in MCF-7/PTX cells,and the effects of Klotho on paclitaxel resistance in MCF-7/PTX cells was similar to that of 3-MA.Conclusion Paclitaxel resistance in breast cancer cells is related to expression of the Klotho which can reverse the resistance of breast cancer to paclitaxel by inhibiting autophagy.

Effects of Cistanche deserticola extract on penis erectile response in castrated rats

Cistanche deserticola [CD] has been considered as a tonic agent on reproductive function for thousands of years. The effects of CD extract on penis erectile response were investigated in present study. After castration surgery, rats were treated intragastrically with CD extract [0.45, 0.90 and 1.8 g/kg] daily for four weeks. Penis erectile response was measured and the serum hormones were assayed at the end of the experiment. It was evaluated that the erectile latency became longer and the erectile duration shorter significantly in castrated rats compared to sham operated controls. However, CD extract shortened the erectile latency and prolonged the erectile duration to minimize the negative effects of castration. At the dosage of 0.9g/kg, CD extract regulated the serum luteinizing hormone concentration approach to normal level in castrated rats. These findings indicated that CD facilitated the penis erectile response and modulated the serum hormone level to some extent

Diallyl disulfide inhibits invasion and metastasis of MCF-7 breast cancer cells in vitro by down-regulating p38 activity / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of diallyl disulfide (DADS) on invasion and metastasis of human breast cancer MCF-7 cells and explore the possible mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>MCF-7 cells treated with 100, 200, and 400 µmol/L of DADS for 24 h were examined for cell invasion and migration capacities using Transwell assay and wound healing assay, respectively. The protein expression of E-cadherin, vimentin, MMP-9 and p-p38 in the cells were detected with Western blotting. The effect of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) as the agonist of p38 activity was tested in antagonizing the effects of DADS.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>DADS inhibited the invasion and migration of MCF-7 cells in a dose-dependent manner, down-regulated the protein expression of Vimentin and MMP-9 and up-regulated E-cadherin expression in the cells. Treatment with TGF-β1 to up-regulate p38 activity obviously antagonized the inhibitory effect of DADS on the invasion and metastasis of MCF-7 cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>DADS can inhibit the invasion and metastasis of MCF-7 cells in vitro by down-regulating p38 activity.</p>

Effect of PARP1 inhibitor PJ34 on multi-drug resistance in human multiple myeloma cell line and its relationship with FA/BRCA pathway / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of PARP1 inhibitor PJ34 on multi-drug resistance in a human multiple myeloma cell line and its connection with FA/BRCA pathway in DNA damage repair.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A CCK8 assay was used to measure the inhibition rate. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect expression changes of DNA repair genes involved in the FA/BRCA pathway. Western blotting assay was used to detect expression of key protein FANCD2 in the FA/BRCA pathway. Annexin VFITC/PI double staining flow cytometry was used to measure cell apoptosis induced by PJ34. A COMET assay was used to detect the effect of PJ34 on DNA damage repair.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>PJ34 could significantly enhance the sensitivity of RPMI8226/R cells to melphalan. The IC50 value of melphalan was dropped from 20.43 mol/L to 7.8 mol/L. PJ34 could inhibit the DNA damage repair, and the effect was related with the inhibition of FA/BRCA pathway. PJ34 and melphalan showed a synergistic effect in promoting the apoptosis of RPMI8226/R cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PJ34 can reverse the resistance of RPMI8226/R cells to melphalan by inhibiting the FA/BRCA pathway, which in turn can induce suppression of DNA damage repair. Therefore, PJ34 may have clinical value in overcoming the multi-drug resistance of multiple myeloma.</p>

Effects of axial loading on the coupling vibration in bioliquid-filled microtubules / 医用生物力学

Objective To describe the effects of axial loading, small-scale parameter, bioliquid density in a microtubule (MT) and constrained stiffness of surrounding biomedium on the coupling vibration frequency in the bioliquid-filled MT, and to provide references for ultrasonic inspection on nano-MT under axial loading and the clinical application of biological medicine. Methods The non-local elastic theory was utilized to describe the nano-scale characteristics of the MT, and the analytic solutions to the coupling vibration frequency of the bioliquid-filled MT under axial loading were given. Results The axial loading exerted on the bioliquid-filled MT made the couple vibration frequency drop rapidly, and as the small-scale effect increased, the couple vibration frequency of the bioliquid-filled MT was gradually decreased. The effect of axial loading on the couple vibration frequency of the bioliquid-filled MT was larger than that of the small-scale parameter. Conclusions When the density of bioliquid in MT increases, the first order frequency of the bioliquid-filled MT embedded in biomedium is decreased; when the initial axial loading exerted on the bioliquid-filled MT increases, the effect of bioliquid density in MT on the first order frequency of bioliquid-filled MT is reduced gradually.

Clinical and imaging feature of 3 patients with combined developmental venous anomalies and cerebral cavernous malformations / 中华神经科杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical,neuroradiologic characteristics and possible causes in 3 patients with combined developmental venous anomalies (DVAs) and cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM).Methods The clinical examination,magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T1-weighted (T1 WI),T2-weighted (T2WI),susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) or T2 fast field echo (T2 FFE),contrast-enhanced MRI at 1.5 T field strength and digital substrate angiography were performed in 3 patients.Results Three patients presented with the seizure,vertigo,and dizziness respectively.MRI findings of reticulated “popcorn like” lesion with complete hemosiden rim showed typical sign of CCM.DSA,contrast-enhanced MRI and MRI-SWI revealed the caput medusae of the medullary veins and collected veins which was drained into subcortical and deep venous system,which indicated DVAs in 3 patients.The angulated medullary veins and collected veins in approaching distal zone of CCM were observed.Conclusion DVAs can be combined with CCM.The angulated medullary veins and collected veins combined with CCM in same territory reveals that the angioarchitectural factors is a key factor in pathogenesis of cavernous malformation.

Evaluation of CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells in the peripheral blood of recurrent spontaneous abortion patients / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the role of CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells (CD4+ CD25+ Tr) in the pathogenesis of recurrent spontaneous abortion.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Peripheral blood samples were collected from 29 women with unexplainable recurrent spontaneous abortion (the URSA group) and another 20 with normal pregnancy (the control group). The percentage of CD4+ CD25+ Tr in the peripheral blood was measured by flow cytometry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The rate of CD4+ CD25bright Tr in the URSA patients ([1.98 +/- 0.96]%) was significantly lower than that in the control group ([3.21 +/- 1.25]%, P < 0.05), while the percentages of CD4+ CD25+ and CD4+ CD25dim and the ratio of CD4+ CD25bright/CD4+ were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>URSA might be associated with the decreased percentage of CD4+ CD25bright Tr, which plays an important role in fetomaternal immunologic tolerance.</p>

The expression and activity of MMPs are increased in residual tumor tissues after the termination of immunotherapy / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

To investigate the invasive ability of the residual tumor cells after immunotherapy and explore the feasible approach suppressing the invasion, mice were inoculated with B16 cells, and then treated by gene therapy with p4-1BBL/psPD-1 or IFN-gamma. The production and activities of MMP-9 and MMP-2 in residual tumor tissues were analyzed with gelatin zymography 1 day and 7 days after the termination of the immunotherapy. The production of MMP-9 and MMP-2 by B16 cells treated with IFN-gamma was also analyzed. IFN-gamma-treated B16 cells were inoculated to mice via subcutaneous injection. The invasion of tumor to muscular tissue was analyzed. Gene therapy with CH50 was used to suppress the invasive growth of tumor. The results showed that the expression and the activities of MMP-9 and MMP-2 were significantly increased 7 days after the end of immunotherapy. The response of tumor cells to ECM molecules was intensified after the removal of IFN-gamma, resulting in significant increase of both the production and activities of MMP-9 and MMP-2, and the increased invasion of tumor. Gene therapy with CH50 effectively suppressed the invasive growth of tumor. It is concluded that the termination of immunotherapy may result in a higher metastatic potential of residual tumor cells. Suppressing tumor invasion by suitable treatment will improve the efficacy of immunotherapy.

Bioequivalence of Pidotimod Granules and Pidotimod Syrup in Healthy Volunteers / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the bioequivalence of the domestic pidotimod granules with the imported pidotimod syrup as control.METHODS:20 healthy male volunteers were treated with a single dose(800 mg)of pidotimod granules(test formulation)or pidotimod syrup(reference formulation)by a randomized crossover design,with plasma concentrations of pidotimod determined by HPLC and pharmacokinetic parameters of pidotimod computed,and the bioequivalence between two formulations was evaluated using DAS2.0 program.RESULTS:The pharmacokinetic parameters of the reference formation vs.the test formulation of pidotimod were expressed as follows:t1/2(2.70?0.80)h vs.(2.62?0.84)h;Cmax(4.04?0.59)?g?mL-1 vs.(3.87 ?0.66)?g?mL-1;tmax(2.28?0.44)h vs.(2.13 ?0.43)h;AUC0～14(22.11?4.20)mg?h?L-1 vs.(23.00?4.25)mg?h?L-1;AUC0～∞(22.85?4.42)mg?h?L-1 vs.(23.83?4.52)mg?h?L-1.The relative bioequivalence of the test formulation as against the control was(106.08?22.05)%.CONCLUSION:The pidotimod granules and pidotimod syrup are bioequivalent.