Effect of ursolic acid on caspase-3 and PARP expression of human MCF-7 cells / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of ursolic acid (UA), apentacyclic triterpene acid, on MCF-7 cell apoptosis, and probable mechanism involved by detecting the expressions of caspase-3 and poly ADP-ribose polymerase(PARP) at protein level.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>MCF-7 cells were cultured with different concentrations of UA. Growth inhibition of UA on MCF-7 cells was evaluated by MTT assay. Cell cycle and sub-G1 peak were performed by FCM. Morphologic changes of UA-treated cells were observed by light microscope. Apoptotic cells with condensed or fragmented nuclei were visualized by Ho 33258 staining by a fluorescence microscope (EX: U. V.). The protein expression of caspase-3 and PARP was analyzed by immunofluorescence cell staining (SABC-Cy3).</p><p><b>RESULT</b>24 hours after UA treatment, inhibition of MCF-7 cell growth was concentration-dependent. The IC50 value for UA was (22.6 +/- 3.0) micromo x L(-1). Cell cycle anaysis by FCM showed that 50 micromol x L(-1) of UA arrested MCF-7 cell cycle at G0 - G1 phase. Morphological changes of MCF-7 Cells exhibited many of the hallmark features of apoptosis, including chromatin clumps and aggregation and DNA fragmentation. UA increased caspase-3 protein expression.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The results suggest that UA evokes MCF-7 cell apoptosis is correlation with the up-regulation of caspase-3. Our study indicated that UA might be a potential Chinese medical component for breast neoplasm.</p>

A study on the methodology regarding the prevalence survey of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in China / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the methodology on prevalence study of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in line with the world, to obtain accurate epidemic data of COPD in China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A national multi-center cross-sectional survey on prevalence, risk factors and burden of COPD was conducted in China. In each area, a population-based cluster sample of approximately 1450 individuals aged 40 years or older was interviewed, using standardized questionnaires that were revised on the methodology of burden of lung diseases (BOLD) study and according under the context of China. All participants were submitted to pre-bronchodilator spirometry. Those with airflow limitation received post-bronchodilator spirometry, physical examination, X-rays of chest and EKG (electrocardiogram) tests. The post-bronchodialators FEV1/FVC < 70% was identified as having COPD.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Investigation has been completed with the same standardized procedures by all sites, up to the requirement of quality control. Over 85.0% of the spirometry tests and 95.0% of questionnaires had met the criteria of quality control in each area. Overall, 95.2% of the data was valid with acceptable spirometry and questionaire, and the valid response rate was 79.0%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The protocol was in line with the international standards, by which the prevalence of COPD in China was of adequate quality and valid.</p>