Clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of intracranial ependymoma in children / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prognostic factors of intracranial ependymoma in children.Methods:The clinical data of 32 children with intracranial ependymoma treated in the Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Children′s Hospital of Capital Medical University from January 2012 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.There were 23 males and 9 females.The median age of diagnosis was 4.5 years old (0.7-10.0 years old). Twelve cases (37.5%) were less than 3 years old and 20 cases (62.5%) were more than 3 years old.Tumors were supratentorial in 14 cases and infratentorial in 18 cases.All patients underwent tumor resection.Eighteen cases received postoperative radiotherapy, and 20 cases received chemotherapy.Four cases took neither radiotherapy nor chemotherapy. Kaplan- Meier method was used to establish the survival curve the intracranial ependymoma patients.Whether the difference of a single variable was significant was examined by the Log- rank test. Results:Of the 32 patients, 30 cases underwent gross total resection and 2 underwent subtotal resection.The mean follow-up time was 24 months (1-62 months). By the time of the last follow-up, 26 cases survived and 6 cases died.The 1-year and 3-year survival rates were 88% and 78%, respectively.Univariate analysis showed that the tumor location ( OR=1.5, 95% CI: 1.082-2.079, P=0.040) greatly affected the overall survival time in children with intracranial ependymoma, and chemotherapy ( OR=0.5, 95% CI: 0.125-1.999, P=0.034) had significant impact on the overall survival time of patients younger than 3 years old. Conclusions:Intracranial ependymoma is more prone to occur in the infratentorial region than the supratentorial region.The tumor location is an important factor affecting the survival of children with ependymoma.For children younger than 3 years old, postoperative chemotherapy can well improve the prognosis, but cannot change the progress of the disease development.

Study on the secondary metabolites of grasshopper-derived fungi Arthrinium sp. NF2410 / 中国天然药物

Two new 2-carboxymethyl-3-hexyl-maleic anhydride derivatives, arthrianhydride A (1) and B (2), along with three known compounds 3-5, were isolated from the fermentation broth of a grasshopper-associated fungus Arthrinium sp. NF2410. The structures of new compounds 1 and 2 were determined based on the analysis of the HR-ESI-MS and NMR spectroscopic data. Furthermore, compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated on inhibitory activity against the enzyme SHP2 and both of them showed moderate inhibitory activity against SHP2.

Identification of Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius by Mitochondrial Cox Ⅱ Intron / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To develop a simple and accurate method for molecular authentication of Panax ginseng and P. quinquefolius.Method:The mitochondrial cox Ⅱ sequences of P. ginseng and P. quinquefolius were amplified by polymerase chain reaction（PCR）with universal primers. PCR products of the two species were sequenced in both directions, and sequence alignments were conducted for intron length polymorphisms exploitation. Multiplex PCR was established for the identification of P. ginseng and P. quinquefolius with their specific primers，which were designed respectively based on their insertion sequences. And the limit of detection of the multiplex PCR was also determined.Result:The insertion/deletion sequences were exploited in mitochondrial cox Ⅱ. Under the established multiplex PCR assay，P. ginseng generated a 729 bp specific band, while P. quinquefolius yielded a 141 bp specific amplicon，and the mixture of the two species yielded both 729 bp and 141 bp fragments. The established multiplex PCR assay could detect 0.1% of intentional adulteration of P. quinquefolius into P. ginseng, with down to 0.001 ng of genomic DNA.Conclusion:The established multiplex PCR assay can accurately identify P. ginseng and P. quinquefolius from different sources, without the optimization of reaction system and the introduction of additional mismatches，so as to provide a new molecular marker method for identifying botanical origin of P. ginseng and P. quinquefolius.

Spontaneous regression of optic pathway glioma in children: report of three cases and review of literature / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective:To explore the phenomenon of spontaneous regression of optic pathway glioma in children, and to improve the understanding of optic pathway glioma.Methods:The clinical data of 3 patients with spontaneous regression of optic pathway glioma in Beijing Children's Hospital of Capital Medical University from September 2012 to June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:There were 2 girls and 1 boy among the 3 patients. The median age of onset was 4 months (3-5 months), the median age of tumor regression was 10 months (8-13 months), and the interval median time from onset to tumor regression was 5 months (4-10 months). One patient was accompanied with diencephalic syndrome, and the other was accompanied with disseminated metastasis.Conclusions:The phenomenon of spontaneous regression of optic pathway glioma mostly occurs in the early childhood. Optic pathway glioma pediatric patients complicated with diencephalic syndrome or intracranial metastasis may have the possibility of tumor regression, but spontaneous regression does not mean that the symptoms can be completely improved.

Effects of Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Adenosine Monophosphate Activated Protein Kinase-Silent Mating Type Information Regulation 2 Homolog 1 Pathway in Ischemia-reperfusion Rats / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To investigate the effect of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) on the autophagy in penumbra of rats after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Methods:A total of 56 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control group (n = 14), sham group (n = 14), model group (n = 14) and VNS group (n = 14). The model group and VNS group accepted MCAO for one hour, then reperfusion, and VNS group accepted VNS in the left as MCAO for 0.5 hour. Their infarct volume was detected with TTC staining, neurological impairment was assessed with Longa's score, and the expression of Beclin-1, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)-II/I, phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (P-AMPK) and silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (Sirt1) were detected with Western blotting 24 hours after reperfusion. Results:Compared with the sham group, the infarct volume and Longa's score increased in the model group, while the expression of Beclin-1, LC3-II/I, P-AMPK and Sirt1 decreased significantly (P < 0.001). Compared with the model group, the infarct volume and Longa's score reduced (P < 0.05) in VNS group, while the expression of Beclin-1, LC3-II/I, P-AMPK and Sirt1 increased significantly (P < 0.001). Conclusion:VNS may alleviate cerebral ischemic injury in rats through AMPK-Sirt1 pathway.

Dalestones A and B, two anti-inflammatory cyclopentenones from Daldinia eschscholzii with an edited strong promoter for the global regulator LaeA-like gene / 中国天然药物

Replacement of the native promoter of theglobal regulator LaeA-like gene of Daldinia eschscholzii by a strong gpdA promoter led to the generation of two novel cyclopentenone metabolites, named dalestones A and B, whose structures were assigned by a combination of spectroscopic analysis, modified Mosher's reaction, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD). Dalestones A and B inhibit the gene expression of TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages.

Bioactive phenazines from an earwig-associated Streptomyces sp / 中国天然药物

Three new phenazine-type compounds, named phenazines SA-SC (1-3), together with four new natural products (4-7), were isolated from the fermentation broth of an earwig-associated Streptomyces sp. NA04227. The structures of these compounds were determined by extensive analyses of NMR, high resolution mass spectroscopic data, as well as single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurement. Sequencing and analysis of the genome data allowed us to identify the gene cluster (spz) and propose a biosynthetic pathway for these phenazine-type compounds. Additionally, compounds 1-5 exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and compound 3 showed antimicrobial activities against Micrococcus luteus.

CT,MRI features and misdiagnosis of hyaline vascular type localized Castleman disease / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To summarize CT and MRI features of hyaline vascular type localized Castleman disease(LCD)and analyze the causes of misdiagnosis,to improve the preoperative diagnosis rate.Methods The clinical and imaging data of 7 patients with hyaline vascular type LCD confirmed by operation and pathology were analyzed retrospectively.Results (1)6 cases were misdiagnosed before operation,1 case was misdiagnosed as pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor,1 case as thymoma,1 case as neurogenic tumor,1 case as pheochromocytoma, 1 case as clear cell renal cell carcinoma and 1 case as small mesenteric stromal tumor.(2)1 case was located in the right neck,1 case in the anterior superior mediastinum,1 case in the neck of the pancreas,1 case in the upper part of the left kidney,2 cases in the retroperitoneum and 1 case in the lower abdomen.(3)3 cases were scaned by dynamic enhanced MRI,3 cases were scaned by dynamic enhanced CT, and 1 case was checked by plain CT and enhanced MRI.CT and MRI showed that 7 cases had a round or elliptical soft tissue mass, and 4 cases with well defined margin,3 cases were not clear in edge,2 cases with spot or strip calcification on CT images,4 cases had slightly longer T1 and longer T2 signal,4 cases were restricted of diffusion and had higher signal on DWI.All the lesions were enhanced in arterial phase,and went on in the delayed phase.There were 5 cases with distorted vascular shadow in the middle and/or around of the mass, 3 cases with strips,spoke-like low-density areas or low-signal areas,and some lesions were filled in delayed phase.Conclusion CT and MRI features of hyaline vascular type LCD have certain characteristics such as rich blood supply,enhancement in persistent,tortuosity of peripheral vascular,with some short strip calcification and high signal on DWI,which may be helpful for preoperative diagnosis.

Clinical features and diagnosis of childhood leukoencephalopathy with cerebral calcifications and cysts in four cases / 中华儿科杂志

Objective@#To investigate the clinical features and diagnostic bases of childhood leukoencephalopathy with cerebral calcifications and cysts (LCC).@*Methods@#The clinical data involving manifestations and laboratory examinations of 4 children with LCC admitted to Beijing Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from 2012 to 2017 were retrospectively summarized. Each patient had a follow-up visit ranging from 4 months to 5 years and 9 months after initial examination.@*Results@#Patients consisted of 2 males and 2 females, whose age of onset was respectively 2 years and 9 months, 6 years and 2 months, 7 years and 10 months, and 5 years and 1 month. The main clinical symptoms of these cases included headache, dizziness, partial seizure and claudication, and two of these cases had insidious onset. Cerebral calcifications and cysts with leukoencephalopathy were detected by neuroimaging in all patients. In addition, multifocal microhemorrhages and calcifications were observed by magnetic susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) series in 3 patients. Brain biopsy performed on 1 case disclosed a neuronal reduction in the cerebral cortex, loosening of focal white matter, multifocal lymphocyte infiltration, fresh hemorrhages, and gliosis, as well as angiomatous changes of blood vessels with hyalinized thicken-wall, stenotic or occlusive lumina and calcification deposits. The compound heterozygous mutations of n.*10G>A and n.82A>G in SNORD118 were identified in 1 case by target-capture next-generation sequencing. Sanger sequencing verified that the variant n.*10G>A was a novel mutation and it was of paternal-origin, while the variant n.82A>G was of maternal-origin, which had already been reported to be pathogenic to LCC. Follow-up study had shown continued partial seizure in 1 case and remissive claudication in another, while the remaining 2 cases had a relatively favorable outcome without obvious neurological symptoms at present time.@*Conclusions@#The clinical manifestations of LCC are nonspecific, and the onset of the disease tends to be insidious. The triad neuroimaging findings of cerebral calcifications, cysts and leukoencephalopathy are essential to the diagnosis of the disease, and the signals of microhemorrhages revealed by SWI series provide another eloquent reference for the diagnosis. As biopsy is invasive and usually unavailable in the early stage, gene assessment, instead of pathological data, should be the gold standard in the diagnosis of LCC.

Small vessel-childhood primary angiitis of the central nervous system: a case report and literature review / 中华儿科杂志

Objective@#To summarize the clinical and pathological features of small vessel-childhood primary angiitis of the central nervous system (SV-cPACNS), discuss the immune therapy and increase the attention to brain biopsy in SV-cPACNS.@*Methods@#The clinical data, pathology of brain biopsy, treatment and outcome of an SV-cPACNS patient hospitalized in Beijing Children's Hospital in February 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. The cases reported at Pubmed, CNKI and Wanfang databases from 2007 to 2017 were searched, the clinical and pathological features, immunotherapy and prognosis of the disease were summarized according to the literature review.@*Results@#A 70 months old girl had 6 times relapses during 5 months' disease course. Symptoms included convulsions, limb paralysis, blurred vision and speech difficulty. Multiple cortical lesions were found successively in brain MRI but CT angiography was negative. The pathology of brain biopsy revealed thickening of small vessel walls together with lymphocytic infiltration. After the treatment with rituximab, remission was achieved and remained stable without recurrence in 1 year follow up. A total of 44 pathologically confirmed cases reported in nearly 10 years were retrieved. Male to female ratio was 1∶3.5. The average onset age was 9.8 years. Clinical manifestations included seizures (37/45, 82%), headache (35/45, 78%), cognitive decline (28/45, 62%), speech regression(20/45, 44%), paralysis (15/45, 33%), and so on; 70% (19/27) patients experienced relapses. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein slightly elevated, antinuclear antibody and other autoimmune antibodies were mostly negative. Mild lymphocytosis in cerebrospinal fluid was found in 67%(29/43) patients. 53%(23/43) patients had elevated CSF protein level, several had elevated IgG and positive oligoclonal band. Bilateral multifocal lesions were revealed in 80% (36/45) brain MRIs, meanwhile all angiographies were unremarkable. The pathology showed small angiitis and immunohistochemistry positive for CD3 and CD20. Twenty-seven patients had detailed therapeutic information; 25 of them received immunosuppressive agents, including cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil and rituximab. One patient died, 26 patients achieved remission with 54% (22/44) had neurological sequelae.@*Conclusions@#SV-cPACNS had varied clinical manifestations, there was no specificity in laboratory and imaging examination and angiography was often negative. The definite diagnosis relied on brain biopsy, which showed lymphocytic inflammation of small vessels. SV-cPACNS tended to relapse and induce neurologic deterioration. Treatment required long-term use of steroids and immunosuppressive agents. Rituximab could be an effective agent.

Correlation of advanced glycation end products to Alzheimer's disease / 解放军医学杂志

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common retrograde neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system,as well as the most common type of dementia in the aged,the main manifestations of AD are progressive decline of cognitive function and daily life ability.AD seriously affects the quality of life and physical and mental health of the aged,and increased the burden of family and society.The etiology and pathogenesis of AD remain unclear nowadays,and there is no objective and specific biological marker to help the early diagnosis and effective treatment.Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are stable end products formed by non enzymatic reaction between the free amino groups of proteins,lipids,nucleic acids macromolecules and the carbonyls of glucose or other reduced sugars.Recent years,more and more studies have focused on the correlation between AGEs and its receptors (RAGE) in patients with cognitive impairment,however,the role played by AGEs in the pathogenesis of AD remains unclear.The present paper will give an overview from three aspects:the structure and characteristics of AGEs,the relationship between the occurrence and development of AD and AGEs and the relationship between AGEs and prognosis of cognitive impairment which we've known so

Therapeutic Effect of Modified Baitouweng Decoction Enema for Ulcerative Colitis with Damp Heat in Large Intestine and Its Influence on Levels of Inflammatory Factors / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of enteral drip infusion with modified Baitouweng Decoction for the treatment of ulcerative colitis(UC) with damp heat in large intestine at active phase , and to observe its influence on serum levels of inflammatory factors. Methods Sixty patients suffering from mild to moderate UC with damp heat in the large intestine were randomly divided into treatment group and control group, 30 cases in each group. The treatment group was given enteral drip infusion with modified Baitouweng Decoction and the control group was given Mesalazine Enemas enema. The medication lasted for 8 continuous weeks. Before and after treatment, the scores of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes and intestinal mucosal signs under enteroscopy, and serum levels of inflammatory factors were observed. Therapeutic effect on single TCM syndrome and clinical safety were also evaluated after treatment. Results After treatment, the scores of each TCM syndrome and intestinal mucosal signs under enteroscopy in the treatment group were much improved (P<0.05 compared with those in the control group); serum interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor beta (TNF-β) levels in both groups were decreased, serum IL-10 and IL-13 levels were increased (P <0.05 compared with those before treatment), and the effect in the treatment group was superior to that in the control group (P < 0.05). Except for the abdominal pain, the treatment group had better effect on relieving diarrhea, anal expansion, tenesmus, mucous stool and bloody purulent stool than the control group, the difference being statistically significant (P < 0.05). During the medication, no obvious adverse reaction was found in the treatment group, but 4 cases from the control group had anal burning sensation which had no effect on the mediciation. Conclusion Enteral drip infusion with modified Baitouweng Decoction can inhibit the release of proinflammatory cytokines, reduce the inflammatory response, and promote the healing of intestinal mucosa, which is effective for the treatment of UC with damp heat in large intestine at active phase.

Hemostatic clips to facilitate intubation during ERCP with ampulla around duodenal diverticulum / 中国内镜杂志

Objective To investigate the effectiveness of hemostatic-clip-assisted method during ERCP with ampulla around duodenal diverticulum. Methods 25 patients with ampulla around duodenal diverticulum encountered cannulation difficulty, 11 cases underwent with clip-assisted method, 14 cases with ordinary ways. Number of successful cases, cannulation time, post-operation complication were analyzed. Results All the 11 cases succeeded in clip group. 12 patients succeeded in none-clip group. Cannulation time between the two groups were discrepant. There was no difference in number of successful cases and post-operation complication rate. Conclusion Successful application of hemostatic clip help to expose and facilitate cannulation of an ampulla around a duodenal diverticulum.

Value of Minimum Apparent Diffusion Coefficient in Peritumoral Edema in the Differential Diagnosis between Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma and Glioblastoma / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To evaluate the role of minimum apparent diffusion coefficient(MinADC) values in peritumoral edema based on magnetic resonance diffusion weighted imaging in the differential diagnosis between primary central nervous system lymphoma(PCNSL) and glioblastoma(GBM).Methods ADC values in peritumoral edema were measured in 16 patients with PCNSL(diffuse large B cell lymphoma) and 31 patients with GBM(WHO grade 4) confirmed by pathology.Regions of interests were manually drawn on ADC maps on peritumoral edema regions to obtain the MinADC value.Independent samples t-test and receiver operating characteristic analysis were performed for statistical analysis.Results The MinADC value [(1.20-1.45)×10 mm/s,mean(1.35±0.68)×10 mm/s] in PCNSL was significantly higher than that in GBM [(0.95-1.31)×10 mm/s,mean(1.12±0.09)×10 mm/s](t=9.977,P=0.000).The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.986,and the cutoff value of MinADC was 1.245×10 mm/s for the differentiation between PCNSL and GBM,with the best combination of sensitivity(94.1%) and specificity(94.1%).Conclusion MinADC value can be a simple and effective measure for the differential diagnosis between PCNSL and GBM.

Anti-hyperuricemic and anti-inflammatory actions of vaticaffinol isolated from Dipterocarpus alatus in hyperuricemic mice / 中国天然药物

The present study was designed to examine the anti-hyperuricemic and anti-inflammatory effects and possible mechanisms of vaticaffinol, a resveratrol tetramer isolated from ethanol extracts of Dipterocarpus alatus, in oxonate-induced hyperuricemic mice. At 1 h after 250 mg·kg potassium oxonate was given, vaticaffinol at 20, 40, and 60 mg·kg was intragastrically administered to hyperuricemic mice once daily for seven consecutive days. Vaticaffinol significantly decreased serum uric acid levels and improved kidney function in hyperuricemic mice. It inhibited hepatic activity of xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) and xanthine oxidase (XOD), regulated renal mRNA and protein levels of urate transporter 1 (URAT1), glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9), organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1), organic cation transporter 1 (OCT1), OCT2, organic cation/carnitine transporter 1 (OCTN1), and OCTN2 in hyperuricemic mice. Moreover, vaticaffinol markedly down-regulated renal protein levels of NOD-like receptor 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like (ASC), and Caspase-1, resulting in the reduction of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in this animal model. Additionally, HPLC and LC-MS analyses clearly testified the presence of vaticaffinol in the crude extract. These results suggest that vaticaffinol may be useful for the prevention and treatment of hyperuricemia with kidney inflammation.

Bezlotoxumab:A Novel Agent for the Treatment of Clostridium Difficile Infection / 中国药师

Bezlotoxumab is a human monoclonal antibody that can bind to C. difficile toxin B and neutralize its effects. In October 2016, bezlotoxumab was approved by the food and drug administration(FDA) to reduce the recurrence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in the patients aged equal or above 18 years who are receiving antibacterial therapy. This paper introduced the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics,clinical studies,adverse reactions,interactions and medication attentions of bezlotoxumab.

The diagnostic value of six-slice coronal reformation in patients with acute midepigastric pain / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of six-slice coronal reformations in patients with acute midepigastric pain. Methods A total of 974 patients with acute midepigastric pain were included in this study and divided into group A(coronal reformation)and group B(non-coronal reformation).For group A,reconstructed coronal and oblique-coronal images were acquired.A comprehensive diagnosis was made based on coronal reformations and axial planes.Anatomical nomenclature was adopted,including kidney-ureter plane,abdominal aorta plane,superior mesenteric artery plane,ascending colon-appendix plane,stomach-cholecyst plane and colon-small intestine plane.For group B,the diagnosis was made based on axial planes.Finally,a comprehensive analysis was made,missed cases in these two groups were counted and compared,and statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software(version SPSS V17).Results For group A,the missed diagnosis was made in 12 cases(1.23%)and it was 53 cases(6.58%)for group B.There was a statistically significant difference between two groups(P<0.05).Conclusion Combined with axial planes or oblique coronal reformations,six-sclice coronal reformation can reduce the the rate of missed diagnosis of acute midepigastric pain.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Pediatric and Adult Patients with Pharmaco-resistant Epilepsy / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Over past two decades, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been widely used and reported to alleviate seizure frequency worldwide, however, so far, only hundreds of patients with pharmaco-resistant epilepsy (PRE) have been treated with VNS in mainland China. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of VNS for Chinese patients with PRE and compare its relationship with age cohort and gender.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We retrospectively assessed the clinical outcome of 94 patients with PRE, who were treated with VNS at Beijing Fengtai Hospital and Beijing Tiantan Hospital between November 2008 and April 2014 from our database of 106 consecutive patients. The clinical data analysis was retrospectively examined.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Seizure frequency significantly decreased with VNS therapy after intermittent stimulation of the vagus nerve. At last follow-up, we found McHugh classifications of Class I in 33 patients (35.1%), Class II in 27 patients (28.7%), Class III in 20 patients (21.3%), Class IV in 3 patients (3.2%), and Class V in 11 patients (11.7%). Notably, 8 (8.5%) patients were seizure-free while ≥50% seizure frequency reduction occurred in as many as 60 patients (63.8%). Furthermore, with regard to the modified Engel classification, 12 patients (12.8%) were classified as Class I, 11 patients (11.7%) were classified as Class II, 37 patients (39.4%) were classified as Class III, 34 patients (36.2%) were classified as Class IV. We also found that the factors of gender or age are not associated with clinical outcome.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This comparative study confirmed that VNS is a safe, well-tolerated, and effective treatment for Chinese PRE patients. VNS reduced the seizure frequency regardless of age or gender of studied patients.</p>

Protective effect of resveratrol on arsenic trioxide-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

BACKGROUD/OBEJECTIVES: Arsenic, which causes human carcinogenicity, is ubiquitous in the environment. This study was designed to evaluate modulation of arsenic induced cancer by resveratrol, a phytoalexin found in vegetal dietary sources that has antioxidant and chemopreventive properties, in arsenic trioxide (As2O3)-induced Male Wistar rats. MATERIALS/METHODS: Adult rats received 3 mg/kg As2O3 (intravenous injection, iv.) on alternate days for 4 days. Resveratrol (8 mg/kg) was administered (iv.) 1 h before As2O3 treatment. The plasma and homogenization enzymes associated with oxidative stress of rat kidneys were measured, the kidneys were examined histologically and trace element contents were assessed. RESULTS: Rats treated with As2O3 had significantly higher oxidative stress and kidney arsenic accumulation; however, pretreatment with resveratrol reversed these changes. In addition, prior to treatment with resveratrol resulted in lower blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and insignificant renal tubular epithelial cell necrosis. Furthermore, the presence of resveratrol preserved the selenium content (0.805 +/- 0.059 microg/g) of kidneys in rats treated with As2O3. However, resveratrol had no effect on zinc level in the kidney relative to As2O3-treated groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that supplementation with resveratrol alleviated nephrotoxicity by improving antioxidant capacity and arsenic efflux. These findings suggest that resveratrol has the potential to protect against kidney damage in populations exposed to arsenic.

Effects of Bullatacin on Proliferation and Apoptosis of A549 Cell Line of Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To investigate the apoptosis induction of Bullatacin on A549 cell line of pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Methods The MTT assay was used to detect the growth inhibition rates of A549 cells cultured with Bullatacin in different concentrations (6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100μg/mL). 25μg/mL Bullatacin was used to culture A549 cells for 0, 12, 24, 48 h. The cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were measured by flow cytemetry. The protein expressions of ERK, JNK, and p38 were studied by Western blot. Results Dosage dependence was obviously showed after the different concentrations of Bullatacin were used to A549, and 25 μg/mL;Bullatacin blocked A549 cell in G0/G1 periods and induced its apoptosis. Compared with the blank group, protein expressions of P-ERK, P-JNK, and P-p38 were all increased by different degrees. Conclusion Bullatacin significantly inhibits the proliferation and induces the apoptosis of A549 cell. Its mechanism is related to activity of MAPK pathway thought the phosphorylation of the three protein kinases by Bullatacin.