Metformin enhances radiosensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibition of specificity protein 1 and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition

Objective: Radiotherapy becomes more and more important in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) due to the development of technology, especially in unresectable cases. Metformin has a synergistic benefit with radiotherapy in some cancers, but remains unclear in HCC. This study aims to investigate the effect of metformin on radiosensitivity of HCC cells and the roles of specificity protein 1 (Sp1) as a target of metformin. Methods: The SMMC-7721 cell line was exposed to various doses of γ-ray irradiation (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 Gy) and with or without different concentrations of metformin (0, 1, 5, 10, and 20 mM) to measure the radiosensitivity using MTT assay. Flow cytometry was used to determine cell cycle by propidium iodide (PI) staining and apoptosis by Hoechst 33342/PI staining and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were performed to analyze the Sp1 mRNA and protein expressions of Sp1 and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker E-cadherin and Vimentin. The invasion capability was measured by the Boyden chamber assay. Results: In SMMC-7721 cells exposed to irradiation, metformin reduced proliferation and survival cells at various concentrations (0, 1, 5, 10, and 20 mM) and induced cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and inhibited invasion. In SMMC-7721 cells with irradiation, the mRNA and protein expressions of Sp1 were significantly decreased by metformin as well as a selective Sp1 inhibitor. Metformin attenuated transforming growth factor-β1 induced decrease of E-cadherin and increase of Vimentin proteins. Conclusion: Metformin demonstrated enhanced radiosensitivity and inhibition of EMT in HCC cells. Sp1 might be a target of metformin in radiosensitization

Eudesmane sesquiterpenes from twigs of Manglietia hookeri / 中国中药杂志

Chemical constituents from the acetone extract of twigs of Manglietia hookeri were isolated and purified by various column chromatographic methods over silica gel and sephadex LH-20, and preparative TLC. The structures of these compounds were identified on the basis of physicochemical properties and spectral analysis, including NMR and MS spectra. Six eudesmane sesquiterpenes were obtained and their structures were identified as trans-eudesmane-4, 11-diol(1), β-eudesmol(2), (-) -10-epi-5β-hydroxy-β-eudesmol (3), epi-carrisone (4), 6-hydroxy-eudesm-4(14) -ene(5) and gynurenol(6). All the compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time. Furthermore, the 13C-NMR data of compound 3 were reported for the first time.

Effect of comprehensive therapy on depression post stroke / 中国康复理论与实践

@#ObjectiveTo observe the effect of rehabilitation on post stroke depression with different treatment methods.Methods68 post stroke depression patients were randomly divided into treatment group, who accepted Bobath approach combined with Chinese herbs and acupuncture, and control group, who accepted Bobath approach only. Evaluation was conducted before treatment and 3 and 6 weeks after treatment with Hamilton Assess Depression Scale (HAMD), and activity of daily living (ADL).ResultsThere was no significant difference before the treatment between these two groups. 3 weeks after treatment, the score improved, but no significant enough in the both groups. 6 weeks after treatment, the scores of MBI and HAMD in treatment group significantly improved compared with that before treatment(P<0.05). ConclusionBobath approach combined with Chinese medicine is effective on improving depressive symptoms and ADL in post stroke depression patients.

Analysis of Misdiagnosis between Cervical Muscle Strain and Cervical Spondylopathy / 中国康复理论与实践

@#ObjectiveTo analyze the reason of cervical muscle strain misdiagnosed as cervical spondylopathy, and confirm the diagnosis and the best treatment.MethodsThe data of cervical X ray (direct, lateral and double oblique), CT and MRI (degeneration degree and lordosis of cervical spine, the changes of vertebral interspace, vertebral joint, intervertebral disc, intervertebral foramen, and transverse foramen) of 32 patients with cervical muscle strain were analyzed corresponding with clinical symptoms and signs. The attribute of the symptoms and signs were distinguished.ResultsIn all patients, besides the common symptoms and signs, there were 26 patients having degeneration and 17 alignment of the cervical spine from X ray, and 29 cases having cervical disc herniation from CT or MRI. After 5～10 times manipulation curing, 22 patients were cured, 8 patients were obviously improved and 2 patients were better than before.ConclusionCervical muscle strain and cervical spondylopathy have some similar symptoms and signs. But their attribute and therapeutics are very different. Manipulation is an effective and stable therapeutic method for cervical muscle strain.

Analysis of sacro-iliac articulation malposition misdiagnosed as single prolapse of lumbar intervertebral disc / 中国康复理论与实践

@#ObjectiveTo find out the reason of sacro-iliac articulation malposition misdiagnosed as single prolapse of lumbar intervertebral disc, define the essential point of diagnosing sacro-iliac articulation malposition, and choose the best treatment.MethodsChanges such as X-ray photos of lumbosacral portion and pelvis, CT photos, physiological curvature, pyramid space, joint space, pubic symphysis, and wing of ilium showed in MRI photos, and symptoms, signs of 29 patients with sacro-iliac articulation malposition were analyzed and compared with distribution of nerve in the same part.Results29 patients with sacro-iliac articulation malposition all had bulge of lumbar intervertebral disc showed by CT and MRI photos, 26 had retrograde affection of spinal column, 17 had spinal column sequence changes showed by X-ray photos. After 3-10 times treatment on the basis of sacro-iliac articulation malposition, 19 healed, 8 were effective, and 2 had been better.ConclusionCurative method of sacro-iliac articulation malposition is different with prolapse of lumbar intervertebral disc, although there being many same symptoms and signs, only need conservative treatment.