Silencing ANGPT2 alleviates ulcerative colitis by regulating autophagy-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome inactivation via the mTOR signaling pathway

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a difficult intestinal disease characterized by inflammation, and its mechanism is complex and diverse. Angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPT2) plays an important regulatory role in inflammatory diseases. However, the role of ANGPT2 in UC has not been reported so far. After exploring the expression level of ANGPT2 in serum of UC patients, the reaction mechanism of ANGPT2 was investigated in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced UC mice. After ANGPT2 expression was suppressed, the clinical symptoms and pathological changes of UC mice were detected. Colonic infiltration, oxidative stress, and colonic mucosal barrier in UC mice were evaluated utilizing immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and related kits. Finally, western blot was applied for the estimation of mTOR signaling pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome-related proteins. ANGPT2 silencing improved clinical symptoms and pathological changes, alleviated colonic inflammatory infiltration and oxidative stress, and maintained the colonic mucosal barrier in DSS-induced UC mice. The regulatory effect of ANGPT2 on UC disease might occur by regulating the mTOR signaling pathway and thus affecting autophagy-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome inactivation. ANGPT2 silencing alleviated UC by regulating autophagy-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome inactivation via the mTOR signaling pathway.

Diagnostic values of soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (sTREM-1) and interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) for severe mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children

Abstract Objective Early diagnosis of Severity Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Pneumonia (SMPP) has been a worldwide concern in clinical practice. Two cytokines, soluble Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid cells (sTREM-1) and Interferon-Inducible Protein-10 (IP-10), were proved to be implicated in bacterial infection diseases. However, the diagnostic value of sTREM-1 and IP-10 in MPP was poorly known. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of sTREM-1 and IP-10 for SMPP. Methods In this prospective study, the authors enrolled 44 children with MPP, along with their clinical information. Blood samples were collected, and cytokine levels of sTREM-1 and IP-10 were detected with ELISA assay. Results Serum levels of sTREM-1 and IP-10 were positively correlated with the severity of MPP. In addition, sTREM-1 and IP-10 have significant potential in the diagnosis of SMPP with an Area Under Curve (AUC) of 0.8564 (p-value = 0.0001, 95% CI 0.7461 to 0.9668) and 0.8086 (p-value = 0.0002, 95% CI 0.6918 to 0.9254) respectively. Notably, the combined diagnostic value of sTREM-1 and IP-10 is up to 0.911 in children with SMPP (p-value < 0.001, 95% CI 0.830 to 0.993). Conclusions Serum cytokine levels of sTREM-1 and IP-10 have a great potential diagnostic value in children with SMPP.

Feasibility of outer membrane protein C as a protein presenting platform targeting antigen to surface of outer membrane vesicle / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Abstract：Objective To investigate the feasibility of outer membrane protein C（OmpC）as a protein presenting platform targeting antigen to the surface of outer membrane vesicle（OMV）. Methods The recombinant expression plasmid containing ompC gene fragment and Staphylococcus aureus EsxA antigen gene（esxA gene）was constructed，transformed to competent E. coli BL21（DE3），inducedbyIPTG，andanalyzedforexpressedproductby 12%SDS⁃PAGE. Thetotalproteinofrecombinant strain OMV was analyzed by 12% SDS⁃PAGE，and the localization of fusion protein on the surface of OMV was detected by Western blot and Flow NanoAnalyzer. Results The recombinant expression plasmid containing ompC gene and esxA gene was constructed correctly as proved by sequencing. 12% SDS⁃PAGE showed that the fusion protein OmpC⁃EsxA had a relative molecular mass of about 57 000，which was consistent with the expected size，while the total protein of OMV showed multiple target protein bands，indicating that recombinant strain OMV was successfully extracted. The fusion protein OmpC⁃ EsxA on the surface of recombinant strain OMV specifically bound to mouse antibody against His⁃Tag，and OMVs labeled with fluorescent antibody were detected by Flow NanoAnalyzer. Conclusion OmpC may be used as a protein presenting plat⁃ form to locate antigen to OMV surface，which was expected to be applied in the development of antigen presentation vaccine. Keywords：Outer membrane protein C（OmpC）；Protein presentation；Outer membrane vesicle（OMV）

Curcumin alleviated oxidation stress injury by mediating osteopontin in nephrolithiasis rats

Purpose: To explore the role and mechanism of curcumin (Cur) in reducing oxidative stress damage in rats with nephrolithiasis induced by ethylene glycol (EG). Methods: Thirty male rats were divided into normal control, model, positive (10% potassium citrate), Cur-10 (10 mg/kg curcumin) and Cur-20 (20 mg/kg curcumin) groups. Results: The results of kidney tissue section stained by hematoxylin-eosin and von Kossa showed that curcumin treatment can inhibit the formation of kidney stones. The biochemical test results showed that the urea (Ur), creatinine (Cr), uric acid (UA), inorganic phosphorus and Ca2+ concentrations in urine decreased after being treated with curcumin. There were significant differences between different doses of curcumin (P < 0.05). Compared with the Cur-10 group, Cur-20 had a more significant inhibitory effect on malondialdehyde (MDA) (P < 0.05). In addition, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection and immunohistochemical results indicated that the osteopontin (OPN) in the kidney was significantly reduced after curcumin treatment. Conclusion: Curcumin could reduce the oxidative stress damage caused by EG-induced kidney stones.

Testing relationship between tea intake and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus: a Mendelian randomization study

Abstract Background We performed Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess the causal effect of tea intake on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Genetic instruments for tea intake were obtained from a large genome-wide association study (GWAS) dataset of the UK Biobank. Genetic association estimates for RA (6236 cases and 147,221 controls) and SLE (538 cases and 213,145 controls) were obtained from the FinnGen study through the IEU GWAS database. Results MR analyses using the inverse-variance weighted method showed that tea intake was not associated with risk of RA [odds ratio (OR) per standard deviation increment in genetically predicted tea intake = 0.997, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.658-1.511] and SLE (OR per standard deviation increment in genetically predicted tea intake = 0.961, 95% CI 0.299-3.092). Weighted median, weighted mode, MR-Egger, leave-one-out and multivariable MR controlling for several confounding factors including current tobacco smoking, coffee intake, and alcoholic drinks per week yielded completely consistent results. No evidence of heterogeneity and pleiotropy was found. Conclusion Our MR study did not suggest a causal effect of genetically predicted tea intake on RA and SLE.

Optimizing factors for the efficient expression and purification of spao and lamb from Salmonella typhi

We optimized the expression and purification of outer membrane proteins SpaO and LamB from Salmonella typhi. We investigated various factors in the expression and purification processes, including the use of isopropyl ß-d-1 thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG), imidazole, and urea. First, PCR amplification was carried out on SpaO and LamB genes. The genes were then cloned in pTZ57R/T, and then expressed in pET28a vector and transformed into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). Gene insertion was confirmed by enzymatic digestion with NdeI and XhoI. Inclusion bodies expressing recombinant SpaO and LamB were induced with 200 and 400 µL 0.5 mM IPTG, respectively. The formed protein inclusion bodies were then isolated from the pellet and solubilized in IB buffer containing 8 M urea for SpaO and 6 M urea for LamB. Proteins were refolded by dialysis in 3M urea. Purified proteins with nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid affinity chromatography and eluted with buffer containing 250 mM imidazole for SpaO and 150 mM imidazole for LamB. The protein expression profiles were analyzed by SDS-PAGE, which identified the 33 and 49 kDa bands corresponding to rSpaO and rLamB. Western blotting Purification was carried out by nickel affinity resin with 250 mM and 150 mM imidazole for rSpaO and rLamB and refolded through stepwise dialysis with anti-His tag antibodies confirmed their expression. These optimized methods can be used to generate recombinant proteins for the development of future vaccines.

Effect of prophylactic transcatheter arterial chemoembolization on hepatocellular carcinoma with microvascular invasion after R0 resection. A case-control study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is thought to prevent recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its efficacy is a matter of controversy. OBJECTIVES: We investigated the effect of preventive TACE on the tumor, nodes, metastasis (TNM) classification in cases of stage II HCC (T2N0M0) after R0 resection. DESIGN AND SETTING: Case-control study conducted in a tertiary-level public hospital. METHODS: We analyzed recurrence rates and mortality rates over time for 250 consecutive cases of HCC in TNM classification cases of stage II HCC (T2N0M0) after R0 resection. These cases were divided into patients who underwent TACE (TACE+) and presented microvascular invasion (MVI+; n = 80); TACE+ but did not present MVI (MIV−; n = 100); MVI+ but did not undergo TACE (TACE−, n = 30); and TACE−/MVI− (n = 40). RESULTS: MVI+ patients in the TACE+ group had significantly lower recurrence rates and mortality rates at one, two and three years than those in the TACE- group (all P < 0.05). Among MVI- patients, the TACE+ group did not have significantly lower recurrence rates and mortality rates at one, two and three years than the TACE- group (all P > 0.05). Regardless of whether TACE was performed or not, MVI− patients had significantly lower recurrence rates and mortality rates at two and three years after their procedures than did MVI+ patients (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Recurrence rates and mortality rates for MVI+ patients were significantly higher than for MVI− patients, beyond the first year after TACE. Postoperative adjuvant TACE may be beneficial for HCC patients with MVI.

Ethnic distribution characteristics of SNPs associated with micronutrient deficiency risk of Chinese primary and middle school students / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To explore ethnic distribution characteristics of SNPs associated with micronutrient deficiency risk of Chinese primary and middle school students, and to provide a basic reference for evaluating the risk of lack in micronutrient.@*Methods@#Totally 143 SNPs reported in previous studies were collected, and DNA was exacted by using magnetic beads in frozen blood cell samples from the 2016 nutrition health survey project of 1 130 primary and middle school students, competitive allele method was used to detect SNP genotyping. GO significant enrichment analysis R software package to PCA, kinship and linkage disequilibrium analysis were used for analysis of features of candidate SNPs. If there was a population structure, the FaST-LMM model was used for correlation analysis.@*Results@#The GO significant enrichment results showed that differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in the biological process grouping, including catalytic activity, transport activity, energy metabolism pathway, steroid hormone, coenzyme, biological processes of vitamin A, D and metabolism of water-soluble vitamins, involving transcription, translation and energy metabolism related genes. The results of 143 SNPs showed statistically significant differences in ethnic distribution, and SNPs on chromosome 3 presented significant differences among ethnic groups. Principal component analysis 1 showed that rs1799852 on TF gene had 25%-50% explanatory validity, rs2118981 on RBP2 gene and rs1830084 on SRPRB gene had 50%-75% explanatory validity, rs1358024, rs1525892, rs1880669, rs3811647, rs3811658, rs6794945, rs7638018 and rs8177248 on TF gene had more than 75% explanatory validity.@*Conclusion@#SNPs associated with micronutrient deficiency risk of Chinese primary and middle school students are characterized with ethnic distributions.

Analysis of anemia and nutritional status of primary and middle school students in boarding school in rural areas of central and western China / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To evaluate anemia and related nutritional status of 6-17 years old boarding school students in rural areas of central and western China, and to reveal the difference of nutrition problems in different regions.@*Methods@#In the central and western regions, Henan, Anhui, Jiangxi, Guangxi and Sichuan provinces, as well as Tibet Autonomous Region were selected for this survey considering similar per capita GDP levels. One secondary school and one primary school which participated in the National Nutrition Improvement Program for Rural Compulsory Education Students were selected from each province. One class was selected from each grade of every school by using cluster sampling method. A total of 2 180 students were selected in this survey. Venous blood was collected and the level of hemoglobin, ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor, folic acid and vitamin B12 was analyzed to evaluate anemia and nutrient deficiencies.@*Results@#As for western region, prevalence of anemia among students aged 6-8 and 9-11 years was 3.2% and 2.9%, respectively; iron deficiency prevalence among students aged 6-8, 9-11 and 12-14 years was 10.8%, 13.8% and 24.3%, respectively; and folic deficiency prevalence among students aged 12-14 and 15-17 years was 32.7 % and 49.4%, respectively. Prevalence of anemia, iron and folic deficiency in those areas was significantly higher than those of central regions (all P <0.05). As for the central regions, vitamin B12 deficiency prevalence of students aged 6-8, 9-11, 12-14 and 15-17 years was 7.3%, 19.4%, 29.2% and 45.5% respectively, which was significantly higher than of those of the western regions at the same age group.@*Conclusion@#Anemia, iron deficiency and folic acid deficiency are more common among students in western region, while the vitamin B12 deficiency problem is more common in central region. There are regional differences in the nutritional problems of students in the rural areas of central and western part of China. Nutrition improvement of student needs to be adapted to local conditions.

Regulation of γδT17 cells by Mycobacterium vaccae through interference with Notch/Jagged1 signaling pathway

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Mycobacterium vaccae on Jagged 1 and gamma delta T17 (γδT17) cells in asthmatic mice. An asthma mouse model was established through immunization with ovalbumin (OVA). Gamma-secretase inhibitor (DAPT) was used to block the Notch signaling pathway. M. vaccae was used to treat asthma, and related indicators were measured. Blocking Notch signaling inhibited the production of γδT17 cells and secretion of cytokine interleukin (IL)-17, which was accompanied by a decrease in Jagged1 mRNA and protein expression in the treated asthma group compared with the untreated asthma group. Similarly, treatment with M. vaccae inhibited Jagged1 expression and γδT17 cell production, which was associated with decreased airway inflammation and reactivity. The Notch signaling pathway may play a role in the pathogenesis of asthma through the induction of Jagged1 receptor. On the other hand, the inhibitory effect of M. vaccae on Jagged1 receptor in γδT17 cells could be used for the prevention and treatment of asthma.

Sp7/osterix positively regulates dlx2b and bglap to affect tooth development and bone mineralization in zebrafish larvae

Osterix (or Sp7) is an important transcription factor that promotes osteoblast differentiation by modulating the expression ofa range of target genes. Although many studies have focused on Osterix/Sp7 regulatory mechanisms, the detailed functionshave not been fully elucidated. Toward this end, in this study, we used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to knock out the zebrafishsp7 gene, and then analyzed its phenotype and biological function. Two knockout sp7 mutant lines were successfullyobtained. The bone mineralization level was significantly reduced in the zebrafish sp7-/- homozygote, resulting inabnormal tooth development in the larvae. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction showed that loss of sp7 led todown-regulated expression of the dlx2b and bglap genes related to tooth development and bone mineralization, respectively. Moreover, cell transfection experiments demonstrated that Sp7 directly regulates the expression of dlx2b and bglapthrough Sp7-binding sites on the promoter regions of these two genes. Overall, this study provides new insight into the roleof Sp7 in bone mineralization and tooth development.

Morphological measurements of the normal distal femur and proximal tibia between han Chinese and Mongolian Chinese in a healthy Chinese population / Mediciones morfológicas del fémur distal normal y la tibia proximal entre chinos han y mongoles en una población china sana

This study aims to compare the knee morphological difference between Han and Mongolian Chinese in China. This will improve the knee prostheses design. A total of 37 natural knees of Han Chinese (13 males, 9 females) and Mongolian Chinese (8 males, 7 females) were measured used Mimics medical imaging program, and the parameters included fML (the femoral mediolateral length), fLAP (the femoral lateral condyle anteroposterior length), fMAP (the femoral medial condyle anteroposteriorlength), tML (The tibial mediolateral length ) , tLAP (The tibial lateral anteroposteriorlength) and tMAP (the tibial medial anteroposterior length), The aspect ratio (defined as fML/fAP and tML/tAP;). The sizes of femur and tibia of the males were larger than those of the female for Han Chinese (fML, fLAP and fMAP) mean ± standard deviation: 84.57 ± 4.70 vs.76.52 ± 3.56, 65.75 ± 2.70 vs. 60.53 ± 3.81 and 67.10 ± 3.67vs. 62.1 2± 3.55; tML, tLAP and tMAP: 74.68 ± 4.27 vs. 65.82 ± 3.51 , 36.13 ± 2.96 vs. 31.12 ± 2.91 and 44.54 ± 3.02 vs. 40.11 ± 3.80 and Mongolian Chinese (fML, fLAP and fMAP) : 88.20 ± 4.57 vs. 77.92 ± 2.97, 68.82 ± 4.22 vs. 61.31 ± 1.92 and 69.81 ± 3.53 vs. 62.13 ± 1.63; tML, tLAP and tMAP: 78.00 ± 3.80 vs. 66.71 ± 3.52, 40.17 ± 3.09 vs. 32.91 ± 1.68 and 48.65 ± 3.00 vs. 41.97 ± 2.48). The aspect ratio of the knee in Mongolian Chinese was smaller than those of Han Chinese (fML/fAP:1.28±0.04 vs.1.29±0.03 for males;1.27±0.04 vs.1.27±0.05; tML/tAP: 1.60±0.04 vs. 1.68±0.10 for the males, 1.59±0.13 vs. 1.65±0.10 for the females). The effects of nationality and sex on the size and shape of knee were significant (p<0.05). The results suggest that an anatomic matched knee prosthesis should be taken into account different nationalities even in the same race.

Este estudio tiene como objetivo comparar la diferencia morfológica de rodilla entre los chinos Han y los Mongoles en China. Esto mejorará el diseño de las prótesis de rodilla. Un total de 37 rodillas de chinos Han (13 hombres, 9 mujeres) y Mongoles (8 hombres 7 mujeres) se midieron utilizando el programa de imágenes médicas Mimics, y los parámetros incluyeron fML (la longitud mediolateral femoral), fLAP (la longitud anteroposterior del cóndilo lateral del fémur), fMAP (la longitud anteroposterior del cóndilo medial del fémur), tML (la longitud mediolateral de la tibia), tLAP (la longitud anteroposterior lateral de la tibia) y tMAP (la longitud anteroposterior media de la tibia), la relación de aspecto (definida como fML / fAP y tML / tAP;). Los tamaños de fémur y tibia de los hombres fueron mayores que los de las mujeres para los chinos Han (fML, fLAP y fMAP) [media ± desviación estándar: 84,57±4,70 vs. 76,52±3,56, 65,75±2,70 vs. 60,53±3,81 y 67,10±3,67 vs. 62,12±3,55; tML, tLAP y tMAP: 74,68±4,27 vs. 65,82±3,51, 36,13±2,96 vs. 31,12±2,91 y 44,54±3,02 vs. 40,11±3,80 y Chino Mongol (fML, fLAP y fMAP): 88,20±4,57 vs. 77,92±2,97, 68,82±4,22 vs. 61,31±1,92 y 69,81±3,53 vs. 62,13±1,63; tML, tLAP y tMAP: 78,00±3,80 vs. 6671±3,52, 40,17±3,09 vs. 32,91±1,68 y 48,65±3,00 vs. 41,97±2,48]. La relación de aspecto de la rodilla del Chino Mongol fue menor que la de los chinos Han (fML / fAP: 1,28±0,04 vs.1,29±0,03 para los hombres; 1,27±0,04 vs. 1,27±0,05; tML / tAP: 1,60±0,04 vs. 1,68±0,10 para los hombres, 1,59±0,13 vs. 1,65±0,10 para las mujeres). Los efectos de la nacionalidad y el sexo en el tamaño y la forma de la rodilla fueron significativos (p <0,05). Los resultados sugieren que una prótesis anatómica de rodilla emparejada debe tenerse en cuenta en las diferentes nacionalidades, incluso en la misma raza.

miR-144-3p targets FZD4 to inhibit malignant biological behaviors of liver cancer Huh-7 cells via blocking Wnt/β-catenin pathway / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@# Objective: To investigate the effect of miR-144-3p modulating proliferation, migration and apoptosis of liver cancer Huh-7 cells through blocking frizzled class receptor 4 (FZD4)/Wnt/β-catenin pathway and the possible mechanism. Methods: A total of 18 pairs of cancer tissues and corresponding para-cancerous tissues from liver cancer patients, who underwent surgery in Workers' Hospital of Liuzhou City from March 2012 to July 2017, were collected for this study; in addition, hepatic cancer cell lines (Huh-7, SMMC7721 and MHCC97) and human normal liver epithelial cell line THLE-3 were also collected. The expression of miR-144-3p in liver cancer tissues and cell lines was detected by qPCR. MiR-144-3p mimics/inhibitor and FZD4 siRNA were transfected into liver cancer Huh-7 cells; the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of Huh-7 cells were evaluated by CCK-8 assay, Transwell assay, wound healing assay and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining flow cytometry assay, respectively. The interaction between miR-144-3p and FZD4 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Results: The expression of miR-144-3p was down-regulated in liver cancer tissues and cell lines (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Over-expression of miR-144-3p significantly inhibited cell proliferation viability, migration but induced apoptosis of Huh-7 cells (all P<0.01). Moreover, dual-luciferase reporter gene assay showed that miR-144-3p directly interacted with FZD4 and suppressed its expression. Furthermore, in vitro experiments verified that miR-144-3p targeted FZD4 to suppress the proliferation, migration and promote apoptosis of Huh-7 cells via blocking Wnt/β-catenin pathway (all P<0.01). Conclusion: miR-144-3p inhibits malignant biological behaviors of liver cancer Huh-7 cells via blocking Wnt/FZD4/β-catenin signaling pathway, which may provide potential molecular targets for early diagnosis or treatment of liver cancer.

Cardiac complications associated with the influenza viruses A subtype H7N9 or pandemic H1N1 in critically ill patients under intensive care

Abstract Background and objective: The clinical presentations and disease courses of patients hospitalized with either influenza A virus subtype H7N9 (H7N9) or 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus were compared in a recent report, but associated cardiac complications remain unclear. The present retrospective study investigated whether cardiac complications in critically ill patients with H7N9 infections differed from those infected with the pandemic H1N1 influenza virus strain. Methods: Suspect cases were confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays with specific confirmation of the pandemic H1N1 strain at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Comparisons were conducted at the individual-level data of critically ill patients hospitalized with H7N9 (n = 24) or pandemic H1N1 influenza virus (n = 22) infections in Suzhou, China. Changes in cardiac biochemical markers, echocardiography, and electrocardiography during hospitalization in the intensive care unit were considered signs of cardiac complications. Results: The following findings were more common among the H7N9 group relative to the pandemic H1N1 influenza virus group: greater tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient, sinus tachycardia (heartbeat ≥ 130 bpm), ST segment depression, right ventricular dysfunction, and elevated cardiac biochemical markers. Pericardial effusion was more often found among pandemic H1N1 influenza virus patients than in the H7N9 group. In both groups, most of the cardiac complications were detected from day 6 to 14 after the onset of influenza symptoms. Those who developed cardiac complications were especially vulnerable during the first four days after initiation of mechanical ventilation. Cardiac complications were reversible in the vast majority of discharged H7N9 patients. Conclusions: Critically ill hospitalized H7N9 patients experienced a higher rate of cardiac complications than did patients with 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus infections, with the exception of pericardial effusion. This study may help in the prevention, identification, and treatment of influenza-induced cardiac complications in both pandemic H1N1 influenza virus and H7N9 infections.

Pharmacokinetics and Tolerability of Oral Dosage Forms of Huperzine A in Healthy Chinese Male Volunteers: a Randomized,Single Dose, Three-period, Six-sequence Crossover Study / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Huperzine A is a potent,reversible,and blood-brain barrier permeable acetylcholinesterase irhibitor.The aim of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetics,tolerability,and bioavailability of two formulations with the established reference formulation of huperzine A in a fasting,healthy Chinese male population.This was a randomized,single-dose,3-period,6-sequence crossover study.The plasma concentrations of huperzine A were determined by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.Tolerability was assessed based on subject interview,vital sign monitoring,physical examination,and routine blood and urine tests.The mean (SD) pharmacokinetic parameters of the reference drug were Cmax,1.550 (0.528) ng/mL;t1/2,12.092 (1.898) h;AUC0-72h,17.550 (3.794) ng.h/mL.Those of the test formulation A and test formulation B were Cmax,1.412 (0.467),1.521 (0.608) ng/mL;t1/2,12.073 (2.068),12.271 (1.678) h;AUC0-72h,15.286 (3.434) ng.h/mL,15.673 (3.586) ng.h/mL.The 90％ confidence intervals for the AUC0-72h and Cmax were between 0.80 and 1.25.No adverse events were reported by the subjects or found with results of clinical laboratory test.The test and reference products met the regulatory criteria for bioequivalence in these fasting,healthy Chinese male volunteers.All three formulations appeared to be well tolerated.

Lentivirus mediated silencing of Ubiquitin Specific Peptidase 39 inhibits cell proliferation of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro

BACKGROUND: Ubiquitin Specific Peptidase 39 (USP39) is a 65 kDa SR-related protein involved in RNA splicing. Previous studies showed that USP39 is related with tumorigenesis of human breast cancer cells. RESULTS: In the present study, we investigated the functions of USP39 in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line SMMC-7721. We knocked down the expression of USP39 through lentivirus mediated RNA interference. The results of qRT-PCR and western blotting assay showed that both the mRNA and protein levels were suppressed efficiently after USP39 specific shRNA was delivered into SMMC-7721 cells. Cell growth was significantly inhibited as determined by MTT assay. Crystal violet staining indicated that colony numbers and sizes were both reduced after knock-down of USP39. Furthermore, suppression of USP39 arrested cell cycle progression at G2/M phase in SMMC-7721cells. In addition, Annexin V showed that downregulation of USP39 significantly increased the population of apoptotic cells. CONCLUSIONS: All our results suggest that USP39 is important for HCC cell proliferation and is a potential target for molecular therapy of HCC.

An Na+/H+ antiporter gene from wheat plays an important role in stress tolerance.

A vacuole Na+/H+ antiporter gene TaNHX2 was obtained by screening the wheat cDNA library and by the 5'-RACE method. The expression of TaNHX2 was induced in roots and leaves by treatment with NaCl, polyethylene glycol (PEG), cold and abscisic acid (ABA). When expressed in a yeast mutant (deltanhx1), TaNHX2 suppressed the salt sensitivity of the mutant,which was deficient in vacuolar Na+/H+ antiporter, and caused partial recovery of growth of delta nhx1 in NaCl and LiCl media. The survival rate of yeast cells was improved by overexpressing the TaNHX2 gene under NaCl, KCl, sorbitol and freezing stresses when compared with the control. The results imply that TaNHX2 might play an important role in salt and osmotic stress tolerance in plant cells.

Experimental study of saponins from Tribulus terrestris on renal carcinoma cell line / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of saponins from Tribulus terrestris (STT) on the renal carcinoma cell (786-0) in vitro, and inhibitory mechanisms.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Effects of SIT on the cytotoxicity, morphological changes of apoptosis, cell cycle and expression of Bcl-2 protein in the 786-0 were tested respectively by MTT method, Wright and acridine orange stain assay, as well as flow cytometry (FCM).</p><p><b>RESULT</b>After the 786-0 was treated by STY, it was shown that: 1) A significant cytotoxic effect was observed by MTT assay; 2) Apoptosis-induced was viewed by Wright and acridine orange stain assay; 3) The distribution of 786-0 on S phase was increased; 4.) The expression of Bcl-2 protein and cyclin D1 was decreased.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>STT can significantly inhibit the growth of 786-0 in vitro, partially, by apoptosis.</p>