Research progress on chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of halogenated sesquiterpenes from natural sources / 中国中药杂志

Halogenated sesquiterpenes are important derivatives of sesquiterpenes, referring to chemical components of sesquiterpenes that contain halogens such as chlorine, bromine, and iodine. Halogenated sesquiterpenes have attracted attention from researchers in China and abroad because of their diverse structures, unique halogen elements, and extensive pharmacological activities. Studies have shown that halogenated sesquiterpenes exhibit significant antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, insecticidal, hypoglycemic, and enzyme inhibitory activities. In order to better explore the potential pharmaceutical value of halogenated sesquiterpenes, this paper reviewed the structural characteristics and pharmacological activities of halogenated sesquiterpenes in the past two decades, aiming to provide references for further research and development of this class of compounds.

Preparation of oxytocin liposomes modified by cell penetrating peptides and evaluation on brain targeting efficiency via intranasal delivery / 药学学报

The water-soluble polypeptide drug oxytocin was encapsulated in liposomes by reverse-phase evaporation vesicle method to obtain oxytocin loaded liposomes (OT@LPs) which was further modified with cationic cell penetrating peptide—arginine octamer (R8) to get R8 modified oxytocin loaded liposomes (OT@LPs-R8) which showed enhanced mucoadhesive. The brain targeting efficiency was evaluated preliminarily after nasal administration. OT@LPs-R8 showed a round shape with a particle size distribution of 110.2 ± 7.3 nm, a surface potential as high as +18 mV, a drug loading (62.17 ± 1.88) %, an encapsulation rate (5.85 ± 0.72) %, and stood stable in nasal mucus. After nasal administration, it could significantly prolong the retention and enhance the distribution in the brain with no irritation to the nasal mucosa. The animal experiment in line with the regulations of the Department of Laboratory Animal Science of Fudan University on the ethics of animal experiments had been carried out after passing the review of the Animal Ethics Committee of Fudan University. The results showed nasal administration of OT@LPs-R8 could promote oxytocin directly into the brain from the nose which expected to become a new carrier for delivery of oxytocin to the brain.

Radiofrequency ablation combined with transarterial chemoembolization for liver metastases from gastrointestinal cancers / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been reported to be effective for local control of different-sized hepatocellular carcinomas. However, it is unclear if these benefits could also be applicable to different-sized liver metastases from gastrointestinal cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of TACE combined with RFA for liver metastases from gastrointestinal cancers. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 19 consecutive patients who had a total of 26 liver metastatic lesions from gastrointestinal cancers and underwent RFA followed by first-time TACE treatment. The tumor recurrence, overall survival rate and procedure-related complications were evaluated. Moreover, patients' demographics and tumor characteristics were analyzed to determine their impact on the outcomes. The technical success of TACE plus RFA was achieved with 2 major procedure-related complications found. The mean follow-up was 21.3 months. The total 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rate was 89.4%, 52.6%, and 35.1%, respectively. It was found that the tumor size and the ratio of enhancement area were significant factors that influenced the overall survival. In conclusion, patients with gastrointestinal cancer-derived liver metastatic lesions of smaller size and larger enhancement area are considered appropriate candidates for TACE plus RFA.

Radiofrequency ablation combined with transarterial chemoembolization for liver metastases from gastrointestinal cancers / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been reported to be effective for local control of different-sized hepatocellular carcinomas. However, it is unclear if these benefits could also be applicable to different-sized liver metastases from gastrointestinal cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of TACE combined with RFA for liver metastases from gastrointestinal cancers. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 19 consecutive patients who had a total of 26 liver metastatic lesions from gastrointestinal cancers and underwent RFA followed by first-time TACE treatment. The tumor recurrence, overall survival rate and procedure-related complications were evaluated. Moreover, patients' demographics and tumor characteristics were analyzed to determine their impact on the outcomes. The technical success of TACE plus RFA was achieved with 2 major procedure-related complications found. The mean follow-up was 21.3 months. The total 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rate was 89.4%, 52.6%, and 35.1%, respectively. It was found that the tumor size and the ratio of enhancement area were significant factors that influenced the overall survival. In conclusion, patients with gastrointestinal cancer-derived liver metastatic lesions of smaller size and larger enhancement area are considered appropriate candidates for TACE plus RFA.

Comparison of the therapeutic effects of PTBD and PTBS in treatment of malignant obstructive jaundice / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To summarize and compare the short-term and long-term clinical efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) and percutaneous transhepatic biliary stent (PTBS) in the treatment of malignant obstructive jaundice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>210 cases of malignant obstructive jaundice underwent interventional therapy, of which 161 cases of drainage catheters placement and 49 cases of metallic stent implantation. Follow-up information was obtained through telephone review or check-up records.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The technical success rate of technique was 100%. At 3 - 5 days after treatment, the serum total bilirubin in 15 metallic stent-treated patients was decreased by (178.04 +/- 42.32) micromol/L, and direct bilirubin by (83.97 +/- 23.63) micromol/L. Compared with those of 28 cases treated with drainage catheters: (95.67 +/- 34.28) micromol/L and (49.84 +/- 28.21) micromol/L, there were statistically significant differences between the two groups (P = 0.017 and P = 0.035). At 6 - 9 days after treatment, the serum total bilirubin in 28 cases of metallic stent group was decreased by (188.22 +/- 79.90) micromol/L, and that in 126 cases of drainage catheter group decreased by (141.39 +/- 65.32) micromol/L. The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.014). But the decline value of direct bilirubin had no significant difference. The median patency period and the median survival time of the drainage catheter group were 60 and 148 days, respectively, those of metallic stent group were 197 days and 245 days. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The results of this study indicate that the short-term and long-term efficacies of metallic stent implantation are better than those of catheter drainage technique.</p>

Experimental studies of rAd-p53 injection by interventional approach for the treatment of rabbit VX2 liver cancer / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To evaluate the efficacy of recombinant human adenovirus p53 gene therapy (rAd-p53) in the rabbit VX2 liver cancer model using different interventional therapy approach.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty New Zealand rabbits implanted with VX2 tumor in the liver were randomized into five groups with six of each. The tumor volumes (V1) were measured by MRI and CT scan 11 days after tumors implanted. The interventional therapy scheme performed as below: intraarterial 0.9% saline solution perfusion in group A, transcatheter arterial embolization with 0.5 ml ultrafluid lipiodol in group B, intraarterial rAd-p53 gene perfusion in group C (1 x 10(6)/VP); intraarterial rAd-p53 gene perfusion (1 x 10(6)/VP) in combination with transcatheter arterial embolization (ultrofluid lipiodol, 0.5 ml) in group D and intratumoral rAd-p53 gene (1 x 10(6)/VP) injection in group E. The tumor volumes (V2) were measured by MRI and CT scan, and the tumor growth ratios were calculated 14 days after interventional procedures. Then all animals were sacrificed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The tumor tissues were explanted for immunohistochemistry to observe the expressions of vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) and factor VIII. Microvessel density (MVD) of the tumor tissues was assessed by factor VIII immunohistochemical analysis. In addition, apoptotic index was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. The tumor volumes before therapy were (79.4+/-8.2), (75.3+/-7.8), (74.6+/-6.6), (78.7+/-9.1), (75.8+/-8.4) mm(3) respectively, without differences found among them (F = 12.248, P = 0.0636). But the tumor volumes after therapy were (564.7+/-96.7), (176.5+/-83.2), (239.6+/-42.8), (159.8+/-58.6), (334.7+/-32.6) mm(3) respectively (F = 24.537, P = 0.0218). The tumor growth ratios were 6.9, 2.6, 3.1, 1.6 and 4.1 respectively. The mean apoptosis index were 12.0%+/-1.1%, 14.5%+/-2.1%, 17.6%+/-2.3%, 18.6%+/-2.3% and 19.6%+/-2.5% respectively. with significant differences in group E in comparison with the other four groups. Mean positive ratio of VEGF was 50.0%, 83.3%, 83.3%, 50.0% and 50.0% respectively, with significant differences observed in group B and group C compared with the other three groups (F = 7.84, P = 0.019). The differences of VIII factor positive expression ratio among each group were significant (F = 0.854, P = 0.018). Statistical analysis showed a positive correlation between the expression of VEGF and MVD (r = 2.400, P = 0.0233).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The rAd-p53 has effective treatment outcomes in VX2 rabbit liver cancer, and intra-arterial rAd-p53 gene perfusion in combination with transcatheter arterial embolization is the best approach in comparison with intra-arterial rAd-p53 gene perfusion, transcatheter arterial embolization and intratumoral rAd-p53 gene injection alone.</p>

The CT diagnosis and transcatheter embolization in treatment of acute pancreatitis complicating pseudoaneurysm / 中华消化杂志

Objective To evaluate the effects of diagnosis and treatment of acute pancreatitis com- plicating pseudoaneurysm by CT scan and transcatheter embolization.Methods Eighteen cases of acute panereatitis complicating pseudoaneurysm were performed abdominal angiography and transcatheter em- bolization.The CT and digital substraction angiography(DSA)findings and clinical data were retrospec- tively analyzed.The location of pseudoaneurysm and hemostasis were observed.Results CT scan re- vealed regional or diffuse slight high density fluid collections in abdominal cavity of all patients.En- hanced CT showed contained extravasation of contrast which indictated ruptured the pseudoaneurysm. DSA revealed 22 pseudoaneurysm,and 20 had evidence of bleeding.All pseudoaneurysms were success- fully embolized with coils,and hemostasis was achieyed in 18 pseudoaneurysm immediately.Conclusions The acute pancreatitis complicating pseudoaneurysm can be examined with CT scan and transcatheter embolization is safe and effective therapeutic method.