Two novel Co(II) complexes with two different Schiff bases: inhibiting growth of human skin cancer cells

Using two flexible Schiff bases, H2L1 and H2L2, two new cobalt II (Co(II))-coordination compounds, namely, Py3CoL1 (1) and Py3CoL2 (2) (Py=pyridine, L1=3,5-ClC6H2(O)C=NC6H3(O)-4-NO2, L2=3,5-BrC6H2(O)C=NC6H3(O)-4-NO2) have been synthesized under solvothermal conditions. Single crystal X-ray structural analysis revealed that compounds 1 and 2 are both six-coordinate in a distorted octahedral geometry, and the 1D chain structure was formed by the π…π and C-H…O interactions or C-H…Cl interaction. The in vitro antitumor activities of 1, 2 and their corresponding organic ligands Py, L1, and L2 were studied and evaluated, in which three human skin cancer cell lines (A-431, HT-144 and SK-MEL-30) were used in the screening tests.

Adiponectin inhibits oxidization-induced differentiation of T helper cells through inhibiting costimulatory CD40 and CD80

Adiponectin is a multifunctional adipokine that has several oligomeric forms in the blood stream, which broadly regulates innate and acquired immunity. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to observe the differentiation of T helper (Th) cells and expression of costimulatory signaling molecules affected by adiponectin. The mRNA and protein expression levels of adiponectin and its receptors in oxidized low density lipoprotein cholesterol-treated endothelial cells were assayed by real time PCR and immunofluorescence. The endothelial cells were then treated with adiponectin with or without adipoR1 or adipoR2 siRNA and co-cultured with T lymphocytes. The distribution of Th1, Th2 and Th17 subsets were assayed by flow cytometry. The effects of adiponectin on costimulatory signaling molecules HLA-DR, CD80, CD86 and CD 40 was also assayed by flow cytometry. The results showed that endothelial cells expressed adiponectin and its receptor adipoR1 and adipoR2, but not T-cadherin. Adiponectin suppressed Th1 and Th17 differentiation through adipoR1 receptor, contributed to the inhibition of CD80 and CD40, and inhibited differentiation of Th1 and Th17 by inhibiting antigen presenting action.

Cervical cerclage for preventing preterm birth in twin pregnancies. A systematic review and meta-analysis

To evaluate the effect of cervical cerclage on preventing preterm birth in twin pregnancies. We searched Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials [CENTRAL], MEDLINE, EMBASE, Current Controlled Trials, China Biology Medicine [CBM], Chinese National Knowlegde Infrastructure [CNKI] and VIP Chinese Journal database [VIP] from April to August 2012. All available randomized trials comparing the effects of cervical cerclage for preventing preterm birth in twin pregnancies with no cerclage were included. The study took place in the First Affiliated Hospital of ChongQing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China. Five eligible studies with a total of 310 participants were finally included. No statistically significant differences were found between patients who received cervical cerclage and those who did not receive cervical cerclage, in terms of preterm birth [RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.78-1.18], live births [RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.87-1.01] and mode of delivery [RR 1.34, 95% CI 0.61-2.98] per randomized woman. These results of preterm birth, premature rupture of membrane, model of delivery did not change before and after sensitivity analysis. No significant difference was observed between cervical cerclage group and no cerclage group in twin pregnancies and large scale randomized controlled trials are needed to strengthen clinical usage of cervical cerclage