Multi-center Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of Huangqi Injection Combined with Buzhong Yiqi Acupuncture in Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome with Qi Deficiency / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy of Huangqi injection combined with Buzhong Yiqi acupuncture in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome （CFS） with Qi deficiency and its effects on TCM syndromes， fatigue symptoms， serum superoxide dismutase （SOD）， malondialdehyde （MDA）， and oxidized low-density lipoprotein （ox-LDL） levels. MethodA total of 200 patients with CFS of Qi deficiency were randomly divided into a control group （100 cases） and an observation group （100 cases）. The control group was treated with vitamin B compounds， and the observation group was treated with Huangqi injection combined with Buzhong Yiqi acupuncture for two weeks. The scores of TCM syndromes， fatigue symptoms， levels of serum SOD， MDA， and ox-LDL and the incidence of adverse reactions were observed and compared before and after treatment in two groups. ResultAfter treatment， the total effective rate of the control group was 54.34% （50/92）， while that of the observation group was 88.54% （85/96）. The total effective rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group （χ2=27.13，P<0.05）. Compared with those in the two groups before treatment， scores of fatigue self-assessment scale （FSAS）， physical fatigue and mental fatigue， and sleep/rest response scores of fatigue in the two groups after treatment were significantly decreased （P<0.05）. After treatment， scores of FSAS， physical fatigue and mental fatigue， and sleep/rest response scores of fatigue in the observation group were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group （P<0.05）. Compared with those in the two groups before treatment， TCM syndrome scores in the two groups after treatment were significantly decreased （P<0.05）. After treatment， TCM syndrome scores in the observation group were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group （P<0.05）. Compared with those in the two groups before treatment， MDA levels in the two groups were significantly decreased （P<0.05）， ox-LDL levels in the observation group were significantly decreased （P<0.05）， and SOD levels were significantly increased （P<0.05）. After treatment， compared with those in the control group， the serum MDA and ox-LDL levels in the observation group were significantly decreased （P<0.05）， and the serum SOD was significantly increased （P<0.05）. No serious adverse events or adverse reactions occurred during this clinical trial. ConclusionHuangqi injection combined with Buzhong Yiqi acupuncture has a good clinical curative effect in the treatment of CFS with Qi deficiency， which can effectively improve the fatigue symptoms of patients， increase the level of SOD， and reduce the level of serum MDA and ox-LDL. It is related to the production of antioxidants， inhibiting the production of lipid peroxides， and improving the body's ability to resist oxidative stress.

Antiulcerogenic and antioxidant activities of Plantago ovata ethanolic extract in rats

Abstract This study aimed to determine the antiulcerogenic and antioxidant activities of Psyllium (Plantago ovata Forssk) seed ethanolic extract in rats. We assessed the antioxidant potential using free radical scavenging on DPPH, -carotene bleaching activity, ferric reducing power, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. In the antiulcerogenic study, pre-treatment with Plantago ovata seeds ethanolic extract (POE) (400 mg/kg b.wt) significantly protected against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats by decreasing the ulcer index value and preserving the integrity of the gastric mucosa. The oxidative stress status in the stomach tissues showed a significant increase in the antioxidant enzyme levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase with a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation during pre-treatment with POE. In conclusion, the POE protects against gastric ulcer due to its antioxidant potential and presence of bioactive molecules.

Resumo O presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar as atividades antiulcerogênica e antioxidante das sementes de Psyllium (Plantago ovata Forssk) em ratos. O potencial antioxidante foi avaliado utilizando o método do sequestro do radical livre DPPH, autooxidação do -caroteno, poder redutor de ferro e atividade de sequestro do radical hidroxila. No estudo antiulcerogênico, o pré-tratamento com o extrato etanólico das sementes de Plantago ovata (POE) (400 mg/Kg b.wt) reduziu a úlcera gástrica induzida pelo etanol em ratos, diminuindo o valor do índice de úlcera e preservando a integridade da mucosa gástrica. O estudo do estresse oxidativo nos tecidos estomacais mostrou um aumento significativo dos níveis das enzimas antioxidantes superóxido dismutase, catalase e glutationa peroxidase, com uma diminuição significativa da peroxidação lipídica enquanto pré-tratamento com POE. Em conclusão, o POE protege contra úlcera gástrica devido aos seus potenciais antioxidantes e à presença de moléculas bioativas.

Antiulcerogenic and antioxidant activities of Plantago ovata ethanolic extract in rats / Atividade antiulcerogênica e antioxidante do extrato etanólico de Plantago ovata em ratos

This study aimed to determine the antiulcerogenic and antioxidant activities of Psyllium (Plantago ovata Forssk) seed ethanolic extract in rats. We assessed the antioxidant potential using free radical scavenging on DPPH, ß-carotene bleaching activity, ferric reducing power, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. In the antiulcerogenic study, pre-treatment with Plantago ovata seeds ethanolic extract (POE) (400 mg/kg b.wt) significantly protected against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats by decreasing the ulcer index value and preserving the integrity of the gastric mucosa. The oxidative stress status in the stomach tissues showed a significant increase in the antioxidant enzyme levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase with a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation during pre-treatment with POE. In conclusion, the POE protects against gastric ulcer due to its antioxidant potential and presence of bioactive molecules.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar as atividades antiulcerogênica e antioxidante das sementes de Psyllium (Plantago ovata Forssk) em ratos. O potencial antioxidante foi avaliado utilizando o método do sequestro do radical livre DPPH, autooxidação do ß-caroteno, poder redutor de ferro e atividade de sequestro do radical hidroxila. No estudo antiulcerogênico, o pré-tratamento com o extrato etanólico das sementes de Plantago ovata (POE) (400 mg/Kg b.wt) reduziu a úlcera gástrica induzida pelo etanol em ratos, diminuindo o valor do índice de úlcera e preservando a integridade da mucosa gástrica. O estudo do estresse oxidativo nos tecidos estomacais mostrou um aumento significativo dos níveis das enzimas antioxidantes superóxido dismutase, catalase e glutationa peroxidase, com uma diminuição significativa da peroxidação lipídica enquanto pré-tratamento com POE. Em conclusão, o POE protege contra úlcera gástrica devido aos seus potenciais antioxidantes e à presença de moléculas bioativas.

Assessment of coverage and compliance of mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis in Medak District-2021

In India Mass Drug Administration (MDA) drive is undertaken every year. In mass drug administra?on DEC and Albendazole combina?on is used. For the strategy to be effec?ve, more than 85% of those living in endemic areas must be covered by MDA. Methods: This is a cross-sec?onal study in which family clusters were selected from rural and urban areas. Informa?on about coverage, compliance with MDA and knowledge of filariasis was obtained using a ques?onnaire. Data were analysed using percentages and propor?ons. Results: In this study, about 92.51% of the study par?cipants received DEC and ABZ tablets during MDA, of which 95.14 % of par?cipants consumed the drugs. The most common cause of noncompliance was fear of side effects. Conclusion: Coverage of the popula?on with DEC and albendazole combina?on was good but compliance needs to be improved. IEC ac?vi?es should be intensified. Local leaders should be involved in the programme to increase compliance.

circNEIL3 regulates the proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells through targeting miR-4784 / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#[摘 要] 目的：研究环状RNA nei样DNA糖化酶3（circNEIL3）和微小RNA（miR）-4784对乳腺癌细胞MDA-MB-231的增殖、迁移和侵袭的影响。方法：收集2018年1月至2019年12月在济南市中西医结合医院经组织病理诊断为乳腺癌并行手术切除的45例乳腺癌患者的癌组织和配对癌旁组织，qPCR法检测乳腺癌组织、癌旁组织中circNEIL3和miR-4784的相对水平。将circNEIL3的小干扰RNA（si-circNEIL3）、miR-4784模拟物、si-circNEIL3+miR-4784抑制物分别转染MDA-MB-231细胞，采用CCK-8法、平板克隆实验、划痕愈合实验、Transwell实验检测circNEIL3和miR-4784表达对细胞活力、克隆形成、迁移和侵袭的影响。双荧光素酶报告基因实验、RNA免疫沉淀（RIP）和RNA pull-down实验检测circNEIL3和miR-4784之间相互作用。结果：乳腺癌组织中circNEIL3呈高表达（P<0.05），miR-4784呈低表达（P<0.05）。干扰circNEIL3显著降低MDA-MB-231细胞活力、克隆形成数、划痕愈合率以及侵袭数（均P<0.05）。过表达miR-4784显著降低MDA-MB-231细胞活力、克隆形成数、划痕愈合率以及侵袭数（均P<0.05）。双荧光素酶报告基因实验、RIP和RNA pull-down实验均证实circNEIL3与miR-4784可直接结合，干扰circNEIL3能明显上调miR-4784表达（P<0.05），过表达circNEIL3能明显下调miR-4784表达（P<0.05）。抑制miR-4784表达部分逆转干扰circNEIL3对MDA-MB-231细胞活力、克隆形成、迁移和侵袭的抑制作用（P<0.05）。结论：干扰circNEIL3通过靶向上调miR-4784表达抑制MDA-MB-231细胞的增殖、迁移和侵袭。

Effect of Pravastatin on Levels of Malondealdehyde (MDA) And Endothelin-1 (ET-1) Preeclampsia Model Rats

@#Introduction: Pravastatin is known to have a number of pleiotropic effects including reducing endothelial dysfunction, anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, conangiogenic, and antitrombotic. Pravastatin through the pleitropic effect is expected to be one of the alternative therapies to prevent preeclampsia. The limited strategy for prevention and treatment of preeclampsia is due to the unknown etiology and pathogenesis. These two markers are thought to contribute to the occurrence of preeclampsia although they cause it in two different pathways. MDA is a marker of oxidative stress as an end product of lipid peroxidation. ET-1 is a vasoconstrictor that plays a role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia through increasing anti-angiogenic properties. Aim: to determine the effect of pravastatin on serum levels of MDA and ET-1 in preeclampsia rat models. Methods: This study consisted of 5 groups; negative control/ K(-) consisted of normal pregnant rats, positive control/ K(+) consisted of rat model of preeclampsia (rat model of preeclampsia induced by administration of L-NAME at a dose of 125 mg/kg BW/day since gestational age 13-19 days), treatment groups 1, 2, and 3 (rat model of preeclampsia given pravastatin with 3 different doses; 2 mg/day (P1), 4 mg/day (P2) and 8 mg/day(P3)) at 13-19 days of gestation. The rat model of preeclampsia was determined based on blood pressure > 140/90 with urine protein > +1. After termination, blood was drawn to measure serum MDA and ET-1 levels. Results: Serum levels of MDA and ET-1 were decreased in groups P2 and P3 compared to groups K(+). Statistically, there was a significant difference in the mean levels of MDA (p=0.001) and ET-1 (p=0.000) between each group. Conclusion: Pravastatin can prevent preeclampsia by decreasing MDA and ET-1.

The inhibitory effect of Licochalcone B on the triple negative breast cancer cell MDA-MB-231 and its mechanism / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#[摘 要] 目的：探讨甘草查尔酮B（LCB）对三阴性乳腺癌（TNBC）MDA-MB-231细胞的抑制作用及其机制。方法: 常规培养MDA-MB-231细胞，用不同浓度LCB处理后，采用CCK-8法、免疫荧光法、FCM和WB法分别检测MDA-MB-231细胞的增殖活力、细胞核内DNA双链断裂标志物γ-H2AX的表达，以及细胞周期和周期调控、丝裂原活化蛋白激酶（MAPK）、内质网应激信号途径相关蛋白的表达水平。结果: LCB能显著抑制乳腺癌MDA-MB-231细胞的增殖活力（P<0.05），使γ-H2AX阳性细胞数和蛋白表达水平均显著升高（均P<0.05）、G2/M和S期的细胞数量均明显增加（均P<0.05）、MAPK家族主要成员细胞外调节激酶1/2（ERK1/2）和p38MAPK蛋白的磷酸化水平均显著上调（均P<0.05），还使内质网应激途径相关蛋白Bip、ATF4和CHOP的表达均显著上调（均P<0.05）。结论: LCB能够显著抑制MDA-MB-231细胞的增殖活力、诱导DNA损伤和细胞周期阻滞于G2/M和S期，LCB对MDA-MB-231细胞的抑制作用可能与其激活MAPK和内质网应激信号通路相关。

Norcantharidin induces apoptosis through autophagosome accumulation in breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells / 中国药科大学学报

@#The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of norcantharidin (NCTD) on the proliferation and apoptosis of triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231.Western blot was used to detect the effect of NCTD on the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins Bax/Bcl-2, cleaved-PARP/PARP/PARP, cleved-caspase-9, cleaved-caspase-3 and MCL-1 in MDA-MB-231 cells.Also, the expression levels of autophagy-related proteins LC3-II/LC3-I, Parkin and PINK1 in MDA-MB-231 cells were measured by Western blot.Flow cytometry was used to measure the effect of NCTD on the changes of mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS).The effect of NCTD on autophagy flow in cells expressing mCherry-EGFP-LC3 was detected by a confocal microscope.Moreover, the effects of NCTD combined with chloroquine (CQ) or 3-methyladenine (3-MA) on the apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells were detected by flow cytometry.The results showed that NCTD significantly increased the expression levels of Bax/Bcl-2, cleaved-PARP/PARP, cleaved-caspase-9, cleasved-caspase-3 and LC3-II/LC3-I proteins, and promoted the mitochondrial translocation of Parkin, and blocked the autophagic flow in MDA-MB-231 cells. Moreover, NCTD combined with CQ accelerated apoptosis, while NCTD combined with 3-MA decreased apoptosis.These results suggest that NCTD can induce autophagy accumulation and lead to apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells.

Possible mechanism of 191 measles attenuated live vaccine strains inhibiting the proliferation of triple negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells based on proteomics technology / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#[摘 要] 目的：基于蛋白质组学技术探讨麻疹减毒活疫苗191株（MV-Hu191）在体内外对三阴性乳腺癌MDA-MB-231、4T1细胞的影响及其作用机制。方法：采用CCK-8法检测MV-Hu191对MDA-MB-231和4T1细胞增殖的影响；液相色谱-质谱联用技术分析MV-Hu191处理对MDA-MB-231细胞中蛋白质谱的影响，多重数据库筛选蛋白质谱中的典型差异蛋白质并进行GO、KEGG、亚细胞定位与功能注释。瘤内注射1×106 TCID50 MV-Hu191干预4T1细胞移植瘤模型小鼠，流式细胞术检测小鼠脾组织中T细胞亚群，ELISA法检测小鼠血清TNF-α和IL-6含量。结果：体外实验结果表明，MV-Hu191具有抑制MDA-MB-231和4T1细胞增殖的作用，差异均具有统计学意义（P<0.01）。蛋白质组学分析结果显示，MV-Hu191作用MDA-MB-231细胞后明显上调蛋白质有38个、下调有12个；差异表达的蛋白质主要参与细胞黏附、信号受体激活、细胞代谢、应激反应等生物学过程，22个差异蛋白质亚细胞定位位于细胞外，KEGG功能分类显示与免疫调节功能相关的差异蛋白质最多且均为上调蛋白，包括C4A、C8B、SERPINF2、A2M、SERPINC1、CTSB、SERPING1、C5；PPI预测发现免疫相关差异蛋白与CD4、CD8、TNF-α及IL-6相互关联。体内实验结果显示，MV-Hu191干预组小鼠脾组织中CD4+ T细胞数量略高于对照组，但差异无统计学意义（P>0.05），CD4+/CD8+ T细胞比值明显高于对照组（P<0.05），血清TNF-α和IL-6含量显著上升（均P<0.01）。结论：MV-Hu191显著抑制MDA-MB-231、4T1细胞增殖及拮抗4T1细胞荷瘤小鼠成瘤性，其机制可能是MV-Hu191通过激活免疫效应分子实现抗肿瘤作用。

In vivo antioxidant activity of rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium ashei cv. 'Brightwell') anthocyanin extracts / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Blueberries are rich in phenolic compounds including anthocyanins which are closely related to biological health functions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antioxidant activity of blueberry anthocyanins extracted from 'Brightwell' rabbiteye blueberries in mice. After one week of adaptation, C57BL/6J healthy male mice were divided into different groups that were administered with 100, 400, or 800 mg/kg blueberry anthocyanin extract (BAE), and sacrificed at different time points (0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, or 12 h). The plasma, eyeball, intestine, liver, and adipose tissues were collected to compare their antioxidant activity, including total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-PX/GPX) content, and the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA) level. The results showed that blueberry anthocyanins had positive concentration-dependent antioxidant activity in vivo. The greater the concentration of BAE, the higher the T-AOC value, but the lower the MDA level. The enzyme activity of SOD, the content of GSH-PX, and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of Cu,Zn-SOD, Mn-SOD, and GPX all confirmed that BAE played an antioxidant role after digestion in mice by improving their antioxidant defense. The in vivo antioxidant activity of BAE indicated that blueberry anthocyanins could be developed into functional foods or nutraceuticals with the aim of preventing or treating oxidative stress-related diseases.

Morphine counteracts the effects of paclitaxel in triple-negative breast cancer cells

Background & objectives: Several studies have provided evidence that opioids may play a role in cancer recurrence and metastasis. Multiple research data indicate that morphine can act as a proliferative or suppressive agent on tumour cells depending on the applied concentration. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate whether the presence of clinically relevant concentrations of morphine has any effect on the efficacy of paclitaxel, a widely used chemotherapeutic drug, on the viability and apoptosis of human triple-negative breast cancer cell line. Methods: MDA.MB.231 cells were treated with paclitaxel in the presence or absence of morphine and examined for cell proliferation by the MTT assay. In addition, the effect of morphine on paclitaxel- induced apoptosis was investigated by flow cytometric assay and by the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 mRNA expression levels with quantitative real-time (qRT)-PCR. Results: Morphine significantly increased the proliferation of breast cancer cells at low concentrations (0.1-2.5 ?M) but higher concentrations showed cytotoxic effect. Pre-treatment with 0.1 or 1 ?M of morphine decreased the paclitaxel-induced cytotoxicity, the proportion of apoptotic cell, and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 mRNA expressions. Interpretation & conclusions: Our data suggest that morphine promotes breast cancer cell viability at clinically relevant plasma concentrations and reduces the apoptotic effect of paclitaxel. This interaction may be very important in clinical settings; however, more studies are needed to explore the plausible mechanisms of interaction and to correlate such findings through in vivo animal studies as well as clinically.

Hypolipidemic properties of the extracts of Belamcanda chinensis leaves (BCLE) in KK-A y mice

Abstract The extract of Belamcanda chinensis leaves (BCLE) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of diabetes-related hyperlipidemia in Hainan province, South China. In this study, the lipid-decreasing effects of BCLE on obese diabetes were investigated on KK-Ay mice. The component F2 ameliorated lipid disorder, as indicated by decreased levels of body weight, liver index, levels of TC, TG and LDL-c in the serum and liver. The enhancement effect of F2 on liver SOD and the inhibitory effect of F2 on MDA demonstrated that F2 exhibited significant antioxidant activity on liver injury. F2 also prevented vacuolar degeneration and reduced pathological tissue injury in liver. In addition, the component F1 decreased the levels of TG, LDL-c and MDA in the liver. These findings suggest that F2 may have therapeutic potential in the prevention and therapy of hyperlipemia and liver disease associated with obesity-related diabetes.

Cytotoxic evaluation and LC-MS/MS analysis of aerial parts of Eryngium kotschyi Boiss. grown in Turkey

Abstract Increasing biological activity and phytochemical investigations on Eryngium species showed its potential as pharmaceutical approach. Eryngium kotschyi Boiss. is one of the species of Eryngium genus and is endemic to Turkey. It is known that this plant is traditionally used in the South-western part of Turkey for the treatment of various diseases. This study focuses on cytotoxic activities of methanol extract and ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water sub-extracts from E. kotschyi in A549, COLO 205 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines by Sulforhodamin B assay and qualitative and quantitative determination of phytochemical constituents in active extract by LC-MS/MS. From the result of the study, it was seen that E. kotschyi ethyl acetate (EKE) sub-extract showed the strongest cytotoxic effect with the low IC50 values (50.00; 31.96 and 22.26 µg/mL in A549; COLO 205 and MDA-MB-231 cells at 48 h, respectively). Preliminary examination of the mass spectrums revealed the presence of 15 phytochemical compounds in active sub-extract and 7 of them was quantified. According to quantitative analyses the main compounds of EKE sub-extract were rosmarinic acid (485.603 µg/mgextract), chlorogenic acid (62.355 µg/mgextract) and caffeic acid (59.266 µg/mgextract). Moreover, this preliminary study on inhibitory activity of EKE sub-extract suggests further toxicologic investigations and detailed investigation on cytotoxic effect of various combinations of determined compounds

Effects of tanshinone B regulating LRP6/Wntl/p-catenin pathway on cognitive function of mice with vascular dementia / 中国药理学通报

Aim To explore the protective mechanism of tanshinone B on cognitive dysfunction in mice with vascular dementia.Methods C57BL/6 male mice were divided into control group, vascular dementia model group(VD group), tanshinone B group(TSB 2,4,8 mg·kg-1), donepezil hydrochloride group(1 mg·kg-1), according to the random number table method.The VD model was constructed by the coarctation of bilateral common carotid arteries in mice.Ten days after the successful modeling, the low, medium, and high-dose tanshinone B groups were intraperitoneally injected with tanshinone B, the positive control medicine group was intraperitoneally injected with donepezil hydrochloride, once a day, and the mice in control group and VD group were injected intraperitoneally with the same amount of normal saline for 20 d.Morris water maze test was used to detect the learning and memory ability of mice in each group; the cortex and hippocampus of each group were separated, and MDA, SOD and GSH-Px were determined by spectrophotometry; the pathological changes in the hippocampus of each group were observed by HE staining.The expression of p-LRP6, LRP6, Wnt1 and β-catenin protein in the hippocampus of each group of mice were detected by Western blot.Results Compared with control group, the ability of memory was reduced, the content MDA increased(P<0.01), SOD and GSH-Px activities decreased(P<0.01), and significant pathological damage in hippocampus, the expression of p-LRP6, Wnt1, and β-catenin protein was significantly reduced in VD group(P<0.01).Compared with VD group, the learning and memory abilities of the mice were improved, the content of MDA decreased(P<0.01), the activities of SOD and GSH-Px increased(P<0.01), and the pathological damage in hippocampus was significantly improved.The expression of Wnt1 and β-catenin protein increased significantly in TSB treatment group(P<0.01).Conclusions TSB can improve the cognitive dysfunction of VD mice, and its mechanism may be related to the activation of the LRP6/Wnt1/β-catenin pathway in hippocampus.

Clinical analysis of elderly patients with anti-MDA5 antibody-positive dermatomyositis / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective:To retrospectively analyze the clinical characteristics of elderly patients with anti-MDA5 antibody-positive dermatomyositis.Methods:Data of 62 patients with anti-MDA5 antibody-positive dermatomyositis admitted to Second Xiangya Hospital from May 2016 to December 2019 were collected and patients were divided into an elderly group(≥60 years old, 17 cases)and a non-elderly group(<60 years old, 45 cases). The clinical manifestations, laboratory test resuls, treatment and prognosis of the patients in both groups were statistically analyzed.Results:A total of 62 patients with anti-MDA5 antibody-positive dermatomyositis were included in this study, including 17 elderly patients(27.4%)with an average age of(65.5±5.3)years and 45 non-elderly patients(72.6%)with an average age of(46.5±8.4)years.Compared with non-elderly patients, older patients had a shorter disease duration[(1.6±1.0)months vs.(3.7±3.3)months, t=3.883, P<0.001], a higher proportion of patients with exertional dyspnea(15/17 or 88.2% vs.26/45 or 57.8%, χ2=5.11, P=0.024)and with combined positive anti-Ro-52 antibodies(15/17 or 88.2% vs.26/45 or 57.8%, χ2=5.11, P=0.024), and a higher mortality rate[(12/17 or 70.6%) vs.(8/45 or 17.8%, χ2=15.748, P<0.001)]. In contrast, fewer elderly patients than non-elderly patients had the Heliotrope's sign(9/17 or 41.2% vs.38/45 or 57.8%), χ2=5.07, P=0.024). Conclusions:Elderly patients with anti-MDA5 antibody-positive dermatomyositis have a unique clinical phenotype with an acute onset, atypical rashes, severe pulmonary lesions, making treatment difficult, and have a poor prognosis.

Piperine suppresses growth and migration of human breast cancer cells through attenuation of Rac1 expression

Objective: To investigate the effect of piperine on human breast cancer cells. Methods: The effect of piperine on proliferation and migration of human breast cancer cells, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, was investigated using colony formation assays, wound healing assays, Matrigel migration assays, flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting assays. Results: Piperine inhibited the growth of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells and suppressed colony formation. Cell reduction at the G 0 / G 1 phase and cell arrest at the G 2 /M phase were observed in breast cancer cells. However, the significant effect was only demonstrated in MDA-MB-231 cells. Moreover, cancer cell migration was suppressed by piperine at low concentration. RT-qPCR and Western blotting assays showed that piperine downregulated Rac1 gene and protein expression. Conclusions: Piperine could inhibit growth and migration of breast cancer cells by reducing Rac1 gene and protein expression.

The Potentiality of Citral in Targeting Breast Cancer Multicellular Tumour Spheroids (MTS)

@#Introduction: As the high incidence of breast cancer has a profound impact on a global scale, there is a critical need to improve the clinical outcome of the patients, including efforts to utilize bioactive natural products as treatment or preventive measures. Citral, the essential oil of lemongrass has been reported to possess cytotoxicity in breast cancer cell line . The aim of present study was to determine the capability of citral in targeting aldehyde dehydrogenase-positive (ALDH+) cells in breast cancer cells. Methods: Both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were cultured in serum-free media to generate multicellular tumour spheroids for the evaluation of citral as an antiproliferative agent. The cells were treated with identified IC50 (50±4.30 µM and 56±3.17 µM of citral, respectively) to investigate the cytotoxicity of citral. Staining using Propidium Iodide (PI) and Hoechst 33342 was carried out to determine cell proliferation and viability. Finally, ALDH+ cells were quantified via ALDEFLUOR assay. Analysis of differences was carried out by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent t-test with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The size of spheroids in both cancer cell lines were reduced after treatment with the citral. PI and Hoechst 33342 staining also revealed that citral gave rise to a mixture of cells that are normal and undergoing apoptosis and necrosis. ALDEFLUOR assay analysis revealed citral significantly (p <0.05 ) inhibited the population of ALDH+ cells in MCF7 cells. Conclusion: It was demonstrated that citral reduced the ALDH+ cell population in MCF7 breast cancer spheroids by inhibiting the ALDH activity.

Estimation of salivary malondialdehyde Levels in smokeless tobacco chewers with chronic periodontitis-A cross sectional clinico biochemical study / Estimación de los niveles de malondialdehído salival en masticadores de tabaco sin humo con periodontitis crónica: un estudio bioquímico clínico transversal

ABSTRACT: Despite the reported effects of smokeless tobacco (ST) on the periodontium and high prevalence of ST use in rural populations and in males studies on this specific topic are limited. The purpose of this cross-sectional investigation was to measure lipid peroxidation (as an end product of oxidative stress) end product i.e. Malondialdehyde (MDA) in saliva of patients with gingivitis, chronic periodontitis and to assess the influence of smokeless tobacco on Salivary Malondialdehyde (S-MDA). Total 30 patients with gingivitis, 30 with chronic periodontitis and 30 Smokeless Tobacco Chewers with Chronic Periodontitis and 30 periodontally healthy subjects were included in the study. Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), Probing Pocket Depth (PD), and Clinical Attachment Loss (CAL) were recorded followed by stimulated Saliva sample collection. Salivary MDA Levels were assessed by UV Spectrophotometry. There was a statistically significant increase in the salivary MDA levels in gingivitis, chronic periodontitis and in smokeless tobacco chewers with chronic periodontitis when compared with healthy group. Higher salivary MDA levels in gingivitis group, chronic periodontitis, and smokeless tobacco chewers with chronic periodontitis reflects increasedoxygen radical activity during periodontal inflammation.

RESUMEN: A pesar de los efectos reportados del tabaco sin humo (TS) sobre el periodonto y la alta prevalencia del uso de TS en poblaciones rurales y en hombres, los estudios sobre este tema específico son limitados. El propósito de esta investigación transversal fue medir el producto final de la peroxidación lipídica (como producto final del estrés oxidativo), es decir, malondialdehído (MDA) en la saliva de pacientes con gingivitis, periodontitis crónica y evaluar la influencia del tabaco sin humo en el malondialdehído salival (S-MDA). Se incluyeron en el estudio un total de 30 pacientes con gingivitis, 30 con periodontitis crónica y 30 masticadores de tabaco sin humo con periodontitis crónica y 30 sujetos periodontalmente sanos. Se registraron el índice de placa (PI), el índice gingival (GI), la profundidad de la bolsa de sondeo (PD) y la pérdida de adherencia clínica (CAL), seguidos de la recogida de muestras de saliva estimuladas. Los niveles de MDA en saliva se evaluaron mediante espectrofotometría UV. Hubo un aumento estadísticamente significativo en los niveles de MDA en saliva en gingivitis, periodontitis crónica y en masticadores de tabaco sin humo con periodontitis crónica en comparación con el grupo sano. Los niveles más altos de MDA en saliva en el grupo de gingivitis, periodontitis crónica y masticadores de tabaco sin humo con periodontitis crónica reflejan un aumento de la actividad de los radicales de oxígeno durante la inflamación periodontal.

Progress in diagnosis and treatment of anti-MDA5 antibody-related dermatomyositis / 中华检验医学杂志

Dermatomyositis (DM) with positive anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) antibodies (MDA5+DM) is a kind of occasional and rare autoimmune disease. Due to the fact that MDA5+DM patients are prone to suffer from the rapid progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD), and the mortality rate is extremely high (all-cause mortality at 6 months is almost 50%). In addition to lung disease, patients with MDA5+DM also suffering from the skin and muscle symptoms. The biomarkers represented by the anti-MDA5 antibody titer, ferritin, KL-6 level and CD4 +/CXCR4 +T cell percentage are considered to relate with MDA5+DM-ILD′s severity, activity evaluation, therapeutic effect monitoring, and prognosis prediction. The current therapeutic strategies for the disease is mainly combined with immunosuppression. This work systemly summarizes the diagnosis and treatment progress of anti-mda5 antibody-related dermatomyositis, which not only contributes to the research work of related disciplines, but also provides reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Effect of Curdione on MDA-MB-231 Cell Cycle and Apoptosis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effects of curdione on the proliferation， apoptosis and cell cycle of triple negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. Method:MDA-MB-231 cells were cultured<italic> in vitro</italic> with capecitabine （positive control） and curdione at different concentrations （125， 250， 500， 1 000， and 2 000 μmol·L^-1）， respectively， for detecting their viability using the cell counting kit-8 （CCK-8） at 24 and 48 h. Three effective inhibitory concentrations （250， 500， and 1 000 μmol·L^-1） against cell proliferation were selected for subsequent experiments. The effect of curdione on cell cycle was determined by flow cytometry combined with propidium iodide （PI） staining. After the set-up of high-concentration （2 000 μmol·L^-1） group， the effect of curdione on cell mitochondrial membrane potential was measured by JC-1（5，5，6，6-tetrachloro-1，1，3，3-tetraethylbenzimidazolylcarbocyanine iodide） staining， followed by the detection of cell apoptosis by flow cytometry combined with Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining. The changes in cell cycle status and apoptosis-related protein expression following curdione intervention were assayed by Western blot. Result:Compared with the blank control， curdione at 250， 500， 1 000， and 2 000 μmol·L^-1significantly inhibited the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， exhibiting a concentration- and time-response relationship. The half maximal inhibitory concentration （IC₅₀） values at 24 and 48 h were 1 607 and 1 401 μmol·L^-1， respectively. Curdione at 250， 500， and 1 000 μmol·L^-1 arrested cells in G₁ phase. Curdione at 250 μmol·L^-1had no effect on cell mitochondrial membrane potential， which， however， declined significantly in the 500， 1 000， and 2 000 μmol·L^-1groups （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）. Curdione at 250， 500， and 1 000 μmol·L^-1obviously increased the proportion of apoptotic cells （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）. Curdione at each concentration elevated the Bcl-2-associated X protein （Bax）/B-cell lymphoma 2 （Bcl-2） ratio （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）， but did not change the cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-3 （Caspase-3） expression. The protein expression levels of Caspase-9， cleaved Caspase-9， cleaved Caspase-3， p53， and p21 were up-regulated （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Conclusion:A certain concentration of curdione inhibits the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells， which may be related to its efficacy in arresting cell cycle and inducing apoptosis.