Synthesis and evaluation for anti-HCoV-OC43 activity of novel aloperine derivatives with different core structures / 药学学报

In this study, we designed and synthesized 12 novel aloperine derivatives with different core structures. Among them, compound 3 with a ten-membered ring core was obtained through a special ring expansion reaction after γ-H Huffman elimination of quaternary ammonium salt, and the structure was verified by X-single crystal diffraction. Furthermore, their antiviral activity against human β-coronavirus HCoV-OC43 was evaluated by CCK-8 assay. Quaternary ammonium salt 2a and 3 had a good inhibitory effect against HCoV-OC43, and 2a had the highest anti-HCoV-OC43 activity with an EC50 values of 3.77 μmol·L-1 and a SI value of over 53.1. Schrӧdinger molecular docking results showed that both 2a and 3 might display their anti-HCoV-OC43 activity by directly acting on host TMPRSS2 and SR-B1. The results expanded the structural types of endocyclic aloperine and the function against coronavirus, and provided useful scientific data for the development of pharmaceutical applications of these compounds.

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

Effect of Shuangyu Tiaozhi Decoction on SRB1/CYP7A1/FXR Signaling Pathway in Liver of Hypercholesterolemic Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To observe the effect of Shuangyu Tiaozhi decoction on B-type scavenger receptor （SRB1）/cholesterol 7<italic>α</italic>-hydroxylase protein （CYP7A1）/farnesol X receptor （FXR） signaling pathway in liver of hypercholesterolemic rats， and its mechanism in reducing blood lipid. Method:Among 40 SD rats， 8 were randomly selected as normal group， and the remaining 32 were successfully established as hypercholesterolemic model， and randomly divided into 4 groups： model group， low and high-dose Shuangyu Tiaozhi decoction groups （7.8， 15.6 g·kg^-1）， and simvastatin group （4 mg·kg^-1）， with 8 rats in each group. The drugs were continuously given for 8 weeks. Serum total cholesterol （TC）， triglyceride （TG） and liver TC，free cholesterol （FC） and total bile acid （TBA） were measured. The pathomorphological changes in liver were observed by Hematoxylin and eosin （HE） Staining. The mRNA and protein expressions of SRB1， CYP7A1 and FXR were determined by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and Western blot. The immunohistochemistry was used to detect CYP7A1 and FXR expressions in liver. Result:Compared with the normal group， TC， TG， FC levels in the model group were significantly increased， while the TBA level was markedly decreased， the morphology showed obvious liver steatosis， and significant declines in expressions of SRB1， CYP7A1， FXR were observed by Real-time PCR， Western blot and immunohistochemistry assays （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with the model group， the levels of TC，TG，FC in each treatment group were reduced significantly， and the TBA level was increased markedly， the liver steatosis decreased significantly， the results of Real-time PCR， Western blot and immunohistochemistry assays showed significant increase in the expressions of SRB1， CYP7A1， FXR （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）. The therapeutic effect of high-dose Shuangyu Tiaozhi decoction group was more remarkable than that in low-dose Shuangyu Tiaozhi Decoction group （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， with no obvious difference compared with simvastatin group. Conclusion:Shuangyu Tiaozhi decoction can promote hepatic RCT and synthesize bile acid by up-regulating SRB1/CYP7A1/FXR signaling pathway， so as to reduce the blood lipid levels and improve hepatic lipid metabolism of hypercholesterolemic rats.

PEG-PCL Nanocapsules Containing Curcumin: Validation of HPLC Method for Analyzing Drug-loading Efficiency, Stability Testing and Cytotoxicity on NIH-3T3 Cell Line

Abstract Curcumin (CUR) shows potential use for treating cancer. However, CUR has low solubility and reduced bioavailability, which limit its clinical effect. Therefore, the development of nanocarriers can overcome these problems and can ensure the desired pharmacological effect. In addition, it is mandatory to prove the quality, the efficacy, and the safety for a novel nanomedicine to be approved. In that sense, this paper aimed (a) to prepare CUR-loaded polyethylene glycol-poly(ε-caprolactone) nanocapsules; (b) to validate an analytical method by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for quantifying CUR in these nanoformulations; (c) to evaluate the physicochemical stability of these formulations; and to investigate their cytotoxicity on NIH-3T3 mouse fibroblast cells. The HPLC method was specific to CUR in the loaded nanocapsules, linear (r = 0.9994) in a range of 10.0 to 90.0 µg.mL-1 with limits of detection and quantification of 0.160 and 0.480 µg.mL-1, respectively. Precision was demonstrated by a relative standard deviation lower than 5%. Suitable accuracy (102.37 ± 0.92%) was obtained. Values of pH, particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential presented no statistical difference (p > 0.05) for CUR-loaded nanoparticles. No cytotoxicity was observed against NIH-3T3 mouse embryo fibroblast cell line using both the tetrazolium salt and sulforhodamine B assays. In conclusion, a simple and inexpensive HPLC method was validated for the CUR quantification in the suspensions of nanocapsules. The obtained polymeric nanocapsules containing CUR showed suitable results for all the performed assays and can be further investigated as a feasible novel approach for cancer treatment.

In Vitro Study Of An Aqueous Extract Of Eclipta Alba Hassk. For Hepg2 Cell Line

It is the need of the day to identify the new anticancer herbal drug, which not only in possession of good anticancer effects but also cost effective. Here we are presenting such an anticancer Ayurvedic herb which is used since the centuries for the treatment of different diseases of diverse origin. Eclipta alba Hassk., also called as Bhringraj is very important medicinal herb in many medicinal formulations. Though it is commonly used for hair growth, many evidences found its hepatoprotective activity. Here we are presenting all aspects about Bhringraj in terms of qualitative and quantitative values and we have also tried to prove the anticancer activity of it for hepatic cancer. We have used the aqueous extract of Eclipta alba Hassk. for phytochemical analysis, TLC, HPLC analysis to test active chemical components in it. Extract showed presence of many active chemical components which were responsible for its anticancer activity. In vitro study we used the aqueous extract of Eclipta alba Hassk. for the evaluation of its effects on HepG2 (Human liver cancer cell line). The SRB assay results were used to evaluate the anti-cancer activity of the extract. The effects of whole plant extract on cancer cell line were studied. Percentage of cell growth and cell viability were calculated from tabulated result values of srb assay. The experiment revealed that the average percentage of growth inhibition was 68.74%. Cell viability SRB assay also showed significant growth inhibition, at the same time statistical analysis of SRB assay also proved significant results. The research performed here is very useful for set up of different extract studies of Bhringraj for its anticancer activity.

Catechins green tea upregulates the expression of ABCA1, ABCG1, and SRB1 in rats induced atherogenic diet

The efflux of cholesterol from macrophage to liver is known as reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). Impairedcholesterol efflux leads to cholesterol accumulation in macrophages. Therefore, how to increasing cholesterol effluxmay be an effective strategy for atherosclerosis prevention. Key molecules that play a vital role in the efflux ofcholesterol from macrophage are Adenosin Tri Phosphate (ATP)-binding casette transporters A1 and G. This study wasundertaken to clarify the effect of Catechins on the expression of specific transporters such as ATP-binding cassettesub-family A member 1 (ABCA1), ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 1 (ABCG1) from macrophage to liver,and scavenger receptor class B type I (SRB1). This research was done on Wistar rats induced atherogenic diets. SRB1is one of the transporters to facilitate the delivery of cholesterol from the macrophage to the liver. The SRB1 pathwaymediated the selective uptake of cholesteryl ester. Catechins significantly increased the mRNA expression of ABCA1and ABCG1 in aorta as well as SRB1 of liver also increased. Thus, Catechins decreased the total cholesterol levels inaorta and serum. Catechins can be developed as a potential agent to increase ABCA1 to inhibit atherogenesis process.In conclusion, this study indicates that the potential anti-atherogenic properties of Catechins could be explained, atleast in part, as being due to upregulated expression of ABCA1, ABCG1, and SRB1 through activation liver X receptorsignaling pathway

Catechins green tea upregulates the expression of ABCA1, ABCG1, and SRB1 in rats induced atherogenic diet

The efflux of cholesterol from macrophage to liver is known as reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). Impairedcholesterol efflux leads to cholesterol accumulation in macrophages. Therefore, how to increasing cholesterol effluxmay be an effective strategy for atherosclerosis prevention. Key molecules that play a vital role in the efflux ofcholesterol from macrophage are Adenosin Tri Phosphate (ATP)-binding casette transporters A1 and G. This study wasundertaken to clarify the effect of Catechins on the expression of specific transporters such as ATP-binding cassettesub-family A member 1 (ABCA1), ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 1 (ABCG1) from macrophage to liver,and scavenger receptor class B type I (SRB1). This research was done on Wistar rats induced atherogenic diets. SRB1is one of the transporters to facilitate the delivery of cholesterol from the macrophage to the liver. The SRB1 pathwaymediated the selective uptake of cholesteryl ester. Catechins significantly increased the mRNA expression of ABCA1and ABCG1 in aorta as well as SRB1 of liver also increased. Thus, Catechins decreased the total cholesterol levels inaorta and serum. Catechins can be developed as a potential agent to increase ABCA1 to inhibit atherogenesis process.In conclusion, this study indicates that the potential anti-atherogenic properties of Catechins could be explained, atleast in part, as being due to upregulated expression of ABCA1, ABCG1, and SRB1 through activation liver X receptorsignaling pathway.

The role of SR-BⅡ in the oxidized low density lipid induced foam cell formation promoted by porphyromonas gingivalis / 实用口腔医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the role of scavenger receptor BⅡ(SR-BⅡ) in the oxidized low density lipid(ox-LDL) induced foam cells formation promoted by porphyromonas gingivalis(P.g).Methods:Peritoneal macrophages were stimulated with P.g and ox-LDL,and then foam cells formation were checked.The expression of SR-BⅡ was detected by Western blot and real-time PCR.Next,siRNA targeting SR-BⅡ was used to detect the change of foam cells formation.Results:After being stimulated with P.g and ox-LDL,the foam cells formation was significantly increased.During the process of foam cells formation,P.g infection increased the expression of SR-BⅡ.And the knockdown of SR-BⅡ by siRNA significantly reduced the foam cells formation.Conclusion:P.g infection can increase the expression of SR-BⅡ and the regulation of SR-BⅡ expression can change the foam cells formation.

Effect of tumor size on the expression of adrenal cholesterol homeostasis molecules in H22 hepatoma-bearing mice / 中国实验动物学报

Objective To study the effect of tumor size on the expression of adrenal cholesterol homeostasis mole -cules in H22 hepatoma-bearing mice.Methods Two hundred and twenty mice were injected with H 22 hepatoma cells to their right armpit.On the 11th day after injection, the mice were sorted according to the tumor size .18 mice with large tumor (large tumor group) and 18 mice with small tumor (small tumor group) were sacrificed, and the tumors were weighed.A control group consisting of 18 normal Kunming mice was also included in this study .The plasma TC, TG and HDL-C were detected using total cholesterol , triglycerides or HDL-C assay kits , respectively .The mRNA expressions of Srb1, Ldlr, Npc1, Npc2, Stard3, Hmgcr, Lipe, Acat1, Abca1, Abcg1, Srebp-1c, Lxrα, Lxrβ, Rxrα, Apoa1 and Apoe were tested by real-time quantitative RT-PCR ( qRT-PCR ) , and Gapdh and β-actin were used for normalization .SRB1 and ApoA1 proteins were analyzed by Western blot .Results The tumor weight was significantly higher in the large tumor group than that in the small tumor group (P<0.05).Compared with the control group , the plasma HDL-C was significant-ly decreased in the two hepatoma groups (P<0.05).The expression levels of Srb1, Ldlr, Apoa1 mRNA and SRB1 protein were significantly increased in the large tumor group (P<0.05 for all).The ApoA1 protein level was significantly higher in the large tumor group than that in the small tumor group (P<0.05).The expressions of Acat1, Lipe, Abca1 and Abcg1 mRNA were significantly lower in the large tumor group than those in the small tumor group (P<0.05 for all).However, the expressions of Srebp-1c, Lxrαand RxrαmRNA were not significantly changed , then, Srebp-1c, Lxrβand RxrαmRNA expressions were significantly up-regulated in the small tumor group (P<0.05).The expressions of Hmgcr and Apoe mR-NA were not significantly different in the two groups .Conclusions In hepatoma-bearing mice , due to the adaptation to tumor-induced chronic stress response , the adrenal cortical cells can effectively utilize intracellular cholesterol to synthetize cortical hormones .

Impacts of Tetrakis-hydroxymethyl Phosphonium Sulfate (THPS) Based Biocides on the Functional Group Activities of Some Oil Field Microorganisms Associated with Corrosion and Souring.

Aim: To determine the biocidal efficacy of THPS based biocides currently used in oil fields to control souring and corrosion. Methodology: By direct monitoring of inhibition of cell growth and inhibition of microbial functional group activities such as the ability to reduce sulfate and generate sulfide by sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB), reduce nitrate to nitrite by heterotrophic nitrate reducing bacteria (hNRB) and oxidation of sulfide and reduction of nitrate by sulfide oxidizing, nitrate reducing bacteria( so-NRB) using CSB-K medium. Results: We observed that higher doses of THPS (>400 ppm) was required to considerably inhibit the ability of SRB to reduce sulfate and generate hydrogen sulfide. It was also observed that the activities of SRB were more affected by the THPS biocides than those of hNRB and so-NRB. Conclusion: We conclude that SRB may have developed low level microbial resistance to THPS based biocides as higher doses are required to inhibit their activities. It is therefore recommended that THPS should be used in combination with other biocides or metabolic inhibitors for it to be effective at lower concentrations.

In vitro anticancer activity of extracts of Mentha Spp. against human cancer cells.

In vitro anticancer potential of methanolic and aqueous extracts of whole plants of Mentha arvensis, M. longifolia, M. spicata and M. viridis at concentration of 100 µg/ml was evaluated against eight human cancer cell lines — A-549, COLO-205, HCT-116, MCF-7, NCI-H322, PC-3, THP-1 and U-87MG from six different origins (breast, colon, glioblastoma, lung, leukemia and prostate) using sulphorhodamine blue (SRB) assay. Methanolic extracts of above-mentioned Mentha Spp. displayed anti-proliferative effect in the range of 70-97% against four human cancer cell lines, namely COLO-205, MCF-7, NCI-H322 and THP-1; however, aqueous extracts were found to be active against HCT-116 and PC-3. The results indicate that Mentha Spp. contain certain constituents with cytotoxic properties which may find use in developing anticancer agents.

Impacts of Some Non-oxidizing Biocides on the Functional Group Activities of Some Problem Causing Microorganisms in Oil Production Facilities.

Aim: To determine the impacts of some non-oxidizing biocides such as glutaradehyde, sodium azide, isothiazolone on the functional group activities of some oil field microorganisms Methodology: Samples of non-oxidizing biocides were obtained from Microcheck and the inhibition of some functional group activities in produced and injection water samples were determined using CSB-K medium. Results: Glutaradehyde and sodium azide exhibited relatively high level inhibition while isothiazolones exhibited low level inhibition. Glutaradehyde further demonstrated a positive selective inhibitory activity. While SRB activities were inhibited by over 78%, that of hNRB and so-NRB were affected by less than 38%. Conclusion: Glutaradehyde can be developed to an efficient biocide with a positive selective action and can work in synergy with beneficial microbes to eliminate the problem causing ones.

In vitro cytotoxic activity of leaves extracts of Holarrhena antidysenterica against some human cancer cell lines.

In vitro cytotoxic potential of extracts (95% and 50% ethanolic extract and hot water extract at concentration of 100 µg/ml) from leaves of Holarrhena antidysenterica was evaluated against fourteen human cancer cell lines — A-549, COLO-205, DU-145, HeLa, HEP-2, IMR-32, KB, MCF-7, NCI-H23, OVCAR-5, SiHa, SK-N-MC, SW-620 and ZR-75-1 from nine different tissues (breast, colon, cervix, CNS, lung, liver, oral, ovary and prostate) using SRB assay. The 95% ethanolic extract displayed maximum anti-proliferative effect in the range of 73-92% against eight human cancer cell lines, while 50% ethanolic extract showed cytotoxic activity in the range of 70-94% against seven human cancer cell lines. However, the hot water extract did not show any activity. Among the fractions of 95% and 50% ethanolic extract, significant cytotoxic activity was found in the chloroform soluble fraction of 95% ethanolic extract at 100 µg/ml; it inhibited the growth in the range of 71-99% of seven human cancer cell lines from five different tissues viz., OVCAR-5 (ovary), HT-29 (colon), SK-N-MC (neuroblastoma), HEP-2 (liver), COLO-205 (colon), NIH-OVCAR-3 (ovary) and A-549 (lung). The cytotoxic activity of chloroform soluble fraction was found to be higher than 5-flurouracil, adriamycin, mitomycin-c and paclitaxel (anticancer drugs used as positive controls). Further in vivo studies and identification of active components from the chloroform fraction and their exact mechanism of action could be useful in designing new anticancer therapeutic agents.

Methodological aspects for the culture and quantification of heterotrophic sulfate-reducing bacteria / Aspectos metodológicos para el cultivo y la cuantificación de bacterias heterotróficas sulfato-reductoras

This paper presents a comparison of various methods for culture, quantification, and maintenance of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) under laboratory conditions, using liquid and semisolid media for water and soil samples. Starkey, Postgate B, API and modified Baars media were used with an incubation time of 21 days in a GasPack™ anaerobic jars type. The modified Baars medium was more efficient for the quantification of SRB in both liquid and semisolid media when compared with other culture media tested, detecting differences of three orders of magnitude in soil samples and in two orders for water samples at 8 days of incubation. The semisolid modified Baars medium in Petri dishes allowed the isolation of pure cultures of SRB by the streak plate method. It was found that strains in liquid modified Baars medium remain viable for up to three months, while in the same semisolid medium were kept only one month.

Este trabajo presenta una comparación de diversos métodos para el cultivo, cuantificación, y mantenimiento de bacterias sulfato-reductoras (BSR) en condiciones de laboratorio, utilizando medios líquidos y semisólidos para muestras de agua y suelo. Se utilizaron los medios de cultivo de Starkey, Postgate B, API y Baars modificado con un tiempo de incubación de 21 días en jarras de anaerobiosis tipo GasPack™. Se determinó que para la cuantificación de SRB, tanto en medio líquido como en semisólido, el medio Baars modificado es más eficiente comparado con los demás medios de cultivo probados, detectando diferencias de tres órdenes de magnitud en muestras de suelo y de dos órdenes de magnitud en muestras de agua a los 8 días de incubación. El medio Baars modificado semisólido servido en placas de Petri permitió el aislamiento de cultivos puros de BSR mediante siembra por agotamiento. Se encontró que en el medio modificado de Baars líquido las cepas se mantienen viables hasta por tres meses mientras que en el mismo medio semisólido sólo se mantienen durante un mes.

Optimización de la biorremediación en relaves de cianuración adicionando nutrientes y microorganismos

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue encontrar los parámetros óptimos para el desarrollo de los proceso de bioremediacion de relaves de cianuración, mediante experimentos factoriales a nivel de columnas con la adición de nutrientes y el empleo de bacterias sulfato reductoras (BSR) para estabilizar iones metálicos mediante la formación de sulfuros y bacterias capaces de biodegradar cianuro (BC). Se aislaron BSR de relave y se usó un inoculo previamente aislado de BC. Se realizó una prueba de adaptación a relave y una prueba en columnas para probar: (1) el efecto del empleo de 1 y 10 mM de lactato para incrementar la actividad de BSR; y (2) adición de 0,1 y 1 mM de acetato de sodio y ácido fosfórico para mejorar la actividad de BC. Con las mejores condiciones encontradas se realizó una prueba a nivel de columnas donde se adicionó un cultivo mixto (BSR-BC) y una mezcla de lactato y acetato en concentraciones de 1 mM y 10 mM. Se encontró que los nutrientes incrementaban la reducción de sulfatos un 48% en promedio y la adición de inoculo un 42%. La bioremediacion de cianuro se mantuvo en 12% sin efecto en la adición de nutrientes o inoculo. Se probó en dos relaves adicionales y la adición de lactato de sodio 1 mM permitió la inducción de BSR en 8 días en uno de ellos.

The objective of this project was to find optimum parameters for the development of bioremediation process of cyanidation tailings by addition of nutrients and microorganisms. It was tested the use of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) to stabilize metal ions through the formation of sulphides and; bacteria able to biodegrade cyanide (BC). Factorial experiments were conducted at level of columns. SRB from Cyanidation tailings were isolated and BC proceeded from pregnant solution of cyanidation. BSR and BC were adapted to tailings. A column test was performed to try: 1. the effect of using 1 and 10 mM lactate to increase the activity of BSR and 2. Addition of 0,1 and 1 mM sodium acetate and phosphoric acid to improve the activity of BC. In order to optimize parameters, it was tested in columns, effect of a mixed culture (SRB-BC) and nutrients (1 mM lactate and Acetate 1mM). Nutrients were found to increase the reduction of sulfate to 48% (average) and the addition of inoculums to 42%. Bioremediation of cyanide was 12%. It was not shown effect on the addition of nutrients or inoculums on Cyanide degradation. Two additional tailings were tested and the addition of 1 mM sodium lactate allowed the induction of BSR in 8 days in one of them.

Cytotoxic activity of methanolic extract of Artocarpus heterophyllus against A549, Hela and MCF-7 cell lines.

Research is focusing on the search for new types of natural chemotherapeutic agents derived from plants which are proving to be excellent sources of new compounds. The present research article was aimed to study the cytotoxic activity of methanolic extracts of Artocarpus heterophyllus plant by various in vitro cytotoxic assays like MTT and SRB against different cell lines like HEK293, A549, HeLa and MCF-7. The IC50 values of methanolic extract of Artocarpus heterophyllus were found 35.26 μgm/ml and 35.27 μgm/ml against A549 cell line by MTT and SRB assay methods respectively whereas this extract was found to be non toxic to normal cells (HEK293), proved that the methanolic extract exhibited significant anti cancer potential with no toxicity on normal cell line. The methanolic extract had no activity against Hela and MCF-7 cell line.

Impaired cholesterol efflux from macrophages of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with the decreased expression of ABCG1 / 基础医学与临床

Objective To identify potential linkage of cholesterol efflux with the expressions of ATP-binding cas-sette receptor A1 (ABCA1), ABCG1 and scavenger receptor B1 (SR-B1) in monocytes derived macrophages of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods and Results Blood was collected from subjects with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus. Peripheral blood monocytes were differentiated for 72 hours into macrophages, and cholesterol efflux assays, Real-time quantitative PCR and western blot were performed. Macrophages from patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus showed a reduction in cholesterol efllux. The mRNA and protein expressions of ABCG1 in macrophages from patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were significantly reduced. In contrast, the expression of ABCA1 and SR-B1 was not significantly different in both control subjects and diabetic patients. In addition, cellular cholesterol efflux from macrophages to autologous serum and pool serum was significantly correlated with the expression of ABCG1. Conclusion ABCG1 expression and cholesterol efflux are reduced in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This impaired cholesterol efflux significantly correlates with decreased expression of ABCG1.

Processos fisiológicos e patológicos das bactérias redutoras de sulfato do gênero desulfovibrio sp / Physiologic and pathological processes of the sulphate-reducing bacteria of the genus desulfovobrio sp

As bactérias redutoras de sulfato do gênero Desulfovibrio sp. podem ser encontradas normalmente formando parte da biota intestinal e oral de seres humanos saudáveis, participando, direta ou indiretamente, com seus produtos metabólicos, de diversas afecções como: periodontites, câncer colorretal, infecções e sepsemias. Propõe-se com esta revisão avaliar os aspectos normais e as possíveis alterações patológicas correlacionadas com as bactérias redutoras de sulfato no organismo humano. As conclusões levam a crer que o desequilíbrio na biota oral e intestinal pode levar a aumento no número de bactérias redutoras de sulfato e na produção de sulfeto, como produto metabólico final, podendo representar um fator adicional no desenvolvimento daquelas afecções. Além disso, por haver forte propensão para formar associações bacterianas, aumentando seu potencial patológico, pode ser difícil a identificação do seu verdadeiro papel nas morbidades em que estão envolvidas assim como o seu potencial virulento.

Sulfate-reducing bacteria of the genus Desulfovibrio spp. can be routinely detected as member of the normal intestinal and oral microbiota in health individuals. This bacterial group produces metabolic byproducts, which participate, direct or indirect, in several diseases, such as periodontitis, colorectal cancer, infections and sepsis. The purpose of the present study was to assess the association between sulfate-reducing bacteria and normal conditions and pathology alterations in human. In conclusion, it is possible that alteration of the oral and intestinal flora can result in increase of sulfate-reducing bacteria levels and products of sulfide as final metabolic. Therefore, these conditions can represent an important fact associated with those diseases. In addition, this bacterial group presents a great tendency in to associate with other microorganisms. Like that, it can increase the pathologic potential and can difficult the identification of the true involvement with several diseases as well as its virulent potential.

Trends in Sex Ratio at Birth according to Parental Social Positions: Results from Vital Statistics Birth, 1981-2004 in Korea / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: South Korea has experienced unprecedented ups and downs in the sex ratio at birth (SRB), which has been a unique phenomenon in the last two decades. However, little is known about socioeconomic factors that influence the SRB. Employing the diffusion theory by Rogers, this study was undertaken to examine the trends in social variations in the SRB from 1981 to 2004 in Korea. METHODS: The data was taken from Vital Birth Statistics for the period from 1981-2004. We computed the annual male proportion of live births according to the parental education (university, middle/high school, primary) and occupation (non-manual, manual, others). Logistic regression analysis was employed to estimate the odds ratios of male birth according to social position for the equidistant three time periods (1981-1984, 1991-1994, and 2001-2004). RESULTS: An increased SRB was detected among parents with higher social position before the mid 1980s. Since then, however, a greater SRB was found for the less educated and manual jobholders. The inverse social gradient for the SRB was most prominent in early 1990s, but the gap has narrowed since the late 1990s. The mother's socioeconomic position could be a sensitive indicator of the social variations in the sex ratio at birth. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in the relationship of parental social position with the SRB were detected during the 1980-2004 in Korea. This Korean experience may well be explained by diffusion theory, suggesting there have been socioeconomic differences in the adoption and spread of sex-detection technology.

Two colorimetric assays verify that calcium sulfate promotes proliferating activity of human gingival fibroblasts / 대한치과보철학회지

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The role of calcium sulfate in stimulating the growth of gingival soft tissue has been reported in few studies. Such a unique property of calcium sulfate could serve as a trouble-solving broker in compensating for the lack of soft tissues in various oral surgeries. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the proliferating activities of human gingival fibroblasts seeded on various bone graft barrier materials of calcium sulfate, collagen, and polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two calcium sulfates (CAPSET(R) and CalForma(R), Lifecore Biomedical Inc., St. Paul, Minnesota, USA), a resorbable natural collagen (Bio-Gide(R), Geistlich Pharma Ag., Wolhusen, Switzerland), and a non-resorbable PTFE (TefGen-FD(R), Lifecore Biomedical Inc., St. Paul, Minnesota, USA) served as the human gingival fibroblasts'substrates and comprised the four experimental groups, whereas the untreated floors of culture plastics were used in the control group, in this study. Cells were trypsinized, seeded, and incubated for 48 h. The proliferating activities of fibroblasts were determined by XTT and SRB assay and absorbance (optical density, OD) was measured. One-way ANOVA was used to analyze the differences in the mean OD values between the groups of CAPSET, CalForma, Bio-Gide, TefGen, and the control (p<0.05). RESULTS: From the XTT assay, the mean OD value of the control group, the highest, was significantly greater than that of any of the four experimental groups followed by CalForma, CAPSET, TefGen, and Bio-Gide. Further, the mean OD value of CalForma, was significantly greater compared to that of Bio-Gide. From the SRB assay, Calforma showed the highest mean OD value, which was significantly greater than that of any other groups, followed by the control, CAPSET, Bio-Gide, and TefGen. The mean OD values of both the control and CAPSET were significantly greater compared to that of TefGen (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Assessment of the viability and proliferation of cultured fibroblasts seeded and incubated for 48 h on various barrier-material substrates using XTT and SRB assay showed that calcium sulfate CalForma(R) promotes the proliferating activity of human gingival fibroblasts.