Maintenance of efficacy and its predictors after discontinuation of eltrombopag in adults with primary immune thrombocytopenia / 中华血液学杂志

Objective: To determine the efficacy of eltrombopag for primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in adults and the predictive factors for treatment-free response (TFR) . Methods: Clinical data of adults with ITP who received eltrombopag from June 14, 2013 to May 31, 2021 in the Hematology Department of Ruijin Hospital affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical College were retrospectively analyzed. The initial dose of eltrombopag was 25 mg/d, and the maximum dose was 75 mg/d; the dose was adjusted to maintain the platelet count to within 50-150×10(9)/L. Treatment was discontinued according either to the protocol, on the patient's wishes or doctor's judgment (prescription medication), or based on clinical trials. The efficacy of eltrombopag and factors for TFR among patients who achieved complete response and those who discontinued treatment were analyzed. Results: Overall, 106 patients with ITP (33 men and 73 women) were included in the study. The median age of patients was 50 (18-89) years. There were 2, 10, and 94 cases of newly diagnosed, persistent, and chronic ITP, respectively. The complete response rate was 44.3% (47/106), the response rate was 34.0% (36/106), and the overall response rate was 78.3% (83/106). Meanwhile, 83 patients who responded to treatment discontinued eltrombopag; of these, 81 patients were evaluated. Additionally, 17 patients (21.0%) achieved TFR. The median follow-up duration of patients who achieved TFR was 126 (30-170) weeks. The recurrence rate was 17.6% (3/17), and the relapse-free survival rate was 76.5%. The results of univariate analysis revealed that non-recurrence after discontinuation of other treatments for ITP (P=0.001), and platelet count and eltrombopag dose of ≥100×10(9)/L (P=0.007) and ≤25 mg/d (P=0.031), respectively, upon discontinuation of eltrombopag were predictors of TFR; these effects were attributed to prolonged effective duration of eltrombopag. Multivariate analysis showed that there was a correlation between non-recurrence and prolonged effective duration after discontinuation of other treatments for ITP (P=0.002) . Conclusion: Eltrombopag is effective for patients with ITP as it can result in TFR. Predictors for TFR include non-recurrence after discontinuation of concomitant ITP treatment, and platelet count and eltrombopag dose of ≥100 × 10(9)/L and ≤25 mg/d upon discontinuation of treatment, respectively.

The gelling properties of Dillenia indica mucilage in benzyl benzoate emulgel formulations

Abstract The objective of the study was to evaluate the gelling properties of Dillenia indica mucilage in benzyl benzoate emulgel formulation. Mucilage was extracted from the fruits of Dillenia indica using established methods and characterized by rheology and swelling. Emulsion (F1) was prepared using the continental emulsification method. Gelling agents (2 %w /v) were prepared by dispersing in distilled water with constant stirring at a moderate speed using a magnetic stirrer. F1 was added to the gel (0-75 %w /w) to obtain emulgel formulations and evaluated using viscosity, globule size, pH, release profiles and kinetic modeling. Data were expressed as mean ± SD, and similarity factor (f2) was used to compare all formulations. Formulation viscosity was significantly higher with carbopol than with Dillenia; globule sizes increased with concentration of gelling agents, and pH reduced as the concentration of Dillenia increased. All formulations showed controlled release properties with t80 ranging between 114 and 660 min. The release was governed by Korsmeyer-Peppas model. Formulation F5 prepared with 50 % Dillenia showed highest similarity to F4 prepared with 75 %w /w carbopol. Dillenia indica demonstrated acceptable gelling properties comparable with that of carbopol and could be improved for use in emulgel formulations.

Intravaginal progesterone device (1. 9g) and estradiol benzoate for follicular control in the mare during spring and summer / [Implante intravaginal de progesterona (1, 9g) e benzoato de estradiol no controle folicular de éguas durante a primavera e o verão]

The objective of this study was to evaluate follicular growth and ovulatory rates in mares treated with an intravaginal progesterone device (P4) during the 10-day period, associated with the use of estradiol benzoate (EB). The results were compared during the transition period (ET) in the spring and the breeding season in the summer (ER). The variables were submitted to ANOVA (Tukey's test), considering P<0.05. No ovulation occurred during the permanence of the P4 implant in both experimental periods. The ovulatory rate in the ER was 100% (n = 8) and in the ET 62.5% (n = 5; P = 0.0547). Significant differences were observed (<0.001), in both periods, comparing follicular growth rates during the permanence of P4 device (ER: 1.33 ± 0.89mm/d; ET: 1.00 ± 0.81mm/d) to the period without P4 (ER: 3.63 ± 1.33 mm/d; ET: 3.31 ± 1.66 mm/d). The present study demonstrated applicability and efficiency of a hormonal protocol using P4 intravaginal device and EB for follicular control in mares, both during ET and ER.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a taxa de crescimento folicular e a taxa ovulatória em éguas tratadas com dispositivo intravaginal de progesterona (P4) durante o período de 10 dias, associado à utilização de benzoato de estradiol (BE). Os resultados foram comparados durante o período de transição (ET) da primavera com a época de reprodução no verão (ER). As variáveis foram submetidas à ANOVA (teste de Tukey), considerando-se P<0,05. Nenhuma ovulação ocorreu durante a permanência do dispositivo de P4 em ambos os períodos experimentais. A taxa ovulatória na ER foi de 100% (n = 8) e na ET, de 62,5% (n=5; P=0,0547). Diferença significativas (<0,001) foram observadas, em ambos os períodos experimentais, comparando as taxas de crescimento folicular durante a permanência da P4 (ER: 1,33 ± 0,89mm/d; ET: 1,00 ± 0,81mm/d) com o período sem P4 (ER: 3,63 ± 1,33mm/d; ET: 3,31 ± 1,66mm/d). O presente estudo demonstrou aplicabilidade e eficiência do protocolo hormonal utilizando dispositivo intravaginal de P4 e BE para controle folicular de éguas, tanto na ET quanto na ER.

LC-MS/MS analysis of pharmacokinetics of 3, 29-dibenzoyl karounitriol in rats following administration of Trichosanthes sustained-release pellets / 浙江大学学报·医学版

OBJECTIVE@#To study the plasma concentration and pharmacokinetics of 3, 29-Dibenzoyl Karounitriol (3, 29-DK) from sustained- release pellets and extracts of Trichosanthes at different time points in rats using high-performance liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).@*METHODS@#Healthy male SD rats were given a single gavage of Trichosanthes sustained-release pellets or Trichosanthes extract, and orbital blood samples were taken at different time points within 48 h after drug administration in the pellet group and within 5 h in Trichosanthes extract group for determination of the plasma concentrations of 3, 29-DK using LC-MS/MS. The standard curve of 3, 29-DK content was established, and the specificity, minimum detection limit, precision and accuracy, extraction recovery, stability and matrix effect of LC-MS/MS analysis were assessed. The mean plasms levels of 3, 29-DK at different time points after the drug administration were determined and its pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using Das 2.0 software.@*RESULTS@#LC-MS/MS analysis showed a good linearity of 3, 29-DK concentration within the range of 0.5-32 ng/mL, and the results of methodological validation confirmed the validity of this method for biological sample determination. Trichosanthes sustained-release pellets and Trichosanthes extract showed significant differences in their AUC, AUC, MRT, MRT, t and T of 3, 29-DK after administration in rats ( < 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Trichosanthes sustained-release pellets are capable of sustained-release of 3, 29-DK in rats, and thus provides a basis for the study of new dosage forms of Trichosanthes.

Comparison of estradiol benzoate and cypionate in Girolando cows submitted to a timed artificial insemination / Comparação do benzoato e do cipionato de estradiol em vacas Girolando submetidas à Inseminação Artificial em Tempo Fixo

The various studies on the manipulation of the estrous cycle culminated in the development of estrous and ovulation synchronization protocols, to the point of defining an optimum moment for artificial insemination. The induction of ovulation is a primordial part for the determination of the moment of the TAI, so to study which hormones and how they behave allows a better understanding of this physiological process and, to manipulate it efficiently. The aim of the present study was to compare the use of estradiol benzoate (EB) and cypionate (ECP) as ovulation inducer in Girolando cows submitted to Timed Artificial Insemination (TAI). Ovulations of 108 Girolando cows were synchronized and the initial day of treatment, recorded as D0, which was when the animals received an intravaginal device containing 1g of progestogen and an intramuscular application (im) of 2mg of EB. After 8 days (D8), the device was removed and 500µg of cloprostenol (im) was administered to all females. Then, the animals were randomly divided into two treatments: BG Group (n = 52) and CG Group (n = 56). The CG animals received 1mg of ECP (im) as the ovulation inducer at the time of device removal, while BG Group cows received 1mg of EB (im) 24 h later (D9). TAI occurred at D10. After device removal, ultrasound evaluations were performed every 12 h up to ovulation. The following reproductive parameters were evaluated: interval from intravaginal device removal to ovulation - IDO (hours); interval from ovulation to TAI-IOT (hours); diameter of the largest follicle at intravaginal device removal (mm); maximum diameter of the DF (mm) at D10; the dominant follicle growth rate (mm/day); synchronization rate - SR (%); ovulation rate - OR (%) and PR - pregnancy rate (%). Only the ovulation rate presented a statistical difference (p<0.05). In conclusion, despite the ovulation rate difference, both estradiol esters administered were effective and presented similar pregnancy rates in Girolando cows submitted to TAI.

Os diversos estudos sobre manipulação do ciclo estral culminaram com o desenvolvimento de protocolos de sincronização do estro e da ovulação, a ponto de se definir um momento ótimo para a inseminação artificial. A indução da ovulação é parte primordial para a determinação do momento da IATF. Dessa forma, estudar quais hormônios e como eles se comportam permite compreender melhor esse processo fisiológico e, ainda, manipulá-lo de forma eficiente. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar o uso de benzoato de estradiol (BE) e cipionato (ECP) em vacas Girolando submetidas à inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF). As ovulações de 108 vacas Girolando foram sincronizadas e no início do tratamento, D0, os animais receberam um dispositivo intravaginal contendo 1g de progestágeno e uma aplicação intramuscular (im) de 2mg de BE. No D8, o dispositivo foi removido e 500µg de cloprostenol (im) foram administrados a todas as fêmeas. Depois disso, os animais foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois tratamentos: Grupo GB (n = 52) e Grupo GC (n = 56). Os animais do Grupo GC receberam 1mg de ECP (im) como indutor de ovulação no momento da retirada do dispositivo, enquanto as vacas do Grupo GB receberam 1mg de BE (im) 24 horas depois (D9). IATF ocorreu em D10. Após a remoção do dispositivo, as avaliações ultrassonográficas foram realizadas a cada 12 horas até a ovulação. Os parâmetros reprodutivos avaliados foram: intervalo entre a retirada do dispositivo intravaginal de P4 e a ovulação- IRD (horas); intervalo entre a ovulação e a IATF- IOI (horas); diâmetro do maior folículo na retirada do dispositivo intravaginal de P4 (mm); taxa de crescimento do FD-TCFD (mm/dia); taxa de sincronização - TS (%); taxa de ovulação- TO (%) e taxa de concepção - TC (%). Apenas a taxa de ovulação apresentou diferença estatística (p<0.05). Em conclusão, apesar da diferença na taxa de ovulação, ambos os ésteres de estradiol administrados foram eficazes e apresentaram taxas de prenhez semelhantes em vacas Girolando submetidas a IATF.

Trombocitopenia hereditaria relacionada a gen MYH-9: primera familia reportada en Chile con diagnóstico molecular: caso clínico / Hereditary thrombocytopenia associated with a mutation in the MYH-9 gene: report of one case

We report a 51-year-old female who had a first episode of thrombocytopenia at 23 years of age during a pregnancy. At the age of fifty, a hysterectomy was indicated due to a metrorrhagia: a platelet count of 21,000/ul was detected. She was treated with eltrombopag with a good response. The family history of the patient revealed the presence of thrombocytopenia in several family members. Suspecting a hereditary thrombocytopenia, a genetic study revealed a mutation in the MYH-9 gene. This mutation can be suspected when there is a family history of thrombocytopenia with autosomal dominant inheritance, macrothrombocytopenia and in this particular case, due to the response to thrombopoietin receptor agonist, eltrombopag.

Secondary Metabolites from Streptomyces sp CSDX076 for the First Time / Metabolitos secundarios de Streptomyces SP CSDX076 por primera vez

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the secondary metabolites from the cultures of Streptomyces sp CSDX076. Methods: The compounds were isolated using column chromatography and RP-18 medium-pressure liquid chromatography. Their structures were elucidated by one-dimensional and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic methods in combination with mass spectrometry experiments. Results: Four compounds were isolated from the cultures of Streptomyces sp CSDX076 and identified as aurantiamide benzoate, deoxytryptoquivaline, 2-acetyl-3,5-dihydroxyl-benzene acetic acid, and 2-acetyl-3,5-dihydroxyl-benzene ester. Conclusion: It was the first time that the four isolated compounds were obtained from the Streptomyces genus.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Investigar los metabolitos secundarios de los cultivos de Streptomyces sp CSDX076. Métodos: Los compuestos fueron aislados usando la cromatografía de columna y cromatografía líquida RP-18 de presión media. Sus estructuras fueron dilucidadas mediante métodos espectroscópicos de resonancia magnética nuclear unidimensional y bidimensional, combinados con experimentos de espectrometría de masa. Resultados: Cuatro compuestos de culturas de Streptomyces sp CSDX076 fueron aislados e identificados como benzoato de aurantiamida, deoxitriptoquivalina, ácido acético 2-acetil-3,5-dihidroxil-benzeno, y éster 2-acetil-3,5-dihidroxil-benzeno. Conclusión: Fue la primera vez que los cuatro compuestos aislados se obtuvieron del género Streptomyces.

High Estradiol Differentially Affects the Expression of the Glucose Transporter Type 4 in Pelvic Floor Muscles of Rats / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: To characterize the relationship between serum estradiol levels and the expression of glucose transporter type 4 (Glut4) in the pubococcygeus and iliococcygeus muscles in female rats. METHODS: The muscles were excised from virgin rats during the metestrus and proestrus stages of the estrous cycle, and from sham and ovariectomized rats implanted with empty or estradiol benzoate–filled capsules. The expression of estrogen receptors (ERs) was inspected in the muscles at metestrus and proestrus. Relative Glut4 expression, glycogen content, and serum glucose levels were measured. Appropriate statistical tests were done to identify significant differences (P≤0.05). RESULTS: The pubococcygeus and iliococcygeus muscles expressed ERα and ERβ. Glut4 expression and glycogen content in the pubococcygeus muscle were higher at proestrus than at metestrus. No significant changes were observed in the iliococcygeus muscle. In ovariectomized rats, the administration of estradiol benzoate increased Glut4 expression and glycogen content in the pubococcygeus muscle alone. CONCLUSIONS: High serum estradiol levels increased Glut4 expression and glycogen content in the pubococcygeus muscle, but not in the iliococcygeus muscle.

Protective effects of deferasirox and N-acetyl-L-cysteine on iron overload-injured bone marrow

Using an iron overload mouse model, we explored the protective effect of deferasirox (DFX) and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) on injured bone marrow hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPC) induced by iron overload. Mice were intraperitoneally injected with 25 mg iron dextran every 3 days for 4 weeks to establish an iron overload (Fe) model. DFX or NAC were co-administered with iron dextran in two groups of mice (Fe+DFX and Fe+NAC), and the function of HSPCs was then examined. Iron overload markedly decreased the number of murine HSPCs in bone marrow. Subsequent colony-forming cell assays showed that iron overload also decreased the colony forming capacity of HSPCs, the effect of which could be reversed by DFX and NAC. The bone marrow hematopoiesis damage caused by iron overload could be alleviated by DFX and NAC.

Deferasirox-induced urticarial vasculitis in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome

Abstract Deferasirox is an iron chelator agent used in the treatment of diseases with iron overload, such as thalassemia and myelodysplastic syndrome. Although the majority of adverse reactions of deferasirox involve gastrointestinal symptoms and increase in serum creatinine and transaminases, skin rashes, such as maculopapular and urticarial eruptions, have also been reported. This study reports a case of myelodysplastic syndrome with urticarial vasculitis due to deferasirox therapy. Drug eruption was been confirmed by means of a challenge test, together with histopathological and clinical findings. To the best of our knowledge, we report the first case of deferasirox-induced urticarial vasculitis. Physicians should be aware of the possibility of urticarial vasculitis on deferasirox therapy and the fact that the discontinuation of the drug generally results in improvement.

Development of fixed-time artificial insemination protocols for locally adapted Curraleiro Pé-Duro cows / Desenvolvimento de protocolos de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo em vacas da raça localmente adaptada Curraleiro Pé-Duro

Two experiments were conducted aiming to evaluate the effects of two ovulatory inducers (Exp.1) and equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG; Exp.2) on follicular and luteal dynamics in a fixed-time AI (FTAI) protocol in locally adapted Curraleiro Pé-Duro cows. In Exp. 1 multiparous cows (n=12) received an intravaginal device containing 1g of progesterone (P4) for 8 days and 2mg of estradiol benzoate (EB) intramuscularly (IM) at device insertion (Day 0). At device removal (Day 8) 0.150mg of Sodium D-Cloprostenol was administered IM and the cows were randomly assigned to receive 1mg of EB (EB8) or 1mg of estradiol cypionate (EC8) IM, or to not receive any ovulatory inducer (Control). All the animals participated in all treatments (crossover). The interval from P4 removal to ovulation was shorter and less variable in the EB8 treatment group (P≤0.05). In Exp. 2 (crossover), multiparous cows (n=12) received the same hormonal treatment as the EB8 group in Exp.1. At device removal (Day 8) cows were randomly assigned to receive 300UI of eCG IM or to not receive eCG (Control). No difference was ascertained on follicular and luteal parameters in Exp. 2 (P>0.05). We concluded that EB can be used as the ovulatory inducer (Exp. 1) in a FTAI protocol in Curraleiro Pé-Duro cows. However, eCG (Exp. 2) was not able to stimulate follicular and luteal development. This result is probably due to the adaptive capacity of Curraleiro Pé-Duro cows that maintained a satisfactory body condition score even in dry and hot environments.(AU)

Foram realizados dois experimentos com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito de dois indutores da ovulação e da gonadotrofina coriônica equina (eCG) na dinâmica folicular e luteal, em um protocolo de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) em vacas localmente adaptadas da raça Curraleiro Pé-Duro. No experimento 1, vacas pluríparas receberam um dispositivo intravaginal contendo 1g de progesterona (P4) durante oito dias e 2mg de benzoato de estradiol (BE) intramuscular (IM) no momento da inserção do dispositivo (dia zero). Na retirada do dispositivo (dia oito), as vacas receberam 0,150mg de D-cloprostenol sódico IM e foram separadas aleatoriamente para receber 1mg de BE IM (BE8) ou 1mg de cipionato de estradiol IM (CE8), ou nenhum indutor da ovulação (controle). Todos os animais participaram de todos os tratamentos (crossover). O intervalo entre a retirada da P4 e a ovulação foi menor e menos variável no tratamento BE8 (P≤0,05). O momento da ovulação foi mais precoce e mais concentrado nos animais do grupo BE 8. No experimento 2 (crossover), vacas pluríparas receberam o mesmo tratamento hormonal do grupo BE8 do experimento1. Na retirada do dispositivo (dia 8), as vacas foram separadas aleatoriamente para receberem 300UI de eCG IM, enquanto o controle não. Não houve diferença nos parâmetros foliculares e luteais avaliados no experimento 2 (P>0,05). Em conclusão, o BE pode ser utilizado como indutor da ovulação (experimento 1) em protocolos de IATF em vacas Curraleiras Pé-Duro. Entretanto, o eCG (experimento 2) não foi capaz de estimular o desenvolvimento folicular e luteal. Esse resultado é devido provavelmente à capacidade adaptativa das vacas Curraleiras Pé-Duro em manter uma condição corporal satisfatória mesmo em condições de clima seco e quente.(AU)

Transformation of trollioside and isoquercetin by human intestinal flora in vitro / 中国天然药物

The present study was designed to determine the intestinal bacterial metabolites of trollioside and isoquercetin and their antibacterial activities. A systematic in vitro biotransformation investigation on trollioside and isoquercetin, including metabolite identification, metabolic pathway deduction, and time course, was accomplished using a human intestinal bacterial model. The metabolites were analyzed and identified by HPLC and HPLC-MS. The antibacterial activities of trollioside, isoquercetin, and their metabolites were evaluated using the broth microdilution method with berberine as a positive control, and their potency was measured as minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Our results indicated that trollioside and isoquercetin were metabolized by human intestinal flora through O-deglycosylation, yielding aglycones proglobeflowery acid and quercetin, respectively The antibacterial activities of both metabolites were more potent than that of their parent compounds. In conclusion, trollioside and isoquercetin are totally and rapidly transformed by human intestinal bacteria in vitro and the transformation favors the improvement of the antibacterial activities of the parent compounds.

Expression of LXR-β in human gastric cancer tissue and the effect of GW3965 on the proliferation of gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901 / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To examine the expression of liver X receptor-β (LXR-β) in human gastric cancer tissue, and to explore the effect of GW3965, an agonist of LXRs, on proliferation of gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901.
@*METHODS@#The immunohistochemical assay was used to detect the expression of LXR-β, activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) in gastric cancer tissues and the corresponding pericarcinoma tissues in 114 patients. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot were used to determine mRNA and protein levels of ATF4 and ATP-binding cassette 1 (ABCA1), one of the downstream target genes of LXRs, in SGC-7901 cells with or without GW3965 treatment. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was performed to detect cell proliferation. The expression of ATF4 was silenced by short hairpin RNA (shRNA).
@*RESULTS@#The expressions of LXR-β and ATF-4 were obviously down-regulated in the gastric cancer tissues than that in the corresponding pericarcinoma tissues (both P<0.05). Compared with the control cells, GW3965 treatment inhibited proliferation of SGC-7901 cells and up-regulated ATF4 and ABCA1 expressions (both P<0.05). Knockdown of ATF4 can reverse the antiproliferative effect of GW3965 on SGC-7901 cells.
@*CONCLUSION@#The expression of LXR-β is decreased in human gastric cancer tissues, and activation of LXRs by GW3965 could inhibit the proliferation of SGC-7901 cells via ATF4.

Telmisartan reduced cerebral edema by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome in mice with cold brain injury / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible beneficial role of telmisartan in cerebral edema after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the potential mechanisms related to the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor (NLR) pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation. TBI model was established by cold-induced brain injury. Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned into 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h survival groups to investigate cerebral edema development with time and received 0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg telmisartan by oral gavage, 1 h prior to TBI to determine the efficient anti-edemic dose. The therapeutic window was identified by post-treating 30 min, 1 h, 2 h and 4 h after TBI. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, the neurological function and histological injury were assessed, at the same time, the mRNA and protein expression levels of NLRP3 inflammasome, IL-1β and IL-18 concentrations in peri-contused brain tissue were measured 24 h post TBI. The results showed that the traumatic cerebral edema occurred from 6 h, reached the peak at 24 h and recovered to the baseline 72 h after TBI. A single oral dose of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg telmisartan could reduce cerebral edema. Post-treatment up to 2 h effectively limited the edema development. Furthermore, prophylactic administration of telmisartan markedly inhibited BBB impairment, NLRP3, apoptotic speck-containing protein (ASC) and Caspase-1 activation, as well as IL-1β and IL-18 maturation, subsequently improved the neurological outcomes. In conclusion, telmisartan can reduce traumatic cerebral edema by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome-regulated IL-1β and IL-18 accumulation.

Influence of G-protein β-Polypeptide 3 C825T Polymorphism on Antihypertensive Response to Telmisartan and Amlodipine in Chinese Patients / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>G-protein β-polypeptide 3 (GNB3) is a β subunit isoform of G-protein that plays important role in signal transduction of membrane G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). The GNB3 splice variant C825T (rs5443) is associated with risk for essential hypertension (EH) and efficacy of therapeutic drugs targeting GPCRs. It is unknown whether the polymorphism is associated with blood pressure (BP) response to telmisartan or amlodipine, two widely prescribed antihypertensive drugs.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 93 subjects initially diagnosed as EH were recruited and underwent a 4-week treatment with telmisartan (42 patients) or amlodipine (51 patients) monotherapy. Both baseline and after-treatment BP were measured. GNB3 C825T polymorphism was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Baseline systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were comparable among C825T genotypes in both telmisartan and amlodipine treatment groups. Patients with the CT or TT genotypes showed significantly lower body mass index (BMI) as compared with CC homozygotes in both groups (P < 0.05, respectively). GNB3 825TT homozygotes showed significantly higher after-treatment DBP and mean arterial pressure (MAP) than those carrying at least one 825C allele (P < 0.01) in the telmisartan treatment group. No difference in after-treatment SBP, DBP, and MAP levels among C825T genotypes was observed in the amlodipine treatment group. No significant difference in absolute changes in BP levels was observed among the genotypes in either treatment group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The GNB3 C825T splice variant is associated with the DBP-lowering effect of telmisartan but not amlodipine in Chinese EH patients.</p>

Impact of the CFTR chloride channel on the cytoskeleton of mouse Sertoli cells / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the impact of the chloride channel dysfunction of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) on the cytoskeleton of Sertoli cells in the mouse.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>TM4 Sertoli cells were cultured and treated with CFTR(inh)-172 at the concentrations of 1, 5, 10 and 20 μmol/L for 48 hours. Then the cytotoxicity of CFT(inh)-172 was assessed by CCK-8 assay, the expressions of F-actin and Ac-tub in the TM4 Sertoli cells detected by immunofluorescence assay, and those of N-cadherin, vimentin and vinculin determined by qPCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>CFTR(inh)-172 produced cytotoxicity to the TM4 Sertoli cells at the concentration of 20 μmol/L. The expressions of F-actin and Ac-tub were decreased gradually in the TM4 Sertoli cells with the prolonging of treatment time and increasing concentration of CFTR(inh)-172 (P < 0.05). The results of qPCR showed that different concentrations of CFTR(inh)-172 worked no significant influence on the mRNA expressions of N-cadherin, vimentin and vinculin in the Sertoli cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The CFTR chloride channel plays an important role in maintaining the normal cytoskeleton of Sertoli cells. The reduced function and expression of the CFTR chloride channel may affect the function of Sertoli cells and consequently spermatogenesis of the testis.</p>

Use of deferasirox, an iron chelator, to overcome imatinib resistance of chronic myeloid leukemia cells

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has achieved impressive success since the development of the Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitor, imatinib mesylate. Nevertheless, resistance to imatinib has been observed, and a substantial number of patients need alternative treatment strategies. METHODS: We have evaluated the effects of deferasirox, an orally active iron chelator, and imatinib on K562 and KU812 human CML cell lines. Imatinib-resistant CML cell lines were created by exposing cells to gradually increasing concentrations of imatinib. RESULTS: Co-treatment of cells with deferasirox and imatinib induced a synergistic dose-dependent inhibition of proliferation of both CML cell lines. Cell cycle analysis showed an accumulation of cells in the subG1 phase. Western blot analysis of apoptotic proteins showed that co-treatment with deferasirox and imatinib induced an increased expression of apoptotic proteins. These tendencies were clearly identified in imatinib-resistant CML cell lines. The results also showed that co-treatment with deferasirox and imatinib reduced the expression of BcrAbl, phosphorylated Bcr-Abl, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and beta-catenin. CONCLUSIONS: We observed synergistic effects of deferasirox and imatinib on both imatinib-resistant and imatinib-sensitive cell lines. These effects were due to induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by down-regulated expression of NF-kappaB and beta-catenin levels. Based on these results, we suggest that a combination treatment of deferasirox and imatinib could be considered as an alternative treatment option for imatinib-resistant CML.

Efficacy and safety of deferasirox in aplastic anemia patients with iron overload: a single arm, multi-center,prospective study in China / 中华血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the efficacy and safety of deferasirox in aplastic anemia (AA)patients with iron overload.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A single arm, multi- center, prospective, open- label study was conducted to evaluate absolute change in serum ferritin (SF)from baseline to 12 months of deferasirox administration, initially at a dose of 20 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1), and the safety in 64 AA patients with iron overload.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All patients started their deferasirox treatment with a daily dose of 20 mg · kg(-1) ·d(-1). The mean actual dose was (18.6±3.60) mg · kg(-1)·d(-1). The median SF decreased from 4 924 (2 718- 6 765)μg/L at baseline (n=64) to 3 036 (1 474- 5 551)μg/L at 12 months (n=23) with the percentage change from baseline as 38%. A median SF decrease of 651 (126-2 125)μg/L was observed at the end of study in 23 patients who completed 12 months' treatment, the median SF level decreased by 1 167(580-4 806)μg/L [5 271(3 420-8 278)μg/L at baseline; 3 036(1 474-5 551)μg/L after 12 months' treatment; the percentage change from baseline as 42% ] after 12 months of deferasirox treatment. The most common adverse events (AEs) were increased serum creatinine levels (40.98%), gastrointestinal discomfort (40.98%), elevated liver transaminase (ALT: 21.31%; AST: 13.11%)and proteinuria (24.59%). The increased serum creatinine levels were reversible and non-progressive. Of 38 patients with concomitant cyclosporine use, 12(31.8%)patients had two consecutive values >ULN, 10(26.3%)patients had two consecutive values >1.33 baseline values, but only 1(2.6%)patient's serum creatinine increased more than 1.33 baseline values and exceeded ULN. For both AST and ALT, no patients experienced two post- baseline values >5 ×ULN or >10 × ULN during the whole study. In AA patients with low baseline PLT count (less than 50 × 10(9)/L), there was no decrease for median PLT level during 12 months' treatment period.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>AA patients with iron overload could achieve satisfactory efficacy of iron chelation by deferasirox treatment. The drug was well tolerated with a clinically manageable safety profile and no major adverse events.</p>

Efficacy of Leflunomide, Telmisartan, and Clopidogrel for Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The efficacy and safety of telmisartan combined with clopidogrel, leflunomide, or both drugs for immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) are unclear. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of telmisartan combined with clopidogrel, leflunomide, or both drugs for IgAN.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>It is a multicenter, prospective, double-dummy randomized controlled trial. Primary IgAN patients were recruited in 13 renal units across Beijing, China, from July 2010 to June 2012. After a 4-week telmisartan (80 mg/d) wash-in, 400 patients continuing on 80 mg/d telmisartan were randomly assigned to additionally receive placebo (Group A), 50 mg/d clopidogrel (Group B), 20 mg/d leflunomide (Group C), or 50 mg/d clopidogrel and 20 mg/d leflunomide (Group D). The 24-week intervention was completed by 360 patients. The primary endpoint was change in 24-h proteinuria at 24 weeks. A linear mixed-effect model was used to analyze the changes at 4, 12, and 24 weeks. Generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate changes in hematuria grade. This trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The effects of telmisartan combined with leflunomide on changes in proteinuria (0.36 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.18-0.55] g/d, P < 0.001), in serum uric acid (76.96 [95% CI 57.44-96.49] μmol/L, P < 0.001), in serum creatinine (9.49 [95% CI 6.54-12.44] μmol/L, P < 0.001), and in estimated glomerular filtration rate (-6.72 [95% CI-9.46 to -3.98] ml·min-1·1.73 m-2, P < 0.001) were statistically significant, whereas they were not statistically significant on changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and weight (P > 0.05). Telmisartan combined with clopidogrel had no statistical effect on any outcome, and there was no interaction between the interventions. No obvious adverse reactions were observed.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Telmisartan combined with leflunomide, not clopidogrel, is safe and effective for decreasing proteinuria in certain IgAN patients.</p><p><b>TRIAL REGISTRATION</b>chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR-TRC-10000776; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=8760.</p>

A Clinical Multicenter Randomized Controlled Study on JianpiQinghua Decoction in Treating Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease with A Syndrome Type of Dampness-heat due to Spleen Deficiency / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of JianpiQinghua decoction in treating stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD3) with syndrome type of dampness-heat due to spleen deficiency. Methods A multicenter, randomized, controlled, prospective, double-blind, and double-simulation study was undertaken. A total of 270 CKD3 patients with syndrome type of dampness-heat due to spleen deficiency from the outpatient departments of six general hospitals were randomly divided into telmisartan+analog traditional Chinese medicine (TA) group, traditional Chinese medicine+analog telmisartan (TCMA) group, and telmisartan+traditional Chinese medicine (TTCM) group, in which the corresponding treatment was applied in addition to basic treatment. Six months later, changes in the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinical symptom scores and renal functions before and after treatment were compared among these three groups. Results Of these 270 CKD3 patients who had been enrolled in this study, 30 cases lost to follow-up. The baseline data were comparable among these three groups. After treatment, the TCM clinical symptom scores of both syndrome of spleen-qi deficiency and dampness-heat in TA group were significantly higher than those in TCMA group and TTCM group (P<0.001). With the treatment time prolonged, the TCM clinical symptom scores showed similar descending trends in TCMA group and TTCM group but were different from that in TA group. After treatment, abnormal creatinine rate decreased (P=0.003), and these three treatments and their interactions with each visit had no effect on serum urea nitrogen value (P=0.270, P=0.520); with prolonged treatment, the estimated glomerular filtration rates in three groups tended to be relatively stable after the first rise. The liver function and abnormal serum potassium rate were not statistically significant before and after treatment (P>0.05). Conclusions JianpiQinghua decoction can improve clinical symptoms of TCM in CKD3 patients with syndrome type of dampness-heat due to spleen deficiency and thus improve the quality of life and prognosis. The clinical efficacy of JianpiQinghua decoction alone or combined with telmisartan is superior to telmisartan monotherapy.