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1.
Molecules ; 28(3)2023 Jan 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36770712

ABSTRACT

The tuberous root of Ophiopogon japonicus (Thunb.) Ker-Gawl. is a well-known Chinese medicine also called Maidong (MD) in Chinese. It could be divided into "Chuanmaidong" (CMD) and "Zhemaidong" (ZMD), according to the geographic origins. Meanwhile, the root of Liriope spicata (Thunb.) Lour. var. prolifera Y. T. Ma (SMD) is occasionally used as a substitute for MD in the market. In this study, a reliable pressurized liquid extraction and HPLC-DAD-ELSD method was developed for the simultaneous determination of nine chemical components, including four steroidal saponins (ophiopojaponin C, ophiopogonin D, liriopesides B and ophiopogonin D'), four homoisoflavonoids (methylophiopogonone A, methylophiopogonone B, methylophiopogonanone A and methylophiopogonanone B) and one sapogenin (ruscogenin) in CMD, ZMD and SMD. The method was validated in terms of linearity, sensitivity, precision, repeatability and accuracy, and then applied to the real samples from different origins. The results indicated that there were significant differences in the contents of the investigated compounds in CMD, ZMD and SMD. Ruscogenin was not detected in all the samples, and liriopesides B was only found in SMD samples. CMD contained higher ophiopogonin D and ophiopogonin D', while the other compounds were more abundant in ZMD. Moreover, the anticancer effects of the herbal extracts and selected components against A2780 human ovarian cancer cells were also compared. CMD and ZMD showed similar cytotoxic effects, which were stronger than those of SMD. The effects of MD may be due to the significant anticancer potential of ophiopognin D' and homoisoflavonoids. These results suggested that there were great differences in the chemical composition and pharmacological activity among CMD, ZMD and SMD; thus, their origins should be carefully considered in clinical application.


Subject(s)
Drugs, Chinese Herbal , Ophiopogon , Ovarian Neoplasms , Saponins , Spiro Compounds , Humans , Female , Ophiopogon/chemistry , Cell Line, Tumor , Saponins/pharmacology , Saponins/chemistry , Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry
2.
Biodivers Data J ; 10: e94088, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36761506

ABSTRACT

Background: Freshwater fungi play an indispensable role in the ecosystem and have great research value. Based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses of a concatenated dataset of ITS, LSU and SSU sequences, a new species, Phaeoisarialaianensis, was introduced as a freshwater hyphomycete from Anhui Province, China. New information: Phaeoisarialaianensis was morphologically described as erect, rigid, dark brown to black, velvety synnemata which has macronematous, septate, branched, brown to dark brown, parallel adpressed conidiophores with polyblastic, integrated, terminal, hyaline to pale brown, smooth, denticulate, sympodial conidiogenous cells and ellipsoidal to obovoid, rounded at the apex, obtuse and tapering towards base, septate, guttulate conidia. Based on molecular and morphological characteristics, it is confirmed to be a new species. All illustrations and descriptions have been provided.

3.
Biomedicines ; 9(9)2021 Sep 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34572361

ABSTRACT

This retrospective study included COPD patients who attended our medical center between January and October 2018, and analyzed the outcomes of their influenza vaccination, including medical visits, hospitalization, medical expenses, and the incidence of respiratory failure. Airflow limitation was stratified according to GOLD guidelines. Overall, 543 COPD patients were enrolled, including 197, 113, 126, and 107 mild, moderate, severe, and very severe patients, respectively. Of all the participants, 238 received an influenza vaccination (43.8%), which significantly reduced hospital utilization for moderate (odds ratio [OR] 0.22, 95%CI 0.09-0.51), severe (OR 0.19, 95%CI 0.08-0.44), and very severe patients (OR 0.15, 95%CI 0.05-0.5) compared to mild patients (OR 0.51, 95%CI 0.2-1.26); reduced emergency department utilization for moderate (OR 0.33, 95%CI 0.14-0.77), severe (OR 0.22, 95%CI 0.10-0.52), and very severe patients (OR 0.30, 95%CI 0.10-0.88) compared to mild patients (OR 0.64, 95%CI 0.30-1.37); and reduced the occurrence of respiratory failure for moderate (OR 0.20, 95%CI 0.06-0.68), severe (OR 0.40, 95%CI 0.16-0.98), and very severe patients (OR 0.36, 95%CI 0.15-0.82) compared to mild patients (OR 0% CI 0.14-3.20). Influenza vaccination is more effective in COPD patients with moderate, severe, and very severe airflow obstruction than in those with mild obstruction with respect to hospital utilization, emergency department utilization, and respiratory failure.

4.
World J Surg ; 45(6): 1771-1778, 2021 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33660074

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Few studies have comprehensively and systematically analyzed nationwide samples. This study purposed to explore temporal trends and predictors of medical resource utilization and medical outcomes in these patients to obtain data that can be used to improve healthcare policies and to support clinical and administrative decision-making. METHODS: This study used nationwide population data contained in the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database of Taiwan. The 14,970 inguinal hernia repair patients were enrolled in this study (age range, 18-100 years) from 1997 to 2013 in Taiwan. After temporal trends analysis of demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and institutional characteristics, predictors of postoperative medical resource utilization and medical outcomes were evaluated through multiple linear regression analysis and Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of inguinal hernia repair per 100,000 population significantly decreased from 195.38 in 1997 to 39.66 in 2013 (p < 0.05). Demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and institutional characteristics were significantly associated with postoperative medical resource utilization and medical outcomes (p < 0.05). Of these characteristics, both surgeon volume and hospital volume had the strongest association. CONCLUSIONS: The inguinal hernia repair prevalence rate gradually decreased during the study period. Demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and institutional characteristics had strong associations with postoperative medical resource utilization and medical outcomes. Furthermore, hospital volume and surgeon volume had the strongest associations with postoperative medical resource utilization and medical outcomes. Additionally, providing the education needed to make the most advantageous medical decisions would be a great service not only to patients and their families, but also to the general population.


Subject(s)
Hernia, Inguinal , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Cohort Studies , Hernia, Inguinal/epidemiology , Hernia, Inguinal/surgery , Herniorrhaphy , Humans , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Taiwan/epidemiology , Young Adult
5.
Toxins (Basel) ; 13(1)2021 01 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33466634

ABSTRACT

Protobothrops mucrosquamatus poses a serious medical threat to humans in Southern and Southeastern Asia. Hemorrhage is one of the conspicuous toxicities related to the pathology of P. mucrosquamatus envenoming. Previous in vitro and in vivo studies showed that a silica-derived reagent, sodium silicate complex (SSC), was able to neutralize hemorrhagic and proteolytic activities induced by pit viper venoms, including Crotalus atrox, Agkistrodoncontortrix contortrix and Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma. In this study, we validated that SSC could neutralize enzymatic and toxic effects caused by the venom of P. mucrosquamatus. We found that SSC inhibited the hemolytic and proteolytic activities induced by P. mucrosquamatus venom in vitro. In addition, we demonstrated that SSC could block intradermal hemorrhage caused by P. mucrosquamatus venom in a mouse model. Finally, SSC could neutralize lethal effects of P. mucrosquamatus venom in the mice. Therefore, SSC is a candidate for further development as a potential onsite first-aid treatment for P. mucrosquamatus envenoming.


Subject(s)
Crotalid Venoms/toxicity , Hemolysis/drug effects , Hemorrhage/drug therapy , Silicates/therapeutic use , Snake Bites/drug therapy , Animals , Disease Models, Animal , Hemorrhage/chemically induced , Injections, Intradermal , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred ICR , Viperidae
7.
Toxins (Basel) ; 12(9)2020 09 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32911777

ABSTRACT

Little is known about the detailed clinical description, pathophysiology, and efficacy of treatments for ocular envenoming (venom ophthalmia) caused by venom of the spitting elapid and other snakes, as well as ocular complications caused by snake venom injection. In this paper, we review clinical information of case reports regarding venom ophthalmia and snake venom injection with associated ocular injuries in Asia, Africa, and the United States. We also review the literature of snake venom such as their compositions, properties, and toxic effects. Based on the available clinical information and animal studies, we further discuss possible mechanisms of venom ophthalmia derived from two different routes (Duvernoy's gland in the mouth and nuchal gland in the dorsal neck) and the pathophysiology of snake venom injection induced ocular complications, including corneal edema, corneal erosion, cataract, ocular inflammation, retinal hemorrhage, acute angle closure glaucoma, as well as ptosis, diplopia, and photophobia. Finally, we discuss the appropriate first aid and novel strategies for treating venom ophthalmia and snake envenoming.


Subject(s)
Endophthalmitis/etiology , Eye/metabolism , Snake Bites/complications , Snake Venoms/metabolism , Snakes/metabolism , Aerosols , Animals , Antivenins/therapeutic use , Endophthalmitis/drug therapy , Endophthalmitis/metabolism , Endophthalmitis/physiopathology , Eye/drug effects , Eye/physiopathology , Humans , Prognosis , Snake Bites/drug therapy , Snake Bites/metabolism , Snake Bites/physiopathology
8.
Am J Trop Med Hyg ; 99(3): 753-755, 2018 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29943718

ABSTRACT

Protobothrops mucrosquamatus (Trimeresurus mucrosquamatus) is a medically important species of pit viper with a wide geographic distribution in Southeast Asia. Bites by P. mucrosquamatus mostly involve the extremities. Little is known about the toxic effects of P. mucrosquamatus envenoming to the head because of the infrequency of such occurrence. To better delineate the clinical manifestations of envenoming to the head, we report three patients who suffered from P. mucrosquamatus bites to the head and were treated successfully. All three patients developed progressive soft tissue swelling extending from head to neck, with two patients expanding further onto the anterior chest wall. Mild thrombocytopenia was noted in two patients. One patient had transient acute renal impairment and airway obstruction, necessitating emergent intubation. All three patients received high doses of species-specific antivenom with recovery within 1 week. No adverse reactions to antivenom were observed.


Subject(s)
Antivenins/therapeutic use , Crotalid Venoms/toxicity , Crotalinae , Head , Snake Bites/pathology , Snake Bites/therapy , Aged , Animals , Humans , Male , Middle Aged
9.
J Ethnopharmacol ; 181: 193-213, 2016 Apr 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26826325

ABSTRACT

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ophiopogonis Radix (Maidong in Chinese), the root of Ophiopogon japonicus, is widely used in local medicines of China, Japan and some south-eastern Asian countries. According to the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principle, Ophiopogonis Radix nourishes the yin, promotes body fluid production, moistens the lung, eases the mind and clears away heart fire. This review summarizes the achievements of the investigations in botany, phytochemistry, quality control, traditional uses, pharmacological activities and clinical studies on O. japonicus; this review also describes the shortcomings of studies on this herbal drug and thus serves as the basis of further scientific research and development of this traditional herbal drug. MATERIALS AND METHODS: O. japonicus-related information was collected from various resources, including books on Chinese herbs and the Internet databases, such as Google Scholar, SciFinder, Web of Science, Elsevier, ACS, PubMed and China Knowledge Resource Integrated (CNKI). RESULTS: O. japonicus is widely distributed in East Asia, especially in China. Numerous compounds were identified from this plant. The main components of O. japonicus include steroidal saponins, homoisoflavonoids and polysaccharides, which exhibited various pharmacological activities, such as cardiovascular protection, anti-inflammation, anticancer, anti-oxidation, immunomodulation, cough relief, antimicrobial, and anti-diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: O. japonicus is a common traditional Chinese herbal drug used as the main ingredient in many prescriptions. Modern researches verified that O. japonicus can be used either as a healthy food or a therapeutic agent for disease prevention and treatment. The molecular mechanisms and chemical principles of this herbal medicine should be further explored.


Subject(s)
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use , Ophiopogon/chemistry , Phytochemicals/therapeutic use , Plant Extracts/therapeutic use , Ethnopharmacology/methods , Humans , Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods , Medicine, Traditional/methods , Phytotherapy/methods
10.
Medicine (Baltimore) ; 94(7): e547, 2015 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25700322

ABSTRACT

To compare the proportion, seriousness, preventability of adverse drug events (ADEs) between the older adults (≥ 65 years old) and younger adults (<65 years old) presenting to the emergency department (ED), we conducted a prospective observational cohort study of patients 18 years and older presenting to the ED. For all ED visits between March 1, 2009, and Feb 28, 2010, investigators identified ADEs and assessed cases using the Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale. Outcomes (proportion, seriousness, and preventability of ADE, length of ED stay, and hospitalization) and associated variables were measured and compared between younger and older adults. The results showed that of 58,569 ED visits, 295 older adults, and 157 younger adults were diagnosed as having an ADE and included in our analysis. The proportion of ADEs leading to ED visits in the older group, 14.3 per 1000  (295/20,628), was significantly higher than the younger group of 4.1 per 1000  (157/37,941). The older group with ADE had a longer ED stay (odds ratio [OR] 3.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9-6.4 for stay ≥ 24 hours) and larger proportion of preventable ADEs (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.4-3.6) than the younger group, but there was no significant difference in terms of serious ADEs (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.3-1.3 for fatal and life threatening) and hospitalization (OR 1.5, 95% CI 0.9-2.6) between the 2 groups. In addition, patients in the older group were more likely to be male, to have symptoms of fatigue or altered mental status, to involve cardiovascular, renal, and respiratory systems, and to have higher Charlson comorbidity index scores, higher number of prescription medications, and higher proportion of unintentional overdose. In conclusion, the proportion of ADE-related ED visits in older adults was higher than younger adults, and many of these were preventable. The most common drug categories associated with preventable ADEs in the older adults were antithrombotic agents, antidiabetic agents, and cardiovascular agents.


Subject(s)
Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions/epidemiology , Emergency Service, Hospital/statistics & numerical data , Adolescent , Adult , Age Factors , Aged , Comorbidity , Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions/etiology , Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions/prevention & control , Female , Humans , Length of Stay , Male , Middle Aged , Polypharmacy , Prospective Studies , Severity of Illness Index , Sex Factors , Taiwan , Treatment Outcome
11.
J Formos Med Assoc ; 113(10): 750-3, 2014 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25240304

ABSTRACT

Rhabdophis tigrinus is a common colubrid snake that can be found in an extensive geographical region in East Asia. It consists of two subspecies: R.t. tigrinus (yamakagashi) and R.t. formosanus (Taiwan tiger keelback). R. tigrinus possesses two different sets of poisonous glands: the Duvernoy's glands in the maxilla, and the nuchal glands in the dorsal skin of the neck. We report the first case in current English literature of toxin ophthalmia caused by the nuchal gland secretion of R.t. formosanus. The patient was a 40-year-old man whose right eye was sprayed by the nuchal gland fluid of R.t. formosanus. He presented with symptoms of foreign body sensation, progressive burning pain, and blurred vision. Ophthalmologic examination revealed diffuse superficial punctate keratitis, corneal stromal edema with Descemet folds, and conjunctival congestion. The patient responded well to topical treatment with a corticosteroid, antihistamine, and antibiotic, and had a favorable clinical course and outcome.


Subject(s)
Colubridae , Endophthalmitis/etiology , Snake Venoms/toxicity , Adult , Animals , Humans , Male , Taiwan
12.
Eur J Pharmacol ; 741: 55-63, 2014 Oct 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25034810

ABSTRACT

Recent studies have suggested that hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an important endogenous signaling gaseous molecule, participates in relaxation of smooth muscle. Nevertheless, the mechanism of this relaxation effect on respiratory system is still unclear. The present study aims to investigate the physiological function as well as cellular mechanism of H2S in tracheal smooth muscle. Application of the H2S donor, sodium hydrosulphide (NaHS) and the precursor of H2S, l-cysteine (l-Cys) induced mouse tracheal smooth muscle (TSM) relaxation in an epithelium-independent manner. The relaxation of TSM induced by NaHS was abrogated by iberiotoxin (IbTX), the large conductance calcium activated potassium channel (BKCa) blocker. In primary cultured mouse TSM cells, NaHS remarkably increased potassium outward currents in whole-cell patch clamp, hyperpolarized TSM cells and inhibited the calcium influx. All of these effects were significantly blocked by IbTX. Consistent with the results in vitro, administration of NaHS in vivo also reduced airway hyperresponsiveness in Ovalbumin (OVA)-challenged asthmatic mice. Our present study indicates that NaHS can induce mouse TSM relaxation by activating BKCa. These observations reveal the physiological function of H2S in airway, which provides a promising pharmacological target for the treatment of asthma and other respiratory diseases associated with over-contraction of TSM.


Subject(s)
Hydrogen Sulfide/pharmacology , Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channel alpha Subunits/physiology , Muscle Relaxation/physiology , Muscle, Smooth/physiology , Trachea/physiology , Animals , Cells, Cultured , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Male , Mice , Muscle Relaxation/drug effects , Muscle, Smooth/cytology , Muscle, Smooth/drug effects , Organ Culture Techniques , Trachea/cytology , Trachea/drug effects
14.
Small ; 10(9): 1790-8, 2014 May 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24510544

ABSTRACT

Efficient and safe delivery systems for siRNA therapeutics remain a challenge. Elevated secreted protein, acidic, and rich in cysteine (SPARC) protein expression is associated with tissue scarring and fibrosis. Here we investigate the feasibility of encapsulating SPARC-siRNA in the bilayers of layer-by-layer (LbL) nanoparticles (NPs) with poly(L-arginine) (ARG) and dextran (DXS) as polyelectrolytes. Cellular binding and uptake of LbL NPs as well as siRNA delivery were studied in FibroGRO cells. siGLO-siRNA and SPARC-siRNA were efficiently coated onto hydroxyapatite nanoparticles. The multilayered NPs were characterized with regard to particle size, zeta potential and surface morphology using dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. The SPARC-gene silencing and mRNA levels were analyzed using ChemiDOC western blot technique and RT-PCR. The multilayer SPARC-siRNA incorporated nanoparticles are about 200 nm in diameter and are efficiently internalized into FibroGRO cells. Their intracellular fate was also followed by tagging with suitable reporter siRNA as well as with lysotracker dye; confocal microscopy clearly indicates endosomal escape of the particles. Significant (60%) SPARC-gene knock down was achieved by using 0.4 pmole siRNA/µg of LbL NPs in FibroGRO cells and the relative expression of SPARC mRNA reduced significantly (60%) against untreated cells. The cytotoxicity as evaluated by xCelligence real-time cell proliferation and MTT cell assay, indicated that the SPARC-siRNA-loaded LbL NPs are non-toxic. In conclusion, the LbL NP system described provides a promising, safe and efficient delivery platform as a non-viral vector for siRNA delivery that uses biopolymers to enhance the gene knock down efficiency for the development of siRNA therapeutics.


Subject(s)
Gene Silencing , Gene Transfer Techniques , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Osteonectin/genetics , RNA, Small Interfering/metabolism , Endocytosis , Flow Cytometry , Gene Knockdown Techniques , Humans , Intracellular Space/metabolism , Male , Nanoparticles/ultrastructure , Neoplasm Proteins/metabolism , Osteonectin/antagonists & inhibitors , Osteonectin/biosynthesis , Osteonectin/ultrastructure , Particle Size , RNA, Messenger/genetics , RNA, Messenger/metabolism , RNA, Small Interfering/genetics , Ribosomal Proteins/metabolism , Static Electricity
15.
Eur J Intern Med ; 25(1): 49-55, 2014 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24200546

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the emergency department (ED) visits from drug-related injury among older adults in Taiwan. This study seeks to identify risk factors associated with adverse drug events (ADEs) leading to ED visits. METHODS: We prospectively conducted a case-control study of patients 65years and older presenting to the ED. ED visits between March 1, 2009 and Feb 28, 2010 identified by investigators for suspected ADEs were further assessed by using the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction probability scale. For each patient with an ADE, a control was selected and time-matched from the ED population of the study hospital. The association between the risk of adverse drug events and triage, age, gender, serum alanine transaminase (ALT), serum creatinine, number of medications, and Charlson Comorbidity Index scores were analyzed using logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 20,628 visits, 295 ADEs were physician-documented in older adults. Independent risk factors for ADEs included number of medications (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=4.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.4-6.9 for 3-7 drugs; adjusted OR=6.4; 95% CI 3.7-11.0 for 8 or more drugs) and increased concentration of serum creatinine (adjusted OR=1.5; 95% CI 1.1-2.2). Diuretics, analgesics, cardiovascular agents, anti-diabetic agents and anticoagulants were the medications most commonly associated with an ADE leading to ED visits. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that prevention efforts should be focused on older patients with renal insufficiency and polypharmacy who are using high risk medications such as anticoagulants, diuretics, cardiovascular agents, analgesics, and anti-diabetic agents.


Subject(s)
Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/epidemiology , Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions/epidemiology , Polypharmacy , Renal Insufficiency/epidemiology , Age Factors , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Alanine Transaminase/blood , Analgesics/adverse effects , Anticoagulants/adverse effects , Cardiovascular Agents/adverse effects , Case-Control Studies , Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/blood , Creatinine/blood , Diuretics/adverse effects , Emergency Service, Hospital , Female , Humans , Hypoglycemic Agents/adverse effects , Logistic Models , Male , Prospective Studies , Renal Insufficiency/blood , Risk Factors , Sex Factors , Taiwan/epidemiology
16.
J Biomater Sci Polym Ed ; 22(14): 1845-59, 2011.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20961492

ABSTRACT

In recent years colloidal particles and capsules, layer-by-layer (LbL) coated with biocompatible polyelectrolytes, have received much attention as drug-delivery systems. In this study an LbL-assembled, biopolymer-based multilayer system was established as a combined transporter and sensor for monitoring intracellular degradation and processing. CaCO(3) cores were functionalized with fluorescein isothiocyanatelabelled poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (FITC-PAH). This pH-sensitive fluorescent dye allows identifying the location of these LbL-coated particles in cell compartments of different pH, like the endo-lysosome and cytoplasm. The labelled core was then coated with consecutive layers of protamine (PRM) and dextran sulfate (DXS). Finally, plasmid DNA (pEGFP-C1) as a reporter agent for drug release in the cytoplasm was integrated into the biocompatible and degradable PRM/DXS multilayer. The system was tested regarding its long-term stability and interaction with HEK 293T/17 cells. These multifunctional microparticles allow the simultaneous investigation of particle localization and processing within cells, and should thus provide a valuable tool for studying and improving the controlled LbL-based release of active agents into cells.


Subject(s)
Cell Compartmentation , Drug Carriers/chemistry , Plasmids/administration & dosage , Biological Transport , Calcium Carbonate , Coated Materials, Biocompatible , Colloids/chemistry , Dextran Sulfate/chemistry , Flow Cytometry , Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate , Fluorescent Dyes , HEK293 Cells , Humans , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Microscopy, Confocal , Protamines/chemistry
17.
Biomacromolecules ; 11(7): 1779-84, 2010 Jul 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20550107

ABSTRACT

Multifunctional colloidal microparticles allow the integration of various active agents as well as reporter molecules into one system without interfering combining delivery and sensing functions. In this study, calcium carbonate particles were functionalized with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (FITC-PAH) allowing particle localization in cell compartments of different pH. Plasmid DNA (pEGFP-C1 and pDsRed1-N1) as a reporter agent for drug release in the cytoplasm and rhodamine-B-isothiocyanate-labeled protamine (RITC-PRM) were integrated into biocompatible and biodegradable PRM/DXS multilayers. The uptake and processing of the particles by HEK293T/17 cells were investigated via flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The presented data show a clear correlation between the fluorescence intensity of the FITC-labeled core, that is, the particle localization after cellular uptake, and the expression of fluorescent proteins by the cells without further cell staining. In conclusion, this particle design allows the simultaneous study of particle location and processing to monitor the transport and release of active agents and should thus be an invaluable tool for the study and design of nano- and microcarrier systems.


Subject(s)
Cell Compartmentation , Colloids/pharmacokinetics , DNA/administration & dosage , Drug Carriers/pharmacokinetics , Cell Line , Colloids/chemistry , Drug Carriers/chemistry , Flow Cytometry , Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate , Genes, Reporter , Humans , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Microscopy, Confocal , Particle Size , Protamines , Rhodamines
18.
Hum Reprod ; 25(7): 1744-54, 2010 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20406739

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) plays a critical role in electrolyte and fluid transport in epithelial cells, and women with cystic fibrosis (CF), caused by CFTR gene mutations, have a higher incidence of infertility. METHODS: In the present study, we investigated the expression of CFTR in porcine oviduct and its functional role in oviductal HCO(3)(-) secretion and embryo development with RT-PCR, western blot, patch-clamp, short-circuit current (I(sc)), pH measurement and embryo culture. RESULTS: RT-PCR and western blot analysis showed the expression of CFTR mRNA and protein in the oviduct with its localization demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. The whole-cell patch-clamp recording revealed a forskolin (FSK)-activated current with electrophysiological and pharmacological characteristics of CFTR. The I(sc) measurement showed that FSK-stimulated an increase in the I(sc), which could be significantly reduced by CFTR inhibitor or removal of both CO(2) and HCO(3)(-). pH measurement showed a FSK stimulated alkalization at the apical surface, which could be inhibited by CFTR inhibitor, indicating CFTR-mediated HCO(3)(-) secretion. Mouse embryo development from 2-cell to morula or blastocyst stage was significantly inhibited in the absence of HCO(3)(-) or when co-cultured with HCO(3)(-) secretion-deficient CFTR mutant cells as compared with the wild-type. RT-PCR, western blot and immunostaining showed the expression of soluble adenylate cyclase (sAC), the known HCO(3)(-) sensor, in embryos. Treatment with its inhibitors, 2-hydroxyestradiol and KH7, prevented the HCO(3)(-) dependent embryo development. CONCLUSION: The present results suggest that CFTR-mediated oviductal HCO(3)(-) secretion may be vital for sAC-dependent early embryo development, a defect of which may contribute to the reduced fertility seen in women with CF.


Subject(s)
Adenylyl Cyclases/physiology , Bicarbonates/metabolism , Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator/physiology , Embryo, Mammalian/metabolism , Embryonic Development , Fallopian Tubes/metabolism , Animals , Blotting, Western , Colforsin/metabolism , Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator/genetics , Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator/metabolism , Electric Conductivity , Embryo Culture Techniques , Female , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Immunohistochemistry , Mice , Patch-Clamp Techniques , RNA, Messenger/metabolism , Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
19.
J Chin Med Assoc ; 72(1): 29-33, 2009 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19181594

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the clinical association of extrastructurally abnormal chromosomes (ESACs) with pregnancy outcome based on the cytogenetic characteristics of the ESACs. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 12 ESAC cases identified from 12,991 cases who received genetic amniocentesis between January 1983 and March 2008. Prenatal ultrasound findings, characteristics of ESACs (karyotypes, special features, origin, inheritance) and pregnancy outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: The prenatal prevalence of ESACs was 0.092% (12/12,991). Of the 12 ESAC cases, all were de novo. Seven (58.3%) originated from nonacrocentric chromosomes and the other 5 (41.7%) were from acrocentric chromosomes, with 3 originating from chromosome 15. Six of the 12 cases (50%) were large ESACs; however, the other 6 (50%) were medium to small ESACs. All acrocentric ESACs contained dicentric and bisatellite characteristics. Using FISH and SKY techniques, the origins of 2 cases (patients 10 and 12) were clearly identified to be from chromosomes 15 and 10, respectively. Five of the 12 ESAC cases (41.7%) had congenital anomalies found by prenatal ultrasound. All were nonacrocentric in origin that were medium (1/5) to large (4/5) in size. After prenatal genetic counseling, 8 of the 12 (66.7%) couples opted to terminate the pregnancy. The other 4 (33.3%) continued the pregnancy and their babies were delivered at term normally and were followed-up, with normal development ranging from 2 to 17 years. CONCLUSION: With sophisticated cytogenetic characterization and ultrasound examination, it is possible to precisely categorize most fetuses with ESACs as being either at high risk of abnormality or at a relatively low risk.


Subject(s)
Amniocentesis , Chromosome Aberrations , Chromosome Disorders/diagnosis , Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Pregnancy , Retrospective Studies
20.
Am J Trop Med Hyg ; 80(1): 28-32, 2009 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19141835

ABSTRACT

Envenoming by Protobothrops mucrosquamatus and Viridovipera stejnegeri accounts for the majority of venomous snakebites in Taiwan. We conducted a retrospective study to systematically examine the clinical manifestations and responses to antivenom therapy after P. mucrosquamatus and V. stejnegeri envenoming. Information on demographic characteristics, treatments, and systemic/local complications were abstracted from medical charts between 1991 and 2006. One hundred forty-nine patients with P. mucrosquamatus envenoming and 51 with V. stejnegeri envenoming were eligible for the final analysis, and they differed in terms of patient age, bite site, local bruising, proportion of patients needing >/= 3 vials of antivenom, and mean hospital stay. Univariate analysis revealed that P. mucrosquamatus envenoming had a higher risk of developing rhabdomyolysis, cellulitis, necrosis, and skin graft. Our findings suggested that P. mucrosquamatus envenoming was associated with a greater risk of severe clinical events, and monitoring for major clinical complications would be recommended.


Subject(s)
Antivenins/therapeutic use , Crotalid Venoms , Snake Bites/physiopathology , Viper Venoms , Acute Kidney Injury/etiology , Adult , Aged , Animals , Demography , Edema/etiology , Erythema/etiology , Female , Hemorrhage/etiology , Humans , Length of Stay , Male , Medical Records , Middle Aged , Rhabdomyolysis/etiology , Snake Bites/complications , Snake Bites/drug therapy , Snake Bites/epidemiology , Taiwan/epidemiology , Thrombocytopenia/etiology , Treatment Outcome , Viperidae/anatomy & histology
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