Therapeutic effect of indirubin-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticules on ulcerative colitis.

Indirubin is considered to have promising potential in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). However, poor aqueous solubility and low bioavailability limit its clinical application. We produced indirubin-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (INPs) and characterized their drug encapsulation efficiency, drug-loading capacity, capacity to release indirubin in vitro and short-term physical stability. We also investigated the pharmacokinetics of INPs in mice. We then compared the curative effects of INPs and indirubin against dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice and 3D cultured biopsies from patients with UC. In the mouse model, the outcomes of INP treatment, including the disease activity index and serous levels of interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-10, were significantly different from those of indirubin treatment. Similarly, when we administered INPs and indirubin to the ex vivo colonic tissues of patients with UC, the effect of INPs was stronger than that of indirubin for most antioxidant and anti-inflammatory biomarkers. The results of both the animal trial and ex vivo experiment indicate that the therapeutic effect of indirubin was further enhanced by the carrier system, making it a highly promising medical candidate for UC.

Effects of different postharvest treatments on the physiology and quality of 'Xiaobai' apricots at room temperature.

The effect of postharvest treatments on storage characteristics of harvested apricots in relation to fruit quality was investigated. 'Xiaobai' apricots treated with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), chlorine dioxide (ClO2), calcium, and heat in sealed container and then stored at 20 °C with 90 % relative humidity (RH) for 10 days. Results showed that the treatments could reduce respiration production and MDA content, delay softening, postharvest decay, the decrease of soluble solids (SSC), and visual changes. Furthermore, the polyphenol oxidase (PPO), polygalacturonase (PG), and pectin methylesterase (PME), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) activities were reduced by treatments. Taken together, it is suggested that ClO2 treatment might be an effective way to maintain the quality of apricot fruit except 1-MCP treatment.

Effects of interleukin-4 or interleukin-10 gene therapy on trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced murine colitis.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by disturbance of pro-inflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Previous studies have demonstrated the effect of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-10 (IL-10) or IL-4 on IBD, but their data were controversial. This study further investigated the effect of IL-4 (IL-4), IL-10 and their combination on treatment of trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced murine colitis. METHODS: pcDNA3.0 carrying murine IL-4 or IL-10 cDNA was encapsulated with LipofectAMINE 2000 and intraperitoneally injected into mice with TNBS-induced colitis. The levels of intestinal IL-4 and IL-10 mRNA were confirmed by quantitative-RT-PCR. Inflamed tissues were assessed by histology and expression of interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-6. RESULTS: The data confirmed that IL-4 or IL-10 over-expression was successfully induced in murine colon tissues after intraperitoneal injection. Injections of IL-4 or IL-10 significantly inhibited TNBS-induced colon tissue damage, disease activity index (DAI) and body weight loss compared to the control mice. Furthermore, expression of IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-6 was markedly blocked by injections of IL-4 or IL-10 plasmid. However, there was less therapeutic effect in mice injected with the combination of IL-4 and IL-10. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that intraperitoneal injection of IL-4 or IL-10 plasmid was a potential strategy in control of TNBS-induced murine colitis, but their combination had less effect.

[Construction and identification of mouse wildtype-syndecan-1 and unshedding-syndecan-1 expressing vector].

AIM: To construct the expressing vector pcDNA3.0- wildtype-syndecan-1(WT-sdc1) and pcDNA3.0-unshedding-syndecan-1(uS-sdc1), and to explore the expression in vitro. METHODS: (1)The mouse WT-sdc1 DNA was successfully amplified by PCR and then cloned into pcDNA3.0. uS-sdc1 was construct by Gene splicing by overlap extension- PCR on the basis of WT-sdc1. The two vectors confirmed by DNA sequencing. (2)there are 4 groups in our research: control group, pcDNA3.0 transfected group, WT-sdc1 transfected group and uS-sdc1 transfected group. each vecter was transfected into IEC-6 cells by Lipofectamine(TM);2000. RT-PCR, Western blot and Dot blot were performed to detect the expression of syndecan-1 before and after stimulation of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) for 15 min. RESULTS: The vector WT-sdc1 and uS-sdc1 were successfully constructed although an non-sense mutation was in uS-sdc1. Compared to control and pcDNA3.0 transfected groups, WT-sdc1 and uS-sdc1 groups showed a significant increase in the expression of syndecan-1 in both mRNA and protein levels. In response to the stimulation of PMA, the expression of syndecan-1 was down-regulated at the protein levels but not mRNA levels. CONCLUSION: The WT-sdc1 and uS-sdc1 are successfully constructed, which lays the foundation for further studying of syndecan-1 in gastrointestinal inflammation.

Cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha induces intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Epithelial barrier dysfunction is involved in a number of diseases in the body. The mechanism is to be further understood. The present study aimed to investigate the role of one of the common microbial products, flagellin (FGN), in the induction of intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction. METHODS: We collected the colon epithelium specimens from 40 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), 40 patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and 40 healthy volunteers. The expression of toll like receptors (TLR)5 of the specimens was assessed by RT-PCR and western blotting. The expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and its role in compromising the barrier function in the intestinal epithelial cells, T84 cells, were observed by a cell culture model. RESULTS: The results showed that the expression of TLR5 was observed in the colon epithelium of healthy subjects that was increased in UC patients and further increased in CD patients. Treating T84 cells with FGN increased the expression of TNFα in the cells that caused the T84 cell apoptosis as well as compromised the T84 monolayer barrier function, which could be prevented by knocking down the gene of TNFα in T84 cells. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the human colon epithelial cells express detectable TLR5 that is increased in patients with CD and UC. The exposure to FGN can increase the expression of TNFα that further compromises the intestinal epithelial barrier function.

[Preparation of Pb2+ imprinted acrylic acid-co-styrene and analysis of its adsorption properties by FAAS].

With lead ion template, acrylic acid as functional monomer, potassium persulfate as initiator, strytrene as framework monomer, lead ion imprinted polymers (Pb(II)-IIPs) were prepared using free emulsion polymerization method. The structure and morphology of the polymers were analyzed by UV-spectra, FTIR and scanning electron microscopy. The adsorption/ desorption and selectivity for Pb2+ were investigated by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) as the detection means. The results show that compared with non-imprinted polymers(NIPs), the Pb(II)-IIPs had higher specific adsorption properties and selective recognition ability for Pb(II). The relative selectivity coefficient of Pb(II)-IIPs for Pb(II) was 6.25, 6.18, 6.25 and 6.38 in the presence of Cd(II), Cu(II), Mn(II) and Zn(II) interferences, respectively. The absorption rate was the best at the pH of adsorbent solution of 6, Adsorption rate reached 96% during the 2.5 h static adsorption time. Using 3.0 mol x L(-1) HCI as the best desorption solvent to desorb the adsorbents, the desorbtion rate reached 98%. Under the best adsorption conditions, the adsorption capacity of Pb(II)-IIPs for Pb(II) was found to be 40. mg x g(-1).

Screening test for anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of traditional Chinese herbal medicines.

AIM: To evaluate the anti-Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) activity of 50 traditional Chinese herbal medicines in order to provide the primary evidence for their use in clinical practice. METHODS: A susceptibility test of water extract from 50 selected traditional Chinese herbal medicines for in vitro H. pylori Sydney strain 1 was performed with broth dilution method. Anti-H. pylori activity of the selected Chinese herbal medicines was evaluated according to their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). RESULTS: The water extract from Rhizoma Coptidis, Radix Scutellariae and Radix isatidis could significantly inhibit the H. pylori activity with their MIC less than 7.8 mg/mL, suggesting that traditional Chinese herbal medicines have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects and can thus be used in treatment of H. pylori infection. CONCLUSION: Rhizoma Coptidis, Radix Scutellariae and Radix isatidis are the potential sources for the synthesis of new drugs against H. pylori.

Promoter hypermethylation and histone hypoacetylation contribute to pancreatic-duodenal homeobox 1 silencing in gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The expression of pancreatic-duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX1) in gastric cancer is aberrantly reduced. The aim of this study was to elucidate the regulation of DNA methylation and histone acetylation at the promoter for PDX1 silencing in gastric cancer. METHODS: PDX1 expression in response to demethylation and acetylation was detected in human gastric cancer cell lines by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot. Four CpG islands within the 5'-flanking region of PDX1 gene were analyzed with their transcription activities being detected by dual luciferase assay. Promoter hypermethylation was identified in gastric cancer cell lines and cancer tissues by methylation-specific PCR or bisulfite DNA sequencing PCR analysis. Histone acetylation was determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. RESULTS: Demethylation by 5'-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5'-aza-dC) and/or acetylation by trichostatin A (TSA) restored PDX1 expression in gastric cancer cells. Hypermethylation was found in four CpG islands in six of seven cancer cell lines. However, only the distal CpG island located in the promoter fragment of PDX1, F383 (c.-2063 to -1681 nt upstream of the ATG start codon) displayed significant transcriptional activity that could be suppressed by SssI methylase and increased by 5'-aza-dC and TSA. More than 70% of the single CpG sites in F383 were methylated with hypermethylation of F383 fragment more common in gastric cancerous tissues compared with the paired normal tissues (P < 0.05). ChIP assay showed F383 was also associated with low hypoacetylation level of the histones. CONCLUSION: Promoter hypermethylation and histone hypoacetylation contribute to PDX1 silencing in gastric cancer.

[Study on adsorption behavior of crosslinked polyarylonitrile for copper, lead, cadmium and zinc ions by atomic absorption spectrometry].

The crosslinked polymer polyacrylonitrile was synthesized by suspension polymerization using acrylonitrile and divinylbenzene. It has been used as adsorbent of some toxic heavy metals in environmental waters. Its adsorption for metals and the factors which affect the adsorption capacity were studied by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The experimental results showed that under the optimal adsorption conditions, the pH of adsorbate solution was 5-6, static adsorption time was 1.5-2 h, and adsorption procedure was carried out at room temperature, polyacrylonitrile as adsorbent has high adsorption capacity (mg x g(-1)) for Cu2+, Pb2+, Cd2+ and Zn2+, which can reach 26.6, 45.2, 39.7 and 32.5 separately. Adsorption rate (%) was 83.6, 87.1, 85.3 and 86.7 respectively during the 1.5-2 h static adsorption time. It will be more than five-hour static adsorption time before adsorption rate reaches more than 96%. Using 0.10 mol x L(-1) chloride acid as the best desorption solvent to desorb the adsorbates, the recovery of them reached 95%. At the same time the adsorption mechanism of polymer was studied.

Ultrasound-assisted synthesis of novel 4-(2-phenyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-(1H)-(thio)ones catalyzed by Sm(ClO(4))(3).

An efficient synthesis of novel 4-(2-phenyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-3,4-dihydro-pyrimidin-2(1H)-(thio)ones from 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds, 2-phenyl-1,2,3-triazole-4-carbaldehyde and urea or thiourea under ultrasound irradiation and using samarium perchlorate as catalyst is described. Compared with conventional methods, the main advantages of the present methodology are milder conditions, shorter reaction times and higher yields.

Optical waveguide sensor of volatile organic compounds based on PTA thin film.

In this study, a sensitive optical waveguide (OWG) sensor for the detection and identification of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was reported. The sensing membrane is constructed by immobilization of peroxopolytungsten acid (PTA) thin film over a single-mode potassium ion (K(+)) exchanged glass OWG by spin-coating method. A laser beam was coupled into and out of the glass optical waveguide using prism couplers, and dry air functioned as a carrier gas. The sensor was tested for various volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and it showed higher response to the chlorobenzene gas compared to other VOCs. Therefore, we used the OWG sensor to detect chlorobenzene gas as a typical example of VOCs. The sensor exhibits a linear response to chlorobenzene gas in the range of 0.4-1000 ppm with rapid response and good reversibility. The constructed sensor is easy to fabricate and it has some unique qualities which can be characterized as inexpensive, sensitive, and reusable.

[Cloning and bioinformatics analysis of recombinant methyl-accepting chemotaxis signal transduction protein of Helicobacter hepaticus].

OBJECTIVE: To clone the gene encoding methyl-accepting chemotaxis signal transduction protein (MCSTP) of Helicobacter hepaticus and analyze the gene structures using bioinformatics methods. METHODS: With the specific primer of Helicobacter hepaticus MCSTP c1977, MCSTP gene was amplified by PCR from the genomic DNA of Helicobacter hepaticus and ligated to the prokaryotic expression vector pET22b(+). After sequencing, the sequence homology and structural feature of MCSTP gene were analyzed by bioinformatics method. RESULTS: A 99% similarity was identified between MCSTP gene cloned and its counterpart in standard Helicobacter hepaticus strain ATCC51449 genome DNA published by GenBank, with only a replacement of A by T at 1160 bp. A low homology was found in the MCSTP genes between Helicobacter hepaticus, Campylobacter jejuni and Helicobacter pylori by bioinformatics analysis, suggesting the specificity of MCSTP gene in Helicobacter hepaticus among the microbes. CONCLUSION: The prokaryotic expression plasmid pET22b(+)/MCSTP is constructed successfully, and the bioinformatics analysis provided evidences and clues for further study of the biological functions and pathogenic mechanism of MCSTP.

Copper(II) sulfamate: an efficient catalyst for the one-pot synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidine-2(1H)-ones and thiones.

A simple, efficient procedure for the one-pot Biginelli condensation reaction of aldehydes, beta-ketoesters and urea or thiourea employing copper(II) sulfamate as a novel catalyst is described. Compared to the classical Biginelli reaction conditions, the present method has the advantages of good yields, short reaction times and experimental simplicity.

[Selection of matrix modifier for GF-AAS determination of trace lead in soil watered with waste water and its application].

The rapid and direct method of selection of the matrix modifier for the determination of trace lead in soil watered with waste water by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry under the best matrix modifier selected has been developed. The effect of the matrix modifiers including NH4 Hz2PO4, (NH4)3PO4, NH4CI, Pd-Mg, NH4H2PO4+MgNO3+NH4NO3 etc. was determined by using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy. The results showed that NH4H2PO4 is the best matrix modifier for the determination of lead in soil watered with waste water, and the content of lead was determined by using 4.0 mg x L(-1) NH4H2PO4 as a matrix modifier, ashing and atomization temperature of 850 degrees C and 1600 degrees C, respectively, and rectifying background. The relative standard deviation of the method was 2.6%, and the recovery was in the range of 92.4%-104%.

Early upregulation of cyclooxygenase-2 in human papillomavirus type 16 and telomerase-induced immortalization of human esophageal epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) plays an important role in the carcinogenesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, it is not clear whether COX-2 is involved in the early or late stage of the development of ESCC. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of COX-2 in the carcinogenesis of ESCC by an immortalized esophageal epithelial cell line. METHODS: Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16)-E6/E7 and human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) transfection were used for immortalization of esophageal epithelial cells. COX-2-specific RNA interference was used for the inhibition of COX-2 expression. RESULTS: An immortalized esophageal epithelial cell line, NE6-E6E7/hTERT, was established, which had high proliferation activity but failed to induce colony formation in soft agar. COX-2 expression was upregulated in the early process of immortalization, while COX-2 small interfering RNA (siRNA) decreased the Bcl-2 expression, increased the expression of Bax, and induced cell-cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase in NE6-E6E7/hTERT cells. Expressions of p53, cyclinD1, and the ratio of hyperphosphorylated-RB/hypophosphorylated-RB were progressively increased after E6E7 and the subsequent hTERT transfections. These changes were accompanied by the alteration of COX-2 expression, but could be reversed by COX-2 siRNA (P < 0.05). P16 expression was significantly downregulated in NE6-E6E7 or NE6-E6E7/hTERT cells (P < 0.05), and was not affected by COX-2 siRNA. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that induction of cyclooxygenase-2 is essential in the human papillomavirus type 16 and hTERT-induced immortalization of human esophageal epithelial cells, and that COX-2 inhibition may be a potential target to block the carcinogenesis of ESCC at the precancerous stage.

N-[(2-Phenyl-2H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methylene]-2-(2-(2-phenyl-2H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-3-{2-[(2-phenyl-2H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyleneamino]ethyl}imidazolidin-1-yl)ethanamine.

The reaction of 2-phenyl-2H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carbaldehyde with triethylenetetramine leads to the formation of a new binucleating ligand, viz. the title compound, C(33)H(33)N(13), demonstrating that this structure has the potential for more flexible rational design and tailoring. The title molecule is rendered quite rigid by the formation of a five-membered imidazolidine ring and there are four independent instances of pi-pi interactions. Both sides of each of the three aromatic arms take part in these interactions, forming a neat three-dimensional array structure.

[Expression of heat-shock transcription factor 1 and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein-associated factor-1 in gastrointestinal cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expressions of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP)-associated factor-1 (XAFI) and heat-shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1) and their relationship in human gastrointestinal cancers. METHODS: Immunoblotting was used to analyze the expressions of HSF1 and XAF1 in gastric and colon cancer tissues and in gastrointestinal cancer cells. The gastrointestinal cancer cells were tranfected with a eukaryotic expression vector containing HSF1 gene fragment or subjected to RNA interference to induce up- or down-regulation of HSF1 expression, and the consequence changes in XAF1 expression in the cells was measured. XAF1 expression was also assayed in the cells after stress stimulation for HSF1 expression. RESULTS: The expression of HSF1 was higher in gastrointestinal cancer tissues than in normal tissues. The expression of XAF1 and HSF1 was inversely correlated in the cancer cell lines, and stress stimuli of the cells up-regulated the expression of HSF1 but down-regulated XAF1 expression. CONCLUSION: HSF1 expression is increased in gastrointestinal cancer tissues to result in suppressed expression of XAF1, which may be one of the reasons for the low expression of XAF1 in association with the defect of the apoptosis mechanisms in the cancer cells

[Isolation and characterization of the first strain of Helicobacter hepaticus in China].

Helicobacter hepaticus is nongastric helicobacter that can reside in the hepatobiliary and intestinal systems of many animal hosts, leading to proliferative hepatitis, hepatocellular carcinoma, typhlitis, and colonitis. In this study, the intestinal mucosa was isolated from BALB/c mice to prepare tissue homogenate and spread onto selective C jejuni blood agar plates for incubation in the presence of trimethoprim, vancomycin, and polymyxin at 37 degrees Celsius; under microaerobic conditions in vented jars containing 5% O2, 10%CO2, and 85% N2. The bacteria were identified morphologically and biochemically. Gene sequence analysis of the 16s rRNA confirmed the presence of Helicobacter hepaticus, and the success in isolating this bacteria may have significant implications for studies of nongastric helicobacter.

Tandem addition/cyclization reaction of organozinc reagents to 2-alkynyl aldehydes: highly efficient regio- and enantioselective synthesis of 1,3-dihydroisobenzofurans and tetrasubstituted furans.

The enantioselective addition of organozinc reagents to some 2-alkynyl benzaldehydes and the subsequent regioselective cyclization step was performed in one pot to form chiral 1,3-dihydroisobenzofurans with good product yields and excellent regio- and enantioselectivities. In the case of 2-alkynylcycloalkene aldehydes, tetrasubstituted furans were obtained in good product yields through a 1, 5-hydride shift of the preformed cyclization product.

Establishment and characterization of a new cell line derived from human colorectal laterally spreading tumor.

AIM: To study the molecular mechanism of laterally spreading tumor (LST), a cell line [Laterally Spreading Tumor-Rectum 1 (LST-R1)] was derived and the characteristics of this cell line were investigated. METHODS: A new cell line (LST-R1) originated from laterally spreading tumor was established. Properties of the cell line were characterized using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry method, cytogenetic analysis and nude mice xenograft experiments. In vitro invasion assay, cDNA microarray and Western blotting were used to compare the difference between the LST-R1 and other colorectal cancer cell lines derived from prudent colon cancer. RESULTS: Our study demonstrated that both epithelial special antigen (ESA) and cytokeratin-20 (CK20) were expressed in LST-R1. The cells presented microvilli and tight junction with large nuclei. The karyotypic analysis showed hyperdiploid features with structural chromosome aberrations. The in vivo tumorigenicity was also demonstrated in nude mice xenograft experiments. The invasion assay suggested this cell line has a higher invasive ability. cDNA microarray and Western blotting show the loss of the expression of E-cadherin in LST-R1 cells. CONCLUSION: We established and characterized a colorectal cancer cell line, LST-R1 and LST-R1 has an obvious malignant tendency, which maybe partially attributed to the changes of the expression of some adhesion molecules, such as E-cadherin. It is also a versatile tool for exploring the original and progressive mechanisms of laterally spreading tumor and the early colon cancer genesis.