FNC inhibits non-small cell lung cancer by activating the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.

BACKGROUND: Previously, we published that 4'-azid-2'-deoxy-2'-fluorarabinoside (FNC), a novel cytosine nucleoside analog, has good anti-viral and anti-tumor activity. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to further explore the role and molecular mechanism of FNC in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: FNC was tested in the NSCLC H460 cell line, the Lewis mouse model, and the H460 cell xenograft model. The effects of FNC were assessed by cell viability, transwell migration, and wound scratch analyses of cell migration and invasion. Apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. Proteins expression was assessed by western blot and immunohistochemistry staining (IHC). RESULTS: FNC inhibits the proliferation and metastasis of H460 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. FNC treatment showed efficacy and low toxicity in the Lewis mouse lung cancer model as well as in the H460 cell xenograft model. Further, FNC induced H460 cell apoptosis through the activation of the mitochondrial pathway. Notably, FNC inhibited invasion by increasing E-cadherin protein and reducing the protein expression of VEGF, MMP-2, MMP-9, and CD31. CONCLUSION: FNC inhibits NSCLC by activating the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway and regulating the expressions of multiple proteins related to cell adhesion and invasion, highlighting its potential as an NSCLC therapeutic.

In vitro and in vivo antiviral activity of a fluoronucleoside analog, NCC, against Coxsackie virus B3.

Coxsackie virus B3 (CVB3) is believed to be a major cause of viral myocarditis, with virus-induced apoptosis playing an important role in pathogenesis. The purpose of this study was to characterize the antiviral activity of a novel fluoronucleoside analogue, N-cyclopropyl-4'-azido-2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-ß-D-cytidine (NCC), against CVB3 in vitro and in vivo, and to establish whether NCC inhibits apoptosis in infected cells. In this study, HeLa cells infected with CVB3 were treated with NCC. Cell viability and apoptosis were examined. Caspase-3 and Bcl-2 levels were monitored by real-time RT PCR and Western blot analysis. For in vivo studies, BALB/c mice infected with CVB3 were treated with NCC daily. Serum markers of myocardial injury and histological studies were measured to examine myocardial injury on day 8 post-infection. To measure apoptosis, levels of Bcl-2 and caspase-3 were examined by immunohistochemistry and real-time RT-PCR. We found that NCC inhibited virus-mediated cytopathic effects in HeLa cells with an EC50 of 116.60 ± 0.32 µM. In infected mice, administration of NCC (2 mg/kg) decreased the activities of serum creatine kinase and lactic dehydrogenase, inhibited the replication of CVB3 and alleviated damage to the heart. Importantly, NCC suppressed CVB3-induced apoptosis in HeLa cells and affected the expression of apoptosis-related factors in infected mice. Together, our results demonstrate that NCC exerts significant antiviral activities against CVB3. We conclude that NCC is a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of viral myocarditis. Keywords: coxsackie virus B3; viral myocarditis; N-cyclopropyl-4'-azido-2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-ß-D-cytidine; apoptosis.

The Antitumour Effect of Prunella vulgaris Extract on Thyroid Cancer Cells In Vitro and In Vivo.

Prunella vulgaris, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used to treat various benign and malignant tumours for centuries in China. In our previous studies, Prunella vulgaris extract (PVE) was shown to promote apoptosis in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) cells. However, whether other mechanisms are involved in the antitumour effect of PVE in thyroid cancer (TC) cells remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the antiproliferative and antimigratory effects of PVE on TC cell lines both in vitro and in vivo. First, the TPC-1 and SW579 human TC cell lines were screened by MTT assay for their high level of sensitivity to PVE. Then, the results of cell growth curve and colony formation assay and cell cycle analyses, wound healing, and migration assays demonstrated that PVE inhibited the proliferation and migration of TPC-1 and SW579 cells. Moreover, the antitumour effect of PVE was verified in a subcutaneous xenotransplanted tumour model. Next, MKI67, PCNA, CTNNB1, and CDH1 were screened by qRT-PCR for their significantly differential expression levels in xenograft tissue with and without PVE treatment, and expression of MKI67, PCNA, and CDH1 was verified by Western blot. Finally, an integrated bioinformatics analysis containing protein-protein interaction network, KEGG pathway, and GO analysis was conducted to explore more potential antitumour mechanisms of PVE. In summary, PVE could inhibit the proliferation and migration of TC cells both in vitro and in vivo, which may have been achieved by modulation of the expression of MKI67, PCNA, and CDH1. These data suggest that PVE has the potential to be developed into a new anticancer drug for the treatment of TC.

Mechanistic Insight into Antiretroviral Potency of 2'-Deoxy-2'-ß-fluoro-4'-azidocytidine (FNC) with a Long-Lasting Effect on HIV-1 Prevention.

In preclinical and phase I and II clinical studies, 2'-deoxy-2'-ß-fluoro-4'-azidocytidine (FNC) displays a potent and long-lasting inhibition of HIV-1 infection. To investigate its mechanism of action, we compared it with the well-documented lamivudine (3TC). Pharmacokinetic studies revealed that the intracellular retention of FNC triphosphate in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was markedly longer than that of the 3TC triphosphate. FNC selectively enters and is retained in HIV target cells, where it exerts long-lasting prevention of HIV-1 infection. In addition to inhibition of HIV-1 reverse transcription, FNC also restores A3G expression in CD4+ T cells in FNC-treated HIV-1 patients. FNC binds to the Vif-E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, enabling A3G to avoid Vif-induced ubiquitination and degradation. These data reveal the mechanisms underlying the superior anti-HIV potency and long-lasting action of FNC. Our results also suggest a potential clinical application of FNC as a long-lasting pre-exposure prophylactic agent capable of preventing HIV infection.

Gingival crevicular fluid levels of SLIT3 are increased in periodontal disease.

This study aims to investigate the levels of SLIT3 in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of healthy and periodontal disease subjects, and their correlations to periodontal disease. A total of 45 periodontal patients and 45 periodontally healthy volunteers were enrolled. The clinical parameters, radiographic bone loss and the levels of SLIT3, receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in GCF were measured. The prevalences of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Tannerella forsythia in subgingival plaque were also analyzed. The expression of SLIT3 and RANKL was detected in the periodontium of experimental periodontitis in rats and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse macrophage. The total amounts and concentrations of SLIT3 and RANKL were significantly higher in periodontitis than those in healthy, while the level of OPG was significantly lower (p < .05). Significant positive correlations were observed between the level of GCF SLIT3 and clinical attachment level and radiographic bone loss (p < .05). There existed a significant positive correlation between SLIT3 and RANKL (p < .05). Increased expression of SLIT3 and RANKL was observed in the periodontium of periodontal rats. SLIT3 expression was induced by LPS stimulation in macrophages. These results suggest that SLIT3 may act as a diagnostic indicator of periodontal disease and should be further investigated.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-2'-C-methyl 8-azanebularine derivatives as potent anti-HBV agents.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a global health problem requiring more efficient and better tolerated anti-HBV agent. In this paper, a series of novel 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-2'-C-methyl-ß-d-arabinofuranosyl 8-azanebularine analogues (1 and 2a) and N4-substituted 8-azaadenosine derivatives (2b-g) were designed, synthesized and screened for in vitro anti-HBV activity. Two concise and practical synthetic routes were developed toward the structural motif construction of 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-2'-C-methyl-ß-d-arabinofuranosyl 8-azainosine from the ribonolactone 3 under mild conditions. The in vitro anti-HBV screening results showed that these 8-azanebularine analogues had a significant inhibitory effect on the expression of HBV antigens and HBV DNA at a concentration of 20 µM. Among them, halogen-substituted 8-azaadenosine derivative 2g displayed activities comparable to that of 3TC. In particular, 2g retained excellent activity against lamivudine-resistant HBV mutants.

Novel fluoronucleoside analog NCC inhibits lamivudine-resistant hepatitis B virus in a hepatocyte model.

Antiviral drug resistance is the most important factor contributing to treatment failure using nucleos(t)ide analogs such as lamivudine for chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Development of a system supporting efficient replication of clinically resistant HBV strains is imperative, and new antiviral drugs are needed urgently to prevent selection of drug-resistant HBV mutants. A novel fluorinated cytidine analog, NCC (N-cyclopropyl-4'-azido-2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-ß-d-cytidine), was recently shown to strongly inhibit human HBV in vitro and in vivo. This study was designed to evaluate the antiviral activity of NCC against lamivudine-resistant HBV. We generated a stable cell line encoding the major pattern of lamivudine-resistant mutations rtL180M/M204V and designated it "HepG2.RL1". Immuno-transmission electron microscopic examination and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to detect secretion of HBV-specific particles and antigens. Quantification of extracellular DNA and intracellular DNA of HepG2.RL1 cells by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed >625-fold and >5556-fold increases in the 50% inhibitory concentration of lamivudine, respectively, compared with that for the wild-type virus. The results showed that NCC inhibited DNA replication and HBeAg production in wild-type or lamivudine-resistant HBV in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, screening for antiviral compounds active against lamivudine-resistant HBV can be carried out with relative ease using hepG2.RL1 cells. NCC is a potential antiviral agent against wild-type HBV and clinical lamivudine-resistant HBV and deserves evaluation for the treatment of HBV infection.

Novel fluoronucleoside analog NCC inhibits lamivudine-resistant hepatitis B virus in a hepatocyte model

ABSTRACT Antiviral drug resistance is the most important factor contributing to treatment failure using nucleos(t)ide analogs such as lamivudine for chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Development of a system supporting efficient replication of clinically resistant HBV strains is imperative, and new antiviral drugs are needed urgently to prevent selection of drug-resistant HBV mutants. A novel fluorinated cytidine analog, NCC (N-cyclopropyl-4′-azido-2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro-β-d-cytidine), was recently shown to strongly inhibit human HBV in vitro and in vivo. This study was designed to evaluate the antiviral activity of NCC against lamivudine-resistant HBV. We generated a stable cell line encoding the major pattern of lamivudine-resistant mutations rtL180M/M204V and designated it "HepG2.RL1". Immuno-transmission electron microscopic examination and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to detect secretion of HBV-specific particles and antigens. Quantification of extracellular DNA and intracellular DNA of HepG2.RL1 cells by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed >625-fold and >5556-fold increases in the 50% inhibitory concentration of lamivudine, respectively, compared with that for the wild-type virus. The results showed that NCC inhibited DNA replication and HBeAg production in wild-type or lamivudine-resistant HBV in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, screening for antiviral compounds active against lamivudine-resistant HBV can be carried out with relative ease using hepG2.RL1 cells. NCC is a potential antiviral agent against wild-type HBV and clinical lamivudine-resistant HBV and deserves evaluation for the treatment of HBV infection.

Effects of the antiretroviral drug 2'-deoxy-2'-ß-fluoro-4'-azidocytidine (FNC) on P-gp, MRP2 and BCRP expressions and functions.

The purpose of the present study was to dig into recent studies designed to characterize the impacts of 2'-deoxy-2'-ß-fluoro-4'-azidocytidine (FNC) on P-glycoprotein (P-gp), multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP). Specifically, the modulation effects of FNC on P-gp, MRP2 and BCRP protein expressions were assessed by western blot methods. 5 (and 6)-Carboxy-2',7'-dichloroflourescein (CDF) and BODIPY-prazosin were used to provide indications of alterations of MRP2 and BCRP activities. The effects of P-gp, MRP2 and BCRP on FNC were evaluated in the in situ single-pass intestinal perfusion model. The results showed that FNC at higher concentrations and with longer incubation times can upregulate the protein expression of P-gp, MRP2 and BCRP in Caco-2 cells. The upregulated proteins were also functionally active, as revealed by a lower degree of CDF and BODIPY-prazosin uptake by the cell monolayers. The intestinal absorptive coefficient (Peff) was observed to significantly increase with the inhibitors of P-gp, MRP2 and BCRP. These results suggested that FNC could modulate the expressions and functions of P-gp, MRP2 and BCRP, while P-gp, MRP2 and BCRP were involved in the efflux transport of FNC. The inductive effects of FNC on P-gp, MRP2 and BCRP suggested the possibility of FNC to contribute to the inter- and intra-individual variability of itself, as well as to alter the absorption of other drugs that may be administered concomitantly.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel ß-D-2'-deoxy-2'-α-fluoro-2'-ß-C-(fluoromethyl)uridine phosphoramidate prodrug for the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection.

A novel ß-D-2'-deoxy-2'-α-fluoro-2'-ß-C-(fluoromethyl)uridine phosphoramidate prodrug (1) has been synthesized. This compound exhibits submicromolar-level antiviral activity in vitro against HCV genotypes 1b, 1a, 2a, and S282T replicons (EC50 = 0.18-1.13 µM) with low cytotoxicity (CC50 > 1000 µM). Administered orally, prodrug 1 is well tolerated at doses of up to 4 g/kg in mice, and produces a high level of the corresponding triphosphate in rat liver.

Cepharanthine hydrochloride reverses P­glycoprotein-mediated multidrug resistance in human ovarian carcinoma A2780/Taxol cells by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate among gynecologic malignant tumors. The major obstacle to treatment success is multidrug resistance (MDR) to chemotherapy drugs. Cepharanthine hydrochloride (CH), a natural alkaloid-derived compound, has shown MDR reversal potency in several tumor cell lines; however, the molecular mechanism is not entirely known. In the present study, we assessed whether CH sensitized malignant cells to chemotherapy drugs in ovarian cancer and explored the relevant mechanism. We found that CH reduced the IC50 value of paclitaxel and increased intracellular rhodamine-123 accumulation in human ovarian cancer A2780/Taxol cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot assay demonstrated that CH inhibited MDR1 expression as indicated by reduced mRNA and protein levels in A2780/Taxol cells. In addition, the inhibitory effect was strengthened after CH was combined with the specific PI3K/Akt signaling pathway inhibitor LY294002. Furthermore, p­Akt expression decreased gradually with the concentration of CH (2, 4 and 8 µM). Taken together, these findings indicated that CH reversed P­glycoprotein-mediated MDR in A2780/Taxol cells by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Intestinal absorption mechanisms of 2'-deoxy-2'-ß-fluoro-4'-azidocytidine, a cytidine analog for AIDS treatment, and its interaction with P-glycoprotein, multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 and breast cancer resistance protein.

2'-Deoxy-2'-ß-fluoro-4'-azidocytidine (FNC), a cytidine analog, has attracted great interest because of its potent activity against wild-type and multidrug-resistant HIV. The purpose of current study was to investigate the absorption mechanisms of FNC in the small intestine, as well as the interactions between FNC and P-glycoprotein (P-gp), multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP). The experiments were performed using Caco-2 cells and the rat small intestine. The uptake experiment indicated that FNC concentration, extracellular pH and the incubated temperature could influence the uptake of FNC in Caco-2 cells. NaN3, verapamil, probenecid, MK571 and GF120918 could significantly increase the FNC uptake in Caco-2 cells. The transport experiment showed that both the absorption and secretion of FNC were concentration dependent. The secretion of FNC was approximately 2-fold greater than the absorption. In the presence of verapamil, probenecid, MK571 or GF120918, the efflux ratio decreased by >50%. In everted rat intestine, the absorption of FNC also depended on its concentration and was not significantly different in the different segments of the small intestine. Real-time RT-PCR results indicated that the gene expressions of P-gp, MRP2 and BCRP were up-regulated after exposure to FNC. The reduction in accumulation of rhodamine 123 after treatment with FNC revealed its ability to up-regulate P-gp activity. In conclusion, FNC was completely absorbed by passive diffusion and active transport mechanisms. P-gp, MRP2 and BCRP could influence the absorption of FNC in the small intestine. FNC could modulate the gene expressions of P-gp, MRP2 and BCRP, and increase the activity of P-gp.

FNC efficiently inhibits mantle cell lymphoma growth.

FNC, 2'-deoxy-2'-ß-fluoro-4'-azidocytidine, is a novel cytidine analogue, that has shown strong antiproliferative activity in human lymphoma, lung adenocarcinoma and acute myeloid leukemia. In this study, we investigated the effects of FNC on mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and the underlying mechanisms. In in vitro experiments, cell viability was detected by the CCK8 assay, and cell cycle progression and apoptosis were assessed by flow cytometry, and the expression of relative apoptosis proteins were detected by Western Blot. The in vivo antitumor effect of FNC was investigated in a SCID xenograft model. Finally, the mechanisms of action of FNC were assessed using a whole human genome expression profile chip. The data showed that FNC inhibited cell growth in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and FNC could induce apoptosis by the death recepter pathways in JeKo-1 cells and arrest the cell cycle in the G1/S or G2/M phase. Notably, FNC showed in vivo efficacy in mice bearing JeKo-1 xenograft tumors. Gene expression profile analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes were mainly focused on the immune system process, cellular process and death. These findings implied that FNC may be a valuable therapeutic in mantle cell lymphoma and provided an experimental basis for the early clinical application of FNC.

Discovery of an Orally Active and Liver-Targeted Prodrug of 5-Fluoro-2'-Deoxyuridine for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

We report a series of novel O-(substituted benzyl) phosphoramidate prodrugs of 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Through structure optimization, the o-methylbenzyl analog (1t) was identified as an orally bioavailable and liver-targeted lead compound. This lead prodrug is well-tolerated at a dose up to 3 g/kg in Kuming mice via oral administration. An efficacy study demonstrated that it possesses good inhibitory effect (61.67% and 72.50%, respectively) on tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model. A metabolism study in Sprague-Dawley rats suggested that 1t can release the desired 5'-monophosphate in the liver with high liver-targeting index.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of new N(4)-Substituted 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-4'-azido cytidine derivatives as potent anti-HBV agents.

A series of new 2'-deoxy-2'-ß-fluoro-4'-azido-ß-d-arabinofuranosyl cytidine derivatives bearing heteroatom-containing N(4)-substituents were designed and synthesized. Antiviral screening in HepG2.2.15 cells identified three analogs (1a, 1d &1g) with good anti-HBV activity and low cytotoxicty. Of them, compound 1g exhibited significant inhibitory activity on both HBV antigens secretion (EC50, HBsAg = 9 nM, EC50, HBeAg = 0.25 µM) and viral DNA replication (intracellular, EC50 = 0.099 µM; extracellular, EC50 < 0.01 µM).

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 4-substituted fluoronucleoside analogs for the treatment of hepatitis B virus infection.

A series of 4-substituted fluoronucleosides have been synthesized in order to address the toxicity issue of the parent compound 7, and after in vitro evaluation, the cyclopropylamino analog 1f was selected for in vivo study. In mice, this compound exhibited a significantly improved toxicity profile. Administered orally, compound 1f was well-tolerated at a dose up to 3 g/kg and showed insignificant toxicity on white blood cells and a low mutagenic effect at dosages up to 80 mg/kg (single) or 20 mg/kg/day (5 days). In duck HBV (DHBV)-infected duck models, both the serum and liver DHBV DNA levels (74.2 and 82.1%, respectively) were markedly reduced by the treatment of 1f at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day for 10 days. In addition, both the viral DNA levels had a lower degree of recovery after withdrawal of the test compound for 3 days.

Dexmedetomidine improves early postoperative cognitive dysfunction in aged mice.

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a frequent complication following major surgery in the elderly. However, the exact pathogenic mechanisms are still unknown. Dexmedetomidine, a selective alpha 2 adrenal receptor agonist, was revealed anesthesia and brain protective role. The present study aimed to examine whether dexmedetomdine protects against POCD induced by major surgical trauma under general anesthesia in aged mice. In the present study, cognitive function was assessed by Y-maze. Proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), apoptosis-related factor caspase-3 and Bax were detected by real-time PCR, Western blot or immunohistochemistry. The results showed that anesthesia alone caused weak cognitive dysfunction on the first day after general anesthesia. Cognitive function in mice with splenectomy under general anesthesia was significantly exacerbated at the first and third days after surgery, and was significantly improved by dexmedetomidine administration. Splenectomy increased the expression of IL-1ß, TNF-α, Bax and caspase-3 in hippocampus. These changes were significantly inversed by dexmedetomidine. These results suggest that hippocampal inflammatory response and neuronal apoptosis may contribute to POCD, and selective alpha 2 adrenal receptor excitation play a protective role.

Downregulation of MDR1 gene by cepharanthine hydrochloride is related to the activation of c-Jun/JNK in K562/ADR cells.

The purpose of the study was to determine the signal transduction mechanism of cepharanthine hydrochloride (CH) on reversing tumor multidrug resistance. RT-PCR and Western blot analysis were used to determine the effects of CH on the expression of MDR1 mRNA and P-glycoprotein in K562/ADR cells when CH was used alone and combined with SP600125, a JNK inhibitor, to explore the effects of CH on JNK pathway. Western blot analysis was used to determine the effects of CH on c-Jun protein expression and phosphorylation, to explore the regulating effects of CH on c-Jun and phosphorylated c-Jun (p-c-Jun) proteins. Our results showed that the inhibitory effect of CH on MDR1 mRNA increased with the concentrations of CH (5.0, 10.0, and 20.0 µM) and the inhibitory effects of CH on MDR1 mRNA and P-glycoprotein increased with the incubation time of CH (0, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours). The inhibitory effect was weakened after CH combined with SP600125. The expressions of c-Jun and p-c-Jun proteins increased with the incubation time of CH (0, 6, 12, and 24 hours). These findings suggest that CH downregulated the expressions of MDR1 mRNA and P-glycoprotein in a time and concentration manner; the mechanism may be mediated via activating c-Jun/JNK pathway.

Anti-hepatitis B virus activity of α-DDB-FNCG, a novel nucleoside-biphenyldicarboxylate compound in vitro and in vivo.

A novel codrug, α-DDB-FNCG, was synthesized through coupling of α-biphenyl dimethyl dicarboxylate (α-DDB) and the nucleoside analogue FNCG, via an ester bond. The anti-HBV activity and hepatoprotective effects of this compound were investigated both in vitro and in vivo. In HBV-transfected HepG2.2.15 cell line, the secretion of HBsAg and HBeAg as well as the levels of extracellular and intracellular viral DNA were determined by ELISA and real-time fluorescent quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (FQ-PCR), respectively. In DHBV-infected ducks, the viral DNA levels in serum and liver were determined by FQ-PCR. In addition, the levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in both serum and liver were also examined. The improvement of ducks' livers was evaluated by histopathological analysis. It has been demonstrated that α-DDB-FNCG could suppress the levels of HBV antigens and viral DNA in a time- and dose-dependent manner in the HepG2.2.15 cell line. Furthermore, this codrug could also significantly inhibit the viral DNA replication and reduce the ALT and AST levels in both serum and liver of DHBV-infected ducks, with improved hepatocellular architecture in drug-treated ducks. In short, these results suggest that α-DDB-FNCG could be a promising candidate for further development of new anti-HBV agents with hepatoprotective effects.

[Expression of CCDC67 mRNA and its role in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the expression of CCDC67 mRNA between papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and adjacent normal tissues. METHODS: Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to detect the expression of CCDC67 mRNA in 48 cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma and their matched adjacent non-cancerous epithelium and cell lines of thyroid carcinoma. RESULTS: There was no expression of CCDC67 mRNA in SW579 and TPC-1 cell line. All cases had the expression of CCDC67 in adjacent normal tissues while the expression of CCDC67 mRNA was down-regulated significantly, only 39.6% (19/48) in 48 cases of thyroid carcinoma. In PTC, the expression rates of CCDC67 mRNA in stage I-II and III-IV were 60% (12/20) and 25% (7/28) and 24.1% (7/29) and 63.2% (12/19) in the lymph node metastasis and non-metastasis groups respectively. Also the expression rates of CCDC67 mRNA in Grades I and II were 61.1% (11/18) and 26.7% (8/30) respectively. And there was significant difference between two groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The down-regulated expression of CCDC67 is one of reasons for inactivation of PTC. And it may play an important role in carcinogenesis and progression of PTC.