Comparison of three diagnostic assays for the identification of Helicobacter spp. in laboratory dogs.

A number of Helicobacter species may confound experimental data because of their association with disease progressing in various kinds of laboratory animals. Screening of Helicobacter species is particularly desirable, because they are prevalent in commercial and research animal facilities. The aim of the present study was to compare three diagnostic methods [e.g. Helicobacter stool antigen kit (HpSA), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and rapid urease test (RUT)] for the identification of Helicobacter spp. in stools or gastric biopsy specimens collected from eight dogs suffering from gastritis. The gastroscopic biopsy specimens were tested using RUT and PCR, while stool specimens were evaluated using both HpSA and PCR. DNAs from the gastric biopsies and stool specimens were analyzed by both a consensus PCR that amplified the RNA polymerase beta-subunit-coding gene (rpoB) of Helicobacter spp. and a species-specific PCR to amplify the urease B gene of Helicobacter heilmannii, Helicobacter pylori, and Helicobacter felis. Helicobacter spp. were detected in 62.5% of the dogs, while H. heilmannii and H. felis were identified in 37.5 and 25% of the dogs, respectively. The HpSA did not efficiently detect Helicobacter spp. in the stool samples compared to the RUT and PCR assays, both of which successfully detected Helicobacter spp. in the two sample types. Finally, we recommend that consensus PCR with stool specimens could be used before the species-specific PCR for identifying Helicobacter species in laboratory dogs.

FK-3000 isolated from Stephania delavayi Diels. inhibits MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation by decreasing NF-κB phosphorylation and COX-2 expression.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases and a leading cause of death worldwide. Many anticancer drug development studies have been pursued over the last few decades and several viable drugs have been discovered, such as paclitaxel, topotecan and irinotecan. Previously, our research group uncovered the cytocidal and cytostatic effects of the plant Stephania delavayi Diels. In this study, we determined the active chemical to be 6,7-di-O-acetylsinococuline (FK-3000). The FK-3000 half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) in MDA-MB-231 breast carcinoma cells at 48 h was 0.52 µg/ml and it induced apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner. FK-3000 suppressed NF-κB nuclear translocation, decreased NF-κB phosphorylation, and decreased COX-2 protein expression. MDA-MB-231 xenografted mice were treated with FK-3000, Taxol, or their combination for 21 days. The tumor size was smallest in the co-treatment group, indicating that FK-3000 may have a synergistic effect with Taxol. FK-3000 treatment showed no adverse effects on blood cell counts, serum protein levels, or pathology. These studies demonstrate that FK-3000, isolated from S. delavayi Diels., is a promising, pathway-specific anticancer agent that exhibits low toxicity.

Full-spectrum light phototherapy for atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin disease resulting in a profound deterioration in quality of life. The FSL® is a newly developed phototherapy device generating full-spectrum light (FSL) with a continuous wavelength (320-5000 nm). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of FSL® phototherapy in AD. METHODS: We enrolled 38 patients with moderate to severe AD in this open, randomized, controlled, prospective study. In the FSL-irradiated group (20 patients), irradiation was conducted twice per week for 4 consecutive weeks. In the control group (18 patients), only emollient application was allowed. SCORing Atopic Dermatis (SCORAD) values were obtained at baseline, week 4 and 8. Patients were asked to give subjective assessments of improvement and laboratory tests including serum eosinophil counts, ECP levels, IgE levels and 22 cytokine levels were performed. RESULTS: In the FSL-irradiated group, the mean SCORAD value decreased significantly after 4 weeks of phototherapy and remained reduced for a further 4 weeks after the cessation of treatment. In the control group, the mean SCORAD value did not change significantly over the study period. Patients' subjective assessments indicated good to excellent responses in 75% of the FSL-irradiated group, by contrast with 50% of the control group. The mean values for serum eosinophil counts, IL-4 and IL-5 levels decreased significantly after FLS phototherapy. No serious adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we showed that FSL® phototherapy can be an effective and safe treatment option in AD.