Effects of neuraxial or general anaesthesia on postoperative adverse events in oldest-old patients (aged 90 years and older) with intertrochanteric fractures: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: To retrospectively analyse postoperative adverse events in oldest-old patients (aged 90 years and older) with intertrochanteric fractures treated under various anaesthetic techniques. METHODS: A total of 153 consecutive patients participated in this study, of which 127 patients who underwent surgery with neuraxial anaesthesia or general anaesthesia for intertrochanteric fractures between October 2019 and October 2022 were eligible and evaluated. They were divided into the neuraxial anaesthesia and general anaesthesia groups. The demographic characteristics and postoperative adverse events were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 13 patients (10.24%), including 6 in the neuraxial anaesthesia group (8.22%) and 7 in the general anaesthesia group (12.96%), died within 30 days after surgery. No significant differences between the two groups were observed. Postoperative delirium occurred in 40 patients (31.49%), including 17 (23.29%) in the neuraxial anaesthesia group and 23 (42.59%) in the general anaesthesia group; there was a significant difference between the two groups [P = 0.02, odds ratio (OR) = 0.41]. The other postoperative adverse events, including heart failure, acute stroke, acute myocardial infarction, pulmonary disease, anaemia, deep vein thrombosis, hypoproteinaemia, and electrolyte disorders, were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that different anaesthesia methods do not affect the incidence of adverse events, such as death within 30 days after surgery in oldest-old patients with intertrochanteric fractures. However, more patients developed delirium after surgery in the general anaesthesia group (23, 42.59%) than in the neuraxial anaesthesia group (17, 23.29%); this may indicate that spinal anaesthesia reduces the incidence of postoperative delirium (P = 0.02, OR = 0.41). TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered.

[Identifying the origin of chromophoric dissolved organic matter in Xiamen Bay using fluorescence spectroscopy and chemometrics].

The fluorescent components of chromophoric dissolved matter (CDOM) in water samples collected from Xiamen Bay in spring and autumn, 2009 were examined using excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy combined with parallel factor analysis (EEMs-PARAFAC). PARAFAC decomposed the fluorescence matrices of CDOM into three humic-like (C1: 250, 345/454 nm; C2: 230, 310/374 nm; C5: 265, 424/478 nm) and two protein-like (C3: 230/342 nm; C4: 230, 275/322 nm) components. Good linear correlation occurred among three humic-like components and between two protein-like components, respectively. This demonstrated that the same types of components (humic-like or protein-like) have similar origin and geochemical behaviors. High abundances of humic-like components were found at the upstream zone of the Jiulong Estuary, while the high abundance of protein-like components occurred at the northern part of semi-enclosed Western Xiamen Harbor. The significant negative correlations were found between the abundances of all fluorescence components and salinity in the estuary area. However, the high contents of chlorophyll a were in line with the high abundances of C3 and C4 in non-estuarine area, which implies that phytoplankton activity could be another important source of protein-like components besides the river runoff. A principal component analysis(PCA) of fluorescent components revealed that terrestrial runoff was the dominant sources of CDOM fluorescence components in Xiamen Bay, while the contribution of the in situ biological processes was relatively lower. This study demonstrates that the combination use of PARAFAC modeling and chemometrics (i. e. PCA) is very useful in identifying the origin of CDOM and quantifying the primary factors influencing their distributions.

Characterization of dissolved organic matter in groundwater from the Coastal Dagu River watershed, China using fluorescence excitation-emission matrix spectroscopy.

The fluorescent properties of dissolved organic matter (DOM) from groundwater in the coastal Dagu River watershed, North China were determined using excitation-emission matrix spectroscopy (EEMs) analysis. Surface water DOM samples were also investigated for comparison. Two humic-like components (C1: 250, 355/472 nm; C2: < 240, 325/400 nm) and one protein-like component (C3: <240, 280/340 nm) were identified using parallel factor analysis. Low intensities for all components were observed in groundwater DOM from the upper and lower reaches of the study area. However, higher abundances of these components occurred in the middle reaches, reflecting the combined effect of seepage of surface water with strong anthropogenic pollution and the alteration of groundwater circulation due to cutoff as a result of the construction of a cutoff wall since the late 1990s. The humic-like components were dominant in groundwater DOM, with the average percentage of the protein-like component being only 15%, which was less than half of the corresponding percentage in surface water DOM. The freshness index in groundwater DOM was lower than the surface water samples, while the fluorescence index and humification index were higher than in the latter. These indices demonstrated the much higher degree of humification for groundwater DOM, which may be related to the longer residence time of groundwater and greater contribution of microbial degradation in the aquifer environment. This study demonstrated that EEMs could distinguish between the effects of natural background and human activities on the quantity and characteristics of the groundwater DOM, and thus could be a useful tool for studing the carbon dynamics and the controlling factors in groundwater systems.

[Effect of pH perturbation on rainwater dissolved organic matter fluorescence characteristics].

The influence of pH variation on the fluorescence characteristics of rainwater dissolved organic matter (DOM) was studied via excitation emission-matrix spectroscopy. A rainwater sample (pH 5.7) collected in Xiamen (China) in the summer of 2009 was adjusted to different pH values ranging from 3.2 to 10.7. Parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) decomposed the fluorescence matrices into four humic-like components (C1, C3, C4, and C5), one protein-like component (C2) and an unknown component (C6). As pH values of the sample increased from the initial value of 5.7 to 10.7, the fluorescence intensities of C1, C3, and C5 also increased, while those of C4 and C6 decreased gradually, resulting in an increasing contribution of humic-like components to total fluorescence. The opposite trend was observed when pH decreased to more acidic conditions and the unknown component (< 250, 330/386 nm) became dominant. The relative contribution of the protein-like component to the total fluorescence remained more or less constant as pH varied. In addition, the fluorescence index (FI), humification index (HIX) and the index of recent autochthonous contribution (BIX) were also affected by pH perturbation. It is therefore recommended that the pH of rainwater samples should be measured and reported in future studies to effectively evaluate such "pH effects" on rainwater DOM fluorescence characteristics.

[Spectral characteristics of dissolved organic matter released during the metabolic process of small medusa].

The metabolic processes of jellyfish can produce dissolved organic matter (DOM) which will influence the functioning of the aquatic ecosystems, yet the optical properties of DOM released by jellyfish are unknown. Here we report the absorption and fluorescence properties of DOM released by a medusa species Black fordia virginica during a 24 h incubation experiment. Compared with the control group, an obvious increase in the concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), absorption coefficient (a280) and total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) was observed in incubation group. This clearly demonstrated the release of DOM, chromophoric DOM (CDOM) and dissolved nutrients by B. virginica which feed on enough of Artemia sp. before the experiment. The increase in spectral slope ratio (SR) and decrease in humification index (HIX) indicated that the released DOM was less-humified and had relatively lower molecular weight. Parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) decomposed the fluorescence matrices of DOM into three humic-like components (C1-C3) and one protein-like component (C4). The Fmax of two components (C2: < 250, 295/386 nm; C4: 275/334 nm) with the emission wavelength < 400 nm increased significantly during the metabolic process of B. virginica. However, the Fmax of the other two components with the emission wavelength > 400 nm showed little changes. Thus, we suggested a zooplankton index (ZIX) to trace and characterize the DOM excreted by metabolic activity of zooplankton, which is calculated as the ratio of the sum of Fmax of all fluorescence components with the emission wavelength < 400 nm to the sum of Fmax of the other components with the emission wavelength > 400 nm.

Cancer-associated fibroblast-secreted miR-421 promotes pancreatic cancer by regulating the SIRT3/H3K9Ac/HIF-1α axis.

This study was designed to explore the effects of exosomal miR-421 secreted by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) on pancreatic cancer (PC) progression and the mechanisms involved. CAFs and exosomes (exos) were isolated and identified. PC cells were treated with CAF-derived exos (CAF-exos). Western blotting and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were used to measure miR-421, sirtuin-3 (SIRT3), and hypoxia duciblefactors-1 alpha (HIF-1α) levels. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), wound-healing, and transwell migration assays were used to measure proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of the cells. Dual-luciferase assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) experiment analyzed the relationship between miR-421 and SIRT3. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (f)-verified H3K9Ac enrichment in the HIF-1α promoter region. In vivo tumorigenesis experiments were performed to further explore the effects of exosomal miR-421 from CAFs on PC. CAFs and exos were successfully isolated. CAF-exo-treated PC cells highly expressed miR-421 and had increased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities. Knocking down miR-421 increased the expression of SIRT3. SIRT3 is a target of miR-421, and inhibiting the expression of SIRT3 reversed the negative effects of miR-421 knockdown on PC cell. Knocking down miR-421 in CAF-exo inhibited the expression of HIF-1α in PC cells. Moreover, SIRT3-mediated HIF-1α expression by regulating H3K9Ac. HIF-1α overexpression reversed the inhibiting effects of SIRT3 overexpression on PC progression and counteracted the inhibiting effects of miR-421 knockdown on glycolysis. Moreover, in vivo tumorigenesis experiments showed that knocking down miR-421 attenuated CAF-exo induced tumor growth. Exosomal miR-421 from CAFs promoted PC progression by regulating the SIRT3/H3K9Ac/HIF-1α axis. This study provided insights into the molecular mechanism of PC.

LINC00960 regulates cell proliferation and glycolysis in pancreatic cancer through the miR-326-3p/TUFT1/AKT-mTOR axis.

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a common malignant cancer characterized by high mortality and poor prognosis. LINC00690 was involved in the occurrence and progression of PC, but the underlying mechanisms require further investigation. The goal of this study was to figure out how LINC00960 mediates glycolysis in PC. LINC00960, miR-326-3p, and Tuftelin 1 (TUFT1) expression levels were detected in PC cell lines. LINC00960 and TUFT1 expression levels were increased in PC cells when compared with normal pancreatic cells, whereas miR-326-3p expression levels were decreased. The expression levels of LINC00690 affected glycolysis in PC, and inhibition of LINC00960 inhibited tumor growth in vivo. LINC00690 targeted and suppressed the expression of miR-326-3p. MiR-326-3p bound to TUFT1, and miR-326-3p inhibited AKT-mTOR pathway activation via TUFT1. In conclusion, the depletion of LINC00960 repressed cell proliferation and glycolysis in PC by mediating the miR-326-3p/TUFT1/AKT-mTOR axis. Thus, we present a novel mechanism underlying the progression of PC that suggests LINC00960 is a potential therapeutic target for this cancer.

[Parallel factor analysis for excitation emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy of dissolved organic matter from a reservoir-type river].

The fluorescent components and their distribution and variation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) were examined using excitation emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy-parallel factor analysis technique (EEMs-PARAFAC) for samples collected during June, 2008 from Minjiang River, a typical subtropical reservoir-type river ecosystem. Three separate fluorescent components were identified by PARAFAC, including two dominant humic-like components (C1: < 250, 325/424 nm; C2: 270, 395/482 nm) and one protein-like component (C3: < 250, 280/358 nm), of which humic-like components were dominant. Fluorescence analysis provided a 'fingerprint' technique to trace the mixing of DOM between three tributaries in the upstream of Minjiang River. The nearly constant concentration and composition in the main stream of Minjiang River reflected the effect of dam construction Correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that humic-like components were principally derived from flushing of watershed soils, while protein-like component was formed from in-situ production which could be used as a proxy of the concentration of total dissolved nitrogen (TDN). Multi-linear regression of fluorescent components C2 and C3 can be used to trace the variation of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration. This study demonstrates that Minjiang is a typical subtropical reservoir-type river which still keeps relatively 'unpolluted' aquatic environment.

[Evaluation on short term after hepatectomy for the patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the high risk factors for tumor recurrence in short term after hepatectomy for the patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Five hundreds and two patients with primary HCC underwent hepatectomy were included from January 1997 to December 2008. Among these patients, males were 419 cases and females were 83 cases. The age was 14 to 82 years (average age 54 years). The results of evaluation on 2 months after resection and tumor recurrence and survival were analyzed. RESULTS: According to the operative and pathologic findings and the evaluation on 2 months after hepatectomy, the patients with vascular invasion, palliation resection, cutting edge pathologic residual tumor, lymph notes metastasis, serum AFP level continuing higher after resection or(and) positive TACE (tumor dyeing on TACE within 1 month and a deposit of lipiodol on CT scan) were high risk factors (high-risk group, 106 cases, 21.1%), the recurrence-free survival was 22%, 9% and 3% (1, 2 and 5 year) and overall survival was 52%, 25% and 8%. On the non-high risk group patients, the recurrence-free survival was 84%, 67%, 42% and 31% (1, 2, and 5 year) and overall survival was 97%, 85%, 56% and 35%. The bigger tumor, poor differentiation, tumor invading to liver capsule, satellite focus and TNM III-IV stage in high-risk groups were more significantly than that in non-high-risk groups. CONCLUSION: The vascular invasion, palliation resection, cutting edge pathologic residual tumor, lymph notes metastasis, serum AFP level continuing higher or (and) positive TACE within 2 months after resection are high risk factors for HCC patients in short term after hepatectomy, which mean tumor remnant.

Changed epidemiology of anthrax and molecular characteristics of Bacillus anthracis in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China.

Anthrax is a natural foci disease in Inner Mongolia, which poses a severe threat to public health. In this study, the incidence number, rate and constituent ratio were used to describe the epidemiological characteristics of anthrax in the region from 1956-2018. The molecular correlation and genetic characteristics of the strains were investigated using canonical single nucleotide polymorphisms (CanSNP), multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA-15) and whole genome sequencing (WGS). The epidemiological characteristics of anthrax in Inner Mongolia have altered significantly. The incidence of anthrax has decreased annually without vaccination, and the regional distribution of anthrax gradually transferred from central and western regions to the eastern. Moreover, the occupation distribution evolved from multiple early occupations to predominated by farmers and herdsmen. This change is closely related to policy factors and to changes in the means of production and the living habits of the local population. This indicates that reformulating the control and prevention strategies is essential. Both A. Br. Ames and A. Br. 001/002 subgroups were the predominant CanSNP genotypes of Bacillus anthracis in Inner Mongolia. A total of 36 strains constituted six shared MLVA-15 genotypes, suggesting an epidemiological link between the strains of each shared genotype. The six shared genotypes ([GT1, 9, 11 and 15] and [GT8 and 12]) consisting of 2-7 strains confirmed the occurrence of multiple point outbreaks and cross-regional transmission caused by multiple common sources of infection. Phylogenetic analysis based on the WGS core genome showed that strains from this study formed an independent clade (C.V.), and they were positioned close to each other, suggesting a common origin. Further comparison analysis should be performed to ascertain the geographic origin of these strains.

Outbreak of neonatal gastroenteritis associated with astrovirus serotype 1 at a hospital in Inner Mongolia, China.

This report describes for the first time an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis among neonates associated with human astrovirus (HAstV) serotype 1b at a maternity hospital in Inner Mongolia, China. Of 40 specimens, 28 were astrovirus positive and rotavirus, calicivirus, and adenovirus negative. Poor hygiene likely contributed to the spread and persistence of HAstV in the neonatal care room.

[Effect of combination of docosahexaenoic acid and fluorouracil on human gastric carcinoma cell strain MGC803].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the combination of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and fluorouracil (FU) on human gastric carcinoma cell strain MGC803 in vitro. METHODS: The influences of DHA and FU alone or in combination on cell proliferation was detected using MTT assay. Dose of median (Dm) of drugs (alone or in combination) and the combination index (CI) were calculated using the combination index equation of Chou-Talalay. Cell cycle were examined using flow cytometry. Cell apoptosis was determined by Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining method. The expression of apoptosis-related protein was detected using Western blot. RESULTS: DHA significantly inhibited the growth of MGC803, and low-dose DHA induced the proliferation of human embryonic lung fibroblast (P < 0.05). DHA remarkably strengthened the inhibitive effect of FU on the growth of MGC803, and decreased the Dm of FU by 3.6-2.5 folds (P < 0.05). When the inhibitory ratio reached 30%, the combination of DHA and FU showed synergism (CI < 1) and significant G(0)/G(1) arrest (vs FU, P < 0.05). DHA increased the apoptosis-inducing effect of FU and upregulated the cleaved-caspase-3 expression. CONCLUSIONS: DHA can inhibit the growth of MGC803. When combined with FU, DHA has synergetic effect in inhibiting the proliferation of gastric cancer cells and meanwhile decrease the dose of FU.

[Study on optical characteristics of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in rainwater by fluorescence excitation-emission matrix and absorbance spectroscopy].

The optical characteristics of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) were determined in rain samples collected in Xiamen Island, during a rainy season in 2007, using fluorescence excitation-emission matrix spectroscopy associated with UV-Vis absorbance spectra. Results showed that the absorbance spectra of CDOM in rain samples decreased exponentially with wavelength. The absorbance coefficient at 300 nm [a(300)] ranged from 0.27 to 3.45 m(-1), which would be used as an index of CDOM abundance, and the mean value was 1.08 m(-1). The content of earlier stage of precipitation events was higher than that of later stage of precipitation events, which implied that anthropogenic sources or atmospheric pollution or air mass types were important contributors to CDOM levels in precipitation. EEMs spectra showed 4 types of fluorescence signals (2 humic-like fluorescence peaks and 2 protein-like fluorescence peaks) in rainwater samples, and there were significant positive correlations of peak A with C and peak B with S, showing their same sources or some relationship of the two humic-like substance and the two protein-like substance. The strong positive correlations of the two humic-like fluorescence peaks with a(300), suggested that the chromophores responsible for absorbance might be the same as fluorophores responsible for fluorescence. Results showed that the presence of highly absorbing and fluorescing CDOM in rainwater is of significant importance in atmospheric chemistry and might play a previously unrecognized role in the wavelength dependent spectral attenuation of solar radiation by atmospheric waters.

[Verification of ballast water exchange for international ships anchored in Xiamen Port by CDOM tracer].

Fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) and absorption spectroscopy were applied to study the optical properties of 29 CDOM samples collected from different ballast tanks of nine international route vessels anchored in Xiamen Port between October 2007 and April 2008. The purpose was to examine the feasibility of these spectral properties as a tracer to verify if these vessels follow the mid-ocean ballast water exchange (BWE) regulation. Using parallel factor analysis, four fluorescent components were identified, including two humic-like components (C1: 245, 300/386 nm; C2: 250, 345/458 nm) and two protein-like components (C3: 220, 275/306 nm; C4: 235, 290/345 nm), of which C2 component was the suitable fluorescence verification indicator. The vertical distribution of all fluorescent components in ballast tank was nearly similar indicating that profile-mixing sampling was preferable. Combined use of C2 component, spectral slope ratio (SR) of absorption spectroscopy and salinity may provide reasonable verification if BWE carried out by these nine ships. The results suggested that the combined use of multiple parameters (fluorescence, absorption and salinity) would be much reliable to determine the origin of ballast water, and to provide the technical guarantee for fast examination of ballast water exchange in Chinese ports.

[Fluorescence excitation-emission matrix spectroscopy of CDOM from Yundang Lagoon and its indication for organic pollution].

Fluorescence excitation-emission matrix spectroscopy (EEMs) combined with absorption spectroscopy were applied to study the optical properties of CDOM samples from highly-polluted Yundang Lagoon in Xiamen in order to demonstrate the feasibility of using these spectral properties as a tracer of the degree of organic pollution in similar polluted coastal waters. Surface water samples were collected from 13 stations 4 times during April and May, 2008. Parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) model was used to resolve the EEMs of CDOM. Five separate fluorescent components were identified, including two humic-like components (C1: 240, 325/422 nm; C5: 260, 380/474 nm), two protein-like components (C2: 225, 275/350 nm; C4: 240, 300/354 nm) and one xenobiotic-like component (C3: 225/342 nm), which could be used as a good tracer for the input of the anthropogenic organic, pollutants. The concentrations of component C3 and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) are much higher near the inlet of sewage discharge, demonstrating that the discharge of surrounding sewage is a major source of organic pollutants in Yundang Lagoon. CDOM absorption coefficient alpha (280) and the score of humic-like component C1 showed significant linear relationships with COD(Mn), and a strong positive correlation was also found between the score of protein-like component C2 and BOD5. This suggested that the optical properties of CDOM may provide a fast in-situ way to monitor the variation of the water quality in Yundang Lagoon and that of similar polluted coastal waters.

[Characterization of photobleaching of chromophoric dissolved organic matter in Xiamen Bay by excitation emission matrix spectroscopy].

Fluorescence excitation-emission matrix spectroscopy (EEMs) was applied to study the photobleaching of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in two surface water samples from Xiamen Bay exposed to natural sunlight between 10:00-16:00 during September 12-18, 2007. Both samples were collected from the lower and middle salinity areas in Jiulong Estuary of Xiamen Bay, and then filtered by 0.2 microm polycarbonate filters before the photobleaching incubation experiment. The results showed that three humic-like (C, A, M) and two protein-like (T, B) fluorescence peaks were observed in both samples, and the photobleaching didn't cause obvious shift of the positions of these fluorescence peaks. The fluorescence intensities of the five peaks decreased with the increase in irradiation time and peak C demonstrated the fastest photobleaching rate. The photobleaching rate of low salinity sample was higher than that of middle salinity sample, consistent with its higher content of chromophores. All the five fluorophores could be distinguished into labile and refractory components based on their photobleaching dynamics. The increase in the intensity ratios of peak T and C (IT/IC) and peak T and C (IA/IC) after irradiation suggested that photobleaching can cause obvious change of the properties of dissolved organic matter in seawater, and it may partly account for the dominance of the protein-like fluorescence relative to the humic-like fluorescence in coastal area. The results suggest that EEMs was a useful tool to trace the transformation and removal processes of terrestrial CDOM entering the coastal regions. Keywords Chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM); Photobleaching; Excitation-emission matrix spectroscopy

Clinical efficacy of middle pancreatectomy contrasts distal pancreatectomy: a single-institution experience and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: We aim to analyse the difference of clinical efficacy between middle pancreatectomy (MP) and distal pancreatectomy (DP). METHODS: A retrospective study was used to analyse 39 cases of MP and 52 cases of DP from the Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from February 2007 to December 2016. Furthermore, we identify randomized controlled trials or strictly designed clinical controlled trials on MP and DP. We performed a meta-analysis of the final included studies using RevMan 5.3 software to illustrate the differences in efficacy between MP and DP. RESULTS: In the MP group, the operation time and diet start time were significantly longer than DP group. However, there was no significant difference in serious complications including clinically significant pancreatic fistula (grades B and C), delayed gastric emptying, reoperative and mortality. Furthermore, compared with DP, patients in MP group could benefit from long-term post-operative exocrine and endocrine function. Finally, we performed a meta-analysis including 14 studies with a total of 1104 patients and proved that the pancreatic fistula rate, endocrine and exocrine function were significantly different in the two groups. CONCLUSION: The MP is a safe and feasible surgical method. It can well preserve the endocrine and exocrine function of pancreas and improve the life quality of patients.

[Effect of combination of eicosapentaenoic acid and epirubicin on human gastric carcinoma cell strain MGC-803].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of combination of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and The effects of EPA and epirubicin (EPI) on the human gastric carcinoma cell MGC-803 in vitro. METHODS: EPI were measured by MTT assay , and the interaction between these two agents was evaluated by the isobologram technique of Berenbaum. Morphous of cell was observed by phase-contrast and electron microscope. Flow cytometry was used for cell cycle analysis. RESULTS: EPA significantly inhibited the growth of MGC-803 cells in a dose- and time-dependent way (P < 0.01). Numerous abnormal particles were found around the nucleus of MGC-803 cells under phase-contrast microscope, and also many electron-dense material in cytoplasm were found under electron microscope. EPA significantly stimulated the growth of human embryonal pulmonary fibroblast (HPF) dose-dependently (P < 0.01). A strong synergism was found between EPA and EPI in MGC-803 cells. EPA induced G0/G1-phase arrest but without statistical significance (P > 0.05), and EPI significantly induced S-phase arrest (P < 0.05) in MGC-803 cells. CONCLUSIONS: EPA can inhibit cell growth in gastric carcinoma cells but not in normal cells. EPA and EPI have synergetic effect in the inhibition of gastric carcinoma cells. Compared with EPI monotherapy, the combination of EPI and EPA can reduce the dosage of EPI.

[Effect of combination of glutamine and mitomycin C on human gastric carcinoma cell strain MGC-803].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of combination of glutamine (GLN) and mitomycin C (MMC) on the human gastric carcinoma cell line MGC-803 in vitro. METHODS: The effects of GLN and MMC were measured by MTT assay, and the interaction between the two agents was evaluated by the median-effect principle. Flow cytometry was used for cell cycle analysis. RESULTS: GLN did not significantly stimulate the cell growth in vitro. High-concentration of GLN could inhibit the cell growth. MMC could effectively inhibit the cell growth in a time-dependent manner. The interaction of these two agents showed a weak antagonistic activity (1 < CI < 1.2703). MMC induced remarkable S-phase arrest. Low-dose GLN has limited effect on the S-phase arrest of MMC, while high-dose GLN significantly attenuated the S-phase arrest and lowered the proliferation index of MGC-803 cell. CONCLUSIONS: Combination of GLN and MMC has a a weak and dose-dependent antagonistic activity in the treatment of gastric carcinoma cell line MGC-803. The combination of high-dose MMC and low-dose GLN may achieve better efficacy.