Transcriptomic analysis identifies differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with bolting and flowering in Saposhnikovia divaricata / 中国天然药物

Saposhnikovia divaricata is a valuable Chinese medicinal herb; the transformation from vegetative growth to reproductive growth may lead to the decrease of its pharmacological activities. Therefore, the study of bolting and flowering for Saposhnikovia divaricata is warranted. The present study aimed to reveal differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and regularity of expression during the bolting and flowering process, and the results of this study might provide a theoretical foundation for the suppression of early bolting for future research and practical application. Three sample groups, early flowering, flower bud differentiation, and late flowering (groups A, B, and C, respectively) were selected. Transcriptomic analysis identified 67, 010 annotated unigenes, among which 50, 165 were differentially expressed including 16, 108 in A vs B, and 17, 459 in B vs C, respectively. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway functional classification analysis were performed on these differentially expressed genes, and five important pathways were significantly impacted (P ≤ 0.01): plant circadian rhythm, other glycan degradation, oxidative phosphorylation, plant hormone signal transduction, and starch and sucrose metabolism. Plant hormone signal transduction might play an important role in the bolting and flowering process. The differentially expressed indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) gene showed significant down-regulation during bolting and flowering, while the transport inhibitor response 1 (TIR1) gene showed no significant change during the bolting process. The expression of flowering related genes FLC, LYF, and AP1 also showed a greater difference at different development stages. In conclusion, we speculate that the decrease in auxin concentration is not caused by the degrading effect of TIR1 but by an alternative mechanism.

Transcriptomic analysis identifies differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with bolting and flowering in Saposhnikovia divaricata / 中国天然药物

Saposhnikovia divaricata is a valuable Chinese medicinal herb; the transformation from vegetative growth to reproductive growth may lead to the decrease of its pharmacological activities. Therefore, the study of bolting and flowering for Saposhnikovia divaricata is warranted. The present study aimed to reveal differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and regularity of expression during the bolting and flowering process, and the results of this study might provide a theoretical foundation for the suppression of early bolting for future research and practical application. Three sample groups, early flowering, flower bud differentiation, and late flowering (groups A, B, and C, respectively) were selected. Transcriptomic analysis identified 67, 010 annotated unigenes, among which 50, 165 were differentially expressed including 16, 108 in A vs B, and 17, 459 in B vs C, respectively. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway functional classification analysis were performed on these differentially expressed genes, and five important pathways were significantly impacted (P ≤ 0.01): plant circadian rhythm, other glycan degradation, oxidative phosphorylation, plant hormone signal transduction, and starch and sucrose metabolism. Plant hormone signal transduction might play an important role in the bolting and flowering process. The differentially expressed indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) gene showed significant down-regulation during bolting and flowering, while the transport inhibitor response 1 (TIR1) gene showed no significant change during the bolting process. The expression of flowering related genes FLC, LYF, and AP1 also showed a greater difference at different development stages. In conclusion, we speculate that the decrease in auxin concentration is not caused by the degrading effect of TIR1 but by an alternative mechanism.

Efficacy, Efficiency, and Safety of Magnetic Resonance-Guided High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound for Ablation of Uterine Fibroids: Comparison with Ultrasound-Guided Method

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare efficacy, sonication energy efficiency, treatment time and safety of magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MRgHIFU) and those of ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (USgHIFU) for ablation of uterine fibroids. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 43 patients with 44 symptomatic uterine fibroids treated with MRgHIFU and 51 patients with 68 symptomatic uterine fibroids treated with USgHIFU. After therapy, contrast-enhanced MRI was conducted and complete ablation was defined as 100% non-perfused volume (NPV) of fibroids. Patients with completely ablated fibroids were selected for the comparison of the treatment data and sonication parameters between MRgHIFU and USgHIFU treated groups. RESULTS: Thirteen completely ablated fibroids in 10 patients (23.3%, 10/43) were achieved with MRgHIFU and 28 completely ablated fibroids in 22 patients (43.1%, 22/51) were achieved with USgHIFU. In completely ablated fibroids, the energy-efficiency factor (EEF) was 5.1 ± 3.0 J/mm3 and 4.7 ± 2.5 J/mm3 in the MRgHIFU and USgHIFU, respectively (p = 0.165). There was a negative linear correlation between EEF and the NPV of fibroids for MRgHIFU (p = 0.016) and USgHIFU (p = 0.001). The mean treatment time was 174.5 ± 42.2 minutes and 114.4 ± 39.2 minutes in the MRgHIFU and USgHIFU procedures, respectively (p = 0.021). There were no severe adverse events and major complications after treatment. CONCLUSION: MRgHIFU and USgHIFU are safe and effective with the equivalent energy efficiency for complete ablation of fibroids. USgHIFU has shorter treatment time than MRgHIFU.

Effects of different substrates on low temperature fresh ginseng / 中国中药杂志

The SOD and POD enzyme activities were detected, ginseng saponin content and protein concentration at 4 ℃ preservation on fresh ginseng by different substrates were determined. The results showed that the appearance of the ginseng and the survival ability were good after six months by perlite preservation. It has lower SOD, POD enzyme activity and higher saponins and protein contention. It is the best fresh storing conditions for ginseng by using perlite at 4 ℃ preservation.

Anti-feeding activity of total ginsenoside from Panax ginseng to 4th-instar Mythimna separata larvae / 中国中药杂志

This paper is in order to study the anti-feeding and growth inhibition activity of toatal ginsenoside of ginseng stems and leaves against 4th-instar Mythimna separata larvae. Simulating natural growing condition indoors, on the base, To study the anti-feeding and growth inhibition activity of toatal ginsenoside against 4th-instar M. separata larvae by leaf disc test. The toatal ginsenoside appeared to be of significant antifeeding activity against 4th-instar M. separata larvae. The 4th-instar M. separata larvae fed on the leaves of Sorghum bicolor treated with 20, 10, 5 g · L(-1) toatal ginsenoside. At 8 h, non-selective anti-feeding rate were 88.67%, 64.40% and 47.36%, and selective anti-feeding rate were 62.49% , 44.29% and 34.19%; Compared with the photographic, The toatal ginsenoside conld make the development period had prolonged 13h in treated group. The toatal ginsenoside had significant inhibition effect on feeding and growth and development against 4th-instar M. separata larvae, and inhibition effect increases as the increase of concentration ginsenoside.

Effects of constant low temperature on cold resistance of different strains Polygonatum odoratum / 中国中药杂志

In this paper, the five strains of Polygonatum odoratum were used as the experimental materials to test the supercooling point, freezing point, the degree of supercooling, the transition stage time, cooling time and water composition of the plant tissue. The cold resistance of P. odoratum was analyzed with the Gray Correlation Method. The results showed that the cold resistances of the five strains of P. odoratum were different, and the water content of plant tissue had some relevance with freezing point and supercooling point, whereas, it could not be measured when the moisture content was too low. The order of cold resistance of the five strains of P. odoratum was ZJCY, DYYZ, XYYZ, CYYZ and JZ I.

Effects of Rhodiola on the Expression of iNOS mRNA in Severe Acute Pancreatitis Associated Re- nal Injury Rats / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of Rhodiola on the expression of iNOS mRNA in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) associated renal injury rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 72 healthy rats were randomly divided into the sham-operated group (S), the SAP associated renal injury group (M), and the Rhodiola-treated group (RHO), 24 in each group. Rats in S and M groups were peritoneally injected with 10 mL/kg saline 3h before modeling, while rats in the RHO group were peritoneally injected with 10 mL/kg Rhodiola Injection 3 h before modeling. The peripheral ligament of pancreas was bluntly dissociated in rats of M and RHO groups. The head of pancreas was occlused by nontraumatic blood vessel forceps 3 h later to establish the model. Eight rats were randomly selected from each group at 12, 24, and 36 h after modeling to detect levels of serum amylase, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen. Serum levels of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Pathological changes of the left kidney were observed under light microscope. The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA in the right kidney was detected with real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the S group, serum levels of amylase, creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), IL-1β, IL-10, and iNOS mRNA expression significantly increased in the M group (P < 0.01). The function of kidney and pancreas were obviously improved in the RHO group than in the M group. Levels of IL-1β and iNOS significantly decreased, but IL-10 levels significantly increased in the RHO group with statistical difference (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Rhodiola had better protective effect on SAP associated renal injury, which might be achieved through inhibiting the expression of IL-1β, stimulating the expression of IL-10, down-regulating iNOS mRNA expression, reducing the generation of oxygen free radicals and NO damage to cells, and improving hypoxia tolerance capabilities of the kidney.</p>

Research of chemotaxis response of Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria panax on total ginsenosides / 中国中药杂志

In this paper, three kinds of chemotactic parameters (concentration, temperature and pH) were determined by plate assay and spore germination method to research the chemotactic response of Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria panax, and their spores on total ginsenosides. The results showed that Botrytis cinerea had strong chemotactic response at the mid-concentration of total ginsenosides (cultivation temperature was 20 degrees C and pH value was 6), and the data of chemotactic migration index (CMI) was 1.293 0, chemotactic growth rate (CGR) was 0.476 0, spore germination rate (SGR) was 53%, and dry weight of mycelial (DWM) was 0.452 6 g x L(-1); however, Alternaria panax had strong chemotactic response at the low-concentration of total ginsenosides (cultivation temperature was 25 degrees C and pH value was 6), and the data of chemotactic migration index (CMI) was 1.235 4, chemotactic growth rate (CGR) was 0.537 0, spore germination rate (SGR) was 67%, and dry weight of mycelial (DWM) was 0.494 8 g x L(-1). The results indicated that the low and middle concentration (2, 20 mg x L(-1)) of total ginsenosides had significant promoting effect on chemotactic response of these two pathogens, and the spore germination, mycelial growth rate, dry weight of mycelial of them were also significantly improved by this chemotactic response, whereas it decreased as the increase of total ginsenosides concentration.

Effect of total ginsenoside on content of protein and activity of digestive enzyme of Mythimna separata larvae / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This study aims to reveal the effect of total ginsenoside on the protein content and digestive enzyme activities of 4th-instar Mythimna separata larvae, including alpha-amylase and cellulose, and explore the ecological function of total ginsenoside.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>While simulating natural growing condition indoors, 4th-instar M. separata larvae were fed by poison leaf disk method. The protein content was tested by Lowry Protein Assay Kit method, the activity of alpha-amylase was measured by dinitrosalicylic acid test, and the activity of cellulase was determined by the filter paper method.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The total ginsenoside could reduce the content of protein of 4th-instar M. separata larvae significantly, and the activity of digestive enzyme, including alpha-amylase and cellulase. The protein content, alpha-amylase and cellulase activity of treatments were obviously lower than that of the control. Inhibition ratio of alpha-amylase and cellulase activity was positively correlated with total ginsenoside concentration: i. e. 20 g x L(-1) > 10 g x L(-1) > 5 g x L(-1).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The results suggest that the inhibition effect of total ginsenoside on protein content and digestive enzymes may be one of the causes to antifeedant and dysplasia of M. separata larvae.</p>

Establishment of a high metastatic potential human hepatocellular carcinoma orthotopic transplantation model with palliative liver resection in nude mice / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To construct a high metastatic potential human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) orthotopic transplantation model with palliative liver resection in nude mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A human HCC orthotopic nude mice model was established by administering a single inoculation of the highly metastatic MHCC97H tumor tissue (size 2 mm * 2 mm * 2 mm) into the left liver lobe. At day 14 post-inoculation, a random group of the mice received palliative liver resection; the unresected mice served as controls. Changes in expression levels of 113 genes with metastasis-related functions were evaluated in the residual HCC tissues. At day 35 post-resection, a random group of the mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and a comprehensive metastases examination was performed. The remaining mice were used to observe life span. All statistical analyses were performed by the SPSS v17.0 software, and significance was defined as P less than 0.05.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The nude mouse model of highly metastatic HCC with palliative liver resection was successfully established. Incidences of intrahepatic and abdominal metastases were higher in the palliative resected group (vs. unresected group: 11.7+/-4.7 vs. 6.3+/-2.8, t = -2.412, P less than 0.05 and 9.8+/-3.4 vs. 5.2+/-2.6, t = -2.641, P less than 0.05 respectively). In addition, the palliative resected group showed significantly enhanced pulmonary metastasis (vs. unresected group: 14.3+/-4.7 vs. 8.7+/-4.7, t = -2.348, P less than 0.05). Differential gene expression levels were found for MTSS1, TGFbl, SMAD2, IL-1b, and MMP7, and were situated in the central position of gene function net of residual HCC. The life-span of the palliative resected group was significantly longer than that of the unresected group (60.8+/-2.7 vs. 51.3+/-1.4 days, x2 = 12.850, P less than 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The highly metastatic human HCC nude mouse model with palliative liver resection that was successfully constructed in this study represents a useful investigational tool to assess the biological characteristics of residual cancer and to screen therapeutic strategies.</p>

Effects of enteral immunonutrition on immune function in patients with multiple trauma / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

BACKGROUND: Enteral immunonutrition (EIN) refers to addition of some specific nutrients in enteral nutrition (EN), which can help to increase the immune function, and reduce the inflammatory reaction and septic complications. This study aimed to determine whether EIN can improve the immune function in multiple trauma patients. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with multiple trauma who had been admitted to the general ICU of Changzheng Hospital, Shanghai, from March 2007 to May 2008, were randomly divided into two groups: an enteral immunonutrition group (EIN group, n=16) and an enteral nutrition group (EN group, n=16). EIN suspension (RuiNeng produced by Sino-Swed Co., Ltd) and ordinary nutrition liquid (RuiSu produced by Sino-Swed Co., Ltd) were given to patients of the EIN group and EN group respectively for at least for 14 days. Peripheral blood lymphocyte count (TLC), immunoglobulin (IgG, IgM, IgA), and T-lymphocyte subsets (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD4 / CD8) were detected on the 1st day after grouping, and the 7th day and 14th day after nutritional support. RESULTS: TLC, IgG, IgM, IgA, CD4 and CD4/CD8 ratio were significantly higher in the EIN group on the 7th and 14th day than that on the 1st day (P<0.05), and continually increased with a prolonged time of EIN. The parameters of immune function in the EN group on the 7th day didn't change significantly compared with those on the 1st day after grouping; on the 14 th day, TLC, IgG, IgM, IgA, CD4 and CD4/CD8 ratio were significantly higher than those on the 1st day after grouping (P<0.05), but were significantly lower than those in the EIN group on the 14th day (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Compared with the general formula EN, EIN is more helpful for the recovery of humoral and cellular immune function in the early post-multitraumatic phase.

Effects of MIM-B gene on invasive and metastatic potentials of human hepatocellular carcinoma MHCC97H cells / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of lentivirus mediated siRNA targeting human metastasis suppressor 1 (MTSS1, MIM-B gene) gene on the invasive and metastatic potentials of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) MHCC97H cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The siRNA targeting MTSS1 was cloned into one lentivirus work vector. The work vector and three package plasmids were co-transfected into 293T cells with the help of lipefeetamine 2000. Lentivirus was collected in 72 hours and was added to the cultured MHCC97H cells. The total cell MIM-B mRNA and MIM-B protein were extracted and underwent real-time PCR and western-blot test respectively. Boden chamber assay was used to evaluate the invasive potential of MHCC97H cells. Gelatin zymography was used to detect matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) activity. Metastatic human HCC nude mice models were established by orthotopic implantation with a high metastatic potential human HCC cell line MHCC97H. Twenty-four nude mice bearing orthotopic xenografts were randomized into black control group, Lenti-GFP group and intervention group (Lenti-MTSS1 group) 14 days after orthotopic implantation (8 per group). The ultrasound-guided multi-point injection was performed on mice with borate buffered saline, Lenti-GFP and Lenti-MTSS1 respectively. Mice were sacrificed on day 35 for the examination of pulmonary metastasis. The SPSS 13.0 soft ware was applied to data analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The small interfering RNA targeting MTSS1 was constructed successfully with a transfection efficiency of 97.0%, which produced a marked inhibition of invasive ability of MHCC97H cells through Matrigel, being 37.9+/-4.4, 37.4+/-5.3 and 26.6+/-4.6 in the black control group, Lenti-GFP group and Lenti-MTSS1 group (F = 26.695, P value is less than 0.01), respectively. MIM-B expression and MMP2 activity of intervention group were also significantly down-regulated as compared to the control group. The results of in vivo studies showed that the numbers of lung metastatic nodules were 6.5+/-2.6, 6.4+/-2.7 and 3.8+/-1.3 in the black control group, Lenti-GFP group and intervention group respectively with significant statistical difference (F = 3.637, P value is less than 0.05), accorded with tumor tissue MIM-B mRNA expression of 0.39+/-0.19, 0.38+/-0.10 and 0.16+/-0.11 respectively (F = 11.644, P value is less than 0.01) when comparison was made between control group and therapy group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Small interfering RNA mediated by lentivirus inhibited MIM-B expression and resulted in inhibition of the invasive and metastatic potentials of MHCC97H cells, which may attributed, in part, the down regulation of MMP2 activity, and thus may provide a new molecular targeted therapy for HCC patients in the future.</p>

Surgical technique and concept in precise hepatectomy: experience of 338 cases of hepatectomy in single center / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the perioperative clinical outcome and predictive factors for perioperative complication morbidity and mortality.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From August 2003 to August 2008, the data of 338 cases of hepatectomy performed in the liver transplant center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University was collected in a prospective manner. The patients' perioperative clinical risk factors and results were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the 338 hepatectomy cases, 255 patients (75.4%) underwent precise anatomical hepatectomy. The overall perioperative complication morbidity was 18.1%, while the perioperative mortality was 0.6%. In a total of 211 (62.4%) cases, the operation was carried out without blood transfusion. Univariate analysis revealed that cirrhotic liver, thrombocytopenia, blood loss in operation > 1000 ml, blood transfusion in operation and several other factors were closely related with the incidence rate of complication. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that thrombocytopenia and perioperative blood transfusion were important independently predictive factors for the occurrence of perioperative complications in hepatectomy.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Precise hepatectomy enables patients to obtain better clinical outcome with low complication morbidity and perioperative mortality. Reducing hemorrhage is an important factor that lead to good clinical results.</p>

Influence of fluoride on proliferation of newborn mouse chondrocytes / 中国地方病学杂志

Objective To study the proliferation of in vitro cultured mouse chondrocytes exposed to different doses of fluoride.Methods The third generation of primary cultured chondrocytes were exposed to the concentrations of 0,5,10,20,40 mg/L fluoride for 10 days to observe the morphological changes under light microscope and electron microscope to counter the numbers of ehondrocytes and proliferating rote with the growth curve and MTT.Results After exposed to fluoride for 10 days,the proliferation was present in the chondrocytes of the 5,10,20 mg/L groups,and shrinked chromatine and apoptosed ehondrocytes were seen in 40 mg/L group.The absorbance was not significantly different between all groups(F=2.313,P＞0.05);after exposed to fluoride for 48 and 72 hours,there was a significant difference of proliferating ability among 0 mg/L(the contr01)group[(23.5±4.6)%,(29.9±1.7)%],5 mg/L group[(34.6±4.7)%,(45.3±5.9)%],10 mg/L group[(39.9±4.8)%.(56.8±5.5)%],20 mg/L group[(31.8±4.1)%,(38.3±6.5)%]and 40 mg/L group[(28.3±4.3)%,(33.4±4.8)%](F=11.401,25.671,P＜0.05).There wss a significant difference compared with the control group(P＜0.05)with that of 5 and 10 mg/L groups higher than that of 40 mg/L groups(P＜0.05).Conclusions Lower doses of fluoride improve the proliferation of in vitro mouse chondrocyte in a short exposing time,higher doses result in the opposite.

Analysis of clinical speciality of invasive fungai infection on 137 cases / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective To analyze the clinical speciality of invasive fungal infection(IFI)and provide doctors with clinical evidence for early anti-fungal therapy.Method One hundred and thirty-seven patients with 91 male and 46 female,who suffered from invasive fungal infection in ICU from January.1,2000 to June 30, 2006,were enrolled in this study.The age ranged from 17 to 82 years old.Out of 137 patients with IFI,the percentage of albicans candida,glabirate candida,tropicalis candida and parapsilosis candida were 47.4%, 26.3%,20.4% and 3.6%,reseparately.The sputum,urine,blood and other drainages were collected to perform the fungal examination after three days of admission every three days.Results Of 137 patients,42 of them were complicated with hemorrhage,53 patients with IFI developed candida anthema in the chest,abdomen and extremity.,49 patients suffering from IFI had organ dysfunction.The chest image revealed that infiltration caused by IFI especially occurred in apex of lung in some patients.The pathogen analysis displayed that albicans candidiasis easily developed candida anthema,glabirate candidiasis frequently resulted in organ dysfunction,and tropicalis candida led to hemorrhage in some organs.Conclusions The clinical specialty,of IFI caused by candida included hemorrhage,candida anthema,organ dysfunction,and infiltration in apex of lung.

Role of NF-?B in hepatocyte apoptosis induced by intestinal perforations due to abdominal firearm wound / 中国现代普通外科进展

Objective: To investigate the role of NF-?B in signal transduction of hepatocyte apoptosis in liver injury. Methods: A total of 42 Chang-Bai piglets were divided into 7 groups: control group, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours wound group. The model of intestinal perforations due to abdominal firearm wound was established in wound groups. Hepatic NF-?B activity was measured with immunohistochemical staining and image analysis in all groups. Hepatocyte apoptosis indexes and serum ALT levels were also determined. Results: Levels of hepatic NF-?B activity in wounded groups were significantly elevated compared with control group, and there were two peaks (1 and 8 hours group P

Inhibitory effect of recombinant transforming growth factor alpha-pseudomonas exotoxin 40 on human bladder cancer cell proliferation / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study inhibitory effect of recombinant transforming growth factor alpha-Pseudomonas exotoxin fusion protein (TP40) on proliferation of the human bladder cancer T24 cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in cultured T24 cells was analyzed with Western blot assay. Human bladder cancer T24 cells were exposed to TP40 at 5 - 1 000 microg/L. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay was applied to evaluate the cell proliferation by measuring the absorbance (A) at 570 nm with a microplate reader. Tritium labeled thymine deoxyriboside ([(3)H]-TdR) uptake was measured to observe DNA synthesis. Competition assays were performed by the EGF at 1 - 7 500 microg/L.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Expression of EGFR was high in human bladder cancer T24 cells. Cell growth was suppressed by 10%, 19%, 27%, 41%, 47%, 53% and 61% after 96 h treatment with TP40 at 5, 50, 100, 250, 500, 750 and 1 000 microg/L, respectively. [(3)H]-TdR incorporation was 80%, 69%, 48% and 51% after 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 96 h treatment with TP40 at 750 microg/L, respectively. When the concentration was 1 - 7 500 microg/L, EGF could block the inhibitory effect of TP40 to some extent.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Human bladder cancer T24 cells express EGFR at a high level. TP40 could inhibit the growth of T24 cells effectively in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The cytotoxic effects of TP40 were specifically mediated by EGFR.</p>