[The prognostic value of the international prognostic index, the national comprehensive cancer network IPI and the age-adjusted IPI in diffuse large B cell lymphoma].

Objective: To explore the prognostic value of the international prognostic index (IPI), the national comprehensive cancer network IPI(NCCN-IPI)and the age-adjusted IPI (aa-IPI) in diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Methods: A total of 311 patients with de novo diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) diagnosed from 2003 to 2012 in Nanfang hospital were included. All patients were divided into CHOP (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and prednisone) and R-CHOP (rituximab, CHOP) groups. Survival analysis was compared among IPI, NCCN-IPI and aa-IPI models. Discrimination of three different prognostic models was assessed using the Harrell's C statistic. Results: A total of 311 patients were analyzed. Among them, 128 patients were treated with CHOP regimen and other 183 patients were treated with R-CHOP regimen. In CHOP groups, both NCCN-IPI (5-year OS: 59.7% vs 26.8%, P<0.001) and aa-IPI (5-year OS: 71.0% vs 25.0%, P<0.001) showed better risk stratification for low-intermediate and high-intermediate group than the IPI (5-year OS: 47.6% vs 36.6%, P=0.003). However, in the patients treated with R-CHOP, NCCN-IPI showed better risk stratification in low, low-intermediate, high-intermediate groups (5-year OS: 96.0% vs 83.0% vs 66.5%, P=0.009). According to the Harrell's C statistic, C-index of IPI, NCCN-IPI and aa-IPI for overall survival (OS) were 0.546, 0.667, 0.698 in CHOP group and 0.611,0.654, 0.695 in R-CHOP group respectively. In patients younger than 60 years old, C-index of IPI, NCCN-IPI and aa-IPI for OS were 0.534, 0.675, 0.698 in CHOP group and 0.584, 0.648, 0.695 in R-CHOP respectively. Conclusion: The NCCN-IPI is more powerful than IPI and aa-IPI in DLBCL patients receiving R-CHOP. aa-IPI is a preferable model in predicting prognosis than IPI and NCCN-IPI in anthracycline-based chemotherapy without rituximab.

Histidine supplementation improves insulin resistance through suppressed inflammation in obese women with the metabolic syndrome: a randomised controlled trial.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Increased inflammation and oxidative stress are associated with insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic disorders. Serum histidine levels are lower and are negatively associated with inflammation and oxidative stress in obese women. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of histidine supplementation on IR, inflammation, oxidative stress and metabolic disorders in obese women with the metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS: A total of 100 obese women aged 33-51 years with BMI ≥ 28 kg/m² and diagnosed with MetS were included following a health examination in the community hospital in this randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Participants were allocated to interventions by an investigator using sequentially numbered sealed envelopes and received 4 g/day histidine (n = 50) or identical placebo (n = 50) for 12 weeks. Participants then attended the same clinic every 2 weeks for scheduled interviews and to count tablets returned. Serum histidine, HOMA-IR, BMI, waist circumference, fat mass, serum NEFA, and variables connected to inflammation and oxidative stress were measured at baseline and 12 weeks. Participants, examining physicians and investigators assessing the outcomes were blinded to group assignment. In addition, the inflammatory mechanisms of histidine were also explored in adipocytes. RESULTS: At 12 weeks, a total of 92 participants completed this trail. Compared with the placebo group (n = 47), histidine supplementation significantly decreased HOMA-IR (-1.09 [95% CI -1.49, -0.68]), BMI (-0.86 kg/m² [95% CI -1.55, -0.17]), waist circumference (-2.86 cm [95% CI -3.86, -1.86]), fat mass (-2.71 kg [95% CI -3.69, -1.73]), serum NEFA (-173.26 µmol/l [95% CI -208.57, -137.94]), serum inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, -3.96 pg/ml [95% CI -5.29, -2.62]; IL-6, -2.15 pg/ml [95% CI -2.52, -1.78]), oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase, 17.84 U/ml [95% CI 15.03, 20.65]; glutathione peroxidase, 13.71 nmol/ml [95% CI 9.65, 17.78]) and increased serum histidine and adiponectin by 18.23 µmol/l [95% CI 11.74, 24.71] and 2.02 ng/ml [95% CI 0.60, 3.44] in histidine supplementation group (n = 45), respectively. There were significant correlations between changes in serum histidine and changes of IR and its risk factors. No side effects were observed during the intervention. In vitro study indicated that histidine suppresses IL6 and TNF mRNA expression and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) protein production in palmitic acid-induced adipocytes in a dose-dependent manner, and these changes were diminished by an inhibitor of NF-κB. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Histidine supplementation could improve IR, reduce BMI, fat mass and NEFA and suppress inflammation and oxidative stress in obese women with MetS; histidine could improve IR through suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, possibly by the NF-κB pathway, in adipocytes.

Effects of multivitamin and mineral supplementation on adiposity, energy expenditure and lipid profiles in obese Chinese women.

BACKGROUND: Obese individuals are more likely to have either lower blood concentrations or lower bioavailability of minerals and/or vitamins. However, there are limited data on the effects of nutritional supplementation on body weight (BW) control, energy homeostasis and lipid metabolism in obese subjects. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of supplementation with multivitamin and multimineral on adiposity, energy expenditure and lipid profiles in obese Chinese women. DESIGN: A total of 96 obese Chinese women (body mass index (BMI) 28 kg m(-2)) aged 18-55 years participated in a 26-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention study. Subjects were randomized into three groups, receiving either one tablet of multivitamin and mineral supplement (MMS), or calcium 162 mg (Calcium) or identical placebo daily during the study period. BW, BMI, waist circumference (WC), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass, resting energy expenditure (REE), respiratory quotient (RQ), blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose and serum insulin, total cholesterol (TC), low- and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C and HDL-C) and triglycerides (TGs) were measured at baseline and 26 weeks. RESULTS: A total of 87 subjects completed the study. After 26 weeks, compared with the placebo group, the MMS group had significantly lower BW, BMI, FM, TC and LDL-C, significantly higher REE and HDL-C, as well as a borderline significant trend of lower RQ (P=0.053) and WC (P=0.071). The calcium group also had significantly higher HDL-C and lower LDL-C levels compared with the placebo group. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that, in obese individuals, multivitamin and mineral supplementation could reduce BW and fatness and improve serum lipid profiles, possibly through increased energy expenditure and fat oxidation. Supplementation of calcium alone (162 mg per day) only improved lipid profiles.

A new murine oxidative stress model associated with senescence.

A murine oxidative stress model was established via ozone inhalation, which was identified by detection of the response of antioxidant defense system, levels of oxidative products and effects of natural antioxidants on this model. Male BALB/c mice were exposed to 1.2 mg/m(3) ozone for 10 h per day. The control group was exposed to flowing air. From inhaling ozone, mice were killed at day 5, 10, 15 and 20, respectively. Exposure to ozone made mice show the increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in heart, kidney and liver, as well as 8-OHdG levels in urine, and resulted in cytological nuclear concentration in brain neurons or thymocytes. Ozone exposure also impaired antioxidative capacity such as the decrease of total antioxidation capacity (TAC) in sera, reduced glutathione (GSH) in sera or thymus and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity in spleen or thymus but not in liver. Correlation analysis showed the significant inverse correlation (r=-0.894, P<0.05) between thymus weight index and inhalation doses of ozone. Meanwhile, thymocyte in model mice proliferated more poorly than normal controls. Catechin and clove extract could reverse parts of changes above induced by ozone inhalation. These results suggest that exposure to ozone can result in an increased production of reactive oxygen species in vivo, which causes oxidative stress. The mice under oxidative stress showed senescence-related alterations in physiological parameters as well. Taken together, our data demonstrates that an oxidative stress model in mice has been successfully established by ozone inhalation, which would be helpful to probe the relationship between oxidative stress and senescence and evaluate effects of antioxidants.

Toxicity studies of Rhizoma Polygonati Odorati.

The toxicity of the water-soluble extract of Rhizoma Polygonati Odorati was studied in the present investigation, which included its acute toxicity, chronic toxicity, and genetic toxicity. The aqueous extract of Rhizoma Polygonati Odorati did not cause seriously abnormal signs or death to animals in the acute toxicity test and in the 6-month chronic toxicity test. Neither was genetic toxicity found in the Ames test, the micronucleus test of bone marrow and the sperm malformation test in mice.

Hypoglycemic effects of aqueous extract of Rhizoma Polygonati Odorati in mice and rats.

Water soluble extract of Rhizoma Polygonati Odorati (RPO) was studied for its hypoglycemic effect in diabetic mice and rats. Results showed that RPO significantly lowered hyperglycemia caused by starch loading in both normal and diabetic mice. Four week's administration with RPO reduced fasting blood glucose, decreased glycosylated hemoglobin (GHb), and improved the glucose tolerance in diabetic mice. In diabetic rats complicated with hyperlipemia, RPO prevented and reduced both hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia. The results support the view that RPO may influence glucose or carbohydrate metabolism of diabetic animals in many ways including inhibiting the activity of alpha-glucosidase in digestive canal, and improving the metabolism of glucose and triglyceride.

[Experimental studies on antioxidation of extracts from several plants used as both medicines and foods in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: The scavenging effects of 8 extracts from several plants used as both medicines and foods on oxygen free radicals were studied in vitro. METHODS: Chemiluminescence (CL) method and ultra-weak luminescence technique were used, meanwhile, macrophage respiratiory burst was also carried out to evaluate the antioxidation reaction. RESULTS: The scavenging activity on superoxide anions (O2-.) differed in the following order: extract of clove (CE) > black tea (BTE) > green tea(GTE) > grape peel/seed (GE) > or = oologn tea (OTE) > > tumeric (TE). In Fenton reaction for hydroxyl radicals (.OH), the order as follows: BTE > CE > or = GTE > GE > OTE > > TE. Most extracts have stronger eliminating efficiency on .OH than on O2-. except CE, which may scavenge the O2-. formation more efficiently. After macrophages (5 x 10(6) cells/ml) were stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate, BTE showed stronger inhibiting action than CE on respiratory burst in macrophages. The results of ultra-weak luminescence measurement indicated that the extracts could delay and depress the DNA damage in CuSO4-Phen-Vc-H2O2-DNA chemiluminescence system. CONCLUSIONS: It suggests that the tested antioxidants could decrase the formation of O2-. or .OH, some have chain-breaking function and preventative function during DNA damage.

[Determination of flavonoids in the leaves of Hippophae L. by HPLC].

A method for determination of three flavonoids in the leaves of Hippophae by high presure liquid chromatography was established. The contents of these flavonoids in the leaves of seven different species of Hippophae were determined and compared. The results provide a scientific basis for evaluating and utilizing the leaves of Hppophae.

[Studies on the voltammetric behaviour of barbaloin and its application].

In 0.1 mol.L-1 H2SO4 solution, a well-defined reduction wave of barbaloin was obtained by single-sweep osciflopolarography. The peak potential was shown to be -0.75 V (vs SCE). The peak current is proportional to the concentration of barbaloin over the range of 2.0 x 10(-7)-6.0 x 10(-6) mol.L-1. The detection limit is 2.0 x 10(-7) mol.L-1. The voltammetric behaviour of the system was studied by linear sweep and cyclic voltammetry. The adsorption coefficient beta was 1.91 x 10(5). The interaction factor alpha was 1.12. The system is a reversible adsorption wave.

[Studies on the chemical constituents of Croomia japonica Miq].

A new steroid alkaloid, namely croomionidine (II), together with four known compounds pachysamine A(I), croomine (III), didehydrocroomine (IV) and beta-sitosterol were isolated from the roots of Croomia japonica Miq. Their structures were identified by IR, MS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and chemical conversion.

[Studies on the saponin constituents of jiu jielong (Ardisea pusilla)].

Two saponins were isolated from Ardisea pusilla A. DC. which have improved immunological function and antitumor activity. Their structures were determined on the basis of chemical and spectral analysis (IR, MS, 1HNMR, 13CNMR and two new NMR technique). The two compounds were 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)] [beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl cyclamiretin A (I) and 3-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)] [beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-alpha-L- rhamnopyranosyl cyclamiretin A (II). They were new saponin and named as ardipusilloside I and ardipusilloside II.

[Chemical constituents of Drynaria propinqua (Wall) J. Sm].

Four compounds isolated from the rhizomes of Drynaria propinqua collected in Sichuan have been identified. One of them was a new natural product, namely propinqualin, whose structure was established as (-)-epiafzelechin-3-O-beta-D-allopyranoside. The other three were 4-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl caffeic acid, beta-sitosterol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside and sucrose.

[The structure of versicolactone A from Aristolochia versicolar S.M. Hwang].

A novel sesquiterpene lactone, versicolactone A, with 12-carbon ring skeleton, was isolated from the roots of Aristolochia versicolar S. M. Hwang. Versicolactone A, C15H20O2, colorless prisms, mp 130-132 degrees C, [alpha]6D +486 degrees (c 0.1276, CHCl3). Its structure was established by spectroscopic methods, mainly 2D-NMR (1H-1H COSY, 1H-13C COSY, COLOC), HRMS and metastable ion measurement.

[The structure of versicolactone D].

The extracts of Aristolochia versicolar S.M. Huang root afforded a new dimeric sesquiterpene lactone, versicolactone D, with a novel skeleton. Its structure was established by spectroscopic methods, mainly X-ray and 2D-NMR.