Monotropein Induced Apoptosis and Suppressed Cell Cycle Progression in Colorectal Cancer Cells.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether monotropein has an anticancer effect and explore its potential mechanisms against colorectal cancer (CRC) through network pharmacology and molecular docking combined with experimental verification. METHODS: Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to predict potential targets of monotropein against CRC. Cell counting kit assay, plate monoclonal assay and microscopic observation were used to investigate the antiproliferative effects of monotropein on CRC cells HCT116, HT29 and LoVo. Flow cytometry and scratch assay were used to analyze apoptosis and cell cycle, as well as cell migration, respectively in HCT116, HT29, and LoVo cells. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of proteins related to apoptosis, cell cycle, and cell migration, and the expression of proteins key to the Akt pathway. RESULTS: The Gene Ontology and Reactome enrichment analyses indicated that the anticancer potential of monotropein against CRC might be involved in multiple cancer-related signaling pathways. Among these pathways, RAC-beta serine/threonine-protein kinase (Akt1, Akt2), cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), cell division control protein 42 homolog (CDC42) were shown as the potential anticancer targets of monotropein against CRC. Molecular docking suggested that monotropein may interact with the 6 targets (Akt1, Akt2, CDK6, MMP9, EGFR, CDC42). Subsequently, cell activity of HCT116, HT29 and LoVo cell lines were significantly suppressed by monotropein (P<0.05). Furthermore, our research revealed that monotropein induced cell apoptosis by inhibiting Bcl-2 and increasing Bax, induced G1-S cycle arrest in colorectal cancer by decreasing the expressions of CyclinD1, CDK4 and CDK6, inhibited cell migration by suppressing the expressions of CDC42 and MMP9 (P<0.05), and might play an anticancer role through Akt signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: Monotropein exerts its antitumor effects primarily by arresting the cell cycle, causing cell apoptosis, and inhibiting cell migration. This indicates a high potential for developing novel medication for treating CRC.

Association Between Vitamin D Supplementation and Fall Prevention.

Background: Falls occur frequently among older individuals, leading to high morbidity and mortality. This study was to assess the efficacy of vitamin D in preventing older individuals from falling. Methods: We searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases systematically using the keywords "vitamin D" and "fall" for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effects of vitamin D with or without calcium supplements with those of a placebo or no treatment on fall incidence in adults older than 50 years. A meta-analysis was performed to calculate risk ratios (RRs), absolute risk differences (ARDs) and 95% CIs with random-effects models. Results: A total of 38 RCTs involving 61 350 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Compared with placebo, high-dose vitamin D (≥ 700 IU) can prevent falls [RR, 0.87 (95% CI 0.79 to 0.96); ARD, -0.06 (95% CI, -0.10 to -0.02)]. Low-dose vitamin D (<700 IU) was not significantly associated with falls. Subgroup analysis showed that supplemental calcium, 25(OH) D concentration and frequency influenced the effect of vitamin D in preventing falls. Sensitivity analysis showed that vitamin D prevented falls, which was consistent with the primary analysis. In addition, the active form of vitamin D also prevented falls. Conclusion: In this meta-analysis of RCTs, doses of 700 IU to 2000 IU of supplemental vitamin D per day were associated with a lower risk of falling among ambulatory and institutionalized older adults. However, this conclusion should be cautiously interpreted, given the small differences in outcomes. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42020179390.

Anti-fungal activity of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) leaf extract and its development into a botanical fungicide to control pepper phytophthora blight.

Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens, Gramineae) is a well-known medicinal and edible plant found in China with various bioactivities, but few systematic studies address the utilization of its anti-fungal activity. The extract of moso bamboo leaf showed good anti-fungal activity to Phytophthora capsici, Fusarium graminearum, Valsa mali Miyabe et Yamada, Botryosphaeria dothidea, Venturia nashicola, and Botrytis cinerea Pers, with inhibitory rate of 100.00%, 75.12%, 60.66%, 57.24%, 44.62%, and 30.16%, respectively. Anti-fungal activity was different by the difference of samples picking time and location. The extract showed good synergistic effects with carbendazim at the ratios of 9:1 and 15:1 (extract : carbendazim), and the co-toxicity coefficients were 124.4 and 139.95. Compound 2 was isolated and identified as the main active component, with the EC50 value of 11.02 mg L-1. Then, the extract was formulated as a 10% emulsion in water, which was stable and had no acute toxic effects. Moreover, a field trial about this formulation was assayed to control pepper phytophthora blight, with the control effect of 85.60%. These data provided a better understanding of the anti-fungal activity and relevant active component of moso bamboo leaf extract. Taken together, our findings illustrated that bamboo leaf extract could be developed and utilized as a botanical fungicide or fungicide adjuvant.

Donor-derived CD19 CAR-T cell therapy of relapse of CD19-positive B-ALL post allotransplant.

Safety and efficacy of allogeneic anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T cells) in persons with CD19-positive B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) relapsing after an allotransplant remain unclear. Forty-three subjects with B-ALL relapsing post allotransplant received CAR-T cells were analyzed. 34 (79%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 66, 92%) achieved complete histological remission (CR). Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) occurred in 38 (88%; 78, 98%) and was ≥grade-3 in 7. Two subjects died from multiorgan failure and CRS. Nine subjects (21%; 8, 34%) developed ≤grade-2 immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). Two subjects developed ≤grade-2 acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). 1-year event-free survival (EFS) and survival was 43% (25, 62%). In 32 subjects with a complete histological remission without a second transplant, 1-year cumulative incidence of relapse was 41% (25, 62%) and 1-year EFS and survival, 59% (37, 81%). Therapy of B-ALL subjects relapsing post transplant with donor-derived CAR-T cells is safe and effective but associated with a high rate of CRS. Outcomes seem comparable to those achieved with alternative therapies but data from a randomized trial are lacking.

Identification and quantitation of the actual active components in bamboo juice and its oral liquid by NMR and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS.

Bamboo juice is a traditional Chinese drink and herbal medicine, and bamboo juice oral liquids are widely sold for the treatment of cough and phlegm in China. In this study, 26 main compounds of bamboo juice (Phyllostachys edulis) were separated, precisely identified, and qualitative analysis using NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) and quantitative analysis using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS (ultra-performance liquid chromatography with high-resolution quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer), respectively. Potentially harmful levels of added excessive preservatives, including benzoic acid, ethylparaben, and sorbic acid, were found in bamboo juice oral liquid. Carbohydrates were determined to be the major components of bamboo juice, with contents as high as 191.13 g L-1, far higher than those of other compounds. The result indicated that the cough relief activity of bamboo juice oral liquid may be related to their high levels of added preservatives.

High-Throughput Metabolomics Method for Discovering Metabolic Biomarkers and Pathways to Reveal Effects and Molecular Mechanism of Ethanol Extract From Epimedium Against Osteoporosis.

Metabolomics is an effective strategy to explore the molecular mechanism of herbal medicine. Epimedium, a traditional Chinese herb from the Epimedium brevicornu Maxim., has a therapeutic effect on osteoporosis (OP), however the molecular mechanism of the anti-OP effect is uncle\ar. Therefore, we investigated the pharmacological effect and action mechanism of ethanol extract of epimedium (Ext-epi) onOP rat model. The serum of OP rats was analyzed utilized UPLC-Q-TOF/MS metabolomics, and the potential biomarkers were screened and identified using multivariate data analysis systems and network databases. To further appraise the influence of Ext-epi on biological markers and metabolic pathways, and reveal the potential mechanism of Ext-epi on OP treatment. The results showed that 46 potential biomarkers were screened out and after intervention with Ext-epi extracts solution, 16 potential biomarkers were significantly recalled. Further pathway experiments showed that key pathway analysis include sarachidonic acid metabolism, glycerolphospholipid metabolism as potential targets which is related with the efficacy of Ext-epi protect against OP. These results explain the correlation between metabolites and molecular mechanisms, which is of great significance for understanding the intervention of Ext-epi on OP. In short, based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS metabolomics may provide effective strategies for understanding the pathogenesis of diseases and evaluating the intervention effect of natural products.

Baicalin Induces Apoptosis and Suppresses the Cell Cycle Progression of Lung Cancer Cells Through Downregulating Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway.

Baicalin, as a natural active ingredient extracted and isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi., has been potentially used in various areas for its antioxidative, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative activities. Although several studies have reported the antitumor effects of baicalin against various cancer types, its beneficial effects on lung cancer have not yet been elucidated. Therefore, the therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms of baicalin on lung cancer cell lines H1299 and H1650 were investigated. Here, the results of its antitumor activity were shown. We found that Akt/mTOR pathway inhibition was the essential determinant in baicalin-induced cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, when the Akt Agonist SC79 or Akt plasmid transfection was performed, the antitumor effect of baicalin was significantly abrogated in both H1299 and H1650 cells. In conclusion, we found that baicalin exerted its antitumor activity mainly by inducing Akt-dependent cell cycle arrest and promoting apoptosis, which show great potential for developing a new drug for lung cancer treatment.

Laboratory and field evaluation of the aphidicidal activity of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) leaf extract and identification of the active components.

BACKGROUND: Botanical pesticides increasingly play important roles in the control of agricultural pests. In this study, the aphidicidal effect of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) extract against mustard aphid was confirmed, the main active compounds identified, and aphidicidal mechanism of the most active compound established. RESULTS: When the treatment concentration was 10.0 g L-1 , the corrected mortality of bamboo leaf extract (BE) was 53.22 ± 5.20% and the petroleum ether component of bamboo leaf extract (PE) reached 82.76 ± 4.50%, which also showed a synergistic effect with imidacloprid. Four flavonoids were identified as the main active components in the BE via activity tracking and phytochemical method. Isoorientin had an LC50 of 313.22 mg L-1 , and affected the activities of acetylcholinesterase and peroxidase significantly, revealing the possible aphidicidal mechanism. When the treatment of 11.1% PE·imidacloprid was 200 mL, the control effect was 99.07%, which was better than that observed with 10% of imidacloprid or 0.5% of matrine. CONCLUSIONS: These data provide a better understanding of the aphidicidal activity and aphidicidal mechanism of moso bamboo leaf extract and the most active compound, isoorientin. This will help in developing a more effective botanical aphicide. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Repellent action and contact toxicity mechanisms of the essential oil extracted from Chinese chive against Plutella xylostella larvae.

Botanical pesticides play increasingly important roles in the control of agricultural pests. In this study, the insecticidal effects, specifically the repellent action and contact toxicity, of the essential oil extracted from Chinese chive (EOC) against Plutella xylostella larvae were confirmed. The mechanisms of repellent's action were studied using electroantennograms (EAGs), and the effects on glutathione S-transferase (GST), carboxylesterase (CarE), and acetyl cholinesterase were investigated after EOC treatments. The EOC affected the EAG results and inhibited the activities of GST and CarE in treated P. xylostella larvae, which could explain its insecticidal effects. And, four pyrazines showed greater repellent activities than that of the EOC, which was confirmed as the main active compounds of EOC.

Isolation and identification of new chemical constituents from Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum) and toxicological evaluation of raw and cooked Chinese chive.

Chinese chive (jiu cai) is a popular vegetable in China and has a unique flavour and aroma. The molecular basis of the characteristic fragrance and nutritional properties of Chinese chive has not been previously identified. Sequential extractions in a series of solvents and high-performance liquid chromatography were used to isolate 40 compounds from Chinese chive. The compounds were identified based on high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectra, 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance techniques, and circular dichroism spectra. Eight novel compounds were identified-four new pyrazines, which have distinctive flavour; one new lignan; and three new flavonoids-together with 32 known compounds. Several of these compounds have potential applications as health-promoting dietary supplements, food additives, or seasonings. Additionally, the volatile organic compounds in fresh and steamed Chinese chive were compared, and the toxicological activity of extracts from fresh and steamed Chinese chive was tested in normal rat liver (IAR20) and kidney (NRK) cells. The results showed that Chinese chive is toxic to liver and kidney cells when fresh, but is safe after heating. This could explain why it is traditional to eat cooked Chinese chive. A possible metabolic rule regarding pyrazines is postulated based on this data, and a human metabolic pathway is suggested for two of the novel compounds which have the highest amount of Chinese chive extracts.

A new azadirachta from the crude extracts of neem (Azadirachta Indica A. Juss) seeds.

One new compound, 2H, 3H-cyclopent[b] furo [2',3':4,5] naphtho [2,4-d] heptlactone-[3,7] furan-6aceticacid, 3-(acetyloxy)-8-(3-furyl)-2a, 4a, 4b, 4c,5,5a, 6, 6a, 8, 9,9a, 10a,10b-13 hydrogen-2a,5a,6a,5-tetramethyl-3-[[(2E)-2-methyl-1-oxo-2-butenyl]oxy]-methyl ester, named azadirachta R (1), along with 10 known ones, Azadirachta A, AZ-B, AZ-D, AZ-H, AZ-I, nimbin, deacetylnimbin, salannin, deacetylsalannin and azadiradione were isolated from the crude extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) seeds, which were determined by UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS and NMR data analyses. According to the in vitro antibacterial activity experimental results, this compound showed good antibacterial activity to two bacteria, the minimum inhibitory concentration and the minimum bactericidal concentration of compound 1 to two kinds of bacteria are 50 and 25 mg/L, respectively, which were determined by resazurin colour-micro-dilution method. The experimental results provide a theoretical basis for the comprehensive utilisation of azadirachtin compounds in the future.

Major Chemical Constituents of Bamboo Shoots (Phyllostachys pubescens): Qualitative and Quantitative Research.

Bamboo shoots are a delicacy in Asia. Two novel compounds, adenine-(1'R,2'R,3'R)-cyclic butanetetraol carbonate (16) and (-)-(7R,8S)-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylglycerol 9-O-ß-D-[6-O-4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoyl])-glucopyranoside (20), together with 12 known nucleosides (1-12), 3 amino acids (13-15), ß-carboline (17), and 2 megastigmane glycosides (18, 19) were isolated from bamboo shoots (Phyllostachys pubescens). Their structures and absolute configurations were rigorously determined by detailed spectroscopic analysis, and the composition of carbohydrates in bamboo shoots was qualitatively detected and quantitatively analyzed with ion chromatography. A simple, rapid, sensitive, and accurate HPLC-UV analysis was built for routine edible quality control of bamboo shoots, and 12 major components of bamboo shoots were quantitatively analyzed. The major chemical constituents of bamboo shoots were determined to be carbohydrates, amino acids, and nucleotides. These findings are correctives to the usual view of bamboo shoots chemical composition, and the previous research reports about the chemical composition of bamboo shoots may have taken the aromatic amino acids and nucleotides for flavonoids and phenolic acids.

An 8-O-4' norlignan exerts oestrogen-like actions in osteoblastic cells via rapid nongenomic ER signaling pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Sambucus williamsii Hance (SWH), which belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family distributed in various regions of China, Korea and Japan, has been used as a folk medicine for treatment of bone and joint diseases in China for thousands of years. In previous studies, SWH was shown to possess anti-osteoporosis, healing fracture, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. Our previous studies showed that SWH extract effectively suppressed ovariectomy-induced increase in bone turnover and improved bone mineral density and bone biomechanical strength in rats as well as in mice. An 8-O-4' norlignan, (7R,8S)-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-[4-(3-hydroxypropyl)-2-methoxyphenoxy]-1,3-propanediol (PPD) was previously isolated and identified as the bioactive ingredient in SWH. The present study aimed to characterize the bone protective effects as well as its mechanism of actions in osteoblasts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bone protective actions of PPD on different cells were determined by proliferation assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, calcium deposition as well as real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In addition, estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist ICI182,780 and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor U0126 blocking assays, competitive ER radioligand binding assay, ERE-dependent luciferase reporter assay and immunoblotting were used to determine if PPD activated ER and if the effects of PPD on osteoblastic functions were ER dependent. RESULTS: PPD exerted anabolic effects in osteoblasts and its effects were abolished by co-incubation with ICI182,780 or U0126. PPD induced mRNA expressions of Runx2, ALP, osteocalcin, and increased the ratio of osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor κB (OPG/RANKL). PPD failed to bind to either ERα or ERß and did not activate ERE-luciferase activity via ER. PPD induced the phosphorylation of extracellular regulated kinases (ERK) and its effect was completely abolished by U0126. It also induced the phosphorylation of ERα at serine 118. CONCLUSION: These data show that PPD is a bioactive compound in SWH that exerts oestrogen-like actions in osteoblast-like cells via ligand-independent, estrogen response element (ERE)-independent and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) Kinase-mediated rapid nongenomic ER signaling pathway.

Combination treatment with Fructus Ligustri Lucidi and Puerariae radix offsets their independent actions on bone and mineral metabolism in ovariectomized rats.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Fructus Ligustri Lucidi (FLL) and Puerariae radix (PR) combination treatment in bone and mineral metabolism in ovariectomized (OVX) rats in our search for an alternative regimen for the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis. METHODS: Six-month-old OVX rats were used as postmenopausal osteoporotic models, and PR water extract (PR) and FLL water extract (WE) were added to commercial diets individually or in combination and administered to OVX rats for 12 weeks. Bone properties, calcium and phosphorus absorption, and bone biochemical markers were measured to investigate the potential interactions between the actions of PR and the actions of WE on bone and mineral metabolism in OVX rats. RESULTS: Long-term treatment with PR did not significantly improve bone properties but greatly ameliorated the secondary hyperparathyroidism induced by ovariectomy in the animals. WE significantly enhanced the intestinal calcium absorption rate and decreased the enlarged trabecular bone surface at the site of metaphysic tibia in OVX rats. However, the positive effects of WE or PR alone on bone and mineral metabolism were diminished when OVX rats were cotreated with WE and PR. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of these two herbs offsets their independent actions on bone and mineral metabolism in vivo. The results of the present study could provide insights to medical professionals to further their understanding of the potential negative impact of herb-herb interactions when a combination of herbal mixtures is used for the management of osteoporosis.

Estrogenic effects of ginsenoside Rg1 in endometrial cells in vitro were not observed in immature CD-1 mice or ovariectomized mice model.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to determine whether ginsenoside Rg1 could exert selective estrogenic effects by using both cell lines and an animal model. METHODS: The endometrial Ishikawa cells and preosteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with a different dose of Rg1. Immature CD-1 mice and ovariectomized (OVX) C57BL/6J mice were used to study the short-term and long-term estrogenic effects of Rg1, respectively. RESULTS: Rg1 significantly increased estrogen receptor-dependent alkaline phosphatase activity, activated estrogen response element-luciferase activity, and induced the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase, extracellular-regulated kinase, and estrogen receptor-α in Ishikawa cells. In contrast, Rg1 did not induce any estrogenic responses in MC3T3-E1 cells. Administration of Rg1 to immature CD-1 mice did not alter their uterine weight or the estrogen-regulated gene expressions in the uterus. Treatment of OVX C57BL/6J mice with Rg1 via mini-osmotic pumps for 3 months did not alter the uterine weight or induce any transcriptional activation of estrogen receptor in the uterus. Rg1 induced Bcl-2 messenger RNA expression in the left ventricular tissue and striatum but failed to alter the bone mineral density in the femur and tibia of the OVX mice. CONCLUSIONS: Rg1 exerted potent estrogenic effects in endometrial cells in vitro as well as in heart and brain tissues in vivo. However, it did not exert any estrogenic effects on reproductive tissues in vivo, nor did it stimulate bone tissues in vitro or in vivo. Our results suggest that the estrogenic effects of Rg1 are distinct from those of estradiol and are cell type and tissue selective.

[Effect of radiofrequency of different temperatures and durations on motor conduction velocity of rat sciatic nerve].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of radiofrequency of different temperatures and durations on sciatic nerve motor conduction velocity (MCV). METHODS: The bilateral sciatic nerve of 70 adult SD rats was dissected and exposed to radiofrequency ablation of different temperatures (30, 50, 55, 60, and 70 degrees C) and durations. The nerves were also exposed to increasing ablation temperatures from 30 degrees C to 50 degrees C with an increment of 5 degrees C (60 s at each temperature), and the changes in the MCV parameters were observed. RESULTS: The MCV parameters of rat sciatic nerve underwent significant changes following the radiofrequency exposures (P<0.05) except for the exposure at 55 degrees celsius; for 10 s. Below the temperature of 55 degrees celsius;, the MCV showed no obvious correlation to the exposure time for the group. For the nerves exposed to radiofrequency of 55 degrees celsius;, the latency was not correlated to the exposure time within 30 s, and data could be obtained from 55 s group; with these exceptions, the latency was found to positively while the negative phase wave inversely correlated to the exposure time. With fixed exposure time of 60 s, the MCV parameters were positively correlated to the ablation temperature (below 50 degrees C). Failure of MCV measurement occurred following exposures to 55 degrees celsius; for 50 s (or longer) or to 60 degrees C (or higher) for 10 s. CONCLUSION: Low-temperature radiofrequency (below 50 degrees C) produces definite effects on the MCV of rat sciatic nerve, and the effects are not associated with the exposure time, the mechanism of which remains unclear. At a given temperature, the ablation for sufficiently long durations can result in complete block of the MCV. At higher temperatures, radiofrequency exposure cause obvious nerve conduction block.

[Features of blood supply and results of transarterial infusion and embolization in spinal metastases].

OBJECTIVE: To study the features of blood supply and results of transarterial infusion and embolization in spinal metastases. METHODS: Forty-one patients with spinal metastasis received transarterial infusion and embolization between March 2001 and June 2008. The inclusion criteria were: The metastatic lesion caused back pain; The metastatic lesion involved vertebra at or below T3 level. There were 29 males and 12 females with a mean age of 56.0 (33 - 71) years. Epirubicin was used as the chemotherapeutic agent. Lipoid Ultra-Fluid, Contour SE or gelfoam particles were used as embolitic material. RESULTS: The technical success of therapy was achieved in 52 vertebrae (100%) including 14 thoracic, 35 lumbar and 3 sacral vertebrae. 105 arteries were used for infusion and embolization (16 intercostal arteries, 78 lumbar arteries, 4 iliolumbar arteries, 4 branches of iliac arteries, and 3 median sacral arteries). Lipoid Ultra-Fluid (2 - 8 ml) was used in 15, Contour SE (300 approximately 500 microm, 20 - 100 mg) in 20, and gelfoam particles in 33 arteries. Three days after treatment, complete pain relief (CR) was achieved in 17 patients, partial pain relief (PR) in 20, and moderate pain relief (MR) in 4, with an effective rate of 90.2%. Two weeks after treatment, CR was achieved in 17 patients, PR in 21, and MR in 3, with an effective rate of 92.7%. No adverse nervous system effect occurred. 16 patients developed swelling and pain of normal tissues which were alleviated after symptomatic treatment. CONCLUSION: Transarterial infusion and embolization is an effective therapy in relieving pain resulting from spinal metastases.

Effect of radiofrequency of different temperatures and durations on motor conduction velocity of rat sciatic nerve / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effect of radiofrequency of different temperatures and durations on sciatic nerve motor conduction velocity (MCV).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The bilateral sciatic nerve of 70 adult SD rats was dissected and exposed to radiofrequency ablation of different temperatures (30, 50, 55, 60, and 70 degrees C) and durations. The nerves were also exposed to increasing ablation temperatures from 30 degrees C to 50 degrees C with an increment of 5 degrees C (60 s at each temperature), and the changes in the MCV parameters were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The MCV parameters of rat sciatic nerve underwent significant changes following the radiofrequency exposures (P<0.05) except for the exposure at 55 degrees celsius; for 10 s. Below the temperature of 55 degrees celsius;, the MCV showed no obvious correlation to the exposure time for the group. For the nerves exposed to radiofrequency of 55 degrees celsius;, the latency was not correlated to the exposure time within 30 s, and data could be obtained from 55 s group; with these exceptions, the latency was found to positively while the negative phase wave inversely correlated to the exposure time. With fixed exposure time of 60 s, the MCV parameters were positively correlated to the ablation temperature (below 50 degrees C). Failure of MCV measurement occurred following exposures to 55 degrees celsius; for 50 s (or longer) or to 60 degrees C (or higher) for 10 s.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Low-temperature radiofrequency (below 50 degrees C) produces definite effects on the MCV of rat sciatic nerve, and the effects are not associated with the exposure time, the mechanism of which remains unclear. At a given temperature, the ablation for sufficiently long durations can result in complete block of the MCV. At higher temperatures, radiofrequency exposure cause obvious nerve conduction block.</p>

Features of blood supply and results of transarterial infusion and embolization in spinal metastases / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the features of blood supply and results of transarterial infusion and embolization in spinal metastases.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-one patients with spinal metastasis received transarterial infusion and embolization between March 2001 and June 2008. The inclusion criteria were: The metastatic lesion caused back pain; The metastatic lesion involved vertebra at or below T3 level. There were 29 males and 12 females with a mean age of 56.0 (33 - 71) years. Epirubicin was used as the chemotherapeutic agent. Lipoid Ultra-Fluid, Contour SE or gelfoam particles were used as embolitic material.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The technical success of therapy was achieved in 52 vertebrae (100%) including 14 thoracic, 35 lumbar and 3 sacral vertebrae. 105 arteries were used for infusion and embolization (16 intercostal arteries, 78 lumbar arteries, 4 iliolumbar arteries, 4 branches of iliac arteries, and 3 median sacral arteries). Lipoid Ultra-Fluid (2 - 8 ml) was used in 15, Contour SE (300 approximately 500 microm, 20 - 100 mg) in 20, and gelfoam particles in 33 arteries. Three days after treatment, complete pain relief (CR) was achieved in 17 patients, partial pain relief (PR) in 20, and moderate pain relief (MR) in 4, with an effective rate of 90.2%. Two weeks after treatment, CR was achieved in 17 patients, PR in 21, and MR in 3, with an effective rate of 92.7%. No adverse nervous system effect occurred. 16 patients developed swelling and pain of normal tissues which were alleviated after symptomatic treatment.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Transarterial infusion and embolization is an effective therapy in relieving pain resulting from spinal metastases.</p>

Mechanism involved in genistein activation of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor expression in human breast cancer cells.

Our previous studies have shown that genistein can enhance the insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 receptor signalling pathway via an oestrogen receptor (ER) in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. The present study aims to investigate how genistein regulates IGF-1 receptor expression in human MCF-7 cells. Genistein at 1 microm stimulated the growth of MCF-7 cells and this effect could be completely blocked by the IGF-1 receptor antagonist JB-1, suggesting that IGF-1 receptor is essential for mediating the proliferative effects of genistein in MCF-7 cells. Genistein increased IGF-1 receptor promoter activity. This effect could be completely abolished by co-treatment of MCF-7 cells with ICI 182,780 (10- 6 m). Genistein increased IGF-1 receptor gene expression and this effect could be completely blocked by the IGF-1 receptor antagonist JB-1. Co-treatment of MCF-7 cells with cycloheximide (5 microg/ml) completely blocked the induction of IGF-1 receptor protein and mRNA expression by genistein. The results indicated that the induction of IGF-1 receptor promoter activity by genistein required the action of ER while the stimulatory actions of genistein on IGF-1 receptor expression required the activity of the IGF-1 receptor and de novo protein synthesis. These data provide evidence to support the hypothesis that the inductive effects of genistein on IGF-1 receptor expression require the cross-talk between IGF-1 receptor and the ER-dependent pathways.