Multifunctional Nanoparticles Codelivering Doxorubicin and Amorphous Calcium Carbonate Preloaded with Indocyanine Green for Enhanced Chemo-Photothermal Cancer Therapy.

Background: Multifunctional stimuli-responsive nanoparticles with photothermal-chemotherapy provided a powerful tool for improving the accuracy and efficiency in the treatment of malignant tumors. Methods: Herein, photosensitizer indocyanine green (ICG)-loaded amorphous calcium-carbonate (ICG@) nanoparticle was prepared by a gas diffusion reaction. Doxorubicin (DOX) and ICG@ were simultaneously encapsulated into poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-ss-chondroitin sulfate A (PSC) nanoparticles by a film hydration method. The obtained PSC/ICG@+DOX hybrid nanoparticles were characterized and evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of PSC/ICG@+DOX nanoparticles were analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and MTT assay in 4T1 cells. In vivo antitumor activity of the nanoparticles was evaluated in 4T1-bearing Balb/c mice. Results: PSC/ICG@+DOX nanoparticles were nearly spherical in shape by TEM observation, and the diameter was 407 nm determined by DLS. Owing to calcium carbonate and disulfide bond linked copolymer, PSC/ICG@+DOX nanoparticles exhibited pH and reduction-sensitive drug release. Further, PSC/ICG@+DOX nanoparticles showed an effective photothermal effect under near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation, and improved cellular uptake and cytotoxicity in breast cancer 4T1 cells. Importantly, PSC/ICG@+DOX nanoparticles demonstrated the most effective suppression of tumor growth in orthotopic 4T1-bearing mice among the treatment groups. In contrast with single chemotherapy or photothermal therapy, chemo-photothermal treatment by PSC/ICG@+DOX nanoparticles synergistically inhibited the growth of 4T1 cells. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that PSC/ICG@+DOX nanoparticles with active targeting and stimuli-sensitivity would be a promising strategy to enhance chemo-photothermal cancer therapy.

Sesquiterpenes and polyphenols with glucose-uptake stimulatory and antioxidant activities from the medicinal mushroom Sanghuangporus sanghuang.

A chemical investigation on the fermentation products of Sanghuangporus sanghuang led to the isolation and identification of fourteen secondary metabolites (1-14) including eight sesquiterpenoids (1-8) and six polyphenols (9-14). Compounds 1-3 were sesquiterpenes with new structures which were elucidated based on NMR spectroscopy, high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data. All the isolates were tested for their stimulation effects on glucose uptake in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells, and cellular antioxidant activity. Compounds 9-12 were subjected to molecular docking experiment to primarily evaluate their anti-coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) activity. As a result, compounds 9-12 were found to increase the glucose uptake of insulin-resistant HepG2 cells by 18.1%, 62.7%, 33.7% and 21.4% at the dose of 50 µmol·L-1, respectively. Compounds 9-12 also showed good cellular antioxidant activities with CAA50 values of 12.23, 23.11, 5.31 and 16.04 µmol·L-1, respectively. Molecular docking between COVID-19 Mpro and compounds 9-12 indicated potential SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory activity of these four compounds. This work provides new insights for the potential role of the medicinal mushroom S. sanghuang as drugs and functional foods.

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.

Iron overload as a risk factor for poor graft function following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Hematological malignancies are increasingly treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Unfortunately, iron overload is a frequent adverse effect of allo-HSCT and is associated with poor prognosis. In the present study, we investigated hematopoiesis in iron-overloaded mice and elucidated the effects of iron overload on the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment. Iron-overloaded BALB/C mice were generated by injecting 20 mg/mL saccharated iron oxide intraperitoneally. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to evaluate the effects of an iron overload in mice. BM cells obtained from C57BL/6 mice were transplanted into irradiated BALB/C mice (whole-body irradiation of 4 Gy, twice with a 4-hours interval) by tail vein injection. Two weeks after allo-HSCT, the hematopoietic reconstitution capacity was evaluated in recipients by colony-forming assays. Histopathological examinations showed brown-stained granular deposits, irregularly arranged lymphocytes in the liver tissues, and blue-stained blocks in the BM collected from mice received injections of high-dose saccharated iron oxide (20 mg/mL). Iron-overloaded mice showed more platelets, higher-hemoglobin (HGB) concentration, fewer granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming units (CFU-GM), erythrocyte colony-forming units (CFU-E), and mixed granulocyte/erythrocyte/monocyte/megakaryocyte colony-forming units (CFU-mix) than healthy mice. Iron-overloaded recipients presented with reduced erythrocytes and HGB concentration in peripheral blood, along with decreased marrow stroma cells, CFU-GM, CFU-E, and CFU-mix relative to healthy recipients. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that iron overload might alter the number of red blood cells after transplantation in mice by destroying the BM microenvironment, thereby affecting the recovery of BM hematopoietic function.

[Research on autophagy induced by two xanthone compounds in HepG2 cells].

To investigate the inhibitory effects of two xanthone compounds, 1-hydroxy-2,3,4,8-4 methoxy xanthone(here in after referred to as Fr15) and 1-hydroxy-2,3,4,6-4 methoxy xanthone(here in after referred to as Fr17), on the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells HepG2, and to further investigate their mechanism in combination with transcriptomics. Cell counting was used to detect the effects of two kinds of xanthone compounds Fr15 and Fr17(0, 0.03, 0.15, 0.3 mmoL·L~(-1)) on the proliferation of HepG2 cells; the effects of the two compounds Fr15 and Fr17 on HepG2 cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry; the changes of autophagosomes count in cells were observed under fluorescence microscope; the expression of autophagy marker proteins autophagy marker proteins SQSTM 1(p62) and microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 Ⅰ/Ⅱ(LC3 Ⅰ/Ⅱ) in the cells was detected by Western blot; the differentially expressed genes between the control group and the experimental group were analyzed by RNA-seq transcriptome sequencing; qRT-PCR was used to verify the differentially expressed genes in sequencing. The results showed that compounds Fr15 and Fr17 inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells with the increase of drug concentration and time. Flow cytometry showed that compounds Fr15 and Fr17 had little effect on HepG2 cell cycle. Fluorescence microscopy results showed that the number of autophagosomes in cells increased with the increase of drug concentration. Western blot showed that the expression of p62 protein was decreased and the expression of LC3-Ⅱ protein was significantly increased after drug addition. The results of RNA sequencing showed that 26 102 and 52 351 differentially expressed genes were obtained in Fr15 and Fr17 respectively. Analysis of KEGG showed that drug treatment had a great effect on autophagy pathway. qRT-PCR verified that 6 up-regulated genes were related to autophagy, and their trend was consis-tent with sequencing results, where all 6 genes showed an up-regulated trend. Two xanthone compounds Fr15 and Fr17 may inhibit proliferation of HepG2 cells by inducing autophagy.

Bioactive cembrane-type diterpenoids from the gum-resin of Boswellia carterii.

Chemical examination of the gum-resin of Boswellia carterii resulted in the isolation and characterization of eighteen new cembrane-type diterpenoids, named as Boscartins P-AG (1-18) and eight known ones. Their structures were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic (2D NMR, IR, CD, MS and X-ray) analysis in combination with modified Mosher's method. All compounds featured unusual 1,12-oxygenated tetrahydrofuran functionalities, and were evaluated for hepatoprotective activity against D-galactosamine-induced HL-7702 cell damage and cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 human breast cancer cell in vitro. Compounds 1, 6-10, 12-13, 16-17 and 21-25 (10 µM) showed some hepatoprotective activity against D-galactosamine-induced HL-7702 cell damage.

Triptolide, A Potential Autophagy Modulator.

As a major active component extracted from traditional Chinese herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, triptolide exhibits multiple pharmacological effects. Autophagy is an evolutionary conserved intracellular catabolic process involved in cytoplasmic materials degradation. Autophagic dysfunction contributes to the pathologies of many human diseases, which makes it a promising therapeutic target. Recent studies have shown that triptolide exerts neuroprotection, anti-tumor activities, organ toxicity, and podocyte protection by modulating autophagy. This article highlights the current information on triptolide-modulated autophagy, analyzes the possible pathways involved, and describes the crosstalk between autophagy and apoptosis modulated by triptolide, in hope of providing implications for the roles of autophagy in pharmacological effects of triptolide and expanding its novel usage as an autophagy modulator.

Small Molecule Oligopeptides Isolated from Walnut (Juglans regia L.) and Their Anti-Fatigue Effects in Mice.

Walnut (Juglans regia L.) is unique for its extensive biological activities and pharmaceutical properties. There are few studies on walnut oligopeptides (WOPs), which are small molecule peptides extracted from walnuts. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-fatigue effects of WOPs on ICR mice and explore the possible underlying mechanism. Mice were randomly divided into four experimental sets and each set of mice were then randomly divided into four groups. The vehicle group was administered distilled water, and the three WOP intervention groups were orally administered WOP solution at a dose of 110, 220, and 440 mg/kg of body weight, respectively. After 30 days of WOP intervention, the anti-fatigue activity of WOPs were evaluated using the weight-loaded swimming test and by measuring the change of biochemical parameters, glycogen storage and energy metabolism enzymes, anti-oxidative capacity and mitochondrial function. It was observed that WOPs could significantly prolong the swimming time, decrease the accumulation of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and blood lactic acid (BLA), and increased the glycogen storage of liver and gastrocnemius muscle. WOPs also markedly inhibited fatigue induced oxidative stress by increasing the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and decreasing the content malondialdehyde (MDA). Notably, WOPs improved the activity of pyruvate kinase (PK), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), Na+-K+-ATPase, and enhanced the mRNA expression of mitochondrial biogenesis factors and mitochondrial DNA content in skeletal muscles of mice. These results suggest that WOPs have beneficial anti-fatigue effects, which may be attributed to their positive effects on increasing glycogen storage, improving energy metabolism, inhibiting oxidative stress, enhancing mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle, and ameliorating the cell damage and the muscular injury.

[Purification and biochemical function of Astragalus membtanaceus pathogenesis-related protein 10].

Astragalus membranaceus pathogenesis-related protein 10 (AmPR-10) is largely expressed in case of environmental pressure and pathogen invasion. This study aims to explore the biochemical functions of AmPR-10. The dried root of Astragalus membranaceus was mechanically homogenized and extracted by Tris-HCl buffer to obtain its crude extract, which was then purified by anion exchange chromatography and gel filtration chromatography to obtain electrophoretically pure AmPR-10. The nuclease activity of AmPR-10 was tested with different RNAs by detecting the absorption value at 260 nm. The results demonstrated potent nuclease activity toward yeast tRNA, yeast RNA, Poly (A) and Poly (C). The optimum reaction temperature was 50 °C and pH was 7-8. EDTA showed no effect on its activity, while Mg²âº exhibited potent activation effect on the activity, and Co²âº, Ca²âº and Zn²âº manifested moderately inhibition of the activity. Since AmPR-10 had no sequence homology with other known nucleases, AmPR-10 was probably a novel nuclease. The inhibition kinetic data against papain was analyzed by Lineweaver-Burk plots, and the results showed that the inhibition of papain followed noncompetitive-type kinetics. AmPR-10 played an important role in Astragalus membranaceus defense mechanism against environmental pressure and pathogen invasion, which may be achieved by inhibiting cycteine enzymes activity.

Ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) Oligopeptides Protect Against Binge Drinking-Induced Liver Damage through Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Rats.

Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (ginseng) is an edible and traditional medicinal herb, which is reported to have a wide range of biological activity and pharmaceutical properties. There were more studies on ginsenoside and polysaccharides, but fewer on ginseng oligopeptides (GOPs), which are small molecule oligopeptides extracted from ginseng. The present study was designed to investigate the effects and underlying mechanism of ginseng oligopeptide (GOPs) on binge drinking-induced alcohol damage in rats. Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 10), rats in normal control group and alcohol model group was administered distilled water; rats in four GOPs intervention groups (at a dose of 0.0625, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5 g/kg of body weight, respectively) were administered GOPs once a day for 30 days. Experiment rats were intragastrically administered ethanol at a one-time dose of 7 g/kg of body weight after 30 days. The liver injury was measured through traditional liver enzymes, inflammatory cytokines, expression of oxidative stress markers, and histopathological examination. We found that the GOPs treatment could significantly improve serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, plasma lipopolysaccharide, and inflammatory cytokine levels, as well as the oxidative stress markers that were altered by alcohol. Moreover, GOPs treatment inhibited the protein expression of toll-like receptor 4, and repressed the inhibitor kappa Bα and nuclear factor-κB p65 in the liver. These findings suggested that GOPs have a significant protective effect on binge drinking-induced liver injury, and the mechanism possibly mediated by the partial inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-toll-like receptor 4-nuclear factor-κB p65 signaling in the liver.

Ginseng oligopeptides protect against irradiation-induced immune dysfunction and intestinal injury.

Intestinal injury and immune dysfunction are commonly encountered after irradiation therapy. While the curative abilities of ginseng root have been reported in prior studies, there is little known regarding its role in immunoregulation of intestinal repairability in cancer patients treated with irradiation. Our current study aims to closely examine the protective effects of ginseng-derived small molecule oligopeptides (Panax ginseng C. A. Mey.) (GOP) against irradiation-induced immune dysfunction and subsequent intestinal injury, using in vitro and in vivo models. Expectedly, irradiation treatment resulted in increased intestinal permeability along with mucosal injury in both Caco-2 cells and mice, probably due to disruption of the intestinal epithelial barrier, leading to high plasma lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines levels. However, when the cells were treated with GOP, this led to diminished concentration of plasma LPS and cytokines (IL-1 and TNF-α), suggesting its dampening effect on inflammatory and oxidative stress, and potential role in restoring normal baseline intestinal permeability. Moreover, the Caco-2 cells treated with GOP showed high trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and low FITC-dextran paracellular permeability when compared to the control group. This could be explained by the higher levels of tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and Occludin) expression along with reduced expression of the apoptosis-related proteins (Bax and Caspase-3) noticed in the GOP-treated cells, highlighting its role in preserving intestinal permeability, through prevention of their degradation while maintaining normal levels of expression. Further confirmatory in vivo data showed that GOP-treated mice exhibited high concentrations of lymphocytes (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+) in the intestine, to rescue the irradiation-induced damage and restore baseline intestinal integrity. Therefore, we propose that GOP can be used as an adjuvant therapy to attenuate irradiation-induced immune dysfunction and intestinal injury in cancer patients.

Anti-fatigue effects of small-molecule oligopeptides isolated from Panax quinquefolium L. in mice.

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium L.) was reported to have extensive biological activities and pharmaceutical properties. In most of the studies, the anti-fatigue effects of American ginseng are attributed to ginsenoside, and in only a few studies, they have been attributed to oligopeptides. Therefore, the aim of this study was to observe the anti-fatigue effects of small-molecule oligopeptides isolated from Panax quinquefolium L. (QOPs) in mice. At first, mice chosen for the study were randomly divided into four experimental groups; each group of mice was further divided into five subgroups: vehicle control group, whey protein group (450 mg per kg BW), and three groups of QOPs at different doses (225 mg per kg BW, 450 mg per kg BW, and 900 mg per kg BW). Test substances were given by gavage once a day for 30 days. QOPs can significantly prolong the forced swimming time, decrease the serum urea nitrogen (SUN) and blood lactate (BLA) levels, and increase the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and hepatic glycogen content. QOPs also markedly enhanced the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and attenuated the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Notably, QOPs enhanced the activity of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), Na+-K+-ATPase, and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase and increased the mRNA expression of nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF-1) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content in skeletal muscles. These results indicate that treatment with QOPs induces anti-fatigue effects, which may be due to the inhibition of oxidative stress and the improvement of mitochondrial function in skeletal muscles. QOPs can be used as a novel natural agent for relieving physical fatigue.

Polygonumnolides A1-B3, minor dianthrone derivatives from the roots of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.

Seven new dianthrone glycosides, named polygonumnolides A1-B3 (1-7), were isolated from the 70 % EtOH extract of the dried roots of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. using column chromatography and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. Their structures were determined by 1D and 2D NMR and mass spectroscopy. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic effects against KB tumor cell lines and compounds 1-4 showed moderate cytotoxicity.

Ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) oligopeptides regulate innate and adaptive immune responses in mice via increased macrophage phagocytosis capacity, NK cell activity and Th cells secretion.

Traditionally used as a restorative medicine, ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) has been the most widely used and acclaimed herb in Chinese communities for thousands of years. To investigate the immune-modulating activity of ginseng oligopeptides (GOP), 420 healthy female BALB/c mice were intragastrically administered distilled water (control), whey protein (0.15 g per kg body weight (BW)), and GOP 0.0375, 0.075, 0.15, 0.3 and 0.6 g per kg BW for 30 days. Blood samples from mice were collected from the ophthalmic venous plexus and then sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Seven assays were conducted to determine the immunomodulatory effects of GOP on innate and adaptive immune responses, followed by flow cytometry to investigate spleen T lymphocyte sub-populations, multiplex sandwich immunoassays to investigate serum cytokine and immunoglobulin levels, and ELISA to investigate intestinally secreted immunoglobulin to study the mechanism of GOP affecting the immune system. Our results showed that GOP was able to enhance innate and adaptive immune responses in mice by improving cell-mediated and humoral immunity, macrophage phagocytosis capacity and NK cell activity. Notably, the use of GOP revealed a better immune-modulating activity compared to whey protein. We conclude that the immune-modulating activity might be due to the increased macrophage phagocytosis capacity and NK cell activity, and the enhancement of T and Th cells, as well as IL-2, IL-6 and IL-12 secretion and IgA, IgG1 and IgG2b production. These results indicate that GOP could be considered a good candidate that may improve immune functions if used as a dietary supplement, with a dosage that ranges from 0.3 to 0.6 g per kg BW.

Two new prenylated phloroglucinol derivatives from Hypericum scabrum.

Two new prenylated phloroglucinol derivatives (1-2), and a known compound furohyperforim isomer 2 (3), were isolated from the aerial parts of Hypericum scabrum. Their structures were elucidated by various spectroscopic methods, including MS, IR, UV, and NMR.

Hepatoprotective triterpenes from the gum resin of Boswellia carterii.

Ten tirucallane-type triterpenes named boscartene A-J and a nor-tetracyclic triterpene boscartene K, together with ten known compounds were isolated from the gum resin of Boswellia carterii Birdw. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis. In vitro assay, some of these compounds (10 µM) showed moderate hepatoprotective activities against d-galactosamine-induced HL-7702 cell damage.

Effects of Weipixiao (胃痞消) on Wnt pathway-associated proteins in gastric mucosal epithelial cells from rats with gastric precancerous lesions.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of Weipixiao (胃痞消, WPX) on Wnt pathway-associated proteins in gastric mucosal epithelial cells from rats with gastric precancerous lesions (GPL). METHODS: Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into control, model, vitacoenzyme (0.2 g·kg(-1)·day(-1)), WPX high-dose (H-WPX, 15 g·kg(-1)·day(-1)), WPX medium-dose (M-WPX, 7.5 g·kg(-1)·day(-1)) and WPX low-dose (L-WPX, 3.75 g·kg(-1)·day(-1)) groups. After successfully establishing the GPL model, the rats were consecutively administered WPX or vitacoenzyme by gastrogavage for 10 weeks. Differential expression of Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-proteincoupled receptor 5 (Lgr5), matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7), Wnt1, Wnt3a, and ß-catenin in gastric mucosal epithelial cells in all groups were immunohistochemically detected, and the images were taken and analyzed semiquantitatively by image pro plus 6.0 software. RESULTS: Gastric epithelium in the model group showed significantly higher expression levels of Lgr5, MMP-7, Wnt1, Wnt3a and ß-catenin than those of the control group(P<0.01). Interestingly, we also observed Lgr5+ cells, which generally located at the base of the gastric glandular unit, migrated to the luminal side of gastric epithelium with GPL. The expression levels of Lgr5, MMP-7, Wnt1, and ß-catenin were all down-regulated in the L-WPX group as compared with those of both model and vitacoenzyme groups (P<0.05). A similar, but nonsignificant down-regulation in expression level of Wnt3a was noted in all WPX groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggested that the therapeutic mechanisms of WPX in treating GPL might be related with its inhibitory effects on the expressions of Lgr5, MMP-7, Wnt1, ß-catenin and the aberrant activation of Wnt/ß-catenin pathway.

Magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate inhibits inflammatory response through STAT3 pathway to protect remnant liver function.

AIM: To investigate the protective effect of magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate (MgIG) on excessive hepatectomy animal model and its possible mechanism. METHODS: We used the standard 90% hepatectomy model in Sprague-Dawley rats developed using the modified Emond's method, in which the left, middle, right upper, and right lower lobes of the liver were removed. Rats with 90% liver resection were divided into three groups, and were injected intraperitoneally with 3 mL saline (control group), 30 mg/kg (low-dose group) and 60 mg/kg (high-dose group) of MgIG, respectively. Animals were sacrificed at various time points and blood was drawn from the vena cava. Biochemical tests were performed with an automatic biochemical analyzer for the following items: serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glutamyl endopeptidase, total bilirubin (TBil), direct bilirubin (DBil), total protein, albumin, blood glucose (Glu), hyper-sensitivity C-reactive protein, prothrombin time (PT), and thrombin time (TT). Postoperative survival time was observed hourly until death. Hepatocyte regeneration was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Serum inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, and iNOS) was analyzed by ELISA. STAT3 protein and mRNA were analyzed by Western blot and quantitative reverse-transcription PCR, respectively. RESULTS: The high-dose group demonstrated a significantly prolonged survival time, compared with both the control and the low-dose groups (22.0 ± 4.7 h vs 8.9 ± 2.0 vs 10.3 ± 3.3 h, P = 0.018). There were significant differences among the groups in ALT, Glu and PT levels starting from 6 h after surgery. The ALT levels were significantly lower in the MgIG treated groups than in the control group. Both Glu and PT levels were significantly higher in the MgIG treated groups than in the control group. At 12 h, ALT, AST, TBil, DBil and TT levels showed significant differences between the MgIG treated groups and the control group. No significant differences in hepatocyte regeneration were found. Compared to the control group, the high-dose group showed a significantly increase in serum inflammatory cytokines IL-1 and IL-10, and a decrease in IL-6. Both STAT3 protein and mRNA levels were significantly lower in the MgIG treated groups than in the control group at 6 h, 12 h, and 18 h after surgery. CONCLUSION: High-dose MgIG can extend survival time in rats after excessive hepatectomy. This hepatoprotective effect is mediated by inhibiting the inflammatory response through inhibition of the STAT3 pathway.

Effects of group housing on ECG assessment in conscious cynomolgus monkeys.

INTRODUCTION: Assessing the cardiovascular safety of new chemical or biological entities is important during pre-clinical development. Electrocardiogram (ECG) assessments in non-human primate (NHP) toxicology studies are often made using non-invasive telemetry systems. We investigated whether ECG recording was feasible during group housing of NHPs, rather than the usual single housed arrangement, and whether it would impact the data collected or affect the ability to detect drug-induced changes in QTc interval. METHODS: Following a period of acclimatisation to jackets, cynomolgus monkeys (3 males and 3 females) were housed in same sex groups of 3. Female monkeys were administered 4 doses of vehicle while male monkeys were administered vehicle, 15, 45, and 135mg/kg moxifloxacin. Each dose was administered on a separate dosing day. The same dosing protocol was repeated with the animals singly housed and the results from the two phases were compared including assessment of statistical power. RESULTS: Heart rate (HR) was significantly lower, and PR and QT intervals were significantly higher, at multiple time points when the animals were group housed compared with the singly housed phase. QRS duration and QTc interval were less affected. Moxifloxacin increased QT and QTc intervals but had no consistent effect on HR, QRS duration or PR interval under group housed or singly housed conditions. Power analysis suggested that group housing did not adversely affect the magnitude of detectable changes of ECG parameters. In general, detection of slightly smaller changes was achieved under conditions of group housing. DISCUSSION: The current study shows group housing to be technically possible during non-invasive ECG recording, resulting in lower resting heart rates and small improvements in sensitivity of detection of drug-induced effects. Given the psychological benefits of group housing for NHPs, it is a refinement that should be considered when conducting ECG assessments in NHP toxicology studies.

New dimeric phthalides from Ligusticum sinense Oliv cv. Chaxiong.

A new dimeric phthalide, chaxiongnolide A (1), and a new natural product, chaxiongnolide B (2), together with a known compound Z-ligustilide (3), were isolated from the rhizome of Ligusticum sinense Oliv cv. Chaxiong. Their structures were elucidated by various spectroscopic methods and confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis.