Antiviral activity of polysaccharide extract from Laminaria japonica against respiratory syncytial virus.

This study was designed to investigate the inhibition activity of polysaccharide extract from Laminaria japonica against RSV. The polysaccharide from Laminaria japonica was isolated by ethanol precipitation. HEK293 cells were infected with RVS, and the antiviral activity of polysaccharide extract against RSV in host cells was tested. By using ELISA and western blot assay, the expression level of IFN-α and IRF3 and their functional roles in polysaccharide-mediated antiviral activity against RSV were investigated. The polysaccharide extract from Laminaria japonica had low toxicity to HEK293 cell. The TC50 to HEK293 cells was up to 1.76mg/mL. Furthermore, the EC50 of polysaccharide extract to RSV was 5.27µg/mL, and TI was 334. The polysaccharide extract improved IRF-3 expression which promoted the level of IFN-α. IN CONCLUSION: Polysaccharide extract from Laminaria japonica elicits antiviral activity against RSV by up-regulation of IRF3 signaling-mediated IFN-α production.

Marine drug Haishengsu increases chemosensitivity to conventional chemotherapy and improves quality of life in patients with acute leukemia.

BACKGROUND: Pharmacological management of acute leukemia remains a challenge. A seashell protein Haishengsu (HSS) has been found to exert anticancer activities in recent in vitro studies. The aim of this study was to determine whether the addition of HSS to the conventional chemotherapies would increase chemosensitivity and improves quality of life in patients with acute leukemia. METHODS: Two hundred and forty-eight patients with acute leukemia were enrolled in a double-blind, and placebo-controlled study. In addition to conventional chemotherapy, 142 patients received HSS and 106 received placebo. In an in vitro study, the expression of P-gp was evaluated by flow cytometry in a drug-resistant leukemia cell line (K562/ADM cells). Sorcin was examined by Western blot. RESULTS: The complete remission rates in the HSS treatment group were all higher than in the placebo group with non-relapsing leukemia and relapsed leukemia (p<0.05). Less patients in the HSS group experienced gastrointestinal side effects from chemotherapy, whereas more patients had increased food take and an increase in Karnofsky performance status (KPS) score (p<0.01). In vitro, the expression of P-gp and sorcin in the HSS treated cells were lower than in the control group cells (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: When added to conventional chemotherapy, HSS improves the complete remission rates and quality of life in patients with acute leukemia. The in vitro findings indicate that suppression of P-gp and sorcin genes in leukemia cells may be involved in the beneficial effects of HSS.

Study on fluorescence spectra of chlorothalonil residues and the interaction between chlorothalonil and Chinese herbal medicines.

The fluorescence spectrum was studied for the chlorothalonil (0.2928 mg x mL(-1)) using spectrofluorophotometer. The experiment results showed that the characteristic peaks (352 and 366 nm) are found in the spectrum of chlorothalonil standard solution when the excitation wavelength is 320 nm. And it was found that the shoulder peak gradually disappeared at 366 nm, while the fluorescence peak is stable at 352 nm with the decline of the solution concentration The exponential functional relationship between the concentration of chlorothalonil and fluorescence intensity at 352 nm was obtained, and its correlation coefficient is 0.999. The experimental results are consistent with the theoretical formula about fluorescence intensity and concentration The prediction model functions were also obtained through the liner fitting to the chlorothalonil solution of low concentration, and the correlation coefficient is 0. 995. The limit of detection (LOD) is 0.0188 microg x mL(-1), the limit of quantification (LOQ) is 0.0627 microg x mL(-1), and the linear range is 0.0627-28.45 microg x mL(-1). And fluorescence spectra were studied for the mixed system of astragalus, medlar and chlorothalonil. It was found that the fluorescence intensity of chlorothalonil solution is all declined with the addition of two kinds of Chinese Herbal Medicines, which indicates that there is an interaction between them. The decay rate of fluorescence intensity was obtained which is 88.5% and 99.7%, respectively. Then the model functions were established between fluorescence intensity and the volume of addition, and the correlation coefficient is 0.994 and 0.997, respectively. This study provides the experimental foundation for the detection of chlorothalonil residues using fluorescence spectrum. It is shown that it is possible to detect pesticide residues of chlorothalonil using fluorescence spectra directly, and the relevant parameter value satisfied the requirement of testing standard. Therefore there is an important value for further detecting the pesticide residues in fruit juice using fluorescence spectrum. It was also found that the fluorescence intensity of chlorothalonil is decreased with the addition of astragalus or medlar, which provides the new research approach to studying the pesticide degradation using medicinal and edible Chinese Herbal Medicines.

Variations of electroanatomic substrates and markers of successful ablation in idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia: role of electroanatomic substrates and potential mechanism of tachycardia.

OBJECTIVES: The variation of the substrates of verapamil-sensitive idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia (ILVT) was not understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the variation of electroanatomic substrate [slow conduction zone (SCZ) and left ventricular conduction system (LVCS)] in ILVT and control individuals and markers of successful ablation. METHODS: Electroanatomical mapping was performed during sinus rhythm in 20 ILVT patients and 26 control individuals with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. LVCS and SCZ were tagged in geometry and the anatomic aspects were investigated. RESULTS: According to the distribution of Purkinje potential, LVCS was distinguished into three types: left bundle branch (LBB) was divided into two discrete fascicles without interconnections; divided into three separate fascicles; and fanlike structure distribution over septum broadly. The length of LBB and its fascicles in patients with ILVT were slightly longer than those of controls (P > 0.05). In the ILVT group, the SCZ was located at the inferoposterior septum in 17, inferior apical septum in one and two SCZs were located at the posterior and mid-septal in the other two patients, which were greater in size and longer in length than those of six controls (P < 0.05). At the crossover junction area with diastolic potential and Purkinje potential, with the size of 1.5 ± 0.4 cm(2), concealed entertainment and ablation were obtained successfully in all patients with ILVT. CONCLUSION: The anatomy of the LVCS and SCZ is highly variable in patients with ILVT, and the crossover junction area with diastolic potential and Purkinje potential might be a marker of ablation.

The electrophysiological characteristics of isolated diastolic potentials in idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias arising from the right ventricular outflow tract.

OBJECTIVE: The significance of isolated diastolic potentials (IDPs) in patients with idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (IVAs) arising from right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) is currently unknown. The objective of this study was to clarify the characteristics of IDPs and its role in guiding ablation in RVOT-IVAs. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-five consecutive patients with RVOT-IVAs and ten control subjects were studied. Electro-anatomical mapping was performed in RVOT during sinus rhythm. The electrophysiological characteristics of IDPs and its relation to successful ablation site were evaluated. Successful ablation was achieved during IVAs in 22 patients and during sinus rhythm in the remaining three. IDPs were recorded in all patients in the vicinity of successful ablation sites during sinus rhythm before ablation, with the area of 1.44 /- 0.28 cm2, maximal amplitude of 0.32 +/- 0.06 mV and the distance to pulmonary valve of 1.39 +/- 0.25 cm. IDPs could still be recorded after ablation except one. Moreover, IDPs were characterized by decremental and/or automatic property by studying intervals between ventricular activation and IDPs (V-IDPs) during sinus rhythm. And V-IDPs intervals during sinus rhythm were longerthan those during IVAs (P = 0.012). However, IDPs were only recorded in one patient in the control group and the incidence of IDPs was remarkably lower than that in the RVOT-IVAs group (1/10 vs. 25/25, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: IDPs were present in patients with RVOT-IVAs. IDPs area and/or border region might be the successful ablation site and their precise mechanism remains to be clarified.

Effect of isoflavone on balloon catheter-induced neointimal hyperplasia in ovariectomised rabbit carotid artery.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to investigate the effects of phytoestrogen isoflavone on balloon catheter-induced hyperplasia of carotid artery. METHODS: Forty-eight female New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: control (balloon-induced carotid artery injury only); ovariectomy control (ovariectomy and carotid artery injury), oestrogen (ovariectomy, carotid artery injury and nilestriol, 5mg/kg daily for 28 days), and isoflavone (ovariectomy, carotid artery injury and isoflavone 120 mg/kg daily for 28 days). The arterial wall thickness was assessed by coloured ultrasonography, and the oestrogen-α and oestrogen-ß receptors in the abdominal aorta were measured by Western blotting. RESULTS: The medial layer thickness in the isoflavone group was less than in the ovariectomy control group (0.28±0.03 vs. 0.35±0.04 mm, p<0.01), and the intimal/medial layer (I/M) ratio is the isoflavone group was also less than in the ovariectomy control group (16.85±3.79 vs. 48.94±8.92, p<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the medial layer thickness or I/M ratio between the isoflavone and the oestrogen groups. The optical density of the oestrogen-α receptors in the isoflavone group (0.317±0.002) was less than in the oestrogen (0.633±0.002) or ovariectomy control group (0.590±0.001, p<0.01). The optical density of the oestrogen-ß receptors in the isoflavone group (1.350±0.002) and the ovariectomy control group (1.2033±0.002) was less than in the oestrogen group (1.7699±0.003, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Isoflavone therapy in the ovariectomised rabbit model attenuated balloon catheter-induced intimal and medial layer hyperplasia in the carotid arteries. Down-regulation of the oestrogen-α receptors may be involved in the hyperplasia-preventative effect.

Pulse width modulation electro-acupuncture on cardiovascular remodeling and plasma nitric oxide in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

This study was designed to investigate the effect of pulse width modulation electro-acupuncture (PWM-EA) on cardiovascular remodeling and nitric oxide (NO) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Thirty-four male SHR were randomly divided into control, captopril, and two PWM-EA groups, which were treated with 350 Hz (SHR-350 Hz) and whole audio bandwith electro-acupuncture (SHR-WAB group) respectively, on the ST 36 point located on the outside of the hind leg. Systolic blood pressure (BP), plasma and myocardial NO were measured. Histological studies were also performed on the aortic wall and the left ventricle. The BP in the SHR-350 Hz, SHR-WAB and the captopril groups was lower than in the control group following the treatment (P < .05). The average aortic media wall thickness in the two electro-acupuncture groups was less than in the control group (P < .05). The left ventricle/heart weight ratio in the captopril and SHR-350 Hz groups was less than in the control group (P < .01), but was similar between the SHR-WAB and the control group (P > .05). The plasma and myocardium NO levels were elevated in the captopril and the SHR-350 Hz group (P < .05 and .01, resp.). The plasma level of NO in the SHR-WAB group was also higher than in the control group (P < .05). We concluded that pulse width modulation electro-acupuncture on the ST 36 point prevents the progression of hypertension and diminishes the cardiovascular remodeling in SHR. It also elevates plasma and cardiac NO in this animal model.

Single dose administration of L-carnitine improves antioxidant activities in healthy subjects.

L-carnitine has been used as a supplement to treat cardiovascular or liver disease. However, there has been little information about the effect of L-carnitine on anti-oxidation capability in healthy human subjects. This study was designed to investigate the correlation between plasma L-carnitine concentration and antioxidant activity. Liquid L-carnitine (2.0 g) was administered orally as a single dose in 12 healthy subjects. Plasma concentration of L-carnitine was detected by HPLC. The baseline concentration of L-carnitine was 39.14 ± 5.65 µmol/L. After single oral administration, the maximum plasma concentration (C(max)) and area under the curve (AUC(0-∞)) were 84.7 ± 25.2 µmol/L and 2,676.4 ± 708.3 µmol/L·h, respectively. The half-life and the time required to reach the C(max) was 60.3 ± 15.0 min and 3.4 ± 0.46 h, respectively. There was a gradual increase in plasma concentrations of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase and total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC) in the first 3.5 h following L-carnitine administration. The plasma concentrations of SOD, GSH-Px, catalase and T-AOC returned to baseline levels within 24 h. A positive correlation was found between L-carnitine concentration and the antioxidant index of SOD (r = 0.992, P < 0.01), GSH-Px (r = 0.932, P < 0.01), catalase (r = 0.972, P < 0.01) or T-AOC (r = 0.934, P < 0.01). In conclusion, L-carnitine increases activities of antioxidant enzymes and the total antioxidant capacity in healthy subjects. It may be useful as a supplementary therapy for chronic illnesses involving excessive oxidative stress.

Prediction values of T wave alternans for sudden cardiac death in patients with chronic heart failure: a brief review.

More than 50% of patients with heart failure die from sudden cardiac death as a result of malignant arrhythmia. T wave alternans (TWA) is a convenient, noninvasive, and inexpensive testing modality, with a higher sensitivity and specificity for sudden cardiac death. Its prediction value for malignant arrhythmia may even exceed electrophysiologic study. Generally, the algorithms of TWA can be divided into frequency-domain and time-domain methods, and the latter has a stronger anti-interference ability. So far, a unified measuring formula and diagnostic criteria about TWA measurements have been created. Large clinical studies in recent years strongly suggest that TWA can predict sudden cardiac death, which can be used as a guide for the implanting of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. This article reviews the current literature on recording techniques and clinical implications of TWA.

Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb761 on human colon adenocarcinoma cells.

AIMS: To investigate the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb761) on cell proliferation and apoptosis in human colon cancer cells. METHODS: Human colon cancer cell lines (HT-29) were cultured and incubated with various concentrations (0-320 mg/l) of EGb 761 solution for up to 72 h. Cell viability, cell apoptosis, cell cycle, expression of caspase-3, the mRNA levels of p53, and Bcl-2 were assessed. RESULTS: EGb 761 inhibited the growth of HT-29 cells in a time-dose-dependent manner. At 80 and 320 mg/L, EGb 761 increased the number of cells in the G0/G1 phase and reduced cells in the G2/M and S phase. EGb 761 treatment also increased the apoptosis ratio of the HT-29 cells. EGb 761 treatment was associated with an increase in caspase-3 activities, reduction in bcl-2 mRNA expression and elevation in p53 mRNA expression. CONCLUSION: EGb 761 inhibits the progression of human colon cancer cells. Its therapeutic effect may be related to enhanced caspase-3 activities, up-regulation of p53 and down-regulation of bcl-2 genes.

Treatment with nesiritide, a recombinant B-type natriuretic Peptide, reduces vascular remodeling following balloon-induced endothelial injuries in rabbits.

Re-stenosis or remodeling of coronary and peripheral arteries remains a major complication following balloon-angioplasty or stenting. This study was designed to investigate the effect of nesiritide, a recombinant B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), on vascular remodeling following balloon-induced endothelial injuries. Twenty-eight male New Zealand rabbits were divided into nesiritide-treated (0.1 mg/kg/day, sc, for 4 weeks, n = 10), saline-treated control (n = 10) and sham-operated groups (n = 8). In the nesiritide and control groups, a balloon catheter was inserted to the right iliac artery to induce injuries. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was measured by immunohistochemistry. The area under internal elastic membrane of the arterial wall (643.2 ± 134.1 vs 493.7 ± 139.3 µm(2), p < 0.05) and the area under external elastic membrane (1495.1 ± 204.9 vs 1265.9 ± 232.6 µm(2), p < 0.05) in the nesiritide group were greater than those in the control group, but were smaller than those in the sham-operated group (p < 0.05). The stenosis ratio was lower in the nesiritide group than in the control group (18.7 ± 7.7% vs 38.0 ± 8.3%, p < 0.01). Importantly, the VEGF expression rate was significantly lower in the nesiritide group than in the control group (42.2 ± 8.8% vs 56.1 ± 13.1%, p < 0.05), while there were no signs of VEGF expression in the non-injured arteries of the three groups. In conclusion, nesiritide treatment reduces the stenosis of the rabbit iliac artery following balloon-induced endothelial injuries probably by decreasing VEGF expression.

Tegillarca granosa extract Haishengsu inhibits the expression of P-glycoprotein and induces apoptosis in drug-resistant K562/ADM cells.

This study was designed to investigate the effect and molecular mechanisms of Haishengsu (HSS), a protein extract from a shellfish Tegillarca granosaL., on a drug resistant leukemia cell line. Cultured K562/Adriamycin (ADM) cells were treated with HSS at 10, 20 and 40 microg/mL, respectively. The apoptosis and expression of p-glycoprotein was evaluated by flow cytometry. Expressions of caspase-3 and Bcl-2 were also evaluated. There was a significant dose-dependent increase in the apoptosis in the HSS treated K562/ADM cells (P < 0.05 and 0.01, respectively). The p-glycoprotein expression in the 40 microg/mL HSS group (14.8%) was lower than in the control (16.9%, P < 0.05) and the 10 microg/mL HSS group (7.3%, P < 0.05), but it was similar to the HSS 20 microg/mL group (10.7%, P > 0.05). The expressions of apoptosis-stimulating protein caspase-3 protein were increased, whereas the expressions of apoptosis-suppressing Bcl-2 were decreased in the HSS groups, as compared with the levels in the control group (P < 0.05). We conclude that HSS induces apoptosis of the Adriamycin-resistant K562/ADM cells. The enhanced expressions in caspase-3 and the reduced expressions in Bcl-2 protein may have contributed to the apoptosis-stimulating effect of HSS. The inhibition of p-glycoprotein suggests that HSS may diminish the resistance to Adriamycin and potentially enhance the therapeutic effects.

Effect of haishengsu as an adjunct therapy for patients with advanced renal cell cancer: a randomized and placebo-controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Haishengsu, an extract from Tegillarca L. granosa, on the effects and side-effects of immunotherapy in patients with advanced renal cell cancer. METHODS: Fifty-five (55) patients with renal cell cancer were randomly divided into a Haishengsu group (n = 27, 2.4 mg, intravenously for 15 days) and a control group (n = 28). All patients were also treated with interleukin-2, interferon-alpha, and fluorouracil. RESULTS: In the Haishengsu group, the prevalence of gastrointestinal reactions to the immunotherapy was lower than in the control group (18.5% versus 64.3%, p < 0.01). In comparison with the control group, more patients from the Haishengsu group had increased food intake (74.1% versus 14.3%, p < 0.01), weight gain (77.8% versus 10.7%, p < 0.01) or an increase in Karnofsky Performance Status score (55.6% versus 17.9%, p < 0.01). The remission rate of cancer in the Haishengsu group was higher than in the control group (51.9% and 21.4%, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Addition of Haishengsu to the conventional immunotherapy is associated with an increased remission rate in patients with advanced renal cell cancer. Haishengsu was also associated with a reduced rate of gastrointestinal side-effects from the immunotherapeutic agents, and an improvement in the physical functionality of the patients.

Effect of a seashell protein Haishengsu on the immunological function of mice with Ehrlich ascites tumor.

This study was designed to investigate the effect of a seashell protein Haishengsu (HSS) on the immuno logical function in mice with Ehrlich ascites tumor. Ehrlich ascites tumor-bearing mice were divided into three HSS groups (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, i.v., respectively), cyclophosphamide (10 mg i.p.) and control group. The immunological function was assessed by measuring the phagocytizing capacity of the peritoneal macrophages and neutrophils, as well as the number of spleen hemolytic plaque-forming cells. The percentage of blood T-lymphocytes was also evaluated. The number and the percentage of phagocytizing macrophages and neutrophils in the 50 and 100 mg/kg HSS groups were higher than in the control and the cyclophosphamide groups (P < 0.01). The hemolytic plaque-forming cells in the three HSS groups (10.8 +/- 1.2, 16.9 +/- 3.9 and 25.3 +/- 2.9, respectively), was greater than in the control (7.3 +/- 1.4), or the cyclophosphamide group (0.33 +/- 0.4) (all P < 0.01). In all HSS groups, the percentage of blood T3, T4 and T8 was higher than in the cyclophosphamide and the control group (all P < 0.01). We conclude that HSS has significant immune-modulating effect in mice with Ehrlich ascites tumor.

Antitumor effect of the seashell protein Haishengsu on Ehrlich ascites tumor: an experimental study.

The aim of the study was to investigate the in vivo effect of the seashell protein Haishengsu (HSS) on Ehrlich ascites tumor. Mice were inoculated with Ehrlich ascites tumor cells and randomly divided into three HSS groups and a control group. The survival times in the three HSS-treated groups was longer than in the control (P < 0.01) and the increased life span in the high-dose HSS group was greater than in the lower-dose groups (P < 0.05). In comparison with control group, the mice receiving pretreatment of HSS had longer survival times and greater life spans following inoculation of the ascites tumor (P < 0.05). HSS therefore prolongs survival times and increases the life spans of mice bearing Ehrlich ascites tumor. Pretreatment with HSS also diminishes the detrimental effect of Ehrlich ascites tumor on the prognosis of these animals.

Curcumin prevents liver fibrosis by inducing apoptosis and suppressing activation of hepatic stellate cells.

This study was designed to investigate the prophylactic effects and the mechanisms of curcumin on liver fibrosis in rats. Liver fibrosis was induced in 72 Sprague Dawley rats by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride. Rats were divided into control, liver fibrosis, high, medium, and low dose curcumin (200, 100, and 50 mg kg(-1), respectively), and colchicine (0.1 mg kg(-1)) groups. After 8 weeks of treatment, histopathological examination was performed on hepatic tissues, and liver fibrosis was graded. Hepatic stellate cells activity was examined by smooth muscle alpha-actin immunohistochemistry staining, and apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling. The liver fibrosis score in the high, medium, and low dose curcumin group (5.79 +/- 1.80, 8.58 +/- 3.34, and 9.58 +/- 3.32, respectively) and the colchicine group (4.91 +/- 1.28) was significantly lower than in the fibrosis group (20.40 +/- 3.38, P < 0.01). The ratio of activated hepatic stellate cells in the three curcumin groups (0.97 +/- 0.69, 2.06 +/- 0.58, and 3.49 +/- 1.03, respectively) and the colchicine group (0.78 +/- 0.31) was significantly lower than in the fibrosis group (6.08 +/- 1.13, P < 0.05). The apoptosis index in the three curcumin groups (0.57 +/- 0.21, 0.37 +/- 0.22, and 0.34 +/- 0.21, respectively) was higher than in the fibrosis (0.09 +/- 0.09, P < 0.05) or the colchicine group (0.16 +/- 0.19, P < 0.05). Curcumin prevents carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in rats. The prevention of liver fibrosis may be due to the inhibition of the activation of hepatic stellate cells and induction of their apoptosis.

Extract of Ginkgo biloba promotes the expression of VEGF following subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats.

The study aimed to investigate the effect of extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb) on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Wistar rats were divided into non-SAH, SAH, vehicle, EGb1 (low-dose), and EGb2 (high-dose) groups. VEGF mRNA and VEGF protein were measured from brain tissues. The expressions of VEGF mRNA in SAH and vehicle groups were enhanced 24 and 72 hr after the establishment of SAH. Increased VEGF positive cells were found in the brain tissues in SAH and vehicle groups. The expressions of VEGF mRNA and VEGF protein were further increased by the pretreatment of EGb. We concluded that EGb exerts protective effects on secondary cerebral ischemic injury after SAH via the promotion of the expression of VEGF.

Effect of Haishengsu on transplanted K562 and drug-resistant K562/ADM tumors: an experimental study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of Haishengsu (HSS) on transplanted K562 and drug-resistant K562/ADM tumors. METHODS: Mice were inoculated subcutaneously with K562 and K562/ADM cells, respectively. Tumour-bearing animals were divided into HSS, adriamycin, combination therapy (adriamycin plus HSS) and placebo groups. The anti-tumour effect was assessed by tumour growth curve and tumour inhibitory rate (IR). RESULTS: In animals inoculated with K562 cells, the inhibitory rates of high (1800mg/kg) and medium (900mg/kg ) dose HSS groups were 100% and 96.4%, respectively, which was higher than that in the adriamycin (88.9%) or the combination therapy groups (85.8%, P < 0.05). The inhibitory rate in the low-dose HSS group (53.4%) was lower than in all other groups (P < 0.01). In mice inoculated with K562/ADM cells, the inhibitory rates in the high, medium and low dose HSS groups were 100%, 95.9%, and 44.1%, respectively. In the adriamycin group, the inhibitory rate was 23.07%, which was lower than in the HSS group (P < 0.01). Pathological examination of tumour tissues from HSS-treated animals showed extensive necrosis and bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Haishengsu inhibits the growth of transplanted K562 tumours in mice. It is also effective in suppressing the growth of drug-resistant K562/ADM tumors in this animal model.

Haishengsu as an adjunct therapy to conventional chemotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer: a pilot randomized and placebo-controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Haishengsu, an extract from Tegillarca granosa, on non-small cell lung cancer as an adjunct to conventional chemotherapy. DESIGNS/SETTINGS: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 83 patients. The Haishengsu (n=42, 2.4mg Haishengsu in 250ml normal saline, iv, for 15 days) and the placebo group (n=41, 250ml normal saline, iv) were also treated with two cycles (28 days for each cycle) of conventional chemotherapy consisting mitomycin, vindesine and cisplatin. RESULTS: The curative effect of conventional chemotherapy was observed in 62% of Haishengsu group patients and in 39% in of the placebo group patients (P=0.04, RR 1.59, 95% CI: 1.01-2.49). Improvement in Karnofsky performance status scores was seen in 66.7% of Haishengsu group patients and in 17.1% of the placebo group patients (P<0.01, RR 3.63, 95%CI: 1.77-7.41). The ratio of patients with no or only mild gastrointestinal reaction in the Haishengsu and the placebo group was 83.3% and 39.0%, respectively (P<0.01, RR 2.13, 95% CI: 1.42-3.20). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that Haishengsu may be an effective adjunct therapy to the conventional chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer. The short-term therapeutic effect of chemotherapy may be improved and the chemotherapy-induced nausea or vomiting may be reduced by concurrent Haishengsu administration.

Effect of a seashell protein Haishengsu on cell growth and expression of apoptosis genes in leukemia K562 cells.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of a seashell protein Haishengsu (HSS), an extract from a shellfish Tegillarca granosa, on cell growth and the expression of apoptosis genes in leukemia K562 cells. METHODS: Cultured K562 cells were treated with HSS at various concentrations (10-40 mg/L). The cell cycle, cell growth and the expression of apoptosis suppressor gene bcl-2 and apoptosis promoting gene bax were evaluated. RESULTS: HSS, 20mg/L, inhibited cell cycle in the G0/G1 and S phases. HSS, 20mg/L, also inhibited the growth of K562 cells over time. Expression of bcl-2 gene in the HSS 20mg/L (58.8%+/-4.7%) and HSS 40 mg/L group (26.6%+/-2.1%) were lower than in the control group (91.0+/-8.7%, P < 0.01). Expression of bax gene in the HSS 20mg/L (77.7+/-3.6%) and 40 mg/L group (90.6+/-3.7%) were higher than in the control group (10.9+/-6.6%, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: HSS suppresses leukemia K562 cell growth by inhibiting the G0/G1 and S phases of the cell cycle. It also induces apoptosis in these leukemia cells by reducing the expression of apoptosis suppressor gene bcl-2, and increasing the expression of apoptosis promoting gene bax. Further studies are required to investigate the clinical efficacy of HSS in leukemia.