Mitochondrial electron transport chain, ceramide, and coenzyme Q are linked in a pathway that drives insulin resistance in skeletal muscle.

Insulin resistance (IR) is a complex metabolic disorder that underlies several human diseases, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Despite extensive research, the precise mechanisms underlying IR development remain poorly understood. Previously we showed that deficiency of coenzyme Q (CoQ) is necessary and sufficient for IR in adipocytes and skeletal muscle (Fazakerley et al., 2018). Here, we provide new insights into the mechanistic connections between cellular alterations associated with IR, including increased ceramides, CoQ deficiency, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. We demonstrate that elevated levels of ceramide in the mitochondria of skeletal muscle cells result in CoQ depletion and loss of mitochondrial respiratory chain components, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and IR. Further, decreasing mitochondrial ceramide levels in vitro and in animal models (mice, C57BL/6J) (under chow and high-fat diet) increased CoQ levels and was protective against IR. CoQ supplementation also rescued ceramide-associated IR. Examination of the mitochondrial proteome from human muscle biopsies revealed a strong correlation between the respirasome system and mitochondrial ceramide as key determinants of insulin sensitivity. Our findings highlight the mitochondrial ceramide-CoQ-respiratory chain nexus as a potential foundation of an IR pathway that may also play a critical role in other conditions associated with ceramide accumulation and mitochondrial dysfunction, such as heart failure, cancer, and aging. These insights may have important clinical implications for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of IR and related metabolic disorders.

[Effects of topical anesthesia with 1% tetracaine on hemodynamic responses in microlaryngosurgery].

Objective: To observe the effects of topical anesthesia with 1% tetracaine on hemodynamic responses in general anesthesia patients undergoing microlaryngosurgery. Methods: From October 2021 to December 2021, 92 patients (46 males and 46 females) in Beijing Tongren Hospital, with a median age [M (Q1, Q3)] of 51 (42, 57) years who scheduled for microlaryngosurgery under general anesthesia, were divided into two groups (n=46 in each group) using the random number table method. Group T received topical anesthesia with 1% tetracaine at the root of the tongue and epiglottis and glottis on the basis of general intravenous anesthesia induction, with 0.5 ml at each position, while the control group (group C) received equal volume of normal saline. Heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded at the time of patients entering the operating room (baseline), after induction, after intubation, immediately after suspending laryngoscopy, 1 min after suspending laryngoscopy, 3 min after suspending laryngoscopy, 5 min after suspending laryngoscopy and immediately after extubation. The recovery profiles, including time to recover breathing, time to open eyes, time to extubation and adverse reactions were evaluated during recovery period. Results: The MAP of patients in group T at baseline, after induction, after intubation, immediately after suspending laryngoscopy, 1 min after suspending laryngoscopy, 3 min after suspending laryngoscopy, 5 min after suspending laryngoscopy and immediately after extubation were (99.4±12.9), (78.5±8.8), (79.2±10.2), (100.6±17.0), (101.9±14.7), (100.8±13.9), (97.4±12.1), (107.3±16.8) mmHg (1 mmH=0.133 kPa), respectively, while in group C were (99.5±11.6), (80.9±12.8), (90.5±16.0), (109.5±20.4), (108.0±18.9), (103.7±15.5), (100.1±13.3), (114.2±17.3) mmHg, respectively. The two critical time points of MAP after intubation and immediately suspending laryngoscopy in group C were significantly higher than group T (P<0.05).The HR of patients in group T at baseline, after induction, after intubation, immediately after suspending laryngoscopy, 1 min after suspending laryngoscopy, 3 min after suspending laryngoscopy, 5 min after suspending laryngoscopy and immediately after extubation was (71.3±10.6), (66.0±10.1), (69.5±11.4), (61.3±14.2), (69.8±9.8), (71.0±10.6), (70.6±11.0), (78.8±11.6) bmp, respectively, while in group C were (73.1±10.9), (67.8±9.9), (79.5±12.9), (57.1±18.1), (69.2±12.8), (71.4±11.7), (70.7±11.5), (85.3±13.0) bmp, respectively. The two critical time points of HR after intubation and after extubation in group C were significantly higher than that of group T (P<0.05). The time to recover breathing in the two groups was (11.8±3.5) min and (11.3±4.6) min, respectively. The time to open eyes was (12.0±3.3) min and (11.5±5.0) min, respectively. The time to extubation was (13.2±3.7) min and (12.6±4.9) min, respectively. There were no statistically significant difference in time to recovery between the two groups (P>0.05). Likewise, there were no toxic reactions to local anesthetics, respiratory depression, hypoxemia, laryngospasm and cough occurred in either group. Conclusion: Topical anesthesia with 1% tetracaine can effectively reduce the hemodynamic changes without influencing patient's recovery, and does not increase the incidence of adverse reactions.

The short-term efficacy of electrical pudendal nerve stimulation versus intravesical instillation for the urethral pain syndrome: a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Urethral pain syndrome is a chronic condition characterized by disturbing feeling or server pain sensed at the urethra without specific treatment. This double-center, two-arm controlled trial aimed to explore the efficacy of electrical pudendal nerve stimulation (EPNS) versus intravesical instillation (II) of heparin and alkalinized lidocaine for urethral pain syndrome (UPS). METHODS: Eighty eligible patients took three sessions of EPNS, or 1 session of II per week, for 6 consecutive weeks. The primary end point was the change of pelvic pain and urgency/frequency symptom (PUF) score from baseline to week 6. Secondary outcome measures included changes of visual analogue scale (VAS) score and three sub-score extracted from PUF score. RESULTS: The enrolled participants were all included in the intention-to-treat analyses, and baseline characteristics between the two groups were well balanced. The post-treatment PUF score decreased by 10.0 (7.00, 16.50) in the EPNS group, and by 7.0 (3.00, 10.00) in the II group. At the closure of treatment, the medians of changes in symptom score, bother score, pain-related score and VAS score were 6.50 (4.25, 10.00), 4.00 (2.00, 6.00), 6.00 (5.00, 8.00),4.50 (2.25, 6.00), respectively, in the EPNS group, and 4.00 (2.00, 7.00), 3.00 (1.00, 3.00), 3.00 (2.00, 6.00), 2.00 (1.00, 4.00), respectively, in the II group. All the between-group differences were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Compared with the II, the EPNS results in superior pain control and better relief of lower urinary tract symptoms, and deserves further attention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03671993).

[The analysis of pathogens distribution and drug resistance of bacteria in sputum samples of pneumoconiosis patients combined with lower respiratory tract infection.]

Objective: To guide the rational use of antibiotic drugs in clinical practice for doctors by the analysis of pathogens distribution, transition and drug resistance of bacteria in sputum samples of pneumoconiosis patients combined with lower respiratory tract infection. Methods: 2 199 qualified sputum samples from 214 pneumoconiosis patients collected from January 2008 to December 2012 were examined by bacterium or fungus education. BioMerieux API and Eastern Cowin application software were used to do bacterial identification, and K-B method recommended by the NCCLS was used to take drug sensitivity tests. Results: 508 pathogens were isolated from sputum specimens and the positive rate among them was 23.1%. The majority of pathogens were fungus and Gram-negative bacteria, with the detection rates 50.0%, 40.7% respectively. Bacterial identification results show that the majority of pathogens of sputum samples were candida albicans, pseudomonas aeruginosa and acinetobacter baumannii. Susceptibility results show that P. aeruginosa was 100% sensitive to ceftriaxone (non-meningitis) and acinetobacter baumannii was 100% sensitivite to ampicillin/sulbactam, cefoperazone/sul-bactam and imipenem. These two bacteria were resistant to many kinds of antibiotic drugs, and the sensitive rates to cephalothin and clindamycin were 0%. Conclusion: The infections of pneumoconiosis patients combined with lower respiratory tract infection were fungi, pseudomonas aeruginosa and acinetobacter baumannii, which have a significant drug resistance. Doctors should consider the results of laboratory detection of pathogens and sensitivity test to select the antibiotic drugs in order to reduce the generation of resistant strains.

Anti-tumor effect of cactus polysaccharides on lung squamous carcinoma cells (SK-MES-1).

BACKGROUND: Cactus polysaccharides are the active components of Opuntia dillenii which have been used extensively in folk medicine. In this study, we investigate the anti-tumor effect of cactus polysaccharides on lung squamous carcinoma cells SK-MES-1. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The inhibitory effect of Cactus polysaccharides on lung squamous carcinoma cells were detected by MTT assay. Cell cycle was determined by flow cytometry and cell apoptosis was determined by AnnexinV assay. Western-blotting was applied to detect P53 and PTEN protein expression in the cells treated with cactus polysaccharides. RESULTS: Results showed that different concentrations of wild cactus polysaccharides prevent SK-MES-1 cells growth and induces S phase arrest. The data also revealed that cactus polysaccharides cause apoptosis in SK-MES-1 cells determined by Annexin-V assay. Furthermore, cactus polysaccharides induced growth arrest and apoptosis may be due to the increase of P53 and phosphatase and tension homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) protein. CONCLUSION: Cactus polysaccharides have anti-tumor activity on lung squamous carcinoma cells.

The cryoprotective effects of vitamin B12 supplementation on bovine semen quality.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of vitamin B(12) supplementation on standard bovine semen quality parameters and anti-oxidative enzyme activities. Vitamin B(12) was supplemented at concentrations of 1.25, 2.5, 3.75 and 5.0 mg/ml to bovine semen cryoprotective medium. The results indicated that the motility and straight line velocity, curvilinear velocity, mean coefficient, velocity of the average path values of sperm supplemented with 2.50 mg/ml vitamin B(12) were significantly higher than that of other groups (p<0.05). No significant difference was observed for linearity index, lateral head displacement values and the percentage of grade A spermatozoa between the extenders containing 2.50 and 3.75 mg/ml vitamin B(12) (p>0.05). The percentages of acrosome-intact and plasma membrane-intact spermatozoa were significantly improved (p<0.05) by supplementing with 2.50 mg/ml vitamin B(12) . The results of biochemical assay revealed that vitamin B(12) supplementation did not cause significant changes in superoxide dismutase levels compared with control (p>0.05). However, the catalase levels were higher in the treatment supplemented with vitamin B(12) at 2.50 mg/ml, when compared with other groups (p<0.05). The extender supplemented with vitamin B(12) significantly decreased glutathione peroxidase activity compared with the control (p<0.05). The supplementation of 3.75 mg/ml vitamin B(12) caused the highest value of glutathione reductase activity, compared with other groups (p<0.05). In conclusion, the extender supplemented with vitamin B(12) could reduce the oxidative stress provoked by freezing-thawing and improve bovine semen quality. Further studies are required to obtain more concrete results on the determination of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant capacities of vitamin B(12) in cryopreserved bovine semen.

Duck cerebellum participates in regulation of food intake via the neurotransmitters serotonin and neuropeptide Y.

Two important neurotransmitters, serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) and neuropeptide Y (NPY), have been confirmed to be involved in food intake regulation. To clarify whether the cerebellum participates in modulation of food intake through these two neurotransmitters, we investigated the distribution and expression levels of 5-HT and NPY in cerebellum of the duck. Our results showed that 5-HT and NPY were distributed only at the Purkinje cell layer of the duck cerebellum. Moreover, the expression level of 5-HT in fasted (4 h) and tryptophan (100-200 mg/kg)-treated ducks was significantly higher than that in control animals (P<0.01), whereas the expression of NPY was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Therefore, our results indicated that inhibitory regulation of food intake respectively increased and decreased cerebellar 5-HT and NPY in the duck.

Protective effects of tea polyphenols on myocardial free radical metabolic disorder in mice induced by inhalation of pure oxygen under 5500 m hypobaric condition.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the protective effects of natural antioxidant tea polyphenols(TP) on myocardial free radical metabolic disorder in mice induced by inhalation of hypobaric pure oxygen under 5500 m hypobaric condition. METHOD: Forty-two male Kunming mice were randomly divided into three groups (n = 14 each): group A, normal control; group B, inhalation of pure oxygen (> 96 %) at simulated altitude of 5500 m in an animal altitude chamber; group C (TP protection group), same as group B but 100 mg/kg of TP was given orally before the exposure. The exposure time was 2 h/d, 3 d/wk for a total of 8 wk, and distilled water was given to groups A and B before exposure. After experiment, the mice were decapitated on the next day and the heart was quickly removed. Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and nitric oxide (NO) content were measured. In addition, Cu, Zn-SOD and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) enzymatic contents in myocardial tissue were qualitatively examined by immunohistochemical assaying. RESULT: Compared with the control, MDA concentration, SOD activity and Cu, Zn-SOD enzymatic content in group B were significantly increased (P < 0. 05). But in TP protection group, myocardial MDA formation was significantly decreased (P < 0. 01) and SOD activity and Cu, Zn-SOD expression restored to normal. On the contrary, myocardial NO generation and iNOS expression were significantly reduced after repeated inhalation of hypobaric oxygen at 5500 m. NO metabolism regained to normal after repeated administration of TP. CONCLUSION: Natural antioxidant TP had protective effects on myocardial free radical metabolic disorder induced by inhalation of hypobaric pure oxygen under 5500 m hypobaric condition.

[Inhibitory effects of tea polyphenols and vitamin C on lipid peroxidation induced by FeSO4- cysteine in isolated human plasma and carbon tetrachloride-induced liver free radical injury in mice].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the inhibitory effects of tea polyphenols (TP) and Vitamin C (Vit C) on FeSO4-cysteine induced lipid peroxidation in isolated human plasma and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver free radical injury in mice. METHOD: The experiment included two parts: (1) In FeSO4-cysteine induced lipid peroxidation system of isolated human plasma, malondialdehyde (MDA) content was detected after administration of different concentrations of TP (0.3 ~ 8.1 mg/L, as C ~ F group) and Vit C (3 ~ 81 mg/L, as G ~ J group) respectively; (2) Thirty-six male Kunming mice were randomly divided into four groups: control group (A), CCl4 damage group (B), TP protection group (C) and Vit C protection group (D). TP or Vit C (100 mg/kg) was given orally to group C and D respectively, while the same volume of distilled water was given to the other two groups one time every day, continued for three days. Twelve hours after the final treatment, CCl4 (230 mg/kg) was given orally to group B ~ D. Thirty six hours later, all the mice were decapitated and liver homogenate were prepared for measuring MDA content. RESULT: In FeSO4-cysteine induced lipid peroxidation in isolated human plasma, the inhibitory rate of TP (0.3 ~ 8.1 mg/L) was 30.7%, 32.0%, 46.9% and 59.7 %, and the inhibitory rate of Vit C (3 ~ 8.1 mg/L) was 8.3%, 41.4%, 47.7% and 52.7% for various dosages. In the CCl4 induced liver free radical injury system, the inhibitory rate of the same dosage of TP and Vit C was 45.2%, 42.8% respectively. CONCLUSION: TP (0.3 ~ 8.1 mg/L) and Vit C (9 ~ 81 mg/L) had inhibited lipid peroxidation induced by FeSO4-cysteine in isolated human plasma significantly, and the inhibitory effects of TP was superior to that of Vit C at the same dosages. The same dosage of TP and Vit C had remarkable inhibitory effects on the CCl4 induced liver free radical injury, but there was no significant difference between the two groups.

Protective effect of XY99-5038 on hydrogen peroxide induced cell death in cultured retinal neurons.

XY99-5038 is a preparation from a specific formula provided by Dr. Yan Xin, a renowned Traditional Chinese Medicine specialist. This formulation has proven to be effective without side effects but has not been studied under rigorous laboratory conditions. In order to investigate the role of XY99-5038 in protecting neurons from degeneration, we used retinal neuronal culture as a model system to study the protective effects of XY99-5038 against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induced cytotoxicity. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), a potent neurotrophic factor, was employed as comparable agent. Retinas of 0-2 days old Sprague-Dawley rats were isolated, dissociated, and the neurons maintained for 2 weeks in a synthetic serum-free media. Cytotoxicity was determined by MTT (3,(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) and LDH (Lactate dehydrogenase) assays, whereas apoptotic cell death was evaluated by the TUNEL (TdT-mediated digoxigenin-dUTP nick-end labeling) assay. Treatment with H2O2 significantly induced death of retinal neurons. Pretreatment with XY99-5038 prior to insult greatly inhibited or attenuated H2O2 induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis. These effects were shown to be dose-dependent. Our data also show that the protective effect of XY99-5038 is more potent than that of bFGF. Our data suggest that XY99-5038 could be a potential agent in the treatment of disorders associated with oxidative damage.

[Clinical observation on effect of electroacupuncture therapy in treating superficial tumor].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effect of electroacupuncture therapy (EAT) in treating superficial tumors. METHODS: The healthy tissue was protected by insulation sleeve, and the platinum electrodes served as needles was inserted into the tumor and connected to an EAT instrument using galvanic current. The electric voltage applied was 6-8 V, the electric current was in a range of 40-80 mA, and 80-100 coulomb electricity for 1 cm diameter of tumor mass was administered. RESULTS: In the 320 cases, 123 were complete remission (CR), 129 partial remission (PR), 36 with their tumor shrinked by 1/4 and 32 with size of tumor unchanged. The total effective rate (CR + PR) was 78.7%. CONCLUSION: EAT shows good effect in treating superficial tumor and provides a new therapeutic means for the patients with tumor of unresectable or relapsed. It is a simple, convenient, safe and effective method with less injury and quick recovery.

Protective effects of tea polyphenols on mild hypobaric hypoxia induced pulmonary free radical metabolic disorder in mice.

Objective. To observe the protective effects of natural antioxidant tea polyphenols (TP) on repeated mild hypobaric hypoxia induced pulmonary free radical metabolic disorder in mice. Method. Fourty-two male Kunming mice were randomly divided into three groups (n=14 each): normal control (A); 1500 in mild hypobaric hypoxia (B) and TP protection group (C). The exposure time in hypobaric chamber was 2 h/d, 3d/wk, 8 wk in total. Before hypoxic exposure, TP was orally given to group C at a dose of 100 mg/kg, while distilled water was given to the other two groups. After experiment, the mice were decapitated on the next day and the lung was quickly removed. The malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and nitric oxide (NO) content were measured. In addition, Cu, Zn-SOD and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) enzymatic contents in lung were were qualitatively examined by immunohistochemical assaying. Result. Compared with the control group, pulmonary MDA concentration and NO content were significantly increased after chronic mild hypobaric hypoxic exposures (P<0.01) but the MDA formation and NO generation in TP protection group were restored to normal. Pulmonary SOD activity in group B tended to increase. Cu, Zn-SOD expression in endothelial cells of bronchioli and iNOS contents in endothelial cells of bronchioli and endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells in pulmonary interstitial vessels were significantly elevated after repeated mild hypobaric hypoxic exposure. These enzymatic abnormal expressions regained to normal after administration of TP. Conclusion. Natural antioxidant TP had protective effects on repeated mild hypobaric hypoxia induced pulmonary free radical metabolic disorder.

[Effects of repeated high +Gz exposure on several enzyme activities in cardiomyocytes in rats and some protective measures].

Objective. To determine the changes of several myocardial enzymes in rats after repeated high +Gz exposure and the protective effects of preconditioning of low-G exposure and tea polyphenols (TP). Method. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 8 each): control group (group A), +10 Gz group (group B), low-G preconditioning group (group C) and TP protection group (group D). Group B, C and D were exposed to repeated +10 Gz stress (each for 30s, 5 times/d with +1 Gz 1 min intervals, 3 d/wk, 3 weeks in total), but group A was only submitted to +1 Gz for 5 min. Group C was exposed to +2 Gz for 5 min about 1 h prior to +10 Gz stress. Additionally, TP (200 mg/kg) was given orally to group D about 1 h prior to the +Gz experiment, while distilled water was given to groups A, B and C instead. On the next day after the last centrifuge run, the hearts were taken out immediately for making frozen tissue sections. Enzyme histochemical staining and image analysis were carried out for acid phosphatase (ACP), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), cytochromeoxidase (Cyt aa3) and adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase). Result. As compared with the control, the activities of ACP and SDH in +10 Gz stressed rats decreased significantly (P<0.05), and there was a declining trend for Cyt aa3. But, low-G preconditioning and TP had protective effects on +10 Gz stress-induced reduction of these enzymatic activities (P<0.05). Conclusion. The results showed that repeated high +Gz exposure could bring about decreases of activities in ACP (the marker enzyme of lysosome) and SDH (the marker enzyme of mitochondrial endomembrane), which indicated a reduction of oxidative metabolism in myocardial tissue; but preconditioning with low-G and natural antioxidant TP had protective effects.

[Clinical effectiveness of electroacupuncture therapy in combination with invasive therapy for massive liver cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effectiveness of electroacupuncture therapy (EAT) in combination with liver artery intubation chemotherapy for massive liver cancer. METHODS: A total of 106 patients were divided into 3 groups. In group A, patients underwent EAT in combination with invasive therapy. In group B, patients received EAT alone. In group C, patients underwent invasive therapy of liver artery intubation chemotherapy. In groups A and B, subcostal oblique incision was performed to expose liver cancer, and electrodes were inserted into the tumor under direct vision. In group A, liver artery intubation was performed during operation. After operation, chemotherapy was given from the tube. Liver artery intubation chemotherapy was performed only in group C. RESULTS: The effective rate was 73.7% (28/38), 55.6% (20/36) and 28.1% (9/32) in groups A, B and C, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of electro acupuncture therapy in combination with liver artery intubation chemotherapy achieves the best results. Therefore, it is an effective therapy for massive liver cancer.

[Sea buckthorn and sea buckthorn oils--recent developments in China and central Asia]. / Sanddorn und Sanddornöle--Neuere Entwicklungen in China und Zentralasien.

Since several years, sea buckthorn and sea buckthorn oils are booming in China, Russia and Central Asia. The background of this development is described and the different species and varieties of sea buckthorn are mentioned. The two different oils obtained from sea buckthorn (pulp oil and seed oil) and their composition is discussed. The use of sea buckthorn and its oils for medical and pharmaceutical purposes has its roots in ancient Tibet. The various "health claims", particularly by Russian and Chinese medical authorities, could not be discussed here. However, a number of recent papers are quoted here without further comment.

Effects of tea polyphenols on cardiac function and myocardial ultrastructure in rats after repeated +Gz stress.

Objective. To observe the effects of tea polyphenols (TP) on cardiac function and myocardial ultrastructure in rats after repeated +10 Gz stress. Method. Twenty four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=8 each): group A (control), group B (+10 Gz), group C (+Gz with TP). Group B and C were repeatedly exposed to +10 Gz (each for 30 s, onset rate about 0.5 G/s, 3 times/d with +1 Gz 1 min intervals, 3 d/wk, 4 weeks in total), but group A was only submitted to +1 Gz. TP (200 mg kg-1) was given orally to group C about 1 h prior to the +Gz experiment, and distilled water was given to group A and B. Function of isolated rat working hearts and myocardial ultrastructure were observed. Result. A significant decrease of left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP) and injury of myocardial structure in rats were demonstrated after repeated +10 Gz stress. But TP could remarkably elevate the LVSP and improve myocardial ultrastructural injury in +10 Gz stressed rats. Conclusion. These results indicated that repeated high G exposure may produce cardiac structural and functional injuries in rats which might be partly related to free radical metabolism; and antioxidant TP had significant protective effects on the hearts of +Gz stressed rats.

Effects of tea polyphenols on cerebral lipid peroxidation, liver and renal functions in rats after repeated +Gz stress.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of repeated +10 Gz stress on cerebral lipid peroxidation, liver and renal function in rats and the prophylactic effects of antioxidant tea polyphenols (TP). METHOD: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 8, each): group A (control), group B (+10 Gz), and group C (TP). Group B and C were exposed to repeated +10 Gz stress (each for 30s, onset rate about 0.5 G/s, 3 times/d with +1 Gz 1 min intervals, 3 d/wk, 4 weeks in total), but group A was only submitted to +1 Gz. TP (200 mg/kg) was given orally in group C about 1 h prior to the +Gz experiment, while distilled water was given in group A and B. Lipid peroxidation in the brain, liver and renal functions and serum lipids were determined. RESULTS: As compared with the control, lipid peroxidation in rat cerebral homogenate, mitochondria and cytoplasm was significantly increased (P < 0. 05), and serum creatinine concentration was markedly elevated after repeated +10 Gz stress (P < 0. 01). But, TP had significant inhibitory effect on +10 Gz stress induced peroxidative injury in rat brain and reduced the serum creatinine level. There were no differences of serum triglyceride and total cholesterol concentrations and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase activity among the three groups. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that repeated high +Gz stress could bring about peroxidative injury in brain and harmful effect on renal function, and natural antioxidant TP had significant protective effects.

Effectiveness of electrochemical therapy in the treatment of lung cancers of middle and late stage.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of electrochemical therapy (ECT) in the treatment of middle and late-stage lung cancers. METHODS: Three hundred and eighty-six cases (287 males md 99 females aged 25-78, with an average age of 51 years) with middle and late-stage lung cancers were treated with ECT. Two hundred and three patients had squamous cell carcinoma, 138 adenocarcinoma and 45 undifferentiated cancer. Diameters of the cancers were respectively 4.0-6.0 cm in 153 cases, 6.1-8.0 cm in 82 cases, 8.1-10.0 cm in 102 cases and over 10.0 cm in 49 cases. In this group, none was at stage I, 103 cases were at stage II, 89 cases at IIIa, 122 cases at IIIb and 72 cases IV. Of the 386 cases, 152 cases (39.4%) also suffered from hypertension, heart disease etc. Anode and cathode platinum electrodes were inserted accurately into the tumour mass. Distance between two electrodes was 2.0-2.5 cm. Electrodes were connected to a special ECT instrument. The current was maintained at 6-8 V and 80-100 mA. One hundred coulombs are used for treating 1 cm diameter of tumour mass. RESULTS: Of the 386 cases, 99 cases (25.6%) achieved complete remission (CR). 179 cases (46.4%) achieved partial remission (PR), 59 cases (15.3%) had no change (NC) and 49 cases (12.7%) had progression of disease (PD). Effective rate CR + PR) was 72% (278 cases). One to five year survival rates were 86.3%, 76.4%, 58.8%, 39.9% and 29.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: ECT is easy to use. It is effective, safe, less traumatic and makes patients recover quickly. This is a new and effective method to treat patients with tumours who are inoperable and can not receive chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Effects of direct current on dog liver: possible mechanisms for tumor electrochemical treatment.

Mechanisms of tumor electrochemical treatment (ECT) were studied using normal dog liver. Five physical and chemical methods were used. Two platinum electrodes were inserted into an anesthetized dog's liver at 3 cm separation. A voltage of 8.5 V direct current (DC) at an average current of 30 mA was applied for 69 min; total charge was 124 coulombs. Concentrations of selected ions near the anode and cathode were measured. The concentrations of Na+ and K+ ions were higher around the cathode, whereas the concentration of Cl- ions was higher around the anode. Water contents and pH were determined near the anode and the cathode at the midpoint between the two electrodes and in an untreated area away from the electrodes. Hydration occurred around the cathode, and dehydration occurred around the anode. The pH values were 2.1 near the anode and 12.9 near the cathode. Spectrophotometric scans of the liver sample extract were obtained, and the released gases were identified by gas chromatography as chlorine at the anode and hydrogen at the cathode. These results indicate that a series of electrochemical reactions take place during ECT. The cell metabolism and its environment are severely disturbed. Both normal and tumor cells are rapidly and completely destroyed in this altered environment. We believe that the above reactions are the ECT mechanisms for treating tumors.

Electrochemical treatment of lung cancer.

A pilot study of electrochemical treatment (ECT) as a therapy for 386 patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer was undertaken. There were 103 stage II cases, 89 stage IIIa cases, 122 stage IIIb cases, and 72 stage IV cases. Two ECT methods were used: For peripherally located lung cancer, platinum electrodes were inserted transcutaneously into the tumor under x-ray or CT guidance. For central type lung cancer or for those inoperable during thoracotomy, electrodes were inserted intraoperatively directly into the cancer. Voltage was 6-8 V, current was 40-100 mA, and electric charge was 100 coulombs per cm of tumor diameter. The number of electrodes was determined from the size of cancer mass, because the diameter of effective area around each electrode is approximately 3 cm. The short-term (6 months after ECT) results of the 386 lung cancer cases were: complete response (CR), 25.6% (99/386); partial response (PR), 46.4% (179/386); no change (NC), 15.3% (59/386); and progressive disease (PD), 12.7% (49/386). The total effective rate (CR + PR) was 72% (278/386). The 1, 3, and 5 year overall survival rates were 86.3% (333/386), 58.8% (227/386), and 29.5% (114/386), respectively. The main complication was traumatic pneumothorax, with an incidence rate of 14.8% (57/386). These clinical results show that ECT is simple, safe, effective, and minimally traumatic. ECT provides an alternative method for treating lung cancers that are conventionally inoperable, that are not responsive to chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or that cannot be resected after thoracotomy. Long-term survival rates suggest that ECT warrants further investigation.