Lonicera flos and Cnicus japonicus extracts improved egg quality partly by modulating antioxidant status, inflammatory-related cytokines and shell matrix protein expression of oviduct in laying hens.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Lonicera flos and Cnicus japonicus extracts (LCE) on the laying performance, egg quality, morphology, antioxidant status, inflammatory-related cytokines, and shell matrix protein expression of oviduct in laying hens. A total of 1,728 Roman Pink laying hens aged 73-wk-old were randomly assigned into 4 groups (18 replicates/group, 24 layers/replicate) fed basal diets supplemented with 0, 300, 500, and 1,000 mg of LCE per kg of diet, respectively. The trial lasted for 11 wk, including 2-wk adjustment period and 9-wk testing period. The results indicated that laying hens fed diets supplemented with LCE linearly increased egg weight, yolk color and shell thickness at wk 78 and albumen height, Haugh unit and shell thickness at wk 83 (P < 0.05). At wk 78, LCE groups linearly affected the hydrogen peroxide content in magnum (P < 0.05) and 300 mg/kg LCE groups had the highest catalase activity in isthmus (P < 0.05). At wk 83, LCE groups linearly reduced (P < 0.05) hydrogen peroxide content in the magnum and isthmus and malondialdehyde content in the uterus whereas increased catalase activity in isthmus (P < 0.05). Furthermore, LCE levels quadratically affected glutathione peroxidase activity in isthmus at wk 83 (P < 0.05). At wk 78, the mRNA expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase and interferon-γ in isthmus and ovalbumin and ovocleidin-116 in uterus had linear effects in response to LCE levels (P < 0.05) and 1,000 mg/kg LCE group had the lowest mRNA expression of interleukin-6 in magnum (P < 0.05). At wk 83, LCE supplementation linearly decreased the mRNA expression of interleukin-1ß, interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α in magnum and tumor necrosis factor-α and inducible nitric oxide synthase in uterus (P < 0.05). It is concluded that LCE improved egg quality partly by modulating antioxidant status, inflammatory-related cytokines and shell matrix protein expression of oviduct in laying hens.

Efficacy of Kanglaite against radiotherapy-induced mucositis in head and neck cancer, a phase II trial.

PURPOSE: To explore the potential protective effect of Kanglaite injection against radiotherapy-induced mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was an open-label, single-arm, and phase II trial. The primary endpoint was the incidence of grade 3-4 radiation-induced mucositis. The secondary endpoints were hematological toxicity, non-hematological toxicity, nutritional status, and quality of life. All patients received 20g Kanglaite daily concurrently with radiotherapy. RESULTS: The data of 46 patients were available for analysis. The incidence rates of grade 3 mucositis, pain, dysphagia, and neutropenia were 10.9%, 2.2%, 10.9%, and 6.5%, respectively, while the incidence of grade 4 acute toxicities was zero. The rate of opioid use was 2.2%. Radiotherapy dose reduction was 2.2% and no irradiation field was modified. The nutritional supports were oro-enteral nutritional supplements (13.0%), TPN (10.9%), and feeding tubes (0%) during radiotherapy. After radiotherapy, 52.2% of patients lost weight, and the weight loss was <10%. The mean pain score in the QLQ-H&N35 and QLQ-C30 was <50. Patients had nearly normal physical, emotional, and cognitive functions. CONCLUSIONS: A low incidence of grade 3-4 radiation-induced mucositis and no severe acute toxic events, with favorable nutritional status and quality of life, were observed in cancer patients after Kanglaite injection. Our findings highlight the need for a prospective, multicenter, and randomized study to investigate the effect of Kanglaite injection on the reduction of radiation-induced mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer.

Efficacy of low-level laser therapy for accelerating tooth movement during orthodontic treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for accelerating tooth movement during orthodontic treatment. An extensive electronic search was conducted by two reviewers. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs concerning the efficacy of LLLT for accelerating tooth movement during orthodontic treatment were searched in CENTRAL, Medline, PubMed, Embase, China Biology Medicine Disc (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Google Scholar. Six RCTs and three quasi-RCTs, involving 211 patients from six countries, were selected from 173 relevant studies. All nine articles were feasible for the systematic review and meta-analysis, five of which were assessed as moderate risk of bias, while the rest were assessed as high risk of bias. The mean difference and the 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) of accumulative moved distance of teeth were observed among all the researches. The results showed that the LLLT could accelerate orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) in 7 days (mean difference 0.19, 95 % CI [0.02, 0.37], p = 0.03) and 2 months (mean difference 1.08, 95 % CI [0.16, 2.01], p = 0.02). Moreover, a relatively lower energy density (5 and 8 J/cm(2)) was seemingly more effective than 20 and 25 J/cm(2) and even higher ones.

Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in the management of orthodontic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This review aimed to identify the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the management of orthodontic pain. This systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out in accordance with Cochrane Handbook and the PRISMA statement. An extensive literature search for RCTs, quasi-RCTs, and CCTs was performed through CENTRAL, PubMed, Embase, Medline, CNKI, and CBM up to October 2011. Risk of bias assessment was performed via referring to the Cochrane tool for risk of bias assessment. Meta-analysis was implemented using Review Manager 5.1. As a result, four RCTs, two quasi-RCTs, and two CCTs were selected from 152 relevant studies, including 641 patients from six countries. The meta-analysis demonstrated that 24% risk of incidence of pain was reduced by LLLT (RR = 0.76, 95% CI range 0.63-0.92, P = 0.006). In addition, compared to the control group, LLLT brought forward "the most painful day" (MD = -0.42, 95% CI range -0.74- -0.10, P = 0.009). Furthermore, the LLLT group also implied a trend of earlier end of pain compared with the control group (MD = -1.37, 95% CI range -3.37-0.64, P = 0.18) and the pseudo-laser group (MD = -1.04, 95% CI range -4.22-2.15, P = 0.52). However, because of the methodological shortcomings and risk of bias of included trials, LLLT was proved with limited evidence in delaying pain onset and reducing pain intensity. In the future, larger and better-designed RCTs will be required to provide clearer recommendations.

The development of MetAP-2 inhibitors in cancer treatment.

Methionine aminopeptidases (MetAPs), which remove methionine residue from newly synthesized polypeptide chains, are a class of metalloproteases ubiquitously distributed in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. MetAP-2 inhibition can induce G1 cell cycle arrest, cytostasis in tumor cells in vitro and inhibition of tumor growth in vivo. The discovery of fumagillin with potent antiangiogenic and antiproliferative activities promoted the development of fumagillin analogues as a novel class of anticancer agents. Early drug discovery efforts have focused on analogs of fumagillin, which irreversibly inhibit MetAP-2 through covalent modification of an epoxide. Several fumagillin analogs, like CKD-732, TNP-470 and PPI-2458, were found to be potent selective inhibitors of MetAP-2 (proteolytic activity) and endothelial cell proliferation. Further, they have entered in clinical trials for the treatment of different types of tumors. Recently, attention has been paid to reversible human MetAP-2 inhibitors, such as bengamides, 2-hydroxy-3-aminoamides, anthranilic acid sulfonamides and triazole analogs, which have demonstrated their potential to inhibit angiogenesis and tumor growth in vivo as well. This review article mainly discussed the development of MetAP-2 inhibitors in cancer therapy and also summarized their structure-activity relationships.

Hypotensive response in rats and toxicological mechanisms induced by shuanghuanglian, an herbal extract mixture.

Shuanghuanglian (SHL), an extract mixture isolated from three medicinal herbs, has been used in China as an injection in traditional Chinese medicine to treat viral or bacterial infection. This study examined the hypotensive response in rats induced by SHL and its possible mechanisms. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and electrocardiograms (ECGs) were studied after intravenous injection of histamine and SHL. Diphenhydramine, an H1 receptor antagonist, the compound 48/80, a promoter of histamine release, and cromolyn, a histamine release inhibitor, were also used to investigate the potential mechanisms of that response. In addition, the histamine level in plasma was measured after administration of SHL and compound 48/80. Both SHL and histamine led to a MAP reduction immediately but did not affect ECGs when initially administered in a similar manner, though this reduction was partially attenuated by diphenhydramine. Pretreatment blocked the rats' reaction to compound 48/80 but not to SHL. The plasma histamine level in rats was also elevated by SHL. SHL can induce severe hypotension through histamine release upon initial administration. In combination with the direct effects of its histaminelike substances on target tissue, SHL likely has the potential to cause an anaphylactoid reaction.

Effects of trans-resveratrol from Polygonum cuspidatum on bone loss using the ovariectomized rat model.

trans-Resveratrol (resveratrol) has been shown in several studies to significantly modulate biomarkers of bone metabolism. But, there is no direct evidence supporting its inhibitory effect towards bone loss. In the present study, effects of resveratrol on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone calcium content (BCC) were examined in the ovariectomized (OVX) rat model. Female Wistar rats were divided into four groups: SHAM group (sham-operated), OVX group (OVX control), OVX + ALD group (OVX and treated with 1.0 mg/kg of body weight of alendronate sodium), and OVX + RES group (OVX and treated with 0.7 mg/kg of body weight of resveratrol). Tested materials were given by gavage for 12 weeks after ovariectomy. Results showed that rats in the OVX, OVX + ALD, and OVX + RES groups had significantly higher body weights and feed efficiency than those in the SHAM group (P < .01). The OVX group had significantly lower femoral epiphysis BMD than the SHAM group, and epiphysis BMD in the OVX + ALD and OVX + RES groups was significantly greater than that in the OVX group (P < .05). However, the femoral midpoint BMD was not significantly different among the four groups. Additionally, animals in the OVX group had significantly lower BCC compared with the SHAM group, while the BCC of the OVX + ALD and OVX + RES groups was significantly higher than that of the OVX group (P < .05). These results indicated that resveratrol could increase epiphysis BMD and inhibit the decrease of femur BCC in OVX rats, suggesting that it could play a role in protecting against bone loss induced by estrogen deficiency.

Ibuprofen blocks changes in Na v 1.7 and 1.8 sodium channels associated with complete Freund's adjuvant-induced inflammation in rat.

UNLABELLED: Although nerve growth factor plays a role in augmenting sodium channel expression in small dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells, the cytochemical mediators responsible for enhanced expression in large DRG neurons are unknown. To narrow the search for mediators involved in the increased production of sodium channels in large DRG neurons, we examined the effect of cyclooxygenase inhibition on sodium channel production during inflammation. Thirty minutes before the subcutaneous injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), rats received ibuprofen (nonselective, cyclooxygenase inhibitor), NS-398 (selective, cyclooxygenase inhibitor), or vehicle. Withdrawal thresholds from thermal and mechanical stimulation were measured before and immediately after CFA injection and at selected hourly intervals after injection for the next 24 hours. Sodium channel up-regulation was then examined in DRG by using site-specific, anti-sodium channel antibodies, Na(v) 1.7 and 1.8. Both ibuprofen and NS-398 provided analgesia during the second phase of inflammatory hyperalgesia that begins 3 hours after CFA injection. The up-regulation, predominantly of Na(v) 1.7 and minimally of Na(v) 1.8 channels, seen in vehicle-treated rats was suppressed by both drugs at 24 hours after injection. By 72 hours after injection, no difference in labeling between the drug- and vehicle-treated animals was observed. Sodium channel labeling in large DRG neurons returned to baseline between 1 and 2 weeks after CFA injection, whereas small cell labeling persisted. The cytochemical signal for sodium channel up-regulation in the large DRG cells that most closely correlates with inflammatory hyperalgesia is mediated at least in part through products of the cyclooxygenase pathway. PERSPECTIVE: Expression of sodium channels in dorsal root ganglia increases dramatically during inflammation. The increase in sodium channels is thought to enhance neuronal excitability and to play a role in hyperalgesia and wound vigilance during healing. We provide evidence that prostaglandins play a role in signaling channel augmentation.

Estrogenic Effects of Cimicifuga racemosa (Black Cohosh) in Mice and on Estrogen Receptors in MCF-7 Cells.

The estrogenic effects of Cimicifuga racemosa or Actacea racemosa (black cohosh, CR) extracts were tested in mice, and their effects on estrogen receptor (ER) levels in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells were also investigated. Four groups of weanling female Kunming mice were given 0 (control), 75, 150, or 300 mg/kg body weight CR extracts orally for 14 days. The estrus cycle and the weights of the uterus and ovary of mice, as well as serum estradiol (E(2)) were measured. The proliferation patterns of MCF-7 cells exposed to CR extracts or 17beta-estradiol were studied by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Subsequently, growth of MCF-7 cells in 0 (control) or 4.75 &mgr;g/L of CR extracts or 0.3 nmol/L of 17beta-estradiol groups were observed for 5 days. ER levels in MCF-7 cells were analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence assay using flow cytometry. The uterine weights of mice increased with the increase in dosage of CR extracts, and the estrus duration was significantly prolonged in the group receiving 300 mg/kg body weight (P <.05). However, CR extracts did not increase the serum E(2) concentration significantly. In the in vitro study, a dose-response relationship was demonstrated when cells were treated with low doses of CR extracts, and the optimal enhancement concentration of CR extracts was 4.75 &mgr;g/L on MCF-7 cells. The doubling times (T(D)) of cell growth in the CR extracts group and the 17beta-estradiol group were 32.1 and 31.7 hours, respectively, both shorter than that of the negative control group (T(D) = 35.3 hours). Additionally, 4.75 &mgr;g/L of CR extracts resulted in significantly increased ER levels compared with the control group (P <.01). In conclusion, CR extracts produced an estrogenic action. The effect of increasing ER levels by CR extracts may be one of the potential mechanisms of its phytotherapeutic effects for postmenopausal symptoms.

[Qualitative recognition on omitted ingredients in Liuwei Dihuang Pills by Bayesian analysis and PRIMA].

OBJECTIVE: To qualitatively recognize the omitted ingredients in Liuwei Dihuang Pills by Bayesian analysis and PRIMA. METHODS: The extracts of the pills were analyzed by HPLC, for each object, the areas of nine peaks relative to that of the internal standard were selected as classification features. The classification model was established on 169 training-set objects. RESULT: The classification average accuracy was 100% for four patterns by Bayesian analysis, and 99.6% by PRIMA analysis. CONCLUSION: Bayesian analysis and PRIMA analysis can be used to classify and recognize the omitted ingredients in Liuwei Dihuang Pills.