Alkaloids from Corydalis saxicola and their antiproliferative activity against cancer cells.

Eight undescribed alkaloids named corydalisine D-K (1-7), including one isoquinoline benzopyranone alkaloid (1), one benzocyclopentanone alkaloid (2), four benzofuranone alkaloids (3, 4, and 5a/5b) and two protoberberine alkaloids (6 and 7), along with fourteen known ones, were isolated from the Corydalis saxicola. Their structures, including absolute configurations, were unambiguously identified using spectroscopic techniques, single-crystal X-ray diffraction and electron circular dichroism calculation. Compounds 2, 14 and 21 exhibit antiproliferative activity against five cancer cell lines. The aporphine alkaloid demethylsonodione (compound 14), which exhibited the best activity (IC50 = 3.68 ± 0.25 µM), was subjected to further investigation to determine its mechanism of action against the T24 cell line. The molecular mechanism was related to the arrest of cell cycle S-phase, inhibition of CDK2 expression, accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), induction of cell apoptosis, inhibition of cell migration, and activation of p38 MAPK signaling pathway. The results indicated that 14 could be used as a potential candidate agent for further development of anti-bladder transitional cell carcinoma.

An ultrasound-guided percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation regimen devised using finite element modeling promotes functional recovery after median nerve transection.

Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation of an injured nerve can promote and accelerate peripheral nerve regeneration and improve function. When performing acupuncture and moxibustion, locating the injured nerve using ultrasound before percutaneous nerve stimulation can help prevent further injury to an already injured nerve. However, stimulation parameters have not been standardized. In this study, we constructed a multi-layer human forearm model using finite element modeling. Taking current density and activated function as optimization indicators, the optimal percutaneous nerve stimulation parameters were established. The optimal parameters were parallel placement located 3 cm apart with the injury site at the midpoint between the needles. To validate the efficacy of this regimen, we performed a randomized controlled trial in 23 patients with median nerve transection who underwent neurorrhaphy. Patients who received conventional rehabilitation combined with percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation experienced greater improvement in sensory function, motor function, and grip strength than those who received conventional rehabilitation combined with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. These findings suggest that the percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation regimen established in this study can improve global median nerve function in patients with median nerve transection.

New alkaloids and their in vitro antitumor activity of Corydalis balansae.

The chemical investigation on Corydalis balansae resulted in the isolation of three previous undescribed compounds (1, 10, and 11) and 17 known compounds. Compound 1 and 2 were obtained as two lignanamide dimers, and compound 11 had a spiro [benzofuranone-benzazepine] skeleton, which was found in Corydalis for the first time. The structures of new compound were determined by the detailed analysis of 1D/2D NMR, UV, and IR data. Absolute configurations of compounds 10 and 11 were defined by their crystal X-ray diffraction data and calculations of electronic circular dichroism (ECD). The CCK-8 method was used to assay the inhibition effect of all the compounds on the growth of Hela, MGC-803, A549, and HepG2 cancer cells. Compound 2, 13, and 14 showed moderate inhibitory activity against the tested cell lines. Compound 2 exhibited potential antitumor activity against MGC-803 cells with an IC50 value of 20.8 µM, while the positive control etoposide was 17.3 µM. Furthermore, results from the cellular-mechanism investigation indicated that compound 2 could induce S-phase cell-cycle arrest and MGC-803 cells apoptosis, which was triggered by the up-regulation of PARP1, caspase-3 and -9, Bax, and down-regulation of Bcl-2. The 2-induced strong apoptosis indicated that compound 2 had good potential as an antitumor lead compound.

Case report: Ultrasound-guided multi-site electroacupuncture stimulation for a patient with spinal cord injury.

Introduction: Spinal cord injury causes permanent neurological deficits, which have devastating physical, social, and vocational consequences for patients and their families. Traditional Chinese medicine uses acupuncture to treat neuropathic pain and improve nerve conduction velocity. This treatment can also reduce peripheral nerve injury joint contracture and muscle atrophy in affected patients. And it's got a remarkable restoration when electrical stimulation therapy on impaired peripheral nerves in animal models and clinical trials. Case description: A 48-year-old woman was hit by a heavy object that injured her lower back. The patient had a T12-L1 vertebral flexion and stretch fracture with traumatic spinal stenosis. The patient was transferred to the rehabilitation department after posterior T12-L2-segment pedicle screw system distraction and reduction, internal fixation, decompression, and bone graft fusion. Ultrasound-guided electroacupuncture was used to stimulate the sacral nerve, the spinal nerve, and the head of the patient, accompanied by spinal joint loosening training, respiratory training, lumbar comprehensive sports training, paraplegic limbs comprehensive training, and other manipulative treatment. Outcomes: After the intervention, the patient showed significant improvements in sensory and motor scores, resulting in functional recovery according to ASIA and FIM. The patient gradually showed reasonable functional remission. Discussion: The sacral nerve, the spinal cord, and the head were electrically stimulated by ultrasound-guided electroacupuncture in terms of intervention, and various functions of the patient were alleviated to a certain extent. The efficacy of ultrasound-guided electroacupuncture stimulation in treating neurologic symptoms should be validated in future clinical trials.

Stronger mutualistic interactions with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi help Asteraceae invaders outcompete the phylogenetically related natives.

Mutualistic interactions with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) greatly affect the outcome of plant-plant competition, especially for invasive plants competing against native plants. We examined the effects of AMF on the competition between invasive Asteraceae plants and the phylogenetically related native plants. We compared the performance of seven invasive Asteraceae plants from different genera with that of their phylogenetically related native counterparts in response to AMF in monocultures and mixed cultures. We investigated how interactions with AMF impact the competition between Asteraceae relatives. Total biomass increased with AMF colonization in both invasive and native plants. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improved the competitiveness of invasive plants, but decreased that of native plants. Competition increased the shoot nitrogen, phosphorus and root myristic acid concentrations and relative expression of fatty acid transporter genes (RiFAT1 and RiFAT2) in AMF-colonized invasive plants, but decreased those in AMF-colonized native plants. Structural equation models indicated that the presence of AMF increased the uptake of phosphorus, but not nitrogen, by invasive plants, which probably provided more myristic acids to symbiotic AMF in return. These results suggest that invasive Asteraceae plants have greater mutualistic interactions with AMF than their phylogenetically related native counterparts, potentially contributing to invasion success.

Ultrasound-Enhanced Subcritical Fluid Extraction of Essential Oil from Nymphaea alba var and Its Antioxidant Activity.

Background: The essential oil content of the water lily is extremely low; thus, finding a new method that can extract essential oil from water lilies with a high extraction rate and no residual organic solvents is essential. Objective: The optimal processing conditions for the ultrasound-enhanced subcritical fluid extraction of essential oil from Nymphaea alba var (red water lily) and the antioxidant activity of the essential oil in vitro are investigated to provide theoretical bases for identification and development. Methods: Single-factor experiments and orthogonal designs are performed to determine the effects of extraction conditions on essential oil yields. The chemical composition of essential oil is analyzed using GC-MS. Results: The optimum extraction parameters are established as follows: extraction temperature, 35°C; extraction time, 30 min/time for four times; ratio of material to liquid, 1:3; ultrasound power, 250 W/L; and ultrasonic frequency, 20 kHz. The extraction rate of essential oil is 0.315% under these conditions. Eleven components comprise more than 1% content. The main chemical constituents are 8-hexadecyne (31.04%) and 2,6,10-trimethyl-tetradecane (3.95%). The essential oil from N. alba var has an antioxidant activity in vitro; however, its antioxidant activity is weaker than that of butylated hydroxytoluene. Conclusions: Subcritical fluid is suitable for the extraction of essential oil from N. alba var, and the essential oil has a good antioxidant activity. Highlights: The essential oil content of N. alba var is 0.315%. Forty-seven chemical constituents are identified and isolated from N. alba var and analyzed by GC-MS.

Pollen-mediated gene flow ensures connectivity among spatially discrete sub-populations of Phalaenopsis pulcherrima, a tropical food-deceptive orchid.

BACKGROUND: Gene flow in plants via pollen and seeds is asymmetrical at different geographic scales. Orchid seeds are adapted to long-distance wind dispersal but pollinium transfer is often influenced by pollinator behavior. We combined field studies with an analysis of genetic diversity among 155 physically mapped adults and 1105 F1 seedlings to evaluate the relative contribution of pollen and seed dispersal to overall gene flow among three sub-populations of the food-deceptive orchid Phalaenopsis pulcherrima on Hainan Island, China. RESULTS: Phalaenopsis pulcherrima is self-sterile and predominantly outcrossing, resulting in high population-level genetic diversity, but plants are clumped and exhibit fine-scale genetic structuring. Even so, we detected low differentiation among sub-populations, with polynomial regression analysis suggesting gene flow via seed to be more restricted than that via pollen. Paternity analysis confirmed capsules of P. pulcherrima to each be sired by a single pollen donor, probably in part facilitated by post-pollination stigma obfuscation, with a mean pollen flow distance of 272.7 m. Despite limited sampling, we detected no loss of genetic diversity from one generation to the next. CONCLUSIONS: Outcrossing mediated by deceptive pollination and self-sterility promote high genetic diversity in P. pulcherrima. Long-range pollinia transfer ensures connectivity among sub-populations, offsetting the risk of genetic erosion at local scales.

Dehydroepiandrosterone-induced activation of mTORC1 and inhibition of autophagy contribute to skeletal muscle insulin resistance in a mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy in women of reproductive age and also an important metabolic disorder associated with insulin resistance (IR). Hyperandrogenism is a key feature of PCOS. However, whether hyperandrogenism can cause IR in PCOS remains largely unknown. The mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and its regulated autophagy are closely associated with IR. In the present study, we investigated the role of mTORC1-autophagy pathway in skeletal muscle IR in a dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced PCOS mouse model. DHEA-treated mice exhibited whole-body and skeletal muscle IR, along with the activated mTORC1, repressed autophagy, impaired mitochondria, and reduced plasma membrane glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) expression in skeletal muscle of the mice. In cultured C2C12 myotubes, treatment with high dose testosterone activated mTORC1, reduced autophagy, impaired mitochondria, decreased insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, and induced IR. Inhibition of mTORC1 or induction of autophagy restored mitochondrial function, up-regulated insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, and increased insulin sensitivity. On the contrary, inhibition of autophagy exacerbated testosterone-induced impairment. Our findings suggest that the mTORC1-autophagy pathway might contribute to androgen excess-induced skeletal muscle IR in prepubertal female mice by impairing mitochondrial function and reducing insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. These data would help understanding the role of hyperandrogenism and the underlying mechanism in the pathogenesis of skeletal muscle IR in PCOS.

[Expressions of interleukin-17 and interleukin-8 in the prostatic tissue of the patients with BPH or BPH with inflammation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expressions of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and BPH complicated with histological inflammation and their significance. METHODS: According to the results of HE staining, we divided 60 cases of BPH treated by transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) into a BPH group (n = 23) and a BPH with inflammation group (n = 37). We analyzed the clinical data of the patients and determined the mRNA and protein expressions of IL-17 and IL-8 by immunohistochemistry, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, and Western blot, respectively. RESULTS: Compared with the BPH patients complicated with inflammation, the BPH group showed significantly lower International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) (29.1 ± 6.2 vs 21.6 ± 3.7), quality of life score (QoL) (5.4 ± 1.3 vs 4.4 ± 1.6), postvoid residual urine volume (RUV) (ï¼»198.6 ± 15.5ï¼½ vs ï¼»98.2 ± 19.3ï¼½ ml), prostate volume (ï¼»69.2 ± 24.1ï¼½ vs ï¼»49.8 ± 16.5ï¼½ ml), PSA level (ï¼»7.4 ± 1.9ï¼½ vs ï¼»2.8 ± 0.8ï¼½ µg/L) and serum c-reactive protein content (CRP) (ï¼»5.1±2.0ï¼½ vs ï¼»1.5±0.6ï¼½ mg/L), but a higher maximum urine flow rate (Qmax) (ï¼»4.7 ± 2.1ï¼½ vs ï¼»8.2 ± 1.8ï¼½ ml/s) (all P<0.05). The former group had a significantly higher incidence rate of urinary retention than the latter (32.4% ï¼»12/37ï¼½ vs 8.69% ï¼»2/23ï¼½), mRNA expressions of IL-17 (0.303 ± 0.076 vs 0.042 ± 0.019) and IL-8 (0.536 ± 0.059 vs 0.108 ± 0.025), and protein expressions of IL-17 (0.88 ± 0.10 vs 0.34 ± 0.05) and IL-8 (1.07 ± 0.08 vs 0.43 ± 0.04) (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The expressions of IL-17 and IL-8 are upregulated in the prostatic tissue of the BPH patients with inflammation, which may play a significant role in the development and progression of BPH.

Expressions of interleukin-17 and interleukin-8 in the prostatic tissue of the patients with BPH or BPH with inflammation / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To investigate the expressions of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and BPH complicated with histological inflammation and their significance.@*METHODS@#According to the results of HE staining, we divided 60 cases of BPH treated by transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) into a BPH group (n = 23) and a BPH with inflammation group (n = 37). We analyzed the clinical data of the patients and determined the mRNA and protein expressions of IL-17 and IL-8 by immunohistochemistry, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, and Western blot, respectively.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the BPH patients complicated with inflammation, the BPH group showed significantly lower International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) (29.1 ± 6.2 vs 21.6 ± 3.7), quality of life score (QoL) (5.4 ± 1.3 vs 4.4 ± 1.6), postvoid residual urine volume (RUV) (［198.6 ± 15.5］ vs ［98.2 ± 19.3］ ml), prostate volume (［69.2 ± 24.1］ vs ［49.8 ± 16.5］ ml), PSA level (［7.4 ± 1.9］ vs ［2.8 ± 0.8］ μg/L) and serum c-reactive protein content (CRP) (［5.1±2.0］ vs ［1.5±0.6］ mg/L), but a higher maximum urine flow rate (Qmax) (［4.7 ± 2.1］ vs ［8.2 ± 1.8］ ml/s) (all P<0.05). The former group had a significantly higher incidence rate of urinary retention than the latter (32.4% ［12/37］ vs 8.69% ［2/23］), mRNA expressions of IL-17 (0.303 ± 0.076 vs 0.042 ± 0.019) and IL-8 (0.536 ± 0.059 vs 0.108 ± 0.025), and protein expressions of IL-17 (0.88 ± 0.10 vs 0.34 ± 0.05) and IL-8 (1.07 ± 0.08 vs 0.43 ± 0.04) (all P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The expressions of IL-17 and IL-8 are upregulated in the prostatic tissue of the BPH patients with inflammation, which may play a significant role in the development and progression of BPH.

2-(2-Phenylethyl)chromone derivatives in artificial agarwood from Aquilaria sinensis.

Seven new 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone derivatives (1-7) including a chlorinated one (4), together with eight known ones (8-15), were isolated from the EtOAc extract of artificial agarwood originating from Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg. All structures including the absolute configurations were unambiguously elucidated by spectroscopic (NMR, UV, IR, MS) methods, Mosher's method, and comparison with reported data in the literatures. Among those, compounds 8, 12, and 14 exhibited significant inhibition against α-glucosidase in vitro with IC50 values of 0.15, 0.05, and 0.09 mM, respectively (with acarbose as the positive control; IC50: 0.98 mM). In addition, compounds 3, 9, 11, and 14 showed weak inhibitory activity against AChE; and compounds 12 and 13 displayed weak cytotoxicity against human gastric cell line (SGC-7901) among three types of tested human cancer cell lines (BEL-7402, K562, and SGC-7901).

Cerebralcare Granule® attenuates cognitive impairment in rats continuously overexpressing microRNA-30e.

Previous studies have demonstrated that dysregulation of micro (mi)RNAs is associated with the etiology of various neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression and schizophrenia. Cerebralcare Granule® (CG) is a Chinese herbal medicine, which has been reported to have an ameliorative effect on brain injury by attenuating blood­brain barrier disruption and improving hippocampal neural function. The present study aimed to evaluate the cognitive behavior of rats continuously overexpressing miRNA­30e (lenti­miRNA­30e), prior to and following the administration of CG. In addition, the mechanisms underlying the ameliorative effects of CG were investigated. The cognitive ability of the rats was assessed using an open­field test and a Morris water maze spatial reference/working memory test. A terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay was used to detect neuronal apoptosis in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. Immunohistochemical analysis and western blotting were conducted to detect the expression levels of B­cell lymphoma 2 (BCL­2) and ubiquitin­conjugating enzyme 9 (UBC9), in order to examine neuronal apoptosis. The lenti­miRNA­30e rats exhibited increased signs of anxiety, depression, hyperactivity and schizophrenia, which resulted in a severe impairment in cognitive ability. Furthermore, in the dentate gyrus of these rats, the expression levels of BCL­2 and UBC9 were reduced and apoptosis was increased. The administration of CG alleviated cognitive impairment, enhanced the expression levels of BCL­2 and UBC9, and reduced apoptosis in the dentate gyrus in the lenti­miRNA­30e rats. No significant differences were detected in behavioral indicators between the lenti­miRNA­30e rats treated with CG and the normal controls. These findings suggested that CG exerts a potent therapeutic effect, conferred by its ability to enhance the expression levels of BCL­2 and UBC9, which inhibits the apoptotic process in neuronal cells. Therefore, CG may be considered a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cognitive impairment in mental disorders.

[Complementary treatment of 141 HIV/AIDS patients with pulmonary infection by qingfei peiyuan micro-pill: a clinical observation].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Qingfei Peiyuan Micro-pill (QPM) on HIV/AIDS patients with pulmonary infection of phlegm heat obstructing lung syndrome (PHOLS). METHODS: Totally 141 HIV/AIDS patients with pulmonary infection of PHOLS were randomly assigned to the treatment group (94 cases) and the control group (47cases). On the basis of Western medicine, patients in the treatment group took QPM. The therapeutic course for all was 28 days. The improvement of symptoms and signs was observed. The body temperature (BT), chest X ray, and white blood cells (WBCs) were detected. RESULTS: The Chinese medical syndrome score was lower in the treatment group than in the control group at the 7th, 21st, and 28th day of treatment, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05). The efficacy was better in the treatment group than in the control group at the 7th, 21st, and 28th day of treatment, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05). The BT was lower in the treatment group than in the control group on the 7th day. There was no statistical difference in the patient number with normal WBCs on the 7th day (P > 0.05). But there was statistical difference in the patient number with normal WBCs on the 14th, 21st, and 28th day of treatment (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in the patient number with normal chest X ray on the 7th and 28th day of treatment (P > 0.05). But there was statistical difference in the patient number with normal chest X ray on the 14th and 21 st day of treatment (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: QPM had certain complementary effect on HIV/AIDS patients with pulmonary infection of PHOLS.

Effects of acupuncture applied to sanyinjiao with different stimuli on uterine contraction and microcirculation in rats with dysmenorrhea of cold coagulation syndrome.

In this study, we try to evaluate the effects of acupuncture stimulation with different amounts at Sanyinjiao (SP6) on uterine contraction and uterus microcirculation in rats with dysmenorrhea of cold coagulation syndrome and to explore whether there is direct relativity between "De qi" and needle stimulus intensity. Diestrus female rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, including saline control group, model control group, "A" stimulus group (with strong stimulus), and "B" stimulus group (with weak stimulus). We found that dysmenorrhea rats of the cold coagulation syndrome present a high intensity in uterine tension and high contraction of microvascular diameter. Acupuncture applied with two different stimuli could relieve the symptoms, but, compared with "B" stimulus, "A" stimulus leads to better outcomes on reducing uterine contraction and increasing diameter of uterine microvascular; moreover, hand manipulation during needling mediates the curative effect on the microvascular diameter. Our finding indicates that using thick needles and deep insertion with hand manipulation are more effective and achieve desired level of "De qi" in dysmenorrhea rats.

The Effect of Acupuncture to SP6 on Skin Temperature Changes of SP6 and SP10: An Observation of "Deqi".

Background. Deqi sensation is a complex but an important component for acupuncture effect. In this study, we tried to observe the relationship between Deqi and skin temperature changes and whether there was some relativity between Deqi and needle stimulations on cold congealing and dysmenorrhea rat model. Thirty-two female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups (Saline Control Group, Model Group, Group A with strong stimulation, and Group B with small stimulation). Group A and Group B were performed with different stimulations. We found that, compared with saline control group, model group, and Group B, Group A showed that the skin temperature changes on right acupoint SP6 and SP10 increased significantly at 5 min-10 min interval. The skin temperature changes on left SP6 decreased at instant-5 min interval. The skin temperature changes on right SP10 decreased significantly at instant-5 min interval and 10 min-20 min interval. Thermogenic action along Spleen Meridian of Foot Greater Yin was manifested as simultaneous skin temperature increase on right SP6 and SP10 at 5 min-10 min interval after needling SP6, which was helpful to illustrate the relationship between the characteristic of Deqi and needle stimulations.

Acupuncture De-qi: From Characterization to Underlying Mechanism.

De-qi refers to the participant's subjective sensations and objective body responses as well as the acupuncturist's perceptions while the acupuncturist needles certain acupoints in the participant's body. In recent years, De-qi is getting increasing attention of the researchers and many efforts have been made to understand its mechanism. By the broad literature survey, this paper explores the subjective De-qi sensation of the patients, its influencing factors, and the resulting physiological responses. The purpose of this paper is expected to find out a possible mechanism of De-qi and to provide certain scientific evidence for acupuncture fundamental research and clinical practice.

[Efficacies of sorafenib plus interferon in advanced renal cell carcinoma: a report of 57 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the efficacies and adverse events of sorafenib in the treatment of advanced metastatic renal cell carcinoma. METHODS: A total of 57 patients with advanced kidney cancer were recruited from our hospital from April 2007 to October 2011. They were divided into sorafenib group (A, n = 24) and sorafenib + IFN group (B, n = 33). The primary endpoints included objective response rate and progression-free survival (PFS). And the secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and incidence of adverse events. RESULTS: The mean medication time of group A was 15 (7-56) months. The outcomes were partial response (PR, n = 1), stable disease (SD, n = 8), progressive disease (PD, n = 1) and death (n = 14). The rates of objective response and disease control were 4.2% (1/24) and 37.5% (9/24) respectively. For group B, the mean medication time was 15 (4-30) months. The outcomes were PR (n = 2), and include 2 patients of PR, 21 examples of SD, 1 patient of PD and death. The rates of objective response and disease control were 6.1% (2/33) and 69.7% (23/33) respectively. Two groups had no significant difference in incidence or severity of adverse events (both P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: As a safe and effective agent for advanced kidney cancer, sorafenib is well-tolerated in patients. The combined use of interferon may improve the therapeutic efficacies without an occurrence of adverse events.

[Transurethral prostatectomy with the bipolar plasmakinetic technique for benign prostate hyperplasia: a report of 712 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect and safety of transurethral prostatectomy with the bipolar plasmakinetic technique (PKRP) in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: A total of 712 BPH patients underwent transurethral prostatectomy with the bipolar plasmakinetic technique. The patients averaged 70.6 years of age and 52 g (range 35-102 g) in estimated prostate weight preoperatively. Comparative analyses were made on the maximum urine flow rate (Qmax), residual urine volume and scores on IPSS and QOL obtained pre- and post-operatively. RESULTS: The operations lasted 20-120 minutes (mean 51 min), the resected tissues weighed 15-96 g (mean 46 g), and no transurethral resection syndrome (TURS) occurred. The catheters were removed 4 -5 days after surgery. The patients were followed up for 1 -52 months (mean 27.6 mo). Obvious reduction was observed in the average Qmax from 4.7 ml/s preoperatively to 19. 1 ml/s postoperatively, in the mean IPSS score from 26.6 to 5. 8, and in the mean QOL score from 5.4 to 1.7, all with significant differences (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Transurethral prostatectomy with the bipolar plasmakinetic technique is a safe and effective means for the treatment of BPH.

[The development of secondary cells in the callus of Hypericum perforatum L. and hypericins accumulation].

Hypericum perforatum L. is a kind of traditional herbal medicine that has been used as an anti-depression medicine in Europe for centuries. One of its biological active compound, hypericins, is stored in the special secondary structure,black nodules,which located in the stems, leaves and flowers. Most researches focus on the development of the black nodules in vivo and how to culture the plant to produce more hypericins. We studied the process of de-differentiation from explants to callus and the pathway of hypericins biosynthesis in callus and cells of H. perforatum L. which reflected the relationship between the cell development and secondary metabolites accumulation. The morphogenesis of cells development and hypericins accumulation were studied by electron microscopy and histological technologies. Hypericins began to accumulate in a bunch of secondary cells located on the surface of the callus in late development period. Hypericins initially produced in the cytoplasm and were transported into the vacuole and then accumulated. E.R. took apart in the process of hypericins production. Theses results supplied the gap of hypericins production and accumulation in vitro and gave some useful information regarding mass-production hypericins by tissue and cell culture technology.