Traditional Chinese medicine for frozen shoulder: An evidence-based guideline.

BACKGROUND: Frozen shoulder is a common disorder that can lead to long-lasting impairment in shoulder-related daily activities. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has played an important role in the effort to manage frozen shoulder. PURPOSE: We aimed to develop an evidence-based guideline for treating frozen shoulder with traditional Chinese medicine. STUDY DESIGN: Evidence-based guideline. METHODS: We developed this guideline based on internationally recognized and accepted guideline standards. The guideline development group used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to rate the certainty of evidence and the strength of recommendations. The benefits and harms, resources, accessibility, and other factors were fully taken into account, and the GRADE grid method was used to reach consensus on all recommendations. RESULTS: We established a multidisciplinary guideline development panel. Based on a systematic literature search and a face-to-face meeting, nine clinical questions were identified. Finally, twelve recommendations were reached by consensus, comprehensively considering the balance of benefits and harms, certainty of evidence, costs, clinical feasibility, accessibility, and clinical acceptability. CONCLUSION: This guideline panel made twelve recommendations, which covered the use of manual therapy, acupuncture, needle knife, Cheezheng Xiaotong plaster, Gutong plaster, exercise therapy and integrated TCM and Western medicine, such as combined modalities and corticosteroid injections. Most of them were weakly recommended or consensus based. The users of this guideline are most likely to be clinicians and health administrators.

Comparative analyses of five complete chloroplast genomes from the endemic genus Cremanthodium (Asteraceae) in Himalayan and adjacent areas.

Cremanthodium Benth. is an endemic genus in the Himalayas and adjacent areas. Some plants of the genus are traditional medicinal plants in Tibetan medicine. In this study, the chloroplast genomes of five species (Cremanthodium arnicoides (DC. ex Royle) Good, Cremanthodium brunneopilosum S. W. Liu, Cremanthodium ellisii (Hook. f.) Kitam., Cremanthodium nervosum S. W. Liu, and Cremanthodium rhodocephalum Diels) were collected for sequencing. The sequencing results showed that the size of the chloroplast genome ranged from 150,985 to 151,284 bp and possessed a typical quadripartite structure containing one large single copy (LSC) region (83,326-83,369 bp), one small single copy (SSC) region (17,956-18,201 bp), and a pair of inverted repeats (IR) regions (24,830-24,855 bp) in C. arnicoides, C. brunneopilosum, C. ellisii, C. nervosum, and C. rhodocephalum. The chloroplast genomes encoded an equal number of genes, of which 88 were protein-coding genes, 37 were transfer ribonucleic acid genes, and eight were ribosomal ribonucleic acid genes, and were highly similar in overall size, genome structure, gene content, and order. In comparison with other species in the Asteraceae family, their chloroplast genomes share similarities but show some structural variations. There was no obvious expansion or contraction in the LSC, SSC or IR regions among the five species, indicating that the chloroplast gene structure of the genus was highly conserved. Collinearity analysis showed that there was no gene rearrangement. The results of the phylogenetic tree showed that the whole chloroplast genomes of the five species were closely related, and the plants of this genus were grouped into one large cluster with Ligularia Cass. and Farfugium Lindl.

Lipskynoids A-G, New Acyclic Diterpenes from the Flowers of Carpesium lipskyi.

Seven new acyclic diterpenes, namely lipskynoids A-G (1-7), were isolated from the flowers of Carpesium lipskyi, a traditional Tibetan herbal medicine with anti-inflammatory and antipyretic-analgesic effects. These new compounds were elucidated by analysis of extensive spectroscopic data including ESI-MS, 1D, 2D NMR, and DP4+ analyses. Biological assays showed that 1-7 display significant inhibitory effects against the NO production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells with its IC50 values from 9.9 to 18.47 µM, however, no cytotoxicity effect was observed of these isolates against the growth of HePG2, PC3, DU145, and A549 cells.

Carpelipines C and D, Two Anti-Inflammatory Germacranolides from the Flowers of Carpesium lipskyi Winkl. (Asteraceae).

Two new germacranolides, carpelipine C (1) and carpelipine D (2), together with four known ones (3-6), were isolated from Carpesium lipskyi Winkl. flowers, a folk Tibetan herbal medicine with antipyretic-analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. The chemical structures of new structure were illuminated by diversified spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic analyses. Compounds 1 and 3 dramatically suppressed the synthesis of NO and decreased pre-inflammatory protein expression of iNOS and COX-2 in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, it was revealed that NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway were involved in the anti-inflammatory process of 1 and 3, and their effects on reducing oxidative stress by activating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway were also measured. This article indicated that the traditional use of C. lipskyi to treat inflammatory diseases has a certain rationality.

Highland barley Monascus purpureus Went extract ameliorates high-fat, high-fructose, high-cholesterol diet induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by regulating lipid metabolism in golden hamsters.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Hepatocyte lipid accumulation is the main feature in the early stage of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Highland barley Monascus purpureus Went (HBMPW), a fermentation product of Hordeum vulgare Linn. var. nudum Hook. f. has traditionally been used as fermented foods in Tibet with the effect of reducing blood lipid in folk medicine. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study investigated the protective effects and molecular mechanism of highland barley Monascus purpureus Went extract (HBMPWE) on NAFLD in syrian golden hamster fed with high-fat, high-fructose, high-cholesterol diet (HFFCD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: HFFCD-induced NAFLD golden hamster model was established and treated with HBMPWE. Liver index, biochemical index, and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining were observed. Liver metabolomics and western blot analysis were employed. RESULTS: Our study found that HBMPWE ameliorated HFFCD induced dyslipidemia, weight gain and elevated the liver index. In addition, HBMPWE treatment significantly attenuated lipid accumulation in the liver and modulated lipid metabolism (sphingolipid, glycerophospholipid). Our data demonstrated that HBMPWE not only regulated the expression of proteins related to fatty acid synthesis and decomposition (SREBP-1/ACC/FAS/AceS1, PPARα/ACSL/CPT1/ACOX1), but also regulated the expression of proteins related to cholesterol synthesis and clearance (HMGCR, LDLR, CYP7A1). CONCLUSIONS: HBMPWE improved NAFLD through multiple pathways and multiple targets in body metabolism and could be used as a functional food to treat NAFLD and other lipid metabolic disorders.

Efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine rehabilitation program in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial protocol.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common joint disease worldwide, and the main cause of pain and disability in the elderly. Due to increased aging and rates of obesity of the global population, the number of patients with KOA is expected to increase. To reduce the burden of KOA, effective and safe interventions should be developed to reduce pain and improve range of motion, functionality, and quality of life. The aim of the proposed randomized controlled study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) rehabilitation therapy in the treatment of KOA. METHODS: This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled trial will include a total of 200 patients with KOA. The enrolled patients will be randomly divided into the experimental group (n=100) and control group (n=100). The experimental group will receive basic treatment plus TCM rehabilitation therapy, while the control group will receive basic treatment plus physiotherapy regimen. Primary endpoints will include clinical efficacy outcomes, visual analog scale, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score, and Knee Outcome Survey Activities of Daily Living Scale score. The data will help determine whether TCM rehabilitation therapy is beneficial for the treatment of KOA. DISCUSSION: The results will provide high-quality guidance for the current clinical treatment of KOA, and provide patients with more options for symptom relief. The findings from this study may provide updated evidence concerning the efficacy and safety of TCM for patients with KOA.

Shi-Style Cervical Mobilizations Versus Massage for Cervical Vertigo: A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial.

Objectives: Large sample and high-quality evidence to evaluate the preliminary safety of the mobilizations and massage for cervical vertigo are not yet available. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the comparative effectiveness and preliminary safety of Shi-style cervical mobilizations (SCM) compared with traditional massage (TM) in cervical vertigo patients. Design: A prospective, multicenter, open-label, randomized, controlled clinical trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Settings: Five academic medical centers. Subjects: A total of 360 adult patients with a diagnosis of cervical vertigo. Interventions: The patients were randomly allocated to either an SCM (n = 180) or TM (n = 180) group. The patients were treated during six sessions over 2 weeks. The primary outcome was the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) total scale score, and secondary outcomes included the DHI subscales, Chinese version of the Short-Form 36 Health Survey (CSF-36), and adverse events (AEs). Outcomes were assessed in the short term at 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months, and in the intermediate term at 6 months after randomization. Results: Significant changes were observed from the baseline in the DHI total scale and subscales at 2 weeks and 1, 3, and 6 months in both groups (all p < 0.05). However, the differences between the two groups were not significant (all p > 0.05). Furthermore, we noted significant changes from the baseline in SF-36 scores at 2 weeks in both groups (all p < 0.05), whereas CSF-36 scores were not significantly higher in the SCM group (all p > 0.05) compared with the TM group. No serious AEs were reported in either of the two groups. Conclusions: No differences in outcomes were detected between the SCM and TM groups in terms of treatment of cervicogenic dizziness. Efficacy trials are required to determine whether the improvement observed for each treatment was causally related to the interventions.

Crude Oil Biodegradation by Newly Isolated Bacterial Strains and Their Consortium Under Soil Microcosm Experiment.

Bioremediation has been attracting researchers' attention to develop as a technique to remove the pollution of crude oil in the environment. However, more or stronger novel strains capable of crude oil removal are still required. In this study, the potential of five newly isolated bacterial strains for crude oil abatement was evaluated in the liquid medium and contaminated soil individually and as a mixed consortium. Raoultella ornithinolytica strain PS exhibited the highest ability and degraded up to 83.5% of crude oil. Whereas Bacillus subtilis strain BJ11 degraded 81.1%, Acinetobacter lwoffii strain BJ10 degraded 75.8%, Acinetobacter pittii strain BJ6 degraded 74.9%, and Serratia marcescens strain PL degraded only 70.0% of crude oil in the liquid media. The consortium comprising the above five strains degraded more than 94.0% of crude oil after 10 days of incubation in the liquid medium. The consortium degraded more than 65.0% of crude oil after 40 days incubation even in the contaminated soil. The five crude oil degrading strains, especially their consortium, exhibited a high capability to break down a wide range of compounds in crude oil including straight-chain alkanes, branched alkanes, and aromatic hydrocarbons. These strains, especially as consortia, have good potential of application in the remediation of crude oil-contaminated environments.

Biodegradation of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) in highly contaminated soils by natural attenuation and bioaugmentation.

Bioremediation is an emerging and sustainable technique that can either occur naturally or be enhanced by introducing nutrients or bacteria able to degrade specific contaminants. In this study, the efficiencies of natural attenuation with nutrients, and bioaugmentation with nutrients and a consortium of five exogenous bacteria, were evaluated for total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) degradation in five highly contaminated soils from China, and Kuwait. The bioaugmentation treatment exhibited better efficiencies than the natural attenuation, and reached 48.10% of TPH degradation with a half-life of 41.76 d. The addition of exogenous bacteria also increased the removal of TPH in the highest contaminated soil sample. The concentration of TPH in that soil was reduced from 236, 500 mg kg-1 of dry soil to 176, 566 mg kg-1 of dry soil in 40 d, which was equivalent to 25.4% degradation of TPH. The degradation rate (1501.8 mg kg-1d-1 of TPH) was higher than those reported in previous studies with a lower concentration of TPH. The bioaugmented strains could withstand high concentrations of TPH and thrive in five different types of soils. Consequently, these strains can be used to remediate soils that are heavily contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons.

Structure Analysis and Anti-Tumor and Anti-Angiogenic Activities of Sulfated Galactofucan Extracted from Sargassum thunbergii.

Sulfated galactofucan (ST-2) was obtained from Sargassum thunbergii. It was then desulfated to obtain ST-2-DS, and autohydrolyzed and precipitated by ethanol to obtain the supernatant (ST-2-S) and precipitate (ST-2-C). ST-2-C was further fractionated by gel chromatography into two fractions, ST-2-H (high molecular weight) and ST-2-L (low molecular weight). Mass spectrometry (MS) of ST-2-DS was performed to elucidate the backbone of ST-2. It was shown that ST-2-DS contained a backbone of alternating galactopyranose residues (Gal)n (n ≤ 3) and fucopyranose residues (Fuc)n. In addition, ST-2-S was also determined by MS to elucidate the branches of ST-2. It was suggested that sulfated fuco-oligomers might be the branches of ST-2. Compared to the NMR spectra of ST-2-H, the spectra of ST-2-L was more recognizable. It was shown that ST-2-L contain a backbone of (Gal)n and (Fuc)n, sulfated mainly at C4 of Fuc, and interspersed with galactose (the linkages were likely to be 1→2 and 1→6). Therefore, ST-2 might contain a backbone of (Gal)n (n ≤ 3) and (Fuc)n. The sulfation pattern was mainly at C4 of fucopyranose and partially at C4 of galactopyranose, and the branches were mainly sulfated fuco-oligomers. Finally, the anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic activities of ST-2 and its derivates were determined. It was shown that the low molecular-weight sulfated galactofucan, with higher fucose content, had better anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor activities.

The Effects of Baduanjin Qigong on Postural Stability, Proprioception, and Symptoms of Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Knee osteoarthritis is a common disease affecting a large number of old individuals worldwide. This study aimed to explore the effects of Baduanjin Qigong in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Fifty participants with knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 25) or a control group (n = 25). Participants in the experimental group received Baduanjin Qigong training for 12 weeks, with three sessions per week lasting 40 min per session. Participants in the control group did not receive any additional physical training. All of participants completed outcome (proprioception, postural stability, and functional ability) assessments at three time points (baseline, Week 8, 12). Results: Proprioception and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index function were statistically improved at eighth and 12th week of the intervention in the Baduanjin Qigong group (p < 0.05), while the control group did not have any significant changes. For postural stability at the anterior-posterior direction with eyes closed, Baduanjin Qigong group showed significant improvement compared to controls after the 12 weeks of intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Regular Baduanjin Qigong practice helped the improvement of knee joint proprioception and postural stability, and reduction of pain, stiffness, and functional impairments of old adults with knee osteoarthritis. Well-designed randomized controlled trials with long-term assessment are needed. The trial was registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-IOR-16010042). URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/hvshowproject.aspx?id=10550.

[Analysis of varieties and standards of labiatae medicinal plants used in Tibetan medicine].

In this paper, an analysis was made on the varieties and standards of labiatae medicinal plants used in Tibetan medicine. The results showed 71 species of labiatae plants in 21 genera (including varieties) recorded in relevant literatures, involving 44 varieties of medicinal materials. Specifically, seven species (9.9%) were intersected with traditional Chinese medicines (TCM), 19 varieties (43%) were recorded in Chinese medicinal material standards at all levels, and 27 species (38%) were source plants. In Tibetan medicine standards and literatures, there are great differences between Tibetan names and translated Chinese names and among varieties of source plants. Apart from a few of varieties intersected with traditional Chinese medicines had complete standards and regulations in Chinese Pharmacopoeia, most of species only had characters, microscopic, physical and chemical identifications in Standards Issued by Ministry of Health-Tibetan Medicine, Tibetan Medicine Standard and local standards. Therefore, the Tibetan medicinal material variety-source specification and quality standard system shall be promoted on the basis of literatures research, investigations for resources and current applications and modern pharmaceutical studies.

[Analysis of varieties and standards of Scrophulariaceae plants used in Tibetan medicine].

In this paper, the popular domestic varieties and quality standard of Scrophulariaceae plants used in Tibetan medicine were analyzed. The results showed that there were 11 genera and 99 species (including varieties), as well as 28 medicinal materials varieties of Scrophulariaceae plants were recorded in the relevant literatures. In relevant Tibetan standards arid literatures, there are great differences in varieties, sources, parts, and efficacies of medicinal plant. Among them, about 41.4% (including 41 species) of endemic plants, about 15.2% (including 15 species) of the original plants have medicinal standard legal records, except the medicinal materials of Scrophalaria ningpoensis, Lagotis brevituba, Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora, Veronica eriogyne general, most varieties have not completed quality standard. Consequently it is necessary to reinforce the herbal textual, resources and the use present situation investigation, the effects of the species resources material foundation and biological activity, quality standard, specification the medical terms of the plants, and promote Tibetan medicinal vareties-terminologies-sources such as the criterion and quality standard system for enriching the varieties of Tibetan medicinal materials and Chinese medicinal resources.

[Analysis of varieties and standards of Leguminosae plants used in Tibetan medicine].

In this paper, the domestic varieties and quality standard of Leguminosae medicinal plants used in Tibetan medicine were analyzed. The results showed that there were 36 genera and 142 species (including varieties), as well as 64 medicinal materials varieties of Leguminosae plants were recorded in relevant literatures. In relevant Tibetan standards and literatures, there are great differences in varieties, sources, used parts, and efficacy of medicinal plants. Among them, about 38.0% (including 54 species) of the endemic plants, about 25.4% (including 36 species) of the original plants have medicinal standard legal records, except 9 kinds of traditional Chinese medicine general quality standard more fairly completed, the most varieties have only description about characters, identification, etc. Therefore it is necessary to reinforce study for the herbal textual, resources and the use present situation, chemical components and biological activity, quality standard, medicinal terms specification, to promote establishment of quality standard system for variety-terminologies-sources of Tibetan medicinal plants.

Diversity analysis of the bacterial community in tobacco waste extract during reconstituted tobacco process.

Reconstituted tobacco sheet process has been developed to treat and reuse tobacco wastes in the industry. During this process, microorganisms in original and concentrated tobacco waste extract (TWE) might play important roles in the final quality of the reconstituted tobacco. However, microbial communities in TWE remain largely unknown. In the present study, the Roche 454 bar-coded pyrosequencing was applied to analyze the bacterial community structure in samples. Comparison based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the original and concentrated solutions of TWE harbored abundant bacteria probably resistant to the acid, high nicotine concentration, and high osmotic pressure environment. The dominant phyla were Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. Lactobacillus and Lysinibacillus were the dominant genera of Firmicutes. The most interesting genus of Proteobacteria was Pseudomonas. It is the first time to reveal the bacterial diversities on the TWE samples from the process of reconstituted tobacco sheets.

Effects of tai chi for patients with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review.

[Purpose] The aim of the present study was to seek evidence for the effectiveness of Tai Chi for patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). [Subjects and Methods] Systematic searches were conducted of the China Journals Full-text Database, Pubmed, Medline, Science Direct-Online Journals and CINAHL for studies published between 2000 and 2012. Studies were evaluated based on following inclusion criteria: 1) design: randomized control, clinical trial; 2) subjects: patients with a knee osteoarthritis diagnosis; 3) intervention: exercise involving Tai Chi; 4) studies published in English or Chinese. [Results] Six randomized control studies involving Tai Chi and knee osteoarthritis were found. [Conclusion] Tai Chi was an effective way of relieving pain and improving physical function. Further randomized controlled trials with large sample sizes and long training period are needed to compare groups who perform Tai Chi training with other groups who undergo other forms of physical exercise in order to confirm the efficacy of Tai Chi.

Coenzyme Q10 production by Sphingomonas sp. ZUTE03 with novel precursors isolated from tobacco waste in a two-phase conversion system.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a widely used supplement in heart diseases treatment or antioxidative dietary. The microbial production of CoQ10 was enhanced by addition of solanesol and novel precursors recovered from waste tobacco. The novel precursors were separated by silica gel and identified as alpha-linolenic acid (LNA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) based on the effect on CoQ10 production and GC-MS. The effects of novel precursors on CoQ10 production by Sphingomonas sp. ZUTE03 were further evaluated in a two-phase conversion system. The precursor's combination of solanesol (70 mg/l) with BHT (30 mg/l) showed the best effect on the improvement of CoQ10 yield. A maximal CoQ10 productivity (9.5 mg l-1 h-1) was achieved after 8 h conversion, with a molar conversion rate of 92.6% and 92.4% on BHT and solanesol, respectively. The novel precursors, BHT and LNA in crude extracts from waste tobacco leaves, might become potential candidates for application in the industrial production of CoQ10 by microbes.

Effects of phenanthrene on the mortality, growth, and anti-oxidant system of earthworms (Eisenia fetida) under laboratory conditions.

To assess the toxic effects of phenanthrene on earthworms, we exposed Eisenia fetida to artificial soils supplemented with different concentrations (0.5, 2.5, 12.5, mgkg(-1) soil) of phenanthrene. The residual phenanthrene in the soil, the bioaccumulation of phenanthrene in earthworms, and the subsequent effects of phenanthrene on growth, anti-oxidant enzyme activities, and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were determined. The degradation rate of low concentrations of phenanthrene was faster than it was for higher concentrations, and the degradation half-life was 7.3d (0.5 mgkg(-1)). Bioaccumulation of phenanthrene in the earthworms decreased the phenanthrene concentration in soils, and phenanthrene content in the earthworms significantly increased with increasing initial soil concentrations. Phenanthrene had a significant effect on E. fetida growth, and the 14-d LC(50) was calculated as 40.67 mgkg(-1). Statistical analysis of the growth inhibition rate showed that the concentration and duration of exposure had significant effects on growth inhibition (p<0.001). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased at the beginning (2 and 7d) and decreased in the end (14 and 28 d). Catalase (CAT) activity in all treatments was inhibited from 1 to 14 d of exposure. However, no significant perturbations in malondialdehyde (MDA) content were noted between control and phenanthrene-treated earthworms except after 2d of exposure. These results revealed that bioaccumulation of phenanthrene in E. fetida caused concentration-dependent, sub-lethal toxicity. Growth and superoxide dismutase activity can be regarded as sensitive parameters for evaluating the toxicity of phenanthrene to earthworms.

[Effect of the combination of hyperbaric oxygen and 5-fluorouracil on the proliferation and metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE-2Z cell line].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect and the possible influential mechanisms of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on the proliferation and metastasis in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) CNE2Z cell line. METHOD: NPC CNE2Z cell line were divided into 4 groups randomly: group A: control group; group B: 5-FU group; group C: HBO group; group D: 5-FU and HBO group. The inhibition effect of proliferation in CNE2Z cells of all groups through 24 h, 48 h and 72 h disposal was detected by MTT reduction assay; Transwell chamber assay was performed to determine the effect of HBO and (or) 5-FU on the metastasis of the CNE2Z cells; The MMP-9, VEGF expression in CNE2Z cells of all groups were detected by SP immunocytochemical stain and observe the expressed image by micro. RESULT: There were statistical difference on the inhibition effect of proliferation in C group and A group after 48 h and 72 h disposal (P<0.01) and between A, B, C group and D group only after 48 h disposal (P<0.05); There were not statistical difference on the effect of metastasis in C group and A group (P>0.05) and between B, C group and D group (P>0.05); Average optical of the MMP-9, VEGF expression were not statistically significant difference in C group and A group (P>0.05) and between C group and D group (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Simple HBO disposal after 48 h and 72 h could inhibit the proliferation potential of NPC CNE2Z cell line, but the combination of HBO and 5-FU only after 48 h disposal could all the more inhibit the proliferation potential. Simple HBO disposal couldn't decrease the MMP-9 and VEGF high-expression and inhibit the metastasis potential in human NPC CNE2Z cell line, the combination of HBO and 5-FU disposal also couldn't further decreased the MMP-9 and VEGF high-expression and inhibited the metastasis potential.

Effects of the combination of hyperbaric oxygen and 5-fluorouracil on proliferation and metastasis of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE-2Z cells.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) and/or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on the proliferation and metastasis of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell line CNE2Z and the underlying mechanisms involved. METHODS: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) CNE2Z cells were randomly divided into four groups: Group A: control group; Group B: 5-FU group; Group C: HBO2 group; Group D: 5-FU plus HBO2 group. The inhibitory effects on CNE2Z cells proliferation in the four groups after 24, 48 and 72 hours of treatment were measured by MTT-colorimetric method. Transwell chamber assay was performed to determine the effects of HBO2 and/or 5-FU on the metastasis of CNE2Z cells; Expressions of MMP-9 and VEGF in CNE2Z cells were detected by immunocytochemical staining. RESULT: A significant difference was observed in the inhibitory effects on CNE2Z cell proliferation (OD values) between the 5-FU group (Group B) and the control group (Group A) after 24, 48, and 72 hours of treatment (p<0.01); between the HBO2 group (group C) and the control group (Group A) after 48 and 72 hours of treatment (p<0.01); and between the HBO2 plus 5-FU group (Group D) and the control group (Group A) as well as the HBO2 plus 5-FU group (Group D) and the HBO2 group (Group C) after 24, 48, and 72 hours of treatment (p<0.01). But a significant difference between the HBO2 plus 5-FU group (Group D) and the 5-FU group (Group B) was observed only after 48 hours of treatment (p=0.030). As for metastasis, as well as MMP-9 and VEGF expression OD values, significant difference was observed between the 5-FU group (Group B) and the control group (Group A) with p<0.05, but not between the HBO2 group (Group C) and the control group (Group A). Although effects on metastasis as well as MMP-9 and VEGF expression OD values were significantly different between the 5-FU plus HBO group (group D) and group A (p<0.01), no difference was observed between Group D and Group B as well as Group D and Group C. CONCLUSIONS: Simple HBO2 treatment after 48 and 72 hours could inhibit the proliferation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE2Z cells. The combination of HBO2 with 5-FU exhibited significant synergism in the suppression of NE2Z cell proliferation only after 48 hours of treatment compared to 5-FU. Simple HBO2 treatment could not reduce the high expressions of MMP-9 and VEGF and inhibit the metastasis of human NPC CNE2Z cells, and no synergistic effect was observed for the combination of HBO2 with 5-FU compared to 5-FU alone.