Synthesis, Characterization and DNA Binding Investigations of a New Binuclear Ag(I) Complex and Evaluation of Its Anticancer Property.

AIM: A new Ag(I) complex (A3) was synthesized and evaluated for its anticancer activity against human cancer cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The complex A3 was characterized by 1H, 13C, and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), infrared (IR) spectra, elemental analysis, and X-ray crystallography. The interaction of the complex with CT-DNA was studied by electronic absorption spectra, fluorescence spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry; cell viability (%) was assessed by absorbance measurement of the samples. RESULTS: The interaction mode of the complex A3 with DNA is electrostatic, and this complex shows good potential in anticancer properties against HCT 116 (human colorectal cancer cells) and MDA-MB-231 (MD Anderson-metastatic breast) cell lines with 0.5 micromolar concentrations. CONCLUSION: The Ag(I) complex could interact with DNA noncovalently and has anticancer properties.

[Effects of soybean isoflavones on the cell cycles, the cell apoptosis and the proliferation of spleen in radiated mice].

AIM: To study effect of soybean isoflavones (SI) on spleen in radiated mice. METHODS: 90 male mice were randomly divided into control group, radiated group, radiated plus 0.5% dose SI group. After 2-week feeding, the mice received 4.0 Gy 137Cs gamma-radiation, the cell cycles, cell apoptosis and proliferation on the spleen and the spleen index were observed in radiated after 12 h, 24 h, 1 week and 2 weeks. RESULTS: After the mice were radiated, the spleen were significantly atrophy, the rate of the cell apoptosis and the cell cycles of G0-G1 phase in splenocytes were significantly increased (P < 0.01), the cell cycles rate of S phase and the proliferation index were significantly decreased in spleen (P < 0.05). Compared with radiated group, the spleen atrophy and the rate of the cell cycles of G0-G1 phase were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and the cell cycles of G2-M phase and the proliferation index were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the mice supplied 0.5% soybean isoflavones. CONCLUSION: The soybean isoflavones could significantly increase spleen radioprotective effect in mice.

[The regulatory effects of arginine on hepatic insulin-like growth factor-1 secretion in rats and its implication].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the regulatory effect of arginine on the secretion of hepatic insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I), and the mechanism of enhancing the immune function by arginine. METHODS: Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control (NC), wound control (WC), and wound with arginine (Arg) groups, with 8 rats in each group. The rats in WC and Arg groups were inflicted with soft tissue trauma on the back. The rats in Arg group were fed a diet supplemented with 5% arginine for one week, while those in NC and WC groups were fed with glycine. The serum contents of arginine, ornithine, growth factor (GH), NO and IGF-I were determined 7 days after feeding. T cell proliferation and IGF-I mRNA expression in hepatic tissue were also measured. Meanwhile, the rat hepatocytes were cultured in serum-free medium containing different concentrations of arginine. The supernatant was collected for the determination of IGF-I level. RESULTS: 1). There was no obvious difference of the serum level of arginine and ornithine between NC and WC groups (P > 0.05), but the contents of them were obviously higher in the Arg group compared with other two groups (P < 0.01). 2). No difference in the serum GH level was found among all the groups (P > 0.05), but the serum NO content in WC and Arg groups was significantly lower than that in NC group (P < 0.01), and the serum IGF-I content in WC group decreased obviously compared with that in NC group (P < 0.01). 3). The thymocyte proliferation rate in WC group was also markedly lower than that in NC group (P < 0.01), but that in Arg group was improved compared with WC group (P < 0.01). 4). The expression of hepatic IGF-I mRNA: The relative value of IGF-I mRNA was 1.19 +/- 0.06, 1.08 +/- 0.06 and 1.29 +/- 0.06 in NC, WC and Arg, respectively, while the value in WC was lower than that in NC (P < 0.05) group, and that in Arg group was much higher than that in WC group (P < 0.01). 5). The IGF-I level in the supernatant of cultured hepatocytes: When Arg concentration was 0.0750, 0.7500, 7.5000 mmol/L in the culture medium, the IGF-I level in the supernatant of hepatic cell medi-um was obviously higher than that in the medium without arginine (P < 0.01). Although IGF-I level decreased in the culture medium with arginine in the dose of 37.5000 mmol/L, it was still obviously higher than that in the medium without arginine (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Arginine could also produce the immune enhancing effect by stimulating hepatic IGF-I secretion.

[Effects of genistein on bone mineralization in ovariectomized rats].

AIM: To investigate the effects of genistein on bone mineralization in ovariectomized rats. METHODS: Forty-seven Wistar rats were randomly allocated into six groups: sham-operated (sham), ovariectomized (ovx), ovariectomized supplied with diethyl stilbestrol (E, 20 microg x kg bw(-1) x d(-1)) or genistein (25, 50, 100 mg x kg bw(-1) x d(-1)). After the rats had been fed for three months, analysis of the bone mineral density, parameters related to mineralization, bone content of Ca, P, Mg, Mn and Zn and serum concentration of parathyroid calcitonin and estrogen was performed. RESULTS: Bone mineral density, bone Ca, P, Zn and Mg content and serum estrogen concentration in ovariectomized rats were significantly decreased, but mean osteoid width increased, mineralization lag time and osteoid maturation period prolonged compared with sham animals. After three months supplementation to ovariectomized rats, bone Ca, P and Mg content increased, mean osteoid width decreased, mineralization lag time and osteoid maturation period shortened compared with ovariectomized animals. CONCLUSION: Genistein promotes bone mineralization by increasing bone Ca, P, Mg and adjusting serum calcitonin to prevent osteoporosis.

[Effects of genistein on proliferation and differentiation of osteoblast].

AIM: To study the effects of genistein on proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts in neonatal rat calvaria cultures. METHODS: Osteoblasts were isolated from neonatal rat calvaria through trypsin and collagenase digestion, and cultured in the presence of different doses of genistein (10(-5) mol/L, 10(-6) mol/L and 10(-7) mol/L). The proliferation and DNA and collagen synthesis of osteoblasts were assayed by MTT method and 3H-TdR and 3H-proline incorporation. The activity of ALP were measured by ALP assay kit. RESULTS: Genistein significantly increased osteoblast 3H-TdR and 3H-proline incorporation and MTT, 10(-6) mol/L genistein increased ALP activity. CONCLUSION: Genistein increased osteoblast DNA and collagen synthesis in neonatal rat calvaria cultures, and promoted osteoblast proliferation and differentiation.