[Atractylenolide â improves acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury in mice by inhibiting MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway].

This study explored the protective effect of atractylenolide Ⅰ(AO-Ⅰ) against acetaminophen(APAP)-induced acute liver injury(ALI) in mice and its underlying mechanism. C57 BL/6 J mice were randomly divided into a control group, an APAP group(500 mg·kg~(-1)), a low-dose combination group(500 mg·kg~(-1) APAP + 60 mg·kg~(-1) AO-Ⅰ), and a high-dose combination group(500 mg·kg~(-1) APAP + 120 mg·kg~(-1) AO-Ⅰ). ALI was induced by intraperitoneal injection of APAP(500 mg·kg~(-1)). AO-Ⅰ by intragastric administration was performed 2 hours before APAP treatment, and the control group received the same dose of solvent by intragastric administration or intraperitoneal injection. The protective effect of AO-Ⅰ against APAP-induced ALI was evaluated by detecting alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) levels in the plasma and H&E staining in liver tissues of mice. The malondialdehyde(MDA) and glutathione(GSH) content and catalase(CAT) activity in mouse liver tissues were detected to evaluate the effect of AO-Ⅰ on APAP-induced oxidative stress in the liver. The proteins in the liver p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(p38 MAPK), c-jun N-terminal kinase(JNK), and nuclear factor kappa-B p65(NF-κB p65) signaling pathways were measured by Western blot, and the liver inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1ß(IL-1ß) and interleukin-6(IL-6) were detected by real-time PCR. Compared with the APAP group, the combination groups showed reduced APAP-induced ALT level and liver MDA content, potentiated liver CAT activity, and elevated GSH content. Mechanistically, AO-Ⅰ treatment significantly inhibited APAP-up-regulated MAPK phosphorylation and NF-κB p65, and significantly reduced the transcriptional activities of IL-1ß and IL-6, downstream targets of NF-κB p65. AO-Ⅰ can improve APAP-induced ALI and the underlying mechanism is related to the inhibition of the MAPK/NF-κB p65 signaling pathway in APAP-challenged mice.

Hunzeylanines A-E, Five Bisindole Alkaloids Tethered with a Methylene Group from the Roots of Hunteria zeylanica.

Five novel bisindole alkaloids, hunzeylanines A-E (1-5), with an unprecedented skeleton were isolated from the roots of Hunteria zeylanica. Compounds 1-5 represent the first examples of akuammine-pleioarpamine-type bisindole alkaloids fused with a dihydropyran unit. Their structures including absolute configurations were established through comprehensive spectroscopic data analyses and computational calculation methods. The plausible biogenetic pathway of 1 was also proposed. Alkaloids 1 and 2 displayed moderate cytotoxicity toward three human cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231, AV3, and Huh7).

A U-shaped Association of Breastfeeding Duration with Cognitive Impairment in Chinese Postmenopausal Women.

Breastfeeding is related to maternal health. However, the association of women's breastfeeding duration with cognitive function in their later life is limited and inconsistent. The aim of this study was to accurately evaluate the association in Chinese postmenopausal women. We analyzed the data from Zhejiang Ageing and Health Cohort Study including 5487 postmenopausal women. Cognitive impairment was assessed via the Mini-Mental State Examination. Data on breastfeeding duration was collected in the reproductive history section within the questionnaire. Generalized additive models (GAMs) and logistic regression models, controlled for an extensive range of potential confounders, were generated to examine the associations. A U-shaped association was identified between breastfeeding duration and cognitive impairment based on GAM. The nadir with lowest odds of cognitive impairment was ascertained by quadratic model as 12 months. The logistic models showed that compared with women breastfeeding 12 months per child, the fully adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were 1.50 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.20-1.88), 1.58 (95% CI: 1.29-1.93), 1.33 (95% CI: 1.06-1.68), 2.08 (95% CI: 1.64-2.65) for those averagely breastfeeding <6, 6-<12,>12-18,>18 months, respectively. Furthermore, we did not observe significant effect modification of the association. Future longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the association.

[Mechanisms of tanshinone â ¡_A in reducing 4-HNE-induced hepatocyte damage by activating PPARα].

Tanshinone Ⅱ_A( Tan Ⅱ_A),the liposoluble constituents of Salvia miltiorrhiza,can not only ameliorate the lipidic metabolism and decrease the concentration of lipid peroxidation,but also resist oxidation damage,scavenge free radicals and control inflammation,with a protective effect on prognosis after liver function impairment. Therefore,the studies on the exact mechanism of Tan Ⅱ_A in protecting the liver can provide important theoretical and experimental basis for the prevention and treatment effect of Tan Ⅱ_A for liver injury. In the present study,the protective effects and mechanism of Tan Ⅱ_A on 4-hydroxynonenal( 4-HNE)-induced liver injury were investigated in vitro. Normal liver tissues NCTC 1469 cells were used to induce hepatocytes oxidative damages by 4-HNE treatment. The protective effect of Tan Ⅱ_A on hepatocytes oxidative damages was detected by release amount of lactate dehydrogenase( LDH) analysis and hoechst staining. The protein expression changes of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α( PPARα) and peroxisome proliferator response element( PPRE) were analyzed by Western blot analysis in NCTC 1469 cells before and after Tan Ⅱ_A treatment. The gene expression changes of fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase( FALDH) were analyzed by Real-time polymerase chain reaction( PCR) analysis. The results showed that 4-HNE increased the release amount of LDH,lowered the cell viability of NCTC 1469 cells,and Tan Ⅱ_A reversed 4-HNE-induced hepatocyte damage. Western blot analysis and RT-PCR analysis results showed that 4-HNE decreased the expression of PPARα and FALDH and increased the expression of 4-HNE. However,the expression of PPARα and FALDH were increased significantly and the expression of 4-HNE was decreased obviously after Tan Ⅱ_A treatment. This study confirmed that the curative effect of Tan Ⅱ_A was obvious on hepatocytes damage,and the mechanism may be associated with activating PPARα and FALDH expression as well as scavenging 4-HNE.

Ervadivamines A and B, Two Unusual Trimeric Monoterpenoid Indole Alkaloids from Ervatamia divaricata.

Ervadivamines A (1) and B (2), two unprecedented trimeric monoterpenoid indole alkaloids, were isolated from Ervatamia divaricata. They are the first examples of vobasine-iboga-vobasine-type alkaloid with both C-C and C-N linkage patterns. Their structures including absolute configurations were fully accomplished by extensive spectroscopic analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and electric circular dichroism methods. The plausible biogenetic pathways of these trimeric alkaloids were also proposed. In addition, compound 1 exhibited significant cytotoxicity against four cancer cells.

Protective Effect of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate on Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a common consequence of acute kidney injury. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), which is derived from the pentose phosphate pathway, is essential for the proper functioning of essential redox and antioxidant defense systems. Previous studies have indicated that NADPH is responsible for protecting the brain from ischemic injury. The goal of this study was to analyze the protective function of NADPH in renal IRI. METHODS: The IRI animal model was generated through a midline laparotomy surgery that clamped both sides of the renal pedicles for 40 min to induce renal ischemia. The in vitro model was generated by removing oxygen and glucose from human kidney epithelial cells (HK-2 cells), followed by reoxygenation to imitate IRI. Renal function and histopathological changes were observed and evaluated. Additionally, malondialdehyde and glutathione levels were determined in renal tissue homogenate as indicators of oxidative stress. ROS production in cells was determined by DHE staining. Protein biomarker expression was evaluated by western blot, apoptosis was analyzed by TUNEL staining, and p65 nuclear translocation was visualized by immunofluorescence. RESULTS: Our data indicated that NADPH safeguarded the kidneys from histological and functional damage, and significantly reduce cell injury along with preventing potential increases in blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels. Furthermore, we observed that NADPH increased glutathione levels, while reducing levels of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species. Additionally, our results suggested that NADPH treatment may alleviate IRI-induced apoptosis and inflammation. CONCLUSION: NADPH treatment may protect against renal IRI and should be further developed as a new treatment for acute kidney injury.

Identification of DNA-PKcs as a primary resistance factor of salinomycin in osteosarcoma cells.

Malignant osteosarcoma (OS) is still a deadly disease for many affected patients. The search for the novel anti-OS agent is extremely urgent and important. Our previous study has proposed that salinomycin is a novel anti-OS agent. Here we characterized DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) as a primary salinomycin resistance factor in OS cells. DNA-PKcs inhibitors (NU7026, NU7441 and LY294002) or DNA-PKcs shRNA knockdown dramatically potentiated salinomycin-induced death and apoptosis of OS cells (U2OS and MG-63 lines). Further, forced-expression of microRNA-101 ("miR-101") downregulated DNA-PKcs and augmented salinomycin's cytotoxicity against OS cells. Reversely, over-expression of DNA-PKcs in OS cells inhibited salinomycin's lethality. For the mechanism study, we show that DNA-PKcs is required for salinomycin-induced pro-survival autophagy activation. DNA-PKcs inhibition (by NU7441), shRNA knockdown or miR-101 expression inhibited salinomycin-induced Beclin-1 expression and autophagy induction. Meanwhile, knockdown of Beclin-1 by shRNA significantly sensitized salinomycin-induced OS cell lethality. In vivo, salinomycin administration suppressed U2OS xenograft tumor growth in severe combined immuno-deficient (SCID) mice, and its anti-tumor activity was dramatically potentiated with co-administration of the DNA-PKcs inhibitor NU7026. Together, these results suggest that DNA-PKcs could be a primary resistance factor of salinomycin in OS cells. DNA-PKcs inhibition or silence may thus significantly increase salinomycin's sensitivity in OS cells.

SC79 rescues osteoblasts from dexamethasone though activating Akt-Nrf2 signaling.

Dexamethasone (Dex) causes osteoblast cell injuries. In the present research, we tested the potential effect of SC79, a novel and specific Akt activator, against Dex in osteoblasts. In primary murine osteoblasts and osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells, pretreatment with SC79 significantly attenuated Dex-induced cell death. Further, Dex-induced mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening, cytochrome C release and apoptosis activation were dramatically alleviated with SC79 pretreatment in above cells. At the molecular level, SC79 activated Akt, which was indispensable for subsequent osteoblast protection against Dex. Akt inhibitors (LY294002, perifosine and MK-2206) blocked SC79-induced Akt activation and abolished its anti-Dex actions in osteoblasts. Further, SC79 activated Akt downstream Nrf2 (NF-E2-related factor 2) signaling and attenuated Dex-induced oxidative stress in osteoblasts. Nrf2 shRNA knockdown or S40T mutation almost reversed SC79-mediated anti-oxidant and cytoprotective activities in osteoblasts. Together, these results suggest that SC79 activates Akt-Nrf2 signaling to protect osteoblasts from Dex.

Non-viral liposome-mediated transfer of brain-derived neurotrophic factor across the blood-brain barrier.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in the repair of central nervous system injury, but cannot directly traverse the blood-brain barrier. Liposomes are a new type of non-viral vector, able to carry macromolecules across the blood-brain barrier and into the brain. Here, we investigate whether BDNF could be transported across the blood-brain barrier by tail-vein injection of liposomes conjugated to transferrin (Tf) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), and carrying BDNF modified with cytomegalovirus promoter (pCMV) or glial fibrillary acidic protein promoter (pGFAP) (Tf-pCMV-BDNF-PEG and Tf-pGFAP-BDNF-PEG, respectively). Both liposomes were able to traverse the blood-brain barrier, and BDNF was mainly expressed in the cerebral cortex. BDNF expression in the cerebral cortex was higher in the Tf-pGFAP-BDNF-PEG group than in the Tf-pCMV-BDNF-PEG group. This study demonstrates the successful construction of a non-virus targeted liposome, Tf-pGFAP-BDNF-PEG, which crosses the blood-brain barrier and is distributed in the cerebral cortex. Our work provides an experimental basis for BDNF-related targeted drug delivery in the brain.

[Characterization of Plasma Induced by Laser Effect on Coal Sample].

With the output of an OPG/OPA pumped by the third harmonic output 355 nm of a pulsed Nd·YAG laser as radiation source, the emission spectrum of laser induced coal sample plasma is created. The emission spectral line shows the character of Lorenz profile. So Stark broadening is the main widening way of this plasma system. The spatial distribution of the plasma temperature and electron density is measured from the intensity and Stark broadening of the spectral lines. It is found that in the direction from vertical to plasma luminous flame, both plasma temperature and electron density are symmetrically relative to the center. While in the direction of parallel to plasma luminous flame, they are asymmetrically relative to the center. Plasma temperature and electron density is maximized in the centre of the flame, and the emission intensity of the plasma in the centre is also strong. So we ought to collect the emission spectrum in the plasma centre when using the technique of spectroscopy for the diagnosis of plasma characteristics. It is also found that there is a dip in the centre of some spectral lines. This indicates that there exists strong self-absorption in the plasma. The appearance of self-absorption varies with laser wavelength. It is most obvious when the wavelength is near to the center of the profile, because the transition probability is the largest at the center of the profile. Both emission intensity and self-absorption increase with laser energy. These experimental results can be interpreted as the increase of the particle density with laser energy. Thus we ought to select spectral lines with no self-absorption when measuring the parameters of the plasma with the technique of laser spectroscopy. This can ensure higher detection accuracy.

A novel axial-stress bioreactor system combined with a substance exchanger for tissue engineering of 3D constructs.

This study introduced a prototype of an axial-stress bioreactor system that supports long-term growth and development of engineered tissues. The main features of this bioreactor are an integrated substance exchanger and feedback control of pH and PO2. A 21-day study was conducted to validate the system's ability to maintain a stable environment, while remaining sterile. Our results showed that the pH, PO2, and nutrient (glucose) remained balanced at appropriate levels, while metabolic waste (lactic acid) was removed. No bacteria or fungi were detected in the system or tissue; thus, demonstrating that it was sterile. These data indicate the bioreactor's strong potential for long-term tissue culture. To explore this idea, the effect of dynamic culture, including cyclic compression and automatic substance exchange, on mouse bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) seeded in decalcified bone matrix was studied using the bioreactor prototype. Histological sections of the engineered tissues showed higher cell densities in scaffolds in dynamic culture compared to those in static culture, while cell cycle analysis showed that dynamic culture promoted BMSC proliferation (proliferation index, PI=34.02±1.77) more effectively than static culture (PI=26.66±1.81). The results from a methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay were consistent with the loading experimental data. Furthermore, elevated alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium content were observed in dynamic condition compared to static culture. In conclusion, this bioreactor system supplies a method of modulating the pH and PO2 in defined ranges with only small fluctuations; it can be used as a physiological or pathological analog. Automatic control of the environment is a practical solution for long-term, steady-state culture for future commercialization.

[Pharmacognostical study of Cyperus rotundus growing in Wen-River area].

OBJECTIVE: To study the macroscopic, microscopic identification and chemical components of Cyperus rotundus growing in Wen-River area. METHODS: The features of different parts of Cyperus rotundus were described by material morphology and microscopic identification, the chemical components of aerial part and rhizome of Cyperus rotundus were studied by chemical experiment and GC-MS analysis. RESULTS: Summarized the transverse section structure of rhizome, stem and leaf of Cyperus rotundus, the chemical components of aerial part and the components and relative content of volatile oil in rhizome were determined. CONCLUSION: This study provides reference for the drug identification and the daodi medicinal material exploitation of Cyperus rotundus.

BMI is strongly associated with hypertension, and waist circumference is strongly associated with type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia, in northern Chinese adults.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is closely associated with chronic diseases such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and dyslipidemia. We analyzed the optimal obesity index cut-off values for metabolic syndrome (MetS), and identified the obesity index that is more closely associated with these chronic diseases, in a population of northern Chinese. METHODS: We surveyed 8940 adults (age, 20-74 years) living in northern China for chronic diseases. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis, relative risk, and multivariate regression were used to develop an appropriate index and optimal cut-off values for MetS and obesity-related chronic diseases. RESULTS: Waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI) were good markers for MetS, WC was a good marker for T2DM and dyslipidemia, and BMI was a good marker for hypertension. The optimal BMI cut-off value of MetS was 24 kg/m², and the optimal WC cut-offs were 86 cm and 78 cm in men and women, respectively. Relative risk regression models showed that BMI was associated with hypertension, T2DM, and hypertriglyceridemia and a higher prevalence ratio (PR) for hypertension: 2.35 (95% CI, 2.18-2.50). WC was associated with T2DM, hypertension, and hypertriglyceridemia, with PRs of 2.05 (1.63-2.55) for T2DM and 2.47 (2.04-2.85) for hypertriglyceridemia. In multivariate regression models, the standardized regression coefficients (SRCs) of BMI were greater for SBP and DBP, and the SRC of WC was greater for fasting blood glucose, 2-hour postload blood glucose, triglyceride, and total cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis of a population of northern Chinese indicates that the optimal cut-off values for MetS are WCs of 86 cm in men and 78 cm in women and a BMI of 24 kg/m² in both sexes. BMI was strongly associated with hypertension, while WC was strongly associated with T2DM and dyslipidemia.

Postweaning low-calcium diet promotes later-life obesity induced by a high-fat diet.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a postweaning low-calcium diet on later obesity and explore the underlying mechanisms. Ninety-six male rats were weaned at 3 weeks of age, fed standard (STD: 0.50% calcium, n=48) and low-calcium (LC: 0.15% calcium, n=48) diets for 3 weeks, and then fed the standard diet for a 3-week washout period successively. Finally, the STD rats were divided into STD control and high-fat diet (HFD) groups, and the LC ones into LC control and LC+HFD (LCHF) groups. The STD and LC rats were fed the standard diet, while the HFD control and LCFD ones were fed a high-fat diet for 6 weeks to induce obesity. During the three feeding periods, adenosine-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and its responsive proteins phospho-acetyl-coA carboxylase, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 and uncoupling protein 3 were persistently down-regulated in the LC group (decreased by 18%, 24%, 18% and 20%, respectively) versus the STD group, and these effects were significantly more pronounced in the LCHFD group (decreased by 21%, 30%, 23% and 25%, respectively) than the HFD group by a later high-fat stimuli, causing more fat and body weight in adulthood. However, lipolysis enzymes, serum leptin, insulin and lipids were not significantly affected until the body weight and fat content changed at 15 weeks of age. The results suggest that the low-calcium diet after weaning promotes rat adult-onset obesity induced by high-fat diet, which might be achieved by programming expressions of genes involved in AMPK pathway.

Curcumin, a potential inhibitor of up-regulation of TNF-alpha and IL-6 induced by palmitate in 3T3-L1 adipocytes through NF-kappaB and JNK pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the attenuating effect of curcumin, an anti-inflammatory compound derived from dietary spice turmeric (Curcuma longa) on the pro-inflammatory insulin-resistant state in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. METHODS: Glucose uptake rate was determined with the [3H] 2-deoxyglucose uptake method. Expressions of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured by quantitative RT-PCR analysis and ELISA. Nuclear transcription factor kappaB p65 (NF-kappa p65) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs) were detected by Western blot assay. RESULTS: The basal glucose uptake was not altered, and curcumin increased the insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 cells. Curcumin suppressed the transcription and secretion of TNF-alpha and IL-6 induced by palmitate in a concentration-dependent manner. Palmitate induced nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB. The activities of Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38MAPK decreased in the presence of curcumin. Moreover, pretreatment with SP600125 (inhibitor of JNK) instead of PD98059 or SB203580 (inhibitor of ERK1/2 or p38MAPK, respectively) decreased the up-regulation of TNF-alpha induced by palmitate. CONCLUSION: Curcumin reverses palmitate-induced insulin resistance state in 3T3-L1 adipocytes through the NF-kappaB and JNK pathway.

[Longchang granule upregulates the expression of bax in the prostatic hyperplastic tissues of rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanism of Longchang Granule in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. METHODS: Rat models of prostate hyperplasia were made by castration and testosterone propionate injection. After treated respectively with Longchang Granule and Longbishu by gastrogavage for 30 days, all the model rats were killed and their prostate glands harvested for the measurement of the wet weight and detection of the expression of bax in the prostatic hyperplastic tissues by RV 2-step method. RESULTS: The wet weight of the prostate was (0.61 +/- 0.03) g in the blank control group, (0.95 +/- 0.04) g in the model group, (0.73 +/- 0.02) g in the Longbishu group, (0.80 +/- 0.05) g in the low-dose Longchang group, (0.78 +/- 0.07) g in the medium-dose Longchang group and (0.68 +/- 0.03) g in the high-dose Longchang group, with significant differences between the model and the intervention groups (P < 0.05). The prostate indexes in the above groups were 0.143 +/- 0.006, 0.226 +/- 0.008, 0.172 +/- 0.004, 0.199 +/- 0.012, 0.181 +/- 0.010 and 0.168 +/- 0.003, respectively, and the expressions of bax by mean optical density were 0.226 +/- 0.010, 0.184 +/- 0.005, 0.206 +/- 0.015, 0.199 +/- 0.001, 0.202 +/- 0.003 and 0.211 +/- 0.003, respectively, both with significant differences between the model and the intervention groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Longchang Granule can effectively reduce the wet weight of the prostate and alleviate its pathological changes in BPH rats, the mechanism of which may be associated with its effect of upregulating the expression of bax and accelerating cell apoptosis in the prostate tissues.

Effects of orexins on myoelectric activity of sphincter of Oddi in fasted rabbits.

AIM: To investigate the effects of peripheral orexins on myoelectric activity of the sphincter of Oddi (SO) in fasted rabbits, and carry out a preliminary investigation into the mechanisms underlying these effects. METHODS: Myoelectric activity of SO in fasted rabbits was recorded before and after intravenous or local application of orexins. The effects of intravenous atropine on orexin-increased myoelectric activity of SO were tested. RESULTS: Myoelectric activity of SO was activated by both intravenous and local injection of orexin-A or orexin-B. Intravenous application of atropine completely inhibited the excitatory effect of orexins on SO. CONCLUSION: Peripheral application of orexins can increase myoelectric activity of SO in fasted rabbits, which is partially associated with the activation of the cholinergic pathway.

[Argyrophil nucleolar organizer regions as biomarker of effect for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure].

OBJECTIVE: To study whether the argyrophil nucleolar organizer regions (AgNOR) in T lymphocytes of peripheral blood in coke-oven workers can be used as a biomarker of effect for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure. METHODS: Fifty-two male coke-oven workers were divided into three groups according to exposure levels of coke oven emissions: high-exposure, middle-exposure and low-exposure workers. Additionally 10 men without occupational PAH exposure were chosen as control group. Peripheral blood T lymphocytes were cultured, spread on slides and stained with silver nitrate. The ratio of AgNOR area vs. nuclear area (I/S) in T lymphocytes was analyzed. Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) was measured as the internal dose of PAH exposure. RESULTS: Mean urinary 1-OHP level in high-exposure group (16.56 +/- 2.77 micromol/mol Cr) was significantly higher than those in low-exposure group (3.30 +/- 2.77 micromol/mol Cr, P < 0.001) and control group (3.04 +/- 1.58 micromol/mol Cr, P < 0.01). The mean I/S of AgNOR in T lymphocytes in high-exposure group (0.056 +/- 0.010) was significantly lower than those in middle-exposure group (0.065 +/- 0.013, P < 0.05), low-exposure group (0.067 +/- 0.008, P < 0.01) and control group (0.076 +/- 0.007, P < 0.001). It was also found that I/S of AgNOR were significantly decreased in middle-exposure group and low-exposure group in comparison with control group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The occupational exposure to PAH resulted in increase of 1-OHP in urine and decrease of AgNOR in T lymphocytes. PAH exposure might lead to damage T lymphocytes function and AgNOR may be considered as a biomarker of effect for PAH exposure.