An avian-origin internal backbone effectively increases the H5 subtype avian influenza vaccine candidate yield in both chicken embryonated eggs and MDCK cells.

Inactivated vaccines play an important role in preventing and controlling the epidemic caused by the H5 subtype avian influenza virus. The vaccine strains are updated in response to alterations in surface protein antigens, while an avian-derived vaccine internal backbone with a high replicative capacity in chicken embryonated eggs and MDCK cells is essential for vaccine development. In this study, we constructed recombinant viruses using the clade 2.3.4.4d A/chicken/Jiangsu/GY5/2017(H5N6, CkG) strain as the surface protein donor and the clade 2.3.4.4b A/duck/Jiangsu/84512/2017(H5N6, Dk8) strain with high replicative ability as an internal donor. After optimization, the integration of the M gene from the CkG into the internal genes from Dk8 (8GM) was selected as the high-yield vaccine internal backbone, as the combination improved the hemagglutinin1/nucleoprotein (HA1/NP) ratio in recombinant viruses. The r8GMΔG with attenuated hemagglutinin and neuraminidase from the CkG exhibited high-growth capacity in both chicken embryos and MDCK cell cultures. The inactivated r8GMΔG vaccine candidate also induced a higher hemagglutination inhibition antibody titer and microneutralization titer than the vaccine strain using PR8 as the internal backbone. Further, the inactivated r8GMΔG vaccine candidate provided complete protection against wild-type strain challenge. Therefore, our study provides a high-yield, easy-to-cultivate candidate donor as an internal gene backbone for vaccine development.

Refined Cumulative Risk Assessment of Pb, Cd, and as in TCM Decoction Based on Bioavailability through In Vitro Digestion/MDCK Cells.

In this study, the oral bioavailability of Pb, Cd, and As in three types of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and TCM decoctions were investigated through in vitro PBET digestion/MDKC cell model. Furthermore, a novel cumulative risk assessment model associated with co-exposure of heavy metal(loid)s in TCM and TCM decoction based on bioavailability was developed using hazard index (HI) for rapid screening and target organ toxicity dose modification of the HI (TTD) method for precise assessment. The results revealed that the bioavailability of Pb, Cd, and As in three types of TCM and TCM decoction was 5.32-72.49% and 4.98-51.97%, respectively. After rapid screening of the co-exposure health risks of heavy metal(loid)s by the HI method, cumulative risk assessment results acquired by TTD method based on total metal contents in TCMs indicated that potential health risks associated with the co-exposure of Pb, Cd, and As in Pheretima aspergillum (E. Perrier) and Oldenlandia diffusa (Willd.) Roxb were of concern. However, considering both the factors of decoction and bioavailability, TTD-adjusted HI outcomes for TCMs in this study were <1, indicating acceptable health risks. Collectively, our innovation on cumulative risk assessment of TCM and TCM decoction provides a novel strategy with the main purpose of improving population health.

Qualification of In Vitro Dissolution Absorption System 2 (IDAS2) with Caco-2 and MDCK Cell Monolayers: Dose Sensitivity Study Using BCS Class I and III Drugs.

This study aimed to validate the In vitro Dissolution Absorption System 2 (IDAS2) containing a biological barrier of Caco-2 or Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell monolayer through dose sensitivity studies. Metoprolol and propranolol were selected as Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) Class I model drugs, and atenolol as a Class III model drug. The IDAS2 is comprised of a dissolution vessel (500 mL) and two permeation chambers (2 × 8.0 mL) mounted with Caco-2 or MDCK cell monolayer. One or two immediate-release tablet(s) of the model drug were added to the dissolution vessel, and the time profiles of dissolution and permeation were observed. Greater than 85% of metoprolol and propranolol (tested at two dosing concentrations) were dissolved by 15 min, and all drugs were fully dissolved by 30 min. All three drugs were more permeable across Caco-2 cells than MDCK cells with a linear increase in permeation across both cells at both dose concentrations. Thus, the dose sensitivity of the IDAS2 was demonstrated using both cell barriers. These results indicate a successful qualification of IDAS2 for the development/optimization of oral formulations and that MDCK cells can be utilized as a surrogate for Caco-2 cells.

Developments and current challenges in the process of cell culture-based seasonal influenza vaccine manufacture in Japan.

Seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory infection primarily caused by influenza A and B viruses, which circulate annually and cause substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. Annual influenza vaccination is currently the most effective measure for preventing influenza and greatly reduces the risk of disease severity and the incidence of complications and death. Annual seasonal influenza vaccines are traditionally produced in Japan and many other countries using viruses propagated in embryonated chicken eggs. However, at present, the effectiveness of the seasonal influenza vaccines has some significant limitations, partly because of egg-adaptive mutations in the antigenic sites of the influenza virus haemagglutinin, which are caused by the continued evolution of seasonal influenza viruses. To overcome the limitations of egg-based influenza vaccine production, a mammalian cell culture-based influenza vaccine production system has been developed in Japan in the past decade as an alternative to the current production method. In this review, I have summarised the progress in the development of cell-based seasonal influenza vaccines and discussed the technological challenges encountered in the development of influenza vaccines.

Tumorigenesis mechanism and application strategy of the MDCK cell line: A systematic review.

Influenza is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by influenza virus that seriously endangers people's health. Influenza vaccination is the most effective means to prevent influenza virus infection and its serious complications. MDCK cells are considered to be superior to chicken embryos for the production of influenza vaccines, but the tumorigenicity of cells is a concern over the theoretical possibility of the risk of adverse events. The theoretical risks need to be adequately addressed if public confidence in programs of immunization are to be maintained. In this paper, studies of the tumorigenic potential of cell lines, with MDCK cells as an example, published since 2010 are reviewed. The mechanism of tumorigenicity of MDCK cells is discussed with reference to cell heterogeneity and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Understanding the mechanism of the acquisition of a tumorigenic phenotype by MDCK cells might assist in estimating potential risks associated with using tumorigenic cell substrates for vaccine production.

An insight investigation to the antiurolithic activity of Trachyspermum ammi using the in vitro and in vivo experiments.

The crude extract of Trachyspermum ammi seeds (Ta.Cr) was studied for its antiurolithic activity using the in vivo and in vitro experiments. In the in vivo experiments, Ta.Cr treatment showed a diuretic activity at the dose of 30 and 100 mg/kg and exhibited curative effect in male hyperoxaluric Wistar rats, which received 0.75% ethylene glycol (EG) in drinking water given for 3 weeks, with 1% ammonium chloride (AC) for initial three days. In the in vitro experiments, Ta.Cr delayed the slopes of nucleation and inhibited the calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal aggregation in a concentration-dependent manner like that of potassium citrate. Ta.Cr also inhibited DPPH free radicals like standard antioxidant drug butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and significantly reduced cell toxicity and LDH release in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, exposed to oxalate (0.5 mM) and COM (66 µg/cm2) crystals. In isolated rabbit urinary bladder strips, Ta.Cr relaxed high K+ (80 mM) and CCh (1 µM)-induced contractions, showing antispasmodic activity. The findings of this study suggest that the antiurolithic activity of crude extract of Trachyspermum ammi seeds may be mediated by a number of mechanisms, including a diuretic, an inhibitor of CaOx crystal aggregation, an antioxidant, renal epithelial cell protection, and an antispasmodic, thus, showing the therapeutic potential in urolithiasis, for which there is no viable non-invasive option in modern medicine.

Integrating In Vitro Biopharmaceutics into Physiologically Based Biopharmaceutic Model (PBBM) to Predict Food Effect of BCS IV Zwitterionic Drug (GSK3640254).

A strategy followed to integrate in vitro solubility and permeability data into a PBBM model to predict the food effect of a BCS IV zwitterionic drug (GSK3640254) observed in clinical studies is described. The PBBM model was developed, qualified and verified using clinical data of an immediate release (IR)-tablet (10-320 mg) obtained in healthy volunteers under fasted and fed conditions. The solubility of GSK3640254 was a function of its ionization state, the media composition and pH, whereas its permeability determined using MDCK cell lines was enhanced by the presence of mixed micelles. In vitro data alongside PBBM modelling suggested that the positive food effect observed in the clinical studies was attributed to micelle-mediated enhanced solubility and permeability. The biorelevant media containing oleic acid and cholesterol in fasted and fed levels enabled the model to appropriately capture the magnitude of the food effect. Thus, by using Simcyp® v20 software, the PBBM model accurately predicted the results of the food effect and predicted data were within a two-fold error with 70% being within 1.25-fold. The developed model strategy can be effectively adopted to increase the confidence of using PBBM models to predict the food effect of BCS class IV drugs.

Preliminary analysis of isolation effect of influenza virus by recombinant MDCK cells stably expressing trypsinogen / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#ObjectiveTo investigate the isolation effect of influenza virus by recombinant MDCK cells(MTY6 cells)stably expressing trypsinogen.MethodsAccording to the virus isolation method recommended by the World Health Organization(WHO)Global Influenza Surveillance Network(GISN)and the National Influenza Centers(NICs),a total of 20 throat swab specimens containing positive nucleic acid for H1N1,H3N2 and B influenza virus were isolated simultaneously using MDCK and MTY6 cells. Guinea pig red blood cells and chicken red blood cells were used for agglutination test respectively and the agglutination effects of different types of red blood cells,the positive rate of virus and the titer of hemagglutinin isolated from different cells were statistically compared.ResultsThe agglutination effect of the same virus isolate on the two types of red blood cells was different. The complete agglutination time of guinea pig red blood cells was about 2 times that of chicken red blood cells,and the deposition shape showed a ring shape. The average hemag-glutinin titer was 23. 6 ± 1. 2times that of chicken red blood cells. Under the same conditions,3 samples were negative for both types of cells,11 samples were positive for both types of cells,and the other 6 samples were negative for MDCK cells while positive for MTY6 cells. The positive rate of MTY6 cells was 30% higher than that of MDCK cells. The isolated positive samples included 8 cases of H1N1 subtype and the hemagglutinin titer of virus isolated by MTY6 cells was significantly higher than that by MDCK cells[13. 0(1. 7,23. 0)times on average]. 2 cases of H3N2 and 2 cases of B were isolated,the hemagglutinin titer of each virus isolated by MTY6 cells was 11. 3 and 32. 0 times higher than that by MDCK cells on average respectively.ConclusionIn conclusion,guinea pig red blood cells were superior to chicken red blood cells for influenza virus detection by cell isolation. Under the same conditions,MTY6 cells were more sensitive than MDCK cells for influenza virus isolation,and had the potential to be used as a high-quality cell matrix for influenza virus isolation.

Evaluation of passage stability of H5N1(NIBRG-14) influenza virus vaccine strain in MDCK cells of serum-free suspension culture / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To evaluate the passage stability of H5N1(NIBRG-14) influenza virus vaccine strain in MDCK cells(sMDCK)of serum-free suspension culture.Methods H5N1(NIBRG-14) influenza virus working-bank vaccine strains were passed 15 consecutive times in sMDCK cells.The 8-segment nucleotide sequences(HA,NA,M,NP,NS,PA, PB1 and PB2 genes) of the main-bank,working-bank,virus of P1,P2,P3,P5,P10 and P15 generations were detected for genetic stability by second and first generation sequencing.The stability of amino acid sequences of hemagglutinin(HA)and neuraminidase(NA),the main antigens of the working-bank,P5 and P15 generation viruses,were evaluated by using peptide coverage as indicators;Influenza vaccine was prepared with working-bank,P5 and P15 generation viruses,with which the female BALB/c mice were immunized i.m.with 10 in each group,15 μg HA per mouse,and boosted 28 d later at the same dosage and route.At 28,42 and 56 d after the primary immunization,the mice were detected for the titer of neutralizing antibody in serum to evaluate the stability of immunogenicity.Results No segment insertion or deletion was detected in each generation of influenza virus,and the nucleotide sequence was completely consistent with the main-bank;Single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP) mutations did not occur in the main-bank,working-bank,P1,P2,P3,P5 and P10 generations of viruses,while the possibility of SNP mutation showed in many gene loci of P15 generation virus,with heterozygous SNP accounting for 91.62%.The coverage rate of HA and NA protein peptides of P5 and P15 generation viruses ranged from96.7% to 100%.There was no significant difference in serum neutralizing antibody titer of mice in the working-bank,P5 and P15 groups(H=2.253,2.029 and 1.408,P=0.324,0.363 and 0.495,respectively) at 28,42 and 56 d after the first immunization.Conclusion H5N1(NIBRG-14) influenza virus vaccine strain has good genetic stability in sMDCK cells,which is expected to be used in the production of sMDCK cell matrix pandemic influenza vaccine.

Characterization and Immunogenicity of Influenza H7N9 Vaccine Antigens Produced Using a Serum-Free Suspension MDCK Cell-Based Platform.

Human infections with avian-origin H7N9 influenza A viruses were first reported in China, and an approximately 38% human mortality rate was described across six waves from February 2013 to September 2018. Vaccination is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce morbidity and mortality during influenza epidemics and pandemics. Egg-based platforms for the production of influenza vaccines are labor-intensive and unable to meet the surging demand during pandemics. Therefore, cell culture-based technology is becoming the alternative strategy for producing influenza vaccines. The current influenza H7N9 vaccine virus (NIBRG-268), a reassortant virus from A/Anhui/1/2013 (H7N9) and egg-adapted A/PR/8/34 (H1N1) viruses, could grow efficiently in embryonated eggs but not mammalian cells. Moreover, a freezing-dry formulation of influenza H7N9 vaccines with long-term stability will be desirable for pandemic preparedness, as the occurrence of influenza H7N9 pandemics is not predictable. In this study, we adapted a serum-free anchorage-independent suspension Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cell line for producing influenza H7N9 vaccines and compared the biochemical characteristics and immunogenicity of three influenza H7N9 vaccine antigens produced using the suspension MDCK cell-based platform without freeze-drying (S-WO-H7N9), the suspension MDCK cell-based platform with freeze-drying (S-W-H7N9) or the egg-based platform with freeze-drying (E-W-H7N9). We demonstrated these three vaccine antigens have comparable biochemical characteristics. In addition, these three vaccine antigens induced robust and comparable neutralizing antibody (NT; geometric mean between 1016 and 4064) and hemagglutinin-inhibition antibody (HI; geometric mean between 640 and 1613) titers in mice. In conclusion, the serum-free suspension MDCK cell-derived freeze-dried influenza H7N9 vaccine is highly immunogenic in mice, and clinical development is warranted.

Novel bioavailability-based risk assessment of Cd in earthworms and leeches utilizing in vitro digestion/Caco-2 and MDCK cells.

In the present study, the oral bioavailability of cadmium (Cd) in earthworms and leeches was investigated through in vitro physiologically based extraction test (PBET) digestion/Caco2 and MDKC cell models. We are the first to create an innovative assessment strategy which has capacity to offer a more precise evaluation of Cd-associated health risks in traditional animal medicines (TAMs), by combinational usage of bioavailable Cd levels, the duration and frequency of the exposure to TAMs obtained by questionnaire data, as well as safety factor of TAMs. Our data showed that the percentage of bioavailability for Caco-2 cells in earthworms and leeches ranged from 3.29 to 14.17% and 4.32 to 12.61%, respectively. The percentage of bioavailability of MDCK cells in earthworms and leeches ranged from 4.83 to 15.74% and 6.53 to 15.04%, respectively. After adjusting by the bioavailability of Cd to target hazard quotient (THQ), excitingly, our findings manifested that the health risks induced by the ingestion of earthworms and leeches were acceptable in the clinic. Our key findings suggest that bioavailability characterization cannot be ruled out and health risks should be assessed on the basis of the bioavailable Cd levels rather than total levels. Our novel strategy provides insight into the bio-accumulation of Cd in organisms as well as a more realistic and accurate assessment of Cd-associated health risks in TAMs, with the main purpose of improving public health by scientifically using TAMs.

Anti-Acanthamoeba castellanii activity of alkaloid-enriched extracts and lycorine from the Amaryllidaceae species

Abstract Free-living amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba are the causative agents of granulomatous encephalitis and keratitis, severe human infections. Bioactive compounds from plants are recognized as an alternative source for the development of new drugs. The Amaryllidaceae is a botanical family able to synthesize a very specific and consistent group of biologically active isoquinoline-like alkaloids. The alkaloidal fractions from the Brazilian species Hippeastrum canastrense, H. diniz-cruziae, H. puniceum, and Crinum x amabile, along with the alkaloid lycorine, were investigated against Acanthamoeba castellanii. The in vitro assays were performed with distinct concentrations of lycorine and alkaloidal fractions, while the cell viability was evaluated by the MTT method upon MDCK cells. Chlorhexidine 0.02% was used as the positive control. The effect of alkaloid fractions was concentration dependent, and 2000 µg mL-1 of H. canastrense and H. diniz-cruziae provided a 100% inhibition. At concentrations of 250, 500, and 1000 µg mL-1, the H. diniz-cruziae alkaloidal fraction showed the lowest cytotoxic effect (5%-7%) and remarkable anti-amoebic activity, demonstrating values of IC50 285.61 µg mL-1, low cytotoxicity (5%-7%), and selectivity index (7.0). Taken together, the results are indicative of the great potential that the alkaloids from H. diniz-cruziae have as new candidates for anti-amoebicidal compounds

Transport of Drugs and Endogenous Compounds Mediated by Human OCT1: Studies in Single- and Double-Transfected Cell Models.

Organic Cation Transporter 1 (OCT1, gene symbol: SLC22A1) is predominately expressed in human liver, localized in the basolateral membrane of hepatocytes and facilitates the uptake of endogenous compounds (e.g. serotonin, acetylcholine, thiamine), and widely prescribed drugs (e.g. metformin, fenoterol, morphine). Furthermore, exogenous compounds such as MPP+, ASP+ and Tetraethylammonium can be used as prototypic substrates to study the OCT1-mediated transport in vitro. Single-transfected cell lines recombinantly overexpressing OCT1 (e.g., HEK-OCT1) were established to study OCT1-mediated uptake and to evaluate transporter-mediated drug-drug interactions in vitro. Furthermore, double-transfected cell models simultaneously overexpressing basolaterally localized OCT1 together with an apically localized export protein have been established. Most of these cell models are based on polarized grown MDCK cells and can be used to analyze transcellular transport, mimicking the transport processes e.g. during the hepatobiliary elimination of drugs. Multidrug and toxin extrusion protein 1 (MATE1, gene symbol: SLC47A1) and the ATP-driven efflux pump P-glycoprotein (P-gp, gene symbol: ABCB1) are both expressed in the canalicular membrane of human hepatocytes and are described as transporters of organic cations. OCT1 and MATE1 have an overlapping substrate spectrum, indicating an important interplay of both transport proteins during the hepatobiliary elimination of drugs. Due to the important role of OCT1 for the transport of endogenous compounds and drugs, in vitro cell systems are important for the determination of the substrate spectrum of OCT1, the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of polarized transport, and the investigation of potential drug-drug interactions. Therefore, the aim of this review article is to summarize the current knowledge on cell systems recombinantly overexpressing human OCT1.

Tracking changes in adaptation to suspension growth for MDCK cells: cell growth correlates with levels of metabolites, enzymes and proteins.

Adaptations of animal cells to growth in suspension culture concern in particular viral vaccine production, where very specific aspects of virus-host cell interaction need to be taken into account to achieve high cell specific yields and overall process productivity. So far, the complexity of alterations on the metabolism, enzyme, and proteome level required for adaptation is only poorly understood. In this study, for the first time, we combined several complex analytical approaches with the aim to track cellular changes on different levels and to unravel interconnections and correlations. Therefore, a Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) suspension cell line, adapted earlier to growth in suspension, was cultivated in a 1-L bioreactor. Cell concentrations and cell volumes, extracellular metabolite concentrations, and intracellular enzyme activities were determined. The experimental data set was used as the input for a segregated growth model that was already applied to describe the growth dynamics of the parental adherent cell line. In addition, the cellular proteome was analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry using a label-free protein quantification method to unravel altered cellular processes for the suspension and the adherent cell line. Four regulatory mechanisms were identified as a response of the adaptation of adherent MDCK cells to growth in suspension. These regulatory mechanisms were linked to the proteins caveolin, cadherin-1, and pirin. Combining cell, metabolite, enzyme, and protein measurements with mathematical modeling generated a more holistic view on cellular processes involved in the adaptation of an adherent cell line to suspension growth. KEY POINTS: • Less and more efficient glucose utilization for suspension cell growth • Concerted alteration of metabolic enzyme activity and protein expression • Protein candidates to interfere glycolytic activity in MDCK cells.

The permeability characteristics and interaction of main components from Si-Ni-San in a MDCK epithelial cell monolayer model.

1. Si-Ni-San (SNS) possesses extensive therapeutic effects, however, the extent to which main components are absorbed and the mechanisms involved are controversial. 2. In this study, MDCK cell model was used to determine the permeability characteristics and interaction between the major components of Si-Ni-San, including saikosaponin a, paeoniflorin, naringin and glycyrrhizic acid. 3. The transport of the major components was concentration-dependent in both directions. Moreover, the transport of paeoniflorin, naringin and glycyrrhizic acid was significantly reduced at 4 °C or in the presence of NaN3. Additionally, the efflux of paeoniflorin and naringin were apparently reduced in the presence of P-gp inhibitor verapamil. The transport of glycyrrhizic acid was clearly inhibited by the inhibitors of MRP2, indicating that MRP2 may be involved in the transport of glycyrrhizic acid. However, the results indicated that saikosaponin a was absorbed mainly by passive diffusion. Furthermore, the combined incubation of four major components had a powerful sorbefacient effect than a single drug used alone which may be regulated by tight junctions. 4. Taken together, our study provides useful information for pharmacological applications of Si-Ni-San and offers new insights into this ancient decoction for further researches, especially in drug synergism.

The biological characteristics of the canine adenovirus type 1 from fox and the transcriptome analysis of the infected MDCK cell.

Canine adenovirus type 1 (CAdV-1) is the etiologic agent of fox encephalitis, and a virus strain from fox encephalitis is isolated and related research are conducted. In this experiment, the results showed that the F1301 strain was confirmed to be the CAdV-1. The whole genome of the CAdV-1 F1301 strain isolated from fox was 30,535 bp and had higher homology to the other reported CAdV-1 strains. After 0, 12, and 36 h of CAdV-1 infection, the difference gene of the 592 long noncoding RNA and 11,215 microRNA were involved in cell responses to CAdV-1 infection through the PI3K-AKT, Wnt, Herpes simplex, hepatitis C, and Epstein-Barr virus infection pathway in Madin-Darby canine kidney cell line (MDCK). The results indicate that the biological characterization of the CAdV-1 and the MDCK cell-CAdV-1 interaction are clarified.

Intrinsically Fluorescent Biocompatible Terpolymers for Detection and Removal of Bi(III) and Cell Imaging.

Intrinsically fluorescent biocompatible multifunctional multipurpose terpolymers, i.e., methyl methacrylate-co-methyl 3-(N-isopropylacrylamido)-2-methylpropanoate-co-N-isopropylacrylamide (MMA-co-MNIPAMP-co-NIPAm, 1) and methyl methacrylate-co-methyl 3-(N-hydroxymethylacrylamido)-2-methylpropanoate-co-N-hydroxymethylacrylamide (MMA-co-MNHMAMP-co-NHMAm, 2), were synthesized via in situ-attached acrylamido-ester monomers during polymerization of hydrophobic monomers in water medium. These nonconjugated fluorescent terpolymers presenting aggregation-enhanced emissions (AEEs) were suitable for Bi(III) sensors, Bi(III) removal, cell imaging, and security inks. The fluorescence properties, mechanisms of quenching, interactions of Bi(III) with 1 and 2, and Bi(III) adsorption were explored using theoretical analyses of 1, 2, Bi(III)-1, and Bi(III)-2. Considering the overall properties, 1 was more suitable for diverse prospective applications.

Determination of the bioaccessibility of cadmium and arsenic in earthworms by PBET digestion in vitro / MDCK cell model with risk assessment / 药学学报

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine the content of cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) in earthworms. A physiologically-based extraction test (PBET) digestion in vitro /MDCK cell model was established to investigate the bioaccessibility of Cd and As in earthworms. The hazard index (HI) method and the margin of exposure (MOE) method were used to assess the risks of the total content and the bioaccessible content of Cd and As. The results showed that the total content of Cd and As in six batches of earthworms ranged from 8.319 to 33.606 mg·kg-1 and from 0.532 to 16.412 mg·kg-1, respectively. After uptake by MDCK cells, the bioaccessibility of Cd in earthworms ranged from 10.13% to 64.16%, and the bioaccessibility of As was from 2.72% to 46.57%. The results of risk assessment showed that before uptake by MDCK cells, the MOE values of As and HI values of Cd for all batches of earthworms were greater than 1, which suggests that the risks of As are acceptable but the risks of Cd are unacceptable. After transportation by MDCK cells, except for one batch of earthworms, the HI values of Cd in the other five batches were less than 1, which suggests that the risks are at a safe level. This study provides important technical support for a more objective and scientific assessment of the health risks of heavy metals in traditional Chinese medicines, and for a more scientific and reasonable standard limit of heavy metals.

Comparisons of in vitro Fick's first law, lipolysis, and in vivo rat models for oral absorption on BCS II drugs in SNEDDS.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to compare the in vitro Fick's first law, in vitro lipolysis, and in vivo rat assays for oral absorption of Biopharmaceutical Classification Systems Class II (BCS II) drugs in self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS), and studied drugs and oils properties effects on the absorption. METHODS: The transport abilities of griseofulvin (GRI), phenytoin (PHE), indomethacin (IND), and ketoprofen (KET) in saturated water solutions and SNEDDS were investigated using the in vitro Madin-Darby canine kidney cell model. GRI and cinnarizine (CIN) in medium-chain triglycerides (MCT)-SNEDDS and long-chain triglycerides (LCT)-SNEDDS were administered in the in vivo SD rat and in vitro lipolysis models to compare the oral absorption and the distribution behaviors in GIT and build an in vitro-in vivo correlation (IVIVC). RESULTS: In the cell model, the solubility of GRI, PHE, IND, and KET increased 6-8 fold by SNEDDS, but their permeability were only 18%, 4%, 8%, and 33% of those of their saturated water solutions, respectively. However, in vivo absorption of GRI-SNEDDS was twice that of the GRI suspension and those of CIN-SNEDDS were 15-21 fold those of the CIN suspension. In the lipolysis model, the GRI% in aqueous and pellet phases of MCT were similar to that in LCT. In contrast, the CIN% in the aqueous and pellet phases were decreased but that of the lipid phase increased. In addition, an IVIVC was found between the CIN% in the lipid phase and in vivo relative oral bioavailability (F r). CONCLUSION: The in vitro cell model was still a suitable tool to study drug properties effects on biofilm transport and SNEDDS absorption mechanisms. The in vitro lipolysis model provided superior oral absorption simulation of SNEDDS and helped to build correlation with in vivo rats. The oral drug absorption was affected by drug and oil properties in SNEDDS.

Cloning and analyzing of MDCK cells for H5N1 influenza vaccine production / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective To screen a Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell line for H5N1 influ-enza virus isolation and to evaluate its safety in vaccine production. Methods MDCK cells were cloned by the method of limiting dilution. Hemagglutination test was used to screen MDCK cells that were suitable for H5N1 influenza virus production. Tests for analyzing the characteristics, extraneous agents, endogenous agents and tumorigenicity of MDCK cells were performed according to Chinese Pharmacopeia Volume Ⅲ. Results A total of 108 MDCK cell lines were obtained and three of them were selected after hemagglutina-tion test. G1 cells were chosen following further screening with tumorigenicity test and receptor abundance analysis. The average number of chromosomes of the MDCK-G1 cells was 78±4. No bacteria, fungi or myco-plasma contamination was detected. In experimental group, each nude mouse was injected with 1×107/ml viable cells to observe their tumorigenicity. Twelve weeks after cell injection, no node was found at injection sites or in gross anatomy. There was no significant difference between the experimental and negative control groups. The result of the tumorigenicity test was negative. No node formation was found after injecting nude mice with cell lysate or cellular DNA collected from equivalent amount of cells. It was indicated that the MDCK-G1 cells were of low-oncogenic potential. Conclusions The MDCK-G1 cell line could be used as a substrate to produce H5N1 influenza virus vaccine.