Antihyperuricemic and Renal Protective Effect of Cordyceps chanhua (Ascomycetes) Fruiting Bodies in Acute Hyperuricemia and Chronic Gout Rodent Models.

Cordyceps chanhua has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. The uric acid-lowering effect of artificially cultivated fruiting bodies of C. chanhua (FBCC) was studied using the acute hyperuricemia (AH) and chronic gout (CG) animal models. The AH mice and CG rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: the negative control group, model group, positive control group, low-dose group, medium-dose group, and high-dose group of FBCC, respectively. Serum uric acid, creatinine, urea nitrogen, and liver xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity were detected. Renal tubulointerstitial injury and urate crystals in CG rats were evaluated. The results showed that the uric acid content in AH mice with the high-dose FBCC group decreased statistically (P < 0.05). In the CG rats, the serum uric acid level in all FBCC groups and the serum creatinine value in the high-dose group exhibited a significant decrease (P < 0.05); the scores of renal tubulointerstitial damage and urate deposit were reduced in the high-dose group of FBCC. FBCC can reduce uric acid and improve renal function, demonstrating it as a beneficial supplement for uric acid-lowering and gout-relieving drugs.

Distinctive quality control method for solid-state fermented Isaria cicadae from strain Ic-17-7 and application in a rat model of type 2 diabetes.

This work was aimed to establish a quality control method for evaluating the effects on glucose and lipids of the fruiting body of Isaria cicadae Miquel from strain Ic-17-7 (Ic-17-7fb) using a rat model of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Random amplified polymorphic DNA, sequence-characterized amplified region, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used for the quality control of Ic-17-7fb. The pharmacological effects on streptozocin (STZ)-induced high fat diet (HFD)-fed Albino Wistar rats were evaluated. The rats underwent the following treatments: control, metformin, Ic-17-7fb (0.166 and 0.5 g·kg-1) or without treatment. The fasting blood glucose (FBG), blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c) were measured. Ic-17-7fb amplified a single specific band by S11-2-F3 and S11-2-R3 primers. An HPLC-based quality and quantity method was established for industrial application. The contents of adenosine and N6-(2-hydroxyethyl) adenosine (HEA) of the cultivated Ic-17-7fb were analyzed. All of the validation lots of cultured Ic-17-7fb passed the quantity control of the training set (0.90 mg·g-1 of adenosine and 0.89 mg·g-1 of HEA). After two weeks of administration, the average FBG was 4.89 ± 0.42 (control), 26.10 ± 5.77 (model), 23.63 ± 6.15 (metformin), 17.96 ± 9.36 (Ic-17-7fb for 0.166 g·kg-1), and 19.69 ± 8.71 mmol·L-1 (Ic-17-7fb for 0.5 g·kg-1). The FBG of Ic-17-7fb (0.166 g·kg-1) treatment significantly reduced by 31.19%, compared with the model after two weeks of administration (P < 0.01). Metformin, Ic-17-7fb (0.166 g·kg -1), and Ic-17-7fb (0.5 g·kg-1) reduced TC, TG, HDL-c, and LDL-c compared with the T2DM model treatment at the 6th week of treatment (P < 0.05). This study established the first quality standard for Ic-17-7fb, which can be effectively applied in the treatment of T2DM. The reliable quality control method and pharmacological effect will broaden its application space.

The efficacy and safety of auricular acupuncture versus electroacupuncture in ameliorating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting among patients receiving cisplatin-based regimens.

BACKGROUND: Nausea and vomiting are among the most common and distressing side effects of chemotherapy. Difference in views about the effectiveness of auricular acupuncture (AA) versus electroacupuncture (EA) of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) lies at the heart of the debate. The aim of this study is to compare the antiemetic efficacy and safety of AA and EA for CINV. METHODS: One hundred twenty participants, 18 to 75 years old malignant tumors will receiving chemotherapy with cisplatin, will be recruited and randomized into 3 groups equally, Group A (the AA group), Group B (the EA group), and Group C (the control group). The participants in Group A and Group B will receive AA or EA regimens, alternatively, beginning on the day before first day of chemotherapy for a third consecutive cycles. All participants will continue to receive conventional treatment. The incidence and severity of CINV will be assessed using the definition and classification of nausea and vomiting (NCI-CTC AE4.0) and the MASCC (Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer) Antiemesis Tool (MAT). Secondary outcome measures include the degree of abdominal distension, the first time of flatus and defecation, and life quality. Additionally, adverse events will also be documented during the period of the treatment. DISCUSSION: This trial may provide evidence regarding the clinical effectiveness and safety of AA versus EA for CINV following cisplatin-based regimens. TRAIL REGISTRATION: This study is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2000040942.

Modified recombinant proteins can be exported via the Sec pathway in Escherichia coli.

The correct folding of a protein is a pre-requirement for its proper posttranslational modification. The Escherichia coli Sec pathway, in which preproteins, in an unfolded, translocation-competent state, are rapidly secreted across the cytoplasmic membrane, is commonly assumed to be unfavorable for their modification in the cytosol. Whether posttranslationally modified recombinant preproteins can be efficiently transported via the Sec pathway, however, remains unclear. ACP and BCCP domain (BCCP87) are carrier proteins that can be converted into active phosphopantetheinylated ACP (holo-ACP) and biotinylated-BCCP (holo-BCCP) by AcpS and BirA, respectively. In the present study, we show that, when ACP or BCCP87 is fused to the C-terminus of secretory protein YebF or MBP, the resulting fusion protein preYebF-ACP, preYebF-BCCP87, preMBP-ACP or preMBP-BCCP87 can be modified and then secreted. Our data demonstrate that posttranslational modification of preYebF-ACP, preYebF-BCCP87 preMBP-ACP and preMBP-BCCP87 can take place in the cytosol prior to translocation, and the Sec machinery accommodates these previously modified fusion proteins. High levels of active holo-ACP and holo-BCCP87 are achieved when AcpS or BirA is co-expressed, especially when sodium azide is used to retard their translocation across the inner membrane. Our results also provide an alternative to achieve a high level of modified recombinant proteins expressed extracellularly.

[Meta-analysis on the relationship between tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking and p53 alteration in cases with esophageal carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between tobacco smoking, drinking and p53 alteration in esophageal carcinoma. METHODS: Literature on the relationship between p53 alteration in esophageal carcinoma and tobacco smoking, drinking through Meta-analysis were reviewed. RESULTS: In 14 selected papers related to tobacco smoking, pooled odds ratio (OR) of tobacco smoking with P53 overexpression and p53 alteration were 1.99 (95% CI: 1.30- 3.06) and 1.64 (95% CI: 1.13 - 2.37), respectively (P < 0.05). Pooled OR of tobacco smoking with p53 mutation was 1.11 (95% CI: 0.47 - 2.76) (P > 0.05). In 11 selected papers on alcohol drinking, pooled OR of drinking with P53 overexpression, p53 mutation and p53 alteration were 1.30 (95% CI: 0.83 - 2.04), 1.13 (95% CI: 0.67 - 1.90) and 1.22 (95% CI: 0.87 - 1.72) respectively (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: There were significant relations between tobacco smoking and p53 alteration while there were no significant relations between alcohol drinking and p53 alteration.

Genetic susceptibility and environmental factors of esophageal cancer in Xi'an.

AIM: To analyse the role of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors in the process of esophageal cancer (EC) formation in Xi'an, China. METHODS: A hospital based case-control study, combined with molecular epidemiological method, was carried out. A total of 127 EC cases and 101 controls were interviewed with questionnaires containing demographic items, habit of tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking, and family history of EC. Polymorphism of CYP1A1 and GSTM1 of 127 EC cases and 101 controls were detected by PCR method. The interactions between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors were also discussed. RESULTS: Tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking and a family history of EC were risk factors for EC with an OR of 2.04(95% CI 1.15-3.60), 3.45(95% CI 1.74-6.91), 3.14 (95% CI 1.28-7.94), respectively. Individuals carrying CYP1A1 Val/Val genotype compared to those with CYP1A1 Ile/Ile genotype had an increased risk for EC (OR 3.35, 95% CI 1.49-7.61). GSTM1 deletion genotype was a risk factor for EC (OR1.81, 95% CI 1.03-3.18). Gene-environment interaction analysis showed that CYP1A1 Val/Val genotype, GSTM1 deletion genotype had synergetic interactions with tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking and family history of EC. CONCLUSION: Tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking and a family history of EC are risk factors for EC. CYP1A1 Val/Val and GSTM1 deletion genotypes are genetic susceptibility biomarkers for EC. There are synergic interactions between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors.

Smoking, quitting, and mortality in a Chinese cohort of retired men.

PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between smoking, quitting, and mortality in older Chinese men. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cohort analytic study was carried out in Xi'an, China. A total of 1268 retired male military cadres aged 60 or older were examined in 1987 and followed for 12 years. RESULTS: At baseline, 388 men were never-smokers, 461 were former smokers, and 419 were current smokers. Through May 1999, a total of 299 had died. The relative risks [95% confidence intervals (CI)] for ever-smoking, after adjusting for age, blood pressure, body mass index, total cholesterol, triglycerides, alcohol drinking, exercise and existing diseases, for deaths resulting from all causes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and coronary heart disease (CHD) were, respectively, 1.34 (1.02-1.76), 3.23 (0.95-10.91), 2.31 (0.95-5.61), and 1.60 (0.81-3.19). The risks increased significantly with increasing amount and duration of smoking. Compared with current smokers, former smokers had lower risks of total mortality (excess risk reduction of 56%) and from CHD death, but had higher risks for COPD death. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking is a major cause of death in older Chinese and quitting can save lives. Early recognition of the significance of COPD symptoms followed by prompt quitting should be emphasized in the control of the growing tobacco epidemic.

Relationship of tobacco smoking CYP1A1 GSTM1 gene polymorphism and esophageal cancer in Xi'an.

AIM: To analyze the association of tobacco smoking polymorphism of CYP1A1 (7th exon) and GSTM1 genotype and esophageal cancer(EC) in Xi'an. METHODS: A hospital based case-control study, with molecular epidemiological method, was carried out. Polymorphism of CYP1A1 and GSTM1 of samples from 127 EC cases and 101 controls were detected by PCR method. RESULTS: There were no significant difference of age and gender between cases and controls. Tobacco smoking was the main risk factor OR=1.97;95% CI=1.12-3.48 for EC in Xi'an. The proportions of CYP1A1 Ile/Ile, Ile/Val and Val/Val gene types in cases and controls was 19.7% 45.7% 34.6% and 30.7%,47.5%, 21.8% respectively(P=0.049). Individuals with CYP1A1 Val/Val genotype compared to those with CYP1A1 Ile/Ile genotype had higher risk for EC increased (OR=2.48, 95%CI=1.12-5.54). The proportions of GSTM1 deletion genotype in cases and controls were 58.3% and 43.6%(OR=1.81, 95%CI=1.03-3.18, P=0.028). Analysis of gene-environment interaction showed that tobacco smoking and CYP1A1 Val/Val genotype; tobacco smoking and GSTM1 deletion genotype had synergism interaction respectively. Analysis of gene-gene interaction did not find synergistic interaction between these two genes. But in GSTM1 deletion group there was significant difference of distribution of CYP1A1 genotype between cases and controls (P=0.011). CONCLUSION: CYP1A1 Val/Val and GSTM1 deletion genotypes are genetic susceptibility biomarkers for EC. The risk increases, when person with CYP1A1 Val/Val and/or GSTM1 deletion genotype. And these two-metabolic enzymes seem to have interactions with tobacco smoking, in which the mechanism still needs further study.

Overexpression of P53 and its risk factors in esophageal cancer in urban areas of Xi'an.

AIM:To investigate the risk factors of esophageal cancer (EC) in urban areas of Xi'an and to determine the association between overexpression of P53 and these risk factors.METHODS: All cases (89) and controls (97) were permanent residents in urban areas of Xi'an, all cases of primary EC had been histologically confirmed, controls were inpatients with non-cancer and nonsmoking-related disease. Cancer tissues and tissues adjacent to the cancer of 65 cases and 24 available normal esophageal tissues of controls were detected for P53 overexpression by the immunohistochemical method.RESULTS: The smoking and familial history of cancer were significantly associated with EC in Xi'an inhabitants. The laboratory assay indicated that P53 positive stain in EC was 50.0%(34/65)and 6.1%(4/65) in tissues adjacent to the cancer, but no positive stain was found in normal esophageal tissues of controls. The results showed that P53 overexpression in EC was closely related to smoking and cases with familial history of cancer.CONCLUSION: Smoking and familial cancer history were important risk factors for EC,and the alteration of P53 gene may be due to smoking and inheritance factors.