Impact of Taurine on the proliferation and apoptosis of human cervical carcinoma cells and its mechanism / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Cervical cancer has the fourth highest incidence and mortality rate of all cancers in women worldwide; it seriously harms their physical and mental health. The aim of this study was to observe the roles and preliminary mechanism of Taurine (Tau)-induced apoptosis in cervical cancer cells.@*METHODS@#Cells from the human cervical cancer cell line SiHa were transfected with the recombinant plasmid pEGFP-N1-MST1 (mammalian sterile 20-like kinase 1); then, the cell proliferation activity was analyzed by the MTT assay, cell apoptosis by flow cytometry, and the related protein levels by Western blotting.@*RESULTS@#Tau inhibited the proliferation of SiHa cells and induced apoptosis in these cells (the apoptotic rate was 21.95% in the Tau 160 mmol/L group and 30% in the Tau 320 mmol/L group), upregulated the expression of the MST1 (control, 0.53; Tau 40-320 mmol/L groups, 0.84-1.45) and Bax (control, 0.45; Tau 40-320 mmol/L groups, 0.64-1.51) proteins (P < 0.01), and downregulated the expression of Bcl-2 (control, 1.28, Tau 40-320 mmol/L groups, 0.93-0.47) (P < 0.01). The overexpression of MST1 promoted the apoptosis of SiHa cells, enhanced the apoptosis-inductive effects of Tau (P < 0.01), upregulated the expression of the proapoptotic proteins p73, p53, PUMA (p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis), and caspase-3, and promoted the phosphorylation of YAP (Yes-associated protein).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Tau inhibited the proliferation and induced the apoptosis of cervical cancer SiHa cells. The MST1 protein plays an important role in the Tau-induced apoptosis of cervical cancer cells.

Effect of Qinghuang Powder () Combined with Bupi Yishen Decoction () in Treating Patients with Refractory Cytopenia with Multilineage Dysplasia through Regulating DNA Methylation / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effect of Qinghuang Powder (QHP,()combined with Bupi Yishen Decoction (BPYS, ) on myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) patients with refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia (RCMD) and determine the change of DNA methylation in MDS-RCMD patients after the treatment of Chinese medicine formula.@*METHODS@#All 308 MDS-RCMD patients were treated with QHP combined with BPYS for 2 months at least, absolute neutrophil count (ANC), hemoglobin (Hb), platelets (PLT), primitive bone marrow cells and chromosome karyotype were chosen as the main evaluation indexes to analyze the treatment effect according to criteria from the MDS International Working Group. Then 43 bone marrow samples from 15 MDS-RCMD patients and 28 healthy donors were obtained for the examination of DNA methylation. Gene Ontology (GO) and Pathway analysis were applied to analyze the methylation data.@*RESULTS@#The overall MDS response rate to QHP was 61.68% (190/360) including hematologic improvement-neutrophil (HI-N) or hematologic improvement-erythroid (HI-E) or hematologic improvement-platelet (HI-P). Patients with anemia had a better response rate than patients with neutropenia or thrombocypenia (55.88% vs 31.54% or 55.88% vs. 36.9%). The DNA methylation microarray analysis disclosed that 4,257 hypermethylated genes were demethylated upon the treatment with QHP and BPYS. GO analysis and Pathway analysis showed that these demethylated genes were involved in a lot of tumor-related pathways and functions.@*CONCLUSIONS@#QHP combined with BPYS could effectively treat MDS-RCMD patients through hematologic improvement (HI-N, HI-P or HI-E) and PLT and RBC transfusion independence due to the demethylation, thereby providing another choice for the treatment of patients with MDS-RCMD.

Clinical analysis of the recombinant human growth hormone combined with letrozole in the treatment of short pubertal boys / 中国实用儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE: To explore the therapeutic effects and adverse reactions of a combination treatment of recombinant human growth hormone(rh GH)with letrozole,compared with rh GH alone,in short pubertal boys. METHODS: Fifty-five short pubertal boys were divided into two groups,one group was treated with rh GH(rh GH group,n=24),and the other group was treated with the combination of rh GH and letrozole(combination group,n=31). All boys had completed the over one year of treatment. The advancement of bone age(BA),height standard deviation score by bone age(Ht SDSBA),body mass index standard deviation(BMI SDS),glucose and lipid metabolism,and the changes of the external genitalia and adverse reactions were evaluated. RESULTS: The age of two groups was(12.72±0.99)years and(12.90±1.36)years,respectively(P>0.05).The treatment periods were(1.71±0.55)years and(1.58±0.46)years,respectively(P>0.05).Their BA increased(0.96±0.27)years/year and(0.50±0.20)years/year during treatment,respectively(P0.05)respectively during treatment. There were no statistically significant difference in BMI SDS,glucose or lipid metabolism between the two groups.Three boys in combination group suffered from fractures during the treatment. Ultrasound bone density scan showed serious shortage of bone mineral density;after supplemental calcium and calcitriol,bone density increased within 3 to 6 months,and there was no recurrence of fracture. CONCLUSION: Combination of rh GH and letrozole in short pubertal boys could inhibit BA progression and ameliorate HtSDSBA,without affecting the normal sexual development,but bone density may be affected,and long-term follow-up is needed.

Synthesis of magnetic Fe3O4 micro/nanospheres in organic solvent.

INTRODUCTION: Micro/nanostructured materials have attracted a great deal of attention, and many strategies have been developed to fabricate micro/nanostructured materials. METHODS: Amine-functionalized micro/nanostructured Fe3O4 with different sizes was synthesized conveniently in organic media. The chemical structures of as-synthesized products were characterized by FTIR, TEM, SEM, and XRD. RESULTS: The ligand binds to the Fe3O4 core by hydrogen bond between the oxygen atom on the surface of Fe3O4 and the hydrogen atom in molecular ethylenediamine. Their magnetic properties were also investigated. CONCLUSIONS: First, there is no need to control the reaction under a nitrogen atmosphere, and just one salt is used as an iron source. The growth and the surface modification of Fe3O4 crystalline nucleation happen at the same time. Second, monodispersed Fe3O4 micro/nanospheres were prepared without additional surfactant or external magnetic fields. Third, this method is preferred compared with the conventional organic phase method, as the reaction condition is milder and less pollutant will be produced.

Preparation of anticoagulant PyC biomaterials with super-hydrophobic surface.

INTRODUCTION: Pyrolytic carbon (PyC) is a kind of biomaterial which is chemically inert and has excellent biocompatibility. In order to obtain a super-hydrophobic PyC surface to improve anticoagulation and inhibit thrombus, this study prepares grating pair structure, microhole array structure, helix structure on PyC surface by nanoseconds laser etching. METHODS: Rod-like ZnO film and ball-like ZnO film are prepared on the PyC surface by the hydrothermal method; polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) nanofiber film and PVP/TiO2 complex nanofiber film are prepared on the PyC surface by the electrospinning method; the PyC surface is silanized. Finally, surface microstructure and surface energy are characterized by scanning electron microscopy and contact angle meter (OCA20, German DataPhysics Co.). RESULTS: The periodical microstructures are formed respectively by nanoseconds laser etching. The surface roughness is increased by the hydrothermal and electrospinning method. CONCLUSIONS: Through infiltration experiment on rough and smooth PyC surfaces, rough PyC surface with microstructure is super-hydrophobic and has greater than 150° contact angle, which decreases blood flow resistance and inhibits thrombus.

Antibacterial sorbicillin and diketopiperazines from the endogenous fungus Penicillium sp. GD6 associated Chinese mangrove Bruguiera gymnorrhiza / 中国天然药物

One new sorbicillin derivative, 2-deoxy-sohirnone C (1), one new diketopiperazine alkaloid, 5S-hydroxynorvaline-S-Ile (2), and two naturally occurring diketopiperazines, 3S-hydroxylcyclo(S-Pro-S-Phe) (3) and cyclo(S-Phe-S-Gln) (4), together with three known compounds were isolated from the Chinese mangrove endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. GD6. Their structures were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses and by comparison with literature data. The absolute configuration of 3-hydroxyl moiety in 3 was determined by Mosher's method, while the absolute stereochemistry of 2 and 4 was established by comparison with the CD spectra of natural and synthesized diketopiperazines. Compound 1 showed moderate antibacterial activity against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus with a MIC value of 80 μg·mL.

Antibacterial sorbicillin and diketopiperazines from the endogenous fungus Penicillium sp. GD6 associated Chinese mangrove Bruguiera gymnorrhiza / 中国天然药物

One new sorbicillin derivative, 2-deoxy-sohirnone C (1), one new diketopiperazine alkaloid, 5S-hydroxynorvaline-S-Ile (2), and two naturally occurring diketopiperazines, 3S-hydroxylcyclo(S-Pro-S-Phe) (3) and cyclo(S-Phe-S-Gln) (4), together with three known compounds were isolated from the Chinese mangrove endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. GD6. Their structures were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses and by comparison with literature data. The absolute configuration of 3-hydroxyl moiety in 3 was determined by Mosher's method, while the absolute stereochemistry of 2 and 4 was established by comparison with the CD spectra of natural and synthesized diketopiperazines. Compound 1 showed moderate antibacterial activity against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus with a MIC value of 80 μg·mL.

Mitochondrial oxidative damage and apoptosis induced by high glucose through Rho kinase signal pathway in renal tubular epithelial cells

Objective: To investigate the role of oxidative stress in human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) induced by high glucose and the underlying signal pathway in vitro. Methods: MYPT1, pro-caspase-3, PGC-1α, and Drp1 protein expressions were measured by Western blot. MnSOD2, Drp1 and PGC-1α mRNA expressions were detected by real time PCR. Results: Results showed that high glucose significantly up-regulated the protein expressions of MYPT1, pro-caspase-3 and the mRNA expression of MnSOD2 in HK-2 cells; while Rho kinase inhibitor fasudil and ROCK1 siRNA inhibited protein expressions of pro-caspase-3 and the mRNA expression of MnSOD2 in HK-2 cells induced by high glucose. Importantly, fasudil and ROCK1 siRNA markedly inhibited the expressions of mitochondrial motor proteins Drp1 and mitochondrial gene PGC-1α in HK-2 cells induced by high glucose. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that Rho kinase signal pathway is involved in mitochondrial oxidative damage and apoptosis in high glucose-induced renal tubular epithelial cells by regulating mitochondrial motor proteins Drp1 and mitochondrial gene PGC-1α. Targeting Rho kinase signal pathway might be a potential strategy for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy. http://www.apjtm.org/article.asp?issn=1995-7645;year=2018;volume=11;issue=6;spage=399;epage=404;aulast=Li;type=2.

Mitochondrial oxidative damage and apoptosis induced by high glucose through Rho kinase signal pathway in renal tubular epithelial cells

Objective:To investigate the role of oxidative stress in human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) induced by high glucose and the underlying signal pathway in vitro.Methods:MYPT1, pro-caspase-3, PGC-1α, and Drp1 protein expressions were measured by Western blot. MnSOD2, Drp1 and PGC-1α mRNA expressions were detected by real time PCR.Results:Results showed that high glucose significantly up-regulated the protein expressions of MYPT1, pro-caspase-3 and the mRNA expression of MnSOD2 in HK-2 cells; while Rho kinase inhibitor fasudil and ROCK1 siRNA inhibited protein expressions of pro-caspase-3 and the mRNA expression of MnSOD2 in HK-2 cells induced by high glucose. Importantly, fasudil and ROCK1 siRNA markedly inhibited the expressions of mitochondrial motor proteins Drp1 and mitochondrial gene PGC-1α in HK-2 cells induced by high glucose.Conclusions:Our findings suggest that Rho kinase signal pathway is involved in mitochondrial oxidative damage and apoptosis in high glucose-induced renal tubular epithelial cells by regulating mitochondrial motor proteins Drp1 and mitochondrial gene PGC-1α. Targeting Rho kinase signal pathway might be a potential strategy for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.

The Application of 256-Slice Spiral CT in the Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome / 昆明医科大学学报

Objective To measure the upper airway of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome by 256 slice spiril CT, and to access the airway obstruction plane with the airway plane data in OSAHS patients.Through these measurements, we can provide assistance for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Methods This study randomly selected 178 patients diagnosed with OSAHS and 110 cases non-snoring healthy people as the control group by the Philips 256 slice CT.Under the nasopharyngeal area, velopharyngeal area, glossopharyngeal area, epiglottis area, we measured the cross-sectional area and volume of the narrowest plane in the two groups of quiet respiration and Müller status.Results The OSAHS group underwent quiet respiration and Müller status during CT scanning, and the two states about epiglottis area in cross-sectional area and volume had no significant difference, Other groups had differences between the parameters.There was a significant difference in the volume about velopharyngeal area and glossopharyngeal area. In the control group undergoing quiet respiration and Müller status during CT scanning, there was difference in velopharyngeal cross-sectional area.Other parameters had no significant difference.Conclusions The obstruction plate of OSAHS patients with 256-slice spiril CT measurement is mostly in the velopharyngeal area and glossopharyngeal area. The volume measurement of upper airway by CT can predict airway obstruction plate in patients with OSAHS.

Risk factor analysis for brain metastasis after radical resection of colorectal cancer within 5 years / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To explore the risk factors of brain metastasis after radical resection of colorectal cancer within 5 years. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 1 104 patients with colorectal cancer in the Department of Colorectal Surgery of Changhai Hospital of Second Military Medical University from Jan 2003 to Dec. 2011. Thirty of 1 104 cases (2. 7%) had brain metastasis. All patients received radical resection of colorectal cancer, and the rectal cancer patients followed the total mesorectal excision (TME) principle. According to the TME stage, the patients of stage j| or later were treated with capecitabine combined with oxaliplatin (XEIi)X) or fluorouracil plus oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) chemotherapy. The cl i ni copat hoi ogical features that might affect post-operative brain metastasis, including gender, age, tumor location, pre-operative serum carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) level, tumor histological type, depth of tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, pulmonary metastases and liver metastases, were analyzed by univariate analysis using Chi square test. Multivariate analysis was performed to search for the independent risk factors of brain metastasis from colorectal cancer using logistic regression. Results Univariate Chi square test indicated that the relative factors associated with the brain metastasis of colorectal cancer within 5 years were tumor location (χ2 =5. 844, P=0. 016), pre-operative CEA level (χ2=5. 395, P, = 0. 020), tumor histological type (χ2 = 4. 950, P = 0. 026) and with pulmonary metastasis (χ2 =52. 569, P = 0. 000). Multivariate analysis showed that the tumor location (OR = 0.278, 95%C7; 0.095-0.817, P=0.020), pre-operative CEA level (OR=0.423, 9o%CI: 0. 192-0.933, P=0. 033) and with pulmonary metastasis (QR=10. 814,95%. Cl- 4. 705-24. 856. P=0. 000) were the independent risk factors of brain metastasis of colorectal cancer within 5 years. Conclusion Patients with rectal cancer, higher pre-operative CEAlevel and pulmonary metastasis have a high risk of brain metastasis of colorectal cancer within 5 years.

Effect of Yiqi Tongyang Decoction () on blood T cell subsets in patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To measure the proportions of blood T cell subsets, Th1, Th2, Th17, Th22, and Treg cells, and other parameters in patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (CITP) before and after treatment with Yiqi Tongyang Decoction (, YTD) to explore T cell status of patients with CITP, and to defifine the mechanism of action of YTD.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The changes in peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets, and those of Th1, Th2, Th17, Th22, and Treg cells in 30 patients with CITP (22 females and 8 males) were analyzed using multiparametric flflow cytometry before and after treatment with YTD for 6 months, and 26 healthy volunteers (14 males and 12 females) acted as a control. T-box expressed in T-cells (T-bet) and GATA binding protein 3 (GATA-3) mRNA levels in patients and controls were analyzed using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The proportions of Th1, Th17, Th22, Th1/Th2, and Th17/Treg cells increased in the peripheral blood of patients with CITP compared to those in controls before YTD therapy (P<0.05). Th1 cell numbers and the Th1/Th2 ratio fell in the treated patients with CITP to approximate the values of the control group (P>0.05). Th17 cell numbers and the Th17/Treg ratio also decreased in the treatment group (P<0.05), but not to the levels of the controls. The number of Treg cells in the peripheral blood of patients with CITP before treatment was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05), but increased after YTD treatment P<0.05), but not to the level of controls. T-bet and GATA-3 mRNA levels in peripheral blood were initially higher in patients before treatment than controls (P<0.05), but decreased after YTD therapy (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Imbalances in T lymphocyte levels, particularly those of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg cells, play important roles in the pathogenesis of CITP. YTD effificiently regulated the dynamics of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg equilibria.</p>

Effect of Chinese Herbs Used in Treating Multiple Sclerosis on T Subsets Using Association Rules / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the effect of Chinese herbs used by Prof. LI Tao on peripheral blood T subsets in treating multiple sclerosis (MS) by using association rules and statistical methods, thereby providing evidence for optimizing prescriptions.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Data of MS inpatients and outpatients recorded by data collecting system, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences were resorted. The relationship between Chinese herbs and T cell subsets were analyzed using SPSS17.0 and Aprior module in SPSS Clementine 12.0.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Radix bupleuri, Radix Paeoniae alba, Fructus Aurantii, Atractylodes, and Radix Glycyrrhizae were most commonly used herbal combinations.Radix Aconiti lateralis preparata and Rhizoma Smilacis glabrae were often added. Radix Aconiti lateralis preparata was associated with decreased Th1 cells (confidence level 83.78%, supportive level 36.26%). Decreased Th1 cell was associated with Radix Aconiti lateralis preparata (confidence level 71.26%, supportive level 36.26%).Radix Aconiti lateralis preparata was obviously associated with decreased Th1 cells. Radix Bupleuri, Radix Paeoniae alba, bitter orange, Atractylodes , Radix glycyrrhizae, and Radix Aconiti lateralis preparata could reduce peripheral blood Th1 subsets of MS patients and elevate Th2 subsets (all P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The herbal combination of Radix Bupleuri, Radix Paeoniae alba, Fructus Aurantii, Atractylodes, Radix Glycyrrhizae, Rhizoma Smilacis glabrae, and Radix Aconiti lateralis preparata could lower peripheral blood Th1 cells and elevate Th2 cells, and prevent the relapse of MS possibly by reducing Th1 cells and elevating Th2 cells. Especially Radix Aconiti lateralis preparata played important roles in aforesaid changes of Th1 and Th2.</p>

Efficacy and safety of glucocorticoids in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

@#BACKGROUND: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is pneumonia acquired infectiously from normal social contact as opposed to being acquired during hospitalization. CAP is a leading cause of illness and death. This review aims to determine the efficacy and safety of glucocorticoids in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). DATA SOURCES: We searched randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Chinese Journal Full-text Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database to obtain the information by using steroids, glucocorticoids, cortisol, corticosteroids, community-acquired pneumonia and CAP as key words. The quality of RCTs was evaluated. A Meta-analysis was made using RevMan 5.0 provided by the Cochrance Collaboration. RESULTS: Seven RCTs involving 944 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The mean length of hospital stay in glucocorticoids treatment group was significantly shorter than that in standard treatment group (WMD=-1.70, 95％CI 2.01-1.39,Z=10.81,P<0.00001). No statistically significant differences were found in the mortality rate (RR=0.77,95％CI 0.46-1.27,Z=1.03, P=0.30), the mean length of hospital stay in ICU (WMD=1.17, 95％CI 1.68-4.02,Z=0.81,P=0.42), the incidence of super infection (RR=1.32, 95％CI 0.66-2.63,Z=0.79,P=0.43), the incidence of hyperglycemia (RR=1.84, 95％CI 0.76-4.41,Z=1.36,P=0.17), the incidence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (RR=1.98, 95％CI 0.37-10.59,Z=0.80,P=0.42) between the standard treatment group and the glucocorticoids treatment group. CONCLUSIONS: The use of glucocorticoids in patients with community-acquired pneumonia can significantly shorten the duration of illness and have a favorable safety profile. However, it could not reduce the overall mortality.

Prenatal diagnosis of sirenomelia by two-dimensional and three-dimensional skeletal imaging ultrasound / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

This study sought to evaluate the contribution of two-dimensional ultrasound (2D-US) and three-dimensional skeletal imaging ultrasound (3D-SUIS) in the prenatal diagnosis of sirenomelia. Between September 2010 and April 2014, a prospective study was conducted in a single referral center using 3D-SUIS performed after 2D-US in 10 cases of sirenomelia. Diagnostic accuracy and detailed findings were compared with postnatal three-dimensional helical computed tomography (3D-HCT), radiological findings and autopsy. Pregnancy was terminated in all 10 sirenomelia cases, including 9 singletons and 1 conjoined twin pregnancy, for a total of 5 males and 5 females. These cases of sirenomelia were determined by autopsy and/or chromosomal examination. Initial 2D-US showed that there were 10 cases of oligohydramnios, bilateral renal agenesis, bladder agenesis, single umbilical artery, fusion of the lower limbs and spinal abnormalities; 8 cases of dipus or monopus; 2 cases of apus; and 8 cases of cardiac abnormalities. Subsequent 3D-SUIS showed that there were 9 cases of scoliosis, 10 cases of sacrococcygeal vertebra dysplasia, 3 cases of hemivertebra, 1 case of vertebral fusion, 3 cases of spina bifida, and 5 cases of rib abnormalities. 3D-SUIS identified significantly more skeletal abnormalities than did 2D-US, and its accuracy was 79.5% (70/88) compared with 3D-HCT and radiography. 3D-SUIS seems to be a useful complementary method to 2D-US and may improve the accuracy of identifying prenatal skeletal abnormalities related to sirenomelia.

Effect of treatment for hypocellular myelodysplastic syndromes by a low dose qinghuang powder combined with Chinese drugs for Shen supplementing and Pi invigorating: a clinical observation / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the clinical efficacy of a low dose Qinghuang Powder (QP) combined with Chinese drugs for Shen supplementing and Pi invigorating (CDSSPI) in treatment of hypocellular myelodysplastic syndromes (hypo-MDS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 33 hypo-MDS patients enrolled in this study came from outpatient clinics between November 2011 and December 2012. A self-control method was used in this study. Patients took QP (0.4 g per day) combined with CDSSPI (one dose per day), and Stanozolol Tablet (2 mg each time, three times per day), 3 months as one therapeutic course, a total of 2 courses. The clinical efficacy was evaluated timely at the end of each therapeutic course. The venous blood was withdrawn before treatment, at month 3 and 6 after treatment. Changes of neutrophils (ANC), hemoglobin (Hb), and platelet (PLT) were mainly observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Totally 31 patients in this study finished the treatment. Three months after treatment ANC, Hb, and PLT increased more than before treatment (P < 0.05). Six months after treatment Hb and PLT increased (P < 0.01, P < 0.05), but with no statistical difference in ANC (P > 0.05). Hb increased higher at month 6 after treatment than at month 3 after treatment (P < 0.01), but with no statistical difference in ANC or PLT (P > 0.05). After 3-month treatment the number of hematologic progress, stability, disease progression were: 13 cases (41.9%), 15 cases (48.4%), and 3 cases (9.7%), respectively; after 6-month treatment the number of hematologic improvement, stability, and disease progression were: 18 cases (58.1%), 7 cases (22.6%), 6 cases (19.3%), respectively. There was no significant difference between 3-month efficacy and 6-month efficacy (P > 0.05). There was no correlation between the efficacy and ages of hypo-MDS patients or the efficacy and courses of hypo-MDS patients (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>A low dose QP combined with CDSSPI showed confirmative efficacy in treatment of hypo-MDS. But the efficacy had little correlation with ages and courses of hypo-MDS patients.</p>

Effect of Qinghuang Powder combined Chinese herbs for Pi-strengthening and Shen-reinforcing on HIF-1alpha in bone marrow mononuclear cells of myelodysplastic syndrome patients: an experimental research / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of Qinghuang Powder (QHP) combined Chinese herbs for Pi-strengthening and Shen-reinforcing (CHPSSR) on hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1alpha) in bone marrow mononuclear cells of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Changes of HIF-1alpha in bone marrow mononuclear cells of MDS patients were detected in 25 MDS patients treated by QHP combined CHPSSR using flow cytometry. Meanwhile, 13 healthy subjects were recruited as the control group. Changes HIF-1alpha levels in various serial bone marrow mononuclear cells were detected.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) Among the 25 patients in the treatment group, there were 19 patients effective and 6 patients ineffective, with the total effective rate being 76%. (2) Compared with before treatment, levels of peripheral blood WBC, Hb, PLT, and ANC significantly increased in the treatment group after treatment, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). (3) Compared with before treatment, the HIF-1alpha mean fluorescence intensity was enhanced in bone marrow lymphocytes, monocytes, granulocytes, and nucleated red blood cells of the treatment group after treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, the HIF-1alpha mean fluorescence intensity was weakened in bone marrow lymphocytes, monocytes, and nucleated red blood cells of the treatment group before treatment; while it was obviously enhanced in granulocytes (P < 0.01). But after treatment the HIF-1alpha mean fluorescence intensity increased more in the granulocytes of the treatment group than in those of the control group (P < 0.01), but there was no statistical difference in bone marrow lymphocytes, monocytes, or nucleated red blood cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>QHP combined CHPSSR could improve HIF-1alpha levels in bone marrow lymphocytes, monocytes, granulocytes, and nucleated red blood cells of MDS patients, thus improving Hb levels of MDS patients, and improving their anemia and correlated symptoms.</p>

Progress in the studies on neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitors / 药学学报

Nitric oxide (NO), which is involved in the regulation of the cardiovascular system, nervous system, immune system, reproductive system, digestive system and other physiological activities, is an important biological substance with activity. Under normal physiological conditions, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) can precisely regulate the nervous system NO production, release, diffusion and inactivation processes. But an excess of NO associates with the development of cerebral ischemia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's psychosis nervous system diseases, while inhibition of nNOS activity can regulate the content of NO in vivo, and produce a therapeutic effect on some of the nervous system diseases. This review mainly describes the structure and regulation of nNOS and recent developments of small molecule inhibitors of nNOS.

Clinical significance of tumor budding detection in stage II colon cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the association of tumor budding with recurrence and survival of patients with stage II colon cancer, in order to identify patients with high-risk recurrence who may benefit from adjuvant therapy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data of 112 stage II colon cancer patients in Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital between 1998 and 2007 were analyzed retrospectively. The degree of tumor budding was assessed by two observers and classified according to the number of tumor buds in the area with the greatest budding intensity on HE stain slides, as high-grade budding (≥10, n=30) and low-grade budding (≤9, n=82). Progression-free and cancer-specific survival were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the patients were followed up and the median follow-up was 78 months. The 5-year progression-free survival rates for patients with high-grade and low-grade budding were 65.3% and 90.7% respectively (P=0.008). The 5-year cancer-specific survival rates were 72.1% and 93.8% respectively (P=0.001). Cox regression analysis demonstrated tumor budding was an independent predictor of disease progression (RR=4.572, 95%CI:2.218-11.746, P=0.002) and cancer-related death (RR=4.116, 95%CI:1.657-10.384, P=0.012).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Tumor budding is a strong prognostic index for adverse outcome in stage II colon cancer patients,which may serve as a prognostic marker to identify patients with high risk of recurrence who may benefit from adjuvant therapy.</p>