Structure and immunological activity of an arabinan-rich acidic polysaccharide from Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC.

An arabinan-rich acidic polysaccharide, named ALP4-2 ([α]20 D = +197.8 (c 1.0 mg/mL, H2O); and Mw = 5.59 × 103 g/mol), was obtained from Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC. ALP4-2 is mainly comprised of Ara along with a small amount of GalA, Gal, Rha, Glc and Xyl. The structure was decorated by glycosidic linkages of α-Araf-(1→, →3)-α-Araf-(1→, →5)-α-Araf-(1→, →3,5)-α-Araf-(1→, →2,4)-α-Rhap-(1→, α-GalAp-(1→, →4)-α-GalAp-6-OMe-(1→, →4)-α-GalAp-6-OMe and ß-Galp-(1→ with a ratio of 6:1:7:5:5:1:7:1:4. The structure, configuration and microstructure of ALP4-2 was proposed by comprehensive considerations of results from SEC-MALLS-RID, SEC-HRMS, GC-MS, and 1D/2D NMR spectroscopy. Except for a high methyl ester in full pectin regions, an abundant arabinan moiety is observed in ALP4-2 with highly complex and branched characteristics. The immunoactivity displayed that ALP4-2 can significantly promote phagocytosis of macrophage without cytotoxicity, and stimulate nitric oxide and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10) release on RAW 264.7.

Ultrafiltration isolation, structures and anti-tumor potentials of two arabinose- and galactose-rich pectins from leaves of Aralia elata.

Two novel arabinose- and galactose-rich pectic polysaccharides, AELP-B5 (Mw, 4.25 × 104 g/mol) and B6 (Mw, 1.56 × 104 g/mol), were rapidly obtained from the leaves of Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem. with anion resin and sequenced ultrafiltration membrane columns. The structural backbone and branched chains of AELP-B5 and B6 were preliminarily elucidated by mild acid hydrolysis with HILIC-ESI--MS/MS. The planar structures and spatial configurations were further identified using UPLC-QDa and GC-MS for compositions, Smith degradation and methylation analysis, FT-IR, NMR (1H/13C, DEPT, HSQC, HMBC, COSY, NOESY and TOCSY) and SEC-MALLS-RID. (1) AELP-B5 possessed →4GalA1→ as smooth regions (HG) and a repeating disaccharide moiety of →4GalA1→2Rha1→ as hairy regions (RG-I) with a 1:5 molar ratio, whereas AELP-B6 had a distinguishing 1:1 molar ratio between the HG and RG-I; (2) complex side chains were constituted of T-α-Araf, 1,3-α-Araf, 1,5-α-Araf, T-ß-Galp, 1,3-ß-Galp, 1,4-ß-Galp, 1,6-ß-Galp, 1,3,4-ß-Galp and 1,3,4,6-ß-Galp connected at C-4 of the rhamnosyl units in RG-I of AELP-B5 and B6; and (3) both possessed highly branched and compact coil conformations. The CCK-8 assay illustrated that AELP-B6 possessed higher cytotoxicity against HepG2 and HT-29 than that of AELP-B5. Surface plasmon resonance showed the binding affinity of AELP-B6 to galectin-3 (6.488 × 10-5 M) was about 10 times stronger than that of AELP-B5 (4.588 × 10-4 M). The above findings provide a molecular structure and bioactivity basis for future potential applications of AELP in the food and medical industries.

[The results of cementless Zweymüller hip system: 5 to 11 years follow-up study].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the intermediate-term results associated with the use of Zweymtiller hip system. METHODS: Review the 116 cases (142 hips) who were treated with total hip replacement from 1996 to 2002 by a single surgeon using cementless Zweymüller hip systems. RESULTS: Sixty-one cases (77 hips) were followed up, 50 cases (64 hips) were evaluated both clinically and radiographically while 5 cases (6 hips) and 6 cases (7 hips) were only evaluated clinically and radiographically respectively. The average follow-up period was 7.3 years (range 5 to 11 years). The mean preoperative Harris Hip Score was 46 while the mean postoperative Harris Hip Score was 93. Distal cortical hypertrophy and medullary sclerosis were observed in 30 hips (42.3%) and 33 hips (46.5%) respectively. Heterotopic ossification arose in 45 hips (63.4%). Radiolucent lines occurred in 27 stems (38.0%) but in no cups. Radiolucent lines were mostly observed in Gruen zones 1. Osteolysis occurred in 7 cups (9.9%) and 18 stems (25.4%). Osteolysis was mostly observed in Delee Zone 3 and Gruen zone 7. In the distal Gruen zones 3, 4 and 5, no radiolucent line or osteolysis was observed. No hips had been revised, 3 cups needed revision surgery because of aseptic loosening. CONCLUSION: The 5-11 years follow-up results are satisfactory, but osteolysis is common.