Effects of antiplatelet drug combined with magnesium sulfate on platelet function and trophoblast apoptosis in patients with preeclampsia

Objective: To investigate the effects of antiplatelet drug combined with magnesium sulfate on platelet function and trophoblast apoptosis in patients with preeclampsia. Methods: A total of 68 patients with preeclampsia who were treated in this hospital between September 2016 and September 2017 were chosen as the research subjects and divided into the control group (n=34) and the study group (n=34) by the random number table method. Control group received magnesium sulfate spasmolysis, and study group received low-dose aspirin combined with magnesium sulfate therapy. The differences in the levels of platelet function parameters as well as the expression levels of apoptosis-related genes and invasion-related genes in placental tissues were compared between the two groups of patients after treatment. Results:After treatment, the platelet function parameter PLT level in study group was higher than that in control group whereas MPV and PDW levels were lower than those in control group;pro-apoptosis genes Caspase-3, p53 and bax mRNA expression levels in placental tissues were lower than those of control group whereas anti-apoptosis gene bcl-2 mRNA expression level was higher than that of control group;pro-invasion genes MMP-2, MMP-9 and CXCL16 mRNA expression levels in placental tissues were higher than those of control group whereas anti-invasion genes RECK and DPPⅣ mRNA expression levels were lower than those of control group. Conclusion: Low-dose aspirin combined with magnesium sulfate treatment of patients with preeclampsia can effectively optimize the platelet function and inhibit the apoptosis of placental trophoblast cells and promote their invasion function.

Drug repositioning of disulfiram induces endometrioid epithelial ovarian cancer cell death via the both apoptosis and cuproptosis pathways

Various therapeutic strategies have been developed to overcome ovarian cancer.However,the prognoses resulting from these strategies are still unclear.In the present work,we screened 54 small molecule compounds approved by the FDA to identify novel agents that could inhibit the viability of human epithelial ovarian cancer cells.Among these,we identified disulfiram(DSF),an old alcohol-abuse drug,as a potential inducer of cell death in ovarian cancer.Mechanistically,DSF treatment significantly reduced the expression of the anti-apoptosis marker Bcell lymphoma/leukemia-2(Bcl-2)and increase the expression of the apoptotic molecules Bcl2 associated X(Bax)and cleaved caspase-3 to promote human epithelial ovarian cancer cell apoptosis.Furthermore,DSF is a newly identified effective copper ionophore,thus the combination of DSF and copper was used to reduce ovarian cancer viability than DSF single treatment.Combination treatment with DSF and copper also led to the reduced expression of ferredoxin 1 and loss of Fe-S cluster proteins(biomarkers of cuproptosis).In vivo,DSF and copper gluconate significantly decreased the tumor volume and increased the survival rate in a murine ovarian cancer xenograft model.Thus,the role of DSF revealed its potential for used as a viable therapeutic agent for the ovarian cancer.

Effect of Octadecadienoic Acid on Proliferation and Apoptosis of Glioma Cells and Its Mechanism

[Objectives] To explore the inhibitory effect of octadecadienoic acid (ODA) on proliferation and apoptosis of glioma cells and its mechanism. [Methods] Cultured human glioma cells (cell density 2×10^(6) cells/L) were divided into three groups: solvent control group (DMSO, 30 μL/L), 5-FU group (10 mg/L) and octadecadienoic acid group (0.3, 0.6, 1.2 mg/L). The toxic effects of ODA on glioma cells were detected by trypan blue and thiazolium blue (MTT). The expression of P53, PI3K, P21, PKB/Akt and caspase-9 protein in glioma cells were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). [Results] The cell count under optical microscope showed that the inhibition rate of cell proliferation in low, medium and high dose ODA groups and 5-FU group was significantly higher than that in solvent control group ( P <0.01), but there was no significant difference compared with 5-FU group ( P >0.05). The results of MTT showed that compared with the solvent control group, the inhibition rate of cell proliferation in low, medium and high dose ODA groups and 5-FU group significantly increased ( P <0.01);compared with 5-FU group, the inhibition rate of cell proliferation in high dose ODA group significantly increased ( P <0.01). The results of flow cytometry showed that compared with the solvent control group, the number of cells in G_(0)/G_(1) phase increased significantly ( P <0.05, P <0.01), the number of cells in G_(2)/M phase decreased significantly ( P <0.01) and the apoptosis rate increased significantly ( P <0.01) in the low, medium and high dose ODA groups and 5-FU group;compared with 5-FU group, the number of cells in G_(2)/M phase decreased significantly ( P <0.01) and the apoptosis rate increased significantly ( P <0.01) in ODA group. ELISA testing results showed that the expression levels of P53, P13K and PKB/Akt in low, medium and high dose ODA groups and 5-FU group were significantly lower than those in solvent control group ( P <0.01), and only the expression level of protein in high dose ODA group was significantly lower than that in 5-FU group ( P <0.01);the expression levels of P21 and caspase-9 in low, medium and high dose ODA groups and 5-FU group were significantly higher than those in solvent control group ( P <0.05, P <0.01), but the expression level of protein in high dose ODA group was significantly higher than that in 5-FU group ( P <0.01). [Conclusions] ODA can obviously inhibit the proliferation of glioma cells and induce apoptosis. The mechanism is related to up-regulation of P21, caspase-9, down-regulation of P53, PI3K, PKB/Akt, inhibition of cell division cycle and decrease of PI3K-Akt signal transduction pathway.

Effects of Low Concentrations of Di-(2-ethylhexyl) and Mono-(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate on Steroidogenesis Pathways and Apoptosis in the Murine Leydig Tumor Cell Line MLTC-1

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of low concentrations of DEHP and MEHP on steroidogenesis in a murine Leydig tumor cell line （MLTC-1） in vitro. The result of flow cytometry analysis revealed that the proportion of apoptotic cells was significantly increased after the exposure to DEHP. All three genes （P450scc, P450c17, and 38HSD） under study showed an increased expression following exposure to DEHP or MEHP, although some insignificant inhibitory effects appeared in the 10μmol/L treatment group as compared with the controls. It was also found that DEHP or MEHP stimulated INSL3 mRNA and protein especially in the 0.001 μmol/L treatment group. Testosterone secretions were stimulated after the exposure to DEHP or MEHP. Alterations of steroidogenic enzymes and INSL3 in MLTC-1 cells might be involved in the biphasic effects of DEHP/MEHP on androgen production.

Inhibitive effects of anti-oxidative vitamins on mannitol-induced apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells

Objective: Study blood vessel injury and gene expression indicating vascular endothelial cell apoptosis induced by mannitol with and without administration of anti-oxidative vitamins. Methods: Healthy rabbits were randomly divided into four groups. Mannitol was injected into the vein of the rabbit ear in each animal. Pre-treatment prior to mannitol injection was per- formed with normal saline (group B), vitamin C (group C) and vitamin E (group D). Blood vessel injury was assessed under electron and light microscopy. In a second experiment, cell culture specimen of human umbilical vein endothelial cells were treated with mannitol. Pre-treatment was done with normal saline (sample B), vitamin C (sample C) and vitamin E (sample D). Total RNA was extracted with the original single step procedure, followed by hybridisation and analysis of gene expression. Results: In the animal experiment, serious blood vessel injury was seen in group A and group B. Group D showed light injury only, and normal tissue without pathological changes was seen in group C. Of all 330 apoptosis-related genes analysed in human cell culture specimen, no significant difference was seen after pre-treatment with normal saline, compared with the gene chip without pre-treatment. On the gene chip pre-treated with vitamin C, 45 apoptosis genes were down-regulated and 34 anti-apoptosis genes were up-regulated. Pre-treatment with vitamin E resulted in the down-regulation of 3 apoptosis genes. Conclusion: Vitamin C can protect vascular endothelial cells from mannitol-induced injury.

Effects of Yigan Decoction on proliferation and apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells

AIM: To investigate the effects of Chinese herb YiganDecoction on proliferation and apoptosis of the hepaticstellafe cells (HSC) in vitro.METHODS: The study in vitro was carried out in the cultureof HSC lines. Various concentrations of Yigan Decoctionwere added and incubated. Cell proliferation was detectedwith MTT colorimetric assay. Cell apoptosis was detected byelectron microscopy, flow cytometry and TUNEL.RESULTS: The proliferation of HSC was inhibited by YiganDecoction, which depending on dose and time significantly.The HSC proliferation rates ofgroups at the endconoentrations 144 and 72 (g@L-1 ) were 21.62 % and 140.54 %respectively, significantly lower then that of normal controlgroup( P ＜ 0.01 ). The HSC proliferation rates of groups atthe end concentratiors 36, 18 and 9(g@L-1 ) were 54.05 %,45.95 % and 51.35 % respectively, lower than that of controlgroup( P ＜ 0.05). When the end concentration was 4.5 g@L-1, the proliferation rate was 83.78 %, which appeared nosignificant differences compared with control group. At thesame concentrations of 18 g@L-1, the inhibitory effects ofYigan Decoction at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h time point wereobserved, the effects were time-dependent, and reached apeak at 72 h. Meanwhile, it was showed that the inducingeffects of Yigan Decoction on HSC apoptosis were dose-dependent and time-dependent. The apoptosis index (Al)was detected by TUNEL. After Yigan Decoction had beenincubated for 48 h at the end concentration of 18 g@ L-1 , tieAl (14.5 + 3. 1 ) % was significantly higher than that ofcontrol group (4.3+ 1.3) % (P＜0.01). When visualizedunder transnission electron microscopy, some apoptoticsfellafe cells were found, i. e. dilated endoplasmicreticulum, irregular ntclei, chromatin condensation andheterochromatin ranked along inside of nuclear membrane.By flow cytometry detection, after HSC was treated withYigan Decoction at different concentrations of 36, 18 and 9(g@ L-1 ) for 48 h, Al ( % ) were 13.3 ± 3.2, 10.7 ± 2.7 and 10.1 ±2.5 respectively, which were significantly higher than that ofcontrol group(4. 1 ± 1.9) (P ＜ 0.01). At the sameconcentration of 18g@ L-1 for 24h, 48h and 72h, Al (%) were9.3± 1.8、10.7± 2.7 and 14.6±4.3 respectively, which weresignificantly higher than that of control group ( P＜ 0.01).CONCLUSION: Yigan Decoction could significantly inhibitHSC proliferation and increase the apoptosis index of HSCdosedependently and time-dependently, which may berelated to its mechanism of antifibrosis.

Effects of phycocyanin on apoptosis and expression of superoxide dismutase in cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND ： The application of exogenous antioxidant is always the focus in the prevention and treatment of cerebral ischemia. Phycocyanin has the effects against oxidation and inflammation, but its role in the pathophysiological process of cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury still needs further investigation. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effects of phycocyanin on the expression of superoxide dismutase （SOD） apoptosis and form of the nerve cells in rats after cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury. DESIGN： A randomized control animal experiment SETTING ： Institute of Cerebrovascular Disease, Medical School Hospital of Qingdao University MATERIALS： Fifty-two healthy adult male Wistar rats of clean degree, weighing 220-260 g, were used. Phycocyanin was provided by the Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. METHODS： The experiments were carried out in Shangdong Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Brain Diseases from May to December 2005. ① All the rats were divided into three groups according to the method of random number table： sham-operated group （n=4）, control group （n=24） and treatment group （n=24）. Models of middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion （MCAO/R） were established by the introduction of thread through external and internal carotid arteries in the control group and treatment group. After 1-hour ischemia and 2-hour reperfusion, rats in the treatment group were administrated with gastric perfusion of phy- cocyanin suspension （0.1 mg/g）, and those in the control group were given saline of the same volume, and no treatment was given to the rats in the sham-operated group. ②The samples were removed and observed at ischemia for 1 hour and reperfusion for 6 and 12 hours and 1, 3, 7 and 14 days respectively in the control group and treatment group, 4 rats for each time point, and those were removed at 1 day postoperatively in the sham-operated group. Forms of the nerve cells were observed with toluidine blue staining. Apoptosis after cerebral ischemia reperfusion was detected with TUNEL technique. SOD expression was detected with immunohistochemical technique.③ The intergroup difference was compared with the ttest. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： The apoptosis of the nerve cells and SOD expression were mainly observed in each group. RESULTS： Finally, 52 rats were involved in the analysis of results. ① Number of apoptotic cells： In the sham-operated group, a few apoptotic cells could be observed in brain tissue. The apoptotic cells at each time point in the control group and treatment group were obviously more than those in the sham-operated group （P 〈 0.05）. In the treatment group, the numbers of apoptotic cells at 12 hours, 1 and 3 days after reperfusion were significantly fewer than those in the control group, and those at 6 hours, 7 and 14 days were similar to those in the control group. ② Number of SOD positive cells： In the sham-operated group, there was weak expression of SOD in brain tissue, and the positive cells were extremely few, the positive cells at each time point were significantly more in the control group and treatment group than in the sham-operated group （P 〈 0.05）. In the treatment group, the numbers of positive cells at 6 and 12 hours, 1 and 3 days after reperfusion were significantly fewer than those in the control group, and those at 7-14 days were similar to those in the control group. ③ Cellular forms： In the control group, the karyopyknosis occurred in the nerve cells, which were irregularly distributed, nucleolus disappeared, and some scattered cell fragments were observed. The forms of the nerve cells in the treatment group were generally normal. CONCLUSION ： Phycocyanin plays a neuroprotective role in cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury by activating the SOD expression and inhibiting apoptosis.

Effects of anti-CXCR_4 monoclonal antibody 12G5 on proliferation and apoptosis of human acute myelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60

Objective:To investigate the expression of CXCR, on HL-60 cell line and the proliferation, apoptosis of HL-60 cell line cocultured with bone marrow stromal cells, so as to assess the possibility of 12G5. an anti-CXCR4 monoclonal antibody, in eradicating the minimal residual disease. Methods:The activity of SDF-1 was inhibited by 10μg/ml 12G5. After treatment with 12G5. the status of adhesion was observed, and the adhesion rates, apoptosis and cell cycles were detected after 24 h of treatment. Cell growth rates were measured by trypan blue exclusion. Cell growth curve was plotted, and the expression of PCNA and apoptosis related protein including PCNA, Bcl-2 and Fas were detected with immunohis-tochemical technique. Results :(1) There was middling degree expression of CXCR4 on HL-60 membrane. From 0 h to 6 h, as the time of 12G5 incubation along, the expression of CXCR4 decreased gradually. (2) After treatment for 24 h, the adhesion rates in the experiment group and the control were (39. 4±7. 9)% and (51. 4±5. 9)%, respectively. (3)After treatment for 24 h, the percentage of HL-60 cells in G0/G1 phase were (55. 21±4. 9)%, and that in S phase and G2/M phase were (30. 40±4. 1)% and (14. 39±5.2)%, respectively, with the corresponding proportions being (44. 67±2. 2) % , (45. 30±3. 7)% . and (10. 03±2. 6)% in the control. (4) The percentage of apoptotic HL-60 cells was (8. 95±1. 7)% in the experiment group, compared to (3. 97±2. 4)% in the control. (5)The survival rates of HL-60 cells decreased markedly at 48 h to 96 h, and the proliferation slowed down at this time duration. (6)The expression of PCNA and Bcl-2 down-regulated significantly, but the Fas protein expression was up-regulated. Conclusion :12G5 could inhibit the capability of adhesion and proliferation of HL-60 cells and it can induce more cells to enter G0/G1 phase and promote apoptosis. It may be helpful by inhibiting the bioactivity of SDF-1 with 12G5 in the therapy of marrow residual disease.

Modulating effects of survivin antisense oligonucleotide on changes of apoptosis and cell cycle of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line SMMC-7721

To investigate the modulating effects of survivn antisense oligonucletode (ASODN) on the cell cycle and apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line SMMC-7721 and explore its mechanism.Methods Survivin ASODN was transfected into SMMC-7721 cells mediated by DOTAP liposomal reagent.Electron microscopy,flow cytometry and RT-PCR were used to detect the changes in cell ultrastructure,apoptosis,cell cycle and the expression of cyclinB1 mRNA,respectively.Results After transfection of survivin ASODN,the expression of cyclinB1 mRNA in the cells significantly increased and increase in G2-M arrest and apoptosis appeared.Meanwhile,the cell ultrastructure had apoptotic changes such as chromatin condensation and apoptotic body formation.Conclusion Survivin ASODN can induce the expression of cyclinB1 that may result in G2-M arrest.Consequently,apoptosis is triggered.Survivin ASODN transfection might be an improtant new treatment for HCC.14 refs,2 figs,1 tab.

Lactoferrin modification of berberine nanoliposomes enhances the neuroprotective effects in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease

Previous studies have shown that berberine has neuroprotective effects against Alzheimer’s disease,including antagonizing tau phosphorylation,and inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity and neural cell apoptosis.However,its low bioavailability and adverse reactions with conventional administration limit its clinical application.In this study,we prepared berberine nanoliposomes using liposomes characterized by low toxicity,high entrapment efficiency,and biodegradability,and modified them with lactoferrin.Lactoferrin-modified berberine nanoliposomes had uniform particle size and high entrapment efficiency.We used the lactoferrin-modified berberine nanoliposomes to treat a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease established by injection of amyloid-beta 1-42 into the lateral ventricle.Lactoferrin-modified berberine nanoliposomes inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity and apoptosis in the hippocampus,reduced tau over-phosphorylation in the cerebral cortex,and improved mouse behavior.These findings suggest that modification with lactoferrin can enhance the neuroprotective effects of berberine nanoliposomes in Alzheimer’s disease.

Vitamin D,selenium,and antidiabetic drugs in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus with Hashimoto's thyroiditis

BACKGROUND Diabetes and thyroiditis are closely related.They occur in combination and cause significant damage to the body.There is no clear treatment for type-2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)with Hashimoto's thyroiditis(HT).While single symptomatic drug treatment of the two diseases is less effective,combined drug treatment may improve efficacy.AIM To investigate the effect of a combination of vitamin D,selenium,and hypoglycemic agents in T2DM with HT.METHODS This retrospective study included 150 patients with T2DM and HT treated at The Central Hospital of Shaoyang from March 2020 to February 2023.Fifty patients were assigned to the control group,test group A,and test group B according to different treatment methods.The control group received low-iodine diet guidance and hypoglycemic drug treatment.Test group A received the control treatment plus vitamin D treatment.Test group B received the group A treatment plus selenium.Blood levels of markers of thyroid function[free T3(FT3),thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH),free T4(FT4)],autoantibodies[thyroid peroxidase antibody(TPOAB)and thyroid globulin antibody(TGAB)],blood lipid index[low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),total cholesterol(TC),triacylglycerol(TG)],blood glucose index[fasting blood glucose(FBG),and hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c)]were measured pre-treatment and 3 and 6 months after treatment.The relationships between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3[25(OH)D3]level and each of these indices were analyzed.RESULTS The levels of 25(OH)D3,FT3,FT4,and LDL-C increased in the order of the control group,test group A,and test group B(all P<0.05).The TPOAB,TGAB,TC,TG,FBG,HbA1c,and TSH levels increased in the order of test groups B,A,and the control group(all P<0.05).All the above indices were compared after 3 and 6 months of treatment.Pre-treatment,there was no divergence in serum 25(OH)D3 level,thyroid function-related indexes,autoantibodies level,blood glucose,and blood lipid index between the control group,test groups A and B(all P>0.05).The 25(OH)D3 levels in test groups A and B were negatively correlated with FT4 and TGAB(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION The combination drug treatment for T2DM with HT significantly improved thyroid function,autoantibody,and blood glucose and lipid levels.

The neuroprotective effects of the anti-diabetic drug linagliptin against Aβ-induced neurotoxicity

Impaired insulin signaling in Alzheimer’s disease（AD）brains：The insulin signaling pathway is a fundamental physiological mechanism that presents in nearly all vertebrate cells.However,sometimes cells stop responding properly to insulin stimulation.This condition is known as insulin resistance,which is a hallmark of two very common conditions,metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes（T2D）.

EXPRESSION AND REVERSION OF DRUG RESISTANCE-AND APOPTOSIS-RELATED GENES OF A DDP-RESISTANT LUNG ADENOCARCINOMA CELL LINE

Objective: To investigate the co-expression of drug resistance- and apoptosis-related genes of cisplatin (CDDP)-selected lung adenocarcinoma cell line A 549 DDP for compared to the parental cell line A549, and reverse of drug resistance by antisense s-oligodeoxynucleotides (S-ODNs) of differentially expressed genes. Methods: Sense and antisense S-ODN were transferred into A 549 DDP cells by lipofectin. The expression of drug resistance and apoptosis related genes was examined by RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry, respectively. Apoptostic cells were identified by DNA electrophoresis and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated biotin dUTP nick end-labeling(TUNEL). Drug resistance of tumor cells was detected by a cell viability (MTT) assay. Results: The expression of bcl-2 was positive and that of multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) at mRNA and protein level was increased in A 549 DDP compared to A549 cells. MDR1, c-myc and topoisomeras II (TOPO II) were similarly co-expressed in two cell lines. Both cell lines were negative for c-erbB-2 expression. In A 549 DDP cells, the expression of bcl-2 and MRP was significantly inhibited by their respective antisense S-ODNs. Antisense S-ODNs could also decrease significantly drug resistance of A 549 DDP cells to CDDP by promoting cell apoptosis. Conclusion: Both intrinsic and acquired drug resistance were involved in co-expression of multiple MDR-related genes in lung adenocarcinoma. Cooperation of bcl-2 and MRP genes appeared to play an important action to confer the resistance of A 549 DDP cells to CDDP. Their antisense S-ODNs are responsible for the decrease of drug resistance of this cell line by promoting apoptosis.

Effect of insulin on 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion-induced apoptosis of PC12 cells

BACKGROUND： Insulin receptor （IR） expression in the substantia nigra of patients with Parkinson disease （PD） is not only significantly lower than that in the substantia nigra of normal persons of the same age, but also significantly lower than that in other regions in brain of himself/herself. It suggests that the abnormal effect of insulin receptor-mediated insulin, as a neurotrophic factor, is very possibly related to the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and striatum in patients with Parkinson disease. OBJECTIVE ： TO observe the interventional effect of insulin on 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion （MPP^＋）-induced apoptosis of PC12. DESIGN： Controlled observation SETTINGS： Department of Neurology, Beijing China-Japan Friendship Hospital; Department of Neurology Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University. MATERIALS： PC12 cells were provided by the Cell Bank, Shanghai Institute of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Science. MPP^＋, MTT, HOECHST 33258 （Invitrogen Life Technologies）, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） reagent （Takara Shuzo Co., Ltd.）, flow cytometer （Bacton Dickionson, San Jose, CA）, enzyme labelling instrument （Bio-Tek, Winooski, VT） and PCR circulation instrument （Takara Shuzo Co., Ltd） were used in this study. METHODS ： This study was carried out in the Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University during June 2003 to August 2004. （1） Cell culture and experimental grouping： PC12 cells were cultured according to the method from Peng et al, then were randomized into 3 groups; blank control group, MPP^＋ group and insulin group. （2） Detection of relative survival rate of cells： The relative survival rate of cells at different MPP^＋ final concentrations （0, 50, 100, 200, 300, 1 000 μmol/L） and at different culture time （0, 4, 8, 12, 18, 24 hours） in the 300 Fmol/L MPP^＋ group and different concentrations of insulin （0, 15, 50, 100 nmol/L） in the insulin group was detected with MTT method according to the method from Hansen et al. （3） Observation of cell apoptosis： After stained by HOECHST 33258, the apoptotic cells were observed under the fluorescence miscroscope with the method from Chen et al. （4） Dection of apoptotic rate of cells： Apoptotic rate of cells was detected with flow cytometry according to the method from Zhang et al. （5） The expression of tyrosine hydroxylase （TH） mRNA in PC12 cells was detected with RT-PCR methods according to the modified method from Peng et al. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES ： Comparison of relative survival rate, apoptosis rate, the expression of IR mRNA and TH mRNA and cell apoptosis. RESULTS： （1） After 12-hour incubation of 100, 200, 300 and 1 000 μmol/L MPP^＋, the relative survival rate of PC12 cells was （72.88±2.91）%, （60.64±0.81）%, （54.56±0.76）% and （16.89±2.83）%, respectively, which was significantly lower than that of blank control group （100%, P 〈 0.05）; After 12, 18 and 24-hour incubation, the relative survival rate of PC12 cells was （54.56±0.76）%, （42.43±0.16）% and （23.56±0.17）% respectively, which was significantly lower than that of blank control group （100%, P〈 0.05）; When 15, 50 and 100 nmol/L insulin was pre-added to cells, the relative survival rate was （70.10±0.16）%, （78.01 ±2.43）% and （83.55±1.43）%, respectively, which was significantly higher than MPP^＋ alone [（54.56±0.76）%, P 〈 0.05]. （2） Appototic bodies were rarely seen in the blank control group, but densely gathered in the MPP^＋ group and were significantly decreased in the insulin group. （3） Apoptosis rate of PC12 cells in the MPP^＋ group was significantly higher than that in the blank control group [（36.56±0.89）% vs. （2.34±0.23）%, P〈 0.05], and that in the 15, 50, 100 nmol/L insulin group [（30.01±0.04）%, （24.23±0.37）%, （20.01 ±1.01）%, respectivelyl was significantly lower than that in MPP^＋ group （P 〈 0.05）. （4） The TH mRNA expression in PC12 cells in MPP^＋ group was significantly lower than that in blank control group; The expression of TH mRNA in insulin group was gradually increased in an insulin dose-dependent manner. There were no significant changes in the expression of IR mRNA under different experimental conditions. CONCLUSION： Insulin can resist MPP^＋-induced apoptosis of PC12 cells, lessen the damage of PC12 cells, but does not change the gene expression of target cell insulin receptor.

Excellent effects and possible mechanisms of action of a new antibody–drug conjugate against EGFR-positive triple-negative breast cancer

Background:Triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC)is the most aggressive subtype and occurs in approximately 15%–20%of diagnosed breast cancers.TNBC is characterized by its highly metastatic and recurrent features,as well as a lack of specific targets and targeted therapeutics.Epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)is highly expressed in a variety of tumors,especially in TNBC.LR004-VC-MMAE is a new EGFR-targeting antibody–drug conjugate produced by our laboratory.This study aimed to evaluate its antitumor activities against EGFR-positive TNBC and further studied its possible mechanism of antitumor action.Methods:LR004-VC-MMAE was prepared by coupling a cytotoxic payload(MMAE)to an anti-EGFR antibody(LR004)via a linker,and the drug-to-antibody ratio(DAR)was analyzed by HIC-HPLC.The gene expression of EGFR in a series of breast cancer cell lines was assessed using a publicly available microarray dataset(GSE41313)and Western blotting.MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with LR004-VC-MMAE(0,0.0066,0.066,0.66,6.6 nmol/L),and the inhibitory effects of LR004-VC-MMAE on cell proliferation were examined by CCK-8 and colony formation.The migration and invasion capacity of MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 cells were tested at different LR004-VCMMAE concentrations(2.5 and 5 nmol/L)with wound healing and Transwell invasion assays.Flow cytometric analysis and tumorsphere-forming assays were used to detect the killing effects of LR004-VC-MMAE on cancer stem cells(MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 cells).The mouse xenograft models were also used to evaluate the antitumor efficacy of LR004-VC-MMAE in vivo.Briefly,BALB/c nude mice were subcutaneously inoculated with MDA-MB-468 or MDAMB-231 cells.Then they were randomly divided into 4 groups(n=6 per group)and treated with PBS,naked LR004(10 mg/kg),LR004-VC-MMAE(10 mg/kg),or doxorubicin,respectively.Tumor sizes and the body weights of mice were measured every 4 d.The effects of LR004-VC-MMAE on apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were analyzed by flow cytometry.Western blotting was used to detect the effects of LR004-VC-MMAE on EGFR,ERK,MEK phosphorylation and tumor stemness marker gene expression.Results:LR004-VC-MMAE with a DAR of 4.02 were obtained.The expression of EGFR was found to be significantly higher in TNBC cells compared with non-TNBC cells(P<0.01).LR004-VC-MMAE inhibited the proliferation of EGFRpositive TNBC cells,and the ICvalues of MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 cells treated with LR004-VC-MMAE for 72 h were(0.13±0.02)nmol/L and(0.66±0.06)nmol/L,respectively,which were significantly lower than that of cells treated with MMAE[(3.20±0.60)nmol/L,P<0.01,and(6.60±0.50)nmol/L,P<0.001].LR004-VC-MMAE effectively inhibited migration and invasion of MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 cells.Moreover,LR004-VC-MMAE also killed tumor stem cells in EGFR-positive TNBC cells and impaired their tumorsphere-forming ability.In TNBC xenograft models,LR004-VC-MMAE at 10 mg/kg significantly suppressed tumor growth and achieved complete tumor regression on day 36.Surprisingly,tumor recurrence was not observed until the end of the experiment on day 52.In a mechanistic study,we found that LR004-VC-MMAE significantly induced cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G/M phase in MDAMB-468[(34±5)%vs.(12±2)%,P<0.001]and MDA-MB-231[(27±4)%vs.(18±3)%,P<0.01]cells.LR004-VC-MMAE also inhibited the activation of EGFR signaling and the expression of cancer stemness marker genes such as Oct4,Sox2,KLF4 and EpCAM.Conclusions:LR004-VC-MMAE showed effective antitumor activity by inhibiting the activation of EGFR signaling and the expression of cancer stemness marker genes.It might be a promising therapeutic candidate and provides a potential therapeutic avenue for the treatment of EGFR-positive TNBC.

Why Don’t We Adequately Identify and Manage Adverse Drug Reactions despite Having the Needed Information?

Importance/Objective: Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) are unavoidable, but recognizing and addressing ADRs early can improve wellness and prevent permanent injury. We suggest that available medical information and digital/electronic methods could be used to manage this major healthcare problem for individual patients in real time. Methods: We searched the available digital applications and three literature databases using the medical subject heading terms, adverse drug reaction reporting systems or management, filtered by clinical trial or systemic reviews, to detect publications with data about ADR identification and management approaches. We reviewed the reports that had abstract or summary data or proposed or implemented methods or systems with potential to identify or manage ADRs in clinical settings. Results: The vast majority of the 481 reports used retrospectively collected data for groups of patients or were limited to surveying one population group or class of medication. The reports showed potential and definite associations of ADRs for specific drugs and problems, mostly, but not exclusively, for patients in hospitals and nursing homes. No reports described complete methods to collect comprehensive data on ADRs for individual patients in a healthcare system. The digital applications have ADR information, but all are too cumbersome or incomplete for use in active clinical settings. Several studies suggested that providing information about potential ADRs to clinicians can reduce these problems. Conclusion and Relevance: Although investigators and government agencies agree with the need, there is no comprehensive ADR management program in current use. Informing the patient’s healthcare practitioners of potential ADRs at the point of service has the potential for reduction of these complications, which should improve healthcare and reduce unneeded costs.

Effect of Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block Combined with Lornoxicam on Pain and Recovery Quality After Abdominal Surgery in Patients with Drug Addiction

Objective:This paper aims to analyze the analgesic effect of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block(TAPB)combined with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic drug lornoxicam on abdominal surgery in patients with a history of drug addiction.Methods:32 patients aged 18-60 who underwent lower abdominal surgery in the First People's Hospital of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture and Butuo County People's Hospital of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture from January 2022 to March 2023 were selected,the patients must have drug abuse history for more than 1 year,with a history of drug withdrawal and relapse.The patients were divided into observation group and control group by the envelope method,with 16 cases in the observation group and 16 cases in the control group.Two groups of patients underwent ultrasound-guided bilateral transversus abdominis plane block after the operation.The observation group was treated with dexmedetomidine hydrochloride 1μg/kg+0.25%ropivacaine hydrochloride 40ml,and the control group was treated with 40ml 0.9%sodium chloride injection,the two groups of patients returned to the ward after operation and given intravenous infusion of lornoxicam for relieving the pain.The visual analogue scale(VAS)score of postoperative pain,the times of rescue analgesia,the time of postoperative anal exhaust,the time of ambulation,nausea and vomiting,withdrawal symptoms,related adverse reactions,and hospitalization days were compared between the two groups.Results:The VAS score of postoperative pain in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group,P<0.05.Patients in the observation group used less postoperative rescue analgesics than those in the control group,P<0.05.For postoperative anal exhaust time,the difference between the two groups of patients was relatively small,and the time in the observation group was shorter,P>0.05.The time to get out of bed and the length of hospital stay were not significantly different between the control group and the observation group,P>0.05.The withdrawal symptoms of the patients in the observation group were better,P<0.05,nausea and vomiting,and other adverse reactions were lower in the control group,P<0.05.Conclusion:Ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block combined with lornoxicam can be used to relieve pain in abdominal surgery for patients with drug addiction,which can effectively improve the therapeutic effect of patients and reduce the number of postoperative rescue analgesia.Thus,it has high clinical application value.

Three-dimensional aspects of formulation excipients in drug discovery:a critical assessment on orphan excipients,matrix effects and drug interactions

Formulation/pharmaceutical excipients play a major role in formulating drug candidates,with the objectives of ease of administration,targeted delivery and complete availability.Many excipients used in pharmaceutical formulations are orphanized in preclinical drug discovery.These orphan excipients could enhance formulatability of highly lipophilic compounds.Additionally,they are safe in preclinical species when used below the LD50 values.However,when the excipients are used in formulating compounds with diverse physico-chemical properties,they pose challenges by modulating study results through their bioanalytical matrix effects.Excipients invariably present in study samples and not in the calibration curve standards cause over-/under-estimation of exposures.Thus,the mechanism by which excipients cause matrix effects and strategies to nullify these effects needs to be revisited.Furthermore,formulation excipients cause drug interactions by moderating the pathways of drug metabolizing enzymes and drug transport proteins.Although it is not possible to get rid of excipient driven interactions,it is always advised to be aware of these interactions and apply the knowledge to draw meaningful conclusions from study results.In this review,we will comprehensively discuss a)orphan excipients that have wider applications in preclinical formulations,b)bioanalytical matrix effects and possible approaches to mitigating these effects,and c)excipient driven drug interactions and strategies to alleviate the impacts of drug interactions.

Methodological challenges to control for immortal time bias in addressing drug effects in type 2 diabetes

There are multiple biases in using observational studies to examine treatment effects such as those from prevalent drug users, immortal time and drug indications. We used renin angiotensin system(RAS) inhibitors and statins as reference drugs with proven efficacies in randomized clinical trials(RCTs) and examined their effectiveness in the prospective Hong Kong Diabetes Registry using adjustment methods proposed in the literature. Using time-dependent exposures to drug treatments yielded greatly inflated hazard ratios(HR) regarding the treatment effects of these drugs for cardiovascular disease(CVD) in type 2 diabetes. These errors were probably due to changing indications to use these drugs during follow up periods, especially at the time of drug commencement making time-dependent analysis extremely problematic. Using time-fixed analysis with exclusion of immortal time and adjustment for confounders at baseline and/or during follow-up periods, the HR of RAS inhibitors for CVD was comparable to that in RCT. The result supported the use of the Registry for performing pharmacoepidemiological analysis which revealed an attenuated low low-density lipoprotein cholesterol related cancer risk with RAS inhibitors. On the other hand, time-fixed analysis with including immortal time and adjustment for confounders at baseline and/or during follow-up periods, the HR of statins for CVD was similar to that in the RCT. Our results highlight the complexity and difficulty in removing these biases. We call for validations of the methods to cope with immortal time and drug use indications before applying them to particular research questions, so to avoid making erroneous conclusions.

Preventive Effects of Five Drugs on Mycoplasma Pneumonia of Swine (MPS)

The paper was to explore the preventive effects of five drugs on mycoplasma pneumonia of swine （MPS） and to provide reference for clinical medication of pig farms in Hainan Province. A total of 444 health piglets were randomly divided into 6 groups, including five medication groups （72 piglets in group A, 74 pig- lets in group B, 72 piglets in group C, 76 piglets in group D, 76 piglets in group E） and one control group （74 piglets）. The piglets in experimental groups were treated drugs once a day for successive 5 days at 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 of age. The piglets in control group were free of medication. At 70 and 140 days of age, 15 piglets of each group were randomly selected to collect their blood sermn. The Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae （M-Hyo） antibodies in serum were measured by en- zyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. During the experiment, the incidence rates of respiratory disease, lung lesion, feed conversion rate, average daily gain （ADG）, and mortality rate of pigs were also observed and recorded. The results showed that the five drugs had significant difference in preventative effects. Group C （Zhiyuanjing group） received the best preventive effect and the highest economic benefits. Compared with control group, the ADG and feed conversion rate in group C were increased by 7.53% and 9.09%, respectively; the incidence rate of respiratory disease was reduced by 13.44% and lung lesion was alleviated by 81.43% ; and the earnings of each pig could rise by 132.70 yuan. The preventative effect and economic benefit of the drugs was sequenced by Chansu Kechuanling and Bingchan Kechuanwang. Wante Feilin and amoxicillin had weaker preventive effects against MPS but greatly influenced growth performance of pigs, so they should be used alternatively with other drugs.