Acute Toxicity of Recombinant Porcine Interferon-alpha

To observe the acute toxicity of recombinant porcine interferen-alpha （IFN-alpha） in mice and thus provide a basis for the clinical safety. [Method] According to the principles of acute toxicity, all the mice were divided into two major groups （intraperitoneally injected group and intramuscularly injected group） respectively at high dose, moderate dose and low dose. And the normal control group was also set up. Within 14 d after administration, the behavior of mouse and the degree of toxicity were continuously observed. The hematological indexes and biochemical indexes of blood were detected to obtain the preliminary toxicity data of the recombinant porcine IFN-alpha. And at the end of the experiment, mice were sacrificed for autopsy. [ Result] There was not significant difference in external performance, behavioral characteristics, body temperature, weight, pathological anatomy of visceral organs, hematological indexes and biochemical indexes between the experimental groups and the control group. [ Conclusion] The highest dose of porcine interferon （5.0 x 10s IU per mouse） in this experiment or the dose lower than this dosage should not have significant toxic effects on mice, and the recombinant porcine IFN-alpha is safe in clinical application.

痰热清注射液治疗慢性阻塞性肺病急性加重期作用机制探讨

目的:研究痰热清注射液治疗慢性阻塞性肺病急性加重期作用机制。方法:在线查询TCMSP数据库、既往文献获取黄芩、熊胆粉、山羊角、金银花、连翘等中药的主要活性成分,利用swisstargetprediction数据库获取其活性成分对应靶点;利用GeneCards、OMMI、Drug Bank等数据库获取慢性阻塞性肺病急性加重期靶点。利用Venny平台在线获取药物与疾病靶点交集,通过DAVID数据库对相交靶点进行基因本体分析和通路富集分析,使用STRING数据库构建蛋白相互作用网络,借助Cytoscapr软件行可视化处理并筛选主要活性成分、关键靶点。最后通过AutoDock vina软件将核心靶点与核心成分进行分子对接验证,并利用pymol可视化处理。结果:痰热清注射液中含主要活性成分90个,对应靶点557个;连翘、黄芩、金银花为痰热清注射液的关键作用药物;baicalein、Norwogonin、5,7,4’-Trihydroxy-8-methoxyflavone、5,2’,6’-Trihydroxy-7,8-dimethoxyflavone、(2R)-7-hydroxy-5-methoxy-2-phenylchroman-4-one、Panicolin、Skullcapflavone II、Moslosooflavone、5,7,2,5-tetrahydroxy-8,6-dimethoxyflavone、quercetin等为核心活性成分;STAT3、HSP90AA1、ESR1、SRC、EP300、AKT1、JUN、PIK3R1、RELA等靶点为蛋白互作网络中的核心靶点。结论:痰热清注射液治疗主要通过黄酮类物质调节细胞炎症反应、细胞增殖、凋亡等对慢性阻塞性肺病急性加重期发挥潜在作用。

基于网络药理学及分子对接探讨二至丸治疗早发性卵巢功能不全的作用机制

目的基于网络药理学方法探讨二至丸治疗早发性卵巢功能不全(POI)的可能分子作用机制。方法使用网络药理学平台(TCMSP)采集二至丸的有效成分和相关的基因;通过基因组注释数据平台(GeneCards)、人类孟德尔遗传数据库(OMIM)数据库获取POI疾病靶点;用蛋白互作网络数据库(STRING)构建蛋白质相互作用网络(PPI),通过CytoHubba筛选核心靶点。使用生物学信息注释数据库(DAVID)平台进行富集分析,采用Cytoscape 3.10.0软件进行拓扑学分析,利用AutoDockTools进行分子对接。结果二至丸内最主要的有效成分为槲皮素、木犀草素、山柰酚、刺槐素等,其中的AKT1、TP53等是关键靶点,包含的通路主要为PI3K-Akt信号通路、流体剪切应力和动脉粥样硬化信号通路等。分子对接验证大部分靶点与成分能进行有效结合。结论揭示二至丸能够经多种成分、靶点及多条信号通路对POI发挥协同治疗作用。

Relationship between HBV genotypes and anti-viral therapeutic efficacy of interferon-alpha

BACKGROUND: Much evidence demonstrates that the genotypes of hepatitis B virus (HBV) present differences in pathogenicity and outcomes owing to differences in genetic structure. This study aimed to investigate the influences of HBV genotypes on the anti-viral therapeutic efficacy of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) in chronic hepatitis B patients, and to determine the relationship between HBV genotypes and levels of viral replication or gene variations. METHODS: The chronic hepatitis B patients who were treated with IFN-alpha were selected randomly. Anti-viral therapeutic efficacy was monitored in these patients. The HBV genotypes were detected by PCR microplate hybridization ELISA. The levels of serum HBV-DNA were determined by fluorescence quantitative PCR. HBV gene variation at pre-C and basic core promoter (BCP) regions were assayed by gene chip technology. RESULTS: Genotypes B and C were predominant in 94 chronic hepatitis B patients. A, E and F genotypes were not found in these patients. The HBV-DNA levels of genotype C and mixed genotypes were significantly higher than those of genotype B. The response to IFN-alpha in patients with genotype B was markedly better than in those with genotypes C and D, and the complete response to IFN-alpha was only observed in genotype B. The response to IFN-alpha in patients with mixed genotypes was the least sensitive. The negative transition of HBeAg was correlated with variations in the HBV pre-C and BCP regions in patients with partial or no response to IFN-alpha. The variation rates of HBV pre-C and BCP regions were clearly higher in genotype C than in genotype B. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that HBV genotype is correlated with the serum levels of HBV-DNA, HBV gene variations and therapeutic efficacy of IFN-alpha. The regular detection of HBV genotypes in the clinic will be of benefit for disease prognosis and planning of anti-viral therapeutic strategies.

Simultaneous development of diabetic ketoacidosis and Hashitoxicosis in a patient treated with pegylated interferon-alpha for chronic hepatitis C

Classical interferon-alpha has been shown to be correlated with the development of a variety of autoimmune disorders. A 38 year-old female patient developed simultaneously diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperthyroidism 5 mo following initiation of treatment with pegylated interferon-α and ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C. High titers of glutamic acid decarboxylase, antinuclear and thyroid (thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin) antibodies were detected. Antiviral treatment was withdrawn and the patient was treated with insulin for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and propranolol for hyperthyroidism. Twelve months after cessation of pegylated interferon-α therapy the patient was euthyroid without any medication but remained insulin-dependent.

T29C genotype polymorphism of estrogen receptor alpha is associated with initial response to interferon-alpha therapy in chronic hepatitis B patients

BACKGROUND: Virological clearance, delayed progression to cirrhosis or liver cancer, and increased survival are the long-term goals of antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis B patients. Identification of host factors correlated with therapeutic response may contribute greatly to individual treatment. This study aimed at investigating whether T29C genotype polymorphism of estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) is associated with the initial response to interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) therapy in chronic hepatitis B patients. METHODS: The initial responses of 100 patients to IFN-alpha therapy were evaluated and compared by classifying them into three groups according to T29C genotype polymorphism of ESR1: T/T, TIC, and C/C genotype groups. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to analyze the genotype polymorphism in T29C. RESULTS: The frequency of initially combined response was markedly higher in both the T/T and TIC groups than in the C/C group (Z=10.326, P=0.006 and Z=26.247, P=0.000, respectively). In addition, the initial virological response was higher in the T/T and T/C groups than the C/C group (chi(2)=5.674, P=0.017 and chi(2)=4.980, P=0.026, respectively). In 78 initially HBeAg-positive patients, however, the frequency of initial e-antigen disappearance or seroconversion among the T/T, T/C, and C/C genotype groups was 34.15%, 27.78% and 15.79%, respectively, which were not significantly different. CONCLUSION. The T29C genotype polymorphism of ESR1 is associated with the initial response to IFN-alpha in patients with chronic hepatitis B, and might be a significant marker for predicting the initial response to IFN-alpha, at least in this study population. (Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2010; 9: 275-279)

Interferon-alpha restrains growth and invasive potential of hepatocellular carcinoma induced by hepatitis B virus X protein

AIM: To investigate the effects of interferon-alpha (IFN-α) to restrain the growth and invasive potential of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) induced by hepatitis B virus (HBV) X protein. METHODS: The pcDNA3.1-HBx plasmid was transfected into Chang cells by Lipofectamine in vitro, and Chang/HBx was co-cultured with IFN-α. Cell survival growth curve and clonogenicity assay were used to test the growth potential of Chang/pcDNA3.1, Chang/HBx and IFN-α-Chang/HBx in vitro. Growth assay in nude mice was used to detect the growth potential of Chang/ pcDNA3.1, Chang/HBx and IFN-α-Chang/HBx in vivo. Wound healing and transwell migration assays were used to detect the invasive ability of Chang/pcDNA3.1, Chang/HBx and IFN-α-Chang/HBx. RESULTS: Compared with CCL13 cells transfected with pcDNA3.1, CCL13 with stable expression of hepatitis B virus X protein showed the characteristics of malignant cells with high capability of growth and invasion by detecting their growth curves, colony forming efficiency, wound healing , transwell migration assays and growth assays in nude mice. Its capability of growth and invasion could be controlled by IFN-α. CONCLUSION: IFN-α can restrain the growth and invasive potential of HCC cells induced by HBx protein, which has provided an experimental basis for IFN-α therapy of HCC.

Abrupt onset of type 1 diabetes mellitus during recombinant interferon-alpha 2b therapy in a patient with chronic hepatitis B

We describe a case of a 33-year-old female patient with chronic hepatitis B who developed type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) after a 13-mo period of treatment with recombinant human interferon-alpha (IFN-α) 2b. The patient presented with polydipsia, polyuria, hypergly-cemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, combined with C-peptide secretion defi ciency and positive islet cell autoantibody (ICAb). IFN-α 2b treatment was terminated and in-stead insulin treatment was initiated. Five months after cessation of the recombinant human IFN-α 2b therapy, the patient remained insulin-dependent. Her serum HBV DNA became negative and serum transaminase returned to the normal level after a 10-mo period of IFN therapy. Type 1 DM induced by IFN-α is relatively rare in patients with chronic hepatitis B. We should pay more attention to patients on IFN-α therapy to avoid destruction of pancreatic beta cells. This is the first case report from China.

Gastric autoimmune disorders in patients with chronic hepatitis C before,during and after interferon-alpha therapy

AIM:To explore the prevalence of autoimmune gastritis in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients and the influence of α-interferon (IFN) treatment on autoimmune gastritis. METHODS:We performed a prospective study on 189 patients with positive anti-HCV and viral RNA enrolled in a 12-month IFN protocol.We evaluated:a) the baseline prevalence of autoimmune gastritis,b) the impact of IFN treatment on development of biochemical signs of autoimmune gastritis (at 3,6 and 12 months),c) the evolution after IFN withdrawal (12 months) in terms of anti-gastric-parietal-cell antibodies (APCA),gastrin,anti-thyroid,and anti-non-organ- specific antibodies. RESULTS:APCA positivity and 3-fold gastrin levels were detected in 3 (1.6%) and 9 (5%) patients,respectively,at baseline,in 25 (13%) and 31 (16%) patients at the end of treatment (both P<0.001,vs baseline),and in 7 (4%) and 14 (7%) patients 12 months after withdrawal (P=0.002 and P=0.01 respectively,vs baseline;P=not significant vs end of treatment).The development of autoimmune gastritis was strictly associated with the presence of autoimmune thyroiditis (P=0.0001),no relationship was found with other markers of autoimmunity. CONCLUSION:In HCV patients,IFN frequently precipitates latent autoimmune gastritis,particularly in females.Following our 12-month protocol,the phenomenon generally regressed.Since APCA positivity and high gastrin levels are associated with the presence of antithyroid antibodies, development of autoimmune thyroiditis during IFN treatment may provide a surrogate preliminary indicator of possible autoimmune gastritis to limit the need for invasive examinations.

Synergistic effects of interferon-alpha in combination with chemoradiation on human pancreatic adenocarcinoma

AIM: To determine whether IFN-α is the agent that turns a slightly effective treatment (radiochemotherapy) into a potent therapy, we tested IFN-α for its synergistic properties.METHODS: Eight pancreatic carcinoma cell lines were treated with the single agents and combinations of these.The role of IFN-α regarding a) direct inhibitory effects; b)radio and chemosensitizing effects; c) anti-angiogenic properties and d) enhancement of immunogenicity was investigated.RESULTS: Our results show that IFN-α has direct inhibitory properties and some synergistic influence as determined by AnnexinV/PI stain and cell count. IFN-α is also able to prevent the increase in proliferation rate and VEGF secretion of CDDP resistant cells. Having taken the results from immunogenicity experiments together, we found cells that can be influenced by IFN-α but were less susceptible against T cells. Furthermore, high expression of MHC molecules, CD118, EGF-R and Fas was predictive for a good response.CONCLUSION: In conclusion, IFN-α has direct cytotoxic effects, acts as a radiosensitizer and circumvents tumor cell-regrowth after CDDP treatment. These mechanisms may be responsible for the good clinical outcome of CapRI.

Identification of genes upregulated by recombinant interferon-alpha in HepG2 cells by suppressive subtractive hybridization analysis

BACKGROUND: Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) is an important cytokine with multiple functions, but the target genes transactivated by IFN-alpha remain largely unknown. A study of such genes will help to understand the mechanism of function of IFN-alpha. To isolate the gene transcripts specifically upregulated by IFN-alpha in HepG2 cells, we conducted suppressive subtractive hybridization (SSH) analysis. METHODS: SSH was used to analyze the target genes transactivated by recombinant IFN-alpha protein, and a subtractive cDNA library was constructed from HepG2 cells treated with recombinant IFN-alpha (rIFN-alpha, 2000 IU/ml) for 16 hours as tester, and cells not treated with rIFN-alpha as driver. The SSH PCR products from the library were cloned into pGEM-T easy vector and with BLASTX, the positive clones were randomly selected, sequenced and compared to the database in GenBank of the 35 differentially expressed gene fragments from the library, 6 clones showed significant homology to other known proteins. RESULTS: The subtractive cDNA library of genes upregulated by IFN-alpha was constructed successfully, rIFN-alpha upregulated the expression of the RAN binding protein 5 (RANBP5), NADH dehydrogenase, exosome component 3 (EXOSC3), zinc finger RNA binding protein, Dickkopf homolog 1 (DKK1) and acetyl-coenzyme A acetyltransferase 2 (ACAT2). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that rIFN-alpha can upregulate the expression of important genes to exert its functions, and provide new clues for discovering the molecular mechanisms of action of IFN-alpha.

Acknowledgments to reviewers of World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Many reviewers have contributed their expertise and time to the peer review, a critical process to ensure the quality of World Journal of Gastrointestinal

Acknowledgments to reviewers of World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology and Therapeutics

We acknowledge our sincere thanks to our reviewers. Many reviewers have contributed their expertise and time to the peer review, a critical process to ensure the quality of our World Series Journals. Both the editors of the journals and authors of the manuscripts submitted to the journals are grateful to the following reviewers

Acknowledgments to reviewers of World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Many reviewers have contributed their expertise and time to the peer review,a critical process to ensure the quality of World Journal of Gastrointestinal

Purification of Recombinant Porcine Interferon-Alpha

[ Objective] To study the purification of recombinant porcine interferon-alpha （rPolFN-alpha） and lay a foundation for researches on the structure of the rPolFN-alpha and the preparation of standard proteins. [ Method] The rPolFN-alpha were induced and extracted from the recombi- nant E. coil BL21, and they were purified by two strategies. The first strategy was that the rPolFN-alpha were purified by GST （ glutathione S transferase） affinity chromatography, DEAE （diethylaminoethyl） anion exchange chromatography and gel filtration in turn defined as three-step chromatography method; the second strategy was that the rPolFN-alpha were purified by GST affinity chromatography and gel filtration in tum defined as two-step chromatography method. Then the purified products were detected by the SDS-PAGE （sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis） and were identified by western-blotting. [Result] The purity quotient of pudfied products of the two-step chromatography method was 96.0% and that of the three-step chromatography method was 98.8%. The purified products were detected by the SDS-PAGE and the western- blotting, respectively. The results showed that the target band was 45.0 kDa and the specific band was found. [ Conclusion] The purity quotient of proteins of the two-step chromatography method is close to that of the three-step chromatography method, thus the two-step chromatography meth- od is more convenient and more suitable for pilot production than the three-step chromatography method.

Acknowledgments to reviewers of World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology and Therapeutics

We acknowledge our sincere thanks to our reviewers.Many reviewers have contributed their expertise and time to the peer review,a critical process to ensure the quality of our World Series Journals.Both the editors of the journals and authors of the manuscripts submitted to the journals are grateful to the following reviewers for reviewing the articles(either published or rejected) over the past period of time.

Acknowledgments to reviewers of World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Many reviewers have contributed their expertise and time to the peer review, a critical process to ensure the quality of World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology and Therapeutics. The editors

Acknowledgments to reviewers of World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Many reviewers have contributed their expertise and time to the peer review,a critical process to ensure the quality of World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology and Therapeutics.The editors and authors of the articles submitted to the journal are grateful to the

Effect of Interferon-alpha in systemic lupus erthematosus (SLE) serum on the differentiation and maturation of dendritic cells derived from CD34^+ hematopoietic precursor cells

Objective： To study the effect of interferon-alpha IFN-α in the serum of SLE patients on the differentiation and maturation of dendritic cells （DCs） derived from CD34^＋ hematopoietic precursor cells （HPCs）. Methods： Serum samples from SLE patients and normal controls were collected and the concentration of IFN-α detected by ELISA. CD34^＋HPCs were purified from cord blood by a magnetic cell sorting system （MACS）, and cultured to differentiate to DCs. Normal serum, normal serum with exogenous IFN-α, SLE serum with raised levels of IFN-α, or SLE serum with anfi-IFN-α neutralizing antibody was added to the culture medium. The phenotype of DCs was analyzed by flow cytometry （FCM） and the capacity of DCs to stimulate allogenic T lymphocyte proliferation was evaluated in a mixed lymphocyte reaction by the Cell Counting Kit-8. Cytokine production was assessed by ELISA. Results： Serum levels of IFN-α were significantly higher in SLE patients than in normal controls and this correlated positively with disease activity. Cultured in SLE serum with raised levels of IFN-α, CD34^＋ HPCs could differentiate into DCs that expressed higher levels of HLA-DR, CD80 and CD86, and showed an enhanced allogenic T-cell stimulatory capacity, while producing lower levels of IL-12 and higher amounts of IL-10 compared with those DCs cultured in normal serum. Conclusion： Increased levels of IFN-α in SLE serum promotes the differentiation and maturation of DCs derived from CD34^＋ HPCs and could contribute to the pathogenesis of SLE.

《医宗金鉴·正骨心法要旨》中治疗伤科瘀肿疼痛方剂的用药规律分析

目的:分析《医宗金鉴·正骨心法要旨》中治疗伤科瘀肿疼痛方剂的用药规律。方法:收集《医宗金鉴·正骨心法要旨》中治疗伤科瘀肿疼痛的方剂,对组方中药物的出现频次及药性、药味、归经、功效进行统计,分析用药规律。结果:共收集到《医宗金鉴·正骨心法要旨》中治疗瘀肿疼痛的内服、外用方剂57首,涉及中药179味。出现频次≥5的药物有35味,当归出现频次最多。药性出现频次较高的为温、寒、平,药味出现频次较高的为辛、苦、甘,归经主要归肝经、脾经、心经,药物功效主要为补虚、活血、清热。关联药物数最多的药物是当归,规则支持度最高的药物组合为川芎-当归;增益最高的药物组合为生姜-人参、甘草。核心药物组合有4组,分别为人参-生姜-大枣-茯苓-白术、柴胡-栀子-半夏-黄芩、当归-川芎-熟地黄-白芍、血竭-木香-酒。结论:《医宗金鉴·正骨心法要旨》中治疗伤科瘀肿疼痛的方剂多采用性温、味辛、归肝经的药物,核心药物组合以健脾益气、疏肝清火、补血活血、活血止痛药物为主,用药规律符合其专从血论、气血并重、消补并用的治伤思想。