Latest Issue
Issue 9 ， 2017
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Mesenchymal stem cells as therapeutic agents and in gene delivery for the treatment of glioma
Abstract：Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are plastic-adherent cells with a characteristic surface phenotype and properties of self-renewal, differentiation, and high proliferative potential. The characteristics of MSCs and their tumor-tropic capability make them an ideal tool for use in cell-based therapies for cancer, including glioma. These cells can function either through a bystander effect or as a delivery system for genes and drugs. MSCs have been demonstrated to inhibit the growth of glioma and to improve survival following transplantation into the brain. We briefly review the current data regarding the use of MSCs in the treatment of glioma and discuss the potential strategies for development of a more specific and effective therapy.Keywords：Cancer;Glioma;Mesenchymal stem cells;Stem cells;Therapy- 93
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Published：2022-01-05
Review
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Global changes of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine and 5-methylcytosine from normal to tumor tissues are associated with carcinogenesis and prognosis in colorectal cancer
Abstract：Aberrant DNA methylation has raised widespread attention in tumorigenesis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the changes of global DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation from normal to tumor tissues in colorectal cancer (CRC) and their association with the prognosis. The levels of genomic 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and 5-methylcytosine (5mC) in cancerous tissues were significantly lower than those in corresponding adjacent normal tissues. The genomic levels of 5mC were significantly positively correlated with 5hmC in normal and cancerous tissues (all P<0.05). The ratio of 5mC in cancerous tissues to matched normal tissues (C/N-5mC) was also significantly positively correlated with the ratio of 5hmC in cancerous tissues to matched normal tissues (C/N-5hmC) (P=0.01). The 5mC levels and C/N-5mC ratios decreased with age (all P<0.05). Higher 5mC and 5hmC levels were found in rectal than in colon tissues (all P<0.05). High levels of 5mC in cancerous tissues and high C/N-5hmC ratios were each associated with lymph node metastasis (all P<0.05). Survival analysis indicated that the C/N-5mC ratio (P=0.04) is an independent protective factor for overall survival. The data showed that patients with a combination of high C/N-5hmC and low C/N-5mC ratios tended to have a worse prognosis (P<0.01). Our findings showed that the C/N-5mC ratio may be an independent prognostic factor for CRC outcome. Patients with both a high C/N-5hmC ratio and a low C/N-5mC ratio exhibited the worst survival, suggesting that 5mC and 5hmC can be used as critical markers in tumorigenesis and prognosis estimation.Keywords：5-Hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC);5-Methylcytosine (5mC);Prognosis;Colorectal cancer- 113
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Published：2022-01-05 -
Toxicity comparison of different active fractions extracted from radix
Sophorae tonkinensis in zebrafishAbstract：Radix Sophorae tonkinensis (RST) is a widely used herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for treating infectious and inflammatory diseases. However, the toxicity data for RST are limited. The aim of this work is to assess and compare the toxicity of the whole RST extract and its five active fractions using the zebrafish model. Five active fractions of RST were prepared using five different types of solvents, which included dealkalized water, ethanol, n-butyl ethanol, dichloromethane, and diethyl ether. The chemical profiles of the active fractions were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the toxicity observed in the zebrafish model was confirmed using mouse models. In the zebrafish model, cardiovascular toxicity was observed for the fraction extracted using diethyl ether, and hepatotoxicity was observed for the whole RST extract and the fractions extracted using water and ethanol, whereas both cardiovascular and hepatic toxicities were observed for the fractions extracted using n-butyl ethanol and dichloromethane. The hepatotoxicity of the fractions extracted using n-butyl ethanol and dichloromethane was also observed in mice. Our findings provide the toxicity data for RST and its five active fractions through modeling in a zebrafish, and indicate that the different fractions may each have a different toxicity, which is helpful for the optimal use of RST in clinical practice.Keywords：Sophorae tonkinensis Gagnep; Active fraction; Hepatotoxicity; Cardiovascular toxicity; Zebrafish- 101
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Published：2022-01-05 -
Protective effect of dihydropteridine reductase against oxidative stress is abolished with A278C mutation
Abstract：Objective:To evaluate the antioxidation of dihydrobiopterin reductase and to explore the effect of A278C mutation of the quinoid dihydropteridine reductase (QDPR) gene on its antioxidant activity.Methods:First, plasmids with different genes (wild and mutant QDPR) were constructed. After gene sequencing, they were transfected into human kidney cells (HEK293T). Then, the intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) was detected after cells were harvested. Activations of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 (NOX4), glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPX3), and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) were analyzed to observe the oxidative stress after transfection. The expression of the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) gene was analyzed by semiquantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). We also detected the activation of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to observe the connection of TGF-β1 and oxidative stress.Results:The exogenous wild-type QDPR significantly decreased the expression of nNOS, NOX4, and TGF-β1 and induced the expression of SOD1 and GPX3, but the mutated QDPR lost this function and resulted in excessive ROS production. Our data also suggested that the influence on the level of BH4 had no significant difference between mutated and the wild-type QDPR transfection.Conclusions:Wild-type QDPR played an important role in protecting against oxidative stress, but mutant QDPR failed to have these beneficial effects.Keywords：Dihydropteridine reductase;Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1);Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 (NOX4);Superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1);Glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPX3);Oxidative stress- 131
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Published：2022-01-05 -
Adhesion of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on porous titanium surfaces with strontium-doped hydroxyapatite coating
Abstract：Objective:To determine the adhesion behavior of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on a titanium surface with a nanostructured strontium-doped hydroxyapatite (Sr-HA) coating.Methods:Sr-HA coatings were applied on roughened titanium surfaces using an electrochemical deposition method. Primary cultured rat MSCs were seeded onto Sr-HA-, HA-coated titanium, and roughened titanium surfaces, and they were then cultured for 1, 6, and 24 h. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to determine the metabolic condition of the cells. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the cell morphology. The cytoskeletal structure was analyzed using fluorescence actin staining to characterize cell adherence. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to analyze the gene expression levels of FAK (focal adhesion kinase), vinculin, integrin β1, and integrin β3 after culturing for 24, 48, and 72 h.Results:MSCs cultured on the Sr-HA surface showed better cell proliferation and viability. Improvement of cell adhesion and structural rearrangement of the cytoskeleton were observed on the Sr-HA surface. The gene expression of FAK, vinculin, integrin β1, and integrin β3 was also elevated on the Sr-HA surface.Conclusions:Cell viability, adhesion, cell morphology, and the cytoskeletal structure were all upregulated considerably by the titanium surface modified with a Sr-HA coating.Keywords：Cell adhesion;Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell;Strontium-doped hydroxyapatite;Titanium- 17
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Published：2022-01-05 -
Neuroprotection of dexmedetomidine against propofol-induced neuroapoptosis partly mediated by PI3K/Akt pathway in hippocampal neurons of fetal rat
Abstract：The aim was to investigate how the PI3K/Akt pathway is involved in the protection of dexmedetomidine against propofol. The hippocampal neurons from fetal rats were separated and cultured in a neurobasal medium. Cell viability was assayed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Then neurons were pretreated with different concentrations of dexmedetomidine before 100 μmol/L propofol was added. Akt, phospho-Akt (p-Akt), Bad, phospho-Bad (p-Bad), and Bcl-xL were detected by Western blot. Also, neurons were pretreated with dexmedetomidine alone or given the inhibitor LY294002 before dexmedetomidine pretreatment, and then propofol was added for 3 h. The results demonstrated that propofol decreased the cell viability and the expression of p-Akt and p-Bad proteins, increased the level of Bad, and reduced the ratio of Bcl-xL/Bad. Dexmedetomidine pretreatment could reverse these effects. The enhancement of p-Akt and p-Bad induced by dexmedetomidine was prevented by LY294002. These results showed that dexmedetomidine potently protected the developing neuron and this protection may be partly mediated by the PI3K/Akt pathway.Keywords：Dexmedetomidine;Propofol;Neuroapoptosis;PI3K/Akt- 117
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Published：2022-01-05 -
Antioxidant activity of alcohol aqueous extracts of
Crypthecodinium cohnii andSchizochytrium sp.Abstract：Crypthecodinium cohnii (dinoflagellate) and Schizochytrium sp. (thraustochytrid) are the main sources for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The present study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water fractions of alcohol aqueous extracts of these two microalgae and to provide a theoretical basis for comprehensive utilization. The antioxidant activity was determined by total antioxidant capacity (TAC) determination, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, ferrous ion-chelating ability (FICA) assay, and reducing power (RP) assay. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were also measured by the Folin-Ciocalteu and spectrophotometry methods, respectively. The results indicated that the extracts from these two microalgae possessed good antioxidant capacity. Analysis showed that most antioxidant performance indicators (TAC, DPPH, and RP) were positively correlated with the TPC of the extracts, suggesting that the phenolics might be the major components in C. cohnii and Schizochytrium sp., contributing to their antioxidative function. Therefore, the polar fractions of C. cohnii and Schizochytrium sp. could be further examined and considered for application in health products or cosmetics.Keywords：Crypthecodinium cohnii;Schizochytrium sp.;Alcohol aqueous extract;Antioxidant activity;Total phenolics- 27
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Published：2022-01-05 -
Application of a chitosan coating as a carrier for natamycin to maintain the storage quality of ground cherry (
Physalis pubescens L.)Abstract：Ground cherry (Physalis pubescens L.) is a kind of berry fruit favored by consumers in China; however, this fruit is particularly vulnerable to physiological senescence and pathogen attack during the traditional cold storage period. In order to maintain storage quality, a 1.5% (w/w) chitosan (CS) water solution containing 50 mg/L of natamycin (NA) was introduced. After all treatments were completed, the fruit was stored at 0 °C and sampled every 10 d. At each sampling date, the following tests were performed: mold and yeast analyses; enzyme activity and content analyses which included superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and malondialdehyde (MDA); and color analysis. In addition, a sensory evaluation was carried out for quality assessment at the end of the storage period. The results showed that the application of a chitosan coating combined with natamycin (CSNA) enhanced the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), reduced the physiological rate of senescence, and inhibited pathogen attack. Thus, CSNA treatment can maintain ground cherries at an acceptable level of storage quality for 50 d.Keywords：Chitosan coating;Natamycin;Storage quality;Physalis pubescens L.- 38
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Published：2022-01-05 -
Antimelanogenic effects of
Inula britannica flower petal extract fermented byLactobacillus plantarum KCCM 11613PAbstract：The inhibitory effects of Lactobacillus plantarum-fermented and non-fermented Inula britannica extracts on the tyrosinase activity were comparatively investigated to examine whether and how they improve the whitening activity, and the contents of total flavonoids and polyphenolics as bioactive compounds were determined. The skin whitening activity using in vitro or ex vivo tyrosinase and L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) staining was examined. The total flavonoid content (TFC) was increased by 13.4% after 72 h-fermentation. The viabilities of the B16F10 cells treated with the fermented and non-fermented control extracts were 100.26% and 92.15% at 500 µg/ml, respectively. In addition, the inhibition of tyrosinase activity was increased by the fermented samples from 29.33% to 41.74% following fermentation for up to 72 h. The tyrosinase activity of the untreated control group was increased to 145.69% in B16F10 cells. The results showed that I. britannica fermented by L. plantarum dose-dependently inhibited tyrosinase activity, which was stimulated by α-melanocyte stimulating hormone. These results suggest that lactic fermented I. britannica extracts can be used as effective skin-whitening materials.Keywords：Inula Britannica;Flavonoid;Lactobacillus plantarum;Antioxidant;Tyrosinase inhibitor- 12
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Published：2022-01-05
Article
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An analysis of patents for anesthetic laryngoscopes
Abstract：The anesthetic laryngoscope is one of the most popular medical tools for obtaining a clear view of the larynx and facilitates tracheal intubation. The number of anesthetic laryngoscope patents, coming mainly from the anesthesiologists, has rapidly increased. Each product has a specialized use for particular patients. However, it is unclear to what extent anesthetic laryngoscopy gained acceptance in operating theaters. By retrieving patent data for more than 90 countries from the Online Retrieval of Bibliographic Information Time-share (ORBIT) system, we reviewed the anesthetic laryngoscope patent literature published before July 6, 2015, and manually analyzed patent status, general development trends, areas of competition, technology patentees, and technology classifications. The study showed that the number of anesthetic laryngoscope patent applications has stayed at a high level in the last decade. Most patent activity was carried out in the USA, with China and a number of European countries trailing behind. In addition, the patent analysis provided an opportunity to understand the trends in the development of anesthetic laryngoscope technology, to identify shortcomings in clinical use of anesthetic laryngoscopes, to assist medical manufacturing specialists in improving the design and products, and to suggest to anesthesiologists modifications of the clinical signs of difficult tracheal intubation based on the new commercial anesthetic laryngoscopes applied in the front-line.Keywords：Patent literature analysis;Anesthetic laryngoscope;Technology;Data analysis;Innovation dynamics- 14
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Published：2022-01-05
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