Pseudolaric acid B induces caspase-dependent cell death in human ovarian cancer cells.

Pseudolaric acid B (PAB) is a diterpene acid isolated from the root and trunk bark of Pseudolarix kaempferi Gordon (Pinaceae). Recent studies have reported that PAB exhibits cytotoxic effects in several cancer cell lines. In the present study, we assessed its antitumor activity and molecular mechanisms in HO-8910 and A2780 ovarian cancer cells in vitro.

Pseudolaric acid B induces apoptosis in U937 human leukemia cells via caspase-9‑mediated activation of the mitochondrial death pathway.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that pseudolaric acid B (PAB) promotes apoptosis in several cancer cell lines. However, thus far, the effect of PAB on human leukemia cells has not been evaluated. In the present study, the antitumor activity and molecular mechanisms of PAB in human leukemia U937 cells were investigated.

Effect of phenylephrine on alveolar fluid clearance in ventilator-induced lung injury.

Objective: To investigate the effect of phenylephrine (an α-adrenergic agonist) on alveolar fluid clearance (AFC) in ventilator-induced lung injury and the possible mechanism involved.

Methods: A total of 170 male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into 17 groups (n=10) using random number tables. Short-term (40 minutes) mechanical ventilation with high tidal volume (HVT) was performed to induce lung injury, impair active Na+ transport and lung liquid clearance in the rats.

Effect of beta3-adrenergic agonists on alveolar fluid clearance in hypoxic rat lungs.

Background: Recent research suggests that beta(2)-adrenergic agonists increase alveolar fluid clearance (AFC) under physiologic and pathologic conditions. It is unknown whether beta(3)-adrenergic agonists also increase AFC under pathologic conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of beta(3)-adrenergic agonists on AFC following hypoxic lung injury and the mechanisms involved.

Plasma metabolic profiling of Alzheimer's disease by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Objectives: The identification of Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers may allow for a less invasive and more accurate diagnosis as well as serve as a predictor of future disease progression and treatment response. The aim of this study was to map potential biomarkers in plasma for AD.

Design And Methods: Plasma metabolic perturbations between AD and healthy old person were investigated using ultra performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS) and metabonomics approach.