Analysis of adenosine phosphates in HepG-2 cell by a HPLC-ESI-MS system with porous graphitic carbon as stationary phase.

A high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry method was developed for the determination of adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP), adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP), and adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) in the extract of HepG-2 cells. The chromatographic conditions were optimized by using porous graphitic carbon as the stationary phase for the retention and separation of the AMP, ADP and ATP. Negative-ion mode ESI-MS in basic mobile phase was applied to improve the method sensitivity.

Chemical and ecotoxicological analyses of sediments and elutriates of contaminated rivers due to e-waste recycling activities using a diverse battery of bioassays.

A multi-trophic, multi-exposure phase assessment approach was applied to characterize the toxicity of sediments collected from two rivers in Guiyu, China, an e-waste recycling centre. Elutriate toxicity tests (bacterium Vibrio fischeri and microalga Selenastrum capricornutum) and whole sediment toxicity test (crustacean Heterocypris incongruens) showed that most sediments exhibited acute toxicity, due to elevated heavy metals and PAHs levels, and low pH caused by uncontrolled acid discharge. The survival rates of crustaceans were negatively (p < 0.

Spontaneous spinal and intracranial subdural hematoma.

Subdural hematoma (SDH) of the spine following intracranial hemorrhage is extremely rare. We present a 35-year-old woman who suffered from headache and dizziness initially, and then lower back pain, lower limb weakness and paraparesis gradually developed within 1-2 weeks. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed intracranial and spinal SDH.

[Seasonal dynamics of phosphorus forms in water body and sediments of Nanhu Lake, Wuhan].

Water samples and sediment cores were taken at 5 sites of Nanhu Lake, Wuhan to investigate the seasonal dynamics of phosphorus in water body, sediments and their interstitial water, as well as the phosphorus forms in sediments. The results showed that the average concentrations of total phosphorus (TP) and orthophosphate (PO4(3-) -P) in water body were 0.240 and 0.

Differentially expressed genes from the glioblastoma cell line SHG-44 treated with all-trans retinoic acid in vitro.

Morphology, immunocytochemistry, growth curve assay, and flow cytometry were used to investigate the effects of all-trans retinoic acid (RA) on cell proliferation, cell cycle progression and differentiation of the astrocytoma cell line SHG-44 from glioblastoma multiforme (World Health Organization grade IV). The differentially expressed genes from RA-treated and normal SHG-44 were identified by cDNA microarray after the cell line SHG-44 was treated with 10muM RA for 3 days. Validation of some differentially expressed genes was performed by Northern Blot analysis.

[Surgical treatment and prognosis of aneurysmal bone cyst in mobile spine].

Objective: To investigate the effects of surgical treatment and prognosis of aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) in mobile spine.

Methods: A total of 12 patients with ABC were operated on from 1996 to 2006, and the clinical data were retrospectively reviewed. The patients included 7 male and 5 female, aged from 16 to 52 years (mean, 29 years).

Effects of ginsenosides Re and Rg3 on intracellular redox state and cell proliferation in C6 glioma cells.

Background: Cellular redox state is important to cell growth and death. The growth of tumor cells may be modulated by intracellular reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG). The present study aims to investigate the effects of ginsenosides Re and Rg3 on cellular redox state and cell proliferation in C6 glioma cells.

[Activation of nuclear factor-kappa B and its modulalorg effects on intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression in mice with dextran sulphate sodium-induced rat colitis].

Objective: To investigate the changes in the activity of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappa B) in mice with dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced rat colitis and its modulalorg effect on intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression.

Methods: Twenty normal male mice were randomized into DSS group and normal saline (NS) control group according to a matched-pair design. From days 1 to 7, the mice in DSS group were subjected to oral administration of 5%DSS solution, and from days 8 to 20, NS was given instead, for a total of 3 cycles.

Acrylamide-induced molecular mutation spectra at HPRT locus in human promyelocytic leukaemia HL-60 and NB4 cell lines.

Acrylamide (AA) is a compound widely used in many industries around the world. The recent finding that it is formed naturally in foods by heating raises human health concerns. AA is a proven carcinogen in animals and a probable carcinogen in humans, while its mutagenicity detected using in vitro mammalian gene mutation assays is still inconsistent in different cell systems.

MAPK regulate p53-dependent cell death induced by benzo[a]pyrene: involvement of p53 phosphorylation and acetylation.

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is a potentially genotoxic and cytotoxic environmental pollutant. Previous studies showed that exposure of HepG(2) cells to BaP causes necrotic cell death [Lin, T., Yang, M.

Increase in intracellular free/bound NAD[P]H as a cause of Cd-induced oxidative stress in the HepG(2) cells.

The present study shows the use of confocal autofluorescence spectroscopy coupled with the time-resolved fluorescence decay analysis to measure changes in FAD/NAD[P]H and free/bound NAD[P]H in HepG(2) cells at 0.5, 1.5, 3 and 4.

[Study on chemical constituents from rhizomes of Actaea asiatica].

Objective: To investigate the chemical constituents of the rhizomes of Actaea asiatica in order to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of its effective components.

Method: Compounds were separated by silica gel chromatography, RP-C18 chromatography and semi-preparative high performance liquid chromatography, and their structures were established by spectral analysis and chemical evidence.

Result: Six compounds were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract.

Angioplasty as the first-line therapeutic option for venous hypertension with outlet obstruction of dural sinus.

We describe a nonconventional endovascular approach to the treatment of pseudotumor cerebri with venous outlet stricture or obstruction. In three patients presenting with acute visual loss, angiograms showed sinus occlusion and stasis of contrast material, with an increased pressure gradient in the venous system. We used venous sinus angioplasty as the first therapeutic option.

Benzo[a]pyrene-induced necrosis in the HepG(2) cells via PARP-1 activation and NAD(+) depletion.

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a member of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), has been reported to induce cell death in various cell types. However, the underlying mechanisms are controversial. In the present study, we report that BaP induces necrotic cell death in human hepatoma (HepG(2)) cells.

[Effects of NaCl stress on the exogenous gene expression in transgenic poplar plants].

The expressions of BtCry1Ac insect-resistance genes and rhizogenesis genes and their response to NaCl stress were studied using tissue culture plants of high transgenic insect-resistant 'poplar 741' and transpolygenes 741 (insect-resistant genes and T-DNA of Ri plasmid). The results showed that IAA and GA contents increased quickly, plant root number increased and root length reduced after rhizogenesis and hormone synthesis related gene in Ri T-DNA were inserted into the genome of poplar (Figs.2, 3, 8 and 9).

Differential expression of genes associated with cell proliferation and apoptosis induced by okadaic acid during the transformation process of BALB/c 3T3 cells.

Okadaic acid (OA) is a tumor promoter in two-stage carcinogenesis experiments. Nevertheless, the effects of OA on cell transformation, cell proliferation and apoptosis vary widely, and the molecular events underlying these effects of OA are not well understood. In the present study, we examined the promoting activity and the associated effects on cell growth and apoptosis mediated by OA in BALB/c 3T3 cells, and evaluated alterations of gene transcriptional expression by microarray analysis.

[Comparison of antioxidative and antitumor activities of six flavonoids from Epimedium koreanum].

Objective: To study the antioxidative and antitumor activities of flavonoids isolated from Epimedium koreanum.

Method: The compounds were separated by column chromatography with silica gel and Sephadex LH-20, and identified by spectral a- nalysis (ESI-MS, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR) respectively. DPPH radical scavenging assay and MTT assay were used to observe the antioxidative and antitumor abilities.

[Correlation between ITS genotype and geographical distribution of Pogostemon cablin].

To investigate the correlation between genotype and distribution of Pogostemon cablin by sequencing ITS1 and ITS2 genes, and provide molecular information for its germplasm evaluation, ITS1 and ITS2 genes of Pogostemon cablin from different localities were identified by PCR direct sequencing. The sequences of ITS1 and ITS2 genes were 424 bp and 380 bp in length, respectively. And nineteen base substitutions were observed in ITS1 gene, and five in ITS2 gene.

Acute and chronic toxicities of tributyltin to various life stages of the marine polychaete Hydroides elegans.

Experiments were performed to determine the acute and chronic toxicities of tributyltin (TBT) (nominal concentrations) to polychaete Hydroides elegans. Firstly, static tests were performed to examine the lethal effect of TBT on five life stages of H. elegans.

Effect of zinc ion on the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of mouse primary bone marrow stromal cells and the adipocytic trans-differentiation of mouse primary osteoblasts.

A series of experimental methods including 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) test, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity measurement and Oil Red O stain and measurement were employed to assess the effect of zinc ion on the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of mouse primary bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs) and the adipogenic trans-differentiation of mouse primary osteoblasts. The results showed that except for individual concentrations of zinc ion there was no effect on the proliferation of MSCs and osteoblasts. Zinc ion inhibited the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs at all the concentrations tested.

Effects of total flavonoids and flavonol glycosides from Epimedium koreanum Nakai on the proliferation and differentiation of primary osteoblasts.

In a bioassay-guided drug screening for anti-osteoporosis activity, eight flavonol glycosides were isolated from Epimedium koreanum Nakai, which is traditionally widely used in China for the treatment of impotence and osteoporosis. The effects of total flavonoids and flavonol glycosides on the proliferation and differentiation of rat calvarial osteoblast-like cells were evaluated by the MTT method and measuring the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP activity). Total flavonoids (1.

Characterization of focal brain lesions by gradient-echo arterial spin-tagging perfusion imaging.

A simple gradient-echo arterial spin tagging (GREAST) technique allows for quick assessment of regional tissue perfusion without the need for exogenous contrast agent. The purpose of this prospective study was to validate GREAST imaging in characterizing the regional perfusion status of focal brain lesions by comparing with relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) maps obtained by using echo-planar imaging (EPI)-based dynamic susceptibility contrast MR imaging. Thirty-two patients whose nonenhanced brain MR images showed 34 focal brain lesions during routine examination were selected to immediately undergo GREAST and dynamic susceptibility contrast MR imaging to evaluate regional perfusion of the lesions.

Benzo[a]pyrene-induced elevation of GSH level protects against oxidative stress and enhances xenobiotic detoxification in human HepG2 cells.

Glutathione (GSH) is one of the most important antioxidants in mammalian cells. It also plays an important role in chemical detoxification. Some evidence showed that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P [50-32-8]), could increase GSH content as a defense mechanism against oxidative stress as well as to promote its detoxification.

[Cytotoxicity and mechanism of 23-O-acetylcimigenol-3-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside on HepG2 cells].

Objective: To elucidate the cytotoxicity and mechanism of 23-O-acetylcimigenol-3-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside isolated from C. dahurica on HepG2 cells and to find the leading compound for new drug development.

Method: MTT, AO/EB staining observation, flow cytometry and western blot methods were used to study the cytotoxicity, morphological changes, cell cycle distribution and protein expression profile of 23-O-acetylcimigenol-3-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside on HepG2 cells.

Protein kinase C-beta 1 gene variants are not associated with autism in the Irish population.

Some evidences indicate that protein kinase C-beta 1 (PRKCB1) gene may be a predisposition locus of autism. A recent study reported evidence of association between autism and two haplotypes made up of six noncoding single nucleotide polymorphisms in the PRKCB1. To attempt replication of their findings, we examined the same six single nucleotide polymorphisms of PRKCB1 in 171 Irish autism trios.