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Background: Racial disparities among breast cancer (BCa) patients are known but not well studied in early-onset BCa. We analyzed molecular subtypes in early-onset BCa across five major races., Methods: A total of 2120 cases were included from non-Hispanic White (NHW), African American (AA) and Hispanic, Chinese and Indian. Based on ER, PR and HER-2 status, BCa was classified into 4 intrinsic subtypes as Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2/neu overexpression and Triple negative BCa (TNBC) subtypes. Data was stratified according to race and age as younger/early-onset group (40-years and younger) and older group (50-years and older)., Results: In early-onset BCa, incidence of TNBC was significantly higher (p = 0.0369) in Indian women followed by AA, Hispanic, NHW and Chinese women. Incidence of Her2 over-expression subtype also was highest in Indian women, followed by Hispanic, Chinese, AA and NHW women. In contrast, Luminal B subtype was most significantly higher in AA women (p = 0.0000) followed by NHW (p = 0.0002), Chinese (p = 0.0003), Hispanic (0.0128) and Indian (p = 0.0468) women. Luminal A subtype was most significantly reduced in Indian women (p = 0.0113) followed by Hispanic, AA, NHW and Chinese women. These results were based on statistical analysis with the mean of older group populations., Conclusions: These results show significant disparities in receptor subtypes across races. This study will contribute in developing optimal clinical trial protocols and personalized management strategies for early-onset BCa patients.

The Dmrt family of genes are involved in sex differentiation in different species of invertebrates, and some vertebrates including human. In this study, we cloned the full-length cDNA of ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis) Dmrt1 and DmrtA2. Sequence and phylogenetic tree analyses showed ayu Dmrt1 showed highest similarity to that of Oncorhynchus mykiss while ayu DmrtA2 is most similar to that of Oryzias latipes. Fluorescence-based quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed the Dmrt1 was predominantly expressed in the testis. At the larval stages, Dmrt1 mRNA expression level was highest during 52-64 days post hatching (dph) and at the gastrula stage during embryonic development. DmrtA2, meanwhile, was specifically expressed in the ovary and was highly expressed in the female brain tissue, but not male brain tissue. During the larval stages, DmrtA2 expression remained high before day 34, and then fluctuated while generally decreasing. During embryonic development, DmrtA2 expression increased gradually and peaked at the hatching stage. Our data suggest that ayu Dmrt1 might participate in the differentiation and maintenance of testis while DmrtA2 may play a role in ovary-differentiation and mature-ovary maintenance. DmrtA2 might also participate in brain development.

The data of 72 cases of advanced schistosomiasis portal hypertension patients who received surgical treatment were retrospectively analyzed in the Fifth People's Hospital of Changde City from January, 1999 to January, 2011. Postoperative complications occurred in 17 cases, and the rate was 23.6%, including intra-abdominal bleeding in 2 cases, postoperative infection in 5 cases, recent upper gastrointestinal bleeding in 3 cases, massive ascites in 2 cases, persistent fever in 3 cases, and unusual increase of platelets and portal vein thrombosis in 2 cases.

Objective: To assess the association between membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase gene (MT1-MMP, MMP14) polymorphisms and osteoporosis in Zhuang men from Baise region of Guangxi., Methods: Genotypes of 5 loci (rs1003349, rs3751488, rs2269213, rs2236303 and rs743257) of MMP14 gene in 301 Zhuang men were determined with single base extension methods, and bone mineral density (BMD) at left calcaneus was evaluated with quantitative ultrasound with measured values of broadband ultrasonic attenuation (BUA). The subjects were divided according to BMD into osteoporosis group, osteopenia group and normal bone density group., Results: All selected loci were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P> 0.05). By multiple linear stepwise regression analysis, polymorphisms of the five loci were not associated with BUA. But a significant higher risk of osteoporosis was found in individuals with MMP14 rs1003349 GT genotype (vs. GG genotype; P<0.05) and rs2236303 CC and CT genotypes (vs. TT genotype; P<0.05). Genetic linkage between rs1003349 and rs2236303 was also discovered (D'= 0.839, r(2) = 0.458, P<0.01). Compared with the normal bone density group, the frequency of a G-T haplotype of rs1003349 and rs2236303 was significantly lower in the osteoporosis group (P<0.05). And the risk of osteoporosis for individuals with G-C and T-C haplotypes was 2.556 (95% CI: 1.029-6.349, P = 0.038) and 5.111 (95% CI: 1.341-19.485, P = 0.011) compared with G-T haplotype., Conclusion: Polymorphisms of rs1003349 and rs2236303 loci of MMP14 gene are associated with the susceptibility of osteoporosis in Zhuang men in Guangxi. G-C and T-C haplotypes for loci rs1003349 and rs2236303 may increase the disease risk.

Aim: To determine the expression and clinical significance of transcriptional intermediary factor 1 gamma (TIF1γ), Smad4 and transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβR) across a spectrum representing colorectal cancer (CRC) development., Methods: Tissue microarrays were prepared from archival paraffin embedded tissue, including 51 colorectal carcinomas, 25 tubular adenomas (TA) and 26 HPs, each with matched normal colonic epithelium. Immunohistochemistry was performed using antibodies against TIF1γ, Smad4 and TGFβRII. The levels of expression were scored semi-quantitatively (score 0-3 or loss and retention for Smad4)., Results: Overexpression of TIF1γ was detected in 5/26 (19%) HP; however, it was seen in a significantly higher proportion of neoplasms, 15/25 (60%) TAs and 24/51 (47%) CRCs (P < 0.05). Normal colonic mucosa, HP, and TAs showed strong Smad4 expression, while its expression was absent in 22/51 (43%) CRCs. Overexpression of TGFβRII was more commonly seen in neoplasms, 13/25 (52%) TAs and 29/51 (57%) CRCs compared to 9/26 (35%) HP (P < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a correlation between TIF1γ overexpression and Smad4 loss in CRC (Kendall tau rank correlation value = 0.35, P < 0.05). The levels of TIF1γ overexpression were significantly higher in stage III than in stage I and II CRC (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: The findings suggest that over-expression of TIF1γ occurs in early stages of colorectal carcinogenesis, is inversely related with Smad4 loss, and may be a prognostic indicator for poor outcome.

Background: This study aims to explore the relationship between spleen arterial blood flow (SBF) with platelet count, spleen index (SPI) and the serum nitric oxide (NO) level of patients with liver cirrhosis and to investigate the role of SBF in the development of hypersplenism., Methodology: Platelet count, SPI, SBF and serum NO levels were evaluated in 100 patients with liver cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B with hypersplenism (cirrhosis group) and 30 healthy persons without hypersplenism (control group)., Results: Platelet count in cirrhosis group and control group was 57.0 +/- 25.6 x 109/L and 205.8 +/- 47.4 x 109/L (p = 0.000), SBF was 535.7 +/- 263.7 milmin and 172.2 +/- 66.9 ml/min (p = 0.000), and serum NO level was 98.51 +/- 23.06 micromol/L and 48.43 +/- 19.47 micromol/L (p = 0.000). Linear correlations were made between SBF and platelet count in cirrhosis group (r = -0.573, p = 0.000), SBF and SPI (r = 0.607, p = 0.01), SBF and serum NO level (r = 0.754, p = 0.000). Moreover, serum NO level increased as liver disease aggravated (82.50 +/- 15.04 pmol/L in Child grade A, 94.61 +/- 21.00 micromol/L in grade B and 116.83 +/- 18.03 micromol/L in grade C; grade A versus grade C, p = 0.003)., Conclusion: The elevation of SBF may play an important role in the development of hypersplenism and disorders in vasoactive factors such as the serum NO caused by liver cirrhosis may play an important role in the elevation of SBF.

An atrazine-degrading strain HB-5 was used as a bacteria for biodegradation. Treatments of soil with nitrogen single, phosphate single and nitrogen phosphate together with HB-5 were carried out for degradation and eco-toxicity test; then, relationship between atrazine degradation rate and soil available nitrogen, available phosphorus were discussed. Atrazine residues were determined by HPLC; available nitrogen was determined with alkaline hydrolysis diffusion method; available phosphorus was determined with 0.5 mol/L-NaHCO3 extraction and molybdenum stibium anti-color method, and toxicity test was carried out with micronucleus test of Vicia faba root tip cells. The results showed that: After separately or together application, nitrogenous and phosphorous fertilizers could significantly accelerate atrazine degradation than soil with HB-5 only. On day 5, the order of atrazine degradation was ANP > AP > AN > A; 7 days later, no statistically significant differences were found between treatments. The available nitrogen and phosphorus level in soil reduced as the degradation rate increased in the soil. The soil of eco-toxicity test results indicated that the eco-toxicity significantly reduced with the degradation of atrazine by HB-5, and the eco-toxicity on treatments of soil with fertilizer were all below the treatments without fertilizer. On day 5, the order of eco-toxicity was ANP < AP < AN < A; 7 days later, all treatments were decreased in control levels. So, adjusting soil nutrient content could not only promote atrazine degradation in soil but also could reduce the soil eco-toxicity effects that atrazine caused. All these results could be keystone of atrazine pollution remediation in contaminated soil in the future.

Objective: To summarize clinical application result of the thoracodorsal artery perforator pedicled flap for repair of soft tissue defects on the ipsilateral upper limb., Methods: From September 2003 to May 2007, 8 patients (6 males and 2 females) with soft tissue defects on the ipsilateral upper limb underwent reconstruction with the thoracodorsal artery perforator pedicled flap. The age of patients was from 16- to 45-years-old with an average of 32 years. Of them, the recipient sites of 5 cases were located on the arm region, 3 cases on the forearm., Results: The minor superficial infection of 1 case occurred on the recipient site after operation and the wound gradually healed by daily change dressings. All the flaps had survived completely and the postoperative course was uneventful with satisfactory clinical results. Follow-up period ranged for 9-38 months after operation (mean, 19 months). There was no remarkable donor site morbidity. All cases had good appearance on recipient site., Conclusion: The thoracodorsal artery perforator pedicled flap is thin and suitable for repair of soft tissue defect on the ipsilateral upper limb.

Endosulfan, as one of the most widely used organochlorine pesticides in the world, has increased the public concern about genotoxicity in soil ecosystems. The comet assay has been widely used in the fields of genetic toxicology and environmental biomonitoring. In the present study we conducted comet assay of endosulfan in earthworm (Eisenia foetida) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.), which are sensitive organisms suitable for acting as a bioindicator for agricultural ecosystems. Earthworms were exposed to endosulfan concentrations of 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 mg/kg in the soil. White clover roots were immersed in hydroponic pots containing nutrient solutions of different endosulfan concentrations: 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 mg/L. Tissues from each treatment were collected on the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days of treatment process. Significant effects (p < 0.01) of both concentrations and times of exposure were observed. And endosulfan induced DNA damage in earthworm and white clover nuclei. The comet assay can be used as a reliable tool for early detection of endosulfan.

To evaluate atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-1,3,5-triazine) ecotoxicology in soil, the effect of atrazine on the activity of antioxidative enzymes (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], and guaiacol peroxidase [POD]) was investigated in Vicia faba roots. Tissues from each treatment were collected on the days 7, 14, 21, and 28. Compared with the controls, SOD activity in V. faba roots was stimulated by the 2.5 mg/kg treatment and inhibited by the 5 and 10 mg/kg treatments, and CAT and POD activities in the 10 mg/kg treatment were inhibited on the whole. The Olive tail moments of single-cell gel electrophoresis of root cells were enhanced after treatment with different doses of atrazine on days 7, 14, 21, and 28, and significant differences were found compared to the controls. In conclusion, atrazine induces oxidative stress and DNA damage on V. faba.

Objective: To develop a virulent heat-evil-induced thrombosis animal model, and provide a rational animal model for pathogeny and pathogenesis research of thrombosis-related diseases, anti-thrombosis activity screening and pre-clinical studies of CAHT formula., Method: SD rats were pretreated with carrageenin (Ca) intraperitoneal injection, followed by intravenous injection of endotoxin (LPS from E. coli O111:B4) 50 microg x kg(-1) 16 h later. Thrombosis in rat tails were observed during 12-24 h after injection of LPS. The inflammatory mechanism of this model were investigated by analyzing serum level of TNF-alpha, IL-6, TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF 1alpha, CD11b/CD18 expression of white blood cells (WBC) and P-selectin expression of vessel walls., Result: In LPS/Ca model group, thrombosis can be clearly observed in the distal part of rat tails after 12-24 h of LPS/Ca treatment. High level of TNF-alpha and IL-6 can be measured in serum. The expression of CD11b/CD18 in WBC and P-selectin in vessel endothelium significantly increased and the number of WBC in peripheral blood markedly decreased shortly after LPS/Ca treatment. The adherence of white blood cells to vessel endothelium which can be seen by microscope mainly contributed to the decrease of WBC. The results indicated that there was obvious inflammation after treatment with LPS/Ca, suggesting that inflammation was the key mechanism for this model., Conclusion: This model was developed through treatment of LPS in combination with Ca, of which LPS is considered to be an exotic virulent heat-evil in TCM, while the inflammatory molecules produced in this model, such as TNF-alpha, IL-6, CD11b/CD18 and P-selectin belong to internal virulent heat-evils, so this animal model consists of pathogeny and pathogenesis of virulent heat-evils. virulent heat-evil.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effect of fluoride varnish in preventing caries of primary teeth, and to compare the caries prevention effects of fluoride varnish with two different concentrations., Methods: 150 children whose ages were three year-old were randomly chosen from one of nurseries of Chongqing, and were randomly divided into four groups with 37 children in 0.5% fluoride varnish group, 38 children in 0.1% fluoride varnish group, 39 children in 0.5% sodium fluoride group and 36 children in blank group. The groups included 71 'girls and 79 boys. Protective measure was applied every half an year and the research has lasted for two years. The research was designed by double-blinded methods, and was carried out with the dental caries standard suggested by World Health Organization. All the data were collected and the clinical effects of four groups were compared., Results: The average caries index and caries surface index of 0.1% fluoride varnish group and those of control groups were significantly higher than that of 0.5% fluoride varnish group. There were no significant difference between the average caries index and caries surface index of 0.1% fluoride varnish group and those of control groups., Conclusion: 0.5% fluoride varnish was effective in preventing caries of primary teeth.

Objective: To establish the processing method of fructus evodiae and its standard for quality control, toxicity aspects and pharmacodynamics were carried out at the same time., Method: In the studies of processing techniques, the optimized technical parameters were determined by the contents of evodiamine and evodine. And the acute toxicity and pharmacodynamics were studied by rats., Result: The process was that the liquorice-processed fructus evodiae was wetted by liquorice decoction by sixth of raw fructus evodiae (V/W) and fried below 230 degrees C. The method of detecting the contents of evodiamine and evodine was that Alltima ODS C18 (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm); mobile phase acetonitrile-water-tetrahydrofuran-phosphoric acid (51:48: 1: 0.05); column temperature 25 degrees C; mobile rate 0.8 mL x min(-1); wave length 225 nm. The toxicity experimentation show that rats didnt show any notable changes after affused the raw material and the processed fructus evodiae's decotion 40 g x kg(-1) b. w. at one time seven days constantly. The analgesic effect was observed after 0.6 g (material) x kg(-1) (weight) b. w., Conclusion: The toxicity of the raw material and the processed one were low and the liquorice-processed fructus evodia analgesic effect was good.

This study was designed to investigate the antioxidant and free radical scavenging capacities of arjunic acid, an aglycone obtained from the fruit of medicine Terminalia Fruit. Liver microsomes, mitochondria, and red blood cells (RBCs) were prepared from Wistar rats. The antioxidant capacity was determined by the inhibitory effect on lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide induced RBCs hemolysis, and RBCs autoxidative hemolysis. The free radical scavenging activity was tested by DPPH method and 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluoresc in diacetate (DCFH(2)-DA) assay. Ascorbic acid was chosen as the positive controls. Results showed that arjunic acid was a strong antioxidant and a free radical scavenger, more potent than ascorbic acid, in microsomes lipid peroxidation, DPPH, hydrogen peroxide induced RBCs hemolysis, and (DCFH(2)-DA) assay (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in the RBCs autoxidative hemolysis assay (p > 0.05).

Objective: To study the accumulated toxic action to bandicoot of aqueous extract of crude and processed Radix Aristolochice and the pharmacodynamic action of aqueous and alcoholic extract of crude and processed Radix Aristolochice., Method: The LD50 of acute toxicity to mice and chronic accumulated toxicity to bandicoots of crude and processed Radix Aristolochice were observated. Intestinal and myokinetic influence of normal and revulsive hyperactive gastrointestinal motility of mice induced by neostigmine were observated by giving aqueous extract and alcoholic extract of crude and processed Radix Aristolochice. Relieving pain and eliminating inflammation to mice also were observated., Result: The LD50 of aqueous extract of crude and processed Radix Aristolochice were 146. 45, 846.06 g X kg(-1) (equivalently to crude drug) respectively by intragastric administration. Bandicoot' general condition, peripheral blood, serum, organic coefficient, histopathologic examination weren't obvious changes after 1 month administrating aqueous extract of crude and processed drug in three dose. Serum indicators-urea nitrogen, cholesterol total, alkaline phosphatase manifestly were heightened and some animals'hepatic cells, nephric tubules and mucosa emerged differently damage at histomorphology by giving crude high dose after 2 months. Above organs emerged different damage in crude middle and high dose and processed high dose after 3 months and serum indicators- creatinine, urea nitrogen manifestly were increased, the coefficients of liver, kidney and gaster manifestly were heightened. However, the toxicity of identical dose processed product was lower than that of crude one. Aqueous extract and alcoholic extract of crude and processed Radix Aristolochice could obviously inhibite normal and revulsive hyperactive gastrointestinal motility by neostigmine of mice, relieve pain in mouse, stretching and heat stimulation models and inhibite dimethyl benzene-induc mouse, auricle inflammation. Pharmacodynamic action wasnt obvious difference in same dose of crude product and processed one., Conclusion: Acute toxicity and chronic accumulated toxicity are stepped down after giving processed Radix Aristolochice, but pharmacodynamic effect wasn t lower. In pharmacodynamic effect, aqueous extract can't compare with alcoholic extract in same dose.

Objective: To compare the development of thrombosis animal model induced by endotoxin(LPS) in combination with carrageenan (Ca) in different animals., Method: Two species of rats (SD and Wistar) and three species of mice (Kunming, ICR and Balb/c mice) were employed in the study. The animals of each species were randomly divided into control group and model group (LPS/Ca treatment). The animals in the model group were pretreated with Ca ip at the doses of 25 mg x kg(-1) for rats and 150 mg x kg(-1) for mice, and then treated by LPS iv sixteen hours later, while in the control group were given normal saline (NS). Thrombosis in tails was observed at 24 h after LPS iv. Hematologic parameters were tested for all the animals from each species, and the blood concentration of TNFalpha and IL-6 at different time in SD and Wistar rats were measured., Result: LPS/Ca combinatory treatment could induce thrombosis animal model in all five animal species, and the thrombus could be clearly observed on the tails. All species had the similar change in hematologic parameters characterized as the significant decrease of white blood cells and platlets. Inflammatory factors TNFalpha and IL-6 could be largely induced in blood of both SD and Wistar rats at 2 h after LPS iv, but both inflammatory factors only transitorily exist in blood at the early stage of thrombosis model formation., Conclusion: LPS/Ca combinatory treatment can successfully induce thrombosis animal model in all tested animal species, and thus this model has extensive animal candidates. The secretion of a large amount of inflammatory factors plays a crucial role in the formation of thrombosis animal model.

Objective: To develop an animal model of thrombosis and blood stasis syndrome in rats by using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in combination with carrageenan (Ca)., Method: SD rats in control group were randomly divided into control group and model group (LPS/Ca treatment). The rats in model group were firstly treated with Ca ip, and followed by LPS iv sixteen hours later. The rats in control group were given normal saline (NS). The moment of LPS iv was served as 0 h for the observation. The ear microcirculation, blood rheology parameters (whole blood viscosity etab, plasma viscosity etap and platelet aggregation PA), cruor parameters (thrombin time TT, prothrombin time PT, and partial thromboplastin time APIT) and inflammation factors (TNFalpha, IL-6) were observed at different time after treatment., Result: LPS/Ca combinatory treatment can induce a stable and repeatable thrombosis animal model. The thrombus can be observed on the tails of rats by naked eyes, and can be quantitatively measured without necessary of autopsy. Obstacle in microcirculation, increase in whole blood viscosity (etab) and a change of platelets aggregation (PA) rate were observed after LPS/Ca treatment. Cruor parameters were significantly prolonged due to large consumption of cruor factors and platelets. The concentration of inflammation factors TNFalpha and IL-6 in blood was obviously increased at the early stage of the model. The results indicate that this animal model has the characteristics of blood stasis syndrome caused by pyrogen and toxin accompanied by thrombosis., Conclusion: LPS/Ca combinatory treatment can induce a easily practicable and repeatable animal model characterized as thrombosis and blood stasis syndrome

Objective: The acute toxic effects of Aristolochia manshuriensis (GMT) and the total aristolochic acids (TA) were compared in mice with aristolochic acid A (AA) as the dose standard. The dose relationship of the renal toxicity induced by Aristolochia manshuriensis was determined., Method: A single dose of GMT extract or TA was given intragastrically to mice at different doses. LD50 values, the blood levels of BUN, Cr and ALT were measured. A histomorphological study was also performed in livers and kidneys of mice., Result: LD50 value of GMT extract was 4.4 g x kg(-1) which was equivalent to 40 mg x kg(-1) as calculated by the content of AA in GMT extract, and this value was comparable with LD50 obtained from TA given intragastrically in mice (equivalent to 33 mg x kg(-1) of AA for male and 37 mg x kg(-1) for female). GMT extract caused a significant increase in blood BUN and Cr and an obvious morphological change in kidney in a dose-dependent manner at doses of AA 4.5 mg x kg(-1) and above. Liver damage, characterized by both an increase in blood level of AST and histomorphological change, was observed at doses of AA 25 mg x kg(-1) and above. All changes were in proportion to the doses of AA., Conclusion: GMT causes both renal and liver toxicity. The dose leading to nephrotoxicity is much lower than that inducing hepatatoxicity. Aristolochic acids existed in GMT are the main toxic components to cause renal toxicity which is a crucial cause to result in death. The lethality and nephrotoxicity of GMT is in proportion to the doses of AA.

Aim: To investigate the inhibitory effect of egg white lysozyme (LZM) on ceftazidime (CFT)-induced release of endotoxin from Pseudomonas aeruginosa., Methods: P. aeruginosa PAO1 was inoculated in nutrition broth or diluted rabbit blood free of antibiotics in the presence or absence of LZM and incubated at 37 degrees C on a water bath shaker. beta-Lactam antibiotic, CFT, was added to cultures at 3.5 h (nutrition broth culture) or 5 h (diluted rabbit blood culture) after inoculation. After 3 h of CFT treatment, the supernatants from different bacterial cultures were prepared by centrifuge and the concentrations of endotoxin in the supernatants were measured. The bacterial supernatants were also added to a murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 or intravenously injected into carrageenin-sensitized mice. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) and nitric oxide (NO) concentrations in RAW 264.7 supernatants or in mouse sera were tested., Results: CFT treatment alone obviously inhibited the growth of P. aeruginosa PAO1 accompanied by strong and rapid bacteriolysis and released relatively high concentration of endotoxin from bacteria both in nutrition broth and in diluted rabbit blood cultures. The bacterial supernatant from CFT treatment alone yielded high concentrations of TNF alpha both in RAW 264.7 cells and in mice and high level of NO in RAW 264.7 cells. Treatment with the combination of LZM and CFT evidently blocked the lysis of bacteria and reduced the release of endotoxin without decreasing bactericidal activity of CFT. TNF alpha and NO productivity of the supernatants prepared from the LZM/CFT combinative treated bacterial cultures were significantly decreased both in RAW 264.7 cells and in mice indicating that the inflammatory activity was reduced., Conclusion: LZM can effectively prevent CFT-induced bacteriolysis, endotoxin release and subsequent proinflammatory factor production but without decreasing bactericidal activity of CFT, resulting in the disassociation of bactericidal activity and bacteriolysis. Thus, LZM might be important for preventing endotoxemia in Gram-negative sepsis with the treatment of antibiotics.

Objective: Based on the therapeutic claims of Angong Niuhuang pill, a series of pharmacodynamic experiments were designed, where pharmacological effects were investigated comparatively with its simplified prescription(realgar and cinnabar are removed from the original pill) as a parallel control in order to explore possible contribution of cinnabar and realgar to pharmacodynamic activities of the pill as a whole., Method: Anti-pyretic, sedative, anti-convulsive, and mice-protected effects of the pill and its simplified prescription as a control were observed, respectively, in rabbits with fever induced by typhoid bacillus, in pentobarbital sodium-induced sleeping mice, in mice with convulsion induced by strychnine, or pentylenetetrazole, and in mice with anoxia induced by NaNO2., Result: Both the pill and its simplified prescription were found to have Anti-pyretic action and protective effect against the mouse death induced by anoxia, and synergistic interaction with pentobarbital sodium in sedative activity, although neither of them was found to have any effects on the convulsion of mice., Conclusion: No significant difference between Angong Niuhuang pill and its simplified prescription was found in the above pharmacodynamic experiments.

Objective: To study comparatively the characteristics of absorption and distribution of mercury and arsenic from realgar and cinnabar of Angong Niuhuang Pill in normal rats and the rats with cerebral ischemia after oral administration., Method: The blood samples and homogenates of liver, kidney and brain were prepared at various intervals after the animals were treated with Angong Niuhuang pill ig. The levels of total mercury and total arsenic in the blood and the organ homogenates were measured with Microwava Accelerated Reaction System and AAs, respectively., Result: The blood concentrations of mercury and arseic reached the highest point in normal rats at one hour following single oral dosing of Angong Niuhuang pill. In normal rats, the mercury distribution was characterized by its higher level in blood and kidneys than in other organs, while a higher distribution of arsenic was found in blood than in organs. No difference in the distribution of mercury or arsenic was found between normal rats and rats with cerebral ischemia after the treatment with the pill., Conclusion: The highest level of mercury or arsenic in blood occurs at one hour after oral administration of the pill in normal rats. There is a higher distribution of mercury in blood and kidneys, while a higher distribution of the arsenic only in blood. There is no significant difference in the distribution of mercury or arsenic between the normal rats and the ischemic rats.

Objective: To study whether the anti-apoptotic action is reversed by tetrandrine in a combination with vincristine in human breast carcinoma MCF-7 multidrug-resistant cells., Method: Chromatin condensation was observed by co-staining of fluorescent dyes Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide; and G1 sub-peak was detected by flow cytometry. Apoptotic cells were detected with TUNEL method. Cellular free ca2+ was determined with Fluo-3 staining method., Result: Two types of chromatin condensation were observed after the sensitive and drug-resistant MCF-7 cells were treated with an antitumor drug vincristine 5 mumol.L-1 for 24 h. The number of cell with chromatin condensation was obviously reduced in the drug-resistant cells treated with the same concentration of vincristine, as compared with the sensitive MCF-7 cells. The number of the apoptotic cells was increased by a combination of non-cytotoxic tetrandrine 20 mumol.L-1 and vincristine in both the sensitive and drug-resistant cells, which was confirmed with fluorescent indication and TUNEL method. The increment of introcellular free Ca2+ level in the cells treated with tetrandrine in a combination of vincristine was detected with Fluo-3 staining method., Conclusion: The anti-apoptotic action of human breast carcinoma MCF-7 cells can be effectively reversed by tetrandrine.