Biomedical subjects

Xia Zhao

Publications and source records attributed to Xia Zhao.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2006

[Analysis of differential protein expression profile between retinoic acid resistant and sensitive acute promyelocytic leukemia cells].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: This study was to compare the protein expression profiles between retinoic acid (RA) resistant and sensitive acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cells by proteomic research method. METHODS: Total cellular proteins extracted from a RA sensitive cell line NB4 and a RA resistant cell line MR2 were separated by two-dimensional (2D) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). High quality 2D-PAGE protein profiles were obtained and analyzed by PDQuest v7.1 analysis software to screen differentially expressed protein spots. Those sports were identified by mass spectrometry. RESULTS: 2-DE patterns of APL cell lines with high-resolution and reproducibility were obtained. The average spots for MR2 and NB4 cells were 890+/-45 and 912+/-56, respectively. 57 significantly differentially expressed protein spots were screened, among which 23 protein spots were identified to be up-regulated and 34 down-regulated in MR2 cells compared with NB4 cells. Ten proteins were identified by mass spectrometry, with a successful identification rate of 70%. The identified proteins could be classified into different categories: oncogenes,cell cycle regulator and signal transducer. CONCLUSION: The utilization of 2D-PAGE is effective in identifying the protein expression profiles between RA resistant and sensitive APL cells, therefore this study may provide a novel clue to elucidate the drug resistant mechanisms of all-trans retinoic acid.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMed2006

[Experimental study on facial nerve regeneration by porous silk fibroin conduit].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of using polyporus silk fibroin as a kind of novel material for facial nerve regeneration. METHODS: The porous silk fibroin conduit was used in the reconstruction of a 5 mm facial nerve gap of SD rat. Chitosan conduit was taken as control group. General observation, electrophysiological study, histological study and image analysis were performed 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: The facial nerve of SD rat regenerated successfully as time passed through. Mean CAP percentage of regenerated nerve in SF conduit was 24.94% +/- 5.73% 8 weeks postoperatively, which had no statistical significance with that of chitosan conduit group (P = 1.125). And the average number of myelinated myelinated nerve fibers in SF conduit was 62. 5 +/- 6. 3, which had statistical significance with that in chitosan conduit group (P = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: The porous silk fibroin conduit could effectively repair facial nerve defect and improve peripheral nerve functional recovery.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Human T lymphocyte responses against lung cancer induced by recombinant truncated mouse EGFR.

The induction of active cellular responses against EGFR should be a promising approach for the treatment of those receptor-positive tumors. However, the immunity against EGFR is presumably difficult to elicit by vaccine based on self or syngeneic EGFR due to the immune tolerance acquired during the development in immune system. We proposed a model to break immune tolerance against self-EGFR through an altered immunogen source based on xenogeneic homologous EGFR. We have previously shown human EGFR as a xenoantigen could induce specific immune responses in mouse and cross-react with mouse EGFR, and resulted in therapeutic benefits for EGFR-positive mouse tumor. Here, we show a recombinant form of extracellular domain of mouse EGFR, in the presence of DCs, could activate human peripheral T cells to proliferate, secret IFN-gamma, the induced responses could cross-react with human EGFR and kill autologous EGFR-positive lung cancer cells which could be blocked by anti-CD8 and anti-MHC class I antibody. There is no detectable cytotoxical activity against lung tissue, liver tissue and kidney tissue derived from paracancerous normal tissue. These observations suggest that antitumor immunity induced by the truncated mouse EGFR may be provoked in a cross-reaction between mouse EGFR and self-EGFR, and may provide insight into treatment of EGFR-positive tumors through induction of the autoimmune responses against EGFR.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Protein kinase C modulates the pulmonary inflammatory response in acute pancreatitis.

The present study aims at evaluating the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in the development of acute lung injury, production of inflammatory mediators and expression of adhesion molecules on leukocytes after induction of acute pancreatitis (AP). AP was induced by the intraductal infusion of 5% sodium taurodeoxycholate in the rat. The animals had the PKC inhibitor polymyxin B administered intraperitoneally 30min prior to induction of AP. Levels of protein content, protease activity, cytokines and chemokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were assessed 1 and 6h after AP induction. Adhesion molecule expression on leukocytes were measured by flowcytometry. Pretreatment with polymyxin B prevented against acute pancreatitis-induced lung injury and the otherwise occurring increases in TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, MCP-1 and IL-10, as well as against the decreases in IL-2, IFNgamma and TIMP-1, decreased protease activity and down-regulation of CD31, CD54 and CD62L on recruited neutrophils and macrophages in BALF. The results indicate that the leukocyte response in acute pancreatitis vary depending on leukocyte subpopulation. It seems that activation of the PKC signalling pathway may play an important role in pancreatitis-associated lung injury.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Combination of low-dose gemcitabine and recombinant quail vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 as a vaccine induces synergistic antitumor activities.

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) has been shown to play a major role in inducing the full spectrum of VEGF biological response which is essential for tumor angiogenesis. We have demonstrated that immunotherapy of tumors with a vaccine based on quail homologous VEGFR-2 (qVEGFR) was effective in providing both protective and therapeutic antitumor immunity in several tumor models in mice. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the combination therapy of low-dose gemcitabine with qVEGFR as a vaccine could inhibit tumor growth to a greater extent. To test this concept, H22 hepatoma and Lewis lung carcinoma models were established in BALB/c mice and C57BL/6 mice, respectively. Mice were treated with either qVEGFR as a protein vaccine, gemcitabine, or both agents together. qVEGFR or low-dose chemotherapy treatment individually resulted in tumor inhibition to a certain extent.Remarkably, the combination therapy resulted in synergistic antitumor activity. Histological examination revealed that there was endothelial deposition of immunoglobulins within tumor tissues from mice treated with vaccine or combination therapy, especially intratumor angiogenesis was suppressed more significantly for the combination group. Also, ELISPOT analysis showed that mice treated with either qVEGFR alone or in combination with low-dose chemotherapy produced similar amount of anti-VEGFR antibody-producing B cells, which suggested that low-dose gemcitabine did not suppress the host's immune response, but potentiated the antitumor activity of the qVEGFR vaccine. Furthermore, TUNEL staining demonstrated a significant increase in the number of TUNEL-positive cells in the combination group compared with those of other groups. The observations may provide a new bio-chemotherapeutic approach for cancer.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Potential role of reactive oxygen species in pancreatitis-associated multiple organ dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Severe acute pancreatitis is still associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated that reactive oxygen species (ROS) represent early occurring inflammatory mediators contributing to cell dysfunction, both locally in the pancreas and remote organs. METHOD: A systematic literature review was conducted to investigate the potential roles of intra- and intercellular, as well as interorgan signaling of ROS in the development of pancreatitis-associated multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). A text word search of the Medline, PubMed and Cochrane databases, and a manual search of the citations from these references, was performed. RESULTS: ROS directly compromise cellular damage and regulate intercellular signals in pancreatitis-associated MODS. ROS are involved in leukocyte activation, production of cytokines, endothelial barrier dysfunction, and microcirculatory barrier dysfunction in acute pancreatitis. Beside effects on intercellular signaling, ROS also affect intracellular events and activate the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B that regulates inflammatory cytokine expression. CONCLUSION: ROS is a critical factor responsible for the development of pancreatitis-induced remote organ dysfunction via intercellular and interorgan signaling. The role of antioxidant treatment, included as a part of multimodal management, remains to be investigated.

Humans↗

PubMed2005

Improved therapeutic effectiveness by combining recombinant CXC chemokine ligand 10 with Cisplatin in solid tumors.

PURPOSE: CXC chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) is a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis. We wonder whether the combination of CXCL10 with cisplatin would improve the therapeutic antitumor efficacy. EXPERIMENT DESIGN: We evaluated the antitumor activity of the combination therapy in the immunocompetent C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice bearing LL/2 Lewis lung cancer and CT26 colon adenocarcinoma, respectively. Mice were treated with either CXCL10 s.c. at 25 mug per kg per day once daily for 30 days, cisplatin cycled twice (5 mg/kg i.p. on days 14 and 21 after the initiation of CXCL10), or both agents together. Tumor volume and survival time were observed. Antiangiogenesis of CXCL10 in vivo were determined by alginate capsule models and CD31 immunohistochemistry. Histologic analysis and assessment of apoptotic cells were also conducted in tumor tissues. RESULTS: CXCL10 + cisplatin reduced tumor growth in LL/2 and CT26 tumor model, respectively, more effectively, although cisplatin or CXCL10 individually resulted in suppression of tumor growth and improved survival time of tumor-bearing mice. CXCL10 successfully inhibited angiogenesis as assessed by alginate model and CD31 (P < 0.05). Histologic analysis of tumors exhibited that CXCL10 in combination with cisplatin led to the increased rate of apoptosis, tumor necrosis, and elevated lymphocyte infiltration. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that the combination of CXCL10, a well-tolerated angiogenesis inhibitor, with cisplatin can enhance the antitumor activity. The present findings may be of importance to the further exploration of the potential application of this combined approach in the treatment of lung and colon carcinoma.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Angiogenesis, endothelial cell functions, and tumor cell growth in biodegradable and nonbiodegradable devices.

Development of tissue engineering creates multiple potentials for clinical treatment and scientific research. Biodegradable collagen matrices have been found to support simultaneous autotransplantation of hepatocytes after major liver resection. Dynamic angiogenesis in biodegradable devices (BDD) and nondegradable devices (NDD) transplanted into the renal subcapsule and subcutaneous tissue was measured by the distribution of radiolabeled red blood cells and serum albumin. The circulation, microvascular integrity, and capacities of endothelial cells (adhesion, proliferation, and migration) were investigated within 2 weeks after subcutaneous transplantation of both devices. Patterns of tumor cell growth in both devices were morphologically studied. After subcutaneous transplantation, significant angiogenesis was noted at 1 week in BDD implants and from 2 weeks and on in NDD implants, with an increase in implant blood and plasma volumes. Leakage index of radiolabeled albumin in NDD implants was significantly higher than in BDD implants, while the leakage index 2 weeks after BDD implant was similar to that in subcutaneous tissues. Adhesion, proliferation and migration rates of endothelial cells isolated from both devices were higher than from subcutaneous tissues. Endothelial proliferation and migration rates in BDD implants were significantly higher at 1 week, while in NDD at 2 weeks. Tumor cells migrated and grew on the top surface of NDD with a flattened shape, while growing within the BDD forming a round mass. Endothelial capacities, angiogenetic procedure, and biological and physical characteristics of the device contribute to patterns of tumor cell growth in the device. Biodegradable collagen matrix with three-dimensional structure is suitable for simultaneous transplantation with cells without prevascularization.

Absorbable Implants↗

PubMed2005

Role of nuclear factor-kappaB, reactive oxygen species and cellular signaling in the early phase of acute pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVE: Increased knowledge of regulation of signaling proteins in acute pancreatitis (AP) could potentially contribute to the development of novel agents targeted at regulation of cellular signaling. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Severe AP was induced by administration of 5% sodium taurodeoxycholate in rats. Thirty minutes prior to induction of AP, the animals had an intraperitoneal injection of the antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine (NAC; 10 mg/kg), the NF-kappaB inhibitor, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC; 100 mg/kg), the ERK inhibitor, PD-98059 (1 mg/kg), or the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, Genistein (1 mg/kg). Plasma levels of IL-6 and IL-10 were determined by ELISA and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were measured in the pancreas and lungs 3 and 6 h after sham operation or induction of AP. RESULTS: AP results in significant increases in plasma levels of IL-6 at 6 h and IL-10 at 3 and 6 h. Plasma levels of IL-6 were significantly decreased after administration of NAC. NAC pretreatment also increased the ratio of IL-10/IL-6. MPO levels in the pancreas (at 3 and 6 h) and lungs (3 h) were significantly increased in animals with pancreatitis. Pretreatment with NAC, PDTC, PD98059 or Genistein significantly decreased MPO levels in the pancreas at 3 and 6 h and following the administration of PD-98059 or NAC at 6 h. Pretreatment with NAC significantly decreased MPO levels in the lungs at 3 h. CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment with NAC could regulate the pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokine balance, probably through NF-kappaB and ROS signaling pathways. The regulation of signaling pathways during the sequestration of neutrophils in acute pancreatitis seems to vary between organs.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2005

Enhanced antitumor effect of the combination of tumstatin gene therapy and gemcitabine in murine models.

Targeting tumor endothelium is an important strategy for cancer therapy. We evaluated the effectiveness of gene therapy, that is, intramuscular delivery of plasmid DNA encoding tumstatin (pSecTag2B-tum), combined with gemcitabine administration in vitro and in vivo, using colon carcinoma (CT26) and Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) murine models. The in vitro growth-inhibitory and proapoptotic effects of gemcitabine and/or tumstatin on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and mouse endothelial cells (SVEC4-10), respectively, were assessed. in vitro, conditioned medium from pSecTag2B-tum-transfected COS cells inhibited the growth of endothelial cells but not of CT26 or LLC cells, whereas gemcitabine inhibited the growth of both endothelial cells and CT26 and LLC cells. Mice bearing subcutaneously established CT26 or LLC tumors received pSecTag2B-tum alone or in combination with gemcitabine to assess tumor growth inhibition. in vivo, combined treatment with pSecTag2B-tum and gemcitabine significantly decreased tumor growth through increased inhibition of tumor angiogenesis and increased tumor cell apoptosis compared with either agent alone. Enhanced antiproliferative and proapoptotic activity of the combination therapy on tumor-associated endothelial cells was calculated to be significant. This study suggests that combined treatment by the intramuscular delivery of plasmid DNA encoding tumstatin and gemcitabine augments tumor growth inhibition by suppressing angiogenesis and enhancing apoptosis in murine models. A combination of these agents could be used in future studies and translated into the clinical setting.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors↗

PubMed2005

Theoretical study of the influence of a heterogeneous activity distribution on intratumoral absorbed dose distribution.

Radioimmunotherapy of hematopoeitic cancers and micrometastases has been shown to have significant therapeutic benefit. The treatment of solid tumors with radionuclide therapy has been less successful. Previous investigations of intratumoral activity distribution and studies on intratumoral drug delivery suggest that a probable reason for the disappointing results in solid tumor treatment is nonuniform intratumoral distribution coupled with restricted intratumoral drug penetrance, thus inhibiting antineoplastic agents from reaching the tumor's center. This paper describes a nonuniform intratumoral activity distribution identified by limited radiolabeled tracer diffusion from tumor surface to tumor center. This activity was simulated using techniques that allowed the absorbed dose distributions to be estimated using different intratumoral diffusion capabilities and calculated for tumors of varying diameters. The influences of these absorbed dose distributions on solid tumor radionuclide therapy are also discussed. The absorbed dose distribution was calculated using the dose point kernel method that provided for the application of a three-dimensional (3D) convolution between a dose rate kernel function and an activity distribution function. These functions were incorporated into 3D matrices with voxels measuring 0.10 x 0.10 x 0.10 mm3. At this point fast Fourier transform (FFT) and multiplication in frequency domain followed by inverse FFT (iFFT) were used to effect this phase of the dose calculation process. The absorbed dose distribution for tumors of 1, 3, 5, 10, and 15 mm in diameter were studied. Using the therapeutic radionuclides of 131I, 186Re, 188Re, and 90Y, the total average dose, center dose, and surface dose for each of the different tumor diameters were reported. The absorbed dose in the nearby normal tissue was also evaluated. When the tumor diameters exceed 15 mm, a much lower tumor center dose is delivered compared with tumors between 3 and 5 mm in diameter. Based on these findings, the use of higher beta-energy radionuclides, such as 188Re and 90Y is more effective in delivering a higher absorbed dose to the tumor center at tumor diameters around 10 mm.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2005

Proteomics profile changes in cisplatin-treated human ovarian cancer cell strain.

To compare the alterations in proteomes between cisplatin-treated and -untreated human ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells, and to explore the feasibility of proteomics in research about antitumor mechanisms of agents, SKOV3 cells were exposed to cisplatin (6 microg/mL) for 6 h. Then, the cells were collected and solubilized and global proteins were extracted by lysis buffer; two-dimensional electrophoresis was conducted with the IPG readystrips as carriers; the gels were stained with Coomassie blue and alterations between gels were compared by PDQuest. Eventually, 11 spots with significant differences were selected and excised and the proteins were identified by PMF and MS/MS analysis. The results revealed that exposure to cisplatin could notably increase expressions of some proteins, such as tropomyosin family, actin family, triosephosphate isomerase family, and HSP60, etc.; while expressions of some other proteins decreased, such as enolase family, etc. Those proteins were involved in cellular energy metabolism, transformation, apoptosis and morphologic maintenance, which suggested that alterations of those physiological processes might be involved in anti-tumor mechanism of cisplatin.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMed2005

[Antitumor effects of recombinant quail vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, as a vaccine, combined with cisplatin on LL/2 tumor model in mice].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Bio-chemotherapy is a new trend in cancer therapy. Antiangiogenic therapy represents a new strategy of tumor biotherapy. This study was designed to explore antitumor effect of recombinant quail vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (qVEGFR) combined with cisplatin. METHODS: Lewis lung carcinoma model (LL/2) was established in C57BL/6 mice. Seven days after inoculation of tumor cells, mice were randomized into combination group, qVEGFR group, chemotherapy group, and normal saline (NS) group (10 mice/group), and received relevant treatments. Tumor growth, survival rate of mice, and side effects were observed. Anti-VEGFR-2 antibody-producing B cells (APBCs) was detected by enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT), microvessel density (MVD) of tumor was detected by immunohistochemistry, and tumor cell apoptosis was also detected. RESULTS: Tumor volume of mice was obviously smaller in combination group than in NS group. Complete regression of tumor growth was observed in 3 of the 10 mice in combination group. Seventy days after inoculation of tumor cells, survival rate of mice was significantly higher in combination group than in qVEGFR, cisplatin, and NS groups (90% vs. 60%, 0%, and 0%, P < 0.05). APBCs counts were (156.8+/-19.3)/10(6) spleen cells in combination group, and (143.6+/-18.6)/10(6) spleen cells in qVEGFR group. MVD was significantly lower in combination group than in cisplatin, and NS groups (11.4+/-1.3 vs. 33.4+/-4.5, and 45.5 +/- 4.5, P < 0.01), MVD in qVEGFR group was 16.4+/-1.6. Tumor cell apoptosis was significantly higher in combination group than in qVEGFR, cisplatin, and NS groups [(36.2+/-3.5)% vs. (15.4+/-2.4)%, (17.6+/-2.6)%, and (4.1+/-1.4)%, P < 0.05]. CONCLUSION: The combination therapy of qVEGFR and cisplatin has synergistic antitumor effect.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

[Screening tumor antigens of ovarian carcinoma by Western blot, immunoprecipitation, and mass spectrometry].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Screening tumor antigens plays a key role in early diagnosis of ovarian carcinoma. Several technologies, such as phage antibody library, ribosome display, and serological analysis of recombinant cDNA expression libraries (SEREX), have been applied widely. This study was to screen and identify tumor antigens of ovarian carcinoma by Western blot, immunoprecipitation, and mass spectrometry, and to establish a new methodological entity. METHODS: Western blot was used to find out the obviously different serum in ovarian carcinoma patients; SKOV3 cells lysate was added in the serum; immunoprecipitation was used to enrich antigens; then, the different protein band was gained when compared with normal serum immunoprecipitates, identified by mass spectrometry, and analyzed with bioinformatics. RESULTS: The serum of patient No. 7 was the obviously different one screened with Western blot. Immunoprecipitation and SDS-PAGE showed a different protein band in the serum appeared in the position of about 66.2 ku when compared with normal serum immunoprecipitates. Through mass spectrometry and bioinformatics analysis, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and cytokeratin 9 were identified in the different protein band. CONCLUSION: Western blot, immunoprecipitation, and mass spectrometry is an effectively methodological entity for screening and identifying tumor antigens.

Antigens, Neoplasm↗

PubMed2005

[The corn seedlings are affected by the heavy metal Pb2+].

The corn seedlings in hydroponic culture are treated with the lead acetate solutions of various concentrations, the content of Pb2+ in the roots, stems and leafs of the corns at 10th day, 20th day and 30th day is measured. The analyzing conclusions are that the contents of Pb2+ in the corns display a sequence of root>leaf>stem, the contains of chlorophyll in corns fall off, the raising of Pb2+ in solutions, the membrane penetrability of the corns increased along a sequence of root>leaf>stem, and the harmful rate of Pb2+ display a sequence of root>leaf>stem in corns. The data of the study gives some references for the further researches of the crops, relating the endurance and the distributing of corns with Pb2+.

Cell Membrane Permeability↗

PubMed2005

[Role of titanium mesh coated with silk fibroin in rabbit tracheal reconstruction].

OBJECTIVE: To Compare the curative effects between titanium mesh coated with or without silk fibroin and in the treatment of larger trachea circumferential defects. To explore the merits of titanium mesh coated with silk fibroin in promoting mucous healing and decreasing related complications. METHODS: Twenty-five New Zealand white rabbits were chosen , divided randomly as follows: group one: titanium mesh coated with silk fibroin (n = 12), group two: pure titanium mesh without silk fibroin (n = 12); Titanium mesh coated with silk fibroin and those titanium without silk fibroin were embedded in the anterior of 7-12th tracheal rings respectively, in 2 weeks we removed the anterior and lateral wall of 7-12th tracheal rings about 8 mm x 6mm (more than half ring) and used the two different materials to reconstruct tracheal defects. All these rabbits were euthanized in 4, 8 and 12 weeks and tracheal CT scan, tracheal endoscopy, histopathological examination and scanning electron microscopic examinations were performed. All complications such as death, local inflammation, tracheal stenosis were documented. Group three, leave one normal rabbit as controlled study , removed the anterior and lateral wall of 7-12th tracheal rings, and histopathological examination, scanning electron microscopy were performed as controlled study. RESULTS: The CT scan, tracheal endoscopy of those with silk fibroin showed there was no apparent tracheal stenosis. Histopathological examination showed there was no obvious granulation tissue and scar. The mucous membrane and cilia grow normally. The silk fibroin was not entirely absorbed and the remains showed good biocompatibility. The scanning electron microscopy showed that the cilia grew better and more orderly than that of group two, and in 12 weeks, the cilia became normal. In group two, there were 5 rabbits died in succession from suffocation in 4, 5, 7, 17, 60 days after surgery. All rabbits had local or general subcutaneous emphysema. The CT scan, tracheal endoscopy and pathological examination showed that there were apparent granulation tissue, scar hypertrophy, and tracheal stenosis. The mortality of group two (41.7%) for suffocation compare to that of group one (0), the incidence rate of subcutaneous emphysema in group two (100%) to that of group one (25.0%) and the average cross section stenosis area in group two (18.15 +/- 7.85) mm2 to that of group one (3.15 +/- 1.58) mm2, there are significant statistically differences in these postoperative complications (P <0.05) and stenosis degree (P <0.05) between the two groups. In addition, there was one rabbit died of diarrhea in each group except group three. CONCLUSIONS: Silk fibroin and titanium mesh coated with silk fibroin showed good biocompatibility. Titanium mesh coated with silk fibroin used in tracheal reconstruction of rabbits can promote agglutination of mucous membrane and decrease postoperative complications, such as subcutaneous emphysema, tracheostenosis. It may be a prospective biomaterial which can be used in clinical circumferential trachea defect reconstruction.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Water resources: groundwater maintains dune landscape.

The Badain Jaran desert in western Inner Mongolia in China has a unique landscape that contains 72 lakes, with a total water surface area of 23 km2, and the world's highest stationary sand dunes, which are up to 500 m tall--despite the prevailing dry and windy weather conditions. Here we present evidence of a major groundwater system that underpins the factors leading to this landscape. Our finding could transform plans for the region's water resources.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

Combination of low-dose cisplatin and recombinant xenogeneic endoglin as a vaccine induces synergistic antitumor activities.

Angiogenesis is critical to the growth and metastasis of solid tumors, and acquired drug resistance is one of the major hindrances to chemotherapy. Thus, we sought a rational strategy using the combination of antiangiogenic biotherapy and chemotherapy for cancer therapy. We explored the efficacy of a strategy combining low-dose cisplatin and a recombinant xenogeneic endoglin as a protein vaccine, which we previously demonstrated to have effective antiangiogenic effects in several mouse models. We found that both low-dosage cisplatin and xenogeneic endoglin vaccine individually resulted in effective suppression of tumor growth in 2 tumor models via inhibition of tumor angiogenesis. Remarkably, the combination therapy resulted in not only significant antiangiogenic effects but also additional promotion of tumor cell apoptosis and inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, without any ensuing increase in host toxicity during the course of treatment, which lasted for 6 months. In addition, the combination demonstrated a synergistic relationship, which was shown in all of the synergistic indexes, i.e., tumor volume, angiogenesis, apoptosis and proliferation. Both antibodies and antibody-producing B cells against mouse self-endoglin were observed in all mice immunized by the xenogeneic endoglin vaccine (alone and combination), which suggested that low-dose cisplatin did not suppress the host immune response but potentiated the antitumor activity of the xenogeneic endoglin vaccine. These observations may provide the basis for an effective alternative strategy for cancer therapy in the near future.

Animals↗