EFFECTIVENESS OF BETA-CYPERMETHRIN ON GLUTAMIC- PYRUVIC TRANSAMINASE (GPT) AND GLUTAMIC-OXALOACETIC TRANSAMINASE (GOT) ACTIVITIES FROM CRUCIAN CARP (CARASSIUS AURATUS) SERUM

Synthetic pyrethroids are considered as possible sub-stitutesfor some organophosphate carbamates or organochlo-rine insecticides,and have been used extensivelyfor morethantwo decades[1].Pyrethroids are preferred over otherinsecticides because of their easy degradation into non-toxic or less toxic metabolites under natural conditions.Consequently,there has recently beena dramatic increaseinthe use of pyrethroid pesticides to control insect pests.However,synthetic pyrethroids were also reported …     

Transcriptomic responses of three aphid species to chemical insecticide stress

正Dear Editor,Aphids(Hemiptera:Aphididae)are economically important pests that are distributed worldwide and cause serious economic losses through direct feeding on plant,plant virus transmission,and honeydew production(Zhang and Zhong,1983;Blackman and Eastop,2000).Control of these aphid species relies almost exclusively on the use of chemical insecticides,such as organophosphates,carbamates,pyrethroids,cyclodienes,and neonicotinods.A number of aphid species have become resistant to at least     

Current medical treatment of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer

Approximately 80% of breast cancers(BC) are estrogen receptor(ER)-positive and thus endocrine therapy(ET) should be considered complementary to surgery in the majority of patients. The advantages of oophorectomy, adrenalectomy and hypophysectomy in women with advanced BC have been demonstrated many years ago, and currently ET consist of(1) ovarian function suppression(OFS), usually obtained using gonadotropinreleasing hormone agonists(Gn RHa);(2) selective estrogen receptor modulators or down-regulators(SERMs or SERDs); and(3) aromatase inhibitors(AIs), or a combination of two or more drugs. For patients aged less than 50 years and ER+ BC, there is no conclusive evidence that the combination of OFS and SERMs(i.e., tamoxifen) or chemotherapy is superior to OFS alone. Tamoxifen users exhibit a reduced risk of BC, both invasive and in situ, especially during the first 5 years of therapy, and extending the treatment to 10 years further reduced the risk of recurrences. SERDs(i.e., fulvestrant) are especially useful in the neoadjuvant treatment of advanced BC, alone or in combination with either cytotoxic agents or AIs. There are two types of AIs: type Ⅰ are permanent steroidal inhibitors of aromatase, while type Ⅱ are reversible nonsteroidal inhibitors. Several studies demonstrated the superiority of the third-generation AIs(i.e., anastrozole and letrozole) compared with tamoxifen, and adjuvant therapy with AIs reduces the recurrence risk especially in patients with advanced BC. Unfortunately, some cancers are or became ET-resistant, and thus other drugs have been suggested in combination with SERMs or AIs, including cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors(palbociclib) and mammalian target of rapamycin(m TOR) inhibitors, such as everolimus. Further studies are required to confirm their real usefulness.     

Non-human primate models in drug addiction deserve more attention

正Dear Editor,The process of relapse involves firm or aberrant memories of environmental cues associated with drug craving or addiction.To date,it is not known where these memories are stored in the brain,what kinds of regulatory biological factors or molecules are involved,nor why it is so difficult to stop addiction psychologically.Currently,rodent animal models,such as the self-administration and conditioning place preference/aversion paradigm are still widely used in the studies of drug withdrawal syndromes or drug-associate memories.However,the differences between humans and rodents—particularly in terms of genetics,and pathology and pharmacology—     

EFFECTS OF GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS AND HUMAN ACTIVITY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF VEGETATION IN CHINA

Geographic or environmemtal factors affecting the distribution of vegetation are many and diverse, often instrically mixed and interdependent.Either singly or in combination,the various geographic factotrs may affect the presence or absense of various plant community. Alhough it is enormously complex,the immediate vehicles of influence are limited, being light, temperature, water, mineral food, oxygen, carbon dioxide.Except the last two ones being comparatively stable on the globe, the former four ones are affected by the following geographic factors:     

Telomerase as a “stemness” enzyme

Pluripotent or multipotent stem cells are involved in development and tissue homeostasis;they have the ability to self-renew and differentiate into various types of functional cells.To maintain these properties,stem cells must undergo sustained or unlimited proliferation that requires the stabilization of telomeres,which are essential for chromosome end protection.Telomerase,an RNA-dependent DNA polymerase,synthesizes telomeric DNA.Through the lengthening of telomeres the lifespans of cells are extended,or indefinite proliferation is conferred;this is intimately associated with stem cell phenotype.This review highlights our current understanding of telomerase as a"stemness"enzyme and discusses the underlying implications.     

Ultrasound／Microbubble Enhances Foreign Gene Expression in ECV304 Cells and Murine Myocardium

The success of gene therapy is largely dependent onthe development of vectors or vehicles that can selectivelyand efficiently deliver a therapeutic gene to cells or targetissues with minimal toxicity. Viruses are efficient transducing vectors. However, the safety concerns regardingthe use of virus vector in human make nonviral deliverysystem an attractive focus. Nonviral vectors are particularly suitable with respect to the simplicity of use, possibility of large-scale production and lack of s…     

Gibberellin and Jasmonate Crosstalk during Stamen Development

Gibberellin （GA） and jasmonate （JA） are two types of phytohormones that play important roles during stamen development. For example, Arabidopsis plants deficient in either of GA or JA develop short stamens. An apparent question to ask is whether GA action and JA action during stamen filament development are independent of each other or are in a hierarchy. Recent studies showed that GA modulates the expression of genes essential for JA biosynthesis to promote JA production and high levels of JA will induce the expression of three MYB genes MYB21, MYB24 and MYB57. These three MYB genes are crucial factors for the normal development of stamen filament in Arabidopsis.     

Purification of a novel antibacterial short peptide in earthworm Eisenia foetida

Earthworms live in an environment with abundantpathogens. These pathogens are, firstly, bacteria living inwater or soil that are ingested during feeding or introducedinto the body following injury. Parasites, particularlylarval forms, which represent the dissemination phase,are another important group of potentially pathogenicagents. During the course of evolution, earthworms havedeveloped defense strategies against these living patho-gens [1,2]. Earthworms lack true antibodies and hence anada…     

Mesenchymal stem cells in progression and treatment of cancers

Mesenchymal stem or stromal cells （MSCs） from bone marrow or local tissues are recruited to stroma of almost all types of cancers during initiation and/or progression of cancer. The recruited MSCs and their derivative cancer-associated fibroblasts interact with cancer cells to promote sternness, invasion and metastasis of cancer cells. Targeting these cancer-recruited MSCs and/or the interaction between MSCs and cancer cells are promising strategies to improve cancer therapy. On the other hand, the unique tumor-homing capacity of MSCs makes them a promising vehicle to deliver various anti-cancer agents. This review summarized the recent advancement of our understanding on the interaction between MSCs and cancer ceils, as well as the potential of MSCs for cancer therapy.     

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa extract against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatocyte damage in Cyprinus carpio

The present study aims to evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa extract on the carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced hepatocyte damage in fish and provide evidence as to whether it can be potentially used as a medicine for liver diseases in aquaculture. H. sabdariffa extract (100, 200, and 400?μg/mL) was added to the carp primary hepatocyte culture before (pre-treatment), after (post-treatment), and both before and after (pre- and post-treatment) the incubation of the hepatocytes with CCl(4). CCl(4) at 8?mM in the culture medium produced significantly elevated levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glutamate oxalate transaminase (GOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) and significantly reduced levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Pre-treatment and pre- and post-treatment of the hepatocytes with H. sabdariffa extract significantly reduced the elevated levels of LDH, GOT, GPT, and MDA and increased the reduced activities of SOD and GSH-Px in a dose-dependent manner; post-treatment did not show any protective effect. The results suggest that H. sabdariffa extract can be potentially used for preventing rather than curing liver diseases in fish.     

Potential sensitivity of hepatic specific protein regucalcin as a marker of chronic liver injury

A novel calcium-binding protein regucalcin has been shown to be specifically expressed in the liver of various specifies including human. Regucalcin concentration in the serum of patients with chronic liver injury was estimated by enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay (ELISA) with rabbit-anti-regucalcin IgG. Serum samples were obtained from 42 persons who were diagnosed as liver disorder. Serum regucalcin concentration in all patients was in the range of 3.7-69.6 ng/ml, although regucalcin was not entirely seen in the serum of normal subjects (10 persons) without hepatitis. Meanwhile, in 18 patients with liver injury, serum glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) and glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (GPT) activities were normal value (less than 40 I.U./l). Serum GOT and GPT activities from 24 patients showed a comparatively higher level (50-234 I.U./l). The present results demonstrate the potential sensitivity of regucalcin as a marker of chronic liver injury. (Mol Cell Biochem 167: 187-190, 1997)     

异育淇鲫及其亲本血清生化组成的比较研究

应用Beckman 42型临床生化分析仪测定异育淇鲫(淇鲫♀×兴国红鲤♂) 及其亲本血清的生化指标,包括总蛋白,白蛋白,尿素氮,血糖、乳酸脱氢酶,碱性磷酸酶,谷草转氨酶和羟丁酸脱氢酶,经t检验发现异育淇鲫与其母本的血清生化指标均无明显差异,而与其父本均有十分显著的差异。本文从代谢方面论证了淇鲫与兴国红鲤属间“杂交”,异源精子只起刺激作用,而并不产生生物学效应。结果与传统的雌核发育相吻合。     

Attenuation of the acute adriamycin-induced cardiac and hepatic oxidative toxicity by N-(2-mercaptopropionyl) glycine in rats

The protective effect of the synthetic aminothiol, N-(2-mercaptopropionyl) glycine (MPG) on adriamycin (ADR) induced acute cardiac and hepatic oxidative toxicity was evaluated in rats. ADR toxicity, induced by a single intraperitoneal injection (15 mg/kg), was indicated by an elevation in the level of serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH). ADR produced significant elevation in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), indicating lipid peroxidation, and significantly inhibited the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in heart and liver tissues. In contrast, a single injection of ADR did not affect the cardiac or hepatic glutathione (GSH) content and cardiac catalase (CAT) activity but elevated hepatic CAT. Pretreatment with MPG, (2.5 mg/kg) intragastrically, significantly reduced TBARS concentration in both heart and liver and ameliorated the inhibition of cardiac and hepatic SOD activity. In addition, MPG significantly decreased the serum level of GOT, GPT, CK-MB, and LDH of ADR treated rats. These results suggest that MPG exhibited antioxidative potentials that may protect heart and liver against ADR-induced acute oxidative toxicity. This protective effect might be mediated, at least in part, by the high redox potential of sulfhydryl groups that limit the activity of free radicals generated by ADR.     

Attenuation of the acute adriamycin-induced cardiac and hepatic oxidative toxicity by N-(2-mercaptopropionyl) glycine in rats

The protective effect of the synthetic aminothiol, N-(2-mercaptopropionyl) glycine (MPG) on adriamycin (ADR) induced acute cardiac and hepatic oxidative toxicity was evaluated in rats. ADR toxicity, induced by a single intraperitoneal injection (15 mg/kg), was indicated by an elevation in the level of serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH). ADR produced significant elevation in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), indicating lipid peroxidation, and significantly inhibited the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in heart and liver tissues. In contrast, a single injection of ADR did not affect the cardiac or hepatic glutathione (GSH) content and cardiac catalase (CAT) activity but elevated hepatic CAT. Pretreatment with MPG, (2.5 mg/kg) intragastrically, significantly reduced TBARS concentration in both heart and liver and ameliorated the inhibition of cardiac and hepatic SOD activity. In addition, MPG significantly decreased the serum level of GOT, GPT, CK-MB, and LDH of ADR treated rats. These results suggest that MPG exhibited antioxidative potentials that may protect heart and liver against ADR-induced acute oxidative toxicity. This protective effect might be mediated, at least in part, by the high redox potential of sulfhydryl groups that limit the activity of free radicals generated by ADR.     

Cardioprotective effect of coconut kernel protein in isoproterenol administered rats

Male albino rats were given subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (10 mg/100 g body wt) twice at an interval of 24 hr to induce myocardial infarction. The rats showed massive myocardial necrosis and increased activities of creatinine phosphokinase (CPK), glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), in serum, while a decrease in nitric oxide synthase activity and lower levels of palmitate oxidation into CO2 and ATP were observed in the heart. Rats pre-treated with coconut protein or L-arginine showed significantly decreased CPK, GOT and GPT activities in the serum. There was significantly higher nitric oxide synthase activity and higher rate of palmitate oxidation into CO2 and increased levels of ATP in the heart in these groups. These observations indicate the cardioprotective effect of coconut protein, which may be attributed to the high content of L-arginine present in it.     

The immunosuppressive effect of alpha-permethrin on Indian major carp, rohu (Labeo rohita Ham.)

The immunosuppressive effects of bath exposure to a sub lethal concentration of the synthetic pyrethroid alpha-permethrin (3.05 x 10(-4) mg l(-1)) in the Indian Major carp, Labeo rohita was studied after 45 days' exposure. In some groups, the effects of alpha-permethrin on non-specific defences and serum enzymes of carp were investigated after challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila. Several nonspecific immune responses and serum enzymes were reduced after exposure of alpha-permethrin. Bactericidal activity of rohu serum was reduced significantly in pesticide and bacteria treated fish. The Glutamic Oxaloacetate Transaminase (GOT) and Glutamic Pyruvate Transaminase (GPT) activity were increased in immunosuppressed fish. Blood glucose level was elevated significantly and Hb% was reduced significantly in pesticide and bacteria treated fishes as compared to the negative control.     

饲料蛋白水平对方正银鲫幼鱼生长、体成分、肝脏生化指标和肠道消化酶活性的影响

为研究饲料中不同蛋白水平对方正银鲫(Fang zheng Caucian carp)幼鱼生长、体成分、肝脏生化指标和肠道消化酶活性的影响, 配制蛋白水平为30.18%、33.13%、36.16%、39.34%、42.32%和45.46%的6种等脂等能饲料。选取初始质量为(3.10±0.01) g的方正银鲫幼鱼540尾, 随机分成6组, 每组3个重复, 每个重复30尾, 进行为期8周的饲养试验。结果表明: 随着饲料蛋白水平升高, 方正银鲫幼鱼增重率、特定生长率、饲料效率、蛋白质效率、全鱼粗蛋白含量、肝脏谷丙转氨酶和肠道胰蛋白酶活性均先升高后降低, 且在蛋白水平为36.16%时最大, 显著高于其他组(P<0.05); 肝脏总胆固醇和甘油三酯含量均呈逐渐下降趋势, 蛋白水平为30.18%的组显著高于除33.13%组以外的其他各组(P<0.05)。方正银鲫幼鱼特定生长率、蛋白质效率与不同蛋白水平分别进行二次回归分析得, 在试验条件下, 方正银鲫幼鱼饲料中最佳蛋白质水平为35.29%—37.07%。     

Increased serum enzyme activity in microwave-exposed rats

Heat stable serum enzymes were studied in rats exposed to microwaves (2.45 GHz, 120 Hz amplitude modulated) 24 hr after a single 4-hr exposure or immediately after 3 and 10 exposures to 0.1 to 55 mW/cm2. In addition, stable colonic temperature at 41.5 degrees C for 30 min was maintained by microwave exposure in a group of five rats under barbiturate anesthesia. Alkaline phosphatase and lactic dehydrogenase did not increase as a result of microwave exposure. Increased serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) were noted in the 41.5 degrees C group 24 hr after exposure. A threshold body temperature for acute cellular injury after microwave exposure was demonstrated. The acute cellular injury could be in the liver. These mild elevations in the serum enzyme levels (mean +/- SE, GOT = 167 +/- 40 U/liter: GPT = 74 +/- 26 U/liter) indicated that the injuries were not accompanied by any significant sequelae in the rat. From this threshold and colonic temperature (41.5 degrees C for 30 min) in barbiturate-anesthetized, microwave-exposed rats, we derived a tentative threshold for the whole-body average absorption rate at 14 W/kg (70 mW/cm2 at 2.45 GHz for adult rats) for 4 hr. This tentative threshold is subject to changes by duration of exposure and by compounding variables influencing maintenance of body temperature.     

Effects of domestic wastewater on serum enzyme activities of brown trout (Salmo trutta)

1. Chronic injuries of kidney and liver tissue of brown trout caused by domestic wastewater were not accompanied by increased activities of serum enzymes (GOT, GPT). 2. Increased enzyme activities were only observed in fish with acute Saproloegnia infection. 3. It is important to distinguish between acute and chronic responses of serum enzymes in diseased fish.