趋化因子基质细胞衍生因子-1及其受体对胃癌腹膜转移潜能的影响

目的 探讨趋化因子基质细胞衍生因子-1(SDF-1)及趋化因子受体4(CXCR4)对胃癌腹膜转移潜能的影响.方法 采用逆转录多聚酶链式反应(RT-PCR)检测胃癌细胞NUGC4及间皮细胞HMrSV中CXCR4和SDF-1 mRNA的表达.采用MTT实验检测NUGC4细胞增殖能力的变化,采用间皮细胞黏附实验及间皮细胞迁移实验评价体外培养的NUGC4细胞与间皮细胞发生黏附的能力及其穿越间皮细胞发生迁移的能力.通过建立裸鼠胃癌腹膜种植瘤模型,评价NUGCA细胞腹膜肿瘤生成能力及荷瘤裸鼠生存时间的变化.结果 NUGC4细胞表达较高强度的CXCR4mRNA,而间皮细胞表达高强度的SDF-1 mRNA.抗CXCR4单抗对NUGC4细胞增殖具有显著的抑制作用(P＜0.05);SDF-1可促进NUGC4细胞与间皮细胞黏附及穿越间皮细胞发生迁移,抗CXCR4单抗处理可显著抑制NUGC4细胞的黏附及迁移能力(P＜0.05).体内实验结果显示,CXCR4拮抗剂AMD3100治疗组裸鼠的平均生存时间显著长于对照组[(43.8±2.8)vs(28.2±2.5)d,P＜0.01],瘤结节数目显著低于对照组[(64.6±8.2)vs(103±12.4),P＜0.01].结论 趋化因子SDF-1及其受体CXCR4参与胃癌腹膜转移过程,与肿瘤细胞增殖、肿瘤细胞-问皮细胞问的黏附和肿瘤细胞迁移等步骤密切相关;干扰SDF-1/CXCR4生物学轴可以作为胃癌腹膜转移的潜在治疗策略.     

过表达趋化因子受体4的内皮祖细胞影响血管平滑肌细胞迁移、增殖

目的 研究过表达趋化因子受体4(chemokine receptor 4,CXCR4)的内皮祖细胞(endothelial progenitor cells,EPCs)对血管平滑肌细胞(vascular smooth muscle cells,VSMCs)迁移、增殖的影响.方法 分离培养并鉴定大鼠骨髓来源EPCs.CXCR4的重组腺病毒感染EPCs后,流式细胞术、实时荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR)分别检测细胞膜CXCR4受体及mRNA表达,CCK-8法、Transwell法分别检测EPCs增殖活性、迁移能力.建立过表达CXCR4的EPCs与VSMCs非接触共培养模型,Transwell法、CCK-8法检测EPCs对VSMCs的迁移、细胞存活的影响.结果 CXCR4重组腺病毒感染EPCs 48 h后,EPCs细胞膜CXCR4受体和mRNA表达明显增高(P＜0.01),过表达CXCR4对EPCs增殖活性无明显影响,但可增强EPCs定向迁移能力(P＜0.01).共培养模型中,SDF-1α诱导下,CXCR4组VSMCs迁移、细胞存活率明显降低(P＜0.05),无SDF-1α诱导下空白对照组、GFP组及CXCR4组VSMCs的迁移、细胞存活率整体高于SDF-1α诱导下各组(P＜0.05).结论 过表达CXCR4可增强EPCs的迁移能力,在SDF-1/CXCR4调控轴中加强EPCs对VSMCs迁移和增殖的抑制作用,可用于防治血管再狭窄的细胞治疗.     

miR-134靶向基质金属蛋白酶1对喉癌细胞的增殖、凋亡、侵袭和迁移的影响

目的 探讨miR-134靶向基质金属蛋白酶1(MMP1)对喉癌细胞的增殖、凋亡、侵袭和迁移的影响.方法 双荧光素酶报告基因实验验证MMP1基因是否为miR-134的靶向基因.转染实验分为miR-134 mimics组、miR-134 antagomir组和空白对照组,采用CCK-8、流式细胞术和Transwell法检测各组细胞增殖、凋亡、侵袭和迁移情况,Western blot检测过表达或降低miR-134对MMP1蛋白表达的影响.结果 双荧光素酶报告基因结果显示miR-134能和MMP13'-UTR端结合且明显抑制荧光素酶活性.miR-134 mimics组细胞在转染后24 h的细胞活力明显低于空白对照组(P<0.01),而miR-134 antagomir组明显高于空白对照组(P<0.05).与空白对照组凋亡率[(4.32±0.36)％]比较,miR-134 mimics组[(12.02±0.45)％]明显增加(P<0.01),而miR-134 antagomir组[(2.31±0.26)％]明显降低(P<0.05).与空白对照组比较,miR-134 mimics组的细胞侵袭和迁移能力明显减弱、MMP1蛋白表达明显降低(P<0.05),miR-134 antagomir组的细胞侵袭和迁移能力明显增强、MMP1蛋白表达明显升高(P<0.05).结论 miR-134在转录后水平调控MMP 1蛋白表达来影响喉癌细胞的增殖、凋亡、侵袭及迁移.     

CXCR7在胃癌细胞中的表达及对SGC-7901细胞迁移及侵袭的影响

目的 探讨趋化因子受体7(CXCR7)在不同分化程度的胃癌细胞系中的表达以及siRNA沉默CXCR7后对胃癌SGC-7901细胞迁移及侵袭能力的影响。方法 体外培养5种人胃癌细胞系:未分化腺癌HGC-27、低分化黏液腺癌MGC-803、低分化腺癌BGC-823、中分化腺癌SGC-7901和高分化腺癌MKN-28。采用Western blot及RT-PCR法分别检测CXCR7的蛋白及mRNA表达。应用脂质体转染siRNA的方法沉默SGC-7901细胞CXCR7的表达,并采用其配体基质细胞衍生因子-1（SDF-1）干预,实验分为4组:阴性对照siRNA(NC siRNA组), NC siRNA+SDF-1组,CXCR7 siRNA组和CXCR7 siRNA+SDF-1组。应用Transwell小室检测细胞迁移及侵袭能力。结果 CXCR7在不同人胃癌细胞系中表达程度不一,其中高分化MKN-28几乎不表达,中分化SGC-7901细胞表达程度最高。与 NC siRNA组相比,NC siRNA＋SDF-1组的迁移细胞数和侵袭细胞数增加（P CXCR7 siRNA组的迁移细胞数和侵袭细胞数减少（P CXCR7 siRNA＋SDF-1组的迁移细胞数和侵袭细胞数减少（P CXCR7 siRNA抑制。     

骨髓基质细胞衍生因子1及其受体在骨髓增生异常综合征患者中的表达

目的 探讨基质细胞衍生因子1(SDF-1)与其受体趋化因子受体CXCR4在骨髓增生异常综合征(MDS)发病中的可能作用,为MDS的治疗寻找有意义的靶点.方法 收集2006年10月至2010年6月59例MDS病例,根据国际预后积分系统(IPSS)分为低危和高危两组,分别为33例和26例,以10份正常的骨髓标本作为对照.采集骨髓标本,检测骨髓血浆中SDF-1的含量、CD34+细胞CXCR4的表达率、CD34+细胞的凋亡率及血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)在骨髓血浆中的表达.结果 SDF-1在低危组和高危组患者骨髓血浆中的含量[(2301±413)、(1173 ±501)ng/L]显著高于对照组[(689±190)ng/L,P＜0.05],低危组显著高于高危组(P＜0.05).CD34+细胞CXCR4的表达在高危组(68.1％±18.8％)显著高于低危组(21.0％±9.7％)和对照组(19.4％±5.3％)(P＜0.05),在后两组的表达率差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).CD34+细胞的凋亡率在低危组、高危组和对照组分别为54.8％±10.2％,24.3％±7.9％,l8.5％±8.7％,前组显著高于后两组(P＜0.05).骨髓血浆中VEGF的含量在低危组、高危组、对照组分别为(286±97)、(407±168)、(157±46)ng/L,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).相关分析显示:低危组CD34+细胞的凋亡率与骨髓血浆SDF-1的含量呈正相关(r =0.805,P＜0.05);高危组血浆VEGF的含量与CD34+细胞CXCR4的表达呈正相关(r=0.683,P＜0.05).结论 SDF-1/CXCR4在MDS中存在异常表达,且与骨髓细胞的凋亡和血管新成具有相关性,针对该生物轴的干预可为该病的治疗提供新的靶点.     

miR-424对非小细胞肺癌细胞株A549迁移及侵袭的影响

目的探讨miR-424对非小细胞肺癌细胞株A549迁移及侵袭的影响。方法 RT-PCR法检测肺癌细胞NCI-H460、NCI-H1975、NCI-H446、A549、NCI-H1299、NCI-H157及人胚肺成纤维细胞MRC-5中miR-424表达,脂质体LipofectamineTM2000将miR-424 inhibitor和miR-424 NC转入A549细胞中,48 h后,RT-PCR法检测miR-424表达,CCK-8法检测细胞活力,划痕实验检测细胞迁移能力,Transwell实验检测细胞侵袭能力,western blot检测基质金属蛋白酶2(MMP2)、MMP9、转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)及p-Smad3的表达。结果 miR-424在肺癌细胞NCIH460、NCI-H1975、NCI-H446、A549、NCI-H1299、NCI-H157中的[(1.78±0.13),(1.69±0.10),(1.89±0.18),(2.88±0.27),(2.52±0.20),(2.49±0.23)]表达量显著高于miR-424在人胚肺成纤维细胞MRC-5中的(0.58±0.05)表达量(P0.01)。与miR-424 NC组比较,miR-424 inhibitor组miR-424表达量显著降低(P0.01),细胞活力下降(P0.01),细胞迁移及侵袭能力降低(P0.01),MMP2,MMP9,TGF-β1及p-Smad3表达量均显著下调(P0.01)。结论 miR-424表达量下调后能通过抑制TGF-β1/Smad3信号通路进而抑制A549细胞的迁移及侵袭。     

vMIP-ⅡN端肽对趋化因子受体CXCR4表达调控的机制研究

目的:探讨病毒巨噬细胞炎性蛋白Ⅱ（vMIP-Ⅱ）对乳腺癌细胞CXCR4表达的影响及分子机制。方法:设计并合成扩增CXCR4核心启动子基因序列,构建荧光素酶报告载体,酶切鉴定;通过检测报告基因荧光素酶活性反映病毒巨噬细胞炎性蛋白N端21肽（NT21MP）对CXCR4启动子的作用;通过荧光定量PCR技术和Western blot检测CXCR4干扰或过表达、HER-2干扰,以及miRNAs抑制剂和类似物转染后相关基因及miRNAs表达;采用磺酰罗丹明B（SRB）染色法检测细胞增殖活性,PI染色法检测细胞周期,Annexin V/PI染色法检测细胞凋亡。结果:NT21MP下调CXCR4的表达,并上调miR-125b、miR-135a和miR-146a的表达（P < 0.05~P < 0.01）;NT21MP降低CXCR4核心启动子的活性;SP1为CXCR4核心启动子高频结合转录因子,miR-135a可下调SP1的表达（P < 0.01）;过表达CXCR4上调HER-2表达（P < 0.01）,而干扰CXCR4表达则下调HER-2表达（P < 0.01）;miR-125b可下调HER-2的表达（P < 0.01）;HER-2表达下调诱导miR-146a的表达;miR-146a抑制CXCR4表达（P < 0.01）;相对于空白对照组,miR-146a和miR-135a均可抑制细胞增殖,阻断细胞周期,并诱导凋亡（P < 0.01）。结论:NT21MP通过诱导miR-125b、miR-135a和miR-146a负调控CXCR4的表达,从而抑制乳腺癌细胞的增殖能力,为NT21MP应用于乳腺癌患者的治疗提供了理论基础。     

Effects of G-CSF on nerve repair and mobilization of bone marrow stem cells in rat models of focal cerebral ischemic stroke

目的 研究粒细胞集落刺激因子(granulocyte-colony stimulating factor,G-CSF)对卒中后骨髓干细胞的动员与血管再生和神经修复的影响.方法 线栓法制备大鼠大脑中动脉栓塞(middle cerebral artery occlusion,MCAO)模型,成功造模大鼠(60只)分为生理盐水对照组和G-CSF治疗组.治疗组皮下注射G-CSF[2、10、50、250 μg/(kg·d)],对照组以等量生理盐水进行处理.治疗1、3、5、7d后,进行行为学评分并取外周血计数单个核细胞,提取RNA进行RT-PCR检测单个核细胞CD31、CXCR4mRNA的表达水平;实验动物灌注固定后取脑组织切片检测G-CSF作用后脑组织中CD31、CD133及基质细胞衍生因子SDF-1表达.结果 与生理盐水对照组相比,G-CSF治疗组神经功能有明显的改善(P＜0.05);G-CSF作用后外周血中单个核细胞数量明显增加;G-CSF低剂量作用组[2、10μg/(kg·d)]外周血单个核细胞CD31及CXCR4mRNA表达随着用药时间的延长而增强;高剂量[50、250μg/(kg·d)]在短时间内(1、3 d),外周血单个核细胞CD31、CXCR4 mRNA随着用药剂量的升高而增强,250μg/(kg· d)最强,且随着用药时间的延长(5、7d),G-CSF 作用逐渐减弱;G-CSF作用后脑组织内皮细胞标志CD31、CD133及SDF-1阳性表达明显增加.结论 G-CSF能改善MCAO后大鼠症状,其机制可能在于动员骨髓干细胞进入外周血并促进脑组织SDF-1表达以趋化干细胞,继而促进脑组织的血管再生和神经修复.     

阻抑正常骨髓基质SDF-1作用对HL-60细胞生物学性质的影响

目的本研究通过应用抗CXCR4单克隆抗体12G5抑制趋化因子SDF-1的生物活性,观察HL-60细胞生物学性质的变化,探讨SDF-1在维持HL-60细胞生存、增殖中的作用.方法培养HL-60细胞并与正常骨髓基质细胞共培养,采用12G5阻断SDF-1生物作用,孵育2 h后观察对照组及单抗组HL-60细胞在骨髓基质层上的粘附情况,24 h后测定细胞粘附率;2、4、6、8 h应用台盼蓝排染法测定细胞存活率,MTT法检测HL-60细胞活力,流式细胞术观察HL-60细胞增殖周期变化.结果①12G5孵育后24 h,骨髓基质对HL-60的粘附率为(19.1±8.6)%,显著低于对照组.②单抗孵育后HL-60细胞存活率下降,且随单抗孵育时间延长而逐渐下降.③细胞活性下降.④12G5孵育2、6 h后,处于增殖周期中G0/G1期的细胞分别为(54.7±6.37)%,(55.1±7.04)%,而S期的细胞分别为(38.4±4.51)%,(37.1±4.08)%.结论 12G5可改变HL-60细胞的生物学特性,从而在一定程度上抑制白血病细胞的增殖,影响细胞生存.     

缺血性脑卒中大鼠模型骨髓干细胞的动员和神经修复作用

目的研究粒细胞集落刺激因子(granulocyte-colony stimulating factor,G-CSF)对卒中后骨髓干细胞的动员与血管再生和神经修复的影响。方法线栓法制备大鼠大脑中动脉栓塞(middle cerebral artery occlusion,MCAO)模型,成功造模大鼠(60只)分为生理盐水对照组和G-CSF治疗组。治疗组皮下注射G-CSF[2、10、50、250μg/(kg.d)],对照组以等量生理盐水进行处理。治疗1、3、5、7 d后,进行行为学评分并取外周血计数单个核细胞,提取RNA进行RT-PCR检测单个核细胞CD31、CXCR4 mRNA的表达水平;实验动物灌注固定后取脑组织切片检测G-CSF作用后脑组织中CD31、CD133及基质细胞衍生因子SDF-1表达。结果与生理盐水对照组相比,G-CSF治疗组神经功能有明显的改善(P<0.05);G-CSF作用后外周血中单个核细胞数量明显增加;G-CSF低剂量作用组[2、10μg/(kg.d)]外周血单个核细胞CD31及CXCR4 mRNA表达随着用药时间的延长而增强;高剂量[50、250μg/(kg.d)]在短时间内(1、3 d),外周血单个核细胞CD31、CXCR4 mRNA随着用药剂量的升高而增强,250μg/(kg.d)最强,且随着用药时间的延长(5、7 d),G-CSF作用逐渐减弱;G-CSF作用后脑组织内皮细胞标志CD31、CD133及SDF-1阳性表达明显增加。结论 G-CSF能改善MCAO后大鼠症状,其机制可能在于动员骨髓干细胞进入外周血并促进脑组织SDF-1表达以趋化干细胞,继而促进脑组织的血管再生和神经修复。     

肱骨远端全骺分离

肱骨远端全骺分离在5岁以下儿童中是较常见的肘部损伤,且极易误诊为肱骨髁上骨折或肘关节脱位。本组25例肱骨远端全骺分离均为向内侧移位,年龄11个月至14岁,平均5.6岁,属Salter-HarrisⅠ型或Ⅱ型。对本症骨骺损伤的解剖学和组织学,诸骨(和骨化中心)之间的对应关系以及骨骺损伤的诊治进行了简短的讨论。     

食指背侧皮瓣的临床应用

通过对右手虎口挛缩以及左拇指皮肤剥脱损伤各一例应用直指背侧皮瓣修复的成功经验,提出该手术的适应症和优点,并重点介绍其应用解剖学和手术方法。     

Investigation of hypoglycemic,hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities of aqueous extract of Terminalia paniculata bark in diabetic rats

Objective

To investigate the hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities of aqueous extract of Terminalia paniculata bark (AETPB) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Methods

Acute toxicity was studied in rats after the oral administration of AETPB to determine the dose to assess hypoglycemic activity. In rats, diabetes was induced by injection of STZ (60 mg/kg, i.p.) and diabetes was confirmed 72 h after induction, and then allowed for 14 days to stabilize blood glucose level. In diabetic rats, AETPB was orally given for 28 days and its effect on blood glucose and body weight was determined on a weekly basis. At the end of the experimental day, fasting blood sample was collected to estimate the haemoglobin (Hb), glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), serum creatinine, urea, serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) and insulin levels. The liver and kidney were collected to determine antioxidants levels in diabetic rats.

Results

Oral administration of AETPB did not exhibit toxicity and death at a dose of 2 000 mg/kg. AETPB treated diabetic rats significantly (P<0.001, P<0.01 and P<0.05) reduced elevated blood glucose, HbA1c, creatinine, urea, SGPT and SGOT levels when compared with diabetic control rats. The body weight, Hb, insulin and total protein levels were significantly (P<0.001, P<0.01 and P<0.05) increased in diabetic rats treated with AETPB compared to diabetic control rats. In diabetic rats, AETPB treatment significantly reversed abnormal status of antioxidants and lipid profile levels towards near normal levels compared to diabetic control rats.

Conclusions

Present study results confirm that AETPB possesses significant hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities in diabetic condition.     

大肠多发原发性癌:危险因素、诊治和预防(附8例报告)

综述分析1954～84年国内外文献,探讨了大肠多发原发性癌的诊断标准、发病情况、临床表现、发病危险因素、外科处理以及预防和诊断检测技术等问题,强调了大肠腺瘤,遗传基础、免疫缺陷、慢性溃疡性结肠炎等在发病上的作用,及高危险组患者应按方案进行常规检测监护之重要性。述介了大肠多发原发性癌系一种原发性大肠癌多中心发生的形式,在诊治上前者与后者有一致性,亦各有其独特性。报告宁夏医学院附属医院肿瘤科1977～84年收治的8例住院大肠多发原发性癌病例的临床资料,对诊治经过进行了初步总结。     

Association of smoking,alcohol and NSAIDs use with expression of cag A and cag T genes of Helicobacter pylori in salivary samples of asymptomatic subjects

Objective

To determine the association of smoking, alcohol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use with presence and virulence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in a representative sample of a random adult population of asymptomatic subjects.

Methods

Non virulent 16S rRNA and virulent cag A and T genes from salivary samples of 854 asymptomatic subjects were determined using polymerase chain reaction. The presence and absence of virulent and non virulent infection was statistically compared with consumption of smoking, alcohol and NSAIDs.

Results

The prevalence of infection in male and female subjects was found to be 69.25% and 66.90%, respectively. The prevalence of infection in the population of asymptomatic subjects with respect to consumption of alcohol was as follows: current (31.22%), former (52.20%) and never (43.58%). The prevalence of infection in the population of asymptomatic subjects with respect to smoking of cigarettes was as follows: current (88.80%), former (57.14%) and never (33.33%). The prevalence of infection in the subject population consuming NSAIDs and not consuming NSAIDs frequently was found to be 82.75% and 21.16%, respectively. Virulence in male and female subjects was found to be 60.00% and 50.00%, respectively. The presence of virulent infection in the population of asymptomatic subjects with respect to consumption of alcohol was as follows: current (28.57%), former (40.15%) and never (50.00%). The prevalence of virulent infection in the population of asymptomatic subjects with respect to smoking of cigarettes was as follows: current (79.32%), former (75.00%) and never (50.00%). The prevalence of virulent infection in the subject population consuming NSAIDs and not consuming NSAIDs frequently was found to be 88.23% and 66.66%, respectively.

Conclusions

It can be concluded that smoking and NSAIDs consumption are aggravating factors for virulence of H. pylori and alcohol can inhibit H. pylori infection in asymptomatic subjects.     

具有抗细菌黏附和杀菌双重功能的(HA/CHI-Van)5涂层的制备

目的：研究开发一种涂覆(HA/CHI-Van)5多层膜结构的骨科内植入物以用于预防骨内植入物感染。方法：将透明质酸（HA）和壳聚糖-万古霉素（CHI-Van）溶液进行层层自组装,制备得到(HA/CHI-Van)5多层膜结构;通过zeta电位检测组装过程,通过活细菌染色实验评价多层膜的抗细菌黏附效果,通过越狱实验和FE-SEM实验检测体外抗菌效果。SD大鼠随机分为空白组、(HA/CHI-Van)5组和假手术组,并以X线、Micro-CT、骨组织切片等方法检测该材料的体内动物实验效果。结果：每次组装不同的单层,zeta电位交替变化,证明多层膜组装成功。活细菌染色实验显示多层膜结构中的CHI具有一定的抗细菌黏附作用。越狱实验和FE-SEM实验证明(HA/CHI-Van)5多层膜结构在体外具有良好的抗菌作用。在体外实验中,(HA/CHI-Van)5组的X线评分为0.7,而空白组的评分为12.3,(HA/CHI-Van)5组在骨密度、骨小梁数量、骨体积分数、骨组织切片方面均优于空白组（均P＜0.05）,且非常接近假手术组（均P＞0.05）。结论：通过在骨科内植入物表面涂覆(HA/CHI-Van)5多层膜结构能够获得一定的抗细菌黏附功能和良好的抗菌作用,可以预防骨内植入物感染。     

NGR修饰唑来膦酸长循环脂质体制备及其表征研究

目的:制备具有肿瘤血管靶向的NGR修饰唑来膦酸长循环脂质体,并对其进行表征研究。方法：采用薄膜分散法制备NGR修饰唑来膦酸长循环脂质体,,并对其进行表征研究,并测定包封率。结果：制备得到的NGR-PEG-ZOL-LPs平均粒径为(271.43±9.23)nm,Zeta电位为-(36.20±0.20)mv,多分散系数(PDI)为(0.15±0.03),理化性质相对稳定;NGR-PEG-ZOL-LPs包封率为8.41%;电镜下显示NGR-PEG-ZOL-LPs呈类圆形,大小分布均匀,无明显聚集。结论：采用薄膜分散法制备的NGR修饰唑来膦酸长循环脂质体具有较高的稳定性,从而为体内药效学研究奠定基础。     

Efficacy and side effects of praziquantel in the treatment of Schistosomiasis mansoni in schoolchildren in Shesha Kekele Elementary School,Wondo Genet,Southern Ethiopia

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and side effects of praziquantel (PZQ) in the treatment of schistosomiasis in Ethiopia.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, stool specimens were collected from randomly selected 299 school children in Shesha Kekele Elementary School, Wondo Genet, Southern Ethiopia, in April 2010. Stool specimens were examined using a single Kato-Katz thick smear for Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) ova. Children who were found positive for S. mansoni were treated with a single oral dose of PZQ at 40 mg/kg bw and interviewed for treatment-related symptoms 24 hours after drug administration. Four weeks post-treatment, stool specimens were collected from the same children and examined following the same procedure as in the pre-treatment. Drug efficacy was determined based on cure and egg reduction rates.

Results

Pre-treatment prevalence of S. mansoni infection was 74.9% with geometric mean egg count of 268. The evaluated generic PZQ produced an overall cure rate of 73.6% (P<0.000 1, OR: 8.33, CI: 5.3–13.1) and egg reduction rate of 68.2% (P=0.03, F=0.64). The cure rate showed significant association with age (χ²=11, P=0.004), the highest rate being observed in the 15–22 age group. 83% of S. mansoni infected children showed various treatment-related symptoms, the most frequent being headache, nausea, and abdominal pain. These symptoms were associated with age (P<0.001) and pre-treatment intensity of infection (P<0.05).

Conclusions

The present observations revealed relatively lower cure and egg reduction rates of the PZQ evaluated as compared to previous reports for other PZQ brands in Ethiopia. Hence, in depth studies are recommended to clarify whether the present relatively lower cure rate is the actual cure rate of the praziquantel evaluated, treatment failure, or reduced susceptibility of the parasite. Treatment-related side effects observed were transient and tolerable.     

Phytochemical and anti-bacterial activity of epidermal glands extract of Christella parasitica (L.) H. Lev.

Objective

To study the morphology, biochemistry and bioactivity of the epidermal glands of the glandular morphotype of Christella parasitica (C. parasitica) (L.) H. Lev.

Methods

Morphological studies on epidermal glands were carried out by using light microscope and scanning electron microscope. To prepare the extract, the shade-dried fronds of glandular morphotype were soaked in acetone. For antibacterial studies paper disc method was followed by using various pathogenic bacteria.

Results

Detailed micromorphological, phytochemical and bioactivity studies on a medicinal fern C. parasitica (L.) H. Lev. showed its intraspecific variation in antibacterial activity. The presence or absence of the epidermal glands was the key factor for antibacterial activity in the morphovariants of this species. The epidermal glands were orange-coloured, stalked and elongated ones of about 84.2 µm × 45 µm, and distributed on the undersurface of costa, costules and veins in croziers, young and mature leaves. Frequency of glands varied from 15/cm on costa in mature leaves to 140/cm on costules in croziers. The acetone extract of the glands showed antibacterial activities and also toxic effect against mosquito larvae and tadpoles of frog. Preliminary phytochemical analysis and HPLC studies of the gland extract showed the presence of various kinds of terpenoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins and flavonoids in it.

Conclusions

The present study shows that epidermal glands of the glandular morphotype of C. parasitica (L.) H. Lev. have several bioactive compounds and such rare morphovariant should be conserved in nature. The next step is to isolate the pure compounds and to screen the bioactivity of individual compounds of the epidermal glands.