Chemopreventive action of Lygodium flexuosum extract in human hepatoma PLC/PRF/5 and Hep 3B cells

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Lygodium flexuosum (Lygodiaceae), a medicinal fern used in Indian traditional medicine against liver disorders.

Aim of the study

The rationale of the study was to examine whether the n-hexane extract from plant Lygodium flexuosum affects apoptosis on human hepatoma PLC/PRF/5 and Hep 3B cells.

Materials and methods

Chemopreventive activity of the Lygodium flexuosum extract was determined by MTT assay, annexin-V FITC binding to phosphatidyl serine and cleavage of PARP. Subdiploid condition of cells treated with Lygodium flexuosum was analyzed by flow cytometry. Further, used transiently transfected NF-κB reporter in PLC/PRF/5 cells to evaluate the inhibitive effect of Lygodium flexuosum extract.

Results

Lygodium flexuosum extract inhibited the cell viability and induced apoptosis in hepatoma cells in a concentration dependent manner as evidenced by apoptotic changes such as flipping of phosphatidyl serine, cleavage of PARP. Cell cycle analysis showed the subG1 apoptotic population in cells treated with higher concentrations of the extract. When activated with exogenous TNF-α in transfected hepatoma cells it was observed that NF-κB dependent gene expression was inhibited by treatment with Lygodium flexuosum extract in PLC/PRF/5 cells dose-dependently.

Conclusions

This investigation suggests that the Lygodium flexuosum extract has antiproliferative and apoptotic activity in both cancer cells and has inhibitive role in TNF-α induced NF-κB activation in PLC/PRF/5 cells confirms the potential of the extract as a chemopreventive agent.     

Antrodia camphorata in submerged culture protects low density lipoproteins against oxidative modification

Antrodia camphorata is well known in Taiwan as a traditional Chinese medicine. In this study, we have investigated the antioxidant properties of a fermented culture broth of Antrodia camphorata (FCBA) and the aqueous extracts of mycelia from Antrodia camphorata (AEMA) on the oxidative modification of human low-density lipoproteins (LDL), as induced by either copper sulfate (CuSO(4)) or 2,2'-azo-bis(2-amidinopropane) hydrochloride (AAPH). Under such oxidant stress, FCBA and AEMA appear to possess antioxidant properties with respect to oxidation of LDL in a time-and concentration-dependent manner, as assessed by inhibition of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) formation, conjugated diene production, and cholesterol degradation of oxidized LDL. In addition, both FCBA and AEMA exhibited a remarkable ability to rescue the relative electrophoretic mobility and fragmentation of the Apo B moiety of the oxidized LDL. Furthermore, FCBA and AEMA effectively protected the endothelial cells from the damaging effects of the CuSO(4)-oxidized LDL. Our findings suggest that the antioxidant properties of Antrodia camphorata may also provide effective protection from atherosclerosis.     

Protective effects of mycelia of Antrodia camphorata and Armillariella tabescens in submerged culture against ethanol-induced hepatic toxicity in rats

The hepatoprotective effects of the mycelia of Antrodia camphorata and Armillariella tabescens were evaluated in vivo using acute ethanol-intoxicated rats as an experimental model. Animals were orally treated with Antrodia camphorata (0.5 or 1.0 g/kg b.w.) or Armillariella tabescens (0.5 or 1.0 g/kg b.w.) for 10 days whereas controls received vehicle only. At the end of the experimental 10-day period, the animals were administered by gavage with an acute ethanol dose of 5.0 g/kg b.w. diluted in deionized water (6:4, v/v) and sacrificed at 18 h after ethanol administration. The degree of protection was measured by using biochemical parameters like serum transaminases (AST and ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin. Meanwhile, the histopathological studies were carried out to support the above parameters. Administration of Antrodia camphorata or Armillariella tabescens markedly prevented ethanol-induced elevation of levels of serum AST, ALT, ALP, and bilirubin comparable with standard drug silymarin.     

Antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of tetrandrine on different human hepatoma cell lines

Tetrandrine (TET), a bis-benzylisoquinoline alkaloid isolated from the dried root of Hang-Fang-Chi (Stephania tetrandra S. Moore), is well known to possess activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammation, anti-fibrotic and anticancer. It is used clinically to treat hypertension and silicosis. In the present study, the anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of TET were evaluated on three different hepatoma cell lines, namely Hep G2, PLC/PRF/5 and Hep 3B. Using XTT assay, results showed that the IC50 values of TET were 4.35 microM for Hep G2, 9.44 microM for PLC/PRF/5 and 10.41 microM for Hep 3B cells. The CC50 of TET against BNL-CL.2 mouse normal liver cells was 31.12 microM. Interestingly, TET exhibited a lower IC50 value and better selectivity against Hep G2 and PLC/PRF/5 cells than cisplatin. Microscopic observation study, DNA fragmentation assay and flow cytometric analysis further supported apoptotic effect of TET on both PLC/PRF/5 and Hep 3B cells. The cell cycle of PLC/PRF/5 treated with TET appeared to arrest at G2/M phase in a dose-dependent manner, whereas no effect was noted on the cell cycle of Hep 3B cells. The present study concludes that TET exhibited anti-proliferative effect on Hep G2, PLC/PRF/5 and Hep 3B cells in a dose-dependent manner. TET also possesses a lower IC50 and better SI value than cisplatin against Hep G2 and PLC/PRF/5 cells. The effect of TET on cell cycle progression was found to vary with the type of hepatoma cells, suggesting the genetic make-up of the cells play an important role in the response to drug treatment.     

Antioxidant activity of Antrodia camphorata on free radical-induced endothelial cell damage

AIM OF THE STUDY: Antrodia camphorata (A. camphorata) is well known in Taiwan as a traditional Chinese medicine. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the antioxidant activity of Antrodia camphorata on free radical-induced endothelial cell damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, a human umbilical vein endothelial cell (EC) culture system was used to evaluate the effects of the fermented culture broth of A. camphorata (FCBA) and aqueous extracts of mycelia from A. camphorata (AEMA) against the oxidative cell damage induced by the free-radical generator AAPH. RESULTS: The present investigations show that FCBA (25-100 microg/mL) and AEMA (50-200 microg/mL) effectively protect the ECs from damage after exposure to 15 mM AAPH for 16h. However, cell viability was not affected in ECs under controlled conditions after FCBA or AEMA treatment. An increase in EC prostacyclin (PGI(2)) production in response to AAPH exposure was positively and negatively correlated with cell damage and FCBA/AEMA concentration, respectively. Both FCBA and AEMA treatment significantly inhibited AAPH-apoptotic cell death in the ECs, as evidence by reduced DNA fragmentation, cytochrome c release, caspase-3 activation, and dysregulation of Bcl-2 and Bax. Moreover, the AAPH-induced reductions in EC SOD activity and protein levels are prevented by FCBA and AEMA. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that A. camphorata possesses antioxidant properties and improves endothelial function, further offering effective protection from atherosclerosis.     

The anti-tumor activity of Antrodia salmonea in human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cells is mediated via the induction of G1 cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in vitro or in vivo

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The medicinal mushroom Antrodia salmonea has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine and has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Materials and methods

In the present study, we examined the anti-tumor activity of the fermented culture broth of Antrodia salmonea (AS) in vitro and in vivo and revealed its underlying molecular mechanism of action.

Results

Treatment of human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cells with AS (50–150 μg/mL) significantly reduced cell viability and caused G₁ arrest via the inhibition of cell-cycle regulatory proteins, including cyclin D1, CDK4, cyclin E, cyclin A, and phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein (p-Rb). Furthermore, AS treatment induced apoptosis, which was associated with DNA fragmentation, followed by a sequence of events, including intracellular ROS generation; mitochondrial dysfunction; Fas ligand activation; cytochrome c release; caspase-3, -8, -9, and PARP activation; and Bcl-2/Bax dysregulation. The results of the in vitro study suggested that AS-induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells was mediated by both the mitochondrial and death receptor pathways. Furthermore, we found that AS treatment was effective in delaying tumor incidence in HL-60 xenografted nude mice and reducing tumor burden.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report confirming the anti-tumor activity of this potentially beneficial mushroom against human promyelocytic leukemia.     

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??OBJECTIVE To investigate the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effect and underlying mechanisms. METHODS In PLC/PRF/5 and HepG2, after treatment with Grifola frondosa extract, MTT method, chemical method, JC-1 staining and Western Blot were applied to determine cell viability, caspase 3 activity, mitochondrial membrane potential, the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax, and the phosphorylation of Akt/GSK3??. The anti-tumor activity of Grifola frondosa extract was further confirmed in PLC/PRL/5-xengrafted mice model. RESULTS Grifola frondosa extract significantly reduced cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, the expression of Bcl-2 and the phosphorylation of Akt/GSK3??, and enhanced LDH release, caspase 3 activity and the expression of Bax in both PLC/PRF/5 and HepG2 cells. 12-day Grifola frondosa extract treatment significantly inhibited the PLC/PRF/5-xenografted tumor growth without influence the body weight of mouse. CONCLUSION All these data indicate that Grifola frondosa extract-mediated anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effects are related to its modulation of the activations of Akt/GSK3?? and mitochondrial pathway.     

灵芝多糖联合低剂量顺铂抑瘤作用及对荷瘤鼠免疫功能的影响

目的研究灵芝多糖与顺铂联合用药对荷瘤小鼠的肿瘤生长情况及其免疫功能的影响。方法Balb／c小鼠腋下接种小鼠肺癌细胞株Lewis5×10^6个细胞,待肿瘤至100min^3分组给药。分为对照组、灵芝多糖组（1次／2d,40mg／kg,灌胃）、顺铂组（1次／2d,2mg／kg,腹腔注射）和联合用药组（等剂量的顺铂和灵芝多糖）。每3天测量一次肿瘤的体积,30d后解剖,检测荷瘤小鼠的肿瘤大小、脾脏的变化,脾脏和外周血中免疫细胞的变化以及相关免疫细胞的功能。结果灵芝多糖可有效增加小剂量顺铂的抗肿瘤效果,提高荷瘤小鼠的存活率,使小鼠外周血中Th细胞向Thl转化,增加细胞免疫功能,并增加骨髓来源DC细胞表面CDllc分子的表达（与对照组比较灵芝多糖组从1．06％升至4．59％,与顺铂比较,联合用药组从2．8％升至7．21％）,提高抗原提呈能力。结论灵芝多糖可以提高荷瘤小鼠的免疫功能,与小剂量顺铂联合用药后,具有协同抗肿瘤生长作用,且可提高小鼠存活率。     

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferation tumoral cells activities of Antrodia camphorata, Cordyceps sinensis, and Cinnamomum osmophloeum bark extracts

The extracts of chloroform (1) and methanol (2) from Antrodia camphorata (AC), and chloroform (3) and n-butanol (4) fractions of methanol extract from Cordyceps sinensis (CS), and hexane (5), ethyl acetate (6), and methanol (7) from Cinnamomum osmophloeum bark (CO) were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory as well as tumor-cell growth inhibitory activities in vitro. All the tested extracts dose dependently inhibited the enhanced production of inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO) through reducing inducible NO synthase expression, and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-12 in LPS/IFN-gamma activated murine peritoneal macrophages. In addition, extracts 1 from AC, and 5 and 6 from CO significantly arrest the mitogen-stimulated spleen cells in G0/G1 stage. On the other hand, all these extracts were also evaluated for their tumor-cell proliferation activities in different type of cancer cell lines such as Jurkat, HepG2, PC 3, Colon 205, and MCF 7 as well as normal PBMCs. Compared to untreated controls, the extracts 1, 2, and 4-7 were most active and inhibited Jurkat cells with IC50 value of 22, 40, 18, 4, 5, and 45 microg/ml, respectively. In addition, the extracts 5, 6, and 7 from CO showed potent growth inhibition of HepG2 and PC 3 with IC50 values of 35, 80, 55 microg/ml; and 42, 125, and 50 microg/ml, respectively. Similarly, the extracts 1 and 5 inhibited the growth of Colon 205 and MCF 7 cells with IC50 values of 65, 33; and 95 and 30 microg/ml, respectively. Interestingly, none of the tested extract has shown cytotoxicity towards normal PBMCs up to the concentration range studies (0-150 microg/ml). Taken together, these data suggest that the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties of AC, CS, and CO might result from the growth inhibition of NO, TNF-alpha and IL-12, and tumor cells proliferation, respectively.     

三氧化二砷和顺铂联用对乳腺癌裸鼠移植瘤生长抑制作用

目的 观察三氧化二砷(As2O3)和顺铂(DDP)联用对人乳腺癌细胞系MCF-7裸鼠移植瘤生长抑制有无增效作用.方法 建立裸鼠人乳腺癌MCF-7细胞移植瘤动物模型,成瘤后动物随机分为4组:对照组、As2O3组、DDP组、As2O3+DDP组.对照组予0.9%氯化钠注射液0.2 mL,隔日1次腹腔注射,共8次.As2O3...     

Antroquinonol from ethanolic extract of mycelium of Antrodia cinnamomea protects hepatic cells from ethanol-induced oxidative stress through Nrf-2 activation

Aim of the study

In recent years, the medicinal mushroom Antrodia cinnamomea, known as “niu-chang chih” has received much attention with regard to its possible health benefits; especially its hepatoprotective effects against various drugs, toxins, and alcohol induced liver diseases. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this protective effect of Antrodia cinnamomea and its active compound antroquinonol was poorly understood. In the present study we evaluated to understand the hepatoprotective efficacy of antroquinonol and ethanolic extracts of mycelia of Antrodia cinnamomea (EMAC) in vitro and in vivo.

Materials and methods

The protective mechanism of antroquinonol and EMAC against ethanol-induced oxidative stress was investigated in cultured human hepatoma HepG2 cells and ICR mice model, respectively. HepG2 cells were pretreated with antroquinonol (1-20 μM) and oxidative stress was induced by ethanol (100 mM). Meanwhile, male ICR mice were pretreated with EMAC for 10 days and hepatotoxicity was generated by the addition of ethanol (5 g/kg). Hepatic enzymes, cytokines and chemokines were determined using commercially available assay kits. Western blotting and real-time PCR were subjected to analyze HO-1 and Nr-2 expression. EMSA was performed to monitor Nrf-2 ARE binding activity. Possible changes in hepatic lesion were observed using histopathological analysis.

Results

Antroquinonol pretreatment significantly inhibited ethanol-induced AST, ALT, ROS, NO, MDA production and GSH depletion in HepG2 cells. Western blot and RT-PCR analysis showed that antroquinonol enhanced Nrf-2 activation and its downstream antioxidant gene HO-1 via MAPK pathway. This mechanism was then confirmed in vivo in an acute ethanol intoxicated mouse model: serum ALT and AST production, hepatocellular lipid peroxidation and GSH depletion was prevented by EMAC in a dose-dependent manner. EMAC significantly enhanced HO-1 and Nrf-2 activation via MAPKs consistent with in vitro studies. Ethanol-induced hepatic swelling and hydropic degeneration of hepatocytes was significantly inhibited by EMAC in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusions

These results provide a scientific basis for the hepatoprotective effects of Antrodia cinnamomea. Data also imply that antroquinonol, a potent bioactive compound may be responsible for the hepatoprotective activity of Antrodia cinnamomea. Moreover, the present study highly supported our traditional knowledge that Antrodia cinnamomea as a potential candidate for the treatment of alcoholic liver diseases.     

克癌胶囊抗肝癌作用的实验研究

目的:通过实验方法揭示软坚散结方药——克癌胶囊的抗肝癌作用。方法:分体外实验和体内实验,前者包括克隆形成法、活细胞计数法和 NAG 微量酶反应法;后者主要观察荷瘤小鼠移植瘤的生长和小鼠的存活时间。结果:体外实验表明克癌胶囊能明显抑制人肝癌细胞 BEL-7402生长,ED_(50)在克隆形成法为38.5mg/L,活细胞计数法为54.0mg/L;与5-Fu 有显著的协同作用(P<0.05)。体内实验表明剂量为1.8、3.6、7.2g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1),对 BALB/C小鼠实体瘤(HepA)的抑瘤率(%)平均分别为16.6(P>0.05)、32.4(P<0.05)、49.6(P<0.01);生命延长率(%)平均分别为109(P>0.05)、135(P<0.05)、159(P<0.01),剂量与效应呈直线相关;剂量为3.6、7.2g·kg~(-)1·d~(-1),对 BALB/C 小鼠腹水癌(HepA)产生的抑制率(%)平均分别为14.2(P>0.05)、31.0(P<0.05);生命延长率(%)平均分别为110(P>0.05)、135(P<0.05)。结论:克癌胶囊有抗肝癌效果,与化疗药有协同增效作用。     

白英乙醇提取物抗肿瘤作用初步研究

目的：研究白英乙醇提取物体内外抗肿瘤作用。方法：采用MTT法观察白英乙醇提取物体外对人肝癌BEL-7402细胞及人胃腺癌SGC-7901细胞的增殖抑制作用；以小鼠S180肉瘤及H22肝癌为模型,观察白英乙醇提取物在体内对肿瘤生长的抑制作用。结果：白英乙醇提取物对人肝癌BEL-7402细胞及人胃腺癌SGC-7901细胞有增殖抑制作用,且均呈现良好的浓度-效应依赖关系,作用48 h的IC₅₀值分别为(287.40±5.84),(176.14±5.18) μg·mL^-1；白英乙醇提取物在体内对小鼠S180肉瘤和H22肝癌肿瘤的生长均有显著的抑制作用,且呈现良好的剂量-效应关系,高剂量组的抑瘤率分别达到(41.15±4.54)%和(45.00±7.37)%。结论：白英乙醇提取物具有抗肿瘤作用。     

The cytotoxic principles of Solanum incanum

In continuation of work on Solanum incanum a new steroidal alkaloid glycoside has been isolated from the fresh berries, which is named incanumine, and characterized as O(3)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1----3glu)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1--- -4rha)- alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1----4)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-solasodine++ +. Solamargine, solasodine, ursolic acid, and ursolic acid derivatives (3-O-palmitoyl ursolic acid, 3-O-crotonyl ursolic acid, 3-O-propionyl ursolic acid) exhibited significant cytotoxic effects against human PLC/PRF/5 cells in vitro. Esterification of ursolic acid with aliphatic acids clearly enhanced the cytotoxic effects against human PLC/PRF/5 cells in vitro.     

Induction of apoptosis in human hepatoma cells by mycelia of Antrodia camphorata in submerged culture

The effect of methanolic extracts of mycelia (MEM) from Antrodia camphorata (Polyporaceac, Aphyllophorales) of submerged culture (ACSC) on the inhibition of cell viability and the mechanism of MEM-induced cytotoxic in hepatoma cells were investigated. The IC(50) of MEM on the cytotoxicity of HepG2 (wild type p53) and Hep3B (delete p53) were 49.5 and 62.7 microg/ml, respectively, on 48 h incubation. There is no observable cytotoxicity of MEM in Chang liver cells and rat primary hepatocytes at the concentration of 100 microg/ml. Cell cycle analysis revealed that MEM induced apoptosis on HepG2 via G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. MEM (100 microg/ml) treated HepG2 and Hep3B for 72 h, the apoptotic cells were 98.3 and 39.5%, respectively. The activities of caspase-3, -8 and -9 in HepG2 induced by MEM (50 microg/ml) were increased 5.3, 6.7 and 2.2-fold, respectively. MEM-induced apoptotic cell death was accompanied by up-regulation of caspase-3 and -8 in HepG2 cells. Combined treatment with MEM and caspase-3, -8 and -9 inhibitors, the caspase-3 and -8 inhibitors were accounting for 63 and 47% inhibition in MEM-induced apoptosis, respectively; however, caspase-9 inhibitor exhibited no obvious inhibition effect on the apoptosis percentage (p>0.05). The results indicated that MEM induced HepG2 apoptosis through activation of caspase-3 and -8 cascades and regulation of the cell cycle progression to inhibit hepatoma cells proliferation.     

华蟾素不同组份对荷人胰腺癌SW1990裸小鼠的抑瘤作用

目的观察华蟾素不同组份对荷人胰腺癌SW1990裸小鼠的抑瘤作用。方法采用大孔吸附树脂技术分离华蟾素的极性组份和非极性组份,将荷人胰腺癌SW1990裸小鼠随机分为生理盐水、华蟾素（25g/kg）、华蟾素非极性组份（60．50、31．25mg/kg）、华蟾素极性组份（90．63、181．25mg／kg）、华蟾素联合组份（非极性组份＋极性组份,125．00、250．00mg／kg）等8组。定期测量各组小鼠的肿瘤大小,并于治疗4周后计算抑瘤率。结果华蟾素（25．00g/kg）、华蟾素非极性组份和华蟾素联合组份对荷人胰腺癌SW1990裸小鼠肿瘤生长均有抑制作用,平均瘤重均小于生理盐水组（P〈0．05）;其中联合组份（125．00mg／kg）的抑瘤率为62．97％,优于华蟾素和非极性组份,但差异无统计学意义。结论华蟾素非极性组份和联合组份对荷人胰腺癌细胞株SW1990裸小鼠均有一定的抑瘤作用,非极性组份为华蟾素的有效组份。     

中药五加皮抗肿瘤作用体内外实验研究

目的：分离中药五加皮抗肿瘤活性物质,研究五加皮提取物在体内外的抗肿瘤细胞作用,为五加皮抗肿瘤新药开发、研制提供依据。经皮下注射肿瘤细胞建立荷瘤小鼠动物模型,通过灌胃给药检测五加皮提取物的体内抗肿瘤作用。方法：用^3H—TdR掺入法测定了肿瘤细胞增殖反应;用凝胶层析法初步分离、纯化了五加皮抗肿瘤成分。结果：五加皮提取物对多种组织来源的肿瘤细胞增殖有较强的抑制作用(P<0．01),而且有较好的量效关系。五加皮提取物经口投入荷瘤小鼠后,实验组小鼠一般情况较对照组小鼠好,肿瘤生长较慢,生存期明显延长(P<0．01)。经凝胶层析分析,分离得到一种对肿瘤细胞增殖反应有抑制作用的蛋白质成分,分子量为64kda。结论：中药五加皮不仅在体外对多种肿瘤细胞增殖有抑制作用,在体内也有较好的抗肿瘤效果。其抗肿瘤活性与一种分子量为64kda的蛋白质成分有关,该成分的进一步分离、纯化和作用机理研究,对五加皮抗肿瘤作用的临床应用和新药开发提供科学依据。     

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??OBJECTIVE To observe the in vivo activity of Ranti-HER, a fully human monoclonal antibody, and combined with the doxorubicin or CPT-11 in established human tumor xenografts in nude mice, and to investigate whether EGFR expression is correlated with this activity. METHODS The overall receptor of EGF was quantified by flow cytometry. The anti-tumor effects of Ranti-HER were evaluated using established, s/c human carcinoma xenografts in nude mice, and the relative growth rate of tumor was used to assess the anti-tumor activity. RESULTS A431 cells showed highly expression of EGFR by flow cytometry, SW620 showed negative expression, and EGFR were expressed positively in HT29 and SW948 cells, but both of them were showed low expression. Ranti-HER(0.25-1.0 mg) could inhibit the tumor growth in human A431 epidermoid carcinoma xenografts and dose-effect relationship was observed; Ranti-HER(1.0 mg) could also inhibit the tumor growth in human SW948 colon carcinoma xenografts, but no anti-tumor effects of Ranti-HER 1.0 mg were observed in human HT29 and SW620 colon carcinoma xenografts. Therapeutic enhancement was observed in the A431 xenografts after treatment with Ranti-HER combined with doxorubicin. For another combination regimens, Ranti-HER and CPT-11 proved to be significantly more efficacious than Ranti-HER monotherpy in SW948 xenografts. CONCLUSION Anti-tumor activity of Ranti-HER are observed in xenografts in athymic nude mice, and the activity of Ranti-HER is correlated with the EGFR expression; synergistic effects are observed when Ranti-HER is combined with chemicals compared to Ranti-HER monotherapy.     

Suppression of Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen Secretion by Traditional Plant Medicines

Forty-three extracts of herbal medicines were tested for suppressing the secretion of hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) in vitro . Fourteen extracts were found to have appreciable effects in the experimental system using the PLC/PRF/5 cell line. Of them, the extracts of Rheum palmatum (rhizome), Poligonum cuspidatum (root), Panax japonicum (root) and Terminalia arjuna (bark) strongly suppressed the secretion of HBsAg. The active constituents of these extracts absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract of guinea-pigs suppressed the secretion of HBsAg in the PLC/PRF/5 cell culture.