Hydrogen peroxide alters sternohyoid muscle function

Upper airway (UA) dilator muscles are critical for the maintenance of airway patency. Injury or fatigue to this group of muscles, as observed in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and animal models of OSA, may leave the UA susceptible to collapse. Although the mechanisms underlying respiratory muscle dysfunction are not completely understood, there is strong evidence suggesting a link between increased production of reactive oxygen species and altered muscle function. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of H₂O₂ on rat sternohyoid muscle function in vitro. Sternohyoid contractile and endurance properties were examined at 35°C under control or hypoxic conditions. Studies were conducted in the presence of varying concentrations of H₂O₂ (0, 0.01, 0.1 and 1 mM). Muscle function was also examined in the presence of antioxidants [desferoxamine (DFX), catalase] and the reducing agent dithiothreitol (DTT). H₂O₂ decreased muscle endurance in a concentration‐dependent manner. This was partially reversed by catalase, DFX and DTT. Our results suggest that oxidants may contribute to UA respiratory muscle dysfunction with implications for the control of UA patency in vivo.     

榆耳发酵液中新倍半萜——榆耳三醇的结构

从榆耳(Gloeostereum incarnatum S.Ito et Imai)的液体发酵物中经层析分离得一新倍半萜榆耳三醇(gloeosteretriol),根据红外光谱、核磁共振谱和质谱数据推定其结构为Ⅰ,并用X-射线晶体衍射进一步确证其结构和立体构型。     

A simple percutaneous inserter for radiopaque gold seeds used in radiotherapy treatment planning

Percutaneous insertion of a radiopaque marker is an important technique used in radiotherapy planning for both external-beam and brachytherapy. It is of particular importance in the oral cavity. We describe the construction and use of a simple inserter for‘cold’gold seeds manufactured from a commercially available Becton Dickinson Brand 5-mL disposable syringe and a Becton Dickinson Brand 18 G 1/2 TW (1.25 × 38 mm) hypodermic needle.     

Effects of recombinant human GM-CSF on proliferation of clonogenic cells in acute myeloblastic leukemia

Proliferation of acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) cells in vitro is limited in most cases to a small subset of blasts that have several properties of stem cells. These leukemic colony-forming cells (AML-CFU) generally require addition of exogenous growth factors for proliferation in agar or methylcellulose. These factors can be supplied by media conditioned by phytohemagglutinin-stimulated normal leukocytes or by CSF-secreting tumor cell lines. However, the exact factor or factors required for stimulation of AML-CFU growth have not been defined. We compared the AML-CFU stimulatory activity of a human recombinant GM-CSF with that of GCT-CM, Mo-CM, and the PHA-leukocyte feeder system in 15 cases of AML. In each of the 12 cases that required exogenous growth factors for maximum AML-CFU growth, recombinant GM-CSF could replace either GM-CSF or Mo-CM, and could partially replace the PHA-leukocyte feeder system. These results indicate that this GM-CSF is a growth promoter of AML-CFU in these culture systems.     

ACE2, angiotensin-(1-7) and Mas receptor axis in inflammation and fibrosis

Recent advances have improved our understanding of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). These have included the recognition that angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7) is a biologically active product of the RAS cascade. The identification of the ACE homologue ACE2, which forms Ang-(1-7) from Ang II, and the GPCR Mas as an Ang-(1-7) receptor have provided the necessary biochemical and molecular background and tools to study the biological significance of Ang-(1-7). Most available evidence supports a counter-regulatory role for Ang-(1-7) by opposing many actions of Ang II on AT₁ receptors, especially vasoconstriction and proliferation. Many studies have now shown that Ang-(1-7) by acting via Mas receptor exerts inhibitory effects on inflammation and on vascular and cellular growth mechanisms. Ang-(1-7) has also been shown to reduce key signalling pathways and molecules thought to be relevant for fibrogenesis. Here, we review recent findings related to the function of the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis and focus on the role of this axis in modifying processes associated with acute and chronic inflammation, including leukocyte influx, fibrogenesis and proliferation of certain cell types. More attention will be given to the involvement of the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis in the context of renal disease because of the known relevance of the RAS for the function of this organ and for the regulation of kidney inflammation and fibrosis. Taken together, this knowledge may help in paving the way for the development of novel treatments for chronic inflammatory and renal diseases.