Genetic variation at Q192R and L55M polymorphisms in PON1

Earlier we have reported Q192R allele frequencies among four Indian populations as a part of an investigation of the distribution of Paraoxonase 1 polymorphisms. Here we present the results obtained after screening eleven populations representing different regions of India for Q192R and L55M. Population genetic analysis examining the effect of micro-evolutionary forces at these loci confirmed genetic differentiation at Q192R earlier suggested. The study groups showed high frequencies of L55 and differential distribution of Q192 and R192. Tests for deviation from neutrality indicated heterozygote excess at rs662 which has Q192R polymorphism. Higher levels of heterozygosity at Q192R than L55M might be because of its role in wide substrate specificity of the enzyme. A small but highly significant correlation between genetic and geographic distances was observed in a spatial autocorrelation analysis indicating non-random distribution of Q192 allele. Our findings are pertinent to toxicogenetic studies evaluating risk assessment towards organophosphate compounds among different continental groups.     

Polyphenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Cold‐Pressed Seed Oil from Finola Cultivar of Cannabis sativa L.

The aim of this study was to characterize the polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of cold‐pressed seed oil from Finola cultivar of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.). Several methodologies have been employed to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activity of Finola hempseed oil (FHSO) and both lipophilic (LF) and hydrophilic fractions (HF). The qualitative and quantitative composition of the phenolic fraction of FHSO was performed by HPLC analyses. From the results is evident that FHSO has high antioxidative activity, as measured by DPPH radical (146.76 mmol of TE/100 g oil), inhibited β‐carotene bleaching, quenched a chemically generated peroxyl radical in vitro and showed high ferrous ion chelating activity. Reactivity towards 2,2′‐azino‐bis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) radical cation and ferric‐reducing antioxidant power values were 695.2 µmol of TE/100g oil and 3690.6 µmol of TE/100 g oil respectively. FHSO contains a significant amount of phenolic compounds of which 2780.4 mg of quercetin equivalent/100 g of total flavonoids. The whole oil showed higher antioxidant activity compared with LF and HF. Our findings indicate that the significant antioxidant properties shown from Finola seed oil might generally depend on the phenolic compounds, especially flavonoids, such as flavanones, flavonols, flavanols and isoflavones. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Irradiation and immunotherapy: From concept to the clinic

In recent years, an increased understanding of T‐cell–regulatory mechanisms has led to the development of a novel class of immune‐checkpoint inhibitors that have robust clinical activity against a broad array of malignancies—even those that historically were not believed to be sensitive to immune therapy. With this, there has been renewed interest in the potential for synergy with more traditional forms of anticancer therapy like radiation therapy (RT). The role of RT in palliation or as definitive treatment for certain malignancies has been well established. Yet, in recent years, the concept has come to light that RT could be an attractive partner for use in combination with other immunotherapies. The effects of RT include not only control of an irradiated tumor but also multiple immunomodulatory effects on both the tumor and the microenvironment, priming tumors for an immune‐mediated response. Herein, the authors summarize relevant preclinical data and rationale supporting the synergy of combined RT and immunotherapy and highlight recent clinical work on promising combination strategies. Cancer 2016;122:1659‐71 . © 2016 American Cancer Society.     

高剂量波立维对经皮冠状动脉介入治疗中血清sCD_(40)L和hs-CRP水平的影响

目的探讨急性冠状动脉综合征患者在经皮冠状动脉介入手术后服用高剂量的波立维对血清中的sCD_(40)L和hs-CRP整体含量水平的影响。方法用完全随机的方法选取共190例高剂量组和标准剂量组冠心病急性冠状动脉综合征患者,其中94例为高剂量组,96例为标准剂量组。观察用药后高剂量组和标准剂量组患者血清中的sCD_(40)L和hs-CRP是否存在差异。结果 1 sCD_(40)L在标准剂量组中的整体水平情况明显高于sCD_(40)L在高剂量组血清中的整体水平情况,且P为0.046,有统计学意义,说明高剂量波立维比标准剂量波立维使血液中sCD_(40)L整体含量情况水平下降,具有更强的抑制作用。2标准剂量组中hs-CRP在血液中的整体含量明显高于高剂量组血清中hs-CRP含量的整体情况,且P为0.013,差异有统计学意义,说明与标准剂量波立维相比高剂量波立维能减少hs-CRP的产生。3 sCD_(40)L与hs-CRP的P<0.01,且皮尔森相关系数r=为0.128,表明sCD_(40)L与hs-CRP变化趋势呈正相关,说明当波立维能在抑制炎性反应产物hs-CRP产生的同时也可以抑制血液中另一种炎症产物sCD_(40)L的产生。结论对比结果可以看到与标准剂量相比,高剂量的波立维不但本身更能抑制hs-CRP产生且拥有更强的抗炎作用。     

L‐theanine ameliorate depressive‐like behavior in a chronic unpredictable mild stress rat model via modulating the monoamine levels in limbic–cortical–striatal–pallidal–thalamic‐circuit related brain regions

L‐theanine, originally found in green tea, elicits various physiological effects, such as promoting relaxation, improving concentration and learning ability, and providing antianxiety‐like and antidepressant‐like properties. This study aims to investigate the effects of L‐theanine (2 mg/kg) on monoamine levels in an animal model of depression. The effect of l ‐theanine on the symptoms of depression was examined through the open‐field test, sucrose preference test, and forced swim test. The monoamine neurotransmitters that involve serotonin (5‐HT), norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (DA) were measured in the limbic–cortical–striatal–pallidal–thalamic (LCSPT)‐circuit related brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex (PFC), nucleus accumbens (NAC), striatum (ST), amygdala, and hippocampus (HIP). L‐theanine ameliorated the depressive‐like behaviors in the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) rat model. In the PFC, NAC, and HIP, L‐theanine administration significantly increased the levels of 5‐HT, NE, and DA. In the ST, the levels of 5‐HT and DA were increased after the administration of L‐theanine. However, in the HIP, only the level of DA significantly changed after the treatment of L‐theanine. Taken together, these results indicated that L‐theanine has possibly antidepressant‐like effects in the CUMS rat model, which could be mediated by the monoamine neurotransmitters in the LCSPT‐circuit related brain regions.     

马齿苋在医药领域中的研究与应用

马齿苋作为一种药食同源植物,广泛分布于中国的大部分地区。它在欧洲和地中海国家也很受欢迎。马齿苋含有多种化学成分,具有抗肿瘤、降血糖、抗氧化、抗菌、抗炎等药理活性。它还含有丰富的营养元素,可以作为减肥佳品和保健食品。本文就马齿苋的植物来源、药理作用、化学成分、药理及药代动力学、毒性及安全性评价、临床应用等方面进行综述。