Instrument-based Tests for Measuring Anterior Chamber Cells in Uveitis: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT

Purpose

New instrument-based techniques for anterior chamber (AC) cell counting can offer automation and objectivity above clinician assessment. This review aims to identify such instruments and its correlation with clinician estimates.     

Antiproliferative, cytotoxic and apoptogenic activity of Indian toad (Bufo melanostictus, Schneider) skin extract on U937 and K562 cells.

The antiproliferative, cytotoxic and apoptogenic activities of Bufo melanostictus (Indian common toad) skin extract (TSE) on U937 and K562 leukemic cell line has been investigated. TSE significantly (P<0.001) reduced the time-dependent cell proliferation and decreased MTT values in U937 and K562 cells. TSE (IC50 doses) suppressed the proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression in both the cells. It was demonstrated that, TSE (IC50 doses) primarily arrested the U937 and K562 cells at G1 phase of the cell cycle. Confocal microscopy showed the altered fragmented nuclei and apoptotic bodies formation in TSE (IC50 doses) treated U937 and K562 cells. Membrane blebbing, cell surface shrinkage and perforation were observed through scanning electron microscope. TSE-induced DNA fragmentation in U937 and K562 cells was reflected in single-cell gel electrophoresis. TSE significantly (P<0.001) increase the length-width ratio of DNA mass as compared to control in comet assay. The flow cytometric analysis of annexin-V binding to the cancer cells further supported the apoptotogenic activity of TSE. The effect of TSE on normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells viability and cytotoxicity was studied in culture and found to be less cytotoxic than on the U937 and K562 cells. The findings from the present study suggested that TSE might possess potent antineoplastic agent having antiproliferative, cytotoxic and apoptogenic activity against U937 and K562 myeloid leukemic cells.     

Lipid extract from completely sporoderm‐broken germinating Ganoderma sinensis spores elicits potent antitumor immune responses in human macrophages

Ganoderma sinensis has been used widely in Oriental countries for the prevention and treatment of various diseases including cancer. Previous studies have shown that the lipid extract from Ganoderma exhibits direct cytotoxicity against tumor cells. Here, it is reported that the lipid extract from germinating G. sinensis spores, at lower concentrations that have no direct tumoricidal activity, induce potent antitumor immune responses in human monocytes/macrophages. Upon stimulation with the lipid extract, monocytes/macrophages exhibited markedly increased production of proinflammatory cytokines and surface expression of costimulatory molecules. Conditioned medium from stimulated cells effectively suppressed the growth of tumor cells. Apparently, the lipid extract triggered macrophage activation via a mechanism different from that associated with LPS. Moreover, it was observed that the lipid extract could partially re‐establish the antitumor activity of the immunosuppressive tumor‐associated macrophages. These results indicated that in addition to its direct tumoricidal activity, the lipid extract from G. sinensis spores could exert antitumor activity by stimulating the activation of human monocytes/macrophages. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

法半夏罗汉果川贝枇杷膏与强力枇杷露药理作用的比较研究

法半夏罗汉果川贝枇把膏与强力批他露均有镇咳祛痰作用，罗汉果川贝枇把膏尚能平喘抗炎。     

Moisturizing effect of cosmetic formulations containing Aloe vera extract in different concentrations assessed by skin bioengineering techniques

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The polysaccharide-rich composition of Aloe vera extracts (Aloe barbadensis Miller), often used in cosmetic formulations, may impart moisturizing properties to the product. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cosmetic formulations containing different concentrations of freeze-dried Aloe vera extract on skin hydration, after a single and a 1- and 2-week period of application, by using skin bioengineering techniques. METHODS: Stable formulations containing 5% (w/w) of a trilaureth-4 phosphate-based blend were supplemented with 0.10%, 0.25% or 0.50% (w/w) of freeze-dried Aloe vera extract and applied to the volar forearm of 20 female subjects. Skin conditions in terms of the water content of the stratum corneum and of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) (Corneometer CM 825 and Tewameter TM 210) were analysed before and after a single and 1- and 2-week period of daily application. RESULTS: After a single application, only formulations supplemented with 0.25% and 0.50% (w/w) of Aloe vera extract increased the water content of the stratum corneum, while after the 2-week period application, all formulations containing the extract (0.10%, 0.25% and 0.50%) had the same effect, in both cases as compared with the vehicle. TEWL was not modified after a single and after 1- and 2-week period of application, when compared with the vehicle. CONCLUSION: Our results show that freeze-dried Aloe vera extract is a natural effective ingredient for improving skin hydration, possibly through a humectant mechanism. Consequently, it may be used in moisturizing cosmetic formulations and also as a complement in the treatment of dry skin.     

备用根大鼠脊髓后角提取液中神经营养活性组分的分离及生物活性测定

制作备用根大鼠脊髓后角提取液，取其分子量大于10kD的组分进行SDS-聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳分析，发现手术侧和非手术侧的电泳区带数目大致相同，但手术侧样品的第四条蛋白质区带扫描的吸收峰面积百分比大于非手术侧样品的第四条区带，两者在量上可能有差别。将手术侧样品经交联葡聚精G-75凝胶层析，得到两个洗脱峰．第一峰洗脱液有促进体外培养的背根节神经元存活及其突起生长的作用，其电泳分析显示4条主带，分子量在40～80kD之间．实验结果提示部分去传入纤维支配的脊髓后角组织含有神经营养活性物质，该物质的分子量约在40～78kD之间．     

Hypoglycaemic activity of Anthocleista vogelii (Planch) aqueous extract in rodents

The hypoglycaemic effect of Anthocleista vogelii was studied in mice, rats and rabbits. Aqueous extract of the plant obtained by infusion from finely pulverized root was used. The extract (100, 400 and 800 mg/kg) induced significant hypoglycaemic activity in a dose-related fashion at 2 h after oral administration in mice and rats with ED₂₅ of 250 mg/kg and 350 mg/kg respectively. The extract (800 mg/kg, orally) similarly induced statistically significant lowering of blood glucose levels at 8 h in normoglycaemic rabbits. The extract (400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg, orally) also caused reduction of blood glucose levels in alloxan-induced diabetic animals. The results of this study indicate that the aqueous extract of the roots of Anthocleista vogelii possess favourable hypoglycaemic activity both in normo and hyperglycaemic animals compared to chlorpropamide as a standard.     

Effect of various stabilizing agents on Imperata cylindrica grass pollen allergen extract

BACKGROUND: Allergen extracts are unstable, heat labile or susceptible to proteases. Stability of allergen extracts is important for proper diagnosis and therapy of allergic disorders. OBJECTIVE: The present study was undertaken to determine the preservation and stabilization conditions of Imperata cylindrica (Ic) grass pollen extract. METHODS: The Ic extract was kept with 0.1 mepsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA), 0.75 m sucrose, 5% glycerol, 0.03% human serum albumin (HSA) or 0.4% phenol for different time periods. The extracts were stored for 3, 6 and 12 months each at 4 degrees C, 4 degrees C with daily exposure to room temperature (RT) for 1 h, and RT. The quality of extracts was analysed by SDS-PAGE, Western blot, ELISA, ELISA inhibition and skin test. RESULTS: Extracts kept with EACA and sucrose retained most of the protein bands followed by glycerol as determined by SDS-PAGE and Western blot during all storage periods and conditions in comparison with standard extracts. The extracts kept with HSA, phenol and without preservative (WP) showed protein degradation below 33 kDa after 3 months storage at all conditions. However, a 67-kDa allergen was stable in these extracts. EACA extract required 75 to 120 ng of protein for 50% inhibition in IgE binding under different conditions, whereas standard extract required 70 ng for the same. ELISA also demonstrated high allergenic reactivity of EACA extract. ID test on allergy patients with EACA extract demonstrated same allergenic potency as that of standard extract. CONCLUSION: EACA is the best preservative/stabilizing agent of Ic pollen extract, followed by sucrose and glycerol. Ic extract kept with phenol, HSA and without preservative showed degradation within 3 months. EACA preserved extract is equally potent as that of standard extract up to 1 year's storage.     

正常人与重症肌无力患者胸腺提取液免疫活性比较

用~３Ｈ－ＴｄＲ掺入法观察不同稀释度的正常人与重症肌无力患者胸腺提取液对健康成人外周血淋巴细胞增殖的影响。实验证实了正常儿童的胸腺功能下降（高浓度Ｐ＜０．０２，余浓度Ｐ＞０．０５），成人胸腺无功能（Ｐ＞０．０５）；并且得出增生型重症肌无力胸腺提取液对ＰＨＡ诱导的人外周血淋巴细胞增殖有促进和抑制双向作用。提示重症肌无力患者的胸腺免疫活性与正常人比较有差异。解释并肯定了手术切除胸腺治疗增生型重症肌无力的作用。     

抽空房水C3F8充填前房中期全眼球湿房角膜保存的实验研究

采用抽空房水Ｃ３Ｆ８（全氟丙烷）充填前房全眼球湿房保存角膜内皮细胞活性。通过内皮细胞显微照相、内皮细胞活性染色（锥蓝联合茜素红染色）、扫描电镜、保存后的兔角膜行实验性同种异体穿透角膜移植，证实保存７天内皮细胞结构完整，功能良好。