Hideaki Matsuura

BACKGROUND/AIM: Andrographolide (Andro), a diterpene lactone from Andrographis paniculata, induces apoptosis via reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent mitochondrial dysfunction but achieves low plasma concentrations because of its lipophilicity. We investigated whether low-dose Andro potentiates the cytotoxicity of the mechanistically distinct agents cytarabine (Ara-C) and vincristine (VCR) in plasma cell neoplasm cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human plasma cell neoplasm cell lines H929 and ARH77 were treated with Andro alone or in combination with Ara-C or VCR. Cell viability was assessed in dose- and time-response experiments, and pharmacologic interactions were quantified using the combination index (CI) method. Apoptosis was evaluated by Annexin V staining, and cell-cycle distribution was analyzed to examine mechanistic complementarity. RESULTS: Andro decreased viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner (IC50 at 48 h: 3.4 μM in H929; 7.5 μM in ARH77). Combining Andro with Ara-C or VCR further reduced viability; in H929 cells, all combination conditions yielded CI values <1.0, indicating synergy. Combination treatments markedly increased Annexin V-positive fractions, implicating apoptosis as a major contributor to enhanced cytotoxicity. While Andro alone did not appreciably alter cell-cycle profiles, it modestly influenced Ara-C- and VCR-associated changes in cell-cycle distribution, consistent with complementary mechanisms. CONCLUSION: Low-dose Andro strengthens Ara-C- and VCR-driven cytotoxic programs and provides a quantitative rationale for Andro-based combination strategies in plasma cell neoplasms and related hematologic malignancies.

BACKGROUND: Packed red blood cells (PRBC) are stored at 2°C-6°C to ensure quality. Improper temperature control during PRBC transport reduces the quality of downstream blood products and wastes PRBC units. This study evaluated the suitability of the BioBox LAB10 for in-hospital PRBC transport. METHODS: Temperatures of the box interior and simulated formulation were measured to assess cooling capabilities. Quality was evaluated by measuring red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, pH, potassium concentration, and ATP concentration of PRBC samples. The storage capacity, size, weight, and cost of the BioBox was compared with that of the ATR700. RESULTS: The BioBox cooled to ≤6°C within 14 min. PRBC temperature remained ≤6°C for approximately 19 h. None of the quality parameters, including ATP concentration, differed significantly between samples stored in the BioBox or in a refrigerator. The BioBox is smaller, lighter, and 84% less expensive than the ATR700, with an equivalent storage capacity. CONCLUSIONS: The BioBox effectively maintains temperature and PRBC quality during transport and provides a practical solution for in-hospital transport of blood for transfusion owing to its compact, lightweight design, and affordability.