To construct a recombinant plasmid Pet23a-M, the gene encoding severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus membrane protein was amplified by RT-PCR and cloned into the expression plasmid Pet23a. Results of restriction endonuclease analysis, PCR detection and DNA sequencing analysis revealed that the cloned DNA sequence was the same as that reported. The recombinants were transformed intoEscherichia coli (E. Coli) BL21 (DE3) and induced by Isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG). The expression of 27 kD (1 kD=0.992 1 ku) protein was detected by SDS-PAGE and pured by metal chelated chromatography. Results of Western-blot showed that this expressed protein could react with antibodies in sera of SARS patients during convalescence. This provided the basis for the further study on SARS virus vaccine and diagnostic agents.
In order to provide a rational research basis for clinical detection and genetic engineering vaccine, plasmid pET-28a (+) encoding both Porin gene PIA and PIB ofNeisseria gonorrhoeae was constructed and a fusion protein inE. coli DE3 expressed. The fragments of PIA and PIB gene ofNeisseria gonorrhoeae were amplified and cloned into prokaryotic expression plasmid pET-28a (+) with double restriction endonuclease cut to construct recombinant pET-PIB-PIA. The recombinant was verified with restriction endonuclease and sequenced and transformed intoE. coli DE3 to express the fusion protein PIB-PIA after induced with IPTG. The results showed PIA-PIB fusion DNA fragment was proved correct through sequencing. A 67 kD (1 kD=0.992 1 ku) fusion protein had been detected by SDS-PAGE. It was concluded that the fusion protein was successively expressed.
The effects of retinoic acid on the β-catenin/TCF pathway in cultured porcine tracheo-bronchial epithelial cells (TBEC) were investigated. After TBEC were treated with retinoic acid at various concentrations, mRNA and protein changes of β-catenin in cytoplasm, nucleus and whole cell of the TBEC were observed by immunocytochemical stain, RT-PCR and Western blotting. And the changes of the target gene cyclinD1 of β-catenin/TCF pathway were also observed. It was found that there was no significant difference in β-cat mRNA level after retinoic acid treatment. However, the expression of β-catenin in the whole cell and cytoplasm was elevated with the increase of retinoic acid concentration (P<0.01). The nuclear protein β-catenin and target gene cyclinD1 of β-catenin/TCF pathway was decreased (P<0.05). It was indicated that retinoic acid could increase β-catenin level of the whole cell protein and decreased nuclear β-catenin, downregulating β-cat/TCF signaling activity and reducing target gene cyclinD1 protein level. As a result, retinoic acid can downregulate β-catenin/TCF pathway in porcine tracheobronchial epithelial cell, suggesting that retinoic acid can inhibit the proliferation and accelerate differentiation of tracheobronchial epithelial cells.
By using Fura-2/AM, the effects of magnesium (Mg2+) on the glutamate-induced increase of intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) in the cultured hippocampal neurons and the features were investigated by integrated photoelectric detecting system. The experiments were designed to three groups (The drug was spit to the cells for 20 s): Group A receiving 1×10−5 mol/L glutamate; Group B receiving 1×10−5 mol/L glutamate and 1×10−5 mol/L Mg2+ simultaneously; Group C receiving 1×10−5 mol/L glutamate again after [Ca2+]i in group B back to the baseline. The results showed that in group A, [Ca2+]i was obviously increased. In group B, the changes in [Ca2+] i and the peak value were significantly decreased. Moreover, the elevation of Phase 1 was slowed down and Phase 2 was shortened to some extent, and the plateau phase between them was relatively prolonged. In group C, calcium oscillation similar to that in group A occurred, but both the Phase 1 and Phase 2 were shortened and the Δ[Ca2+]i was slightly decreased. It was suggested that Mg2+ could quickly inhibit the rise of [Ca2+]i induced by glutamate in the cultured hippocampal neurons in rats.
In order to investigate the impact of fulvic acid (FA) on the hydroxylysyl glycosylation in collagen bio-synthesis, 40 NMRI mice were divided into two groups (n=20 in each group, consisting 40 females and 10 males). The animal was maintained for two generations by different diets: control group with normal water and food and study group with water containing 30 mg/L FA and normal food. The second generation of the animal was slaughtered, and the biochemical parameters of collagen content and the degree of collagen hydroxylysyl glycosylation in skin, rib and tibia were detected by biochemical methods. The mean value of collagen in the study group was increased slightly, and no significant difference between study group and control group was found (P>0.05), but the content of glucose-glactose-hydroxylysine (GGH) was significantly decrease in the study group in comparison with the control group (P<0.01). It was suggested that through the decrease of GGH 30 mg/L FA could inhibit the activity of galactosyl-hydroxylysylglucosyl-transferase and furtler disturb the post-translational modification of collagen intracellularly.
The expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in the pathogenesis of heroin-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in rats was investigated. The model of ALI was established by intravenous injection of heroin into tail vein in rats. Thirty-six rats were randomly divided into heroin-treated groups (1 h, 2 h, 4 h, 6 h and 24 h) and normal control group. Changes in histopathologic morphology and biological markers of ALI were, measured. The expression of ICAM-1 in lung tissue was detected by using immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. The results showed that the W/D ratio and protein contents in BALF of the heroin-treated groups were significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.01). The histopathological changes in the lung tissue were more obvious in heroin-treated groups. The ICAM-1 protein and mRNA expression in the lung tissue of heroin-treated groups were significantly increased as compared with that of the control group (P<0.01), and correlated with the ALI parameters in a time-dependent manner. Increasing of ICAM-1 expression was involved in the formation of heroin-induced lung injury. Furthermore, the level of expression was positively correlated with the severity of lung injury.
The protective effect of carvedilol on abnormality of L-type calcium current induced by oxygen free radical in single guinea pig ventricular myocytes was studied. Whole-cell patch clamp technique was used to study the effect of H2O2 (0.5 mmol/L) on L-type calcium current in single guinea pig ventricular myocytes and the action of pretreatment with carvedilol (0.5 μmol/L). 0.5 μmol/L carvedilol had no significant effect onICa.L and its channel dynamics. In the presence of 0.5 mmol/L H2O2, peak current ofICa.L was reduced significantly (P<0.001), theI-V curve ofICa.L was shifted upward, steady-state activation curve and steady-state deactivation curve ofICa.L were shifted left and recovery time ofICa.L was delayed significantly (P<0.001). 0.5 μmol/L carvedilol significantly alleviated the inhibitory effect of H2O2 onICa.L as compared with that in H2O2. It was concluded that carvedilol could alleviate the abnormality of L-type calcium current induced by oxygen free radical in cardiomyocytes. It shows partly the possible mechanism of the special availability of carvedilol in chronig heart failure.
The transmural heterogeneous changes of transient outward potassium currents (Ito) in rabbit hypertrophic cardiomyocytes and the effects of long-term prophylactic treatment with volsartan were investigated. Rabbits were divided into hypertrophy group (left ventricular hypertrophy induced by partial ligation of abdominal aorta), vol-treated group (volsartan was administrated after the ligation), and control group (sham operated). Myocytes were isolated by a two-step enzymatical method. The sub-endocardial (Endo) and sub-epicardium (Epi) tissues were separated from midmyocardium (Mid) with a razor. Whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to record potassium currents. The results showed that membrane capacitance was larger in hypertrophic cells than those in control and vol-treated cells (P<0.01 vs control cells,n=30). The densities of Ito in hypertrophic cells were reduced by sub-epicardium (Epi) (27.8±2.9)%, midmyocardium (Mid) (41.0±4.7)%, and sub-endocardium (Endo) (20.3±3.4)% compared with those in control cells. The decrease of Ito density was more pronounced in Mid than in Epi and Endo (P<0.01 vs Epi or Endo). There were no significant differences in Ito densities between vol-treated group and control group in three layers separately. In conclusion, volsartan can inhibit the transmural heterogeneous changes of Ito in left ventricular hypertrophic cardiomyocytes in rabbit.
To investigate the role of mitochondria in neuronal apoptosis, ischemia-reperfusion mediated neuronal cell injury model was established by, depriving of glucose, serum and oxygen in media. DNA fragmentation, cell viability, cytochrome C releasing, caspase3 activity and mitochondrial transmembrane potential were observed after N2a cells suffered the insults. The results showed that N2a cells in ischemic territory exhibited survival damage, classical cell apoptosis change, DNA ladder and activation of caspase3. Apoptosis-related alterations in mitochondrial functions, including release of cytochrome C and depression of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΓm) were testified in N2a cells after mimic ischemia-reperfusion. Moreover, activation of caspase3 occurred following the release of cytochrome C. However, the inhibitor of caspase3, Ac-DEVD-CHO, couldn't completely rescue N2a cells from apoptosis. Administration, of cyclosporine A, an inhibitor of mitochondria permeability transition pore only partly inhibited caspase3 activity and reduced DNA damage. Interestingly, treatment of Z-IETD-FMK, an inhibitor of caspase8 could completely reverse DNA fragmentation, but can't completely inhibit caspase3 activity. It was concluded that there were caspase3 dependent and independent cellular apoptosis pathways in N2a cells suffering ischemia reperfusion insults. Mitochondria dysfunction may early trigger apoptosis and amplify apoptosis signal.
To investigate the effect ofL-Tetrahydropalmatine (L-THP) on the expressions of bcl-2, bax and neuronal apoptosis after cerebral ischemia and reperfusion, 60 Wistars, rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: sham-operation group (group S,n=20), ischemic-reperfusion group treated with saline (group I,n=20) and ischemia-reperfusion group treated, with,L-THP (group T,n=20). The rat model of global cerebral ischemia and reperfusion was induced by Pulsinelli's four-vessel occlusion method. The expression of bcl-2 and bax mRNA was detected by in situ hybridization and reverse transcriptional polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The number of apoptotic neurons was examined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl-transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) method. Compared with group S, the expression of bcl-2 and bax mRNA in group I was increased significantly (P<0.01), and the number of apoptotic neurons increased either (P<0.01). AfterL-THP treatment, the expression of bcl-2 mRNA was up-regulated (P<0.01) and that of bax mRNA was down-regulated (P<0.01) the number of apoptotic neurons was decreased (P<0.01). Our results indicated that bcl-2 may suppress apoptosis and bax promote apoptosis after cerebral ischemia and reperfusion.L-THP could ameliorate cerebral ischemia and reperfusion damage by reducing the apoptosis through regulating bcl-2 and bax.
Heart fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) is supposed to be the most sensitive biomarker of early acute myocardial infarction (AMI). To evaluate the diagnostic value of H-FABP for AMI in the early stage, the plasma levels of H-FABP were measured by sandwich ELISA in 93 patients with suspected AMI at admission within 6h after onset of chest pain and 69 normal healthy subjects. The plasma concentrations of cardiac troponin-I (cTnI), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and myoglobin (Mb) were assayed at the same time by using corpuscle chemiluminescence for those patients. The patients were classified as AMI group (n=32) and non-AMI group (n=61) retrospecitively. The diagnostic validity was evaluated in terms of sensitivity, specificity and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis. The results showed the cutoff value of H-FABP for AMI was 16.8 ng/ml, and it diagnostic sensitivity for AMI was 64.29% within 3h and 84.38% within 6 h after onset of chest pain, and the diagnostic specificity for non-AMI was 100% within 3 h and 91.8% within 6 h. H-FABP had higher sensitivity than that of cTnI and CK-MB at all time points (P<0.05), whereas there was no significant difference in specificity among the four markers. But the area under the ROC curve of H-FABP was significantly greater than that of cTnI, CK-MB and Mb within 3 h. These results revealed that H-FABP possessed high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for AMI in early stage, especially within 3 h after onset of persistent angina pectoris. In conclusion, H-FABP can be used as a sensitive marker for AMI in the early stage.
In order to determine whether the variations in the calpain-10 gene constitutes risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in Chinese, the frequency of UCSNP-43, 44 in 268 adults newly diagnosed with T2DM (according to the 1999 ADA criteria) and 153 non-diabetic control subjects was investigated. For all subjects, the height, weight, waist-to-hip ratio (W/H) and blood pressure, as well as following parameters were measured: (1) 75-g oral glucose tolerance test with insulin, C-peptide, HbAlc and blood lipid profiles; (2) Genomic DNA extracted from peripheral blood lymphocytes was genotyped for UCSNP-43 (calpain-10-g. 4852 G/A) and UCSNP-44 (calpain-10-g. 4841 T/C by sequencing a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-amplified fragment. PCR product was selected by single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and then sequenced. The results showed that there was significant difference between T2DM group and normal control group in allele frequencies, haplotype frequencies, or haplotype combinations of UCSNP-43 and-44 either. But in newly diagnosed T2DM group, it was found that the individuals with the genotype UCSNP-44 T/C+C/C had significantly increased fasting and post-challenge insulin levels (FIns and P2hIns), consistent with reduced insulin sensitivity. In the BMI>25 subgroup, the differences were even more significant. It was demonstrated that the Calpain-10 gene polymorphism UCSNP-44 was associated with insulin sensitivity and FIns and P2hIns in newly diagnosed T2DM, although Calpain-10 doesn't appear as a major diabetes susceptible gene in this population.
The effects of early hemofiltration on the serum levels of cytokines, pro-and anti-inflammatory balance and organ function in pigs with severe acute pancreatits (SAP) were studied. SAP pig model was induced by retrograde injection of artificial bile into the pancreatic duct. The pigs were randomly divided into SAP hemofiltration treatment group (HF group,n=8) and SAP nonhemofiltration treatment group (NHF group,n=8). In the HF group, the animals were subjected to high-volume and zero-balance hemofiltration therapy. The results showed that as compared with NHF group, MAP, CVP and PaO2/FiO2 were significantly increased (P<0.01), while HR, urinary protein content, serum ALT level, pulmonary coefficient and lung wet/dry ratio obviously decreased (P<0.05) in HF group. Under a light microscope, the pulmonary histologic scoring was lower that in HF group (P<0.01) and the lesions of renal and liver tissues were milder. However, there was no significant difference in the pancreatic histologic scoring between the two groups. Six h after establishment of the model, the serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β were lower, while the IL-10/TNF-α ratio was higher in HF group (allP<0.05). It was suggested that early hemofiltration could effectively remove the serum cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β in SAP pigs, elevate the ratio of IL-10/TNF-α, improve hemodynamics and alleviate the lesions of lung, kidney and liver tissues.
To investigate the effects of dendritic cells (DCs) transfected with full length wild type p53 and modified by gastric cancer lysates on immune response, the wild type P53 was transducted to DCs with adenovirus, and the DCs were modified by gastric cancer lysates (Lywt-P53DC). The concentration of the surface molecules (B7-1, B7-2, MHC-I, MHC-II) of all DCs was determined by FACS, and the ability of the DCs to induce efficient and specific immunological response in anti-51Cr-labeled target cells studied. BALB/c mice model infected with DCs and Mk28 was established. CTL response in mice immunized with Lywt-p53DC and the effectiveness of Lywt-p53DC in the treatment of tumor-bearing mice was assayed. FACS revealed that the surface molecules of Lywt-P53 DC had a high expression: for B7-1 86.70%±0.07%, B7-2 18.77%±0.08%, MHC-I 87.20%±0.05%, MHC-II 56.70%±0.07%; The T lymphocytes had a specific CTL lysing ability induced by Lywt-P53DC with the CTL lysis rate being 81%. The immune protective effect of Lywt-p53DC group was more obvious than any other groups (P<0.05). The tumor diameter in Lywt-p53DC group was 3.10±0.31 mm, 2.73±0.23 mm, 3.70±0.07 mm on the day 13, 16 and 19, smaller than DC, wtp53DC and LyDC groups (P<0.05). On the other hand, the growth rate of tumor in Lywt-p53DC group was slower than any other groups (P<0.05). It was suggested that DCs transfected with wild type P53 and modified by gastric cancer lysates had specific CTL killing capability.
To investigate the protein and mRNA expression of pancreas/duodenal homeobox-1 (PDX-1), a transcription factor as a marker for pancreatic stem cells, in pancreatic ductal cells of rats after partial (90%) pancreatectomy and evaluated the significance of the PDX-1 expression. Western blot and Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to detect the expression of PDX-1 protein and mRNA respectively. PDX-1 protein was only faintly detected in pancreatic ductal cells on the day 1 after partial pancreatectomy. On the day 2 and 3 after operation in operation group, a 2–3 fold increased PDX-1 protein was observed, corresponding to the characteristic 42-kD protein in Western blot. There was significant difference between operation group and sham-operation group (P<0.05). PDX-1 protein expression on the day 5 and 7 after operation had already been no difference from control group (P>0.05). RT-PCR revealed the PDX-1 mRNA expression showed no significant difference between operation group at various time points and sham-operation group (P>0.05). These results indicate that there was overexpression of PDX-1 in the cells of pancreatic epithelium during the regeneration of remnant pancreas after partial pancreatectomy in adult rats, suggesting the pancreatic stem cells in pancreatic ductal epithelial cells are involved in the regeneration of remnant pancreas and the expression of PDX-1 in ductal cells was regulated posttranscription.
The effect of antisense oligonucleotide (ASODN) targeting survivin on renal cell carcinoma (RCC) apoptosis, proliferation and sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs was investigated. Antisense oligonacleotide targeting survivin was designed and composed. The cDNA of survivin was transfected into RCC cell lines ACHN and 769-P, respectively. They were both cultured in normal condition. After transfection, ACHN and 769-P cell lines were cultured in a 6-well culture plate. The cultured cells were divided into 6 groups. Twenty-four h after transfection, survivin protein expression was detected by Western blot. Apoptotic index (AI) and proliferative index (PI) were examined by flow cytometry. Rate of inhibition (IR) by chemotherapeutic drugs was determined by the colorimetric MTT cell viability/proliferation assay. The results showed AI and IR of chemotherapeutic drugs in ASODN groups were significantly higher than those in the groups without ASODN. There were statistical differences between ASODN groups and control groups (P< 0.05), but there was no difference among control groups (P>0.05). The PI in the ASODN groups was significantly lower than that in the control groups with the difference being statistically significant (P<0.05). In addition, there were no differences among control groups. It was concluded that the expression of survivin could be down-regulated in 2 cell lines after ASODN transfection. Antisense oligonucleotide targeting survivin could induce RCC apoptosis, inhibit cell proliferation and sensitize RCC to chemotherapy.
In order to investigate the mechanism of elevated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in peritoneal fluids from patients with endometriosis, macrophages were recovered from peritoneal fluids obtained at the time of diagnostic laparoscopy from infertile women with endometriosis (EMT group,n=20) and without endometriosis (control group,n=20). Macrophages were culturedin vitro. The VEGF levels of peritoneal fluid and the supernatant of macrophages culture were determined by enzyme linked immunoassay (ELISA). Meanwhile, the eutopic (n=20) and ectopic endometrium (n=20) from endometriosis patients, and normal edometrium (n=20) from non-endometriosis patients were obtained for the analysis of VEGF expression by labeled Streptavidin Biotin (LSAB). It was found that VEGF levels in peritoneal fluid and macrophages culture supernatant were significantly higher in EMT group than in control group (P<0.01). In normal endometrium, VEGF showed a cyclic changes and similar in eutopic and ectopic endometrium from patients with endometriosis. There was no difference in the intensity of VEGF in endometrium between two groups within each menstrual phase. It is suggested that altered VEGF production by peritoneal macrophages and ectopic endometrium secretion may contribute to the elevated VEGF levels in the peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis.
The activity of the NK cells in patients with preeclampsia was studied to investigate the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. By using MTT and21Cr releasing technique, the proliferation and killing ability of the NK cells in maternal and umbilical blood from preeclampsia patients (n=18) and normal third trimester pregnant women (n=18) were detected. The NK-92 cell line was as the positive control. The results showed that the NK cell counts of umbilical blood in preeclampsia patients and normal third trimester pregnant women were significantly greater than those of maternal blood (bothP<0.05). Compared with that in normal third trimester pregnant women, the proliferative ability of the NK cells in, preeclampsia patients was apparently increased (P<0.05). Compared with that in maternal blood, the proliferative ability of the NK cells in umbilical blood from both preeclampsia patients and normal third trimester pregnant women was dramatically increased. The killing ability of the NK cells in preeclampsia patients was significantly higher than that in normal third trimester pregnant women (P<0.05). It was suggested that both number and function of the NK cells in preeclampsia women were increased, and that in umbilical blood was greater than that in maternal blood, speculating that the function of the NK cells may affect the maintenance of the maternal and fetal immune tolerance during pregnancy.
The relationship of connexin43 (Cx43) and bystander effect in ovarian tumor cells in herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase/ganciclovir (HSV-TK/GCV) gene therapyin vitro was explored and the effect of all-trans retinoic acid (RA) on the expression of Cx43 and bystander effect investigated. The Cx43 expression was detected by flowcytometry, Western, blot, and immunofluorescence in two ovarian tumor cell lines OVCAR3, CaOV3 before and after RA treatment. Bystander effect was determined by the cells growth inhibitory rate with methyl, thiazolyl tetrazolium. Following exposure to ganciclovir, there was much greater bystander killing in OVCAR3 than that in CaOV3 (P<0.05). The expression of Cx43 was detected in OVCAR3 by flowcytometry and Western blot, but it could not be detected in CaOV3. The expression of Cx43 in both cell lines could be induced by RA. Immunofluorescence staining showed that Cx43 protein of OVCAR3 was located on membrane surface, whereas CaOV3 in cytoplasm. RA could not change the location of Cx43 protein in both cell lines. There is relationship between Cx43 expression and HSV-TK/GCV bystander effect. HSV-TK/GCV bystander effect can be enhanced by RA in ovarian cancer.
The effect of rosiglitazone on endocrine, metabolism and ovulatory performance in the paitents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and insulin resistance was investigated. Twentyfive patients diagnosed as having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) combined with insulin resistance were treated with rosiglitazone for 12 weeks. Before and after treatment, serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), androstenedione (A), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), insulin and glucose concentration, total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein-cholestero (LDL-C), apolipoprotein A, apolipoprotein B levels and ovulatory performance were determined. The results showed that after treatment serum insulin levels was decreased significantly (P<0.01). The HDL-C was increased while LDL-C decreased significantly (P<0.05,P<0.01). The serum LH, T, A concentrations and the ratio of LH/FSH were decreased, while SH-BG levels increased significantly (P<0.01). The ovulation rate during clomiphene citrate therapy was 72%, significantly higher than that before treatment. It is likely that reduction of hyperinsulinemia that is produce by rosiglitazone may effectively improve the endocrine, metabolism and ovulatory performance in the patients with PCOS and insulin resistance.
The expression of VEGF-C and molecular mechanisms of lymphangiogenesis in rat corne after alkali injury was studied. The rat alkali injured corneal models were made. Under electron microscopy, the lymphatic vessels in the rat injured corneas were examined. The expression of VEGF-C proteins was detected by using immunohistochemical assay at day 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 after injury. The expression levels of VEGF-C mRNA were quantified with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The results showed that the lymphatic vessels were found in the injured rat corneas 14 days after the injury. The VEGF-C protein was detectable 3 days after injury, reached the peak 5 days after injury, and gradually decreased. In the control group, no VEGF-C proteins were detected. The VEGF-C mRNA was minimally detected in the normal rat corneas, but it was highly expressed 5 days after the injury. The difference was statistically significant. It was concluded that VEGF-C might be one of the most important relevant factors in corneal lymphangiogenesis after alkali injury.
The effects of suppression of CD44 by CD44-specific antisense oligonucleotide on attachment of human trabecular meshwork cells to hyaluronic acid (HA) were observed and the possible relationship between CD44 and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) investigated. CD44-specific antisense oligonucleotide was delivered with cationic lipid to cultured human trabecular meshwork cells. The expression of CD44 suppressed by CD44-specific antisense oligonucleotide was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting. The effect of CD44 suppression by specific antisense oligonucleotide on attachment of trabecular meshwork cells to HA was measured by MTT assay. Results showed that expression of CD44 was suppressed by CD44 specific antisense oligonucleotide. Antisense oligonucleotide also suppressed the adhesion of human trabecular meshwork cells to HA in a concentration dependent manner. It was concluded that attachment of human trabecular meshwork cells to HA was decreased when CD44 was suppressed by specific antisense oligonucleotide. CD44 might play a role in pathogenesis of POAG by affecting the adhesion of trabecular meshwork cells to HA.
Whether tranilast had antagonistic effect on proliferation inhibition and collagen synthesis promotion induced by TGF-\sB2 in cultured human trabecular meshwork cells was investigated. Suspension of 1×104 cultured human trabecular meshwork cells of 3–5 passage was distributed in each well of a 96-well disk and divided into control group and experimental group. After 24 h, 0 μg/ml (control), 12.5 μg/ml, 25 μg/ml, 50μg/ml tranilast with 3.2 ng/ml TGF-\sB2 were added into the incubation medium. Another 24 h later, proliferation and collagen synthesis in cultured human trabecular meshwork cells were examined respectively by using tetrazolium-based semiautomated colormetric (MTT) assay and3H-proline incorporation with liquid scintillation technique. The results showed absorbance (A) values of the experimental groups were 0.9036±0.3017, 1.1361±0.1352, 1.2457±0.1524 according to the different concentrations of tranilast, and 0.8956±0.1903 of the control group. In comparison with the control group, 25 μg/ml (q=3.23,P<0.05), 50 μg/ml (q′=4.70,P<0.01) tranilast significantly antagonized the decrease of theA values induced by TGF-\sB2 in the cultured human trabecular meshowrk cells. In comparison with the control group [817.37±124.21 cpm/104 cells], 12.5 μg/ml (620.33±80.46 cpm/104 cells,q′=4.26,P<0.05), 25 μg/ml (59.4.58±88.13 cpm/104 cells,q′=4.81,P<0.01), 50 μg/ml (418.64±67.90 cpm/104 cells,q′=8.62,P<0.01) tranilast significantly inhibited the incorporation of3H-proline into the cultured human trabecular meshwork cells promoted by TGF-\sB2 in a dose-dependent manner. It was concluded that tranilast had the antagonistic effect on the proliferation inhibition and collagen synthesis promotion induced by TGF-\sB2 in the cultured human trabecular meshwork cells.
In order to investigate the role of murine double minute 2 (MDM2) in cell proliferation and carcinogenesis in condyloma acuminatum (CA), immunohistochemistry andin situ hybridization were used to detect the expression of MDM2 protein and mRNA in normal skin and skin lesions of CA of vulva. PCR was also used to detect HPV types. The results showed that in 32 observed CA specimens, the expression of MDM2 protein and mRNA was detected in 18(56.25%) and 22 (68.75%) respectively, while the co-expression of MDM2 protein and mRNA was found in 14. PCR results revealed that HPV6/11 and HPV16/18 subtypes were shown in 28(87.5%) and 4 (12.5%) respectively out of 32 CA specimens. Out of the 18 positive specimens expressing MDM2 protein. HPV6/11 subtypes were shown in 15 and HPV16/18 subtypes in 3. In 22 positive specimens expressing MDM2 mRNA. HPV6/11 subtypes were shown in 18 and HPV16/18 subtypes in 4. No expression of MDM2 protein and MDM2 mRNA was observed in normal skin. Our study indicated that the overexpression of MDM2 might be involved in malignant proliferation and carcinogenesis of CA
In order to examine whether repeated sciatic nerve blocks showed tachyphylaxis and continuity of sciatic nerve with spinal cord affected development of tachyphylaxis when assayedin vivo by duration of depression compound action potentials (CAP), rats were anesthetized with halothane, ventilated, monitored and supported with stable hemodynamics and temperature. Posterior tibial nerve distally and sciatic nerve in thigh were exposed, placed on bipolar silver electrodes for stimulation and recording respectively. Three sequential sciatic nerve blocks were performed between these electrodes using 0.15 ml of 3% chloroprociane. Nine rats were chosen to observe the effects of repeated sciatic nerve blocks on CAP. In another 18 rats, a second investigator exposed the sciatic nerve near its origin at spinal cord and randomly performed nerve cut and sham (n=9). and closed the incision blinding the electrophysiologic investigator. The results showed that electrical stimulated tibial nerve induced sciatic nerve Aα/β, Aδ, C fiber mediated CAP waves. CAP amplitudes were remained stable during whole experimental procedure. CAP amplitudes were decreased completely with 3% chloroprocaine blocked sciatic nerve and recovered fully. The duration of CAP depression were reduced with repeated blocks. There were no selective blocked effects on Aα/β, Aδ, C fiber mediated CAP. With sciatic nerve cut proximally, there was no statistical significant tachyphylaxis with 3% chloroprocaine repeated blocked sciatic nerve, and the duration of first and third blocked Aδ fiber mediated CAP was 108±20 and 92±14 min respectively (P>0.05). In normal rats the duration of first and third blocked Aδ fiber mediated CAP was 110±20 and 75±16 min respectively (P<0.05). It was suggested that tachyphylaxis to local anesthetics can occur in rats repeated blocked sciatic nerve when assayedin vivo by duration of depression CAP. The continuity of sciatic nerve with spinal cord is one of the important factors affecting the development of tachyphylaxis.
In order to explore the MRI volume of the amygdala and hippocampus in patients with major depression, quantititive MRI of the amygdala and hippocampus were studied in 22 patients with major depression and compared with 13 age-matched controls. The results showed that both groups exhibited similar significant hippocampal asymmetry (left smaller than right). The volume of the bilateral hippocampus was significantly smaller in the major depression group than that in control group. The patients had significant asymmetry of the amygdalar volumes (right smaller than left). No correlation was found between hippocampal volume abnormalities and ill duration. It was concluded that the hippocampus and amygdala within limbic-cortical networks may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of major depression.
In order to investigate the relationship between sex dysplasia and sex determining region Y (SRY) gene, 8 patients with sexual abnormality were analyzed by cytogentic and molecular genetic methods. Fluorescencein situ hybridization (FISH) using PY3, 4, X alpha satellite, and SRY probes was performed in each ease to analyze the sex chromosome translocation and gene translocation. SRY gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and its mutation was detected by direct sequencing. The results showed that among 8 patients, 5 were positive for SRY and the remaining negative for SRY. In the patients positive for SRY genes, 3 presented testes and the left 2 streak ovaries. In the patients negative for SRY, only one case presented testes. while 2 ovaries. Direct sequencing demonstrated that all SRY genes were normal in the patients positive for SRY gene. FISR technique demonstrated that SRY genes translocated from Ypter to Xpter in 246 XX phenotypic males positive for SRY genes. It was concluded that SRY gene is strongly involved in male sex determination, while a sequence of other genes may be taken into account in sexual development.
A stable dark variant separated fromphotobacterium phosphoreum (A2) was fixed in agar-gel membrane and immobilized onto an exposed end of a fiber-optic linked with bioluminometer. The variant could emit a luminescent signal in the presence of genotoxic agents, such as Mitomyein C (MC). The performance of this whole-cell optical fiber sensor system was examined as a function of several parameters, including gel probe thickness, bacterial cell density, and diameter of the fiber-optic core and working temperature. An optimal response to a model genotoxicant. Mitomycin C, was achieved with agar-bacterial gel membrane: the thickness of gel membrane was about 5 mm; the cell density of bacteria in gel membrane was about 2. 0×107/ml: the diameter of fiberoptic core was 5.0 mm; the working temperature was 25 C. Under these optimized conditions, the response time was less than 10 h to Mitomycin C, with a lower detection threshold of 0.1 mg/L.
In order to investigate the maxillary preprosthetic situation after oral tumor treatment and/or reconstructive surgery, based on the review of case history and the clinical records 47 cases were analyzed after oral tumor treatment and/or reconstruction, including residual maxillary bone, intermaxillary relationships, defection of maxilla and oral situation after radiation therapy. The results showed that the residual maxillary bone was useful for implantation in the front alveolar bone and zygoma area. The maxillary preprosthetic situation after tumor treatment and/or reconstructive surgery was difficult due to maxillary resection, intermaxillary relationships, unsuitable soft and hard tissue transfer and the irradiation. It is suggested that the maxillary preprosthetic situation after oral tumor treatment is getting worse not only due to maxillary resection and/or irradiation, but surprisingly also due to mandibular resection and or irradiation.
The independent risk factors to predict mortality of critical severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) were investigated. One hundred and two patients diagnosed with critical SARS were admitted to hospitals of Shanxi Province, from March 7, 2003 to June 4, 2003. The patients were prospectively studied after admission to access their short term outcomes and the risk factors associated with adverse outcomes, defined as death. All the demographic and clinical characteristics were studied and univariate and multivariate Logistic regression were employed to access the risk factors. The results showed that of the 102 cases, 23 patients died, with a crude mortality rate of 22.5%. Multivariate Logistic regression revealed that age above 50 [odds ratio (OR) 1. 10, 95% confidence internal (CI) 1.03 to 1.16,P=0.004], lymphopenia at early stage (OR 14.62, 95% CI 1.78 to 11.97,P=0.01) were independently associated with mortality. On the other side, psychotherapy (OR 0.01, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.06,P<0.001) was independently associated with aliveness. It was concluded that critical SARS is a new disease entity that carries significant mortality and morbidity. Specific clinical and laboratory parameters predicting unfavorable and favorable outcomes have been identified.
In order to investigate the immunoactivity ofLycium Barbarum glycopeptide (LBG), the routinely prepared murine splenic lymphocyte suspension was separately added into the samples with different concentrations (500, 100, 10, 1 μg/ml) of LBG as LBG groups. Blank control group in the absence ofLycium Barbarum glycopeptide or ConA and positive control group in the presence of 0.5 ml Cona but in the absence of LBG were created, 0.5 ml LBG samples with different concentrations in combination with 0.5 ml ConA (10 μg/ml) into each well to observe the synergic effects of LBG and ConA as LBG+ConA groups. After incubation for 72 h at 37 °C, the samples were analyzed by CFSE-labeled cells combined with flow cytometry, and MTT. Flow cytometry revealed that both LBG could enhance the murine splenic lymphocyte proliferative reaction. Combined use of LBG and ConA had synergic effects. MTT demonstrated that sample A could obviously promote the murine splenic lymphocyte proliferative reaction as compared with control group (P<0.01), while sample B could also enhance the lymphocyte proliferation at a high dose. In combination with ConA, sample A had synergic effects at high dose, while sample B showed obviously synergic effects (P<0.05). It was concluded that both samples (A and B) had strong immunocompetence.
In order to investigate the antiviral effect of chinonin against Herpes simplex virus (HSV), the encephalitis model in mice and skin infection model in guinea pigs were established by HSV-1 and HSV-II infection respectively. Acyclovir was used as the positive reference drug to evaluate the antiviral capacity of chinonin. Chinonin showed an obvious therapeutic effect on encephalitis in mice at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg. At both dosages, chinonin demonstrated stronger protection than acyclovir (1 and 5 mg/kg) to the infected mice from death. It was also found that chinonin could treat the skin infection in guinea pigs effectively. The therapeutic effect of chinonin was similar to that of acyclovir (5 mg/kg) at 25 mg/kg but obviously better than that at 50 and 75 mg/kg. In conclusion, chinonin is a potential candidate for the treatment against HSV.
The pharmacodynamic active parts of protecting liver ofPeristrope japonica (thunb.) Bremek were identified. Rat acute liver injury model was induced by D-galactosamine (D-GlaN). The active parts were identified on the whole extraction and 4 fractions. The results showed that the pharmacodynamic active parts ofPeristrope japonica were the n-BuOH fraction.
The effect of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) on endotoxin (ET)-mediated lung damage caused by incomplete ligation of large intestine and the influence of free Fu on the expression of TNF-α mRNA were explored. Forty SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal control group, model group, ligation group and treatment group (n=10 in each group). The models were made by the method of partly ligating the rectum outside the body. The plasma level of lipopolysaccaride was measured by dynamic nephelo metric method and the serum level of TNF-α was detected by the method of radioactive immunity. The expression of TNF-α mRNA in lung tissue was detected by RT-PCR method. The results were compared among the 4 groups. The results showed the plasma levels of ET and serum TNF-α in the model group and the expression of TNF-α mRNA in the lung tissues were remarkably higher than those in the normal control group (P<0.01). After the treatment of free Fu, all of the above indexes in the treatment group were all decreased as compared with model group (allP<0.01), and the damage to lung was alleviated. It was concluded that TNF-α might play a very important role in the ET-mediated lung damage caused by incomplete ligation of large intestine, free Fu could protect the lung from damage.