To construct a pUCP18/lasR^antisense plasmid carrying the reversed gene and analyze its effect on the virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosus, LasR gene was amplified from the genome of Pseudomonas aeruginosus by PCR and reversely recombined with plasmid pUCP18. The recombinant pUCP18/lasR^antisense was verified by enzyme digestion, PCR and sequencing. The biological effects of pUCP18/lasR^antisense were examined by using RT-PCR, NAD method and the assay of pyocyanin. Our results showed that the expected full length lasR fragment (721 bp) was extended from Pseudomonas aeruginosus gene with PCR. And it is consistent with LasR gene of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in GenBank (No. NC_002516). The recombinant plasmid was successfully constructed and transferred into Pseudomonas aeruginosus. The antisense nucleic acid of LasR gene could reduce the virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosus and might serve as a new target site for treatment purpose.

Human interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a proinflammatory cytokine to suppress neutrophil apoptosis, which is a potential therapeutic agent. The modulatory effect of TNFα was investigated in IL-15-induced suppression of human neutrophil apoptosis. TNFα was shown to reverse the ability of IL-15 to delay neutrophil apoptosis within certain time course. Moreover, this reverse effect by TNFα might be associated with a reduction of the expression of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-Xl protein detected by Western blotting. It is concluded that TNFα can be used to modulate IL-15-induced suppression of neutrophil apoptosis within certain time course.

The purpose of this study was to examine whether repetitive muscle tasks in low weight load might influence the fatigue of forearm muscles, and to identify ergonomic risk factors of forearm muscle fatigue in these tasks. Sixteen healthy male volunteers performed eight wrist extensions in different frequency, weight and angle loads while being instructed to keep a dominant upper limb posture as constant as possible. Surface electromyograph (sEMG) was recorded from right extensors digitorium (ED), flexor carpi radialis (FCR), flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) and extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) during the task performance. Our results showed that mean power frequency (MPF) and median frequency (MF) values of ED, FCR and FCU were significantly lower (P<0.05) at high frequency load level than at low load level. However, MPF and MF values of ED were significantly lower (P<0.01) in higher load groups of frequency, angle and weight than in lower load groups. These results indicated that the fatigue of muscles varied in the same task, and the number-one risk factor of ECU, ED and FCR was angle load.

This study evaluated the correlation between DNA degradation of the splenic lymphocytes and the early time of death, examined the early time of death by computerized image analysis technique (CIAT) and identified the best parameter that quantitatively reflects the DNA degradation. The spleen tissues from 34 SD rats were collected, subjected to cell smearing every 2 h within the first 36 h after death, stained by Feulgen-Van’s staining, three indices reflecting DNA content in splenic lymphocytes, including integral optical density (IOD), average optical density (AOD), average gray scale (AG) were measured by the image analysis. Our results showed that IOD and AOD decreased and AG increased over time within the first 36 h. A stepwise linear regression analysis showed that only AG was fitted. A correlation between the postmortem interval (PMI) and AG was identified and the corresponding regression equation was obtained. Our study suggests that CIAT is a useful and promising tool for the estimation of early PMI with good objectivity and reproducibility, and AG is a more effective and better quantitative indicator for the estimation of PMI within the first 36 h after death in rats.

This study examined the gene expression patterns of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by using serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) technology. Following the construction of serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) library of PBMCs collected from 3 cases of familial SLE patients, a large scale of tag sequencing was performed. The data extracted from sequencing files was analyzed with SAGE 2000 V 4.5 software. The top 30 expressed genes of SLE patients were uploaded to http://david.niaid.nih.gov/david/ease.htm and the functional classification of genes was obtained. The differences among those expressed gene were analyzed by Chi-square tests. The results showed that a total of 1286 unique SAGE tags were identified from 1814 individual SAGE tags. Among the 1286 unique tags, 86.8% had single copy, and only 0.2% tags had more than 20 copies. And 68.4% of the tags matched known expressed sequences, 41.1% of which matched more than one known expressed sequence. About 31.6% of the tags had no match and could represent potentially novel genes. Approximately one third of the top 30 genes were ribosomal protein, and the rest were genes related to metabolism or with unknown functions. Eight tags were found to express differentially in SAGE library of SLE patients. This study draws a profile of gene expression patterns of PBMCs in patients with SLE. Comparison of SAGE database from PBMCs between normal individuals and SLE patients will help us to better understand the pathogenesis of SLE.

In order to investigate the expression of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in airway epithelial tissues of normal and asthmatic rats, the influence of dexamethasone and the role of LIF in pathogenesis of asthma, 30 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (10 for each group): normal group, asthma model group, and dexamethasone-interfered group. In asthma model group and dexamethasone-interfered group, asthma rat models were established by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 10% ovalbumin (OVA) and challenge with 1% OVA via inhalation. Rats in dexamethasone-interfered group were pretreated with dexamethasone (2 mg/kg, i.p) 30 min before each challenge. The expression of LIF protein in lung was detected by immunohistochemistry. The results showed that LIF protein was mainly expressed in cytoplasm of bronchial epithelial cells. The expression of LIF protein in the airway epithelial tissue of asthma model group was significantly higher than that in normal group and dexamethasone-interfered group (P<0.01), but there was no significant difference between normal group and dexamethasone-interfered group (P>0.05). It was concluded that the expression of LIF was increased significantly in the airway epithelial tissue of the asthma rats, and dexamethasone could down-regulate the expression of LIF. It was suggested that LIF might play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma as an inflammation regulator.

To investigate the effect of the Ginkgo Biloba Extract (GBE) on the asthma and examine its possible mechanisms, 75 asthma patients were divided into 4 groups and the patients were respectively treated with fluticasone propionate for 2 weeks or 4 weeks, or treated with fluticasone propionate plus GBE for 2 weeks or 4 weeks. Fifteen healthy volunteers served as healthy controls. Sputum inhalation with inhaling hypertonic saline (4%–5%) was performed. Lung ventilatory function and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were measured. The numbers of different cells in induced sputum were calculated. The expression of PKCα in the cells was immunocytochemically detected and the percentages of positive cells in different cells were counted. Interleukin-5 (IL-5) in sputum supernatants was detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The percentage of eosinophils, lymphocytes, PKCα positive inflammatory cells and the concentration of IL-5 in asthmatic patients were higher than those in the controls (P<0.05), and the eosinophils, lymphocytes, positive expression of PKCα and the level of IL-5 were significantly decreased in asthmatic patients after they were treated with fluticasone propionate or fluticasone propionate plus GBE. However, they were still significantly higher than those of the controls. Compared to the group treated with glucocorticosteroid for 2 weeks, no significant decrease was found in the percentage of eosinophils, lymphocytes, PKCα positive inflammatory cells and the IL-5 in the supernatant of induced sputum. Compared with the group treated with glucocorticosteroid for 2 or 4 weeks, significant decrease in the same parameters was observed in the group treated with fluticasone propionate and GBE for 4 weeks. The IL-5 level in the supernatant of induced sputum was positively correlated with the percentage of PKCα-positive inflammatory cells and the percentage of eosinophils in the induced sputum in asthma patient groups respectively (n=150, r= 0.83, P<0.01; n=150, r=0.76, P<0.01). The FEV1 was negatively correlated with the percentage of PKCα-positive inflammatory cells and the IL-5 levels in supernatant of induced sputum in asthma patients respectively (n=150, r=−0.77, P<0.01; n=150, r= −0.64, P<0.01). It is concluded that GBE could significantly decrease the infiltration of inflammatory cells such as eosinophils and lymphocytes in the asthmatic airway and relieve the airway inflammation. GBE may decrease the activation of the PKCα in the inflammatory cells and thereby decrease the IL-5 level in induced sputum. GBE may be used as a complement to the glucocorticosteroid therapy for asthma.

In order to investigate the immunity of unloaded dendritic cells (DCs) derived from murine bone marrow to preexisting lung melanoma metastases of mice, MO5 were intravenously injected to induce lung metastases in syngeneic C57BL/6 mice. Unloaded GM-CSF DCs, PBS and DCs+SIINFEKEL were subcutaneously injected into the mice, which were divided as experimental group, negative control group and positive control group respectively. Monoclonal antibody was used to deplete NK or T cells separately. The immunity-inhibitory effects on the lung melanoma were observed and the corresponding effector cells were examined. It was found that in the experimental and positive groups, the regression was induced in metastatic nodules in the lungs of tumor-bearing mice, but abrogated by treatment with anti-asialo-GM1 but not anti-CD8. It was concluded that the unloaded DCs could suppress the lung melanoma metastases to some extent, which was mediated by NK cells, and could be used as a potent therapeutic agents for lung tumor.

To explore the role of mechanosensitive potassium channel TREK-1, Western blot analysis was used to investigate the expression changes of TREK-1 in left ventricle in acute mechanically stretched heart. Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into 8 groups (n=5 in each group), subject to single Langendorff perfusion for 0, 30, 60, 120 min and acute mechanical stretch for 0, 30, 60, 120 min respectively. With Langendorff apparatus, an acute mechanically stretched heart model was established. There was no significant difference in the expression of TREK-1 among single Langendorff perfusion groups (P>0.05). As compared to non-stretched Langendorff-perfused heart, only the expression of TREK-1 in acute mechanically stretched heart (120 min) was greatly increased (P<0.05). This result suggested that some course of mechanical stretch could up-regulate the expression of TREK-1 in left ventricle. TREK-1 might play an important role in mechanoelectric feedback, so it could reduce the occurrence of arrhythmia that was induced by extra mechanical stretch.

In order to investigate the anti-leukemia effects of gambogic acid (GA) and its relation to the regulation of nucleoporin Nup88 in U937 cells in vitro, the inhibitory effect of GA on the growth of U937 cells was examined by using MTT assay. Apoptosis was detected by Annexin-V FITC/PI double-labeled cytometry. Cell cycle regulation was studied by propidium iodide method. Both flow cytometry (FCM) and RT-PCR were employed to assess the expression of Nup88, and the localization of Nup88 was determined by confocal microscopy. The results indicated that GA had strong inhibitory effect on cell proliferation and apoptosis induction activity in U937 cells in vitro in a time-and dose-dependent manner. The 24-h IC₅₀ value was (1.019±0.134) mg/L. Moreover, GA induced arrest of U937 cells in G₀/G₁ phase. Over-expression of Nup88 was found in U937 cells, whereas GA could significantly down-regulate both the protein and mRNA levels of Nup88. Nup88 was diffusely distributed between nucleus and cytoplasm and was located at the cytoplasmic side of nuclear rim, and occasionally in cytoplasm. It is suggested that GA exerts its anti-leukemia effects by regulating the expression and distribution of nucleoporin Nup88. It promises to be new agent for the treatment of acute leukemia.

Survivin variants specific real time quantitative RT-PCR was developed to analyze their expression in 53 paired cancer and para-cancerous tissues, and the expression of the wild-type survivin protein was detected by immunohistochemistry. The results showed that survivin mRNA and protein were expressed in gastric cancer and para-cancerous tissues. The survivin-2B was dominantly expressed in para-cancerous tissues, whereas the survivin-ΔEx3 was more frequently detected in cancer tissues. The positive rate of survivin-2a was 100% in both cancer and para-cancerous tissues, but its relative transcript expression level was not significantly increased in cancer tissues in comparison with para-cancerous tissues. The correlation analysis revealed that the expression of survivin-2a mRNA was significantly associated with that of total survivin (r_s=0.4178, P=0.0018), whereas inversely to that of survivin-ΔEX3 (r_s=−0.4506, P=0.0007). It was suggested that survivin-2a may act as an antagonist of survivin-ΔEX3. The balance between antiapoptotic survivin iso-forms and nonantiapoptotic ones may play an important role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Promising value is hinted to analyze survivin and its variants in tumor early diagnosis and distinguishing malignant tumors from benign ones.

To investigate the effect of meloxicam, a selected NSAIDs, on cell growth, expression of VEGF and angiopointin-2 (Ang-2) protein in HT-29 cell line, cultured HT-29 cells were treated with meloxicam of various concentrations for various lengths of time. The proliferation of HT-29 was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), the cell cycle was determined by flow cytometer and the levels of VEGF and Ang-2 protein in supernatants were examined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expressions of VEGF and Ang-2 in cultured HT-29 were determined by real-time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Our results showed that treatment of meloxicam of different concentrations and for various lengths of time had a cytotoxicic effect on the cell proliferation of HT-29 cells in a concentration-dependant and time-dependant manner. Cell cycle analysis showed that the cells were mainly blocked in G0/G1 phase. The VEGF and Ang-2 protein levels in supernatants of the culture medium were decreased gradually in a concentration-dependent or time-dependent fashion. The mRNA expression of cox-2, VEGF and Ang-2 showed a gradual and concentration-dependent reduction. It is concluded that meloxicam can reduce the expression of VEGF and Ang-2 at the protein and mRNA level in colon carcinoma cell line.

Survivin, a newly identified member of IAP family, is a powerful apoptosis-inhibiting factor. It is expressed in embryonic tissues as well as in the majority of human cancers, but not in most normal adult tissues. The cancer-specific expression of survivin makes it a potential target for cancer treatment. A survivin-specific small inhibitory RNA (siRNA) was introduced into hepatocellular carcinoma cells to investigate its effect on cancer cell apoptosis, growth and sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs. It was found that expressions of survivin protein and proliferation index (PI) in siRNA groups were significantly decreased, the apoptosis index (AI) of siRNA groups was significantly higher than those of others groups, and the growth inhibition rate (GIR) of chemotherapeutic drugs in siRNA groups were significantly higher than those of other groups. Our study suggests that the expression of survivin may be significantly decreased in hepG2 cell after siRNA transfection. siRNA targeting survivin could induce cell apoptosis, inhibit cell proliferation and sensitize hepatocarcinoma cells to chemotherapy. Our findings provide preliminary evidence for the therapeutic use of survivin-targeted RNA interference for human tumors that express high levels of this molecule.

To investigate the role of NF-κB in TNF-α induced apoptosis in HSC-T6, a mutant IκBα was transfected into HSC-T6 cells by lipofectin transfection technique and its transient effect was examined 48 h after the transfection. The activation of NF-κB was detected by immune fluorescence cytochemistry and Western blotting with anti-p65 antibody. The apoptosis and the rate of inhibition by TNF-α in both transfected and untransfected HSC-T6 cells were measured respectively by FAC-Scan side scatter analysis and MTT methods. Our results showed that TNF-α could activate NF-κB in untransfected cells but not in transfected HSC-T6 cells. The percentage of apoptosis in transfected cells were significantly higher than that in the untransfected ones (P<0.01) and it was also true of the inhibition rate (P<0.01). It is concluded that the resistance of HSC-T6 towards apoptosis induced by TNF-α can be mediated by NF-κB activation. The inhibition of NF-κB activation by mutant IκBα can attenuate the resistance of HSC-T6 cells and increase its sensitivity to TNF-α.

The objective of this study is to express the carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) of the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) H1 and H2 subunits of Marmota himalayan in vitro, and develop polyclonal antibodies against the recombinant proteins. RT-PCR was used to amplify ASGPR CRDH1 and CRDH2 from the liver tissue of Marmota himalayan. The products of amplification were subcloned into prokaryotic expression vector pRSET-B, and expressed in E.coli BL21(DE3)plysS. The recombinant proteins were purified using Ni-NTA spin column. The purified proteins were inoculated into BALB/c mice to develop polyclonal antibodies. The sensitivity and specificity of antibodies were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining (IHC). The polyclonal antibodies showed high sensitivity and specificity against both denaturated and native ASGPR proteins. We successfully amplified and expressed the ASGPR CRDs of Marmota himalayan. The nucleic sequences of ASGPR CRDH1 and CRDH2 of Marmota himalayan have been submitted to Genbank and the sequence ID are DQ 845465 and DQ845466, respectively. The proteins and antibodies prepared can be used for targeting gene therapy in a new animal model—Marmota Himalayan—for the research of infectious diseases of hepatitis viruses and liver cancer treatment.

The effect of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on the neurological functional recovery and expression of c-Fos and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) of the cerebral cortex in rats with cerebral infarction was investigated. Cerebral infarction models were established by using left middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and were randomly divided into a model group (n=40) and a TMS group (n=40). TMS treatment (2 times per day, 30 pulses per time) with a frequency of 0.5 Hz and magnetic field intensity of 1.33 Tesla was carried out in TMS group after MCAO. Modified neurological severity score (NSS) were recorded before and 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 day(s) after MCAO. The expression of c-Fos and BDNF was immunohistochemically detected 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 day(s) after infarction respectively. Our results showed that a significant recovery of NSS (P<0.05) was found in animals treated by TMS on day 7, 14, 21, and 28 as compared with the animals in the model group. The positive expression of c-Fos and BDNF was detected in the cortex surrounding the infarction areas, while the expression of c-Fos and BDNF increased significantly in TMS treatment group in comparison with those in model group 7, 14, 21, and 28 days (P<0.05) and 7, 14, 21 days (P<0.01) after infarction, respectively. It is concluded that TMS has therapeutic effect on cerebral infarction and this may have something to do with TMS’s ability to promote the expression of c-Fos and BDNF of the cerebral cortex in rats with cerebral infarction.

To investigate the therapeutic effect of high-dosage γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on acute tetramine (TET) poisoning, 50 Kunming mice were divided into 5 groups at random and the antidotal effects of GABA or sodium dimercaptopropane sulfonate (Na-DMPS) on poisoned mice in different groups were observed in order to compare the therapeutic effects of high-dosage GABA with those of Na-DMPS. Slices of brain tissue of the poisoned mice were made to examine pathological changes of cells. The survival analysis was employed. Our results showed that both high-dosage GABA and Na-DMPS could obviously prolong the survival time, delay onset of convulsion and muscular twitch, and ameliorate the symptoms after acute tetramine poisoning in the mice. Better effects could be achieved with earlier use of high dosage GABA or Na-DMPS. There was no significant difference in prolonging the survival time between high-dose GABA and Na-DMPS used immediately after poisioning. It is concluded that high-dosage GABA can effectively antagonize acute toxicity of teramine in mice. And it is suggested that high-dosage GABA may be used as an excellent antidote for acute TET poisoning in clinical practice. The indications and correct dosage for clinical use awaits to be further studied.

In order to study the effect of excessive iodine on immune function of lymphocytes and the role of selenium supplementation with excessive iodine intake, the changes of T lymphocyte number, ratio of subsets, activity of natural killer (NK) cells and lymphocytes proliferation response were investigated. 150 female BALB/C mice were randomly divided into 5 groups in terms of their body weight (n=30 in each group), and 10 of each group were taken as one batch for test. Mice in the 5 groups were orally administrated with iodine 0 (group I), 1500 (group II), 3000 (group III), 6000 μg/L (group IV), iodine 6000 μg/L plus selenium 0.3 mg/L (group V) respectively for 30 days Lymphocyte proliferation response, CD4⁺/CD8⁺, Th1/Th2 and the activity of NK cells were measured. CD4⁺/CD8⁺ was significantly lower, while lymphocyte proliferation response stronger, and Th1/Th2 and the activity of NK cells significantly higher in group IV than in group I (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in all indexes between group V and group I (P>0.05). It was suggested that excessive iodine as exogenous chemical materials can induce disorders of T lymphocyte immune function in mice. 0.3 mg/L selenium supplementation can protect mice against toxicity induced by 6000 μg/L iodine.

The effects of oxygen partial pressure on cryopreservation of the cells with organ preservation solution were explored. Hypoxic UW solution was made by purging the UW solution with argon. The pig proximal tubule epithelial cells (LLC-PK1 cells) were cryopreserved in hypoxic UW solution (Ar-UW group) or standard UW solution (UW group) at 4°C for 48 h. Trypan blue staining and LDH detection were performed to evaluate the injury of the cells. The results showed that the oxygen partial pressure in Ar-UW group was significantly declined from 242±6 mmHg to 83±10 mmHg. After cryopreservation at 4°C for 48 h, LDH leakage rate and Trypan blue-stained rate in Ar-UW group were (11.3±3.4)% and (10.5±4.7)%, respectively, which were significantly lower than in UW group [(49.5±6.9)% and (47.6±9.3)% respectively, both P<0.01]. It was concluded that lower oxygen partial pressure of UW solution was more beneficial to the cryopreservation of LLC.

To study the cartilage differentiation of mouse mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) induced by cartilage-derived morphogenetic proteins-2 in vitro, the MSCs were isolated from mouse bone marrow and cultured in vitro. The cells in passage 3 were induced into chondrogenic differentiation with different concentrations of recombinant human cartilage-derived morphogenetic proteins-2 (0, 10, 20, 50 and 100 ng/mL). After 14 days of induction, morphology of cells was observed under phase-contrast microscope. Collagen II mRNA and protein were examined with RT-PCR, Western blotting and immunocytochemistry respectively and the sulfate glycosaminoglycan was measured by Alcian blue staining. RT-PCR showed that CDMP-2 could promote expression of collagen II mRNA in an dose-dependant manner, especially at the concentration of 50 ng/mL and 100 ng/mL. Immunocytochemistry and Western blotting revealed a similar change. Alcian blue staining exhibited deposition of typical cartilage extracellular matrix. Our results suggest that mouse bone marrow mesencymal stem cells can differentiate into chondrogenic phonotype with the induction of CDMP-2 in vitro, which provides a basis for further research on the role of CDMP-2 in chondrogenesis.

To study the inhibitory effect of Nogo-A shRNA on cell line PC12, the Nogo-A shRNA (short hairpin RNA, or shRNA) was designed and synthesized. The annealed shRNA template was inserted into plasmid pGenesil-1 containing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene by gene cloning technique to generate eukaryotic expression vector. The recombinant plasmid was transfected into PC12 cells by lipofecamine2000 and the mRNA and protein expression level of Nogo-A gene was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting 48 h after the transfection. Gene sequencing showed that that the Nogo-A shRNA eukaryotic expression vector was successfully constructed. No significant change was found in the Nogo-A mRNA and protein expression level in empty vector-transfected group as compared with controls (P>0.05), while the expression level in shRNA-transfected group decreased significantly (P<0.05). It is concluded that the pGenesil-1/Nogo-AshRNA recombinant plasmid can effectively suppress the expression of Nogo-A gene in PC12 cells.

To examine the expression of human telomere reverse transcriptase (hTERT), p53 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in cystitis glandularis, 38 patients were divided into two grouips: group A (including 18 cases of papillary cystitis glandularis) and group B (including 20 subjects with normal bladder mucosa). All the cases were immunohistochemically examined by using antibodies specifically against p53 and PCNA, and hTERT was determined by in situ hybridization. hTERT was found in 6 cases (33.3%) and p53 was detected in 4 cases (22.2%) in group A, while they were not detected in group B. There were significant differences in hTERT and p53 expression between groups A and B (P<0.05 for both). PCNA was detected in 7 cases (38.9%) in group A and 1 case (5.0%) in group B, and significant difference in PCNA expression was found between the two groups (P<0.05). The expressions of hTERT, p53 and PCNA were significantly higher in group A than in group B, suggesting that papillary cystitis glandularis is predisposed to cancerous change, and p53, PCNA, hTERT may be related to the malignant alteration.

To investigate the effects of down-regulation of prostate androgen regulated (PAR) expression on proliferation of PC3 cells by using RNA interference (RNAi), suppression of PAR expression was achieved by transfection of PC3 cells with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression vectors against PAR, designated as psiRNA-PAR1, psiRNA-PAR2 and psiRNA-PAR3. The inhibitory effects were confirmed by RT-PCR. The growth features of PC3 transfectants were analyzed by cell counts, colon formation in soft agar and flow cytometry. The expression of PAR was suppressed by the three shRNA expression vectors. psiRNA-PAR1 was shown to inhibit the PAR expression most efficiently, with the inhibitory rate reaching a peak at (81.18±1.68)% 48 h after the transfection. PC3 transfectants exhibited a decreased proliferation in cell culture and a low efficiency of colon formation in soft agar. Flow cytometry revealed a G₂/M arrest and induced apoptosis. Down-regulated PAR expression inhibited the growth of PC3 cells by inducing G₂/M arrest and activating apoptotic pathway. As a potential proto-oncogene that triggers and/or has persistent malignant proliferation, PAR may serves as a very target for the gene therapy.

To investigate the effects of metallothionein (MT) on isolated rat heart, 16 Wistar rats were randomly divided into 2 groups. In control group (group C), distilled water was injected intraperitoneally and 24 h later isolated hearts were perfused with Langendorff and stored at 4°C for 3 h with histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) solutions, and then isolated hearts were perfused for 2 h by Langendorff. In experimental group (group E), 3.6% ZnSO₄ was injected intraperitoneally, 24 h later isolated hearts were perfused by Langendorff and stored at 4°C for 3 h with HTK solutions, and then the isolated hearts were perfused for 2 h with Langendorff. MT content, the recovery of hemodynamics, myocardial water content (MWC), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) leakage, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, myocardial cell Ca²⁺ content, Ca²⁺-ATPase activity of mitochondria ([Ca²⁺-ATPase]_m) and its Ca²⁺ content ([Ca²⁺]_m), synthesizing ATP activity of mitochondria ([ATP]_m), and the ultrastructure of cells were examined. There were a significant increase in group E in hemodynamic recovery, ATP content, SOD activity, [Ca²⁺-ATPase]_m activity, [ATP]_m activity, and substantial reduction in MWC, LDH and CK leakage, MDA content, myocardial cell Ca²⁺ content, [Ca²⁺]_m content, and the ultrastructural injury were obviously milder than that of group C. This study demonstrated that MT has protective effects on isolated rat heart.

Telomerase activity was examined in invasive cervical carcinoma to assess whether it is activated during cervical malignant transformation and to look for its possible association with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Histologically confirmed invasive cervical carcinomas and benign cervices were assayed for telomerase activity by using a modified telomere repeat amplification protocol (TRAP). The same cases were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of HPV by using consensus primers and type-specific (HPV types 16 and 18) primers. Telomerase activity was detected in 40 of 45 (88.9%) invasive cervical carcinomas and 2 (all chronic cervicitis) of 50 (4%) benign cervical lesions. HPV was detected in 36 (24 HPV-16 and 4 HPV-18 cases) of 45 (80%) invasive cervical carcinomas and 20 (11 HPV-16 and 1 HPV-18 cases) of 50 (40%) benign cervical changes. There was a significant correlation between the expression of telomerase with histological grade (ω=0.44, P<0.005), but no correlation was found between telomerase expression and HPV-18 (P>0.05). Although larger sample studies are needed, there seems to be a clear association between telomerase upregulation and HPV status, mainly HPV-16 infection.

Bronchoplasty was extended to the segmental level and the effect of the multi-segmental surgery for the central non-small lung cancer was observed. The involved lobular bronchi and part of main bronchi were resected and single-layer continuous suture with 5-0 Prolene was used for suturing of the carina of the reconstructed segmental bronchi to form lobular bronchi. Then, single-layer continuous suture with 4-0 Prolene was employed to anastomose the “lobular bronchi” with main bronchi. Our results showed that the 15 bronchoplasties were successfully performed. The tumors were completely removed and postoperatively, the pulmonary functions of the patients were substantially improved. No broncho-pleural fistula and stomal stenosis took place in all the cases. The quality of life of the patients were obviously improved. It is concluded that multisegmental bronchoplasty can completely remove the tumor of central non-small-cell lung cancer and conserve more non-involved lung. The procedure is especially suitable for those patients with severely impaired lung functions and it expands the indications of surgical resection of lung cancer.

To investigate the relationship between the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and menstrual cycle, the regulatory effects of 17-β-estradiol (E₂) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) on the expression of COX-2 in cervical cancer Hela cells were examined. Cervical cancer specimens were obtained from 47 pre-menopausal patients. The phase of menstrual cycle was determined by case history and HE staining of uterine endometrium. COX-2 was immunohistochemically stained by SABC staining and the staining intensity was determined with computerized image analysis system. Hela cells were incubated with alcohol, E₂, E₂+MPA, MPA for 12, 24 and 48 h respectively. The expression of COX-2 in Hela cells was detected by Western blotting and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Our results showed that the expression of COX-2 was significantly higher during proliferative phase than secretory phase (P<0.05), but there was no difference in the positive rate between proliferative phase and secretory phase (P>0.05). Incubation with E₂ could significantly enhance the expression of COX-2 continually. On the contrary, E₂+MPA and MPA alone could decrease the expression of COX-2 as compared with the control and E₂ group (P<0.05 and P<0.01 respectively). It is concluded that the expression of COX-2 in cervical cancer of pre-menopausal patients and Hela cells was regulated by estrogen/progestogen.

To investigate the expression of mRNA of leptin long-form receptor (OB-Rb) in luteinized granulosa cells of obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and to determine the role of leptin in the physiopathology of PCOS, luteinized granulosa cells were collected from the follicle fluid of 10 obese women who met the diagnostic criteria for PCOS and their BMI was equal to or greater than 25 kg/m², and at the same time, granulosa cells were collected from 10 normal women undergoing IVF-ET who served as the control group. Some luteinized granulosa cells were taken from normal women for in-vitro culture, into which human leptin of different concentrations was added (0, 10, 100 and 1000 ng/mL). After stimulation with leptin for 48 h, RT-PCR was employed for the detection of the expression of OB-RLmRNA in the luteinized granulosa cells. Our results showed that the level of OB-RLmRNA in luteinized granulosa cells of obese PCOS women was higher than those in the control (P<0.05). In luteinized granulosa cells cultured in vitro and stimulated by human leptin for 48 h, the level of OB-RLmRNA was higher than those without leptin stimulation (P<0.01), and when leptin concentration was at 100 ng/mL, and the level of OB-R_LmRNA reached a peak. It is concluded that in obese PCOS women, the level of serum leptin is increased, which promotes the expression of OB-R_L in luteinized granulosa cells and increases the sensitivity of the granulosa cells to leptin. Leptin may contribute to anovulation in obese women with PCOS.

HOXA10 gene plays an essential role in differentiation of the endometrium and in human reproduction. The aim of this study was to investigate the regulatory effect of sex steroids and HB-EGF on HOXA10 gene in Ishikawa cells. Ishikawa cells were incubated with 17-beta estradiol (10⁻⁸ mol/L), medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) (10⁻⁶ mol/L), RU486 (10⁻⁵ mol/L) or HB-EGF (10 ng/mL) for 48 h respectively. The expression of HOXA10 gene was detected by immunofluorescence, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting. Our results showed that either estrogen alone, progestin alone or progestin combined with estrogen could significantly increase the expression of HOXA10 gene 48 h after the treatment (P<0.05). But estrogen combined with progestin and RU486 could inhibit the up-regulation by estrogen and progestin. HB-EGF could elevate the expression of HOXA10 gene 48 h after the treatment (P<0.05). It is concluded that both estrogen and progestin can up-regulate the expression of HOXA10 gene in Ishikawa cells, but RU486 can inhibit the effect and HB-EGF can elevate the expression level of HOXA10 gene.

To study the effects of mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) on the in vitro maturation, fertilization, cleavage and blastula formation of mouse oocytes, the immature oocytes were infected in vitro by MCMVs of different dosages (100 TCID₅₀, 10 TCID₅₀ and 1 TCID₅₀). The oocytes were then observed for in vitro maturation, fertilization, cleavage and blastula formation and the ultrastructural changes after the culture with the viruses. Our results showed that no significant differences were found in IVM, IVF, cleavage and blastula formation among the groups treated with of virus of various dosages. And ultrastructural abnormality was observed in the oocytes treated by 100 TCID₅₀ of viruses. It is concluded that MCMV did not have any conspicuous effects on IVM, IVF, cleavage and blastula formation of murine immature oocytes.

The validity of ^99mTc-YIGSR, a novel receptor radio-tracer, in imaging the Ehrlich ascites tumor was evaluated. YIGSR, a pentapeptide of laminin, was labeled with ^99mTc by using a bifunctional chelator S-Acetly-NH₃-MAG₃. The MIBI was labeled with ^99mTc by following the kit instruction. The mice of tumor group were intravenously injected 1–2 mCi of ^99mTc-YIGSR or ^99mTc-MIBI via caudal vein, immobilized and imaged under a Gamma camera. The same procedure was performed in mice of blockade group, in which the unlabeled YIGSR was previously injected to block the receptor-recognition sites, and inflammation group serving as control. The reverse-phase Sep-Pak C₁₈ chromatogram was found to have an essentially complete conjugation between YIGSR and S-Acetly-NH₃-MAG₃. The conjugated YIGSR could be radio-labeled successfully with ^99mTc at room temperature and neutral pH, with a radio-labeling yield of 62%. Without the chelator S-Acetly-NH₃-MAG₃, the YIGSR was labeled with ^99mTc at an efficiency of 4%. The imagological study revealed obvious tumor accumulation of ^99mTc-YIGSR 15 min after the injection, and the uptake peaked after 3 h with a tumor-to-muscle ratio (T/M) of 11.36. The radio-tracer was slowly cleared up and resulted in a T/M of 3.01 at the 8th h after the injection. As for blocked group, the tumor uptake of radiotracer was significantly lower, with the highest T/M being 4.61 after 3 h and 0.89 after 8 h. The T/M was 3.72 at the 3rd h and 1.29 at the 8th h after the ^99mTc-YIGSR injection in the inflammatory group. The T/M was significantly higher in tumor group than in inflammatory group or control group (P<0.001). In the 99mTc-MIBI group, the T/M was 1.40 at the 3rd h and 0.55 at the 8th h after the injection, which showed a significant difference as compared with ^99mTc-YIGSR (P<0.001). It is concluded that YIGSR can be successfully radiolabelled by using S-Acetly-NH₃-MAG₃. ^99mTc-YIGSR has many advantages in tumor imaging, such as quick and clear visualization, high sensitivity and specificity, and satisfactory target/non-target ratio (N/NT). It promises to be tumor radio-tracer.

The volume-time curve change in patients with normal left ventricular (LV) diastolic function and diastolic dysfunction was evaluated by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE). LV diastolic dysfunction was defined by E′<A′ in pulse-wave tissue Doppler for inter-ventricular septal (IVS) of mitral annulus. In 24 patients with LV diastolic dysfunction, including 12 patients with delayed relaxation (delayed relaxation group) and 12 patients with pseudo-normal function (pseudo-normal group) and 24 normal volunteers (control group), data of full-volume image were acquired by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography and subjected to volume-time curve analysis. EDV (end-diastolic volume), ESV (end-systolic volume), LVEF (left ventricular ejection fraction), PER (peak ejection rate), PFR (peak filling rate) from RT3DE were examined in the three groups. Compared to the control group, PFR (diastolic filling index of RT3DE) was significantly reduced in the delayed relaxation group and pseudo-normal group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in EDV, ESV, LVEF, PER (P>0.05). It is concluded that PFR, as a diastolic filling index of RT3DE, can reflect the early diastolic function and serve as a new non-invasive, quick and accurate tool for clinical assessment of LV diastolic function.

To examine the role of ultrasound in gene delivery in vitro, three cells lines were exposed to the low-frequency ultrasound of varying intensities and for different durations to evaluate their effect on gene transfection and cell viability of the cells. Microbubble (MB), Optison (10%), was also used to observe the role of the microbubbles in gene transfection. The results demonstrated that as the ultrasound intensity and the exposure time increased, the gene transfer rate increased and the cell viability decreased, but at high energy intensities, the cell viability decreased dramatically, which caused the transfer rate to decrease. The most efficient ultrasound intensity for inducing gene transfer was 1 W/cm² with duration being 20 s. At the same energy intensity, higher ultrasound intensity could achieve maximal gene transfer rate earlier. Microbubbles could increase ultrasound-induced cell gene transfer rate by about 2 to 3 times mainly at lower energy intensities. Moreover, microbubbles could raise the maximum gene transfer rate mediated by ultrasound. It is concluded that the low-frequency ultrasound can induce cell gene transfer and the cell gene transfer rate and viability are correlated with not only the ultrasound energy intensity but also the ultrasound intensity, the higher ultrasound intensity achieves its maximal transfer rate more quickly and the ultrasound intensity that can induce optimal gene transfer is 1 W/cm2 with duration being 20 s, and microbubbles can significantly increase the maximal gene transfer rate in vitro.