Toll-like receptor 9 gene mutations and polymorphisms in Japanese ulcerative colitis patients

Abnormal innate immune responses toward luminal bacteria play an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease.It has been demonstrated that bacteria having CpG DNA ameliorate experimental colitis in mice,and Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) signaling mediates the anti-inflammatory effects in mouse colonic inflammation.A gene variation in NOD2/CARD15 has been reported in Crohn's disease (CD) patients in Western countries,but this variation has not been identified in Japanese CD patients.Therefore,we hypothesized that TLR9 is a key factor in the development of ulcerative colitis (UC),and we investigated gene mutations and polymorphisms of TLR9 in Japanese UC patients.Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TLR9 were identified in healthy controls,and were assessed in 48 UC patients and 47 healthy controls.Control subjects were matched for age,sex and date of blood sampling from among a subgroup of participants.We found that TLR9-1486CC,1174GG and 2848AA increase the risk of UC [odds ratio (OR) 2.64,95% confidence interval (95% CI):1.73-6.53,P=0.042],and TLR9-1486TT,1174AA and 2848GG decrease the risk of UC (OR 0.30,95% CI:0.10-0.94,P=0.039),although there were no correlations between SNPs and disease phenotype or TLR9 mRNA expression.These findings suggest that TLR9 polymorphisms are associated with increased susceptibility to UC.

On the Impairment of Stress-Induced Changes in Triglyceride Levels via a Sub-Toxic Dose of Unmethylated Cytidine Phosphate Guanosine Oligodinucleotide (a Toll-Like Receptor 9 Ligand)

Changes in lipid metabolism have been implicated in protection against infectious diseases. In the first experiment of this study, we measured clinical lipid parameters in a murine model where the unmethylated cytidine phosphate guanosine (CpG) oligodinucleotide (ODN1826), a Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist was administered in combination with D-galactosamine (GalN) that caused relatively liver-specific inflammation and toxicity. In the control mice group injected with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (acute psychological stress model associated with blood sampling), the serum triglyceride (TG) levels showed a rapid decrease followed by a rebound at 24 h as we have recently reported. However, such a TG rebound was impaired in the CpG/GalN- and solely CpG-treated groups of mice despite an absence of liver injury based on serum alanine aminotransferase levels in the latter group. Thus, the stress-associated serum TG rebound was abrogated by the injection of a sub-hepatotoxic CpG dose. In the second experiment, we simply measured the hepatic CD36 and SACRB1 (the gene for scavenger receptor B1 (SR-B1)) transcripts after the i.p. administration of PBS, CpG or CpG/GalN. There was a remarkable elevation of hepatic CD36 transcript expression in both the CpG- and CpG/GalN-treated mice at 8 h post-CpG injection whereas the increase in the PBS-treated mice was slower than the former two groups, suggesting that hepatic CD36 transcript expression is more pronounced in the combined stress models than under psychological stress alone. The individual mice data showed that the increase in CD36 expression was accompanied by a reduction in SCARB1 mRNA, showing reciprocal regulation between these two genes. Together with our previously reported findings, these data suggest that, in a murine model combining psychological stress with TLR-triggered hepatic inflammation, the psychological stress facilitates liver uptake of plasma TG (and its components fatty acids), but the subsequent re-esterification and/or release of TG-rich lipoproteins from the liver is impaired due to the concomitant TLR-signaling. We hypothesize that lipid metabolism during acute stress shifts toward an elevated hepatic uptake of lipids due to concomitant TLR signaling, facilitating the clearance of bacterial lipids by the liver.

Toll-like receptor 9 polymorphisms and Helicobacter pylori influence gene expression and risk of gastric carcinogenesis in the Brazilian population

BACKGROUND Toll-like receptors(TLRs)are the first line of host defense,and are involved in Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)recognition and activation of both inflammatory and carcinogenic processes.The presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)in genes that activate the immune response may modulate the risk of precancerous lesions and gastric cancer(GC).Among them,Toll-like receptor 9(TLR9)polymorphisms have emerged with a risk factor of infectious diseases and cancer,however the studies are still inconclusive.AIM To evaluate whether TLR9 rs5743836 and rs187084 SNPs contribute to the risk of gastric carcinogenesis,and its influence on mRNA expression.METHODS A case-control study was conducted to evaluate two TLR9 SNPs(TLR9-1237 TCrs5743836 and TLR9-1486 CT-rs187084)in chronic gastritis(CG)and GC patients.A total of 609 DNA samples of peripheral blood[248 CG,161 GC,and 200 samples from healthy individuals(C)]were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism.All samples were tested for the H.pylori infection using Hpx1 and Hpx2 primers.Quantitative polymerase chain reaction by TaqMan?assay was used to quantify TLR9 mRNA from fresh gastric tissues(48 GC,26 CG,and 14 C).RESULTS For TLR9-1237,the TC+CC or CC genotypes were associated with a higher risk of GC than C[recessive model odds ratio(OR)=5.01,95%confidence interval(CI):2.52-9.94,P<0.0001],and the CG(recessive model OR=4.63;95%CI:2.44-8.79,P<0.0001)groups.For TLR9-1486,an association between the CT+TT genotypes and increased risk of both GC(dominant model OR=2.72,95%CI:1.57-4.72,P<0.0001)and CG(dominant model OR=1.79,95%CI:1.15-2.79,P=0.0094)was observed when compared to the C group.Moreover,the presence of TLR9-1237 TC/CC+TLR9-1486 CC genotypes potentiate the risk for this neoplasm(OR=18.57;95%CI:5.06-68.15,P<0.0001).The TLR9 mRNA level was significantly higher in the GC group(RQ=9.24,P<0.0001)in relation to the CG group(RQ=1.55,P=0.0010)and normal mucosa(RQ=1.0).When the samples were grouped according to the polymorphic genotypes and the presence of H.pylori infection,an influence of TLR9-1237 TC+CC polymorphic genotypes(P=0.0083)and H.pylori infection(P<0.0001)was observed on the upregulation of mRNA expression.CONCLUSION Our findings show that TLR9 rs5743836 and rs187084 polymorphisms are associated with a higher risk of carcinogenesis gastric,and that TLR9 mRNA levels can be modulated by TLR9-1237 TC+CC variant genotypes and H.pylori infection.

Toll-like Receptor9在大鼠胰腺表达及与大鼠急性胰腺炎相关性的研究

目的 (1)建立急性胰腺炎大鼠模型,定性检测Toll-like Receptor 9(TLR 9)在大鼠胰腺的表达、分布情况;(2)定量测定TLR 9在大鼠急性胰腺炎不同时间点的表达变化情况;(3)结合TLR 9在大鼠胰腺的组织分布、表达情况及在雨蛙素诱导性胰腺炎(cerulein-induced pancreatitis,CIP)早期24 h的表达改变,探讨TLR9与CIP发生发展的相关性.方法(1)采用Wistar大鼠,并随机分配进入实验组或对照组;通过皮下注射雨蛙素建立急性胰腺炎模型;(2)采用免疫组化方法检测TLR 9在正常大鼠胰腺及CIP时大鼠胰腺的表达TLR 9在大鼠胰腺的组织分布情况;(3)提取总RNA,采用实时荧光定量逆转录-多聚酶链反应(Quantitative-Real-Time;QRT-PCR)法测定TLR9基因的表达.(4)分析TLR9的分布特征及可能的意义(5)统计分析TLR 9 mRNA的表达情况与CIP发生、发展的关系.结果 (1)TLR 9主要分布于胰管上皮、血管内皮和胰岛;(2)外分泌腺泡细胞没有明显的表达;(3)QRT-PCR结果显示TLR9 mRNA在正常大鼠胰腺组织呈现低水平表达;(4)CIP早期TLR9 mRNA表达出现快速上调并在1 h时达到最高值;TLR 9 mRNA表达在CIP前4 h内维持于高水平;其后下降缓慢,至到CIP的第24小时也未降至正常,保持相对较高的表达水平.结论 (1)TLR 9在大鼠胰腺有表达,且表达具有一定的组织特异性;(2)TLR9在CIP胰腺组织中的表达明显升高,提示TLR 9在胰腺炎早期炎症反应的发生、发展中具有重要作用,与之存在相关性.

Epithelial toll-like receptor 9 signaling in colorectal inflammation and cancer: Clinico-pathogenic aspects

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize specific motifs which are frequently present in bacteria, fungi, prokaryotes and viruses. Amongst TLRs, TLR9 can be activated by such bacterial or viral DNA fragments, immunoglobulin-DNA complexes or synthetic oligonucleotides, which all contain unmethylated cytosineguanine nucleotide sequences (CpGs). Emerging data indicate that TLR9 signaling has a role in, and may influence, colorectal carcinogenesis and colonic inflammation. CpGs are classified into three groups according to their influence on both the antigen-specific humoraland cellular immunity, and the production of type 1 interferons and proinflammatory cytokines. TLR9 activation via CpGs may serve as a new therapeutic target for several cancerous and various inflammatory conditions. Due to its probable anti-cancer effects, the application possibilities of TLR9-signaling modulation may be extremely diverse even in colorectal tumors. In this review we aimed to summarize the current knowledge about TLR-signaling in the pathogenesis and therapy of inflammatory bowel diseases and colorectal cancer. Due to the species-specific differences in TLR9 expression, however, one must be careful in translating the animal model data into the human system, because of the differences between CpG-oligodeoxynucleotide-responsive cells. TLR9 agonist DNA-based immunomodulatory sequences could also represent a promising therapeutic alternative in systemic inflammatory conditions and chronic colonic inflammations as their side effects are not significant.

Clinical significance of NOD2/CARD15 and Toll-like receptor 4 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms in inflammatory bowel disease

AIM： To evaluate the role of genetic factors in the pathogenesis of Crohn＇s disease （CD） and ulcerative colitis （UC）, we investigated the single nucleotide polymorphisms （SNPs） of NOD2/CARD15 （R702W, Gg08R and L1007finsC）, and Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4） genes （D299G and T399I） in a selected inflammatory bowel disease （IBD） population coming from Southern Italy. METHODS： Allele and genotype frequencies of NOD2/ CARD15 （R702W, Gg08R and L1007finsC） and TLR4 （D299G and T399I） SNPs were examined in 133 CD patients, in 45 UC patients, and in 103 healthy controls. A genotype-phenotype correlation was performed. RESULTS： NOD2/CARD15 R702W mutation was significantly more frequent in CD （9.8%） than in controls （2.4%, P = 0.001） and in UC （2.3%, P = 0.03）. No significant difference was found between UC patients and control group （P 〉 0.05）. In CD and UC patients, no significant association with G908R variant was found. L1007finsC SNP showed an association with CD （9.8%） compared with controls （2.9%, P = 0.002） and UC patients （2.3%, P = 0.01）. Moreover, in CD patients, G908R and L1007finsC mutations were significantly associated with different phenotypes compared to CD wild-type patients. No association of IBD with the TLR4 SNPs was found in either cohort （allele frequencies： D299G-controls 3.9%, CD 3.7%, UC 3.4%, P 〉 0.05; T399I-controls 2.9%, CD 3.0%, UC 3.4%, P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： These findings confirm that, in our IBD patients selected from Southern Italy, the NOD2/ CARD15, but not TLR4 SNPs, are associated with increased risk of CD.

Expression of Toll-like Receptor 9 in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Patients with Different Hepatitis B and C Viral Loads

The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of toll-like receptors （TLR） 9 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells （PBMC） of patients with chronic hepatitis B and C with different virus copies. The study group included 90 patients （60 with chronic hepatitis B, and 30 with chronic hepatitis C）, and 20 healthy people served as control group. The protein and mRNA levels of TLR9 were detected by using flow cytometry and real-time PCR. The serum viral copies of HBV and HCV were measured in all patients, and the correlation between HBV-DNA copies or HCV-RNA copies and the TLR9 expression was analyzed. Our results demonstrated that HBV or HCV infection led to a decreased expression of TLR9 mRNA and protein compared to the control group （P〈0.05）. The TLR9 protein and mRNA levels were negatively correlated with serum viral copies of HBV and HCV （r=-0.632, r=-0.909, P〈0.01）. It was concluded that TLR9 mRNA and protein are down-regulated in PBMC of HBV-infected or HCV-infected patients, and they are negatively correlated with serum viral copies and play an important role in detecting viral replication of HBV and HCV.

Correlation between Toll-like Receptor Gene Polymorphisms and Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome in Chinese Children

Objective Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome(INS)is the most common glomerular disease in children.Toll-like receptors(TLRs)have been reported to be associated with response to steroid treatment in children with INS.Nevertheless,the correlation between TLR genes and the progression of INS has not yet been clarified.The present study aimed to investigate the association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)in TLR2,TLR4,and TLR9 with susceptibility to INS as well as the clinical phenotyping of steroid responsiveness in Chinese children with INS.Methods A total of 183 pediatric inpatients with INS were included and given standard steroid therapy.Based on their clinical response to steroids,the patients were classified into three groups:steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome(SSNS),steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome(SDNS),and steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome(SRNS).A total of 100 healthy children were employed as controls.The blood genome DNA was extracted from each participant.Six SNPs(rs11536889,rs1927914,rs7869402,rs11536891,rs352140,and rs3804099)in TLR2,TLR4,and TLR9 were selected and detected by multiplex polymerase chain reaction with next-generation sequencing to assess TLR gene polymorphisms.Results Among the 183 patients with INS,89(48.6%)had SSNS,73(39.9%)had SDNS,and 21(11.5%)had SRNS.No significant difference was found in the genotype distribution between healthy children and patients with INS.However,the genotype and allele frequencies of TLR4 rs7869402 were significantly different between SRNS and SSNS.Compared with patients with the C allele and CC genotype,patients with the T allele and CT genotype had an increased risk of SRNS.Conclusion TLR4 rs7869402 affected the steroid response in Chinese children with INS.It might be a predictor for the early detection of SRNS in this population.

Effects of Klebsiella pneumoniae on Toll-Like Receptor-Dependent Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Related Signaling Pathways and Gene Expression and Promotes HLA-B27 Misfolding

Klebsiella has been considered as initiator of AS （ankylosing spondylitis） for nearly four decades. This study aimed to demonstrate that Klebsiella triggers ERS （endoplasmic reticulum stress） and HLA-B27 heavy chain misfolding. CA46 cells or splenocytes obtained from wild-type, MyD88/ or TLR9/ mice were stimulated with KP （Klebsiella pneumoniae） or its components including CPS （capsule polysaccharide）, LPS （lipopolysaccharide）, and KP gDNA （genomic deoxyribonucleic acid） respectively for 24 h and 48 h. The activation of ERS-related signaling was detected by Western blotting or RT-PCR, and the level of misfolded HLA-B27 was determined by non-reducing protein gel electrophoresis and Western blotting. The protein expression of BiP/Grp78 and calreticulin, the alternative splicing of XBP-1 mRNA （messenger ribonucleic acid）, and the activation of caspase-12 and p38 were increased in a dose-dependent manner in HLA-B27-expressing CA46 cells after treatment with decapsulated KP. We also demonstrate that the EP, S-inducing effects occur via the TLR （Toll-like receptor）/MyD88-dependent signaling pathway. Significantly, HLA-B27 misfolding was also detected in decapsulated KP-treated B27-expressing cells. These results suggest that the non-antigen-specific induction of ERS and B27 misfoiding through TLR/MyD88 signaling might promote KP antigen-initiated autoreactive responses via the presentation of misfolded B27, and that small-molecules targeting TLRs might have potential as novel therapeutic agents for AS.

Toll-Like Receptor Gene Expression in Nasal Polyp

Objective: To investigate the expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and the correlation between TLR expression and mucosal changes in chronic sinusitis-related nasal polyposis. Methods: Patients with nasal polyps were enrolled in this study as the study group. The control group consisted of individuals undergoing surgery due to nasal obstruction caused by concha hypertrophy who were not diagnosed with chronic sinusitis-related nasal polyposis (NP). There were 30 patients in the study group (individuals with NP) and 20 patients in the control group. Sterile tissue samples were taken from the patients and were kept at -80°C. A piece of tissue sample was put into the eppendorf tube. Expression of TLR2 and TLR4 gene was investigated in the tissue samples. The samples were taken after the surgery;they were carried into the liquid nitrogen and were kept at -80° C before study. Results: TLR2 and TLR4 expression was measured in both groups and then analyzed using Student’s t-test. In the experimental group, the level of TLR2 expression was significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.001);however, TLR4 expression was not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.656). Conclusion: TLRs are thought to play a role in the etiopathogenesis of NP. In addition, the authors consider that a possible treatment for NP could be a TLR-specific treatment. Thus, in the future it will be essential to determine the extent to which TLRs function in NP formation and to apply this knowledge to design a specific therapeutic regimen for the enhanced treatment of NP.

Expression of toll-like receptor 4 gene polymorphism and inflammatory factors in peripheral blood on patients with sepsis

Objective:To observe the presence of toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)gene polymorphism in the venous blood in patients with sepsis,meanwhile,to observe the expression and the diagnostic value of TLR4 mRNA,interferon-(IFN-),interleukin-23(IL-23),procalcitonin(PCT)and C-reactive protein(CRP)in patients with different degrees of sepsis.Methods:The peripheral blood samples from the subjects were collected to extract genomic DNA,gene sequencing and enzyme digestion method were applied to the detection of TLR4 Asp299Gly loci polymorphism.The expression of TLR4 mRNA in the peripheral blood was detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).The expression levels of IFN-,IL-23,PCT and CRP were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Results:(1)The gene polymorphism was not present in TLR4 Asp299Gly loci;(2)The expression of TLR4 mRNA in the peripheral blood in patients with sepsis:on d1,there were statistically significant differences between the normal group and the group(APACHE II≤20),between the normal group and the group(APACHE II>20),between the group(APACHE II≤20)and the group(AAPACHE II>20)(t=5.741,14.780 and 10.500,all p<.01).APACHE II stands for Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II.On d7,there were statistically significant differences between the normal group and the group(APACHE II≤20),between the normal group and the group(APACHE II>20),between the group(APACHE II≤20)and the group(APACHE II>20)(t=4.186,13.830 and 9.645,all p<.01);(3)The expression levels of IFN-,IL-23,PCT and CRP were obviously upregulated(all p<.01),and TLR4 was positively correlated with IFN-and IL-23(all p<.01);(4)The best cutoff value of TLR4 mRNA at baseline was 891.6μg/L,with a sensitivity of 100%and a diagnostic specificity of 57%.The best cutoff value of IFN-at baseline was 84.5μg/L,with a sensitivity of 100%and a diagnostic specificity of 57%.The best cutoff value of IL-23 at baseline was 861μg/L,with a sensitivity of 100%and a diagnostic specificity of 97%.Conclusions:(1)The Asp299Gly polymorphism is not present in TLR4 gene;(2)The expression levels of TLR4 mRNA,IFN-and IL-23 are relatively high in patients with sepsis,and will be higher with the increased severity of sepsis;(3)TLR4 mRNA,IFN-and IL-23 can be used as molecular biomarkers for the early diagnosis of sepsis.

Control of hepatitis B virus replication by interferons and Toll-like receptor signaling pathways

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the major causes of liver diseases, affecting more than 350 million people worldwide. The interferon (IFN)-mediated innate immune responses could restrict HBV replication at the different steps of viral life cycle. Indeed, IFN-&#x003b1; has been successfully used for treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B. However, the role of the innate immune response in HBV replication and the mechanism of the anti-HBV effect of IFN-&#x003b1; are not completely explored. In this review, we summarized the currently available knowledge about the IFN-mediated anti-HBV effect in the HBV life cycle and the possible effectors downstream the IFN signaling pathway. The antiviral effect of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in HBV replication is briefly discussed. The strategies exploited by HBV to evade the IFN- and TLR-mediated antiviral actions are summarized.

Faecal and mucosal microbiota in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders: Correlation with toll-like receptor 2/toll-like receptor 4 expression

AIM To investigate the intestinal luminal microbiota(LM)and mucosa-associated microbiota(MAM)in Chinese patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders(FGIDs)and examine the association between these communities and the expression of toll-like receptor(TLR)2 and TLR4. METHODS Thirty-two Chinese subjects who suffered from symptoms of FGIDs,as confirmed by gastroenterologists,were enrolled in this study.Fresh faecal samples and descending colonic mucosal biopsies were collected from the subjects before(faecal)and during(mucosal) flexible colonoscopy.For analysis of the samples,we performed high-throughput sequencing of the V3-V4region of the 16S rR NA gene and reverse transcription(RT)-PCR to detect the expression of colonic TLR2 and TLR4.Differences in the stool and mucosal microbiota were examined and a correlation network analysis was performed. RESULTS The microbiota of faecal samples was significantly more diverse and richer than that of the mucosal samples,and the LM and MAM populations differed significantly.TLR2 expression showed a significant positive correlation with TLR4 expression.In the MAM samples,the genera Faecalibacterium and Ruminococcus,which belong to the family Ruminococcaceae,were inversely correlated with TLR4 expression(r=-0.45817,P=0.0083 and r=-0.5306,P=0.0018,respectively).Granulicatella,which belongs to Carnobacteriaceae,and Streptococcus,which belongs to Streptococcaceae,were inversely correlated with TLR2 expression(r=-0.5573,P=0.0010 and r=-0.5435,P=0.0013,respectively).In the LM samples,examination at phylum,class,or order level revealed no correlation with TLR4 expression.Faecalibacterium,which belongs to Ruminococcaceae,and Streptococcus,which belongs to Streptococcaceae,were inversely correlated with TLR2 expression(r=-0.5743,P=0.0058 and r=-0.3905,P=0.0271,respectively). CONCLUSION Microbial compositions of LM and MAM in Chinese patients with FGIDs are different.Expression of TLRs may be affected by the type of bacteria that are present in the gut.

Association between polymorphisms in the Toll-like receptor 4,CD14,and CARD15/NOD2and inflammatory bowel disease in the Greek population

AIM: Crohn's disease(CD)and ulcerative colitis(UC)are multifactorial diseases with a significant genetic background.Apart from CARD15/NOD2 gene, evidence is accumulating that molecules related to the innate immune response such as CD14 or Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), are involved in their pathogenesis. In further exploring the genetic background of these diseases, we investigated the variations in the CARD15/NOD2 gene (Arg702Trp,Gly908Arg and Leu1007fsinsC), and polymorphisms in the TLR4 gene (Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile) as well as in the promoter of the CD14 gene (T/C at position -159) in Greek patients with CD and UC.METHODS: DNA was obtained from 120 patients with CD,85 with UC and 100 healthy individuals. Genotyping was performed by allele specific PCR or by PCR-RFLP analysis.RESULTS: The 299Gly allele frequency of the TLR4 gene and the T allele and TT genotype frequendes of the CD14 promoter were significantly higher in CD patients only compared to healthy individuals (P = 0.026＜0.05; P = 0.0048＜0.01 and P= 0.047＜0.05 respectively). Concerning the NOD2/CARD15mutations the overall presence in CD patients was significantly higher than that in UC patients or in controls.Additionally, 51.67% of the CD patients were carriers of a TLR4 and/or CD14 polymorphic allele and at least one variant of the NOD2/CARD15, compared to 27% of the UC patients. It should be pointed out that both frequencies significantly increased as compared with the 10% frequency of multiple carriers found in healthy controls. A possible interaction of the NOD2/CARD15 with TLR4 and especially CD14, increased the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that co-existence of a mutation in either the TLR4 or CD14 gene, and in NOD2/CARD15is associated with an increased susceptibility to developing CD compared to UC, and to developing either CD or UC compared to healthy individuals.

MMP9、AEG-1及EphA7蛋白在中耳鳞癌组织中的表达及其临床意义

目的探讨基质金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)、星形细胞提升基因-1(AEG-1)、络氨酸蛋白激酶受体A7(EphA7)蛋白在中耳鳞癌组织中的表达及其意义。方法选取65例中耳鳞癌患者作为研究对象,均行手术治疗,术中采集癌组织及癌旁正常组织送检,检测MMP-9、AEG-1、EphA7蛋白表达情况,比较癌组织与癌旁正常组织内上述表达差异;并分析MMP-9、AEG-1、EphA7蛋白表达与年龄、性别、肿瘤分期、淋巴结转移、分化程度等病理特征的关系。结果癌组织内MMP-9、AEG-1、EphA7蛋白阳性表达率高于癌旁正常组织,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);MMP-9、AEG-1、EphA7蛋白阳性表达患者Ⅲ~Ⅳ期、有淋巴结转移占比高于阴性表达患者,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论MMP-9、AEG-1、EphA7蛋白在中耳鳞癌组织内呈高表达状况,且其表达与肿瘤分期、淋巴结转移关系密切,或可作为临床治疗的新靶点。

Change of Receptor Binding Preference of Novel Avian Origin H7N9 in China from 2013 to 2014

The advent of a novel avian origin H7N9 emerged in China in March 2013 is of major health concern, as it has little virulence in birds but can cause severe illness and death in humans. As people continue to get infected by this new virus in 2014, we need to understand the current status and trend of its evolution at the end of year 2014. The influenza viruses have two surface proteins, haemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA), which are involved in viral entry into and egress from the host cells respectively. In a previous study published in May 2013, we found that the HA protein of this new human H7N9 virus was able to preferentially bind to the avian type receptors as its primary binding and human type receptors as its secondary, which was confirmed by several web lab experiments a few months later in 2013. The current study examined the binding preference of human H7N9 again trying to uncover any change in the HA binding properties as this virus ran its course from 2013 to 2014. Our analysis concluded that the HA binding patterns of this novel virus were stable and similar to avian H7N9 in Asia and in Europe until August 2013, but after that time the virus gradually started to change and exhibit enhanced binding features of avian H7N9 in North America. Further investigation of the observed change identified a few positions in HA that could be potentially important for distinguishing the HA sequences of human H7N9 in China collected before and after August 2013. As a result, we discovered a single amino acid substitution R47K in HA that was believed to be the primary cause for this shift of binding patterns. Finally, our findings also implied that the human infections with H7N9 in China in 2013 were more likely caused by chickens than by ducks.

TLR9基因rs352140位点多态性与重症肌无力的关系

目的探讨TLR9基因rs352140位点多态性与重症肌无力(MG)的关系。方法采用聚合酶链反应-限制性内切酶片段多态性(PCR-RFLP)方法检测MG患者TLR9基因rs352140位点的多态性,比较各基因型和等位基因在MG患者不同性别、发病年龄、胸腺瘤伴发情况、Osserman分型、最大严重程度等亚组中的分布并观察其与MG严重程度和糖皮质激素近期疗效的关系。结果 MG组和对照组间以及MG各亚组间基因型和等位基因频率无统计学差异(P>0.05);糖皮质激素近期疗效差的患者中全身型比例高于眼肌型(OR=3.592,P=0.03),伴胸腺瘤者比例高于不伴胸腺瘤者(OR=4.350,P=0.016);糖皮质激素疗效差者治疗前平均定量MG评分(QMG)高于疗效好者(P=0.026);经多因素Logistic回归分析发现治疗前QMG评分越高激素疗效越差(OR=1.154,P=0.043)。结论 TLR9基因rs352140位点多态性与MG易感性无相关性,也与激素近期疗效无相关性。

Toll样受体9基因rs187084和rs352140位点多态性与Hp感染及其相关疾病易患性的关系

目的探讨Toll样受体9（Toll-like receptors 9,TLR9）基因rs187084和rs352140位点多态性与幽门螺杆菌（Helicobacter pylori,Hp）感染以及相关疾病的关系。方法收集2012年12月到2013年6月在武汉大学人民医院内镜中心进行胃镜活检的患者326例,同时采集患者外周血标本。用胶体金免疫分析法检测患者外周血中抗Hp抗体。用等位基因特异性聚合酶链式反应（allele specific polymerase chain reaction,AS-PCR）方法检测TLR9基因rs352140和rs187084位点基因多态性。结果TLR9基因rs187084位点和rs352140位点CC、TT和CT各基因型在抗Hp抗体阳性组和阴性组中的分布差异均无统计学意义（χ2=3.91,0.90;P=0.14,0.64）;TLR9基因rs187084和rs352140位点各基因型在正常胃黏膜组织组与Hp感染相关疾病组中的分布差异均无统计学意义;在分析rs187084位点时,基因型频率的相对风险分析显示,CC基因型患胃癌的风险是TT和CT基因型的2.46倍（OR=2.46,95%CI：1.01~6.01,P=0.04）。结论 TLR9基因rs187084和rs352140位点多态性与Hp感染可能无相关性;rs187084位点CC基因型可能是胃癌发病的危险因素。

雌/孕激素受体和HOXA-9基因在输卵管和异位妊娠输卵管中的表达

目的:探讨雌激素受体(ER)、孕激素受体(PR)和HOXA-9基因在人输卵管中的表达及与输卵管妊娠的关系。方法:采用免疫组化和原位杂交方法对34例正常输卵管和38例妊娠输卵管黏膜中ER、PR和HOXA-9基因表达进行研究。结果:ER、PR在正常增生期和分泌期输卵管黏膜上皮中的表达率较高;在妊娠输卵管黏膜上皮中的表达率明显下降(P<0.01)。HOXA-9基因在正常增生期输卵管中的表达率较高,分泌期输卵管中表达降低,而在妊娠输卵管中表达率又有所增高(高于分泌期输卵管的表达率,P<0.05)。结论:ER、PR在输卵管黏膜上皮中的表达下降和HOXA-9基因表达增强与输卵管妊娠密切相关;在正常分泌期输卵管黏膜上皮中,ER、PR表达水平上调和HOXA-9基因表达下调可能起着屏障作用,防止输卵管着床的发生。

小鼠Toll样受体9基因的克隆、表达及其活性的初步鉴定

从小鼠巨噬细胞中提取细胞总RNA,采用RT-PCR技术扩增小鼠Toll样受体9(mTLR9)cDNA,构建真核表达质粒p3XFLAG-CMV-7.1-mTLR9,转染293T细胞,利用Western Blotting检测蛋白表达,并用双荧光素酶报告基因系统检测mTLR9对其介导的信号通路下游转录因子NF-κB转录活性影响.结果表明,本试验成功克隆到小鼠TLR9cDNA,构建的重组体转染细胞后表达的蛋白分子质量与预计相符,并能激活下游转录因子NF-κB的转录活性.