Evaluation of patients with dry eye disease for conjunctival Chlamydia trachomatis and Ureaplasma urealyticum

AIM：To determine the possibility of the development of dry eye disease（DED） as a result of persistent infection with Chlamydia trachomatis and Ureaplasma urealyticum in the conjunctiva of patients.METHODS： This study was conducted on 58 patients of age range 20-50 y,diagnosed with DED confirmed by Schirmer I test and tear breakup time.The non-dry eye control group included 27 subjects of the same age.Ocular specimens were collected as conjunctival scrapings and swabs divided into three groups： the first used for bacterial culture,the second and third taken to detect Chlamydia trachomatis and Ureaplasma urealyticum by direct fluorescent antibody（DFA） assay and polymerase chain reaction（PCR） method. RESULTS： Chlamydia trachomatis was detected in 65.5% and 76% of DED patients by DFA and PCR methods respectively.Ureaplasma urealyticum was found in 44.8% of DED infected patients using the PCR method.Both organisms were identified in only 37.9% of DED patients found to be infected.Control subjects had a 22%detection rate of Chlamydia trachomatis by DFA assay versus a 7% detection rate by PCR; while Ureaplasma urealyticum was detected in 3.7% of the controls by PCR method.The conjunctival culture revealed that gram positive microorganisms represented 75% of isolates with coagulase negative Staphylococci the most common（50%） followed by Staphylococcus aureus（20%）,whereas gram negative microorganisms occurred in 25% of cases,isolating Moraxella spp.as the most frequent organism. CONCLUSION： Our results tend to point out that Chlamydia trachomatis and Ureaplasma urealyticum were detected in a moderate percentage of patients with DED,and could be a fair possibility for its development.PCR is more reliable in detecting Chlamydia trachomatis than DFA technique.The presence of isolated conjunctival bacterial microflora can be of some potential value.

Study of the prevalence and association of ocular chlamydial conjunctivitis in women with genital infection by Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium and Candida albicans attending outpatient clinic

AIMTo determine the association between chlamydial conjunctivitis and genital infection by Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium and Candida albicans, in addition to the possible relationship between cultured bacterial pathogens and oculogenital chlamydial infection.METHODSThis study was performed on 100 (50 symptomatic and 50 asymptomatic) women attending the Gynecological and Obstetric outpatient clinic of Alzahra hospital, Alazhar University. Simultaneously a conjunctival swab was taken from these patients. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was done on DNA extracted from both vaginal and conjunctival swab samples. Culture for both vaginal and conjunctival swabs was also done.RESULTSCandida albicans was the predominant organism isolated by culture in 20% and 40% of conjunctival and vaginal swabs respectively. By the PCR method, ocular Chlamydia trachomatis was present in 60% of symptomatic women, while genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection was present in 30% of symptomatic women. The results of this method also indicated that 25/50 (50%) vaginal swabs were positive with PCR for Candida albicans versus 15/50 (30%) were PCR positive in conjunctival swab. Mycoplasma genitalium was present in only 10% of vaginal swabs. Concomitant oculogenital PCR positive results for Chlamydia trachomatis and Candida albicans were 30% and 28% respectively.CONCLUSIONOcular Chlamydia trachomatis was associated with genital Chlamydia trachomatis in a high percentage of women followed by Candida albicans. Cultured bacterial organisms do not play a role in enhancement of Chlamydia trachomatis infection.

Expression levels of pro-inflammatory interleukin-8 and certain antimicrobial peptides in concurrent with bacterial conjunctivitis

AIM:To detect the quantitative expression levels of the pro-inflammatory interleukin-8(IL8),antimicrobial peptides human beta defense-2(HBD2),and human beta defense-3(HBD3)genes in bacterial conjunctivitis.METHODS:The human conjunctival epithelial cells were obtained using the impression cytology technique from healthy controls and patients.The genes expression levels were determined utilizing a reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-q PCR).The contribution of causative agent type,the number of isolates and severity of clinical features,in the increase of genes expression was also determined.RESULTS:The RT-q PCR showed that IL8,HBD2,and HBD3 expression increased in bacterial conjunctivitis as compared to healthy control(P<0.001).In gram-negative bacterial conjunctivitis,HBD2 was highly up-regulated(P<0.001)compared to other types of bacterial conjunctivitis.In mixed bacterial conjunctivitis,a direct correlation between HBD2 up-regulation and HBD3 up-regulation was observed(P<0.05).The severity of clinical features was related to the up-regulation of IL8 and HBD2(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:IL8,HBD2,and HBD3 are immuneeffectors in infectious conjunctivitis.HBD2 is active during different bacterial conjunctivitis but is more released with gram-negative bacteria compared to gram-positive bacteria.HBD3 is an obvious defender in different bacterial conjunctivitis.

Studies on Enterotoxins and Antimicrobial Resistance in Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Various Sources

Staphylococcus aureus represents a public health challenge all over the world. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the prevalence of five genes (sea, seb, sec, see and seg) encoding the staphylococcal enterotoxins in S. aureus isolated from different sources and to evaluate the association of these toxins in comparison to susceptibility towards 12 antimicrobials;antimicrobial susceptibility was conducted by disc diffusion method. Detection of staphylococcal enterotoxins was performed by PCR and the ability to express these genes was assessed among isolates by RT-PCR. The most common enterotoxin gene was sea gene (66%), followed by seb, sec, see and seg (38%, 23%, 19% and 5%) respectively. Expression of sea, seb and seg genes was variable. However, sec and see genes were not expressed by any of the tested isolates. No statistically significant association exists between (seb, sec and see) and isolation sources, while the sea was significantly associated with clinical isolates. High significant correlation was found between elevated sea expression and multidrug-resistance. Our findings indicate that the pathogenic potential of S. aureus may be greater than previously thought. This emphasizes the utmost need to implement proactive measures and more emphasis will be placed on the application of hygiene practices in hospitals to control S. aureus infection and enterotoxins production.

Identification of a novel germline missense mutation of the androgen receptor in African American men with familial prostate cancer

Race, family history and age are the unequivocally accepted risk factors for prostate cancer （PCa）. Androgen receptor （AR）-dependent signaling is an important element in prostate carcinogenesis and its progression to metastatic disease. We examined the possibility of genomic changes in the AR in association with familial PCa in African Americans who have a higher incidence and mortality rate and a clinically more aggressive disease presentation than Caucasians. Genomic DNAs of 60 patients from 30 high-risk African American and Caucasian families participating in the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center genetic linkage study of PCa were studied. Exon-specific polymerase-chain reaction, bi-directional automated sequencing and restriction enzyme genotyping were used to analyze for mutations in the coding region of the AR gene. We identified a germline AR （A1675T） （T559S） substitution mutation in the DNA-binding domain in three PCa-affected members of an African- American family with a history of early-onset disease. The present study describes the first AR germline mutation in an African-American family with a history of familial PCa. The AR （T559S） mutation may contribute to the disease by altering AR DNA-binding affinity and/or its response to androgens, non-androgenic steroids or anti-androgens. Additional studies will be required to define the frequency and contribution of the AR （A 1675T） allele to early-onset and/or familial PCa in African Americans.

Construction of eukaryotic expression plasmid containing HCV NS3 segment and protein expression in human HL-7702 hepatocytes

AIM： To construct the eukaryotic expression plasmid containing HCV NS3 segment and to analyze the expression of NS3 protein in normal human hepatocyte HL-7702.METHODS： We amplified HCV NS3 fragment from plasmid pBRTM/HCV 1-3011 containing the whole length of HCV genome, recombined it with expression vector pcDNA3.1（-） to form the eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1（-）/NS3, and transfected human HL-7702 hepatocytes with the recombined plasmid by cationic polymers. The expressed HCV NS3 protein was detected and analyzed by immunohistochemical method and Western blot.RESULTS： The amplified NS3 fragments had correct molecule weight and sequence. The successfully constructed eukaryotic expression plasmids were transfected to HL-7702 cells. The expressed NS3 proteins had correct molecular weight 70000.CONCLUSION： Eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1 （-）/NS3 containing NS3 segment of HCV can be constructed, the sequence of NS3 fragments is consistent with the template. Normal human HL-7702 hepatocytes can efficiently express specific HCV NS3 protein in vitro.

COVID-19 and gut immunomodulation

The disease coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is a severe respiratory illness that has emerged as a devastating health problem worldwide.The disease outcome is heterogeneous,and severity is likely dependent on the immunity of infected individuals and comorbidities.Although symptoms of the disease are primarily associated with respiratory problems,additional infection or failure of other vital organs are being reported.Emerging reports suggest a quite common co-existence of gastrointestinal(GI)tract symptoms in addition to respiratory symptoms in many COVID-19 patients,and some patients show just the GI symptoms.The possible cause of the GI symptoms could be due to direct infection of the epithelial cells of the gut,which is supported by the fact that(1)The intestinal epithelium expresses a high level of angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 and transmembrane protease serine 2 protein that are required for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)entry into the cells;(2)About half of the severe COVID-19 patients show viral RNA in their feces and various parts of the GI tract;and(3)SARS-CoV-2 can directly infect gut epithelial cells in vitro(gut epithelial cells and organoids)and in vivo(rhesus monkey).The GI tract seems to be a site of active innate and adaptive immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 as clinically,stool samples of COVID-19 patients possess proinflammatory cytokines(interleukin 8),calprotectin(neutrophils activity),and immunoglobulin A antibodies.In addition to direct immune activation by the virus,impairment of GI epithelium integrity can evoke immune response under the influence of systemic cytokines,hypoxia,and changes in gut microbiota(dysbiosis)due to infection of the respiratory system,which is confirmed by the observation that not all of the GI symptomatic patients are viral RNA positive.This review comprehensively summarizes the possible GI immunomodulation by SARS-CoV-2 that could lead to GI symptoms,their association with disease severity,and potential therapeutic interventions.

Streptococcus peumoniae in an Egyptian urban community:incidence of erythromycin-resistance determinants and antibiotic susceptibility profile

Objectives:To determine the incidence of resistance of Streptococcus(Strep).pneumoniae isolated in our locality to erythromycin,to screen for the two resistance determinants erm(B) and mef(A) genes,and to identify the susceptibility profile to commonly used antibiotics.Methods:Samples were collected from patients attending the Outpatient Department of Zagazig University Hospital,Zagazig,Egypt,between February 2006 and March 2007.Strep.pneumoniae was identified by conventional procedures.Susceptibilities to erythromycin and 15 antibiotics were identified by disc diffusion method,as outlined by CLSI.E-test was used for MIC determination of erythromycin.erm(B) and mef(A) genes were detected by PCR.Results:Eighty-one Strep. pneumoniae strains were identified.Fifty- one of them(63%) were erythromycin-resistant,and mef(A) gene was the predominant resistance determinant.Vancomycin,imipenem and gatifloxacin had the best activity against the isolates,whereas tetracycline had the least.Forty-two(51.85%) out of the 81 Strep.pneumoniae strains were multidrug-resistant.Conclusions:High incidence of resistance to erythromycin and multiple antimicrobials existed.mef(A) was the principal erythromycin-resistance gene.

Burden of pediatric influenza A virus infection post swine-flu H1N1pandemic in Egypt

Objectne:To screen children with influenza like illness or with symptoms of acute respiratory tract infections for influenza A virus infection-post swine flu pandemic era-using rapid influenza diagnostic tests.Methods:During two year,(2010&2011),1200 children with influenza like illness or acute respiratory tract infections(according to World Health Organization criteria)were recruited.Their ages ranged from 2-60 months.Nasopharyngeal aspirates specimens were collected from all children for rapid influenza A diagnostic test.Results:Influenza A virus rapid test was positive in 47.5%of the children;the majority(89.6%)were presented with lower respiratory tract infections.Respiratory rate and temperature were significantly higher among positive rapid influenza test patients.Conclusions:Influenza A virus infection is still a major cause of respiratory tract infections in Egyptian children.It should be considered in all cases with cough and febrile episodes and influenza like symptoms even post swine flu pandemic.

Describe the Mathematical Model for Exchanging Waves Between Bacterial and Cellular DNA

In this article,we have shown that bacterial DNA could act like some coils which interact with coil-like DNA of host cells.By decreasing the separating distance between two bacterial cellular DNA,the interaction potential,entropy,and the number of microstates of the system grow.Moreover,the system gives its energy to the medium and the temperature of the host body grows.This could be seen as fever in diseases.By emitting some special waves and changing the temperature of the medium,the effects of bacterial waves could be reduced and bacterial diseases could be controlled.Many investigators have shown that bacterial DNA could emit or absorb electromagnetic waves.One of the main experiments about bacterial waves has been done by Montagnier and his group.They have shown that the genomic DNA of most pathogenic bacteria includes sequences that are able to emit electromagnetic waves.The results have shown that wave affects the crucial physicochemical processes in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.The emphasis in this survey is on the development of controlling model equations and computer emulation of the model equations rather than on mathematical methods for solving the model equations and differential equations of epidemics.

Effects of Brassica oleracea extract on impaired glucose and lipid homeostasis in highfat diet-induced obese mice

Objective: To examine the effect of Brassica oleracea extract(BO) on impaired glucose and lipid homeostasis in high-fat diet(HFD)-induced obese mice. Methods: Obesity of ICR mice was induced by feeding a HFD(45 kcal% lard fat) for 16 weeks. During the last 8 weeks of study period, obese mice were additionally administered with BO(100 and 200 mg/kg/day). The metabolic parameters were determined. The gene expressions of hepatic lipogenesis were also studied. Results: After 8 weeks of treatment, BO(100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly reduced hyperglycemia and improved insulin sensitivity(P < 0.05). The serum lipid(total cholesterol, triglyceride, and non-esterified fatty acid) and hepatic triglyceride and nonesterified fatty acid were decreased(P < 0.05). The levels of insulin and leptin in serum were also decreased(P < 0.05). Moreover, the expressions of hepatic lipogenic genes including sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 c, fatty acid synthase, and acetyl-CoA carboxylase were decreased by BO treatment(P < 0.05). Conclusions: These results suggest that BO is a new therapeutic agent for improving the homeostasis of glucose and lipid in HFD-induced obese mice probably by suppression of lipogenic genes in liver tissue.

Detection of oqxA and oqxB efflux pump genes among nosocomial coliform bacilli:An observational cross-sectional study

Objectives:To identify and test the antibiotic susceptibility of nosocomial coliform bacilli and investigate the presence of oqxA and oqxB genes among the multidrug-resistant(MDR)phenotypes.Methods:One hundred and twenty different healthcare-associated infection samples were collected.Coliform bacilli were isolated,identified by conventional methods,and then antibiotic susceptibility tests were done using the VITEK2 system and disk diffusion methods.OqxAB operon was identified using a conventional PCR-based technique.oqxA and oqxB genes were compared between MDR Klebsiella pneumonia(K.pneumonia)phenotypes and MDR Escherichia coli(E.coli)phenotypes.Besides,oqxAB operons were compared between phenotypes of K.pneumonia and E.coli isolates.Results:Seventy coliform bacilli were isolated with the predominance of K.pneumonia and E.coli.Besides,82.1%of K.pneumonia strains and 53.3%of E.coli isolates were MDR phenotypes.Significant more oqxB genes alone were found in MDR E.coli than that in MDR K.pneumoniae phenotypes(χ^(2)=10.160,P=0.003).OqxAB operon was significantly more in MDR phenotypes of E.coli than that in the susceptible phenotypes(P<0.001).There was significantly less of this operon in susceptible E.coli isolates than that in susceptible K.pneumoniae isolates(P<0.001).OqxAB positive isolates that were also resistant to fluoroquinolones,tetracycline,trimethoprim,and chloramphenicol,most probably suggested functional pumps.Conclusions:MDR coliform bacilli are strongly implicated in healthcare-associated infection.Attention should be paid to the presence of oqxAB pump,as an important mechanism in the development of resistance against many antimicrobials because it contributes to co-resistance with other categories;therefore,this pump could be a good target for efflux pump inhibitors.

Prevalence of Toxins and Antimicrobial Resistance among <i>E. coli</i>Isolated from Meat

Aim: The present study aims to evaluate the occurrence and characterize E. coli in meat and meat products marketed in Egypt based on their antimicrobial-resistance pattern and production of enterotoxins. Methods: A total of 250 meat samples, categorized as 80 fresh beef, 85 ground beef and 85 beef burger purchased from supermarkets and butchers’ shops were used for isolation of E. coli. All isolates were screened for antimicrobial susceptibility. Plasmid profile analyses were done. Polymerase chain reactions were performed for detection of enterotoxin-encoding genes (astA, eaeA, stx1 and stx2). Results: Twenty-five samples were isolated and identified as E. coli. 14 isolates were multidrug resistant. Plasmids isolation from all isolates revealed that 76% of these isolates harbored plasmids. astA gene was amplified in 7 isolates (28%). Eight (32%) isolates harbored eaeA gene. However, none of the isolates harbored stx1 or stx2 genes. Analysis of multiple drug resistant isolates revealed a significant relation between multiple drug resistance and both astA and eaeA. Conclusion: The study confirmed the prevalence of enterotoxin genes (astA and eaeA) in E. coli isolated from meat product and the association between the presence of these genes and multiple drug resistant phenomena.

<i>In Vitro</i>Activity of Colistin and Vancomycin or Azithromycin Combinations on Extensively Drug Resistant <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i>Clinical Isolates

Background: Extensively drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (XDR-AB) presents an increasing challenge to health care in Egypt as they are among the most common bacteria isolated in hospital setting. Treatment of such infections usually involves the use of antimicrobial agents in combination. Various combinations have been proposed, with colistin serving as the backbone in many of them even for colistin resistant isolates. Aim: The study was conducted in order to test the in vitro combined effects of colistin and vancomycin or azithromycin against (XDR-AB) causing infections at Alexandria Main University Hospital in Egypt, in an attempt to detect the possibility of a beneficial combination therapy. Material/Methods: Thirty XDR-AB clinical isolates were included in the study. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using automated Vitek 2 compact system and disc diffusion method. Colistin antibiotic disc diffusion test was compared with broth microdilution method. Organisms were also tested against colistin and vancomycin or azithromycin in combination using checkerboard synergy test and FICI (Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index) was calculated. Synergy was defined as a FICI of ≤0.5. Results: On comparing the two methods used to detect susceptibility to colistin to broth microdilution for MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) determination, as a reference method, the Vitek showed 100% categorical agreement (CA), on the other hand, the disc diffusion showed CA of 93% with very major errors. Synergy was detected for all isolates (100%) when combining colistin with vancomycin (FICI mean = 0.08). As for azithromycin, 21 strains had FICI range from 0.7 to 1.001, denoting indifference;the remaining 9 strains showed synergy with FICI range from 0.06 to 0.241. The mean colistin/azithromycin FICI was 0.71 for the 30 isolates. Conclusion: These findings suggest that regimens containing vancomycin may confer therapeutic benefit for infection due to XDR-AB;however, other methods (time-kill assay) should be used to confirm such synergy. Furthermore, the optimal combination treatment for serious XDR-AB infection should be addressed in a prospective clinical trial.

Antibiotic Effect on Planktonic and Biofilm-Producing Staphylococci

The pathogenic effect of Staphylococci is due to extra-cellular factors and properties such as adherence and biofilm production. The nature of the biofilm and the physiological properties of biofilm-producing bacteria result in an inherent antibiotic resistance and require further investigation. Two hundred and sixty Staphylococcal strains were cultured from 600 clinical specimens obtained from hospitalized patients. Among these, 155 were identified as coagulase-positive (CPS) and 105 as coagulase-negative (CNS) staphylococci. Staphylococcal strains were tested for biofilm production using the tissue culture plate (TCP) method. TCP detection showed that of the 155 CPS, 124 (80%) were biofilm producers, while 63 (60%) of the 105 CNS were biofilm producers. Biofilm-producing strains were scanned by scanning electron microscope (SEM) to confirm biofilm formation, study biofilm production, and examine antibiotic effects on biofilm formation. Disc diffusion method was used to study resistance of planktonic and biofilm-forming cells to antibiotics. Planktonic cells were less resistant to antibiotics than biofilm-forming cells. Microbroth dilution method and a new BioTimer assay were used to determine antibiotic MICs affecting planktonic and biofilm cells. Both methods showed that the MICs for planktonic cells were less than that for biofilm cells. The BioTimer assay was therefore found to be sensitive, accurate, and reliable, with results in agreement with those from the broth dilution method and SEM.

MBL2 Gene Polymorphism and the Association with Neonatal Sepsis in Egyptian Neonates, a Case Control Study

Mannose binding lectin (MBL) is an important component of innate immunity particularly in neonates whose adaptive immunity is not fully developed. Polymorphism in MBL2 gene promoter and exon1 determines MBL serum level and function. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of different MBL2 genotypes in neonatal sepsis among patients of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Two hundred and forty-five neonates were enrolled in this study (127 infected and 118 uninfected controls). Multiplex PCR and double amplification refractory mutation system (dARMS) were used for typing of MBL2 exon1 and promoter respectively. Klebsiella species were the most frequently isolated organisms (22.8%). There is no statistical significance difference in the distribution of different expression genotypes between infected group and controls (P = 0.11). However, prevalence of low MBL2 expression genotypes (XA/O and O/O) was higher in infected patients compared to control group (patients 25.2% and controls 15.3%). Low and medium MBL2 expression genotypes were mostly associated with Gram-negative bacterial infections (18.9% and 22.8%) respectively. A statistically significant association of Gram-negative bacterial infections with low MBL2 expression genotypes was found (P = 0.02). Higher frequency of AB and BB genotypes was observed (31.5% and 7.9%) in patients group compared to control, but without statistical significant difference.

Characterization of SHARPIN knockout Syrian hamsters developed using CRISPR/Cas9 system

Background : SHARPIN (SHANK- associated RH domain interactor) is a component ofthe linear ubiquitination complex that regulates the NF- κB signaling pathway. To betterunderstand the function of SHARPIN, we sought to establish a novel geneticallyengineered Syrian hamster with SHARPIN disruption using the CRISPR/Cas9 system.Methods : A single- guide ribonucleic acid targeting exon 1 of SHARPIN gene was designedand constructed. The zygotes generated by cytoplasmic injection of the Cas9/gRNA ribonucleoprotein were transferred into pseudopregnant hamsters. Neonatalmutants were identified by genotyping. SHARPIN protein expression was detectedusing Western blotting assay. Splenic, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), and thymicweights were measured, and organ coefficients were calculated. Histopathologicalexamination of the spleen, liver, lung, small intestine, and esophagus was performedindependently by a pathologist. The expression of lymphocytic markers and cytokineswas evaluated using reverse transcriptase- quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Results : All the offspring harbored germline- transmitted SHARPIN mutations.Compared with wild- type hamsters, SHARPIN protein was undetectable in SHARPIN −/−hamsters. Spleen enlargement and splenic coefficient elevation were spotted inSHARPIN −/− hamsters, with the descent of MLNs and thymuses. Further, eosinophilinfiltration and structural alteration in spleens, livers, lungs, small intestines, and esophagiwere obvious after the deletion of SHARPIN. Notably, the expression of CD94 and CD22 was downregulated in the spleens of knockout (KO) animals. Nonetheless,the expression of CCR3, CCL11, Il4 , and Il13 was upregulated in the esophagi. Theexpression of NF- κB and phosphorylation of NF- κB and IκB protein significantly diminishedin SHARPIN −/− animals.Conclusions : A novel SHARPIN KO hamster was successfully established using theCRISPR/Cas9 system. Abnormal development of secondary lymphoid organs andeosinophil infiltration in multiple organs reveal its potential in delineating SHARPINfunction and chronic inflammation.

人类免疫缺陷病毒感染细胞的Rer蛋白依赖性凋亡引导

目的:以人类免疫缺陷病毒(HIV)调节蛋白Rev与Rev反应区(RRE)的高亲和性建立引导HIV感染细胞凋亡的结构。方法:用分子克隆技术合成含RRE和肿瘤坏死因子受体-1(TNF-R1)的Rev依赖性凋亡引导质粒,流式细胞仪检测质粒表达。结果:新质粒pDM128-TNF-R1(pT128)HindIII内切有3.1、2.7、1.0和0.87kb片段;聚合酶链反应(PCR)法检测示TNF-R1的1360bp片段。DNA测序法确认其准确性。单纯Hup60TNF-R1在pDC302(pT60)转染Hela,TNF-R1表达可明显杀伤Hela(P<0.01),Rev存在时,pT128也能表达TNF-R1杀伤Hela(P<0.01),但不及pT60的作用(P<0.01);无Rev时,pT128不表达TNF-R1,不杀伤Hela(P>0.01)。单纯Rev不杀伤Hela(P>0.01)。pT128与pRev共转,TNF-R1表达较pT60慢(P<0.01),40h后才接近单纯pT60。结论:新质粒具有Rev依赖性表达作用,进而引导Rev表达细胞凋亡。

Cytokine profile in Egyptian hepatitis C virus genotype-4 in relation to liver disease progression

AIM： To observe the imbalance between T helper cell Th1 and Th2 cytokines in several chronic hepatitis disease at different stages of disease progression. METHODS： We measured the cytokine levels of Thl （IL-2 and IL-2R）, Th2 （IL-10） and the pro-inflammatory cytokines （IL-6 and IL-6R and TNF and TNF-RI and II） by the ELISA technique in the sera of 33 hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） patients and 20 chronic liver disease （CLD） patients. In addition, 20 asymptomatic hepatitis C virus carriers and 20 healthy subjects negative for hepatitis C virus（HCV） markers served as controls. RESULTS： Anti-HCV antibodies were found to be positive in 94% of HCC cases and 75% of CLD cases. On the other hand, HCV viremia was detected using RT- PCR in 67% of HCC cases and 65% of CLD cases. HBsAg was positive in 9% of HCC cases and 30% of CLD cases. Also bilharziaI-Ab was positive in 55% of HCC cases, 65% of CLD cases and in 70% of asymptomatic carriers （ASC）. HCC patients had significantly higher values of IL- 2R, TNF-RII （P〈0.001）, and TNF-RI （P〉0.05）, but lower TNFα （P〈0.001） and IL-6 （P = 0.032） in comparison to ASC. But, in comparison to non-cancer controls, HCC patients had higher values of IL-2R, IL-6R, TNF-RI and TNF-RII, but lower TNF-α （P〈0.001）. CLD patients had higher IL-2R, TNF-RI, and TNF-RII （P〈0.001） than ASC. But, in comparison to non-cancer controls, CLD patients had higher values of IL-2R, TNF-RI and TNF-RII, but lower TNF-α （P〈0.001）. IL-10 was higher （though not significantly） in HCC and CLD patients than in symptomatic carriers and non-cancer controls. CONCLUSION： Liver disease progression from CLD to HCC due to HCV genotype-4 infection is associated with an imbalance between Th1 and Th2 cytokines. IL-2R, TNF-RI, and TNF-RII could be used as potential markers.

Occult hepatitis B virus infection among Egyptian blood donors

AIM:To identify blood donors with occult hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection(OBI) to promote safe blood donation.METHODS:Descriptive cross sectional study was conducted on 3167 blood donors negative for hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg),hepatitis C antibody(HCV Ab) and human immunodeficiency virus Ab.They were subjected to the detection of alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and aspartate transaminase(AST) and screening for anti-HBV core antibodies(total) by two different techniques;[Monoliza antibodies to hepatitis B core(Anti-HBc) Plus-Bio-Rad] and(ARC-HBc total-ABBOT).Positive samples were subjected to quantitative detection of antibodies to hepatitis B surface(anti-HBs)(ETI-AB-AUK-3,Dia Sorin-Italy).Serum anti-HBs titers > 10 IU/L was considered positive.Quantitative HBV DNA by real time polymerase chain reaction(PCR)(QIAGEN-Germany) with 3.8 IU/mL detection limit was estimated for blood units with negative serum anti-HBs and also for 32 whose anti-HBs serum titers were > 1000 IU/L.Also,265 recipients were included,34 of whom were followed up for 3-6 mo.Recipients were investigated for ALT and AST,HBV serological markers:HBsAg(ETI-MAK-4,Dia Sorin-Italy),anti-HBc,quantitative detection of anti-HBs and HBV-DNA.RESULTS:525/3167(16.6%) of blood units were positive for total anti-HBc,64% of those were antiHBs positive.Confirmation by ARCHITECT anti-HBc assay were carried out for 498/525 anti-HBc positive samples,where 451(90.6%) confirmed positive.Reactivity for anti-HBc was considered confirmed only if two positive results were obtained for each sample,giving an overall prevalence of 451/3167(14.2%) for total anti-HBc.HBV DNA was quantified by real time PCR in 52/303(17.2%) of anti-HBc positive blood donors(viral load range:5 to 3.5 x 105 IU/mL) with a median of 200 IU/mL(mean:1.8 x 104 ± 5.1 x 104 IU/mL).AntiHBc was the only marker in 68.6% of donors.Univariate and multivariate logistic analysis for identifying risk factors associated with anti-HBc and HBV-DNA positivity among blood donors showed that age above thirty and marriage were the most significant risk factors for prediction of anti-HBc positivity with AOR 1.8(1.4-2.4) and 1.4(1.0-1.9) respectively.Other risk factors as gender,history of blood transfusion,diabetes mellitus,frequent injections,tattooing,previous surgery,hospitalization,Bilharziasis or positive family history of HBV or HCV infections were not found to be associated with positive anti-HBc antibodies.Among anti-HBc positive blood donors,age below thirty was the most significant risk factor for prediction of HBV-DNA positivity with AOR 3.8(1.8-7.9).According to HBV-DNA concentration,positive samples were divided in two groups;group one with HBV-DNA ≥ 200 IU/mL(n = 27) and group two with HBV-DNA < 200 IU/mL(n = 26).No significant difference was detected between both groups as regards mean age,gender,liver enzymes or HBV markers.Serological profiles of all followed up blood recipients showed that,all were negative for the studied HBV markers.Also,HBV DNA was not detected among studied recipients,none developed post-transfusion hepatitis(PTH) and the clinical outcome was good.CONCLUSION:OBI is prevalent among blood donors.Nucleic acid amplification/HBV anti core screening should be considered for high risk recipients to eliminate risk of unsafe blood donation.