Gastrin and antral G cells in course of Helicobacter pylori eradication: Six months follow up study

AIM： To assess long-term effects of Helicobacter pylori （H pylon} eradication on antral G cell morphology and function in patients with and without duodenal ulcer （DU）.METHODS： Consecutive dyspeptic patients referred to the endoscopy entered the study. Out of 39 Hpylori positive patients, 8 had DU （Hpylori ＋DU） and 31 gastritis （Hpylori＋G）. Control groups consisted of 11 uninfected dyspeptic patients （CG1） and 7 healthy volunteers （CG2）. Basal plasma gastrin （PGL）, antral tissue gastrin concentrations （ATGC）, immunohistochemical and electron microscopic characteristics of G cells were determined, prior to and 6 mo after therapy.RESULTS： We-demonstrated elevated PGL in infected patients compared to uninfected controls prior to therapy.Elevated PGL were registered in all Hpylori＋patients （Hpylori＋DU： 106.78＋22.72 pg/mL, Hpylori＋G： 74.95＋15.63,CGI： 68.59＋17.97, CG2：39.24＋5.59 pg/mL, P〈0.01）.Successful eradication （e） therapy in Hpylori＋patients lead to significant decrease in PGL （Hpylori＋DU： 59.93＋9.40 and Hpylori＋Ge： 42.36＋10.28 pg/mL, P〈0.001）. ATGC at the beginning of the study were similar in infected and uninfected patients and eradication therapy lead to significant decrease in ATGC in Hpylori＋gastritis, but not in DU patients. In the Hpylori＋DU patients, the mean number of antral G cells was significantly lower in comparison with all other groups （P〈0.01）, but after successful eradication was close to normal values found in controls. By contrast, G cell number and volume density were significantly decreased （P〈0.01） in Hpylori＋Ge group after successful eradication therapy （294＋32 and 0.31＋0.02,respectively）, in comparison to values before eradication （416~40 and 0.48~0.09）. No significant change of the G cell/total endocrine cell ratio was observed during the 6 mo of follow up in any of the groups. A reversible increase in G cell secretory function was seen in all infected individuals, demonstrated by a more prominent secretory apparatus. However, differences between DU and gastritis group were identified.CONCLUSION： H py/oriinfection induces antral G cell hyperfunction resulting in increased gastrin synthesis and secretion. After eradication therapy complete morphological and functional recovery is observed in patients with gastritis. In the DU patients some other factors unrelated to the Hpyloriinfection influence antral G cell morphology and function.

Changes of G cells and D cells in the antral mucosa in rat experimental gastric ulcer

Objective: To investigate the association of changes in G and D cells in the antral mucosa with the production of gastrin and somatostatin during gastric ulcer and the healing process. Methods: Experimental gastric ulcer was induced with acetic acid in 42 Wistar rats and another 7 normal rats served as control. Changes in the production of gastrin and somatostatin in the plasma, gastric fluid and the antral tissues of the rats were measured by radio immunoassay, and the number and distribution of G and D cells were respectively determined by immunochemistry and Quantimet500 image analysis system. Results: In rats with gastric ulcer, the gastrin levels in the plasma, gastric fluid and the antral tissues increased while somatostatin levels were reduced, which were corrected in the healing process. Immunochemistry demonstrated the increase in the number of G cells in the antral tissues with decrease in D cell number, and the area covered by both cells shrank. The G cell to D cell number and area ratios were both decreased after the onset of the ulcer and returned to the normal when the healing process took place. Conclusion; Secretion of gastrin by G cells increases and that of somatostatin by D cells declines during gastric ulcer in rats, and imbalance of G and D cells may be responsible for gastrointestinal dysfunction.

Ent-11α-Hydroxy-15-oxo-kaur-16-en-19-oic-acid Inhibits Growth of Human Lung Cancer A549 Cells by Arresting Cell Cycle and Triggering Apoptosis

Objective： To examine the apoptotic effect of ent-llα-hydroxy-15-oxo-kaur-16-en-19-oic-acid （5F）, a compound isolated from Pteris semipinnata L （PsL）, in human lung cancer A549 cells. Methods： A549 cells were treated with 5F （0-80 lag/ml） for different time periods. Cytotoxicity was examined using a Ml-I- method. Cell cycle was examined using propidium iodide staining. Apoptosis was examined using Hoechst 33258 staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） and caspase-3 activity analysis. Expression of representative apoptosis-related proteins was evaluated by Western blot analysis. Reactive oxygen species （ROS） level was measured using standard protocols. Potential interaction of 5F with cisplatin was also examined. Results： 5F inhibited the proliferation of A549 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. 5F increased the accumulation of cells in sub-G1 phase and arrested the cells in the G2 phase. Exposure to 5F induced morphological changes and DNA fragmentation that are characteristic of apoptosis. The expression of p21 was increased. 5F exposure also increased Bax expression, release of cytochrome c and apoptosis inducing factor （AIF）, and activation of caspase-3. 5F significantly sensitized the cells to cisplatin toxicity. Interestingly, treatment with 5F did not increase ROS, but reduced ROS production induced by cisplatin. Conclusion： 5F could inhibit the proliferation of A549 cells by arresting the cells in G2 phase and by inducing mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis.

Arsenic Trioxide Inhibits Proliferation in K562 Cells by Changing Cell Cycle and Survivin Expression

To study the mechanisms involved in the inhibition of chronic myeloid leukemic cells (K562) proliferation induced by arsenic trioxide (As 2O 3) and to explore the potential role of Survivin, an inhibitor of apoptosis protein, in the regulation of As 2O 3 induced cell apoptosis, K562 cells were cultured with As 2O 3 of different concentrations. Cells were collected for proliferation analysis by MTT assay. Cell cycle distribution and cell apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. Expression of Survivin protein and mRNA were detected by flow cytometry and RT-PCR, respectively. Our results showed that As 2O 3 (2-10 μmol/L) inhibited K562 cells growth effectively, but it did not induce cells apoptosis significantly. The percentage of K562 cells at G 2/M phase increased in proportion to As 2O 3 concentrations, and the expression of Survivin mRNA and content of Survivin protein was up-regulated accordingly. It is concluded that As 2O 3 inhibited K562 cells growth by inducing cell cycle arrest mainly at G 2/M phase. Over-expression of Survivin gene and protein might be one of the possible mechanisms contributing to K562 cells' resistance to As 2O 3-induced apoptosis.

Krill oil ameliorates benign prostatic hyperplasia by regulating G1-phase cell cycle arrest and altering signaling pathways and benign prostatic hyperplasia-associated markers

Krill oil(KO)exhibits various biological activities,such as anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects.However,the inhibitory effects of benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH)in vitro and in vivo have not yet been studied.This study investigated the anti-BPH effects of KO extracted by an enzymatic hydrolysis method.KO treatment inhibited the proliferation of WMPY-1 and BPH-1 cells by induction of G0/G1 phase arrest through the modulation of positive and negative regulators in both prostate cell types.KO treatment stimulated phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)and p38 signaling.In addition,KO changed the expression of BPH-related markers(5α-reductase,androgen receptor,FGF,Bcl-2,and Bax)and the activity of the proliferation-mediated NF-κB binding motif.KO-induced levels of proliferation-mediated molecules of prostate cells were attenuated in the presence of siRNA-specific p-38(si-p38)and JNK(si-JNK).Furthermore,the administration of KO alleviated prostate size and weight and the cell layer thickness of prostate glands in a testosterone enanthate-induced BPH rat model.KO treatment altered the level of dihydrotestosterone in serum and the expression levels of BPH-related markers in prostate tissues.Finally,KO-mediated inhibition of prostatic growth was validated by histological analysis.These results suggest that KO has an inhibitory effect on BPH in prostate cells in vitro and in vivo.Thus,KO might be a potential prophylactic or therapeutic agent for patients with BPH.

Gastrointestinal hormone abnormalities and G and D cells in functional dyspepsia patients with gastric dysmotility

AIM: To investigate the relationship between gastric dysmotility,gastrointestinal hormone abnormalities, and neuroendocrine cells in gastrointestinal mucosa in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD).METHODS: Gastric emptying was assessed with solid radiopaque markers in 54 FD patients, and the patients were divided into two groups according to the results, one with delayed gastric emptying and the other with normal gastric emptying. Seventeen healthy volunteers acted as normal controls. Fasting and postprandial plasma levels and gastroduodenal mucosal levels of gastrointestinal hormones gastrin, somatostatin (SS) and neurotensin (NT)were measured by radioimmunoassay in all the subjects.G cells (gastrin-producing cells) and D cells (SS-producing cells) in gastric antral mucosa were immunostained with rabbit anti-gastrin polyclonal antibody and rabbit anti-SS polyclonal antibody, respectively, and analyzed quantitatively by computerized image analysis.RESULTS: The postprandial plasma gastrin levels, the fasting and postprandial plasma levels and the gastric and duodenal mucosal levels of NT were significantly higher in the FD patients with delayed gastric emptying than in those with normal gastric emptying and normal controls. The number and gray value of G and D cells and the G cell/D cell number ratio did not differ significantly between normal controls and the FD patients with or without delayed gastric emptying.CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the abnormalities of gastrin and NT may play a role in the pathophysiology of gastric dysmotility in FD patients, and the abnormality of postprandial plasma gastrin levels in FD patients with delayed gastric emptying is not related to the changes both in the number and gray value of G cells and in the G cell/D cell number ratio in gastric antral mucosa.

Influence of IFNα-2b and BCG on the release of TNF and IL-1 by Kupffer cells in rats with hepatoma

INTRODUCTIONKupffer cells are residential macrophages in the liver ,which play a critical role in the maintenance of normal liver function and in immunal surveilance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other cancers[1].The biological immune modulants have cancers[2].In our previous studies ,the combined use of biological immune modulants showed better dffects .

Effect of gastrectomy on G-cell density and functional activity in dogs

INTRODUCTION Billroth gastrectomy has some advantages ofinhibiting acid secretion,low ulcer recurrence andlow mortality. However, postoperativecomplications,such as dumping syndrome andreflux gastritis,often occurred as a result ofpylorectomy.To minimize these complications,pylorus-preserving gastrectomy(PPG)had beenperformed for gastric ulcer with satisfied clinicalresults.Positive correlation was not found betweenulcer recurrence and serum gastrin level.In

奶牛小肠上皮细胞系细胞染色体核型与G-带分析

为了鉴定奶牛小肠上皮细胞系(BIECs-21)的生物学遗传稳定性,体外贴壁培养BIECs-21细胞,制备染色体标本和G-带标本,分析BIECs-21细胞的染色体核型和G-带。结果表明:BIECs-21细胞染色体数为2n=60,包括常染色体29对和性染色体(X和Y染色体)1对。其中,29对常染色体均为端部着丝点染色体;性染色体中,X染色体是较大的中着丝粒染色体,Y染色体是较小的中着丝粒染色体。除X、Y性染色体外,BIECs-21细胞常染色体的G-带带纹的数量和位置无显著差异。BIECs-21细胞与荷斯坦牛的正常染色体核型相比,染色体数目及形态结构均没有明显变化,证明该细胞系遗传特性稳定,可以用于牛肠道相关疾病分子机制的研究。

Intrinsic apoptotic pathway and G2/M cell cycle arrest involved in tubeimoside I-induced EC109 cell death

Objective： Squamous esophageal carcinoma is highly prevalent in developing countries, especially in China. Tu Bei Mu （TBM）, a traditional folk medicine, has been used to treat esophageal squamous cell carcinoma （ESCC） for a long term. tubeimoside I （TBMS1） is the main component of TBM, exhibiting great anticancer potential. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of TBMS1 cytotoxic effect on EC109 cells. Methods： Comparative nuclear proteomic approach was applied in the current study and we identified several altered protein spots. Further biochemical studies were carried out to detect the mitochondrial membrane potential, cell cycle and corresponding proteins＇ expression and location. Results： Subcellular proteomic study in the nucleus from EC109 cells revealed that altered proteins were associated with mitochondrial function and cell proliferation. Further biochemical studies showed that TBMSl-induced molecular events were related to mitochondria-induced intrinsic apoptosis and P21-cyclin B 1/cdc2 complex-related G2/M cell cycle arrest. Conclusions： Considering the conventional application of TBM in esophageal cancer, TBMS1 therefore may have a great potential as a chemotherapeutic drug candidate for ESCC.

Kiss-1/GPR54系统在PCOS模型大鼠卵巢颗粒细胞中的表达及对卵泡发育障碍的作用机制

目的初步探讨Kiss-1/GPR54系统在多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)模型大鼠卵巢颗粒细胞中的表达,并分析其与PCOS之间的关联。方法筛选出14只动情规律的雌性SD大鼠,按照随机数字表法分为正常对照组和模型组,每组7只。其中模型组大鼠予来曲唑-羧甲基纤维素混悬液0.1mg/(kg·d)连续灌胃21 d以构建PCOS大鼠模型。收集大鼠血清、卵巢组织、卵巢颗粒细胞。然后计算大鼠卵巢指数,对卵巢组织进行苏木精-伊红染色法,采用酶联免疫吸附测定法检测血清激素水平,免疫荧光染色检测颗粒细胞中亲吻素(Kp)、G蛋白偶联受体54(GPR54)荧光强度,实时定量反转录聚合酶链式反应检测颗粒细胞中Kiss-1、GPR54基因表达。结果与正常对照组比较,模型组大鼠卵巢囊状扩张卵泡及闭锁卵泡增加,卵泡颗粒细胞层变薄;卵巢指数增大[(1.22±0.10)mg/g比(0.82±0.13)mg/g,P<0.05];血清黄体生成素[(66.32±3.98)IU/L比(11.87±5.54)IU/L]、睾酮[(33.72±3.57)ng/mL比(8.40±2.94)ng/mL]、Kp水平[(1506.79±154.82)pg/mL比(289.57±89.20)pg/mL]均升高(P<0.05);卵巢颗粒细胞中Kp荧光强度[(1601852.67±378567.82)比(3685156.00±359825.63)]、GPR54荧光强度[(1298372.25±297701.61)比(2961456.58±309119.01)]及Kiss-1基因表达[(0.10±0.03)比(1.11±0.14)]、GPR54基因表达[(0.10±0.05)比(1.00±0.13)]均降低(P<0.05)。结论卵巢表达的Kiss-1/GPR54系统可能通过调节颗粒细胞从而影响PCOS大鼠卵泡发育。

Expression of CTB-human Insulin(BA) Fusion Protein in Gynostemma Pentapyhllum Makino Callus Cells and Its Hypoglycemic Effect in Mice

The plant expression vector of choleratoxin B subunit（CTB）-human insulin（BA） fusion protein pBI121/（CTB-BA） was constructed first and then the Gynostemma Pentapyhllum Makino callus cell line that could express CTB-human insulin fusion protein was constructed and its hypoglycemic effect was evaluated in mice. The plant expression vector pBl 121/（CTB-BA） was digested with both BamI and SacI. Agrobacterium tumerfaciens strain LBA4404 was transformed with previously constructed recombinant plasmid pBI121/（CTB-BA） via the freeze thawing method, then CTB-BA gene was integrated to G Pentapyhllum Makino callus cells by co-culturing the cells with the transformed LBA4404 strain. The transformed G Pentapyhllum Makino callus cells were identified by DNA sequence assey and RT-PCR. The expressed product was identified by western-blot and its amount was tested by ELISA kit and its blood sugar decreasing effect was tested in mice. The sequences of synthetic CTB and human insulin genes（BA） were completely identical to those designed. Restriction map proved that the length of gene fragment in- serted into expression vector pBI121 was consistent with that expected. The sequence of genomic DNA of expressed product was completely identical to that designed. The result of RT-PCR was consistent with that expected. The expressed product showed a specific band with a relative molecular mass of 17000 by Western-blot. The human insulin expression amount was 6.03 μIU/mL according to the ELISA result. The animal test showed that only the G Pentapyhllum Makino callus cell line itself showed activity in decreasing the blood sugar of mice, however, the activity of the transformed G Pentapyhllum Makino callus cells was much higher, The plant expression vector pBI121/（CTB-BA） was constructed and expressed in the G Pentapyhllum Makino callus cells successfully for the first time. The trans- formed G Pentapyhllum Makino callus cells showed high activity in decreasing the blood sugar of mice. This study developed a new way for the development of oral administration insulin.

Mobilization of Peripheral Blood Stem Cells Using Regimen Combining Docetaxel with Granulocyte Colony-stimulating Factor in Breast Cancer Patients

Objective：To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the mobilization of peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cells by combining docetaxel with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor（G-CSF） in breast cancer patients.Methods：A total of 57 breast cancer patients were treated with docetaxel 120 mg/m2.When the white blood cell（WBC） count decreased to 1.0×109/L,patients were given G-CSF 5-g/kg daily by subcutaneous injection until the end of apheresis.Peripheral blood mononuclear cells（MNC） were isolated by Cobe Spectra Apheresis System.The percentage of CD34＋ cell was assayed by flow cytometry.Results：At a median 6 of days（range 3-8） after the administration of docetaxel,the median WBC count decreased to 1.08×109/L（range 0.20-2.31）.The median duration of G-CSF mobilization was 3 days（range 2-7）.The MNC collection was conducted 8-12 days（median 10 days） after docetaxel treatment.The median MNC was 5.35×108/kg（range 0.59-14.07）,the median CD34＋ cell count was 2.43×106/kg（range 0.16-16.69）.The CD34＋ cell count was higher than 1.00×106/kg in 47 of 57 cases（82.46%） and higher than 2.00×106/kg in 36 cases（63.16%）.The CD34＋ cell count was higher than 2.00×106/kg in 27 collections（23.68%）.The MNC count and the CD34＋ cell count were correlated with the bottom of WBC after docetaxel chemotherapy（r=0.364,0.502,P=0.005,0.000）.The CD34＋ cell count was correlated with the MNC count（r=0.597,P=0.000）.The mobilization and apheresis were well tolerated in all patients.Mild perioral numbness and numbness of hand or feet were observed in 3 cases.No serious adverse events were reported.Conclusion：Mobilization of peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell by combining docetaxel with G-CSF was effective and safety in breast cancer patients.

Viral infections and cell cycle G2/M regulation

Progression of cells from G2 phase of the cell cycle to mitosis is a tightly regulated cellular process that requires activation of the Cdc2 kinase, which determines onset of mitosis in all eukaryotic cells. In both human and fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) cells, the activity of Cdc2 is regulated in part by the phosphorylation status of tyrosine 15 (Tyr15) on Cdc2, which is phosphorylated by Wee1 kinase during late G2 and is rapidly dephosphorylated by the Cdc25 tyrosine phosphatase to trigger entry into mitosis. These Cdc2 regulators are the downstream targets of two well- characterized G2/M checkpoint pathways which prevent cells from entering mitosis when cellular DNA is damaged or when DNA replication is inhibited. Increasing evidence suggests that Cdc2 is also commonly targeted by viral proteins, which modulate host cell cycle machinery to benefit viral survival or replication. In this review, we describe the effect of viral protein R (Vpr) encoded by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) on cell cycle G2/M regulation. Based on our current knowledge about this viral effect, we hypothesize that Vpr induces cell cycle G2 arrest through a mechanism that is to some extent different from the classic G2/M checkpoints. One the unique features distinguishing Vpr-induced G2 arrest from the classic checkpoints is the role of phosphatase 2A (PP2A) in Vpr-induced G2 arrest. Interestingly, PP2A is targeted by a number of other viral proteins including SV40 small T antigen, polyomavirus T antigen, HTLV Tax and adenovirus E4orf4. Thus an in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying Vpr-induced G2 arrest will provide additional insights into the basic biology of cell cycle G2/M regulation and into the biological significance of this effect during host-pathogen interactions.

GPR120激动剂通过β-Arrestin2途径改善高糖诱导的海绵体内皮细胞功能障碍

目的探讨激活G蛋白偶联受体(GPR)120对高糖诱导的人类阴茎海绵体内皮损伤修复的影响,以期为寻找糖尿病性勃起功能障碍(DMED)新的药物开发靶点提供理论依据。方法收集海绵体植入手术患者术中废弃海绵体组织提取海绵体内皮细胞进行原代培养,用高浓度葡萄糖诱导内皮细胞损伤,再以GPR120激动剂治疗,观察对比不同处理的细胞一氧化氮(NO)释放量、细胞迁移、血管生成等功能。结果成功提取人类海绵体内皮细胞进行原代培养并鉴定;发现GPR120在人类海绵体内皮细胞中稳定表达,且与内皮型一氧化氮合酶(eNOS)存在共定位;与高糖损伤组相比,GPR120激动剂治疗组NO释放量、划痕愈合率和血管生成率均显著增加(P<0.05);沉默β-Arrestin2后GPR120激动剂失去原有的治疗效果。结论高糖培养可诱导海绵体内皮细胞功能障碍,GPR120激动剂能够治疗海绵体内皮功能障碍,沉默β-Arrestin2后GPR120激动剂无法改善内皮功能。

Mononuclear cells from the cord blood and granulocytecolony stimulating factor-mobilized peripheral blood:is there a potential for treatment of cerebral palsy?

To investigate a possible therapeutic mechanism of cell therapy in the field of cerebral palsy using granulocyte-colony stimulating factor（G-CSF）-mobilized peripheral blood mononuclear cells（m PBMCs）,we compared the expression of inflammatory cytokines and neurotrophic factors in PBMCs and m PBMCs from children with cerebral palsy to those from healthy adult donors and to cord blood mononuclear cells donated from healthy newborns.No significant differences in expression of neurotrophic factors were found between PBMCs and m PBMCs.However,in cerebral palsy children,the expression of interleukin-6 was significantly increased in m PBMCs as compared to PBMCs,and the expression of interleukin-3 was significantly decreased in m PBMCs as compared to PBMCs.In healthy adults,the expression levels of both interleukin-1βand interleukin-6 were significantly increased in m PBMCs as compared to PBMCs.The expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factors in m PBMC from cerebral palsy children was significantly higher than that in the cord blood or m PBMCs from healthy adults.The expression of G-CSF in m PBMCs from cerebral palsy children was comparable to that in the cord blood but significantly higher than that in m PBMCs from healthy adults.Lower expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines（interleukin-1β,interleukin-3,and-6）and higher expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines（interleukin-8 and interleukin-9）were observed from the cord blood and m PBMCs from cerebral palsy children rather than from healthy adults.These findings indicate that m PBMCs from cerebral palsy and cord blood mononuclear cells from healthy newborns have the potential to become seed cells for treatment of cerebral palsy.

Ginsenoside Rh_2 Showing Ability to Induce Apoptosis in HeLa Cells

This paper deals with the inhibitory mechanisms of ginsenoside \{G Rh 2\} on the growth of tumor cells. \{G Rh 2\} significantly inhibited the proliferation of human cervical adenocarcinoma HeLa cells in a time and dose dependent manner. G Rh 2 induced apoptotic manifestations in HeLa cells as evidenced by the changes in the cell morphology, the DNA fragmentation and the activation of caspases. Caspase inhibitors, caspase family inhibitor, z Val Ala Asp fmk(z VAD fmk); caspase 1 inhibitor, Ac Tyr Val Ala Asp chloromethyl ketone(Ac YVAD cmk); caspase 3 inhibitor, z Asp Glu Val Asp fmk(z DEVE fmk) and caspase 8 inhibitor, \{z Ile \}Glu Asp fmk(z IETD fmk) effectively attenuated G Rh 2 induced cell death. The activities of caspase 1 and caspase 3 were increased in the G Rh 2 induced apoptotic process. However, caspase inhibitors can not inhibit G Rh - 2 induced cell death completely. These results suggest that G Rh 2 induced cell death is mediated by the activation of caspase cascade, but there might be some other pathways for induction of this apoptosis.

Greater Expansion of IFN-<i>γ</i>^﹣CD4⁺NKT Cells in HIV-1 Compared with HIV-2-Infected Subjects with Preserved CD4⁺T Cell Counts

Context: Human Natural Killer T cells are T lymphocytes that express an invariant αβ T cells receptors and NK cells receptors. They regulate innate and adaptive immune response but are susceptible to HIV-1 infection. Objective: We compare the frequency and the activity of NKT cells in HIV-1 and HIV-2 infected individuals with CD4+ counts greater than 500/mm3 using flow cytometry after overnight stimulation with phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Results: The frequency of NKT cells was similar between both groups and also to sero-negative control subjects. There were also no significant differences in the proportions of total NKT cells and the CD4+ NKT subset that secreted interferon gamma (IFN-γ) after polyclonal stimulation. However, there was a significantly higher frequency of IFN-γ﹣ CD4+ NKT cells in HIV-1-infected compared with HIV-2 infected subjects (p = 0.043). Conclusion: These data suggest there is no relationship between the functional activity of NKT cell subsets and the total NKT cell population in HIV infection. The expansion of IFN-γ﹣ CD4+ NKT cells in HIV-1 infection may serve as target for viral infection and may eventually result in their depletion during chronic infection.

Genistein-induced Anticancer Effects on Acute Leukemia Cells Involve the Regulation of Wnt Signaling Pathway Through H4K20mel Rather Than DNA Demethylation

Objective:To investigate the effects and mechanisms of genistein on the gene expression in the Wnt pathway in acute leukemia(AL)cells.Methods:The expression of Wnt pathway genes and cell cycle-related genes were analyzed in two AL cell lines.Pyrophosphate sequencing was performed to determine the methylation degree.Then,the enrichment of H4K20mel and H3K9ac was determined using ChIP-qPCR.Flow cytometry was used to analyze the cell cycle.Results:The IC_(50) of genistein in the two AL cell lines was lower than that for the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell line.Genistein upregulated H4K20mel,KMT5A and Wnt suppressor genes,including Wnt5a,and downregulated the downstream target genes of Wnt,such as c-myc and β-catenin.The methylation degree and H3K9ac enrichment in the Wnt5a promoter region remained unchanged.However,the enrichment of H4K20mel in the Wnt5a promoter and coding regions increased.In addition,genistein upregulated Phospho-cdc2,Mytl,Cyclin A,Cyclin E2,p21 and Phospho-histone H3,but downregulated Phospho-weel.Cell cycle arrest was induced in the G2/M phase.Conclusion:Genistein inhibits the activation of the Wnt pathway by promoting the expression of Wnt5a through the activation of KMT5A and enrichment of H4K20mel in the Wnt5a gene promoter and coding regions,rather than demethylation.Genistein also blocks the cell cycle in the G2/M phase.Therefore,genistein is a potential anti-leukemia drug.

Intestinal stem cell marker LGR5 expression during gastric carcinogenesis

AIM:To investigate the differential expression of leu-cine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor5(LGR5)in gastric cancer tissues and its significance related to tumor growth and spread.METHODS:Formalin-fixed biopsy specimens of intestinal metaplasia(n=90),dysplasia(n=53),gastric adenocarcinoma(n=180),metastases in lymph nodes and the liver(n=15),and lesion-adjacent normal gastric mucosa(controls;n=145)were obtained for analysis from the Peking University Cancer Hospital’s Department of Pathology and Gastrointestinal Surgery tissue archives(January 2003 to December 2011).The biopsied patients’demographic and clinicopathologic data were retrieved from the hospital’s medical records database.Each specimen was subjected to histopathological typing to classify the tumor node metastasis(TNM)stage and to immunohistochemistry staining to detect the expression of the cancer stem cell marker LGR5.The intergroup differences in LGR5 expression were assessed by Spearman’s rank correlation analysis,and the relationship between LGR5 expression level and the patients’clinicopathological characteristics was evaluated by theχ2test or Fisher’s exact test.RESULTS:Significantly more gastric cancer tissues showed LGR5+staining than normal control tissues(all P<0.01),with immunoreactivity detected in 72.2%(65/90)and 50.9%(27/53)of intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia specimens,respectively,52.8%(95/180)of gastric adenocarcinoma specimens,and 73.3%%(11/15)of metastasis specimens,but 26.9%(39/145)of lesion-adjacent normal gastric mucosa specimens.Comparison of the intensity of LGR5+staining showed an increasing trend that generally followed increasing dedifferentiation and tumor spread(normal tissue<dysplasia,<gastric adenocarcinoma<metastasis;all P<0.001),with the exception of expression level detected in intestinal metaplasia which was higher than that in normal gastric tissues(P<0.001).Moreover,gastric cancer-associated enhanced expression of LGR5 was found to be signifcantly associated with age,tumor differentiation,Lauren type and TNM stage(Ⅰ+ⅡvsⅢ+Ⅳ)(all P<0.05),but not with sex,tumor site,location,size,histology,lymphovascular invasion,depth of invasion,lymph node metastasis or distant metastasis.Patients with LGR5+gastric cancer specimens and without signs of metastasis from the original biopsy experienced more frequent rates of recurrence or metastasis during follow-up than patients with LGR5-specimens(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Enhanced LGR5 is related to progressive dedifferentiation and metastasis of gastric cancer,indicating the potential of this receptor as an early diagnostic and prognostic biomarker.