Paired box proteins as diagnostic biomarkers for endocervical adenocarcinoma

In this editorial,we commented on the article by Akers et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Clinical Cases.We focused specifically on the role of the transcription factor paired box protein 8(PAX8)belonging to the family PAX in the carcinogenesis of a gynecologic tumor,endocervical adenocarcinoma,arising from the tissue of mesonephric origin,and the potential diagnostic value for the same type of neoplasms.The global vaccination program of human papillomavirus(HPV)has dramatically reduced the incidence of cervical cancer,including cases of adenocarcinoma.The type of adenoid epithelial origin has a lower frequency of HPV detection but tends to be more aggressive and fatal.Cases of endocervical adenocarcinoma occurring in females of menopause age have been described in the 2023 volume of the World Journal of Clinical Cases and in our study recently published in Oncol Lett.The histopathological findings and immunohistochemical assays showed that the lesions had glandular morphology,and the specimens in these two reports were immunohistochemically positive for the transcription factor PAX8,albeit that they had opposing expression profiles of tumor suppressor p16 and estrogen receptor and the presence of the HPV genome.The presence of a mucin protein,MUC 5AC,as revealed in both studies suggested target molecules for the diagnosis of mucinous adenoid type of uterine tumor and other histological origins.The clinical outcome was unfavorable due to metastasis and recurrence.This prompted the improvement of the antitumor modality,with the introduction of precise targeting therapy.Mucin has now been reported to be the therapeutic target for adenocarcinomas.

Predictive value of angiopoietin-like protein 8 in metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and its progression:A case-control study

BACKGROUND The prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD)is rapidly increasing,currently affecting approximately 25%of the global population.Liver fibrosis represents a crucial stage in the development of MAFLD,with advanced liver fibrosis elevating the risks of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.Simple serum markers are less effective in diagnosing liver fibrosis compared to more complex markers.However,imaging techniques like transient elastography face limitations in clinical application due to equipment and technical constraints.Consequently,it is imperative to identify a straightforward yet effective method for assessing MAFLD-associated liver fibrosis.AIM To investigate the predictive value of angiopoietin-like protein 8(ANGPTL8)in MAFLD and its progression.METHODS We analyzed 160 patients who underwent abdominal ultrasonography in the Endocrinology Department,Xiaogan Central Hospital affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology,during September 2021-July 2022.Using abdominal ultrasonography and MAFLD diagnostic criteria,among the 160 patients,80 patients(50%)were diagnosed with MAFLD.The MAFLD group was divided into the liver fibrosis group(n=23)and non-liver fibrosis group(n=57)by using a cut-off fibrosis-4 index≥1.45.Logistical regression was used to analyze the risk of MAFLD and the risk factors for its progression.Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the predictive value of serum ANGPTL8 in MAFLD and its progression.RESULTS Compared with non-MAFLD patients,MAFLD patients had higher serum ANGPTL8 and triglyceride-glucose(TyG)index(both P<0.05).Serum ANGPTL8(r=0.576,P<0.001)and TyG index(r=0.473,P<0.001)were positively correlated with MAFLD.Serum ANGPTL8 was a risk factor for MAFLD[odds ratio(OR):1.123,95%confidence interval(CI):1.066-1.184,P<0.001).Serum ANGPTL8 and ANGPTL8+TyG index predicted MAFLD[area under the curve(AUC):0.832 and 0.886,respectively;both P<0.05].Compared with MAFLD patients without fibrosis,those with fibrosis had higher serum ANGPTL8 and TyG index(both P<0.05),and both parameters were positively correlated with MAFLD-associated fibrosis.Elevated serum ANGPTL8(OR:1.093,95%CI:1.044-1.144,P<0.001)and TyG index(OR:2.383,95%CI:1.199-4.736,P<0.013)were risk factors for MAFLD-associated fibrosis.Serum ANGPTL8 and ANGPTL8+TyG index predicted MAFLD-associated fibrosis(AUC:0.812 and 0.835,respectively;both P<0.05).CONCLUSION The serum levels of ANGPTL8 are elevated and positively correlated with MAFLD.They can serve as predictors for the risk of MAFLD and liver fibrosis,with the ANGPTL8+TyG index potentially exhibiting even higher predictive value.

日本血吸虫新基因—Ⅲ8kDa钙结合蛋白基因的发现与克隆

目的 将用EST策略及同源性搜索发现的日本血吸虫新基因—Ⅲ 8kDa钙结合蛋白 (Calcium -bindingprotein ,CBP)cDNA克隆到表达质粒pET32a(+)上 ,为下一步对该基因的功能进行研究做准备。方法 将插入于pTriplEx2质粒上的cDNA进行测序 ,测序结果经BLASTn程序搜索 ,发现该插入cDNA序列与曼氏血吸虫钙结合蛋白cDNA高度同源。根据表达质粒pET32a(+)上的克隆位点及该cDNA序列设计PCR引物 ,将PCR产物纯化后连接到pMD 1 8-T载体上 ,将重组T载体经EcoRI/XhoI双酶切后切下的SjCBP基因亚克隆入原核可溶性表达质粒pET32a(+)中。结果 所发现的新基因与曼氏血吸虫 8kDaCBP基因的同源性达 82 % ,PCR产物的片段长度与预期大小一致 ,重组T载体及表达质粒经EcoRI及XhoI双酶切后证明具有与目标片段长度相符的插入片段。结论 所发现的cDNA与曼氏血吸虫 8kDaCBPcDAN高度同源 ,并且已成功地构建出重组表达质粒pET32a(+) -SjCBP。

Intricacies during pregnancy with gestational diabetes mellitus

The study by Cao et al aimed to identify early second-trimester biomarkers that could predict gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)development using advanced proteomic techniques,such as Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.Their analysis revealed 47 differentially expressed proteins in the GDM group,with retinol-binding protein 4 and angiopoietin-like 8 showing significantly elevated serum levels compared to controls.Although these findings are promising,the study is limited by its small sample size(n=4 per group)and lacks essential details on the reproducibility and reliability of the protein quantification methods used.Furthermore,the absence of experimental validation weakens the interpretation of the protein-protein interaction network identified through bioinformatics analysis.The study's focus on second-trimester biomarkers raises concerns about whether this is a sufficiently early period to implement preventive interventions for GDM.Predicting GDM risk during the first trimester or pre-conceptional period may offer more clinical relevance.Despite its limitations,the study presents valuable insights into potential GDM biomarkers,but larger,well-validated studies are needed to establish their predictive utility and generalizability.

Prediction of Protein OmpH in Structure of C47-8 Pasteurella multocida

[Objective] This study aimed to predict the structure of protein OmpH from Pasteurella multocida C47-8 （PmC47-8） strain of yak. [Method] Online BLAST, signal peptide prediction, secondary structure prediction and protein characteristics of sequencing result of gene OmpH from PmC47-8 strain were analyzed. [Result] The similarities of gene OmpH from PmC47-8 with the published 81 OmpH genes were between 84% and 99%; a signal peptide was found with the cleavage sites between 20 and 21 in the polypeptide; secondary structure prediction showed that folding structure accounted for 49.8% and loop structure for 50.2%; it predicted that there were 7 O-glycosylation sites in OmpH protein with the amino acid residual sites of 2, 45, 48, 330, 716, 721, 723, respectively, and 2 N-glycosylation sites with the amino acid residual sites of 15 and 35. [Conclusion] This study lays the foundation for the study on the immunity of OmpH gene from yak.

Clinical and experimental study on angiopoietin-like protein 8 associated with proliferative diabetic retinopathy

AIM：To confirm the role of angiopoietin-like protein 8（Angptl 8） in proliferative diabetic retinopathy（PDR）.METHODS：The sera and aqueous humor of 10 PDR patients and 10 non-diabetic retinopathy（NDR） patients（idiopathic macular hole patients） were collected and the expression of Angptl 8 was detected by enzyme linked immune-sorbent assay（ELISA）.Experimental diabetes mice model was induced with streptozotocin.The expression of glycosylated hemoglobin and Angptl 8 in sera was detected.Recombinant Angptl 8 was re-infused into wild type（WT） diabetic mice and spatial frequency threshold and contrast sensitivity were measured.In vitro retinal pigment epithelium（RPE） were stimulated by recombinant Angptl 8 for 24 h.MMT assay were used to detect cell proliferation.At the same time,q RT-PCR and Western blot was used to measure the expression of proliferation-related factors in PRE cells.RESULTS：The expression of Angptl 8 was markedly increased in the sera and aqueous humor of PDR patients（F=99.02,P〈0.0001 in sera;t=10.42,P〈0.0001 in aqueous）.After successfully establishing the diabetic mice model,we found that glycosylated hemoglobin and Angptl 8 expression levels were increased.Re-infusion of recombinant Angptl 8 into WT diabetic mice could further decrease spatial frequency threshold and contrast sensitivity（P〈0.01）.In vitro,RPE cells stimulated by recombinant Angptl 8could increase the relative absorbance of MMT assay（1.486±0.042 vs 1.000±0.104,P〈0.05） and proliferating cell nuclear antigen（PCNA） expression（0.55±0.01 vs 0.29±0.03,P〈0.05）.The proliferative effect of Angptl 8 is mainly mediated by increasing the expression of proliferation-activating factors cyclin A1（4.973±0.205 vs 2.720±0.197,P〈0.05）,cyclin F（5.690±0.219 vs 4.297±0.292,P〈0.05） and E2 F2（2.297±0.102 vs 1.750±0.146,P〈0.05）,and reducing the expression of proliferation-inhibiting factors cdkn1（2.370±0.074 vs 3.317±0.135,P〈0.05） and cdkn2（4.793±0.065 vs 5.387±0.149,P〈0.05）.CONCLUSION：The expression of Angptl 8 is increased in PDR,and the increased Angptl 8 can promote proliferation and increase proliferation-related factors.

Effect of Panax notoginseng saponins on the expression of beta-amyloid protein in the cortex of the parietal lobe and hippocampus, and spatial learning and memory in a mouse model of senile dementia

BACKGROUND： The pharmacological actions of Panax notoginseng saponins （PNS） lie in removing free radicals, anti-inflammation and anti-oxygenation. It can also improve memory and behavior in rat models of Alzheimer＇s disease. OBJECTIVE： Using the Morris water maze, immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR and RT-PCR, this study aimed to measure improvement in spatial learning, memory, expression of amyloid precursor protein （App） and β -amyloid （A β ）, to investigate the mechanism of action of PNS in the treatment of AD in the senescence accelerated mouse-prone 8 （SAMP8） and compare the effects with huperzine A. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A completely randomized grouping design, controlled animal experiment was performed in the Center for Research ＆ Development of New Drugs, Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medical University from July 2005 to April 2007. MATERIALS： Sixty male SAMP8 mice, aged 3 months, purchased from Tianjin Chinese Traditional Medical University of China, were divided into four groups： PNS high-dosage group, PNS low-dosage group, huperzine A group and control group. PNS was provided by Weihe Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. （batch No.： Z53021485, Yuxi, Yunan Province, China）. Huperzine A was provided by Zhenyuan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. （batch No.： 20040801, Zhejiang, China）. METHODS： The high-dosage group and low-dosage group were treated with 93.50 and 23.38 mg/kg PNS respectively per day and the huperzine A group was treated with 0.038 6 mg/kg huperzine A per day, all by intragastric administration, for 8 consecutive weeks. The same volume of double distilled water was given to the control group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： After drug administration, learning and memory abilities were assessed by place navigation and spatial probe tests. The recording indices consisted of escape latency （time-to-platform）, and the percentage of swimming time spent in each quadrant. The number of A β 1-40, A β 1-42 and App immunopositive neurons in the brains of SAMP8 mice was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA content ofApp, tau, acetylcholinesterase, and synaptophysin （Syp） was tested by real time PCR and RT-PCR. RESULTS： The PCR results show that PNS can downregulate the expression of the App gene and upregulate the expression of the Syp gene in the parietal cortex and hippocampus of SAMP8 mice. The therapeutic effects of the PNS high-dosage group were greater than those of the PNS low-dosage group and the huperzine A group （P 〈 0.05）. The results of the Morris water maze and immunohistochemistry indicated that PNS can improve the capacity for spatial learning and memory in SAMP8 mice, and reduce the content of A β 1-40, A β 1-42 and expression of App in the brains of SAMP8 mice. The therapeutic effects of the PNS high-dosage group were greater than that of the PNS low-dosage group and the huperzine A group （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： These results support the hypothesis that PNS plays a therapeutic and protective role on the pathological lesions and learning dysfunction of Alzheimer＇s disease. The therapeutic effects of PNS for Alzheimer＇s disease are possibly achieved through downregulating the expression of the App gene and upregulating the expression of the Syp gene. The therapeutic effects of PNS are dose-dependent and are greater than the effect of huperzine A.

Helicobacter pylori tumor necrosis factor-α inducing protein promotes cytokine expression via nuclear factor-κB

AIM:To study the effects of Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori)tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF)inducing protein (Tip-α)on cytokine expression and its mechanism. METHODS:We cloned Tip-αfrom the H.pylori strain 26695,transformed Escherichia coli with an expression plasmid,and then confirmed the expression product by Western blotting.Using different concentrations of Tip-αthat affected SGC7901 and GES-1 cells at different times,we assessed cytokine levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.We blocked SGC7901 cells with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate(PDTC),a specific inhibitor of nuclear factorκB(NF-κB).We then detected interleukin(IL)-1βand TNF-αlevels in SGC7901 cells. RESULTS:Western blot analysis using an anti-Tip-α antibody revealed a 23-kDa protein,which indicated that recombinant Tip-αprotein was recombined successfully.The levels of IL-1β,IL-8 and TNF-αwere sig-nificantly higher following Tip-αinterference,whether GES-1 cells or SGC-7901 cells were used(P<0.05).However,the levels of cytokines(including IL-1β,IL-8 and TNF-α)secreted by SGC-7901 cells were greater than those secreted by GES-1 cells following treatment with Tip-αat the same concentration and for the same duration(P<0.05).After blocking NF-κB with PDTC, the cells(GES-1 cells and SGC-7901 cells)underwent interference with Tip-α.We found that IL-1βand TNF-αlevels were significantly decreased compared to cells that only underwent Tip-αinterference(P<0.05). CONCLUSION:Tip-αplays an important role in cyto-kine expression through NF-κB.

Secondary Structure and Neurotrophic Effect of a 33.1 kDa Specific Protein (SSP-33.1) in Spinal Sensory Ganglia

Aim To analyze the secondary structure and neurotrophic effect of a specific protein in sensory neurons. Methods Comparison of the proteins expressed in the rat spinal sensory neurons and motor neurons was made by two dimensional electrophoresis. One specific protein in sensory neurons was isolated and purified by DEAE Sephacel ion exchange chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography. A primary analysis of its secondary structure by circular dichroism, and its neurotrophic effects were investigated using the model of dorsal root ganglia(DRG) cultured in vitro . Results The molecular weight and isoelectric point of the protein were 33 1 kDa and 5 52, respectively. Its circular dichroism showed that there were 20 8% α helix, 54 8% β sheet, 7 3% turn, and 17 1% random coil in its secondary structure. Biological experiments showed that the protein could promote the neurite outgrowth of DRG. Conclusion A specific protein in spinal sensory tissue with molecular weight of 33 1 kDa has been purified. There is mainly β sheet in the secondary structure of the protein. And the protein has neurotrophic effects in the model of DRG.

Fungus induces the release of IL- 8 in human corneal epithelial cells, via Dectin-1-mediated protein kinase C pathways

AIM: To identify whether Aspergillus fumigatus(A.fumigatus) hyphae antigens induced the release of interleukin-8(IL-8) in anti-fungal innate immunity of cultured human corneal epithelial cells(HCECs) and determine the involvement of intracellular signalling pathways. METHODS: HCECs were treated with A. fumigatus hyphae antigens with different concentrations and time.The cytoplasmic calcium of HCECs were assessed by fluorescence imaging. Western blot was used to detect the expression of Ca2 +-dependent protein kinase C(PKC). The IL-8 levels were determined by specific human IL-8 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). Using a series of pharmacological inhibitors, we examined the upstream signalling pathway responsible for IL-8 expression in response to A.fumigatus hyphae antigens. RESULTS: Cells exposed to A. fumigatus hyphae antigens showed higher level of IL-8 m RNA expression and protein production. We demonstrated here that stimulation of HCECs with A. fumigatus hyphae triggers an intracellular Ca2 +flux and results in the activation of Ca2 +-dependent PKC(α, βⅠ and βⅡ) which can be attenuated by pre-treatment of cells with laminarin,suggesting that Dectin-1 signals pathway induced cytoplasmic calcium and influence the activation of PKC in HCECs. Inhibitors of Ca2 +-dependent PKC(Ro-31-8220 and Go6976) significantly abolished hyphae-induced expression of IL-8.CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that A. fumigatushyphae-induced IL-8 expression was regulated by the activation of Dectin-1-mediated Ca2 +-dependent PKC in HCECs.

Identification of an HLA-A~* 0201-restricted CD8^+ T-cell epitope SSp-1 of SARS-CoV spike protein

A novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SA RS)-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV), has been identified as the causal agent of SARS. Spike (S) protein is a major structural glycoprotein of the SARS virus and a potential target for SARS-specific cell-mediated immune responses. A pa nel of S protein-derived peptides was tested for their binding affinity to HLA -A *0201 molecules. Peptides with high affinity for HLA-A *0201 were then as se ssed for their capacity to elicit specific immune responses mediated by cytotoxi c T lymphocytes (CTLs) both in vivo, in HLA-A2.1/K b transgenic mice, a nd in vitro, from peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) harvested from healthy HLA-A 2.1 + donors. SARS-CoV protein-derived peptide-1 (SSp-1 RLNEVAKNL), induced pepti de-specific CTLs both in vivo (transgenic mice) and in vitro (human PBL s), which specifically released interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) upon stimulation with SSp-1-pulsed autologous dendritic cells (DCs) or T2 cells. SSp-1-specif ic CTLs also lysed major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-matched tumor cell lines engineered to express S proteins. HLA-A *0201-SSp-1 tetramer staining re vealed the presence of significant populations of SSp-1-specific CTLs in SSp- 1-induced CD8 + T cells. We propose that the newly identified epitope SSp-1 w ill help in the characterization of virus control mechanisms and immunopathology in SARS-CoV infection, and may be relevant to the development of immunotherape utic approaches for SARS.

Influence of Therapy on Some Important Final Products of Oxidation of Lipids, Proteins and Nucleic Acids in Patients with Parkinson’s Diseases

The major clinical disturbances in Parkinson’s disease (PD) are consequence of dopamine depletion in the neostriatum, due to degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. The aim of the present study was to determine whether oxidative stress (OS) occurs during the clinical course of Parkinson’s disease and to evaluate the influence of therapy on the levels of some important final products of oxidation of lipids, proteins and nucleic acids in PD patients with drug therapy. For this purpose, we investigated the levels of malondialdehid (MDA), protein carbonyl content (PCC) and 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine quantity (8-OHdG) in PD patients with and without drug therapy. The observed changes in MDA levels, PCC and 8-OHdG quantity in blood of untreated PD patients, suggested impaired antioxidant status and presence of oxidative stress in Parkinson disease. After treatment with Madopar, the elevation in by-products significantly progresses. Our results demonstrate that administration of Madopar causes in greater degree oxidative stress than that induced by Parkinson disease, by itself.

Protein synthesis modulation as a therapeutic approach for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia

Protein synthesis is essential for cells to perform life metabolic processes.Pathological alterations of protein content can lead to particular diseases.Cells have an intrinsic array of mechanisms and pathways that are activated when protein misfolding,accumulation,aggregation or mislocalization occur.Some of them(like the unfolded protein response)represent complex interactions between endoplasmic reticulum sensors and elongation factors that tend to increase expression of chaperone proteins and/or repress translation in order to restore protein homeostasis(also known as proteostasis).This is even more important in neurons,as they are very susceptible to harmful effects associated with protein overload and proteostatic mechanisms are less effective with age.Several neurodegenerative pathologies such as Alzheimer’s,Parkinson’s,and Huntington’s diseases,amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia exhibit a particular molecular signature of distinct,unbalanced protein overload.In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia,the majority of cases present intracellular inclusions of ubiquitinated transactive response DNA-binding protein of 43 kDa(TDP-43).TDP-43 is an RNA binding protein that participates in RNA metabolism,among other functions.Dysregulation of TDP-43(e.g.aggregation and mislocalization)can dramatically affect neurons,and this has been linked to disease development.Expression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/frontotemporal dementia TDP-43-related mutations in cellular and animal models has been shown to recapitulate key features of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/frontotemporal dementia disease spectrum.These variants can be causative of degeneration onset and progression.Most neurodegenerative diseases(including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia)have no cure at the moment;however,modulating translation has recently emerged as an attractive approach that can be performed at several steps(i.e.regulating activation of initiation and elongation factors,inhibiting unfolded protein response activation or inducing chaperone expression and activity).This review focuses on the features of protein imbalance in neurodegenerative disorders and the relevance of developing therapeutical compounds aiming at restoring proteostasis.We strive to highlight the importance of research on drugs that,not only restore protein imbalance without compromising translational activity of cells,but are also as safe as possible for the patients.

Genotoxicity and Reduced Heat Shock Protein 70 in Human Airway Smooth Muscle Cells Exposed to Cigarette Smoke Extract

Cigarette smoke is associated with the development of several diseases, such as chronic ob- structive pulmonary disease （COPD）. The purpose of this study was to investigate genotoxicity and heat shock protein 70 （Hsp70） in human airway smooth muscle cells （HASMCs） exposed to cigarette smoke extract （CSE）. HASMCs was exposed to CSE with different doses for 24 h. The level of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine （8-OHdG） was determined by using HPLC-ECD, the DNA damage was ana- lyzed by using comet assay, and apoptosis was examined by using Annexin-FITC/PI staining. The pro- duction of Hsp70 after CSE stimulation was tested. Results indicated that CSE significantly increased the level of 8-OHdG, DNA damage and cell apoptosis, and reduced the production of Hsp70. In par- ticular, levels of Hsp70 were inversely correlated with 8-OHdG, DNA damage and cell apoptosis. It was concluded that cigarette smoke induced genotoxicity and decreased the production of cell protective protein Hsp70, which may contribute to the development of some airway diseases.

Translocator protein 18 kDa(TSPO): old dogma, new mice, new structure, and new questions for neuroprotection

The normal development and optimal functioning of the brain requires a vigilant immune surveillance system to detect and remove potential risk factors and prevent infection and tissue damage. Microglia are the resident immune cells and the frontline defenders responsible for the immune response of the brain. Resting microglia possess a ramified morphology with numerous thin processes that continuously sample the environment. In response to inflammatory signals, microglia become activated and transform their morphology into a thick, amoeboid-like shape. Activated microglia proliferate, tolerate to sites of iniurv,

Inhibition of mouse acrosome reaction and sperm-zona pellucida binding by anti-human sperm membrane protein 1 antibody

Aim： To investigate the possible functions of human sperm membrane protein （hSMP-1） in the process of fertilization. Methods： A 576-bp cDNA fragment of HSD-1 gene coding for the extracellular domain of hSMP-1 was cloned and expressed. The localization of this protein on human and mouse sperm was determined by indirect immunofluorescent staining by using anti-recombinant hSMP-1 （anti-rhSMP-1） antibodies. Sperm acrosome reaction and spermzona pellucida （ZP） binding assay were carried out in 10-week-old BALB/c mice. Results： Recombinant hSMP-1 was successfully cloned and expressed. The expression of the native protein was limited on the acrosome of human and mouse sperm. Treatment of anti-rhSMP-1 antibodies significantly decreased the average number of sperms bound to each egg. Meanwhile, the percentage of acrosome reaction was decreased in comparison to pre-immune control after treatment with anti-rhSMP-1 （P 〈 0.05）. Conclusion： The results suggest that anti-rhSMP-1 antibody inhibited mouse acrosome reaction and sperm-ZP binding.

Up-regulation interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 by activated protein C in lipopolysaccharide-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Objective: To investigate the effect of activated protein C (APC) on inflammatory responses in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods: The second passage of collagenase digested HUVEC was divided into the following groups: serum free medium control group (SFM control), phosphate buffer solution control group (PBS control), LPS group with final concentration of 1 μg/ml (LPS group), APC group with final concentration of 7 μg/ml, Pre-APC group (APC pretreatment for 30 min prior to LPS challenge), and Post-APC group (APC administration 30 min after LPS challenge). Supernatant was harvested at 0, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h after LPS challenge. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels were analyzed with ELISA. Cells were harvested at 24 h after LPS challenge, and total RNA was extracted. Mes-senger RNA levels for IL-6 and IL-8 were semi-quantitatively determined by RT-PCR. Results: Compared with control group, IL-6 and IL-8 levels steadily increased 4 to 24 h after LPS stimulation. APC treatment could increase LPS-induced IL-6 and IL-8 production. The mRNA levels of IL-6 and IL-8 exhibited a similar change. Conclusion: APC can further increase the level of IL-6 and IL-8 induced by LPS. The effect of these elevated cytokines is still under investigation.

黄体酮对大鼠外伤性脑损伤模型中18kDa转运蛋白表达的影响

目的观察和探讨黄体酮干预对大鼠外伤性脑损伤(TBI)后线粒体膜18k Da转运蛋白(TSPO)的表达变化。方法2017年1—7月该院选取雄性清洁型的SD大鼠共72只用作实验动物,72只SD雄性大鼠随机分为假手术组、脑损伤对照组,黄体酮治疗组。采用Feeney’s自由落体打击法制作脑外伤模型,治疗组伤后给予腹腔注射黄体酮16 mg/kg,对照组给予等量生理盐水。免疫组化法检测损伤脑组织中TSPO、OX-42表达。结果黄体酮治疗组伤后12 h、伤后24 h、伤后3 d、伤后7 d的TSPO分别是(32.88±2.95)、(33.50±3.34)、(21.88±3.04)、(19.75±2.25),黄体酮治疗组伤后12 h、伤后24 h、伤后3 d、伤后7 d的OX-42分别是(42.13±3.84)、(38.25±4.13)、(28.25±2.49)、(26.25±1.04),黄体酮治疗组中除7 d组外,TSPO、OX-42与外伤对照组明显降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 TBI后早期应用外源性黄体酮,可抑制TSPO的表达及抑制小胶质细胞的活化增殖。

Development of an Indirect ELISA for Detection of T.solium Based on Recombinant 18 kDa Protein

The gene encoding the 18 kDa protein of Taenia solium metacestodes was amplified by RT-PCR and cloned into the pGEM-T vector for sequencing.The recombinant plasmid named pGEX-CE18 was constructed and transformed into E.coli BL21 for in vitro expression.SDS-PAGE and Western blot were employed for analyzing the recombinant protein,which was then used for development of an indirect ELISA for detection of anti-cysticercosis antibodies.The results showed that the recombinant protein of interest was 35 kDa in size,accounting for 28%of total bacteria proteins,and reacted with positive sera against cysticercosis.Using the newly-constructed indirect ELISA and a commercially available ELISA kit,paired analyses of 178 serum samples indicated that the concordant rate was 98.83%and the ELISA exhibited good specificity and sensitivity,supporting its utility and application for diagnosis of cysticercosis.

A protein in rat prostatic interacting with androgen regulated gene

2M NaCl-insoluble fraction of rat ventral prostatechromatin(residual proteins)contain proteins able tointeract specifically with androgen-receptor complex andis,therefore,a part of the acceptor complex.Amongresidual proteins,a 97 KDa protein has been found whichbinds signifieantly to a genomic fragment containingan androgen-regulated gene coding for a 22 KDa protein.The biological significance of this binding in androgenaction need to be further studied. A mini-plasmid clone containing 22 KDa proteincoding sequence was cloned into Charon 4A genomiclibrary from which a 5.7 Kb genomic fragment wasisolated,identified by hybridization with a 5’ and a 3’cDNA probes,and shown to contain the 5’ flankingsequence.Restriction enzyme treatment of this fragmentyielded a 4.7 Kb restriction fragment representingthe 5’ upstream region and a 1.0 Kb containing part ofthe coding sequence.Deletion studies indicated that the97 KDa protein bound only to a subclone of about 300 bpsegment.Furthermore,gel shifting experiment supportedits DNA-prptein binding.