Chronic Toxicity of a Novel Recombinant Human Granulocyte Colony-stimulating Factor in Rats

Objective To assess the severity and reversibility of the chronic toxicity of a novel recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSFa) in rats and the dose-effect relationship.Methods A total of 100 Sprague-Dawley rats (equal numbers of male and female) were randomly divided into five groups (20 rats in each group):four groups were treated with rhG-CSFa at 500,100,10,1 μg/kg,respectively,and one group was treated with vehicle only to serve as the control.The rats were received subcutaneous injections of rhG-CSFa or vehicle daily for 13 weeks.During the course of the chronic toxicity study,the physical status,body weight,and food consumption were monitored.Half of the rats in each group (n=10) were sacrificed after the last rhG-CSFa administration,and the other half were sacrificed at five weeks after the last rhG-CSFa administration.Urinalyses,blood biochemistry,hematological analysis,histopathological examination,and immunological tests were performed for each of the rats.Results The hematological analyses revealed that the mean white blood cells count,neutrophils count,and neutrophils percentage were increased in male rats at the dose of 10 μg/kg or higher,and these were related with the biological activity of rhG-CSFa.Some small abnormalities were observed in the spleen of a few rats when used highest dose (500 μg/kg,a dosage of 200 folds higher than the normal clinical dosage),but these abnormalities were recovered within 5-week recovery period.No other rhG-CSFa-related abnormalities were observed in this chronic toxicity study.Conclusion No significant toxicity and immunogenicity are observed with rhG-CSFa administration to rats in the chronic toxicity studies.

Pharmacokinetic Study of a Novel Recombinant Human Granulocyte Colony-stimulating Factor in Rats

Objective To study the pharmacokinetics of a novel recombinant human granulocyte colonystimulating factor (rhG-CSFa) in rats and to determine the proteolytic rates of rhG-CSFa in the whole blood and serum of rats in vitro. Methods The pharmacokinetics of rhG-CSFa and conventional (wild type,WT) granulocyte colonystimulating factor (G-CSF) were investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats which received either intravenous or subcutaneous injection of rhG-CSFa or WT G-CSF at three different doses (20,50,or 100 μg/kg). The blood samples of rats were collected at multiple time points (from 0.08 to 12 h) and the concentrations of rhG-CSFa and WT G-CSF in serum were determined with a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). For the study of proteolytic rates in vitro,the concentrations of rhG-CSFa or WT G-CSF were determined at 3-minute intervals after addition of the respective drug to rat’s whole blood or serum. Results Pharmacokinetic analysis of serum rhG-CSFa or WT G-CSF levels indicated that,at each dose tested,for either route of drug administration,the area under concentration-time curve values and the maximum serum concentration of rhG-CSFa were higher than those of WT G-CSF,and the serum half life of rhG-CSFa was longer than that of WT G-CSF. Subsequent in vitro whole blood and serum stability study showed that the rates of drug degradation in WT G-CSF were 1.8 folds and 1.5 folds higher than those in rhG-CSFa,respectively. Conclusion rhG-CSFa has better serum and whole blood stability in vitro and higher bioavailability in vivo as compared to WT G-CSF.

Application of pegylated recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor(PEG-rhG-CSF) for the prevention of neutropenia in triple negative breast cancer patients older than 65 years during adjuvant chemotherapy

Objective The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of pegylated recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor(PEG-rhG-CSF)and recombinant human granulocyte colonystimulating factor(rhG-CSF)for the prevention of neutropenia in elderly breast cancer patients during adjuvant chemotherapy.Methods A total of 45 oncology inpatients with breast cancer,who received adjuvant chemotherapy and were older than 65 years from May 2017 to October 2018 in the General Hospital of the Northern Theater of the Chinese people’s Liberation Army,were included.Epirubivin Cyclophoshamide-Docetaxel(EC-T)sequential adjuvant chemotherapy was chosen.Forty-five patients were randomly divided into two groups;25 patients in the treatment group were treated with PEG-rhG-CSF and 20 patients in the control group were not treated with PEG-rhG-CSF,but only rhG-CSF.The experimental group was treated with the PEG-rhG-CSF at the end of chemotherapy for 24–48 h,with a 6 mg subcutaneous injection once per chemotherapy cycle.In the control group,rhG-CSF was administered after 48 h of chemotherapy,with a 100μg subcutaneous injection,1/d,d 1–7.The dosage could be increased step by step with the exacerbation of neutropenia.The primary aims of this study was to discover the incidence of leukopenia,neutropenia,neutrophilic fever,and adverse reactions in the two groups.Results The incidence of neutropenia,neutrophilic fever and adverse reactions decreased in the treatment group compared to the control group,but no significant difference existed between two groups(P>0.05).Patients in treatment group had a lower,but not statistically significant,incidence of adverse reactions(P>0.05).Conclusion Applying PEG-rhG-CSF could be effective in preventing neutropenia in elderly patients with postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy to treat breast cancer.It may effectively control the occurrence of neutropenia after chemotherapy and reduce the chance of infection.The incidence of side effects,such as fever and bone pain,was low.The adverse drug reactions were well tolerated by patients,which could ensure the smooth progress of chemotherapy.

Anti-apoptotic effects of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in focal cerebral ischemic rats

The neuroprotective effects of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury are currently contentious. The present study examined the effects of subcutaneous injection of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor （50 pg/kg） over 5 days in a model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion with intraluminal filament occlusion in rats. The results indicated that recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor reduced brain infarct volume following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats, down-regulated the expression of caspase-3 mRNA （a key protease for apoptosis in the cerebral ischemia zone）, lowered the rate of neuronal apoptosis in the cerebral ischemia zone, and notably ameliorated neurological function. These results indicate that recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor has anti-apoptotic effects on neurons following focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, and exerts neuroprotective effects.

Refolding with Simultaneous Purification of Recombinant Human Granulocyte Colony-stimulating Factor from Escherichia coli Using Strong Anion Exchange Chromatography

The urea denatured recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG- CSF) which was expressed in Escheriachia coli (E. coli) was refolded with simultaneous purification by strong anion exchange chromatography (SAX) in the presence of low concentration- of urea. The effect of urea concentration on this refolding process was investigated. The obtained refolded rhG-CSF has a high specific activity of 2.3×108 U/mg, demonstrating that the proteins were completely refolded during the chromatographic process. With only one step by SAX in 40 min, purity and mass recovery of the refolded and purified rhG-CSF were 97% and 43%, respectively.

A New Protocol for Solubilization, Refolding and Purification of Recombinant Human Granulocyte Colony-stimulating Factor in Inclusion Bodies

Recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor （rhG-CSF） in inclusion bodies was solubilized by 8 mol/L urea solution and subsequently precipitated by acetone to improve its purity. After that, the precipitates were solubilized by sodium hydroxide solution containing 2 mol/L urea. Then the solubilized rhG-CSF was passed through a size exclusion chromatography for refolding and extensive purification, and further purified by a weak anion exchange chromatography. The purity and mass recovery of refolded rhG-CSF were 96.5% and 75.6%, respectively. The bioactivity was 8.4x10^7 IU/mg.

Antiviral Activity of Silkworm Expressed Recombinant Human Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor in Vitro and Its Mechanism

Cells, pretreated with the recombinant human macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhM-CSF) expressed in silkworm larvae, were inoculated with several viruses to observe the effect of rhM-CSF on viral replication. The results showed that in cultures of fibroblast derived from human fetal skin-muslce tissues infected with the viruses (including VSV, rhinovirus, influenza virus type A3, HSV-1, HSV-2, adenovirus type 6 and type 11), rhM-CSF inhibited the virus-induced cytopathy, which defered or relieved the cytophathy and that in the cells derived from breast feeding rabbit kidney infected with HSV-1, rhM-CSF reduced titer of the virus in a rhM-CSF dose-dependent pattern,in which rhM-CSF with the dose of 1×106 U/L made the viral titer drop dwon over 200 times. This antiviral activity of rhM-CSF could be partially neutralized by anti-IFN-βMcAb, but not by antiTNF-α, anti-IFN-α, or anti-IFA-γ McAb, indicating the mechanism of the antiviral activity of MCSF is related to the induction of IFN-β.

Efficacy of recombinant human epidermal growth factor plus sodium hyaluronate eye drops in diabetic dry eye post-cataract surgery

BACKGROUND Dry eye syndrome(DES)after diabetic cataract surgery can seriously affect the patient’s quality of life.Therefore,effective alleviation of symptoms in patients with this disease has important clinical significance.AIM To explore the clinical effect of recombinant human epidermal growth factor(rhEGF)plus sodium hyaluronate(SH)eye drops on DES after cataract surgery in patients with diabetes.METHODS We retrospectively evaluated 82 patients with diabetes who experienced DES after cataract surgery at Tianjin Beichen Hospital,Affiliated Hospital of Nankai University between April 2021 and April 2023.They were classified into an observation group(42 cases,rhEGF+SH eye drops)and a control group(40 cases,SH eye drops alone),depending on the different treatment schemes.The therapeutic efficacy,dry eye symptom score,tear film breakup time(TFBUT),basic tear secretion score[assessed using Schirmer I test(SIt)],corneal fluorescein staining(FL)score,tear inflammatory markers,adverse reactions during treat-ment,and treatment satisfaction were compared between the two groups.RESULTS Therapeutic efficacy was higher in the observation group compared with the control group.Both groups showed improved TFBUT and dry eye,as well as improved SIt and FL scores after treatment,with a more pronounced improvement in the observation group.Although no marked differences in adverse reactions were observed between the two groups,treatment satisfaction was higher in the observation group.CONCLUSION rhEGF+SH eye drops rendered clinical benefits to patients by effectively ameliorating dry eye and visual impairment with favorable efficacy,fewer adverse reactions,and high safety levels.Thus,this treatment should be promoted in clinical practice.

Clinical Observation of Recombinant Bovine Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Eye Gel Combined with Tobramycin Dexamethasone Eye Drops in the Treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome in Patients after Cataract Surgery

Objective:To evaluate the therapeutic effect of recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor(rbFGF)eye gel combined with tobramycin-dexamethasone(TOB-Dex)eye drops on dry eye syndrome(DES)after cataract surgery.Methods:86 patients with DES after cataract surgery,admitted from November 2021 to November 2023,were randomly divided into groups.The observation group included 43 patients treated with rbFGF eye gel combined with TOB-Dex eye drops.The reference group included 43 patients treated with TOB-Dex eye drops alone.Multiple indicators,including total effective rate and clinical symptom scores,were compared between the two groups.Results:The total effective rate in the observation group was higher than in the reference group(P<0.05).Before treatment,there were no differences in clinical symptom scores,serum factors,or disease severity scores between the two groups(P>0.05).Three weeks after treatment,the observation group had lower clinical symptom scores,serum factors,and disease severity scores compared to the reference group(P<0.05).The adverse reaction rate in the observation group was lower than in the reference group(P<0.05).Conclusion:rbFGF eye gel combined with TOB-Dex eye drops can improve the clinical efficacy for patients with DES after cataract surgery,alleviate disease symptoms,reduce inflammatory responses,and have fewer adverse reactions.

Effect of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide on serum inflammatory factors, neuroendocrine hormones and cardiac function in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated with heart failure

Objective:To investigate the effect of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) on inflammatory factors, neuroendocrine hormones and cardiac function indexes in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated with heart failure.Methods:A total of91 cases of acute myocardial infarction with heart failure patients were divided into the control group (n=44) and observation group (n=47) according to the random data table, two groups of patients were given conventional treatment, based on this, the control group was given intravenous infusion of Nitroglycerin Injection treatment, the observation group received intravenous injection of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide treatment, compared serum inflammatory factors, neuroendocrine hormone and cardiac function and other indexes of two groups before and after treatment.Results: there was no significant difference between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, the levels of TNF-α, hs-CRP, IL-6, MCP-1, LVESD and LVEDD in the two groups were significantly lower than those within the group before treatment, and the observation group was significantly lower than the control group;The two groups after treatment LVEF levels were significantly higher than those in the group before treatment, and the observation group was significantly higher than that of control group;the observation group after treatment PRA, Ang II and ALD and NE levels were significantly lower than those before treatment, and was significantly lower than the control group after treatment, the difference was significant, PRA, Ang, ALD and NE levels of control group before and after the treatment was no significant difference.Conclusion:recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction with heart failure can effectively reduce the serum inflammatory factors and neuroendocrine hormone levels, improve heart function, and have a certain clinical value.

Preparation and analysis of immunocompetence of recombinant fusion protein of the immunodominant region in chlamydial protease-like activity factor from Chlamydophila pneumoniae and its application in serodiagnosis

To clone the gene coding the immunodominant region in the chlamydial protease-like activity factor （CPAF） from Chlaroydophila pneumoniae, to analyze immunoeoropetenee of the expressed protein, and to evaluate its value in serodiagnosis, the CPAF immunodominant region gene was amplified, ligated into a pGEX6p-2 vector, and then the expressed recombinant protein was purified with glutathione Stransferase （GST） agarose gel FF after renaturation, then identified by SDS-PAGE and Western blot. A new indirect ELISA was developed with the purified protein as coating antigen. The immunogenicity of the recombinant protein was evaluated by immunization to New Zealand rabbits, and its immunoreactivity was analyzed by reacting with anti-C, pneumoniae antibody. 300 clinical sera samples were respectively detected by mieroimmunofluorescenee （MIF） as reference method and the indirect ELISA, and the difference between the two methods was analyzed. Cross-reactivity against Chlamydia trachomatis was investigated with the indirect ELISA to detect anti-C, trachomatis positive antisera. The results indicated that a 51.3 kDa recombinant protein was obtained. Western blot assay proved that the recombinant protein could merely specifically react with human anti- C. pneurnoniae antisera. The titers of the specific IgG antibodies in the immunized New Zealand rabbits were above 1 ： 16 000. Anti- C. pneumoniae IgG positive and negative reference sera were detected with the indirect ELISA, and the concordance rate of negative and positive results were both 100% （40/40）. The sensitivity and specificity of the indirect ELISA in comparison with MIF were 93.8% （45/48） and 100% （252/252） separately by detecting 300 clinical sera samples, and the concordance rate between the two methods was 99.0%. No cross reaction against C. trachomatis was found with the indirect ELISA to detect anti-C, trachomatis positive antisera. In conclusion, the prepared recombinant protein of the CPAF immunodominant region shows excellent immunocompetence and can be used to develop a new indirect ELISA as a method to detect anti-C, pneumoniae antibody for diagnosis of C. pneumoniae infection.

Clinical observation of recombinant human nerve growth factor in the treatment of neurotrophic keratitis

AIM:To characterize changes of corneal nerve morphology and tear indices in patients with neurotrophic keratitis(NK)treated with recombinant human nerve growth factor(rhNGF).METHODS:In a prospective observational study,six patients(nine eyes)were locally treated with rhNGF.Visual acuity,corneal fluorescein staining score,the heights of the tear river,lipid layer thickness(LLT),tear ferning(TF)test,conjunctival impression cytology(CIC)examination,the densities of cornea subbasal nerve fibers were determined before and after treatment.RESULTS:Compared with baseline,there was a significant difference in corneal fluorescence staining scores(P<0.01);all patient corneal epithelial defects recovered completely within 8wk,but there was no significant improvement in the height of the tear river(P=0.202).LLT was significantly increased when compared with baseline(P=0.042);however,the function of conjunctival goblet cells and mucin content did not significantly improve using the TF test and CIC examination(P=0.557,P=0.539).After 8wk of treatment,the average corneal subbasal nerve fiber density increased significantly(P<0.01),as did the number of corneal nerve fiber branches(P=0.001).CONCLUSION:RhNGF can increase the density of corneal subbasal nerve fibers,promote the healing of persistent corneal epithelial defects and corneal ulcers in patients with NK,also improving tear function partially.

Successful Management of Wound Dehiscence after Total Knee Arthroplasty by Topically Using Recombinant Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor

Wound complications are estimated to be affected in about 9% of TKA patients, which may increase the risk of deep periprosthetic infection and results in re-operation, joint fusion, or amputation. Here we have reported a female patient who suffered wound rupture due to early post-operation mobilization and weight-bearing. The wound dehiscence was successfully managed by applying recombinant basic fibroblast growth factor-2 and anti-infective treatment without removing prosthetic joint.

Controlling malignant pericardial effusion by intrapericardial administration of recombinant mutant human tumor necrosis factor in patients with carcinoma

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of injecting recombinant mutant human tumor necrosis factor (rmhTNF) into pericardial cavity of carcinoma patients with malignant pericardial effusion. Methods: In 20 cases of malignant pericardial effusion, the intrapericardial catheter was inserted into pericardial cavity, and then rmhTNF of 1.5 × 107 U was infused. The infusion was repeated every 5-7 days with the total 4-6 times. If the effusion disappeared, rmhTNF was then used 2 more times and then the intrapericardial catheter was pulled out. Results: Of 20 patients, 14 were complete response (CR), 4 were partial response (PR) and 2 no change (NC). The disappearance of effusion in 6 cases lasted for more than 6 months. Conclusion: Injecting rmhTNF into pericardial cavity may be a better way to control malignant pericardial effusion and has mild side effects.

EFFECTS OF TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR β AND RECOMBINANT HUMAN BONE MORPHOGENETIC PROTEIN 2 ON HUMAN PERIODONTAL LIGAMENT FIBROBLASTS

Objective To evaluate the effects of transforming growth factor β(TGF-β) and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP2) on human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPDLFs). Methods HPDLFs were done primary culture to detect the distinct concentrations of TGF-P and rhBMF2 on its proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, osteocalcin (OC) synthesis and formation of the minerali-zed nodules, respectively. Results TGF-β (5～100ng/ml) significantly stimulated the proliferation of HPDLFs. The ALP activity of HPDLFs was evaluated evidently by 5ng/ml TGF-β. TGF-β( 0. 5 ～ 100ng/ml) had no effects on OC synthesis and formation of the mineralized nodules of HPDLFs. rhBMP2 (0. 25～2mg/ ml) had no remarkable effect on the proliferation of HPDLFs. The ALP activity, OC synthesis and forma-tion of the mineralized nodules of HPDLFs were significantly stimulated by 0. 5～ 2mg /ml rhBMP2. Conclusion The effects of TGF-β and rhBMP2 on HPDLFs are dose-dependent. TGF-P can stimulate HPDLFs to express the early marker of osteoblastic phenotype, and it lacks the ability to promote maturation of the osteogenic phenotype. rhBMP2 can not only stimulate the expression but also promote the maturation of osteoblas-tic phenotype of HPDLFs.

Effect of recombinant human endostatin onradiotherapy for esophagus cancer

Objective:To investigate the effect of radiotherapy plus recombinant human endostatin（RHendostatin） on esophageal cancer and its mechanism.Methods:A total of SO nudemice were equally randomized into control group,radiotherapy group,and combined therapy group Ⅰ,Ⅱ,and Ⅲ after inoculating with Ecal09 cell suspension（1×107 cells/mL）.On the day of grouping,control group and radiotherapy group were injected normal saline,while radiotherapy group and 3 combined therapy groups received radiotherapy;besides,combined therapy group Ⅰ,Ⅱ,and Ⅲ was injected RH-endostatin of 2.5,5,10 mg/kg respectively.After 3-week therapy,the tumors of each group were collected and microvessel density and VEGF expression in tumors were determined.In vitro,Eca109 cells were divided into control group,radiotherapy group,and combined therapy group.Forty-eight hours after treatment cell cycle distribution and apoptosis rate were detected,and the activity of VEGF signal paths was semiquantitatively analyzed.Results:Since the 6th day of treatment,the relative tumor proliferation rate of combined therapy group Ⅱ was lower than radiotherapy group（P<0.05） and 40%since the 15 th day.Average microvessel density and EGFR expression in combined therapy group Ⅱ were lower than radiotherapy group（P<0.05）.In vitro,the cell percentage in S and G2/M phase of combined therapy group cells was lower than that in radiotherapy group cells,while the apoptosis rate and the expression of VEGF,AKT,p-AKT,ERK1/2 and p-ERKl/2 in combined group were higher than that in radiotherapy group（P<0.05）.Conclusions:RH-endostatin promotes the efficacy of radiotherapy on esophageal cancer,which may be partly realized by inhibiting the activity of VEGF related signal paths.

Antitumor effect of recombinant human endostatin combined with cisplatin on rats with transplanted Lewis lung cancer

Objective: To observe the antitumor effect and mechanism of recombinant human endostatin(Endostar) injection in tumor combined with intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin on subcutaneous transplanted Lewis lung cancer in rats. Methods: A total of 30 C57 rats were selected, and the monoplast suspension of Lewis lung cancer was injected into the left axilla to prepare the subcutaneous transplanted tumor models in the axilla of right upper limb. The models were randomly divided into Groups A, B, and C. Medication was conducted when the tumor grew to 400 mm3. Group A was the control group without any interventional treatment. Group B was injected with Endostar 5 mg.kg-1.d for 10 d. Group C was given the injection of Endostar 5 mg.kg-1.d combined with intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin 5 mg.kg-1.d for 10 d. All the rats in three groups were executed the day after the 10-d medication and the tumor was taken off for measurement of volume and mass changes and calculation of antitumor rate, after which the vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) concentration in rats' plasma was determined by ELISA. The tumor tissues were cut for the preparation of conventional biopsies. After hematoxylin-eosin staining, the pathologic histology was examined to observe the structures of tumor tissues, VEGF score and microvessel density(MVD) in each group. Results: The volume and mass of tumor in Groups B and C were significantly lower than Group A(P < 0.05) while the tumor volume and mass in Group C were significantly lower than Group B(P < 0.05). The antitumor rate in Group C was significantly higher than Group B(P < 0.05), but the tumor VEGF score, MVD and plasma VEGF level in Group C were significantly lower than Groups A and B(P < 0.05). In Group B, the tumor VEGF score, MVD and plasma VEGF level were significantly lower than Group A(P < 0.05). The microscopic image of Group C showed that its number of active tumor cells and the blood capillary around tumor was significantly smaller than that of Groups A and B, and meanwhile atrophy and liquefactive necrosis were seen in local tumor. Conclusions: Endostar injection combined with intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin is effective in reducing tumor VEGF score and MVD of transplanted tumor tissues in rats with Lewis lung cancer to obstruct the nutrient supply of tumor cells and kill tumor cells, so that the inhibition of tumor cell proliferation and metastasis can be achieved with a remarkable effect.

Clinical antiangiogenic effect of recombinant adenovirus-p53 combined with hyperthermia for advanced cancer

Objective： To assess the safety and clinical antiangiogenic effect of recombinant adenovirus-p53 （rAd-p53） combined with hyperthermia plus or not plus radiotherapy in advanced cancer. Methods： Expression of Vascular epithelial growth factor （VEGF） after intratumoral injection of rAd-p53 was assayed by immunohistochemistry （IHC） imaging. Forty-four patients with advanced cancer were enrolled into this clinical study. The patients were intratumorally injected with rAd-p53 （Gendicine） at a dose of 1×1012 vp once a week, with a total of 4-54 （mean 7.7） times. Total of 4-29 （mean 8.5） times of hyperthermia was given to the patients. Among the 44 patients, 30 patients were concurrently added with radiotherapy of a total dose 30-76 Gy/15-38 f/3-8 w （mean 58 Gy）. Results： Before and after intratumoral injection of rAd-p53, the VEGF IHC positive cell scores were 2.80 and 1.50, respectively （P=0.031）. The treatment of rAd-p53 combined with hyperthermia plus or not plus radiotherapy in advanced cancer achieved CR rate of 13.60% （6/44）, and PR rate of 29.6% （13/44）, and thus the effective rate was 43.2%. In addition to 6 patients with CR, 19 patients （19/38, 50.0%） had low density area （LDA） of more than 50% area on CT image within tumor indicating tumor tissue necrosis. Conclusions： Our data indicate that rAd-p53 inhibits VEGF expression and angiogenesis, and promotes tumor necrosis and shrinkage induced by hyperthermia plus or not plus radiotherapy in advanced cancer.

The expression and antigenicity identification of recombinant rat TGF-β1 in bacteria

In order to study structure-function details of TGF-beta1, the recombinant mature form of rat TGF-beta1 was expressed in bacteria. Synthesis of the 112 amino-acid carboxyl-terminal part of TGF-beta1 (amino acid 279-390) was controlled by an inducible gene expression system based on bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase. This system allowed an active and selective synthesis of recombinant TGF-beta1. The molecular weight of expressed TGF-alpha1 monomer determined on SDS-polyacrylamide gel under reducing conditions was about 13 kD. Serial detergent washes combined with a single gel-filtration purification step were sufficient to purify the expression product to homogeneity. Amino-terminal sequencing revealed that the N-terminal of the recombinant protein was identical to the published data. In Western blot analysis the recombinant polypeptide showed excellent antigenicity against polyclonal TGF-beta1 antibody. The mature recombinant rat TGF-beta1 expressed in this study provides a useful tool for future detailed structural and functional studies.

Rapid construction of phosphatase and tensin homolog-deleted on chromosome ten gene recombinant adenovirus using the AdEasy system

Recent studies have shown that phosphatase and tensin homolog-deleted on chromosome ten （PTEN） gene plays an important role in ischemic brain damage and synaptic plasticity. The AdEasy system, which has been widely used, greatly simplifies preparation of recombinant adenovirus. Therefore, recombinant defective adenovirus vector carrying human PTEN tumor suppressor gene （Ad-PTEN） was constructed using the AdEasy-1 system and was transfected into HEK293 cells for packaging and amplification. Infection efficiency and expression intensity were observed in primary cultured rat hippocampal neurons infected with Ad-PTEN in vitro. Results revealed a cytopathic effect in green fluorescent protein expression, which increased with prolonged time. After three cycles of amplification, the adenovirus titer was increased to an adequate titer for infecting hippocampal neurons. The entire process typically requires 4-5 weeks for completion. Results suggested that recombinant defective adenovirus vector carrying the PTEN gene was successfully and rapidly constructed using the AdEasy system.