Cell metabolism pathways involved in the pathophysiological changes of diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus.Elucidating the pathophysiological metabolic mechanism impels the generation of ideal therapies.However,existing limited treatments for diabetic peripheral neuropathy expose the urgent need for cell metabolism research.Given the lack of comprehensive understanding of energy metabolism changes and related signaling pathways in diabetic peripheral neuropathy,it is essential to explore energy changes and metabolic changes in diabetic peripheral neuropathy to develop suitable treatment methods.This review summarizes the pathophysiological mechanism of diabetic peripheral neuropathy from the perspective of cellular metabolism and the specific interventions for different metabolic pathways to develop effective treatment methods.Various metabolic mechanisms(e.g.,polyol,hexosamine,protein kinase C pathway)are associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy,and researchers are looking for more effective treatments through these pathways.

Cell division cyclin 25C knockdown inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma development by inducing endoplasmic reticulum stress

BACKGROUND Cell division cyclin 25C(CDC25C)is a protein that plays a critical role in the cell cycle,specifically in the transition from the G2 phase to the M phase.Recent research has shown that CDC25C could be a potential therapeutic target for cancers,particularly for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).However,the specific regulatory mechanisms underlying the role of CDC25C in HCC tumorigenesis and development remain incompletely understood.AIM To explore the impact of CDC25C on cell proliferation and apoptosis,as well as its regulatory mechanisms in HCC development.METHODS Hepa1-6 and B16 cells were transduced with a lentiviral vector containing shRNA interference sequences(LV-CDC25C shRNA)to knock down CDC25C.Subsequently,a xenograft mouse model was established by subcutaneously injecting transduced Hepa1-6 cells into C57BL/6 mice to assess the effects of CDC25C knockdown on HCC development in vivo.Cell proliferation and migration were evaluated using a Cell Counting Kit-8 cell proliferation assays and wound healing assays,respectively.The expression of endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress-related molecules(glucose-regulated protein 78,X-box binding protein-1,and C/EBP homologous protein)was measured in both cells and subcutaneous xenografts using quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR)and western blotting.Additionally,apoptosis was investigated using flow cytometry,qRT-PCR,and western blotting.RESULTS CDC25C was stably suppressed in Hepa1-6 and B16 cells through LV-CDC25C shRNA transduction.A xenograft model with CDC25C knockdown was successfully established and that downregulation of CDC25C expression significantly inhibited HCC growth in mice.CDC25C knockdown not only inhibited cell proliferation and migration but also significantly increased the ER stress response,ultimately promoting ER stress-induced apoptosis in HCC cells.CONCLUSION The regulatory mechanism of CDC25C in HCC development may involve the activation of ER stress and the ER stress-induced apoptosis signaling pathway.

Silencing of Jumonji domain-containing 1C inhibits the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via nuclear factor-κB signaling

BACKGROUND Osteoporosis is a common metabolic bone disorder induced by an imbalance between osteoclastic activity and osteogenic activity.During osteoporosis,bone mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)exhibit an increased ability to differentiate into adipocytes and a decreased ability to differentiate into osteoblasts,resulting in bone loss.Jumonji domain-containing 1C(JMJD1C)has been demonstrated to suppress osteoclastogenesis.AIM To examine the effect of JMJD1C on the osteogenesis of BMSCs and the potential underlying mechanism.METHODS BMSCs were isolated from mouse bone marrow tissues.Oil Red O staining,Alizarin red staining,alkaline phosphatase staining and the expression of adipo-genic and osteogenic-associated genes were assessed to determine the differen-tiation of BMSCs.Bone marrow-derived macrophages(BMMs)were incubated with receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaΒligand to induce osteoclast differentiation,and osteoclast differen-tiation was confirmed by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining.Other related genes were measured via reverse transcription coupled to the quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to measure the levels of inflammatory cytokines,including tumor necrosis factor alpha,interleukin-6 and interleukin-1 beta.RESULTS The osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potential of BMSCs isolated from mouse bone marrow samples was evaluated.JMJD1C mRNA and protein expression was upregulated in BMSCs after osteoblast induction,while p-nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)and inflammatory cytokines were not significantly altered.Knockdown of JMJD1C repressed osteogenic differentiation and enhanced NF-κB activation and inflammatory cytokine release in BMSCs.Moreover,JMJD1C expression decreased during BMM osteoclast differentiation.CONCLUSION The JMJD1C/NF-κB signaling pathway is potentially involved in BMSC osteogenic differentiation and may play vital roles in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis.

Influence of Hemoglobin S Haplotypes on the Responses to Hydroxyurea Treatment in Children with Sickle Cell Disease in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

Background: In Côte d’Ivoire so far, the circulating haplotypes have been inferred on the phenotypic profiling of SCD patients. The impact of the circulating haplotypes on the use of Hydroxyurea has not been assessed yet. Therefore the objective of this study is to identify in Abidjan the HbS haplotypes that modulate HU treatment responses. Methods: In a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study, children aged 5 to 15 years with SCD, and carrying the hemoglobin phenotypes SSFA2 and SFA2, were recruited into a HU treatment cohort. Various parameters on the haplotypes and the outcomes of the treatment were analyzed. Results: Thirty nine children with SCD were included. The phenotypic profile of the cohort was 86.6% of SSFA2 and 15.4% of SFA2. Three haplotypes were found, the Benin haplotype, the Senegal haplotype, and an atypical one. The participants belonged to three genotypes, Benin/atypical (64.1%), Benin/Senegal (33.3%) and Senegal/Senegal (2.6%). Overall, HU treatment was successful in all haplotypes with 12 out of 39 patients failing treatment after 12 months in the Benin haplotype group. The association between HU treatment success and the Benin haplotype was found in terms of the decrease in the number of white blood cells and the students missing class. Conclusion: The study revealed that inferring haplotype based on the phenotypic profile could be inaccurate. The proportion of atypical haplotype that were not previously described in Côte d’Ivoire was high. All the haplotypes seemed to be associated with HU treatment success but some patients with Benin haplotype did not respond well.

Psychological Experience of Mothers of Children with Sickle Cell Disease Followed at the Pediatric Department of Bouaké University Teaching Hospital

Introduction: Sickle cell disease has physical and emotional repercussions on the child and his family. The aim of this study was to describe the psychosocial experiences of mothers of children with sickle cell disease in order to improve the overall care of the child. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in the pediatrics department of Bouaké University Teaching Hospital from June to September 2023. It focused on mothers of major sickle-cell-affected children followed up in the pediatrics department of the Bouaké University Teaching Hospital. The variables studied were sociodemographic, psychological, social and economic. Results: Of the 40 mothers surveyed, 15% were not in school and 32.5% were unemployed. For them, sickle cell disease was of natural (genetic) origin in 90% and supernatural in 10%. They stated that the child had an average age of 36 months (extremes 7 and 108 months) when the disease was discovered. And 52% of them were satisfied with the way the disease was clearly and completely announced. Following the announcement, the questioned mothers said they had felt shock (35%), sadness (31.7%), guilt (23.3%) and discouragement (10%). Anxiety and depression were experienced by 77.5% and 22.5% respectively. In 60% of cases, they stated that the disease was incurable, and the outcome was fatal in 2.5% of cases. The child’s illness was a source of problems in the home in 25% of cases, represented by arguments in 92% and divorce in 8%. In 97.5% of cases, the mother told her family and friends about the child’s illness. In 90% of cases, the mother and child benefited from psychological support from family and friends. Conclusion: Sickle cell disease is a serious illness with a psychological and social impact on mothers. We recommend psychological support for mothers from the moment of diagnosis and throughout follow-up.

Adipose mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles reduce glutamate-induced excitotoxicity in the retina

Adipose mesenchymal stem cells(ADSCs)have protective effects against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity,but ADSCs are limited in use for treatment of optic nerve injury.Studies have shown that the extracellular vesicles(EVs)secreted by ADSCs(ADSC-EVs)not only have the function of ADSCs,but also have unique advantages including non-immunogenicity,low probability of abnormal growth,and easy access to target cells.In the present study,we showed that intravitreal injection of ADSC-EVs substantially reduced glutamate-induced damage to retinal morphology and electroretinography.In addition,R28 cell pretreatment with ADSC-EVs before injury inhibited glutamate-induced overload of intracellular calcium,downregulation ofα-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazoleproprionic acid receptor(AMPAR)subunit GluA2,and phosphorylation of GluA2 and protein kinase C alpha in vitro.A protein kinase C alpha agonist,12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate,inhibited the neuroprotective effects of ADSC-EVs on glutamate-induced R28 cells.These findings suggest that ADSCEVs ameliorate glutamate-induced excitotoxicity in the retina through inhibiting protein kinase C alpha activation.

Valproate reduces retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in rats after optic nerve crush

The retinal ganglion cells of the optic nerve have a limited capacity for self-repair after injury.Valproate is a histone deacetylase inhibitor and multitarget drug,which has been demonstrated to protect retinal neurons.In this study,we established rat models of optic nerve-crush injury and injected valproate into the vitreous cavity immediately after modeling.We evaluated changes in the ultrastructure morphology of the endoplasmic reticulum of retinal ganglion cells over time via transmission electron microscope.Immunohistochemistry and western blot assay revealed that valproate upregulated the expression of the endoplasmic reticulum stress marker glucose-regulated protein 78 and downregulated the expression of transcription factor C/EBP homologous protein,phosphorylated eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α,and caspase-12 in the endoplasmic reticulum of retinal ganglion cells.These findings suggest that valproate reduces apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells in the rat after optic nerve-crush injury by attenuating phosphorylated eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α-C/EBP homologous protein signaling and caspase-12 activation during endoplasmic reticulum stress.These findings represent a newly discovered mechanism that regulates how valproate protects neurons.

Role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-C during Stem Cell Therapy Using Autologous Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells in Patients with Lower Limb Lymphedema

Introduction: Vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) is the primary lymphangiogenic factor that stimulates lymphangiogenesis by signaling via specific receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR3). This study was conducted to evaluate the change in the level of VEGF-C before and after autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation for treatment of Lower limb lymphedema. Patient and methods: Forty patients with lower limb lymphedema were divided into two groups. Group I included 20 patients with chronic lower limb lymphedema who underwent autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation. Group II included 20 patients with chronic lower limb lymphedema who were exposed only to compression therapy as a control group. VEGF-C level in the diseased limbs was measured in both groups at the beginning of the study then 3 and 6 months respectively. Results: Group I included 20 patients, 8 patients were male (40%) and 12 patients were females (60%) with mean age 29.5 ± 12.15 while group II included 20, 10 patients were male (50%) and 10 patients were females (50%) with mean age 39.5 ± 11.5. In group I, the specimens were taken at 3 and 6 months after transplantation showed a marked decrease in the VEGF-C level with statistically significant p value, 0.02 and 0.001 respectively. In group II the level of VEGF-C after compression therapy alone at 3 and 6 months interval showed fluctuation with statistically non-significant p value, 0.64 and 0.55 respectively. Conclusion: VEGF-C is essential for regulation of lymphangiogenesis. The level of VEGF-C was found elevated in patients with lymphedema and decrease after autologous mononuclear bone marrow cells, however these results were statically non-significant.

The role of FZR1 in tumorigenesis: Focus on cell-cycle control

Fizzy-related protein homolog 1 (FZR1) mainly functions as a specific activator of the anaphase-promotingcomplex/cyclosome (APC/C) in the cell cycle and controls the G0 and G1 phases of the cell cycle. We highlightrecent work that has studied the role of FZR1 in tumorigenesis, growth, differentiation, and genome stability throughcell-cycle control. We summarize the current state of knowledge regarding FZR1 structure, function, and the distinctways of APC/C dysregulation in solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. We also discuss novel approaches fortargeting the FZR1 as a cancer therapy and research area for future work.

Biological insights in non-small cell lung cancer

Lung oncogenesis relies on intracellular cysteine to overcome oxidative stress.Several tumor types,including non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC),upregulate the system x-c cystine/glutamate antiporter(xCT)through overexpression of the cystine transporter SLC7A11,thus sustaining intracellular cysteine levels to support glutathione synthesis.Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(NRF2)serves as a master regulator of oxidative stress resistance by regulating SLC7A11,whereas Kelch-like ECH-associated protein(KEAP1)acts as a cytoplasmic repressor of the oxidative responsive transcription factor NRF2.Mutations in KEAP1/NRF2 and p53 induce SLC7A11 activation in NSCLC.Extracellular cystine is crucial in supplying the intracellular cysteine levels necessary to combat oxidative stress.Disruptions in cystine availability lead to iron-dependent lipid peroxidation,thus resulting in a type of cell death called ferroptosis.Pharmacologic inhibitors of xCT(either SLC7A11 or GPX4)induce ferroptosis of NSCLC cells and other tumor types.When cystine uptake is impaired,the intracellular cysteine pool can be sustained by the transsulfuration pathway,which is catalyzed by cystathionine-B-synthase(CBS)and cystathionine g-lyase(CSE).The involvement of exogenous cysteine/cystine and the transsulfuration pathway in the cysteine pool and downstream metabolites results in compromised CD8^(+)T cell function and evasion of immunotherapy,diminishing immune response and potentially reducing the effectiveness of immunotherapeutic interventions.Pyroptosis is a previously unrecognized form of regulated cell death.In NSCLCs driven by EGFR,ALK,or KRAS,selective inhibitors induce pyroptotic cell death as well as apoptosis.After targeted therapy,the mitochondrial intrinsic apoptotic pathway is activated,thus leading to the cleavage and activation of caspase-3.Consequently,gasdermin E is activated,thus leading to permeabilization of the cytoplasmic membrane and cell-lytic pyroptosis(indicated by characteristic cell membrane ballooning).Breakthroughs in KRAS G12C allele-specific inhibitors and potential mechanisms of resistance are also discussed herein.

一种基于Voronoi Cells的C∞插值基函数及其在计算流体力学中的若干应用

根据自然邻点插值 (NNI)方法的思想 ,基于Voronoicells的几何特性 ,从自然邻点 (NaturalNeighbors)的概念出发 ,对C∞ 插值基函数Ni(x)的数学性质进行了研究 ,给出了Ni(x)的一阶导数的一种数学表达式及其数学性质。将Voronoicells和C∞ 插值基函数应用于流体力学有限元方法(即自然元方法 ) ,通过对二维Burgers方程的数值算例说明了该方法在计算流体力学中的良好应用前景。结合实例讨论了该基函数的插值效果 ,同时说明了插值方法可很好地应用于计算流体力学的可视化 (Visualization)

Ca_(2)Fe_(2)O_(5)催化剂对半焦基DC-SOFC性能的影响

半焦与CO_(2)的气化反应速率是影响半焦燃料基DC-SOFC电池性能的关键。为提高半焦的CO_(2)气化反应性,采用柠檬酸溶胶-凝胶法制备了具有钙钛矿结构的Ca_(2)Fe_(2)O_(5)催化剂,用SEM、XRD、XPS、低温氮气吸脱附等分析手段研究了Ca_(2)Fe_(2)O_(5)催化剂的形貌和结构,采用热重分析实验研究Ca_(2)Fe_(2)O_(5)催化剂对半焦燃料的CO_(2)气化反应催化活性;在Ag-GDC|YSZ|GDC-Ag电解质支撑电池系统上,研究了添加Ca_(2)Fe_(2)O_(5)催化剂对半焦燃料基DC-SOFC输出性能的影响。结果表明,随着催化剂焙烧温度的提高,Ca_(2)Fe_(2)O_(5)催化剂晶粒尺寸逐渐增大、比表面积降低,750℃焙烧的催化剂具有良好的分散性、颗粒尺寸约为0.1μm,在半焦的CO_(2)气化反应中催化作用最好;相较于CaO和Fe2O3,Ca_(2)Fe_(2)O_(5)催化剂结构中吸附氧浓度更高,在半焦的CO_(2)气化反应中表现出更为优异的催化活性;Ca_(2)Fe_(2)O_(5)催化剂的循环稳定性取决于催化剂结构的热稳定性,其循环使用时活性降低主要归因于半焦燃料中无机灰分的包裹。催化剂对DC-SOFC输出性能影响表明,当半焦中添加10%的Ca_(2)Fe_(2)O_(5)催化剂时,电池的峰值功率密度从15.3 mW/cm^(2)增大到23.7 mW/cm^(2);EIS分析表明阳极传质阻力是影响DC-SOFC输出性能和燃料利用率的主要因素,降低灰分、催化剂累积带来的传质阻力可有效提高电池寿命和燃料利用率。

脓毒症患者白细胞计数、血清C反应蛋白、肝素结合蛋白、降钙素原表达及与病情进展及预后关系

目的探讨白细胞计数(WBC)、血清C反应蛋白(CRP)、肝素结合蛋白(HBP)和降钙素原在脓毒症患者病情进展和预后评估中的应用价值。方法将2018年4月至2023年3月内江市第一人民医院收治的205例脓毒症患者纳入本次回顾性研究,根据病情严重程度分为脓毒症组(n=129)和脓毒性休克组(n=76),并根据患者预后情况分成存活组(n=154)和死亡组(n=51)。检测脓毒症组与脓毒性休克组、存活组与死亡组患者的WBC、血清CRP、HBP、降钙素原水平,收集患者的急性生理与慢性健康状况评分系统Ⅱ(APACHEⅡ)评分和序贯器官衰竭评估(SOFA)评分,分析WBC、血清CRP、HBP、降钙素原与APACHEⅡ、SOFA评分的相关性;采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析上述4个指标单独及联合检测评估脓毒症患者预后。结果脓毒性休克组的WBC、血清CRP、HBP、降钙素原分别为(19.83±3.09)×10^(9)/L、(114.10±35.17)mg/L、(78.92±13.14)μg/L和(11.13±0.91)μg/L,均显著高于脓毒症组[(9.55±2.87)×10^(9)/L、(59.96±23.45)mg/L、(36.47±12.83)μg/L和(8.21±0.82)μg/L],差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。脓毒性休克组的APACHEⅡ评分、SOFA评分分别为(20.05±2.39)、(10.29±2.51)分,均显著高于脓毒症组[(16.21±2.30)、(7.90±2.17)分],差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。Pearson相关性分析显示,WBC、血清CRP、HBP、降钙素原与APACHEⅡ评分(r=0.554、0.593、0.713、0.651,P<0.05)、SOFA评分均呈显著正相关(r=0.540、0.571、0.687、0.609,P<0.05)。死亡组的WBC、血清CRP、HBP、降钙素原、APACHEⅡ评分、SOFA评分也均显著高于存活组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。ROC曲线分析显示,WBC、血清CRP、HBP、降钙素原及4个指标联合检测预测脓毒症患者不良预后的ROC曲线下面积分别为0.835、0.803、0.881、0.817和0.939。结论脓毒性休克患者的WBC、血清CRP、HBP、降钙素原显著高于脓毒症患者,可反映脓毒症患者的病情严重程度,4个指标联合检测对脓毒症患者的预后有较好的预测价值。

血清P1NP、β-CTX水平联合骨髓细胞形态学检查对多发性骨髓瘤的诊断价值

目的 探讨骨髓细胞形态学检查联合血清Ⅰ型前胶原氨基端前肽(P1NP)、Ⅰ型胶原羧基端肽β特殊序列(β-CTX)检测对多发性骨髓瘤(MM)及其分期的诊断价值。方法 选取2020年1月至2023年2月在该院就诊的104例MM患者作为研究对象,根据国际分期标准(ISS)分为Ⅰ期、Ⅱ期和Ⅲ期,分别为32例、36例和36例。同时选取同期因为缺铁性贫血、再生障碍性贫血、骨髓增生异常综合征等原因接受骨髓穿刺的40例作为对照组。对所有受试者进行骨髓细胞形态学检查,测定血清P1NP和β-CTX水平,并分析其与MM及其分期的关系。结果 MM组骨髓浆细胞比[(23.4±8.6)%]、血清P1NP[(120.5±35.6)ng/mL]和β-CTX水平[(820.4±210.3)pg/mL]均显著高于对照组[(3.2±1.4)%、(52.3±12.4)ng/mL、(320.6±80.2)pg/mL],差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),且随着MM分期的升高而增高。以骨髓浆细胞比例≥10%、血清P1NP≥80 ng/mL和β-CTX≥500 pg/mL为诊断标准,对MM的灵敏度和特异度分别为92.3%和95.0%,联合检测的灵敏度和特异度分别为98.1%和100.0%。以血清P1NP≥100 ng/mL和β-CTX≥700 pg/mL为分期标准,对MMⅢ期的灵敏度和特异度分别为86.1%和88.2%,联合检测的灵敏度和特异度分别为94.4%和97.1%。结论 骨髓细胞形态学检查联合血清P1NP、β-CTX检测对MM及其分期具有较高的诊断价值,有助于评估MM患者的病情和预后。

Restoring homeostasis of CD4^+ T cells in hepatitis-B-virusrelated liver fibrosis

Immune-mediated liver injury is widely seen during hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection. Unsuccessful immune clearance of HBV results in chronic hepatitis and increases the risk of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. HBV-related liver fibrosis(HBVLF),occurring as a result of HBV-induced chronic hepatitis,is a reversible,intermediate stage of chronic hepatitis B(CHB) and liver cirrhosis. Therefore,defining the pathogenesis of HBVLF is of practical significance for achieving better clinical outcomes. Recently,the homeostasis of CD4+ T cells was considered to be pivotal in the process of HBVLF. To better uncover the underlying mechanisms,in this review,we systematically retrospect the impacts of different CD4+T-cell subsets on CHB and HBVLF. We emphasize CD4+ T-cell homeostasis and the important balance between regulatory T(Treg) and T helper 17(Th17) cells. We discuss some cytokines associated with Treg and Th17 cells such as interleukin(IL)-17,IL-22,IL-21,IL-23,IL-10,IL-35 and IL-33,as well as surface molecules such as programmed cell death protein 1,cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4,T cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain-containing molecule 3 and cannabinoid receptor 2 that have potential therapeutic implications for the homeostasis of CD4+ T cells in CHB and HBVLF.

Hepatitis C virus infection of human hepatoma cell line 7721 in vitro

AIM To establish a cell culture system with long-term replication of hepatitis C virus in vitro.``METHODS Human hepatoma cell line 7721 was tested for its susceptibility to HCV by incubating with a serum from a patient with chronic hepatitis C. Cells and supernatant were harvested at various phases during the culturing periods The presence of HCV RNA, the expression of HCV antigens in cells and/or supernatant were examined by RT-PCR, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry respectively.``RESULTS The intracellular HCV RNA was first detected on d 2 after infection and then could be intermittently detected in both cells and supernatant over a period of at least three months. The expression of HCV NS3, CP10antigens could be observed in cells. The fresh cells could be infected by supematant from cultured infected cells and the transmission of viral genome from HCV-infected 7721 cells to PBMCs was also observed.``CONCLUSION The hepatoma line 7721 is not only susceptible to HCV but also supports its long-term replication in vitro.

Autologous CD34^+ and CD133^+ stem cells transplantation in patients with end stage liver disease

AIM:To assess the utility of an autologous CD34 + and CD133 + stem cells infusion as a possible therapeutic modality in patients with end-stage liver diseases.METHODS:One hundred and forty patients with endstage liver diseases were randomized into two groups.Group 1,comprising 90 patients,received granulocyte colony stimulating factor for five days followed by autologous CD34 + and CD133 + stem cell infusion in the portal vein.Group 2,comprising 50 patients,received regular liver treatment only and served as a control group.RESULTS:Near normalization of liver enzymes and improvement in synthetic function were observed in 54.5% of the group 1 patients;13.6% of the patients showed stable states in the infused group.None of the patients in the control group showed improvement.No adverse effects were noted.CONCLUSION:Our data showed that a CD34 + and CD133 + stem cells infusion can be used as supportive treatment for end-stage liver disease with satisfactory tolerability.

Cloning of the non-structural gene 3 of hepatitis C virus and its inducible expression in cultured cells

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Role of relevant immune-modulators and cytokines in hepatocellular carcinoma and premalignant hepatic lesions

AIM To assess the levels of different immune modulators in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),in relation to other hepatic diseases.METHODS Eighty-eight patients were included in the current study and represented patients with HCC(20),liver cirrhosis(28) and chronic hepatitis(CH;25),and normal controls(NC;15).Peripheral blood was isolated for immunophenotyping of active myeloid dendritic cells(m DCs;CD1 c and CD40),mature inactive myeloid cells(CD1 c and HLA),active plasmacytoid cells(p DCs;CD303 and CD40),mature inactive p DCs(CD30 and HLA),active natural killer(NK) cells(CD56 and CD161),active NK cells(CD56 and CD314) and inactive NK cells(CD56 and CD158) was done by flow cytometry.Serum levels of interleukin(IL)-2,IL-10,IL-12,IL-1β,interferon(IFN)-α,IFN-γ and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-αR2 were assessed by ELISA.RESULTS Active m DCs(CD1 C+/CD40+) and inactive m DCs(CD1 c+/HLA+) were significantly decreased in HCC patients in relation to NC(P < 0.001).CD40+ expression on active p DCs was decreased in HCC patients(P < 0.001),and its level was not significantly changed among other groups.Inactive p DCs(CD303+/HLA+),inactive NKs(CD56+/CD158+) and active NKs(CD56+/CD161+) were not statistically changed among the four groups studied;however,the latter was increased in CH(P < 0.05).NKG2 D was statistically decreased in HCC,CH and cirrhosis(P < 0.001),and it was not expressed in 63%(12/20) of HCC patients.There was significant decrease of IL-2,IFN-α and IFN-γ(P < 0.001),and a significant increase in IL-10,IL-1β,and TNF-αR2(P <0.01,P < 0.001 and P < 0.001;respectively) in HCC patients.There was inverted correlation between IL-12 and IL-1β in HCC(r =-0.565,P < 0.01),with a strong correlation between p DCs(CD303+/CD40+) and NKs(CD56+/CD161+;r = 0.512,P < 0.05) as well as inactive m DCs(CD1 c+/HLA+) and inactive NK cells(CD56+/CD158+;r = 0.945,P < 0.001).CONCLUSION NKG2 D,CD40,IL-2 and IL-10 are important modulators in the development and progression of HCC.

Effect of gastrin on protein kinase C and its subtype in human colon cancer cell line SW480

INTRODUCTIONGastrin is atrophic gastrointestinal hormone whichis secreted by G cell.Gastrin has long beenconsidered a growth stimulatory hormone formucosa of the gastrointestinal tract.The growthresponses of certain colorectal cancer cells,andxenografts,can be stimulated by endogenousgastrin.Protein kinase C (PKC) is a family ofisozymes that plays a crucial role in transducingsignals of many hormones,growth peptides,