Serum chitinase-3-like protein 1 is a biomarker of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B in China

Background:Serum chitinase-3-like protein 1(CHI3L1)is a potential biomarker for fibrosis assessment.We aimed to evaluate serum CHI3L1 as a noninvasive diagnostic marker for chronic hepatitis B virusrelated fibrosis.Methods:Serum CHI3L1 levels were measured by ELISA in 134 chronic hepatitis B(CHB)patients.Significant fibrosis was defined as a liver stiffness>9.7 kPa.The performance of CHI3L1 was assessed and compared to that of other noninvasive tests by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)analysis.Results:Serum CHI3L1 levels were significantly higher in CHB patients with significant hepatic fibrosis(≥F2)than in those without significant hepatic fibrosis(<F2)(56.5 ng/mL vs.81.9 ng/mL,P<0.001).In CHB patients,the specificity and sensitivity of CHI3L1 for predicting significant fibrosis were 75.6%and 59.1%,respectively,with a cut-off of 76.0 ng/mL and an area under the ROC curve of 0.728(95%CI:0.637–0.820).Conclusions:Serum CHI3L1 levels could be an effective new serological biomarker for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis.Moreover,CHI3L1 is feasible in monitoring disease progression.

Exosomes derived from microglia overexpressing miR-124-3p alleviate neuronal endoplasmic reticulum stress damage after repetitive mild traumatic brain injury

We previously reported that miR-124-3p is markedly upregulated in microglia-derived exosomes following repetitive mild traumatic brain injury.However,its impact on neuronal endoplasmic reticulum stress following repetitive mild traumatic brain injury remains unclear.In this study,we first used an HT22 scratch injury model to mimic traumatic brain injury,then co-cultured the HT22 cells with BV2 microglia expressing high levels of miR-124-3p.We found that exosomes containing high levels of miR-124-3p attenuated apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress.Furthermore,luciferase reporter assay analysis confirmed that miR-124-3p bound specifically to the endoplasmic reticulum stress-related protein IRE1α,while an IRE1αfunctional salvage experiment confirmed that miR-124-3p targeted IRE1αand reduced its expression,thereby inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress in injured neurons.Finally,we delivered microglia-derived exosomes containing miR-124-3p intranasally to a mouse model of repetitive mild traumatic brain injury and found that endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis levels in hippocampal neurons were significantly reduced.These findings suggest that,after repetitive mild traumatic brain injury,miR-124-3 can be transferred from microglia-derived exosomes to injured neurons,where it exerts a neuroprotective effect by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress.Therefore,microglia-derived exosomes containing miR-124-3p may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for repetitive mild traumatic brain injury.

MicroRNA-363-3p inhibits colorectal cancer progression by targeting interferon-induced transmembrane protein 1

BACKGROUND The molecular mechanisms of colorectal cancer development and progression are far from being elucidated.AIM To investigate the role of microRNA-363-3p(miR-363-3p)in the progression of colorectal cancer.METHODS Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect miRNA expression in human colorectal cancer tissues and paired normal colorectal tissues.PITA 6 was utilized to predict the targets of miR-363-3p.Dual-luciferase reporter system was used to validate the target of miR-363-3p.Plate colony formation assay and wound-healing assay were performed to evaluate cancer cells’clonogenic survival ability and migration ability,respectively.Cell proliferation was examined by cell counting kit-8 assay.Immunohistochemical staining was used to determine the expression level of interferon-induced transmembrane protein 1(IFITM1)in colorectal cancer tissues and adjacent tissues.The TCGA and GTEx databases were used to compare the expression levels of IFITM1 mRNA in colorectal cancer tissues and normal colorectal tissues and analyze the correlation between the expression levels of IFITM1 mRNA and overall survival and disease-free survival of patients.A colorectal cancer cell line with a deficiency of IFITM1 was constructed,and the regulation effect of IFITM1 on the clonogenic growth of colorectal cancer cells was clarified.RESULTS MiR-363-3p was decreased in colorectal cancer tissues compared to normal colorectal tissues.IFITM1 was characterized as a direct target of miR-363-3p.Overexpression of miR-363-3p led to decreased clonogenic survival,proliferation,and migration of colorectal cancer cells,which could be reversed by forced IFITM1 expression.CONCLUSION MiR-363-3p can constrain clonogenic survival,proliferation,and migration of colorectal cancer cells via targeting IFITM1.

Long non-coding RNA DPP10-AS1 represses the proliferation and invasiveness of glioblastoma by regulating miR-24-3p/CHD5 signaling pathway

This investigation aimed to unveil new prospective diagnosis-related biomarkers together with treatment targets against glioblastoma.Methods:The expression levels of long non-coding RNA(lncRNA)DPP10-AS1 were assessed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)within both the patient tissue specimens and glioblastoma cell lines.The relationship between lncRNA DPP10-AS1 expression in glioblastoma and patient prognosis was investigated.Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8),transwell,and clonogenic experiments were utilized to assess tumor cells’proliferation,invasiveness,and migratory potentials after lncRNA DPP10-AS1 expression was up or down-regulated.Using an online bioinformatics prediction tool,the intracellular localization of lncRNA DPP10-AS1 and its target miRNA were predicted,and RNA-FISH verified results.A dual-luciferase reporter experiment validated the relationship across miR-24-3p together with lncRNA DPP10-AS1.MiR-24-3p expression within glioblastoma was identified through RT-qPCR,and potential link across miR-24-3p and lncRNA DPP10-AS1 was assessed using Pearson correlation analysis.Moreover,influence from lncRNA DPP10-AS1/miR-24-3p axis upon glioblastoma cell progression was assessed in vivo via a subcutaneous xenograft tumor model.Results:The expression of lncRNA DPP10-AS1 was notably reduced in both surgical specimens of glioblastoma and the equivalent cell lines.Low level of lncRNA DPP10-AS1 in glioblastoma is following poor prognosis.The downregulation of lncRNA DPP10-AS1 in glioblastoma cells resulted in enhanced cellular proliferation,migration,and invasion capabilities,accompanied by downregulated E-cadherin and upregulated vimentin and N-cadherin.Additionally,the observed upregulation of lncRNA DPP10-AS1 demonstrated a substantial inhibitory function upon proliferation,invasion,and migratory capabilities of LN229 cells.Subcellular localization disclosed that lncRNA DPP10-AS1 had a binding site that interacted with miR-24-3p.Upregulated miR-24-3p was detected in glioblastomas,displaying an inverse correlation with lncRNA DPP10-AS1 expression.MiR-24-3p downstream target has been determined as chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 5(CHD5).LncRNA DPP10-AS1 affected the invasion and proliferation of glioblastoma by controlling the miR-24-3p/CHD5 axis.Conclusion:The present study demonstrated that lncRNA DPP10-AS1 can inhibit the invasive,migratory,and proliferative properties of glioblastoma by regulating the miR-24-3p/CHD5 signaling pathway.Consequently,lncRNA DPP10-AS1 has potential as a tumor suppressor and might be utilized for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatments of glioblastomas.

胰岛素样生长因子-1、胰岛素样生长因子受体-1和胰岛素样生长因子结合蛋白-3在非小细胞肺癌患者血清中的表达及其临床意义

肿瘤患者中胰岛素样生长因子（insulin like growth factor，IGF）-1、胰岛素样生长因子受体-1（insulin like growth factor 1R,IGF-1R）与胰岛素样生长因子结合蛋白（insulin like growth factor binding protein,IGFBP）-3的含量比例对肿瘤的发生、发展和预后具有重要意义。

Research progress of hsa-miR-495-3p and proteolipid protein 1 involvement in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia

Schizophrenia(SCZ)is a serious mental illness whose etiology and pathogenesis are not yet clear.The level of miRNA may be a crucial factor in the occurrence and development of SCZ.This study found that miR-495 may regulate the susceptibility gene of SCZ and that proteolipid protein 1(PLP1)as a risk gene for schizophrenia may be involved in its pathogenesis.In this article we review the research progress related to hsa-miR-495-3p(miR-495),PLP1,and schizophrenia.

缺氧诱导因子-1α和BCL-2/腺病毒E1B19 kDa相关蛋白3在中耳胆脂瘤表达及意义

目的探讨缺氧诱导因子-1α(hypoxia inducible factor-1,HIF-1α)和BCL-2/腺病毒E1B19KDa相关蛋白3(Bcl2/adenovirus E1B 19 kD interacting protein 3,BNIP3)在中耳胆脂瘤中的表达及胆脂瘤上皮的凋亡情况。方法采用免疫组织化学方法检测30例中耳胆脂瘤标本与18例外耳道皮肤标本中HIF-1α和BNIP3蛋白的表达情况,使用末端脱氧核苷酸转移酶介导的dUTP缺口末端标记(terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end-labeling,Tunel)检测20例中耳胆脂瘤标本和18例外耳道皮肤标本的凋亡情况。使用Pearson相关分析检验HIF-1α和BNIP3蛋白之间的相关性。结果 HIF-1α在胆脂瘤组和对照组的平均光密度分别为0.16±0.07和0.08±0.03,两组比较差异有统计学意义(t=4.279,P<0.01);BNIP3在胆脂瘤组和对照组的平均光密度分别为0.16±0.08和0.11±0.06,两组比较差异有统计学意义(t=2.463,P=0.0185);经pearson相关分析,在胆脂瘤上皮中,HIF-1α和BNIP3之间呈正相关(r=0.418,P=0.003);Tunel染色中,凋亡指数在胆脂瘤组和对照组分别为(52.8±12.5)%和(9.99±2.97)%,两组比较差异有统计学意义(t=14.166,P<0.01)。结论 HIF-1α和BNIP3在中耳胆脂瘤中的异常表达可能与胆脂瘤的高凋亡特性有关。

STRUCTURE,MOLECULAR WEIGHT AND BIOACTIVITIES OF(1→3)-β-D-GLUCANS AND ITS SULFATED DERIVATIVES FROM FOUR KINDS OF LENTINUS EDODES

Lentinan samples,(1→3)-β-D-glucans containing 4.6-15.2 wt% proteins,coded as L-I_1 L-I_2 L-I_3 and L-I_4(L-I)were isolated from four kinds of Lentinus edodes.These glucans were treated with acetone to remove the protein in orderto obtain free protein glucans coded as LNP-I_1,LNP-I_2.LNP-I_3 and LNP-I_4(LNP-I).The free-protein polysaccharideswere sulfated to give derivatives(S-LNP-I)with degree of substitution(DS)from 0.4-0.8.The structural features andweight-average molecular weight(M_w)of the samples were investigated by using infrared spectroscopy,elemental analysis,^(13)C-NMR,size exclusion chromatography combined with laser light scattering(SEC-LLS)and viscometry.The effects ofstructure and conformation of the polysaccharides on antitumor activities were assayed in vivo(Sarcoma 180 solid tumors)and in vitro(Sarcoma 180,HL-60,MCF-7 and Vero tumors).The results indicated that the predominant species of thesamples L-I and LNP-I in 0.2 mol/L NaCl aqueous solution existed as triple-helical chains with high rigidity and in dimethylsulfoxide(DMSO)as single-flexible chains.Interestingly,the antitumor activities of LNP-I are lower than those of the nativeglucans(L-I),whereas their sulfated derivatives have higher inhibition ratio against Sarcoma 180 than LNP-I.The resultsreveal that the binding of protein,sulfated modification and the triple helix conformation are important factors in theenhancement of the antitumor activities of polysaccharides on the whole.

沙颍河铅污染对儿童GH-IGF-1轴和体格发育的影响

目的：探讨沙颍河铅污染现状及其对儿童生长激素-胰岛素样生长因子-1（ GH-IGF-1）轴和体格发育的影响。方法：随机选择淮河沙颍河流域S县两个村庄作为调查点（依距河岸距离远近分别定为对照区和污染区）；原子吸收分光光度法检测河水和调查点饮用水及土壤中的铅含量。整群抽取两村庄小学8～13岁在校学生作为研究对象，伏安极谱法测定儿童血清铅含量；ELISA法检测儿童血清胰岛素样生长因子-1（ IGF-1）、胰岛素样生长因子结合蛋白3（IGFBP3）、生长激素（GH）和生长激素结合蛋白（GHBP）水平；电子体重计、身高坐高计、皮褶厚度计及Gulick卷尺分别测量体重、身高、皮褶厚度和胸围。结果：河水3个采样断面铅浓度均超过国家地表水水质标准Ⅴ级。污染区饮用水及土壤铅含量均高于对照区（ t＝2．663和2．300，P＜0．05）。污染区儿童血清铅含量高于对照区儿童（t＝3．227，P＝0．002）。污染区男孩身高、体重、皮褶厚度、胸围与对照区比较差异均无统计学意义（P均＞0．05）。两区女孩身高、体重和胸围差异均无统计学意义（P均＞0．05），但污染区女孩皮褶厚度高于对照区（t＝3．036，P＝0．003）。结论：沙颍河流域的饮用水中铅含量明显升高，污染区儿童血清GH-IGF-1轴相关因子水平受到影响。

Cerebrospinal fluid phosphorylated tau,visinin-like protein-1,and chitinase-3-like protein 1 in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease

Background:Visinin-like protein-1(VILIP-1)and chitinase-3-like protein 1(CHI3L1 or YKL-40)in cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)are newly discovered markers indicating neuronal damage and microglial activation,respectively.Phosphorylated tau(p-tau)reflects the neuropathology of Alzheimer’s disease(AD)and is useful as diagnostic markers for AD.However,it is unknown whether these biomarkers have similar or complementary information in AD.Methods:We stratified 121 participants from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative(ADNI)database into cognitively normal(CN),stable mild cognitive impairment(sMCI),progressive MCI(pMCI),and dementia due to AD.Analysis of covariance(ANOVA)and chi-square analyses,Spearman correlation,and logistic regression models were performed to test the demographic,associations between biomarkers,and diagnostic accuracies,respectively.Linear mixed-effects models were used to evaluate the effects of CSF amyloid-β(Aβ)on above biomarkers within diagnostic groups,the combination of diagnostic group and Aβstatus as predictor,and CSF biomarkers as predictors of AD features,including cognition measured by Mini–Mental State Examination(MMSE)and brain structure and white matter hyperintensity(WMH)measured by magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).Results:P-tau,VILIP-1,and YKL-40 were all predictors of AD diagnosis,but combinations of biomarkers did not improve the diagnostic accuracy(AUC 0.924 for p-tau,VILIP-1,and YKL-40)compared to p-tau(AUC 0.922).P-tau and VILIP-1 were highly correlated(r=0.639,p<0.001)and strongly associated with Aβpathology across clinical stages of AD,while YKL-40 was correlated with Aβpathology in CN and AD groups.VILIP-1 was associated with acceleration of cognitive decline,hippocampal atrophy,and expansion of ventricles in longitudinal analyses.YKL-40 was associated with hippocampal atrophy at baseline and follow-up,while p-tau was only associated with worsening WMH at baseline.Conclusions:CSF levels of p-tau,VILIP-1,and YKL-40 may have utility for discriminating between cognitively normal subjects and patients with AD.Increased levels of both VILIP-1 and YKL-40 may be associated with disease degeneration.These CSF biomarkers should be considered for future assessment in the characterization of the natural history of AD.

Hyperoside protects the blood-brain barrier from neurotoxicity of amyloid beta 1–42

Mounting evidence indicates that amyloid β protein（Aβ） exerts neurotoxicity by disrupting the blood-brain barrier（BBB） in Alzheimer＇s disease. Hyperoside has neuroprotective effects both in vitro and in vivo against Aβ. Our previous study found that hyperoside suppressed Aβ1-42-induced leakage of the BBB, however, the mechanism remains unclear. In this study, bEnd.3 cells were pretreated with 50, 200, or 500 μM hyperoside for 2 hours, and then exposed to Aβ1-42 for 24 hours. Cell viability was determined using 3-（4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl）-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide assay. Flow cytometry and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated d UTP nick-end labeling assay were used to analyze cell apoptosis. Western blot assay was carried out to analyze expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2, cytochrome c, caspase-3, caspse-8, caspase-9, caspase-12, occludin, claudin-5, zonula occludens-1, matrix metalloproteinase-2（MMP-2）, and MMP-9. Exposure to Aβ1-42 alone remarkably induced bEnd.3 cell apoptosis; increased ratios of cleaved caspase-9/caspase-9, Bax/Bcl-2, cleav ed caspase-8/caspase-8, and cleaved caspase-12/caspase-12; increased expression of cytochrome c and activity of caspase-3; diminished levels of zonula occludens-1, claudin-5, and occludin; and increased levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9. However, hyperoside pretreatment reversed these changes in a dose-dependent manner. Our findings confirm that hyperoside alleviates fibrillar Aβ1-42-induced BBB disruption, thus offering a feasible therapeutic application in Alzheimer＇s disease.

Geniposide, the component of the Chinese herbal formula Tongluojiunao, protects amyloid-β peptide(1–42)-mediated death of hippocampal neurons via the non-classical estrogen signaling pathway

Tongluojiunao （TLJN） is an herbal medicine consisting of two main components, geniposide and ginsenoside Rg1. TLJN has been shown to protect primary cultured hippocampal neurons. How-ever, its mechanism of action remains unclear. In the present study, primary cultured hippocampal neurons treated with Aβ1-42 （10 μmol/L） signiifcantly increased the release of lactate dehydroge-nase, which was markedly reduced by TLJN （2 μL/mL）, speciifcally by the component geniposide （26 μmol/L）, but not ginsenoside Rg1 （2.5 μmol/L）. hTe estrogen receptor inhibitor, ICI182780 （1 μmol/L）, did not block TLJN-or geniposide-mediated decrease of lactate dehydrogenase under Aβ1-42-exposed conditions. However, the phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase or mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway inhibitor, LY294002 （50 μmol/L） or U0126 （10 μmol/L）, respectively blo cked the decrease of lactate dehydrogenase mediated by TLJN or geniposide. hTerefore, these results suggest that the non-classical estrogen pathway （i.e., phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase or mitogen-activated protein kinase） is involved in the neuroprotective effect of TLJN, speciifcally its component, geniposide, against Aβ1-42-mediated cell death in primary cultured hippocampal neurons.

Study of the SH3-domain GRB2-1ike 2 gene expression in laryngeal carcinoma

Background Laryngeal carcinoma is a common malignant tumor of the upper respiratory tract, and in 95% of cases the tumor is laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma （LSCC）. The abnormity of SH3-domain GRB2-1ike 2 （SH3GL2） gene was found in LSCC. In order to clarify the relationship between SH3GL2 gene and LSCC, we evaluated the expression of the SH3GL2 gene in LSCC. Method Real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression and find the various rules of SH3GL2 gene in LSCC. Results The result of real-time PCR showed that the expression level of SH3GL2 mRNA in LSCC tissue was apparently down-regulated; immunohistochemical analysis showed that SH3GL2 protein was mainly located in cytoplasm, the rate of positive cells and SH3GL2 protein expression level were fluctuated with the pathological classification of LSCC; the result of Western blotting showed that SH3GL2 protein was down-regulated significantly in LSCC samples, especially in metastatic lymph nodes. Conclusions These results suggest that SH3GL2 is a LSCC related gene and its expression level is fluctuated with the pathological classification which indicate that SH3GL2 participates in the development and progression of LSCC. And it may be considered as a novel tumor marker to find both a new anti-oncogene and relative factors of invasion and metastasis of laryngeal carcinoma.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 5'-phenyl-3'H-spiro-[indoline-3,2'-[1,3,4]oxadiazol]-2-one analogs

A series of 5＇-phenyl-3＇H-spiro[indoline-3,2＇-[l,3,4]thiadiazol]-2-one analogs were synthesized and their Bcl-2 protein inhibitory activities were studied. The lead compound was originally identified using a fluorescence polarization-based competitive binding assay. Among the 10 compounds investigated, I k showed good binding affinities to Bcl-xL and Mcl-l, with inhibition constants of 8.9 μmol/L and 3.4 μmol/L, respectively. While compound lc achieved tight binding affinities to Bcl-xL （Ki= 0.16 μmol/L）, has the potential to be a new lead compound.

Comparison of three fluorescence labeling and tracking methods of endothelial progenitor cells in laser-injured retina

AIM： To compare three kinds of fluorescent probes for in vitro labeling and in vivo tracking of endothelial progenitor cells（EPCs） in a mouse model of laser-induced retinal injury.METHODS： EPCs were isolated from human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells and labeled with three different fluorescent probes： 5-（and-6）-carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester（CFSE）, 1,1′-dilinoleyl-3,3,3′,3′-tetramethylindo-carbocyanine perchlorate linked acetylated low-density lipoprotein（Di I-Ac LDL）, and green fluorescent protein（GFP）. The fluorescent intensity of EPCs was examined by confocal microscopy. Survival rate of labeled EPCs was calculated with trypan blue staining, and their adhesive capability was assessed. A mouse model of retinal injury was induced by laser, and EPCs were injected into the vitreous cavity. Frozen section and fluorescein angiography on flat-mounted retinal samples was employed to track the labeled EPCs in vivo.RESULTS： EPCs labeled with CFSE and Di I-Ac LDL exhibited an intense green and red fluorescence at the beginning; the fluorescence intensity decreased gradually to 20.23% and 49.99% respectively, after 28 d. On the contrary, the florescent intensity of GFP-labeled EPCs increased in a time-dependent manner. All labeled EPCs showed normal morphology and no significant change in survival and adhesive capability. In the mouse model, transplantation of EPCs showed a protective effect against retinal injury. EPCs labeled with CFSE and Di I-Ac LDL were successfully tracked in mice during the development of retinal injury and repair; however, GFP-labeled EPCs were not detected in the laser-injured mouse retina.CONCLUSION： The three fluorescent markers used in this study have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. CFSE and Di I-Ac LDL are suitable for short-term EPClabeling, while GFP should be used for long-term labeling. The choice of fluorescent markers should be guided by the purpose of the study.

Transgenic mice designed to express human α-1,2-fucosyltransferase in combination of human DAF and CD59 to avoid xenograft rejection

The expression of human α-1,2-fucosyltransferase (HT) or complement regulatory proteins has been proved as an strategy to overcome hypercute rejection in discordant xenogeneic organ transplantation. In this study, we examined whether peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from polytransgenic mice expressing the human HT, and complement regulatory proteins (DAF and CD59), can provide more effective protection against xenograft rejection. Transgenic mice were produced by co-injection of gene constructs for human HT, DAF and/or CD59. Flow Cytometry (FCM) was used to screen the positive transgenic mice. PBMCs from transgenic mice were incubated with 15% human serum to evaluate natural antibody binding, complement activation and expression of adhesion molecules. Three transgenes were strongly expressed in PBMCs of transgenic mice, and HT expression signifi- cantly reduced expression of the major xenoepitope galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal). Functional studies with PBMCs showed that co-expression of HT and DAF or CD59 markedly increased their re- sistance to human serum-mediated cytolysis when compared with single transgenic PBMCs. Moreover, the combined expression of triple transgenes in PBMCs led to the greatest protection against human serum-mediated cytolysis, avoided hyperacute rejection and reduced expression of adhesion mole- cules. Strong co-expression of triple transgenes was completely protected from xenograft hyperacute rejection and partially inhibited acute vascular rejection. The studies suggest that engineering mice to express triple molecules represents an critical step toward prolonging xenograft survival and might be more suitable for xenotransplantation.

A Cotton BURP Domain Protein Interacts With α-Expansin and Their Co-Expression Promotes Plant Growth and Fruit Production

Plant growth requires cell wall extension. The cotton AtRD22-Like I gene GhRDL1, predominately expressed in elongating fiber cells, encodes a BURP domain-containing protein. Here, we show that GhRDL1 is localized in cell wall and interacts with GhEXPA1, an α-expansin functioning in wall loosening. Transgenic cotton overexpressing GhRDL1 showed an increase in fiber length and seed mass, and an enlargement of endopleura cells of ovules. Expression of either GhRDL1 or GhEXPA1 alone in Arabidopsis led to a substantial increase in seed size; interestingly, their co-expression resulted in the increased number of siliques, the nearly doubled seed mass, and the enhanced biomass production. Cotton plants overexpressing GhRDL1 and GhEXPA1 proteins produced strikingly more fruits （bolls）, leading to up to 40% higher fiber yield per plant without adverse effects on fiber quality and vegetative growth. We demonstrate that engineering cell wall protein partners has a great potential in promoting plant growth and crop yield.

多发性硬化患者Sp3基因编码序列的突变筛查

Sp3（specific protein 3）基因是一种广泛存在于人体组织的核转录因子，属于Sp家族成员之一，它通过GCJGT盒与受其调控的基因启动子相结合，从而调控这些基因的表达，这些基因中许多与免疫反应有关，包括诱导凋亡的Fas基因，转化生长因子-β（TGF-β）、T细胞受体可变区Vα（TCRVα）基因及艾滋病毒1型（HIV-1）等。

Change of Inflammatory Factors in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

Background： Acute coronary syndrome （ACS） is closely related to unstable plaques and secondary thrombosis. The inflammatory cells in plaques and their inflammatory products may be the cause for plaque instability and ruptures. The study aimed to disclose the changes of inflammatory factors including serum intracellular adhesion molecule-1（ICAM-1 ）, chitinase-3-like protein I （YKL-40）, and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 （Lp-PLA2） in patients with ACS and its clinical significance. Methods： A total of 120 patients with coronary heart disease （CHD） were categorized into 2 groups： 69 with ACS and 51 with stable angina pectoris （SAP）： 20 patients with chest pain and normal angiography served as a control group. The 120 patients with CHD were categorized into single-vessel disease group, double-vessel disease group, and three-vessel disease group based on the number of coronary artery stenosis. The severity of coronary artery stenosis was quantified based on coronary angiography using Gensini score. They were further divided into mild CHD group with its Gensini score 〈26 （n = 36）, moderate CHD group with its Gensini score being 26-54 （n = 48） and severe CHD group with its Gensini score 〉54 （n = 36）. Serum levels of ICAM-1, YKL-40, and Lp-PLA2 of different groups were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Correlation between ICAM-1, YKL-40, Lp-PLA2, and Gensini score was analyzed. Results： The levels of serum inflammatory factors ICAM-1, YKL-40, and Lp-PLA2 were significantly higher in the ACS group than those in control group and SAP group （all P 〈 0.05）： and compared with control group, no significant difference was observed in terms of the serum ICAM-1, YKL-40, and Lp-PLA2 levels in the SAP group （P 〉 0.05）.The levels of serum ICAM-1, YKL-40, and Lp-PLA2 were not significantly different among control group, single-vessel disease group, double-vessel disease group, and three-vessel disease group （all P 〉 0.05）. The levels of serum ICAM-1, YKL-40, and Lp-PLA2 were not significantly different among control group, mild CHD group （Gensini score 〈26）, moderate CHD group （Gensini score 26-54）, and severe CHD group （Gensini score 〉54） （all P 〉 0.05）. Nonparametric Spearman correlation analysis showed that the levels of serum ICAM-1, YKL-40, and Lp-PLA2 were not correlated with the Gensini score in CHD patients （r=0.093, r=-0.149, and r= -0.085, all P 〉 0.05; respectively）. Conclusions： The serum levels of ICAM-1, YKL-40, and Lp-PLA2 were correlated with different clinical types of CHD, but not well correlated the severity and extent of artery stenosis, suggesting that ICAM-1, YKL-40, and Lp-PLA2 rnight be involved in occurrence of instability of atherosclerotic plaque, and might reflect the severity of CHD mostly through reflecting the plaque stability.

Relationship between Two Blood Stasis Syndromes and Inflammatory Factors in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

Objective： To investigate the relationship between inflammatory factors and two Chinese medicine（CM） syndrome types of qi stagnation and blood stasis（QSBS） and qi deficiency and blood stasis（QDBS） in patients with acute coronary syndrome（ACS）. Methods： Sixty subjects with ACS, whose pathogenesis changes belongs to qi disturbance blood stasis syndrome, were divided into 2 groups： 30 in the QSBS group and 30 in the QDBS group. The comparative analysis on them was carried out through comparing general information, coronary angiography and inflammatory factors including intracellular adhesion molecule-1（ICAM-1）, chitinase-3-like protein 1（YKL-40） and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2（Lp-PLA2）. Results： Compared with the QSBS group, Lp-PLA2 and YKL-40 levels in the QDBS group showed no-significant difference（P〉0.05）; ICAM-1 was significantly higher in the QDBS group than in the QSBS group in the pathological processes of qi disturbance and blood stasis syndrome of ACS（P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Inflammatory factor ICAM-1 may be an objective basis for syndrome typing of QSBS and QDBS, which provides a research direction for standardization research of CM syndrome types.