胸腺肽α1在提高激素耐药型肾病综合征患儿细胞免疫功能中的作用

目的：分析胸腺肽α1在提高激素耐药型肾病综合征（SRNS）患儿细胞免疫功能中的作用.方法：选取从2013年4月-2014年3月来我院接受治疗的原发性SRNS患儿70例,随机分成实验组和对比组,每组各35例,对对比组患者行以泼尼松治疗为主的常规治疗,在此基础上对实验组行胸腺肽α1治疗.结果：相对于对比组,实验组CD4＋和CD4＋/CD8＋更高、CD8＋更低,差异均具有统计学意义（P〈0.05）.CD3＋比较,2组之间的差异不具有统计学意义（P〉0.05）.有效率比较,2组差异不具有统计学意义（P〉0.05）,复发率比较,实验组更低,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）.结论：胸腺肽α1具有提高激素耐药型肾病综合征患儿细胞免疫功能作用,减少肾病的复发,达到良好的临床效果.

Changes in count and function of splenic lymphocytes from patients with portal hypertension

AIM: To investigate changes in numbers and proliferative function of splenic lymphocytes in patients with hypersplenism due to portal hypertension (PH), to provide evidence for further study of immune status of the spleen during PH. METHODS: Twelve spleens from patients with hypersplenism due to PH served as the PH group, and four spleens from cases of traumatic spleen rupture were regarded as the control group. After weighing the spleen, lymphocytes were separated and counted using a cell counting plate to calculate the lymphocyte count per gram of spleen tissue (relative quantity) and total lymphocyte count in whole spleen (absolute quantity). The immunohistochemical SP method was used to observe the density and distribution of lymphocytes in the spleen. The MTT method was used to observe changes in lymphocyte proliferative function. RESULTS: As compared to the control group, the splenic lymphocytes in the PH group showed that: (1) There was no difference in distribution but a significant decreasein density; (2) the number of lymphocytes per gram of spleen (relative quantity) decreased significantly (0.822 ± 0.157) × 108 vs (1.174 ± 0.254) × 108, P < 0.01]; (3) with the significant increase in the weight of the PH spleen (832.6 ± 278.2 g vs 211.7 ± 85.6 g, P < 0.01), the total quantity of lymphocytes (absolute quantity) increased significantly (0.685 ± 0.072) × 1011 vs (0.366 ± 0.057) × 1011, P < 0.01]; and (4) the proliferative function of lymphocytes was enhanced: T lymphocytes, (0.022 ± 0.005 vs 0.015 ± 0.003, P < 0.05), and B lymphocytes (0.034 ± 0.006 vs 0.023 ± 0.001, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Although lymphocyte density in the spleen decreased in patients with PH, the total quantity of lymphocytes increased because spleen weight increased greatly, along with the proliferating function. With respect to changes in lymphocytes, PH spleens may still have immune function, although it may be disordered. However, complete evaluation of the immune function of the spleen in PH requires more research.

Hepatitis B virus DNA is more powerful than HBeAg in predicting peripheral T-lymphocyte subpopulations in chronic HBV-infected individuals with normal liver function tests

AIM:To investigate the peripheral T-lymphocyte subpopulation profile,and its correlations with hepatitis B virus(HBV) replication level in chronic HBV-infected(CHI) individuals with normal liver function tests(LFTs) . METHODS:Frequencies of T-lymphocyte subpopu-lations in peripheral blood were measured by flow cytometry in 216 CHI individuals. HBV markers were detected with ELISA. Serum HBV DNA load was assessed with quantitative real-time PCR. Information of age at HBV infection,and maternal HBV infection status was collected. ANOVA linear trend test and linear regression were used in statistical analysis. RESULTS:CHI individuals had significantly decreased relative frequencies of CD3+,CD4+ subpopulationsand CD4+/CD8+ ratio,and increased CD8+ subset percentage compared with uninfected individuals(all P < 0.001) . There was a significant linear relationship between the load of HBV DNA and the parameters of T-lymphocyte subpopulations(ANOVA linear trend test P < 0.01) . The parameters were also significantly worse among individuals whose mothers were known to be HBV carriers,and those having gained infection before the age of 8 years. In multiple regressions,after adjustment for age at HBV infection and status of maternal HBV infection,log copies of HBV DNA maintained its highly significant predictive coefficient on T-lymphocyte subpopulations,whereas the effect of HBeAg was not significant. CONCLUSION:HBV DNA correlates with modification in the relative T-lymphocyte subpopulation frequencies. High viral load is more powerful than HBeAg in predicting the impaired balance of T-cell subsets.

The role of apoptosis in the development and function of T lymphocytes

Apoptosis plays an essential role in T cell biology. Thymocytes expressing nonfunctional or autoreactive TCRs are eliminated by apoptosis during development. Apoptosis also leads to the deletion of expanded effector T cells during immune responses. The dysregulation of apoptosis in the immune system results in autoimmunity, tumorogenesis and immunodeficiency. Two major pathways lead to apoptosis: the intrinsic cell death pathway controlled by Bcl-2 family members and the extrinsic cell death pathway controlled by death receptor signaling. These two pathways work to- gether to regulate T lymphocyte development and function.

Enemy at the gates： dendritic cells and immunity to mucosal pathogens

Dendritic cells （DC） are diverse and specialized hematopoietic cells serving as an essential bridge between innate and adaptive immunity. DC exist in all lymphoid and nonlymphoid organs and are amongst the first responders to infection at epithelial surfaces including mucosal tissues. DC of the lung, gut, and vaginal mucosa display different phenotypes and functions reflecting each unique tissue and, in contrast to their counterparts in spleen and lymph nodes, are constantly exposed to both harmful and benign factors of their environments. Mucosal DC recognize and respond to pathogens through engagement of pattern recognition receptors, and activated DC migrate to draining lymph nodes to induce adaptive immune responses. The specialized function of DC aids in the induction of immunity and pathogen control at the mucosa. Such specialization includes the potent antiviral interferon response of plasma- cytoid DC to viral nucleic acids, the ability of mucosal DC to capture organisms in the gut lumen, the capacity of DC to cross-present antigen from other infected cells, and the ability of mucosal DC to initiate lgA class switching in B cells. DC plasticity is also critical in the immune response to mucosal pathogens, as DC can respond to the microen- vironment and sense pathogen-induced stress in neighboring epithelial cells. Finally, DC interact with each other through crosstalk to promote antigen presentation and T-cell immunity. Together, these processes condition mucosal DC for the induction of a tailored immune response to pathogens.

PHASE-1 STUDIES OF MALARIOTHERAPY FOR HIV INFECTON

Objective. To determine whether malariotherapy (an old therapy for treatment of neurosyphilis) improves some clinical and laboratory parameters of HIV positive patients without iatrogenic complications. Methods. Total 8 asymptomatic HIV 1 positive subjects whose CD4 cell counts were over 250×10 6 cells/L were selected for the phase 1 studies of malariotherapy and were intravenously injected Plasmodia vivax to induce artificial malaria. Malaria was terminated with chloroquine after 10～20 malarial fever episodes. Cell bound CD4 levels were measured by APAAP (a solid phase enzyme essay) and levels of neopterin (NPT), beta 2 microglobulin (B2M), soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 2(sTNF RII), interleukin 2(IL 2) and HIV P24 antigen were measured by ELISA. Patients were followed up to 24～30 months. Results.CD4 levels increased in 5, NPT decreased in 7 of 8 patients; IL 2 increased in 5 of 6 patients after malariotherapy. The total trends of B2M and sTNF RII basically remained stable. HIV P24 antigen remained undetectable in 6, remained detectably low level in 1 and experienced increase in 1 of 8 patients after malariotherapy. No any severe complications occurred in all 8 patients. Conclusions. The results indicate that malariotherapy basically is safe for HIV infection and it seems that the therapy improves some immunological parameters of HIV patients.

Effects of Echinacea Compound on the Immune Function of Weaned Piglets

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate effects of Echinacea compound on the immune function of weaned piglets. [Method] Eighty Duroc x Landrace x Yorkshire crossbred piglets were randomly divided into four groups： control group （drug-free group）, 1.5% close group, 1.0% dose group and 0.5% dose group. Blood samples of piglets were collected at 20, 35, 50, 60, 70 and 80 days old, respective- ly, to determine neutrophil leukocyte percentage in peripheral blood, lymphocyte trapsformation rate and the levels of antibodies against classical swine fever, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome disorder. [Result] Applying a certain dose of Echinacea compound could significantly increase neutrophil leukocyte per- centage in peripheral blood and lymphocyte transformation rate （P〈0.05）, and ex- tremely significantly improve the levels of antibodies against classical swine fever, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome disorder （P〈0.01）. [Conclusion] Echi- nacea compound has played a certain role in promoting nonspecific and specific im- mune function of piglets.

Six-year follow-up of pancreatic β cell function in adults with latent autoimmune diabetes

AIM: To investigate the characteristics of the progression of islet β cell function in Chinese latent autoimmune diabetes in adult (LADA) patients with glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (GAD-Ab) positivity, and to explore the prognostic factors for β cell function. METHODS: Forty-five LADA patients with GAD-Ab positivity screened from phenotypic type 2 diabetic (T2DM) patients and 45 T2DM patients without GAD-Ab matched as controls were followed-up every 6 mo. Sixteen patients in LADA1 and T2DM1 groups respectively have been followed-up for 6 years, while 29 patients in LADA2 and T2DM2 groups respectively for only 1.5 years. GAD-Ab was determined by radioligand assay, and C-peptides (CP) by radioimmune assay.RESULTS: The percentage of patients whose fasting CP(FCP) decreased more than 50% compared with thebaseline reached to 25.0% at 1.5th year in LADA1 group, and FCP level decreased (395.8±71.5 vs 572.8±72.3 pmol/L, P＜0.05) at 2.5th year and continuously went down to the end of follow-up. No significant changes of the above parameters were found in T2DM1 group. The average decreased percentages of FCP per year in LADA and T2DM patients were 15.8% (4.0-91.0%) and 5.2% (-3.5 to 35.5%, P= 0.000) respectively. The index of GAD-Ab was negatively correlated with the FCP in LADA patients (rs= -0.483, P = 0.000). The decreased percentage of FCP per year in LADA patients were correlated with GAD-Ab index, body mass index (BMI) and age at onset (rs = 0.408, -0.301 and -0.523 respectively, P＜0.05). Moreover, GAD-Ab wasthe only risk factor for predicting βcell failure in LADA patients (B = 1.455, EXP (B) = 4.283, P = 0.023). CONCLUSION: The decreasing rate of islet β cell function in LADA, being highly heterogeneous, is three times that of T2DM patients. The titer of GAD-Ab is an important predictor for the progression of islet β cell function, and age at onset and BMI could also act as the predictors.

Effects of a Shuangling Fuzheng anticancer preparation on the proliferation of SGC-7901 cells and immune function in a cyclophosphamide-treated murine model

AIM: To study the inhibitory effects of a Shuangling Fuzheng anticancer preparation (SFAP) on the human gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901 in vitro as well as its immune-modulated effects in a cyclophosphamide-treated murine model. METHODS: MTT experiments and immunocytochemistry ABC experiments were performed for detecting the proliferation of SGC-7901 cells in vitro and protein expression of c-myc. The staphylococcal protein A (SPA) rosette test was utilized for measuring the ratio of T-lymphocyte subsets from peripheral blood in a cyclophosphamide-treated murine model. Enzyme- linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) was performed for measuring the levels of serum sIL-2R in treated mice, while immunoturbidimetry was used for measuring the levels of immunoglobulins (Ig). RESULTS: SFAP (40-640 mg/L, 48 h) inhibited the proliferation of SGC-7901 cells, and a positive correlation was noted between inhibitory effects and dosage. At a dosage of 160-320 mg/L in cultured cells, the expression of c-myc was decreased. SFAP (50-200 mg/kg) increased the percentage of CD3+ and CD4+ T-lymphocytes, the ratio of CD4/CD8, and the contents of Ig such as IgM, IgG or IgA, but decreased the levels of serum sIL-2R in peripheral blood from cyclophosphamide-treated mice. CONCLUSION: SFAP can inhibit the proliferation of SGC-7901 cells via the c-myc gene. In addition, SFAP can modulat the cellular and humoral immunity in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice.

THE INFLUENCE OF HUMAN SINGLE CHAIN INTELEUKIN-12 GENE TRANSDUCTION ON THE BIOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR OF HEPATOMA 7721 CELLS

Objective. To investigate the anti- tumor effects of human single chain interleukin- 12 (hscIL- 12). Method. pcDNA/ hscIL- 12 recombinant was transfected into human hepatic carcinoma cells (7721 cells) by lipofectin method. The 7721/hscIL- 12 cells which secrete hscIL- 12 stably, were obtained via G418 selection, and in vitro the influence of hscIL- 12 gene transduction on the growth of tumor cells was evaluated by cell cycle analysis. In vivo, genetically engineered 7721 cells (7721/hscIL- 12, 7721/pcDNA) and parental cells were implanted into BALB/c nude mice,respectively. 7721/pcDNA and 7721/hscIL- 12 groups were divided into two sub- groups on day 8: one was administered with hPBL twice, 6 days at interval; the other was given equal volume of PBS. Mice were sacrificed on day 26, and spleens and tumors were taken out for histologic assay. Results. hscIL- 12 produced stably by 7721/hscIL- 12 cells had bioactivity, and it was proved by Western blot, immunocytochemistry, and in situ hybridization. In vitro, compared with 7721 and 7721/pcDNA, the 7721/hscIL- 12 grew much more slowly. FACS assay showed apparent G1 arrest of 7721/hscIL- 12 cells. In animal experiment, on day 8 after inoculation, the tumors of 7721 and 7721/pcDNA group were up to 5～ 7mm,while those of 7721/hscIL- 12 group were 2～ 4mm.When treated with hPBL, the tumor of 7721/hscIL- 12 group disappeared completely. Histologically, the tumors from 7721/hscIL- 12 without hPBL treatment had numerous lymphocyte infiltration, the tumor cells displayed depression looking, atrophy, focal necrosis and apoptosis , whereas the tumors of 7721 and 7721/pcDNA groups grew thrivingly. Conclusion. hscIL- 12 transduced 7721 cells could induced significant antitumor immune response which resulted in tumor regression totally when the hPBL was inoculated, and also hscIL- 12 has certain effects on mice immune system. These findings suggest that hscIL- 12 and hscIL- 12 gene therapy might have promising prospects in clinical application.

Changes of CD8+CD28-T regulatory cells in rat model of colitis induced by 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene

AIM:To determine the changes of CD8+ T subsets especially CD8+CD28-T regulatory cells in rat model of experimental colitis induced by 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB). METHODS:The rat model of experimental colitis was induced by enema with DNFB.Ten days later,colonic intraepithelial and splenic lymphooltes were isolated from colitis animals (n=16) and controls (n=8).The proportion of CD8+ T cells,CD8+CD28+ T cells and CD8+CD28-T regulatory cells were determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS:The model of experimental colitis was successfully established by DNFB that was demonstrated by bloody diarrhea,weight loss and colonic histopathology.The proportion of CD8+ T cells in either splenic or colonic intraepithelial lymphocytes was not significantly different between colitis animals and controls (spleen:34.6±7.24 % vs 33.5±9.41%, colon:14.0±8.93 % vs 18.0±4.06 %,P>0.05).But CD8+CD28- T regulatory cells from colitis animals were significantly more than those from controls (spleen:11.3±2.26 % vs 5.64±1.01%, colon:6.50±5.37 % vs 1.07±0.65 %,P<0.05).In contrast, CD8+CD28+ T cells from colitis animals were less than those from controls (spleen:23.3±6.14 % vs 27.8±9.70 %,P=0.06; colon:7.52±4.18 % vs 16.9±4.07 %,P<0.05).The proportion of CD8+CD28-T regulatory cells in splenic and colon intraepithelial CD8+ T cells from colitis animals was higher than that from controls (spleen:33.3±5.49 % vs 18.4±7.26 %, colon:46.0±14.3 % vs6.10±3.72 %,P<0.005). CONCLUSION:Experimental colitis of rats can be induced by DNFB with simplicity and good reproducibility.The proportion of CD8+CD28-T regulatory cells in rats with experimental colitis is increased,which may be associated with the pathogenesis of colitis.

Hepatocellular carcinoma with chronic B-type hepatitis complicated by autoimmune hemolytic anemia:A case report

A 57-year-old man consulted a local hospital because of a persistent slight fever. At the age of 37 years he was diagnosed having B-type hepatitis, but left the liver dysfunction untreated. Twenty years later, he was diagnosed having chronic hepatitis B, hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） and macrocytic anemia, and referred to our hospital for further investigation. A HCC with a maximum diameter of 5.2 cm was detected in segment 8. Results of blood tests included 1.8 mg/dL serum total bilirubin, 0.9 mg/dL bilirubin, less than 10 mg/dL haptoglobin, 7.9 g/dL hemoglobin, 130 fL MCV, and 14.5% reticuloo/tes. A bone marrow sample showed erythroid hyperplasia. The direct Coombs test gave a positive result. We diagnosed the anemia as autoimmmune hemolytic anemia （AIHA）, for which prednisolone could not be administered due to positivity for HBsAg and HBeAg. After preparation of washed blood cells for later transfusion, the patient underwent systematic resection of segment 8. The cut surface of the resected specimen demonstrated an encapsulated yellow-brownish tumor measuring 52 mmx 40 mm which was diagnosed pathologicaly as moderately differentiated HCC. On the 9th postoperative day, the patient＇s temperature rose to 38℃, and exacerbated hemolysis was observed. The maximum total bilirubin value was 5.8 mg/dL and minimum hemoglobin level was 4.6 g/dL. He tolerated this period without blood transfusion. Currently he is being followed up as an outpatient, and shows no signs of HCC recurrence or symptoms of anemia. AIHA associated with HBV infection has been described in only three previous cases, and the present case is the first in which surgery was performed for accompanying HCC.

The influence of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on immunity function in elderly patients with the stages of Ⅱ and Ⅲ esophageal cancer

Objective: We aimed to study the influence of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on immunity function in elderly patients with the stages of II and III esophageal cancer. Methods: Thirty-seven elderly patients (age ranged from 60 to 75 years) with the stages of II and III esophageal cancer underwent 2 cycles chemotherapy preoperatively with single-drug regimen (docetaxel, 35 mg/m2 once a week, on days 1, 8 and 15, at interval of 2 weeks for one cycle). Surgery were performed three weeks later. Blood samples were drawn separately on the day of admission, 1 day before operation, 7 day and 1 month after operation, and we conducted the Flow Cytometry to detect the levels of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+,CD4+/CD8+ and NK cells. Results: There were no significant differences in the levels of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+ and NK cells between before and after chemotherapy (P > 0.05). On day 7 after operation, the levels of CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+ and NK cells were degraded and CD8+ increased significantly (P < 0.05). One month after operation, the levels of CD3, CD4+, CD4+/CD8 and NK cells were higher than normal, and CD8 was depressed significantly (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has no significant impact on cellular immune function in elderly patients with the stages of II and III esophageal cancer, it is an effective and safe treatment.

EFFECTS OF ACUMOXI ON IL2-IFN-NKC IMMUNOREGULATORY NETWORK AND ITS RELATED MACROPHAGE-IL1-Th NETWORK AND ON TUMOR——Observation on the Effect of Acumoxi on the Macrophage-IL1-Th Network and on the Metastasis of Hepatoma

Objective: To observe the effect of acumoxi (acupuncture and moxibustion) on macrophage (Mφ)-lL1-Th net-work and hydroperitoneum hepatoma (H 22) metastasis in mice. Methods: A total of 36 BALB/ c male mice bearing H 22 are randomly divided into control, acupuncture and acumoxi groups with 12 cases in each group. In the later 2 groups, Dazhui (GV 14) and Guanyuan (CV 4) are punctured once daily, continuously for 18 days, and in acumoxi group, the two acupoints were also moxibustioned alternatively with moxa stick once every day. After killing the mice, the tissue samples of the 3 groups are treated routinely step by step and analyzed by means of colorimetric analysis for determining the phagocytic function of the macrophages; and the content of IL1 of the Mφ supernatant is assayed with serum plate agglutination (SPA)-Ig floral hoop method of T helper cell (Th) monoclonal antibody; the weight of the reniportal lymph node, the kidney and the lung, and the number of the cancerous nodes on the pulmonary surface are calculated. Results: After acupuncture and moxibustion treatment, the immunoregulatory network indices of acumoxi group increase obviously compared with those of control group(P<0.01), showing an anti-metastasis effect of acumoxi on H 22. Conclusion: Results of the present study and those of our former research prove that acupuncture and moxibustion can suppress the tumor growth and H 22 metastasis by the enhancement of the immunoregulatory network.

Immunomodulation of polypeptides fromChlamys farreri in vitro

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of polypeptides from Chlamys farreri （PCF） on immunoeytes or immunocytes treated with dexamethasone （DEX） in vitro. After incubating immunoeytes with 25 mg/L PCF or/and DEX for a given time, the proliferative response of thymocytes and splenoeytes to ConA were measured bv MTF assay; the subpopulations of thymocytes and splenic T lymphoeytes was analyzed by flow cytomety; the cytotoxicity of natural killer cells was measured by Llactate dehydrogenase （LDH） assay; the phagocytosis of rat peritoneal macrophages was measured by Neutral red assay and the Bel-2 protein expression of macrophages was detected by imrnunocytoehemical stain. The proliferative ability of rat thymocytes and splenocytes induced with ConA was enhanced and the depression of lymphoproliferation caused by DEX was reversed by PCF. The percentages of mouse thymic L3 T4^- Lyt-2^- and Lyt-2^＋ subpopulations and splenic Lyt-2 ^＋ cells were decreased and the percentage of splenic L3 T4^ ＋ cells was increased by PCF. The NK cytotoxicity, phagocytosis of macraphages and Bcl-2 protein expression of macrophages were enhanced and the decrease of NK cytotoxicity and Bel-2 protein expression of maerophages caused by DEX were reversed by PCF. PCF could not only enhance the normal immunity function, but also reverse the imrnunosuppression induced by DEX.

Diagnostic value of antigenemia assay for cytomegalovirus gastrointestinal disease in immunocompromised patients

AIM:To investigate the utility of the cytomegalovirus(CMV)antigenemia assay for the diagnosis of CMV gastrointestinal disease(GID). METHODS:One hundred and thirty immunocompromised patients were enrolled in this study.Patients with a history of anti-CMV treatment and who had not undergone examination using the antigenemia assay were excluded.CMV-GID was defined as the detection of large cells with intranuclear inclusions alone or associated with granular cytoplasmic inclusions by biopsy.Biopsy sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemically stained with anti-CMV.We evaluated the association between CMV-GID and patient characteristics(symptoms,underlying disease,medication,leukocyte counts,and antigenemia assay).All patients were checked with an human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)antibody test before endoscopic examination.White blood cell(WBC)counts were obtained from medical records within 1 wk of endoscopy.Leukopenia was defined as a total WBC count<5000 cells/mm 3 . For HIV patients,we also checked CD4+counts from medical records. RESULTS:A total of 99 patients were retrospectively selected for analysis.Of the immunocompromised patients,19 had malignant disease,18 had autoimmune disease,19 had disorders of biochemical homeostasis, three had undergone transplantation,and 45 had HIV infection.A total of 50 patients had received immunosuppressive therapy.No patients had inflammatory bowel disease.Fifty-five patients were diagnosed as having CMV-GID.Univariate analysis indicated an association between HIV infection,leukopenia,and positive antigenemia and CMV-GID(P<0.05).Multivariate analysis using logistic regression revealed that HIV infection and positive antigenemia were the only independent factors related to CMV-GID(P<0.01).The sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value,and negative predictive value of antigenemia for CMV-GID were 65.4%,93.6%, 91.9%,and 71.0%,respectively.In a subgroup analy-sis,patients with leukopenia displayed low sensitivity and high specificity.Minimal differences in accuracy were seen among patients with or without leukopenia. HIV-infected patients displayed low sensitivity and high specificity.Accuracy barely differed between HIV-positive and-negative patients.In HIV-infected patients, CD4 count<50 cells/μL resulted in low sensitivity and high specificity.Differences in accuracy among patients were minor,regardless of CD4 count.In patients who had undergone both quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR)and antigenemia assay,real-time PCR was slightly more accurate in terms of sensitivity than the antigenemia assay;however,this difference was not statistically significant(P=0.312). CONCLUSION:If the antigenemia test is positive,endoscopic lesions are acceptable for the diagnosis of CMVGID without biopsy.The accuracy is not affected by HIV infection and leukopenia.Either PCR or the antigenemia assay are valid.

Influence of epigallocatechin gallate on the immune function of dendritic cells after ultraviolet B irradiation

To investigate the protective effect of epigallocatechin gallate （EGCG） on the immune function of dendritic cells （DCs） after ultraviolet B irradiation （UVB） and its underlying mechanisms, the monocytes were isolated from peripheral blood and cultivated into DCs with cytokines, such as GM-CSF and IL-4. DCs were harvested after cultivation for 7 d and subjected to irradiation with different dosages of UVB. Then, 200 μg/ml of EGCG were added in certain groups immediately after irradiation. DCs simply treated with UVB or treated with both UVB and EGCG were co-cultured with lymphocytes, and MTT assay was used to detect the ability of DCs to stimulate proliferation of lymphocytes. Surface markers CDS0, CD86, HLA-DR and CD40 were detected by flow cytometry, and the levels of IL-10 and IL-12 secreted from DCs 2d h after cultivation were measured by ELISA. It was demonstrated that UVB irradiation could inhibit the ability of DCs to stimulate the proliferation of lymphocytes and surface expressions of CDS0, CD86, HLA-DR and CD40 on DCs in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibition rate of DCs was improved to some extent after treatment with 200μg/ml of EGCG. When the concentra- tion of EGCG exceeded 100 μg/ml, the enhancing effect of EGCG on the expression of the co-stimulating molecules on DCs could be demonstrated in a dose-dependent manner. UVB showed no significant influence on the secretion of IL-10 and IL-12 from DCs, while EGCG could down-regulate the secretion level of IL-12 and up-regulate that of IL-10. It is concluded that EGCG can antagonize the inhibitory effect on DCs induced by UVB irradiation. This function has some relationship with its protecting effect of the expression of the co-stimulating molecule on the surface of DCs and the secretion level of IL-10 and IL-12.

The function of T-lymphocyte subtypes of blood in patients with hyper-IgE syndrome

Objective: To study the function in cellular immunity of patients with hyper-IgE syndrome (HIE). Methods: T-lymphocyte subtypes of the peripheral blood and cutaneous delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) to two recall antigens, tetanus toxoid (TT) and purified protein derivative(PPD), were measured in 5 patients with HIE and 15 healthy controls, respectively. Results: The CD4 + cell counts in HIE group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). In contrast, CD8 + cells were significantly higher in HIE group than those in the controls. The induration sizes of DTH to two recall antigens were smaller in HIE group than those in controls (P<0.01). Conclusion: There is an immunologic dysfunction of T lymphocytes in the patients with HIE and T cells play an important role in the pathogenesis.

Acceleration of Immune Reconstitution after Bone Marrow Transplantation in Mice by Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Line Transfected with IL-6 Gene

To observe potential effect of the engineered bone marrow stromal cell line QXMSC1 secreting IL-6 (QXMSCIL-6) on accelerating immune reconstitution in syngeneic bone marrow transplantation in mice, QXMSC1 was transfected with the eukaryocytic expression vector pcDNAIL-6, which contained hIL-6 cDNA by liposome-mediated gene transfecting technique. G418-resistance clone was selected by limiting dilution. The highest secreting clone was selected by ELISA assay and used in animal experiments. The recipient mice (BALB/c) were lethally irradiated and cotransplanted syngeneic bone marrow (10 7/mice) and the QXMSC1IL-6 (5×10 5/mice). Lymphocyte proliferation induced by ConA and LPS, helper T lymphocyte precursor (HTLp), cytotoxic T lymphocyte precursor (CTLp), plaque-forming cell (PFC), delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) were examined 30, 60 days in post transplantation respectively. The results showed that lymphocytes proliferation to ConA and LPS, HTLp, CTLp increased, DTH and PFC were improved by cografted stromal cells QXMSC1IL-6 on 30, 60 days after BMT. These results demonstrated that the bone marrow stromal cell line QXMSC1IL-6 transfected with IL-6 (QXMSC1IL-6) accelerated immune reconstitution in syngeneic bone marrow transplantation.

CHANGES ON RECEPTOR EXPRESSIONAND PRODUCTION OF INTERLEUKIN-2 IN CIRCULATING LYMPHOCYTE POPULATION AFTER OPEN HEART SURGERY

To evaluate the change of perioperative cell mediated immunity after cardiac operation with cardiopul-monary bypass (CPB), so as to provide some information for timely prevention and treatment against post-operative immunological disorder, 40 patients were studied. By searching for the effects of CPB and anes-thesia, interleukln-2 receptor (IL-2R) expression upon the surface of peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC), as well as interleukin-2 (IL-2) production in vitro was traced 55 min after anesthesia, at end ofCPB, on postoperative 1, 7, and 14 day versus preanesthesia control. Our data demonstrated that expres-sion of IL-2R on PBMC was significantly suppressed in all comparing with the baseline value, meanwhile,IL-2 production in vitro also statistically dropped. However,no statistical difference was found on perioper-ative IL 2R expression and IL-2 synthesis in the cholecystectomy group. We conclude that postoperativeimmunological disorder seems to be the main factor, which could be denoted as reduced IL 2R expressionon PBMC and lL-2 synthesis in vitro for sepsis, even multiple system organ failure developed after cardiacsurgery.