To get recombinant antigen (Is/et Cell Autoantigen 69)ICA69 which was expressed in Escherichia coli strains (E.coli) by means of the gene engineering technique so that it can be used for early diagnosis of and screeni...To get recombinant antigen (Is/et Cell Autoantigen 69)ICA69 which was expressed in Escherichia coli strains (E.coli) by means of the gene engineering technique so that it can be used for early diagnosis of and screening in type Ⅰ diabetes mellitus, the cDNA fragment of human ICA69 was amplified by PCR, and then cloned into pSPORT 1 vector. After DNA sequencing, it was inserted into pGEX-2T between the sites of EcoR Ⅰ and Sma Ⅰ, then recombinant plasmid p2T-ICA69 was constructed and introduced into E.coli. The GST-ICA69 fusion protein was expressed by the induction of IPTG. The recombinant ICA69 proteins were used to detect the antibodies against hICA69 in 100 healthy subjects and type Ⅰ diabetic serum by the use of indirect ELISA. The sequence analysis showed that the amplified fragments contained 1449 bp, encoded 483 amino acids, and had been correctly inserted into pGEX-2T vector. The recombinant proteins expressed in the prokaryotic cells had immunogenicity and could be used to detect antibodies against ICA69 in type Ⅰ diabetic serum. Finally it can be concluded in this paper that the expression products obtained by the method of gene engineering are recombinant ICA69 antigen and may be used to improve the forecast rate and the diagnostic rate of type Ⅰ diabetes in combination with other tests.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the adjunct anticancer effect of Astragalus polysaccharides in H22 tumor-bearing mice.METHODS:To establish a solid tumor model,5.0 × 10 6 /mL H22 hepatoma cells were inoculated subcutaneously i...AIM:To investigate the adjunct anticancer effect of Astragalus polysaccharides in H22 tumor-bearing mice.METHODS:To establish a solid tumor model,5.0 × 10 6 /mL H22 hepatoma cells were inoculated subcutaneously into the right armpit region of Kunming mice(6-12 wk old,18-22 g).When the tumors reached a size of 100 mm 3,the animals were treated as indicated,and the mice were randomly assigned to seven groups(n = 10 each).After ten days of treatment,blood samples were collected from mouse eyes,and serum was harvested by centrifugation.Mice were sacrificed,and the whole body,tumor,spleen and thymus were weighed immediately.The rate of tumor inhibition and organ indexes were calculated.The expression levels of serum cytokines,P-glycoprotein(P-GP) and multidrug resistance(MDR) 1 mRNA in tumor tissues were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,Western blotting,and quantitative myeloid-derived suppressor cells reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction,respectively.RESULTS:The tumor inhibition rates in the treatment groups of Adriamycin(ADM) + Astragalus polysaccharides(APS)(50 mg/kg),ADM + APS(100 mg/kg),and ADM + APS(200 mg/kg) were significantly higher than in the ADM group(72.88% vs 60.36%,P = 0.013;73.40% vs 60.36%,P = 0.010;77.57% vs 60.36%,P = 0.001).The spleen indexes of the above groups were also significantly higher than in the ADM group(0.65 ± 0.22 vs 0.39 ± 0.17,P = 0.023;0.62 ± 0.34 vs 0.39 ± 0.17,P = 0.022;0.67 ± 0.20 vs 0.39 ± 0.17,P = 0.012),and the thymus indexes of the ADM + APS(100 mg/kg) and ADM + APS(200 mg/kg) groups were significantly higher than in the ADM group(0.20 ± 0.06 vs 0.13 ± 0.04,P = 0.029;0.47 ± 0.12 vs 0.13 ± 0.04,P = 0.000).APS was found to exert a synergistic antitumor effect with ADM and to alleviate the decrease in the sizes of the spleen and thymus induced by AMD.The expression of interleukin-1α(IL-1α),IL-2,IL-6,and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) was significantly higher in the ADM + APS(50 mg/kg),ADM + APS(100 mg/kg) and ADM + APS(200 mg/kg) groups than in the ADM group;and IL-10 was significantly lower in the above groups than in the ADM group.APS could increase IL-1α,IL-2,IL-6,and TNF-α expression and decrease IL-10 levels.Compared with the ADM group,APS treatment at a dose of 50-200 mg/kg could downregulate MDR1 mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner(0.48 ± 0.13 vs 4.26 ± 1.51,P = 0.000;0.36 ± 0.03 vs 4.26 ± 1.51,P = 0.000;0.21 ± 0.04 vs 4.26 ± 1.51,P = 0.000).The expression level of P-GP was significantly lower in the ADM + APS(200 mg/kg) group than in the ADM group(137.35 ± 9.20 mg/kg vs 282.19 ± 20.54 mg/kg,P = 0.023).CONCLUSION:APS exerts a synergistic anti-tumor effect with ADM in H22 tumor-bearing mice.This may be related to its ability to enhance the expression of IL1α,IL-2,IL-6,and TNF-α,decrease IL-10,and downregulate MDR1 mRNA and P-GP expression levels.展开更多
AIM:To evaluate the effect of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection on liver metastasis of colorectal cancer.METHODS:A total of 1298 colorectal cancer patients were recruited from January 2001 to March 2005 in this study....AIM:To evaluate the effect of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection on liver metastasis of colorectal cancer.METHODS:A total of 1298 colorectal cancer patients were recruited from January 2001 to March 2005 in this study.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to test serum HBV markers for colorectal cancer.Patients were divided into study (infection) group and control (non-infection) group.Clinical features of patients in two groups were compared.RESULTS:Liver metastasis was found in 319 out of the 1298 colorectal cancer patients.The incidence of liver metastasis was significantly lower in study group than in control group (14.2% vs 28.2%,P < 0.01).HBV infection significantly decreased the risk of liver metastasis [hazard ratio (HR):0.50,95% confidence interval (95% CI):0.38-0.66],but the incidence of extrahepatic metastasis was significantly higher in study group than in control group (31.9% vs 17.0%,P < 0.01).The HR was the lowest in chronic hepatitis B group (HR:0.29,95% CI:0.12-0.72).The number of liver metastatic lesions was significantly less in study group than in control group with a higher surgical resection rate.However,no significant difference was found in survival rate between the two groups (P=0.95).CONCLUSION:HBV infection decreases the risk of liver metastasis in patients with colorectal cancer and elevates the surgical resection rate of liver metastatic lesions.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the apoptotic activities of casticin in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) cells and its molecular mechanisms.METHODS:PLC/PRF/5 and Hep G2 cell lines were cultured in vitro and the inhibitory effect of c...AIM:To investigate the apoptotic activities of casticin in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) cells and its molecular mechanisms.METHODS:PLC/PRF/5 and Hep G2 cell lines were cultured in vitro and the inhibitory effect of casticin on the growth of cells was detected by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolim bromide(MTT) assay.The apoptotic cell death was examined using the cell apoptosis enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) detection kit,flow cytometry(FCM) after propidium iodide(PI) staining and DNA agarose gel electrophoresis.The caspase activities were measured using ELISA.Reactive oxygen species(ROS) production was evaluated by FCM after dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate(DCFH-DA) probe labeling.Intracellular glutathione(GSH) content was measured using a glutathione assay kit.The expression of death receptor(DR)4 and DR5 proteins was analyzed by Western blotting and FCM.RESULTS:Casticin significantly inhibited the growth of human HCC(PLC/PRF/5 and Hep G2) cells in a dosedependent manner(P < 0.05).Casticin increased the percentage of the sub-G1 population in HCC cells in a concentration-dependent manner.The potency of casticin to PLC/PRF/5 cells was higher than that of 5-flurouracil(26.8% ± 4.8% vs 17.4% ± 5.1%) at 10 μmol/L for 24 h.Casticin increased the levels of Histone/DNA fragmentation and the levels of active caspase-3,-8 and-9 in a concentration-dependent manner(P < 0.05).Treatment with 30 μmol/L casticin for 24 h resulted in the formation of a DNA ladder.Casticin reduced the GSH content(P < 0.05),but did not affect the level of intracellular ROS in PLC/PRF/5 and Hep G2 cells.The thiol antioxidants,acetylcysteine(NAC) and GSH restored GSH content and attenuated casticin-induced apoptosis.In contrast,the nonthiol antioxidants,butylated hydroxyanisole and mannitol failed to do so.In the HCC cells treated with casticin for 24 h,DR5 protein level was increased.The expression of DR5 protein induced by casticin was inhibited by NAC.Pretreatment with DR5/Fc chimera protein,a blocking antibody,effectively attenuated the induction of apoptosis by casticin.CONCLUSION:Casticin-induced apoptosis of HCC cells is involved in GSH depletion and DR5 upregulation.展开更多
AIM:To explore the role of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein during liver fibrogenesis and investigate the functional effects of HMGB1 gene silencing in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) using siRNA.METHODS:Hepati...AIM:To explore the role of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein during liver fibrogenesis and investigate the functional effects of HMGB1 gene silencing in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) using siRNA.METHODS:Hepatic fibrosis in rats was induced through serial subcutaneous injections of dimethylnitrosamine,and expression of HMGB1 was detected by immunohistochemistry.HMGB1 siRNAs were developed and transiently transfected into HSC-T6 cells using Lipofectamine 2000.HMGB1 expression was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting analysis.Expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen typesⅠand Ⅲ was evaluated by real-time PCR.Cell proliferation and the cell cycle were determined using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium method.Finally,collagen content in HSC supernatant was evaluated by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS:The results showed that HMGB1 was upregulated during liver fibrosis and that its expression was closely correlated with the deposition of collagen.siRNA molecules were successfully transfected into HSCs and induced inhibition of HMGB1 expression in a time-dependent manner.Moreover,HMGB1 siRNA treatment inhibited synthesis of α-SMA and collagen types Ⅰ and Ⅲ in transfected HSCs.CONCLUSION:This study suggests a significant functional role for HMGB1 in the development of liver fibrosis.It also demonstrates that downregulation of HMGB1 expression might be a potential strategy to treat liver fibrosis.展开更多
AIM: To elucidate the molecular and cellular features responsible for the increase of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in gastric cancer. METHODS: The frequencies of CD4 + Foxp3 + Tregs and the level of transforming growth ...AIM: To elucidate the molecular and cellular features responsible for the increase of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in gastric cancer. METHODS: The frequencies of CD4 + Foxp3 + Tregs and the level of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were analyzed from 56 patients with gastric cancer byflow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay respectively. Foxp3 gene expression was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The gastric cancer microenvironment was modeled by establishing the coculture of gastric cancer cell line, MGC-803, with sorting CD4 + T cells. The normal gastric mucosa cell line, GES-1, was used as the control. The production of TGF-β1 was detected in supernatant of MGC and GES-1. The carboxyfluorescein diacetatesuccinimidyl ester (CFSE) dilution assay was performed to evaluate the proliferation characteristics of induced Tregs. Neutralizing anti-TGF-β1 antibody was added to the co-culture system for neutralization experiments. RESULTS: The level of serum TGF-β1 in gastric cancer patients (15.1 ± 5.5 ng/mL) was significantly higher than that of the genderand age-matched healthy controls (10.3 ± 3.4 ng/mL) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the higher TGF-β1 level correlated with the increased population of CD4 + Foxp3 + Tregs in advanced gastric cancer (r = 0.576, P < 0.05). A significant higher frequency of CD4 + Foxp3 + Tregs was observed in PBMCs cultured with the supernatant of MGC than GES-1 (10.6% ± 0.6% vs 8.7% ± 0.7%, P < 0.05). Moreover, using the purified CD4 + CD25 T cells, we confirmed that the increased Tregs were mainly induced from the conversation of CD4 + CD25 naive T cells, and induced Tregs were functional and able to suppress the proliferation of effector T cells. Finally, we demonstrated that gastric cancer cells induced the increased CD4 + Foxp3 + Tregs via producing TGF-β1. Gastric cancer cells upregulated the production of TGF-β1 and blockade of TGF-β1 partly abrogated Tregs phenotype. CONCLUSION: Gastric cancer cell can induce Tregs development via producing TGF-β1, by which the existence of cross-talk between the tumor and immune cells might regulate anti-tumor immune responses.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the impact of different anesthetic techniques on T-helper(Th) cell subsets in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) patients undergoing hepatectomy.METHODS:Sixty-one HCC patients who received hepatectomies ...AIM:To investigate the impact of different anesthetic techniques on T-helper(Th) cell subsets in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) patients undergoing hepatectomy.METHODS:Sixty-one HCC patients who received hepatectomies were randomized into an epidural combined general anesthesia(G + E;n = 31) or a general anesthesia(G;n = 30) group.Blood samples were obtained the morning before the operation(d0),and on the second(d2) and seventh(d7) day after the operation.Th cell contents were evaluated using flow cytometry,realtime reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS:In all 61 patients,Th1 and Th2 cell frequencies,and interferon-(IFN-) mRNA expression markedly increased on d2,compared to d0.They recovered slightly on d7,and the Th1/Th2 ratio increased markedly on d7,compared with d2.In contrast,Th17,regulatory T cell(Treg),and interleukin-17(IL-17) levels and FOXP3 mRNA expression showed no significant change on d2,and then markedly decreased on d7.Similarly,plasma IFN-concentration on d2 was much higher than that on d0,and then partly recovered on d7.As compared with the G group,in the G + E group,Th1 cell frequencies and the Th1/Th2 ratio were slightly higher on d2 and significantly higher on d7,while Th2,Th17,and Treg cell frequencies were slightly lower on d2,and significantly lower on d7.Consistently,on d7,IFN-mRNA and protein levels and the IFN-/IL-4 ratio in the G + E group were higher than those in the G group.In contrast,the IL-17 mRNA level,and IL-17 and transforming growth factor-1 concentrations in the G + E group were lower than those in the G group.CONCLUSION:G + E is superior to G in shifting the Th1/Th2 balance towards Th1,while decreasing Th17 and Treg,potentially benefiting HCC patients by promoting anti-tumor Th polarization.展开更多
Background The protective effects against reperfusion injury of cardioprotective drugs have recently been evaluated and found to be inadequate. Guanxinshutong (GXST), a combination of the traditional herb and Mongol...Background The protective effects against reperfusion injury of cardioprotective drugs have recently been evaluated and found to be inadequate. Guanxinshutong (GXST), a combination of the traditional herb and Mongolian medicine, is effective and safe in treating angina pectoris in clinical trials. We assess the cardioprotective effects of GXST against myocardial ischemia and reperfusion (MI/R) injury in rats and explore its possible mechanism. Methods Forty-five male Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into three groups: non-MlfR group (Sham, n = 15), MUR group treated with vehicle (Control, n = 15) and MI/R group treated with GXST (Drug, n = 15). MI/R was induced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) for 30 minutes, followed by 2/24 hour reperfusion in the Control and Drug groups. In the Sham group, the LAD was exposed without occlusion. GXST powder (in the Drug group) or saline (in the Control and Sham groups) were administered via direct gastric gavage from 7 day prior to surgery. Blood samples were collected from the carotid artery (10 rats each group) after 2 hours of reperfusion, to determine the levels of tumor necrosis factor-or (TNF-ct), interleukin-1 ~ (IL-113), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The animals were then sacrificed and the hearts were harvested for histopathology and western blot analysis. Infarct size was measured in the remaining five rats in each group after 24 hours reperfusion. Results GXST significantly decreased levels of TNF-ct, IL-1β, IL-6, ICAM-1, apoptosis index (AI) and infarct size. GXST also obviously inhibited nuclear factor kappa B (NF.r,B) activity when compared with the Control group (all P 〈 0.05). Conclusions GXST is effective in protecting the myocardium against MI/R injury in rats. Its possible cardioprotective mechanism involves inhibition of the inflammatory response and apoptosis following MI/R injury.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the effect of the demethylating reagent 5-aza-2'-deoxycitidine(DAC) on telomerase activity in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) cell lines,SMMC-7721 and HepG2.METHODS:The related gene expression in ...AIM:To investigate the effect of the demethylating reagent 5-aza-2'-deoxycitidine(DAC) on telomerase activity in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) cell lines,SMMC-7721 and HepG2.METHODS:The related gene expression in cell lines was examined by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analysis.The telomerase activity was examined by telomeric repeat amplification protocol-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and DNA methylation was determined by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS:The telomerase activity was significantly reduced in both cell lines treated with DAC,accompanied by downregulation of telomerase reverse transcriptase(hTERT).We also observed the effect of DAC on the methylation status of hTERT promoter and the expression of regulatory genes,such as c-myc,p15,p16,p21,E2F1,and WT1.The methylation status of hTERT promoter could be reversed in SMMC-7721 by DAC,but not in HepG2 cells.However,p16 expression could be reactivated by demethylation of its promoter,and c-Myc expression was repressed in both cell lines.Moreover,DAC could enhance the sensitivity to the chemotherapeutic agents,such as cisplatin,by induction of apoptosis of HCC cells.CONCLUSION:The DAC exerts its anti-tumor effects in HCC cells by inhibiting the telomerase activity.展开更多
AIM: To assess the prevalence and socio-demographic distribution of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Albania. METHODS: Blood samples from 410 unselected schoolboys, 666 students, 500 military personnel, 1286 c...AIM: To assess the prevalence and socio-demographic distribution of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Albania. METHODS: Blood samples from 410 unselected schoolboys, 666 students, 500 military personnel, 1286 casual blood donors, 378 voluntary blood donors and 640 pregnant women (total 3880 non-vaccinated residents of rural and metropolitan areas from all over Albania; 2354 (60.7%) male and 1526 (39.3%) female; mean age of 26.3 years) were tested during 2004-2006 for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to hepatitis B virus (anti-HBs) by ELISA. RESULTS: The HBsAg and anti-HBs prevalence were 9.5% and 28.7%, respectively. The highest HI3sAg prevalence was evident in the younger age group, such as in schoolchildren (11.8%) and the military (10.6%). Consequently, the anti-HBs prevalence increased with age, from 21.2% in schoolchildren (mean age: 15.7 years), to 36.3% in pregnant women (mean age: 26.3 years) and 29.7% in voluntary blood donors (mean age: 40.1 years). There were no significant differences between males and females. CONCLUSION: Despite the estimated two-fold reduction of HBsAg prevalence in the general population from about 18%-19% to 9.5%, Albania remains a highly endemic country (i.e. over 8% of HBsAg prevalence rate).展开更多
AIM: To isolate and identify the biological characteristics of human colon cancer stem cells (SW1116 cells) and further study their proteome. METHODS: SW1116 cells were isolated and cultured with a serum-free medi...AIM: To isolate and identify the biological characteristics of human colon cancer stem cells (SW1116 cells) and further study their proteome. METHODS: SW1116 cells were isolated and cultured with a serum-free medium (SFM). Sphere formation was assayed to observe the formation of colon cancer stem cell spheres. SW1116 cells were inoculated into a serum-containing medium for observing their differentiation characteristics. Proliferation curve and cross-resistance of SWl116 cells to different drugs were detected by MTT. Percentage of SP cells in SW1116 cells was detected with Hoechst33342 staining. Telomerase activity in SW1116cells was checked by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Expressions of stem cell relevant genes and proteins were detected by reverse transcription-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Total protein was isolated from SW1116 cells by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and differentially expressed proteins were identified by tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF). RESULTS: The isolated SW1116 cells presented as spheroid and suspension growths in SFM with a strong self-renewal, proliferation, differentiation and drug-resistance ability. The percentage of SP cells in SW1116 cells was 38.9%. The SW1116 cells co-expressed the CD133 and CD29 proteins. The telomerase activity in SW1116 cells was increased. The expressions of different stem cell relevant genes and proteins were detected. The proteomic analysis showed that the 26 protein spots were differently expressed in SW1116 cells and 10 protein spots were identified as ubiquitin fusion- degradation l-like protein, nuclear chloride channel protein, tubulin 13, Raichu404X, stratifin, F-actin cap- ping protein α-1 subunit, eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 delta isoform 2, hypothetical protein, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and guanine nucleotide binding protein 13 polypeptide 2-like 1, respectively. CONCLUSION: SW1116 cells are biologically characterized by self-renewal, proliferation and differentiation, and the differently expressed proteins in SW1116 cells may be essential for isolating cancer stem cells.展开更多
To evaluate blood concentration of melatonin and urinary excretion of its metabolite, 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (6-OHMS), in functional dyspepsia (FD). METHODS: Ninety individuals were enrolled in the study: 30 in ea...To evaluate blood concentration of melatonin and urinary excretion of its metabolite, 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (6-OHMS), in functional dyspepsia (FD). METHODS: Ninety individuals were enrolled in the study: 30 in each study group: patients with postprandial distress syndrome (PDS), epigastric pain syndrome (EPS), and controls. Blood samples were drawn at 02:00 and 09:00 h and 24-h urine collection was performed. Serum melatonin and urinary 6-OHMS concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Serum melatonin concentration at night and in the morning was significantly (P 〈 0.001) higher inPDS patients [at 02:00 h-93.3 pg/mL, quartile range (QR): 79.8-116.2; at 09.00 h-14.3 pg/mL, QR: 7.06-19.0] than in EPS (57.2 pg/mL, QR: 42.6-73.1, 8.1 pg/mL, QR: 4.2-9.3) and control patients (57.7 pg/mL, QR: 51.2-62.5; 8.1 pg/mL, QR: 5.4-10.3). A similar relationship was observed for urinary 6-OHMS excretion. Patients with severe PDS symptoms had a higher melatonin concentration than these with moderate syndromes, whereas patients with severe EPS had a lower urinary 6-OHMS excretion than patients with moderate symptoms.CONCLUSION: Evaluation of melatonin serum concentrations and 24-h urinary 6-OHMS excretion are useful methods for differential diagnosis of various clinical forms of FD.展开更多
文摘To get recombinant antigen (Is/et Cell Autoantigen 69)ICA69 which was expressed in Escherichia coli strains (E.coli) by means of the gene engineering technique so that it can be used for early diagnosis of and screening in type Ⅰ diabetes mellitus, the cDNA fragment of human ICA69 was amplified by PCR, and then cloned into pSPORT 1 vector. After DNA sequencing, it was inserted into pGEX-2T between the sites of EcoR Ⅰ and Sma Ⅰ, then recombinant plasmid p2T-ICA69 was constructed and introduced into E.coli. The GST-ICA69 fusion protein was expressed by the induction of IPTG. The recombinant ICA69 proteins were used to detect the antibodies against hICA69 in 100 healthy subjects and type Ⅰ diabetic serum by the use of indirect ELISA. The sequence analysis showed that the amplified fragments contained 1449 bp, encoded 483 amino acids, and had been correctly inserted into pGEX-2T vector. The recombinant proteins expressed in the prokaryotic cells had immunogenicity and could be used to detect antibodies against ICA69 in type Ⅰ diabetic serum. Finally it can be concluded in this paper that the expression products obtained by the method of gene engineering are recombinant ICA69 antigen and may be used to improve the forecast rate and the diagnostic rate of type Ⅰ diabetes in combination with other tests.
文摘AIM:To investigate the adjunct anticancer effect of Astragalus polysaccharides in H22 tumor-bearing mice.METHODS:To establish a solid tumor model,5.0 × 10 6 /mL H22 hepatoma cells were inoculated subcutaneously into the right armpit region of Kunming mice(6-12 wk old,18-22 g).When the tumors reached a size of 100 mm 3,the animals were treated as indicated,and the mice were randomly assigned to seven groups(n = 10 each).After ten days of treatment,blood samples were collected from mouse eyes,and serum was harvested by centrifugation.Mice were sacrificed,and the whole body,tumor,spleen and thymus were weighed immediately.The rate of tumor inhibition and organ indexes were calculated.The expression levels of serum cytokines,P-glycoprotein(P-GP) and multidrug resistance(MDR) 1 mRNA in tumor tissues were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,Western blotting,and quantitative myeloid-derived suppressor cells reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction,respectively.RESULTS:The tumor inhibition rates in the treatment groups of Adriamycin(ADM) + Astragalus polysaccharides(APS)(50 mg/kg),ADM + APS(100 mg/kg),and ADM + APS(200 mg/kg) were significantly higher than in the ADM group(72.88% vs 60.36%,P = 0.013;73.40% vs 60.36%,P = 0.010;77.57% vs 60.36%,P = 0.001).The spleen indexes of the above groups were also significantly higher than in the ADM group(0.65 ± 0.22 vs 0.39 ± 0.17,P = 0.023;0.62 ± 0.34 vs 0.39 ± 0.17,P = 0.022;0.67 ± 0.20 vs 0.39 ± 0.17,P = 0.012),and the thymus indexes of the ADM + APS(100 mg/kg) and ADM + APS(200 mg/kg) groups were significantly higher than in the ADM group(0.20 ± 0.06 vs 0.13 ± 0.04,P = 0.029;0.47 ± 0.12 vs 0.13 ± 0.04,P = 0.000).APS was found to exert a synergistic antitumor effect with ADM and to alleviate the decrease in the sizes of the spleen and thymus induced by AMD.The expression of interleukin-1α(IL-1α),IL-2,IL-6,and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) was significantly higher in the ADM + APS(50 mg/kg),ADM + APS(100 mg/kg) and ADM + APS(200 mg/kg) groups than in the ADM group;and IL-10 was significantly lower in the above groups than in the ADM group.APS could increase IL-1α,IL-2,IL-6,and TNF-α expression and decrease IL-10 levels.Compared with the ADM group,APS treatment at a dose of 50-200 mg/kg could downregulate MDR1 mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner(0.48 ± 0.13 vs 4.26 ± 1.51,P = 0.000;0.36 ± 0.03 vs 4.26 ± 1.51,P = 0.000;0.21 ± 0.04 vs 4.26 ± 1.51,P = 0.000).The expression level of P-GP was significantly lower in the ADM + APS(200 mg/kg) group than in the ADM group(137.35 ± 9.20 mg/kg vs 282.19 ± 20.54 mg/kg,P = 0.023).CONCLUSION:APS exerts a synergistic anti-tumor effect with ADM in H22 tumor-bearing mice.This may be related to its ability to enhance the expression of IL1α,IL-2,IL-6,and TNF-α,decrease IL-10,and downregulate MDR1 mRNA and P-GP expression levels.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30672408
文摘AIM:To evaluate the effect of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection on liver metastasis of colorectal cancer.METHODS:A total of 1298 colorectal cancer patients were recruited from January 2001 to March 2005 in this study.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to test serum HBV markers for colorectal cancer.Patients were divided into study (infection) group and control (non-infection) group.Clinical features of patients in two groups were compared.RESULTS:Liver metastasis was found in 319 out of the 1298 colorectal cancer patients.The incidence of liver metastasis was significantly lower in study group than in control group (14.2% vs 28.2%,P < 0.01).HBV infection significantly decreased the risk of liver metastasis [hazard ratio (HR):0.50,95% confidence interval (95% CI):0.38-0.66],but the incidence of extrahepatic metastasis was significantly higher in study group than in control group (31.9% vs 17.0%,P < 0.01).The HR was the lowest in chronic hepatitis B group (HR:0.29,95% CI:0.12-0.72).The number of liver metastatic lesions was significantly less in study group than in control group with a higher surgical resection rate.However,no significant difference was found in survival rate between the two groups (P=0.95).CONCLUSION:HBV infection decreases the risk of liver metastasis in patients with colorectal cancer and elevates the surgical resection rate of liver metastatic lesions.
基金Supported by The Scientifi c Research Project of Hunan Provincial Administration Bureau of Traditional Chinese Medicine,No. 2010081Scientific Research Project of Hunan Provincial Health Department,No. B2010-030Major Projects of Scien-tific Research of Hunan Provincial Department of Education,No. 09A054
文摘AIM:To investigate the apoptotic activities of casticin in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) cells and its molecular mechanisms.METHODS:PLC/PRF/5 and Hep G2 cell lines were cultured in vitro and the inhibitory effect of casticin on the growth of cells was detected by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolim bromide(MTT) assay.The apoptotic cell death was examined using the cell apoptosis enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) detection kit,flow cytometry(FCM) after propidium iodide(PI) staining and DNA agarose gel electrophoresis.The caspase activities were measured using ELISA.Reactive oxygen species(ROS) production was evaluated by FCM after dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate(DCFH-DA) probe labeling.Intracellular glutathione(GSH) content was measured using a glutathione assay kit.The expression of death receptor(DR)4 and DR5 proteins was analyzed by Western blotting and FCM.RESULTS:Casticin significantly inhibited the growth of human HCC(PLC/PRF/5 and Hep G2) cells in a dosedependent manner(P < 0.05).Casticin increased the percentage of the sub-G1 population in HCC cells in a concentration-dependent manner.The potency of casticin to PLC/PRF/5 cells was higher than that of 5-flurouracil(26.8% ± 4.8% vs 17.4% ± 5.1%) at 10 μmol/L for 24 h.Casticin increased the levels of Histone/DNA fragmentation and the levels of active caspase-3,-8 and-9 in a concentration-dependent manner(P < 0.05).Treatment with 30 μmol/L casticin for 24 h resulted in the formation of a DNA ladder.Casticin reduced the GSH content(P < 0.05),but did not affect the level of intracellular ROS in PLC/PRF/5 and Hep G2 cells.The thiol antioxidants,acetylcysteine(NAC) and GSH restored GSH content and attenuated casticin-induced apoptosis.In contrast,the nonthiol antioxidants,butylated hydroxyanisole and mannitol failed to do so.In the HCC cells treated with casticin for 24 h,DR5 protein level was increased.The expression of DR5 protein induced by casticin was inhibited by NAC.Pretreatment with DR5/Fc chimera protein,a blocking antibody,effectively attenuated the induction of apoptosis by casticin.CONCLUSION:Casticin-induced apoptosis of HCC cells is involved in GSH depletion and DR5 upregulation.
基金Supported by The Select and Train Outstanding Young Teach-ers Foundation of Shanghai,No.jdy08086WUJieping Experimental Diagnosis of Liver Disease Medical Foundation,No.LDWMF-SY-2011B009
文摘AIM:To explore the role of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein during liver fibrogenesis and investigate the functional effects of HMGB1 gene silencing in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) using siRNA.METHODS:Hepatic fibrosis in rats was induced through serial subcutaneous injections of dimethylnitrosamine,and expression of HMGB1 was detected by immunohistochemistry.HMGB1 siRNAs were developed and transiently transfected into HSC-T6 cells using Lipofectamine 2000.HMGB1 expression was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting analysis.Expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen typesⅠand Ⅲ was evaluated by real-time PCR.Cell proliferation and the cell cycle were determined using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium method.Finally,collagen content in HSC supernatant was evaluated by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS:The results showed that HMGB1 was upregulated during liver fibrosis and that its expression was closely correlated with the deposition of collagen.siRNA molecules were successfully transfected into HSCs and induced inhibition of HMGB1 expression in a time-dependent manner.Moreover,HMGB1 siRNA treatment inhibited synthesis of α-SMA and collagen types Ⅰ and Ⅲ in transfected HSCs.CONCLUSION:This study suggests a significant functional role for HMGB1 in the development of liver fibrosis.It also demonstrates that downregulation of HMGB1 expression might be a potential strategy to treat liver fibrosis.
基金Supported by Shanghai Municipal Natural Science Foundation, No. 10ZR1420000National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 81072009
文摘AIM: To elucidate the molecular and cellular features responsible for the increase of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in gastric cancer. METHODS: The frequencies of CD4 + Foxp3 + Tregs and the level of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were analyzed from 56 patients with gastric cancer byflow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay respectively. Foxp3 gene expression was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The gastric cancer microenvironment was modeled by establishing the coculture of gastric cancer cell line, MGC-803, with sorting CD4 + T cells. The normal gastric mucosa cell line, GES-1, was used as the control. The production of TGF-β1 was detected in supernatant of MGC and GES-1. The carboxyfluorescein diacetatesuccinimidyl ester (CFSE) dilution assay was performed to evaluate the proliferation characteristics of induced Tregs. Neutralizing anti-TGF-β1 antibody was added to the co-culture system for neutralization experiments. RESULTS: The level of serum TGF-β1 in gastric cancer patients (15.1 ± 5.5 ng/mL) was significantly higher than that of the genderand age-matched healthy controls (10.3 ± 3.4 ng/mL) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the higher TGF-β1 level correlated with the increased population of CD4 + Foxp3 + Tregs in advanced gastric cancer (r = 0.576, P < 0.05). A significant higher frequency of CD4 + Foxp3 + Tregs was observed in PBMCs cultured with the supernatant of MGC than GES-1 (10.6% ± 0.6% vs 8.7% ± 0.7%, P < 0.05). Moreover, using the purified CD4 + CD25 T cells, we confirmed that the increased Tregs were mainly induced from the conversation of CD4 + CD25 naive T cells, and induced Tregs were functional and able to suppress the proliferation of effector T cells. Finally, we demonstrated that gastric cancer cells induced the increased CD4 + Foxp3 + Tregs via producing TGF-β1. Gastric cancer cells upregulated the production of TGF-β1 and blockade of TGF-β1 partly abrogated Tregs phenotype. CONCLUSION: Gastric cancer cell can induce Tregs development via producing TGF-β1, by which the existence of cross-talk between the tumor and immune cells might regulate anti-tumor immune responses.
基金Supported by The State 863 High Technology R and D Project of China,No.2007AA02Z479National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30972949+3 种基金Shanghai Rising-Star Program, No.10QA1401300FANEDD,No.201183Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality,No.114119a4400Shanghai "Chen Guang" Project,No.11CG02
文摘AIM:To investigate the impact of different anesthetic techniques on T-helper(Th) cell subsets in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) patients undergoing hepatectomy.METHODS:Sixty-one HCC patients who received hepatectomies were randomized into an epidural combined general anesthesia(G + E;n = 31) or a general anesthesia(G;n = 30) group.Blood samples were obtained the morning before the operation(d0),and on the second(d2) and seventh(d7) day after the operation.Th cell contents were evaluated using flow cytometry,realtime reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS:In all 61 patients,Th1 and Th2 cell frequencies,and interferon-(IFN-) mRNA expression markedly increased on d2,compared to d0.They recovered slightly on d7,and the Th1/Th2 ratio increased markedly on d7,compared with d2.In contrast,Th17,regulatory T cell(Treg),and interleukin-17(IL-17) levels and FOXP3 mRNA expression showed no significant change on d2,and then markedly decreased on d7.Similarly,plasma IFN-concentration on d2 was much higher than that on d0,and then partly recovered on d7.As compared with the G group,in the G + E group,Th1 cell frequencies and the Th1/Th2 ratio were slightly higher on d2 and significantly higher on d7,while Th2,Th17,and Treg cell frequencies were slightly lower on d2,and significantly lower on d7.Consistently,on d7,IFN-mRNA and protein levels and the IFN-/IL-4 ratio in the G + E group were higher than those in the G group.In contrast,the IL-17 mRNA level,and IL-17 and transforming growth factor-1 concentrations in the G + E group were lower than those in the G group.CONCLUSION:G + E is superior to G in shifting the Th1/Th2 balance towards Th1,while decreasing Th17 and Treg,potentially benefiting HCC patients by promoting anti-tumor Th polarization.
文摘Background The protective effects against reperfusion injury of cardioprotective drugs have recently been evaluated and found to be inadequate. Guanxinshutong (GXST), a combination of the traditional herb and Mongolian medicine, is effective and safe in treating angina pectoris in clinical trials. We assess the cardioprotective effects of GXST against myocardial ischemia and reperfusion (MI/R) injury in rats and explore its possible mechanism. Methods Forty-five male Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into three groups: non-MlfR group (Sham, n = 15), MUR group treated with vehicle (Control, n = 15) and MI/R group treated with GXST (Drug, n = 15). MI/R was induced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) for 30 minutes, followed by 2/24 hour reperfusion in the Control and Drug groups. In the Sham group, the LAD was exposed without occlusion. GXST powder (in the Drug group) or saline (in the Control and Sham groups) were administered via direct gastric gavage from 7 day prior to surgery. Blood samples were collected from the carotid artery (10 rats each group) after 2 hours of reperfusion, to determine the levels of tumor necrosis factor-or (TNF-ct), interleukin-1 ~ (IL-113), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The animals were then sacrificed and the hearts were harvested for histopathology and western blot analysis. Infarct size was measured in the remaining five rats in each group after 24 hours reperfusion. Results GXST significantly decreased levels of TNF-ct, IL-1β, IL-6, ICAM-1, apoptosis index (AI) and infarct size. GXST also obviously inhibited nuclear factor kappa B (NF.r,B) activity when compared with the Control group (all P 〈 0.05). Conclusions GXST is effective in protecting the myocardium against MI/R injury in rats. Its possible cardioprotective mechanism involves inhibition of the inflammatory response and apoptosis following MI/R injury.
基金Supported by The National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30901722,30973433,81000970,81030041,31171321 and 81101622
文摘AIM:To investigate the effect of the demethylating reagent 5-aza-2'-deoxycitidine(DAC) on telomerase activity in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) cell lines,SMMC-7721 and HepG2.METHODS:The related gene expression in cell lines was examined by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analysis.The telomerase activity was examined by telomeric repeat amplification protocol-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and DNA methylation was determined by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS:The telomerase activity was significantly reduced in both cell lines treated with DAC,accompanied by downregulation of telomerase reverse transcriptase(hTERT).We also observed the effect of DAC on the methylation status of hTERT promoter and the expression of regulatory genes,such as c-myc,p15,p16,p21,E2F1,and WT1.The methylation status of hTERT promoter could be reversed in SMMC-7721 by DAC,but not in HepG2 cells.However,p16 expression could be reactivated by demethylation of its promoter,and c-Myc expression was repressed in both cell lines.Moreover,DAC could enhance the sensitivity to the chemotherapeutic agents,such as cisplatin,by induction of apoptosis of HCC cells.CONCLUSION:The DAC exerts its anti-tumor effects in HCC cells by inhibiting the telomerase activity.
文摘AIM: To assess the prevalence and socio-demographic distribution of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Albania. METHODS: Blood samples from 410 unselected schoolboys, 666 students, 500 military personnel, 1286 casual blood donors, 378 voluntary blood donors and 640 pregnant women (total 3880 non-vaccinated residents of rural and metropolitan areas from all over Albania; 2354 (60.7%) male and 1526 (39.3%) female; mean age of 26.3 years) were tested during 2004-2006 for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to hepatitis B virus (anti-HBs) by ELISA. RESULTS: The HBsAg and anti-HBs prevalence were 9.5% and 28.7%, respectively. The highest HI3sAg prevalence was evident in the younger age group, such as in schoolchildren (11.8%) and the military (10.6%). Consequently, the anti-HBs prevalence increased with age, from 21.2% in schoolchildren (mean age: 15.7 years), to 36.3% in pregnant women (mean age: 26.3 years) and 29.7% in voluntary blood donors (mean age: 40.1 years). There were no significant differences between males and females. CONCLUSION: Despite the estimated two-fold reduction of HBsAg prevalence in the general population from about 18%-19% to 9.5%, Albania remains a highly endemic country (i.e. over 8% of HBsAg prevalence rate).
基金Supported by Medical Guidance Project of Shanghai Science Committee (No. 10411961800)Youth Science Fund of Fudan University (No. 08FQ49)
文摘AIM: To isolate and identify the biological characteristics of human colon cancer stem cells (SW1116 cells) and further study their proteome. METHODS: SW1116 cells were isolated and cultured with a serum-free medium (SFM). Sphere formation was assayed to observe the formation of colon cancer stem cell spheres. SW1116 cells were inoculated into a serum-containing medium for observing their differentiation characteristics. Proliferation curve and cross-resistance of SWl116 cells to different drugs were detected by MTT. Percentage of SP cells in SW1116 cells was detected with Hoechst33342 staining. Telomerase activity in SW1116cells was checked by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Expressions of stem cell relevant genes and proteins were detected by reverse transcription-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Total protein was isolated from SW1116 cells by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and differentially expressed proteins were identified by tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF). RESULTS: The isolated SW1116 cells presented as spheroid and suspension growths in SFM with a strong self-renewal, proliferation, differentiation and drug-resistance ability. The percentage of SP cells in SW1116 cells was 38.9%. The SW1116 cells co-expressed the CD133 and CD29 proteins. The telomerase activity in SW1116 cells was increased. The expressions of different stem cell relevant genes and proteins were detected. The proteomic analysis showed that the 26 protein spots were differently expressed in SW1116 cells and 10 protein spots were identified as ubiquitin fusion- degradation l-like protein, nuclear chloride channel protein, tubulin 13, Raichu404X, stratifin, F-actin cap- ping protein α-1 subunit, eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 delta isoform 2, hypothetical protein, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and guanine nucleotide binding protein 13 polypeptide 2-like 1, respectively. CONCLUSION: SW1116 cells are biologically characterized by self-renewal, proliferation and differentiation, and the differently expressed proteins in SW1116 cells may be essential for isolating cancer stem cells.
基金Supported by The Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Poland,project NN 402481937
文摘To evaluate blood concentration of melatonin and urinary excretion of its metabolite, 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (6-OHMS), in functional dyspepsia (FD). METHODS: Ninety individuals were enrolled in the study: 30 in each study group: patients with postprandial distress syndrome (PDS), epigastric pain syndrome (EPS), and controls. Blood samples were drawn at 02:00 and 09:00 h and 24-h urine collection was performed. Serum melatonin and urinary 6-OHMS concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Serum melatonin concentration at night and in the morning was significantly (P 〈 0.001) higher inPDS patients [at 02:00 h-93.3 pg/mL, quartile range (QR): 79.8-116.2; at 09.00 h-14.3 pg/mL, QR: 7.06-19.0] than in EPS (57.2 pg/mL, QR: 42.6-73.1, 8.1 pg/mL, QR: 4.2-9.3) and control patients (57.7 pg/mL, QR: 51.2-62.5; 8.1 pg/mL, QR: 5.4-10.3). A similar relationship was observed for urinary 6-OHMS excretion. Patients with severe PDS symptoms had a higher melatonin concentration than these with moderate syndromes, whereas patients with severe EPS had a lower urinary 6-OHMS excretion than patients with moderate symptoms.CONCLUSION: Evaluation of melatonin serum concentrations and 24-h urinary 6-OHMS excretion are useful methods for differential diagnosis of various clinical forms of FD.