Reversal of Apoptotic Resistance by Lycium barbarum Glycopeptide 3 in Aged T Cells

Objective To study whether Lycium barbarurn glycopeplide 3 （LBGP3） affects T cell apoptosis in aged mice. Methods LBGP3 was purified with DEAE cellulose and Sephadex columns. Apoptotic ＂sub-G1 peak＂ was detected by flow cytometry and DNA ladder was resolved by agarose gel electrophoresis. Levels of IFN-7 and IL-10 were measured with specific kits and mRNA expression was detected by RT-PCR. Apoptosis-related proteins of FLIP, FasL, and Bcl-2 were determined by Western blotting. Results LBGP3 was purified from Fructus Lycii water extracts and identified as a 41 kD glycopeptide. Treatment with 200 p.g/mL LBGP3 increased the apoptotic rate of T cells from aged mice and showed a similar DNA ladder pattern to that in young T cells. The reversal of apoptotic resistance was involved in down-regulating the expression of Bcl-2 and FLIP, and up-regulating the expression of FasL. Conclusion Lycium barbarum glycopeptide 3 reverses apoptotic resistance of aged T cells by modulating the expression of apoptosis-related molecules.

栀子苷调节PI3K/AKT/mTOR信号通路在动脉粥样硬化形成过程中对Th17/Treg功能的影响

目的:观察栀子苷对载脂蛋白E缺乏(ApoE^(-/-))小鼠Th17/调节性T(Treg)细胞失衡的影响及其作用机制。方法:将50只纯合子ApoE^(-/-)雌性小鼠随机分为对照组、模型组和栀子苷低剂量组、栀子苷中剂量组、栀子苷高剂量组。对照组小鼠喂养普通饲料,模型组和栀子苷组小鼠喂养高脂饲料。从第8周开始,栀子苷各剂量组每日灌胃栀子苷(25、50、100 mg/kg),连续8周。试验结束时,采用油红O染色评估主动脉及其根部动脉粥样硬化(AS)病变面积比。采用定量逆转录聚合酶链式反应(RT-PCR)分析主动脉组织肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素(IL)-6、IL-17A和IL-10 mRNA表达;采用流式细胞仪分析脾脏中Th17和Treg细胞百分比;蛋白免疫印迹法(Western Blot)检测主动脉组织磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶(PI3K)/蛋白激酶B(AKT)/哺乳动物雷帕霉素靶蛋白(mTOR)信号通路相关蛋白表达。结果:油红O染色病变显示,栀子苷中剂量组、栀子苷高剂量组病变百分比低于模型组(P<0.05)。与对照组比较,模型组主动脉TNF-α、IL-6和IL-17A mRNA表达水平升高(P<0.05);栀子苷各剂量组主动脉TNF-α、IL-6和IL-17A mRNA表达水平降低(P<0.05)。与对照组比较,模型组主动脉抗炎细胞因子IL-10 mRNA表达水平降低(P<0.05);栀子苷各剂量组主动脉抗炎细胞因子IL-10 mRNA表达水平升高(P<0.05)。与对照组比较,模型组小鼠脾脏中Th17细胞百分比升高,Treg细胞百分比降低(P<0.05)。栀子苷处理恢复了AS小鼠Th17和Treg细胞的平衡。栀子苷抑制PI3K的表达及AKT和mTOR的磷酸化,MHY1485(mTOR活化剂)减弱了栀子苷对T细胞分化的影响。结论:栀子苷抗AS作用机制可能与抑制PI3K/AKT/mTOR信号引起的Treg细胞增多和Th17细胞减少有关。

The intracellular mechanism of alpha-fetoprotein promoting the proliferation of NIH 3T3 cells

AIM: The existence and properties of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) receptor on the surface of NIH 3T3 cells and the effects of AFP on cellular signal transduction pathway were investigated. METHODS: The effect of AFP on the proliferation of NIH 3T3 cells was measured by incorporation of 3H-TdR. Receptor-binding assay of 125I-AFP was performed to detect the properties of AFP receptor in NIH 3T3 cells. The influences of AFP on the [cAMP]i and the activities of protein kinase A (PKA) were determined. Western blot was used to detect the change of K-ras P21 protein expression. RESULTS: The proliferation of NIH 3T3 cells treated with 0-80 mg/L of AFP was significantly enhanced. The Scatchard analysis indicated that there were two classes of binding sites with KD of 2.722 x 10(-9)M (Bmax=12810 sites per cell) and 8.931 x 10(-8)M (Bmax=119700 sites per cell) respectively. In the presence of AFP (20 mg/L), the content of cAMP and activities of PKA were significantly elevated . The level of K-ras P21 protein was upregulated by AFP at the concentration of 20 mg/L. The monoclonal antibody against AFP could reverse the effects of AFP on the cAMP content, PKA activity and the expression of K-ras p21 gene. CONCLUSION: The effect of AFP on the cell proliferation was achieved by binding its receptor to trigger the signal transduction pathway of cAMP-PKA and alter the expression of K- ras p21 gene.

Correlation of expression of STAT3,VEGF and differentiation of Th17 cells in psoriasis vulgaris of guinea pig

Objective:To investigate the role of T help 17 cells(Th17)and STAT3-VEGF pathway in pathogenesis of psoriasis.Methods:A total of 50 cases of psoriasis guinea pigs and 20 normal guinea pigs were selected.The ratio of Th17/IL-17 cell in peripheral blood were detected by flow cytometric analysis;STAT3 and VEGF concentrations were measured hy immunohistochemistry and Western blot.Results:The expression of Th17 in peripheral blood were significantly increased in psoriasis[(1.76±0.88)%]compared with controls[(0.48±0.27)%](P<0.05).Th17 related cytokine STAT3 and VEGF were significantly increased in psoriasis compared with controls(P<0.05),and were positively correlated the expression of Th17.Conclusions:The expressions of Th17,STAT3 and VEGF are elevated in psoriasis,which suggests Th17 cells have a potential role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis by STAT3-VEGF pathway.

Dendritic cells engineered to secrete anti-Dc R3 antibody augment cytotoxic T lymphocyte response against pancreatic cancer in vitro

AIM To investigate the enhanced cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses against pancreatic cancer (PC) in vitro induced by dendritic cells (DCs) engineered to secrete anti-DcR3 monoclonal antibody (mAb). METHODS DCs, T lymphocytes and primary PC cells were obtained from PC patients. DCs were transfected with a designed humanized anti-DcR3 monoclonal antibody heavy and light chain mRNA and/or total tumor RNA (DC-tumor-anti-DcR3 RNA or DC-total tumor RNA) by using electroporation technology. The identification, concentration and function of anti-DcR3 mAb secreted by DC-tumor-anti-DcR3 RNA were determined by western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. After co-culturing of autologous isolated PC cells with target DCs, the effects of secreting anti-DcR3 mAb on RNA-DCs' viability and apoptosis were assessed by MTT assay and flow cytometry. Analysis of enhanced antigen-specific immune response against PC induced by anti-DcR3 mAb secreting DCs was performed using a Cr-51 releasing test. T cell responses induced by RNAloaded DCs were analyzed by measuring cytokine levels, including IFN-gamma, IL-10, IL4, TNF-alpha and IL-12. RESULTS The anti-DcR3 mAb secreted by DCs reacted with recombinant human DcR3 protein and generated a band with 35 kDa molecular weight. The secreting mAb was transient, peaking at 24 h and becoming undetectable after 72 h. After co-incubation with DCtumor- anti-DcR3 RNA for designated times, the DcR3 level in the supernatant of autologous PC cells was significantly down-regulated (P < 0.05). DCs secreting anti-DcR3 mAb could improve cell viability and slow down the apoptosis of RNA-loaded DCs, compared with DC-total tumor RNA (P < 0.01). The anti-DcR3 mAb secreted by DC-tumor-anti-DcR3 RNA could enhance the induction of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) activity toward RNA-transfected DCs, primary tumor cells, and PC cell lines, compared with CTLs stimulated by DC-total tumor RNA or control group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the antigen-specific CTL responses were MHC class I-restricted. The CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells incubated with anti-DcR3 mAb secreting DCs could produce extremely higher level IFN-gamma and lower level IL4 than those incubated with DC-total tumor RNA or controls (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION DCs engineered to secrete anti-DcR3 antibody can augment CTL responses against PC in vitro, and the immune-enhancing effects may be partly due to their capability of down-regulating DC apoptosis and adjusting the Th1/Th2 cytokine network.

Analysis of CD4^+CD25^+ Regulatory T Cells and Foxp3 mRNA in the Peripheral Blood of Patients with Asthma

The changes of CD4^＋CD25^＋ regulatory T cells （CD4^＋CD25^＋ Treg） and Foxp3 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells （PBMCs） from patients with asthma were investigated in order to elucidate the possible roles of CD4^＋CD25^＋ Treg in the development of asthma. The peripheral blood samples were collected from 29 healthy controls （normal control group） and 78 patients with asthma which included 30 patients in exacerbation group, 25 patients in persistent group, and 23 patients in remission group. By using flow cytometry and RT-PCR, the CD4^＋CD25^＋ Treg ratio and Foxp3 mRNA in PBMCs were detected. The CD4^＋CD25^＋ Treg ratio and Foxp3 mRNA in PBMCs of exacerbation and persistent groups were lower than that of remission and normal control groups （P〈0.05）. Although the CD4^＋CD25^＋ Treg ratio and Foxp3 mRNA of remission group were also lower than that of normal control group, there was no significant difference between them （P〉0.05）. As compared with persistent group, exacerbation group had lower CD4^＋CD25^＋ Treg ratio and Foxp3 mRNA （P〈0.05）. It was indicated that the decrease of CD4^＋CD25^＋ Treg ratio and its function in PBMCs may be responsible for pathogenesis of asthma.

All-transRetinoic Acid Regulates Th1/Th2 Balance in CD4+T cells When GATA-3 is Deficient

The essential effect of vitamin A on immune function occurs through various mechanisms including direct effect on ThloTh2 balance modulation. However, it is unclear whether or not vitamin A can regulate Thl-Th2 balance under a strong Thl-polarizing condition. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to examine the effect of vitamin A metabolite allotrans retinoic acid （ATRA） on ThloTh2 differentiation in CD4~ T cells under GATA-3 deficiency, which can induce Thl-polarizing condition. In the present study, GATA-3 deficiency T cells were induced by siRNA and checked by real-time quantitative PCR and western blot. GATA-3 deficiency CD4＋ T cells and normal CD4＋ T were treated for 48 h with or without ATRA.

Probiotic Mixture VSL#3 Alleviates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-induced Colitis in Mice by Downregulating T Follicular Helper Cells

Clinical trials have shown beneficial effects of probiotics on inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), although the exact mechanism remains unknown. VSL#3, a mixture of 8 probiotic bacteria, has been confirmed to have adjunctive therapeutic effects on colitis. T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, a new separate subset of CD4+ T helper cells, have been proved to play a vital role in autoimmunity. The present study aimed to identify the beneficial effect of the probiotic mixture VSL#3 on the mouse model of colitis by regulating Tfh cells. Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was used to induce chronic colitis in C57BL/6 mice. VSL#3 (3x109 live bacteria) was given to C57BL/6 mice every other day for 60 days by gavage. The disease activity index (DAI), histological activity index (HAI), colon length and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were detected. Immunofluorescence was used to visualize the location of Tfh cells. Immunoglobulins, Tfh cells and plasma cells were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), flow cytometry, real-time PCR or Western blotting. The results showed that after DSS treatment, the humoral immunity was disordered in C57BL/6 mice, with increased IgM, IgG and IgA levels in colonic mucus and increased Tfh cells in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN). VSL#3 treatment showed anti-inflammatory effects as evidenced by reduced DAI score, HAI score and MPO activity. IgM, IgG and IgA levels were significantly reduced in colon mucus, and the number of Tfh cells was markedly decreased in MLN after VSL#3 treatment. It was concluded that VSL#3 alleviates DSS-induced colitis by downregulating Tfh cells, and Tfh cells may become a potential therapeutic target for IBD.

Inhibition of allogeneic T-cell response by Kupffer cells expressing indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase

AIM:To explore the possibility and mechanism of inhibiting allogeneic T-cell responses by Kupffer cells (KC)pretreated with interferon-γ(IFN-γ)in vitro. METHODS:The expressions of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase(IDO)mRNA and FasL mRNA in KC pretreated with IFN-γwere studied with real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR).The catabolism of tryptophan by IDO from KC was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography.Allogeneic T-cell response was used to confirm the inhibition of KC in vitro.The proliferation of lymphocytes was detected using[ 3 H]thymidine incorporation.Cell cycle and lymphocyte apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometric assay. RESULTS:Real-time PCR revealed IDO mRNA and FasL mRNA expressions in KC pretreated with IFN-γ,and IDO catabolic effect was confirmed by a decrease in tryptophan and increase in kynurenine concentration. KC expressing IDO and FasL in BABL/c mice acquired the ability to suppress the proliferation of T-cells from C57BL/6,which could be blocked by addition of 1-methyl-tryptophan and anti-FasL antibody.KC expressing IDO could induce allogeneic T-cell apoptosisCONCLUSION:In addition to Fas/FasL pathway,IDO may be another mechanism for KC to induce immune tolerance.

Reduction of natural regulatory T cells in thymomas accompanying myasthenia gravis and its possible association with Foxp3 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin

Objective: To investigate the expression of both thymic regulatory T cells (CD4+CD25+Foxp3+cells, Treg) and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) in thymomas accompanying myasthenia gravis. Methods: We used immunohistochemistry and real-time reverse trancription polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR) techniques to determine Foxp3+ Treg counts and the expression levels of Foxp3 mRNA and TSLP mRNA in thymomas of 23 MG patients and thymuses of 4 healthy controls. Results: The CD4+ Foxp3+ nTreg (natural regulatory T cells) counts in thymomas were significantly lower than those in normal thymuses (P<0.01), and the expression levels of Foxp3 mRNA and TSLP mRNA were also lower in thymomas(P<0.01). Among the thymoma types, type B1 thymoma had the highest Foxp3+ nTreg count and standard values of Foxp3 mRNA and TSLP mRNA. There was a strong positive correlation between the mRNA transcriptional levels of Foxp3 and TSLP. Conclusion: The insufficient expression of Foxp3 in thymoma, which may be caused by decreased transcription of TSLP, may result in the reduction of Tregs and cause autoimmune disorders.

Differentially expressed genes and signalling pathways are involved in mouse osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells exposed to 17-β estradiol

Oestrogen is essential for maintaining bone mass, and it has been demonstrated to induce osteoblast proliferation and bone formation.In this study, complementary DNA（cDNA） microarrays were used to identify and study the expression of novel genes that may be involved in MC3T3-E1 cells’ response to 17-b estradiol. MC3T3-E1 cells were inoculated in minimum essential media alpha（a-MEM）cell culture supplemented with 17-b estradiol at different concentrations and for different time periods. MC3T3-E1 cells treated with1028mol？L2117-b estradiol for 5 days exhibited the highest proliferation and alkaline phosphatase（ALP） activity; thus, this group was chosen for microarray analysis. The harvested RNA was used for microarray hybridisation and subsequent real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction（RT-PCR） to validate the expression levels for selected genes. The microarray results were analysed using both functional and pathway analysis. In this study, microarray analysis detected 5 403 differentially expressed genes,of which 1 996 genes were upregulated and 3 407 genes were downregulated, 1 553 different functional classifications were identified by gene ontology（GO） analysis and 53 different pathways were involved based on pathway analysis. Among the differentially expressed genes, a portion not previously reported to be associated with the osteoblast response to oestrogen was identified. These findings clearly demonstrate that the expression of genes related to osteoblast proliferation, cell differentiation, collagens and transforming growth factor beta（TGF-b）-related cytokines increases, while the expression of genes related to apoptosis and osteoclast differentiation decreases, following the exposure of MC3T3-E1 cells to a-MEM supplemented with 17-b estradiol. Microarray analysis with functional gene classification is critical for a complete understanding of complementary intracellular processes. This microarray analysis provides large-scale gene expression data that require further confirmatory studies.

Increase of CD4^+CD25^+ T cells in Smad3^(-/-) mice

AIM： To investigate the changes of lymphocyte subpopulations, especially CD4^＋CD25^ T regulatory cells in Smad3^-/- mice. METHODS： Hematological changes and changes of lymphocyte subpopulations were detected in Smad3＂/- mice using cell counter and flow cytometry, respectively, and compared to their littermate controls. RESULTS： The numbers of neutrophils and lymphocytes in peripheral blood were significantly increased in Smad3^-/- mice compared to littermate controls. CD19^＋ expressing cells in blood and spleen, and CD8^＋ T cells in thymus were all markedly decreased in Smad3^-/- mice. More important, Smad3^-/- mice had an increased population of CD4^＋CD25^＋ T cells in peripheral lymphoid tissues, including thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes. CONCLUSION： These observations suggest that the changes of lymphocyte subpopulations might play a role in susceptibility to inflammation of Smad3^-/- mice.

IL-7的诱导表达增强靶向GPC3 CAR-T细胞的增殖及体外抗肿瘤活性

目的:探讨IL-7的诱导表达对靶向磷脂酰肌醇蛋白聚糖3(GPC3)嵌合抗原受体基因修饰T淋巴细胞(CAR-T细胞)的增殖和体外抗肿瘤活性的影响。方法:通过无缝克隆将GPC3 CAR序列片段插入GV400载体的Bam HⅠ/Eco RⅠ位置,构建第二代CAR慢病毒载体GPC3-BBZ及GPC3-BBZ-NFAT-IL-7,以293T细胞包装相应的慢病毒载体后,感染人T细胞制备CAR-T细胞。实验分为未转导T细胞(NT)组、GPC3-BBZ CAR-T细胞组、GPC3-BBZ-NFAT-IL-7 CAR-T细胞组。采用流式细胞术检测各组CAR-T细胞中CAR的表达水平,qPCR法检测经GPC3蛋白激活的CAR-T细胞中IL-7 m RNA的表达水平,细胞计数法检测CAR-T细胞在GPC3抗原刺激下的增殖能力,ELISA检测CAR-T细胞在受到肿瘤细胞刺激后IL-7、IFN-γ和TNF-α的分泌水平。应用实时细胞分析(RTCA)技术检测CAR-T细胞对人肝癌Huh-7细胞的杀伤作用。结果:成功构建慢病毒载体GPC3-BBZ和GPC3-BBZ-NFAT-IL-7,制备出靶向GPC3的CAR-T细胞。经GPC3抗原激活后,GPC3-BBZ-NFAT-IL-7 CAR-T细胞可有效表达IL-7 mRNA(P<0.01),其表现出更强的增殖能力(P<0.05)。与GPC3-BBZ CAR-T细胞相比,GPC3-BBZ-NFAT-IL-7 CAR-T细胞与GPC3阳性靶细胞Huh-7细胞共培养后,分泌更高水平的IL-7、IFN-γ和TNF-α(P<0.01或P<0.001)。RTCA结果显示,GPC3-BBZ-NFAT-IL-7 CAR-T细胞对GPC3阳性Huh-7细胞的杀伤活性显著高于GPC3-BBZ CAR-T细胞(P<0.05)。结论:成功制备可诱导表达IL-7的靶向GPC3的CAR-T细胞,IL-7的诱导表达增强靶向GPC3 CAR-T细胞的免疫活性,在体外展现出较强的肿瘤细胞杀伤能力。

Blockage of PPARδ increases the expression of inflammatory factors in 3T3-L1 cells stimulated with TNFα

Objective： To investigate the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors δ （PPARδ） in inflammatory reaction and its possible mechanism in adipocyte. Methods：Lentivirus-mediated RNA interference （RNAi） was used to block the expression of PPARδ in 3T3-L1 cells. In order to induce inflammation in 3T3-L1, cells were stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-α（TNFα, 20 ng/ml） for 4 h. The expression of PPARδ, nuclear factor κB （NFκB） and C reactive protein （CRP） were determined by Western blot analysis. Results：The expression of PPARδ was reduced by 80% after RNAi. Blockage of PPARδ promoted the expression of CRP and NFκB in cells stimulated with TNFα but had no effect on normal cells. Conclusion： PPARδ is involved in inflammatory reaction in adipocyte. Blockage of PPARδ can promote the inflammation mediated by inflammatory factors and increase the expression of NFκB and CRP in 3T3-L1 cells stimulated with TNFα.

Effect of Silencing LRIG3 Gene on the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Bladder Cancer T24 Cells

This study examined the effect of silencing LRIG3 expression on the proliferation and apoptosis of bladder cancer T24 cells and explored the role of LRIG3 in the tumorigenesis of bladder cancer. Bladder cancer T24 cells were routinely cultured and pSilencer plasmids were employed to construct LRIG3 eukaryotic expression vector of LRIG3-siRNA, i.e., pSilencer-LRIG3-siRNA. After confirmation, the vector was transfected into HEK293 cells to make a replication-deficient adenovirus, pAd-LRIG3-siRNA, which was then introduced into bladder cancer T24 cells. RT-PCR, Western- blotting were performed to detect the levels of LRIG3 mRNA and proteins. Cells number was determined by using MTT test. Hoechst33258 staining, transmission microscopy, flow cytometery were conducted to examine the cell apoptosis. Three groups included a blank control group, a negative control group （containing non-interfering plasmids） and a pAd-LRIG3-siRNA group. Our results showed that the recombinant pAd-LRIG3-siRNA was successfully transfected into the bladder cancer T24 cells. The siRNA formed by the transcription of the recombinant plasmids resulted in significantly reduced expressions of LRIG3 gene and protein and significantly decreased cell proliferation and growth in the pAd-LRIG3-siRNA group as compared with the control group （P0.01）. The siRNA also caused apoptotic changes of some cells, with the apoptosis rate being （17.69±0.75）%, which was significantly different from that of the control group （P0.01）. It was concluded that recombinant pAd-LRIG3-siRNA plasmids could effectively decrease the expression of LRIG3 mRNA and proteins and, to some extent, inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of bladder cancer T24 cells. Silencing LRIG3 gene might be a novel alternative for the treatment of bladder cancer.

<i>Trapa japonica</i>Flerov Extract Attenuates Lipid Accumulation through Downregulation of Adipogenic Transcription Factors in 3T3-L1 Cells

Obesity is a major human health problem associated with various diseases, including cardiac injury and type 2 diabetes. Trapa japonica Flerov (TJF) has been used in traditional oriental medicine to treat diabetes. In this study, we evaluated the inhibitory effect of and the mechanism underlying the effect of TJF extract on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells. The effects of TJF extract on cell viability were analyzed using a 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, and the anti-adipogenic effect was measured by oil red O staining. The expression of peroxisomal proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)γ, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α (C/EBP)α, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), adiponectin, and fatty acid binding protein (FABP)4 involved in adipogenesis was determined by western blot analysis. TJF extract effectively inhibited lipid accumulation and the expression of PPARγ and C/EBPα in 3T3-L1 cells. TJF also increased the phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC, and decreased the expression of adiponectin and FABP4. These results indicate that TJF extract exerts its anti-obesity effect through the downregulation of adipogenic transcription factors and adipogenic marker genes.

梅毒血清固定患者中NOD样受体蛋白3和Toll样受体4表达与Th1/Th2相关细胞因子的相关性研究

目的探究梅毒血清固定患者中NOD样受体蛋白3(NLRP3)、Toll样受体4(TLR4)表达与辅助性T细胞1/辅助性T细胞2(Th1/Th2)相关细胞因子的相关性。方法选取2021年2月至2022年4月川北医学院附属三台医院收治的197例梅毒患者作为研究对象。将进行驱梅治疗后血清转阴者纳入转阴组(n=88),未进行驱梅治疗者纳入梅毒组(n=45),接受驱梅治疗后血清固定者纳入固定组(n=64)。另选取同期进行体检的健康人作为对照组(n=53)。采用实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应检测外周血单个核细胞(PBMCs)中NLRP3、TLR4 mRNA相对表达水平;采用酶联免疫吸附试验法检测Th1/Th2相关细胞因子的表达水平;采用Pearson法分析TLR4、NLRP3 mRNA与Th1/Th2相关细胞因子的相关性。结果各组PBMCs中TLR4、NLRP3 mRNA表达水平比较,梅毒组>转阴组>对照组>固定组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);各组白介素(IL)-2、γ干扰素(IFN-γ)水平比较,对照组>转阴组>梅毒组>固定组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);各组IL-1β、IL-4、IL-10及IL-18水平比较,对照组<转阴组<梅毒组<固定组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);梅毒血清固定患者TLR4、NLRP3 mRNA表达与IFN-γ、IL-2呈正相关,与IL-1β、IL-4、IL-10、IL-18呈负相关(P<0.05)。结论梅毒血清固定患者NLRP3、TLR4 mRNA表达水平显著降低,且与Th1/Th2相关细胞因子密切相关。

附子理中汤联合骨髓间充质干细胞调控变应性鼻炎大鼠鼻黏膜T-bet和GATA3 mRNA表达的研究

目的研究附子理中汤联合骨髓间充质干细胞(MSCs)对变应性鼻炎大鼠鼻黏膜T盒转录因子(T-bet)、锌指蛋白3(GATA3)mRNA表达的影响。方法将40只雄性SD大鼠随机分为5组,每组8只。对照组大鼠不造模、不干预;模型组、MSCs组、附子理中汤组、附子理中汤+MSCs组大鼠均进行变应性鼻炎造模,其中模型组造模后不治疗,MSCs组造模后给予骨髓MSCs尾静脉注射1次,附子理中汤组造模后给予附子理中汤连续灌胃14 d,附子理中汤+MSCs组造模后给予骨髓MSCs尾静脉注射1次和附子理中汤连续灌胃14 d。比较各组大鼠干预前后的行为学积分;干预结束后ELISA法检测鼻腔灌洗液中白细胞介素-4(IL-4)、白细胞介素-13(IL-13)、干扰素-γ(IFN-γ)水平,qRT-PCR法检测鼻黏膜组织中T-bet和GATA3 mRNA表达情况。结果MSCs组、附子理中汤组和附子理中汤+MSCs组大鼠干预后行为学积分均明显低于干预前及模型组(P均<0.05),且附子理中汤+MSCs组大鼠干预后行为学积分均明显低于MSCs组和附子理中汤组(P均<0.05)。与对照组比较,模型组大鼠鼻腔灌洗液中IL-4、IL-13水平和鼻黏膜组织中GATA3 mRNA相对表达量均明显升高(P均<0.05),鼻腔灌洗液中IFN-γ水平和鼻黏膜组织中T-bet mRNA相对表达量均明显降低(P均<0.05)。与模型组比较,MSCs组、附子理中汤组和附子理中汤+MSCs组大鼠鼻腔灌洗液中IL-4、IL-13水平和鼻黏膜组织中GATA3 mRNA相对表达量均明显降低(P均<0.05),附子理中汤组和附子理中汤+MSCs组大鼠鼻腔灌洗液中IFN-γ水平和鼻黏膜组织中T-bet mRNA相对表达量均明显升高(P均<0.05),MSCs组大鼠鼻腔灌洗液中IFN-γ水平和鼻黏膜组织中T-bet mRNA相对表达量均无明显变化(P均>0.05);且附子理中汤+MSCs组大鼠鼻腔灌洗液中IL-4、IL-13水平和鼻黏膜组织中GATA3 mRNA相对表达量均明显低于MSCs组(P均<0.05),鼻腔灌洗液中IFN-γ水平和鼻黏膜组织中T-bet mRNA相对表达量均明显高于MSCs组(P均<0.05)。结论附子理中汤联合骨髓MSCs能上调T-bet mRNA和下调GATA3 mRNA表达,进而调节Th1/Th2细胞的平衡,抑制炎症反应,改善变应性鼻炎症状。

Cell transformation as aberrant differentiation: Environmentally dependent sportaneous transformation of NIH 3T3 cells

NIH 3T3 cells, a mouse fibroblast cell line used as routine target cells for transfection experiments, undergo spontaneous transformation in our experiments after they form a confluent sheet in medium containing fetal bovina serum (FBS) or lower coneentrafcion of calf serum (CS). The transformation takes the form of foci of multiplying cells among the surrounding cells which have stopped cell division. However, no focus of transformed cells could be seen in medium containing high concentration (10%) of OS. Further experiments indicated that the frequency of transformation is highly dependent on the concentration of serum and the transformation in OS is changeable when the cells are passaged in FBS. 8H-thymidine autoradiography has been proved to be a sensitive measurement indicator for foous formation. Our results suggest that the high frequency of transformation and its dependence on confmenoy as well as on medium composition are characteristics of cell differentiation rather than mutation. The role of the NIH 3T3 cell line as a cancer-initiated cell population and its accelerated transformation by rat oncogene might be considered as a form of tumor promotion is discussed.

Immunotherapy of rat glioma without accumulation of CD4^+CD25^+FOXP3^+ regulatory T cells

Immunotherapy may be used for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme; however, the induced immune response is inadequate when either T cells or dendritic cells are used alone. In this study we established a novel vaccine procedure in rats, using dendritic cells pulsed with C6 tumor cell lysates in combination with adoptive transfer of T lymphocytes from syngenic donors. On day 21 after tumor inoculation, all the rats were sacrificed, the brains were harvested for calculation of glioma volume, cytolytic T lymphocyte responses were measured by cytotoxic assay, and the frequency of regulatory T lymphocytes （CD4＋CD25~FOXP3~） in the peripheral blood was investigated by flow cytometric analysis. The survival rate of rats bearing C6 glioma was observed. Results showed that the co-immunization strategy had significant anti-tumor potential against the pre-established C6 glioma, and induced a strong cytolytic T lymphocyte response in rats. The frequency of peripheral blood CD4＊CD25＊FOXP3＊ regulatory T lymphocytes was significantly decreased following the combination therapy, and the rats survived for a longer period. Experimental findings indicate that the combined immunotherapy of glioma cell lysate-pulsed dendritic cell vaccination following adoptive transfer of T cells can effectively inhibit the growth of gliomas in rats, boost anti-tumor immunity and produce a sustained immune response while avoiding the accumulation of CD4＋CD25＋FOXP3＋ regulatory r lymphocytes.