Ⅰ型自身免疫性肝炎患者IL28RA、PD-L1表达及与肝功能的相关性分析

目的 分析Ⅰ型自身免疫性肝炎(AIH)患者白细胞介素-28受体拮抗剂(IL28RA)、程序性细胞死亡因子配体1(PD-L1)表达及与肝功能的关系。方法 选取2018年2月—2023年3月仙桃市第一人民医院收治的Ⅰ型AIH患者85例,其中活动期53例(重度炎症组8例、中度炎症组12例和轻度炎症组33例)、缓解期32例。在超声引导下通过BARD一次性全自动活检枪实施肝穿刺活检术取得肝组织,另取同期该院收治的27例肝血管瘤患者(经手术取得肝组织)为对照组。采用ABC法测定肝组织PD-L1蛋白含量,荧光实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应检测肝组织IL28RA基因表达,比较肝功能指标[γ-谷氨酰转肽酶(γ-GT)、丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)、天冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)、总胆红素(TBIL)]水平及肝组织IL28RA、PD-L1表达,分析肝组织IL28RA、PD-L1表达与肝功能指标的相关性。结果 活动期患者IL28RA相对表达量低于缓解期患者(P <0.05),PD-L1高于缓解期患者(P <0.05)。活动期患者TBIL、AST、γ-GT、ALT水平均高于缓解期患者(P <0.05)。AIH组IL28RA基因相对表达量低于对照组(P <0.05),PD-L1蛋白含量高于对照组(P <0.05)。与缓解期患者相比,各炎症组IL28RA基因相对表达量降低(P <0.05),PD-L1、AST、ALT、TBIL、γ-GT、IgG水平均升高(P <0.05)。Ⅰ型AIH患者IL28RA表达与AST、ALT、TBIL均呈负相关(r=-0.567、-0.671和-0.549,均P=0.000);PD-L1表达与AST、ALT、TBIL、血清IgG均呈正相关(r=0.643、0.598、0.552和0.476,均P=0.000)。结论 Ⅰ型AIH患者与IL28RA、PD-L1表达及与肝功能密切相关。Ⅰ型AIH患者IL28RA表达下调,PD-L1表达上调。IL28RA表达与肝功能、肝组织炎症活动度呈负相关,PD-L1表达与肝功能、肝组织炎症活动度及血清IgG水平呈正相关。

Interleukin 6 and Bone Erosions in Rheumatoid Arthritis in an African Hospital

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, erosive and deforming inflammatory rheumatic disease. In the era of biotherapies and the arrival of biosimilars in sub-Saharan Africa, the objective of this study was to describe plasma IL-6 variations in RA patients at Cité Verte District Hospital (Cameroon). Material and Methods: Descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study from December 1, 2021 to May 31, 2022. We included patients over 18 years old suffering from RA (ACR/EULAR 2010). Patients with an infection were not included. The data collected were age, sex, smoking status, family history, disease duration, disease activity by DAS28, CRP, rheumatoid factor, and plasma level of IL-6. Bone erosion was sought on radiography and ultrasound. Result: We included 31 patients, 25 of whom were women (80.6%). The mean age was 47.27 ± 17.97 years. Disease activity was predominantly moderate (32.3%) and severe (32.3%). Mean IL-6 level was 15.29 ± 2.36 pg/ml (extremes: 11.26 pg/ml and 20.15 pg/ml). IL-6 levels were higher in patients with a history of smoking. Similarly, IL-6 levels were higher in patients with mildly active RA in remission than in moderately and severely active RA. Mean IL-6 levels were significantly higher in patients with erosive RA (16.3 pg/ml VS 14.6 pg/ml). Conclusion: IL-6 levels were significantly elevated in men, weaned smokers and patients with bone erosions.

Synergistic effect of interleukin-10-receptor variants in a case of early-onset ulcerative colitis

AIM:To investigated the molecular cause of very early-onset ulcerative colitis(UC)in an 18-mo-old affected child.METHODS:We analysed the interleukin-10(IL10)receptor genes at the DNA and RNA level in the proband and his relatives.Beta catenin and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNFα)receptors were analysed in the proteins extracted from peripheral blood cells of the proband,his relatives and familial adenomatous polyposis(FAP)and PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome(PHTS)patients.Samples were also collected from the proband’s inflamed colorectal mucosa and compared to healthy and tumour mucosa collected from a FAP patient and patients affected by sporadic colorectal cancer(CRC).Finally,we examined mesalazine and azathioprine effects on primary fibroblasts stabilised from UC and FAP patients.RESULTS:Our patient was a compound heterozygote for the IL10RB E47K polymorphism,inherited from his father,and for a novel point mutation within the IL10RA promoter(the-413G->T),inherited from his mother.Beta catenin and tumour necrosis factorαreceptors-Ⅰ(TNFRI)protein were both over-expressed in peripheral blood cells of the proband’s relatives more than the proband.However,TNFRII was over-expressed only in the proband.Finally,both TNFα-receptors were shown to be under-expressed in the inflamed colon mucosa and colorectal cancer tissue compared to healthy colon mucosa.Consistent with this observation,mesalazine and azathioprine induced,in primary fibroblasts,IL10RB and TNFRII over-expression and TNFRI and TNFαunder-expression.We suggest thatβ-catenin and TNFRI protein expression in peripheral blood cells could represent molecular markers of sub-clinical disease in apparently healthy relatives of patients with early-onset UC.CONCLUSION:A synergistic effect of several variant alleles of the IL10 receptor genes,inherited in a Mende-lian manner,is involved in UC onset in this young child.

interleukin 28B genetic polymorphism and hepatitis B virus infection

interleukin(iL)28B genetic polymorphism is significantly associated with the sustained virological response rate in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with pegylated interferon-α(PEG-iFN)plus ribavirin and with spontaneous hepatitis C virus clearance.However,a consensus on the relationship between iL28B genetic polymorphism and the favorable outcome of chronic hepatitis B virus infection defined by hepatitis B e antigen seroconversion,and/or hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance in patients treated with interferon or PEG-iFN has not been reached.Several reports failed to show a positive association,while some studies demonstrated a positive association in certain subject settings.More prospective studies including large cohorts are needed to determine the possible association between iL28B genetic polymorphism and the outcome of interferon or PEG-iFN treatment for chronic hepatitis B.

Analysis of fibronectin,fibronectin receptor and interleukin-1 in patients with cirhosis treated by Yanggan Jieyu decoction

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Interleukin 28B polymorphisms as predictor of response in hepatitis C virus genotype 2 and 3 infected patients

Single nucleotide polymorphisms near the interleukin28B(IL-28B)gene have been identified as strong predictors of both spontaneous or Peg-interferon(Peg-IFN)and ribavirin(RBV)induced clearance of hepatitis C virus(HCV).Several studies have shown that,in patients with genotype 1(GT-1),rs12979860 C/C and rs8099917T/T substitutions are associated with a more than twofold increase in sustained virological response rate to Peg-IFN and RBV treatment.Although new treatment regimens based on combination of DAA with or without IFN are in the approval phase,until combination regimens with a backbone of Peg-IFN will be used,we can expect that IL28B holds its importance.The clinical relevance of IL28B genotyping in treatment of patients infected with HCV genotype 2(GT-2)and 3(GT-3)remains controversial.Therefore,after a careful examination of the available literature,we analyzed the impact of IL28B in GT-2 and-3.Simple size of the studies and GT-2 and GT-3 proportion were discussed.An algorithm for the practical use of IL28B in these patients was suggested at the aim of optimizing treatment.

Impact of Interleukin-28B Polymorphism on Response to Treatment in Chinese Hepatitis C Patients

The candidate polymorphism rs12979860 of interleukin 28B（IL28B） gene was genotyped by means of polymerase chain reaction（PCR） amplification and direct PCR sequencing, and then the role of this single nucleotide polymorphism（SNP） in the response to the treatment of 172 Chinese patients with hepatitis C virus（HCV） chronic infection was analyzed. The results show that the frequencies of major homozygotes（CC） and heterozygotes（CT） of rs12979860 were 0.84 and 0.16, respectively, and the minor homozygotes（TT） wasn’t found in this cohort. A highly significant association was found between the CC genotype and sustained virological response（SVR） in HCV geno type 1 infected patients（P〈0.001） but not in HCV non-genotype 1 infected patients. In addition, a strong association was found between rs12979860 CC genotype and rapid virological response（RVR） in both HCV genotype 1 infected patients（P〈0.001） and non-genotype 1 infected patients（P〈0.001）. Taken together, these results indicate that IL28B polymorphism plays a key role in response to hepatitis C therapy in Chinese patients. Combine assessment of clinical predictors and the IL28B polymorphism may be beneficial to the individualized treatment decision in Asian chronic hepatitis C（CHC） patients.

Interleukin and interleukin receptor gene polymorphisms in inflammatory bowel diseases susceptibility

Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD),which includes Crohn’s disease(CD)and ulcerative colitis(UC),represents a group of chronic inflammatory disorders caused by dysregulated immune responses in genetically predisposed individuals.Genetic markers are associated with disease phenotype and long-term evolution,but their value in everyday clinical practice is limited at the moment.IBD has a clear immunological background and interleukins play key role in the process.Almost130 original papers were revised including meta-analysis.It is clear these data are very important for understanding the base of the disease,especially in terms of clinical utility and validity,but text often do not available for the doctors use these in the clinical practice nowadays.We conducted a systematic review of the current literature on interleukin and interleukin receptor gene polymorphisms associated with IBD,performing an electronic search of PubMed Database from publications of the last 10 years,and used the following medical subject heading terms and/or text words:IBD,CD,UC,interleukins and polymorphisms.

Lactobacilli inhibit interleukin-8 production induced by Helicobacter pylori lipopolysaccharide-activated Toll-like receptor 4

AIM: To investigate the effect of Lactobacillus bulgaricus (LBG) on the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway and interleukin-8 (IL-8) production in SGC-7901 cells treated with Helicobacter pyloriSydney strain 1 lipopolysaccharide (HpyloriSS1-LPS). METHODS: SGC-7901 cells were treated with Hpylori SS1-LPS in the presence or absence of pretreatment for 1 h with viable LBG or supernatant recovered from LBG culture MRS broth (LBG-S). Cellular lysates were prepared for Western blot with anti-TLR4, anti-transforming growth factor β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), anti-phospho-TAK1, anti-nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), anti-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK), and anti-phospho-p38MAPK antibodies. The amount of IL-8 in cell culture medium was measured by ELISA. RESULTS: H pylori SS1-LPS up-regulated the expression of TLR4, stimulated the phosphorylation of TAK1, subsequently enhanced the activation of NF- κB and the phosphorylation of p38MAPK in a time- dependent manner, leading to augmentation of IL-8 production in SGC-7901 cells. Viable LBG or LBG-S pretreatment attenuated the expression of TLR4, inhibited the phosphorylation of TAK1 and p38MAPK, prevented the activation of NF-κB, and consequently blocked IL-8 production.CONCLUSION: H pylori SS1-LPS induces IL-8 production through activating TLR4 signaling in SGC-7901 cells and viable LBG or LBG-S prevents H pyloriSS1-LPS-mediated IL-8 production via inhibition of the TLR4 pathway.

Interleukin-22 receptor 1 is expressed in multinucleated giant cells:A study on intestinal tuberculosis and Crohn’s disease

BACKGROUND It is challenging to distinguish intestinal tuberculosis from Crohn’s disease due to dynamic changes in epidemiology and similar clinical characteristics. Recent studies have shown that polymorphisms in genes involved in the interleukin (IL)- 23/IL-17 axis may affect intestinal mucosal immunity by affecting the differentiation of Th17 cells. AIM To investigate the specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes involved in the IL-23/IL-17 axis and possible pathways that affect susceptibility to intestinal tuberculosis and Crohn's disease. METHODS We analysed 133 patients with intestinal tuberculosis, 128 with Crohn’s disease, and 500 normal controls. DNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded specimens or whole blood. Four SNPs in the IL23/Th17 axis (IL22 rs2227473, IL1β rs1143627, TGFβ rs4803455, and IL17 rs8193036) were genotyped with TaqMan assays. The transcriptional activity levels of different genotypes of rs2227473 were detected by dual luciferase reporter gene assay. The expression of IL-22R1 in different intestinal diseases was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The A allele frequency of rs2227473 (P = 0.030, odds ratio = 0.60, 95% confidence interval: 0.37-0.95) showed an abnormal distribution between intestinal tuberculosis and healthy controls. The presence of the A allele was associated with a higher IL-22 transcriptional activity (P < 0.05). In addition, IL-22R1 was expressed in intestinal lymphoid tissues, especially under conditions of intestinal tuberculosis, and highly expressed in macrophage-derived Langhans giant cells. The results of immunohistochemistry showed that the expression of IL-22R1 in patients with Crohn's disease and intestinal tuberculosis was significantly higher than that in patients with intestinal polyps and colon cancer (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION High IL-22 expression seems to be a protective factor for intestinal tuberculosis. IL-22R1 is expressed in Langhans giant cells, suggesting that the IL-22/IL-22R1 system links adaptive and innate immunity.

Changes in soluble interleukin-2 receptor level in serum and Na^+ -K^+ -exchanging ATPase activity in semen of infertile men caused by antisperm antibody

Aim: To explore the possible mechanisms of male infertility caused by antisperm antibody (AsAb). Methods: Thesoluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) level in serum was analyzed by ELISA and Na^+ -K^+ -exchanging ATPase activi-ty in semen by phosphorus (Pi) assay. Results: The slL-2R level in serum was significantly higher and the Na^+ -K^+ -exchanging ATPase activity in semen significantly lower in AsAb positive infertile men when compared with thecontrols. Conclusion: The AsAb titer varies with the slL-2R level in serum. A decrease in Na^+ -K^+ -exchangingATPase activity in semen may play a role in male infertility caused by AsAb.

Production of interleukin-1β related to mammalian target of rapamycin/Toll-like receptor 4 signaling pathway during Aspergillus fumigatus infection of the mouse cornea

AIM：To elucidate the effect of rapamycin on regulating the production of interleukin（IL）-1β in Aspergillus fumigatus（A.fumigatus）-induced keratitis and to verify whether the expression of IL-1β in A.fumigatus keratitis is associated with the mammalian target of rapamycin（mT OR）/Toll-like receptor 4（TLR4） signaling pathway.METHODS：Fungal keratitis mouse models of susceptible C57 BL/6 mice were established using A.fumigatus.The mice were subsequently treated with rapamycin.The protein levels of p-mT OR,TLR4,and IL-1β in normal and infected corneal tissue were measured by Western blot.The TLR4 and IL-1β m RNA levels were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction（PCR）.RESULTS：In C57 BL/6 mice,rapamycin treatment decreased the clinical scores and production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine,IL-1β.The expression of TLR4,stimulated by A.fumigatus,was reduced as well when the mT OR signaling pathway was suppressed by rapamycin.CONCLUSION：Rapamycin is beneficial for the outcome of fungal keratitis and has an inhibitory effect expression of the inflammatory cytokine IL-1β.The inhibitory effect on IL-1β expression can be associated with the mT OR/TLR4 signaling pathway in A.fumigatus infection in mice.

Serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection and its relation with antiHBc

瞄准：与长期的肝炎 B (HBV ) 感染在病人调查在可溶的 interleukin-2 受体(sIL-2R ) 铺平的浆液和 anti-HBc 之间的关系。方法：从有长期的 HBV 感染和 30 健康控制的 100 个病人的血清在这研究被包括。病人被划分成组 A [HBsAg (+) ， HBeAg (+) 和 anti-HBc (+) ， n=50 ] 并且组 B [HBsAg (+) ， HBeAg (+) 和 anti-HBc (-) ， n=50 ] 。sIL-2R 层次用 ELISA 被决定。HBV DNA 和丙氨酸 aminotransferase (中高音) 也被检测。结果：浆液 sIL-2R 层次比在健康控制在有长期的 HBV 感染的病人是显著地更高的。而且，浆液 sIL-2R 层次在有比在有 HBsAg (+) ， HBeAg (+) 和 anti-HBc (-) 的病人的 HBsAg (+) ， HBeAg (+) 和 anti-HBc (+)(976.56+/-213.51x10 (3 ) U/L ) 的病人是显著地更高的(393.41+/-189.54x10 (3 ) U/L， P【0.01 ) 。一种重要关系与长期的 HBV 感染在病人在浆液 sIL-2R 和中高音层次(P【0.01 ) 之间被发现，但是在 sIL-2R 和 HBV DNA 层次之间没有关联。anti-HBc 地位是显著地与病人(P【0.01 ) 的年龄有关。结论：高 sIL-2R 水平与在长期的肝炎 B 病人的积极 anti-HBc 有关。积极 anti-HBc 可能与 T 淋巴细胞激活有关，否定 anti-HBc 可以在这些病人暗示有免疫力的忍耐。

Mudskipper interleukin-34 modulates the functions of monocytes/macrophages via the colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor 1

Interleukin-34(IL-34)is a novel cytokine that plays an important role in innate immunity and inflammatory processes by binding to the colonystimulating factor-1 receptor(CSF-1R).However,information on the function of IL-34 in fish remains limited.In the present study,we identified an IL-34 homolog from mudskippers(Boleophthalmus pectinirostris).In silico analysis showed that the mudskipper IL-34(BpIL-34)was similar to other known IL-34 variants in sequence and structure and was most closely related to an orange-spotted grouper(Epinephelus coioides)homolog.BpIL-34 transcripts were constitutively expressed in various tissues,with the highest level of expression found in the brain.Edwardsiella tarda infection significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression of BpIL-34 in the mudskipper tissues.The recombinant mature BpIL-34 peptide(rBpIL-34)was purified and used to produce anti-rBpIL-34 IgG.Western blot analysis combined with PNGase F digestion revealed that native BpIL-34 in monocytes/macrophages(MOs/MФs)was N-glycosylated.In vitro,rBpIL-34 treatment enhanced the phagocytotic and bactericidal activity of mudskipper MOs/MФs,as well as the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factorα(BpTNF-α)and BpIL-1βin these cells.Furthermore,the knockdown of mudskipper CSF-1R1(BpCSF-1R1),but not mudskipper BpCSF-1R2,significantly inhibited the rBpIL-34-mediated enhanced effect on MO/MФfunction.In conclusion,our results indicate that mudskipper BpIL-34 modulates the functions of MOs/MФs via BpCSF-1R1.

Tenascin C upregulates interleukin-6 expression in human cardiac myofibroblasts via toll-like receptor 4

AIM:To investigate the effect of Tenascin C(TNC)on the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and matrixmetalloproteinases in human cardiac myofibroblasts(CMF).METHODS:CMF were isolated and cultured from patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.Cultured cells were treated with either TNC(0.1μmol/L,24 h)or a recombinant protein corresponding to different domains of the TNC protein;fibrinogen-like globe(FBG)and fibronectin typeⅢ-like repeats(TNⅢ5-7)(both 1μmol/L,24 h).The expression of the proinflammatory cytokines;interleukin(IL)-6,IL-1β,TNFαand the matrix metalloproteinases;MMPs(MMP1,2,3,9,10,MT1-MMP)was assessed using real time RT-PCR and western blot analysis.RESULTS:TNC increased both IL-6 and MMP3(P<0.01)mR NA levels in cultured human CMF but had no significant effect on the other markers studied.The increase in IL-6 mR NA expression was mirrored by an increase in protein secretion as assessed by enzymelinked immunosorbant assay(P<0.01).Treating CMF with the recombinant protein FBG increased IL-6mR NA and protein(P<0.01)whereas the recombinant protein TNⅢ5-7 had no effect.Neither FBG nor TNⅢ5-7 had any significant effect on MMP3 expression.The expression of toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)in human CMF was confirmed by real time RT-PCR,western blot and immunohistochemistry.Pre-incubation of cells with TLR4neutralising antisera attenuated the effect of both TNC and FBG on IL-6 mR NA and protein expression.CONCLUSION:TNC up-regulates IL-6 expression in human CMF,an effect mediated through the FBG domain of TNC and via the TLR4 receptor.

Fluence of Glucosidorum Tripterygii Totorum on joint and serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Objective The current study was designed to find out the effect of Glucosidorum Tripterygii Totorum (GTT) on the serum level of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) in patient with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Method 29 patients with active AS were selected to take GTT (1mg per kg) three times a day for one year. After that, its curative effect was evaluated. The serum level of sIL-2R of these patients was measured by sandwich ELISA method and was compared with that of normal subjects. Result The serum level of sIL-2R in active AS patients was obviously higher than that of the non-active AS patients. (P<0.01). The total effective rate of GTT on AS was 89.6%, while clinical relief rate 27.6%, obvious effective rate 44.8%, effective rate 17.2% and non-effective rate 10.4%. The patients’ serum level of sIL-2R after therapy was significantly lower than that before therapy except patients with no effect. (P<0.05). Conclusion GTT has positive curative effect on active AS patients and could cause obvious decrease of the serum level of sIL-2R. The serum level of sIL-2R can be used as an important index of activity of AS and as a guide of therapy.

Expression of Interleukin-15 and Its Receptor on the Surface of Stimulated Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

Summary： Human interleukin-15 （hIL-15） is an important cytokine to activate endothelial cells and can be regulated by many other cytokines. The aim of this study is to examine the ability of interferon-γ （IFN-γ）, and tumor necrosis factor-or （TNF-α to induce the production of human interleukin-15 （hIL-15） and IL-15 receptor （IL-15Rα by human umbilical vein endothelial cells （HUVECs）. The data are summarized as follows： 1. Northern blot revealed that IL-15 mRNA was up-regulated by IFN-γ and TNF-α 2. Intracellular IL-15 protein was visualized by fluorescence microscopy, whereas the expression of IL-15 on the surface of HUVECs was detected by fluorescence activated cell sorting （FACS）, and no detectable IL-15 in the medium was verified by ELISA. 3. IL-15Rα was detected on the surface of HUVECs by FACS after IFN-α and TNF-α stimulation, whereas Western blotting revealed that the elevated expression on surface IL-15Rα was not due to the increased protein expression. The conclusion demonstrated from our results is that IFN-α and TNF-α play an important role in regulating the expression of IL-15 and IL-15Rα on the surface of HUVECs.

Effect evaluation of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist nanoparticles for mesenchymal stem cell transplantation

AIM: To study the efficacy of marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation combined with interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) for acute liver failure (ALF). METHODS: Chinese experimental miniature swine were randomly divided into four groups (n = 7), and all animals were given D-galactosamine (D-gal) to induce ALF. Group A animals were then injected with 40 mL saline via the portal vein 24 h after D-gal induction;Group B animals were injected with 2 mg/kg IL-1Ra via the ear vein 18 h, 2 d and 4 d after D-gal induction; Group C received approximately 1 × 108 green fluorescence protein (GFP)-labeled MSCs (GFP-MSCs) suspended in 40 mL normal saline via the portal vein 24 h after D-gal induction; Group D animals were injected with 2 mg/kg IL-1Ra via the ear vein 18 h after D-gal induction, MSCs transplantation was then carried out at 24 h after D-gal induction, and finally 2 mg/kg IL-1Ra was injected via the ear vein 1 d and 3 d after surgery as before. Liver function, serum inflammatory parameters and pathological changes were measured and the fate of MSCs was determined.RESULTS: The optimal efficiency of transfection (97%) was achieved at an multiplicity of infection of 80, as observed by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry (FCM). Over 90% of GFP-MSCs were identified as CD44+ CD90+ CD45-MSCs by FCM, which indicated that most GFP-MSCs retained MSCs characteristics. Biochemical assays, the levels of serum inflammatory parameters and histological results in Group D all showed a significant improvement in liver injury compared with the other groups (P < 0.05). The number of GFP-MSCs in Group D was also greater than that in Group B, and the long-term cell proliferation rate was also better in Group D than in the other groups.CONCLUSION: MSCs transplantation is useful in ALF, IL-1Ra plays an important role in alleviating the inflammatory condition, and combination therapy with MSCs transplantation and IL-1Ra is a promising treatment for ALF.

ANALYSIS OF INTERLEUKIN-1 RECEPTOR ANTAGONIST GENE POLYMORPHISM IN CHINESE PATIENTS WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Objective To identify an interaction between the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene polymorphism and risk of Al-zheimer’s disease. Methods The study included 117 healthy controls, 85 patients with Alzheimer’s disease in a Northeastern Chinese popu-lation of Han nationality. Genotypes were determined by a polymerase chain reaction amplification of the intron 2 fragment, harbouring a variable number of short tandem nucleotide sequences. Amplification products were separated on a 2% agarose gel. Results The allele 2 frequency was 27% in healthy controls, and 21% in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Thus for all-ele 2 as well as for all other alleles, genotypes, or carriage rates, no significant differences compared with controls. Conclusions No association of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene polymorphism with Alzheimer’s disease was iden-tified in this population. It is also possible that the increased risk and disease modifying effects are caused by linkage disequ-ilibrium with other genomic variants in other nearby genes.

Effects of Aprotinin on Serum Interleukin-2 and Soluble Interleukin-2 Receptor during Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Interleukin-2 and its receptor are of importance in regulating immunity responses. The changes of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) during heart valve (s) replacement operation and effects of aprotinin on them were observed. Twenty patients undergoing heart valve (s) replacement were randomly divided into two groups: control group (n=10) and apro- tinin group (n=10). In aprotinin group, 1 000 000 KIU aprotinin was given by vein injection and then 2 000 000 KIU was given as a bolus in prime. Blood samples were collected before CPB, right after CPB and on the 1st, 3rd and 7th postoperative day (POD) for serum IL-2 and sIL-2R determination. Results showed that after CPB, IL-2 was reduced and slL-2R increased. Meanwhile, serum IL-2R was lower in aprotinin group than that of control. It is concluded that the immunity depression after CPB is associated with low level of IL-2 and high level of sIL-2R and aprotinin can ameliorate the situation.