AAV2-PDE6B restores retinal structure and function in the retinal degeneration 10 mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa by promoting phototransduction and inhibiting apoptosis

Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of inherited diseases that lead to retinal degeneration and photoreceptor cell death.However,there is no effective treatment for retinitis pigmentosa caused by PDE6B mutation.Adeno-associated virus(AAV)-mediated gene therapy is a promising strategy for treating retinitis pigmentosa.The aim of this study was to explore the molecular mechanisms by which AAV2-PDE6B rescues retinal function.To do this,we injected retinal degeneration 10(rd10)mice subretinally with AAV2-PDE6B and assessed the therapeutic effects on retinal function and structure using dark-and light-adapted electroretinogram,optical coherence tomography,and immunofluorescence.Data-independent acquisition-mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis was conducted to investigate protein expression levels and pathway enrichment,and the results from this analysis were verified by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting.AAV2-PDE6B injection significantly upregulated PDE6βexpression,preserved electroretinogram responses,and preserved outer nuclear layer thickness in rd10 mice.Differentially expressed proteins between wild-type and rd10 mice were closely related to visual perception,and treating rd10 mice with AAV2-PDE6B restored differentially expressed protein expression to levels similar to those seen in wild-type mice.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome analysis showed that the differentially expressed proteins whose expression was most significantly altered by AAV2-PDE6B injection were enriched in phototransduction pathways.Furthermore,the phototransductionrelated proteins Pde6α,Rom1,Rho,Aldh1a1,and Rbp1 exhibited opposite expression patterns in rd10 mice with or without AAV2-PDE6B treatment.Finally,Bax/Bcl-2,p-ERK/ERK,and p-c-Fos/c-Fos expression levels decreased in rd10 mice following AAV2-PDE6B treatment.Our data suggest that AAV2-PDE6B-mediated gene therapy promotes phototransduction and inhibits apoptosis by inhibiting the ERK signaling pathway and upregulating Bcl-2/Bax expression in retinitis pigmentosa.

Identification of hub genes associated with Helicobacter pylori infection and type 2 diabetes mellitus:A pilot bioinformatics study

BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection is related to various extragastric diseases including type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).However,the possible mechanisms connecting H.pylori infection and T2DM remain unknown.AIM To explore potential molecular connections between H.pylori infection and T2DM.METHODS We extracted gene expression arrays from three online datasets(GSE60427,GSE27411 and GSE115601).Differentially expressed genes(DEGs)commonly present in patients with H.pylori infection and T2DM were identified.Hub genes were validated using human gastric biopsy samples.Correlations between hub genes and immune cell infiltration,miRNAs,and transcription factors(TFs)were further analyzed.RESULTS A total of 67 DEGs were commonly presented in patients with H.pylori infection and T2DM.Five significantly upregulated hub genes,including TLR4,ITGAM,C5AR1,FCER1G,and FCGR2A,were finally identified,all of which are closely related to immune cell infiltration.The gene-miRNA analysis detected 13 miRNAs with at least two gene cross-links.TF-gene interaction networks showed that TLR4 was coregulated by 26 TFs,the largest number of TFs among the 5 hub genes.CONCLUSION We identified five hub genes that may have molecular connections between H.pylori infection and T2DM.This study provides new insights into the pathogenesis of H.pylori-induced onset of T2DM.

Polymorphisms in interleukin-10 gene according to mutations of NOD2/CARD15 gene and relation to phenotype in Spanish patients with Crohn's disease

AIM： To examine the contribution of interleukin-10 （IL-10） gene polymorphisms to Crohn＇s disease （CD） phenotype, and the possible genetic epistasis between IL-10 gene polymorphisms and CARD15/NOD2 gene mutations. METHODS： A cohort of 205 Spanish unrelated patients with Crohn＇s disease recruited from a single center was studied. All patients were rigorously phenotyped and followed-up for at least 3 years （mean time, 12.5 years）. The clinical phenotype was established prior to genotyping. RESULTS： The correlation of genotype-Vienna classification groups showed that the Ueocolonic location was significantly associated with the -1082G allele in the NOD2/CARD15 mutation-positive patients （RR = 1.52, 95%CI, 1.21 to 1.91,P= 0.008）. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that the IL-10 G14 microsatellite allele in the NOD2/CARD15 mutation positive patients was associated with two risk factors, history of appendectomy （RR = 2.15, 95%CI = 1.1-4.30, P= 0.001） and smoking habit at diagnosis （RR= 1.29, 95%CI= 1.04-4.3, P= 0.04）. CONCLUSION： In Spanish population from Madrid, in CD patients carrying at least one NOD2/CARD15 mutation, the -1082G allele is assodated with ileocolonic disease and the IL-IOG14 microsatellite allele is associated with previous history of appendectomy and smoking habit at diagnosis. These data provide further molecular evidence for a genetic basis of the clinical heterogeneity of CD.

应用Minigene剪接变异体分析技术诊断PMM2基因非经典剪接位点新变异的致病性

目的:研究Minigene剪接变异体分析技术在诊断磷酸甘露糖变位酶2(PMM2)相关先天性糖基化障碍(PMM2-CDG)中的价值,探讨磷酸甘露糖变位酶2(PMM2)基因剪接位点新变异对其转录产物的影响。方法:通过对1例PMM2-CDG患儿进行高通量测序查找可能的遗传学病因,利用Minigene剪接变异体分析技术,研究PMM2基因新剪接位点变异的致病性。根据美国医学遗传学与基因组学学会(ACMG)指南,判断新变异的致病性。结果:遗传学分析发现患儿系PMM2基因母源性c.691G>A(p.Val231Met)变异和父源性c.447+5G>A变异复合杂合子。Minigene剪接变异体分析发现:变异c.447+5G>A导致PMM2基因转录产物形成r.348_447del转录本,为致病性PMM2基因变异。患儿的临床特征为皮肤巩膜黄染,血清总胆红素、非结合胆红素和总胆汁酸明显升高,白蛋白明显降低,甲胎蛋白、铁蛋白和促甲状腺素等升高,对症支持治疗效果欠佳。结论:Minigene剪接变异体分析可为PMM2-CDG确诊和家系遗传咨询提供新的分子标记物,扩展了PMM2基因变异谱,为该病的临床诊治提供新的参考依据。

Evaluating the role of interleukin-2 and interleukin-12 in pediatric patients with concurrent Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Epstein-Barr virus infections

BACKGROUND Mycoplasma pneumoniae(MP)frequently causes respiratory infections in children,whereas Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)typically presents subclinical manifestations in immunocompetent pediatric populations.The incidence of MP and EBV coinfections is often overlooked clinically,with the contributory role of EBV in pulmonary infections alongside MP remaining unclear.AIM To evaluate the serum concentrations of interleukin-2(IL-2)and interleukin-12(IL-12)in pediatric patients with MP pneumonia co-infected with EBV and assess their prognostic implications.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from patients diagnosed with MP and EBV co-infection,isolated MP infection,and a control group of healthy children,spanning from January 1,2018 to December 31,2021.Serum IL-2 and IL-12 levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Logistic regression was employed to identify factors influencing poor prognosis,while receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves evaluated the prognostic utility of serum IL-2 and IL-12 levels in co-infected patients.RESULTS The co-infection group exhibited elevated serum IL-2 and C-reactive protein(CRP)levels compared to both the MP-only and control groups,with a reverse trend observed for IL-12(P<0.05).In the poor prognosis cohort,elevated CRP and IL-2 levels,alongside prolonged fever duration,contrasted with reduced IL-12 levels(P<0.05).Logistic regression identified elevated IL-2 as an independent risk factor and high IL-12 as a protective factor for adverse outcomes(P<0.05).ROC analysis indicated that the area under the curves for IL-2,IL-12,and their combination in predicting poor prognosis were 0.815,0.895,and 0.915,respectively.CONCLUSION Elevated serum IL-2 and diminished IL-12 levels in pediatric patients with MP and EBV co-infection correlate with poorer prognosis,with combined IL-2 and IL-12 levels offering enhanced predictive accuracy.

Vanillylacetone attenuates cadmium chloride-induced hippocampal damage and memory loss through upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 gene and protein expression

Memory loss and dementia are major public health concerns with a substantial economic burden.Oxidative stress has been shown to play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of hippocampal damage-induced memory impairment.To investigate whether the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound vanillyla cetone(zingerone) can protect against hippocampal damage and memory loss induced by cadmium chloride(CdCl_(2)) administration in rats,we explo red the potential involvement of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2) signaling pathway,which is known to modulate oxidative stress and inflammation.Sixty healt hy male Wistar rats were divided into five groups:vehicle-treated(control),vanillylacetone,CdCl_(2),vanillylacetone+ CdCl_(2),vanillylacetone+ CdCl_(2)+ brusatol(a selective pharmacological N rf2inhibitor) groups.Vanillylacetone effectively attenuated CdCl_(2)-induced damage in the dental gyrus of the hippocampus and improved the memory function assessed by the Morris Water Maze test.Additionally,vanillylacetone markedly decreased the hippocampal tissue levels of inflammatory biomarkers(interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor-α,intracellular cell adhesive molecules) and apoptosis biomarkers(Bax and cleaved caspase-3).The control and CdCl_(2)-treated groups treated with va nillylacetone showed reduced generation of reactive oxygen species,decreased malondialdehyde levels,and increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione activities,along with significant elevation of nuclear Nrf2 mRNA and protein expression in hippocampal tissue.All the protective effects of vanillylacetone we re substantially blocked by the co-administration of brusatol(a selective N rf2 inhibitor).Va nillylacetone mitigated hippocampal damage and memory loss induced by CdCl_(2),at least in part, by activating the nuclear transcription factor Nrf2.Additionally,vanillylacetone exerted its potent antioxidant and antiinflammatory actions.

Association between interleukin-21 gene rs907715 polymorphism and gastric precancerous lesions in a Chinese population

BACKGROUND The single nucleotide polymorphisms of interleukin-21(IL-21)gene were confirmed to be related to various diseases,but no studies have examined the possible role of IL-21 single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)(rs907715,rs2221903,and rs12508721)in gastric precancerous lesions.AIM To explore the associations between SNPs of IL-21 gene(rs907715,rs2221903,and rs12508721)and gastric precancerous lesions in a Chinese population.METHODS Three SNPs of IL-21 were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction–ligase detection reaction in 588 cases and 290 healthy controls from May 2013 to December 2016 in northwestern China.Gastric precancerous lesions were confirmed by endoscopic examination and categorized as non-atrophic gastritis,atrophic gastritis,and intestinal metaplasia.Descriptive statistic and logistic regression were used for data analyses.RESULTS IL-21 rs907715 genotype CC and C frequencies were higher in in patients with gastric precancerous lesions than in the controls(OR=1.59,95%CI:1.06-2.38,P=0.013;OR=1.28,95%CI:1.01-2.22,P=0.044,respectively)after adjusting for confounding factors.For SNP rs907715 in intestinal metaplasia patients,significant differences between cases and controls were observed in the frequencies of genotype CC and C(OR=1.92,95%CI:1.24-2.98,P=0.004;OR=1.53,95%CI:1.04-2.24,P=0.028,respectively);for non-atrophic gastritis and atrophic gastritis patients,the CC and C genotypes showed no significant association with risk in all models.No association between either rs2221903 or rs12508721 and gastric precancerous lesions was found in the present study.In the haplotype analysis,the TC haplotype(rs907715 and rs12508721)and TT haplotype(rs2221903 and rs907715)were more frequent in the case group than control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that SNP rs907715 of IL-21 gene is associated with gastric precancerous lesions.The TC haplotype(rs907715 and rs12508721)and TT haplotype(rs2221903 and rs907715)increased the risk of gastric precancerous lesions.If confirmed,these findings will shed light on the etiology of precancerous lesions.

To Analyze the Sensitivity of RT-PCR Assays Employing S Gene Target Failure with Whole Genome Sequencing Data during Third Wave by SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant

Introduction: Omicron is a highly divergent variant of concern (VOCs) of a severe acute respiratory syndrome SARS-CoV-2. It carries a high number of mutations in its spike protein hence;it is more transmissible in the community by immune evasion mechanisms. Due to mutation within S gene, most Omicron variants have reported S gene target failure (SGTF) with some commercially available PCR kits. Such diagnostic features can be used as markers to screen Omicron. However, Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) is the only gold standard approach to confirm novel microorganisms at genetically level as similar mutations can also be found in other variants that are circulating at low frequencies worldwide. This Retrospective study is aimed to assess RT-PCR sensitivity in the detection of S gene target failure in comparison with whole genome sequencing to detect variants of Omicron. Methods: We have analysed retrospective data of SARS-CoV-2 positive RT-PCR samples for S gene target failure (SGTF) with TaqPath COVID-19 RT-PCR Combo Kit (ThermoFisher) and combined with sequencing technologies to study the emerged pattern of SARS-CoV-2 variants during third wave at the tertiary care centre, Surat. Results: From the first day of December 2021 till the end of February 2022, a total of 321,803 diagnostic RT-PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 were performed, of which 20,566 positive cases were reported at our tertiary care centre with an average cumulative positivity of 6.39% over a period of three months. In the month of December 21 samples characterized by the SGTF (70/129) were suggestive of being infected by the Omicron variant and identified as Omicron (B.1.1.529 lineage) when sequence. In the month of January, we analysed a subset of samples (n = 618) with SGTF (24%) and without SGTF (76%) with Ct values Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, it took almost more than 15 days to diagnose infection and identify pathogen by sequencing technology. In contrast to that molecular assay provided quick identification with the help of SGTF phenomenon within 5 hours of duration. This strategy helps scientists and health policymakers for the quick isolation and identification of clusters. That ultimately results in a decreased transmission of pathogen among the community.

Analysis of SMOC2 gene variants in familial and nonfamilial primary open angle glaucoma Pakistani patients

AIM:To find out the association of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine(SPARC)-related modular calcium binding 2(SMOC2)gene variants rs2255680 and rs13208776 with genotypic and phenotypic characteristics in both familial and non-familial primary open angle glaucoma(POAG)patients.METHODS:A total of 212 POAG patients,comprising 124 familial and 88 non-familial,were enrolled.For genotyping the SMOC2 variant rs2255680,amplification refractory mutation system(ARMS)-polymerase chain reaction(PCR)method and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP)were utilized for analyzing rs13208776 variant.RESULTS:The mean age of familial POAG patients was 50.92±9.12y,with 78 males and 46 females.The mean age of non-familial POAG patients was 53.14±13.44y,with 52 males and 36 females.The SMOC2 gene variant rs13208776 showed the significant association with POAG between familial and non-familial groups.The homozygous G/G variant was frequent among non-familial(60.2%)whereas the heterozygous G/A variant was more frequent in familial POAG patients(46%).There were significant differences in G/A variant between familial and non-familial glaucoma patients,and the risk was decreased to 0.53-fold in non-familial glaucoma patients[odds ratio(OR):0.53;95%confidence interval(CI):0.29-0.94;P=0.033]in codominant model.The risk was further reduced to 0.49-fold(95%CI:0.28-0.86;P=0.012)in dominant model for non-familial patients.No significant association of SMOC2 gene variant rs2255680 between familial and non-familial glaucoma patients was found in our population.The haplotype analysis showed the decreased risk for TA[OR:0.48(95%CI:0.29-0.79);P=0.004]and an increased risk for TG[OR=2.28(95%CI:1.22-4.25);P=0.01]haplotypes.CONCLUSION:Current findings show significant association of SMOC2 gene variant rs13208776 with POAG between familial and non-familial Pakistani patients.

Regulatory potential of soil available carbon,nitrogen,and functional genes on N_(2)O emissions in two upland plantation systems

Dynamic nitrification and denitrification processes are affected by changes in soil redox conditions,and they play a vital role in regulating soil N_(2)O emissions in rice-based cultivation.It is imperative to understand the influences of different upland crop planting systems on soil N_(2)O emissions.In this study,we focused on two representative rotation systems in Central China:rapeseed–rice(RR)and wheat–rice(WR).We examined the biotic and abiotic processes underlying the impacts of these upland plantings on soil N_(2)O emissions.The results revealed that during the rapeseed-cultivated seasons in the RR rotation system,the average N_(2)O emissions were 1.24±0.20 and 0.81±0.11 kg N ha^(–1)for the first and second seasons,respectively.These values were comparable to the N_(2)O emissions observed during the first and second wheat-cultivated seasons in the WR rotation system(0.98±0.25 and 0.70±0.04 kg N ha^(–1),respectively).This suggests that upland cultivation has minimal impacts on soil N_(2)O emissions in the two rotation systems.Strong positive correlations were found between N_(2)O fluxes and soil ammonium(NH_(4)^(+)),nitrate(NO_(3)^(–)),microbial biomass nitrogen(MBN),and the ratio of soil dissolved organic carbon(DOC)to NO_(3)^(–)in both RR and WR rotation systems.Moreover,the presence of the AOA-amoA and nirK genes were positively associated with soil N_(2)O fluxes in the RR and WR systems,respectively.This implies that these genes may have different potential roles in facilitating microbial N_(2)O production in various upland plantation models.By using a structural equation model,we found that soil moisture,mineral N,MBN,and the AOA-amoA gene accounted for over 50%of the effects on N_(2)O emissions in the RR rotation system.In the WR rotation system,soil moisture,mineral N,MBN,and the AOA-amoA and nirK genes had a combined impact of over 70%on N_(2)O emissions.These findings demonstrate the interactive effects of functional genes and soil factors,including soil physical characteristics,available carbon and nitrogen,and their ratio,on soil N_(2)O emissions during upland cultivation seasons under rice-upland rotations.

Sequence Analysis on Interleukin-2 Gene and Interleukin-6 Gene in a Hybrid Pig

[ Objective] To understand the functions of interteukin-2 （IL-2） and interleukin-6 （IL-6） in immune response. [ Method] Peripheral lymphocytas were isolated from a hybrid pig （ Duroc x Landrace x Shandong local pig） and stimulated with canavalin A in vitro. With total RNA as templates, the IL-2 and IL-6 cDNA were amplified by the RT-PCR and sequenced, respectively. [Result] The sequence of IL-2 gene had 100.0% nucleotide homology to the published IL-2 sequences. The sequence of IL-6 gene had 99.8% -100.0% nucleotide homology to the published IL-6 sequences, and the amino acid homology was 99.1% -100.0%. [ Conclusion] NO great variation of the IL-2 gene and IL-6 gene is observed in the hybdd pig, and these results provide a basis for research about functions of IL-2 and IL-6 protein.

Pathogenesis of chronic enteropathy associated with the SLCO2A1 gene:Hypotheses and conundrums

Chronic enteropathy associated with the SLCO2A1 gene(CEAS)is a complex gastroenterological condition characterized by multiple ulcers in the small intestine with chronic bleeding and protein loss.This review explores the potential mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of CEAS,focusing on the role of SLCO2A1-encoded prostaglandin transporter OATP2A1 and its impact on prostaglandin E2(PGE2)levels.Studies have suggested that elevated PGE2 levels contribute to mucosal damage,inflammation,and disruption of the intestinal barrier.The effects of PGE2 on macrophage activation and Maxi-Cl channel functionality,as well as its interaction with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs play crucial roles in the progression of CEAS.Understanding the balance between its protective and pro-inflammatory effects and the complex interactions within the gastrointestinal tract can shed light on potential therapeutic targets for CEAS and guide the development of novel,targeted therapies.

Transglutaminase 2 serves as a pathogenic hub gene of KRAS mutant colon cancer based on integrated analysis

BACKGROUND Colon cancer is acknowledged as one of the most common malignancies worldwide,ranking third in United States regarding incidence and mortality.Notably,approximately 40%of colon cancer cases harbor oncogenic KRAS mutations,resulting in the continuous activation of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling.AIM To investigate the key pathogenic genes in KRAS mutant colon cancer holds considerable importance.METHODS Weighted gene co-expression network analysis,in combination with additional bioinformatics analysis,were conducted to screen the key factors driving the progression of KRAS mutant colon cancer.Meanwhile,various in vitro experiments were also conducted to explore the biological function of transglutaminase 2(TGM2).RESULTS Integrated analysis demonstrated that TGM2 acted as an independent prognostic factor for progression-free survival.Immunohistochemical analysis on tissue microarrays revealed that TGM2 was associated with an elevated probability of perineural invasion in patients with KRAS mutant colon cancer.Additionally,biological roles of the key gene TGM2 was also assessed,suggesting that the downregulation of TGM2 attenuated the proliferation,invasion,and migration of the KRAS mutant colon cancer cell line.CONCLUSION This study underscores the potential significance of TGM2 in the progression of KRAS mutant colon cancer.This insight not only offers a theoretical foundation for therapeutic approaches but also highlights the need for additional clinical trials and fundamental research to support our preliminary findings.

Gene expression analysis of cytokines and MMPs in melatonin and rhBMP-2 enhanced bone remodeling

BACKGROUND In the medical and dental fields,there is a need for studies of new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of bone defects that cause extensive bone loss.Melatonin may be an important endogenous biological factor for bone remodeling,and growth factors may enhance the repair process.AIM To evaluate the gene expression of cytokines(IL-1β,IL-6,IL-10 and TNF-α),markers of osteoclastogenesis(RANK,RANKL and OPG)and MMPs(MMP-1,MMP-2,MMP-8 and MMP-13)from the treatment of melatonin associated with an osteogenic membrane and rhBMP-2 on the recovery of a bone injury.METHODS Sixty-four rats were used and divided into 9 experimental groups and were formed according to the treatment carried out in the region of the bone lesion,which varied between the combination of 1,10 and 100μmol/L of melatonin.Gene Expression analysis was performed using real time-PCR by reading the concentration of total RNA and reverse transcription.RESULTS There were differences between groups when compared with clot or scaffold control,and improvement with a higher concentration of melatonin or rhBMP-2.The combination melatonin(1μg)with 5μg of rhBMP-2,using the guided bone regeneration technique,demonstrated some effects,albeit mild,on bone repair of critical bone defects.CONCLUSION This indicates that the approach for administering these substances needs to be reassessed,with the goal of ensuring their direct application to the affected area.Therefore,future research must be carried out,seeking to produce materials with these ideal characteristics.

Identification of M2 macrophage-related genes for establishing a prognostic model in pancreatic cancer: FCGR3A as key gene

Background:Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)has a rich and complex tumor immune microenvironment(TIME).M2 macrophages are among the most extensively infiltrated immune cells in the TIME and are necessary for the growth and migration of cancers.However,the mechanisms and targets mediating M2 macrophage infiltration in pancreatic cancer remain elusive.Methods:The M2 macrophage infiltration score of patients was assessed using the xCell algorithm.Using weighted gene co-expression network analysis(WGCNA),module genes associated with M2 macrophages were identified,and a predictive model was designed.The variations in immunological cell patterns,cancer mutations,and enrichment pathways between the cohorts with the high-and low-risk were examined.Additionally,the expression of FCGR3A and RNASE2,as well as their association with M2 macrophages were evaluated using the HPA,TNMplot,and GEPIA2 databases and verified by tissue immunofluorescence staining.Moreover,in vitro cell experiments were conducted,where FCGR3A was knocked down in pancreatic cancer cells using siRNA to analyze its effects on M2 macrophage infiltration,tumor proliferation,and metastasis.Results:The prognosis of patients in high-risk and low-risk groups was successfully distinguished using a prognostic risk score model of M2 macrophage-related genes(p=0.024).Between the high-and low-risk cohorts,there have been notable variations in immune cell infiltration patterns,tumor mutations,and biological functions.The risk score was linked to the manifestation of prevalent immunological checkpoints,immunological scores,and stroma values(all p<0.05).In vitro experiments and tissue immunofluorescence staining revealed that FCGR3A can promote the infiltration or polarization of M2 macrophages and enhance tumor proliferation and migration.Conclusions:In this study,an M2 macrophage-related pancreatic cancer risk score model was established,and found that FCGR3A was correlated with tumor formation,metastasis,and M2 macrophage infiltration.

Cloning and Sequence Analysis of Interleukin-2 Gene in Gaoyou Ducks

[ Objective] To clone and analyze the intedeukin-2 （IL.2） gene in Gaoyou ducks. [ Method] With total RNA isolated from peripheral lym- phocytes of Gaoyou ducks as templates, one pair of primers was designed according to the known IL-2 gene sequence in ducks. The IL-2 DNA was amplified by the RT-PCR and inserted into pGEM-T-easy vector. Then the positive recombinant plasmid was sequenced. [ Result] The amplified target fragment was 433 bp with the correct size as theoretically expected. The open reading frame （ORF） was 423 bp encoding a precursor protein with 140 amino acids which consisted of a signal peptide composed of 21 amino acids and a mature peptide composed of 119 amino acids. The pro- tein was approximately 13.66 kDa and contained one N-glycosylation site. The sequence of IL-2 gene of Gaoyou duck had 99.8% nucleotide homol- ogy to that of Anas platyrhynchos duck, Gushi duck and Shaoxing duck, respectively. It also had 99.3% nucleotide homology to that of Guangzhou duck. [ Conclusion] The coding region of IL-2 gene of ducks is highly conserved.

Expression of Porcine Interleukin-2 and Porcine Interleukin-6 and Their Adjuvant Effects on Gene Deleted Vaccine of Pseudorabies Virus(TK^-/gG^-/LacZ^+)

Porcine interleukin-2 and porcine interleukin-6 cDNA sequences were cloned into the expressing vectors pET-28a and pGEX-KG respectively. They were expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3)with high-level production. The gene deleted vaccine of pseudorabies virus Ea strain(TK-/gG-/LacZ+)was mixed with the two different purified recombinant proteins each, or both, with the doses of 2, 5 or 10 μg ml-1. Ten groups of pseudorabies negative antibody swines were immuned twice with tested vaccines with different doses, or control vaccine, respectively. The antibody liters of the test groups were detected by neutralization test, and the daily weight gains of swines were calculated and analyzed statistically. In the study, all the neutralizing antibody ti-ters in test groups were higher than the control group, and the recombinant proteins appeared a dose dependent adjuvant effect. The tested vaccines with 2 μg ml-1 pIL-2 and with 10 μg ml-1 pIL-2/pIL-6 got significant and extremely significant differences, compared with the vaccines without pILs. The difference of the daily weight gain indicated the potential positive influence of pIL-2 and pIL-6 on immune protection.

Interleukin-2 expression and glioma cell proliferation following Vaccinia vector gene transfection in vivo

BACKGROUND： The effectiveness of gene therapy is closely related to the efficiency of vector transfection and expression. OBJECTIVE： This study was designed to transfect a human brain glioma cell line with recombinant Vaccinia virus expressing the interleukin-2 （rVV-IL-2） gene, and to observe IL-2 expression and glioma cell proliferation potential after transfection. DESIGN： Experimental observation. SETTING： Department of Neurosurgery, Shenyang Military Area Command of Chinese PLA. MATERIALS： The rVV-IL-2 vectors were obtained through homologous recombination and screening in the Second Military Medical University of Chinese PLA. The human brain glioma cell line and IL-2-dependent cells were produced by the Second Military Medical University of Chinese PLA. Human IL-2 was produced by Genzyme Corporation. METHODS： At passage day l, Veto cells were amplified l ; 1 for virus and cells. A human brain glioma cell line was transfected using amplified Vaccinia viral vectors at varying multiplicities of infection （MOI）. At 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 hours post-transfection, superuatant was collected to determine by MTT assay IL-2 expression levels in IL-2 dependent cells. The transfected and non-transfected cells were divided into 4 groups, namely MOI1 ： 1, MOI 5 ： 1, MOI 10 ： 1, and control groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： IL-2 expression at different time points after transfection of human brain glioma cells with varying MOI of Vaccinia viral vectors; in vitro proliferation capacity of human brain glioma cells among the 4 groups. RESULTS： IL-2 expression was detectable 4 hours after Vaccinia viral vector transfection and reached 300 kU/L by 8 hours. There was no significant difference in the proliferating rate of human brain glioma cells among the 4 groups （P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Vaccinia viral vectors can transfect human brain glioma cells in vitro and express high levels of IL-2. Vaccinia virus and high IL-2 expression do not influence the proliferation rate of human brain glioma cells in vitro.

A variant in interleukin-2 gene is associated with repeated spontaneous abortion in Ningxia Han people

Background: Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is defined as the occurrence of three or more consecutive spontaneous abortion prior to 20 weeks from the last menstrual period. It affects approximately 1% to 2% of women, and about 40% - 80% of RSA are still remained unexplained. In recent years, a lot of studies suggest that RSA is caused by the immune factors. T helper 1(Th1)-type immunity is associated with unsuccessful pregnancy especially in women with RSA, while Th2-type immunity is associated with pregnancy success. Interleukin (IL)-2 may influence Th1/Th2 immune responsiveness and has been implicated association with RSA. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of the interleukin 2 (IL-2) promoter polymorphisms at the site ‐330 A/C (rs2069762) with RSA. Methods: The study group comprised 189 women with RSA, and the control group consisted of 187 healthy pregnant women. Gene polymorphisms were detected by the technique of polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results: The frequency of genotype ‐330C/C was significant higher (χ2 = 7.266, p = 0.007, OR = 0.362, 95% CI = 0.169 - 0.777) in the control group than in the patient group. And the frequency of the -330Aallele was significant higher (χ2 = 11.862, p = 0.001, OR = 1.741, 95% CI = 1.268 - 2.389) in the patient group than in the control group. Conclusions: This study indicated that the IL-2-330Aallele may be considered as a risk factor for RSA. C→A mutation is may associated with RSA in Ningxia Han people.