Mesenteric adipose tissue B lymphocytes promote intestinal injury in severe acute pancreatitis by mediating enteric pyroptosis

Background:Visceral adipose tissue(VAT)has been linked to the severe acute pancreatitis(SAP)prognosis,although the underlying mechanism remains unclear.It has been reported that pyroptosis worsens SAP.The present study aimed to verify whether mesenteric adipose tissue(MAT,a component of VAT)can cause secondary intestinal injury through the pyroptotic pathway.Methods:Thirty-six male Sprague Dawley(SD)rats were divided into six different groups.Twelve rats were randomly divided into the SAP and control groups.We monitored the changes of MAT and B lymphocytes infiltration in MAT of SAP rats.Twelve SAP rats were injected with MAT B lymphocytes or phosphate buffer solution(PBS).The remaining twelve SAP rats were first injected with MAT B lymphocytes,and then with MCC950(NLRP3 inhibitor)or PBS.We collected blood and tissue samples from pancreas,gut and MAT for analysis.Results:Compared to the control rats,the SAP group showed inflammation in MAT,including higher expression of tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α)and interleukin-6(IL-6),lower expression of IL-10,and histological changes.Flow cytometry analysis revealed B lymphocytes infiltration in MAT but not T lymphocytes and macrophages.The SAP rats also exhibited intestinal injury,characterized by lower expression of zonula occludens-1(ZO-1)and occludin,higher levels of lipopolysaccharide and diamine oxidase,and pathological changes.The expression of NLRP3 and n-GSDMD,which are responsible for pyroptosis,was increased in the intestine of SAP rats.The injection of MAT B lymphocytes into SAP rats exacerbated the inflammation in MAT.The upregulation of pyroptosis reduced tight junction in the intestine,which contributed to the SAP progression,including higher inflammatory indicators and worse histological changes.The administration of MCC950 to SAP+MAT B rats downregulated pyroptosis,which subsequently improved the intestinal barrier and ameliorated inflammatory response of SAP.Conclusions:In SAP,MAT B lymphocytes aggravated local inflammation,and promoted the injury to the intestine through the enteric pyroptotic pathway.

Association between Helicobacter pylori infection,mismatch repair,HER2 and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND The influence of Helicobacter-pylori(H.pylori)infection and the characteristics of gastric cancer(GC)on tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte(TIL)levels has not been extensively studied.Analysis of infiltrating-immune-cell subtypes as well as survival is necessary to obtain comprehensive information.AIM To determine the rates of deficient mismatch-repair(dMMR),HER2-status and H.pylori infection and their association with TIL levels in GC.METHODS Samples from 503 resected GC tumors were included and TIL levels were evaluated following the international-TILs-working-group recommendations with assessment of the intratumoral(IT),stromal(ST)and invasive-border(IB)compartments.The density of CD3,CD8 and CD163 immune cells,and dMMR and HER2-status were determined by immunohistochemistry(IHC).H.pylori infection was evaluated by routine histology and quantitative PCR(qPCR)in a subset of samples.RESULTS dMMR was found in 34.4%,HER2+in 5%and H.pylori-positive in 55.7%of samples.High IT-TIL was associated with grade-3(P=0.038),while ST-TIL with grade-1(P<0.001),intestinal-histology(P<0.001)and no-recurrence(P=0.003).dMMR was associated with high TIL levels in the ST(P=0.019)and IB(P=0.01)compartments,and STCD3(P=0.049)and ST-CD8(P=0.05)densities.HER2-was associated with high IT-CD8(P=0.009).H.pylorinegative was associated with high IT-TIL levels(P=0.009)when assessed by routine-histology,and with high TIL levels in the 3 compartments(P=0.002-0.047)and CD8 density in the IT and ST compartments(P=0.001)when assessed by qPCR.A longer overall survival was associated with low IT-CD163(P=0.003)and CD8/CD3(P=0.001 in IT and P=0.002 in ST)and high IT-CD3(P=0.021),ST-CD3(P=0.003)and CD3/CD163(P=0.002).CONCLUSION TIL levels were related to dMMR and H.pylori-negativity.Low CD8/CD3 and high CD163/CD3 were associated with lower recurrence and longer survival.

Predictive value of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes for neoadjuvant therapy response in triple-negative breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND The association between tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte(TIL)levels and the res-ponse to neoadjuvant therapy(NAT)in patients with triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC)remains unclear.AIM To investigate the predictive potential of TIL levels for the response to NAT in TNBC patients.METHODS A systematic search of the National Center for Biotechnology Information PubMed database was performed to collect relevant published literature prior to August 31,2023.The correlation between TIL levels and the NAT pathologic com-plete response(pCR)in TNBC patients was assessed using a systematic review and meta-analysis.Subgroup analysis,sensitivity analysis,and publication bias analysis were also conducted.RESULTS A total of 32 studies were included in this meta-analysis.The overall meta-ana-lysis results indicated that the pCR rate after NAT treatment in TNBC patients in the high TIL subgroup was significantly greater than that in patients in the low TIL subgroup(48.0%vs 27.7%)(risk ratio 2.01;95%confidence interval 1.77-2.29;P<0.001,I2=56%).Subgroup analysis revealed that the between-study hetero-geneity originated from differences in study design,TIL level cutoffs,and study populations.Publication bias could have existed in the included studies.The meta-analysis based on different NAT protocols revealed that all TNBC patients with high levels of TILs had a greater rate of pCR after NAT treatment in all protocols(all P≤0.01),and there was no significant between-protocol difference in the statistics among the different NAT protocols(P=0.29).Additionally,sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the overall results of the meta-analysis remained consistent when the included studies were individually excluded.CONCLUSION TILs can serve as a predictor of the response to NAT treatment in TNBC patients.TNBC patients with high levels of TILs exhibit a greater NAT pCR rate than those with low levels of TILs,and this predictive capability is con-sistent across different NAT regimens.

Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in gastric cancer:Unraveling complex interactions for precision medicine

This editorial will focus on tumor immunity and the factors that alter the tumor immune micro-environment.The role of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes(TILs)will also be discussed in detail,including the types,mechanism of action,and role.Gastric cancer(GC)often presents in the advanced stage and has various factors predicting the outcomes.The interplay of these factors and their correlation with the TILs is discussed.A literature review revealed high intratumoral TILs associated with higher grade,HER2-,and Helicobacter pylori negativity.Moreover,stromal(ST)TILs correlated with lower grade and lesser recurrence risk in GC.High TILs in ST and invasive border also correlated with mismatch repair deficiency status.Further characterization of the CD3+,CD8+,and other cells is also warranted.In the future,this complex correlation of cancer cells with the immune system can be explored for therapeutic avenues.

平胃胶囊对恶变后GES-1细胞氧化应激的抑制作用及机制研究

目的:观察平胃胶囊对亚硝酸胺类化合物N-甲基-N’-硝基-N-亚硝基胍(N-methyl-N’-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine,MNNG)诱导的胃癌前病变(precancerous lesions of gastric cancer,PLGC)细胞模型的影响,并初步探讨其作用机制。方法:制备空白血清和平胃胶囊含药血清备用;MNNG诱导人胃黏膜上皮细胞系GES-1制备PLGC细胞模型,采用倒置显微镜观察细胞形态,免疫荧光法检测增殖细胞相关抗原Ki67的表达水平,进行模型评价。CCK-8法筛选含药血清最佳干预浓度及时间;采用荧光探针DCFH-DA检测细胞内活性氧(reactive oxygen species,ROS)含量;ELISA检测丙二醛(malondialdehyde,MDA)含量;采用相关试剂盒检测超氧化物歧化酶(superoxide dismutase,SOD)和谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(glutathione peroxidase,GSH-Px)活性;采用新型荧光探针JC-10检测细胞线粒体膜电位的变化;采用实时荧光定量PCR检测Ki67和黑色素瘤分化相关基因7(melanoma differentiation-associated gene-7,MDA-7)的mRNA表达水平;采用Western blot法测定Ki67、白细胞介素6(interleukin-6,IL-6)和MDA-7的蛋白表达水平。结果:与正常组相比,模型组和空白血清组ROS和MDA含量显著升高(P<0.01),SOD和GSH-Px的活性显著降低(P<0.01),线粒体膜电位显著下降(P<0.01),Ki67和IL-6蛋白表达显著升高(P<0.01),MDA-7蛋白表达显著下降(P<0.01);与空白血清组相比,模型组ROS和MDA含量,SOD和GSH-Px活性,Ki67和MDA-7 mRNA表达水平,Ki67、IL-6和MDA-7蛋白表达水平,以及线粒体膜电位均无显著差异(P>0.05);与空白血清组相比,平胃胶囊含药血清组中ROS和MDA含量显著降低(P<0.01),SOD和GSH-Px活性显著上升(P<0.05),线粒体膜电位显著升高(P<0.01),Ki67和IL-6蛋白表达水平显著下降(P<0.01),MDA-7的mRNA及蛋白表达水平显著升高(P<0.01)。结论:平胃胶囊可显著减轻MNNG诱导的胃黏膜上皮细胞氧化应激损伤和炎症反应,调控促癌基因和抑癌基因的表达,从而发挥防治PLGC的作用。

Bystanders or not?Microglia and lymphocytes in aging and stroke

As the average age of the world population increases,more people will face debilitating aging-associated conditions,including dementia and stroke.Not only does the incidence of these conditions increase with age,but the recovery afterward is often worse in older patients.Researchers and health professionals must unveil and understand the factors behind age-associated diseases to develop a therapy for older patients.Aging causes profound changes in the immune system including the activation of microglia in the brain.Activated microglia promote T lymphocyte transmigration leading to an increase in neuroinflammation,white matter damage,and cognitive impairment in both older humans and rodents.The presence of T and B lymphocytes is observed in the aged brain and correlates with worse stroke outcomes.Preclinical strategies in stroke target either microglia or the lymphocytes or the communications between them to promote functional recovery in aged subjects.In this review,we examine the role of the microglia and T and B lymphocytes in aging and how they contribute to cognitive impairment.Additionally,we provide an important update on the contribution of these cells and their interactions in preclinical aged stroke.

山橿中生物碱类成分Laetanine、Launobine对乙酸致GES-1细胞损伤的保护作用及机制

目的利用乙酸建立胃黏膜上皮细胞(GES-1细胞)损伤模型,研究山橿中生物碱类成分Laetanine、Launobine对GES-1细胞损伤的保护作用及机制。方法通过MTT细胞增殖/毒性实验确定Laetanine、Launobine的最佳给药浓度。分别以浓度为0.01%~0.2%的乙酸培养液作用于GES-1细胞,作用时间分别为3、4、5h,筛选最佳造模条件。利用乙酸建立GES-1细胞损伤模型,测定Laetanine、Launobine含药培养基处理后的细胞存活率;Griess法测定细胞上清液中NO的浓度;ELISA法测定各组细胞上清液中肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)和前列腺素E2(PGE2)水平;WST-1法检测各实验组超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)抑制率,计算SOD活力值。结果0.1%乙酸溶液处理3h为GES-1细胞损伤的最佳造模条件;与模型组比较,Laetanine、Launobine给药组均能显著升高GES-1细胞存活率(P<0.01);经Laetanine、Launobine处理后,细胞上清液中的NO、TNF-α、IL-6和PGE2水平显著降低,SOD活力显著升高(P<0.01或P<0.05)。结论山橿中生物碱类成分Laetanine和Launobine均能保护乙酸损伤的GES-1细胞,减轻GES-1细胞的受损程度,其作用机制可能与其降低NO、TNF-α、IL-6和PGE2水平,升高SOD水平有关,表明Laetanine和Launobine可能为山橿发挥抗胃溃疡作用的有效成分。

Novel Protein C6ORF120 Promotes Apoptosis through Mitochondria-dependent Pathway in CD4+ T Lymphocytes

Generally,a healthy immune system should be in dynamic balance,which can be maintained by both promoting and resisting inflammation.Lymphocyte apoptosis is indispensable for maintaining homeostasis[1]and participates in the entire process of lymphocyte differentiation,development,maturation,and immune effects.It has been reported that a large amount of lymphocyte apoptosis occurs in lymphoid organs during severe trauma[2].Lymphocytes consist of T and B lymphocytes,among which CD4^(+)T cells were the focus of this study.CD4^(+)T lymphocytes play an important role in the innate immunity.Apoptosis of CD4^(+)T lymphocytes is an important biological process that induces CD4^(+)T cell depletion[3].Numerous studies have shown that CD4^(+)T cell apoptosis participates in many pathological processes of diseases such as HIV infection,cancer,and systemic sclerosis[4].Classical apoptosis is induced by factors that can activate several pathways,including the mitochondrial,endoplasmic reticulum,and death receptor pathways[5].The mitochondrial pathway is mainly activated by the Bcl-2 family[6].The endoplasmic reticulum(ER)pathway is affected by endoplasmic reticulum disorders.Some external factors can trigger the death receptor pathway,such as the binding of TNF-TNFR and the combination of Fas-FasL[7].Considering these pathways,it is feasible to study the specific mechanisms of lymphocyte apoptosis,primarily in CD4^(+)T cells.

基于gE蛋白的羊伪狂犬病病毒间接ELISA的建立与应用

为建立羊源伪狂犬病病毒(Pseudorabies virus,PRV)抗体的检测方法,从PRV中对gE基因进行克隆,并构建重组载体对gE蛋白进行原核表达,以重组gE蛋白为包被抗原,建立PRV抗体间接ELISA检测方法,并进行临床样本检测。结果显示,重组gE蛋白大小为42 ku,以包涵体形式表达;Western blot检测表明重组蛋白具有良好的反应原性;重组蛋白作为包被抗原的最佳工作浓度为1μg/mL,待检血清100倍稀释,以HRP标记的兔抗山羊IgG 10000倍稀释作为二抗;检测临床样本时判定阴阳性的临界值为0.284;灵敏性试验结果显示,羊PRV阳性血清稀释2048倍时检测结果仍为阳性;批内变异系数(2.45%~5.00%)与批间变异系数(2.55%~7.41%)均小于10%;采用建立的方法检测其他常见羊源病毒阳性血清结果均为阴性;对收集的376份临床羊血清进行检测,PRV阳性率为10.6%。建立的间接ELISA检测方法可用于羊源样本中伪狂犬病病毒抗体的检测,该方法的建立为羊场PRV抗体检测提供了技术支持。

Donor-derived CD 19 CAR-T Cells versus Chemotherapy Plus Donor Lymphocyte Infusion for Treatment of Recurrent CD 19-positive B-ALL after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Objective:This study aimed to compare the efficacy of anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T cells(CAR-T cells)versus chemotherapy plus donor lymphocyte infusion(chemo-DLI)for treating relapsed CD 19-positive B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia(B-ALL)after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(allo-HSCT).Methods:Clinical data of 43 patients with B-ALL who relapsed after allo-HSCT were retrospectively analyzed.Twenty-two patients were treated with CAR-T cells(CAR-T group),and 21 with chemotherapy plus DLI(chemo-DLI group).The complete remission(CR)and minimal residual disease(MRD)-negative CR rates,leukemia-free survival(LFS)rate,overall survival(OS)rate,and incidence of acute graft-versus-host disease(aGVHD),cytokine release syndrome(CRS)and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome(ICANS)were compared between the two groups.Results:The CR and MRD-negative CR rates in the CAR-T group(77.3%and 61.5%)were significantly higher than those in the chemo-DLI group(38.1%and 23.8%)(P=0.008 and P=0.003).The 1-and 2-year LFS rates in the CAR-T group were superior to those in the chemo-DLI group:54.5%and 50.0%vs.9.5%and 4.8%(P=0.0001 and P=0.00004).The 1-and 2-year OS rates in the CAR-T versus chemo-DLI group were 59.1%and 54.5%vs.19%and 9.5%(P=0.011 and P=0.003).Six patients(28.6%)with grade 2-4 aGVHD were identified in the chemo-DLI group.Two patients(9.1%)in the CAR-T group developed grade 1-2 aGVHD.Nineteen patients(86.4%)developed CRS in the CAR-T group,comprising grade 1-2 CRS in 13 patients(59.1%)and grade 3 CRS in 6 patients(27.3%).Two patients(9.1%)developed grade 1-2 ICANS.Conclusion:Donor-derived anti-CD19 CAR-T-cell therapy may be better,safer,and more effective than chemo-DLI for B-ALL patients who relapse after allo-HSCT.

Immunotoxicity of bisphenol A to Carassius auratus lymphocytes and macrophages following in vitro exposure

Bisphenol A （BPA） is the monomer component of polycarbonate plastics and classified as an endocrine disrupting chemical （EDC）. The reproductive toxicity of BPA has been extensively studied in mammals; however, relatively little information is available on the immunotoxic responses of fish to BPA. In this study, we investigated the effects of BPA on the immune functions of lymphocytes and macrophages in Carassius auratus. The effects of BPA were compared with those of two natural steroid hormones, estradiol and hydrocortisone. Proliferation of the two types of cells in response to PHA was measured using colorimetric MTT assay. Macrophage respiratory burst stimulated by Con A was measured using chemiluminescence assay. Results showed that BPA （0.054-5.4 mg/L）, estradiol （0.0002-2.0 mg/L） and hydrocortisone （5-50 mg/L） significantly induced Carassius auratus lymphocyte proliferation while higher doses of hydrocortisone （500-5000 mg/L） appeared to be inhibitory. BPA （0.005-50 mg/L）, estradiol （0.005-800 mg/L） and hydrocortisone （0.005-500 mg/L） markedly enhanced macrophage proliferation, whereas higher doses of BPA （500-1000 mg/L） appeared to inhibit cell proliferation. Furthermore, higher dosage of BPA （50 mg/L） and hydrocortisone （50 and 500 mg/L） suppressed the macrophages respiratory burst while estradiol is stimulative all the doses tested （0.05-500 mg/L）. In conclusion, BPA could have immunotoxicity to Carassius auratus and functional changes of lymphocyte and macrophage in Carassius auratus may be different between low and high dosages.

GE LightSpeed Pro 16 CT伪影故障维修3例

介绍了GE LightSpeed Pro 16 CT的组成,分析了该设备出现的3例伪影故障的现象、原因并提出了具体的排除方法,为临床工程人员维修类似故障提供了参考。

七星关区耕地土壤Ge地球化学特征及其与作物的吸收关系

掌握耕地土壤Ge含量特征及其与作物的吸收关系,对耕地Ge的开发利用及科学选种具有重要意义。为此,以贵州省七星关区土地质量地球化学调查评价项目数据为基础,统计Ge的地球化学参数,分析该区土壤Ge地球化学特征和作物对Ge的吸收规律。结果显示:七星关区耕地土壤Ge含量在(0.86~2.48)×10^(-6),平均值1.74×10^(-6),与全国土壤Ge背景值相当。通过地统计分析,圈定富Ge耕地面积65853.54 hm^(2),占全区耕地总面积的47.41%,主要分布于研究区西北和西南部。农作物对土壤Ge的生物吸收系数(Ax)均小于1%,均处于极弱摄取水平。采用相关分析等方法讨论耕地土壤富Ge成因及影响作物吸收Ge的环境因子,得出以下结论:①土壤Ge含量主要受成土母质控制,同时受到风化成土过程的影响,并在七星关区耕地有机质含量丰富和偏酸性的土壤背景下,造成土壤Ge富集;②酸性土壤中,作物对土壤Ge的生物吸收系数(Ax)与pH呈弱负相关关系,而在中—碱性土壤中,作物对土壤Ge的生物吸收系数(Ax)与pH呈正相关关系,即偏酸性土壤是导致作物对Ge生物吸收能力低的原因。

In situ detection of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes expressing perforin and fas-ligand genes in human HCC

AIM To investigate the expression of perforin and fas ligand (fas L) of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS By in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, the perforin and fas L gene expression of TILs was studied in 20 HCC cases. RESULTS Positive expression of perforin and fas L genes was detected in 16 HCC cases. One patient had expression of perforin and fas L genes in the majority of TILs and survived 1 5 years after tumor resection without HCC relapse. This seems that the presence of a large number of activated T cells might be beneficial for the antitumor immunity. In other cases, less than 10% of TILs were able to express perforin and fas L genes. CONCLUSION Although there were a number of T cells in HCC, only few of them were immunoactive and able to kill tumor cells. It seems important to promote further proliferation of these activated T cells in vitro or in vivo .

Intestinal epithelium, intraepithelial lymphocytes and the gut microbiota-Key players in the pathogenesis of celiac disease

Celiac disease(CD) is a chronic immune-mediated disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. Before activating the immune system, gluten peptides are transferred by the epithelial barrier to the mucosal lamina propria, where they are deamidated by intestinal tissue transglutaminase 2. As a result, they strongly bind to human leucocyte antigens(HLAs), especially HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8, expressed on antigen-presenting cells. This induces an inflammatory response, which results in small bowel enteropathy. Although gluten is the main external trigger activating both innate and adaptive(specific) immunity, its presence in the intestinal lumen does not fully explain CD pathogenesis. It has been hypothesized that an early disruption of the gut barrier in genetically susceptible individuals, which would result in an increased intestinal permeability, could precede the onset of gluten-induced immune events. The intestinal barrier is a complex functional structure, whose functioning is dependent on intestinal microbiotahomeostasis, epithelial layer integrity, and the gutassociated lymphoid tissue with its intraepithelial lymphocytes(IELs). The aim of this paper was to review the current literature and summarize the role of the gut microbiota, epithelial cells and their intercellular junctions, and IELs in CD development.

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

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

Association between TRAIL expression on peripheral blood lymphocytes and liver damage in chronic hepatitis B

AIM:To explore a novel mechanism for tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), upregulation of CD4+ and CD8+T lymphocytes participating in the patho-physiological process of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS: The levels of serum soluble TRAIL (sTRAIL), serum IFN-γ and membrane-bound TRAIL expression on peripheral leucocytes from 58 CHB patients were examined by ELISA and flow cytometry respectively. The levels of TRAIL were compared with the baseline levels of 17 healthy controls, and correlation analysis was performed between ALT, TBIL, PT, morphological change in hepatic tissues, and serum IFN-γ. RESULTS: The results showed that TRAIL levels on membranes of CD4+, CD8+ T cells in CHB patients were much higher than those in healthy controls (P<0.001), and were correlated with serum TBIL (r=0.354, P= 0.008 for CD4+ and r= 0.522, P= 0.000 for CD8+, respectively), ALT (r= 0.393, P= 0.003 for CD8+), PT (r = 0.385, P = 0.004 for CD8+) and serum IFN-y level (r = 0.302, P= 0.011 for CD4+ and r= 0.307, P= 0.009 for CD8+). On the contrary to membrane-bound TRAIL expression, serum level of sTRAIL was not correlated with that of TBIL and PT, though it was higher than that of the normal population and was positively correlated with serum HBeAg expression (r= 0.695, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The expression level of TRAIL on the membrane of lymphocytes was upregulated and associated with the liver injury in CHB patients. These findings suggest that upregulation of TRAIL expression may be induced by virus antigen and inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ.

Oxidative stress and apoptosis of Carassius auratus lymphocytes induced by nonplanar (PCB153) and coplanar (PCB169) polychlorinated biphenyl congeners in vitro

Among all the 209 kinds ofpolychlorinated biphenyls （PCBs） congeners, nonplanar and coplanar PCB congeners have different levels of toxicity on mammal cells such as neuronal cells, but little is known about their toxicity on fish cells although PCB congeners usually have high bioaccumulation abilities in the detected fish bodies. This study showed that 2,2＇,4,4＇,5,5＇-hexacholorbiphenyl （PCB 153, nonplanar congener） and 3,3＇,4,4＇,5,5＇-hexacholorbiphenyl （PCB 169, coplanar congener） caused apoptosis on the isolated crucian carp （Carassius auratus） lymphocytes and the induced cytotoxicity was structure-dependent. According to the laser confocal microscope observations, apoptosis was clearly distinguished by condensation of nucleus, shrinkage and formation of apoptotic bodies. DNA fragmentation was detected by agarose gel electrophoresis. These typical morphological and biochemical characteristics indicate the occurrence of apoptosis on fish lymphocytes. According to the flow cytometry analysis, after the cells were exposed to 10 μmol/L PCBs for 3 h, the apoptotic percentage induced by PCB153 was 23.41%, while that induced by PCBI69 was even higher （31.03%）. Furthermore, incubating PCBs with fish lymphocytes enhanced levels of reactive oxygen species （ROS） and malondialdehyde （MDA）, clearly indicating the presence of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Our data also demonstrate that the different cytotoxic effects induced by coplanar and nonplanar PCBs were correlated with their structural characteristics and the coplanar congener was more cytotoxic than nonplanar congener. This study suggests that cytotoxicity mechanisms of the PCB congeners on fish lymphocytes depend on their planarity and chemical structures.

Preoperative sorting of circulating T lymphocytes in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: Its prognostic significance

AIM: To elucidate the immunologic parameters for the outcome of patients with malignant tumors, especially esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) associated with high malignant potential. METHODS: Clinicopathologic features were compared between patients with lower and higher CD4 and CD8 values as well as CD4/CD8 ratio in peripheral blood. RESULTS: The survival rate of patients with higher CD4 value was significantly better than that in patients with lower CD4 value (P = 0.039). The survival rate of patients with higher CD8 value was significantly worse than that of patients with lower CD8 value (P = 0.026). Similarly, the survival rate of patients with higher CD4/ CD8 ratio was significantly better than that of patients with lower CD4/CD8 ratio (P = 0.042). Additionally, multivariate analysis demonstrated that lower CD8 and lower CD4/CD8 ratio were factors independently associated with worse prognosis of patients. CONCLUSION: All the immunologic parameters can predict the outcome of patients with ESCC.

Ambiguous nucleus regulates the proliferation and percentage of T lymphocytes in peripheral blood

The aim of this study was to examine the immunomodulatory role of the unilateral ambiguous nucleus （Amb）. We performed electrical stimulation of the unilateral Amb, electrical stimulation of the left parietal cortex and the lateral hypothalamus following unilateral Arab lesion, as well as microinjection of acetylcholine chloride and hemicholine-3 into the unilateral Amb, and electrical stimulation of the unilateral Amb after injection of atropine, mecamylamine, propranolol, and phentolamine. Results showed that the number and proliferation of peripheral blood T lymphocytes were increased after electrical stimulation of the unilateral Arab. The cholinergic neurons in the Amb released choline substances to alter cellular immunity, thus confirming that the Amb mediates the neuro-immunomodulatory process.