Effect of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 on chemotactic gene expression by macrophage cell line U937

Objective: To study the chemotactic superfamily genes expression profiling of macrophage line U937 treated with monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) using gene chip technique. Methods: Total RNA from macrophage line U937 (as control) and U937 with MCP-1 was extracted, made reverse transcript to cDNA and tested with gene expression chip HO2 human. Results: Some chemotactic-related gene expressions were changed in all analyzed genes. Regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) was up-regulated over 2-fold and 7 chemotactic-related genes (CCR2, CCR5, CCL16, GROβ, GROγ, IL-8 and granulocyte chemotactic protein 2) were down-regulated over 2-fold in MCP-1 treated U937 cells at mRNA level. Conclusion: MCP-1 can influence some chemokines and receptors expression in macrophage in vitro, in which MCP-1 mainly down-regulates the chemotactic genes expression of those influencing neutrophilic granulocyte (GROβ, GROγ, IL-8 and granulocyte chemotactic protein 2). Another novel finding is that it can also down-regulate the mRNA level of CCR5, which plays a critical role in many disorders and illnesses.

Effect of Danzhijiangtang capsule on monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 mRNA expression in newly diagnosed diabetes subclinical vascular lesions

AIM:To investigate the effect of Danzhijiangtang capsule(DJC) on monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1) mRNA expression in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) subclinical vascular lesions.METHODS:Sixty-two patients with newly diagnosed T2DM subclinical vascular lesions were randomly divided into a control group and treatment group of 31 cases each.Oral antidiabetic therapy with routine western medicine was conducted in both groups,and the treatment group was additionally treated with DJCs.The treatment course for both groups was 12 wk.Before and after treatment,the total efficiency and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) syndrome score were calculated.The fasting plasma glucose(FPG),2-h plasma glucose(2hPG),fasting insulin(FINS),insulin resistance index(IRI),hemoglobin(Hb)A1c,blood lipids,and hemorheology indices were determined.In addition,the levels of vascular endothelial growth factors including thrombomodulin(TM),von Willebrand factor(vWF),P-selectin and MCP-1 mRNA were determined.RESULTS:After 12 wk of treatment,the TCM syndrome score was significantly decreased compared to before treatment in both groups.After treatment,FPG,2hPG,HbA1c,FINS,IRI,total cholesterol,triglycerides,low-density lipoprotein,high-density lipoprotein,whole blood low shear specific viscosity,plasma specific viscosity,TM,vWF,P-selectin and MCP-1 mRNA were significantly improved compared to before treatment in both groups.After treatment,the total efficiency and TCM syndrome score in the treatment group were better than in the control group.FINS,IRI,whole blood high shear specific viscosity,plasma specific viscosity,TM,vWF,P-selectin and MCP-1 mRNA level in the treatment group were significantly reduced after treatment compared with control group.CONCLUSION:DJCs are efficacious in supplementing qi,nourishing yin and invigorating blood circulation,and upregulate MCP-1 mRNA expression in patients with T2DM subclinical vascular lesions.

Effects of Simvastatin on NF-κB-DNA Binding Activity and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 Expression in a Rabbit Model of Atherosclerosis

To observe the effects of simvastatin on nuclear factor kappaB （NF-kB）-DNA binding activity and on the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 （MCP-1） in atherosclerotic plaque in rabbits and to explore the anti-atherosclerotic properties beyond its lipid-lowering effects. Thirty-six New Zealand male rabbits were randomly divided into low-cholesterol group （LC）, high- cholesterol group （HC）, high-cholesterol＋ simvastatin group （HC＋S） and then were fed for 12 weeks. At the end of the experiment, standard enzymatic assays, electrophoretic mobility shift as- say （EMSA）, immunohistochemical staining, and morphometry were performed to observe serum lipids, NF-kB-DNA binding activity, MCP-1 protein expression, intirna thickness and plaque area of aorta respectively in all three groups. Our results showed that the serum lipids, NF-kB-DNA binding activity, expression of MCP-1 protein, intima thickness, and plaque area of aorta in the LC and HC＋S groups were significantly lower than those in the HC group （P〈0.05）. There was no significant difference in the serum lipids between the LC and HC＋S groups （P〉0.05）, but the NF-kB-DNA binding activity, the expression of MCP-1 protein and the intirna thickness and plaque area of aorta in the HC＋S group were significantly decreased as compared to the LC group （P〈0. 05）. This study demonstrated that simvastatin could decrease atherosclerosis by inhibiting the NF-kB-DNA binding activity and by reducing the expression of MCP-1 protein.

Expression of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 in Monocytes and Effects of Native and Oxidized Very Low Density Lipoproteins

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1), a potent chemoattractant, is thought to play an important role in migration of monocytes into atherosclerotic lesions. The present study was designed to investigate the capacity of human peripheral blood monocytes to express MCP-1 and effects of native very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and oxidized VLDL(OX-VLDL) on the expression. The total RNA was extracted from cultured monocytes, which were exposed to VLDL and OX-VLDL, and the media conditioned by monocytes were collected. MCP-1 mRNA expression was examined by Northern blot analysis. MCP-1 protein in conditioned media was determined by using sandwich ELISA. The results showed that monocytes can express MCP-1 after a 24 h incubation at 37℃，and the expression was markedly increased by a exposure to OX-VLDL, whereas the expression was slightly increased when exposed to VLDL. It suggests that the capacity of monocytes to produce MCP-1 that recruits and activates circulating monocytes may be of considerable importance in atherogenesis, and oxidation of VLDL enhances its potential to promote atherogenesis.

Correlation of serum cyclophilin A and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 levels with carotid atherosclerosis in patients with acute cerebral infarction

Objective:To study the correlation of serum cyclophilin A (CyPA) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels with carotid atherosclerosis in patients with acute cerebral infarction.Methods: 106 patients with acute cerebral infarction who were hospitalized in our hospital between July 2011 and August 2015 were selected as observation group, and 50 cases of healthy persons who received physical examination in our hospital during the same period were selected as normal control group. The serum CyPA and MCP-1 contnets in two groups were determined. According to the median of CyPA and MCP-1 contents in observation group, they were divided into high CyPA group and low CyPA group as well as high MCP-1 group and low MCP-1 group, 53 cases in each group. Contents of lipid metabolism indexes and carotid atherosclerosis illness-related indicators were compared between acute cerebral infarction patients with different CyPA and MCP-1 contents.Results:Serum CyPA and MCP-1 contents in observation group were significantly higher than those in control group. Serum TC, LP(a) and LDL-C contents in high CyPA group and high MCP-1 group were higher than those in low CyPA group and low MCP-1 group while HDL-C contents were lower than those in low CyPA group and low MCP-1 group. Serum CysC, Hcy and UA contents in high CyPA group and high MCP-1 group were higher than those in low CyPA group and low MCP-1 group.Conclusion: Serum CyPA and MCP-1 contents in patients with acute cerebral infarction are higher than those in normal population, and the contents of CyPA and MCP-1 are positively correlated with the degree of carotid atherosclerosis.

The enhancement of astrocytic-derived monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 induced by the interaction of opiate and HIV tat in HIV-associated dementia

HIV-associated dementia(HAD)is a public health problem and is particularly prevalent in drug abusers.The neuropathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)infection involves a complex cascade of inflammatory events,including monocyte/macrophage infiltration in the brain,glial immune activation and release of neurotoxic substances.In these events,astrocytic-derived monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1)plays an important role,whose release is elevated by HIV transactivator of transcription(HIV tat)and could be further elevated by opiates.This review will also consider some critical factors and events in MCP-1 enhancement induced by the interactions of opiate and HIV tat,including the mediating role of mu opioid receptor(MOR)and CCR2 as well as the possible signal transduction pathways within the cells.Finally,it will make some future perspectives on the exact pathways,new receptors and target cells,and the vulnerability to neurodegeneration with HIV and opiates.

Variation of Serum Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 in Patients with Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome

This study investigated the variation of serum monocyte chemoattractant protein-1（MCP-1） in patients with both diabetes mellitus（DM） and metabolic syndrome（MS）.Based on the International Diabetes Federation（IDF） diagnostic criteria,93 patients enrolled in this study were divided into four groups：normal control（NC）,simple DM,simple MS,and DM plus MS（DM-MS） groups.The main measures included height,weight,waist circumference（WC）,hip circumference,blood pressure,fasting blood glucose,insulin resistance index（HOMA-IR）,serum triglyceride（TG）,HDL-ch,LDL-ch,and MCP-1.The results showed that the serum levels of MCP-1 in the DM-MS group were significantly increased as compared with those in the DM and MS groups（P0.05）,and the increase in the MCP-1 level in the DM group was much higher than in the MS group（P0.05）.The DM-MS group had the highest HOMA-IR levels,followed by MS,DM and NC groups（P0.05）.Correlation tests showed that the association of MCP-1 with age,HDL-ch,or LDL-ch was insignificant,whereas that of MCP-1 with body mass index（BMI）,waist hip rate（WHR）,WC,systolic blood pressure（SBP）,diastolic blood pressure（DBP）,TG,and HOMA-IR was significantly positive.It was concluded that circulating MCP-1 was substantially increased in patients with both DM and MS as compared with that in the patients with DM or MS alone,and the central obese state may contribute to a more vicious proinflammatory condition and insulin resistance in patients with diabetes.

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 plays a key role in type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune dise as e resulting from the selective destruction of β cells in the pa ncreatic islets. In both human and rodent models of type 1 diabetes, the clinica l disease is preceded by a progressive mononuclear cell invasion of the pancreat ic islets (insulitis). In the early stage of insulitis,the major components are monocyte/macrophages, and the recruitment of mononuclear cells is a critical st ep in the pathogenesis of the type 1 diabetes. Studies have revealed that Monocy te chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1) specifically recruits monocytes/ macrophag es into pancreas and plays an important role in the development of insulitis and diabetes.

Effect of Llinagliptin on tumor necrosis factor receptor and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in patients with diabetic nephropathy

Objective:To explore the effect of Linagliptin on tumor necrosis factor receptor and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in patients with diabetic nephropathy.Methods: A total of 98 patients with diabetic nephropathy admitted to the Hospital from January 2017 to September 2018 were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups according to the random double-blind method, with 49 cases in each group. The control group was treated with Metformin, whereas the experimental group was treated with Linagliptin plus Metformin. After 3 months of continuous treatment, the renal function [urinary albumin excretion rate, 24 h urine protein quantitation and serum creatinine], glycolipids metabolic levels [glycated hemoglobin, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol and triglycerides], monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, tumor necrosis factor receptor, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results:After 3 months of treatment, the levels of UAER, 24 h Upor and Scr in the experimental group were shown to be lower than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant. After 3 months of treatment, the levels of HbA1c, FPG, TC and TG in the experimental group were shown to be lower than the control group, and the difference was statistically significant. After 3 months of treatment, the levels of MCP-1, sTNFR1 and hs-CRP in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant. There was no significant difference in incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups.Conclusion: For patients with diabetic nephropathy, Linagliptin is with higher safety, which can help improve their glycolipids metabolic levels and renal function, reduce the inflammatory response and the levels of MCP-1 and sTNFR1, and yet incur fewer adverse reactions.

绝经后H型高血压合并骨质疏松症患者血清MCP-1、PTX3、GDF15的变化及其临床意义分析

目的分析绝经后H型高血压(HHT)合并骨质疏松症(OP)患者血清单核细胞趋化蛋白(MCP)-1、正五聚蛋白3(PTX3)、生长分化因子15(GDF15)的变化及其临床意义。方法选取2020年6月至2023年5月我院收治的127例绝经后HHT合并OP患者为研究组,另选取同期85例绝经后OP患者为OP组,62例绝经后单纯HHT患者为HHT组、60例体检健康的绝经后女性志愿者为健康组。比较4组血清MCP-1、PTX3、GDF15水平、股骨颈和腰椎(L_(1~4))骨密度、血清骨代谢指标[骨钙素(BGP)、Ⅰ型胶原羧基端肽β特殊序列(β-CTX)、Ⅰ型前胶原氨基端前肽(PINP)]及炎症因子[肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)]。采用Pearson相关性分析血清MCP-1、PTX3、GDF15水平与骨密度、血清骨代谢指标及炎症因子的相关性。采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析血清MCP-1、PTX3、GDF15对绝经后HHT合并OP的诊断价值。结果与健康组比较,OP组、HHT组及研究组血清MCP-1、PTX3、GDF15、BGP、β-CTX、PINP水平均较高,且OP组高于HHT组,研究组高于OP组和HHT组(P<0.05)。与健康组比较,OP组、HHT组及研究组血清TNF-α、IL-6水平均较高,且HHT组高于OP组,研究组高于OP组和HHT组(P<0.05)。与健康组比较,OP组、HHT组及研究组的股骨颈和腰椎(L_(1~4))骨密度均较低,且OP组低于HHT组,研究组低于OP组和HHT组(P<0.05)。Pearson相关性分析显示,血清MCP-1、PTX3、GDF15水平与股骨颈和腰椎(L_(1~4))骨密度呈负相关,与血清BGP、β-CTX、PINP、TNF-α、IL-6水平呈正相关(P<0.05)。ROC曲线分析显示,血清MCP-1、PTX3、GDF15联合诊断绝经后HHT合并OP的AUC值为0.945,高于单独指标诊断。结论绝经后HHT合并OP患者血清MCP-1、PTX3、GDF15水平升高,且与股骨颈和腰椎(L_(1~4))骨密度、血清骨代谢指标及炎症因子密切相关,三者联合检测对诊断绝经后HHT合并OP患者有较高价值。

Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and soluble adhesion molecules as possible prognostic markers of the efficacy of antiviral treatment in chronic hepatitis C

AIM:To explain the role of Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and soluble adhesion molecules in chronic hepatitis C during the treatment of interferon alpha (IFNα) 2 b and ribavirin (RBV). METHODS:Concentrations of MCP-1,soluble adhesion molecules intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1),sP- selectin,interleukin (IL) 6,and IL10 in serum were estimated in the group of 40 patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with IFNalpha2 b and RBV in 0,16,32,48 wk of the therapy, RESULTS:In chronic hepatitis C,before and during the treatment,the serum levels of MCP-1 and sP-selectin in responders were similar to those of healthy subjects.In non- responders (NR),MCP-1 increased in the course of IFNc^+RBV treatment,differences were statistically significant as compared to responders.MCP-1 correlated statistically with the activity of periportal inflammation (r=0.35,P<0.05) but not with staging of liver fibrosis,sICAM-1 positively correlated with inflammatory activity and fibrosis in NR.sP-selectin did not correlate with histological findings in the liver.The MCP-1 correlated with the soluble form of sP-selectin concentrations (r= 6,P<0.001) and with IL-10 level in NR (r=0.4,P<0.05).There was no correlation observed between the concentration of MCP-1 and sICAM-1,IL-6 during the treatment. CONCLUSION:MCP-1 concentration may be a prognostic marker of the efficacy of IFN+RBV therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

老年高血压患者血清MCP-1、NLRP3炎性小体表达水平与肠道菌群的关系研究

目的:研究老年高血压患者血清单核细胞趋化蛋白-1(monocyte chemoattractant protein-1,MCP-1)和NOD样受体蛋白3(NOD-like receptor protein 3,NLRP3)炎性小体表达与肠道菌群关系。方法:选择2019年1月-2021年1月本院收治的84例老年原发性高血压患者,依据2018年欧洲高血压指南将所有高血压患者分为极高危组(28例)、高危组(38例)和低中危组(18例),对患者肠道菌群,以及血清MCP-1、NLRP3炎性小体水平进行检测。结果:三组患者血压、血清肌酐以及临床并发症差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05),患者其余各指标差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。极高危组的肠道双歧杆菌和乳杆菌含量相对于高危组和低中危组患者水平低(P<0.05),且其拟杆菌含量、肠球菌和大肠埃希菌水平较高危组和低中危组患者水平高(P<0.05),高危组和中低危组患者的肠道双歧杆菌、乳杆菌、拟杆菌含量、肠球菌和大肠埃希菌水平相似(P>0.05)。极高危组患者的血清MCP-1和NLRP-3水平较高危组和低中危组高(P<0.05),而高危组血清MCP-1和NLRP-3水平较低中危组患者高(P<0.05)。经过Pearson相关性分析,患者MCP-1水平与高血压患者的肠道双歧杆菌和乳杆菌含量呈现负相关,与患者的拟杆菌、肠球菌和大肠埃希菌呈现正相关(P<0.05)。患者NLRP3水平与高血压患者的肠道双歧杆菌和乳杆菌含量呈现负相关,与患者的拟杆菌、肠球菌和大肠埃希菌呈现正相关。结论:老年高血压患者的肠道菌群失去平衡,患者血清MCP-1和NLRP-3水平与肠道菌群存在相关性。

Role of monocytes and macrophages in experimental and human acute liver failure

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a devastating clinical syndrome characterised by progressive encephalopathy, coagulopathy, and circulatory dysfunction, which commonly leads to multiorgan failure and death. Central to the pathogenesis of ALF is activation of the immune system with mobilisation of cellular effectors and massive production of cytokines. As key components of the innate immune system, monocytes and macrophages are postulated to play a central role in the initiation, progression and resolution of ALF. ALF in humans follows a rapidly progressive clinical course that poses inherent difficulties in delineating the role of these pivotal immune cells. Therefore, a number of experimental models have been used to study the pathogenesis of ALF. Here we consider the evidence from experimental and human studies of ALF on the role of monocytes and macrophages in acute hepatic injury and the ensuing extrahepatic manifestations, including functional monocyte deactivation and multiple organ failure.

Advanced oxidation protein products induce monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression via p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation in rat vascular smooth muscle cells

Background Advanced oxidation protein products （AOPPs） are new uremic toxins reported by Witko-Sarsat in 1996, which are associated with the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. However, the mechanisms by which AOPPs enhance atherosclerosis have not been fully understood. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 （MCP-1） is a chemokine which stimulates migration of monocytes and plays a critical role in the development of atherosclerosis. In this study, we investigated the effect of AOPPs on MCP-1 expression in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells （VSMCs）.

理气活血方调控MCP-1/JAK2/STAT3信号通路对慢性下肢缺血大鼠血管病变的影响

目的基于趋化活化蛋白因子-1(MCP-1)/Janus激酶2(JAK2)/信号转导和转录激活因子3(STAT3)信号通路探讨理气活血方对球囊损伤糖尿病股动脉慢性下肢缺血大鼠的干预作用。方法选取清洁级雄性SD大鼠50只,随机取10只作为假手术组,给予普通饲料喂养和血管内导丝穿刺操作,不损伤股动脉;余40只大鼠通过高脂高糖饲料喂食和链脲佐菌素(STZ)腹腔注射方法构建糖尿病模型,然后在糖尿病模型基础上,应用血管内球囊损伤股动脉及髂动脉缩缝方法建立慢性下肢缺血模型。将造模成功大鼠随机分为模型组、辛伐他汀组、理气活血方高剂量组、理气活血方低剂量组,每组10只。辛伐他汀组给予辛伐他汀片1.80 mg/kg灌胃,理气活血方高、低剂量组分别给予理气活血方8.10 g生药/kg和4.05 g生药/kg灌胃,假手术组和模型组给予等容积纯净水灌胃,均1次/d,连续4周。全自动生化分析仪检测血糖、胆固醇(TC)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)、三酰甘油(TG)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)和肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)水平,HE染色观察血管病理形态,电镜下观察股动脉内皮的病理形态,Real-time PCR和Western blot法分别检测股动脉中MCP-1、JAK2、STAT3 mRNA和蛋白表达情况。结果模型组大鼠血糖及血清TC、TG、LDL-C、IL-6、TNF-α水平均明显高于模型组(P均<0.05),辛伐他汀组与理气活血方高、低剂量组大鼠血清TC、TG、IL-6、TNF-α水平均明显低于模型组(P均<0.05)。病理观察,模型组大鼠血管内膜增厚,内皮血管平滑肌细胞增生,管腔狭窄,血管内皮拉伤,可见内弹力板、中膜断裂损伤;辛伐他汀组与理气活血方高、低剂量组大鼠内皮血管平滑肌细胞增生减少,管腔狭窄明显减轻,内皮损伤和断裂的内膜部分修复,裸露的内皮有部分覆盖。模型组大鼠股动脉中MCP-1、JAK2、STAT3 mRNA和蛋白相对表达量均明显高于假手术组(P均<0.05);理气活血方高、低剂量组大鼠股动脉中MCP-1、JAK2、STAT3 mRNA和蛋白相对表达量均明显低于模型组(P均<0.05)。结论理气活血方能够改善慢性下肢缺血大鼠的血管功能,机制可能与抑制MCP-1/JAK2/STAT3信号通路,下调炎症因子的表达相关。

Urotensin Ⅱ promotes monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression in aortic adventitial fibroblasts of rat

Background Urotensin Ⅱ （Ull）,a potent vasoconstrictive peptide,is able to stimulate phenotypic differentiation of adventitial fibroblasts.This study aimed to determine the effect of UII on monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 （MCP1） expression in rat aortic adventitial fibroblasts,so as to explore possible mechanisms in the development of vascular inflammation.Methods Growth-arrested adventitial fibroblasts were incubated in serum-free medium with UII （1010-10-7 mol/L） and inhibitors of signal transduction pathways for 1 to 24 hours.MCP-1 mRNA and protein expression and secretion were determined by RT-PCR,Western blotting analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）,respectively.Results UII dose-and time-dependently promoted MCP-1 mRNA and protein expression and secretion in cells,with maximal effect at 10-8 mol/L at 3 hours for mRNA expression,24 hours for protein expression in the cells,and 12 hours for protein secretion from the cells.Furthermore,the UII effects were significantly inhibited by treatment with its receptor antagonist SB710411,Rho kinase inhibitor Y27632,protein kinase C （PKC） inhibitor H7,mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor PD98059,calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporine A,and the Ca2＋channel blocker nicardipine.Conclusion UII may stimulate MCP-1 expression in rat aortic adventitial fibroblasts through its receptor and Rho kinase,PKC,mitogen-activated protein kinase,calcineurin and Ca2＋ channel signal transduction,thus contributing to adventitial inflammation.

Effects of Wenxiao Decoction(稳消方) on the Expression of Interleukin-6,Intercellular Adhesion Molecular-1and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 in Experimental Atherosclerotic Rabbits

Objective： To observe the effects of different doses of Wenxiao Decoction （稳消方） on the expression of interleukin-6 （IL-6）, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 （ICAM-1）, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 （MCP-1） in experimental atherosclerotic rabbits and to explore the mechanism by which it alleviates atherosclerosis. Methods： Sixty New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into six groups： a blank group, a model group, a Simvastatin group, and high-, medium-, and low-dosage Wenxiao Decoction groups. Except for those in the blank group, all rabbits were fed with a high-cholesterol diet. Carotid atherosclerosis was established by balloon-induced carotid artery endothelium injury in conjunction with the high-cholesterol diet. After 8 weeks, all animals were euthanized to evaluate levels of IL-6 and ICAM-1 expressions （by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay） and of MCP-1 （by immunohistochemistry staining）. Results： The expressions of IL-6, ICAM-1, and MCP-1 were significantly increased in all groups except the blank group （P〈0.05）. However, the rabbits in the Wenxiao Decoction groups and the Simvastatin group showed significantly lower levels of IL-6, ICAM-1, and MCP-1 expression than those in the model group （P〈0.05）. The expressions of IL-6, ICAM-1, and MCP-1 in the high- dosage Wenxiao Decoction group and the Simvastatin group were lower than those in the low-dosage Wenxiao Decoction group （P〈0.05）. The expression of MCP-1 in medium-dosage Wenxiao Decoction group was lower than that in the low-dosage group （P〈0.05）. Conclusions： High, medium, and low doses of Wenxiao Decoction can inhibit the expressions of IL-6, ICAM-1, and MCP-1, which may prevent and stabilize atherosclerotic plaques. There may be a direct relationship between dosage and therapeutic efficacy of Wenxiao Decoction.

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 level in serum of patients with acute spinal cord injury

Objective: To detect the concentration of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in the serum of patients with incomplete spinal cord injury and evaluate its relation with the pathologic classification of the spinal cord injury.Methods: MCP-1 concentration in the serum of patients with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI), single spine compression and healthy subjects were detected by ELISA, respectively in the present study and the magnetic resonance imaging data of these patients were studied at the same time on a blind base.Results: Serum level of MCP-1 in iSCI patients was 428 pg/ml±11 pg/ml by ELISA, which was higher than both that of the patients with single spine compression and of controls, with the concentration of 184 pg/ml±21 pg/ml and 124 pg/ml±15 pg/ml, respectively. There was significant difference between any two groups (P< 0.01). iSCI patients with normal MRI showed a lower serum level of MCP-1 as 312 pg/ml±30 pg/ml. Pathological classification of spinal cord edema and hematoma corresponded to 390 pg/ml±16 pg/ml and 508 pg/ml± 24 pg/ml in the concentration of MCP-1.Conclusions: MCP-1 may induce secondary inflammatory response by recruiting inflammatory cells to the injury site and thus affect the prognosis of spinal cord injury.

Expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in the pancreas of mice

Background Type 1 diabetes has been recognized as an organ specific autoimmune disease owing to the immune destruction of pancreatic islet β cells in genetically susceptible individuals. In both human and rodent models of type 1 diabetes, such as nonobese diabetic （NOD） mice, biobreeding rats, the disease has a distinct stage characterized by immune cells infiltrating in the pancreas （insulitis）. The major populations of infiltrating cells are macrophages and T lymphocytes. Therefore, immune cell infiltration of pancreatic islets may be a crucial step in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 can specifically attract monocytes in vivo. Interferon induced protein-10 has chemoattractant effects on the activated lymphocytes. In this study, we analysed the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in the pancreas of mice and interferon inducible protein-10 mRNA in the pancreas of NOD mice, and discussed their possible role in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes. Methods The immunohistochemical method and immunoelectronmicroscopy were used to evaluate the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in the pancreas of NOD mice and BALB/c mice. RT-PCR was used to evaluate the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and interferon inducible protein mRNA in NOD mice. Results Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 was positive in the pancreas of NOD mice, whereas negative in the pancreas of BALB/C mice. RT-PCR showed that monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and interferon inducible protein-10 mRNA could be found in the pancreas of NOD mice. Immunoelectronmicroscopy demonstrated that monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 was produced by β cells and stored in the cytoplasm of the cells. Conclusions Pancreatic islet β cells produce monocyte chemoattractantprotein-1 in NOD mice. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 may play an important part in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes by attracting monocytes/macrophages to infiltrate pancreatic islets.