Effects of TCMP-1 on the changes of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 expression in acute edematous pancreatitis

BACKGROUND: Traditional Chinese medicine is a potent agent in the management of clinical and experimental acute pancreatitis (AP), but the molecular mechanism of its the- rapeutic action is unclear. Numerous experimental and clinical studies have shown that platelet endothelial cell ad- hesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) is pivotal to leukocyte re- cruitment, which results in microcirculatory injury during inflammation, but its role in acute pancreatitis is poorly un- derstood. We investigated the effects of a compound of tra- ditional Chinese medicine pancreatitis-1 (TCMP-1) on the changes of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) expression on polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) in acute edematous pancreatitis (AEP). METHODS: The model of acute pancreatitis was estab- lished by subcutaneous injection of caerulein, and TCMP-1 treated groups were given TCMP-1 by catheterization from mouth to stomach (20 ml/kg) immediately after first time subcutaneous injection of caerulein. The changes of expres- sion of PECAM-1 on leukocytes from the blood of the splenic vein and inferior vena cava were determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: In the AEP group, expression of PECAM-1 on PMNs was not significantly different between pancreatic microcirculation and systemic circulation at AEP2h and AEP4h time point. Then from AEP4h time point to AEP8h time point, expression of PECAM-1 was up-regulated in systemic circulation while it was down-regulated in pancre- atic microcirculation and was significantly different be- tween pancreatic microcirculation and systemic circulation at AEP8h time point (P<0.05). In the TCMP-1 treated group, compared with the AEP group, expression of PE-CAM-1 on PMNs decreased in different levels between pan- creatic microcirculation and systemic circulation and was of significant difference at AEP8h time point (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: Inhibition of PECAM-1 expression on PMNs may prevent PMNs from transmigration through the endo- thelium and may be one of the treatment mechanisms of TCMP-1 decoction on AEP.

Differences in platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 expression between peripheral circulation and pancreatic microcirculation in cerulein-induced acute edematous pancreatitis

AIM: To investigate the changes of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) expression on polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) in peripheral circulation and pancreatic microcirculation in cerulein-induced acute edematous pancreatitis (AEP).METHODS: Fifty Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group (n=10) and AEP group (n=40). A model of AEP was established by subcutaneous injection of cerulein 5.5 and 7.5 μg/kg at 0 and 1 h after the beginning of experiment respectively. PECAM-1 expression on PMNs from splenic vein and inferior vena cava was determined by RT-PCR at mRNA level and determined by flow cytometry at protein level.RESULTS: In experimental rats, an increased PECAM-1mRNA expression was seen from 4 to 8 h of AEP in peripheral circulation (0.77±0.25%, 0.76±0.28%, 0.89±0.30%,1.00±0.21% ), while in pancreatic microcirculation,expression decreased from 2 h and reached the lowest level at 6 h of AEP (0.78±0.29%, 0.75±0.26%, 0.62±0.28%,0.66±0.20%). There were significant differences at 8-h time point of AEP between peripheral circulation and pancreatic microcirculation (1.00±0.21% vs0.66±0.20%, P＜0.05).Meanwhile,the difference at protein level was also found.CONCLUSION: A reverse expression of PECAM-1 on PMNs was found between peripheral circulation and pancreatic microcirculation, suggesting that inhibition of PECAM-1expression may improve the pathological change of AEP.

The relationship between platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 and paraquat-induced lung injury in rabbits

BACKGROUND:Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1(PECAM-1),also known as CD31,is mainly distributed in vascular endothelial cells.Studies have shown that PECAM-1 is a very significant indicator of angiogenesis,and has been used as an indicator for vascular endothelial cells.The present study aimed to explore the relationship between the expression of PECAM-1 and the degree of acute lung injury(ALI) and fibrosis in paraquat(PQ) induced lung injury in rabbits.METHODS:Thirty-six adult New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into three groups(12rabbits in each group) according to PQ dosage:8 mg/kg(group A),16 mg/kg(group B),and 32 mg/kg(group C).After PQ infusion,the rabbits were monitored for 7 days and then euthanized.The lungs were removed for histological evaluation.Masson staining was used to determine the degree of lung fibrosis(LF),and semi-quantitative immune-histochemistry analysis to determine the expression of PECAM-1.Pearson's product-moment correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between the expression of PECAM-1 and the extent of lung injuries expressed by ALI score and degree of LF.RESULTS:Rabbits in the three groups showed apparent poisoning.The rabbits survived longer in group A than in groups B and C(6.47±0.99 days vs.6.09±1.04 days vs.4.77±2.04 days)(P<0.05).ALI score was lower in group A than in groups B and C(8.33±1.03 vs.9.83±1.17 vs.11.50±1.38)(P<0.05),and there was statistically significant difference between group B and group C(P=0.03).LF was slighter in group A than in groups B and C(31.09%±2.05%vs.34.37%±1.62%vs.36.54%±0.44%)(P<0.05),and there was statistically significant difference between group B and group C(P=0.026).The PEACAM-1 expression was higher in group A than in groups B and C(20.31%±0.70%vs.19.34%±0.68%vs.18.37%±0.46%)(P<0.05),and there was statistically significant difference between group B and group C(P=0.017).Pearson's correlation analysis showed that the expression of PECAM-1 was negatively correlated to both ALI score(Coe=-0.732,P=0.001)and degree of LF(Coe=-0.779,P<0.001).CONCLUSIONS:The PECAM-1 expression significantly decreases in New Zealand rabbits after PQ poisoning,and the decrease is dose-dependent.The PECAM-1 expression is negatively correlated with ALI score and LF,showing a significant role in the development of lung injuries induced by PQ.

Adhesion molecule and proinflammatory cytokine gene expression in hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells following cecal ligation and puncture

INTRODUCTIONMultiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) isthought to be a frequent consequence of sepsis[1-3].Despite substantial advances in our knowledge and understanding of the basic pathophysiologic mechanisms[4-7], in critically ill patients infections and sepsis are still associated with a high mortality[8,9].

Pingyangmycin-regulated Expressions of Adhesion Molecules in Human Venous Malformation Endothelial Cells

Pingyangmycin (bleomycin A5 hydrochloride,PYM) is one of the anti-neoplastic agents which have been commonly used to treat venous malformations.However,the underlying mechanism by which PYM treats venous malformations remains poorly understood.It was reported that venous endothelial cells could recruit neutrophils via adhesion molecules (E-selectin,ICAM-1,ICAM-3,VCAM-1) during the acute/chronic inflammation and subsequent histological fibrosis after sclerotherapy with PYM.This study explored if the expression of E-selectin,ICAM-1,ICAM-3 and VCAM-1 in human venous malformation endothelial cells could be affected by PYM.HVMECs were cultured from human venous malformation tissue.Expressions of E-selectin,ICAM-1,ICAM-3 and VCAM-1 on HVMECs in response to PYM were analyzed by cell ELISA.The relative levels of mRNA expression in the cells were semi-quantified.The results showed that PYM up-regulated the expressions of E-selectin,ICAM-3,VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 in both time-and concentration-dependent manner.Our findings suggested that PYM could induce the expression of adhesion molecules in HVMECs,which might be a possible mechanism by which sclerotherapy by intralesional injection of PYM treats venous malformations.

Ubiquitin Reduces Expression of Intercellular Adhesion Molecules and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in Lung Tissue of Experimental Acute Lung Injury

Background Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) are two important cytokines in inflammatory response, which may induce rolling and adhesion of both leukocytes and lymphocytes, while modulating vascular permeability at the same time. These adhesion molecules usually serve as surrogate markers of activation and injury of vascular endothelial cells. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a key factor to induce the expression and production of the above cell adhesion molecules. However, it remains to be elucidated whether exogenous ubiquitin exerts any effect on the cytokines in sepsis-induced ALI. Methods Sixty mice were devided randomly into five groups with twelve mice in each group, i.e. CLP group, SHAM group, UB1 group (10 mg/kg), UB2 group (5 mg/kg) and UB3 group(1 mg/kg). Mice of SHAM group underwent sham operation, and other four groups underwent CLP. Six hours after surgery, mice of three UB groups received ubiquitin by caudal vein injection while CLP and SHAM group received vehicle. Seven hours after surgery, blood and lungs of all mice were collected. ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and TNF-α level of 9% lung homogenate and serum TNF-α level were measured by ELISA. Results Pulmonary ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and TNF-α level of three UB groups were lower than CLP and SHAM group, and there were several comparisons with a statistically significant difference. Serum TNF-α level of three UB groups were slightly lower than CLP group, but far higher than SHAM group. Pulmonary ICAM-1 level, VCAM-1 level and serum TNF-α level of UB3 group were lower than UB1 and UB2 group, and there was a significant difference in VCAM-1 between UB3 and UB1 group. Pulmonary TNF-α level of UB3 group was slightly higher than UB1 and UB2 group.

Negative Association of Circulating MicroRNA-126 with High-sensitive C-reactive Protein and Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background： Percutaneous coronary intervention （PCI） causes endothelial damage, resulting in an inflammatory response with elevation of markers such as high-sensitive C-reactive protein （hs-CRP） and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1（VCAM-1）, which are associated with restenosis after PCI. Evidence suggests that microRNA-126 （miR-126） plays an important role in vascular inflammation, but its correlation with PCl-mediated inflammation has not been investigated. In this study, we investigated the effect of PCI on circulating miR-126 and inflammation markers such as hs-CRP and VCAM-1. Methods： We enrolled 130 patients with coronary artery disease （CAD） in the Second Hospital of Jilin University from October 2015 to December 2015. Among them, 82 patients with CAD, defined as at least one major epicardial vessel with 〉70% stenosis who planned to undergo PCI, were divided into acute coronary syndrome （ACS） group （46 patients） and stable angina （SA） group （36 patients）. Forty-eight patients confirmed by coronary angiography without PCI were used as controls. The plasmas of all patients were collected prior to PCI and at 30 min, 24 h, and 72 h after PCI. The plasma VCAM-1 and hs-CRP were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the miR-126 was evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Results： Plasma concentrations of hs-CRP and VCAM-I in patients with either ACS （n = 46） or SA （n = 36） were significantly higher than in controls （n = 48） （P 〈 0.01） prior to PCI, and increased further at 24 h and 72 h after PCI, compared with prior PCI. Moreover, VCAM-1 was positively correlated with balloon time and pressure. In contrast, the plasma concentration of miR-126 was significantly lower in patients with CAD than in controls, and further decreased with time post-PCl. A negative correlation was observed between miR-126 and hs-CRP and VCAM-1 at 72 h after PCI. Conclusion： There was a negative correlation of miR-126 with the PCI-induced markers of inflammation such as hs-CRP and VCAM-1.

Expression of platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells by exposure to advanced glycosylation end products and inflammatory mediators

Objective To determine whether advanced glycosylation end products modified bovine serum albumin (AGEs-BSA) affects endothelial cell lateral junction protein, platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) in the presence or absence of inflammatory mediators.Methods Cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were exposed to AGEs-BSA for 6, 12, 24, and 36 hours, and exposed to AGEs-BSA glycosylated with different concentrations of glucose, tumor necrosis factord-α (TNF-α), interferon (IFN-γ), TNF-α + IFN-y and AGEs-BSA + TNF-α for 24 hours, respectively. Expression of PECAM-1 mRNA was measured by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with β-actin as an internal standard, and sequencing of RT-PCR products was performed to confirm the specificity of amplification for PECAM-1 gene. The endothelial cell surface expression of PECAM-1 was determined by flow cytometry (FCM).Results There were no significant changes in the expression of PECAM-1 mRNA and protein when the cells were exposed to AGEs-BSA with different concentrations or periods ( P>0. 05). However, PECAM-1 expression was reduced in the cells treated with TNF-α, IFN-y, TNF-α + IFN-γ and AGEs-BSA + TNF-α. The level of PECAM-1 treated with AGEs-BSA + TNF-α was lower than that of TNF-α treated alone (P<0. 01).Conclusions AGEs-BSA had no effect on the expression of PECAM-1 mRNA and protein in cultured HUVEC. With the presence of inflammatory mediator TNF-α, AGEs-BSA decreased the level of PECAM-1, which might reduce the adhesion interaction between adjacent endothelial cells, enhance the permeability of endothelial cells, and might be implicated in the endothelial dysfunction and pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in patients with diabetes mellitus. The significance of this phenomenon in intracellular signal transduction remains to be determined.

Cardiotrophin-1 induces intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression by nuclear factor κB activation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Background In addition to elevated concentrations of cytokines, patients with congestive endothelial dysfunction and increased plasma concentrations of adhesion molecules heart failure （CHF） show ke intercellular adhesion molecule-1 （ICAM-1）. Furthermore, the concentration of cardiotrophin-1 （CT-1） - a cytokine of the interleukin-6 superfamily - is increased in CHF. We tested the hypothesis whether CT-1 is able to induce ICAM-1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells （HUVEC）. Furthermore we examined the signalling mechanisms of CT-1 mediated ICAM-1 expression. Methods Confluent layers of HUVEC were incubated with increasing concentrations of CT-1 （5 to 100 ng/ml） for different periods. ICAM-1 mRNA was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction （PCR） and ICAM-1 surface expression by fluorescence-activated cell sorter （FACS） analysis and soluble ICAM-1 （slCAM-1） in the culture supernatant by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. To clarify the signalling pathway of CT-1 induced ICAM-1 expression we used various inhibitors of possible signal transducing molecules, electromobility shift assay （EMSA） and Western blot analysis. Results CT-1 induced ICAM-1 mRNA （1.8±0.8 fold increase compared to unstimulated cells after 6 hours） and protein （1.4±0.2 fold increase compared to unstimulated cells after 48 hours） in HUVEC in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. EMSA experiments show that CT-1 causes nuclear factor （NF） κB activation. Because parthenolide could inhibit CT-1 induced ICAM-1 expression NFκB activation is required in this pathway. CT-1 did not activate extracellular signal regulated kinases （ERK）, c-Jun N-terminal kinase （JNK） and p38. Conclusion CT-1 is able to induce ICAM-1 in endothelial cells by NFκB activation. These results may explain in part elevated ICAM-1 concentrations in patients with CHF and endothelial dysfunction.

清肠栓对三硝基苯磺酸诱导结肠炎大鼠结肠黏膜地址素细胞黏附分子-1表达的影响

目的:探讨黏膜地址素细胞黏附分子-1(MAdCAM-1)在三硝基苯磺酸(TNBS)诱导大鼠结肠炎发病过程中的作用;研究清肠栓是否通过抑制MAdCAM-1在结肠黏膜的表达,而发挥其抗炎愈疡作用.方法:用TNBS制备实验性大鼠结肠炎模型,大鼠随机分为清肠栓高剂量组、清肠栓低剂量组、柳氮磺胺吡啶组(SASP)、模型Ⅰ组、模型Ⅱ组及正常组.模型Ⅰ组造模3d时,其余5组在给药7d时处死大鼠.取大鼠结肠病变部位标本,进行组织病理学评价,用双抗体夹心酶联免疫吸附法检测结肠组织中LTB4和TNF-α水平,免疫组化染色法和Western blot分析法检测结肠黏膜MAdCAM-1蛋白表达.结果:造模3d时,模型Ⅰ组大鼠结肠黏膜出现明显组织损伤;经过7d处理后,清肠栓组大鼠黏膜组织损伤减轻.模型组结肠黏膜LTB4和TNF-α水平比正常组上升(436.38±66.56,396.81±69.43vs203.76±42.84;394.78±61.53,413.43±47.39vs233.84±55.24,均P<0.01);与模型Ⅱ组比较,各治疗组LTB4和TNF-α水平均下降,尤以清肠栓高剂量组下降明显(275.74±36.35,282.72±47.94,P<0.01).正常组大鼠结肠黏膜固有层MAdCAM-1可见少量表达,模型Ⅰ组大鼠结肠黏膜阳性染色细胞数明显增多;与模型Ⅱ组比较,清肠栓高剂量组、低剂量组和SASP组MAdCAM-1表达均明显下调,尤其在清肠栓高剂量组下调更为显著.结论:清肠栓通过抑制结肠黏膜促炎症因子LTB4和TNF-α释放,以及下调MAdCAM-1表达,而发挥其抗炎愈疡作用.

芪黄煎剂对胃切除大鼠肠淋巴细胞MAdCAM-1、ICAM-1及其mRNA表达的影响

目的观察大鼠胃切除术后小肠内滴注芪黄煎剂对黏膜地址素细胞黏附分子-1(mucosal addressin cell adhension molecule-1,MAdCAM-1)与细胞间黏附分子-1(intercellular adhesion molecule-1,ICAM-1)及其mRNA表达的影响。方法将60只SD大鼠分为3组,每组20只。假手术组大鼠仅行腹部皮肤切开后缝合手术,模型组大鼠胃切除后给予肠内营养液能全素,芪黄煎剂组大鼠胃切除后先给予芪黄煎剂再滴注营养液能全素。连续给药7d后,采用免疫组织化学法检测MAdCAM-1、ICAM-1蛋白表达水平,采用RTPCR荧光定量法检测MAdCAM-1、ICAM-1mRNA相对表达水平。结果与假手术组比较,模型组大鼠PP结中MAdCAM-1、ICAM-1及其mRNA表达水平均明显下降(P<0.05);与假手术组比较,芪黄煎剂组大鼠PP结中MAdCAM-1、ICAM-1及其mRNA表达水平明显升高(P<0.05)。结论芪黄煎剂能增加肠黏膜效应部位MAdCAM-1、ICAM-1及其mRNA表达水平,改善胃切除术后肠黏膜免疫屏障功能。

鼻息肉中细胞间黏附分子1和E-选择素的表达及意义

鼻息肉是耳鼻咽喉科常见病,严重危害人们身心健康。鼻息肉发病机制至今仍未完全阐明,众多研究表明嗜酸性粒细胞（eosinophils,Eos）浸润是鼻息肉最显著的病理特征。因此,探讨以Eos为代表的炎性细胞聚集和活化成为研究鼻息肉发病机制的热点。本文拟通过分析鼻息肉组织中细胞间黏附分子1（intercellular adhesion molecule-1,ICAM．1）、E-选择素的表达，探讨其与Eos浸润及鼻息肉形成的关系。

黏膜地址素细胞黏附分子-1的表达与胃癌的关系

目的探讨黏膜地址素细胞黏附分子-1(MadCAM-1)的表达与胃癌发生的关系。方法采用免疫组织化学SP法检测50例行胃癌根治术所收集的癌组织、癌旁组织和正常胃黏膜组织中MadCAM-1的表达情况。结果MadCAM-1表达率在正常胃黏膜、癌旁组织和癌组织中分别为78%(39/50)、64%(32/50)和40%(20/50)。癌组织中的阳性表达率明显低于正常组织(P<0.01)和癌旁组织(P<0.01);而正常组织与癌旁组织之间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);MadCAM-1阳性表达率低年龄组(<45岁)表达低于高年龄组(>45岁,P<0.05);MadCAM-1的阳性表达率与Borrmarn分型、肿瘤部位、肿瘤大小及癌细胞的浸润深度和分化程度无关(P>0.05)。结论MadCAM-1参与肿瘤局部免疫过程,与胃癌发生有关。

周围淋巴结地址素和血管细胞粘附分子-1在妊娠7d小鼠淋巴结和子宫的表达

目的:研究正常小鼠妊娠第7 d子宫和淋巴结的淋巴细胞归巢分子[周围淋巴结地址素(PNAd)和血管细胞粘附分子-1(VCAM-1)]的分布。方法:应用免疫组化染色观察C57Bl/6小鼠妊娠第7 d PNAd和VCAM-1在子宫和淋巴结的表达。结果:在小鼠妊娠第7 d中,PNAd强表达于外周淋巴结高内皮静脉血管的内皮细胞,但在子宫,仅弱表达于子宫内膜上皮;VCAM-1弱表达于淋巴结部分血管内皮、淋巴细胞,但广泛表达于子宫的各层血管内皮。结论:PNAd和VCAM-1在小鼠妊娠第7 d子宫和淋巴结有各自的分布特点,可能与妊娠期淋巴细胞的分布有关。

Change of hs-CRP,sVCAM-1,NT-proBNP levels in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension after therapy with magnesium sulfate and nifudipine

Objective:To investigate the change of the hs-CRP,sVC AM-1,NT-proBNP levels of the patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension(PIH) syndrome.Methods:A total of 200 patients with PIH were divided into mild,moderate and severe group,and 50 healthy pregnancy patients served as the control group.The serum sVCAM-1 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,hs-CRP were detected by immunity transmission turbidity,and NT-proBNP levels were determined by the colloidal gold method.Patients were treated with magnesium sulfate and nifudipine and the contrastive analysis was performed before and after treatment.And the pathological changes in placental of PIH patients were delected by hematoxylin-eosin staining at the same time.Results:The hs-CRP,sVCAM-l,NT-proBNP levels of patients in the mild, moderate and severe PHI group were significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05). The hs-CKP,sVCAM-l,NT-proBNP levels in the severe group were significantly higher than the mild group and the moderate group,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The hsCRP,sVCAM-l,NT-proBNP of the moderate group were significantly higher than the mild group(P<0.05).There was a positive correlation between hs-CRP,sVCAM-1,NT-proBNP expression levels and the degree of the PIH.The expression of hs-CRP,sVCAM-1,NT-proBNP levels of the moderate and the severe group were significantly decreased(P<0.05).The number of placental villi and interstitial blood vessel in the moderate and severe PIH group were significantly less than the control group(P<0.05).Conclusions:The increased levels of serum hs-CRP,sVCAM-1, NT-proBNP may be involved in the process of vascular endothelial cell injury of the PIH,and the hs-CRP,sVCAM-1,NT-proBNP can be used as the auxiliary index for diagnosis of PIH and determination of PIH severity.

Effect of a cancer vaccine prepared by fusions of hepatocarcinoma cells with dendritic cells

AIM: To prepare a cancer vaccine (H(22)-DC) expressing high levels of costimulatory molecules based on fusions of hepatocarcinoma cells (H(22)) with dendritic cells (DC) of mice and to analyze the biological characteristics and induction of specific CTL activity of H(22)-DC. METHODS: DCs were isolated from murine spleen by metrizamide density gradient centrifugation, purified based on its characteristics of semi-adhesion to culture plates and FcR-,and were cultured in the medium containing GM-CSF and IL-4. A large number of DC were harvested. DCs were then fused with H(22) cells by PEG and the fusion cells were marked with CD11c MicroBeads. The H(22)-DC was sorted with Mimi MACS sorter. The techniques of cell culture, immunocytochemistry and light microscopy were also used to test the characteristics of growth and morphology of H(22)-DC in vitro. As the immunogen, H(22)-DC was inoculated subcutaneously into the right armpit of BALB/C mice, and their tumorigenicity in vivo was observed. MTT was used to test the CTL activity of murine spleen in vivo. RESULTS: DC cells isolated and generated were CD11c+ cells with irregular shape, and highly expressed CD80, CD86 and CD54 molecules. H22 cells were CD11c- cells with spherical shape and bigger volume, and did not express CD80, CD86 and CD54 molecules.H(22)-DC was CD11c+ cells with bigger volume, being spherical, flat or irregular in shape, and highly expressed CD80, CD86 and CD54 molecules, too. H(22)-DC was able to divide and proliferate in vitro, but its activity of proliferation was significantly decreased as compared with H(22) cells and its growth curve was flatter than H(22) cells. After subcutaneous inoculation over 60 days, H(22)-DC showed no tumorigenecity in mice, which was significantly different from control groups (P【0.01). The spleen CTL activity against H(22) cells in mice implanted with fresh H(22)-DC was significantly higher than control groups (P 【 0.01). CONCLUSION: H(22)-DC could significantly stimulate the specific CTL activity of murine spleen, which suggests that the fusion cells have already obtained the function of antigen presenting of parental DC and could present H(22)specific antigen which has not been identified yet, and H(22)-DC could induce antitumor immune response; although simply mixed H(22) cells with DC could stimulate the specific CTL activity which could inhibit the growth of tumor in some degree, it could not prevent the generation of tumor. It shows that the DC vaccine is likely to become a helpful approach in immunotherapy of hepatocarcinoma.

Expression of TGF-β1 in Placenta of the Patients with Pregnancy-induced Hypertension and Its relationship with Serum VCAM-1

The expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in placental tissue of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and the relationship between the level of expression of TGF-β1 and the amount of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in serum was studied. Immunohistochemistry ABC was used to detect the expression and distribution of TGF-β1 in placental tissues in 40 PIH women and 20 normal pregnancy women. High resolution pathological image analysis system was used to determine the quality of TGF-β1. The VCAM-1 in serum was examined by enzyme linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that TGF-β1 could be express in syncytiotrophoblast. The levels of TGF-β1 expression in placental tissues of the patients with moderate and severe PIH were significantly higher (P<0.05), while the serum VCAM-1 was significantly lower than in normal group (P<0.01). There was a significant positive correlation between the expression of TGF-β1 in placental tissues and the serum VCAM-1 (r=0.969, P<0.01). It was concluded that the level of TGF-β1 expression in PIH was increased and was positively correlated with the amount of serum VCAM-1, indicating that they might be involved in the pathogenesis of PIH.

Involvement of Activation of C-Met Signaling Pathway in CD151-induced HUVECs Angiogenesis

CD151 is a member of the tetraspanin family that is implicated as a promoter of pathological or physiological angiogenesis. C-Met is expressed on a variety of cells including vascular endothelial cells（VECs） and up-regulated during angiogenesis. In this study, we investigated whether CD151 regulated migration, proliferation, tube formation and angiogenesis of human umbilical VECs（HUVECs） with activation of C-Met. Moreover, we studied whether CD151 could affect the angiogenic molecules such as nitric oxide（NO）, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1（VCAM-1） and vascular endothelial growth factor（VEGF）. The expression of CD151 was determined by Western blotting. The cell proliferation assay was performed using the cell counting kit-8（CCK-8） method and cell migration was assessed in microchemotaxis chambers by using fetal bovine serum（FBS） as the chemotactic stimulus. The angiogenic molecules were evaluated using ELISA. The NO level was detected using NO detection kit. The potential involvement of various signaling pathways was explored using relevant antibodies. We found that proliferation, migration and tube formation of HUVECs were promoted by CD151 with activation of C-Met, FAK and CDC42, while they were suppressed with CD151 knockdown by RNAi. Similarly, the levels of NO, VCAM-1 and VEGF in HUVECs were increased by CD151, but they were inhibited with CD151 knockdown by RNAi. These data suggested that CD151 could promote migration, proliferation, tube formation and angiogenesis of HUVECs, which was possibly related to the C-Met signaling pathways.

Correlation between endothelia cells activation and imbalance of cytokines in pulmonary hypertension of congenital heart disease

Objective To explore the correlation between endothelia cells activation and cytokines (ET-1, NO) levels in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH), and to discuss their roles in the development of PH. Methods Twenty patients with simple ventricular septal defect (VSD) were chosen as controls, and 30 patients with PH were studied. Plasma levels of ET-1 and NO were measured by radioimmunoassay or colorimetric method. Before cardiopulmonary bypass was established, the specimens from right lung were fixed with formaldehyde solution, embedded with paraffin and stained by SP immunohistochemistry. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression was measured through the determination of the light density with computer imaging technology. Results Compared with that of the patients with simple VSD, the light density of ICAM-1 and plasma level of ET-1 increased in patients with PH; but plasma level of NO decreased (P<0.05). Positive correlation was observed between ICAM-1 and ET-1/NO (P<0.05). Conclusion Endothelia cells activation and imbalance of ET-1/NO might play an important role in the development of PH.

The serum levels of MMP-9, sICAM-1, CRP and WBC increased in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Objective：To evaluate the association of the peripheral levels of the defined inflammatory markers with different types of acute coronary syndrome （ACS） and stable angina, and the role inflammation played in the pathogenesis of ACS. Methods ：For understanding the variation of serum concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase-9 （MMP-9）, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 （sICAM-1） ,C-reactive protein （CRP）, and white blood cell count （WBC） and their association with ACS, 90 patients with coronary heart disease （CHD） and 30 healthy volunteers were recruited. The enrolled people were assigned into four equal groups, including acute myocardial infarction （AMI） group, unstable angina pectoris（UAP） group, stable angina pectoris（SAP） group and healthy control group. The serum levels of MMP-9 and sICAM-1 were measured with ELISA kits, CRP were measured with im munoturbidimetric assay, and WBC number were assessed all before any treatment was administrated. Results： （1）The serum levels of MMP-9 ,sICAM-1 ,CRP and WBC in the patients with ACS were significantly higher than those in the control group （P 〈 0.01 ）. （2）Compared with control group, patients with SAP only had higher serum level of sICAM-1 （P 〈 0.01 ）. While the levels of MMP-9, CRP, and WBC had no significant difference between them （P 〉 0.05 all）. （3）Significant positive correlation between the serum levels of MMP-9 and sICAM-1 and CRP and WBC all were observed in the patients with ACS （P 〈 0.05）. Conclusion： The elevation of serum concentrations of inflammatory markers including MMP-9, slCAM-1, CRP and WBC were associated with initiation and progression of ACS, and they may help predicting cardiovascular events.