Efficacy and predictive factors of transarterial chemoembolization combined with lenvatinib plus programmed cell death protein-1 inhibition for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND The efficacy and safety of transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)combined with lenvatinib plus programmed cell death protein-1(PD-1)for unresectable hepato-cellular carcinoma(HCC)have rarely been evaluated and it is unknown which factors are related to efficacy.AIM To evaluate the efficacy and independent predictive factors of TACE combined with lenvatinib plus PD-1 inhibitors for unresectable HCC.METHODS This study retrospectively enrolled patients with unresectable HCC who received TACE/lenvatinib/PD-1 treatment between March 2019 and April 2022.Overall survival(OS)and progression-free survival(PFS)were determined.The objective response rate(ORR)and disease control rate(DCR)were evaluated in accordance with the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors.Additionally,the prognostic factors affecting the clinical outcome were assessed.RESULTS One hundred and two patients were enrolled with a median follow-up duration of 12.63 months.The median OS was 26.43 months(95%CI:17.00-35.87),and the median PFS was 10.07 months(95%CI:8.50-11.65).The ORR and DCR were 61.76%and 81.37%,respectively.The patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Classification(BCLC)B stage,early neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)response(decrease),or early alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)response(decrease>20%)had superior OS and PFS than their counterparts.CONCLUSION This study showed that TACE/lenvatinib/PD-1 treatment was well tolerated with encouraging efficacy in patients with unresectable HCC.The patients with BCLC B-stage disease with early NLR response(decrease)and early AFP response(decrease>20%)may achieve better clinical outcomes with this triple therapy.

Effectiveness and tolerability of programmed cell death protein-1 inhibitor+chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy for upper gastrointestinal tract cancers

BACKGROUND The combination of programmed cell death protein-1(PD-1)inhibitor and che-motherapy is approved as a standard first-or second-line treatment in patients with advanced oesophageal or gastric cancer.However,it is unclear whether this combination is superior to chemotherapy alone.AIM To assess the comparative effectiveness and tolerability of combining PD-1 inhibitors with chemotherapy vs chemotherapy alone in patients with advanced gastric cancer,gastroesophageal junction(GEJ)cancer,or oesophageal carcinoma.METHODS We searched the PubMed and Embase databases for studies that compared the efficacy and tolerance of PD-1 inhibitors in combination with chemotherapy vs chemotherapy alone in patients with advanced oesophageal or gastric cancer.We employed either random or fixed models to analyze the outcomes of each clinical trial,en-compassing data on overall survival(OS),progression-free survival(PFS),objective response rate,and adverse events(AEs).RESULTS Nine phase 3 clinical trials(7016 advanced oesophageal and gastric cancer patients)met the inclusion criteria.Our meta-analysis demonstrated that the pooled PD-1 inhibitor+chemotherapy group had a significantly longer OS than the chemotherapy-alone group[hazard ratio(HR)=0.76,95%confidence interval(CI):0.71-0.81];the pooled PFS result was consistent with that of OS(HR=0.67,95%CI:0.61-0.74).The count of patients achieving an objective response in the PD-1 inhibitor+chemotherapy group surpassed that of the chemotherapy-alone group[odds ratio(OR)=1.86,95%CI:1.59-2.18].AE incidence was also higher in the combination-therapy group than in the chemotherapy-alone group,regardless of whether≥grade 3 only(OR=1.30,95%CI:1.07-1.57)or all AE grades(OR=1.88,95%CI:1.39-2.54)were examined.We performed a subgroup analysis based on the programmed death-ligand 1(PD-L1)combined positive score(CPS)and noted extended OS and PFS durations within the CPS≥1,CPS≥5,and CPS≥10 subgroups of the PD-1 inhibitor+chemotherapy group.CONCLUSION In contrast to chemotherapy alone,the combination of PD-1 inhibitor and chemotherapy appears to present a more favorable option for initial or subsequent treatment in patients with gastric cancer,GEJ tumor,or oesophageal cancer.This holds true particularly for individuals with PD-L1 CPS scores of≥5 and≥10.

Transplantation of X-box-binding protein-1 gene-modified neural stem cells in the lateral ventricle of brain ischemia rats

X-box-binding protein-1 （XBP-1） is an essential transcription factor in endoplasmic reticulum stress In this study, XBP-1 gene-transfected neural stem cells （NSCs） were transplanted into lesion sites to ensure stability and persistent expression of XBP-1, resulting in the exertion of anti-apoptotic effects. Simultaneously, XBP-1 gene transfection promotes the survival and differentiation of transplanted NSCs. Results from this study demonstrated that survival, proliferation and differentiation of XBP-1 g^ne-modified NSCs were enhanced when compared to unmodified NSCs at 28 days post-transplantation （P 〈 0.05）. A diminished number of apoptotic neural cells increased Bcl-2 expression and reduced Bax expression, and were observed in the ischemic region of the XBP-1-NSCs group （P 〈 0.05）. These results indicated that modification of the XBP-1 gene enhances the survival and migration of NSCs in vivo and decreases the occurrence of apoptosis.

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.

Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans protected the ceruleininduced acute pancreatitis by inhibiting high-mobility group box protein-1

AIM:To evaluate the inhibitory effects of Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans(SSM) on cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis(AP) in a mouse model.METHODS:SSM water extract(0.1,0.5,or 1 g/kg) was administrated intraperitoneally 1 h prior to the first injection of cerulein.Once AP developed,the stable cholecystokinin analogue,cerulein was injected hourly,over a 6 h period.Blood samples were taken 6 h later to determine serum amylase,lipase,and cytokine levels.The pancreas and lungs were rapidly removed for morphological examination,myeloperoxidase assay,and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.To specify the role of SSM in pancreatitis,the pancreatic acinar cells were isolated using collagenase method.Then the cells were pre-treated with SSM,then stimulated with cerulein.The cell viability,cytokine productions and high-mobility group box protein-1(HMGB-1) were measured.Furthermore,the regulating mechanisms of SSM action were evaluated.RESULTS:The administration of SSM significantly attenuated the severity of pancreatitis and pancreatitis associated lung injury,as was shown by the reduction in pancreatic edema,neutrophil infiltration,vacuolization and necrosis.SSM treatment also reduced pancreatic weight/body weight ratio,serum amylase,lipase and cytokine levels,and mRNA expression of multiple inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β.In addition,treatment with SSM inhibited HMGB-1 expression in the pancreas during AP.In accordance with in vivo data,SSM inhibited the cerulein-induced acinar cell death,cytokine,and HMGB-1 release.SSM also inhibited the activation of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase,p38 and nuclear factor(NF)-κB.CONCLUSION:These results suggest that SSM plays a protective role during the development of AP and pancreatitis associated lung injury via deactivating c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase,p38 and NF-κB.

Molecular detection of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 polymorphism in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis patients

AIM: To investigate the association of the functional monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) promoter polymorphism (A-2518G) with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP).

MicroRNA-760 acts as a tumor suppressor in gastric cancer development via inhibiting G-protein-coupled receptor kinase interacting protein-1 transcription

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)has become a serious threat to people's health.Accumulative evidence reveals that dysregulation of numerous microRNAs(miRNAs)has been found during malignant formation.So far,the role of microRNA-760(miR-760)in the development of GC is largely unknown.AIM To measure the expression level of miR-760 in GC and investigate its role in gastric tumorigenesis.METHODS Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were used to measure the expression of miR-760 and G-protein-coupled receptor kinase interacting protein-1(GIT1).Cell growth was detected by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide(MTT)and cell colony formation assays.Apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometric analysis.The relationship between miR-760 and GIT1 was verified by luciferase reporter assay.RESULTS The results showed that the expression of miR-760 was decreased in GC and associated with poor clinical outcomes in GC patients.Furthermore,miR-760 restrained cell proliferation and cell colony formation and induced apoptosis in GC cells.In addition,miR-760 directly targeted GIT1 and negatively regulated its expression in GC.GIT1 was upregulated in GC and predicted a worse prognosis in GC patients.We also found that upregulation of GIT1 weakened the inhibitory CONCLUSION In conclusion,miR-760 targets GIT1 to inhibit cell growth and promote apoptosis in GC cells.Our data demonstrate that miR-760 may be a potential target for the treatment of GC.

All-trans Retinoic Acid Diminishes Collagen Production in a Hepatic Stellate Cell Line via Suppression of Active Protein-1 and c-Jun N-terminal Kinase Signal

Following acute and chronic liver injury,hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) become activated to undergo a phenotypic transformation into myofibroblast-like cells and lose their retinol content,but the mechanisms of retinoid loss and its potential roles in HSCs activation and liver fibrosis are not understood.The influence of retinoids on HSCs and hepatic fibrosis remains controversial.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of all-trans retinoid acid (ATRA) on cell proliferation,mRNA expression of collagen genes [procollagen α1 (Ⅰ),procollagen α1 (Ⅲ)],profibrogenic genes (TGF-β 1,CTGF,MMP-2,TIMP-1,TIMP-2,PAI-1),fibrolytic genes (MMP-3,MMP-13) and the upstream element (JNK and AP-1) in the rat hepatic stellate cell line (CFSC-2G).Cell proliferation was evaluated by measuring BrdU incorporation.The mRNA expression levels of collagen genes [procollagen α1 (Ⅰ),procollagen α1 (Ⅲ)],profibrogenic genes (TGF-β 1,CTGF,MMP-2,TIMP-1,TIMP-2,PAI-1),and fibrolytic genes (MMP-3,MMP-13) were quantitatively detected by using real-time PCR.The mRNA expression of JNK and AP-1 was quantified by RT-PCR.The results showed that ATRA inhibited HSCs proliferation and diminished the mRNA expression of collagen genes [procollagen α1 (Ⅰ),procollagen α1 (Ⅲ)] and profibrogenic genes (TGF-β 1,CTGF,MMP-2,TIMP-1,TIMP-2,PAI-1),and significantly stimulated the mRNA expression of MMP-3 and MMP-13 in HSCs by suppressing the mRNA expression of JNK and AP-1.These findings suggested that ATRA could inhibit proliferation and collagen production of HSCs via the suppression of active protein-1 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase signal,then decrease the mRNAs expression of profibrogenic genes (TGF-β 1,CTGF,MMP-2,TIMP-1,TIMP-2,PAI-1),and significantly induce the mRNA expression of MMP-3 and MMP-13.

Analysis of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 gene polymorphism in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

AIM:To investigate a genetic polymorphism of the monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1 ) gene in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP).METHODS:MCP-1 genotyping was performed in 23 patients with SBP and 83 cirrhotic control patients with non-infected ascites.RESULTS:The frequency of carriers of the G-allele was lower in SBP patients but this difference did not reach statistical significance. However,in the subgroup of patients with alcoholic cirrhosis (n=80),carriers of the G-allele were significantly less frequent in SBP-patients (38.1%) than in cirrhotic controls (67.8%,P=0.021). CONCLUSION:In patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis,the-2518 MCP-1 genotype AA is a risk factor for the development of SBP.

Structure and function of epididymal protein cysteine-rich secretory protein-1

Cysteine-rich secretory protein-1 （CRISP-1） is a glycoprotein secreted by the epididymal epithelium. It is a member of a large family of proteins characterized by two conserved domains and a set of 16 conserved cysteine residues. In mammals, CRISP-1 inhibits sperm-egg fusion and can suppress sperm capacitation. The molecular mechanism of action of the mammalian CRISP proteins remains unknown, but certain non-mammalian CRISP proteins can block ion channels. In the rat, CRISP-1 comprises two forms referred to as Proteins D and E. Recent work in our laboratory demonstrates that the D form of CRISP-1 associates transiently with the sperm surface, whereas the E form binds tightly. When the spermatozoa are washed, the E form of CRISP-1 persists on the sperm surface after all D form has dissociated. Cross-linking studies demonstrate different protein-protein interaction patterns for D and E, although no binding partners for either protein have yet been identified. Mass spectrometric analyses revealed a potential post-translational modification on the E form that is not present on the D form. This is the only discernable difference between Proteins D and E, and presumably is responsible for the difference in behavior of these two forms of rat CRISP- 1. These studies demonstrate that the more abundant D form interacts with spermatozoa transiently, possibly with a specific receptor on the sperm surface, consistent with a capacitation-suppressing function during sperm transit and storage in the epididymis, and also confirm a tightly bound population of the E form that could act in the female reproductive tract. （Asian J Androl 2007 July; 9： 508-514）

Activator protein-1 involved in growth inhibition by RASSF1A gene in the human gastric carcinoma cell line SGC7901

AIM:To investigate the role of Ras association domain family protein 1 isoform A (RASSF1A) in gastric tumorigenesis. METHODS:Through over-expression of RASSF1A gene in the SGC7901 cell line which was induced by a lipofectamine-mediated gene transfer approach. Activator protein-1 (AP-1) DNA binding activity was measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). RESULTS:Compared with the control clones, cells over- expressing RASSF1A exhibited significant inhibition of cell growth with G1 cell cycle arrest in vitro and in vivo. The over-expression of RASSF1A significantly inhibited AP-1 activity in SGC7901 cells (0.981±0.011 vs 0.354±0.053, P<0.001). In addition, both Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry demonstrated that RASSF1A down-regulated the expression of c-Fos (0.975± 0.02 vs 0.095±0.024, P<0.001) but not c-Jun. CONCLUSION: Over-expression of RASSF1A inhibits the growth of SGC7901 cells by negatively regulating the AP-1 activity, the latter in turn negatively signals cell proliferation.

Expression of macrophage inflammatory protein-1αin Kupffer cells following liver ischemia or reperfusion injury in rats

AIM： To explore the expression of macrophage inflammatory protein-1α （MIP-1α） in Kupffer cells （KCs） following liver ischemia/reperfusion injury IRI in rats. METHODS： Forty male SD rats were divided randomly into five groups. A model of partial warm ischemia/ reperfusion injury in the rat liver was established. KCs were isolated and incubated one hour, six hours, 12 h, and 24 h after the reperfusion. Tumor necrosis factor alpha （TNF-α） and interleukin-lbeta （IL-1β） in the supernatants were measured by ELISA. MIP-1α in KCs was detected by immunocytochemical and RT-PCR. RESULTS： No or few MIP-1α protein and mRNA were expressed in the KCs of the control group. Its expression in the IRI group had a significant increase after the reperfusion （P 〈 0.05）, which was contrary to the control group. CONCLUSION： The active behavior of the MIP-1α gene in KCs following liver ischemia/reperfusion injury is assumed to be one of the major causes for the hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1/CCL2 in gastric cancer and its relationship with tumor hypoxia

AIM: To investigate the expression and prognostic value of CCL2 in gastric cancer, as well as its relationship with tumor hypoxia.

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.

Characterization of Wnt1-inducible Signaling Pathway Protein-1 in Obese Children and Adolescents

Wnt1-inducible signaling pathway protein-1(WISP1),a member of the CCN family,is increasingly being recognized as a potential target for obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus.Recent studies have shown that WISP1 can regulate low-grade inflammation in obese mice,and circulating WISP1 levels are associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults.Herein,we measured serum WISP1 levels in obese youth and explored its relationships with pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 18(IL-18)and other metabolic indexes.Totally,44 normal-weight and 44 obese children and adolescents were enrolled.Physical and laboratory data were recorded,and then serum levels of WISP1 and IL-18 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.Results showed that serum levels of WISP1 were significantly higher in obese children and adolescents than in normal-weight healthy controls (1735.444-15.29 vs. 1364.084-18.69 pg/mL).WISP1 levels were significantly positively correlated with body mass index (BMI)and BMI z-score (r=0.392,P=0.008;r=0.474,P=0.001,respectively) in obese group;circulating IL-18 was increased in obese individuals (1229.064-29.42 vs. 295.874-13.30 pg/mL).Circulating WISP1 levels were significantly correlated with IL-18 (r=0.542,P<0.001),adiponectin (r=0.585,P<0.001)and leptin (r=0.592,P<0.001).The multivariate stepwise regression analysis showed that higher IL-18 levels represented the main determinant of increased WISP1 levels after adjusting for BMI,waist circumference, fasting insulin,homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)and HbAlc in obese individuals (β=0.542,P=0.000).WISP1 can be involved in glucose/lipid metabolism in obese youth,which may be modulated by IL-18.Increased WISP1 levels may be a risk factor of obesity and insulin resistance,and WISP1 has a potential therapeutic effect on insulin resistance in obese children and adolescents.

Plasma monocyte chemotactic protein-1 remains elevated after minimally invasive colorectal cancer resection

AIM: To investigate plasma Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1 levels preoperatively in colorectal cancer(CRC) and benign patients and postoperatively after CRC resection.METHODS: A plasma bank was screened for minimally invasive colorectal cancer resection(MICR) for CRC and benign disease(BEN) patients for whom preoperative, early postoperative, and 1 or more late postoperative samples(postoperative day 7-27) were available. Monocyte chemotactic protein-1(MCP-1) levels(pg/mL) were determined via enzyme linked immuno-absorbent assay. RESULTS: One hundred and two CRC and 86 BEN patients were studied. The CRC patient's median preoperative MCP-1 level(283.1, CI: 256.0, 294.3) was higher than the BEN group level(227.5, CI: 200.2, 245.2; P = 0.0004). Vs CRC preoperative levels, elevated MCP-1 plasma levels were found on postoperative day 1(446.3, CI: 418.0, 520.1), postoperative day 3(342.7, CI: 320.4, 377.4), postoperative day 7-13(326.5, CI: 299.4, 354.1), postoperative day 14-20(361.6, CI: 287.8, 407.9), and postoperative day 21-27(318.1, CI: 287.2, 371.6; P < 0.001 for all). CONCLUSION: Preoperative MCP-1 levels were higher in CRC patients(vs BEN). After MICR for CRC, MCP-1 levels were elevated for 1 mo and may promote angiogenesis, cancer recurrence and metastasis.

Clinical significance and prognostic value of tumor necrosis factor-α and dickkopf related protein-1 in ankylosing spondylitis

BACKGROUND Ankylosing spondylitis(AS)frequently occurs in people aged 30-45 years,and its prevalence is generally believed to be between 0.1%and 1.4%globally.At present,the“gold standard”for diagnosis of AS requires the provision of pelvic X-rays,which makes it more difficult to perform in population-based epidemiological studies.Therefore,the identification of serological indicators related to the diagnosis,treatment,and prognosis of AS patients is of great significance.AIM To analyze the therapeutic,diagnostic significance and prognostic value of dickkopf-related protein-1(DKK-1)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in AS.METHODS A total of 113 patients with active AS were selected as the research group,and 100 healthy subjects who underwent physical examination were selected as the control group.The levels of DKK-1 and TNF-α in peripheral blood in the two groups were compared.The diagnostic and predictive values of DKK-1 and TNF-α for AS were analyzed with ROC curves,and the factors influencing AS recurrence were analyzed with COX regression.RESULTS Before treatment,the research group showed lower DKK-1 levels but higher TNF-αlevels than the control group(both aP<0.05).In the research group,DKK-1 was up-regulated and TNF-αwas down-regulated after 12 wk of treatment(aP<0.05).The area under the curve,sensitivity and specificity of DKK-1 combined with TNF-αfor diagnosing AS were 0.934,82.30%and 97.00%,respectively.Before treatment,the area under the curve,cutoff value,sensitivity and specificity of DKK-1 for predicting the curative effect were 0.825,68.42 pg/mL,73.68%and 80.00%,respectively,and those of TNF-αwere 0.863,32.79 ng/L,92.11%and 77.33%,respectively.DKK-1 and TNF-αlevels after treatment were closely related to the curative effect(aP<0.05).C-reactive protein,the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index,DKK-1,and TNF-αwere risk factors for AS recurrence(aP<0.05).CONCLUSION DKK-1 and TNF-αare effective in the diagnosis and treatment of AS and are risk factors for its recurrence.In addition,DKK-1 may be a potential target for the diagnosis of AS.

Role of Activator Protein-1 in the Transcription of Interleukin-5 Gene Regulated by Protein Kinase C Signal in Asthmatic Human TLymphocytes

Summary: In order to explore the role of activator protein-1 (AP-1) in the transcription of interleukin-5 (IL-5) gene regulated by protein kinase C (PKC) signal in peripheral blood T lymphocytes from asthmatic patient, T lymphocytes were isolated and purified from peripheral blood of each asthmatic patient. The T lymphocytes were randomly divided into 4 groups: group A (blank control), group B (treated with PKC agonist phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)), Group C (treated with PMA and AP-1 cis-element decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (decoy ODNs)), and group D (treated with PMA and AP-1 mutant decoy ODNs). The ODNs were transfected into the T cells of group C and D by cation liposome respectively. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to assess IL-5 mRNA expression, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) for the activation of AP-1. The results showed that the activation of AP-1 (88 003.58±1 626.57) and the expression of IL-5 mRNA (0.8300±0.0294) in T lymphocytes stimulated with PMA were significantly higher than these in blank control (20 888.47±1103.56 and 0.3050±0.0208, respectively, P< 0.01), while the indexes (23 219.83±1 024.86 and 0.3425±0.0171 respectively) of T lymphocytes stimulated with PMA and AP-1 decoy ODNs were significantly inhibited, as compared with group B (P< 0.01). The indexes (87 107.41±1 342.92 and 0.8225±0.0222, respectively) in T lymphocytes stimulated with PMA and AP-1 mutant decoy ODNs did not exhibit significant changes, as compared with group B (P>0.05). The significant positive correlation was found between the activation of AP-1 and the expression of IL-5 mRNA (P< 0.01). It was concluded that AP-1 might participate in the signal transduction of PKC-triggered transcription of IL-5 gene in asthmatic T lymphocytes. This suggests the activation of PKC/AP-1 signal transduction cascade of T lymphocytes may play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma.

Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-1 Beta (MIP-1<i>β</i>) and Platelet Indices as Predictors of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis<br>—MIP, MPV and PDW in SBP

Background/Aims: The objective of this study is to measure macrophage inflammatory protein one beta (MIP-1β), mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) to evaluate their usefulness in the diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in cirrhotic patients. Materials and Methods: This study comprised 41 cirrhotic patients with ascites. MPV, PDW and MIP-1β were measured in serum and ascitic fluid. Results: A significant increase MPV, PDW, C-reactive Protein (CRP) and white blood cell was observed in SBP group compared to non SBP (P ≤ 0.001, P = 0 β was significantly in-creased in ascitic fluid in patients with SBP versus non SBP (P ≤ 0.001). At cutoff value of 8.3 fl MPV had 85.7% sensitivity and 75% specificity (AUC = 0.876) for diagnosis of SBP. At cutoff value of 15.4 PDW had 90.4% sensitivity and 55% specificity (AUC = 0.762). At cutoff value of 121.9 pg/ml MIP-1β in ascitic fluid had 76.1% sensitivity and 100% specificity (AUC = 0.881) for detecting SBP. Conclusion: MIP-1β and platelet indices are useful marker in the diagnosis of SBP in cirrhotic patients. Combined measurement of MIP-1β in serum and ascitic fluid had 100% sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of SBP.

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.