[Study on the carcinogenic mechanism of human papillomavirus typel6 E7 protein in cervical carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relationship between HPVl6 E7-Rb protein binding (Rb protein was dissociated from pRb-E2F-l complex) and the occurrence of cervical carcinoma.

METHODS

HPV16 DNA infection rate was tested in cervical carcinoma and normal cervical tissues by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Then using Western blot analysis to find the presence HPVl6E7 protein and pRb-E2F-1 complex in HPV16 DNA positive cervical carcinoma tissues. The normal cervical tissues were used as control.

RESULTS

Out of 67 samples with cervical carcinomas, 34 samples were HPV16 DNA positive (50.7%), no HPVl6 DNA were detected in 10 samples of normal cervical tissues. In cervical carcinoma tissues, the HPV16E7-pRb complex, the free E2F-1 were detected by Western blot, but no complex of pRb-E2F-l was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results seem to suggest that HPV 16 E7 protein could interact with pRb through separating the complex of pRb-E2F-1, release free E2F- 1, resulted in disordered cell cycle and cell malignant transformation.

[Relationship between vulvar dystrophy, malignant tumor and the estrogen progestin receptor]

In order to investigate the relationship between vulvar dystrophy, malignant tumor, and estrogen, progestin receptor, we made an analysis on estrogen and progestin receptor (ER, PR) contents in 31 cases of vulvar dystrophy and 19 cases of malignant tumor, using the dextran-coated charcoal method. The Results showed that ER content of the mixed type was higher than that of the atrophic type. PR content of the mixed type was higher than that of the hyperplastic type; and the PR content of the hyperplastic type was higher than that of the atrophic type. The relationship between ER and PR contents of the vulvar dystrophy and adjacent normal tissue was in positive correlation. The PR content of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma went down along with the drop of its dedifferentiation degree. The PR content of carcinoma was much lower than that of the adjacent normal tissue. The results of suggest that the study provided theoretic basis for endocrinotherapy of the vulvar dystrophy, PR in malignant tumor is regarded as one of the indexes to predict prognosis.

[Expression of mismatch repair gene hMSH2 in human malignant ovarian tumors and its clinical significance]

OBJECTIVES

To study the expression of hMSH2 gene in human malignant ovarian tumor and its relationship to clinicopathological characteristics.

METHODS

The expression of hMSH2 gene in 42 patients with malignant ovarian tumor was detected by immunohistochemistry streptomycin peroxidel method using monoclonal antibody to hMSH2 protein.

RESULTS

hMSH2 expression was observed in the 26 of 42 malignant ovarian tumors (62%), more frequently present in serous and mucinous adenocarcinoma (80%, 80%) than in endometrioid adenocarcinoma and malignant germinal tumors (1/6, 1/6) (P < 0.05). It was significantly higher in high grade than in low grade (P < 0.05), and the reduced expression of hMSH2 was also significantly more often in lymphnodes metastasized cases. Statistical analysis indicated that hMSH2 expression wasn't related to the stage of the tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the abnormal expression of hMSH2 might be involved in the carcinogenesis process and progression of malignant tumor, and that the loss of the hMSH2 protein expression might be a useful predictor of early diagnosis and prognosis of malignant ovarian tumor.

Interferon-gamma-responsive neuronal sites in the normal rat brain: receptor protein distribution and cell activation revealed by Fos induction

Constitutive expression of the interferon-gamma receptor protein (IFN-gammaR), and the distribution of cells in which Fos, a marker of cell activation, is induced by intracerebroventricular administration of IFN-gamma, were studied in the rat brain by immunohistochemistry. IFN-gammaR immunopositivity was found in neuronal elements, which exhibited a selective distribution being concentrated in the piriform and entorhinal cortex, midline thalamus and medial hypothalamic structures, brainstem nociceptive relays (including the periaqueductal gray, the parabrachial nuclei and the caudal part of the spinal trigeminal nuclei), and circumventricular organs such as the median eminence and area postrema. IFN-gamma-induced Fos expression mostly corresponded to neuronal sites of receptor distribution. Because of its topographical distribution, it is suggested that activation of the IFN-gammaR in neurons may play a role to limit spread of infections in the brain and, in concert with other proinflammatory cytokines, to modulate adaptive responses to an antigen challenge mediated by the central nervous system.

[Gamma knife treatment of meningiomas]

From October 1995 to July 1997, 52 cases of meningioma were treated with gamma knife radiosurgery. Twenty-eight cases were followed up by CT or MR. The follow-up period was from 2 to 22 months. Follow-up imaging evaluation showed tumor size shrinkage in 8 cases, central density decrease in 10 cases, no change in 8 cases and tumor volume increase in 2 cases. The actual 1-year tumor growth control rate was 92%. Radiation-induced edema was noted in 9 cases, including 7 cases of the nonbasal tumor and 2 cases of basal one. The indications and efficacy of gamma knife treatment of the meningioma were discussed. Our preliminary experience suggests that gamma knife is an effective and safe technique for carefully selected patients with meningiomas.

Hierarchical unfolding of the alpha-lactalbumin molten globule: presence of a compact intermediate without a unique tertiary fold

The difference between the framework model and the hydrophobic collapse model of protein folding largely rests on whether a secondary-structure framework can exist independently of native tertiary interactions. Here, we used circular dichroism and disulfide exchange experiments to examine the unfolding mechanism of alpha-LA(alpha), a two- disulfide variant of human alpha-lactalbumin (alpha-LA) that adopts a molten globule conformation under near physiological conditions. Our results show that as the concentration of denaturant increases, the alpha-LA molten globule first loses its ability to form a specific, native-like tertiary fold. Subsequently, at a higher denaturant concentration, the protein loses its secondary structure and adopts an extended conformation. A compact, non-native disulfide bond isomer, which does not form significantly under both native and strongly denaturing conditions, was found to be moderately populated in approximately 2 M guanidine hydrochloride (GuHCl). Qualitatively the same result was also obtained in urea. These results suggest that formation of secondary structure is a necessary, but not sufficient condition for formation of the native-like tertiary fold and support a hierarchical model of protein folding.

Cloning and overexpression of a tyrosinase gene mel from Pseudomonas maltophila

The tyrosinase gene (mel), which is responsible for melanin formation, was isolated by shotgun cloning of SalI fragments of Pseudomonas maltophila DNA. A 0.7-kb SalI fragment in the recombinant plasmid pWSY8 imparted the ability to synthesize melanin to an Escherichia coli host HB101. The nucleotide sequence of this DNA fragment revealed an open reading frame of 504 bp, encoding a protein of 169 amino acids. The fragment containing the mel gene was then cloned into an expression plasmid pPAS1 under the control of a promoter isolated from the host, P. maltophilia AT18. This strain increased the melanin production by 70.6% compared with the strain HB101/pWSY8, in which the cloned mel gene was under the control of the lac promoter from the vector pUC18.

[Production and some properties of a thermophilic protease from Bacillus stearothermophilus WF146]

The factors affecting Bacillus stearothermophilus WF146 for thermophilic protease producing have been investigated, more than 600 units of enzyme in 1 mL of fermented culture could be achieved under suitable condition. The protease had a molecular weight around 34 kD estimated by SDS-PAGE, and functioned optimally at pH 8.0 and 80 degrees C, respectively. In addition, the enzyme exhibited high temperature tolerance and was stable at a wide range of pH, and Ca2+ played a key role for the stability of the enzyme. While the protease activity of the enzyme was strongly inhibited by PMSF, DFP and IAA, and was not affected by DTT.

[Study of estrogen and progesterone receptors in endometrial carcinoma]

This study was conducted to immunohistochemical and biochemical measurements of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) in endometrial carcinoma and elucidate the relationship between ER/PR contents and the clinico-pathologic features. Specific monoclonal antibodies to human ER and PR were used and the immunohistochemical (IHC) assay was performed on 36 specimens of endometrial carcinomas. Twenty-eight out of 36 specimens' ER and PR contents were also measured by dextran-coated charcoal analysis (DCC). ER and PR positive rates were 44.4% and 52.8% by IHC, and 50% and 57.1% by DCC, respectively. The two methods correlated significantly, the correlation coefficient between DCC and IHC being 0.565 for ER and 0.563 for PR (P < 0.05). ER and PR contents were much lower in grade 3 than in grades 1 and 2 endometrial carcinomas (P < 0.01). The authors conclude that the levels of ER and PR are associated with the differentiation of endometrial carcinoma. The immunohistochemical and biochemical methods correlate well. A combination of the two methods may be more useful in predicting the prognosis and choosing the treatment.

[Induction of apoptosis in ovarian carcinoma cells by HSP70 antisense oligodeoxynucleotides]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of HSP70 in the proliferation and survival of ovarian carcinoma cells by inhibiting HSP70 expression with HSP70 antisense oligomer.

METHODS

Morphological changes of apoptotic cells were investigated by light microscopy. DNA fragmentation was analysed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Kinetics of induction of apoptosis and cell cycle were analysed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The HSP70 antisense oligomer treated ovarian carcinoma cells showed apparent inhibition of proliferation and characteristic morphological changes of apoptosis. Also, a ladder-like pattern of DNA fragments was demonstrated on agarose gel electrophoresis. HSP70 antisense-oligomer induced apoptosis of ovarian carcinoma cells mainly in G(1)/S phase in 8.3% to 41% at 1 to 20micromol/L. The apoptosis-inducting effect of HSP70 antisense oligomer was in a dose- and time-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

HSP70 antisense oligomer could not only inhibit the proliferation but also induce the apoptosis in ovarian carcinoma cells.

[Clinical observation of tiaojining recipe in combination with corticosterone in infantile primary nephrotic syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of Tiaojining recipe (TJNR) combined with corticosterone (CS) in treating infantile primary nephrotic syndrome (IPNS).

METHODS

Sixty inpatients with IPNS were divided into two groups, which consisted of 30 cases as the treated group treated by TJNR combined with CS and 30 cases of the control group were treated by CS alone for 8 weeks. The changes of urinary protein, serum albumin, blood cholesterol, platelet and blood pressure before and after treatment were observed.

RESULTS

The total effective rate of the treated group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.01). The times for urinary protein disappearance of the treated group was significantly shorter than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group. TINR could prevent hypertension, lower lipidemia and platelets (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

TJNR could enhance the curative effects of CS on IPNS and reduce the side-effects of CS safely and effectively.

[A study on the epidemiology and preventive measure on epidemic haemorrhage fever in army barrack area in Shandong]

OBJECTIVE

In order to guide the army and civilians to carry out the prevention on epidemic haemorrhage fever (EHF), it's necessary to elucidate the epidemic feature of natural epidemic foci and the risk factors of EHF in the army - stationed areas.

METHODS

Samples were tested by pathogenic and serologic means before data was collected and analyzed by case - control or family - control studies.

RESULTS

Cases belong to house - mouse type (91.48%), field - mouse type (7.21%) and unclassified (1.31%) coexist in the stationed area. In the two types of noticed cases, no significant difference in distributions of sex, profession and ages. Most house - mouse type cases occurred in the peak time from March to June and field - mouse type in November to next February. The type of EHF virus antigen of mice and the type of serum were both accordant with their host types. Dwelling in border area, living rooms with mice, dogs raising, injury of mouth tissue, eating food contaminated by mice, and household with mice living around were more frequently seen in cases themselves and in families of the cases than in controls of both groups (P < 0.05). The mice intensity could be under control to 1.0%, if comprehensive measure on mice control can be implemented.

CONCLUSIONS

The stationed area is an epidemic area mixed with both house - mouse and field - mouse types, with majority of house - mouse type. It was house - mouse type virus infection that caused the epidemic area expanded and the number of cases increased radically these years. EHF was epidemic in spring and summer season in the stationed area mainly because the infections were among family members. Food contaminated by mice or close contact with mice played an important role. Mice eradication and prevention were the leading measures to prevent EHF, from our more than ten years of experiences.

Selective estrogenic effects of a novel triphenylethylene compound, FC1271a, on bone, cholesterol level, and reproductive tissues in intact and ovariectomized rats

FC1271a is a novel triphenylethylene compound with a tissue-selective profile of estrogen agonistic and weak antagonistic effects. It specifically binds to the estrogen receptor alpha and beta with affinity closely similar to that of toremifene and tamoxifen. To study the in vivo effects of the compound, 4-month-old rats were sham operated (sham) or ovariectomized (OVX) and treated daily for 4 weeks with various doses of FC1271a or vehicle (orally). FC1271a was able to oppose OVX-induced bone loss by maintaining the trabecular bone volume of the distal femur. Accordingly, the OVX-induced loss of bone strength was prevented at doses of 1 and 10 mg/kg. FC1271a also prevented the OVX-induced increase in serum cholesterol in a dose-dependent manner. No significant changes in uterine wet weight or morphology were observed in the OVX-rats treated with 0.1 or 1 mg/kg FC1271a, but at a dose of 10 mg/kg it had a slightly estrogenic effect. In immature rats the effect of FC1271a on uterine wet weight was less stimulatory than that of toremifene or tamoxifen, but more stimulatory than that of raloxifene or droloxifene. The appearance of the dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary tumors was inhibited by treatment of DMBA-treated rats with FC1271a in a dose-dependent manner. In human MCF-7 breast cancer cell tumors raised in nude mice in the presence of estrogen, the growth and expression of pS2 marker gene could not be maintained after estrogen withdrawal by treatment with FC1271a. No formation of DNA adducts was observed in the liver of the FC1271a-treated rats. In conclusion, the bone-sparing, antitumor, and cholesterol-lowering effects of FC1271a combined with a low uterotropic activity and lack of liver toxicity indicate that FC1271a could be an important alternative in planning antiosteoporosis therapy for estrogen deficiency.

[Comparative study of HLA-DRB1 allele in patients with chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma]

OBJECTIVE

To make a comparative study of HLA-DRB1 allele frequencies in the cases of chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma.

METHODS

The authors investigated 74 patients with chronic bronchitis and 64 patients with bronchial asthma from among the Han people in Shanxi province. PCR/SSP technique was used for HLA-DRB1 typing, and the patients' data were compared with the normal controls'.

RESULTS

The frequency of HLA-DRB1*1201/1202(24.32%) was significantly increased in the chronic bronchitis group(P<0.01),and the frequency of HLA-DRB1*1501/1502(23.44%) was significantly increased in the bronchial asthma group(P<0.05). The frequencies of other DRB1 alleles were not significantly increased in these groups.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that HLA-DRB1*1201/1202 allele is associated with chronic bronchitis and HLA-DRB1*1501/1502 allele is associated with bronchial asthma in the patients among the Hans in Shanxi province.

[The relationship between angiogenesis and p53 overexpression in endometrioid adenocarcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relationship between angiogenesis and p53 overexpression and explore the relationship between angiogenesis and clinicopathologic features in endometrioid adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

Angiogenesis was evaluated by intratumoral microvessel density (IMD). Eighty-five endometrioid adenocarcinomas' IMD were identified by immunohistochemical staining of endothelial cells for factor VIII-related antigen, and the expression of p53 protein was stained with the same method by it's monoclone antibody.

RESULTS

(1) The positive rate of p53 expression in endometrioid adenocarcinoma was 50.6%. The positive rate in stage III-IV (69.2%) was higher than that in stage I-II(42.4%) (P < 0.05). (2) IMD was higher in stage III-IV (13.27 +/- 6.14) than that in stage I-II (8.31 +/- 4.78) (P < 0.01). IMD in G1, G2 and G3 was 8.95 +/- 5.51, 9.28 +/- 4.87 and 14.73 +/- 7.66, respectively (P < 0.05). In groups of non-myoinvasion, < 1/2 myoinvasion and > or = 1/2 myoinvasion, IMD was 8.45 +/- 5.53, 8.95 +/- 4.99 and 11.96 +/- 6.39, respectively (P < 0.05). (3) In negative, weakly positive and strong positive groups of p53 overexpression, IMD was 5.52 +/- 2.11, 11.75 +/- 4.18 and 16.00 +/- 4.63, respectively (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Angiogenesis tightly correlated with clinicopathologic factors, such as stage, grade and myoinvasion, is promoted by p53 overexpression in endometrioid adenocarcinoma. It can be concluded that angiogenesis may act as a predictor of prognosis of endometrioid adenocarcinoma.

Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to two new mosquito Aedes aegypti salivary proteins

Mosquito salivary proteins, which are fundamental to the process of blood feeding, also facilitate disease transmission and cause allergic reactions. The identification and characterisation of these proteins have been hampered by the difficulty of obtaining them in purified form. In this report, we describe the production of mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against mosquito salivary proteins. BALB/c mice were immunised with Aedes aegypti saliva proteins. Hybridomas were produced by fusion of spleen cells with a mouse myeloma cell line. Positive clones were selected using a saliva-capture ELISA and further identified using immunoblotting. Three mAbs reacted with a 44 kDa protein (Aed a X1) in the saliva-immunoblotting, and did not react with 2 recombinant salivary proteins, rAed a 1 (apyrase) and rAed a 2 (D7), in both immunoblotting and ELISA. Two other mAbs reacted with a 37 kDa protein in saliva-immunoblotting, but failed to react with the 37 kDa rAed a 2 in either immunoblotting or ELISA, suggesting that there is a second 37 kDa protein (Aed a X2) which is recognised by the two mAbs. The 44 kDa and 37 kDa proteins have not been previously identified. These mAbs provide a means to purify proteins, to isolate new genes from the salivary gland cDNA library, and to standardise mosquito extracts, facilitating studies of disease transmission by mosquitoes and of mosquito allergy.

Induction of IgE responses using a recombinant mosquito salivary allergen rAed a 2 without adjuvant in mice

BACKGROUND

Reactions to mosquito bites are a global problem. Several salivary proteins from Aedes (Ae.) aegypti, the most common mosquito species, have been cloned and expressed. Plasmid DNA vaccination has been shown to be effective in the downregulation of IgE responses. To investigate the in vivo antigenicity of these recombinant proteins and to study the mechanisms underlying plasmid DNA vaccination, a mouse model sensitized with a recombinant antigen has been developed.

METHODS

BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice were injected intradermally with a 37-kD recombinant Ae. aegypti salivary allergen (rAed a 2) in the absence of adjuvant twice weekly for 8 weeks and then challenged twice with rAed a 2 at weeks 10 and 12. Serum rAed a 2-specific IgE, IgG1 and IgG2a were measured by ELISA. Intradermal tests were performed every 4 weeks. The binding capacity of rAed a 2-specific IgE to the native Aed a 2 was examined by immunoblotting.

RESULTS

In both strains, sensitization with rAed a 2 induced a significant increase in IgE and IgG1, but not IgG2a. In all sensitized mice, a positive immediate skin reaction was apparent, while delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions were not observed. BALB/c mice produced significantly higher levels of IgE and IgG1 and larger wheals than C57BL/6 mice. The IgE antibodies elicited by rAed a 2 bound to not only rAed a 2 but also its natural form in mosquito saliva.

CONCLUSION

(1) Repeated injections of rAed a 2 without adjuvant induce predominant Th2-type responses in mice. (2) BALB/c mice are better responders for IgE production than C57BL/6 mice. (3) rAed a 2 has identical allergenicity to its natural form.

[The contrast between chemotherapy via pelvic retroperitoneal cannulation and intraperitoneal chemotherapy in gynecological malignancies cancers with lymph node metastases]

OBJECTIVE

To contrast the pelvic retroperitoneal (RP) chemotherapy with intraperitoneal (i.p.) chemotherapy in gynecological malignancies with lymph node metastases.

METHODS

Fluorouracil (5-FU) was repeatedly injected into the pelvic retroperitoneal space of 43 patients and the abdominal cavity of 11 patients. High performance liquid chromatography was used to determine the drug concentration of 5-FU. 5-FU was repeatedly injected into the pelvic retroperitoneal space of 16 patients via cannulation to observe the nodal 5-FU concentration of injected side and the control side. 99mTc-Sb2S3, Isovist-300 were injected into the pelvic retroperitoneal space of two groups (each one has 3 patients) respectively via cannulation. Single proton emission computer tomography (SPECT) and X-Ray film were taken to observe the allocation of the drugs.

RESULTS

(1) Pelvic and periaortic nodal 5-FU concentrations of RP were 60-106 and 76-119 times of that of i.p. respectively. (2) The nodal 5-FU concentrations on repeated injection side were 16-20 times of that on control sides of RP. (3) There was no complications or adverse effect observed. (4) 5-FU was allocated to the space including the external iliac, internal iliac, obturator, deep inguinal and common iliac lymph nodes and also up to the periaortic lymph nodes.

CONCLUSION

RP was more effective than i.p. for the treatment of lymphatic metastasis of gynecologic cancer.

[Expression of heat shock protein (HSP70) in normal endometrium and endometrial carcinomas]

Expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in normal endometrium tissue and endometrial carcinoma was analyzed by the present authors to determine the relationship between HSP70 expression and the prognosis of endometrial carcinomas. The immunohistochemical reactivity of monoclonal antibodies against HSP70 was examined in 44 endometrial carcinomas and 40 normal endometria HSP70 respectively. HSP70 was expressed stronger in carcinomas than in normal. Expression of HSP70 was found in 56.82% of endometrial carcinomas and was well correlated with histological grade (P < 0.05). These results suggest that HSP70 may play a role in the prognosis of endometrial carcinomas.

[Phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate and interferon-gamma synergistic induction of B7-1 expression in ovary carcinoma cells and immunological value]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the therapeutic potential of phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate(PMA) and interferon-gamma(IFN-gamma) by induction of expression of adhesion molecule in mucious cystadenocarcinoma of ovary (MCAS) and other tumor cells.

METHODS

Expression of costimulatory signals(B7-1), major histocompatibility complex(MHC-I, MHC-II) was analysed with flow cytometry. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes(CTL) killing activity and T cell proliferation induced with expression of B7-1 were evaluated by 4-h 51Cr release assay and standard 3HTdR incorporation and scintitation counting.

RESULTS

Pretreatment with PMA and then treated with IFN-gamma was able to enhance B7-1 expression on the tumor cell lines with the constitutive B7-1 expression or on B7-1-transfected tumor cells and to induce B7-1 expression on MCAS and some tumor cell lines without constitutive B7-1 expression. However, treatment with IFN-gamma alone failed to induce B7-1 expression on the tumor cell lines. The synergistic effect of PMA combined with IFN-gamma in the induction of B7-1 expression can be anatagonised by H7 [1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methyl-Piperazine dihydrochloride]. In addition, treatment with PMA combined with IFN-gamma simultaneously induced or enhanced the expression of MHC class I/II on these tumor cell lines. The tumor cells treated by PMA combined with IFN-gamma were able to induce CTL killing activity and T cell proliferation, which is involved in the expression of B7-1.

CONCLUSIONS

The enhancement or induction of B7-1 expression by IFN-gamma may be dependent on the prior activation of protein kinase by PMA and the induced B7-1 expression on tumor cells may have some therapeutic potential.

[Microvessel count in normal cervical tissue and in cervical carcinomas]

This study was conducted to determine microvessel count(MVC) status in normal cervical tissue (NCT) and in cervical carcinomas (CCs). 15 cases of NCT and 80 cases of CCs were stained by immunohistochemical method for Factor VIII related antigen (F8RA). The results showed that the MVC in CCs was much higher than that in NCT and it was correlated with clinical stage, size of tumor and lymph node status (P < 0.05). Every time when MVC increased by 5 in number (LM x 200, field 0.739 mm2), the chance of lymph node metastasis increased by 1.61 times. There was no relationship between MVC and tumor grade. These suggested that MVC might be a useful early parameter in the diagnosis and prognosis of CCs.

[Effect of Angelica sinensis injection on CD11c and CD14 expression in alveolar macrophage membrane of chronic bronchitis patients]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of Angelica sinensis injection (ASI) in CD11c and CD14 expression in alveolar macrophage (AM) membrane of chronic bronchitis patients.

METHODS

AM from 10 chronic bronchitis patients (remmision stage) and 10 healthy subjects was obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage. After had cultured for 24 hours with ASI or/and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), CD11c and CD14 expression and intracellular calcium ion concentration in AM were analyzed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

CD11c and CD14 expression levels of patients' AM membrane (n = 10) were (39.17 +/- 5.56)% and (35.73 +/- 8.05)% respectively, which were significantly higher than those of the control [n = 10, (16.29 +/- 3.78)% and (15.26 +/- 5.96)%], P < 0.05. LPS could increase the elevation of CD11c expression of patients [(47.25 +/- 7.00)%, P < 0.05], while ASI could reduce the increment [LPS Plus ASI group (27.61 +/- 8.64)%, P < 0.05]. The basic calcium level of AM cytoplasma of patients was (189.47 +/- 23.69) nmol/L (n = 7), which was higher than that of healthy control (99.65 +/- 32.21) nmol/L (n = 6), P < 0.05. The intracellular calcium ion elevation in AM of patients could be induced by LPS, and ASI could inhibit the elevation. The calcium level in LPS group was (288.47 +/- 43.68) nmol/L, in ASI Plus LPS group, (236.68 +/- 28.60) nmol/L, P < 0.05.

CONCLUSIONS

ASI could reduce the CD11c expression in AM of chronic bronchitis patients by inhibiting LPS induced intracellular calcium ion elevation in AM, suggesting that ASI may inhibit non-specific inflammation of respiratory tract.

Alteration in the mechanical competence and structural properties in the femoral neck and vertebrae of ovariectomized rats

The structural and mechanical properties of bone in the femoral neck and various other sites were investigated in intact (INT), sham-operated (Sham), and ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Six weeks after operation, the maximal load and energy absorption of the femoral neck were significantly lower in the OVX than in the INT or Sham groups, being 73.2 +/- 1.4 (SE) N, 86.3 +/- 4.1 N, and 87.1 +/- 3.2 N, respectively (p < 0.01) for load. The total cross-sectional area of the femoral neck did not change after OVX, but the marrow cavity area was enlarged, leading to a reduced bone area (including both cortical and trabecular bone) (p < 0.01). Histomorphometric analysis showed that new bone formation could not be detected at the periosteum of the femoral neck below the femoral head, but at the endocortical surfaces the double tetracycline labeling revealed an increased mineral apposition rate (MAR) and bone formation rate (BFR) in OVX animals (p < 0.001). In contrast, MAR and BFR were significantly increased in both periosteal and endocortical surfaces of the tibia, humerus, and femoral shaft, thus preventing a decrease in cortical bone area. The maximal bending loads of the tibia and humerus were not different in the various groups of animals. The correlation coefficient between maximal load and bone area revealed positive relationships in the femoral neck (r = 0.54, p < 0.01), tibia (r = 0.46, p < 0.01), and humerus (r = 0.51, p < 0.01). Ovariectomy resulted in a decreased trabecular bone volume of lumbar vertebra VI (L6) decreased compressive loads of lumbar vertebrae I, III, and IV. These lumbar bone loads were positively related to their L6 bone area (L4/L6: r = 0.66, p < 0.001). Element analyses (energy dispersion spectrometer) from trabecular and cortical areas of bone showed some changes related to aging but not to OVX. These results indicate that ovariectomy influences the biomechanical properties of rat bone by changing structural properties rather than material ones.

[A pharmacokinetic study of teniposide in intraperitoneal chemotherapy of ovarian cancer]

The objectives of this study were to determine the characteristics of pharmacokinetics of teniposide (VM-26) instilled intraperitoneally with three dosages (100 mg, 150 mg and 200 mg) and to evaluate its toxicity. Twelve patients with ovarian cancer were divided into three groups: teniposide 100 mg i.p., 5 patients; teniposide 150 mg i.p., 5 patients; and teniposide 200 mg i.p., 2 patients. Samples of ascitic fluid, blood and urine were collected after administration of these drugs in 24 hours. Concentrations of teniposide were determined with high-performance liquid chromatographic procedure. The results showed that the data collected from peritoneum and plasma were found to conform to a two-compartment open model. The peak concentration (Cmax) and the area under the curves (AUC) in peritoneal cavity and plasma were dose-dependent. The ratios of Cmax and AUC between peritoneal fluid and plasma varied within 13.46 +/- 1.89 and 7.65 +/- 2.03 respectively. The elimination half-lives (T1/2 beta) in the peritoneum and plasma of teniposide were 5.28 +/- 0.95 and 6.64 +/- 2.73 hours respectively. The volume of peritoneal distribution and its clearance were lower than those of plasma (P < 0.001). The side effects were mild and were not dependent on drug dosage. The results suggest that teniposide as an intraperitoneal therapeutic agent offers some advantages in the treatment of ovarian cancer. The tumor tissues and peritoneal growths could be bathed in a high concentration of teniposide. Teniposide is safe, reasonable in intraperitoneal chemotherapy and shows prospects in the treatment of ovarian cancer.