Expression, purification, and biochemical characterization of SAG, a ring finger redox-sensitive protein

We recently reported the cloning and characterization of SAG (sensitive to apoptosis gene), a novel zinc RING finger protein, that is redox responsive and protects mammalian cells from apoptosis. Here we report the expression, purification, and biochemical characterization of SAG. Bacterially expressed SAG is brown in color and dithiothreitol (DTT)-sensitive. SAG forms large oligomers without DTT that can be reduced into a monomer in the presence of DTT. These features help us to purify SAG using the chromatography with or without DTT. Likewise, purified SAG is redox sensitive. Upon H2O2 exposure, SAG forms oligomers as well as monomer doublets due to the formation of the inter- or intramolecular disulfide bonds, respectively. This process can be reversed by DTT or prevented by pretreatment with the alkylating reagent, N-ethylmaleimide (NEM). Although SAG contains two putative heme-binding sites and a RING finger domain, the protein appears not to bind with heme and to lack transcription factor activity as determined in a Gal4-fusion/transactivation assay. Wildtype, but not RING finger domain-disrupted SAG mutants, prevents copper-induced lipid peroxidation. These results, along with our previous observations, suggest that SAG is an intracellular antioxidant molecule that may act as a redox sensor to buffer oxidative-stress induced damage.

An essential role for the Drosophila Pax2 homolog in the differentiation of adult sensory organs

The adult peripheral nervous system of Drosophila includes a complex array of mechanosensory organs (bristles) that cover much of the body surface of the fly. The four cells (shaft, socket, sheath, and neuron) which compose each of these organs adopt distinct fates as a result of cell-cell signaling via the Notch (N) pathway. However, the specific mechanisms by which these cells execute their conferred fates are not well understood. Here we show that D-Pax2, the Drosophila homolog of the vertebrate Pax2 gene, has an essential role in the differentiation of the shaft cell. In flies bearing strong loss-of-function mutations in the shaven function of D-Pax2, shaft structures specifically fail to develop. Consistent with this, we find that D-Pax2 protein is expressed in all cells of the bristle lineage during the mitotic (cell fate specification) phase of bristle development, but becomes sharply restricted to the shaft and sheath cells in the post-mitotic (differentiative) phase. Two lines of evidence described here indicate that D-Pax2 expression and function is at least in part downstream of cell fate specification mechanisms such as N signaling. First, we find that the lack of late D-Pax2 expression in the socket cell (the sister of the shaft cell) is controlled by N pathway activity; second, we find that loss of D-Pax2 function is epistatic to the socket-to-shaft cell fate transformation caused by reduced N signaling. Finally, we show that misexpression of D-Pax2 is sufficient to induce the production of ectopic shaft structures. From these results, we propose that D-Pax2 is a high-level transcriptional regulator of the shaft cell differentiation program, and acts downstream of the N signaling pathway as a specific link between cell fate determination and cell differentiation in the bristle lineage.

SAG, a novel zinc RING finger protein that protects cells from apoptosis induced by redox agents

SAG (sensitive to apoptosis gene) was cloned as an inducible gene by 1,10-phenanthroline (OP), a redox-sensitive compound and an apoptosis inducer. SAG encodes a novel zinc RING finger protein that consists of 113 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 12.6 kDa. SAG is highly conserved during evolution, with identities of 70% between human and Caenorhabditis elegans sequences and 55% between human and yeast sequences. In human tissues, SAG is ubiquitously expressed at high levels in skeletal muscles, heart, and testis. SAG is localized in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus of cells, and its gene was mapped to chromosome 3q22-24. Bacterially expressed and purified human SAG binds to zinc and copper metal ions and prevents lipid peroxidation induced by copper or a free radical generator. When overexpressed in several human cell lines, SAG protects cells from apoptosis induced by redox agents (the metal chelator OP and zinc or copper metal ions). Mechanistically, SAG appears to inhibit and/or delay metal ion-induced cytochrome c release and caspase activation. Thus, SAG is a cellular protective molecule that appears to act as an antioxidant to inhibit apoptosis induced by metal ions and reactive oxygen species.

[Effect of 15-methyl PGF2 alpha methyl ester combined with tyrosine hydrazide on early pregnancy in mice]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of 15-methyl PGF2 alpha methyl ester (PG05) in combination with tyrosine hydrazide (TH) on early pregnancy in mice.

METHODS

The pregnancy rate of mice treated with PG05 and TH was counted and serum progesterone level was measured by RIA.

RESULTS

Administration of TH at 90 mg.kg.day-1 to mice on day 7-9 of gestation enhanced significantly the termination of early pregnancy induced by PG05 at 0.2 mg-1.kg-1 for 2 days. Serum progesterone level of mice treated with PG05 combined with TH was found to be markedly lower than that of animals given PG05 or TH alone. TH at 30 micrograms-1.ml-1 inhibited significantly the activity of 3 beta-HSD of luteal cells in rat. However, PG05 at 10 micrograms-1.ml-1 had no influence upon inhibitory effect of 3 beta-HSD activity induced by TH. TH at 150 mg-1.kg-1 for 3 days did not affect the progesterone receptor level of utering cytoplasma in pseudopregnant rats.

CONCLUSIONS

The inhibitory effect of TH on the production of progesterone may be the main mechanism to terminate early pregnancy when used synergically with PG05.

[Relationship between retinal and glomerular microvascular lesions in experimental diabetes in rat]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relationship between diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic nephropathy (DN).

METHODS

The thickness of retinal capillary basement membrane (RBM) and glomerular basement membrane (GBM) and their anionic sites were quantitatively analyzed by electron microscopy and immunohistochemical methods.

RESULTS

RBM and GBM became gradually thickened with the development of diabetes. The thickened basement membrane was accompanied with decrease of anionic sites in number.

CONCLUSION

DR and DN share partly the pathological process, and there are also some incoordinate phenomena in the microvascular lesion.

Combination of hysteroscopy and laparoscopy in gynecologic operation: an analysis of 65 cases

OBJECTIVE

To introduce the procedures, preliminary experience, and advantages of operation using combination of hysteroscopy and laparoscopy.

METHODS

Sixty-five women underwent transcervical resection of endometrium (11), myoma (38), polyp (2), septa (9), adhesion (1) or foreign body (4). All had the indications for simultaneous laparoscopic monitoring and operation. They were first diagnosed laparoscopically to decide the type of laparoscopic operation. Then they were treated hysteroscopically and finally received laparoscopic operation.

RESULTS

Laparoscopic examinations confirmed the original diagnoses, revealed the causes of pelvic pain in 8 patients, and detected ovarian cyst, endometriosis, and pelvic adhesion in 5. Two cases of uterine perforation were found by laparoscopic monitoring. Thirty laparoscopic operations included removal or puncture of ovarian cyst, lysis of adhesion, coagulation of endometriosis, Rubin's test, and partial salpingectomy. The postoperative course was smooth and the operative result was satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONS

Operations using combination of hysteroscopy and laparoscopy are safe and effective. They also reduce the pain, and save the time and money of patients. Laparoscopic monitoring may detect uterine perforation in time.

[Studies on analytical method for 10 drugs of abuse in urine using HPLC]

A systematic determination method for 10 drugs of abuse, morphine, codeine, 6-monoacetylmorphine, heroin, levorphanol, pethidine, ethylmorphine, anadol, pentazocine and ethamivan, using high performance liquid chromatography is described. Separation of the 10 drugs was achieved on a 25 cm x 4.6 mm ID, 10 microns Zorbax C8 column, using methanol--0.05 mol.L-1 KH2PO4--diethyl amine (27:73:0.5, pH 4) as mobile phase. Codeine was used as the interal standard. Calibration graphs were linear over the concentration range of 10-200 micrograms.ml-1 and regression equations showed correlation coefficients of greater than 0.999. Precision (RSD) were found to be better than 3% for each compound. Precision and linearity of the method are satisfactory for clinical toxicological applications. The extraction procedure yielded cleaner extracts. The recovery rates from urine were all above 87% without interference. This method is rapid, sensitive and specific.

shaven and sparkling are mutations in separate enhancers of the Drosophila Pax2 homolog

We have previously shown that the sparkling gene, which like mammalian Pax2 plays an important role in eye development, is encoded by the Drosophila homolog of Pax2. Here we demonstrate that D-Pax2 also encodes the shaven function, which is crucial during bristle development. Both sv and spa alleles, previously thought to represent different genes, are mutations in two widely separated enhancers of D-Pax2. The sv function of D-Pax2 acts in at least two distinct steps of mechanosensory bristle development: the specification of the alternative fate of shaft as opposed to socket cell, and later the differentiation of the shaft cell.

Solution structure of the RAIDD CARD and model for CARD/CARD interaction in caspase-2 and caspase-9 recruitment

Apoptosis requires recruitment of caspases by receptor-associated adaptors through homophilic interactions between the CARDs (caspase recruitment domains) of adaptor proteins and prodomains of caspases. We have solved the CARD structure of the RAIDD adaptor protein that recruits ICH-1/caspase-2. It consists of six tightly packed helices arranged in a topology homologous to the Fas death domain. The surface contains a basic and an acidic patch on opposite sides. This polarity is conserved in the ICH-1 CARD as indicated by homology modeling. Mutagenesis data suggest that these patches mediate CARD/CARD interaction between RAIDD and ICH-1. Subsequent modeling of the CARDs of Apaf-1 and caspase-9, as well as Ced-4 and Ced-3, showed that the basic/acidic surface polarity is highly conserved, suggesting a general mode for CARD/CARD interaction.

The proliferative properties of tumor cells differentially correlate with the host immune responses in anogenital Bowen's disease

Bowen's disease is a squamous cell carcinoma in situ that rarely invades into the underlying dermis. In order to evaluate the relationship between the cytological properties of the tumor cells and the host immune response, we have examined the expression of p53 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and the number of mitotic cells, clumping cells, koilocytes, Langerhans cells (LCs) and dermal lymphoid cell infiltration in 18 cases of anogenital Bowen's disease. When compared with normal anogenital skins (n = 10), a statistically significant number of p53-positive cells, PCNA-positive cells, mitotic cells, clumping cells, koilocytes and dermal lymphoid cells was observed in the cases of Bowen's disease. Importantly, there existed a very strong correlation between the number of PCNA-positive tumor cells and the number of infiltrated dermal lymphoid cells. Moreover, the number of mitotic cells significantly correlated with the number of intratumoral LCs. The in situ hybridization technique for human papilloma virus (HPV) demonstrated that the HPV-infected Bowen's disease showed a similar histological and immunohistological pattern as the HPV-non-infected counterparts, except for increased koilocyte formation and decreased p53 positivity. The present data suggest that the proliferative activity of Bowen's disease significantly correlates with the host immune reaction, and that the host immune system may differentially recognize the different cytological properties of tumor cells in the Bowen's disease.

[Influence of smear layer and adhesive resin on the retentive force of amalgam restoration in vitro study]

The purposes of this in vitro study were to determine whether removing of smear layer and using of self-cured adhesive can increase retentive strength of amalgam restoration and to understand the adhesive mechanism between amalgam and adhesive. Class I cavities without mechanical retention were prepared in the occlusal surfaces of 45 extracted molars which were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group 1: 10%EDTA(pH 7.4) was applied to cavity walls for 1 minute prior to amalgam condensation. Group 2: 10%EDTA was applied in the same manner as in group 1, then the walls were water-sprayed and dried. Miradapt adhesive was applied, and amalgam must be packed into cavity before the adhesive cures.

CONTROL GROUP

no special treatment before amalgam condensation. The tensile strength of the restorations were measured. The adhesive interface of two samples from group 2 were evaluated by SEM and EDS. As a result, removing smear layer had little effect on retentive force of amalgam (P > 0.05), while removing smear layer and applying adhesive improved the retentive strength of amalgam fillings significantly (P < 0.05), and there were micromechanical interlock between amalgam and adhesive according to SEM and EDS observation.

[A 24-hour solid state Holter recording and analyzing system]

The design and functions of a new type of multi-channel solid-state Holter system were introduced in this paper. The flash memory card based recorder can record 24 hours or more of data from up to all 12 leads. The full function scanner software can analysis automatically and archive with complete editing capabilities.

Degradation of macrophage ApoE in a nonlysosomal compartment. Regulation by sterols

Macrophage-derived apoE has been shown to play an important role in the susceptibility of the vessel wall to atherosclerosis. Previous studies have shown that macrophage sterol content modulates apoE synthesis and secretion, associated with a large transcriptional response of the apoE gene. The current studies were undertaken to evaluate the existence of additional post-transcriptional regulatory loci for the effect of sterols on apoE synthesis and secretion. Using a macrophage cell line transfected to constitutively express an apoE cDNA to facilitate detection of a post-transcriptional regulatory locus, we demonstrated that preincubations in 25-hydroxycholesterol and cholesterol lead to increased apoE secretion in pulse/chase experiments. Examination of cell lysates in these experiments showed that apoE not secreted by control cells was degraded and not detectable, suggesting that the preincubation in sterols increased secretion by decreasing degradation of newly synthesized apoE. The measurement of total protein and apoE degradation in cell fractions revealed an intermediate density fraction that degraded significant amounts of newly synthesized total protein and newly synthesized apoE. In this fraction, degradation of total protein and apoE was unaffected by chloroquine but was substantially reduced by N-acetyl-Leu-Leu-norleucinal plus N-acetyl-Leu-Leu-methioninal or by lactacystin, suggesting the involvement of proteasomes. Preincubation in sterol/oxysterol or acetylated low density lipoprotein did not modify total protein degradation by this fraction but inhibited apoE degradation. Similar results were obtained using intermediate density fractions isolated from human monocyte-derived macrophages. The results of our studies indicate that newly synthesized apoE in the macrophage can be degraded in an intermediate density nonlysosomal cellular compartment, which is sensitive to proteasomal inhibitors. Alteration of cellular lipid homeostasis by preincubation in sterol/oxysterol or acetylated low density lipoprotein inhibits apoE, but not total protein, degradation in this fraction. Inhibition of the degradation of apoE in this fraction likely contributes to the increased apoE secretion observed in sterol-enriched cells.

[Influence of smear layer and adhesive resin on the adaptation of amalgam restoration to cavity walls]

This in vitro study evaluated the effect of removing smear layer and applying adhesive on the marginal adaptation of amalgam fillings to cavity walls. Three groups were established, cavities in group 1 were exposed to 10% EDTA (pH7.4) for 1 minute to remove smear layer before amalgam condensation; cavities in group 2 were also subjected to EDTA, then Miradapt adhesive was applied on the walls, finally amalgam condensed into cavities before the adhesive set; cavities in group 3 received no special treatment before amalgam condensation. After thermocycling, all teeth were subjected to SEM and image analyser. Results showed: Space between restorations and tooth structure in group 1 was 6.31 microns, space in group 2 with adhesive was 3.49 microns and micromechanical interlocking was observed while space in control group was 14.22 microns. Difference among the three groups was statistical significant. It was indicated that removing smear layer and using adhesive resin significantly improved the adaptation of amalgam to cavity walls.

[Effects of tyrosine alone and tyrosine in combination with RU486 on early pregnancy in mice and the mechanism of action]

Treatment with tyrosine at the dosage of 85 mg.kg-1 on day 6-8 of gestation did not have significant effect to terminate early pregnancy in mice. Tyrosine combined with RU486 was shown to have a synergistic effect to terminate early pregnancy. Tyrosine 170 mg.kg-1 on day 6-10 of gestation significantly decreased the concentration of serum progesterone in early pregnant mice. Further study with luteal cells in rats showed that tyrosine 50 micrograms.ml-1 inhibited hCG-induced progesterone production when used alone, and inhibited basal production when used together with (+) PG05. These results suggest that the inhibiting effect of tyrosine on steroidogenesis may contribute to the termination of early pregnancy.

[Analysis of 158 cases of hysteroscopic surgery for hysteromyoma]

OBJECTIVE

To treat hysteromyoma by hysteroscopic surgery and to examine the treatment results in relation to the extent of surgery.

METHODS

177 patients admitted from May, 1990 to Dec. 1994 for abnormal uterine bleeding caused by hysteromyoma were subjected to transcervical resection of myoma (TCRM) and/or transcervical resection of endometrium (TCRE). Except for 19 patients lost to follow-up, 158 patients were closely observed postoperatively. The mean follow-up was 29.3 months (range 5-60). These patients were divided into four groups according to the extent of the resected myoma. Analysis was based on 3 categories: the degree of bleeding control, the rate of growth of myoma and the need of subsequent surgery, and the treatment results were grouped into: perfection, satisfaction and dissatisfaction.

RESULTS

The growth of myoma and bleeding were controlled in 150 patients (94.9%) after resection. The result was much better than that of abdominal myomectomy. The treatment success of total resection of pediculate submucosal myoma was as high as 100%. If only > or = 50% of sessile submucosal myoma and intramural myoma were resected, the results of hysteroscopic surgery were satisfactory although there might be small residual intramural myoma or subserous myoma. Long term follow-up showed the residual myomata seemed to have stopped growing.

CONCLUSION

Transcervical resection is one of the effective treatments for abnormal uterine bleeding in hysteromyoma. Preoperative accuracy in appraisal of the extent of the myoma to be resected may help to correctly predict the prognosis and to improve the surgical cure rate.

[Effect of age and ginsenoside Rg1 on nitric oxide content and nitric oxide synthase activity of cerebral cortex in rats]

Nitric oxide(NO) content and nitric oxide synthase(NOS) activity were measured in cerebral cortex isolated from Wistar rats of three age groups(young: 3 months; adult: 9 months; and old: 27 months). No significant differences in NO content and NOS activity between young and adult rats were found(P > 0.05). The NO content and NOS activity in old rats were shown to be significantly higher than those of young and adult rats(P < 0.01). When treated with Rg1(10, 20, 40 mg.kg-1), the NO content and NOS activity in old rats decreased. The inhibitory effect of Rg1 on NOS was found to be dose-dependent in the range of 10-40 mg.kg-1. The optimal reduction in NO content and NOS activity induced by Rg1 occurred at 40 mg.kg-1 for old rats(P < 0.01). In view of the close relationship of NO content and NOS activity with aging, the inhibitory effect of Rg1 on NOS activity, as shown by our results, might provide an explanation for its antiaging function.

[Analysis of the outcomes of transcervical resection of endometrium in 400 cases with menorrhagia]

OBJECTIVE

To report the efficacy and outcomes of transcervical resection of the endometrium (TCRE) in treatment of menorrhagia.

METHODS

400 patients with menorrhagia due to fatigue causes who had failed in medical therapy and did not desire pregnancy and surgery underwent TCRE under hysteroresectoscope. Among them, 72 patients with submucous uterine myoma less than 5cm in diameter had their myoma resected simultaneously, 366 cases were followed up postoperatively for 3 months to 4 years.

RESULTS

TCRE was performed successfully except 16 cases, giving a success rate of 95.6%. Three cases sustained uterine perforation. During follow-up, 146 cases (41.7%) became amenorrhea, 119 (34.0%) had only spotting. The remaining 85 (24.3%) had normal periods. 78.3% of the cases who previously had dysmenorrhea had relieved their pain. Long-term complications were recurrent abnormal uterine bleeding (22 cases 13 of them had a second operation), hematometra (5) and adenomyosis (4 cases).

CONCLUSION

TCRE is an effective procedure in treating menorrhagia and small submucous uterine myoma.

RAIDD is a new 'death' adaptor molecule

The effector arm of the cell-death pathway is composed of cysteine proteases belonging to the ICE/CED-3 family. In metazoan cells these exist as inactive polypeptide precursors (zymogens), each composed of a prodomain, which is cleaved to activate the protease, and a large and small catalytic subunit. The coupling of these 'death' proteases to signalling pathways is probably mediated by adaptor molecules that contain protein-protein interaction motifs such as the death domain. Here we describe such an adaptor molecule, RAIDD, which has an unusual bipartite architecture comprising a carboxy-terminal death domain that binds to the homologous domain in RIP, a serine/threonine kinase component of the death pathway. The amino-terminal domain is surprisingly homologous with the sequence of the prodomain of two ICE/CED-3 family members, human ICH-1 (ref. 5) and Caenorhabditis elegans CED-3 (ref. 6). This similar region mediates the binding of RAIDD to ICH-1 and CED-3, serving as a direct link to the death proteases, indicating that the prodomain may, through homophilic interactions, determine the specificity of binding of ICE/CED-3 zymogens to regulatory adaptor molecules. Finally, alternations in the sequence of the N-terminal domain that are equivalent to inactivating mutations in the C. elegans ced-3 gene prevent homophilic binding, highlighting the potentially primordial nature of this interaction.

[Changes of Kupffer cell DNA and RNA synthetic functions after partial hepatectomy in cirrhotic rats]

We studied the changes of DNA and RNA synthetic functions of regenerating liver cells after partial hepatectomy in cirrhotic rats and discussed the relationship between liver regeneration and liver functional failure. Seventy healthy male Wistar rats weighing 200 approximately 250 g, were randomized into sham-operated (SO), partial hepatectomy in cirrhotic rats (C-PH) and partial hepatectomy in normal rats (N-PH). The left and middle lobes were dissected. The synthetic DNA peak of Kupffer cells (KC) in the G2 and M phase in C-PH was found after 24 hr of operation. The regenerating index peak of KC was at 48 hr after operation, which was higher than the other groups, but the liver weights in C-PH was lower than that in the N-PH at 1 week after operation. The RNA content of KC markedly decreased and returned to normal levels at 1 week after operation. We think that KC functions are suppressed after partial hepatectomy in cirrhotic rats. It is an important cause of hepatocyte regeneration function decrease and liver functional failure for delay of liver cell regeneration "start" and the regeneration cell cycle.

[The role of urokinase type plasminogen activator in invasion of bile duct carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To study the role of urokinase type plasminogen activator (u-PA) in the invasive process of bile duct carcinoma.

METHODS

The secretion of u-PA and the invasive potential of tumor cell in vitro in a newly established cell line of bile duct carcinoma, QBC939, were observed by using an amnion invasion culture system.

RESULTS

QBC939 cells secreted u-PA with high invasive potential. The inhibitors of u-PA and plasmin, tranexamic acid and 6-aminocaproic acid, obviously inhibited the u-PA activity and the invasive potential of QBC939 cells.

CONCLUSION

u-PA is one of the important enzymes in tumor invasion. Inhibiting u-PA or plasmin may be a prospective therapy for tumor treatment.

ICE-LAP6, a novel member of the ICE/Ced-3 gene family, is activated by the cytotoxic T cell protease granzyme B

Members of the ICE/Ced-3 gene family are likely effector components of the cell death machinery. Here, we characterize a novel member of this family designated ICE-LAP6. By phylogenetic analysis, ICE-LAP6 is classified into the Ced-3 subfamily which includes Ced-3, Yama/CPP32/apopain, Mch2, and ICE-LAP3/Mch3/CMH-1. Interestingly, ICE-LAP6 contains an active site QACGG pentapeptide, rather than the QACRG pentapeptide shared by other family members. Overexpression of ICE-LAP6 induces apoptosis in MCF7 breast carcinoma cells. More importantly, ICE-LAP6 is proteolytically processed into an active cysteine protease by granzyme B, an important component of cytotoxic T cell-mediated apoptosis. Once activated, ICE-LAP6 is able to cleave the death substrate poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase into signature apoptotic fragments.

Cytotoxic T-cell-derived granzyme B activates the apoptotic protease ICE-LAP3

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killers (NK) cells provide immune surveillance against viruses and neoplasms, and play a central role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease, AIDS and graft rejection. Thus, it is important to understand the precise molecular mechanism(s) whereby cytotoxic lymphocytes destroy susceptible target cells. Granule-mediated cytotoxicity requires a combination of both perforin and granzyme B. Perforin polymerizes to form transmembrane channels and presumably allows granzyme B access to target cell substrates, which until recently, were unknown. One clue to the identity of the physiological substrate(s) activated by granzyme B comes from its unusual specificity for cleaving synthetic substrates after aspartate residues. Members of the ICE/CED-3 family of cysteine proteases are prime candidates as they are important apoptotic effectors and are expressed as zymogens, which can be processed to form active heterodimeric enzymes after cleavage at specific aspartate residues. Previous studies have shown that granzyme B proteolytically activates the cell death effector Yama/CPP32/apopain (referred to here as Yama). Here we report that granzyme B also activates ICE-LAP3/Mch3/CMH-1 (referred to here as ICE-LAP3), which, along with Yama and Mch2, forms a subset of the ICE/CED-3 family of cysteine proteases most closely related to the Caenorhabditis elegans cell death gene, CED-3. Importantly, Jurkat T cells incubated with granzyme B and a sublytic concentration of perforin undergo apoptosis, which is preceded by the activation of endogenous ICE-LAP3. Thus, we propose that granzyme B mediates apoptosis by directly engaging the target cell's death effector machinery, which is probably composed of an arsenal of intracellular, CED-3-like cysteine proteases.

[Diagnosis of uterine diseases by combined hysteroscopy and ultrasonography]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the diagnostic value of combined hysteroscopy with ultrasonography.

METHODS

477 patients were diagnosed by hysteroscopy, ultrasonography, or hysteroscopy combined with ultrasound. The results of the 3 groups were compared with the findings after operations.

RESULTS

This study indicated to diagnose intrauterine lesions, intramural diseases or pelvic disorders, hysteroscopy with ultrasonography was significantly better than either methods alone. The accuracy rate, false positive rate as well as false negative rate were 98.32%, 1.26% and 0.04% respectively.

CONCLUSION

Hysteroscopy is used for diagnosis and treatment of intrauterine lesions, and ultrasonography is difficult to show actual location of lesions within uterine cavity. The present study has shown that hysteroscopy combined with ultrasound could increase the effectiveness and accuracy of uterine diseases' diagnosis.

Molecular ordering of the cell death pathway. Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL function upstream of the CED-3-like apoptotic proteases

Genetic analyses of Caenorhabditis elegans has identified three genes that function in the regulation of nematode cell death. Mammalian homologs of two of these genes, ced-9 and ced-3, have been identified and comprise proteins belonging to the Bcl-2 and ICE families, respectively. To date, it is unclear where the negative regulators, ced-9 and bcl-2, function relative to the death effectors, ced-3 and the mammalian ced-3 homologs, respectively. Here, the molecular order of the cell death pathway is defined. Our results establish that Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL function upstream of two members of the ICE/CED-3 family of cysteine proteases, Yama (CPP32/apopain) and ICE-LAP3 (Mch3).