[Isolation and identification of HN-98 strain of spotted fever group rickettsiae]

OBJECTIVE

One strain of rickettsiae was isolated from a patient with unknown fever from Qiongzhong county in Hainan Province in 1998, using embryonated hen eggs and proved to be the member of rickettsiae by the methods of morphology. It was named HS-98 strain after the name of the place and the year it was isolated.

METHODS

The isolate was identified by methods of Microcomplement fixation assay and OCR/RFLP and compared with known species and strains of SFGR by DNA polymerase chain reaction and DNA polymerase chainreaction and was followed by restriction endonuclease fragment length polymorphism analysis.

RESULTS

Results demonstrated that HN-98 strain was antigenically and genotypically identical to R. sibirica 246.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that there existed natural foci of spotted fever in Qiongzhong Area of Hainan Province.

[Studies on chemical components of Gentiana tizuensis Franch. (I)]

OBJECTIVE

To study the chemical components of Gentiana tizuensis distributed in Qinghai Province.

METHOD

Chromatography and spectral analyses were used to isolate the constituents and elucidate their structure.

RESULT

Four compounds were isolated and identified as uvaol, L-(+)-l-O-methyl-myo-inositol, ursolic acid,beta-sitosterol.

CONCLUSION

All these components were obtained from the plant for the first time.

[The relationship between postburn gene expression of modulators in gut associated lymph tissue and the change in IgA plasma cells]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between the postburn change in IgA plasma cells and those of IL- 4 and IL-6 in gut associated lymph tissue (GALT).

METHODS

One hundred and twenty -- five SPF mice were enrolled in the study and randomly divided into three groups -- normal control (A), microbial inoculation (B) and microbial inoculation followed by burn injury. (C) In groups Band C, the mice were gavaged with candida albicans, and the mice in group C, were inflicted with 20% TBSA III degree burn at the 14th day after inoculation. The mice were sacrificed thereafter on 1, 2 and 3 postburn days and the samples were obtained aseptically. The number of candida albicans adhering to intestinal mucosal membrane was counted. The number of IgA plasma cells in lamina propria was determined by immunohistochemical staining. The gene expression of IL-4 in Peyer patch was detected by dothybridization and that of IL-6 in lamina propria was determined by insitu hybridization.

RESULTS

(1) The postburn gene expression of IL-4 in Peyer patch decreased, but the IL-6 level in intestinal lamina propria increased. (2) The number of IgA plasma cells in lamina propria decreased significantly, but the adherence of candida albicans to intestinal mucous membrane increased obviously.

CONCLUSION

The decrement of postburn gene expression of IL-4 in Peyer patch might lead to IgA plasma cell decrease, resulting in the increase of candida albicans adhering to intestinal mucosal membrane.

Coexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptor KDR on gastric adenocarcinoma MGC803 cell line and stimulation of exogenous VEGF(165) to MGC803 cells

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), also known as vascular permeability factor (VPF), is an angiogenic factor playing an important role in tumor growth. VEGF/VPF interacts with endothelial cells by way of two high-affinity receptor tyrosine kinases: flt-1 and KDR. The vast majority of published studies have described expression of the VPF/VEGF receptors specifically in endothelial cells. To elucidate the further function of VEGF in solid tumor development, the coexpression of VEGF and KDR in gastric adenocarcinoma MGC803 cell lines was shown by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The MGC803 tumor cells could also be strongly immunostained for KDR by immunocytochemistry. It was further demonstrated that exogenous VEGF(165) can stimulate the MGC803 cell growth in both dose-dependent and time-dependent manners by(3)H-thymidine incorporation. Furthermore, anti-VEGF(165) monoclonal antibody and anti-KDR monoclonal antibody could dose-dependently block the VEGF(165)-induced cell growth. These results provided new evidence that VEGF could cause autocrine stimulation to the proliferation of gastric adenocarcinoma cells.

A ligand-induced extracellular cleavage regulates gamma-secretase-like proteolytic activation of Notch1

Gamma-secretase-like proteolysis at site 3 (S3), within the transmembrane domain, releases the Notch intracellular domain (NICD) and activates CSL-mediated Notch signaling. S3 processing occurs only in response to ligand binding; however, the molecular basis of this regulation is unknown. Here we demonstrate that ligand binding facilitates cleavage at a novel site (S2), within the extracellular juxtamembrane region, which serves to release ectodomain repression of NICD production. Cleavage at S2 generates a transient intermediate peptide termed NEXT (Notch extracellular truncation). NEXT accumulates when NICD production is blocked by point mutations or gamma-secretase inhibitors or by loss of presenilin 1, and inhibition of NEXT eliminates NICD production. Our data demonstrate that S2 cleavage is a ligand-regulated step in the proteolytic cascade leading to Notch activation.

Enantiomeric ruthenium(II) complexes binding to DNA: binding modes and enantioselectivity

A series of enantiomerically pure polypyridyl ruthenium(II) complexes, delta- and lambda-[Ru(bpy)2 (HPIP)](PF6)2 (delta-1 and lambda-1; bpy=2,2'-bipyridine, HPIP = 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline), delta and lambda-[Ru(bpy)2(HNAIP)](PF6)2 (delta-2 and lambda-2; HNAIP = 2-(2-hydroxy-1-naphthyl)imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline), delta- and lambda-[Ru(bpy)2 (HNOIP)](PF6)2 (delta-3 and lambda-3; HNOIP = 2-(2-hydroxy-5-nitrophenyl)imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline), and delta- and lambda-[Ru(bpy)2(DPPZ)](PF6)2 (delta-4 and lambda-4; DPPZ= dipyridophenazine), have been synthesized. Binding behavior of these chiral complexes to calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) has been investigated by electronic absorption, steady-state emission, and circular dichroism spectroscopies, as well as by viscosity measurements and equilibrium dialysis binding studies. Several points came from the results. (1) The DNA-binding properties were distinctly different for the [Ru(bpy)2L]2+ (L=HPIP, HNAIP, HNOIP) series of ruthenium(II) complexes, which indicates that the photophysical behavior of the complexes on binding to DNA can be modulated through ligand design. (2) Different binding rates of individual enantiomers of complexes 1 and 4 to DNA were observed through dialysis experiments. The lambda enantiomer bound more rapidly than the lambda enantiomer and their different intercalative binding geometries were suggested to be responsible. (3) Both delta-2 and lambda-2 bound weakly to CT-DNA; delta-2 may bind through a partial intercalation mode, whereas lambda-2 may bind in the DNA groove. (4) There was no noticeable enantioselectivity for complexes 1, 3, and 4 on binding to CT-DNA. Both of their enantiomers can intercalate into DNA base pairs. It is noted that delta-3 and lambda-3 exhibited almost identical spectral changes on addition of CT-DNA, and a similar binding manner of the isomers to the double helix was proposed.

[Transmission grating spectrograph for soft X-ray spectrum measurements with a pre-optics]

A novel diffraction spectroscopic instrument consisting of a large area transmission grating and a grazing-incidence pre-optics comprising of a toroidal mirror, a slit and a cylindrical mirror has been implemented. A nearly perfect stigmatism and a medium spectral resolution are due to the separation of the focusing and dispersing function. The experimental results show that it is possible to construct large area transmission grating spectrograph with high collecting efficiency and good spatial resolution.

Glucocorticoid receptor inhibits transforming growth factor-beta signaling by directly targeting the transcriptional activation function of Smad3

The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) family of cytokines and glucocorticoids regulate diverse biological processes through modulating the expression of target genes. Here we report that glucocorticoid receptor (GR) represses TGF-beta transcriptional activation of the type-1 plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) gene in a ligand-dependent manner. Similarly, GR represses TGF-beta activation of the TGF-beta responsive sequence containing Smad3/4-binding sites. Using mammalian two-hybrid assays, we demonstrate that GR inhibits transcriptional activation by both Smad3 and Smad4 C-terminal activation domains. Finally, we show that GR interacts with Smad3 both in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest a molecular basis for the cross-regulation between glucocorticoid and TGF-beta signaling pathways.

Novel conformationally restricted tetracyclic analogs of delta8-tetrahydrocannabinol

Novel analogs of (-)-delta8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta8-THC) in which the conformation of the side chain was restricted by incorporating the first one or two carbons into a six membered ring fused with the aromatic phenolic A ring were synthesized. The affinities of the novel ligands for CB1 and CB2 indicated that the "southbound" chain conformer retained the highest affinity for both receptors.

Myofibroblast proliferation, fibrosis, and defective pancreatic repair induced by cyclosporin in rats

BACKGROUND

Full recovery is always achieved after caerulein induced pancreatitis. Cyclosporin stimulates transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) and may interfere with pancreatic regeneration.

AIM

To investigate the effects of cyclosporin after caerulein induced pancreatitis or after caerulein injury.

METHODS

Protocol A: rats received cyclosporin daily (20 mg/kg) and caerulein pancreatitis was induced on days 2 and 8. Protocol B: six courses of caerulein pancreatitis were induced at weekly intervals. Cyclosporin was administered on induction and the day before. Rats recovered for two weeks before being killed. Control groups received saline, cyclosporin, or caerulein alone.

RESULTS

Protocol A: plasma TGF-beta1 and tissue collagenase rose after pancreatitis but decreased towards baseline values on day 15, matching a low collagen content. Morphology disclosed minimal inflammatory infiltration and some interstitial cells immunoreactive for smooth muscle alpha-actin (SMA). TGF-beta1 increased, and remained high in cyclosporin treated groups (cyclosporin alone and cyclosporin plus caerulein). Rats treated with cyclosporin and caerulein showed severe pancreatic weight reduction, abundant inflammatory infiltrates, increased SMA immunoreactive interstitial cells, high collagen content, and delayed collagenase response. No SMA immunoreactive cells were detected in normal rats. Cyclosporin alone also increased SMA immunoreactive cells, despite the absence of inflammatory infiltration and fairly conserved pancreatic structure. Protocol B: the combined pulse treatment induced appreciable collagen deposition and resulted in a smaller pancreas than controls. Morphological examination showed atrophy, fibrosis, fibroblast proliferation, and mononuclear infiltrates.

CONCLUSION

Cyclosporin greatly distorts pancreatic repair, transforming caerulein induced pancreatitis into a fibrotic chronic-like disease. The mechanism involves TGF-beta, myofibroblasts, and defective collagenase activation.

Modulation of in vivo granuloma formation related to regulation of in vitro IFN-gamma and IL-4 expressions in experimental schistosomiasis japonica

OBJECTIVE

To find out relationship between the in vitro schistosome egg antigen (SEA) stimulated IFN-gamma and IL-4 mRNA expressions and the in vivo SEA elicited granulomatous responses, the transcriptions of IFN-gamma and IL-4 gene were investigated in the spleen of BALB/c mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum).

METHODS

Spleens were removed at 0, 3, 5, 8, and 10 and 12 weeks after infection and the spleen cells were incubated in the presence of SEA. The extracted RNA was analyzed for IFN-gamma and IL-4 mRNA by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). Newly-formed liver granulomas were measured.

RESULTS

The study revealed that no detectable IFN-gamma and IL-4 mRNA RT-PCR products were found in SEA treated spleen cells from uninfected, or 3-week infected mice, whereas IL-4 mRNA was found to be expressed in 5- and 8-week infected mice, and an appreciable enhanced expression of IL-4 mRNA was observed in SEA stimulated spleen cells at 8-week infection than at 5-week infections. However, SEA could not induce IFN-gamma and IL-4 mRNA transcription in 10- and 12-week infected mice, indicating the modulated expression of IFN-gamma and IL-4 mRNA.

CONCLUSION

The significant changes of IL-4 mRNA expression in SEA stimulated spleen cells during S. japonicum infection were coincident with SEA elicited granuloma formation and modulation in vivo.

[Endoscopic treatment of sphenoidal and ethmoidal mucoceles]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate endoscopic surgery for sphenoidal and ethmoidal mucoceles.

METHOD

Seventeen patients diagnosed as having paranasal sinus mucoceles underwent attempted endoscopic marsupialization between 1989 and 1995. Ten of the mucoceles were in the sphenoid sinus, seven in the ethmoid sinus. Postoperative endoscopic follow-up period varied from 3 to 9 years.

RESULT

All the sphenoidal and ethmoidal mucoceles were satisfactorily approached endoscopically. Postoperative endoscopic examination manifested all the operating cavity was satisfactorily marsupialized. The symptoms were improved or relieved in 15 patients. None of the patients undergoing endoscopic surgery had significant complications.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that endoscopic surgery seems to be a safe, valuable way for management of sphenoidal and ethmoidal mucoceles.

[Application of the myringoscope and myringophotography in forensice medical identification]

In analysis of tympanitio membrane injury, we have compared conventional otoscope with myringoscope and found that the myringoscope has an advantage over the conventional otoscope. The myringoscope can show the whole tympanitic membrane, the positions, shapes and characteristics of tympanitic membrane injuries more clearly. The pictures of myringophotography could be preserved and offered to court as an important forensic medical evidence.

Studies on renin-2 gene in transgenic rats

OBJECTIVE

To determine the function of, in vivo, renin and its role in the pathogenesis of hypertension.

METHODS

A renin-2 gene restriction map was constructed by endonuclease digestion and Southern blotting hybridization. Transgenic rats were produced via microinjection method.

RESULTS

The 24 kb fragments containing mouse full-length ren-2 and its flanking sequence were cleaved by single enzymes (EcoR I, Kpn I and BamH I) and combined enzymes (EcoR I/Kpn I, Kpn I/BamH I and BamH I/EcoR I), respectively. The digests were electrophoresed in 0.8% agarose plates and transferred onto NC membranes. Radioactive 735 bp and 1400 bp probes obtained from half and full-length renin-1 cDNA were used in southern blotting hybridization. According to the electrophoresis and hybridization patterns, a ren-2 restriction map was constructed. 1603 fertilized rat ova after injection with purified 24 kb renin-2 gene were implanted into the oviducts of 81 pseudopregnant recipients in about 20 ova per female rat. 306 progenies were obtained from 50 foster mothers (average of pregnancies was 56.6%). 248 survived pups were identified by PCR analysis and Southern hybridization, and eight positive rats were found to be the transgenic rats (founder, F). All of them carried long fragments (24 kb) of renin-2 gene with normal blood pressure. Preliminary breeding and screening were carried out in the founder. Total survival pups (17.8%) and overall efficiencies (1%) were harvested as the same as those reported in the literatures. A systemic observation and the problems occurred during production of transgenic rats were also described besides the technique procedure used in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

Mapping of full-length murine ren-2 can be used in investigation of the structure and function of the gene. The results denoted that the ren-2 transgenic rats were successfully established in this study and the technique used in the production of transgenic rats was proved to be valid in leading to wide-spread application of transgenic technique to many other related researches.

Importance of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity in cell death

The intracellular redox potential plays an important role in cell survival. The principal intracellular reductant NADPH is mainly produced by the pentose phosphate pathway by glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), the rate-limiting enzyme, and by 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase. Considering the importance of NADPH, we hypothesized that G6PDH plays a critical role in cell death. Our results show that 1) G6PDH inhibitors potentiated H2O2-induced cell death; 2) overexpression of G6PDH increased resistance to H2O2-induced cell death; 3) serum deprivation, a stimulator of cell death, was associated with decreased G6PDH activity and resulted in elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS); 4) additions of substrates for G6PDH to serum-deprived cells almost completely abrogated the serum deprivation-induced rise in ROS; 5) consequences of G6PDH inhibition included a significant increase in apoptosis, loss of protein thiols, and degradation of G6PDH; and 6) G6PDH inhibition caused changes in mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation that were similar to the changes seen with H2O2. We conclude that G6PDH plays a critical role in cell death by affecting the redox potential.

[Isolated sphenoid sinus disease]

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to review isolated sphenoid sinus disease, to establish correct diagnosis and to treat it effectively in the future.

METHOD

26 patients underwent endoscopic surgery, in which 20 sphenoid sinus mucocoeles were removed and 6 sphenoid sinuses were explored. 3 sphenoid sinus mucocoeles were removed by external approach, 1 patient underwent skull base surgery and decompression of optic nerve.

RESULT

24 patients were free from disease postoperatively within 0.5-4 years follow-up, 2 patients underwent re-operation because of recurrence, 1 patient was undergoing radiotherapy, 3 patients could not contact.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that CT not only makes contribution to establish correct diagnosis but also plays an important role in surgery of isolated sphenoid sinus disease. Endoscopic surgery is valuable in treatment for benign disease of sphenoid sinus.

Analysis of differential effects of Pb2+ on protein kinase C isozymes

Protein kinase C has been implicated as a cellular target for Pb2+ toxicity. We have previously proposed that Pb2+ modulates PKC activity by interacting with multiple sites within the enzyme. In order to further characterize the Pb-PKC interactions we compared the effects of Pb2+ on the CA-dependent and -independent protein kinase C isozymes using recombinant human PKC-alpha, PKC-epsilon, and PKC-zeta as well as the catalytic fragment of bovine brain protein kinase C, the PKC-M. The results demonstrate that, whereas at pM concentrations Pb2+ activates PKC-alpha half maximally (KAct approximately 2 pM), it has no effect on PKC-epsilon, PKC-zeta, or PKC-M activities. The activation of PKC-alpha by Pb2+ is additive with Ca2+ in a manner indicating interaction with half of the calcium activation sites. In the micromolar range of concentrations, Pb2+ inhibits all PKCs with estimated K0.5 of 1.0, 2.3, 28, and 93 microM for PKC-M, PKC-alpha, PKC-epsilon, and PKC-zeta, respectively. Examination of Pb2+ effects on PKC-M kinetics indicates a mixed type inhibition with respect to ATP and noncompetitive inhibition with respect to histone. Taken together with the results of our previous study (Tomsig and Suszkiw, J. Neurochem. 64, 2667-2673, 1995) and the evidence for the existence of two Ca2+ coordination sites Ca1 and Ca2 within the C2 domain (Shao et al., Science [Washington, D.C.] 273, 248-251, 1996), the results of the current study provide further support for a multisite Pb-PKC interaction scheme wherein lead (1) partially activates the enzyme through pM-affinity interactions with the Ca1 site and inhibits the divalent cation-dependent activity through nM-affinity interactions with Ca2 site in the C2 domain and (2) inhibits the constitutive kinase activity through microM-affinity interactions with the catalytic domain. The concentration dependence of the differential effects of Pb2+ on the calcium-dependent and -independent PKCs underscores the importance of the C2 motif as a high affinity molecular target for Pb2+.

[Preparation of monoclonal antibodies to human vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF121) and identification of its expression on gastric carcinoma cell line MGC803]

OBJECTIVE

To further elucidate the source of VEGF in solid tumors.

METHODS

Traditional hybridoma technology was used to prepare VEGF monoclonal antibodies (McAb); it's activity was measured by 3H-TdR incorporation on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). VEGF gene was amplified by PCR with cDNA as template from MGC803 cell lines. The PCR products were cloned into fusion protein prokaryotic expression vector PGEX2T which expressed in E. coli XL-1 blue. Western blot analysis was used to identify expression of VEGF.

RESULTS

The McAbs could specifically bind to VEGF in ELISA. One of the McAbs(5C5) could neutralize the mitogenic activity of VEGF121 on HUVEC in a dose-dependent manner. The VEGF gene fragment obtained from RT-PCR cloned to PGEX2T vector expressed a protein product which reacted specifically with McAb 5C5.

CONCLUSION

Gastric carcinoma is shown to express VEGF. It may be a major source of VEGF in human solid tumor. Monoclonal antibody against VEGF may be of value in the treatment of cancer.

Urinary cross-linked N-telopeptides of type I collagen and bone metabolic diseases

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the type I collagen cross-linked N-telopeptide (NTx) levels in human urine as an indicator of bone resorption rate in different ages, sex and in bone metabolic diseases.

METHODS

Urinary NTx was determined by immunoassay in 591 Beijing healthy subjects aged from 0 to 86 years and 379 patients with bone metabolic diseases.

RESULTS

The levels of urinary NTx were significantly higher in children than in adults (P < 0.001) and higher in boys than in girls (P < 0.01) and increased 1.4-2.2 times in postmenopausal females than in men and premenopausal women. Urine NTx had a positive linear correlation with urine HOP/Cr (r = 0.778, P < 0.01) and Ca/Cr ratio (r = 0.320, P < 0.01), and a negative linear correlation with age (r = -0.523, P < 0.01) and lumbar spine BMD (r = -0.426, P < 0.01). The levels of urine NTx increased for 3.6 times in pregnancy, 1.5 times in osteoporosis, 1.9 times in fragility fracture, 3.6 times in chronic renal failure, 2.1 times in rickets and 7.2 times in multiple myeloma compared to age matched controls.

CONCLUSIONS

NTx in urine is a specific and sensitive indicator of bone resorption and is able to distinguish normal premenopause from late osteoporotic patients. NTx could be used as diagnostic information about metabolic bone diseases, and to monitor antiresorptive therapy.

Response time of myocardial oxygen consumption to cardiac work jumps at 28 degrees C varies with exogenous carbon substrate

In isolated rabbit heart perfused with hemoglobin-free Tyrode's solution at 28 degrees C the response time of myocardial oxidative phosphorylation to steps in heart rate, which is about 8 s, is decreased by about 2.5 s when lactate of pyruvate are given as exogenous carbon substrate. A hypothesis that may explain the decrease in response times is that glycolytic buffering in compartments near the energy consuming ATPases delays the transport of the energetic signal between sites of ATP consumption and the mitochondria. Pyruvate inhibits this glycolytic buffering, which would explain the faster response time. Whatever the mechanism may be, the type of exogenous substrate available to the heart has a major effect on the speed of response of oxidative phosphorylation to quick changes in cardiac workload.

Characterization of two novel haloalkaliphilic archaea Natronorubrum bangense gen. nov., sp. nov. and Natronorubrum tibetense gen. nov., sp. nov

Two haloalkaliphilic archaea were isolated from a soda lake in Tibet. The two strains, designated A33T and GA33T, were Gram-negative, pleomorphic, flat, non-motile and strictly aerobic. Growth required at least 12% NaCl. Growth was between pH 8.0 and pH 11 with an optimum at pH 9.0-9.5. Cells were chemo-organotrophic. Polar lipids were C20-C25 derivatives of phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol phosphate. The nucleotide sequences of the 16S rRNA genes from the two strains were obtained by the analysis of the cloned rDNAs. On 16S rRNA phylogenetic trees, the two strains formed a monophyletic cluster. They differed from their closet neighbours, Halobacterium trapanicum and Natrialba asiatica, in polar lipid composition, as well as physiological and phenotypic characteristics. DNA-DNA hybridization indicated that the two strains belonged to different species of the same genus. The results indicated that the strains A33T and GA33T should be classified in a new genus Natronorubrum gen. nov. as Natronorubrum bangense sp. nov. (strain A33T) and Natronorubrum tibetense sp. nov. (strain GA33T).

Relationship between serum antisperm antibodies and anticardiolipin antibodies and clinical pregnancy outcome in an in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer program

OBJECTIVE

To study the influence of maternal immunological factors on clinical pregnancy outcome in an in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) program.

METHODS

One hundred and fifty IVF-ET treatment cycles from November 1995 to November 1996 were studied. The indication for IVF-ET treatment was bilateral blocked tubes. Serum antisperm antibodies and anticardiolipin antibodies were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cleavage rate and successful pregnancy rate in relation to antibody status of infertile women after IVF-ET treatment were assessed.

RESULTS

Lower cleavage rate (64.2% +/- 32.1%) was found in 44 cycles of antisperm antibody seropositive women, compared with 84.8% +/- 18.7% in 106 cycles of seronegative women (P < 0.05). The clinical pregnancy rate was 31.8% in antisperm antibody-positive cycles and 20.8% in negative cycles (P > 0.05). The abortion rates of the two groups were similar (P > 0.05). Lower pregnancy rate (9.5%) was found in 21 cycles of serum anticardiolipin antibody-positive group, compared with 26.3% in 129 cycles of seronegative women (P < 0.05). Of patients with bio-chemical pregnancy and no pregnancy, 20.0% and 16.2%, respectively, had seropositive anticardiolipin antibody, compared with 5.6% of patients with clinical pregnancy (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Serum immunological factors may play a part in clinical pregnancy outcome in IVF-ET.

Effects of spin labeled derivatives of podophyllotoxin on cell cycle and macromolecular synthesis in human lymphoid leukemia Molt 4B cells

AIM

To examine the effect of the spin labeled derivatives of podophyllotoxin, N-podophyllic acid-N"-[4-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy)] thiosemicarbazide (GP4) and 4-[4"-(2",2",6",6"-tetramethyl-1"-piperidinyloxy) amino]-4'-demethylepipodophyllotoxin (GP7) on the cell cycle and macromolecular synthesis of human lymphoid leukemia Molt 4B cells in vitro.

METHODS

MTT assay, 3H incorporation, and flow cytometer were used.

RESULTS

GP4, GP7, and etoposide 0.02-100 mmol.L-1 cultured for 48 h inhibited the proliferation of human lymphoid leukemia Molt 4B cells. IC50 values of GP4, GP7, and etoposide were 0.11, 4.7, and 1.6 mmol.L-1, respectively. DNA and protein syntheses were obviously suppressed by GP4, GP7, and etoposide 10 mmol.L-1 for 48 h. After Molt 4B cells were treated with GP4, GP7, and etoposide 10 mmol.L-1 for 6 and 12 h, the mitotic index was increased by GP4 and reduced by GP7 and etoposide. According to flow cytometric BrdU/DNA analysis, GP4 slightly retarded S phase and mainly arrested cell cycle progression in G2/M phase, whereas GP7 similar to etoposide induced cells accumulated at S phase and retarded the cells in G2 phase.

CONCLUSION

GP4 and GP7 inhibit the proliferation of Molt 4B cells, but the mechanisms are different.

[The effect of antisense epidermal growth factor receptor RNA on the growth of human malignant glioma cells]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of antisense EGFR RNA on the growth of human malignant glioma cells.

METHODS

An antisense EGFR expression vector was constructed and introduced into human malignant glioma cells. PCR analysis was used to determine which clones were successfully transfected with antisense EGFR constructs. Western blotting analysis was used to determine EGFR protein level in the transfected cells. The in vitro growth and their ability to grow in soft agar were studied.

RESULTS

Western blotting analysis showed six clones stably expressing lower levels of EGFR protein. Antisense EGFR RNA was found to inhibit the proliferation of human malignant glioma cells and their ability to grow in soft agar. There was a negative correlation between the growth inhibiting effect of antisense EGFR and EGFR protein expression.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that EGFR play an pivotal role in human malignant glioma cell growth. Antisense EGFR can inhibit the growth of human malignant glioma cells.