[Significance of calcineurin activation and CD40L expression in patients with active lupus nephritis]

AIM

To investigate the significance of the calcineurin (CaN) activation in active lupus nephritis patient.

METHODS

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were separated from twenty-one active LN patients and 12 healthy controls. Phosphatase activity of CaN was determined using the CaN assay kit by measuring the content of released PO4. Reverse transcription-PCR was used to detect the expression of CD40L mRNA. Flow cytometry analysis was used to detect the expression of CD40L in LN PBMC.

RESULTS

(1) Increased activation of CaN in spontaneous cultured PBMC in active LN group was found as compared with control group (46.08 +/- 5.58 vs 8.81 +/- 3.61, P < 0.01). In stimulated by PMA/Ionomycin , activity of CaN in active LN group was also higher than that of control (69.34 +/- 12.59 vs 37.12 +/- 11.57, P < 0.01). (2) Relative content of CD40L in PBMC in active LN groups increased significantly as compared with the control groups under spontaneous and PMA/Ionomycin-induced culture, respectively (P < 0.01). (3) FK506 reduced significantly production of CD40L in spontaneous and PMA/Ionomycin-induced PBMC of LN.

CONCLUSION

Elevated activation of CaN in active LN may participate in regulation overexpression of CD40L in PBMC of LN. Through inhibiting CaN activity, FK506 may prevent abnormal activation of CD40-CD40L costimulatory pathway in lupus nephritis.

Discriminative Analysis of Brain Function at Resting-State for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

In this work, a discriminative model of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is presented on the basis of multivariate pattern classification and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). This model consists of two parts, a classifier and an intuitive representation of discriminative pattern of brain function between patients and normal controls. Regional homogeneity (ReHo), a measure of brain function at resting-state, is used here as a feature of classification. Fisher discriminative analysis (FDA) is performed on the features of training samples and a linear classifier is generated. Our initial experimental results show a successful classification rate of 85%, using leave-one-out cross validation. The classifier is also compared with linear support vector machine (SVM) and Batch Perceptron. Our classifier outperforms the alternatives significantly. Fisher brain, the optimal projective-direction vector in FDA, is used to represent the discriminative pattern. Some abnormal brain regions identified by Fisher brain, like prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex, are well consistent with that reported in neuroimaging studies on ADHD. Moreover, some less reported but highly discriminative regions are also identified. We conclude that the discriminative model has potential ability to improve current diagnosis and treatment evaluation of ADHD.

Measurement of the generalized forward spin polarizabilities of the neutron

The generalized forward spin polarizabilities gamma(0) and delta(LT) of the neutron have been extracted for the first time in a Q2 range from 0.1 to 0.9 GeV2. Since gamma(0) is sensitive to nucleon resonances and delta(LT) is insensitive to the Delta resonance, it is expected that the pair of forward spin polarizabilities should provide benchmark tests of the current understanding of the chiral dynamics of QCD. The new results on delta(LT) show significant disagreement with chiral perturbation theory calculations, while the data for gamma(0) at low Q2 are in good agreement with a next-to-leading-order relativistic baryon chiral perturbation theory calculation. The data show good agreement with the phenomenological MAID model.

Consomic rat model systems for physiological genomics

A consomic rat strain is one in which an entire chromosome is introgressed into the isogenic background of another inbred strain using marker-assisted selection. The development and physiological screening of two inbred consomic rat panels on two genetic backgrounds (44 strains) is well underway. Consomic strains enable one to assign traits and quantitative trait loci (QTL) to chromosomes by surveying the panel of strains with substituted chromosomes. They enable the rapid development of congenic strains over a narrow region and enable one to perform F2 linkage studies to positionally locate QTL on a single chromosome with a fixed genetic background. These rodent model systems overcome many of the problems encountered with segregating crosses where even if linkage is found, each individual in the cross is genetically unique and the combination of genes cannot be reproduced or studied in detail. For physiologists, consomics enable studies to be performed in a replicative or longitudinal manner to elucidate in greater detail the sequential expression of genes responsible for the observed phenotypes of these animals. They often provide the best available inbred control strains for physiological comparisons with the parental strains and they enable one to assess the impact of a causal gene region in a genome by allowing comparisons of the effect of replacement of a specific chromosome on a disease susceptible or a resistant genomic background. Consomic rat strains are proving to be a unique scientific resource that can greatly extend our understanding of genes and their role in the regulation of complex function and disease.

Measurement of the generalized polarizabilities of the proton in virtual Compton scattering at Q2=0.92 and 1.76 GeV2

We report a virtual Compton scattering study of the proton at low c.m. energies. We have determined the structure functions P(LL)-P(TT)/epsilon and P(LT), and the electric and magnetic generalized polarizabilities (GPs) alpha(E)(Q2) and beta(M)(Q2) at momentum transfer Q(2)=0.92 and 1.76 GeV2. The electric GP shows a strong falloff with Q2, and its global behavior does not follow a simple dipole form. The magnetic GP shows a rise and then a falloff; this can be interpreted as the dominance of a long-distance diamagnetic pion cloud at low Q2, compensated at higher Q2 by a paramagnetic contribution from piN intermediate states.

Q2 evolution of the neutron spin structure moments using a 3He target

We have measured the spin structure functions g(1) and g(2) of 3He in a double-spin experiment by inclusively scattering polarized electrons at energies ranging from 0.862 to 5.058 GeV off a polarized 3He target at a 15.5 degrees scattering angle. Excitation energies covered the resonance and the onset of the deep inelastic regions. We have determined for the first time the Q2 evolution of Gamma(1)(Q2)= integral (1)(0)g(1)(x,Q2)dx, Gamma(2)(Q2)= integral (1)(0)g(2)(x,Q2)dx, and d(2)(Q2)= integral (1)(0)x(2)[2g(1)(x,Q2)+3g(2)(x,Q2)]dx for the neutron in the range 0.1< or =Q2< or =0.9 GeV2 with good precision. Gamma(1)(Q2) displays a smooth variation from high to low Q2. The Burkhardt-Cottingham sum rule holds within uncertainties and d(2) is nonzero over the measured range.

Immunocytochemical demonstration of estrogen receptor β in human periodontal ligament cells

Two transcription associated estrogen receptor (ER) subtypes have been identified and named ERalpha and ERbeta. In the present study we investigate the expression of these ER subtypes in cultured human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells by immunocytochemistry. ERbeta immunoreactivity was observed in the nuclei of about 40% of the PDL cells, while no ERalpha immunoreactivity was detected. In human breast cancer MCF-7 cells, serving as positive controls, both ERalpha and ERbeta immunoreactivities were demonstrated. No immunoreactivity was observed after omission of the primary antibodies. This study suggests that estrogen acts on gene transcription preferentially via ERbeta in human PDL cells.

Free radical scavenging activity of extracts prepared from fresh leaves of selected Chinese medicinal plants

The free radical scavenging activity of the 80% methanolic extracts from fresh leaves of 300 Chinese medical woody plants was assessed with the aid of the stable DPPH radical. Among the plants screened, 56 species had strong free radical scavenging capacities, with IC50 values lower than 0.5 mg leaves per milliliter. Analysis of the medical uses of these plants showed that most of them are employed for their effects on hemostasis, as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial or for treatment of dysentery. These uses may be directly linked to the content in tannins and flavonoids and consequently to their free radical scavenging activities.

Combined lack of estrogen receptors alpha and beta affects vascular iNOS protein expression

Endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells express both estrogen receptor (ER) alpha and beta. Recent findings indicate that vascular ER beta and ER alpha may substitute for one another. Here, we investigate vascular morphology, contractility and protein expression in intact aorta from adult (4 months old) female mice lacking both ER alpha and ER beta (DERKO). The body weights were 17% higher ( P<0.01) in DERKO than in wild-type mice. Vascular morphology, investigated in paraffin sections from aorta stained with hematoxylin-eosin or van Gieson, was identical in DERKO and wild-type mice. Endothelial cells were clearly visible in aorta of both DERKO and wild-type animals. Morphometric analysis of media thickness and wall to lumen ratio using a computerized image analyzing system demonstrated no differences between the two groups of mice. The vascular expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS, NOS III) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS, NOS II) was investigated using Western blotting. Aorta from both DERKO and wild-type mice expressed iNOS protein, but the iNOS expression was 3 times lower ( P<0.05) in DERKO compared to wild-type mice. No difference in eNOS protein level between the two groups of animals was observed. Force responses to noradrenaline, determined either in the absence or in the presence of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor l-NAME and the cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor indomethacin, were unaffected by the lack of functional ER alpha/ER beta. In summary, combined lack of functional ER alpha and ER beta lowers the vascular expression of iNOS but has no effects on morphology, eNOS expression, and noradrenaline sensitivity in the intact aorta.

Q2 evolution of the generalized Gerasimov-Drell-Hearn integral for the neutron using a 3He target

We present data on the inclusive scattering of polarized electrons from a polarized 3He target at energies from 0.862 to 5.06 GeV, obtained at a scattering angle of 15.5 degrees. Our data include measurements from the quasielastic peak, through the nucleon resonance region, and beyond, and were used to determine the virtual photon cross-section difference sigma(1/2)-sigma(3/2). We extract the extended Gerasimov-Drell-Hearn integral for the neutron in the range of four-momentum transfer squared Q2 of 0.1-0.9 GeV2.

[Analysis of terpineol and improvement of technology process in terpineol production]

A method for the separation and determination of terpineol oil by temperature programming capillary gas chromatography has been established. An OV-1 fused silica capillary column (30 m x 0.32 mm i.d. x 0.25 microns) was used with a temperature increase rates of 1.5 degrees C/min from 70 degrees C to 100 degrees C, 5 degrees C/min from 100 degrees C to 160 degrees C, 10 degrees C/min from 160 degrees C to 220 degrees C and then hold for 2 min. The main chemical components and their relative contents of the terpineol oil, terpinene oil, red and yellow oils of middle oils in the terpineol production and natural terpineol were analyzed by capillary gas chromatography-Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (GC-FTIR) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The typical chromatograms of these oils are given. It has offered the information of the boiling points of the chemical compounds, and it is helpful to reutilize them after their separation by rectification. The results showed that the main compounds of the heavy cut of terpineol were longifolene and beta-caryophyllene. They are from the raw material, terpinene oil. The main compounds in the natural terpineol oil were eucalyptol, trans-4-thujanol, p-isopropenyl toluene, cis-4-thujanol, linalool, camphor, borneol, 4-terpineol, alpha-terpineol and safrole. The contents of beta-terpineol and gamma-terpineol were not so high as in synthetic terpineol.

2H(e,e(')p)n reaction at high recoil momenta

The 2H(e,e(')p)n cross section was measured in Hall A of the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility near the top of the quasielastic peak (x(Bj)=0.964) at a four-momentum transfer squared, Q(2)=0.665 (GeV/c) (2) (omega=0.368 GeV, W=2.057 GeV), and for recoil momenta up to 550 MeV/c. The measured cross section deviates by 1-2sigma from a state-of-the-art calculation at low recoil momenta. At high recoil momenta the cross section is well described by the same calculation; however, in this region, final-state interactions and interaction currents are predicted to be large, and alternative choices of nucleon-nucleon potential and nucleon current operator may result in significant spread in the calculations.

[Effect of lupus recipe on IL-6 and IL-10 secretion of splenic cells in vitro in lupoid mice]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of Lupus Recipe (LR) on IL-6 and IL-10 secretion of splenic cells in vitro in lupoid model mice and on anti-dsDNA antibody.

METHODS

Chronic graft-versus-host disease model was used in the experiment. The model mice were divided into four groups, the model group was un-treated and the other three groups treated with LR, prednisone and combined treatment (prednisone + LR) respectively. The serum level of ds-DNA antibody, the ConA induced splenic cell proliferation in mice's splenic cell culture as well as the IL-6, IL-10 level in the supernatant of culture were determined after treatment and compared with those of normal controls.

RESULTS

(1) The splenic cell proliferative reaction in the model group splenic cells was obviously higher than that of the normal control (P < 0.05); but that in the three treated groups was different from the control insignificantly (P > 0.05); (2) The serum anti-dsDNA in the model group was higher than that in the normal control, 1.75 +/- 0.25 vs 1.20 +/- 0.21 (P < 0.01), while the difference in comparison of the treated groups with the normal control was insignificant, (P > 0.05); (3) Splenic cell IL-6 and IL-10 secretion in the model group induced by ConA was higher than those in the treated groups and the controls significantly (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

LR reveals the effect of immunosuppressor, which could inhibit the activation of T- and B-cells, reduce the Th2 cytokine formation and auto-antibody production so as to treat lupus erythematosus effectively.

Serine 232 of the alpha(2A)-adrenergic receptor is a protein kinase C-sensitive effector coupling switch

alpha(2)-adrenergic receptors (alpha(2)AR) couple to multiple effectors including adenylyl cyclase and phospholipase C. We hypothesized that signaling selectivity to these effectors is dynamically directed by kinase-sensitive domains within the third intracellular loop of the receptor. Substitution of Ala for Ser232, which is in the N-terminal region of this loop in the alpha(2A)AR, resulted in a receptor that was markedly uncoupled ( approximately 82% impairment) from stimulation of inositol phosphate accumulation while the capacity to inhibit adenylyl cyclase remained relatively intact. In S232A alpha(2A)AR transfected cell membranes, agonist-promoted [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding was reduced by approximately 50%. Coexpression of modified G proteins rendered insensitive to pertussis toxin revealed that the S232A receptor was uncoupled from both G(i) and G(o). S232 is a potential PKC phosphorylation site, and whole cell phosphorylation studies showed that the mutant had depressed phosphorylation compared to wild type (1.3- vs 2.1-fold/basal). Consistent with S232 directing coupling to phospholipase C, PMA exposure resulted in approximately 67% desensitization of agonist-promoted inositol phosphate accumulation without significantly affecting inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. The dominant effect of mutation or phosphorylation at this site on inositol phosphate as compared to cAMP signaling was found to most likely be due to the low efficiency of signal transduction via phospholipase C vs adenylyl cyclase. Taken together, these results indicate that S232 acts as a selective, PKC-sensitive, modulator of effector coupling of the alpha(2A)AR to inositol phosphate stimulation. This represents one mechanism by which cells route stimuli directed to multifunctional receptors to selected effectors so as to attain finely targeted signaling.

Precision measurement of the spin-dependent asymmetry in the threshold region of 3He(e, e')

We present the first precision measurement of the spin-dependent asymmetry in the threshold region of 3He(e,e') at Q2 values of 0.1 and 0.2 (GeV/c)2. The agreement between the data and nonrelativistic Faddeev calculations which include both final-state interactions and meson-exchange current effects is very good at Q2 = 0.1 (GeV/c)2, while a small discrepancy at Q2 = 0.2 (GeV/c)2 is observed.

Stimulation of vascular protein synthesis by activation of oestrogen receptor beta

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of oestrogen receptor (ER) beta activation on vascular protein synthesis and protein expression. Nuclear immunoreactivity towards ER beta was observed abundantly in vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells of mouse aorta. No ER alpha-positive cell nuclei were observed. In aorta from ovariectomized mice, treatment with the selective ER beta agonist genistein (100 nM) for 24 h increased [(3)H]leucine incorporation by about 30%. This effect was prevented by the ER blocker ICI 182780 (10 microM). Although genistein treatment stimulated protein synthesis, it caused no change in total protein determined either by the Lowry method on tissue homogenate or by densitometric scanning of protein bands (10-220 kDa) separated by SDS-PAGE. Separation of [(35)S]methionine-labelled proteins by SDS-PAGE did not reveal the protein(s) stimulated by genistein. DNA synthesis was not affected by 100 nM genistein, suggesting that genistein-induced stimulation of protein synthesis is not part of a growth response. Protein expression, determined by SDS-PAGE, was similar in aorta from ER beta-knockout and wild-type mice, suggesting that expression of vascular proteins does not depend solely on a functional ER beta gene. We suggest that activation of vascular ER beta stimulates synthesis of proteins and that this response is not associated with vascular growth.

[Determination of roxithromycin in serum by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection]

OBJECTIVE

To make better the RP-HPLC method for the determination of roxithromycin(RM) in human serum.

METHODS

RM and clarithromycin (internal standard) were extracted from alkalinized serum sample (500 microliters) with methylene chloride. After evaporation of the organic layer, the residue was dissolved in 100 microliters of acetonitrile-ammonium phosphate (1:1, pH 6.0) and washed with n-hexane, then 20 microliters was injected onto a column (5 microns, 15 cm x 4.6 mm) of Penomenex luna C18. The mobile phase was acetonitrile-0.05 mol/L phosphoric acid (39:19:42, adjusted to pH 7.2 with ammonia water) pumped at 1.2 ml/min through the column. The variable wavelength UV detector operated at 0.01 aufs and the wavelength was set at 210 nm.

RESULTS

The retention times for RM and clarithromycin were 4.4 min and 5.0 min, respectively. Standard curve was linear in the concentration range of 0.25 to 32 mg/L. The detection limit in serum was 0.06 mg/L; the average method recovery 97.4%; the inter-day RSD less than 3.0%.

CONCLUSION

This method was found to be simple, rapid, sensitive and accurate for determination of RM in human serum.