Expression and significance of plasma 3-NT and ox-LDL in patients with Alzheimer's disease

To examine the expression and clinical significance of plasma 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) levels in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), we examined 48 AD patients and 37 healthy control subjects. The Mini-Mental State Examination, Activities of Daily Living Scale, and Hachinski Ischemic Scale were examined in all subjects. AD patients were classified using the Global Deterioration Scale. The concentrations of plasma 3-NT and ox-LDL were detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We found that the plasma 3-NT concentration in the AD group (119.46 ± 21.82 nM) was significantly higher than that in the control group (55.09 ± 9.63 nM) (P < 0.05). Spearman analysis showed that plasma 3-NT level was negatively associated with the Mini-Mental State Examination results of AD patients. Plasma ox-LDL level in the AD group (112.25 ± 17.81 mg/L) was significantly higher than that in the control group (47.46 ± 10.04 mg/L) (P < 0.05). Spearman analysis showed that plasma ox-LDL level was positively correlated with AD severity in AD patients. However, plasma 3-NT level in the AD group was not associated with plasma ox-LDL level. Therefore, plasma 3-NT and ox-LDL levels in AD patients were significantly increased, which may be related to the degree of AD severity in AD patients.

[Risk factors analysis of cytomegalovirus infection after nonmyeloablative allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation]

The aim of this study was to analyze the risk factors of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and CMV disease after nonmyeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(NST) and develop a rational strategy for the diagnosis, monitoring and preemptive treatment of CMV infection. The Clinical data of 80 patients undergoing NST from November 2009 to November 2012 in the hospital 307 were retrospectively analyzed. The cytomegalovirus load in peripheral blood of patients was detected by using RT-PCR. The results indicated that the incidence of CMV infection was 77.5% (62/80), and the median time for the positive CMV-DNA firstly detected by RT-PCR was day 35 (17-133) after NST. The total of 100-day cumulative incidence of CMV disease was 11.3%(9/80) after early preemptive therapy. Both univariate and multivariate analysis showed thymoglobulin (ATG) used in preconditioning regimen, other herpesvirus infection and fungal infection in medical history before NST were the risk factors of CMV infection after NST.Univariate analysis revealed that CMV viremia and ATG used in preconditioning regimen were the risk factors for CMV disease, while the same result was not found in the multivariate analysis.The incidence of CMV infection in patients with II-IV grade of aGVHD was 91.3%,while the incidence of CMV infection in patients with 0-1 grade of aGVHD was 71.9% (P = 0.06), it seems that II-IV grade of aGVHD was not the risk factor of CMV infection for NST. It is concluded that the ATG used in preconditioning regimen may increase the incidence of both CMV infection and CMV disease after NST. CMV infection easily accompanies by other herpesvirus infection and fungal infection.Therefore other herpesvirus infection and fungal infection should be attentively monitored and prevented after trans-plantation.

[Establishment and identification of a H-2 completely mismatched microtransplantation model of leukemia mouse]

This study was purposed to establish and identify a H-2 completely mismatched microtransplantation model of leukemia mouse. The recipients were female BALB/c mice, while donors were male C57BL/6J mice. Recipients were inoculated intravenously with 1×10(6) of WEHI-3 cells, a cell line of myelomonocytic leukemia. Donors received 100 µg/kg G-CSF mobilization through hypodermic injection, every 12 hours, and it last 5 days. Chemotherapy regimens was MA (mitoxantrone+cytarabine), and it last 4 days. Recipients were given chemotherapy conditioning without GVHD prophylaxis after inoculation of leukemic cells for 2 days, and within 8 hours after last chemotherapy received donor mobilized spleen mononuclear cells (sMNC). The number of sMNC was (3, 6, 12) ×10(7), respectively. The early death rate, recovery level of WBC in peripheral blood and leukemia load were compared between chemotherapy and microtransplantation groups. The donor chimerism was detected by RT-PCR. From the clinical manifestation and pathological features, the GVHD in recipients was evaluated. The results showed that the early mortality in chemotherapy group was 25%, meanwhile those in the (3, 6, 12)×10(7) groups were 16.67%, 8.33%, 8.33%, respectively. The(3, 6)×10(7) groups has a stronger hematopoietic recovery capability than that in chemotherapy and 12×10(7) groups (P < 0.05) . There were more leukemic cells in chemotherapy mice than that in microtransplantation mice (P < 0.01) , and (12, 6)×10(7) groups had lower leukemia load than that in 3×10(7) group (P < 0.05) . No signs of GVHD were observed in microtransplantation mice. The donor microchimerism could be discovered at eraly 2 weeks after donor cell transfusion. It is concluded that a H-2 completely mismatched microtransplantation model of leukemia mouse has been successfully established, and it will provide a experimental base for studying microtransplantation in clinic.

[Different changes of serum cytokines following HLA-identical and HLA haploidentical non-myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation]

This study was aimed to investigate the expression difference of serum cytokines in 20 patients receiving HLA-identical nonmyeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (iNAHSCT) and HLA-haploidentical nonmyeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (hiNAHSCT). IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, γ-IFN and IL-17 were detected by flow cytometric bead array before and on week 1, 2, 4 after transplantation respectively. The results showed that the IL-2 level was found to be up-regulated at week 1 and 2 after transplantation in iNAHSCT group and in hiNAHSCT group respectively, but there was no difference between these two groups (P > 0.05). The γ-IFN levels was up-regulated at week 4 after transplantation in above-mentioned two groups, but no difference was found between these two groups. The IL-4 level increased at week 2 and 1 after transplantation in iNAHSCT and hiNAHCT groups respectively, but the IL-4 level in iNAHSCT group was higher than that in hiNAHSCT group. The IL-6 level rose at week 1 and 2 after transplant in above mentioned groups respectively, and reached to peak level at week 4 after transplantation, but IL-6 level in hiNAHSCT was higher than that in iNAHSCT group (P < 0.02). The IL-10 level was up-regulated at week 1 and 2 in iNAHSCT and hiNAHSCT groups respectively, but the IL-10 level in iNAHSC was higher than that in hiNAHSCT group. The TNF-α level was up-regulated at week 1 in hiNAHSCT group, but at week 2 in iNAHSCT group after transplantation. The TNF-α level in hiNHASCT group was higher than that in iNAHSCT group (P < 0.01). The IL-17 level was up-regulated at week 1 and week 4 after transplantation in hiNAHSCT and iNAHSCT groups respectively, the IL-17 level in hiNAHSCT group was high as compared with that in iNAHSCT group. It is concluded that the serum cytokine levels are obviously up-regulated in iNAHSCT and hiNHASCT groups, and reach to peak level at week 4 after transplantation. The IL-6, TNF-α and IL-17 level up-regulated significantly in hiNAHSCT group, but the IL-4 and IL-10 level up-regulated significantly in iNAHSCT.

[Changes of Th1/Th2/Th17 in patients received non-myeloablative haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation detected by flow cytometric bead array]

This study was purposed to investigate the changes of Th1/Th2/Th17 in patients received non-myeloblastic haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (NAHSCT). The levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α and IFN-γ, as well as IL-17 level were determined by flow cytometric bead array (CBA) in samples from 18 patients underwent allo-peripheral NAHSCT at different time points before and after transplantation. The results showed that all cytokines changed obviously after transplantation, and their serum levels were higher than that before transplantation. The expression levels of IL-2, IL-4 and IL-17 changed early, and their obviously up-regulation was found after transplantation. The expression levels of IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α changed significantly, and were high as compared with that before transplantation. The change of INF-γ serum level was observed late, its rising occurred at week 4 after transplantation. The expression of all cytokines kept increasing during 4 weeks after transplantation and peaked at week 4. It is concluded that the serum levels of all cytokines from the patients after NAHSCT increased significantly, in which the levels of IL-2, IL-4 and IL-17 increased early, but the level of INF-γ changed late. The detection of cytokines is helpful for deep understanding the pathophysiologic mechanism of transplant-related complications.

[Abnormality of blood coagulation indexes in patients with de novo acute leukemia and its clinical significance]

To explore hemorrhage risk and the clinical significance of abnormal change of prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), plasma fibrinogen (FIB), plasma thrombin time (TT) and d-dimer (D-D) in de novo acute leukemia (except for APL), the different bleeding manifestations of 114 cases of de novo acute leukemia with different coagulation indexes were analyzed retrospectively. The correlation between these blood coagulation indexes and the possible correlative clinical characteristics were analysed, including age, sex, type of acute leukemia, initial white blood cell(WBC) and platelet(Plt) count, the proportion of blast cells in bone marrow and cytogenetic abnormality of patients at diagnosis. The results indicated that the incidence of abnormal blood coagulation was as high as 78.1% for de novo AL patients. These patients with 5 normal blood coagulation indexes may have mild bleeding manifestation, but the more abnormal indexes, the more severe bleeding. Both PT and D-D were sensitive indexes for diagnosis of level II bleeding. Incidence of abnormal blood coagulation significantly correlates with the proportion of blast cells in bone marrow (χ(2) = 4.184, OR = 1.021, P < 0.05) and more with D-D (P < 0.01), while age, sex, type of AL, WBC count, Plt count and abnormality of cytogenetics did not correlate with abnormal blood coagulation. It is concluded that the coagulation and fibrinolysis are abnormal in most patients with de novo acute leukemia. More abnormal indexes indicate more severe bleeding, and both PT and D-D are sensitive indexes for diagnosis of level II bleeding. Higher proportion of blast cells in bone marrow predicts higher incidence of abnormal blood clotting. Acute leukemia with elderly age, high white blood cell count and adverse cytogenetics do not predict severer abnormal blood clotting. Detection of PT, APTT, TT, FIB, and D-D may help to judge whether the patients are in a state of hypercoagulability or disseminated intravenous coagulation, which will provide experiment evidences for early intervention and medication.

HLA-mismatched stem-cell microtransplantation as postremission therapy for acute myeloid leukemia: long-term follow-up

PURPOSE

Despite best current therapies, approximately half of patients with acute myeloid leukemia in first complete remission (AML-CR1) with no HLA-identical donors experience relapse. Whether HLA-mismatched stem-cell microtransplantation as a novel postremission therapy in these patients will improve survival and avoid graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is still unknown.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred one patients with AML-CR1 (9 to 65 years old) from four treatment centers received programmed infusions of G-CSF-mobilized HLA-mismatched donor peripheral-blood stem cells after each of three cycles of high-dose cytarabine conditioning without GVHD prophylaxis. Donor chimerism and microchimerism and WT1+CD8+ T cells were analyzed.

RESULTS

The 6-year leukemia-free survival (LFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 84.4% and 89.5%, respectively, in the low-risk group, which were similar to the rates in the intermediate-risk group (59.2% and 65.2%, respectively; P=.272 and P=.308). The 6-year LFS and OS were 76.4% and 82.1%, respectively, in patients who received a high dose of donor CD3+ T cells (≥1.1×10(8)/kg) in each infusion, which were significantly higher than the LFS and OS in patients who received a lower dose (<1.1×10(8)/kg) of donor CD3+ T cells (49.5% and 55.3%, respectively; P=.091 and P=.041). No GVHD was observed in any of the patients. Donor microchimerism (2 to 1,020 days) was detected in 20 of the 23 female patients who were available for Y chromosome analysis. A significant increase in WT1+CD8+ T cells (from 0.2% to 4.56%) was observed in 33 of 39 patients with positive HLA-A*02:01 antigen by a pentamer analysis.

CONCLUSION

Microtransplantation as a postremission therapy may improve outcomes and avoid GVHD in patients with AML-CR1.

[Effects of IAT and MAT chemotherapeutic regimens in patients with refractory or relapsed acute myeloid leukemia]

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of IAT and MAT chemotherapeutic regimens treating patients with refractory and relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML). 99 patients with refractory and relapsed AML received IAT regimen or MAT regimen as study objects were retrospectively analyzed (56 patients with refractory AML and 43 patients with relapsed AML). Among of them, 28 patients were treated with IAT regimen, and 71 patients received with MAT regimen. The results showed that in 2 groups mentioned above the OR was 65.7%, CR was 49.5%, PR was 16.2%; in IAT group the OR was 64.3%, CR was 46.4%; in MAT group the OR was 66.2%, CR was 50.7%, no statistical difference was found between these 2 groups; The 2 years overall survival was 25% in IAT group and 15.5% in MAT group. Serious infection in IAT and MAT regime groups was 25% and 9.9%, respectively. It is concluded that both IAT and MAT regimens are effective methods for inducing CR in patients with refractory of relapsed AML. IAT and MAT regimens can be used in treatment of the refractory or relapsed MAL patients who were not respond to other regimen.

[Clinical study of bortezomib for treating multiple myeloma with renal impairment]

This study was purposed to analyze the clinical characteristics of multiple myeloma (MM) patients with and without renal impairment (RI) and to investigate the effect of bortezomib (Bor) on MM with RI. Clinical data of 39 MM patients (15 cases with RI, 24 cases without RI) received treatment of Bor in department of hematology in our hospital from Jan 2007 to Aug 2011 were collect and analyzed in term of clinical characteristics, curative efficacy, outcome of renal impairment and toxic reaction associated to chemotherapy. The results showed that (1) the obvious difference of the disease type, the creatinine, uric acid, serum calcium and β2-microglobulin levels existed in patients with and without RI, while there were no significant difference in hemoglobin and globin levels; (2) there were no significant difference in overall reaction rate and overall survival rate between MM patients with and without RI, however the median survival time of patients without RI was longer than that of patients with RI; (3) the RI could be reversed after the treatment with Bor, and the effect was most obvious after the first cycle. 20% MM patients with RI had recovered from RI after the first cycle; and the recovery rate from RI got up to 38.4% after the second cycle. The decline of creatinine levels had no difference between MM patients with or without RI after the second cycle. (4) The adverse events included gastrointestinal symptoms, peripheral neuropathy, thrombocytopenia and infection. There was also no difference between the 2 groups. It is concluded that Bor-based regimens for the MM patients with RI are effective and safe, and the renal function would be reversed after 2 cycle of Bor-based regimen.

[Clinical analysis of invasive fungal infections in patients with hematologic malignancies]

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical situation of invasive fungal infections in patients with hematological malignancies, and discuss the susceptible factors and precautions. 541 patients with hematological malignancies from 2008 Jan to 2011 Dec in hospital 307 of Chinese PLA were statistically retrospectively analyzed in term of clinical manifestation, image examination, culture results of secretions, therapy and so on. The results showed that 63 out of 541 patients got invasive fungal infections. The respiratory tract and intestinal tract were the most common infection sites (62.34 and 19.48, respectively); Candida albicans (66.67) and Candida glabrata (12.82) were the most common pathogens. It is concluded that the main risk factors are as follows: primary diseases, chemotherapy, glucocorticoid, leukopenia after chemotherapy, applications of broad-spectrum antibiotics and aging. It is suggested that a stratification of risk factors is helpful in preventing and treating invasive fungal infections.

[Expression of NOV and BNIP3 gene in mouse myelomonocytic leukemia and its significance]

This study was aimed to investigate the expression level of NOV and BNIP3 mRNA in mice myelomonocytic leukemia (AML-M(4)) and its significance. The mice were inoculated intravenously with myelomonocytic leukemia cells of WEHI-3, and divided randomly into chemotherapy group and control (untreated) group. Bone marrow samples were then collected from both groups at different times. The NOV and BNIP3 mRNA expression were detected by TaqMan quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and the relationship between these expression levels and clinical significance in leukemia incidence and progression were analyzed with β-actin as the housekeeping gene. The results showed that the mean values of NOV and BNIP3 increased gradually from 2 weeks after inoculation and achieved highest level at death in control group. Expression level of NOV increased from 1.85E-05 before inoculation to 3.57E-02 at death (p < 0.05), and BNIP3 from 3.44E-03 to 3.48E-02. While 2 gene expression in the chemotherapy group decreased quickly to 2.51E-05 and 1.58E-03 (p < 0.05) respectively after chemotherapy, which were close to the level before inoculation (p > 0.05). The 2 gene expressions again rose at relapse, and difference of expression level between 2 group at death were no statistically significant (p > 0.05). It is concluded that the expression of NOV and BNIP3 in leukemia AML-M(4) is significantly higher than that in normal controls, of which high level expression is an important factor in the development of leukemia. Close relation between the therapeutic effect and expression level of these two genes suggests the great value in prognostic evaluation and MRD detection.

The radiation protection and therapy effects of mesenchymal stem cells in mice with acute radiation injury

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and mechanisms of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on haematopoietic reconstitution in reducing bone marrow cell apoptosis effects in irradiated mice, and to research the safe and effective dosage of MSCs in mice with total body irradiation (TBI). After BALB/c mice were irradiated with 5.5 Gy cobalt-60 gamma-rays, the following were observed: peripheral blood cell count, apoptosis rate, cell cycle, colony-forming unit-granulocyte macrophage (CFU-GM) and colony-forming unit-fibroblast (CFU-F) counts of bone marrow cells and pathological changes in the medulla. The survival of mice infused with three doses of MSCs after 8.0 Gy or 10 Gy TBI was examined. The blood cells recovered rapidly in the MSC groups. The apoptotic ratio of bone marrow cells in the control group was higher at 24 h after radiation. A lower ratio of G0/G1 cell cycle phases and a higher ratio of G2/M and S phases, as well as a greater number of haematopoietic islands and megalokaryocytes in the bone marrow, were observed in the MSC-treated groups. MSCs induced recovery of CFU-GM and CFU-GM and improved the survival of mice after 8 Gy TBI, but 1.5 x 10(8) kg(-1) of MSCs increased mortality. These results indicate that MSCs protected and treated irradiated mice by inducing haematopoiesis and reducing apoptosis. MSCs may be a succedaneous or intensive method of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation under certain radiation dosages, and could provide a valuable strategy for acute radiation syndrome.

[Application of HLA-A*0201/WT1 pentamer combined with intracellular IFNgamma+ staining in detecting circulating WT1 specific T cells in leukemia]

This study was purposed to investigate the value of combination of pentamer and intracellular IFNgamma staining in the qualitative and quantitative detection of circulating antigen-specific T cells. WT1 expressions in 14 HLA-A*0201+ patients and their matched donors were detected by RT-PCR, and circulating WT1 specific T cells were assayed by HLA-A*0201/WT1 pentamer combined with intracellular IFNgamma+ staining. The results showed that the low level of WT1 expression was found only in 2 cases out of 14 donors, but different levels of WT1 expression could be observed in all leukemic patients. The WT1+CD8+ CTL and WT1+IFNgamma+ cells did not detected in all 14 donors, but WT1+CD8+ CTL cells in 2 patients and WT1+IFNgamma+ cells in 3 patients could be detected before transplantation respectively, there was no significant difference between them, while the WT1+CD8+ CTL cells and WT1+IFNgamma+ cells both could be detected in all 14 patients after transplantation, the positive detection rate after transplantation was obviously higher than that before transplantation. The WT1+CD8+ and WT1+ IFNgamma+ cells could be detected within 30 days after transplantation, but the positive detection rate of WT1+IFNgamma+ cells was higher than that of WT1+CD8+ CTL cells (p=0.014). The median peak value of WT1+CD8+ CTL cells was 0.18% in 14 patients, and the median peak value of WT1+IFNgamma+ cells was 0.83% in 14 patients, the later was significantly higher than former. The median peak time of WT1+CD8+ CTL cells was 75 days after transplantation, while the WT1+IFNgamma+ cells was 105 days after transplantation, there was no significant difference between them. It is concluded that pentamer and intracellular IFNgamma staining may effectively detect circulating WT1 specific T cells in leukemic patients, and the combination of these two methods profit to the exact qualitation and quantitation of circulating antigen-specific T cells.

[Changes of lymphocyte subsets in acute leukemia patients after HLA-mismatched nonmyeloablative hematopoietic stem cell transplantation]

This study was purposed to investigate the reconstitution of immune system in patients with acute lymphocyte leukemia (ALL) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after HLA-mismatched nonmyeloablative hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (NHSCT) and its relation with infection and GVHD. 6 ALL and 4 AML patients having HLA-mismatched related donors received the nonmyeloablative precondition regimen composed of fludarabine (Fln), ATG, Ara-C, CTX and total body irradiation (TBI) in dose 2 Gy. The GVHD was prevented and treated by CsA, anti-CD25 antibody and mycophenolic mofetil (MMF) before and after transplantation. The flow cytometry was used to detect the changes of total T cells, help/inducer T cells, suppressor/killer T cells, gamma/delta T cells, B cells, NK cells, NKT cells, regulatory T cells, activated T cells, naive T cells, memory T cells and ratio of CD4/CD8 in patients with remission resulting from chemotherapy before transplantation, and analyse the relation of immunofunctional cells to infection and GVHD after transplantation, compare the difference in recovery of immune system of ALL and AML patients. The results showed that the recovery of total lymphocytes and lymphocyte subsets displayed one's own regular pattern. As compared with patients without GVHD, the counts of lymphocyte subsets in patients with GVHD was higher, while the counts of gamma/delta T cells, regulatory T cells, NK cells, the counts of B cells, NK cells, naive cells and CD4/CD8 ratio as well as the counts of B cells, naive T cells and NK cells were lower at 1 month, 2 - 3 months and 6 - 8 months after transplantation respectively. The total T cells and subsets recovered slowly, but NK cells and NKT cells recovered rapidly in patients with infection at early period after transplantation, the B cells and naive B cells recovered rapidly at 3 months after transplantation. There was no difference in lymphocyte recovery between ALL and AML patients. It is concluded that the analysis of each lymphocyte subsets may indirectly show the recovery of thymus function in patients, the changes of NK cells, B cells and naive T cells have an important significance for identifying and forecasting the GVHD and infection.

Trichostatin A and nuclear reprogramming of cloned rabbit embryos

To investigate the influence of histone deacetylases on nuclear reprogramming after nuclear transfer, we treated the cloned embryos with a histone deacetylase inhibitor, Trichostatin A (TSA). In the present study, global changes in acetylation of histone H3-lysine 14, histone H4-lysine 12, and histone H4-lysine 5 were studied in rabbit in vivo fertilized embryos, somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos, and TSA-treated SCNT embryos. From the pronuclear to the morula stage, the deacetylation-reacetylation changes in acetylation of histone H3-lysine 14 and histone H4-lysine 12 occurred in both fertilized embryos and TSA-treated cloned embryos; however, the distribution pattern in untreated cloned embryos failed to display such changes. More interesting, the signal of acetylation of histone H4-lysine 12 in cloned embryos was detected in both the inner cell mass and the trophectoderm, whereas TSA-treated cloned embryos showed the same staining pattern as fertilized embryos and the staining was limited to the inner cell mass. The histone acetylation pattern of TSA-treated SCNT embryos appeared to be more similar to that of normal embryos, indicating that TSA could improve nuclear reprogramming after nuclear transfer.

[Acute graft versus host disease in non-myeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplantation]

The objective of this study was to explore the occurrence and clinical features of acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD) in non-myeloablative stem cell transplantation (NAST). 19 cases developed aGVHD out of 71 cases with NAST in recent years were analyzed retrospectively. Out of 19 cases, 9 males and 10 females at the median age of 38 (18-59), 16 cases with grade I-II aGVHD, 3 cases with grade III-IV aGVHD. The results indicated that the incidence of aGVHD in NAST was 26.7% (19/71), and severe aGVHD was 4.2%, the median onset time was 58 days (17-240 days) after transplantation. Skin and especially the intestine were the main target organs of aGVHD, while diarrhea occurred as the first symptom in 7 cases, 3 cases showed mixed acute and chronic GVHD involving more locations at the same time. aGVHD occurrence was 38.2% in those patients with full donor chimerism (FDC) and 16% in patients with the mixed chimerism (MC). It is concluded that aGVHD in NAST is less in occurrence, lighter in severity and later in time, but higher occurrence in those with early FDC, which intestine and skin are the main target organs. The clinical course is prolonged and easily complicated with severe infection in the later phase. Early combined therapy with powerful supportive treatment is necessary.

[Comparison of efficiencies mobilizing stem cells into peripheral blood in healthy donors by different schemes with G-CSF]

The aim of study was to select the best scheme of G-CSF to mobilize peripheral stem/progenitor cells in healthy donors. The clinical data of 60 cases received nonmyeloablative allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was analyzed retrospectively. The results indicated that the counts of MNC and CD34(+) cells were significantly higher in the 10 microg/(kg.d) group than that in the 5 microg/(kg.d) group (P < 0.05). The counts of MNC and CD34(+) cells which were collected after day 4 or 5 in the 10 microg/(kg.d) groups were not significantly different. The percentage of CD3(+) cells, CD4(+) cells and CD8(+) cells were not different in different groups. It is concluded that the scheme using 10 microg/(kg.d) G-CSF is more efficient than that in the 5 microg/(kg.d) group in mobilizing stem cells. It may reduce days for mobilization and decrease expense for collection of cells after 4 days of mobilization. Scheme using 10 microg/(kg.d) G-CSF for cells collecting after 4 days is more efficient.

[Kinetic study of various cytokine mRNA expressions in rhesus treated with haploidentical peripheral blood stem cell transplantation]

This study was aimed to analyze the mRNA expression of cytokines (TGF-beta, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, FAS-L) in five rhesus treated with haploidentical peripheral blood stem cell transplantation after nonmyeloablative preparative regimens and to explore the role of these cytokines in the development and pathology of acute graft-versus-host-disease (aGVHD). Five rhesus monkeys received nonmyeloablative haploidentical peripheral blood stem cells transplantation. Semi-quantitative reversed transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to analyze the kinetics of cytokine mRNA expression in the transplantation and aGVHD. The results showed that five rhesus monkeys acquired hematopoietic reconstitution successfully. The graft was rejected in one monkey which survived without disease, the other four achieved mixed chimerism and full donor chimerism. Chimerism of low centigrade in one monkey achieved high centigrade at 35 days after donor stem cell infusion. Intestinal aGVHD grade III developed in one monkey. Cytokines of Th1 and Th2 changed after transplantation. In period of aGVHD, expression of TGF-beta decreased but all others increased in various levels. When donor chimerism decreased, the cytokines decreased accordingly. It is concluded that the decrease of TGF-beta mRNA may be an indicator to predict aGVHD, and can be used as a differential diagnostic indicator for intestinal GVHD.

Water Exclusion at the Nanometer Scale Provides Long-Term Passivation of Silicon (111) Grafted with Alkyl Monolayers

This work is a quantitative study of the conditions required for a long-term passivation of the interface silicon-alkyl monolayers prepared by thermal hydrosilyation of neat 1-alkenes on well-defined H-Si(111) surfaces. We present electrochemical capacitance measurements (C-U) in combination with ex situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) observations and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. Capacitance measurements as a function of the reaction time and XPS data reveal close correlations between the chemical composition at the interface and its electronic properties. A very low density of states is found if suboxide formation is carefully prevented. The monitoring of C-U plots and AFM imaging upon exposure of the sample in diverse conditions indicate that the initial electronic properties and structure of the interface are long-lasting only when the monolayer surface coverage is theta > 0.42. A model demonstrates that this threshold value corresponds to a monolayer with intermolecular channels narrower than approximately 2.82 A, which is equal to the diameter of a water molecule. Water exclusion from the monolayer promotes long-term passivation of the silicon surface against oxidation in air and water as well as perfect corrosion inhibition in 20% NH(4)F. We provide two criteria to assess when a sample is optimized: The first one is an effective dielectric constant <2.5, and the second one is a very characteristic energy diagram at open circuit potential.

Cloned piglets born after nuclear transplantation of embryonic blastomeres into porcine oocytes matured in vivo

Nuclear transplantation in the pig is more difficult than in other domestic animals and only one embryonic nuclear transplantation (NT) pig has been born to date. In this study, reconstituted porcine embryos were produced by electrofusion of blastomeres from in vivo four-cell embryos to enucleated in vivo or in vitro matured (IVM) oocytes. Nuclear transfer using cumulus cells as nuclear donors was also conducted. When blastomeres were used as donors, the electrofusion rate was significantly higher in oocytes matured in vivo (91.5%) than in those matured in vitro (66.1%) (p < 0.01). After fusion, the NT embryos reconstituted from in vivo matured oocytes developed to blastocysts at a rate of 10.3% after culture in rabbit oviducts for up to 5 days, while only 5.9% of the NT embryos reconstructed from in vitro matured oocytes developed to blastocyst stage. Electrofusion rate of cumulus cell nuclei with enucleated IVM oocytes was lower (47.6%) and only 1.5% (2/136) of the reconstituted eggs developed in vitro to morula stage, and 1.9% developed to blastocysts when cultured in the ligated rabbit oviducts. Transfer of 94 embryos reconstructed by blastomere NT with in vivo matured oocytes to five synchronous recipients resulted in the birth of two cloned piglets. No piglet was born following transfer to two recipients of embryos (n = 39) derived from NT with in vitro matured oocytes. The results demonstrate that in vivo matured oocytes are better recipients than those matured in vitro for pig cloning.

[Establishment and application of a method for assessing hemopoietic chimerism in rhesus after allogeneic stem cell transplantation]

Monitoring engraftment of donor cells after allogeneic transplantation is the key of assessing successful establishment of animal transplantation model. The purpose of this study was to establish a method for analysis of chimerism in rhesus transplantation model. Y-specific sequence in rhesus was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), method for analysis of chimerism in rhesus after sex-mismatched transplantation was established; the feasibility and sensitivity of the approach were tested by using serial DNA mixtures of sex-mismatched individuals; the accuracy of results was confirmed by chromosome karyotype analysis simultaneously; Chimerisms of one rhesus received allogeneic stem cell transplantation and the other received mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) transfusion were detected by this method. The results showed that a 176 bp long sequence of PCR product was gained in male rhesus, while no product was gained in female rhesus. The sensitivity of this method was up to 0.05% (male/female DNA ratio). Male donor chimerism were found on day 7 and 14 after allogeneic stem cell transplantation by Y-specific sequence and chromosome karyotype analysis. Otherwise, male donor chimerism was found in peripheral blood at 1 hour and in bone marrow on day 30 after MSC transfusion by this method, but no male donor chimerism was found after MSC transfusion using chromosome karyotype analysis. In conclusion, this rapid, sensitive approach can used to assess chimerism in experiments of rhesus alloorgan transplantation and cell transfusion.

[Establishment of rhesus model for haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with nonmyeloablative conditioning]

To study if rhesus haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation model can be established by non-myeloablative conditioning, parent monkeys were used as donors, offspring monkeys were used as recipients. The recipient monkeys received a nonmyeloablative conditioning consisting of fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, total body irradiation and rabbit anti-human thymocyte globulin. Cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil and anti CD25 antibody were used for GVHD prevention. Donor mobilized peripheral blood stem cells were transplantated on day 0. Hematopoietic recovery, chimerism level, GVHD were assessed regularly. The results indicated that hematopoietic recoveries in all 4 cases were observed within 8 days after transplantation. Donor hematopoietic chimerism could be induced in all cases, chimerism analysis showed full donor chimerism (FDC) in case 3 and 4, and II to III grade GVHD developed on day 12 and 14. In case 1, only low level donor chimerism was detected on day 7, and transplantation rejection happened eventually. Unfortunately, kidney failure happened in case 2 after conditioning and died several days later, chimerism analysis showed 50% donor rate on day 7. It is concluded that the rhesus transplantation model was successfully established by nonmyeloablative conditioning for striding over the MHC barrier. This rhesus monkey model would provide a basis for future research.

[Study on biological characteristics of cultured rhesus mesenchymal stem cells]

This study was aimed to isolate and culture rhesus mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), and to analyze its phenotype and biological characteristics. Bone marrow was aspirated from femur of rhesus, mononuclear cells were extracted, the nonadherent cells were removed after 24 hours, adherent cells were subcultured when they grew 80% confluence. After the fifth passage, the cells were used for examination. The phenotypes of MSC were analyzed by flow cytometry, differentiated cells were identified by relevant specific staining. Cytokines' mRNA expressed by MSC were detected by RT-PCR. The results showed that rhesus MSC gave rise to a population of adherent cells characterized by the presence of a predominant cell type with a typical fibroblast-like morphology. During the log phase of growth, MSC proliferated to a two-fold population at 31 - 40 hours. MSC could be ex vivo expanded by successive cycles of trypsinization, seeding, and culture. The phenotypes expressed on rhesus MSC were Flk-1, CD29, CD105, CD166 positive and CD34, CD45, CD33 nearly negative. In various induction differentiation conditions, rhesus MSC could differentiate into the osteoblast and lipocyte. IL-6, TGF-beta were highly expressed, TNF-alpha was lowly expressed and IL-2, Fas-L, IFN-gamma were not detected on rhesus MSC using RT-PCR method. It is concluded that rhesus MSC can be successfully isolated and culture-expanded and the biological characteristics of rhesus MSC are similar to those of human MSC.

[ABO-incompatible nonmyeloablative allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation]

To explore the effects of ABO incompatibility between recipient and donor on HLA-matched nonmyeloablative allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (NAST), a retrospective, cohort study was performed. Among 24 HLA-matched NAST, 15 were major ABO-incompatible and 9 minor. Control group included 24 HLA-matched NAST with ABO-compatible grafts. Nonmyeloablative conditioning regimens consisted of CTX, Ara-C and ATG. The patients were given cyclosporine A and mycophenolate mofetile for prophylaxis of acute GVHD. The ABO-incompatible patients received grafts depleted erythrocytes by hydroxyethyl starch (HES) sedimentation. The results showed that successful and stable engraftment was established in 23 patients. No recipient developed clinically immediate hemolysis during graft infusion, but 2 recipients experienced delayed hemolysis attributable to the ABO incompatibility. The median time of granulocyte counts >0.5 x 10(9)/L and platelet >30 x 10(9)/L was 11 and 14.9 days, respectively. In ABO major incompatible group, the onset of erythropoiesis after NAST was delayed. One out of 10 recipients with blood group "O" in this group developed pure red cell aplasia (PRCA), lasting 5 months. The acute GVHD occurred in 7 out of the 24 patients. The chronic GVHD occurred in 5 of 21 cases. Relapse was observed in 2 patients with acute leukemia. The actuarial probability of disease-free survival at 2 years was 63.3%. In conclusion, ABO-incompatible grafts for NAST have no adverse effect on engraftment, recovery of platelets, incidence of GVHD, relapse rate or survival. ABO-incompatible NAST is fairly safe if there is indication, however, the onset of erythropoiesis is delayed when major ABO mismatched.