[Preliminary study of chitosan/pcDNA-EGFP-TGFbeta1 nanoparticles used in the transfection of synovial-derived mesenchymal stem cells]

The objective of this study is to explore the application possibility of chitosan/pcDNA-EGFP-TGFPbeta1 nanoparticles in the transfection of synovial-derived mesenchymal stem cells (SDMSCs). Chitosan/pcDNA-EGFP-TGFbeta1 nanoparticles were fabricated through method of ionic crosslinking. The SDMSCs were harvested from rabbit joints and cultured to passage 3. The SDMSCs were then transfected with chitosan/pcDNA-EGFP-TGFbeta1 nanoparticles. Scanning electronic microscope (SEM) was employed to detect the shape and diameter of the nanoparticles. The transfected SDMSCs were examined under the fluorescence microscope and detected through the flow cytometry (FCM). The SEM examination showed that the contour of the fabricated chitosan/pcDNA-EGFP-TGFbeta1 nanoparticles was round and its average diameter was 50 nm. After being cultured for 48 h, the SDMSCs transfected by chitosan/pcDNA-EGFP-TGFbeta1 nanoparticles could be detected under the fluorescence microscope, and the live SDMSCs could also be examined through FCM. The transfection rate was 8% - 10%. Therefore, it suggested that the chitosan/pcDNA-EGFP-TGFbeta1 nanoparticles fabricated through the method of ionic crosslinking could transfect the SDMSCs, but the transfection rate should be improved.

[Reconstruction of zygomatic-facial massive defect using modified bilobed flap after resection of skin cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical application of the modified bilobed flap in the reconstruction of zygomatic-facial massive defect after resection of skin cancer.

METHODS

Between August 2009 and October 2011, 15 patients with skin cancer in the zygomatic-facial region underwent defect reconstruction using modified bilobed flaps after surgical removal. There were 12 males and 3 females, aged 52-78 years (mean, 64.1 years). The disease duration was 1-14 months (mean, 4.6 months). Among the patients, there were 11 cases of basal cell carcinoma and 4 cases of squamous cell carcinoma; 1 patient had infection and the others had no skin ulceration; and tumor involved the skin layer in all patients. According to TNM staging, 13 cases were rated as T2N0M2 and 2 cases as T3N0M3. The defect size ranged from 4.0 cm x 2.5 cm to 6.5 cm x 4.0 cm after cancer resection. The modified bilobed flaps consisting of pre-auricular flap and post-auricular flap was used to repair the defect after cancer resection. The size ranged from 4.0 cm x 2.5 cm to 6.5 cm x 4.0 cm of the first flap and from 3.0 cm x 2.0 cm to 5.0 cm x 3.0 cm of the second flap.

RESULTS

Partial incision dehiscence occurred in 1 case, and was cured after dressing change; the flaps survived and incision healed primarily in the other cases. Fourteen patients were followed up 12-24 months (mean, 18.7 months). No recurrence was found, and the patients had no obvious face asymmetry or skin scar with normal closure of eyelid and facial nerve function. At last follow-up, the results were very satisfactory in 5 cases, satisfactory in 7 cases, generally satisfactory in 1 case, and dissatisfactory in 1 case.

CONCLUSION

The pre- and post-auricular bilobed flaps could be used to reconstruct the massive defects in the zygomatic-facial region after resection of skin cancer.

Few-layer graphene direct deposition on Ni and Cu foil by cold-wall chemical vapor deposition

We report an alternative synthesis process, cold-wall thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD), is replied to directly deposit single-layer and few-layer graphene films on Ar plasma treated Ni and Cu foils using CH4 as carbon source. Through optimizing the process parameters, large scale single-layer graphene grown on Ni foil is comparable to that grown on Cu foil. The graphene films were able to be transferred to other substrates such as SiO2/Si, flexible transparent PET and verified by optical microscopy, Raman microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The sheet resistance and transmission of the transferred graphene films on PET substrate were also discussed.

Combination of valproic acid and ATRA restores RARβ2 expression and induces differentiation in cervical cancer through the PI3K/Akt pathway

Epigenetic silencing of the tumor suppressor gene, RARβ2, through histone deacetylation has been established as an important process of cervical carcinogenesis. This pivotal role has led to the suggestion that a combination of retinoids selective for RARβ2 with histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors may have therapeutic potential. Valproic acid (VPA), a HDAC inhibitor, has a critical role in the regulation of gene expression through histone acetylation and causes transformed cells to undergo growth arrest, differentiation, and apoptosis. Therefore, we hypothesized that the combination of VPA and ATRA could restore RARβ2 expression, thus resulting in enhanced anti-neoplastic activity in cervical cancer. Here, we show that VPA combined with ATRA led to hyperacetylation of histone H3 and a significant alteration of gene expression in cervical cancer cells, including RARβ2 gene expression, which was upregulated 50- to 90-fold. The combination therapy effectively inhibited the growth of cervical cancer cells more than the single agent treatment both in vitro and in vivo. The additive effects were associated with a significant upregulation of p21(CIP1) and p53 as well as a pronounced decrease in p-Stat3. Furthermore, the combined treatment led to cell cycle arrest predominantly at the G1 phase, and it preferentially induced cell differentiation rather than apoptosis in cervical cancer cells. The differentiation program was determined by the presence of E-cadherinmediated adhesion and activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Taken together, these results provide new insight into the mechanisms of enhanced antitumor activity of the HDAC inhibitor and ATRA regimen, thus offering a new therapeutic strategy for cervical cancer patients.

Establishment, characterization, and successful adaptive therapy against human tumors of NKG cell, a new human NK cell line

Natural killer (NK) cells play important roles in adoptive cellular immunotherapy against certain human cancers. This study aims to establish a new human NK cell line and to study its role for adoptive cancer immunotherapy. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 54 patients to establish the NK cell line. A new human NK cell line, termed as NKG, was established from a Chinese male patient with rapidly progressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. NKG cells showed LGL morphology and were phenotypically identified as CD56(bright) NK cell with CD16(-), CD27(-), CD3(-), αβTCR(-), γδTCR(-), CD4(-), CD8(-), CD19(-), CD161(-), CD45(+), CXCR4(+), CCR7(+), CXCR1(-), and CX3CR1(-). NKG cells showed high expression of adhesive molecules (CD2, CD58, CD11a, CD54, CD11b, CD11c), an array of activating receptors (NKp30, NKp44, NKp46, NKG2D, NKG2C), and cytolysis-related receptors and molecules (TRAIL, FasL, granzyme B, perforin, IFN-γ). The cytotoxicity of NKG cells against tumor cells was higher than that of the established NK cell lines NK-92, NKL, and YT. NKG cell cytotoxicity depended on the presence of NKG2D and NKp30. When irradiated with 8 Gy, NKG cells were still with high cytotoxicity and activity in vitro and with safety in vivo, but without proliferation. Further, the irradiated NKG cells exhibited strong cytotoxicity against human primary ovarian cancer cells in vitro, and against human ovarian cancer in a mouse xenograft model. The adoptive transfer of NKG cells significantly inhibited the ovarian tumor growth, decreased the mortality rate and prolonged the survival, even in cases of advanced diseases. A number of NKG cells were detected in the ovarian tumor tissues during cell therapy. In use of the new human NK cell line, NKG would a promising cellular candidate for adoptive immunotherapy of human cancer.

Reduced expression of ΔΝp63α in cervical squamous cell carcinoma

PURPOSE

As a member of the p53 family, p63 is considered to be an important differentiation regulation transcriptional factor, but the roles of p63 in many epithelial tumourigenesis and metastasis processes are still not clear. This study was designed to investigate the expression of p63 and its isoform in normal tissues and squamous cell cancer tissues of uterine cervix, and its significance in cancer cell differentiation.

METHODS

The expression of p63 was assessed in cervical tissue and cell lines by immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR and Western Blotting. The relationships between p63 protein, various clinico-pathological features, and the differentiation marker involucrin were analyzed.

RESULTS

ΔΝp63α is the predominant isoform expressed in cervical epithelial tissues, and it is decreased in moderately or poorly differentiated cervical squamous carcinoma, as well as in the HeLa, SiHa and C33A cervical cancer cell lines. The expression level of ΔΝp63α was positively correlated with that of involucrin in cervical squamous cancer tissue, and the expression of ΔΝp63α is decreased with the degree of tumour invasion.

CONCLUSION

The decrease of ΔΝp63α in cervical squamous cell cancer appears to be associated with the tumour progression, and ΔΝp63α may be a sensitive marker for cervical squamous cancer differentiation.

CD11b and CD27 reflect distinct population and functional specialization in human natural killer cells

The identification of developmental stages in natural killer (NK) cells, especially in human NK cells, has lagged for decades. We characterize four novel populations defined by CD11b and CD27, which can represent the distinct stages of human NK cells from different tissues. Nearly all NK cells from peripheral blood are CD11b(+) CD27(-) populations whereas NK cells from cord blood have CD11b(+) CD27(-) and CD11b(+) CD27(+) populations. Interestingly, we have found large CD11b(-) CD27(-) populations of NK cells from deciduas. We also demonstrate that each population could be characterized by unique functional and phenotypic attributes. CD11b(-) CD27(-) NK cells display an immature phenotype and potential for differentiation. CD11b(-) CD27(+) and CD11b(+) CD27(+) NK cells show the best ability to secrete cytokines. CD11b(+) CD27(-) NK cells exhibit high cytolytic function. We demonstrate that human NK cells at different developmental stages have special functions and describe a new model of human NK cell differentiation.

In vivo activity of novel anti-ErbB2 antibody chA21 alone and with Paclitaxel or Trastuzumab in breast and ovarian cancer xenograft models

It was well studied that ErbB2 (HER2/p185(her2/neu)) overexpression in human malignant cancers correlates with poor prognosis and chemo-resistance. Although Trastuzumab (Herceptin) has been widely used in patients with ErbB2-overexpressing metastatic breast cancer, many patients either do not respond to Trastuzumab therapy or progress within 1 year of initiating Trastuzumab treatment. Previously, we reported a novel tumor-inhibitory antibody chA21, which recognized ErbB2 extracellular domain with an epitope distinct from other tumor-inhibitory anti-ErbB2 antibodies. Here, we report that chA21 combined with Paclitaxel or Trastuzumab significantly enhances the tumor-inhibition effects on ErbB2-overexpressing breast and ovarian cancer in xenograft mice. Moreover, the study reveals that the effects by chA21 to cause an enhanced inhibition on cancer cell proliferation and angiogenesis was highly associated with the intrinsic ability of chA21 to down-regulate ErbB2 receptor, inhibit downstream MAPK and PI3K-AKT signal transduction and activate natural killer cells. Our findings show that chA21 may represent a unique anti-ErbB2 antibody with potentials as therapeutic candidate alone or combination with other anti-ErbB2 reagents in cancer therapy.

One-dimensional single-crystalline bismuth oxide micro/nanoribbons: morphology-controlled synthesis and luminescent properties

Based on a facile vapor-phase transport method without any catalyst and template, one-dimensional single-crystalline bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) micro/nanoribbons were fabricated on silicon substrates in large quantities and morphology-controlled fabrication of Bi2O3 was achieved from a single precursor. The widths of Bi2O3 ribbons varied from 0.2 to 20 microm depending on the deposition temperatures. The thickness was in the range of 0.1-2 microm and the length reached several hundred micrometers and even millimeter range. The detailed composition and structural analysis confirmed the single-crystalline nature of alpha-Bi2O3 micro/nanoribbons with monoclinic structure. The photoluminescence spectrum of a single Bi2O3 ribbon showed a broadband emission from 450 to 750 nm in the visible region, consisting two peaks located at 589 and 697 nm which were primarily originated from the impurity ions and crystal defects. A self-catalyzed vapor-solid model was proposed to account for the growth mechanism of Bi2O3 ribbons with different morphologies.

Laparoscopic extraperitoneal uterine suspension to anterior abdominal wall bilaterally using synthetic mesh to treat uterovaginal prolapse

Between August 2007 and May 2009, 28 patients with uterovaginal prolapse, stage 2 or greater, and who desired uterine preservation, underwent laparoscopic extraperitoneal uterine suspension to the anterior abdominal wall bilaterally using mesh. The primary outcome was recurrence, which was evaluated using point C. Secondary outcomes were effects on quality of life (Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory [PFDI-20] and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire [PFIQ-7]) and sexual symptom (Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire [PISQ-12]) scores, operative time, blood loss, duration of hospitalization, and adverse events. After surgery, there was significant improvement in all pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) measurements. The POP-Q score for point C was significantly farther from the hymen at 6-months and 1-year follow-up compared with the preoperative value (-7.8 and -8.0 vs 2.6, respectively; p < .001). The objective cure rates at 6 months and 1 year were 96.4% and 94.1%, respectively. There were no major intraoperative or postoperative complications. However, all patients reported postoperative dragging pain at the points of puncture ports where the mesh was fixed to the abdominal wall. The mean visual analog scale decreased from a mean (SD) 3-day score of 2.61 (1.26) to 0 at 1 month follow-up. Baseline PISQ-12 score changed significantly compared with the value at 6 months after operation (28.4 [2.7] vs 29.3 [2.9]; p < .001). The PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 scores at 6 and 12 months after surgery improved significantly compared with the baseline scores (p < .001). The subjective success rates at 6 months and 1 year were 96.4% and 94.1%. respectively. Laparoscopic extraperitoneal uterine suspension to the anterior abdominal wall using mesh is a simple, safe, and effective procedure for treating uterovaginal prolapse. However, further studies of the long-term efficiency and reliability of this technique are needed to evaluate its value.

Extra-articular diffuse tenosynovial giant cell tumour of the infratemporal fossa: report of a case and literature review

The authors describe a 34-year-old man who presented with an unapparent swelling on the right preauricular zygomatic region, with progressive limitation of mouth opening and slight temporomandibular joint pain. Based on fine-needle aspiration cytology and radiological investigations, the patient was diagnosed preoperatively as having a possible tenosynovial giant cell tumour (TGCT). Surgical treatment was effective and no local recurrence was observed. Histological and immunohistochemical examination diagnosed an extra-articular diffuse TGCT. The clinical features, histopathological characteristics, imaging modalities, diagnostic methods and treatment of TGCT are discussed and a review of the relevant literature is presented.

Down-regulation of GRIM-19 expression is associated with hyperactivation of STAT3-induced gene expression and tumor growth in human cervical cancers

Cervical cancer is the most common malignant disease responsible for the deaths of a large number of women in the developing world. Although certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) have been identified as the cause of this disease, events that lead to formation of malignant tumors are not fully clear. STAT3 is a major oncogenic transcription factor involved in the development and progression of a number of human tumors. However, the mechanisms that result in loss of control over STAT3 activity are not understood. Gene associated with Retinoid-Interferon-induced Mortality-19 (GRIM-19) is a tumor-suppressive protein identified using a genetic technique in the interferon/retinoid-induced cell death pathway. Here, we show that reduction in GRIM-19 protein levels occur in a number of primary human cervical cancers. Consequently, these tumors tend to express a high basal level of STAT3 and its downstream target genes. More importantly, using a surrogate model, we show that restoration of GRIM-19 levels reestablishes the control over STAT3-dependent gene expression and tumor growth in vivo. GRIM-19 suppressed the expression of tumor invasion- and angiogenesis-associated factors to limit tumor growth. This study identifies another major novel molecular pathway inactivated during the development of human cervical cancer.

Identification and characterization of cancer stem-like cells from primary carcinoma of the cervix uteri

Like many other solid tumors, cervical cancer contains a heterogeneous population of cancer cells. Several investigators have identified putative stem cells from solid tumors and cancer cell lines via the capacity to self renew and drive tumor formation. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize a cancer stem-like cell population from primary carcinoma of the cervix uteri. Cervical carcinoma from 19 patients staged I-II following International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) criteria were disaggregated and subjected to growth conditions selective for stem cells. Eight of nineteen tumor-derived cultures encompassed stem-like cells capable of self-renewal, extensive proliferation as clonal non-adherent spherical clusters. Cell markers of spheroid were identified as CD44+CK17+. Cell survival assays showed the sphere-forming cells were only 48% inhibited by doxorubicin whereas 78% inhibited by paclitaxel. Chemo-resistance may partly attribute to the exclusive expression of ABC transporter. To investigate the tumorigenicity of these stem-like cells, xenoengraftment of 10(5) dissociated spheroid cells allowed full recapitulation of the original tumor, whereas the same amount of tumor cells without non-adherent spheroid selection remained non-tumorigenic. Stemness properties of these spheroid cells were further established by reverse transcription-PCR and Western blotting, demonstrating the expression of embryonic and adult stemness-related genes (Oct-4, Piwil2, C-myc, Stat3 and Sox2). Based on these findings, we assert that cervical cancer contain a subpopulation of tumor initiating cells with stem-like properties, thus facilitating the approach to therapeutic strategies aimed at eradicating the tumorigenic subpopulation within cervical cancer.

Stable suppression of HER-2 gene expression using siRNA increases the lysis of human ovarian carcinoma cells mediated by NK-92 cell line

The overexpression and amplification of HER-2 gene is associated with the malignant biological behavior of ovarian carcinoma and these tumor cells expressing elevated levels of HER-2 appear to be resistant to the cytolysis of NK-92. In this study, we analyzed the cytolysis effects of NK-92 on human ovarian carcinoma cells (SK-OV-3) after inhibition the expression of HER-2 mRNA by siRNA. Human ovarian carcinoma cell line SK-OV-3 was transfected with siRNA-hairpin expression retroviral vector (HER-2/siRNA) designed to target HER-2 mRNA. A negative control was established utilizing a vector lacking the antisense component (HER-2/negative). The expression levels of HER-2 gene in SK-OV-3/siRNA, and SK-OV-3/negative cell lines were evaluated by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. The growth and the early apoptosis of these cells were assayed by MTT and flow cytometry, respectively. The cytotoxicity of NK-92 against target cells was investigated by LDH. SK-OV-3/siRNA and SK-OV-3 cells were injected subcutaneously into BALB/c nude mice respectively and NK-92 cells were intraperitoneally injected to examine the anti-tumor activity in vivo. The stable cell line (SK-OV-3/siRNA) with a persistent silence of HER-2 was established. The inhibited expression of HER-2 gene was exhibited by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. The suppressed proliferation and the elicitation of early apoptosis cells were observed in SK-OV-3/siRNA cell line. NK-92 cell line can efficiently lyse the SK-OV-3/siRNA cells in vitro and significantly inhibit the growth of tumors xenografted with SK-OV-3/siRNA cells. Suppression of HER-2 gene expression using siRNA combined treatment of NK-92 presents a new strategy for NK-92 biological treatment on the HER-2 expression epithelial tumors.

Effect of conditioned medium of mesenchymal stem cells on the in vitro maturation and subsequent development of mouse oocyte

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) secrete a variety of cytokines and growth factors in addition to self-renewal and multiple forms of differentiation. Some of these secreted bioactive factors could improve meiotic maturation in vitro and subsequent embryo developmental potential. The aim of the present study was to determine whether in vitro maturation (IVM) of mouse oocyte with or without cumulus cells could be improved by contact with conditioned medium (CM) of MSCs as well as the efficiency of CM to support follicular growth and oocyte maturation in the ovarian organ of mice cultured on soft agar. The developmental potential of matured oocyte was assessed by blastocyst formation after in vitro fertilization (IVF). Germinal vesicle stage oocytes with or without cumulus cells were subjected to IVM in either CM, Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM), alpha-minimum essential medium (alpha-MEM) or human tubal fluid (HTF). Approximately 120 oocytes were studied for each medium. CM produced a higher maturation rate (91.2%) than DMEM (54.7%), alpha-MEM (63.5%) and HTF (27.1%). Moreover, CM improved embryo development to blastocyst stage significantly more than DMEM and HTF (85 vs 7% and 41.7%, respectively) but there was no significant difference compared with alpha-MEM (85 vs 80.3%). The behavior of cortical granules of IVM oocytes cultured in CM revealed cytoplasmic maturation. Moreover, CM also supported preantral follicles growth well in organotypic culture on soft agar resulting in the maturation of 60% of them to developmentally competent oocytes. The production of estrogen progressively increased approximately 1-fold every other day during organ culture, while a dramatic 10-fold increase in progesterone was observed 17 h after human chorionic gonadotropin stimulus at the end of culture. Thus, CM is an effective medium for preantral follicle growth, oocyte maturation, and sequential embryo development.

A study on pathogenesis of sudden death syndrome in broiler chickens

Sudden death syndrome (SDS) in fast growing broiler chickens has been recognized as a patho-physiological entity for four decades, but its pathogenesis still remains unknown. More recent investigations provided evidence that link SDS to cardiac arrhythmia, but the mechanism triggering arrhythmogenesis and factors responsible for fatal outcome are poorly understood. In order to understand the chain of events leading to SDS in broilers, the present study focused on putative mechanisms that trigger arrhythmia and mechanisms that predispose the myocardium to fatal arrhythmia. Susceptibility of broilers to cardiac arrhythmia under stress conditions was evaluated using a simulated stress test with epinephrine. Detailed histopathological evaluation of the broiler heart was undertaken to identify structural features that may predispose the myocardium to fatal arrhythmia. The simulated stress challenge revealed that many broilers are highly susceptible to stress induced cardiac arrhythmia. In some broilers the stress challenge induced severe ventricular arrhythmia, and the life threatening nature of this arrhythmia was evidenced by the fact that several birds showing the most severe arrhythmic responses, died suddenly within several days after the stress challenge. Examination of hearts of broilers that died of SDS revealed microscopic lesions in the cardiomyocytes, and widespread changes in the sub-endocardial and mural His-Purkinje system (HPS). Immune staining for Caspase-3 confirmed that numerous Purkinje cells in the left ventricular myocardium from broiler chickens that died of SDS were undergoing apoptosis. The observed lesions suggest that the electrical stability of the myocardium was compromised. Taken together, our findings indicate that stress is a most likely trigger of cardiac arrhythmia in broilers, whereas the pathological changes seen in the myocardium and in the HPS in fast growing broilers provide a very conducive milieu for sustained ventricular arrhythmia. In cases where the electrical stability of the myocardium is compromised, even an episodic arrhythmic event may readily degenerate to catastrophic ventricular fibrillation and sudden death. We conclude that the combination of stress and changes in the cardiomyocytes and HPS are the key requisite features in the pathogenesis of SDS.

Biochemical factors limiting myocardial energy in a chicken genotype selected for rapid growth

Broiler chickens (Gallus gallus) genetically selected for rapid growth are inherently predisposed to heart failure. In order to understand the biochemical mechanisms associated with the deterioration of heart function and development of congestive heart failure (CHF) in fast-growing chickens, this study examined several factors critical for myocardial energy metabolism. Measured variables included cardiac energy substrates [creatine phosphate (CrP), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), l-carnitine], activity of selected cytosolic enzymes [creatine kinase (CK; EC 2.7.3.2), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH; EC 1.1.1.27)] and mitochondrial enzymes [pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH; EC 1.2.4.1), alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (alpha-KGDH; EC 1.2.4.2)]. The CK activities were higher in fast-growing and CHF broilers as compared to slow-growing broilers (p<0.05). Cardiac LDH and alpha-KGDH activities were not changed (p>0.05), whereas PDH activity was highest (p<0.05) in broilers with CHF. Deterioration of heart function is correlated with lowered cardiac ATP, CrP, and l-carnitine levels (all p<0.05). Depletion of high energy phosphate substrates, ATP and CrP, is evident in fast-growing chickens and those that developed CHF. Increased activity of CK suggests that cardiac energy management in fast-growing broilers and those with CHF largely depends on contribution of this pathway to regeneration of ATP from CrP. In this scenario, inadequate level of CrP is a direct cause of ATP insufficiency, whereas low cardiac l-carnitine, because of its role in fatty acid transport, is most likely an important factor contributing to shortage of key substrate required for synthesis of cardiac ATP. The insufficiencies in cardiac energy substrate synthesis provide metabolic basis of myocardial dysfunction in chickens predisposed to heart failure.

Interferon-gamma expression in natural killer cells and natural killer T cells is suppressed in early pregnancy

Recent study has suggested that innate immune system might play an important role in pregnancy progression. In this study, to investigate whether NK cells and NKT cells, instead of T cells, are the dominant populations of peripheral blood in early pregnancy, flow cytometry was used to detect the percentage and intracellular cytokine expressions of T cells, NK cells, NKT cells in peripheral blood of non-pregnant women and early pregnant women. In our result, the percentages of NK cells and NKT cells were significantly increased in pregnancy compared to non-pregnancy. However, the percentage of T cells was not changed. We did not detect the Th2-dominance of total lymphocytes or T cells in peripheral blood of early pregnant women and there were also no significant changes of type 1 and type 2 cytokines in T cells, but IFN-gamma production in both NK and NKT cells was decreased in early pregnancy. These results suggest that the innate immune system including NK cells and NKT cells should play a pivotal role in pregnancy progression. Type 1/type 2 shift mechanisms in innate immune system during the human early pregnancy should be paid more attention.

Down-regulation of EDAG expression by retrovirus-mediated small interfering RNA inhibits the growth and IL-8 production of leukemia cells

Embryonic development associated gene (EDAG), which is overexpressed in hematopoietic neoplasms and leukemia cell lines, has been reported to participate in the leukemia cell differentiation and proliferation. This study investigated whether retrovirus-mediated transfer of a siRNA against EDAG can reduce the growth of leukemia cells which highly express EDAG in vitro and in vivo. The stable transfected cells were identified with RT-PCR, the effect of EDAG/siRNA on the growth of the human erythroleukemia cell line HEL was analyzed by MTT assay, and angiogenic factor IL-8 release was evaluated by ELISA and RT-PCR. The results showed that EDAG/siRNA can silence the expression of EDAG in HEL cells. Down-regulation of EDAG expression by retrovirus-mediated siRNA inhibited the cell proliferation and tumor growth. Knockdown of EDAG expression by siRNA is also associated with decreased expression of the anti-angiogenic factor IL-8, suggesting that EDAG stimulates tumor growth at least in part by regulating angiogenesis. This study suggests that siRNA-mediated gene silencing of EDAG could potentially be a therapeutic strategy for EDAG over-expressing leukemia cells.

Cell-mediated immunity imbalance in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Decidual lymphocytes may mediate fetal trophoblast recognition and regulate maternal immune reaction and play an essential role in the maintenance of normal pregnancy. The aim of this study was to compare the percentage of T cells, natural killer (NK) cells and natural killer T (NKT) cells within decidual parietalis of normal pregnant controls (NP) and patients with intraheptic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), and to investigate the production of interleukin-4 (IL-4), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in the culture supernatant of decidual parietalis mononuclear cells (DPMCs). Compared with controls, the decidua parietalis from ICP were characterized with significant increased percentages of CD3-CD56+ cells, CD3+CD56+ cells, CD56+CD16+ cells, CD56+CD16- cells, CD56+NKG2D+ cells, and the significant decreased percentages of CD3+ cells, CD3+CD4+ cells. There were no differences found for the percentage of CD3+CD8+ cells, CD56+NKG2A+ cells between control and study group. In addition, the enhanced concentration of IFN-gamma was presented in culture supernatant of DPMCs from ICP. It was suggested that the increased NK cells, NKT cells and the decreased T cells in the decidual parietalis and over-secretion of IFN-gamma could be correlated with the pathophysiology of ICP patients.

[Effects of small interfering RNA specific for Her-2 gene on biological behavior of ovarian carcinoma cell]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects of small interfering RNA (siRNA) specific for Her-2 gene on biological behavior of ovarian carcinoma cell.

METHODS

Her-2 siRNA recombinant plasmid and negative control plasmid were transfected into packing cell line PT67 by liposome, and PT67 was selected by puromycin later. SKOV3 was infected by the virus supernatant of stably transfected PT67 cell lines, and the stably transfected SKOV3 cell lines (SKOV3/siRNA, SKOV3/siRNA-negative) established by selection with puromycin were investigated in terms of the reduction levels of Her-2 mRNA and p185 by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Cell proliferation was assayed with methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium, and cell cycle distribution and cell apoptosis were assayed with flow cytometry. The tumor growth of the null mice was analyzed after injection of SKOV3/siRNA and SKOV3/siRNA-negative into the skin.

RESULTS

(1) The stable SKOV3 cell lines with a persistent silence of Her-2 gene were established. (2) The percentages of SKOV3/siRNA in G(0)/G(1) phase and S phase were 68.6%, 15.1% respectively; while the percentages of SKOV3/siRNA-negative in G(0)/G(1) phase and S phase were 55.8%, 23.3%. (3) The percentage of SKOV3/siRNA in early apoptosis was (10.500 +/- 0.250)%, while the percentage of SKOV3/siRNA-negative was (0.340 +/- 0.010)% (P < 0.01). (4) Compared with SKOV3/siRNA-negative, the proliferation of SKOV3/siRNA was delayed obviously (P < 0.05), and the growth of the corresponding implanted tumor slowed down significantly (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

siRNA can inhibit the expression of Her-2 gene effectively, which restrains the biological behavior of ovarian carcinoma cell.

Darbepoetin alfa administered once monthly maintains hemoglobin concentrations in patients with chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Darbepoetin alfa is an erythropoiesis-stimulating glycoprotein that functions by the same mechanism as recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO), but has a three-fold longer serum half-life. Reduction in the frequency of darbepoetin alfa administration would be beneficial to patients with renal disease and their healthcare providers. This study evaluated the effect of extending the darbepoetin alfa dosing interval to once monthly in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) not receiving dialysis.

METHODS

This study was a multicenter, open-label study of 97 patients with CKD not on dialysis. Patients receiving stable subcutaneous doses of darbepoetin alfa once every two weeks were converted to darbepoetin alfa once monthly for 29 weeks. The proportion of patients who successfully maintained hemoglobin concentrations between 10.0 and 12.0 g/dl and the mean darbepoetin alfa dose were evaluated. Safety measurements (e.g. adverse events, laboratory parameters, blood pressure) and seroreactivity were assessed.

RESULTS

Hemoglobin concentration was maintained within the target range in 79% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 71% to 87%) of all patients receiving darbepoetin alfa and in 85% (95% Cl = 78% - 93%) of patients who completed the study period. The mean +/- standard deviation monthly darbepoetin alfa dose was similar between baseline (88.7 +/- 49.9 microg) and the evaluation period (86.6 +/- 78.8 microg). The safety profile for monthly darbepoetin alfa administration was comparable with that previously observed with more-frequent administration.

CONCLUSION

Patients with CKD who are clinically stable on darbepoetin alfa administered once every two weeks can be safely and effectively converted to darbepoetin alfa administered once monthly.

[Effect of natural killer cell line NK-92 against human ovarian carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo]

OBJECTIVE

To study the cytotoxic activity of NK-92 cells irradiated against human ovarian cancer.

METHODS

NK-92 cells were exposed to different doses of radiation and assayed for proliferation by a standard (3)H-thymidine incorporation assay and cell count by using trypan blue exclusion. The cytotoxic activity of NK-92 cells against targets was measured in a standard (51)Cr-release assay in vitro. The effectiveness of irradiated NK-92 cells on ovarian cancer was compared with the control group of cancers (without injection of irradiated NK-92 cells).

RESULTS

(1) In vitro:The proliferation of NK-92 cells was inhibited by radiation of 4, 8 and 16 Gy, respectively. From the (3)H-thymidine incorporation data, irradiation by 4 Gy reduced cell proliferation to 29% of control, while 8 Gy reduced proliferation to 6%. The cytotoxicity of NK-92 cells at 4 Gy 2 days following irradiation was approximately 42%-62% for ovarian cancer cell HO-8910, while it was 33%-58% at 8 Gy. (2) In vivo: Tumor size in treatment group was (0.047 +/- 0.019) cm(3) on day 30 after inoculation, and (0.167 +/- 0.021) cm(3) on day 40 and (0.343 +/- 0.022) cm(3) on day 50, while the sizes were smaller in treatment group (P < 0.01). In addition, the tumor group animals died between 74-82 days after injection of HO-8910 cells, while the treatment group animals were alive over 120 days (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates that injection of irradiated NK-92 cells may be a potentially effective treatment for human ovarian carcinoma.

[Study of operative procedures of laparoscopy and laparoscopically assisted sigmoid transplantation for vaginal construction]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the procedures and the clinical significance of laparoscopy and laparoscopically assisted sigmoid transplantation for vaginal construction.

METHODS

Nine cases were assigned randomly to laparoscopically assisted sigmoid colpopoiesis and laparoscopic sigmoid colon colpopoiesis. The procedure of laparoscopically assisted sigmoid colpopoiesis: with the auxiliary of laparoscopy, dissected the distal portion of the sigmoid with endoscopic linear cutter, then a 4-cm incision was made in the left lower abdomen to retract and dissect the proximal portion of sigmoid. After the proximal portion of transplant-sigmoid was closed, the proximal cut end of reserved-sigmoid was placed with the anvil and made a purse-string suture, then put back sigmoid into the peritoneal cavity. A curved intraluminal stapler was inserted from the anus to the most distal cut end of reserved-sigmoid to end-end anastomose the reserved-sigmoid. Finally, an artificial canal was made between urethravesicae and rectum and the transplant-sigmoid with the blood supply was placed into the artificial canal to create an artificial vagina. The procedure of laparoscopic sigmoid colpopoiesis was performed under laparoscopy thoroughly.

RESULTS

We have successfully completed the operations for 9 patients, and made 1 - 19 month following-up. The results of the artificial vaginae of all cases were satisfactory; the abdominal scar was small with remarkable cosmetic effects. Moreover, 5 cases had pleasant sexual intercourses.

CONCLUSION

The procedures of laparoscopy and laparoscopically assisted sigmoid transplantation for vaginal construction can replace the traditional laparotomy.

Longitudinal follow up of SIVmac pathogenesis in rhesus macaques of Chinese origin: emergence of B cell lymphoma

Two subspecies of rhesus (Rh) macaques, the Chinese (Ch) and Indian (Ind) subspecies were infected intravenously with 100TCID50 SIVmac239. CD4+, CD8+ T cells, plasma viral loads, depletion of intestinal lymphocytes with memory phenotype, humoral immune responses and clinical courses were monitored for 600 days. The pathogenesis of SIVmac was also compared with primary human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection of humans. Plasma viral loads in Ch Rh were lower in the acute and chronic phases compared with Ind Rh. SIVmac pathogenesis in Ch Rh was closer to virus loads in untreated HIV infected humans. Ch Rh had higher CD4/CD8 ratios, stronger antibody responses and interestingly, less depletion of intestinal memory CCR5+ CD4+ T lymphocytes compared with Ind Rh. One Ch Rh developed B cell origin lymphoma at 570 days post-infection, the first such report in this subspecies. Three of four Ind Rh developed AIDS within 6 months. The findings indicate that Ch Rh are more resistant to SIVmac pathogenesis compared with Ind Rh and that Ch Rh paralleled HIV-1 infections in untreated adult humans. The SIVmac infected Ch Rh subspecies are an acceptable model for HIV/AIDS.

[A pilot study on arsenic removal facilities for central supply of drinking water]

In order to promote the application and industrialization of an arsenic removal agent developed in this project, and to improve the technology, it is necessary to have a median sized facility to test the effects, capacity and regeneration of the agent. A facility with the capacity of 1 m3/h for arsenic removal was installed in a bottled water plant, which has been operated since April 1999. The results showed that the arsenic content of effluent water has met the requirement of the national standard for drinking water. The effect of arsenic removal was by 2 mg/g. The annual cost per person was only 1.46 Yuan RMB. The operation and maintenance of the facility was simple and no need to adjust the pH of influents and effluents. The chemical regenerative agent was safe, low cost and effective. Therefore, the facility can be used in rural areas and the water plants while the arsenic in source water was higher than 0.05 mg/L.

[Study on an enhancing agent for removing arsenic from drinking water]

Drinking water contaminated by arsenic for an extended period of time could be detrimental to the health of people. Some preliminary symptoms could be alleviated by drinking water non-contaminated. It is important to develop an arsenic removal agent with a specific property of most efficient, cost-effective and easy for operation. The results showed that the capacity of the agent developed in this study was 10 times higher for arsenic removal than other agent available. The lowest arsenic content of the treated water was 0.05 mg/L. The special function of this agent was arsenic removing without changing other components and the concentrations of other elements in the treated water. The operation and management was simple without adjusting pH of the influent and effluent water. The agent was 5 times cheaper in cost than alumina or activated carbon, because it was a reusable oxidation-catalyst. Therefore, the agent could be widely applied in drinking water plants or used as a purifier at home in the high arsenic areas.

[Determination of lead in whole blood by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry with matrix modifier and L'vov platform]

Lead in whole blood has been determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry with matrix modifier and L'vov platform. It's found that addition of the mixture solution of 0.6% NH4H2PO4 and 0.4% NH4NO3 as matrix modifier, the ash temperature will increase up to 900 degrees C. 750 degrees C is practically used for ash temperature. D2 lamp is used for background correction. Lead in whole blood was directly determined after addition of 0.3% Triton X-100 without digestion. The analytical results of six whole samples is satisfactory. The recoveries are 93%-106%. The relative standard deviations are 3%-7%. The sensitivity of characteristic mass is 6.0 pg/1%.

[Disinfection for cistern water]

Rainwater is often collected into cisterns (pits or tanks) for household using as drinking water source in the rural areas of the northwest and the southeast coast in China, where no enough fresh water resource is available. However, the total number of bacteria and coliforms in the cisterns water was higher than the standard of that in drinking water. In order to ensure the safety for drinking, the effectiveness, conditions of treatment and cost for such disinfection methods compared with solar radiation, ultraviolet (UV), chloridation, micro-filteration and KDF were studied in 10 households in Cixi of Zhejiang Province and Weiyuan of Gansu Provinces, respectively. The micro-filteration is more compatible for bacteria removal in the tanks, while chloridation more for disinfection in the underground pits.

[Analysis of hepatitis G virus genotypes in some areas of China]

OBJECTIVE

To study the genotype distribution of hepatitis G virus (HGV) isolated from different population in some areas of China.

METHODS

A total of 12 strains of HGV were isolated from different areas of China (three from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, three from Hebei Province, one from Heilongjiang, Jiangxi, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Anhui, Jilin Provinces and Xinjiang Autonomous Region each). The HGV 5' untranslated region (UTR) of the 12 isolates was sequenced and compared with other 26 isolates previously reported (17 from China and nine from other countries).

RESULTS

The nucleotide sequences of five HGV clones isolated from the same patient with HGV infection were identical, with the homology of 99.1% - 100%, indicating that variation of HGV in the same human body was very limited. Genotyping could be based on the sequence of one positive clone isolated from a patient with HGV infection. The homology of the nucleotide sequences in the 12 isolates was 96.8% - 99.4%, suggesting that they belonged to the same genotype. The homology of the 12 isolates was 88.0% - 89.7%, 87.2% - 90.3% and 94.7% - 96.3%, respectively, as compared with HGV genotypes 1 (U36380), 2 (U44402) and 3 (D90601), which indicated that all the 12 HGV isolates belonged to genotype 3. Phylogenetic distance analysis of the 38 isolates suggested that HGV strains isolated from China could be further divided into different subgroups.

CONCLUSION

The majority of Chinese HGV isolates belonged to genotype 3 and they could be further divided into different subgroups.

Health impairments arising from drinking water polluted with domestic sewage and excreta in China

Raw water of poor quality still causes many drinking-water associated health problems all over China, largely because of poor sanitation, inadequate disposal of sewage and excreta. Eutrophication due to excess of total nitrogen and phosphorous in some sources for drinking-water has led to massive proliferation of cyanobacteria. The dominant species of cyanophyta can produce microcystins, a potent liver cancer promotor. As in previous studies, high incidence of liver cancer coincided with high microcystin concentration in the source water, especially in pond water. A frequent consequence of heavy pollution of source water is further the high incidence of infectious intestinal diseases, which are more than 10-100 times as frequent in China than in developed countries.

[Toxic effect of fluoride-arsenic on the reproduction and development of rats]

To determine the effects of the fluoride-arsenic exposure on the reproductive function and the development of offspring. Two generations-one nest reproduction was studied in Wistar rats to assess the changes of reproductive function and structure of ovary and development of their offspring after rats were exposed to different doses of fluoride(NaF)-arsenic(As2O3) orally. The rates of the pregnancy, normal parturition, survival and feeding survival in high dose group were lower than that in low dose groups and control. The rates of pregnancy were 73.08% and 61.54% in high dose groups, and 92.31% and 84.62% in the control. But the contents of fluoride and arsenic in rats' offspring were increased. The weights of rats' offspring in high dose group were lighter than that in control. The average weights were 38.45 g in high dose group and 60.84 g in control one month after birth. Pathological changes could be found in each stage of oocytes with transmission electron microscope(TEM). Conclusion Fluoride-arsenic exposure has adverse effects on the reproductive system and the development of rats' offspring.

Epidermal growth factor receptor expression in neurofibromatosis type 1-related tumors and NF1 animal models

We have found that EGF-R expression is associated with the development of the Schwann cell-derived tumors characteristic of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and in animal models of this disease. This is surprising, because Schwann cells normally lack EGF-R and respond to ligands other than EGF. Nevertheless, immunoblotting, Northern analysis, and immunohistochemistry revealed that each of 3 malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) cell lines from NF1 patients expressed the EGF-R, as did 7 of 7 other primary MPNSTs, a non-NF1 MPNST cell line, and the S100(+) cells from each of 9 benign neurofibromas. Furthermore, transformed derivatives of Schwann cells from NF1(-/-) mouse embryos also expressed the EGF-R. All of the cells or cell lines expressing EGF-R responded to EGF by activation of downstream signaling pathways. Thus, EGF-R expression may play an important role in NF1 tumorigenesis and Schwann cell transformation. Consistent with this hypothesis, growth of NF1 MPNST lines and the transformed NF1(-/-) mouse embryo Schwann cells was greatly stimulated by EGF in vitro and could be blocked by agents that antagonize EGF-R function.

[The effect of fluoride-arsenic exposure on the lipid peroxidation and antioxidation of the offspring of rats]

OBJECTIVE

To provide information on the effects of the offspring of rats exposed to fluoride-arsenic.

METHODS

The levels of lipid peroxidation and the abilities of antioxidation were determined in the blood of the rats and their offsprings under two generations-one nest reproductive test.

RESULTS

The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the blood decreased with the increase of exposure dose. For example, the activity of SOD, was 14.56, 13.74, 11.89 and 11.21 micromol x min(-1) x mg Hb(-1) in different dose groups of F(2), respectively. In contrast, the concentration of lipid peroxides (LPO) increased. Eight weeks after exposure, the activities of SOD and GSH-Px increased, the activity of SOD was 13.97, 13.55, 13.47 and 12.76 micromol x min(-1) x mg Hb(-1), respectively, and the concentration of LPO returned to normal level.

CONCLUSION

Fluoride-arsenic exposure can cause oxidative damage of the rat's offspring.

[Effect of fluoride-arsenic exposure on the neurobehavioral development of rats offspring]

In order to explain the effects of fluoride-arsenic exposure on the neurobehavioral development of rats, a two generations-one nest reproductive test was used. Wistar rats were exposed to fluoride and arsenic for two generations. The results demonstrated that: with the increasing concentrations of fluoride and arsenic, the positive rates of early physiological development and nerve reflex were decreased obviously, and the abilities of learning and memory of the offspring were decreased, the swimming and enduring anoxia time gradually shortened. The pathological changes of brain under electron microscope were as follows: decreased number of nerve cells, irregular cell nucleus, organellae degeneration, and obvious decreased number of synapses. It was demonstrated that fluoride-arsenic displayed distinct damage on the nerve system of the offspring.

Neurofibromin, the neurofibromatosis type 1 Ras-GAP, is required for appropriate P0 expression and myelination

The neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) gene product, neurofibromin, regulates activation of the Ras intracellular signaling pathway in Schwann cells. Schwann cells purified from mouse embryos with null mutations in the Nf1 gene increase expression of the major myelin glycoprotein P0. v-Ras expression in cultured Schwann cells partially mimics loss of Nf1, suggesting a role for Ras in upregulation of P0 expression in Nf1-deficient cells. We tested whether loss of Nf1 alters the ability of Schwann cells to form myelin. No significant changes in myelin formation resulted when Nf1-deficient or v-Ras-expressing Schwann cells were cultured with normal neurons. Yet, in organotypic cultures of neurons, Schwann cells, and fibroblasts without neurofibromin, myelination was dramatically reduced. We suggest that Nf1-dependent signaling cascades in neurons and/or fibroblasts, as well as Schwann cells, are required for normal myelination.

[A cross-sectional study on HGV infection in a rural population]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the epidemiological characteristics and clinical significance of HGV infection, and to compare with HBV and HCV infections.

METHODS

Anti-HGV, HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc and anti-HCV were detected by enzyme-linked immunoassays (EIA). Anti-HGV positive sera were further tested for HGV RNA by a nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-nPCR).

RESULTS

The anti-HGV prevalence rate was 12.9%. It was relatively low in children under 10 years, and then increased with age and peaked in the group of 50-60 years of age (29.2%). The positive rate of HBsAg was 12.6%, and it quickly reached the highest (16.2%) in the 5-year old group. The prevalence rate of HBV infection was 64.9%, and increased to a high level in the group of 10 years of age, and maintained high up to 79.2% in the 50 years old group. The HCV infection rate was 15.3%. No anti-HCV positive cases were found in the group under 10 years of age. It was particularly high in the 20-40 years age group, and reached the peak in the group of 30 years old. No significant differences were found in the infection rates of HBV, HCV and HGV between male and female. HGV infection was associated with the history of blood donation, and the sexual transmission between couples. The anti-HGV positive rate of wives with anti-HGV positive husbands was 53.3%, significantly higher than that of those with anti-HGV negative husbands (7.8%). HGV coinfection with HBV or HCV had no influence on serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT). NO ALT elevation was found in the group with HGV infection alone.

CONCLUSIONS

The epidemiological characteristics of HGV infection are different from those of HBV and HCV. HGV is transmitted by blood and sex, and does not seem to cause liver damage.

Increased overall antibiotic susceptibility in Staphylococcus aureus femAB null mutants

The staphylococcal pentaglycine side chain of the peptidoglycan is reduced to one glycine in femAB null mutants. This is associated with increased susceptibility to methicillin and to a whole range of unrelated antibiotics as well. Genetic evidence suggests that femAB null mutants are only viable because of a compensatory mutation in an unlinked site.

[Accumulative arsenic level in viscera in offsprings of exposed parent rats]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the metabolism and accumulation of arsenic in the offsprings of exposed rats.

METHODS

Arsenic contents in viscera of the rat offsprings, whose parents exposed to different dose of arsenic, were determined with a two-generation reproductive test.

RESULTS

Arsenic contents in the heart, liver, brain, kidney and spleen of the offsprings correlated with the dose their exposed parents, the highest in the spleen. There was significant difference in arsenic contents of the viscera between two generations of rats. Arsenic contents in the viscera of the offsprings declined significantly one month after stopping exposure to arsenic, but still higher than that in controls.

CONCLUSION

It suggests that arsenic can deposit in the bodies of the rat offsprings, and excreted from the bodies slowly.

Schistosomiasis: the cleanup continues

During the past 40 years immense progress has been made in the control of schistosomiasis in China. The authors consider how the 100 million people in the country who are still at risk from the disease can be protected.

[The effect of arsenic on reproduction and offspring development of rats]

The effect of arsenic on reproduction and offspring development of Wistar rats was studied. The results demonstrated that the pregnant rate and feeding survival rate in high dose group were lower than these of in the groups of control and low dose. The differences of normal parturition rate and the survival rate in all the groups were not significant. The contents of arsenic in the young rats were increased by the doses of arsenic and the differences were significant. After 10, 20 and 30 days of birth, the weight of offspring in high dose group was lighter than that in the groups of control and low dose. According to the results, arsenic can affect the reproduction of rats and the development of their offspring.