(+)-Cholesten-3-one induces differentiation of neural stem cells into dopaminergic neurons through BMP signaling

To identify small molecules that induce dopaminergic neurons from neural stem cells (NSCs) is promising for therapy of Parkinson's disease. Here we report the results of analyzing structurally related steroids in traditional Chinese medicine to identify agents that enhance dopaminergic differentiation of NSCs. Using P19 cells transfected by tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) promoter reporter construct, (+)-Cholesten-3-one with carbonyl, but not cholesterol and cholesterol myristate can effectively promote the activity of TH promoter. This effect depends on bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling. Phenotypic cellular analysis indicated that (+)-Cholesten-3-one induces differentiation of NSCs to dopaminergic neurons with increased expression of specific dopaminergic markers including TH, dopamine transporter, dopa decarboxylase and higher level of dopamine secretion. (+)-Cholesten-3-one significantly increases the expression of BMPR IB, but not BMPR IA or BMPR II; p-Smad1/5/8 positive nuclei and expression of p-Smad1/5/8 were detected in NSCs treated with (+)-Cholesten-3-one, indicating that (+)-Cholesten-3-one may activate the BMP signaling. Moreover, overexpression of BMP4 or inhibition of BMP affects the effect of (+)-Cholesten-3-one on the dopaminergic phenotype. These findings may contribute to efficient production of dopaminergic neurons from NSCs culture for many applications and raise interesting questions about the role of (+)-Cholesten-3-one in neurogenesis.

Natural killer cell-enriched donor lymphocyte infusions from A 3-6/6 HLA matched family member following nonmyeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplantation

Infusing natural killer (NK) cells following transplantation may allow less infections and relapse with little risk of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD). We delivered 51 total NK cell-enriched donor lymphocyte infusions (DLIs) to 30 patients following a 3-6/6 HLA matched T cell-depleted nonmyeloablative allogeneic transplant. The primary endpoint of this study was feasibility and safety. Eight weeks following transplantation, donor NK cell-enriched DLIs were processed using a CD56(+) selecting column with up to 3 fresh infusions allowed. Toxicity, relapse, and survival were monitored. T cell phenotype, NK cell functional recovery, and KIR typing were assessed for association with outcomes. Fourteen matched and 16 mismatched transplanted patients received a total of 51 NK cell-enriched DLIs. Selection resulted in 96% (standard deviation [SD] 8%) purity and 83% (SD 21%) yield in the matched setting and 97% (SD 3%) purity and 77% (SD 24%) yield in the mismatched setting. The median number of CD3(-) CD56(+) NK cells infused was 10.6 (SD 7.91) x 10(6) cells/kg and 9.21 (SD 5.6) x 10(6) cells/kg, respectively. The median number of contaminating CD3(+)CD56(-) T cells infused was .53 (1.1) x 10(6) and .27 (.78) x 10(6) in the matched and mismatched setting, respectively. Only 1 patient each in the matched (n = 14) or mismatched (n = 16) setting experienced severe aGVHD with little other toxicity attributable to the infusions. Long-term responders with multiple NK cell-enriched infusions and improved T cell phenotypic recovery had improved duration of responses (p = .0045) and overall survival (OS) (P = .0058). A 1-step, high-yield process is feasible, and results in high doses of NK cells infused with little toxicity. NK cell-enriched DLIs result in improved immune recovery and outcomes for some. Future studies must assess whether the improved outcomes are the direct result of the high doses and improved NK cell function or other aspects of immune recovery.

Autocrine BMP4 signaling involves effect of cholesterol myristate on proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells

We recently identified that cholesterol myristate in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is the active compound that increases proliferation of mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs). The present study is further to determine what signal pathway involves in effect of cholesterol myristate. Reverse transcription-PCR, Western blot and ELISA analysis show that cholesterol myristate increases the release of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) from MSCs and the expression in the intracellular levels of BMP4 in a time- and dose dependent manner. However, structurally related steroids such as cholesterol and cholesten presented in TCM, both lack of the myristate, did not affect the secretion and expression of BMP4 on MSCs. These finds suggest that myristate is essential for the effects of cholesterol myristate. Furthermore, cholesterol myristate significantly increase BMPRIB levels of MSCs and the number of BMPRIB positive cells in a time- and dose dependent manner, but not BMPR IA or BMPR II. Our results indicate that action of cholesterol myristate may activate the BMP4-BMPRIB autocrine. Moreover, a blocking antibody against BMP4 or the BMP4 antagonist, noggin, partially reduced the effects of cholesterol myristate on MSCs proliferation. Thus, this study is to provide evidence that autocrine BMP4 signaling involves effect of cholesterol myristate on MSCs proliferation.

Helicobacter pylori damages human gallbladder epithelial cells in vitro

AIM: To study the mechanism by which Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) damages human gallbladder epithelial cells (HGBEC).

METHODS: H pylori isolated from gallbladder were cultured in a liquid medium. Different concentration supernatants and sonicated extracts of H pylori cells were then added to HGBEC in a primary culture. The morphological changes in HGBEC as well as changes in the levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and glutamyltransferase (GGT) were measured.

RESULTS: According to the culture curve of HGBEC, it was convenient to study the changes in HGBEC by adding H pylori sonicated extracts and H pylori culture supernatants. Both H pylori sonicated extracts and H pylori culture supernatants had a significant influence on HGBEC morphology, i.e. HGBEC grew more slowly, their viability decreased and their detachment increased. Furthermore, HGBEC ruptured and died. The levels of ALP (33.84 ± 6.00 vs 27.01 ± 4.67, P < 0.05), LDH (168.37 ± 20.84 vs 55.51 ± 17.17, P < 0.01) and GGT (42.01 ± 6.18 vs 25.34 ± 4.33, P < 0.01) significantly increased in the HGBEC culture supernatant in a time- and concentration-dependent. The damage to HGBEC in H pylori culture liquid was more significant than that in H pylori sonicated extracts.

CONCLUSION: H pylori induces no obvious damage to HGBEC.

Abnormal reactivity of muller cells after retinal detachment in mice deficient in GFAP and vimentin

PURPOSE

To determine the roles of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and vimentin in Müller cell reactivity.

METHODS

Retinal detachments were created in mice deficient for GFAP and vimentin (GFAP(-/-)vim(-/-)) and age-matched wild-type (wt) mice. The reactivity of the retina was studied by immunofluorescence and electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Müller cell morphology was different and glutamine synthetase immunoreactivity was reduced in the undisturbed GFAP(-/-)vim(-/-) retinas. After retinal detachment, Müller cells formed subretinal glial scars in the wt mice. In contrast, such scars were not observed in GFAP(-/-)vim(-/-) mice. Müller cells, which normally elongate and thicken in response to detachment, appeared compressed, thin, and "spikey" in the GFAP(-/-)vim(-/-) mice. The end foot region of Müller cells in the GFAP(-/-)vim(-/-) mice often sheared away from the rest of the retina during detachment, corroborating earlier results showing decreased resistance of this region in GFAP(-/-)vim(-/-) retinas to mechanical stress. In regions with end foot shearing, ganglion cells showed intense neurite sprouting, as revealed by anti-neurofilament labeling, a response rarely observed in wt mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Müller cells are subtly different in the GFAP(-/-)vim(-/-) mouse retina before detachment. The end foot region of these cells may be structurally reinforced by the presence of the intermediate filament cytoskeleton, and our data suggest a critical role for these proteins in Müller cell reaction to retinal detachment and participation in subretinal gliosis.

[Characteristics of cortical mapping in response to acid exposure in non-erosive reflux disease and erosive esophagitis using functional magnetic resonance imaging]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the brain mechanisms for esophageal visceral hypersensitivity.

METHODS

Thirty-one non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) patients, 21 in the group of NERD with esophageal hypersensitivity (NERD-H) and 10 in the group of NERD with normal esophageal sensation (NERD-N), 13 patients with erosive esophagitis (EE), and 12 healthy volunteers, all sex- and age-matched, underwent whole brain blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) fictional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to record the cortical fMRI response to intraesophageal perfusion of normal saline or dilute hydrochloric acid.

RESULTS

The main centers affected in the NERD-H patients included the secondary somatosensory cortex (SII), primary somatosensory cortex (S1), right prefrontal cortex (PFC), right orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), insular cortex, amygdala, striatum, motor cortex and its supplementary area, and cerebellum cortices, which form part of the matrix controlling emotional, autonomic modulatory responses to pain. The peak fMRI signal intensity and average maximum percent signal increase in the regions of interest (ROI) at above-mentioned brain areas of the NERD-H group were significantly stronger than those of the NERD-N and control groups (all P < 0.01). The peak image intensity of the anterior cingulate gyrus (ACC) of NERD-H group was 562 +/- 104, significantly lower than that of the control group (587 +/- 126, P < 0. 05), but significantly higher than that of the EE group (535 +/- 91, P < 0.05). The timeline of activation and deactivation events of particular ROI differentiate the four groups. The initial image latency and peak fMRI latency after hydrochloric acid perfusion of the NERD-H patients were 1.7 min +/- 0.9 min and peak 4. 5 min +/- 1.3 min respectively, both significantly shorter than those of the NERD-N group (4.0 min +/- 1.1 min and 6.8 min +/- 1.6 min respectively, both P < 0.01) and those of the control group (5. 4 min +/- 1.7 min and 7.2 min +/- 1.5 min respectively, both P < 0.01). The range of deactivation of SII and R-PFC of the NERD-H group were 26.5% +/- 5.4% and 20.3% +/- 3. 0% respectively, both significantly greater than those of the NERD-N group (8.2% +/- 2.2% and 16.4% +/- 3.6% respectively, both P < 0.05) and those of the EE group (11.9% +/- 4.8% and 11.7% +/- 3.1% respectively, both P < 0.01). The range of deactivation in ACC of the control group was 16.9% +/- 2.5%, significantly greater than those of the NERD-H and EE groups (11.8% +/- 2.8% and 6.4% +/- 1.0% respectively, both P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The function of central nervous system to integrate and manage the convergence information becomes abnormal under the status of esophageal visceral hypersensitivity.

[Lithium prevents photoreceptor cell apoptosis in retinal degeneration mice]

OBJECTIVE

To test the neuroprotective effect of lithium to the photoreceptor apoptosis in mouse model of retinal degeneration.

METHODS

It was a experimental study. FVB/NJ retinal degeneration mice were fed with lithium diet immediately after birth (P0). At day 7 (P7) and day 14 (P14), eye balls were removed and retinas were sectioned. Meanwhile blood was collected to measure the lithium concentration. H&E staining, TUNEL and immunofluorescence labeling were carried out to analysis the histology and photoreceptor cell apoptosis.

RESULTS

TUNEL-positive cells were found in the outer nuclear layer in the control group. The thickness and count of cell layer in P14 was much lower than that in P7 in the control group. In lithium-treat group, the ONL thickness and count of cell layer was much higher than that in the control group in P14, but has no significant difference with that in P7.

CONCLUSIONS

lithium can prevent photoreceptor cells from apoptosis in mouse model of retinal degeneration.

[The relationship between the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pores of cultured hepatocytes with their apoptoses in a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease model]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pores of the cultured hepatocytes in a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease model and its relationship with apoptosis of the cells.

METHODS

Oleic acid was used to induce cultured L02 hepatocyte steatotic in making a model of NAFLD. The steatotic hepatocytes were detected with oil red O staining; the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pores was observed under a fluorescence microscope. The apoptosis of the cells was detected with a flow cytometer.

RESULTS

After adding oleic acid to the cultured hepatocytes, a model of steatosis of human hepatocytes was established after 24 hours. Oleic acid opened the mitochondrial permeability transition pores of the L02 hepatocytes (72.58%+/-2.78%) more than that in the control group (8.28%+/-4.98%) and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Apoptosis index of the steatotic hepatocytes at 24 hours and 48 hours were 11.09%+/-4.95% and 15.24%+/-2.45%. They were also higher than those of the control group (4.56%+/-1.25%) (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Opening the mitochondrial permeability transition pores may be the basis of the apoptosis of steatotic hepatocytes in vitro, and it also may be related to the steatosis of NAFLD in human beings.

[Effect of fatty acids from plastrum testudinis on proliferation of rat bone mesenchymal stem cell]

To investigate the components in Plastrum Testudinis which have effects on the proliferation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells( bMMSCs), the active parts of plastrum testudinis which can promote proliferation of rat mesenchymal stem cells were extracted by petroleum aether. The activities of inducing the proliferation of bMMSCs were studied by MTT assay and flow cytometry. The chemical components of extraction were analyzed by GC-MS. The results showed that the petroleum aether extraction can obviously promote the proliferation of the stem cells. The main components are long-chain fatty acids, cholesterols and cholest-4-en-3-one, and palmitic acid, stearic acid and cholest-4-en-3-one have effects on proliferation of bMMSCs. In plastrum testudinis, fatty acids can promote the proliferation of bMMSCs but not increase overly. This provide the experiment basis, and offer important reference for Traditional Chinese Medicine that researches stem cells.

Input and output organization of the supplementary motor area

Recent work on the supplementary motor area (SMA) in Macaca fascicularis led to the conclusion that this area is involved mainly in the preparation of self-paced movements. Results are presented indicating that the posterior portion of the SMA is also directly involved in movement execution and that it receives various sensory inputs. The main results are as follows: (1) The SMA has direct access to the spinal cord by way of corticospinal neurons, but the density of these neurons is lower than in the primary motor cortex (MI). (2) Intracortical microstimulation effects can be elicited in the SMA. Facilitatory effects on ongoing EMG activity can even be produced by single micropulses (8/s). The shortest latencies are compatible with an oligosynaptic or monosynaptic transmission. (3) SMA neurons respond (as do MI neurons) to external perturbations. (4) Anatomical tracing studies revealed that basal ganglia outflow to the SMA via the thalamus is important; our results suggest that dentate outflow contributes as well. (5) Many cells of the SMA may covary with conditioned movements in the same way as MI neurons do. It is argued that it is difficult to compare the lead-time of MI and SMA neurons since 'early' discharges may be coupled with anticipatory postural events.

Synthesis, crystal structure and biological activity of 2-[2-(quinolin-2-yl)vinyl]-8-hydroxyquinoline and 2-[2-(quinolin-4-yl)vinyl]-8-hydroxyquinoline

Two new isomeric 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives with quinoline groups have been synthesized by Perkin condensation. Their structures were characterized by EI-MS,1H NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and FT–IR spectroscopy; crystal structures were determined by X-ray crystallography. 2-[2-(Quinolin-2-yl)vinyl]-8-hydroxyquinoline crystallizes in the tetragonal space groupI41/aand 2-[2-(quinolin-4-yl)vinyl]-8-hydroxyquinoline crystallizes in the monoclinic space groupP21/n. Hydrogen bonds and intermolecular interactions are observed in the compounds and stabilize their structures. The biological activities were investigated by MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay and flow cytometry analysis, and the results revealed that the two compounds had effects on the proliferation of rat mesenchymal stem cells.

Unusual clinical and immunologic manifestations of transplacentally acquired maternal T cells in severe combined immunodeficiency

The persistence of transplacentally transferred maternal T cells is common in infants with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), occurring in more than half of patients with SCID undergoing transplantation at our institution. These T cells respond poorly to mitogens in vitro but can cause cutaneous graft-versus-host disease; however, other effects of these cells are unknown. We describe 2 infants with SCID who had unusual problems associated with transplacentally transferred maternal T cells. Patient 1 was a 5-month-old girl with Janus kinase 3-deficient SCID who had 4% circulating CD3(+) T cells but no lymphocyte proliferative response to mitogens. Although the number of T cells increased after 2 nonchemoablated, T cell-depleted, haploidentical, paternal bone marrow transplantations, T-cell function failed to develop, and she became pancytopenic. Restriction fragment length polymorphism studies of flow cytometry-sorted blood T cells revealed all to be of maternal origin. A subsequent nonchemoablated, T cell-depleted maternal transplantation resulted in normal T-cell function and marrow recovery. Patient 2 was a 9-month-old girl with IL-7Ralpha-deficient SCID who presented with autoimmune pancytopenia. She had 8% blood T cells (all CD45RO(+)) but no response to mitogens. High-resolution HLA sequence-specific priming typing detected both maternal haplotypes, indicating the presence of maternal cells. Her pancytopenia resolved after treatment with rituximab and was thought to be due to host B-cell activation by transplacentally acquired maternal T cells. Persistent transplacentally acquired maternal T cells in infants with SCID can mediate immunologic functions despite failing to respond to mitogens in vitro. We present evidence that these cells can cause allograft rejection and immune cytopenias.

H pylori exist in the gallbladder mucosa of patients with chronic cholecystitis

AIM: To study whether H pylori locate in the gallbladder mucosa of patients with chronic cholecystitis.

METHODS: Using Warthy-Starry (W-S) silver stain and immunohistochemistry stain with anti-H pylori antibodies, we screened paraffin specimens in 524 cases of cholecystitis. H pylori urease gene A (HPUA) and H pylori urease gene B (HPUB) were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the fresh tissue specimens from 81 cases of cholecystitis.

RESULTS: H pylori-like bacteria were found in 13.55% of the gallbladders of the cholecystitis patients using W-S stain. Meanwhile, bacteria positive for H pylori antibodies were also found in 7.1% of the gallbladders of patients with cholecystitis by immunohistochemistry. Of 81 gallbladders, 11 were positive for both HPUA and HPUB, 4 were positive for HPUA only and 7 were positive for HPUB only.

CONCLUSION: H pylori exist in the gallbladders of patients with chronic cholecystitis.

H pylori are associated with chronic cholecystitis

AIM: To study whether H pylori are associated with chronic cholecystitis.

METHODS: The subjects were divided into three groups: H pylori-infected cholecystitis group, H pylori-negative cholecystitis group and control group. Pathologic changes of the gallbladder were observed by optic and electronic microscopes and the levels of interleukin-1, 6 and 8 (IL-1, 6 and 8) were detected by radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS: Histological evidence of chronic cholecystitis including degeneration, necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, were found in the region where H pylori colonized. Levels of IL-1, 6 and 8 in gallbladder mucosa homogenates were significantly higher in H pylori-infected cholecystitis group than those in H pylori-negative cholecystitis group and control group.

CONCLUSION: H pylori infection may be related to cholecystitis.

The effect of natural killer cell killer Ig-like receptor alloreactivity on the outcome of bone marrow stem cell transplantation for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)

Natural killer (NK) cell alloreactions against recipient cells in the setting of bone marrow transplantation have been associated with decreased rates of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and improved survival in transplant recipients with myeloid leukemia. These alloreactions are predicted by the absence of recipient HLA class I ligands for donor inhibitory killer Ig-like receptors (KIR). We hypothesized that donor NK cell alloreactions against recipient cells may affect the development of T and B-cell functions and incidence of GVHD in infants with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). Of the 156 patients with SCID who had received related bone marrow transplants without pretransplant chemotherapy or posttransplant GVHD prophylaxis, 137 patient-donor pairs were evaluated for the absence of recipient HLA class I ligands for donor inhibitory KIR. Analysis showed that the absence of a KIR ligand had no effect on the incidence or severity of GVHD (RR [corrected] = 0.95, p = 0.84), development of T-cell function (RR [corrected] = 1.05, p = 0.69), production of IgA (p = 0.46) or IgM (p = 0.33), or on 5-year survival (RR [corrected] = 1.21, p = 0.10). Further, in patients possessing native NK cells, the absence of KIR ligands in donors for recipient-inhibitory KIR did not alter transplantation outcomes. This study suggests that inhibitory KIR/HLA interactions do not play a significant role in bone marrow transplantation for SCID.

8-Hydroxyquinoline derivatives induce the proliferation of rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs)

A series of 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives with different substituted groups at 2- or 5-position have been synthesized and characterized. Their effects on the proliferation of the rat marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) have been evaluated by MTT assay and flow cytometry. We also analyzed the ability of these compounds to regulate the proliferation of rMSCs and the relationship with the structures of 8-hydroxyquinoline. Compounds 8-11, in which, the vinyl-substituents are on the 2-position of 8-hydroxyquinoline, appear to be able to induce the proliferation of rMSCs. These results show that compounds 8-11 provide a kind of new substances for regulating the proliferation of rMSCs.

Effect of Niupo Zhibao Pellet on expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in brain of endotoxin-induced shock rats

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of Niupo Zhibao Pellet (NPZBP) on the expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the brain of endotoxin-induced shock rats.

METHODS

SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group, endotoxin-induced shock model group and NPZBP-treated group. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1.5 mg/kg i.v.) and tsD-galactosamine (D-GalN) (100 mg/kg i.p.) were administered to the rats in endotoxin-induced shock model group, as well as to the rats in NPZBP-treated group after seven-day treatment, to induce the shock. The expression of nNOS in the brain of the rats in each of the 3 groups was measured by immunohistochemical methods.

RESULTS

In the 3 groups, nNOS immuno-positive cells distributed widely in layer II, III, IV of the cerebral cortex, the molecular layer of hippocampus, the polymorphic layer of the dentate gyrus, the reticular formation of brain stem, and the molecular, granular and Purkinje cell layer of the cerebellar cortex. The number of immuno-positive cells in the NPZBP-treated group was slightly higher than that of the normal control group, and significantly lower than that of the model group (P<0.05) in many regions of the brain, including cerebral cortex, hippocampus, brain stem and cerebellar cortex.

CONCLUSION

NPZBP can inhibit the over-expression of nNOS in wide area of the brain in endotoxin-induced shock rats.

[Osteogenesis characteristics of cultured rat mesenchymal stem cells under bone induction condition]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the osteogenesis characteristics of cultured rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) under bone induction condition.

METHODS

MSCs were isolated from adult rat by using density gradient separation method. The osteogenic inducers were compounds of Dexone, beta-glycerophosphate sodium and vitamin C.

RESULTS

The MSC attachment formed soon after the seeding and grew into colonies with the appearance of fibroblastic cells. The osteogenic inducer with low dose of Dexone could promote the osteogenic differentiation of MSC. In the group of osteogenic inducer with low dose of Dexone, the expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was remarkably increased after one week's induction, and the number of positive cells was (15.1 +/- 2.6), significantly higher than that of the control group (12.0 +/- 3.5) (P < 0.01). The calcified deposits began to appear in the group of osteogenic inducer with low dose of Dexone after one week's induction and was increased remarkably after three weeks, and the number of calcified deposits was (9.0 +/- 1.7), significantly higher than that of the control group (2.0 +/- 1.8) (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

MSC can differentiate into osteogenesis by osteogenic induction and may be used to provide seed cells for bone tissue engineering.

Relationship between Helicobacter pylori and chronic cholecystitis

AIM: To study whether Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is associated with chronic cholecystitis.

METHODS: Chronic cholecystitis specimens confirmed by pathological analysis were divided into three groups: H. pylori infected group, H. pylori negative group and control group. The pathologic changes of cholecystitis were observed with light and electron microscopy, and the levels of interleukins (IL-1, IL-6 and IL-8) were also detected by radioimmunoassy.

RESULTS: Histological evidences of chronic choleystitis were found in the region where H. pylori colonized, including degeneration, necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, etc. Levels of interleukins (IL-1, 6, 8) in gallbladder homogenate were significantly higher in H. pylori-infected cholecystitis group than those in H. pylori -negative cholecystitis group and control group.

CONCLUSION: H. pylori virulence factor and interleukins may be involved in the pathogenesis of H. pylori -related cholecystitis.

Effects of Helicobacter pylori on human gallbladder epithelial cells in vitro

AIM: To study the mechanism of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) damage to human gallbladder epithelial cells (HGBEC).

METHODS: H. pylori isolated from gallbladder were cultured in liquid medium, different concentration supernatants and sonicated extracts of H. pylori cell were added into HGBEC in primary culture. The morphous changes of the HGBEC were observed and the levels of ALP, LDH, and GGT were also examined.

RESULTS: According to the culture curve of HGBEC, it was convenient to study the changes of HGBEC by adding H. pylori sonicated extracts and H. pylori culture supenatents. Both of H. pylori sonicated extracts and H. pylori culture supenatents had significant influence on H. pylori morphous, HGBEC grew slowly, viability decreased, and detachment increased. Furthermore, cell rupture and died. The levels of ALP (33.84±6.00 vs 27.01±4.67, P < 0.05), LDH (168.37±20.84 vs 55.51±17.17, P < 0.01) and GGT(42.01±6.18 vs 25.34±4.33, P < 0.01) increased significantly in the HGBEC culture supernates, which was time-and concentration-dependent. The damage effects on HGBEC in H. pylori cultured liquid were stronger than in H. pylori sonicated extracts.

CONCLUSION: The culture supernates and sonicated extracts of H. pylori has obviously induced the damage to HGBEC.

Detection of Helicobacter pylori from gallbladder mucosa in patients with chronic cholecystitis

AIM: To study whether Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) located in gallbladders of chronic cholecystitis.

METHODS: Using Warthy-Starry (W-S) stain and immunohistochemical stain with anti-H. pylori antibody, we screened paraffin specimens in 524 cases of cholecystitis. Helicobacter pylori urease gene A (HPUA) and Helicobacter pylori urease gene B (HPUB) were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the fresh tissue specimens in 81 cases of cholecystitis.

RESULTS: H. pylori-like bacteria were found in 13.55% of gallbladders in cholecystitis patients using W-S stains; Meanwhile, positive bacteria for H. pylori antibody were also found in 7.1% of gallbladder in patients with cholecystitis using immunohistochemistry. Both of HPUA and HPUB were positive in 11 of 81 gallbladders by PCR, only 4 cases positive for HPUA, and 7 cases with HPUB positive.

CONCLUSION: H. pylori certainly exists in gallbladders in some patients with chronic cholecystitis.

Characteristics of Helicobacter pylori from gallbladder mucosal scrapings in patients with chronic cholecystitis

AIM: To study the characteristics of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) isolated from gallbladder mucosal scrapings in patients with chronic cholecystitis.

METHODS: H. pylori -like bacteria isolated from gallbladder mucosal scrapings and stomach in 81 patients with chronic cholecystitis were identified as H. pylori. The amplification bands were observed by PCR method using the H. pylori -specific primers, HPUA, and HPUB. Ultrastructural characteristics were also examined with transmission electron microscope.

RESULTS: The urease activity of H. pylori derived from cholecyst was lower than that from the patients' stomach. The other characteristics were the same in both cholecystic H. pylori and gastric H. pylori.

CONCLUSION: It is most likely that H. pylori excretes from the stomach into the duodenum and then is retrogradely transferred to the gallbladder by the ascending routes of infection.

Expression of liver fatty acid binding protein in rat nonalcoholic fatty liver

AIM: To study the effect of liver fatty acid binding protein(L-FABP) in a model of rat nonalcoholic fatty liver.

METHODS: Expression of L-FABP gene was examined in fatty liver rats by reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction amplification and Western blot.

RESULTS: In high-fat diet group, mRNA and protein expression of L-FABP increased at 2 wk, and elevated remarkably at 12 wk (1.42±0.034 vs 0.90±0.04; 13 372.00±23.86 vs 6857.33±32.96 637; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Enhanced expressin of L-FABP at early staage is adapative reaction. With the advanced expression, disturbance of fatty acid metabolism may lead to nonalcoholic fatty liver.

Influence of electro-acupuncture of Neiguan on plasmic concentrations of NO and TNFα in endotoxin shock rats

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of electro-acupuncture of Neiguan (PC 6) on mean systemic arterial blood pressure and plasmic concentrations of NO and TNFalpha in endotoxin shock rats.

METHODS

The model of endotoxin shock was induced by lipopolysaccharide (1.5 mg/kg i.v.) and D-galactosamine (100 mg/kg i.p.). Aminoguanidine (100 mg/kg i.p.) and electro-acupuncture of bilateral Neiguan (PC 6) were administered. A catheter was inserted into the right subclavian artery to record the change of blood pressure and the blood was abstracted out and centrifuged to determine the NO and TNFalpha concentrations.

RESULTS

Electro-acupuncture of Neiguan (PC 6) retrieved the blood pressure and reduced the plasmic NO and TNFalpha concentrations.

CONCLUSION

Electro-acupuncture of Neiguan (PC 6) expresses an anti-endotoxin shock effect by repressing the plasmic NO and TNFalpha concentrations smoothly and retrieving the blood pressure stably.

Normal retinal development and retinofugal projections in mice lacking the retina-specific variant of actin-binding LIM domain protein

The actin-binding LIM domain protein (abLIM) is the mammalian homologue of UNC-115, a protein mediating axon guidance in C. elegans. AbLIM is widely expressed with three isoforms differing from one another by the length of their amino termini. Experiments utilizing dominant-negative mutants in the chick retina suggested a role for abLIM in axon path finding in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). To investigate which variant is involved in the regulation of mammalian RGC axon guidance, we analyzed their expression profile in mice. The longest variant, abLIM-L, is highly enriched in the ganglion cell layer. AbLIM-L is up-regulated postnatally which temporally overlaps with the period of RGC axon remodeling. In contrast, the abLIM-M and abLIM-S variants are widespread and remain relatively constant through development. By selective gene targeting, we ablated abLIM-L to explore its functional significance in vivo. AbLIM-L mutant mice exhibit no apparent morphological or functional defects in photoreceptors and inner retinal neurons. Retinofugal projections and synaptic maturation also appear normal. These data suggest that abLIM-M is likely the isoform performing the essential function related to axon guidance.

Identification and characterization of nuclear receptor for hepatopoietin

AIM

To determine whether Hepatopoietin(HPO) acts via a novel nuclear receptor based signal transduction pathway.

METHODS

¹²⁵I-HPO was used to characterize its binding activity by specific displacement test and Scatchard analysis in nuclear extracts of primarily cultured rat hepatocytes and human hepatoma cells. ¹²⁵I-HPO bound to its receptor complex by micro autoradiograph for the HPO receptor in HepG2 cells.

RESULTS

The binding was saturable and specific since it was replaceable by HPO but not by EGF, thyroid hormone or growth hormone. Scatchard analysis indicated the presence of a single class of high affinity receptor with dissociation constant (Kd) of 35 pmol and 12 pmol, and a receptor density of about 1.7×10⁹ sites/g and 5.0×10⁹ sites/g, in the rat hepatocytes and human hepatoma cells, respectively. Autoradiograph of the receptor showed that the receptor grains were well distributed around hepatocytes nuclei.

CONCLUSION

These data demonstrate the existence of HPO nuclear receptor in hepatocytes and hepatoma cells, which involves in hepatocytes proliferation signal transduction.

MICA genetic polymorphism and linkage disequilibrium with HLA-B in 29 African-American families

The human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I chain-related gene A ( MICA) is located 46 kb upstream of HLA-B and encodes a stress-inducible protein which displays a restricted pattern of tissue expression. MICA molecules interact with NKG2D, augmenting the activation of natural killer cells, CD8(+) alpha beta T cells, and gamma delta T cells. MICA allelic variation is thought to be associated with disease susceptibility and immune response to transplants. We investigated MICA allelic variations and linkage disequilibrium with HLA-A, B, and DRB1 loci on 110 parental haplotypes from 29 African-American families. PCR/sequence-specific oligonucleotide probing (SSOP) was used to define MICA polymorphisms in exons 2, 3, and 4. Ambiguous allelic combinations were resolved by sequencing exons 2, 3, and 4. Exon 5 polymorphisms were analyzed by size sequencing. For HLA-A, B and DRB1 typing, low-resolution PCR/SSOP and allelic PCR/sequence-specific priming techniques were used. Twelve MICA alleles were observed, the most frequent of which were MICA*008, MICA*004, and MICA*002, with gene frequencies of 28.2, 26.4, and 25.5%, respectively. Thirty-eight HLA-B- MICA haplotypic combinations were uncovered, 22 of which have not been reported in the HLA homozygous typing cell lines from the 10th International Histocompatibility Workshop. Significant positive linkage disequilibria were found in 8 HLA-B- MICA haplotypes. Furthermore, haplotypes bearing HLA-B*1503, *1801, *4901, *5201, *5301, and *5703 were found to segregate with at least two different MICA alleles. Our results provide new data about MICA genetic polymorphisms in African-Americans, which will form the basis for future studies of MICA alleles in allogeneic stem cell transplantation outcome.

[Analysis of association between gene polymorphisms of microsomal epoxide hydrolase (EPHX1) and infant birthweight]

We investigated association between genetic polymorphisms of EPHX1 in mother and infant birthweight. Data of 342 female workers were collected in textile mill. A total of 342 mothers were genotyped for the His139Arg polymorphism of EPHX1 by a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. Using multiple linear regression models, we estimated the adjusted association between polymorphisms of EPHX1 and birthweight, with adjusted for potential confounders. We found that polymorphisms of EPHX1 were closely associated with reduced birthweight (beta +/- SE = -149 g +/- 56, P = 0.0083) after adjustment for major cofounders. In subgroup of passive smoking analysis, the polymorphisms of EPHX1 were highly associted with birthweight for those with passive smoking (beta +/- SE = -234 g +/- 88, P = 0.0088); The significant association of EPHX1 polymorphisms with reduced birthweight were showed for those with working stress (beta +/- SE = -157 g +/- 59, P = 0.0079). Our data provide polymorphisms of EPHX1 in mothers were significant association with birthweight of their infant, and showed gene-environmental interaction in relation to birthweight.

Enhanced axonal growth from fetal human bcl-2 transgenic mouse dopamine neurons transplanted to the adult rat striatum

Embryonic neurons transplanted to the adult CNS extend axons only for a developmentally defined period. There are certain intercellular factors that control the axonal extension, one of which may be the expression of the bcl-2 protein. In this study, rats with complete striatal dopamine fiber denervation received embryonic day 14 mouse ventral mesencephalon cells overexpressing human bcl-2 or control wild-type ventral mesencephalon cells. All rats were treated with cyclosporine to prevent rejection and the surviving grafts were analyzed for cell survival and outgrowth of dopaminergic fibers. The results demonstrate that bcl-2 overexpression does not enhance neuronal graft survival. However, the bcl-2 overexpressing neurons had a higher number of dopaminergic fibers that grew longer distances. These results show that overexpression of bcl-2 can result in longer distance axonal growth of transplanted fetal dopaminergic neurons and that genetic modification of embryonic donor cells may enhance their ability to reinnervate a neuronal target territory.

Low frequency of HLA-DRB1*11 in hepatitis C virus induced end stage liver disease

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection becomes chronic in more than 70% of patients, leading to end stage liver disease in about 20-30% of these patients. Apart from the virus itself, host factors that modulate the immune response are likely to be involved in determining the outcome of HCV infection. Studies on the association of human leucocyte antigens (HLAs) and HCV infection have shown inconsistent results. Selection of patient subgroups may be crucial. However, any association relevant to HCV disease progression will become evident, especially in those patients with end stage liver disease. Therefore, we analysed the phenotype frequencies of HLA antigens in two groups of 69 and 39 patients with HCV induced liver cirrhosis who had received a transplant or were awaiting liver transplantation. The first group was typed serologically and compared with 331 blood and liver donors. The second group, prospectively HLA typed by a polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific oligonucleotide (PCR-SSO) procedure for HLA-DRB and DQB alleles, was compared with another 170 PCR-SSO typed and randomly selected blood donors. Decreased frequencies for HLA-DR5 and HLA-DQ3 were found in one group of patients with HCV induced liver cirrhosis compared with the control groups. In the second analysis comparing 39 patients with end stage liver cirrhosis with blood donors, we confirmed the significant decrease in HLA-DRB1*11 and HLA-DQB1*03, which corresponded to serological HLA-DR5 and HLA-DQ3 antigens, respectively. Our results show that the presence of HLA-DRB1*11 and HLA-DQB1*03 alleles is associated with a reduced risk for the development of HCV induced end stage liver disease.

Efficient co-transformation of Nicotiana tabacum by two independent T-DNAs, the effect of T-DNA size and implications for genetic separation

The co-transformation of a single plant genome with two independent T-DNA regions provides opportunities for genetic separation in subsequent generations. In an effective strategy, co-delivery events must form a high proportion of the total transformed population. In this study, using the model plant species tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), it was shown that the frequency of co-transformation within a given To population could be as high as 100% and this was found to be dependent, at least in part, on designing the plasmid vectors so that the kbp size of the first selected T-DNA region was >2-fold that of the designated T-DNA region for co-transfer. Overall, 40-50% of To lines demonstrated the capacity for segregational separation of co-transformed T-DNA regions. Hence, the estimate of the required number of total transformants for such an independent strategy may seem to be as little as 2-fold that for a conventional, single T-DNA strategy, but we strongly temper such estimates with indications that high co-transformation frequencies may be associated with a higher incidence of linkage. In this co-transformation study we used a single (Agrobacterium) strain system in which a single binary plasmid contained either two or three T-DNA regions, each with a selectable marker. This arrangement could reveal that 'read-through' events within the Agrobacterium cells, resulting in the co-transfer of adjacent T-DNA regions as a single linked unit, accounted for up to 20% of co-transformed plant lines. Such read-through co-delivery appeared to be more frequent from the 'supervirulent' EHA101 A. tumefaciens strain, compared to the 'ordinary' LBA4404 strain. By using the binary plasmid with three selectable T-DNA regions, we have been able to consider the frequency of co-integration of a third independent T-DNA within a T0 subpopulation of co-transformants. This was found to be higher than expected. These observations were applied to the co-transfer of (unwanted) plasmid backbone sequences and showed that screening against such sequences may add a significant factor in achieving the desired, final genotype.

Internal hernia caused by Meckel diverticulum in an infant: report of one case

Intestinal obstruction caused by internal hernia due to Meckel diverticulum is a rare disease. The condition is seldom diagnosed preoperatively. In this paper, we present a 10-month-old boy who suffered from abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, and mild fever for 2 days. Abdominal sonography, plain abdomen X-ray, and computed tomography merely showed mechanical ileus and partial malrotation. However, exploratory laparotomy revealed a Meckel diverticulum through which the small bowel had herniated. We introduce the Meckel diverticulum and internal hernia and discuss intestinal obstructions.