Erdheim-Chester disease in a child

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare systemic non-Langerhans histiocytosis that affects multiple organ systems. It occurs more often in adults, and paediatric ECD is extremely rare. The diagnosis of ECD can be established based on clinical presentations and imaging but the final diagnosis should be based on biopsy. Treatment of ECD has involved the use of corticosteroids, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, yet the efficacy of these treatments is difficult to determine. At present, it is thought that the treatment of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) is safe and effective for ECD. Herein, we report on an 11-year old girl who was admitted to hospital because of systemic bone pain and limping, and the final diagnosis of ECD was based on evidence provided by her clinical presentation, imaging and biopsy of a lesion of the right ilium. The patient was treated with subcutaneous IFN-alpha at a dosage of 3 x 10(6) units three times weekly for 19 months. We thought that the treatment of IFN-alpha was safe and effective for the girl's clinical manifestations, and IFN-alpha might be a valuable first-line therapy for paediatric ECD.

Global IRS-1 phosphorylation analysis in insulin resistance

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

IRS-1 serine phosphorylation is often elevated in insulin resistance models, but confirmation in vivo in humans is lacking. We therefore analysed IRS-1 phosphorylation in human muscle in vivo.

METHODS

We used HPLC-electrospray ionisation (ESI)-MS/MS to quantify IRS-1 phosphorylation basally and after insulin infusion in vastus lateralis muscle from lean healthy, obese non-diabetic and type 2 diabetic volunteers.

RESULTS

Basal Ser323 phosphorylation was increased in type 2 diabetic patients (2.1 ± 0.43, p ≤ 0.05, fold change vs lean controls). Thr495 phosphorylation was decreased in type 2 diabetic patients (p ≤ 0.05). Insulin increased IRS-1 phosphorylation at Ser527 (1.4 ± 0.17, p ≤ 0.01, fold change, 60 min after insulin infusion vs basal) and Ser531 (1.3 ± 0.16, p ≤ 0.01, fold change, 60 min after insulin infusion vs basal) in the lean controls and suppressed phosphorylation at Ser348 (0.56 ± 0.11, p ≤ 0.01, fold change, 240 min after insulin infusion vs basal), Thr446 (0.64 ± 0.16, p ≤ 0.05, fold change, 60 min after insulin infusion vs basal), Ser1100 (0.77 ± 0.22, p ≤ 0.05, fold change, 240 min after insulin infusion vs basal) and Ser1142 (1.3 ± 0.2, p ≤ 0.05, fold change, 60 min after insulin infusion vs basal).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

We conclude that, unlike some aspects of insulin signalling, the ability of insulin to increase or suppress certain IRS-1 phosphorylation sites is intact in insulin resistance. However, some IRS-1 phosphorylation sites do not respond to insulin, whereas other Ser/Thr phosphorylation sites are either increased or decreased in insulin resistance.

Increased abundance of the adaptor protein containing pleckstrin homology domain, phosphotyrosine binding domain and leucine zipper motif (APPL1) in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes: evidence for altered adiponectin signalling

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The adiponectin signalling pathway is largely unknown, but recently the adaptor protein containing pleckstrin homology domain, phosphotyrosine binding domain and leucine zipper motif (APPL1), has been shown to interact directly with adiponectin receptor (ADIPOR)1. APPL1 is present in C2C12 myoblasts and mouse skeletal muscle, but its presence in human skeletal muscle has not been investigated.

METHODS

Samples from type 2 diabetic, and lean and non-diabetic obese participants were analysed by: immunoprecipitation and western blot; HPLC-electrospray ionisation (ESI)-mass spectrometry (MS) analysis; peak area analysis by MS; HPLC-ESI-MS/MS/MS analysis; and RT-PCR analysis of APPL1 mRNA.

RESULTS

Immunoprecipitation and western blot indicated a band specific to APPL1. Tryptic digestion and HPLC-ESI-MS analysis of whole-muscle homogenate APPL1 unambiguously identified APPL1 with 56% sequence coverage. Peak area analysis by MS validated western blot results, showing APPL1 levels to be significantly increased in type 2 diabetic and obese as compared with lean participants. Targeted phosphopeptide analysis by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS/MS showed that APPL1 was phosphorylated specifically on Ser(401). APPL1 mRNA expression was significantly increased in obese and type 2 diabetic participants as compared with lean participants. After bariatric surgery in morbidly obese participants with subsequent weight loss, skeletal muscle APPL1 abundance was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in association with an increase in plasma adiponectin (p < 0.01), increased levels of ADIPOR1 (p < 0.05) and increased muscle AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

APPL1 abundance is significantly higher in type 2 diabetic muscle; APPL1 is phosphorylated in vivo on Ser(401). Improvements in hyperglycaemia and hypoadiponectinaemia following weight loss are associated with reduced skeletal muscle APPL1, and increased plasma adiponectin levels and muscle AMPK phosphorylation.

RKTG inhibits angiogenesis by suppressing MAPK-mediated autocrine VEGF signaling and is downregulated in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma

Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) are crucial regulators of angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. The autocrine VEGF signaling is required for maintaining the homeostasis of vasculature. Dysregulation of angiogenesis is implicated in the development of many human cancers, especially in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), a highly vascularized tumor. Meanwhile, antiangiogenesis has become a mainstay in the treatment of human cancers. In this study, we analyzed the functional roles of RKTG (Raf Kinase Trapping to Golgi), a negative regulator of mitogen-activated protein kinase (Raf/MEK/ERK) signaling, by sequestration of Raf kinase to the Golgi apparatus, in angiogenesis and ccRCC. Through a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments, we found that RKTG has a negative effect on cell proliferation, migration, sprouting and angiogenesis of endothelial cells. RKTG, by suppressing mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, negatively regulates the transactivation activity of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) by inhibiting formation of HIF-1α/p300 complex and suppressing VEGF transcription, thereby reducing hypoxia-induced VEGF production. The expression level of RKTG is significantly downregulated in clinical ccRCC tumor samples, with an inverse correlation with VEGF expression level. These results highlight the functional roles of RKTG and its regulated Raf/ERK/MEK signaling cascade in angiogenesis and autocrine VEGF signaling. In addition, this study indicates that RKTG is likely implicated in the development of ccRCC through its regulation on angiogenesis.

Human ATP synthase beta is phosphorylated at multiple sites and shows abnormal phosphorylation at specific sites in insulin-resistant muscle

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Insulin resistance in skeletal muscle is linked to mitochondrial dysfunction in obesity and type 2 diabetes. Emerging evidence indicates that reversible phosphorylation regulates oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) proteins. The aim of this study was to identify and quantify site-specific phosphorylation of the catalytic beta subunit of ATP synthase (ATPsyn-beta) and determine protein abundance of ATPsyn-beta and other OxPhos components in skeletal muscle from healthy and insulin-resistant individuals.

METHODS

Skeletal muscle biopsies were obtained from lean, healthy, obese, non-diabetic and type 2 diabetic volunteers (each group n = 10) for immunoblotting of proteins, and hypothesis-driven identification and quantification of phosphorylation sites on ATPsyn-beta using targeted nanospray tandem mass spectrometry. Volunteers were metabolically characterised by euglycaemic-hyperinsulinaemic clamps.

RESULTS

Seven phosphorylation sites were identified on ATPsyn-beta purified from human skeletal muscle. Obese individuals with and without type 2 diabetes were characterised by impaired insulin-stimulated glucose disposal rates, and showed a approximately 30% higher phosphorylation of ATPsyn-beta at Tyr361 and Thr213 (within the nucleotide-binding region of ATP synthase) as well as a coordinated downregulation of ATPsyn-beta protein and other OxPhos components. Insulin increased Tyr361 phosphorylation of ATPsyn-beta by approximately 50% in lean and healthy, but not insulin-resistant, individuals.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

These data demonstrate that ATPsyn-beta is phosphorylated at multiple sites in human skeletal muscle, and suggest that abnormal site-specific phosphorylation of ATPsyn-beta together with reduced content of OxPhos proteins contributes to mitochondrial dysfunction in insulin resistance. Further characterisation of phosphorylation of ATPsyn-beta may offer novel targets of treatment in human diseases with mitochondrial dysfunction, such as diabetes.

Organization of NMDA receptors at extrasynaptic locations

NMDA receptors are found in neurons both at synapses and in extrasynaptic locations. Extrasynaptic locations are poorly characterized. Here we used preembedding immunoperoxidase and postembedding immunogold electron microscopy and fluorescence light microscopy to characterize extrasynaptic NMDA receptor locations in dissociated hippocampal neurons in vitro and in the adult and postnatal hippocampus in vivo. We found that extrasynaptic NMDA receptors on neurons in vivo and in vitro were usually concentrated at points of contact with adjacent processes, which were mainly axons, axon terminals, or glia. Many of these contacts were shown to contain adhesion factors such as cadherin and catenin. We also found associations of extrasynaptic NMDA receptors with the membrane associated guanylate kinase (MAGUKs), postsynaptic density (PSD)-95 and SAP102. Developmental differences were also observed. At postnatal day 2 in vivo, extrasynaptic NMDA receptors could often be found at sites with distinct densities whereas dense material was seen only rarely at sites of extrasynaptic NMDA receptors in the adult hippocampus in vivo. This difference probably indicates that many sites of extrasynaptic NMDA receptors in early postnatal ages represent synapse formation or possibly sites for synapse elimination. At all ages, as suggested in both in vivo and in vitro studies, extrasynaptic NMDA receptors on dendrites or the sides of spines may form complexes with other proteins, in many cases, at stable associations with adjacent cell processes. These associations may facilitate unique functions for extrasynaptic NMDA receptors.

GLS/IL-12-modified Mycobacterium smegmatis as a novel anti-tuberculosis immunotherapeutic vaccine

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects and mechanisms of recombinant Mycobacterium smegmatis (rMS) carrying pZM03 (a co-expression plasmid encoding human granulysin [GLS] and murine interleukin 12 [IL-12]) on murine M. tuberculosis infection.

DESIGN

BALB/c mice infected with M. tuberculosis were treated with normal saline, M. smegmatis, pZM03 or rMS. The number of viable bacteria in the lungs and spleens were counted to observe the therapeutic effects. The levels of IL-12 and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in serum, and IFN-gamma and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) released from spleen lymphocytes were detected to observe the T-helper 1 (Th1) response. Secretory IgA (SIgA) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was measured to observe the mucosal immunity. The lungs and spleens were prepared for pathological analysis.

RESULTS

The rMS group showed a significantly reduced number of colony-forming units compared to the other groups. The expression of GLS in the tissue, and increased levels of IL-12, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and SIgA, were found in the rMS group. The pathological changes in the lungs of the rMS group were localised, while those in the control group were extensive.

CONCLUSION

rMS had immunotherapeutic effects associated with a switch to the Th1 response and the antibacterial activity of GLS.

Association Study between Ntrk2 Gene Polymorphisms and Schizophrenia in Chinese Han People

Objective:

To explore the relationships between Neurotrophic Tyrosine Kinase Receptor Type 2 (NTRK2) gene polymorphisms and schizophrenia in Chinese Han population.

Methods:

The NTRK2SNPs rs1187272 were genotyped by applying polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RLFP) technique in 100 patients with schizophrenia and 119 unrelated healthy controls, then the comparison of the alleles and genotypes frequencies of the NTRK2 gene between two groups was performed.

Results:

There were no significant difference in alleles（χ2=1.78, df=1, P>0.05）and genotypes（χ2=1.01, df=2, P>0.05） distribution of NTRK2 gene between patients and controls. There were also no significant difference in alleles（χ2=2.70, df=3, P>0.05）and genotypes（χ2=4.72, df=6, P>0.05） distribution among male and female patients and controls. There were significant difference in alleles（χ2=5.53, df=1, P=0.02）distribution between different first-onset age patients groups, There were also significant difference in alleles（χ2=4.38, df=1, P=0.04）distribution between schizophrenia with earlier first-onset age (≤25 years old) and control subjects.

Conclusion:

The NTRK2 gene was associated with schizophrenia with earlier first-onset age, and it may be one of common susceptible genes for schizophrenia in Chinese Han population.

Adsorption and surface rheology of n-dodecanol at the water/air interface

Adsorption layers of n-dodecanol at the water/air interface show phase transitions at low temperatures [Vollhardt, Fainerman, Emrich, J. Phys. Chem. B 104 (2000) 8536]. Using a drop shape technique it is shown that the dilational elasticity disappears in the coexistence region of the adsorption layer. The relaxation time between the condensed and liquid-like surface states is in the sub-second time range.

Prospects of vaccination as a means of preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV-I

Although short-course antiretroviral therapy is efficient in reducing mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV-1, it does not prevent transmission during the breastfeeding period. There is therefore an urgent need to test various approaches, including HIV-1 vaccination, to try to prevent postnatal transmission of HIV-1 in breastfeeding populations in developing countries.

Trend of change in various kinds of nuclear families in China since the 1980s

"By using the latest data of 1% sampled data made in the Fourth Population Survey in 1990 and 1 [per 1,000], sampled data made in the Third Population Survey in 1982, we have attempted an analysis...of the trend of change of proportion among nuclear parents-families, separated-parents, single-parent and interval-generation families, as well as two-, three- and four-generation lineal and joint families in China during the 1980s, both as a nation and in all provinces, municipalities directly under the central government and autonomous regions."

[Preventive efficiency of IVIgG on nosocomial infection in the children with nephrotic syndrome]

In order to study the preventive efficiency of IVIgG on nosocomial infection(NI), 54 cases of the children with nephrotic syndrome(NS) were randomly divided into 2 groups, test group(n = 22) and control group(n = 32). Routine treatment was adopted to all cases. Besides the routine treatment, the test group was injected with IVIgG(100-300 mg.kg-1.d-1) for 2-3 days. The results showed that the NI rate of test group (13.6%) was significantly lower than that of the control(46.88%) (P < 0.05), and the hospital days of the test group(27.33 +/- 15.51) d was significantly shorter than that of the control(64.50 +/- 18.52) d (P < 0.05). These suggest that IVIgG, as one of the ways to prevent NI, can improve the immune state and effectively prevent the NI in the children with NS.

[Inhibitory effect of antisense c-myb cDNA on the growth of asynchronous glioma cells in vivo]

OBJECTIVE

To examine the therapeutic effect of oncogene c-myb antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (AON) on rat C6 glioma in vivo.

METHODS

C6 glioma cells were implanted into the subcutis of nude mice, the animals were randomly divided into three groups (12 mice respectively) when the tumor grew about 10 mm in size, and the mice with subcutaneous tumor foci were treated with sense oligodeoxynucleotide (SON), AON and normal saline. Three animals of each group were killed after treatment at 4, 8, 12 and 16 days respectively. The dynamic growth manifestations, features, histopathological changes and apoptosis of the glioma in each group were observed.

RESULTS

AON suppressed the growth of C6 glioma cells, the suppression rates being 66.7%, 71.4%, 72% and 73% at 4, 8, 12, 16 days respectively (P < 0.05). The changes in weight were concurrent with the variations of tumor volume, the tumor weight of AON groups was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The immunohistochemical assay showed the expression of c-myb proto-oncogenes was significantly decreased in AON groups (P < 0.05). The flow cytometry analysis found the apoptosis cell percentage of AON groups to be 13.4%, 27.1%, 46.1% and 48.4% at 4, 8, 12 and 16 days respectively, and this percentage of AON groups was about 3.5 times the apoptosis cell percentage of SON and control groups at the corresponding time. In addition, noticeable inflammatory infiltration and calcification were observed after the treatment with AON.

CONCLUSION

The above findings indicate that c-myb gene might be associated with the suppression of carcinogenesis in brain glioma, and oncogene c-myb might be chosen as a target for antisense gene therapy of gliomas.