Overexpression of the Interferon regulatory factor 4-binding protein in human colorectal cancer and its clinical significance

BACKGROUND

IFN regulatory factor 4-binding protein (IBP) is a novel type of activator of Rho GTPases. It has been linked with differentiation and apoptosis of lymphocytes, but its function in oncogenesis remains unclear. Here we studied the expression of endogenous IBP in four human colorectal cancer cell lines, normal, adenoma and tumor colorectal tissues.

METHODS

Molecular (Western blot and RT-PCR), and confocal analyses were used to investigate IBP expression in human colorectal cancer cell lines. Matched normal and tumor tissue sections of 63 patients and 15 adenoma tissue sections were analyzed for IBP expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC).

RESULTS

IBP was ubiquitely expressed in human colorectal cancer cell lines. The expression of IBP can be detected at both the mRNA and protein level in SW480, SW620 and HT29 cells. Clinically, IBP were elevated in human colorectal cancer specimens in comparison to normal colorectal tissues. Substantial high expression of IBP was observed in colorectal cancer tissues (67%), whereas corresponding normal tissues and 15 adenoma tissues showed consistently absent immunoreactivity of IBP. Moreover, IBP expression is correlated with the differentiation level of colorectal cancer cells (p<0.05) and clinical stage of patients (p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show, for the first time, a dysregulated expression of IBP in human colorectal cancer, offering new perspectives for its role in cancer development and progression. IBP may be a novel tumor marker and a therapeutic target for colorectal cancer.

The ectopic expression of IFN regulatory factor 4-binding protein is correlated with the malignant behavior of human breast cancer cells

Many proteins that are aberrantly expressed in malignant tumors play important roles in promoting tumorigenesis, metastasis and immune escape. IFN regulatory factor 4-binding protein (IBP), which is a novel PH-DH-like protein related to SWAP-70, and functions as an upstream activator of Rho GTPases. It is widely expressed in cells of the immune system and is involved in coupling activated cell receptors to downstream signaling events that mediate cell proliferation, differentiation and polarization. Although IBP was detected in human chondrosarcoma, its function in tumor cells remains unknown. In this study, newly generated monoclonal anti-IBP antibodies were employed and they detected higher level expression of IBP in some human invasive breast carcinoma tissues and in two breast cancer cell lines that form highly invasive tumors in nude mice. In contrast, the levels of IBP mRNA and protein were low or undetectable in normal human breast tissues, benign breast lesions or low-tumorigenic breast cancer cell lines. Over-expression of wild-type IBP in an IBP-negative breast cancer cell line markedly increased its proliferation and invasiveness in vitro. Conversely, RNA interference-mediated knockdown of IBP expression in an IBP-positive breast cancer cell line significantly reduced cell growth and invasiveness. Our results indicate that IBP is expressed in more highly invasive human breast cancer cells, such as MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, with lower expression in normal breast tissue, benign tumors and less aggressive breast cancer cells, such as SKBR3 and MDA-MB-453. Thus, expression of IBP is correlated with the degree of malignant breast tumors. Nevertheless, it should be pointed our that further study with more tumor types is required to fully elucidate the role of IBP in tumorigenesis and the potential of IBP as a marker for more highly malignant tumors.

Incorporation of endothelial progenitor cells into the neovasculature of malignant glioma xenograft

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are important initiators of vasculogenesis in the process of tumor neovascularization. However, it is unclear how circulating EPCs contribute to the formation of tumor microvessels. In this study, we isolated CD34(+)/CD133(+) cells from human umbilical cord blood (HUCB) and obtained EPCs with the capacities of forming colonies, uptaking acetylated low-density lipoprotein (ac-LDL), binding lectins and expressing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor 2 (VEGFR-2, KDR), CD31 and von Willebrand factor (vWF). These EPCs were actively proliferative and migratory, and could formed capillary-like tubules in response to VEGF. When injected into mice bearing subcutaneously implanted human malignant glioma, EPCs specifically accumulated at the sites of tumors and differentiated into mature endothelial cells (ECs), which accounted for 18% ECs of the tumor microvessels. The incorporation of circulating EPCs into tumor vessel walls significantly affected the morphology and structure of the vasculature. Our results suggest that circulating EPCs constitute important components of tumor microvessel network and contribute to tumor microvascular architecture phenotype heterogeneity.

[Correlation between psychological well-being and social support to those settled immigration from Three Gorges Reservoir areas]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the psychological well-being and the correlation between psychological status and social support among the settled immigrations from Three Gorges Reservoir areas.

METHODS

A cluster randomized sampling was selected and 646 objects were interviewed with Basic Situation Scale, Symptom Check-list 90 (SCL-90) and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS).

RESULTS

Our findings from the results of SCL-90 revealed that the positive rate of psychological problem was higher in settled immigration than that of local permanent residents (chi(2) = 4.10, P = 0.04). The differences of scores on 6 factors including compulsion (t = 2.644, P = 0.009), interpersonal-sensitivity (t = 3.220, P = 0.001), depression (t = 2.684, P = 0.008), anxiety (t = 3.003, P = 0.003), paranoid-ideation (t = 3.246, P = 0.001), psychoticism (t = 2.088, P = 0.038) and the total score (t = 2.506, P = 0.013) were significantly different in female between the two groups. There were also significant differences of 10 factors score and total score (t = 4.114, P = 0.000) noticed between the two groups in age < or = 50 (P < 0.05) and the differences of 4 factors score including somatization (t = 2.777, P = 0.006), interpersonal-sensitivity (t = 2.384, P = 0.018), hostility (t = 3.174, P = 0.002), paranoid ideation (t = 2.611, P = 0.010). The total scores (t = 2.125, P = 0.034) were significantly different between the two groups in illiteracy and having received primary school education. Other than compulsion factor (t = 1.884, P = 0.061) and phobic anxiety factor (t = 0.979, P = 0.328), there were significant differences on other factors and the total score between the two groups in non-farmers (P < 0.05). Except compulsion (r = -0.103, P > 0.05), hostility (r = -0.084, P > 0.05) and paranoid ideation factor (r = -0.071, P > 0.05), the negative correlations were obvious between the total score, other factors score and social support (P < 0.05). The negative correlation was obvious between somatization (r = -0.128, P < 0.05), depression (r = -0.140, P < 0.05), anxiety (r = -0.137, P < 0.05), phobic anxiety (r = -0.120, P < 0.05), additional factor (r = -0.143, P < 0.05) total score (r = -0.137, P < 0.05) and subjective support. The correlation coefficient was not significant between SCL-90 total score, 10 factors score and that of objective support (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The psychological status of settled immigration was not satisfactory and closely correlated to psychological mental level and social support.

Study on biosorption kinetics and thermodynamics of uranium by Citrobacter freudii

Biosorption has been developed as an effective and economic method to treat wastewater containing low concentrations of metal pollutants. In this study, a bacterium, Citrobacter freudii, was used as a biosorbent to adsorb uranium ions. The thermodynamics and kinetics of this adsorption, as well as its mechanism, were investigated. The results indicated that the biosorption rate could be better described by a pseudo 2nd-order model than a pseudo 1st-order model. The adsorption of U (VI) proceeded very rapidly in the first 30min and subsequently slowed down continuously for a long period. The biosorption isotherm of uranium by C. freudii could be described well by the Langmuir or Freundlich isotherm, and the latter was better. The thermodynamics parameters, DeltaH degrees , DeltaG degrees , and DeltaS degrees were calculated according to the results of the experiment, which showed this biosorption as being endothermic and spontaneous. The authors investigated the active sites of bacteria for biosorption and the results proved that carboxyl in the cell wall played an important role in biosorption.

PREFERENTIAL EXPRESSION OF CHEMOKINE RECEPTOR CXCR4 BY HIGHLY MALIGNANT HUMAN GLIOMAS AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH POOR PATIENT SURVIVAL

OBJECTIVE

CXCR4 is implicated in the growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis of malignant tumors. We investigated the potential role of CXCR4 in human gliomas.

METHODS

The expression of CXCR4 messenger ribonucleic acid and protein by human glioma cell lines was examined by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry analysis. Tumor cell chemotaxis and production of vascular endothelial growth factor induced by the CXCR4 ligand SDF-1beta were measured. Xenograft models were used for evaluation of glioma cell tumorigenesis. CXCR4 expression by xenografted tumors and primary human glioma specimens were evaluated for CXCR4 protein expression. The relationship between CXCR4 expression and patient survival was analyzed. A synthetic lipoxygenase inhibitor, Nordy, was tested for its effects on glioma cell expression and function of CXCR4, as well as on glioma cell tumorigenicity.

RESULTS

CXCR4 expression correlated directly with the degree of malignancy of the human glioma cell lines and primary tumors. Activation of CXCR4 induced tumor cell chemotaxis and increased production of vascular endothelial growth factor. Glioma cells expressing higher levels of CXCR4 formed more rapidly growing and lethal tumors in nude mice. Primary human glioma specimens expressing CXCR4 contained high-density microvessels. Patients with CXCR4-positive gliomas had poorer prognosis after surgery. The lipoxygenase inhibitor Nordy diminished CXCR4 expression by glioma cell lines in vitro and reduced their tumorigenicity in nude mice.

CONCLUSION

The level of CXCR4 expression seems to correlate with the degree of malignancy of human gliomas and may contribute to their rapid growth.

[Nordy inhibits cell proliferation and angiogenic factor production of malignant human glioma cells mediated by formylpeptide receptor]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of Nordy, a synthesized lipoxygenase Inhibitor, on the expression of formylpeptide receptor (FPR) and its functional activities after activation in human malignant glioma cells.

METHODS

Human malignant glioma cells of the line U87 were cultured and divided into 3 groups: N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLF) group, added with 100 nmol/L fMLF; Nordy group, added with 100 micromol/L Nordy for 12 h and then added with 100 nmol/L fMLF; and control group. The expression of FPR I the U87 cells was detected with indirect immunofluorescence staining and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The effect of Nordy on the U87 cell proliferation induced by fMLF was assayed by MTT method. RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in the U87 cells. ELISA was used to detect protein secretion of VEGF and IL-8 in the supernatant.

RESULTS

FPR was expressed on the cytoplasmic membrane of U87 cells. The mean FPR absorbance of the Nordy group was significantly lower than that of the fMLF group. The U87 cell proliferation of the Nordy group was significantly inhibited in comparison with the other 2 groups. The mRNA expression of VEGF and mRNA expression of IL-8 in the U87 cells activated by fMLF were significantly higher than those of the control group (both P<0.05), and Nordy significantly attenuated the mRNA expression of VEGF and IL-8 at different time points (all P<0.05). ELISA showed that the VEGF and IL-8 protein levels in the supernatant were 4.14 ng/ml+/-0.28 ng/ml and 4.03 ng/ml+/-0.59 ng/ml respectively, and increased to 6.46 ng/ml+/-0.33 ng/ml and 7.54 ng/ml+/-0.73 ng/ml respectively after stimulation of fMLF, however, the VEGF and IL-8 protein levels in the supernatant of the Nordy group were 3.59 ng/ml+/-0.33 ng/ml and 3.13 ng/ml+/-0.48 ng/ml respectively.

CONCLUSION

Nordy inhibits the FPR expression and the effects in promoting the cell proliferation and mRNA expression and protein secretion of VEGF and IL-8 after the activation of FPR in malignant human glioma cells, showing that Nordy has the effects of inhibition of tumor growth and angiogenesis.

Tumor microvascular architecture phenotype (T-MAP) as a new concept for studies of angiogenesis and oncology

Heterogeneities exist in endothelial cells and microvascular architecture during tumor angiogenesis. We found significantly variable expression profiles of EC markers, including ephrinB2 and its receptor EphB4, and various types of the architecture. We propose a new concept of tumor microvascular architecture phenotype (T-MAP), reflecting the density, morphology, structure and the three-dimensional distribution of newly formed vessels. The pattern of T-MAP may represent the invasiveness of the tumor therefore predict the outcome of therapy. The presence of T-MAP heterogeneity (T-MAPH) may be utilized as additional diagnostic criteria and for therapeutic designs for antiangiogenesis.

Increased angiogenic capabilities of endothelial cells from microvessels of malignant human gliomas

Vascular endothelial cells (ECs) that initiate tumor angiogenesis may acquire distinct properties after conditioning in tumor microenvironment as compared to ECs in non-malignant tissues. Thus far, most in vitro studies of angiogenesis used ECs isolated from normal tissues, which may not fully represent the nature of ECs in tumor vasculature. In this study, glioma-derived microvascular ECs (GDMEC) were purified from human glioma tissues by incubating with magnetic beads coated with anti-CD105 antibody and highly pure (98%) preparations of GDMEC were obtained. These cells exhibited typical EC phenotype, and proliferated rapidly in culture. Interestingly, GDMEC expressed higher levels of VEGF receptors, flt-1 and flk-1, as compared to an established human EC cell line ECV304 and primary human umbilical vascular EC (HUVEC). Functionally, GDMEC were capable of forming intercellular junctions and tubule-like structures (TLS) of various sizes. Stimulation by VEGF further promoted TLS formation with diverse tubular walls by GDMEC. In contrast, TLS formed by ECV304 and HUVEC showed significantly different features. We further observed that Nordy, a synthetic lipoxygenase inhibitor, potently inhibited TLS formation by GDMEC. The results suggest that isolation of highly pure ECs derived from tumor tissues is more appropriate for studies of tumor angiogenesis and for test of potential anti-cancer therapeutic targets.

The expression of functional chemokine receptor CXCR4 is associated with the metastatic potential of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma

PURPOSE

Chemokine receptors are implicated in metastasis of several malignant tumors. This study was done to evaluate the contribution of chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CCR7 to metastasis of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Reverse transcription-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry were used to evaluate mRNA and protein expression of CXCR4 and CCR7 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tumor tissues and cell lines. Chemotaxis assays were used to evaluate the function of CXCR4 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Antisense CXCR4 was used to inhibit receptor expression and to block metastasis of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells in vivo in athymic mice.

RESULTS

CXCR4 protein was detected in tumor cells in 31 of 40 primary human nasopharyngeal carcinoma and in 13 of 15 lymph node metastases. CXCR4 transcripts were detected in eight CXCR4 protein-positive primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues and seven nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines tested. On the other hand, the transcripts for CCR7 were detected only in four primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues and in none of the nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines. In functional experiments, metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines that expressed high levels of CXCR4 were found to migrate in response to the CXCR4 ligand SDF-1alpha. Transfection of antisense CXCR4 in metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells inhibited the expression of CXCR4 and SDF-1alpha-induced cell migration in vitro and reduced the capacity of the tumor cells to form metastasis in the lungs and lymph nodes when injected in athymic mice.

CONCLUSION

The expression of functional CXCR4 but not CCR7 is correlated with the metastatic potential of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Therefore, CXCR4 may be considered as a potential target for the prevention of nasopharyngeal carcinoma metastasis.

Activation of chemokine receptor CXCR4 in malignant glioma cells promotes the production of vascular endothelial growth factor

Numerous studies have showed that chemokine receptors, such as CXCR4, contribute to the growth and metastasis of a variety of malignant tumors. In this study, we investigated the role of CXCR4 in the production of angiogenic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), in various human glioma cells from astrocytic origin. The expression of CXCR4 mRNA and protein in three glioma cell lines, U87-MG, SHG-44, and CHG-5, was determined by RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry, respectively. The malignancies of three gliomas were evaluated by expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein and vimentin, the differentiation markers of astrocytic cells. The role of functional CXCR4 in tumor cell migration was studied with chemotaxis assay. Ca2+ mobilization and VEGF production were measured in the cells after stimulation with CXCR4 ligand, SDF1beta. The results showed that the levels of functional CXCR4 expression at both mRNA and protein levels by several human glioma cell lines were correlated with the degree of differentiation of the tumor cells. Activation of CXCR4 induced glioma cell chemotaxis and could trigger the increase of intracellular [Ca2+]i. Such an activation could result in the increased production of VEGF by the stimulated tumor cells. Our results suggest that CXCR4 may contribute to the high level of VEGF produced by malignant glioma cells and thus constitute a therapeutic target for antiangiogenesis strategy.

Identification of regulatory targets of tissue-specific transcription factors: application to retina-specific gene regulation

Identification of tissue-specific gene regulatory networks can yield insights into the molecular basis of a tissue's development, function and pathology. Here, we present a computational approach designed to identify potential regulatory target genes of photoreceptor cell-specific transcription factors (TFs). The approach is based on the hypothesis that genes related to the retina in terms of expression, disease and/or function are more likely to be the targets of retina-specific TFs than other genes. A list of genes that are preferentially expressed in retina was obtained by integrating expressed sequence tag, SAGE and microarray datasets. The regulatory targets of retina-specific TFs are enriched in this set of retina-related genes. A Bayesian approach was employed to integrate information about binding site location relative to a gene's transcription start site. Our method was applied to three retina-specific TFs, CRX, NRL and NR2E3, and a number of potential targets were predicted. To experimentally assess the validity of the bioinformatic predictions, mobility shift, transient transfection and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were performed with five predicted CRX targets, and the results were suggestive of CRX regulation in 5/5, 3/5 and 4/5 cases, respectively. Together, these experiments strongly suggest that RP1, GUCY2D, ABCA4 are novel targets of CRX.

QRX, a novel homeobox gene, modulates photoreceptor gene expression

A novel paired-like homeobox gene, designated as Qrx, was identified by a yeast one-hybrid screen using the bovine Rhodopsin promoter Ret-1 DNA regulatory element as bait. Qrx is preferentially expressed in both the outer and inner nuclear layers of the retina. Its homeodomain is nearly identical to that of Rx/Rax, a transcription factor that is essential for eye development, but it shares only limited homology elsewhere. Although Qrx and Rx/Rax show similar DNA binding properties in vitro, the two proteins demonstrate distinct target selectivity and functional behavior in promoter activity assays. QRX synergistically increases the transactivating function of the photoreceptor transcription factors Crx and NRL and it physically interacts with CRX. Qrx is present in the bovine and human genomes, but appears to be absent from the mouse genome. Nonetheless, a 5.8 kb upstream region of human QRX is capable of directing expression in presumptive photoreceptor precursor cells in transgenic mice. These results indicate that Qrx may be involved in modulating photoreceptor gene expression. In addition, the finding of rare heterozygous QRX sequence changes in three individuals with retinal degeneration raises the possibility that QRX may be involved in disease pathogenesis.

Antioxidative activity of natural isorhapontigenin

Isorhapontigenin (ISOR), isolated from Belamcanda chinensis, is a derivative of stilbene. Its chemical structure is very similar to that of resveratrol, with a potent antioxidative effect. In the present study, we investigated the antioxidative activity of ISOR in vitro. Oxidative damage of rat liver microsomes, brain mitochondria and synaptosomes was induced by Fe2+-Cys, VitC-ADP-Fe2+ and H2O2, respectively. The formation of malondialdehyde (MDA), decrease of reduced glutathione (GSH) and increase of ultra-weak chemiluminescence during the lipid peroxidation process were determined. In addition, the characteristic ultra-weak chemiluminescence of oxidative DNA damage induced by CuSO4-Phen-VitC-H2O2 system was studied. The results showed that ISOR significantly inhibited MDA formation in liver microsomes, brain mitochondria and synaptosomes induced by Fe2+-Cys. Also, ISOR markedly prevented the decrease of GSH in mitochondria and synaptosomes induced by H2O2 and the increase of ultra-weak chemiluminescence during lipid peroxidation induced by VitC-ADP-Fe2+ as well as oxidative DNA damage induced by CuSO4-Phen-VitC-H2O2. The effects of ISOR at 10(-5) and 10(-6) mol/L on the MDA formation and decrease of GSH were similar to that of the classical antioxidant vitamin E (10(-4) mol/L). It may be concluded that ISOR possessed potent antioxidative activity and was much more potent than vitamin E.

[Preliminary report on immunoscreening of Schistosoma japonicum adult worm cDNA library by sera from infected Microtus fortis]

Microtus fortis (Mf) is resistant to Schistosoma japonicum (Sj) infection. To explore if Mf responses to special Sj antigens after infection, Sj adult worm cDNA library was screened with sera from infected Mf. Twelve positive clones were obtained after rescreening. After automatically excised with the helper phage, positive clones were further identified by PCR. The size of Sj cDNA fragments in positive clones ranged from 300 bp to 1.8 kb. Six of these fragments were 300 bp, one was 1 kb, and five were 1.8 kb in size. The results indicate that the infected Mf serum could recognize Sj specific antigens. It is valuable to further study the immune protection of these cloned molecules.

Effects of inhaled low molecular weight heparin on airway allergic inflammation in aerosol-ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pigs

Low molecular weigh, heparin (LMWH) possesses multiple nonanticoagulant properties. In the present study, we observed its anti-airway allergic inflammatory effects by bronchoalveolar lavage in guinea pigs. Guinea pigs were sensitized by repeatedly inhaling aerosolized ovalbumin. LMWH (400 u/l, 800 u/l), dexamethasone (1.2 mg/1) or vehicle (normal saline) was inhaled for 7 days. Then the animals were sacrificed under anesthesia and then lavaged with ice-cold Hank's buffer immediately; bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was prepared 24 h after the animals were challenged by antigen exposure. The effects of LMWH on total cell counts, absolute eosinophil counts and cell catalogues in BALF were studied; effects on the activity of eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) and the contents of histamine and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in BALF supernatant were detected. Our results showed that compared with the vehicle group, LMWH at 400 u/l and 800 u/1 could significantly reduce total cell counts, absolute eosinophil counts and percentage of eosinophils in BALF (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively); LMWH at 800 u/l markedly inhibited the activity of EPO in BALF supernatant (P<0.05); LMWH at 400 u/l and 800 u/l remarkably reduced the content of histamine in BALF supernatant (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively), LMWH at 800 u/l decreased the content of ECP (P<0.05) significantly. It suggested that LMWH exerted anti-airway allergic inflammatory action by inhibiting infiltration of inflammatory cells and reducing release of inflammatory mediators, as well as antagonizing their activities, and that LMWH could be developed as a potential anti-bronchial asthmatic drug.

Leber congenital amaurosis caused by a homozygous mutation (R90W) in the homeodomain of the retinal transcription factor CRX: direct evidence for the involvement of CRX in the development of photoreceptor function

The CRX (cone-rod homeobox) gene is specifically expressed in developing and mature photoreceptors and encodes an otd/Otx-like paired homeodomain protein. Mutant alleles of the CRX gene have recently been associated with autosomal dominant cone-rod dystrophy (CORD) as well as dominant Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA). Since LCA is more commonly inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, we examined a cohort of recessive LCA patients for CRX mutations. A homozygous substitution of arginine (R) at codon 90 by tryptophan (W) was identified in the CRX homeodomain of one of the probands who was nearly blind from birth. A group of 48 control individuals and 190 previously characterized CORD probands did not reveal this sequence change. The mutant CRXR90W homeodomain demonstrated decreased binding to the previously identified cis sequence elements in the rhodopsin promoter. In transient transfection experiments, the mutant protein showed significantly reduced ability to transactivate the rhodopsin promoter, as well as lower synergistic activation with the bZIP transcription factor NRL. Heterozygosity of the mutant CRX (R90W) allele was detected in both parents and in an older sibling. Ophthalmologic examination and electro-retinography revealed a subtle abnormality of cone function in both the parents. These data suggest that the R90W mutation results in a CRX protein with reduced DNA binding and transcriptional regulatory activity and that the subsequent changes in photoreceptor gene expression lead to the very early onset severe visual impairment in LCA.

Mutations in the cone-rod homeobox gene are associated with the cone-rod dystrophy photoreceptor degeneration

Crx is a novel paired-like homeodomain protein that is expressed predominantly in retinal photoreceptors and pinealocytes. Its gene has been mapped to chromosome 19q13.3, the site of a disease locus for autosomal dominant cone-rod dystrophy (CORDII). Analysis of the proband from a family with autosomal dominant CORD revealed an Arg41Trp substitution in the third residue of the CRX homeodomain. The sequence change cosegregated with the disease phenotype and was not detected in 247 normal controls. Recombinant CRX homeodomain containing the Arg41Trp substitution showed decreased DNA binding activity. Analysis of another 169 CORD probands identified three additional CRX sequence variations (Arg41Gln, Val242Met, and a 4 bp deletion in codons 196/7) that were not found among the controls. This data suggests that mutations in the CRX gene are associated with photoreceptor degeneration and that the Crx protein is necessary for the maintenance of normal cone and rod function.

Crx, a novel Otx-like paired-homeodomain protein, binds to and transactivates photoreceptor cell-specific genes

The otd/Otx gene family encodes paired-like homeodomain proteins that are involved in the regulation of anterior head structure and sensory organ development. Using the yeast one-hybrid screen with a bait containing the Ret 4 site from the bovine rhodopsin promoter, we have cloned a new member of the family, Crx (Cone rod homeobox). Crx encodes a 299 amino acid residue protein with a paired-like homeodomain near its N terminus. In the adult, it is expressed predominantly in photoreceptors and pinealocytes. In the developing mouse retina, it is expressed by embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5). Recombinant Crx binds in vitro not only to the Ret 4 site but also to the Ret 1 and BAT-1 sites. In transient transfection studies, Crx transactivates rhodopsin promoter-reporter constructs. Its activity is synergistic with that of Nrl. Crx also binds to and transactivates the genes for several other photoreceptor cell-specific proteins (interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein, beta-phosphodiesterase, and arrestin). Human Crx maps to chromosome 19q13.3, the site of a cone rod dystrophy (CORDII). These studies implicate Crx as a potentially important regulator of photoreceptor cell development and gene expression and also identify it as a candidate gene for CORDII and other retinal diseases.

Self-learning fuzzy neural networks for control of uncertain systems with time delays

We address the problem of control of uncertain systems with time delays. Using the fuzzy logic control and artificial neural network methodologies, we present a self-learning fuzzy neural control scheme for general uncertain processes. In this scheme, a neural network compensator is designed instead of the classical Smith predictor for attenuating the adverse effects of time delays of the uncertain systems. The scheme has been used in control of welding pool dynamics of the arc welding process, and the experiment results show the control scheme available.

The bZIP transcription factor Nrl stimulates rhodopsin promoter activity in primary retinal cell cultures

In vitro DNA binding assays and transient transfection analysis with monkey kidney cells have implicated Nrl, a member of the Maf-Nrl subfamily of bZIP transcription factors, and the Nrl response element (NRE) in the regulation of rhodopsin expression. We have now further explored the role of the NRE and surrounding promoter elements. Using the yeast one-hybrid screen with integrated NRE and flanking DNA as bait, the predominant clone obtained was bovine Nrl. Recovery of truncated clones in the screen demonstrated that the carboxyl-terminal half of Nrl, which contains the basic and leucine zipper domains, is sufficient for DNA binding. To functionally dissect the rhodopsin promoter, transient expression studies with primary chick retinal cell cultures were performed. Deletion and mutation analyses identified two positive regulatory sequences: one between -40 and -84 base pairs (bp) and another between -84 and -130 bp. Activity of the -40 to -84 region was shown to be largely due to the NRE. On co-transfection with an NRL expression vector, there were 3-5-fold increases in the activity of rhodopsin promoter constructs containing an intact NRE but little or no effect with rhodopsin promoters containing a mutated or deleted NRE. Nrl was more effective than the related bZIP proteins, c-Fos and c-Jun, in stimulating rhodopsin promoter activity. The -84- to -130-bp region acted synergistically with the NRE to enhance both the level of basal expression and the degree of Nrl-mediated trans-activation. These studies support Nrl as a regulator of rhodopsin expression in vivo, identify an additional regulatory region just upstream of the NRE, and demonstrate the utility of primary retinal cell cultures for characterizing both the cis-acting response elements and trans-acting factors that regulate photoreceptor gene expression.

Identification of an idiotypic peptide recognized by autoantibodies in human immunodeficiency virus-1-infected individuals

Antibodies against HIV-1 proteins in HIV-1-infected individuals share a cross-reactive idiotype defined by the monoclonal antiidiotypic antibody 1F7 (5). Using a computer algorithm based on the molecular recognition theory, regions of inverse hydropathy between the variable sequence of 1F7 and human monoclonal anti-HIV-1 antibodies were identified, which are assumed to be involved in idiotype-antiidiotype contacts. A peptide was designed from the proposed contact in the variable heavy chain framework 3-complementarity determining region 3 (FR3-CDR3) of human antibodies and was synthesized. This peptide is recognized by the antiidiotype 1F7 and inhibits the binding of 1F7 to human anti-HIV-1 antibodies which express the 1F7 idiotype. A survey of normal and HIV-1-infected sera revealed the presence of antibodies in infected sera which bind to the FR3-CDR3 peptide. The biological relevance of autoantibodies against a self idiotope associated with HIV-1 infection is discussed in the context of the regulation of the antibody response to HIV-1.

A practical procedure for the cryopreservation of marrow cells intended for autotransplantation

A simple and practical method of unfractionated bone marrow processing and cryopreservation was studied. The date shows that RBCs can be rapidly sedimented by methylcellulose or sodium carboxymethyl starch within 15-45 min. The cells can be cryopreserved in a mixture consisting of 5% DMSO, 6% HES and 4% Albumin prepared in a Lactated Ringer solution which is widely used, and can be simply immersed into a -80 degrees C freezer and stored in liquid nitrogen until infusion. Recovery percentages of nucleated cell, cell viability and CFU-G were similar to those cryopreserved with the conventional method. Clinical toxicity was mild in 12 infused patients. Of them 8 patients had received high dose chemotherapy +/- TBI and their peripheral WBC recovery was rapid. The recovery of WBC or Platelet (PLT) in the study group was similar to that of the control group whose marrow cells were cryopreserved in 10% DMSO. Therefore, cells cryopreserved with this method can also accelerate the hematopoietic recovery in myeloablatively treated patients.

Experimental studies on immune-complex in situ type glomerulonephritis in rabbits treated with mai-luo-tong and natural indigo

By injection of C-BSA, immune-complex in situ type glomerulonephritis was duplicated in rabbits and treated with Mai-Luo-Tong and natural Indigo. The results showed that proteinuria in the treated groups M and Q was decreased. The difference between group M and control group is statistically significant (P < 0.05). Under light and electron microscope, although glomerular basement membrane was irregularly thickened and subepithelial dense electron deposited in the treated group, but microthrombus, erythrocytes and platelets aggregation and leukocytes impaction were not seen within glomerular capillaries. Also in groups C, Q, M, mesenteric cell count was 99.40 +/- 18.53, 92.87 +/- 17.89, 66.55 +/- 7.75 respectively, the M. Q groups are compared with group C, the result is of statistical significance (P < 0.05) and there is no apparent glomerular fibrosis in the treated groups.

[Clinical analysis of 126 cases with NHL in extra-node of head and neck patients in stage I and II]

From 1987.1.1. to 1990. 12. 31. 126 cases of extranode untreated non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) in I-II stage were analysed. All of the 126 cases had proved by pathology. The sites of primary disease were oral-pharynx in 64.3%, nasal cavity in 31% and others in 4.7%. The age of patients was between 5-69 (30-60 in 62.7%). According to the international working dassification, there was 1 case of low grade, 48 (38%) of intermediate and 77(61%) of high grade. According to Ann Arbor clinical staging, there were 33 cases of stage I and 93 cases of stage II. According to the pathological grades and clinical stages, the treatment was divided into 4 groups. (1) CT-RT 63 cases, (2) RT-CT 26 cases, (3) RT 32 cases and (4) CT 5 cases. After treatment, CR were obtained in 101 cases, PR 18 cases and P 3 cases, CR+PR were 97.5%. The 1,2,3,4,5 years survival rates of the 126 cases were 83.3% (105/126), 70.6% (89/126), 68.2% (60/88), 62.2% (46/74), 58.3% (21/36), respectively.

CONCLUSION

(1) The pathological grades were not closely related to the survival rate of patients. (2) The comparison of clinical stages I:II showed a P value < 0.05. (3) The comparison of survival rates of CR:PR:P showed a P value < 0.05 and < 0.001, respectively. (4) There was no statistically significant difference in the four treatment protocols. But the multitherapy group was better. (5) Before the RT, four cycles of CT showed a better result than that of 1-3 cycles.

[Changes of plasma motilin concentration in pregnancy and early postpartum period]

Plasma motilin concentration were determined by radioimmunoaction from 180 women during pregnancy and early postpartum period as compared with 20 healthy non-pregnant women. The results showed that mean plasma motilin concentration (384.40 +/- 110.30 ng/L) was higher in the first trimester of pregnancy than that of healthy non-pregnant women (366.12 +/- 96.23 ng/L), however, this difference did not reach statistical significance (P > 0.05). The mean plasma motilin concentration (323.90 +/- 125.10 ng/L) was lower in the second trimester of pregnancy than in the first trimester of pregnancy (P < 0.05), while the mean plasma motilin concentration in the third trimester of pregnancy (121.04 +/- 27.00 ng/L) was significantly lower than in second (P < 0.01) and the mean plasma motilin concentration in 3-5 d after delivery (443.05 +/- 140.79 ng/L) reached an even higher value (P < 0.01). Our results suggests that pregnancy appears to have a profound inhibitory effect on plasma motilin and this may in part be responsible for the gastrointestinal hypomotility during pregnancy.

[Research on immune complex in situ type glomerulonephritis treated with mai-luo-tong in rabbits]

Applying c-BSA to duplicate immune complex in situ type glomerulonephritis in rabbits and treating it with Blood Circulation Promoting and Stasis-Removing Drugs Mai-Luo-Tong, the results showed that proteinuria in the treated group was decreased significantly, as compared to the control group (P < 0.01). Under light and electron microscope, although glomerular basement membrane was irregularly thickened and subepithelial dense electron deposits were found in both groups, but histopathologic damage in the treated group less than that of control one. In the treated group micro-thrombus, erythrocytes and platelets aggregation, leukocytes impaction were not seen within glomerular capillary. Also in the treated group mesangial cell proliferation and granulocyte infiltration were decreased significantly (P < 0.01) and there was no apparent glomerular fibrosis in former group.

[Clinico-pathologic studies of 95 cases of Hodgkin's disease]

From 1961 through 1986, 95 cases of Hodgkin's disease were biopsied in our hospital. Sex distribution: male 70, female 25. Age incidence: 27% were under 20 years and 75% under 40. 93% of lesions had originated from the lymph nodes. Clinical stage: I 14, II 37, III 25 and IV 19 cases. 20 patients were treated by chemotherapy, 26 by radiotherapy and 49 by combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The CR + PR rate was 86.2% and the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year survival rates were 83.2% (79/95), 57.6% (53/92), 46.4% (32/69) and 31.3% (15/48), respectively. The results showed that the 4 pathological types (LP, NS, MC, LD) and 10 subtypes (D,N in LP; LP, MC, LD in NS; LP, MC, LD in MC; R, DF in LD) and the predominance of reticulum cells (S-R cells, HD cells, histiocytes, lymphocytes, fibrosis, collagenous changes) in the tumor were all irrelevant to the prognosis (P greater than 0.05). However, the clinical stage, immediate response and the method of treatment were very prognostic (P less than 0.05) The authors believe that intensive chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy and intensive radiotherapy could lead to long survival.

[Experimental study of warming and recuperating kidney yang by you-gui-yin]

Yang deficiency animal models were induced by hydrocortisone 1 mg/day for 7-day to male mice. Then these model mice of experimental group were perfused by gastrogavage with 0.5 ml You-gui-yin (YGY) solution, the control group 0.5 ml normal saline 10-day. The plasma circular nucleotide and cortisol were radioimmunoassay by r-immune counter. The content of cAMP of experimental group was 144.24 +/- 33.35 pmol/ml, the control group 109.11 +/- 31.98 pmol/ml (P less than 0.05). The contents of cGMP were 28.39 +/- 10.22 and 45.39 +/- 15.33 pmol/ml respectively (P less than 0.05). The contents of cortisol were 12.42 +/- 2.21 and 8.96 +/- 1.19 micrograms/dl respectively (P less than 0.05). On the other hand YGY to the model mice could raised the living ability at low temperature. The results suggested that YGY had the effect of adjusting system circular nucleotide and promoting the secretion of adrenal cortex.

[Various doses cisplatin combined with multi-drug chemotherapy of malignant solid tumors]

236 patients with various advanced malignant solid tumors treated by combined chemotherapy with routine doses of cisplatin (DDP) from 1980 to 1986 are presented. According to different doses of cisplatin everyday, the patients were divided into 4 groups: 1. 20 mg/day x4-5, 80 cases; 2. 30 mg/day x3-5, 91 cases; 3. 40 mg/day x3-4, 37 cases; 4. 50 mg/day x2-3, 28 cases. Each group was repeated for 3 weeks. The effect and toxicity were analysed and compared with 22 cases treated by single DDP in 1975. The response (CR + PR) rate was 39.2% in 194 evaluated patients. The response rate was similar in group 20 mg and single DDP (29.2% and 27.3%). The response rate was lower than that of group 30 mg, 40 mg, and 50 mg (43.4%, 42.4%, and 50%) (P less than 0.05). The remissions in various groups were not significantly different. The toxicity of combined chemotherapy was not severe. 91.1% of patients had nausea and vomiting. There was no statistical difference in the various groups. Bone marrow suppression was less in single DDP group than that of combined chemotherapy group, (P less than 0.05). DDP 30 mg-50 mg 1/d x5-3 was better than HD-DDP in some patients.

[High-dose methotrexate with citrovorum factor rescue (HD-MTX-CFR) in the treatment of malignant solid tumors--clinical analysis of 62 patients]

From 1977 to 1982, 62 patients with various advanced malignant solid tumors were treated by HD-MTX-CFR therapy and totally 129 courses were given. Majority of the patients suffered from malignant lymphoma (10), osteogenic sarcoma (11), lung cancer (16), esophageal cancer (3), breast cancer (3) and malignant melanoma (4). All were confirmed by cytology or pathology except one primary liver cancer. There were clinically measurable lesions in 59 patients for evaluation of the treatment, and 3 osteogenic sarcoma patients without metastasis were given a postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. 33 out of 62 had received chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy before. Dose of MTX ranged from 2 to 3 gm per course in most patients and dose of CF, from 9 to 12 mg every 6 hours for 3 days. 2 (3.4%) patients achieved complete remission (1 osteogenic sarcoma and 1 malignant lymphoma) and 8 (13.6%), partial remission (1 osteogenic sarcoma, 5 malignant lymphoma, 1 esophageal cancer and 1 breast cancer) with a total response rate of 15.9%. No response was observed in all 16 lung cancers. The main side effects of HD-MTX-CFR therapy were leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, elevation of SGPT, nausea, vomiting, mucositis, skin rash, fever and fatigue. All patients were followed more than 3 years. 4 patients are still alive (9, 9, 4 and 7 years, respectively), including 3 osteogenic sarcoma patients who received postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy and 1 mycosis fungoides.

[COMVp regimen in the treatment of small cell lung cancer--report of 106 patients]

One hundred and six consecutive small cell lung cancer patients were treated by a combination regimen COMVp (CTX 1,000-1,400 mg IV D 1,8; VCR 1-2 mg IV D 1,8; MTX 20-40 mg IV or IM D 3,5,10,12; VP-16 100 mg IV drip D 3-7; three weeks as a cycle and 2-3 cycles as a course) in our hospital during 1983 to 1984. Among the 95 patients who were evaluated, 10 (10.5%) gave CR, 57 (60%) PR, 19 (20%) no change and 9 (9.5%) progression. The overall response rate was 70.5%. In this paper, factors influencing the response and side effects are also analysed. The data show that COMVp regimen is one of the good front line combination chemotherapy regimens currently available in the management of small cell lung cancer.

[Evaluation of combined chemotherapy including high-dose cisplatin in the treatment of malignant tumors]

The results of 63 patients with advanced malignant tumors treated by combined chemotherapy including high-dose cisplatin (HD-DDP) (single dose 50-100 mg/m2) are reported. The remission rates and duration of the remission for various malignant tumors were: 40% (10 PR out of 25 patients) and 3-8 months for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated by PMFV (DDP, MMC, 5FU and VCR) regimen; 87% (4 CR and 9 PR out of 15) and 3-14 months for breast cancer treated by PCMF (DDP, CTX, MTX and 5FU) regimen; 100% (1 CR and 3 PR out of 4) and 3-10 months for testicular cancer treated by PPV (DDP, Pingyangmycin and VCR) regimen; 57% (1CR and 3 PR out of 7) and 5-12 months for malignant melanoma treated by PBDV (DDP, BCNU, DTIC and VCR) regimen; 33% (2 PR out of 6) and 5 months for esophageal cancer treated by PPV regimen. In 6 patients with other malignant tumors, the remission rate was 50% (3 PR). The results show that the combined regimens including HD-DDP in the treatment of breast cancer and NSCLC (remission rate 87% and 40%, respectively) are better than that including low-dose DDP (17% and 7%) (P less than 0.001, P less than 0.01) and that including adriamycin (30% and 13%) (P less than 0.001, P less than 0.05). In the treatment, obvious gastrointestinal reaction, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and mild functional damage of the liver and kidney were observed.