The cellular level of PR500, a protein complex related to the 19S regulatory particle of the proteasome, is regulated in response to stresses in plants

In Arabidopsis seedlings and cauliflower florets, Rpn6 (a proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit) was found in two distinct protein complexes of approximately 800 and 500 kDa, respectively. The large complex likely represents the proteasome 19S regulator particle (RP) because it displays the expected subunit composition and all characteristics. The small complex, designated PR500, shares at least three subunits with the "lid" subcomplex of 19S RP and is loosely associated with an hsp70 protein. In Arabidopsis COP9 signalosome mutants, PR500 was specifically absent or reduced to an extent that correlates with the severity of the mutations. Furthermore, PR500 was also diminished in response to potential protein-misfolding stresses caused by the heat shock and canavanine treatment. Immunofluorescence studies suggest that PR500 has a distinct localization pattern and is enriched in specific nuclear foci. We propose that PR500 may be evolved in higher plants to cope with the frequently encountered environmental stresses.

Quantitative analysis of polymeric procyanidins (Tannins) from grape (Vitis vinifera) seeds by reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography

A reverse phase C(18) HPLC method with potential for high automated throughput has been developed for the quantitative analysis of polymeric procyanidins (tannins) in grape seed extracts. Chromatography gave rise to 13 distinct UV-absorbing peaks with good baseline separation. The UV-absorbing peak eluting last is distinct and therefore easily quantified. Biochemical analyses including ultrafiltration, protein precipitation, and Sephadex LH20 chromatography combined with electrospray mass spectrometric analyses establish that this peak predominantly contains polymeric procyanidins. The polymers, which appear to be galloylated to various degrees and seem to fragment in a characteristic manner during electrospray mass spectrometry, are well separated from catechins and procyanidin oligomers of up to 4 units. The recovery of polymeric grape seed tannins with this HPLC method was 86%, which is similar to the 89% recovery achieved with commercial quebracho tannins. The concentration of tannins in seeds from ripe Vitis vinifera cv. Shiraz grapes ranged from 1360 to 2830 mg/kg of berries.

Mosquito allergy: recombinant mosquito salivary antigens for new diagnostic tests

In patients with mosquito allergy, lack of a readily available, sensitive, specific, safe test is the major obstacle to accurate diagnosis. Three recombinant mosquito salivary antigens, rAed a 1 (68 kD), rAed a 2 (37 kD) and rAed a 3 (30 kD), from Aedes aegypti have been cloned, expressed, purified and characterized. All three recombinant antigens are shared by Aedes vexans and other mosquito species, and all have been found to have biologic activity in humans. In recent studies, 43% of 28 mosquito bite test-positive subjects had a positive skin test to rAed a 1, 11% to rAed a 2 and 32% to rAed a 3. The sizes of the skin test reactions to the recombinant antigens correlated with the sizes of the A. aegypti bite test reactions. None of 15 A. aegypti bite test-negative subjects had a positive skin test to any of the recombinant antigens. Recombinant mosquito salivary antigens will facilitate the diagnosis of mosquito allergy.

CpG oligodeoxynucleotide vaccination suppresses IgE induction but may fail to down-regulate ongoing IgE responses in mice

Antigen-specific IgE plays an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic disorders. Immunostimulatory CpG motifs (CpG) in bacterial DNA or synthesized oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) are gaining recognition as potential immunomodulators for switching on protectiveT(h)1-mediated immunity and preventing or potentially inhibiting T(h)2-dependent allergic responses. To date, allergic models used in CpG ODN studies have been established by immunization of mice with allergen in the presence of adjuvant. This, in addition to failure to assess specific IgE production in most of the studies, has limited understanding of the role of CpG ODN vaccination in allergic responses. Here, we examine the effects of synthesized CpG ODN on both developing and ongoing IgE responses in mice sensitized using a recombinant mosquito salivary antigen (rAed a 2) without adjuvant. Pretreatment of mice with CpG ODN mixed with rAed a 2 successfully inhibited subsequent induction of serum rAed a 2-specific IgE (but not IgG1) and antigen-induced IL-4 and IL-5 production in spleen cells. This was associated with an increase of serum IgG2a and IL-12, and increased IFN-gamma and IL-12 production by spleen cells. In this model, however, co-administration of CpG ODN with rAed a 2 to presensitized mice failed to down-regulate ongoing IgE responses despite significant up-regulation of serum IL-12 and specific IgG2a. Strikingly, a transient skin delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction occurred in CpG ODN-treated mice. These observations provide a new insight into the potential therapeutic application of CpG ODN to allergic disorders.

Construction and in vitro expression of Streptococcus mutans surface protein encoding DNA vaccine

DNA vaccine plasmids were constructed that encoded two highly-conservative regions of a surface protein, PAc, from the human major cariogenic bacterium, Streptococcus mutans. Antigen expression was evaluated in vitro by immunohistochemical analysis of human endothelial cells following cationic liposome-mediated transient transfection with recombinant plasmid. The results of this study provided a basis for further testing of these recombinant plasmids in primates and for efficacy testing of dental caries DNA vaccines in human volunteers in future.

Apoptosis and Fas system are significantly involved in the process of liver cirrhosis converting into hepatocellular carcinoma

To investigate the roles of apoptosis and the Fas system (Fas, Fas ligand, soluble Fas) in the process of liver cirrhosis (LC) converting into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), expression of Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) in 49 LC and 36 HCC samples was detected by immunohistochemical method. Apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) method. Serum soluble Fas (sFas) levels in 28 cases of LC and 27 cases of HCC were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Compared with LC, apoptotic indices (AI) in HCC tissues were significantly reduced (P < 0.001), expression of Fas was decreased (P < 0.05), and that of FasL was increased (P < 0.05). Serum sFas levels in HCC patients were significantly higher than those in normal controls. Down-regulation of Fas expression, up-regulation of FasL expression in hepatocytes and elevation of sFas level in serum might contribute to tumor escape from immune surveillance of the body. Apoptosis and the Fas system are significantly involved in the process of liver cirrhosis converting into hepatocellular carcinoma.

Integration of cytogenetic landmarks into the draft sequence of the human genome

We have placed 7,600 cytogenetically defined landmarks on the draft sequence of the human genome to help with the characterization of genes altered by gross chromosomal aberrations that cause human disease. The landmarks are large-insert clones mapped to chromosome bands by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Each clone contains a sequence tag that is positioned on the genomic sequence. This genome-wide set of sequence-anchored clones allows structural and functional analyses of the genome. This resource represents the first comprehensive integration of cytogenetic, radiation hybrid, linkage and sequence maps of the human genome; provides an independent validation of the sequence map and framework for contig order and orientation; surveys the genome for large-scale duplications, which are likely to require special attention during sequence assembly; and allows a stringent assessment of sequence differences between the dark and light bands of chromosomes. It also provides insight into large-scale chromatin structure and the evolution of chromosomes and gene families and will accelerate our understanding of the molecular bases of human disease and cancer.

[The effect of polylactide screws on fracture healing]

This experiment aimed at investigating the effect of a kind of home-bred poly-DL-lactide screws on fracture healing. An operation was performed so as to make bilateral lateral condylar fractures of the femur in 8 dogs. The left sides were fixed with 2 home-bred PDLLA(Mv = 43 x 10(4)) screws, and the contralateral sides were fixed with 2 metalic screws to be used as controls. The animals were sacrificed at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery. Optic microscopy and SEM photography were done. The results of optic microscopy showed that fibrous callus formed already in both groups by 2 weeks after surgery, and bilateral fractures united uneventfully by 12 weeks. Although the course of fracture healing in experimental group was slower than that in control group, the osteogenesis in experimental group appeared to be normal. The SEM examination demonstrated that collagenous fibers arranged regularly and calcified normally in both groups at 12 weeks. And many square and rhomboid granules produced from the degradation of PDLLA material were found in experimental group at 12 weeks. Therefore, it is suggested that this kind of home-bred PDLLA screws should be applicable to fractures where the tissues are rich in blood supply.

Non-penetrating chest blows and sudden death in the young

Sudden death in the young after low energy anterior chest wall impact is an under-recognised phenomenon in this country. Review of the literature yields several American references to commotio cordis, mainly in the context of sporting events. Two cases are reported of sudden death in young men as a result of blunt impact anterior chest wall trauma. It is suggested that these cases draw attention to a lethal condition of which many practitioners are unaware.

Molecular regulation of constitutive expression of interleukin-8 in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Recent studies have shown that interleukin-8 (IL-8) plays an important role in the growth and metastasis of human pancreatic cancer. In the present study, we determined the molecular regulation of constitutive IL-8 expression in human pancreatic cancer cells. Various human pancreatic cancer cell lines were incubated in vitro. Sixty-seven percent of the cell lines constitutively secreted high levels of IL-8, as determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Consistently, these cells constitutively expressed high levels of IL-8 mRNA, as determined using Northern blot analysis. To determine the mechanisms of the high steady-state levels of IL-8 mRNA, the IL-8 half-life and transcription rate were measured. There was no significant difference in IL-8 half-life between cells expressing high and low levels of IL-8. However, higher transcription rates and increased IL-8 promoter activity were observed in the cells constitutively expressing high levels of IL-8. Detailed IL-8 promoter analysis using deletion mutation revealed that the region from -85 to -133 bp was essential for the constitutive IL-8 promoter activity. Also, point-mutation analysis indicated that mutation of NF-kappaB, AP-1, or NF-IL-6 binding sites significantly reduced or eliminated the constitutive IL-8 promoter activity. Consistent with the constitutive IL-8 transcription activity, high levels of constitutive NF-kappaB and AP-1 activity were detected in the cells overexpressing IL-8, as determined using electrophoretic mobility shift assay. In addition, transfection of a dominant-negative I-kappaBalpha expression vector (I-kappaBalphaM) inhibited constitutive NF-kappaB activity and IL-8 expression in pancreatic cancer cells. Collectively, our data demonstrated that constitutive NF-kappaB and AP-1 activation contributes to the overexpression of IL-8, which in turn plays an important role in tumor angiogenesis and contributes to the aggressive biology of human pancreatic cancer.

Analysis of diversity and genetic relationships between four Chinese indigenous pig breeds and one Australian commercial pig breed

The genetic diversities and relationships of four Chinese indigenous pig breeds and one Australian commercial pig breed have been evaluated using 27 microsatellites recommended by the International Society of Animal Genetics (ISAG) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The allele frequencies, effective numbers of alleles and the polymorphic information content have been calculated. Nei's standard genetic distances have been used to construct a UPGMA dendrogram, which has been evaluated by the Bootstrap test. The utility of microsatellites for evaluating genetic diversity of pigs is discussed.

Progress in the molecular genetic research of multinodular goiter

Multinodular goiter is a worldwide-distributed disease, but yet its pathology and genetic etiology are not clear. At present, most researches have been restrained to traditional epidemiological survey and the disease has been rarely studied at the level of molecular genetics. The pathogenesis of multinodular goiter, as is generally accepted by most researchers, can be attributed to many factors such as hormones, growth factors and the inherent functional heterogeneity of thyroid follicles. Since hormone and iodine metabolization are widely recognized as a major mechanism in determining the formation of multinodular goiter, some reports in literature are mainly focused on such genes that are responsible for hormone synthesis and iodine metabolization. Mapping experimental data were available to support location of multinodular goiter gene(s) onto chromosome 14q by whole genome scanning in a large pedigree analysis. Additional data, particularly those extracted from large scaled marker-assisted mapping experiments, are important so as to confirm the gene location, to improve resolution of the location, and finally to dissect the genes underlying the disease at molecular level.

[An evaluation of adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence assay for tumor in vitro chemosensitivity testing]

This study was aimed at the feasibility of using ATP-bioluminescence assay for tumor in vitro chemosensitivity testing. With the use of this assay, the authors determined dose-response curve in mouse fibroma cell line L929 treated with chemotherapeutic agents, and investigated the different in vitro responses of 6 ovarian carcinomas (5 from fresh tumor tissues, 1 from ascites) treated with etopside, cis-plating, 5-fluorouracil and adriamycin. The results showed that the coefficients of variation for triplicate assays ranged from 1.2% to 15.8% which means high reproducibility of the assay. The single cell suspension (including < 30 cells clusters) could be separated from tissue fragments by means of enzyme cocktail (collagenase, Dnase, pronase). The viable cells were over 90%. This study demonstrates that ATP-bioluminescence assay is a sensitive, reliable and efficient method for tumor chemosensitivity testing. In this connection, the correlation between in vitro drug sensitivity and in vivo patient response is worth further studying.

Efficient combinatorial filtering for desired molecular properties of reaction products

Two combinatorial filtering methods for efficiently selecting reaction products with desired properties are presented. The first, "direct reactants" method is applicable only to those molecular properties that are strictly additive or approximately additive, with relatively small interference between neighboring fragments. This method uses only the molecular properties of reactants. The second, "basis products" method can be used to filter not only the strictly additive properties but also the approximately additive molecular properties where a certain degree of mutual influence occurs between neighboring fragments. This method requires the molecular properties of the "basis products," which are the products formed by combining all the reactants for a given reaction component with the simplest set of complementary reactant partners. There is a one-to-one correspondence between the reactants and the "basis products." The latter is a product representation of the former. High efficiency of both methods is enhanced further by a tree-sorting and hierarchical selection algorithm, which is performed on the reaction components in a limited space determined systematically from the filtering criteria. The methods are illustrated with product logPs, van der Waals volumes, solvent accessible surface areas, and other product properties. Good results are obtained when filtering for a number of important molecular properties in a virtual library of 1.5 billion.

[The effect of intraperitoneal chemotherapy on retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis of ovarian cancer]

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of intraperitoneal chemotherapy(repeated injections of cisplatin in small doses during a short time) on retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis of ovarian cancer. Thirty patients with ovarian cancer were selected and divided into two groups. The patients in the first group received intraperitoneal chemotherapy only once (48 hours before operation); the patients in the second group received intraperitoneal chemotherapy twice (96 hours and 48 hours before operation). After the intraperitoneal chemotherapy, according to the predicted time, the Pt concentrations of the tissues were measured by flameless atomic absorption spectrometry; the pathologic examinations of the lymph nodes were carried out. The results showed that the drug concentrations of the aortic, obturator and iliac lymph nodes of the first group were not significantly different, neither were the drug concentrations of the lymph nodes of the second group. The drug concentrations of the lymph nodes of the first and the second groups were 2.06 and 1.91 times that of the surrounding tissues respectively. Also, the drug concentrations of peritoneum of the first and the second groups were 4.14 and 2.50 times that of the lymph nodes. The drug concentrations of the iliac, obturator and aortic lymph nodes of the second group were 2.27, 2.75 and 2.54 times that of the first group (P < 0.005). Under light microscope, the metastatic cancer tissues in lymph nodes showed liquefaction necrosis in the second group. The results indicate that small doses of cisplatin given by repeated injections during a short time can lead to drug accumulation and consequently high efficacy with low toxicity, suggesting that this method may be used for the treatment of lymphatic metastasis of ovarian cancer.

[The effect of pentoxifylline on endotoxin-induced biopterin formation in rabbits]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the potential effect of pentoxifylline on endotoxin-mediated biopterin (tetrahydrobiopterin and more oxidized species) formation and systemic hemodynamics.

METHODS

Rabbits were subjected to endotoxic shock induced by a bolus intravenous injection of E. coli O26B6 lipopolysaccharide (400 microg/kg). 28 animals were divided into sham-operation group (n = 8), endotoxic shock group (n = 10), and pentoxifylline-treated group (n = 10). Plasma biopterin and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) levels, and guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase I (GTP-CHI) activity in tissues were determined at various intervals.

RESULTS

Treatment with pentoxifylline significantly decreased plasma biopterin and TNF levels at 2 to 8 hours after endotoxin challenge (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), and inhibited GTP-CHI activities in the liver, lung, and myocardial tissues (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, systemic hemodynamic parameters, including mean arterial pressure, cardiac output, and total peripheral resistance, in the treatment group were much higher than those in the endotoxic shock group.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that early treatment with pentoxifylline can effectively inhibit endotoxin-induced biopterin synthesis and release, and markedly improve systemic hemodynamics during septic shock.

[An adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence assay for detecting the number of living cells]

The method for detecting the number of living cells was studied. Using an adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence assay, the present authors reported a perfect linear relationship between lg ATP concentrations and lg luminescence counts (r = 0.9963) as well as a relationship between lg number of cells and lg ATP luminescence counts (r = 0.9922). The detectable cells ranged from 10(2) to 10(6) cells/ml, the coefficients of variation 1-3%. This method is simple, accurate and sensitive and has a high reproducibility.

[Study on the carcinogenic mechanism of human papillomavirus typel6 E7 protein in cervical carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relationship between HPVl6 E7-Rb protein binding (Rb protein was dissociated from pRb-E2F-l complex) and the occurrence of cervical carcinoma.

METHODS

HPV16 DNA infection rate was tested in cervical carcinoma and normal cervical tissues by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Then using Western blot analysis to find the presence HPVl6E7 protein and pRb-E2F-1 complex in HPV16 DNA positive cervical carcinoma tissues. The normal cervical tissues were used as control.

RESULTS

Out of 67 samples with cervical carcinomas, 34 samples were HPV16 DNA positive (50.7%), no HPVl6 DNA were detected in 10 samples of normal cervical tissues. In cervical carcinoma tissues, the HPV16E7-pRb complex, the free E2F-1 were detected by Western blot, but no complex of pRb-E2F-l was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results seem to suggest that HPV 16 E7 protein could interact with pRb through separating the complex of pRb-E2F-1, release free E2F- 1, resulted in disordered cell cycle and cell malignant transformation.

[Relationship between vulvar dystrophy, malignant tumor and the estrogen progestin receptor]

In order to investigate the relationship between vulvar dystrophy, malignant tumor, and estrogen, progestin receptor, we made an analysis on estrogen and progestin receptor (ER, PR) contents in 31 cases of vulvar dystrophy and 19 cases of malignant tumor, using the dextran-coated charcoal method. The Results showed that ER content of the mixed type was higher than that of the atrophic type. PR content of the mixed type was higher than that of the hyperplastic type; and the PR content of the hyperplastic type was higher than that of the atrophic type. The relationship between ER and PR contents of the vulvar dystrophy and adjacent normal tissue was in positive correlation. The PR content of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma went down along with the drop of its dedifferentiation degree. The PR content of carcinoma was much lower than that of the adjacent normal tissue. The results of suggest that the study provided theoretic basis for endocrinotherapy of the vulvar dystrophy, PR in malignant tumor is regarded as one of the indexes to predict prognosis.

[Expression of mismatch repair gene hMSH2 in human malignant ovarian tumors and its clinical significance]

OBJECTIVES

To study the expression of hMSH2 gene in human malignant ovarian tumor and its relationship to clinicopathological characteristics.

METHODS

The expression of hMSH2 gene in 42 patients with malignant ovarian tumor was detected by immunohistochemistry streptomycin peroxidel method using monoclonal antibody to hMSH2 protein.

RESULTS

hMSH2 expression was observed in the 26 of 42 malignant ovarian tumors (62%), more frequently present in serous and mucinous adenocarcinoma (80%, 80%) than in endometrioid adenocarcinoma and malignant germinal tumors (1/6, 1/6) (P < 0.05). It was significantly higher in high grade than in low grade (P < 0.05), and the reduced expression of hMSH2 was also significantly more often in lymphnodes metastasized cases. Statistical analysis indicated that hMSH2 expression wasn't related to the stage of the tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the abnormal expression of hMSH2 might be involved in the carcinogenesis process and progression of malignant tumor, and that the loss of the hMSH2 protein expression might be a useful predictor of early diagnosis and prognosis of malignant ovarian tumor.

Interferon-gamma-responsive neuronal sites in the normal rat brain: receptor protein distribution and cell activation revealed by Fos induction

Constitutive expression of the interferon-gamma receptor protein (IFN-gammaR), and the distribution of cells in which Fos, a marker of cell activation, is induced by intracerebroventricular administration of IFN-gamma, were studied in the rat brain by immunohistochemistry. IFN-gammaR immunopositivity was found in neuronal elements, which exhibited a selective distribution being concentrated in the piriform and entorhinal cortex, midline thalamus and medial hypothalamic structures, brainstem nociceptive relays (including the periaqueductal gray, the parabrachial nuclei and the caudal part of the spinal trigeminal nuclei), and circumventricular organs such as the median eminence and area postrema. IFN-gamma-induced Fos expression mostly corresponded to neuronal sites of receptor distribution. Because of its topographical distribution, it is suggested that activation of the IFN-gammaR in neurons may play a role to limit spread of infections in the brain and, in concert with other proinflammatory cytokines, to modulate adaptive responses to an antigen challenge mediated by the central nervous system.

[Gamma knife treatment of meningiomas]

From October 1995 to July 1997, 52 cases of meningioma were treated with gamma knife radiosurgery. Twenty-eight cases were followed up by CT or MR. The follow-up period was from 2 to 22 months. Follow-up imaging evaluation showed tumor size shrinkage in 8 cases, central density decrease in 10 cases, no change in 8 cases and tumor volume increase in 2 cases. The actual 1-year tumor growth control rate was 92%. Radiation-induced edema was noted in 9 cases, including 7 cases of the nonbasal tumor and 2 cases of basal one. The indications and efficacy of gamma knife treatment of the meningioma were discussed. Our preliminary experience suggests that gamma knife is an effective and safe technique for carefully selected patients with meningiomas.

Hierarchical unfolding of the alpha-lactalbumin molten globule: presence of a compact intermediate without a unique tertiary fold

The difference between the framework model and the hydrophobic collapse model of protein folding largely rests on whether a secondary-structure framework can exist independently of native tertiary interactions. Here, we used circular dichroism and disulfide exchange experiments to examine the unfolding mechanism of alpha-LA(alpha), a two- disulfide variant of human alpha-lactalbumin (alpha-LA) that adopts a molten globule conformation under near physiological conditions. Our results show that as the concentration of denaturant increases, the alpha-LA molten globule first loses its ability to form a specific, native-like tertiary fold. Subsequently, at a higher denaturant concentration, the protein loses its secondary structure and adopts an extended conformation. A compact, non-native disulfide bond isomer, which does not form significantly under both native and strongly denaturing conditions, was found to be moderately populated in approximately 2 M guanidine hydrochloride (GuHCl). Qualitatively the same result was also obtained in urea. These results suggest that formation of secondary structure is a necessary, but not sufficient condition for formation of the native-like tertiary fold and support a hierarchical model of protein folding.

Cloning and overexpression of a tyrosinase gene mel from Pseudomonas maltophila

The tyrosinase gene (mel), which is responsible for melanin formation, was isolated by shotgun cloning of SalI fragments of Pseudomonas maltophila DNA. A 0.7-kb SalI fragment in the recombinant plasmid pWSY8 imparted the ability to synthesize melanin to an Escherichia coli host HB101. The nucleotide sequence of this DNA fragment revealed an open reading frame of 504 bp, encoding a protein of 169 amino acids. The fragment containing the mel gene was then cloned into an expression plasmid pPAS1 under the control of a promoter isolated from the host, P. maltophilia AT18. This strain increased the melanin production by 70.6% compared with the strain HB101/pWSY8, in which the cloned mel gene was under the control of the lac promoter from the vector pUC18.

[Production and some properties of a thermophilic protease from Bacillus stearothermophilus WF146]

The factors affecting Bacillus stearothermophilus WF146 for thermophilic protease producing have been investigated, more than 600 units of enzyme in 1 mL of fermented culture could be achieved under suitable condition. The protease had a molecular weight around 34 kD estimated by SDS-PAGE, and functioned optimally at pH 8.0 and 80 degrees C, respectively. In addition, the enzyme exhibited high temperature tolerance and was stable at a wide range of pH, and Ca2+ played a key role for the stability of the enzyme. While the protease activity of the enzyme was strongly inhibited by PMSF, DFP and IAA, and was not affected by DTT.

[Study of estrogen and progesterone receptors in endometrial carcinoma]

This study was conducted to immunohistochemical and biochemical measurements of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) in endometrial carcinoma and elucidate the relationship between ER/PR contents and the clinico-pathologic features. Specific monoclonal antibodies to human ER and PR were used and the immunohistochemical (IHC) assay was performed on 36 specimens of endometrial carcinomas. Twenty-eight out of 36 specimens' ER and PR contents were also measured by dextran-coated charcoal analysis (DCC). ER and PR positive rates were 44.4% and 52.8% by IHC, and 50% and 57.1% by DCC, respectively. The two methods correlated significantly, the correlation coefficient between DCC and IHC being 0.565 for ER and 0.563 for PR (P < 0.05). ER and PR contents were much lower in grade 3 than in grades 1 and 2 endometrial carcinomas (P < 0.01). The authors conclude that the levels of ER and PR are associated with the differentiation of endometrial carcinoma. The immunohistochemical and biochemical methods correlate well. A combination of the two methods may be more useful in predicting the prognosis and choosing the treatment.

[Induction of apoptosis in ovarian carcinoma cells by HSP70 antisense oligodeoxynucleotides]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of HSP70 in the proliferation and survival of ovarian carcinoma cells by inhibiting HSP70 expression with HSP70 antisense oligomer.

METHODS

Morphological changes of apoptotic cells were investigated by light microscopy. DNA fragmentation was analysed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Kinetics of induction of apoptosis and cell cycle were analysed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The HSP70 antisense oligomer treated ovarian carcinoma cells showed apparent inhibition of proliferation and characteristic morphological changes of apoptosis. Also, a ladder-like pattern of DNA fragments was demonstrated on agarose gel electrophoresis. HSP70 antisense-oligomer induced apoptosis of ovarian carcinoma cells mainly in G(1)/S phase in 8.3% to 41% at 1 to 20micromol/L. The apoptosis-inducting effect of HSP70 antisense oligomer was in a dose- and time-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

HSP70 antisense oligomer could not only inhibit the proliferation but also induce the apoptosis in ovarian carcinoma cells.

[Clinical observation of tiaojining recipe in combination with corticosterone in infantile primary nephrotic syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of Tiaojining recipe (TJNR) combined with corticosterone (CS) in treating infantile primary nephrotic syndrome (IPNS).

METHODS

Sixty inpatients with IPNS were divided into two groups, which consisted of 30 cases as the treated group treated by TJNR combined with CS and 30 cases of the control group were treated by CS alone for 8 weeks. The changes of urinary protein, serum albumin, blood cholesterol, platelet and blood pressure before and after treatment were observed.

RESULTS

The total effective rate of the treated group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.01). The times for urinary protein disappearance of the treated group was significantly shorter than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group. TINR could prevent hypertension, lower lipidemia and platelets (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

TJNR could enhance the curative effects of CS on IPNS and reduce the side-effects of CS safely and effectively.

[A study on the epidemiology and preventive measure on epidemic haemorrhage fever in army barrack area in Shandong]

OBJECTIVE

In order to guide the army and civilians to carry out the prevention on epidemic haemorrhage fever (EHF), it's necessary to elucidate the epidemic feature of natural epidemic foci and the risk factors of EHF in the army - stationed areas.

METHODS

Samples were tested by pathogenic and serologic means before data was collected and analyzed by case - control or family - control studies.

RESULTS

Cases belong to house - mouse type (91.48%), field - mouse type (7.21%) and unclassified (1.31%) coexist in the stationed area. In the two types of noticed cases, no significant difference in distributions of sex, profession and ages. Most house - mouse type cases occurred in the peak time from March to June and field - mouse type in November to next February. The type of EHF virus antigen of mice and the type of serum were both accordant with their host types. Dwelling in border area, living rooms with mice, dogs raising, injury of mouth tissue, eating food contaminated by mice, and household with mice living around were more frequently seen in cases themselves and in families of the cases than in controls of both groups (P < 0.05). The mice intensity could be under control to 1.0%, if comprehensive measure on mice control can be implemented.

CONCLUSIONS

The stationed area is an epidemic area mixed with both house - mouse and field - mouse types, with majority of house - mouse type. It was house - mouse type virus infection that caused the epidemic area expanded and the number of cases increased radically these years. EHF was epidemic in spring and summer season in the stationed area mainly because the infections were among family members. Food contaminated by mice or close contact with mice played an important role. Mice eradication and prevention were the leading measures to prevent EHF, from our more than ten years of experiences.

Selective estrogenic effects of a novel triphenylethylene compound, FC1271a, on bone, cholesterol level, and reproductive tissues in intact and ovariectomized rats

FC1271a is a novel triphenylethylene compound with a tissue-selective profile of estrogen agonistic and weak antagonistic effects. It specifically binds to the estrogen receptor alpha and beta with affinity closely similar to that of toremifene and tamoxifen. To study the in vivo effects of the compound, 4-month-old rats were sham operated (sham) or ovariectomized (OVX) and treated daily for 4 weeks with various doses of FC1271a or vehicle (orally). FC1271a was able to oppose OVX-induced bone loss by maintaining the trabecular bone volume of the distal femur. Accordingly, the OVX-induced loss of bone strength was prevented at doses of 1 and 10 mg/kg. FC1271a also prevented the OVX-induced increase in serum cholesterol in a dose-dependent manner. No significant changes in uterine wet weight or morphology were observed in the OVX-rats treated with 0.1 or 1 mg/kg FC1271a, but at a dose of 10 mg/kg it had a slightly estrogenic effect. In immature rats the effect of FC1271a on uterine wet weight was less stimulatory than that of toremifene or tamoxifen, but more stimulatory than that of raloxifene or droloxifene. The appearance of the dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary tumors was inhibited by treatment of DMBA-treated rats with FC1271a in a dose-dependent manner. In human MCF-7 breast cancer cell tumors raised in nude mice in the presence of estrogen, the growth and expression of pS2 marker gene could not be maintained after estrogen withdrawal by treatment with FC1271a. No formation of DNA adducts was observed in the liver of the FC1271a-treated rats. In conclusion, the bone-sparing, antitumor, and cholesterol-lowering effects of FC1271a combined with a low uterotropic activity and lack of liver toxicity indicate that FC1271a could be an important alternative in planning antiosteoporosis therapy for estrogen deficiency.

[Comparative study of HLA-DRB1 allele in patients with chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma]

OBJECTIVE

To make a comparative study of HLA-DRB1 allele frequencies in the cases of chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma.

METHODS

The authors investigated 74 patients with chronic bronchitis and 64 patients with bronchial asthma from among the Han people in Shanxi province. PCR/SSP technique was used for HLA-DRB1 typing, and the patients' data were compared with the normal controls'.

RESULTS

The frequency of HLA-DRB1*1201/1202(24.32%) was significantly increased in the chronic bronchitis group(P<0.01),and the frequency of HLA-DRB1*1501/1502(23.44%) was significantly increased in the bronchial asthma group(P<0.05). The frequencies of other DRB1 alleles were not significantly increased in these groups.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that HLA-DRB1*1201/1202 allele is associated with chronic bronchitis and HLA-DRB1*1501/1502 allele is associated with bronchial asthma in the patients among the Hans in Shanxi province.

[The relationship between angiogenesis and p53 overexpression in endometrioid adenocarcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relationship between angiogenesis and p53 overexpression and explore the relationship between angiogenesis and clinicopathologic features in endometrioid adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

Angiogenesis was evaluated by intratumoral microvessel density (IMD). Eighty-five endometrioid adenocarcinomas' IMD were identified by immunohistochemical staining of endothelial cells for factor VIII-related antigen, and the expression of p53 protein was stained with the same method by it's monoclone antibody.

RESULTS

(1) The positive rate of p53 expression in endometrioid adenocarcinoma was 50.6%. The positive rate in stage III-IV (69.2%) was higher than that in stage I-II(42.4%) (P < 0.05). (2) IMD was higher in stage III-IV (13.27 +/- 6.14) than that in stage I-II (8.31 +/- 4.78) (P < 0.01). IMD in G1, G2 and G3 was 8.95 +/- 5.51, 9.28 +/- 4.87 and 14.73 +/- 7.66, respectively (P < 0.05). In groups of non-myoinvasion, < 1/2 myoinvasion and > or = 1/2 myoinvasion, IMD was 8.45 +/- 5.53, 8.95 +/- 4.99 and 11.96 +/- 6.39, respectively (P < 0.05). (3) In negative, weakly positive and strong positive groups of p53 overexpression, IMD was 5.52 +/- 2.11, 11.75 +/- 4.18 and 16.00 +/- 4.63, respectively (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Angiogenesis tightly correlated with clinicopathologic factors, such as stage, grade and myoinvasion, is promoted by p53 overexpression in endometrioid adenocarcinoma. It can be concluded that angiogenesis may act as a predictor of prognosis of endometrioid adenocarcinoma.

Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to two new mosquito Aedes aegypti salivary proteins

Mosquito salivary proteins, which are fundamental to the process of blood feeding, also facilitate disease transmission and cause allergic reactions. The identification and characterisation of these proteins have been hampered by the difficulty of obtaining them in purified form. In this report, we describe the production of mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against mosquito salivary proteins. BALB/c mice were immunised with Aedes aegypti saliva proteins. Hybridomas were produced by fusion of spleen cells with a mouse myeloma cell line. Positive clones were selected using a saliva-capture ELISA and further identified using immunoblotting. Three mAbs reacted with a 44 kDa protein (Aed a X1) in the saliva-immunoblotting, and did not react with 2 recombinant salivary proteins, rAed a 1 (apyrase) and rAed a 2 (D7), in both immunoblotting and ELISA. Two other mAbs reacted with a 37 kDa protein in saliva-immunoblotting, but failed to react with the 37 kDa rAed a 2 in either immunoblotting or ELISA, suggesting that there is a second 37 kDa protein (Aed a X2) which is recognised by the two mAbs. The 44 kDa and 37 kDa proteins have not been previously identified. These mAbs provide a means to purify proteins, to isolate new genes from the salivary gland cDNA library, and to standardise mosquito extracts, facilitating studies of disease transmission by mosquitoes and of mosquito allergy.

Induction of IgE responses using a recombinant mosquito salivary allergen rAed a 2 without adjuvant in mice

BACKGROUND

Reactions to mosquito bites are a global problem. Several salivary proteins from Aedes (Ae.) aegypti, the most common mosquito species, have been cloned and expressed. Plasmid DNA vaccination has been shown to be effective in the downregulation of IgE responses. To investigate the in vivo antigenicity of these recombinant proteins and to study the mechanisms underlying plasmid DNA vaccination, a mouse model sensitized with a recombinant antigen has been developed.

METHODS

BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice were injected intradermally with a 37-kD recombinant Ae. aegypti salivary allergen (rAed a 2) in the absence of adjuvant twice weekly for 8 weeks and then challenged twice with rAed a 2 at weeks 10 and 12. Serum rAed a 2-specific IgE, IgG1 and IgG2a were measured by ELISA. Intradermal tests were performed every 4 weeks. The binding capacity of rAed a 2-specific IgE to the native Aed a 2 was examined by immunoblotting.

RESULTS

In both strains, sensitization with rAed a 2 induced a significant increase in IgE and IgG1, but not IgG2a. In all sensitized mice, a positive immediate skin reaction was apparent, while delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions were not observed. BALB/c mice produced significantly higher levels of IgE and IgG1 and larger wheals than C57BL/6 mice. The IgE antibodies elicited by rAed a 2 bound to not only rAed a 2 but also its natural form in mosquito saliva.

CONCLUSION

(1) Repeated injections of rAed a 2 without adjuvant induce predominant Th2-type responses in mice. (2) BALB/c mice are better responders for IgE production than C57BL/6 mice. (3) rAed a 2 has identical allergenicity to its natural form.

[The contrast between chemotherapy via pelvic retroperitoneal cannulation and intraperitoneal chemotherapy in gynecological malignancies cancers with lymph node metastases]

OBJECTIVE

To contrast the pelvic retroperitoneal (RP) chemotherapy with intraperitoneal (i.p.) chemotherapy in gynecological malignancies with lymph node metastases.

METHODS

Fluorouracil (5-FU) was repeatedly injected into the pelvic retroperitoneal space of 43 patients and the abdominal cavity of 11 patients. High performance liquid chromatography was used to determine the drug concentration of 5-FU. 5-FU was repeatedly injected into the pelvic retroperitoneal space of 16 patients via cannulation to observe the nodal 5-FU concentration of injected side and the control side. 99mTc-Sb2S3, Isovist-300 were injected into the pelvic retroperitoneal space of two groups (each one has 3 patients) respectively via cannulation. Single proton emission computer tomography (SPECT) and X-Ray film were taken to observe the allocation of the drugs.

RESULTS

(1) Pelvic and periaortic nodal 5-FU concentrations of RP were 60-106 and 76-119 times of that of i.p. respectively. (2) The nodal 5-FU concentrations on repeated injection side were 16-20 times of that on control sides of RP. (3) There was no complications or adverse effect observed. (4) 5-FU was allocated to the space including the external iliac, internal iliac, obturator, deep inguinal and common iliac lymph nodes and also up to the periaortic lymph nodes.

CONCLUSION

RP was more effective than i.p. for the treatment of lymphatic metastasis of gynecologic cancer.

[Expression of heat shock protein (HSP70) in normal endometrium and endometrial carcinomas]

Expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in normal endometrium tissue and endometrial carcinoma was analyzed by the present authors to determine the relationship between HSP70 expression and the prognosis of endometrial carcinomas. The immunohistochemical reactivity of monoclonal antibodies against HSP70 was examined in 44 endometrial carcinomas and 40 normal endometria HSP70 respectively. HSP70 was expressed stronger in carcinomas than in normal. Expression of HSP70 was found in 56.82% of endometrial carcinomas and was well correlated with histological grade (P < 0.05). These results suggest that HSP70 may play a role in the prognosis of endometrial carcinomas.

[Phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate and interferon-gamma synergistic induction of B7-1 expression in ovary carcinoma cells and immunological value]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the therapeutic potential of phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate(PMA) and interferon-gamma(IFN-gamma) by induction of expression of adhesion molecule in mucious cystadenocarcinoma of ovary (MCAS) and other tumor cells.

METHODS

Expression of costimulatory signals(B7-1), major histocompatibility complex(MHC-I, MHC-II) was analysed with flow cytometry. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes(CTL) killing activity and T cell proliferation induced with expression of B7-1 were evaluated by 4-h 51Cr release assay and standard 3HTdR incorporation and scintitation counting.

RESULTS

Pretreatment with PMA and then treated with IFN-gamma was able to enhance B7-1 expression on the tumor cell lines with the constitutive B7-1 expression or on B7-1-transfected tumor cells and to induce B7-1 expression on MCAS and some tumor cell lines without constitutive B7-1 expression. However, treatment with IFN-gamma alone failed to induce B7-1 expression on the tumor cell lines. The synergistic effect of PMA combined with IFN-gamma in the induction of B7-1 expression can be anatagonised by H7 [1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methyl-Piperazine dihydrochloride]. In addition, treatment with PMA combined with IFN-gamma simultaneously induced or enhanced the expression of MHC class I/II on these tumor cell lines. The tumor cells treated by PMA combined with IFN-gamma were able to induce CTL killing activity and T cell proliferation, which is involved in the expression of B7-1.

CONCLUSIONS

The enhancement or induction of B7-1 expression by IFN-gamma may be dependent on the prior activation of protein kinase by PMA and the induced B7-1 expression on tumor cells may have some therapeutic potential.

[Microvessel count in normal cervical tissue and in cervical carcinomas]

This study was conducted to determine microvessel count(MVC) status in normal cervical tissue (NCT) and in cervical carcinomas (CCs). 15 cases of NCT and 80 cases of CCs were stained by immunohistochemical method for Factor VIII related antigen (F8RA). The results showed that the MVC in CCs was much higher than that in NCT and it was correlated with clinical stage, size of tumor and lymph node status (P < 0.05). Every time when MVC increased by 5 in number (LM x 200, field 0.739 mm2), the chance of lymph node metastasis increased by 1.61 times. There was no relationship between MVC and tumor grade. These suggested that MVC might be a useful early parameter in the diagnosis and prognosis of CCs.

[Effect of Angelica sinensis injection on CD11c and CD14 expression in alveolar macrophage membrane of chronic bronchitis patients]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of Angelica sinensis injection (ASI) in CD11c and CD14 expression in alveolar macrophage (AM) membrane of chronic bronchitis patients.

METHODS

AM from 10 chronic bronchitis patients (remmision stage) and 10 healthy subjects was obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage. After had cultured for 24 hours with ASI or/and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), CD11c and CD14 expression and intracellular calcium ion concentration in AM were analyzed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

CD11c and CD14 expression levels of patients' AM membrane (n = 10) were (39.17 +/- 5.56)% and (35.73 +/- 8.05)% respectively, which were significantly higher than those of the control [n = 10, (16.29 +/- 3.78)% and (15.26 +/- 5.96)%], P < 0.05. LPS could increase the elevation of CD11c expression of patients [(47.25 +/- 7.00)%, P < 0.05], while ASI could reduce the increment [LPS Plus ASI group (27.61 +/- 8.64)%, P < 0.05]. The basic calcium level of AM cytoplasma of patients was (189.47 +/- 23.69) nmol/L (n = 7), which was higher than that of healthy control (99.65 +/- 32.21) nmol/L (n = 6), P < 0.05. The intracellular calcium ion elevation in AM of patients could be induced by LPS, and ASI could inhibit the elevation. The calcium level in LPS group was (288.47 +/- 43.68) nmol/L, in ASI Plus LPS group, (236.68 +/- 28.60) nmol/L, P < 0.05.

CONCLUSIONS

ASI could reduce the CD11c expression in AM of chronic bronchitis patients by inhibiting LPS induced intracellular calcium ion elevation in AM, suggesting that ASI may inhibit non-specific inflammation of respiratory tract.

Alteration in the mechanical competence and structural properties in the femoral neck and vertebrae of ovariectomized rats

The structural and mechanical properties of bone in the femoral neck and various other sites were investigated in intact (INT), sham-operated (Sham), and ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Six weeks after operation, the maximal load and energy absorption of the femoral neck were significantly lower in the OVX than in the INT or Sham groups, being 73.2 +/- 1.4 (SE) N, 86.3 +/- 4.1 N, and 87.1 +/- 3.2 N, respectively (p < 0.01) for load. The total cross-sectional area of the femoral neck did not change after OVX, but the marrow cavity area was enlarged, leading to a reduced bone area (including both cortical and trabecular bone) (p < 0.01). Histomorphometric analysis showed that new bone formation could not be detected at the periosteum of the femoral neck below the femoral head, but at the endocortical surfaces the double tetracycline labeling revealed an increased mineral apposition rate (MAR) and bone formation rate (BFR) in OVX animals (p < 0.001). In contrast, MAR and BFR were significantly increased in both periosteal and endocortical surfaces of the tibia, humerus, and femoral shaft, thus preventing a decrease in cortical bone area. The maximal bending loads of the tibia and humerus were not different in the various groups of animals. The correlation coefficient between maximal load and bone area revealed positive relationships in the femoral neck (r = 0.54, p < 0.01), tibia (r = 0.46, p < 0.01), and humerus (r = 0.51, p < 0.01). Ovariectomy resulted in a decreased trabecular bone volume of lumbar vertebra VI (L6) decreased compressive loads of lumbar vertebrae I, III, and IV. These lumbar bone loads were positively related to their L6 bone area (L4/L6: r = 0.66, p < 0.001). Element analyses (energy dispersion spectrometer) from trabecular and cortical areas of bone showed some changes related to aging but not to OVX. These results indicate that ovariectomy influences the biomechanical properties of rat bone by changing structural properties rather than material ones.

[A pharmacokinetic study of teniposide in intraperitoneal chemotherapy of ovarian cancer]

The objectives of this study were to determine the characteristics of pharmacokinetics of teniposide (VM-26) instilled intraperitoneally with three dosages (100 mg, 150 mg and 200 mg) and to evaluate its toxicity. Twelve patients with ovarian cancer were divided into three groups: teniposide 100 mg i.p., 5 patients; teniposide 150 mg i.p., 5 patients; and teniposide 200 mg i.p., 2 patients. Samples of ascitic fluid, blood and urine were collected after administration of these drugs in 24 hours. Concentrations of teniposide were determined with high-performance liquid chromatographic procedure. The results showed that the data collected from peritoneum and plasma were found to conform to a two-compartment open model. The peak concentration (Cmax) and the area under the curves (AUC) in peritoneal cavity and plasma were dose-dependent. The ratios of Cmax and AUC between peritoneal fluid and plasma varied within 13.46 +/- 1.89 and 7.65 +/- 2.03 respectively. The elimination half-lives (T1/2 beta) in the peritoneum and plasma of teniposide were 5.28 +/- 0.95 and 6.64 +/- 2.73 hours respectively. The volume of peritoneal distribution and its clearance were lower than those of plasma (P < 0.001). The side effects were mild and were not dependent on drug dosage. The results suggest that teniposide as an intraperitoneal therapeutic agent offers some advantages in the treatment of ovarian cancer. The tumor tissues and peritoneal growths could be bathed in a high concentration of teniposide. Teniposide is safe, reasonable in intraperitoneal chemotherapy and shows prospects in the treatment of ovarian cancer.

[Surgical treatment of ovarian malignant tumors metastasized to the gastro-intestinal tract: a report of 131 cases]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the value and feasibility of surgical excision of gastro-intestinal metastatic tumors in patients with ovarian malignancy.

METHODS

The surgical and clinical data were retrospectively reviewed in 131 cases of ovarian malignant tumor with surgically excised gastrointestinal metastasis (> or = 2 cm in diameter).

RESULTS

Ovarian malignant tumor with gastro-intestinal metastasis accounted for 28.9% of the patients with primary ovarian malignancies in the same time period. Of the 131 cases, 126(93.9%) were in stage III and IV. The treatment was surgical excision combined with chemotherapy. Of the 141 operations, 83 (58.9%) were done by stripping of tumors on the gastro-intestinal wall and repair, 31(22.0%) received resection of the involved segment of the bowel with anastomosis, 27(19.2%) with colostomies. Postoperative complications occurred in 26.9% of the operated patients. The overall 2- and 5-year survival rate was 79.7% and 42.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Surgical excision of gastro-intestinal tumors metastasized from primary ovarion malignancies is feasible to achieve cytoreduction. Prognosis can be improved when combined with chemotherapy.

[A study of Bcl-2 expression in normal endometrium and endometrial carcinoma]

To make an initial inquiry into the correlation of development and prognosis with the expression of Bcl-2 protein in endometrial carcinoma, we detected the Bcl-2 protein expression in 40 normal and 60 malignant samples of the endometrium by means of an immunohistochemical technique. We observed that Bcl-2 expression varied with menstrual cycle, becoming stronger in proliferative phase and then declining in secretory phase. Bcl-2 expression in endometrial carcinoma was much weaker than that in normal endometrium, and Bcl-2 was particularly expressed in adenoacanthoma, papillary adenocarcinoma and simple adenocarcinoma. The higher grade and stage were, the stronger Bcl-2 expression was (P < 0.01). In 5 cases of endometrial carcinoma with hyperplastic endometrium, Bcl-2 expression of carcinoma was obviously weaker than that of hyperplastic endometrium. So we conclude that Bcl-2 overexpression may contribute to the formation of hyperplastic endometrium, that obvious reduction of Bcl-2 expression in endometrial carcinoma may promote apoptosis of cells, and that Bcl-2 over-expression may be associated with good prognosis.

[Apoptosis of ovarian carcinoma cell line induced by amiloride]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate induction of apoptosis and its possible mechanism in amiloride-treated ovarian carcinoma cell line.

METHODS

Morphological changes of apoptotic cells were investigated by light and fluorescence microscopy. DNA fragmentation was analysed by agarose gel electrophoresis. In addition, the number of hypodiploid cells (apoptotic cells) was quantitatively assessed by flow cytometry and intracellular pH was also analysed.

RESULTS

Amiloride-treated ovarian carcinoma cells showed morphological characteristics of apoptosis. A ladder-like pattern of DNA fragmentation was demonstrated on agarose gel electrophoresis. Amiloride at 0.01-5 mumol/L could induce apoptosis in 18.7%-61.6% of ovarian carcinoma cells. The apoptosis-inducing effect of amiloride was dose- and time-dependent. In addition, amiloride induced intracellular acidification in a subpopulation of the treated cells. Furthermore, these isolated acidified cells revealed chromatin condensation as well as DNA degradation with characteristics of apoptosis. There was good correlation between apoptotic cells and acidic cells.

CONCLUSION

Amiloride triggers apoptosis of ovarian carcinoma cells; intracellular acidification may be involved in the mechanism of apoptosis.

Particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and pulmonary function in never-smoking adults in Chongqing, China

Chongquing is one of the most polluted cities in China. To study the respiratory health effects of air pollution for this city, the authors monitored the ambient levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) in urban and suburban areas and performed pulmonary function testing on 1,075 adults 35 to 60 years of age who had never smoked and did not use coal stoves for cooking or heating. The mean concentration of SO2 in the urban areas (213 micrograms/m3) was twice as high as that in suburban areas (103 micrograms/m3). Mean PM2.5 levels were high in both urban (143 micrograms/m3) and suburban (139 micrograms/m3) areas. A generalized additive model was used to estimate the differences between the two areas in FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC%, with adjustment for potential confounding factors, including sex, age, height, education, passive smoking, and occupational exposures to dust, gas, or fumes. Estimated differences in FEV1 between the urban and suburban areas were 199 mL (SE = 50 mL) for men and 87 mL (SE = 30 mL) for women, both statistically significant. When the men and women were pooled, the estimated difference in FEV1 was 126 mL (SE = 27 mL). Similar trends were observed for FVC and FEV1/FVC%. After exclusion of 104 subjects with histories of occupational exposures to dust, gas, or fumes, the estimated difference was some-what smaller than that of the total samples. However, the effects on FEV1 and FEV1/FVC% remained significant for both men and women.

[Investigation of the Zeta reference values by Chinese-built Zetafuge and preliminary application]

We determined the Zeta sedimentation ratio (ZSR) for 326 normal subjects and 106 inpatients by Chinese-built Zetafuge. The mean ZSR for normal subjces was 52.5 +/- 5.05% and that for inpatients 68.52 +/- 5.54% (P < 0.001). ZSR can be determined by using directly the blood sample with the anticoagulant EDTA-K2; the determination is faster and requires less volume of blood sample; it is not affected by anemia and need not be corrected for age and sex. The results of ZSR are expressed in a new unit, %, not in mm/h. The reference value we established is: < or = 62%. We also discussed the problem of reproducibility, the speed of centrifuge, the height of blood, and compared this method with the westergren method. The agreement between the two methods is 86.6%.

Forensic medicine in China

Although China has a long history of forensic medicine, with the first standard text published in 1247, modern practices appeared only in the 1930s under Professor Lin Ji. After the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, there was a period of rapid development, which was later interrupted by the Cultural Revolution of 1966-1976. Today, China has about 10,000 experts in forensic medicine organized within the separate agencies of police, prosecutor's offices, courts, universities, and the Justice Ministry. Eight medical colleges, the Institute of Forensic Sciences of the Ministry of Justice in Shanghai which publishes the Journal of Forensic Medicine, and the Forensic Medicine Association of China which publishes the Chinese Journal of Forensic Medicine are key organizations.

Characterization of functional regions in the Schizosaccharomyces pombe mei3 developmental activator

The Schizosaccharomyces pombe mei3(+) gene is expressed only in diploid cells undergoing meiosis. Ectopic expression of mei3(+) in haploid cells causes meiotic catastrophe. Mei3 is an inhibitor of Ran1/Pat1 kinase and contains a nine-amino-acid motif, Mei3-RKDIII, that resembles two regions in the Ste11 substrate for Ran1/Pat1. Substitution of serine for Arg-81 within Mei3-RKDIII transforms the inhibitor into a substrate for Ran1/Pat1. Thus, it is likely that Mei3-RKDIII defines a pseudosubstrate sequence. In this study, we constructed a series of mei3 deletion mutations and assayed each for activity. This analysis indicates that the carboxy-terminal domain of Mei3 is sufficient for function in vivo. Alanine-scanning mutagenesis identifies critical residues within the inhibitory domain. Two mutations, SM1 and SM8, fail to cause meiotic catastrophe. The SM1 mutation contains alterations of amino acid residues in Mei3-RKDIII. Recombinant SM1 protein exhibits reduced ability to inhibit Ran1/Pat1 kinase in vitro and interacts inefficiently with the kinase in a two-hybrid assay. The SM8 protein binds to Ran1/Pat1 in a two-hybrid assay but fails to inhibit Ran1/Pat1 substrate phosphorylation in vitro. These findings provide evidence that Mei3-RKDIII defines a Ran1/Pat1-binding site that is necessary but not sufficient for inhibition of the kinase. Using fusions to green fluorescent protein, the cellular localization of Ran1 and Mei3 was examined in living cells. Ran1 is concentrated in the nucleus. Mei3 is also enriched in the nucleus and, consistent with the genetic and biochemical results, the inhibitory domain of Mei3 is sufficient for nuclear localization.