[Pulmonary hyalinizing granuloma: a case report and a review of the literature]

OBJECTIVE

To highlight the characteristics of pulmonary hyalinizing granuloma (PHG).

METHOD

One patient with PHG confirmed by pathological assessment was presented and relevant literatures were reviewed.

RESULTS

PHG is a rare disease characterized by multiple bilateral pulmonary nodules. Symptoms include cough, dyspnea, chest pain, hemoptysis, fever and fatigue. Histologically, the nodules consist of haphazard or whorled arrays of lamellar, keloid - like collagen. Evidence suggests that the nodules are the result of a chronic exaggerated immune response.

CONCLUSIONS

PHG should be considered in patients showing multiple bilateral pulmonary nodules. The clinical course of PHG in most patients is benign. At present, there is no effective therapy.

Auto-oxidized cholesterol sulfates are antagonistic ligands of liver X receptors: implications for the development and treatment of atherosclerosis

Liver X receptors (LXRs) are members of the nuclear receptor superfamily that are involved in regulation of cholesterol transport and metabolism. Expression of cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase, cholesteryl ester transfer protein and certain ATP-binding cassette transporters that are responsible for cholesterol efflux from cells is regulated by LXR and its ligands. In this report we show that 5alpha, 6alpha-epoxycholesterol-3-sulfate (ECHS) and 7-ketocholesterol-3-sulfate inhibit transactivation of a reporter gene by LXR. Non-sulfated forms of these compounds, as well as many other steroid sulfates, had no antagonistic activity. Using chimeric receptors, the antagonistic activity of ECHS was dependent on its interaction with the ligand-binding domain of LXR. ECHS disrupts recruitment of the co-activator Grip 1 into a complex with agonist-bound LXR and this may be responsible for the observed antagonistic properties of these compounds. In various cultured cells, these LXR antagonists also promote de novo cholesterol synthesis and apoptosis. 7-Ketocholesterol and 5alpha, 6alpha-epoxycholesterol are present in blood and have been found in atherosclerotic plaques. If sulfated forms of these oxidized sterols are also present, they may have an important role in foam cell formation by inhibiting LXR function. Since LXR agonists can counteract the activity of these antagonists, they may have therapeutic potential against atherosclerosis.

Targeting of LAK activity to CEA-expressing tumor cells with an anti-CEA scFv/IL-2 fusion protein

BACKGROUND

Fusion of tumor-specific monoclonal antibody (MAb) and cytokines has proved to be an efficient way to target cytokines to tumor cells and hence focuses the killing activity of effector cells to the target cells. We previously produced a high affinity MAb, F11-39, against carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), which is often overexpressed on the surface of various tumor cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To target the cytotoxicity of effector cells to CEA-expressing tumor cells, we employed recombinant DNA techniques to fuse recombinant human interleukin-2 (rhIL-2) to a single chain variable fragment (scFv) antibody derived from F11-39. The resulting fusion protein, designated F39scFv/IL-2, was expressed in the Sp2/0-Ag14 mouse hybridoma cells, purified by CEA-affinity chromatography and characterized for the CEA-binding specificity and the IL-2 biological activity.

RESULTS

F39scFv/IL-2 protein effectively targeted rhIL-2 onto the surface of CEA-expressing tumor cells and consequently introduced a specific cytotoxicity of lymphokine-activated killer cells to the tumor cells.

CONCLUSIONS

This approach may be used for in vivo administration to localize IL-2 to tumor tissues, maximizing the immune response to CEA-expressing tumors while keeping systemic side effects to a minimum.

Suppression of experimental abdominal aortic aneurysms in the rat by treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors

PURPOSE

Pathologic remodeling of the extracellular matrix is a critical mechanism in the development and progression of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Although angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are known to alter vascular wall remodeling in other conditions, their effects on AAAs are unknown. In this study we assessed the effect of ACE inhibitors in a rodent model of aneurysm development.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats underwent transient aortic perfusion with porcine pancreatic elastase, followed by treatment with one of three ACE inhibitors (captopril [CP], lisinopril [LP], or enalapril [EP]), an angiotensin (AT)1 receptor antagonist (losartan [LOS]), or water alone (9 rats in each group). Blood pressure and aortic diameter (AD) were measured before elastase perfusion and on day 14, with an AAA defined as an increase in AD (DeltaAD) of more than 100%. The structural features of the aortic wall were examined by means of light microscopy.

RESULTS

Aneurysmal dilatation consistently developed within 14 days of elastase perfusion in untreated rats, coinciding with the development of a transmural inflammatory response and destruction of the elastic media (mean DeltaAD, 223% +/- 28%). All three ACE inhibitors prevented AAA development (mean DeltaAD: CP, 67% +/- 4%; LP, 18% +/- 12%; and EP, 14% +/- 3%; each P <.05 vs controls). ACE inhibitors also attenuated the degradation of medial elastin without diminishing the inflammatory response. Surprisingly, the aneurysm-suppressing effects of ACE inhibitors were dissociated from their effects on systemic hemodynamics, and LOS had no significant effect on aneurysm development compared with untreated controls (mean DeltaAD, 186% +/- 19%).

CONCLUSION

Treatment with ACE inhibitors suppresses the development of elastase-induced AAAs in the rat. Although this is associated with the preservation of medial elastin, the mechanisms underlying these effects appear to be distinct from hemodynamic alterations alone or events mediated solely by AT1 receptors. Further studies are needed to elucidate how ACE inhibitors influence aortic wall matrix remodeling during aneurysmal degeneration.

Synthesis, biology, NMR and conformation studies of the topographically constrained delta-opioid selective peptide analogs of [beta-iPrPhe(3)]deltorphin I

Replacement of Phe3 in the endogenous delta-opioid selective peptide deltorphin I with four optically pure stereoisomers of the topographically constrained, highly hydrophobic novel amino acid beta-isopropylphenylalanine (beta-iPrPhe) produced four pharmacologically different deltorphin I peptidomimetics. Radiolabeled ligand-binding assays and in vitro biological evaluation indicate that the stereoconfiguration of the iPrPhe residue plays a crucial role in determining the binding affinity, bioactivity and selectivity of [beta-iPrPhe3]deltorphin I analogs: a (2S,3R) configuration of the iPrPhe3 residue in [beta-iPrPhe3]deltorphin I provided the most desirable biological properties with binding affinity (IC50 = 2 nM), bioassay potency (IC50 = 1.23 nM in MVD assay) and exceptional selectivity for the delta-opioid receptor over the mu-opioid receptor (30 000). Further conformational studies based on two-dimensional NMR and computer-assisted molecular modeling suggested a model for the possible bioactive conformation in which the Tyr1 and (2S,3R)-beta-iPrPhe3 residues adopt trans side-chain conformations, and the linear peptide backbone favors a distorted beta-turn conformation.

Growth suppression of hamster flank organs by topical application of catechins, alizarin, curcumin, and myristoleic acid

Hamster flank organ growth, as measured by an increase in the area of the pigmented macule, is androgen-dependent. When flank organs of a castrated hamster are treated topically with testosterone, the flank organ becomes larger and darker. Since this growth is known to be dependent on the intracellular active androgen, 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), inhibitors of 5alpha-reductase which converts testosterone to DHT can inhibit the growth of the flank organ. Certain unsaturated aliphatic fatty acids, such as gamma-linolenic acid and myristoleic acid, as well as other natural compounds, including alizarin and curcumin, are 5alpha-reductase inhibitors and inhibited flank organ growth. Green tea catechins, including (-)-epicatechin-3-gallate, and (-)-epigallo-catechin-3-gallate (EGCG) are also 5alpha-reductase inhibitors and inhibited flank organ growth. However, (-)-epicatechin and (-)-epigallocatechin, which are not 5alpha-reductase inhibitors, also inhibited flank organ growth. EGCG also inhibited DHT-dependent growth of flank organs. These catechins, therefore, may act by a mechanism other than inhibition of 5alpha-reductase. The effect of EGCG and other compounds was localized at the site of application; they did not affect the growth of the contralateral flank organ in the same animal. Since these compounds do not appear to exhibit systemic effects, they may be potentially useful for treatment of androgen-dependent skin disorders.

A transcriptional activation function of p53 is dispensable for and inhibitory of its apoptotic function

The tumor suppressor p53 is an inducer of cell cycle arrest and programmed cell death (apoptosis). The ability of p53 to induce cell cycle arrest is linked to its ability to induce transcription of genes such as the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21. However, the dependence of p53-mediated apoptosis on transcriptional activation remains controversial. Ectopic expression of a temperature-sensitive (ts) p53 allele induced expression of p53 target genes and elicited both G1 and G2/M cell cycle arrest upon shift to the permissive temperature. Ectopic expression of the same ts p53 allele with two additional point mutations (Gln22, Ser23) that abolish p53-transcriptional activation did not induce p53 target genes and G1 nor G2/M cell cycle arrest. In HCT116 colon carcinoma cells ectopic expression of wild type p53 does not elicit apoptosis whereas p53 mutant deficient in trans-activation induces apoptosis. The ability of wild type p53 to induce apoptosis is restored in HCT116 cells that are null for p21. However, the trans-activation deficient mutant of p53 is still more potent mediator of apoptosis than wild type p53 in the p21 null cells. Although the ability of Gln22,Ser23 to trans-activate p53 target genes is diminished, it retains the ability to repress Bcl-2 expression. Thus, we conclude that while ectopic expression of wild type p53 can induce both G1 and G2/M arrest, in a p21 dependent manner, without apoptosis, a p53 mutant defective in trans-activation elicits apoptosis without inducing cell cycle arrest. Further, the anti-apoptotic function of p53 is dependent on trans-activation and is linked to cell cycle arrest. The results strongly suggest that the trans-activation deficient mutant is a more potent inducer of apoptosis because it lost its anti-apoptotic function and retains its ability to repress pro-apoptotic genes such as Bcl-2. Taken together, the results imply that employing a trans-activation deficient p53 in gene therapy approaches or the use of drugs that convert mutant p53 to a trans-activation-independent mediator of apoptosis may be much more efficient therapeutic approaches than current approaches that employ wild type p53.

[Genetic polymorphism of eight STR loci in the Han population in Henan province]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the allele frequencies of eight short tandem repeats(STR) loci: TH01, FES, D19S400, D7S820, D16S539, D20S161, D3S1545 and D5S818 in Han population in Henan province.

METHODS

DNA was extracted with phenol-chloroform from EDTA-blood samples of the unrelated individuals in Henan province and amplified with PCR technique. The PCR product was analyzed with the undenatured PAGE vertical electrophoresis and silver-stain.

RESULTS

The authors got the frequencies of the eight loci. The heterozygosities of the eight loci are 0.66, 0.67, 0.80, 0.76, 0.79, 0.79, 0.78 and 0.78; the discrimination powers are 0.83, 0.83, 0.94, 0.91, 0.93, 0.93, 0.92 and 0.92.

CONCLUSION

The heterozygosities of the eight loci are high and the frequencies are in good agreement with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, so the eight loci can be used in individual identification testing.

Association of serum estrogen level and ischemic neuroprotection in female rats

Estrogen-related ischemic neuroprotection has been documented in male and ovariectomized female rats. The precise molecular mechanism underlying estrogen's neuroprotective effect remains obscure. In the present study, we examined whether endogenous estrogen levels affect post-ischemic outcomes in normal cycling female rats. Occlusion of both the common carotid arteries and the right middle cerebral artery (1.5 h) followed by reperfusion (24 h) caused cortical infarction, increased neutrophil accumulation, and elevated antioxidant enzyme and lactate dehydrogenase activities. These post-ischemic changes varied in the female rats and were inversely correlated with circulating estrogen levels. More severe post-ischemic changes and injury accompanied the decline in circulating estrogen levels in normal cycling female rats, indicating that estrogen is probably the major hormonal player in female resistance to ischemia.

[Preliminary study on pathogenicity of hepatitis G virus]

OBJECTIVE

To study the clinical, enzymatic and liver pathological changes in patients with hepatitis G virus (HGV) infection.

METHODS

RT- nested PCR was applied to detect HGV RNA in 368 patients with hepatic diseases. The liver biopsy tissue from one liver cirrhosis patient with simple HGV infection was examined.

RESULTS

Simple HGV RNA positive were found in 7 cases of 71 acute hepatitis jaundice, in 22 cases of 155 chronic hepatitis and in 3 cases of 51 liver cirrhosis. The immunohistochemistry of the liver biopsy tissue from a liver cirrhosis patient showed HGV NS5 antigen positive. However, HGV infection might occur simply or in combination with hepatitis B or C virus or super infected.

CONCLUSIONS

HGV RNA could be detected in acute hepatitis jaundice, chronic hepatitis, hepatitis B or C carriers, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. HGV is proved to be a hepatotropic virus by pathological examination and immunohistochemistry, the virus located in the cytoplasm of the liver cells. It may cause chronic hepatitis and even liver cirrhosis, so HGV is pathogenic to liver tissue.

Cholestenoic acid is a naturally occurring ligand for liver X receptor alpha

Excessive cholesterol is eliminated from extrahepatic cells by reverse cholesterol transport, a process by which neutral sterols are transferred to extracellular acceptor lipoproteins for further transport to the liver. Another process independent of lipoproteins involves excretion of 3beta-hydroxy-5-cholesten-25(R)-26-carboxylic (cholestenoic) acid, a metabolite of 27-hydroxycholesterol. Physiological concentrations of cholestenoic acid activated the nuclear receptor liver X receptor alpha (LXR alpha; NR1H3), but not other oxysterol receptors. As a ligand, cholestenoic acid modulated interaction of LXR alpha with the nuclear receptor coactivator Grip-1. Cholestenoic acid, therefore, may function as a signaling molecule for regulation of lipid metabolism via LXR alpha.

Specific targeting strategies of cancer gene therapy using a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) with a high affinity for CEA

Two specific targeting strategies of cancer gene therapy using carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) as a target are briefly reviewed here. One method is the specific targeting of suicide genes to CEA-expressing tumor cells by a retrovector displaying anti-CEA single-chain variable fragment (scFv). We reconstructed a recombinant retroviral vector that displays both anti-CEA scFv-expressing chimeric and normal envelope proteins and carries the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene. This recombinant retrovirus specifically bound, infected and killed only CEA-expressing tumor cells, indicating the cell specific retroviral vector delivery of the iNOS gene. Another novel method is the specific redirecting of cytotoxic T-cells to CEA-expressing tumor cells through chimeric receptors. We also reconstructed a chimeric receptor gene which encoded an anti-CEA scFv antibody and the zeta-chain of human TCR/CD3 complex and expressed it on T-cell surface. When incubated with CEA-expressing tumor cells in vitro, the transduced T-cells tended to make a rosette-like formation around the tumor cells, suggesting the cell specific targeting of T-cells.

The function of Xenopus Bloom's syndrome protein homolog (xBLM) in DNA replication

The Bloom's syndrome gene (BLM) plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of genomic stability in somatic cells. It encodes a DNA helicase (BLM) of the RecQ family, but the exact function of BLM remains elusive. To study this question, we have cloned the BLM homolog of the frog Xenopus laevis (xBLM) and have raised antibodies to it. Immunodepletion of xBLM from a Xenopus egg extract severely inhibits the replication of DNA in reconstituted nuclei. Moreover, the inhibition can be rescued by the addition of the recombinant xBLM protein. These results provide the first direct evidence that BLM plays an important role in DNA replication, suggesting that Bloom's syndrome may be the consequence of defective DNA replication.

Molecular and immunohistochemical study of the inactivation of the p16 gene in primary hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether p16 gene is involved in the genesis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

Twenty-five HCC tumor samples with corresponding non-tumor liver tissue specimens were examined for p16 gene alterations. The identification of deletion of exon 1 and exon 2 in p16 gene was performed using comparative multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. The point mutation of exon 2 in p16 gene was investigated by single strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis, and the status of p16 gene methylation was screened using a PCR based methylation analysis. 35 parafin-embedded specimens of HCC with corresponding non-tumor liver tissues, including the 25 cases described above for screening p16 gene alterations, were investigated for p16 protein expression using immunohistochemical analysis.

RESULTS

Among 25 cases, 2 homozygous deletions and 1 hemizygous deletion were found in HCC samples. No point mutation was identified in the remaining 22 tumor samples without p16 gene deletions. Hypermethylation was detected in 24% (6/25) of tumor samples. However, the corresponding non-tumor liver tissue specimens were always unmethylated at the p16 locus. Loss of p16 protein expression occurred in 16 of 35 (45.7%) tumor samples, and all the non-tumor liver tissue specimens showed positive p16 staining. For the 25 cases examined for p16 gene alterations, the loss of p16 protein expression was observed in all tumors with p16 gene alterations and also in 3 tumors without p16 gene alterations.

CONCLUSION

Inactivation of the p16 gene may play an important role in the genesis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma.

[Studies on thymidine kinase gene (TK) and GCV system for treatment of human retinoblastoma (RB)]

The antitumor effect of herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK)/GCV system on human retinoblastoma (RB) was studied here. A retroviral vector with tk gene (pLXSN-TK) was transduced into packaging cell line PA317. Recombinant retroviral was obtained and employed to infect human RB cells. The in vitro efficacy of TK/GCV was evaluated by survival rate of RB cells with and without TK transduced 5 days after treated with GCV. A nude mouse model with heteroplantation of human RB was established to examine the in vivo efficacy. Mice with RB were given an in situ injection of retrovirus followed by treatment with GCV for 14 days (50 mg/kg). The RB/TK cells in tissue culture dish showed far more sensitive to GCV than RB cells. The tumors in RB mice with TK gene transduced were much smaller than those in control. The results indicate that HSV-TK/GCV system can suppress growth of RB both in vitro and in vivo. It could be a valuable method for treatment of RB patients.

[A study on the inactivation of p16 genes and the expression of P16 protein in primary hepatocellular carcinomas]

The aim of the present study was to determine whether p16 gene is involved in the genesis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Twenty-five primary HCC tumor and corresponding non-tumor liver tissue specimens were examined for P16 gene alterations. The identification of deletion of p16 gene exon 1 and exon 2 was performed using comparative multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. The point mutation of p16 gene exon 2 was investigated by single strand conformational polymorphism(SSCP) analysis, and the status of p16 gene methylation was screened using PCR-based methylation analysis. Moreover, 35 parafin specimens of primary HCCs with corresponding non-tumor liver tissues, including the 25 cases described above for screening of p16 gene alterations, were investigated also for P16 protein expression by using immunohistochemical analysis. The results of comparative multiplex PCR analysis showed that 12% (3/25) p16 gene deletions, including homozygous deletions in 2 tumors and hemizygous deletion in 1 tumor, were found in the primary HCCs samples. No point mutation was identified in the remaining 22 tumor samples without p16 gene deletions by using SSCP analysis. Hypermethylation was detected in 24% (6/25) of tumor samples by PCR-based analysis. However the corresponding non-tumor liver tissue specimens were always unmethylated at p16 locus. Loss of P16 protein expression, detected by immunohistochemistry, occurred in 16 of 35 (45.7%) tumor samples, whereas all the non-tumor liver tissue specimens showed positive p16 staining. These results indicate that inactivation of p16 gene is relevant to the genesis of HCC.

Self-assembled monolayers of rigid thiols

The preparation, structure, properties and applications of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of rigid 4-mercapto-biphenyls are briefly reviewed. The rigid character of the biphenyl moiety results in a molecular dipole moment that affects both the adsorption kinetics on gold surfaces, as well as the equilibrium structure of mixed SAMs. Due to repulsive intermolecular interaction, the Langmuir isotherm model does not fit the adsorption kinetics of these biphenyl thiols, and a new Ising model was developed to fit the kinetics data. The equilibrium structures of SAMs and mixed SAMs depend on the polarity of the solution from which they were assembled. Infrared spectroscopy suggests that biphenyl moieties in SAMs on gold have small tilt angles with respect to the surfaces normal. Wetting studies shows that surfaces of these SAMs are stable for months, thus providing stable model surfaces that can be engineered at the molecular level. Such molecular engineering is important for nucleation and growth studies. The morphology of glycine crystals grown on SAM surfaces depends on the structure of the nucleating glycine layer, which, in turn, depends on the H-bonding of these molecules with the SAM surface. Finally, the adhesion of PDMS cross-linked networks to SAM surfaces depends on the concentration of interfacial H-bonding. This non-linear relationship suggests that the polymeric nature of the elastomer results in a collective H-bonding effect.

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 fused with erythropoietin (EPO) mimetic peptide (EMP) enhances the EPO activity of EMP

Erythropoietin (EPO) mimetic peptide (EMP) encoding sequence was inserted into the gene of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) between Ala348 and Pro349 (P2'-P3'), generating a novel gene, PAI-1/EMP (PMP). This was cloned into pET32a expression vector, fused with TrxA peptide in the vector, and a 63-kDa protein was expressed in inclusion bodies with an expression level >50%. The TrxA/PMP protein was purified by Ni-NTA-agarose metal-ligand affinity chromatography to a purity >90%, showing a single, silver-stained band on SDS-PAGE. Using a reticulocyte counting assay, the EPO activity of PMP was determined to be 5,000 IU/mg, 2,500-fold that of EMP.

Selective activation of liver X receptor alpha by 6alpha-hydroxy bile acids and analogs

We have found that certain natural 6alpha-hydroxylated bile acids are receptor-specific activators of nuclear liver X receptor alpha (LXRalpha) (NR1H3), a nuclear receptor regulating the expression of the cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase gene, coding for the rate-limiting enzyme in the major pathway of bile acid synthesis. The LXR homolog, ubiquitous nuclear receptor (UR/LXRbeta) (NR1H2), was also activated by these bile acids, but at higher concentrations than for LXRalpha. Synthetic 6alpha-hydroxylated bile acid analogs were synthesized with LXRalpha-selective agonistic activity, with potential to modulate cholesterol catabolism in hypercholesterolemia.

Accelerated replicative senescence of medial smooth muscle cells derived from abdominal aortic aneurysms compared to the adjacent inferior mesenteric artery

BACKGROUND

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are associated with aging and atherosclerosis. AAAs arise through a degenerative process characterized in part by depletion of medial smooth muscle cells (SMC), suggesting that generalized aging and SMC senescence represent potential mechanisms contributing to aneurysmal degeneration. It is not yet known whether SMC from AAA tissue exhibit a difference in proliferative capacity compared to SMC from nonaneurysmal vessels or to what extent such differences might be due to aging alone or other patient-specific factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Aneurysm wall tissues were obtained from 15 patients undergoing AAA repair. In each case, a segment of the adjacent (nonaneurysmal) inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) from the same patient was used as a control. Paired AAA- and IMA-derived SMC strains were obtained by explant techniques and their proliferative capacities were compared during serial passage in culture.

RESULTS

Sustainable SMC cultures were established from all IMA explants but from only 9 of 15 AAAs (P < 0.05). The interval required to achieve primary explant growth was longer for AAAs than IMAs (16.4 +/- 2 vs 6.4 +/- 1 days; P < 0.001), but it was unrelated to patient age, gender, or aneurysm size. AAA-derived SMC appeared larger and rounder than the corresponding IMA-derived SMC, even after repeated passage in culture, and their maximal proliferation was reduced by 44.2 +/- 8% (n = 5 pairs, P < 0.05). Serum-stimulated [(3)H]thymidine uptake in AAA-derived SMC was also reduced by 54.9 +/- 7% (n = 5 pairs, P < 0.01), but flow cytometry revealed no differences in SMC viability, apoptosis, or necrosis. While IMA-derived SMC continued to proliferate beyond passage 20 during serial subculture, all AAA-derived SMC developed replicative senescence by passage 12.

CONCLUSIONS

AAA-derived SMC exhibit a distinct morphologic appearance in culture, a diminished proliferative capacity compared to SMC from the adjacent IMA, and a limited in vitro life span. These differences reflect an intrinsic alteration in SMC growth capacity independent of age alone. Tissue-specific processes leading to accelerated replicative senescence may therefore contribute to the selective medial SMC depletion observed in AAAs.

[Clinical observation on treatment of thyrotoxic exophthalmos with jiayanxiao plus tapazole]

OBJECTIVE

To study the therapeutic effect of Jiayanxiao (JYX) on thyrotoxic exophthalmos.

METHODS

Forty-three patients were divided randomly into two groups, the 31 Patients in the treated group were treated with JYX plus tapazole, and the 12 patients in the control group were treated with prednisone plus tapazole. The therapeutic course of both groups was 3 months. The symptoms, eye signs, thyroxin level, and other routine laboratory parameters as well as the adverse effect of the therapy were observed and compared between two groups.

RESULTS

The total effective rate in the treated group was 80.6%, which was obviously higher than that in the control group (50.0%, P < 0.05). Effect of the treated group in lowering degree of exophthalmos was superior to that of the control group. Effects in elevating vision, decreasing palpebral fissure altitude and lowering serum T3, T4 contents in the two groups were similar (P > 0.05). Moreover, the treated group showed better efficacy in improving clinical symptoms with less adverse effect.

CONCLUSION

The therapeutic effect of JYX in treating thyrotoxic exophthalmos is ensured.

[The effects of cyclin E on the growth and other cell cycle related genes of breast carcinoma cells MCF-7]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of cyclin E in high and low expression on the cell growth and other cell cycle associated genes of MCF-7 cells.

METHODS

Eukaryotic expression vehicles of sense and antisense cyclin E were constructed and transferred into the MCF-7 cell line using lipofectAMINE. The integration and expression of cyclin E were conformed by Southern and Western blot. The cells growth was observed and the changes in cell cycle were analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression of other cell cycle associated genes was assayed using Western blot.

RESULTS

A high expression of cyclin E enabled to promote the cell growth and DNA synthesis and accelerated the proceeding of G(1) phase to S phase, It also promoted the phosphorylatin of pRB and up-regulate the expression of p27 while a low expression of cyclin E showed an opposite effect.

CONCLUSION

Different expression of cyclin E enables to affect growth of MCF-7 cell by the changes of cell cycle related genes.