[Production of phage-displayed anti-idiotypic antibody single chain variable fragments to MG7 monoclonal antibody directed against gastric carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To generate phage-displayed anti-idiotypic antibody single chain variable fragments (anti-Id ScFv) MG7 to monoclonal antibody directed against gastric carcinoma so as to lay a foundation for developing anti-Id ScFv vaccine of the cancer.

METHODS

Balb/c mice were immunized i.p. with purified MG7 monoclonal antibody conjugated with keyhole limpet hemocyanin. mRNA was isolated from the spleens of immunized mice. Heavy and light chain genes (VH and VL) of antibody were amplified separately and assembled into ScFv genes with a specially constructed linker DNA by RT-PCR. The ScFv genes were ligated into the phagemid vector pCANTAB5E and the ligated sample was transformed into competent E. coli TG1. The transformed cells were infected with M13KO7 helper phage to yield recombinant phage, which displayed ScFv fragments as a fusion with gene 3 protein on the tips of M13 phage. After four rounds of panning with monoclonal antibody MG7, the MG7-positive clones were selected with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) from the enriched phages. The types of the anti-Id ScFv displayed on the selected phage clones were primarily identified by competition ELISA.

RESULTS

The VH, VL and ScFv DNAs were about 340, 320 and 750 bp respectively. Twenty-four MG7-positive clones were selected from 40 enriched phage clones. Five of the 24 clones displayed beta or gamma type anti-Id ScFv.

CONCLUSION

The anti-Id ScFv frangments to MG7 monoclonal antibody can be successfully selected by recombinant phage antibody technique, which paves a way for the study of prevention and cure of gastric carcinoma using anti-Id ScFv.

Pathways of dehydroepiandrosterone formation in rat brain glia

In peripheral steroidogenic tissues, dehydroepiandrosterone (D) is formed from pregnenolone (P) by the microsomal cytochrome P450c17 enzyme. Although some steroidogenic P450s have been found in brain tissue, no enzyme has been shown to possess P450c17 activity. We recently demonstrated the presence of an alternative, Fe(2+)-dependent pathway responsible for D formation from alternative precursors in rat glioma cells. We and others could not find P450c17 mRNA and protein in rat brain, but demonstrate herein the presence of Fe(2+)-dependent alternative pathway for D formation in rat brain cortex microsomes. Using primary cultures of differentiating rat glial cells, we observed that P450c17 mRNA and protein were present in O-2A oligodendrocyte precursors and mature oligodendrocytes. In the presence of P, O-2A and mature oligodendrocytes formed D. Addition of Fe(2+) together with submaximal concentrations of P increased D formation by these cells. Treatment of oligodendrocytes with the P450c17 inhibitor SU 10603 in the presence or absence of P failed to inhibit D production. These data suggest that D formation in oligodendrocytes occurs independently of the P450c17 protein present in the cells. In isolated type I astrocytes we did not find neither P450c17 mRNA nor protein. These cells responded to Fe(2+) by producing D and addition of P together with Fe(2+) further increased D synthesis. SU 10603 failed to inhibit D formation by astrocytes. Taken together these results suggest that in differentiating rat brain oligodendrocytes and astrocytes D is formed via a P450c17-independent and oxidative stress-dependent alternative pathway.

Prediction of the effect of enzymes on chick performance when added to cereal-based diets: use of a modified log-linear model

A previous study demonstrated that a log equation could be used to predict the relationship between the amount of a crude enzyme added to a diet and chick performance. The objective of the current study was to determine if a modification of the original equation, in conjunction with a computer program, would overcome some of its limitations. The modified equation was Y = A + B log (CX + 1), where Y is the estimated performance value; A is the intercept that represents the performance without enzyme supplementation; B, the slope of the equation (performance change per log unit of an enzyme in the diet), is a measure of an enzyme efficacy; C is an amplified factor; and X is the amount of enzyme in the diet. The results demonstrated that the new model more accurately predicted chick performance than that of the original equation with correlations (r) between chick performance and amount of different enzymes added to the diet ranging from r = 0.80 to 0.99 (P < 0.05). In addition, the same trends were found when the model was used to assess the efficacy of a given enzyme added to corn-, wheat-, barley-, and rye-based diets or for combinations of two dietary components (rye and wheat). The model proposed in this study provides a new means of assessing the overall efficacy of an enzyme preparation. This model could be routinely used by enzyme and livestock producers to establish the best combination of different cereals and enzymes so as to maximize net returns.

[Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in human esophageal biopsies from carcinoma and precancerous lesions]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the possible role of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in esophageal carcinogenesis.

METHODS

iNOS expressions in normal epithelial cells(NC), hyperplastic cells(HC), atypical hyperplastic cells(AHC) from grade I to III, carcinoma in situ(CIS), squamous cell carcinoma(SCC), and adenocarcinoma(ADC) were detected with immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The positive rates of immunohistochemistry staining was 0 for NC, 2.5% for HC, 4.0%, 7.5% and 2.5% for AHC grade I to III respectively, 1.4% for CIS, 8.5% for SCC and 71.4% for ADC.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a high expression of iNOS in human esophageal adenocarcinomas. Frequent expression of iNOS may be a potential event in ADC carcinogenesis. There is no correlation between iNOS and SCC carcinogenesis.

[MMF and CyA in the prevention of early acute rejection after renal transplantation]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of MMF and low dose CyA on the prevention of early acute rejection after renal transplantation.

METHODS

146 patients with kidney transplantation were analyzed retrospectively from December 1997 to January 1999. These patients were divided into two groups according to the immunosuppressive regimen: Aza group (78 patients) and MMF group (68 patients). All patients met the following criteria: HLA mismatch </= 3 loci, lymphocytes toxicity test < 10%, PRA < 20% for second or third transplantation, warm ischemia time 5-11 minutes, and cold ischemia time 3-24 hours.

RESULTS

There were 24 patients with acute rejection episodes (30.77%) in the Aza group; and 10 patients (14.71%) in the MMF group, (P < 0.05). The dosage of CyA and blood concentration of CyA were significantly different; 6.00 +/- 1.21 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) and 286.00 +/- 20.02 microg/L in the Aza group; 4.00 +/- 1.14 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) and 204.00 +/- 20.18 microg/L in the MMF group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

MMF with low dose CyA based triple regimen could prevent the acute rejection episodes effectively at the early period of post transplantation. This triple regimen can reduce the acute rejection episodes by 50%. To some extent, low dose CyA may avoid nephrotoxicity. The long-term effect of this regimen on allograft is still needed to observe.

[Production of phage-displayed single chain variable fragments of monoclonal antibody MGb1]

OBJECTIVE

To lay a foundation for obtaining a tumor-targeting vehicle for in vivo study on diagnosis and treatment of gastric carcinoma by generating single chain variable fragments (ScFv) of monoclonal antibody MGb1 directed against the cancer.

METHODS

mRNA was isolated from MGb1-producing mouse hybridoma cell line, and the variable regions of heavy and light chain cDNAs were amplified separately and assembled into ScFv DNAs with a specially constructed linker DNA by PCR. The ScFv DNAs were ligated into the phagemid vector pCANTAB5E and the ligated sample was transformed into competent E. coli TG1. The transformed cells were infected with M13KO7 helper phage to yield recombinant phage, which display ScFv fragments as a fusion with gene 3 protein on the tips of the phage M13. After two rounds of panning with gastric carcinoma cell line KATO III highly expressing MGb1-binding antigen, the phage clones displayed ScFv fragments of the antibody were selected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) from the enriched phages. The affinity of the positive phage clones was detected by competition ELISA.

RESULTS

The VH, VL and ScFv DNAs were about 340 bp, 320 bp and 750 bp respectively. 17 phage clones displayed ScFv of MGb1 were selected from 40 enriched phage clones. 4 out of the 17 phage clones could strongly compete with the original hybridoma antibody MGb1 for binding to the antigen expressed on KATOIII cells.

CONCLUSION

The phage-displayed ScFv fragments of monoclonal antibody MGb1 are successfully produced by phage antibody technology, which may be useful to widen the range of application of the antibody.

The effect of a T cell-specific NF-kappa B inhibitor on in vitro cytokine production and collagen-induced arthritis

NF-kappa B plays a key role in the production of cytokines in inflammatory diseases. The effects of a novel T cell-specific NF-kappa B inhibitor, SP100030, were evaluated in cultured Jurkat cells and in murine collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Chemical libraries were screened for NF-kappa B-inhibitory activity. SP100030, a compound identified in this process, inhibited NF-kappa B activation in PMA/PHA-activated Jurkat cells by EMSA at a concentration of 1 microM. Jurkat cells and the monocytic cell line THP-1 were transfected with an NF-kappa B promotor/luciferase construct and activated. SP100030 inhibited luciferase production in the Jurkat cells (IC50 = 30 nM). ELISA and RT-PCR confirmed that IL-2, IL-8, and TNF-alpha production by activated Jurkat and other T cell lines were inhibited by SP100030. However, cytokine expression was not blocked by the compound in THP-1 cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, or epithelial cells. Subsequently, DBA/1J mice were immunized with type II collagen. Treatment with SP100030 (10 mg/kg/day i.p. beginning on day 21) significantly decreased arthritis severity from onset of clinical signs to the end of the study on day 34 (arthritis score, 5.6 +/- 1.7 for SP100030 and 9.8 +/- 1.5 for control; p < 0.001). Histologic evaluation demonstrated a trend toward improvement in SP100030-treated animals. EMSA of arthritic mouse ankles in CIA showed that synovial NF-kappa B binding was suppressed in the SP100030-treated mice. SP100030 inhibits NF-kappa B activation in T cells, resulting in reduced NF-kappa B-regulated gene expression and decreased CIA. Its selectivity for T cells could provide potent immunosuppression with less toxicity than other NF-kappa B inhibitors.

[Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation for the treatment of type I diabetes with end-stage renal disease]

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate whether simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation is practical for the treatment of Type I diabetes with end-stage renal disease.

METHODS

Eight cases of combined pancreas-kidney transplantation were performed in our institute. The age ranged from 35 years to 48 years (average 43.46 years). All cases were diagnosed as type I diabetes with end-stage nephropathy, two cases with blindness due to retinopathy. The case history ranged from 2 years to 22 years. Pancreas allograft was placed in the right iliac fossa with pancreas exocrine drainage to bladder, whereas renal allograft the in left iliac fossa. Initial immunosuppression regimen is quadruple.

RESULTS

Seven patient could be insulin free after transplantation, with normal fasting blood glucose. One patient received insulin treatment for 40 days after operation. One patient survived 1 year and 9 months after transplantation with normal functioning pancreas allograft and kidney allograft. Four patient survived 2 months with normal allograft function. Fasting blood glucose was between 4.5 and 6.2 mmol/L; Cr was between 53 and 106 micromol/L. Diet control was not necessary. Two patient died of encephalorrhagia, and 1 pancreatic vascular thrombosis and necrotic pancreatitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined pancreas-kidney transplantation is feasible to treat type I diabetes with end-stage nephropathy. Functional pancreas allograft could be procured in the present condition. Pancreatic exocrine is drained to bladder. The diagnosis of acute rejection could be made earlier by detecting urine amylase. Heparin should be added in order to prevent pancreatic thrombosis.

[The impact of hepatitis B virus infected patients or donors on the outcome of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of recipients and/or donors infected with hepatitis B on the outcome of hematopoietic stem cells transplantation (HSCT).

METHODS

We analyzed retrospectively the transplantation outcome in 26 of 164 hematological diseases patients who and whose donors were infected with hepatitis prior to transplantation.

RESULTS

(1) Three of the 26 patients developed VOD after HSCT, the incidence (11.5%) is significant higher than that in patients and donors who did not infected with HBV (P < 0.05). (2) Two of 5 patients transfused hematopoietic stem cells from HBsAg + donors developed hepatitis B. (3) Four patients with allogeneic stem cell transplantation developed hepatic failure (HF) which occurred during cyclosporin (CsA) being tapered off or withdrawal. The incidence of HF in patients and/or donors infected with HBV (15.4%) is obviously higher than that in patients and donors who did not (0.08%, P < 0.01). (4) In 4 patients with HbeAg +, 2 patients died of HF after allogeneic HSCT, the other 2 patients survived after autologous HSCT.

CONCLUSION

Donors and recipients infected with hepatitis B are not contraindication of HSCT, but patients with allogeneic HSCT are in danger to develop LF during CsA being tapered off or withdrawal.

Protein kinase A-dependent phosphorylation of aquaporin-1

The molecular mechanisms for regulating water balance in many tissues are unknown. Like the kidney, the eye contains multiple water channel proteins (aquaporins) that transport water through membranes, including two (AQP1 and AQP4) in the ciliary body, the site of aqueous humor production. Previous results from our laboratory demonstrated that water channel activity of AQP1 was significantly increased by protein kinase A (PKA) activators such as cyclic-AMP (cAMP) and forskolin. The purpose of this study is to determine whether PKA-dependent protein phosphorylation is involved in the regulation of water channel activity of AQP1. Results presented here suggest that catalytic subunit of protein kinase A significantly increased the amount of phosphorylated AQP1 protein. In addition, these results indicated that cAMP-responsive redistribution of AQP1 may be regulated by phosphorylation of AQP1. Moreover, they provide new insights on the molecular mechanisms for regulating water balance in several tissues involving rapid water transport such as ciliary epithelium. In addition, they suggest important potential roles for AQP1 in several clinical disorders involving rapid water transport such as glaucoma.

The staurosporine analog, Ro-31-8220, induces apoptosis independently of its ability to inhibit protein kinase C

A series of bisindolylmaleimide (Bis) compounds were designed as analogs of the natural compound staurosporine (STS), which is a potent inducer of apoptosis. Many of the Bis analogs appear to be highly selective inhibitors of the protein kinase C (PKC) family, including PKC-alpha, -beta, -gamma, -delta, -epsilon, and -zeta, unlike STS, which is an inhibitor of a broad spectrum of protein kinases. In this report we describe the effects of the Bis analogs, Bis-I, Bis-II, Bis-III and Ro-31-8220 on the survival and proliferation of HL-60 cells, which have been widely used as a model cell system for studying the biological roles of PKC. Treatment of HL-60 cells with Bis-I, Bis-II, Bis-III, or Ro-31-8220 blocked phosphorylation of the PKC target protein Raf-1 with equal potency but did not appear to affect the general phosphorylation of proteins by other kinases. However, the biological effects of the Bis compounds were different: Bis-I and Bis-II had no observable effects on either cell survival or proliferation; Bis-III inhibited cell proliferation but not survival, whereas Ro-31-8220 induced apoptosis. These results indicated that the members of the PKC family which could be inhibited by the Bis analogs were required neither for survival nor proliferation of HL-60 cells. Analyses of cells treated with Ro-31-8220 showed that the apoptotic effect of Ro-31-8220 on HL-60 cells was mediated by a well-characterized transduction process of apoptotic signals: i.e., mitochondrial cytochrome c efflux and the activation of caspase-3 in the cytosol. Moreover, the ability of Ro-31-8220 to induce apoptotic activation was completely inhibited by the over-expression of the apoptotic suppressor gene, Bcl-2, in the cells. Interestingly, proliferation of the Bcl-2-over-expressing cells was still sensitive to the presence of Ro-31-8220, suggesting that the inhibitory effects of Ro-31-8220 on viability and cell proliferation were mediated by different mechanisms. In particular, the apoptotic effect of Ro-31-8220 on cells was not altered by the presence of an excess amount of the other Bis analogs, suggesting that this effect is mediated by a factor(s) other than PKC or by a mechanism which was not saturable by the other Bis analogs. Finally, structure-function analyses of compounds related to Ro-31-8220 revealed that a thioamidine prosthetic group in Ro-311-8220 was largely responsible for its apoptotic activity.

Reaction of reducing hydroxyl radical adducts of pyrimidine nucleotides with riboflavin and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) via electron transfer: a pulse radiolysis study

Using the techniques of pulse radiolysis with time-resolved spectrophotometric detection, it has been demonstrated that the interaction of reducing OH radical adducts of dCMP, TMP and UMP with riboflavin (RF) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) does proceed via an electron transfer reaction. From buildup kinetics of radical species, the rate constants of electron transfer from reducing OH adducts of pyrimidines to RF and FAD have been determined, respectively. It could be deduced that RF and FAD would reduce the probability of repair of the damaged DNA in the presence of enzymes and antioxidants, accordingly RF and FAD might have a radiosensitization effect on DNA damage.

Common polymorphism in promoter of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein gene influences cholesterol, ApoB, and triglyceride levels in young african american men: results from the coronary artery risk development in young adults (CARDIA) study

The microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) plays a key role in the assembly of apolipoprotein B (apoB)-containing lipoproteins. We investigated the relation between lipid profiles and a common functional polymorphism (-493G/T) of the MTP gene in a large sample of young black men in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study. We performed serial cross-sectional analyses on lipids of 586 black men in 5 exams over 10 years of follow-up. Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and apoB levels were very similar between the GT and GG genotypes; therefore, the GT and GG genotypes were combined as 1 group when the 3 phenotypes were analyzed. The results from ANCOVA showed that the TT group (prevalence 7%) had higher levels of apoB-related lipids than did the GT+GG group: the difference in total cholesterol ranged from 2 (P=0.79) to 19 (P=0.002) mg/dL in exams 1 to 5; the difference in LDL cholesterol ranged from 10 (P=0.14) to 17 (P=0.003) mg/dL in exams 1 to 4, but in examination 5, the difference became negligible. The TT group had higher levels of apoB, measured in only 2 exams, by 6 (P=0.12) and 9 (P=0.03) mg/dL. The TT group had higher levels of triglycerides than did the TG or GG group by 3 to 34 (P=0.02 to approximately 0.003) mg/dL in all 5 exams. HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I levels were similar among the 3 genotypes. Our serial cross-sectional analyses indicated that the TT genotype was associated with higher levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and apoB in young black men. The broad effect of this polymorphism on several atherogenic traits suggests that the MTP gene could be influential in atherosclerosis.

[Treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia by autologous stem cell transplantation: an analysis of 30 cases]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical outcome of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and the affected factors.

METHODS

Data of 30 ALL patients received ASCT in our hospital between July 1987 and December 1997 were retrospectively analyzed. Twenty-four of them were in the first complete remission (CR(1)) and six in the second complete remission (CR(2)) or early relapse (ER). Conditioning regimens were CTX 120 mg/kg + single total body irradiation 9 - 10 Gy (sTBI) or Bu 16 mg/kg of Mel 140 - 180 mg/m(2) + Ara-c 2 - 4 g/m(2).

RESULTS

All patients reconstituted hematopoiesis. The median follow-up duration was 504 (18-3043) days. Transplant-related mortality was 10%. The probabilities of 3 year disease-free survival (DFS) for ALL in CR(1) and CR(2) were 67.7% +/- 10.3% and 16.7% +/- 15.2%, respectively (P = 0.00547); the 3 year DFS was significantly better with posttransplant treatment than without it (92.3% +/- 7.4% vs 50.0% +/- 17.7%, P = 0.0130).

CONCLUSION

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients without HLA-matched related donor are recommended for ASCT in CR(1). To reduce relapse and improve the outcome, adoptive immunotherapy or maintenance chemotherapy should be given after ASCT.

Expression of a mammalian DNA photolyase confers light-dependent repair activity and reduces mutations of UV-irradiated shuttle vectors in xeroderma pigmentosum cells

Photoreactivation is one of the DNA repair mechanisms to remove UV lesions from cellular DNA with a function of the DNA photolyase and visible light. Two types of photolyase specific for cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD) and for pyrimidine (6-4) pyrimidones (6-4PD) are found in nature, but neither is present in cells from placental mammals. To investigate the effect of the CPD-specific photolyase on killing and mutations induced by UV, we expressed a marsupial DNA photolyase in DNA repair-deficient group A xeroderma pigmentosum (XP-A) cells. Expression of the photolyase and visible light irradiation removed CPD from cellular DNA and elevated survival of the UV-irradiated XP-A cells, and also reduced mutation frequencies of UV-irradiated shuttle vector plasmids replicating in XP-A cells. The survival of UV-irradiated cells and mutation frequencies of UV-irradiated plasmids were not completely restored to the unirradiated levels by the removal of CPD. These results suggest that both CPD and other UV damage, probably 6-4PD, can lead to cell killing and mutations.

Study on pottical type, palmar and plantar digital formulae, hand clasping, arm folding, handedness, leg folding and stride type in the Daur population, China

The pottical type, palmar and plantar digital formulae, hand clasping, arm folding, handedness, leg folding and stride type have been investigated on a sample of 143 male and 160 female students of the Daur population of Molidawa Banner, Inner Mongolia. The results of this study are the following: 1. the frequency of the hyperextensive pottical type is 49.17%, the relative length of index over annularis 12.21%, right hand clasping 45.87%, right arm folding 49.50%, right handedness 94.39%, right leg folding 72.28% and right stride type 44.88%, 2. pottical type, hand clasping, handedness, leg folding and stride type do not show significant sex differences, 3. there are some relations between hand clasping and arm folding as well as between arm folding and stride type, 4. compared with other population groups, the Daur population shows a low frequency of right hand clasping, a moderate frequency of right arm folding and a low frequency of left handedness.

[Type IV collagen and C-erbB-2 expression in oral candidal leukoplakia]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate type IV collagen and C-erbB-2 expression in oral candidal leukoplakia.

METHODS

27 cases of oral candidal leukoplakia were studied by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

In normal and simple hyperplastic epithelia type IV collagen was noted as brown linear staining along the basement membrane. The most obvious change in the staining pattern was that the linear staining became very thin or discontinued in dysplastic epithelia. C-erbB-2 was demonstrated in 25 cases(78%). The positive staining, as a reticular pattern, was located at cell membrane, and not correlated with epithelial dysplasia.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that type IV collagen expression changed in candidal leukoplakia with epithelial dysplasia. This kind of change may be related to basement membrane destruction. The immunohistochemically expression of C-erbB-2 has no correlation with epithelial dysplasia.

Endomorphin-1 mediates 2 Hz but not 100 Hz electroacupuncture analgesia in the rat

This work was designed to elucidate the possible involvement of endogenous endomorphin-I (EM1) in analgesia induced by electroacupuncture of low or high frequencies. Taking radiant heat tail flick latency (TFL) as an indication of nociception, rats were subjected to intrathecal (i.t.) injection of 10 microl antiserum against EM1 (EM1-AS) or normal rabbit serum (NRS, as control) and then followed by 2 or 100 Hz electroacupuncture stimulation for 30 min. The analgesia induced by 2 Hz electroacupuncture was attenuated by i.t. injection of EM1-AS at 1:10 and 1:100 but not at 1:1000 dilution. No such suppressive effect was observed for 100 Hz EA analgesia when EM1-AS was injected i.t. at any dilutions. These results indicate that EM1 is involved in 2 Hz but not 100 Hz electroacupuncture analgesia at spinal level.

THP-1 monocytic leukemia cells express Fas ligand constitutively and kill Fas-positive Jurkat cells

Normal human monocytes express Fas and are susceptible to Fas ligand (FasL)-induced apoptosis. Because the myeloid leukemia cell lines HL-60 and THP-1 can be differentiated into functional monocytes and macrophages, we studied their expression of Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) to determine whether there were differentiation-associated changes in these proteins. THP-1, HL-60 and HCW-2, both before and after treatment with PMA, expressed high levels of Fas ligand (FasL), but did not express Fas. The FasL expressed by THP-1 cells was functional as measured by their ability to kill Jurkat T-cells by apoptosis. The THP-1 Fas gene appears to be silent, because bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced Fas expression in fully differentiated THP-1 cells. Our results suggest that FasL expression by leukemia cells may account in part for the pathophysiology of myeloid leukemia, and that PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells, while possessing many of the functional properties of normal macrophages, are abnormal with respect to a major apoptotic pathway.

[Effect of immunologic treatment on lymphocyte subsets in patients with myasthenia gravis]

OBJECTIVE

To study the abnormalities of cellular immunity of myasthenia gravis (MG) and the effects of glucocorticoid (GC) therapy and thymectomy on lymphocyte subsets in patients with myasthenia gravis.

METHODS

Phenotypic analysis of peripheral blood lymphocyte in 39 patients with MG and 18 healthy controls were completed using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence double-staining methods; changes of lymphocyte subsets were studied in 15 of the MG patients after GC therapy and 7 of the MG patients after thymectomy.

RESULTS

(1) The percentage of pan-T (CD(+)(5)), pan-B (CD(+)(19)), traditional B cell, CD(+)(4)T cell in patients with MG did not significantly differ from that in healthy controls. An increase in CD(+)(8) cell was observed in MG patients as compared with normal controls. Among the CD(+)(4) T lymphocyte subsets, there was significant decrease of the percentage of CD(+)(4) CD(45)RA(+) (suppressor-inducer) and increase of the percentage of CD(+)(4) CD(45)RA(-) (helper-inducer) subsets in MG patients than controls; the percentage of CD(+)(5) B cell was significantly increased in MG patients as compared with that in healthy controls. (2) After GC therapy, the percentages of pan-T (CD(+)(5)), pan-B (CD(+)(19)), traditional B cell, CD(+)(4) T cell, CD(+)(8) T cell, CD(+)(4) CD(45)RA(-), CD(+)(5) B cell decreased. (3) After thymectomy, the proportions of T, B lymphocyte subsets did not change significantly.

CONCLUSION

Not only changes of T cell subsets (CD(+)(4) and CD(+)(8) T lymphocyte subsets) were shown, but also there were abnormal changes of functional CD(+)(4) T lymphocyte subsets and CD(+)(5) B lymphocyte which may play an important role in the pathogenesis of MG. There is comprehensive inhibiting action of GC on cellular immunity in MG patients, while there is no such effect with thymectomy on the lymphocyte subsets in MG patients.

[Genetic complementation group analysis of xeroderma pigmentosum patients in China]

OBJECTIVE

To establish skin fibroblast cell strains derived from Chinese xeroderma pigmentosum(XP) patients and to analyze the genetic complementation group and distribution.

METHODS

From four XP patients, skin fibroblast cell strains were derived and used for the complementation group analysis by autoradiography and cell-fusion technique.

RESULTS

Of the four XP patients from apparently independent families, three were assigned to group C, and one belonged to group E. This is the first report on XP-E patient in China.

CONCLUSION

Based on the data from the previous 7 cases and the present 4 cases, the distribution of complementation group in Chinese XP patients known at present is: nine XP-C, one XP-F and one XP-E. Although the number of cases is still limited, XP-C appears to be more frequent in China. This forms a marked contrast to Japanese XP patients, who are dominated by XP-A with infrequent presence of XP-C.

Jun N-terminal kinase in rheumatoid arthritis

Potential mechanisms of joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were examined by studying the regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and collagenase gene expression in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). The three main mitogen-activated protein kinase families [p38, Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs)] were constitutively expressed in RA and osteoarthritis (OA) FLS. p38 and ERK1/2 were readily phosphorylated in both RA and OA FLS after interleukin-1 (IL-1) stimulation. JNK was phosphorylated in RA FLS but not OA FLS after IL-1 stimulation. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction studies suggested that JNK2 is the major isoform of the JNK family expressed by FLS. Northern blot analysis of collagenase gene expression demonstrated that RA FLS contained significantly more collagenase mRNA than OA FLS after IL-1 stimulation. The roles of JNK and p38 kinase were evaluated with the p38/JNK inhibitor SB 203580. Low concentrations of SB 203580 (1 microM, a concentration that only inhibits p38) had no significant effect on IL-1-induced collagenase expression in RA FLS whereas 25 microM (which inhibits p38, JNK2, and c-raf) blocked collagenase mRNA accumulation. IL-1-stimulated AP-1 binding was also inhibited by 25 microM SB 203580 in RA FLS. These studies suggest that OA and RA FLS have a different pattern of JNK phosphorylation, which might lead to enhanced collagenase gene expression in RA.

[Arthrocentesis and lavage of TMJ for the treatment of anterior disc displacement without reduction]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of the TMJ arthrocentesis and lavage as a treatment for anterior disc displacement without reduction of the TMJ.

METHODS

38 patients with limited mouth opening caused by anterior disc displacement without reduction were treated by using TMJ arthrocentesis and lavage. Clinical data including pain and mandibular motion were collected and then analyzed. Arthrography was used to evaluate disc position.

RESULTS

The mandibular motion had increased significantly (P < 0.001) at different period of time, especially within 1 month. Jaw pain had also significantly improved (P < 0.01). Arthrography revealed that most of the TMJs studied had persistent anterior disc displacement with only 2 patients demonstrating a "reduced disc".

CONCLUSION

Arthrocentesis and lavage is effective in reducing pain and increasing mandibular motion in patients with anterior disc displacement without reduction, especially in patients the duration of symptoms being less then 6 months. It is recommended as a simple alternative to more invasive TMJ procedures.

[Heparin enhances the stimulating effect of thrombopoietin on megakaryocytopoiesis]

OBJECTIVE

To verify whether heparin could enhance the stimulating effect of Tpo on megakaryocytopoiesis.

METHODS

Megakaryocytic leukemia cell line M07e, human cord blood CD34+ cells and BALB/c mice were used in this study. The effects of heparin and/or Tpo on megakaryocytopoiesis were studied by [3H]-TdR incorporation assay, CFU-MK plasmic semi-solid culture and in vivo experiment in BALB/c mice.

RESULTS

Heparin could enhance the stimulating effect of Tpo on stimulating the proliferation of M-07e, the growth of CFU-MK from human cord blood CD34+ cells and in vivo megakaryocytopoiesis in mice.

CONCLUSION

Heparin participates in positive regulation of megakaryocytopoiesis by enhancing the megakaryocytopoietic activities of Tpo.

Differentiation of human malignant melanoma cells that escape apoptosis after treatment with 9-nitrocamptothecin in vitro

After in-vitro exposure to 0.05 micromol/L 9-nitrocamptothecin (9NC) for periods of time longer than 5 days, 65% to 80% of the human malignant melanoma SB1B cells die by apoptosis, whereas the remaining cells are arrested at the G2-phase of the cell cycle. Upon discontinuation of exposure to 9NC the G2-arrested cells resume cell cycling or remain arrested depending on the duration of 9NC exposure. In contrast to cycling malignant cells, the cells irreversibly arrested at G2 exhibit features of normal-like cells, the melanocytes, as assessed by the appearance of dendrite-like structures; loss of proliferative activity; synthesis of the characteristic pigment, melanin; and, particularly, loss of tumorigenic ability after xenografting in immunodeficient mice. Further, the expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p16 is upregulated in the 9NC-treated, G2-arrested, but downregulated in density G1-arrested cells, whereas the reverse is observed in the expression of another cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, p21. These results suggest that malignant melanoma SB1B cells that escape 9NC-induced death by apoptosis undergo differentiation toward nonmalignant, normal-like cells.

[Increased release of orphanin FQ (OFQ) in brain of chronic morphine tolerant rats]

The changes in OFQ-immunoreactivity (OFQ-ir) content and release of cerebroventricular perfusate, periaqueductal gray (PAG) and amygadala of chronic morphine tolerant rats were measured with radioimmunoassay (RIA). The results indicate: (1) chronic morphine tolerance was achieved in rats by injecting increasing doses of morphine (10, 20, 40, 50, 60 mg/kg, s.c., tid). The content of OFQ-ir in cerebroventricular perfusate in the rats of normal saline (NS) group remained at a steady level during the injections from d 1 to d 5, while in the morphine-treated group of rats the content of OFQ-ir showed 25% increase (P < 0.05 vs NS) and 52% increase (P < 0.01 vs NS) after 3 and 5 days' morphine injection respectively. (2) The content of OFQ-ir in PAG of rats receiving morphine injection for 1, 3 and 5 days showed respectively increases of 17% (P < 0.05), 48% (P < 0.05) and 80% (P < 0.01) against the NS group. (3) The content of OFQ-ir in rat amygdala receiving 1 day injection of morphine showed a 8% decrease, which was not significantly different from NS group. However, there was a 36% and 55% (P < 0.05) increase respectively after injection for 3 and 5 days. It is suggested that in the later stage of chronic morphine treatment, large amount of OFQ was released from rat brain to antagonize the effect of opioids, which may play an important role in the development of morphine tolerance.

Fast relaxation of a hexagonal Poiseuille shear-induced near-surface phase in a threadlike micellar solution

The dynamics of near-surface conformations in complex fluids under flow should dramatically affect their rheological properties. We have made the first measurements resolving the decay kinetics of a hexagonal phase induced in a threadlike polyionic micellar system under Poiseuille shear near a quartz surface. Upon cessation of shearing flow, this minimum interference crystalline phase formed within approximately 20 microm of the surface "melts" to a metastable two-dimensional liquid of aligned micelles in approximately 0.7 s. This is some three orders of magnitude shorter than the time required for bulk (Couette) shear-aligned micelles in this system to reach a fully entangled state.

Metabolic and genetic determinants of HDL metabolism and hepatic lipase activity in normolipidemic females

The metabolic and genetic determinants of HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and HDL turnover were studied in 36 normolipidemic female subjects on a whole-food low-fat metabolic diet. Lipid, lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein levels, lipoprotein size, and apolipoprotein turnover parameters were determined, as were genetic variation at one site in the hepatic lipase promoter and six sites in the apolipoprotein AI/CIII/AIV gene cluster. Menopause had no significant effect on HDL-C or turnover. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that HDL-C was most strongly correlated with HDL size, apolipoprotein A-II (apoA-II), and apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) levels, which together could account for 90% of the variation in HDL-C. HDL size was inversely correlated with triglycerides, body mass index, and hepatic lipase activity, which together accounted for 82% of the variation in HDL size. The hepatic lipase promoter genotype had a strong effect on hepatic lipase activity and could account for 38% of the variation in hepatic lipase activity. The apoA-I transport rate (AI-TR) was the major determinant of apoA-I levels, but AI-TR was not associated with six common genetic polymorphism in the apoAI/CIII/AIV gene cluster.A simplified model of HDL metabolism is proposed, in which A-I and apoA-II levels combined with triglycerides, and hepatic lipase activity could account for 80% of the variation in HDL-C.

Dominant-negative p53 mutations in rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

Studies were performed to determine if p53 mutations identified in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial tissue are dominant negative.

METHODS

Site-directed mutagenesis was used to produce 2 RA-derived mutants: asparagine-->serine at codon 239 (N239S) and arginine-->stop at codon 213 R213*). HS68 dermal fibroblasts were transfected with either empty vector, wild-type p53 cDNA (wt), or the N239S or R213* mutant p53 cDNA clones. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and bax gene expression were determined by Northern blot analysis. Bax transcription was determined using a bax promoter/reporter gene construct (bax-luc).

RESULTS

Transfection of HS68 cells with wt increased bax mRNA levels. This process was blocked by cotransfection with either mutant. The mutant p53 genes also increased IL-6 gene expression. Low levels of bax promoter activity were detected in HS68 cells co-transfected with bax-luc and empty vector, N239S, or R213*, indicating that the RA mutants lacked transcriptional activity. Transfection with wt and bax-luc led to a 10-fold increase in luciferase expression. When the wt gene was cotransfected with either of the mutants, there was a dose-dependent inhibition of bax promoter activity.

CONCLUSION

These data indicate that at least 2 of the p53 mutants identified in RA joint samples are dominant negative and suppress endogenous wild-type p53 function.

Accelerated release and production of orphanin FQ in brain of chronic morphine tolerant rats

Orphanin FQ has been shown to possess anti-opioid activity at supraspinal level. Our previous work revealed that chronic morphine tolerance could be reversed by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of OFQ IgG to rats. In this study, we used radioimmunoassay (RIA) to assess the changes of Orphanin FQ immunoreactivity (OFQ-ir) in cerebroventricular perfusate, periaqueductal gray (PAG) and amygdala of rats made tolerance to morphine (10-60 mg/kg, s.c., t.i.d., for 5 days). The results indicated that: (1) In rats administrated with morphine for 3 and 5 days, the content of OFQ-ir in cerebroventricular perfusate increased by 25% and 52% over the NS control group. (2) The content of OFQ-ir in PAG of rats receiving 1d, 3d and 5d injections of morphine showed an increase of 17%, 48% and 81% respectively over NS group. (3) The content of OFQ-ir in amygdala of rats given 3d and 5d of morphine showed a 36% and 55% increase compared with corresponding control group. It is suggested that continuous use of high doses of morphine accelerated the release and biosynthesis of OFQ in rat brain to antagonize the effect of opioids, which may play a role in the development of morphine tolerance, and that brain OFQ may serve as a delayed negative feedback control on opioid analgesia.

Propionate and butyrate esters of camptothecin and 9-nitrocamptothecin as antileukemia prodrugs in vitro

Six camptothecin (CPT) alkyl esters and four 9-nitrocamptothecin (9NC) alkyl esters were assayed for ability to inhibit proliferation and induce programmed cell death (apoptosis) in human leukemia HL-60 and U-937 cells, which exhibit differential sensitivity to CPT and 9NC. In general, CPT-propionate and CPT-butyrate demonstrated activities, while the other esters were practically inactive. Similarly, 9NC-propionate and 9NC-butyrate were active, while the other 9NC esters exhibited little or no activity. The biologically active esters required metabolic conversion (i.e., de-esterification) to their parental compounds as demonstrated by the conversion of CPT-propionate to CPT in mouse liver homogenate, and the topoisomerase I-inhibition assay. In conclusion, the propionate and butyrate esters of CPT and 9NC are CPT and 9NC prodrugs, that can develop to important chemotherapeutic agents for the effective treatment of human leukemias and other malignancies.

Antigen changes of monoclonal antibody MSH27 in process of post-testicular maturation (in mice)

An anti-mouse spermatozoon monoclonal antibody, MSH27, as well as its purified antigen, can block sperm-egg membrane fusion. As a candidate protein for sperm-egg membrane fusion, the sperm antigen was investigated in the process of post-testicular maturation (PTM). The molecule was produced in testes and located on the plasma membrane of the postacrosomal area of the spermatozoon. However, the epitope recognized by the MSH27 (MSH27Ep) was not exposed until the occurrence of the acrosome reaction. In the process of fertilization, spermatozoa must complete the acrosome reaction before penetrating across the zona pellucidas (ZPs) to approach the plasma membrane of eggs. The effects of the acrosome reaction and penetration of the ZP on the exposure of the MSH27Ep were also studied. It was shown that the percentage of the spermatozoa with the MSH27Ep exposed increased followed with their mature status in PTM. In fact, it had a linear correlativity with the rate of the acrosome reaction. After spermatozoa had passed ZPs, almost all of them became the MSH27-positive in immuno-staining compared with only a part of the spermatozoa after the acrosome reaction. In a word, the exposure of MSH27Ep was coincident with attaining the ability to penetrate the plasma membrane of eggs.

Immunolocation of antisperm monoclonal antibody 6B10 and corresponding antigen

An antisperm monoclonal antibody 6B10 was produced by hybridoma technique of the isotype IgG. The monoclonal antibody was purified by means of ammonium sulfate precipitation and protein A-Sepharose C1-4B affinity chromatography. SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to evaluate the purity of the antibody. Evaluation of the sperm acrosomal status was determined by chlortetracycline (CTC) staining. It was found that monoclonal antibody 6B10 can inhibit the sperm acrosome reaction induced by progesterone. The corresponding antigen recognized by monoclonal antibody 6B10 was located on the plasma membrane of the sperm acrosome by indirect immunofluorescent microscopy and immunoelectronmicroscopy. Sperm protein was extracted by 1% Triton X-100. The molecular weight of the antigen is 50 ku, detected by Western blot. The antigen is a key protein in the sperm acrosome reaction and may be the receptor of progesterone on the sperm acrosome. It may either be developed as a candidate contraceptive vaccine or be used as a tool in pest/rodent management.

Modulation of 9-nitrocamptothecin-induced apoptosis by hyperthermia in human leukemia HL-60 cells

We have investigated whether hyperthermia (HT) treatment at 43 degrees C for 15-60 min can affect the extent of apoptosis induced in human leukemia HL-60 cells by the anticancer drug 9-nitrocamptothecin (9NC). Quantitative changes in the apoptotic (Ap) fraction in the cell cultures were monitored by flow cytometry. The results showed that (i) heating for 15 min prior to or concurrently with 9NC exposure had no effect on the Ap fraction generated by the drug alone, whereas 60 min heating resulted in an increase in the Ap fraction; and (ii) heating of the cells at 6-24 h after exposure to the drug enhanced the Ap fraction. These results indicate that appropriate scheduling of HT and 9NC treatments may lead to thermochemotherapy protocols that will result in increased 9NC-induced death of human leukemia cells.

Schedule-dependent efficiency of thermochemotherapy in vitro with etoposide and heating at 43 degrees C

We have investigated the effect of hyperthermia (HT) treatment on the extent of etoposide-induced apoptosis in human leukemia HL-60 cells. The cells were heated at 43 degrees C for 15 to 60 min. Relative quantitative changes in the apoptotic (Ap) fractions were monitored by flow cytometry, HT treatment for 15 min prior to or concurrently with etoposide exposure had no effect on the Ap fraction generated by the drug alone, whereas, 60 min heating resulted in an increase in the Ap fraction. Heating of the cells at 6 to 24 hr after drug exposure enhanced the Ap fraction. Taken collectively, the results indicate that appropriately scheduled HT and etoposide treatments may lead to a thermochemotherapy protocol that will result in increased etoposide-induced death of human leukemia cells.

Cif (Cytochrome c efflux-inducing factor) activity is regulated by Bcl-2 and caspases and correlates with the activation of Bid

The cytosolic factor Cif (cytochrome c-efflux inducing factor) was activated by the apoptosis inducers staurosporine and anti-Fas antibodies and rapidly induced the efflux of cytochrome c from purified human mitochondria. HL-60 cells that stably overexpressed a bcl-2 cDNA transgene (Bcl-2:HL-60 cells) contained mitochondria and a cytosol that were resistant to exogenous Cif and that lacked detectable endogenous Cif activity, respectively. Therefore, Bcl-2 overexpression negated Cif activity and suggested that the requirement for Cif resides upstream of Bcl-2 on the apoptotic signal transduction pathway. The addition of purified caspase 3, caspase 7, or caspase 8 to the cytosolic extract from Bcl-2:HL-60 cells, however, restored Cif activity, demonstrating that the inhibition of Cif by Bcl-2 overexpression could be overcome by activated caspases. Moreover, the addition of purified caspases to cytosolic extracts prepared from parental HL-60 cells was also sufficient to cause Cif activation, suggesting that caspases might be required for Cif activation. Consistent with these observations, Fas-induced apoptosis in Jurkat cells resulted in caspase 8 activation and subsequently in activation of Cif. Finally, we demonstrate that the activation of Cif correlated with the activation of the Bcl-2 family member Bid by caspases and that Cif activity was selectively neutralized by anti-Bid antibodies. Taken together, these results indicate that Cif is identical to Bid and that it can be inhibited by Bcl-2 and activated by caspases. Thus, Cif (Bid) is an important biological regulator for the transduction of apoptotic signals.

AP-1 and NF-kappaB regulation in rheumatoid arthritis and murine collagen-induced arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the expression and regulation of nuclear transcription factors AP-1 and NF-kappaB in rheumatoid arthritis and in collagen-induced arthritis in mice.

METHODS

AP-1 and NF-kappaB expression and function were determined in RA, OA and normal synovial tissue by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and immunohistochemistry. The kinetics of transcription factor expression were then examined in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice. EMSAs were performed with the nuclear extracts obtained from paws of CIA mice from 10 to 45d after immunization to determine AP-1 and NF-kappaB binding activity. The expression of collagenase-3 (MMP13) and stromelysin (MMP3) mRNA was examined by northern blot analysis.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemistry showed that NF-kappaB expression was increased in both RA and OA synovial intimal lining. AP-1 components Jun and Fos were also present in the intimal lining and was significantly greater in RA than OA. The DNA binding activities of both AP-1 and NF-kappaB were significantly higher RA patients compared with OA. In CIA, AP-1 and NF-kappaB expression increased by day 20, which was 1-2 weeks before onset of clinical arthritis. However, collagenase and stromelysin gene expression did not increase until day 35.

CONCLUSION

The DNA binding activity of AP-1 and NF-kappaB are markedly increased in both CIA and RA. In CIA, activation of AP-1 and NF-kappaB precede both clinical arthritis and metalloproteinase gene expression. NF-kappaB expression correlated better than AP-1 with metalloproteinase expression.

Sequence-specific DNA cleavage by Fe2+-mediated fenton reactions has possible biological implications

Preferential cleavage sites have been determined for Fe2+/H2O2-mediated oxidations of DNA. In 50 mM H2O2, preferential cleavages occurred at the nucleoside 5' to each of the dG moieties in the sequence RGGG, a sequence found in a majority of telomere repeats. Within a plasmid containing a (TTAGGG)81 human telomere insert, 7-fold more strand breakage occurred in the restriction fragment with the insert than in a similar-sized control fragment. This result implies that telomeric DNA could protect coding DNA from oxidative damage and might also link oxidative damage and iron load to telomere shortening and aging. In micromolar H2O2, preferential cleavage occurred at the thymidine within the sequence RTGR, a sequence frequently found to be required in promoters for normal responses of many procaryotic and eucaryotic genes to iron or oxygen stress. Computer modeling of the interaction of Fe2+ with RTGR in B-DNA suggests that due to steric hindrance with the thymine methyl, Fe2+ associates in a specific manner with the thymine flipped out from the base stack so as to allow an octahedrally-oriented coordination of the Fe2+ with the three purine N7 residues. Fe2+-dependent changes in NMR spectra of duplex oligonucleotides containing ATGA versus those containing AUGA or A5mCGA were consistent with this model.

[The hemoprotective effect of platelet factor 4 (PF4) and tetrapeptide AcSDKP]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of platelet factor 4(PF4) and tetrapeptide N-acetyl-Ser-Asp-Lys-Pro(AcSDKP) on hemopoietic progenitors in mice treated with 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU).

METHODS

Mice were injected with PF4 (40 micrograms/kg) or AcSDKP (4 micrograms/kg) twice at 6 h intervals, and 20 h after the second injection they were given one injection of 5-FU (150 mg/kg), and the high proliferative potential-colony forming cell (HPP-CFC), burst-forming unit erythroid (BFU-E), colony forming unit megakaryocyte (CFU-MK), and megakaryocyte (MK) were examined 6, 8 and 13 days later.

RESULTS

The administration of PF4 or AcSDKP resulted in a significant increase of the number of HPP-CFC on days 6-8 and BFU-E and CFU-GM on day 8 when compared to 5-FU alone. Furthermore, PF4 was found to increase significantly the number of CFU-MK and MK on day 8, which was not observed with AcSDKP.

CONCLUSION

PF4 or AcSDKP accelerate the recovery in vivo of HPP-CFC, CFU-GM and BFU-E after 5-FU treatment but their effect may be different on megakaryocytic progenitors. Both molecules may have a hemoprotective effect against chemotherapeutic agents.

Water-insoluble camptothecin analogues as potential antiviral drugs

In addition to being causative agents of infectious diseases in animals and humans, DNA viruses have served as models for the study of eukaryotic molecular mechanisms including replication and transcription. Studies of DNA virus functions utilizing cell-free systems and virus-infected cells in culture, in the presence of the anticancer drug camptothecin (CPT), have demonstrated that CPT is a potent inhibitor of replication, transcription and packaging of double-stranded DNA-containing adenoviruses, papovaviruses and herpesviruses, and the single- stranded DNA-containing autonomous parvoviruses. CPT inhibits viral functions by inhibiting topoisomer- ase I, a host cell enzyme required for initiation and completion of the viral functions. These findings indicate that CPT analogues could be developed for use as potent drugs against DNA viruses.

Overexpression of bcl-2 or bcl-XL fails to inhibit apoptosis mediated by a novel retinoid

Overexpression of bcl-2 or bcl-XL has been found to inhibit the induction of apoptosis in malignant cells by a large number of agents including a wide variety of chemotherapeutic drugs. CD437 ¿6-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4 hydroxyphenyl]-2-naphthalene carboxylic acid¿ is a novel retinoid that induces apoptosis in a number of malignant cells through a unique mechanism of action. The addition of 1 microM CD437 to HL-60/NEO cells resulted in capase 3 (CPP32) activation and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage in 3 h whereas in bcl-2- or bcl-XL-overexpressing HL-60 cells CD437 induced CPP32 activation and PARP cleavage in 6 h. Although 50 and 300 nM CD437 were required to induce PARP cleavage in HL-60/NEO and HL-60/bcl-2, HL-60/bcl-XL cells, respectively, maximal apoptosis in both cell lines was achieved utilizing 300 nM CD437. All three cell lines, however, share identical dose-response curves in terms of their growth inhibition, suggesting that CD437-mediated inhibition of growth and induction of apoptosis represent two distinct and separable processes. In addition, CD437 induces GI arrest as well as p21WAFI/CIPI mRNA expression in these cells despite the overexpression of bcl-2 or bcl-XL. CD437 induced mitochondrial instability as indicated by cytochrome c leakage into the cytoplasm in all three cell lines. CD437 also induced growth inhibition and apoptosis of an apoptosis-resistant variant of the HL-60 cell line (HCW-2), which switched expression from bcl-2 to bcl-XL. CD437-mediated apoptosis is not accompanied by downregulation of bcl-2 or bcl-XL or upregulation of bax. The reason for the inability of bcl-2 or bcl-XL overexpression to inhibit CD437-mediated apoptosis is unclear. The ability of CD437 to initiate apoptosis in a spectrum of malignant cells without interference from bcl-2 or bcl-XL overexpression suggests that CD437 may possess significant therapeutic potential in the treatment of malignancy.

[Design and study of carbon fiber tracheal prosthesis]

32 healty adult dogs were selected for this experiment. 10 of them were subjected to the tracheal biomechanics test using indices including the relation between stretcher ratio (lambda) and stress (T), the squeeze stress (delta jy) of medical silk thread on trachea, the side stress (Ts) inducing the tracheal collapse, the functional maximum angle (psi max) of tracheal, and the sever area torsion angle (theta max) of tracheal functional maximum curved. According to the indices measured, two types of tracheal prosthesis were designed, and were made of carbon fiber and silicon. They were the straight tube type tracheal prosthesis and the bifurcate type tracheal prosthesis. The straight tube type tracheal prosthesis was studied with a design of two groups comprising a total of 11 dogs. In the experiment group (n = 6), the outer surface of the tube was not coated with silicon, the average survival period was 379.8 days. In the control group (n = 5), the outer surface of the tube was coated with silicon, the average survival period was 90.4 days. The bifurcate type tracheal prosthesis was studied in 11 dogs, the average survival period was 4.32 days. The main causes of death in the experiment were infection and anastomotic dehiscent.

[PCR in combination with silver as a method for the determination of apolipoprotein E alleles]

OBJECTIVE

To present a rapid, sensitive and safe procedure for the determination of human apolipoprotein E alleles.

METHODS

Genomic DNA was extracted from 0.5ml whole blood by a non-phenol protocol. After PCR and restriction enzyme digestion,short DNA fragments were detected by a simplified silver staining method. This technique was used to assay apolipoprotein E alleles in 19 patients with sporadic Alzheimer's disease and 41 normal aged persons.

RESULTS

The short DNA fragments were visualized clearly on polyacrylamide gel processed by silver staining. It took 24 hours from DNA extraction to the final result. The A4 allele frequency in patients with sporadic Alzheimer's disease was 0.29, much higher than that in control group (0.02, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

PCR in combination with silver staining can satisfy the need for high-resolution and high-efficiency in the determination of apolipoprotein E alleles and can be used as a routine procedure in clinical and epidemiological investigations.

[Reconstruction with silicone rubber tube after resection of hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To treat the benign stenosis and defects caused by resection of cancers of hypopharyngeal and cervical esophagus.

METHODS

Silicone rubber tubes made by ourselves were utilized to reconstruct the defect. It was found that in animal models, the granulation surface was covered with epithelial tissues and new lumen formed.

RESULTS

Among 30 cases treated with silicone rubber tubes, 6 cases (20.0%) developed hypopharyngeal fistulae after operations. Twenty-five cases with cancer and 5 cases with benign stenoses and hypopharyngeal fistulae were followed-up from 5 months to 4 years. The silicone rubber tubes in 25 cases were decannulated, of them, 23 cases recovered normal swallowing function. Two cases developed severe stenosis again and 2 cases were under observation. In 25 cases with cancer, 2 had local relapse of cancer three to six months after the first operation. Four cases had cervical metastasis. All these 6 cases died within one year after operation. One case died of lung metastasis, two cases died of inflammation of lungs. Among 25 patients with cancers, the three-year survival rate was 50.0% (5/10).

CONCLUSION

For defects in hypopharynx and cervical esophagus less than 10 cm, silicone rubber tube reconstruction is satisfactory.