[The application of D1S80 locus analysis to forensic problems by using Amp-FLP technique]

This is a paper on paternity testing in 85 test cases and the identification of individuals from mixed stains of semen and vaginal secretion in two rape cases. We used primers flanking the hypervariable region of the D1S80 gene to amplify DNA extracted from fresh blood, blood stain, saliva stain, semen stain, mixed stain in vaginal swab, and from fetal tissues. The results revealed that 35 out of 85 alleged fathers in 85 paternity testing cases were excluded. In 30 of the 35 excluded cases, the alleged fathers were excluded by D1S80 locus analysis. The exclusion rate was 35.29%. In 2 of the excluded cases, the alleged fathers were excluded by D1S80 locus analysis only. In 50 nonexcluded paternity testing cases, the paternity index(PI) of D1S80 locus was 2. 0576-111.1111. It indicates that D1S80 locus analysis plays an important role in elevation the relative chance of paternity (RCP) value. In 41 of the 50 nonexcluded cases, RCP was higher that 99.75%. RCP reached 99.300%-99.649% in 9 of cases. In one rape and homicide case, the genotype of D1S80 locus of sperm on the vaginal swab was detected. It gave a clue to investigation. In the other rape case, the genotype of D1S80 of sperm on the vaginal swab was consistent with the blood stain from the suspect. So the suspect was not excluded. Since the D1S80 locus has a high discrimination power it is very useful for forensic individual identification and parentage testing. Some problems have been discussed in this paper.

[Clinical significance of detection of PML-RAR alpha fusion gene of APL during differentiation therapy with ATRA]

OBJECTIVE

To characterize of the expression patterns of PML-RAR alpha fusion gene during differentiation therapy with ATRA.

METHODS

A "neated" RT/PCR was established and subsequently used to study on 74 Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL).

RESULTS

Two major isoforms (type S and L) were detected in leukemia cells from 44 novel patients with APL. 19 of 44 (43.2%) patients with type S isoforms were accompanied with poor prognosis. 15 cases were detected sequentially by the RT/PCR method for dynamic observation of MSD during postremission therapy with ATRA and chemotherapy alternatly. The positive rate was 46.7% in 6 months after CR, then the positive rate curve tended to down wards gradually from 33.5% (12 months after CR) to 26.7% (24 months after CR), 11.1% (36 months after CR), 8.3% on 48 months after CR. Other 30 cases of APL which are long-term survivals and received the same postremission program were detected by the RT/PCR method. The expression of the fusion gene reversed positivty in two cases on 56 and 60 months respectively, then both relapsed. One case was detected regularly once a year for 3 times. In another case, the fusion gene was detectable whoever was no any abnormal evidence in peripheral blood and bone marrow 26 cases were negative and had a long-term survival CCR of 47-114 months (medium 66).

CONCLUSION

The detection of RT/PCR PML-RAR alpha fusion gene plays an important role in clinical diagnosis, evaluation of prognosis and prediction of relapse in APL.

[Application of Apo B 3' DNA polymorphisms in forensic science Practice]

Amp-FLP analyses of Apo B 3' VNTR locus in human blood stain, saliva (stain), semen, mixed stain and hair have been carried out. The genotypings have been achieved. The genotypes of Apo B 3' locus can be detected accurately in blood stains kept at room temperature within 15 weeks and at -20 degrees C within two years. In a series of paternity testing on 34 cases, 8 false alleged fathers were excluded; of them, 6 were excluded by Apo B 3' locus alone or by Apo B 3' locus combined with other genetic markers. 3 rape cases were investigated; 2 suspects were excluded.

[Treatment of congenital eyelid syndrome (CES)]

According to our observation and treatment on 21 CES cases, they could be divided into two types, and the distinction was the developing condition of palpebral tissues. Beside the two stage technique to treat 13 CES cases, the one stage technique was also used to treat 8 CES cases by modification of the management of medial canthal ligament, e.g. partially shortening the lateral part of the superficial head of medial canthal ligament. The key is the amount of the horizontal tension of upper eyelid subsequent to medial canthoplasty. The follow-up time was 7 years. Comparing the pre- and post-operative examination results of both one stage and two stage techniques, it was shown that both of them could achieve the goals of enlarging the eyelid fissure and completely elevating the upper eyelid.

[Quantitative analysis of prevention effect of tetrandrine on pancreatic islet beta cells injury in rats]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the preventive effect of tetrandrine (TET) on pancreatic islet beta cells damaged by alloxan in rats with HE, Gomori aldehyde fuchsine staining and immunocytochemistry.

METHODS

Animal diabetic models were prepared with alloxan (50 mg/kg i.v.). Pancreatic islet beta cells density (BD) in the section of HRP-SPA immunocytochemistry staining was determined with weibel square system.

RESULTS

The BD in experimental groups pretreated with TET (100 mg/kg) at 1.5 hours, 5 hours prior to alloxan injection increased from the control value of 13 +/- 4 to 62 +/- 9 and 65 +/- 7 (P < 0.001), which had no evident difference compared with the BV in normal control group; while the BV (22.5 +/- 7.7) in the pretreated group at 7 hours prior to alloxan injection also increased compared with the control group. But it was much lower than that in the normal control group. When the doses of TET decreased from 100 mg/kg to 50 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg, the BD declined from 62 +/- 9 to 45 +/- 5 and 38 +/- 4 (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Tetrandrine can protect islet beta cells a from injury induced by alloxan.

[Serum G-CSF levels in patients with chronic aplastic anemia]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the pathogenesis of aplastic anemia.

METHODS

The spleen cells of BALB/c miceimmunized with rhG-CSF were fused with myeloma cell line SP2/0. Three murine hybridomas producing monoclonal antibody (McAb) against rhG-CSF were obtained. Serum levels of G-CSF in 54 cases of chronic aplastic anemia (CAA) were detected by ELISA method.

RESULTS

Serum G-CSF levels in 70.4% (38 of 54 cases) of the CAA patients were increased (272.76 +/- 58.39ng/L). There was a negative correlation between blood neutrophil counts and serum G-CSF levels (r = -0.535, P<0.01). CFU-GM were detected in 12 cases of CAA, and all was decreased (17.92 +/- 10.28/2 x 10(5) nucleated cell). Serum G-CSF levels in almost 30% (12 of 54 cases) of the CAA patients were not increased.

CONCLUSION

The hematopoietic progenitor cells of CAA patients were impaired, and some CAA could be treated with rhG-CSF and immunosuppressive agents.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 induce activation of MAP kinase and SAP kinase in human neuroma fibroblasts

Two cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 (IL-1), which are released by macrophages during the early inflammatory phase of nerve injury, are known to induce activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK), which locate at different signal transduction pathways and are involved in cell cycle G0/G1 transition and cellular proliferation in human fibroblasts. Activation of these two protein kinases by the cytokines may stimulate fibroblast proliferation in damaged nerves and thereby play a role in the formation of a neuroma, a disorganized mass of tissue that interferes with neural regeneration and repair. To investigate the possibility that this mechanism is operative in neuroma formation, we used cultured, serum-starved fibroblasts from surgically removed human neuromas stimulated with TNF-alpha and/or IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta, and measured the activation of MAPK and SAPK using myelin basic protein (MBP) and human c-Jun (1-169) glutathione S-agarose transferase (GST) fusion protein as substrates. For comparison, neuroma fibroblast cultures were also stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and platelet-derived growth factor-AB (PDGF-AB), a potent activator for MAPK. TNF-alpha and both forms of IL-1 produced a rapid activation of MAPK, with a peak at 15 min for TNF-alpha stimulation, and a peak at 30 min for IL-1 stimulation. TNF-alpha combined with either IL-1 alpha or IL-1 beta produced a synergistic effect on the activation of MAPK. The increases in MAPK induced by TNF-alpha and IL-1 were similar to the increases induced by PMA and PDGF-AB. To confirm the presence of MAPK, immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting were carried out on experimental and control lysates. TNF-alpha and IL-1 also increased activation of SAPK, but to a lesser extent than MAPK. PMA and PDGF-AB were also much less effective in stimulating activation of SAPK. Our findings indicate that TNF-alpha and IL-1 activate parallel signal transduction pathways in human neuroma fibroblasts, and that they are relatively stronger activators of MAPK than of SAPK. Previous studies have convincingly demonstrated that MAPK and SAPK are involved in human fibroblast proliferation. The results of our study suggest that TNF-alpha and IL-1 may play a role in frustrating functional nerve regeneration after injury by stimulating these two kinases, which, in turn, leads to fibroblast proliferation and formation of neuromas.

Requirement for an additional divalent metal cation to activate protein tyrosine kinases

In addition to the magnesium ion needed to form the true phosphate-donating substrate (ATP-Mg complex), we have determined that at least one additional Mg2+ ion is essential for the activation of protein tyrosine kinases. This activation was investigated in detail using purified Csk, Src, and the fibroblast growth factor receptor kinase, which led to the following conclusions. (1) The catalytic activity of these kinases is dependent on the Mg2+ concentration present in the assay, approaching saturation at 5-8 mM MgCl2, while ATP was saturated at approximately 1 mM MgCl2. (2) Extrapolation to zero free Mg2+ at a constant ATP-Mg concentration predicts zero activity, suggesting that free magnesium ion in excess of that needed to bind to ATP is essential for the activation of these enzymes. (3) The free magnesium ion activates Csk and Src kinase activity by increasing the Vmax but does not change their apparent Km(ATP-Mg). In contrast, the free magnesium ion activates the fibroblast growth factor receptor kinase activity by increasing its Vmax and decreasing its apparent Km(ATP-Mg). These and previous studies with the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase suggest that receptor-type protein tyrosine kinases respond to the concentration of free Mg2+ differently than soluble protein tyrosine kinases. (4) With the phosphate-accepting substrate as the variable ligand, increases in the concentration of free Mg2+ resulted in increases in the apparent Vmax for all tyrosine kinases examined, but the apparent Km response is dependent on the enzyme and the substrate used. While these studies do not pinpoint a single kinetic mechanism, they do suggest that additional magnesium ion(s) is(are) an essential activator for protein tyrosine kinases in addition to being a part of the ATP-Mg complex. The difference among protein tyrosine kinases in their kinetic response to the additional divalent metal cation and the potential biological significance of such are discussed.

[Reversal of drug resistance in multidrug resistant tumor cells by an oligomer complementary to the MDR1 gene]

OBJECTIVE

To overcome the multidrug resistance (MDR) in tumor cells.

METHODS

Human drug resistant cell line KB-8-5 was transfected with a synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide complementary to the 5' end region of MDR1 gene (ODN). In vitro drug sensitivity was measured by MTT assay. Intracellular drug concentration was assessed by flow cytometric analysis and expression of P-glycoprotein (Pgp) was determined by immunohistochemistry method.

RESULTS

The administration of ODN for 72 hours increased daunorubicin (DNR) accumulation and decreased Pgp expression in KB-8-5 cells. Incomplete reversal of MDR in the KB-8-5 cells was observed when lipofectin was used to deliver ODN to the cells. Lipofectin enhanced the reversing activity, and approximately 74.43% of the cells lost their resistance to DNR.

CONCLUSION

ODN circumvents resistance in the KB-8-5 cells may be ascribed to the reduced expression of Pgp in the cells.

[In vitro study on the effects of the novel retinoids on the proliferation and differentiation of normal and leukemic cells]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prospect for clinical use of four novel retinoid compounds (retinoid 1, retinoid 2, retinoid 3 and retinoid 4), which were different structurally from all-trans retinoic acid.

METHODS

The effects of the four retinoids on the differentiation and clonal proliferation of NB4 cells and fresh acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cells and on the proliferation of normal hematopoietic cells were studied. Cell morphological examination,nitro tetrazolium blue reduction test, cell cycle dynamics, and colony formation assay were used in the study.

RESULTS

Novel retinoids induced differentiation of NB4 and fresh APL cells, and markedly inhibited CFU-L growth of NB4 and fresh APL cells. The activity related to their chemical structures and retinoid 2 was more active. The novel retinoids enhanced the growth of CFU-GM, CFU-E and CFU--Meg of normal bone marrow cells.

CONCLUSION

These novel retinoids, especially retinoid 2, may regulate the proliferation and differentiation of normal hematopoiesis, induce APL cell differentiation and maturation, and are worthy of further study for clinical use.

Endothelin-1 induces bronchial myofibroblast differentiation

Endothelin-1 may contribute to bronchial smooth muscle constriction and airway remodelling in asthma, where bronchial epithelial cells represent an important source of this peptide. We report here that asthmatic bronchial epithelial cells exposed to allergens in vitro induce the differentiation of airway fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, and that they do so through a granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor-mediated upregulation of endothelin-1 production. By this mechanism bronchial epithelial cells may participate in the genesis of bronchial subepithelial fibrosis, a process which contributes to airway narrowing in asthma.

Antiestrogenic activities of alternate-substituted polychlorinated dibenzofurans in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells

PURPOSE

1,3,6,8-Substituted alkyl polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), typified by 6-methyl-1,3,8-triCDF (MCDF), inhibit 17 beta-estradiol (E2)-induced responses in the rodent uterus and human breast cancer cells. The major purpose of the experiments reported here was to determine the structure-dependent antiestrogenic activities of several alternate-substituted (1,3,6,8- and 2,4,6,8-) PCDFs.

METHODS

The antiestrogenic activities were determined in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells using two assays, that is E2-induced cell proliferation and induction of chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) activity in cells transiently transfected with the E2-responsive Vit-CAT plasmid.

RESULTS

MCDF (10(-5) M), 6-isopropyl-1,3,8-triCDF, 6-ethyl-1,3,8-triCDF, 3-isopropyl-6-methyl-1,8-diCDF, and 6-methyl-2,4,8-triCDF, inhibited both E2-induced cell proliferation and CAT activity in MCF-7 cells. All of the remaining ten congeners inhibited either E2-induced cell proliferation or CAT activity, but not both responses.

CONCLUSIONS

The antiestrogenic activity of the alternate-substituted PCDFs involves interactions between the aryl hydrocarbon and estrogen receptor signaling pathways. Although these compounds exhibited antiestrogenic activity in MCF-7 cells, the effects of individual congeners were response-specific, and there were no apparent structure-activity relationships.

The chemotactic activity of T-lymphocytes in response to interleukin 8 is significantly decreased in patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis

Involvement of T-lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis is well established. The question arises as to whether not only tissue infiltrating but also circulating T-lymphocytes are involved in the disease process. Therefore we sought to determine whether T-lymphocytes from patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis show abnormal biological behavior to the proinflammatory chemokine interleukin 8 (IL-8) in vitro as studied by their chemotactic activity. In addition, the expression of T-cell activation markers such as HLA-DR and interleukin 2 receptor (IL-2R) were analysed with FACS-technique. In all, 25 patients with psoriasis (13 patients with severe psoriasis and 12 patients with mild psoriasis) and 11 patients with atopic dermatitis were investigated. For comparison. T-lymphocytes from 14 healthy controls were tested equally. The results show that T-cell chemotactic responses to IL-8 were significantly decreased in patients with severe psoriasis as compared to healthy controls. T-cells from patients with atopic dermatitis demonstrated an even more pronounced decrease in chemotactic response as compared to T-cells from psoriasis patients or healthy controls. In contrast, increased expression of activation markers HLA-DR and IL-2R were demonstrated in circulating T-cells from patients with severe psoriasis and atopic dermatitis in comparison to healthy controls. It can be concluded that circulating T-cells in patients with severe psoriasis and atopic dermatitis show a decreased in vitro chemotactic response to IL-8. Furthermore, the in vivo phenotypic activation state of T-lymphocytes in these patients seemed to be associated with their decreased in vitro functional capacity.

Psychological long-term effects of sterilization on anxiety and depression

Two-thousand cases (500 women and 500 men with sterilization; 500 women and 500 men without sterilization) in two counties and two cities in Sichuan, China, were investigated between 15 September 1992 and 30 April 1993. Information was obtained about their age, parity, marriage, contraceptives, social behavior, and present psychological characteristics. CES-D, SAS, and E.P.Q. scales were used to assess the depressive symptomatology, anxiety, and personality of the subjects. The results revealed that sterilization psychologically affected the depressive symptoms and anxiety under the neutral personality. In addition, depressive symptoms and anxiety were related to the subjects' age, educational level, income, operative doctors' attitudes to sterilization acceptors, and subjects' understanding of the sterilization.

[Surgical treatment of pulmonary metastasis from renal cancer: analysis of 9 cases]

Nine patients with pulmonary metastasis from renal cancer were subjected to surgical treatment which included wedge resection (2 cases) and lobectomy (9). One case of multiple lesions in bilateral lungs was treated in the same time by cryosurgery and fulguration. The survival time after operation ranged from 5 to 90 months. In this series, four cases are still alive, others survived for 13 months, 20 months, 34 months, and 90 months, respectively. We suggest that the more active attitude should be taken for the surgical treatment of pulmonary metastasis.

Synthesis of chiral 1-(2'-amino-2'-carboxyethyl)-1,4-dihydro-6,7-quinoxaline-2,3-diones: alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate receptor agonists and antagonists

Recently discovered 6,7-disubstituted quinoxaline-2,3-diones, 1, have been found to antagonize specific binding and functional responses to both alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA) and kainic acid. Although a variety of studies have analyzed the activity of quinoxaline-2,3-diones with various substitutions at positions 6 and 7, there is little information regarding the effects of N-substitution. A racemic mixture of 1-(2'-amino-2'-carboxyethyl)-1,4-dihydroquinoxaline-2, 3-dione (QXAA, 2, R1 = R2 = H) has been synthesized from 1 (R1 = R2 = H). This compound inhibited specific [3H]AMPA binding but not [3H]kainate binding. IC50 values for QXAA, AMPA, and DNQX were 0.69, 0.012, and 0.74 microM, respectively. The R- and S-enantiomers were prepared by asymmetric synthesis. The S-isomer (2b) was 160-fold more potent in binding assays than the R-isomer (2d), with IC50 values of 0.23 and 38 microM, respectively. Both enantiomers were agonists in a functional assay, with the S-isomer having an EC50 value of 3 microM while that for the R-isomer was greater than 1 mM. Methyl substitutions at positions 6 and 7 (2a and 2c) resulted in antagonist compounds characterized by the S- and R-isomers being nearly equipotent, with IC50 values of 51 and 22 microM in the binding assay and EC50 values of 290 and 300 microM in the functional assay. AMPA had an EC50 value of 11 microM and DNQX an EC50 value of 30 microM in the functional assay. Analogs of quinoxalinediones with side chains other than an amino acid moiety on the nitrogen did not show good binding activities.

A novel membrane receptor with high affinity for lysosphingomyelin and sphingosine 1-phosphate in atrial myocytes

Activation of IK(ACh) is the major effect of the vagal neutrotransmitter acetylcholine in the heart. We report that both lysosphingomyelin (D-erythro-sphingosyl-phosphorylcholine; SPC) and sphingosine 1-phosphate (SPP) activate IK(ACh) in guinea pig atrial myocytes through the same receptor with an EC50 of 1.5 and 1.2 nM, respectively. Pertussis toxin abolished the activation of IK(ACh) by either lipid. The putative receptor showed an exquisite stereoselectivity for the naturally occurring D-erythro-(2S,3R)-SPC stereoisomer, the structure of which was confirmed by mass spectroscopy and NMR. These lipids caused complete homologous and heterologous desensitization with each other but not with ACh, indicating that both act on the same receptor. This receptor displays a distinct structure-activity relationship: it requires an unsubstituted amino group because N-acetyl-SPC, lysophosphatidic acid and lysophosphatidylcholine were inactive. Because SPP and SPC are naturally occurring products of membrane lipid metabolism, it appears that these compounds might be important extracellular mediators acting on a family of bona fide G protein-coupled receptors. Expression of these receptors in the heart raises the possibility that sphingolipids may be a part of the physiological and/or pathophysiological regulation of the heart. Based on their ligand selectivity we propose a classification of the sphingolipid receptors.

[Long-term observation of the treatment of blepharoptosis by frontalis-aponeurosis suspension]

During the past 6 years, 78 cases of blepharoptosis were treated with the forked frontalisaponeurosis suspension technique. The main characteristic of this procedure was that the frontalis-aponeurosis was properly cut longitudinally so that the upper eyelid was elevated completely and the elevating force scattered. Thirty-six cases were followed up, with the longest time being 75 months. Most patients were satisfied with the results. We conclude that this procedure is the first choice for moderate or severe blepharoptosis or recurrent blepharoptosis after other operations.

Inhibition of prolactin receptor gene expression by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells

Treatment of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells with 10 nM 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) did not decrease prolactin receptor (PRLR) binding. In contrast, PRLR mRNA levels were significantly decreased within 12 h after treatment with TCDD and persisted for up to 48 h. The effects of TCDD on PRLR mRNA levels were inhibited by the aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor antagonist alpha-naphthoflavone and were not observed in Ah nonresponsive benzo[alpha]pyrene-resistant MCF-7 cells. These results suggest that the effects of TCDD were mediated through the Ah receptor. After treatment of MCF-7 cells with 10 nM 17 beta-estradiol (E2), there was a 2.3-fold increase in PRLR mRNA levels, and in cells cotreated with E2 plus TCDD, there was a 72% decrease in E2-induced PRLR mRNA levels. Previous studies have showed that TCDD also effects estrogen receptor (ER) binding and mRNA levels through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway; however, the effects of TCDD on PRLR levels and binding in MCF-7 cells were different from those previously observed for ER.

[Female idiopathic urethra tumor: clinical features diagnosis and treatment]

Female idiopathic urethra tumors are reported rarely. We treated fourteen patients patients, and described the clinical manifestations and local features of the tumors, urethra liomyoma, and fibropolypus. We found that there are close relations among tumor stage, prognosis and pathological classification. The main diagnostic methods include vaginal touch, urethroscopy, B-ultrasound exam and biopsy. The diagnostic procedure recommended is tumor location-quality-stage or a three-step method. The main treatment is operation, however, the operative mode should depend on tumor stage and patient's life quality after operation.

[G-CSF and all-trans retinoic acid-induced leukocytosis]

During the treatment with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), leukocytosis occured in 33%-75% of the treated cases. ELISA method was used in detecting levels of serum granulocyle colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in 47 cases of APL during treatment with ATRA. It was found that the peak of increased serum G-CSF level occurred on the 9th day, and WBC number was highest on the 11th day. After ATRA treatment, both serum G-CSF level and WBC number increased in 68.1% of the cases. In 19.2% of the cases treated, serum G-CSF level was increased but without obvious change in WBC number, and the reverse was true in 12.7% of the cases. Serum G-CSF level was statistically correlated to the number of WBC, promyelocytes and its late stage by Spearman rank correlation analysis.

Functional analysis of the preproendothelin-1 gene promoter in pulmonary epithelial cells and monocytes

At least two human preproendothelin-1 mRNAs are produced by a single gene through the use of different promoters, and the mechanisms controlling the production of these alternative transcripts might be cell-specific. In human lung, endothelin-1 is produced by vascular endothelial cells, bronchial epithelial cells, and pulmonary monocytes/macrophages. Given the important role of endothelin-1 in the pathogenesis of some pulmonary diseases, we carried out a functional analysis of the preproendothelin-1 gene promoter(s) in bronchial epithelial cells and lung monocytes. Two distinct preproendothelin-1 mRNAs were expressed in the two cell populations. Using deletion mutants and enhancer trap transfection experiments, we also identified different regions of the preproendothelin-1 gene necessary for endothelin-1 expression in bronchial epithelial cells and pulmonary monocytes.

[The inhibitory effects of serum of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia on the formation of megakaryocytopoiesis colony unit]

OBJECTIVES

To determine if the sera of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) inhibit the formation of colony-forming-unit of megakaryocyte (CFU-Meg).

METHODS

By cellular culture assay, the sera of 22 APL patients treated with ATRA and 10(-6)' mol/L ATRA were kinetically used to perform the investigation. Meanwhile, serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF) activity and bone marrow CFU-L were also detected.

RESULTS

Before treatment, there was an inhibitory activity on CFU-Meg in the serum of APL patients (29.6% +/- 2.4%). The activity reduced gradually with the treatment and was stimulus when bone marrow remission obtained (-18.7% +/- 4.1%, P < 0.001). It was positively correlated with TNF activity in the serum and the number of CFU-L however negatively correlated with the number of megakaryocyte in bone marrow and PLT. Serum TNF activity and the number of CFU-L before treatment were higher than those after treatment (P < 0.05 and < 0.001, respectively). ATRA could stimulate the growth of CFU-Meg.

CONCLUSIONS

There was an inhibitory activity in the serum of APL patients which could be used to monitor the efficacy of the therapy. ATRA stimulates the growth of CFU-Meg.

Regulators of aerobic and anaerobic respiration in Bacillus subtilis

Two Bacillus subtilis genes, designated resD and resE, encode proteins that are similar to those of two-component signal transduction systems and play a regulatory role in respiration. The overlapping resD-resE genes are transcribed during vegetative growth from a very weak promoter directly upstream of resD. They are also part of a larger operon that includes three upstream genes, resABC (formerly orfX14, -15, and -16), the expression of which is strongly induced postexponentially. ResD is required for the expression of the following genes: resA, ctaA (required for heme A synthesis), and the petCBD operon (encoding subunits of the cytochrome bf complex). The resABC genes are essential genes which encode products with similarity to cytochrome c biogenesis proteins. resD null mutations are more deleterious to the cell than those of resE. resD mutant phenotypes, directly related to respiratory function, include streptomycin resistance, lack of production of aa3 or caa3 terminal oxidases, acid accumulation when grown with glucose as a carbon source, and loss of ability to grow anaerobically on a medium containing nitrate. A resD mutation also affected sporulation, carbon source utilization, and Pho regulon regulation. The data presented here support an activation role for ResD, and to a lesser extent ResE, in global regulation of aerobic and anaerobic respiration i B.subtilis.

Three two-component signal-transduction systems interact for Pho regulation in Bacillus subtilis

The Pho regulon of Bacillus subtilis is controlled by three two-component signal-transduction systems: PhoP/PhoR, ResD/ResE, and the phosphorelay leading to the phosphorylation of SpoOA. Two of these systems act as positive regulators, while the third is involved in negative regulation of the Pho regulon. Under phosphate-starvation-induction conditions, the response regulator (RR) PhoP, and the histidine protein kinase (HK) PhoR, are involved in the induction of Pho-regulon genes including the phoPR operon and genes encoding the major vegetative alkaline phosphatases, phoA and phoB. ResD (the RR) and ResE (the HK) are positive regulators of both aerobic and anaerobic respiration in B. subtilis. Current data suggest that they are also positive regulators of the Pho regulon, as is the transition-state regulatory protein AbrB. Data presented reveal that ResDE and AbrB are involved in activation of the Pho regulon through separate regulatory pathways. SpoOA approximately P (RR) exerts a negative effect on the Pho regulon through its repression of AbrB, and possibly through repression of ResDE. Both pathways converge to regulate transcription of the phoPR operon.

[The relationship between the high inducibility genotype of CYP450IA1 and lung cancer susceptibility]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of polymorphism of CYP450IA1 gene in the susceptibility of lung cancer.

METHODS

The polymorphism of CYP450IA1 gene in 149 lung cancer patients and 208 healthy controls were investigated by PCR technique.

RESULTS

The high inducibility genotype (Val/Val type) of CYP450IA1 in lung cancer patients was 16.1%, which was significantly higher than that of controls, 8.7%. According to pathological classification of lung cancer, it was indicated that VAl/Val type in squamous carcinomas was the highest, 21.54%, which was significantly higher than that of controls (8.7%) and adenocarcinomas (8.00%). The Val/Val type in small cell carcinoma reached 17.6%. The relative risks were estimated according to smoking condition and CYP450IA1 genotype. Taking the risk of the category with non-smoking and non-high inducibility genotype (Val/ Val) to be at a baseline of 1.0, the odds ratio was 1.6 (P < 0.05) in non-smoking in non-smoking and Val/Val type 4.8 in smoking and Val/Val type (P < 0.001). The relative risk of Val/Val type was 2.2 times as non-Val/ Val type for smoking people.

CONCLUSIONS

Development of lung cancer was associated with the high inducibility genotype of CYP450IA1. And Val/Val genotype of CYP450IA1 gene might be an important host hereditary marker for susceptibility to lung cancer.

[The effects of retinoic acid on the ultrastructure of cultured fibroblasts]

The paper reports the effects of retinoic acid on the ultrastructure of cultured fibroblasts. Electron microscopic observation (SEM and TEM) showed that fibrous substances on the cell surface and outside the cell had decreased. The results indicated that retinoic acid inhibits collagen synthesis of fibroblasts. The possible mechanism of the effect of retinoic acid in the treatment of scar is discussed.

[Studies on bacterial metabolism pathway of 2-naphthoic acid]

The missing chemical Link (Phthalate) of bacterial metabolism pathway for 2-naphthoic acid has been identified to be existing. The genetic regulation mechanism of 2-NAT strain for 2-naphthoic acid metabolism is also investigated with plasmid curing, transposon Tn10 mutagenesis and mutation reversion experiments. It is discovered that 2-NAT strain carries at least one plasmid. The plasmid and the chromosomal DNA co-encode and control the bacterial metabolism pathway for 2-naphthoic acid.

[Effects of some physical and chemical factors on both human hair DNA and results of sex determination by PCR]

The present study aims at observation of the effects of some physical and chemical factors on both human hair DNA and the results of sex determination by PCR. After the hairs were treated with varying pH solutions, the quantity of the DNA extracted was decreased. High-molecular-weight (HMW) DNA was determined in the hairs treated with pH 1, 3, 5 and 7 solutions for 2 hours, but no DNA was demonstrated by agarose gel electrophoresis in the hairs treated with pH 1 and 3 solution for 24 hours, and the quantity of DNA was decreased in the hairs treated with pH 5 for 24 hours. The quantity of DNA was decreased in the hairs treated with pH 9 for 2 hours and no DNA was demonstrated for 24 hours. No DNA was found in the hairs treated with pH 11 for 2 or 24 hours. No changes of DNA were observed in hairs treated with 75% ethanol or methanol for 2 or 24 hours and exposed to UV light for 24 hours. No DNA but RNA was observed in the hairs treated with 10% formalin (pH 7 or pH 5) for 2 or 24 hours. The quantity of DNA was decreased obviously in the hairs treated in 100 degrees C water for 5 or 10 minutes. The quantity of DNA was not decreased in the hairs heated at 50 degrees C for 24 hours, and only little decrease was noted at 100 degrees C for 24 hours. Both fragments of PCR products were obtained in most hairs except the hairs treated with pH 11 solution for 24 hours. Although no DNA was observed in some treated hairs, specific bands were detected after PCR. PCR is a very sensitive and specific technique of DNA amplification, which can be used for sex determination in forensic medicine.

[Simultaneous nasal reconstruction and facial defect repair using expanded forehead flap]

The expanded forehead flap has been used to reconstruct the nose and repair facial defects simultaneously since Sept. 1991. During operation, the expanded flap was divided into two parts: one based on the supratrochlear vessels for nasal reconstruction, the other based on the frontal branch of the superficial temporal vessel for the facial defects, e.g. periorbital or zygomatic area, upper or lower lip. Four patients were treated with this method and satisfactory results obtained.

Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against the recombinant p50csk protein tyrosine kinase: a tool for signal transduction research

p50csk is a protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) that has been reported to regulate the activity of other PTKs belonging to the src gene family. Several hybridoma clones that produce monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) directed against recombinant p50csk were established. Five of the clones were analyzed for their ability to recognize native and denatured p50csk protein after undergoing native and denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by western blotting. In addition, the clones were tested for their ability to immunoprecipitate p50csk and yet maintain tyrosine kinase activity of antibody-bound p50csk. None of the clones cross-reacted with pp60c-src, a PTK that shares with p50csk the homologous SH1 catalytic domain and SH2 and SH3 regulatory domains. These MAbs can be used to study p50csk directly, and its role in regulating members of the src family.

[The study of GST mu gene deletion as the hereditary marker for susceptibility to lung cancer]

A total of 175 lung cancer patients and 104 controls were detected for GST mu gene using PCR technique. The results showed that the GST mu gene deletion rate in lung cancer patients was 71.4%, which was significantly higher than the controls, 51.9%. Analysis according to pathological classification of lung cancer indicated that the GST mu gene deletion rate in all three kinds of pathological types-squamous, adenocarcinoma and small cell carcinoma, were markedly higher than that of controls, especially for small cell carcinoma (the deletion sate is 77.5%). The frequency of GST mu gene was not associated with smoking in both groups, but the higher deficiency rate was found in the low age group of lung cancer patients, showed 85.3% compared to the high age group, 68.1%. All the results showed that GST mu gene deletion may be an important host hereditary marker for susceptibility to lung cancer.

Methyl (2S,6S:2R,6R)-6-(2-cyanoethyl)-4,6-dimethyl-2-morpholineacetate

The morpholine ring of the title compound, C12H20N2O3, adopts a chair conformation with an equatorial (methoxycarbonyl)methyl group. The cyanoethyl and (methoxycarbonyl)methyl groups are trans with respect to each other. The global minimum conformation, as computed by PCMODEL [Gajewski & Gilbert (1992). Molecular Modeling Package. Version 4.0], of the title compound agrees with that observed in the crystal. In the crystal, the torsion angles (N identical to)C-CH2-CH2-C(O), (N identical to C)CH2-CH2-C-O, O-CH-CH2-C(OOCH3) and (O)CH-CH2-C(O)-O(CH3) have values -170.0 (1), -45.9 (2), -71.6 (2) and 142.8 (1) degrees, respectively.

Inhibition of protein kinases A and G by hydralazine but not KRN2391 in vitro

AIM

To examine possible direct effects of the vasodilators hydralazine and KRN2391 on the activities of protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase G (PKG), and protein kinase C (PKC).

METHODS

PKA, PKG and PKC were extracted from bovine lung, heart and rat brain and purified to homogeneity by chromatography. The effects of different reagents on these protein kinase activities were determined in vitro.

RESULTS

Hydralazine (0.03-10 mmol.L(-1)) inhibited the activities of both PKA and PKG with IC50 of 1.2 and 2.5 mmol.L(-1), respectively, but had little effect on PKC. KRN2391 (1-1000 mumol.L(-1) had no effects on PKA, PKG, or PKC. Using H-89 and GF109203X, inhibitors relatively selective to PKA and PKC respectively, as controls, we obtained inhibitions on PKG, PKA, and PKC similar to literature. However, a novel PKG inhibitor KT5823 failed to inhibit PKG or PKA.

CONCLUSION

Hydralazine alters the activity of PKG and PKA, which may have implications for the vasodilator activity.

[Full-load expansion techniques and preliminary clinical application]

For accelerating the inflation process of soft tissue expansion, a continuous inflation protocol regarding pain as the criterion of over-inflation, the full-load expansion technique, was introduced. It is carried out by restricting persistently the pressure in the expander near the pain threshold in a state of dynamic equilibrium between the infusing rate and the skin expansion velocity, with a simple and practical assembled device. This inflation is neither at a uniform infusing rate nor at a constant filing pressure. 19 expanders in 13 patients were inflated following this protocol. Their inflations were respectively fulfilled in 5 to 20 days, depending individually on their anatomic regions, total volumes of infusion, areas of the overlying skin and the patient susceptibilities.

[The effect of retinoic acid on DNA synthesis of fibroblast in vitro culture]

The effect of retinoic acid on DNA synthesis of fibroblast was studied in vitro culture. The results demonstrated that retinoic acid significantly (P < 0.01) inhibited the DNA synthesis of fibroblast in vitro culture and a dose-dependent relationship between DNA synthesis and retinoic acid concentration was observed. The possible mechanism of retinoic acid used for the treatment of scar was discussed.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha-dependent activation of a RelA homodimer in astrocytes. Increased phosphorylation of RelA and MAD-3 precede activation of RelA

Rel proteins are important intracellular mediators of cytokine-induced signal transduction. To understand how cytokines affect different cell populations in the brain, we have characterized Rel activation in astrocytes. A RelA homodimer is uniquely activated in cytokine-stimulated astrocytes. Cytokine-dependent phosphorylation of the RelA inhibitor MAD-3 occurred on discrete peptides prior to its dissociation from RelA. A transient hyperphosphorylation of RelA was also induced. Antioxidant treatment inhibited both RelA activation and phosphorylation of the RelA.MAD-3 complex. These results demonstrate that cytokine-dependent activation of the RelA homodimer involves phosphorylation of both RelA and its associated inhibitor. The sole activation of a RelA homodimer suggests that cytokines will activate a unique set of Rel-regulated genes in astrocytes.

[Fast detection of Alu DNA in human tissues by Alu-PCR]

This paper reports a direct PCR method for the detection of Alu DNA in 18 different kinds of human tissue using primers of Alu 9.1 and Alu 9.2 without DNA extraction. The results showed that besides fresh tissues, some formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissues can be correctly analyzed with PCR. Different amounts of PCR products were obtained from different types of tissues. The duration of fixation in formalin is an important factor exerting an influence on the quantity of the high molecular weight DNA and the results of PCR. No obvious influence of the duration of storage of paraffin embedded tissues on the PCR results was observed. This method is quite simple, sensitive and rapid to perform. It can be performed under a condition of avoiding contamination of DNA and DNase as well as the detrimental phenol and chloroform.

A pho regulon promoter induced under sporulation conditions

Sporulation-induced alkaline phosphatases (APases) of Bacillus subtilis require the products of the sporulation stage-0 genes and certain stage-II genes, including the spoIIA operon, for induction. Mutations in either sapA or sapB bypass this requirement [Piggot and Taylor, J. Gen. Microbiol. 10 (1977) 69-80], resulting in APase production in a spoIIA sapA or spoIIA sapB strain, under sporulation conditions. B. subtilis has multiple structural genes encoding APases, which are induced either by phosphate starvation or during sporulation, or under both conditions. We report studies designed to determine which APase(s) were being expressed in the sap mutants, and from which promoters. phoB (formerly phoAIII), one of the structural genes encoding an APase in B. subtilis, is expressed under both sporulation and phosphate starvation conditions, but from separate promoters [Chesnut et al., Mol. Microbiol. 5 (1991) 2181-2190]. The spoIIA sapA and spoIIA sapB strains express phoB under sporulation conditions. Interestingly, the expression of phoB during sporulation was from Pv, the phosphate starvation-inducible promoter of phoB, rather than from Ps, the sporulation-specific promoter. Since the induction of phosphate starvation-inducible promoters during phosphate limitation requires the phoPR operon [Miki et al., Genetics 52 (1965) 1093-1100], we asked if the phoPR products were involved in regulating Pv expression under sporulation conditions. The phoPR genes are transcribed under sporulation conditions, regulated by sapA and sapB under sporulation conditions, and required for expression from Pv under sporulation conditions.

Electron microscopic observation of bFGF immunoreactivity in the hippocampus

Light and electron microscopic observation showed two types of neuronal immunostaining for basic fibroblast growth factor in the hippocampal CA2 subfield, where the densest immunoreactive neurons were localized in the brain. One neuronal type showed intense nuclear (eu- and heterochromatin) immunostaining but weak cytoplasmic immunostaining (N-type), and the other showed intense cytoplasmic but no or only faint nuclear immunoreactivity (C-type). The N-type also showed weak immunoreactivity in the perinuclear rough endoplasmic reticulum and contained bFGF mRNA as observed by in situ hybridization histochemistry, showed that this type can produces the bFGF protein. The N-type localized exclusively in the CA2 subfield. The C-type showed strong immunoreactivity on the rER, free ribosomes, and Golgi apparatus, although no clear evidence for bFGF production was observed. The multivesicular bodies, a pathway of endocytosis in hippocampal neurons showed apparent immunoreactivity under EM observation of both of types neurons (Parton et al. J. Cell Biol. 119: 123-137, 1992) suggesting a receptor-mediated type of incorporation of the bFGF.

[Influence exerted by environmental and physicochemical factors on the results of sex identification of human dental pulp by polymerase chain reaction]

Sex identification of human tooth is an important aspect of individual identification in forensic science practice. This study was designed to determine the effects of environmental and physicochemical factors (EPF) on the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from dental pulp and PCR result. Extracted teeth were subjected to the following treatment varying pH (2, 7, 10) solution; 10% formalin, 75% ethanol; different temperature (-20 degrees C, 4 degrees C, 25 degrees C, 37 degrees C, boiling, burning); humidity (20%, 66%, water submergence); burying the teeth outdoors; and aging (teeth stored at room temperature for 1.5, 3.5 and 8 years). DNA was extracted from the tooth followed by agarose gel electrophoresis for the purpose of DNA assay and quantity determination. Amplification was carried out using a pairs of primer Y1.1 and Y1.2. The results of the study showed that, 154 bp fragment was obtained in all male teeth, whereas no 154 bp fragment was found in a female fresh tooth. 154 bp fragment bands were not observed in case of teeth subjected to burial outdoors for 10 weeks, submergence in water for 10 weeks, soak in pH 2 solution for 10 weeks, and combustion for 10 minutes; only faint bands were observed in case of teeth subjected to 66% humidity and pH 10 solution for 10 weeks and combustion for 5 minutes; obvious bands were observed in the rest cases. In addition, the quality of DNA from dental pulp affected PCR amplification result. The integrity of DNA isolated was categorized as being high-molecular-weight (HMW), HMW with partial degraded DNA, completely degraded DNA, completely degraded and not detected.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)