Combination of alpha-fetoprotein and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio to predict treatment response and survival outcomes of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors

BACKGROUND

Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, long-term survival outcomes and treatment response of HCC patients undergoing immunotherapy is unpredictable. The study aimed to evaluate the role of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) combined with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) to predict the prognosis and treatment response of HCC patients receiving ICIs.

METHODS

Patients with unresectable HCC who received ICI treatment were included. The HCC immunotherapy score was developed from a retrospective cohort at the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital to form the training cohort. The clinical variables independently associated with overall survival (OS) were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Based on multivariate analysis of OS, a predictive score based on AFP and NLR was constructed, and patients were stratified into three risk groups according to this score. The clinical utility of this score to predict progression-free survival (PFS) and differentiate objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) was also performed. This score was validated in an independent external validation cohort at the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University.

RESULTS

Baseline AFP ≤ 400 ng/ml (hazard ratio [HR] 0.48; 95% CI, 0.24-0.97; P = 0.039) and NLR ≤ 2.77 (HR 0.11; 95% CI, 0.03-0.37; P<0.001) were found to be independent risk factors of OS. The two labolatory values were used to develop the score to predict survival outcomes and treatment response in HCC patients receiving immunotherapy, which assigned 1 point for AFP > 400 ng/ml and 3 points for NLR > 2.77. Patients with 0 point were classified as the low-risk group. Patients with 1-3 points were categorized as the intermediate-risk group. Patients with 4 points were classified as the high-risk group. In the training cohort, the median OS of the low-risk group was not reached. The median OS of the intermediate-risk group and high-risk group were 29.0 (95% CI 20.8-37.3) months and 16.0 (95% CI 10.8-21.2) months, respectively (P < 0.001). The median PFS of the low-risk group was not reached. The median PFS of the intermediate-risk group and high-risk group were 14.6 (95% CI 11.3-17.8) months and 7.6 (95% CI 3.6-11.7) months, respectively (P < 0.001). The ORR and DCR were highest in the low-risk group, followed by the intermediate-risk group and the high-risk group (P < 0.001, P = 0.007, respectively). This score also had good predictive power using the validation cohort.

CONCLUSION

The HCC immunotherapy score based on AFP and NLR can predict survival outcomes and treatment response in patients receiving ICI treatments, suggesting that this score could serve as a useful tool for identification of HCC patients likely to benefit from immunotherapy.

MGF360-12L of ASFV-SY18 is an immune-evasion protein that inhibits host type I IFN, NF-κB, and JAK/STAT pathways

African swine fever virus (ASFV) causes feverous and hemorrhagic disease of domestic pigs and European wild boars with high mortality, yet no commercial vaccine is currently available. Several ASFV strains with natural deletion or gene-targeted knockout of multiple MGF360 and MGF505 genes are attenuated in vitro and in vivo, and can offer full protection against homologous challenge. However, the mechanisms underlying the protection are not fully understood. This study aims to investigate the effects of MGF360-12L of ASFV-SY18 on the cGAS-STING signaling pathway and explore the potential mechanisms. We identified that ASFV-SY18 MGF360-12L could inhibit cGAS-STING, TBK1, or IRF3-5D-stimulated IFN-β expression and ISRE activation. Specifically, MGF360-12L inhibits both the activation of PRD(III-I) in a dose-dependent manner, and suppresses the exogenous expression of TBK1 and IRF3-5D. MGF360-12L could block NF-κB activation induced by overexpression of cGAS-STING, TBK1, IKKβ. Downstream of the IFN-β signaling, MGF360-12L blocks the ISRE promoter activation by reducing total protein level of IRF9. Moreover, MGF360-12L protein can inhibit IFN-β-mediated antiviral effects. In conclusion, our findings suggest that MGF360-12L is a multifunctional immune-evasion protein that inhibits both the expression and effect of IFN-β, which could partially explain the attenuation of relevant gene-deleted ASFV strains, and shed light on the development of efficient ASFV live attenuated vaccines in the future.

Intensity-modulated radiotherapy combined with systemic atezolizumab and bevacizumab in treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with extrahepatic portal vein tumor thrombus: A preliminary multicenter single-arm prospective study

Background and aims

The efficacy and safety of systemic atezolizumab and bevacizumab (atezo/bev) in treatment of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been demonstrated. However, the efficacy of this treatment in patients with HCC and extrahepatic portal vein tumor thrombus (ePVTT) is not satisfactory. This study aimed to study the efficacy and safety of combining intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with systemic atezo/bev in treatment of these patients.

Methods

This multicenter prospective study included patients with ePVTT treated with IMRT combined with atezo/bev from March to September 2021 in three centers in China. The outcomes of this study included objective response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), time to progression (TTP), and association between response and tumor mutational burden (TMB). Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were analyzed to assess safety.

Results

Of 30 patients in this study, the median follow-up was 7.4 months. Based on the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1, the ORR was 76.6%, the median OS for the entire cohort was 9.8 months, the median PFS was 8.0 months, and the median TTP was not reached. This study failed to establish a significant correlation between TMB with any of the following outcomes, including ORR, OS, PFS or TTP. The most common TRAEs at all levels were neutropenia (46.7%), and the most common grade 3/4 TRAE was hypertension (16.7%). There was no treatment-related deaths.

Conclusions

IMRT combined with atezo/bev showed encouraging treatment efficacy with an acceptable safety profile, making this treatment to be a promising option for HCC patients with ePVTT. Further studies are required to support the findings of this preliminary study.

Clinical trial registration

http://www.chictr.org.cn, Identifier ChiCTR2200061793.

Observation of a Strongly Isospin-Mixed Doublet in ^{26}Si via β-Delayed Two-Proton Decay of ^{26}P

β decay of proton-rich nuclei plays an important role in exploring isospin mixing. The β decay of ^{26}P at the proton drip line is studied using double-sided silicon strip detectors operating in conjunction with high-purity germanium detectors. The T=2 isobaric analog state (IAS) at 13 055 keV and two new high-lying states at 13 380 and 11 912 keV in ^{26}Si are unambiguously identified through β-delayed two-proton emission (β2p). Angular correlations of two protons emitted from ^{26}Si excited states populated by ^{26}P β decay are measured, which suggests that the two protons are emitted mainly sequentially. We report the first observation of a strongly isospin-mixed doublet that deexcites mainly via two-proton decay. The isospin mixing matrix element between the ^{26}Si IAS and the nearby 13 380-keV state is determined to be 130(21) keV, and this result represents the strongest mixing, highest excitation energy, and largest level spacing of a doublet ever observed in β-decay experiments.

Efficacy and safety of transarterial chemoembolization plus antiangiogenic- targeted therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus in the real world

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a triple therapy that comprises transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), antiangiogenic-targeted therapy, and programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors in a real-world cohort of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT).

Methods

Consecutive patients treated with TACE combined with antiangiogenic therapy and PD-1 inhibitors at the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital between June 2019 and May 2021 were enrolled. The baseline characteristics and treatment course of the patients were recorded. The tumor response was evaluated based on the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1 and HCC-specific modified RECIST (mRECIST). The overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of the patients were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Adverse events (AEs) were assessed according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0.

Results

As of the data cutoff on 30 August 2021, the median follow-up time was 10.0 (3.9-28.4) months. A total of 39 eligible patients were included. The objective response rate (ORR) and the disease control rate (DCR) were 35.9% and 74.4% according to the RECIST 1.1, and 48.7% and 84.6% according to mRECIST criteria, respectively. The median OS and PFS were 14.0 and 9.2 months, respectively. Moreover, 34 (87.2%) patients experienced at least one treatment-related AE and 8 (20.5%) patients experienced grade 3/4 treatment-related AEs. The most common treatment- and laboratory-related AEs were hypertension (46.2%) and decreased albumin (53.8%), respectively. No treatment-related mortality occurred during the study period.

Conclusions

TACE combined with antiangiogenic-targeted therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors may have promising anticancer activity in unresectable HCC patients with PVTT. AEs were manageable, with no unexpected overlapping toxicities.

[Proposal of Living Evidence-based Guideline for Combination of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Treatment of COVID-19]

In order to standardize the clinical diagnosis and treatment decision-making with traditional Chinese medicine for pa-tients of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) and put the latest clinical study evidence into clinical practice, the international trust-worthy traditional Chinese medicine recommendations( TCM Recs) working group started the compilation of Living Evidence-based Guideline for Combination of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Treatment of COVID-19 on the basis of the standards and re-quirements of WHO handbook, GRADE and RIGHT. This proposal mainly introduces the formulation methods and processes of the living guidelines in details, such as the composition of the working group, the collection and identification of clinical issues and out-comes, the production of the living systematic review and the consensus of recommendations. The guidelines will continue to monitor the clinical study evidences of TCM in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, and conduct regular evidence updating, retrieval and screening. When there is new study evidence, the steering committee will evaluate the possibility of the evidence to change clinical practice or previous recommendations, so as to decide whether the recommendations for the guidelines shall be implemented or upda-ted. The main criteria considered in the guideline updating are as follows:(1) There are new high-quality randomized controlled trial(RCT) evidences for TCM uninvolved in the previous edition of the guidelines;(2) as for the TCM involved in the guidelines, living sys-tematic review shows that new evidence may change the direction or strength of the existing recommendations. The specific implementation of the living evidence-based guidelines will take this proposal as the study basis and framework, in order to ensure the standardization of the formulation process and methods. This will be the first exploration of the methodology for living guidelines in the field of TCM.

Geniposide protects pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells from lipopolysaccharide-induced injury via α7nAchR-mediated TLR-4/MyD88 signaling

Geniposide is a bioactive iridoid glucoside derived from Gardenia jasminoides that has proven anti-inflammatory effects against acute lung injury. The aim of this study was to determine whether geniposide could protect pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced injury and to explore the participation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), which was previously reported to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokine production in LPS-stimulated macrophages. In the present study, rat PASMCs were isolated and stimulated using LPS. The effect of geniposide on LPS-induced PASMC injury was then explored. Geniposide exerted anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-treated PASMCs, as demonstrated by the downregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins and pro-inflammatory cytokines, respectively. Furthermore, the α7nAChR agonist PNU282987 accentuated the protective effect of geniposide against LPS-induced injury in PASMCs by inhibiting toll-like receptor-4/myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (TLR-4/MyD88) signaling and downregulating nuclear factor (NF)-κB expression. Conversely, methyllycaconitine, an inhibitor of α7nAChR, attenuated the effects of geniposide. These findings collectively suggested that in conjunction with geniposide, the activation of α7nAChR may contribute to further mitigating LPS-induced PASMC apoptosis and inflammation. In addition, the underlying mechanisms critically involve the NF-κB/MyD88 signaling axis. These results may provide novel insights into the treatment and management of lung diseases via geniposide administration.

Research on multi-effect evaporation salt prediction based on feature extraction

In the multi-effect evaporation salt making process, the smooth operation of the salt making process is crucial. As the salt production process continues, many unstable factors will cause the salt production process not to proceed smoothly. These factors can be discovered in advance by predicting the salt production data, thus, it is of great significance to predict the multi-effect evaporation salt production data. In the process of multi-effect evaporation and salt production, the multiple salt-making devices make the influence between the parameters closer, and the influence of a single parameter on itself is sometimes ductile. Therefore, the data of multi-effect evaporation and salt production have the characteristics of high dimensions, high complexity and temporal information. If the historical salt production data is used for data prediction directly, the prediction model will take a long time and the prediction effect is not good. Thus, how to predict the multi-effect evaporation salt production data is the main research problem of this paper. In view of the above problems, according to the characteristics of multi-effect evaporation salt production data, this paper analyzes and improves the self encoder for feature extraction of multi effect-evaporation salt production data, so as to solve the problem of high dimensions and high complexity of salt production data. On this basis, combined with the time-series information contained in the salt production data, a multi-effect evaporation salt production data prediction model is proposed based on long-term and short-term memory cycle neural network to solve the prediction problem of time-series salt production data. Experiments show that the prediction model can predict and prevent the problems in salt production line in advance. It has a certain theoretical research value and application value in the intelligent production process and production line optimization of salt chemical industry.

Effects of sDR5-Fc fusion protein on infant mice with ulcerative colitis via the TRAIL-DR5 pathway

To explore effects of the sDR5-Fc fusion protein on ulcerative colitis of infant mice via the TRAIL-DR5 pathway, 50 female mice were randomly divided into 5 groups, i.e., control group (group A), dextran sulfate sodium group (group B), hIgG group (group C), 10 mg/kg sDR5-Fc group (group D), and 20 mg/ kg sDR5-Fc group (group E). The acute ulcerative colitis models were established. The weights and disease activity index (DAI) of each group were monitored daily. In addition, the pathological changes of colon tissues were observed by Hematoxylin-Eosin staining. The number of macrophages in colon tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry assay. Changes in the expression of inflammatory factors in colon tissues were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of different concentrations was utilized alone or in combination with TRAIL to stimulate the NCM460 cells. The activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes was detected by Western blot. The apoptosis of NCM460 cells was detected by flow cytometry. The results showed that in groups B and C, the body weights decreased, the DAI increased, the colon epithelial cells were injured, the inflammatory cells were infiltrated, and the macrophages in colon tissues increased significantly. In groups D and E, the body weights increased, the DAI decreased, the inflammation was significantly improved, the macrophages decreased significantly, and the gene expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and IL-1β decreased significantly. Thus, sDR5-Fc could inhibit the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes induced by TRAIL, thereby decreasing the apoptosis of NCM460 cells. In conclusion, the sDR5-Fc fusion protein could block the TRAIL-DR5 pathway to reduce the expression of NLRP3 inflammasomes, thereby improving ulcerative colitis.

Extracellular Vesicles Derived From Trichinella spiralis Muscle Larvae Ameliorate TNBS-Induced Colitis in Mice

Helminths are masters at modulating the host immune response through a wide variety of versatile mechanisms. These complex strategies facilitate parasite survival in the host and can also be exploited to prevent chronic immune disorders by minimizing excessive inflammation. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small membrane-bound structures secreted by helminths which mediate immune evasion during parasite infection. The goal of this study was to investigate the immunoregulatory properties of Trichinella spiralis EVs (Ts-EVs) in a murine model of colitis. We found that Ts-EVs significantly ameliorated 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in mice. Ts-EVs alleviated intestinal epithelium barrier damage, markedly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and neutrophil infiltration, and upregulated immunoregulatory cytokine expression in colon tissue. Ts-EVs also modulated the adaptive immune response by influencing T-cell composition. The numbers of Th1 and Th17 cells in MLNs, as well as the expression levels of Th1/Th17-associated cytokines and transcription factors in colon were reduced. In contrast, Th2 and Treg cells were increased after Ts-EVs treatment. Furthermore, sequencing of EV-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) indicated that an array of miRNAs was involved in the regulation of the host immune response, including inflammation. These findings expand our knowledge of host-parasite interactions, and may help design novel and effective strategies to prevent parasite infections or to treat inflammatory diseases like IBD. Further studies are needed to identify the specific cargo molecules carried by Ts-EVs and to clarify their roles during T. spiralis infection.

Development of genome-wide polymorphic microsatellite markers for Trichinella spiralis

Background

Trichinella nematodes are globally distributed food-borne pathogens, in which Trichinella spiralis is the most common species in China. Microsatellites are a powerful tool in population genetics and phylogeographic analysis. However, only a few microsatellite markers were reported in T. spiralis. Thus, there is a need to develop and validate genome-wide microsatellite markers for T. spiralis.

Methods

Microsatellites were selected from shotgun genomic sequences using MIcroSAtellite identification tool (MISA). The identified markers were validated in 12 isolates of T. spiralis in China.

Results

A total of 93,140 microsatellites were identified by MISA from 9267 contigs in T. spiralis genome sequences, in which 16 polymorphic loci were selected for validation by PCR with single larvae from 12 isolates of T. spiralis in China. There were 7–19 alleles per locus (average 11.25 alleles per locus). The observed heterozygosity (H_O) and expected heterozygosity (H_E) ranged from 0.325 to 0.750 and 0.737 to 0.918, respectively. The polymorphism information content (PIC) ranged from 0.719 to 0.978 (average 0.826). Among the 16 loci, markers for 10 loci could be amplified from all 12 international standard strains of Trichinella spp.

Conclusions

Sixteen highly polymorphic markers were selected and validated for T. spiralis. Primary phylogenetic analysis showed that these markers might serve as a useful tool for genetic studies of Trichinella parasites.

Isolation and sequence analysis of the complete VP2 gene of canine parvovirus from Chinese domestic pets and determination of the pathogenesis of these circulating strains in beagles

Canine parvovirus (CPV) causes acute gastroenteritis in domestic dogs, cats, and several wild carnivore species. In this study, the full-length VP2 gene of 36 CPV isolates from dogs and cats infected between 2016 and 2017 in Beijing was sequenced and analyzed. The results showed that, in dogs, the new CPV-2a strain was the predominant variant (n = 18; 50%), followed by the new CPV-2b (n = 6; 16.7%) and CPV-2c (n = 3; 8.3%) strains, whereas, among cats, the predominant strain was still CPV-2 (n = 9; 25%). One new CPV-2a strain, 20170320-BJ-11, and two CPV-2c strains, 20160810-BJ-81 and 20170322-BJ-26, were isolated and used to perform experimental infections. Multiple organs of beagles that died tested PCR positive for CPV, and characteristic histopathological lesions were observed in organs, including the liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys, small intestines, and lymph nodes. Experimental infections showed that the isolates from the epidemic caused high morbidity in beagles, indicating their virulence in animals and suggesting the need to further monitor evolution of CPV in China.

Phospholipase C signaling is involved in porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection in cell cultures

The phospholipase C (PLC) is a family of kinases that hydrolyze phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2] to generate two second messengers, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG), which stimulate distinct downstream signaling. Recently, it has been reported that PLC signaling is activated by multiple viruses for efficient replication and the virus-induced inflammatory response. In this study, we demonstrated that PLC-specific inhibitor U73122 strongly suppressed porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) productive infection in cell cultures. The inhibitor affected both viral post-binding cell entry and post-entry processes. The virus infection led to an early transient activation of PLCγ-1 at 0.5 h post-infection (hpi), and sustained event at a stage from 4 to 16 hpi in MARC-145 cells. In addition, U73122 inhibited the activation of p38 MAPK signaling stimulated by PRRSV infection, suggesting that PLC signaling may be associated with the virus infection-induced inflammatory response. Taken together, these studies suggested that PLC signaling played an important role in PRRSV infection or pathogenesis. Keywords: PRRSV; U73122; phospholipase C; PLCγ-1.

[Impact of oral health promotion project on periodontal condition and life quality of the elderly in long-term care institutions]

PURPOSE

To assess the impact of oral health promotion project on periodontal condition and life quality of the elderly in long-term care institutions.

METHODS

Elder people from 5 nursing homes in Wuhan city were selected and assigned to either the experimental group or the control group by random cluster grouping method. A six-month oral health promotion project was provided to the experimental group. The changes of geriatric oral health assessment index (GOHAI), oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-S), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP) and probing depth (PD) were compared with student's t test and repetitive measure analysis of variance using SPSS21.0 software package.

RESULTS

A total of 322 subjects completed the study for 6 months, with 144 from the experimental group and 178 from the control group. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in social demographic characteristics, GOHAI scores, OHI-S, GI, BOP and PD at baseline(P>0.05). Greater improvements were observed in GOHAI scores, OHI-S, GI and BOP in the experimental group than the control group after interventions (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Oral health promotion project can improve the elderly's oral health-related quality of life and periodontal condition.

[Impact of comprehensive health education on oral care knowledge, attitude and practice in the elderly in long-term care institutions]

PURPOSE

To assess the impact of comprehensive health education on oral care knowledge, attitude and practice(KAP) of the elderly in the long-term care institutions and to provide references for oral health education among the elder people.

METHODS

Elder people from 2 nursing centers in Wuhan were selected. The follow-up period was 6 months. Questionnaires were used to collect social-demographic characteristics and oral care KAP data at baseline, the third month and the sixth month, respectively. Comprehensive health education, toothpaste and toothbrushes were provided at baseline and the third month. The changes of oral care KAP were observed before and after interventions. SPSS21.0 software package was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 144 subjects with a mean age of (72.43±9.41) years completed the study after 6 months. At baseline, the KAP scores were (28.57±19.19), (70.66±21.99) and (39.86±24.18), respectively. At the sixth month, the KAP scores were (91.06±9.55), (95.31±10.23) and (90.00±13.38), respectively and significant improvements were observed (F=913.714, P＜0.001; F=114.042, P＜0.001; F=349.887, P＜0.001). Oral care knowledge and attitude, knowledge and practice, attitude and practice were positively correlated（β=0.173, P=0.038; β=0.269, P=0.001; β=0.197, P=0.018）. Social-demographic characteristics had no significant effect on KAP scores (P＞0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term care institutions should strengthen oral health education and improve oral care KAP, oral health status and oral health-related quality of life of the elder people.

[Study of gonadotropin releasing hormone on suppressing migrationg and invationg of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells CNE2]

Objective:The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) on suppressing cell viability, apoptosis, migrationg and invationg of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells CNE2. Method:Nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues and postnasal catarrh tissues were collected, the expression of GnRH positive cells and GnRH mRNA were detected by immunohistochemical staining and qRT-PCR. The human nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE2 cells and immortalized nasopharyngeal epithelial cell line NP69 were cultured in vitro, and the expression of GnRH positive cells and GnRH mRNA were detected by immunohistochemical staining and qRT-PCR. The CNE2 cells were treated with GnRH with various concentrations 0 (Blank group), 10⁻², 10⁻¹, 10⁰ nmol/L. The effects of GnRH on the viability, apoptosis, migration and invasion of CNE2 cells were detected by cell Counting Kit (CCK-8), flow cytometry, wound healing assay and transwell chamber assay in vitro. Result:The expression of GnRH positive cells and GnRH mRNA in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues were markedly down regulated than postnasal catarrh tissues (P<0.05). The expression of GnRH positive cells and GnRH mRNA in CNE2 cells were markedly down regulated than NP69 cells (P<0.05). Compared with blank group, GnRH can significantly inhibite the cell viability cells, apoptosis, migration and invasive ability (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion:GnRH significantly inhibited the cell viability, apoptosis, migration and invasive ability of CNE2 cells.

Molecular epidemiological and phylogenetic analyses of canine parvovirus in domestic dogs and cats in Beijing, 2010-2013

Fifty-five samples (15.62%) collected from dogs and cats were identified as canine parvovirus (CPV) infection in Beijing during 2010-2013. The nucleotide identities and aa similarities were 98.2-100% and 97.7-100%, respectively, when compared with the reference isolates. Also, several synonymous and non-synonymous mutations were also recorded for the first time. New CPV-2a was dominant, accounting for 90.90% of the samples. Two of the 16 samples collected from cats were identified as new CPV-2a (12.5%), showing nucleotide identities of 100% with those from dogs. Twelve samples (15.78%) collected from completely immunized dogs were found to be new CPV-2a, which means CPV-2 vaccines may not provide sufficient protection for the epidemic strains.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a clinicopathologic study of 37 resected cases

BACKGROUND/AIMS

This study aimed to evaluate prognostic factors for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) patients who underwent surgical procedure.

METHODOLOGY

A total of 37 ICC patients who underwent curative hepatic resection in our department from November 2006 to June 2009 were recruited in this study. Eighteen clinicopathological factors that might influence survival were selected. Survival rates of patients were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and the prognostic factors were selected by the Cox proportional hazard model.

RESULTS

The overall 1-, 3- and 5- year survival rates were 37.1%, 17.1% and 11.4%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that tumor thrombus, intrahepatic bile duct dilatation, hepatolithiasis, high serum levels of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), high serum levels of total bilirubin (TB), low serum levels of prealbumin, high serum levels of γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT), high serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), transfusion, lymph node metastases, advanced UICC stages were significant risk factors for survival. Multivariate analysis identified CA19-9, prealbumin as independent risk factors for postoperative survival.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggested serum prealbumin levels could effectively predict the survival of the ICC patients with the treatment of operation. High serum CA19-9 level was associated with poor survival of ICC patients who underwent operation.

CC chemokine ligand 21 enhances the immunogenicity of the breast cancer cell line MCF-7 upon assistance of TLR2

CC chemokine ligand 21 (CCL21) is a known attractant for CCR7-positive (CCR7+) cells, but its additional role in the immunogenicity of CCR7+ cells remains poorly understood. This study explored the effects of CCL21-CCR7 ligation on cancer immunogenicity and related antitumor immune response, in the presence and absence of mitomycin C (MMC) treatment. CCL21-CCR7 binding upregulated human leukocyte antigen class I-restricted tumor antigen presentation with increased expression of human leukocyte antigen class I and transporter associated with antigen processing-1. In addition, CCL21 restrained the tumor-derived immunosuppressive factors FasL and transforming growth factor-β. Consequently, CCL21 facilitated cancer-educated lymphocytes reaction in vitro. In the tumor-bearing mouse, CCL21 inhibited tumor growth and prolonged mouse survival via lymphocytes, especially in CCR7+ cancer cells. Furthermore, Toll-like receptor 2 activation of lymphocytes assisted the tumor-suppression functions of CCL21, in vitro and in vivo. This study implies that CCL21 improved the immunogenicity of the CCR7+ breast cancer cell line even with MMC treatment and triggered antitumor response by lymphocytes. These findings provide a new insight into the research and application of CCL21-associated antitumor response.

Immunomodulatory activities of a new pentapeptide (Bursopentin) from the chicken bursa of Fabricius

The bursa of Fabricius (BF) is a central immune organ in birds, and some peptides from chicken BF have demonstrated important immune functions. Here, a new 626.27 Da pentapeptide, Bursopentin (BP5, Cys-Lys-Arg-Val-Tyr) was isolated and purified by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. In this study, we examined the effects of BP5 on antigen-specific immune response in BALB/c mice sensitized with inactivated avian influenza virus (AIV) [A/Duck/Jiangsu/NJ08/05 (AIV H9N2 subtype)]. The results suggested that BP5 enhanced anti-hemagglutinin antibody (IgG, the isotypes IgG1 and IgG2a) production, induced both of Th1- (IL-2 and IFN-γ) and Th2-type (IL-4 and -10) cytokines, increased proliferations of splenic lymphocyte subsets CD4+ T cells (CD3+CD4+), CD8+ T cells (CD3+CD8+) and B cells, and enhanced cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activity of the activated splenocytes against NIH3T3 cells. The effects of BP5 on the proliferation of isolated T- and/or B-cell populations of BALB/c mice were assessed, and the data suggested that BP5 promoted spleen lymphocyte proliferation by activating B cells directly and T cells indirectly. Further analysis revealed that B-lymphocyte proliferation induced by BP5 is mediated by reactive oxygen species generated from thiol auto-oxidation of BP5. Furthermore, our data indicated that protein kinase C, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and nuclear factor kappa B are involved in the signal transductions during the BP5-induced B lymphocyte proliferation. This study indicates that BP5 could be a potential immunomodulator for future immuno-pharmacological use.

A xylose-tolerant beta-xylosidase from Paecilomyces thermophila: characterization and its co-action with the endogenous xylanase

An extracellular beta-xylosidase from the thermophilic fungus Paecilomyces thermophila J18 was purified 31.9-fold to homogeneity with a recovery yield of 2.27% from the cell-free culture supernatant. It appeared as a single protein band on SDS-PAGE with a molecular mass of approx 53.5 kDa. The molecular mass of beta-xylosidase was 51.8 kDa determined by Superdex 75 gel filtration. The enzyme was a glycoprotein with a carbohydrate content of 61.5%. It exhibited an optimal activity at 55 degrees C and pH 6.5, respectively. The enzyme was stable in the range of pH 6.0-9.0 and at 55 degrees C. The purified enzyme hydrolyzed xylobiose and higher xylooligosaccharides but was inactive against xylan substrates. It released xylose from xylooligosaccharides with a degree of polymerization ranging between 2 and 5. The rate of xylose released from xylooligosaccharides by the purified enzyme increased with increasing chain length. It had a K(m) of 4.3mM for p-nitrophenol-beta-d-xylopyranoside and was competitively inhibited by xylose with a K(i) value of 139 mM. Release of reducing sugars from xylans by a purified xylanase produced by the same organism increased markedly in the presence of beta-xylosidase. During 24-hour hydrolysis, the amounts of reducing sugar released in the presence of added beta-xylosidase were about 1.5-1.73 times that of the reaction employing the xylanase alone. This is the first report on the purification and characterization of a beta-xylosidase from Paecilomyces thermophila.

Glucose regulated proteins 78 protects insulinoma cells (NIT-1) from death induced by streptozotocin, cytokines or cytotoxic T lymphocytes

Endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis plays an important role in the destruction of pancreatic beta-cell, and contributes to the development of type 1 diabetes. The chaperone molecule, glucose regulated proteins 78 (GRP78), is required to maintain ER function during toxic insults. In this study, we investigated the effect of GRP78 on the beta-cell apoptosis. We first measured GRP78 protein expression in different phase of streptozotocin-affected beta-cell by immunoblotting analysis. An insulinoma cell line, NIT-1, transfected with GRP78 was established, named NIT-GRP78, and used to study apoptosis, which was induced by streptozotocin or inflammatory cytokines. Apoptosis of NIT-1 or NIT-GRP78 cells was detected by flow cytometry, the transcription of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) was monitored by real-time PCR, the concentration of nitric oxide and the activity of superoxide dismutase were measured by colorimetric method. We found that, in comparison to NIT-1 cells, NIT-GRP78 cells responded to the streptozotocin or cytokines treatments with decreased concentration of nitric oxide, but increased activity of superoxide dismutase. In addition, the level of CHOP was also decreased in the NIT-GRP78 cells, which may mediate the resistance of the GRP78 overexpressed NIT-1 cells from apoptosis. Finally, we found that NIT-GRP78 cells were also more resistant than NIT-1 cells to cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) specific killing detected by flow cytometry through target cells expressing green fluorescent protein cultured with effector cells and finally stained with propidium iodide. The data suggest that modulating GRP78 expression could be useful in preventing pancreatic beta-cell from the immunological destruction in type 1 diabetes individuals.

Intermittent hypoxia exposure prevents mtDNA deletion and mitochondrial structure damage produced by ischemia/reperfusion injury

In the present study, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was conducted to determine mtDNA(4834) deletion, and myocardial ultrastructure was visualized by electron microscope to see whether intermittent hypoxia (high altitude) adaptation exerts some action on mitochondria against ischemia/reperfusion injury. Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion in isolated perfused rat hearts induced severe damage to the ultrastructure of myocardial mitochondria and mtDNA4834 deletion down to 87.5% of normoxia rats. After the rats were exposed to intermittent hypoxia (5000 m; 6 h/d for 28 d), the myocardial structure was well reserved and mtDNA(4834) deletion dropped to 28.57%of control (P<0.05). It is suggested that intermittent hypoxia adaptation prevents mtDNA deletion, and preserves normal structure of mitochondria, which would be beneficial to the maintenance of normal mitochondrial function, and increases tolerance of myocardium against ischemia/reperfusion injury.

[Antiarrhythmic and antioxidative effects of intermittent hypoxia exposure on rat myocardium]

The purpose of the study was to observe the effects of intermittent hypoxia exposure (IH) on the arrhythmia and antioxidation with ligation of coronary artery of rat heart together with measuring SOD (superoxide dismutase) and MDA (malondialdehyde) in myocardium. Comparison with continued hypoxia exposure was also made. The results obtained are as follows. (1) Arrhythmia scores of ischemic arrhythmia and reperfusion arrhythmia observed in the rats treated with IH 28-day (IH28) and 42-day (IH42), one week (IH28-1W) and two weeks (IH28-2W) after 28-day IH, as well as in those with continued hypoxia 28-day (CH28) and 42-day (CH42), were significantly lower than controls. (2) SOD in IH28, IH42, CH28, CH42, IH28-1W, IH28-2W and three weeks after 28-day IH were significantly higher than controls; MDA in IH14, IH28, IH42, CH28, CH42, IH28-1W and IH28-2W were significantly lower than controls. It is suggested that IH for 28 or 42 days has some definite antiarrhythmic effect against ischemia and reperfusion, which was related to the strength of antioxidation in myocardium. The antiarrhythmic effects occurred gradually after 14 days IH and persisted for about two weeks after 28 days IH.

Molecular cloning of cDNA encoding mitochondrial very-long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase from bovine heart

AIM

To clone the cDNA encoding an isoenzyme of mitochondrial very-long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) from bovine heart lambda gt11 and lambda gt10 cDNA libraries.

METHODS

The clone was isolated with immunoscreening technique and validated by (1) the microsequences of the N-terminus and three internal proteolytic fragments from the purified enzyme; (2) identification of the acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (AD) signature sequence; and (3) high homology of the deduced peptide sequences, as expected, with those of rat liver mitochondrial VLCAD.

RESULTS

The cDNA (2203 bp) corresponds to a approximately 2.4-kb mRNA band from the same tissue source revealed by a Northern blotting. The deduced peptide sequence of 655 amino acids (70,537 Da) is composed of a 40-amino acid mitochondrial leader peptide moiety (4,346 Da) and a 615-amino acid peptide as a mature protein (66,191 Da). A comparison of the peptide sequences in the AD family shows the major diversity in their signal sequences, suggesting a structural basis for their different mitochondrial locations. The catalytic sites are all highly conserved among VLCAD. Ser-251 analogous to and Cys-215 diversified to other family members. A pseudo-consensus sequence of leucine zipper was found in the C-terminal region from Leu-568 to Leu-589, implying a mechanism whereby the dimer of this protein is formed by zipping these leucine residues from the alpha-helixes of 2 monomers.

CONCLUSION

The isolated cDNA clone encodes an isoenzyme of mitochondrial VLCAD in bovine heart.

Localization and biodistribution of conjugate ATG-Dex-DNR in nude mice as models for human leukemia

131I-labelled anti-thymoglobuline (ATG), 131I-labelled immunoconjugate ATG-Dex-DNR and 131I-labelled Ts-MoAb as control antibody, respectively, were injected by intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration into nude mice used as models for human T-cell leukemia. SPECT imaging was performed from day 1 to day 8 following i.p. injection. The results showed that radioimmunoimaging of human tumor xenografts was clearest day 3 after injection in both of ATG and ATG-Dex-DNR groups, whereas it's not the case in Ts-MoAb group. Nude mice were killed 8th day after injection with antibody or conjugate. The tumor, as well as different dissected normal organs including heart, liver, lungs, kidney, femur and intestine, were harvested, weighed precisely, and radioiodine-counted. T/NT ratios in experimental group was greater than 1.0 (ranged from 1.246-7.865), and in control group they were less than 1.0 (ranged from 0.263-0.757, except for tumor/femur ratio). Our results indicated that ATG and ATG-Dex-DNR had specific affinity to cell line of T-cell leukemia CEM.

Effects of zaizhang-I, a traditional Chinese medicine, on immunologically mediated aplastic anemia in mice

Immunologically mediated aplastic anemia in mice were used as animal models to study the the curative effect of Zaizhang-I in term of the changes of two pathogenetic aspects in aplastic mice, namely the deficiency of hematopoietic stem cells and the disturbance of immunology. Our results demonstrated that in aplastic mice, after treatment by Zaizhang-I, the loss of mature hematopoietic cells (WBC, RBC, Plt) were reduced, and marrow cellular cytosis, and their clinical findings were improved, indicating a partial remission. The present data show that its curative mechanism lies in the action of promoting the recovery of colony forming unit-spleen (CFU-S) and reversing immunologically-induced plasma colony forming unit granulocyte/macrophage (CFU-GM) inhibitory activity. Natural killer cells activity (Nka) and interleukin-2, tumor necrosis factors (TNF) were also so examined to further understand the mechanism by which Zaizhang-I reverse plasma hematopoietic activity.

Experimental study on anti-tumor effect of splenocytes induced by anti-CD3 McAb, PHA and IL-2

The proliferation of splenocytes from healthy adults was induced by anti-CD3 McAb, PHA and IL-2. The proliferative capability and anti-tumor activity as well as phenotypes of the splenocytes cultured in different medium systems were studied. The results showed that anti-CD3 McAb and PHA not only enhanced the proliferation of splenocytes induced by IL-2, but also produced synergism if used simultaneously. The expressions of CD4 and Tac of cellular surface markers were increased after splenocytes were induced by anti-CD3 McAb and PHA. The results of anti-tumor activity of LAK cells suggested that PHA had the capability to promote anti-tumor activity of LAK cells by both direct and indirect pathways, but anti-CD3 McAb indirectly promoted anti-tumor activity of LAK cells by enhancing splenocyte proliferation.

Studies on monoclonal anti-isotypic and anti-idiotypic antibodies against leukemia and myeloma: VI. Purification and relative affinity of monoclonal antibodies

In this study, the anti-idiotypic and anti-isotypic antibodies (McAbs) against IgM of the Patient with B chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) were purified from hybridoma ascites by n-Octoic acid precipitation method. The purified McAbs have high purify and high antibody activity as evidenced by immunoelectrophoresis, SDS-PAGE and ELISA. Relative affinity of 11 McAbs was measured by using indirect ELISA and double antibody sandwich ELISA method. It was found that relative affinity of various McAbs to the same antigen was different. 11 McAbs could be divided into two groups by analysing their 50% maximum binding. The relative affinity of 4 McAbs in the culture supernatants was consistent with that of McAbs in the purified ascites. Our experimental results provide an important basis for rational application of these McAbs.

Determination of IL-2 and cytotoxicity of killer cells in MTT colorimetry

The activity of interleukin 2 (IL-2) in culture supernatants of lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) as well as cytotoxicity of LAK cells on cultured leukemic cells were determined by MTT colorimetry. The results showed that higher activity of IL-2 in culture supernatant of LAK and TIL cells was found; it could be used to support the culture of IL-2 dependent cell lines. The significant cytotoxicity of LAK cells on leukemic cell lines could be found in vitro, and it was consistent with the ratio of effector cells to target cells. The number of living leukemic cells is consistently related with the concentration of formazan metabolite of MTT. It suggested that the numbers of living cells and cytotoxicity of LAK cells could be estimated by determination of formazan metabolite OD value.

An analysis of antigenic polypeptides of dengue viruses and their specificity with western blotting

Dengue virus (DV) samples which harvested after having been either propagated in C6/36 cells or passaged by murine intracerebral inoculation were investigated by Western blotting. Two different denaturing methods with the same solution were selected before electrophoresis, one at 60 degrees C for 20 min; the other at 100 degrees C for 5 min. After the samples were heated at 60 degrees C for 20 min, 3 bands of sizes 46 ku, 70 ku and 98 ku were positively recognized by rabbit immunized sera. The peptide of 98 ku was DV group specific; While that of 46 ku could also react with the sera against both heterologous DV serotype and Japanese B encephalitis virus (JEV). After the samples were heated at 100 degrees C for 5 min, 3 peptides in size of 20 ku, 46 ku and 57 ku were recognized by the rabbit sera against both homologous and heterologous DV serotypes, while the peptide of 57 ku could also be recognized by anti-JEV serum. There was no significant difference in the results of Western blot between the DV antigens harvested from cellular culture and those from intra-cerebral inoculation.

Studies on monoclonal anti-isotypic and anti-idiotypic antibodies against leukemia and myeloma: V. The effects of monoclonal antibodies and interferon on the levels of cyclic nucleotides in leukemic cell lines

After the leukemic cell lines were treated with monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) and interferon (IFN-alpha), the changes of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels in the corresponding leukemic cell lines were measured by radioimmunoassay. The results showed that when the ratio of antigen to antibody was 80 to 1, the cAMP levels in the leukemic cell lines were obviously higher than those in the controls while the cGMP levels were obviously lower after being treated with the corresponding McAbs for 16-24 h (P < 0.001). The average level of intracellular cAMP was remarkably increased and that of cGMP underwent no significant changes in the leukemic cell lines after treatment with IFN-alpha.

Studies on monoclonal anti-isotypic and anti-idiotypic antibodies against leukemia and myeloma: IV. Modulation of membrane fluidity of leukemic cell lines and tonsillar cell stimulated with McAbs

In this study the technique of labelling the cell membrane with DPH fluorescence polarization was used to observe the membrane fluidity of B lymphocytic cell lines and tonsillar cells from healthy persons; the modulation effect on membrane fluidity induced by McAbs against isotypic and idiotypic determinants of IgM from patients with leukemia was studied as well. The expression of the corresponding isotypic and idiotypic determinants of IgM on the cell membrane was determined. The results show that the membrane fluidity of leukemic cell lines is remarkably higher than that of tonsillar cells from healthy persons, and McAbs against isotypic determinants of leukemic IgM can enhance the membrane fluidity of all kinds of cells mentioned above. However, the anti-idiotypic monoclonal antibody increased only the membrane fluidity of leukemic cell lines. These results indicated that there was a close relationship between the effect of McAbs on cell membrane fluidity and the expression of corresponding isotypic and idiotypic determinants of IgM on the cell membrane.

Purification and immunoreactivity of monoclonal antibodies against myeloma-lambda chain

In this study, two murine IgM-monoclonal antibodies (IgM-McAbs) against lambda chain of myeloma protein from hybridoma ascites were purified by Sephadex G200 chromatography. The eluate of the first peak on absorption at 280 nm formed one precipitation band with rabbit anti-mouse IgM or anti-mouse immunoglobulin in agar gel double diffusion test; it also formed a detectable precipitation line in the IgM reaction area in immunoelectrophoresis. These findings showed that the eluate of the first peak on absorption at 280 nm contained purified IgM-McAbs. It was found in indirect ELISA that the immunoreactivity of the eluate of the first peak was four to five fold higher than that of the original ascites with equimolar protein concentration. Double antibody sandwich ELISA analyses of the immunoreactivity of HRP-conjugated IgM-monoclonal antibodies with lambda chain denoted that the purified IgM-McAb-HRP-conjugate might be of practical value in quantitative as well as qualitative assay of lambda chains.

[Studies on double-labelling method for determination of T lymphocyte subpopulations]

In order to determine the concurrent expression of DR and CD antigen of T lymphocyte surface markers, the fluorescence-rosette double-labelling technique was developed by employing monoclonal antibody against HLA-DR and sensitized sheep erythrocytes with OKT series of monoclonal antibodies against cell surface antigen. Its reliability was evaluated by comparison with two-step isolating technique for determining DR antigen of activated T lymphocyte subsets in 30 healthy volunteers. The result showed there was no statistic difference between results determined with two methods. The double-labelling technique was characterized by its samplity, no injury for cellular activity and ability for analysing the expression of the single antigen and double antigens on cell surface concurrently.

Studies on monoclonal anti-idiotypic and anti-isotypic antibodies against leukemia and myeloma: III. Analysis of monoclonal antibodies recognizing the antigenic epitopes by use of ELISA additivity test and microcomputer grouping programme

ELISA double antibodies additivity test was employed to identify the epitopes which can be recognized by monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) against IgM of a patient with B chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). The computer grouping programme analysis showed that 4 anti-isotype McAbs could be divided into two groups and 10 anti-idiotype McAbs could be divided into four groups. The result was consistent with that of the indirect ELISA, ELISA sandwich as well as ELISA inhibition test. The above findings suggested that there are at least 6 distinct IgM epitopes which can specifically react with 14 McAbs. Our study indicated that the combination of the ELISA additivity test and the computer grouping programme analysis provides a helpful tool for researchers into the relationship between the structure and function of antigens.

Preparation of AHTG-DNR conjugates and their antitumor effect in vitro

100%, 75%, 50%, 25% and 12.5% oxidized dextran T10 (Dex T10) were used as intermediate carriers for conjugating drug daunorubicin (DNR) and antibody anti-human thymocytic globulin (AHTG), to form different immunoconjugates, AHTG:Dex:DNR. It was demonstrated that the conjugate with 25% oxidized Dex T10 as intermediate carrier linked more DNR molecules than the others. The degree of its substitution was 10-11 moles of DNR per mole of AHTG. Moreover, because the amount to reducing agent sodium borohydride (NaBH4), required for the reduction reaction, was relatively small, its damaging effect on AHTG and DNR was lessened accordingly. The antitumor effect of AHTG:Dex:DNR in vitro was tested by using 24-h cytotoxicity assay, with CEM as target cell. Cytotoxic effect of the conjugate was proven and the LD50 was 10.68 micrograms/ml. However, it showed only slight cytotoxic effect on non-target cell K562. When 10 min cytotoxicity assay was performed to show the specific tumor-killing effect of the conjugate, it revealed an obvious cytotoxic activity toward CEM, with the LD50 being 14.79 micrograms/ml, but hardly toward K562. These results suggest that AHTG:Dex:DNR possesses specific cytotoxic effect.

Immunomodulation of musk-moxa-string therapy in patients with scrofula

The effects of musk-moxa-string therapy on the immune system in man were investigated in 39 patients with scrofula. Before treatment, the numbers of peripheral blood (PB) CD3+ and DC4+ cells and the ratio CD4+/CD8+ were found to be lower in patients with scrofula than in normal subjects, while those of B cells and DR+ cells were higher. Response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) diminished in patients with scrofula. At month 2-6 of musk-moxa-string therapy the number of PB CD8+ cells showed slight diminution along with significant increases in CD3+ and CD4+ cells and CD4+/CD8+ ratio in total lymphocytes (P less than 0.001). In vitro a marked increased blastogenic response to mitogen stimulation with PHA was observed in PBMC of patients with scrofula after treatment (P less than 0.001). In contrast, B lymphocytes, monocytes, DR+ cells and blastogenic response to concanavalin A and pokeweed mitogen were not influenced by musk-moxa-string therapy.

Studies on monoclonal anti-isotypic and anti-idiotypic antibodies against leukemia and myeloma: II. Preparation and characteristics of monoclonal anti-isotypic antibodies to IgM from B chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Five hybridomas producing McAbs against human serum IgM-isotype were obtained by fusing the myeloma NS-1 cell and the BALB/C murine spleen cell which had been immunized by serum IgM of patient with B chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). These McAbs only reacted with human IgM, not with other immunoglobulins in ELISA and immune double diffusion test. An approximate positive rate of peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) was got when these McAbs and the McAbs against B cell were tested by indirect immunofluorescent assay. The positive rate was similar to that obtained by direct immunofluorescent test. Immunoblotting showed that the molecular weight of the antigen to these McAbs was 70-90 Kd, indicating that the antigen was IgM. The practical value of the McAbs against human IgM was also discussed.

Studies on monoclonal anti-isotypic and anti-idiotypic antibodies against leukemia and myeloma: I. Study on monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibodies against lambda chain protein of myeloma

We used lambda chain extracted from urine of patient with myeloma (IgD lambda) as antigen for immunizing BALB/C mice, and 86 hybridoma cell clones secreting monoclonal antibodies (McAb) were obtained after fusing twice and cloning 3-4 times. 15 of these clones secreted monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibodies (anti-Id McAb). The results showed that 12 of 15 anti-Id antibodies reacted only with homologous lambda chain and IgD, not with lambda chain, kappa chain, IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, IgE, albumin and paraglobulin from normal subjects. Indirect immunofluorescent assay demonstrated that positive reaction rate between anti-Id McAbs and peripheral blood lymphocytes or bone marrow cells of the patient with myeloma was up to 23%. No reaction was observed between anti-Id McAb and peripheral blood lymphocytes or bone marrow cells from normal subjects. Some of these McAbs presented positive reaction with plasmacytoma cell lines cultured in our laboratory.

Studies on monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibodies to human B cell leukemia

Murine immunocytoma cell line, NS-1, was fused with spleen cells of Balb/C mice which had been stimulated by tolerogenic disaggregated human gamma globulin and immunized by purified serum IgM from the patient with chronic B cell leukemia (B-CLL). 10 hybridoma cell lines secreting monoclonal anti-idiotype (anti-Id) antibodies to human CLL were obtained. The McAbs were subclasses belonging to IgM and of IgG mouse. Specificity and biologic characters of the monoclonal anti-Id antibodies from culture fluid or ascites were assayed by ELISA, indirect mixed ELISA sandwich, ELISA inhibition, immunofluorescence (IF) and IF inhibition. The study also proved that monoclonal anti-Id antibodies could react with homologous IgM, but not with Ig from normal donors or a panel of patients with myeloma. The results of IF and IF inhibition assay showed that monoclonal anti-Id antibodies were bound to lymphocytes of patient with B-CLL. Their reactivity was inhibited by homologous IgM, but not by lymphocytes of patients with ALL or lymphoma. Monoclonal anti-Id antibodies were heterogenous reactive patterns with cell lines in vitro.

Studies on biological characteristics and modulating factors of long-term cultured bone marrow cells of a myeloma patient in vitro

In the present study we cultured in vitro bone marrow cells from a patient with multiple myeloma (IgD) and researched into the modulation of supernatant media of various leukemic lines on the growth of culture cells. Cells in the cultures were studied for their morphological, biochemical, immunological and ultrastructural features. Drug sensitivity assay was also performed. The results showed that supernatant media of 6 cell lines promoted cell growth, but most remarkable stimulating activity was displayed by supernatant media from U937 and CEM. Cell cloning effect attained to more than 90%. Cultured cells possessing biological characteristics of malignant cells were probably malignant cells from B cell lineage. This study indicated that long-term cultures of marrow cells might provide a tool useful for clinical and laboratory purpose and a method for studies on pathogenesis, regulation of hematopoiesis, cell differentiation and guide-way drugs.