Probing ^{93m}Mo Isomer Depletion with an Isomer Beam

The isomer depletion of ^{93m}Mo was recently reported [Chiara et al., Nature (London) 554, 216 (2018)NATUAS0028-083610.1038/nature25483] as the first direct observation of nuclear excitation by electron capture (NEEC). However, the measured excitation probability of 1.0(3)% is far beyond the theoretical expectation. In order to understand the inconsistency between theory and experiment, we produce the ^{93m}Mo nuclei using the ^{12}C(^{86}Kr,5n) reaction at a beam energy of 559 MeV and transport the reaction residues to a detection station far away from the target area employing a secondary beam line. The isomer depletion is expected to occur during the slowdown process of the ions in the stopping material. In such a low γ-ray background environment, the signature of isomer depletion is not observed, and an upper limit of 2×10^{-5} is estimated for the excitation probability. This is consistent with the theoretical expectation. Our findings shed doubt on the previously reported NEEC phenomenon and highlight the necessity and feasibility of further experimental investigations for reexamining the isomer depletion under low γ-ray background.

Advancement of Photospheric Radius Expansion and Clocked Type-I X-Ray Burst Models with the New ^{22}Mg(α,p)^{25}Al Reaction Rate Determined at the Gamow Energy

We report the first (in)elastic scattering measurement of ^{25}Al+p with the capability to select and measure in a broad energy range the proton resonances in ^{26}Si contributing to the ^{22}Mg(α,p) reaction at type I x-ray burst energies. We measured spin-parities of four resonances above the α threshold of ^{26}Si that are found to strongly impact the ^{22}Mg(α,p) rate. The new rate advances a state-of-the-art model to remarkably reproduce light curves of the GS 1826-24 clocked burster with mean deviation <9% and permits us to discover a strong correlation between the He abundance in the accreting envelope of the photospheric radius expansion burster and the dominance of ^{22}Mg(α,p) branch.

Direct Measurement of the Astrophysical ^{19}F(p,αγ)^{16}O Reaction in the Deepest Operational Underground Laboratory

Fluorine is one of the most interesting elements in nuclear astrophysics, where the ^{19}F(p,α)^{16}O reaction is of crucial importance for Galactic ^{19}F abundances and CNO cycle loss in first generation Population III stars. As a day-one campaign at the Jinping Underground Nuclear Astrophysics experimental facility, we report direct measurements of the essential ^{19}F(p,αγ)^{16}O reaction channel. The γ-ray yields were measured over E_{c.m.}=72.4-344  keV, covering the Gamow window; our energy of 72.4 keV is unprecedentedly low, reported here for the first time. The experiment was performed under the extremely low cosmic-ray-induced background environment of the China JinPing Underground Laboratory, one of the deepest underground laboratories in the world. The present low-energy S factors deviate significantly from previous theoretical predictions, and the uncertainties are significantly reduced. The thermonuclear ^{19}F(p,αγ)^{16}O reaction rate has been determined directly at the relevant astrophysical energies.

Dietary taurine supplementation enhances antioxidative capacity and improves breast meat quality of broiler chickens

1. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of dietary taurine supplementation on growth performance, meat quality and antioxidant responses in breast muscle of broiler chickens.2. A total of 72 Arbor Acres broiler chickens (28-day-old) with similar body weight were randomly allocated into two groups, and fed either 0 g/kg (control; C) or 5 g/kg taurine-supplemented diets (TS) for 14 days.3. The results showed that TS had no effect on growth performance or chemical composition of breast muscle in broilers. The drip and cooking losses were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and the pH_24h of breast muscle were increased (P < 0.05) in the TS group. Meanwhile, broilers in the TS group exhibited significantly higher (P < 0.05) scavenging activities of superoxide and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals, and lower (P < 0.05) contents of carbonyl, malondialdehyde, and 4-hydroxynonenal. TS increased (P < 0.05) total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase activities. Moreover, TS significantly upregulated (P < 0.05) the mRNA expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase 1, NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase.4. These findings suggested that TS enhanced antioxidative capacity and improved breast meat quality of broilers via activating the Nrf2 pathway.

Thalidezine, a novel AMPK activator, eliminates apoptosis-resistant cancer cells through energy-mediated autophagic cell death

Cancers illustrating resistance towards apoptosis is one of the main factors causing clinical failure of conventional chemotherapy. Innovative therapeutic methods which can overcome the non-apoptotic phenotype are needed. The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is the central regulator of cellular energy homeostasis, metabolism, and autophagy. Our previous study showed that the identified natural AMPK activator is able to overcome apoptosis-resistant cancer via autophagic cell death. Therefore, AMPK is an ideal pharmaceutical target for chemoresistant cancers. Here, we unravelled that the bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid thalidezine is a novel direct AMPK activator by using biolayer interferometry analysis and AMPK kinase assays. The quantification of autophagic EGFP-LC3 puncta demonstrated that thalidezine increased autophagic flux in HeLa cancer cells. In addition, metabolic stress assay confirmed that thalidezine altered the energy status of our cellular model. Remarkably, thalidezine-induced autophagic cell death in HeLa or apoptosis-resistant DLD-1 BAX-BAK DKO cancer cells was abolished by addition of autophagy inhibitor (3-MA) and AMPK inhibitor (compound C). The mechanistic role of autophagic cell death in resistant cancer cells was further supported through the genetic removal of autophagic gene7 (Atg7). Overall, thalidezine is a novel AMPK activator which has great potential to be further developed into a safe and effective intervention for apoptosis- or multidrug-resistant cancers.

[Effect of sodium thiosulfate on coronary artery calcification in maintenance hemodialysis patients]

Objective: To investigate the factors correlated to coronary artery calcification (CAC)in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients and observe the effect of sodium thiosulfate (STS) on the progression of vascular calcification and its safety. Methods: Thirty-eight subjects from Fuzhou Genernal Hospital who underwent coronary artery CT scan using Philip's spiral CT were enrolled and the calcification degree was evaluated by CAC scores from December 2013 to December 2014. The hemodialysis patients were divided into CAC group (CAC scores>10, 27 cases) and non-CAC group (CAC scores≤10, 11 cases)according to the CT scan results.The differences of age, duration of dialysis, blood pressure and other hematological indices between the two groups were analyzed to investigate the factors correlated to CAC. Next, those with CAC (CAC scores≥50) received intravenous 0.18 g/kg STS (dissolved in 100 ml saline) in 30 minutes after each dialysis for 3 months (n=17, only 15 patients completed STS treatment) or received conventional treatment (n=10). Baseline data between the two groups before treatment had no significant statistical difference. All examination indices were evaluated before and after the treatment course. The changes of vascular calcification imaging, CAC scores, biochemical indices and bone mineral density were compared between two groups before and after the treatment. Besides, adverse reactions were observed during the treatment of STS. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Fuzhou General Hospital(2013No1). Results: Twenty-seven out of 38 patients (71.05%) had CAC, and the patients with CAC had significantly higher age, phosphate, the product of calcium and phosphate, intact parathyroid hormone (hPTH), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and longer duration of dialysis (P=0.017, 0.038, 0.037, 0.012, 0.002, 0.037) and lower serum albumin (P=0.026) than patients without CAC.There was no significant statistical difference in the baseline characteristics. CAC score did not change significantly before and after treatment in the STS treatment group[1 045(47-12 734) vs 797(50-14 094), P=0.053], but increased significantly in the conventional treatment group[221(59-3 843) vs 174(50-3 369), P=0.021]. Difference of CAC score parameters before and after treatment showed statistically significant difference between the two groups[-67.5(-474-8) vs 52(-248-1 361) , P=0.004]. After STS treatment, level of hsCRP and HCO₃^- decreased (P=0.016 and P=0.020, respectively), and level of serum calcium increased (P=0.005). There was no significant statistical difference observed in iPTH, 25(OH)D, bone alkaline phosphatase (bALP), fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) after STS treatment. Conclusion: STS treatment seems to be feasible, safe and may delay the rate of progression of vascular calcification, reduce inflammation in maintenance hemodialysis patients, but the adverse reactions needs further study.

Hernandezine, a novel AMPK activator induces autophagic cell death in drug-resistant cancers

Drug resistance hinder most cancer chemotherapies and leads to disease recurrence and poor survival of patients. Resistance of cancer cells towards apoptosis is the major cause of these symptomatic behaviours. Here, we showed that isoquinoline alkaloids, including liensinine, isoliensinine, dauricine, cepharanthine and hernandezine, putatively induce cytotoxicity against a repertoire of cancer cell lines (HeLa, A549, MCF-7, PC3, HepG2, Hep3B and H1299). Proven by the use of apoptosis-resistant cellular models and autophagic assays, such isoquinoline alkaloid-induced cytotoxic effect involves energy- and autophagy-related gene 7 (Atg7)-dependent autophagy that resulted from direct activation of AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK). Hernandezine possess the highest efficacy in provoking such cell death when compared with other examined compounds. We confirmed that isoquinoline alkaloid is structurally varied from the existing direct AMPK activators. In conclusion, isoquinoline alkaloid is a new class of compound that induce autophagic cell death in drug-resistant fibroblasts or cancers by exhibiting its direct activation on AMPK.

Natural small-molecule enhancers of autophagy induce autophagic cell death in apoptosis-defective cells

Resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapy is a significant problem in oncology, and the development of sensitising agents or small-molecules with new mechanisms of action to kill these cells is needed. Autophagy is a cellular process responsible for the turnover of misfolded proteins or damaged organelles, and it also recycles nutrients to maintain energy levels for cell survival. In some apoptosis-resistant cancer cells, autophagy can also enhance the efficacy of anti-cancer drugs through autophagy-mediated mechanisms of cell death. Because the modulation of autophagic processes can be therapeutically useful to circumvent chemoresistance and enhance the effects of cancer treatment, the identification of novel autophagic enhancers for use in oncology is highly desirable. Many novel anti-cancer compounds have been isolated from natural products; therefore, we worked to discover natural, anti-cancer small-molecule enhancers of autophagy. Here, we have identified a group of natural alkaloid small-molecules that function as novel autophagic enhancers. These alkaloids, including liensinine, isoliensinine, dauricine and cepharanthine, stimulated AMPK-mTOR dependent induction of autophagy and autophagic cell death in a panel of apoptosis-resistant cells. Taken together, our work provides novel insights into the biological functions, mechanisms and potential therapeutic values of alkaloids for the induction of autophagy.

Effects of zearalenone on calcium homeostasis of splenic lymphocytes of chickens in vitro

Zearalenone (ZEA) is an estrogenic mycotoxin. It is produced by several Fusarium species and can contaminate food and feed. To investigate the role of calcium homeostasis in ZEA-induced toxicity of poultry and elucidate its cytotoxic mechanism, splenic lymphocytes isolated from chickens were exposed to ZEA (0-25 μg/mL) for 48 h. The intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), pH, calmodulin (CaM) mRNA levels, and Na+/K+-ATPase activities and Ca2+-ATPase activities were detected by the fluorescent dyes Fluo-3/AM and BCECF/AM, quantitative real-time PCR, and chromatometry. Supernatant CaM concentrations were simultaneously detected by ELISA. As the ZEA exposure concentration increased, the [Ca2+]i and CaM mRNA levels gradually increased, while intracellular pH, CaM concentrations of supernatants, and intracellular Na+,K+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase activities gradually decreased in a dose-dependent manner. There were significant differences (P<0.05 or P<0.01) between the treatment groups and the control group. These results indicate that ZEA cytotoxicity arises by causing an imbalance in calcium homeostasis and intracellular acidification in lymphocytes.

Effects of cold stress on the messenger ribonucleic acid levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-{gamma} in spleen, thymus, and bursa of Fabricius of chickens

This study was to investigate the expression trait of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) gene and the effect of cold stress on the mRNA levels of PPAR-gamma in spleen, thymus, and bursa of Fabricius of chickens. Eighty-four 1-d-old male chickens were randomly allocated to 12 groups (7 chickens per group). There was 1 control group and 5 treatment groups for acute cold stress and 3 control groups and 3 treatment groups for chronic cold stress. Chickens were maintained in our animal facility, kept under a 16L:8D cycle and temperature (30 +/- 2 degrees C), and given free access to standard chow and water. The cold stress was initiated when the birds were 15 d of age, with the duration of the acute cold stress being 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h, and the chronic cold stress was 5, 10, and 20 d, respectively. Cold stress temperature was 12 +/- 1 degrees C. Spleen, thymus, and bursa of Fabricius were collected for the assessment of the mRNA levels by real-time PCR after stress termination. The results showed that the PPAR-gamma gene is expressed in spleen, thymus, and bursa of Fabricius, and its expression level is different in different tissues and at different ages. Acute cold stress significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the mRNA levels of the PPAR-gamma gene of spleen and thymus in all treatment groups and significantly increased (P < 0.05) the mRNA levels of the PPAR-gamma gene of bursa of Fabricius in all treatment groups. Compared with the corresponding control groups, chronic cold stress resulted in a significant increase (P < 0.05) of the mRNA levels of the PPAR-gamma gene in spleen and a significant decrease (P < 0.05) of the mRNA levels of the PPAR-gamma gene in thymus and bursa of Fabricius. The results indicate that the PPAR-gamma gene is expressed in all 3 immune organs and has different expression traits. The magnitude and direction of change in PPAR-gamma gene expression differs with the type of cold stress applied and also varies by tissue.

Measurement of milk D-3-hydroxybutyrate with a simple UV spectrophotometer method: an alternative assay method

The measurement of D-3-hydroxybutyrate (D-BHBA) in milk samples is an important tool for diagnosis of subclinical/clinical ketosis in dairy cows. We describe a simple UV spectrophotometric method for measuring the concentration of D-BHBA in milk of dairy cows. From two herds, 119 milk samples were taken from dairy cows. The standard-curve equation was y = 0.2582x + 0.0269 (R2 = 0.9967). The assay was highly specific with a minimum detection limit of 0.01 mmol/L and measuring range of up to 5 mmol/L. The recovery was between 99.35% and 100.22% and repeatability was 99.8%. The comparison between the spectrophotometric method and the fluorometric method revealed a close correlation (r = 0.9939). These results show that the spectrophotometric method can be successfully used as an alternative method to measure D-BHBA content in milk.

The impact of clinical risk factors in the conversion from acute lung injury to acute respiratory distress syndrome in severe multiple trauma patients

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are different stages of the same disease, the aggravated stage of ALI leading to ARDS. Patients with ARDS have higher hospital mortality rates and reduced long-term pulmonary function and quality of life. It is, therefore, important to prevent ALI converting to ARDS. This study evaluated 17 risk factors potentially associated with the conversion from ALI to ARDS in severe multiple trauma. The results indicate that the impact of pulmonary contusion, APACHE II score, gastrointestinal haemorrhage and disseminated intravascular coagulation may help to predict conversion from ALI to ARDS in the early phase after multiple-trauma injury. Trauma duration, in particular, strongly impacted the short- and long-term development of ALI. Being elderly (aged > or = 65 years) and undergoing multiple blood transfusions in the early phase were independent risk factors correlated with secondary sepsis, deterioration of pulmonary function and transfusion-related acute lung injury due to early multiple fluid resuscitation.

Locally applied simvastatin promotes fracture healing in ovariectomized rat

Simvastatin solution was injected subcutaneously to the site of fractured tibiae of ovariectomized rats. Afterwards healing quality was evaluated by morphologic, radiographic, biomechanical, histological and histomorphometric methods at 1, 2 and 4 weeks after fracture. Results showed that locally applied simvastatin improved fracture healing.

INTRODUCTION

Many studies have documented an anabolic effect of hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, statins, on undisturbed bone. Reports of their effects, however, on fractured skeletal systems have been limited. A study was, therefore, conducted to check the effects of statins on fracture healing.

METHODS

Simvastatin (10 mg/kg/day) was injected subcutaneously to tissue overlying the site of fractured tibiae of ovariectomized rats for a treatment period of 5 days. Vehicle reagent was used as a control. Healing quality was evaluated at 1, 2 and 4 weeks after fracture.

RESULTS

Compared with that in the vehicle group, the callus cross-section area in simvastatin-treated rats was significantly enlarged by 21.3% (p < 0.05) at 1 week and by 21.5% (p < 0.05) at 2 weeks; new woven bone was relatively substantive and arranged more tightly and regularly at 2 and 4 weeks; and maximal load was increased by 57.5% (p < 0.05) at 2 weeks and by 31.4% (p < 0.05) at 4 weeks. Histomorphometrically, simvastatin was associated with a significant (p < 0.05) increase of mineralization width (MLW), mineralization volume (MLV) and mineral apposition rate (MAR).

CONCLUSION

The current study suggests that local application of simvastatin could promote fracture healing in ovariectomized rats.

Trauma to erythrocytes induced by long term in vitro pumping using a roller pump

The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of trauma on erythrocyte caused by long term in vitro pumping using roller pump. Ten bags of human blood (400 ml each) were provided by a local blood bank and they were divided into two groups with five bags in each group. Each blood bag was subject to pumping in a closed circuit, which was composed of silica gel tubes and a roller pump. Polystan and COBE pumps were used for the two groups, respectively. The blood was pumped for 16 h in vitro. Free hemoglobin (FHb), platelets (PLT), erythrocyte fragility (EF), and morphological analysis of erythrocytes observed under scanning electron microscope were measured to evaluate the impact of trauma on erythrocytes. A small amount of blood was collected for analysis before pumping, at the end of the 4th hour and then every 2 h till the end of the 16th hour. Some blood samples were also collected for electron microscope scanning before pumping and every 4 h during pumping. It was found that FHb and PLT linearly increased with the pumping time. There was a significant correlation between the two parameters (r=0.7745, p<0.001). The hemolysis indexes of the two groups were 0.296 and 0.3993 mg/L/h, respectively, with no significant difference. During the pumping process, EF changed slightly. The observation of scanning electron microscopy showed various deformed erythrocytes after pumping, including the distortion of cell membrane and the appearance of echinocytes, which increased with pumping time. This study demonstrated that long term pumping using roller pump not only caused the immediate rupture of red blood cells, i.e. the immediate hemolysis, but also caused sub-trauma to a large number of erythrocytes, which led to the delayed hemolysis. The change of erythrocyte morphology was the basis of the delayed hemolysis.

Assessment of hemodynamics properties of a new-type artificial heart valve prosthesis using catheterization and echocardiography

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study were to assess the hemodynamic properties of the newly developed artificial heart valve prosthesis experimentally in laboratory simulation, in an animal model, and clinically in a human model and to compare the results measured by catheterization and echocardiography.

METHODS

(1) Laboratory simulation. The prosthesis was tested using a pulsatile flow simulator in the aortic position. Hydrodynamics parameters were automatically analyzed through a custom-designed data processing program. (2) Animal experiment. Six sheep subjected to mitral replacement with 21-mm-valve prosthesis were measured by open cardiac catheterization intraoperatively. Doppler echocardiography and open cardiac catheterization under dobutamine stress were performed in two sheep subjected to implantation 2.5 years ago. (3) Clinical patient observation. Observations were carried out on 14 patients with aortas replacement and 10 patients with bicuspid replacement using both doppler echocardiography and open cardiac catheterization.

RESULTS

(1) Laboratory simulation. The results showed that the value of the transvalvular gradient (DeltaP) decreased with the increase of heart rate, and the values were not greater that 10 mm Hg at any given tissue annulus diameter. (2) Animal experiment. The mean DeltaP value of the six sheep was 5.2 +/- 1.7 mm Hg intraoperatively, while the corresponding DeltaP value of the two sheep 2.5 years after implantation was 6.1 +/- 0.3 mm Hg measured by open cardiac catheterization. (3) Clinical patient observation. The mean DeltaP values in the aortic position measured by catheterization and echocardiography were 6.26 approximately 4.10 and 9.42 approximately 7.48 mm Hg, respectively. The gradients in the mitral position were 2.10 approximately 1.9 and 5.28 approximately 4.10 mm Hg, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate that the new-type bileaflet heart valve prosthesis only generates a relatively low transvalvar gradient and thus has good hemodynamic properties.

Effects of methylprednisolone and aprotinin on phospholipase D activity of leukocytes in systemic inflammatory response induced by cardiopulmonary bypass

AIM

To investigate the role of leukocyte phospholipase D (PLD) in systemic inflammatory response induced by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and the effects of methylprednisolone and aprotinin on leukocyte PLD activity.

METHODS

Forty-two patients who received CPB open heart surgery were divided into 3 groups: methylprednisolone group, aprotinin group, and control group. Arterial blood (10 mL) was collected for assay of leukocyte PLD activity, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and CD11b expression at 8 different time points in perioperative period. Plasma IL-6, IL-8, and C-reactive protein levels were also determined.

RESULTS

At the time point of ascending aorta declamped, leukocyte PLD activity for control group was (18 +/- 8) nmol choline . h-1 . mg-1, which was higher than that of pre-CPB (P < 0.01); the PLD activity for methylprednisolone group was (10 +/- 6) nmol choline . h-1 . mg-1 that was lower than control (P < 0.05), while it had no statistical difference compared with that of pre-CPB. In methylprednisolone group, PLD activity elevation was postponed to the time point of CPB stopped. There was no statistical difference in PLD activity between aprotinin group and control (P > 0.05). After administration of methylprednisolone or aprotinin, leukocyte CD11b expression, plasma IL-6, IL-8, C-reactive protein levels, and MPO activity decreased by different extent.

CONCLUSION

Leukocyte PLD activity was elevated significantly in systemic inflammatory response induced by CPB and methylprednisolone partially blunted the CPB-induced inflammatory response by inhibiting PLD activity.

[Enantiomeric separation of ketoprofen on an ovomucoid column]

The enantiomeric separation of ketoprofen in three mobile phase systems on an ovomucoid (OVM) chiral stationary phase (CSP) column was investigated. Suitable chromatographic conditions for simultaneous separation of the two pairs of enantiomers of ketoprofen and its methyl ester were adopted. All of the four compounds occuring in the process of enzymatic stereoselective hydrolysis or esterification can be simultaneously separated.

[Two different fermentation techniques of steriod 1,4-dehydrogenation and 11 alpha-hydroxylation]

Two kinds of micro-organism, Arthrobacter sp. AX86(1,4-dehdrogenator) and Absidia sp. A28(11 alpha-hydroxylator) were used in this experiment. Two different fermentation techniques were performed to accomplish the multiple conversional reactions for producing 16 beta-methyl-11 alpha,17 alpha,21-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione(III) from 16 beta-methyl-3 beta,17 alpha,21-trihydroxy-5 alpha-pregnane-20-one-21-acetate(I): 1) To produce product(III) by means of a two-step fermentation method which were independently performed first by Arthrobacter and next by Absiaia, and 2) the product was obtained by a sequential fermentation system of aforesaid two micro-organisms in a single fermentor without isolation of the intermediates from the mixture. Our results showed that in both fermentation systems high yield of product was obtained. However, according to the technical simplicity, shorter duration of fermentation cycle and efficient yield of product, the second method is better than the first one.

[Studies on the production of 16 beta-methyl-11 alpha,17 alpha,21-trihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione from 16 beta-methyl-17 alpha,21-dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione-21-acetate by Absidia]

An Absidia sp. 28 strain was shown to have higher activity of 11 alpha-hydroxylation using 16 beta-methyl-17 alpha,21-dihydroxy-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione as a substrate. It was found that 21-acetylization of substrate could increase 11 alpha-hydroxylation rate conspicuously. The yield of the 11 alpha-hydroxylation by this strain was 73% in the conversion of 0.5% concentration of 21-acetated substrate under optimum conditions.

Endothelin-1 regulation of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression in normal and sclerodermal fibroblasts

We investigated the potential modulation of cell surface intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression and function by ET-1 in fibroblasts grown from skin biopsies of scleroderma (SSc) patients compared with healthy controls. Surface ICAM-1 expression was quantified by cell-bound ELISA and by FACS analysis. ICAM-1 function was investigated by measuring cell adhesion, and we studied ICAM-1 gene expression using RT-PCR. Fibroblast ET-1 binding sites were measured using 125I-labeled ET-1, and the modulation of ICAM-1 function by ET-1 was determined by measuring the binding of human U937 cells to fibroblasts in the presence of a mixed ETA/B receptor antagonist (bosentan) or a neutralizing anti-ICAM-1 antibody. ICAM-1 expression was significantly higher in SSc fibroblasts compared with normal controls. ET-1 increased ICAM-1 on both normal and SSc fibroblasts to comparable levels. RT-PCR demonstrated that ICAM-1 mRNA was upregulated by ET-1, and results from binding studies showed fibroblasts exposed to ET-1 supported more U937 cells than controls, a process that could be inhibited by bosentan and ICAM-1 neutralizing antibody. Autoradiography showed ET-1 receptors on both normal and SSc fibroblasts. Our findings indicate that SSc fibroblasts express intrinsically elevated levels of surface ICAM-1 and message. ET-1 can induce normal fibroblasts to express some SSc phenotypes and may function as a potent proinflammatory mediator, similar to cytokines, and therefore may also have immunoregulatory functions for immune cells infiltrating and binding to connective tissues.

Increased levels of endothelin-1 and differential endothelin type A and B receptor expression in scleroderma-associated fibrotic lung disease

In addition to their vasoactive action, endothelins are potent peptides in the regulation of both cell proliferation and the turnover of extracellular matrix. Using immunohistochemical, autoradiographic, and molecular analyses, we have studied the localization and expression of endothelin-1 and endothelin A (ETA) and B (ETB) receptors in scleroderma-associated fibrotic lung disease. Increased ET-1 immunoreactivity was found in sclerotic tissue compared with control and was associated with the vasculature, pulmonary interstitium, and bronchial and alveolar epithelium. Microautoradiographic analysis after 125I-labeled ET-1 binding showed a two- to threefold increase in the expression of total ET-1 receptors in scleroderma lung tissue localized to the alveolar epithelium and the pulmonary interstitium which was composed of mainly fibroblastic cells with macrophages and some microvessels. RNAse protection assay revealed significantly reduced ETA receptor and slightly raised ETB message levels in systemic sclerosis lung. Surface expression of functional ET receptors was examined by targeted receptor blocking using mixed and receptor-subtype-selective ligands. A consistent decrease in ETA receptor binding sites was noted primarily within the interstitium and vasculature, in contrast to a slight increase in ETB receptors. Elevated ET-1 and the cell-specific pattern of endothelin receptor expression suggest that the endothelins may represent important mediators that influence the pathology of scleroderma-associated lung disease and other fibrotic conditions.

[On the method of hyperthermic chemotherapy by regional isolated perfusion for tumors of lower extremities]

From August 1990 to June 1993, 30 patients with osteosarcoma of lower extremities were treated with chemotherapy by hyperthermic regional isolated perfusion. There were 19 male and 11 female with a mean age of 21 (15-28) years. All of the tumors were located in the lower limbs: 20 on the femora, 9 on the tibiae and 1 on the fibula. Chemotherapy was going on for 60 minutes during hyperthermic regional isolated perfusion. Temperature was kept at 42 degrees C in deep soft tissue around the tumor during perfusion. The results showed that local edema of the limbs were reduced observably, tumors were shrunken and hardened after perfusion. Perimeter of the limbs were decreased and mobility of the limbs increased. Pathological examination indicated that all of the tumors responded well to the chemotherapy by perfusion and 90%-95% of the osteosarcoma cells were destroyed. Two cases were complicated with compression syndrome, and 1 with renal failure. The authors would suggest that hyperthermic regional isolated perfusion is an effective chemotherapeutic method in management of malignant tumors of limbs.

[The effect of heroin on red cell immunoadherence function of human body]

Red cell immunocompetence was studied in 38 cases of heroin addicts by measuring the rate of red blood cell C3b receptor rosette (RBC-C3bRR), and red blood cell immune complex rosette (RBC-ICR) the concentration of complement C3 and the content of circulating immune complex (CIC). The results showed that the rate of RBC-C3bRR and RBC-ICR and C3 concentration in the heroin addicts decreased significantly, while their CIC content increased significantly as compared with those of the controls. It was also found that the duration of drug taking was related with the changes of the rate of RBC-C3bRR and RBC-ICR, C3 concentration and CIC content. It is suggested that red cell immunoadherence function in heroin addicts decreases significantly as to influence the clearance of CIC.

Lipoprotein lipase and sphingomyelinase synergistically enhance the association of atherogenic lipoproteins with smooth muscle cells and extracellular matrix. A possible mechanism for low density lipoprotein and lipoprotein(a) retention and macrophage foam cell formation

Prominent features of atheromata include smooth muscle cells, cholesteryl ester-loaded macrophage foam cells, extracellular matrix, extracellularly trapped and aggregated lipoproteins, and various enzymes including lipoprotein lipase (LpL) and sphingomyelinase (SMase). The interplay of these factors was investigated in cell culture. Incubation of bovine aortic smooth muscle cells for 18 h at 37 degrees C with low density lipoprotein (LDL) in the presence of LpL and SMase led to massive aggregation of LDL on the surface of the cells as viewed by phase, fluorescence (using 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethyl-indocarbocyanine perchlorate-LDL), and electron microscopy. This aggregation required both enzymes. Studies with 125I-LDL confirmed these observations: 125I-LDL cell association in the presence of LpL plus SMase was 50-100-fold greater than in the absence of the two enzymes and was 10-fold greater than in the presence of either enzyme alone. A similar effect (68-fold enhancement) was seen with 125I-labeled lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), another atherogenic lipoprotein. In all cases, 125I-lipoprotein degradation was relatively low (< 5% of cell-associated material). LpL/SMase-mediated association of 125I-LDL with smooth muscle cells was still observed when enzymatically inactive LpL was used. The effect was markedly diminished when the smooth muscle cells were treated with a combination of chondroitin ABC lyase and heparitinase or when mutant Chinese hamster ovary cells that lack cell-surface proteoglycans were used, indicating a specific role for cellular proteoglycans. When smooth muscle cells with 125I-LDL or 125I-Lp(a) aggregates were rinsed and then coincubated with mouse peritoneal macrophages for a further 24 h, visible aggregates disappeared, and there was marked 125I-lipoprotein degradation. Electron micrographs after 24 h of co-culture showed lipid-laden, foamy macrophages situated on top of smooth muscle cells, suggesting that the macrophages phagocytosed and metabolized the smooth muscle cell-associated LDL aggregates. Last, 125I-LDL association with smooth muscle cell extracellular matrix was also synergistically enhanced by LpL and SMase, to a level that was 19-fold greater than in the absence of the two enzymes. Thus, the interaction of LDL and Lp(a) with four atheroma components, namely, smooth muscle cells, extracellular matrix, LpL, and SMase, represents a physiologically plausible mechanism for massive, focal retention and aggregation of atherogenic lipoproteins in the arterial wall with subsequent macrophage foam cell formation.

[An epidemiological study of stroke in four areas in Shandong Province]

An epidemiological study of prevalence rate, morbidity rate and mortality was carried out in Jinan. Dongying. Huimin and Zaozhuang among a gross, urban and rural population of 173,630, It was found upon analysis that the prevalence rate of complete stroke was 254.56/100,000 the morbidity rate was 95.03/100,000 and the mortality rate was 59,100,000 Among the four areas, Jinan had the highest prevalence rate and mortality rate of stroke, while they were significantly lower in Zaozhuang as the population there was basically rural.

[Effect of hexamethylene bisacetamide on human gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901]

After the human gastric cancer cells SGC-7901 were cultured with 5 mM hexamethylene bisacetamide (HMBA) for 120 hr, cell growth was inhibited. The doubling time increased from 48 hr in untreated cells to 99.6 hr in HMBA-treated cells. The maximal increase in growth was 2.4-fold as compared to 6.4-fold in the untreated control. 3H-thymidine incorporation was inhibited by HMBA and the colony formation rate was reduced. There was concomitant decrease in carcino-embryonic antigen and beta-2 microglobulin as determined by radioimmuno-assay. Lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and its isoenzyme assay revealed a marked increase in H-type LDH but the total enzyme activity was reduced. These results indicate that HMBA inhibits proliferation of SGC-7901 cells in vitro.

[11 beta-hydroxylation of 16 alpha-methyl-Reichstein's compound S 21-acetate by Curvularia lunata]

The conversion of 16 alpha-methyl-Reichstein's compound S 21-acetate (I) to 16 alpha-methyl-hydrocortisone (II) by the mycelium Curvularia lunata AS3.4381 was studied. Maximal 11 beta-hydroxylating activity of the mycelium was found during cultivation of the microorganism by 24h. Inhibition of the ethanol to the 11 beta-hydroxylating activity was obvious. The yield of 55.4% (II) (W/W) could be achieved during conversion of 0.15% substrate at 72 h.