Corynoline Suppresses Osteoclastogenesis and Attenuates ROS Activities by Regulating NF-κB/MAPKs and Nrf2 Signaling Pathways

Declining estrogen production in postmenopausal females causes osteoporosis in which the resorption of bone exceeds the increase in bone formation. Although clinical drugs are currently available for the treatment of osteoporosis, sustained medication use is accompanied by serious side effects. Corydalis bungeana Herba, a famous traditional Chinese herb listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission, constitutes various traditional Chinese Medicine prescriptions, which date back to thousands of years. One of the primary active components of C. bungeana Turcz. is Corynoline (Cor), a plant isoquinoline alkaloid derived from the Corydalis species, which possesses bone metabolism disease therapeutic potential. The study aimed at exploring the effects as well as mechanisms of Cor on osteoclast formation and bone resorption. TRAcP staining, F-actin belt formation, and pit formation were employed for assessing the osteoclast function. Western blot, qPCR, network pharmacology, and docking analyses were used for analyzing the expression of osteoclast-associated genes and related signaling pathways. The study focused on investigating how Cor affected OVX-induced trabecular bone loss by using a mouse model. Cor could weaken osteoclast formation and function by affecting the biological receptor activators of NF-κB and its ligand at various concentrations. Mechanistically, Cor inhibited the NF-κB activation, and the MAPKs pathway stimulated by RANKL. Besides, Cor enhanced the protein stability of the Nrf2, which effectively abolished the RANKL-stimulated ROS generation. According to an OVX mouse model, Cor functions in restoring bone mass, improving microarchitecture, and reducing the ROS levels in the distal femurs, which corroborated with its in vitro antiosteoclastogenic effect. The present study indicates that Cor may restrain osteoclast formation and bone loss by modulating NF-κB/MAPKs and Nrf2 signaling pathways. Cor was shown to be a potential drug candidate that can be utilized for the treatment of osteoporosis.

Ultrafast visible-infrared photodetector based on the SnSe2/Bi2Se3 heterostructure

Using the inherent properties of a heterostructure, ultrafast photodetectors with high sensitivity can be progressively developed that have the potential to carve a niche among the optoelectronic devices. In this Letter, a heterojunction photodetector based on SnSe₂/Bi₂Se₃ is constructed, and a visible-infrared photoresponse with good sensitivity at room temperature is obtained. The SnSe₂/Bi₂Se₃ photodetector demonstrates a high Iph/Id ratio of 1.2 × 10⁴ at 0 V. Moreover, the high responsivity of 2.3 A/W, detectivity of 1.6 × 10¹¹ Jones, and fast response time of 40 µs are simultaneously achieved. The presented results offer an alternative route for ultrafast photodetectors with high sensitivity.

[Clinicopathological features of NTRK3 gene rearrangement papillary thyroid carcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features and differential diagnosis of NTRK3 gene rearrangement thyroid papillary carcinoma (PTC). Methods: The PTC cases without BRAF V600E mutation were collected at Fujian Provincial Hospital South Branch from January 2015 to January 2020. The cases of NTRK3 gene rearrangement PTC were examined using immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The clinical data, histopathological characteristics, immunohistochemical features and molecular pathological changes were retrospectively analyzed. Data from the TCGA PTC dataset and the literature were also studied. Results: A total of 3 PTC cases harboring NTRK3 gene rearrangement were confirmed. All the patients were female, aged from 26,49,34 years. Histologically, two of them demonstrated a multinodular growth pattern. Only one case showed prominent follicular growth pattern; the other two tumors showed a mixture of follicular, papillary and solid growth patterns. All tumors showed a typical PTC nuclear manifestation, with some nuclear pleomorphism, vacuolated foci and oncocytic features. The characteristic formation of glomeruloid follicular foci was present in two cases which also showed psammoma bodies, and tumoral capsular or angiolymphatic invasion. The background thyroid parenchyma showed chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. Mitotic rates were low, and no cases had any tumor necrosis. The pan-TRK and TTF1 testing was both positive in 3 cases, while S-100 and mammaglobin were both negative in them. FISH studies confirmed the NTRK3 gene rearrangement in all 3 cases. Studies on the TCGA datasets and literature revealed similar findings. Conclusions: NTRK3 gene rearrangement PTC is rare. It may be easily misdiagnosed due to the lack of histological and clinicopathological characteristics. Molecular studies such as pan-TRK immunostaining, FISH and even next-generation sequencing are needed to confirm the diagnosis. Immunohistochemistry of pan-TRK performed in the PTC cases without BRAF V600E mutation can be used as a good rapid-screening tool. With the emergence of pan-cancer tyrosine receptor kinase inhibitors, proper diagnosis of these tumors can help determine appropriate treatments and improve their outcomes.

[Relationship of C1QA level and therapeutic effect and prognosis of DLBCL patients treated with R-CHOP]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between plasma levels of complements before treatment and the clinicopathological feathers and prognoses of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients treated with Rituximab (R)-CHOP or R-CHOP-like therapy. Methods: The clinicopathological data of 105 DLBCL patients treated in cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from 2010 to 2016 were collected. The plasma samples from 105 DLBCL patients treated with R-CHOP or R-CHOP-like therapy and 80 healthy controls were used to detect 34 complement levels before treatment by utilizing antibody microarray. The relationship between plasma levels of complements and the clinicopathological feathers and prognosis of DLBCL patients were analyzed. Results: The signal values of C1QA and CR1L in patients with international prognostic index (IPI) scores of 3-5 were 1 261.43±138.9 and 2 214.69±98.58, respectively, higher than 950.79±80.19 and 984.67±121.79 in patients with IPI scores of 0~2 (both P<0.05). The levels of C1QA and CR1L in the non-complete response (CR) group were 1 165.43±98.56 and 2 263.13±145.63, respectively, higher than 914.70±100.77 and 1 821.34±84.68 in the CR group (both P<0.05). Cox regression analysis showed that elevated C1QA signal value was associated with poor progression-free survival (PFS) and poor overall survival (OS) (PFS: HR=2.063, 95%CI: 1.220-3.489, P=0.007; OS: HR=2.23, 95%CI: 1.036~4.798, P=0.040). After IPI correction by Cox multivariate model, the elevated C1QA signal value was still correlated with poor PFS (HR=1.765, 95%CI 1.034~3.013, P=0.037). Conclusions: The baseline plasma levels of C1QA and CR1L are correlated with IPI scores and therapeutic effects of DLBCL patients treated with R-CHOP. The baseline plasma level of C1QA has a certain predictive value for the prognostic evaluation of DLBCL.

Position of Coracoid Button Predicts Loss of Reduction in Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation Patients Treated With the Suture-Button

BACKGROUND

Loss of reduction is the most common complication after acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation treated with the suture-button. Some predictors of it are known, but finding new predictors is an ongoing process. In this study, we evaluate the importance of the position of the coracoid button.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between April 2010 and February 2017, 186 patients with AC joint dislocation were identified. All patients were managed with the same surgical technique and postoperative protocol. The position of the coracoid button was determined immediately after surgery by anterior-posterior views of the operated shoulder and was classified as medial (Group A, 42 cases), central (Group B, 85 cases) and lateral (Group C, 59 cases) positions. The main outcome measurement was loss of reduction. The main analysis was the association between the coracoid button position and loss of reduction.

RESULTS

No significant difference was found in the baseline characteristics among 3 groups. During follow-up, there were 15 cases (35.7%) developing loss of reduction in Group A, 5 cases (5.9%) in Group B and 26 cases (44.1%) in Group C. The rate of loss of reduction in Groups A and C were higher than that in Group B (p < .05). Moreover, there was no significant difference in the rate of reduction loss between lateral and medial positions of the coracoid buttons (p > .05).

CONCLUSION

Our results indicated that both lateral and medial positions of the coracoid buttons could predict loss of reduction in AC joint dislocation patients treated with the suture-button.

Clone, expression and plasminogen binding property of three fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolases from Clonorchis sinensis

Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (FbA), a well characterized glycometabolism enzyme, has been found to participate in other important processes besides the classic catalysis. To understand the important functions of three fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolases from Clonorchis sinensis (CsFbAs, CsFbA-1/2/3) in host-parasite interplay, the open reading frames of CsFbAs were cloned into pET30a (+) vector and the resulting recombinant plasmids were transformed into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) for expression of the proteins. Purified recombinant CsFbAs proteins (rCsFbAs) were approximately 45.0 kDa on 12% SDS-PAGE and could be probed with each rat anti-rCsFbAs sera by western blotting analysis. ELISA and ligand blot overlay indicated that rCsFbAs of 45.0 kDa as well as native CsFbAs of 39.5 kDa from total worm extracts and excretory-secretory products of Clonorchis sinensis (CsESPs) could bind to human plasminogen, and the binding could be efficiently inhibited by lysine analog ε-aminocaproic acid. Our results suggested that as both the components of CsESPs and the plasminogen binding proteins, three CsFbAs might be involved in preventing the formation of the blood clot so that Clonorchis sinensis could acquire enough nutrients from host tissue for their successful survival and colonization in the host. Our work will provide us with new information about the biological function of three CsFbAs and their roles in hostparasite interplay.

Detection of dorsal screw penetration during volar plating of the distal radius fractures: A comparison of different fluoroscopic views and screw sizes

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to compare different screw lengths combined with different fluoroscopic views to detect intraoperative dorsal screw penetration in distal radius fractures treated with volar locked plating.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From April 2014 to October 2018, one hundred and eighty patients were included. We divided the patients into four groups. Intraoperative AP and lateral views were taken and sizes of the screws were chosen based on actual measurement (Group A, 45 patients). AP, lateral and tangential views were taken and sizes of the screws were also chosen based on actual measurement (Group B, 45 patients). Intraoperative AP and lateral views were taken and the selected screws were 2mm shorter than actual measurement (Group C, 45 patients). AP, lateral and tangential views were taken and the selected screws were 2mm shorter than actual measurement (Group D, 45 patients). Prominent screws were changed intraoperatively according to each view. A computed tomography (CT) was taken postoperatively to identify residual prominent screws.

RESULTS

The number of dorsally prominent screws exceeding 1mm was 6 of 301 in Group A (2.0%), 15 of 290 (5.2%) in Group B, 2 of 289 in Group C (0.7%), and 2 of 282 (0.7%) in Group D. All these prominent screws (25 screws) were exchanged for shorter screws during surgery. Group A and Group B had significant difference in detecting intraoperative dorsal screw penetration (p<0.05). Group C and Group D had no significant difference in detecting intraoperative dorsal screw penetration (p>0.05). Postoperative CT identified 12 additional prominent screws with≥1mm dorsal penetration in Group A, 2 screws in Group B, 1 screw in Group C and 0 screw in Group B respectively. Significant difference was found between Group A and Group B of CT results (p<0.05) while no statistical difference was found between Group C and Group D of CT results (p>0.05).

DISCUSSIONS

Tangential view helped identify screw penetration. If tangential view was not available intraoperatively, screw penetration could also be avoided by downsizing the distal locking screw by 2mm shorter than actual measurement.

Factors associated with the decision for operative versus conservative treatment of displaced distal radius fractures in the elderly

BACKGROUND

The treatment of senile distal radius fractures had not been clearly defined. The objective of this study was to identify the factors associated with the decision for operative treatment of displaced distal radius fractures in patients aged over 55 years.

METHODS

Data of 318 patients with displaced distal radius fractures were collected on patient-, fracture- and surgeon-related characteristics that were plausibly related to the decision for operation. Mean comparisons or chi-squared test were used for univariate analysis of the above-mentioned factors, and then multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the decision for operation.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis showed that age, osteoporosis, Charlson score, associated orthopaedic injuries requiring surgery, Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO) and Fernandez classification, radial height, volar tilt, volar/dorsal comminution, ulnar variance, intra-articular displacement/step-off, associated distal radioulnar joint instability or radiocarpal joint dislocation and subspecialty of treating surgeons had statistically significant association with operative intervention. In the multivariate analysis, the predictors of operative intervention were younger patient age (P = 0.028), associated orthopaedic injuries requiring surgery (P = 0.020), higher AO classification (P = 0.037), higher Fernandez classification (P = 0.041), radial shortening >5 mm (P = 0.020), volar tilt > -10° (P = 0.020), volar/dorsal comminution (P = 0.020), ulnar variance >5 mm (P = 0.023), intra-articular displacement/step-off >2 mm (P = 0.004), associated distal radioulnar joint instability or radiocarpal joint dislocation (P = 0.047) and treatment by an upper extremity specialist (P = 0.038).

CONCLUSION

The decision for surgery was predominantly influenced by the characteristics and severity of the fracture. Patients' age and treatment by an upper extremity specialist were also significant factors associated with a higher likelihood of operative intervention.

Analysis of risk factors for loss of reduction after acromioclavicular joint dislocation treated with the suture-button

BACKGROUND

The most commonly reported complication after acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation treated with the Suture-button is loss of reduction. Loss of reduction is a major factor influencing the patient's joint function and subjective satisfaction. The objective of this study is to analyze the risk factors causing loss of reduction after AC joint dislocation treated with the Suture-button.

METHODS

One hundred and thirty patients with AC joint dislocation who were surgically treated the Suture-button in our hospital from February 2009 to February 2015, were recorded their age, sex, BMI, time from injury to surgery, Rockwood's classification, with or without osteoporosis, double or triple button technique, position of the clavicle tunnel, tunnel diameter, coracoid button position, alignment of the button, acromioclavicular ligament repair or not, different methods of postoperative limb immobilization, and so on. Mean comparisons or chi-square test was used for univariate analysis of the above factors, and then multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to predict risk factors.

RESULTS

Reduction was lost in 23.1% of the patients. Univariate analysis showed that button alignment, double or triple button technique, coracoid button position, position of the clavicle tunnel, acromioclavicular ligament repair or not and osteoporosis had statistically significant association with loss of reduction for AC joint (P = 0.031, 0.034, 0.000, 0.042, 0.047 and 0.000 respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that osteoporosis (P = 0.003), position of the clavicle tunnel (P = 0.032) and coracoid button position (P < 0.001) were the risk factors that significantly associated with the loss of reduction after AC joint dislocation treated with the Suture-button.

CONCLUSIONS

Clavicle tunnel location using relative ratio method, accurate placement of button plate under coracoid process (inside or outside deviation <20°), various reinforcement operations for patients with osteoporosis are important factors in preventing loss of reduction.

[Correlation of clinicopathologic features and driver gene mutation in non-small cell lung cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To study the relationship between mutations of well-known driver genes and clinicopathologic characteristics of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC).

METHODS

Scorpions amplification refractory mutation system (scorpions ARMS) fluorescence quantitative PCR was performed to investigate 205 driver gene mutation status in NSCLC in correlation with clinicopathological characteristics of the patients.

RESULTS

Driver gene mutations were detected in 146 of 205 (71.2%) patients with NSCLC, including 81.7%(138/169) adenocarcinomas, in which mutations of nine genes were found: EGFR (63.3%, 107/169), KRAS (5.9%, 10/169), PIK3CA (4.1%, 7/169), ALK (4.1%, 7/169), ROS1 (3.0%, 5/169), RET (3.6%, 6/169), HER2 (1.8%, 3/169), NRAS (0.6%, 1/169) and BRAF (0.6%, 1/169). The frequencies of driver gene mutations were higher in adenocarcinomas, female patients and non-smokers (P<0.01, P=0.003, P<0.01, respectively). Driver gene mutation status showed no correlation with either the age or the clinical stage (P=0.281, P=0.490, respectively). However, EGFR mutations tended to occur in adenocarcinoma, female, non-smokers, and patients of ≥62 years of age (P<0.01, P<0.01, P=0.002, P=0.012, respectively). The frequency of EGFR mutation was positively correlated with the tumor histology of lepidic, acinar, papillary and micropapillary predominant growth patterns. There was no relationship between EGFR mutation and the clinical stage (P=0.237). The frequency of KRAS mutation was higher in solid predominant and invasive mucinous adenocarcinomas (P=0.015); that of PIK3CA mutation was higher in patients of ≥62 years of age, invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma and fetal adenocarcinoma (P=0.015, P=0.006, respectively). ALK, ROS1 or RET mutation positive NSCLC tended to occur in nonsmokers and have solid predominant tumors and invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma (P=0.012, P=0.017 respectively). The frequency of EML4-ALK mutation was higher in the early stage patients with solid predominant tumors and invasive mucinous adenocarcinomas (P=0.025, P=0.014, respectively); that of ROS1 rearrangement was higher in invasive mucinous adenocarcinomas (P=0.049). NRAS, BRAF and HER2 gene mutations were infrequent and their clinical significance remained to be elucidated.

CONCLUSIONS

The relationship between mutations of well-known driver genes and clinicopathological characteristics in patients with NSCLC has diversity, the rate of mutations is higher in non-smoking female patients with adenocarcinoma.

A comparative study of two closed reduction methods for pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures

BACKGROUND

No randomized controlled studies have confirmed the advantages of the joystick technique over the traditional manual traction. The objective of this study was to compare the results of the joystick technique and the traditional manual traction for facilitating closed reduction of pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures.

METHODS

From February 2009 to December 2012, sixty eight children were included in this study. Group A included 34 fractures reduced by the joystick technique. Group B consisted of 34 fractures reduced by the traditional manual traction. Preoperative demographic data were comparable between the two groups. The operative time, fluoroscopy time, hospitalization time, time to bone union, complications were recorded in both groups. Radiologic and functional results were assessed using the Flynn scoring system.

RESULTS

Closed reduction was successfully done in all the fractures of Group A while traditional closed manipulation was successfully done in 25 fractures of Group B and 9 fractures failed. There was a significant difference between the two groups in the rate of failed closed reduction (P = 0.004). The mean operative time was 30.5 ± 9.0 and 48.2 ± 16.4 min, and the mean fluoroscopy time was 25.4 ± 10.5 s and 55.0 ± 21.2 s in Group A and Group B, respectively. Both the operative time and fluoroscopy time were significantly longer in Group B (P < 0.001 and 0.001, respectively). However, there was no significant difference in terms of the mean hospitalization time, mean union time, total complications, the Flynn scores between the two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The joystick technique should be chosen to facilitate closed reduction if traditional manual traction failed to yield an acceptable reduction.

The effects of combined human parathyroid hormone (1-34) and simvastatin treatment on the interface of hydroxyapatite-coated titanium rods implanted into osteopenic rats femurs

The effect of human parathyroid hormone 1-34 (PTH) and simvastatin (SIM) alone could promote bone healing in osteoporotic implant fixation, but there are no reports about the combined use of PTH and SIM for promotion of bone healing around implant in osteoporotic settings. This study aims to investigate effects of PTH + SIM on implant stabilization in osteopenic rats. Fourteen weeks after chronically fed a low protein diet, osteopenic rats randomly received implants. Subsequently, the animals were randomly divided into four groups: Control, SIM, PTH and PTH + SIM. Then all rats from groups PTH, SIM and PTH + SIM received PTH (40 μg/kg, three times a week), SIM (25 mg/kg, daily), or both for 12 weeks. The results of our study indicated that all treatments promoted bone healing around implant compared to Control, but PTH + SIM treatment showed significantly stronger effects than PTH or SIM alone in histological, micro-CT, and biomechanical tests. The results indicated additive effects of PTH and SIM on implant fixation in osteoporotic rats.

A randomised prospective study of two different combined internal and external fixation techniques for distal tibia shaft fractures

BACKGROUND

External fixation combined with limited open reduction and internal fixation (EF + LORIF) is a well-accepted and effective method for distal tibia shaft fractures, but it was also related to complications. The objective of this study was to compare external fixation combined with closed reduction and internal fixation (EF + CRIF) with EF + LORIF in the treatment of distal tibia shaft fractures, and explore the benefits and defects of these two techniques.

METHODS

Fifty-six patients were randomised to operative stabilisation either by an external fixator combined with two closed titanium elastic nails or by external fixation combined with limited open reduction and internal fixation. Pre-operative variables included the patients’ age, sex, the affected side, cause of injury, Tscherne classification of soft tissue injury, fracture pattern, and time from injury to surgery. Peri-operative variables were the operating time and the radiation time. Postoperative variables were wound problems and other complications, union time, time of recovery to work, the functional American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle surgery (AOFAS) score.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the mean operating time (72.6 ± 11.5 vs. 78.5 ± 16.4 min, P = 0.125), the time to union (21.2 ± 11.0 vs. 22.5 ± 12.3 weeks, P = 0.678), the time of recovery to work (25.0 ± 14.5 vs. 26.4 ± 13.6 weeks, P = 0.711), pin track infection (3/28 vs. 4/28, P = 1.000), delayed union (2/28 vs. 3/28, P = 1.000), pain (38.3 ± 1.6 vs. 38.7 ± 1.5, P = 0.339), function (44.4 ± 6.0 vs. 45.0 ± 5.5, P = 0.698), and total AOFAS scores (91.5 ± 7.4 vs. 93.4 ± 6.8, P = 0.322) between the two groups. However, the mean radiation time was longer in the EF + CRIF group than in the EF + LORIF group (2.0 ± 1.2 vs. 0.3 ± 0.1 min, P < 0.01). The EF + CRIF group had no wound complications while the EF + LORIF group had five wound complications, though the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.052). Acceptable alignment was obtained in 50 patients (22 in EF + CRIF vs. 28 in EF + LORIF, P = 0.023). Two cases with EF + CRIF had a 6 degrees of recurvatum deformity and four had 6–9 degrees of valgus deformity.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicated that both EF + CRIF and EF + LORIF were reliable methods in treatment of distal tibia shaft fractures. EF + CRIF had fewer wound complications and broader indications while EF + LORIF had lower radiation exposure and better alignment.

Pediatric femoral shaft fractures treated with titanium elastic nailing

The objective of this study was to prospectively compare intraoperative fluoroscopy time and clinical and radiological results in pediatric femoral shaft fractures treated with titanium elastic nailing (TEN) using a small-incision, blind-hand reduction vs closed reduction. From February 2008 to December 2009, sixty-eight children were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group A comprised 34 patients treated with a small-incision, blind-hand reduction technique and group B comprised 34 patients treated with a closed reduction technique. Operative time, intraoperative fluoroscopy time, fracture union time, and complications were recorded in both groups. Clinical and radiological results were assessed using the TEN scoring system. Mean operative time was 30.5±8.5 in group A and 53.0±15.0 minutes in group B, and mean fluoroscopy time was 28.4±18.5 seconds in group A and 65.0±28.5 seconds in group B. Operative time and fluoroscopy time were significantly longer in group B (P<.001). According to the TEN scoring system, the results were excellent in 31 patients and good in 3 patients in group A and excellent in 29 patients and good in 5 patients in group B. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of clinical and radiological results. There was also no significant difference in terms of fracture healing time, weight-bearing time, and complications. The small-incision, blind-hand reduction technique provided similar clinical results as closed reduction. This technique could be an alternative to closed reduction because it significantly reduced intraoperative radiation exposure and operative time.

Nestin expression in different tumours and its relevance to malignant grade

BACKGROUND

Nestin, an intermediate filament (IF) protein, is expressed in proliferating progenitor cells of developmental and regenerating tissues, and is identified as a neuroepithelial precursor cell marker. Recently, nestin was detected in some neoplasms such as glioma, ependymoma, melanoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST), and testicular stromal tumour. Moreover, the expression intensity of nestin exhibited significant correlation with the malignant grade of glioma.

AIMS

To detect the expression of nestin in different tumours and to analyse the relationship between the expression of nestin and the malignant grade of the tumours.

METHODS

Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded surgical samples of neoplastic tissues were obtained from the Department of Pathology of Sun Yat-sen University. Histological analysis and immunohistochemical staining for nestin were performed. Histoscores were analysed by semi-quantitative evaluation.

RESULTS

Nestin was expressed predominantly in the cytoplasm of angiosarcoma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma and GIST samples, and some tumour cells expressed in the nucleus. There was a statistically significant difference between the histoscore of nestin in high malignant GIST (2.2366 (0.6920)) and that in low malignant GIST (1.3783 (0.4268)) (p = 0.003); and also between that in high malignant angiosarcoma (1.9188 (0.2069)) and that in low malignant angiosarcoma (0.6474 (0.3273)) (p = 0.000). Cavernous angioma did not express nestin. The histoscore of nestin in high malignant pancreatic adenocarcinoma (7/14) was 1.1767 (0.4676), and that in low malignant pancreatic adenocarcinoma (3/8) was 0.6577 (0.0056) (no significant difference, p = 0.112).

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that the expression of nestin may play an important role in the development of some neoplasms such as GIST and angiosarcoma.

A new dehydrogenation mechanism for reversible multicomponent borohydride systems—The role of Li–Mg alloys

A new dehydrogenation mechanism for LiBH4-MgH2 mixtures revealed that magnesium destabilised the LiBH(4) resulting in complete dehydrogenation of the borohydride phase and the formation of a Li-Mg alloy.

A Ti-V-based bcc phase alloy for use as metal hydride electrode with high discharge capacity

The electrochemical characteristics of single bcc phase Ti-30V-15Cr-15Mn alloy were investigated. It was demonstrated that the single bcc phase alloy has high electrochemical discharge performance at high temperature. Its discharge capacity is closely related with temperature and discharge current. The first discharge capacities of 580-814 mAh g(-1) of the alloy powder were obtained at discharge current of 45-10 mA g(-1) in 6 M KOH solution at 353 K. Although the electrochemical cycle life of the alloy is unsatisfactory at present, it opens up prospects for developing a new hydrogen storage alloy with high hydrogen capacity for use as high performance metal hydride electrodes in rechargeable Ni-MH battery.

[Cloning and identification of an unknown gene encoding 10.6 kDa protein of Schistosoma japonicum]

OBJECTIVE

To screen a new schistosome vaccine candidate.

METHODS

Schistosoma japonicum adult cDNA library was screened using sera from immune rabbits vaccinated with irradiated cercariae and monoclonal antibodies against membrane antigen of S. japonicum schistosomula. Three different fragments of S. japonicum cDNA genes were cloned into pGEM-T vector. The sequences of the inserts were determined using an automatic DNA sequencer and were analysed using Blast program. One of the unknown genes (B8) was selected and its ORF sequence (291 bp) was subcloned into eukaryotic expression vector. The recombinant plasmids were identified by restrictive enzymes and PCR amplification. The positive recombinant plasmids (pBK/SjB8) were transformed into host bacteria XL1-blue, and were then induced by IPTG for expression. SDS-PAGE and Western blotting analysis of total cellular protein from the bacteria were performed to detect the gene products.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that ORF of SjB8 gene was subcloned into the plasmid pBK-CMV and could express as fusion protein in XL1-blue. The results of SDS-PAGE and Western-blot also showed that the molecular weight of the fusion protein with 3 kDa beta-galactosidase was approximately 13.6 kDa and the actual molecular weights of the SjB8 was 10.6 kDa. The expressed fusion product of pBK/Sj-B8 could be recognized by immune serum and McAb.

CONCLUSION

A new gene of S. japonicum vaccine candidate (SjB8) was cloned into eukaryotic expression vector pBK-CMV and could express 10.6 kDa schistosome protein. The results provide foundation for further study of the protein for its possibility as candidate vaccine.

[Cloning and sequence analysis of RESA gene fragment of Plasmodium falciparum isolate FCC1/HN]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the nucleotide sequence of the 3'-termal of the RESA gene Plasmodium falciparum isolate FCC1/HN, and find out the differences of the sequences of RESA gene among isolate FCC1/HN, FC27, NF7 and Palo Alto.

METHODS

3'-terminal fragment of RESA gene of P. falciparum isolate FCC1/HN was amplified by PCR method, then was cloned into pMD18-T vector. The recombinant was screened and identified by BamHI + XhoI and PCR technique. The nucleotide sequence of the 3'-terminal of the RESA gene was determined by the dideoxy chain termination method. DNASTAR and BLAST software were used to compare and analyze the RESA gene sequences among the different isolates.

RESULTS

The 3'-termal fragment of the RESA gene with about 846 bp was specifically amplified by PCR, the recombinant pMD18-T-RESA was successfully constructed. Different degrees of diversity of the RESA gene sequences were found among P. falciparum isolates FCC1/HN, FC27, NF7 and Palo Alto.

CONCLUSION

There were differences in the sequences of RESA gene among the P. falciparum isolate FCC1/HN and three other isolates (FC27, NF7 and Palto alto).

[Amplification, cloning and expression of a gene encoding hexose transporter of Plasmodium falciparum]

OBJECTIVE

To amplify, clone and express of a gene encoding hexose transporter of Plasmodium falcipuram (PfHT1) from Southern China isolate FCC1/HN for studing the immune of recombinant which protective from malaria parasite infection.

METHODS

Cultivation of P. falciparum isolate FCC1/HN in vitro; extraction of genomic DNA from FCC1/HN using the alkali specific cleavage method; PCR amplification of PfHT1 and cloning into eukaryotic expression vector, pEGFPN3. The recombinant as introduced into mammalian cells, HEPG2 by using liposome-mediated transfection.

RESULTS

The gene encoding PfHT1 was specifically amplified from the genomic DNA of P. falciparum isolate FCC1/HN. The size of amplified fragment was 1,516 base pair. The eukaryotic expression recombinant, pN3-HT1, was constructed and expressed steadily in the hepatocarcinoma cell lines, HEPG2.

CONCLUSION

The gene encoding PfHT1 was successfully amplified and cloned. The pN3-HT1/HEPG2 cell line was built for expressing fusion protein of GFP-HT1.

[Plasmodium falciparum: antimalarial activities of antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotides targeted to histidine-rich protein genes in vitro]

OBJECTIVE

To study the inhibition of growth of Plasmodium falciparum cultured in vitro with antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotide (AS ODN) against histidine-rich proteins (HRP).

METHODS

The ODNs against HRP II and HRP III were synthesized and used to study the antimalarial activities in vitro. Plasmodium falciparum (FCC1/HN strain, China) were exposed to AS DONs for 48 h, and the growth inhibition was determined by microscopic examination.

RESULTS

At 1 mumol/L, all ODNs inhibited parasite growth and development in a target-independent manner. However, when the ODN concentrations were between 0.01 and 0.5 mumol/L, the AS ODN significantly inhibited the growth and development of P. falciparum compared with ODN controls (P < 0.01). Inhibition by the sense strand ODN did not differ significantly from the control group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Blockade of the expression of HRP II and HRP III AS ODN could inhibit P. falciparum cultured in vitro.

[Effect of silymarin on mouse liver damage, production and activity of tumor necrosis factor]

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) has been well-characterized as a prominent mediator in the development of liver injury. Effects of silymarin (SB) on mouse liver damage, TNF production and activity were studied. Pretreatment with SB (25-50 mg.kg-1, i.p., bid x 3 d) before the lipopolysaccharides (LPS) injection markedly alleviated liver injury and diminished LPS-induced TNF production in Propionibacterium acnes (PA)-primed mice. SB (12.5-50 micrograms.ml-1) significantly inhibited LPS-induced TNF release from mouse peritoneal macrophage in a concentration-dependent manner. SB(12.5-100 micrograms.ml-1) was also shown to markedly reduce TNF cytotoxicity on human hepatic cell line GSG-7701 and mouse fibroblastic cell line L929 cells concentration-dependently. These results suggest that inhibition of TNF production and its actions may be involved in the mechanism of protective action of SB on liver damage.

Effect of matrine on lipopolysaccharides/D-galactosamine-induced hepatitis and tumor necrosis factor release from macrophages in vitro

AIM

To study the effects of matrine (Mat) on lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced fatal hepatitis in D-galactosamine (D-GalN)-sensitized mice and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) release from peritoneal macrophages (PMO).

METHODS

Mice were pretreated with Mat (10, 50 mg.kg-1, i.p., bid x 3 d), and then injected i.p. LPS + D-GalN. Liver injury was assessed by quantifying plasma activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and histopathological examination. The TNF activities in the supernatants of mouse PMO stimulated with LPS in the presence of Mat (32.5-500 mg.L-1) were monitored by the L929 target cells lytic assay.

RESULTS

Mat pretreatment markedly diminished hepatic injury induced by LPS in combination with D-GalN. Mat inhibited LPS-induced TNF release from mouse PMO in vitro in a concentration-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

Mat protected the D-GalN-treated mice from the development of fatal hepatitis induced by LPS, and inhibited the LPS-induced TNF release from mouse PMO.

[Inhibitory effects of protein kinase C inhibitors on tumor necrosis factor induced bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cell injuries]

The effects of protein kinase C(PKC) inhibitors 1-(5-isoquino-linylsulfonyl)-2-methylpeperazine (H-7) and quercetin on tumor necrosis factor (TNF) were studied in cultured bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (BPAEC) in vitro. Incubation of BPAEC with TNF caused a significant increase in percent lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, stimulation of EC-dependent neutrophils (PMN) adhesion to BPAEC and inhibition of BPAEC DNA synthesis and proliferation. All these were restored by both H-7 and quercetin. The IC50 of H-7 and quercetin was 9.7 and 10.8 mumol.L-1 for the inhibition of LDH% release; 19.5 and 16.7 mumol.L-1 for the inhibition of TNF-induced PMN-EC adhesion; 7.0 and 6.1 mumol.L-1 for TNF-induced inhibition of DNA synthesis and 8.7 and 11.36 mumol.L-1 for proliferation. These results suggest that PKC inhibitors H-7 and quercetin protect BPAEC from TNF induced injuries and PKC play an important role in EC activation by TNF.

[Effect of matrine on mouse hepatitis and tumor necrosis factor production induced by Propionibacterium acnes/lipopolysaccharides]

The effect of matrine (Mat) on lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced fatal hepatitis and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production in Propionibacterium acnes (PA)-primed mice were studied. Mice were injected i.p. LPS (10 micrograms/mouse) 7 d after i.p. PA (0.5 ml/mouse) to induce fatal hepatitis. After i.p. LPS, serum TNF activity rose to 1657 +/- 406 kU.L-1 at 1.5 h and ALT activity increased up to 1,496 +/- 890 U.L-1 at 5 h. Six of 8 mice died within 5 h and the massive hemorrhagic necrosis of the liver was observed in all mice. Administration of Mat (10, 50 mg.kg-1, i.p., bid x 3 d) before the LPS injection markedly reduced the elevation of serum TNF and ALT activity in a dose-dependent manner, and diminished the mortality induced by LPS. Liver congestion and necrosis induced by LPS in PA-primed mice were ameliorated markedly by Mat pretreatment. Mat (62.5-250 mg.L-1) inhibited LPS-induced TNF release from PA-primed mouse peritoneal macrophage in vitro in a concentration-dependent manner. These results seggest that Mat protected PA-primed mice from the development of fatal hepatitis induced by LPS due to inhibition of TNF production.

Expression and genomic structure of the genes encoding FdI, the major allergen from the domestic cat

The genes encoding chain 1 (Ch1) and chain 2 (Ch2) of the major allergen of the domestic cat, Felis domesticus I, have been analyzed by genomic cloning and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Ch1 has two potential leader sequences, designated A and B. Analysis of a genomic clone encoding Ch1 demonstrated that one structural gene contains sequences corresponding to both leaders, which utilize different Met start codons. PCR analysis showed that genes encoding Ch1 and Ch2 are co-expressed in both the salivary glands and the skin, and that leader sequence A of Ch1 is utilized preferentially in both tissues. Ch2 was shown to have two dominant forms that are differentially expressed in the aforementioned tissues. The long form (Ch2L), composed of 92 amino acids (aa), is preferentially expressed in the salivary glands, while the short form (Ch2S), composed of 90 aa, is preferentially expressed in the skin. There is minor sequence polymorphism in both forms of Ch2. A genomic clone for Ch2 only contained sequences for Ch2S, suggesting that Ch2L is encoded by an exon not contained within this genomic clone.

Complete sequence of the allergen Amb alpha II. Recombinant expression and reactivity with T cells from ragweed allergic patients

This study defines the complete primary structure of Amb alpha II, an important allergen produced by short ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia). The deduced amino acid sequence derived from the cDNA indicates that Amb alpha II shares approximately 65% sequence identity with the Amb alpha I multigene family of allergens. Full-length cDNA encoding Amb alpha I.1 and Amb alpha II have been expressed in E. coli and purified. An in-frame linker encoding polyhistidine has been added to the 5' end of the cDNA to facilitate purification using Ni2+ ion affinity chromatography, yielding greater than 90% pure recombinant protein in a single step. T cells from patients allergic to ragweed proliferate in response to pollen extract as well as purified recombinant Amb alpha I.1 and Amb alpha II. T cell lines established using either Amb alpha I.1 or II as the stimulating Ag exhibit a high level of cross-reactivity to both proteins. This result is entirely consistent with the extensive primary sequence identity shared by these two proteins. These data suggest that allergic humans recognize shared T cell epitopes on these two related molecules.

Complete sequence of the allergen Amb alpha II. Recombinant expression and reactivity with T cells from ragweed allergic patients

This study defines the complete primary structure of Amb alpha II, an important allergen produced by short ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia). The deduced amino acid sequence derived from the cDNA indicates that Amb alpha II shares approximately 65% sequence identity with the Amb alpha I multigene family of allergens. Full-length cDNA encoding Amb alpha I.1 and Amb alpha II have been expressed in E. coli and purified. An in-frame linker encoding polyhistidine has been added to the 5' end of the cDNA to facilitate purification using Ni2+ ion affinity chromatography, yielding greater than 90% pure recombinant protein in a single step. T cells from patients allergic to ragweed proliferate in response to pollen extract as well as purified recombinant Amb alpha I.1 and Amb alpha II. T cell lines established using either Amb alpha I.1 or II as the stimulating Ag exhibit a high level of cross-reactivity to both proteins. This result is entirely consistent with the extensive primary sequence identity shared by these two proteins. These data suggest that allergic humans recognize shared T cell epitopes on these two related molecules.

Transcription factor IIA of wheat and human function similarly with plant and animal viral promoters

Eucaryotic transcription initiation by RNA polymerase II involves protein:DNA interactions during the formation of a transcription complex. In addition to RNA polymerase II there are at least five other general transcription factors necessary for initiation with the adenovirus major late promoter. One of these, TFIIA, is involved in the earliest events during transcription complex assembly. We have purified TFIIA from wheat germ and characterized it in an in vitro transcription system. Wheat TFIIA is a single polypeptide of Mr approximately 35 kd which functionally replaces human (HeLa) TFIIA to form a wheat/HeLa transcription system. [This polypeptide can be eluted from a SDS-polyacrylamide gel, refolded to a native conformation, and will function as wheat TFIIA in the heterologous system.] The heterologous system requires a lower optimal incubation temperature than the HeLa system. Biochemical characterization, using the adenovirus major late promoter, indicates that transcription reaction parameters for both wheat and HeLa TFIIA are similar but the kinetics of transcription for both TFIIAs are somewhat dissimilar. A plant viral promoter, the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter, accurately and efficiently directs in vitro transcription in both the wheat/HeLa and HeLa systems with identical transcription kinetics. We conclude that TFIIA function has been conserved during evolution.

Transcription factor IIA of wheat and human interacts similarly with the adenovirus-2 major late promoter

Transcription factor IIA (TFIIA) is a necessary component of many RNA polymerase II transcription complexes. Assembly of the transcription complex begins when TFIIA interacts with the promoter. We have previously purified wheat germ TFIIA to homogeneity and demonstrated that it substitutes for human TFIIA in a human in vitro transcription system which utilizes the adenovirus-2 major late promoter (Ad-2 MLP). We now show, by gel retardation assays, that wheat TFIIA interacts with the Ad-2 MLP. Extensively purified human (HeLa) TFIIA interacts with the Ad-2 MLP similarly. Both wheat and human TFIIA interact with a DNA fragment comprising the minimal promoter region (-51/+32) but not with upstream or downstream regions. With both TFIIAs multiple complexes form; the fastest wheat TFIIA/DNA complex appears to be larger than the corresponding human TFIIA/DNA complex. Limited point mutation analysis of the Ad-2 MLP demonstrates that changes at -30 (TATAA region), +1, and -1 diminish TFIIA binding, but a change at -40 does not. DNA footprint analysis of this region is not definitive, but does indicate that following TFIIA binding there are changes in the pattern of hypersensitive sites.

Early events of RNA polymerase II transcription initiation

We have investigated the earliest stages of assembly of an RNA polymerase II transcription complex. General transcription factors from HeLa cells were partially purified and assayed using the adenovirus-2 major late promoter. Preincubation of either all the transcription factors (TF) with the DNA or only the subset consisting of TFIIA, TFIID, and DNA overcame the 15-20 min lag normally observed. The kinetics demonstrate that TFIIA first interacts with the template over a 5 min. period, and then TFIID interacts with the IIA:DNA complex over a 2 min. period. The remainder of the necessary transcription factors then interact with the IIA:IID:DNA complex. There are apparently interactions between IIA and IID, as a pre-incubation of these factors (without DNA) overcomes the lag period. Both IIA:DNA and IIA:DNA:IID interactions are temperature sensitive, resulting in slower kinetics at 0 degree C. Thus, the kinetics of transcription involve activation processes in addition to DNA binding.

Haemorheological study during the process of tumor development after subcutaneous transplantation of mouse forestomach carcinoma (FC) cells

A metastatic tumor model of mouse forestomach carcinoma (FC) was used in this study. Tumor cells were subcutaneously transplanted into right costal region of inbred 615-strain mice. Animals were killed on the 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th and 15th day. Histological and haemorheological examinations were performed. Based on the histological findings the development of the tumor was divided into 5 stages; i.e. latent stage, invasive stage, early stage of metastasis, middle stage of metastasis and late stage of metastasis, corresponding with 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th and 15th day after transplantation of mouse forestomach carcinoma. Results of haemorheological studies indicated that plasma and blood viscosity elevated in the invasion and early metastatic stages and the increased viscosity of blood was able to promote metastasis during the early stage of tumor development, while the tumor developed in the middle and late metastatic stages when the values of plasma viscosity, blood viscosity, aggregation of red blood cells and haematocrit decreased but the rigidity of red blood cells increased in these periods.