Multiplex immunohistochemistry indicates biomarkers in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in males and the second in females, whose survival ratio and indicating biomarkers are limited. The rapid development of multiple immunofluorescences gives rise to widespread applications of this new advanced technology called multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC), which makes it possible to detect several fluorescent proteins on the same tumor tissue microarray (TMA) within the same time and spatial organization. By taking advantage of this mIHC technology, we detected three tumor-associated antigens (TAA) including the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), the cluster of differentiation 133 (CD133), the programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1), and one immune-associated macrophage marker, the cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68) in cancer tissues versus para-carcinomatous normal tissues derived from a cohort of 84 CRC patients. All four markers were upregulated in cancer tissue compared with normal tissues. And the expressions of CD133, HER2, PD-L1, and CD68 were correlated with pathological grade, T stage, tumor size, metastasis, respectively. Accordingly, CD133 and PD-L1 could be applied as potential diagnostic biomarkers for CRC at an early stage, while the enrichment of HER2 might act as an advanced indicator in aggressive cancer status of CRC; whereas, CD68 could be potentially considered as an advanced diagnostic indicator in CRC patients, as well as a metastatic promoter in CRC-related TME. The differential expression of these four proteins, as well as their clinicopathological correlation, indicates that these four proteins could be utilized as specific diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in CRC patients.

[Outline of Song's works on the gynecology of traditional Chinese medicine]

Because of long history and excellent medical skills, the Song gynecology is regarded as one of the "four great masters" of the gynecology in Zhejiang province. The monographs survived of Song gynecology are at least four, besides the earliest one Songshi Nüke Cuoyao(, Synopsis of Song's Gynecology)(1612), there is Songshi Bochuan Chanke Quanshu(, Complete Treatise on Gynecology of Song Bochuan), Songshi Nüke Chanhou Pian(, Chapter of Puerperal Disease from Song's Gynecology), which are formed in Qing dynasty, and Linzheng Lu(, Clinical Records) formed in the Republic of China era.And Jingli Songshi Nüke(, Meticulously Sort Out Song's Gynecology), which might belong to School of Song's gynecology, and Nüke Milu(, Secretive Records of Gynecology) were found in records. This paper excavates and sorts these 6 Song's gynecological monographs, carries out in-depth research on the changes of editions, spread and origins, and clarify the general situation of song's gynecological monographs.

[Observation and prevention measures against adverse reaction to intratympanic corticosteroid injections]

Objective:To investigate clinical characteristic and incidence of the adverse reaction to tympanic injection. The incidence rates of adverse reaction were also compared after improvement of anesthetic method and changed ratio of methylprednisolone. Method: A retrospective analysis of 712 cases (1 928 injections) of receiving injection in a medical center, to explore the overall and classified adverse reactions, as well as effects of age and gender and frequency on adverse reactions. According to the clinical characteristics of the early stage, the incidence of adverse reaction was observed after the application of anesthesia warming method and the change of methylprednisolone ratio. Result: Adverse reaction was found in 76 cases which included 62 cases of mild reactions, 4 cases of severe reactions and 10 cases of glucocorticoid-related reactions. Overall, 10.67% of patients had adverse reactions. There was no correlation between adverse reactions and age, gender or frequency. The incidence of vertigo was decreased after the application of improved anesthesia (P<0.05). The incidence of pain of joint methylprednisolone-and-lidocaine injection was lower than that of methylprednisolone injection (P<0.05). Conclusion: Intratympanic injection is a safe treatment, to some extent, although there is low incidence of adverse effects of it. At the same time, anesthetic warming method and changing the ratio of methylprednisolone can further reduce the incidence of vertigo and pain.

Loureirin B inhibits the proliferation of hepatic stellate cells and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by regulating miR-148-3p

BACKGROUND

We investigated the activity of loureirin B against liver fibrosis and the underlying molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) from Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with different concentrations of loureirin B. We used the MTT assay to determine HSC proliferation, flow cytometry to analyze apoptosis, and western blot to determine the expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, Wnt1 and β-catenin. Real-time PCR was used to determine the expressions of Wnt1 and miR-148-3p.

RESULTS

The MTT assay showed that loureirin B treatment significantly inhibited the proliferation of HSCs in time- and dose-dependent manners. Loureirin B significantly promoted the apoptosis of HSCs, increased the expression of Bax and decreased the Bcl-2 level. Western blot analysis showed that the expressions of Wnt1 and β-catenin were obviously lower in the loureirin B treatment group than in the control group. We also found that loureirin B could decrease the Wnt1 mRNA level and increase miR-148-3p expression. Knockdown of miR-148-3p using inhibitor could reverse the effects of loureirin B on the proliferation and apoptosis of HSCs and the expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, Wnt1 and β-catenin.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that loureirin B inhibited the proliferation and promoted the apoptosis of HSCs, and suppressed the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway via regulation of miR-148-3p.

Upregulation of B7-H4 promotes tumor progression of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Recent reports show that B7-H4 is highly expressed in a variety of tumor cells, functions as a negative regulator of T cells and then promotes tumor progression. However, its expression and role in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) remain unclear. In present study, B7-H4 expression in ICC and peritumoral tissues was determined at the level of mRNA and protein, and its bioactivity in ICC cells was studied after modification of B7-H4 expression. Then, the mechanism related to tumor progression induced by B7-H4 expression in ICC cells was explored. Finally, clinical significance of B7-H4 expression in ICC patients was further analyzed. The results showed that B7-H4 expression in ICC was much higher than that in peritumoral tissues at the level of both mRNA and protein. The high level of B7-H4 in ICC cells induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions and promoted invasion and metastasis of tumor cells through activation of ERK1/2 signaling. The elevated B7-H4 expression was associated with the downregulated Bax, upregulated Bcl-2 expression, and activation of caspase-3. Clinically, high B7-H4 expression in tumor samples was significantly related to malignant phenotype, such as lymph node metastasis, high tumor stage, and poor differentiation. ICC patients with high expression of B7-H4 had shorter overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival. Moreover, the B7-H4 expression was an independent prognostic factor for predicting OS and tumor recurrence of ICC patients after operation. In conclusion, high expression of B7-H4 promotes tumor progression of ICC and may be a novel therapeutic target for ICC patients.

Effect of different treatments and alcohol addiction on gut microbiota in minimal hepatic encephalopathy patients

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is caused by dysbiosis of gut microbiota, particularly the ammonia-producing bacteria. Given the efficacy of certain treatments on MHE and the connection between alcoholism and MHE, a thorough understanding of how these strategies affect the gut microbiota in patients (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) will facilitate the assessment of their efficacy in the reshaping of gut microbiota. In the present study, a metagenomics approach was adopted to reveal alterations in gut microbiota of 14 MHE patients following treatment with rifaximin alone or rifaximin plus probiotics. Patients were grouped into the alcoholic and non-alcoholic groups to examine differences in terms of their response to treatment. Treatment reduced the overall microbiota diversity and decreased the abundance of certain ammonia-producing bacteria, such as Clostridium, with the treatment of rifaximin plus probiotics presenting a more apparent effect. Non-alcoholic MHE patients responded better to the treatment, as they presented greater reduction in microbiota diversity and a more consistent decline in certain ammonia-producing bacteria genera (such as Clostridium and Streptococcus) belonging to the Firmicutes phylum. In conclusion, treatment with rifaximin alone and rifaximin plus probiotics exhibited a different effect in different MHE patients, decreasing the overall gut microbiota diversity to various extents and reshaping microbiota in different ways. Furthermore, non-alcoholic MHE patients responded better to treatment in microbiota alterations.

[Relationship between multi-slice spiral CT angiography imaging features and in-hospital death of patients with aortic dissection]

Objective: To explore the imaging manifestations of multi-slice spiral CT angiography (CTA) and relationship with in-hospital death in patients with aortic dissection (AD). Methods: The clinical data of 429 patients with AD who underwent CTA in Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University between January 2009 and January 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. AD patients were divided into 2 groups, including operation group who underwent surgery or interventional therapy (370 cases) and non-operation group who underwent medical conservative treatment(59 cases). The multi-slice spiral CTA imaging features of AD were analyzed, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between imaging manifestations and in-hospital death in AD patients. Results: There were 12 cases (3.24%) of in-hospital death in operation group, and 28 cases (47.46%) of in-hospital death in non-operation group(P<0.001). AD involved different vascular branches. Multi-slice spiral CTA can clearly show the dissection of true and false lumen, and intimal tear was detected in 363 (84.62%) cases, outer wall calcification was revealed in 63 (14.69%) cases, and thrombus formation was present in 227 (52.91%) cases. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the number of branch vessels involved (OR=1.374, 95%CI 1.081-1.745, P=0.009) and tearing false lumen range(OR=2.059, 95%CI 1.252-3.385, P=0.004) were independent risk factors of in-hospital death in AD patients, and the number of branch vessels involved (OR=1.600, 95%CI 1.062-2.411, P=0.025) was independent risk factor of in-hospital death in the operation group, while the tearing false lumen range (OR=2.315, 95%CI 1.019-5.262, P=0.045) was independent risk factor of in-hospital death of non-operation group. Conclusions: Multi-slice spiral CTA can clearly show the entire AD, true and false lumen, intimal tear, wall calcification and thrombosis of AD patients. The number of branch vessels involved and tearing false lumen range are the independent risk factors of in-hospital death in AD patients.

Mortalin promotes cell proliferation and epithelial mesenchymal transition of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cells in vitro

AIMS

The prognosis of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) remains poor in terms of overall survival (OS) and recurrence rate. Mortalin, a stress chaperone, has been reported to be involved in carcinogenesis and metastasis. However, its role in ICC has not been defined.

METHODS

Mortalin expression in tumour samples from patients with ICC was examined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry, and correlation between its expression and clinicopathological features was assessed. In addition, invasion, migration proliferation and apoptosis, and the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers in ICC cells were assessed after mortalin depletion. Finally, the prognostic significance of mortalin in patients with ICC was further evaluated by Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

We provide evidence that expression of mortalin in human ICC tissues is higher than that in matched peritumoural tissues. The interference of mortalin expression inhibited the proliferation and invasion of ICC cells in vitro. Mechanistically, inhibition of mortalin expression in ICC cells upregulated E-cadherin expression and decreased vimentin and snail expression. Clinically, a high level of mortalin in ICC samples was associated with loss of E-cadherin, and increased expression of vimentin and snail. Patients with ICC and high mortalin expression had a shorter OS and a higher recurrence rate. Multivariate analysis revealed that mortalin overexpression was an independent prognostic indicator for patients with ICC.

CONCLUSIONS

Mortalin may promote cell proliferation and invasion via induction of EMT of ICC cells. A high level of mortalin may be used as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for patients with ICC.

One-step approach for the synthesis of CoFe2O4@rGO core-shell nanocomposites as efficient adsorbent for removal of organic pollutants

CoFe₂O₄-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites (CFG) have been successfully synthesized via one-step solvothermal method. The prepared CFG are characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), vibrating sample magnetometer and so on. The FESEM results show that CFG have uniform core-shell structure with an average diameter of about 75 nm and the thickness of the outer graphene shell is about 15-20 nm. The mass ratio of CoFe₂O₄ to graphene oxide is a key factor affecting the formation of core-shell hybrids. CFG display much higher adsorption capacity for anionic dyes than cationic dyes owing to the favorable electrostatic interaction. The adsorption capacity for methyl orange is observed as high as 263 mg g^-1 at 298 K, and the adsorption isotherms follow the Langmuir model. Furthermore, the specific saturation magnetization (Ms) of CFG is 32.8 emu g^-1, and the as-synthesized nanocomposites can be easily separated by external magnetic field after adsorption. The results suggest that CFG have great potential for the practical industrial wastewater treatment.

Low levels of serum miR-99a is a predictor of poor prognosis in breast cancer

MicroRNA (miRNA) deregulation has been previously linked to the initiation and development of breast cancer. Although miR-99a is aberrantly expressed in many types of cancers, including breast cancer, the serum miR-99a expression level in breast cancer and its clinical significance remains unknown. Blood samples were obtained from 72 patients with breast cancer and 40 healthy volunteers, and subjected to real-time polymerase chain reaction to evaluate the level of expression of serum miR-99a in the study participants. Furthermore, we investigated the association between serum miR-99a and the clinical outcome of breast cancer. Serum miR-99a expression was significantly downregulated in patients with breast cancer, compared to that in healthy controls (P < 0.01). Moreover, the serum miR-99a was correlated with various clinical parameters of breast cancer, including lymph node metastasis (P = 0.0194), distant metastasis (P = 0.0037), Ki67 intensity (P = 0.0164), TNM stage (P = 0.0096), and histological grade (P = 0.0051) of cancer. Additionally, breast cancer patients displaying lower miR-99a levels showed poorer overall survival rates (P = 0.0411). The serum miR-99a level was also found to be an independent risk factor for breast cancer (hazard ratio = 3.176, 95% confidence interval = 1.543-7.360, P = 0.023). Our data indicated that serum miR-99a expression was downregulated in breast cancer patients; moreover, this downregulation was associated with poor prognosis, suggesting that serum miR-99a could function as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer.

Effect of short-term intermittent peritoneal lavage on immune function in rats with early severe acute pancreatitis

AIM: To analyze the role of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), soluble CD14 (sCD14) on monocyte-macrophage cell surface, and nuclear factor kB (NF-kB) in immune mechanisms involved in the therapeutic effect of peritoneal lavage against L-arginine-induced severe acute pancreatitis in rats.

METHODS: Severe acute pancreatitis was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of L-arginine (3.5 g/100 g) at a concentration of 70 g/L. Forty-eight rats were randomly divided into three groups: severe acute pancreatitis group (for testing at 12, 24, and 36 h, 6 rats per subgroup), control group (12, 24, and 36 h, 4 rats per subgroup), and lavage group (12, 24, and 36 h, 6 rats per subgroup). Rats of the severe acute pancreatitis group were killed at 12, 24 and 36 h after modeling. Rats of the control group were also killed at the above point of time after intraperitoneal injection of normal saline. Rats of the lavage group were catheterized in the upper and lower abdomen for peritoneal lavage at 1 h after modeling (100 mL, once per 6 h, lavage speed at 60 drops/min; 12 h subgroup, twice, 24 h subgroup 4 times, 36 h group 6 times). After the lavage was finished, the rats were killed. The contents of serum amylase and lipase and the concentrations of TLR4 and sCD14 in the blood were determined, and histopathological changes and expression levels of NF-kB in the pancreatic tissue were observed.

RESULTS: The rat model of severe acute pancreatitis was successfully replicated by intraperitoneal injection of L-arginine. The contents of serum amylase and lipase in the lavage group were significantly lower those in the severe acute pancreatitis group (12 h: 1 253.3 ± 195.2 vs 1 953.3 ± 316.9, 20.0 ± 6.5 vs 86.3 ± 36.8; 24 h: 2 299.2 ± 416.4 vs 4 047.7 ± 589.3, 33.7 ± 15.5 vs 238.2 ± 73.2; 36 h: 1 581.3 ± 391.6 vs 2 327.8 ± 354.6, 22.0 ± 9.3 vs 158.3 ± 38.5, all P < 0.05), but showed no significant difference compared to the control group (all P > 0.05). Pathological changes in the pancreatic tissue in the lavage group were significantly improved compared to the severe acute pancreatitis group and control group (both P < 0.05). The concentrations of TLR4 and sCD14 in the blood were significantly lower in the lavage group than in the severe acute pancreatitis group (P < 0.05), but showed no statistically significant difference compared with the control group at various time points. Expression of NF-kB in the pancreatic tissue was lower in the lavage group than that in the severe acute pancreatitis group, but was almost undetectable in the control group.

CONCLUSION: Short-term intermittent peritoneal lavage has a remarkable inhibitory effect on immune function in rats with early severe acute pancreatitis.

Influence of treatment with loureirin on rat hepatic stellate cells in vitro

AIM: To investigate the effects of treatment with loureirin A/B on rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in vitro.

METHODS: HSC-T6 cells were cultured in 96-well plates for 24 h and then incubated with different concentrations of loureirin A/B for 48 h. MTT assay was used to assess the proliferation of HSCs. The contents of hyaluronic acid, laminin and collagen type IV in culture supernatants were measured by radioimmunoassay. The mRNA expression of blood vessel endothelium (VEGF₁₆₅) and histoplasma tissue inhibitory factor (HIF-1) was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR.

RESULTS: The half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀) of loureirin A/B were 0.3 and 0.1 µg/µL respectively. Treatment with loureirin A/B significantly inhibited HSC proliferation, the secretion of hyaluronic acid, laminin and collagen type IV (31.1 ± 4.32 vs 43.05 ± 4.96, 441.28 ± 25.38 vs 302.98 ± 29.59, 17.96 ± 3.00 vs 25.23 ± 4.96, all P < 0.05), and the mRNA expression of VEGF₁₆₅ and HIF-1. The effects of loureirin B were stronger than those of loureirin A.

CONCLUSION: Treatment with loureirin A/B could significantly inhibit the proliferation of HSCs, the secretion of hyaluronic acid, laminin and collagen type IV, and the mRNA expression of VEGF₁₆₅ mRNA and HIF-1 mRNA, and the effects of loureirin B were stronger than those of loureirin A.

Biochemical characterization of the binding of cyclic RGDyK to hepatic stellate cells

Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a crucial role in the development of liver fibrosis. Noninvasive monitoring of the activation of HSCs has been challenging due to the lack of specific receptors or motifs on the cells. The present study provides the evidence that integrin alpha v beta 3 expressed on HSCs is a biomarker reflecting the activation of HSCs. Solid-phase synthesis of cRGDyK (Arg-Gly-Asp-(D)Tyr-Lys) peptide and FAM-conjugated peptide were employed for binding to integrin alpha v beta 3. The increased expression of integrin alpha v and beta 3 at mRNA and protein levels was detected during HSC activation. The affinity of cRGDyK to integrin alpha v beta 3 was examined by both radioligand binding assay and FAM-conjugated peptide binding measurements. Quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting showed a less dramatic, but significant increase in alpha v and beta 3 integrin mRNA and protein expression following activation of rat HSCs. Radioiodinated cRGDyK binds to both purified and membrane-bound integrin alpha v beta 3 with high affinity in a dissociable manner. FAM-conjugated cRGDyK was coupled to activated HSCs in a time- and dose-dependent, receptor-mediated manner. Activated HSCs express sufficient number of integrin alpha v beta 3 receptor. cRGDyK peptide binds to both purified and membrane-bound integrin alpha v beta 3 with high affinity in a reversible fashion. Thus, the cRGDyK peptide represented a new agent potentially useful for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis.

Role of overexpression of CD151 and/or c-Met in predicting prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma

It has been reported that tetraspanin CD151 acts as a promoter of metastasis in several tumors and plays an important role in c-Met/hepatocyte growth factor signaling. However, the role of CD151 alone and coexpression of CD151/c-Met in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. We found that expression of CD151 was positively related to metastatic potential of HCC cell lines, and modified cells with CD151(high) showed higher secretion of matrix metalloproteinase 9 and aggressiveness in vitro and higher metastatic ability in vivo. Furthermore, HCC patients with vascular invasion, large tumors, multiple tumors, high tumor-node-metastasis stage, and undifferentiated tumor were prone to have higher CD151 expression. The postoperative 3-, 5-, and 7-year overall survival (OS) of patients in HCCs with CD151(high) were significantly lower than those in the CD151(low) group, and correspondingly cumulative recurrence rates in HCCs with CD151(high) were significantly higher than those in the CD151(low) group. Both CD151 and c-Met were remarkably overexpressed in HCCs, compared with adjacent nontumorous and normal liver tissues. Pearson correlation analysis showed a slight correlation between CD151 and c-Met in HCCs. Importantly, the 5- and 7-year OS rates in CD151(high)/c-Met(high) patients were 50.5% and 37.8%, respectively, significantly lower than those of CD151(low)/c-Met(low) patients (63.9% and 54.6%, respectively). Five- and 7-year cumulative recurrence rates in CD151(high)/c-Met(high) patients were 53.3% and 71.9%, respectively, markedly higher than those of CD151(low)/c-Met(low) patients (39.0% and 52.5%, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that CD151 and combination of CD151/c-Met were independent prognostic indicators for OS and cumulative recurrence.

CONCLUSION

CD151 is positively associated with invasiveness of HCC, and CD151 or combination of CD151/c-Met is a novel marker in predicting the prognosis of HCC and a potential therapeutic target.

Three-dimensional reconstruction of registered and fused Chinese Visible Human and patient MRI images

Radiological images are commonly used as important tools in medical diagnoses and treatment. Different modalities of medical images provide uniquely different content. Hence, it is natural and desirable to combine different image modalities to obtain additional new information to enhance clinical assessment. However, given the current technology, radiological images are not always sufficiently informative to permit diagnosis and treatment. In order to address this problem, we fused selected portions of the Chinese Visible Human (CVH) dataset with MRI images from a patient. Specifically, we segmented the caudate nucleus, the lentiform nucleus, and the thalamus in the CVH dataset and then registered and fused this dataset with corresponding MRI images using both rigid and nonrigid registration techniques. After rigid and nonrigid registration, the CVH and MRI images largely coincided with each other. The shape, relationship, and position of focal areas and neural structures were clearly displayed. Using volume and surface rendering, these images were three-dimensionally reconstructed to display the neural structures of interest within the brain. These structures can be rotated at will and observed from different angles. Our research indicates that the fusion of CVH and patients' MRI images can enhance the amount of neural information available to physicians and lay a foundation for the clinical use of the CVH dataset.

Practical asymmetric synthesis of a selective endothelin A receptor (ETA) antagonist

[structure: see text]. A practical, chromotography-free asymmetric synthesis was developed for the large scale preparation of an endothelin receptor antagonist 2. This synthesis includes a new efficient process for the preparation of 6-bromo-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran, a stereoselective conjugate addition of an aryllithium followed by stereospecific addition of the Grignard reagent of the top aryl bromide, and an aminophosphate-mediated sterospecific intramolecular enolate alkylation, which led to the formation of the five-membered ring bearing three contiguous asymmetric centers.

[The spectroscopic study of the iodine beta-cyclodextrin complexes]

In this paper, the iodine beta-cyclodextrin complexes prepared in different techniques were investigated by Fourier transformation infrared spectrum(FTIR), FT-Raman, Ultra-violet absorption spectrum in qualitative and quantitative analysis. Results showed that the iodine existed in dissociated, bundle and polymerized forms in the complexes. Contras to the method of alcohol craft, the sample prepared in water craft method included a higher capacity of iodine, but it was not stable enough to keep a constant high iodine concentration. This analysis method was simple and convenient, it is useful for quality control of the iodine beta-cyclodextrin complexes raw material medicine.

[Analyses of chromosomal karyotypes and cytogenetic variations of animal cell lines]

After the master cell stock(mcs) and working cell bank of more than 30 different strains of 7 animal kidney cell lines (F-81 or CRFK cell line, MDCK cell line, Vero or Vero-2 cell line, MA-104 cell line and BHK-21 cell line) were established in China, the chromosomal number variations and structural aberrations of the above lines, primary feline or canine kidney cell (FKC or CKC) and HeLa cell line were investigated and their karyotypes of routine or Giemsa chromosomal bands were analyzed. The carcinogenesis or tumorigenicity testing of these cells in about 700 nude mice and for colony formation in soft agar (SA) and for agglutination under different concentration of plant lectins was carried out. Both tumorigenicity-negative strains of F-81, CRFK, Vero or Vero-2 lines and very-low-tumorigenicity strains of MDCK line were successfully selected and evaluated for the production of canine or feline combination viral vaccines, which are free of infectious agents, and described with respect to cytogenetic characteristics and tumorigenicity. Rate of modal chromosome number represents the ratio of cell number having modal chromosome number to all the split cell number analyzed at random. Rate of difference represents the ratio of difference of the rate of modal chromosome number between mcs (master cell stock) + n and mcs passages. The chromosomal analysis results showed that the ratio of difference of the rate of modal chromosome number between mcs + n and mcs passages was not more than 5%-15% and the structure aberrations was generally 0%-3%, not more than 5%-10%, thus the hereditary character of cell lines is comparatively stable without significant difference between different passages. The genetic characteristics of chromosomal number of cell lines determines their tumorigenicity, but it is species specific. Experimental models were established for the researches on the prevention and prophylaxis of malignant tumors or cancers and their genetically biological characteristics. Tests showed that there was correlation among cell line chromosome number variations, anchorage independence in soft agar, agglutination under plant lectins and tumor-forming ability in nude mice. Since testing in vitro is more economic, simpler, faster, and is thought to be reliable, we recommend plant lectins followed by SA or analysis of karyotypes as the initial means for monitoring tumorigenicity of animal cell line in nude mice.

Effects of Radix Angelicae sinensis and shuanghuanglian on a rat model of chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of two kinds of Chinese herbal medicine, Radix angelicae sinensis (RAS) ([Chinese characters: see text]) and Shuanghuanglian (SHL) ([Chinese characters: see text]) on chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) lung infection in a rat model mimicking cystic fibrosis (CF).

METHODS

Rats were divided into RAS, SHL and control groups. All rats were challenged intratracheally with alginate embedded PA and the treatments with herbal medicine started on the same day of challenge. The drugs were administered subcutaneously once a day for ten days and the control group was treated with sterile saline. The rats were sacrificed two weeks after challenge.

RESULTS

Significantly improved lung bacterial clearance (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) and milder macroscopic lung pathology (P < 0.005) were found in the two treated groups compared to the control group. In the SH treated group, the neutrophil percent in the peripheral blood leukocytes (P < 0.05), the anti-PA IgG level in serum (P < 0.05), the incidence of lung abcesses (P < 0.005) and the incidence of acute lung inflammation (P < 0.05) were significantly lower than in the control group. The RAS treatment reduced fever (P < 0.05), decreased the incidence of lung abcesses (P < 0.005) and lung mast cell number (P < 0.05), and lowered anti-PA IgG1 level in serum (P < 0.05) when compared to the control group. The anti-PA bacterial activity test in SHL was weakly positive whereas in RAS it was negative.

CONCLUSION

The treatment with both herbal medicines could increase the resistance of the rats against PA lung infection and they therefore might be potential promising drugs for stimulation of the immnune system in CF patients with chronic PA lung infection.

Inhibitory effects of sodium quercetin monosulfate on pig platelet aggregation induced by thrombin

AIM

To study the inhibitory effects of sodium quercetin monosulfate (SQMS) on pig platelet aggregation induced by thrombin.

METHODS

Platelet aggregation was analyzed by turbidimetry. Cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) was determined by Fura-2 fluorescence. Activity of protein kinase C (PKC) was assayed by incubating PKC with histone III S and [gamma-32 P] ATP. The cytoskeletal proteins were precipitated by Triton X-100 and separated by SDS-PAGE.

RESULTS

SQMS inhibited the platelet aggregation induced by thrombin 500 U.L-1 with IC50 132 (50-347) mumol.L-1. SQMS inhibited Ca2+ influx in blood platelets induced by thrombin 500 U.L-1 in the presence of extracellular Ca2+ 1 mmol.L-1 with IC50 20 (9-46) mumol.L-1; SQMS inhibited the internal Ca2+ release in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. SQMS also decreased [Ca2+]i level in quiescent blood platelets. SQMS (10-160 mumol.L-1) inhibited the activity of cytosolic PKC from blood platelets in a concentration-dependent manner, but had no effect on membrane PKC. SQMS (20-80 mumol.L-1) inhibited the actin polymerization induced by thrombin 500 U.L-1 inblood platelets in a concentration-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

SQMS inhibited pig platelet aggregation induced by thrombin and its mechanism might be due to its inhibitions of Ca2+ influx, internal Ca2- release, PKC activity, and actin polymerization.

Effects of genistein on aggregation and cytosolic free calcium in pig platelets

AIM

To study the effects of genistein on aggregation and cytosolic free calcium concentration in platelets.

METHODS

Using turbidimetry to analyse aggregation and using Fura-2 fluorescence technique to determine Ca2+ level.

RESULTS

Genistein strongly inhibited the pig platelet aggregation induced by thrombin (250 U.L-1). When genistein concentrations were 5 and 20 mumol.L-1, the inhibition rates on the aggregation were 52% and 73%, respectively. Genistein inhibited the rise of cytosolic free calcium concentration in platelets stimulated by thrombin (500 U.L-1) in the presence of extracellular Ca2+ 1 mmol.L-1. When genistein concentrations were 10, 20, 40, and 80 mumol.L-1, the inhibition rates were 24%, 40%, 63%, and 65%, respectively, but no effect on thrombin-induced internal Ca2+ release from dense tubular system.

CONCLUSION

Genistein is a potential anti-platelet agent, mainly due to an inhibition of Ca2+ influx.

Ginseng treatment enhances bacterial clearance and decreases lung pathology in athymic rats with chronic P. aeruginosa pneumonia

In an athymic rat model of chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection mimicking cystic fibrosis (CF), we studied the effects of the Chinese herb ginseng. Rats were treated subcutaneously with ginseng extracts (25 mg/kg) once a day for 10 days after challenge with P. aeruginosa embedded in alginate beads. We found that ginseng treatment significantly reduced bacterial load (p < 0.02) and the number of mast cells in the lungs (p < 0.01). Furthermore, it decreased the severity of lung pathology (p < 0.02) and lowered serum anti-P. aeruginosa IgM and IgA antibody levels (p < 0.004, p < 0.04) compared to the control group. The down-regulated specific humoral immunity in the ginseng-treated group and the fact that athymic rats have a severely compromised T-cell-mediated immune reactivity due to the absence of thymus might suggest an activation of innate immunity after ginseng treatment. Our findings indicate that ginseng treatment increases the resistance of the athymic rats to P. aeruginosa lung infection. We therefore think that ginseng has promising potential as a natural medicine for stimulation of the immune system in CF patients with chronic P. aeruginosa lung infections.

Expression of c-myc, c-Ki-ras and c-Ha-ras oncogene products in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with myasthenia gravis

The oncogene products of c-myc, c-Ki-ras and c-Ha-ras and the subsets of natural killer cells in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 39 patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) and 40 healthy individuals were studied by immunocytochemical procedures. The MG patients showed an increased expression of c-myc, c-Ki-ras and c-Ha-ras oncoproteins in both lymphocytes and monocytes compared to those of healthy individuals (P < 0.01, P < 0.005 and P < 0.001, respectively). On the contrary, the number of Leu-7-Leu-11c+ cells of MG patients was less than that of healthy controls (P < 0.05). The oncogene expressions in PBMC of MG patients correlated positively with white blood cell counts, total natural killer cell counts (NK), Leu-7+Leu-11c+ of NK cell subset, gamma-globulin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and serum immunoglobulins; the oncogene expressions were negatively correlated with the Leu-7+Leu-11c-NK subset. Thus, the increased expressions of c-myc, c-Ki-ras and c-Ha-ras oncoproteins accompanying the decreased Leu-7-Leu-11c+NK cell in MG PBMC are likely responsible for the acceleration of the clinical manifestations in MG patients.