[Research advances on the construction of an ideal scar model in vitro based on innovative tissue engineering technology]

The scar brings a huge economic burden and creates a serious psychological shadow for patients. Although the current methods for scar treatment tend to be diversified, the treatment method that can truly achieve the goal of "perfect healing" or "scarless healing" after human skin injury is quite scarce. With the wide application of tissue engineering technologies in medicine research, technologies such as three-dimensional bioprinting, organoid culture, and organ chip technologies are constantly emerging. Disease models in vitro based on these innovative technologies showed more advantages than traditional animal disease models. The article introduces the current hotspot technologies in skin tissue engineering such as organoid culture, three-dimensional bioprinting, and organ chip technologies, focuses on summarizing the three key elements to be mastered for constructing an ideal scar model in vitro, and puts forward the future prospect of constructing an ideal scar model in vitro based on our research team's long-term experience in skin tissue repair and regeneration research.

[Effects and mechanism of exogenous tumor necrosis factor α on differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells of mice into sweat gland cells in three-dimensional environment]

Objective: To explore the effects and molecular mechanism of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) on differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells of mice into sweat gland cells in a three-dimensional environment. Methods: (1) Five 6-8 week-old female C57BL/6 mice were used, with one 1 cm(2) deep partial-thickness to full-thickness scald wound being created on the back of each mouse with a scald apparatus. One day after injury, the full-thickness skin tissue of the wound was taken, and the concentration of TNF-α in the tissue was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. (2) Gelatin in the mass of 0.9 g and 0.3 g sodium alginate were mixed and then dissolved in 30 mL phosphate buffer solution to make hydrogel. Full-thickness skin of the planta of 10 male and female one day newborn C57BL/6 mice was ground into dermal homogenate. The mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from femur and tibia of 10 male and female C57BL/6 mice born for 7 days and cultured. A final density of 1.5×10(5) cells/mL of bioink was made of mixture of 8 mL pre-warmed hydrogel, 1 mL mouse foot dermal homogenate, and 1 mL the second or third passage of mesenchymal stem cell suspensions. The three-dimensional bioprinter was used to print 12 cylindrical blocks arranged in a crisscross pattern in petri dish. The printed blocks were cross-linked with 25 g/L calcium chloride solution for 10 min and then cultured for 12 hours by adding a medium for mesenchymal stem cells. Subsequently, the printed blocks were divided into blank control group and TNF-α treatment group according to the random number table, with 6 plates and 6 blocks in each group. Both groups of printed blocks were cultured with fresh sweat gland induction medium, and a final mass concentration of 20 ng/mL TNF-α was added into the medium of TNF-α treatment group. After 6 hours of culture, the mRNA expression of pluripotency marker Nanog in the mesenchymal stem cells of two plates of each group was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and the protein expression of Nanog in the mesenchymal stem cells of one plate of each group was detected by Western blotting, both with triplicate samples. After 14 days of culture, the mRNA expression of sweat gland cell markers cytokeratin 14 (CK14), CK18, sodium potassium adenosine triphosphatase protein a1 (ATP1a1), and aquaporin 5 (AQP5) was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative RT-PCR in the mesenchymal stem cells of 2 plates of each group (n=3), and the protein expression distribution of CK14, CK18, ATP1a1, and AQP5 of the mesenchymal stem cells in one plate of each group was detected by immunofluorescence staining. Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample t test. Results: (1) One day after injury, the mass concentration of TNF-α in the scald wound tissue of mouse was (19±3) ng/mL. (2) After 6 hours of culture, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Nanog in the mesenchymal stem cells of printed blocks in TNF-α treatment group were 0.39±0.04 and 0.36±0.03, respectively, which were significantly lower than 1.00±0.05 and 1.00±0.07 of blank control group (t=16.51, 14.56, P<0.01). (3) After 14 days of culture, the mRNA expression levels of CK18, CK14, ATP1a1, and AQP5 in the mesenchymal stem cells of printed blocks in TNF-α treatment group were 0.38±0.03, 0.42±0.11, 0.23±0.06, and 0.25±0.03, respectively, which were significantly less than 1.00±0.03, 1.00±0.05, 1.00±0.05, 1.00±0.07 of blank control group (t=25.31, 8.31, 17.07, 17.06, P<0.01). (4) After 14 days of culture, the CK18, CK14, ATP1a1, and AQP5 protein were widely distributed in the cytoplasm of mesenchymal stem cells in printed blocks of blank control group, while the distribution of CK18, CK14, ATP1a1, and AQP5 protein in the cytoplasm of mesenchymal stem cells in printed blocks of TNF-α treatment group were significantly reduced in comparison. Conclusions: Exogenous TNF-α inhibits the directional differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells of mice into sweat gland cells in a three-dimensional environment, which may be related to the inhibition of the expression of Nanog mRNA and protein by TNF-α that subsequently results in the down-regulation of multi-directional differentiation potential of mesenchymal stem cells.

A reduced lymphocyte ratio as an early marker for predicting acute pancreatitis

The early diagnosis and severity grading for acute pancreatitis (AP) are difficult to determine because of the complexity and differences in disease process. To date, few studies have investigated the role of lymphocyte ratio (LR) in AP. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate the prognostic value of LR as an indicator in AP, as well as determine an optimal cut-off value for the severity prediction. There were two hundred four patients involved in this study, ninety-two of whom had severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). The LR was analyzed on admission and correlated with severity, which was determined using the Atlanta classification. The optimal cut-off value for LR was generated using receiving operator characteristic (ROC) curves. The results showed that the LR in the SAP group decreased significantly compared to the mild acute pancreatitis (MAP) group (8.82 vs. 13.43). The optimal cut-off value obtained from ROC curves was 0.081, with a sensitivity of 80.4%, a specificity of 53.3%, a positive likelihood ratio of 1.722, and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.368. In conclusion, the LR is obviously related to the condition of AP patients and is valuable for the differential diagnosis of SAP in early stages of AP.

First Report of Sweet Cherry Virescence Disease in China and Its Association with Infection by a 'Candidatus Phytoplasma ziziphi'-Related Strain

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) is a deciduous tree originating in the Black Sea/Caspian Sea region where Asia and Europe converge. Being highly valued for its timber and fruit, sweet cherry has been cultivated and naturalized on all continents. Over the past decade, the area of sweet cherry cultivation increased rapidly in China and has reached 140,000 ha. In April 2013, sweet cherry trees (cv. Summit) exhibiting floral virescence symptoms were observed in two orchards located in suburban Taian, Shandong Province, China. The diseased trees developed flowers having white petals with green veins or abnormal floral structures having cupped, green petals. The affected flowers failed to set fruit. A month following the first appearance of the virescence symptoms, the diseased trees became wilted and eventually died. Leaf and stem samples were collected from nine symptomatic and two nearby symptomless trees. Total DNA was extracted from each sample using the Plant Quick DNA Extract Kit (TianGen, Beijing, China). Nested-PCR was carried out using phytoplasma-universal primer pairs P1/P7 and R16F2n/R16R2 (1). All PCR assays with DNA templates from symptomatic samples yielded an amplicon of 1.25 kb, corresponding to the full-length F2nR2 region of phytoplasmal 16S rDNA. No amplicon was generated in PCRs containing DNA templates from symptomless plants. The amplicons were cloned into plasmid vector pMD18-T (TaKaRa, Dalian, China) and sequenced. The obtained sequences were nearly identical, and a representative sequence was deposited into GenBank (Accession No. KF268424). An analysis of the sequence through the iPhyClassifier (4) revealed that the sweet cherry virescence (SCV) disease was associated with infection by a phytoplasma closely related to the reference strain of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma ziziphi.' The 16S rDNA F2nR2 region of the SCV phytoplasma shared 99.8% nucleotide sequence identity with that of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma ziziphi' reference strain (Accession No. AB052876). A computer-simulated restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of the SCV phytoplasma 16S rDNA F2nR2 sequence with a set 17 restriction enzymes (3) resulted in a collective RFLP profile identical to the reference pattern of the elm yellows phytoplasma group, subgroup B (16SrV-B). Phytoplasmal diseases of sweet cherry were reported previously in Europe and the etiological agents were phytoplasmas of other groups, including the aster yellows group (16SrI), the X-disease group (16SrIII), and the apple proliferation group (16SrX) (2). To our knowledge, this is the first report of a phytoplasmal disease of sweet cherry in China, and the SCV phytoplasma is a new member of the subgroup 16SrV-B. Presence of 16SrV-B phytoplasmas and their etiological association with various plant diseases in China have been reported previously; affected host plants included jujube, hemp fiber, paper mulberry, Chinese cherry, plum, apricot, red barberry, clover, dianthus, elm, and sunshine tree. Our identification of the SCV phytoplasma expands the known plant host range of the 16SrV-B phytoplasma lineage. The impact of the SCV phytoplasma in the regional ecosystem and in sweet cherry production is being assessed. References: (1) I. M. Lee et al. Int. J. Syst. Bacteriol. 48:1153, 1998. (2) S. Paltrinieri et al. Acta Hort. 550:365, 2001. (3) W. Wei et al. Int. J. Syst. Evol. Microbiol. 57:1855, 2007. (4) Y. Zhao et al. Int. J. Syst. Evol. Microbiol. 59:2582, 2009.

[Effects of ursolic acid on c-Cbl-associated protein expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes with insulin resistance]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effects of ursolic acid (UA) on insulin resistance and cell differentiation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and to explore the mechanisms.

METHODS

3T3-L1 adipocytes were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) supplemented with glucose (25 mmol/L) and insulin (10(-6) mol/L) to induce insulin resistance. After culture, glucose consumption of the adipocytes was detected by glucose oxidase method and glucose uptake was detected by using tritium-marked glucose. Drug concentration for following test was determined through detecting the effects of different concentrations of UA on the activity of 3T3-L1 adipocytes with insulin resistance by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) staining. 3T3-L1 adipocytes with insulin resistance were cultured with DMEM, rosiglitazone, and low- and high-dose UA, and then, glucose uptake and differentiation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes were detected. Finally, real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot methods were used to detect the effects of UA on expressions of adipocyte lipid binding protein (aP2), c-Cbl-associated protein (CAP) and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) in 3T3-L1 cells with insulin resistance.

RESULTS

After dealing with high glucose/hyperinsulin for 24 h, insulin resistance was induced successfully in the 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The concentrations of UA were defined to be 4 to 20 μmol/L. Compared with the model group, the glucose uptake was significantly increased in the rosiglitazone group and groups treated with low- and high-dose UA (P<0.01). The differentiation levels of 3T3-L1 adipocytes in the UA groups were lower than those in the control group and the rosiglitazone group. Effects of UA on the expressions of aP2 and MMP-1 were not obvious, but UA could up-regulate expression of CAP both in mRNA and protein levels (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Low- and high-dose UA can improve the glycometabolism and differentiation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes with insulin resistance by up-regulating the expression of CAP.

[Effects of ursolic acid in ameliorating insulin resistance in liver of KKAy mice via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors α and γ]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects and mechanism of ursolic acid in improving hepatic insulin resistance in KKAy mice with spontaneous type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Thirty-five KKAy mice were divided into five groups according to the randomized block design, namely, control, rosiglitazone, fenofibrate, and high- and low-dose ursolic acid groups with seven mice in each group. C57BL/6J mice were used as the normal control group. At the end of the 4th week, free fatty acid (FFA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and adiponectin contents in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; the protein expressions of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2) and glucose transport factor-2 (GLUT-2) were detected by Western blot method; the mRNA expressions of PEPCK, IRS-2 and GLUT-2 were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction; the expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in liver tissue were detected by immunohistochemical method.

RESULTS

After four weeks of intervention, the contents of FFA, TNF-α and adiponectin in serum of the high-dose ursolic acid group had changed, showing statistically significant difference compared to those of the control group (P<0.01); high dose of ursolic acid had depressant effect on the expressions of PEPCK protein and PEPCK mRNA (P<0.01); low dose of ursolic acid depressed the expression of PEPCK mRNA and induced phosphorylation of IRS-2 in the liver (P<0.05); both high and low dose of ursolic acid improved the expression of PPARα in the liver (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The effects of ursolic acid in improving hepatic insulin resistance in KKAy mice with spontaneous type 2 diabetes may be closely related to affecting the contents of FFA, TNF-α and adiponectin, improving the expression of PPARα protein, regulating transcription of PEPCK protein and inducing phosphorylation of IRS-2.

Hedyotis diffusa Willd extract inhibits HT-29 cell proliferation via cell cycle arrest

Hedyotis diffusa Willd (HDW) has long been used as an important component in several Chinese medicine formulae to clinically treat various types of cancer, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Previously, we reported that HDW inhibits CRC growth via the induction of cancer cell apoptosis and the inhibition of tumor angiogenesis. In the present study, to further elucidate the mechanism of HDW-mediated antitumor activity, we investigated the effect of HDW ethanol extract (EEHDW) on the proliferation of HT-29 human colon carcinoma cells. We found that EEHDW reduced HT-29 cell viability and survival in a dose- and time-dependent manner. We also observed that EEHDW treatment blocked the cell cycle, preventing G1 to S progression, and reduced mRNA expression of pro-proliferative PCNA, Cyclin D1 and CDK4, but increased that of anti-proliferative p21. Our findings suggest that Hedyotis diffusa Willd may be an effective treatment for CRC via the suppression of cancer cell proliferation.

Development of a fluorescent-intercalating-dye-based reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for rapid detection of seasonal Japanese B encephalitis outbreaks in pigs

The standardization and validation of a one-step, single-tube, accelerated fluorescent-intercalating-dye-based reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay targeting the NS3 gene of Japanese B encephalitis virus (JEV) is described for rapid, simple, and high-throughput detection of JEV. The amplification can be completed in 35 min under isothermal conditions at 63°C by employing a set of six primers targeting the NS3 gene of JEV. The RT-LAMP assay described demonstrated high sensitivity for detecting JEV, with a detection limit in swine samples of 8.13 PFU/ml. The specificity of the selected primer sets was established by cross-reactivity studies with pathogens that exhibit similar clinical signs and testing of samples from healthy animals. The clinical applicability of the RT-LAMP assay was validated using either spiked samples or samples from seasonal outbreaks. The comparative evaluation of the RT-LAMP assay revealed 79.59 % concordance with conventional RT-PCR targeting the E gene of JEV. The RT-LAMP assay reported here is a valuable tool for rapid real-time and high-throughput seasonal infection surveillance and quarantine after outbreak through blood sampling by using ordinary real-time PCR thermocyclers without purchasing an expensive Loopamp real-time turbidimeter.

Hepatic iron stores are increased as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging in a Chinese population with altered glucose homeostasis

BACKGROUND

Emerging scientific evidence has disclosed a correlation between iron metabolism and type 2 diabetes (T2D).

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that body iron stores are higher in a Chinese population with altered glucose homeostasis.

DESIGN

Serum iron, ferritin, and soluble transferrin receptor concentrations were measured in 298 subjects, including 70 subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT group), 60 subjects with prediabetes (prediabetes group), and 168 subjects with T2D (T2D group). Hepatic iron stores in 88 subjects were assessed by using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2* gradient-recalled-echo technique. A general linear model ANOVA was performed for comparisons between groups after adjustment for age and BMI. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with the MRI-estimated hepatic iron concentration (M-HIC).

RESULTS

Mean (±SD) M-HIC and R2* values in the prediabetes and T2D groups were significantly higher than in the NGT group (M-HIC: 40.6 ± 8.6 and 39.3 ± 10.7 μmol/g compared with 27.8 ± 9.1 μmol/g; R2* values: 47.9 ± 11.9 and 47.3 ± 11.5 s(-1) compared with 34.9 ± 7.0 s(-1); all P < 0.01). No significant difference was shown in M-HIC and R2* values between prediabetes and T2D groups. The M-HIC independently contributed to 43.3% of the glycated hemoglobin variance after adjustment for main clinical indexes (P < 0.001). The proportions of subjects with mild hepatic iron overload in the NGT, prediabetes, and T2D groups were 12.5%, 70.6%, and 63.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, our findings provide novel evidence to support the hypothesis of a mild iron overload in patients with prediabetes and T2D. A cohort study concerned with the effect of the attenuation of excess iron on glucose metabolism in a prediabetic population is warranted.

[Red peony root decoction in treatment of severe acute pancreatitis: a randomized controlled trial]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the therapeutic effects of red peony root decoction, a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, and rhubarb in treating severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).

METHODS

A total of 96 consecutive patients with objectively-graded SAP were randomly divided into treatment and control groups. There were 48 cases in each group. The patients in the treatment and control groups were assigned to receive red peony root decoction and rhubarb treatment 1-2 times a day via a gastric tube respectively. Comparisons in the time needed for the disappearance of abdominal tenderness, fever and abdominal distension were made between the two groups. The total days of using antibiotics, enzyme inhibitor, protease inhibitor, and nasojejunal feeding start, nasojejunal feeding, gastrointestinal decompression, fasting diet were also compared. And comparison also included hospital stays and hospitalization costs.

RESULTS

The durations of abdominal tenderness, fever and abdominal distension in the treatment group were less than those in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the time length for antibiotics (including anti-bacteria drug and antifungal agent) use, nasojejunal feeding start, nasojejunal feeding, gastrointestinal decompression, fasting diet, hospital stays and hospitalization costs were decreased in the treatment group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in enzyme inhibitor and protease inhibitor requirement, mortality and adverse reactions.

CONCLUSION

Red peony root decoction is more effective than rhubarb alone for SAP patients.

The efficacy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma may be improved by transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in combination with a traditional Chinese herbal medicine formula: a retrospective study

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the most widely used primary treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) because of its survival benefit, although its clinical effect is still far from satisfactory. In China, there has been a long history of using traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of liver cancer and other malignancies. In this study, the authors evaluated the effect of combined therapy with TACE and JDF granule preparation (a traditional Chinese herbal medicine formula) in the treatment of patients with unresectable HCC on survival. Clinical data, including baseline, performance status change, and survival time of 165 patients with unresectable HCC seen between January 2002 and December 2007 were retrospectively analyzed. Among the 165 patients, 80 patients (study group) received combined therapy consisting of TACE and a long-term maintenance treatment with oral JDF granule preparation, and 85 patients (control group) received TACE alone. The survival rate of both groups was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Factors possibly affecting survival were assessed by multivariate analysis in the Cox proportional hazard model. The median overall survival was 9.2 months (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 6.94-1.46) in the study group versus 5.87 months (95% CI, 4.21-7.52) in the control group. In the study group (TACE + JDF), 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year survival rates were 41.2%, 18.4%, and 9.6%, respectively. The Cox regression analysis revealed the therapy model to be an independent predictor of patient prognosis. Current study data demonstrated that TACE combined with JDF granule preparation could improve the prognosis of patients. TACE combined with JDF granule preparation may prolong survival of patients with unresectable HCC.

Prognostic analysis of transarterial chemoembolization combined with a traditional Chinese herbal medicine formula for treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the most widely used primary treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) due to its survival benefit, though its clinical effect is still far from satisfactory. Jiedufang (JDF) granule preparation is a commonly used Chinese herbal medicine formula for HCC. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of combined therapy with TACE and JDF granule preparation in treatment of unresectable HCC on survival.

METHODS

A retrospective study of TACE was performed in 165 patients with unresectable HCC who were admitted between January 2002 and December 2007 in Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, China. Of the 165 patients, 80 patients (study group) received combined therapy consisting of TACE and a long-term maintenance treatment with oral JDF granule preparation, and the remaining 85 patients (control group) received TACE alone. The survival rates of both groups were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Factors possibly affecting survival were assessed by multivariate analysis in the Cox proportional hazard model, such as maximum tumor size, number of lesions, portal vein invasion, and etc.

RESULTS

The median overall survival was 9.2 months (95% CI: 6.94 - 11.46) in the study group versus 5.87 months (95% CI: 4.21 - 7.52) in the control group. In the study group,survival rates of the 1-, 2- and 3-year follow-up were 41.2%, 18.4%, and 9.6%, respectively. Significant independent prognostic factors identified by the Cox regression analysis were as follows: serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) (P = 0.014), maximum tumor size (P = 0.027), number of lesions (P < 0.001), portal vein invasion (P < 0.001), and the therapy model (P = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

Combination therapy of TACE and JDF granule preparation may significantly prolong survival of patients with unresectable HCC.

[Construction of a therapeutic effect evaluation system for patients with primary liver cancer based on syndrome differentiation in traditional Chinese medicine]

OBJECTIVE

To construct a system of therapeutic effect evaluation for patients with primary liver cancer according to the theory of syndrome differentiation in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and to examine its reliability.

METHODS

Analytic hierarchy process and 100 mm surveyor's rod method were applied to obtain bottom layer and top level syndromes, which were used to construct the method of therapeutic effect evaluation, and its reliability was verified in clinical practice by comparing with some evaluation criteria in Western medicine, such as cancer severity scale; Karnofsky performance scale; Child-Pugh classification, cancer staging classification, and quality of life scale, etc.

RESULTS

A system of therapeutic effect evaluation was constructed, and it could reflect the progress of tumor, changes of hepatic function and constitution. The evaluation scores acquired from the system were highly associated with the quality of life of the patients.

CONCLUSION

The system of therapeutic effect evaluation can reflect the severity of disease and the characteristics of TCM treatment.

[Study on the quantitative evaluation on the degree of TCM basic syndromes often encountered in patients with primary liver cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a quantitative model for evaluating the degree of the TCM basic syndromes often encountered in patients with primary liver cancer (PLC).

METHODS

Medical literatures concerning the clinical investigation and TCM syndrome of PLC were collected and analyzed adopting expert-composed symposium method, and the 100 millimeter scaling was applied in combining with scoring on degree of symptoms to establish a quantitative criterion for symptoms and signs degree classification in patients with PLC. Two models, i.e. the additive model and the additive-multiplicative model, were established by using comprehensive analytic hierarchy process (AHP) as the mathematical tool to estimate the weight of the criterion for evaluating basic syndromes in various layers by specialists. Then the two models were verified in clinical practice and the outcomes were compared with that fuzzy evaluated by specialists.

RESULTS

Verification on 459 times/case of PLC showed that the coincidence rate between the outcomes derived from specialists with that from the additive model was 84.53 %, and with that from the additive-multificative model was 62.75 %, the difference between the two showed statistical significance (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

It could be decided that the additive model is the principle model suitable for quantitative evaluation on the degree of TCM basic syndromes in patients with PLC.

Large-area fabrication of periodic Fe nanorings with controllable aspect ratios in porous alumina templates

Highly uniform Fe nanoring arrays in porous anodic alumina templates are fabricated by physical vapour deposition and grazing ion milling techniques. The nanorings have aspect ratios ranging from 0.8 to 4, depending on the deposition conditions. The outer diameter of the individual nanorings, and the area density and distribution patterns are completely determined by the template used. Selected-area electron diffraction reveals that these nanorings have a polycrystalline microstructure. The nanoring fabrication method demonstrated here can be extended to other materials.

Mediation of lung metastasis of murine melanomas by a lung-specific endothelial cell adhesion molecule

Organ-specific adhesion molecules expressed by vascular endothelial cells have been implicated in the arrest of blood-borne cancer cells in selective, secondary sites. A lung-specific endothelial cell adhesion molecule (Lu-ECAM-1) localized on endothelia of distinct branches of lung blood vessels has been purified by immunoaffinity chromatography from detergent extracts of lung matrix-modulated endothelial cells using monoclonal antibody (mAb) 6D3. It has a molecular mass of 90 kDa and promotes the selective attachment of lung-metastatic B16 melanoma cells. Corresponding with their metastatic performance, B16-F10 tumor cells selected for higher lung colonization bind to Lu-ECAM-1 in significantly higher numbers than their low lung metastatic counterpart B16-F0. Binding of B16-F0 and B16-F10 is reduced with mAb 6D3 to slightly lower levels than B16-F0 bound to Lu-ECAM-1. mAb 6D3 injected into C57BL/6 mice 1 hr prior to an i.v. challenge with B16-F10 causes a 90% reduction in the number of lung colonies compared with animals injected with control mAb (6D8 or 3C6). Lu-ECAM-1 neither binds nor effects metastasis of other lung-colonizing tumor cells (e.g., KLN205). Thus, site-specific metastasis of tumor cells is regulated by similar mechanisms as the homing of lymphocytes--namely, by the ability of blood-borne cancer cells to recognize and adhere to distinct endothelial cell adhesion molecules.

Generation of monoclonal antibodies directed against organ-specific endothelial cell surface determinants

Organ-specific determinants expressed on the luminal surface of vascular endothelia are often unstable when cells are removed from their normal tissue environment and grown in culture. Unspecific endothelial cells of large vessel origin [e.g., bovine aorta (BAEC)] can be modulated to express and preserve such determinants when they are grown on the extracellular matrix of the desired organ. Lung matrix-modulated BAEC were used here to generate MAb against lung-specific vascular endothelia. Immunization was accomplished with outside-out membrane vesicles obtained by incubating BAEC monolayers grown on lung matrix with a low-strength paraformaldehyde solution. In four of the six fusions performed, this active immunization was preceded by passive immunization with mouse antiserum directed against membrane vesicles from BAEC grown on plastic. Among the growing hybrids, 7.6% secreted MAb that bound efficiently to both BAEC grown on lung-derived matrix and BAEC grown on plastic, while 3.5% (50) secreted MAb that bound primarily to BAEC grown on lung matrix. The fusion data show that only a passive/active immunization protocol yielded MAb directed against lung-specific endothelia. For example, MAb 6D3 and 5F5 selectively recognized endothelia from small- and medium-sized venules of bovine lungs, but failed to react with endothelial cells in other organs and tissues.

Endothelial cell membrane vesicles in the study of organ preference of metastasis

Many malignancies exhibit distinct patterns of metastasis that appear to be mediated by receptor/ligand-like interactions between tumor cells and organ-specific vascular endothelium. In order to study endothelial cell surface molecules involved in the binding of metastatic cells, we developed a perfusion method to isolate outside-out membrane vesicles from the lumenal surface of rat lung microvascular endothelium. Lungs were perfused in situ for 4 h at 37 degrees C with a solution of 100 mM formaldehyde, 2 mM dithiothreitol in phosphate-buffered saline to induce endothelial cell vesiculation. Radioiodinated rat lung endothelial cell membrane vesicles bound lung-metastatic tumor cells (B16F10, R323OAC-MET) in significantly higher numbers than their low or nonmetastatic counterparts (B16F0, R323OAC-LR). In contrast, leg endothelial membrane vesicle showed no binding preference for either cell line. Neuraminidase treatment of vesicles abolished specificity of adhesion of lung-derived vesicles to lung metastatic tumor cells. These results demonstrate that in situ perfusion is an appropriate technique to obtain pure endothelial cell membrane vesicles containing functionally active adhesion molecules. The preferential binding of lung-derived endothelial cell membrane vesicles by lung metastatic tumor cells is evidence of the importance of endothelial cell adhesion molecules in the formation of metastases.

Genetic analysis of the relationship between interleukin production and worm rejection in Trichinella spiralis-infected inbred mice

The production of interleukin 1 (IL-1), IL-2, and IL-3 by peritoneal macrophages, mesenteric lymph node (MLN), or spleen cells from inbred strains of mice infected with Trichinella spiralis was examined. The mice belonged to the worm rejection phenotypes previously characterized as strong (NFS), intermediate (C3H, BUB, DBA/1, SWR, CBA, etc.), or weak (B10.Q, B10.BR, etc.). Strong responder NFS mice produced approximately twice as much IL-1 as intermediate responder C3Heb/Fe or weak responder B10.BR mice. IL-3 production varied slightly among strains but did not show any relationship to the phenotype of rejection (highest: C3Heb/Fe, B10.BR; lowest: B10.Q). Of 16 strains of inbred mice and 6 F1 hybrid crosses assessed, marked variations occurred in IL-2 production from MLN cells in response to T. spiralis antigen challenge in vitro. When 16 mouse strains were compared IL-2 production ranged from 5.1 units/ml (A/J) to 29.8 (NFS). Variations in IL-2 production among mouse strains did not relate directly to MHC haplotype, and the capacity of an individual strain to release IL-2 or IL-3 did not correlate with adult worm rejection phenotype. Genetic linkage studies proved that the gene(s) regulating IL-2 production in T. spiralis infection were not linked to the gene(s) regulating adult worm rejection. Regression analysis showed a weak correlation of high IL-2 production with weak worm rejection suggesting that IL-2 production or an associated process is a negative factor in primary worm rejection.

Trichinella spiralis: murine strain variation in response to monoclonally defined, protective, nonstage-specific antigens

Nine hybridoma cell lines secreting monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against Trichinella spiralis muscle larvae (ML) excretory/secretory antigens (ESA) were developed. Two mAbs, 6-D8-E3 (6D8) and 6-B1-G10 (6B1), were studied in detail. Western blot analysis using ML ESA showed that 6D8 recognized 35- and 40-kDa constituents whereas 6B1 identified a doublet of 33 kDa. However, Western blots of SDS-PAGE of crude ML homogenate showed that 6D8 identified proteins of approximately 35 and 43-60 kDa, whereas 6B1 recognized bands of 42-50 kDa. These results indicated substantial apparent MW differences between secreted and nonsecreted proteins recognized by both mAbs. Neither 6D8 nor 6B1 reacted with adult worm ESA, but both recognized antigens in aqueous extracts of homogenates of whole adult worms. Competitive inhibition experiments using ML ESA as a target demonstrated that the antigen epitopes recognized by monoclonals 6D8, 6B1, a rat mAb, 9D4, and a 37-kDa antigen previously defined were noncross-reactive. MAbs 6D8, 6B1, and 9D4 were used to isolate proteins possessing target determinants by affinity chromatography from crude ML homogenates. Each mAb isolated distinct protein species as determined by SDS-PAGE (6B1, approximately 42 kDa; 6D8, approximately 28, 37, and 61 kDa; 9D4, approximately 29, 33, 38-57, 80, and 86 kDa). NFS mice responded in a dose-dependent manner to affinity-purified antigens and were 25-fold more effective (by weight of antigen) than either C3Heb/Fe(C3H) or B10.BR mice. Immunization of mice with 6D8, 6B1, or 9D4 antigens induced strong protection against a subsequent challenge infection in NFS mice as indicated by accelerated intestinal adult worm expulsion, reduced fecundity of the female worms, and reduction of ML burden. Affinity-isolated antigens stimulated in vitro proliferation of spleen and MLN cells from immune mice; however, the mitogenic response to these antigens barely varied among NFS, C3H, and B10.BR strains.

Antigen-specific lymphocyte proliferative responses in inbred mice after Trichinella spiralis infection

The in vitro antigen-specific lymphoproliferative response of spleen, mesenteric lymph node (MLN), and coeliac lymph node (CLN) cells taken from various strains of inbred mice infected with Trichinella spiralis was assessed. In most experiments cell populations were stimulated with excretory/secretory antigens (ESA) derived from adult and larval worms. Lymphoid cells collected 5-7 days postinfection were usually the most responsive to ESA as measured by [3H]thymidine uptake. Spleen cells were more responsive than either MLN or CLN cells. There was a correlation between in vitro ESA stimulation and worm rejection in strong- and weak-responder strains of mice. Spleen and MLN cells of NFS mice showed higher antigen-specific responsiveness, whereas the same cells from B10.BR (H-2k) and B10.Q (H-2q) strains of mice were less responsive. Among intermediate responder strains 2 patterns were observed. Spleen and MLN cells of BuB and DBA/1 mice responded more strongly than those of C3H mice. Dose-response experiments demonstrated that increasing the infective dose of larvae to the host usually increased subsequent in vitro antigen-specific lymphoproliferation. Furthermore, non-MHC-linked genes appear to be the primary determinant of antigen-specific T-cell-proliferative responses in inbred mice infected with T. spiralis.