Exploring neuroadaptive cellular pathways in chronic morphine exposure: An in-vitro analysis of cabergoline and Mdivi-1 co-treatment effects on the autophagy-apoptosis axis

The complex impacts of prolonged morphine exposure continue to be a significant focus in the expanding area of addiction studies. This research investigates the effectiveness of a combined treatment using Cabergoline and Mdivi-1 to counteract the neuroadaptive changes caused by in vitro morphine treatment. The impact of Methadone, Cabergoline, and a combination of Cabergoline and Mdivi-1 on the cellular and molecular responses associated with Morphine-induced changes was studied in human Neuroblastoma (SK-N-MC) and Glioblastoma (U87-MG) cell lines that were exposed to prolong Morphine treatment. Cabergoline and Mdivi-1 combined treatment effectively influenced the molecular alterations associated with neuroadaptation in chronic morphine-exposed neural cells. This combination therapy normalized autophagy and reduced oxidative stress by enhancing total-antioxidant capacity, mitigating apoptosis, restoring BDNF expression, and balancing apoptotic elements. Our research outlines morphine's dual role in modulating mitochondrial dynamics via the dysregulation of the autophagy-apoptosis axis. This emphasizes the significant involvement of DRP1 activity in neurological adaptation processes, as well as disturbances in the dopaminergic pathway during in vitro chronic exposure to morphine in neural cells. This study proposes a novel approach by recommending the potential effectiveness of combining Cabergoline and Mdivi-1 to modulate the neuroadaptations caused by morphine. Additionally, we identified BDNF and PCNA in neural cells as potential neuroprotective markers for assessing the effectiveness of drugs against opioid toxicity, emphasizing the need for further validation. The study uncovers diverse effects observed in pretreated morphine glioblastoma cells under treatment with Cabergoline and methadone. This highlights the potential for new treatments in the DRD2 pathway and underscores the importance of investigating the interplay between autophagy and apoptosis to advance research in managing cancer-related pain. The study necessitates an in-depth investigation into the relationship between autophagy and apoptosis, with a specific emphasis on protein interactions and the dynamics of cell signaling.

Dopamine receptors gene overexpression in the microenvironment of invasive gastric cancer and its potential implications

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Iran. The nervous system provides proximity to tumor cells by releasing neurotransmitters such as dopamine and presenting them to the corresponding receptor-bearing tumors. While nerve fibers infiltrate the tumor microenvironment, little is known about the expression levels of dopamine (DA), dopamine receptors (DRs), and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) in GC patients.

METHODS

DRs and COMT expression were analyzed in 45 peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and 20 paired tumor and adjacent tissue of GC patients by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. DA was measured in plasma specimens using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Protein-protein interaction analysis was carried out to identify GC-related hub genes.

RESULTS

Increased expression of DRD1-DRD3 was found in tumor specimens compared with adjacent non-cancerous specimens (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was found between DRD1 and DRD3 expression (P = 0.009); DRD2 and DRD3 expression (P = 0.04). Plasma levels of dopamine were significantly lower in patients (1298 pg/ml) than in controls (4651 pg/ml). DRD1-DRD4 and COMT were up-regulated in PBMCs of patients compared with controls (P < 0.0001). Bioinformatic analyses showed 30 hub genes associated with Protein kinase A and extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicated dysregulation of DRs and COMT mRNA expression in GC and suggest that the brain- gastrointestinal axis may mediate gastric cancer development. Network analysis revealed that combination treatments could be considered for optimizing and improving the precision treatment of GC.

Serotonin Receptors and Acetylcholinesterase Gene Expression Alternations: The Potential Value on Tumor Microenvironment of Gastric Cancer

INTRODUCTION

Gastric cancer is one of the common causes of cancer-related death in the world. Neurotransmitters have recently been related to the proliferation of cancer cells, but the role of neurotransmitters in the progression of gastric cancer is still unexplored. The cross-talk between the nervous system and immune cells through serotonin and its receptors in the tumor microenvironment can impact tumor progress. Our purpose is to expose probable changes in serotonin receptors, acetylcholinesterase, and monoamine oxidase A gene expression in gastric cancer.

METHODS

Transcript of serotonin receptors (5-HTR2A, 5-HTR2B, 5-HTR3A, 5-HTR7) and monoamine oxidase A genes in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (40 patients and 40 control) and tissue (21 tumors and 21 normal adjacent tissues) were assessed. The gene expression was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR using suitable primers. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate software (REST, Prism).

RESULTS

Significantly higher amounts of 5-HTR2A, 5-HTR2B, 5-HTR3A, 5-HTR7, and acetylcholinesterase gene transcripts were found in the peripheral blood of gastric cancer patients compared with healthy individuals. The expression of 5-HTR2B and 5-HTR3A genes was significantly higher (p = 0.0250, p = 0.0005, respectively) and the acetylcholinesterase gene was lower in the tissue of patients (p = 0.0119) compared with adjacent normal tissue.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the role of serotonin receptors in gastric cancer that might have suggestions for the development of novel therapeutics and defensive approaches that target factors associated with the link between the nervous system, cancer cells, and the tumor microenvironment.

The Dopamine Gene Receptors (DRD1-5) Expression Alteration in Psoriasis Patients

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that is considered linked to genetic and environmental factors such as stress. Since the neurotransmitter dopamine has a close association with stress configuration, it can be a candidate for relieving psoriasis representation. In addition to the CNS, immune cells can play a decisive role in regulating immune functions through dopamine synthesis and the expression of its receptors. Altered response of immune cells to dopamine as well as a distorted expression of dopamine receptors (DRs) in immune cells have been reported in some chronic inflammatory conditions.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims the evaluation of dopamine receptor (DR1-DR5) gene expression in mononuclear blood cells of psoriatic patients in comparison with normal individuals.

METHODS

We isolated peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from blood samples followed by total RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and real-time PCR using specific primer pairs.

RESULTS

We found that all types of DRs are expressed in the PBMCs of normal and psoriatic individuals. We also concluded that compared to controls, DR2 and DR4 were overexpressed in psoriasis patients while DR3 was low-expressed.

CONCLUSION

Increased expression of DR2 and DR4 along with decreased expression of DR3 in PBMCs of psoriasis patients not only provide new insight into the pathogenesis of psoriasis but may also be effective in designing future therapeutic strategies attributable to psoriasis.

Alterations in T-Cell Transcription Factors and Cytokine Gene Expression in Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease

BACKGROUND

Late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) is associated with many environmental and genetic factors. The effect of systemic inflammation on the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as AD has been strongly suggested. T helper cells (Th) are one of the important components of the immune system and can easily infiltrate the brain in pathological conditions. The development of each Th-subset depends on the production of unique cytokines and their main regulator.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the mRNA levels of Th-related genes derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of LOAD patients with control. Also, the identification of the most important Th1/Th2 genes and downstream pathways that may be involved in the pathogenesis of AD was followed by computational approaches.

METHODS

This study invloved 30 patients with LOAD and 30 non-demented controls. The relative expression of T-cell cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-5) and transcription factors (T-bet and GATA-3) were assessed using real-time PCR. Additionally, protein-protein interaction (PPI) was investigated by gene network construction.

RESULTS

A significant decrease at T-bet, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and GATA-3 mRNA levels was detected in the LOAD group, compared to the controls. However, there was no significant difference in IL-4 or IL-5 mRNA levels. Network analysis revealed a list of the highly connected protein (hubs) related to mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling and Th17 cell differentiation pathways.

CONCLUSION

The findings point to a molecular dysregulation in Th-related genes, which can promising in the early diagnosis or targeted interventions of AD. Furthermore, the PPI analysis showed that upstream off-target stimulation may involve MAPK cascade activation and Th17 axis induction.

Characterization of Dopamine Receptor Associated Drugs on the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Prostate Cancer Cell Lines

BACKGROUND

Dopamine Receptor (DR) gene family play an essential role in the regulation of Interleukin- 6 (IL-6) production. Our prior analysis of human prostate biopsy samples demonstrated the increased expression of IL-6 and a downregulating trend for dopamine receptor gene family.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to investigate the expression of dopamine receptors, their catabolizing enzyme and IL-6 in prostate cancer cell lines and assess pharmacological effect of dopamine receptor modulators as a novel class of drugs repurposed for the treatment of prostate cancer.

METHODS

The therapeutic effect of dopamine, DR agonists, and DR antagonist were examined using LNCaP and PC3 cell lines. Cell viability and proliferation were assessed by MTT assay and proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression analysis, respectively. Furthermore, bax/bcl2 ratio, immunofluorescence assay and flow cytometric assay were performed for apoptosis analysis. RT- qPCR analysis was used to characterize the relative expression of dopamine-related genes, catabolic enzyme Catechol-o-Methyl-Transferase (COMT) and IL-6 before and after treatment to assess the therapeutic effects of drugs.

RESULTS

LNCaP cells express DRD1, DRD2, DRD5 and COMT genes and PC3 cells only express IL-6 gene. In-vitro, dopamine receptor agonists reduced cell viability of LNCaP and PC3 cells. In contrast, dopamine and dopamine receptor antagonist significantly increased tumor growth in PC3 cells.

CONCLUSION

Our results offer novel suggestion for a pathogenic role of dopamine receptor signaling in prostate cancer adenocarcinoma and indicates that modulators of DR- IL-6 pathway, including FDA-approved drug bromocriptine, might be utilized as novel drug repurposing strategy.

Gene expression of serotonergic markers in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with late-onset Alzheimer's disease

Serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is primarily involved in the regulation of learning and memory. Pathological changes in metabolism or functional imbalance of 5-HT has been associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The hypothesis tested is that in peripheral blood, markers of the serotonergic pathway can be used as a diagnostic tool for AD. The current study measured the relative expression of 5-HT receptors (5-HTR2A and 5-HTR3A) as well as the 5-HT catalytic enzyme, Monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) mRNA in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) of patients with late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) and age-matched controls. 5-HTR2A, 5-HTR3A, and MAO-A mRNA expressions were examined in PBMCs of 30 patients with LOAD and 30 control individuals. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to measure mRNA expression. The dementia status of patients in this study was assessed using a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Mean data of relative mRNA expression of 5-HTR2A, 5-HTR3A and MAO-A were significantly lower in PBMCs of patients with LOAD compared with controls. Based on the down-regulation of serotonergic markers in PBMCs, our findings may be another claim to the systemic nature of LOAD. The role of peripheral serotonergic downregulation, in the pathogenesis of AD, needs to be further studied. Given the extremely convenient access to PBMCs, these molecular events may represent more complete dimensions of AD neuropathophysiology or possibly lead to a new direction in studies focused on blood-based markers.

An Inventive Report of Inducing Apoptosis in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Cell Lines by Transfection of MiR-4301

BACKGROUND

Based on recent studies, new therapeutic strategies have been developed for cancer treatment using microRNAs (miRNAs). With this view, miRNAs manipulating techniques can be considered as novel therapeutic prospects for cancer treatment. In this study, we evaluated the expression of miR-4301 in human lung cancer cell lines and investigated its potential role in cell proliferation and tumor suppression on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) cells.

METHODS

We used quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) to examine the level of miR- 4301 expression in human lung cancer cell lines (A549, QU-DB) and non-malignant lung epithelial cells (HFLF-PI5). Then, we investigated the effect of miR-4301 by transfecting it into these cell lines and probing for cancer cell viability and apoptosis using the MTT assay, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining.

RESULTS

Our results showed that the expression level of miR-4301 was significantly reduced in human lung cancer cell lines (P<0.001). When miR-4301 was transfected in lung cancer cells, their cell proliferation was suppressed and apoptosis induced. This decline in cell survival was confirmed by the MTT assay. Transfection of miR-4301 caused an increase in early and late apoptotic cells in all lung cancer cell lines tested.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show that miR-4301 may act as a lung cancer suppressor through targeting of proteins involved in cell proliferation and survival. For this reason, targeting miR-4301 may provide a new strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with this deadly disease. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Immune Modulatory Effects of Hypercholesterolemia: Can Atorvastatin Convert the Detrimental Effect of Hypercholesterolemia on the Immune System?

Many observations showed that hypercholesterolemia can disrupt immune response. Statin drugs that were used for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia patients can interfere in the regulation of the immune response and cytokine secretion. The primary aim of the current study was to investigate the immune response among treatment-naïve patients with hypercholesterolemia and healthy subjects. The secondary goal of the study was to determine whether atorvastatin can reverse the detrimental effect of hypercholesterolemia on the immune system. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from 50 patients afflicted with hypercholesterolemia who were treatment-naïve along with 50 sex/age-matched hypercholesterolemia patients receiving atorvastatin, and 50 sex/age-matched healthy subjects. Quantitative PCR and ELISA methods were used for gene and protein expression analysis of T helper 1 (Th1) and Th2 related cytokines. Additionally, the expression of the cluster of differentiation (CD) markers on T, B, and natural killer (NK) cells was measured by flow cytometry method. The results showed that hypercholesterolemia and atorvastatin down-regulated the expression of Th1-related cytokines and elevated the levels of Th2-related cytokines. The expression of cell surface markers, CD25 and CD69, was significantly decreased in the treatment-naïve, and atorvastatin groups. It seems that atorvastatin is not able to repair the deleterious effects of hypercholesterolemia on the immune system. Moreover, elevated levels of cholesterol along with the administration of atorvastatin tilt the Th1/Th2 balance in favor of Th2 and reduce T cell activation.

Serotonin (5HTR2A and 5HTR3A) and GABA (GABAB) Receptor Genes Overexpression are Correlated with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

Background:

Lung cancer is one of the main causes of cancer mortality in both men and women. Up to 80% of lung cancers are Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). With regards to the role of serotonin, as an autocrine growth factor for small-cell lung cancer cells and gammaaminobutyric acid (GABA) and its receptors as a regulator in many types of cancers; the current study was conducted to investigate the expression of serotonin and GABA gene receptors in lung cancer patients.

Methods:

Relative gene expression of two 5-hydroxytryptamine subtypes (5HTR2A and 5-HTR3A) and GABAB receptor was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) from 30 NSCLC patients visited in Imam Khomeini hospital, Tehran and 30 healthy controls.

Results:

Our results demonstrated that the expression of 5HTR3A, 5HTR2A and GABAB R genes was significantly higher in patients compared to the healthy individuals.

Conclusion:

According to our findings, 5-HT and GABA may be involved in the regulation of tumorigenesis via their receptors, thus playing an important role in lung cancer.

Novel Insight into Differential Gene Expression and Clinical Significance of Dopamine Receptors, COMT, and IL6 in BPH and Prostate Cancer

BACKGROUND

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCa) are the most prevalent diseases in male population, implicated with fundamental differences between benign and malignant growth of prostate cells. An imbalance through a network of nervous, endocrine, and immune systems initiate a signal of altered growth from the brain to the prostate gland, leading to adverse effects such as inflammation.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the gene expression of dopamine receptor family, COMT, and IL6 to identify novel correlations in BPH and PCa in both blood and tumor of the patients.

METHODS

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from BPH (n= 30) and PCa (n= 30) patients, and prostate tumor tissues (n= 14) along with pathologically normal adjacent tissues (n= 14) were isolated, mRNA was extracted, and cDNA was synthesized, respectively. Quantitative real- time PCR was applied for DRD1- DRD5, COMT, and IL6 genes in all samples.

RESULTS

We found, for the first time, that the expression of COMT and IL6 genes were inversely correlated with the expression of DRD1 and DRD2 genes through the extent of differentiation of PCa from BPH condition. In addition, the PSA levels were correlated with the expression of DRD1 in BPH cases and DRD1, DRD4, DRD5, and IL6 in PCa cases.

CONCLUSION

Results implicate a potential cross- talk between the signaling pathways derived by IL6 cytokine and dopamine receptors in PCa. Thus, it seems promising to reassemble the consequent signaling pathways by adequate agonists and antagonists to help increase therapeutic efficacy.

The Expression of Dopamine Receptors Gene and their Potential Role in Targeting Breast Cancer Cells with Selective Agonist and Antagonist Drugs. Could it be the Novel Insight to Therapy?

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is one of the common causes of mortality for women in Iran and other parts of the world. The substantial increasing rate of breast cancer in both developed and developing countries warns the scientists to provide more preventive steps and therapeutic measures. This study is conducted to investigate the impact of neurotransmitters (e.g., Dopamine) through their receptors and the importance of cancers via damaging immune system. It also evaluates dopamine receptors gene expression in the women with breast cancer at stages II or III and dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) related agonist and antagonist drug effects on human breast cancer cells, including MCF-7 and SKBR-3.

METHODS

The patients were categorized into two groups: 30 native patients who were diagnosed with breast cancer at stages II and III, with the mean age of 44.6 years and they were reported to have the experience of a chronic stress or unpleasant life event. The second group included 30 individuals with the mean age of 39 years as the control group. In order to determine the RNA concentration in all samples, the RNA samples were extracted and cDNA was synthesized. The MCF-7 cells and SKBR-3 cells were treated with dopamine receptors agonists and antagonists. The MTT test was conducted to identify oxidative and reductive enzymes and to specify appropriate dosage at four concentrations of dopamine and Cabergoline on MCF-7 and SKBR-3 cells. Immunofluorescence staining was done by the use of a mixed dye containing acridine orange and ethidiume bromide on account of differentiating between apoptotic and necrotic cells. Flow cytometry assay was an applied method to differentiate necrotic from apoptotic cells.

RESULTS

Sixty seven and thirty three percent of the patients were related to stages II and III, respectively. About sixty three percent of the patients expressed ER, while fifty seven percent expressed PR. Thirty seven percent of the patients were identified as HER-2 positive. All types of D2-receptors were expressed in PBMC of patients with breast cancer and healthy individuals. The expression of the whole dopamine receptor subtypes (DRD2-DRD4) was carried out on MCF-7 cell line. The results of RT-PCR confirmed the expression of DRD2 on SKBR-3 cells, whereas the other types of D2- receptors did not have an expression. The remarkable differences in gene expression rates between patients and healthy individuals were revealed in the result of the Real-time PCR analysis. The over expression in DRD2 and DRD4 genes of PBMCs was observed in the patients with breast cancer at stages II and III. The great amount of apoptosis and necrosis occurred after the treatment of MCF-7 cells by Cabergoline from 25 to 100 µmolL-1 concentrations.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed the features of dopamine receptors associated with apoptosis induction in breast cancer cells. Moreover, the use of D2-agonist based on dopamine receptors expression in various breast tumoral cells could be promising as a new insight of complementary therapy in breast cancer.

Dopamine Receptor Gene Expression Changes in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Schizophrenic Patients Treated with Haloperidol and Olanzapine

We investigated dopamine receptor gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of schizophrenic patients before and after treatment. Also dopamine receptor genes expression profile was compared in two treatment groups including haloperidol and olanzapine. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells were separated from whole blood by Ficoll-hypaque; the total cellular RNA was extracted and the cDNA was synthesized. This process was followed by real-time polymerase chain reaction using primer pairs specific for five dopamine receptor mRNAs and β-actin as internal control. The results show the presence of all types of dopamine receptor in lymphocytes. Dopamine receptor gene expression profile in dopamine receptor D2 gene and dopamine receptor D4 gene showed significant changes that were correlated with the type of treatment and Clinical Global Impressions score improvement. In conclusion, the present study shows that human lymphocytes express dopamine receptor D1–D5 genes. Moreover, investigated dopamine receptors gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of schizophrenic patients correlated with clinical symptom improvement.

A Chimeric protein of CFA/I, CS6 subunits and LTB/STa toxoid protects immunized mice against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia Coli (ETEC) strains are the commonest bacteria causing diarrhea in children in developing countries and travelers to these areas. Colonization factors (CFs) and enterotoxins are the main virulence determinants in ETEC pathogenesis. Heterogeneity of CFs is commonly considered the bottleneck to developing an effective vaccine. It is believed that broad spectrum protection against ETEC would be achieved by induced anti-CF and anti-enterotoxin immunity simultaneously. Here, a fusion antigen strategy was used to construct a quadrivalent recombinant protein called 3CL and composed of CfaB, a structural subunit of CFA/I, and CS6 structural subunits, LTB and STa toxoid of ETEC. Its anti-CF and antitoxin immunogenicity was then assessed. To achieve high-level expression, the 3CL gene was synthesized using E. coli codon bias. Female BALB/C mice were immunized with purified recombinant 3CL. Immunized mice developed antibodies that were capable of detecting each recombinant subunit in addition to native CS6 protein and also protected the mice against ETEC challenge. Moreover, sera from immunized mice also neutralized STa toxin in a suckling mouse assay. These results indicate that 3CL can induce anti-CF and neutralizing antitoxin antibodies along with introducing CFA/I as a platform for epitope insertion.

In Silico Perspectives on the Prediction of the PLP's Epitopes involved in Multiple Sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS). The main cause of the MS is yet to be revealed, but the most probable theory is based on the molecular mimicry that concludes some infections in the activation of T cells against brain auto-antigens that initiate the disease cascade.

OBJECTIVES

The Purpose of this research is the prediction of the auto-antigen potency of the myelin proteolipid protein (PLP) in multiple sclerosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

As there wasn't any tertiary structure of PLP available in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) and in order to characterize the structural properties of the protein, we modeled this protein using prediction servers. Meta prediction method, as a new perspective in silico, was performed to fi nd PLPs epitopes. For this purpose, several T cell epitope prediction web servers were used to predict PLPs epitopes against Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA). The overlap regions, as were predicted by most web servers were selected as immunogenic epitopes and were subjected to the BLASTP against microorganisms.

RESULTS

Three common regions, AA58-74, AA161-177, and AA238-254 were detected as immunodominant regions through meta-prediction. Investigating peptides with more than 50% similarity to that of candidate epitope AA58-74 in bacteria showed a similar peptide in bacteria (mainly consistent with that of clostridium and mycobacterium) and spike protein of Alphacoronavirus 1, Canine coronavirus, and Feline coronavirus. These results suggest that cross reaction of the immune system to PLP may have originated from a bacteria or viral infection, and therefore molecular mimicry might have an important role in the progression of MS.

CONCLUSIONS

Through reliable and accurate prediction of the consensus epitopes, it is not necessary to synthesize all PLP fragments and examine their immunogenicity experimentally (in vitro). In this study, the best encephalitogenic antigens were predicted based on bioinformatics tools that may provide reliable results for researches in a shorter time and at a lower cost.

Alternative Viewpoint Against Breast Cancer Based on Selective Serotonin Receptors 5HTR3A and 5HTR2A Antagonists that can Mediate Apoptosis in MCF-7 Cell Line

BACKGROUND

Neurotransmitters had progressive effects on various cancers via their different type of receptors.

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to determine the pattern of serotonin receptors, respectively, 5HTR2A and 5HTR3A gene expression in MCF-7 cells and evaluate their selective antagonist effects on them.

METHOD

RT-PCR was performed to determine the pattern of serotonin receptor gene expression in human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). MCF-7 cells were cultured and treated via different doses of tropisetron (5HTR3A antagonist) and ketanserin (5HTR2A antagonist) for 48 hours. Oxidative and reductive enzyme activity was carried out by MTT assay. Subsequently, nuclear morphology of cells was observed by mixed dye florescent staining. To validate cell proliferation inhibition, Real time PCR was carried out for determining the descending rate of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) gene expression in treating MCF-7 cells. Assessment of quantification of apoptosis and its discrimination with necrosis at single cell level using Flowcytometry technique was performed.

RESULTS

Results showed that 5HTR2A and 5HTR3A have expression in MCF-7 cells. Based on our finding, tropisetron and ketanserin had suppression effects on MCF-7 cells proliferation. (93.35% in tropisetron 50 µmoll(-1) and 72.36% in Ketanserin 25µmoll(-1) concentration).

CONCLUSION

Therefore, the use of tropisetron and ketanserin as an antagonist of serotonin receptor may be as new approaches are recommended for the treatment of breast cancer cells.

Association of New Putative Epitopes of Myelin Proteolipid Protein (58-74) with Pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which auto-reactive T cells react with self-antigens expressed in the central nervous system (CNS). The main cause of MS is unknown. Nonetheless, the most probable theory is based on molecular mimicry, which suggests that some infections can activate T cells against brain auto-antigens like myelin proteolipid protein (PLP) and initiate the disease cascade. This study is conducted to evaluate the activatory effects of PLP58-74 on T lymphocytes and humoral immunity. PLP58-74 was considered as an immunodominant epitope candidate of PLP using bioinformatics tools. Patients and healthy individuals' peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were treated with PLP58-74 and its proliferative effects were evaluated through assessing proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) gene expression changes by real time PCR and immunocytochemistry assay. Finally, the rate of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were assessed by flowcytometry. ELISA was also performed to measure anti PLP58-74 antibody in patients' serum. PLP58-74 induced proliferation in patients' PBMCs while it did not influence PBMCs of healthy individuals. CD4+ T cells were the main activated cells in reaction to PLP58-74 which increased from 22% to 39.91%. In addition, immune assay showed threefold increase in specific anti PLP58-74 IgG in patients compared to healthy controls. Results showed that PLP58-74 can stimulate CD4+ T cells and humoral immunity. Therefore it seems that the epitopes of some microorganisms mimicking PLP such as PLP58-74 might have a potential role in the initiation of MS.

Investigation of 5-HT2A gene expression in PBMCs of patients with allergic asthma

BACKGROUND

Asthma is an inflammatory airway disorder in which different immune cells in the blood and lungs play a fundamental role. In asthma condition, the airway inflammation accompanied by bronchial smooth muscle spasm cause airway obstruction. A study showed that high concentration of blood serotonin is associated with the intensity and exacerbation of asthma disease. Other studies showed that a subtype of serotonin receptor called 5-Hydroxytriptamine 2A receptor (5- HT2A) can enhance T-cell blastogenesis and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IFNγ.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the level of 5-HT2A in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of asthmatic patients.

METHODS

PBMCs were extracted from blood of 30 patients with asthma and 30 normal people. After synthesizing cDNAs from total mRNAs, real-time PCR was performed to amplify 5-HT2A and β-actin (as an internal control). The expression ratios were analyzed in patients with asthma in comparison with normal group.

RESULTS

The results indicated that gene expression is significantly increased in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of asthma patients in comparison with normal group (P = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study can suggest designing a protocol by using of the 5-HT2A receptor expression in PBMCs as a biomarker of asthma, but this requires further studies on a larger number of patients. In addition, the potential role of this receptor in bronchoconstriction can lead us to use its antagonists as a new treatment in asthma.

Novel Mutation Detection of an Inflammatory Molecule Elastase ii Gene Encoding Neutrophil Elastase in Kostmann Syndrome

Severe congenital neutropenia (SCN), often referred to as Kostmann syndrome, is a rare immune deficiency syndrome diagnosed at or soon after birth, characterized by maturation arrest of myeloid cells at the promyelocyte stage of hematopoiesis. In severe congenital neutropenia due to disorder of neutrophil production, patients are predisposed to recurrent bacterial infections. Recently, there have been reports of detected mutations in neutrophil elastase II (ELA2) gene in genomic DNA of severe congenital neutropenia. In this study we attempted to determine whether there is any mutation in elastase II gene encoding. Peripheral blood was collected from five patients with severe congenital neutropenia and 20 healthy individuals. Total RNA was isolated using RNA standard techniques from fresh separated cells by Polymorphoprep. RNA was analyzed by employing PCR amplification of reverse transcribed using a total of ten specific primers. We amplified five exons of ELA2 gene separately and sequenced each exon. Mutational analysis was performed by directed capillary sequencing method. We found mutations in all severe congenital neutropenia patients and no mutation in 20 healthy individuals. The most mutations were in exon 4 and no mutation was found in exons 3 and 5.

Growth Hormone Antibodies Formation in Patients Treated with Recombinant Human Growth Hormone

Human growth hormone (hGH) is normally produced by acidophilic cells of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. Recombinant DNA technology has made it possible to produce rhGH. There have been reports of immunological reactions in patients treated with rhGH. For this reason, it is necessary to check sera of patients for presence of antibody against rhGH. Forty-seven children were treated for up to 6 months with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH-Novo), 0.1 IU/Kg body weight, subcutaneously, three times weekly. The magnitude of growth response was similar to those expected from clinical experience with pituitary growth hormone. We examined sera for specific antibodies against rhGH by ELISA methods. Four patients developed serum antibodies against growth hormone. The analysis of these four sera by Dot blotting method also showed presence of antibodies against rhGH. In the sera of treated patients, pre-incubated with different concentration of rhGH, specific antibodies were detected by neutralizing assay. This finding was confirmed by ELISA technique. In conclusion, the main concern with anti-GH antibodies could be their ability to neutralize circulating growth hormone and inhibition its growth promoting effect.

RT-PCR Based Mutation Detection of the Inflammatory Molecules Elastase II Gene Encoding Neutrophil Elastase in Cyclic Neutropenia Patients by Capillary Sequencing

Cyclic neutropenia is characterized by the maturation arrest of myeloid cells at the promyelocyte stage of hematopoiesis. In cyclic neutropenia, due to the disorder of neutrophil production, patients are predisposed to recurrent bacterial infections. Detected mutations in neutrophil elastase (ELA2) gene in genomic DNA of cyclic neutropenia were recently reported. Peripheral blood was obtained from 18 patients with cyclic neutropenia and 20 healthy individuals. Total RNA was isolated using RNA standard techniques from fresh separated cells by polymorphoprep. Elastase II mRNA expression was analyzed by employing reverse transcription PCR amplification using a total of ten specific primers. We amplified five exon of ELA2 gene separately and sequenced each exon. Mutational analysis was performed by directed capillary sequencing method. We found mutations in 15 out of 18 cyclic neutropenia patients (83%) and no mutation in 20 healthy individuals. Most of the mutations were in exon 4 and fewer mutation were found in exon 1.

New perspective therapy of breast cancer based on selective dopamine receptor D2 agonist and antagonist effects on MCF-7 cell line

Different studies have shown the role of neurotransmitters (e.g., dopamine) in the progression of cancers via their various types of receptors. The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of dopamine receptors gene expression on MCF-7 cells and to evaluate the selective dopamine receptors agonist and antagonist effects on them. In addition, some other discoveries which are patented for the treatment of breast cancer are reviewed in this article. To determine the pattern of dopamine receptors gene expression in human breast cancer cells (MCF-7), RT-PCR was performed. Then, MCF-7 cells were treated by different doses of bromocriptine and remoxipride for 48 hours. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay. Thus, nuclear morphology of cells was analyzed by mixed dye florescent staining. Real time PCR technique was performed to determine the decreasing rate of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) gene expression in treated MCF-7 cells. Finally, quantification of apoptosis and its difference with necrosis at the single cell level were assessed by Flowcytometery technique. This study revealed that, unlike remoxipride, bromocriptine suppressed proliferation of the MCF-7 cells (54.3% at 12.5µM bromocriptine concentration), but remoxipride could suppress the effect of bromocriptine. Bromocriptine has inhibitory effects on MCF- 7 cells by induction of apoptosis via D2-like receptors. Therefore, in future studies, bromocriptine can be used as a new choice for the treatment of tumoral breast cancer cells.

The effects of spiritual intervention and changes in dopamine receptor gene expression in breast cancer patients

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in females in Iran and in most of the developed countries. Studies have shown that having chronic stress in individuals predisposes several types of cancer including breast cancer. Research results showed that spiritual factors correlate with indices of physical consequences such as heart disease, cancer, and death, so do psychiatric conditions and changes in receptor gene expression in depression, anxiety, and social dysfunction. Different studies demonstrated the role of neurotransmitters in occurrence and progression of cancers. They affected cells by their various types of receptors. An effective gene in mental and physical conditions is Dopamine receptor. Accordingly, the study was conducted to evaluate effects of psychotherapy (spiritual intervention) on changes in Dopamine receptor gene expressions in breast cancer patients. 90 female volunteers, including 30 healthy individuals and 60 diagnosed with breast cancer, considering exclusion criteria, were selected for the purpose of the study. The breast cancer patients were further categorized into experimental and control groups of 30 each. Blood samples were collected both prior to and following the spiritual intervention to analyze changes in their dopamine gene receptor expressions. We observed that DRD2-DRD4 in the control group (breast cancer patients) PBMC increased compared to healthy individuals. Also, DRD2-DRD4 in intervention group PBMC decreased compared to the control group and to even lower than those of healthy individuals. The findings were of great significance in management and treatment of cancer because they revealed the possibility of using alternative treatments (e.g., spiritual interventions) apart from conventional medical treatments.

Investigation of gene expression pattern of 5HTR2a and MAO-A in PBMCs of individuals who had been exposed to air pollution in highly polluted area

Exposure to air pollutants can lead to lung inflammatory responses such as allergic asthma. Serotonin elevation is shown to be present in peripheral blood of symptomatic asthmatic patients. In this study, two genes, 5HTR2a and MAO-A playing important roles in serotonin function, were analyzed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of individuals who had been exposed to air pollution and allergic asthmatic patients as well. Thus, cDNA was synthesized from PBMCs' mRNA of the subjects and then gene expression was measured by real-time PCR. 5HTR2A gene expression in PBMCs of both exposed individuals and allergic asthmatic patients was significantly increased compared with control group, whereas MAO-A gene expression showed no significant changes in neither groups. These results indicate that there may be association between increased 5HTR2a gene expression and exposure to air pollution as well as asthma incidence. Some relevant patents are also outlined in this article.

Evaluation of gene expression changes of serotonin receptors, 5-HT3AR and 5-HT2AR as main stress factors in breast cancer patients

Breast cancer is a serious and potentially lethal multi-factor disease among 40-50 aged women in both developed and developing countries. Also, various studies have pointed to roles of neurotransmitters like serotonin in development of cancers, through action on various types of receptors. This study was conducted to evaluate serotonin receptor (5HT2AR and 5HT3AR) genes expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of breast cancer patients in comparison with the healthy people and in the MCF7 cell line. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 30 patients and 30 healthy individuals. Total RNA was extracted from PBMCs and MCF-7 cells. and 5HT2AR and 5HT3AR were detected by RT-PCR techniques. Finally, serotonin receptor gene expression variation in breast cancer patients and MCF-7 cells were determined by real time-PCR. This latter indicated significant promotion in expression of 5HT3AR and 5HT2AR in PBMCs in breast cancer patients but expression of 5HT2AR in the MCF-7 cell line was significantly decreased. In conclusion, after performing complimentary tests, determine of gene expression changes in serotonin receptors (5HT2AR and 5HT3AR) may be useful as a new approach in treatment of breast cancer based on use of antagonists.

Investigation of 5-HT3A receptor gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of individuals who had been exposed to air pollution

The role of air pollution in exacerbation of allergic symptoms is well known. Several studies have shown the effect of air pollution on serotonergic system. The changes in serotonergic system could trigger several allergic symptoms. 5-HT(3A) is among serotonin receptors on the peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) as well as other cells. In the present study we compared the 5-HT(3A) gene expression in PBMCs of the asthmatic patients as well as individuals who had been exposed to the air pollution. Normal individuals were also included in the study as control for comparison of 5-HT(3A) gene expression. Following the synthesis of the cDNA using mRNA extracted from PBMCs the level of 5- HT(3A) gene expression was measured using real-time PCR. The results showed t a significant increase in the relative expression level of 5-HT(3A) receptor in PBMCs from asthmatic patients and individuals exposed to the air pollutants compared to normal controls. Our result indicates that significant increase in 5-HT(3A) receptor may contribute to the pathogenesis as well as allergic symptoms which resulted from air pollution.

Prenatal sex determination in suspicious cases of X-linked recessive diseases by the amelogenin gene

OBJECTIVE(S)

To determine the fetal discernment in suspected cases of sex linked recessive disease in the first trimester of pregnancy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After collection of 100 Chorionic Villi samples, the DNAs were extracted and baby gender was determined. Meanwhile, after increasing the sensitivity, the system was able to detect the sex of each cell which was obtained by biopsy.

RESULTS

Early fetal gender of 100 Chorionic Villi samples were assessed by PCR. After increasing sensitivity of the assay, the sexes in 13 fetuses that were in different cellular stages were detected. Morover, sexes were detected in two unfertilized and one fertilized ovum but without any division.

CONCLUSION

Sex detection of fetus before delivery in the first trimester of pregnancy, will prevent babies with abnormalities being born. It can also be used in detection of recessive sex related diseases in In Vitro Fertilization cases for sex detection and to transfer female fetus to the mother. Our optimized molecular detection system was designed on the basis of amelogenin gene, which can determine the sex in blood, chorionic villi, and single cell in vitro fertilization with high sensitivity and specificity.

Significant changes of 5-Hydroxytriptamine 3A receptor gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of allergic asthmatic patients

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways. The stress is a factor for asthma which indicates a disorder in the function of communicational mediators of nervous and immunological systems such as neurotransmitters. A study indicated that blood serotonin concentration increases in asthmatic patients. Other study indicates that one kind of the serotonin receptors, named 5HT3A, on PBMCs causes secretion of series of pro-inflammatory cytokines which play important roles in allergic asthma disease. Thus, we evaluated the ratio expression level of 5HT3A subtype receptors in asthma. The Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells were separated from whole blood of 30 allergic asthmatic patients and 30 normal controls by a gradient density centrifugation technique, then the total cellular RNA was extracted and the cDNA was synthesized. This process was followed by real-time PCR using primer pairs specific for 5-hydroxytryptamine 3A subtype receptor mRNA and beta-actin as internal control. Results revealed that relative gene expression of 5-hydroxytryptamine 3A subtype receptor increased significantly in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of patients with asthma in comparison with normal individuals. To conclude, considering 5-hydroxytryptamine 3A subtype receptor role in accomplishment of asthma symptoms, this increase in its expression may exacerbate the seriousness of asthma disease.

A novel report of apoptosis in human lung carcinoma cells using selective agonist of D2-like dopamine receptors: a new approach for the treatment of human non-small cell lung cancer

In our previous study, a relationship between low expression of D2-like dopamine receptor genes and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) disease was found. In this new research, by using selective agonist of these receptors, Bromocriptine (BR), we attempted to activate D2-like expression and apoptotic induction in a selective cell line of NSCLC. In addition, the relationship of apoptotic response of human lung carcinoma cells to BR and D2- dopamine receptor genes is investigated. Human lung cancer (QU-DB) cells were treated by five doses of BR at 48 h and cell viability was determined by MTT assay. The gene expression pattern of D2-like dopamine receptor Genes was studied by Real Time PCR. Nuclear morphology of cells was monitored by DAPI flourescent staining then induction of DNA fragmentation by BR was shown in an agarose gel. Finally, the detection and quantification of apoptosis and its differentiation from necrosis was carried out by using Annecxin-V-Fluos Staining. In this study, it is demonstrated that BR inhibited the proliferation of human lung cancer cells and induced apoptosis in them. In addition, the probable relationship between D2-dopamine receptor genes expression and the development of apoptosis was found. In conclusion, BR is responsible for induction of apoptosis in human lung cancer cells and can be used in treatment of these tumoric cells. In addition, normal expression of D2 dopamine receptors was associated with apoptotic effect of BR on these cells.

Abstract 5316: Significant changes in D2-like dopamine gene receptors expression associated with non- small -cell lung cancer: A case control study

Introduction : Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death and a major health problem worldwide. Approximately 75% of lung tumors are non - small - cell lung cancer (NSCLC) .The alterations of five different Dopamine receptor genes expression (DRD1,DRD2,DRD3,DRD4 and DRD5) in certain diseases of immune and nervous systems have been reported and play multiple role in various disorders such as cancer. Previous controlled studies demonstrated a relationship between changes in dopamine receptor gene expression profiles and clinical improvement. In the present study, it was hypothesized that the dopamine receptor gene expression profile of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in NSCLC patients could be different from those normal individuals which probably increases the risk of NSCLC.

Material and methods: We investigated dopamine receptors gene expression changes in peripheral Blood Mononuclear cells (PBMC) of 30 NSCLC patients compared to normal individuals . The PBMC was separated from normal whole blood by Ficoll-hypaque and then the total cellular RNA was extracted and cDNA was synthesized, Real Time PCR was done By using primer pairs specific for five dopamine receptors mRNA and β-actin as internal control . Finally the specificities of the obtaine PCR products for the respective dopamine receptors fragments were comfirmed by sequencing and expression comparing of two group (patients and normal cases) was done by SPSS analysis .Results: the results show that DRD2, DRD3 and DRD4 expression changes profile were significant change in NSCLC patients compared to normal individuals . but DRD1,DRD5 genes didn't show any significant and changes . Conclusions: We conclude that there is a quantitative significant difference of D2-like dopamine receptor genes expression in non small cell lung cancer . On the other hand these significant differences and profiles could contribute in diagnosis, treatment and survey and monitoring of non small cell lung cancer .In addition it could be a lead for design of future therapeutic strategies

Key words: Dopamine receptors - Non-small cell lung cancer - Gene expression

Citation Format: Mojhgan Sheikhpour, Ghasem Ahangari, Majid Sadeghizadeh, Kian khodadad. Significant changes in D2-like dopamine gene receptors expression associated with non- small -cell lung cancer: A case control study. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5316. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-5316

Distorted expression of dopamine receptor genes in systemic lupus erythematosus

Several observations suggest that alterations in the neurotransmitter dopamine and/or its receptors could be associated with the pathophysiology of lupus. We therefore assessed expression of the five dopamine receptor genes in a cohort of patients. We found that all receptors are expressed in lupus peripheral blood cells. We also discovered that dopamine receptor 2 gene (DR2) was underexpressed, and that DR4 was overexpressed in lupus patients, as compared to controls. Cell sorting of peripheral T- and B-lymphocytes disclosed that the altered DR2 and DR4 expressions were borne by T-cells. These distorted expressions of DR2 and DR4 could influence immune functions in lupus through several mechanisms. Since DR2 can be effective in regulating the activation and differentiation of naive CD4⁺ cells by promoting polarization toward regulatory T-cells, the underexpression of DR2 we have observed may account, at least in part, for the reduction of regulatory T-cell function and/or numbers in lupus. In addition to providing novel insight into disease pathogenesis, our findings may have therapeutic implications. Because DR4 can be effective in triggering T-cell quiescence, its overexpression on lupus T cells suggests that inducing quiescence using DR4-specific agonists may represent a useful strategy in the treatment of lupus.

The Detection of Dopamine Gene Receptors (DRD1-DRD5) Expression on Human Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes by Real Time PCR

There is interrelationship between the immune and nervous systems that is accomplished by the molecular mediators. Dopamine is one of the most important neurotransmitters. Five different dopamine receptor genes (DRD1, DRD2, DRD3, DRD4, and DRD5) have been recognized and cloned. The expression of the dopamine receptors is well characterized in the brain but little work has been done to examine their expression in other organ tissues. In certain diseases of the immune and nervous systems, alterations in dopamine receptors gene expression in different cells have been reported. This suggests that dopamine and its receptors have important role in pathophysiology of above-mentioned diseases.In the present study, using Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique, we investigated dopamine receptors genes expression in PBMC of normal individuals. The PBMC was separated from normal whole blood by Ficoll-hypaque; the total cellular RNA was then extracted and the cDNA was synthesized. This process followed by real time-PCR using primer pairs specific for five dopamine receptors mRNAs and beta-actin as internal control. The results showed the presence of all types of dopamine receptors in lymphocytes of normal individuals. The specificities of the obtained PCR products for the respective dopamine receptors fragments were confirmed by sequenced analysis capillary system. In conclusion, the present study has shown that human lymphocytes express five dopamine receptors DR1-DR5. However, the conclusive evidence on the possible function of these receptors in lymphocytes remains unknown. Because lymphocytes express all of the five neuronal dopamine receptors, it is quite reasonable to consider them as a model of dopaminergic neuron.

Expression changes of serotonin receptor gene subtype 5HT3a in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from schizophrenic patients treated with haloperidol and Olanzapin

Serotonin receptors are involved in pathophysiology of schizophrenia and may mediate other neurotransmitter effects. We investigated serotonin receptors gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of naïve schizophrenic patients, before and after treatment. Also serotonin receptor gene expression was compared in two treatment groups including Haloperidol and Olanzapine. The PBMC was separated from whole blood by Ficoll-hypaque. The total cellular RNA was extracted and the cDNA was synthesized. This process was followed by real-time PCR using primer pairs specific for 5HT(3a) serotonin receptor mRNA and beta-actin as internal control. The results showed the presence of subtype of serotonin receptor in lymphocytes. Serotonin gene expression showed significant changes in Olanzapine treatment group which correlated with Clinical Global Impression (CGI) score improvement. In conclusion, the present study has shown that human PBMC express serotonin receptors 5HT(3a). Moreover, clinical symptom improvement of Olanzapin may be demonstrated by a change in serotonin receptor gene expression.

Inflammatory Mediator Serotonin Receptor Gene (5-HTR3A) Expression Changes on Human Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes in Rheumatoid Arthritis

The 5-HT3 receptor is a pentameric ligand-gated cation channel located in the central and peripheral nervous system and on extraneuronal locations like lymphocytes, monocytes and fetal tissue. Serotonin receptor gene expressions and their alterations in RA diseases have not been reported. The aim of this study is to show whether the serotonin receptor gene expresses on peripheral blood lymphocytes and also to characterise the lymphocyte serotonin receptor expression profiles in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In the present study, using RT-PCR technique, the research team investigated 5-HT3A receptor gene expression in peripheral blood lymphocyte cells (PBMC) of forty healthy individuals compared to forty RA patients. The PBMC was separated from whole blood by Ficoll-hypaque. Total cellular RNA was extracted and then cDNA was synthesized. The research team analyzed quantititavely gene expression profile by Real time-PCR using primer pairs specific for 5-HT3A receptor and for β-actin as internal control. Each PCR product of 5-HT3A receptor was confirmed by DNA sequencer ABI 3700 capillary system (Applied Biosystem, USA). The results showed that the 5-HT3A receptor gene is detected on the lymphocytes of both normal control and RA patients. There was a significant difference between 5-HT3A receptor expression profile in RA and that of healthy individuals. Moreover, no SNP-based change on sequenced fragments was observed. In conclusion, the present study indicated that not only human lymphocytes in normal individuals and patients express 5HT3A receptor, but the expression pattern of 5HT3A receptor gene is different between normal controls and RA patients. Moreover, after sequencing no changes in either controls or patients were observed. The above-mentioned changes can contribute to new information related to the pathogenesis of RA disease.

Novel Mutation Detection of Regulatory Molecule Dopamine Gene Receptors (D1–D5) Encoding Analysis on Human Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes in Schizophrenia Patients

There is much evidence which highlights the involvement of the dopamine system in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Recently, there have been reports of detected mutations in dopamine gene receptors in genomic DNA of schizophrenia. In this study, we attempt to determine whether there is mutation in encoding dopamine receptor. The PBMC was separated from whole blood by Ficoll-hypaque; the total cellular RNA was extracted and the cDNA was synthesized. This process followed by real-time PCR using primer pairs specific for five dopamine receptor mRNAs and β-actin as internal control. The results show the presence of all types of dopamine receptor types in lymphocytes. The mutational analysis of the obtained PCR products for the respective dopamine receptor fragments were analyzed by sequenced capillary system. The results presented in this study confirm the high frequency of mutations in dopamine gene receptor DRD5 in schizophrenia patients. Mutational amino acid changes in dopamine gene receptors of DR2, DR3, DR4 but not DR1 are also shown. In conclusion, this is the first report of such complete mutational analyses in all dopamine gene receptors. Moreover, we found new mutations and 80% frequency of mutations in DRD5. These data further strengthen the argument for the role of dopamine gene receptor mutations in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.

Plasma glucose lowering effect of the wild Satureja khuzestanica Jamzad essential oil in diabetic rats: role of decreased gluconeogenesis

This study was to evaluate the effect of the wild SKEO on activities and genes expression of hepatic Glycogen Phosphorylase (GP) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) in normal and diabetic rats. The wild SKEO was orally administered at different doses (50 and 100 mg/kg/day) to normal as well as diabetic rats for 21 days. The levels of mRNA were determined using the quantitative real-time RT-PCR technique. The plasma glucose concentrations of diabetic rats receiving SKEO (100 mg kg(-1)) compared with diabetic control were significantly decreased. Hepatic GP activity and its mRNA levels of diabetic rats treated with SKEO moderately increased. The activity of hepatic PEPCK and its mRNA levels were significantly decreased in normal rats treated with SKEO (100 mg kg(-1)). The enhancement of PEPCK activity and its mRNA levels of diabetic treated rats with SEKO (100 mg kg(-1)) was significantly decreased compared with diabetic control. In conclusion, an excessive inhibition of PEPCK in liver of diabetic rats treated with the wild SKEO may contribute to the plasma glucose lowering action of SKEO that seems to be in relation with antioxidant properties of SKEO.

A novel tissue engineering-based assay for immunological infertility

Antisperm antibodies (ASA) are present in 9-36% of infertile couples, a condition called immunological infertility. The variability of ASA in terms of antigenic specificity and biological effects has made it difficult to design a test able to distinguish reliably between ASA that contribute to infertility and those that do not. To develop a reliable and reproducible method able to detect sperm antibodies, we took advantage of recent progress made in tissue engineering techniques. We used collagen gel as a bio-scaffold for the production of engineered sperm analogues. The advantages of using collagen gels include biocompatibility, ease of fabrication and low cost. We found that this tissue engineering-based assay is more specific and more sensitive than a conventional test routinely used for ASA detection. In addition, it exhibited low intra- and inter-variations. We envision the use of this novel approach for the detection of a variety of autoantibodies in autoimmune diseases. In addition to diagnostic purposes, tissue-engineering based tests could be useful in monitoring treatments with bio-drugs.

Elastase II Gene Encoding as Inflammatory Molecules in Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia

Acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) is characterized by uncontrolled proliferation with the bone marrow (BM) of malignant myeloid progenitors arrested in their maturation process and the egress of these abnormal cells into the circulation. There is evidence that neutrophil production is a balance between the proliferative action of granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and a negative feedback from mature neutrophils. Recently, there have been reports on mutations in neutrophil elastase (ELA2) gene in genomic DNA of cyclic neutropenia. These patients developed acute myeloblastic leukemia. Therefore, we hypothesized that elastase may play role in the abnormal AML. Peripheral blood was obtained from 42 patients with acute myeloblastic leukemia and 30 healthy individuals. Total RNA was isolated using RNA standard techniques from freshly separated cells by polymorphoprep. RNA was analyzed by employing PCR amplification of reverse transcribed using a total of ten specific primers. We amplified five exons of ELA2 gene separately and sequenced each exon. Mutational analysis was carried out by directed capillary sequencing method. We found no mutation in 42 Acute myeloblastic leukemia patients compared to healthy individuals. Interestingly, we found heterozygote 50% single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in exon II codon 44 of healthy individuals but not in AML patients. It was a silent mutation G to A substitution but no changes in amino acid sequences. The codon sequence was GCG that changed to GCA.

The Presence and Clearance of Immune Complexes in the Untreated Generalised Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a hyperproliferative inflammatory disease and 70% of patients develop a chronic plaque form of the disease. The pathogenesis of psoriasis is not known but evidence exists that changes in micro vascular occur. There are micro vascular abnormalities in the capillaries which display a multilayer basement membrane with fenestration. Study of involved synovium in psoriatic arthritis reveals endothelial cell swelling, thickening of the vessel walls and inflammatory cell infiltration. Investigation on expression of CD35 molecules that clear the immune complexes were carried out in this study. CD35 is single chain glycoprotein (MW160–240 kD) and is located on the long arm of the chromosome 1. FACScan was used as laser flow cytometer. Initially 40 blood samples from normal individuals, 35 untreated Lupus Erythematosus Systemic and 35 Rheumatoid arthritis patients were studied as controls for reference values of CD35, Circulating immune Complexes (CIC), Complement C3 & C4. Next 34 patients suffering from psoriasis were studied for, Circulating immune Complexes (CIC), Complement C3 & C4. Comparison of these results with those of reference values normal ranges showed significant increase of CIC (P<0.05) and decrease of CD35 (P<0.001). Where as, the complement component levels C3 (P>0.05) and C4(P>0.05) indicates werenot significantly altered. This study shows that the decrease in expression of CD35 on Red blood cells in psoriasis patients is more crucial than C3 and C4 levels. Thus decrease of CD35 molecule in psoriasis may cause increased levels of CIC in patients' sera and promotion of inflammatory responses.

The expression of the gene coding for the antibacterial peptide LL-37 is induced in human keratinocytes during inflammatory disorders

The epithelia constitute a major barrier to the environment and provide the first line of defense against invading microbes. Antimicrobial peptides are emerging as participants in the defense system of epithelial barriers in general. Originally we isolated the human antimicrobial peptide LL-37 from granulocytes. The gene (CAMP or cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide) coding for this peptide belongs to the cathelicidin family, whose members contain a conserved pro-part of the cathelin type. The human genome seems to have only one gene of this family, whereas some mammalian species have several cathelicidin genes. In the present work we demonstrate up-regulation of this human cathelicidin gene in inflammatory skin disorders, whereas in normal skin no induction was found. By in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry the transcript and the peptide were located in keratinocytes throughout the epidermis of the inflammatory regions. In addition, the peptide was detected in partially pure fractions derived from psoriatic scales by immunoblotting. These fractions also exhibited antibacterial activity. We propose a protective role for LL-37, when the integrity of the skin barrier is damaged, participating in the first line of defense, and preventing local infection and systemic invasion of microbes.

RT-PCR topography of chronic psoriasis skin based on analysis of T-cell receptor B variable region gene usage

Psoriasis is a hyperproliferative inflammatory disease and 70% of patients develop a chronic plaque form. The pathogenesis of psoriasis is not known but evidence exists that T cells play a crucial role. The T cell V-gene receptor repertoire from psoriasis skin (different layers) was compared with peripheral blood T cells by employing RNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. T cell receptor (TCR) BV 5.1, 11, 12, 13.1 and 16 were utilized to a significantly higher degree in areas close to the basal layers when compared to CD4+, CD8+ or unfractionated blood T cells from the same patients, whereas only BV11 and 13.1 genes of T cells from deeper layers of the dermis showed such a skewed usage. No biased usage of TCRBV genes was observed in superficial layers or in whole skin. Furthermore, T cell receptor junctional diversity analysed by high resolution gel electrophoresis showed skin psoriatic T cells to be poly- or oligoclonal. In conclusion, we show that TCRBV gene usage from different layers of psoriatic skin has a different pattern compared with the corresponding gene usage in circulating peripheral blood T cells. This pattern may implicate possible skin-associated antigen or superantigens activating a limited number of T cells in areas of skin close to basal layers, which in turn could promote keratinocyte proliferation.

RT-PCR based analysis of T-cell receptor B variable region gene usage in normal human breast skin resident T lymphocytes (SRT)

The skin interfaces directly with the external environment that contains innumerable infectious agents. Therefore, an appropriate and rapid immunologic response is required to preserve internal homeostasis. An essential feature of the "skin immuno system' (SIS) is the presence of substantial numbers of T cells in normal skin. The T-cell receptor repertoire from normal human breast skin was analysed quantitatively and qualitatively by using PCR amplification of reverse transcribed RNA, T-cell receptor BV3 and BV14 gene usage was increased in skir T lymphocytes in all individuals tested (n = 8) compared to peripheral blood CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes from the same individuals. The T-cell receptor junctional diversity analysed by high resolution gel electrophoresis showed skin T-cell BV3 and BV14 gene usage to be predominantly polyclonal. Superantigen stimulation of T cells in human skin is considered a likely explanation of the present finding.