Quality of life of COVID-19 recovered patients: a 1-year follow-up study from Bangladesh

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic posed a danger to global public health because of the unprecedented physical, mental, social, and environmental impact affecting quality of life (QoL). The study aimed to find the changes in QoL among COVID-19 recovered individuals and explore the determinants of change more than 1 year after recovery in low-resource settings.

METHODS

COVID-19 patients from all eight divisions of Bangladesh who were confirmed positive by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction from June 2020 to November 2020 and who subsequently recovered were followed up twice, once immediately after recovery and again 1 year after the first follow-up. The follow-up study was conducted from November 2021 to January 2022 among 2438 individuals using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF). After excluding 48 deaths, 95 were rejected to participate, 618 were inaccessible, and there were 45 cases of incomplete data. Descriptive statistics, paired-sample analyses, generalized estimating equation (GEE) analysis, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to test the mean difference in participants' QoL scores between the two interviews.

RESULTS

Most participants (n = 1710, 70.1%) were male, and one-fourth (24.4%) were older than 46. The average physical domain score decreased significantly from baseline to follow-up, and the average scores in psychological, social, and environmental domains increased significantly at follow-up (P < 0.05). By the GEE equation approach, after adjusting for other factors, we found that older age groups (P < 0.001), being female (P < 0.001), having hospital admission during COVID-19 illness (P < 0.001), and having three or more chronic diseases (P < 0.001), were significantly associated with lower physical and psychological QoL scores. Higher age and female sex [adjusted odd ratio (aOR) = 1.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0-1.6] were associated with reduced social domain scores on multivariable logistic regression analysis. Urban or semi-urban people were 49% less likely (aOR = 0.5, 95% CI 0.4-0.7) and 32% less likely (aOR = 0.7, 95% CI 0.5-0.9) to have a reduced QoL score in the psychological domain and the social domain respectively, than rural people. Higher-income people were more likely to experience a decrease in QoL scores in physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains. Married people were 1.8 times more likely (aOR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.3-2.4) to have a decreased social QoL score. In the second interview, people admitted to hospitals during their COVID-19 infection showed a 1.3 times higher chance (aOR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.6) of a decreased environmental QoL score. Almost 13% of participants developed one or more chronic diseases between the first and second interviews. Moreover, 7.9% suffered from reinfection by COVID-19 during this 1-year time.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study found that the QoL of COVID-19 recovered people improved 1 year after recovery, particularly in psychological, social, and environmental domains. However, age, sex, the severity of COVID-19, smoking habits, and comorbidities were significantly negatively associated with QoL. Events of reinfection and the emergence of chronic disease were independent determinants of the decline in QoL scores in psychological, social, and physical domains, respectively. Strong policies to prevent and minimize smoking must be implemented in Bangladesh, and we must monitor and manage chronic diseases in people who have recovered from COVID-19.

Utility of RT-PCR versus electronic track and trace system for pre-procedural COVID-19 screening- a retrospective cohort study

Background and aims

COVID-19 has disrupted the patient workflow in all healthcare settings. Procedures such as bronchoscopy and spirometry require additional pre-procedure screening for SARS-CoV-2. However, there is uncertainty regarding the utility of this universal pre-procedure screening. The State of Qatar has a robust contact tracing system in place in the form of the mobile application 'Ehteraz.' This study assesses the utility of various pre-procedural screening measures in asymptomatic patients and generate recommendations for any potential improvement in the workflow.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study of asymptomatic patients who had SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR screening performed before bronchoscopy or lung function testing scheduled on an elective basis. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize and determine the sample characteristics. The rate of the positive PCR test result was subsequently calculated.

Results

Two patients (0.34%) tested positive for COVID-19 on their pre-procedural screen. Four patients (0.68%) had an inconclusive result.

Conclusion

The positivity rate of SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR is extremely low in asymptomatic individuals screened before bronchoscopy and spirometry. The authors recommend pre-procedural symptom and electronic application-based contact screening instead of universal pre-procedural SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR for screening asymptomatic individuals.

Cycle Threshold Values from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction Assays: Interpretation and Potential Use Cases

Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), are approved for qualitative use. The cycle threshold (Ct) value reflects the concentration of viral RNA in the sample, with lower Ct values indicating higher levels of RNA. Caregivers may wish to use the Ct value to determine the progression of infection, how severe the infection will be, and whether the patient can transmit the virus. Variability of Ct values and the data supporting these uses should be considered when deciding whether and how to use Ct values in clinical care.

Comparative study of SmartAmp assay and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction by saliva specimen for the diagnosing COVID-19

INTRODUCTION

The pandemic of a novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by a severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has been problematic worldwide. A new SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic test (SmartAmp) was licensed in Japan in July 2021. This method, which enables us to diagnose COVID-19 as well as a gene mutation on the virus, is promising to reduce medical costs and staff labor.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

To analyze the diagnostic accuracy of the SmartAmp assay for diagnosing COVID-19, we performed this retrospective study at our institute during April and May 2021. We compared the results of the SmartAmp assay and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) using a saliva sample from individuals suspected as having COVID-19.

RESULTS

Out of 70 samples tested, the SmartAmp assay had 50 (71%) positive and 20 (29%) negative results. Using rRT-PCR as a reference, the diagnostic accuracy displayed a sensitivity of 84%, a specificity of 95%, a positive predictive value of 97.7%, and a negative predictive value of 70.4%. On the other hand, false-negative cases were found in 7 (10%), and there was no significant difference of Ct-value between true positive and false negative cases (Mean Ct-value 25.2 vs. 27.5 cycles, p = 0.226 by Mann-Whitney U test).

CONCLUSION

The SmartAmp assay is a valuable method to diagnose COVID-19 rapidly. However, the negative predictive value is not high enough to diagnose the disease, so that negative results should be considered for rRT-PCR testing if patients are suspected of having COVID-19.

Positive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay results in patients recovered from COVID-19: Report of two cases

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread around the globe. On February 28, 2020, the World Health Organization adjusted the risk of spread and impact of COVID-19 to “very high” at the global level. Studies have mainly focused on the etiology, epidemiology, and treatment of COVID-19 to limit further spread and the negative impact of the disease, while less attention has been devoted to the follow-up and reexamination of patients who recovered from COVID-19 or were released from quarantine.

CASE SUMMARY

This study reports two cases where patients who had negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results and met the criteria for discharge subsequently had positive RT-PCR test results. The clinical manifestations and computed tomography (CT) findings of these patients were examined. The conversion of RT-PCR test results in these two patients may be related to false-negative and false-positive outcomes of the test. CT images helped track improvement of pulmonary lesions.

CONCLUSION

The timing of discharge of COVID-19 patients should be determined by comprehensive analysis of CT images and RT-PCR test results.

Physicians' Dilemma of False-Positive RT-PCR for COVID-19: a Case Report

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has played havoc on this world's health and economics since its outbreak in December 2019. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) has been the gold standard to diagnose severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Still, few false-positive reports are emerging up that add to the physicians' dilemma and maintenance of health statistics.

Comparison five primer sets from different genome region of COVID-19 for detection of virus infection by conventional RT-PCR

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The new beta-coronavirus, which caused Severe Acute Respiratory Coronavirus-2 Syndrome (SARS-CoV-2), a major respiratory outbreak in Wuhan, China in December 2019, is now prevalent in many countries around the world. Identifying PCR-based viruses is a well-known and relatively stable protocol. Unfortunately, the high mutation rates may lead to widespread changes in viral nucleic acid sequences, and so using specific primers for PCR can be recommended. In this study, we evaluated the power of a conventional RT-PCR to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA among the five set primer sets.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The five genomic regions of the Coronavirus SARS-2 virus including Nucleocapsids (N), Envelope (E), RNA depended RNA Polymerase (RdRp), ORF1ab and Spike (S) were selected for primer designing. A conventional RT-PCR was performed to compare sensitivity, specificity and other analytical characteristics of primers designed against two Real Time PCR commercial kits.

RESULTS

The result of the comparative analysis showed that the ORF1ab, N and RdRp primers had a sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value higher than other primers. A significant difference in the analytical sensitivity between the studied primer sets in RT-PCR kits was observed.

CONCLUSION

In this study, the ORF1ab, Nucleocapsid and RdRp regions have the best primers for identifying the SARS-CoV-2 RNA between different genes that have been suggested.

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor showing solid proliferation with limited desmoplasia and confusing immunohistochemical findings: an autopsy report

We herein report a variant case of desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) showing limited desmoplasia and confusing immunohistochemical findings. A 26-year-old male was referred for multiple abdominal masses. Laparoscopic biopsy showed only the solid proliferation of small round cells, and he was initially diagnosed with small cell carcinoma. At autopsy, the tumor spread diffusely throughout the abdominal and pelvic cavities. Although the tumor was composed of a predominantly solid pattern of small round cells, multiple samples revealed a fibrous stroma in limited areas only. While immunohistochemistry showed the diffuse expression of desmin, CD99, and bcl-2, epithelial differentiation was unclear with few cytokeratin-positive cells and no staining for the epithelial membrane antigen. Although fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis indicated the EWSR1 gene rearrangement, we were unable to exclude Ewing sarcoma considering the morphological and immunohistochemical findings. The diagnosis of DSRCT was confirmed with a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for EWSR1-WT1 fusion transcripts. DSRCT must be included in a differential diagnosis of small round cell tumors even if desmoplasia is not immediately detected, and thorough sampling and a molecular analysis are mandatory.

Spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma in a lumbar vertebra with FUS-TFCP2 fusion

A 70-year-old woman developed severe buttock pain that progressed to a walking disturbance. Radiographs and computed tomography scans revealed an osteolytic lesion with osteosclerosis extending from the body to the arch of the fifth lumbar vertebra. Magnetic resonance imaging showed multinodular masses in the fifth lumbar vertebral body extending into the spinous processes and right transverse process. The masses were hypointense to isointense on T1-weighted images and hypointense to hyperintense on T2-weighted images. Histologic examination of biopsy specimens showed destruction of the trabecula of the vertebral bone by a fascicular and solid proliferation of spindle tumor cells and scattered rhabdomyoblasts, in a fibrotic background. The tumor cells were immunoreactive for keratins, vimentin, desmin, MyoD1, myogenin, and anaplastic lymphoma kinase. Fluorescence in situ hybridization detected split signals for FUS and TFCP2 in 80% and 64% of the tumor cells, respectively, suggesting FUS-TFCP2 fusion. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction revealed a FUS-TFCP2 fusion. The final diagnosis was spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma of a lumbar vertebra with a FUS-TFCP2 fusion. A spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma with a FUS-TFCP2 fusion in a vertebral bone is rare and should be differentiated from metastatic carcinoma, particularly in the elderly.

Stereological and molecular studies on the combined effects of photobiomodulation and human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium on wound healing in diabetic rats

We investigated the effects of conditioned medium (CM) from human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (h BMMSC)s and pulse wave photobiomodulation (PW PBM), applied alone or in combination, on the stereological parameters and gene expression of some growth factors, during wound healing in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced rat model of type one diabetes mellitus (T1DM). T1DM was induced in 72 rats and two incisions were made in each animal. The rats were assigned to one of four groups: a control (placebo) group, a Laser group (890 nm, 80 Hz, 0.2 J/cm²); a CM group, and a combined CM + Laser group. On post-surgical days 4, 7, and 15, skin samples were extracted for stereology and reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) analyses of gene expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α), and stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α). The stereological examinations of the proximal and distal wounds revealed significantly enhanced healing in all the treated groups, compared to the control group. The extent of healing was significantly greater in the CM + Laser group than in the other treatment groups. The RT-PCR results also indicated greater gene expression in the CM + Laser and Laser groups than in the CM and control groups. Application of CM and PW PBM, alone or in combination accelerated the process of wound healing in T1DM rats. The results of combined application of CM and PW PBM, indicated a synergistic effect, and the combination treatment was statistically more effective than single applications of CM or PW PBM.

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor: evaluation of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence in situ hybridization as ancillary molecular diagnostic techniques

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare, biologically aggressive soft tissue neoplasm of uncertain differentiation, most often arising in the abdominal and pelvic cavities of adolescents and young adults with a striking male predominance. Histologically, it is characterized by islands of uniform small round cells in prominent desmoplastic stroma, and it has a polyimmunophenotypic profile, typically expressing WT1 and cytokeratin, desmin, and neural/neuroendocrine differentiation markers to varying degrees. Tumors at other sites and with variant morphology are more rarely described. DSRCT is associated with a recurrent t(11;22)(p13;q12) translocation, leading to the characteristic EWSR1-WT1 gene fusion. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), to detect EWSR1 rearrangement, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to assess for EWSR1-WT1 fusion transcripts are routine diagnostic ancillary tools. We present a large institutional comparative series of FISH and RT-PCR for DSRCT diagnosis. Twenty-six specimens (from 25 patients) histologically diagnosed as DSRCT were assessed for EWSR1 rearrangement and EWSR1-WT1 fusion transcripts. Of these 26 specimens, 24 yielded positive results with either FISH or RT-PCR or both. FISH was performed in 23 samples, with EWSR1 rearrangement seen in 21 (91.3%). RT-PCR was performed in 18 samples, of which 13 (72.2%) harbored EWSR1-WT1 fusion transcripts. The sensitivity of FISH in detecting DSRCT was 91.3%, and that of RT-PCR was 92.8% following omission of four technical failures. Therefore, both methods are comparable in terms of sensitivity. FISH is more sensitive if technical failures for RT-PCR are taken into account, and RT-PCR is more specific in confirming DSRCT. Both methods complement each other by confirming cases that the other method may not. In isolation, FISH is a relatively non-specific diagnostic adjunct due to the number of different neoplasms that can harbor EWSR1 rearrangement, such as Ewing sarcoma. However, in cases with appropriate morphology and a typical pattern of immunostaining, FISH is confirmatory of the diagnosis.

Viral and serological kinetics in Zika virus-infected patients in South Korea

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that causes clinical symptoms similar to those observed in dengue and chikungunya virus infections. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention initiated laboratory testing using a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in January 2016. More than 1,000 suspected cases of infection were tested and nine were confirmed as imported cases of Zika virus infection from January to July 2016. The travel destinations of the infected individuals were Brazil, Philippines, Viet Nam, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. Phylogenetic analysis based on the partial envelope gene indicated that the viruses belonged to the Asian genotype circulating in South America. We further investigated the duration for which the viral RNA and virus-specific antibodies were detectable after the symptom onset. After the day of symptom onset, Zika virus was detectable until 6 days in serum, 14 days in urine and saliva, and 58 days in semen. Immunoglobulin M against Zika virus was detected as early as 2 days after the symptom onset and was maintained at these levels until 41 days, whereas Immunoglobulin G was detectable from 8 days after the symptom onset and was maintained until 52 days. These findings would help diagnostic laboratories improve their testing programs for Zika virus infection.

Acute diarrhea in children in Yinchuan: Etiology and related factors

AIM: To investigate the etiology and related factors for acute diarrhea in children, in order to provide a reasonable basis for clinical treatment of this disease.

METHODS: Fresh fecal samples were collected from children with acute diarrhea who visited from April 2012 to April 2013. Bacterial culture of these samples were performed, and RT-PCR was used for detection of rotavirus, norovirus, sappovirus, astrovirus and intestinal adenovirus. A questionnaire survey was also performed to analyze the related factors for acute diarrhea in children.

RESULTS: Of 286 stool samples detected, bacteria or viruses were detected in 208 (72.73%). There were 172 (60.14%) virus-positive samples, of which 84 (29.34%) were positive for rotavirus, 62 (21.77%) positive for norovirus, 14 (4.90%) for sappovirus, 27 (9.44%) for astrovirus, and 21 (7.34%) for intestinal adenovirus. Bacterial pathogens were detected in 36 (12.58%) samples, including Salmonella, Shigella, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. Both bacteria and viruses were not detected in 78 (27.28%) cases. Acute diarrheal disease was related to a variety of factors including age, season, feeding pattern, predisposing factors and mother education.

CONCLUSION: Acute diarrhoea in children is mainly caused by viral infections, with rotavirus and norovirus as the main pathogens.

New cancer suppressor gene for colorectal adenocarcinoma: Filamin A

AIM: To determine the expression and significance of filamin A (FLNa) in colorectal adenocarcinoma tissue.

METHODS: The expression of FLNa in 46 colorectal cancer tissues and normal tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting, and its relationship with clinical parameters and prognosis was analyzed.

RESULTS: The positive expression of FLNa in cancer tissues was lower than that in normal mucosa, and the difference was statistically significant. The expression of FLNa correlated with liver metastasis, lymph node metastasis and rectal invasion depth, regardless of sex, age, tumor location, tumor size, gross shape and histological type of colorectal carcinoma. Multivariate analysis showed that FLNa was an independent risk factor for postoperative survival of patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma. Moreover, survival analysis showed that the expression level of FLNa was closely related with survival of patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma. The results of RT-PCR and Western blotting were consistent with those of immunohistochemistry.

CONCLUSION: FLNa showed low expression in colorectal adenocarcinoma, high correlation with the incidence and development of colorectal cancer, and was considered an indicator of prognosis.

Insulin-like growth factor receptor-1 overexpression is associated with poor response of rectal cancers to radiotherapy

AIM: To explore the potential correlation between insulin-like growth factor receptor-1 (IGF-1R) expression and rectal cancer radiosensitivity.

METHODS: Eighty-seven rectal cancer patients (cTNM I-III) treated in our department between January 2011 and December 2012 were enrolled. All subjects were treated with preoperative radiotherapy and radical resection of rectal carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were performed to detect IGF-1R expression in pre-treatment and postoperative colorectal cancer specimens. Radiosensitivity for rectal cancer specimens was evaluated by observing rectal carcinoma mass regression combined with fibrosis on HE staining, degree of necrosis and quantity of remaining tumor cells. The relative IGF-1R expression was evaluated for association with tumor radiosensitivity.

RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry showed diffuse IGF-1R staining on rectal cancer cells with various degrees of signal density. IGF-1R expression was significantly correlated with cTNM staging (P = 0.012) while no significant association was observed with age, sex, tumor size and degree of differentiation (P = 0.424, 0.969, 0.604, 0.642). According to the Rectal Cancer Regression Grades (RCRG), there were 31 cases of RCRG1 (radiation sensitive), 28 cases of RCRG2 and 28 cases of RCRG3 (radiation resistance) in 87 rectal cancer subjects. IGF-1R protein hyper-expression was significantly correlated with a poor response to radiotherapy (P < 0.001, r = 0.401). RT-PCR results from pre-radiation biopsy specimens also showed that IGF-1R mRNA negative group exhibited a higher radiation sensitivity (P < 0.001, r = 0.497). Compared with the pre-radiation biopsy specimens, the paired post-operative specimens showed a significantly increased IGF-1R protein and mRNA expression in the residual cancer cells (P < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION: IGF-1R expression level may serve as a predictive biomarker for radiosensitivity of rectal cancer before preoperative radiotherapy.

Role of microRNAs in gastric cancer

Although gastric cancer (GC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death, major therapeutic advances have not been made, and patients with GC still face poor outcomes. The prognosis of GC also remains poor because the molecular mechanisms of GC progression are incompletely understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNAs that are associated with gastric carcinogenesis. Studies investigating the regulation of gene expression by miRNAs have made considerable progress in recent years, and abnormalities in miRNA expression have been shown to be associated with the occurrence and progression of GC. miRNAs contribute to gastric carcinogenesis by altering the expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressors, affecting cell proliferation, apoptosis, motility, and invasion. Moreover, a number of miRNAs have been shown to be associated with tumor type, tumor stage, and patient survival and therefore may be developed as novel diagnostic or prognostic markers. In this review, we discuss the involvement of miRNAs in GC and the mechanisms through which they regulate gene expression and biological functions. Then, we review recent research on the involvement of miRNAs in GC prognosis, their potential use in chemotherapy, and their effects on Helicobacter pylori infections in GC. A greater understanding of the roles of miRNAs in gastric carcinogenesis could provide insights into the mechanisms of tumor development and could help to identify novel therapeutic targets.

Molecular characterization, tissue distribution and feeding related changes of NUCB2A/nesfatin-1 in Ya-fish (Schizothorax prenanti)

The protein nucleobindin-2 (NUCB2) was identified over a decade ago and recently raised great interest as its derived peptide nesfatin-1 was shown to reduce food intake and body weight in rodents. However, the involvement of NUCB2 in feeding behavior has not well been studied in fish. In the present study, we characterized the structure, distribution, and meal responsive of NUCB2A/nesfatin-1 in Ya-fish (Schizothorax prenanti) for the first time. The full length cDNA of Ya-fish was 2140base pair (bp), which encoded a polypeptide of 487 amino acid residues including a 23 amino acid signal peptide. A high conservation in NUCB2 sequences was found in vertebrates, however the proposed propeptide cleavage site (Arg-Arg) conserved among other species is not present in Ya-fish NUCB2A sequence. Tissue distribution analysis revealed that Ya-fish NUCB2A mRNA was ubiquitously expressed in all test tissues, and abundant expression was detected in several regions including the hypothalamus, hepatopancreas, ovary and intestines. NUCB2A mRNA expression respond to feeding status change may vary and be tissue specific. NUCB2A mRNA levels significantly increased (P<0.05) in the hypothalamus and intestines after feeding and substantially decreased (P<0.01) during a week food deprivation in the hypothalamus. Meanwhile, NUCB2A mRNA in the hepatopancreas was significantly elevated (P<0.001) during food deprivation, and a similar increase was also found after short-time fasting. This points toward a potential hepatopancreas specific local role for NUCB2A in the regulation of metabolism during food deprivation. Collectively, these results provide the molecular and functional evidence to support potential anorectic and metabolic roles for NUCB2A in Ya-fish.

Shenghua Decoction reduces uterine bleeding and regulates T-cell paradigm in human deciduas of RU486 medical abortion

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Excessive uterine bleeding is the most common and problematic side effect of RU486 medical abortion. Shenghua Decoction (SHD) is a well-known traditional Chinese herbal prescription for reducing uterine bleeding induced by RU486 medical abortion. However, its therapeutic mechanism still remains unclear. The Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg paradigm plays an important role in achieving maternal-fetal immunotolerance and its bias participates in RU486-induced abortion. Our previous research on mice demonstrated that the uterine bleeding volume is negatively related to the proportions of Th1 and Th17 cells whereas positively related to the proportions of Th2 and Treg cells. Additionally, Th1-type cytokine inducing effect was identified in our previous study. Therefore, it was hypothesized that SHD reduced the uterine bleeding in RU486 medical abortion by inducing Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg paradigm bias. The purpose of this study was to determine the regulatory effect and the mechanism of SHD on human decidual Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg paradigm for alleviating uterine bleeding in RU486 medical abortion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

90 women within seven weeks of a normal intrauterine pregnancy, who elected for termination of pregnancy, were divided into three groups; vacuum aspiration group, RU486 group, and SHD-RU486 group. Duration of uterine bleeding was recorded and volume of uterine bleeding was measured by the method of alkaline hematin photometric. To determine the regulatory effect of SHD on Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg paradigm, the proportions of Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg cells in the decidua of different groups were analyzed using a FACS calibur. Correlation was analyzed in order to demonstrate the relationship between the Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg paradigm and the uterine bleeding in RU486 medical abortion. Moreover, to elucidate the mechanism underlying the T-cell paradigm regulating of SHD, the mRNA and protein expressions of subset-specific transcription factors (T-bet, GATA-3, RORγt, and Foxp3) for the differentiation of Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg paradigm in human decidual CD4(+) T cells were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay and western blot analysis respectively. Moreover, the mRNA expression of the characteristic cytokines of Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg paradigm (IFNγ, IL-4, IL-17A, TGF-β) were analyzed by RT-PCR assay.

RESULT

Compared with RU486 group, both the uterine bleeding volume and duration reduced significantly in SHD-RU486 group. Both the duration and the volume of the uterine bleeding demonstrated negative correlation with the proportions of Th1 and Th17 cells, whereas showed positive correlation with Th2 and Treg cells. SHD increased the proportions of Th1 and Th17 cells whereas decreased those of Th2 and Treg cells. Thus, the ratios of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg cells elevated markedly after SHD treatment. SHD promoted the mRNA as well as the protein expressions of subset-specific transcription factors for the differentiation of Th1 and Th17 subsets (T-bet and RORγt) while inhibited those of Th2 and Treg cells (GATA-3 and Foxp3). Moreover, the mRNA expression of Th1- and Th17- type cytokines (IFNγ and IL-17A) was up-regulated while that of Th2-type and Treg-produced cytokines (IL-4 and TGF-β) was down-regulated significantly after SHD administration.

CONCLUSION

Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg paradigm bias was involved in RU486 medical abortion. SHD reduced the uterine bleeding efficiently by inducing Th1 and Th17 skews in the maternal-fetal of RU486 medical abortion patients. The regulatory effect of SHD on Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg paradigm in RU486 medical abortion is attributed to the modulation of transcription and protein expression of subset-specific transcription factors for T-cell subsets differentiation and their characteristic cytokines.

Cloning of TPS gene from eelgrass species Zostera marina and its functional identification by genetic transformation in rice

The full-length cDNA sequence (2613 bp) of the trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS) gene of eelgrass Zostera marina (ZmTPS) was identified and cloned. Z. marina is a kind of seed-plant growing in sea water during its whole life history. The open reading frame (ORF) region of ZmTPS gene encodes a protein of 870 amino acid residues and a stop codon. The corresponding genomic DNA sequence is 3770 bp in length, which contains 3 exons and 2 introns. The ZmTPS gene was transformed into rice variety ZH11 via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method. After antibiotic screening, molecular characterization, salt-tolerance and trehalose content determinations, two transgenic lines resistant to 150 mM NaCL solutions were screened. Our study results indicated that the ZmTPS gene was integrated into the genomic DNA of the two transgenic rice lines and could be expressed well. Moreover, the detection of the transformed ZmTPS gene in the progenies of the two transgenic lines was performed from T1 to T4 generations; and results suggested that the transformed ZmTPS gene can be transmitted from parent to the progeny in transgenic rice.

Resveratrol contributes to chemosensitivity of malignant mesothelioma cells with activation of p53

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenolic phytoalexin with chemopreventive properties. We previously reported a synergistic anti-proliferative effect of resveratrol and clofarabine against malignant mesothelioma (MM) cells. Here, we further investigated molecular mechanisms involved in the synergistic interaction of these compounds in MM MSTO-211H cells. Resveratrol, in combination with clofarabine, time-dependently induced a strong cytotoxic effect with the nuclear accumulation of phospho-p53 (p-p53) in MSTO-211H cells, but not in normal mesothelial MeT-5A cells. Combination treatment up-regulated the levels of p-p53, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved PARP proteins. Gene silencing with p53-targeting siRNA attenuated the sensitivity of cells to the combined treatment of two compounds. Analyses of p53 DNA binding assay, p53 reporter gene assay, and RTP-CR toward p53-regulated genes, including Bax, PUMA, Noxa and p21, demonstrated that induced p-p53 is transcriptionally active. These results were further confirmed by the siRNA-mediated knockdown of p53 gene. Combination treatment significantly caused the accumulation of cells at G1 phase with the increases in the sub-G0/G1 peak, DNA ladder, nuclear fragmentation, and caspase-3/7 activity. Taken together, these results demonstrate that resveratrol and clofarabine synergistically elicit apoptotic signal via a p53-dependent pathway, and provide a scientific rationale for clinical evaluation of resveratrol as a promising chemopotentiator in MM.

Transcriptional regulation of the growth-regulated oncogene α gene by early growth response protein-1 in response to tumor necrosis factor α stimulation

Growth-regulated oncogene α (GROα) plays an important role in a wide range of normal and pathological conditions, including inflammation, angiogenesis, wound healing, tumor invasion, and metastasis. Egr-1 is a member of the zinc-finger transcription factor family induced by diverse stimuli, including TNFα. However, the role of Egr-1 in GROα expression was previously unknown. This study shows that Egr-1 directly binds to the GROα promoter and transactivates the GROα gene. Silencing of Egr-1 by expression of Egr-1 siRNA abrogated TNFα-induced GROα transcription. We also found that Egr-1 mediates ERK and JNK MAPK-dependent GROα transcription upon TNFα stimulation. Our findings suggest that Egr-1 may play an important role in tumor development through transactivation of the GROα gene in response to TNFα within the tumor microenvironment.

Prognosis and treatment of patients with positive peritoneal cytology in advanced gastric cancer

Positive peritoneal cytology in gastric cancer is classified as M1 disease by the 7^th Edition of American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system. With the introduction of laparoscopy and peritoneal washing cytology in the staging of gastric cancer a new category of patients has been identified. These are patients with no macroscopic peritoneal metastases but with peritoneal cytology positive (P0C1). Prognosis and treatment of such patients represent a controversial issue. We evaluate the state of the art of staging system in gastric cancer and discuss standardisation in staging and treatment procedures. There is still a lack of uniformity in the use of laparoscopy with peritoneal cytology in clinical decision making and in the surgical treatment for gastric cancer. Survival of this patient subset remains poor. Multimodal therapies and new therapeutic strategies are required to improve the survival of these patients.

Clinical significance of GRIM-19 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To investigate the clinical significance of expression of gene associated with retinoid-interferon-induced mortality-19 (GRIM-19) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS: The expression of GRIM-19 mRNA and protein in 40 cases of HCC tissues and matched non-cancerous tissues was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The correlation between GRIM-19 expression and clinicopathologic features of HCC was analyzed statistically.

RESULTS: The expression of GRIM-19 mRNA was significantly lower in HCC than in matched non-cancerous tissue (0.40 ± 0.31 vs 0.56 ± 0.67, P < 0.05). The positive rate of GRIM-19 protein expression in HCC was significantly lower than that in matched non-cancerous tissue (47.5% vs 80%, P < 0.05). The expression level of GRIM-19 protein was also significantly lower in HCC than in matched non-cancerous tissue (0.30 ± 0.29 vs 0.57 ± 0.10, P < 0.05). GRIM-19 expression differed significantly between patients with stages I + II disease and those with stages III+IV disease (0.57 ± 0.38 vs 0.30 ± 0.20, P < 0.05) as well as between patients with and without portal vein thrombosis (0.04 ± 0.02 vs 0.44 ± 0.32, P < 0.05). The expression of GRIM-19 was negatively correlated with serum AFP (r = -0.352, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Decreased GRIM-19 expression is probably a significant event in the carcinogenesis of HCC and may be associated with tumor development, progression and invasion.

Relationship between WEE 1 and hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To investigate the expression of WEE 1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to analyze its relationship with clinicopathological characteristics of HCC.

METHODS: Twenty-three normal human liver tissue specimens, 20 cirrhosis specimens, and 42 HCC specimens were used in this study. Reverse transcriptional-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to measure the expression of WEE 1 mRNA in the above tissue specimens, while Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression of WEE 1 protein. The relationship between WEE 1 expression and clinicopathological characteristics of HCC was analyzed.

RESULTS: The positive rates of Wee 1 mRNA expression in normal liver tissue, cirrhosis and HCC were 21.7%, 55% and 90.5%, respectively, with a significant difference among the three groups (P < 0.01). The positive rates of Wee 1 protein expression as revealed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry in the above three groups were 13.04%/17.4%, 40%/60% and 78.6%/83.3%, respectively, with significant differences among the three groups (both P < 0.01). Up-regulated expression of WEE 1 was significantly correlated with tumor differentiation and pathological grade in HCC (χ² = 17.454, P < 0.01; χ² = 14.559, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: WEE 1 expression was significantly up-regulated in HCC. High expression of WEE 1 may be closely related with tumor differentiation and pathological grade in HCC.

Emergence of novel Norovirus recombinants with NVGII.1/NVGII.5 RdRp gene and NVGII.13 capsid gene among children and adults in Kolkata, India

Norovirus (NoV) is a leading cause of non bacterial acute gastroenteritis in human beings. Molecular characterization of NoVs following continuous, stringent surveillance had earlier shown that novel strains representing an intergenogroup as well as GII NoV intergenotype recombinants were in circulation among acute watery diarrhoea cases in Kolkata, India. The present study documents characterization of two recombinant NoV strains (Hu/NoV/ IDH1501/2009/IND and Hu/NoV/IDH1873/2009/IND) along with other interesting GII NoV strains. Similarity plot and phylogenetic analysis confirmed the strain Hu/NoV/IDH1501/2009/IND as a NoV recombinant strain with genes for RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) GII.1-like and capsid GII.13-like; the strain Hu/NoV/IDH1873/2009/IND was a NoV recombinant strain with its RdRp gene GII.5-like and capsid gene being GII.13-like. Clinical symptoms chiefly associated with the cases that had NoV infection was varying duration of diarrohea and vomiting with some dehydration.

Clinical significance of RASAL1 expression in colorectal carcinoma

AIM: To investigate the expression of RASAL1 (Ras GTPase-activating-like protein 1) mRNA and protein in human colorectal carcinoma (CRC) and to analyze its correlation with tumor clinicopathological features.

METHODS: Fifty paraffin-embedded surgical CRC specimens, matched tumor-adjacent tissue specimens, and normal colorectal tissue specimens were used to detect the distribution of RASAL1 by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Twenty fresh CRC specimens, matched tumor-adjacent tissue specimens, and normal colorectal tissue specimens were used to determine the levels of RASAL1 mRNA expression by RT-PCR. The correlation between RASAL1 expression and tumor clinicopathological parameters was analyzed.

RESULTS: RASAL1 was mainly localized in the cytoplasm of glands cells. The positive rate of RASAL1 protein expression in CRC was significantly lower than those in tumor-adjacent tissue and normal colorectal tissue [46% (23/50) vs 85% (17/20), 96% (48/50), both P < 0.05]. The positive rate of RASAL1 mRNA expression was also significantly lower in CRC than in tumor-adjacent tissue and normal colorectal tissue [50% (10/20) vs 90% (18/20), 95% (19/20), both P < 0.05]. The expression of RASAL1 protein was positively related with that of RASAL1 mRNA (r = 0.686, P < 0.01), but negatively with tumor differentiation degree (P < 0.05), invasive depth (P < 0.01), lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05), and TNM stage (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The expression of RASAL1 mRNA and protein is reduced in CRC. RASAL1 expression is negatively related to tumor progression. RASAL1 may be a novel therapeutic target for CRC.

Re-expression of E-cadherin in metastatic lymph nodes of patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma

AIM: To investigate the re-expression of E-cadherin (E-cad) in metastatic lymph node of advanced colorectal carcinoma and its clinical importance.

METHODS: The expression of E-cad in 32 specimens of primary colorectal carcinoma and metastatic lymph nodes was examined by means of immunohistochemistry, Western blot and RT- PCR to analyze the mechanism behind the re-expression of E-cad in metastatic lymph nodes.

RESULTS: The abnormal expression rate of E-cad in primary colorectal carcinoma was 90.6% (29/32), and the re-expression rate of E-cad in metastatic lymph nodes was 37.5% (12/32). The re-expression rate of E-cad in metastatic lymph nodes was significantly higher in patients with well/moderately differentiated carcinoma than in those with poorly differentiated carcinoma (55.6% vs 14.3%, P < 0.05). Western blot analysis showed that the relative expression intensity of E-cad in metastatic lymph nodes was higher than that in primary carcinoma (P < 0.05). The relative expression intensity of E-cad protein in metastatic lymph nodes was significantly higher in patients with well/moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma than in those with poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (98.56 ± 36.09 vs 66.21 ± 29.74, P < 0.05). The relative expression intensity of E-cad protein in metastatic lymph nodes is correlated with tumor histological type. RT-PCR analysis showed that the relative expression level of E-cad mRNA in primary carcinoma was significantly lower than that in metastatic lymph nodes and normal mucosal tissue (0.733 ± 0.009 vs 0.739 ± 0.010 and 0.796 ± 0.016, both P < 0.05). The re-expression of E-cad mRNA in metastatic lymph nodes is associated with tumor differentiation degree and tumor histological type (both P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: E-cad expression shows characteristic changes during the development and progression of colorectal cancer. E-cad is a possible new target for diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer.

Clinical significance of hypoxia-inducible factor-2α expression in gastric carcinoma

AIM: To investigate the clinical significance of hypoxia-inducible factor-2α (HIF-2α) expression in gastric carcinoma.

METHODS: Immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to detect HIF-2α protein and mRNA expression in 36 gastric carcinoma specimens and 36 normal gastric epithelial specimens. The relationship between HIF-2α expression and clinicopathologic parameters of gastric carcinoma was analyzed.

RESULTS: The positive rate of HIF-2α expression in gastric carcinoma was significantly higher than that in normal gastric epithelium (83.3% vs 8.30%, P < 0.05). The positive rate of HIF-2α expression in gastric carcinoma was correlated with tumor differentiation and lymph node metastasis (both P < 0.05). The positive rate and relative level of HIF-2α mRNA expression in gastric carcinoma were significantly higher than those in normal gastric epithelium (77.8% vs 5.6%, 0.755 ± 0.238 vs 0.581 ± 0.147, both P < 0.05). High expression of HIF-2α mRNA in gastric carcinoma was correlated with tumor differentiation and lymph node metastasis (both P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: HIF-2α expression may be associated with the genesis and development of gastric carcinoma and can be used for judging tumor biological behavior.

Expression of cancer-testis antigen SPANX-C mRNA in human hepatocellular carcinoma and prediction of HLA-A2-restricted CTL epitopes of SPANX-C

AIM: To investigate the expression of SPANX-C (sperm protein associated with the nucleus mapped to the X chromosome-C) gene in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to predict the HLA-A2-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes of SPANX-C to find new targets for specific immunotherapy of HCC.

METHODS: The expression of SPANX-C mRNA was characterized by RT-PCR in tumor tissue and adjacent liver tissue specimens from 115 HCC patients and liver tissue specimens from 20 non-HCC patients (10 with liver cirrhosis and 10 without liver disease). The positive PCR products (297 bp) obtained from 5 tumor tissue specimens were randomly selected for sequencing to confirm the detecting results. HLA-A2-restricted CTL epitopes of SPANX-C were predicted by peptide supermotif prediction method in combination with quantitative motif method.

RESULTS: Seventy (60.9%) of 115 tumor tissue specimen from HCC patients expressed SPANX-C mRNA. In contrast, SPANX-C mRNA was not detected in tumor-adjacent tissue and liver tissue from non-HCC patients. There was no discernable correlation between SPANX-C expression and tumor stage, differentiation degree or serum α-fetoprotein level (all P > 0.05). Five CTL epitope candidates (nonamers) derived from the antigen SPANX-C were found by peptide supermotif prediction, of them, SPANX-C_51-59 (LVVRYRRNV) may have stronger binding potential with HLA-A2 molecule.

CONCLUSION: SPANX-C mRNA is highly expressed in HCC tumor tissue in Chinese patients. SPANX-C may provide potential HLA-A2-restricted CTL epitopes as specific targets for immunotherapy of HCC.

Significance of Wnt-5a expression in gastric carcinoma

AIM: To detect Wnt-5a expression in gastric carcinoma (GC) and explore its role in the development and progression of GC.

METHODS: The expression of Wnt-5a mRNA in 10 fresh GC and matched tumor-adjacent tissue samples was detected by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The expression of Wnt-5a and β-catenin proteins in 84 GC and matched tumor-adjacent tissue samples as well as 20 normal gastric mucosa tissue samples was examined by immunohistochemistry using the streptavidin-peroxidase method.

RESULTS: Real time RT-PCR analysis showed that the relative level of Wnt-5a mRNA was significantly higher in GC than in tumor-adjacent tissue (5.919 ± 1.869 vs 1.281 ± 0.744, P < 0.05). The positive rate of Wnt-5a protein expression was also significantly higher in GC than in tumor-adjacent tissue (40.54% vs 14.29%, P < 0.05). Wnt-5a expression was significantly associated with advanced TNM stage and lymph node metastasis (both P < 0.01). The rate of aberrant β-catenin expression was significantly higher in GC than in tumor-adjacent tissue (70.23% vs 38.10%, P < 0.01). Aberrant β-catenin expression was associated with advanced tumor stage and lymph node metastasis (both P < 0.05). The expression of Wnt-5a was correlated with that of β-catenin (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: Wnt-5a may exert oncogenic functions in GC. Wnt-5a may be activated in the early stage of gastric tumorigenesis and be related to the poor prognosis of GC. Wnt-5a and β-catenin might play an important role in the development of GC via different signal pathways.

Kiss-1 transfection inhibits the growth of xenograft tumors derived from human esophageal carcinoma cell line EC9706 in nude mice

AIM: To investigate the effects of kiss-1 transfection on the growth of xenograft tumors derived from human esophageal carcinoma cell line EC9706 in nude mice, and to explore the feasibility of gene therapy for esophageal carcinoma.

METHODS: A eukaryotic expression vector carrying the kiss-1 gene (pcDNA3.1-Kiss-1) was transfected into EC9706 cells with Lipofectamine 2000. The cells stably expressing Kiss-1 were selected using G418. EC9706 cells untransfected or transfected with empty pcDNA3.1 plasmid were used as controls. A xenograft tumor model was then established. Tumor growth was observed. Tumor histopathological changes were determined by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The expression of kiss-1 mRNA and protein in tumor tissue was measured by RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) and Western blot, respectively.

RESULTS: Kiss-1 transfection significantly suppressed tumor growth. Histopathological observations indicated that the volume of tumors derived from control cells were significantly bigger than that from EC9706 cells transfected with pcDNA3.1-Kiss-1 plasmid. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses indicated that the expression of kiss-1 mRNA and protein was significantly enhanced in EC9706 cells transfected with the recombinant plasmid when compared with control cells (F = 72.685 and 24.807, respectively; both P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Kiss-1 transfection effectively inhibits the growth of subcutaneous xenograft tumors derived from EC9706 cell line in nude mice, suggesting that Kiss-1 may be a potential molecular therapeutic target for esophageal carcinoma.

Abnormal expression of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 in hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To investigate the abnormal expression of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS: The expression of CDK5 mRNA and protein in normal liver tissue, liver cirrhosis and HCC was measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The relationship between CDK5 expression and the clinicopathological characteristics of HCC was then analyzed.

RESULTS: The expression of CDK5 mRNA was up-regulated in HCC when compared with noncancerous liver tissue. The positive rates of CDK5 mRNA expression were 29.4%, 64.3% and 89.7% in normal liver tissue, liver cirrhosis and HCC, respectively. Significant differences were noted in the positive rates of CDK5 mRNA expression between normal liver tissue and HCC (P < 0.05) and between liver cirrhosis and HCC (P < 0.01). Immunohistochemistry analysis also revealed up-regulated expression of CDK5 in HCC compared with noncancerous liver tissue. The positive rates of CDK5 protein were 29.4%, 64.3% and 89.7% in normal liver tissue, liver cirrhosis and HCC, respectively. Significant differences were noted in the positive rates of CDK5 protein expression among the three groups (χ² = 58.095, all P < 0.01). The overexpression of CDK5 is significantly correlated with the pathological grade of HCC (χ² = 19.330, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: CDK5 is up-regulated in HCC compared with noncancerous liver tissue. CDK5 plays an important role in the carcinogenesis of HCC. CDK5 overexpression may be related to tumor differentiation in HCC.

Expression and functional characterization of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-like gene

AIM: To investigate the role of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-like gene (PDGFRL) in the anti-cancer therapy for colorectal cancers (CRC).

METHODS: PDGFRL mRNA and protein levels were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry in CRC and colorectal normal tissues. PDGFRL prokaryotic expression vector was carried out in Escherichia coli (E. coli), and purified by immobilized metal affinity chromatography. The effect of PDGFRL protein on CRC HCT-116 cells was detected by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), clone counting, cell cycle, and wound healing assay.

RESULTS: Both RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry showed that the expression of PDGFRL in colorectal normal tissues was higher than in cancer tissues. Recombinant pET22b-PDGFRL prokaryotic expression vector was successfully expressed in E. coli, and the target protein was expressed in the form of inclusion bodies. After purification and refolding, recombinant human PDGFRL (rhPDGFRL) could efficiently inhibit the proliferation and invasion of CRC HCT-116 cells detected by MTT, clone counting and wound healing assay. Moreover, rhPDGFRL arrested HCT-116 cell cycling at the G0/G1 phase.

CONCLUSION: PDGFRL is a potential gene for application in the anti-cancer therapy for CRC.

Clinical implications of expression of MAGE-1 and NY-ESO-1 mRNAs in gastrointestinal stromal tumors

AIM: To evaluate the possibility of using melanoma antigen-1 (MAGE-1) and New York-esophageal-1 (NY-ESO-1) antigens as specific targets for immunotherapy of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and using MAGE-1 and NY-ESO-1 mRNA levels as auxiliary parameters for risk classification of GISTs.

METHODS: The expression of MAGE-1 and NY-ESO-1 mRNAs was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in 30 GIST tissue specimens. The correlation of MAGE-1 and NY-ESO-1 mRNA expression with pathological parameters was analyzed in GISTs.

RESULTS: The positive rates of MAGE-1 and NY-ESO-1 mRNA expression in GIST specimens were 30% and 47%, respectively. At least one of these two cancer-testis antigens (CTAs) was detected in 18 GIST tissue specimens. The expression of MAGE-1 and NY-ESO-1 mRNAs was not correlated with age, sex or pathologic type (P > 0.05), but correlated with tumor site, tumor diameter and risk grade (all P < 0.05). The expression levels of MAGE-1 and NY-ESO-1 mRNAs in GISTs of high risk grade were significantly higher than those in GISTs of low risk grade (P < 0.05). No negative correlation was noted between the expression of MAGE-1 and NY-ESO-1 mRNAs in GISTs (r = 0.018, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: MAGE-1 and NY-ESO-1 mRNAs are expressed specifically in GIST tissue and may be potentially promising targets for antigen-specific immunotherapy of GISTs. The expression of MAGE-1 and NY-ESO-1 mRNAs is correlated with the risk grade of GISTs. MAGE-1 and NY-ESO-1 mRNA levels are promising auxiliary parameters for risk classification of GISTs.

Clinical significance of Syk expression in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

AIM: To investigate the expression of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) mRNA and protein in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and analyze its correlation with the malignant biological behavior of ESCC.

METHODS: The expression of Syk protein in 48 ESCC specimens and matched adjacent non-carcinoma specimens was detected by immunohistochemistry. The expression of Syk mRNA in 43 ESCC specimens and matched adjacent non-carcinoma specimens was assayed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The correlations of Syk expression with tumor size, TNM stage and lymph node metastasis were analyzed.

RESULTS: The positive rate of Syk protein expression in ESCC tissue was significantly lower than that in adjacent non-carcinoma tissue (16.67% vs 89.58%, P < 0.05). The expression of Syk protein was correlated with tumor TNM stage in ESCC (χ² = 6.713, P < 0.05). A significant difference was noted in Syk expression between ESCC with and without lymph node metastasis (3.03% vs 29.41%, P < 0.05). No significant correlation was observed between Syk expression and tumor size (χ² = 0.017, P > 0.05). RT-PCR analysis showed that the expression level of Syk mRNA was significantly lower in ESCC than in adjacent non-carcinoma tissue (t = -11.27, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Downregulation of Syk gene expression may be involved in the carcinogenesis and metastasis of ESCC. Syk gene is a novel candidate tumor suppressor gene in ESCC and can be used as a molecular marker for early diagnosis and treatment of ESCC.

Clinical efficacy of Lactobacillus acidophilus against experimental murine colitis and its effects on the expression of STAT1, T-bet and GATA3

AIM: To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of Lactobacillus acidophilus against experimental murine colitis and its effects on the expression of STAT1, T-bet and GATA3.

METHODS: Experimental murine colitis was induced with 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). A total of 70 mice were randomly and equally divided into seven groups: model control group, negative control group, mesalamine group, low-dose Lactobacillus acidophilus group, medium-dose Lactobacillus acidophilus group, high-dose Lactobacillus acidophilus group and normal control group. The expression of STAT1, T-bet and GATA3 mRNAs in colonic mucosa was measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The expression of T-bet protein was measured by Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Colonic tissue damage was assessed using histopathologic score. The body weight and disease activity index (DAI) of all rats were evaluated daily.

RESULTS: Compared with the normal control group, the disease activity index and histopathologic scores were significantly increased (both P < 0.05) in the model control group. All doses of Lactobacillus acidophilus and mesalamine could significantly reduce disease activity index and histopathologic scores when compared to the model control group (6.20 ± 2.64, 5.00 ± 1.21, 5.72 ± 2.63 and 5.81 ± 1.32 vs 7.81 ± 1.02; 4.25 ± 2.05, 2.56 ± 1.81, 2.20 ± 1.12 and 3.10 ± 2.60 vs 5.80 ± 2.94; all P < 0.05). The expression levels of STAT1 and T-bet mRNAs in all Lactobacillus acidophilus groups (low-, medium- and high-dose) and mesalazine group were lower than that in the model control group (all P < 0.05). Moreover, the expression levels of T-bet protein in all Lactobacillus acidophilus groups and mesalazine group were also significantly lower than that in the model control group (0.27 ± 0.04, 0.23 ± 0.02, 0.18 ± 0.04 and 0.27 ± 0.11 vs 0.30 ± 0.04; 0.263 ± 0.045, 0.234 ± 0.015, 0.114 ± 0.025 and 0.252 ± 0.024 vs 0.322 ± 0.064; all P < 0.05). Optimum effects were achieved in the high-dose Lactobacillus acidophilus group.

CONCLUSION: Inhibition of transcriptional factors STAT1/T-bet activation maybe one mechanism contributing to the therapeutic effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus against ulcerative colitis.

Effects of octreotide on expression of Fas, FasL and P53 in human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells

AIM: To investigate whether OCT affects the expression of Fas, FasL, P53, P21, P27 and c-Myc in SGC-7901 HGC cells.

METHODS: Expression percentage of Fas, FasL, P53, P21, P27, c-Myc-positive cells and G₀/G₁, S, G₂/M stage were detected by using flow cytometry (FCM) with or without OCT treatment. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and FCM in SGC-7901 HGC cells were applied to evaluate the mRNA and protein expression levels of Fas, FasL, P53, P21, P27 and c-Myc in SGC-7901 HGC cells treated with and without OCT.

RESULTS: After treatment with 1 × 10^-7 mol/L OCT for 6, 12, 24, 48 h, although P53 mRNA expression was significantly decreased, Fas and FasL mRNA expression were both significantly increased in SGC-7901 HGC cells. However, P21, P27 and c-Myc mRNA expression did not significantly change in SGC-7901 HGC cells with or without OCT treatment. The relative intensity of Fas and FasL protein expression were also enhanced, but the relative intensity of P53 protein expression was decreased in SGC-7901 HGC cells (5.5 ± 0.3 vs 3.2 ± 0.1, 5.1 ± 0.3 vs 4.5 ± 0.1, 3.3 ± 0.2 vs 4.9 ± 0.3, P < 0.05 or 0.01). The relative intensity of P21, P27 and c-myc protein expression did not change. However, G₀/G₁, S, G₂/M stage did not significantly change in SGC-7901 HGC cells with or without OCT treatment.

CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that OCT leading to apoptosis is associated with down-regulation of mutant-type P53 and up-regulation of Fas and FasL in SGC-7901 HGC cells.

Significance of aberrant Pim-3 expression in gastric carcinoma

AIM: To investigate the role of Pim-3 aberrant expression in the development of gastric carcinoma.

METHODS: Semi-quantitative RT-PCR method and immunohistochemistry method were used to detect the expression of Pim-3 in 40 gastric carcinoma tissues and 20 adjacent normal tissues. We also compared relationship between Pim-3 expression and the clinicopathological parameters of gastric carcinoma.

RESULTS: Pim-3 mRNA expression was enhanced in gastric carcinoma compared with non-cancerous mucosa (0.287 ± 0.058 vs 0.053 ± 0.055, P < 0.001). Protein expression of Pim-3 was significantly higher in moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma tissue than in poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma tissue. Pim-3 expression was closely correlated with lymphatic metastasis and venous invasion (r = 0.385, 0.412, P = 0.014, 0.008).

CONCLUSION: Pim-3 can be seen as the biological marker for early phase of gastric carcinoma and a prognostic factor to predict the prognosis of cancer.

Construction and identification of the recombinant adenovirus expressing Apoptin gene of chicken anemia virus

AIM: To construct a recombinant adenovirus carrying Apoptin gene so as to provide a basis for further studying the molecular mechanism of Apoptin gene in inducing tumor cell apoptosis.

METHODS: The plasmid pVAX1-Apoptin was digested by endonuclease BamHⅠ and SpeⅠ, and the obtained Apoptin segment was inserted into vector pacAd5 CMV K-N pA to construct a shuttle plasmid pacAd5-Apoptin. After PacⅠ digestion and linearized process, the plasmid pacAd5-Apoptin and pAD (genome plasmid) were co-transfected into AAV-293 cells by liposome mediation. The DNA containing Apoptin gene of the recombinant adenovirus was identified by plaque purification, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot. The titer of the obtained adenovirus was also examined.

RESULTS: The recombinant adenovirus expressed Apoptin gene and the molecular weight of the protein was about 13 kDa, which was consistent with the CVA-positive control. The protein of Apoptin could be effectively expressed in the recombinant adenovirus, and this protein had response to the CAV-positive serum. The titer of the recombinant virus was 10¹¹ PFU/L.

CONCLUSION: The adenovirus containing Apoptin gene is successfully constructed, and the virus titer is able to meet the requirements of in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Effect of Chinese herbs compound Rhodiola sachalinensis on the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase1 in fibrotic fiver in rats

AIM: To observe the change of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) expression in carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in rats after treatment with Chinese herbs compound Rhodiola sachalinensis (CHCRS).

METHODS: Eighty healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 16, for each group): normal group, fibrosis group, CHCRS-treated groups (using high-, middle- and low-dose CHCRS, respectively ). Liver fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride (for 8 wk). CHCRS was given intragastrically twice a week while fibrosis was induced. Animals were sacrificed at the end of experiment. Histological examinations were performed after hematoxylin and eosin staining, and the fibrosis was classified into stage 0 to 4. The level of hepatic TIMP-1 mRNA was determined by semi-quantitive RT-PCR, and the expression of TIMP-1 protein was detected by immunohisfochemistry.

RESULTS: The extent of liver fibrosis was above the 3^th stage in most model animals, but in CHCRS-treated rats, it was obviously degraded as compared with that in the model group. The level of hepatic TIMP-1 mRNA was significantly higher in the model group than that in the normal group (0.858 ± 0.052 vs 0.615 ± 0.067, P < 0.05), but it was markedly lower in the CHCRS-treated groups than that in the model group (0.740 ± 0.081, 0.704 ± 0.032, 0.695 ± 0.030; all P < 0.05). Immunohisochemistry showed a significant increase of TIMP-1 in the model group as compared with that in the normal group (0.356 ± 0.052 vs 0.121 ± 0.067, P < 0.05), but a notable decrease in the CHCRS-treated groups as compared with that in the model group (all P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the positive expression of TIMP-1 in liver tissues of CHCRS-treated groups was still stronger than that in the normal group (0.298 ± 0.08, 0.256 ± 0.032, 0.213 ± 0.030; all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: CHCRS can efectively inhibit the expression of TIMP-1 in CCl₄-induced fibrotic liver in rats.

Effects of leptin on the content of triglyceride and the expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-I in human hepatocytes with fatty degeneration

AIM: To the influence of leptin on lipid degeneration of hepatocytes and its mechanism.

METHODS: The model of hepatocyte fatty degeneration was prepared using human L-02 liver cells. This experiment included the following groups: normal hepatocytes group, fatty degeneration model group, positive control group (treated with gemfibrozil), and leptin treatment groups I, II and III (using 10^-8, 10^-7 and 10^-6 mol/L leptin, respectively). After 24-hour incubation, cell morphology and the formation of intracellular lipid droplets were observed by oil red O staining and the content of intracellular triglyceride (TG) was detected through high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Besides, the mRNA expression levels of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α (PPARα) and its target gene carnitine palmitoyltransferase-I (CPT-I) were detected by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS: The intracellular lipid droplets were increased in the model group and leptin group I as compared with those in the other groups. The contents of intracellular TG were 1.063 ± 0.146, 0.648 ± 0.023 and 0.553 ± 0.045 mmol/g protein respectively when leptin was used at concentrations of 10^-8, 10^-7 and 10^-6 mol/L. In comparison with that in the positive control group, the mRNA expression of PPARα was increased significantly in the leptin groups II or III (P < 0.01); but PPARα mRNA expression was not remarkably different between the leptin group I and the positive control group. There was no marked difference between the model group and the normal group in CPT-I mRNA expression, but it was significantly elevated after leptin treatments (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: Leptin decreases the content of TG in human L-02 hepatocytes with fatty degeneration in a dose-dependent manner, and its mechanism may be related to the up-regulation of PPARα and its target genes.

Inhibitory effect of VEGF antisense oligonucleotide on HT-29 human colorectal cancer cells in vitro

AIM: To investigate the inhibitory effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antisense oligonucleotide (ASODN) on human colorectal cancer cell line HT-29 in vitro.

METHODS: Human colorectal cancer HT-29 cells were transfected with VEGF ASODN and scrambled oligodeoxynueleotide (SODN) by Lipofectamine^TM2000. The expression of VEGF mRNA in HT-29 cells was detected using semi-quantitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and the excretion of VEGF protein was measured by Western blot 48 and 72 hours after transfection. The proliferation and apoptosis of HT-29 cells were measured using MTT assay and flow cytometry respectively.

RESULTS: The expression of VEGF mRNA in HT-29 cells transfected with ASODN was significantly lower 48 h after transfection than that in the plasmid controls or SODN controls (0.455 ± 0.032 vs 0.934 ± 0.031, 0.915 ± 0.004; both P < 0.01). There was no marked difference between the two control groups. The expression of VEGF protein in HT-29 cells was confirmed and the specific band on PVDF membrane in the ASODN group was obviously weaker than that in the control groups. VEGF ASOND inhibited the proliferation of HT-29 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner (P < 0.05); the apoptotic index of HT-29 cells in the ASODN group was obviously higher than that in the control groups (P < 0.05) 72 h after transfection.

CONCLUSION: VEGF ASODN can inhibit the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of HT-29 cells in vitro by inhibiting VEGF gene expression.

Effects of Quercetin on invasion and midkine expression of human esophageal cancer cell

AIM: To observe the effects of Quercetin on the invasion of human esophageal cancer cells, and to investigate the possible mechanism.

METHODS: Human esophageal cancer cell line EC109 was treated with different concentrations of Quercetin, and then the anchorage independence growth of EC109 cells was studied by colony formation in soft agar; the invasion ability of EC109 cells was determined by Boyden chamber, and the expression levels of midkine mRNA and protein were detected by real time RT-PCR and Western blot assay, respectively.

RESULTS: After Quercetin treatment, the malignant proliferation and invasive ability of EC109 cells were obviously decreased, which showed a dose-dependent manner (all P < 0.05). Meanwhile, Quercetin down-regulated the expression of midkine mRNA and protein in a dose- and time-dependent manner (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Quercetin can inhibit the invasion of EC109 cells by down-regulating midkine expression.

Effects of down-regulation of p21 by HBx gene on HepG2 cell proliferation and apoptosis

AIM: To establish gene-transfected cell strain HepG2/HBx and study the effect of HBx on cell cycle, proliferation and apoptosis of HepG2 cells as well as the potential regulative role of p21.

METHODS: HBx was transfected into HepG2 cells and G418 selection was used to obtain the positive clones of HepG2/HBx cells. Then HBx mRNA expression and protein expression were detected using RT-PCR and western blot analysis respectively. MTT assay and flow cytometry were adopted to measure the proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis of HepG2/HBx, HepG2 and HepG2/pcDNA3.1 (HepG2 cells transfected with pcDNA3.1) cells. Semi-quantified RT-PCR was used to evaluate the expression of p21 and p53 in three groups.

RESULTS: The expression of mRNA and protein of HBx in HepG2/HBx cells was confirmed by RT-PCR and western blot respectively. The proliferation of HepG2/HBx cells was accelerated. The proportion of HepG2/HBx cells decreased significantly in G₀/G₁ phase (43.34% ± 3.11% vs 57.69 ± 4.28%, P < 0.01), but increased remarkably in S phase (28.69% ± 1.17% vs 22.41% ± 1.99%, P < 0.05) and the apoptosis rate of HepG2/HBx cells was at a significantly lower level (1.19% ± 0.06% vs 5.43% ± 0.42%, P < 0.001). Compared with HepG2 and HepG2/pcDNA3.1 cells, the expression of p21 mRNA in HepG2/HBx was down-regulated (0.16 ± 0.05 vs 0.78 ± 0.15, P < 0.001), while there was no significant difference in the expression of p53 gene.

CONCLUSION: The HBx gene down-regulates the expression of p21 mRNA, which may play an important role in accelerating cell cycle, improving growth and inhibiting apoptosis of HepG2 cells.

Construction of COL1A1-shRNA expression plasmid and screening of effective sequences to inhibit COL1A1 expression

AIM: To construct and select procollagen type 1 alpha 1 (COL1A1) short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression plasmid that can inhibit COL1A1 mRNA expression in rat hepatic stellate cell (HSC).

METHODS: Rat COL1A1 cDNA sequence was obtained from NCBI website. Three small interfering RNA sequences were selected through online design of the Whitehead Institute. The corresponding double-stranded DNA was used to construct pGPU6/GFP/Neo plasmids, namely pGPU6/GFP/Neo-shRNA-A, pGPU6/GFP/Neo-shRNA-B and pGPU6/GFP/Neo-shRNA-C. HSC-T6 cells were transfected with a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled siRNA to assess the transfection efficiency. To get most effective and optimal dosage siRNA, the three plasmids (1, 2, 3, 4 μg) were transfected into HSC-T6 cells with Lipofectamine 2000 respectively, and the untreated HSC-T6 cells were used as controls. The expression of COL1A1 mRNA was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) after the most effective and optimal dosage was used.

RESULTS: The expression plasmids targeting on COL1A1 mRNA were successfully constructed, and confirmed by agarose electrophoresis and sequence analysis. The transfection efficiencies at a dose of 1, 2, 3, and 4 μg were approximately 16.7%, 20.3%, 23.5%, and 22.3%, and 2 μg was considered as the most optimal dosage in each group. The inhibitory rates of COL1A1 mRNA levels in the HSC-T6 cells transfected with pGPU6/GFP/Neo-shRNA-A, pGPU6/GFP/Neo-shRNA-B, and pGPU6/GFP/Neo-shRNA-C were 16.6%, 63.3%, and 80.3%, respectively, when 2 μg siRNA plasmid was used.

CONCLUSION: The constructed expression plasmid pGPU6/GFP/Neo-shRNA-C can effectively inhibit the expression of COL1A1 mRNA, providing a new method and material for the treatment of liver fibrosis.

Down-regulation of PANDER mRNA in gastric cancer

AIM: To investigate the expression of PANDER gene in paired gastric cancer tissues and metastatic lymphatic tissues, and to evaluate its relationship with the clinicopathologic characteristics and disease prognosis.

METHODS: Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to examine the expression of PANDER mRNA in 22 fresh surgical samples of primary gastric cancer tissues and their paired surrounding normal gastric mucosa. A gastric cancer tissue microarray containing 1020 duplicate matched normal mucosa, malignant tissues and metastatic lymphatic tissues from 208 gastric cancer patients was constructed. In situ hybridization analysis was performed on the tissue microarray and the correlation between PANDER mRNA expression and clinicopathologic factors was analyzed.

RESULTS: RT-PCR showed that the expression of PANDER mRNA decreased in 72.7% (16/22) of gastric cancer samples. Similar results were obtained by in situ hybridization analysis (60.9%, 112/184). The expression of PANDER mRNA showed an ordinally decreasing trend in the matched normal mucosa, tumor tissues and metastatic lymphatic tissues (χ² = 81.135, P = 0.00). There was no difference between early gastric cancer and progressive gastric cancer (χ² = 5.362, P = 0.147). In tumor tissues, lower expression of PANDER mRNA was associated with deeper invasion (Z = -2.52, P = 0.012). There was no correlation between PANDER mRNA expression and disease prognosis.

CONCLUSION: Down-regulation of PANDER gene expression occurs at the early stage of gastric cancer, which may be involved in the genesis and development of gastric cancer.

Therapeutic effect of phenanthroline on trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis in rats

AIM: To evaluate the effect of a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor, phenan-throline, on colonic inflammation in experi-mental colitis induced by trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) in rats.

METHODS: A rat model of experimental colitis was induced by administration of TNBS. Animals were divided into 3 groups, treated with 1, 10-phenanthroline (20 mg/kg per day), sulphasalazine, and double distilled water (1 mL, control group), respectively. All the animals were killed after 7 days. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was assessed; the mRNA expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in colon tissues were detected by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Meanwhile, MMP-3 and TIMP-1 proteins expression were analyzed by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS: The absorbency value of MPO in the SASP group or phenanthroline group was significantly lower than that in the control group (0.25 ± 0.15, 0.16 ± 0.09 vs 0.48 ± 0.34, P = 0.025, 0.004). The expression levels of MMP-1, MMP-2 and MMP-3 mRNA had no markedly difference between the SASP group (0.19 ± 0.11, 0.35 ± 0.21, 0.25 ± 0.16) and phenanthroline group (0.33 ± 0.19, 0.29 ± 0.16, 0.22 ± 0.17); however, they were lower than those in the control group (0.45 ± 0.23, 0.53 ± 0.17, 0.62 ± 0.15; P = 0.002, 0.020, 0.000). There was no significant difference in TIMP-1 mRNA and protein among the three groups. However, the expression of MMP-3 protein in the SASP group or phenanthroline group was lower than that in the control group (2971.3 ± 1036.5, 2507.7 ± 1101.0 vs 7812.8 ± 4761.6, P = 0.000).

CONCLUSION: Phenanthroline may treat TNBS-induced colitis in rats by down-regulating MPO activity and MMP-1, MMP-2 and MMP-3 expression, but it has no effect on TIMP-1 expression.

Protective effects of taurine on the islet viability and function in rats

AIM: To investigate the protective effect of taurine on the islets during culturing and its mechanism in rats.

METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups: RPMI-1640 group and taurine group. The percentage of active Caspase-9-positive cells or phospho-Akt 473-positive cells was determined by flow cytometry. The mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in the isolated rat islets of both groups.

RESULTS: After 1-wk culture, the percentage of Caspase-9-positive cells was significantly higher in the taurine group than that in the RPMI-1640 group (41.03% ± 4.46% vs 23.85% ± 3.09%, P < 0.05). The mRNAs of TNF-α, IL-1β, NF-κB and HO-1 were significantly expressed after the islets were isolated and purified. However, the mRNAs of TNF-α, IL-1β, NF-κB expression were decreased gradually while HO-1 expression was increased with the culturing time. After 6-h, 72-h and 1-wk culture, the mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and NF-κB were significantly lower in the taurine group (TNF-α: 0.34 ± 0.02, 0.24 ± 0.01, 0.19 ± 0.02; IL-1β: 0.24 ± 0.09, 0.09 ± 0.01, 0.05 ± 0.01; NF-κB: 1.76 ± 0.30, 0.93 ± 0.15, 0.37 ± 0.02) than those in the RPMI-1640 group (TNF-α: 0.57 ± 0.1, 0.39 ± 0.02, 0.29 ± 0.02; IL-1β: 0.34 ± 0.02, 0.24 ± 0.01, 0.19 ± 0.02; NF-κB: 2.52 ± 0.24, 1.21 ± 0.14, 0.76 ± 0.07) (all P < 0.05), but the HO-1 mRNA level was markedly higher in the taurine group (3.74 ± 0.10, 4.33 ± 0.29, 5.28 ± 0.29 vs 2.46±0.30, 3.13 ± 0.07, 3.59 ± 0.22; all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Taurine can protect the islet cells from apoptosis by inhibiting the transcription of TNF-α, IL-1β and NF-κB gene or by increasing phospho-Akt activity.

Construction and identification of human fucosyltransferase 4 eukaryotic fluorenscent expression vector

AIM: To construct and identify the eukaryotic expression vector pEGFP-N1-FUT4 with en-hanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene.

METHODS: The full-length fucosyltransferase 4 (FUT4) cDNA was acquired by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and cloned into pEGFP-N1vector. The obtained pEGFP-N1-FUT4 was transiently transfected into cell line A431. Then the expression of FUT4 was observed under fluorescence microscope and examined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting.

RESULTS: The full-length human FUT4 cDNA was obtained and identified correct through sequencing and enzyme digestion. The recombinant plasmid pEGFP-N1-FUT4 was successfully constructed and FUT4 cDNA was correctly inserted into pEGFP-N1-FUT4. The expression of EGFP in A431 cells transfected with pEGFP-N1-FUT4 was observed by fluorescence microscopy. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting showed that FUT4 expression significantly increased after pEGFP-N1-FUT4 transfection in A431 cells in comparison with that in the controls.

CONCLUSION: The prokaryotic expression plasmid pEGFP-N1-FUT4 vector is successfully constructed, which could express FUT4 in A431 cells.