BACKGROUND:Nuclear transcription factor(NTF) ?B is a transcription factor,which exists universally in eukaryocyte.It has been identified that its overacting is correlated to the ongoing and development of many diseases.Among the pathomechanism of rheumatoid arthritis,the abnormal activation of NTF ?B has a lot to do with the inflammatory hyperplasia of synovium and the erosion of tissue around articulation.OBJECTIVE:To review the recent progress of NTF ?B,pathogenesis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.RETRIEVAL STRATEGY:A computer-based online search of PubMed database was undertaken to identify the articles published in English from January 2000 to July 2007,with the Key words of "nuclear transcription factor ?B,rheumatoid arthritis,pathogenesis,treatment".Meanwhile,Wanfang database was searched for the related Chinese articles published between January 2000 and July 2007,with the same key words in Chinese.A total of 72 articles were finally selected for the first trial.Inclusive criteria:the articles focus on the NTF ?B,the pathogenesis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.Exclusive criteria:repeated experiments.LITERATURE EVALUATION:Among the 30 inclusive literatures,7 were related to reviews while the others were clinical or basic researches.DATA SYNTHESIS:①NTF ?B is a significant transcription factor,which participates in regulating many genes related to immune function and inflammation reaction.The promoters of many genes have the binding sites of NTF ?B.②It is indicated that the abnormal activation of NTF ?B plays an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.In recent years,many researches inhibiting its activation through different components of signaling pathways have been doing,which become very hot in anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatism treatment.③In recent years,people have been making great progress in the therapy of rheumatoid arthritis aiming at cytokine and its receptor,however,interfering NTF ?B to treat rheumatoid arthritis is still in study stage.CONCLUSION:NTF ?B target therapy provides a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis,which is a very exciting prospect indeed.

Objective To determine the three dimensional motion data of each segment of cervical vertebrae and analyze the characteristics of the intervertebral coupled motion during cervical axial rotation under physiological weight bearing. Methods A total of 16 healthy volunteers (ranging from 22 to 29, median age, 23 years) were recruited to our study. Any cervical spine disorder history, pain or other discomfort and malformations were excluded so as to avoid abnormal neck motion. These subjects underwent CT scans of their cervical segments in a supine position, and 3D models of C1-C7 were constructed. Next, each subject was asked to sit up straight and was positioned in the following sequence:maximal left and right twisting, while double oblique images by DFIS were taken simultaneously at each of the positions. Then, the CT models were matched to the osseous outlines of the images from the two oblique views to quantify the position of cervical vertebraes in 3D at each position. Through local coordinate systems at the center of vertebral bodies, changes of position and angle of each cephalad vertebrae relative to the cauddal one were calculated before and after the axial rotation. Results (1) In the axial rotation of the cervical spine, the contribution of C1/2 accounted for the most of the total cervical rotation range. For the lower levels, axial rotation was found to be maximal at C3/4 and C5/6, minimal at C2/3. (2) In cervical axial motion, C1/2 demonstrated a coupled lateral bending opposite to the axial rotation direction, while each segment of C2-7 demonstrated coupled lateral bending towards the same side of the axial rotation. Among these segments the lateral bending angle of C2/3 was smaller than angles of C3/4, C4/5 and C5/6. Conclusion This study investigated the cervical coupling behavior using the noninvasive 2D-3D matching technique and obtained the motion data at each cervical spinal segment. These findings will help to improve the understanding on physiological cervical spine movement and potential biomechanical mechanism and treatment of cervical spondylosis. Also our data may provide useful reference for the prosthesis design.

Objective:To construct recombinant lentiviral vectors harboring interference RNA ( RNAi ) targetting murine TNF-αgene,so as to lay the foundation on the RNAi gene therapy.Methods: Three small interfering RNA ( siRNA) sequences targeting murine TNF-αgene ( siRNA1,siRNA2,siRNA3) and negative-control siRNA were designed and synthesized.The inhibition effects of siRNAs on TNF-α,IL-1βand IL-6 secretion of LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages were observed using real-time PCR and ELISA methods.DNA oligo was designed and synthesized according to the most effective siRNA 2 sequence.The recombinant lentiviral shuttle plasmid expressing short hairpin RNA ( shRNA) was constructed and sequenced.The lentiviral shuttle plasmids with packaging plasmids were transfected into 293T cells to produce lentiviral particles.Results: ①The TNF-αmRNA relative expression levels of siRNA1, siRNA2 and siRNA3 were 0.24±0.01,0.16±0.02,0.19±0.01 respectively,significantly lower than that of negative control (0.95± 0.02) (F=531.3,P<0.001).The inhibition rates at mRNA level were 74.26%,83.09%,79.93%,respectively comparing with negative control.No significance was observed in IL-1βor IL-6 mRNA relative expression change after TNF-αsiRNA transfection ( P>0.05).②The TNF-αprotein expression levels of siRNA1,siRNA2 and siRNA3 were (23.95±1.21),(17.27±1.46),(19.07± 1.57)ng/ml respectively,significantly lower than that of negative control (35.37±2.93)ng/ml (F=18.1,P=0.000 6<0.001).The inhibition rates of protein expression were 32.29%, 51.16%, 46.08%, respectively comparing with negative control.③The PCR product electrophoresis showed that recombinant vectors yielded 343 bp fragments,non-constructed vectors yielded 306 bp fragments.DNA sequencing partially showed insertion sequence.④Lentiviral particles were obtained by transfecting 293T cells with recombinant lentiviral shuttle plasmids and lentiviral packaging plasmids.Cells grew well during virus production with strong fluorescence expression.The titer of concentrated virus was 2×106 TU/μl.Conclusion:The lentiviral vector harboring RNAi targeting murine TNF-αgene has been successfully constructed.

ObjectiveTo investigate the possible pathogenesis of EB virus (EBV) latent membrane protein 1 in inducing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsThe mRNA expression levels of LMP1 and apoptosis-related genes bcl-2,bax in SLE patients and healthy controls were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR).The serum BAFF levels of SLE patients and normal healthy controls were detected by ELISA.2 test was used for positive rate analysis,2-△△Ct method was used for comparing the gene expression level,and Student-Newman-Kqeuls method was used for pair-wise comparison between the means.Results① The positive rate of LMP1 expression in 67 SLE cases was 25％,which was significantly higher than the 11％ in 65 healthy controls (P＜0.05).② The 2-△Ct value of bcl-2 mRNA expression level of SLE patients was 0.0257,1.41 times to that (0.0183) of healthy controls and the difference was statistically significant.③ The 2-△Ct value of bcl-2 mRNA expression level of LMP1 positive SLE patients was 0.0427,1.98 times to that of LMP1 negative SLE patients (0.0217),the difference was statistically significant.④ The serum BAFF levels of LMP1 positive SLE patients,LMP1 negative SLE patients,LMP1 positive healthy controls and LMP 1 negative healthy controls were ( 106± 15 ),(82± 19),( 68±19),(64±17) μg/L,respectively.There were significant differences between serum BAFF levels of LMPl-positive SLE patients and other groups(P＜0.0l ).There were significant difference between serum BAFF levels of LMP1-negative SLE patients and the control groups (P＜0.01).ConclusionEBV may induce and/or promote SLE by LMP1 through apoptosis-related genes bcl-2 expression and induction of B lymphocytes that produce BAFF,all these mechanisms can prolong the infected auto-reactive B lymphocytes survival.

Objective To construct an efficient eukaryotic expression recombinant vector of human interleukin-1O(hIL-lO),and observe its expression in rabbit synoviocytes(RSCs).Methods Total RNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)of a patient with drug allergy.Specific Drimers for full-length open reading frames(ORFs)of hIL-10 were designed according to GeneBank(NM 000572).Withtotal RNA as the template,full-length ORFs of hIL-10 were amplified by reverse transcription Dolymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).RT-PCR products were digested by restrictive endonucleotidase.then inserted into plasmid pcDNA4/HisMaxA.Both restrictive endonucleotidase analysis and DNA sequencing Were carried out for inserts verification.RSCs were transfected with recombinant plasmid expression vector PcDNA4 HisMaxA-hiL10 by liposome-mediated gene transfer methods,then cultured in vitro.The supernatants were collected af-ter transfection for 12 hours,24 hours,48 hours,72 hours,7 days,14 days respectively for IL-10 measure-ment by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Results Full-length ORFs of hIL-1o(0.54 kb)had been successfully cloned from PBMCs through RT-PCR.The inserts and insert location of pcDNA4 HisMaxA were in a fight way verified by enzyme analysis and DNA sequencing.ELISA results showed that exogenous hIL-10 gene had expressed in the transfected RSCs from 12 hours to 7 days after transfection,and hIL-10level of transfection group significantly higher than that of the control group.Conclusion pcDNA4 HisMaxA-hiL10,the hIL-10 efficient eukaryotic expression vectors,has been suecessfully constructed.

Objective To investigate the effect of human hepatocyte growth factor (hHGF) genetic modification on the ameliorating effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) implantation on pulmonary microvascular rarefaction in a rat model of pulmonary hypertension (PH).Methods MSCs were obtained from F344 rats and transduced with lentiviral vector modified with human HGF (hHGF-MSCs) or empty vector (EGFP-MSCs).Sixty-six 7 week old male F344 rats weighing 180-250 g were used in this study.PH was induced by left pneumonectomy and subcutaneous monocrotaline (MCT) 60 mg/kg injected at 2 weeks after operation.The animals with PH were randomly divided into 3 groups:control group (group C),EGFP-MSCs group (group E) and HGF-MSCs group (group H).Groups H and E received hHGF-MSCs or EGFP-MSCs 5 × 105 in DMEM 1 ml iv at 3 weeks after subcutaneous MCT injection,while group C received plain DMEM 1 ml.Mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) was measured and right ventricular hypertrophy and angiogenesis in the lung were assessed and the content of rat HGF (rHGF) and hHGF protein in lung tissue and pulmonary capillary density (by immuno-histochemistry) was measured at 2 weeks after MSCs implantation.The survival rates within 45 days after MCT administration were compared among the 3 groups.Results No hHGF was detected in groups C and E.Both hHGF-MSCs and EGFP-MSCs significantly reduced MPAP and right ventricular hypertrophy and increased pulmonary capillary density and survival rates in groups H and E as compared with group C and the efficacy of hHGF-MSCs was significantly greater than that of EGFP-MSCs.Barium angiography revealed that distal pulmonary vasculature was significantly increased in group H as compared with groups E and C.The survival of the rats receiving hHGF-MSCs was significantly longer in group H than that in groups E and C.Conclusion hHGF genetic modification can improve the ameliorating effects of MSCs implantation on PH-related microvascular rarefaction.

Objective To investigate the effect of transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) genetically modified with human hepatocyte growth factor gene (hHGF) on angiogenesis in the rat lung.Methods Twenty F344 rats,aged 2 months,weighing 200-250 g,were randomly divided into 2 groups ( n =10 each):HGF group and control group (group C).MSCs genetically modified with hHGF was injected through the external jugular vein in group HGF.While the equal volume of DMEM culture medium (1 ml) was given instead in group C.The mean pulmonary artery pressure was detected at 28 days after transplantation.Then the rats were sacrificed and the lungs were removed for determination of the content of hHGF,expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (to reflect the degree of endothelial cell proliferation showed by the small pulmonary vessels) and Ⅷ factor (to reflect the density of the small pulmonary vessels),and microscopic examination.Results Compared with group C,no significant change was found in mean pulmonary artery pressure ( P ＞ 0.05),while the content of hHGF,degree of endothelial cell proliferation,and density of the small pulmonary vessels were significantly increased in group HGF ( P ＜ 0.01).No change was found in the structure of the small pulmonary vessels in group HGF.Conclusion Transplantation of MSCs genetically modified with hHGF can promote angiogenesis in the rat lung.

Objective To explore the protective effects of proanthocyanidins pretreatment on intestinal function after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Methods 24 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham group (group A, n=8), ischemia-reperfusion group (group B, n=8) and proanthocyanidins pretreatment group (group C, n=8). The model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats was established according to Longa's method. Group C was intraperitoneally injected with proanthocyanidins 10 mg/(kg ⋅ d), group A and group B were injected with normal saline for 5 consecutive days. 1 and 3 days after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, ileum myoelectric slow wave and smooth muscle contractility, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and content of malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured, the content of the serum TNF-α was tested with ELISA kit, ileum tissues were tested with hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining and used for measuring the moisture content. Results Compared with group B 1 and 3 days after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, the intestinal mucosa injury relieved, the intestinal mucosa score decreased (P<0.05) and the number of infiltrated inflammatory cell decreased in group C; the frequency of slow wave and contraction trended to increase (P>0.05), and the amplitude increased (P<0.05) in group C; the serum SOD activity increased (P<0.05), and the content of MDA and TNF-α decreased (P<0.01) in group C; the intestinal moisture content reduced (P<0.01) in group C. Conclusion Proanthocyanidins pretreatment can protect intestinal function from injury after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion.

Objective To analyze the effect of HIV/AIDS patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) for the first time in Jiangyin, and to provide a reference for further improvement of Jiangyin's AIDS antiretroviral treatment. Methods The historical cards and related information in the treatment management database of Jiangyin City's cases who received ART for the first time from 2005 to 2019 were collected and statistically analyzed. The changes in viral load and CD4+ T lymphocytes (CD4 cells) before and after treatment were compared. Results Among 652 patients receiving ART, 507 cases (77.76%) were successful in virological treatment. The median natural change rate of annual average CD4 cell count was 90.8 cells/μL/year (χ²=37.915, P<0.05; H=9.781, P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in virological treatment and immune recovery between different age groups (χ²=10.713, P<0.05; H =10.394, P<0.05) and different baseline CD4 count layers. The results showed that age and baseline CD4 value were the influencing factors of treatment effect. Conclusion Age and baseline CD4 value can affect the effect of ART treatment. The older the age and the lower the baseline CD4 value, the worse the virological efficacy and the recovery effect of CD4 cells. It is suggested that the infected patients should be involved in ART in time, which is conducive to shorten the time of initial treatment and further improve the effect of antiviral treatment.

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of Yifei Huatan decoction on relieving airway hyperviscosity in asthmatic rats with spleen deficiency syndrome and its mechanism. MethodFifty-five SPF level SD rats at 8-9 week of age were used to induce asthma with spleen deficiency syndrome by animal modeling of traditional Chinese medicine combined with asthma of western medicine. After successful modeling， the rats were divided into model group， dexamethasone group， low， medium， and high-dose Yifei Huatan decoction groups by random number table method， and 11 clean SD rats at 8-9 week of age were recorded as a normal group. Rats in the dexamethasone group were given 0.087 5 mg kg^-1 dexamethasone acetate by gavage. Rats in the low， medium， and high-dose Yifei Huatan decoction groups were given 0.8， 1.6， 3.2 g kg^-1 Yifei Huatan decoction liquid extract by gavage， respectively. Rats in the model group and the normal group were given 10 mL kg^-1 distilled water. The medicine were given once per day for 8 w， and the general situation of each group was observed. The levels of interleukin-4 （IL-4）， IL-13， and interferon-γ （IFN-γ） in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF） were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The pathological changes in lung tissues of rats were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Alcian blue-periodic acid Schiff （AB-PAS） staining was used to detect the hyperplasia of airway goblet cells and mucus secretion in rats. The mRNA expressions of transforming growth factor-β₁ （TGF-β₁）， Smad2， Smad3， mucin 5AC （MUC5AC）， and mucin 5B （MUC5B） in the lung tissues of rats were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. The protein expressions of TGF-β₁， Smad2， Smad3， MUC5AC， and MUC5B in the lung tissues of rats were detected by Western blot. ResultAs compared with the normal group， rats in the model group showed the symptoms of spleen deficiency syndrome， such as decreased body weight， muscle emaciation， decreased food intake， increased water intake， increased anal temperature， tiredness， and decreased swimming endurance， accompanied by dyspnea symptoms such as wheezing and nodding. As compared with the normal group， IL-4 and IL-13 levels in the BALF of the model group were significantly increased （P<0.01）， while the IFN-γ level was significantly decreased （P<0.01）. In the model group， a large number of inflammatory cells were observed in the mucosa and submucosa of the airway， and the smooth muscle of the trachea was significantly thickened. The hyperplasia， deformation， and exfoliation of various epithelial cells were observed in the mucosa， and the pathological scores of lung tissue increased significantly （P<0.01） in the model group. A large number of goblet cells were observed in the airway with the formation of plenty of mucous thrombus in the model group， and the positive relative staining area of airway， and mRNA and protein expressions of TGF-β₁， Smad2， Smad3， MUC5AC， and MUC5B were significantly increased （P<0.01）. As compared with the model group， IL-4 and IL-13 levels in BALF of the dexamethasone group and the Yifei Huatan decoction groups decreased， while the IFN-γ level increased. The inflammatory cell infiltration in airway mucosa and submucosa， the thickening of tracheal smooth muscle， the hyperplasia， deformation， and exfoliation of epithelial cells in mucosa were gradually decreased， and the pathological scores of lung tissues decreased significantly （P<0.01） in the dexamethasone group and the Yifei Huatan decoction groups. Goblet cell proliferation gradually decreased， and the positive relative staining area of airway， and mRNA and protein relative expressions of TGF-β₁， Smad2， Smad3， MUC5AC， and MUC5B decreased with statistically significant difference （P<0.05， P<0.01）. There was no significant difference in the above indexes in the dexamethasone group and the Yifei Huatan decoction low-dose group. The above indexes were dose-dependent in the low， medium， and high-dose Yifei Huatan decoction groups. ConclusionYifei Huatan decoction reduces airway hyperviscosity in asthmatic rats with spleen deficiency syndrome， which may be related to the inhibition of TGF-β₁， Smad2， Smad3， MUC5AC， and MUC5B expressions， down-regulation of IL-4 and IL-13 levels， and up-regulation of IFN-γ level.