AIM: To study the preventive effect of fibronectin on hepatic failure induced by endotoxin in mice.METHODS: The survival rate was observed in endotoxemia mice injected with fibronectin from human plasma. The tissue damage and expression of TNF?, IL-1?, IL-6 mRNA in hepatocyte were detected by the methods of histology, ultrastructure, DNA fragementation and RT-PCR. RESULTS: ①Fibronectin obviously reduced the mortality of endotoxemia mice sensitized by D-galactosamine(GalN). ②Histopathology showed that less necrosis occurred on the hepatocyte of endotoxemia mice injected with fibronectin, compared with saline control. ③Ultrastructure and DNA fragmentation showed fibronectin suppressed hepatocyte apoptosis induced by LPS. ④Fibronectin down-regulated the overexpression of TNF?, IL-1?, IL-6 mRNA on hepatocyte induced by LPS. CONCLUSION: Fibronectin supports endotoxemia mice surrival by down-regulating the expression of TNF?, IL-?, IL-6, it may be a potent therapy for endotoxemia.

AIM: To explore the existence of deficiency of TGF-?_1 in leukemia cells and its possible mechanism in the pathogenesis of leukemia. METHODS: The levels of TGF-?_1 were detected by ELISA in the cultured supernatant of leukemia cell lines and primary cells from patients with acute leukemia. TGF-?_1 gene was transduced into HL-60 cells by lipofectin-mediated DNA transfection. In the presence of G418, the HL-60 clone expressing TGF-?_1 was selected. The effects of exogenous TGF-?_1 gene on the proliferation and apoptosis of HL-60 cells were studied by leukemic colony assay, tumorigenicity in athymic nude mice, DNA fragmentation and cell cycle analysis. The expression of intrinsic TGF-?_1, [STBX]bcl-2 oncogene, hTERT mRNA on the apoptosis of HL-60 cells induced by exogenous TGF-?_1 gene were detected by RT-PCR. RESULTS: The levels of TGF-?_1 were obviously lower in the supernatant of leukemia cell lines and primary cells from patients with acute leukemia, as compared with normal controls (P

Aim To study the effects of Triptolide (TPL) on HL-60 cells in vitro and in vivo.Methods MTT was used to examine the effects of TPL on proliferation of HL-60 cells;TUNEL assay was used to detect apoptotic cells.The effect of TPL on xenograft growth of HL-60 cells was evaluated by tumor inhibition rate.Results In vitro TPL inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis of HL-60 cells in a dose-dependent manner.In vivo TPL inhibited xenograft growth of HL-60 cells with the highest inhibition rate of 53.5%.Conclusion TPL is able to inhibit the proliferation of HL-60 cells and induce apoptosis of HL-60 cells in vitro and in vivo.

AIM: To study the effect of TGF-? 1 and TN F-? antisense PS-ODNS on ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell s (HSPC). METHODS: CD 34 + cells were purified from fres h umbilical cord blood by immunomagnetic beads, and mononuclear cells were purifi ed from bone marrow by Ficoll-hypaque . The effects of TGF-? 1 and /or TNF-? an tisense PS-ODNS on ex vivo expansion of CD 34 + cells、CFU-GEMM、CFU-G M、CFU-E and BFU-E were detected by using liquid and semi-solid culture systems . RESULTS: TGF-? 1 antisense PS-ODNS cooperated with cytokines increased the number of CD 34 + cells,CFU-GEMM,CFU-GM,CFU-E and BFU-E , which was as 4,2.6,2.7,1.8,2.1 times as that of the control (the cytokine s combination), respectively. TNF-? antisense PS-ODNS cooperated with cytokines respectively increased the number of CD 34 + cells, CFU-GEMM, CFU-GM, CF U-E and BFU-E by 4, 2 9, 2 6, 1 7, 1 8 times as that of the control. The ab ove two antisense PS-ODNS cooperated with cytokines could respectively increased the number of CD 34 + cells, CFU-GEMM, CFU-GM, CFU-E and BFU-E by 5 3,2 1, 2 7, 1 9, 1 8 times as that of the control. CONCLUSION: I nhibition of endogenous TGF-? 1 and TNF-? by antisense PS-ODNS will be one of the effective methods to expand HSPC ex vivo.

AIM: To study the expression of cytokines and their receptors in leukemia cell lines and normal blood cells. METHODS: RT-PCR was used to detect expression of mRNA for cytokines in leukemia cell lines(HL-60,U937,K562,HEL,DAMI,MEG-01,HUT78 and CA) and normal blood cells, including CD34 + cells, megakaryocytes,platelets, peripheral mononucleates cells and granulocytes. RESULTS: ①CD34 + cells simultaneously expressed mRNA for IL-1(?,?),IL-3, IL-6 , G-CSF, GM-CSF and their receptors and SCFR,MPL as well. The granulocytes only expressed IL-6,IL-6R,G-CSFR,GM-CSF. Megakaryocytes and platelets only expressed IL-3R,IL-6,IL-6R,MPL.Interestingly, TGF? 1 ,TNF? and their receptors sustained to express in normal cells.②Most leukemia cell lines were found to simultaneously express at least two or more stimulating cytokines and receptors ,while TGF? 1 , TNF? and their receptors were expressed in all the leukemia cell lines we observed. CONCLUSIONS: ①Multi-autocrine loops exist in leukemia cells;②Imbalance of autocrine loops of positive and negative cytokines may be related to leukemia.

OBJECTIVETo test whether the diphtheria toxin A (DT-A) chain coding sequence linked to murine immunoglobulin Kappa light chain (IgKappa) promoter and enhancer have selective cytocidal effects on IgKappa producing cells.

METHODSThe diphtheria toxin A gene or beta galactosidase (beta-gal) gene were linked to a murine IgKappa promoter and enhancer to construct pcDNA3IgKappaDTA or pcDNA3IgKappaLacZ plasmids. These plasmids were transfected into IgKappa producing or non-producing cells by the liposome coated DNA method. Expression of beta-gal activity and effects on cell growth of transfected cells were assessed.

RESULTSThe beta-gal gene, under the control of cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter, can express in all cell lines. Expression of beta-gal under the control of the IgKappa promoter was detected only in the IgKappa producing cell line, CA46. Expression of beta-gal was greatly suppressed when cotransfected with pcDNA3IgKappaDTA in CA46 cells. Cell growth of CA46 cells transfected with pcDNA3IgKappaDTA plasmid was significantly inhibited compared with CA46 cells transfected with pcDNA3IgKappaLacZ.

CONCLUSIONSelective killing of IgKappa producing cells can be attained by introducing the diphtheria toxin A gene under the control of IgKappa promoter and enhancer.

Diphtheria Toxin ; genetics ; Enhancer Elements, Genetic ; Genes, Immunoglobulin ; Genetic Therapy ; methods ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains ; genetics ; Neoplasms ; therapy ; Peptide Fragments ; genetics ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Objective To analyze the possibility of using TCR Vβsubfamily as the diagnostic in-dicators for major histocompatibility complex( MHC) deficiency-induced graft-versus-host disease( GVHD) . Methods The BALB/c mice were given 9.5 Gy (950 rad) of irradiation and transplanted with 106 of T-cell depleted (TCD) bone marrow cells from C57BL/6 and DBA/2 mice with MHC Ⅱ deficiency.Two control groups were set up accordingly by injection of TCD bone marrow cells from wild type ( WT) C57BL/6 and DBA/2 mice.Several parameters including the body weight, the GVHD clinical score and the survival time of the recipients were monitored.Flow cytometry analysis and mixed lymphocyte culture test were performed for the evaluation of autoimmune responses.Histological examination was used to analyze the severity of GVHD.Results The MHC deficiency-induced GVHD was successfully induced in the irradiated BALB/c mice receiving MHC mismatched allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation ( allo-HCT ) . The MHC matched DBA/2 mice with MHC deficiency could be used as the mice model of subclinical GVHD.Changes of the TCR Vβ6 were consistent with the results of histopathological examination.Conclusion Highly ex-pressed TCR Vβ6 could be used as indicators for the diagnosis of MHC deficiency-induced subclinical GVHD.

OBJECTIVETo study the anticancer activities of curcumin on human Burkitt's lymphoma and their molecular mechanism.

METHODSThe effect of curcumin on the growth of CA46 cells and apoptosis were studied through Trypan blue exclusion, MTT assay, cell cycle, DNA fragmentation analysis and detection of TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). The effect of curcumin on the expression of c-myc, bcl-2, mutant-type p53 and Fas protein and mRNA was studied by flow cytometry (FCM) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS1. Curcumin inhibited proliferation of CA46 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner, 2. CA46 cells treated with curcumin showed G(0)/G(1) or G(2)/M phase increase and S phase decrease, 3. CA46 cells apoptosis induced by curcumin was confirmed by DNA fragmentation and TUNEL and 4. The expression of c-myc, bcl-2, mutant-type p53 protein and mRNA was decreased sharply in CA46 cells treated with curcumin, while Fas protein and mRNA was increased.

CONCLUSIONCurcumin is able to inhibit the proliferation of CA46 cells and induce the cell apoptosis by down-regulating the expression of c-myc, bcl-2, mutant-type p53 and up-regulating the expression of Fas.

Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; Burkitt Lymphoma ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cell Division ; drug effects ; Curcumin ; pharmacology ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; Humans ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Tumor Cells, Cultured ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; fas Receptor ; biosynthesis ; genetics

To express and identify fibronectin C-terminal heparin-binding domain (FNCH BD) polypeptides in Pichia pastoris expression system and study its function, the fragment of FNCHBD was amplified by PCR and inserted into pGEM-T vector. After sequenced, the fragment was inserted into pAo815SM vector, and then cloned into the expression vector pPIC9k. The recombinant plasmid was linerarized with restrict enzyme Sal I and transferred into the yeast host cell KM71 and GS115. The positive yeast clone was screened by G418 resistant, and the target protein was induced to express in the medium containing 0.5% methanol. The culture supernatant was collected and then was purified with membrane ultrafiltration and ion exchange chromatography. The purified product was analyzed with mass spectrogram, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting and heparin affinity chromatography. The results showed that the target protein was around 32 kDa and the purity of the product was above 95%. FNCHBD could be specifically recognized by fibronectin polyclonal antibody. These results suggest that FNCHBD could be expressed and purified successfully in Pichia pastoris, which provides a good strategy to further studies.
Fibronectins ; biosynthesis ; chemistry ; genetics ; Genetic Vectors ; Heparin ; metabolism ; Peptides ; genetics ; metabolism ; Pichia ; genetics ; metabolism ; Protein Binding ; Protein Structure, Tertiary ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; chemistry ; genetics

Objective:To study the effect of ZhuJing pill variant formula medicated serum on hydrogen peroxide (H 2O 2)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of human retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE-19) cells and its mechanism. Methods:Thirty female SPF grade SD rats aged 2 months old were selected.The rats were randomized into blank control group and Zhujing pill variant formula group according to random number table method, with 15 in each group, which were intragastrically administered with normal saline and ZhuJing pill variant formula solution for 7 days accordingly to prepare blank control serum and medicated serum.ZhuJing pill variant formula medicated serum was prepared with SD rats.ARPE-19 cells were divided into normal control group, model control group, blank serum group as well as 2.5%, 5.0% and 10.0% medicated serum groups, SB216763 group and SB216763+ medicated serum group.Normal and blank control groups were cultured in normal culture medium, while the other six groups were cultured in blank rat serum medium, medicated serum medium of corresponding concentration, 10 μmol/L SB216763 medium and 10 μmol/L SB216763+ 10.0% medicated serum medium, respectively.Normal control group was routinely cultured, while the other groups were routinely cultured for 24 hours, and then added with H 2O 2 with the final concentration of 200 μmol/L for 24 hours.Cell viability was assessed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and cell migration ability was detected by Transwell assay.Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was detected by dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) assay, and MDA level was identified by sulfhydryl barbituric acid assay.The expression levels of Nrf2 pathway related proteins including nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1) and EMT-related proteins including transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2), protein kinase B (AKT), glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), snail family zinc finger 1 (SNAIL1), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin) in cells were measured by western blot assay.The use and care of animals complied with Regulations for the Administration of Affairs Concerning Experimental Animals. Results:There was no significant difference in cell survival rate among blank serum group, 2.5%, 5.0% and 10.0% medicated serum groups ( F=0.163, P>0.05). The cell survival rates were (100.50±5.91)%, (60.87±4.30)%, (73.27±4.46)%, (80.73±5.67)% and (89.90±4.97)% in normal control group, model control group, 2.5%, 5.0% and 10.0% medicated serum groups, and the number of migrating cells was (84.67±8.33), (222.33±13.58), (215.67±10.02), (174.67±10.60), (143.67±8.02) and (107.67±6.66) pcs/visual field in normal control group, model control group, blank serum group, 2.5%, 5.0% and 10.0% medicated serum groups, respectively, with significant differences among the groups ( F=26.628, 99.289; both at P<0.01). The contents of ROS and MDA in model control group were significantly increased in comparison with normal control group (both at P<0.01). The contents of ROS and MDA of 2.5%, 5.0% and 10.0% medicated serum groups were significantly decreased in comparison with model control group (all at P<0.01). The relative expression levels of SNAIL1, α-SMA, TGF-β2, p-AKT and p-GSK-3β proteins were significantly higher and the relative expression level of E-cadherin protein was significantly lower in model control group compared with normal control group, 2.5%, 5.0% and 10.0% medicated serum groups (all at P<0.05). Compared with normal control group, the relative expression level of cytoplasmic Nrf2 in model control group was decreased, while the relative expression levels of nuclear Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO-1 were increased, and the differences were statistically significant (all at P<0.05). Compared with model control group, the relative expression levels of cytoplasmic Nrf2 in 2.5%, 5.0% and 10.0% medicated serum groups were reduced, and the relative expression levels of nuclear Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO-1 were enhanced, and the differences were statistically significant (all at P<0.01). Compared with model control group, the relative expression level of cytoplasmic Nrf2 in SB216763 group was decreased, and the relative expression level of nuclear Nrf2 was increased, and the differences were statistically significant (both at P<0.05). Compared with SB216763 group, the relative expression levels of cytoplasmic Nrf2, SNAIL1 and α-SMA in SB216763+ medicated serum group were decreased, and the relative expression levels of nuclear Nrf2 and E-cadherin protein were increased, and the differences were statistically significant (both at P<0.05). Conclusions:ZhuJing pill variant formula medicated serum can inhibit H 2O 2-induced EMT in ARPE-19 cells.The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of AKT/GSK-3β pathway and the activation of Nrf2 signaling pathway.