Objective To investigate the regulatory role of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) on acute lung injury (ALI), and its molecular mechanism. Methods Twenty C57BL/6 male mice and 20 PD-L1 knock out male mice were collected, and they were divided into two groups by random number table, respectively: namely sham group and ALI group, 10 mice in each group. The model of ALI was reproduced by two-hit of hemorrhagic shock and sepsis, and the mice in sham group were only got bilateral femoral artery exposure and ligation without bleeding, cecal separation without ligation and perforation. The mice were sacrificed 24 hours after model reproduction, and the lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were collected. The mRNA and protein expression levels of PD-L1 in the lungs were determined by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western Blot. The pathological changes were observed with microscopy. The protein levels in BALF were determined. The granulocyte differentiation antigen 1 (Gr1) positive cells was determined by cytometry, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in lung tissue was determined. The levels of proinflammatory factors interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and chemotatic factors keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC), macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) in lung homogenates and BALF were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Compared with sham group, the mRNA and protein levels of PD-L1 in lung tissue of C57BL/6 mice in ALI group were significantly elevated [PD-L1 mRNA (2-ΔΔCt): 3.20±0.76 vs. 1.01±0.03, PD-L1 protein (A value): 0.98±0.16 vs. 0.15±0.04, both P < 0.05]. It was shown by light microscopy that the alveolar wall was thickened, congestive, edema and spot bleeding with a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration in the lung tissue of C57BL/6 mice in ALI group, and an obvious protein leakage was found in BALF (ng/L: 0.18±0.06 vs. 0.05±0.01, P < 0.05). The lung injury degree of PD-L1 knockout ALI mice was significantly less than that of C57BL/6 ALI mice, and the protein leakage was significantly reduced in BALF (ng/L: 0.11±0.02 vs. 0.18±0.06, P < 0.05). Compared with corresponding sham group, the number of Gr1 positive cells, MPO activity in lung tissue as well as the levels proinflammatory factors and chemotatic factors in lung tissue and BALF in ALI group were significantly increased. However, when compared with C57BL/6 ALI mice, above parameters in lung homogenates and BALF were significantly decreased in PD-L1 knockout ALI mice [number of Gr1 positive cells: (39.0±4.0)% vs. (45.0±8.0)%, MPO activity (U·μg-1·min-1): 2.85±0.62 vs. 4.52±1.16; lung IL-6 (ng/g): 461±111 vs. 728±28, TNF-α (ng/g): 1 123±175 vs. 1 500±327, KC (ng/g): 150±34 vs. 250±28, MIP-2 (ng/g): 1 263±468 vs. 1 763±323; BALF IL-6 (ng/L): 134±22 vs. 258±38, TNF-α (ng/L): 598±102 vs. 889±139, KC (ng/L): 934±286 vs. 1 258±336, MIP-2 (ng/L): 650±130 vs. 950±256; all P < 0.05]. Conclusion PD-L1 may play an important protective role in the immunological mechanism of ALI, which may be mediated by decreasing chemotactic factor KC and MIP-2 and mitigating neutrophil chemotaxis in lung tissue.

OBJECTIVETo investigate and research the appraisal scores of the symptoms and physical signs index for the evaluation of the clinical efficacy of acupuncture and manipulative regulation of knee muscle balance for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, and provide clinical basis for the treatment.

METHODSFrom January 2008 to December 2009, 121 patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomly divided into two groups. In the treatment group there were 63 cases of 83 knees including 16 males and 47 females, with an average age of (59.88 +/- 7.97) years; in the control group there were 58 cases of 73 knees including 13 males and 45 females, with an average age of (57.95 +/- 10.37) years. The patients in the treatment group were treated with acupuncture plus manipulative regulation of knee muscle balance, and the patients in the control group were treated with Diclofenac Sodium Sustained Release Tablets. The appraisal scores of the symptoms and physical signs index, numerical rating scale of pain, joint function, joint swelling were evaluated before and after the treatment, as well as 3 months after the treatment. All data were statistical analyzed by package SPSS 10.0.

RESULTS1) In the treatment group, before and after treatment the appraisal scores of the symptoms and physical signs index were (39.81 +/- 3.92) and (9.69 +/- 8.08); numerical rating scale of pain were (7.61 +/- 0.97) and (2.17 +/- 2.09); joint function were (1.47 +/- 0.50) and (0.61 +/- 0.58); joint swelling were (1.23 +/- 0.79) and (0.42 +/- 0.52). As well in the control group, above data were (39.89 +/- 3.78), (13.62 +/- 7.83), (7.55 +/- 0.71), (3.34 +/- 2.32), (1.33 +/- 0.47), (0.93 +/- 0.67), an (0.97 +/- 0.88), (0.58 +/- 0.52) respectively. Both group had obvious differences in the appraisal scores of the symptoms and physical signs index, numerical rating scale of pain, joint function, joint swelling between after and before treatment. The comparison between the two groups suggested that after the treatments the treatment group had better therapy effect than those of the control group in the appraisal scores of the symptoms and physical signs index, numerical rating scale of pain, joint function, but both group had no differences in the appraisal scores of joint swelling. 2) After the treatment, 12 patients in the treatment group were clinically cured, 48 had remarkable effects,19 good, and 4 ineffective. As well in the control group, above data were 5, 31, 34 and 3 respectively. Three months after the treatment, above data were 8, 42, 27 and 6 respectively in the treatment group. In the control group, above data were 5, 21, 37 and 10 respectively. The treatment group was superior to the control group after the treatments and 3 months after the treatment.

CONCLUSIONAcupuncture plus manipulative regulation of knee muscle balance can effectively improve the clinical symptoms and knee joint's motor function of patients with knee osteoarthritis, and can avoid the further development of disease. It is a proved effective method for knee osteoarthritis.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Aged ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Manipulation, Orthopedic ; methods ; Middle Aged ; Osteoarthritis, Knee ; physiopathology ; therapy

To investigate the relationship between HLA-DQB1* alleles and major beta-thalassemia, the HLA-DQB1* loci typing was performed with polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primer (PCR-SSP) in 42 unrelated (unconsanguineous) patients with major beta-thalassemia and 45 normal control individuals in Guangdong Province. Results showed that the frequency of HLA-DQB1*06 allele in patient group (19.0%) was higher than that in the control group (4.4%) kappa(2) = 8.961, p < 0.01). Our data suggests that HLA-DQB1*06 allele is associated with pathogenesis of the major beta-thalassemia in Guangdong area.
Alleles ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; HLA-DQ Antigens ; genetics ; HLA-DQ beta-Chains ; Humans ; Male ; beta-Thalassemia ; genetics

OBJECTIVEBone-marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) have the potential to differentiate into endothelial cells. The aim of the study was to investigate the induction process of BMSC by B16 melanoma cells in vitro and to analyze the role of VEGF-a in the process.

METHODSA co-culture system containing BMSC and B16 melanoma cells based on transwell indirect model was established, and the induction process of BMSC by B16 melanoma cells was studied in vitro.

RESULTSBMSC were isolated from the bone marrow of C57 mice. BMSC expressed CD105, CD90, CD73, CD44 and CD166, and acquired expressin of endothelial phenotype markers including VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2 and Factor VIII after co-culture with B16 melanoma cells for 48 hours. The expression level of VEGFR-2 would be double and Factor VIII threefold more by extending the co-culture time to 72 hours. In the co-culture system, B16 melanoma cells also up-regulated the expression of VEGF-a.

CONCLUSIONSVEGF-a plays a significant role in the differentiation of BMSC into cells of endothelial phenotype, therefore, is important to tumor angiogenesis.

Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Coculture Techniques ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Factor VIII ; metabolism ; Male ; Melanoma, Experimental ; metabolism ; pathology ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Pilot Projects ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 ; metabolism

Objective Analyze the relationship between the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α( HIF-1α)and epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR) and CD105 micro vessel density (MVD) and their value in evaluating biologic behavior and prognosis in laryngeal cancer. Methods Ninty-one cases of laryngeal cancer were analyzed about their clinical and pathology data. In tumor tissue the expression of HIF-1α and EGFR was detected by immunohistochemistry and MVD was marked by CD105. Results The expression of HIF-1α was correlated with size, TNM stage, T stage, lymph node metastasis and histological grade( all P < 0. 05). The expression of EGFR was correlated with TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, histological grade and relapse(all P <0. 05). MVD was correlated with type, TNM stage, T stage, lymph node metastasis, metastasis and histological grade ( all P < 0. 05 ). The expression of HIF-1α and EGFR was correlated with MVD ( F value was 7. 644 and 5. 197 respectively, P value was 0. 001and 0. 025 respectively). The correlation between the expression of HIF-1α and EGFR was significant statistically( r = 0.238,P= 0.007). The survival rate of patients of 3 years and 5 years were 56.1% and 44.2% respectively. Survival analysis by Log Rank showed that prognosis of laryngeal cancer patients was correlated with type, TNM stage and the expression of both HIF-1αand EGFR. While Cox multiple factors analysis demonstrated that TNM stage and expression of EGFR were independent prognostic factor of laryngeal cancer. (P value was 0. 049 and 0. 041 respectively,RR was 1. 300 and 2. 417 respectively). Conclusions HIF-1α and EGFR are key molecular event during development and progression of laryngeal cancer, which act in regulating tumor angiogenesis as well, and show intimate relationship with biological behavior and prognosis of laryngeal cancer.

OBJECTIVETo study the inhibitory effects of celecoxib, a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, on the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

METHODSThe in vitro inhibitory effects of celecoxib at different concentrations and for different treatment time lengths on human liver cancer cell line SMMC-7,721 were observed with MTT assay, and flow cytometry was performed to detect the cell cycle changes. The in vivo tumor inhibition effect of celecoxib was evaluated in Kunming mice bearing transplanted tumor derived from liver cancer cell line H22 transplantation.

RESULTCelecoxib significantly inhibited the in vitro growth of human liver cancer cell line SMMC-7721 in a time- and dose-dependent manner. A 36-hour celecoxib treatment (40 micromol/L) resulted in decreased SMMC-7721 cell proliferation and an increase of the cell percentage in G1 phase from 44.7% to 49.9% with decreased cell percentage in S and G(2)/M phases from 55.4% to 50.1%. In the mice bearing H22 transplanted tumor, celecoxib showed significant inhibitory effect on the growth and local metastasis of the transplanted tumor.

CONCLUSIONCelecoxib can inhibit the proliferation of different liver cancer cell lines both in vitro and in vivo, and therefore may serve as an important candidate drug for prevention and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Animals ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Celecoxib ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Mice ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; Pyrazoles ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Sulfonamides ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use

BACKGROUNDMutation and expression change of p21WAF1/CIP1 may play a role in the growth of osteosarcoma. This study was to investigate the expression of the p21WAF1/CIP1 gene in human osteosarcoma, p21WAF1/CIP1 gene DNA sequence change and their relationships with the phenotype and clinical prognosis.

METHODSp21WAF1/CIP1 gene in 10 normal people and the tumours of 45 osteosarcoma patients were examined using polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) with silver staining. The PCR product with an abnormal strand was sequenced directly. The p21WAF1/CIP1 gene mRNA and P21 protein of 45 cases of osteosarcoma were investigated by using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, respectively.

RESULTSThe occurrence of P21 protein in osteosarcoma was 17.78% (8/45), and p21WAF1/CIP1 mRNA expression in osteosarcoma was 42.22% (19/45). The p21WAF1/CIP1 gene DNA sequencing of amplified production showed that in p21WAF1/CIP1 gene exon 3 of 36 cases of human osteosarcoma, there were 17 cases (47.22%) with C-->T at position 609; 10 normal blood samples' DNA sequence analysis yielded 8 cases (80.00%) with C-->T at the same position.

CONCLUSIONSAlong with the increase of malignancy, the expression of p21WAF1/CIP1mRNA and P21 protein in osteosarcoma tends to decrease. It is uncommon for the p21WAF1/CIP1 gene mutation to occur in human osteosarcoma. As a result, the possible existence of tumour subtypes of p21WAF1/CIP1 gene mutation should be investigated. Our research leads to the location of p21WAF1/CIP1 gene polymorphism of Chinese osteosarcoma patients, which can provide a basis for further research.

Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21 ; Cyclins ; genetics ; Humans ; Osteosarcoma ; genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Single-Stranded Conformational ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of endoscopic resection and traditional procedure in the management of sinonasal inverted papilloma with a staging system based on endoscopic examination of the nasal cavity and computed tomography (CT) scan evaluation.

METHODSTwo hundred and twenty-two patients with sinonasal inverted papilloma treated surgically were retrospectively reviewed. There were 23 cases in stage I; 119 cases in stage II; 65 cases in stage III and 15 cases in stage IV. Among these patients, 122 cases were treated endoscopically; 100 cases were treated by traditional surgical techniques, including 56 cases with lateral rhinotomy; 27 cases with intranasal approach and 15 cases with Caldwell-Luc technique.

RESULTSThe inverted papilloma was removed completely and no serious complications were encountered by all four kinds of techniques used. With an average follow-up of 3. 8 years, the recurrence rate for endoscopic group was 14.8% (18/122, four patients were in group I; nine in group II; four in group III; and one patient in group IV. No recurrence was found in group III who underwent endoscopic excision combined with Caldwell-Luc procedure. The recurrence rate for lateral rhinotomy group was 33. 9% (19/56, one patients in group I; six in group II; nine in group III; three in group IV). The recurrence rate for intranasal approach group was 51.9% (14/27, two patients were in group I; ten in group II; and two in group III). The recurrence rate for Caldwell-Luc procedure group was 29.4% (5/17, all in group II and group III). Regardless of approaches, patients who had primary resection had a recurrence of 26. 8%, whereas those with secondary resection had a recurrence of 20. 9% (P = 0.39).

CONCLUSIONSThe endoscopic surgical technique was proved to be a better method for treating sinonasal inverted papilloma in stage I and stage II. Better results for patients in stage III would be achieved by combining endoscopic technique with Caldwell-Luc procedure. As to patients with stage IV, radical external approaches should be considered.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Endoscopy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures ; Papilloma, Inverted ; surgery ; Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore the association between the genetic polymorphisms of mannose-binding protein (MBP) alleles and susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis.

METHODS125 pulmonary tuberculosis cases and 198 healthy controls were collected. A case-control study was conducted. Three structural gene mutations in exon 1 of MBP gene (codon 52, codon 54 and codon 57) were studied. Polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) was carried out in the polymorphism in MBP alleles. Information on related risk factors of tuberculosis was collected, using a pre-tested questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate logistic analyses were conducted with SPSS software package.

RESULTSThe frequencies of mutant heterozygote or homozygote of MBP-52, 54, 57 were 8.0%, 7.2% and 0.4% for cases and 5.3%, 4.3%, 0.5% for controls, respectively. The distribution of mutant genotypes of MBP did not show significant difference between tuberculosis patients and control by Mantel-Haenszel chi2 on sex. The univariate analysis demonstrated that body mass index, marital status, vaccinal vestige, bacillus of Calmette-Guerin vaccine immunization, contacted with pulmonary tuberculosis patients, familial traits were the risk factors of pulmonary tuberculosis. After adjusting those related environmental factors in the multivariate logistic analyses, the total MBP (MBP-52, MBP-54 and MBP-57) and MBP-52 heterozygote genotypes were significantly overrepresented in cases, with adjusted OR (95% CI) being 2.182 (1.058-4.499) and 2.574 (1.028-6.446).

CONCLUSIONTotal MBP and MBP-52 mutant genotypes might be associated with the susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis.

Case-Control Studies ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Humans ; Mannose-Binding Lectin ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the efficacy of nitric oxide (NO) inhalation on lung function and modulation of inflammation in ventilated premature piglets.

METHODSPremature piglets were obtained at gestation of 101-103 days (89% of full term) with a mean body weight of 870 g. All animals were subjected to mechanical ventilation (PEEP 4-6 cmH2O, Vt 6-8 mL/kg, RR 40-60/min) and randomized into 4 group (n=8 each): Ventilation control, NO inhalation (5-10 ppm), Surfactant (100 mg/kg) or NO plus surfactant. Before and during the ventilation blood gas and lung mechanics were monitored. At the end of the experiment, the lung samples were taken for measuring the NF-kappaB activity, wet/dry weight ratio and histopathology, and the results were compared with those from 10 non-ventilated premature piglets.

RESULTSThe oxygenation index was significantly lower in the NO+surfactant-treated group compared with that of the Control group (2.3 +/- 1.9 vs 9.5 +/- 7.5, P < 0.05). The alveolar aeration in the lungs was similar among the treatment groups. Both NO and NO+surfactant treatments significantly improved the ventilation index. The NO-treated and the Non-ventilated groups had a significantly lower NF-kappaB activity and wet/dry lung weight ratio compared with the Control group. Neither methemoglobin and NO2 levels nor inflammatory lung injury was significantly increased in the NO and combined with surfactant-treated groups.

CONCLUSIONSEarly treatment with NO alone or combined with surfactant can improve oxygenation and ventilation efficacy without obvious adverse effects on immature lungs of premature piglets. The beneficial effects of NO may be due to the suppression of NF-kappaB activity.

Administration, Inhalation ; Animals ; Lung ; drug effects ; pathology ; physiology ; NF-kappa B ; metabolism ; Nitric Oxide ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Premature Birth ; physiopathology ; Pulmonary Surfactants ; pharmacology ; Respiration, Artificial ; Swine