Antigens ; analysis ; Microarray Analysis ; methods ; Quantum Dots ; Semiconductors

Objective To evaluate the respiratory mechanics and inflammatory status in elderly patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD).Methods The arterial blood gases (ABGs),respiratory drive and its derivatives,mechanics of respiratory muscles,resistance and compliance of airway,interleukin-8 (IL-8)and interferon-?(IFN-?)were measured in 42 cases withstable COPD and 40 subjects of normal control.Results The elderly patients with stable COPD had great changes in the following parameters while compared with the control group:peak inspiratory pressure(PIMAX) [(4.48?2.11)vs(6.10?2.91)kPa],maximum expiratory pressure (PEMAX)[(6.30?3.20)vs(9.15?93.30)kPa],0.1s mouth occlusion pressure(P_(0.1)) with its correction index,airway resistance,compliance,ABGs,the levels of IL-8[(218.46?91.14) vs (161.84?14.40)ng/L]and IFN-?[(2435.82?639.92)vs(1652.40?95.08)ng/L],which might aggravate the progress of COPD consistently.Conclusions The elderly patiends with stable COPD has marked changes in respiratory drive,airway resistance,and airway compliance,respiratory mechanic and inflammatory status.The intervention should be performed in the elderly stable COPD patients.

AIM: To investigate the sensibility of pattern visual evoked potential (P-VEP) on the diagnosis of glaucoma in different temporal frequency.METHODS: The P-VEP were recorded in 51 eyes of 30 primary glaucoma (PG) patients, 16 eyes of 13 ocular hypertension (OHT) patients and 46 eyes of 23 age-equivalent normal people using an array of different temporal frequency and then the patients were compared respectively with the normal group.RESULTS: The P100 wave amplitude in OHT group was significantly lowered at 8Hz, and was lowered at all temporal frequency in PG group, especially when the temporal frequency was higher.CONCLUSION: The P-VEP can be abnormal when the PG is still in its early stage, so it can be an index of early diagnosis and this is more obvious when the temporal frequency is higher, especially at 8Hz.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of Lianhua Dingchuan Tablets in bronchial asthma.Methods Fifty BALB/C mice were randomly and equally divided into control (Con) group,ovalbumin (OVA) group,dexamethasone (DEX) group,high-dose Lianhua group,low-dose Lianhua group.The mice were sensitized and challenged with OVA plus aluminium hydroxide to establish asthmatic model and were pre-treated 30 minutes before challenge.Specific airway resistance (sRaw) was used to evaluate airway hyperresponsiveness,and airway inflammatory changes were measured.ELISA and Magnetic Luminex(R) were used to quantified the levels of IL-4,IL-13 and INF-γ.Results Airway resistance significantly decreased in DEX group and High-dose Lianhua group (P＜0.05).Levels of inflammatory cells and IL-13 in BALF evidently reduced in DEX group,high-dose Lianhua group and low-dose Lianhua group (P ＜ 0.05),while IL-13 level in serum only decreased in DEX group.There was no significant changes in the levels of IL 4 and INF γ among those groups.Conclusions Lianhua Dingchuan Tablets might relieve the symptoms of asthma by reducing IL-13 level and inhibiting the airway inflammation.

AIM: To test the ability of multifocal visual evoked potential (mfVEP) in the detecting of glaucoma by comparing the mfVEP recorded from normal subjects and glaucoma patients.METHODS: The mfVEP of 32 normal eyes (n =21) and of 58 eyes (n =37) with primary glaucoma were recorded with the Vision Monitor electrophysical apparatus by the second kernel analysis and to determine the correlation of the topographic location between them.RESULTS: There were significant variability (the coefficient of variation was 43.05%) in mfVEP RMS amplitude in the normal subjects; The RMS amplitude of eyes with glaucoma were smaller than that of the normal eyes and significantly statistical difference were found in the relatively center (namely the 0° -10° ring zone) and in superior nasal quadrant (P＜0.05) while there were no significantly statistical differences of the latency time between them.CONCLUSION: The normal subjects have large individual variability of mfVEP responses. The RMS amplitude of the mfVEP of glaucomatous eyes descends, especially in center zone and superior nasal quadrant.

Background Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is an important cause of visual impairment and graft rejection after allograft corneal transplantation in inflammatory corneal diseases. The mechanisms and therapy relating to CNV are intensely investigated at all times. Objective This study was to evaluate the effect of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on CNV induced by alkali cauterization and its mechanism. Methods The animal models of corneal neovasculation were induced in the right eyes in 72 Sprayue-Dawley rats by putting a piece of 3 mmfilter paper with 1 mol/L NaOH at the center of the cornea for 30 seconds. The rats were then divided randomly into the 0.02 mg EPA treatment group (24 rats) ,0.03 mg EPA treatment group (24 rats) ,model group (24 rats) and normal group (6 rats). EPA of 0.04 ml with doses of 0.02 mg or 0. 03 mg or saline solution of 0. 04 ml was injected subconjunctivally in model rats and immediately after cauterization. The presence of CNV and corneal edema were observed daily by slit lamp biomicroscope. 1,4,7 and 14 days after operation, corneal histopathological examination was performed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The vascular endothelial cells were stained with CD34 by immunohistochemistry,and the expression of IL-1α,IL-6 mRNA and the nuclear factor-κBp65 ( NF-κBp65 ) proteins was measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. The use of animals complied with the Regulations for the Administration of Affair Concerning Experimental Animals by Hebei Province( version 1998 ). Results Under the slit lamp, CNV grew slowly from days 2-4 with obvious corneal edema and defect of epithelium. Larger CNV area and less edema were seen from days 7-10. Maximal vessel growth was observed 14 days after injury with thinner vessels in the model group. Histological examination showed that part of the corneal epithelium was damaged;serious corneal edema, more inflammatory cells and a lot of CNV in the stroma were presented in the model group. However, repairing of the corneal epithelium without CNV ,light corneal edema and less inflammatory cells were found in both the 0. 02 mg EPA and 0. 03 mg EPA treatment groups 7 days after alkali cauterization. The relative area of CNV in the 0. 02 mg EPA treatment group was ( 15.80±6.43 )% and ( 11.06±2. 14)% ,and that in the 0. 03 mg EPA treatment group was (16. 10±7.41 )% and (11.06±2. 51 )%, showing significant reduction in comparison with the model group [ (84. 74±7.77)% and (89.63±7.50) % ] 7 days and 14 days after operation ( P＜0. 05 ). Stronger expression of CD34 in the vascular endothelial cells of the cornea stroma was observed in the model group and an absence of CD34 was observed in the EPA-treated groups on the 7th day. RT-PCR revealed that the expression of IL-1α mRNA and IL-6 mRNA was lower in the EPA treatment groups than the model group ( P＜0. 05 ), and Western blot analysis showed that the expression of NF-κB/p65 in the corneas in the EPA treatment groups was significantly lower than that in the model group on the 4th day after operation (P＜0.05).Conclusion Topical application of EPA suppresses CNV induced by alkali burn possibly by inhibiting the expression of NF-κB,IL-1α and IL-6.

To investigate the influence of sodium valproate (VPA) on proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation of HL-60 cell line, effect of VPA in various concentrations on proliferation of HL-60 cells was detected by MMT; Wright-Giemsa staining was performed to observe the morphologic changes of HL-60 cells; NBT experiment was used to test the differentiation of HL-60 cells; flow cytometry was used to observe cell cycles and analyze the apoptosis. The results indicated that the changes of the growth curve showed inhibition of proliferation of HL-60 cells. After a 24-48 hours culture with 2 mmol/L VPA, the cells exhibited nuclear shrinkage, pyknosis fragmentation and appearance of apoptosis bodies. The percentage of the annexin V(+)/PI(-) cells which were apoptotic increased from 2.9% to 17.1%; hypodiploid peak was observed; the percentage of HL-60 cells in G(1) phase increased from 51.1% to 84.6% and the cells in S phase decreased from 37.9% to 14.4%. After a week culture with 0.25 mmol/L VPA, the cells exhibited characteristics of differentiation. The percentage of NBT positive cells was (47 +/- 2)%. It is concluded that VPA can inhibit the proliferation of HL-60 cells while inducing differentiation and apoptosis of these cells. The mechanism needs to be further studied.
Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; HL-60 Cells ; Humans ; Valproic Acid ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo detect the mRNA and protein expression of interferon-inducible transmembrane protein-1 (IFITM1) in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) and investigate the role of IFITM1 in the occurrence, development and carcinogenesis of PJS polyps.

METHODSReverse transcription-PCR was employed to detect the mRNA expression of IFITM1 in 16 PJS polyp samples, adenomatous polyp tissues, colon adenocarcinoma samples, and normal intestinal mucosal tissues. The protein expression and localization of IFITM1 in these tissues (32 cases for each) were detected with immunohistochemical (IHC) staining.

RESULTSThe IFITM1 mRNA expression was detected in all these tissues, and the expression intensity increased in the order of normal intestinal mucosa, PJS polyp, adenomatous polyp, and colon adenocarcinoma (F=92.704, P=0.000). IHC revealed that IFITM1 protein was localized mainly on the cell membrane and in the cytoplasm, with increased expression intensity in the same order as its mRNA and showing significant differences between the tissues by several rank-sum test (Kruskal-Wallis H, chi(2)=37.036, p=0.000).

CONCLUSIONThe expression level of IFITM1 is associated with the progression of the carcinogenetic process in PJS polyp, and can be used as a sensitive biomarker for diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of PJS.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Antigens, Differentiation ; Biomarkers ; metabolism ; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic ; metabolism ; Disease Progression ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Membrane Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Middle Aged ; Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome ; metabolism ; pathology ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the influence of percutaneous microwave ablation (PMA) and surgical resection for patients with small primary hepatocellular carcinoma (PHC) on dissemination of tumor cells in peripheral blood determined by AFP mRNA.

METHODSForty patients with small PHC (The maximal diameter < or = 5 cm) confirmed histologically were included in this study. All the patients had single tumor nodule only without metastasis. Of the 40 patients, 19 were treated by PMA and 21 by surgical resection. Blood samples were collected and tested immediately before treatment, 30 min after the mass ablated/resected, 1 d and 7 d later by RTD-Nested-RT-PCR for AFP mRNA. The CD3, CD4, CD8 and CD4/CD8 in blood, and hepatic function were tested at the same time points as well.

RESULTSAfter treatment, ALT and AST in peripheral blood increased in both groups, but more intensely in the surgical group. The CD3, CD4 and CD4/CD8 in peripheral blood decreased at 30 min, 1 day and 7 days after surgical resection, and the lowest value was at 30 min after surgery. The immune function was kept at the same level as pre-treatment in the PMA group. AFP mRNA copies in blood could be detected in 27 of 40 patients (67.5%) in two groups before treatment, and the copy number was increased after treatment. There was no significant difference between the two groups. The patients were followed up for 1 - 16 months. AFP mRNA copies in blood could be detected persistently in the 4 patients with extrahepatic metastasis or liver recurrence.

CONCLUSIONSurgical resection and microwave ablation may cause PHC cells dissemination into the blood circulation in patients with small PHC, and there was no difference between the two treatment groups. The cellular immune function in peripheral blood is decreased after surgical resection, but is maintained at the same level as pre-treatment in the PMA group. The impairment of liver function is less severe after PMA treatment than surgical resection. PMA may provide certain value for clinical management of small hepatocellular carcinoma.

Adult ; Aged ; CD3 Complex ; blood ; CD4 Antigens ; blood ; CD4-CD8 Ratio ; CD8 Antigens ; blood ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; blood ; surgery ; therapy ; Catheter Ablation ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hepatectomy ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; blood ; surgery ; therapy ; Male ; Microwaves ; therapeutic use ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; alpha-Fetoproteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics

OBJECTIVEThe mechanism by which M.tuberculosis persists and survives in host macrophage is not fully understood, however, the M. tuberculosis chromosome-encoded TA loci perform functions possibly of signaling to these processes. To explore the biological functions of M. tuberculosis chromosome-encoded TA loci, the Rv1494 and Rv1495 genes of M.tuberculosis H37Rv strain were cloned and expressed.

METHODSThe hypothetical proteins Rv1494 and Rv1495 were bioinformatically analyzed by means of Bioedit software, Dnaman software and Pfam database. The complete open-reading frame sequences of Rv1494 and Rv1495 genes were amplified by PCR using M.tuberculosis H37Rv genomic DNA as the template, and the PCR products were cloned into prokaryotic expression vector pET32a(+), respectively. After induction of expressions in E.coli host strain BL21 (DE3), the recombinant proteins were purified and detected by Western blotting.

RESULTSAccording to bioinformatic analysis, the hypothetical proteins of Rv1494 and Rv1495 genes shared some homologies with mazEF family, one of E. coli chromosomal TA loci (homology at 26% and 29.5%). Sequence analysis showed that the inserted target genes and its reading frames were completely correct. The recombinant plasmids were induced with IPTG to effectively express the fusion proteins with relative molecular mass coincident with prediction. The specific positive signals were identified from the immunoblots.

CONCLUSIONFor the first time, the Rv1494 and Rv1495 genes of M.tuberculosis H37Rv strain were cloned and its prokaryotic expression vectors were constructed successfully in this experiment, which may facilitate further functional study of this mazEF-like gene pair.

Bacterial Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Blotting, Western ; Cloning, Molecular ; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; Genes, Bacterial ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; Mycobacterium tuberculosis ; genetics ; metabolism ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism