This article reports a preliminary observation oh the growth of cercarial embryo of S.japonicum in defined medium cultivated one week in vitro. When extract of head-foot tissue of Oncomelania hupensis was added to the medium contained 1/2 RPMI 1640, the length of cercarial embryo increased. While liver extract of the snail was added to the same medium, the growth was inhibited.It seemed that the extract of snail liver tissue might be poisonous to the cercarial embryo.

Objective To investigate the protective immunity in mice immunized with recombinantBifidobacteria bifidum(Bb)-Eg95 vaccine of Echinococcus granulosus (Eg) and challenged with Eg protoscoleces.Methods Fifty-six female BALB/c mice 12-14 weeks old and weighed 20-25 g were vaccinated with the recombinant Bb-Eg95 vaccine subcutaneously,intramuscularly,intranasally and orally,respectively,with blank vector,Bb and medium of solution(MRS) as control,8 mice in each group.Mice were challenged with Eg protoscoleces on week 8 after immunization and killed on week 25 after infection.The weight of hydatid cyst was measured and the decreased larva rate was calculated.Sera were collected to determine the levels of IgE,IgG and its subclasses by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Splenocytes were collected and cultivated to test the proliferation of splenocytes using methyltetrazolium (MTT) assay under EgAg and concanavalin A (ConA) stimulation.The results were compared with analysis of variance and the comparison between two groups was performed with LSD-t test.Results There was significant difference in the weight of hydatid cyst between groups (F =11.062,P ＜ 0.05).Compared with MRS control group[(0.075 ± 0.019)g],the hydatid cyst weight decreased in subcutaneous group [(0.050 ± 0.013)g],intramuscular group[(0.050 ± 0.019)g],intranasal group[(0.028 ± 0.016)g] and oral group [(0.031 ± 0.018)g,all P ＜ 0.01).Compared with subcutaneous and intramuscular groups,the hydatid cyst weight decreased in intranasal and oral groups(all P ＜ 0.05).The decreased larva rate was inversely proportional to the weight of hydatid cyst.There was significant difference in the levels(obsorbancy,A) of IgG,IgG2a,IgG2b,IgG1,IgG3 and IgE between these groups(F =21.774,36.977,27.071,14.746,10.131,9.444,P ＜ 0.05 or P ＜ 0.01).Compared with MRS control group (0.015 ± 0.002,0.002 ± 0.001,0.003 ± 0.001),the levels of IgG,IgG2a and IgG2b increased in subcutaneous group(0.022 ± 0.004,0.007 ± 0.002,0.008 ± 0.002),intramuscular group (0.023 ± 0.003,0.008 ± 0.002,0.007 ± 0.002),intranasal group(0.032 ± 0.007,0.012 ± 0.002,0.013 ± 0.004)and oral group(0.028 ± 0.006,0.010 ± 0.003,0.010 ± 0.002,P ＜ 0.05 or P ＜ 0.01).Compared with subcutaneous and intramuscular groups,the levels of IgG,IgG2a and IgG2b increased in intranasal and oral groups(P ＜ 0.05 or P ＜ 0.01).Compared with MRS control group(0.009 ± 0.001,0.009 ± 0.002,0.009 ± 0.001),the levels of IgG1,IgG3 and IgE decreased in subcutaneous group(0.022 ± 0.004,0.007 ± 0.002,0.008 0.002),intramuscular group(0.004 ± 0.001,0.004 ± 0.001,0.004 ± 0.002),intranasal group(0.005 ± 0.002,0.005 ± 0.003,0.005 ± 0.002)and oral group(0.005 ± 0.001,0.004 ± 0.002,0.004 ± 0.003,all P ＜ 0.01).There was significant difference in the proliferation of splenocytes in the supernatant of cultured splenocyte,of cultured splenocyte + EgAg and of cultured splenocyte + ConA(F =63.975,359.833,167.399,P ＜ 0.01).There was significant difference in the proliferation of splenocytes inside groups(F =6741.955,4953.667,869.320,201.235,175.413,139.653,169.994,all P ＜0.01).Compared with the cultured splenocyte the proliferation of splenocytes increased in the cultured splenocyte +EgAg and splenocyte + ConA (all P ＜ 0.01).Compared with the cultured splenocyte + EgAg,the proliferation of splenocytes increased in the cultured splenocyte + ConA(P ＜ 0.01).Conclusion An effective and protective immunity is induced by the recombinant Bb-Eg95 vaccine of Eg in mice.

Objective To construct a recombinant plasmid pGEX-TSO45W-4B-TSOL18 of Taenia solium,to obtain purified recombinant protein TSO45W-4B-TSOL18 and to prepare rabbit antiserum against the recombinant fusion protein.Methods TSO45W-4B and TSOL18 encoding genes were connected with hydrophobic (Gly4Ser)3 linker.TSO45W-4B-TSOL18 fusion gene was synthesized and cloned into an expression vector pGEX-1λT to construct a recombinant plasmid pGEX-TSO45W-4B-TSOL18.The positive recombinants were transformed into Escherichia(E.) coli ArcticExpress (DE3),and the expression of recombinant protein was induced with isopropylβ-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) and analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gelelectrophoresis (SDS-PAGE).The expressed recombinant fusion protein was purified through affinity chromatography.The purified recombinant protein was mixed with complete Freunds adjuvant at a dosage of 0.5 mg.Rabbit was intramuscularly and subcutaneously immunized in the hind leg and the back,respectively.After 2 weeks the rabbit was boosted with purified recombinant protein which was mixed with incomplete Freunds adjuvant at the same dosage.Rabbit can be boosted every 10 days until an adequate response was achieved.At the 6th day after the last immunization,blood was collected from the rabbit heart.Serum was separated to purify and prepare the antiserum.ELISA was applied to determine the titer of the antiserum and Western blot assay was used to determine the specificity of the antiserum.Results The size of the synthesized fusion gene TSO45W-4B-TSOL18 was 789 bp.The results of restriction enzyme digestion showed that the recombinant plasmid pGEX-TSO45W-4B-TSOL18 was successfully constructed.DNA sequencing showed that the size of the fusion gene TSO45W-4B-TSOL18 was 789 bp,which was consistent with expected result.As demonstrated by SDS-PAGE,relative molecular mass of the expressed recombinant fusion protein was approximately 55 × 103,and its purity was 85％ after purification with affinity chromatography.Titer of the antiserum against the recombinant protein was 1 ∶ 512 000 in ELISA assay and the specific rabbit antiserum against the purified recombinant protein TSO45W-4B-TSOL18 could specifically bind to the recombinant fusion protein in Western blot assay.The relative molecular mass of the specific band was about 55 × 103,which was consistent with expected size.Conclusions The recombinant plasmid pGEX-TSO45W-4BTSOL18 of Taenia solium is successfully constructed.High quality recombinant fusion protein TSO45W-4B-TSOL18 and high titer rabbit antiserum are successfully prepared.

Objective To dynamically observe the changes of cytokines of splenocytes in mice immunized with recombinant bifidobacteria bifidum (Bb)- Eg95-EgA31 vaccine of Echinococcus grauulosus (Eg). Methods Balb/c mice were vaccinated by 5× 108 colony forming unit(CFU) orally and 5 × 105 CFU intranasally, respectively.Mice were killed on week 0,2,4,6,8,10, 12,14,16, 18 and 20 after immunization, respectively, and spleens were separated for cell culture with the stimulation of EgAg, concanavalin A (ConA) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The splenocyte supernatants were collected to determine the levels of interferonγ(IFN-γ), interleukin(IL)-12, tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-o) and IL-l0 using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) with MRS as control. Results In the oral immunization group, the levels of IFN-γ, IL-12, TNF-α and IL-10 showed a significant increase from week 2 to week 8, week 2 to week 8, week 4 and week 6 to week 10 after vaccination, respectively, and reached the highest level on week 4, week 2, week 4 and week 6 after vaccination, respectively;in EgAg stimulation group, the levels of IFN-γ, IL-12, TNF-α and IL-10 were (700.0 ± 115.5), (45.0 ± 5.8), (350.0 ± 57.7), (112.5 ± 14.4)ng/L, respectively, compared with week 0[(35.0 ± 5.8), (12.5 ± 2.9), (190.0 ± 11.6), (25.0 ± 5.8)ng/L, P ＜0.05 or ＜ 0.01] and MRS control group[(37.5 ± 5.0),(13.8 ± 2.5), (195.0 ± 5.8), (27.5 ± 2.9)ng/L, P＜ 0.05or ＜ 0.01]. In the intranasal immunization group, the levels of IFN-γ, IL-12, TNF-α and IL-10 showed an obvious increase from week 2 to week 8, week 2 to week 8, week 2 to week 6 and week 6 to week 16 after vaccination,respectively, and reached the highest level on week 2, week 2, week 4 and week 8 after vaccination, respectively;in EgAg stimulation group, the levels of IFN-γ, IL-12, TNF-α and IL-10 were (700.0 ± 115.5), (55.0 ± 5.8),(275.0 ± 28.9), (140.0 ± 11.6)ng/L, compared with week 0[(35.0 ± 5.8), (12.5 ± 2.9), (190.0 ± 11.6), (25.0 ±5.8)ng/L, P ＜ 0.05 or ＜ 0.01] and MRS control group[(37.5 ± 5.0), (13.8 ± 2.5), (195.0 ± 5.8), (27.5 ± 2.9)ng/L, P ＜ 0.05 or ＜ 0.01]. The cytokine levels in the groups with EgAg, ConA or LPS stimulus were significantly higher than those in the corresponding splenocytes suspension groups(P ＜ 0.05 or ＜ 0.01) , and the cytokine levels in the groups with ConA or LPS stimulus were obviously higher than those in the corresponding groups with EgAg stimulation(P ＜ 0.05 or ＜ 0.01). Conclusion The mixed Th1 and Th2 type response can be induced in mice immunized with the recombinant Bb-Eg95-EgA31 vaccine of Echinococcus granulosus in the early stage of immunization(2 to 6weeks).

Objective To construct and identify recombinant Bifutobacteria (rBb)-Eg95 vaccine of Echinococcus granulosus (Eg). Methods The total RNA was extracted from hydatid cyst protoscoleces shattered by ultrasound, Eg95 antigen encoding gene was obtained by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) from the template of total RNA using the primer designed according to the DNA sequence of Eg95, the gene was cloned into Escherichia coli-Bifutobacteria(E.coli-Bb) shuttle plasmid pGEX-1λT and transformed into E.coli BL2 (DE3) competent cell to construct recombinant plasmid pGEX-Eg95 using BamH Ⅰ and EcoR Ⅰ, the recombinant plasmid was identified by restriction endonuclease digestion, then was electroporated into Bb to construct rBb-Eg95 vaccine, the vaccine was identified by PCR. Results Four hundred and seventy-one bp Eg95 gene was amplified by RT-PCR, the products of restriction endonuclease digestion were the same as expected(471 bp Eg95 gene and 4947 bp pGEX-1λT), 471 bp Eg95 gene fragment was amplified by PCR from the template of pGEX-Eg95 extracted from rBb vaccine. Conclusion rBb-Eg95 vaccine of Eg is successfully constructed, which lays the theoretical foundation for exploitation and utilization of this vaccine.

This study is purposed to investigate the effects of praeruptorin A (PA) and praeruptorin C (PC) on UGT1A1 in HepG2 cells through hCAR pathway. PA and PC were incubated with HepG2 cells for 24 h and 48 h, mRNA and protein expressions of UGT1A1 were determined by real-time PCR and Western blotting assays. Additionally, effects of PA and PC on UGT1A1 mRNA and protein expressions were also measured after transient transfection of a specific CAR siRNA for 72 h in HepG2 cells. UGT1A1 mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly increased by PA and PC after incubation for 48 h. Moreover, the mRNA and protein up-regulations of UGT1A1 were attenuated by transient transfection of a specific CAR siRNA, suggesting the induction was mediated by CAR. The results suggest that PA and PC can significantly up-regulate UGT1A1 expression partially via the CAR-mediated pathway.

BACKGROUNDPlatelet P-selectin plays an important role in inflammation and contributes to thrombosis and hemostasis. Fibrinogen may take part in inflammation, thrombosis, and hemostasis via enhancement of platelet P-selectin expression. This study aimed to discover the correlation between them in atherosclerosis model of Sprague Dawley (SD) rat.

METHODSDiet-induced atherosclerosis SD rats were adopted as experimental models. The blood from the common abdominal aorta of the rats was obtained to measure the biochemical characteristics and for the check of flow cytometry. Then the aortas were separated carefully, taken out, put into 10% (w/v) neutral formalin for later use. Then fibrinogen and P-selectin expression were detected by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSSD rats were induced to atherosclerosis model by high fat diet and vitamin D2 injected. It was discovered that the binding of fibrinogen and the expression of P-selectin on the platelet increase in atherosclerosis model (Group H) than in that in the control group (Group Z), there were closely interrelated. High levels of fibrinogen and P-selectin express on the artery of atherosclerosis rat model.

CONCLUSIONSFibrinogen and P-selectin are concerned with atherosclerosis. Fibrinogen can interact with P-selectin in order to contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, high levels of fibrinogen and P-selectin can be regarded as risk factors for markers of atherosclerosis.

Animals ; Arteries ; metabolism ; Atherosclerosis ; blood ; metabolism ; Blood Glucose ; metabolism ; Blood Platelets ; metabolism ; Cholesterol ; blood ; Cholesterol, LDL ; blood ; Female ; Fibrinogen ; metabolism ; Flow Cytometry ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; P-Selectin ; metabolism ; Protein Binding ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Acetaminophen (APAP, also known as paracetamol)-induced liver injury is the leading cause of drug-induced liver injury in the world. Wuzhi Tablet (WZ, an ethanol extract of Schisandra sphenanthera) is widely used in clinical practice to protect liver function. Our previous studies have shown that pretreatment with WZ for 3 days can significantly protect against APAP-induced liver injury; however, the effect of different intervals between APAP and WZ treatment on APAP-induced liver injury remains unclear. In this study, the change in liver injury indexes, APAP metabolites, and the activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes after treatment with WZ and APAP at different intervals were determined. The animal experiment was reviewed and approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Sun Yat-sen University. The results show that 0 h, 0.5 h, and 2 h pretreatment with WZ significantly protected against APAP-induced liver injury in mice, as evidenced by a significant decrease in biochemical parameters such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and malonaldehyde (MDA). WZ inhibited the metabolic activation of APAP mediated by CYP450 enzymes and reduced the formation of APAP metabolites. This study further demonstrates that pretreatment with WZ at different intervals (0 h, 0.5 h, and 2 h before APAP dosing) exerts a significant hepatoprotective effect against APAP-induced liver injury, and a single-dose of WZ inhibits the activity of CYP450 enzymes related to APAP metabolic activation, thereby protecting against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity.

Objective To study the clinical characteristics and gene mutation of hereditary spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7). Methods The regions of SCA 7 gene containing CAG repeat were amplified by means of PCR and agarose gelelectrophoresis (AGE) technique in 26 patients and 37 normal family members from 5 families with autosomal dominant SCA. The abnormal allele fragments were sequenced by DNA sequencing machine. The correlation between clinical manifestations and CAG repeat size in SCA 7 gene product was analyzed. Results The patients carried 44-50 repeated CAG in the SCA7 allele of 2 SCA 7 gene families with main clinical manifestations as ataxia, hypopsia and retinal pigmental degeneration. About 10-30 repeated CAGs in the SCA7 allele were seen in other healthy members. Conclusion Expanded triplet repeats in SCA 7 gene contributes to the pathologic phenotype,and molecular genetic analysis is effective in the diagnosis and differentiation of SCA 7 gene.

OBJECTIVETo explore the molecular mechanism of dutasteride inhibiting fertility by studying its effects on the expressions of the epididymal epithelial junction proteins Claudin1 and β-catenin in rats.

METHODSSixteen 3-month-old SD male rats were equally divided into an experimental and a negative control group to be treated intragastrically with dutasteride at 40 mg/kg per day and the same dose of solvent, respectively, for 14 consecutive days. Then, the sperm motility and morphology of the rats were detected by computer-assisted sperm analysis, the serum levels of testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) measured by ELISA, changes in the tight junction of epididymal cells observed under the transmission electron microscope, the protein and gene expressions of Claudin1 and β-catenin determined by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, and the conception rate of the mated female rats calculated.

RESULTSDutasteride significantly suppressed the serum DHT level, sperm motility, and fertility of the rats (P <0.05). Interspaces between epididymal epithelial cell tight junctions were observed, the volume of epididymal fluid obviously increased, and the expressions of Claudin1 and β-catenin gene and protein remarkably downregulated in the experimental rats (P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONDutasteride can significantly inhibit the fertility of male rats by reducing the serum DHT level, suppressing Claudin1 and β-catenin expressions, and damaging epididymal epithelial cell junctions.

Animals ; Azasteroids ; pharmacology ; Claudin-1 ; metabolism ; Dihydrotestosterone ; blood ; Dutasteride ; Epididymis ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Female ; Fertility ; drug effects ; Humans ; Intercellular Junctions ; drug effects ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sperm Motility ; drug effects ; Testosterone ; blood ; Urological Agents ; pharmacology ; beta Catenin ; metabolism