Objective To set up a multiplex real time quantitative PCR method to detect the expression of WT1 and MDR1 gene simultaneously in acute leukemia patient. Methods Total RNA was extracted from k562 cell line and was reverse transcribed to cDNA by the outer primers of WT1 and MDR1 respectively. The cDNA of WT1 and MDR1 were purified and digested by Bam H Ⅰ and Bgl Ⅱ , and then the two fragments were ligated to form the recombinant fragment WT1 + MDR1. The outer forward primer of WT1 and outer reverse primer of MDR1 were used to amplify the recombinant fragment WT1 + MDR1. The PCR product was purified and cloned into pMD18-T vector, and then transferred into E. coli DH-5α. A new kind of WT1-MDRl-contained standard plasmid was obtained from the positive colony. The recombinant plasmid was verified by digestion with restriction enzyme and PCR amplification. A multiplex real time quantitative PCR method was set up with FAM-labeled MDR1 probe and VIC-labeled WT1 probe in one reaction tube. The WT1 and MDR1 gene expression was detected in forty-seven AL patients and thirty-two controls by this method. Seven patients were followed-up to elucidate the relationship between the gene expression levels and clinical prognosis. Results The recombinant plasmid was confirmed by EcoR1 digestion and PCR amplification. The multiplex real time quantitative PCR technique could reach the sensitivity of WT1 and MDR1 gene up to 102 copy/μl. The standard curve slopes were 0. 999 and 0. 998. The WT1 [ 37 000( 163-6 370 000 )copies/μg RNA ] and MDR1 [ 76 200( 179-18 000 000 )copies/μg RNA ]expression levels of AL patients were significantly higher as compared to the controls [ 258( 0-643 ) copies/μg RNA and 333( 0-779 )copies/μg RNA ]( Z= 6. 755,6. 736, P ＜ 0. 01 ). Following up seven patients with similar regimen of chemotherapy, the WT1 and MDR1 expression correlated to the clinical course. Three AL patients with WT1 and MDR1 expression levels (2 170 and 86 900, 1 130 and 5 860, 1 170 and 586 copies/μg RNA )significantly decreased after chemotherapy and kept in the low range ( 370 and 560,138 and 980, 150 and 690 copies/μg RNA ), and had a favorable outcome. Three AL patients with WT1 and MDR1 expression levels ( 1 600 and 11 800, 24 800 and 968, 48 200 and 1 100 000 copies/μg RNA )decreased after initial chemotherapy, but increased significantly afterwards (20 314 and 25 660,184 364 and 31 530, 15 680 and 878 000 copies/μg RNA ),and suffered clinical relapse. One patient with high WT1 and MDR1 expression levels ( from 81 600 and 1 200 000 copies/μg RNA to 124 100 and 7 632 400 copies/μg RNA )showed the persistence of disease. Conclusions A multiplex real time quantitative PCR method to detect WT1 and MDR1 gene simultaneously is constructed successfully. The expression of WT1 and MDR1 may provide useful information for AL patients prognosis.

In this study, we explored the mechanism of Huganning tablet (HGNP) in the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) based on network pharmacology and computer-aided drug design. Firstly, the potential ingredients and targets of HGNP were identified from TCMSP database, Swiss Target Prediction database, Chinese pharmacopoeia (2015) and literatures, and then the targets of HGNP intersected with NAFLD disease targets that obtained in GeneCards database to acquired potential targets. The bioconductor bioinformatics package of R software was used for gene ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. The network of “potential ingredient-key target-pathway” was formed in Cytoscape software to study the interactions between potential ingredients of HGNP, key targets, pathways and NAFLD. Based on the results of network pharmacology, the molecular docking analysis of the key targets and potential active ingredients in HGNP tablets with top degree in the network was conducted using Discovery Studio 2020 software, followed by molecular dynamics simulations, binding free energy calculation, drug-likeness properties analysis and ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity) properties prediction. In vitro, HepG2 cells were used to establish steatosis model, and the effects of five key compounds on hepatocyte steatosis were analyzed by oil red O staining and triglyceride (TG) content determination. The results showed that 141 ingredients and 151 potential targets were obtained. A total of 2 526 items and 151 pathways were identified by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. The molecular docking suggested that five components, isorhamnetin, salvianolic acid B, emodin, resveratrol and rhein, exhibited strong binding ability with key targets [retinoic acid receptor RXR-alpha (RXRA), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK3B), serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (AKT1)]. It was further verified that isorhamnetin and salvianolic acid B bind to key targets with good structural stability and binding affinity based on molecular dynamics simulations and binding free energy calculations. The drug-likeness properties, pharmacokinetic properties and toxicity of five key compounds were more comprehensively analyzed through drug-likeness properties analysis and ADMET properties prediction. In vitro, all five compounds, isorhamnetin, salvianolic acid B, emodin, resveratrol, and rhein, improved hepatocyte steatosis of HepG2 cells, confirming the reliability of the present study. In conclusion, based on network pharmacology, computer-aided drug design and in vitro validation, this study investigated the mechanism of HGNP for the treatment of NAFLD at multiple levels and provided a basis for its clinical application.

To increase the in vivo half-life of human CNTF mutein AX15 (R13K), HSA-AX15 (R13K) fusion protein was constructed by the fusion of the C-terminus of HSA to the N-terminus of AX15 (R13K) via an 11 amino acids linker. HSA-AX15 (R13K) fusion protein was purified to homogeneity by cation exchange chromatography, reverse phase chromatography and gel filtration after expressed in pichia pastoris. TF-1 cell survival bioassay showed the biological activity of AX15 (R13K) was not affected by the fusion to HSA. It was demonstrated that tertian injection of 4.8 mg/kg HSA-AX15 (R13K) fusion protein could produce more potent anti-obesity effects on KM mice than daily injection of 1.6 mg/kg AX15 (R13K). The long-acting form of hCNTF variant has the potential to reduce discomfort by requiring fewer injections and to minimize the side-effects by decreasing the dosage and fluctuation of plasma concentration, and thus has superior clinical application.
Animals ; Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor ; genetics ; Humans ; Mice ; Mutant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Pichia ; genetics ; metabolism ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Serum Albumin ; genetics

To produce specific monoclonal antibody (McAb) against human thrombomodulin (hTM), the full-length hTM cDNA-expressing plasmid pThr402 was transfected into CHO cells by Lipofectamine 2000 reagent. The hTM-expressing CHO cells, which was confirmed by flow cytometry and Western blot, were obtained by G418 selection. Then the McAb against hTM was prepared with classic hybridoma technique. A cell line of CHO-TM5 with high level of hTM was used to immunize female Balb/c mice 3 times at an interval of 4 weeks. On the third day after the third immunization, mice were sacrificed and spleen cells were harvested to prepare hybridoma cells with SP2/0 cells at the ratio of 10 to 1. Hybridoma cells were then cultured at 96-well plates for screening. Cellular enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (CELISA) was applied twice. The first CELISA was done with polythene ELISA plate with a monolayer of CHO-TM5 cells. The positive clones from the first screen were then selected by reacting with similar screening ELISA plate but with CHO cell monolayer instead. Only clones that were positive for the first screening and negative for the second screening were kept, and called as CHO-TM5(+)CHO(-) hybridoma cells. Balb/c mice were intraperitoneally injected with the selected hybridoma cells. Ascites were collected and monoclonal antibodies were purified using FPLC, and its Ig class, subclass, and titer were then determined respectively. The specificity of the yielded McAb was identified with CELISA, flow cytometry, ABC immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. One line of hybridoma cells with high expression of specific McAb against hTM, NH-1, was obtained. The Ig subclass of the McAb was IgG1 and the titer of ascitic McAb was 1x10(-6). Flow cytometry, CELISA and Western blot assays demonstrated that McAb NH-1 could specifically recognize hTM expressed in CHO-TM5 cells and human umbilical vascular endothelial cells. Meanwhile, the tissue specificity of antigen recognized by McAb NH-1 was identified by immunohistochemical ABC staining. NH-1 can specifically recognize the natural hTM expressed mainly in vascular endothelial cells, which will potentially be useful for investigation of the functions and clinic values of hTM.
Animals ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; biosynthesis ; immunology ; Antibody Specificity ; CHO Cells ; Cricetulus ; Female ; Humans ; Hybridomas ; secretion ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Thrombomodulin ; immunology ; Transfection

AIM To study the effects of Danggui Buxue Decoction total glycosides combined with Hirudo in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis in rats and its mechanism.METHODS One hundred and twenty male SD rats were selected,eighteen of which were taken as normal group (normal saline),the remaining 102 rats were used to establish model for pulmonary fibrosis.Seventy-two modeled rats were randomly divided into model group (normal saline),Danggui Buxue Decoction total glycosides group (13 mg/kg),Hirudo group (Hirudo powder,4 g/kg) and combination group (Danggui Buxue Decoction total glycosides,13 mg/kg;Hirudo powder,4 g/kg),eighteen rats in each group with intragastric administration.RESULTS On the 7th,14th and 28th days after modeling,alveolar inflammatory score,pulmonary fibrosis degree score,TGF-β1 and PAI-1 expression levels in lung tissue,IL-4 and IL-17 expression levels in alveolar lavage fluid,hydroxyproline (HYP) content in lung tissue in the model group were significantly higher than those in the normal group (P ＜ 0.05).Alveolar inflammatory score,pulmonary fibrosis degree score,TGF-β1,PAI-1,IL-4,IL-17 expression levels and HYP content in the Danggui Buxue Decoction total glycosides group,Hirudo group and combination group were significantly lower than those in the model group (P ＜ 0.05).In the combination group,alveolar inflammatory score,pulmonary fibrosis degree score,TGF-β1,PAI-1,IL-4,IL-17 expression levels and HYP content were significantly lower than those in the Danggui Buxue Decoction total glycosides group and Hirudo group (P ＜ 0.05).CONCLUSION Danggui Buxue Decoction total glycosides combined with Hirudo have good therapeutic effects on pulmonary fibrosis in rats mainly by reducing TGF-β1,PAI-1 expression levels and HYP coment in lung tissue.

OBJECTIVETo explore the proliferation of primary cultured rats hepatocytes after delivery of exogenous hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) gene which was inserted into the genome of replication-deficient recombinant adenovirus vector.

METHODSThe recombinant adenovirus-AdHGF which could express HGF was generated by homologous recombination. After the HGF gene was delivered into the hepatocytes, the expression of both HGF and c-met/HGF receptor mRNA in the cells was detected by RT-PCR and the level of HGF in the culture supernatant was also assayed by ELISA. On the other hand, cell proliferation was compared between before and after delivery of the HGF gene by MTS assay and the percentages of cell cycles were analyzed by flow cytometry. In addition, the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was determined by immunocytofluorescent stain.

RESULTS4 x 10(10) efu/ml titer of AdHGF was obtained after recombination, RT-PCR indicated that the expression of HGF mRNA in hepatocytes increased on the third day after infected by the viruses and c-met/HGF receptor mRNA was also up-regulated. The HGF level in the culture supernatant assayed by ELISA was (5,939.0+/-414.39) pg/ml, which was much higher than that in the control (208.1pg/ml+/-37.20pg/ml, F=13.661, P<0.01). In addition, the proliferation of hepatocytes infected with AdHGF increased significantly according to MTS method (F>or=15.158, P<0.01) and more hepatocytes in G0/G1 stages changed into S stage (chi2=41.616, P<0.01), accordingly, PCNA index increased from 6.42+/- 1.88 to 14.56+/-2.85 (F=42.122, P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

THE RESULTSshow that HGF gene delivered into hepatocytes by AdHGF can be expressed with high efficiency in the cells, which can stimulate hepatocytes proliferation. It may be an effective tool for hepatocyte transplantation by gene modified donor hepatocytes.

Adenoviridae ; genetics ; metabolism ; Animals ; Cell Division ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Genetic Vectors ; Hepatocyte Growth Factor ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; pharmacology ; Hepatocytes ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; pharmacology

Objective: To observe the blood perfusion volume variation pattern in the body surface microcirculation at the Yuan-Primary and the Xi-Cleft points during the menstrual cycle in female college students with moderate constitution under normal physiological state of the uterus; to explore the specific laws of the body surface microcirculation at the Yuan-Primary and Xi-Cleft points in response to the uterine qi and blood changes under normal physiological conditions, and to provide the experimental basis for the specificity of acupoints reflecting the uterine function. Methods: Forty-three healthy and moderate constitution female college students with regular menstrual cycles, without dysmenorrhea and not yet giving birth were recruited. Bilateral Yuan-Primary points [Taichong (LR 3), Taibai (SP 3) and Taixi (KI 3)] and Xi-Cleft points [Zhongdu (LR 6), Diji (SP 8) and Shuiquan (KI 5)], belonging to the three yin meridians of foot and adjacent to the spinal cord segment of the uterus, were selected as the detection acupoints; the crossing point of the three yin meridians of foot [Sanyinjiao (SP 6)], the uterus-related meridian acupoint [Xuehai (SP 10)], the uterus-non-related meridian acupoint [Xuanzhong (GB 39)], and the non-meridian non-acupoint point were selected as the control points. The laser speckle blood flow imaging technique was used to monitor the blood perfusion volume in skin microcirculation at the above points at the menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases of the subjects. Results: The blood perfusion volume in the body surface microcirculation at the right Zhongdu (LR 6) at the ovulatory phase was higher than that at the menstrual, follicular and luteal phases (all P<0.05); there was no significant difference in the microcirculation blood perfusion volume at the other points among different phases (all P>0.05). Conclusion: The blood perfusion volume in the body surface microcirculation at Zhongdu (LR 6), the Xi-Cleft point of the Liver Meridian, shows a specific response to qi and blood changes in the uterus of women with moderate constitution.

OBJECTIVETo study the HIV incidence and risk factors among sero-negative spouses of HIV patients in Dehong prefecture of Yunnan province.

METHODSA cohort of sero-negative spouses of the HIV patients had been developed and followed up since November, 2005. HIV new infections and related behaviors had been investigated every six months.

RESULTSBy the end of June, 2008, 790 sero-negative spouses of HIV patients had been recruited, of whom 702 were followed-up for at least one time. During the total 1202.35 person-years, 31 new HIV infections were identified, with an overall incidence of 2.58/100 person-years. The HIV incidence rates were 2.22/100 person-years in 2006, 2.95/100 person-years in 2007 and 2.74/100 person-years in 2008. Data from the Cox proportional hazard regression model indicated that those who resided in Yingjiang county [hazard ratio (HR) = 4.37, 95%CI: 1.48 - 12.90, P = 0.008], ever using drugs (HR = 3.49, 95%CI: 1.09 - 11.18, P = 0.035), or having an HIV-infected spouse who never exposed to antiretroviral treatment (HR = 3.60, 95%CI: 1.41 - 9.16, P = 0.007) were at higher risk for HIV infection.

CONCLUSIONSero-negative spouses of HIV patients in Dehong prefecture of Yunnan province had a relatively high incidence of HIV new infection during 2006-2008. More efforts should put on those people living in these areas, having a history of drug use or having an HIV-infected spouse who had never been exposed to antiretroviral treatment.

Adolescent ; Adult ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; HIV Infections ; epidemiology ; HIV Seronegativity ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Sexual Behavior ; Spouses ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo determine the incidence and risk factors on HIV infection among injection drug users (IDU) in Dehong prefecture area of Yunnan province.

METHODSAn epidemiological cohort of HIV-negative IDU had been developed and followed since October, 2004. HIV new infections and related behaviors had been investigated every six months.

RESULTSBy the end of 2008, 760 HIV-negative IDU had been recruited and followed for a total of 1153.6 person-years. 47 new HIV infections were identified, with an overall incidence of 4.07/100 person-years during the follow-up period. The HIV incidence was 4.45/100 person-years during 2004 - 2006, 4.50/100 person-years in 2007 and 2.54/100 person-years in 2008. Both the behavior of drug injection and the HIV incidence among the cohort had substantially decreased during the follow-up period. Multiple regression analysis using Cox proportional hazard model indicated that people with Jing-po ethnicity (Hazard ratio, HR = 2.56, 95%CI: 1.06 - 6.19) and other minorities except for Dai (HR = 3.26, 95%CI: 0.89 - 11.96) were at higher risk for HIV infection than the people with Han ethnicity. People injecting drugs with (HR = 2.27, 95%CI: 0.98 - 5.25) or without (HR = 5.27, 95%CI: 2.25 - 12.34) needle sharing were at higher risk for HIV infection than those reporting having no drug injection behavior during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONBoth the behavior of drug injection and the HIV incidence among former IDU in Dehong prefecture area of Yunnan province had been decreasing during the four years. However, needle sharing remained the most important risk factor for HIV new infection among IDUs. IDUs with different ethnicities seemed to have different risks towards HIV infection.

Adult ; China ; epidemiology ; Cohort Studies ; Female ; HIV Infections ; epidemiology ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Minority Groups ; Needle Sharing ; Risk Factors ; Substance Abuse, Intravenous ; epidemiology

Objective To study the HIV incidence and risk factors among sero-negative spouses of HIV patients in Dehong prefecture of Yunnan province. Methods A cohort of sero-negative spouses of the HIV patients had been developed and followed up since November, 2005.HIV new infections and related behaviors had been investigated every six months. Results By the end of June, 2008, 790 sero-negative spouses of HIV patients had been recruited, of whom 702 were followed-up for at least one time. During the total 1202.35 person-years, 31 new HIV infections were identified, with an overall incidence of 2.58/100 preson-years. The HIV incidence rates were 2.22/100person-years in 2006, 2.95/100 person-years in 2007 and 2.74/100 person-years in 2008. Data from the Cox proportional hazard regression model indicated that those who resided in Yingjiang county [hazard ratio (HR) =4.37, 95% CI: 1.48-12.90, P=0.008] , ever using drugs (HR=3.49, 95% CI:1.09-11.18, P=0.035) , or having an HIV-infected spouse who never exposed to antiretroviraltreatment (HR=3.60, 95% CI: 1.41-9.16, P=0.007) were at higher risk for HIV infection.Conclusion Sero-negative spouses of HIV patients in Dehong prefecture of Yunnan province had a relatively high incidence of HIV new infection during 2006-2008. More efforts should put on those people living in these areas, having a history of drug use or having an HIV-infected spouse who had never been exposed to antiretroviral treatment.