Objective To reproduce a simple and practicable animal model of rheumatoid arthritis(RA)for evaluating the therapeutic effects of recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist(rhIL-1Ra).Methods The animal model of RA was reproduced in Wistar rats by intradermic injection of an admixture of bovine type Ⅱcollagen and Freund's complete adjuvant on the foot pad,tail,and back of the rats and the injections were repeated 7 days later.Results Two weeks after the second injection,all the extremities were markedly swollen.The diameter of ankle joints,the level of TNF-? in serum,and the size of the paws were increased obviously.There was destruction and absorption of the bone trabeculae of distal end of the tibia.There was also necrosis and fibrosis of cartilage of the joints.The articular space was narrowed.Thus RA model was successfully reproduced in rat.Conclusion Bovine type Ⅱcollagen and Freund's complete adjuvant were a favorable agent for the reproduction of RA model in rats.

Objective To investigate the clinical effect and to summarize the experience of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of spleen together with splenic artery balloon block in treating hypersplenism due to cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Methods Under the situation of splenic artery occlusion with balloon, RFA of the spleen was performed in 15 patients with hypersplenism caused by cirrhosis and portal hypertension. The mean duration of RFA was (46.4±5.4) min. Routine blood tests were conducted at 3 days, one week, one, 3 and 6 months after the treatment, and abdominal CT angiography was performed one month after RFA. The results were analyzed. Results One patient developed massive bloody pleural effusion at left thorax three days after RFA, which was improved after hemostasis and thoracic drainage. No severe complications occurred in other patients. Abdominal CT angiography performed one month after RFA showed that the ablated extent by RFA was accounted for about 34.3%-71.8% proportion of the spleen, with a mean of (56.20 ±13.09)%. Preoperative blood tests indicated that the count of white blood cells, red blood corpuscles and blood platelets was (3.88±1.75)×109/L, (4.06±0.37) × 1012/L and (48.14± 11.33)×109/L, respectively. One month after RFA the count of white blood cells and blood platelets increased to (5.62±1.61) ×109/L and (132.29±33.20) ×109/L respectively. When compared with the preoperative data, the differences in the count of white blood cells and blood platelets were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion For the treatment of hypersplenism due to cirrhosis and portal hypertension, percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of spleen together with splenic artery balloon block is quite safe and this technique has satisfactory short-term effect.

Objective To identify gene mutations and explore the molecular mechanism of a pedigree with inherited coagulation F Ⅶ deficiency. Methods The levels of F Ⅶ: Ag in the proband and other family members were measured by ELISA assay. The values of PT, F Ⅶ: C and other coagulant parameters were determined by one-stage clotting for laboratory phenotype diagnosis. All the exons,exon-intron boundaries and 5',3' untranslated sequences of F7 gene were amplified by direct sequencing. The detected mutations were further confirmed by sequencing the other stand. The CLC Protein Workbench software was used to analyze the species conservation of the mutated site and the protein secondary structure. 100 healthy individuals were selected to exclude gene polymorphism. Results PT, FⅦ∶C and FⅦ: Ag in the proband and his sister were abnormal, which were 36. 3 s, 5.0%, 40. 7% and 33.4 s,5. 0%, 37.4%, respectively. Both PT and FⅦ∶C in the proband's father, mother, daughter and niece were slightly abnormal, which were 14.9 s, 14. 6 s, 15.5 s, 14. 6 s and 70%, 85%, 59%, 79%, respectively.The heterozygous mutations c. 784T ＞ C and c. 964T ＞ G in exon 8 of F7 gene were found in the proband,resulting in the substitutions of Ser269Pro and Cys329Gly respectively. Compound heterozygous mutations c. 784T ＞ C and c. 964T ＞ G were found in the proband's sister. The proband's mother was heterozygous for c. 784T ＞ C. His father, daughter and niece were heterozygous for c. 964T ＞ G. The protein biological characteristics analysis revealed that the Cys329Gly caused the change of spatial configuration, and Ser269Pro led to the change of amino acid polarity and hydrophobicity. Conclusion Compound heterozygous mutations of Cys329Gly and Ser269 Pro in F7 gene may be the underlying molecule mechanism of FⅦ deficiency in this pedigree.

Objective To study the relationship between the valine/leucine247 (817G/T) polymorphism in exon 7 of apolipoprotein H (apoH) gene and the generation of antiphospholipid (APL)antibodies in patients of Han nationality with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Wenzhou region.Methods This study included 165 patients with SLE and 160 healthy controls of Han nationality in Wenzhou region.Venous blood samples were obtained from all of the subjects followed by the isolation of blood plasma,sera and white blood cells.PCR and DNA sequencing were carried out to assess the Leu/Va1247 polymorphism in apoH gene.Lupus anticoagulant (LAC) was detected by Russell viper venom time (RVVT) assay.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was carried out to quantify the serum levels of anti-β2-glycoprotein Ⅰ (GPI) antibodies and anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA).Chi-square test was carried out to compare the 817G/T polymorphism between the patients and controls,and Logistic regression analysis to evaluate the correlation between the 817G/T polymorphism and production of antiphospholipid antibodies.Results There were significant differences between the patients and controls in the genotype distribution and allele frequency at position 817 of apoH gene (both P ＜ 0.01).The TT,GT genotypes and T allele were more frequent,while GG genotype and G allele were less frequent,in the patients than in the controls.The GT genotype at position 817 was a risk factor for the production of LAC (P＜ 0.05,OR =2.33,95％CI =1.18-4.59),anti-β2GPl antibodies(P＜ 0.01,OR =5.92,95％CI =2.61-13.46) and ACA(P＜ 0.05,OR =2.52,95％CI =1.22-5.24),and the TT genotype was associated with an increased frequency of anti-β2GPI antibodies (P ＜ 0.01,OR =5.84,95％CI =1.69-20.20).Conclusions The 817G/T(Leu/Va1247) polymorphism in exon 7 of apoH gene is associated with the generation of APL antibodies in patients of Han nationality with SLE in Wenzhou region.The TT and GT genotypes at position 817 of apoH gene appear to be a risk factor for the production of APL antibodies.

OBJECTIVETo identify potential mutations and explore the molecular mechanism underlying combined inherited coagulation factors VII(FVII) and X(FX) deficiency for a family featuring consanguineous marriage between maternal cousins.

METHODSProthrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen, FVII activity (FVII:C), FX activity (FX:C), FVII antigen (FVII:Ag), FX antigen (FX:Ag) and other coagulant parameters of the proband and 5 family members were measured. Potential mutations in exons, exon-intron boundaries and 5', 3' untranslated sequences of F7 and F10 genes were screened by polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing. Suspected mutations were confirmed by sequencing the opposite strand.

RESULTSPT and APTT of the proband were obviously prolonged to become 76.4 s and 60.2 s, respectively. FVII:C, FVII:Ag,FX:C and FX:Ag of the proband were obviously reduced to become 4%, 6%, 6% and 33%, respectively. Both PT and APTT of her grandmother, father, mother and daughter were slightly prolonged, which have measured 16.4 s, 15.8 s,16.9 s, 16.5 s, and 44.0 s, 42.1 s, 41.1 s, 43.5 s, respectively. And their FVII:C (34%, 39%, 31%, 40%, respectively), FX:C (50%, 58%, 47%, 42%, respectively) and FX:Ag (51%, 54%, 58%, 47%, respectively) were slightly reduced, while FVII:Ag was in the normal range. The coagulant parameters of her younger brother were within normal range. Two homozygous mutations, g.11267C to T in exon 8 of F7 gene, which resulted in an Arg277Cys substitution, and g.28139G to T in exon 8 of F10 gene which led to a Val384Phe substitution, were identified in the proband. The proband's grandmother, parents and daughter were heterozygous for both Arg277Cys and Val384Phe mutationss. Wild-type alleles of both F7 and F10 genes were also found in the younger brother.

CONCLUSIONA homozygous Arg277Cys mutation and a Val384Phe mutation have been respectively identified in the F7 and F10 genes, which can explain the low levels of FVII and FX in this family. The former has been inherited from the consanguineous parents.

Adult ; Aged ; Consanguinity ; Factor VII Deficiency ; genetics ; Factor X Deficiency ; genetics ; Female ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; Pedigree ; Phenotype

OBJECTIVETo explore the molecular pathogenesis and clinical phenotypes in 10 probands with inherited fibrinogen (Fg) deficiency.

METHODSThe diagnosis of hereditary Fg deficiency was validated by prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), Fg activity (Fg:C) and Fg antigen (Fg:Ag) in plasma. All of the exons and their flanking sequences of the Fg gene were analyzed by direct sequencing. Detected mutations were confirmed by reverse sequencing.

RESULTSThe ranges of Fg:C and Fg:Ag in the 10 probands were 0.52-0.91 g/L and 0.62-2.98 g/L, respectively. Five of the probands had type I disorders, and 5 had type II disorders. Seven point mutations were identified, among which 6 have located in the D region. γThr277Arg, γAsp316His, γTrp208Leu and Lys232Thr were novel mutations, and αArg19Ser was first reported in Chinese. Four probands had the same mutation site (γArg275). As to the clinical manifestation, probands with type I disorders were asymptomatic or with mild or medium symptoms, while those belonged to type II disorders had moderate or serious symptoms. Two probands have carried an Arg275Cys mutation but had different clinical manifestations.

CONCLUSIONMutations of the Fg gene seem to aggregate to the D region of FGG in our region, and Arg275 is a common mutation. However, no correlation has been found between the mutation site and clinical manifestations.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Afibrinogenemia ; blood ; classification ; genetics ; Base Sequence ; Child ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; methods ; Exons ; genetics ; Family Health ; Female ; Fibrinogen ; genetics ; metabolism ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mutation, Missense ; Partial Thromboplastin Time ; Phenotype ; Point Mutation ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Prothrombin Time ; Thrombin Time ; Young Adult

Objective To investigate the mechanism of treatment of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor(rhG-CSF),recombinant human interleukin-11(rhIL-11)and recombinant human interleukin-2 (rhIL-2)on hematopoietic injuries induced by 4.5 Gy60 Coγ-ray irradiation in beagles,and to provide experimental evidence for the clinical treatment of extremely severe myeloid acute radiation sickness (ARS).Methods Sixteen beagle dogs were given 4.5 Gy60 Co γ-ray total body irradiation(TBI),then randomly assigned into irradiation control group,supportive care group or cytokines+supportive care (abbreviated as cytokines)group.In addition to supportive care,rhG-CSF,rhlL-11 and rhIL-2 were administered subcutaneously to treat dogs in cytokines group.The percentage of CD34+cells,cell cycle and apoptosis of nucleated cells in peripheral blood were examined by Flow cytometry.Results After 4.5 Gy 60 Co γ-ray irradiation,the CD34+cells in peripheral blood declined obviously(61.3%and 52.1% of baseline for irradiation control and supportive care group separately).The cell proportion of nucleated cells in Go/G1 phase was increased notably(99.27% and 99.49% respectively).The rate of apoptosis(26.93% and 21.29% separately)and necrosis(3.27% and 4.14%,respectively)of nucleated cells were elevated significantly when compared with values before irradiation(P<0.05) 1 d post irradiation.When beagles were treated with cytokines and supportive care,the CD34+cells in peripheral blood were markedly increased(135.6% of baseline).The effect of G0/G1 phase blockage of nucleated cells became more serious(99.71%).The rate of apoptosis(5.66%)and necrosis(1.60%)of nucleated cells were significantly lower than that of irradiation control and supportive care groups 1 d after exposure.Conclusions Cytokines maybe mobilize CD34+cells in bone marrow to peripheral blood,indce cell cycle block at G0/G1 phase and reduce apoptosis,and eventually cure hematopoieticinjuries induced by irradiation.

Objectivc To observe the therapeutic effects of combined cytokines on hematopoietic injuries induced by 4.5 Gy60 Co γ-rays irradiation in beagles,and to provide experimental evidences for the clinical treatment of extremely severe myeloid acute radiation sickness(ARS).Methods 16 beagles were given 4.5 Gy60 Co γ-rays total body irradiation,and then randomly assigned into irradiation control group,supportive care group and cytokines group.In addition to supportive care,recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF),recombinant human interleukin-11(rhIL-11)and recombinant human interleukin-2(rhIL-2)were administered subcutaneouly to dogs in cytokines group.Peripheral blood hemogram was examined once every two days.Bone marrow and peripheral blood were collected to proceed colony cultivation 4 d pre-irradiation and 1 and 45 d post-irradiation.Conventional histopathological sections of sternum were prepared to observe the histomorphology changes. Results After irradiation,the population of all kinds of cells in peripheral blood declined sharply.WBC nadir Was elevated(1.04×109/L,but 0.28×109/L and 0.68×109/L for the irradiation control group and the supportive care group separately),the duration of thrombocytopenia was shortened (24 days,but 33 days for the supportive care groug) and red blood cell counts were maintained in the range of normal values after cytokincs treatment in combination.The colony forming efficiency of haemopoietic stem cells(HSCs)in bone marrow and peripheral blood decreased obviously 1 d post irradiation,but recovered to the level of that before irradiation 45 d post irradiation after supportive care and cytokines treatment.Hematopoietic cells disappeared in bone marrow of animals in irradiation control group,but hematopoietic functions were recovered after cytokines were administrated.Conclusions RhG-CSF.rhIL-11 and rhIL-2 used in combination could elevate WBC nadir,accelerate the recovery of leukocytes,platelets and red blood cells and promote the proliferation,differentiation and maturity of HSPCs left in the body after 4.5 Gy γ-rays total body irradiation,eventually restore the hematopoietic function.Hence,combination of rhG-CSF,rhIL-11 and rhIL-2 could serve as better therapeutic strategy to treat extremely severe myeloid ARS.

Objective To explore the clotting mechanism in beagles irradiated by 4.5 Gy γ-rays after treatment with supportive care,or supportive care and combined cytokines.Methods Sixteen beagles were divided into irradiation control group,Supportive care group and combined cytokines treatment group.Platelet aggregation test,thrombelagtography (TEG) and the time measurement were analyzed in vitro.Results In irradiation group and supportive care group,the platelet aggregation rates in beagles were decreased markedly and the k value of TEG was increased 7 d post-irradiation,while those indexes in combined cytokines treatment group changed little.At 14 d post-irradiation,each parameter of TEG in irradiated group changed obviously.The values of r,k,r+k and M were elevated significantly,clotting time and the maximum coagulation time of thrombus delayed,the Ma value was decreased markedly,and the maximum elasticity amplitude of thrombus was diminished.All parameters in combined cytokines treatment group were better than those in supportive care group.The thrombin time was prolonged obviously in irradiated group 14 d post-irradiation,while the thrombin time was the longest at 2-3 weeks post irradiation in supportive care group and combined cytokines treatment group(P>0.05).Conclusions Cytokines could improve the platelet aggregation and the blood clotting functions of beagles suffering from acute radiation sickness.

Objective To explore the mechanisms of cytokines on acute radiation disease in irradiated beagles.Methods The sera of beagles irradiated with 4.5 Gy γ-rays with cytokines treatment was collected at different time points post irradiation.The two-dimensional gel electrophoresis(2-DE)was used to isolate and compare the differentially expressed proteins in sera.HD-MS was used to analyze the differentially expressed proteins with significance,and the amino acid sequences should be determined. Results High resolution 2-DE gel map was obtained.There were six differentially expressed proteins in sera of irradiated beagles at different time points.Four protein spots were successfully identified by MS.A significant spot was identified as serum amyloid A(SAA)by HD-MS,with relative molecular mass of 13 077 and isoelectfie point of 6.26.Expression of SAA was not found 1 d pre-irradiation and 36 d postirradiation,but increased slightly 1 d(0.2166)and significantly 14 d post-irradiation(0.4577). Conclusions The expression of serum amyloid A was consistent with the process of acute radiation injury,which might indicate the turnover of the disease.