Human hair, a kind of natural fiber mainly composed of keratin and keratin-associated proteins, is a good biological sample that can be used to characterize the status of the body in a certain period of time. It is of highly importance in the detection of drugs, alcohol and stimulants because of the advantages of low cost, easy collection, easy transportation and storage. Proteomics is an emerging technology widely used in the field of life sciences to study protein expression and regulation at the holistic level. Investigating the composition and dynamic changes of hair proteins in different populations would have great potential in finding disease markers and distinguishing personal traits. In this paper, the structure and composition of hair, the changes of hair composition under psychological stress, and the research progress of hair proteomics were comprehensively reviewed. This will help using hair proteomics to identify body characteristics.
Humans ; Human Characteristics ; Proteomics ; Hair/chemistry* ; Keratins/chemistry* ; Metabolomics

OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship between epidermal stem cells and the developing process of sweat gland in human fetal skin, so as to obtain a hint for future induction of epidermal stem cells to differentiate into sweat gland cells.

METHODSTotal layer of human skin from the back of fetus at gestational ages from 11 to 31 weeks, obtained from spontaneous abortion was routinely examined. The expressions of beta1 integrin and keratin 19 in sweat gland cords or buds and mature sweat gland cells were dynamically observed with SP immunohistochemical technique. The development and maturation of sweat gland were identified by the positive staining of keratin 8 with immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSIt was revealed by histologic observation that basal layer cells of the primary epidermal ridge exhibited focal aggregation and formed hillocks at 16 gestational weeks. The hillocks of cells then migrated downward as cords into the dermis during 18 - 20 gestational weeks. Then, the end part of the cell cord developed into a round lump of twining cords assuming the mature sweat gland. The expressions of beta1 integrin and keratin 19 were found not only in sweat gland cords and buds but also in the mature cells and lasted throughout the total period of sweat gland development. The expression of keratin 8 in sweat gland buds started since 14 - 16 gestational weeks and maintained thereafter.

CONCLUSIONThe sweat gland started to develop during 14 - 16 gestational weeks and matured at 24 weeks. During the development process of sweat gland, epidermal stem cells were considered to be the key source.

Aborted Fetus ; Epidermis ; chemistry ; cytology ; embryology ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Integrin beta1 ; analysis ; Keratin-8 ; Keratins ; analysis ; Skin ; chemistry ; embryology ; Stem Cells ; chemistry ; cytology ; Sweat Glands ; chemistry ; embryology

Adult ; Dendritic Cells ; pathology ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Keratins ; analysis ; Lymph Nodes ; pathology ; Male ; Prognosis ; Retroperitoneal Neoplasms ; chemistry ; pathology ; ultrastructure

OBJECTIVETo assess the correlation between expression of proliferation antigen Ki-67, early apoptotic protein M30 (M30CytoDEATH, CK18) and biologic characteristics in endometrial carcinoma.

METHODSSP immunohistochemical technique was used to detect the expression of Ki-67 and M30 in 79 cases of endometrial carcinoma respectively.

RESULTSThe mean Ki-67 indices varied with histological grading and clinical stage of the tumor, being 20.48 +/- 14.86 in grade 1, 24.12 +/- 14.42 in grade 2 and 38.84 +/- 11.88 in grade 3; 20.65 +/- 13.56 in stage I; 26.92 +/- 14.71 in stage II; and: 35.14 +/- 14.70 in stage III. The mean M30 indices varied with the grading and stage of the tumor, being 1.03 +/- 1.42 in grade 1, 1.03 +/- 1.64 in grade 2 and 1.94 +/- 1.20 in grade 3; 0.30 +/- 0.58 in stage I; 1.66 +/- 1.74 in stage II; and 2.07 +/- 1.62 in stage III.

CONCLUSIONSKi-67 and M30 indexes are significantly correlated with biologic behavior and prognosis in endometrial carcinoma. There is a positive relationship between Ki-67 and M30 indexes.

Apoptosis ; Endometrial Neoplasms ; chemistry ; mortality ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Keratins ; analysis ; Ki-67 Antigen ; analysis ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prognosis

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the expression of cytokeratins in intraductal proliferative lesions of breast, including usual ductal hyperplasia (UDH), atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), ductal carcinoma-in-situ (DCIS) and its role in differential diagnosis.

METHODSNinety two cases of paraffin-embedded lesional breast tissue, 30 cases of frozen samples, cell cultures of hyperplastic ductal cells and 2 invasive ductal carcinoma cell lines (T47D and MCF-7) were used for this study. Immunohistochemistry was performed using EnVision method for 34betaE12, CK8 and CK14.

RESULTSThe percentage of 34betaE12-positivity in paraffin-embedded samples of UDH, ADH, DCIS and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) was found to be 95.2%, 33.3%, 19.2% and 12.5% respectively. In frozen tissues, all UDH cases and 55% of IDC cases expressed 34betaE12. The primary UDH cell cultures and T47D cell line were also 34betaE12-positive, whereas MCF7 cell line showed negative staining. The expression rate of CK8 and CK14 in UDH was also different from that in ADH and DCIS.

CONCLUSIONS34betaE12 can be useful in differential diagnosis of intraductal proliferative lesions of the breast. However application of this cytokeratin stain in intraoperative frozen sections is relatively limited. The expression patterns of CK8 and CK14 are also helpful in the differential diagnosis of similar lesions.

Breast ; chemistry ; pathology ; Breast Neoplasms ; chemistry ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast ; chemistry ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating ; chemistry ; diagnosis ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Humans ; Hyperplasia ; Keratins ; analysis ; Precancerous Conditions ; chemistry ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between Transitional CK19 positive cells and hepatic precancerous lesion in chronic hepatitis B patients.

METHODSWe observed the expression of CK19 in liver tissue of chronic hepatitis B patients by LSAB immunohistochemical staining, and examined serum AFP and ultrasonography one time per 3 months for one year.

RESULTSWe observed a population of CK19 positive cells-with size and structure between those of human oval cells and mature hepatocytes-that usually occurred along with oval-cell proliferation. It was suggested that these transitional cells may partly account for the elevation of serum AFP. One patient occurred hepatic carcinoma, another patient had low-echogenic nodules in liver parenchyma within the 1 year follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONTransitional CK19 positive cells could be regarded as a new possible pathological marker of hepatic precancerous lesion.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; Female ; Humans ; Keratins ; analysis ; Liver Neoplasms ; chemistry ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Precancerous Conditions ; chemistry ; pathology ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; alpha-Fetoproteins ; analysis

OBJECTIVETo determine the differential diagnostic value of high molecular cytokeratin 34betaE12 as a benign marker in mammary lesions.

METHODS90 cases (30 benign non-proliferative diseases, 20 benign proliferative diseases, 10 intraductal carcinomas and 30 invasive carcinomas) were collected, all of which had undergone fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) examination and a follow-up operation. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using monoclonal antibodies against 34betaE12 on FNAC smears and the follow-up paraffin sections. SPSS 10.0 software was applied to analyze the differential diagnostic value of 34betaE12 in benign and malignant mammary lesions.

RESULTS(1) No significant difference was found in the expression of 34betaE12 between benign non-proliferative and proliferative disease. (2) A significant difference was found between the expression of 34betaE12 in mammary benign disease and mammary carcinoma. 66.7% and 66.3% of the carcinoma cases showed either lack of 34betaE12 expression or had only a few isolated 1+ cells which were cytoplasmic positive for 34betaE12 immunoreaction on FNAC smear and paraffin section respectively. The remaining 33% of cases having 2+ to 3+ cells mainly displayed cytoplasmic granular positive reaction rather than strong membranous and cytoplasmic positive reaction as benign lesions. In contrast with carcinoma, most benign lesions showed strong immunoreaction of 2+ to 3+ and especially exhibited complete strong membranous and cytoplasmic positive reaction on paraffin section, their positive expressive character differed from those of carcinoma. The positive rates on FNAC smear and paraffin section were 100% and 78% respectively. (3) Certain types of intraductal carcinoma, including low grade cribriform, papillary and solid type either lacked 34betaE12 expression or revealed a few isolated 1+ cells with cytoplasmic positivity for 34betaE12 immunoreaction. Pronounced immunoreaction of 3+ was only seen in high grade comedotype intraductal carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS34betaE12 may serve as a marker of benign mammary disease for differential diagnosis. When there is a total or predominant lack of 34betaE12 expression, the possibility of carcinoma should be strongly considered. If 34betaE12 is expressed diffusely in the suspicious area with a strong membranous staining in particular, a benign proliferative process rather than carcinoma must be considered.

Biopsy, Needle ; Breast Neoplasms ; chemistry ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating ; chemistry ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Keratins ; analysis ; Logistic Models

OBJECTIVETo improve the histocompatibility of chicken calamus keratin (CCK) graft by collagen-gel coating or using of cyclosporine A (CsA).

METHODSThirty SD rats were equally randomized into 5 groups, and in 4 of them, CCK implantation into the bilateral erector spinae was performed on different treatment protocols. In group A, the rats received daily intraperitoneal injection of CsA (5 mg/kg) for two consecutive weeks after CCK implantation; in group B, CCK was soaked in CsA (2.5 mg/ml) solution at 4 degrees Celsius; for 48 h before grafting; in group C, CCK coated with collagen gel was grafted; and in group D, only CCK was implanted. Rats in the fifth group received only cutaneous incision as well as muscular dissection to serve as the blank control. CCK degradation and its effect on the surrounding tissues were observed at 2, 4 and 8 weeks after grafting. Immunohistochemistry was performed to identify T lymphocyte infiltration in the host tissues.

RESULTSAll the rats survived the operation. Numerous macrophages, especially multinucleated giant cells occurred on the peripheral of the CCK grafts, and small degraded CCK pieces were observed in their cytoplasm. Only a few inflammatory cells were seen in the host tissues. At 2, 4 and 8 weeks after CCK implantation, only a few CD3-positive cells were found in all the groups, and in group A and B, the density of T lymphocytes was significantly lower than that in group D, and there was no significant difference between group A and the blank control group.

CONCLUSIONSCsA significantly improves the histocompatibility of CCK material, and short-term systemic CsA administration achieves the best results. Macrophages, especially multinucleated giant cells participate in CCK degradation in vivo.

Animals ; CD3 Complex ; analysis ; Chickens ; Coated Materials, Biocompatible ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Collagen ; chemistry ; Cyclosporine ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Feathers ; chemistry ; Female ; Gels ; Histocompatibility ; drug effects ; Immunohistochemistry ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Implants, Experimental ; Injections, Intraperitoneal ; Keratins ; chemistry ; Male ; Muscle, Skeletal ; chemistry ; drug effects ; surgery ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Spine ; T-Lymphocytes ; chemistry ; cytology ; Tissue Engineering ; methods

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the toxicity of chicken calamus keratin (CCK) conduit as a tissue-engineered scaffold material.

METHODSThe chemical composition of the leaching solution of CCK was determined by means of ultraviolet spectrometry, and the toxic effects of the solution was evaluated by skin sensitization test in rats, intracutaneous stimulation test in rabbits, acute systemic toxicity test in mice, and cytotoxicity test in L929 cells.

RESULTSThe leaching solution of CCK consisted mainly of middle-molecular-weight peptides with a small quantity of macromolecular proteins. Skin sensitization test in rats showed that application of the CCK leaching solution caused no obvious skin reddening, regional edema, or skin necrosis. Intracutaneous injection of the leaching solution in rabbits did not induce obvious skin stimulation manifested by intradermal erythema or edema. In acute systemic toxic test, administration of the leaching solution in mice caused no death, organ dysfunction, cyanosis, tremor, severe peritoneal irritation, ptosis, or dyspnoea. In vitro cytotoxicity test indicated that the cell toxicity of the CCK leaching solution was approximately at 0 level.

CONCLUSIONCCK contained in the treated chicken calamus easily undergoes hydrolysis to release mainly some peptides which do not induce obvious toxic effects, suggesting the safe potential applications of CCK conduit as a tissue-engineering biomaterial.

Animals ; Cell Line ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Chickens ; Feathers ; chemistry ; Female ; Keratins ; chemistry ; toxicity ; Male ; Mice ; Rabbits ; Rats ; Skin Irritancy Tests ; Solutions ; Tissue Engineering ; Tissue Scaffolds ; chemistry ; Toxicity Tests ; methods

OBJECTIVETo develop a three-dimensional porous film of human hair keratin (HHK)-collagen sponge complex for use as a dermal substitute.

METHODSThe three components F, B, and Z derived from healthy human hair were weaved into a meshwork and integrated with purified soluble type I collagen extracted from bovine tendons to prepare a highly porous film with vacuum freeze-drying followed by secondary cross-linking with glutaraldehyde. The film was grafted beneath the dorsal skin in 21 SD rats (experimental group), with simple collagen sponge serving as the negative control. The rats receiving surgical operation but without graft served as the blank control. The graft and its surrounding tissue were harvested on days 3, 7 and at weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 after implantation for evaluation of tissue compatibility, vascularization and degradation.

RESULTSThe prepared collagen sponge film was semitransparent and porous. Three to 7 days after grafting, inflammatory reaction was relieved gradually, and several fibroblasts and blood vessels were found adherent to the grafts in the experimental groups. At week 4, the wounds healed in the experimental groups, and the fibroblasts were actively secreting collagen and the film degraded obviously with the appearance of elastic fibers. At weeks 6 and 8, new collagen fibers thickened and assumed regular arrangement, and the collagen sponge films disappeared completely. In the control groups, the changes were less obvious and total HHK degradation occurred till week 12.

CONCLUSIONThe degradable and absorbable HHK-collagen sponge film has relatively satisfactory tissue compatibility and can accelerate wound healing by stimulating cell proliferation and vascularization, showing the potential as an optimal dermal substitute.

Animals ; Collagen Type I ; chemistry ; Dermatologic Surgical Procedures ; Hair ; chemistry ; Humans ; Implants, Experimental ; Keratins, Hair-Specific ; chemistry ; Porifera ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Skin ; injuries ; Skin, Artificial ; Tissue Engineering ; methods ; Wound Healing