Objective　To explore the effects of hypoxia on the syntheses and secretion of adrenomedullin (AM), calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) and c-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and the relationship between these peptides. Methods　Rat models were established with hypoxia for 10, 20 and 30 d respectively and rats under normal altitude were served as control. Pulmonary artery pressure and the maximum increasing speed of right ventricle (RVdp/dtmax) were measured in every group. The dynamic changes of AM, CGRP and CNP concentrations in plasma were studied with radioimmunoassay. Results　During hypoxia, pulmonary artery pressure and RVdp/dtmax were enhanced. Plasma AM and CNP concentrations were increased while CGRP was decreased significantly. The plasma level of AM had positive correlation with that of CNP, but negatively correlated with that of CGRP. Conclusion　Results indicate that hypoxia may cause pulmonary artery pressure change and right ventricle has compensatory reaction to hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. Dynamic changes of plasma AM, CGRP and CNP concentrations can be regarded as indexes for condition of illness.

Objective To explore the effects of psychological intervention on the mental status and life quality of hepatolenticular degeneration patients during the perioperative period of splenectomy.Methods 64 cases hepatolenticular degeneration patients during the perioperative period of splenectomy were randomly divided into two groups,the intervention group and the control group,each with 32 cases.Both groups received conventional comfortable nursing,and the intervention group had psychological intervention for eight weeks in addition.Symptom checklist (SCL-90) was used to assess their changes of mental health,while the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-100) was used to assess their quality of life before and after psychological intervention.Results Before psychological intervention,there was no statistically siguificant difference between two groups' SCL-90 scores (P ＞ 0.05).After eight weeks of psychological intervention,the sores of somatization,force,interpersonal relationship,depression,anxiety,hostility,paranoid and psychotic factors in SCL-90 of the intervention group were respectively (1.26 ± 0.43),(1.72 ± 0.44),(1.74 ± 0.45),(1.59±0.43),(1.58±0.52),(1.66±0.74),(1.44±0.57),(1.61±0.68),(1.51±0.43),all of which were lower than those of the control group [(1.60 ± 0.49),(2.06 ± 0.50),(1.74 ± 0.45),(1.85 ±0.49),(1.90±0.55),(2.07±0.66),(1.71 ±0.57),(1.95 ±0.64),(1.82 ±0.56)],and the differences were statistically significant (t =2.950,2.888,2.466,2.256,2.386,2.339,2.060,2.484,respectively; P ＞ 0.05).Before psychological intervention,there was also no statistically significant difference between two groups' WHOQOL-100 scores (P ＞ 0.05).And after eight weeks of psychological intervention,the score of every dimension was higher in the intervention group than in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant (t =4.401,4.694,3.242,5.410,4.576,4.847,3.834,respectively;P ＜0.01).Conclusions Psychological intervention can effectively improve the mental health and quality of life of hepatolenticular degeneration patients during the perioperative period of splenectomy,and thus should be strengthened.

The aim was to analyze the expression level of stromal cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and its functional chemokine receptor CXCR4 in the patients with hematologic malignant tumor and their clinic significance. 28 patients with hematologic malignant tumor and 12 normal controls were chosen to be experimental objects. CXCR4 expressed on the cell membrane in bone marrow was enumerated by flow cytometry and serum level of SDF-1 was determined by ELISA assay. The result showed that the expression of SDF-1 and CXCR4 in hematologic malignant tumor were higher than that in normal controls, and the expression levels of two molecules were correlated. What is more, the different hematologic malignant tumor had different CXCR4 expression. In conclusion, the high expression of SDF-1 and CXCR4 in serum and bone marrow cells can be used as detective factors to hematologic malignant tumor. A correlation exists between the high expression of CXCR4 and the infiltration of hematologic malignant cells.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Chemokine CXCL12 ; blood ; Child ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; Hematologic Neoplasms ; blood ; Humans ; Leukemia ; blood ; Lymphoma ; blood ; Male ; Receptors, CXCR4 ; blood

This study was aimed to explore the influence of anti-CXCR4 monoclonal antibody 12G5 on killing effect of cytosine arabinoside (Ara C) to HL-60 cell, and to assess its therapeutic value in marrow residual disease. HL-60 cells were cultured and co-cultured with leukemic stromal cells, and SDF-1 activity was inhibited with 10 microg/ml 12G5, then, killing effects of Ara C on HL-60 cells were investigated by MTT and morphology assay. Curves by MTT assay revealed that in the test group of 20 microg/ml Ara C, A(540) values decreased slowly but straightly, however, in control group A(540) values decreased markedly for the first two days, and increased from day 3 or 4. In the test group of 40 microg/ml Ara C, although increasing at constricted range of 7 - 9 days, A(540) values decreased in whole observing period of 12 days, while in control group A(540) values decreased markedly at day 0-3, and increased from day 4. Furthermore, two curves go across each other at day 5, and continue the increasing tendency. Morphology results showed that in both treated groups, the number of HL-60 cell decreased markedly and increased gradually in control group, but just contrary to test group. It is concluded that 12G5 may weaken the killing effect of Ara C on HL60 cell in earlier period, but reinforce the total killing effect and delay the occurrence of drug resistance simultaneously. Thus 12G5 has the therapeutic potential on marrow residual disease.
Antibodies, Monoclonal ; pharmacology ; Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic ; pharmacology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Cytarabine ; pharmacology ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Drug Synergism ; HL-60 Cells ; Humans ; Receptors, CXCR4 ; immunology

To study the importance of chemokine SDF-1 in surviving of acute myelocytic leukemia cells HL-60, the adhesion ability of HL-60 and expression of Bcl-2, Fas protein when SDF-1 activity was blocked by anti-CXCR4 monoclonal antibody (12G5) were compared with those detected before MAb incubation, in this experiment, HL-60 cell were cultured and co-cultured with normal marrow stromal cell. The adhesion rate was detected while the expression of Bcl-2 and Fas proteins were assayed by immunohistochemical technique when SDF-1 activity was inhibited. The results showed that cell adhesion rate of HL-60 decreased while the expression Bcl-2 decreased and Fas increased. It is concluded that inhibition of SDF-1 activity increases cell apoptosis and thus reduces life-span of leukemia cell at certain level.
Antibodies, Monoclonal ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; Cell Adhesion ; Chemokine CXCL12 ; Chemokines, CXC ; physiology ; HL-60 Cells ; chemistry ; cytology ; Humans ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; analysis ; Receptors, CXCR4 ; physiology ; fas Receptor ; analysis

To study the role of hematopoietic microenvironment abnormality in development of minimal residual disease and its mechanism, the viability of HL-60 cells was investigated by means of bone marrow stromal cell culture system or co-culture system of bone marrow stromal cell with HL-60 cells and idarubicin (IDA), flow cytometry and ELISA. The results showed that viability of HL-60 cells gradually decreased along with the increase of IDA dose and prolongation of culture time. Amount of HL-60 cells co-cultured with leukemia bone marrow stramal cells was significantly increased as compared with that of the control (P < 0.05). Bone marrow stromal cells or stromal cell conditioned medium reduced the effect of IDA on HL-60 cells in culture. In conclusion, leukemia bone marrow stromal cells contribute to increasing resistance of HL-60 cells to chemotherapeutic agents, and play some role in developing minimal residual disease.
Bone Marrow Cells ; physiology ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Coculture Techniques ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; HL-60 Cells ; drug effects ; Humans ; Idarubicin ; pharmacology ; Stromal Cells ; physiology

This study was aimed to investigate the importance of chemokine SDF-1 in maintaining proliferation ability of acute myelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60 when the effects of SDF-1 on HL-60 cell proliferation were inhibited. Marrow stromal cells were cultured and co-cultured with HL-60 cells, and SDF-1 activity was blocked with anti-CXCR4 McAb. HL-60 cell activity was detected by MTT while cell cycle and the expression of CXCR4 on HL-60 cell membrane were observed by flow cytometry meanwhile. The internal calcium ionic concentration in HL-60 cell was detected as well before and after treated with 12G5. The results showed that 12G5 down-regulated the expression of CXCR4 on HL-60 cell membrane; HL-60 cells at G(0)/G(1) phase increased, but decreased at S phase; survive rate of leukemia cells reduced; the intercellular calcium ionic concentration of HL-60 cell decreased after treated with 12G5. It was concluded that brockage of the SDF-1 activity may inhibit proliferation of leukemia cell at certain level.
Antibodies, Monoclonal ; pharmacology ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Cell Cycle ; Cell Division ; Cell Survival ; Chemokine CXCL12 ; Chemokines, CXC ; antagonists & inhibitors ; physiology ; HL-60 Cells ; cytology ; Humans ; Receptors, CXCR4 ; analysis

To study the possibility of separation and culture of human umbilical cord blood adherent cell (HUCBAC), the umbilical cord blood CD34(+) cells were cultured in Dexter system in order to evaluate and observe the biological behavior of adherent cells in vitro. The results showed that all cells were cultured with Dexter system. By day 9-14 (at a median of 11.2 days), adherent cell colonies formed and reached their maximum at 15-22 days (mean 19.6 days), by day 28, all adherent cells spread over the bottom of Petri dish. By means of light microscopy, these cells were found to differentiate into three kinds of cells in culture of 28 days: fibroblast-liked cell, macrophage liked cell and small-round cells. The ratio of these three kinds of cells was 56.8%, 38%, 5.5% respectively. Cytochemistry assay revealed that the positive rate reached 100% in NSE stain and PAS stain; the adherent cell by ALP stain were shown 35% positive, but in POX stain the result was negative. Immunohistochemistry stain revealed that the positive rate of cord adherent cells for CD106, CD29, CD44, CD45, CD50, Fn, Ln, collagen IV etc reached 96%, 93%, 98%, 68%, 72%, 92%, 74%, 83% respectively. It is concluded there are hematopoietic adherent precursors in cord blood CD34(+) cells and the HUCBAC shows some biological behavior of hematopoietic stromal cells.
Antigens, CD34 ; blood ; Cell Adhesion ; immunology ; Cell Differentiation ; immunology ; Cells, Cultured ; Fetal Blood ; cytology ; Hematopoietic Stem Cells ; cytology ; immunology ; Humans ; Hyaluronan Receptors ; blood ; Immunohistochemistry ; Integrin beta1 ; blood ; Leukocyte Common Antigens ; blood ; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 ; blood

BACKGROUNDIn China, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is popularly used for pre-intervention examination for atrial septal defect (ASD) and for guiding ASD closure. However, the ability to determine ASD size and the safety and efficacy of TTE for guiding ASD closure still has not been widely accepted. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TTE used before, during and after transcatheter ASD closure with Amplatzer septal occluders (ASO).

METHODSSixty-eight subjects (15 men and 53 women; mean age (33.7 +/- 17.3) years) were enrolled. TTE was used to measure the diameters and guide transcatheter closure of ASD. The ASD was examined by long-axis view, basal short-axis view, apical four-chamber view and the subcostal view to observe position, diameter and relation with neighbouring structures. The largest diameter was selected as the reference diameter. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the ASD reference diameter: 22 subjects with ASD diameter 4 - 14 mm (group A); 21 subjects with ASD diameter 15 - 20 mm (group B); and 25 subjects with ASD diameter 21 - 33 mm (group C).

RESULTSASD was occluded successfully in groups A and B. In group C, occlusion failed in 2 cases; 1 case remained with a 3-mm residual shunt sustained until 6-month follow-up. However, at 6-month follow-up, no case of thromboembolism, ASO dislocation or death occurred in the three groups. The diameter of ASD measured by TTE could accurately predict the ASO size that could successfully occlude the ASD, especially in patients with ASD < 20 mm. The ASD diameter measured by TTE correlated well with ASO size (r = 0.925, P < 0.001; r = 0.976, P < 0.001; r = 0.929, P < 0.001 respectively).

CONCLUSIONSASD diameter measured by TTE can accurately estimate the size of the ASO needed for successful closure of ASD. The larger the ASD, the much larger the ASO needed. TTE is a satisfactory guiding imaging tool for ASD closure.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Balloon Occlusion ; instrumentation ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Echocardiography ; methods ; Female ; Heart Septal Defects, Atrial ; diagnostic imaging ; therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of inhibiting stromal cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1) expression by RNA interference (RNAi) on adhesion and drug sensitivity of Jurkat cells co-cultured with bone marrow stromal cells.

METHODSSDF-1 specific short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expressing plasmid was transferred into cultured human acute leukemic bone marrow stromal cells, positive clones were isolated by screening G418 resistance (Group A) , SDF-1 protein level in culture supernatant was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The adhesion rates to bone marrow stromal cells layer and the drug sensitivity to doxorubicin of co-cultured Jurkat cells were detected by cell counting and MTT assay, respectively. The un-transfected bone marrow stromal cells of acute leukemia patient (Group B) or normal subject (Group C) were taken as control.

RESULTSThe level of secreted SDF-1 protein (pg/10(5) cells/week) in the supernatants of Group A, B and C were 1920 +/- 205, 12,370 +/- 1355 and 6620 +/- 770, respectively. Of co-cultured Jurkat cells in Group A, B and C, the adhesion rates after 24 h co-culturing were (28.8 +/- 2.6)%, (57.4 +/- 3.8)% and (45.2 +/- 4.0)%, respectively, and the IC50 values of doxorubicin were 585, 6162 and 1758 nmol/L, respectively.

CONCLUSIONDown-regulating SDF-1 expression of bone marrow stromal cells by RNAi reduces adhesion rates and enhances drug sensitivity to doxorubicin of their co-cultured Jurkat cells.

Bone Marrow Cells ; metabolism ; Cell Adhesion ; Cells, Cultured ; Chemokine CXCL12 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Coculture Techniques ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Jurkat Cells ; RNA Interference ; Stromal Cells ; metabolism