Generation 4 polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer was PEGylated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) at an average molecular weight 5 000 via amide bond. PAMAM and PEGylated PAMAM (PAMAM-PEG) dendrimer were used as drug nanocarriers. Methotrexate (MTX), an antineoplastic agent, was selected as a model drug. PAMAM/MTX and PAMAM-PEG/MTX complexes were prepared. The pharmacokinetic characters and anti-tumor activity of the PAMAM-PEG/MTX complex were studied as compared with MTX injection and PAMAM/MTX complex by intravenous injection in rats and S180 tumor bearing mice, separately. The plasma samples from normal rats were analyzed by HPLC method, and concentration-time data were analyzed using a non-compartmental analysis. Their anti-tumor effects in vivo were evaluated against S180 solid tumors in mice by measuring average tumor weight and calculating the inhibitory rate of tumor on day 17 after successive injections. The results showed that both plasma half-life and mean retention time (MRT) of the complexes were longer than that of MTX injection (P<0.01), while the area under the plasma concentration vs time curve (AUC) of PAMAM-PEG/MTX was the largest as compared with that of free drug and PAMAM/MTX complex (P<0.01). The inhibitory rate of tumor of PAMAM-PEG/MTX complex enhanced 2.1 and 1.8 times over that of free drug and PAMAM/MTX complex, respectively, indicating that PAMAM-PEG/MTX exhibited the highest antitumor activity. In summary, PEGylated PAMAM could be useful as a potential drug delivery carrier.
Animals ; Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic ; blood ; pharmacokinetics ; pharmacology ; Area Under Curve ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Dendrimers ; chemical synthesis ; pharmacokinetics ; Drug Carriers ; Female ; Male ; Methotrexate ; blood ; pharmacokinetics ; pharmacology ; Mice ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; Nylons ; chemical synthesis ; pharmacokinetics ; Polyethylene Glycols ; chemistry ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sarcoma 180 ; pathology ; Tumor Burden ; drug effects

To explore the effects of bone marrow cells expanded under different conditions on hematopoietic reconstitution, in the liquid expanded cultural system with several cytokines and/or bone marrow stromal cell layers, the BMMNC of mice were expanded for 5 days. Then the expanded cells were transplanted into the lethal-dose irradiated mice via the caudal vein. The hematopoietic reconstitution of transplanted mice were evaluated by detecting the number of bone marrow nuclear cells and various colony forming cells. The results showed that ex vivo expansion of bone marrow mononuclear cells mediated with cytokines under cultural conditions could not improve the hematopoietic engraftment in post-irradiated mice, but the expansion supported by bone marrow stromal cells could benefit the reconstruction significantly regardless of addition with cytokines. In conclusion, the ex vivo hematopoietic cell expansion supported by bone marrow stromal cells can maintain the properties of the hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells for hematopoietic reconstitution.
Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; Bone Marrow Transplantation ; mortality ; Female ; Hematopoiesis ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Stromal Cells ; physiology

The key to killing target cells by immunotoxin depends on the specific recognition of antibody to target cell and the cytotoxic effect of toxin. The comparative study of the killing effects of two anti-T immunotoxins, CD5:Ricin and CD5:rRA, on target cells was performed. The elimination rate of immunotoxins was analysed by flow cytometry and MLR. The effect of immunotoxins on the proliferation of hematopoiesis was evaluted by CFU-GM. The results showed that (1) CD5(+) T cells were eliminated and CD25(+) CD3(+) activated T cells were concentration-dependently inhibited by the two immunotoxins in the range of 10(-9) - 10(-11) mol/L; (2) both immunotoxins significantly inhibited the mixed lymphocyte reaction, and the inhibiting effect of CD5:rRA to T cell proliferation was markedly lower than that of CD5:Ricin in the range of 10(-10) - 10(-11) mol/L; (3) the combination of CD5:rRA with 10 mmol/L NH(4)Cl increased the T cell elimination rate; and (4) the two immunotoxins and the combination of NH(4)Cl and CD5:rRA did not suppressed proliferation of granulocyte-macrophage progenitors in the range of concentrations with killing effect. It was concluded that T cell and activated T cell could be eliminated effectively by immunotoxins, the proliferation of granulocyte-macrophage progenitor was not inhibited significantly.

AIMTo investigate the genetic polymorphism of several species of Fritillaria and to develop a DNA chip for the genotyping and identification of the origin of various species of Fritillaria at molecular level.

METHODSGenomic DNA from bulbs of several Fritillaria species was extracted and the polymorphisms of the D2 and D3 regions inside the 26S rDNA gene were identified by direct sequencing. Oligonucleotide probes specific for these polymorphisms were designed and printed on the poly-lysine coated slides to prepare the DNA chip. PCR products from the Fritillaria species were labeled with fluorescence by incorporation of dye-labeled dideoxyribonucleotides and hybridized to the immobilized probes on the chip.

RESULTSThe polymorphisms were used as markers for discrimination among various species. Specific oligonucleotide probes were designed and immobilized on a DNA chip. Differentiation of the various Fritillaria species was accomplished based on hybridization of fluorescent labeled PCR products with the DNA chip.

CONCLUSIONThe results demonstrated the reliability of using DNA chips to identify different species of Fritillaria, and the DNA chip technology can provide a rapid, high throughput tool for genotyping and quality assurance of the plant species verification.

Base Sequence ; DNA, Plant ; analysis ; Fritillaria ; classification ; genetics ; Genotype ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; methods ; Plants, Medicinal ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; RNA, Ribosomal ; genetics ; Species Specificity

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of burn serum on the erythropoiesis and granulopoiesis in bone marrow in mice, and to explore the possible underlying mechanism.

METHODSMurine bone marrow cell (BMC) strain was prepared routinely and was employed in the establishment of the culture system of colony forming units of erythrocytes, or granulocytes and monocytes. To both sets of culture system normal murine serum (N group) and burn serum, which was collected from the mice with 15% full thickness burn at 12 postburn hours (PBH) and 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 postburn days (PBD), (burn serum group) was added. In addition, positive control and blank control groups were set accordingly. The stimulating activity of all kinds of sera on the BMCs in the two sets of culture system was determined. The changes in the burn serum concentrations of EPO and GM-CSF were detected by radioimmunoassay, and the data were analyzed by logarithmic linear fitting correlation with the former influence of burn sera on the erythrocytes and granulocytes.

RESULTS(1) Burn sera exhibited obvious stimulation promoting activity on the erythropoiesis and granulopoiesis in BMC, and the activity peaked (384 +/- 60 and 127 +/- 16 CFU) on 1 PBD and decreased thereafter to approach the values found in normal sera group (125 +/- 14 and 34 +/- 20 CFU) on 7 PBD. (2) The EPO content in burn serum was evidently higher than the normal value (P < 0.01) during 12 PBH to 7PBD period. The GM-CSF concentration was obviously higher than the normal value (P < 0.05) at 12 PBH and on 1 PBD. (3) The EPO concentration in burn serum was significantly and logarithmically correlated with the stimulation promoting activity of burn serum on erythropoiesis (r = 0.8570, P = 0.0137). But the GM-CSF concentration in culture with burn serum was not correlated with the stimulation promoting activity of burn serum on granulopoiesis (r = 0.7049, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe sera harvested from burned mice during early postburn stage exhibited strong stimulation promoting activity on the erythropoiesis and granulopoiesis in bone marrow. The increased EPO level in burn serum might be the important factor contributing strong stimulation action on erythropoiesis, while increased GM-CSF level was not.

Animals ; Bone Marrow ; metabolism ; Burns ; blood ; therapy ; Erythropoiesis ; Erythropoietin ; metabolism ; Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor ; blood ; metabolism ; Granulocytes ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred Strains ; Serum ; chemistry

Objective　To compare the irradiation-protective and inter-synergestic effects of E838,WR-2721, Rubia cordifolia, cystamin e hydrochloride and ethinyl estradiol on radiation and combined radiation-burn injury. Methods　Above-mentioned drugs were given to the mice i ntraperitoneally, or intragastrcally, then, the mortality and the average surviv al d for 30 d were observed before and after the administration of the drug s. Results　①When drugs were before injury , the survival rate and the average survival d of the radiation and combined radiation-burn injured mice were increased obviously with the best effect in E838 and WR-2721. ②When drugs were given after injury, E838 and R. cordifolia also kept the effect. ③Combined appling WR-2721（pre) and E838（post）displayed a significant syner gistic reaction. Conclusion　E838 and WR-2721 are more e ffective than the others in the prevention of radiation.

Objective: To evaluate the efficiency and safety of low intensity conditional regimen for children with Fanconi anemia (FA) receiving allogenic hematopoietic stem cells transplantation (allo-HSCT). Methods: Four patients diagnosed as Fanconi anemia were enrolled in this study. One patient received HLA-identical sibling donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, two patients underwent unrelated donor matched (UD) HSCT, and one patient received unrelated cord blood transplantation. The conditional regimen consisted of Busulfan with low dose of cyclophosphamide. Results: All 4 cases succeeded in allo-HSCT. The median time for neutrophils engraftment was 11(9-15) day, median time to platelets (PLT) engraftment was 12 (8-28) day. One case occurred with grade I of aGVHD, 1 case with hemorrhagic cystitis. No patient happened with hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD). Conclusion: Low intensity of conditional regimen is efficient and safe which should be recommended for FA patients with HSCT.
Busulfan ; Fanconi Anemia ; Graft vs Host Disease ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Humans ; Transplantation Conditioning

OBJECTIVESTo explore MICM classification and adverse prognostic factors in adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

METHODSThe MICM classification, clinical characteristics of 80 adolescents with ALL admitted to our hospital from January 1998 to December 2002 were retrospectively analyzed. Survival data were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and the prognostic factors were analyzed with the COX regression model.

RESULTSIn the 80 patients, B-ALL and T-ALL accounted for 69.12% and 26.47%, respectively. The percentage of Ph(+)ALL was 18.37% (9/49), and that of hyperdiploidy was 4.08%. Patients at diagnosis with high leukocyte counts (> 50 x 10(9)/L) accounted for 27.94%. Among the 78 cases treated with VDP(L) or CODP(L) regimens, 73 (91.03%) obtained CR in 4 weeks. After a median follow-up of 24 months, the estimated 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates of patients receiving chemotherapy or allo-HSCT were (32.55 +/- 16.50)% and (69.58 +/- 8.72)%, respectively (P < 0.05). In COX analysis, high initial leukocyte counts (> 50 x 10(9)/L) and Philadelphia chromosome positivity were adverse prognostic factors for long-term survival.

CONCLUSIONSMICM classification has important clinical and prognostic significance in the risk-directed therapy of adolescents with ALL. The adverse prognostic features for these patients were high leukocyte counts, less incidence of chromosome hyperdiploidy and Ph chromosome positivity.

Adolescent ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Karyotyping ; Leukocyte Count ; Male ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; classification ; genetics ; therapy ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors

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