Objective To explore the expression of EphB4 and VEGF in esophageal cancer tissues and their relationship with microvessel density (MVD ) ,and analysis the curative effect of postoperative esophageal cancer radical under thoracoscope . Methods Theexpression of EphB4 and VEGF was detected by immunohistochemistry in tumor specimens from 76 cases of esopha-geal squamous cell carcinoma and paratumor normal specimens ,used CD34 as marker to count MVD .According to the situation of expression of EphB4 and VEGF ,we analysis their relationship with lymph node metastasis rate ,recurrence and 5-year survival rate . Results The positive expression rate of EphB4 and VEGF in cancerous tissue (57 .89% and 61 .84% ) ,were significantly higher than that in tissue adjacent to carcinoma(0 and 7 .89% )(P<0 .05) .The positive expression rate ofEphB4 and VEGF in high MVD values of patients (67 .44% and 76 .19% ) ,were significantly higher than thatin low MVD values of patients (45 .45% and 44 .11% )(P<0 .05) .The positive expression rate ofEphB4 and VEGF in the patientswith lymph node metastasis group and associ-ated with recurrence ,were significantly higher than that of group without lymph node metastasis and group without recurrence (P<0 .05) .The positive expression rate of EphB4 and VEGF in patients of greater than or equal to 5 years of survival rate(45 .00% and 45 .45% ) ,were significantly lower than in patientsof Less than 5 years of survival rate (80 .36% and 85 .19% )(P<0 .05) .Conclu-sion EphB4 and VEGF are highly expressed in esophageal cancer tissue ,which may be closely associated withmicrovessel density , and lymph node metastasis ,recurrence and 5 years survival rate ;the curative effect of positive expression rate of EphB 4 and VEGF is poor .

Endoscopy ; methods ; Humans ; Intestinal Diseases ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Intestine, Small ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; methods

OBJECTIVETo investigate the regulatory mechanism of the transcription of tumor metastasis suppressor gene TMSG-1.

METHODSLuciferase reporter assay and site-directed mutagenesis were used to analyze the regulatory region of TMSG-1. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) were carried out to verify the interaction of KLF6 and Sp1 with the regulatory region of TMSG-1. Co-immunoprecipitation (CoIP) was performed to analyze the interaction between KLF6 and Sp1. TMSG-1 and wt-KLF6 mRNA expressions in cells with different metastatic capacities were quantitated by real-time PCR. Cell invasive capability was determined by Matrigel invasion assay.

RESULTSA 63 bp inducible regulatory region (+59 bp - +123 bp) in exon 1 was identified by luciferase assay using reporter plasmids with a series of TMSG-1 regulatory region deletions. Mutations in KLF6/Sp1 binding sites of this region resulted in a decrease of luciferase activity, while cotransfection with KLF6 or Sp1 expressing plasmids led to a remarkable increase of luciferase activity. EMSA and ChIP demonstrated that KLF6 as well as Sp1 interacted with this region. CoIP also indicated a possible interaction between KLF6 and Sp1 proteins. In the highly metastatic cell sublines, a low level of wild type KLF6 was associated synchronously with a low TMSG-1 level. Prostate carcinoma cells overexpressing KLF6 exhibited a higher TMSG-1 level and a lower invasive capability.

CONCLUSIONSTranscription factor complex of KLF6 and Sp1 may participate in the inducible transcriptional regulation of TMSG-1, and a decreased wild type KLF6 expression is likely associated with a low TMSG-1 level in the highly metastatic cell sublines.

Binding Sites ; genetics ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay ; Humans ; Immunoprecipitation ; Kruppel-Like Factor 6 ; Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors ; genetics ; metabolism ; Lung Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Membrane Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Mutagenesis, Site-Directed ; Mutation ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Sp1 Transcription Factor ; genetics ; metabolism ; Sphingosine N-Acyltransferase ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transcriptional Activation ; Transfection ; Tumor Suppressor Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism

AIMTo explore proper cryopreservative systems for hematopoietic stem cells.

METHODSPeripheral blood mononuclear cells from 20 persons were mixed with different cryopreservative agent, dimethyl suflfoxide (DMSO) or combination of DMSO and hydroxyethyl starch (HES), then cooled in -80 degrees C low temperature refrigerator (Refr) or autocontrolled programmed cryogenic system (PCS), preserved in Refr or in liquid nitrogen. GM-CFU, LTC-IC, CD34+ cells and typeran blue resistance (TBR) were assayed after different period of cryopreservation.

RESULTSThe recovery rates of CFU-GM, LTC-IC, CD34+ cells and TBR in peripheral blood mononuclear cells which were cooled and preserved in Refr with 5% DMSO-6% HES were 82.2% +/- 14.7%, 83.0% +/- 12.2%, 94.2% +/- 4.3% and 97.7% +/- 3.9% respectively, significantly higher than that in Refr with 10% DMSO (P < 0.05). When cells were cryopreservated with the same cryopreservatives, there was no significantly difference of recovery rate in group of Refr and group of Refr with PCS. Meanwhile, there was not significantly difference of recovery rate among all three groups, preserved in Refr ahead of liquid nitrogen, in Refr merely, in liquid nitrogen with PCS within one year (p > 0.05). However, the recovery rate of CFU-GM, LTC- IC, CD34+ cells and TBR decreased dramatically if cells were cooled and preserved in Refr for two years. After cells were thawed, the cell activity declined gradually at room temperature if the cryopreservatives were not removed or diluted. The cell activity of 10% DMSO group was affected more than that of 5% DMSO-6% HES group.

CONCLUSION5% DMSO-6% HES is better than 10% DMSO as cryopreservatives for hematopoietic stem cells. Refr cryopreservation is a simple and effective method if cells would be cryopreserved for less than one year. If cells would be cryopreserved for more than one year, liquid nitrogen cryopreservation should be recommended. The cryopreservatives should be diluted or removed immediately after cells were thawed.

Blood Preservation ; methods ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Cryopreservation ; methods ; Cryoprotective Agents ; pharmacology ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; methods ; Hematopoietic Stem Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Humans

OBJECTIVETo investigate the neuroprotective effects of glycyrrhizin (Gly) as well as its effect on expression of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in rats after traumatic brain injury (TBI).

METHODSMale Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham group, TBI group, and TBI+Gly group (n=36 per group). Rat TBI model was made by using the modified Feeney's method. In TBI+Gly group, Gly was administered intravenously at a dosage of 10 mg/kg 30 min after TBI. At 24 h after TBI, motor function and brain water content were evaluated. Meanwhile, HMGB1/HMGB1 receptors including toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE)/nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) signaling pathway and inflammatory cytokines in the injured brain tissues were detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot, electrophoretic mobility shift assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Furthermore, HMGB1, RAGE and TLR4 immunohistochemistry and apoptosis were analyzed.

RESULTSBeam walking performance impairment and brain edema were significantly reduced in TBI+Gly group compared with TBI group; meanwhile, the over-expressions of HMGB1/HMGB1 receptors (TLR4 and RAGE)/NF-κB DNA-binding activity and inflammatory cytokines were inhibited. The percentages of HMGB1, RAGE and TLR4-positive cells and apoptotic cells were respectively 58.37% ± 5.06%, 54.15% ± 4.65%, 65.50% ± 4.83%, 52.02% ± 4.63% in TBI group and 39.99% ± 4.99%, 34.87% ± 5.02%, 43.33% ± 4.54%, 37.84% ± 5.16% in TBI+Gly group (all P<0.01 compared with TBI group).

CONCLUSIONGly can reduce secondary brain injury and improve outcomes in rat following TBI by down-regulation of HMGB1/HMGB1 receptors (TLR4 and RAGE)/NF-κB-mediated inflammatory responses in the injured rat brain.

Animals ; Brain Injuries ; drug therapy ; Glycyrrhizic Acid ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; HMGB1 Protein ; metabolism ; Male ; Neuroprotective Agents ; therapeutic use ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVEIn order to investigate whether or not thrombopoietin (TPO) could promote the fibrogenesis of bone marrow stromal cells in absence of megakaryocytes (MKs).

METHODSImproved dexter culture system with various TPO concentrations was used for ex vivo culture of bone marrow stromal cells. Relative proliferation index, the expressions of fibronectin, laminin and type IV collagen, and the systhesis of type III procollagen were detected at different time points during culture process.

RESULTSTPO stimulated the proliferation of bone marrow stromal cells. Relative proliferation index of the stromal cells increased with the TPO concentration increasing, and was not related to the exposure time. The expressions of fibronectin, laminin, and type IV collagen appeared stronger in the TPO groups than those in the control group. But the expressions of these molecules were not dependent upon the culture time. TPO could accelerate the synthesis of type III procollagen in bone marrow stromal cells, and this acceleration was unrelated to the TPO concentration.

CONCLUSIONThese findings suggested that TPO could stimulate the stromal cells with a consequence of increased syntheses and secretions of the extracellular matrix and collagen in absence of MKs. In other words, TPO could promote the fibrogenesis of bone marrow stromal cells without the existence of MKs.

Cells, Cultured ; Collagen Type III ; metabolism ; Collagen Type IV ; metabolism ; Extracellular Matrix ; metabolism ; Fibronectins ; metabolism ; Fibrosis ; pathology ; Humans ; Laminin ; metabolism ; Megakaryocytes ; cytology ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; pathology ; Thrombopoietin ; pharmacology

This study was aimed to investigate whether the thrombopoietin (rhTPO) may facilitate myelofibrosis or not. The modified Dexter culture system with various concentrations of rhTPO was used to culture the stromal cells in vitro; the proliferative activity of cells was detected by MTT method; the morphologic changes were observed by light and scanning electron microscopy; the staining changes of ALP, PAS, AS-D NCE and IV type collagen were observed by cytochemistry method; the changes of fibronectin, laminin and IV type collagen were assayed by immunohistochemistry method; the cell surface antigens were assayed by flow cytometry. The results indicated that rhTPO could promote the proliferation of stromal cells which was related to the concentrations of rhTPO. Proliferative activity of stromal cells increased with increasing of rhTPO concentration, and was not related to the exposure time. On day 3 stromal cells adhered to the wall, and became oval. On day 7 stromal cells turned to fusiform and scattered dispersively. On day 12 to 14 these cells ranged cyclically and became long fusiform. Cells covered 70%-80% area of bottle bottom at that time. By day 16 to 18 these cells covered more than 90% area of bottom and ranged cyclically. They displayed the same shape as fibroblasts. By light microscopy with Wrights-Giemsa staining, fibroblasts predominated morphologically, few macrophages, endothelial cells and adipose cells were found. There were no significant differences between experimental group and control group. On day 14 to 42 the adherent cells were positive with PAS staining, poorly positive with ALP and naphthol AS-D chloroacetate esterase (AS-D NCE) staining, and the difference in cytochemistry was not significant between two groups. When these cells were dyed with Masson's trichrome and Gomori's staining, neither collagen fibers nor reticular fibers were positive, but fibronectin, laminin, and collagen type IV appeared positive stronger in experimental group than those in control. The expressions of these molecules were not dependent on culture time. By scanning electron microscopy microvilli and fibers on cell surface appeared more and more, monolayer cells evolved into multilayer cells, and newly-formed fibroblasts appeared gradually as culture time prolonged. These alterations were not different among various groups. The expressions of CD34, CD45, CD105, CD106, and CD166 were not affected obviously by rhTPO. It is concluded that rhTPO had no effects on histochemical properties of stromal cells. Fiber staining and scanning electron microscopic examinations revealed that rhTPO can not facilitate fiber formation of stromal cells. But rhTPO may be able to augment the expressions of fibronectin, laminin and collagen type IV of stromal cells. Therefore it is still necessary to follow up the patients for a long time, who have received rhTPO therapy clinically.
Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Fibroblasts ; Humans ; Stromal Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Thrombopoietin ; pharmacology

This study was aimed to investigate the influence of cryopreservation on biological properties and function of leukemic dendritic cells (L-DCs) derived from patients with acute or chronic leukemia. Some fresh leukemic cells were detected immediately; some were cultured immediately; some were cryopreserved in -80 degrees C with 5% DMSO-6% HES as cryopreservor. After being thawed, they were cultured. The combination of rhGM-CSF, rhIL-4, rhTNF-alpha and other cytokines were added into the culture system. 12 days later, L-DCs were assayed for morphology, immunophenotype, mixed lymphocytic reaction (MLR) and CTL cytotoxicity on autologous leukemic cells. The results showed that both fresh and cryopreserved leukemic cells obtained from patients with acute or chronic leukemia revealed typical DC morphologically by means of using combinations of cytokines in culture, but there was no significant difference between pre-or post cryopreservations. L-DCs also upregulated the expression of CD80, CD54, HLA-DR, CD1a, CD83 and CD86, and downregulated the expression of CD14, but there was also no difference as compared with L-DCs befor cryopreservation. L-DCs derived from leukemic cells were also capable of stimulating MLR and inducing CTL which could kill autologous leukemic cells obviously. It is concluded that leukemic cells, regardless of fresh or frozen, can induce L-DCs after culture with cytokine combination. The L-DCs can induce CTL targeting autologous leukemic cells, and may be used to treat MRD as immunotherapy. The induction and biological properties of L-DCs are not influenced by cryopreservation.
Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; CD8 Antigens ; metabolism ; Cryopreservation ; Dendritic Cells ; cytology ; immunology ; Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Interleukin-4 ; pharmacology ; Leukemia, Myeloid ; immunology ; pathology ; Lipopolysaccharide Receptors ; metabolism ; Lymphocyte Activation ; Recombinant Proteins ; T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic ; immunology ; Tumor Cells, Cultured ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; pharmacology

The aim of this study was to investigate the best method to preserve human bone marrow cells and the effectiveness of long term cryopreservation at -80 degrees C. The human bone marrow cells in 20 samples were firstly frozen by a programmed freezer or -80 degrees C refrigerator, and then were preserved in liquid nitrogen with DMSO-AuP (10% dimethylsulfonamide, 10% autologous plasma) or DMSO-HES-HuA (5% dimethylsulfonamide, 6% hydroxyethyl starch, 4% human serum albumin) as cryoprotectant for 21 to 25 years. They were thawed in 38 degrees C. The cell sample frozen in -80 degrees C refrigerator was frozen at a low frozen speed of 1 degrees C/min which was the same as the programmed freezer before -30 degrees C. Before detection the bone marrow cells were taken from liquid nitrogen and were thawed in 38 degrees C, then the suspension of bone marrow cells was prepared for detection. The cell morphology and recovery rate of erythrocytes, nucleocytes and platelets; the recovery rate of hematopoietic stem progenitors cells, as well as mesenchymal stem cells were determined. The results showed that the protective effectiveness of DMSO-HES-HuA was better than DMSO-AuP. The mature erythrocytes were destroyed lightly [(3.5 +/- 1.5)% versus (12.6 +/- 4.8)%], the hemolysis rate was lower [(3.3 +/- 1.6)% versus (23.1 +/- 5.1)%]. Osmotic fragility of erythrocytes in the former was not changed, but was dropped in the latter. The recovery rates of red cell, platelet, granulocyte-macrophage colony forming units and long term culture-initiating cells were higher in the former than that in the latter [(96.1 +/- 1.8)%, (70.0 +/- 9.5)%, (49.2 +/- 10.9)%, (54.2 +/- 13.8)% versus (76.3 +/- 5.6)%, (52.7 +/- 8.1)%, (43.5 +/- 12.3)%, (47.2 +/- 13.6)% respectively]. With each kind of cryoprotectant or frozen method, the frozen MSC could keep the original growth properties. With the same cryoprotectant and different frozen method, the cryopreservative effectiveness was not different. The influence of the cryoprotectant prescriptions and the frozen methods on the cryopreservative effectiveness was little. It is concluded that the human bone marrow cells with DMSO-AuP or DMSO-HES-HuA as cryoprotectant, frozen by a programmed freezer or -80 degrees C refrigerator, could be then preserved in liquid nitrogen for long time. When the preserving time was as long as 21 to 25 years, the morphology, the recovery rate and the activity of various kinds of cells were still good. The method of freezing by -80 degrees C refrigerator with 5% DMSO-6% HES-4% HuA and preserving in liquid nitrogen would be convenient, cheap and easily-manipulated for preservation of the human bone marrow cells.
Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; Cell Survival ; Colony-Forming Units Assay ; Cryopreservation ; methods ; Cryoprotective Agents ; Humans ; Nitrogen ; Time Factors

In order to meet the demand for safe transfusion in special conditions and to utilize the donated blood supply efficiently, technology has been developed to convert erythrocytes from type A, B, or AB to "universal donor" blood. Conversion of blood type B to O was performed by means of recombinant alpha-galactosidase digestion. The results showed that blood type B to O was converted successfully, 1 transfusion unit of red cells of group B (100 ml totally) could converted to universal blood cells in the optimal conditions including pH 5.6, 26 degrees C, 2 hours, obturation and sterilization. It is concluded that the universal red blood cells converted from group B to group O are conformed to demand of identification rules of biological products, no harmful effects of alpha-galactosidase on cell structure and function are observed. The converted red cells can stored in 4 degrees C for 21 days.
ABO Blood-Group System ; classification ; immunology ; Blood Group Incompatibility ; prevention & control ; Blood Transfusion ; methods ; Coffee ; enzymology ; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Erythrocytes ; immunology ; metabolism ; Humans ; Isoantigens ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Recombinant Proteins ; metabolism ; pharmacology ; alpha-Galactosidase ; genetics ; metabolism ; pharmacology