BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of lycopene on the migration, adhesion, tube formation capacity, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) activity of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) cultivated with high glucose (HG) and as well as explore the mechanism behind the protective effects of lycopene on peripheral blood EPCs. MATERIALS/METHODS: Mononuclear cells were isolated from human peripheral blood by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation. EPCs were identified after induction of cellular differentiation. Third generation EPCs were incubated with HG (33 mmol/L) or 10, 30, and 50 microg/mL of lycopene plus HG. MTT assay and flow cytometry were performed to assess proliferation and apoptosis of EPCs. EPC migration was assessed by MTT assay with a modified boyden chamber. Adhesion assay was performed by replating EPCs on fibronectin-coated dishes, after which adherent cells were counted. In vitro vasculogenesis activity was assayed by Madrigal network formation assay. Western blotting was performed to analyze protein expression of both phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated p38 MAPK. RESULTS: The proliferation, migration, adhesion, and in vitro vasculogenesis capacity of EPCs treated with 10, 30, and 50 microg/mL of lycopene plus HG were all significantly higher comapred to the HG group (P < 0.05). Rates of apoptosis were also significantly lower than that of the HG group. Moreover, lycopene blocked phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in EPCs (P < 0.05). To confirm the causal relationship between MAPK inhibition and the protective effects of lycopene against HG-induced cellular injury, we treated cells with SB203580, a phosphorylation inhibitor. The inhibitor significantly inhibited HG-induced EPC injury. CONCLUSIONS: Lycopene promotes proliferation, migration, adhesion, and in vitro vasculogenesis capacity as well as reduces apoptosis of EPCs. Further, the underlying molecular mechanism of the protective effects of lycopene against HG-induced EPC injury may involve the p38 MAPK signal transduction pathway. Specifically, lycopene was shown to inhibit HG-induced EPC injury by inhibiting p38 MAPKs.
Apoptosis ; Blotting, Western ; Centrifugation, Density Gradient ; Ficoll ; Flow Cytometry ; Glucose* ; Humans ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; Phosphorylation ; Protein Kinases ; Signal Transduction ; Stem Cells*

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of lycopene on the migration, adhesion, tube formation capacity, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) activity of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) cultivated with high glucose (HG) and as well as explore the mechanism behind the protective effects of lycopene on peripheral blood EPCs. MATERIALS/METHODS: Mononuclear cells were isolated from human peripheral blood by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation. EPCs were identified after induction of cellular differentiation. Third generation EPCs were incubated with HG (33 mmol/L) or 10, 30, and 50 microg/mL of lycopene plus HG. MTT assay and flow cytometry were performed to assess proliferation and apoptosis of EPCs. EPC migration was assessed by MTT assay with a modified boyden chamber. Adhesion assay was performed by replating EPCs on fibronectin-coated dishes, after which adherent cells were counted. In vitro vasculogenesis activity was assayed by Madrigal network formation assay. Western blotting was performed to analyze protein expression of both phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated p38 MAPK. RESULTS: The proliferation, migration, adhesion, and in vitro vasculogenesis capacity of EPCs treated with 10, 30, and 50 microg/mL of lycopene plus HG were all significantly higher comapred to the HG group (P < 0.05). Rates of apoptosis were also significantly lower than that of the HG group. Moreover, lycopene blocked phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in EPCs (P < 0.05). To confirm the causal relationship between MAPK inhibition and the protective effects of lycopene against HG-induced cellular injury, we treated cells with SB203580, a phosphorylation inhibitor. The inhibitor significantly inhibited HG-induced EPC injury. CONCLUSIONS: Lycopene promotes proliferation, migration, adhesion, and in vitro vasculogenesis capacity as well as reduces apoptosis of EPCs. Further, the underlying molecular mechanism of the protective effects of lycopene against HG-induced EPC injury may involve the p38 MAPK signal transduction pathway. Specifically, lycopene was shown to inhibit HG-induced EPC injury by inhibiting p38 MAPKs.
Apoptosis ; Blotting, Western ; Centrifugation, Density Gradient ; Ficoll ; Flow Cytometry ; Glucose* ; Humans ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; Phosphorylation ; Protein Kinases ; Signal Transduction ; Stem Cells*

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Leukemia, Prolymphocytic, B-Cell ; diagnosis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies

Low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth (PB) are associated with newborn mortality and diseases in adulthood.We explored factors related to LBW and PB by conducting a population-based case-control study from January 2011 to December 2013 in Wuhan,China.A total of 337 LBW newborn babies,472 PB babies,and 708 babies with normal birth weights and born from term pregnancies were included in this study.Information of newborns and their parents was collected by trained investigators using questionnaires and referring to medical records.Univariate and logistic regression analyses with the stepwise selection method were used to determine the associations of related factors with LBW and PB.Results showed that maternal hypertension (OR=6.78,95％ CI:2.27-20.29,P=0.001),maternal high-risk pregnancy (OR=1.53,95％ CI:1.06-2.21,P=0.022),and maternal fruit intake ≥300 g per day during the first trimester (OR=1.70,95％ CI:1.17-2.45,P=0.005) were associated with LBW.BMI ≥24 kg/m2 of mother prior to delivery (OR=0.48,95％ CI:0.32-0.74,P=0.001) and gestation ≥37 weeks (OR=0.01,95％ CI:0.00-0.02,P＜0.034) were protective factors for LBW.Maternal hypertension (OR=3.36,95％ CI:1.26-8.98,P=0.016),maternal high-risk pregnancy (OR=4.38,95％ CI:3.26-5.88,P＜0.001),maternal meal intake of only twice per day (OR=1.88,95％ CI:1.10-3.20,P=0.021),and mother liking food with lots of aginomoto and salt (OR=1.60,95％ CI:1.02-2.51,P=0.040) were risk factors for PB.BMI ≥24 kg/m2 of mother prior to delivery (OR=0.66,95％ CI:0.47-0.93,P=0.018),distance of house from road ≥36 meters (OR=0.72,95％ CI:0.53-0.97,P=0.028),and living in rural area (OR=0.60,95％ CI:0.37-0.99,P=0.047) were protective factors for PB.Our study demonstrated some risk factors and protective factors for LBW and PB,and provided valuable information for the prevention of the conditions among newborns.

OBJECTIVEIdiopathic collapsing glomerulopathy (ICG) is a clinically and pathologically distinct variant of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, which is characterized by proteinuria (often nephrotic range) and rapid progression to end-stage renal failure. The typical pathological changes are global/segmental glomerular collapse, hypertrophy and hyperplasia of podocytes and severe tubulointerstitial lesions. Most ICG patients who have been reported in previous published papers are adults. ICG in children is rare. The study aimed to analyze and investigate clinical manifestations, renal histopathological findings, treatment and outcomes of ICG in children.

METHODSData of two cases of ICG, a 7-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl, were analyzed. Both of them were Chinese and Han. Clinical characteristics, results of laboratory tests, renal histopathological findings, treatment, outcomes and prognosis of the two children with ICG were retrospectively analyzed. Results were compared with published data.

RESULTSThese two children presented typical clinical features of nephrotic syndrome. The quantity of 24 hr urine protein was 7.6 g/d (0.47 g/kg x d for boy) and 10.67 g/d (0.35 g/kg x d for girl). Both of them had hypertension (blood pressure ranged from 130/90 to 150/110 mmHg) and hypercholesterolemia (15.4 mmol/L for the boy and 11.3 mmol/L for the girl). The serum albumin was 12 g/L for girl and 23 g/L for boy. The creatinine clearance rate gradually decreased from normal range to 30 ml/min for the girl. The histopathological changes in renal biopsy of them were focal segmental or global glomerular collapse, hypertrophy and hyperplasia of podocytes and severe tubulointerstitial lesions. These two cases were steroid-resistant and were treated with pulse intravenous methylprednisolone and pulse intravenous cyclphosphamade in one case, who rapidly progressed to end-stage renal failure and died half a year later. Another one was treated with cyclosporine. He showed continuous hypertention and heavy proteinuria for eight months.

CONCLUSIONICG in the 2 children was a severe disease which presented steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome and rapidly progressive renal failure. The pathological characteristics was global/segmental glomerular collapse, hypertrophy and hyperplasia of podocytes and severe tubulointerstitial lesions. In children with ICG treatment was difficult and the prognosis was poor.

Child ; Disease Progression ; Female ; Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental ; complications ; diagnosis ; pathology ; therapy ; Glucosinolates ; Humans ; Kidney ; pathology ; Kidney Failure, Chronic ; etiology ; Kidney Glomerulus ; pathology ; Male ; Nephrotic Syndrome ; etiology ; Proteinuria ; etiology ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of microRNA-155 and microRNA-146a in the CD19(+) B cells of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL), and to analyze its clinical significance.

METHODSPeripheral blood (PB) (78 cases) and bone marrow (BM) samples (9 cases) from 53 CLL patients, 13 MCL patients, 19 SMZL patients, and 12 healthy donors were collected. Mononuclear cells were isolated and B cells were purified with a CD19(+) magnetic-bead system. Total RNA was extracted from purified CD19(+) cells and microRNAs expression were measured using the TaqMan microRNA quantitative PCR. The results combined with the clinic data of patients were analysed.

RESULTS(1) The expression of microRNA-155 in CLL (4.49 ± 0.83) was significantly higher than in MCL (3.83 ± 0.45) and SMZL (3.80 ± 0.61) (P < 0.05); (2) The level of microRNA-146a in SMZL (3.81 ± 0.59) was significantly higher than in CLL (2.58 ± 0.90) and MCL (2.27 ± 0.88) (P < 0.01); (3) The level of microRNA-155 was significantly higher in IgVH unmutated patients than in mutated patients in CLL (P = 0.012); (4) The microRNAs expression had no statistical difference between two prognostic groups in CLL.

CONCLUSION(1) The expression of microRNA-155 and microRNA-146a is different in malignant lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD); (2) Deregulation of the microRNAs expression might play a critical role in the pathogenesis and prognosis in the LPD.

B-Lymphocytes ; metabolism ; Case-Control Studies ; Chronic Disease ; Humans ; Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell ; genetics ; pathology ; Lymphoproliferative Disorders ; genetics ; pathology ; MicroRNAs ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the overrepresentation of specific gene segments of immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (IgVH) among unmutated and mutated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients and its prognostic implication.

METHODSMultiplex PCR was used to identify the expression of IgVH segment and its mutation status in CLL.

RESULTSAnalyses were successfully performed in 80 of 85 samples. Marked skewed IgVH families were disclosed. The most commonly used VH was VH3 (40.0%), followed by VH4 (30.0%), VHI (13.8%), VH2 (10.0%) and VH5, VH7 (2.5%). Fifty-six patients (70.0%) had mutated VH, 24 (30.0%) unmutated VH. Nine cases (11.3%) were with 100% germline sequence. Fifteen cases (15/24, 62.5%) in VH4, 29 (29/32, 90.7%) in VH3, and 4 (4/11, 36.3%) in VH1 had mutated VH. The most frequently used IgVH gene was VH4-39 (13.8%), and VH4-34 (8.8%). J4 (36/66, 54.5%) and D3 (25/66, 37.8%) were the most frequently used in J and D genes. The progression-free survival (PFS) was 82 and 17 months (P = 0.000), and the overall survival (OS) was 90 and 41 months (P = 0.009), respectively, for mutated and unmutated cases. Recurrent CDR3 sequences were found in our patients and 2 patients with VH1-69 had CDR3 sequences highly similar to those reported in literature.

CONCLUSIONThere is difference in IgVH gene segment usage and mutational status in different area CLL patients. Recurrent CDR3 sequences were found in specific IgVH gene segments, which highlights the importance of immunoglobulin mediated stimulation in the development of CLL.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; Female ; Gene Rearrangement, B-Lymphocyte, Heavy Chain ; Genes, Immunoglobulin ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains ; genetics ; Immunoglobulin Variable Region ; genetics ; Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell ; genetics ; immunology ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mutation

This study was purposed to investigate the expression of B7-H1 gene in leukemia cells and its clinical significance. The expression of B7-H1 mRNA was detected by SYBR Green I real-time quantitative PCR in a panel of 9 leukemia cell lines, 4 leukemia cell lines induced with IFN-γ, the bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNC) from 59 initial leukemia patients and 10 dendritic cells (DC) derived from BMMNC of initial leukemia patients, 2 solid tumour cell lines and BMMNC from 10 normal persons. The correlation between the clinical features of 59 acute leukemia patients and the expression level of B7-H1 mRNA in leukemia cells was analyzed. The results showed that the lower level of B7-H1 mRNA expression was found in leukemia cell lines and primary acute leukemia cells, but the expression level of B7-H1 mRNA was up-regulated significantly in the leukemia cell lines induced by IFN-γ and DC derived from BMMNC of leukemia patients. The expression level of B7-H1 mRNA in non complete remission (CR) patients after therapy was significantly higher than that in CR patients. It is concluded that the expression level of B7-H1 mRNA in leukemia cells is lower, but is up-regulated when affected by some factors. A correlation exists between the expression level of B7-H1 gene in leukemia cells and response of patients to therapy.
B7-H1 Antigen ; genetics ; metabolism ; Dendritic Cells ; metabolism ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; Leukemia ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression level of SOX11 mRNA in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and other B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) and its prognostic value in MCL.

METHODSThe expression level of SOX11 mRNA in 80 B-NHL patients were determined by real-time quantitative RT-PCR, GAPDH was used as internal control. The dispersion of SOX11 expression ratio of groups with different prognostic factors was described by Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTSThe SOX11 mRNA expression level was 2.90 (0.75 - 4.63) in 80 B-NHL patients, and the expression level was significantly higher in MCL than that in other B-NHL (P = 0.014). The SOX11 expression level was statistically lower in the group of MCL with hyperleukocytosis, 12 trisomy, MYC amplification and therapeutic effect < PR (P = 0.042, 0.013, 0.028, 0.009) than that of MCL in other group. But SOX11 expression was not associated with MCL international prognostic index (MIPI) (P = 0.333), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (P = 0.790), ATM mutation (P = 0.865) and P53 deletion (P = 0.116). The progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were significantly longer in the MCL patients with high level of SOX11 than that of other MCL patients.

CONCLUSIONThere was statistically significant differences in SOX11 mRNA expression between MCL with other B-NHL. SOX11 maybe a good prognostic factor in MCL.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin ; genetics ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; SOXC Transcription Factors ; genetics ; metabolism

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of Recipe for Clearing Heat and Removing Dampness combined with Butyl Flufenamate Ointment for the treatment of facial seborrheic dermatitis. Methods A total of 92 patients with facial seborrheic dermatitis were randomly divided into treatment group and control group,46 cases in each group. The treatment group was treated with oral use of Recipe for Clearing Heat and Removing Dampness combined with external use of Butyl Flufenamate Ointment, and the control group was only treated with external use of Butyl Flufenamate Ointment. The treatment for the two groups covered 4 weeks. Before treatment and on treatment day 7, 14 and 28, scores of clinical symptoms, related skin barrier function indexes,and the serum level of cathepsin S(Cat S)in the two groups were observed. Results(1)On treatment day 14,28,the total effective rate in the treatment group was 84.8％, 89.1％,and that in the control group was 65.2％,71.7％ respectively,the difference being significant(P < 0.05).(2)On treatment day 7,14,28, the scores of clinical symptoms in the two groups were obviously decreased(P < 0.05 compared with those before treatment),and the decrease in the treatment group was superior to that in the control group (P < 0.05).(3) On treatment day 7,14,28,facial sebum secretin,skin water content,and transepidermal water loss(TEWL) of the treatment group were improved to various degrees compared with those of the control group,the differences being significnat(P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).(4)On treatment day 28,serum Cat S of the two groups was markedly decreased(P < 0.01 compared with that before treatment),and the decrease in the treatment group was superior to that in the control group (P < 0.01). Conclusion Recipe for Clearing Heat and Removing Dampness combined with Butyl Flufenamate Ointment exerts certain effect for the treatment of facial seborrheic dermatitis.