AIM:It has been recently proved that either decreased number or impaired function of CD4+CD25+regulatory T cells(Treg)can lead to immune dysfunction.Deeper knowledge of CD4+CD25+Treg cells is crucial for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of many diseases,such as autoimmune diseases,graft-versus-host disease,and allergic disease.This study is aimed to investigate the correlation of CD4+CD25+Treg cells in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura(ITP)and to analyze the possible immunopathogenesis. METHODS:The experiment was conducted in the laboratory of Institute of Hematology,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College from June to September in 2007.After the patients and their relative signed informed consents, peripheral blood was obtained from ITP patients(n=27)and health people(n=15)admitted in the Hematology Hospital,Peking Union Medical College.All patients accorded with the standards of ITP diagnosis and curative effect.The amount of CD4+CD25+ Treg cells in peripheral blood of normal controls and ITP patients before and after therapy was detected by flow cytometry.For those 23 patients who received effective therapy,blood before and after therapy were both obtained,the mononuclear cells(MNCs)were isolated from peripheral blood by density gradient centrifugation,then reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) was used to analyze the expression of Foxp3 mRNA. RESULTS:The amount of CD4+CD25+Treg cells and the ratio of CD4+CD25+Treg to total CD4+T cells in peripheral blood of ITP patients were obviously decreased than those of the controls(P0.05),but the expression of Foxp3 mRNA in CD4+CD25+ Treg cells was significantly increased(P

To establish and manage of multicentral collection bio-sample banks of malignant tumors from digestive system, the paper designed a multicentral management system, established the standard operation procedures (SOPs) and leaded ten hospitals nationwide to collect tumor samples. The biobank has been established for half a year, and has collected 695 samples from patients with digestive system malignant tumor. The clinical data is full and complete, labeled in a unified way and classified to be managed. The clinical and molecular biology researches were based on the biobank, and obtained achievements. The biobank provides a research platform for malignant tumor of digestive system from different regions and of different types.
Biological Specimen Banks ; organization & administration ; Digestive System ; pathology ; Humans ; Neoplasms ; Specimen Handling

Objective To observe the protective immunity induced by the nucleic acid vaccine of 21.^7 kDa membrane protein molecule of Schistosoma japonicum Chinese mainland strain (SjC 21.^7) in BALB/c mice. . Methods. A pair of primers (P1 and P2) was synthesized according to the DNA sequence of the SjC21.^7. The ORF sequence of SjC21.^7 was amplified by PCR, and the Kozark sequence was added to the position of initiator. The gene fragment was inserted into the eukaryotic expression plasmid pcDNA3.^1 to form the recombinant plasmid SjC21.^7-pcDNA3.^1. Forty-eight BALB/c mice were divided into three groups: control, test and boost. Each mouse was injected in quadriceps femoris with plasmid pcDNA3.^1 (control) or recombinant plasmid SjC21.^7-pcDNA3.^1 (test, boost); for the boost group, with additional P35-pcDNA3.^1 and P40-pcDNA3.^1. All mice were immunized three times with an interval of 2 weeks, challenged each with 45 cercariae of S.^japonicum at the 30th day after final immunization. At day 45 after challenge,all mice were sacrificed, the numbers of worms and hepatic eggs were counted. Antibody level in the sera of mice before and two weeks after immunization was determined with ELISA. The expression of the target gene in quadriceps femoris was observed with immunohistochemistry. . Results . The immunohistochemistry analysis showed that there were specific antigens expressed in the local tissue of the test group mice. There was specific IgG in the serum of partial mice in test and boost groups. Compared with the control group, the worm reduction rate was 29.^9% and its egg reduction rate 13.^8% in the test group; 31.^9% and 28.^0% respectively in the boost group. The egg reduction rate in the boost group was higher than that of the test group (P

Objective To evaluate the effect of gabapentin for treatment of neuropathic pain induced by bilateral sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury (bCCI) of rats.Methods Forty-eight female SPF Sprague-Dawley rats,weighing 180-200 g,aged 7-9 weeks,were randomly divided into 4 groups (n =12 each) using a random number table:control group (C group),sham operation group (S group),bCCI group,and bCCI + gabapentin group (G group).Gabapentin 100 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected once at 15 min before operation and twice a day during 7-13 days after operation for 7 consecutive days.The bilateral mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (MWT),thermal paw withdrawal latency (TWL) and number of cold-stimulated paw withdrawal were measured before operation (baseline) and at 1,3,6,8,10,14 days after operation.Results Compared with C group,the bilateral MWT was significantly decreased,and the bilateral TWL was shortened in bCCI and G groups,and no significant change was found in MWT and TWL in S group.Compared with bCCI group,the bilateral MWT was significantly increased,the bilateral TWL was prolonged,and no significant change was found in the number of cold-stimulated paw withdrawal in G group.Conclusion Gabapentin can relieve thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia induced by bCCI,however,it exerts no effect on cold allodynia in rats.

AlM: To investigate expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-2 ( MMP-2 ) and extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer ( EMMPRlN) in retinoblastoma (Rb) and the relationships between MMP-2, EMMPRlN and tumor development.METHODS:lmmunohistochemical technique was used to detect expressions of MMP-2 and EMMPRlN in 39 cases of paraffin embedded Rb samples. Quantitative analysis of expressions of MMP-2 and EMMPRlN were assessed by measuring the mean gray scale of Rb tissue with LElCA lM50 Color Pathologic Analysis System. The differences of expressions of MMP-2 and EMMPRlN in each clinical and pathological stage were statistically analyzed, and the same step was also undertaken to study the relationship between Rb with MMP-2 positive expression and that with EMMPRlN positive expression.RESULTS:The positive expression rate of MMP-2 was 90% (Gray value: 109. 64 ± 14. 52; 35/39), and that of EMMPRlN was 85% (Gray value:108. 01±13. 60;33/39). The expressions of MMP - 2 and EMMPRlN were significantly higher in tumors of glaucomatous stage (Gray value:108. 21±11. 47 and 107. 56±14. 32) than those in intraocular stage ( Gray value: 121. 13 ± 11. 32 and 119. 34 ± 12. 66; P<0. 01 and P<0. 05). And the same conclusion can be concluded between those in extraocular stage (Gray value: 91. 03 ± 11. 71 and 92. 26 ± 12. 93) with those in glaucomatous stage (P<0. 01 and P<0. 05). The expressions of MMP-2 and EMMPRlN were significantly higher in tumors with optic nerve invasion (Gray value:103. 89±13. 39 and 105. 23±14. 00) than those without optic nerve invasion ( Gray value: 118. 39 ± 15. 11 and 117. 53±16. 13) (P<0. 01 and P<0. 05).CONCLUSlON:The positive expression levels of MMP-2 and EMMPRlN may correlate with tumor infiltration and metastasis.

Objective To observe the protein and mRNA expression of thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) in mammary gland tissue of lactating rats,and to explore iodine uptake mechanism.Methods Eighty adult Wistar rats (60 female and 20 male),weighting 210-250 g were selected.All female Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups according to their body mass:normal non-pregnant group,lactating for 5-,10-,15-and 20-day groups and weaning for 5 days group,10 rats in each group.All rats were fed with conventional fodder and tap water freely.In addition to the normal non-pregnant group,other five groups of female and male rats were mated at 3 ∶ 1,respectively.Then the rats in all groups were killed on the 5th,10th,15th and 20th day after lactation and on the 5th day after weaning to get the mammary gland tissue.The protein and mRNA expression of TSHR were determined by immunohistochemical staining and real-time quantitative PCR.Results TSHR protein was expressed in mammary acinar and ductal epithelial cytoplasm.The expression of TSHR in mammary gland showed significant differences between groups (x2 =14.612,P ＜ 0.05),the staining intensity of mammary gland tissue in normal non-pregnant rats(weak,n =4; moderate,n =6) was weaker than that of lactating for 5 days(weak,n =2; moderate,n =3; strong,n =5) and 10 days groups(barely detectable,n =1;moderate,n =4; strong,n =5; x2 =4.113,5.250,all P＜ 0.05).The expression of TSHR mRNA in mammary gland showed significant differences between groups(F=20.488,P ＜ 0.05); the expression of TSHR mRNA in lactating for 10 days group(0.31 ± 0.06) was higher than that of lactating for 5 days group(0.22 ± 0.04,P ＜ 0.01),and the expression of lactating for 15 days group (0.16 ± 0.08) was significantly lower than that of lactating for 5 days group (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions TSHR is widely expressed in mammary gland of lactating rats.The iodine uptake of mammary gland is enhanced in early lactation period when the body may be more susceptible to iodine deficiency,therefore iodine should be supplemented reasonably.

OBJECTIVETo explore safe, effective, simple and easy non-drug treatments for grade 1 essential hypertension.

METHODSAccording to TCM syndrome differentiation, 126 cases of grade 1 essential hypertension were classified into 4 types: liver-fire hyperactivity syndrome, yin-deficiency and yang-hyperactivity syndrome, excessive phlegm-dampness syndrome, yin-yang deficiency syndrome, and then the patients were randomly divided into a photoelectric combined with musical treatment group (group A), an acupuncture group(group B) and a placebo group (group C). The acupoints were selected according to TCM syndrome differentiation in group A and group B, and multi-mode audio frequency pulse photoelectric therapeutic apparatus and acupuncture were used in the two groups respectively, once daily. Taichong (LR 3) and Quchi (LI 11) were selected in liver-fire hyperactivity syndrome, Taixi (KI 3) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) were selected yi yin-deficiency and yang-hyperactivity syndrome, Zusanli (ST 36) and Fenglong (ST 40) were selected in excessive phlegm-dampness syndrome, while Taixi (KI 3) and Guanyuan (CV 4) were selected yi yirryang deficiency syndrome. The group C was treated with oral administration of starch tablet (25 mg), one tablet each time,three times everyday. Ten days were considered as one course, totally three courses were required in the three groups. The blood pressure and scores of TCM syndromes before and after treatment were compared among the three groups.

RESULTSThe blood pressure decreased significantly after treatment in group A and group B (all P<0.01), and the decrease in systolic blood pressure was more significant in group A (P < 0.05). The total effective rate was 90.5 / (38/42) in group A, which was superior to 71. 4 (30/42, P < 0.05) in group B and 19.1% (18/34, P<0. 01) in group C. The scores of TCM syndromes were both improved in group A and group B, but without significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe clinical effect of multi-mode audio frequency pulse photoelectric therapeutic apparatus for treatment of grade 1 essential hypertension is reliable. Meanwhile, it has the advantages of a non-invasive and simple operation.

Acupuncture Points ; Adult ; Aged ; Blood Pressure ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Electric Stimulation Therapy ; Essential Hypertension ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Laser Therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Music Therapy ; Treatment Outcome

We report electroversion in treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) in a patient with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and cervical spinal cord injury. At first, the patient sustained respiratory failure and weak cough reflex, thereafter repeated bronchoscopy was used to aspirate the sputum as well as control the pneumonia, which resulted in arrhythmia (AF and AVNRT). Two doses of intravenous amiodarone failed to correct the arrhythmia. After restoration of sinus rhythm by electroversion, he was successfully weaned from mechanical ventilation and discharged from the intensive care unit without recurrent arrhythmia.
Atrial Fibrillation ; complications ; therapy ; Bronchoscopy ; Cervical Vertebrae ; injuries ; Electric Countershock ; Electrocardiography ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Respiration, Artificial ; Spinal Cord Injuries ; complications ; Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome ; complications

OBJECTIVEIn order to study the feature of T cell TCR-CD3 complex-mediated gene in lead poisoning patients.

METHODSReal-time PCR with SYBR Green I technique was used for determination of the expression levels of CD3 genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 46 cases lead poisoning patients (11 cases in observation group and 35 cases in mild lead poisoning group) and 31 cases in control group.

RESULTSThe median expression levels of CD3γ gene in observation group and mild lead poisoning group (6.89%, 5.87 %) were higher than the control group (P < 0.05). The median expression levels of CD3δ gene in observation group and mild lead poisoning group (0.54%, 0.70%) were lower than the control group (P < 0.05). The median expression levels of CD3ε gene in observation group and mild lead poisoning group (10.22%, 6.08%) were higher than the control group (P < 0.05). A significant Positive correlation was found between CD3γ, CD3ε and seniority in lead poisoning patients. A significant negative correlation was found between CD3ε and blood ZPP, urea δ-ALA (r = -0.358, P < 0.05; r = -0.385, P < 0.05), but there was no significant correlation between them after controlling for blood lead, urea lead. The expression levels of CD3 genes prove to be a descending order of CD3γ, CD3ε, CD3δ in control group, while it was changed for CD3ε, CD3γ, CD3δ in the observation group as well as in mild lead poisoning group.

CONCLUSIONExpression of T cell TCR-CD3 complex-mediated gene was changed in lead poisoning patients, it might be related to the body immunodeficiency. The expression level of CD3ε gene can be used as sensitive immune function screening indicator in Lead poisoning patients.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Lead Poisoning ; immunology ; Male ; Occupational Diseases ; immunology ; Receptor-CD3 Complex, Antigen, T-Cell ; metabolism ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of Nourishing yin clearing heat ([Chinese characters: see text]) Chinese herbal medicine on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in growth retardation induced by Decamethasone and observe its mechanisms.

METHODSThirty one-month-old New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into normal group, dexamethasone-treated group and Nourishing yin clearing heat ([Chinese characters: see text]) Chinese herbal medicine-treated group. The rabbits in dexamethasone group and Nourishing yin clearing heat ([Chinese characters: see text]) Chinese herbal medicine-treated group received dexamethasone (5 mg/kg x d). The rabbits were sacrificed at the 6th and 12th week after administration, and then rabbit tibia articular was removed. (1) Using TUNEL stain to detect apoptotic index. (2) Using immunohistochemical stain to detect the positive index of the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the epiphyseal cartilage of growth. (3) Using fluorescent quantitative PCR to detect the expression intensity of VEGF mRNA in each group.

RESULTSAt the 6th and 12th week after administration, there were significant difference in apoptotic index and cell proliferation index between dexamethasone group and normal group (P<0.01, dexamethasone group more than normal group). Immunohistochemical stain and fluorescent quantitative PCR indicated that the expression of VEGF and VEGF mRNA in dexamethasone group was significantly decreased as compared with that in normal group (P<0.01), and also obviously lower than Chinese herbal medicine-treated group (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONVEGF has 2. an important role during the growth retardation induced by Dexamethasone. Nourishing yin clearing heat ([Chinese characters: see text]) Chinese herbal medicine can reduce the growth retardation induced by Dexamethasone through increasing the VEGF expression in growth plate chondrocytes and then increase angiogenesis.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; Cell Proliferation ; Dexamethasone ; pharmacology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Female ; Gene Expression ; drug effects ; Growth Plate ; cytology ; drug effects ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Male ; Rabbits ; Random Allocation ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; genetics ; metabolism