Objective To investigate the effects of methylated CpG islands in the promoter region on the expression of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor 3DL1 (KIR3DL1).Methods Three voluntary unpaid blood donors carrying high expression allele KIR 3DL1*01502 and three donors carrying low expres-sion allele KIR3DL1*005 were recruited in this study .The nucleotide sequences and the methylated CpG islands in the promoter regions of KIR 3DL1*01502 allele and KIR3DL1*005 allele were analyzed .The NK cells expressing KIR3DL1*01502 and KIR3DL1*005 were respectively treated with 5-aza for the dem-ethylation of CpG islands within the promoters .The expression of KIR3DL1 protein on the surface of NK cells was measured with flow cytometer .Results Two differences at nucleotide sites -65 and -269 were detected within the promoter regions of KIR3DL1*01502 and KIR3DL1*005, resulting in two distinct CpG islands.The CpG islands within the promoter of KIR 3DL1*01502 allele were highly methylated .The ex-pression of KIR3DL1 protein on NK cells which carried KIR 3DL1*01502 allele was significantly increased after the demethylation of CpG islands .However , the treatment of demethylation had no significant effects on the expression KIR3DL1 protein on NK cells harboring KIR3DL1*005 allele.Conclusion The methylated CpG islands within the promoter of KIR 3DL1*01502 allele affected the antigen expression on the surface of NK cells.Different KIR3DL1 alleles might show different mechanisms in regulating antigen expression .

OBJECTIVETo establish a polymerase chain reaction sequencing-based typing (PCR SBT) method for HLA-DPB1 exons 2 and 3, and to analyze their polymorphisms.

METHODSBased on the sequences of HLA-DPB1 loci, locus-specific primers were designed and applied to amplify the target sequences encompassing the entire exons 2 and 3 of HLA-DPB1. The amplification products were digested by enzymes and directly sequenced in both directions. The genotype was assigned by Assign 3.5+ SBT software.

RESULTSSpecific target fragment was obtained with the PCR amplification, and good quality electropherogram was derived by direct sequencing. Among 242 individuals from Zhejiang Han population, 18 HLA-DPB1 alleles were detected. Alleles with a frequency of > 0.05 have included DPB1*05:01:01/135:01 (0.4112), DPB1*02:01:02 (0.1901), DPB1*04:01:01 (0.1136) and DPB1*02:02 (0.0620). A novel HLA-DPB1*168:01 allele has also been identified. Nine polymorphism sites were founded in the exon 3 region, which included a new SNP site 517 A>T.

CONCLUSIONThe PCR-SBT method for exons 2 and 3 of HLA-DPB1 is reliable, which allowed detection of polymorphisms in exon 3 of the HLA-DPB1 gene.

Alleles ; Exons ; HLA-DP beta-Chains ; genetics ; Humans ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Genetic

OBJECTIVETo develop a method for separating the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A, -B and -C haploid using biotinylated probes and streptavidin magnetic beads in order to solve ambiguous HLA genotyping results.

METHODSBased on sequence information of HLA alleles from the IMGT/HLA database, the 5-biotinylated probes were designed. The probe was mixed and extended with corresponding genomic DNA, and incubated with streptavidin magnetic beads, which could form a streptavidin magnetic beads-biotin-probe DNA complex. The unique DNA haploid binding to corresponding probe was isolated after washes and elution. The separated haploid genomic DNA was used as template for HLA-A, -B and -C loci amplification and sequencing analysis.

RESULTSAmong the 12 HLA-A probes, 19 HLA-B probes and 13 HLA-C probes, DNA sequencing has confirmed that 9 HLA-A probes, 9 HLA-B probes and 5 HLA-C probes could successfully separate the haploid from genomic DNA samples.

CONCLUSIONThe developed method for HLA-A, -B and -C haploid separation is reliable, which can solve certain ambiguity and improve the accuracy of HLA genotyping.

Genotype ; HLA-A Antigens ; genetics ; HLA-B Antigens ; genetics ; HLA-C Antigens ; genetics ; Haploidy ; Humans ; Molecular Probe Techniques ; instrumentation ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; instrumentation ; methods ; Streptavidin ; chemistry

Objective To study the effects of Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Decoction on factors related to bone destruction and bone protection in rats with collagen-induced arthritis(CIA)based on osteopro-tegerin(OPG)/receptor activator of NF-κB ligand(RANKL)/receptor activator of NF-κB(RANK)signaling pathway.Methods According to the body weight,60 female Wistar rats were randomly di-vided into the following six groups:the normal group,the model group,the Triperygium wilfordii mul-tiglucoside group(0.01 g/kg),the Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Decoction low-dose group(8.6 g/kg),the Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Decoction medium-dose group(17.2 g/kg),and the Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Decoction high-dose group(34.4 g/kg)(n=10 rats per group).The rats in all groups except for the normal group were given 100 μg bovine type Ⅱ collagen on the 1st and 8th days to establish the CIA model,and was injected into the left foot sole and tail root of the rats.After the successful modeling,the rats were treated by gavage for 4 weeks.The general state,body weight,and arthritis index(AI)score of rats were recorded,and the contents of RANKL and OPG in rat serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The mRNA and protein expressions of RANKL,RANK,and OPG in the ankle joint were determined through real-time PCR and Western blotting,respectively.Results Com-pared with the normal group,the general state of the model group was poor,the toe swelling was obvious,the AI score was increased,the serum RANKL content was increased,the serum OPG content was de-creased,and the mRNA and protein expressions of RANKL and RANK in the ankle joint were increased(P＜0.05).Compared with the model group,the degree of toe swelling and the AI score of rats in the Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Decoction low-,medium-,and high-dose groups were decreased,the serum RANKL content was decreased,the serum OPG content was increased,the mRNA and protein expres-sions of RANKL and RANK in the ankle joint were decreased,the mRNA and protein expressions of OPG were increased,and the RANKL/OPG ratio of the ankle joint was decreased(P＜0.05).Conclusion Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Decoction can improve the destruction of joint bone in CIA rats,and its mecha-nism of action may be related to reducing RANKL level,reducing RANKL/OPG ratio,and regulating bone balance.

Objective To investigate the imaging manifestations and pathological basis of hepatic angiosarcoma(HAS).Methods The CT and MRI findings of 12 patients with HAS confirmed by pathology were analyzed retrospectively and compared with pathological findings.Results Based on morphological classification,the 12 cases of HAS were categorized into three types:massive patterns(n=3),mixed patterns of mass with nodules(n=2),and diffuse infiltration patterns(n=7).Hemorrhage was observed in 9 cases,and necrosis was present in all 12 cases.The massive patterns exhibited peripheral or nodular,patchy,annular,and cord-like enhancement patterns during the arterial phase,with increasing enhancement during the portal and delayed phases.The mixed patterns of mass with nodules demonstrated mild enhancement around the margin or in patchy and spotty structures during the arterial phase,progressing to expansive enhancement during the portal and delayed phases.Four of the seven diffuse infiltration patterns presented with mesh enhancement during the arterial phase,which expanded and became diffuse during the portal phase,accompanied by progressively enlarged enhancing nodules.In the delayed phase,the lesions were fused.The other three cases showed diffuse nodular enhancement during the arterial phase followed by increased enhancement during both portal phase and delayed phase.Regardless of subtype,focal fusion occurred during the delayed phase when multiple intrahepatic lesions were present,and the hemorrhagic and necrotic parts did not enhance.Conclusion The imaging characteristics of HAS include heterogeneous and progressive enhancement,often accompanied by hemorrhage,cystic change,and necrosis.