Objective To establish immortalized neural progenitor cell strain and provide stable cell resource for cell-transplantation and gene therapies. Methods Plasmid pCMVSV40T/PUR containing the simian virus 40 large T antigen gene (SV40Tag) were transfected into the primary cultured neural progenitor cells (NPCs) of newborn rat using lipofectin transfection method. Colonies were isolated by puromycin selection and expanded by many passages. Anti-nestin antibodies were used to identify the cultured cells. The specific molecular marker of neurons and astrocytes were detected using immunocytochemistry method to investigate the capability of differentiation of the transfected cells. The expression of SV40Tag in expanded cell lines was identified by RT-PCR, Southern blot and immunocytochemistry method.Results One anti-puromycin cell clone was obtained, which was microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP-2) positive cells with the capability of proliferation and could differentiate into MAP-2 or glial fibrillary acidic protein positive cells. The existence of SV40Tag cDNA and the expression of mRNA and protein of SV40Tag were confirmed in transfected cells. The transfected cells were expanded to immortalized cell strain maintained for more than 50 passages, named as immortalized neural progenitor cell (INPC) . INPCs were elliptical or triangular cells with two or three short axons. The population doubling time of INPC was (22.9?2.7)h, subculture, freezing and recovering had no effect on cellular shape and proliferation of INPC. Conclusion Immortalized neural progenitor cell strain was established successfully. It may provide stable cell resource for the basic researches and cell-transplantation therapies with NPC.

To construct an immortalized rat astrocyte strain genetically modified by rat preprogalanin gene (IAST/GAL) and detect its galanin (GAL) expression and secretion, a cDNA fragment of rat GAL in plasmid of pBS KS(+)-GAL was inserted into eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1 (+) by DNA recombinant technology, then the restriction enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing were carried out to evaluate the recombinant. The pcDNA3.1 (+)-GAL and pcDNA3.1 (+) construct were transfected into immortalized rat astrocyte strain (IAST) by lipofectamine and the population of cells which stably integrated the construct was selected with 600 microg/mL G418. Individual clones were screened and expanded into clonal cell strains. Detection of Neo gene was used to validate the success of the transfection. Immunocytochemical staining, RT-PCR and radioimmunoassay were used to detect the expression and secretion level of GAL. The recombinant had been successfully constructed by restriction enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing. Detection of Neo gene showed that the pcDNA3.1 (+)-GAL and pcDNA3.1 (+) have been successfully transfected into IAST. After selection by using G418, IAST/GAL and IAST/Neo cell strains were obtained. IAST/GAL, IAST/Neo and IAST were immunostained positively for GAL, but the GAL average optical density of IAST/GAL was significantly higher than that of IAST/Neo and IAST (P< 0.01). The level of GAL mRNA expression and the supernatant concentration of GAL in cultured IAST/GAL were significantly higher than those of IAST and IAST/Neo (P<0.01), but no significant differences were found between the IAST and IAST/Neo (P>0.05). It was concluded that IAST/GAL strain was constructed successfully and it might provide a basis for the further study of pain therapy.
Astrocytes/cytology ; Astrocytes/*metabolism ; Cell Line, Transformed ; Cells, Cultured ; Galanin/*biosynthesis ; Galanin/genetics ; Genetic Vectors ; RNA, Messenger/biosynthesis ; RNA, Messenger/genetics ; Recombinant Proteins/biosynthesis ; Recombinant Proteins/genetics ; Transfection

Objective To investigate the mRNA and protein expression of E3 ubiquitin ligase Iduna in non-small-cell lung cancer tissue and para-neoplastic lung tissue,and the correlation of the Iduna expression with clinicopathological factors and prognosis.Methods The expression levels of the Iduna mRNA and protein in non-small-cell lung cancer tissue and para-neoplastic lung tissue were determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR),Western-Blot and immunohistochemistry respectively,and the correlation of the Iduna expression with clinicopathological factors and prognosis was analyzed.Results RT-PCR and Western-Blot showed the expression levels of the Iduna mRNA and protein in non-small-cell lung cancer tissue (0.468 ± 0.086 and 2.554 ± 0.544) were significantly higher than those in para-neoplastic lung tissue (0.203 ± 0.070 and 1.570 ± 0.316),there were statistical differences (P ＜ 0.05).Immunohistochemistry results showed that Iduna was negative expression in the alveolar epithelium cells,negative or weak positive expression in normal bronchial and positive expression in different degrees in the non-small-cell lung cancer tissue.Iduna high expression rate was negative correlation with tumor differentiation (P =0.002),Iduna high expression rate was positive correlation with large tumor size (P =0.044),TNM staging (P=0.015) and lymph node metastasis (P=0.009).Iduna high expression of I stage non-small-cell lung cancer patients was correlated with poor post-operative survival (P =0.016).Conclusions High expression of Iduna may be related to the process of invasion and metastasis of nonsmall-cell lung cancer.It is possible that Iduna serve as potential markers for predicting prognosis in nonsmall-cell lung cancer.

Objective To construct lentivirus vector expressing antigene RNA and ferritin gene.Methods Intermediate plasmid pGC-FU-HF was constructed by transfecting lentivirus vector pGC-FU with heavy chain ferritin subunit gene.The target plasmid pGC-agRNA-HF was subsequently constructed by transfecting the intermediate plasmid with β-arrestin 2 antigene RNA.The NG108-15 cells were transfected with the target plasmid.The titre of lentivirus vector was measured by RT-PCR.The expression of antigene RNA and ferritin gene was determined by Western blot and RT-PCR.Results Lentivirus vector was successfully transfected with antigene RNA and ferritin gene.The titre of lentivirus vector was 2.00 × 109 TU/ml.The expression of β-arrestin2 protein was down-regulated and the expression of ferritin protein up-regulated in the NG108-15 cells after being transfected with the lentivirus vector.Conclusion Lentivirus vector expressing antigene RNA and ferritin gene has been successfully constructed.

Descending nociceptive modulation from the supraspinal structures plays an important role in cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP). Rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) is a critical component of descending nociceptive facilitation circuitry, but so far the mechanisms are poorly known. In this study, we investigated the role of RVM glial activation in the descending nociceptive facilitation circuitry in a CIBP rat model. CIBP rats showed significant activation of microglia and astrocytes, and also up-regulation of phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and pro-inflammatory mediators released by glial cells (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and brain-derived neurotrophic factor) in the RVM. Stereotaxic microinjection of the glial inhibitors (minocycline and fluorocitrate) into CIBP rats' RVM could reverse the glial activation and significantly attenuate mechanical allodynia in a time-dependent manner. RVM microinjection of p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB203580) abolished the activation of microglia, reversed the associated up-regulation of pro-inflammatory mediators and significantly attenuated mechanical allodynia. Taken together, these results suggest that RVM glial activation is involved in the pathogenesis of CIBP. RVM microglial p38 MAPK signaling pathway is activated and leads to the release of downstream pro-inflammatory mediators, which contribute to the descending facilitation of CIBP.

OBJECTIVEImproving the traditional fermentation technology by some unidentified strains into the modern pure inoculation fermentation technology. For selecting better fermentation strains, the quality of various Shenqu fermentated with different pure inoculation be compared.

METHODIsolating the strains from self-fermented Shenqu, then with other 2 certain strains, to conduct the pure inoculation fermentation. Then compare the quality of them according to the difference in the chemical composition, activity of enzyme and the impact to the digestive function in mice of the finished Shenqu.

RESULTSFour strains were isolated. One of them, a mucor genus of mold is better than others.

CONCLUSIONModern pure inoculation fermentation can ensure the quality and the medication safety of Shenqu. New fermentation technology is feasible.

Animals ; Bacillus subtilis ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; metabolism ; pharmacology ; Female ; Fermentation ; physiology ; Food Microbiology ; Male ; Mice ; Random Allocation ; Stomach ; drug effects ; metabolism

Objective To investigate the change in 5-hydroxytryptomine (5-HT) content in spinal dorsal horn in a rat model of tibial bone cancer pain (BCP). Methods Sixty female SD rats weighing 160-180 g were randomly divided into 3 groups ( n = 20 each): control group (group C), sham operation group (group S) and BCP group. BCP was induced by intra-tibial inoculation of 10 μl Walker 256 breast cancer cell suspension in group BCP, while group S received intra-tibial inoculation of 10 μl D-hank solution. Paw withdrawal threshold to mechanical stimulation with yon Frey filaments (MWT) was measured 1 d before (baseline) and at 3, 5, 7, 9, 11,14, 16, 18 and 21 d after breast cancer cell inoculation. At 1 d before and 7, 14 and 21 d after breast cancer cell inoculation, four animals in each group were sacrificed after measurement of MWT. Their lumber segments of the spinal cord were removed for assay of 5-HT content in spinal dorsal horn using HPLC with fluorescence detector.HE staining was used to detect the damage to the tibia. Correlation between the 5-HT content and MWT was analyzed. Results MWT was significantly decreased after breast cancer cell inoculation in group BCP ( P ＜ 0.05).Microscopic examination showed serious bone destruction of tibia at the injection site in group BCP, while no bone destruction was found in groups C and S. 5-HT content in spinal dorsal horn was significantly higher in group BCP than in groups C and S (P ＜ 0.05). There was strong negative linear correlation between 5-HT content in spinal dorsal horn and MWT ( r = - 0.973, P ＜ 0.05 ). Conclusion The 5- HT content in spinal dorsal horn is significantly increased in rats with tibial BCP and is involved in the development of BCP.

Background Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are highly conserved proteins that are induced in cells when confronted with a wide variety of proteotoxic stresses.HSP27 has a high degree of similarity with α-crystallin protein.The abnormality of HSP27 structure and expression are closely related to the formation of cataracts.Our previous study showed sodium salieylate has the protective effect on H2O2-induced lens damage.Objective This study was to investigate the roles of MAPK signal pathway in sodium salicylate-induced the expression of HSP27 in human lens epithelial cells (LECs) in vitro.Methods Human LECs were incubated in the fresh media containing sodium salicylate at different concentrations (0-55 mmol/L) for different times (1-5 hours) and allowed to be recovered in fresh medium without sodium salicylate for 1-24 hours with or without pretreatment with P38MAPK inhibitor (SB203580), ERK1/2 inhibitor (PD98059) and JNK/SAPK inhibitor ( SP600125). The expressions of P38MAPK, EBK1/2, JNK/SAPK, phosphorylated P38MAPK, phosphorylated ERK1/2, phosphorylated JNK/SAPK and HSP27 were detected by Western blot. HSP27 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR. The expression of HSP27 was also detected by immunohistochemistry. Results There was only weak expression of HSP27 in normal human LECs.After stimulation of 35-55 mmol/L sodium salicylate was removed and human LECs were cultured again for 6 hours,the expression of HSP27 in LECs were significantly increased ( F= 509. 953,P<0. 01). HSP27 was absent expressed in human LECs in 55 mmol/L sodium salicylate stimulation for 1-5 hours groups, but LECs were re-cultured for 3,6 hours after removed the stimulation, the expression of HSP27 was elevated (F = 452. 534, P<0. 01). Activation of P38 M APK occurred after sodium salicylate stimulation 30 minutes and 1 hour ( F = 865.68, P<0. 01). However, ERK 1/2 was expressed after sodium salicylate was eliminated for 1-6 hours ( F = 388.84, P<0. 01). JNK/SAPK was inactived by sodium salicylate. The expression of HSP27 could be down-regulated with the pretreatment of SB203580 and PD98059. Conclusion Sodium salicylatc can induce the expression of HSP27 in human (LECs) . The effects are mediated,at least in part ,through the activation of P38MAPK and ERK1/2 signaling pathway .

Objectives To summarize the characteristics,differential diagnosis and management of incomplete 17 alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-1yase deficiency(17 OHD)of Chinese patients.Methods Six cases of incomplete 17 OHD from Peking Union Medical College Hospital were studied retrospectively through analyzing their clinical data,and the molecular pathogenic mechanism was discussed after literature review.Results Four cases of 46,XX incomplete 17 OHD were reported.The clinical characteristics included female phenotype,various degrees of breast development and absent or sparse axillary/pubic hair, oligomenorrhea or secondary amenorrhea,recurrent luteinized ovarian cysts,hypogonadism with persistent hyperprogesteronemia or high serum 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone level,with or without hypokalemic hypertension.There were also 2 cases of 46,XY incomplete 17 OHD,in which ambiguous genitalia were present besides hypokalemic hypertension.Conclusions Incomplete 17 OHD is a very rare form of congenital enzymatic deficiencies of steroid synthesis,which should be included in the differential diagnosis when there are menstrual disorders,sexual infantilism,recurrent ovarian cysts or ambiguous genitalia.Under such circumstances,hyperprogesteronemia offers a valuable clue for further investigation.

Objective To investigate the effect of disodium cantharidinateon in vitro lymphocyte immune response in lung cancer patients.Methods Twenty non-small cell lung cancer patients diagnosed by pathological diagnosis were selected.The effects of different concentrations of disodium cantharidinate and vitamin B6 on lymphocyte proliferation and CD4 + CD25 + T cells,CD25 + FOXP3 + T cells,CD4 + and CD8 + T cells were detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay and flow cytometry.Results When the concentrations of disodium cantharidinate and vitamin B6 was less than 10 μg/ml,with the growth of concentration,it stimulated the proliferation of peripheral blood lymphocytes.When the concentration was more than 10 μg/ml,with the growth of concentration,the absorbance value decreased,and the stimulating effect weakened.When the concentration of disodium cantharidinate and vitamin B6 injection was less than 10 μg/ml,with the growth of concentration,CD4 +/CD8 + ratio increased significantly,and CD4 + CD25 +/CD4 + and CD25 + FOXP3 + T cells were significantly lower,which showed statistically significant differences (t =2.171,P =0.032 ; t =2.103,P =0.041 ; t =3.662,P =0.002 ; t =3.201,P =0.003 ; t =3.233,P =0.003).But when the concentration was more than 10 μg/ml,The differences of CD4 +/CD8 + ratio,CD4 + CD25 +/CD4 + and CD25 + FOXP3 + T cells in 10,15,20 μg/ml groups were not statistically significant,which showed that disodium cantharidinate and vitamin B6 injection had a positive effect on enhancing the immune function of lymphocytes in lung cancer in a concentration dependent manner,but high concentration was unhelpful.Conclusion Disodium cantharidinate and vitamin B6 injection can promote lung cancer in vitro lymphocyte proliferation as well as increase its immunity in a certain range.