Animals ; Chicory ; Fibronectins ; metabolism ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins ; metabolism ; Liver ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental ; metabolism ; Male ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Smad3 Protein ; metabolism ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the origin of childhood B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) and its epitopes recognized by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (IgHV).

METHODSSeven IgHV gene families were respectively amplified by PCR and directly sequenced in 108 childhood ALL. The amino acid sequences were deducted from sequenced nucleotides. Bioinformatics was applied to analyses of recombination patterns, somatic mutations and germline gene segments usage, and to prediction of epitopes recognized by CTL.

RESULTSIgHV gene rearrangements were identified in 66% of the cases, including 37 (52.1%) monoallelic rearrangements, 26 (36.6%) biallelic rearrangements and 8 (11.3%) oligoclonal rearrangements. Among the obtained 40 B-ALL IgHV gene sequences, 8 (20.0%) were in frame rearrangements without stop codons. V(H3) (11/40), V(H4) (11/40) and V(H1) (8/40) amounted to 75% rearranged V(H) families. V(H)(4-59) and V(H)(4-34) were the most frequently rearranged V(H)(4) family gene segments. Usage of D2 and D3 families was most prominent (35.9% and 28.2%, respectively). Increased frequency of D7-27 (15.4%) was found as compared to that of normal peripheral B lymphocytes (P = 0.02). J(H)(6) was found in 47.5% rearrangements followed by J(H)(4) (27.5%). 8/40 (20.0%) DJ(H) junctions lacked N nucleotides, which was higher than that reported for normal peripheral B lymphocytes (P = 0.02). 17.5% B-ALL IgHV contained scattered replacement mutations with replacement (R) to silent (S) substitution ratio (R/S ratio)

CONCLUSIONB-ALL originated from progenitor or precursor B lymphocytes. B-ALL IgHV genes are of germline characteristics. Potential T cell epitopes were derived from framework regions 1 and 3 of immunoglobulin heavy chain in B-ALL.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Gene Rearrangement ; Genes, Immunoglobulin ; HLA-A Antigens ; genetics ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains ; genetics ; Immunoglobulin Variable Region ; genetics ; Infant ; Male ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; genetics ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo observe the primary prevention role of Wuling Capsule (WC) on poststroke depression (PSD) patients.

METHODSAcute stroke patients were recruited and randomized into 2 groups by stratification, 55 in each group. All patients received same routine treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Patients in the experimental group additionally took WC (0.33 g each pill), 3 pills per day, three times per day; while those in the control group additionally took placebos, 3 pills per day, three times per day. Two weeks consisted of one therapeutic course. The diagnosis of PSD was performed once every other week. Those in accordance with PSD diagnosis discontinued any drug therapy. Those not in accordance with PSD diagnosis continued the drug therapy for 1-12 therapeutic course(s) (in total of 6 months). If they were still not in accordance with PSD diagnosis, then they discontinued the drug therapy. The morbidity of PSD, the average time of depression occurrence, Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD) score, and adverse reactions were observed.

RESULTSThe 1-, 3-, and 6-month morbidity of PSD was 8%, 16%, and 34% in the experimental group, while they were 19.6%, 29.4%, and 54.9% in the control group. The occurrence rate was lower in the experimental group than in the control group. Besides, there was statistical difference in the 6-month occurrence rate between the two groups (chi2 = 4.465, P < 0.05). The average time of PSD occurrence was longer in the experimental group than in the control group (14.96 +/- 8.31 weeks vs. 9.36 +/- 6.06 weeks; t=6.762, P < 0.05). The HAMD score at the PSD occurrence was 11.96 +/- 2.14 in the experimental group, lower than that of the control group (14.57 +/- 4.24), showing statistical difference (t=5.641, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONWC was superior to the placebos in lowering the incidence of PSD, delaying the occurrence time of PSD, attenuating the depression degree of PSD, and had certain preventive effect on the incidence of PSD.

Aged ; Capsules ; Depression ; etiology ; prevention & control ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Primary Prevention ; Stroke ; complications

OBJECTIVETo study the relationship between pharmacological effects and properties of traditional Chinese medicine by the decision tree algorithm.

METHODBased on of pharmacological effects of traditional Chinese medicine, the decision tree algorithm was applied in the study on the relationship between pharmacological effects and properties of traditional Chinese medicines. A model was established with the decision tree algorithm for the purpose of predicting the properties of traditional Chinese medicine components.

RESULTThe established model was reliable and stable, and could be used to predict the properties of traditional Chinese medicine components.

CONCLUSIONThe prediction for the properties of traditional Chinese medicine components with a decision tree model could reflect the theoretical connotation of the properties of traditional Chinese medicine components to some extent and provide a new method for studying the properties of traditional Chinese medicine components.

Drug Combinations ; Drug Therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

OBJECTIVETo induce anti-B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) cytotoxic T lymphocyte response against immunoglobulin heavy chain frame-derived nonapeptide.

METHODSThe peptide, QLVQSGAEV, containing IgHV1 frame region 3rd-11th amino acids (IgHV1(3-11)), was synthesized. IgHV1(3-11)-T2 binding tests were performed. HLA-A * 0201-positive normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC) were stimulated by IgHV1(3-11)-loaded antigen presenting cells three times at weekly intervals. HLA-A * 0201/IgHV1(3-11) tetramers were used to detect the proliferation of IgHV1(3-11)-specific CD8(+) T cells in the culture. Seven IgHV gene families of B-ALL patients were respectively amplified by PCR and the PCR products were sequenced to select IgHV1 and IgHV3 family monoallelic functional rearrangements. Among them, HLA-A * 0201 positive individuals were subsequently identified. Cytotoxicity of IgHV1(3-11)-specific CD8(+) T cells against HLA-A * 0201-positive IgHV1/IgHV3 family B-ALL cells was measured by MTT assay.

RESULTSThe synthesized IgHV1(3-11) up-regulated HLA-A * 0201 expression on T2 cell surface by 1.63-folds. The percentage of IgHV1(3-11)-specific CD8(+) T cells in HLA-A * 0201-positive normal PBMNC was increased from 1.64% after second stimulation to 82.57% after third stimulation. At effector: target ratio of 20:1, the killing rate of IgHV1(3-11)-specific CD8(+) T cells against IgHV1 family B-ALL cells was 18.24%, being 1.8-folds as that against IgHV3 family B-ALL cells (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONCytolytic T lymphocytes generated in vitro against immunoglobulin heavy chain frame-derived nonapeptides can kill B-ALL cells expressing these peptides.

Cells, Cultured ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains ; immunology ; pharmacology ; Leukemia, B-Cell ; immunology ; pathology ; T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic ; drug effects ; immunology

Objective To investigate the effects of ZMS,the active component of Zhimu,on amyloid precursor protein(APP) and ?-site APP cleaving enzyme 1(BACE1) in HEK293sw cells. Methods HEK293sw cells were pretreated with different concentrations of ZMS in routine culture medium for 24 h,and then serum-free medium with ZMS was used for further culture for 48 h.Cells were examined for expression of APP and ?-secretase BACE1 with Western blotting and RT-PCR,and were then examined for BACE1 activity with fluorescence method. Results 1 ?mol/L and 10 ?mol/L ZMS significantly decreased the expression of BACE1 mRNA and protein,while had no effect on the expression of APP mRNA and protein.It was indicated by fluorescence analysis that 10 ?mol/L ZMS significantly decreased the ?-secretase activity.Conclusion ZMS significantly decreases the activity and expression of ?-secretase BACE1,while has no effect on the expression of APP in HEK293sw cells.

Objective To investigate the distribution of surfactant protein-C( SP-C) gene single nu-cleotide polymorphisms and to study the association between the SP-C gene polymorphisms and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome( NRDS) in infants. Methods Fifty-one infants with NRDS( NRDS group) and 51 infants without RDS( control group) were selected. PCR gene analysis and polymerase chain reaction were used to establish the genotype and allele frequencies of SP-C exon 4(T138N) and exon 5(S186N),SP-C exon 4 and 5 for the mutation,and then the association between the polymorphisms and NRDS was analyzed. Results SP-C gene mutations were not found in exon 4 and 5. In the Mongol nationality of the Inner Mon-golia region,SP-C exon 4(T138N) genotypes could check out three genotypes:namely AA,AC and CC. The frequencies of allele A and allele C of SP-C exon 4(T138N) were not statistically different between NRDS group and control group(χ2 =0. 454,P=0. 797). In the Mongol nationality,SP-C exon 5(S186N) genotypes could check out three genotypes:namely AA,AG and GG. The frequencies of allele A and allele G of SP-C exon 5(S186N) were not statistically different between NRDS group and control group(χ2 =0. 493,P =0. 782). Conclusion SP-C exon 4(T138N) and exon 5(S186N) gene polymorphism in Inner Mongolia newborns displays no significant correlation with sex,birth weight or gestational age. SP-C gene mutations are not found in exon 4 and 5. SP-C gene exon 4(T138N) and exon 5(S186N) polymorphisms are not found to be associated with NRDS in Mongol nationality of the Inner Mongolia.

Objective To analysis the quality of life of patients with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS).Methods The quality of life was assessed in 52 patients with active AS using SF-36 and was compared with the general population.The correlation between the quality of life and the clinical measures of disease,in- cluding the Bath AS disease activity index(BASDAI),Bath AS functional index(BASFI),Bath AS metrology index(BASMI),patient's global assessment(PGA),spinal inflammation,total back pain,nocturnal back pain, and enthesis index(EI),were determined.Results The patients with active AS reported significant decreased scores on all dimensions of SF-36.The score of physical health components was poorer than that of mental health components.BASFI was the strongest factor correlated with the score of SF-36,followed by BASDAI and PGA.BASMI and total back pain were correlated with three dimensions only.In multivariate regression analysis,BASFI showed relative closer relationship to the qulity of life with active AS than other clinical mea- sures of disease and it accounted for 50.3%,35.2% and 47.9% of the variance in the physical health compo- nents,the mental health components and the overall score of SF-36,respectively.Conclusion The quality of life in patients with active AS is significantly declined compared with general population.The physical aspects seem to be more severely affected.Functional status of the patients with active AS are correlated with the quality of life closely.

OBJECTIVETo observe monocyte (Mo) development in wild type C57BL/6 mice and apoE gene knockout (apoE(-/-)) mice, and to evaluate the immuno-regulatory effect of Huanglian Jiedu Decoction (HJD) on peripheral Mo development in apoE(-/-) mice.

METHODSFour, 8, 12, and 16 weeks old female C57BL/6 mice were set up as control groups of different ages, while 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks old female apoE(-/-) mice were set up as hyperlipidemia groups of different ages. Four-week old female C57BL/6 mice were recruited as a blank group. Four-week old female apoE(-/-) mice were randomly divided into the control group, the Western medicine group, and the Chinese medicine group by paired comparison, 5 in each group. Equivalent clinical dose was administered to mice according to body weight. Mice in the Western medicine group were administered with Atrovastatin at the daily dose of 10 mg/kg by gastrogavage, while those in the Chinese medicine group were administered with HJD at the daily dose of 5 g/kg by gastrogavage. Body weight was detected each week. After 4 weeks blood lipids levels (such as TG, TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C), and the proportions of Mo and Ly6c(hi) were detected.

RESULTSCompared with 4-week-old homogenic mice, the proportion of Mo decreased in 16-week-old C57BL/6 mice (P < 0.05). Levels of TC and TG, and the proportion of Ly6c(hi) subtype increased, but the proportion of Mo de- creased in 8-week-old apoE(-/-) mice (P <0. 05). Levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C increased in 12-week-old apoE(-/-) mice (P < 0.05). Levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C increased in 16-week-old apoE(-/-) mice (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with 8-week-old homogenic mice, the proportion of Mo decreased in 16-week-old C57BL/6 mice (P < 0.05); levels of TC and LDL-C increased in 12-week-old apoE(-/-) mice (P < 0.05); levels of TC and HDL-C increased in 16-week-old apoE(-/-) mice (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with C57BL/6 mice of the same age, TC and TG increased, HDL-C decreased (P < 0.01) in 4-and 8-week-old apoE(-/-) mice (P < 0.01); levels of TC, TG, LDL-C increased, and HDL-C level decreased in 12- and 16-week-old apoE(-/-) mice (P < 0.05, P < 0.01); the proportion of Mo increased in 4-week-old apoE(-/-) mice (P < 0.05); proportions of Mo and Ly6c(hi) increased in 8-week-old apoE(-/-) mice (P < 0.05). Compared with the blank control group, levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C, proportions of Mo and Ly6c(hi) increased (P < 0.01, P < 0.05), but HDL-C level decreased (P <0. 01) in the control group after intervention. Compared with the control group, body weight gained less in the Western medicine group and the Chinese medicine group (P < 0.05); the proportion of Ly6c(hi) subtype decreased in the Chinese medicine group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSIn development process blood lipids levels in apoE(-/-) mice are not only associated with age. Blood lipids levels induced growth changes in natural immune system are also correlated with age. In early stage of lipids development HJD intervention could correct this special immune disorder in apoE(-/-) mice.

Animals ; Apolipoproteins E ; genetics ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Gene Knockout Techniques ; Hyperlipidemias ; Lipids ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice, Knockout ; Monocytes ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of CKJ Recipe (consisting of Cordyceps sinensis polysaccharide, amygdaloside, and gypenosides) containing serum on the activation of rat primary hepatic stellate cells (rHSCs) and to explore its pharmacological mechanism.

METHODSrHSCs were isolated form liver and cultured for four days. Then they were divided into the normal control group, the model group, and the CKJ group. rHSCs in the model group and the CKJ group were treated with 2.5 ng/mL transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) in serum-free DMEM for 24 h. Serum free DMEM (containing no TGF-beta1) was taken as the control for the normal control group. rHSCs in the CKJ group were treated with 5% CKJ-containing serum for 24 h. rHSCs in the other two groups were treated with 5% blank serum for 24 h.The protein expression level of a smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) was determined using high throughput screening (HCS) and Western blot. mRNA expression levels of alpha-SMA, collagen I (Col-I), platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGF-betaR), TGF-beta1, transforming growth factor beta receptor 1 (TGF-betaR1), and transforming growth factor beta receptor 2 (TGF-beta R2) were detected using quantitative RT-PCR.

RESULTSCompared with the normal control group, the protein expression level of alpha-SMA, mRNA expression levels of alpha-SMA, Col-I, PDGF-betaR, TGF-beta1, TGF-betaR1, and TGF-betaR2 significantly increased in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the protein expression level of alpha-SMA, mRNA expression levels of alpha-SMA, Col-I, PDGF-betaR, TGF-beta1, TGF-beta1, and TGF-beta R2 significantly decreased in the CKJ group (P<0.05, P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONCKJ containing serum could inhibit the protein expression level of o-SMA, which was probably related with inhibiting TGF-beta1 and its related receptors.

Animals ; Cells, Cultured ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Hepatic Stellate Cells ; metabolism ; Rats ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism