A new steroid with a long cross-conjugation structure, 15a-hydroxy-(22E, 24R)-ergosta-3, 5, 8 (14), 22-tetraen-7-one (1), was isolated from the marine-derived fungus Aspergillus aculeatus. Its structure was established by the extensive spectroscopic analyses, and its cytotoxicities against P388, HL-60, and PC-3 cell lines were measured in vitro.
Animals ; Aspergillus ; chemistry ; Cell Line, Tumor ; drug effects ; Cholestenones ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; HL-60 Cells ; drug effects ; Humans ; Inhibitory Concentration 50 ; Molecular Structure ; Seawater ; microbiology

Major surface protein (p30) and Dense Granule Antigen GRA6 of Toxoplasma gondii have good antigenicity, and could be used for detection of IgM against Toxoplasma gondii. GRA6 may complement P30 to reach more high sensitivity for detection of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii, so, we try to express the chimeric protein of GRA6 and P30 by genetic engineering, identify its antignenicity and use for developing diagnosis reagent. Antigenic domains of p30 and GRA6 of Toxoplasma gondii were screened by analyzing their sequences using the software ANTHEWIN. Two DNA fragments encoding respectively antigenic domains of p30 and GRA6 were cloned, they were inserted into the same expression vector pET28a( + ) and expressed as a chimeric protein in Escherichia coli. BL21(DE3), the expressed chimeric protein of p30 with GRA6 in a form of inclusion body was about 25% of total proteins of E. coli. BL21(DE3). The inclusion body was washed once with 0.5% Triton X-100 and dissolved with 0.5% SKL, after renaturation by gradient dialysis, the recombinant protein was purified by DEAE-Sepharose FF cation column and then detected with 12% SDS-PAGE, it exists mainly in the eluted peak with 300 mmol/L NaCl and has high purity. By using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the recombinant protein was examined for reactivity with immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies in 6 sera from patients infected with Toxoplasma gondii ., it was reactive with all the 6 sera but not with sera from normal people, these results showed that the recombinant chimeric antigen has good antigenicity and specificity and could be used for detection of IgM against Toxoplasma gondii. The expressed chimeric protein could be used for epidemic investigation of Toxoplasma gondii, blood donor screening, especially for detection of pregnant women, and is of great significance in prevention of Toxoplasma gondii infection.
Animals ; Antigens, Protozoan ; genetics ; immunology ; metabolism ; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin M ; immunology ; Models, Genetic ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Pregnancy ; Protozoan Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; genetics ; immunology ; metabolism ; Toxoplasma ; genetics ; immunology

Many antineoplastic agents can cause myelosuppression and thrombocytopenia. Thrombopoietin (TPO) is believed to be the major cytokine affecting the proliferation and maturation of megakaryocytes and increasing circulating platelet levels. We have designed and synthesized a TPO mimetic peptide, it can increase circulating platelet levels in vivo. For increasing half-life and forming dimer, the peptide was expressed as chimeric proteins with human IgG1 Fc fragments. The cDNA of TPO mimetic peptide was synthesized chemically and linked respectively to 5' terminus of human IgG1 Fc cDNA fragments in various length (Fc1: Fc 5' 648 bp; Fc2: Fc 5' 270 bp; Fc3: Fc 5' 267 bp; Fc4: Fc 5' 90 bp), and cloned into expression plasmid pET28a (+) for constructing four recombinant plasmids. By transforming the four recombinant plasmids into E. coli. BL21 (DE3) respectively, we got 3 kinds of engineered E. coli which express TPO + Fc chimeric proteins(28 kD TPO + Fc1, 12 kD TPO + Fc2 and 12 kD TPO + Fc3) at high level respectively, the expressed proteins were purified with DEAE-Sepharose FF and S-Sepharose FF column. The bioactivities of the expressed chimeric proteins(TPO + Fc1, TPO + Fc2 and TPO + Fc3), TPO mimetic peptide, and PEG4000 coupled TPO mimetic peptide were evaluated with Ba/F3-mp1 in vitro and with carboplatin-induced thrombocytopenia mice in vivo, the expressed chimeric proteins have higher activity than TPO mimetic peptide both in vitro and in vivo, the EC50 on Ba/F3-mp1 cells were 13, 10, 10, 50, and 25 nmol/L respectively, all of them can increase circulating platelet counts. Their imol/Lunogenicity were valuated in mice, none of them can elicit mice to produce antibodies to TPO mimetic peptide, meanwhile three TPO + Fc chimeric proteins can elicit mice to produce antibodies to human IgG1 Fc. These studies have laid basis for production of TPO mimetic peptide by genetic engineering.
Animals ; Base Sequence ; Blood Platelets ; drug effects ; Cell Division ; drug effects ; Female ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments ; genetics ; immunology ; pharmacology ; Immunoglobulin G ; genetics ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Oligopeptides ; chemical synthesis ; genetics ; pharmacology ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; genetics ; immunology ; pharmacology ; Thrombocytopenia ; blood ; immunology ; Thrombopoietin ; genetics ; immunology ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the sustaining effects of gene-transferring hepatic stellate cell strain CFSC/HGF on the development of hepatocytes.

METHODSA CFSC/HGF strain, expressing HGF steadily and effectively was established by recombined retroviral vector pMSCV-HGF infection. Morphology and ultra structure of hepatocytes, albumin and urea production, as well as ICG uptake and excretion were studied continuously following the hepatocytes cultured on the CFSC/HGF feeder layers. Parallel group of collagen-dependent hepatocytes culturing and hepatocytes culturing on CFSC were also conducted. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis was made to evaluate the expression of HGF receptor c-Met.

RESULTSThe hepatocytes cocultured on CFSC/HGF feeder layers had a higher survival rate, and the functions of albumin secretion and urea syntheses and ICG uptake and excretion, were superior to the other two culture methods. The result of RT-PCR indicated that the c-Met expressed on the CFSC/HGF coculturing hepatocytes was up-regulated 2.23 times.

CONCLUSIONGene-transferring hepatic stellate cell strain CFSC/HGF exhibited a remarkable sustaining effect on the hepatocytes development. The up-regulation of c-Met expressed on the surfaces of the hepatocytes induced by CFSC/HGF might play some part in this function.

Cell Proliferation ; Cells, Cultured ; Coculture Techniques ; Colony-Forming Units Assay ; Gene Transfer Techniques ; Hepatocyte Growth Factor ; metabolism ; Hepatocytes ; cytology ; Humans ; Liver ; cytology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met ; metabolism ; Transfection

Objective To investigate the effect of microRNA-223-3p (miR-223-3p) on megakaryocytic differentiation and maturation, and explore the potential mechanism .Methods The endogenous expression of miR-223-3p during megakaryocyte ( MK) differentiation was detected by real-time PCR.Flow cytometry further indicated that alteration of miR-223-3p in human cell lines exerted effects on MK differentiation and maturation .By performing integrative bioinformatic analysis, the potential miR-223-3p target gene, MYH10,was identified.Real-time PCR, luciferase reporter assay and flow cytometry revealed that MYH10 was a direct target of miR-223-3p.Results Endogenous expression of miR-223-3p was in-creased with the differentiation and maturation of MK .The expression of megakaryocytic surface markers CD41 and CD61 and the ploidy were significantly increased in K562 and Meg-01 cells after transfection with miR-223-3p mimics.The expression of MYH10 decreased with the increase in miR-223-3p.Using a luciferase reporter assay ,we demonstrated that MYH10 was a direct target of MiR-223-3p.Furthermore, direct downregulation of MYH10 promoted MK polyploidization . Conclusion MiR-223-3p might regulate the polyploidization of MK by targeting MYH10.

Objective To observe the effects of different TCM exercises for preventive treatment of diseases on sleep quality and multidimensional mental health level of college students.Methods According to the willing of the research objects, 132 college students were divided into Yijinjing group, Baduanjin group, Wuqinxi group, Tai Chi group, and jogging group. They exercised 45 min each time, 5–6 times per week, received central guidance every two weeks, and exercise intensity was timely adjusted based on master of physical activity and reaction to the situation of college students, for 2 months. PSQI, BFS, SDS and SAS before and after intervention in each group were observed. Results After intervention, five kinds of exercises could improve sleep situation of college students, and had their own focus in sleep quality, falling-asleep time, sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep disorders, sleep medication, daytime dysfunction. There was statistical significance in BFS activity score, thought score, anger score, excitation score, and depression score after intervention in Yijinjing group compared with before intervention (P<0.05); There was statistical significance in activity score, total joy score, calm total score after intervention in Wuqinxi group compared with before intervention (P<0.05). There was statistical significance in SAS total scores of college students in Yijinjing group, Baduanjin group, and jogging group after intervention compared with before intervention (P<0.05). There was statistical significance in SAS standard scores of college students in Yijinjing group, Baduanjin group, and jogging group after intervention compared with before intervention (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in SDS scores in the five groups before and after intervention (P>0.05).Conclusion 5 kinds of exercises can improve the sleep quality from different aspects. Yijinjing group and Wuqinxi group can improve the mental health of college students, of which Yijinjing group can bi-directionally regulate the positive and negative psychological indicators of college students.

Objective： To observe the effect of Qingkailing (QKL) on brain damage induced by glutamate, in order to seek for effective drugs for antagonizing neurotoxicity of glutamate. Methods：The number and morphological metrology of neurocytes in cerebral cortex and hippocampus were detected by MIAS-300 image analyser, electron microscope and immunohistochemical methods. Results：QKL could alleviate the glutamate induced accumulation of water and sodium in brain tissue，relieve the metrological and structural damage of cerebral cells in cortex and hippocampus, reduce the percentage of c-fos positive cell in brain. Conclusion： QKL could protect brain damage induced by glutamate, which might be related to the inhibition of QKL on the enhancement of c-fos gene expression induced by glutamate.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the differentiation of bone marrow derived Thy-1+ beta2M- cells (BDTCs) into liver cells in allyl alcohol (AA) induced liver injury micro-environment.

METHODSBDTCs of male F344 rats were isolated by two-step magnetic separation system (MACS) technique, and infused intraportally into female recipients after labeling with PKH26. Thirty recipients were divided randomly into 3 groups: (1) AA-injured liver + BDTCs infusion, (2) normal liver + BDTCs infusion and (3) AA-injured liver + NS infusion (control). Blood biochemical examination, fluorescence labeled cellular localization, Y-chromosome sry gene in-situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were carried out to evaluate BDTCs distribution, differentiation and proliferation in recipients's livers after different intervals.

RESULTSFluoromicroscopy and in situ hybridization suggested that BDTCs of donors were interspersed in pieces and cords among the necro-periportals induced by AA; immunohistochemistry indicated that those implanted cells expressed OV-6, AFP, CK19 and albumin successively, while positive cells were hardly seen in the normal liver + BDTCs infusion group. Compared with the controls, the blood biochemical restitution was more rapid in group (1), (9.8 d +/- 3.1 d vs. 13.7 d +/- 4.2 d).

CONCLUSIONThe injury micro-environment induced by AA facilitates BDTCs integration with hepatic cell plates and differentiation into mature liver cells. BDTCs differentiation into liver cells might accelerate endogenous liver cell regeneration and reparation.

Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; pathology ; Cell Differentiation ; physiology ; Hepatocytes ; pathology ; Liver Cirrhosis ; chemically induced ; pathology ; surgery ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; pathology ; Propanols ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Inbred F344

Objective To generate hemogenic endothelial cells(HECs)from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs)in vitro in order to learn more about the mechanism by which the vascular niche affects HECs production and self -renewal.Methods hiPSCs with reporter gene runx1c were differentiated to hematopoietic cells by spinEB method.The CD34 positive cells were sorted by magnetic-activated cell sorting(MACS)at day 10 after hematopoietic differentiation. Afterwards,these CD34 positive cells were co-cultured with DLL4 overexpressed vascular niche cells VeraVec to further differentiate to HECs.The HECs derived from the hiPSCs were characterized by FACS.Results We first established an hiPSCs single cell culture method for spinEB differentiation.Single cell cultured hiPSCs with reporter gene runx 1c were differentiated to form embryonic bodies(EBs)by spinEB method.The HECs were enriched from the day 10.Meanwhile, we cultured the E4ORF1 transfected human umbilical vein endothelial cell(HUVEC)line(VeraVec)and examined the expression of NOTCH signaling pathway related genes.According to the results, VeraVec had a high expression level of NOTCH ligand DLL4 at both mRNA and protein levels.And the CD34 positive HECs were co-cultured with DLL4 overexpressed VeraVec cells,which promoted the expression of tdTomato during hematopoitic differentiation and increased HSCs production.Conclusion A method of inducing hiPSCs differentiation by spinEB has been established, which can enrich HECs.This model can be applied to study the mechanism by which the vascular niche promotes hematopoietic differentiation from hPSCs.The generated functional HSCs are of great social and military values for HSCs transplantation and battlefield radiation injury treatment.

OBJECTIVETo initially evaluate the application of artificial vertebra of n-HA/PA66 in anterior reconstruction of lower cervical spine fracture and dislocation.

METHODSIn this study, 84 patients with lower cervical spine fracture and dislocation received anterior cervical discectomy, spinal canal decompression or subtotal corpectomy, spinal canal decompression and reconstruction by n-HA/PA66 composite artificial vertebral body combined with plate instrumentation. Neurological function was followed up by improvement rate of Frankel and situations of the supporting body was observed by X ray and 3D-CT in 3, 12, 24 months postoperatively. The intervertebral height, physical arc (reflected by Cobb angle) and the locations and fusion rate of the supporting body were assessed in order to evaluate the stability of the cervical spine and alignment improvements.

RESULTSAll the patients underwent operation successfully and were followed up for 6 to 24 months with an average of 12 months. The preoperative symptoms were improved to varying degrees. Imaging studies showed that in all cases graft fusion were achieved, and cervical alignments, intervertebral height, cervical spine stability and the locations of the artificial vertebral body were well maintained. No displacement and subsidence of the artificial vertebral body occurred. Postoperative immediate intervertebral height (2.4 ± 0.2) cm, preoperative intervertebral height (1.9 ± 0.1) cm, comparisons of the two groups was statistically significant (q = 2.48, P < 0.001). The immediate, 3 month, 1 year, 2 year period follow-up group intervertebral height was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Preoperative Cobb angle was 9.8° ± 1.2°, postoperative immediate Cobb angle was 16.6° ± 1.2°, comparisons of the two groups was statistically significant (q = 14.25, P < 0.001). The immediate, 3 month, 1 year, 2 year period follow-up group Cobb angle was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSn-HA/PA66 artificial vertebral body can provide early cervical spine support and stability and effectively maintain the biological alignment and cervical intervertebral height. It has high rate of graft fusion and is convenient to observe by X-ray. Therefore, n-HA/PA66 can be taken as an ideal graft for anterior lower cervical spine fracture and dislocation operation, but further follow-up study is still required to evaluate the long-term effects.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Bone Substitutes ; Cervical Vertebrae ; injuries ; surgery ; Decompression, Surgical ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; Humans ; Hydroxyapatites ; Joint Dislocations ; complications ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nanostructures ; Nylons ; Spinal Fractures ; complications ; surgery ; Spinal Fusion ; instrumentation ; Young Adult