Objective To investigate the effects of bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMMSC)on the expressions of inflammatory cytokines and Toll-like receptor (TLR)4 pathway in primary hepatic stellate cells (HSC)with direct and indirect contact coculture system.Methods Purified HSC were separately treated with LPS in the concentrations of 0,50,100 and 150 g/L for 48 h.Proliferation ratio was tested with cell counting kit-8 to determine the optimal concentration.HSC in LPS were divided into three groups,including HSC alone group,cocultured with BMMSC at 1∶1 group and cocultured with transwell group at the optimal concentration.The supernatants were collected to detect the concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α.Cells were further divided into seven groups, including BMMSC without LPS group,HSC without LPS group,BMMSC with LPS group,HSC with LPS group,BMMSC in transwell system group,HSC in transwell system group,all cells in transwell system group and direct contact system group.The mRNA expressions ofα-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen I were detected by quantitative real-time PCR,and protein expressions of TLR4,myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)were analyzed by Western blot.Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA analysis.Results The proliferation rate of HSC in 50,100 and 150μg/L LPS were (129.77±11 .26)%,(162.90±13.15 )% and (55 .12 ±11 .6)%,respectively compared with HSC without LPS group.The differences were statistically significant (t =5 .91 ,10.70 and 8.65 , respectively,all P <0.05).The concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-αin HSC alone group,directly/indirectly cocultured group were (252.02 ±30.94)ng/L and (148.00 ± 10.27 )ng/L,(88.52 ±6.61 )g/L and (72.63±5 .54)ng/L,(103.74±7.14)ng/L and (81 .79 ±6.92 )ng/L,respectively.The differences between HSC alone group and directly/indirectly cocultured group were significant (t=12.66 and 15 .82, 11 .81 and 12.34,respectively,all P < 0.05 ).The directly and indirectly cocultured groups were significantly different (t=3.83 and 2.53,respectively,both P <0.05 ).The mRNA expressions of α-SMA and collagen I in HSC with LPS were remarkably increased compared with HSC without LPS (t =14.16 and 11 .84,respectively,both P <0.05 )and reversed by cocultured with BMMSC (t =11 .98 and 4.47,respectively,P <0.05).All cells in transwell group expressed moreα-SMA and collagen I than the direct contact group (t=3.70 and 3.19,respectively,P <0.05 ).The TLR pathway associated protein expressions,TLR4,MyD88,and NF-κB in HSC in transwell group were significantly down-regulated compared with HSC with LPS group.And all cells in transwell system had higher level of protein expressions compared with direct contact system (P < 0.05 ).Conclusions BMMSC are effective in inhibiting HSC activation and inflammatory cytokines excretion,which may be modulated through TLR4 pathway and cell to cell contact.

Objective To investigate whether the effect of transient high glucose on inflammatory factors expression could be continuous in rat glomerular mesangial cell,and its relation with histone methylation modification.Methods Rat glomerular mesangial cells (HBZY-l) were divided into three groups:the high glucose group (25.0 mmol/L glucose),the hypertonic group (MA,5.5 mmol/L glucose+ 19.5 mmol/L mannitol) and the normal-glucose control group (5.5 mmol/L glucose),which were cultured for 24 h respectively.All 3 groups were then changed with normal-glucose medium to culture for 24 h,48 h and 72 h.Their protein,mRNA and supernatant were harvested.The protein expressions of mono-methylation of H3 lysine 4 (H3K4mel) was measured by Western blotting,and the mRNA expressions of NF-κB subunit p65 and set7/9 were determined by real timequantitative PCR.The expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results (1)Compared with those in normal control group,the expressions of H3K4mel protein and set7/9 mRNA were first up-regulated in high glucose group,then gradually down-regulated in the following 48 h normal-glucose medium (as compared with those at 0 h,all P ＜ 0.05).At 72 h there was no statistic difference between high glucose group and normal control group (all P ＞ 0.05).(2) Compared with those in normal control group,the up-regulated p65 mRNA,VCAM-1 and MCP-1 sustained at least for 72 h in high glucose group.Conclusions Transient high glucose can induce persistent inflammatory factors expression in rat glomerular mesangial cells,which may via histone modification.

Objective To analyze the effects of valproic acid(VPA),a histone deacetylase(HDAC)inhibitor,on macrophage polarization in?duced by paraquat(PQ)or lipopolysaccharide(LPS). Methods Mouse RAW264.7 cells were cultured at 37℃with 5%CO2,passaged,and then given one of the following treatments:(1)PQ;(2)PQ+VPA(classⅠandⅡa HDAC inhibitor);(3)PQ+apicidin(classⅠHDAC inhibitor);(4)PQ+MC1568(classⅡa HDAC inhibitor);(5)LPS;(6)LPS+VPA;(7)LPS+apicidin;(8)LPS+MC1568. The cells and culture supernatants were harvested after 8 h of treatment. RT?PCR,ELISA,and flow cytometry were conducted to assess the expression levels of macrophage phenotyp?ic markers. Results Both PQ and LPS skewed the macrophage functional polarity toward proinflammatory phenotype. VPA,apicidin,and MC1568 all inhibited PQ?and LPS?induced macrophages polarizing toward pro?inflammatory phenotype ,but the inhibitory effects were different in some ways. Conclusion VPA inhibits the proinflammatory function of macrophages induced by PQ and LPS ,but the effect of VPA on PQ?and LPS?induced macrophages has its own characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: To report on a novel weak D type identified in a Chinese individual. METHODS: Peripheral blood sample was collected for a voluntary blood donor with weakened expression of D antigen. Routine serological testing was carried out to determine the D, C, c, E and e antigens of the Rh blood group. A D-screening kit was used to analyze the RhD epitopes. The 10 exons and flanking intronic regions of the RHD gene were sequenced. The zygosity of RHD was determined with a sequence-specific primer PCR method. RESULTS: A novel RHD allele, RHD (1022T>A), was found in the subject with a weak D phenotype. Serological testing of the RhD epitopes has coined with the weak D phenotype. CONCLUSION A novel weak D allele has been identified in Chinese population.
Alleles ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; China ; Exons ; Genotype ; Humans ; Introns ; Rh-Hr Blood-Group System ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo explore the molecular basis of 4 cases with weak D variant of Rh blood type.

METHODSRoutine serological testing was applied to determine the D, C, c, E and e antigens of the Rh blood group. The D antigen was further detected with an indirect antiglobulin test. RHD zygosity was detected by sequence-specific primer PCR method. All exons and flanking intron regions of the RHD gene were sequenced.

RESULTSThe samples were determined as weak D phenotype by serological testing. DNA sequencing showed that the 4 cases were heterozygous for 17C>T mutation in exon 1, 29G>C mutation in exon 1, 1212C>A mutation in exon 9, and IVS4+5G>A mutation in intron 4 of the RHD gene, respectively. According to the rule of Rhesus Base Nomenclature, the 4 samples were respectively named as weak D type 31, weak D type 71, weak D type 72, and weak D type 82.

CONCLUSIONSerological and molecular testing for the weak D can facilitate in-depth understanding of its immunology and genetics, and provide guidance for clinical blood transfusion and prevention of hemolytic disease in newborns.

Exons ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; genetics ; Rh-Hr Blood-Group System ; genetics

OBJECTIVE: To explore the molecular basis for an individual with para-Bombay phenotype of the H blood group. METHODS: Intron 5 to 3'-UTR of the ABO gene and exon 4 of the FUT1 gene were amplified with PCR and subjected to direct sequencing. Mutations of the FUT1 gene were identified by TOPO cloning sequencing. RESULTS: Direct sequencing showed that her ABO genotype was B101/O01. TOPO cloning sequencing found that this individual had three mutations of the FUT1 gene, including an heterozygous AG deletion (CAGAGAG→CAGAG) at position 547 to 552, and two C→T mutations at positions 35 (C35T) and 293 (C293T) on the other homologous chromosome. The two alleles comprised a new recombination of mutations c.35T>C and c.293C>T, and the sequence has been submitted to NCBI (No. MG597611). CONCLUSION A novel combination of FUT1 alleles with c.35 C>T and c.293C>T has been identified in an individual with para-Bombay phenotype.
ABO Blood-Group System ; Alleles ; Female ; Fucosyltransferases ; genetics ; Genotype ; Humans ; Phenotype

OBJECTIVETo explore the molecular mechanism of CisAB01 subtype in the ABO blood group system, and to investigate the expression of A and B antigens in red blood cells (RBCs).

METHODSFor 5 unrelated individuals with the CisAB phenotype, the molecular basis for the blood type was studied with serological assay, DNA sequencing and haplotype analysis. Bioinformatics analysis was carried out to investigate the changes in structure and function of relevant enzymes. Expression of A and B antigens in RBCs of CisAB01 was detected by flow cytometry.

RESULTSAll of the 5 samples were found to have a CisAB01 subtype. The underlying mutations, 467C>T and 803G>C in exon 7, have resulted in replacement of amino acid P156L and G268A. The mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of A antigen in CisAB01 cases was 135, while the control group was 172. The B antigens in CisAB01 cases (MFI=38) showed significant decrease in MFI compared with the control group (MFI=164).

CONCLUSION803G>C mutation of the ABO gene probably underlies the CisAB01 subtype. Fluorescence intensity of A antigens in CisAB01 subtype cases is slightly lower than the normal type, while the B antigen was significantly lower.

ABO Blood-Group System ; genetics ; Adult ; Base Sequence ; China ; Exons ; Female ; Humans ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Mutation ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE: To explore the molecular basis for an individual with Ax28 phenotype of the ABO subtype. METHODS: The ABO group antigens on red blood cells of the proband were identified by monoclonal antibodies. The ABO antibody in serum was detected by standard A, B, O cells. Exons 1 to 7 of the ABO gene were respectively amplified by PCR and directly sequenced. Amplicons for exons 5 to 7 were also sequenced after cloning. RESULTS: Weakened A antigen was detected on red blood cells from the proband. Both anti-A and anti-B antibodies were detected in the serum. Heterozygous 261G/del was detected in exon 6, while heterozygous 467C/T and 830T/C were detected in exon 7 by direct DNA sequencing. After cloning and sequencing, two alleles (O01 and Ax28) were obtained. Compared with A102, the sequence of Ax28 contained one nucleotide changes (T to C) at position 830, which resulted in amino acid change (Val to Ala) at position 277. CONCLUSION The novel mutation c.830T>C of the galactosaminyltransferase gene may give rise to the Ax28 phenotype.
ABO Blood-Group System ; genetics ; Alleles ; Amino Acid Substitution ; Exons ; Galactosyltransferases ; genetics ; Genotype ; Humans ; Phenotype ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Sequence Deletion

OBJECTIVETo identify a novel Bx13 allele.

METHODSSerological characteristics was determined with standard serological methods. All of the seven exons and flanking regions of the ABO gene were analyzed with PCR and direct sequencing. The amplicon of exon 7 was also cloned and sequenced.

RESULTSThe individual was determined as with a rare Bx phenotype by serological tests. Direct DNA sequencing showed that the individual was heterozygous for the B/O01 allele, while there was a novel 893C>T mutation in the B101 allele, which has led to an amino acid substitution Ala298Val in the α,3-D-galactosyl-transferase. The mutation was not found among 100 randomly selected blood donors.

CONCLUSIONA novel Bx13 allele has been identified. Substitution of amino acid in the conserved region of the enzyme may reduce the activity of α,3-D-galactosyl-transferase.

ABO Blood-Group System ; genetics ; Alleles ; Exons ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

OBJECTIVE: To explore the molecular basis of two individuals with weak D variant of the Rh blood type. METHODS: Routine serological testing was carried out to detect the D, C, c, E and e antigens of the Rh blood group. The D antigen was further detected with an indirect antiglobulin test. The presence of Rhesus box was detected by PCR to determine the homozygosity of the RHD gene. RESULTS: Both samples were determined as weak D phenotype by the indirect antiglobulin test. DNA sequencing revealed that case 1 harbored a heterozygous 208C>T variant in exon 2 and a heterozygous 1227G>A variant in exon 9; while case 2 harbored homozygous 779A>G variants of exon 5 of the RHD gene. Case 1 was determined as RHD+/RHD+, while case 2 was determined as RHD+/RHD-. The two samples were respectively named as weak D type 122 and weak D type 149 based on the rules of Rhesus Base Nomenclature. CONCLUSION D negative blood donors should subject to indirect antiglobulin testing and molecular analysis for safer transfusion.
Alleles ; Blood Donors ; Blood Grouping and Crossmatching ; Genotype ; Humans ; Molecular Biology ; Phenotype ; Rh-Hr Blood-Group System/genetics*