Objective To establish a non-irradiated precondition strategy for successful donor specific transplantation tolerance induced by bone marrow transplantation which may be introduced to clinical application by a murine model.Methods Male C57BL/6 and female BALB/c mice were used as skin transplant donors and recipients respectively. In all, 11 groups were studied: group 1, control mice with skin graft and without any other treatment; group 2, mice receiving only donor bone marrow transplantation (DBMT) before skin transplantation; groups 3～5, mice administrated by only high dose FK506, CsA or CTX respectively and then skin transplantation; groups 6～8, mice receiving DBMT preconditioned by high dose FK506, CsA or CTX respectively and followed by skin transplantation. Both skin and bone marrow donors were male C57BL/6 mice in above 8 groups. Mice in groups 9～11 were treated almost equally to groups 6～8 except that skin grafts were from the third party ICR donors to prove specificity of tolerance. Every group included 6 recipients. Survival time of skin graft was recorded. Macrochimerism were examined by PCR method.Results Neither standard dose DBMT nor high dose immnodepressants alone could prolong skin graft survival, and macrochimerism was not detected, either. But skin graft survival time was significantly prolonged and macrochimerism was also detected in mice of 6～8 groups. Survival time of skin graft from the third party mice was not prolonged. Conclusions Bone marrow transplantation preconditioned with high dose immunosuppressants and without irradiation can induce donor specific transplantation tolerance and prolong murine skin graft survival. It may work through the mechanism of establishment of macrochimerism.

Objective To study the serum iaminin (LN) and fibronectin (FN) changes in acute coronary syndromes (ACS), and explore the role of them in assessing the severity of ACS. Methods This study included 46 ACS patients [25 with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and 21 with unstable angina (UA)], 51 stable angina (SA) patients and 47 people without CHD as controls. Serum levels of LN, FN, fibrinogen and blood fat were assessed. Coronary angiography were performed on 49 of them. Results The serum concentration of LN was lower in ACS patients [(85.20±27. 57)ng/mL], higher in SA patients [(116. 80 ± 28. 80)ng/mL] as compared to that in the control group [(100.06±29.96)ng/mL], with significant difference among the groups (P<0.05). No difference was found in FN among the three groups. However, the subgroup analysis in the group with ACS showed that the serum concentration of FN was significantly higher in UA patients [(229.60±121.39)μg/mL ], and lower in AMI patients [(108.31±47.12) μg/mL ]. The serum LN and FN concentration could respectively enter the logistic regression equations of ACS patients and US patients. Neither LN nor FN concentration was correlated with narrowing of coronary artery of angiography. Conclusion Serum LN and FN level may be a useful indicator for stability of atherosclerosis plaque in coronary arterial disease patients, but could not predict the extent of narrowing in coronary angiography.

Objective To establish acute hepatotoxic model induced by Amanita exitialis and to study the characteristics of acute toxic liver failure induced by mushrooms containing peptide toxins,in hope for providing some help to experimental research on poisoning induced by mushrooms containing peptide toxins.Methods UPLC-MS/MS (Ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) method was used to detect peptide toxins in Amanita exitialis.To establish acute toxic liver hepatic failure model,the beagles were fed with 60 mg/kg of lyophilized powder of Amanita exitialis fungus which encapsulated in starch capsules.Toxic sighs were observed,coagulation function,hepatic and renal function,liver histopathological morphology,peptide toxin concentration in plasma and urine were detected during the experiment.Results Total peptide toxins in Amanita exitialis was (3 482.6 ± 124.94) mg/ kg.All the beagles had toxic signs including vomiting and diarrhea in 12-48 h after ingestion.On 24 h after ingestion,the beagles' ALT,AST,TBIL,ALP,PT and APTT levels increased obviously.On 36 h after ingestion,the beagles' ALT,AST,PT and APTT values reached their peaks (ALT:283.2 ± 112.9 Kallmann unit;AST:223.9 ±93.8 Kallmann units;PT:132.9 ± 152.6 s;APTT:131.4 ± 153.9 s).On 48 h after ingestion,the beagles' TBIL and ALP levels reached their peaks (TBIL:23.3 ± 14.6 mol/L;ALP:274.5 ± 115.5 U/L).The beagles' TBIL,TP and APTT returned to normal 1 week after ingestion,their ALT,AST and ALP levels returned to normal 3 weeks after ingestion.Three dogs died during 24-72 h after ingestion.Liver histopathological morphology study showed hemorrhagic necrosis of hepatocytes.Peptide toxins can be detected in plasma within 24 h after ingestion.Peptide toxins can be detected in urine within 96 h after ingestion.Conclusion Amanita peptide toxins can cause hemorrhagic necrosis of liver cells and lead to acute liver failure.This model is consistent with clinical pathophysiological process of acute toxic liver failure induced by mushrooms containing peptide toxins,and it can be applied to the study of diagnosis and treatment of poisoning induced by mushrooms containing peptide toxins.

BACKGROUND:MicroRNAs (miRNA) through regulating specific target gene mRNA expression play important roles in different processes of diseases. OBJECTIVE:To study the interaction of miRNA-21 with its target gene TLR4 in Hela cels. METHODS:The candidate target gene of miRNA-21 was determined according to miRNA analysis databases. The constructed recombinant adenovirus vector carrying pri-miRNA-21 gene was used, which could package and amplify viruses to transfect Hela cels. Then, the expression of fluorescent proteins was detected. Forty-eight hours after transfection of miRNA-21 or control, extracted proteins were used for detection of TLR4 protein using western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Recombinant adenoviruses pAd/pri-miRNA-21 and pAd/neg at 100 MOI could successfuly infect Hela cels. Bioinformatic analysis suggested several possible binding sites between miRNA-21 and TLR4. The experimental results showed that miRNA-21 down-regulated TLR4 at protein levels, indicating that miRNA-21 can interfere with the expression of TLR4 target gene.

Objective: To investigate the expression of voltage-dependent potassium channel 1.3(Kv1.3) mRNA and protein during human monocyte-derived macrophage differentiation into foam cells and its function in foam cell formation. Methods: Human peripheral blood monocytes were isolated from healthy male volunteers by density gradient centrifugation and then by adherent method. The obtained monocytes were cultured for 5 days to differentiate into macrophages. Based on establishment of the human macrophage-derived foam cell model, the expression of Kv1.3 channel was investigated by immunocytochemical staining, reverse transcription-polymerase chain raction (RT-PCR) and Western blot. Furthermore, the effects of rMargatoxin, a Kv 1.3 channel-specific inhibitor, on cholesterol metabolism in macrophages incepting oxidized low density lipoprotein (OxLDL) were studied. Results: After the macrophages co-incubated with 30 mg/L OxLDL at 37 ℃ for 60 hours, the cellular volume obviously enlarged and many red lipid granules were deposited in cytoplasm. The total amount of cholesterol (TC),free cholesterol ( FC ) and cholesterol ester ( CE ) in cells markedly increased and the ratio of CE/TC rose from ( 14.4±6.8) % to (57.9±3.5) % (n=7,P＜0.05). However, the expression of Kv1.3 channel had no significant change. r Margatoxin (0.1 nmol/L and 10 nmol/L) markedly reduced the contents of TC, FC and CE in macrophages and the ratios of CE/TC decreased to (42.8±11.6) % and (22.6±8.0)% , respectively (n=7, P＜0.05). Meanwhile, the red lipid granules deposited in the cytoplasm of macrophages also decreased. Conclusion: These data clearly show that the expression of Ky1.3 channel does not change obviously during human monocyte-derived macrophage differentiation into foam cells and the blocking of it would prevent foam cell formation.

GAP-43,netrin-1,collapsin-1,and neuropilin-1 have been regarded to play crucial roles in the formation of patterned neural connections.The cerebellum consists of five distinct concentric layers:white matter,internal granule layer (IGL),Purkinje cell layer (PCL),molecular layer (ML),and external granule layer (EGL) in young rodents.Cells in EGL are generated after birth.In contrast Purkinje neurons are born before birth,which receive main innervations of climbing fibers fi'om the inferior olivary nucleus and parallel fibers from the internal granule cells.These innervations are mostly established in the first three postnatal weeks,accompanying the sprouting and maturation of Purkinje cells.The potential roles of GAP-43,netrin-1,collapsin-1 and neuropilin-1 in the postnatal development of cerebellum remain unclear.To get insights into the above issue,the expression of GAP-43,netrin-1,collapsin-1,and neuropilin-1 mRNAs and proteins were examined in the cerebellum of mice at postnatal days (P) 5,P10,P20 and adulthood.The results showed that these four molecules were expressed in different temporal and spatial patterns in the postnatal cerebellum of mice,which was in match with axonal synaptogenesis,elongation and synapse formation during postnatal development and adulthood.By using double immunohistocbemistry,it was found that the Purkinje cells stained for GAP-43 were also positive for either netrin-1 or collapsin-1 at P10,and cells stained for collapsin-1 were also positive for netrin-1 or neuropilin-1.It was suggested that the four molecules are involved in the postnatal development of cerebellum.

BACKGROUND: The content of type Ⅰ and Ⅲ collagen and the ratio of both are crucial factors to promote heart geometric morphology change,and ventricular systolic and diastolic myocardial performance.Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1) are primary regulatory substances of collagen metabolism.After myocardial infarction,chronic heart failure rats were subjected to bone marrow meseuchymal stem cell transplantation.What changes in MMP-2 and TIMPI would occur?OBJECTIVE: To observe the content of type Ⅰ and Ⅲcollagen and the ratio between both,as well as expression levels of MMP-2 and TIMP1 in the left ventricular tissue of rats with myocardial infarction-caused chronic heart failure following bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation.DESIGN: A randomized controlled experiment.SETTING: Department of Senile Angiocardiopathy,General Hospital of Chinese PLA & Department of Biochemistry,Peking University Health Science Center.MATERIALS: This study was performed at the laboratory of Department of Biochemistry,Peking University Health Science Center between July 2004 and December 2005.Male Sprage Dawley rats of clean grade,aged 4 weeks old,were provided by the Laboratory Animal Center,Beijing Medical University and used for preparation of MSCs.Fourteen female rats,weighing 200-250g,were developed into models of heart failure-caused by myocardial infarction.METHODS: MSCs were isolated and,purified by gradient centrifugation and adherent cells were allowed to proliferate.Female rats underwent coronary artery ligation to induce chronic ischemic heart failure.Four weeks later,the rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: (1) experimental group (n=7),rats received transplantation of MSCs harvested from male rats [5×106 in 50 μL phosphate buffered saline(PBS)]by injection into the ischemic myocardium; (2) control group (n=7),rats received the same volume of PBS.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Twenty-one days after therapy,(1) left ventricular fusion was tested by hematoxylin-eosinstaining and Masson staining; (2) Expression of MMP-2 and 1TMPI as well as contents of type I and llI collagen was analyzed by immunohistochemistry; (3) MMP-2 and TIMP1 expression levels were examined by Western blot.RESULTS: Fourteen rats were included in the final analysis.Type Ⅰ collagen expression in the scar area was much higher in theexperimental group than in the control group,while type Ⅲ collagen expression was much lower in the experimental group.MMP-2 expression was reduced and TIMPI expression was increased in the experimental group compared with the control group.Together,ventricular wall was thickened,ventricular chamber was reduced,and heart function was strengthened in the experimental group compared with the control group.CONCLUSION: MSC transplantation alleviated left ventricular remodeling in chronic ischemie heart failure,which results from dynamic regulation of MMP-2/TIMP1.

BACKGROUND: There are still few effective methods to repair injured myocardium after myocardial failure and pathologically rebuild reverral myocardium. As a new therapy, normal myocytes and therapeutic gene to interfere injured myocardium have advantageous effects in improving heart function.OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficiency and stability of adenovirus-medicated gene transferred into different passages of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) and investigate the effect of MSC-based sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase gene (SERCA2a) gene therapy for rats with chronic heart failure. To compare the effects of gene therapy, cell transplantation and MSC-based SERCA2a gene therapy for chronic heart failure. DESIGN: Randomized controlled study.SETTING: Department of Senile Angiocardiopathy, General Hospital of Chinese PLA; Department of Biochemistry, Beijing Medical University. MATERIALS: Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with 4 weeks old, clean grade and weighing 45-50 g provided by the Animal Experimental Center, Peking Medical University were used as donators of bone marrow. Other female SD rats of 12 weeks old, clean grade and weighing 200-250 g were used as receptors of cell transplantation and gene therapy. Sry gene of Y chromosome in male rats was used to evaluate whether transplanted cells of donators lived in myocardium of receptor rats. Ad-SERCa2a and Ad-EGFP were constructed by Doctor Lu Xiao-chun; MSC in the 3rd and 8th generations was isolating cultured on its own. METHODS: The experiment was carried out in the Zhou CY Laboratory (BSL-2), Department of Biochemistry, Beijing Medical University from July 2004 to December 2005. Thirty female SD rats received ligation at the left coronary artery to make models with chronic cardiac failure following acute myocardial infarction. And then, 29 rats were randomly divided into four groups, including gene therapy group (n=7), MSC group (n=7), gene-modified MSC group (n=8) and control group (n=7). Rats in the four groups were given the interventions of SERCA2a gene, MSC transplantation, MSC+Ad/SERCa2a and empty adenoviral vector, respectively. MSCs were separated and cultured, and then Ad-SERCA2a-GFP was used to transfer MSC in the 3rd and 8th generations.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ad-SERCA2a-GFP transfection rate of MSC was measured by using flow cytometer. Before and at 14 and 21 days after treatment, cardiac function was evaluated by ultrasonic echocardiogram. Expression of cytokine Ⅷ was tested by immunohistochemical staining. SERCA2a gene and protein expression were evaluated by RT-PCR and Western blot respectively, as well as SERCA2a enzyme activity. RESULTS: ① Transfection rate: The infection efficiency of adenovirus-medicated gene into different passages of MSC was over 80%, and there was no difference between passage three (P3) MSC and P8 MSC (P > 0.05). ② Heart function: Left ventricle wall was thickened obviously in group MSC and group MSC+Ad/SERCa2a on the 21st day after treatment, while volume was shortened and gradually rounded. Compared to control group, ejection fraction (EF) and shortening fraction (FS) of group Ad-SERCa2a, group MSC and group MSC+Ad/SERCa2a were elevated significantly on the 14th day after therapy (P < 0.01). While the elevation values of EF and FS began to reduce in group Ad-SERCa2a on 14th day after therapy, it continued to increase in both group MSC and group MSC+Ad/SERCa2a (P < 0.01). Improvement rate of EF at 21 days after therapy (EF D21) increased in group MSC and group MSC+Ad/SERCa2a respectively, but decreased in group Ad-SERCa2a. Compared to group Ad-SERCa2a, peak systolic flow velocity of anterior wall and interventricular septum in group MSC+Ad/SERCa2a increased significantly on the 21st day after therapy, and peak diastolic flow velocity of anterior wall and interventricular septum elevated in group MSC+Ad/SERCa2a, too (P < 0.01). ③ SERCA2a gene, protein expression and enzyme activity in group MSC+Ad/SERCa2a were significantly stronger in group MSC and control group. Parts of MSC transplanted into scar zone expressed Ⅷ.CONCLUSION: ① MSC is an effective platform for the targeted delivery of therapeutic gene. It suggests that different passages of MSC from P3 MSC to P8 MSC are regarded as high-effectively gene vehicles. MSC-based SERCA2a gene therapy showed much strong and lasting beneficial effect on exhausted myocardium. ② Effect of MSC transplantation on improving heart function may be related to promoting vascular neogenesis.

Objective To insestigate the pathophysiological mechanisms of spontaneous transient hyperperfusion after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats.Methods Fifty-two SD rats were randomly allocated into sham-operation(group A),cerebral ischcmia 2-hour(group B), and cerebral ischemia 6-hour(group C)groups.Group B were redivided into 0-,0.5-,1-,2-,4-,6-,and 24-hour subgroups according to the reperfusion time;group C were redivided into 0-,0.5-,1-,2-,and 24-hour subgroups according to the reperfusion time (n=4 in each subgroup). Multislice spiral CT perfusion imaging(CTPI)was performed at different time points after ischemia-reperfusion in each group.After completing the scanning.the rats were sacrificed immediately for optical and electron microscopy examinations.Results In group A,compared to the contralateral sides.there were no significant differences in the relatise value of the cerebral blood flow parameters and the results of optical and electron microscopy in the sham-operated regions. In group B, the relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) in the ischemic core area were increased gradually with the extension of reperfusion time. The relative mean transit time (rMTT) and the relative time to peak (rTTP) were decreased gradually, There were no significant differences compared to group A at 6-hour after reperfusion. The optical and electron microscopy revealed that neuronal density in the ischemic core area in group B were decreased, part of the cell volume enlarged and showed vacuolated changes, and part of the neuronal cell bodies and nuclei shrinked, rCBF in the ischemic core area still maintained lower level with the extension of reperfusion time in group C. The ischemic core area showed the increased transient rCBV and rCBV at 0.5 hour after reperfusion in group B and C. The optical and electron microscopy showed that the ischemic core area presented a large number of necrotic and apoptotic cells, and inflammatory cell infiltration. At 6 hours after reperfusion in group B, the increased blood density was observed under the electron microscope in the ischemic core area, showing capillary engorgement and increased pressure. Conclusions The dynamic changes of CTPI in the process of rat middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion have a certain correlation with the pathological mechanisms of injury. The ultra-early spontaneous and transient hyperperfusion after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats is associated with the transient inflammatory hyperemia after reperfusion injury.

Objective To detect the regulation of CXCL16 synthesis and shedding in first-trimester human trophoblasts. Methods Firstly, we analyzed the expression and secretion of chemokine CXCL16 in primary cultured trophoblasts by immunochemical staining and ELISA. Then we determined the soluble and cell-associated CXCLI6 respectively with and without treatments of cytokine IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-4 and ADAM10 by ELISA. Results Trophoblast expressed and secreted CXCL16 in a stable level. Cytokine IFN-γ induced both synthesis and secretion of CXCL16 significantly ( P <0. 01 ) in trophoblasts. ADAM10 increased the shedding of chemokine domain of CXCL16 from trophoblasts but didn't influence the synthesis of CXCL16 protein in trophoblast. Conclusion IFN-γ and ADAM10 play important roles in production and shedding of transmembrane CXCL16 in first-trimester trophublasts.