AIM:To investigate the effect of decitabine (Dacogen, DAC) on the proliferation and differentia-tion of K562 cells.METHODS:The K562 cells were treated with different concentrations of DAC .The colony formation ability of the cells was detected by the colony formation assay with semi-solid culture .The cell viability was detected with MTT assay.The morphologic features were observed under inverted microscope with Wright ’s staining.The changes of the cell cycle distribution and the expression of CD 11b and CD42b were analyzed with flow cytometry .The protein expression of CDK2, cyclin E1, P27, GATA-1 and PU.1 in the K562 cells was determined by Western blot .RESULTS:DAC signifi-cantly decreased the colony number of the cells and cell viability in a dose-dependent manner .The morphological changes of the cells displayed partial differentiation .After treated the K562 cells with DAC for 72 h, the cell proportion in S phase was obviously decreased , while the cell proportion in G 2/M phase was obviously increased in a dose-dependent manner . After treated the K562 cells with DAC for 7 d, the percentage of CD11b and CD14 positive cells was further elevated , and the protein expression of P27, GATA-1 and PU.1 was increased.However, the protein expression of CDK2 and cyclin E1 was decreased .CONCLUSION:DAC inhibits the proliferation and induces differentiation of the K 562 cells via regulation of cell cycle .

[Abstract ] Objective Evidence from previous studies indicated that over-activation of C3a/C3aR axis existed in the renal tubular epithelial cells of patients with renal diseases including diabetic nephropathy .However , the pathological significance of over-ac-tivating C3a/C3aR axis still remains to be elucidated .In this study, we constructed a renal tubular epithelial cell line over-expressing C3a in a secretory manner in order to provide a cell model to investigate the pathological significance of over -activating C3a/C3aR axis under various pathological scenes . Methods We designed a synthesized C3a secretory expression unit and cloned it into the multi-clonal site of lentivirus expression vector pLenti 6.3-MCS-IRES2-EGFP.After identification by sequencing , recombinant lentivirus was packaged by using pLenti 6.3-C3a-IRES2-EGFP and packaging plas-mid in 293T cells.Then, the recombinant lentivirus was used to in-fect HK2, a cell line of human renal tubular epithelial cells .After screening in medium with blasticidin , blasticidin resistant cell clones were obtained .Real-time PCR and ELISA method were applied to analyze the expression and secretion of stable transfected cells cloned C3a and identify renal tubular epithelial cell lines with stable over-activating C3a. Results ①C3a secretory expression unit was suc-cessfully synthesized and correctly cloned into the multi-clonal site of pLenti6.3-IRES2-EGFP; ②C3a secrectory expression recombi-nant lentivirus LV-C3a was successfully packaged with a high titer of 5 ×108/mL;③HK2 Cell clones resistant for blasticidin were ob-tained;according to the analysis of Real-time PCR and ELISA, the C3a mRNA level in HK2-C3a cell lines was significantly higher than that of HK2 cells(1.0 ±0.5 vs 1321.0 ±18.0, P<0.01) and the secreted C3a level increased significantly ([0.3 ±0.2]ng/mL vs [249.0 ±37.0] ng/mL, P<0.01). Conclusion The present study successfully constructed C 3a secretory expression vector pLenti6.3-C3a-IRES2-EGFP and C3a over-expression renal tubular epithelial cell line HK 2-C3a, which is very useful in further study of the function and significance of C 3a/C3aR axis not only in renal tubular epithelial cells but also in other cell types .

Objective Our previous study showed that the expression of C 3aR was increased in renal tubular epithelial cells (RTEC).However, the role of C3aR in diabetic nephropathy remains unknown, and so does the exact physiological and pathological signifi-cance of C3aR in relevant renal tissues.In the present study, we investigated the physiological and pathological significance of C3aR in RTECs using a lentivirus expression vector and anRTEC strain overexpressing C3aR. Methods Based on the sequence of C3aR mRNA, the human C3aR gene was synthesized and cloned into the multi-clonal site of the lentivirus expression vector pLenti6.3-MCS-IRES2-EGFP to construct a C3aR expression vector pLenti6.3-C3aR-IRES2-EGFP.After identification by sequencing, the recombinant lentivirus expressing C3aR was packaged by cotransfecting293T cellswith the recombinant lentivirusexpression vector and packaged plasmid .Then,the recombinant lentivirus was used to infect the human RTECline HK 2.After screening in the medium with blasticidin, blasticidinr-esistant cell clones were obtained, followed by identification ofthe human RTECline stably overexpressing C 3aR by real-time PCR and immunochemical staining. Results TheC3aR expression vector pLenti6.3-C3aR-IRES2-EGFP was successfully constructed and the sequence was proved to be correct. C3aR expression recombinant lentivirus was successfully packaged with a titer of 5×108/mL.Blasticidin-resistant HK2 cell clones were ob-tained and the expression of HK2-C3aR mRNA was significantly higherin the HK2-C3aR cells than in the non-transfected HK2 cells (2.33± 0.45 sv 1.00±0.09, P<0.05). Conclusion We successfully constructed a C3aR expression lentivirus vector pLenti6.3-C3aR-IRES 2-EGFP and a C3aR overexpression renal tubular epithelial cell strain HK2-C3aR, which is very contributive to further studies of the roles of C3aR in renal tubular epithelial cells and other types of cells.

Objective To investigate the expression and clinical significance of ABCG2 protein in hepato-cellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Specimens of HCC were collected at The First Aifiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2005 to December 2006. The expression of ABCG2 protein in 165 samples of HCC tissue, 25 samples of normal liver tissue and 40 samples of cirrhotic liver tissue was detected using immunohisto-chemistry. The correlation between the expression of ABCG2 protein and clinicopathological characters was then analyzed. Enumeration data, survival rate and the difference between groups were analyzed with a chi-square test, the Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank test, respectively. Results ABCG2 protein expression was weakly posi-tive in all normal and cirrhotic liver tissues. In HCC tissues, the expression of ABCG2 protein was strongly positive in 66 cases and weakly positive in 99 cases. The expression of ABCG2 protein was related to tumor diameter, tumor number, adjacent organ invasion and TNM stages (χ2 =8. 130, 14. 279, 4. 820, 21. 179, P <0. 05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that patients with strongly positive ABCG2 protein had a significantly lower 3-year overall survival (24. 1%) compared with those with weakly positive ABCG2 protein (39. 4%) (χ2 = 15.716, P<0.05). Conclusions The expression level of ABCG2 protein is related to tumor invasiveness, TNM stage and prognosis. ABCG2 has the potential to become a new target for HCC treatment.

″Herb-Pairs″, also known as pair drugs, refers to a prescription consisted of two relatively fixed traditional Chinese medicine, is the most basic, most simple and most common form of medication prescription in traditional Chinese medicine compound compatibility. It is not a random combination of two herbs, nor is the simple accumulation of efficacy, but the simple and delicate experience of ancient Chinese medicine practitioners. As a bridge between single drug and prescriptions, it is the embodiment of the regular and dialectical connotation. Therefore, research on Herb-Pairs has always been the most basic and most important entry point for compound compatibility studies. However, the interaction between herbs and herbs is an effect with a downside as well as benefits. The beneficial herb-herb interaction in Herb-Pairs include mutual promotion, mutual enhancement, mutual restraint between two drugs and counteract toxicity of another drug. And the harmful herb- herb interaction in Herb- Pairs includes mutual inhibition and antagonism. All of these interactions areby means of affecting the metabolism of components to play a therapeutic effect. Using the pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) binding model, the combination of drug metabolism and pharmacodynamics can further elucidate the influence on effect caused by drug concentration and metabolism, which can help elucidate the mechanism of drug action. Consequently, in this review, the herb-herb interactions in terms of pharmacokinetic were summarized to elucidate rule of TCM compatibility.

This study examined the role of PI3K/Akt pathway in radiosensitization of DNA damage of cervical carcinoma cells. The 50% inhibition concentration (IC(50)) of cisplatin and docetaxel in HeLa cells was detected by Mono-nuclear cell direct cytotoxicity assay (MTT) in vitro. HeLa cells were treated by cisplatin/docetaxel of 10 percent of IC(20) alone or combined with LY294002 for 24 h, and then radiated by different doses of X-ray. The cell survival ratio was obtained by means of clone formation. One-hit multi-target model was fitted to the cell survival curve to calculate dose quasithreshold (Dq), mean lethal dose (D(0)), 2Gy survival fraction (SF(2)) and sensitization enhancement ratio (SER). The pAkt and total Akt expression was detected by Western blotting and DNA damage by neutro-comet electrophoresis. The HeLa cells were randomly divided into 7 groups in terms of different treatments: Control; radiation treatment (RT) group; LY294002+RT group; cisplatin+RT group; docetaxel+RT group; LY294002+cisplatin+RT group; LY294002+docetaxel+RT group. The apoptosis ratio of each group was measured by flow cytometry. The results showed that docetaxel and cisplatin significantly enhanced the phosphorylation of Akt in radiation-treated HeLa cells. The Dq, D(0) and SF2 in LY294002-contained groups were lower than those in docetaxel or cisplatin+RT group. The SER in the LY294002+docetaxel+RT group was 1.35 times that of the docetaxel+RT group, and that in the LY294002+cisplatin+RT group 1.26 times that of the cisplatin+RT group. The Comet electrophoresis showed that tail distance in the LY294002+cisplatin+RT group or LY294002+docetaxel+ RT group was longer than in the cisplatin+RT group or docetaxel+RT group. The apoptosis ratio in the LY294002+cisplatin+RT group or LY294002+docetaxel +RT group was higher than in the cisplatin+RT group or docetaxel+RT group. It was concluded that inhibiting PI3K/Akt pathway can increase the effect of docetaxel and cisplatin on the radiosensitivity of HeLa cells and DNA damage resulted from radiation.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) is defined as the electron reduction product of oxygen with high reactivity which can maintain normal physiological functions and redox homeostasis. The tumor microenvironment is in a state of oxidative stress. ROS can affect multiple processes of tumor immune response by modulating the phenotype and functions of tumor cells and immune cells. With the rapid development of immunology, ROS-based tumor immunomodulation has been widely concerned and studied. In this review, the mechanism of ROS participating in tumor immune response is elaborated. Meanwhile, the research process and application of ROS in tumor immunomodulation in recent years are reviewed and analyzed.

Objective To compare imaging quality and radiation dose of different anode filter combination for full-field digital mammography.MethodsThe image of FLUKE NA 18-220 phantom were taken at full-field digital mammography (FFDM),system with Mo/Mo,Mo/Rh,Rh/Rh anode/filter combination by automatic exposure control,record the exposure factors and doses.The images on monitor with the best window width and window level were read by 4 independent radiologists,the images of specks groups,nylon fibers and masses was assessed by the 4 experienced readers at the criterion of American College of Radiology 1999 mammography quality control manual.Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance.ResultsThe nylon fibers scores of Mo/Mo,Mo/Rh and Rh/Rh were 5.50 ± 2.12,4.50 ± 1.85 and 4.38 ± 1.38 ; the specks groups scores of Mo/Mo,Mo/Rh and Rh/Rh were 5.38 ± 1.98,4.25 ± 1.56 and 4.38 ± 1.38;the masses scores of Mo/Mo,Mo/Rh and Rh/Rh were 5.38 ± 1.98,4.38 ±1.68 and 4.25 ± 1.56,the detection of specks groups,nylon fibers was not statistically significant ( F =4.56 and 4.32,P ＞ 0.05 ),but the detection of masses was statistically significant ( F =36.65,P ＜ 0.05).The radiation doses were different,the entrance surface dose (ESD) and average glandular dose (AGD) of Rh/Rh were (5.11 ± 1.89) and ( 1.08 ± 0.13 ) mGy,the ESD and AGD of Mo/Mo were (6.66 ± 2.33 )and ( 1.29 ± 0.38 ) mGy,the ESD and AGD of Mo/Rh anode/filter combination were (5.67 ± 2.02) and ( 1.29 ± 0.38) mGy.ConclusionsThe radiation dose of Rh/Rh and Mo/Rh anode/filter combination of FFDM were lower,and the imaging was clear,so Rh/Rh and Mo/Rh anode/filter combination of FFDM prefer to mostly patients,especially when the thinkness is large,Rh/Rh anode/filter combination is preferred,because the kV values was higher,the penetration of X-ray was stronger.The Mo/Mo anode/filter combination was used when the needs of high-resolution,because the detection of masses of it was better.

Liver fibrosis occurs as compensatory responses to tis-sue repairing process in a wide range of chronic liver injures.It is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM)in liver tissues.The new discovery shows that suppres-sor of cytokine signaling (SOCS-3)is strictly associated with fi-brogenic progression of chronic liver diseases.Recent basic and clinical investigations also demonstrate that liver fibrogenesis is accompanied by SOCS-3,which critically determines the patho-
genesis and prognosis of liver fibrosis.This review summarizes current knowledge on SOCS-3 and the relationships between SOCS-3 and liver fibrosis.On the other hand,it also presents the different strategies that have been used in experimental mod-els to counteract excessive SOCS-3 and the role of SOCS-3 in the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis.

[ ABSTRACT] AIM:To observe the effects of total saponins of Panax ginseng ( TSPG) on the promotion of hema-topoiesis and to explore the underlying mechanism in treating aplastic anemia ( AA) in a mouse model.METHODS:For preparation of AA model, BALB/c mice were exposed to sublethal dose of 5.0 Gyγradiation, followed by transplantation of lymphocytes from DBA/2 donor mice.The experiment was divided into 6 groups, including normal control group, AA model group, TSPG treatment groups with low, medium and high doses, and positive control group with cyclosporine A ( CsA) .Both TSPG and CsA were administered by gastrogavage.After 15 d treatment, the peripheral hemogram was test-ed, the cytokine contents in serum were measured, and bone marrow semisolid culture of colony-forming assay was conduc-ted for determining hematopoietic progenitor cells.The protein levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 ( ERK1/2) and its phosphorylation status in the bone marrow cells were determined.RESULTS:Curative effect of TSPG in trea-ting AA mice was satisfactory.Peripheral counts of white blood cells and platelet, and concentration of hemoglobin in TSPG groups with medium and high doses were significantly higher than those in model control.TSPG increased the colony num-bers of CFU-E, BFU-E, CFU-GM and CFU-MK derived from hematopoietic progenitor cells.Meanwhile, up-regulation of the phosphorylated ERK1/2, decreased contents of Th1 cytokines and increased contents of Th2 cytokines in the serum were observed.CONCLUSION:TSPG possess the dual efficacies on the promotion of hematopoiesis and immunoregulation in AA mice by regulating the expression of Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines and increasing the phosphorylation of ERK1/2.