China ; Humans ; Occupational Health ; Solvents ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to construct a pathway-based network using differentially expressed genes in prostate cancer (PCa) screened by cDNA microarray chips in domestic research to visualize the relations among the genes obtained from the microarray data, and identify the genes with significant influence on this network by statistical analysis. It also aimed to search for the genes that play key roles in the tumorigenesis of PCa, and probe into the molecular mechanism of PCa pathogenesis in Chinese men.

METHODSThe relevant domestic literature of recent years were reviewed to sum up differentially expressed genes in PCa according to the screened microarray data. The OMIM database was used to analyze the relations among these genes and build a network of biological pathway. Furthermore, a statistical method, namely node contraction, was employed to compare the importance of the key genes.

RESULTSAccording to the gene expression profiling data, there were 113 differentially expressed genes, 51 up-regulated and 62 down-regulated. A pathway-based network including 68 inter-related genes was constructed using the OMIM database. The importance of every key node was calculated using the method of node contraction, and 12 key genes were identified, incuding c-MYC, VEGF, HSPCA, TGFbeta1, RANTES, EGR1, etc, which probably played important roles in the pathogenesis and progression of prostate cancer.

CONCLUSIONWe applied bioinformatics to the analysis of the gene expression profiling data in China, constructed a network of the differentially expressed genes using the OMIM database and method of node contraction, appraised the importance of the key genes, and established a method for the overall analysis of the gene chip data, which have paved a new ground for further researches on the pathogenesis of prostate cancer in Chinese men.

Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Computational Biology ; methods ; Databases, Genetic ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Male ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism

Background:The pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is mediated primarily by T cells,but most studies of MS and its animal model,experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE),have focused on CD4+ T cells.The aims of the current study were to determine the pathological interrelationship between CD4 and CD8 autoreactive T cells in MS/EAE.Methods:Female C57BL/6 mice (n=20) were induced by myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)35-55 peptide.At 14 days after immunization,T cells were isolated from the spleen and purified as CD4+ and CD8+ T cells by using CD4 and CD8 isolation kits,and then the purity was determined by flow cytometric analysis.These cells were stimulated by MOG35-55 peptide and applied to proliferation assays.The interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin (IL)-4 secretion of supernatant of cultured CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).For adoptive transfer,recipient mice were injected with MOG35-55-specific CD8+ or CD4+ T cells.EAE clinical course was measured by EAE score at 0-5 scale and spinal cord was examined by staining with hematoxylin and eosin and Luxol fast blue staining.Results:CD8+CD3+ and CD4+CD3+ cells were 86％ and 94％ pure of total CD3+ cells after CD8/CD4 bead enrichment,respectively.These cells were stimulated by MOG35-55 peptide and applied to proliferation assays.Although the CD8+ T cells had a generally lower response to MOG35-55 than CD4+ T cells,the response of CD8+ T cells was not always dependent on CD4.CD8+ T cell secreted less IFN-γ and IL-4 compared with CD4+ T cells.EAE was induced in wildtype B6 na(i)ve mice by adoptive transfer of MOG35-55-specific T cells from B6 active-induced EAE (aEAE) mice.A similar EAE score and slight inflammation and demyelination were found in naive B6 mice after transferring of CD8+ T cells from immunized B6 mice compared with transfer of CD4+ T cells.Conclusion:Our data suggest that CD8+ autoreactive T cells in EAE have a lower encephalitogenic function but are unique and independent on pathogenic of EAE rather than their CD4+ counterparts.

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effects of simvastatin on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis(EAE)and explore its mechanisms. Methods Fifty-five Wistar rats were randomly divided into EAE group (n=15),.STATINS group(n=15),triptolide(TP)group(n=15)and normal control group(n=10).In STATINS group,the rats were given simvastatin and the changes in the expressions of P53,interleukin-6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)were observed,with triptofide as the positive control.Results Compared to the EAE group,the rats in STATINS group had significantly lowered incidence of EAE,mild symptoms,reduced body weight loss and lesion foci number,and prolonged latency of EAE onset(P＜0.05).The rats in the TP group also exhibited significantly milder symptoms and fewer lesion foci than the EAE group(P＜0.05),but the body weight changes.,latency or incidence of EAE had no significant difference between the two groups(P＞0.05).Simvastatin significantly suppressed the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α and increased the expressions of P53 and TGF-β in rats with EAE,whereas TP only resulted in significant suppression of TNF-αexpression(P＜0.05).The expressions of P53 and TGF-β were significantly higher in STATINS group than in TP group(P＜0.05),but the expressions of TNF-α and IL-6 were comparable between the two groups(P＞0.05). Conclusions Simvastatin Can suppress EAE more effectively than TP by suppressing the expressions of the inflammatory factors such as IL-6 and TNF-α and promoting the expressions of P53 and TGF-β.

Objective To evaluate the prognosis factors of carcinomatous meningitis (CM).Methods The medical records of 63 patients with CM treated in our hospital from 1998 to 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. The chief prognosis factors evaluated were gender, age, primary tumor type,Karnofsky performance status (KPS) scores, interval between diagnosis of primary tumor and CM,treatment, radiation dose and primary tumor control status. Kaplan-Meier method was employed to calculate the survival time and plot the survival curves. Log-rank test was used to evaluate the differences between the groups. Cox regressive model was used to analyze the prognostic factors. Results All patients died by the end of follow-up. The survival time ranged from 2 to 732 d and the overall one-year survival rate was 7.9% with a median survival time of 67 d. In multivariate analysis, KPS scores, primary tumor control status, interval between diagnosis of primary tumor and CM were independent prognostic factors. Conclusions The main prognostic factors of CM are KPS scores, primary tumor control status, and interval between diagnosis of primary tumor and CM. The most effective treatment modalities still need to be confirmed and individual treatment for each patient with CM should be recommended in clinic.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder that predominantly affects children. Previous studies have mostly involved children in Western developed countries. METHODS: This study retrospectively reviewed the clinical profiles of ADEM in adult Chinese patients. RESULTS: ADEM occurred during summer and autumn in about two-thirds of the 42 included patients. Prior infection was found in five patients and no preimmunization was recorded. The most frequent clinical presentations were alterations in consciousness (79%) and behavior changes (69%), followed by motor deficits (64%) and fever (50%). About one-quarter (26%) of the patients showed positive results for oligoclonal bands, and about half of them exhibited increases in the IgG index and 24-hour IgG synthesis rate. Magnetic resonance imaging showed white- and gray-matter lesions in 83% and 23% of the patients, respectively. Steroids were the main treatment, and full recovery occurred in 62% of the patients, with residual focal neurological deficits recorded in a few patients. After a mean follow-up period of 3.4 years, two patients exhibited recurrence and one patient exhibited a multiphasic course. One patient was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). CONCLUSIONS: With the exception of the seasonal distribution pattern and prior vaccine rate, the clinical profiles of ADEM in adult Chinese patients are similar to those in pediatric populations. No specific markers are available for distinguishing ADEM from MS at the initial presentation. Careful clinical evaluations, cerebrospinal fluid measurements, and neuroradiological examinations with long-term follow-up will aid the correct diagnosis of ADEM.
Adult* ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group* ; Cerebrospinal Fluid ; Child ; Consciousness ; Demyelinating Diseases ; Developed Countries ; Diagnosis ; Encephalomyelitis, Acute Disseminated* ; Fever ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin G ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Multiple Sclerosis ; Oligoclonal Bands ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Seasons ; Steroids

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder that predominantly affects children. Previous studies have mostly involved children in Western developed countries. METHODS: This study retrospectively reviewed the clinical profiles of ADEM in adult Chinese patients. RESULTS: ADEM occurred during summer and autumn in about two-thirds of the 42 included patients. Prior infection was found in five patients and no preimmunization was recorded. The most frequent clinical presentations were alterations in consciousness (79%) and behavior changes (69%), followed by motor deficits (64%) and fever (50%). About one-quarter (26%) of the patients showed positive results for oligoclonal bands, and about half of them exhibited increases in the IgG index and 24-hour IgG synthesis rate. Magnetic resonance imaging showed white- and gray-matter lesions in 83% and 23% of the patients, respectively. Steroids were the main treatment, and full recovery occurred in 62% of the patients, with residual focal neurological deficits recorded in a few patients. After a mean follow-up period of 3.4 years, two patients exhibited recurrence and one patient exhibited a multiphasic course. One patient was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). CONCLUSIONS: With the exception of the seasonal distribution pattern and prior vaccine rate, the clinical profiles of ADEM in adult Chinese patients are similar to those in pediatric populations. No specific markers are available for distinguishing ADEM from MS at the initial presentation. Careful clinical evaluations, cerebrospinal fluid measurements, and neuroradiological examinations with long-term follow-up will aid the correct diagnosis of ADEM.
Adult* ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group* ; Cerebrospinal Fluid ; Child ; Consciousness ; Demyelinating Diseases ; Developed Countries ; Diagnosis ; Encephalomyelitis, Acute Disseminated* ; Fever ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin G ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Multiple Sclerosis ; Oligoclonal Bands ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Seasons ; Steroids

Objective To analyze the clinical and imaging features of a family(3 patients)with familial hemangioblastoma,and their diagnosis and prognosis.Methods The detailed data about clinical and imaging features of all patients diagnosed as familial hemangioblastoma,admitted to our hospital from October 2004 to May 2010,were analyzed,and the lesions of other regions,besides the tumor lesion,were observed.Results No lesions of other regions were noted in these 3 patients.Cranial MRI showed that 2 had cystic and solid tumor and 1 had solid tumor;,total removal was performed on these patients under microscope; regular follow-up was given and no recurrence was noted.Conclusion Familiar hemangioblastoma is serious hereditary disease; and MRI is the most important detective method; microsurgical operation is the most important therapy.Early diagnosis and treatment should be given to the patients with familiar hemangioblastoma due to its high recunence rate,having difficulty in operation and its trend to combining with other lesions of the other parts.

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) inhibitors and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have recently emerged as promising anticancer drugs. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of combination treatment with the PARP inhibitor PJ34 and HDAC inhibitor SAHA on the proliferation of liver cancer cells. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed in three human liver cancer cell lines (HepG2, Hep3B and HCC-LM3) treated with PJ34 (8 μmol/L) and SAHA (1 μmol/L), alone or combined, by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The nude mice bearing subcutaneous HepG2 tumors were administered different groups of drugs (10 mg/kg PJ34, 25 mg/kg SAHA, 10 mg/kg PJ34+25 mg/kg SAHA), and the inhibition rates of tumor growth were compared between groups. The results showed that combined use of PJ34 and SAHA could synergistically inhibit the proliferation of liver cancer cell lines HepG2, Hep3B and HCC-LM3. The apoptosis rate of HepG2 cells treated with PJ34+SAHA was significantly higher than that of HepG2 cells treated with PJ34 or SAHA alone (P<0.05). In vivo, the tumor inhibition rates were 53.5%, 61.4% and 82.6% in PJ34, SAHA and PJ34+SAHA groups, respectively. The combined use of PJ34 and SAHA could significantly inhibit the xenograft tumor growth when compared with use of PJ34 or SAHA alone (P<0.05). It was led to conclude that PJ34 and SAHA can synergistically suppress the proliferation of liver cancer cells.
Animals ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; administration & dosage ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Drug Synergism ; Hep G2 Cells ; Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Hydroxamic Acids ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Liver Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; Mice ; Phenanthrenes ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

AIM To establish an HPLC method for the simultaneous content determination of spinosin,ferulic acid,rosmarinic acid,salvianolic acid B,schisandrin A,schizandrin B and schisandrol A in Anshen Capsules.METHODS The analysis was performed on a 30℃thermostatic Inertsustain C18 column(5 μm,4.6 mm×250 mm),with the mobile phase comprising of methanol-acetonitrile-0.1%phosphoric acid flowing at 1.0 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and the detection wavelengths were set at 203,270 nm.Subsequently,principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis were made.RESULTS Seven constituents showed good linear relationships within their own ranges(r＞0.999 0),whose average recoveries were 96.12%-102.70%with the RSDs of 0.31%-1.83%.Ten batches of samples were divided into two categories according to manufacturers,and peaks 5(schisandrol A),4(salvianolic acid B)were quality difference markers.CONCLUSION This simple,sensitive,specific and reproducible method can be used for the quality control of Anshen Capsules.