OBJECTIVETo explore the antitumoral effect of indirubin on androgen-independent prostate cancer PC-3 cells and its possible mechanisms.

METHODSWe measured the inhibitory effect of indirubin on the proliferation of prostate cancer PC-3 cells using MTT assay, detected their cell cycles by flow cytometry, and determined the expressions of the cell cycle regulatory protein cyclin D1 and its related downstream gene c-myc by Western blot.

RESULTSThe viability of the PC-3 cells was significantly decreased by indirubin in a concentration-dependent manner, reduced to 52. 2% and 13. 6% at 5 and 10 µmol/L, respectively. The cell cycle of the PC-3 cells was markedly inhibited by indirubin at 5 µmol/L, with the cells remarkably increased in the G0 and G1 phases and decreased in the S and G2/M phases. Meanwhile, indirubin also inhibited the expressions of cyclin D1 and c-myc in the Wnt signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONIndirubin can suppress the proliferation of androgen-independent prostate cancer PC-3 cells, which may be associated with its inhibitory effect on the cell cycle and Wnt signaling pathway.

Antibiotics, Antineoplastic ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Coloring Agents ; Cyclin D1 ; metabolism ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Genes, myc ; Humans ; Indoles ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Male ; Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc ; metabolism ; Tetrazolium Salts ; Thiazoles

BACKGROUND: Thyroid cancer stem cells are essential to the recurrence and metastasis of thyroid carcinoma. Leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR) shows a downward trend in a variety of malignant tumors, and its overexpression can inhibit the recurrence and metastasis of malignant tumors. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of LIFR on the stemness maintenance and lung metastasis of thyroid cancer stem cells in vivo. METHODS: Primary thyroid cancer cells TCLM were isolated from the lung metastases of a metastatic thyroid cancer patient. Serum-free suspension culture was used to form tumor cell balls. Flow cytometry was used to screen CD133+phenotype of metastatic thyroid cancer stem cell subpopulation TCLM-S. The overexpressed recombinant lentiviral plasmid containing LIFR and its negative control containing the empty plasmid were infected into thyroid cancer stem cells TCLM-S at the ratio of virus/cell number=20, and screened with 2.0 mg/L puromycin to construct TCLM-SLIFRand TCLM-Scontrolstem cells which stably expressed LIFR and its control. Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of LIFR in TCLM-SLIFRand TCLM-Scontrolstem cells. Flow cytometry was used to detect the percentage of CD133+phenotype cell subsets, western blot assay was used to detect the expression of tumor stemness related factors SOX2, Oct4, Nanog and tumor invasion and metastasis related proteins E-cadherin, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-7 in TCLM-SLIFRand TCLM-Scontrol stem cells. TCLM-SLIFRand TCLM-Scontrolstem cells were respectively injected into BALB/c nude mice by tail vein, and the lung metastasis model of thyroid cancer stem cells was constructed. The effect of LIFR overexpression on lung metastasis was observed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Compared with TCLM-Scontrolcells, the expression of LIFR in TCLM-SLIFRcells was significantly increased, the proportion of CD133+phenotype stem cell subsets was significantly decreased, the expression of SOX2, Oct4 and Nanog were significantly decreased, the expression of E-cadherin was significantly increased, and the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-7 was significantly decreased. Moreover, the number of lung metastasis in nude mice given TCLM-SLIFRcells was significantly decreased as compared with those given TCLM-Scontrol cells.To conclude,LIFR overexpression can decrease the stemness and ability of lung metastasis in vivo.

Objective: To explore the structural domains of the CENP-E protein that interact with Mps1 protein.Methods: Two recombinant vectors named pEGFP-CENPE2(containing 674-1085 amino acids of CENP-E protein) and pEGFP-CENPE 3(containing 1200~2134 amino acids of CENP-E protein) were transfected into human embryo kidney 293(HEK293) cells respectively.The respective energy transfer efficiency(Ef) between either EGFP-CENPE2 and Mps1,or EGFP-CENPE3 and Mps1 were detected by FRET through selective photobleaching of the acceptors.Results: Both recombinant proteins expressed in HEK293 cells transfected by the recombinant plasmids were found to co-localize with the Mps1 protein as confirmed by confocal microscopy.The Ef between EGFP-CENPE3 and Mps1 protein was [(12.63?0.48)%,n=30] and that between EGFP-CENPE3 and Mps1 protein was [(3.17?0.21)%,n=30] as revealed by the results from FRET,the result of FRET was confirmed by co-Immunoprecipitate(CO-IP) method.When compared with that between the control and Mps1,the Ef between EGFP-CENPE3 and Mps1 was significantly higher(p

OBJECTIVEIt is revealed that circulating fibrocytes are elevated in patients/animals with cardiac fibrosis, and this review aims to provide an introduction to circulating fibrocytes and their role in cardiac fibrosis.

DATA SOURCESThis review is based on the data from 1994 to present obtained from PubMed. The search terms were "circulating fibrocytes " and "cardiac fibrosis ".

STUDY SELECTIONArticles and critical reviews, which are related to circulating fibrocytes and cardiac fibrosis, were selected.

RESULTSCirculating fibrocytes, which are derived from hematopoietic stem cells, represent a subset of peripheral blood mononuclear cells exhibiting mixed morphological and molecular characteristics of hematopoietic and mesenchymal cells (CD34+/CD45+/collagen I+). They can produce extracellular matrix and many cytokines. It is shown that circulating fibrocytes participate in many fibrotic diseases, including cardiac fibrosis. Evidence accumulated in recent years shows that aging individuals and patients with hypertension, heart failure, coronary heart disease, and atrial fibrillation have more circulating fibrocytes in peripheral blood and/or heart tissue, and this elevation of circulating fibrocytes is correlated with the degree of fibrosis in the hearts.

CONCLUSIONSCirculating fibrocytes are effector cells in cardiac fibrosis.

Coronary Disease ; pathology ; Fibroblasts ; physiology ; Fibrosis ; pathology ; Heart Failure ; pathology ; Humans ; Hypertension ; pathology ; Myocardium ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo compare the safety and efficacy of the two surgical alternatives, transurethral bipolar vaporization resection of the prostate (TUBVP) and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HOLEP), in the treatment of large benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

METHODSRetrospective analyses were made of 56 cases of large BPH ( >80 ml), 34 treated by TUBVP with the Bipolar Vaporization System (ACMI Medical Ltd, U.K.) at 160 W in cutting and 80 W in coagulation mode, and 22 by HOLEP with the Holmium Laser System (LUMNIS Ltd, US) at 100W. The safety and efficacy of the two approaches were assessed based on the operative and follow-up data.

RESULTSBlood loss was significantly less in the HOLEP than in the TUBVP group ( P < 0.01), but the time of postoperative bladder irrigation and catheter indwelling was obviously shorter in the latter. IPSS, Qmax and Residual unine were markedly improved at 1 and 3 months after the surgery, with no statistically significant differences between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONBoth TUBVP and HOLEP are safe and effective surgical options for the treatment of large BPH. Particularly the former, easier to be popularly applied, is promising to be a new "gold standard" in the surgical treatment of BPH.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Humans ; Lasers, Solid-State ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Prostate ; pathology ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; pathology ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Transurethral Resection of Prostate ; methods

OBJECTIVETo explore the feasibility of magnetic resonance cell imaging technology by using polyethylene imine (PEI)-coated magnetic nanoparticles of Fe₄O₄ (PEI-Fe₄O₄-MNPs) to track cell biology behavior.

METHODSEndocytic PEI-Fe₄O₄-MNPs in SHI-1 cells were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) . Iron contents of nano-labeled cells were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and Prussian blue staining. The proliferation ability of labeled cells was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay; the differentiation and colony-forming abilities were also observed. SHI-1 cells without endocytosing PEI-Fe₄O₄-MNPs were used as control.

RESULTSOur data showed that PEI-Fe₄O₄-MNPs could label SHI-1 cells. The labeling efficiency depended on the nanoparticles' concentration and the duration of cells treating. Inhibition rates of SHI-1cells labeled by 60-100 μg Fe/ml PEI-Fe₄O₄-MNPs were much higher than of 5-50 μg Fe/ml ones following treating by 5-100 μg Fe/ml PEI-Fe₄O₄-MNPs for 48 hrs. The expressions of CD11b and CD14 were (78.4±18.5)% and (18.7±2.9)% in control vs (83.3±14.2)% and (20.4±2.1)% in cells fractions treated by 30 μg Fe/ml PEI-Fe₄O₄-MNPs. Clony-forming rates of SHI-1 cells labeled by 0, 20 , 50 μg Fe/ml PEI-Fe₄O₄-MNPs were (25.20±7.22)%, (25.93±13.15)%, (23.37±9.33)%, respectively. Differentiation and colony-forming potentials of labeled cells were similar with control in the certain range of PEI-Fe₄O₄-MNPs concentration.

CONCLUSIONSHI-1 cells were efficiently labeled by PEI-Fe₄O₄-MNPs with well biocompatibilities in proper range of concentration, the latter could be coupled with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to track cells in vivo.

Cell Line, Tumor ; Coated Materials, Biocompatible ; chemistry ; Ferric Compounds ; chemistry ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Magnetics ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Nanoparticles ; chemistry ; Polyethyleneimine ; chemistry

This study was purposed to investigate the expression and role of eukaryotic expression vector containing p16, dll4 genes in leukemia K562 cells. A vector pBudCE4.1-16-dll4 containing wild type p16cDNA and dll4cDNA was designed and constructed, then this vector was transfected into leukemia K562 cells by using lipofectamine 2000. The expression of p16 and dll4 genes was detected by Western blot, the cell growth curve and cell cycle were determined by CCK-8 kit and flow cytometry respectively. The results showed that the recombinant plasmid pBudCE4.1-16-dll4 was constructed and transfected into K562 cells in vitro successfully. The expression of exogenous P16 and Dll4 proteins could be detected in K562 cells. After transfection for 48 hours, the K562 cells were arrested in G(1) phase, the cell count increased in G(0)/G(1) phase and reduced in S phase, the cell proliferation decreased as compared with control. It is concluded that the p16 and dll4 genes can simultaneously express in K562 cells transfected with recombinant plasmid pBudCE4.1-16-dll4 in vitro which results in G(0)/G(1) arrest and reduces cell proliferation.
Apoptosis ; Cell Cycle ; Cell Proliferation ; Genes, p16 ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; genetics ; K562 Cells ; Leukemia ; genetics ; Membrane Proteins ; genetics ; Plasmids ; Transfection

This study was purposed to construct a vector containing human suppressor gene p53 and p16, and to investigate their expression and effect on K562 and HL-60 cells. pBudCE4.1-53-16 is a vector designed for simultaneous expression of human suppressor gene p53 and p16 in mammalian cell line. After transfection into K562 cells with lipofectamine(TM) 2000, the expression of p53 and p16 genes was detected by Western blot and immunocytochemical method. The growth curve, apoptosis, cell cycle were assayed by CCK-8 and flow cytometry. The results showed that the recombinant plasmid pBudCE4.1-53-16 was constructed successfully and were verified by PCR and restriction analysis. The expression of P53 and P16 protein could be detected after transfection into leukemia cells (K562 and HL-60) for 48 hours. As compared with control group, the cell proliferation in experimental group was inhibited, the cells were arrested in G0 phase and apoptotic cells increased (p<0.001). It is concluded that the recombinant plasmid pBudCE4.1-53-16 has been established. p16 and p53 in the recombinant plasmid pBudCE4.1-53-16 synchronously express in leukemic cells after transfection in vitro for 2 days and results in reduced proliferation, G0 arrest and apoptosis increase.
Apoptosis ; genetics ; Cell Cycle ; genetics ; Cell Proliferation ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16 ; genetics ; Gene Expression ; Genes, p53 ; Genetic Vectors ; HL-60 Cells ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; Plasmids ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo investigate the manifestation of head shaking nystagmus (HSN) and the relationship between HSN and vestibular bithermal test while cross-checking the HSN and vestibular bithermal test.

METHODSOne hundred and twenty-four patients were examined by HSN and vestibular bithermal test. The latency and duration of HSN were observed and the dynamic changes of HSN were also investigated. The results of bithermal test were clarified by the values of canal paresis (CP).

RESULTSThere were 3 types of HSN, including 41 monophasic HSN, 11 biphasic HSN and 7 perverted HSN. The latency of monophasic HSN was (2.75 +/- 1.41) ms and the duration of it was (32.16 +/- 20.30) ms; as for the biphasic HSN, the first phase had no latency and the duration was (12.33 +/- 4.42) ms which was shorter than that of the second phase (57.00 +/- 17.19) ms (P < 0.01) and the latency of second phase was (57.00 +/- 17.19) ms. The value of canal paresis in the patients without HSN was lower than that in the patients with HSN.

CONCLUSIONSThe existence of HSN was dependent on the loss of the function horizontal canal and also on the stage of vestibular compensation. The variation of duration of HSN among individuals was great. In the acute stage of unilateral vestibular function loss, there appeared to be prominent HSN, and the direction of HSN is the same as that of spontaneous nystagmus. With the development of vestibular compensation, biphasic nystagmus would appear instead of monophasic HSN and the direction of first phase represent the direction of un-lesioned side. After compensation, HSN would not be elicited. However,when HSN existed, it suggested that the value of CP should exceed 25%. Perverted nystagmus pointed to central abnormality.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Caloric Tests ; Child ; Female ; Head ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Nystagmus, Pathologic ; physiopathology ; Paresis ; physiopathology ; Semicircular Canals ; physiopathology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the prevalence and distribution of C-kit, NPM1 and FLT3 gene mutations in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and to analyze the relationship between the gene mutations and their prognosis.

METHODSMutations in exon 8 and 17 of C-kit gene, exon 12 of NPM1 gene, exon 20 of FLT3-TKD gene, and exon 14/15 of FLT3-ITD gene were detected by direct sequencing. Clinical data was collected and followed up if the patient had accepted treatment in our hospital.

RESULTSAmong the 656 AML patients, mutations in C-kit exon 8 were found in 6 patients (0.9%), C-kit exon 17 in 33 (5.0%), NPM1 in 169 (25.8%), FLT3-TKD in 46 (7.1%), and FLT3-ITD in 178 (27.1%). Six subtypes of mutations were detected in C-kit exon 8, 8 in C-kit exon 17, 11 in FLT3-TKD, 15 in NPM1, of which 5 were not reported before. C-kit exon 17 mutations were more frequently detected in patients with t(8;21) and exon 8 in patients with inv(16) cytogenetic abnormality. No other gene mutations except FLT3 were detected in M(3) patients. NPM1 and ITD mutations were often detected in individuals with normal cytogenetics or M(5) and M(1) of FAB classification, and accompanied with high white blood cell counts in peripheral blood, high blast counts in bone marrow and low CD34 expression. The older the patients were when diagnosed, the more gene mutations and the higher white blood cell count were detected. More mutations were found in individuals with normal karyotype than that with other karyotypes. It appeared that FLT3-ITD was significantly associated with shorter overall survival (OS) (P = 0.004), NPM1 was not significantly associated with OS, but NPM1(+)/ITD(-) patients had the longest OS.

CONCLUSIONSOur results showed that the mutation types and amounts had particular distribution in MICM subtypes, and were associated with white blood cell counts in peripheral blood, blast counts in bone marrow and prognosis. Especially for patients with normal karyotype, the genetic mutations could be new molecule marker.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; Female ; Humans ; Karyotyping ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; Nuclear Proteins ; genetics ; Prognosis ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit ; genetics ; Young Adult ; fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase 3 ; genetics