OBJECTIVE: To establish a cell lines for quality control of prenatal genetic diagnosis. METHODS: The recombined SV40LTag-pcDNA3.1(-) vector was constructed and transfected by lipidosome into human amniotic fluid cells with common aneuploidy. Positive clones were screened by G418, and the immortality of transfected cell line was identified. RESULTS: Cell line with karyotype of 46, XY, t(8;19)(q24.3;q13.1) from primary amniotic fluid cells was established. Karyotype analytical results indicated that the cell line at its 15th generation maintained the same karyotype of its primary cell. CONCLUSIONS Gene can lead to immortality of amniotic fluid cells, which contributes to preparing cell lines for internal and external quality control in prenatal genetic diagnosis.
Antigens, Polyomavirus Transforming ; genetics ; Cell Line ; Female ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; Karyotype ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; methods ; Quality Control ; Recombinant Proteins ; genetics ; Transfection

Xerostomia is a severe side effect of radiation therapy in head and neck cancer patients. To date, no satisfactory treatment option has been established. Because mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been identified as a potential treatment modality, we aimed to evaluate stem cell distribution following intravenous and intraglandular injections using a surgical model of salivary gland damage and to analyse the effects of MSC injections on the recruitment of immune cells. The submandibular gland ducts of rats were surgically ligated. Syngeneic adult MSCs were isolated, immortalised by simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen and characterized by flow cytometry. MSCs were injected intravenously and intraglandularly. After 1, 3 and 7 days, the organs of interest were analysed for stem cell recruitment. Inflammation was analysed by immunohistochemical staining. We were able to demonstrate that, after intravenous injection, MSCs were recruited to normal and damaged submandibular glands on days 1, 3 and 7. Unexpectedly, stem cells were recruited to ligated and non-ligated glands in a comparable manner. After intraglandular injection of MSCs into ligated glands, the presence of MSCs, leucocytes and macrophages was enhanced, compared to intravenous injection of stem cells. Our data suggest that injected MSCs were retained within the inflamed glands, could become activated and subsequently recruited leucocytes to the sites of tissue damage.
Animals ; Antigens, Polyomavirus Transforming ; immunology ; Cell Culture Techniques ; Cell Movement ; physiology ; Cell Transformation, Viral ; Clone Cells ; physiology ; Flow Cytometry ; Immunohistochemistry ; Injections, Intralesional ; Injections, Intravenous ; Leukocytes ; pathology ; Macrophages ; pathology ; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation ; methods ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; pathology ; physiology ; Necrosis ; Rats, Wistar ; Salivary Ducts ; pathology ; Sialadenitis ; pathology ; therapy ; Simian virus 40 ; immunology ; Submandibular Gland ; pathology ; Submandibular Gland Diseases ; pathology ; therapy ; Time Factors

OBJECTIVETo study the role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) in the anti-replication effects of tetracycline (Tet) on hepatitis B virus (HBV).

METHODSThe Tet-dependent regulatory fragment (TO) was PCR amplified from the pcDNA4TM/TO vector, inserted into the pUC118 cloning vector, and verified by sequencing. The counterpart fragment in the pVITRO3 expression vector, which contains two multiple cloning sites (MCSs), was replaced with the confirmed TO to generate a pVITRO3-TO vector. The Tet repressor (TR) gene from the pcDNA6/TR regulatory vector was incorporated into one MCS of pVITRO3-TO and the TNFalpha gene was subsequently incorporated into the other MCS. The resultant vector, pVITRO3-TOTR-TNFalpha, was transiently transfected into HepG2 cells. TNFalpha expression from the vector was induced by exposure to various concentrations of Tet and measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to determine the appropriate Tet concentration for experimentation. To investigate whether Tet inhibits TNFalpha expression as a mechanism of its anti-replication activity against HBV, the HepG2.2.15 cell line stably transfected with pVITRO3-TOTR-TNFalpha was used as an HBV replication model. Levels of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) were detected by immunoassay. HBV DNA level was detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR.

RESULTSThe TNFalpha expression from the newly constructed pVITRO3-TOTR-TNFalpha vector was Tet-controllable in the eukaryotic cells examined. The optimal concentration of Tet for the experimental system was 1.0 mug/ml. HBsAg and HBeAg expression was down-regulated in the HepG2.2.15 cells stably transfected with the pVITRO3-TO-TR-TNFalpha vector. After incubation with Tet for 1, 3 and 5 days, the inhibition rate of HBsAg was 2%, 1.1% and 0, compared to 14.8%, 11.5% and 28.4% in the non-Tet control group. The corresponding inhibition rates of HBeAg were 50.0%, 26.7% and 47.9%, compared to 0.3%, 1.6% and 0.0%, in the control group. HBV DNA levels in the cells and the cell culture supernatants exposed to Tet were decreased by 70.3% and 79.9%, respectively. TNFalpha inhibited production of HBsAg mRNA.

CONCLUSIONA Tet-dependent regulatory fragment double-expressing TNFalpha single vector system was constructed successfully, achieving controllable TNFalpha expression in both transiently transfected eukaryotic cells and stable cell lines. In this HBV cell model system, Tet-induced overexpression of human TNFalpha inhibited HBV DNA replication and reduced HBsAg and HBeAg expression. Inhibition of HBV transcription may be a key role of TNFalpha against HBV replication.

DNA, Viral ; biosynthesis ; Genetic Vectors ; Hep G2 Cells ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; metabolism ; Hepatitis B e Antigens ; metabolism ; Hepatitis B virus ; drug effects ; physiology ; Humans ; Tetracycline ; pharmacology ; Transfection ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; genetics ; Virus Replication

This study was purposed to investigate the expression of latent membrane protein 1 (LMP-1) and CD68 in Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) patients with EB virus infection and to analyze the relation of LMP-1 expression and CD68(+) tumor-associated macrophage count with clinical features and prognosis of HL patients. The expression of LMP1 and count of CD68(+) TAM were detected by immunohistochemical staining in tissue specimens of 72 HL patients; their correlation with clinical features and prognosis of HL patients was analyzed by using statistical method. The results showed that among tissue specimens of 72 HL patients, the positive rate of LMP-1 expression was 18.1% (13/72), the CD68(+) TAM count was more higher in LMP-1 positive expression [250 of CD68(+) TAM/high power field (hpf) is used as demarcation point] (P = 0.003). The statistical analysis showed that the LMP-1 positive expression was more observed in mixed type HL patients (P = 0.000); the positive rate of LMP-1 expression was much high in HL patients with albumin <40 g/L and age ≥ 45 years (P < 0.05). There was no relation of LMP-1 expression and CD68(+) TAM count with the short term therapeutic efficacy of HL patients, but the overall survival time of LMP-1 positive patients among patients followed-up for ≥ 5 years was short (P < 0.05). Moveover, no correlation of CD68(+) TAM count with the overall survival time of HL patients was found. It is concluded that the high count of CD68(+) TAM is more observed in LMP-1 positive expression of HL tissue, the LMP-1 expression states relates both with the pathological types, age and albumin level of patient with HL. The HL patients with LMP-1 positive expression have poor prognosis, suggesting that LMP-1 may be a new prognostic marker for HL patients.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Antigens, CD ; metabolism ; Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic ; metabolism ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; metabolism ; Child ; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections ; Female ; Hodgkin Disease ; diagnosis ; virology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Viral Matrix Proteins ; metabolism ; Young Adult

BACKGROUND: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an increasingly common neuroendocrine cancer of the skin. Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is one of the causative agents of MCC. The prevalence of MCPyV in primary MCC and sun-exposed non-MCC tumors has been known to have different results depending on where it was investigated. OBJECTIVE: This study assesses the prevalence of MCPyV from primary MCC and sun-exposed non-MCC tumors in Korea. METHODS: A molecular pathology study was performed on 7 tissue specimens of MCC, 1 tissue specimen of metastatic small cell carcinoma of the lung, and 32 tissue specimens of non-MCC tumors occurring from sun-exposed areas [8 basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), 8 squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), 8 actinic keratoses (AKs), and 8 seborrheic keratoses (SKs)]. All specimens were analyzed to determine the presence of MCPyV-DNA using both polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time quantitative PCR. Immunohistochemistry with monoclonal antibody of MCPyV large T antigen (CM2B4) was also conducted. RESULTS: Using both PCR, MCPyV sequences were detected in six of seven MCC tissue specimens (85.7%). Five (71%) of seven MCC tumors were immunoreactive for CM2B4. All five immunoreactive cases were positive for MCPyV. However, there was no association of MCPyV with BCC, SCC, AK, and SK. CONCLUSION: Our results implicate that MCPyV may contribute to the pathogenesis of primary MCC, not of non-MCC skin tumors in Korea, and the persons with MCPyV infection are unusual in Korea compared to other areas.
Antigens, Viral, Tumor ; Carcinoma, Basal Cell ; Carcinoma, Merkel Cell ; Carcinoma, Small Cell ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Keratosis, Actinic ; Keratosis, Seborrheic ; Korea ; Lung ; Merkel cell polyomavirus ; Pathology, Molecular ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Prevalence ; Skin ; Skin Neoplasms

MicroRNA (miRNA) levels in serum have recently emerged as potential novel biomarkers for various diseases. miRNAs are routinely measured by standard quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR); however, the high sensitivity of qPCR demands appropriate normalization to correct for nonbiological variation. Presently, RNU6B (U6) is used for data normalization of circulating miRNAs in many studies. However, it was suggested that serum levels of U6 themselves might differ between individuals. Therefore, no consensus has been reached on the best normalization strategy in 'circulating miRNA'. We analyzed U6 levels as well as levels of spiked-in SV40-RNA in sera of 44 healthy volunteers, 203 intensive care unit patients and 64 patients with liver fibrosis. Levels of U6 demonstrated a high variability in sera of healthy donors, patients with critical illness and liver fibrosis. This high variability could also be confirmed in sera of mice after the cecal ligation and puncture procedure. Most importantly, levels of circulating U6 were significantly upregulated in sera of patients with critical illness and sepsis compared with controls and correlated with established markers of inflammation. In patients with liver fibrosis, U6 levels were significantly downregulated. In contrast, levels of spiked-in SV40 displayed a significantly higher stability both in human cohorts (healthy, critical illness, liver fibrosis) and in mice. Thus, we conclude that U6 levels in the serum are dysregulated in a disease-specific manner. Therefore, U6 should not be used for data normalization of circulating miRNAs in inflammatory diseases and previous studies using this approach should be interpreted with caution. Further studies are warranted to identify specific regulatory processes of U6 levels in sepsis and liver fibrosis.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Animals ; Antigens, Polyomavirus Transforming/blood ; Case-Control Studies ; Down-Regulation ; Female ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis/*blood/diagnosis ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Middle Aged ; RNA, Small Nuclear/*blood ; Reference Values ; Sepsis/*blood/diagnosis

OBJECTIVETo construct SD rat immortalized dental follicle cells (rDFC) induced by simian virus 40 large tumor antigen (SV40Tag) gene to provide a reliable cell source for periodontal tissue engineering research.

METHODSThe rDFC was isolated by tissue mass method combined with enzyme digestion method and evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Cell293 were transfected with plasmid pSSR69/pAmpho containing SV40Tag gene by mediating liposome. Normal rDFC were infected with virus-contained supernate and the successfully transfected cell lines were screened with hygromycin, and positive clones were cultured. While non-transfected cells served as negative controls, the cell morphology was observed, the proliferation characteristics was evaluated by calculating cell population. The expression of SV40Tag gene and telomerase in cells was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting respectively. The biological property of immortalized rDFC was assessed with calculating formation rate of flat cloning, soft agar colony formation test and tumor-forming test.

RESULTSMorphology of immortalized rDFC was not different from that of normal rDFC. The RT-PCR results of SV40Tag revealed amplification band at 357 bp, while no band was seen in the normal cells. The expression of telomerase in immortalized rDFC was higher than that in normal rDFC. The two groups had no significant difference in growth curves, but the immortalized rDFC exhibited stronger proliferative activity. No significant differences of formation rate in flat cloning were observed between the immortalized rDFC [34% (33/96)] and normal rDFC at passage four [22% (21/96)] (χ(2) = 3.71, P > 0.05). No cell cloning was seen in soft agar and the tumor formation was not observed in nude mice.

CONCLUSIONSThe rDFC induced by SV40Tag gene could be cultured and passaged in vitro, which retained the stable proliferation and differentiation characteristics and could be used for periodontal tissue engineering research.

Animals ; Antigens, Viral, Tumor ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Proliferation ; Cell Transformation, Viral ; Cells, Cultured ; Dental Sac ; cytology ; immunology ; metabolism ; HEK293 Cells ; Humans ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Plasmids ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Simian virus 40 ; genetics ; immunology ; Telomerase ; metabolism ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of binding activities of the NH(2) terminus of E1A to the proteins regulating cell growth on ras-induced cell senescence and explore the mechanism of E1A-mediated escape from ras-induced senescence by E1A in human fibroblast.

METHODSIn primary human fibroblasts, the proteins regulating cell growth in association with E1A NH(2) terminus, including the Rb family proteins, p300/CBP, and p400, were inactivated or interfered. The effect of alterations in the binding activities of these proteins on cell senescence bypass mediated by E1A was evaluated by cell growth curve.

RESULTSThe Inactivation of Rb family proteins alone was not sufficient to rescue ras-induced cell senescence, whereas inactivation of both the Rb proteins and p300/CBP blocked ras-induced senescence of human fibroblasts.

CONCLUSIONRb and p300/CBP binding activities are both required for E1A to bypass ras-induced senescence in human fibroblasts.

Adenovirus E1A Proteins ; pharmacology ; Cellular Senescence ; drug effects ; Fibroblasts ; cytology ; Humans ; Primary Cell Culture ; Retinoblastoma Protein ; metabolism ; Skin ; cytology ; p300-CBP Transcription Factors ; metabolism ; ras Proteins ; antagonists & inhibitors ; pharmacology

BACKGROUNDOur previous studies have demonstrated potent oncolysis efficacy of the E1A, E1B double-restricted replication-competent oncolytic adenovirus AxdAdB-3 for treatment of bladder cancer. Here, we reported the feasibility and efficacy of AxdAdB-3 alone, or in combination with gemcitabine for treating renal cell carcinoma.

METHODSCytopathic effects of AxdAdB-3 were evaluated in human renal cell carcinoma cell lines TOS-1, TOS-2, TOS-3, TOS-3LN, SMKT-R3, SMKT-R4 and ACHN, and in normal human renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTEC). AxdAdB-3 induced down-regulation of the cell cycle was determined by flow cytometry. Combination therapies of AxdAdB-3 with gemcitabine were evaluated in vitro and in vivo on subcutaneous TOS-3LN tumors in a severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID) mouse model.

RESULTSAxdAdB-3 was potently cytopathic against the tested most renal cell carcinoma cell lines including TOS-2, TOS-3, TOS-3LN, SMKT-R3 and SMKT-R4, while normal human RPTEC were not destroyed. AxdAdB-3 effectively induced cell cycle S-phase entry. Combined therapy of AxdAdB-3 with gemcitabine demonstrated stronger antitumor effects in vitro and in vivo compared with either AxdAdB-3 or gemcitabine alone.

CONCLUSIONAxdAdB-3 alone, or in combination with gemcitabine may be a promising strategy against renal cell carcinoma.

Adenoviridae ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiology ; Adenovirus E1A Proteins ; genetics ; Adenovirus E1B Proteins ; genetics ; Animals ; Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Carcinoma, Renal Cell ; drug therapy ; therapy ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; genetics ; Cell Line ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Coxsackie and Adenovirus Receptor-Like Membrane Protein ; Deoxycytidine ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, SCID ; Oncolytic Virotherapy ; Receptors, Virus ; genetics ; metabolism ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Carrier Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Gene Library ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; immunology ; metabolism ; Hepatitis B virus ; genetics ; immunology ; Humans ; Immunoprecipitation ; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; metabolism ; Nerve Tissue Proteins ; metabolism ; Viral Proteins ; immunology ; metabolism