Treg/IL-17 ratio and Treg differentiation in patients with COPD

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by chronic pulmonary and systematic inflammation. An abnormal adaptive immune response leads to an imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory processes. T-helper (Th), T-cytotoxic (Tc) and T-regulatory (Treg) cells may play important roles in immune and inflammatory responses. This study was conducted to clarify the changes and imbalance of cytokines and T lymphocyte subsets in patients with COPD, especially during acute exacerbations (AECOPD).

Methods

Twenty-three patients with stable COPD (SCOPD) and 21 patients with AECOPD were enrolled in the present study. In addition, 20 age-, sex- and weight-matched non-smoking healthy volunteers were included as controls. The serum levels of selected cytokines (TGF-β, IL-10, TNF-α, IL-17 and IL-9) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Furthermore, the T lymphocyte subsets collected from peripheral blood samples were evaluated by flow cytometry after staining with anti-CD3-APC, anti-CD4-PerCP, anti-CD8- PerCP, anti-CD25-FITC and anti-FoxP3-PE monoclonal antibodies. Importantly, to remove the confounding effects of inflammatory factors, the authors introduced a concept of “inflammation adjustment” and corrected each measured value using representative inflammatory markers, such as TNF-α and IL-17.

Results

Unlike the other cytokines, serum TGF-β levels were considerably higher in patients with AECOPD relative to the control group regardless of adjustment. There were no significant differences in the percentages of either CD4⁺ or CD8⁺ T cells among the three groups. Although Tregs were relatively upregulated during acute exacerbations, their capacities of generation and differentiation were far from sufficient. Finally, the authors noted that the ratios of Treg/IL-17 were similar among groups.

Conclusions

These observations suggest that in patients with COPD, especially during acute exacerbations, both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory reactions are strengthened, with the pro-inflammatory reactions dominating. Although the Treg/IL-17 ratios were normal, the regulatory T cells were still insufficient to suppress the accompanying increases in inflammation. All of these changes suggest a complicated mechanism of pro- and anti-inflammatory imbalance which needs to be further investigated.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing human basic fibroblast growth factor increase vasculogenesis in ischemic rats

Administration or expression of growth factors, as well as implantation of autologous bone marrow cells, promote in vivo angiogenesis. This study investigated the angiogenic potential of combining both approaches through the allogenic transplantation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) expressing human basic fibroblast growth factor (hbFGF). After establishing a hind limb ischemia model in Sprague Dawley rats, the animals were randomly divided into four treatment groups: MSCs expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP-MSC), MSCs expressing hbFGF (hbFGF-MSC), MSC controls, and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) controls. After 2 weeks, MSC survival and differentiation, hbFGF and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, and microvessel density of ischemic muscles were determined. Stable hbFGF expression was observed in the hbFGF-MSC group after 2 weeks. More hbFGF-MSCs than GFP-MSCs survived and differentiated into vascular endothelial cells (P<0.001); however, their differentiation rates were similar. Moreover, allogenic transplantation of hbFGF-MSCs increased VEGF expression (P=0.008) and microvessel density (P<0.001). Transplantation of hbFGF-expressing MSCs promoted angiogenesis in an in vivo hind limb ischemia model by increasing the survival of transplanted cells that subsequently differentiated into vascular endothelial cells. This study showed the therapeutic potential of combining cell-based therapy with gene therapy to treat ischemic disease.

IL-33 levels differentiate tuberculous pleurisy from malignant pleural effusions

Tuberculous pleural effusions (TPEs) and malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) are difficult to differentiate between in certain clinical situations. Interleukin (IL)-33 is a cytokine that participates in inflammatory responses and may have a role in pleural effusions. The present study aimed to investigate the concentrations and potential differential significance of IL-33 in patients with TPE and MPE. IL-33 levels in pleural effusion and serum samples were detected using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 23 patients with TPE and 21 patients with MPE. The concentration of IL-33 (mean ± standard deviation) in the TPE patients (22.962±0.976 ng/l) was significantly higher than that in the MPE patients (12.603±5.153 ng/l; P<0.001; z=−4.572); however, there was no significant difference in the serum level of IL-33 in the patients with TPE compared with those with MPE (P>0.05). The concentration of IL-33 in the pleural effusions was positively correlated with that in the serum samples in each group (TPE: r=0.563, P=0.05; MPE: r=0.535, P<0.05). The cut-off value of pleural IL-33 for TPE was 19.86 ng/l, which yielded a sensitivity of 0.869, a specificity of 0.905 and an area under the corresponding receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.903. The present study identified that the level of pleural IL-33 is significantly increased in TPEs and may serve as a novel biomarker to differentiate between patients with TPE and MPE.

Histological changes within dental pulps in teeth with moderate-to-severe chronic periodontitis

AIM

To investigate the effect of chronic periodontitis on dental pulps by assessing histological changes in the pulps of teeth with moderate-to-severe periodontitis.

METHODOLOGY

A total of 242 teeth from 162 patients with moderate-to-severe periodontitis were collected, and histological changes in pulps were investigated by staining with haematoxylin and eosin. Baseline data were taken from the patients' records before extraction. The morphologic changes observed in the pulp were classified as degree I, degree II, degree III and degree IV. Statistical analysis of the severity of periodontitis and histological changes with the pulps was applied using the Mann-Whitney U rank sum test, whilst the contingency coefficient was used to analyse the inter-relationship between the severity of periodontitis and histological changes in the pulps.

RESULTS

The inter-relationship between the severity of periodontitis and histological changes in the pulps was 0.274 (P < 0.001), and significant differences existed between teeth with moderate periodontitis and severe periodontitis group (Z = 4.145, P < 0.001). The inter-relationship between attachment loss and histological changes in the pulps was 0.397 (P < 0.001). There were significant differences in the histological changes amongst teeth with various degrees of attachment loss (χ(2) = 33.023, P < 0.001) and amongst teeth in different locations (χ(2) = 23.163, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

There was a positive association between the severity of periodontitis and histological changes within the pulp. More attachment loss was correlated with pathological changes within the dental pulp.

Regulation of CD4(+) T cells by pleural mesothelial cells via adhesion molecule-dependent mechanisms in tuberculous pleurisy

Background

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) have been demonstrated to be expressed on pleural mesothelial cells (PMCs), and to mediate leukocyte adhesion and migration; however, little is known about whether adhesion molecule-dependent mechanisms are involved in the regulation of CD4⁺ T cells by PMCs in tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE).

Methods

Expressions of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 on PMCs, as well as expressions of CD11a and CD29, the counter-receptors for ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, respectively, expressed on CD4⁺ T cells in TPE were determined using flow cytometry. The immune regulations on adhesion, proliferation, activation, selective expansion of CD4⁺ helper T cell subgroups exerted by PMCs via adhesion molecule-dependent mechanisms were explored.

Results

Percentages of ICAM-1-positive and VCAM-1‒positive PMCs in TPE were increased compared with PMC line. Interferon-γ enhanced fluorescence intensity of ICAM-1, while IL-4 promoted VCAM-1 expression on PMCs. Percentages of CD11a^highCD4⁺ and CD29^highCD4⁺ T cells in TPE significantly increased as compared with peripheral blood. Prestimulation of PMCs with anti‒ICAM-1 or ‒VCAM-1 mAb significantly inhibited adhesion, activation, as well as effector regulatory T cell expansion induced by PMCs.

Conclusions

Our current data showed that adhesion molecule pathways on PMCs regulated adhesion and activation of CD4⁺ T cells, and selectively promoted the expansion of effector regulatory T cells.

Enhancement of phase separation and superconductivity in Mn-doped K0.8Fe2-yMnySe2 crystals

Single crystals of K0.8Fe2-yMnySe2 with slight Mn doping have been grown by a self-flux method. X-ray diffraction measurements show enhanced phase separation with increasing Mn doping in the compounds. The superconducting transition temperature increases to Tc,onset ∼ 46.1 K for the sample with y ∼ 0.03, as observed by electrical transport measurements. Our results demonstrate that the doping of Mn does not suppress the superconductivity, and on the contrary increases the superconducting shield fraction and transition temperature, an effect which may originate from the Mn dopant's high preference to fill into iron vacancies in the Mn-doped samples. It suggests that the Mn dopant can induce a local lattice strain or distortion that profitably modifies the microstructure of the superconducting/metallic phase, leading to superconductivity of the compound.

Th17/Treg imbalance in malignant pleural effusion

Both T helper IL-17-producing cells (Th17 cells) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been found to be increased in malignant pleural effusion (MPE). However, the possible imbalance between Th17 cells and Tregs, as well as the association of Th17/Treg and Th1/Th2 cells in MPE remains to be elucidated. The objective of the present study was to investigate the distribution of Th17 cells in relation to Tregs, as well as Th1/Th2 balance in MPE. The number of Th17, Tregs, Th1, and Th2 cells in MPE and peripheral blood was determined by using flow cytometry. The relationship among the number of Th17, Tregs, Th1, and Th2 cells was explored. It was found that the number of Th17, Tregs, Th1, and Th2 cells was all increased in MPE as compared with the corresponding peripheral blood. The number of Th17 cells was correlated negatively with Tregs in MPE, but not in blood. Th17 cells and Th17/Treg ratio were positively, and Tregs were negatively, correlated with Th1 cells, but not with either Th2 cells or Th1/Th2 ratio in MPE. This study supports earlier data that both Th17 cells and Treg are present at higher frequencies in MPE than in the autologous blood. For the first time, we show that Th17/Treg imbalance exists in MPE.

Higher serum retinol binding protein 4 may be a predictor of weak metabolic control in chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

To investigate relationships between serum levels of retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) and clinical and metabolic variables in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

A total of 513 patients (286 males/227 females) provided clinical and lifestyle data and blood and urine samples for analysis. Patients were stratified into four quartile groups according to serum RBP4 concentrations.

RESULTS

RBP4 concentration was independently associated with gender, systolic blood pressure, serum triglyceride and creatinine levels, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Hypertension, dyslipidaemia, micro albuminuria and impaired eGFR (<60 ml/min per 1.73 m2) were significantly more prevalent in patients with the highest RBP4 levels than in those with the lowest levels. Increased serum RBP4 was associated with increased risk of hypertension, dyslipidaemia, micro albuminuria and impaired eGFR after adjusting for gender, age, body mass index and duration of diabetes.

CONCLUSION

Serum RBP4 may be a useful marker of overall metabolic control in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Pleural mesothelial cells promote expansion of IL-17-producing CD8+ T cells in tuberculous pleural effusion

IL-17-producing CD8(+) T lymphocytes (Tc17 cells) have recently been detected in many cancers and autoimmune diseases. However, the possible implication of Tc17 cells in tuberculous pleural effusion remains unclarified. In this study, distribution and phenotypic features of Tc17 cells in both tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE) and peripheral blood from patients with tuberculosis were determined. The effects of proinflammatory cytokines and local accessory cells (pleural mesothelial cells) on Tc17 cell expansion were also explored. We found that TPE contained more Tc17 cells than the blood. Compared with IFN-γ-producing CD8(+) T cells, Tc17 cells displayed higher expression of chemokine receptors (CCRs) and lower expression of cytotoxic molecules. In particularly, Tc17 cells in TPE exhibited high expression levels of CCR6, which could migrate in response to CCL20. Furthermore, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-23, or their various combinations could promote Tc17 cell expansion from CD8(+) T cells, whereas the proliferative response of Tc17 cells to above cytokines was lower than that of Th17 cells. Pleural mesothelial cells (PMCs) were able to stimulate Tc17 cell expansion via cell contact in an IL-1β/IL-6/IL-23 independent fashion. Thus this study demonstrates that Tc17 cells marks a subset of non-cytotoxic, CCR6(+) CD8(+) T lymphocytes with low proliferative capacity. The overrepresentation of Tc17 cells in TPE may be due to Tc17 cell expansion stimulated by pleural proinflammatory cytokines and to recruitment of Tc17 cells from peripheral blood. Additionally, PMCs may promote the production of IL-17 by CD8(+) T cells at sites of TPE via cell-cell interactions.

Interleukin 22-producing CD4+ T cells in malignant pleural effusion

Th22 cells have been reported to be involved in human cancers. However, differentiation and immune regulation of Th22 cells in malignant pleural effusion (MPE) remain unknown. We noted that Th22 cell numbers were increased in MPE, and that IL-22 substantially promoted the proliferation and migratory activity of A549 cells. Moreover, IL-22 could strongly facilitate intercellular adhesion of A549 cells to pleural mesothelial cell monolayers. Our data revealed that the increase in Th22 cells in MPE was due to pleural cytokines and chemokines, and that Th22 exerted an important immune regulation on cancer cells in human pleural malignant environment.

First imaging result with an ultrahigh resolution stationary MR compatible SPECT system

In this paper, we will present the design and preliminary performance of an ultrahigh resolution stationary MR compatible SPECT (MRC-SPECT) system that is developed in our lab. The MRC-SPECT system is based on the second-generation energy-resolved photon-counting (ERPC) CdTe detectors and there are several key features associated with this system. Firstly, up to a total of twenty ERPC detectors will be assembled as a very compact ring, which provides an adequate angular sampling capability and a relatively high detection efficiency. The detectors are supported on a gantry made of high strength polyamide structure constructed using 3-D printing. This compact system can be directly operated inside an MR scanner. The detector module used in this system offers an intrinsic resolution of 350μm and an excellent energy resolution of around 3~4kev. Each ERPC detector module consists of four pixelated CdTe detectors with a total dimension of 4.5cm×2.25cm. Secondly, a die-cast platinum pinhole inserts and cast lead apertures are developed for this stationary SPECT system. Four 300/500μm diameter pinholes are used for each detector and all pinholes are mounted around a casted cylinder lead aperture tube. The inner diameter of the lead aperture tube is 6cm and the lead tube thickness is 16mm. The opposite detectors are placed 15.6cm apart and the magnification factor of this SPECT system is about 1.2. Thirdly, a comprehensive charge collection model inside strong magnetic field has been developed to account for the magnetic field induced distortion in the SPECT image. This model can accurately predict the detector's energy and spatial response to gamma ray incident events and then help to compensate for the event position recording error due to the strong magnetic field. In this development, we have made an effort to minimize the amount of magnetic materials in the system to alleviate potential interference to magnetic field inhomogeneity.

Cell origins and diagnostic accuracy of interleukin 27 in pleural effusions

The objective of the present study was to investigate the presence of interleukin (IL)-27 in pleural effusions and to evaluate the diagnostic significance of pleural IL-27. The concentrations of IL-27 were determined in pleural fluids and sera from 68 patients with tuberculous pleural effusion, 63 malignant pleural effusion, 22 infectious pleural effusion, and 21 transudative pleural effusion. Flow cytometry was used to identify which pleural cell types expressed IL-27. It was found that the concentrations of pleural IL-27 in tuberculous group were significantly higher than those in malignant, infectious, and transudative groups, respectively. Pleural CD4⁺ T cells, CD8⁺ T cells, NK cells, NKT cells, B cells, monocytes, macrophages, and mesothelial cells might be the cell sources for IL-27. IL-27 levels could be used for diagnostic purpose for tuberculous pleural effusion, with the cut off value of 1,007 ng/L, IL-27 had a sensitivity of 92.7% and specificity of 99.1% for differential diagnosing tuberculous pleural effusion from non-tuberculous pleural effusions. Therefore, compared to non-tuberculous pleural effusions, IL-27 appeared to be increased in tuberculous pleural effusion. IL-27 in pleural fluid is a sensitive and specific biomarker for the differential diagnosing tuberculous pleural effusion from pleural effusions with the other causes.

Differentiation and recruitment of Th9 cells stimulated by pleural mesothelial cells in human Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

Newly discovered IL-9–producing CD4⁺ helper T cells (Th9 cells) have been reported to contribute to tissue inflammation and immune responses, however, differentiation and immune regulation of Th9 cells in tuberculosis remain unknown. In the present study, our data showed that increased Th9 cells with the phenotype of effector memory cells were found to be in tuberculous pleural effusion as compared with blood. TGF-β was essential for Th9 cell differentiation from naïve CD4⁺ T cells stimulated with PMA and ionomycin in vitro for 5 h, and addition of IL-1β, IL-4 or IL-6 further augmented Th9 cell differentiation. Tuberculous pleural effusion and supernatants of cultured pleural mesothelial cells were chemotactic for Th9 cells, and this activity was partly blocked by anti-CCL20 antibody. IL-9 promoted the pleural mesothelial cell repairing and inhibited IFN-γ-induced pleural mesothelial cell apoptosis. Moreover, pleural mesothelial cells promoted Th9 cell differentiation by presenting antigen. Collectively, these data provide new information concerning Th9 cells, in particular the collaborative immune regulation between Th9 cells and pleural mesothelial cells in human M. tuberculosis infection. In particular, pleural mesothelial cells were able to function as antigen-presenting cells to stimulate Th9 cell differentiation.

CD39+ regulatory T cells suppress generation and differentiation of Th17 cells in human malignant pleural effusion via a LAP-dependent mechanism

BACKGROUND

Both regulatory T cells (Tregs) and T helper IL-17-producing cells (Th17 cells) have been found to be involved in human malignancies, however, the possible implication of Tregs in regulating generation and differentiation of Th17 cells in malignant pleural effusion remains to be elucidated.

METHODS

The numbers of both CD39(+)Tregs and Th17 cells in malignant pleural effusion and peripheral blood from patients with lung cancer were determined by flow cytometry. The regulation and mechanism of Tregs on generation and differentiation of Th17 cells were explored.

RESULTS

Both CD39(+)Tregs and Th17 cells were increased in malignant pleural effusion when compared with blood, and the numbers of CD39(+)Tregs were correlated negatively with those of Th17 cells. It was also noted that high levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TGF-β1 could be observed in malignant pleural effusion when compared the corresponding serum, and that pleural CD39(+)Tregs could express latency-associated peptide on their surface. When naïve CD4(+) T cells were cocultured with CD39(+)Tregs, Th17 cell numbers decreased as CD39(+)Treg numbers increased, addition of the anti-latency-associated peptide mAb to the coculture reverted the inhibitory effect exerted by CD39(+)Tregs.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, the above results indicate that CD39(+)Tregs inhibit generation and differentiation of Th17 cells via a latency-associated peptide-dependent mechanism.

[Muscarinic cholinergic receptor antagonists enhanced the expression of CD(8)(+)CD(25)(+)Foxp(3)(+) regulatory T cells in stable COPD patients]

OBJECTIVE

to investigate the levels of peripheral CD(8)(+)CD(25)(+)Foxp(3)(+) regulatory T cells (CD(8)(+)CD(25)(+)Treg) in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, and the effect of muscarinic cholinergic receptor antagonist, tiotropium bromide, on the expression of CD(8)(+)CD(25)(+)Treg.

METHODS

from Oct. 2007 to Mar. 2008, 23 patients with stable moderate to severe COPD received tiotropium bromide inhalation (18 microg daily) for 3 months. Before and after the use of tiotropium bromide, lung function was performed and peripheral vein blood samples were collected from the patient. Lymphocytes were isolated by three-color labeled monoclonal antibodies flow cytometry to detect the quantity and percentage of CD(8)(+)T cell, CD(8)(+)CD(25)(+) T cell, CD(8)(+)CD(25)(+)Treg, CD(4)(+)T cell, CD(4)(+)CD(25)(+) T cell and CD(4)(+)CD(25)(+)Treg, respectively. Paired t test was used for comparison between data before and after treatment.

RESULTS

in patients with stable COPD, after tiotropium bromide treatment, the percentage of CD(4)(+) T cells was increased from (28 +/- 10)% to (36 +/- 6)%, and the difference was significant (t = 3.20, P < 0.01). CD(4)(+)CD(25)(+) was decreased from (10 +/- 7)% to (4 +/- 3)% (t = 3.78, P < 0.01), and CD(8)(+)CD(25)(+)Treg was increased from (8 +/- 8)% to (21 +/- 21)% (t = 2.72, P < 0.05). At baseline, CD(8)(+) cells, CD(8)(+)CD(25)(+) cells and CD(4)(+)CD(25)(+)Treg were detectable in the peripheral blood, but no significant changes were observed after treatment. After treatment with tiotropium bromide, the lung function was markedly improved; FEV(1), FEV(1)/Pre%, and FEV(1)/FVC were increased from (1.0 +/- 0.3) L, (35 +/- 10)% and (41 +/- 8)% to (1.1 +/- 0.3) L, (40 +/- 11)% and (45 +/- 11)%, respectively (t = 2.65, 2.56 and 2.37, respectively, all P < 0.05). By linear correlation analysis, the quantity of changes of CD(4)(+) T cells and CD(4)(+)CD(25)(+) T cells were negatively correlated with the rate of change in CD(8)(+)CD(25)(+)Treg (r = -0.61, P < 0.05 and r = -0.72, P < 0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

in the peripheral blood of patients with stable COPD, there was expression of CD(8)(+)CD(25)(+)Treg and CD(4)(+)CD(25)(+)Treg. The muscarinic receptor antagonist tiotropium bromide, promoted the amplification of CD(4)(+), inhibited the expression of CD(25)(+), and enhanced the expression of CD(8)(+)Treg, suggesting that muscarinic receptor antagonist tiotropium bromide may possess immunomodulation function.

Synthesis of GaN nanotip triangle pyramids on 3C–SiC epilayer/Si substrates via an in situ In-doping technique

GaN nanotip triangle pyramids were synthesized on 3C-SiC epilayer via an isoelectronic In-doping technique. The synthesis was carried out in a specially designed two-hot-boat chemical vapor deposition system. In (99.999%) and molten Ga (99.99%) with a mass ratio of about 1:4 were used as the source, and pieces of Si (111) wafer covered with 400-500 nm 3C-SiC epilayer were used as the substrates. The products were analyzed by x-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and photoluminescence measurements. Our results show that the as-synthesized GaN pyramids are perfect single crystal with wurtzite structure, which may have potential applications in electronic/photonic devices.

[Flow injection biamperometric analysis of isoniazid]

AIM

To establish a simple, rapid, and accurate electrochemical method for on-line determination of isoniazid.

METHODS

Based on the flow injection biamperometry for irreversible couple system, and using two preanodized platinum electrodes with the applied potential difference of 0 V, the biamperometric method for the determination of isoniazid has been proposed by coupling the catalytic oxidation of isoniazid and the reduction of platinum oxide.

RESULTS

Common excipients, inorganic ions, amino acids, vitamins and proteins do not interfere with the determination. Linear relationship between current and the concentration of isoniazid is obtained in the range of 1.0 x 10(-6)-1.0 x 10(-4) mol.L-1 (gamma = 0.998, n = 11). The RSD of 1.8% was obtained for 8 successive determinations of 1.0 x 10(-5) mol.L-1 isoniazid.

CONCLUSION

The proposed method has been shown to be sensitive, selective, rapid (120 samples.h-1), and suitable for the on-line direct determination of isoniazid.

Reduced mammary gland carcinogenesis in transgenic mice expressing a growth hormone antagonist

Several reports have provided evidence that body size early in life is positively correlated with risk of subsequent breast cancer, but the biological basis for this relationship is unclear. We examined tumour incidence in transgenic mice expressing a growth hormone (GH) antagonist and in non-transgenic littermates following exposure to dimethylbenz[ a ]anthracene (DMBA), a well characterized murine mammary gland carcinogen. The transgenic animals had lower IGF-I levels, were smaller in terms of body size and weight, and exhibited decreased tumour incidence relative to controls. The demonstration that both body size early in life and breast cancer incidence are influenced by experimental perturbation of the GH-IGF-I axis in a transgenic model provides evidence that variability between individuals with respect to these hormones underlies the relationship between body size early in life and breast cancer risk observed in epidemiological studies.

Binding of serum response factor to CArG box sequences is necessary but not sufficient to restrict gene expression to arterial smooth muscle cells

Serum response factor (SRF) plays an important role in regulating smooth muscle cell (SMC) development and differentiation. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the activity of SRF in SMCs, the two CArG box-containing elements in the arterial SMC-specific SM22alpha promoter, SME-1 and SME-4, were functionally and biochemically characterized. Mutations that abolish binding of SRF to the SM22alpha promoter totally abolish promoter activity in transgenic mice. Moreover, a multimerized copy of either SME-1 or SME-4 subcloned 5' of the minimal SM22alpha promoter (base pairs -90 to +41) is necessary and sufficient to restrict transgene expression to arterial SMCs in transgenic mice. In contrast, a multimerized copy of the c-fos SRE is totally inactive in arterial SMCs and substitution of the c-fos SRE for the CArG motifs within the SM22alpha promoter inactivates the 441-base pair SM22alpha promoter in transgenic mice. Deletion analysis revealed that the SME-4 CArG box alone is insufficient to activate transcription in SMCs and additional 5'-flanking nucleotides are required. Nuclear protein binding assays revealed that SME-4 binds SRF, YY1, and four additional SMC nuclear proteins. Taken together, these data demonstrate that binding of SRF to specific CArG boxes is necessary, but not sufficient, to restrict transgene expression to SMCs in vivo.

Analysis of SM22alpha-deficient mice reveals unanticipated insights into smooth muscle cell differentiation and function

SM22alpha is a 22-kDa smooth muscle cell (SMC) lineage-restricted protein that physically associates with cytoskeletal actin filament bundles in contractile SMCs. To examine the function of SM22alpha, gene targeting was used to generate SM22alpha-deficient (SM22(-/-LacZ)) mice. The gene targeting strategy employed resulted in insertion of the bacterial lacZ reporter gene at the SM22alpha initiation codon, permitting precise analysis of the temporal and spatial pattern of SM22alpha transcriptional activation in the developing mouse. Northern and Western blot analyses confirmed that the gene targeting strategy resulted in a null mutation. Histological analysis of SM22(+/-LacZ) embryos revealed detectable beta-galactosidase activity in the unturned embryonic day 8.0 embryo in the layer of cells surrounding the paired dorsal aortae concomitant with its expression in the primitive heart tube, cephalic mesenchyme, and yolk sac vasculature. Subsequently, during postnatal development, beta-galactosidase activity was observed exclusively in arterial, venous, and visceral SMCs. SM22alpha-deficient mice are viable and fertile. Their blood pressure and heart rate do not differ significantly from their control SM22alpha(+/-) and SM22alpha(+/+) littermates. The vasculature and SMC-containing tissues of SM22alpha-deficient mice develop normally and appear to be histologically and ultrastructurally similar to those of their control littermates. Taken together, these data demonstrate that SM22alpha is not required for basal homeostatic functions mediated by vascular and visceral SMCs in the developing mouse. These data also suggest that signaling pathways that regulate SMC specification and differentiation from local mesenchyme are activated earlier in the angiogenic program than previously recognized.

Regulation of the ligand binding activity of the human very low density lipoprotein receptor by protein kinase C-dependent phosphorylation

The very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDL-R) binds and internalizes several ligands, including very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), urokinase-type plasminogen activator:plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 complexes, lipoprotein lipase, and the 39-kDa receptor-associated protein that copurifies with the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein/alpha(2)-macroglobulin receptor. Although several agonists regulate VLDL-R mRNA and/or protein expression, post-transcriptional regulation of receptor activity has not been described. Here, we report that the ligand binding activity of the VLDL-R in THP-1 monocytic cells, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and VLDL-R-transfected HEK 293 cells is diminished after treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. This response was blocked by inhibitors of protein kinase C (PK-C), including a specific inhibitor of the PK-C beta II isoform, and was associated with phosphorylation of serine residues in the cytoplasmic domain of the receptor. Culture of endothelial cells in the presence of high glucose concentrations, which stimulate diacylglycerol synthesis and PK-C beta II activation, also induced a PK-C-dependent loss of VLDL-R ligand binding activity. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that the ligand binding activity of the VLDL-R is regulated by PK-C-dependent phosphorylation and that hyperglycemia may diminish VLDL-R activity.

Investigation on interaction between Streptococcus sanguis and Porphyromonas gingivalis in specific pathogen-free rats

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether endogenous Streptococcus can prevent or reduce the colonization of the virulent Porphyromonas gingivalis strain.

METHODS

Successful implantation of the endogenous strain of S. sanguis and P. gingivalis 381 within 14 days was demonstrated in the study rats following administration of doxycycline for 7 days. Thirty specific pathogen-free (SPF) rats were divided into 6 groups. After administration of doxycycline for 7 days, groups A and B were inoculated orally once a day for 5 days with P. gingivalis. Group C and E were inoculated orally once a day for 5 days with S. sanguis. Then, group A was inoculated for 5 days with S. sanguis, and rats in group C and D were inoculated for 5 days with P. gingivalis. Group F served as a negative control. After inoculation, the levels of S. sanguis and P. gingivalis in the mouths of the rats were determined at 12 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, 7 days, and 14 days.

RESULTS

Both precolonization of S. sanguis and superinfection with S. sanguis reduced the level of P. gingivalis in experimental rats. However, the reduction was maintained for only 24 to 36 hours. The level of S. sanguis remained stable during the 14-days observation period.

CONCLUSION

S. sanguis to function as the effector strain, the successful implantation of S. sanguis and the antagonistic action efficiently produced in vivo by S. sanguis is required.

Two-chain high molecular weight kininogen induces endothelial cell apoptosis and inhibits angiogenesis: partial activity within domain 5

We previously reported that the binding of two-chain high molecular weight kininogen (HKa) to endothelial cells may occur through interactions with endothelial urokinase receptors. Since the binding of urokinase to urokinase receptors activates signaling responses and may stimulate mitogenesis, we assessed the effect of HKa binding on endothelial cell proliferation. Unexpectedly, HKa inhibited proliferation in response to several growth factors, with 50% inhibition caused by approximately 10 nM HKa. This activity was Zn(2+) dependent and not shared by either single-chain high molecular weight kininogen (HK) or low molecular weight kininogen. HKa selectively inhibited the proliferation of human umbilical vein and dermal microvascular endothelial cells, but did not affect that of umbilical vein or human aortic smooth muscle cells, trophoblasts, fibroblasts, or carcinoma cells. Inhibition of endothelial proliferation by HKa was associated with endothelial cell apoptosis and unaffected by antibodies that block the binding of HK or HKa to any of their known endothelial receptors. Recombinant HK domain 5 displayed activity similar to that of HKa. In vivo, HKa inhibited neovascularization of subcutaneously implanted Matrigel plugs, as well as rat corneal angiogenesis. These results demonstrate that HKa is a novel inhibitor of angiogenesis, whose activity is dependent on the unique conformation of the two-chain molecule.

Innate cellular fluorescence reflects alterations in cellular proliferation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to examine the question of whether unique spectral patterns were associated with cell proliferation and could be identified by comparing the fluorescence pattern of slow to rapid growing cells.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three in vitro model systems, (A431 cells inhibited by EGF, serum-starved 3T3 fibroblasts, and normal oral epithelial cells exposed to TGF beta), were analyzed using fluorescence spectroscopy. Growth status was monitored by cell number, 3H-thymidine incorporation, and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The excitation spectra (lambda ex 240-430 nm, lambda em 450 nm) effectively distinguished slow and rapid growing cells in all three systems. Statistical analysis of the ratios of the main broad peak (320-350 nm) to a point on the down-slope of the curve at 370 nm was statistically significant. Ratios in the emission scan (lambda ex 340 nm, lambda em 360-660 nm) could separate slow and rapid growing A431 and oral epithelial cells (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.023, respectively), but not slow and fast growing 3T3 cells (P = 0.56).

CONCLUSION

Innate cellular fluorescence has the potential to discriminate proliferating and nonproliferating cell populations.

High affinity binding of beta 2-glycoprotein I to human endothelial cells is mediated by annexin II

Beta(2)-glycoprotein I (beta(2)GPI) is an abundant plasma phospholipid-binding protein and an autoantigen in the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. Binding of beta(2)GPI to endothelial cells targets them for activation by anti-beta(2)GPI antibodies, which circulate and are associated with thrombosis in patients with the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. However, the binding of beta(2)GPI to endothelial cells has not been characterized and is assumed to result from association of beta(2)GPI with membrane phospholipid. Here, we characterize the binding of beta(2)GPI to endothelial cells and identify the beta(2)GPI binding site. (125)I-beta(2)GPI bound with high affinity (K(d) approximately 18 nm) to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Using affinity purification, we isolated beta(2)GPI-binding proteins of approximately 78 and approximately 36 kDa from HUVECs and EAHY.926 cells. Amino acid sequences of tryptic peptides from each of these were identical to sequences within annexin II. A role for annexin II in binding of beta(2)GPI to cells was confirmed by the observations that annexin II-transfected HEK 293 cells bound approximately 10-fold more (125)I-beta(2)GPI than control cells and that anti-annexin II antibodies inhibited the binding of (125)I-beta(2)GPI to HUVECs by approximately 90%. Finally, surface plasmon resonance studies revealed high affinity binding between annexin II and beta(2)GPI. These results demonstrate that annexin II mediates the binding of beta(2)GPI to endothelial cells.

Higherorder neural network group models for financial simulation

Real world financial data is often discontinuous and non-smooth. If we attempt to use neural networks to simulate such functions, then accuracy will be a problem. Neural network group models perform this function much better. Both Polynomial Higher Order Neural network Group (PHONG) and Trigonometric polynomial Higher Order Neural network Group (THONG) models are developed. These HONG models are open box, convergent models capable of approximating any kind of piecewise continuous function, to any degree of accuracy. Moreover they are capable of handling higher frequency, higher order non-linear and discontinuous data. Results obtained using a Higher Order Neural network Group financial simulator are presented, which confirm that HONG group models converge without difficulty, and are considerably more accurate than neural network models (more specifically, around twice as good for prediction, and a factor of four improvement in the case of simulation).

Insulin-like growth factors and prostate cancer

Converging data from epidemiological and biological research implicate insulin-like growth factor (IGF) physiology in the regulation of prostate epithelial cell proliferation and in the pathophysiology of prostate cancer. This review (1) outlines elements of IGF physiology, (2) reviews recent evidence that circulating IGF-I level is related to risk of prostate cancer, (3) provides a hypothesis concerning the biological basis for the relationship between IGF-I level and risk of prostate cancer, (4) discusses IGF-I physiology in the context of neoplastic progression of prostate cancer, and (5) discusses clinical implications of these lines of research with respect to prevention and treatment.

Efficient transmural cardiac gene transfer by intrapericardial injection in neonatal mice

An efficient cardiac gene transfer technique in murine models would greatly facilitate the elucidation of the pathophysiology of cardiomyopathies and the development of genetic therapies. Direct myocardial injection or catheter-based intracoronary infusion is not easily achievable in mice and resultant transgene expression is often limited in distribution. A replication-defective, recombinant adenovirus encoding luciferase (5x10(9)pfu) or lacZ (4-5x10(10)particles/animal) was injected percutaneously into the pericardial cavity of 4-5 day old mice. Chemiluminescence assay for luciferase activity at 3 days post-injection revealed the highest activity in the heart (heart=288+/-110, lungs=19+/-5, liver=11+/-5 ng/gm tissue, n=11). X-gal staining of cryostat sections demonstrated widespread transmural lacZ expression in the left ventricle, interventricular septum, right ventricle, and atrial appendages, and the average fractional area of X-gal staining in a left ventricle was 66+/-16% (range 40-92%, n=21 sections). However, the long-term survival of these mice was compromised. Reduction in the injectate volume by 50% significantly improved survival but concurrently reduced lacZ expression. Significant lacZ expression was observed in the right ventricle and interventricular septum but left ventricular expression was predominantly epicardial, with variable myocardial penetration. At 2 months post-injection, lacZ expression persisted only in atrial tissues, pulmonary veins, and great vessels. Despite lack of persistent transgene expression in ventricular tissues, the high degree of transgene expression achieved may be sufficient to allow evaluation of short-term effects of specific genetic manipulations in the heart.

Stimulation of tissue factor expression in human microvascular and macrovascular endothelial cells by cultured vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro

The effect of conditioned media obtained from different smooth muscle cells (SMC) on tissue factor (TF) expression in endothelial cells (EC) in vitro was investigated. We could show that conditioned media from cultured human aortic SMC, human umbilical artery SMC or human umbilical vein SMC all resembling the synthetic phenotype of SMC induced TF activity in human umbilical vein EC and human skin microvascular EC in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. This induction was also seen at the level of specific TF mRNA as evidenced by Northern blotting. The TF inducing activity was heat-labile and acid-stable and had an approximate molecular mass of 38 kD. This activity was found to be distinct from known inducers of TF expression in EC such as interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, bacterial lipopolysaccharide or vascular endothelial growth factor. Such as factor, if released by SMC in vivo, could contribute to the activation of EC under conditions such as when EC are in close contact with SMC of the synthetic (nondifferentiated) phenotype seen in processes like vessel development or neo-intima formation.

The low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein/alpha2-macroglobulin receptor regulates cell surface plasminogen activator activity on human trophoblast cells

The low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein/alpha2-macroglobulin receptor (LRP/alpha2MR) mediates the internalization of numerous ligands, including prourokinase (pro-UK) and complexes between two-chain urokinase (tc-u-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1). It has been suggested that through its ability to internalize these ligands, LRP/alpha2MR may regulate the expression of plasminogen activator activity on cell surfaces; this hypothesis, however, has not been experimentally confirmed. To address this issue, we assessed the ability of LRP/alpha2MR to regulate plasminogen activator activity on human trophoblast cells, which express both LRP/alpha2MR and the urokinase receptor (uPAR). Trophoblasts internalized and degraded exogenous 125I-pro-UK (primarily following its conversion to tc-u-PA and incorporation into tc-u-PA.PAI complexes) in an LRP/alpha2MR-dependent manner, which was inhibited by the LRP/alpha2MR receptor-associated protein. Receptor-associated protein also caused a approximately 50% reduction in cell surface plasminogen activator activity and delayed the regeneration of unoccupied uPAR by cells on which uPAR were initially saturated with pro-UK. Identical effects were caused by anti-LRP/alpha2MR antibodies. These results demonstrate that LRP/alpha2MR promotes the expression of cell surface plasminogen activator activity on trophoblasts by facilitating the clearance of tc-u-PA.PAI complexes and regeneration of unoccupied cell surface uPAR.

Recombinant adenovirus-mediated cardiac gene transfer of superoxide dismutase and catalase attenuates postischemic contractile dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Coronary revascularization entails obligatory myocardial ischemia followed by reperfusion with occasional resultant postischemic contractile dysfunction, a state associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This injury is attributed in part to oxygen free radicals and has been partially ameliorated with exogenous antioxidants, a strategy limited by agent instability, low titer, and inadequate cardiomyocyte uptake. Cardiac gene transfer with antioxidant encoding vectors may significantly enhance intracellular free radical scavenger activity.

METHODS AND RESULTS

C57/BL6 neonatal mice (age, 2 days; n = 131) underwent intrapericardial delivery of recombinant adenoviruses encoding superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (Cat) (n = 76) or beta-galactosidase (LacZ) as a control (n = 55). After 3 days, hearts were explanted, and SOD and Cat transgene expression was detected by Western blot analysis. Spectrophotometric enzyme assays demonstrated enhanced SOD activity 1.6-fold (P < 0.0001) and Cat 3.6-fold (P < 0.00001) in experimental versus LacZ hearts. Isolated perfused hearts were subjected to 5 minutes of warm ischemia, and at 5, 10, and 15 minutes after initiation of reperfusion, LacZ controls lost 24%, 33%, and 41% of peak systolic apicobasal force, respectively, whereas experimental hearts lost 5%, 12%, and 20% (P < 0.001, each time point). In controls, rate of force generation diminished 8%, 17%, and 35%; in experimental hearts, it increased 1% at 5 minutes and decreased 5% and 15% and 10 and 15 minutes (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, P < 0.05). LacZ hearts exhibited dysfunction similar to hearts from uninjected animals (P = NS, each time point).

CONCLUSIONS

Adenovirus-mediated cardiac gene transfer and expression of SOD and Cat augment antioxidant enzyme activity and minimize contractile dysfunction after ischemic reperfusion in the isolated perfused neonatal mouse heart.

Regulation of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) II and IGF binding protein 3 autocrine loop in human PC-3 prostate cancer cells by vitamin D metabolite 1,25(OH)2D3 and its analog EB1089

Prostate cancer and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) are major public health problems. Prostate epithelial cell proliferation is regulated by insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) which is mitogenic and anti-apoptotic, and IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) which is an apoptotic agent in these cells. We demonstrate that the 1,25(OH)2D3 and its analog EB1089-induced growth inhibition was associated with increased IGFBP-3 mRNA abundance, IGFBP-3 mRNA stability, IGFBP-3 protein accumulation, and decreased IGF-II gene expression. Anti-IGF-II antibody and exogenous recombinant human IGFBP-3 inhibit PC-3 cell proliferation. The results document the inhibitory effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 and EB1089 on the IGF system of mitogens in prostate cancer cells, and suggest a potential therapeutic use of EB1089 in treatment of BPH and prostate cancer.

Germ-line BRCA1 mutation is an adverse prognostic factor in Ashkenazi Jewish women with breast cancer

Germ-line mutations in BRCA1 confer an increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, but little is known about the clinical course of breast cancer in BRCA1 mutation carriers compared with noncarriers. Two recurrent BRCA1 mutations (185delAG and 5382insC) are common ( approximately 1.3%) in Ashkenazi Jews and account for about 20% of breast cancers diagnosed before age 40 in this group. We assayed paraffin-embedded tumor blocks from 117 unselected Ashkenazi Jewish women with primary breast cancer, diagnosed before age 65 at a single institution, for the presence of either of the two BRCA1 mutations. We reviewed the medical records and constructed survival curves for BRCA1-positive and -negative subgroups. Twelve of the women (10.3%) were found to carry BRCA1 mutations (eight mutations were 185delAG, and four were 5382insC). The probability of death from breast cancer in the first 5 years was 35.7% in the BRCA1 mutation-positive group and 4.3% in the 100 women without a mutation (P = 0.0023). The 5-year distant disease-free survival was 68.2% in BRCA1 mutation carriers and 88.7% in noncarriers (P = 0.019). These data suggest that breast cancer occurring in an Ashkenazi Jewish woman carrying a germ-line BRCA1 mutation has an adverse prognosis. This information is available before the diagnosis of breast cancer, and therefore, this finding may have important implications for prevention of breast cancer in BRCA1 mutation carriers.

[An analysis of combined desensitizing acupoints therapy in 419 cases of allergic rhinitis accompanying asthma]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effective therapy in treating allergic rhinitis accompanying asthma.

METHODS

A combined desensitizing therapy in treating 419 cases of allergic rhinitis accompanying asthma caused by allergens has been carried out using acupoint of the head and the upper back with the extract of positive allergen(s).

RESULTS

After three treatment courses, the extract of allergens was taken again to make intradermal injection. Diameter of redness and swelling on the skin was significantly reduced in comparison with that before the treatment (P < 0.01). Lymphocyte transformation difference of 3H-TdR incorporation rate between a combined desensitizing acupoints group and A or B control groups was significant (P < 0.01). Difference of acidophil cell direct count, IgA, IgG, E-rosette formative rate of this group in comparison with A or B control groups was significant (P < 0.05). Four hundred and nineteen cases were followed up for 3 years, 68.73% of the patients were markedly curative effect; 29.12% turned better. Comparison of the difference of this group with the other two control groups was significant (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

This article showed that the method is promising and worthwhile for popularizing in treatment of allergic rhinitis accompanying allergic asthma.

Influence of BRCA1 mutations on nuclear grade and estrogen receptor status of breast carcinoma in Ashkenazi Jewish women

BACKGROUND

In the Ashkenazim, three recurrent germline mutations have been identified in the breast carcinoma susceptibility genes BRCA1 and BRCA2: 185delAG, 5382insC (BRCA1), and 6174delT (BRCA2). The frequency of these mutations in the general Ashkenazi population approaches 2%. There is little available controlled data comparing the characteristics of breast carcinoma arising in BRCA1 mutation carriers or BRCA2 mutation carriers with that arising in noncarriers, although such data would be relevant to the urgent clinical need to develop risk-reduction strategies for individuals at increased risk due to genetic factors.

METHODS

The authors screened 149 unselected tumors arising in Ashkenazi Jewish women for the 185delAG, 5382insC, and 6174delT mutations and compared tumors arising in mutation carriers with tumors arising in noncarriers with respect to nuclear grade, steroid hormone receptor status, and axillary lymph node status.

RESULTS

In the 149 cases, the authors found 17 BRCA1 mutations (11.4%; 95% confidence interval [ci], 6.8-17.6%), and 4 6174delT BRCA2 mutations (2.7%; 95% CI, 0.8-6.7%). Tumors from women with BRCA1 mutations were significantly less likely to be estrogen receptor positive (age-adjusted odds ratio [or]: 0.091; P < 0.001) and more likely to have a high nuclear grade (OR: 5.55; P 0.001) than tumors in which no mutation was identified. All four BRCA2 positive breast carcinoma specimens were estrogen receptor positive.

CONCLUSIONS

Breast carcinoma arising in Ashkenazim BRCA1 mutation carriers has adverse prognostic features relative to those arising in noncarriers in the same population. This may be relevant to the development of prevention and treatment strategies for these women. For example, if tamoxifen reduces the risk of breast carcinoma via its antiestrogenic effects, it is possible that this effect will be diminished in the largely estrogen receptor negative BRCA1-related hereditary breast carcinoma.

Human fibroblasts downregulate plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 in cultured human macrovascular and microvascular endothelial cells

We have previously reported that plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) expression in endothelial cells (ECs) can be modulated differently by smooth muscle cells depending on their origin. Human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (HPASMCs) strongly downregulated PAI-1 expression in ECs. Fibroblasts (FBs) are another cell type that could come in close contact with ECs. Therefore, it was the aim of this study to investigate whether FBs could also influence the fibrinolytic potential of ECs. As in the case of HPASMCs, PAI-1 antigen produced by human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs) cocultured with human skin FBs (HSFBs) was significantly lower as compared with the sum of PAI-1 secreted by the respective cell types cultured separately. Not only HUVECs but also human skin microvascular ECs (HSMECs) responded in a dose-dependent way to serum-free conditioned media (CM) from HSFBs from one individual donor. Similar results were obtained when CM from HSFBs from four other individual donors were used. PAI-1 mRNA decreased in HUVECs incubated for 6 hours with HSFB-CM to 24% to 55% of control, depending on the preparation of HSFBs used. A significant PAI-1 downregulatory effect was only observed when CM from low-passage HSFBs (up to passage no. 5) was used, whereas no reduction in EC PAI-1 production was observed with CM obtained from HSFBs in passage no. 8. This PAI-1 downregulatory activity present in HSFB-CM was heat-labile and had a molecular mass of approximately 5 kD. When CM from HPASMCs was analyzed in the same way, an almost identical elution profile was found. In conclusion, our data showed that FBs can decrease the expression of PAI-1 in ECs. Such an effect could be operative during wound-healing and at other capillary sites where FBs could render ECs profibrinolytic, thereby facilitating processes requiring an increase in proteolytic activity such as EC migration and proliferation.

Growth and fibrinolytic parameters of human umbilical vein endothelial cells seeded onto cardiovascular grafts

It was the aim of this study to investigate possible effects of biomaterials used to produce vascular grafts on the fibrinolytic system of endothelial cells. Therefore growth conditions for human umbilical vein endothelial cells on polytetrafluoroethylene and on polyurethane were optimized. Tissue culture polystyrene was used as a control material. We could demonstrate that precoating of the materials with fibronectin significantly increased the growth rate of human umbilical vein endothelial cells on these materials. Furthermore, we showed that human umbilical vein endothelial cells grown on polytetrafluoroethylene or polyurethane released more plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and tissue type-plasminogen activator into the conditioned media than did human umbilical vein endothelial cells grown on tissue culture polystyrene. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells cultured on polytetrafluoroethylene also deposited more plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 into the extracellular matrix than did control cells grown on tissue culture polystyrene. Our results give evidence that human umbilical vein endothelial cells grown on two biomaterials used to construct vascular grafts, namely polytetrafluoroethylene and polyurethane, produce tissue-type plasminogen activator as well as plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, two major components of the fibrinolytic system also expressed by endothelial cells in vivo. In conclusion, our data suggest that endothelial cells grown on vascular grafts show functional integrity concerning their fibrinolytic system, which in turn might contribute to reduce the thrombogenic properties of the graft material.

Alterations of fibroblast metabolism in early ligature-induced periodontitis in the cynomolgus monkey

Cellular and biochemical observations were made of fibroblasts harvested from ligature-induced periodontitis and treated gingivitis areas in four adult female cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) to define the changes that occur in the early periodontitis lesion. Compared with fibroblasts from the treated sites, fibroblasts from the diseased areas had a significantly higher rate of proliferation, produced about two-thirds the amount of total protein and collagen, and failed to respond to TGF-beta, which normally stimulates extracellular matrix formation in mesenchymal cells. The diseased cells were also deficient in the activity of poly(ADP-ribose) synthetase, an enzyme involved in the repair of DNA breaks such as occur from the insults of superoxide and other active radicals present in inflamed areas. Although the precise nature of these biochemical defects is not fully elucidated, they may have an important bearing on chronic periodontitis cases with a "downhill" course.

[Defects in insulin binding, internalization and degradation of monocytes from patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus]

A14-125I-monoiodoinsulin binding to, internalization into, and degradation inside human circulating monocytes, a cell type widely used for insulin receptor studied, from normal(32) and weight, age-matched NIDDM(31) subject were studied. The specific insulin binding, internalization and degradation were decreased in the cells from NIDDM compared to that in the cells from normal subjects. Scatchard plot analysis of these group data reveal that cells from the normal control subject contain 28,000 receptor sites per cell, while monocytes from the NIDDM patients contain 15,000 sites per cell. These results indicate that the decreased abilities of insulin binding, internalization and degradation of target cells may play a role in the cellular resistance to insulin that occurs in the NIDDM.

[The biologic character of gingival fibroblasts from normal and periodontitis sites]

Histological and clinical studies have found that periodontal ligament fibroblasts can produce connective attachment,while gingival fibroblasts cannot yet.The mechanism for gingival fibroblasts losing their ability of new attachment is unknown.We investigated the function of colagen synthesis by gingival fibroblasts from periodontitis sites,and normal sites and their response to TGF-beta,and Nicotinamide and Lactate,the inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation.We found that gingival fibroblasts from diseased sites produce much less collagen than from control sites (73.6+/-8.8vs.107.1+/-12.3,P<0.01),and these cells show unresponsive to TGF-beta,Nicotinamide and Lactate on collagen synthesis.These results may partly explain why gingival fibroblasts from periodontitis site lose their ability of new attachment.

Combined metformin-sulfonylurea treatment of patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes in fair to poor glycemic control

The effect of metformin treatment was studied in 13 patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), whose fasting plasma glucose concentration was greater than 10 mmol/L with maximal sulfonylurea doses. Patients were studied before and 3 months after receiving 2.5 g/day metformin. The fasting plasma glucose concentration (12.4 +/- 0.8 vs. 8.8 +/- 0.7 mmol/L), mean hourly postprandial plasma glucose concentration from 0800-1600 h (14.0 +/- 1 vs. 9.4 +/- 0.9 mmol/L), and glycosylated hemoglobin level (12.3 +/- 0.6% vs. 9.0 +/- 0.6%) were all significantly (P less than 0.005-0.001) lower after the administration of metformin. The improvement in glycemic control was associated with a 24% increase (P less than 0.05) in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake during glucose clamp studies and a 16% decrease in basal hepatic glucose production (P less than 0.05). Mean hourly concentrations of plasma insulin (411 +/- 73 vs. 364 +/- 73 pmol/L) and FFA concentrations (440 +/- 31 vs. 390 +/- 40 mumol/L) were also lower after 3 months of metformin treatment. However, neither insulin binding nor insulin internalization by isolated monocytes changed in response to metformin. Finally, plasma triglyceride, very low density lipoprotein triglyceride, and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly decreased (P less than 0.01-0.001), and high density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly increased (P less than 0.001) after metformin treatment. Thus, the addition of metformin to sulfonylurea-treated patients with NIDDM not in good glycemic control significantly lowered fasting and postprandial plasma glucose concentrations, presumably due to the combination of enhanced glucose uptake and decreased hepatic glucose production. Since the dyslipidemia present in these patients also improved, the results suggest that metformin may be of significant clinical utility in patients with NIDDM not well controlled with sulfonylurea compounds.

[Desensitive treatment with positive allergens in acupoints of the head for allergic rhinitis and its mechanism]

Desensitive treatment of 102 cases of allergic rhinitis caused by allergens has been carried out using acupuncture endermic points of the head with the extract of positive allergen (or allergens). After two courses of the treatment, the extract of allergens was taken again to make intradermal injection. Diameter of redness and swelling on the skin was significantly reduced in comparison with that before the treatment (P less than 0.01). Cell mediated and humoral immunity of the patients tended to be normal. These cases were followed up for 2 years. 72.18% of the cases had significantly curative effect; 23.56% turned better. Comparison of curative difference of this group with the other two control groups was significant (P less than 0.01). Therefore, this method is of considerable clinical value and worth popularizing in treatment of allergic rhinitis.

[Preliminary report on the serum level of pancreatic polypeptide in patients with chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma during attacks]

Serum pancreatic polypeptide (pp) both at fasting state and after giving compound Datura stramonium suppositories were measured by RIA in 21 cases with bronchial asthma and 16 cases with chronic bronchitis during attacks. Comparing with matched control groups the levels of pp in asthma and chronic bronchitis were significantly higher (P less than 0.05 & 0.01) After using compound Datura stramonium, the levels decreased. The results showed serum pp is an useful biochemical index.