Icariin stimulates the proliferation of rat Sertoli cells in an ERK1/2-dependent manner in vitro

Icariin (ICA), a major constituent of flavonoids from the Chinese medical herb Epimedium brevicornum Maxim, is found to be protective for male reproductive ability, with the underlying mechanism largely unknown. Our study here investigated the effects of ICA on Sertoli cells, which act as nurse cells for the germ cells developing. Icariin was found to stimulate Sertoli cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Further study revealed that Icariin induced an obvious phosphorylation of ERK in Sertoli cells. Inhibition of activation of ERK by the ERK inhibitor U0126 nearly blocked the Icariin-induced proliferation of Sertoli cells. Taken together, our results suggest that Icariin promotes the proliferation of Sertoli cells in vitro by activating the ERK1/2 signal pathway, which might at least partially, explain the protective role of Icariin on male reproductive ability.

Genomic sequencing of key genes in mouse pancreatic cancer cells

Pancreatic cancer is a multiple genetic disorder with many mutations identified during the progression. Two mouse pancreatic cancer cell lines were established which showed different phenotype in vivo: a non-metastatic cell line, Panc02, and a highly metastatic cell line, Panc02-H7, a derivative of Panc02. In order to investigate whether the genetic mutations of key genes in pancreatic cancer such as KRAS, TP53 (p53), CDKN2A (p16), SMAD4, ZIP4, and PDX-1 contribute to the phenotypic difference of these two mouse pancreatic cancer cells, we sequenced the exonic regions of these key genes in both cell lines and in the normal syngeneic mouse pancreas and compared them with the reference mouse genome sequence. The exons of KRAS, SMAD4, CDKN2A (p16), TP53 (p53), ZIP4, and PDX-1 genes were amplified and the genotype of these genes was determined by Sanger sequencing. The sequences were analyzed with Sequencher software. A mutation in SMAD4 was identified in both cell lines. This homozygote G to T mutation in the first position of codon 174 (GAA) generated a stop codon resulting in the translation of a truncated protein. Further functional analysis indicates that different TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathways were involved in those two mouse cell lines, which may explain the phonotypic difference between the two cells. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in KRAS gene (TAT to TAC at codon 32) was also identified in the normal pancreas DNA of the syngenic mouse and in both derived tumoral Panc02 and Panc02-H7 cells. No mutation or SNP was found in CDKN2A (p16), TP53 (p53), ZIP4, and PDX-1 genes in these two cell lines. The absence of mutations in genes such as KRAS, TP53, and CDKN2A, which are considered as key genes in the development of human pancreatic cancer suggests that SMAD4 might play a central and decisive role in mouse pancreatic cancer. These results also suggest that other mechanisms are involved in the substantial phenotypic difference between these two mouse pancreatic cancer cell lines. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the molecular pathways that lead to the aggressive metastatic potential of Panc02-H7.

Nucleic acid aptamers: clinical applications and promising new horizons

Aptamers are a special class of nucleic acid molecules that are beginning to be investigated for clinical use. These small RNA/DNA molecules can form secondary and tertiary structures capable of specifically binding proteins or other cellular targets; they are essentially a chemical equivalent of antibodies. Aptamers have the advantage of being highly specific, relatively small in size, and non-immunogenic. Since the discovery of aptamers in the early 1990s, great efforts have been made to make them clinically relevant for diseases like cancer, HIV, and macular degeneration. In the last two decades, many aptamers have been clinically developed as inhibitors for targets such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and thrombin. The first aptamer based therapeutic was FDA approved in 2004 for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration and several other aptamers are currently being evaluated in clinical trials. With advances in targeted-therapy, imaging, and nanotechnology, aptamers are readily considered as potential targeting ligands because of their chemical synthesis and ease of modification for conjugation. Preclinical studies using aptamer-siRNA chimeras and aptamer targeted nanoparticle therapeutics have been very successful in mouse models of cancer and HIV. In summary aptamers are in several stages of development, from pre-clinical studies to clinical trials and even as FDA approved therapeutics. In this review, we will discuss the current state of aptamers in clinical trials as well as some promising aptamers in pre-clinical development.

Detection of Laribacter hongkongensis using species-specific duplex PCR assays targeting the 16S rRNA gene and the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer region (ISR)

AIMS

For the rapid detection of Laribacter hongkongensis, which is associated with human community-acquired gastroenteritis and traveller's diarrhoea, we developed a duplex species-specific PCR assay.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Full-length of the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer region (ISR) sequences of 52 L. hongkongensis isolates were obtained by PCR-based sequencing. Two species-specific primer pairs targeting 16S rRNA gene and ISR were designed for duplex PCR detection of L. hongkongensis. The L. hongkongensis species-specific duplex PCR assay showed 100% specificity, and the minimum detectable level was 2.1 × 10(-2) ng μl(-1) genomic DNA which corresponds to 5000 CFU ml(-1).

CONCLUSIONS

The high specificity and sensitivity of the assay make it suitable for rapid detection of L. hongkongensis.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This species-specific duplex PCR method provides a rapid, simple, and reliable alternative to conventional methods to identify L. hongkongensis and may have applications in both clinical and environmental microbiology.

Effects of raloxifene and alendronate on bone turnover as assessed by procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide

Raloxifene decreases PINP into the lower half of the premenopausal reference interval; alendronate decreases PINP more, with approximately 60% of alendronate-treated women having PINP concentrations below the lower limit of the premenopausal reference interval.

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the distribution of serum procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP) concentrations in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis prior to treatment and after treatment with either raloxifene or alendronate for 12 or more months.

METHODS

Included were data from 1,323 postmenopausal women aged 45 to 87 years, collected at baseline or after treatment with either alendronate 10 mg/day or raloxifene 60 mg/day. These patients had participated in one of four clinical trials in which intact PINP was measured by radioimmunoassay (Orion Diagnostica). A premenopausal reference interval from 16.0 to 75.8 μg/L was determined from 68 premenopausal, non-pregnant women.

RESULTS

Most postmenopausal osteoporotic patients prior to treatment had PINP values in the upper half of the premenopausal reference interval at baseline (70%). After ≥ 12 months of therapy, most patients who received raloxifene had PINP concentrations in the lower half of the premenopausal reference interval (58%), whereas among those who received alendronate, around 60% of patients had PINP concentrations below the lower limit of the premenopausal reference interval.

CONCLUSION

PINP may be useful for assessing differences in bone turnover response to different types of anti-resorptive therapy.

Dendritic cells and cutaneous T-cell lymphomas

Dendritic cells (DCs) are potent antigen-presenting cells that help orchestrate the innate and adaptive immune systems to induce tolerance and immunity. They are diversified in their phenotypes, stages of maturation, degrees of activation, and functions. Several subtypes of DCs exist among human lymphoid tissues, non-lymphoid tissues, and in peripheral blood. In the skin, three types of DCs are described: Langerhans cells (LCs), dermal dendritic cells (DDCs), and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). In the peripheral blood, myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs) and plasmacytoid dendritic cells are well described. Dysfunctional DCs are found in many autoimmune disorders, allergies, and cancers. In this paper, we focus on DCs as related to cutaneous T cell lymphomas (CTCLs). Abnormal DC number and defective DC function are found in the blood of patients with advanced stage Sézary syndrome (SS), a leukemic variant of CTCLs. Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP), an effective therapy for erythrodermic CTCLs, is thought to work by inducing apoptosis of tumor cells and monocytes-derived DCs. DC vaccination has been carried out successfully in some patients with CTCLs when combined with immune modifiers like toll like receptor agonists, which may enhance the function of DCs. However, DCs may perform a dual role in the pathogenesis of CTCLs. Immature DCs (langerhans cells) could promote the survival of malignant T cells. Further understanding of DCs and their role in CTCLs can help us to uncover the pathogenesis of this disease and to further explore the therapeutic uses of DCs.

Interaction between Family History of Breast Cancer and the Remaining Gail Risk Factors

Background: The Gail breast cancer risk assessment model takes into account the relative contribution of various breast cancer risk factors (RF) and provides 5-year and lifetime breast cancer risk estimates. The purpose of this analysis was to determine the relative contribution of the Gail model RF in patients with and without family history of breast cancer (FHBC).Materials and Methods: Patients from the RUTH trial, consisting of postmenopausal women with or at high risk for coronary artery disease (CAD), were included in this analysis, with the exception of women ≥86 years of age or with medical history of any breast cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ, or lobular carcinoma in situ. Patients with missing values for RF were also excluded. For the resulting study population (N=10015), the risk score was calculated using the breast cancer risk assessment (BCRA) tool from the National Cancer Institute. A descriptive analysis of the BCRA risk scores for each RF stratified based on the presence or absence of a FHBC was performed. Risk factors were categorized as follows: advancing age (<65 or ≥65; 65 was the mean age); age at menarche (>12 or ≤12), number of biopsies (None or ≥1), age at first live child birth (<30 or ≥30; nulliparty included in <30 group per model). Interaction plots based on the two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) model were generated for each category of the RF.Results: Of the 10015 women, 9123 (91.1%) did not have FHBC, while 892 (8.9%) did. Among women without FHBC, the mean BCRA score (%) was 1.54±0.40; 62.2% were 65 years or older, 28.8% had early menarche, 8.4% had first child at ≥30 years of age, and 8.1% had a previous breast biopsy. Among women with FHBC, mean BCRA score was 3.46±1.24; 70.3% were 65 years or older, 30.4% had early menarche, 9.3% had first child at ≥30 years of age, and 15.4 % had a previous breast biopsy. A statistically significant (p<0.001) amplification in the risk conferred by advancing age, previous biopsy, and early menarche was observed in patients with FHBC compared with patients with no family history for the disease (Figure 1). In contrast, the relative contribution to risk by late childbearing is more pronounced (p<0.001) in patients without FHBC.Discussion: Family history is an independent and important determinant of breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women. Other RF have a different influence on the overall risk estimate in women with FHBC when compared to women without FHBC. Increased risk was observed for advancing age, early menarche, and previous breast biopsy. A different pattern was seen for late childbearing. While the data were obtained from a large cohort of women, further analysis may be required to determine if these results are generalizable for all women regardless of menopausal status or CAD.Figure 1. Mean BCRA risk within each risk factor group, stratified by FHBC.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 6062.

Incidence Rates of Invasive Breast Cancer in Postmenopausal Women with and without a Family History of Breast Cancer and Stratified by Breast Cancer Risk Score

Background: Health care professionals often consider family history the most important indicator of invasive breast cancer (IBC) risk and may assume women without a family history of breast cancer (FHBC) are at low risk for IBC. This analysis compared the incidence of IBC in postmenopausal women (PMW) with and without FHBC who were enrolled in the placebo arms of 2 clinical trials.Materials and Methods: The study population for this analysis was PMW with osteoporosis or women with or at high risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). The breast cancer risk (BCR) score [or absolute risk] was calculated using the breast cancer risk assessment (BCRA) tool from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Descriptive statistics (eg, mean age, BCR score) were calculated for women with or without FHBC. The BCR score was binned into unit intervals and, within each unit, the number of patients, number of IBC cases, and the IBC incidence rates were calculated.Results: Of the 6322 patients included in this analysis (excluding patients ≥86 years old, or with a history of ductal carcinoma in situ or lobular carcinoma in situ), 92 developed IBC (Table 1). For PMW with FHBC [164;12.9%], the mean (±SD) age was 71.3±6.9, the mean BCR score (%) was 3.65±1.09, and all 164 (100%) had a BCR score ≥1.66%, which is consistent with the NSABP Breast Cancer Prevention Trial's definition of “high risk.” For women without FHBC, the mean age was 70.8±6.7, the mean BCR score was 1.74±0.44 and 598 (55.1%) women belonged to the high risk group. For women with or at high risk for CAD and FHBC [443; 8.8%], the mean age was 68.9±6.8, the mean BCR score was 3.52±1.25, and 441 (99.5%) were in the high-risk group. Among women without FHBC (n=4589), the mean age was 67.3±6.6, the mean BCR score was 1.54±0.40, and 1605 (35.0%) were at high risk for IBC. The incidence rate of IBC increased as the absolute risk of breast cancer increased or if FHBC was present, more IBC cases were recorded in women with a lower absolute risk of breast cancer or without a FHBC (Figure 1).Discussion: In general, incidence rates of IBC correlated with BCR estimates and incidence rates were higher as BCR scores increased. However, the majority of women who developed breast cancer had scores between 1% and 2% and did not have FHBC (76/92; 82.6%); many women with IBC (40/92; 43.5%) had BCR scores below the defined high risk cutoff of 1.66%.Total number of all patients, IBC cases and incidence rates grouped by unit BCRA tool score intervalsBCRA Tool Score (%)No. PatientsNo. IBC CasesIBC Incidence Rate(0,1]36610.52(1,2]4602602.61(2,3]881163.74(3,4]369116.28(4,5]35  (5,6]27215.81(6,7]21  (7,8]18222.9(8,9]1  (9,10]1  (10,11]   (11,12]1  Total632292  Figure 1: Invasive breast cancer cases and incidence rate by unit BCRA tool risk intervals. The number of cases represented by the black and gray bars are stacked and not additive.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 6066.

Clinical trial: prophylactic intravenous alanyl-glutamine reduces the severity of gastrointestinal toxicity induced by chemotherapy--a randomized crossover study

BACKGROUND

Glutamine has been shown in numerous studies to reduce intestinal permeability which can be increased by chemotherapy. However, there have been few reports that conduct on its clinical effect on gastrointestinal toxicity.

AIM

To examine whether prophylactic intravenous alanyl-glutamine dipeptide can ameliorate clinical manifestations of gastrointestinal toxicity induced by chemotherapy.

METHODS

Forty-four patients with gastric or colorectal cancer developing WHO side-effect grading system of grade 2 or higher were randomized to either control group (n = 22) or Gln group (n = 22) during next cycle of chemotherapy. Patients were crossed over to the alternate treatment during chemotherapy cycle 2. In the control group, the patients received the same chemotherapy regimens as screening cycle and in the Gln group, the patients received chemotherapy and alanyl-glutamine. Prophylactic intravenous 20 g of alanyl-glutamine dipeptide was given for 5 days.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the plasma glutamine level in the Gln group was significantly higher and the plasma endotoxin level was significantly lower. The scores of nausea/vomiting and diarrhoea decreased significantly.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic intravenous alanyl-glutamine is effective in preventing intestinal permeability disruption induced by chemotherapy and clinical manifestations of gastrointestinal toxicity.

Small molecule pan-bcl-2 inhibitor AT-101 induces apoptosis in NSCLC by up-regulating noxa and enhances antitumor activity of docetaxel or targeted kinase inhibitors

e14591

Background: AT-101 is an orally active pan Bcl-2 inhibitor currently under clinical development in Phase II trials. We investigated the effect of AT-101 alone or in combination with chemotherapies or targeted kinase inhibitors in NSCLC both in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Growth inhibition was measured by WST assays. The CalculSyn method was used to assess drug interaction by calculating the Combination Index (CI) value. The ability of AT-101 to potentiate the anti-cancer effect of chemotherapies or kinase inhibitors was evaluated in xenograft models. Results: A panel of 11 NSCLC cell lines with overexpression of Bcl-2, Bcl- XL or Mcl-1 proteins was treated with AT-101, docetaxel, pemetrexed, erlotinib, sorafenib, sunitinib, rapamycin, as a single agent and in combination. AT-101 inhibited the growth with IC50 at 3–9 uM. When treating cells simultaneously with both agents, AT-101 demonstrated strong synergy with those agents in A549 or H460 cells with CI values < 1.0. Protein analysis results indicated that AT-101 caused apoptosis by a time- and dose-dependent induction of Noxa expression in those cells. The expression of Bcl- XL was not influenced by AT-101. Pro-Caspase-3 was reduced with increasing doses of AT-101. In vivo, combined treatment of AT-101 with docetaxel, erlotinib, or sorafenib synergistically suppressed subcutaneous NSCLC A549 cells tumor growth compared with treatment with either agent alone. The synergist effects with the ErbB1 inhibitor Erlotinib is associated with the overexpression of the target protein ErbB1 in those cells. Only combination therapy resulted in significant tumor growth delay and no significant toxicities were observed. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that AT-101significantly enhances the anti-tumor activity of chemotherapy and targeted agents and may represent a promising new anticancer agent with a novel molecular mechanism. Molecular targeted therapy with AT-101 may improve the outcome of current chemotherapy for NSCLC with Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and/or Mcl-1 overexpression.

[Table: see text]

p38 Mitogen-activated protein kinases is required for counteraction of 2-methoxyestradiol to estradiol-stimulated cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis in ovarian carcinoma cells via phosphorylation Bcl-2

INTRODUCTION

2-Methoxyestradiol (2ME2), a natural endogenous product of estradiol (E2) metabolism, has been shown to be a selective apoptotic agent for cancer cells but not for normal cells. In this study, we determined that 2ME2 counteracts E2-stimulated cell growth and induces apoptosis in ovarian carcinoma cells. In addition, we demonstrate that 2ME2 induces apoptosis via p38 and phospho-Bcl2 pathway.

METHODS

2ME2 and/or E2 were administered to the OVCAR-3 (human ovarian cancer) cell line. Cell growth inhibition was analyzed by [3H] Thymidine incorporation assay and DNA fluorometric assay. Cell apoptosis was tested by DNA fragmentation analysis and FACS. The signaling pathway was determined by a series of biochemical assays.

RESULTS

2ME2 inhibited estradiol-stimulated cell growth and induced apoptosis in an ovarian carcinoma cell line. MAPK and p38, but not JNK, were found to be critical mediators in this process. Expression of a dominant negative mutant of p38 kinase or p38 specific inhibitor, SB 203580, almost completely blocked the process. Furthermore, Bcl-2 phosphorylation was required for 2ME2-induced effects.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that 2ME2 inhibits E2-stimulated proliferation and induces apoptosis in ovarian carcinoma cells. Furthermore, activation of p38 and phosphorylation of Bcl-2 plays a critical role in the mechanism. 2ME2 therefore, may have a clinical application for the treatment of ovarian cancer.

Immunological Advantage on Small Bowel Graft Induced by Simultaneously Transplanted Liver in Porcine Auxiliary Liver/Small Bowel Transplantation

BACKGROUND

We developed a new porcine model for auxiliary liver/small bowel transplantation (LSBT). The possible immunological advantage on small bowel graft induced by simultaneously transplanted liver in the large animal was assessed.

METHODS

Thirty outbreed long-white pigs were randomized into two groups. Group A animals received LSBT without immunosuppressive treatment (n = 10). Group B animals had segmental small bowel allotransplantation without immunosuppressive treatment (n = 10). The postoperative survival time, initial acute rejection time, and pathological rejection scores were analyzed.

RESULTS

There was no remarkable difference in survival time between groups A and B (10.33 days vs 12.89 days, P > .05), but the initial time of acute rejection in intestinal grafts in group A was obviously delayed when compared to group B (8.22 days vs 4.33 days, P < .05), and the rejection scores in group A were remarkably lower than those of group B (0 vs 0.44 on postoperative day (POD) 3, P < .05; 0.22 vs 1.78 on POD 5, P < .05; 1.11 vs 2.56 on POD 7, P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

An immunological advantage on intestinal graft can be induced by simultaneously transplanted liver in auxiliary LSBT. Compared to isolated segmental small bowel allotransplantation, the intestinal graft in LSBT has a delayed initial time of acute rejection and lower acute rejection scores. The liver graft may reduce the risk of intestinal rejection and thus protect the bowel graft.

The sorting and trafficking of lysosomal proteins

For a long time lysosomes were considered terminal organelles involved in the degradation of different substrates. However, this view is rapidly changing by evidence demonstrating that these organelles and their content display specialized functions in addition to the degradation of substances. Many lysosomal proteins have been implicated in specialized cellular functions and disorders such as antigen processing, targeting of surfactant proteins, and most lysosomal storage disorders. To date, about fifty lysosomal hydrolases have been identified, and the majority of them are targeted to the lysosomes via the mannose-6-phosphate receptor (M6P-Rc). However, recent studies on the intracellular trafficking of the non-enzymic lysosomal proteins prosaposin and GM2 activator (GM2AP) demonstrated that they use an alternative receptor termed "sortilin". Existing evidence suggests that some hydrolases traffic to the lysosomes in a mannose 6-phophate-indepentend manner. The possibility that sortilin is implicated in the targeting of some soluble hydrolases, as well as the consequences of this process, is addressed in the present review.

Modulation of water activity on fungicide effect on Aspergillus niger growth in Sabouraud dextrose agar medium*

AIMS

To examine whether water activity (aw) in combination with low concentration of fungicides can be used to effectively control Aspergillus niger van Tieghem growth in cultural medium, the Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA). The data would be used as baseline information for reducing A. niger contamination in insect artificial diets.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Aspergillus niger was isolated from an insect artificial diet. Four concentration levels (i.e. 0, 1, 10 and 20 micromol) of two fungicides (i.e. amphotericin B and itraconazole) were tested against A. niger under four aw levels (i.e. 0.994, 0.961, 0.921 and 0.859) adjusted by including 0, 12.5, 25 and 38% of glycerol in the medium mixture. Aspergillus niger growth was significantly reduced at low fungicide concentration (1 micromol), and at reduced aw. The spore germination was prevented with either higher fungicide concentration (>10 micromol), or low aw in the medium (aw < 0.921). The two ecological determinants (fungicides and aw) showed a significant impact on A. niger survival in the medium (P < 0.0001). Itraconazole is more effective than amphotericin B in controlling A. niger contamination in the agar medium.

CONCLUSION

Adjustment of aw (with 12.5% of glycerol) in combination with 1 mumol of itraconazole can effectively prevent A. niger growth in the SDA cultural medium.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Aspergillus niger contaminations have frequently affected the quality of insects produced from mass rearing facilities. Low aw in combination with low fungicide concentration has the potential to become one of the most cost-effective management strategies to prevent A. niger contamination in insect artificial diets. The effect of fungicides and low aw in artificial diets on insect biology needs to be further examined.

Characterisation of human kallikrein 6/protease M expression in ovarian cancer

Kallikrein 6 (hK6, also known as protease M/zyme/neurosin) is a member of the human kallikrein gene family. We have previously cloned the cDNA for this gene by differential display and shown the overexpression of the mRNA in breast and ovarian primary tumour tissues and cell lines. To thoroughly characterise the expression of this kallikrein in ovarian cancer, we have developed a novel monoclonal antibody specific to hK6 and employed it in immunohistochemistry with a wide range of ovarian tumour samples. The expression was found elevated in 67 of 80 cases of ovarian tumour samples and there was a significant difference in the expression levels between normal and benign ovarian tissues and the borderline and invasive tumours (P<0.001). There was no difference of expression level between different subtypes of tumours. More significantly, high level of kallikrein 6 expression was found in many early-stage and low-grade tumours, and elevated hK6 proteins were found in benign epithelia coexisting with borderline and invasive tissues, suggesting that overexpression of hK6 is an early phenomenon in the development of ovarian cancer. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reactions also showed elevated kallikrein 6 mRNA expression in ovarian tumours. Genomic Southern analysis of 19 ovarian tumour samples suggested that gene amplification is one mechanism for the overexpression of hK6 in ovarian cancer.

Progesterone receptors A and B differentially modulate corticotropin-releasing hormone gene expression through a cAMP regulatory element

Corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) plays a major role in mechanisms controlling human pregnancy and parturition. Gene regulation by progesterone may be a key point in the control of placental CRH production. Studies in primary placental cells show that antagonism of progesterone activity or production by RU486 or trilostane leads to an increase in CRH promoter activity. This effect can be reversed by the addition of progesterone. Overexpression of progesterone receptor A (PR-A) or glucocorticoid receptor resulted in a decrease in CRH promoter activity following progesterone treatment, whereas an increase in promoter activity was observed with overexpressed PR-B. Studies including mutation of the cAMP regulatory element (CRE) confirm this site to be essential for the progesterone-mediated effects. In summary, our results demonstrate that progesterone regulates CRH gene transcription via a CRE in the CRH promoter and that PR-A and PR-B exhibit different actions in the regulation of CRH gene expression.

Comparison of chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations among Russian wheat aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae)-infested wheat isolines

Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), feeding injury on 'Betta' wheat isolines with the Dn1 and Dn2 genes was compared by assessing chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations, and aphid fecundity. The resistant Betta isolines (i.e., Betta-Dn1 and Betta-Dn2) supported similar numbers of aphids, but had significantly fewer than the susceptible Betta wheat, indicating these lines are resistant to aphid feeding. Diuraphis noxia feeding resulted in different responses in total chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations among the Betta wheat isolines. The infested Betta-Dn2 plants had higher levels of chlorophylls and carotenoids in comparison with uninfested plants. In contrast, infested Betta-Dn1 plants had the same level of chlorophyll and carotenoid in comparison with uninfested plants. Our data provide essential information on the effect of D. noxia feeding on chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations for Betta wheat and its isolines with D. noxia-resistant Dn1 and Dn2 genes.

Light activation of Russian wheat aphid-elicited physiological responses in susceptible wheat

The impact of light and its role in Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), damage symptom formation, and photosynthetic capacity in 'Arapahoe' wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were examined. After 72 h under continuous dark or continuous light regimes, the number of aphids (nymphs), leaf rolling and chlorosis ratings, fresh leaf weight, and chlorophyll contents were recorded. Photosynthetic rates, chlorophyll a, kinetics and chlorophyll extractions also were determined. Aphid infestation caused significant reductions in plant height, fresh weight, gas exchange, and chlorophyll fluorescence only under continuous light. Under the 72 h continuous dark regime, aphid infestation did not cause either damage symptom formation or reduction in plant growth or metabolism (photosynthesis). Furthermore, significantly more D. noxia nymphs were produced under continuous light condition than continuous dark. Our results demonstrate that the development of D. noxia feeding damage symptoms (i.e., leaf rolling and chlorotic streaks) on susceptible wheat seedlings is a light-activated process, even though the elicitor of the plant damage symptoms is aphid feeding.

Light activation of Russian wheat aphid-elicited physiological responses in susceptible wheat

The impact of light and its role in Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), damage symptom formation, and photosynthetic capacity in 'Arapahoe' wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were examined. After 72 h under continuous dark or continuous light regimes, the number of aphids (nymphs), leaf rolling and chlorosis ratings, fresh leaf weight, and chlorophyll contents were recorded. Photosynthetic rates, chlorophyll a, kinetics and chlorophyll extractions also were determined. Aphid infestation caused significant reductions in plant height, fresh weight, gas exchange, and chlorophyll fluorescence only under continuous light. Under the 72 h continuous dark regime, aphid infestation did not cause either damage symptom formation or reduction in plant growth or metabolism (photosynthesis). Furthermore, significantly more D. noxia nymphs were produced under continuous light condition than continuous dark. Our results demonstrate that the development of D. noxia feeding damage symptoms (i.e., leaf rolling and chlorotic streaks) on susceptible wheat seedlings is a light-activated process, even though the elicitor of the plant damage symptoms is aphid feeding.

Isolation and characterization of a human novel RAB (RAB39B) gene

Rab proteins are small-molecular-weight GTPases that control vesicular trafficking in eukaryotic cells. During the large-scale sequencing analysis of a human fetal brain cDNA library, we isolated a cDNA clone encoding a novel Rab protein, which showed 74.2% identity with previously isolated Rab39A at the amino acid level. RAB39B was expressed in a variety of human tissues and located in human chromosome Xq28. It consisted of two exons spanning 3764 bp of human genomic DNA.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a novel human gene (ANP32E alias LANPL) from human fetal brain

Leucine-rich acidic nuclear protein (LANP) is a member of the leucine-rich repeats (LRRs) superfamily. Here we report on a human homologue of LANP, encoded by the gene ANP32E (alias LANPL). The gene was cloned and identified during large-scale sequencing analysis of a human fetal brain cDNA library. The human protein shared 70% amino acid identity with rat LANP. According to bioinformatics analysis, ANP32E is located on chromosome 1q22. RT-PCR analysis indicates that ANP32E was expressed in human peripheral blood leukocytes, colon, small intestine, prostate, thymus, spleen, skeletal muscle, liver and kidney.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a novel human gene (HSPBAP1) from human fetal brain

Rat PASS1 is a novel protein binding specifically to hsp27 and thus plays a role in regulating stress response in the living cell. Here we report on a human homologue of PASS1, encoded by the gene HSPBAP1. The gene was cloned and identified during a large-scale sequencing analysis of a human fetal brain cDNA library. The human protein shared 80% amino acid identity with rat PASS1. According to bioinformatics analysis, the HSPBAP1 gene is located on chromosome 3q21. RT-PCR analysis indicated that HSPBAP1 was abundant in thymus and pancreas but had a ubiquitously low expression pattern in other human adult tissues except for brain where it was absent.

Fas ligand expression by neoplastic T lymphocytes mediates elimination of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes in mycosis fungoides: a potential mechanism of tumor immune escape?

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and arises from the accumulation and clonal proliferation of epidermotropic, CD4+/CD45RO+ (helper/memory) T lymphocytes. Loss of CD8+ CTLs within MF lesions is associated with poor prognosis and disease progression. Because T-lymphocyte apoptosis is controlled mainly through the Fas/Fas ligand (FasL) pathway and tumor cells may escape immune surveillance by expressing FasL, triggering apoptosis of tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes, we studied the role of this system in MF. T-cell subsets, Fas/FasL expression, and apoptosis were evaluated in normal and lesional skin biopsy specimens from 21 patients with all stages of MF and in cultured CTCL cell lines (MJ, HUT78, and HH) using immunohistochemistry, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), and Western blotting. MF lesions and paired, clinically "normal," uninvolved skin showed increased numbers of both TUNEL-positive epidermal keratinocytes (n = 13; F = 31.146; P < 0.01, ANOVA) and dermal lymphocyte infiltrates (n = 13; F = 15.825, P < 0.01, ANOVA) compared with the normal control skin. FasL expression was highest in lesional epidermal keratinocytes, in CTCL tumor cell lines, and in dermal tumor lymphocytes in MF lesions compared with uninvolved skin. FasL colocalized with CD45RO+ cells. CD8+ cells in or adjacent to CD45RO+ cells were positively labeled by TUNEL for apoptosis. In addition, CD8+ cell numbers were decreased in areas in which FasL+ tumor cells were abundant (2.01 +/- 0.86%) compared with non-FasL expressing areas (13.53 +/- 3.54%; P < 0.02). These results suggest that a potential mechanism of tumor immune escape in MF is FasL-mediated apoptosis of infiltrating CD8+ CTLs.

[A preliminary result of treatment of progressive multiple sclerosis with autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in China]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical effect for treatment of progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS) by autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (Auto-PBSCT).

METHODS

One PMS patient was chosen. Peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) were mobilized with cyclophosphamide and G-CSF. The CD34+ cells harvesting was performed by continuous flow leukapheresis using a CS3000 plus blood separator. About 12.2 x 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg was collected and preserved at -196 degrees C in liquid nitrogen. PBSCs were reinfused after conditioned by CTX (120 mg/kg) and TBI(10 GY). G-CSF was used to help hematopoietic and immunologic reconstitution.

RESULTS

After transplantation the patient received clinical remission, and the abnormal signals of MRI in T1-T4 disappeared, the examination results of the neuro-electrophysiology and T cell subgroup were improved obviously. There was no relapse after 6 months follow up.

CONCLUSIONS

Auto-PBSCT is effective and safety for PMS. Duration of remission remains to be decided in long-term follow up.

Oxidative responses of resistant and susceptible cereal leaves to symptomatic and nonsymptomatic cereal aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) feeding

The impact of the leaf-chlorosis-eliciting Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), and the nonchlorosis-eliciting bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.), feeding on D. noxia-susceptible and -resistant cereals was examined during the period (i.e., 3, 6, and 9 d after aphid infestation) that leaf chlorosis developed. After aphid number, leaf rolling and chlorosis ratings, and fresh leaf weight were recorded on each sampling date, total protein content, peroxidase, catalase, and polyphenol oxidase activities of each plant sample were determined spectrophotometrically. Although R. padi and D. noxia feeding caused significant increase of total protein content in comparison with the control cereal leaves, the difference in total protein content between R. padi and D. noxia-infested leaves was not significant. Although R. padi-feeding did not elicit any changes of peroxidase specific activity in any of the four cereals in comparison with the control leaves, D. noxia feeding elicited greater increases of peroxidase specific activity only on resistant 'Halt' wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and susceptible 'Morex' barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), but not on susceptible 'Arapahoe' and resistant 'Border' oat (Avena sativa L.). D. noxia-feeding elicited a ninefold increase in peroxidase specific activity on Morex barley and a threefold on Halt wheat 9 d after the initial infestation in comparison with control leaves. Furthermore, D. noxia feeding did not elicit any differential changes of catalase and polyphenol oxidase activities in comparison with either R. padi feeding or control leaves. The findings suggest that D. noxia feeding probably results in oxidative stress in plants. Moderate increase of peroxidase activity (approximately threefold) in resistant Halt compared with susceptible Arapahoe wheat might have contributed to its resistance to D. noxia, whereas the ninefold peroxidase activity increase may have possibly contributed to barley's susceptibility. Different enzymatic responses in wheat, barley, and oat to D. noxia and R. padi feeding indicate the cereals have different mechanisms of aphid resistance.

[Studies on the chemical constituents of the herba of Cuscuta chinensis]

The chemical constituents of the herb of Cuscuta chinensis Lam. were investigated. Five compounds were isolated from petroleum ether and chloroform fraction. Their structures were identified as beta-sitosterol, d-sesamin, 9(R)-hydroxy-d-sesamin, d-pinoresinol and daucosterol by chemical and spectroscopical methods. All these compounds were isolated from the stem for the first time.

Mössbauer study of atmospheric aerosols of Shanghai

Three iron-containing atmospheric aerosol samples were collected, one at a tunnel, one near a viaduct, and one at a park in Shanghai City. These samples were studied by Mössbauer spectroscopy. The experimental results show that ultrafine particles alpha-Fe2O3 (about 13 nm) are the main component of the iron-containing atmospheric aerosols in the tunnel, and high-spin Fe3+ in sulfate containing a small amount of alpha-FeOOH is the main component of iron-containing particles in the aerosols from the other two places. The concentrations of iron in these locations, compared with those of some foreign cities, are much higher. To explore the chemical compositions of iron compounds in aerosols, SPM (scanning proton microprobe) has also been used. From these results, a possible chemical process by which the iron oxides converted to iron sulfate in air was discussed.

[In vitro study of the anti-pneumocystis carinii effect of arteminsin derivatives]

OBJECTIVE

In vitro study was carried out to assess the effect of dihydroarteminsinin (DHA) and sodium artesunate (ATS) on pneumocystis carinii (Pc).

METHODS

The drugs were added into HepG-2 cell cultures containing Pc cysts. The concentrations of dihydroarteminsinin (DHA) were 100, 50, 10, 5, 0.5 micromol/L respectively. The concentrations of sodium artesunate (ATS) were 100, 50, 10, 5 micromol/L respectively and pentamidine (PTD) was 15 micromol/L as a control. The supernatants were withdrawn every other day and evaluated for Pc trophozoite and cyst counts by GMS and DQ stain.

RESULTS

The peak of Pc multiplication was observed on 5th day. The inhibition rates of Pc trophozoites by DHA 50 micromol/L, 100 micromol/L and ATS 100 micromol/L were quite similar to that of pentamidine (PTD) 15 micromol/L.

CONCLUSION

DHA and ATS can inhibit the growth of Pc as same as PTD, and DHA was slightly better than ATS.

In vivo assembly of aspartate transcarbamoylase from fragmented and circularly permuted catalytic polypeptide chains

Previous studies on Escherichia coli aspartate transcarbamoylase (ATCase) demonstrated that active, stable enzyme was formed in vivo from complementing polypeptides of the catalytic (c) chain encoded by gene fragments derived from the pyrBI operon. However, the enzyme lacked the allosteric properties characteristic of wild-type ATCase. In order to determine whether the loss of homotropic and heterotropic properties was attributable to the location of the interruption in the polypeptide chain rather than to the lack of continuity, we constructed a series of fragmented genes so that the breaks in the polypeptide chains would be dispersed in different domains and diverse regions of the structure. Also, analogous molecules containing circularly permuted c chains with altered termini were constructed for comparison with the ATCase molecules containing fragmented c chains. Studies were performed on four sets of ATCase molecules containing cleaved c chains at positions between residues 98 and 99, 121 and 122, 180 and 181, and 221 and 222; the corresponding circularly permuted chains had N termini at positions 99, 122, 181, and 222. All of the ATCase molecules containing fragmented or circularly permuted c chains exhibited the homotropic and heterotropic properties characteristic of the wild-type enzyme. Hill coefficients (n(H:)) and changes in them upon the addition of ATP and CTP were similar to those observed with wild-type ATCase. In addition, the conformational changes revealed by the decrease in sedimentation coefficient upon the addition of a bisubstrate analog were virtually identical to that for the wild-type enzyme. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that neither the breakage of the polypeptide chains nor the newly formed covalent bond between the termini in the wild-type enzyme had a significant impact on the thermal stability of the assembled dodecamers. The studies demonstrate that continuity of the polypeptide chain within structural domains is not essential for the assembly, activity, and allosteric properties of ATCase.

[Clinicopathologic analysis of rhinoscleroma]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinicopathologic characteristics and reason of tissue injury caused by klebsiella rhinoscleromatis(KR) infection.

METHODS

Twenty-four cases of rhinoscleromas in the nasal and pharyngeal region in this hospital from March 1983 to March 1998 were studied retrospectively. Warthin-Starry (W-S) stain was used in all cases and CD43, CD20, CD68, Lysozyme mark were observed in eleven specimens by ABC immunochemical method. Two cases were studied further with transmission electron microscopy.

RESULTS

A great number of KR were found in Mikulicz cells and were confirmed further in the phagosomes in cytoplasm of Mikulicz cells, where a small number of endoplasmic reticulums and lysozymes was squeezed to the side of cells. A few of T-lymphocytes was found within the granuloma.

CONCLUSION

Cellular immunity function of the patient with rhinoscleroma was depressed and the response to immunization of host which regards to KR was the major cause of tissue injury.

Kinetics of enzymatic solid-to-solid peptide synthesis: synthesis of Z-aspartame and control of acid-base conditions by using inorganic salts

Enzymatic peptide synthesis can be carried out efficiently in solid-to-solid reaction mixtures with 10% (w/w) water added to a mixture of substrates. The final reaction mass contains >/=80% (by weight) of product. This article deals with acid-base effects in such reaction mixtures and the consequences for the enzyme. In the Thermoase-catalyzed synthesis of Z-Asp-Phe-OMe, the reaction rate is strongly dependent on the amount of basic salts added to the system. The rate increases 20 times, as the KHCO(3) or K(2)CO(3) added is raised 2.25-fold from an amount equimolar to the Phe-OMe. HCL starting material. With further increases in KHCO(3) addition, the initial rate remains at the maximum, but with K(2)CO(3) it drops sharply. Addition of NaHCO(3) is less effective, but rates are faster if more water is used. With >1.5 equivalents of basic salt, the final yield of the reaction decreases. Similar effects are observed when thermolysin catalyzes the same reaction, or Z-Gln-Leu-NH(2) synthesis. These effects can be rationalized using a model estimating the pH of these systems, taking into account the possible formation of up to ten different solid phases.