Is there an association between PPARGC1A genotypes and endurance capacity in Chinese men?

Our purpose was to determine the possible association between genotypes of three polymorphisms (Gly482Ser, Thr394Thr and A2962G) of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PPARGC1A) gene, on one hand, and both the pre- (baseline) and post-training levels of maximal (i.e., maximal oxygen uptake [VO2max]) and submaximal human endurance capacity (i.e., running economy [RE]). We studied 102 young males (physically active, non-athletes; age: 19+/-1 yrs) from Northern China (of Han origin) who underwent a 18-week endurance training (running) program and were tested on a treadmill (for VO2max and RE determination) before and after training. None of the VO2max and RE related traits were associated with the Gly482Ser and Thr394Thr polymorphisms at baseline or after training. The A2962G polymorphism was however associated with VO2max at baseline, as carriers of the G allele (AG+GG genotypes; n=49) had higher levels of VO2max than the AA group (n=53) (58.2+/-4.3 vs 56.3+/-3.9 mL/kg/min; P=0.017). Our results do not support previous data on Caucasians showing an association between the Gly482Ser variant and VO2max but suggest the potential role of another polymorphism (A2962G) to explain individual VO2max differences in Chinese men.

Muscle-specific creatine kinase gene polymorphism and running economy responses to an 18-week 5000-m training programme

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between muscle-specific creatine kinase (CKMM) gene polymorphism and the effects of endurance training on running economy.

METHODS

102 biologically unrelated male volunteers from northern China performed a 5000-m running programme, with an intensity of 95-105% ventilatory threshold. The protocol was undertaken three times per week and lasted for 18 weeks. Running economy indexes were determined by making the participants run on a treadmill before and after the protocol, and the A/G polymorphism in the 3' untranslated region of CKMM was detected by polymerase chain reaction-restricted fragment length polymorphism (NcoI restriction enzyme).

RESULTS

Three expected genotypes for CKMM-NcoI (AA, AG and GG) were observed in the participants. After training, all running economy indexes declined markedly. Change in steady-state consumption of oxygen, change in steady-state consumption of oxygen by mean body weight, change in steady-state consumption of oxygen by mean lean body weight and change in ventilatory volume in AG groups were larger than those in AA and GG groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicate that the CKMM gene polymorphism may contribute to individual running economy responses to endurance training.

Polymorphisms in the HBB gene relate to individual cardiorespiratory adaptation in response to endurance training

OBJECTIVE

The crucial role of haemoglobin in endurance performance has been well documented. We examined whether polymorphisms in the HBB gene modified aerobic capacity.

METHODS

102 recruits were trained by running 5000 m three times per week for 18 weeks. Exercise intensity progressively increased from an initial heart rate corresponding to 95% of the individual baseline ventilatory threshold during the first 10 weeks to 105% during the last 8 weeks. The phenotypes measured were running economy and VO(2)max. Running economy was determined by measuring submaximal VO(2) for 5 min at a constant running speed of 12 km.h(-1) and VO(2)max was obtained during an incremental test to exhaustion. Genomic DNA was extracted from white cells of peripheral blood and the -551C/T, intron2,+16C/G and +340 A/T genotypes were examined relative to the TAA site variants by PCR-RFLP.

RESULTS

Genotype distributions were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium at three loci. None of the running economy and VO(2)max-related traits were associated with the three polymorphisms or haplotypes at baseline, while the training response of running economy was associated with -551C/T and intron2,+16C/G polymorphisms. Subjects homozygous for intron2,+16C/C or -551C/C had decreased oxygen cost of running compared to the other individuals.

DISCUSSION

It was concluded that the -551C/C or intron2,+16C/C genotype might explain part of the individual variation in the cardiorespiratory adaptation to endurance training.

Non-coding microRNA hsa-let-7g as a novel chemoresponse biomarker for S-1 in colon cancer

13513

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-cording RNAs (∼ 22 nucleotide) that regulate gene expression by suppressing their target mRNAs at post-transcriptional level. Previous studies from our group have identified a number of dis-regulated miRNAs due to the loss of p53 tumor suppressor in cancer cell lines. As part of the efforts to further investigate the in vivo biological significance of these miRNAs, the expression of both hsa-let-7g and hsa-miR-200c were investigated using formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) colon cancer specimens to evaluate the potential correlation with chemosensitivity and tumorigenesis. Methods: Forty-six patients with recurrent or residual colon cancer lesion assessable were treated with 5-FU based antimetabolite S-1. This includes twenty-one pair of tumor and normal samples. Total RNAs were isolated from these samples FFPE specimens (contains either > 90% normal or > 90% tumor tissue). cDNAs were synthesized using primers specific for hsa-let-7g, hsa-miR-200c and internal control 5S. The expression levels of each particular miRNAs were quantified using real time qRT-PCR analysis. The expression level of each miRNAs was quantified by measuring the difference of threshold cycle (CT) of candidate miRNAs and internal control 5S (Δ-CT). Results: The expression level of hsa-let-7g was significantly higher in tumor tissues compare to normal tissues (p=0.0026; Wilcoxon test). In the forty-six tumor tissues, the expression level of hsa-let-7g in disease response group (patients group of complete response, partial response and no change after chemotherapy) was significantly lower than the disease progression group (p=0.03; Mann-Whitney test). The expression of hsa-miR-200c was significantly over-expressed in tumor tissues compare to normal tissues (p=0.0001; Wilcoxon test). Although hsa-let-7g is strongly associated with patient’s response to S-1 treatment, it is not a prognostic factor for predicting survival. Conclusion: hsa-let-7g and hsa-miR-200c may be associated with tumorigenesis in colon cancer. In addition, hsa-let-7g may be a significant indicator for chemoresponse to S-1 based chemotherapy.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Chemo-response biomarker discovery via expression profiling using soft-tissue sarcoma xenografts

9569

Background: Soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) constitute a heterogeneous group of tumours of mesenchymal origin. Whereas the mainstay of treatment has been surgery and radiation, these tumours are generally considered as quite chemoresistant. However, it is well known that subgroups of patients benefit from chemotherapy. Markers that could predict drug response would therefore be beneficial for the management of this malignancy. We have previously established panel of 17 unique human soft tissue xenografts, representing 7 different histological subgroups and assessed their responsiveness to doxorubicin, ifosfamide, etoposide, and cisplatin. We wanted to utilize these xenografts as a model system to discover for novel candidate marker genes for STS chemo-response. Methods: GE Uniset Human 20K microarrays were used to obtain gene expression profiles from the each xenografts. One-way ANOVA test with a Benjamini-Hochberg multiple test correction allowing a false discovery rate of 5% was used to identify genes with significantly differential expression. Results: Doxorubicin, ifosfamide, etoposide and cisplatin were efficient in 6/17, 10/17, 1/17 and 7/17 xenografts respectively. However, in the expression profiles obtained none of the genes showed significantly correlation with chemo-responsiveness to any of the drugs. Two of the xenografts, TAX 1 and TAX 2, both originate from a malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) in the same patient, but show strikingly different sensitivity to ifosfamide (TAX1 resistant, TAX2 sensitive). When triplicate hybridizations of TAX1 and 2 were compared, 294 genes met the above criteria. In addition we identified a subset of 122 genes that were flagged absent in one of the specimens, present in the other. Among genes with an already described role in mediating drug resistance are GST-pi and glutathione peroxidase. Taken together, these results indicate that discovery of general response markers in STSs may be difficult due to the heterogeneity of the different subgroups constituting this malignancy. Conclusions: Gene expression profiling of the TAX 1 and TAX 2 xenografts revealed a number of interesting candidate marker genes for ifosfamide sensitivity of MFH. This list of genes will be further refined by validation in clinical samples.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

MBD4 and SEI1 as new prognostic markers in colorectal cancer patients receiving adjuvant 5-fluorouracil

20085

Background: Previous studies from our laboratory have identified a number of marker genes associated with chemosensitivity to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). In this study, the in vivo significance of several marker genes in terms of prognostic potential were evaluated using colorectal cancer patient samples treated with 5-FU based therapy. Eight marker genes were selected based on their functional roles and significant fold changes in expression. They are SERTA domain containing 1(SEI1), Ribonucleotide reductase M2 polypeptide (RRM2), Origin recognition complex, subunit 6 homolog-like (ORC6L), Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (EIF4E), Thymidylate Synthase (TS), SET and MYND domain containing 3 (SMYD3), Dickkopf homolog 4 (DKK4) and Methyl-CpG binding domain protein 4 (MBD4). Methods: Forty eight snap frozen clinical colorectal samples (24 normal and 24 paired colorectal cancer patient samples) were selected with detailed clinical follow-up information. cDNAs were synthesized and the expression levels of marker genes were quantified via qRT-PCR analysis. The statistical significance of these markers for disease prognosis was evaluated using two tailed paired T-test. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was generated and analyzed by Logrank test. Results: Based on the quantitative expression analysis, RRM2 (p = 0.0001, 95% CI, 2.0 to 4.5), ORC6L (p = 0.0001, 95% CI, 1.8 to 4.6), EIF4E (p = 0.0002, 95% CI, 0.3 to 0.9), TS (p = 0.0005, 95% CI, 0.7 to 2.2) and SMYD3 (p = 0.0001, 95% CI, 0.8 to 1.5) was over-expressed in tumor tissues. However, the expression of SEI1 was decreased in tumors (p = 0.02, 95% CI, 0.1 to 1.3), consistent with the function of SEI1 as a potential tumor suppressor. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that MBD4 is a significant prognostic factor for patient’s survival (p = 0.03). MBD4 was a key protein involved in DNA methylation. The expression of TS was associated with tumor stage as it had significant higher expression level in UICC stage I and II compared to stage IV patients (p = 0.03). Conclusion: MBD4 may be potential novel prognostic markers for predicting patient survival for colorectal cancer.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Noncoding miRNAs as novel prognostic factor for 5-fluorouracil adjuvant therapy in colorectal cancer

3609

Background: The roles of non-coding miRNAs in tumorgenesis are just emerging. miRNAs regulate gene expression at post-transcriptional level by influencing translation efficiency of their target mRNAs. Previous studies from our laboratory have identified a number of miRNAs that were dis-regulated in colon cancer cell lines related to the loss of p53 tumor suppressor gene. In this study, the in vivo significance of some of these miRNAs was further evaluated using clinical samples. Ten miRNAs (hsa-let-7b, hsa-let-7g, hsa-miR-15b, hsa-miR-181b, hsa-miR-191, hsa-miR-200c, hsa-miR-26a, hsa-miR-27a, hsa-miR-30a-5p and hsa-miR-30c) were evaluated for their potential prognostic value in colorectal cancer patients receiving 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) based therapy. Methods: Forty eight snap frozen clinical colorectal samples (24 normal and 24 paired colorectal cancer patient samples) were selected with detailed clinical follow-up information. RNAs were isolated from these samples using TRIzol reagent. After cDNA synthesis with miRNA specific primers, the expression levels of 10 miRNAs were quantified via qRT-PCR analysis. The statistical significance of these markers for disease prognosis was evaluated using two tailed paired T-test. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was generated and followed by Logrank test. Result: Among the ten miRNAs, hsa-miR-15b (p=0.02), hsa-miR-181b (p=0.01), hsa-miR-191 (p=0.03) and hsa-miR-200c (p=0.005) were significantly over-expressed in tumors compared to normal colorectal samples. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicates that hsa-miR-200c was a significant prognostic marker for predicting patient’s survival (p=0.01). The patients (n=15) with higher hsa-miR-200c expression had shorter survival interval (median survival = 26 months) compared to patients (n=9) with lower expression (median survival = 38 months). Conclusions: Some of these miRNAs may function as oncogenes due to their over-expression in tumors. Hsa-miR-200c may be a potential novel prognostic factor for 5-FU based chemotherapy in colorectal cancer.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Gene expression profiles classifies the responsiveness of human osteosarcoma to doxorubicin, cisplatin and ifosfamide

9534

Background: Despite the increased survival rates of osteosarcoma patients attributed to adjuvant chemotherapy, at least one third of the patients still succumb to their disease. Furthermore, ultra-aggressive combination chemotherapy is associated with considerable acute and long term toxicity. This is of particular concern in patients who may be cured by a simpler and less toxic regimens or do not have micrometastatic disease. Hence, further improvements in the management of osteosarcoma seemingly depend on diagnostic and prognostic tools that may allow for a more risk adapted and individualized treatment. Methods: We have used GE Uniset Human 20K microarrays to obtain gene expression profiles from a panel of ten unique human osteosarcoma xenografts. For each of the three drugs doxorubicin, cisplatin or ifosfamide the xenografts were grouped according to their response to chemotherapy, resistant, weakly sensitive or sensitive. For each individual drug, a one-way ANOVA test with a Benjamini and Hochberg multiple test correction allowing a false discovery rate of 5% (doxorubicin, cisplatin) or 2% (ifosfamide) was used to identify genes with significantly differential expression. In addition a 2-fold cut off was applied to exclude smaller but yet significant differences. Results: For doxorubicin and cisplatin, respectively 59 and 120 genes met these criteria. The expression levels of 25 genes overlapped between these two groups. For ifosfamide, 148 genes were selected, for 5 of them the expression overlapped with cisplatin sensitivity related genes. In the lists, genes involved in mediating and regulating apoptosis were abundant, such as regulators of TGF signaling, ubiquitin mediated protein degradation and members of the immediate early response protein family. Several genes which products interact with components of the cytoskeleton were also identified. Conclusion: We have used a unique strategy to screen for potential chemosensitivity markers by utilizing xenografts as training sets.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A novel human hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase like 1 gene (HSDL1) is highly expressed in reproductive tissues

We report the cloning and characterization of a novel human hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase like gene (HSDL1) located on human chromosome 16q24.2. The HSDL1 cDNA is 3407 base pair in length, encoding a 309 amino acid polypeptide related to human 17beta-HSD3. Northern blot reveals that the HSDL1 is highly expressed in testis and ovary. In situ hybridization indicates that the expression of HSDL1 is predominantly increased in the prostate cancer tissue compared with the normal prostate tissue, which suggests that the gene expression is important to the arising of prostate cancer.

Inflammation and bony changes at the temporomandibular joint

Cytokines help mediate the acute and chronic inflammation and associated destruction of connective tissue in arthritic temporomandibular joints (TMJ). The proinflammatory cytokines TNFalpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, and IFN-gamma are associated with inflammation in synovial joints and connective tissue destruction. Therefore, the increased levels of these cytokines in the synovial fluid of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients would be expected. Conversely, IL-1ra and IL-10 acts as inhibitors to these proinflammatory cytokines. Thus, in TMD patients, low levels of IL-1ra and IL-10 might be expected. A review of studies from multiple investigators confirms that proinflammatory cytokine levels increase in TMD patients, IL-1ra levels are also increased, and IL-10 levels remain unchanged. Because IL-10 can inhibit TNFalpha, IL-1, IL-6, and IL-8, the lack of IL-10 in the TMJ in the face of the other studies showing increases in TNFalpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, and IL-8 could partially explain the exacerbation of the associated osteoarthritis. In addition, although IL-1ra levels are elevated in most of the TMD patients, the increases do not appear to be sufficient to inhibit the inflammation and connective tissue degradation associated with IL-1beta. Thus, it appears that treatment of TMD requires a delicate balance between proinflammatory cytokines and cytokine inhibitors such as IL-1ra and IL-10.

Control of osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption by members of the TNF family of receptors and ligands

Skeletal mass is maintained by a balance between cells which resorb bone (osteoclasts) and cells which form bone (osteoblasts). Bone development and growth is an on-going, life-long process. Bone is formed during embryonic life, grows rapidly through childhood, and peaks around 20 years of age (formation exceeds resorption). For humans the skeleton then enters a long period, approximately 40 years, when bone mass remains relatively stable. Skeletal turnover continues but the net effect of resorption and formation on bone mass is zero. For women this ends when they enter menopause and similar bone loss occurs for men, but later in life. These opposite functions are coupled, resorption precedes formation, and osteoblasts, or their precursors, stromal cells, regulate osteoclast formation and activity. Until recently, the molecular nature of this regulation, was poorly understood. However, recent observations have identified members of the TNF family of ligands and receptors as critical regulators of osteoclastogenesis. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) a decoy receptor was first identified. Its ligand, receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL), was quickly found, and shown to be expressed on stromal cells and osteoblasts. Its cognate receptor, RANK, was found to be expressed in high levels on osteoclast precursors. The interaction between RANKL and RANK was shown to be required for osteoclast formation. These observations have provided a molecular understanding of the coupling between osteoclastic bone resorption and osteoblastic bone formation. Moreover, they provide a framework on which to base a clear understanding of normal (e.g. postmenopausal osteoporosis and age associated bone loss) and pathologic skeletal changes (e.g. osteopetrosis, glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, periodontal disease, bone metastases, Paget's disease, hyperparathyroidism, and rheumatoid arthritis).

[Retrospective analysis of endometrial neoplasms treated by different therapeutic modalities]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the therapeutic effects of different remedies in patients with endometrial carcinoma.

METHODS

Total of 386 patients with metracarcinoma underwent 3 different treatments: (1) operation only 145 cases; (2) operation and complemental radiotherapy 161 cases; (3) radiotherapy only 80 cases. Then they were followed up for 5 years and more.

RESULTS

The 5-year survival rates of operation group were 78.9% (56/71), 61.0% (25/41) and 18.2% (6/33) in stage I, stage II, and stage III-IV respectively, for operation and complemental radiotherapy, they were 75.0% (33/44), 59.5% (44/74) and 48.8% (21/43), for radiotherapy, 34.8% (8/23), 18.8% (3/16) and 0.0% (0/41). There was no difference between operation group and operation plus radiotherapy in patients with stage I and stage II (P > 0.05). However the 5-year survival rates were significantly higher in operation plus complemental radiotherapy group and those only received operation in stage III stage IV patients (P < 0.001). And no matter in what stages, the therapeutic effect was worse in radiotherapy group than other two groups (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The remedies with operation as main measure are the best choice for metacarcinoma, radiotherapy merely is fit with those who can not be operated on.

[The expression of interleukin-6 mRNA and autosecretion in human leukemic cells]

OBJECTIVE

To make a comprehensive and systematic study on the constructive expression of IL-6 mRNA and IL-6 autosecretion in human leukemic cells and discuss the effect of IL-6 autosecretion on the specific binding of IL-6-PE40 fusion protein to targeted leukemic cells.

METHODS

Semi-quantitative RT-PCR, sequencing and ELISA were used to detect the constructive expression of IL-6 mRNA and autosecretion level of IL-6 protein in human leukemic cell lines, such as U937, HL60, KG1, TF1, K562, HuT28, CEM and Raji.

RESULTS

The relative expression level of IL-6 mRNA in myelocytic, monocytic and erythrocytic leukemic cell lines including HL60, U937, KG1 and TF1 and lymphoblastic leukemic cell lines such as CEM, HuT28 and Raji is very weak, ranging from 0.03 to 0.07. However, K562, an chronic myelocytic leukemic cell line, had the highest level 1.25 among the 8 leukemic cell lines and the level was also higher than that of the positive control U266 multiple myeloma cell line. Based on ELISA assay of IL-6, there were remarkable differences between the 8 leukemic cell lines, their secretion of IL-6 could be divided into 3 levels, i.e. high, moderate and low secretion type.

CONCLUSION

These observations imply that the intrinsic expression and secretion of IL-6 differ obviously among different leukemic cell lines. Autocrine IL-6 may prevent IL-6-PE40 fusion protein from specific binding to targeted leukemic cells and consequently affect its specific killing toxicity.

[Effects of different cryoprotectants on biological properties of hematopoietic cells derived from cord blood]

OBJECTIVE

To search for effective cryoprotectants that can be used in cord blood bank to cryopreserve hematopoietic cells.

METHODS

Four kinds of combined reagents were used to cryopreserve cord blood cells. The effects of these cryoprotectants on biological properties of hematopoietic cells were monitored and compared after the cells were refrigerated for 1 to 4 months. The detected biological properties included the number of total nucleated cells (TNC), CD(34)(+) cells and CFCs.

RESULTS

The cryoprotectants of Dextran-40 + 10%DMSO resulted in the highest recovery rates, TNC, CD(34)(+) cells and CFCs were 77.8%, 78.5% and 87.2%, respectively. The combination of 10%DMSO + 6% AB serum + 5%HES led to the lowest recovery rates.

CONCLUSION

Dextran-40 + 10%DMSO is an ideal cryoprotectant combination for cryopreserving hematopoietic cells in the cord blood bank.

[Effect of initial population density on resting egg formation of rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus]

With the method of population accumulative culture, the effect of initial population density on the formation of resting eggs of freshwater rotifer(Brachionus calyciflorus), and on the rates of mictic female and fertilization was studied. During 11 days culture, the productivity and the formation efficiency of resting eggs, and the mean rate of mictic female were the biggest when the initial population density was 1.0-10.0 ind.ml-1, second by the density of 20.0 ind.ml-1, and the lowest by the density of 50.0 ind.ml-1. There was no significant effect of initial population density on the fertilization rate. Statistical analysis on maximum formation efficiency of resting eggs, their emergence and productivity showed that when the production of resting eggs was large-scaled proceeded, the feasible initial population density should be 10.0 ind.ml-1, and the corresponding time should be 6 days to obtain a higher yield of resting eggs and a higher formation efficiency.

[Combined five tumor markers in detecting primary hepatic carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To increase the detection rate of primary hepatic carcinoma (PHC) and to diagnose PHC earlier.

METHODS

AFP was combined with r-glutamyle transpeptidase (r-GT), alpha-fucosidase (AFU), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and DR-70.

RESULTS

The positive detection rate of PHC negative AFP with combined four markers was 9.4%. The total positive detection rate of PHC with combined five tumor markers reached 98.0% which was significantly higher than that with AFP (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The positive detection rate of PHC can be increased by combined five tumor markers. It is helpful in diagnosing PHC earlier and can differentiate PHC from liver cirrhosis.

Human immunodeficiency virus reverse transcriptase and protease sequence database

The HIV RT and Protease Sequence Database is an online relational database that catalogs evolutionary and drug-related human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) reverse transcriptase (RT) and protease sequence variation (http://hivdb.stanford.edu). The database contains a compilation of nearly all published HIV RT and protease sequences including International Collaboration database submissions (e.g., GenBank) and sequences published in journal articles. Sequences are linked to data about the source of the sequence sample and the antiretroviral drug treatment history of the individual from whom the isolate was obtained. The database is curated and sequences are annotated with data from >230 literature references. Users can retrieve additional data and view alignments of sequence sets meeting specific criteria (e.g., treatment history, subtype, presence of a particular mutation). A gene-specific sequence analysis program, new user-defined queries and nearly 2000 additional sequences were added in 1999.

[Experimental study on the role of the pedicle of the subdermal vascular network skin flap]

OBJECTIVE

The experiment was to investigate the role of the pedicle of the subdermal vascular network skin flap.

METHODS

Ten healthy white pigs, weighting from 20 to 25 kg were used. The subdermal vascular network skin flap and the traditional skin flap were designed and created on each side of the animal's flank. The traditional skin flap on the contralateral side of the flank was used as control. Flap survival was studied by gross observation and ECT examination of isotope distribution.

RESULTS

There were significant differences between the two groups in mean survival length and area (P < 0.05). In both groups the radioactive isotope gathering is restricted proximally with a ratio of length to width of (1-1.5):1.

CONCLUSION

The presence of the pedicle of the subdermal vascular network skin flap makes no difference compared the traditional skin flap.

[Expression of apoptosis regulating proteins P 53, c-myc and bcl-2 on CD34+ hematopoietic cells isolated from human bone marrow]

OBJECTIVE

To show the coexpression levels of P 53, c-myc or bcl-2, three key apoptosis-regulating proteins on CD34+HC and bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNC).

METHODS

IsolexTM50 or CIMS-100 systems of immunomagnetic bead separation and two-dimensional flow cytometric analysis of the immunofluorescence double staining were used.

RESULTS

With 90%-95% purity of CD34+HC measured by FACS, we found that expression levels of P53, c-myc, and bcl-2 on both CD34+HC and BMMNC were as follows: CD34+/P53 + 0.1-00.8% versus BMMNC 0.1-0.6%; CD34+/c-myc+2.4%-11. 3% versus BMMNC 0.1-0.4%; CD34+/bcl-2+0.5-1.6% versus BMMNC 0.1-0.8%. Coexpression of c-myc and bcl-2 on CD34+HC was significantly higher than those observed on BMMNC respectively.

CONCLUSION

It could be speculated that apoptosis-regulating proteins P53, c-myc and bcl-2 play a key role in the control of the survival, proliferation, differentiation, maturation and death in hematopoietic cells of physiological state, suggesting that these proteins balance the production numbers and quality of hematopoietic cells.

[Morphological and cytochemitry features of CD34+ hematopoietic cells isolated from human bone marrow]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the cytomorphological and cytochemitry features of CD34+ hematopoietic cells.

METHODS

Highly purified CD34+ hematopoietic cells isolated from human bone marrow by a two-step method of immunomagnetic beads-FACS sorting were comprehensively examined.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

CD34+ hematopoietic cells could be sorted into three types in light of morphology and cytochemical staining. Type I was considered as candidates for stem cells,which were most blastlike in morphology and slightly larger than lymphocytes in size with negative reactions to all cytochemical stainings. Type II was considered as multipotent progenitor cells, with sizes similar to small lymphocytes and negative reactions to all cytochemical stainings. Type III was identified as committed progenitor cells whose sizes were heterogeneous and whose reactions to cytochemical stainings ranged from +/- to + +.

[Effect of (+/-)12-chloroscoulerine on brain dopamine receptors]

AIM

To assess potencies of tetrahydroprotoberberines (THPB) and hydrobenzyltetrahydroisoquinolines (HBTI) on DA receptors.

METHODS

The receptor binding assay with calf striatum to D1 and D2 receptors, and the animal behavior tests were used.

RESULTS

(+/-) 12-Chloroscoulerine (CSL) was the most potent one among the THPB and HBTI. The affinities of CSL to D1 and D2 receptors were 13 and 51 nmol.L-1, respectively. In rats, CSL showed an antagonistic effect on the stereotypy and induced catalepsy. In the 6-OHDA lesioned rats, however, CSL exerted the agonistic effect to DA receptors.

CONCLUSION

CSL had dual actions to DA receptors and its effects were similar to that of (-)stepholidine.

[Inhibitory effects of antisense oligonucleotides delivered locally via hydrogel catheter on myointimal hyperplasia of rat carotid artery after nitrogen drying]

OBJECTIVE

To determine if antisense c-myb delivered locally via the hydrogel catheter inhibits the development of myointimal hyperplasia in rat carotid artery after nitrogen desiccation of the endothelium.

METHODS

Forty rats were randomized into four groups (ten in each). After endothelial injury, different oligonucleotides were administered locally through the hydrogel catheter. Animals were killed at 14 days following gas drying. The lumen areas, ratios of intimal to medial areas and intimal to medial thickness were measured with the aid of computer. The q test was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The lumen area of antisense c-myb group (0.29 +/- 0.01 mm2) was larger than that of sense and mismatch groups (0.17 +/- 0.05 mm2, q = 4.1729; 0.18 +/- 0.05 mm2, q = 3.7489, P < 0.05), and less than that of control group (0.40 +/- 0.14, q = 3.7782, P < 0.05). The ratios of intimal to medial areas and intimal to medial thickness for antisense c-myb group (0.45 +/- 0.24, 0.57 +/- 0.24) were significantly decreased compared with sense and mismatch groups (1.26 +/- 0.25, q = 9.8913; 1.16 +/- 0.38, q = 8.4252; 2.15 +/- 0.85, q = 8.6850; 1.85 +/- 0.79, q = 6.8389, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Myointimal hyperplasia of rat carotid artery after nitrogen drying can be markedly suppressed by intravascular local delivery of synthetic antisense c-myb via hydrogel catheter. The technique is a promising to prevent artery from obstructive stenosis.

Comparative observation on effect of electric acupuncture of neiguan (P 6) at chen time versus xu time on left ventricular function in patients with coronary heart disease

Paired experimental design was adopted in this experiment for comparative observation on effect of electric acupuncture (EA) of Neiguan (P 6) at Chen Time (7 a.m. to 9 a.m.) versus Xu Time (7 p.m. to 9 p.m.) on left ventricular function in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). The results show that EA performed at Chen Time could improve the left ventricular function of CHD patients as indicated by shortening of PEPI and decrease of PEPI/LVETI ratio; on the contrary, EA performed at Xu Time prolonged PEPI and raised PEPI/LVETI ratio in CHD patients, suggesting impairment of left ventricular function.

A noninvasive transcutaneous alternative to rectal thermometry for continuous measurement of core temperature in the piglet

Deep body temperature is an important and accepted index of health status in newborn infants. There are no easily used accurate methods for continuous deep body temperature measurements. Oral and tympanic membrane temperatures correlate well with rectal temperature but are not easily adapted to continuous measurement. We devised a noninvasive transcutaneous temperature sensor for continuous deep body temperature measurement that relies on the principle that, under steady state conditions, the temperature at the thermally insulated surface of a warm body, i.e. a zero heat loss surface, will be in equilibrium with the warmest part of the body. We used a standard clinical temperature probe placed between the skin and the mattress and attached to the skin with a foam adhesive disk. We used standard skin temperature probe attachment disks, which are also designed to provide thermal insulation to the skin temperature probe. We tested the hypothesis that this transcutaneous temperature would track body temperature as indicated by rectal temperature. In six anesthetized (pentobarbital) newborn piglets (1600 +/- 200 g) placed on their abdomen in a convectively warmed infant incubator, we measured continuously the following temperatures for 5 h: transcutaneous over lower and upper abdomen, brown fat, rectal, and descending aorta. To examine the influence of environment, we varied the incubator air temperature between 32 degrees and 36 degrees C. Both transcutaneous temperatures tracked the rectal temperature, within 0.2 degree C for transcutaneous over lower abdomen and within 0.3 degree C for transcutaneous over upper abdomen.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Sinus node electrogram recording in complete atrioventricular block

Surface electrocardiogram (ECG), sinus node electrogram (SNE), His bundle electrogram (HBE), and intracardiac electrogram of high right atrium (HRA) were recorded synchronously in 11 of the 14 consecutive cases with complete atrioventricular block (CAVB). SNE showed the presence of a pre-P wave that preceded in all the P wave on the ECG and had no relationship to QRS complex or TU repolarization. This confirmed that the pre-P wave arose from the sinus node. Direct sinoatrial conduction time (SACTd) in nine cases was within the normal range (less than 120 msec). SACTd in another two cases was prolonged to 185 msec and 210 msec, respectively, suggesting their abnormal sinus node conduction.