[Clinical study on women with amenorrhea after levonorgestrel intrauterine system]

OBJECTIVE

To study the 5 years contraceptive efficacy of levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) and the ovarian functions in amenorrhea women.

METHODS

LNG-IUS and TCu 380A IUD were randomly inserted in 2 groups of women, 50 each. Women were followed annually for 5 years. Serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), estradiol (E2), and T levels in 14 women with amenorrhea, and endometrial biopsies were obtained in 9 cases.

RESULTS

By the end of 5 years, there were 2 pregnancies in TCu 380A group, but none in LNG-IUS group; and 24 amenorrhea cases in LNG-IUS. The 5 year cumulative continuation rates were 24% for LNG-IUS and 78% for TCu 380A (P < 0.001). In the 14 women with amenorrhea, the average serum concentrations were not significantly different from that of the normal controls. Histological study showed endometrial atrophy or a few secretory glands.

CONCLUSIONS

LNG-IUS is a highly effective and safe contraceptive measure. Oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea caused by the local effects of LNG were reversible and did no harm to women's health. However, comprehensive consultation provided to women before insertion is of utmost importance for continuation use.

Di-mu-phenylthio-bis[bis(eta5-methyl-cyclopentadienyl)(tetrahydrofuran)-lanthanum(III)] bis(tetrahydrofuran) solvate

The title complex, [La(2)(C(6)H(7))(4)(C(6)H(5)S)(2)(C(4)H(8)O)(2)].2C(4)H(8)O, is a centrosymmetric dimer bridged through the S atoms of the benzenethiolate ligands. The bridging La(2)S(2) unit is completely planar, while the geometry around the nine-coordinate La atom is that of a distorted trigonal bipyramid. The La-S-La and S-La-S angles are 117.51 (4) and 62.5 (1) degrees, respectively, and the average La-S bond length is 2.9759 A. The crystals contain two tetrahydrofuran solvate molecules for every complex molecule.

[Study on weekly low doses of mifepristone for contraception]

OBJECTIVE

To study whether weekly low dose of mifepristone (5 mg or 10 mg) is sufficient to prevent pregnancy.

METHODS

Thirty-nine women were randomly allocated to take mifepristone 5 mg (group A) or 10 mg (group B) doses once weekly starting on cycle day 2-3. The serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were determined by enzymeimmunoassay (EIA), and estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) levels by radioimmunassay (RIA). Serum mifepristone concentrations were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Morphometric analyses and progesterone receptor (PR), Dolichus biflorus agglutinin (DBA-lectin) and integrin alpha v beta 3 of endometrium were also measured.

RESULTS

There were 4 pregnancies out of 64 cycles in group A, and 3 out of 68 cycles in group B. Normal LH and FSH peak could be detected in the first treatment cycles, LH peak appeared on 15-17 d. The concentrations of P were (51.93 +/- 7.91) nmol/lL and (69.00 +/- 21.29) nmol/L in group A and B respectively. The average level of E2 was (407.81 +/- 89.27) pmol/L in group A, and (557.85 +/- 204.69) pmol/L in group B. Serum mifepristone level could be detected within 36 hours. The PR concentration in endometrium decreased significantly, but not of DBA-lectin, integrin alpha v beta 3.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of mifepristone 5 mg or 10 mg once weekly does not inhibit ovulation completely. The follicular phase prolonged slightly, and E2 levels were low following treatment. The endometrium showed delayed development. The clinical contraceptive effectiveness needs to be improved.

PTEN induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest through phosphoinositol-3-kinase/Akt-dependent and -independent pathways

The tumour suppressor PTEN inhibits cell growth through multiple mechanisms. We have previously demonstrated that overexpression of PTEN in MCF-7 breast cancer cells causes G(1) arrest followed by cell death, the latter of which is believed to be mediated by the phosphoinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt/PKB pro-apoptotic pathways. In this present study, we show that culture in the presence of low levels of growth factors increased PTEN-mediated growth suppression through the enhancement of PTEN-induced cell death. The caspase 9-specific inhibitor, ZVAD, blocked PTEN-induced cell death without altering the effect of PTEN on cell cycle distribution. Depending on the level of expression, overexpression of dominant-negative Akt induces more cell death and has less effect on the cell cycle or induces similar or decreased cell death without affecting the cell cycle compared with effects on cell death and the cell cycle when overexpressing PTEN. These observations in sum suggest that, in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, the apoptotic cells induced by the overexpression of PTEN did not derive from the G(1)-arrested cells. Further, the effect of PTEN on cell death is mediated through the PI3K/Akt pathway whereas PTEN-mediated cell cycle arrests are through PI3K/Akt-dependent and -independent pathways.

[Alloreactive helper T cell responses in kidney transplant patients]

OBJECTIVE

To study allo-specific immune responses of CD4+ helper T lymphocytes (Th) in patients with long-term and well-functioning renal grafts.

METHODS

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were collected from 16 patients with long-term (3-15 years) and well-functioning live-related renal grafts. Donor-specific Th precursor (Th-p) frequencies in the PBMC were determined by limiting dilution analysis(LDA).

RESULTS

Eight out of the 16 patients showed donor-specific hyporesponsiveness. Donor-specific Th-p from the other 8 patients was susceptible to anti-CD4 inhibition.

CONCLUSION

Some of the patients carrying long-term and well-functioning renal grafts had become immunologic tolerant to donor cells. Donor-specific Th-p from patients who did not show donor-specific hyporesponsiveness were of low avidity type.

[Immobilization osteoporosis and fracture in children]

This study was intended to enhance the diagnostic vigilance of immobilization osteoporosis with fracture and explore its prevention and treatment. Thirteen children with the hip disease underwent one to nine months of plaster cast after operation. A retrospective analysis was made on these 13 patients with fracture and immobilization osteoporosis. The result showed that disuse fracture occurred in fifteen places of their femora. All of these cases were cured by non-operative and drug treatment. These data suggest that for the cases of immobilization osteoporosis it is important to prevent fracture by means of early diagnosis, proper drugs, early function exercise, appropriately shorter period of fixation and the avoidance of trauma.

The monoclonal antibodies 18d7/91f2 recognize a receptor regulatory protein on mouse bone marrow stromal cells

Two monoclonal antibodies 18D7 and 91F2 were developed by immunizing rats with the mouse bone marrow-derived osteogenic cell line MN7. Hybridomas secreting rat antibodies against MN7 cell surface markers were selected by flow cytometry analysis. Both the monoclonal antibody 18D7 and the monoclonal antibody 91F2 are directed against the same cell surface antigen present on MN7 cells. Here, we report on the immunopurification of the 18D7/91F2 antigen and its identification as the prostaglandin F2 alpha receptor regulatory protein (FPRP). FPRP is expressed as a single messenger RNA (mRNA) of approximately 6 kilobases (kb) in MN7 cells and is differentially expressed in developing osteogenic cultures of bone marrow cells of the mouse. However, addition of the monoclonal antibodies 18D7 and 91F2 to these cultures did not inhibit bone formation in vitro. Both monoclonal antibodies reacted with mouse stromal cell lines established from bone marrow, thymus, spleen, and mandibular condyles. Immunohistochemical analysis of mature tibia of mice using the monoclonal antibody 18D7 revealed the presence of a distinct population of bone marrow cells close to trabecular and endosteal bone surfaces. In the central bone marrow, hardly any positive cells were found. In 17-day-old fetal mouse radius 18D7 immunoreactivity was restricted to cells in the periosteum in close vicinity to the bone collar. Mature osteoblasts, osteoclasts, osteocytes, growth plate chondrocytes, and mature macrophages were all negative. Taken together, these results suggest that FPRP plays a role in the osteogenic differentiation process.

Significant frequencies of T cells with indirect anti-donor specificity in heart graft recipients with chronic rejection

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine whether T cells with indirect allospecificity could be detected in heart transplant recipients with chronic rejection.

METHOD AND RESULTS

Human T-cell clones were used to determine the most effective way to deliver major histocompatibility complex alloantigens for indirect presentation. Seven allograft recipients with evidence of progressive, chronic rejection were selected. Four heart graft recipients with no evidence of chronic rejection were used as controls. Peripheral blood T cells and antigen-presenting cells from the recipients were cultured with frozen/thawed stored donor cells or major histocompatibility complex class I-derived synthetic peptides in limiting dilution cultures and then compared with controls using tetanus toxoid and frozen/thawed third-party cells with no human leukocyte antigens in common with the donor. In 5 of 7 patients analyzed who had chronic rejection, elevated frequencies of T cells with indirect, anti-donor specificity (iHTLf) were detected. No such elevated iHTLf were detected in recipients without chronic rejection.

DISCUSSION

iHTLf can be obtained from human transplant recipients, which supports the contention that the indirect pathway is involved in chronic transplant rejection.

[Comparison on efficacy in treating liver fibrosis of chronic hepatitis B between Astragalus Polygonum anti-fibrosis decoction and jinshuibao capsule]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the efficacy of Astragalus-Polygonum Anti-Fibrosis Decoction (APAFD) and Jinshuibao capsule (JSBC) in treating liver fibrosis of chronic hepatitis B.

METHODS

Ninety-two liver fibrosis of chronic hepatitis B patients were randomly divided into group A and B. Patients in group A received APAFD for 48 weeks, and in group B, they received JSBC for 48 weeks. The effects were observed on the change of hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), pro-collagen III (PCIII) and collagen IV (CIV) as well as liver functional tests and liver biochemical parameters before and after treatment.

RESULTS

Levels of serum HA, LN, PCIII and CIV in the group A declined more obviously than that of group B, the difference was significant (P < 0.01). The liver functional tests such as total bilirubin (TB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin/globulin ratio, hepatitis related serum biochemical parameters such as cholylglycine (CG), serum ferritin (SF), prealbumin (PA) of group A all were improved more significantly than that of group B (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

APAFD is more effective than JSBC in treating liver fibrosis of chronic hepatitis B, and in the inhibition of hepatic inflammation, it is a good composite Chinese herbal preparation against liver fibrosis.

[Evaluation for biocompatibility of poly-(3-hydroxypropyl)-DL-aspartamide]

To evaluate the biocompatibility of poly-(3-hydroxypropyl)-DL-aspartamide(PHPA), we utilized the laboratory methods, including subcutaneous implantation, histological examination, blood biochemical and micronucleus test. Histological examination revealed a nonspecific foreign body reaction around the PHPA and a slight inflammation around the small blood vessels of the liver on the 13th day, but all these reactions diminished or disappeared gradually after 34 days of implantation. The structures and functions of liver and kidney were normal. The results indicate that PHPA possesses a good nature in biocompatibility.

Effects of XW630 on bone formation in ovariectomized rats and in human osteoblast-like cells

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of XW630 on bone formation in overiectomized (OVX) rats and in human osteoblast-like cell line TE85.

METHOD

Bone histomorphometric analysis was performed with undecalcified bone sections and tetracycline intraperitoneally labeling.

RESULTS

Compared with that of OVX rats, the static data of trabecular bone volume (TBV)/total tissue volume (TTV), TBV/sponge bone volume (SBV) and mean trabecular plate density (MTPD) were enhanced while mean trabecular plate spacing (MTPS) decreased after treated with XW630 for 13w. The dynamic data of single-labeled surface [Sfract(s)], double-labeled surface [Sfract(d)], Sfract(d+1/2s), trabecular osteoid surface (TOS) and bone formation rate in tissue level (Svf) were increased and osteoid maturation period (OMP) shortened in XW630 group. In osteoblast-like cells, both 3H-thymidine incorporation and cell count increased after treated with XW630 for 48. Treated with XW630 for 12 approximately 18h, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity and cGMP content increased in time-dependent manners.

CONCLUSIONS

XW630 enhanced bone activation frequency and increased trabecular connectivity, stability, and strength. The cellular mechanism related to effects of XW630 on bone formation in ovariectomized rats.

[Delineation of 6q deletions in breast carcinoma cell lines by fluorescence in situ hybridization]

OBJECTIVE

To detect and delineate 6q deletions in ten breast carcinoma cell lines.

METHODS

Fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH) with 37 YAC probes hybridizing from 6q12 to 6q27 and a centromeric probe of chromosome 6 as internal control.

RESULTS

In five cell lines, large deletions extending from 6q12 to 6q27 were found, while a small deletion involving 6q25-6q27 was identified in one cell line. In two cell lines containing different cell populations, deletions of 6q occurred in cells with polysomy 6, but not in cells with disomy 6. In addition, an overpresentation of 6q21-q22.2 was detected in one cell line.

CONCLUSION

6q25-q27 seems to be the commonly deleted region in breast cancers and 6q deletions might be secondary changes.

Antigen recognition influences transendothelial migration of CD4+ T cells

The functional significance of MHC class II expression by vascular endothelial cells remains obscure. In this study the possibility that Ag presentation by endothelial cells (EC) influences T cell transmigration, facilitating the recruitment of Ag-specific T cells into tissues, was investigated. The frequencies of T cells with specificity for an HLA-DR alloantigen, or for the recall Ag tetanus toxoid (TT), were measured in peripheral blood CD45RO+ (memory) CD4+ T cells before and after transmigration through gamma-IFN-treated EC monolayers. Frequencies of anti-DR17, IL-2-secreting T cells were fourfold higher in the T cells that transmigrated through a monolayer of DR17-expressing EC. Similar increases were seen in TT-specific, DR7-restricted T cells that transmigrated through TT-pulsed, DR7-expressing EC. To examine more directly the effects of cognate recognition of Ag presented by EC, T cell clones were used. For clones that proliferated in a costimulation-independent manner to Ag presented by EC, cognate recognition arrested transmigration. In contrast, Ag presentation by EC to B7-dependent T cell clones, which do not proliferate following cognate recognition of EC, enhanced the rate of transendothelial migration. These data suggest that Ag presentation by EC may serve to augment the recruitment of Ag-specific T cells into tissues and that proliferation and transmigration are mutually exclusive T cell responses.

[Effects of the new compound-XW630 on osteoblast]

This study aimed to observe the influence of the new compound-XW630 on the proliferation of osteoblast, ALP action, and the forming of osteoclast. The MTT method and the alkaline phosphatase method were adopted to investigate the influence of XW630 on ALP action and the proliferation of osteoblast cultured from grown rat's skull. The Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase dyeing method was used to observe the influence of XW630 on forming of cultured osteoclast in vitro. The result showed that, when XW630 concentration was 10(-6)-10(-8) mol/L, it obviously enhanced the proliferation of osteoblast and improved the activity of ALP, and it evidently provented PTH from stimulating the forming of osteoclast. It is concluded that XW630 is obviously effective for stimulating the proliferation of cultivated osteoblast in vitro and for inhibiting the forming of osteoclast.

[The estrogenic activities of 2-[3-estrone-N-ethyl-piperazine-methyl]tetracycline(XW630)--a new compound with anti-osteoporosis activity]

2-[3-Estrone-N-ethyl-piperazine-methyl] tetracycline (XW630) showing anti-osteoporosis activity is a new compound with piperazine-tetracycline in the steroid structure of estrone. The affinity of XW630 with uterine estrogen receptor and its estrogenic activity were studied in this paper. The relative affinities of estrone, estradiol and XW630 with estrogen receptor (ER) of the uterine myoma tissues were found to be 0.325, 1.000 and 0.011, respectively, by the competitive assay. The estrogenic activity index of estrone, estradiol and XW630 were shown to be 9.70, 10.30 and 6.90, respectively, by the uterine weight assay using immature mice. These indexes indicate that: the estrogenic activity of XW630 is about 1/1960 that of estrone and 1/7742 that of estradiol. The vaginal smear assay of oophorectomized mice also showed that the estrogenic activity of XW630 is less than that of estrone and estradiol.

[Bio-mechanical property changes of long bone in ovariectomized goats]

This paper presents the biomechanical property changes of long bone in goats at 180 days after ovariectomy. 10 female goats at the age of 1.5 +/- years(average body wight 22 kg) were randomly divided into the control group and ovariectomized group. These goats were sacrificed at 180 days after ovariectomy and the femora, tibiae, metatarsus, humeri, radius and metacarpus were taken out bilaterally. The structural mechanical properties of these bones were measured with the three-point bending method. The material mechanical properties of flexura, compress and tensile in the compact bone specimens taken from the two broken ends were also measured. The results showed that the bone density, bone thickness in broken ends, and the break load of three-point bending for the long bones in the OVX group were obviously lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). And compared with the control group all the long bones in the OVX group, except the femur, had significantly lower ultimate bending strength, bending elastic modulus; ultimate flexural strength, flexural elastic modulus; ultimate compressing strength, and compressing elastic moduus. Some long bones in the OVX group had significantly decreased ultimate tensile strength (P < 0.05). These indicated that the mechanical properties of long bone in OVX group at 180 days after ovariectomy were reduced in varying degrees and were liable to fracture. This result is in accord with the clinical findings in osteoporosis resulting from post-menopausal estrogen fall and is also consistent with the osteoporotic model of ovariectomized rats. The authors conclude that the bone biomechanical properties are important parameters in assessing osteoporosis and the ovariectomized goat can possible be a good big animal model of osteoporosis.

[Synthesis and antiosteoporosis activity of steroid-bisphosphonate compounds]

Bisphosphonate have bone-seeking affinity, some of them are used as drugs for osteoporosis. Steroidal hormones are often used in prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. In order to search for bone-targeted leading compounds with high affinity and low toxicity, seven steroid-bisphosphonate compounds were synthesized. These compounds were found to promote bone formation in bone cell culture.

[Clinical experience with iron supplementation in pregnancy]

OBJECTIVE

To study the efficacy of iron supplementation during pregnancy and its influences on the outcome of pregnancy.

METHODS

A total of 369 pregnant women were enrolled in this study. According to the hemoglbin levels at recruitment, there were 2 groups: preventive (Hb > or = 110 g/L) and treatment (Hb < 110 g/L) groups. In the preventive group, women entered the study from 20-24 gestational weeks and were randomly assigned to materna treatment (n = 96) who took materna 1 tablet daily or control group (n = 95) who took no other supplementation. In the treatment groups, women less than 36 gestational weeks were accepted. They were randomly divided as materna (n = 93) 1 tablet/d, ferrous sulfate 0.3 g tid/d (n = 50) or Ferroids 1 tablet/d (n = 35) groups. Both Hb and serum ferritin concentrations were determined at admission and immediately after delivery. In some cases serum ferritin in the umbilical vein were measured as well. Hemoglobin levels were examined every 4 weeks during the observational period.

RESULTS

In the preventive groups, maternal serum ferritin levels after materna treatment were significantly higher than that before treatment and the control group (P < 0.05). As for the anemia women, compared the serum ferritin concentration, materna treatment had significantly higher levels than that at admission (P < 0.05), and also higher than that in the ferrous sulfate or ferroids tratment groups (P < 0.05). The s-ferritin in the umbilical vein had no correlation with the paired maternal levels. There were no significant differences in the pregnancy outcomes among all the groups.

CONCLUSION

Materna can increase the iron storage and effectively improve the iron deficiency during pregnancy, and has no impact on the prgnancy outcomes.

[A biomechanical evaluation of the effects of XW630 on the healing of experimental fracture]

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether tetracycline-estrone (XW630) plays a role in the healing of fracture. 120 rabbits were divided into 4 groups and subjected to osteotomies at the middle of both radials, and they were given XW630, estrone (E2), tetracycline (T) and 0.9% sodium chloride (C) respectively after operation by means of intramuscular injection (M) or local injection(L) in the fracture region. The biomechanical properties, including bending and compression, and the biochemical changes were tested at 30 days, 60 days and 90 days after osteotomy. The results showed that the bending stress and compression stress in the XW630(M) group were significantly higher than those in other groups at different periods after osteotomy. At 30 days after osteotomy, the bending ultimate stress in the XW630(M) group was 80% higher than that in group C, 76% higher than that in group E2, and 69% higher than that in group T. At 90 days after osteotomy, the bending ultimate stress in XW630(M) group increased to 80% of that of the normal radius, and it was 30% higher than that of group C, 34% higher than that of group E2 and 19.5% higher than that of group T. The biochemical changes corresponded with the changes biomechanical properties. These data suggest that XW630 given by intramuscular injection plays an obvious role in accelerating the healing of fracture. The medicine given by intramuscular injection is obviously more effective than that locally injected.

[Bone histomorphometric changes in ovariectomized goat at different time courses]

Using histopatholoical method, we investigated the bone histomorphometric changes in ovariectomied goats at different time courses. Eight goats, female, aged one and a half years, were randomly divided into two groups, the control and the ovariectomy (OVX). Iliac crest biopsies were separately processed before ovariectomy and at 60 days, 120 days and 180 days after ovariectomy. The histomorphometric changes were observed. It was found that the bone structure in trabecular bone remained relatively constant in the control group throughout the whole study. In contrast, the trabecular quantity was slightly decreased and the trabeculae were disconnected in OVX at 60 days after ovariectomy. The bone structure was characterized by the thinning of the trabeculae, the further discontinuance and quantity loss of trabeculae, and the anlargement of marrow cavity at 120 days to 180 days after ovariectomy. Apparently, these bone structural changes manifested with typical osteopenia pathological changes. Our results may serve as a basis for the design of further studies using OVX goat as an animal model for postmenopausal osteoporosis.

[Primary study on the use of ovariectomized rabbits for establishment of osteoporosis model]

Purebred New Zealand female rabbits were used in this study for demonstrating the feasibility of establishing rabbit's primary osteoporosis model. Bilateral ovariectomies were performed. Five to eight months after operation, we observed the BMD, weight, hair colour and living condition of the model. After killing the rabbits, we made biomechanical detection and pathologic histomorphometry using the bones. The weight of bone ash, the content of calcium and phosphorus, and the weight of metra were determined. The results showed that BMD, bone bending stress, weight of bone ash, content of calcium and phosphorus in ash, and weight of metra all decreased (P < 0.05); the number of trabecula decreased and the bone cortex became thinner. All these parameters evidenced the primary founding of rabbit's osteoporosis model. This research provides a basis for studying the pathogenesis of primary osteoporosis and evaluating the efficacy of pharmacotherapy.

[Cloning and expression in Escherichia coli of an alkaline and thermostable exolipase from Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes]

A gene coding for an alkaline and thermostable exolipase of Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes was cloned into Escherichia coli LE392 by inserting Sau3 AI-generated DNA fragments into the BamHI site of pIJ285. Four colonies with esterase and lipase activities on the tributyrin agar plate were isolated by screening the constructed pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes genomic library. Only one out of the four positive colonies showed lipase activity on the agar plate contatining olive oil and Rhodamine-B. Subclones of the 45 kb insert carrying lipase gene was obtained in E. coli HB101 using pUC118 as a vector, two of which (HB101 (pHZ1402) and HB101 (pHZ1403)), retained lipase activity, but the level seems to be different. They carried 3.0 kb and 2.9 kb inserts with a 2 kb overlapping sequence. The lipase activity of HB101 (pHZ1403) is about 4 times higher than that of HB101 (pHZ1402), as 5 times as that of original strain P. pseudoalcaligenes.

US extended-field-of-view imaging technology

PURPOSE

To develop an ultrasound (US) extended-field-of-view scanning technique that combines the convenience of a real-time scanner with the spatial advantages of a static B-mode scanner and provides a panoramic image in real time without position sensors or cumbersome articulated arms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An image-registration-based position-sensing technique was used to track probe motion and reconstruct a large composite image during real-time scanning. The probe motion (translation and rotation) was estimated by combining multiple local motion vectors. This computationally intensive process required a special programmable image processor.

RESULTS

Large, resolution-preserved composite images up to 60 cm long were obtained. Measurement accuracy as determined with phantom experiments was better than 5%. The method could be applied to any probe or image format.

CONCLUSION

In addition to providing a panoramic image to expand diagnostic capabilities, extended-field-of-view US provides a more easily interpretable image and is an effective cross-specialty communication tool.