Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) attenuate Th17 cell differentiation in CIA mice via inhibition of nuclear PKM2-mediated STAT3 phosphorylation

CONTEXT

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease with aberrant Th17 cell differentiation. Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F. H. Chen (Araliaceae) saponins (PNS) have an anti-inflammatory effect and can suppress Th17 cell differentiation.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate mechanisms of PNS on Th17 cell differentiation in RA, and the role of pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Naive CD4⁺T cells were treated with IL-6, IL-23 and TGF-β to induce Th17 cell differentiation. Apart from the Control group, other cells were treated with PNS (5, 10, 20 μg/mL). After the treatment, Th17 cell differentiation, PKM2 expression, and STAT3 phosphorylation were measured via flow cytometry, western blots, or immunofluorescence. PKM2-specific allosteric activator (Tepp-46, 50, 100, 150 μM) and inhibitor (SAICAR, 2, 4, 8 μM) were used to verify the mechanisms. A CIA mouse model was established and divided into control, model, and PNS (100 mg/kg) groups to assess an anti-arthritis effect, Th17 cell differentiation, and PKM2/STAT3 expression.

RESULTS

PKM2 expression, dimerization, and nuclear accumulation were upregulated upon Th17 cell differentiation. PNS inhibited the Th17 cells, RORγt expression, IL-17A levels, PKM2 dimerization, and nuclear accumulation and Y705-STAT3 phosphorylation in Th17 cells. Using Tepp-46 (100 μM) and SAICAR (4 μM), we demonstrated that PNS (10 μg/mL) inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation and Th17 cell differentiation by suppressing nuclear PKM2 accumulation. In CIA mice, PNS attenuated CIA symptoms, reduced the number of splenic Th17 cells and nuclear PKM2/STAT3 signaling.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

PNS inhibited Th17 cell differentiation through the inhibition of nuclear PKM2-mediated STAT3 phosphorylation. PNS may be useful for treating RA.

[Research progress in the diagnosis of primary vitreoretinal lymphoma]

Primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (PVRL), the most prevalent intraocular lymphoma, is a subtype of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) that often clinically mimics uveitis. It is a rare intraocular malignancy characterized by a dismal prognosis. The gold standard for PVRL diagnosis remains cytopathological examination. Additionally, auxiliary tests, such as clonal detection of tumor cells and cytokine analysis, have been employed. Moreover, recent years have witnessed the gradual development of novel molecular biomarkers and detection techniques. To optimize diagnostic strategies for PVRL patients, a comprehensive approach that integrates clinical manifestations, cytological examination, immunological assessment, and molecular biology analysis is indispensable. This article provides a comprehensive review of recent advancements in the diagnosis of primary vitreoretinal lymphoma.

Tomentosin suppressed M1 polarization via increasing MERTK activation mediated by regulation of GAS6

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Xanthium sibiricum Patrin ex Widder (X. sibiricum) are widely used traditional herbal medicines for arthritis treatment in China. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by progressive destructions of joints, which is accompanied by chronic, progressive inflammatory disorder. According to our previous research, tomentosin was isolated from X. sibiricum and revealed anti-inflammatory activity. However, the potential therapeutic effect of tomentosin on RA and the anti-inflammatory mechanism of tomentosin remain to be clarified. The present study lays theoretical support for X. sibiricum in RA treatment, also provides reference for further development of X. sibiricum in clinic.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the effect of tomentosin in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice and reveal its underlying mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vivo, tomentosin (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) was given to CIA mice for seven consecutive days, to evaluate its therapeutic effect and anti-inflammatory activity. In vitro, THP-1-derived macrophages were used to verify the effect of tomentosin on inflammation. Then, molecular docking and experiments in vitro was conducted to predict and explore the mechanism of tomentosin inhibiting inflammation.

RESULTS

Tomentosin attenuated the severity of arthritis in CIA mice, which was evidenced by the swelling of the hind paws, arthritis scores, and pathological changes. Particularly, tomentosin effectively reduced the ratio of M1 macrophage and TNF-α levels in vitro and vivo. Then, molecular docking and experiments in vitro was carried out, indicating that tomentosin inhibited M1 polarization and TNF-α levels accompanied by the increase of MERTK and up-regulated GAS6 levels. Moreover, it has been proved that GAS6 was necessary for MERTK activation and tomentosin could up-regulate GAS6 levels effectively in transwell system. Further mechanistic studies revealed that tomentosin suppressed M1 polarization via increasing MERTK activation mediated by regulation of GAS6 in transwell system.

CONCLUSION

Tomentosin relieved the severity of CIA mice by inhibiting M1 polarization. Furthermore, tomentosin suppressed M1 polarization via increasing MERTK activation mediated by regulation of GAS6.

[Research progress of medication treatment of pediatric noninfectious uveitis]

Pediatric uveitis accounts for 5% to 10% of all uveitis, most of which are noninfectious. Most cases have an insidious onset and are accompanied by many complications, which may lead to poor prognosis and intractable treatment. At present, traditional drugs that are commonly employed to treat pediatric noninfectious uveitis include local and systemic corticosteroids, methotrexate and other immunosuppressants. In recent years, the application of various biological agents has provided new means for the treatment of this kind of disease. This article reviews the progress of medication treatment of pediatric noninfectious uveitis.

MicroRNA-143-3p ameliorates collagen-induced arthritis by polarizing naive CD4+ T cells into Treg cells

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a persistent and systemic autoimmunity disease. The abnormal differentiation of Treg cells is important in pathogenesis. Despite previous studies showed that microRNAs (miRNAs, miR) are pivotal modulators of Treg cells, the effect of miRNAs on Treg cell differentiation and function is not clear. Our study wants to reveal the relationship of miR-143-3p with the differentiative ability and biofunction of Treg cells during the development of RA.

METHODS

The Expressing level of miR-143-3p and cell factor generation in peripheral blood (PB) of RA sufferers were identified by ELISA or RT-qPCR. The roles of miR-143-3p in Treg cell differentiation were studied via ShRNA/lentivirus transfection. Male DBA/1 J mice were separated into control, model, control mimics, and miR-143-3p mimics groups to analyze the anti-arthritis efficacy, the differentiative ability of Treg cells, and the expression level of miR-143-3p.

RESULTS

Our team discovered that the Expressing level of miR-143-3p was related to RA disease activities in a negative manner, and remarkably related to antiinflammation cell factor IL-10. In vitro, the expression of miR-143-3p in the CD4⁺ T cells upregulated the percentage of CD4⁺ CD25⁺ Fxop3⁺ cells (Tregs) and forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3) mRNA expression. Evidently, miR-143-3p mimic intervention considerably upregulated the content of Treg cells in vivo, validly avoided CIA progression, and remarkably suppressed the inflammatory events of joints in mice.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicated that miR-143-3p could ameliorate CIA through polarizing naive CD4⁺ T cells into Treg cells, which may be a novel strategy to treat autoimmune diseases such as RA.

Triptolide inhibits Th17 differentiation via controlling PKM2-mediated glycolysis in rheumatoid arthritis

CONTEXT

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease with the aberrant differentiation of T helper 17 (Th17) cells. Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), a key enzyme of glycolysis, was associated with Th17 cell differentiation.

AIM

To investigate the potential therapeutic effects of triptolide (TP) in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and Th17 cell differentiation, and elucidated the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

PKM2 expression and IL-17A production in peripheral blood of RA patients were detected by RT-qPCR or ELISA. Flow cytometry and ELISA were employed to assess the effect of Th17 cell differentiation by TP. PKM2 expression and other glycolysis-related factors were detected using RT-qPCR and Western Blot. PKM2 specific inhibitor Compound 3 K was used to verify the mechanisms. Male DBA/1J mice were divided into control, model, and TP (60 μg/kg) groups to assess the anti-arthritis effect, Th17 cell differentiation and PKM2 expression.

RESULTS

PKM2 expression positively correlated with IL-17A production in RA patients. PKM2 expression was increased upon Th17 cell differentiation. Down-regulating PKM2 expression could strongly reduce Th17 cell differentiation. Molecular docking analysis predicted that TP targeted PKM2. TP treatment significantly reduced Th17 cell differentiation, PKM2 expression, pyruvate, and lactate production. In addition, compared with down-regulating PKM2 alone (Compound 3 K treatment), co-treatment with TP and Compound 3 K further significantly decreased PKM2-mediated glycolysis and Th17 cell differentiation. In CIA mice, TP repressed the PKM2-mediated glycolysis and attenuated joint inflammation.

CONCLUSION

TP inhibited Th17 cell differentiation through the inhibition of PKM2-mediated glycolysis. We highlight a novel strategy for the use of TP in RA treatment.

MicroRNA-26b-5p alleviates murine collagen-induced arthritis by modulating Th17 cell plasticity

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease, and the abnormal differentiation of IL-17-producing T helper (Th17) cells is an important factor in the pathogenesis. Previous studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs, miR) act as key regulators of Th17 cells. However, the effects of miRNAs on Th17 cell differentiation and plasticity in RA are not clear. In this study, not only low miR-26b-5p expression and high IL-17A level were observed in the peripheral blood of RA patients, but also the negative correlation between miR-26b-5p and IL-17A was explored. The changes in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice were consistent with those in RA patients. The results of in vitro experiments showed that miR-26b-5p mainly inhibited the initial differentiation of Th17 cells but did not impact the differentiation of induced-Treg into Th17-like cells. Meanwhile, miR-26b-5p mimics treatment alleviated inflammatory responses and reduced Th17 proportion in CIA mice. These results indicated that miR-26b-5p could alleviate the development of mice CIA by inhibiting the excessive Th17 cells, and that miR-26b-5p could modulate the plasticity of Th17 cell differentiation in RA, mainly block the initial differentiation. This may provide a novel strategy for the clinical treatment of RA.

[Current research on cytokine gene single nucleotide polymorphisms of Behcet's syndrome]

Behcet's syndrome (BS) is characterized by systemic vasculitis with unknown etiology. There is evidence that more than one mechanism underlies the pathogenesis of BS, involving genetic factors and environmental stimuli. Although human leucocyte antigen-B51 is by far the most strongly associated genetic factor to BS, it accounts for less than 20% of the genetic risk, which indicates that other genetic factors remain to be discovered. Cytokines are signal molecules of the immune system which modulate the inflammatory process of nearly all immune response. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of cytokine gene have been associated with BS in many studies, involving T helper cell 1-type cytokines, interleukin 1 cytokine, interleukin 17 and chemotactic cytokine. The impact of different SNPs on BS varies, most of which affect the risk of disease, while the remaining affect the phenotype, the cumulative effect of these minor genes (SNPs) might be the genetic mechanisms of BS pathogenesis. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2020, 56: 876-880).

[Effect of low dose ionizing radiation on peripheral blood cells of radiation workers in nuclear power industry]

Objective: To investigate the effects of long-term ionizing radiation on peripheral blood cells of nuclear power workers. Methods: In March 2019, a total of 530 radiation exposed workers in the nuclear power industry who underwent in-service radiation occupational health examination in Guangzhou occupational disease prevention and control hospital in 2018 and with service age ≥1 year were selected as the radiation group. At the same time, 545 workers in nuclear power industry were selected as control group. According to the methods and requirements of GBZ 235-2011 ＂technical specification for occupational health monitoring of radiation workers＂ and GBZ 98-2017 ＂health requirements for radiation workers＂, the occupational health monitoring data were collected, and the change rules of peripheral blood cells in the two groups were analyzed. Results: Compared with the control group, the total number of WBC, NEUT, LYMP, Hb, MCV and MCHC in radiation group were lower than those in control group (P<0.05) , and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . The MPV increased significantly (P<0.05) . Compared with the control group, the abnormal rate of WBC and Hb in the radiation group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.01) , but there was no significant difference in the abnormal rate of RBC and PLT (P>0.05) . Conclusion: Low dose ionizing radiation has a certain cumulative damage effect on peripheral blood cells of radiation workers in nuclear power industry. The change rules of different cell subtypes are different, and the changes of WBC and PLT appear earlier.

[Clinical features of patients with Behcet's uveitis]

Objective: To characterize the clinical features of patients with Behcet's uveitis. Methods: Retrospective case series study. Medical records of patients who were diagnosed as Behcet's uveitis in Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 1998 and November 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Information about the clinical manifestation, complication, best corrected visual acuity (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) and medication was collected. The correlation of visual acuity and the disease course, as well as inflammation relapse times before and after biological agents applied was analyzed. Chi square test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were applied for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 132 patients (233 eyes) with Behcet's uveitis were included, among which 104 (78.8%) were male and 28 (21.2%) were female, with statistically significant difference (χ(2)=43.76, P<0.01). The average age at the onset of uveitis was (28.9±8.7) years, with most patients at 21-40 years (102 cases, 77.3%). Oral aphthae (132 cases, 100.0%) were the most frequent extraocular manifestations, followed by dermatologic lesions (103 cases, 78.0%), genital ulcers (90 cases, 68.2%), arthritis (44 cases, 33.3%) and positive pathergy test (39 cases, 29.5%). Ocular involvement was bilateral in 76.5% (101 cases) of the patients, and panuveitis was the most common type (110 cases, 83.3%). Complications were seen in 80.7% (188/233) of the eyes, with cataract (58.8%, 137/233) and macular edema (59.1%, 114/193) being the most common anterior and posterior segment complications, respectively. At the eighth year of uveitis, best corrected visual acuity decreased to less than 0.3 in 20.9% (9/43) of the eyes, and more than 1.0 in 39.5% (17/43) of the eyes. A combination of glucocorticoids and immune modulators remained the first line therapy (97.0%, 128/132) for Behcet's uveitis. For 16 refractory cases, an addition of biological agents significantly reduced the inflammation relapse [0.5 (0.0, 1.5) times per year vs. 4.0 (1.0, 5.5) times per year, Z=-2.81, P=0.005]. Conclusions: Behcet's uveitis mainly affects working-age males and manifests as bilateral panuveitis. Complications are commonly seen in uveitic eyes. Patients' visual acuity is significantly impaired. A combination of glucocorticoids and immune modulators is effective for most patients, but for refractory cases, an addition of biological agents provides better effects. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2020, 56: 217-223).

Sensitive and Selective Liquid-Chromatographic Assay of Fluoxetine and Norfluoxetine in Plasma with Fluorescence Detection After Precolumn Derivatization

We determined fluoxetine (Prozac) and its major metabolite norfluoxetine in plasma by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. After liquid-liquid extraction from 1 mL of plasma, the extract was derivatized at room temperature with dansyl chloride, and the highly fluorescent derivatives were chromatographed with a reversed-phase C18 column and a mobile phase of phosphate buffer and acetonitrile. Dansylated fluoxetine, norfluoxetine, and the internal standard were eluted in less than 14 min with no interference from endogenous material. The calibration curve was linear over the concentration range 25-800 micrograms/L with inter- and intra-assay imprecision (CV) of less than 10%. Validity of the assay was checked by comparing results for 110 patients' samples with those by a liquid-chromatographic method with ultraviolet detection (r = 0.993 for fluoxetine, 0.957 for norfluoxetine). The identity of the dansylated derivatives was verified by positive chemical ionization mass spectroscopy. The lower limit of detection was approximately 3 micrograms/L. Because no major antidepressant, neuroleptic, or respective drug metabolites interfere with the quantification of fluoxetine and norfluoxetine, this is a useful procedure for pharmacokinetic studies and in clinical settings.

[Optical coherence tomography angiography of acute Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease]

Objective: To measure vascular density in retinal and choroidal capillary layers by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and to explore their potential clinical values in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease (VKH). Methods: This is a cross-sectional case-control study. Twenty-one acute VKH cases presented to Peking Union Medical College Hospital between April 2015 and July 2015 and 49 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. OCTA was performed with a split-spectrum amplitude-decorrelation angiography-optical coherence tomography (SSADA-OCT) system borrowed from Optovue Inc. Vascular densities of the capillary layers were analyzed by the built-in software. Bilateral independent sample t-test was used to compare retinal and choroidal vascular density of eyes in acute phase VKH with healthy controls. Spearman correlation test was used to analyze the correlation between the vascular density of retina and choroid in acute phase VKH and LogMAR best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Results: Mean vascular density of superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP) and choriocapillaris (CC) in eyes of the acute VKH group were statistically lower than those of healthy control group (51.56%±2.88%, 56.51%±2.31%, 58.14%±2.10% vs. 53.55%±2.51%, 58.14%±2.10%, 58.14%±2.10%, t=-3.890, 3.910,-6.554, all 3 P values were<0.01). In VKH patients, eyes with retinal detachment (RD) had statistically lower mean vascular density in the CC layer than those without (NRD) (63.46%±2.19% vs. 65.85%±1.79%, t=3.890, P<0.01), while no statistically significant differences were found in vascular densities of SCP and DCP layers between RD and NRD eyes. Spearman's correlation test revealed a negative correlation between vascular density of the CC layer and logMAR BCVA(r=-0.437, P<0.01), while no statistically significant associations were found between logMAR BCVA and vascular densities of SCP and DCP. Conclusions: OCTA can be used for quantitative detection of vascular density of retina and choroidal capillary in acute VKH. There is circulatory disturbance in SCP, DCP and CC of acute VKH. Vascular density of CC is associated with visual acuity and retinal detachment. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2017, 53: 735-739).

[The presentations of uveitis on OCTA images and interpretations]

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) can reflect the vascular morphological changes of various types of uveitis, including flow void, hypoperfusion, capillary abnormalities, capillary network disorders and choroidal neovascularization. Moreover, OCTA is featured of particular quantification functions, such as measurement of the areas of foveal avascular zone, choroidal neovascularization, vascular density and flow index. Despite certain limitations, its characteristics of non-invasiveness and capabilities of depicting vascular details are helpful to the observation and follow-up of uveitis. As current interpretation of the OCTA images for uveitis is not thorough enough, hence further analysis of the images is needed to improve its application on uveitis. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2019, 55: 392-396).

[Clinical features of glucocorticoid eye drops induced ocular hypertension in pediatric and adult uveitic eyes]

Objective: To investigate the clinical features of glucocorticoid eye drops induced ocular hypertension in pediatric and adult uveitic eyes. Methods: Retrospective survey of consecutive uveitic patients attending referral service at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from March 2013 to August 2017. Incidences of glucocorticoid eye drops induced ocular hypertension were compared between the pediatric and adult uveitic groups. The clinical patterns of 1% prednisolone acetate eye drops induced ocular hypertension in pediatric and adult uveitic eyes were also investigated. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test and the χ(2) test. Results: The clinical data of 1 138 uveitic eyes [677 patients; 331 males and 346 females; mean age (31±16) years]receiving corticosteroid eye drops were reviewed, among which 246 eyes (143 patients) had pediatric uveitis and 892 eyes (534 patients) had adult uveitis. The incidence of glucocorticoid eye drops induced ocular hypertension was higher in pediatric eyes (39.8%, 98/246) as compared to adults (29.1%, 260/892) (χ(2)=9.880, P=0.002). One hundred and thirty eyes (75 patients) with 1% prednisolone acetate induced ocular hypertension were included in the clinical pattern analysis, including 49 [28 patients; 15 males and 13 females; mean age (11±3) years] pediatric and 81 [47 patients; 22 males and 25 females;mean age (34±12) years] adult uveitic eyes. No differences were found in daily doses of 1% prednisolone acetate between the pediatric group [4.60 (3.46, 5.36) drops/day] and the adult group [4.00 (3.30, 4.88) drops/day; Z=-1.675, P=0.094]. But the duration of medication in pediatric eyes [4.71 (2.79, 6.36) weeks] was significantly shorter as compared to the adults [6.00 (4.86, 9.00) weeks; Z=-3.446, P<0.001]. The intraocular pressure (IOP) was 26.00 (24.00, 31.00) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) in pediatric uveitic eyes and 26.00 (23.30, 31.15) mmHg in the adults, which showed no statistical significance (Z=-0.231,P=0.818). To achieve effective IOP control, 79.6% (39/49) of pediatric and 54.3% (44/81) of adult eyes received IOP-lowering drug therapy (χ(2)=8.447,P=0.004). And during the follow-up, the withdrawal rate of IOP-lowering drugs was much lower in pediatric eyes (48.7%, 19/39) as compared to the adult group (72.7%, 32/44) (χ(2)=5.031, P=0.025). Conclusion: Compared with adult patients with uveitis, children with uveitis are more prone to IOP elevation, which is more difficult to control after the use of glucocorticoid eye drops. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 839-842).

[The diagnostic investigations should be efficient for patients with uveitis]

Uveitis is a common and etiologically complex disease. The diagnosis of uveitis is mainly based on clinical findings, and no ancillary test is needed for diagnosis of the most common uveitis entities in China. Ancillary tests, however, are needed to identify the underlying cause when the clinical presentation points to some specific disease entity, and when infectious uveitis or masquerade syndrome is suspected. A variety of ophthalmic imaging techniques and laboratory tests analyzing blood or intraocular fluid are currently available for etiological identification in uveitis as well as for disease follow-up. When these tests are considered, the less invasive, expensive and time-consuming ones should be chosen. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2017, 53: 721-723).

[The fundus manifestations and SD-OCT findings of patients with acute Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease]

Objective: To conclude the characteristics of fundus appearance and spectral domain optical coherence tomography(SD-OCT) findings of patients with acute Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease. Methods: The clinical data of 17 patients (34 eyes) diagnosed of acute VKH in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from Jan. 2012 to Dec. 2014 were studied retrospectively.Examinations included visual acuity, slit lamp, fundus, color fundus pictures, FFA and SD-OCT. Results: Eight men and 9 women were enrolled with mean age of (40.5±11.6) years old ranging from 26.0 to 62.0 years old. Vision acuity of their first consultations were as follows: 14 eyes (41.2%) were below 0.01-0.09, 17 eyes(50%) were among 0.1-0.3, 3 eyes (8.8%) were among 0.4-0.7. All patients were divided into 3 groups according to their fundus appearance: 14 eyes (41.2%) were optic disc swelling-type, 10 eyes (29.4%) were retinal detachment type and 10 eyes(29.4%)were mixed type. Subretinal fluid and serous retinal detachment appears in SD-OCT of all 34 eyes, with highly reflective signals in detached area. Other common characters were also noticeable, suh as RPE folds(19 eyes, 55.9%), subretinal septa (16 eyes, 47.1%) and internal limiting membrane(ILM) fluctuation (8 eyes, 23.5%). In addition, SD-OCT features were in accordance with multilobular dye pooling at late period of FFA. Conclusion: SD-OCT of acute VKH presents some typical features: subretinal fluid and serous retinal detachment, RPE folds, ILM fluctuation, and subretinal septa.(Chin J Ophthalmol, 2017, 53: 436-439).

[Clinical features, risk factors and progresses on treatment of recurrent Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease]

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease(VKH) is a bilateral, granulomatous panuveitis associated with central nervous system, auditory, and integumentary manifestations. Clinically, VKH usually responds well to early aggressive glucocorticosteroid treatment and may be cured without any clinically significant sequelae. Some patients, however, may enter the chronic recurrent phase, which may result in marked loss of vision due to complications such as complicated cataract, secondary glaucoma and maculopathy. Recurrent VKH is mainly characterized by anterior uveitis associated with thickening of the choroid. Initial poor visual acuity, severe anterior chamber reaction, choroidal folds,rapid tapering of systemic corticosteroids or inadequate duration of treatment, and development of extraocular manifestations may be risk factors of disease recurrence. Prolonged glucocorticosteroid treatment has been suggested as effective strategy for recurrence of VKH. The positive effects of other immunosuppressive agents and biologic agents on treatment of chronic recurrent and refractory VKH have been gradually recognized by the uveitis community. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2017, 53: 317-320).

Reference gene selection for gene expression studies in lily using quantitative real-time PCR

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is an important technology used to analyze gene-expression levels. Reference genes, which are assumed to be expressed consistently across various developmental stages and in different tissues, were selected for expression level analysis. Using digital gene expression technology, we selected nine reference genes (18S, EF, CYCOL, SAND, GAPDH, ACTIN, BHLH, TIP, and Clathrin) as candidate reference genes for further study. Using three different analysis methods (GeNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper), a total of 144 lily (Lilium x formolongi "Raizan 3") samples were analyzed. The samples were collected from four different tissues under various developmental stages. In addition, leaves treated with different plant hormones were collected and analyzed. The data showed that the stability of the nine reference genes differed among samples, but TIP, EF, Clathrin, and BHLH could be identified as the most stable genes overall. In addition, the relative expression level of LfFT in different lily tissues with the competence to flower was also analyzed to verify the selected reference genes. This study constitutes an important source for selecting reference genes when analyzing the expression patterns of flowering time and floral development regulation genes in lily cultivars.

Infection of HeLa cells by avian infectious bronchitis virus is dependent on cell status

To investigate the adaptation of avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) in a human cell line may be beneficial to understanding the potential mechanisms of coronavirus interspecies infection. The current study addressed the poor replication of IBV in the HeLa human cell line demonstrated in previous reports. We showed that IBV strains M41, H52, H120 and Gray could be propagated in HeLa cells with distinct cytopathic effect. The virus titre in freshly dispersed HeLa cells was 1000-fold higher than in cell monolayers. Trypsin was not the determinant for the viral replication, suggesting that the restriction of IBV replication in HeLa cells is the result of intracellular events rather than the binding to or fusion with host cells. These IBV strains replicated to an average titre of 10(3.4+/-0.2)/0.1 ml median tissue culture infectious doses in freshly dispersed HeLa cells and maintained this titre for the first 12 passages. Then an approximately 10-fold increase (10(4.20+/-0.19)/0.1 ml) occurred in passage 13, which was maintained to passage 16, after which there was another, bigger rise to 10(6.6+/-0.3)/0.1 ml in passage 17. This titre was maintained until passage 24 when the experiment was terminated. The IBV M41 S1 gene was amplified and sequenced for passages 0, 5 and 21. There was only one amino acid replacement in the S1 protein, in passage 21. The presence of sialic acid on HeLa cells contributed to efficient virus replication, while human aminopeptidase N was not involved in the infection. Haemagglutinin activity gradually reduced with increased passages. These results indicated that the virus adaptation would probably be determined by host cell modification such as receptor glycosylation and different receptor utilization instead of viral gene mutation.

Relative quantification and detection of different types of infectious bursal disease virus in bursa of Fabricius and cloacal swabs using real time RT-PCR SYBR green technology

In present study, different types of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), virulent strain DK01, classic strain F52/70 and vaccine strain D78 were quantified and detected in infected bursa of Fabricius (BF) and cloacal swabs using quantitative real time RT-PCR with SYBR green dye. For selection of a suitable internal control gene, real time PCR parameters were evaluated for three candidate genes, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), 28S rRNA and beta-actin to IBDVs. Based on this beta-actin was selected as an internal control for quantification of IBDVs in BF. All BF samples with D78, DK01 or F52/70 inoculation were detected as virus positive at day 1 post inoculation (p.i.). The D78 viral load peaked at day 4 and day 8 p.i., while the DK01 and F52/70 viral load showed relatively high levels at day 2 p.i. In cloacal swabs, viruses detectable were at day 2 p.i. for DK01 and F52/70, day 8 p.i. for D78. Importantly, the primers set were specific as the D78 primer set gave no amplification of F52/70 and DK01 and the DK01 primer set gave no amplification of D78, thus DK01 and D78 could be quantified simultaneously in dually infected chickens by use of these two set of primers. The method described here is robust and may sever as a useful tool with high capacity for diagnostics as well as in viral pathogenesis studies.

Transcriptional profiles of chicken embryo cell cultures following infection with infectious bursal disease virus

Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) is the causative agent of infectious bursal disease in chickens and causes a significant economic loss for the poultry industry. Little is understood about the mechanism involved in the host responses to IBDV infection. For better understanding the IBDV-host interaction, we measured steady-state levels of transcripts from 28 cellular genes of chicken embryo (CE) cell cultures infected with IBDV vaccine stain Bursine-2 during a 7-day infection course by use of the quantitative real-time RT-PCR SYBR green method. Of the genes tested, 21 genes (IRF-1, IFN 1-2 promoter, IFNAR-1, IRF-10, IFN-gamma, 2',5'-OAS, IAP-1, caspase 8, TRAIL-like, STAT-3, IL-6, IL-8, MIP-3 alpha, MHC-I, MHC-II, TVB, GLVR-1, OTF, IL-13R alpha, ST3GAL-VI and PGK) showed an increased expression. The remaining seven genes (IFNAR-2, IFN-alpha, NF-kappaB subunit p65, BLRcp38, DDX1, G6PDH and UB) showed a constant expression or only slight alteration. Apparently, the host genes involved in pro-inflammatory response and apoptosis, interferon-regulated proteins, and the cellular immune response were affected by IBDV infection, indicating involvement in the complex signaling pathways of host responses to the infection. This study thus contributes to the understanding of the pathogenesis of IBD and provides an insight into the virus-host interaction.

Comparison of the survival of human biopsied embryos after cryopreservation with four different methods using non-transferable embryos

BACKGROUND

The standard embryo cryopreservation method is still less than optimal for biopsied embryos. The aim of this study was to compare the survival of biopsied embryos cryopreserved with four different methods using non-transferable embryos.

METHODS

Abnormal embryos from one or three pronuclei and spare embryos of grade 3 and 4 were used for this study. Non-biopsied embryos were cryopreserved using the standard method as control. Biopsied embryos were cryopreserved using four methods as follows: standard method, modified freezing method, modified thawing method and vitrification. Blastomere survival and blastulation of frozen-thawed embryos were compared between the different methods.

RESULTS

The proportion of embryos with > or = 50% blastomere survival and total blastomere survival rate of biopsied embryos were significantly higher with vitrification than the other three methods. Both the modified freezing and modified thawing methods had significantly higher embryo survival and total blastomere survival rates than standard methods. However, there was no significant difference in blastulation of surviving embryos in all the five groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-transferable embryos derived from clinical IVF/ICSI are useful for evaluation of the optimal freezing procedures for biopsied embryos. Vitrification increases the survival rate of human biopsied embryos above standard and modified cryopreservation methods.

Assessment of genetic, antigenic and pathotypic criteria for the characterization of IBDV strains

The aim of this work was the selection and comparison of representative infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) strains. Nine strains of IBDV, isolated at different times and from different geographic regions of Europe and China, were characterized. Batches of all strains were prepared following standardized protocols and checked for the absence of contaminating viruses. Criteria used for their characterization were: (i) the nucleotide sequence of the VP2 variable region, (ii) binding to a panel of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies in antigen capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and (iii) virulence in specific pathogen free chickens after infection with a standardized number of median embryo infective doses. Based on the first two criteria, two of nine strains were classified as classical virulent (cv) IBDV (F52/70, Cu-1wt), and five as very virulent (vv) IBDV (849VB, 96108, HK46, GX, Harbin). Remarkably, although a clear-cut difference was demonstrable between European cvIBDV (F52/70 and Cu-1wt) and vvIBDV (849VB and 96108) strains, there was a continuum in the pathogenicity of Chinese vvIBDVs. Our results indicate the probable existence of differences in virulence within IBDV lineages determined on the basis of antigenic typing using monoclonal antibodies and the alignment of the VP2 sequences. This indicates limitations in the analysis of IBDV pathotypes based on the VP2 variable region and emphasizes that these criteria may not be sufficient for the classification of IBDV strains.

Rapid pathotyping of Newcastle disease virus from allantoic fluid and organs of experimentally infected chickens using two novel probes

A system including RNA isolation, primers and two novel oligonucleotide probes (NC22 and VC22) was established to rapidly pathotype Newcastle disease virus (NDV) from infected allantoic fluid; The sequence of the probes is: VC22, 5'-AAGGAGGCAGAAACGCTTTATA-3'; NC22, 5'-GGGGAGACAGG GGCGCCTTATA-3'. Application efficacy of the probes was verified by differentiating NDV that derived from experimentally infected organs. NC22 and VC22 both were labeled with digoxigenin (DIG) and were successful in differentiating NDV strains from the infected allantoic fluid and organs of experimentally infected SPF chickens. The RT-PCR products of NDV isolates and strains were dotted onto nylon membrane and then hybridized with two specific probes separately. The VC22 probe is specific to virulent strains, and the NC22 probe is specific to avirulent strains. The results of hybridization coincide with viral intracerebral pathologenicity index (ICPI). The specificity of two probes and sensitivity of NC22 probe were evaluated. NC22 could detect down to 10(-8) dilution from 10(7.5) EID(50)/ml or 800 fg of viral RNA. The system could be completed within 1 day to conduct experiment from clinical sample to the result of assay, and its potential practical application in clinical assay was discussed basing on specificity, sensitivity and rapidness.

Early stages of infectious bursal disease virus infection in chickens detected by in situ reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction

Two infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) strains were inoculated both intranasally and by eye drop into 5-week-old specific pathogen free chickens. The bursa, the liver, the kidney, the spleen, the thymus, the caecal tonsil and the thigh muscle were harvested at 4, 8, 16, 28, 40, 56, 72, 96 h post-inoculation (p.i.) for IBDV detection by in situ reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and, at the same time, the pathological changes in these tissues were investigated. A typical positive signal was detected in the liver, the kidney and the spleen of chickens inoculated with the very virulent IBDV H strain at 4 h p.i., but not in the thymus, the caecal tonsil or the thigh muscle until 8 h p.i. Virus was also found in the liver, the spleen, the kidney, the thymus, the caecal tonsils and the muscle of birds inoculated with the cell-adapted Ts strain at 4 h p.i. A positive signal was observed in the bursa later than in the other tissues. The signals increased markedly at 8 h p.i. A decrease in bursal lymphocytes was observed in haematoxylin and eosin stained sections at 28 h p.i. for the H strain and at 40 h p.i. for the Ts strain.

Immune modulation in suckling rat pups by a growth factor extract derived from milk whey

Oral tolerance to foreign enteral antigens is not fully developed in early neonatal life. Epidemiological evidence supports a role for maternal milk in the development of immune responses, including oral tolerance. Formula fed infants have an increased susceptibility to food allergy and the later development of autoimmune disease. This may relate to the lack in infant formula of growth factors found in maternal milk. Bovine milk contains proteins, growth factors and cytokines. Various studies have outlined the immune modulating potential of bovine milk-derived products. Fractionated whey extracts have therapeutic potential in disease states where there is an excessive inflammatory reaction, and disease preventive potential for infants who are not breast-fed. We have shown that daily oral administration of a growth factor-enriched fraction from milk whey to naturally suckling rat pups between days 4-9 postnatal can down-regulate immune activation to a specific orally administered food antigen, ovalbumin, assessed by lymphocyte proliferation. In addition, non-specific down-regulation in the intestine was observed as assessed by the expression of MHC I. Treatment of rat pups with whey extract at the time of oral sensitisation to ovalbumin also resulted in an increased secretion of TGF-beta into the culture supernatant of spleen cells incubated with specific antigen. TGF-beta is an immuno-down-regulatory cytokine involved in tolerance induction. Immune modulation by extracts derived from milk whey could be of potential benefit for formula-fed and pre-term infants in reducing susceptibility to inappropriate activation to food antigens.

CD40 and CD86 upregulation with divergent CMRF44 expression on blood dendritic cells in inflammatory bowel diseases

OBJECTIVE

Dendritic cells (DC) are the only antigen-presenting cells that can activate naïve T lymphocytes and initiate a primary immune response. They are also thought to have a role in immune tolerance. DC traffic from the blood to peripheral tissue where they become activated. They then present antigen and the costimulating signals necessary to initiate an immune response. In this study, we investigated the number, subsets, and activation pattern of circulating and intestinal DC from patients with clinically mild ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease.

METHODS

Patients were recruited, if they were not taking immunosuppressive therapy, and were assessed for clinical severity of their disease using for UC, the Clinical Activity Index, and for Crohn's disease, the Crohn's Disease Activity Index. Blood CD11c+ and CD11c- DC subsets, expression of costimulatory antigens, CD86 and CD40, and the early differentiation/activation antigen, CMRF44, were enumerated by multicolor flow cytometry of lineage negative (lin- = CD3-, CD19-, CD14-, CD16-) HLA-DR+ DC. These data were compared with age-matched healthy and the disease control groups of chronic noninflammatory GI diseases (cGI), acute noninflammatory GI diseases (aGI), and chronic non-GI inflammation (non-GI). In addition, cryostat sections of colonoscopic biopsies from healthy control patients and inflamed versus noninflamed gut mucosa of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients were examined for CD86+ and CD40+ lin- cells.

RESULTS

Twenty-one Crohn's disease and 25 UC patients, with mean Crohn's Disease Activity Index of 98 and Clinical Activity Index of 3.1, and 56 healthy controls, five cGI, five aGI, and six non-GI were studied. CD11c+ and CD11c- DC subsets did not differ significantly between Crohn's, UC, and healthy control groups. Expression of CD86 and CD40 on freshly isolated blood DC from Crohn's patients appeared higher (16.6%, 31%) and was significantly higher in UC (26.6%, 46.3%) versus healthy controls (5.5%, 25%) (p = 0.004, p = 0.012) and non-GI controls (10.2%, 22.8%) (p = 0.012, p = 0.008), but not versus cGI or aGI controls. CD86+ and CD40+ DC were also present in inflamed colonic and ileal mucosa from UC and Crohn's patients but not in noninflamed IBD mucosa or normal mucosa. Expression of the CMRF44 antigen was low on freshly isolated DC, but it was upregulated after 24-h culture on DC from all groups, although significantly less so on DC from UC versus Crohn's or healthy controls (p = 0.024). The CMRF44+ antigen was mainly associated with CD11c+ DC, and in UC was inversely related to the Clinical Activity Index (r = -0.69, p = 0.0002).

CONCLUSIONS

There is upregulation of costimulatory molecules on blood DC even in very mild IBD but surprisingly, there is divergent expression of the differentiation/activation CMRF44 antigen. Upregulation of costimulatory molecules and divergent expression of CMRF44 in blood DC was also apparent in cGI and aGI but not in non-GI or healthy controls, whereas intestinal CD86+ and CD40+ DC were found only in inflamed mucosa from IBD patients. Persistent or distorted activation of blood DC or divergent regulation of costimulatory and activation antigens may have important implications for gut mucosal immunity and inflammation.

[Changes of femur minerals and serum BGP in hindlimb unloaded rats during convalescence]

Objective. To observe bone mass changes during convalescence after simulated weightlessness. Method. 7-week-old rats were tail-suspended for 21 d then reloaded for 7 d and 21 d to recover, and measured serum BGP. Result. Tail suspension of rats for 21 d caused significant decrease of serum BGP and phosphorus as well as femur minerals. Serum BGP and femur minerals were still lower than control levels, but serum contents of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium increased significantly after reloading for 7 d. Femur minerals and serum BGP, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium returned to control levels after reloading for 21 d. Conclusion. The deficit in femur mineral induced by hindlimb unloading in rats can be restored by return to normal weight bearing, BGP can be used to monitor the case of its recovery.

Effect of lanthanum on ion absorption in cucumber seedling leaves

Scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis were used to study the tissular distributions of elements Na, Mg, Cl, K, Ca, Mn, and Fe in leaves of cucumber seedlings in the absence or presence of La3+. The results showed that the atomic percentages of Na, Mg, Cl, K, and Ca were basically reduced and those of Mn and Fe were increased in the presence of La3+; in addition, at 0.02 mM La3+, the reduced or increased degrees were higher than those at 2.0 mM La3+. The effects of La3+ on ion absorption were similar to those of Ca2+, suggesting that the rare earth element lanthanum affects the plant physiological mechanism by regulating the Ca2+ level in plant cell.

Localization of transforming growth factor-beta receptor types I, II, and III in the postnatal rat small intestine

Transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGF-beta2) levels in rat milk are high in early lactation, whereas endogenous TGF-beta1 expression in the neonatal gut increases toward midweaning. Three types of transmembrane TGF-beta receptors have been identified in mammals. The receptor III (or betaglycan) binds and presents TGF-beta1 or beta2 to receptor II. Receptor I then interacts with receptor II, forming a signaling receptor complex, and propagates the signal. To determine whether TGF-beta receptor expression in the gut is also developmentally regulated, the present study assessed ontogeny of TGF-beta receptor expression in the postnatal rat small intestine. Jejunum and ileum tissues from rat pups at d 3, 10, 14, 21, and 28 of age were collected. Cryostat sections were stained with antibodies against TGF-bea receptors I, II, and III, and various cell markers by immunofluorescence. In both regions, receptor I staining was seen on apical and basolateral membranes of the villus and crypt epithelium at all ages, and staining on the apical membrane increased with age; receptor II was predominantly expressed in the crypt, and staining on the villi appeared after d 10; receptor III was distributed throughout the mucosa at early ages but diminished from the epithelium postweaning by d 28. T cells, B cells, and dendritic cells in the lamina propria expressed TGF-beta receptor III but lacked expression of receptor I and II. The pattern of TGF-beta receptor expression changes with age in a manner that may reflect the change in ligand from TGF-beta2 (milk-derived) to TGF-beta1 (endogenously produced).

Sensitive and selective liquid chromatographic assay of memantine in plasma with fluorescence detection after pre-column derivatization

A procedure was developed for the determination of memantine in plasma using liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Following a liquid-liquid extraction from 1 ml of plasma containing the internal standard amantadine, the extract was derivatized at room temperature with dansyl chloride, and the highly fluorescent derivatives were chromatographed with a reversed-phase C18 column and a mobile phase of phosphate buffer and acetonitrile. Dansylated memantine and amantadine were eluted in less than 13 min with no interference from endogenous material. The calibration curve was linear over the concentration range of 3-400 ng/ml with inter- and intra-assay imprecision (C.V.) of less than 10%. The limit of quantitation was 3 ng/ml, and no major antidepressant, neuroleptic or their respective metabolites interfered with the quantitation of memantine. This method could also be applied to the quantitation of amantadine.

The effect of lanthanide chloride on abscisic acid and electron-transport activity of some crops

The abscisic acid (ABA) content of the root tips of four crops grown in lanthanide chloride solution and their root lengths had been determined. At lanthanide concentrations of 5 and 10 ppm, these crops all grew well and the ABA decreased. At higher lanthanide concentrations (100-500 ppm), the ABA is increased again. At these concentrations of lanthanum chloride, the photosystems I and II (PSI and PSII) and whole electron chain transport activities were inhibited. PSII was more sensitive than PSI, and it is concluded that La3+ acts on the diphenylcarbazide (DPC) action place of PSII oxidizing site.

Sequence analysis of the VP2 hypervariable region of nine infectious bursal disease virus isolates from mainland China

The VP2 hypervariable region of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) from nine Mainland Chinese strains was amplified by reverse transcriptase/nested polymerase chain reaction and cloned into pGEM-T vector. The nine isolates, which were from the center (HN3), the north (Bj-1, B2/28, HD96), the east (JS-18 and AH-2), the northeast (D11-2, C4-2), and the west (Ts) of China, were sequenced and compared with each other and with six reference IBDV sequences. Clustering analysis separated the nine isolate into two groups. The six virulent isolates, propagated in bursae, formed the first group. They revealed only one to three amino acid changes from the very virulent (vv) European and Japanese isolates, suggesting that they might have the same origin as European and Japanese vvIBDV strains. On the basis of their distinct geographic origins, extensive dissemination of vvIBDV in China was indicated. (The other three chicken embryo fibroblast cell cultured isolates with mild pathogenicity were placed in the second group.) Their sequences correlated closely with those of the culture-adapted strains (Cu-1 (4) and Cj-801). None of the nine isolates showed very close sequence relationship with the antigenic variant strains from the USA. Although antigenic variants have been reported in China, the reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction-restriction endonuclease analyses of the nine viruses tested herein were not similar to any U.S.A. variant strains on the basis of computer software analysis. Our results and conclusions agree with a previous molecular study of IBDV isolates from the south of China.

Transforming growth factor-beta levels in maternal milk and expression in postnatal rat duodenum and ileum

After birth, the gastrointestinal tract of the neonate is exposed to food and bacterial and environmental antigens. Maternal milk components may play a role in regulation of mucosal immune activity to luminal antigens. In this study we determine the ontogeny of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1-producing cells in the rat pup small intestine and assess maternal milk concentrations of TGF-beta. Intestinal tissue samples of duodenum and ileum were collected, processed, and stained for TGF-beta1, and in situ hybridization for TGF-beta1 mRNA was also performed on the duodenum. TGF-beta levels in milk were assayed by ELISA. TGF-beta2 levels in milk were high at d 6, and declined thereafter at d 10 and 19. TGF-beta1 was not detected. In contrast, the cell number and intensity of staining of TGF-beta1 peptide in the small intestine was low in 3- and 10-d-old rats and increased markedly by 19 d of life. In the duodenum mRNA levels mirrored this trend. TGF-beta1 expression in the lamina propria was absent before d 19, and increased progressively over time. Maternal milk TGF-beta2 levels are high in early milk and decrease during the weaning period. In contrast, endogenous TGF-beta production in the small intestine increases during the weaning period.

Enantiomeric determination of the phenylmorpholinol metabolite of bupropion in human plasma using coupled achiral-chiral liquid chromatography

A coupled achiral-chiral stationary phase liquid chromatographic technique was developed to separate and quantitate the enantiomers of the phenylmorpholinol metabolite (2) of the antidepressant bupropion (1) in human plasma. At the retention time of 2, a switching valve loaded a portion of the eluting compound onto a protein-bonded chiral stationary phase which resolved 2 into the (+) and (-) stereoisomers using an aqueous mobile phase of potassium phosphate (pH = 6.25) and 5% 2-propanol. All eluting compounds were monitored using UV detection at 214 nm, and no plasma endogenous material or other commonly used psychotropic drugs were found to interfere. Within-day and between-day variation were less than 6% over the expected concentration range, and a limit of quantitation of about 125 ng/mL of 2 was observed. Steady-state plasma samples from 17 patients receiving 1 were found to contain the (-) enantiomer to the extent of about 96% of total 2. The potential clinical implications of these results are not known since all previous pharmacological studies were carried out with the racemic 2.

[Pharmacological study on spleen-stomach warming and analgesic action of Cinnamomum cassia Presl]

This study deals with the antiulcer effect of water extract and ether extract of Cinnamomum cassia on four types of experimental gastric ulcer and with the antidiarrhea effect on two types of medicine-induced diarrhea in mice. These extracts have choleretic effect in anesthetized rats, and are analgesic as well. This is the pharmacologic basis of spleen-stomach warming and analgesic action of Cinnamomum cassia.

Sensitive and selective liquid-chromatographic assay of fluoxetine and norfluoxetine in plasma with fluorescence detection after precolumn derivatization

We determined fluoxetine (Prozac) and its major metabolite norfluoxetine in plasma by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. After liquid-liquid extraction from 1 mL of plasma, the extract was derivatized at room temperature with dansyl chloride, and the highly fluorescent derivatives were chromatographed with a reversed-phase C18 column and a mobile phase of phosphate buffer and acetonitrile. Dansylated fluoxetine, norfluoxetine, and the internal standard were eluted in less than 14 min with no interference from endogenous material. The calibration curve was linear over the concentration range 25-800 micrograms/L with inter- and intra-assay imprecision (CV) of less than 10%. Validity of the assay was checked by comparing results for 110 patients' samples with those by a liquid-chromatographic method with ultraviolet detection (r = 0.993 for fluoxetine, 0.957 for norfluoxetine). The identity of the dansylated derivatives was verified by positive chemical ionization mass spectroscopy. The lower limit of detection was approximately 3 micrograms/L. Because no major antidepressant, neuroleptic, or respective drug metabolites interfere with the quantification of fluoxetine and norfluoxetine, this is a useful procedure for pharmacokinetic studies and in clinical settings.

Chemical synthesis, molecular cloning, and expression of the gene coding for the Trichosanthes trypsin inhibitor--a squash family inhibitor

The gene coding for a Trichosanthes trypsin inhibitor analog (Ala-6-TTI) in which methionine at position 6 was replaced by alanine was synthesized chemically. The synthetic gene was cloned into plasmid pWR590-1 and expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein composed of beta-galactosidase fragment of 590 amino acid residues and (Ala-6)-TTI, with methionine as a connecting residue. After cyanogen bromide cleavage and reduction of the fusion protein, followed by refolding with trypsin-Sepharose 4B as a matrix and affinity chromatography on the immobilized enzyme, the fully active (Ala-6)-TTI was obtained. The trypsin inhibitory activity and amino acid composition of the recombinant (Ala-6)-TTI were consistent with those of the natural one. The (Ala-6)-TTI gene was also cloned into the secretion expression vector, pVT102U/alpha, in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In order to make the reading frame of the gene compatible with the vector, a nucleotide was inserted into the (Ala-6)-TTI gene via site-directed mutagenesis. The secreted (Ala-6)-TTI was purified and found to be correctly processed at the junction between the alpha-factor leader peptide and (Ala-6)-TTI downstream. Of the two expression systems, the latter is more advantageous in the high yield (greater than 2 mg/liter), easy purification and needlessness of disulfide refolding.

[Efficacy of ofloxacin in treating typhoid fever]

We studied 75 patients (36 males and 39 females), suffering from typhoid fever. 64 patients were treated with ofloxacin and 11 with amikacin, dosage regimens of the two drugs were 300 mg and 300-400 mg twice daily. Clinical effective rate was 100% with ofloxacin and 36.4% with amikacin. A total of 72 strains of salmonella typhi was isolated from all the patients of both groups. Bacteriological elimination rate was 100% with ofloxacin after treatment. Sensitive rates for S. Typhi isolated was 100% with ofloxacin, norfloxacin and ceftriaxone, 98.6% with amikacin and 20-21.4% with chloramphenicol, ampicillin and sulfamethoxazole Co. There were fewer adverse reactions and better acceptance, one had skin rash and one had gastrointestinal disturbance. In amikacin group, abnormality of urine routine and serum creatinine was observed. Ofloxacin was well absorbed orally. Its high bioavailability, satisfactory therapeutic efficacy excellent tolerability and convenience for use make it a very useful medication in the therapy of typhoid fever resulted from multiresistant strains.

A study on tea-pigment in prevention of atherosclerosis

Since Lou Fu-qing et al first reported that tea had effect on the prevention of atherosclerosis (AS) in the 1960s, we have conducted experimental and clinical studies, and found that tea-pigment (TP) could reduce blood coagulability, increase fibrinolysis, prevent platelet adhesion and aggregation, and decrease cholesterol content in aortic walls in vivo (P less than 0.01). In addition, TP was shown to inhibit the proliferation of cultured human aortic smooth muscle cells in normal and elevated LDL circumstance in vitro (P less than 0.01), and decreased the level of T x B2 in platelet-rich plasma and remote myocardial infarction patients (P less than 0.01). TP can be used in the prevention of AS.

Treatment of typhoid fever with ofloxacin

Ofloxacin, 300 mg 12-hourly, was given orally to 64 patients with typhoid fever, all with positive blood cultures. Almost 80% of the isolates were resistant to chloramphenicol, ampicillin and co-trimoxazole, but sensitive to ofloxacin and norfloxacin. Fever subsided within five days in most patients (mean 3.2 +/- 1.1), rates of clinical effectiveness and bacteriological cure both being 100%. Thirty patients were followed for 1-3 months after the completion of therapy with no occurrence of relapse.

[Antidiarrheal and anti-inflammatory effects of berberine]

Berberine sulfate (Ber) 40 and 80 mg/kg ig reduced the purging effects of castor oil or Cassia angustifolia leaf in mice, but did not affect the gastrointestinal transport function of Chinese ink in normal mice. Ber 60 mg/kg ig significantly inhibited the increased vascular permeability induced by ip 0.7% acetic acid in mice. Ber 20 and 50 mg/kg sc markedly inhibited the increased vascular permeability induced by histamine 100 micrograms/0.1 ml ic in rats. Ber 4 and 8 mg/kg sc produced obvious inhibition in the xylene-induced swelling of mouse ear. The anti-inflammatory effects were enhanced in a dose-dependent manner. It is suggested that the antidiarrheal effect of Ber is relative to its restriction against exudative inflammation to a certain extent.