[Analysis of clinicopathological and molecular abnormalities of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the clinicopathological features, molecular changes and prognostic factors in angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL).

METHODS

Sixty-one cases AITL diagnosed by Department of Pathology of Peking University Cancer Hospital were collected with their clinical data. Morphologically, they were classified as typeⅠ[lymphoid tissue reactive hyperplasia (LRH) like]; typeⅡ[marginal zone lymphoma(MZL)like] and type Ⅲ [peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not specified (PTCL-NOS) like]. Immunohistochemical staining was used to evaluate the presence of follicular helper T-cell (TFH) phenotype, proliferation of extra germinal center (GC) follicular dendritic cells (FDCs), presence of Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg (HRS)-like cells and large B transformation. The density of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) + cells was counted with slides stained by Epstein-Barr virus encoded RNA (EBER) in situ hybridization on high power field (HPF). T-cell receptor / immunoglobulin gene (TCR/IG) clonality and targeted exome sequencing (TES) test were performed when necessary. SPSS 22.0 software was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Morphological subtype (%): 11.4% (7/61) cases were classified as type Ⅰ; 50.8% (31/61) as type Ⅱ; 37.8% (23/61) as type Ⅲ. 83.6% (51/61) cases showed classical TFH immunophenotype. With variable extra-GC FDC meshwork proliferation (median 20.0%); 23.0% (14/61) had HRS-like cells; 11.5% (7/61) with large B transformation. 42.6% (26/61) of cases with high counts of EBV. 57.9% (11/19) TCR⁺/IG^-, 26.3% (5/19) TCR⁺/IG⁺, 10.5% (2/19) were TCR^－/IG^－, and 5.3% (1/19) TCR^－/IG⁺. Mutation frequencies by TES were 66.7% (20/30) for RHOA, 23.3% (7/30) for IDH2 mutation, 80.0% (24/30) for TET2 mutation, and 33.3% (10/30) DNMT3A mutation. Integrated analysis divided into four groups: (1) IDH2 and RHOA co-mutation group (7 cases): 6 cases were type Ⅱ, 1 case was type Ⅲ; all with typical TFH phenotype; HRS-like cells and large B transformation were not found; (2) RHOA single mutation group (13 cases): 1 case was type Ⅰ, 6 cases were type Ⅱ, 6 cases were type Ⅲ; 5 cases without typical TFH phenotype; 6 cases had HRS-like cells, and 2 cases with large B transformation. Atypically, 1 case showed TCR^－/IG^－, 1 case with TCR^－/IG⁺, and 1 case with TCR⁺/IG⁺; (3) TET2 and/or DNMT3A mutation alone group (7 cases): 3 cases were type Ⅱ, 4 cases were type Ⅲ, all cases were found with typical TFH phenotype; 2 cases had HRS-like cells, 2 cases with large B transformation, and atypically; (4) non-mutation group (3 cases), all were type Ⅱ, with typical TFH phenotype, with significant extra-GC FDC proliferation, without HRS-like cells and large B transformation. Atypically, 1 case was TCR^－/IG^－. Univariate analysis confirmed that higher density of EBV positive cell was independent adverse prognostic factors for both overall survival (OS) and progression free survival(PFS), (P=0.017 and P=0.046).

CONCLUSION

Pathological diagnoses of ALTL cases with HRS-like cells, large B transformation or type Ⅰ are difficult. Although TCR/IG gene rearrangement test is helpful but still with limitation. TES involving RHOA, IDH2, TET2, DNMT3A can robustly assist in the differential diagnosis of those difficult cases. Higher density of EBV positive cells counts in tumor tissue might be an indicator for poor survival.

[Synchronization isolation method for multiple types of cells from mouse liver]

Objective: To explore a simple and feasible method for the isolation and purification of hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells (HSC), and lymphocytes from mice. Methods: The cell suspension was obtained from male C57bl/6 mice by hepatic perfusion through the portal vein digestion method and then isolated and purified by discontinuous Percoll gradient centrifugation. Trypan blue exclusion was used to determine cell viability. Glycogen staining, cytokeratin 18, and transmission electron microscopy were used to identify hepatic cells. Immunofluorescence was used to detect α-smooth muscle actin combined with desmin in HSCs. Flow cytometry was used to analyze lymphocyte subsets in the liver. Results: After isolation and purification, about 2.7×10(7) hepatocytes, 5.7×10(5) HSCS, and 4.6×106 hepatic mononuclear cells were obtained from the liver of mice with a body weight of about 22g. The cell survival rate in each group was > 95%. Hepatocytes were apparent in glycogen deposited purple-red granules and cytokeratin 18. Electron microscopy showed that there were abundant organelles in hepatocytes and tight junctions between cells. HSC had expressed α-smooth muscle actin and desmin. Flow cytometry showed hepatic mononuclear cells, including lymphocyte subsets such as CD4, CD8, NKs, and NKTs. Conclusion: The hepatic perfusion through the portal vein digestion method can isolate multiple primary cells from the liver of mice at once and has the features of simplicity and efficiency.

[Clinicopathological features and prognosis of anorectal melanoma: A report of 68 cases]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of anorectal mucosal melanoma (ARMM), and to evaluate the prognostic factors.

METHODS

A total of 68 primary ARMM surgical specimens from 2010 to 2018 were retrospectively studied. Slides were reviewed to evaluate pathological features. Slingluff staging method was used for staging.

RESULTS

(1) Clinical features: The median age at diagnosis in this group was 61.5 years, with a male-to-female ratio 1 ∶1.62. The most common complaint was blooding (49 cases). For anatomic site, anorectum was the prevalent (66.2%), followed by rectum (20.6%). At the time of diagnosis, 28 cases were stage Ⅰ (localized stage, 41.2%), 25 cases were stage Ⅱ (regional lymph node metastasis, 36.8%), and 15 cases were stage Ⅲ (distant metastasis, 22.1%). Five patients underwent wide local excision, the rest abdominoperineal resection, and 48 patients received adjuvant therapy after surgery. (2) Pathological features: Grossly 88.2% of the tumors were exophytic polypoid masses, with the median tumor size 3.5 cm and the median tumor thickness 1.25 cm. Depth of invasion below lamina muscularis mucosae ranged from 0-5.00 cm (median 1.00 cm). The deepest site of tumor invasion reached muscular layer in 27 cases, and perirectal tissue in 16 cases. Melanin pigmentation was absent or not obvious in 67.6% of the cases. The predominant cytology was epithelioid (45 cases, 66.2%). The rate for ulceration, necrosis, lymphovascular invasion, and perineural invasion was 89.7%, 35.3%, 55.9%, and 30.9%, respectively. The median mitotic count was 18/mm². The positive rate of S100, HMB-45 and Melan-A were 92.0%, 92.6% and 98.0%, respectively. The median of Ki-67 was 50%. The incidences of mutations within CKIT, BRAF and NRAS genes were 17.0% (9 cases), 3.8% (2 cases) and 9.4% (5 cases), respectively. (3) Prognosis: Survival data were available in 66 patients, with a median follow-up of 17 months and a median survival time of 17.4 months. The 1-year, 2-year and 5-year overall survival rate was 76.8%, 36.8% and 17.2%, respectively. The rate of lymphatic metastasis at diagnosis was 56.3%. Forty-nine patients (84.5%) suffered from distant metastasis, and the most frequent metastatic site was liver. Univariate analysis revealed that tumor size (>3.5 cm), depth of invasion below lamina muscularis mucosae (>1.0 cm), necrosis, lymphovascular invasion, BRAF gene mutation, lack of adjuvant therapy after surgery, deep site of tumor invasion, and high stage at diagnosis were all poor prognostic factors for overall survival. Multivariate model showed that lymphovascular invasion and BRAF gene mutation were independent risk factors for lower overall survival, and high stage at diagnosis showed borderline negative correlation with overall survival.

CONCLUSION

The overall prognosis of ARMM is poor, and lymphovascular invasion and BRAF gene mutation are independent factors of poor prognosis. Slingluff staging suggests prognosis effectively, and detailed assessment of pathological features, clear staging and genetic testing should be carried out when possible. Depth of invasion below lamina muscularis mucosae of the tumor might be a better prognostic indicator than tumor thickness.

[Investigation for pathological interpretation criteria and its prognostic value for P53 expression in Chinese diffuse large B-cell lymphoma]

Objective: To explore the feasibility of predicting TP53 mutation risk by immunohistochemical staining (IHC) pattern of P53 in Chinese diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and its correlation with a prognostic difference. Methods: Between January 2021 and December 2021, 51 DLBCL cases at Beijing Boren Hospital were gathered. These cases had both IHC and next-generation sequencing (NGS) results. IHC classified the P53 protein expression pattern into a loss (<1% ) , diffuse (>80% ) , and heterogeneous (1% -80% ) . The sensitivity and specificity of the predicting TP53 mutation by IHC were assessed by comparing the results of the NGS, and the TP53 high mutation risk group included both loss and diffuse expression of P53. From June 2016 to September 2019, Peking University Cancer Hospital collected 131 DLBCL cases with thorough clinicopathological and follow-up data. From their tumor blocks, tissue microarray blocks were made for IHC evaluation of P53 expression pattern, and prognosis effect of P53 studies. Results: Among 51 cases with both IHC and NGS results, 23 cases were classified as TP53 high mutation risk (7 cases loss and 16 cases diffuse) , 22/23 cases were proved with mutated TP53 by NGS. Only 1 of the 28 cases classified as TP53 low mutation risk was proved with mutated TP53 by NGS. IHC had a sensitivity and specificity of 95.7% and 96.4% for predicting TP53 mutation. NGS identified a total of 26 TP53 mutations with a mutation frequency of 61.57% (13.41% -86.25% ) . In the diffuse group, 16 missense mutations and 2 splice mutations were detected; 6 truncating mutations and 1 splice mutation were detected in the loss group; 1 truncating mutation was detected in the heterogeneous group. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that TP53 cases with high mutation risk have impartial adverse significance for the 131 patients included in survival analysis (HR=2.612, 95% CI 1.145-5.956, P=0.022) . Conclusion: IHC of P53 exhibiting loss (<1% ) or diffuse (>80% ) pattern indicated TP53 high mutation risk, IHC can predict TP53 mutation with high specificity and sensitivity. TP53 high mutation risk is an independent predictor for adverse survival.

[Clinical outcomes of transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach assisted with submental mini-incision for early thyroid papillary carcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) assisted with submental mini-incision in early thyroid papillary carcinoma. Methods: A total of 63 patients with early papillary thyroid carcinoma (cT1N0M0) were included who underwent TOETVA from December 2019 to May 2021 in Department of Thyroid Surgery of the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University. There were 4 males and 59 females, aged from 17 to 46 years old. Of those 36 patients received traditional TOETVA as control and 27 patients accepted modified TOETVA assisted with submental mini-incision. The clinical outcomes of patients in two groups were compared. Chi-square test and t test were used in statistical analyses. Results: Compared to control group, modified TOETVA group had the less mean operation time [(146.63±38.62) minutes vs. (167.78±36.71) minutes, t=-2.21, P=0.031], the shorter time required for returning to normal diet after operation [(2.11±0.89) days vs. (2.72±1.16) days, t=-2.28, P=0.026], and the lower probability of mandibular numbness (0 vs. 16.67%, χ²=4.97, P=0.026). There was no significant difference between two groups in intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, number of central lymph nodes dissection, and postoperative complications such as gas embolism, postoperative bleeding, postoperative infection, skin burns, subcutaneous effusion and so on(all P>0.05). After 6 months of operation, the thyroid ultrasound of the patients in two groups showed no recurrence, and the patients were satisfied with their surgical incision appearances. Conclusion: Both the modified and traditional TOETVA show similar efficacies for treatments of early thyroid papillary carcinoma, but the modified TOETVA can reduce the operation time and improve the quality of life.

[Difficulties and challenges in pathological diagnosis of gastrointestinal pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors]

In the 5th edition of WHO Classification of Digestive System Tumours, the classification and designation of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm (GEP-NEN) were updated, and G3 was redefined. Therefore, the differential diagnosis between well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumour G3(NETG3) and poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NEC) is both important and difficult, which has important clinical treatment and prognostic significance. Based on the latest WHO and 2020 Chinese consensus on pathological diagnosis of GEP-NEN, this paper proposed a comprehensive analysis on the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor from four aspects, including tumor morphological differentiation、tumor proliferative activity, gene change and disease progression. However, even with the above four diagnostic tools, there are still some difficulties and challenges in the work of pathological diagnosis. This paper briefly expounds and discusses them together, in order to improve the clinical application value.

Knockdown of CERB expression inhibits proliferation and migration of glioma cells line U251

BACKGROUND

Glioma is a type of tumor that occurs in the brain and accounts for almost 30 % of all brain and central nervous system tumors and 80 % of all malignant brain tumors. In this study, we investigate the role of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) in the progression of glioma.

METHODS

Tissue samples from glioma patients were collected and examined for expression of CREB and its correlation with tumor grades. CREB was then knocked down via siRNA to see if reduced expression of CREB affects cell proliferation and migration. Factors involved in cell cycles, adhesion and apoptosis were examined as well. Moreover, CRESP/CAS9 mediated knockout of CREB was conducted and athymic Nude mice model was used to investigate CREB's role in vivo.

RESULTS

The evaluated expression level of CREB in glioma patients was correlated with tumor grades. Knockdown of CREB via siRNA in glioma cell line U251 significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of tumor cells. Moreover, CyclinD1 and Bcl-2 expression were reduced, as well as phosphorylation of IRK1/2 and AKT. Additionally, knockout of CREB via CRESP/CAS9 inhibited tumor formation of U251 cells in athymic Nude mice model.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our data suggest that over expression of CREB may contribute to progression of glioma and knockdown of CREB expression may serve as a novel target for therapy (Tab. 1, Fig. 6, Ref. 25).

[Expression of CD137 in tumor cells of Hodgkin lymphoma from Northern China and its application in pathological differential diagnosis]

目的

明确CD137在北方地区经典型霍奇金淋巴瘤（cHL）中的表达，探讨其作为cHL辅助病理鉴别诊断新指标的可能应用价值。

方法

收集54例cHL患者资料，以55例伴有“HRS样细胞”的非cHL患者为对照。在病理组织标本中选取“HRS细胞”或“HRS样细胞”丰富的区域制作组织芯片；以“HRS细胞”或“HRS样细胞”为观察对象，cHL组应用CD30、CD15、CD20、PAX5、CD3免疫组织化学染色；同时对两组患者标本进行CD137（BBK-2）抗体免疫组织化学染色及采用EBV编码的小RNA（EBER）原位杂交法检测EBV感染状态。

结果

54例cHL患者均为淋巴结内原发，中位年龄45.5（22.0~68.0）岁；男女比例1.7∶1；对照组患者结内54例，结外（皮肤）1例，中位年龄50.0（12.0~81.0）岁；男女比例1.9∶1。54例cHL患者均表达CD30，HRS细胞主要诊断相关免疫标志物CD30、CD15、CD20、CD3阳性表达率依次为100.0%、70.4%、18.5％和0，可见PAX5弱至中等强度表达，阳性率70.4%；EBV感染阳性率25.9%（对照组阳性率21.8%）。cHL组CD137阳性率57.4%，对照组阳性率14.5%，差异有统计学意义（P<0.001）。将cHL组及对照组按照患者年龄（≥60/<60岁）、性别、有无EBV感染、组织学亚型以及主要诊断相关标志物的表达与否进行分组，CD137阳性率差异均无统计学意义（P值均> 0.05）。以2013年为界进行分组，2013年前后两组cHL患者的CD137阳性率差异有统计学意义（39.4%对85.7%，P=0.001），对照组差异无统计学意义（12.5％对16.1%，P=0.705）；2013以后存档的标本中cHL组与对照组患者CD137阳性率差异有统计学意义（85.7％对16.1%，P<0.001）。

结论

通过研究初步证实北方地区大多数cHL患者的HRS细胞表达CD137，而对照组患者“HRS样细胞”CD137阳性率较低。保存期3年以内较保存期3年以上的cHL患者标本CD137阳性率高，更适于进行CD137免疫组织化学染色检测。CD137有望作为辅助cHL病理鉴别诊断的新指标。

[TNFAIP3 deletion status in classical Hodgkin lymphoma and its relation to Epstein-Barr virus]

Objective: To investigate the TNFAIP3/A20 abnormalities and its association with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL). Methods: Formalin-fixed, paraffinembedded tissue blocks of 54 CHL patients were collected and subjected to the construction of tissue microarray (TMA) for further analyses. EBV status was evaluated by in situ hybridization (ISH) for EBER1/2 and immunohistochemistry (IHC) with anti-LMP-1 antibody. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and IHC were performed to determine the copy number alterations of TNFAIP3 and A20 protein expression respectively. Results: The concordance rate of IHC for LMP-1 and ISH for EBER1/2 was100%, and 25.9% (14/54) cases were identified with EBV infection. Immunohistochemistry analysis demonstrated 27.8% (15/54) cases with A20 expression deficiency. Of the 54 cases tested for A20 expression, 49 cases were simultaneously analyzed by FISH, which showed 10 (20.4% ) cases harboring TNFAIP3 deletion. However, discrepancy was observed between the results of A20 by IHC and TNFAIP3 deletion by FISH. Only 1 case with TNFAIP3 deletion demonstrated complete loss of A20 immunoreactivity. In addition, comparison of the frequency of either A20 expression loss or TNFAIP3 deletion between EBV-positive and-negative cases did not reveal any significance (P>0.05). Conclusion: TNFAIP3 deletion could be observed in both EBV-positive and - negative CHL cases. A20 expression by IHC could not confirm TNFAIP3 deletion by FISH, which might be related to the technical issues.

[Expression of epidermal growth factor receptor mutation specific antibodies in lung adenocarcinoma: evaluation of sensitivity, specificity and relationship to histologic subtypes]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation specific antibodies in invasive lung adenocarcinomas, and their sensitivity, specificity, as well as relationship to histological subtypes.

METHODS

Immunostaining with EGFR mutation-specific antibodies, del E746-A750 in exon 19 and L858R in exon 21, was performed in tissue microarrays of 884 cases of resection specimens to study the relationship between the immunophenotypes and morphologic subtypes. The sensitivity and specificity of the stains were compared with gene mutations detected by amplified refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR).

RESULTS

Of the 884 cases, the expression of del E746-A750 in exon 19 was 3+ , 2+ , 1+ and 0 in 7 cases (0.79%), 38 cases (4.30%), 129 cases (14.59%) and 710 cases (80.32%), respectively. For L858R in exon 21, 3+ , 2+ , 1+ and 0 staining were seen in 82 cases (9.28%), 93 cases (10.52%), 82 cases (9.28%) and 627 cases (70.93%), respectively. For both antibodies, positive expression (1+ or more) was mainly observed in lepidic, acinar and papillary predominant subtypes, and rarely seen in solid subtype or invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma (P=0.014 and 0.016). If 1+ to 3+ expression was set as positive, the specificity of exon 19/exon 21 reached 98.59%/92.98%, while the sensitivity was relatively lower (62.86%/88.89%). If 2+ to 3+ expression was read as positive, the specificity and sensitivity were 99.30%/97.37% and 25.71%/74.60% for exon 19/exon 21. If only 3+ expression was considered positive, the specificity was 100.0% for both antibodies, with a low sensitivity (8.57% for exon 19 and 34.92% for exon 21). Of the 18 cases with E746-A750 del in exon 19 based on molecular detection, the sensitivity of immunohistochemistry for exon 19 was 88.89% if a positive cutoff value ≥1+ was used; in contrast, of the 8 cases harboring other deletions in exon 19, only two cases were positive as 1+ .

CONCLUSIONS

Both the EGFR mutation specific antibodies del E746-A750 in exon 19 and L858R in exon 21 demonstrate high specificity and relatively low sensitivity, and are mostly expressed in lepidic, acinar and papillary predominant subtypes, but rarely in solid subtype or invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma. For cases with 3+ expression, a mutational statue for EGFR is likely. For the 2+ positive cases, the accuracy to predict mutation almost reaches 90%, but molecular detection for confirmation is desirable. For the 1+ and negative cases, DNA-based test is essential to avoid false negativity.

[Effect of double-J stent indwelling time in treatment of ureteric calculi complicated with infection]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect and double-J stent indwelling time in the treatment of acute upper urinary tract infection caused by ureteral calculi.

METHODS

A prospective non-randomized controlled study was carried out. From January 2011 to August 2015, a total of 142 patients treated in Department of Urology of Shanghai First People's Hospital for ureteral calculi with systematic inflammatory response syndrome were divided into double-J stent indwelling 7 days group (n=63) and double-J stent indwelling > 7 days group (n=79). The preoperative routine blood test, urinalysis, and urine culture, the urinalysis and urine culture immediately after double-J indwelling, and the routine blood test, urinalysis, and urine culture 7 days after indwelling were compared between the two groups. Postoperative complications after lithotripsy were analyzed.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in preoperative blood white blood cell (WBC) count, urine WBC count, and positive bacterial culture between the two groups (all P>0.05). Seven days after double-J stent indwelling, significant improvement was seen in both the 7 d group and the >7 d group in blood WBC count, urine WBC count, and positive urine culture [(8.1±1.7) vs (14.8±3.1) ×10(9)/L, (356±44) vs (3 077±643)/μl, 1.6% vs 52.4%; (7.9±1.1) vs (15.1±3.8) ×10(9)/L, (363±52) vs (3 122±805)/μl, 3.8% vs 48.1%], and infection was managed effectively, while no statistically significant inter-group differences were observed. There was no significant difference in stone clearance rate between the two groups (96.8% vs 96.2%, P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications, especially infectious complications (all P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Indwelling double-J stents for 7 days could effectively manage the infection in patients with acute upper urinary tract infection secondary to ureteral calculi. These patients can be treated with lithotripsy safely. The time of double-J stent indwelling could be shortened.

TNFα-activated mesenchymal stromal cells promote breast cancer metastasis by recruiting CXCR2+ neutrophils

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) tend to infiltrate into tumors and form a major component of the tumor microenvironment. Our previous work demonstrated that tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)-activated MSCs significantly promoted tumor growth. However, the role of TNFα-treated MSCs in tumor metastasis remains elusive. Employing a lung metastasis model of murine breast cancer, we found that TNFα-activated MSCs strikingly enhanced tumor metastasis compared with normal MSCs. We analyzed the chemokine profiles and found that the expression of CCL5, CCR2 and CXCR2 ligands were enhanced in TNFα-activated MSCs. Using genetic or pharmacological strategies to inhibit CCL5 or CCR2, we demonstrated that CCL5 and CCR2 ligands were indispensable in supporting TNFα-activated MSCs to promote tumor metastasis. Analysis of immune cells revealed that CXCR2 ligands (CXCL1, CXCL 2 and CXCL5) expressed by TNFα-activated MSCs efficiently recruited CXCR2⁺ neutrophils into tumor. These neutrophils were responsible for the pro-metastatic effect of MSCs since inhibition of this chemotaxis abolished increased neutrophil recruitment and tumor metastasis. The interaction between neutrophils and tumor cells resulted in markedly elevated metastasis-related genes by tumor cells, including CXCR4, CXCR7, MMP12, MMP13, IL-6 and TGFβ. Importantly, in IL8^high human breast cancer samples, we also observed similar alterations of gene expression. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that TNFα-activated MSCs promote tumor metastasis via CXCR2⁺ neutrophil recruitment.

Genetic polymorphisms of loci D18S53, D18S59, and D18S488 in fetuses from a Chinese Tianjin Han population

We investigated the genetic polymorphisms of three short tandem repeat (STR) loci, D18S53, D18S59, and D18S488, on chromosome 18 in fetuses from a Chinese Tianjin Han population. Sixty-four villus samples and 374 amniotic fluid samples were collected from fetuses. Quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction was performed to amplify the STR loci, followed by scanned electrophoresis and quantitative analysis of the fluorescence signals. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) analysis was performed based on the genotype distributions of the STR loci to obtain the following population genetic data: genotype frequency, heterozygosity of observation (HO), polymorphism information content (PIC), probability of discrimination power (PD), and probability of exclusion (PE). We detected 15, 13, and 15 alleles of D18S53, D18S59, and D18S488, respectively. The genotype frequencies were found to be in line with HWE. The HO values of the three loci, D18S53, D18S59, and D18S488, were 0.797, 0.847, and 0.792; the PIC values were 0.81, 0.75, and 0.73; the PD values were 0.944, 0.901, and 0.881; and the PE values were 0.593, 0.689, and 0.585, respectively. D18S53, D18S59, and D18S488 loci are good genetic markers of chromosome 18, and show potential for use in the prenatal genetic diagnosis of Edwards' syndrome.

[Effect of hydroquinone on the histone deacetylase in human bone marrow mononuclear cells]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the activity of histone deacetylase and the mRNA expression level of HDAC1 and HDAC2 in human bone marrow mononuclear cells, which induced by hydroquinone and exposed to hydroquinone plus Trichostatin as a histone deacetylase inhibitor for 10 hours respectively.

METHODS

Collect the bone marrow mononuclear cells suspension,divided into control group,HQ group (3 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h) , HQ+TSA 10 h group and HQ 10 h group. Extract the nuclear proteins and RNA, test the activity of histone deacetylase with the colorimetric HDAC assay kit and detect the mRNA expression level of HDAC1 and HDAC2 by real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).

RESULTS

The HDAC activity of HQ3 h group, HQ6 h group and HQ12 h group were 1.31 times, 1.53 times and 1.148 times than that of control group respectively. And the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Except the HQ24 h group (P>0.05) , the HDAC1 mRNA expression of HQ3 h group, HQ6 h group and HQ12 h group were 1.173 times, 1.901 times and 2.348 times than that of control group respectively. And the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The HDAC2 mRNA expression of HQ6 h group and HQ12 h group were 1.426 times and 1.766 times than that of the control group respectively. And the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed between HQ3 h group, HQ24 h group and control group (P>0.05). The cells were treated by hydroquinone plus TSA for 10 hours. The HDAC activity of HQ+TSA 10h group was reduced by 25.6% than that of HQ 10 h group (P<0.05) and rised 13.0% compared to the control group (P<0.05). And the difference was statistically significant between groups (P<0.05) .The cells were treated by hydroquinone plus TSA for 10 hours. The HDAC1 mRNA expression of the HQ+TSA 10h group is reduced by 26.9% than that of HQ10h group. The HDAC2 mRNA expression is reduced by 19.3% compared to the HQ 10h group.And the difference was statistically significant between groups (P<0.05). The HDAC1 and HDAC2 mRNA expression is obviously higher than the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Treatment of hydroquinone, the histone deacetylase activity and the mRNA expression of HDAC1 and HDAC2 were increased in a certain time range. The histone deacetylase inhibitor (TSA) can reduce the histone deacetylase activity and the mRNA expression level of HDAC1 and HDAC2 in the bone marrow mononuclear cell induce by hydroquinone.It can be confirmed that hematopoietic damage induced by the benzene metabolites is related to the histone acetylation modification level.

iTRAQ-based proteomic profiling of the marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) gonad exposed to BDE-47

A recent study demonstrated that 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) may have an adverse effect on the reproduction in marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma), but the molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the protein expression profiles of male and female gonads of O. melastigma exposed to dietary BDE-47 at two dosages (0.65 and 1.30 μg/g/day, respectively) for 21 days. Extracted proteins were labeled with iTRAQ and analyzed on a MALDI TOF/TOF analyzer, as results, 133 and 144 unique proteins were identified in testis and ovary, respective, and they exerted dose- and sex-dependent expression patterns. In testis, among the 42 differentially expressed proteins; down-regulation of histone variants and parvalbumins implicated BDE-47 may disrupt the spermatogenesis and induce sterility in fishes. In ovary, 38 proteins were differentially expressed; the elevation of vitellogenins and apolipoprotein A-I expression indicated BDE-47 acts as an estrogen-mimicking compound and led to reproductive impairment in O. melastigma.

[Effects of irrigation with regenerated water on the growth and quality of alfalfa]

A pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of irrigation with regenerated water on the growth, nutrient uptake, and quality of alfalfa. Four treatments were installed, i.e., irrigation with fresh water (Q), irrigation with regenerated water (Z), mixed irrigation with regenerated water and fresh water (Z + Q), and rotational irrigation with regenerated water and fresh water (Z/Q). Comparing with treatment Q, treatment Z increased the stem length, lateral branch number, and plant biomass significantly, but decreased leaf area. Treatments Z, Z + Q, and Z/Q increased plant soluble protein content by 78.43%, 83.68% and 72.53%, respectively, but treatment Z decreased plant soluble sugar content. Treatment Z increased plant Ca and Mg contents by 27.78% and 26.61%, and treatments Z and Z + Q decreased plant Fe content by 28.71% and 10.09%, respectively. Treatments Z, Z + Q, and Z/Q increased the cadmium content in above-ground part of alfalfa by 98.6%, 89.5%, and 59.0%, respectively, but the cadmium and lead contents were still lower than the thresholds of National Sanitation Standard (GB 13078-2001). It was suggested that regenerated water could be used as a source of irrigation water in alfalfa growth, but its long-term effect should be concerned.

Bacteriocins from lactic acid bacteria increases tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression in a rat kidney model of chronic rejection

Chronic allograft dysfunction is the primary cause of graft loss after the first posttransplantation year. Bacteriocins are biologically active proteins exhibiting antimicrobial properties against other bacterial species, which are usually closely related to the producer organism. The objective of our study was to determine whether lactic acid bacterial bacteriocins were associated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha observed in a rat kidney model of chronic rejection. Using a kidney model of chronic rejection in the rat, we administered cyclosporine (CsA) immunosuppression (5 mg/kg/d). One group of animals was treated with bacteriocins, and the other was left untreated. Grafts were harvested after transplantation for standard histological studies. The expression of TNF-alpha was demonstrated using immunohistochemistry of frozen sections of the grafts. We observed a greater increase in the expression of TNF-alpha among the group treated with bacteriocins compared with the untreated group. These results showed that lactic acid bacterial bacteriocins were associated with TNF-alpha in our kidney graft model.

The JNK/AP1/ATF2 pathway is involved in H2O2-induced acetylcholinesterase expression during apoptosis

We show that H2O2 increases acetylcholinesterase (AChE) expression via transcriptional activation through c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), since the JNK inhibitor SP600125, but not the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway inhibitor PD98059 or p38 kinase inhibitor SB203580, attenuated H2O2-induced AChE expression and its promoter activity. Overexpression of hemagglutinin (HA)-JNK increases H2O2-induced AChE expression and its promoter activity, whereas the dominant negative mutant form of JNK suppressed H2O2-induced AChE expression and promoter activity. Mutation analysis indicates that the major response elements for JNK in the AChE promoter are the AP1-like element (TGAGTCT) site, located within the -1565/-1569 region of the AChE promoter, and the ATF2 element (CCACGTCA), within the -2185/-2177 region. The AP1-like element binds to the transcription factors, c-jun and ATF2, while the ATF2 element binds mainly ATF2. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that H2O2 induces AChE expression via the JNK/AP1/ ATF2 signaling pathway.

Effect of hypoxia on RAW264.7 macrophages apoptosis and signaling

Hypoxia, a decrease in oxygen tension occurring in pathological tissues, has a profound effect on macrophage functions. In this study, we have investigated cellular and molecular responses of murine macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells to low oxygen tension. Our study revealed that hypoxia induced RAW264.7 cells apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase. The result of Western blotting showed that the expression of apoptosis related signaling molecules, such as AKT and JNK was activated under hypoxia. The result of electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that the DNA binding activity of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) was also increased by hypoxic stimulation. Furthermore, gene expression profiles of RAW264.7 macrophages induced by hypoxia showed that hypoxia treatment may alter expression of genes related to apoptosis, survival, cell cycle, metabolism and structural matrix.

Hypoxia induces the activation of human hepatic stellate cells LX-2 through TGF-beta signaling pathway

Hypoxia is a common environmental stress factor and is also associated with various physiological and pathological conditions such as fibrogenesis. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is the key event in the liver fibrogenesis. In this study, the behavior of human HSCs LX-2 in low oxygen tension (1% O2) was analyzed. Upon hypoxia, the expression of HIF-1alpha and VEGF gene was induced. The result of Western blotting showed that the expression of alpha-SMA was increased by hypoxic stimulation. Furthermore, the expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 genes was increased. Hypoxia also elevated the protein expression of the collagen type I in LX-2 cells. The analysis of TGF-beta/Smad signaling pathway showed that hypoxia potentiated the expression of TGF-beta1 and the phosphorylation status of Smad2. Gene expression profiles of LX-2 cells induced by hypoxia were obtained by using cDNA microarray technique.

Effects of rhDecorin on TGF-beta1 induced human hepatic stellate cells LX-2 activation

Decorin is a small leucine-rich extracellular matrix proteoglycan composed of a core protein with a single glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chain near the N-terminus and N-glycosylated at three potential sites. Decorin is involved in the regulation of formation and organization of collagen fibrils, modulation of the activity of growth factors such as transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), and exerts other effects on cell proliferation and behavior. Increasing evidences show that decorin plays an important role in fibrogenesis by regulating TGF-beta, a key stimulator of fibrosis, and by directly modulating the degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) from activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In this study, the core protein of human decorin was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The purified recombinant human decorin (rhDecorin) significantly inhibited the proliferation of LX-2 cells, a human HSC cell line, stimulated by TGF-beta1. RT-PCR result showed that the expression of metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) were reduced by rhDecorin in LX-2 cells stimulated by TGF-beta1. Furthermore, the protein expression of smooth muscle-alpha-actin (alpha-SMA), collagen type III and phosphorylated Smad2 (p-Smad2) was significantly decreased in the presence of rhDecorin. rhDecorin also reduced fibrillogenesis of collagen type I in a dose-dependent manner. Gene expression profiles of LX-2 cells stimulated by TGF-beta1 in the presence and the absence of rhDecorin were obtained by using cDNA microarray technique and differentially expressed genes were identified to provide further insight into the molecular action mechanism of decorin on LX-2 cells.

Effect of WeiJia on carbon tetrachloride induced chronic liver injury

AIM: To study the effect of WeiJia on chronic liver injury using carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced liver injury animal model.

METHODS: Wistar rats weighing 180-220g were randomly divided into three groups: normal control group (Group A), CCl₄ induced liver injury control group (Group B) and CCl₄ induction with WeiJia treatment group (Group C). Each group consisted of 14 rats. Liver damage and fibrosis was induced by subcutaneous injection with 40% CCl₄ in olive oil at 3 mL/kg body weight twice a week for eight weeks for Groups B and C rats whereas olive oil was used for Group A rats. Starting from the third week, Group C rats also received daily intraperitoneal injection of WeiJia at a dose of 1.25 μg/kg body weight. Animals were sacrificed at the fifth week (4 male, 3 female), and eighth week (4 male, 3 female) respectively. Degree of fibrosis were measured and serological markers for liver fibrosis and function including hyaluronic acid (HA), type IV collagen (CIV), γ-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were determined. Alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemistry were also performed.

RESULTS: CCl₄ induction led to the damage of liver and development of fibrosis in Group B and Group C rats when compared to Group A rats. The treatment of WeiJia in Group C rats could reduce the fibrosis condition significantly compared to Group B rats. The effect could be observed after three weeks of treatment and was more obvious after eight weeks of treatment. Serum HA, CIV, ALT, AST and γ-GT levels after eight weeks of treatment for Group C rats were 58±22 µg/L (P<0.01), 57±21 µg/L (P<0.01), 47±10 U/L (P<0.01), 139±13 U/L (P<0.05) and 52±21 U/L (P>0.05) respectively, similar to normal control group (Group A), but significantly different from CCl₄ induced liver injury control group (Group B). An increase in PCNA and decrease in α-SMA expression level was also observed.

CONCLUSION: WeiJia could improve liver function and reduce liver fibrosis which might be through the inhibition of stellate cell activity.

The influence of aquaporin-1 and microvessel density on ovarian carcinogenesis and ascites formation

This study aimed at investigating aquaporin-1 (AQP1) distribution and expression in primary ovarian epithelial tumors, correlating with clinicopathologic variables and intratumoral microvessel density (IMD). The AQP1 expression and IMD in 105 cases with primary epithelial ovarian tumors were measured by semiquantitative immunohistochemical technique. AQP1 was located mainly in microvessels and small vessels but seldom in tumor cells. Expression of AQP1 and IMD in ovarian malignant tumors was significantly higher than that in borderline tumors (P= 0.000, P= 0.001, respectively), and that in borderline tumors was higher than in benign tumors (P= 0.008, P= 0.028, respectively). The expression of AQP1 in FIGO stage III-IV was more than that in stage I-II (P= 0.001), and cases with ascites volume greater than 1000 mL were more than cases with ascites volume less than 1000 mL (P= 0.000). There is a positively correlated relationship between expression of AQP1 and IMD (correlation coefficient 0.60, P= 0.000) and between expression of AQP1 and ascites volume (correlation coefficient 0.57, P= 0.000). These data implicate that high AQP1 expression may play an important role in the ovarian carcinogenesis, progression, and ascites formation. Further studies into the mechanism of AQP1 regulation and the relationship between AQP1 expression and tumor angiogenesis may lead to novel therapies for ovarian carcinoma.

The changes of gene expression profiles in hydatidiform mole and choriocarcinoma with hyperplasia of trophoblasts

The purpose of this study is to investigate changes of gene expression profiles in hydatidiform moles (HM) and choriocarcinoma and to explore causes of trophoblastic hyperplasia. Using cDNA microarray, 4,096 genes were analyzed in two pairs of the tissues of HM versus normal villi and in two pairs of normal primary culture trophoblasts versus JAR cell line of choriocarcinoma. The expressions of two genes in normal villi and HM, as well as in JAR and JEG-3, were examined with the help of immunohistochemistry, immunoblot, and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in order to confirm the findings of cDNA microarray. Twenty-four genes were upregulated and 65 genes were downregulated in all HM. Four hundred thirty-three genes were upregulated and 380 genes were downregulated in JAR. Forty-six genes were upregulated in both HM and choriocarcinoma, whereas 13 genes were downregulated. Genes associated with the inhibition of cell proliferation were significantly downregulated, whereas genes associated with cell proliferation, malignant transformation, metastasis, and drug resistance were upregulated. Thymidine kinase-1 (TK-1) and small subunit ribonucleotide reductase (RRM-2) were overexpressed in HM, JAR, and JEG-3. The expressions of TK-1 and RRM-2 in moles were positively correlated with proliferative index of trophoblasts. Our results suggest that altered expression of genes exist in HM and choriocarcinoma. Trophoblastic hyperplasia may be involved in the overexpression of DNA synthetic enzymes.

Size- and shape-dependent energetics of nanocrystal interfaces: experiment and simulation

We study the interface energetics of Ag nanocrystals on a H-passivated Si(111) surface by a transmission electron microscopy experiment and molecular dynamics simulations. The annealed nanocrystals are oriented with Ag(111)||Si(111). Azimuthally, epitaxy is preferred for nanocrystals with an interface larger than a coincident-site-lattice (CSL) cell. The equilibrium orientation, or interface energy minimum, depends on the interface size and shape. For interfaces approaching a CSL cell in size ( approximately 2 nm nanocrystals), fluctuations of a single atom at an interface can lead to large variations in nanocrystal orientations.

Reciprocal expression of TRAIL and CD95L in Th1 and Th2 cells: role of apoptosis in T helper subset differentiation

Upon activation, naïve T helper cells can differentiate into two major distinct subsets, T helper 1 (Th1) and T helper 2 (Th2), as defined by their effector functions and cytokine secretion patterns. Cytokine milieu and costimulatory molecules have been shown to play an essential role in determining T helper differentiation. However, it is still unclear how the effects of signals of costimulatory molecules and cytokines are exerted during T helper differentiation. We show evidence suggesting that while cytokine signals initiate the differentiation program, the selective action of death effectors determines the end point balance of differentiating T helper subsets. We examined the expression of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and CD95L in cloned and in vitro differentiated Th1 and Th2 cells. We found that activation-induced expression of TRAIL is exclusively observed in Th2 clones and primary T helper cells differentiated under the Th2 condition, while the expression of CD95L is mainly in Th1 cells. Furthermore, these two subsets exhibit distinct susceptibilities to TRAIL- and CD95L-mediated apoptosis. Th2 cells are more resistant to either TRAIL- or CD95L-induced apoptosis than Th1 cells. More importantly, both Th1 and Th2 cells could induce apoptosis in labeled Th1 but not Th2 cells. Blocking TRAIL and CD95L significantly enhance IFN-gamma production in vitro. Likewise, young MRL/MpJ-lpr/lpr mice also showed more Th1 response to ovalbumin immunization as compared to MRL/MpJ+/+. Therefore, apoptosis mediated by CD95L and TRAIL is critical in determining the fate of differentiating T helper cells.

A novel role for sphingolipid intermediates in activation-induced cell death in T cells

Activation-induced cell death (AICD), a process mediated by CD95 and CD95 ligand (CD95L), plays a critical role in regulating homeostasis of the immune system. Although the role of sphingolipids such as ceramides has been suggested to participate in CD95-mediated apoptosis, the exact role of these molecules in this process remains controversial. We employed myriocin, a specific inhibitor of serine palmitoyl-CoA transferase that mediates the first commitment step in sphingolipid synthesis. We found that myriocin could effectively block AICD in T-cell hybridomas and T-cell blasts. However, fumonisin B1, an inhibitor of the final step of ceramide synthesis, or inhibitors of sphingomyelinases did not prevent AICD. Furthermore, ceramide analogues, such as C2 and C6, could not reverse the inhibitory effect of myriocin. Interestingly, sphinganine, an intermediate of ceramide synthesis, completely reversed the inhibitory effect of myriocin, indicating a critical role of sphinganine. Myriocin did not modulate the expression of CD95 or CD95L, instead, it interfered with the early steps of CD95-mediated caspase activation. Therefore, we have uncovered a novel mechanism by which sphingolipid intermediates regulate CD95-mediated apoptosis.

Induction of acetylcholinesterase expression during apoptosis in various cell types

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) plays a key role in terminating neurotransmission at cholinergic synapses. AChE is also found in tissues devoid of cholinergic responses, indicating potential functions beyond neurotransmission. It has been suggested that AChE may participate in development, differentiation, and pathogenic processes such as Alzheimer's disease and tumorigenesis. We examined AChE expression in a number of cell lines upon induction of apoptosis by various stimuli. AChE is induced in all apoptotic cells examined as determined by cytochemical staining, immunological analysis, affinity chromatography purification, and molecular cloning. The AChE protein was found in the cytoplasm at the initiation of apoptosis and then in the nucleus or apoptotic bodies upon commitment to cell death. Sequence analysis revealed that AChE expressed in apoptotic cells is identical to the synapse type AChE. Pharmacological inhibitors of AChE prevented apoptosis. Furthermore, blocking the expression of AChE with antisense inhibited apoptosis. Therefore, our studies demonstrate that AChE is potentially a marker and a regulator of apoptosis.

Apoptosis: the quiet death silences the immune system

Apoptosis plays an essential role in maintaining cellular homeostasis during development, differentiation, and pathophysiological processes. In the immune system, recent investigations reveal that during the course of T-cell development in the thymus, negative selection of autoreactive immature T-cells is a typical apoptotic process. In addition, apoptosis is also involved in cytotoxic killing of target cells and the regulation of lymphocyte homeostasis during immune responses. Interestingly, recent evidence has suggested that cells dying by apoptosis are actively involved in immunosuppression in various circumstances. We have shown that apoptotic cells could inhibit the expression of CD69 during T-cell activation. Furthermore, apoptotic cells phagocytosed by macrophages and/or dendritic cells are immunosuppressive, a process likely mediated by the production of transforming growth factor-beta1. Since apoptosis is a common mechanism by which excessive cells in many tissues and organs are eliminated in various pathophysiological processes, we believe that further investigation into the mechanisms by which apoptotic cells affect the immune system will not only lead to a better understanding of the significance of apoptosis during immune responses, but will also provide novel strategies for the management of autoimmune diseases and transplantation.

betac cytokine receptor-induced stimulation of cAMP response element binding protein phosphorylation requires protein kinase C in myeloid cells: a novel cytokine signal transduction cascade

We have recently shown that IL-3R occupancy activates a phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C, and the sustained diacylglycerol accumulation subsequently activates protein kinase C (PKC). In human IL-3-dependent myeloid cells (TF-1), the novel PKCepsilon isoform regulates bcl-2 expression and cell survival. The report of a PKC activatable cAMP response element (CRE) in the bcl-2 promoter and a role for PKC in bcl-2 expression in B cells led us to the hypothesis that PKC phosphorylation activates transcription factor CREB after IL-3R engagement. We found that IL-3 and GM-CSF induced phosphorylation of CREB on Ser(133) in TF-1 cells, and this phosphorylation was blocked by two structurally unrelated classes of PKC inhibitors. An inhibitor of cyclic nucleotide-dependent kinases did not block this phosphorylation. IL-4, which is biologically active in these cells but does not use the beta common subunit, did not phosphorylate CREB on Ser(133). Inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase activity also inhibited IL3-induced CREB phosphorylation. The PKC inhibitors, but not a cyclic nucleotide-dependent kinase inhibitor, blocked IL-3 activation of CRE-dependent transcription from an egr-1 promoter/chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter construction transiently transfected into TF-1 cells. Finally, TF-1 cells stably overexpressing PKCepsilon, but not the delta isoform of PKC, enhanced CRE-dependent CAT expression from the promoter/reporter construction. Therefore, it is likely that a PKCepsilon kinase cascade resulting in CREB phosphorylation represents a novel signal transduction cascade for regulating cellular gene expression through the beta common cytokine receptor.

Biochemical mechanisms of action of Hypericum LI 160 in glial and neuronal cells: inhibition of neurotransmitter uptake and stimulation of extracellular signal regulated protein kinase

We have investigated biochemical mechanisms that may underlie the antidepressant effects of Hypericum LI 160. We found that LI 160 inhibits uptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in cultures of rat cortical astrocytes. Observed differences in the kinetic parameters Km and Vmax as well as in the recovery of uptake after removal of Hypericum indicates that LI 160 does not affect serotonin and norepinephrine transport in the same manner. This suggests that multiple components of the extract can mediate inhibition of these neurotransmitter transporters. Hypericum LI 160 also inhibits serotonin uptake in neuronal cultures from serotonergic-rich raphe nuclei; concentration-response studies indicate LI 160 is 25 times more potent in terms of inhibition of serotonin uptake in neurons than in astrocytes. In addition, Hypericum LI 160 inhibits norepinephrine uptake in SK-N-SH cells, a human neuroblastoma cell line enriched in norepinephrine transporters. A chemical constituent of LI 160, hyperforin, is about 10 to 20 times more potent than LI 160 in inhibiting neurotransmitter uptake in astrocytes and neuronal cells; this finding is consistent with the observation that hyperforin comprises 5% of LI 160 extracts. As several weeks are needed to achieve a clinical response with antidepressants, we have also investigated whether Hypericum LI 160 affects biochemical mechanisms that underlie long-term changes such as gene expression. We found that LI 160 stimulates a sustained activation of extracellular signal regulated protein kinase (ERK), a key component of a signal transduction pathway involved in gene expression. Taken together, our findings suggest that Hypericum LI 160 can affect rapidly-acting as well as slower-developing, long-term biochemical mechanisms related to depressive disorders.

Death the Fas way: regulation and pathophysiology of CD95 and its ligand

Apoptotic cell death mediated by the members of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family is an essential process involved in the regulation of cellular homeostasis during development, differentiation, and pathophysiological conditions. Among the cell death receptors comprising the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, CD95/APO-1 (Fas) is the best characterized. The specific interaction of Fas with its cognate ligand, Fas ligand (FasL), elicits the activation of a death-inducing caspase (cysteine aspartic acid proteases) cascade, occurring in a transcription-independent manner. Caspase activation executes the apoptosis process by cleaving various intracellular substrates, leading to genomic DNA fragmentation, cell membrane blebbing, and the exposure of phagocytosis signaling molecules on the cell surface. Recent studies have shown that the Fas/FasL pathway plays an important role in regulating the life and death of the immune system through activation-induced cell death. In addition, these molecules have been implicated in aging, human immunodeficiency virus infection, drug abuse, stress, and cancer development. In this review, we will focus on the mechanisms that regulate Fas and FasL expression, and how their deregulation leads to diseases.

Effect of osmolality and anion channel inhibitors on myo-inositol efflux in cultured astrocytes

Recent studies have shown that swelling-activated myo-inositol efflux from rat C6 glioma cells is mediated by a single transport mechanism and most likely by a volume-sensitive anion channel. In those studies, cells were acclimated in hypertonic medium and then swollen by returning the cells to isotonic medium. In the present study, myo-inositol efflux was determined in primary cultures of astrocytes by first incubating the cells in isotonic radiolabelled medium for 2 hr and then placing the cells in either unlabelled isotonic, hypertonic, or hypotonic medium and measuring release with time. Computer analyses of efflux data indicated a two-component system of myo-inositol efflux. The rate constants for the initial fast component for isotonic and hypotonic cells were 0.0398 +/- 0. 005 and 0.0631 +/- 0.0288 min(-1), respectively. The efflux rates of the slow component, while quite small, were severalfold greater with increasing hypotonic media as compared to the cells in isotonic medium. Several anion membrane transport inhibitors were tested to explore the swelling activated efflux mechanism of myo-inositol. Furosemide (0.5 mM), 1,9 dideoxyforskolin (0.1 mM), NPPB (0.1 mM), niflumic acid (0.5 mM), and SITS (0.5 mM) blocked the fast component of myo-inositol efflux by 17, 49, 55, 75, and 93%, respectively. Our results suggest that the fast component of myo-inositol efflux in primary cultures of astrocytes is mediated by anion transporters or channels and that myo-inositol flux contributes to cell volume regulation in cultures of primary astrocytes.

Effect of dibutyryl cyclic AMP on the kinetics of myo-inositol transport in cultured astrocytes

Dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dBcAMP) is known to induce maturation and differentiation in astrocytes. As myo-inositol is an important osmoregulator in astrocytes, we examined the effects of maturation and biochemical differentiation on the kinetic properties of myo-inositol transport. Treatment of astrocytes with dBcAMP significantly decreased the Vmax of myo-inositol uptake, but the effect on Km was not significant. The myo-inositol content of astrocytes was significantly decreased in cells treated for 5 days with dBcAMP as compared with untreated controls. Maximum suppression of myo-inositol uptake occurred 7 days after exposure of astrocytes to dBcAMP; this was gradually reversible when dBcAMP was removed from the medium. After exposure to hypertonic medium for 6 h, mRNA expression of the myo-inositol co-transporter was diminished by approximately 36% in astrocytes treated with dBcAMP as compared with untreated cells. It appears that myo-inositol transporters in astrocytes treated with dBcAMP are either decreased in number or inactivated during maturation and differentiation, suggesting that the stage of differentiation and biochemical maturation of astrocytes is an important factor in osmoregulation.

Effect of ammonia and methionine sulfoximine on myo-inositol transport in cultured astrocytes

Ammonia causes astrocyte swelling which is abrogated by methionine sulfoximine (MSO). Since myo-inositol is an important osmolyte, we investigated the effects of ammonia and MSO on myoinositol flux in cultured astrocytes for periods up to 72 hours. Uptake of myo-inositol was significantly decreased by 26.7 (P < 0.05) and 39.3 (P < 0.006) percent after 48 hours of exposure to 5 or 10 mM ammonia, respectively. The maximum rate of uptake was 14.0+/-0.5 nmol/hour/mg protein which was reduced to 7.45+/-0.27 and 7.02+/-0.57 nmoles/hour/mg protein by 5 or 10 mM ammonia, respectively. The Kms by Michaelis-Menten equation for the control, and in the presence of 5, or 10 mM ammonia were 32.5+/-4.52, 44.4+/-5.82, and 39.3+/-7.0 microM, respectively. Kms by Hanes-Woolf plot for the control, 5, or 10 mM ammonia were 25, 45, and 40 microM, respectively. Treatment of astrocytes with either 5 or 10 mM NH4Cl for 6 hours caused a decrease in myo-inositol content by 66% and 58%, respectively. MSO (3 mM) partially diminished the ammonia-induced inhibition of myo-inositol uptake and decreased myo-inositol content by 31% after 24 hours. Additionally, ammonia increased myo-inositol efflux briefly through the fast efflux component but had little effect on myo-inositol efflux through the slow efflux component of astrocytes exposed to ammonia for up to 72 hours. Predominantly decreased myo-inositol influx coupled with brief efflux through the fast component may represent an adaptive response to diminish the extent of ammonia-induced astrocyte swelling.

Human hematopoietic cell express two forms of the cytokine receptor common gamma-chain (gamma c)

Recent studies have revealed that the gamma-chain of the IL-2 receptor is shared by the receptors for IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, IL-13, and IL-15, and it is therefore also referred to as the common gamma-chain (gamma c). Mutations of gamma c result in X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome in humans, indicating that gamma c is essential for normal development and function of the immune system. We demonstrate that human hematopoietic cells express two gamma c transcripts differing in their carboxyl terminal coding region. One transcript is the previously reported sequence (gamma c-long), whereas the newly identified sequence exhibits a deletion of 72 nucleotides close to the 3'-end of the open reading frame (gamma c-short). This alteration predicts a loss of 24 amino acids including a conserved tyrosine residue which is shared by several members of the cytokine receptor family. The presence of these two distinct forms of gamma c transcripts was demonstrated by sequencing of reversely transcribed and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplified mRNA, restriction digestion of the RT-PCR products, RNAse protection, and Northern blotting from human cell lines and human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Furthermore, the two variants were present in peripheral blood lymphocytes from both female and male donors, which rules out allelic variants since gamma c is a single copy gene located on the X chromosome. A truncation mutant at a site near the observed changes in gamma c-short has been reported by others to alter biochemical events activated by cytokines. This combined with the loss of a potential SH2 "docking" site in gamma c-short suggests that gamma c-long and gamma c-short may link to different signaling pathways and may play an important role in determining the cellular response to IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, IL-13, IL-15.

Micropreparative high resolution purification of proteins by a combination of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing, and membrane blotting

We report a simple, economical, and efficient protocol for protein purification from cells. First, proteins of cell lysates were separated by standard sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and electroblotted to protein-blotting membrane. The blots were stained with Coomassie blue or developed by immunoblotting to visualize specific proteins. The bands corresponding to those visible by immunoblotting were excised from the dye-stained blots and subjected to isoelectric focusing. The focused gel was stained with Coomassie blue. Finally, the stained bands were excised and subjected to another SDS-PAGE separation and electrotransferred back to protein-blotting membrane. At this stage, the purified proteins were suitable for microsequencing. We have tested the feasibility of this novel technique by purifying proteins with molecular weights ranging from 19 to 100 kDa from a lysate of Sarcocystis neurona, the etiologic agent of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis. The purity of proteins was demonstrated by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Partial sequences of these purified proteins were obtained by N-terminal or digestive sequencing.

Accumulation of simple organic cations correlates with differential cytotoxicity in multidrug-resistant and -sensitive human and rodent cells

Structure/functional studies previously reported showed that in a series of simple organic cations in which the charge is delocalized, an aromatic ring and a minimal degree of lipophilicity (log P > -1) were required for recognition by murine cells which express P-glycoprotein (p-gp)-mediated multidrug resistance (MDR). In the present report we find that 3H-octylpyridinium, the simple aromatic cation which has been shown to be preferentially toxic to MDR- as compared to MDR+ cells, accumulates 4.7-fold greater in the MDR- cell line. In contrast, we find that 3H-guanidinium which displays no selective toxicity between MDR+ and MDR- cells, shows no significant uptake differences between these two cell types. We also present data which demonstrate that other organic cations which contain aromatic rings, a minimal degree of lipophilicity (log P> -1) and carry a delocalized (Rho 123) or shielded (triphenylmethyl phosphonium) positive charge, also accumulate to a greater degree in MDR- vs MDR+ cells. Additionally, we find that human cells which express p-gp MDR, have similar requirements for recognition of these simple compounds. In fact, the sensitivity profiles of these compounds closely correlate between murine and human cell lines. It was also found that none of the series of simple organic compounds tested showed modulatory activity in MDR+ cells, as assayed by monitoring retention of Rho 123. Thus, the requirements for MDR recognition vs those for MDR modulation are clearly distinguished with these simple structured compounds. In comparison, the calcium channel antagonist, verapamil, and a calcium channel agonist, Bay K 8644, both showed modulatory activity by increasing Rho 123 retention in MDR+ cells, further supporting the interpretation that verapamil's modulation of MDR is unrelated to its action on calcium flux. Overall, the data presented here add further information for defining the structural requirements of compounds for their recognition by, or modulation of, human cells expressing p-gp-mediated MDR.

Concentrating protein samples for sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing using protein-blotting membranes

The protein concentration in biological samples is a crucial limiting factor for a successful analysis by electrophoresis. Many techniques have been adopted to increase protein concentrations, however, they are often insufficient and require special equipment or poisonous chemicals. Herein, we report a simple and efficient technique for concentrating dilute protein samples by absorbing proteins onto protein-blotting membrane strips. In this technique, blotting membrane strips were incubated in dilute protein solutions to capture proteins. For either sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis or isoelectric focusing, the protein-absorbed membrane strips were directly loaded to the sample wells which contained a strong protein elution buffer and electrophoresis was performed under standard conditions.

Lack of mutation in tumour-suppressor gene p53 in gestational trophoblastic tumours

The objectives of this study were to better our understanding of the carcinogenesis of gestational trophoblastic tumours and to investigate the possible presence of mutational alteration of the p53 tumour-suppressor gene in these tumours. Amplification-based direct DNA sequencing was performed on 14 hydatidiform moles, six invasive moles, eight choriocarcinomas and ten normal early placental tissues. No mutation in exons 5-8 was detected in any of these 38 tissue specimens. These results suggest that a mutation in p53 tumour suppressor either does not exist or is a very rare event in gestational trophoblastic tumours. The gestational trophoblastic tumours probably involve a tumour-suppressor gene other than p53 gene or may follow a completely different pathway to their malignant phenotype.

Human papillomavirus type 18 DNA in gestational trophoblastic tissues and choriocarcinomas

The objectives of our study were to better understand carcinogenesis of gestational trophoblastic tumors and to investigate the possible presence of human papillomavirus types 16 and 18 DNA sequences in these tumors. Amplification-based DNA methodology was used on 11 hydatidiform moles, 5 invasive moles, 8 choriocarcinomas and 9 normal early placental tissues. Human papillomavirus type 16 DNA was not found in any of these tissues. Although human papillomavirus type 18 DNA was also not found in the 9 normal placentas and 5 invasive moles, it was present in 2 of the 11 (18%) hydatidiform moles and in 4 of the 8 (50%) choriocarcinomas.

[A clinical study 39 cases of ovarian pregnancy]

Thirty-nine cases of ovarian pregnancy in our hospital from 1982 to 1992 were analyzed, and compared with the tubal pregnancies admitted during the same period. It showed that the incidence of ovarian pregnancy was 2.6% of all ectopic pregnancies with a trend to increase yearly. The clinical features of ovarian pregnancy revealed that abdominal pain was the major symptom, and history of amenorrhea was obscure. The clinical diagnosis of ovarian pregnancy was more difficult than that of tubal pregnancy. The typical histologic characteristics showed the embryo and chorionic villi surrounded by ovarian tissue or the presence of decidual changes. Ovarian pregnancy was closely related with poor uterine environment, pelvic inflammatory disease and/or endometriosis. The preferred therapeutic procedure was partial ovariectomy or wedge resection, preserving the normal ovarian tissue and tube as much as possible.

[The effects of the estradiol control delivery patch in the treatment of 176 cases of ovarian failure]

The effects of the estradiol control delivery patch made in China on the main manifestation in the 176 cases of ovarian failure patient were evaluated with the improvement of their symptoms, the changes of serum levels of LH, FSH, E2, the vaginal exfoliated cytologic maturation index (MI) and the histological alteration of endometrium. The results indicated that the six main symptoms including hectic fever, sweating, vaginal dry and hard-going, dizziness, emotioned lability and insomnia were improved significantly and progressively with prolongation of the treatment. The effective rates were 97.9%, 97.5%, 93.7%, 77.0%, 76.2%, 75.0% respectively form hectic fever to insomnia. The inhibitory effects on serum LH, FSH levels occurred on the 10th day of the treatment. The MI increased within whole course and the serum estradiol level elevated slightly and stably. There were no significant endometrial proliferation caused by the patch.

[Histological diagnosis and clinical features in borderline smooth muscle tumors of the uterus]

Between leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma there exists a series of borderline smooth muscle tumors of the uterus, including cellular, bizarre, mitotically active, atypical and uncertain malignant potential leiomyomas. A histological criterion was presented in this study for diagnosis of smooth muscle tumors of the uterus. Forty-two cases originally diagnosed as uterine cellular leiomyomas were re-examined histologically, analyzed clinically and followed up. The results showed that among the 42 cases, there were 5 cases of cellular leiomyoma, 1 case of bizarre leiomyoma, 7 cases of atypical leiomyoma, 2 cases of tumors of uncertain malignant potential, 1 case of leiomyosarcoma and 26 cases of usual leiomyoma. The histological criteria of dense cellularity, cell atypia and nuclear mitosis showed a close correlation, but did not vary at different phases of menstrual cycle. Clinical features of borderline tumors were similar to those of usual leiomyomas, and their prognosis was also good. It is suggested that diagnosis of borderline smooth muscle tumors of the uterus should be made on the basis of three histological characteristics, including cellular density, cell atypia and nuclear mitotic figures. Management of the borderline cases seems to be the same as that of usual leiomyoma, but a further study may be necessary.