Showing papers by "Renji Hospital published in 2001"

A multicentre study on eradication of Helicobacter pylori using four 1‐week triple therapies in China

Abstract: Background: Short-term proton pump inhibitor-based triple therapies for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori are used widely. The eradication rates vary greatly from country to country and from region to region. Aim: To assess the efficacy at eradicating H. pylori of 1-week regimens containing three medications: omeprazole (O) or colloidal bismuth subcitrate (B), furazolidone (F) or metronidazole (M), and amoxicillin (A) or clarithromycin (C). Methods: A multicentre study involving 20 hospitals in different regions of China. A total of 892 patients with H. pylori-positive non-ulcer dyspepsia or healed duodenal ulcer confirmed by endoscopy were recruited to receive, randomly, one of four regimens: OMC, OFC, OFA, and BFC, b.d. for 7 days. 13C-urea breath test was performed 4–8 weeks after completion of treatment. Results: The eradication rates with per protocol/intention-to-treat analyses were: OMC (n=217/219) 66%/65%; OFC (n=227/229) 69%/69%; OFA (n=223/225) 87%/86%; and BFC (n=214/219) 80%/78%. The eradication rate (per protocol analysis) in duodenal ulcer (79%) was higher than that in non-ulcer dyspepsia (73%, P=0.033). Patient compliance was good. The adverse events of the four regimens were mild, and mainly gastrointestinal. Conclusions: The omeprazole, furazolidine and amoxicillin regimen achieves a high H. pylori eradication rate in different geographical regions of China.

Comparison of precancerous conditions: atrophy and intestinal metaplasia in Helicobacter pylori gastritis among Chinese and Dutch patients

Abstract: AIM-Atrophy and intestinal metaplasia (IM) as precancerous conditions consistently begin in the antrum and are most severe along the lesser curvature. The aim of this study was to investigate discrepancies in the prevalence, the severity of atrophy, and IM in antral mucosa of Helicobacter pylori infected gastritis and difference in age of onset among Chinese and Dutch patients. METHODS-Two hundred and sixty five Chinese patients and 261 Dutch patients with H pylori infection were enrolled. The degrees of atrophy and IM were graded according to the updated Sydney system. RESULTS-The overall prevalences of atrophy and IM were lower in Dutch patients (42% and 26%, respectively) than in Chinese patients (52% and 32%, respectively). Only the difference in atrophy reached significance (p = 0.028). However, in both Chinese and Dutch patients, the degrees of atrophy and IM were low and severe degrees were rare. The mean ages of Chinese and Dutch patients with atrophy and IM were higher than those without atrophy and IM (with atrophy (Chinese patients): mean, 42.12; SD, 9.80; with IM (Chinese patients): mean, 42.56; SD, 9.96; with atrophy (Dutch patients): mean, 55.16; SD, 12.20; with IM (Dutch patients): mean, 57.79; SD, 11.13; without atrophy (Chinese patients): mean, 39.71; SD, 10.16; without IM (Chinese patients): mean, 40.19; SD, 9.99; without atrophy (Dutch patients): mean, 45.70; SD, 12.44; without IM (Dutch patients): mean, 46.89; SD, 12.68). Atrophy and IM occurred earlier and were more severe in Chinese patients, with both reaching a peak value in patients over 60 years. CONCLUSIONS-There are geographical differences in the prevalence and severity of H pylori infected gastritis, in particular with respect to atrophy and IM, which suggests that infection with H pylori occurs earlier in life and has a higher prevalence in CHINA:

Immunohistochemical study of hepatic oval cells in human chronic viral hepatitis.

Abstract: AIM: To detect immunohistochemically the presence of oval cells in chronic viral hepatitis with antibody against c-kit. METHODS: We detected oval cells in paraffin embedded liver sections of 3 normal controls and 26 liver samples from patients with chronic viral hepatitis, using immunohistochemistry with antibodies against c-kit, π class glutathione S-transferase (π-GST) and cytokeratins 19 (CK19). RESULTS: Oval cells were not observed in normal livers. In chronic viral hepatitis, hepatic oval cells were located predominantly in the periportal region and fibrosis septa, characterized by an ovoid nucleus, small size, and scant cytoplasm. Antibody against stem cell factor receptor, c-kit, had higher sensitivity and specificity than π-GST and CK19. About 50%-70% of c-kit positive oval cells were stained positively for either π-GST or CK19. CONCLUSION: Oval cells are frequently detected in human livers with chronic viral hepatitis, suggesting that oval cell proliferation is asso ciated with the liver regeneration in this condition.

The inhibitory effect of oxymatrine on hepatitis C virus in vitro

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To study the inhibitory effect of oxymatrine on HCV in vitro. METHODS SMMC-7721 cells transfected with pBK-HCV using lipofectin transfection protocal were treated with oxymatrine. bDNA signal amplification assay and MTT colorimetric assay were used for intracellular HCV RNA and cytotoxicity. RESULTS The stable HCV expression cell model established here could be used as a tool for medicine screen. Oxymatrine at the concentration of 100~1000 mug/ml could significantly decrease the level of intracellular HCV RNA. No cytotoxicity was shown in such concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Oxymatrine has an anti-HCV potential activity in vitro.

Relationship between autoimmune hepatitis and HLA-DR4 and DRbeta allelic sequences in the third hypervariable region in Chinese.

Abstract: AIM: To analyze the association of HLA-DRB1 with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in patients from China. METHODS: In 32 patients and 48 healthy controls, polymerase chain reaction amplification with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) was performed to examine the association of certain alleles or polymorphic sequences of HLA-DRB1 with AIH. RESULTS: HLA-DRB1 typing by PCR-SSP showed that DR4 had a significantly increased frequency among patients with AIH versus healthy control (46.9% versus 20.8%; relative risk = 3.35, P = 0.014). In subtypes of DR4, there was a trend of increase in the gene frequency of DRB1 *0405 in patients with AIH versus healthy controls (21.9% vs 6.3%, P = 0.04, but Pc = 0.08). In addition, a significant increase was found in the alleles frequency encoding QRRAA from the third hyperpolymorphic region of DR4 in the patients with AIH (86.7% of DR4 positive patients vs 40.0% in DR4 positive controls, P = 0.016, Pc = 0.028, RR = 9.75). CONCLUSION: AIH in Chinese is associated with HLA-DR4. There is a relationship between QRRAA sequence within the third hyperpolymorphic region of the DRB allele and AIH in Chinese.

Pharmacokinetics of anastrozole in Chinese male volunteers.

Abstract: Aim: To compare pharmacokinetics of domestic and imported tablets of anastrozole. Methods: Twenty male Chinese volunteers were enrolled in a randomized crossover study with a single oral dose of 1 mg of the two formulations respectively. The anastrozole in plasma was measured by gas chromatography with electron-captured detector. Area under the drug concentration-time curve was evaluated by variance analysis and two one-side t-test. Results: A two-compartment model was adopted in anastrozole plasma concentration-time data analysis. The paramaters such as Cmax, Tmax, T1/2beta, and AUC(0-infinity) were (10 +/- 3) and (10.2 +/- 2.5) microg/L, (1.2 +/- 0.5) and (1.3 +/- 0.4) h, (42 +/- 14) and (41 +/- 26) h, (443 +/- 141) and (429 +/- 121) microg . h . L-1, respectively, and there were no significant differences between the two formulations. Conclusion: Domestic and imported anastrozole were of bioequivalence. The relative bioavailability of the domestic tablet was 100 % +/- 9 %.

Study on changes of serum T helper cell type 1 and 2 cytokines after active immunotherapy in women with unexplained habitual abortion

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To investigate the changes of serum T helper cell (TH)1/TH2 type cytokines after the active immunotherapy in unexplained habitual abortion (UHA) women METHODS Concentrations of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-12, interferon (IFN)-gamma, IL-4, IL-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) method in sera from thirty-three cases of unexplained habitual abortion (UHA) women before and after active immunotherapy Thirty normal non-pregnancy (NNP) women and thirty normal pregnancy (NP) women were taken as control RESULTS (1) Serum concentrations of IL-2 and IL-12 were higher significantly (P < 001) in UHA women [(133 +/- 138) ng/L and (505 +/- 258) ng/L, respectively] than those in NNP women [(46 +/- 64) ng/L and (203 +/- 282) ng/L, respectively] Serum concentrations of IL-4 and IL-10 were lower significantly (P < 001) in UHA women [(138 +/- 10) ng/L and (135 +/- 07) ng/L, respectively] than those in NNP women [(145 +/- 12) ng/L and (149 +/- 24) ng/L, respectively] However, there were no significant differences in serum concentrations of IFN-gamma and TGF-beta 1 between UHA women and NNP women (2) Serum concentrations of IL-2 were lower significantly (P < 005) in NP women [(16 +/- 43) ng/L] than those in NNP women Serum concentrations of IL-4 were higher significantly (P < 001) in NP women [(163 +/- 08) ng/L] than those in NNP women But there were no significant differences in serum concentrations of IFN-gamma, IL-10 and TGF-beta 1 between NP and NNP women (3) After active immunotherapy, serum concentrations of IL-2 and IL-12 were decreased significantly [(56 +/- 90) ng/L and (285 +/- 403) ng/L respectively, P < 001] whereas serum concentrations of IL-4 and IL-10 were increased significantly [(147 +/- 12) ng/L and (150 +/- 18) ng/L respectively, P < 001] in UHA women In addition, no significant changes in serum concentrations of IFN-gamma and TGF-beta 1 were found in UHA women after immunotherapy (4) As compared to NNP women there were no significant differences in serum concentrations of the above-mentioned cytokines in UHA women after active immunotherapy CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that profile of TH1/TH2 type cytokines tilts to TH2 immunity in normal pregnancy, but to TH1 immunity in UHA The active immunotherapy could make a shift from TH1 to TH2 immunity, thus favoring the maintenance of pregnancy

Protective effect of ischemic preconditioning on liver.

Abstract: Objective: To study the protective effect of ischemicpreconditioning (IPC) on the hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury.Methods: The model of rat liver subjected to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury was made. All 24 mice were divided randomly into 3 groups and anesthetized by 2% sodium pentobarbital (30-40 mg/kg). The enzyme activity of AST, ALT, LDH, SOD and the content of LPO were assayed respectively. Specimens were observed under transmission electron microscope.Results: IPC prevented the increase of ALT, AST and LDH in the blood and that of LPO in the tissues (P<0.05), and maintained high level of SOD in the tissues (P<0.05).Conclusions: IPC has protective effect on the liver function. Key words: Ischemic preconditioning; Liver; Wounds and injuries; Ischemia-reperfusion

[Effect of combined drug-acupuncture anesthesia on hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical axis response and glucose metabolism in open-heart surgery patients].

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To study and evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis response and glucose metabolism in open-heart surgery patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). METHODS Thirty patients with atrial septal defect were divided into 3 groups, the general anesthesia group (A), the acupuncture anesthesia group (B) and the general anesthesia combined EA group (C). Peripheral blood samples were collected at the time before anesthesia, before CPB and 30 min after CPB to determine plasma beta-endorphin, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), serum cortisol and blood glucose. RESULTS Plasma beta-endorphin, ACTH and serum cortisol increased significantly in Group A and B 30 min after CPB but without significant change in Group C. Blood glucose increased in all the 3 groups 30 min after CPB but the increment in Group C was the lowest. CONCLUSION Group A and B showed no significant inhibitory effect on HPA axis response and glucose metabolism in open-heart surgery patients undergoing CPB, but Group C could obviously inhibit those responses. Assessment from the viewpoint of stress, the general anesthesia combined with EA is the better approach for anesthesia in open-heart surgery with CPB.

Methylcobalamin as antagonist to transient ototoxic action of gentamicin.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine whether methylcobalamin inhibits the ototoxic action of gentamicin. Fourteen pigmented guinea pigs were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. Each animal in the experimental group was given a large single dose of gentamicin (125 mg/kg i.m.), followed by immediate administration of methylcobalamin (1 mg kg i.m.). In the control group, the animals received gentamicin only, at the same dose as the experimental group. The compound action potentials (CAPs) in the right ears of animals were measured using a signal processor before and 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75 min after injection of the drugs. The sound stimulus was presented by means of clicks and tone pips at 2, 4 and 8 kHz. Following the electro-physiological tests, the animal was sacrificed and prepared for scanning electron microscopic observation. There was prolongation of latency and diminution of amplitude of CAPs N1 and N2 15 min after injection of gentamicin. Although the N1-N2 intervals increased as the time after injection of gentamicin increased, the variations were still within normal ranges. In contrast, there was no prolongation of N1 latencies or N1-N2 intervals 30 min after injection in the experimental group. There were no marked changes in N1 or N2 amplitudes, compared with the results before injection, in the experimental group. The firing mechanism of the inner ear may be affected by a single dose of gentamicin. This suggests that the transient ototoxic action of gentamicin hardly affected the conductive function of the nerve fibres, even though the firing function of the inner ear was influenced. Methylcobalamin may inhibit the ototoxic side effects of gentamicin.

Clinical implications and prevalence of cagA, cagE and cagT genes in the pathogenicity island of Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from Shanghai patients

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The cag pathogenicity island (cag PAI) has been reported to be the major factor controlling the virulence of Helicobacter pylori and has been associated with clinical outcome after H. pylori infection. The role of cag PAI genes in the pathogenicity of H. pylori infection remains to be established. The aim of the present study was to investigate: (i) the prevalence of cagA, cagE and cagT, the representative genes of cag PAI status, in H. pylori strains isolated from patients with various gastroduodenal diseases in the Shanghai region; and (ii) the relationship between the presence of these genes and different gastroduodenal diseases. METHODS: Ninety-nine H. pylori strains were isolated from patients with chronic superficial gastritis (17), chronic atrophic gastritis (21), gastric ulcers (19), duodenal ulcers (23) and gastric cancer (19). The prevalence of the cagA, cagE, and cagT genes was studied in these strains by using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. RESULTS: The total prevalences of cagA, cagE and cagT genes were 84.8, 99 and 84.8%, respectively, in the 99 strains of H. pylori tested. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of cagA, cagE or cagT in H. pylori isolated from different gastroduodenal diseases (all P > 0.05). Of the 98 cagE-positive isolates, 14 (14.3%) were cagA negative. Only one of 99 isolates was negative for both cagE and cagA. Of the 84 cagT-positive strains, two were cagA negative. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the H. pylori isolates in the Shanghai region may have intact cag PAI. It was found that cagE, but not cagA, could be used as a marker for the presence of cag PAI. There is no correlation between the integrity of cag PAI and the clinical outcome after infection with H. pylori.

The study on human leucocyte antigen DQ region genes polymorphism in unexplained habitual abortion patients

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To investigate whether human leucocyte antigen DQ (HLA-DQ) genes polymorphism are related to the susceptibility to unexplained habitual abortion. METHODS HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1 gene typings are performed by polymerase chain reaction-restrictive fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP) technique in 32 cases of unexplained habitual abortion and 54 women with normal pregnancy history. RESULTS In unexplained habitual abortion group, the frequency of DQB1 * 0604, 0605 allele is increased significantly compared with that of controls(12.5% and 2.8%, P < 0.05) and the frequency of DQB1 * 0501, 0502 allele is decreased significantly (3.1% and 11.1%, P < 0.05). The frequency of DQA1 alleles do not differ significantly between two groups. Furthermore, the frequency of DQA1 * 01/DQB1 * 0604,0605 haplotype in patients is significantly increased than that of controls (12.5% and 2.8%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The results suggest that DQB1 * 0604,0605 allele and DQA1 * 01/DQB1 * 0604,0605 haplotype may be a susceptible gene and haplotype of unexplained habitual abortion, while DQB1 * 0501,0502 allele may be a protective factor for habitual abortion.

Expression of human leucocyte antigen in ectopic endometrial tissue of endometriosis

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To investigate the human leucocyte antigen (HLA) expression of ectopic endometrial epithelial cells in cases with endometriosis and its role in pathogenesis of endometriosis. METHODS By immunohistochemical analysis, HLA expression was observed in ectopic endometrial epithelial cells of 25 endometriosis patients. Ectopic endometrial cells were cultured in vitro successfully and the expression of HLA were analyzed by flow cytometry in 10 out of the 25 patients. Eutopic endometrium of 15 normal women were taken as control. RESULTS (1) Expression of HLA class I molecule on ectopic endometrial epithelial cells of endometriosis measured by the immunohistochemical analysis was lower than those of controls, (4.0 +/- 0.5) score and (1.2 +/- 0.8) score respectively. So was the expression rate by flow cytometry in vitro culture (63.38 +/- 11.88)% and (5.27 +/- 2.88)% respectively (P < 0.01). (2) The expression of HLA class II molecule on ectopic endometrial epithelial cells of endometriosis was significantly increased. The outcome by immunohistochemical analysis was (0.2 +/- 0.1) score (control group) and (4.1 +/- 0.7) score (case group) and by flow cytometry was (7.19 +/- 2.43)% and (58.57 +/- 14.99)% respectively (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The abnormal HLA expression could play a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.

Research of the chorda tympani nerve in cholesteatoma

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To investigate the ultrastructure of the chorda tympani nerve and analyze the taste and facial nerve functions in patients with cholesteatoma. METHODS 1. The tympanic segments of chorda tympani nerves were collected for ultrastructural investigations in 19 cholesteatoma cases who underwent canal-wall-down tympanoplasty. 2. All these patients received a spatial (regional) taste test preoperatively and postoperatively, respectively. Multiple loci were tested in a given order (front of the tongue, foliate papillae, circumvallate papillae, and soft palate). The solutions used in this study were 1.0 mol/L sodium chloride (salty), 1.0 mol/L sucrose (sweet), 0.032 mol/L citric acid (sour) and 0.001 mol/L quinine hydrochloride (bitter). The analyses of variance was used. 3. House-Brackmann facial nerve grading system was conducted to evaluate the facial nerve function preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS 1. There were obvious ultrastructural damages in all the chorda tympani nerves, such as swelling (100%), disarrangement (100%), vacuoles formation of myelin (89%), edema of Schwann cells (95%), intracytoplasmic vacuoles in Schwann cell (89%) and proliferation of the collagen tissue (89%). 2. Two patients complained of change of taste after operation. The analyses of variance showed that the taste function of the ipsilateral side of tympanoplasty were not statistically altered for each stimulus at each locus (P > 0.05). 3. No facial palsy occurred postoperatively. CONCLUSION This research suggested that the chorda tympani nerves underwent ultrastructural changes in patients with cholesteatoma. The dissection of chorda tympani nerve would not affect the taste and facial nerve functions.

[Subcellular distribution of daunorubicin in the P-glycoprotein-mediated multidrug-resistant cell line K562/ADR].

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To examine subcellular distribution of daunorubicin (DNR) in P-glycoprotein-mediated multidrug-resistant cell line K562/ADR and its relation to multidrug resistance. METHODS The subcellular distribution of DNR in K562/ADR was studied by confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM), fluorometry, RT-PCR. Rhodamine 123, NBD-ceramide and neutral red as fluorescent probes to stain the mitochondria, Golgi apparatus and lysosomes respectively were used to identify the subcellular compartments wherein DNR was sequestered. Effect of verapamil, chloroquine and brefeldin A on DNR distribution and accumulation was examined. RESULTS Compared with the drug-sensitive cell K562/S in which DNR fluorescence diffusely appeared in the nucleus and cytoplasm, DNR in K562/ADR cells was distributed to the perinuclear region and peripheral cytoplasm, It was scenty in the nucleus and other cytoplasmic regions, as suggested by the distribution of Rhodamine123. Only verapamil, but not chloroquine and brefeldin A, could markedly restore diffuse cytoplasmic and nuclear fluorescence distribution in the resistant cell line. CONCLUSION Altered subcellular distribution of DNR in drug resistant cell line may participate in the generation of multidrug resistance in which P-glycoprotein plays an important role.

Localization and quantitative study of hepatic oval cells in patients with chronic liver diseases: A pathological analysis of 29 liver specimens

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To observe the morphological characteristics of oval cells in human chronic liver disease and to determine the relationship between the number of oval cells and the grading and staging of liver fibrosis. METHODS: Oval cells in paraffin-embedded sections of three normal control livers and 29 chronically diseased livers were detected by using histoimmunochemistry. Cells were counted and scored if they satisfied the morphological criteria for oval cells and showed cytoplasmic staining. RESULTS: Oval cells were not observed in normal livers. In chronic liver disease, oval cells were characterized by the presence of an ovoid nucleus, a small-sized cell and scanty cytoplasm, and were located predominantly in the periportal region and fibrous septa. The number of oval cells increased significantly (F = 22.60, P < 0.01) as the staging of fibrosis increased (7 ± 3, 12 ± 3, 25 ± 7, 33 ± 9, and 44 ± 10 in stages 0–4, respectively). There were significant differences between all stages (P < 0.05) except those in stages 0 and 1, and 1 and 2. The number of oval cells was significantly related to the staging of liver fibrosis (r = 0.88, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Oval cells are frequently detected in chronically diseased livers. Their presence is related to the staging of fibrosis.

Differentiated microcarcinoma of the thyroid gland in 45 cases

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To offer therapeutic management for patients with microcarcinoma of the thyroid gland (TMC) METHOD Forty-five patients with TMC were treated from 1993, including 10 males and 35 females Homolateral total thyroidectomy + contralateral subtotal thyroidectomy + homolateral functional neck dissection was taken as routine RESULT Among 168 patients with differentiated carcinoma of the thyroid gland, 45 patients were TMC (2678%) Homolateral metastasis of lymph node presented in 11 (2444%) of the TMC patients No operation complications All patients were followed up No recurrence, no death CONCLUSION The lymph node metastasis appears to be high Homolateral total thyroidectomy + contralateral subtotal thyroidectomy + homolateral functional neck dissection was effective and essential

[Evaluation of saliva ferning test in diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome].

Abstract: Objective To evaluate saliva ferning test in (SFT) diagnosis of xerostomia in patients with Sjgren′s syndrome (SS). Methods Dried samples of freshly produced saliva from 78 patients diagnosed as SS according to european community criteria and 80 healthy controls were examined by light microscopy. The crystallization was classified into 4 types according to the ferning phenomenon: uniformity, branching, spreading and integrity (type Ⅰnormal and typeⅡ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ abnormal). Then, the 78 patients underwent labial salivary gland biopsy. According to Tarpley′s classification of labial gland biopsy, ≥2+ was considered positive. Results (a) The sensitivity and specificity of SFT were 89 74% (70/78) and 83 75% (67/80) respectively. (b) Abnormal SFT was observed in 70/78 (89 74%) of SS and in 13/80 (16 25%) of normal controls. The differences of SFT in SS patients versus normal controls were significant ( P 0 01). (c) The sensitivity of SFT and labial gland biopsy had no significant differences ( P 0 05) as diagnostic tests in SS. Conclusions SFT was valuable as a diagnostic test in patients suspective of SS.

Analysis of γδ~+T cell and natural killed cell cytotoxic activities in peripheral blood and peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis

Abstract: Aim To investigate the roles of γδ+T cell and NK cell activities in the development of endometriosis. Methods The phenotypes and activities of γδ+ T cells and NK cells in peripheral blood and peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis were studied by immunofluorescence assay and cytotoxicity assay. Result Percentage of γδ+ T cells in peritoneal fluid of the patients was higher than that in peripheral blood of the patients and in control. The activities of γδ+ T cells and NK cells in peripheral blood and peritoneal fluid of the patients were lower than those in peripheral blood and in control. The peritoneal fluid of the patients could decrease activities of γδ+T cells and NK cells in healthy.Conclusion Activities of γδ+ T cells and NK cells are low state, suggesting that there is suppressive factor directed at these cells in peritoneal fluid of the patients.

Expression of neural cell adhesion molecule in murine livers with experimental autoimmune hepatitis

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To investigate the expression of neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) in murine livers with experimental autoimmune hepatitis (EAH) and its relationship with histological grades. METHODS To induce the EAH model, the syngeneic S-100 antigen emulsified in complete Freud's adjuvant was injected intraperitoneally to C57Bl/6 at day 1 and day 7. The mice were sacrificed at day 7, 14, and 21 after the first immunization. The expression of NCAM was observed using histoimmunochemistry and RT-PCR. RESULTS The expression of NCAM increased gradually with aggravation of lymphocyte infiltration and hepatocyte injury. The administration of prednisolone decreased the histological grade, and inhibited the expression of NCAM. There was a correlation between the expression of NCAM and histological grade (r=0.71, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS NCAM provides a traffic signal for infiltration of lymphocytes in the liver, hence induces the injury of hepatocytes.

Analysis of NK and γδT cells in patients with endometriosis

Abstract: Objective:To investigate the activity and amount of NK and γδT cells in peripheral blood(PB) and peritoneal fluid(PF) in patients with endometriosis Methods:Analysis the amount and killing activity of NK and γδT cells in PB and PF in 15 cases with endometriosis by immunofluorescence method and flow cytometry,etc Results:1 In comparison with the controlled group,the amount of γδT cells in PF of endometriosis was higher(P0 05) However,the controlled group had no difference As in the same individual of endometriosis,the amount of these two killer cells in PF were higher than those in PB(P0 05) But this can not be find in controlled group 2 Except for γδT cell in PB,NK cell activity in PB and PF or γδT cell activity in PF of patients with endometriosis were declined(P0 05) In the cases,the activity of those two cells in PF had been found significantly lower than that in PB(P0 05) Conclusion:The declined activity of NK and γδT cells is linked with decreased clearance of endometrial cells which allows implantation and growth of ectopic endometrium It could be the possibility of the pathogenesis due to endometriosis

[The changes of serum levels of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 in pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus].

Abstract: Objective To assess the changes of serum levels of interleukin-6(IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in pregnant women with stationary phase systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum IL-6 and IL-8 from 14 pregnant women with stationary phase SLE (SLE group), 12 normal pregnant women (normal pregnant group) and 12 normal non-pregnant women (group normal non-pregnant). The later two groups are set as controls. Results The IL-6, IL-8 levels in group SLE patients are (20.31±5.70) ng/L and (48.80±9.17) ng/L, significantly higher than those in normal pregnant group [IL-6, IL-8 levels are (8.40±2.49) ng/L and (21.15±5.21) ng/L, respectively, P 0.01)] and normal non-pregnant group [IL-6, IL-8 levels are (6.14±0.86) ng/L and (17.71±4.43) ng/L, respectively, P 0.01]. However, there′s no significant difference between the normal pregnant group and normal non-pregnant group ( P 0.05). Conclusion Serum levels of IL-6, IL-8 may be helpful to monitor the progress of SLE during pregnancy.

Relationship between placenta growth factor and the pathogenesis of pregnancy induced hypertension syndrome

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To determine whether pregnancy induced hypertension syndrome (PIHs) is associated with placenta growth factor (PLGF) METHODS PLGF level in the maternal and umbilical venous serum collected from 23 PIHs patients and 20 normotensive controls was measured by enzyme linked immunoassay (ELISA), and expression of PLGF and its mRNA in the placenta and decidua from them was assessed by the immuno-histochemistry and reverse transcriptional-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) RESULTS (1) PLGF levels in the maternal serum from PIHs [(1127 +/- 638) micrograms/L] were significantly lower than those from normal pregnancies [(2003 +/- 1409) micrograms/L], (P < 005), and they were correlated with infant birth weight and placental mass (r = 04, r = 06) (2) Expression of PLGF in sycytiotrophoblast and villous mesenchyme and decidua from PIHs significantly decreased respectively (P < 001, P < 001, P < 005), and expression of PLGF in sycytiotrophoblast was associated with the severity of PIHs (P < 005) (3) The transcription of total PLGF mRNA in the placenta and decidua from PIHs decreased significantly (P < 005 and P < 005 respectively) Particularly, the transcription of PLGF-2 mRNA decreased significantly in the placenta from PIHs CONCLUSION The abnormal expression of PLGF may play an important role in the pathogenesis of placental ischaemia hypoxia in PIHs

Screening of gastric cancer cell sublines using the adhesion method

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To screen subpopulations of gastric cancer cell lines with different malignant phenotypes. METHODS: Two subpopulations from the human gastric cancer cell line MKN-45 were separated by using the laminin adhesion method. One subpopulation was less invasive and non-metastatic, whereas the other was more invasive and metastatic. The relative invasiveness and migratory capacities of the two subgroups were observed by using the Boyden chamber and by inoculating the cells into nude mice. RESULTS: The two subgroups, the laminin-adherent cells (Lm+) and the laminin non-adherent cells (Lm–), were separated. During in vitro experiments, the Lm+ cells were more invasive and their migratory ability was greater relative to the Lm– cells. The rates of tumor formation after subcutaneous inoculation in nude mice and of lung tumor foci formation after tail vein inoculation were higher in Lm+ cells than those in Lm– cells. In vivo, Lm+ cells were found to have higher metastatic potential and to be more invasive. CONCLUSIONS: In vitro, the adhesion method is a simple and time-saving way to screen a particular phenotypic cell subpopulation with a high success rate. There are discrepancies in invasiveness and migratory ability between in vitro Lm+ and Lm– cells, which suggests that these properties of gastric cancer cells are closely related to their adhesiveness to the basement membrane and extracellular matrix.

Construction and identification of the eukaryotic expression vector of vaccinia virus expressing human interleukin-2

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Cancer gene therapy using interleukin-2 (IL-2) has generated much interest because of the potent antitumor effect of this cytokine. There is ongoing research into one promising new gene therapy approach for cancer using the vaccinia virus vector. The purpose of this study was to construct a vaccinia eukaryotic expression vector, pMJ601, which contains human IL-2 (hIL-2; pMJ601hIL-2) and can be used for the treatment of gastric carcinomas. METHODS: Genetic engineering techniques such as plasmid extraction, agarose gel electrophoresis, restriction analysis, ligation, preparation of competent cells, transformation and DNA sequence analysis were used to clone the hIL-2 gene into pBluescript II SK+/– and pMJ601 and identify these vectors. RESULTS: Fragments of hIL-2 DNA from pLXSN from an EcoR1–BamHI restriction enzyme digest were successfully cloned into pBluescript II SK+/–. In addition, hIL-2 DNA from pBluescript II SK+/– with a SalI-BamHI restriction enzyme digest was also successfully cloned into pMJ601. CONCLUSION: Constructing a pMJ601 vector that expresses the hIL-2 gene is an important step toward being able to treat gastric carcinoma using gene therapy.

Expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 protein in colon disease

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Several epidemiological studies have indicated that the long-term administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer The best known action of NSAIDs is to block cyclooxygenase, the key enzyme required for the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins Two cyclooxygenase isoforms have been identified and these are referred to as COX-1 and COX-2 Recent studies indicate that inducible COX-2 plays an important role in gastrointestinal inflammation and carcinogenesis The present study was undertaken to investigate the expression and clinical implications of COX-2 and COX-1 in normal and diseased colons METHODS: COX-2 and COX-1 protein expression in specimens from normal controls and diseased colon tissues were examined semiquantitatively by using immunohistochemical methods RESULTS: By using immunohistochemical detection methods, low COX-2 protein expression in colonic epithelial cells was observed in 200% (2/10) of normal controls Eighty percent (16/20) of specimens from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) had a high COX-2 expression, 4640% (13/28) of adenomas and 643% of (9/14) well-differentiated colonic carcinomas had some COX-2 protein expression Expression of COX-2 protein was increased in IBD and colonic carcinomas compared with normal controls There were no significant differences between colonic adenomas and colonic carcinomas No correlation was found between COX-2 protein expression and patient gender, patient age, tumor size, tumor location or the degree of differentiation/ metastasis of the tumor Strong immunoreactive COX-2 was expressed in clusters in interstitial cells (mainly mononuclear cells) in 536% (15/28) of adenomas and 643% (9/14) of colonic carcinomas Strong COX-2 protein expression was also displayed in the normal glands that were adjacent to the adenomas and carcinomas Expression of COX-1 protein was observed in the epithelial cells and interstitial cells or tumor cells of normal colon, IBD, colonic adenomas and colonic carcinomas CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that COX-2 protein overexpression may contribute to the development of IBD and colonic carcinogenesis

Effects of PML and PML/RMRα antisence oligonucleotide on promyelocytic leukemia cell NB4

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the effects of anti-PML (promyelocytic leukemia) or anti-PML/RARα (promyelocytic leukemia/retionic acid receptorα) antisense oligonucleotides on cell growth, expression of PML-RARα mRNA and PML-RARα/PML protein location of NB4 cell lines. Methods: RT-PCR was used for detecting PML-RARα mRNA expression, trypan blue exclusion for cell count, methylcellose assay for leukemic colony forming unit detection, immunofluorescence for PML-RARα/PML protein location. Results: Both anti-PML start codon region antisence (STAS) and anti-PML-RARα fusion region antisence (FUAS) could inhibit cell growth and the formation of acute myelocytic colony forming unit of cells(AML-CFU). Cells become partial differentiated at days 5, being more obvious in FUAS-treated cells than in STAS ones. Down regulation of PML-RARα mRNA expression occurred at 24 hours in STAS and FUAS-treated cells and maintained for up to 72 hours. Immuno-fluorescence analysis with anti-PML monoclonal antibody showed a remarkable decrease even complete disappearance of microgranules. The residual granules became enlarged as discrete dots (<10 per cell), similar to normal POD structure in some STAS-treated cells at 24 hours. At 72 hours, nearly all the granules disappeared. Similar changes were observed in FUAS-treated cells. Conclusion: Both PML and PML-RARα antisence oligonucleotides can specially block the expression of PML-RARα at mRNA and protein levels. PML protein is implicated in the regulations of cell differentiation.

Prevalences of metronidazole- and clarithromycin-resistant Helicobacter pylori isolates in Shanghai and molecular mechanism of resistance to clarithromycin

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalences of metronidazole- and clarithromycin-resistant Helicobacter pylori over the period from 1995 to 1999 in Shanghai, and the molecular mechanism of resistance to clarithromycin. METHODS: A total of 150 H. pylori strains were randomly selected from the isolates collected in 1995, 1997 and 1999, and tested for sensitivity against metronidazole and clarithromycin by using the E-test. The mechanism of resistance was studied by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). RESULTS: It was found that 42% (21/50), 57% (27/50) and 70% (35/50) of the tested strains were resistant to metronidazole among the isolates collected in 1995, 1997 and 1999, respectively. In 1995, there was no strain (0/50) resistant to clarithromycin, of which the prevalence rose to 2% (1/50) in 1997, and to 10% (5/50) in 1999. The prevalences of metronidazole- and clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori in 1999 were significantly higher than those in 1995 (P < 0.05). Of nine clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori strains, eight were found to have an AG mutation at position 2144 of domain V of the 23S rRNA. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest a significant increase in the prevalences of metronidazole- and clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori in Shanghai during the 1995–1999 period. The majority (88.8%) of clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori isolates have an A2144G mutation in domain V of the 23S rRNA.