Identification of plasma SAA2 as a candidate biomarker for the detection and surveillance of non-small cell lung cancer.

This study aimed to measure the expression of SAA2 in plasma and to assess its diagnostic efficacy as a biomarker for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The gene expression of SAA2 in NSCLC was analyzed based on a database. Then, SAA2 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry in lung tissue and by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 90 patients with NSCLC and 61 normal controls. Finally, the diagnostic performance was assessed in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. At the gene and protein levels, the SAA2 expression was significantly higher in the NSCLC group than in the control group (p<0.01). It was higher in lung squamous carcinoma than in lung adenocarcinoma and in males than in females, and this trend was also observed in the lung squamous carcinoma group. Of note, the expression of SAA2 increased with increasing disease stage. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that the sensitivity of SAA2 was 83.61%, the specificity was 91.11%, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.9252. Its accuracy was 68.89%, which was higher than that of other conventional diagnostic biomarkers, and the combined application can effectively improve the diagnostic efficiency. Based on the results, SAA2 expression was positively correlated with the disease stage of NSCLC. Notably, SAA2 is more concerning in male patients with lung squamous carcinoma, and it can help in the screening and diagnosis of NSCLC. SAA2 may represent a novel diagnostic biomarker in NSCLC.

CpG oligodeoxynucleotides enhance chemosensitivity of 5-fluorouracil in HepG2 human hepatoma cells via downregulation of the antiapoptotic factors survivin and livin.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies indicated that a synthetic oligonucleotide containing un-methylated CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODN) has a potential function for cancer therapy. In this study, we evaluated the chemosensitizing effects of CpG-ODN in 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-treated HepG2 human hepatoma cells. METHODS: Cell viability assay were utilized to evaluate the direct cytotoxicity of CpG-ODN in the presence or absence of 5-FU in HepG2 cells, and apoptosis as well as cell-cycle was examined by flow cytometry analysis. The mRNA expression of Bcl-2, Livin and Survivin within HepG2 cells treated with CpG-ODN and/or 5-FU were analyzed by Real Time PCR assay in vitro. RESULTS: CpG-ODN in combination with 5-FU could decrease cell viability, increase apoptosis and further induce HepG2 cells cycle arrest at S phase when compared with CpG-ODN or 5-FU. CpG-ODN or 5-FU could down-regulate the mRNA expression of Bcl-2 within HepG2 cells. The mRNA expression of Livin and Survivin decreased in cells treated with CpG-ODN alone but increased in cells treated with 5-FU alone. However, CpG-ODN in combination with 5-FU could down-regulate the mRNA expression of Livin and Survivin within HepG2 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our finding demonstrated that CpG-ODN enhanced the chemosentivity of 5-FU in HepG2 human hepatoma cells at least in part by down-regulating the expression of Livin and Survivin, leading to apoptosis and further inducing cell cycle arrest at S phase. Therefore, CpG-ODN may be a potential candidate as chemosensitizer for human hepatocellular carcinoma.

Improvement of lipid profile and reduction of body weight by shan he jian fei granules in high fat diet-induced obese rats.

BACKGROUND: The goal was to study lipid profiles (TG, TC, LDL, HDL), effects on serum leptin, and fat tissue adiponectin, and resistin as well as body weight effects of Shan He Jian Fei Granules (SHJFG) in rats on a high fat diet. METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into five groups: normal control group fed with normal fat diet, rats on high fat diet receiving low dosage, middle dosage, high dosage of Shan He Jian Fei Granules (SHJFG) as well as a high fat diet group receiving placebo. Rats were treated for 8 weeks. Body weight and naso-anal length of each rat were recorded and Lee's index was calculated. Serum TG, TC, LDL, HDL and leptin concentrations were analyzed. The gene expressions of adiponectin and resistin in adipose tissues were tested by RT-PCR. RESULTS: Compared to the high-fat diet group, body weights, Lee's indexes, weight of fat tissues and serum TG, TC, LDL and leptin of SHJFG groups significantly decreased (p < 0.05), whereas mRNA expressions of adiponectin and resistin of SHJFG groups significantly increased (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: SHJFG could significantly lower body weight and serum TG, TC, and LDL of obese rats. The effects of SHJFG in lowering leptin synthesis and raising mRNA expression of adiponectin and resistin in fat tissues may act as part of the mechanisms in lowering body weight of obese rats. Further studies are needed to demonstrate whether SHJFG may also reduce overall cardiovascular morbidity and mortality like other lipid lowering drugs.

Expression of recombination-activating genes and T cell receptor gene recombination in the human T cell leukemia cell line.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have suggested that mature T cells can change their specificity through reexpression of recombination-activating genes (RAG) and RAG-mediated V(D)J recombination. This process is named receptor revision and has been observed in mature peripheral T cells from transgenic mice and human donors. However, whether thebreceptor revision in mature T cells is a random or orientated process remains poorly understood. Here we used the Jurkathuman T cell line, which represents a mature stage of T cell development, as a model to investigate the regulation of Tcell receptor (TCR) gene recombination. METHODS: TCR Dbeta-Jbeta signal joint T cell receptor excision DNA circles (sjTRECs) were determined by nested and seminested PCR. Double-strand DNA breaks at recombination signal sequences (RSSs) in the TCRVbeta chain locus were detected by ligation-mediated-PCR. Further analysis of the complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) size of the TCRVbeta chain was examined by the TCR GeneScan technique. RESULTS: RAG1, RAG2, and three crucial components of the nonhomologous DNA end-joining (NHEJ) pathway were readily detected in Jurkat. Characteristics of junctional diversity of Dbeta2-Jbeta2 signal joints and ds RSS breaks associated with the Dbeta2 5' and Dbeta 2 3' sites were detected in DNA from Jurkat cells. CDR3 size and the gene sequences of the TCRVbeta chain did not change during cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS: RAG1 and RAG2 and ongoing TCR gene recombination are coexpressed in Jurkat cells, but the ongoing recombination process may not play a role in modification of the TCR repertoire.However, the results suggest that Jurkat could be used as a model for studying the regulation of RAGs and V(D)J recombination and as a "special" model of the coexistence of TCR gene rearrangements and "negative" receptor revision.

Improved preparation of class I HLA tetramers and their use in detecting CMV-specific CTL.

Different methods were used to prepare HLA tetramers and the yields of each method were compared. Our results indicate that preliminary refolding of the heavy chain (Hc) and light chain (beta 2m) yields more monomer than the typical conventional method with urea-solubilized Hc and beta 2m. We then used the corresponding tetramers to detect cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). Increasing data suggest that the adoptive transfer of CMV-specific CTL constitutes an effective strategy against CMV infections. We designed a method that efficiently induces CMV-specific CTL to a higher frequency in vitro than is currently achieved. This method increased the percentage of CMV-specific CTL from below 1% to 20% of PBL, accounting for more than 40% of CD8+ T cells. Successful HLA tetramer preparation provides the basis for the subsequent detection of CMV-specific CTL in clinical applications.

Analysis of the CDR3 length of TCR alphabeta T cells in the peripheral blood of patients with chronic hepatitis B.

To clarify the characteristics of TCR alphabeta T cells in the peripheral blood of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), we investigated the patterns of Complementarity Determining Region3 (CDR3) length distribution for all 24 TCR BV gene families and 32 TCR AV gene family in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of two patients with CHB and two healthy controls by immunoscope spectratyping technique. We found that the profiles of CDR3 length distribution for all TCR AV and TCR BV family showed Gaussian distribution (the polyclonal TCR alphabeta T cells) in healthy controls, however, the restricted usage of TCR BV and TCR AV family (the oligoclonal TCR alphabeta T cells) has been monitored in two CHB patients, furthermore, the oligoclonal TCR alphabeta T cells showed the different CDR3 sequences and length, it might be correlated to the different epitope of hepatitis B virus (HBV) or the different HLA type of the patients. Detailed analysis of the CDR3 length of TCR alphabeta T cells might be interesting to light on the further study of the individualized immunotherapy of CHB and the further research of the new T lymphocyte epitope vaccine of HBV.

The protein X4 of severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus is expressed on both virus-infected cells and lung tissue of severe acute respiratory syndrome patients and inhibits growth of Balb/c 3T3 cell line.

BACKGROUND: The genome of the severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) includes sequences encoding the putative protein X4 (ORF8, ORF7a), consisting of 122 amino acids. The deduced sequence contains a probable cleaved signal peptide sequence and a C-terminal transmembrane helix, indicating that protein X4 is likely to be a type I membrane protein. This study was conducted to demonstrate whether the protein X4 was expressed and its essential function in the process of SARS-CoV infection. METHODS: The prokaryotic and eukaryotic protein X4-expressing plasmids were constructed. Recombinant soluble protein X4 was purified from E. coli using ion exchange chromatography, and the preparation was injected into chicken for rising specific polyclonal antibodies. The expression of protein X4 in SARS-CoV-infected Vero E6 cells and lung tissues from patients with SARS was performed using immunofluorescence assay and immunohistochemistry technique. The preliminary function of protein X4 was evaluated by treatment with and over-expression of protein X4 in cell lines. Western blot was employed to evaluate the expression of protein X4 in SARS-CoV particles. RESULTS: We expressed and purified soluble recombinant protein X4 from E.coli, and generated specific antibodies against protein X4. Western blot proved that the protein X4 was not assembled in the SARS-CoV particles. Indirect immunofluorescence assays revealed that the expression of protein X4 was detected at 8 hours after infection in SARS-CoV-infected Vero E6 cells. It was also detected in the lung tissues from patients with SARS. Treatment with and overexpression of protein X4 inhibited the growth of Balb/c 3T3 cells as determined by cell counting and MTT assays. CONCLUSION: The results provide the evidence of protein X4 expression following SARS-CoV infection, and may facilitate further investigation of the immunopathological mechanism of SARS.

[High cell density fed-batch culture of E.coli expressing rhVEGF121].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the optimal high cell density fermentation conditions of recombinant E.coli BL21/pET- 24a/hVEGF(121) expressing recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor (rhVEGF(121)). METHODS: The effects of the composition of the fermentation medium, induction time and fed-batch carbon sources on the expression level of rhVEGF(121) and cell output were analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: When cultured in modified M9 medium and induced for 4 h in the presence of 0.5 mmol/L IPTG at 37 degrees celsius; with glycerol as the carbon sources by continuous fed-batch mode, the recombinant E.coli expressed rhVEGF(121) at the level up to 23% of the total proteins and the yield reached 68 g/L. The optimized fermentation condition for recombinant E.coli enables high expression level of rhVEGF(121).

Immunogenicity of SARS inactivated vaccine in BALB/c mice.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a serious infectious threat to public health. To create a novel trial vaccine and evaluate its potency, we attempted to generate a SARS inactivated vaccine using SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) strain F69 treated with formaldehyde and mixed with Al(OH)3. Three doses of the vaccine were used to challenge three groups of BALB/c mice. We found that the mice exhibited specific IgM on day 4 and IgG on day 8. The peak titers of IgG were at day 47 in low-dose group (1:19,200) and high-dose group (1:38,400) whereas in middle-dose group (1:19,200), the peak was at day 40. On day 63, the IgG levels reached a plateau. Neutralization assay demonstrated that the antisera could protect Vero-E6 cells from SARS-CoV's infection. Analysis of the antibody specificity revealed that the mouse antisera contained a mixture of antibodies specifically against the structure proteins of SARS-CoV. Furthermore, the mouse antisera conferred higher amount of antibodies against protein N, polypeptide S4 and S2 than those of proteins M and 3CL. These findings suggest that the inactivated SARS-CoV could preserve its antigenicity and the inactivated vaccine can stimulate mice to produce high levels of antibodies with neutralization activity. Results also suggest that polypeptides originating from protein N or S might be a potential target for the generation of a recombinant SARS vaccine.

[Preparation and identification of egg yolk antibodies against HLA-A* 0201 heavy chain].

OBJECTIVE: To prepare a high-titer specific and efficient egg yolk immunoglobulin (IgY). METHODS: The antigen of HLA-A* 0201 heavy chain was used to immunize the hens together with Freud's adjuvant and the eggs these hens laid were collected. IgY was purified from the egg yolk by water extraction, salt precipitation with ammonium sulfate and dialysis. The immunoactivity of the IgY was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and its purity was determined by SDS-PAGE. RESULTS: The titer of IgY was 1 10(6) as shown by ELISA, with protein concentration of 9.77 mg/ml. The purity of the resultant IgY was more than 90% as suggested by SDS-PAGE analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The antigen of HLA-A* 0201 heavy chain along with complete Freund adjuvant is effective to elicit an immune response of hens for producing IgY antibodies in high yields.

Curcumin induces FasL-related apoptosis through p38 activation in human hepatocellular carcinoma Huh7 cells.

AIM: The aim of this study is to explore the underlying molecular mechanism of curcumin-induced apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) Huh7 cells. MAIN METHODS: Fas and FasL mRNA expression was analyzed by reverse transcription PCR. Western blot was applied to detect the protein expression of Bcl-2 family members, MAPK family members, c-Jun, c-Fos, ATF-2, caspase-3, PARP, TNF receptor family members and the respective ligands. Apoptotic cells were assayed with annexin V/PI double staining and flow cytometry. KEY FINDINGS: Curcumin treatment resulted in a fast and significant increase of Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) along with activation of caspase-3 and cleavage of PARP in Huh7 cells. Inhibition of caspase-3 activity by the specific inhibitor Z-DEVD-FMK rescued Huh7 cells from curcumin-induced apoptosis. Neutralization of FasL significantly protected the cells from curcumin-induced caspase-3 activation and apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, p38 was rapidly activated in response to curcumin, and inactivation of p38 by pharmacologic inhibitor SB203580 dramatically suppressed curcumin-induced FasL expression and apoptosis. SIGNIFICANCE: Our results demonstrated that curcumin induces apoptosis through p38-denpendent up-regulation of FasL in Huh7 cells.

Promotion of immunity of mice to Pasteurella multocida and hog cholera vaccine by pig interleukin-6 gene and CpG motifs.

A novel oligodeoxynuleotides containing 11 CpG motifs was synthesized and inserted into the VR1020 plasmid containing pig interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene (VPIL6) to construct recombinant plasmid, VPIL6C. The chitosan nanoparticles (CNP) were prepared by ionic cross linkage to entrap the VPIL6C (VPIL6C-CNP), VPIL6 (VPIL6-CNP) and CpG (CpG-CNP). 42-Day old female mice were divided into four groups and intramuscularly injected respectively with 6 pmol VPIL6C-CNP, VPIL6-CNP, CpG-CNP and VR1020-CNP along with the bivalent vaccines against the Pasteurellosis and hog cholera. The blood was weekly collected from mice after vaccination to detect the changes of immunoglobulins, specific antibodies, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6 and immune cells. 28 days after vaccination, the mice were orally challenged with virulent Pasteurella multocida. The results showed that in comparison with those of the control VR1020 group, the content of immunoglobulins, specific antibodies and interleukins significantly increased in the sera from the treated two groups (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the number of lymphocytes and monocytes also remarkably elevated in the treated groups (P<0.05). The immune responses of VPIL6C mice were notably stronger than those of VPIL6 and CpG group. The challenge results proved that the overall immunity was further promoted in the treated mice which resisted the challenge infection; while the control mice manifested evident symptoms and lesions, and died of infection. These suggested that VPIL6C-CNP could better promote the immunity and resistance of mice against Pasteurellosis than VPIL6-CNP and CpG-CNP, and facilitate the development of effective adjuvant to enhance the immunity of animal against infection.

Quantification of antibody (IgY) titers in hen eggs following immunization and their use in detecting cell surface molecules on nitrocellulose membranes.

HLA-A*0201 alpha chain and beta2m were expressed from a prokaryotic system, and after refolding and purification, the alpha chain and beta2m were used to immunize eight laying hens. The titer of egg yolk antibody against alpha chain increased from 10(2) to 10(5.3) The titer of egg yolk antibody against beta2m increased from 10(1) to 10(4.7). The extent of titer increase is similar between the two antigens. An average of 135 mg purified polyclonal antibody (IgY) can be easily obtained from one egg yolk. The use of egg collection rather than serum collection is compatible with modern animal protection regulations. An average of 28 eggs were obtained from a laying hen every month, with a total amount of 3780 mg immunoglobulin extracted from one immunized hen every month, which would be equivalent to 630 mL of serum or 1260 mL of blood per month. Chickens are an optimal host for the production of polyclonal antibodies with high titer and high yield. Purified IgY was labeled with horseradish peroxidase and reacted with PBMC on nitrocellulose membranes indicating that the antibody can bind to the native conformation of class I HLA molecule on PBMC.

Efficient production, purification, and application of egg yolk antibodies against human HLA-A*0201 heavy chain and light chain (beta2m).

The importance of eggs as a source of specific antibodies is well recognized. Egg yolk contains 8--20mg immunoglobulins (IgY) per milliliter. However, the major problem in separating IgY is to remove the high concentrations of lipids in egg yolk. We first used water dilution method to get the supernatant containing IgY, then purified the antibody by caprylic acid-ammonium sulfate method, and obtained specific antibody with satisfactory purity and activity. By comparison of these several methods, each has its advantages, one can be chosen to purify IgY according to practical need. The purified IgY produced by the immunized chickens can stain the human peripheral blood mononuclear cell effectively when labeled with fluorescent FITC.

[Preparation and preliminary characterization of soluble HLA-A2-peptide complex].

AIM: To express HLA-A2 heavy chain (HC) and light chain beta(2m) in bacteria and to prepare soluble HLA-A2-peptide complex. METHODS: HC and beta(2m) expressing engineering bacteria was induced for 5 h with 0.5 mmol/L IPTG. After sonification of the bacteria,crude inclusion body was obtained which was then refined, renaturated, ultrafiltrated, and purified by DEAE Sepherose Fast Flow anion exchange chromatography. Then HC and beta(2m) were connected with two specific peptides, purified through Superdex 75 gel filtration, and identified with mAb W6/32 which can recognize native HLA-A2. RESULTS: The expression rates of HC and beta(2m) in engineering bacteria was both about 50%. The purity of both expression products reached to 95%.Moreover, the two HLA-A2-peptide complexes could be recognized by mAb W6/32, even after being stored at 4 degrees Celsius for 2 months. CONCLUSION: The two soluble HLA-A2-peptide complexes prepared by us are stable and lay the foundation for further research of CTL recognition and response.