Silencing IL-23 expression by a small hairpin RNA protects against asthma in mice

To determine the impact of IL-23 knockdown by RNA interference on the development and severity of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic inflammation, and the potential mechanisms in mice, the IL-23-specific RNAi-expressing pSRZsi-IL-23p19 plasmid was constructed and inhaled into OVA-sensitized mice before each challenge, as compared with that of control mice treated with alum or budesonide. Inhalation of the pSRZsi-IL-23p19, significantly reduced the levels of OVA-challenge induced IL-23 in the lung tissues by nearly 75%, determined by RT-PCR. In addition, knockdown of IL-23 expression dramatically reduced the numbers of eosinophils and neutrophils in BALF and mitigated inflammation in the lungs of asthmatic mice. Furthermore, knockdown of IL-23 expression significantly decreased the levels of serum IgE, IL-23, IL-17, and IL-4, but not IFNgamma, and its anti-inflammatory effects were similar to or better than that of treatment with budesonide in asthmatic mice. Our data support the notion that IL-23 and associated Th17 responses contribute to the pathogenic process of bronchial asthma. Knockdown of IL-23 by RNAi effectively inhibits asthmatic inflammation, which is associated with mitigating the production of IL-17 and IL-4 in asthmatic mice.

Biological characteristics of neural stem cells derived from adult bone marrow by immunomagnetic beads / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) under certain conditions can differentiate into a variety of connective tissue cells, also can be turned into neurons and glial cells. OBJECTIVE: To investigate biological characteristics of neural stem cells (NSCs) from adult bone marrow by immunomagnetic beads. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: Autologous bone marrow was selected as observational objects. Experiments were performed at the Department of Clinical Laboratory, Heze Municipal Hospital from March 2003 to June 2007. MATERIALS: Bone marrow was collected from inpatients with stroke, senile dementia, Parkinson's disease and cerebral ischemia at the Department of Neurology, Heze Municipal Hospital. METHODS: NSCs were harvested by immunomagnetic beads through isolating immunomagnetic beads from other cells under magnetic field following combination between specific antibody of immunomagnetic bead surface and NSC antigen in bone marrow. Purified NSCs were inoculated in Eagles MEM medium containing fetal bovine serum (FBS) of 0.20 volume fraction. Primary culture was performed in the medium in addition of basic fibroblast growth factors (bFGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were applied to identify the cells. Flow cytometry was used to measure DNA content. RESULTS: Under a phase contrast microscope, NSCs showed turgor vitalis, clear nucleus and nucleolus, enlarged nervous process and dense lattice. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence demonstrated that neuron-specific enolase (NSE), neuroprotein, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and microtubule-associated protein (MAP) were positive. Flow cytometry confirmed that DNA content was normal diploid, no induced mutation of the passaged cells. CONCLUSION: NSCs are harvested from adult bone marrow by combination between specific antibody of immunomagnetic bead surface and NSC antigen in bone marrow. NSCs have the characteristics of nerve cells in neurochemistry and morphology.

Constitution and related factors analysis of 5058 cases of glaucoma inpatients / 眼科

Objective To investigate the proportion of different types, distribution of genders, ages as well as the relative factors in inpatient with glaucoma. Design Retrospective case series. Participants 5058 cases of inpatients in Xingtai Eye Hospital, Hebei province from June 2004 to May 2009 were included. Methods Statistical analysis was conducted for 5058 cases of inpatients with glausoma. Main outcome Measures The type of glaucoma, age, gender and their percentages. Results In all 5058 cases, the patients with primary glaucoma, secondary glaucoma and congenital glaucoma accounted for 59.07%, 37.92% and 3.01% respectively. Primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) accounted for 88.65% in primary glaucoma, and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) accounted for 11.35%. In PACG, acute PACG accounted for 53.15%, chronic PACG 46.85%;The female over forty accounted for 69.54%, male 26.95%. In POAG, the female over forty accounted for 69.54%, male 28.02%. From June 2004 to May 2005, POAG accounted for 11.32% in primary glaucoma, 12.44% from June 2008 to May 2009. There was no statistically significant difference. Conclusion In the central part of China, the majority of inpatients with glaucoma was PACG. It may relate to the regional,economic and cultural conditions.