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BACKGROUND: The association of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) gene polymorphisms with the onset and development of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) has been the focus of studies on AS in the field of genetics.OBJECTIVE: To explore the association of the polymophisms of TNF-α promoter gene at positions-308 and -238 with AS susceptibility and clinical pathological changes.DESIGN: A case-control study.SETTING:The Rheumatic Immunology Department of Changhai Hospital of the Second Military Medical University of Chinese PLA.PARTICIPANTS: Totally, 108 AS patients were recruited from Rheumatic Immunology Department of Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University of Chinese PLA from January 1999 to December 2003 ,they had no kinship. The ratio of men to women was 5.3: 1. They aged from 13 to 71 (30-± 12) years old, and AS was divided into Ⅰ- Ⅳ radiographic stages according to the sacro-iliac joint damage. A total of 100 healthy controls were randomly selected from the blood donators(Shanghai Hospital) who were aged from 19 -56 (33 ±9) years old, and the ratio of men to women was 4.9: 1. Informed consent was obtained from all the subjects.ti-coagulated with EDTA. Polymerase chain reaction amplification and purification of the TNF-α promoter region was made and the sequence of polymerase chain reaction products was examined and displayed by Chromas 1.62 softcorresponding radiographic stage of sacro-iliac joint damage was assessed to investigate the influence of gene polymorphisms on AS.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: DNA direct sequencing method was used to detect -238 and -308 allele phenotypes for investigating the association with clinical presentations.G and -238G/A allele was 98.1% (106 cases) and1. 9% (2 cases) respectively in AS group and 95.0% (95 cases) and 5.0% (5 cases) respecquency of TNF-α promoter gene at positions -308. 1.1(G/G) and - 308.1.2(G/A) alleles was 82.4% (89 cases) and 17.6% (192 cases) respectively in AS group, which was not significantly different compared respectively with 85.0% (85 cases) and 14.0% (14 cases) of the control of sacro-iliac joint damage and the frequency of TNF-α promoter gene at the position of - 308 (G/G) and (G/A): AS patients with(G/G) phenotype who were confirmed of radiographic stage Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, and Ⅳ were observed in 3/35/40/11cases,compared with (G/A) phenotype of 1/12/6/0 cases.The difference was statistically significant (χ2GMH = 4.77, P ＜ 0.05 ).CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the polymorphisms of TNF-α promoter gene at positions of - 238 and - 308 allele has no association with AS susceptibility, but the polymorphisms of TNF - α promoter gene at the position of -308 might exert great influence on AS according to the radiographic stage of sacro-iliac joint damage.
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Objective: To investigate changes of the endothelin-1(ET-1) and its receptor (endothelin receptor subtype A, ET AR ) mRNA expression in some organs(kidney, lung and small intestinal mucous membrane) in the sepsis and septic shock rats. Methods: Twenty-four male rats randomized into sepsis group, septic shock group, control and normal group was infused with endotoxin(LPS) via indwelling right atria catheters except normal and control group. RT-PCR was used to detect kidney, lung and small intestinal mucous membrane tissue mRNA expression of the ET-1 , ET AR and glucose-6-phospho dehydrogenase(G-6-PD) in every group.Serum BUN, Cr, ALT and A were determined. The arterial oxygen tension (PaO 2) and arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure(PaCO 2)were measured in every group. Results: ET-1 mRNA and ET AR mRNA expression in the sepsis group and septic shock group were significantly higher than in normal group. There were significant differences between the normal/control group and sepsis/shock group in BUN,Cr,ALT,PaO 2 and PaCO 2. Conclusion: A higher expression of ET-1 mRNA and ET AR mRNA may be one of the startup factors on multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and may play an important role on pathogenesis in sepsis and septic shock.
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Objective:To identify the HLA-A0201 restricted CTL epitopes derived from hepatitis B virus X protein predicted by computer program and general principles in vitro.Methods:HBx gene sequences of Hepatitis B virus genotypes B/C and serotypes adw/adr,with the highest frequencies in Chinese,were computed and analyzed by screening service offered by Internet combined with peptide supermotif,extended motif and quantitative motif prediction.Four most ideal nine-peptides(HBx1,HBx2,HBx3,and HBx4)were selected as candidate peptides.Using flow cytometry,the fluorescence index of both control and experimental groups were detected and the 4 nine-peptides were evaluated with T2 binding assay and DC50 assay.Results:The nine-peptides VLCLRPVGA(HBx1),CLFKDWEEL(HBx2),VLHKRTLGL(HBx3)and HLSLRGLPV(HBx4)were selected as candidate targets.Among the 4 candidate peptides,HBx2 showed higher HLA-A0201 affinity and HBx2,HBx4 showed better stability.Conclusion:Our study indicates that CLFKDWEEL might be a potential HLA-A0201 restricted CTL epitope from hepatitis B virus X protein;further study is needed for verification of its immunity in vivo.
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Objective: To clone porcine IL-4 cDNA and observe its adjuvanticity of vaccine against T. solium cysticerco-sis. Methods:The cDNA of porcine IL-4 was amplified by RT-PCR, which had 5' AUG initiatory codon with optimized trans-lational initiation. After sequencing,the cDNA was intergrated into expression vector pcDNA and transient expression was performed. Then newborn pigs were immunized with IL-4 expression vector and protective antigen DNA vaccine against T. solium cysticercosis. Results:The obtained sequence of porcine IL-4 cDNA was the same as reported. IL-4 and protective antigen could effectively promote the humoral response. Conclusion:An efficient expression plasmid containing porcine IL-4 cDNA is constructed. Its adjuvanticity of DNA vaccine against T. solium cysticercosis is preliminarily conformed.
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ObjectiveTo construct the eukaryotic coexpression plasmid CEA/IL-2, and to lay the foundation for further studying CEA nucleiotide vaccine , adjuvant and their effects of special antitumor immunity.MethodsThe eukaryotic expression plasmid (pcDNA3-CEA)containing the gene coding for CEA was obtained by RT-PCR and gene recombination techniques.Using enzymolysis,ligation and other techniques,an eukaryotic coexpression plasmid (pIRES-CEA/IL-2)containing two expression unites of CEA and IL-2 gene connected with internal ribosome site was constructed.ResultsThe coexpression plasmids were transformed into COS7 cells and expression of two proteins were demonstrated by ELISA, and flow cytometer and elecsy.CEA and IL-2 were (23.73?0.26)ng/ml,and(20.17?0.13)ng/ml respectively.ConclusionsThe eukaryotic expression plasmids pIRES-CEA/IL-2 could be successfully constructed and transformed into COS7 cells.Expression of two proteins were demonstrated with no difference on expression.
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The ribosomal DNA fragment was amplified with PCR utilizing synthetic primers with host bacteria chromosomal DNA as template. The resultant probes were labeled with Digoxigenin and were applied in the dot blot of DNA vaccine samples. The host bacteria genomic DNA in DNA vaccine against hepatitis B was less than 15 ng/?g. Digoxigenin labeled probes proved sensitive and reliable in determining genomic DNA.
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Objective To clone and express the gene encoding ESAT antigen of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (chinese stain). Methods Genome of mycobacterium tuberculosis was extracted. Then, the full length cDNA encoding ESAT protein was amplified by PCR and cloned into prokaryotic expressing vector pGEX5T and sequenced. pGEX5T ESAT was expressed in k802 Ecoli, and the expressed protein was determined by western blot using the sera from ten patients with tuberculosis. Results One specific band of 0.3kb or so was obtained and sequencing result was identical to that reported from Genbank. The expressed protein could be specifically recognized by the sera from tuberculosis patients. Conclusions The full length cDNA of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Chinese strain) ESAT protein was cloned and expressed successfully, which will be helpful in further studies on diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis.
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AIM:To understand the interaction between a195- kilodalton protein,P195, on the surface of Plasmodium falciparum merozoite and human erythrocyte.METHODS:P195 was expressed in eight fragments in E.coli.After being refolded,the expressed proteins were la- belled with12 5 I,and incubated with human erythrocytes.RESULTS:According to binding assay, three fragments of P195:M3,M6,M9were found to have ability to bind to human erythrocyte. M6,which is equal to amino acid( AA) sequence from384 to595,could bind to human erythro- cytes but not to trypsin treated human erythrocytes,and the binding could be eluted by low p H buffer solution. M3( AA 12 3to 30 2 ) and M9( AA 10 78to 12 51) also have the ability to bind to human erythrocytes,but the binding was not affected by trypsin treatment and low p H buffer elu- tion. CONCL USION:The binding site of M6might be a surface protein receptor of human ery- throcytes,while the binding site of M3and M9might be an intracellular componentof human ery- throcyte.
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Objective To analyse the immunostimulatory activity of CpG sequences in cysticercus cellulosae paramyosin (also named Antigen B,AgB)cDNA. Methods C57BL/6 mice were immunized with pcDNA3 AgB plasmid,pcDNA3 AgB′(CpG sequences were mutated),pcDNA3 or AgB protein and two weeks later,immune response was assayed by ELISA. Results IgG and IgG 2a were detectable at week 2 after immunization and continually increased until week 4.The antibody levels elicited by pcDNA3 AgB were significantly higher( P
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Objective: To screen out DNA binding proteins specifically recognizing CpG immunostimulatory sequence (ISS) for further investigating the molecular mechanisms of ISS. Methods: Yeast one hybrid system was adapted in screening a human bone marrow cDNA library using 4 copies of ISS as bait. The ISS binding activity of the positive clone was confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Results: Four dual positive colonies were obtained, two of them encoded proteins with unknown functions. The other 2 encoded light chains of immunoglobulin with amino sequences homology to anti DNA Ab and HBsAb respectively. EMSA showed HBsAb specifically bound to CpG ODN at pH6.4 and pH 5.8. Conclusion: HBsAb may have ISS specific DNA binding activity.
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Objective: To investigate the immune response induced by Cysticercus cellulosae protective antigen cC1 DNA vaccine in mice and the protective immunity induced by immunized newborn pigs. Methods: Recombined plasmid p3 cC1 was constructed by inserting full length cC1 cDNA into an eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3. Mice were injected intramuscularly with the recombined construct. Anti cC1 antibody and IgG 2a in serum were screened by ELISA. Then the protective immunization in pigs was done. Results: The immune response of specific antibody was induced during the 3r week. The highest level was during the 8th week. IgG 2a response was detected during the 2nd week. The higher duration of IgG 2a response induced by DNA vaccine was longlived. The protective rate induced in immunized newborn pigs was 73%. Conclusion: The cC1 DNA vaccine can effectively induce protective immunity in newborn pigs.
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Objective:To investigate the immume mechanism and protective effect of DNA vaccine pcD flaB against pathogenic leptospira infection. Methods: DNA vaccine pcD flaB was constructed by inserting flaB into the eucaryotic expressing plasmid pcDNA3. After guinea pigs were infected with leptospira, the protective rate was observed and specific anti leptospira antibody IgG were tested by ELISA. TNF activity was tested by cell proliferation. Results:The protective rate against leptospira infection was 100%. The specific antibody IgG generated peaked at the 6th week. Activity of TNF released by macrophage of guinea pigs given DNA vaccine was higher than that not given vaccine. Conclusion:DNA vaccine pcD flaB can protect guinea pigs from leptospira challenge infection by inducing humoral immune response and increasing TNF activity.
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Objective: To construct an eukaryotic expression plasmid containing gene coding for the hemagglutinin neuraminidase(HN) of Newcastle disease virus (NDV), and to study its mechanism and value in antitumor therapy. Methods: The HN cDNA was abtained from NDV with RT PCR and an eukaryotic expression vector of HN gene ( pcDNA3 HN ) was constructed. The antitumor effect was evaluated after injecting pcDNA3 HN into mice bearing B16 melanoma. Results: The HN cDNA of NDV was successfully cloned and pcDNA3 HN had a good expression in COS 7 cells. Animal experiments suggested that the pcDNA3 HN could significantly increase CTL and NK activity of tumor bearing mice. Conclusion:The eukaryotic expression plasmid containing the gene coding for the (HN) has the function of increasing CTL and NK activity of tumor bearing mice.
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Most diseases are complex genetic traits caused by multiple genetic and environmental components. It has been proposed that common genetic variations, mainly single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), influence the susceptibility to complex diseases. We have conducted an extensive review on the characters of SNPs, the related website information, and the genotyping methods of SNPs such as direct sequencing, SnaPshot, Taqman, real time quantitative (kinetic) PCR with allele specific amplification, denaturing high performance liquid chromatography, and OLA/PCR.The strategies for studying the relation between SNPs and complex diseases susceptible genes were also reviewed.
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Objective: To fuse Mycobacterium tuberculosis protective antigen gene with mice ubiquitin gene, constructing antigen ubiquitin system. Methods: Mice ubiquitin cDNA was amplified by RT PCR from mice testicle,and 4 antigen genes were obtained by PCR from cultured Mycobacterium tuberculosis . Ubiquitin and 4 antigen genes were linked by flexible adaptor respectively and the fusing genes were cloned into pVAX vector.The recombinant plasmids were digested with endonuclease and sequenced.Then the recombinant plasmids were transfected into COS7 cells and the expression was assayed by ELISA. Results:Ubiquitin and 4 antigen genes were 0.2,0.3,0.7,1.0,1.65 kb in length by agarose electrophoresis. Endonuclease digestion of the recombinant plasmids indicated that the fusion genes were correctly inserted into pVAX vector. Sequencing results of fusion nucleic acid vaccines were identical to those in GenBank.The recombinant plasmids expressed in COS7 cells. Conclusion: Four Chinese Mycobacterium tuberculosis protective antigens ubiquitin systems are successfully constructed and can be expressed in eukaryotic cells. This may provide a basis for diagnosis and therapy of tuberculosis.
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Objective: To investigate the structural characteristics and the primary functions of antigen gene cC1. Meth-ods: The primary and the secondary structures were analyzed using bioinformatics programs provided by Internet servers.The predicted 3D structure of cC1 was established by homology protein modeling method. Anticoagulant activity of GST-anx32 was assayed by modified kaolin partial thromboplastin time (KPTT). Results: cC1 had high homology to annexinsgenes both at nucleic acid and at amino acid level. It contained 4 homologous regions, and each region included the typical an-nexin motif "G-X-G-T (38 residues)-D/E". The results of KPTT assay showed that the recombinant protein GST-anx32 hadhigh anticoagulant activity. Conclusion: cC1 has the common structures of annexins but the homology to the extant annexinsis no more than 48%, cC1 is a member of a novel annexin subfamily and designed as annexin32.