Clinicalstudy of low dose dexamethasone in preventing severe CRS after CD19 CAR-T therapy / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the clinical application value of low dose dexamethasone in CRS prevention after CD19 CAR-T therapy. 【Methods】 67 cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia(ALL) patients from January 2018 to March 2021 were selected as the research subjects. According to the admission time, patients were divided into dexamethasone prevention(DDD≤5 mg)group(n=36)and the control(n=31). The incidence of severe CRS and treatment outcome were compared. 【Results】 In the dexamethasone prevention group and the control, the incidence of severe CRS were 8.3%(3/36)vs 38.7%(12/31)(P0.05), the complete remission rate was 91.7%(33/36)vs 87.1%(27/31)(P>0.05), and the infection rate was 33.3%(12/36)vs 35.4%(11/31)(P>0.05). 【Conclusion】 The low dose dexamethasone as a prophylactic could significantly reduce the incidence of severe CRS, but had no influence on CAR-T cell proliferation and treatment outcome.

Effect of mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway on apoptosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia NB4 cell line induced by puerariae radix flavones / 白血病·淋巴瘤

Objective:To investigate the relationship between mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway related signal molecules and the apoptosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia NB4 cells induced by puerariae radix flavones (PRF) and its significance.Methods:The cells were divided into control group [0.025% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to replace PRF] and 10, 30, 50 μg/ml PRF groups. The proliferation inhibition rate of NB4 cells exposed with PRF for 24, 48 and 72 hours was determined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) method, and the nuclear morphology was determined by confocal laser scanning microscope after 48 hours. NB4 cells were divided into control group (adding 0.025% DMSO) and 10, 30 and 50 μg/ml PRF with or without 10 μmol/L c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor (SP600125) group, and the cells were treated for 48 hours and the changes in the expressions of MAPK pathway related proteins JNK, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 MAPK were tested by Western blot.Results:10, 30 and 50 μg/ml PRF inhibited the proliferation of NB4 cells in 24, 48 and 72 hours, which was in time- and dose-dependent manners (all P < 0.05). The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50) at 24, 48 and 72 hours were (40.03±2.23) μg/ml, (22.92±1.72) μg/ml and (17.99±1.48) μg/ml, respectively. The confocal laser scanning microscope showed that NB4 cells displayed distinct apoptotic characteristics after PRF treatment. After co-cultivating NB4 cells with 10 μmol/L SP600125 and different concentrations of PRF for 48 hours, the expression of JNK1 in NB4 cells was suppressed ( P < 0.05), and the expressions of JNK2/3 and p38 MAPK decreased, but the differences were not statistically significant (both P > 0.05). The expressions of ERK1 and ERK2 gradually increased in the single-drug group, while the expression in the combined drug group decreased. The expression of TNF-α in the 50 μg/ml PRF+SP600125 group was down-regulated compared with the 50 μg/ml PRF single-drug group, while the expressions in the 10 and 30 μg/ml PRF+SP600125 groups were up-regulated compared with the 10 and 30 μg/ml PRF single-drug groups. Conclusion:10-50 μg/ml PRF may activate the MAPK signaling pathway through TNF-α. JNK, ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK interact with each other to activate pro-apoptotic related proteins and induce NB4 cells apoptosis.

ISA 61 VG adjuvant enhances protective immune response of Listeria monocytogenes inactivated vaccine / 生物工程学报

Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is zoonotic pathogen that can cause listeriosis, and vaccine is one of the effective methods to prevent this pathogen infection. In this study, we developed a novel vaccine that is a mixture of inactivated bacteria and Montanide™ ISA 61 VG, a mineral oil adjuvant, and evaluated the safety and immune response characteristics of this vaccine. The mice immunized with the ISA 61 VG adjuvant had high safety, and it could induce significantly higher titer of anti-listeriolysin O (LLO) antibody and higher value of IgG2a/IgG1 ratio compared with the group without the adjuvant. In particular, it could provide 100% immune protection against lethal doses of Lm challenge in mice. In summary, ISA 61VG adjuvant significantly enhanced the ability of inactivated listeria vaccine to induce humoral and cellular immune responses, thereby enhanced the protective immune response in the host, and it is a potential vaccine candidate for the prevention of Lm infection in humans and animals.

Research progress of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) in the treatment of adult severe respiratory failure / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#As an extracorporeal life support technology, veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) has been demonstrated its role in the treatment of patients with severe respiratory failure. Its main advantages include the ability to maintain adequate oxygenation and remove excess CO2, increase oxygen delivery, improve tissue perfusion and metabolism, and implement lung protection strategies. Clinicians should accurately assess and identify the patient's condition, timely and accurately carry out VV-ECMO operation and management. This article will review the patient selection, cannulation strategy, anticoagulation, clinical management and weaning involved in the application of VV-ECMO.

RON and MET Co-overexpression Are Significant Pathological Characteristics of Poor Survival and Therapeutic Targets of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Purpose@#Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly malignant and has poor prognosis and a high mortality rate. The lack of effective therapy has spurred our investigation of new targets for treating this malignant cancer. Here, we identified RON (macrophage-stimulating 1 receptor) and MET (MET proto-oncogene, receptor tyrosine kinase) as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic targets for potential TNBC treatment. @*Materials and Methods@#We analyzed RON and MET expression in 187 primary TNBC clinical samples with immunohistochemistry. We validated the targeted therapeutic effects of RON and MET in TNBC using three tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs): BMS-777607, INCB28060, and tivantinib. The preclinical therapeutic efficacy of the TKIs was mainly estimated using a TNBC xenograft model. @*Results@#Patients with TNBC had widespread, abnormal expression of RON and MET. There was RON overexpression, MET overexpression, and RON and MET co-overexpression in 63 (33.7%), 63 (33.7%), and 43 cases (23.0%), respectively, which had poor prognosis and short survival. In vivo, the TKI targeting RON ant MET inhibited the activation of the downstream signaling molecules, inhibited TNBC cell migration and proliferation, and increased TNBC cell apoptosis; in the xenograft model, they significantly inhibited tumor growth and shrank tumor volumes. The TKI targeting RON and Met, such as BMS-777607 and tivantinib, yielded stronger anti-tumor effects than INCB28060. @*Conclusion@#RON and MET co-overexpression can be significant pathological characteristics in TNBC for poor prognosis. TKIs targeting RON and MET have stronger drug development potential for treating TNBC.

Predictive Value of Blood Eosinophil in Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps in Guangdong Adults / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

@#【Objective】To investigate the predictive value of blood eosinophil in eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps（eosCRSwNP）by analyzing the characteristics of eosCRSwNP adult patients in Guangdong Province， China.【Method】From Oct.2017 to Sep.2018，a total of 108 eosCRSwNP adult inpatients scheduled for surgery in Department of Otorhinolaryngology，Head and Neck Surgery，The Third Affiliated Hospital，Sun Yat-sen University were enrolled. They were divided into eosCRSwNP（n = 39） and non-eosCRSwNP（n = 69） group by the pathologic features. The demographic and clinical features were collected and compared.【Results】The eosCRSwNP group accounted for 36.1% while non-eosCRSwNP group accounted for 63.9% in our study. A higher prevalence of allergic rhinitis，asthma and higher blood IgE level，bilateral Lund-Mackay score of posterior ethmoid sinus，ethmoid to maxillary Lund-Mackay score ratio， peripheral blood eosinophil absolute count and percentage and peripheral blood basophil absolute count and percentage were found in eosCRSwNP patients. Only peripheral blood eosinophil absolute count and percentage were independent predictors of eosCRSwNP. The cutoff absolute value of 0.275×109/L demonstrated a sensitivity of 74.4% and a specificity of 72.5% while the cutoff relative value of 4.32% demonstrated a sensitivity of 74.4% and a specificity of 73.9%.【Conclusion】Non-eosCRSwNP was predominant in Guangdong. EosCRSwNP differs from non-eosCRSwNP in many clinical features，while peripheral blood eosinophil count and percentage were independent predictors of eosCRSwNP.

Recent advance in role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in the central nervous system / 中华神经医学杂志

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is involved in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. Pathological increase of MIF is sufficient to promote inflammation, aggravate metabolic dysfunction, and increase oxidative stress. MIF inhibition, through either gene knockout or pharmacological inhibitors, is clinically beneficial for treatment. Ironically, both detrimental and beneficial effects of MIF have been reported in ischemic stroke, neurodegenerative diseases, and spinal cord injury; thus, the roles of MIF appear to be bidirectional in the central nervous system. In the current review, we focus on the roles of MIF in the central nervous system, as well as its regulating mechanisms.

Research advances in biomarkers for early diagnosis of acute aortic dissection / 国际外科学杂志

Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a potentially catastrophic cardiovascular disease,with significant morbidity and mortality,and it remains a challenge to diagnose and treat.Survival rate has been shown to be directly related to prompt diagnosis and precise management,it is necessary for early diagnosis and treatment.However,diagnosis of the disease relies heavily on various imaging techniques,remaining time-consuming and difficult to obtain.Nevertheless,the application of biomarkers provides a new direction for the diagnosis of AAD.Therefore,the application of biomarkers with high specificity and sensitivity contribute to optimal treatment to reduce the mortality rate is the current research direction.This article was to summarize the domestic and abroad research advances which focused on the biomarkers and progress of aortic dissection.

Effects of Oridonin on Proliferation Apoptosis of Human Multiple Myeloma Cells H929 in Vitro / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effects of oridonin (ORI) on the proliferation and apoptosis of human multiple myeloma cell line H929 and its possible mechanism.@*METHODS@#H929 cells were exposed to ORI 0、4、8、12、16、20、24、28、32 μmol/L for 12, 24 and 36 hours respectively. The prolifcration inhibitory effect of ORI on H929 cells was determined by MTT assay and then the working concentrations of ORI were determined. The morphological changes and apoptosis of H929 cells were observed by TUNEL (TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling) and fluorescence microscopy. The apoptosis rate of H929 cells was detected by flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. The protein expressions of pro-caspase-3, BCL-2，p-PI3K, p-Akt, BAX, Cleaved PARP and p-JNK, p-ERK and p-p38 in H929 cells were detected by Western blot.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control group, the proliferation of H929 cells treated with the ORI of 8-16 μmol/L was significantly inhibited and the apoptosis of H929 cells was obviously increased in dose- and time-dependent manners. As for morphological changes, the characteristics of apoptotic cells were presented in H929 cells treated with ORI for 24 hours. The protein levels of pro-caspase-3, BCL-2，p-PI3K, p-Akt were down-regulated with increasing of ORI concentration（r=0.9861, r=0.9725, r=0.9413, r=0.9373）, while the BAX, Cleaved PARP and p-JNK, p-ERK and p-p38 were up-regulated（r=0.9178, r=0.8877, r=0.882, r=0.9645, r=0.8623）.@*CONCLUSION@#The ORI possesses anti-myeloma effects, can inhibit the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of H929 cell line in vitro. Its potential mechanism may be related with up-regulating the MAPK and down-regulating the PI3K/Akt signal pathways.

Effect of Pomalidomide on Activity of Myeloma Cell Line MM1.S and Expression of CRBN / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effects of different concentration of pomalidomide on human multiple myeloma cell line MM1.S and the expression of CRBN.@*METHODS@#CCK-8 method was used for detecting inhibition effect of promalidomide on proliferation of MM1.S cells. Apoptosis rate of MM1.S cells was detected by flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to determine CRBN gene expression level. Western blot was used to detect the effect of pomalidomide on the protein expression of CRBN in MM1.S cells.@*RESULTS@#Pomalidomide has an inhibitory effect on MM1.S cells with time-and dose-dependent manners. Pomalidomide induced apoptosis in MM1.S cells. When the concentration of pomalidomide was 0, 40 and 80 μmol/L, the expression of CRBN gene after the treatment of MM1.S cells for 72 hours was 1.487±0.340, 0.211±0.054 and 0.055±0.005, by using actin as internal refereme. Pomalidomide significantly reduced CRBN protein expression in MM1.S cells.@*CONCLUSION@#Pomalidomide can inhibit the proliferation of MM1.S cells and promote its apoptosis. A certain concentration of pomalidomide can reduce the expression of CRBN gene and down-regulate its protein expression in MM1.S cells.

Feasibility of constructing a scaffold for osteochondral tissue engineering using poly(lactide-co-glycolide) alone / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: To mimic physiological and functional requirements of cartilage and subcondral bone, some recent studies have fabricated bilayered scaffolds for osteochondral tissue engineering in cartilage repair. However, in cartilage repair, and little is reported on the use of a single biomaterial instead of composite biomaterials to fabricate bilayered porous scaffolds. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the biocompatibility of an integrated bilayered porous scaffold fabricated with poly(lactic-co-glycolide) (PLGA), and then to discuss its feasibility of constructing tissue-engineered osteochondral graft. METHODS: The integrated bilayered porous scaffolds were fabricated with PLGA by changing the ultrastructure of scaffold.In vitro,bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)isolated from rabbits were seeded into the bilayered porous PLGA scaffold, co-cultured for 1 week and then observed under scanning electron microscope. After co-culturing 48 hours,the cells were stained by LIVE/DEAD Kit.In vivo,the composite of DiI-labeled BMSCs and the scaffold or the scaffold alone were implanted subcutaneously into the skin of nude mice, and the implants were taken out and stained by hematoxylin-eosin and DAPI staining at 4 and 8 weeks after implantation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) We successfully obtained the bilayered porous scaffolds with different pore sizes (the upper layer:100-200 μm and the lower layer:300-450 μm)and 85% porosity.(2)In the in vitro experiment,the LIVE/DEAD staining showed that BMSCs survived well in the scaffold, and the cells adhered well to the wall of pores in all the scaffolds and extracellular matrix deposition was found under the scanning electron microscope.(3)In the in vivo experiment, shown by the hematoxylin-eosin staining, a small amount of chondrocytes formed in the fibrous tissue in the upper layer and a large amount of trabecular bones in the lower layer were found at 8 weeks after implantation in the experimental group. The close integration between the upper layer and the lower layer appeared. BMSCs could survive for 8 weeks in vivo shown by the DAPI staining.However,in the control group,a little fibrous tissue was found without chondrocytes and apparent trabecular bone, and the scaffold was partially degraded. To conclude, the integrated bilayered porous scaffold fabricated with PLGA alone has good biocompatibility, which is feasibly used in osteochondral tissue engineering.

Morphology changes of ocular anterior segment and its influencing factors following LASIK / 中华实验眼科杂志

Background Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is widely applicated to correct the refractive error in ophthalmology nowadays.However,the morphology and structure changes of anterior eye segment caused by the ablation of corneal stroma and suction of negative pressure during surgery should be concerned.Objective This study was to assess the changes of the anterior eye segment parameters and the factors influencing these parameters after LASIK.Methods The clinical data of 59 eyes of 31 patients who received LASIK in Chongqing Medal Eye Institute during May 2012 to July 2013 were retrospectively analyzed.The mean age of the patients was (24.52±8.41) years and the spherical equivalent was (-5.96±3.75) D.The central anterior chamber angle (ACA),anterior chamber volume (ACV),anterior chamber depth (ACD) were measured with Sirius Scheimpflug tomography,and lens thickness (LT) was measured by A-scan before operation and 1,3,6 months after operation.The anterior chamber was divided into anterior and posterior parts by the plane of cornea 4 mm radius area.The ACD of cornea 4 mm radius area sagittal height section (Sag4mm ACD) (the height from posterior corneal vertex to corneal radius of 4 mm plane) and residual ACD (RACD) (the height from corneal radius of 4 mm plane to the anterior lens surface) were computed.The association between ACD and RACD or LT were assessed by Pearson correlation analysis.Results The ACA,ACV,ACD,RACD and LT were significantly different among various time points before and after LASIK (F =8.319,P＜0.05;F =11.596,P＜0.05;F =24.045,P＜0.01;F =16.087,P＜0.05;F =15.333,P＜0.01),and the ACA,ACV,ACD and RACD were significantly decreased 1-6 months after LASIK than those before LASIK (all at P＜0.05).There were no significant differences in the Sag4 mm ACD between pre-and postLASIK (all at P＞0.05).The LT was significantly increased after surgery in comparison with that before surgery (P＜0.01).The positive correlations were found between RACD and ACD before LASIK and in 1,3,6 months after LASIK (r =0.976,0.824,0.724,0.938,all at P＜0.05) and negative correlation between LT and ACD in 3 and 6 months after LASIK (r=-0.344,P＜0.01;r =-0.363,P＜0.01).Conclusions The ACD decrease following LASIK mainly in the sector from the plane of cornea 4 mm radius area to lens surface.The change of ACD might be associated with forward shifting of anterior lens surface caused by enhanced accommodation.

Frequency-specific alterations of large-scale functional brain networks in patients with Alzheimer's disease / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Previous studies have indicated that the cognitive deficits in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) may be due to topological deteriorations of the brain network. However, whether the selection of a specific frequency band could impact the topological properties is still not clear. Our hypothesis is that the topological properties of AD patients are also frequency-specific.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 10 right-handed moderate AD patients (mean age: 64.3 years; mean mini mental state examination [MMSE]: 18.0) and 10 age and gender-matched healthy controls (mean age: 63.6 years; mean MMSE: 28.2) were enrolled in this study. The global efficiency, the clustering coefficient (CC), the characteristic path length (CpL), and "small-world" property were calculated in a wide range of thresholds and averaged within each group, at three different frequency bands (0.01-0.06 Hz, 0.06-0.11 Hz, and 0.11-0.25 Hz).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>At lower-frequency bands (0.01-0.06 Hz, 0.06-0.11 Hz), the global efficiency, the CC and the "small-world" properties of AD patients decreased compared to controls. While at higher-frequency bands (0.11-0.25 Hz), the CpL was much longer, and the "small-world" property was disrupted in AD, particularly at a higher threshold. The topological properties changed with different frequency bands, suggesting the existence of disrupted global and local functional organization associated with AD.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This study demonstrates that the topological alterations of large-scale functional brain networks in AD patients are frequency dependent, thus providing fundamental support for optimal frequency selection in future related research.</p>

Comparative study of DSC-PWI and 3D-ASL in ischemic stroke patients / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The purpose of this study was to quantitatively analyze the relationship between three dimensional arterial spin labeling (3D-ASL) and dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced perfusion weighted imaging (DSC-PWI) in ischemic stroke patients. Thirty patients with ischemic stroke were included in this study. All subjects underwent routine magnetic resonance imaging scanning, diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), 3D-ASL and DSC-PWI on a 3.0T MR scanner. Regions of interest (ROIs) were drawn on the cerebral blood flow (CBF) maps (derived from ASL) and multi-parametric DSC perfusion maps, and then, the absolute and relative values of ASL-CBF, DSC-derived CBF, and DSC-derived mean transit time (MTT) were calculated. The relationships between ASL and DSC parameters were analyzed using Pearson's correlation analysis. Receiver operative characteristic (ROC) curves were performed to define the thresholds of relative value of ASL-CBF (rASL) that could best predict DSC-CBF reduction and MTT prolongation. Relative ASL better correlated with CBF and MTT in the anterior circulation with the Pearson correlation coefficients (R) values being 0.611 (P<0.001) and-0.610 (P<0.001) respectively. ROC curves demonstrated that when rASL ≤0.585, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for predicting ROIs with rCBF<0.9 were 92.3%, 63.6% and 76.6% respectively. When rASL ≤0.952, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for predicting ROIs rMTT>1.0 were 75.7%, 89.2% and 87.8% respectively. ASL-CBF map has better linear correlations with DSC-derived parameters (DSC-CBF and MTT) in anterior circulation in ischemic stroke patients. Additionally, when rASL is lower than 0.585, it could predict DSC-CBF decrease with moderate accuracy. If rASL values range from 0.585 to 0.952, we just speculate the prolonged MTT.

An analgesia study of periprostatic nerve block for transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy of the prostate / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective To evaluate the anestheisa efficacy of periprostatic nerve block in transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided biopsy of the prostate.Methods A total of 223 patients received prostate biopsy in our hospital from July 2010 to December 2013 were retrospectively studied,and were divided randomly into two groups.One hundred and sixteen cases in nerve block group accepted local anesthesia of prostate capsule and periprostatic nerve block after local perineal skin anesthetia,and 107 cases in local anesthesia group only accepted local perineal skin anesthetia and local anesthesia of prostate capsule.Patients in the 2 groups underwent prostate biopsy successfully.The visual analogue scale (VAS) and complications were recorded.Results The age,serum PSA level before biopsy,prostate volume and the number of puncture needles had no significant differences between the 2 groups (P＞0.05).The average VAS score was 2.3± 1.1,and 4.9±2.3 in the 2 groups.The VAS had significant difference between the 2 groups (P＜0.05).The incidences of hematuria,hemospermia and urinary retention were 37.1％ (43/116),3.4％ (4/116) and 1.7％ (2/116) in nerve block group,and 39.3％ (42/107),4.7％ (5/107) and 1.9％ (2/107) in local anesthesia group.The difference was not significant (P＞0.05).Conclusion Periprostatic nerve block for TRUS guided biopsy of the prostate could be safe with good analgesic effect.

Application of expanding coronal decompressive craniectomy and sequential dural incision for treating patients with severe bilateral frontal contusion / 中国医师进修杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of combined usage of expanding coronal decompressive craniectomy and sequential dural incision for treating severe bilateral frontal contusion (SBFC).Methods Forty-three patients with SBFC were randomly divided by sequential single day after hospitalization into two groups.Observation group(23 cases) treated with expanding coronal decompressive craniectomy and sequential dural incision.Control group (20 cases) treated with standard hemicraniectomy and routine dural incision.ResultsThe occurrence rate of acute cephalocele was significantly lower in observation group [ 17.4％(4/23) ] than that in control group [ 55.0％(11/20) ] (P ＜ 0.05).According to Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) score of six-month observation after operation,17 cases(73.9％,17/23) of observation group got favourable recovery or moderate deficit,other 6 cases(26.1％,6/23) got severe deficit,persistent vegetative status or death.While only 8 cases(40.0％,8/20) got favourable recovery or moderate deficit,12 cases ( 60.0％,12/20 ) got severe deficit,persistent vegetative status or death in control group.The rate of favourable recovery and moderate deficit of two groups had statistical significance (P ＜ 0.05).ConclusionCombination application of expanding coronal decompressive craniectomy and sequential dural incision is an effective method to treat patients with SBFC,and can obviously improve the rate of successful rescue and decrease the rate of mortality and disability.

Dynamic changes of serum MCP-1 and MIP-2 chemokines after renal transplantation in rats / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the changes in serum levels of chemokine MCP-1 and MIP-2 after renal transplantation in rats and the influence of Cyclosporin A (CsA) on their levels.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Three groups of rats, namely untreated group, CsA group and isograft group underwent the renal transplantation, and the serum MCP-1 and MIP-2 levels of the recipients were tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The serum MCP-1 level peaked 6 hours after the operation and also in critical stages of acute rejection. The first peak of MCP-1 was postponed by the application of CsA, which did not affect the peak level (P>0.05). The second peak of MCP-1 did not occur in CsA-treated group. MIP-2 concentration also peaked at 6 h after the operation in all the groups. The second peak of MIP-2, which was lower than the first one (P<0.05), occurred 9 days after the transplantation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>MCP-1 and MIP-2 in involved not only in the ischemia-reperfusion injury but also in severe acute rejection. CsA has no significant effect on serum levels of MCP-1 and MIP-2 following renal transplantation in rats.</p>

Association of three cytokines with graft versus host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for leukemia / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Recently, a few studies have reported the correlation between transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD); however, the combination of TGF-α with other cytokines in patients with chronic or acute GVHD requires further study.OBJECTIVE: To analyze the changes of serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) in leukemic patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Allo-HSCT) and investigate the effects of these cytokines on different grades of GVHD.DESIGN: Case control study.SETTING: Department of Hematology, Organ Transplantation Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital, General Hospital of Chinese PLA; Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital, General Hospital of Chinese PLA.PARTICIPANTS: Forty-two leukemic patients (23 males and 19 females, 16-68 years old, mean age of 35 years) who underwent Allo-HSCT for the first time were selected from the Department of Hematology, Organ Transplantation Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital, General Hospital of Chinese PLA and Department of Transplantation, the 307 Hospital of Chinese PLA from June 2005 to June 2007. Twelve patients had acute granulocytic leukemia (AGL), fifteen patients had acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), and fifteen patients had chronic granulocytic leukemia (CGL). Among the 42 patients, 37 underwent peripheral blood transplantation and five received bone marrow transplantation. Twenty-one patients had acute GVHD (18 cases in grades Ⅰ-Ⅱ and three cases in grades Ⅲ-Ⅳ) after Allo-HSCT, but the other 21 patients did not. Fourteen patients had chronic GVHD (five cases of limited type and nine cases of extensive type), but the other 28 patients did not. An additional 30 healthy subjects (18 males and 12 females, 20-70 years old, mean age of 44 years) were collected as a normal control group. All patients provided confirmed consent, and the study was approved by the local ethics committee.METHODS: Levels of serum TNF-α, IL-4, and TGF-α in leukemic patients with Allo-HSCT and normal subjects were measured by radio-immuno-assay, the cytokines levels of the patients with/without acute GVHD, of those with/without chronic GVHD and of different grades of GVHD were compared.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Comparisons of serum TNF-α, IL-4, and TGF-α among the groups.RESULTS: All 42 leukemic patients and 30 healthy subjects were included in the final analysis. Levels of TNF-α, IL-4, and TGF-α in patients with acute or chronic GVHD were significantly higher than those in the normal subjects (P<0.05-0.01). Levels of TNF-α and IL-4 in patients without acute GVHD were significantly higher than those in the normal subjects (P<0.01,0.05). Levels of TNF-α, IL-4, and TGF-α in patients with acute GVHD were significantly higher than those in patients without acute GVHD (P<0.05). Levels of TNF-α, IL-4, and TGF-α in patients with chronic GVHD were significantly higher than those in patients without chronic GVHD (P<0.05). Levels of serum TNF-α and TGF-α in patients with acute GVHD of grades Ⅲ-Ⅳ or chronic GVHD of extensive type were significantly higher than those in patients with acute GVHD of grades Ⅰ-Ⅱ or chronic GVHD of limited type (P<0.05-0.01).CONCLUSION: After Allo-HSCT, dynamically monitoring changes of levels of TNF-α, IL-4, and TGF-α may serve as a possible means of predicting the onset of acute or chronic GVHD and may contribute considerably to deciding clinical severity of GVHD.

Protective effects and its mechanism of panaxatriol saponins isolated from Panax notoginseng on cerebral ischemia / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the protective effects and its mechanism of Panaxatriol Saponins isolated from Panax notoginseng (PTS) on focal cerebral ischemia in rat brain.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The influences of PTS on cerebral water content and three specific proteins (VEGF, HSP70 and transferrin) related with cerebral ischemia were studied with unilateral occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO) and Western Blot.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>PTS 12.5 mg.kg-1 i.p. x 7 d (5 d before MCAO and 2 d after MCAO) inhibited the increase of cerebral water content caused by MCAO and influenced contents of HSP70 and transferrin, but had no influence on VEGF protein level.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PTS shows a protective effect on focal cerebral ischemia in rat brain by alleviating cerebral edema, up-regulating the expression of HSP70, down-regulating transferrin and maintaining blood-brain barrier.</p>