[Hematopoietic reconstitution after transplantation of uncontrolled-rate cryopreservation autologous peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cells using -80 °C mechanical freezer].

OBJECTIVE: This study was to identify the efficacy of -80°C cryopreservated peripheral blood hemato-poietic stem cell (PBHSC) transplantation for hematopoietic reanstitution in patients. METHODS: The efficacy of 104 patients underwent autologous peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation using uncontrolled-rate freezing and storage at -80°C was evaluated. RESULTS: This cryopreservation method could effectively cryopreserve peripheral blood stem cells. Out of 104 patients only 2 patients died, other patients got hematologic reconstition satisfactorily, the median engrafement times of neutrophils and platelet were 12 and 14 days respectively, the activity of cells after rehabilitation was 94%, the mean recovery rates of CD34(+) cells and mononuclear cells (MNC) were 86% and 80.3% respectively. There were no significant influences on engrafement time in sex, chemotherapy circles and radiotherapy. The engrafement of leukocytes associated with amount of CD34(+) cells. CONCLUSION: This simple uncontrolled-rate freezing PBHSC at -80°C is safe, effective and economic, and can meet clinical needs. As compared with the classical cryopreservation, there were no significant differences in hematopoietic reconstitution. Therefore, this method worth to popularize and apply in clinic.

[Association of XRCC1 genetic polymorphism with susceptibility to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma].

The purpose of this study was to explore the association between X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1 (XRCC1)gene polymorphism and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma risk. A total of 282 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) patients and 231 normal controls were used to investigate the effect of three XRCC1 gene polymorphisms (rs25487, rs25489, rs1799782) on susceptibility to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Genotyping was performed by using SNaPshot method. All statistical analyses were done with R software. Genotype and allele frequencies of XRCC1 were compared between the patients and controls by using the chi-square test. Crude and adjusted odd ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated by using logistic regression on the basis of genetic different models. For four kinds of NHL, subgroup analyses were also conducted. Combined genotype analyses of the three XRCC1 polymorphisms were also done by using logistic regression. The results showed that the variant genotype frequency was not significantly different between the controls and NHL or NHL subtype cases. Combined genotype analyses of XRCC1 399-280-194 results showed that the combined genotype was not associated with risk of NHL overall, but the VT-WT-WT combined genotype was associated with the decreased risk of T-NHL (OR: 0.21; 95%CI (0.06-0.8); P = 0.022), and the WT-VT-WT combined genotype was associated with the increased risk of FL(OR:15.23; 95%CI (1.69-137.39); P = 0.015). It is concluded that any studied polymorphism (rs25487, rs25489, rs1799782) alone was not shown to be rela-ted with the risk of NHL or each histologic subtype of NHL. The combined genotype with mutation of three SNP of XRCC1 was not related to the risk of NHL. However, further large-scale studies would be needed to confirm the association of decreased or increased risk for T-NHL and FL with the risk 3 combined SNP mutants of XRCC1 polymorphism.

[HLA antigen compatibility between patients with hematologic diseases and their parents].

This study was aimed to investigate and analyze the HLA antigen compatibility between patients with hematologic diseases and their parents so as to provide basis for selecting the suitable donors in haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The HLA low resolution for 174 families was typed and analyzed by using PCR-SSP. The results showed that 52.30% of patients with hematologic diseases possessed father and/or mother with HLA matching over haploidentity, 10.92% patients were over 8/10 matched with their father and/or mother. 11.49% were over semi-matched with both their father and mother. The rate of 6/10 matched pairs (28.16%), 7/10 matched pairs (16.1%) and 8/10 matched pairs (8.62%) were all beyond 5%; 9/10 (2.3%) and 10/10 matched pairs (1.15%) were all below 5%. It is concluded that with the matching degree increasing between two generations, HLA matching rate is decreasing. Over 50% and 10% patients were over HLA semi-matched and 8/10 matched with their father and/or mother, respectively. This high matching rate offered a big chance for success of haploidentical HSCT. Patients are more likely over semi-matched with their father and/or mother when they have high frequency and strong linkage HLA disequilibrium. High frequency and strong linkage disequilibrium in populations are main reason, and population concentrating and isolated living may be another reason for this phenomenon.

[Clinical analysis for 3 cases of HLA-matched between father and son and 1 case of post-hematopoietic stem cell transplant efficacy].

Getting a HLA-matched donor is a key factor for successful hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. People are almost semi-matched with their parents, while a person HLA-matched with his/her father or mother was rarely seen, if so, usually whose father and mother are genetically related. HLA-low resolution for patients and their relatives were performed using PCR-SSP technique and three patients were found HLA-matched with their father in these results. One of them accepted hematopoietic stem cell transplantation using his HLA-matched father as his donor. The results showed that the chimerism was detected as stable complete donor chimerism, fusing gene of MLL-ENL was detected all negatively in the post-transplant period. This case got well hematopoietic reconstruction and GVHD didn't occur, so far he has survived for two years in health conditioning. It is concluded that people HLA-matched with his/her father or mother can be found when there is one identical haplotype of high frequency and strong linkage disequilibrium between father and mother. This case is valuable for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation development.

[A recombination event occurring between HLA-A and -A loci from father's HLA haplotype chromosome].

This study was aimed investigate the recombination event occurring between HLA-A and-A loci discovered from father's HLA haplotype chromosome in a family. Peripheral blood samples were collected from a family. HLA class I (-A, -B, and -Cw) and II (-DRB1 and -DQB1) alleles were amplified and typed by both low and high resolution PCR with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) and sequence-based typing (SBT). The results showed that 2 haplotypes of the patient were A(*)3001-B(*)1302-DRB1(*)0701 and A(*)3001-B(*)5601-DRB1(*)1454 respectively, those of her father were A(*)3001-B(*)1302-DRB1*0701 and A(*)1101-B(*)5601-DRB1(*)1454. Family analysis demonstrated that the patient's A(*)3001-B(*)1302-DRB1(*)0701 came from her mother and A(*)1101-B(*)5601-DRB1(*)1454 came from her father, but the A of patient was A(*)3001 and B, DR were the same to her father. This showed that the chromosome exchange and recombination event of father's 2 haplotypes occurring between HLA-A and -A loci at meiosis. And recombinate haploid chromosome was completely inherited to his daughter 1. HLA typing and Paternity testing demonstrated that father was the natural father, and the recombination event occurring between HLA-A and -A loci of the daughter 1 with father's HLA haplotype chromosome. It is concluded that the HLA-A/A of father's HLA haplotype chromosome recombination event occurring between HLA-A an-A loci has been found in a family in China, which helps further study on the mechanisms of HLA recombination.

[Application of spectral karyotyping to cytogenetic analysis in acute myeloid leukemia].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of spectral karyotyping (SKY) in cytogenetic analysis of acute myeloid leukemias (AML). METHODS: Nine AML patients were analyzed by R-banding and SKY. MLL, PML-RARalpha, AML1-ETO fusion genes were detected by dual fusion- fluorescence in situ hybridization (D-FISH). RESULTS: All 9 samples were successfully hybridized. SKY identified structural aberrations including 9q -, t(15;17) and ins(10;17) (q22;p11p12) ; and some numeral abnormalities. The results of SKY confirmed those of R-band karyotyping and D-FISH; with more accurate localization. CONCLUSION: SKY appears to be fairly stable, accurate and sensitive, for AML cytogenetic study.

[Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation combined with imatinib for treatment of Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia].

The study was purposed to explore the efficacy of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) combined with Imatinib for treatment of Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph(+)ALL) patients. From 2007 to 2008, 3 patients with Ph(+)ALL were treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and Imatinib, and the follow-up ended at Oct 21(st) 2009. 1 patient received HSCT from matched sibling donor and 2 patients from haploidentical related donors. All 3 patients achieved complete remission before transplantation and were treated with Imatinib for distinct time at different periods before and/or after transplantation. The level of bcr/abl mRNA was monitored using real-time PCR. The results showed that all 3 patients achieved stable engraftments without severe transplantation related complications. The level of bcr/abl mRNA declined and achieved zero level finally. In conclusion, the allo-HSCT combined with Imatinib is an effective therapy regimen for Ph(+)ALL patients.

[Killer immunoglobulin-like receptor gene genotype and expression pattern in NK-92MI and K562 cells].

AIM: To make clear the repertoire of Killer immunoglobulin-like receptor at the level of DNA and RNA in NK-92MI and K562 cells and compare KIRs gene genotype and expression patterns in both cells. METHODS: KIRs gene genotype, include KIR2DL1, 2DL2, 2DL3, 2DL4, 2DL5, 2DS1, 2DS2, 2DS3, 2DS4, 2DS5, 3DL1, 3DL2, 3DL3, 3DS1, 2DP1, 3DP1, was analyzed by PCR. KIRs gene phenotype, include KIR2DL1, KIR2DL2, KIR2DL3, KIR3DL1, KIR2DS1, KIR2DS3, KIR2DS2/4 gene, was determined by RT-PCR and sequencing. RESULTS: KIR2DL1, 2DL2, 2DL3, 2DL4, 2DL5A, 2DS2, 2DS4*003-006, 2DS5, 3DL1, 3DL2 and 3DL3 gene were present in K562 cells, but all corresponding receptors were not expressed by K562 cells. KIR2DL1, 2DL2, 2DL3, 2DL4, 2DS2, 2DS4*001/002, 2DS4*003-006, 3DL1, 3DL2 and 3DL3 gene were present in NK-92MI cells, but only transcripts of KIR2DL1, KIR2DL3 and KIR2DS2/4 were detectable. CONCLUSION: KIR2DL1, 2DL2, 2DL3, 2DL4, 2DS2, 2DS4*003-006, 3DL1, 3DL2 and 3DL3 gene were present in both K562 and NK-92MI cells. All corresponding KIR receptors were not expressed by K562 cells and only partial KIRs by NK-92MI cells. The repertoire of KIRs were specific for K562 and NK-92MI cells.

[Effect of demethylation treatment on the expression of inhibitory receptor KIR gene in NK-92MI cell line].

The aim of this study was to analyze the promoter methylation patterns of inhibitory killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) which gene expression and the effect of demethylation treatment were studied, and to explore the possible regulation mechanism of inhibitory kir gene expression. The promoter methylation levels of kir2DL1 and kir2DL2/kir2DL3 in NK-92MI cell line were detected by bisulfite sequencing technique. Then NK-92MI cells were treated with 5-azacytidine to induce the demethylation of CpG islands. The levels of gene expression of kir were determined by RT-PCR. The results demonstrated that the methylation frequencies of CpG dinucleotides surrounding the promoter regions of kir2DL1 and kir2DL2/kir2DL3 genes were 25% to 88% and 5% to 80% respectively. DNA-demethylating treatment with 5-azacytidine resulted in re-expression of kir2DL1 gene and increased expressions of kir2DL1, kir2DL2 and kir2DL3 genes in NK-92MI cells. In conclusion, the promoter DNA methylation participates in the regulation of kir gene expression in NK-92MI cells.

[Investigation on MS-PCR as a method for detecting minimal residual disease in acute leukemia].

The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of monitoring minimal residual disease (MRD) of leukemia with methylation specified-polymerase chain reaction (MS-PCR). The HL-60 cells with Id4 gene complete methylation and Hek937 cells with Id4 gene complete unmethylation were mixed in accordance with different ratios of cells and were divided into 3 groups: group A (10% HL-60 + 90% Hek937), group B (1% HL-60 + 99% Hek937) and group C (0.1% HL-60 + 99.9% Hek937). The MS-PCR technique was used to detect the methylation status of Id4 gene in different ratios of leukemia cells. The results indicated that the methylation specific amplification of Id4 gene with 155 bp was observed in HL-60 cells showing complete methylation of Id4 gene; while the unmethylation specific amplication of Id4 gene with 156 bp was found in Hek937 cells, showing complete unmethylation. The methylation specific amplification of Id4 gene with 155 bp and unmethylation specific amplification of Id4 gene with 156 bp were simultaneously detected in A, B and C groups, which showed the expression of Id4 gene methylation. In conclusion, the MS-PCR technique can detect the Id4 gene methylation in leukemia cell sample containing 0.1% of HL-60 cells, moreover the Id4 gene methylation in various leukemia cells shows no significant difference, thereby use of MS-PCR to detect the Id4 methylation level may be a potential approach for monitoring of MRD. Id4 gene promoter methylation is a candidate of biomarker for MRD detection in acute leukemias.

[Dynamic detection of chimerism and fusion gene in chronic myeloid leukemia patients relapsed after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation].

This study was aimed to investigate the chimerism and fusion gene expression in patients with CML after allo-HSCT, to analyse engraftment and minimal residual disease by using STR-PCR combined with RT-PCR qualitative and quantitative assays, and to evaluate their clinical value for predicting disease relapse. 4 relapsed patients with CML after allo-HSCT were dynamically investigated. Qualitative analysis of donor chimerism was performed by multiplex PCR amplification of STR markers and capillary electrophoresis with fluorescence detection, qualitative detection of bcr/abl transcripts was performed by RT-PCR. The results showed that the 100% donor chimerism appeared in 4 patients on day 28 after transplantation and bcr/abl expression was negative, but the 4 patients were in status of unstable mixed chimerism (DC: 0% - 80.4%) at the different time points during the following up with bcr/abl gene positive. 2 patients of them were continuously mixed chimerism after relapse of CML, the other 2 changed from MC to CC by intervention of clinical treatment. Decreasing values of donor chimerism were detected prior to the occurrence of graft rejection and CML relapse, and bcr/abl gene expression was positive. It is concluded that the results of STR-PCR in the range of its sensitivity fully correspond with bcr/abl tests in patients. The combination of STR-PCR with RT-PCR will provide a highly sensitive and valuable tool for evaluating engraftment, graft rejection, and relapse and predicting GVHD. Furthermore, it can provide a basis for early intervention of clinical treatment, and can identify these high risk patients with molecular or cytogenetic relapse after allo-HSCT.

[Construction and identification of Kir2ds4 RNAi lentiviral vector].

This study was aimed to construct a lentiviral vector of RNA interfered (RNAi)-kir2ds4 gene. In accordance with study-confirmed effective sequence of siRNA targeting kir2ds4 gene, the complementary DNA containing both sense and antisense oligonuctide of the targeting sequence was designed, synthesized and inserted into pSicoR-GFP vector containing U6 promoter and GFP sequence. The resulting lentiviral vector containing kir2ds4 shRNA was named as LV-sh kir2ds4, and confirmed by PCR and sequencing. 293T cells were co-transfected with lentiviral vector LV-sh kir2ds4 and packaging system. All virus stocks were produced by Lipofectamine 2000-mediated transfection. The titer of virus was tested according to the expression level of GFP. As a result, PCR and DNA sequencing demonstrated that the lentivirus RNAi vector of kir2ds4 was constructed successfully. The titer of virus tested by expression level of GFP was 6 x 10(8) TU/ml. It is concluded that the lentivirus RNAi vector of kir2ds4 has been successfully constructed.

The diversity of KIR gene in Chinese Northern Han population and the impact of donor KIR and patient HLA genotypes on outcome following HLA-identical sibling allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for hematological malignancy in Chinese people.

Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) are members of a group of molecules that specifically recognize HLA class I ligands and are found on subsets of human lymphopoetic cells. The number of KIR loci can vary between individuals, resulting in a heterogeneous array of possible KIR genes. The range of observed profiles has been explained by the occurrence of two haplotype families termed A and B, which can be distinguished on the basis of certain KIR sequences. Immunogenetic analysis of different ethnic populations shows significant differences in terms of the distribution for group A and group B haplotypes. Recently, attention has been focused on the role of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR)-ligand incompatibility in the graft-versus-host direction between donor and recipient in allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (ASCT). The goal of this study was to study the frequency of specific KIR genes in Chinese Northern Han population and evaluate the role of KIR-ligand mismatch in Chinese HLA-identical sibling hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients with hematological malignancy. Here genomic DNA from 150 Northern Chinese Han individuals was typed for the presence or absence of KIR genes. Seventy-four allogeneic stem cell transplantation donor/recipient pairs were typed for HLA-A, B, C and KIR. Sixteen KIR genes were observed in the population, and framework genes 3DL3, 3DP1, 2DL4, and 3DL2 were present in all individuals. Twenty-two different genotypes were found. Group A haplotypes outnumbered group B haplotypes in frequency by approximately 3:1, with individuals having two group A haplotypes accounting for 51.9% (78/150). We observed that 57 out of 74 (77.3%) donor-recipient pairs could be characterized by lack of recipient HLA ligand for donor KIR. We observed that 36 out of 45 (80%) donor-recipient HLA-identical sibling transplant pairs could be characterized by lack of recipient HLA ligand for donor KIR. Cumulative incidence analysis of aGVHD in patients undergoing HLA-identical sibling hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in this study demonstrated a decreased incidence of severe aGVHD in patients lacking HLA ligand for donor-inhibitory KIR2DL1 (31.4 vs. 70%, P = 0.029). And also in AML (acute myeloid leukemia) patients lacking HLA ligand for donor-inhibitory KIR and KIR2DL1 (17.6 vs. 75%, P = 0.03). Our data demonstrated that the Chinese Han population is distinct in KIR gene frequencies and putative KIR haplotypes in comparison to some other populations. Almost all allogeneic donors could be characterized as having an inhibitory KIR for each of the three known class I ligands. KIR and KIR2DL1 mismatch is associated with lower aGVHD in Chinese after HLA-identical sibling hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

[Methylation status of ZO-1 gene in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome].

The objective of this study was to investigate the methylation status of zonula occluden protein-1 (ZO-1) gene in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and to identify its roles in pathogenesis, development and classification of MDS. 85 patients with MDS and 30 healthy individuals were tested by methylation specific polymerase chain reaction (MS-PCR). The results indicated that no ZO-1 promoter methylation could be detected in healthy controls. methylation of ZO-1 gene promoter of bone marrow was found in 56.5% (48/85) MDS patients. The difference between these two kinds of subjects was statistically significant (p<0.05). The methylation status of ZO-1 gene promoter region in the subtypes of MDS was as following: RA (18/37, 48.6%), RAS (4/6, 67%), RCMD (19/30, 63%), RAEB (7/12, 58%). Every subtype of MDS patients had statistical difference from healthy people (p<0.05), but between the subtypes of MDS there were no significant statistical differences in the methylation status of ZO-1 gene, while the level of ZO-1 promoter methylation in group of RA was lower than that in other groups. It is concluded that the ZO-1 promoter region in bone marrow of MDS patient shows a hypermethylation status, which is specific for MDS. MDS is a common hematologic malignancy with clonal proliferation, it is difficult to differentiate from many other hematologic malignancies in clinical diagnosis. However, the change of ZO-1 gene methylation status is closely related to pathogenesis of MDS, therefore the ZO-1 gene as valuable diagnostic marker has important clinical significance. The ZO-1 gene may be a potential gene related to hematologic malignancies.

[Application of chimerism analysis to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation by STR-PCR].

The aim of this study was to analyze chimerism, evaluate the status of engraftment and predict the outcome of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) by multiple short tandem repeat (STR) amplification using fluorescence labeling polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combined with capillary electrophoresis. Peripheral blood and bone marrow in 27 patients who received myeloablative allogenetic cell transplantation were collected before and after transplantation in different times. 10 and 7 different STR markers were co-amplified in a single reaction by using a commercial AmpF/STR Profiler Plus/Cofiler plus PCR amplification kits. Separation of the PCR products and fluorescence detection were performed by ABI prism 310 Genetic Analyzer with capillary electrophoresis. The Genescan and Genotype soft ware were used for size calling and quantification of peak areas. The formula to calculate donor chimerism values was based on the different allelic distribution type between donor and recipient. The results showed that donor chimerism was similar by the two methods. The median number of informative alleles was 6.3 (4 - 9) by Profiler Plus and 4.9 (2 - 6) by Cofiler Plus. The donor alleles appeared in 26 patients on day 28 post transplantation. One patient was not observed to appear donor alleles. 14 patients with 100% donor chimerism (DC) had stable engraftment and they still survive in free leukemia. 9 patients had unstable mixed chimerism (DC: 0% - 90.2%), and 5 of them relapsed after allo-HSCT, 6 patients died. Decrease of donor chimerism appeared prior to graft rejection and disease relapse. The incidence of GVHD was higher in group of full donor chimerism. It is concluded that dynamic monitoring donor chimerism by STR-PCR in combination with all auto-capillary electrophoresis is a valuable tool for predicting graft rejection, disease relapse and occurrence of GVHD, and provides a basis for early clinical intervention in the patients received allo-HSCT.

[Primary application of spectral karyotyping in leukemia].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a spectral karyotyping (SKY) technique and explore the value of SKY in leukemia research. METHODS: SKY technique was conducted on 2 samples of peripheral blood from 2 healthy volunteers, then on the samples from 8 patients with leukemia, including chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) and acute myelocytic leukemia (AML) confirmed by R-banding. In addition, four patients underwent dual fusion-fluorescence in situ hybridization (DF-FISH) to detect the mixed lineage leukemia (MLL), PML/RARa, and BCR/ABL fusion genes. By comparing the results of SKY, R-band karyotyping, and DF-FISH, the stability and reliability of SKY was judged. RESULTS: All 10 samples were successfully hybridized and karyotyped. The 2 cases of healthy volunteers showed normal karyotypes, thus, a specific SKY technique was successfully established. In the 8 cases of leukemia patients, SKY identified aberrations including 9q-, t (9; 22), t (15; 17) and the complex karyotype 47, XY, +9?ins (1;5) (q23;q23), t (6;7) (q23?; p13), in addition, the SKY technique detected some number abnormalities. The results of SKY confirmed the results of R-band karyotyping and DF-FISH; moreover, the SKY technique provided more accurate karyotypes. CONCLUSION: With high stability, accuracy, and sensitivity, the SKY technique established by this study can be applied in leukemia research.

[Effect of compound recipe Gengniankang on senile sexual hormone and expression of estrogen receptor in bone of climacteric female rats].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic effect of Compound Recipe Gengniankang ( GNK) with that of hormone replacement treatment (HRT) on climacteric female rats with osteoporosis, and to investigate the roles of estrogen and estrogen receptors in the mechanism of osteoporosis. METHODS: Climacteric female rats with osteoporosis were chosen and divided into three groups (GNK group, HRT group and control group). Apoptosis of ovarian granulose cells was measured by terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Serum level of estradiol (E(2)), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) were determined by the method of radioimmunoassay (RIA). Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCT) technology was used to evaluate the expression of estrogen receptor (ER) in bone. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by double energy X-ray absorption (DEXA). RESULTS: In the climacteric rats, BMD, serum E(2), ER mRNA expression in bone decreased remarkably, and serum FSH, LH and apoptosis of ovarian granulose cells increased obviously. After treating with GNK, all the indexes were reversed except serum E(2). The increase of E(2) was not significant. CONCLUSION: GNK is effective on climacteric osteoporosis female rats. Its role is performed not by increasing serum E(2) but by enhancing ER in the bone and inhibiting apoptosis of ovarian granulose cells. GNK can deter further exhaustion of ovarian function.

[Experimental study on regulatory effect of compound gengniankang on endocrine and immune functions in aged female rats with osteoporosis].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of compound gengniankang (GNK) in regulating the endocrine and immune functions in aged female rats. METHODS: Aged female rats with osteoporosis were selected as the object for observation and healthy young rats were taken for control. Animals were administered by GNK and nilestriol respectively, through gastric perfusion, for 3 months to observe the therapeutic effect of drug treatment on osteoporosis and the regulatory effect on endocrine and immune function. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by double energy X-ray absorption technique, serum levels of estradiol (E2), follicule-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were determined by RIA, T-cell subsets and apoptosis in spleen were detected by flow cytometry. RESULTS: In aged rats with osteoporosis, the BMD decreased, serum level of E2 lowered, FSH and LH levels raised, splenic CD4+, CD4+/CD8+ significantly decreased and T-cell apoptosis rate significantly elevated. GNK could increase the BMD, lower the FSH and LH levels, but showed no significant effect on E2 level. It could increase the CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ ratio to nearby the normal range, and reduce the apoptosis of T-cells. CONCLUSION: GNK has therapeutic effect on osteoporosis in aged rats, and is able to regulate the endocrine and enhance the immune function in organism.