Anti-Inflammatory Ergosteroid Derivatives from the Coral-Associated Fungi Penicillium oxalicum HL-44.

To obtain the optimal fermentation condition for more abundant secondary metabolites, Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) medium was chosen for the scale-up fermentation of the fungus Penicillium oxalicum HL-44 associated with the soft coral Sinularia gaweli. The EtOAc extract of the fungi HL-44 was subjected to repeated column chromatography (CC) on silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 and semipreparative RP-HPLC to afford a new ergostane-type sterol ester (1) together with fifteen derivatives (2-16). Their structures were determined with spectroscopic analyses and comparisons with reported data. The anti-inflammatory activity of the tested isolates was assessed by evaluating the expression of pro-inflammatory factors Tnfα and Ifnb1 in Raw264.7 cells stimulated with LPS or DMXAA. Compounds 2, 9, and 14 exhibited significant inhibition of Ifnb1 expression, while compounds 2, 4, and 5 showed strong inhibition of Tnfα expression in LPS-stimulated cells. In DMXAA-stimulated cells, compounds 1, 5, and 7 effectively suppressed Ifnb1 expression, whereas compounds 7, 8, and 11 demonstrated the most potent inhibition of Tnfα expression. These findings suggest that the tested compounds may exert their anti-inflammatory effects by modulating the cGAS-STING pathway. This study provides valuable insight into the chemical diversity of ergosteroid derivatives and their potential as anti-inflammatory agents.

Dendrobium mixture attenuates renal damage in rats with diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

Dendrobium mixture (DMix) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine widely used for preventing and treating diabetic nephropathy (DN). Autophagy contributes to DN development and progression. The present study aimed to investigate the mechanism underlying the protective effects of DMix on the kidneys of rats with DN and to determine whether this involves autophagy. Herein, a high­sugar and high­fat diet, combined with the intra­abdominal injection of low­dose streptozocin, was used to induce DN in 40 Sprague­Dawley male rats. In total, 10 additional rats were used as controls. The rats with DN were then randomly divided into three groups and treated with DMix, gliquidone or saline via gastric administration for 8 weeks. Body weight, kidney weight, kidney index, fasting blood glucose (FBG), blood lipid, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), insulin, blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels, as well as the 24­h urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) were measured. H&E, Periodic Acid­Schiff and Masson staining were used to examine the renal pathology. The mRNA and protein expression levels of LC3 and Beclin­1 in renal tissues were measured using reverse transcription­quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Western blotting was conducted to measure the protein expression levels of PI3K, phosphorylated (p)­PI3K, Akt, p­Akt, mTOR, p­mTOR, LC3 and Beclin­1 in renal tissues. It was found that DMix significantly reduced the FBG, blood lipids, HbA1c and insulin levels, kidney weight, kidney index and UAER in rats with DN, as well as improved renal function. Rats with DN showed notable glomerular hypertrophy, an increase in mesangial matrix content and renal interstitial fibrosis. Moreover, DMix notably reduced kidney damage. The results demonstrated that DMix inhibited the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt and mTOR in the kidney tissues of rats with DN, and increased the protein and mRNA expression levels of LC3 and Beclin­1. Therefore, it was suggested that DMix has protective effects on the kidney of rats with DN, which may be associated with the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and activation of renal autophagy by this traditional medicine.

A novel tri-culture model for neuroinflammation.

Neuroinflammation is believed to play a primary role in the pathogenesis of most neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia. Currently, suitable in vitro neuroinflammation models for studying cellular interactions and inflammatory mechanisms at the neurovascular unit are still scarce. In this study, we established an experimentally flexible tri-culture neuroinflammation model combining murine microglial cells (N11), mouse neuroblastoma Nuro2A cell lines and brain microvascular endothelial MVEC(B3) cells in a transwell co-culture system stimulated with lipopolysaccharides. Neuroinflammation was induced in this tri-culture model as manifested by activated N11 cells via toll-like receptor 4, resulting in increased release of proinflammatory mediators (nitric oxide, interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-α) through the activation of nuclear factor-κB signalling pathway. The released inflammatory cytokines from N11 in turn, damaged the tight junction in microvascular endothelial MVEC(B3) cells, increased permeability of endothelial barrier, and induced tau phosphorylation and up-regulated caspase-3 expression in mouse neuroblastoma Nuro2A cell lines, leading to neuroinflammation injury. In summary, this tri-culture inflammation model mimics the microenvironment, the cellular crosstalk and the molecular events that take place during neuroinflammation. It provides a robust in vitro model for studying neuroinflammation mechanisms and screening for potential therapeutics to treat various neurodegenerative diseases.

[C/EBPα in multiple myeloma patients may lead to increased hepcidin].

This study was aimed to explore the possible mechanisms of hepcidin increase in multiple myeloma patients. The clinical information and peripheral venous blood of eligible patients with previously untreated multiple myeloma were collected. Serum concentration of IL-6 was detected by ELISA. Peripheral blood monocytes were isolated by CD14⁺ magnetic beads. The expression of hepcidin, IL-6 and C/EBPα mRNA of monocytes were detected by real time quantitative PCR. The results indicated that the hemoglobin level was reduced in 17 multiple myeloma patients enrolled in study (97.8 ± 27.5 g/L), showing the characteristics of anemia of chronic disease. The hepcidin and C/EBPα expression of peripheral blood monocytes significantly increased (P < 0.01), serum IL-6 was also higher than that in normal controls (P < 0.01). Serum IL-6 positively correlated with monocyte hepcidin and C/EBPα expression (P < 0.05); monocyte C/EBPα expression positively correlated with monocyte hepcidin expression (P < 0.05). It is concluded that the elevated IL-6 may induce hepcidin expression through up-regulating C/EBPα in untreated myeloma patients.

Oxytocin decreases colonic motility of cold water stressed rats via oxytocin receptors.

AIM: To investigate whether cold water intake into the stomach affects colonic motility and the involvement of the oxytocin-oxytocin receptor pathway in rats. METHODS: Female Sprague Dawley rats were used and some of them were ovariectomized. The rats were subjected to gastric instillation with cold (0-4 °C, cold group) or room temperature (20-25 °C, control group) saline for 14 consecutive days. Colon transit was determined with a bead inserted into the colon. Colonic longitudinal muscle strips were prepared to investigate the response to oxytocin in vitro. Plasma concentration of oxytocin was detected by ELISA. Oxytocin receptor expression was investigated by Western blot analysis. Immunohistochemistry was used to locate oxytocin receptors. RESULTS: Colon transit was slower in the cold group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Colonic smooth muscle contractile response to oxytocin decreased, and the inhibitory effect of oxytocin on muscle contractility was enhanced by cold water intake (0.69 ± 0.08 vs 0.88 ± 0.16, P < 0.05). Atosiban and tetrodotoxin inhibited the effect of oxytocin on colonic motility. Oxytocin receptors were located in the myenteric plexus, and their expression was up-regulated in the cold group (P < 0.05). Cold water intake increased blood concentration of oxytocin, but this effect was attenuated in ovariectomized rats (286.99 ± 83.72 pg/mL vs 100.56 ± 92.71 pg/mL, P < 0.05). However, in ovariectomized rats, estradiol treatment increased blood oxytocin, and the response of colonic muscle strips to oxytocin was attenuated. CONCLUSION: Cold water intake inhibits colonic motility partially through oxytocin-oxytocin receptor signaling in the myenteric nervous system pathway, which is estrogen dependent.

[Peripheral blood monocyte hepcidin in patients with multiple myeloma is associated with anemia of chronic disease].

Disorders of iron utilization caused by abnormal elevation of hepcidin levels are the main mechanism of anemia of chronic disease. Hepcidin is mainly produced by the liver. Recently it has been found that monocytes are another source of hepcidin. The increased hepcidin in serum and urine of multiple myeloma patients may be one cause of anemia of chronic disease (ACD). However it is unclear whether the peripheral blood monocyte hepcidin is involved in the pathogenesis of anemia of chronic disease. This study was purposed to investigate the role of monocyte hepcidin in multiple myeloma patients with anemia of chronic disease. The clinical data and peripheral venous blood of multiple myeloma patients were collected.Serum concentration of IL-6 and TNF-α was detected by ELISA. Peripheral blood monocytes were isolated by CD14(+) magnetic beads. Hepcidin, IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA of monocytes were detected by real time quantitative PCR. The results showed that the expression level of monocyte hepcidin mRNA in myeloma patients was higher than that in normal controls. In untreated patients, the expression level of monocyte hepcidin mRNA was negatively correlated with hemoglobin, and positively correlated with serum ferritin and IL-6 levels, but unrelated with TNF-α levels.It is concluded that the increased monocyte hepcidin levels in multiple myeloma patients may play an etiologic role in ACD.

Exogenous oxytocin reverses the decrease of colonic smooth muscle contraction in antenatal maternal hypoxia mice via ganglia.

Oxytocin (OT) has been reported to have a potential protective effect on stress-induced functional gastrointestinal disorders. This study determined whether colonic contraction in adults was affected by antenatal maternal hypoxia, and whether OT is involved in antenatal maternal hypoxia induced colonic contraction disorder. Isometric spontaneous contractions were recorded in colonic longitudinal muscle strips in order to investigate colonic contractions and the effects of exogenous OT on the contraction in antenatal maternal hypoxia and control mice. Both high potassium and carbachol-induced contractions of proximal colon but not distal colon were reduced in antenatal maternal hypoxia mice. Exogenous OT decreased the contractions of proximal colonic smooth muscle strips in control mice, while it increased contractions in antenatal maternal hypoxia mice. OT increased the contractions of distal colonic smooth muscle strips in both antenatal maternal hypoxia and control mice. Hexamethonium blocked the OT-induced potentiation of proximal colon but not distal colon in antenatal maternal hypoxia mice. These results suggest that exogenous oxytocin reverses the decrease of proximal colonic smooth muscle contraction in antenatal maternal hypoxia mice via ganglia.

[Effect of erythropoietin on proinflammatory factors of human monocytes and its mechanisms].

Erythropoietin (EPO) is the major means of treating anemia of chronic disease (ACD) through stimulating hematopoiesis, inhibiting hepcidin and decreasing proinflammatory factors. Recently, it has been found that monocytes are another source of hepcidin. EPO can reduce the hepcidin stimulated by IL-6 in monocytes, it is assumed that EPO can reduce hepcidin indirectly by reducing IL-6. However, the specific mechanism of EPO inhibiting the proinflammatory cytokines in monocytes is unclear now. This study was purposed to investigate the effect of EPO on monocyte proinflammatory factors and its molecular mechanism. IL-6 mRNA and TNF-α mRNA were detected by real time PCR, level of signaling molecule PARP-1 protein was detected by Western blot. THP-1 monocytes were stimulated by 1 µg/ml lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to observe the impact of EPO at different concentrations (0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10 U/ml) for different time (0, 3, 6, 12, 24 hours) on the expression of IL-6 mRNA, TNF-α mRNA and PARP-1 protein. 1 µg/ml or 5 µg/ml EPO receptor (EPOR) antibody and/or 3-aminobenzamide (3-AB, PARP-1 inhibitor) were added to observe the antagonistic effect on EPO and the impact on PARP-1. The results showed that LPS could stimulate the THP-1 cells. EPO could decrease the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α stimulated by LPS in a dose- and time-dependent manners. The most significant decrease in IL-6 mRNA expression was observed in 2 U/ml EPO for 6 hours. And down-regulation of TNF-α mRNA expression was pronounced at 10 U/ml EPO for 3 hours. IL-6 mRNA expression could be stimulated by LPS, PARP-1 protein was induced at the same time. EPO inhibited the expression of IL-6 mRNA, while PARP-1 protein also decreased. Down-regulation of IL-6 mRNA and PARP-1 protein level was pronounced at 2 U/ml EPO for 6 hours. 3AB is a direct inhibitor of PARP-1. Similar to 3AB, EPO receptor antibody could antagonize the decline of IL-6 induced by EPO. It is concluded that EPO can inhibit the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α in monocytes, and the inhibition of IL-6 expression may be associated with decrease of PARP level.

[Effect of recombinant human erythropoietin on hepcidin mRNA expression in patients with multiple myeloma].

This study was purposed to investigate the effect of multiple myeloma patients' sera on hepcidin mRNA expression of Hep-3b hepatoma cell line and effect of human interleukin-6 (IL-6) antibody or recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) on hepcidin mRNA expression. The clinical information and serum of multiple myeloma patients were collected. Their sera of a final concentration of 10% were added into Hep-3b cell medium. The mRNA from Hep-3b cells was extracted, and hepcidin mRNA expression was detected by semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A final concentration of 10 ng/ml human IL-6 antibody and 2 U/ml rhEPO were added into the medium respectively. The results showed that the sera of untreated multiple myeloma patients elevated hepcidin mRNA expression of Hep-3b cells, compared with healthy controls and iron deficiency anemia patients. This effect was fully neutralized by human IL-6 antibody or rhEPO. The hemoglobin (Hb) level was stable during the follow up of regularly treated multiple myeloma patients and the effect of MM patient serum on Hep-3b cell hepcidin mRNA expression was reduced. It is concluded that the hepcidin mRNA expression of Hep-3b cell can be increased by untreated multiple myeloma patient serum. This promotive effect can be antagonised by IL-6, which suggests that IL-6 may be possible to elevate expression level of hepcidin in Hep-3b cells and results in anemia of chronic disease (ACD). The above mentioned promotive effects also can be suppressed by rhEPO, which indicates that the rhEPO may possess curative effect for ACD disease. During short-term follow-up of treated patients with multiple myeloma the Hb level is stable, the influence of patients serum on hepcidin mRNA of Hep-3b cells decreases, which shows the stabilization of disease and amelioration of ACD patient status.

[The effects and mechanisms of erythropoietin on hepcidin of human monocytes].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the in vitro effect of erythropoietin (EPO) on hepcidin of monocytes and its molecular mechanisms. METHODS: Hepcidin and signaling molecules including C/EBPalpha, Smad1/5/8, p-Smad1/5/8 and p-STAT3 were detected by real time PCR and Western blot. THP-1 monocytes were stimulated by interleukin-6 (IL-6) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). EPO receptor (EPOR) antibody was added to observe its antagonistic effect on EPO and impact on the signaling proteins. RESULTS: EPO suppressed mRNA expression of THP-1 hepcidin of monocytes induced by 20 ng/ml IL-6 or 1 microg/ml LPS in both dose and time dependent manner. The most decrease of hepcidin expression was observed at 2 IU/ml EPO for 6 hours. EPO also down-regulated hepcidin protein induced by 20 ng/ml IL-6. At 2 IU/ml EPO for 6 hours hepcidin protein was down-regulated, as was C/EBPalpha, p-Smad1/5/8 and p-STAT3. Antibody to EPOR antagonized the down-regulation of EPO on hepcidin and signaling proteins. CONCLUSIONS: Monocytes hepcidin can be reduced by EPO when stimulated by IL-6 or LPS. The mechanism of which may be at least in part, via suppression of C/EBPalpha, p-Smad1/5/8 and p-STAT3 signaling.

No spatial memory deficit exists in Kunming mice that recently recovered from motor defects following 3-nitropropionic acid intoxication.

OBJECTIVE: Numerous studies have described both motor defects and cognitive impairments in several strains of rodents following 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) intoxication. In the present study, we investigated spatial recognition memory in Kunming mice that just recovered from motor defects induced by 3-NP. METHODS: Mouse model was made by systemic subacute 3-NP treatment, and spatial recognition memory was measured through the Y-maze Test, a simple two-trial recognition test. RESULTS: (1) On day 15 following 3-NP treatment, affected Kunming mice did not show motor defects in the Rotarod test and presented normal gait again. (2) In the following Y-maze test after 1h interval, the percentage (90.0%) of mice showing novel arm preference in 3-NP treatment group was significantly higher than the random chance level (50%), although it was only slightly higher than that (83.3%) in control group. On day 45 after 3-NP treatment, mice failed to choose unfamiliar novel arm as first choice, and the same occured in the control group. (3) For both post-intoxicated (on day 15 and day 45 following 3-NP treatment) and control groups, the duration in the novel arm and the frequency of entering it, were longer and higher compared with familiar start and other arms. For these mice that recently recovered from motor defects following 3-NP intoxication, no spatial memory deficits were observed through Y-maze Test. CONCLUSION: Kunming mice used in our assays might possess resistance to cognitive impairment induced by 3-NP, which is consistent with previous findings in Swiss EPM-M1 mice.

[Ex vivo expansion of CD34(+)CD59(+) cells from patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and their hematopoietic reconstitution capability in irradiated nude mice].

This study was purposed to investigate the expansion and hematopoietic reconstitution capability of CD34(+)CD59(+) cells from patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) by using BALB/c nude mice so as to provide experimental basis for clinical anto-BMT or auto-PBHSCT in patients with PNH. CD34(+)CD59(+) cells were selected from the bone marrow mononuclear cells in normal persons and PNH patients by immunomagnetic positive double sorting and were engrafted sublethally irradiated BALB/c nude mice. The human CD45(+) cells in bone marrow, spleen and peripheral blood of recipient mice were detected by flow cytometry and DNA assay. The results showed that the CD34(+)CD59(+) cells in PNH patient group and normal person group could expanded ex vivo, but ex vivo expansion capability of CD34(+)CD59(+) cells in PNH patient group at day 7 seemed inferior to that in normal control. While CD34(+)CD59(+) cells of PNH patients and normal persons were transfused into recipient mice, the human CD45(+) cells could be detected in bone marrow, spleen and peripheral blood at 6 weeks after transfusion, but there was no statistical difference in counts of CD45 cells between 2 groups. It is concluded that CD34(+)CD59(+) cells from PNH patients may keep characteristics of normal hematopoietic stem cells, and possess ability to expand ex vivo and support hemopoiesis.

Effects of ovariectomy and 17beta-estradiol treatment on the renin-angiotensin system, blood pressure, and endothelial ultrastructure.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), nitric oxide (NO), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), blood pressure (BP), ultrastructural characteristics, and endothelium-dependent relaxation of thoracic aorta were modulated by the estrogen level. Rats were divided into 3 groups: ovariectomized (OVX); not ovariectomized (sham); and ovariectomized and treated with subcutaneous 17beta-estradiol (15 microg/kg/day, OVX+E(2)) (n=15-17 per group). For 13 weeks after surgery, blood pressure, serum estrogen, NO, plasma angiotensin II (Ang II), ANP, and renin activity levels were monitored. Thirteen weeks after surgery, the vasodilator responses of the aortic rings to acetylcholine and the ultrastructural characteristics of the thoracic aorta were determined. In the 9th and 13th week, OVX rats had a significantly higher blood pressure than the other two groups (p<0.05). Ovariectomy led to a significant decrease in plasma Ang II level and a significant increase in renin activity in OVX rats compared to sham rats; this effect could be reversed by estrogen treatment. In the 5th, 9th, and 13th weeks, the serum NO level was significantly lower in the OVX group than in the sham group (p<0.05); this effect could be reversed by estrogen treatment. Plasma ANP levels in the 9th and 13th weeks were significantly lower in the OVX group (p<0.05), and plasma ANP levels could be completely restored by estrogen treatment. Ovariectomy markedly reduced endothelium-dependent relaxation in response to acetylcholine in isolated rat thoracic aortic rings; chronic estrogen treatment significantly restored endothelium-dependent relaxation in response to acetylcholine. Under electron microscopy, the endothelial cells in OVX rats were swollen, even necrosed; estrogen treatment inhibited these changes. These results strongly suggest that estradiol protects rats from the development of hypertension and has a protective effect on the endothelium by increasing NO and ANP levels while decreasing renin activity. However, there was a discordance between the effects that estradiol had on angiotensin II and on blood pressure. This might be the result of negative feedback that ultimately results in the overall suppression of the RAS.

Peripheral blood CD34+ cell mobilization in 42 patients with severe autoimmune disease.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of peripheral CD34+ cell mobilization in patients with severe autoimmune disease. METHODS: Forty-two patients underwent a total of 46 mobilizations by the regimen of cyclophosphamide 2-3 g/m2+ recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) 5 microg x kg(-1) x d(-1). The positive selection of CD34+ cell was performed through the CliniMACS. RESULTS: In 8.1 +/- 2. 3 days after administration of cyclophosphamide, the peripheral white blood cell and mononuclear cell (MNC) decreased to the lowest level. In 3.7 +/- 1.6 days after injection of rhG-CSF, the peripheral absolute MNC and CD34+ cell counts were 0.95 x 10(9)/L and 0.035 x 10(9)/L, respectively. After 2.4 +/- 0.6 times of leukapheresis, there gained 4.46 x 10(8)/kg of MNC and 5.26 x 10(6)/kg of CD34+, respectively. After mobilization, the underlying diseases were ameliorated more or less. In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) decreased from a median of 17 to 3 (P < 0.01). In rheumatic arthritis patients, an American College of Rheumatology criteria for 20% (ACR20) response was achieved in all five patients. Totally, 17.4% of patients whose absolute neutrophil count < 0.5 x 10(9)/L suffered infection, and 31.0% of patients had bone pain after the injection of rhG-CSF. Two patients suffered severe complications, one with acute renal failure and recovered by hemodialysis, the other died of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Failed mobilization occurred in three patients. CONCLUSIONS: Sufficient CD34+ cells can be mobilized by low dose of cyclophosphamide and rhG-CSF. CD34+ cell mobilization for treatment of severe autoimmune disease not only is appropriate in both effectiveness and safety but ameliorates disease also.

[A prospective and randomized study of two conditioning regimens in treatment of severe systemic autoimmune diseases with autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the differences in immune reconstitution, hematopoietic reconstitution, efficacy, and complication between the two conditioning regimens with or without total body irradiation (TBI) in patients with refractory and severe autoimmune diseases (AID) who receiving autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (APBSCT). METHODS: Thirty-two AID patients, 5 males and 27 females, aged 29 (15 - 49), underwent APBSCT. The CD34(+) cells were mobilized with cytoxan (CTX) + granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and selected by clinical magnetic activated cell sorting (CliniMACS). The conditioning regimen included CTX + antithymocyte globulin (ATG) in 11 patients and CTX + TBI in 21 patients. All the patients were followed up for more than 12 months. RESULTS: The median time of granulocyte recovery were 11 and 9 days in the CTX + TBI and CTX + ATG groups respectively (P = 0.003), the median time of platelet recovery were 13 and 8 days respectively (P = 0.001). In both groups, the lymphocyte subsets were recovered with the inverted CD4/CD8 ratio 12 months after transplantation. Relapse was seen in 3 cases of the CTX + TBI group (14.3%), and 2 cases of the CTX + ATG group (18.2%), and the rest of patients remained free of AID. During transplantation incidence of bacteria infection occurred in 5 of the 21 cases in the CTX + TBI group (23.8%) and in 2 of the 11 cases of the CTX + ATG group (18.2%) respectively; viral infection occurred in 1 of the 21 cases of the CTX + TBI group (4.8%) and in 2 of the 11 cases of the CTX + ATG group (18.2%) respectively. The number of radiated parotitis was 4 among the 21 patients of the CTX + TBI group (19%) and was 3 among the 12 patients of the CTX + ATG group (25%). Serum sickness reaction occurred in 3 of the 12 patients of the CTX + ATG group (25%). Bacterial and viral infections were cured soon after antibacterial or antiviral therapy, no fatal bleeding occurred due to thrombocytopenia in both groups. CONCLUSION: The conditioning regimen of TBI + CTX delays the hematopoietic reconstitution compared with the ATG + CTX regimen in treating AID. The regimen of CTX + TBI can be better tolerated, but there are no significant differences in efficacy and immune reconstitution among these two regimens.

17Beta-oestradiol regulates the expression of Na+/K+-ATPase beta1-subunit, sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase and carbonic anhydrase iv in H9C2 cells.

1. It is necessary to improve our understanding of the effect of 17beta-oestradiol (E2) on the heart at a molecular and cellular level. In the present study, the effects of E2 on Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase, sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA) and carbonic anhydrase IV (CAIV) in H9C2 cells were investigated. To identify the mechanism of action of E2 on these proteins, the oestrogen receptor (ER) antagonist tamoxifen was used. 2. The results indicated that 1 and 100 nmol/L E2 can enhance the activity of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase and SERCA and upregulate the expression of the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase beta1-subunit, SERCA2a and CAIV at both the mRNA and protein level compared with 0 and 0.01 nmol/L E2. 17beta-Oestradiol had the greatest effect at 100 nmol/L; 1 micromol/L E2 did not further protein expression compared with 100 nmol/L E2. 3. Tamoxifen (10 nmol/L) significantly decreased the activity of SERCA, as well as the expression of the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase beta1-subunit and SERCA at the mRNA and protein level, in H9C2 cells cultured with 1 nmol/L E2. Tamoxifen alone had no significant effect on these proteins in H9C2 cells. 4. It may be hypothesized that a suitable E2 concentration has a protective effect on the heart and that the actual dose of E2 used in hormone-replacement therapy is important in menopausal women.

[Growth, immunophenotype and interleukin-6 level of bone marrow stromal cells in patients with multiple myeloma and acute leukemia].

The aim of this study was to investigate the growth, immunophenotype and interleukin-6 (IL-6) level of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) in patients with acute leukemia (AL) and multiple myeloma (MM). BMSC was cultured by wall-adhesion method and the growth of BMSC was observed. The immunophenotype and cell cycle of BMSC were detected by flow cytometry. The level of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in BMSC culture system was detected by ELISA. The results showed that the primary (17.3 +/- 7.8 days) and continuous (10.3 +/- 3.5 days) growth cycle of BMSC in patients with AL were significantly shorter than those in patients with MM (26.5 +/- 6.3 and 16.5 +/- 4.1 days respectively), and shorter than those in normal controls (25.8 +/- 6.3 and 17.5 +/- 2.4 days) respectively. Similarly, S + G2% (17.4 +/- 3.6%) of BMSC in patients with AL was significantly higher than those in patients with MM (8.5 +/- 2.2%) and in normal controls (8.9 +/- 2.3%). All of the three groups showed positive antigen expressions with CD29 and CD44 were 100%, while CD138, CD34, CD54, CD56 positive were not expressed and CD106 was partially expressed positive. The supernatant IL-6 level of BMSC system in MM patients (1288.5 +/- 736.7 pg/ml) was significantly higher than those in AL patients (859.3 +/- 203.1 pg/ml) and normal controls (850.9 +/- 129.5 pg/ml). It is concluded that the growth, S + G2% of cell cycle and IL-6 level of BMSC in patients with MM, AL and normal control are significantly different, whereas the antigen expressions are similar.

[Nude mice intraperitoneally transfused with ex vivo expanded bone marrow CD34+ CD59+ cells from patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria].

Ex vivo expanded human bone marrow CD34(+)CD59(+) cells from patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) were transplanted into BALB/c mice in order to investigate their proliferation ability and reconstruction of hemopoiesis, and to lay the groundwork for clinical ABMT/APBSCT in PNH patients. CD34(+)CD59(+) cells were selected from the bone marrow mononuclear cells in PNH patients by using immunomagnetic positive double sorting. Sublethally irradiated BALB/c mice were transplanted with CD34(+)CD59(+) cells enriched from bone narrow of PNH patients. The results showed that human CD45(+) cells were detected in the bone marrow, spleen and peripheral blood of the nude mice by flow cytometry and DNA analysis at 6 weeks post-transplant. Blood routine indicators of nude mice were found to recover to some extent, but did not fully recover. It is concluded that ex vivo expanded bone marrow CD34(+)CD59(+) cells from patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria could keep their biological characteristics and ability to reconstruct hemopoiesis in irradiated BALB/c mice.

[Treatment of severe systemic autoimmune diseases with autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility, efficacy and safety of high dose immunosuppressive therapy (HDIT) and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) with CD(34)(+) cell selection in patients with refractory and severe autoimmune diseases. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with SLE, RA, pSS, SSc or MCTD were enrolled in the study from 1999. Autologous haemopoietic stem cells were mobilized with CTX 3 approximately 4 g/m(2) and granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). CD(34)(+) cells were selected by CliniMACS. After conditioning with CTX (200 mg/kg) and pig antithymocyte globulin (ATG, 90 mg/kg) or CTX (150 mg/kg) and total body irradiation (TBI, 4 approximately 6 Gy), the enriched CD(34)(+) cells were reinfused. RESULTS: All patients completed the mobilization and leukapheresis procedures successfully, and proceeded to receive conditioning and transplantation. Two patients died of complication related to transplantation, one is CMV infection, the other is severe pneumonia during the course of granulocyte deficiency. A MCTD patient completed the stem cell mobilization and died of severe pulmonary hypertension and heart failure before CD(34)(+) cells reinfusing. Two SLE patients relapsed in 26, 37 months respectively and a RA patient relapsed in 15 months after transplantation. Other patients got improved, with SLE-DAI score decreasing from 17 to 4 score and proteinuria decreasing from 6.7 g to 2.3 g in SLE patients; DAS28 score from 7.9 to 2.1 in RA patient; Symptom improved and lab results recovered in SS. CONCLUSION: High dose immunosuppressive therapy followed by autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation with CD(34)(+) cell selection is feasible and relative safe. Patients remain free from disease active and improved continuously. Some patients could relapse after transplantation. Long-term effect need to be further observed.

[A preliminary study on the treatment of severe autoimmune disease by autologous peripheral CD(34)(+) cell transplantation].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of autologous peripheral CD(34)(+) cell transplantation for the treatment of severe autoimmune disease. METHODS: Ten patients received mobilized and purified CD(34)(+) cells transplantation. The mobilization regimen was CTX plus rhG-CSF and the CD(34)(+) cells were selected by CliniMACS. (1.98 +/- 0.95) x 10(8) CD(34)(+) cells were obtained. The purity of CD(34)(+) cells was (91.4 +/- 10.6)% and the recovering rate was (60.5 +/- 19.8)%. The conditioning regimens were CTX (200 mg/kg) plus ATG (90 mg/kg) or CTX (150 mg/kg) plus TBI (4 - 6 Gy). (2.14 +/- 1.05) x 10(6)/kg CD(34)(+) cells were infused. The time of ANC >or= 0.5 x 10(9)/L was 8.6 +/- 2.5 days, and platelet >or= 20 x 10(9)/L was 9.0 +/- 5.2 days. After the hematopoietic recovery, the levels of CD(3)(+) T cell, CD(19)(+) B cells and CD(16)(+)CD(56)(+) NK cells were all below that of pre-transplantation. The main transplant-related complication was CMV infection. The transplant-related mortality was 2/10. All patients who survived showed improvement of the disease with DAI score decreasing from 17 to 4 in systemic lupus erythematosus patients, DAS 28 score from 6.4 to 1.8 in rheumatoid arthritis patients. CONCLUSION: The result suggests that autologous peripheral CD(34)(+) cell transplantation is an alternative choice for the treatment of severe autoimmune disease. The short-term outcome is satisfying.