Ectopic expression of CC chemokine receptor 7 promotes prostate cancer cells metastasis via Notch1 signaling.

There currently exists no satisfactory treatment for patients with prostate cancer with local evolution and distant metastasis. Previous studies have confirmed the importance of CC chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) in the invasion and metastasis of prostate cancer. And increasing evidence prove that Notch1 can play diametrically opposite roles in the development and progression of different tumors. To demonstrate the correlation between CCR7 and Notch1, PC-3 cells were transfected with pcDNA3.1-CCR7 or CCR7 si-RNA, respectively. Then Western blot analysis was used to detect the expressions of Notch1, ERK, P38, JNK, NF-κB, MMP-9, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins. Moreover, matrigel invasion assays were performed to assess the migratory and invasive activities of PC-3 cells. PcDNA3.1-CCR7 increased the expression of Notch1, phospho-MAPK, phospho-P65, MMP-9, N-cadherin, and Snail in PC-3 cells, but decreased the expression of E-cadherin. PcDNA3.1-CCR7 also promoted the migration and invasion of PC-3 cells. However, CCR7 si-RNA reversed the effect of pcDNA3.1-CCR7 in PC-3 cells. And MAPK and NF-κB pathway inhibitors were used to testify that activation of Notch1 induces EMT through MAPK and NF-κB pathway. All these results indicate that upregulation of Notch1 by CCR7 can accelerate the evolution of EMT and develop the invasion and metastasis in prostate cancer cells by activating MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways in prostate cancer cells, which provides a new molecular evidence for targeted therapy in metastatic prostate cancer.

The Prognostic Significance of EIF3C Gene during the Tumorigenesis of Prostate Cancer.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignant tumor for men. But the mechanism is unclear. EIF3C was shown to be overexpressed in PCa tissues and cell lines. EIF3C overexpression was correlated to age and tumor stage in PCa patients and indicated poor survival. The proliferation, migration, and invasiveness of PC3 cells were all inhibited after EIF3C knockdown. Additionally, the phosphorylation level of PI3K and Akt was downregulated while total NF-κB and Myc decreased after EIF3C knockdown. But the expression of IκB increased reversely. Therefore, EIF3C at least partially regulates the activity of PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway in PC3 cells.

Laparoscopic vesiculectomy for large seminal vesicle cystadenoma.

Cystadenomas of the seminal vesicles are extremely rare. Here, we report a large seminal vesicle cystadenoma. A 37-year-old man presented a 6-month history of haemospermia, 10 days of Lower Urinary Tract symptoms (LUTSs) and gross haematuria. Transabdominal ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed and revealed a large solid-cystic pelvic mass morphometrically measured 7.0 cm × 11.9 cm × 8.6 cm on the right seminal vesicle, which caused hydronephrosis of the right kidney. The prostate-specific antigen of the patient was 27.860 ng/dl. Laparoscopic exploration found the capsule of tumour was complete and the tumour came from the right seminal vesicle, in addition, the mass had a certain space with the bladder and prostate, which could be separated. So a nerve-sparing Laparoscopic Vesiculectomy was performed at last, even though the intraoperative frozen section analysis could not make sure the nature of the tumour either. The postoperative pathology revealed cystadenoma of the seminal vesicle.

MiRNALet-7a mediates prostate cancer PC-3 cell invasion, migration by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition through CCR7/MAPK pathway.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies in older men. Recent evidence has demonstrated microRNA (miRNA) Let-7a expression decreased in prostate cancer, while the expression of CC chemokine receptor type 7 (CCR7) increased. In this study, we investigated whether CCR7 overexpression was associated with a decrease in the expression of miRNA Let-7a in invasion and metastasis of prostate cancer cell. Synthetic Let-7a mimics and Let-7a inhibitors were transfected into prostate cancer PC-3 cells, respectively. Then Western blot was used to detect the expression of CCR7, ERK, p38, MMP-9, and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT)-related proteins. Matrigel invasion assays were performed to assess the migratory and invasive activities of PC3 cells. To confirm the fact that 3'UTR of CCR7 is a direct target of Let-7a, a luciferase assay for the reporter gene expressing the Let-7a binding sites of CCR7 3'UTR was used. Synthetic Let-7a mimics decreased prostate cancer cell migration and invasion, as well as the expression of CCR7, phospho-p38, phospho-ERK1/2, MMP-9, N-cadherin, and Snail in PC-3 cells. The Let-7a inhibitors reversed the effects of Let-7a on PC-3 cells. The 3'UTR of CCR7 was confirmed as a direct target of Let-7a by using the luciferase assay. All findings demonstrated that Let-7a/CCR7 axis regulated EMT progress in prostate cancer cells and mediated the tumor cell invasion and migration process via activation of P38/ERK signal pathway. Our results suggested that the therapeutic potential of Let-7a as an antitumor and antimetastatic manager in prostate cancer and CCR7 may be regarded as a therapeutic target for the prostate cancer treatment.

Notch-4 silencing inhibits prostate cancer growth and EMT via the NF-κB pathway.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is implicated in the metastasis of human prostate cancer (PCa). Notch signaling has been established as a regulator of EMT. Notch-4 has emerged as a mammary proto-oncogene and a target in several cancers. However, the role and the mechanism of action of Notch-4 in PCa are still unclear. In the present study, we first observed a marked increase in Notch-4 expression in the PCa cell lines DU145, PC3 and LnCAP compared with the non-malignant prostate epithelial cell line RWPE1. Knocking down the expression of Notch-4 suppressed the viability and proliferation in the PCa cell lines DU145 and PC3. Also, further study showed that a decline in Notch-4 significantly promoted apoptosis in PC3 cells. Notch-4 silencing also resulted in decreased cell migration and invasion and affected the expression of EMT markers. We hypothesized that Notch-4 ablation suppresses the activity of NF-κB, so we used PMA to stimulate NF-κB p50 and p65 activation in PC3 cells. The results indicate that PMA treatment impaired the action of Notch-4 ablation in the biology of PC3 cells including cell growth, apoptosis, migration, invasion and EMT. The results of the present study show that RNAi targeting against Notch-4 expression suppresses PCa progression.

ROS activates JNK-mediated autophagy to counteract apoptosis in mouse mesenchymal stem cells in vitro.

AIM: Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for the treatment of diabetic erectile dysfunction (ED) is hampered by apoptosis of the transplanted cells. In diabetic ED, there is increased oxidative stress and decreased NO in the corpora cavernosa, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) induce apoptosis of the transplanted cells. In this study we examined whether and how autophagy was involved in ROS-induced apoptosis of MSCs. METHODS: Mouse C3H10 MSCs were treated with H2O2 to simulate the high oxidative condition in diabetic ED. Cell viability was measured using MTT assay. Apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. Apoptosis- and autophagy-related proteins were detected with Western blot assays. Intracellular autophagosome accumulation was studied using transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Treatment of MSCs with H2O2 (50-400 µmol/L) inhibited the cell viability in concentration- and time-dependent manners. Furthermore, H2O2 (300 µmol/L) induced apoptosis, as well as activated autophagy in MSCs. Pretreatment with lysosome inhibitor chloroquine (10 µmol/L) or PI3K inhibitor 3-methyladenine (5 mmol/L) significantly enhanced H2O2-induced cell death. Pretreatment with JNK inhibitor SP600125 (10 µmol/L) abrogated H2O2-induced accumulation of LC3-II, and attenuated H2O2-induced reduction of Bcl-2 levels in MSCs. CONCLUSION: ROS induce autophagy to counteract apoptosis in MSCs by activation of JNK. Thus, augmentation of autophagy may reduce apoptosis, prolonging MSC survival and improving MSC-based therapeutic efficacy for diabetic ED.

Celastrol protects kidney against ischemia-reperfusion-induced injury in rats.

BACKGROUND: Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) causes various damages in renal tissues, which is exacerbated by hypoxia-induced excessive inflammation and deteriorates the prognosis of patients after kidney surgery. Celastrol is a potent inflammation inhibitor that has little toxicity. In this report, we investigated whether celastrol protects against IR-induced renal injury in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Renal IR injury was induced by occlusion of the bilateral renal pedicles for 45 min followed by reperfusion for 6 h. Celastrol or vehicle solution was intraperitoneally injected 30 min before renal ischemia, respectively. Renal histology, function, and pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators were assessed. The effect of celastrol on nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) was also measured. RESULTS: Celastrol significantly suppressed elevation of the renal function markers and the lipid peroxidation level, alleviated renal tubular damage, and decreased the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1ß, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) messenger RNA in kidney caused by IR. Moreover, celastrol prevented IR-induced expression of pro-inflammatory mediators, which was associated with suppression of nuclear translocation of NF-κB subunit p65. CONCLUSIONS: Celastrol ameliorated the acute kidney injury caused by IR, which was associated with inhibiting local NF-κB activation and inflammation. Our findings suggest that celastrol could be useful for preventing IR-induced renal injury.

Identifying endoplasmic reticulum stress-related genes as new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Background: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and its incidence is increasing every year. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) caused by protein misfolding has broad and profound effects on the progression and metastasis of various cancers. Accumulating evidence suggests that ERS is closely related to the occurrence and progression of ccRCC. This study aimed to identify ERS-related genes for evaluating the prognosis of ccRCC. Methods: Transcriptomic expression profiles were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and clinical data were downloaded from the TCGA. First, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed using the limma package, and the DEGs related to ERS (ERS-DEGs) were identified from the GeneCards database. Second, a function and pathway enrichment analysis and a Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were performed. Third, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to identify the hub genes, and a gene-micro RNA (miRNA) network and gene-transcription factor (TF) network were established using the hub genes. Finally, a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was conducted to establish a diagnostic model, and a Cox analysis was used to analyze the correlations between the expression of the characteristic genes and the clinical characteristics. Results: We identified 11 signature genes and established a diagnostic model. Further, the Cox analysis results revealed a correlation between the expression levels of the signature genes and the clinical characteristics. Ultimately, five signature genes (i.e., TNFSF13B, APOL1, COL5A3, and CDH5) were found to be associated with a poor prognosis. Conclusions: This study suggests that TNFSF13B, APOL1, COL5A3, and CDH5 may have potential as prognostic biomarkers in ccRCC and may provide new evidence to support targeted therapy in ccRCC.

Over-expressing transporters associated with antigen processing increases antitumor immunity response in prostate cancer.

As we know, prostate cancer down-regulates expression of HLA-1 Antigen Processing Machinery (APM) and has defects in the antigen presentation pathway. In vitro, the prostate cancer cell (PC-3 cells) infected with Lentivirus TAP1 can efficiently over-express TAP1 and Tapasin, and HLA-1 was also up-regulated on the surface of the infected cells. The lentivirus TAP1 infection increased the apoptosis rate of PC-3 cells. In addition, with the co-cluture PC-3 cells and lymphocytes, TAP1 augmented the expression of CD3⁺CD8⁺CD38⁺ T cell. Importantly, administration of Lentivirus TAP1 to prostate cancer cells in a xenograft mouse model can prolong survival and increase the CD4⁺ T cells, and CD8⁺ T cells as well as decrease Foxp3⁺ T cells in the tumor microenvironment. In summary, a recombinant lentivirus expressing TAP1 can effectively increase prostate cancer tumor-specific immune response.

Tolerogenic dendritic cells generated by RelB silencing using shRNA prevent acute rejection.

It is well known that adoptive transfer of donor-derived tolerogenic dendritic cells (DCs) helps to induce immune tolerance. RelB, one of NF-κB subunits, is a critical element involved in DC maturation. In the present study, our results showed tolerogenic DCs could be acquired via silencing RelB using small interfering RNA. Compared with imDCs, the tolerogenic DCs had more potent ability to inhibit mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) and down-regulate Th1 cytokines and prompt the production of Th2 cytokines. They both mediated immune tolerance via the increased of T cell apoptosis and generation of regulatory T cells. Administration of donor-derived tolerogenic DCs significantly prevented the allograft rejection and prolonged the survival time in a murine heart transplantation model. Our results demonstrate donor-derived, RelB-shRNA induced tolerogenic DCs can significantly induce immune tolerance in vitro and in vivo.

Neutrophil depletion reduces interstitial cajal-like cell injury and alleviates inflammation-induced motor dysfunction in guinea-pig gallbladder during acute cholecystitis.

Objectives: Gallbladder interstitial Cajal-like cells (ICLCs) are known as some of the players in the complex motility mechanisms affecting gallbladder motility. This study aims to explore the mechanism of guinea-pig gallbladder motility disorders during Acute Cholecystitis (AC), focusing on the relationships between neutrophil alterations, gallbladder ICLCs, and smooth muscle contractility. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight guinea pigs were randomly divided into four groups: normal, sham, common bile duct ligation (CBDL), and anti-PMN (anti-polymorphonuclear antibody treated +CBDL). Hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides from each gallbladder sample were examined for inflammation, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was evaluated. The contractile response of gallbladder muscle to Ach, CCK-8, and KCl was registered by a tension transducer, and ultrastructure features of ICLCs were observed. Results: Pretreatment with anti-PMN significantly reduced the circulating neutrophils by 80% and also considerably decreased the gallbladder MPO activity by 52.9% compared with the CBDL group (P<0.05). After adding Ach, CCK-8, and KCl, the contraction ability in CBDL and anti-PMN groups was lower than those of normal and sham groups (P<0.05), and they were increased substantially in the anti-PMN group compared with the CBDL group (P<0.05). Transmission electron microscopy confirmed that the cytoplasm of the neutrophils was full of granules, and neutrophils contacted closely with ICLCs. The ultrastructure of ICLCs in the anti-PMN group was less inflamed and the endoplasmic reticulum was mildly dilated, and cell processes also increased. Conclusion: Anti-PMN could relieve the ultrastructure injury of ICLCs and alleviate gallbladder dysmotility during AC. Neutrophils may damage gallbladder ICLCs at first followed by dysmotility.

EGF-induced nuclear translocation of SHCBP1 promotes bladder cancer progression through inhibiting RACGAP1-mediated RAC1 inactivation.

Bladder cancer is a highly heterogeneous and aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis. EGF/EGFR activation causes the detachment of SHC-binding protein 1 (SHCBP1) from SHC adapter protein 1 (SHC1), which subsequently translocates into the nucleus and promotes cancer development via multiple signaling pathways. However, the role of the EGF-SHCBP1 axis in bladder cancer progression remains unexplored. Herein, we report that SHCBP1 is upregulated in bladder cancer tissues and cells, with cytoplasmic or nuclear localization. Released SHCBP1 responds to EGF stimulation by translocating into the nucleus following Ser273 phosphorylation. Depletion of SHCBP1 reduces EGF-induced cell migration and invasiveness of bladder cancer cells. Mechanistically, SHCBP1 binds to RACGAP1 via its N-terminal domain of amino acids 1 ~ 428, and this interaction is enhanced following EGF treatment. Furthermore, SHCBP1 facilitates cell migration by inhibiting RACGAP-mediated GTP-RAC1 inactivation, whose activity is indispensable for cell movement. Collectively, we demonstrate that the EGF-SHCBP1-RACGAP1-RAC1 axis acts as a novel regulatory mechanism of bladder cancer progression, which offers a new clinical therapeutic strategy to combat bladder cancer.

Bladder paraganglioma managed with transurethral holmium laser resection: A case report.

RATIONALE: Bladder paraganglioma is characterized by headache, palpitations, hypertension, blurred vision, or sweating during voiding. Transurethral holmium laser resection is a safe and efficacious alternative method for the resection of bladder neoplasms. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 24-year-old female had a 2-year history of intermittent headaches, palpitation, and sweating during micturition. DIAGNOSIS: Physical examination revealed a rise in the patient's blood pressure to 180/90 mmHg after micturition. Laboratory examination found that the blood catecholamine metabolites were significantly increased. Abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scan indicated a 37 mm × 31 mm paraganglioma situated at the right anterolateral wall of the bladder. A diagnosis of bladder paraganglioma was considered based on a comprehensive evaluation of the physical examination, laboratory examination, ultrasound and computerized tomography scan. INTERVENTIONS: Preoperative oral administration of a nonselective α-adrenergic receptor antagonist (phenoxybenzamine, 10 mg three times a day,) accompanied by a high-sodium diet and generous fluid intake, was initiated 2 weeks before the surgery to stabilize intraoperative hemodynamics. As the patient was newly married and nulligravid, management with transurethral resection was considered superior to open or partial cystectomy and was selected as the treatment method. OUTCOMES: Transurethral holmium resection of the bladder paraganglioma was successfully performed with blood loss less than 20 ml and well-controlled intraoperative blood pressure. The 1-year follow-up results demonstrated well-controlled symptoms. Cystoscopy and evaluation of blood catecholamine metabolites revealed no disease recurrence. LESSONS: Transurethral holmium laser resection is a good alternative approach for the resection of bladder paraganglioma, given its advantages of safety and efficacy.

[Prostate cancer cell vaccine transfected with 4-1BBL induces anti-tumor immunity in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the anti-tumor immunity in vitro induced by prostate cancer cell vaccine transfected with recombinant adenovirus encoding 4-1BBL in mice. METHODS: The replication-deficient adenovirus AdEasy-1 system was used to construct recombinant adenovirus Ad-m4-1BBL and Ad-eGFP. The prostate cancer cell RM-1 of mice was transfected with Ad-m4-1BBL and Ad-eGFP, and treated with mitomycin (MMC) to produce TCV, TCV-Ad-eGFP and TCV-Ad-m4-1BBL, followed by co-culture with syngeneic murine spleen cells. Then the cytotoxic activity of the lymphocytes against RM-1 cells was analyzed with CCK-8 solution, and IL-2 and INF-gamma were detected by ELISA. RESULTS: The 4-1BBL protein was highly expressed in the TCV-Ad-m4-1BBL of the 4-1BBL-transfected mice. TCV-Ad-m4-1BBL significantly increased the expressions of IL-2 ([180.24 +/- 2.22] pg/ml) and INF-gamma ([1512.46 +/- 23.64] pg/ml) as compared with TCV and TCV-Ad-eGFP (P < 0.05), and induced higher RM-1 cell specific cytotoxicity ([34.24 +/- 2.64]%) than the latter two ([9.82 +/- 1.48]%) and ([14.65 +/- 3. 21]%), (P < 0.05). But none of them exhibited significant cytotoxicity against hepatocellular carcinoma Hepal-6. CONCLUSION: The m4-1BBL-expressing prostate cancer cell vaccine can effectively induce anti-tumor immune responses.

Rab23 Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Migration Via Rac1/TGF-ß Signaling.

Rab23 is a member of Ras-related small GTPase family, which plays a critical role in the progression of wide range of tumors. However, its biological function in hepatocellular carcinoma still remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of Rab23 on proliferation and migration in hepatocellular carcinoma cell and its potential mechanisms. We found over-expression of Rab23 promoted the Hep3B hepatocellular carcinoma cell migration, which could be reversed by Rab23 silencing. Rab23 induced Rac1 activation and followed progression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) along with upregulation of N-cadherin, snail as well as vimentin and downregulation of E-cadherin via upregulating Transforming Growth Factor-ß (TGF-ß). Silencing Rac1 significantly attenuated Rab23-induced HepG2 migration and TGF-ß. Moreover, knockdown of TGF-ß effectively attenuated Rab23-induced EMT. Taken together, we demonstrated a mechanistic cascade of Rab23 enhangcing Rac1 activation and subsequent TGF-ß expression, leading to hepatocellular carcinoma cell migration.

Predictors for spontaneous pregnancy after microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy: a prospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine the possible preoperative predictors of spontaneous pregnancy (SPR) for infertile males with varicocele after microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy (MVL) performed in two medical centers in a prospective cohort study. METHODS: A total of 120 males with varicocele that underwent MVL between June 2013 and June 2014 in two medical centers were documented. Related data, including male and female partner age, male body mass index (BMI), female BMI, preoperative semen parameters, hormone levels, testicular volume, grade and side of varicocele, were collected and analyzed. The follow-up assessment was also conducted within a 2-year period after the surgery. The outcome measure was SPR within the 2-year follow-up reported. The possible determinants of SPR were also analyzed and indentified using Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the 110 patients that accomplished the 2-year follow-up, 42 patients reported pregnancy outcome. Using Cox regression analysis, total motile sperm count [TMC; RR (95% CI) = 1.362 (1.120-1.560), p = 0.003] and follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH; RR (95% CI) = 0.726 (0.541-0.980), p = 0.020] levels posed significant determinants for SPR. CONCLUSION: Our study indicated that males who underwent MVL with higher TMC and lower FSH preoperatively have higher possibility of pregnancy postoperatively.

Expression and significance of 90K/Mac-2BP in prostate cancer.

The aim of this study was to detect the differences in 90K/Mac-2BP expression in prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia and normal prostate tissues, as well as to study the significance of 90K/Mac-2BP in the early diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer. Comparative proteomic technologies were used in the present study. Total protein from 10 cases of prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia and normal prostate tissue was extracted and separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE). Proteins expressed differentially by more than 2-fold were selected for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MS) and biological information analysis. The 2-DE patterns of the proteins from the normal prostate, benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer tissues were successfully identified. The average numbers of protein spots were 3,066, 3,289 and 2,986, respectively. There were 31 spots with a difference of more than 2-fold. A total of 18 proteins were identified by MS and database searches. Of these 18 proteins, the most significant differential expression was that of 90K/Mac-2BP. Functional analysis demonstrated that 90K/Mac-2BP (Mac-2 binding protein) overexpression is correlated with the occurrence, proliferation, differentiation and metastasis of cancer cells. The proteomic approach used in the present study was effective and is feasible for identifying differentially expressed proteins in prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia and normal prostate tissues. 90K/Mac-2BP may be important for the early diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer and may also be associated with the molecular mechanisms of prostate cancer development.

Effects of 4-1BB signaling on the biological function of murine dendritic cells.

4-1BB signaling has profound effects on the T cell-induced cell immune response, but its biological function in dendritic cells (DCs) has remained largely uncharacterized. In this study, we investigated the function of 4-1BB in murine DCs with an agonistic mAb to 4-1BB. Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-12 production was assessed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Co-stimulatory molecules (CD80 and CD86) in DCs were analyzed by flow cytometry. The results showed that 4-1BB was strongly expressed in DCs during the maturation process. Triggering 4-1BB increased the secretion of IL-6 and IL-12 and the upregulation of co-stimulatory molecules (CD80 and CD86) from DCs, indicating that agonistic mAb to 4-1BB directly improves the activation of DCs. Moreover, triggering 4-1BB induced a higher survival rate of DCs compared to that of hamster IgG isotype control, due to the upregulated expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. To further assess the role of 4-1BB on DCs stimulating T-cell proliferation, allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reactions were analyzed. The agonistic anti-4-1BB mAb induced a higher T-cell proliferation. These results suggest that 4-1BB affects the duration, DC-T interaction and immunogenicity of DCs.

Ischemic postconditioning inhibits the renal fibrosis induced by ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether ischemic postconditioning effects on the development of tubulointerstitial fibrosis follow acute renal ischemia-reperfusion. METHODS: Rat models of warm renal I/R were established by clamping left pedicles for 45 minutes after right nephrectomy, both with and without treatment with ischemic postconditioning, and then reperfused for up to 12 weeks. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome staining were used to assess renal fibrosis. The expression spot and protein levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), and phospho-Smad2 were also analyzed. RESULTS: Our data showed that patchy inflammation and tubulointerstitial fibrosis were found 12 weeks later in rats subjected to I/R alone or with postconditioning. Tubulointerstitial fibrosis worsened further in rats subjected to 45-minute ischemia-reperfusion, accompanied by the increased expressions of α-SMA, TGF-ß1, and phospho-Smad2 at the end of 12 weeks. In contrast, the above histologic changes and molecular expressions were significantly attenuated in rats of ischemic postconditioning group. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that 45-minute I/R injury may cause tubulointerstitial fibrosis in the long term, and ischemic postconditioning has beneficial effects on renal fibrosis. Its mechanisms may involve inhibition of the TGF-ß1/phospho-Smad2 pathway to exert protective effects.

Lentiviral-mediated shRNA against RelB induces the generation of tolerogenic dendritic cells.

OBJECTIVE: Lentiviral-mediated shRNA against RelB was used to produce tolerogenic dendritic cells from murine bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDCs). METHOD: RelB expression in the BMDCs was silenced by lentivirus carrying RelB shRNA. The apoptosis rate and surface markers of DCs were assessed by flow cytometry. IL-12,IL-10,TGF-ß1 secreted by DCs and DNA binding capacity of NF-κB subunits in the nucleus were measured by ELISA, independently. MLR was used to analyze the capacity of DCs to inhibit immune response. RESULTS: RelB expression was significantly inhibited in DCs following lentiviral mediated delivery of RelB specific shRNA. The RelB shRNA-DC produced lower IL-12 and higher IL-10 than mature dendritic cells (mDCs) and silencing control DCs. There was no difference in the apoptosis rate between shRNA RelB-DCs and mDCs. The expression levels of co-stimulatory molecules (CD80, CD86 and CD83) and MHC-II class molecule were lower in the RelB shRNA-DCs than in the mDCs and silencing control DCs. In addition, RelB shRNA also inhibited the RelB DNA binding capacity but had no effect on other NF-κB subunits. The shRNA RelB-DCs can significantly inhibit mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) and down-regulate Th1 cytokines and prompt the production of Th2 cytokines. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate RelB shRNA transfection of DCs can induce the immature status, and produce tolerogenic DCs.