[Progress in PD-1/PD-L1, PD-L2 signaling pathway and its role in host anti-tuberculosis immunity].

Programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, expressed on a variety of immune cells, play multiple regulatory roles in the host immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. In this study, we reviewed that the regulatory roles of PD-1/PD-L1, PD-L2 signaling in the host adaptive immune response, such as the innate response of macrophages, and the interaction between T cells and macrophages in response to MTB. In addition, during MTB infection, PD-1/PD-L1, PD-L2 signaling is also involved in the host inflammatory response, as well as the potential roles of PD-1/PD-L1, PD-L2 in the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis.

Polymorphisms of ST2-IL18R1-IL18RAP gene cluster: a new risk for autoimmune thyroid diseases.

Interleukin 33 (IL33) / ST2 pathway and ST2-interlukin18 receptor1-interlukin18 receptor accessory protein (ST2-IL18R1-IL18RAP) gene cluster have been involved in many autoimmune diseases but few report in autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD). In this study, we investigated whether polymorphisms of IL33, ST2, IL18R1, and IL18RAP are associated with Graves' disease (GD) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), two major forms of AITD, among a Chinese population. A total of 11 SNPs were explored in a case-control study including 417 patients with GD, 250 HT patients and 301 controls, including rs1929992, rs10975519, rs10208293, rs6543116, rs1041973, rs3732127, rs11465597, rs1035130, rs2293225, rs1035127, rs917997 of IL 33, ST2-IL18R1-IL18RAP gene cluster. Genotyping of these SNPs was performed using matrix-assisted laser desorption / ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MALDI-TOF-MS) platform from Sequenom. The frequencies of allele A and AA+AG genotype of rs6543116 (ST2) in HT patients were significantly increased compared with those of the controls (P = 0.029/0.021, OR = 1.31/1.62). And in another SNP rs917997, AA+AG genotype presented an increased frequency in HT subjects compared with controls (P = 0.046, OR = 1.53). Furthermore, the haplotype GAGCCCG from ST2-IL18R1-IL18RAP gene cluster (rs6543116, rs1041973, rs1035130, rs3732127, rs1035127, rs2293225, rs917997) was associated with increased susceptibility to GD with an OR of 2.03 (P = 0.022, 95% CI = 1.07-3.86). Some SNPs of ST2-IL18R1-IL18RAP gene cluster might increase the risk of susceptibility of HT and GD in Chinese Han population.

Blue vitiligo following intralesional injection of psoralen combined with ultraviolet B radiation therapy.

A 23-year-old Chinese man presented with a 16-month history of white patches on his abdomen and neck. He had previously received an intralesional injection of psoralen along with narrowband psoralen ultraviolet B radiation (PUVB) therapy. Blue macules had appeared in and around the injection sites 1 week later. Dermoscopy revealed blue spots and reticular telangiectasia within the white patches. Histological examination revealed an absence of epidermal melanocytes and pigment in the basal layer, as well as deposition of melanophages between collagen bundles or surrounding blood vessels and appendages in the middle and lower parts of the dermis. A diagnosis of blue vitiligo was made. The blue colour faded gradually over time. Our case provides direct evidence to support the previous surmise that PUVB can contribute to blue vitiligo. To our knowledge, this is only the fourth reported case of blue vitiligo in the English literature.

Association of AGTR1 gene A1166C polymorphism with the risk of heart failure: a meta-analysis.

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between the A1166C polymorphism in the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) gene and heart failure (HF) risk using meta­analysis. The PubMed database was searched, and data were extracted independently by two reviewers. Odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of the associations. Statistical analysis was performed using the STATA 12.0 software. The results of the meta­analysis showed no significant association between the AT1R A1166C polymorphism and HF risk (AA vs CC: OR = 0.72, 95%CI = 0.31-1.68; AA vs AC: OR = 0.78, 95%CI = 0.52-1.18; dominant model: OR = 1.37, 95%CI = 0.92-2.04; recessive model: OR = 0.73, 95%CI = 0.30-1.75). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, the results also showed no significant association between A1166C polymorphism and susceptibility to HF in both Caucasian and Asian populations. In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggests that the A1166C polymorphism in AT1R may not be associated with susceptibility to HF. Further large and well-designed studies are needed to confirm these conclusions.

Polyadenylation of SV40 late pre-mRNA is dependent on phosphorylation of an essential component associated with the 3' end processing machinery.

We investigated whether phosphorylation of the essential components involved in the 3' end processing of mRNAs was required for mRNA polyadenylation. The proteins in HeLa nuclear extract were dephosphorylated with alkaline phosphatase, which is known to remove the phosphate moieties from serine and tyrosine. The dephosphorylated extract was used for analyzing cleavage-dependent polyadenylation of SV40 late pre-mRNA. The phosphatase treatment of the extract completely blocked the polyadenylation reaction, whereas dephosphorylation of the extract did not inhibit the cleavage reaction. Since the cleavage depends upon functional integrity of the specificity factor, it is unlikely that the phosphorylated state of the latter factor is required for the 3' end processing. Sodium vanadate, a potent inhibitor of alkaline phosphatase, markedly reduced the inhibitory effect of the phosphatase on the polyadenylation reaction. Dephosphorylation of the extract also prevented formation of the polyadenylation-specific complex with pre-mRNA, whereas the cleavage-specific complexes were formed under this condition. The Mn-dependent polyadenylation, which is largely poly(A) extension reaction, was relatively resistant to the phosphatase treatment. These data indicate that phosphorylation of a key factor is essential for the 3' end processing of pre-mRNA, and suggest that the factor may be poly(A) polymerase.

Effect of pH, ionic strength and oxygen burden on the chemical stability of EPC/cholesterol liposomes under accelerated conditions. Part 1: Lipid hydrolysis.

The accelerated stability of purified egg phosphatidylcholine (EPC)/cholesterol liposomes was studied under various formulation conditions using a 2(3) factorial experimental design. The three factors included in the study were pH, ionic strength of the buffer and the headspace oxygen content in the container. The results showed that lipid hydrolysis followed pseudo first-order kinetics. Data analysis using factorial design revealed that pH of the buffer was the predominant factor influencing the rate of lipid hydrolysis. Neither the ionic strength of the buffer, nor the presence of oxygen in the headspace of the container significantly affected the EPC hydrolysis. The hydrolysis rate of EPC at pH 4.0 buffer was at least 1.75 times greater than that at pH 4.8. A prediction based on the Arrhenius equation suggests that the EPC/cholesterol liposomes should be formulated in a buffer with pH equal to or greater than 4. 2 in order to have a shelf-life longer than 1 year at 5 degrees C.

Evaluation of the role of human retinal vascular endothelial cells in the pathogenesis of CMV retinitis.

Previous studies of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis have failed to definitively explain the exact mechanism by which CMV gains access to and initiates infection in the retina. Proposed theories have included leakage of the virus through vessels with altered permeability, with subsequent infection of surrounding glial cells. In an attempt to shed further light on this subject, a histopathologic examination of 30 autopsy eyes from patients with known systemic CMV disease was carried out using light microscopy, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent techniques, and in-situ hybridization. Dual-staining methods were used to identify the exact cell type showing the presence of CMV antigens, namely vascular endothelial cells, glial cells, neuronal cells, and/or leukocytes. In those eyes with CMV retinitis, the sites of full-thickness retinal necrosis revealed viral presence mostly within Müller cells and perivascular glial cells, with focal areas of positive staining within retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) and neuronal cells. The retinal capillaries were devoid of endothelial cells in these areas. Adjacent to regions of full-thickness necrosis, some vessels showed the presence of a viral antigen within the endothelial cells. These findings suggest that retinal vascular endothelial cells can be infected with CMV. It can further be hypothesized that infection of vascular endothelial cells leads to infection of the surrounding glial and neuronal cells, with eventual spread to the RPE. Endothelial cells might not be present in areas of full-thickness necrosis due to mechanical forces from adjacent blood flow resulting in the sloughing of these cells.

Evaluation of a whole cell, p57- vaccine against Renibacterium salmoninarum.

A whole cell Renibacterium salmoninarum vaccine was developed using 37 degrees C heat treated cells that were subsequently formalin fixed; this treatment reduced bacterial hydrophobicity and cell associated p57. Coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch were immunized with the p57- vaccine by either a combination of intraperitoneal (i.p.) and intramuscular (i.m.) injections or per os. In the first experiment, i.p./i.m. vaccination of coho salmon with p57- cells in Freund's Incomplete Adjuvant (FIA) conferred a statistically significant increase in mean time to death after the salmon were i.p. challenged with 4.1 x 10(6) colony forming units (cfu) of R. salmoninarum. There was no significant difference in response between fish immunized with R. salmoninarum cell surface extract in FIA and those immunized with extracellular protein (ECP) concentrated from culture supernatant in FIA. The i.p. challenge dose resulted in complete mortality of all fish by Day 43. In a second experiment, fish were orally vaccinated with p57- R. salmoninarum cells encased in a pH protected, enteric-coated antigen microsphere (ECAM). Fish were bath challenged with 4.2 x 10(6) cfu ml-1 on Day 0 and sampled at time points of 0 (pre-challenge), 50, 90, or 150 d immersion challenge. Vaccine efficacy was determined by monitoring the elaboration of p57 in the kidneys of vaccinated and control fish. Fish vaccinated orally demonstrated a significantly lower concentration of p57 (p < 0.01) at Day 150 post challenge compared to fish receiving ECAMs alone. Fish receiving p57 cells without ECAM coating also showed a significantly lower p57 level (p < 0.03) versus control. In contrast, fish injected intraperitoneally with the p57- cells or fish fed p57+ R. salmoninarum cells in ECAMs demonstrated no significant difference (p > 0.05) versus controls. In summary, these studies suggest the preliminary efficacy of 37 degrees C treatment of R. salmoninarum cells as an oral bacterial kidney disease vaccine.

[The study of spuirmy inserted endoscopic robot].

This paper discusses the make-up of the foreing endoscopic robotic system, the model of the moving mechanism, and the application of the squirmy robot. It will provide a new means for minimally invasive surgery, and be valuable to the development of the domestic modern medical engineering.

Genetic variants of BANK1 gene in autoimmune thyroid diseases: a case-control association study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate BANK1 gene variation, and its association with autoimmune thyroid disease and clinical features. METHOD: We genotyped 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs10516487, rs3733197 and rs4522865 of BANK1 gene in 667 patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases (417 with Graves' disease and 250 with Hashimoto's thyroiditis) and 301 healthy controls. The Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometer (MALDI-TOF-MS) Platform was used to detect the 3 SNPs. RESULTS: There was a significant association in rs3733197 A allele and AITD patients (P=0.043). SNP rs3733197 A allele was found in 29.63% chromosome of AITD patients who are 18 years old or below, compared with 19.90% chromosome in those 19 years or above (P=0.017). Also SNP rs3733197 A allele showed a significant association in HT patients when compared with controls (P=0.031, OR=0.73 and 95% CI=0.55-0.97). Stratification for specific autoantibodies in AITD patients TGAb positive when compared with SE (shared epitope) positive showed a significant association in rs3733197 SNP (P=0.010, OR=0.68 and 95%=CI 0.51-0.91). However, no significant association was found between 3 SNPs and GD. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest the existence of association between BANK1 gene and AITD thus adding BANK1 gene to the list of the predisposing genes to AITD.

Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in the Yan-an region of northwest China.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in a sample population from northwest China, and to determine the optimal cut-off point for waist circumference for diagnosing the metabolic syndrome in this population. METHODS: A total of 1290 residents of the Yan-an region of China completed a cross-sectional survey, physical examination and laboratory tests. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF), Chinese Diabetes Society (CDS), and the National Cholesterol Education Program Adults Treatment Panel-III (NCEP-ATPIII) criteria were used to assess the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and its relationship with age and gender. RESULTS: According to the NCEP-ATPIII, CDS and IDF diagnostic criteria, the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was 15.8%, 20.4% and 26.4%, respectively. The optimal cut-off point for waist circumference was ≥ 86.5 cm for men and ≥ 80.5 cm for women. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in the Yan-an region was significantly higher than that in other regions of China, and participants with the metabolic syndrome were much younger than those in other Chinese regions.

[Comparison study of various traditional Chinese medicine therapy in acute phase of cor pulmonale].

This article is a retrospective summary of 419 cases of acute phase of cor pulmonale from 1978 to 1989. These patients were divided into 4 groups by various TCM therapy, as a part of whole treatment combining TCM with the western medicine. They were (1) clearing the lung heat and eliminating the phlegm; (2) clearing the lung heat, tonifying the Qi and activating the blood; (3) clearing the lung heat, tonifying the Qi and nourishing the Yin; (4) clearing the lung heat, nourishing the Yin, tonifying the Qi and activating the blood. Under a similar condition, comparing the effects of the 4 various therapies in clinical efficacy and blood gas analysis, the authors found that the 4th therapy was the best among the 4 groups. According to the relation of modern pharmacology study of each single therapy, the authors explored the principle of clearing the lung heat, nourishing the Yin, tonifying the Qi and activating the blood therapy. The authors held that the therapy is a better one to treat many pathological changes in acute phase of cor pulmonale.

Tissue and species distribution of liver type and tumor type nuclear poly(A) polymerases.

Previous studies in this laboratory have identified two distinct nuclear poly(A) polymerases, a 48 kDA tumor type enzyme and a 36-38 kDA liver type enzyme. To investigate the tissue and species specificity of these enzymes, nuclear extracts were prepared from various rat tissues, pig brain and two human cell lines. These as well as whole cell extract from yeast were probed for the two enzymes by immunoblot analysis using polyclonal anti-tumor poly(A) polymerase antibodies or autoimmune sera which contain antibodies specific for the liver type enzyme. Results indicate that both tumor and liver type enzymes are conserved across species ranging from rat to human. The yeast enzyme does not appear to be immunologically related to the liver or the tumor type poly(A) polymerase. The liver type enzyme appears to be specific for normal tissues whereas the tumor type enzyme is detected only in tissues in a "tumorigenic" state or cell lines originating from tumor tissues.

Methylation inhibits the interaction of DNA binding proteins with a potential c-abl intron regulatory element.

We have identified DNA binding proteins which interact with a sequence found in an intron of the tyrosine kinase coding portion of the murine c-abl gene. Several specific DNA: protein complexes were observed. Those complexes of approximate molecular weights 64 and 66kDa were detected when an Msp I site (CCGG) within the sequence was unmethylated, but were not observed when that site was methylated. Insertion of the intron sequence 5' to the rat somatic cytochrome C promoter and chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) sequences resulted in at least four-fold stimulation of CAT activity. These data suggest a potential role for the intron sequence in the regulation of gene expression.

Primary structure of the catalytic subunit of human DNA polymerase delta and chromosomal location of the gene.

The catalytic subunit (Mr approximately 124,000) of human DNA polymerase delta has been cloned by PCR using poly(A)+ RNA from HepG2 cells and primers designed from the amino acid sequence of regions highly conserved between bovine and yeast DNA polymerase delta. The human cDNA was 3443 nucleotides in length and coded for a polypeptide of 1107 amino acids. The enzyme was 94% identical to bovine DNA polymerase delta and contained the numerous highly conserved regions previously observed in the bovine and yeast enzymes. The human enzyme also contained two putative zinc-finger domains in the carboxyl end of the molecule, as well as a putative nuclear localization signal at the amino-terminal end. The gene coding for human DNA polymerase delta was localized to chromosome 19.