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Objective To explore the effects of aripiprazole on clinical symptoms and neurotrophic factor levels in patients with schizophrenia. Methods Forty patients with schizophrenia and 40 normal controls were included in the study. The clinical symptoms of patients receiving aripiprazole only for 12 weeks were evaluated by using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Stroop Color-Word Test (SCWT), Continuous Performance Test, Digit-Symbol Coding Test and Trail Making Test-A were used to evaluate the cognitive function both in patients and controls. Serum levels of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Neurotrophin 3 (NT-3) were measured using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Results The clinical scores, cognitive function and levels of neurotrophic factors were different before and after treatment (P<0.01). And those were significantly lower in patients than in control group (P<0.05). Before treatment, BDNF was negatively correlated with PANSS negative symptom score (r=-0.362, P=0.022);NGF was related to the total score of PANSS (r=0.332, P=0.037) and positive symptoms (r=0.401, P=0.010); NT-3 was associated with negative symptom scores (r=-0.376, P=0.017) and SCWT-color words (r=0.332, P=0.037) in patient group. After treatment, the increase in BDNF was correlated with the reduction in PANSS total score (r=0.371, P=0.018), negative symptom score (r=0.345, P=0.029) and general pathology score (r=0.342, P=0.031). There was a correlation of the increase of NGF with the decrease of PANSS total scores (r=0.437, P=0.005) and with positive symptom scores (r=0.357, P=0.024). Conclusion Treatment with Aripiprazole can improve the clinical symptoms and cognitive functiona impairments in patients with schizophrenia, which may be related to the increase in serum levels of BDNF, NGF and NT-3.
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Objective To determine the serum levels of macrophage migration inhibition factor (MIF) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in patients with vitiligo,and to investigate their clinical significance.Methods The serum concentrations of MIF and TNF-α were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and radioimmunoassay respectively in 66 patients with vitiligo and 30 healthy controls.Results The patients with vitiligo vulgaris showed a significant higher serum level of MIF and TNF-α compared with the healthy controls ((9.56 ± 1.65) vs.(5.18 ± 0.81 ) μg/L,(2.38 ± 0.37) vs.(1.78 ± 0.21 ) μg/L,both P ＜ 0.01 ).There was a positive correlation between the serum level of MIF and TNF-α (r =0.89,P ＜ 0.05).No statistical difference was observed in the serum levels of MIF or TNF-α between the healthy controls and patients with segmental vitiligo (both P ＞ 0.05).The serum level of MIF was significantly higher in patients with progressive vitiligo than in those with stable vitiligo (P ＜ 0.01 ).Conclusions MIF and TNF-α might play a certain role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo,and MIF may be related to the activity of vitiligo vulgaris.
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An 18-year-old female presented with painful erythema and nodules on both legs for more than 2 years.Dermatological examination showed irregularly sized,mildly indurated,tender,deep subcutaneous nodules arising in diffused infiltrated dark erythematous patches in the inner and posterior region of the left leg.Histopathology showed no significant changes in the epidermis.There were perivascular lymphoid cell infiltrates in the dermis and subcutis.Multiple sites of necrosis of blood vessel walls with vascular occlusions were noted.The lumens of some blood vessels were filled with lymphocytes,among which were many atypical cells with hyperchromatic nuclei and pathologic mitotic figures.Immunohistochemistry showed that lymphocytes in the cavities of blood vessels were positive for CD3(+++),CD3ε(+++),CD2(+),CD56(+++),granzyme B(+++),perforin(+++),CD30(+),Ki67 (+++,100％ ),but negative for CD20,CD5,CD7,CD4,CD8,TdT,anaplastic lymphoma kinase,early membrane antigen (EMA) or pan cytokeratin (pCK).The endothelial cells lining the blood vessels stained positively for CD34.The intravascular lymphocytes were also positive for EBER1/2 by in situ hybridization.A diagnosis of cutaneous intravascular NK/T cell lymphoma was made.
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Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of Q-switched Alexandrite laser at 752 nm in the treatment of nevus of Ota. Methods A total of 1985 cases of nevus of Ota were treated with the Q-switched Alexandrite laser PhotoGenica HT10, and then the ages, frequency of treatment and interval of treatment were analyzed. Results The excellent effective rate was 97.88 %, and the total effective rate was 100 % in 1985 cases. Most patients in all age group received the excellent effects, however, there was no significant difference between the groups. Most patients acheived the excellent effect after 4 to 5 treatments, and very few patients (0.8 %) needed over 10 treatments; the rate ofpatient who needed 1-3 treatments or 6-10 treatments was 18. 2 % and 25.8 %, respectively. The patients had the most excellent efficacy in the group that the interval of two treatments was 4 to 6months, however, there was no significant difference between the group of the interval of two treatments over 6 months. In our study, there were only a few cases (4.48 %) with slight side reaction,such as temporary pigmentation and hypopigmentation and scar. Conclusions 752 nm Q-switched Alexandrite laser is one of effective and safe treatments for nevus of Ota.
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The present study evaluated the effect of non-thermal plasma on skin wound healing in BalB/c mice. Two 6-mm wounds along the both sides of the spine were created on the back of each mouse (n=80) by using a punch biopsy. The mice were assigned randomly into two groups, with 40 animals in each group: a non-thermal plasma group in which the mice were treated with the non-thermal plasma; a control group in which the mice were left to heal naturally. Wound healing was evaluated on postoperative days (POD) 4, 7, 10 and 14 (n=5 per group in each POD) by percentage of wound closure. The mice was euthanized on POD 1, 4, 7, 10, 14, 21, 28 and 35 (n=1 in each POD). The wounds were removed, routinely fixed, paraffin-embedded, sectioned and HE-stained. A modified scoring system was used to evaluate the wounds. The results showed that acute inflammation peaked on POD 4 in non-thermal plasma group, earlier than in control group in which acute inflammation reached a peak on POD 7, and the acute inflammation scores were much lower in non-thermal group than in control group on POD 7 (P10(12) CFU/mL on the POD 7) (P<0.05). It was suggested that the non-thermal plasma facilitates the wound healing by suppressing bacterial colonization.
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Objective: To construct the insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) expression plasmid (pEGFC1-IGFBP7) and to investigate the effect of IGFBP7 on the apoptosis of SK-MEL-28 (human malignant melanoma cell line) cells. Methods: The pEGFC1-IGFBP7 plasmid was constructed; pEGFC1-IGFBP7 and empty plasmids were transfected into SK-MEL-28 cells separately. The transfection efficiency was observed under fluorescence microscope. Apoptosis of SK-MEL-28 cells after transfection was detected by Annexin-FITC/PI staining. Results: The pEGFC1-IGFBP7 plasmid was successfully constructed and was effectively transfected into SK-MEL-28 cells by Effectene reagent, with the transfection rate being 61%. The results of flow cytometry showed that pEGFC1-IGFBP7 significantly induced apoptosis of SK-MEL-28 cells, with the apoptotic rates of pEGFC1-IGFBP7, empty vector, and non-transfected plasmid groups being (28.4±2.57)%, (5.8±0.44)%, and (6.4±0.71)% 24 h after transfection, respectively (F=406.138, P<0.05). Conclusion: pEGFC1-IGFBP7 can effectively induce apoptosis of malignant melanoma SK-MEL-28 cells, which provides an experimental basis for IGFBP7 gene-based therapy of malignant melanoma.
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Objective To investigate the effect of recombinant murine interleukin-23(rIL-23)on systemic candidiasis in a murine model.Methods A cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed murine model of systemic candidiasis was established.The mice were divided into control group and rIL-23 treatment group.Colony forming units(CFU)of the kidney and spleen were determined by using plating dilution method.The histopathological changes and degree of infection of the kidney and spleen were graded.Meanwhile,the levels of interferon gamma(IFN-γ)in the spleen were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results On the 2nd,3rd and 7th day after Candida albicans infection the number of CFU of the fungi in the kidney in the control group was significantly greater than that in rIL-23 treatment group(P＜0.01).The number of CFU of the fungi on the 2nd,3rd and 7th day after Candida albicans infection in the spleen in control group was also greater than that in rIL-23 treatment group,but without statistically significant difference(P＞0.05).The scores of histopathological changes in the kidney in rIL-23 treatment group were lower than those in control group(P＜0.01),and the degree of infection was milder in rIL-23 treatment group.The scores of histopathological changes in the spleen in rIL-23 treatment group were also lower than those in control group,but without statistically significant difference(P＞0.05).The levels of IFN-γ in the spleen on the 2nd,3rd and 7th day after infection in rIL-23 treatment group were significantly higher than those in control group(P＜0.01).Conclusion rIL-23 has protective effect on murine systemic candidiasis.
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In this study, the sterilizing effect of atmospheric pressure nonequilibrium plasmas (APNPs) on Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae) was preliminarily examined and the possible mechanisms were explored. N. gonorrhoeae FA1090, FA19 and MS11 were treated by APNPs and their survival rate was analyzed by using CFUs counting and structurally studied by laser scanning confocal microscopy. The morphological changes of bacterial cell membrane and wall were studied under TEM. Our results showed that APNPs had strong sterilizing effect on N. gonorrhoeae. The survival rate of MS11 in N. gonorrhoeae liquid medium was 60.65% after disinfection with the APNPs for 5 min, whereas, the survival rate of FA19 was 92.60% and the rate of FA1090 was 96.40%. The survival rate of MS11 was 21.13% after exposure to APNPs for 6 min, whereas the survival rate of FA19 was 31.60% and the rate of FA1090 was 91.00%. N. gonorrhoeae was structurally damaged after treatment with APNPs. It is concluded that APNPs is able to effectively and quickly kill the N. gonorrhoeae, and the killing effect is related to the architectural damage of cell membrane.
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Progesterone has nongenomic effects on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which is mediated by mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. This effect is supposed to have some potential association with asymptomatic gonococcal infections in women by immunological depression. In this study, polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) challenged by gonococci were used to study the nongenomic effects of progesterone. The activation of iNOS was assessed by measuring [(3)H] L-arginine converses to [(3)H] L-citrulline, and the activity of MAPK was detected by Western blot. It was found that the activity of iNOS and the yields of NO were enhanced significantly in gonococci-challenged PMNs compared with the controls (P0.05). It was also found subsequently that in the serum specimens collected from gonococci-infected but asymptomatic women, the progesterone level was higher than that in women with severe symptoms (P<0.01). Moreover, the yield of NO had an inverse correlation with progesterone. With these results it suggested that the rapid nongenomic effects of progesterone may inhibit iNOS activation and NO yields mediated by P38MAPK pathways, which were supposed to be concerned with asymptomatic women infected with gonococci.
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Objective To evaluate the effects of progesterone on polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN)-mediated inflammatory responses to gonococcal infection. Methods Peripheral neutrophils were isolated from heparinized peripheral blood obtained from normal individuals, then divided into 4 groups: progesterone group (pretreated with progesterone only), gonococcus group (stimulated with gonococcal suspension), intervention group (pretreated with progesterone followed by stimuation with gonococcal suspension), and control group (receiving no pretreatment or stimulation). Real-time RT-PCR was conducted to detect the mRNA expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β)in neutrophils from all groups at 0, 3, 8, 12 and 24 hours after the last treatment, and iNOS protein levels were measured by Western-blot in gonococcus group and intervention group. Results Real-time RT-PCR indicated that the expression levels of iNOS, TNF-α and IL-1β mRNA increased in gonococcus group and intervention group, and reached their peak at 8 hours in gonococcus group, while no significant changes were noted in the above parameters in progesterone group or control group. Also, the level of iNOS, TNF-α and IL-1β mRNA was lower in intervention group than that in the gonococcus group (P ＜ 0.05). Western blot showed an elevation in iNOS protein expression in both gonococcus group and intervention group, and the former group was higher than the latter group in the parameter (P ＜ 0.05). Conclusions Progesterone can downregulate the expressions of iNOS, TNF-α and IL-1 β by PMNs, inhibit the PMN-induced inflammatory responses induced by gonococcal infection, which is likely to be associated with the asymptomatic gonococcal infection in women.
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Objective To investigate the effect of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) on the healing of skin ulcers using Balb/c mice. Methods Wounds with a diameter 6 mm were created on each side of the backs of BalB/c mice ( n = 150) using a punch bioptome. The mice were assigned randomly into a control group ( wounds healed naturally), a laser group (wounds treated with a He-Ne laser for 10 min daily) and a CAP group (wounds treated with CAP for 10 min daily). Wound healing was evaluated on postoperative days (PODs) 4, 7, 10 and 14 in terms of percent wound closure. Ten mice per group were sacrificed on each of the evaluation days. Both wounds were removed and a histological examination was conducted. A scoring system was used to evaluate the wounds. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) in the wounded tissue was detected by using immunohistochemical methods on POD 7. The results were quantified using an HPIAS-1000 system. Results Compared with the control group, the average percentage of wound healing was significantly greater in the CAP group on PODs 7 and 10. The average scores on the histological examination were significantly higher in the CAP group on PODs 7, 10 and 14. Compared with the other two groups, the expression of VEGF was up-regulated significantly in the CAP group.Conclusions CAP can positively affect the wound healing process. This might be related to the up-regulation of VEGF in the wounded tissues.
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Objective To investigate the effects ofendothelin-1 (ET-1) and endothelin-3 (ET-3) on the expression of transformation growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and phosphorylation of Smad 3 in malignant melanoma cell line, A375. Methods Cultured A375 cells were classified into 5 groups, i.e. control group (no stimulation), ET-1 group (stimulated with ET-1), ET-1+BQ123 group (treated with ET-1 and BQ123),ET-1 + BQ788 group (treated with ET-1 and BQ788), ET-3 group (stimulated with ET-3), to receive different stimulation. The working concentrations were 0, 0.1, 1, 10, 100 nmol/L for ET-1 and ET-3, 10 μmol/L for BQ123 and BQ788. After another 12- and 24-hour culture, ELISA, RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of TGF-β1 protein and mRNA as well as phosphorylated Smad 3 (P-Smad 3). Results The expression of TGF-β1 in A375 cells was up-regulated by ET-1, but down-regulated by ET-3, and both of the effects were in a concentration-dependent manner. Under the stimulation with ET-1 and ET-3 of 100 nmol/L, the level of TGF-β1 reached 1289.38 ± 89.42 ng/L per 105 cells and 85.09 ± 9.37 ng/L per 105 cells, respectively, significantly different from that in unstimulated cells (both P < 0.05). BQ123 signifi-cantly blocked the up-regnlatory effect of ET-1 on the expression TGF-β1 protein(P < 0.05), but BQ788 had no significant influence on the effect, so was the case with TGF-β1 mRNA. Western blot revealed that ET-1significantly elevated the expression of P-Smad 3 in A375 cells (P <0.05), and the elevation was significantly inhibited by BQ123, but not by BQ788. The expression of P-Smad 3 was statistically decreased by ET-3 in A375 cells (P <0.05). Conclusions The expression of TGF-β1 could be enhanced by ET-1, but suppressed by ET-3. It is likely that endothelin receptor A mediates the phosphorylation of Smad 3 induced by ET-1.
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Objective To construct an eukaryotic expression vector for TAP genes fused with enhanced green fluorescent protein(EGFP)gene,and to analyze the expression and subcellular localization of the fusion protein in A375 human malignant melanoma cells transfected with the eukaryotic expression vector.Methods A375 cells were cotransfected with the combination of plasmid(P)TAP1-EGFP or pTAP2-EGFP and pDsRed2-endoplasmic reticulum(ER),or with pEGFP-TAP1 and-TAP2,or monotransfected with pTAP1-EGFP or pTAP2-EGFP alone.The monoclonal A375 cells stably expressing TAP were obtained by G418 selection.Then.the distribution and expression of fusion proteins were assessed in A375 cells by using fluorescence microscopy and Western blot,respectively.Flow cytometry was used to measure the expression of HLA class Ⅰ on A375 cells.Results Transfection of A375 cells with pTAP1-EGFP or pTAP1-EGFP and pTAP2-EGFP significantly increased the expression of TAP 1 and TAP 2 in as well as HLA class Ⅰ antigen on A375 cells.The green fluorescence of TAP1-EGFP and TAP2-EGFP overlapped with the red fluorescence of ER marker in cotransfected cells.indicating that TAP was localized subcellularly on the ER.Conclusions The expression vector for TAP-EGFP fusion gene has been constructed cuccessfully and expressed in A375 cells,and the expressed fusion protein is subcelluiarly localized to ER.This study will provide a basis for the research into subsequent immune response following induction of TAP expression.
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Objective To investigate the expression of glucose transporter type 1(GLUT-1)and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1)α in psoriatic lesions,and to explore their correlations with keratinocyte proliferation.Methods Biopsy specimens were obtained from 30 patients with psoriasis and 20 normal human controls.Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to examine the protein expression of GLUT-1 and HIF-1α in these specimens.Results GLUT-1 and HIF-1α were mainly expressed in the basal layer of the control skin,but throughout the whole epidermis of psoriatic lesions.A significant increase was observed in the expression of GLUT-1 and HIF-1α in psoriatic lesions compared with that in the control skin (botb P＜0.01).In the case of psoriatic lesions,both the expression of GLUT-1 and HIF-1α was positively correlated with that of Ki-67(r=0.70,0.81 respectively,both P＜0.01),and positive correlation was also found between the expression of GLUT-1 and HIF-1α(r=0.85.P＜0.01).Conclusion Our data suggest that uprcgulation Of GLUT-1 and HIF-1α expression in psoriatic lesions might contribute to the proliferation of keratinocytes and psoriasis development.
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Objective To study the expression of cellular FLICE inhibitory proteins(c-FLIP)in peripheral blood B lymphocytes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)and its correlation with clinical features.Methods Blood samples were obtained from 53 patients with SLE and 30 normal human controls.Flow cytometry and ELISA were performed to measure the expression of c-FLIP in pefipheral blood B lymphocytes and serum levels of IL-4 and IL-10,respectively.Relevant laboratory examinations were carried out for these patients.SLE disease activity index(SLEDAI)score was calculated for patients.Results The positivity rate of c-FLIP in B lymphocytes was 3.11%±0.70%in 18 patients with active SLE.significantly higher than that in 35 patients with inactive SLE (0.78%±0.28%)and normaI controls(0.68%±0.12%),while no statistical difierence was found between inactive patients and controls(t=1.56,P＞0.05).In SLE patients,the expression of c-FLIP showed a positive correlation with SLEDAl score(r=0.96.P＜0.05),erythrocyte sedimentation rate(r=0.96,P＜0.01),serum level of C reactive protein(r=0.92.P＜0.01)and the titer of antinuclear antibodies(r=0.86,P＜0.01),whereas in 36 patients with leucopenia.a negative correlation was noticed between white blood cell count and the expression level of c-FLIP(r=-0.94,P＜0.0 1).The 23 patients with lupus nephritis had a higher level of c-FLIP than those without lupus nephritis(3.04%±1.09%vs 1.76%±1.09%,t=4.23,P＜0.05).Additionally.the expression of c-FLIP positively correlated with the serum level of IL-4 and IL-10(r=0.80,0.89.respectively,both P＜0.01).Conclusions In patients with active SLE,the expression of c-FLIP is upregulated in peripheral blood B lymphocytes,and positively correlated with the severity of SLE as well as the serum level of IL-4 and IL-10.The upregulation of c-FLIP in B cells might play a certain role in deficient apoptosis or clearance of activated B cells in SLE.
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Objective To study the relationship of symptoms of female gonococcal infections to Chlamydia trachomatis infection, serum sex hormone levels, etc. Methods A total of 136 gonorrhea female patients without obvious symptoms were recruited in this study together with 45 gonorrhea patients with obvious symptoms as the controls. Serum progesterone (P) and estradiol (E2) levels were measured by radio immunoassay (RIA). Cervical swabs were obtained from the subjects and eluted into isotonic saline solution, the elution was divided into 2 portions and tested for the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β by ELISA and for the DNA of C. Trachomatis and N. Gonorrhea with PCR. Statistical analysis was carried out by SPSS for Windows (version 12.0). Results There was no statistical correlation between C. Trachomatis infection and asymptomatic status of female gonococcal infection (χ2 = 0.016, P > 0.05). However, the decrease in the level of TNF-α and IL-1β significantly correlated with the increase in serum progestogen (r = -0.8798, -0.8935, respectively, both P < 0.01). Conclusion The high serum level of progesterone may be associated with the asymptomatic status of gonococcal infection.
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Objective To compare the potentiality of opa typing versus Neisseria gonorrhoeae multi-antigen sequence typing (Ng-MAST) in discrimination of N. gonorrhoeae isolates, and to investigate the consistency of genotypes of N. gonorrhoeae between patients and their sex partners. Methods N. gonor-rhoeae was isolated from patients and their sex partners who attended sexually transmitted disease clinics of the Affiliated Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from February 2006 to August 2007. All isolates were cultured on Thayer-Martin agar and GC-based choco-late agar, and identified by Gram stain and oxidase reaction. Totally, twenty-four strains of N. gonorrhoeae were isolated form 12 pairs of male-female sex partners. Genomic DNA was isolated from the strains, and subjected to PCR amplification of opa gene as well as pot and tbpB genes, opa typing and Ng-MAST typing were utilized to differentiate the 24 strains respectively. Results The 24 isolates were classified into 10 sequence types (ST) by Ng-MAST typing, and 12 opa types (OT) by opa typing. A novel genotype identi-fied by Ng-MAST (217-86% homologisation 178), was unique in China. Conclusions Both ST and OT of N. gonorrhoeae strains are identical between patients and their corresponding partners except for one pair of partners, 45/46, suggesting that gonorrhea is transmitted to each other by contiguity between sex partners. Opa typing is likely to be more potential than Ng-MAST in genotyping of N.gonorrhoeae strains.
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Objective To investigate the expression and distribution of cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) in peripheral blood and lesions of psoriatic patients. Methods Peripheral blood and skin samples were obtained from 30 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and 20 normal controls. Flow cytometry was used to detect intracellular c-FLIP protein in peripheral T and B lymphocytes, immunohistochemistry to examine the expression of c-FLIP in lesional tissue. Results Based on the positivity rate of c-FLIP, there was a significant increase in T lymphocytes in active psoriasis compared with regressive psoriasis and normal controls (6.32%±1.17% vs 2.64%±0.74% and 2.28%±0.54%, P＜0.01 and 0.05, respectively), while no significant difference was found in B lymphocytes among these three groups (0.78%±0.16%, 0.71%±0.32%, 0.69%±0.18%, respectively, P＞0.05). The expression intensity of c-FLIP in keratinocytes was also higher in active psoriasis than in regressive psoriasis and normal controls (89.73±5.24 vs 117.40±7.50,121.58±7.93, P＜0.01 and 0.05 respectively), and there was no difference between regressive psoriasis and normal controls (P＞0.05). Conclusions c-FLIP is highly expressed in lesions and peripheral T lymphocytes of patients with active psoriasis, suggesting the possible involvement of c-FLIP in the proliferation of T lymphocytes in psoriasis.
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Objective To evaluate the targeted killing of malignant melanoma cells by aclarubicin liposomes conjugated with vascular endothelial growth factor(ADM-VEGF-SSL)in vitro.Metheds To detect the binding abilitv of liposomes to malignant melanoma(MM)cells,the human malignant melanoma cell line A375 was cultured in the presence of ADM-VEGF-3H-SSL or ADM-3H-SSL for 2 days followed by the detection of radioactivity of these cells.Then.A375 cells were cultured with various concentrations(0.01,0.1,1,10,100 mol/L)of ADM-VEGF-SSL,ADM-SSL or free ADM for 48 hours in the 48-hour cytotoxity test,or for 0.5 hour followed by another 48-hour culture in drug-free medium in the 0.5-hour cytotoxity test.After that,MTT assay was used to detect the survival rate of these cells.Results ADM-VEGF-SSL could specifically bind to and kill A375 cells.The binding rate of ADM-VEGF-SSL was 2.15 folds as high as that of ADM-SSL.The survival rate of A375 cells after being treated with ADM-VEGF-SSL for 48 hour was similar to that with flee ADM(P＞0.05).but lower than that with ADM-SSL(P＜0.05),while the survival rate of melanocytes treated with ADM-VEGF-SSL was higher than that with free ADM or ADM-SSL(both P＜0.05).As shown by the 0.5-hour cytotoxity test.shortening the treatment course did not attenuate the effect of ADM-VEGF-SSL on A375 cells.Conclusions ADM-VEGF-SSL can specifically recognize A375 cells.efficiently deliver adriamycin into tumor cells,markedly inhibit the proliferation of A375 cells,and eventually,a targeted kill of these cells is realized.