The Level of N-Carboxymethyllysine and C-Reactive Protein in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and it’s Association with HbA1c in Diabetic Nephropathy

@#Introduction: N-Carboxymethyllysine (CML) is involved in diabetic nephropathy (DN) via production of oxidative stress, growth factors and cytokines. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammatory marker associated with diabetes risk. This study is to determine the level of serum CML and CRP in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and healthy subjects and to determine the correlation between CML and CRP with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in T2DM patients. Methods: This is a case-control study on 73 T2DM patients without nephropathy, 74 T2DM patients with nephropathy and 73 healthy subjects, aged from 18 to 65 years old. Fasting venous blood was taken and analysed for CML, CRP, HbA1c, and creatinine. The comparisons of serum CML and CRP among the three groups and the correlation between CML and CRP with HbA1c (in T2DM patients) were determined. Results: The differences in CML [median (Interquartile Range) (IQR)] between healthy subjects [131.80 (73.56) ng/ml] and T2DM patients without nephropathy [188.80 (55.95) ng/ml]; between healthy subjects and T2DM patients with nephropathy [237.70 (439.04) ng/ml] were statistically significant (P<0.001). The differences in CRP [median (IQR)] between healthy subjects [1.64 (1.91) ng/ml] and T2DM patients without nephropathy [2.15 (5.64) ng/ml]; between healthy subjects and T2DM patients with nephropathy [4.75 (6.91) ng/ml] were statistically significant (P<0.001). Logistic regression showed CML and CRP are independent predictors of diabetic groups. There was no correlation between HbA1c with CML and CRP in T2DM groups. Conclusion: Since serum CML and CRP are independent predictors of DN, their levels can be used to identify high-risk diabetic patients prone to developing DN.

Application of C-type incision to endoscopic submucosal dissection for the treatment of rectal neuroendocrine tumors / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of C-type endoscopic submucosal dissection (C-ESD) for rectal neuroendocrine tumors (NEN).Methods:The retrospective analysis was performed on data of 55 patients who underwent ESD for rectal NEN at the Department of Endoscopy in Quanzhou First Hospital from January 2018 to July 2021. Patients were divided into the C-ESD group ( n=28) and the conventional ESD group ( n=27). The dissection time, the dissection speed, the number of submucosal injections, the enbloc resection rate, the curative resection rate and the rate of postoperative complications of the two groups were compared. Results:There were no statistically significant differences in basic information between the two groups ( P>0.05). The dissection time was 13.8±4.2 min in the C-ESD group and 19.9±3.9 min in the conventional ESD group with statistically significant difference ( t=5.649, P<0.001). The dissection speed in the C-ESD group was 0.08±0.04 cm 2/min, which was faster than 0.06±0.04 cm 2/min in the conventional ESD group ( t=2.218, P=0.031). The number of submucosal injections in the C-ESD group was less than that in the conventional ESD group [2 (1, 2) VS 3 (2, 3), Z=-8.701, P<0.001]. The lesions were enbloc resected in both groups. The curative resection rate in the C-ESD group was 100.0% (28/28) and 88.9% (24/27) in the conventional ESD group with statistically significant difference ( P=0.011). There were 7 cases of postoperative complications in the conventional ESD group, including 1 delayed bleeding, 5 delayed perforation and 1 muscularis propria injury, while no postoperative complications occurred in the C-ESD group ( P=0.004). Conclusion:C-ESD is a safe and effective treatment strategy for colorectal NEN, which can shorten the dissection time, improve the dissection speed, reduce the number of submucosal injections, improve the curative resection rate, and reduce complications.

Ultrasonic follow-up observation on size changes of 4C type thyroid micronodule classified by C-TIRADS / 中华健康管理学杂志

Objective:To observe the size changes under ultrasound of 4C type thyroid micronodules classified by 2020 Chinese Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (C-TIRADS)during follow-up.Methods:In this cross-sectional study, the data of thyroid ultrasonography in physical examination center in the Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University between December 2017 and December 2021 were retrospectively included, thyroid nodules were classified according to C-TIRADS, to observe the changes by ultrasound of maximum diameter and volume of 4C type thyroid micronodules during follow-up.Results:A total of 102 subjects receiving physical examinations with 103 thyroid micronodules were enrolled in this study. The maximum diameter and volume of thyroid micronodules at initial examination was 5.0 (4.0, 7.0) mm and 52.5 (25.2, 113.4) mm 3 respectively, and it was 6.0 (4.0,7.0) mm、65.6 (25.2,147.0) mm 3 at the last examination, respectively. Of the thyroid micronodules, 79 (76.7%) remained stable, 14 (13.6%) magnified and 10 (9.7%) shrunk during the follow-up. The cervical lymph nodes in all physical examiners were normal. There were significant changes in the maximum diameter and volume in the thyroid micronodules between the initial and last examination in subjects whose micronodules shrunk or magnified during the follow-up (all P<0.05). Conclusion:Size of most C-TIRADS 4C thyroid micronodules remains stable or even decreases during ultrasound follow-up observation, for such thyroid nodules, follow-up observation appears to be a safe and feasible way to postpone surgery.

The mechanism of macrophage-inducible C-type lectin involved in uremic microinflammatory state / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To explore the mechanism of macrophage-inducible C-type lectin (Mincle) and microinflammatory state in uremia. 【Methods】 SD rats were randomly divided into uremia group and sham operation group. The morphology and permeability of intestinal tissue, the morphology of intestinal tissue and macrophages were observed by transmission electron microscope, the expression of Mincle was detected in intestinal tissue sections, and the expressions of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) and NF-kappa B (NF-κB) protein on the surface of macrophages were detected by Western blotting. After the plasma was separated, the levels of endotoxin, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleulin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by Limulus lysate dynamic turbidimetric assay, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The data were analyzed with IBM SPSS19.0 software. 【Results】 The expression of Mincle in the jejunum, ileum, and colon in uremia group was higher than that in sham-operation group (P<0.05). The expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB protein significantly differed in the ileum, jejunum and colon in uremia group (P<0.001). The levels of endotoxin, CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α were significantly increased in uremia group compared with sham-operation group (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 In uremia, Mincle on the surface of intestinal macrophages increases and further through TLR4/NF-κB pathway mediates the transformation of intestinal macrophages to M1 type, releasing inflammatory products and causing systemic microinflammation.

Tinker, tailor, soldier, cell: the role of C-type lectins in the defense and promotion of disease

C-type lectins (CTLs) represent a large family of soluble and membrane-bound proteins which bind calcium dependently via carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDs) to glycan residues presented on the surface of a variety of pathogens. The deconvolution of a cell's glycan code by CTLs underpins several important physiological processes in mammals such as pathogen neutralization and opsonization, leukocyte trafficking, and the inflammatory response. However, as our knowledge of CTLs has developed it has become apparent that the role of this innate immune family of proteins can be double-edged, where some pathogens have developed approaches to subvert and exploit CTL interactions to promote infection and sustain the pathological state. Equally, CTL interactions with host glycoproteins can contribute to inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and cancer whereby, in certain contexts, they exacerbate inflammation and drive malignant progression. This review discusses the 'dual agent' roles of some of the major mammalian CTLs in both resolving and promoting infection, inflammation and inflammatory disease and highlights opportunities and emerging approaches for their therapeutic modulation.

Research progress on the mechanism of role of podoplanin in sepsis / 中华危重病急救医学

Podoplanin (PDPN) is a small transmembrane mucin-like glycoprotein which is expressed on the surface of lymphatic endothelial cells, glomerular podocytes, type-Ⅰ alveolar epithelial cells and some tumor cells. PDPN plays crucial function in variety of physiological and pathological processes such as embryonic development, immunoreaction, inflammation and cancer. C-type lectin-like receptor 2 (CLEC2) is mainly expressed on the platelet which specific ligand is PDPN. The interaction between PDPN and CLEC2 has received extensive attention. In this review, we summarized recent researches on the role of in sepsis and elaborated the possible mechanisms and some potential therapies for sepsis by targeting PDPN, which may provide theoretical basis for the mechanism and treatment of sepsis.

Development and functional verification of CAR-T cells targeting CLL-1 / 中华血液学杂志

Objective: To explore the development of a CAR-T cells targeting CLL-1 and verify its function. Methods: The expression levels of CLL-1 targets in cell lines and primary cells were detected by flow cytometry. A CLL-1 CAR vector was constructed, and the corresponding lentivirus was prepared. After infection and activation of T cells, CAR-T cells targeting CLL-1 were produced and their function was verified in vitro and in vivo. Results: CLL-1 was expressed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines and primary AML cells. The transduction rate of the prepared CAR T cells was 77.82%. In AML cell lines and AML primary cells, CLL-1-targeting CAR-T cells significantly and specifically killed CLL-1-expressing cells. Compared to untransduced T cells, CAR-T cells killed target cells and secreted inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 and interferon-γ, at significantly higher levels (P<0.001) . In an in vivo human xenograft mouse model of AML, CLL-1 CAR-T cells also exhibited potent antileukemic activity and induced prolonged mouse survival compared with untransduced T cells [not reached vs 22 days (95%CI 19-24 days) , P=0.002]. Conclusion: CAR-T cells targeting CLL-1 have been successfully produced and have excellent functions.

Effect of Shufeng Tongluo Prescription on Eotaxin and CCR3 Protein Expression and ERK Phosphorylation Level of Asthma Mice / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo preliminarily explore the mechanism of Shufeng Tongluo prescription （SFTLP） in inhibiting airway inflammation in asthma mice by affecting the expression levels of eotaxin in the serum， CC type chemokine receptor 3 （CCR3）， and extracellular signal-regulated kinase （ERK） phosphorylation in lung tissues. MethodSeventy C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a blank group， a model group， low-， medium-， and high-dose SFTLP groups （7.75， 15.5， 30 g·kg-1）， a pertussis toxin （PTX） group， a CCR3 inhibitor （SB328437） group， a phosphoinositide 3-kinase （PI3K） inhibitor （LY294002） group， a p38 protein kinase antagonist inhibitor （SB203580） group， and an ERK inhibitor （PD98059） group. The asthma model was induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin （OVA） and aluminum hydroxide ［Al（OH）3］ combined with OVA atomization （0.2 mL for all）. After modeling， hematoxylin-eosin staining （HE staining） was used to observe the inflammatory infiltration of lung tissues in mice. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect the serum levels of eotaxin ［CC chemokine ligand （CCL） 11 and CCL24） in each group. Western blot was used to detect the levels of ERK phosphorylation and CCR3 in lung tissues. ResultCompared with the blank group， the model group showed obvious bronchial constriction， lumen stenosis， damaged alveolar structure， massive inflammatory cell infiltration in lung tissues， mucous plug in the bronchus， edema in the submucosal tissues of the trachea， increased folds， increased serum levels of CCL11 and CCL24 （P<0.01）， and increased expression of CCR3 protein in lung tissues （P<0.05）. The ERK levels in lung tissues of the model group and the PTX group increased （P<0.05）. The level of p-ERK in lung tissues of the model group and the low-dose SFTLP group increased （P<0.05）. As revealed by pathological results， compared with the model group， the high-dose SFTLP group showed relieved lung lesions. The high-dose SFTLP group and the SB328437 group showed reduced CCL11 content （P<0.05）. The low- and high-dose SFTLP group， the PTX group， the SB203580 group， the PD98059 group， and the SB328437 group showed decreased CCR3 protein expression in lung tissues （P<0.05）. The high-dose SFTLP group and the PD98059 group showed reduced p-ERK level （P<0.05）. The PD98059 group showed reduced ERK level （P<0.05）. ConclusionSFTLP can inhibit airway inflammation in asthma， and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of eosinophil activation by down-regulating CCR3 and CCL11 expression and ERK phosphorylation.

Serum C-type lectin-like receptor-2 combined with insulin resistance predicts the outcome of patients with acute ischemic stroke after intravenous thrombolysis / 国际脑血管病杂志

Objective:To investigate the predictive value of serum C-type lectin-like receptor 2 (CLEC-2) combined with insulin resistance in the outcome of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) after intravenous thrombolysis.Methods:Patients with AIS received alteplase intravenous thrombolytic therapy in the Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from October 2019 to March 2021 were enrolled retrospectively. According to the modified Rankin Scale score at 90 d after onset, they were divided into good outcome group (0-2) and poor outcome group (>2). Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was used to evaluate insulin resistance. Person correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation between CLEC-2 and HOMA-IR. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the correlation between serum CELC-2, HOMA-IR and the outcome after intravenous thrombolysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the predictive value of serum CLEC-2 combined with HOMA-IR for poor outcome after intravenous thrombolysis. Results:A total of 100 patients were enrolled (56 males, 56.0%; aged 70.6±10.86 years, range 49-83 years). The baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 10.00±6.36. Senenty-four patients (74.0%) had a good outcome and 26 (26.0%) had a poor outcome. Person correlation analysis showed that there was a significant positive correlation between serum CLEC-2 and HOMA-IR ( r=0.523; P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for confounding factors (C-reactive protein, baseline NIHSS score, onset-to-needle time), the highest quartile of serum CLEC-2 (compared with the lowest quartile: odds ratio [ OR] 4.836, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 1.105-21.169; P=0.036) and the highest quartile of HOMA-IR (compared with the quartile 1-3: OR 15, 95% CI 2.647-30.722; P=0.002) were the independent risk factors for the poor outcome in patients with AIS after intravenous thrombolysis. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve for serum CLEC-2 combined with HOMA-IR to predict poor outcome was 0.785 (95% CI 0.688-0.883; P<0.001), the optimal cut-off value was 0.72, and the sensitivity and specificity were 76.0% and 95.0%, respectively. Conclusion:CLEC-2 combined with insulin resistance has a certain predictive value for the poor outcome of patients with AIS after intravenous thrombolysis.

Determinação do Tecido Cicatricial do Miocárdio no Fenômeno de Fluxo Coronário Lento e a Relação entre a Quantidade de Tecido Cicatricial e o Nt-ProBNP / Determination of Myocardial Scar Tissue in Coronary Slow Flow Phenomenon and The Relationship Between Amount of Scar Tissue and Nt-ProBNP

Resumo Fundamento A fisiopatologia e o prognóstico não estão claramente determinados nos pacientes com fenômeno do fluxo coronário lento (FCL). Esses pacientes apresentam várias condições clínicas, que variam desde quadro assintomático até internação hospitalar com morte cardíaca súbita. Objetivos Nosso objetivo foi avaliar os achados da ressonância magnética cardíaca (RMC) com o realce tardio pelo gadolínio (RTG), como um indicador de fibrose miocárdica. Também buscamos determinar a relação entre a presença de fibrose miocárdica e os níveis de NT-proBNP em pacientes com FCL na artéria coronária descendente anterior esquerda (DAE). Métodos Ao todo, 35 pacientes, entre 31 e 75 anos de idade, foram incluídos. Os pacientes estudados (n=19) apresentaram artérias coronárias epicárdicas normais na angiografia, mas tinham FCL na DAE. O grupo controle de pacientes (n=16) apresentou artérias coronárias epicárdicas normais e níveis de escore TIMI normais na angiografia. Em ambos os grupos, os pacientes foram examinados com RMC para a detecção de presença de fibrose miocárdica. Além disso, níveis plasmáticos de NT-proBNP foram medidos. Valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados significativos. Resultados A taxa de fibrose miocárdica foi significativamente maior na RMC para os pacientes com FCL (p=0.018). Uma quantidade variável de tecido cicatricial foi detectada no ápice ventricular esquerdo em 7 pacientes e nas regiões inferior e inferolateral em 3 pacientes. Não foram observadas diferenças nos níveis de NT-proBNP nos pacientes com FCL. Entretanto, os níveis de NT-proBNP foram maiores nos pacientes com FCL, que apresentaram fibrose miocárdica na RMC (p=0.022). Conclusões Em suma, o RTG na RMC mostrou que a cicatriz miocárdica isquêmica pode estar presente nos pacientes com FCL. Esses resultados indicam que o FCL pode nem sempre ser inofensivo. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 114(3):540-551)

Abstract Background Pathophysiology and prognosis are not clearly determined in patients with the coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP). These patients present with various clinical conditions ranging from being asymptomatic to being admitted with sudden cardiac death. Objectives We aimed at assessing the findings of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) as an indicator of myocardial fibrosis. We also aimed at determining the relationship between the presence of myocardial fibrosis and NT-proBNP levels in patients with CSFP in the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). Methods A total of 35 patients were enrolled within an age range of 31-75. The study patients (n=19) had normal epicardial coronary arteries at angiography, but they presented with CSFP in the LAD. The control group patients (n=16) had normal epicardial coronary arteries and TIMI scores at normal levels in angiography. In both groups, the patients were examined with CMR for the presence of myocardial fibrosis. In addition, plasma NT-proBNP levels were measured. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results The rate of myocardial fibrosis was significantly higher in CMR in the patients with CSFP (p=0.018). A variable amount of myocardial scar tissue was detected at the left ventricular apex in 7 patients and at the inferior and inferolateral regions in 3 patients. There was no difference in the level of NT-proBNP in patients with CSFP. However, the NT-proBNP levels were higher in patients with CSFP, who had scar tissue in CMR (p=0.022). Conclusions In conclusion, LGE in CMR showed that ischemic myocardial scarring may exist in patients with CSFP. These results indicate that CSFP may not always be innocent. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 114(3):540-551)

Neutrophils activated by BJcuL, a C-type lectin isolated from Bothrops jararacussu venom, decrease the invasion potential of neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells in vitro

Neuroblastoma is a pediatric tumor with a mortality rate of 40% in the most aggressive cases. Tumor microenvironment components as immune cells contribute to the tumor progression; thereby, the modulation of immune cells to a pro-inflammatory and antitumoral profile could potentialize the immunotherapy, a suggested approach for high-risk patients. Preview studies showed the antitumoral potential of BJcuL, a C- type lectin isolated from Bothrops jararacussu venom. It was able to induce immunomodulatory responses, promoting the rolling and adhesion of leukocytes and the activation of neutrophils. Methods: SK-N-SH cells were incubated with conditioned media (CM) obtained during the treatment of neutrophils with BJcuL and fMLP, a bacteria-derived peptide highly effective for activating neutrophil functions. Then we evaluated the effect of the same stimulation on the co-cultivation of neutrophils and SK-N-SH cells. Tumor cells were tested for viability, migration, and invasion potential. Results: In the viability assay, only neutrophils treated with BJcuL (24 h) and cultivated with SK-N-SH were cytotoxic. Migration of tumor cells decreased when incubated directly (p < 0.001) or indirectly (p < 0.005) with untreated neutrophils. When invasion potential was evaluated, neutrophils incubated with BJcuL reduced the total number of colonies of SK-N-SH cells following co-cultivation for 24 h (p < 0.005). Treatment with CM resulted in decreased anchorage-free survival following 24 h of treatment (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Data demonstrated that SK-N-SH cells maintain their migratory potential in the face of neutrophil modulation by BJcuL, but their invasive capacity was significantly reduced.(AU)

Neutrophils activated by BJcuL, a C-type lectin isolated from Bothrops jararacussu venom, decrease the invasion potential of neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells in vitro

ABSTRACT Background: Neuroblastoma is a pediatric tumor with a mortality rate of 40% in the most aggressive cases. Tumor microenvironment components as immune cells contribute to the tumor progression; thereby, the modulation of immune cells to a pro-inflammatory and antitumoral profile could potentialize the immunotherapy, a suggested approach for high-risk patients. Preview studies showed the antitumoral potential of BJcuL, a C- type lectin isolated from Bothrops jararacussu venom. It was able to induce immunomodulatory responses, promoting the rolling and adhesion of leukocytes and the activation of neutrophils. Methods: SK-N-SH cells were incubated with conditioned media (CM) obtained during the treatment of neutrophils with BJcuL and fMLP, a bacteria-derived peptide highly effective for activating neutrophil functions. Then we evaluated the effect of the same stimulation on the co-cultivation of neutrophils and SK-N-SH cells. Tumor cells were tested for viability, migration, and invasion potential. Results: In the viability assay, only neutrophils treated with BJcuL (24 h) and cultivated with SK-N-SH were cytotoxic. Migration of tumor cells decreased when incubated directly (p 0.001) or indirectly (p 0.005) with untreated neutrophils. When invasion potential was evaluated, neutrophils incubated with BJcuL reduced the total number of colonies of SK-N-SH cells following co-cultivation for 24 h (p 0.005). Treatment with CM resulted in decreased anchorage-free survival following 24 h of treatment (p 0.001). Conclusion: Data demonstrated that SK-N-SH cells maintain their migratory potential in the face of neutrophil modulation by BJcuL, but their invasive capacity was significantly reduced.

Expression of C-type lectin domain family 1 member B in hepatocellular carcinoma and its clinical significance / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To explore the expression of C-type lectin domain 1 member B (CLEC1B) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and its relationship with the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of HCC patients. Methods HCC tissue microarray data (GSE49515, GSE115018) were retrieved from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to analyze the differential expression of genes between cancer tissues and normal control tissues. HCC transcriptome datasets were screened from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to analyze the differential expression of CLEC1B in HCC tissues. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was used to search for the signaling pathways related to CLEC1B in HCC. The cancer tissues and corresponding paracancerous tissues were collected from 37 HCC patients. The expression of CLEC1B mRNA was detected by quantitative real-time PCR, the expression of CLEC1B protein was detected by Western blotting. χ2 test was performed to analyze the relationship between CLEC1B expression and clinicopathological characteristics of HCC patients. Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were performed to analyze the relationship between CLEC1B mRNA expression and prognosis of HCC patients. The blood samples were collected from 37 HCC patients and 37 healthy volunteers. The concentration of CLEC1B in plasma was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The diagnostic value of CLEC1B for HCC was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results The expression of CLEC1B was low in HCC cancer tissues, and the low expression of CLEC1B in HCC tissues was associated with tumor hemorrhage (P0.01). The concentration of CLEC1B in plasma could be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis of HCC. The best diagnostic efficiency of CLEC1B was obtained by using 62.44 ng/mL as cut-off value (the area under the ROC curve was 0.966, the sensitivity was 92.7%, and the specificity was 91.3%). The HCC patients with high CLEC1B expression had a longer overall survival than those with low CLEC1B expression, and the difference was significant (P0.01). In HCC, CLEC1B gene showed a consistent trend of differential expression with ATM and Rad3-related pathway (ATR pathway), cell cycle pathway, DNA repair pathway and myc signaling pathway. Conclusion The low expression of CLEC1B in HCC is related to tumor hemorrhage, and the prognosis of HCC patients with low expression of CLEC1B is poor.

Expressions and Roles of CLEC4D and CARD9 in Inflammatory Bowel Disease / 胃肠病学

Background: C-type lectin domain family 4 member D (CLEC4D) can induce Th17 cell differentiation and regulate IL-17A expression in systemic fungal infection, and whether CLEC4D plays a role in intestinal immunity has not been reported at home and abroad. Aims: To investigate the expressions and clinical significance of CLEC4D and CARD9 in colon tissue in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods: A total of 48 IBD patients from October 2016 to June 2018 at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were enrolled, including 36 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 12 patients with Crohn's disease (CD). And 30 adjacent normal colon tissues in patients with colon cancer were served as controls. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expressions of CLEC4D and CARD9 in colon tissue. And their correlations with clinical characteristics were analyzed. Results: The expressions of CLEC4D and CARD9 in UC group and CD group were significantly higher than those in control group (P0.05). The expressions of CLEC4D and CARD9 in UC group were positively correlated with Mayo score and Baron grade (P0.05). The expressions of CLEC4D and CARD9 in IBD patients were positively correlated with CRP (P0.05). Conclusions: The expressions of CLEC4D and CARD9 are elevated in patients with IBD and are closely related to patients' condition. CLEC4D may participate in the intestinal immunity of IBD through the CARD9-related pathway.

Research Progress of Receptors of Plant Polysaccharides / 中国药学杂志

Receptors of plant polysaccharides and their signaling pathways have become a hotspot of polysaccharide activity research. As immunomodulators, polysaccharides have attracted much attention due to their immunomodulatory effects mediated by cell surface receptors. Polysaccharide receptors mainly include C-type lectin receptor family, mannose receptor family (MR), Toll-like receptor family (TLR), complement receptor 3 (CR3), scavenger receptor and so on, and these receptors play an important role in the recognition between polysaccharides and cells, which is closely related to polysaccharides activities, such as enhancing cellular immune function, regulating the secretion of cytokines, having immunomodulatory and antineoplastic effects. In this paper, polysaccharide receptors types, biological functions and signal transduction pathways are reviewed, it will be helpful to elucidate the pharmacological activity mechanism of plant polysaccharides and provide theoretical reference for the comprehensive development of polysaccharide drugs.

Transcriptome analysis of venom gland and identification of functional genes for snake venom protein in Agkistrodon acutus / 中国中药杂志

Agkistrodon acutus is a traditional Chinese herb medicine which has immunological regulation,anti-tumor,anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects,which is mainly used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis,ankylosing spondylitis,sjogren's syndrome and tumors. In order to excavate more important functional genes from A. acutus,the transcriptome of the venom gland was sequenced by the Illumina Hi Seq 4000,and 32 862 unigenes were assembled. Among them,26 589 unigenes were mapped to least one public database. 2 695 unigenes were annotated and assigned to 62 TF families,and 5 920 SSR loci were identified. The majority of mapped unigenes was from Protobothrops mucrosquamatus in the NR database,which revealed their closest homology. Three secretory phospholipase A_2 with different amino acid sequences showed similar spatial structures and all had well-conserved active sites. The 3 D structural models of C-type lectin showed conserved glycosylation binding sites( Asn45). This study will lay the foundation for the further study of the function of snake venom protein,and promoting the development and utilization of genome resources from A. acutus.

Regulatory effect of CLEC2D-CD161 interaction on killing capacity of decidual natural killer cells / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective@#To investigate the regulatory effect of CLEC2D-CD161 interaction on killing capacity of decidual natural killer (dNK) cells during early pregnancy and its association with the incidence of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA).@*Methods@#Decidua tissues were collected from normal pregnancies (n=16) and RSA cases (n=6) at 6-10 gestational weeks in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Peking University Third Hospital from October 2018 to May 2019. (1) Expressions of CLEC2D and CD161 in decidua from early pregnancy were detected using immunofluorescence. (2) Primary dNK cells were isolated from decidua from early pregnancy. dNK cells pre-treated with CD161 antibody (blocking CD161, B-CD161) were co-cultured with JEG-3 cells which were knocked-down by CLEC2D small interfering RNA (siCLEC2D), followed by killing capacity assessment of dNK cells by cytotoxicity assay and determination of expressions of related molecules by quantitive real-time polymerase chain reaction. (3) Western blot and flow cytometry were used to detect the expression of CLEC2D and CD161 in decidua tissues. Cytotoxicity assay was performed to analyze the killing capacity of dNK cells. T test was used for statistical analysis between normal and RSA cases.@*Results@#(1) CLEC2D was mainly expressed in extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells and CD161 was mainly detected in dNK cells. CD161-positive dNK cells and CLEC2D-positive EVT cells were adjacently located in decidua tissues allowing their interaction. (2) Cytotoxicity assay suggested that CD161 blocking in dNK cells or CLEC2D knockdown in JEG-3 cells could enhance the cytotoxicity of dNK cells. The target cell lysis rates at the effector-target ratios of 40∶1, 20∶1, 10∶1 and 5∶1 in B-CD161 group were (59.12±4.56)%, (25.96±5.44)%, (13.60±8.94)% and (12.53±8.94)%, and in IgG control group were (20.01±1.96)%, (8.51±1.32)%, (3.24±0.75)% and (3.82±1.92)%, respectively. There were significant differences between the two groups at the effector-target ratios of 40∶1 (t=13.922, P<0.01) and 20∶1 (t=5.403 P<0.05), but not at 10∶1 or 5∶1 (P>0.05). The target cell lysis rates at the effector-target ratios of 40∶1, 20∶1, 10∶1 and 5∶1 in si-CLEC2D group were (43.37±2.01)%, (32.99±2.08)%, (23.47±1.36)% and (11.48±0.37)%, and in the negative control (NC) group were (15.54±1.46)%, (13.84±1.68)%, (9.94±3.01) and (5.50±0.99)%, respectively. Differences between the two groups at all effector-target ratios were statistically significant (t=19.402, 12.400, 7.093 and 9.842, all P<0.01). Moreover, the expression of dNK killing-related factor granzyme B in the siCLEC2D group was higher than that in the NC group. (3) Compared with the normal pregnancy group, the RSA group showed decreased CD161 expression and increased killing capacity of dNK cells, but no significant difference in CLEC2D expression.@*Conclusions@#At early pregnancy, CLEC2D on EVT cells can interact with CD161 on dNK cells, which inhibits the cytotoxicity of dNK cells and induces immune tolerance at the fetal-maternal interface. Decreased expression of CD161 in decidua results in increased cytotoxicity of dNK cells, which may be one of the causes of immune rejection in RSA.

Regulatory effect of CLEC2D-CD161 interaction on killing capacity of decidual natural killer cells / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective To investigate the regulatory effect of CLEC2D-CD161 interaction on killing capacity of decidual natural killer (dNK) cells during early pregnancy and its association with the incidence of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Methods Decidua tissues were collected from normal pregnancies (n=16) and RSA cases (n=6) at 6-10 gestational weeks in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Peking University Third Hospital from October 2018 to May 2019. (1) Expressions of CLEC2D and CD161 in decidua from early pregnancy were detected using immunofluorescence. (2) Primary dNK cells were isolated from decidua from early pregnancy. dNK cells pre-treated with CD161 antibody (blocking CD161, B-CD161) were co-cultured with JEG-3 cells which were knocked-down by CLEC2D small interfering RNA (siCLEC2D), followed by killing capacity assessment of dNK cells by cytotoxicity assay and determination of expressions of related molecules by quantitive real-time polymerase chain reaction. (3) Western blot and flow cytometry were used to detect the expression of CLEC2D and CD161 in decidua tissues. Cytotoxicity assay was performed to analyze the killing capacity of dNK cells. T test was used for statistical analysis between normal and RSA cases. Results (1) CLEC2D was mainly expressed in extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells and CD161 was mainly detected in dNK cells. CD161-positive dNK cells and CLEC2D-positive EVT cells were adjacently located in decidua tissues allowing their interaction. (2) Cytotoxicity assay suggested that CD161 blocking in dNK cells or CLEC2D knockdown in JEG-3 cells could enhance the cytotoxicity of dNK cells. The target cell lysis rates at the effector-target ratios of 40 ∶ 1, 20 ∶ 1, 10 ∶ 1 and 5 ∶ 1 in B-CD161 group were (59.12±4.56)%, (25.96±5.44)%, (13.60±8.94)% and (12.53±8.94)%, and in IgG control group were (20.01±1.96)%, (8.51±1.32)%, (3.24±0.75)% and (3.82±1.92)%, respectively. There were significant differences between the two groups at the effector-target ratios of 40∶1 (t=13.922, P<0.01) and 20∶1 (t=5.403 P<0.05), but not at 10∶1 or 5∶1 (P>0.05). The target cell lysis rates at the effector-target ratios of 40∶1, 20∶1, 10∶1 and 5 ∶ 1 in si-CLEC2D group were (43.37±2.01)%, (32.99±2.08)%, (23.47±1.36)% and (11.48±0.37)%, and in the negative control (NC) group were (15.54±1.46)%, (13.84±1.68)%, (9.94±3.01) and (5.50±0.99)%, respectively. Differences between the two groups at all effector-target ratios were statistically significant (t=19.402, 12.400, 7.093 and 9.842, all P<0.01). Moreover, the expression of dNK killing-related factor granzyme B in the siCLEC2D group was higher than that in the NC group. (3) Compared with the normal pregnancy group, the RSA group showed decreased CD161 expression and increased killing capacity of dNK cells, but no significant difference in CLEC2D expression. Conclusions At early pregnancy, CLEC2D on EVT cells can interact with CD161 on dNK cells, which inhibits the cytotoxicity of dNK cells and induces immune tolerance at the fetal-maternal interface. Decreased expression of CD161 in decidua results in increased cytotoxicity of dNK cells, which may be one of the causes of immune rejection in RSA.

Puncture effect of the intervertebral foramen under the guidance of imaging equipment / 中国内镜杂志

Objective To explore the effect of intervertebral foramen puncture under image equipment guidance. Methods 52 patients with lumbar disc herniation from January 2014 to January 2017 were enrolled in this study. All the patients underwent lumbar posterior lateral approach for endoscopic surgery. Patients were divided into control group and observation group by random number table method, 26 patients in each group. The patients in the observation group were treated with ultrasound volume, and the patients in the control group were treated with C arm X-ray machine. The intraoperative condition, preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS score), Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI score) and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. Results The operation time, the total time of puncture and the number of fluoroscopy were lower in the observation group than that in the control group. The patients in the observation group and the control group were treated before operation, 1 month after operation, 3 months after operation, 6 months after operation and there was no statistically significant difference in VAS score and ODI score between 12 months (P > 0.05). The patients in the observation group and the control group had no significant complication after operation. Although they had pain symptoms, they could be relieved by themselves or by drug treatment. Conclusion Ultrasonic volume navigation can enhance the accuracy of puncture and reduce the puncture time, and there is no significant complication after operation. The safety is better than that of C arm X-ray machine.