DNA Methylation and Transcription of HLA-F and Serum Cytokines Relate to Chinese Medicine Syndrome Classification in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the molecular bases of Chinese medicine (CM) syndrome classification in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients in terms of DNA methylation, transcription and cytokines.@*METHODS@#Genome-wide DNA methylation and 48 serum cytokines were detected in CHB patients (DNA methylation: 15 cases; serum cytokines: 62 cases) with different CM syndromes, including dampness and heat of Gan (Liver) and gallbladder (CHB1, DNA methylation: 5 cases, serum cytokines: 15 cases), Gan stagnation and Pi (Spleen) deficiency (CHB2, DNA methylation: 5 cases, serum cytokines: 15 cases), Gan and Shen (Kidney) yin deficiency (CHB3, DNA methylation: 5 cases, serum cytokines: 16 cases), CHB with hidden symptoms (HS, serum cytokines:16 cases) and healthy controls (DNA methylation: 6 cases). DNA methylation of a critical gene was further validated and its mRNA expression was detected on enlarged samples. Genome-wide DNA methylation was detected using Human Methylation 450K Assay and furthered verified using pyrosequencing. Cytokines and mRNA expression of gene were evaluated using multiplex biometric enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based immunoassay and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), respectively.@*RESULTS@#Totally 28,667 loci, covering 18,403 genes were differently methylated among CHB1, CHB2 and CHB3 (P<0.05 and |Δβ value| > 0.17). Further validation showed that compared with HS, the hg19 CHR6: 29691140 and its closely surrounded 2 CpG loci were demethylated and its mRNA expressions were significantly up-regulated in CHB1 (P<0.05). However, they remained unaltered in CHB2 (P>0.05). Levels of Interleukin (IL)-12 were higher in CHB3 and HS than that in CHB1 and CHB2 groups (P<0.05). Levels of macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α and MIP-1β were higher in CHB3 than other groups and leukemia inhibitory factor level was higher in CHB1 and HS than CHB2 and CHB3 groups (P<0.05). IL-12, MIP-1α and MIP-1β concentrations were positively correlated with human leukocyte antigen F (HLA-F) mRNA expression (R2=0.238, P<0.05; R2=0.224, P<0.05; R=0.447, P<0.01; respectively). Furthermore, combination of HLA-F mRNA and differential cytokines greatly improved the differentiating accuracy among CHB1, CHB2 and HS.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Demethylation of CpG loci in 5' UTR of HLA-F may up-regulate its mRNA expression and HLA-F expression was associated with IL-12, MIP-1α and MIP-1β levels, indicating that HLA-F and the differential cytokines might jointly involve in the classification of CM syndromes in CHB.@*REGISTRATION NO@#ChiCTR-RCS-13004001.

Plasma Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor and CCL3 as Potential Biomarkers for Distinguishing Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma from High-Risk Individuals Who Have Positive Epstein-Barr Virus Capsid Antigen-Specific IgA / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify novel plasma biomarkers for distinguishing nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients from healthy individuals who have positive Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) viral capsid antigen (VCA-IgA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred seventy-four plasma cytokines were analyzed by a Cytokine Array in eight healthy individuals with positive EBV VCA-IgA and eight patients with NPC. Real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and immunohistochemistry were employed to detect the expression levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and CC chemokine ligand 3 (CCL3) in NPC cell lines and tumor tissues. Plasma MIF and CCL3 were measured by ELISA in 138 NPC patients, 127 EBV VCA-IgA negative (VN) and 100 EBV VCA-IgA positive healthy donors (VP). Plasma EBV VCA-IgA was determined by immunoenzymatic techniques. RESULTS: Thirty-four of the 174 cytokines varied significantly between the VP and NPC group. Plasma MIF and CCL3 were significantly elevated in NPC patients compared with VN and VP. Combination of MIF and CCL3 could be used for the differential diagnosis of NPC from VN cohort (area under the curve [AUC], 0.913; sensitivity, 90.00%; specificity, 80.30%), and combination of MIF, CCL3, and VCA-IgA could be used for the differential diagnosis of NPC from VP cohort (AUC, 0.920; sensitivity, 90.00%; specificity, 84.00%), from (VN+VP) cohort (AUC, 0.961; sensitivity, 90.00%; specificity, 92.00%). Overexpressions of MIF and CCL3 were observed in NPC plasma, NPC cell lines and NPC tissues. CONCLUSION: Plasma MIF, CCL3, and VCA-IgA combination significantly improves the diagnostic specificity of NPC in high-risk individuals.

Effects of recombinant fusion protein interleukin-18 on expression of immune-inflammatory factors in mice infected with Staphylococcus aureus / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of recombinant fusion protein interleukin (IL)-18 on the expression of immune-inflammatory factors in the mice infected with Staphylococcus aureus (SA), and to investigate the mechanism of action of IL-18 in defense of SA infection in vivo.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 40 specific pathogen-free female BLAB/c mice were randomly divided into four groups: control, SA infection, immunized, and intervention. A mouse model of SA infection was established by nasal inoculation with SA liquid. The immunized group and the intervention group were intranasally given IL-18 before SA modeling, and then the SA infection group and the intervention group received the nasal inoculation with SA liquid; the control group was treated with phosphate buffered saline instead. The levels of IL-4, interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), IgM in the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of mice were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α mRNA and MIP-2β mRNA in the lung tissue of mice were determined by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the control group, the SA infection group and the immunized group had significantly higher levels of IL-4, G-CSF, and IgM in the serum and BALF and expression of MIP-1α mRNA and MIP-2β mRNA in the lung tissue (P<0.05); the SA infection group had a significantly lower level of IFN-γ and a significantly higher level of TNF in the serum and BALF (P<0.05); the immunized group had a significantly higher level of IFN-γ in the serum and BALF (P<0.05). Compared with the SA infection group, the intervention group had significantly higher levels of IL-4, IFN-γ, G-CSF, and IgM in the serum and BALF and expression of MIP-1α mRNA in the lung tissue. In contrast, the intervention group showed a significantly lower level of TNF in the serum and BALF and expression of MIP-2β mRNA in the lung tissue (P<0.05). All the above indicators in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05), except the serum level of IFN-γ.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>In the mice infected with SA, the recombinant fusion protein IL-18 by mucosal immunity can affect inflammatory factors in the serum and BALF and the expression of MIP-1α mRNA and MIP-2β mRNA in the lung tissue to promote the anti-infective immune response and enhance the ability to clear pathogens.</p>

Serum levels of adiponectin, CCL3/MIP-1α, and CCL5/RANTES discriminate migraine from tension-type headache patients / Níveis séricos de adiponectina, CCL3/MIP-1α, and CCL5/RANTES discriminam pacientes com migrânea e cefaleia do tipo tensional

ABSTRACT Objectives Inflammatory molecules and neurotrophic factors are implicated in pain modulation; however, their role in primary headaches is not yet clear. The aim of this study was to compare the levels of serum biomarkers in migraine and tension-type headache. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. We measured serum levels of adiponectin, chemokines, and neurotrophic factors in patients with migraine and tension-type headache. Depression and anxiety symptoms, headache impact and frequency, and allodynia were recorded. Results We included sixty-eight patients with migraine and forty-eight with tension-type headache. Cutaneous allodynia (p = 0.035), CCL3/MIP-1α (p = 0.041), CCL5/RANTES (p = 0.013), and ADP (p = 0.017) were significantly higher in migraine than in tension-type headache. The differences occurred independently of anxiety and depressive symptoms, frequency and impact of headache, and the presence of pain. Conclusions This study showed higher CCL3/MIP-1α, CCL5/RANTES, and ADP levels in migraine in comparison with tension-type headache. Our findings suggest distinctive roles of these molecules in the pathophysiology of these primary headaches.

RESUMO Objetivos Moléculas inflamatórias e fatores neurotróficos estão implicados na modulação dolorosa, contudo, seu papel nas cefaleias primárias não é claro. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar níveis de biomarcadores séricos na migrânea e cefaleia do tipo tensional. Métodos Este foi um estudo transversal, no qual foram avaliados níveis de adiponectina, quimiocinas e fatores neurotróficos em pacientes com migrânea e cefaleia do tipo tensional. Sintomas depressivos e ansiosos, o impacto e a frequência da cefaleia e alodínea foram registrados. Resultados Foram incluídos 68 pacientes com migrânea e 48 pacientes com cefaleia do tipo tensional. A alodínia cutânea (p = 0.035), CCL3/MIP-1α (p = 0.041), CCL5/RANTES (p = 0.013), e adiponectina (p = 0.017) foram maiores na migrânea, independentemente de sintomas depressivos e ansiosos, frequência e impacto da cefaleia. Conclusões Níveis de CCL3/MIP-1α, CCL5/RANTES e adiponectina foram maiores na migrânea do que na cefaleia do tipo tensional, sugerindo papeis distintos destas moléculas na fisiopatologia destas duas cefaleias primárias.

Macrophage inflammatory protein-1α promotes the growth of acute myeloid leukemia cells / 中国实验血液学杂志

<p><b>UNLABELLED</b>BACKGROWND: Macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-l α/CCL3) belongs to the C-C chemokine family (CCL3), which can be secreted by macrophages, other types of hematopoietic cells and bone marrow stromal cells. Higher levels of MIP-1α were found to be associated with several kinds of hematologic malignancies, including multiple myeloma (MM), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Moreover, MIP-1α has been reported to be an adverse prognostic factor for CLL. However, the impact of MIP-1α on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been poorly investigated.</p><p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the influence of MIP-1α on proliferction of AML cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Using MLL-AF9 induced AML mouse model, the expression of MIP-1α was measured by real time quantitative RT-PCR. AML cell proliferation was examined by cell counting and colony forming assay (CFC). The influence of blocking the MIP-1α action on the growth and pathogenic ability of AML cells was explored by using the small molecule antagonist for interfering interaction of MIP-1α with its receptor CCR1.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The MIP-1α could promote the proliferation and colony formation of AML cells, the blocking MIP-1a could inhibit the growth of AML cells and delay onset of AML.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The MIP-1a promotes the occurence and progression of AML, therefore blocking the MIP-1α signal pathway may be served as a strategy to inhibit the growth of AML cells, and MIP-1α can be a potential target for treatment of AML.</p>

Observation of the inflammatory factors level and the correlation between induced sputum and whole lung lavage fluid for silicosis / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To detect the inflammatory factors of induced sputum (IS) and whole lung lavage fluid in pneumonoconiosis patients and to explore the correlation between the inflammatory factors with pulmonary function.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The records of 45 cases of pneumonoconiosis patients were observed. All patients underwent lung function examination, sputum induction and massive whole lung lavage (WLL) sequentially through advance. IS and whole lung lavage fluid were collected respectively. Inflammatory factors of the two specimens were detected by using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The correlation of inflammatory factors between the two specimens was analyzed. The relationship between the inflammatory factor and lung function index was observed. The statistical analysis is performed with SPSS 17.0 for Windows. P < 0.05 is considered to be statistically significant.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Cytokines (MCP-1, TNF-α MIP-1α, NO(2)(-)/NO(3)(-) and IL-16) were significantly associated between IS and whole lung lavage fluid (P < 0.05), while TNF-α, MCP-1, NO(2)(-)/NO(3)(-) and IL-16 were no significantly associated with lung function index (P > 0.05). MIP-1α was significantly associated with FEV(1.0)/VCmax and MEF(25), respectively (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Inflammatory factors were significantly associated between IS and whole lung lavage fluid, which could indicate early lung injury in pneumonoconiosis patients.</p>

The discriminant analysis of the silicosis's induction on cytokines in phlegm and combined multi-markers / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the changes of cytokines in induced sputum at different stages of silicosis patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 200 workers from one of the Shandong Province gold mine were chosen as object of observation. Among which 40 patients at silicosis stage I and 40 patients at silicosis stage II were divided into silicosis observed object group, silicosis stage I group, silicosis stage II group, and another 80 workers exposed to silica dust without suffering from silicotic Clinical symptoms, however, were chosen as group of dust exposed, and 40 logistical workers without being exposed and history of silicosis's illness were chosen as control group. And ask their basic information by questionnaire. Then, spray-inhalation the induced sputum and apply the ELISA to assess the level of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin (IL), macrophage inflammatory protein-1 (MIP-1α), monocyte chemotactic factor-1 (MCP-1), metalloproteinases (MMP), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) in induced sputum from subjects.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The level of TGF-β [(901.60 ± 30.09) ng/L] in the induced sputumof patients in silicosis stage I group is lower than that in the observed object group [(913.02 ± 20.51) ng/L], and the level of MMP-9 [(212.49 ± 5.97) ng/L], MCP-1 [(129.91 ± 4.30) ng/L] has various degrees of increase than that in control group, observed object group and dust exposed group. All the differences have statistical significances (P < 0.05). The level of TNF-α [(85.76 ± 3.78) ng/L] in the induced sputum of patients in silicosis stage I group reaches the maximum, there are significant differences comparing with that level in the silica dust exposure group and the control group, whose differences are statistically significant (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the level of MMP-2 (427.95 ± 23.64) in the induced sputum of patients in silicosis stage I group has increased, whose differences also have statically significant (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, silica dust exposed group, the observation group of objects, the pneumosilicosis patients of IL-16 in induced sputum IL-16 (21.40 ± 9.24) decreased, the content of PDGF [(5.96 ± 0.51) ng/L], MMP-2 [(447.86 ± 27.10) ng/L], MMP-9 [(223.91 ± 12.28) ng/L], MCP-1 [(122.87 ± 6.08) ng/L] increased, the differences are statistically significant (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>As silicosis biomarkers, TNF-alpha, TGF-beta, IL-16, PDGF, MMP-2, MMP-9 and MCP-1 have certain significance, further suggesting that early detection rate of patients with silicosis can be improved by employing the multiple indexes discriminate equation.</p>

Serum Levels of IL-8 and ICAM-1 as Biomarkers for Progressive Massive Fibrosis in Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis

Coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) is characterized as a chronic inflammation of the lung associated with activation of macrophages and endothelial cells in the lung. The aim of the present study was to compare the levels of serum interleukin-8 (IL-8), macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-alpha), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) as biomarkers for progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) in 106 subjects (27 non-CWP and 79 CWP patients). The levels of serum IL-8 (P<0.001) and ICAM-1 (P=0.001) of subjects with PMF were higher than those of non-CWP subjects. The IL-8 levels of PMF subjects were also higher than those of simple CWP subjects (P=0.003). Among the subjects without PMF, IL-8 levels in the subjects with International Labour Organization (ILO) category II or III were higher than those in the subjects with ILO category 0 (P=0.006) and with category I (P=0.026). These results suggest that high serum levels of IL-8 and ICAM-1, which are important as neutrophil attractants and adhesion molecules, are associated with PMF.

Serum Levels of IL-8 and ICAM-1 as Biomarkers for Progressive Massive Fibrosis in Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis

Coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) is characterized as a chronic inflammation of the lung associated with activation of macrophages and endothelial cells in the lung. The aim of the present study was to compare the levels of serum interleukin-8 (IL-8), macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-alpha), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) as biomarkers for progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) in 106 subjects (27 non-CWP and 79 CWP patients). The levels of serum IL-8 (P<0.001) and ICAM-1 (P=0.001) of subjects with PMF were higher than those of non-CWP subjects. The IL-8 levels of PMF subjects were also higher than those of simple CWP subjects (P=0.003). Among the subjects without PMF, IL-8 levels in the subjects with International Labour Organization (ILO) category II or III were higher than those in the subjects with ILO category 0 (P=0.006) and with category I (P=0.026). These results suggest that high serum levels of IL-8 and ICAM-1, which are important as neutrophil attractants and adhesion molecules, are associated with PMF.

Effect of CCL3 on osteoblast in myeloma bone disease / 中华血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To culture osteoblast in vitro and evaluate CCL3 receptor CCR1 expression in patients with multiple myeloma (MM).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Bone marrow osteoblasts from MM patients were cultured in vitro with dexamethasone, β-sodium glycerophosphate and vitamin C, which were identified by alkaline phosphatase staining, Von Kossa's staining. The CCL3 receptor expression was evaluated by flow cytometry. The morphology and quantity of osteoblast were observed after exposure to CCL3.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Bone marrow osteoblasts from MM patients could be cultured in vitro and be identified by positive staining of alkaline phosphatase and Von Kossa's. MM-derived osteoblasts expressed higher levels of CCR1 (74.48 ± 7.31)%, compared with normal controls (48.35 ± 8.81)%. Calcium deposition of osteoblasts after exposure to CCL3 was less than that of controls.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Bone marrow osteoblasts could be cultured in vitro from MM Patients. CCL3 may contribute to the development of myeloma bone disease.</p>

MIP-1α promotes the migration ability of Jurkat cell through human brain microvascular endothelial cell monolayer / 中国实验血液学杂志

This study was purposed to explore the mechanism of central nervous system (CNS) leukemia resulting from brain metastasis of human acute T-cell leukemia (T-ALL) cells and the role of MIP-1α in migration of Jurkat cells through human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC). The real-time PCR, siRNA test, transendothelial migration test, endothelial permeability assay and cell adhesion assay were used to detect MIP-1α expression, penetration and migration ability as well as adhesion capability respectively. The results showed that the MIP-1α expression in Jurkat cells was higher than that in normal T cells and CCRF-HSB2, CCRF-CEM , SUP-T1 cells. The MIP-1α secreted from Jurkat cells enhanced the ability of Jurkat cells to penetrate through HBMEC, the ability of Jurkat cells treated by MIP-1α siRNA to adhere to HBMEC and to migrate trans endothelial cells decreased. It is concluded that the MIP-1α secreted from Jurkat cells participates in process of penetrating the Jurkat cells through HBMEC monolayer.

The Changes of Pro- and Anti-inflammatory Cytokines in Both Serum and Gastrocnemius Muscle of Mice after 2-hour Postischemic Reperfusion Injury / 체질인류학회지

This study aimed to investigate the inflammatory changes and their main indicators according to the time-period of postischemic reperfusion injury confirmed by analyzing changes of both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the skeletal muscle and serum. By using 12-week-old male ICR strain mice were grouped into sham control and 8 different time-periods of reperfusion groups (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24 hours). Left common iliac artery of each mice in the reperfusion group was devascularized by a vascular clamp for 2 hours. Once anesthesia was applied to the experimental animals, blood serum was obtained from right heart atrium on the difference time-period of reperfusion (0-, 0.5-, 1-, 2-, 4-, 8-hour, respectively). Then, tissue fluid was collected in calf muscles (gastrocnemius muscle) after the mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. By using these serum and tissue fluids, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to analyze both pro-inflammatory cytokines (Eotaxin, IFNgamma, IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-3, IL-5, IL-6, MCP-1, MDC, MIP-1alpha, RANTES, TARC, TCA-3) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10). Consequently, there were significant differences of pro-inflammatory cytokines levels in the skeletal muscle of 0-hour reperfusion group (p<.05) and those in the serum of 0-, 1-, 2-, 4-, 8-, 16-hour reperfusion groups (p<.05). In the serum of 4-hour reperfusion group, the presence of anti-iflammatory cytokines was significant from other groups (p<.05). By the comparison with the control group, furthermore, pro-inflammatory cytokines in the serum of 2-, 4-, 16-hour reperfusion group and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the serum of 4-hour reperfusion group were considerably different (p<.05). To sum up, changes of cytokine levels according to the time-period of reperfusion were considerably different in the serum rather than the tissue fluids from the skeletal muscle. In particular, IL-6 and MCP-1 in the serum showed higher density in 4- and 16-hour reperfusion groups so that they could be considered as the main indicator of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Effect of xiaoai jiedu recipe on gene expression profiles in H22 tumor-bearing mice / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the mechanism of Xiaoai Jiedu Recipe (XJR) for fighting against tumors by detecting tumor gene expression profiles of H22 tumor-bearing mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>H22 tumor-bearing mice were randomly divided into the normal control group, the low dose XJR group, the medium dose XJR group, the high dose XJR group, and the Cisplatin group. The differentially expressed genes of tumor tissues in H22 tumor-bearing mice were detected by using gene chip technique. The antitumor mechanism of XJR associated signaling pathways and gene expressions were found out by pathway analysis. The chemokine signaling pathways were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>XJP could significantly affect multiple signaling pathways associated with tumor growth, apoptosis, and immunity. XJP also could decrease expressions of CCL3 and CXCL2 in the chemokine signaling pathway.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>XJP could inhibit the growth and invasion of tumor cells possibly by affecting expressions of some genes in the chemokine signaling pathway.</p>

The protective mechanism study of fengshiqing recipe against bone destruction in CIA rats / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the protective mechanism of Fengshiqing Recipe (FR) against bone destruction in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Rats were divided into four groups in the experiment,i.e., the blank control group, the model group, the MTX group (MTX, 1 mg/1 000 g), and the FR group (24 g crude FR/kg). The CIA model was prepared except the blank control group. Medication was started in the MTX group and the FR group from the 14th day after modeling to the 56th day. The toe volume was measured on every Tuesday and Friday. Expression levels of serum IL-17, RANKL, MIP-1alpha were detected after 3-and 6-week intervention. The bone scintigraphy with nuclide (SPECT), bone mineral density (BMD), and the pathological section were observed to assess the intervention of drugs of heat clearing blood activating actions in the bone destruction of CIA rats.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>From the 10th day of modeling, the volume of both toes started to swell and reached the peak at about 21 days. It was obviously shrunk at about 30 days. Of them, the swelling degree was milder in the MTX group and the FR group than in the model group. Compared with the model group at the same phase, the levels of IL-17 and RANKL decreased in the MTX group after 3 weeks of intervention (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The IL-17 level decreased in the FR group after three weeks of intervention (P < 0.05). The RANKL level decreased in the MTX group and the FR group after 6 weeks of intervention (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Compared with the model group and the MTX group, the overall BMD and ankle BMD increased in the FR group after 6 weeks of intervention (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The ankle ROI/mandible and the toe ROI/mandible were elevated in the FR group after 3 weeks of intervention (P < 0.05). Pathological results suggested that the joint lacunae was significantly widened, the hyperplasia of the synovial tissue was so severe, and the bone tissue was destroyed in the model group. Compared with the model group, the aforesaid conditions were significantly improved in the MTX group and the FR group. The cartilage structure was complete.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>QR could inhibit decreased BMD, prevent bone destruction, which might be achieved by down-regulating expression levels of IL-17, RANKL, and MIP-1alpha through the osteo immunological Th/RANKL system,inhibiting maturation and differentiation of osteoclasts, thereby, inhibiting bone destruction.</p>

The Cholesterol-Binding Antibiotic Nystatin Induces Expression of Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-1 in Macrophages

Nystatin, a polyene antifungal antibiotic, is a cholesterol sequestering agent. The antifungal agent alters composition of the plasma membrane of eukaryotic cells, whereas its effects on cells are poorly investigated. In the current study, we investigated the question of whether nystatin was able to induce expression of macrophage inflammatory protein-1 (MIP-1). THP-1 cells rarely express MIP-1alpha and MIP-1beta, however, upon exposure to nystatin, significantly elevated expression of MIP-1alpha and MIP-1beta was observed in a dose-dependent fashion at the messenger and protein levels. Cellular factors activated by nystatin as well as involved in nystatin-induced expression of MIP-1 proteins were identified in order to understand the molecular mechanisms of action of the anti-fungal agent. Treatment with nystatin resulted in enhanced phosphorylation of Akt, ERK, p38 MAPK, and JNK. Abrogation or significant attenuation of nystatin-induced expression of MIP-1alpha and MIP-1beta was observed by treatment with Akt inhibitor IV, LY294002, and SP6001250. Inhibition of ERK or p38MAPK using U0126 and SB202190 did not lead to attenuation of MIP-1 expression. In addition, inhibitors of protein kinase C, such as GF109203X and Ro-318220, also attenuated expression of MIP-1. These results indicate that nystatin is able to activate multiple cellular kinases and, among them, Akt and JNK play primary roles in nystatin-induced expression of MIP-1 proteins.

Changes of cell factor in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in rats exposed to silica / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the changes in the levels of inflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in rats exposed to silica dust.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Experimental rats were randomly divided into control group and three experimental groups (doses of dust: 15, 30, and 60 mg/ml), with 42 rats in each group. Each rat in the control group was treated with 1 ml of normal saline by intratracheal instillation, while each rat in the experimental groups was exposed to 1 ml of silica suspension by a single intratracheal instillation. Seven rats in each group were killed at 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after exposure, and then BALF was collected. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the levels of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-16, macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1α), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The levels of cytokines in each experimental group were higher than those in the control group at any time point. In the early stage of exposure (day 1-3), BALF IL-1 level increased significantly with the increase in dust dose, and on day 14, BALF IL-6 and IL-16 levels increased significantly with the increase in dust dose; the levels of IL-1, IL-6, and IL-16 in the experimental groups reached the peak on day 14. There were significant differences in the levels of MIP-1α and MCP-1 between the experimental groups (FMIP-1α = 30.106, P<0.01; FMCP-1 = 17.193, P<0.01). In each group, the level of MCP-1 varied significantly at different time points (F = 0.618, P>0.05). On day 1-14, BALF TNF-α level increased with the increase in dust dose, with a significant dose-response relationship (P < 0.05). In each experimental group, TNF-α level reached the peak on day 14. On days 14, 21, and 28, the high-dose group had significantly higher BALF TGF-β levels than the low-dose group (P<0.05); on days 14 and 28, the high-dose group had significantly higher BALF TGF-β levels than the middle-dose group (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>IL-1, IL-6, IL-16, MIP-1α, MCP-1, and TNF-α play a role in the development and progression of silicosis inflammation. TGF-β may be related to (related to; associated with; correlated with) fibrosis.</p>

Gene Expression Profiles in Genetically Different Mice Infected with Toxoplasma gondii: ALDH1A2, BEX2, EGR2, CCL3 and PLAU

Toxoplasma gondii can modulate host cell gene expression; however, determining gene expression levels in intermediate hosts after T. gondii infection is not known much. We selected 5 genes (ALDH1A2, BEX2, CCL3, EGR2 and PLAU) and compared the mRNA expression levels in the spleen, liver, lung and small intestine of genetically different mice infected with T. gondii. ALDH1A2 mRNA expressions of both mouse strains were markedly increased at day 1-4 postinfection (PI) and then decreased, and its expressions in the spleen and lung were significantly higher in C57BL/6 mice than those of BALB/c mice. BEX2 and CCR3 mRNA expressions of both mouse strains were significantly increased from day 7 PI and peaked at day 15-30 PI (P<0.05), especially high in the spleen liver or small intestine of C57BL/6 mice. EGR2 and PLAU mRNA expressions of both mouse strains were significantly increased after infection, especially high in the spleen and liver. However, their expression patterns were varied depending on the tissue and mouse strain. Taken together, T. gondii-susceptible C57BL/6 mice expressed higher levels of these 5 genes than did T. gondii-resistant BALB/c mice, particularly in the spleen and liver. And ALDH1A2 and PLAU expressions were increased acutely, whereas BEX2, CCL3 and EGR2 expressions were increased lately. Thus, these demonstrate that host genetic factors exert a strong impact on the expression of these 5 genes and their expression patterns were varied depending on the gene or tissue.

Expression of macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha in EPS and its significance / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To detect the mRNA and protein expressions of MIP-1alpha in EPS and determine their significance in the sub-typing of chronic prostatitis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We collected samples of expressed prostatic secretion (EPS) from 50 cases of chronic prostatitis, including 16 cases of chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP), 23 cases of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) (11 CPPS IIIA, 12 CPPS IIIB), and 11 cases of type-IV asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis (AIP). Another 15 healthy volunteers were included as normal controls. The mRNA and protein levels of MIP-1alpha in EPS were determined by RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively, followed by statistical analysis with SPSS 15.0.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mRNA expression of MIP-1alpha was markedly higher in the CPPS IIIA and CPPS IIIB groups than in the others (P<0.05). The protein level of MIP-1alpha was (1174.3 +/- 89.2) pg/ml in CPPS IIIA and (842.3 +/- 76.2) pg/ml in CPPS IIIB, significantly higher than (198.0 +/- 37.8) pg/ml in the control, (347.0 +/- 61.6) pg/ml in CBP and (292.0 +/- 56.4) pg/ml in type-IV AIP (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Determination of mRNA and protein levels of MIP-1alpha in EPS may help the sub-typing and diagnosis of chronic prostatitis.</p>

Measurement of MIP-1alpha and TNF-alpha in seminal plasma and its clinical significance / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe changes in the concentrations of MIP-1alpha and TNF-alpha and their influence on sperm in the seminal plasma of infertile males.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We measured the concentrations of MIP-1alpha and TNF-alpha in the seminal plasma of 110 infertile patients and 30 normal fertile men by ELISA and radioimmunoassay, and compared them with sperm concentration, sperm viability, sperm motility, leukocytospermia and serum anti-sperm antibodies (AsAb).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The infertility group, particularly the oligospermia cases, showed significantly higher concentrations of MIP-1alpha and TNF-alpha in the seminal plasma ([179.45 +/- 24.54] pg/ml and [4.66 +/- 2.01] ng/ml) than the normal fertile men ([89.64 +/- 13.27] pg/ml and [2.90 +/- 1.23] ng/ml) (P < 0.01). In comparison, the concentrations of MIP-1alpha and TNF-alpha were (196.04 +/- 23.54) pg/ml and (5.31 +/- 2.47) ng/ml versus (154.22 +/- 26.38) pg/ml and (3.94 +/- 2.09) ng/ml in the poor and normal sperm viability groups (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), (210.39 +/- 21.43) pg/ml and (5.14 +/- 2.61) ng/ml versus (139.87 +/- 27.62) pg/ml and (4.11 +/- 2.26) ng/ml in the low and normal sperm motility groups (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), (203.14 +/- 24.65) pg/ml and (5.28 +/- 2.66) ng/ml versus (155.76 +/- 21.42) pg/ml and (4.04 +/- 2.24) ng/ml in the leukocytospermia and non-leukocytospermia groups (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), and (234.05 +/- 27.60) pg/ml and (5.63 +/- 2.31) ng/ml versus (124.85 +/- 23.56) pg/ml and (3.69 +/- 2.15) ng/ml in the serum AsAb positive and negative groups (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), most significantly increased in the serum AsAb positive group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The concentrations of MIP-1alpha and TNF-alpha in the seminal plasma are closely related with sperm count and function, and their detection helps to assess the severity of male infertility and improve its clinical treatment.</p>

Role of Protein Kinase C-delta in Atherosclerosis / 대한혈관외과학회지

PURPOSE: Protein kinase C (PKC) has been implicated in a wide variety of cellular processes. Although PKC-delta is implicated in cell growth inhibition, as well as in cell differentiation, apoptosis, and tumor suppression, its role in atherosclerosis remains unclear. This study aimed to identify the mechanism of PKC-delta in the development of atherosclerosis. METHODS: To induce atherosclerosis, we performed allograft transplantations on aortas in mice. At 2, 4, and 6 weeks after transplantation, grafted aortas were obtained to compare the degree of atherosclerosis between wild type and PKC-delta (-/-) aorta. Alloantibody levels in the recipient mice's blood were measured. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to quantitatively measure chemokine and cytokine mRNA expression of the inflammation from the harvested aorta. RESULTS: Atherosclerosis was more severe in the PKC-delta (-/-) aorta than in the wild type aorta. Alloantibody levels were higher in the mice grafted with aorta from the PKC-delta (-/-) mice than in the mice grafted with aorta from the wild type mice. RT-PCR revealed higher expressions of MRP-2, MCP-1, MIP-1alpha, and IL-2 in the mice grafted with aorta from the PKC-delta (-/-) mice than the wild type mice. CONCLUSION: Aorta allograft transplantation is a useful modality for inducing atherosclerosis. PKC-delta may be a negative regulator of atherosclerosis.