Expression and Clinical Significances of HGFA, Matriptase, HAI-1 and HAI-2 in Acute Myeloid Leukemia / 中国实验血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expression and clinical significances of HGFA, Matriptase, HAI-1 and HAI-2 in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The bone marrow samples from 91 AML patients, 41 AML patients in complete remission, and 32 normal controls were collected. Real time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expressions levels of HGFA, Matriptase, HAI-1, HAI-2 . The expressions of these genes were compared among AML untreated group, the complete remission group and the healthy control group. The correlation of their expression with clinical characteristics was analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The level of HGFA in the AML untreated group was higher than that in the healthy control group（P<0.05）, while the HAI-2 mRNA level was lower than that in the healthy control group（P<0.05）. The mRNA levels of HAI-1 and Matriptase were not changed significantly in all groups. The HAI-2 mRNA expression level was significantly lower in the high white blood cell group (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The abnormal activation of HGF/c-Met signaling system in AML may result from the increase of HGFA expression and the decrease of HAI-2 expression of the upstream regulatory factors.</p>

T Helper 1 and T Helper 2 Cytokines Differentially Modulate Expression of Filaggrin and its Processing Proteases in Human Keratinocytes / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by defective skin barrier and imbalance in T helper 1/T helper 2 (Th1/Th2) cytokine expression. Filaggrin (FLG) is the key protein to maintaining skin barrier function. Recent studies indicated that Th1/Th2 cytokines influence FLG expression in keratinocytes. However, the role of Th1/Th2 cytokines on FLG processing is not substantially documented. Our aim was to investigate the impact of Th1/Th2 cytokines on FLG processing.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>HaCaT cells and normal human keratinocytes were cultured in low and high calcium media and stimulated by either interleukin (IL)-4, 13 or interferon-γ (IFN-γ). FLG, its major processing proteases and key protease inhibitor lymphoepithelial Kazal-type-related inhibitor (LEKTI) were measured by both real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Their expression was also evaluated in acute and chronic AD lesions by immunohistochemistry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>IL-4/13 significantly reduced, while IFN-γ significantly up-regulated FLG expression. IL-4/13 significantly increased, whereas IFN-γ significantly decreased the expression of kallikreins 5 and 7, matriptase and channel-activating serine protease 1. On the contrary, IL-4/13 significantly decreased, while IFN-γ increased the expression of LEKTI and caspase-14. Similar trends were observed in AD lesions.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Our results suggested that Th1/Th2 cytokines differentially regulated the expression of major FLG processing enzymes. The imbalance between Th1 and Th2 polarized immune response seems to extend to FLG homeostasis, through the network of FLG processing enzymes.</p>

Skin Barrier Function Is Not Impaired and Kallikrein 7 Gene Polymorphism Is Frequently Observed in Korean X-linked Ichthyosis Patients Diagnosed by Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization and Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization

X-linked ichthyosis (XLI) is a recessively inherited ichthyosis. Skin barrier function of XLI patients reported in Western countries presented minimally abnormal or normal. Here, we evaluated the skin barrier properties and a skin barrier-related gene mutation in 16 Korean XLI patients who were diagnosed by fluorescence in situ hybridization and array comparative genomic hybridization analysis. Skin barrier properties were measured, cytokine expression levels in the stratum corneum (SC) were evaluated with the tape stripped specimen from skin surface, and a genetic test was done on blood. XLI patients showed significantly lower SC hydration, but normal basal trans-epidermal water loss and skin surface pH as compared to a healthy control group. Histopathology of ichthyosis epidermis showed no acanthosis, and levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines in the corneal layer did not differ between control and lesional/non-lesional skin of XLI patients. Among the mutations in filaggrin (FLG), kallikrein 7 (KLK7), and SPINK5 genes, the prevalence of KLK7 gene mutations was significantly higher in XLI patients (50%) than in controls (0%), whereas FLG and SPINK5 prevalence was comparable. Korean XLI patients exhibited unimpaired skin barrier function and frequent association with the KLK7 gene polymorphism, which may differentiate them from Western XLI patients.

Skin Barrier Function Is Not Impaired and Kallikrein 7 Gene Polymorphism Is Frequently Observed in Korean X-linked Ichthyosis Patients Diagnosed by Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization and Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization

X-linked ichthyosis (XLI) is a recessively inherited ichthyosis. Skin barrier function of XLI patients reported in Western countries presented minimally abnormal or normal. Here, we evaluated the skin barrier properties and a skin barrier-related gene mutation in 16 Korean XLI patients who were diagnosed by fluorescence in situ hybridization and array comparative genomic hybridization analysis. Skin barrier properties were measured, cytokine expression levels in the stratum corneum (SC) were evaluated with the tape stripped specimen from skin surface, and a genetic test was done on blood. XLI patients showed significantly lower SC hydration, but normal basal trans-epidermal water loss and skin surface pH as compared to a healthy control group. Histopathology of ichthyosis epidermis showed no acanthosis, and levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines in the corneal layer did not differ between control and lesional/non-lesional skin of XLI patients. Among the mutations in filaggrin (FLG), kallikrein 7 (KLK7), and SPINK5 genes, the prevalence of KLK7 gene mutations was significantly higher in XLI patients (50%) than in controls (0%), whereas FLG and SPINK5 prevalence was comparable. Korean XLI patients exhibited unimpaired skin barrier function and frequent association with the KLK7 gene polymorphism, which may differentiate them from Western XLI patients.

Hidrolisado proteico da semente de cupuaçu como fonte de peptídeos inibidores da enzima conversora da angiotensina I / Hydrolyzed cupuassu seed protein as a source of angiotensin I- converting enzyme inhibitory peptides

Peptídeos com ação inibitória da enzima conversora da angiotensina I (ECA) podem ser obtidos a partir de diversos alimentos e exercer efeito anti-hipertensivo. O cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum S.), fruto nativo da Amazônia, possui sementes comestíveis contendo proteína de reserva similar à do cacau (Theobroma cacao L.), as quais parecem ser fonte de peptídeos inibidores da ECA. Desse modo, o objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar in vitro a ocorrência de peptídeos inibidores da ECA no hidrolisado proteico da semente de cupuaçu obtido por ação da Alcalase. O hidrolisado revelou o desaparecimento de proteínas entre 27 a 180 kDa, incluindo as globulinas, e o surgimento daquelas abaixo de 15 kDa após 2 h de hidrólise, indicando a formação de peptídeos menores. O ensaio de atividade utilizando o substrato Abz-FRK(Dnp)-P-OH revelou que o hidrolisado total promoveu 65% de inibição da ECA e esse pool peptídico foi fracionado em cinco frações (F1-F5) por cromatografia em fase reversa (RP-HPLC). Após a etapa de purificação, o monitoramento da inibição apontou, ao final, duas frações (3.2.8 e 3.4.10) com maior atividade inibitória. Oito peptídeos foram identificados por LC-MS/MS, sendo três deles já conhecidos como inibidores da ECA. Outros cinco novos peptídeos identificados (FLEK, GSGKHVSP, LDNK, MVVDKLF e MEKHS) foram sintetizados e tiveram sua ação inibitória validada por ensaios in vitro. O peptídeo GSGKHVSP apresentou a menor IC50 (3,11 µM) e Ki (0,74 µM), sendo um inibidor tipo misto quanto ao seu mecanismo de inibição revelado pelo gráfico de Lineweaver-Burk. Os resultados permitem concluir que o isolado proteico da semente de cupuaçu pode ser uma fonte para obtenção de peptídeos anti-hipertensivos, a despeito de serem necessárias investigações sobre a resistência desses peptídeos à digestão gastrointestinal e a eficácia da inibição in vivo

Peptides with angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity may be obtained from several foods and cause antihypertensive effect. Cupuassu (Theobroma grandiflorum S.), a native fruit from Amazon, has edible seeds with a storage protein similar to that of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) which seems to have incrypted ACE inhibitor peptides. Thus, the aim of this project was to investigate the in vitro formation of ACE inhibitory peptides in protein hydrolysate from cupuassu seeds using Alcalase enzyme. The hydrolysate revealed the disappearance of proteins between 27 and 181 kDa after 2h hydrolysis, including the globulin, and the increase of those below 15 kDa, indicating the formation of peptides. The ACE inhibitory activity assays using the substrate Abz-FRK(Dnp)P-OH revealed the hydrolysate had 65% ACE inhibition and the pool of peptides was fractionated into five fractions (F1-F5) by reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). After the purification step, two fractions (3.2.8 e 3.4.10) exhibited the highest ACE-inhibitory activity. Eight peptides had been identified by LC-MS/MS and three of them were ACE inhibitors. The other newly identified peptides (FLEK, GSGKHVSP, LDNK, MVVDKLF and MEKHS) were synthesized and in vitro assayed for ACE inhibitory activity. The peptide GSGKHVSP had the lower IC50 (3.11 µM) and Ki (0.74 µM). Lineweaver-Burk plots suggest this peptide is a mixed-type inhibitor according to the inhibition mechanism. The results indicate that protein isolate from cupuassu seeds may be a good protein source of antihypertensive peptides and further investigation is needed in order to evaluate the resistance of these peptides to gastrointestinal digestion and the inhibitory activity in vivo

The association study between Eppin gene polymorphisms and idiopathic male infertility / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the correlation between four tagSNPs of Eppin gene (rs6124715, rs2231829, rs2227290 and rs11594) and the risk of idiopathic male infertility in the Chinese Han population.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 473 confirmed infertile patients (from March 2005 to March 2007) and 198 fertile male controls (March 2005 to February 2009) were selected from two hospitals in Nanjing. All the subjects were Han Chinese and came from Nanjing or its surrounding areas. 5 ml peripheral blood was drawn from each subject with informed consent. Four tagSNPs (rs6124715, rs2231829, rs2227290 and rs11594) in Eppin gene were analyzed by the PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphisms (PCR-RFLP) method. The serum testosterone level was evaluated by radioimmunoassay (RIA).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The genotype frequencies of AA,AC and CC at rs11594 were 76.3% (361/473), 20.1% (95/473) and 3.6% (17/473) respectively in the case group, while the frequencies in the control group were 75.3% (149/198), 24.2% (48/198), 0.5% (1/198) respectively, the differences were statistically significant (χ² = 7.73, P = 0.021), the CC genotype carriers had an increased risk of male infertility (OR = 7.02, 95% CI:0.93-53.19). In the combined genotype analysis, the haplotype CTGA carriers has significantly lower onset risk (OR = 0.18, 95% CI:0.06-0.53). In the two groups, the frequencies and the risk of male infertility were no statistically significant in rs6124715, rs2231829 and rs2227290 genotype.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The Eppin gene polymorphisms were correlated to the susceptibility to idiopathic male infertility. Among them, CC genotype at rs11594 could increase the risk of idiopathic male infertility.</p>

Prokaryotic expression, purification and activity analysis of recombinant human serine protease inhibitor Hespintor Kazal Domain / 生物工程学报

Hespintor is an unknown function protein that was got from hepatoblastoma cell lines HepG2 by suppression subtractive hybridization technique (SSH), sequence analysis showed that the protein is a new member of secretory type of Kazal type serine protease inhibitor (Serpin) family, and has high homology with esophageal cancer related gene 2 (ECRG2). The coding sequence of Hespintor's Kazal domain was subcloned into prokaryotic expression vector pET-40b(+), then transformed into Rosetta (DE3). A recombinant protein about 42 kDa in the form of inclusion body was optimization expressed by inducing with 0.25 mmol/L IPTG, 30 degrees C for 5 h. and its specificity was confirmed via Western blotting. The recombinant protein was purified by metal chelate affinity chromatography (MCAC) and anion-exchange chromatography. The preliminary experimental result showed that the recombinant protein can inhibit trysin hydrolysis activity specifically. The result clearly demonstrated that Hespintor, as a novel member of Serpin, would be valuable in developing anti-tumor agents.

Neutrophil elastase inhibitor on proliferation and apoptosis of U937 cells / 中华血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study and compare the effect of neutrophil elastase inhibitors (GW311616A and sivelestat) on the proliferation and apoptosis of U937 cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Inhibitory effects of GW311616A and sivelestat on the proliferation of U937 cells were assayed by MTT assay. The morphologic changes of U937 cells were detected by transmission electron microscope, and apoptosis was observed by AnnexinV-FITC/PI staining. The changes of cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. The expression of NE in U937 cells was observed by indirect immunofluorescence, the variations of content and activity of NE in U937 cells were measured through ELISA assay and colorimetric method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>MTT showed that both NE inhibitors could inhibit the proliferation of U937 cells in a dose dependent manner. The IC50 of GW311616A and sivelestat were 150 and 214 μmol/L respectively. The inhibition effect of GW311616A was significantly higher than of sivelestat (P<0.01). Typical apoptosis morphological changes of U937 cells was observed through electron microscope. AnnexinV-FITC/PI staining showed that U937 cells could be induced to undergo apoptosis by the two inhibitors, the apoptosis ratio of 150μmol/L GW311616A group (13.60%) was significantly higher than that of 150μmol/L sivelestat group (3.69%)(P<0.01). The result of flow cytometry indicated that the apoptosis ratio of 150 μmol/L GW311616A group was 14.61%, U937 cell cycle was mainly blocked in G2/M phase; meanwhile 150 μmol/L sivelestat group as 4.25% with cell cycle in S phase. The fluorescence intensity of GW311616A group obviously decreased than of sivelestat group. And the two inhibitors could reduce the content and activity of NE in U937 cells, but the effect of GW311616A was significantly higher than of sivelestat (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>GW311616A and sivelestat could inhibit the proliferation and cause apoptosis of U937 cells. Furthermore, GW311616A was more effective and harmful to cells than sivelestat.</p>

Serum proteomic analysis on metastasis-associated proteins of hepatocellular carcinoma / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To screen the serum proteins associated with the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using a comparative proteomic approach.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The serum samples of HCC patients with the same disease background were divided into metastatic (n=20) and non-metastatic (n=20) groups. The proteins extracted from the patients and 20 normal subjects, after depletion of the highly abundant proteins, underwent two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE). Comparative analyses of the 2-DE protein patterns between the 3 groups were conducted using a computerized image analysis system. The proteins with statistically significant differential expression between the metastatic and non-metastatic patients were identified by mass spectrometry. Western blotting was performed to examine the differential expression of the candidate proteins.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Four protein spots were identified by mass spectrometry among the 12 differentially expressed protein spots in the serum samples of HCC patients with intrahepatic metastasis, and confirmed by searching in MASCOT database. Of the 4 proteins, cytokeratin 9 (CK9) was up-regulated by 2 folds, and inter-alpha (globulin) inhibitor H4, complement factor H-related protein 1 precursor (FHR-1), and apolipoprotein E were down-regulated by 2 folds. CK9 was found to be specifically over-expressed in the metastatic group in comparison with the non-metastatic group, as confirmed by Western blotting.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The metastasis of HCC might be correlated to the specific variation of protein expression profiles. The overexpression of CK9 may play a crucial role in HCC metastasis, and can be used as a potential serum marker for predicting HCC metastasis.</p>

Molecular mechanism of epididymal protease inhibitor modulating the liquefaction of human semen / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>AIM</b>To study the molecular mechanism of epididymal protease inhibitor (Eppin) modulating the process of prostate specific antigen (PSA) digesting semenogelin (Sg).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Human Sg cDNA (nucleotides 82-849) and Eppin cDNA (nucleotides 70-723) were generated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and cloned into pET-100D/TOPO. Recombinant Eppin and Sg (rEppin and rSg) were produced by BL21 (DE3). The association of Eppin with Sg was studied by far-western immunoblot and radioautography. In vitro the digestion of rSg by PSA in the presence or absence of rEppin was studied. The effect of anti-Q20E (N-terminal) and C-terminal of Eppin on Eppin-Sg binding was monitored.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Eppin binds Sg on the surface of human spermatozoa with the C-terminal of Eppin (amino acids 75-133). rSg was digested with PSA and many low molecular weight fragments were produced. When rEppin is bound to rSg, then digested by PSA, incomplete digestion and a 15-kDa fragment results. Antibody binding to the N-terminal of rEppin did not affect rSg digestion. Addition of antibodies to the C-terminal of rEppin inhibited the modulating effect of rEppin.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Eppin protects a 15-kDa fragment of rSg from hydrolysis by PSA.</p>

Purification and characterization of biologically active recombinant human Eppin expressed in Escherichia coli / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Eppin (epididymis protease inhibitor) appears to play an important role in primate fertility. However, the function of Eppin and its antibody in men and its relationship with men's infertility are poorly studied. To reveal the significance and possibility of detection of anti-Eppin antibody in clinical infertilty cases, we developed an Escherichia coli expression system for the expression of biologically active human Eppin.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The human Eppin gene was cloned into PET-28a( )+ vector after induction with 0.5 mmol/L isopropy-beta-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG) at 26 degrees C for 4 hours, and the expressed fusion protein His6-Eppin was purified by Ni2+ affinity chromatography. Afterwards, six female 8-week-old Balb/c mice were immunized with purified His6-Eppin for three weeks. Their sera were collected and polyclonal antibodies against His6-Eppin were purified, all of which were further verified by Western-blot and immunofluorescence analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>About 18.33 mg His6-Eppin was obtained from 1-L flask culture. The produced polyclonal antibodies against His6-Eppin recognized the Eppin protein both in human epididymis and in HEK293T cells by over-expression of the recombinant human Eppin.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The purified His6-Eppin protein has biological activity, which might be a candidate for clinical diagnosis of infertility and development of male immuno-contraceptive agents.</p>

Advances in the studies of epididymal protease inhibitor--Eppin / 中华男科学杂志

The epididymal protease inhibitor (Eppin) abounds in human semen and on the surface of human spermatozoa, specifically produced by the testis and epididymis. Recombinant Eppin has effected infertility in the immunized monkey and promises to be an effective vaccine for human immunocontraception. This article reviews the advances in the studies of Eppin gene and protein construction and its molecular mechanism of causing immunologic infertility and regulating PSA hydrolysis of Semenogelin.

Correlation of epididymal protease inhibitor Eppin and Semenogelin on human ejaculated spermatozoa / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the correlation of epididymal protease inhibitor(Eppin) and Semenogelin(Sg) on human ejaculated spermatozoa.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The experimental approaches include: (1) Immunoprecipitation of Eppin with anti-Eppin from semen; (2) Colocalization of Eppin and Sg by immunofluorescence; (3) Immunoprecipitation of rEppin and rSg;(4) Far-Western blotting of rEppin and rSg;(5) Competition of saturated 125I-rSg binding to rEppin with unlabeled Sg, and direct binding of 125I-rSg to rEppin on a blot; (6) Autoradiography of 125I-rSg with rEppin.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Eppin-Sg complex present on the surface of human ejaculated spermatozoa, Cys-239 is the only cystein for rEppin binding rSg. Reduction and carboxymethylation of Cys-239 blocks binding of 125I-rEppin to rSg.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our study demonstrates that Eppin and Sg bind to each other on human ejaculated spermatozoa. A disulfide linkage occurs between Sg and Eppin, indicating the specificity of binding.</p>

Expression of GST-HAI-1 fusion protein and development of monoclonal antibody against human hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor 1 / 生物工程学报

The aim of this study is to develop monoclonal antibody against human hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor 1 (HAI-1) for future study of HAI-1. The cDNA fragments of human hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor 1 (HAI-1) were subcloned to construct GST-HAI-1 fusion protein expression vectors. The vectors were transformed into E. coli and fusion protein expression was induced by IPTG. The GST-HAI-1 fusion proteins were separated on preparative SDS-PAGE and recovered by electroelution, and used to immunize BALB/c mice. Hybridomas producing monoclonal antibodies against human HAI-1 were prepared by cell fusion technique and characterized by ELISA, Western Blot and immunohistochemical staining. One hybridoma cell line, ZMC6, was obtained, which produces specific antibody against the expressed GST-HAI-1 fusion protein. The monoclonal antibody recognizes both the membrane-type and secretory-type HAI-1 proteins of colorectal tissue. The successful development of anti-HAI-1 antibody provides a powerful tool for further investigation on HAI-1's function.

Proteinase inhibitors in Brazilian leguminosae

Serine proteinase inhitors, in the seeds of several Leguminosae from the Pantanal region (West Brazil), were studied using bovine trypsin, a digestive enzyme, Factor XIIa and human plasma Kallikrein, two blood clotting factors. The inhibitors were purified from Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Mr=23,000), Torresea cearensis (Mr = 13,000), Bauhinia pentandra (Mr = 20,000) and Bauhinia bauhinioides (Mr = 20,000). E. contortisiliquum inhibitor inactivates all three enzymes, whereas the T. cearensis inhibitor inactivates trypsin and Factor XSSa, but does nor affect plasma kallikrein; both Bauhinia inhibitors, on the other hand, inactivate trypsin and plasma kallikrein but only the Bpentandra inhibitor affects Factor XIIa. Ki values were calculated between 10 [raised to the power of] -7 and 10 [raised to the power of] -8 M.