Development of EV71, CA16 and other enterovirus vrial real-time qualitative PCR diagnostic kit / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>A novel multiplex real-time RT-PCR kit was developed to detect EV71, CoxA16 and other human enteroviruses simultaneously with an internal amplification control to avoids false negatives, which used for hand, foot and mouth disease in the clinical diagnosis and epidemiological surveillance.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Design specific primers and probes of EV71, CA16, other intestinal virus and internal amplification control, improve the extraction method of virus nucleic acid. Optimization the detection system of real-time quantitative PCR. Research the products of the accuracy, stability, precision, amplification efficiency and detection of linear range.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The primers and probes had high spicificity. The Viral RNA extraction effect of this Kit is as same as that of QIAamp Viral RNA mini Kit (QIAGEN company), but less reagent cost. The optimal concentrations of primers and probes are 0.2 micromol/L for all the upstream and downstream primers, 0.06 micromol/L for probes of other human enteroviruse, 0.08 micromol/L for probes of EV71 and CA16 respectively. The kit has good stability, accuracy and precision. The amplification efficiencies of EV71, CoxA16 and other human enteroviruses are 106% ,101% and 105% and the detection of linear range is from 10(9) copies/microl-10(2) copies/microl.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The novel multiplex real-time RT-PCR kit for detecting EV71, CoxA16 and other human enteroviruses simultaneously with an internal amplification control has good stability, accuracy, precision and amplification efficiencies. So it has great value in clinical application.</p>

Advances on Golgi glycoprotein 73 and its association with diseases / 浙江大学学报·医学版

Golgi glycoprotein 73(GP73) is a transmembrane glycoprotein residing in the cis-Golgi complex, which is strongly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and secreted into the blood. It has been regarded as a promising serum tumor marker for the detection of HCC with higher sensitivity and specificity than AFP. GP73 is also significantly elevated in kidney cancer, prostate cancer, lung adenocarcinoma, esophageal cancer and seminomas; therefore, it would be helpful for the diagnosis of these diseases. However, the function of GP73 and the regulatory mechanism for its expression are unclear. In this article, the physical-chemical properties, the regulation of its expression, the relation with various cancers and the clinical applications of GP73 are reviewed.

Inhibitory effects of apigenin on the expression of GATA-3 and Th2 cytokines in asthmatic mice / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the inhibitory effects and mechanism of apigenin (APG) on dominant response of Th2 cells in asthma model of mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-two 6-week-old healthy BALB/c mice, SPF grade, were randomly divided into four groups equally, the normal control group (A), the asthma model group (B), and the two APG groups (C and D) consisted of asthma model mice treated respectively with high-dose (20 mg/kg per day) and low-dose (2 mg/kg per day) APG given by dissolving in 1% dimethyl sulphoxide via intraperitoneal injection. The murine asthma model was established by ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and provocation. Twenty-four hours after the last airway provocation, acetylcholine (Ach) was administered via caudalis vein for measuring airway resistance by pulmonary function detector; levels of IL- 4 and IL-13 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and total IgE in serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); total and differential cell counts in BALF were measured by light microscopy; the airway inflammatory infiltration was detected by haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining; and the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (GATA-3) in the lung tissue was determined by Western blot analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>As compared with Group A, the airway hyper-reactivity, airway inflammation, cell count and eosinophil percentage in BALF, levels of total serum IgE and BALF IL-4 and IL-13, and GATA-3 protein expression in the lung tissue were significantly increased in Group B (P < 0.05). As compared with Group B, all the above-mentioned indices in Group C and D were lower, showing respective significant difference (P < 0.05), and significant difference was also shown between the two APG treated groups (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>APG could reduce the airway inflammation and hyper-reactivity by down-regulating the expressions of pulmonary GATA-3 and Th, cytokines, which is a potential drug for asthma therapy.</p>

IQGAP1 is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma and promotes cell proliferation by Akt activation

The scaffold protein IQGAP1 shows elevated levels in several cancer types, but its expression in hepatocellular carcinoma is unknown. We found that 58% of human hepatocellular carcinoma tissue samples had increased IQGAP1 expression compared to adjacent normal tissue. Overexpressing IQGAP1 raised the in vivo tumorigenicity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells, and forced overexpression of IQGAP1 in vitro stimulated cell proliferation. Cell growth was reduced by knockdown or mutation of IQGAP1, or by treatment of cells with a phosphotidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor. To determine the mechanism by which IQGAP1 overexpression affected hepatocellular carcinoma cells, we confirmed its interaction in these cells with mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a serine/threonine kinase that integrates signals about nutrient and energy status with downstream effectors that influence cell division. In addition, we discovered a new interaction involving IQGAP1, mTOR and Akt, which is a downstream target of mTOR. Akt phosphorylation on Ser-473, which is catalyzed by mTOR and required for Akt activation, increased with increasing amounts of IQGAP1, and decreased with IQGAP1 mutation. We hypothesize that IQGAP1 is a scaffold that facilitates mTOR and Akt interaction.

Expression of surface markers on peripheral CD4+CD25high T cells in patients with atopic asthma: role of inhaled corticosteroid / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) mediate immune suppression through cell-cell contact with surface molecules, particularly cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4), glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor family-related protein (GITR), and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), but little is known about the exact role of Tregs in the pathogenesis of asthma. This study sought to characterize the expression of surface markers on peripheral blood mononuclear cells-derived Tregs in patients with atopic asthma and healthy subjects, and to investigate the effect of inhaled corticosteroid on them.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expression of surface molecules on CD4(+)CD25(high) Tregs was detected by flow cytometry. The effect of inhaled corticosteroid on expression of the surface molecules on Tregs was determined in vivo and in vitro. Total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and latex enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Equivalent numbers of peripheral Tregs were found in patients with atopic asthma (stable and acute) and healthy subjects. Tregs preferentially expressed CTLA-4, GITR, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), latency-associated peptide (LAP/TGF-beta1), and forkhead box P3 (FOXP3). Patients with acute asthma had decreased numbers of CD4(+)CD25(high)LAP(+) T cells compared to healthy subjects and stable asthmatics. Inhaled corticosteroid enhanced the percentage of Tregs expressing LAP in vivo and in vitro dose-dependently. Furthermore, the percentages of Tregs expressing LAP were negatively correlated with total serum IgE levels and severity of asthma, but positively correlated with forced expiratory volume in one second percentage of the predicted value in patients with asthma.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The results suggest that membrane-bound TGF-beta1 is a potential candidate for predicting the severity of asthma, and may contribute to the sustained remission of asthma. Strategies targeting Tregs on their surface markers, especially TGF-beta1, are promising for future therapy of asthma.</p>

Increased RhoGDI2 and peroxiredoxin 5 levels in asthmatic murine model of beta2-adrenoceptor desensitization: a proteomics approach / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Beta(2)-adrenoceptor (beta(2)AR) desensitization is a common problem in clinical practice. beta(2)AR desensitization proceeds by at least such three mechanisms as heterologous desensitization, homologous desensitization and a kind of agonist-induced rapid phosphorylation by a variety of serine/threonine kinases. It is not clear whether there are other mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate potential mechanisms of beta(2)AR desensitization.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-four BALB/c (6-8 weeks old) mice were divided into three groups, which is, group A, phosphate buffered saline (PBS)-treated; group B, ovalbumin (OVA)-induced; and group C, salbutamol-treated. Inflammatory cell counts, cytokine concentrations of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), pathological sections, total serum IgE, airway responsiveness, membrane receptor numbers and total amount of beta(2)AR were observed. Asthmatic mouse model and beta(2)AR desensitization asthmatic mouse model were established. Groups B and C were selected for two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) analysis so as to find key protein spots related to beta(2)AR desensitization.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Asthmatic mouse model and beta(2)AR desensitization asthmatic mouse model were verified by inflammatory cell count, cytokine concentration of BALF, serum IgE level, airway hyperreactivity measurement, radioligand receptor binding assay, Western blot analysis, and pathologic examination. Then the two groups (groups B and C) were subjected to 2DE. Two key protein spots associated with beta(2)AR desensitization, Rho GDP-dissociation inhibitor 2 (RhoGDI(2)) and peroxiredoxin 5, were found by comparative proteomics (2DE and mass spectrum analysis).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Oxidative stress and small G protein regulators may play an important role in the process of beta(2)AR desensitization.</p>

Human papillomavirus infection in women with cervical lesion of Huzhou area of Zhejiang province / 浙江大学学报·医学版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in women with cervical lesions in Huzhou area of Zhejiang province.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>720 samples of cervical secretion or exfoliated cells were collected from women with cervical lesion in Huzhou area. Human papillomavirus was detected by suspension array technique.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Positive HPV infection was detected in 25.42% cases (183/720), with 135 cases of single HPV type, 33 of dual HPV types and 15 of multiple HPV types. HPV16 and HPV58 were the most prevalent types in 183 HPV positive cases.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The most prevalent high-risk types of HPV are HPV16 and HPV58 in Huzhou area of Zhejiang province.</p>

Surveillance of viral contamination of invasive medical instruments in dentistry / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the viral contamination of invasive medical instruments in dentistry and to provide health administrative institutions with surveillance data.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sterilized samples were randomly collected from the department of dentistry to detect HBV-DNA, HCV-RNA, HIV-RNA and HBsAg.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the invasive medical instruments that were sterilized with 2% glutaraldehyde, one of the samples was positive for HBV-DNA, and another sample was positive for HBsAg.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Though massive virus contamination of invasive medical instruments in dentistry has been reduced to a low level, the occurrence of contamination still remains.</p>

Inhibition of binding peptides on replication of duck hepatitis B virus / 浙江大学学报·医学版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the inhibitory effect of binding peptides on duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) replication in duck hepatocytes.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Specific binding peptides to duck hepatitis B virus polymerase (DHBVP) were screened by phage display technology (PDT), then were sequenced and synthesized. Binding peptides were added into primary culture of duck hepatocytes infected with DHBV in vitro. DHBV-DNA in the cytoplasm, cell nucleus and medium supernatant was assayed over time.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Seven binding peptides were obtained after 3-round screening by PDT. Duck primary hepatocytes infected by DHBV were treated with above obtained binding peptides. The DHBV-DNA levels in medium supernatant and cytoplasm of duck hepatocytes treated with synthesized peptides (the 3rd and the 6th peptide) were significantly lower than those of control cells (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Specific binding peptides to DHBVP could inhibit the replication of DHBV.</p>

Association of genetic polymorphisms in glutathione S-transferases M1 with hepatitis beta-related hepatocellular carcinoma / 浙江大学学报·医学版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the association of genetic polymorphisms in glutathione S-transferases(GST) M1 with hepatitis beta-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood of HBsAg carriers, including 91 cases of HCC, 58 liver cirrhosis(LC), 63 chronic hepatitis B(CHB), and 134 normal controls. GSTM1 genotypes were detected by multiplex PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The null genotype of GSTM1 was significantly frequent in patients with HCC compared with controls (P<0.05), but there were no significant differences in frequency of GSTM1 null genotype among patients with liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis B and normal controls. Subjects carrying null genotypes of GSTM1 had higher risk of developing HCC compared with those carrying positive genotype (OR=1.81.95% CI=1.05 approximately equals 3.12).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The GSTM1-null genotype may be associated with an increased risk of HCC, but not of CHB and LC.</p>

Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of novel mutated IkappaBalpha inhibits nuclear factor kappaB activation in endothelial cells / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) overactivation, requiring phosphorylation and degradation of its inhibitor IkappaBalpha, is the basis for chronicity of airway inflammation in asthma. Based on our previous plasmid pShuttle-IkappaBalpha, carrying an IkappaBalpha gene from human placenta, we optimized a novel IkappaBalpha mutant (IkappaBalphaM) gene, constructed and characterized its replication-deficient recombinant adenovirus (AdIkappaBalphaM), and tested whether AdIkappaBalphaM-mediated overexpression of IkappaBalphaM could inhibit the NF-kappaB activation in endothelial cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>IkappaBalphaM gene (203 - 1003 bp) encoding 267 amino acids, acquired by site-directed deleting N-terminal phosphorylation sites of serine 32/36, was subcloned into the pShuttle and pGEM-T vectors for further polymerase chain reaction (PCR), restriction digestion, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing and homology analyses. Subsequent to inserting the expression unit of pShuttle-IkappaBalphaM, containing cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter, IkappaBalphaM complementary DNA (cDNA) and polyadenylic acid (PolyA) signals, into the type 5 adenovirus (Ad5) vector, the resultant AdIkappaBalphaM was packaged in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells by cotransfection with lipofectamine. Western blot analysis and electrophoretic mobility shift assay were utilized to detect the AdIkappaBalphaM-mediated overexpression of IkappaBalphaM in HEK293 cells and its suppressive effect on phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced NF-kappaB activation in human umbilical vein endothelial (ECV304) cells, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The relevant nucleotides and deduced amino acids of 801 bp IkappaBalphaM gene were consistent with those of IkappaBalpha gene (GenBank accession number: M69043). The titer of the prepared AdIkappaBalphaM was 4.0 x 10 (12) plaque-forming units (pfu)/L. Moreover, the IkappaBalphaM gene was overexpressed in HEK293 cells, and potently inhibited the PMA-induced NF-kappaB activation in ECV304 cells dose-dependently.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>AdIkappaBalphaM is a novel vector for both efficient transfer and specific overexpression of IkappaBalphaM gene, as well as potent inhibition of NF-kappaB activity, providing a promising strategy for gene therapy of asthma.</p>

Immunomodulatory function of orally administered thymosin alpha1 / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the immunological function of a yeast expression system for thymosin alpha1 (Talpha1).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A constructed Talpha1 yeast expression system was used to investigate the immunological function of orally administered Talpha1. Dried yeast containing three different concentration of Talpha1 was fed to normal Balb/c mice and other Balb/c mice whose immunities were inhibited in advance by cyclophosphamide. Synthesized Talpha1 peptide was used as positive control and dried yeast with empty plasmid was used as negative control. CD4(+) and CD8(+) levels were detected by flow cytometry assay. TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-10 levels were detected by liquid chip.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In normal Balb/c mice or immune inhibition Balb/c mice, CD8(+) levels were significantly increased. Especially in immune inhibition Balb/c mice, CD8(+) levels in synthesized Talpha1 group (18.77%+/-4.72%), small dose group (13.48%+/-6.17%) and large dose group (22.74%+/-1.09%) were significantly higher than that in empty yeast control group (7.49%+/-2.14%).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Orally administered Talpha1 has its certain immunomodulatory function.</p>

Proapoptotic and pronecrosis effect of different truncated hepatitis C virus core proteins / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the roles of different truncated hepatitis C virus (HCV) core proteins (CORE) in the pathogenesis of HCV persistent infection and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to assess intracellular localization in transiently transfected cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seven truncated GFP (green fluorescent protein)-CORE fusion protein expression plasmids were constructed, which contained HCV CORE sequences derived from tumor tissues (BT) and non-tumor tissues (BNT) from one patient infected with HCV. Amino acid (aa) lengths were BT: 1-172 aa, 1-126 aa, 1-58 aa, 59-126 aa, 127-172 aa; BNT: 1-172 aa and C191: 1-172 aa respectively. Subcellular localization of CORE-GFP was analyzed by con-focal laser scanning microscope. Apoptosis and necrosis were quantified by flow cytometry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Different truncated CORE-GFP localized mainly in the cytoplasm, but nuclear staining was also observed. HCV CORE could induce apoptosis and necrosis, and different truncated COREs could induce cell apoptosis and necrosis at different levels. Among the same length 1-172 aa of BT, BNT and C191, the cell apoptosis and necrosis percentage of BT is highest, and C191 is the lowest (BT>BNT>C191). To the different fragment COREs of BT, N-terminal of CORE induced apoptosis and necrosis higher, compared with that of C-terminal (1-172 aa>1-126 aa>1-58 aa>127-172 aa>59-126 aa).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>These results suggest HCV CORE could induce apoptosis and necrosis of cells, which might play an important role in the pathogenesis of HCV persistent infection and HCC and the different CORE domains of different HCV quasi-species might have some difference in their pathogenesis.</p>

DNAzymes in vitro inhibit the expression of hepatitis B virus genes / 浙江大学学报·医学版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the inhibition effects of DNAzymes specific to Hepatitis B Virus(HBV) s gene and e gene on the expressions of Hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg) and Hepatitis B e antigen(HBeAg).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>DNAzymes DrzBS and DrzBC specific to HBV s gene ORF A157UG and e gene ORF A1816UG, respectively, were designed and synthesized. The inhibition effects of DrzBS or DrzBC on the expressions of HBV s and e genes were observed in 2.2.15 cells.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expression of HBV s or e genes was dramatically depressed after 2.2.15 cells treated by DrzBS or DrzBC. The concentration for effective inhibition was within 0.1-2.5 micromol/L and the inhibition showed a dose dependence within that concentration range. The maximum inhibition was 94.2% and 91.8% for DrzBS and DrzBC, respectively. The inhibition was maintained for 72 hours. The efficiency of inhibiting HbsAg, HbeAg in 2.2.15 cells by DrzBS, DrzBC was higher than that by antisense oligonucleotides for the same target genes. The concentrations for effective inhibition of the DNAzymes were at least 10-fold lower compared with antisense oligonucleotides. Neither inhibition on the replication of HBV DNA nor toxicity to 2.2.15 cells was observed.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>DrzBS and DrzBC can highly block the expressions of HBV s gene and e gene in 2.2.15 HBV cell model and are proved a specific and effective anti-HBV gene therapeutic means.</p>

Effect of arsenic trioxide on apoptosis of pulmonary eosinophile in asthmatic guinea-pigs / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect and mechanism of arsenic trioxide (As2O3) on apoptosis of pulmonary eosinophiles (PE) in asthmatic guinea-pigs.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty guinea-pigs were divided into 3 groups at random, the control group, the asthmatic group and the As2O3 group. The dosage of As2O3 used was 2 mg/kg. The apoptotic PE were labelled by TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labelling technique, and the PE infiltration and apoptosis were detected quantitatively using computerized image analysis technique.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the control group, the amount of infiltrating PE was 4.4 +/- 2.5 cells/HP and the PE apoptotic index (AI) was 0.42 +/- 0.08%. In the asthmatic group, the amount increased (P < 0.01) and AI decreased significantly (P < 0.01). After the asthmatic animals had been treated with As2O3, the two parameters changed reversedly significantly (P < 0.01), and there was a significantly negative correlation between them (r = -0.949, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The PE apoptosis abnormality is one of the important mechanisms that cause bronchial asthma, As2O3 could alleviate the airway inflammation through promoting PE apoptosis and lower PE infiltration. Low dose of As2O3 is proved to be effective with relative safety, it also has potential value in treating asthma.</p>