[Preparation and characterization of the epitopes of SARS coronavirus spike protein].

AIM: To prepare the recombinant epitopes of SARS-CoV spike protein and study their antigenic property to spike protein. METHODS: The epitopes of SARS-CoV spike protein were analyzed by epitope prediction software. A novel gene, named Z, encoding 16 predicted epitopes of spike protein was designed and synthesized using chemical method. Z gene was cloned into vector pET-28a(+), expressed in E.coli BL21(DE3) and purified by Ni(2+) affinity method. Z protein was used as antigen to immunize the rabbit and anti-Z sera was collected. Then the antigenic property of Z protein to SARS-CoV spike protein was analyzed by dot-blot and ELISA assay. RESULTS: Z gene was successfully designed and expressed in E.coli BL21(DE3). Dot blot analysis showed that SARS-CoV spike protein, which was expressed and purified from mammal cells, can be detected by anti-Z sera from rabbit. ELISA analysis indicated the SARS-CoV antigen prepared from SARS-CoV lysates can be detected by anti-Z sera. CONCLUSION: The predicted epitopes of Z protein can induce the development of SARS-CoV spike protein antibody in rabbits, which provides a new protein for developing vaccine against SARS-CoV.

[Determination of trace element Cu, Zn, Mg, Cr in serum of women with barrenness and hysteromyoma disease].

Using AAs method, we detected serum Zn, Cu, Mg, Cr in the women with barrenness and hysteromyoma disease. The results showed that the level of serum Cu and Cr of women with hysteromyoma were significantly higher than those in the healthy control group. (P < 0.01), the level of serum Zn of those were significantly lower than those in the control (P < 0.01). In the serum of those with barrenness disease, the level of Zn, Cr is significantly lower than the control group (P < 0.01). It is suggested that trace element Cu, Zn, Cr are interrelated with hysteromyoma disease, Zn, Cr are interrelated with women barrenness disease.