Coexistence of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg imbalances in patients with allergic asthma

Background  Recent recognition is that Th2 response is insufficient to fully explain the aetiology of asthma. Other CD4⁺ T cells subsets might play a role in asthma. We investigated the relative abundance and activities of Th1, Th2, Th17 and CD4⁺CD25⁺ Treg cells in patients with allergic asthma.

Methods  Twenty-two patients with mild asthma, 17 patients with moderate to severe asthma and 20 healthy donors were enrolled. All patients were allergic to house dust mites. Plasma total IgE, pulmonary function and Asthma Control Questionnaire were assessed. The proportions of peripheral blood Th1, Th2, Th17 and CD4⁺CD25⁺ Treg cells were determined by flow cytometry. The expression of cytokines in plasma and in the culture supernatant of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was determined by enzyme linked, immunosorbent assay.

Results  The frequency of blood Th2 cells and IL-4 levels in plasma and culture supernatant of peripheral blood mononuclear cells were increased in all patients with allergic asthma. The frequency of Th17 cells and the plasma and culture supernatant levels of IL-17 were increased, whereas the frequency of CD4⁺CD25⁺ Treg cells and plasma IL-10 levels were decreased in patients with moderate to severe asthma. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus specific IgE levels were positively correlated with the percentage of blood Th2 cells and plasma IL-4 levels. Forced expiratory volume in the first second was negatively correlated with the frequency of Th17 cells and plasma IL-17 levels, and positively correlated with the frequency of Treg cells. However, mean Asthma Control Questionnaire scores were positively correlated with the frequency of Th17 cells and plasma IL-17 levels, and negatively correlated with the frequency of Treg cells.

Conclusions  Imbalances in Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg were found in patients with allergic asthma. Furthermore, elevated Th17 cell responses, the absence of Tregs and an imbalance in Th17/Treg levels were associated with moderate to severe asthma. 

     

Chemoresistance of CD133+ cancer stem cells in laryngeal carcinoma

Background  Mounting evidence suggests that tumors are histologically heterogeneous and are maintained by a small population of tumor cells termed cancer stem cells. CD133 has been identified as a candidate marker of cancer stem cells in laryngeal carcinoma. This study aimed to analyze the chemoresistance of CD133⁺ cancer stem cells.

Methods  The response of Hep-2 cells to different chemotherapeutic agents was investigated and the expression of CD133 was studied. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis was used to identify CD133, and the CD133⁺ subset of cells was separated and analyzed in colony formation assays, cell invasion assays, chemotherapy resistance studies, and analyzed for the expression of the drug resistance gene ABCG2.

Results  About 1%–2% of Hep-2 cells were CD133⁺ cells, and the CD133⁺ proportion was enriched by chemotherapy. CD133⁺ cancer stem cells exhibited higher potential for clonogenicity and invasion, and were more resistant to chemotherapy. This resistance was correlated with higher expression of ABCG2.

Conclusions  This study suggested that CD133⁺ cancer stem cells are more resistant to chemotherapy. The expression of ABCG2 could be partially responsible for this. Targeting this small population of CD133⁺ cancer stem cells could be a strategy to develop more effective treatments for laryngeal carcinoma.

     

AMP-activated protein kinase acts as a negative regulator of high glucose-induced RANKL expression in human periodontal ligament cells

Background  It is well known that the function of periodontal ligament cells may be affected by high glucose levels. This study investigated the direct effect of high glucose on the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) in human PDL (hPDL) cells. In addition, we examined whether this effect was mediated via AMPK activation.

Methods  We examined the expression of osteoprotegerin in hPDL cells cultured at different concentrations of glucose using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and Western blotting analysis. AMPK phosphorylation in hPDL cells was studied using immunoprecipitate kinase assay and Western blotting. The effect of AMPK activation on RANKL expression in hPDL cells was investigated by real-time PCR and Western blotting.

Results  High glucose levels caused an increase in RANKL mRNA and protein expression in hPDL cells. Moreover, the amount of p-AMPK and AMPK activity was lower in hPDL cells exposed to high glucose levels than in cells exposed to normal glucose levels. Suppression of AMPK by Compound C augmented RANKL expression, and AMPK activation by metformin significantly decreased RANKL expression in hPDL cells. Additionally, metformin down-regulated RANKL expression in hPDL cells exposed to high glucose via AMPK activation.

Conclusion  High glucose-induced up-regulation of RANKL could be due to decreased AMPK activity, and AMPK activation may be involved in regulating of RANKL expression in hPDL cells.

     

Down-regulation of human leukocyte antigens class I on peripheral T lymphocytes and NK cells from subjects in region of high-incidence gastrointestinal tumor

Background  Many types of human tumors can suppress the immune system to enhance their survival. Loss or down-regulation of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) class I on tumors is considered to be a major mechanism of tumor immune escape. Our previous studies found that HLA class I on peripheral-blood mononuclear cells was significantly lower in gastric cancer patients. The present study made an analysis of HLA class I expression on peripheral-blood T lymphocytes and NK cells from subjects of Lijiadian village, a village with high-incidence gastrointestinal tumor.

Methods  A total of 181 villagers from Lijiadian village and 153 normal controls from the Department of Health Examination Center were enrolled in this study. Using a multi-tumor markers detection system, these villagers were divided into two groups: high-risk group (tumor markers positive group) and low-risk group (tumor markers negative group). The percentage of T lymphocytes and NK cells and levels of HLA class I on their surface were determined in these subjects by flow cytometry.

Results  Percentages of T lymphocytes and NK cells in peripheral-blood mononuclear cells did not vary with age. The expression level of HLA class I on peripheral T lymphocytes and NK cells was not affected by age or gender, but was significantly down-regulated in Lijiadian villagers (P <0.05), especially on the surface of NK cells (P <0.01). Compared with the low-risk group, there was a significant reduction of HLA class I on peripheral T lymphocytes (P <0.05) and NK cells (P <0.05) in the high-risk group.

Conclusions  HLA class I on peripheral T lymphocytes and NK cells may be involved in tumorigenesis and development of gastrointestinal tumor, and understanding their changes in expression may provide new insights into the mechanism of tumor immunity.

     

Abnormal expression of CD43 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and its clinical significance

Background  Previous studies indicate that CD43 plays a role in regulating the adhesion of lymphocytes, cell mutation and activation, however, little is known about its effect on systemic lupus erythematousus (SLE). This study was designed to explore the clinical significance of CD43 in SLE patients.

Methods  We used microarray and real-time PCR to detect the mRNA and protein expression of magnetic bead sorted T cells and B cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of SLE patients, and analyzed the relationship between CD43 and the clinical indexes.

Results  Both microarray and real-time PCR results showed that CD43 mRNA was significantly decreased in PBMCs of SLE patients compared with healthy controls (P <0.001). There were no significant differences between lupus nephritis and non-lupus nephritis patients, and neuropsychiatric and non-neuropsychiatric patients. CD43 mRNA expression was significantly reduced in T cells but not in B-cells in SLE patients compared to healthy controls (P <0.01). Compared with healthy controls, the percentage of CD43⁺ cells in the PBMCs of SLE was significantly decreased (P=0.004), and the CD43 fluorescence intensity in CD3⁺/CD43⁺ cells and CD19⁺/CD43⁺ cells was also significantly weaker than in healthy controls (P=0.039 and 0.003). There was no significant difference in the percentage of CD3⁺/CD43⁺ cells, CD19⁺/CD43⁺ cells between the two groups. The CD43 fluorescence intensity in CD3⁺/CD43⁺ cells was inversely correlated with the levels of IgG and IgM (r= –0.8 and –0.6).

Conclusions  Compared to healthy controls, both CD43 mRNA and protein expressions were reduced in T cells from patients with SLE, and were inversely correlated with IgG.

     

In vivo transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells accelerates repair of injured gastric mucosa in rats

Background  Adult stem cells provide a promising alternative for the treatment of injured tissues. We aimed to investigate the effect of in vivo transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) on injured gastric mucosa in rats.

Methods  The gastric ulcer in rats was induced by indomethacin. BMMSCs from male rats, labeled with the fluorescent cell linker 5,6-carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFDA SE), were transplanted into the female rats via tail vein injection. The healing process of gastric ulcers was monitored by HE staining. The protein levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in the injured gastric mucosa were determined by immunohistochemistry. 

Results  At 48 and 72 hours after BMMSCs transplantation, the CFDA SE labeled cells were found scattered in the injured gastric mucosa, but not in the gastric mucosa of control rats. At 72 hours after BMMSCs transplantation, the mean ulcer index was 12.67±2.16 in the BMMSCs transplanted group and 17.33±1.97 in vehicle-treated controls (P <0.01). Both VEGF and EGFR protein expression levels were significantly higher in the gastric section from the rats that received BMMSCs transplantation as compared to rats without BMMSCs transplantation.

Conclusion  Autologous BMMSCs transplantation can accelerate gastric ulcer healing in injured gastric mucosa in a rodent model.

     

The in vitro proliferation and cytokine production of Vα24+Vβ11+ natural killer T cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Background  Activation in vitro of natural killer T (NKT) cells in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) and dendritic cells (DC) may affect the immunoregulatory role of NKT cells. This study was designed to compare the number of NKT cells in patients with SLE to the number in healthy volunteers and measure the cytokines secreted from these NKT cells in vitro.

Methods  Three sets of culture conditions using (i) α-GalCer, (ii) DC, or (iii) both α-GalCer and DC (α-GalCer+DC) were adopted to expand NKT cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of patients with SLE and healthy volunteers. Flow cytometry was used to assess the levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, interferon (IFN)-γ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α produced by the Vα24⁺Vβ11⁺ NKT cells.

Results  After 14 days in culture, the total cell count and percentage of Vα24⁺Vβ11⁺ NKT cells were increased under all conditions but were highest in the α-GalCer+DC group. The level of IL-4 and IL-10 secreted by Vα24⁺Vβ11⁺ NKT cells from patients with active SLE was found to be higher than that of inactive patients and the control group (P <0.05), while the levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α were lower than those found in the inactive and control groups (P <0.05).

Conclusions  Vα24⁺Vβ11⁺ NKT cells showed the greatest expansion in vitro with α-GalCer and DC. Th2-type cytokines from Vα24⁺Vβ11⁺ NKT cells are the predominant type in patients with SLE, while Th1 cytokines predominate in the control group. This evolution of NKT cell function during the progression of the disease may have important implications in understanding the mechanism of SLE and for the development of possible therapies using NKT cell agonists.

     

麻疹的双相移位研究进展

近年新生儿、婴儿、成人麻疹患者逐年增加,临床表现一般仍较典型,成年人麻疹患者全身中毒症状较重。麻疹抗体检测结果阳性是主要的诊断依据。麻疹发病的双相移位的机理可能是,免疫保护力不足,婴儿出生时麻疹抗体力低。孕期母传胎的麻疹抗体减弱,母经乳汁传给婴儿的抗体减弱,成人麻疹抗体水平逐年下降。预防措施是怀孕前给予育龄妇女麻疹疫苗接种,鼓励母乳喂养,麻疹疫苗计划免疫适当提前,在成人追加麻疹疫苗的免疫,加强病毒变异的研究等。     

87株幽门螺旋杆菌VacA等位基因的分析

目的以研究方法LiPA（Line Probe Assay）分析VacA等位基因的表达,了解幽门螺旋杆菌致病机理的理解。方法从三个不同城市87位进行胃镜检查患者的胃粘膜中培养出幽门螺旋杆菌,提取DNA,用LiPA方法分析VacA等位基因。结果（1）87位患者以sic（88．5％）和m2a（63．2％）分布为主,未发现s1b和s2;（2）混合菌株感染率为41．4％,远远高于西方国家,其中上海的混合感染率最高（62．5％）,与北京（41．0％）和南宁（20．8％）相比具有显著性差异,P〈0．01;（3）北京、海、南京三个不同城市s1、m等位基因亚型分布率存在差异;（4）溃疡病和非溃疡病患者m1和m2的分布率没有显著性差异。结论我国幽门螺旋杆菌多重菌株感染率较高,不同的m基因型与消化性溃疡的发生无显著性相关。     

上颌骨牙源性囊肿刮除手术的疗效观察

目的探讨对上颌骨牙源性囊肿患者进行囊肿彻底刮除手术的临床疗效。方法对我科在2010年1月～2017年9月收治的73例上颌骨牙源性囊肿患者行囊肿彻底刮除手术治疗,对患者术区肿胀消退、术后伤口感染、伤口愈合、牙龈再附着、术后复发、骨质改建、骨质修复等情况随访观察。结果 73例患者术后肿胀消退时间为1～4 d。73例患者术后均未发生伤口感染,伤口均一期愈合。所有患者牙龈再附着情况好,术后均未见复发。术后未见并发症。骨质改建效果好,骨质修复的效果因影像学资料过少,缺乏客观依据,暂不下有效结论。结论对上颌骨牙源性囊肿患者进行囊肿彻底刮除手术,术后患者的恢复情况良好,值得在临床治疗上进行推广。     

十二指肠损伤的治疗体会

目的：提高十二指肠损伤的诊治水平，方法：回顾总结该院1999年－2001年间收治的十二指肠损伤7例临床经验。结果：合并其他腹部脏器损伤86％（6／7），单纯十二指肠损伤14％（1／7）。损伤部位以十二指肠降部为多占71％（5／7），水平部和球部各占14％（1／7），术后并发症发生率28％（2／7）、病死率14％（1／7）。结论：掌握十二指肠损伤的特点，早诊断、早手术、术中认真探查，掌握好检查指征，选择合理恰当术式，加强术后管理，可提高治愈率。     

尿液pH值对红细胞检验影响的探讨

[目的 ]通过尿液 pH值对红细胞检验影响的观察 ,更加科学、准确地诊断血尿和血红蛋白尿。[方法 ]采用干化学分析仪检测和尿液显微镜红细胞计数 ,观察 180例正常人尿标本加入正常人血标本后 ,不同 pH值 ,不同时间内 ,观察红细胞溶解情况。 [结果 ]pH <5 .5以下时 ,随着时间的延长 ,红细胞溶解现象明显。 1h后观察有显著性差异 (P <0 .0 5 ) ;2h后有非常显著性差异 (P <0 .0 1)。[结论 ]pH <5 .5时对红细胞计数影响较大 ,易致红细胞发生溶解现象 ,出现假性血红蛋白尿 ,对血尿和血红蛋白尿很难区分 ,给临床诊断造成不便 ,更易引起漏诊和误诊。     

新生儿103例尸检分析

对我院近十年的103树新生儿尸检结果进行死因分析，呼吸系统疾病占61．17％，颅内出血占29．13％。7天内死亡者占90．29％，出生低体重儿占死亡者的76．70％，出生时系难产者占死亡者的60．19％。出生后有窒息者占死亡者的69．90％，临床诊断与病理诊断不符占25．24％。     

27例子宫肌瘤变性临床分析

目的探讨子宫肌瘤的临床特征及诊疗。方法对经病理检查证实为子宫肌瘤变性患者27例的临床资料进行回顾性分析。结果变性的子宫肌瘤与非变性的子宫肌瘤的临床表现极为相似（红色变性除外），其症状与肿瘤生长部位及大小有关。结论变性子宫肌瘤的特殊临床症状，结合超声检查的声像图分析，总结出子宫肌瘤变性的诊断要点及手术方法，提高了子宫肌瘤变性的诊断率和治疗效果。     

浅谈影响放疗摆位精度的相关因素

本文旨以经验交流的方式,阐述影响放疗摆位精度的各种相关因素,以最大努力去消除或减少放疗摆位误差,提高放疗摆位的精度,同时达到与放疗界其他同行的共勉的愿望。     

扩张兔皮肤超微结构的变化

目的：动态观察扩张兔皮肤超微结构的变化。方法：选用2--3kg新西兰大白兔64只，分为2大组，快速扩张组和常规扩张组，每组32只，每大组再分为4组，为扩张完成后即时、1周、12周、24周组。每组8只，其中4只为实验组，另4只植入扩张器不扩张作为对照组。透射电子显微镜观察各组皮肤超微结构的变化。结果：表皮扩张后经历--由扩张刺激引起的创伤至完全修复的过程。扩张后即时真皮中成纤维细胞大量增生，功能由静止转向活跃，胶原纤维碎裂成片，弹力纤维部分断裂，炎症细胞浸润；扩张后1周常规扩张组基底膜连续性基本恢复。显示成纤维细胞合成功能活跃。扩张后12周、24周，成纤维细胞趋于稳定、形态狭长，部分胶原排列紊乱，部分有似癜痕样改变。结论：扩张刺激可致兔皮肤创伤。扩张后真皮不可完全修复。     

腰椎间盘突出症再次手术的原因分析

目的解决腰椎间盘突出症手术中神经压迫。方法对1980～1998年再手术资料进行统计分析,讨论分析再手术原因,再次手术前影像学检查,观察病理变化以确定再手术方法。结果对11例随访6个月～1年,优7例(68．4％),良3例(36．8％),差1例(2．8％)。结论初次手术前详细查体和分析X线片,术中用导尿管和神经剥离探查,尽量避免髓核遗留,手术范围不宜太大,尽量减少对软组织和脊柱结构的破坏,避免形成硬膜囊与神经根粘连而致单纯形疤痕。