High expression of L-type amino-acid transporter 1 (LAT1) in gastric carcinomas: comparison with non-cancerous lesions

Amino acid transporters are essential for maintenance and proliferation of both normal and transformed cells. In the present study, L-type amino-acid transporter 1 (LAT1) immunoreactive expression was investigated in gastric carcinomas, in comparison with gastric adenomas and non-neoplastic lesions, using our recently developed novel monoclonal antibody. In a total of 87 cases of advanced gastric cancer, high LAT1 expression was observed in carcinoma cells, predominantly at plasma membranes with greater intensity in non-scirrhous than scirrhous carcinomas. Gastric carcinoma cases with lymph node metastasis showed significantly higher LAT1 expression than cases without lymph node metastasis. A positive correlation with Ki-67 LI was observed and the highly expressing non-scirrhous carcinomas showed a significantly poorer prognosis than the low LAT1 group. Cox hazard test revealed that TNM stage and LAT1 expression were independent prognostic factors in non-scirrhous carcinoma group. Further, a significant poor prognosis was confirmed in high LAT1 expression group, when limited to undifferentiated carcinoma cases excluding scirrhous carcinoma. Lower levels were found in adenomas. In conclusion, LAT 1 expression may be linked with cell proliferation and prognosis of gastric carcinomas, and offers a potential target for future anticancer therapy by inhibitors.     

原核表达系统中 HPV16 L1蛋白的表达与纯化

为了建立HPV16L1蛋白原核表达系统系统的纯化方法，纯化目的蛋白，我们构建了pGEX4T-HPV16L1表达质粒。在大肠杆菌BL21表达系统中表达，经过包涵体提取，8M尿素溶解，分级透析除去尿素，亲和层析进行提纯。结果,HPV16L1蛋白在原核表达系统以不溶性包涵体形式存在，通过本病方法可以获得纯化的HPV16L1蛋白，为HPV16L1的应用研究打下了基础。     

脑胶质瘤患者LMO-1和LMO-4基因表达水平的改变及其意义

目的探讨脑胶质瘤患者脑组织中LMO-1和LMO-4基因表达水平的改变及其意义。方法采用实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应（real-time PCR）检测46例脑胶质瘤手术患者脑组织及19例正常脑组织标本中LMO1和LMO4的表达水平,分析LMO1、LMO4与病理分级之间的关系。结果脑胶质瘤患者脑组织中LMO-1表达高于正常对照组（P〈0.05）;LMO1在不同分级的胶质瘤中表达并不相同,在Ⅲ、Ⅳ级中的相对表达量显著高于Ⅰ、Ⅱ级（P〈0.01）;LMO1表达水平与胶质瘤分级正相关,差异具有显著性意义（P〈0.05）。在多形性胶质母细胞瘤患者脑组织中,LMO-4的表达明显高于其它级别胶质瘤和正常对照组（P〈0.05）。结论脑胶质瘤患者肿瘤组织中LMO-1和LMO-4表达增高,可能参与了胶质瘤的发生、发展过程。     

胆囊良恶性病变Skp2和E2F1表达及其临床病理意义

目的研究胆囊腺癌、癌旁组织和慢性胆囊炎组织中Skp2和E2F1表达及其临床病理意义。方法108例胆囊腺癌、46例癌旁组织和35例慢性胆囊炎组织常规制作石蜡包埋切片,Skp2和E2F1染色采用免疫组化SP法。结果胆囊腺癌Skp2和E2F1表达阳性率及其评分明显高于癌旁组织和慢性胆囊炎（P〈0.01）;腺瘤癌变或高分化腺癌、肿块最大径〈2 cm、无淋巴结转移及未侵犯周围组织的病例Skp2和E2F1表达阳性率及其评分明显低于低分化腺癌或黏液腺癌、肿块最大径≥2 cm、淋巴结转移及侵犯周围组织病例（P〈0.05或P〈0.01）;胆囊癌中Skp2和E2F1表达呈密切正相关（r=0.56,P〈0.01）。结论Skp2和E2F1表达可能是反映胆囊癌发生、进展、生物学行为和预后的重要生物学标记物。     

中国92例HIV/AIDS患者HIV-1 gp41 2F5和4E10中和抗体表位变异研究

目的 探讨92例HIV/AIDS患者HIV-1病毒近膜端(membrane proximal external re-gion,MPER)中和抗体2F5和4E10保守表位ELDKWA、NWFDIT氨基酸变异特点,为中国HIV/AIDS患者免疫治疗以及疫苗设计提供数据.方法 Nest-PCR扩增HIV-1 env区gp41段基因,核酸序列测定,翻译为氨基酸与HIV-1 Sequence Database HXB Ⅱ参考株中和抗体表位数据比对,分析2F5、4E10中和表位氨基酸变异情况.结果 92例HIV/AIDS患者HIV-1外膜蛋白env gp41段中和抗体2F5、4E10保守表位氨基酸均存在突变;2F5中和抗体表位主要有E662A(14.1%)、K665S(17.4%)、A667K(16.3%)突变;4E10中和抗体表位主要有N671S(13.0%)、D674S(3.3%)、T676S(16.3%)突变;CRF_B'C亚型与B'亚型的2F5和4E10表位氨基酸突变差异具有统计学意义(P<0-05);CRF_B'C与CRF01_AE亚型2F5表位突变差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);B'亚型缓慢进展者、HIV感染者和AIDS患者的4E10表位氨基酸突变差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论 92例HIV/AIDS患者HIV.1包膜蛋白env gp41段中和抗体2F5、4E10中和表位氨基酸存在突变,且变异多样化;不同亚型中和抗体保守表位氨基酸位点变异有差异;B'亚型4E10中和抗体表位变异可能与疾病进展有一定联系.     

B细胞淋巴瘤中E2F1、BIRC5、PLK1蛋白表达及其临床意义

目的探讨E2F1、BIRC5、PLK1蛋白在B细胞淋巴瘤中的表达及其临床意义。方法收集80例B细胞淋巴瘤及30例反应性增生淋巴组织,用免疫组化SP法检测两组中E2F1、BIRC5、PLK1的表达差异。结果 B细胞淋巴瘤中E2F1、BIRC5、PLK1蛋白表达均明显高于反应性增生组(P<0.05),与临床分期密切相关(P<0.01),与年龄、发生部位无关(P>0.05)。E2F1、PLK1蛋白表达与组织学亚型及恶性程度相关(P<0.05),BIRC5表达与此二者无关(P>0.05)。E2F1在男性患者中的表达高于女性患者(P<0.01),BIRC5、PLK1蛋白在不同性别组中的表达差异无显著性(P>0.05)。经Spearman等级相关分析发现E2F1、BIRC5、PLK1蛋白在B细胞淋巴瘤中的表达均呈正相关(P<0.01)。结论联合检测E2F1、BIRC5、PLK1对B细胞淋巴瘤的诊断、治疗及预后判断具有一定的现实意义。     

Expression of SNCG,MAP2, SDF-1 and CXCR4 in gastric adenocarcinoma and their clinical significance

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to detect the expression of SNCG, MAP2, SDF-1 and CXCR4 in gastric adenocarcinoma, and to evaluate their roles in the carcinogenesis of gastric adenocarcinoma, development, invasion and metastasis as well as their clinical significance. Methods: The expression of SNCG, MAP2, SDF-1 and CXCR4 was detected by SP immunohistochemical method in 225 cases of gastric adenocarcinoma and 105 cases of nonneoplastic adjacent gastric tissue. The expression of SNCG, MAP2, SDF-1 and CXCR4 mRNA was also detected by RT-PCR method in 50 cases of gastric adenocarcinoma and 30 cases of nonneoplastic adjacent gastric tissue. Results: The expression of SNCG, MAP2, SDF-1 and CXCR4 in the gastric adenocarcinoma was remarkably higher than those in the nonneoplastic adjacent gastric tissue (P < 0.01); The positive expression of SNCG and MAP2 was correlated with the depth of tumor invasion and the metastasis of lymph nodes (P < 0.05), and that of SDF-1 and CXCR4 was correlated with the metastasis of lymph nodes (P < 0.05). Conclusions: SNCG, MAP2, SDF-1 and CXCR4 may play an important role in the carcinogenesis, progression, invasion and metastasis of gastric adenocarcinoma. However, it still needs more exploration whether they can serve as promising therapeutic targets of gastric adenocarcinoma.     

Enhanced Expression of Sodium Hydrogen Exchanger (NHE)-1, 2 and 4 in the Cervix of Ovariectomised Rats by Phytoestrogen Genistein

Restoring the pH of cervicovaginal fluid is important for the cervicovaginal health after menopause. Genistein, which is a widely consumed dietary health supplement to overcome the post-menopausal complications could help to restore the cervicovaginal fluid pH. We hypothesized that genistien effect involves changes in expression of NHE-1, 2 and 4 proteins and mRNAs in the cervix. This study investigated effect of genistein on NHE-1, 2 and 4 protein and mRNA expression in the cervix in order to elucidate the mechanisms underlying possible effect of this compound on cervicovaginal fluid pH after menopause. Methods: Ovariectomised adult female rats received 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg/day genistein for seven consecutive days. At the end of the treatment, animals were sacrificed and cervix was harvested. Expression of Nhe-1, 2 and 4 mRNA were analyzed by Real-time PCR while distribution of NHE-1, 2 and 4 protein were observed by immunohistochemistry. Results: Treatment with 50 and 100 mg/kg/day genistein caused marked increase in the levels of expression and distribution of NHE-1, 2 and 4 proteins in the endocervical epithelia. Levels of Nhe-1, 2 and 4 mRNA in the cervix were also increased. Coadministration of ICI 182 780 and genistein reduced the expression levels of NHE-1, 2 and 4 proteins and mRNAs in the cervix. Conclusions: Enhanced expression of NHE-1, 2 and 4 proteins and mRNAs expression in cervix under genistein influence could help to restore the cervicovaginal fluid pH that might help to prevent cervicovaginal complications related to menopause.     

胃癌中SDF-1、CXCR4、MMP-2和MMP-9的表达及意义

目的研究趋化因子SDF-1及其受体CXCR4以及MMP-2和MMP-9在胃癌中的表达,探讨SDF-1对MMP-2和MMP-9表达的影响。方法应用免疫组化EnVision两步法检测109例胃癌组织中SDF-1、CXCR4、MMP-2和MMP-9的表达。结果 (1)SDF-1、CXCR4、MMP-2、MMP-9在胃癌组的表达阳性率分别为88.1%、56.9%、80.7%和83.4%,高于切缘对照组的47.8%、30.4%、43.4%和47.8%,差异有显著性(P<0.05);(2)SDF-1和CXCR4的表达在淋巴结转移组高于无转移组(P<0.05),SDF-1、MMP-9表达程度与淋巴结转移、组织学分级、浆膜侵犯、临床分期指标呈正相关(P<0.05);MMP-2、CXCR4表达程度与淋巴结转移、浆膜侵犯、临床分期呈正相关(P<0.05);(3)SDF-1与其受体CXCR4的表达及与MMP-2、MMP-9均呈正相关(P<0.05)。结论 (1)SDF-1、CXCR4、MMP-2和MMP-9的表达水平与胃癌的发生、侵袭及淋巴结转移密切相关,可作为预测胃癌淋巴结转移及预后的指标;(2)SDF-1/CXCR4轴可通过加强肿瘤细胞MMP-2和MMP-9分泌的途径促进肿瘤的浸润和转移,提示SDF-1可能是药物靶向治疗的重要靶点。     

Expression of p16INK4A in gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs): two different forms exist that independently correlate with poor prognosis

Haller F, Agaimy A, Cameron S, Beyer M, Gunawan B, Happel N, Langer C, Ramadori G, von Heydebreck A & Füzesi L
(2010) Histopathology 56, 305–318 Expression of p16 ^INK4A in gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs): two different forms exist that independently correlate with poor prognosis Aims: To determine the prognostic impact of p16^INK4A expression in gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs), which is currently being questioned, with both loss and overexpression said to be correlated with poor prognosis. Methods and results: Two different forms of p16^INK4A were identified, presenting with predominantly nuclear and cytoplasmic expression pattern, respectively. The immunohistochemical expression of the two forms and their correlation with E2F1 and prognosis were analysed in a series of 120 GISTs with clinical follow‐up. Low nuclear p16^INK4A expression correlated with E2F1 up‐regulation, higher mitotic counts, and tumour progression. The prognostic value of nuclear p16^INK4A expression was only marginally significant (P = 0.05). Strong expression of the cytoplasmic p16^INK4A form was significantly associated with shorter disease‐free survival (P = 2 × 10^?5). The prognostic impact of strong expression of the cytoplasmic p16^INK4A form was independent of anatomical localization, tumour size and mitotic counts, and significant even among the cohort of tumours with high malignant potential. Conclusions: Low expression of the nuclear p16^INK4A form and strong expression of the cytoplasmic p16^INK4A form both represent two independent parameters each associated with tumour progression in GISTs. Low nuclear p16^INK4A expression enables E2F1 up‐regulation and consecutive accelerated cell proliferation. In contrast, strong cytoplasmic p16^INK4A expression probably reflects a negative feedback loop as a result of (as yet unknown) oncogenic events.     

An analysis on the combination expression of HPV L1 capsid protein and p16INK4a in cervical lesions

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in cervix is the most important reason for cervical cancer, but only 2% cervical HPV infection will develop into cervical cancer. So how to identify patients at risk of progressive cervical lesions from those infected with HPV to avoid over treatment is a big issue in clinic. The aims of this study were to detect the expression of HPV L1 capsid protein and p16^INK4a in cervical lesions and to investigate the combination expression of HPV L1 capsid protein and p16^INK4a in cervical lesions and its diagnostic efficiency in clinic. Immunochemical method was used to detect the expression of HPV L1 capsid protein and p16^INK4a in 169 cases of abnormal cytology. Histopathologic test was performed to identify cervical lesions of all the cases. χ² test and spearman's rank correlation were used for statistical analysis. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV), negative predictive values (NPV), accuracy, and the area under the receive operating characteristic (ROC) curve (denoted by A_Z) were calculated with SPSS 13.0. All the statistical tests were two sided at the 5% level of significance. L1 expression decreased (P < 0.001), but p16^INK4a expression increased (P < 0.001) with histopathologic diagnosis increasing. The expression rates of HPV L1 capsid protein, p16^INK4a, and L1(?)/p16(+) in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)2, CIN3, and squamous‐cell carcinoma were statistically different from those in CIN1 (P < 0.001). The expressions of HPV L1 capsid protein, L1(+)/p16(+), L1(+)/p16(?), and L1(?)/p16(?) were negatively correlated with the severity of cervical lesions (P < 0.001), whereas the expressions of p16^INK4a and L1(?)/p16(+) were positively correlated with the severity of cervical lesions (P < 0.001). The specificity and A_Z of combining L1 with p16 ^INK4a were statistically higher than L1 or p16 ^INK4a alone (P < 0.05). L1 and p16^INK4a are useful biomarkers for the early diagnosis of cervical lesions. The combination of L1 and p16^INK4a has a higher diagnostic accuracy than L1 or p16^INK4a alone in diagnosis of cervical lesions. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010;38:573–578. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase 1 (PMCA1) but not PMCA4 is critical for B-cell development and Ca2+ homeostasis in mice

The amplitude and duration of Ca²⁺ signaling is crucial for B-cell development and self-tolerance; however, the mechanisms for terminating Ca²⁺ signals in B cells have not been determined. In lymphocytes, plasma membrane Ca²⁺ ATPase (PMCA) isoforms 1 and 4 (PMCA1 and PMCA4, aka ATP2B1 and ATP2B4) are the main candidates for expelling Ca²⁺ from the cell through the plasma membrane. We report here that Pmca4 (Atp2b4) KO mice had normal B-cell development, while mice with a conditional KO of Pmca1 (Atp2b1) had greatly reduced numbers of B cells, particularly splenic follicular B cells, marginal zone B cells, and peritoneal B-1a cells. Mouse and naïve human B cells showed only PMCA1 expression and no PMCA4 by western blot, in contrast to T cells, which did express PMCA4. Calcium handling was normal in Pmca4^−/− B cells, but Pmca1 KO B cells had elevated basal levels of Ca²⁺, elevated levels in ER stores, and reduced Ca²⁺ clearance. These findings show that the PMCA1 isoform alone is required to ensure normal B-cell Ca²⁺ signaling and development, which may have implications for therapeutic targeting of PMCAs and Ca²⁺ in B cells.     

Human Th1 and Th2 lymphocytes: their role in the pathophysiology of atopy

In human beings, as in mice, two distinct patterns of cytokine secretion have been defined among CD4+ helper T-cell clones. Human type 1 helper (Th1), but not type 2 helper (Th2), cells produce interleukin-2 (IL-2), gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma), and tumor necrosis factor-beta, whereas Th2, but not Th1, cells secrete IL-4 and IL-5, but not IL-2 or IFN-gamma. Other cytokines, such as IL-3, IL-6, GM-CSF, or TNF-alpha, are produced by both Th1 and Th2 cells. Th0 cells, a third Th subset, show combined production of Th1- and Th2-type cytokines. The different cytokine patterns are associated with different functions. In general, Th2 cells provide an excellent helper function for B-cell antibody production, particularly of the IgE class. On the other hand, Th1 cells are responsible for delayed type hypersensitivity reactions and are cytolytic for autologous antigen-presenting cells, including B cells. Most allergen- or helminth-antigen-specific human CD4+ T-cell clones exhibit a Th2 phenotype, whereas most clones specific for bacterial antigens show a Th1 profile. Allergen-specific Th2 cells seem to play a crucial role in atopy. These cells induce IgE production via IL-4 and favor the proliferation, differentiation, and activation of eosinophils via IL-5. In addition, Th2-derived IL-3 and IL-4 are mast-cell growth factors that act in synergy, at least in vitro. Recent evidence indicates that allergen-specific Th2 cells are selectively enriched in tissues affected by allergic inflammation, such as the bronchial mucosa of subjects with allergic asthma.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

不同剂量(+)-2-(1-羟基-4-环己酮)乙基咖啡酸酯对大鼠关节炎模型和全血炎症模型的药效学研究

目的:对(+)-2-(1-羟基-4-环己酮)乙基咖啡酸酯(HOEC)在大鼠关节炎模型上进行药效学评价,并利用大鼠全血花生四烯酸(AA)代谢模型,探究引起HOEC对关节炎的非剂量依赖性治疗作用的可能机理。方法:(1)采用大鼠胶原诱导性关节炎(CIA)模型,研究3个不同剂量的HOEC对CIA的治疗情况,并用免疫组化方法检测关节组织中胞质磷脂酶A_2(cPLA_2)、5-脂氧合酶(5-LOX)和环氧合酶2 (COX-2)的表达水平;(2) ELISA检测HOEC和其体内代谢物咖啡酸对大鼠全血AA代谢模型中代谢产物的作用。结果:(1) HOEC对大鼠CIA有治疗作用,但高剂量(10 mg/kg)组的治疗效果不如低(1 mg/kg)和中剂量(3 kg/kg)组;(2) HOEC对大鼠关节组织中cPLA2、5-LOX和COX-2的表达水平均有抑制作用;(3) HOEC对大鼠全血AA代谢模型中LOX和COX通路的代谢产物均有抑制作用,而咖啡酸对这些代谢产物的抑制作用弱于HOEC。结论:HOEC对大鼠CIA模型的抗炎作用可能与抑制关节组织中cPLA_2、5-LOX和COX-2的表达有关; HOEC对治疗大鼠CIA的非剂量依赖现象可能与其代谢产物咖啡酸对AA代谢产物生成的抑制作用弱于HOEC有关。     

Altered expression of signalling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM) family receptors CS1 (CD319) and 2B4 (CD244) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

CS1 (CRACC, CD319) and 2B4 (CD244), members of the signalling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM) family receptors, regulate various immune functions. Genes encoding SLAM family receptors are located at 1q23, implicated in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this study, we have investigated the expression and alternative splicing of CS1 and 2B4 in immune cells from SLE patients. The surface expression of CS1 and 2B4 on total peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), T, B, natural killer (NK) cells and monocytes in 45 patients with SLE and 30 healthy individuals was analysed by flow cytometry. CS1‐positive B cell population was increased significantly in SLE patients. Because CS1 is a self‐ligand and homophilic interaction of CS1 induces B cell proliferation and autocrine cytokine secretion, this could account for autoreactive B cell proliferation in SLE. The proportion of NK cells and monocytes expressing 2B4 on their surface was significantly lower in patients with SLE compared to healthy controls. Our study demonstrated altered expression of splice variants of CS1 and 2B4 that mediate differential signalling in PBMC from patients with SLE.     

Five-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-4-ribofuranoside attenuates poly (I:C)-induced airway inflammation in a murine model of asthma

BACKGROUND: Asthma can frequently be induced or exacerbated by respiratory viral infections. Oxidative stress might also play an essential role in the pathogenesis of allergic airway diseases, indicating that antioxidant therapy may have a potential effect in controlling allergic airway diseases. Recent studies showed that 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-4-ribofuranoside (AICAR) has the potential ability to modulate NADPH oxidase activity, indicating the antioxidant activity of AICAR. This study investigated the inhibitory effects of AICAR as an anti-inflammatory modulator on allergic airway inflammation in murine animal models. METHODS: The anti-inflammatory effects of AICAR were evaluated in two experimental asthma models: (1) an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced experimental asthma model and (2) an OVA plus polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly (I:C)]-induced experimental asthma model to mimic respiratory viral infections. The inhibitory effects of AICAR in poly (I:C)-mediated signalling for NF-kappaB activation and production of TNF-alpha were analysed in vitro. RESULTS: AICAR was shown to have a marginal inhibitory effect in an OVA-induced asthma model. Interestingly, AICAR significantly attenuated poly (I:C)-induced airway hyperresponsiveness and airway inflammation, as shown by the attenuation of the influx of total inflammatory cells and soluble products into bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, such as macrophages, eosinophils, IL-5, IL-13, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma. AICAR also significantly reduced the serum levels of OVA-specific IgE and IgG2a antibodies. Histologic and flow cytometric studies showed that AICAR inhibited poly (I:C)-induced lung inflammation and the infiltration of CD11b+CD11c+ dendritic cells into the lung. Moreover, AICAR effectively inhibited poly (I:C)-mediated activation of NF-kappaB and the production of TNF-alpha. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that AICAR may be a novel immunomodulator with promising beneficial effects for the treatment of respiratory viral infection in airway allergic diseases.