GSTM1和GSTP1基因多态性与卵巢癌发生风险的关系

目的 探讨GSTM1和GSTP1基因多态性与卵巢癌发生风险的关系.方法 选择2013年1月至2015年6月在北京大学深圳医院确诊为卵巢癌的手术患者124例为病例组,选取同时期来本院体检的健康女性124例为对照组.于清晨抽取所有研究对象4mL外周静脉血,用于multiplex-PCR和PCR-RFLP检测研究对象的GSTM1和GSTP1基因的多态性,并对结果进行分析.结果 病例组GSTP1基因GG型分布频率为28.2％,与健康对照组相比差异有统计学意义(x2=5.511,P＜0.05),且GSTP1基因GG型可能会增加患卵巢癌的风险(OR=2.259,95％ CI:1.14 ～4.50,P＜0.05),携带GSTP1基因GG型患者患卵巢上皮性癌的比例明显高于卵巢非上皮性癌(x2 =4.017,P＜0.05);而GSTM1各基因型分布与健康对照组相比差异均无统计学意义(均P＞0.05),且与卵巢癌的发生风险无关联.结论 GSTP1基因多态性与卵巢癌的发病风险有关联,其GG型可能会增加卵巢上皮性癌的发病风险;而GSTM1基因则与卵巢癌的发病风险无关.     

代谢酶基因多态性与结直肠癌易感性关系的病例对照研究

目的以自然随访人群为研究对象，研究Ⅰ、Ⅱ相代谢酶基因多态性与结直肠癌（CRC）易感性的关系。方法采用聚合酶链反应（PCR）-限制性片段长度多态性（RFLP）、等位基因特异性PCR（AS-PCR）和多重PCR分析技术，检测140例CRC患者和343名健康对照细胞色素P450氧化酶CYP1A16235T／C、CYP1A2734C／A、CYP2E1—12596／C和-1019C／T各位点多态性，谷胱甘肽转移酶GSTMu（GSTM1）和GSTTheta（GSTT1）缺陷型，以及N-乙酰基转移酶基因NAT1和NAT2各等位基因型分布频率，分析其对CRC易感性的影响。结果等位基因CYP1A16235C、CYP1A2734A、CYP2E1—1259C、CyP2E1—1019T、GSTM1缺陷型、GSTT1缺陷型、NAT1＊10和NAT2Mx（x=1，2，3）的分布频率在病例组依次为31．65％、63．77％、23．02％、32．61％、57．25％、17．39％、26．45％和39．21％，对照组依次为39．85％、66．62％、20．27％、28．61％、55．46％、20．35％、25．22％和39．36％，所有基因型分布均符合Hardy—Weinberg平衡定律。单基因、多基因联合分层分析表明，CYP1A16235CC突变纯合型可显著降低CRC风险（OR=0．79，95％CI=0．63～0．99）；在携带CYP1A2734A等位基因个体，CYP1A16235C等位基因也可显著降低CRC风险（OR=0．53．95％CI：0．34～0．83）；在GSTT1缺陷型个体，GSTM1缺陷型可使机体罹患CRC的风险显著升高（OR=4．41，95％CI=1．21～16．10）。结论CYP1A16235C等位基因、GSTM1和T1缺陷基因型可影响机体对CRC的遗传易感性，前者是CRC的保护因素，后两者可使机体罹患CRC的风险增高。     

Biological monitoring of workers exposed toN,N-dimethylformamide by determination of the urinary metabolites,N-methylformamide andN-acetyl-S-(N-methylcarbamoyl) cysteine

Biological monitoring of workers exposed toN,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) was carried out by determination of the urinary metabolites,N-methylformamide (MF, mainly fromN-hydroxymethylformamide) andN-acetyl-S-(N-methylcarbamoyl)cysteine (AMCC), which were derived from two different routes of metabolism of the solvent. The urinary levels of MF increased rapidly at the start of the work shift, and decreased almost to zero within 24 h after the beginning of the last exposure. The highest level was found between the end of the afternoon shift and bedtime. AMCC levels remained constant over the consecutive work days and increased after the cessation of exposure, with the peak concentration being observed at 16–40 h after the cessation of exposure. AMCC levels at the beginning of the next morning shift were closely correlated with personal exposure levels of DMF in air, although the correlation of MF and DMF in air was highest in the urine at the end of the shift. Hence urinary AMCC represents an index of the average exposure during several preceding work days and may indicate the internal dose. By contrast, MF represents an index of daily exposure.     

谷胱甘肽-S-转移酶M1基因多态与食管癌的Meta分析

目的 对谷胱甘肽-S-转移酶M1(GSTM1)基因多态与食管癌的关联性进行Meta分析。方法 以食管癌组与对照组人群基因型分布的OR值为效应指标,各资料间进行一致性检验,以确定采用固定或随机效应模型进行合并分析。发表偏倚评估用漏斗图法进行。结果 共收集国内外相关资料11篇,积累病例1190例,对照1964名,合并OR值为1.197(95％CI:0.846～1.692)。对其中5篇资料按吸烟与否分层,吸烟组合并OR值为1.523(95％CI:1.099～2.109);不吸烟组合并OR值为0.933(95％CI:0.469～1.692)。结论 GSTM1基因多态与食管癌的易感性无关,但携带GSTM1空白基因型的吸烟者患食管癌的危险性可能会增加。     

高氡地区人群GSTT1基因多态性与肺癌易感关系的初步研究

目的研究高氡暴露地区人群中GSTT1基因多态性与肺癌易感性的关系。方法采用病例-对照研究方法,以多重聚合酶链反应扩增(Multiplex-PCR)技术,对高氡暴露地区53例肺癌患者和72例对照人员进行了代谢酶GSTT1基因多态性检测,并分析了不同人群中该基因多态性与肺癌发病风险的关系。结果GSTT1基因功能型和缺陷型在肺癌组分布频率分别是67.9%、32.1%,在对照组为62.5%、37.5%。GSTT1基因多态性与肺癌发病风险无显著关联,但考虑到氡暴露因素后GSTT1基因缺陷型的肺癌发病风险有所增高[有效剂量≥50 mSv时OR值1.49,95%可信限(CI)0.52~4.20;有效剂量<50 mSv时OR值1.14,95%CI0.20~6.60],年龄在40~59岁人群中GSTT1基因缺陷型的肺癌发病风险增至1.81倍(95%CI0.67~4.86)。同时携带GSTT1缺陷型和GSTM1基因功能型的肺癌发病风险是GSTM1基因功能型和GSTT1基因功能型的1.20倍(95%CI0.36~4.00),同时携带GSTT1基因功能型和GSTM1基因缺陷型的肺癌发病风险是GSTM1基因功能型和GSTT1基因功能型的1.82倍(95%CI0.73~4.58)。结论GSTT1基因多态性在肺癌人群中的分布频率与在对照人群中的分布频率差异无显著性(P>0.05)。GSTT1基因和GSTM1基因联合多态性比单基因多态性对肺癌发病风险增高更明显,但差异无统计学意义。     

Lung cancer and<Emphasis Type="Italic">CYP1A1</Emphasis> or<Emphasis Type="Italic">GSTM1</Emphasis> polymorphisms

Most chemical carcinogens are metabolized and activated in vivo by phase I enzymes including the microsomal cytochromes P450 and epoxide hydroxylases. The carcinogens and their metabolites are detoxified by phase II enzymes that in clude various transferases such as glutathion-S-transferases (GST). Increasing numbers of studies have demonstrated the association of the polymorphisms inGSTM1 (a member of GST) andCYP1A1 genes with the susceptibility to lung cancer. Subsequently, the polymorphisms appear to be important biomarkers that provide information for assessment of exposure and total burden of environmental carcinogens. Therefore, the investigation of the polymorphisms in these genes will provide information not only for the prediction of individual cancer risk but also for the prevention of cancer. In this review, we will summarize the polymorphisms in theGSTM1 andCYP1A1 genes and their relation to lung cancer susceptibility.     

Human volunteer study on the influence of exposure duration and dilution of dermally applied <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) on the urinary elimination of NMP metabolites

Objectives N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) is a versatile solvent used in various industrial processes and applications. Apart from its mildly irritating effects on the eyes, the mucous membranes and the skin, NMP has revealed prenatal toxicity in animal experiments after the oral administration of high doses. The dermal absorption of NMP and the urinary elimination of its main metabolites were investigated within an experimental exposure study. Methods Four male volunteers were exposed to liquid NMP under occlusive conditions on the back of one hand with varying exposure times and solvent concentrations. Urine was collected before, during and after the exposure and analysed for the main NMP metabolites 5-hydroxy-N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (5-HNMP) and 2-hydroxy-N-methylsuccinimide (2-HMSI). Results The urinary concentration of the metabolites upon exposure to undiluted NMP for 2 h increased rapidly with 5-HNMP reaching a maximum at 4–5 h and 2-HMSI after 26–29 h. The application of aqueous NMP solutions resulted in a delay of the peak time for 5-HNMP of approximately 6 h as compared with the undiluted solvent. An average dermal absorption of 5.4±1.5 mg NMP cm⁻² h⁻¹ was calculated for a 2 h exposure to undiluted NMP (6.5±2.0 mg NMP cm⁻² h⁻¹ for a 30 min exposure). Aqueous dilution of NMP to 50% was followed by a decrease of the absorption to 0.9±0.5 mg NMP cm⁻² h⁻¹. NMP metabolite concentrations in the range of the detection limits were found only in isolated urine samples after exposure to 10% NMP in aqueous dilution. Conclusions NMP is rapidly absorbed across the skin and the dermal route may contribute significantly to the uptake of the solvent. Therefore, a biomonitoring of NMP exposed workers is essential for occupational-medical surveillance. Both urinary metabolites reflect the internal dose after a dermal absorption of NMP and thus qualify as suitable biomarkers for NMP exposure.     

No association between polymorphisms of the DNA repair gene<Emphasis Type="Italic">XRCC1</Emphasis> and cervical neoplasm risk

Objectives To investigate the association between genetic polymorphisms ofX-ray repair crosscomplementing group 1 (XRCC1) codons 194, 280, and 399 and cervical neoplasm susceptibility. Methods A community-based nested case-control study was conducted. The study population consisted of women living in Chiayi City, located in southwestern Taiwan, who had received pap smear screening between October, 1999, and December, 2000 (n=32,466). The potential cases were women having lesions greater than cervical intraepithelium neoplasm II (C1N2) reconfirmed by cervical biopsy. The potential controls (case: control=1∶2) were age matched (±2 yrs) and residency matched women who had had normal pap smears. In total, 100 cases (39 C1N2, 12 C1N3, 46 carcinoma in situ (CIS), and 3 invasive cancer) and 196 controls had the information on both questionnaire and data ofXRCC1 polymorphisms. Results The frequency ofArg/Arg, Arg/Gln, andGln/Gln in codon 399 among cases and controls was 54% (54/100), 38% (38/100), and 8% (8/100) and 58% (114/196), 37% (73/196), and 5% (9/196), respectively, which were not significantly different. No associations were also observed betweenXRCC1 codon 194 and 280 genotypes and cervical neoplasm. While dichotomized by age (<40 vs. ≥40 yrs), smoking status (active and passive smokers vs. non-smokers), and disease status (C1N2 and C1N3 vs. CIS and invasive cancer), the results remained insignificant. Conclusions The present findings suggest thatXRRC1 codon 194, 280 and 399 genotypes may not influence cervical neoplasm risk in the Taiwanese population.     

microRNA合成通路基因SNP与头颈鳞癌发病风险的关联研究

目的 探讨microRNA合成通路基因单核苷酸多态性（SNP）与头颈鳞癌发病风险的关联。方法 采用病例对照研究设计,纳入年龄（±5岁）、性别频数匹配的576例头颈鳞癌患者和1 552名健康对照。应用Illumina Infinium BeadChip平台检测microRNA合成通路上DICER1、GEMIN3、PIWIL1的8个潜在功能性SNP位点。通过单因素和多因素logistic回归模型分析不同基因型与头颈鳞癌间的关联。结果 PIWIL1 rs1106042（G>A）的等位基因频率在病例组和对照组中的差异有统计学意义（P=0.011）;在调整年龄、性别、吸烟和饮酒等因素后,携带rs1106042 A等位基因的基因型个体发生头颈鳞癌的风险降低（相加模型：aOR=0.73,95% CI：0.57～0.93, P=0.011）;分层分析显示,rs1106042 A等位基因在年龄≥60岁、女性、非吸烟、非饮酒、口腔癌亚组中具有降低肿瘤发病风险的效应（P<0.05）。结论 PIWIL1基因的潜在功能SNP位点可能与中国人群头颈鳞癌的发病风险相关。     

Inhibitory effect of Erythronium japonicum on the human breast cancer cell metastasis

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESIn this study, the inhibitory effect of Erythronium japonicum extracts on the metastasis of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell line was determined.MATERIALS/METHODSCells were cultured with DMSO or with 50, 75, 100 or 250 µg/ml of Erythronium japonicum methanol or ethanol extract.RESULTSBoth methanol and ethanol extracts significantly inhibited the growth and induced apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Erythronium japonicum extracts inhibited the adhesion of MDA-MB-231 cells. The invasion of breast cancer cells was suppressed by Erythronium japonicum extracts in a dose-dependent manner. The motility and MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities were also inhibited by both methanol and ethanol extracts.CONCLUSIONSOur results collectively indicate that Erythronium japonicum extracts inhibit the growth, adhesion, migration and invasion as well as induce the apoptosis of human breast cancer cells. Clinical application of Erythronium japonicum as a potent chemopreventive agent may be helpful in limiting breast cancer invasion and metastasis.     

N6-cycloalkyl-2-phenyl-3-deaza-8-azaadenines: a new class of A1 adenosine receptor ligands. A comparison with the corresponding adenines and 8-azaadenines

Several 9-benzyl-N6-cycloalkyl-2-phenyladenines, 9-benzyl-N6-cycloalkyl-2-phenyl-8-azaadenines and 4-cycloalkylamino-1-benzyl-6-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazolo[4,5-c]pyridines were prepared and assayed as A1 adenosine receptor ligands. The 1H-1,2,3-triazolo[4,5-c]pyridines were obtained starting from N,N-diethyl-1-benzyl-4-carboxyamido-5-methyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole by lithiation in anhydrous tetrahydrofurane in the presence of benzonitrile. The usual work up afforded the isolation of 1-benzyl-6-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazolo[4,5-c]pyridin-4-one which was treated with phosphorous oxychloride and cycloalkylamines. Some compounds showed high affinity and selectivity and the trend of Ki values corresponds to the series of 9-benzyl-N6-cycloalkyl-2-phenyladenines and 9-benzyl-N6-cycloalkyl-2-phenyl-8-azaadenines, therefore they can be considered bioisosteres. The affinity data permitted us to ascertain the role and the importance of the N3 in the adenine or 8-azaadenine moiety in the receptor binding and to study the dimension of the receptor lipophilic pocket which is filled by the N6 substituent of adenosine derivatives.     

Pathological excretion patterns of urinary proteins in renal cell cancer patients exposed to trichloroethylene

A study was carried out to investigate urinary protein excretion patterns by means of SDS-polyacrylamide-gel-electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) in renal cell cancer patients who had previously been exposed to high levels of trichloroethylene. Thirty-eight out of 41 (93%) renal cell cancer patients investigated had former extensive trichloroethylene exposure, but only 23 out of 50 (46%) renal cell cancer patients without a history of occupational exposure to trichloroethylene revealed urinary protein patterns indicative of toxic effects on the tubular system. One hundred controls without histories of overt renal disease and not occupationally exposed to trichloroethylene were examined in the same way; only 11 (11%) of them displayed protein excretion patterns indicative of damage to the renal tubule. These results are supported by alpha 1-microglobulin excretion data. The following conclusions are drawn: (1) Substantially more cases of tubular damage are found amongst renal cell carcinoma patients having been exposed to substantial levels of trichloroethylene over many years as compared with renal cell carcinoma patients not exposed to trichloroethylene. (2) The results support the view that chronic tubular damage is a precondition for the nephrocarcinogenic effect of trichloroethylene. (3) The findings indicate that urine protein patterns, on the basis of the SDS-PAGE methodology, represent a 'biological effect parameter' for the medical surveillance of persons occupationally exposed to trichloroethylene.     

Alcohol consumption, alcohol dehydrogenase 1C (ADH1C) genotype, and risk of colorectal cancer in the Netherlands Cohort Study on diet and cancer

Within the Netherlands Cohort Study (1986), we examined associations between alcohol consumption, the alcohol dehydrogenase 1C (ADH1C) genotype, and risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). After a follow-up period of 7.3 years, 594 CRC cases with information on genotype and baseline alcohol intake were available for analyses. Adjusted incidence rate ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. In subjects who reported to have consumed equal amounts of total alcohol both 5 years before baseline and at baseline, drinkers of ≥30 g of alcohol per day with the ADH1C*2/*2 genotype were associated—although not statistically significant—with an increased risk of CRC relative to abstainers with the ADH1C*1/*1 genotype (RR: 1.91, 95% CI: 0.68, 5.34). The risk estimate in this exposure group increased slightly when compared with light drinkers of ≥0.5-<5 g/day with the ADH1C*1/*1 genotype (RR: 2.32, 95% CI: 0.80, 6.72). The interaction term however, was not statistically significant (P > .05). In subjects who reported to have consumed equal amounts of total alcohol both 5 years before baseline and at baseline, drinkers of ≥30 g of alcohol per day were associated—although not statistically significant—with an increased risk of CRC relative to abstainers (RR: 1.38, 95% CI: 0.80, 2.38). This risk estimate for high-level drinkers became stronger when compared with light drinkers (RR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.99). As main effect of genotype, we observed that the ADH1C*2/*2 genotype was associated with a 42% increase in risk of CRC when compared with the ADH1C*1/*1 genotype. In conclusion, both genotype and alcohol consumption were associated with an increased risk of CRC. Owing to limited statistical power, we found no apparent evidence for the ADH1C genotype as effect modifier of the relationship between alcohol intake and CRC. Nevertheless, the interaction deserves further investigation in larger genetic epidemiologic studies.     

Review of the association between meat consumption and risk of colorectal cancer

The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is rapidly increasing in developing countries, especially among populations that are adopting Western-style diets. Several, but not all, epidemiological and experimental studies suggest that a high intake of meat, especially red and processed meat, is associated with increased CRC risk. Potential reasons for the association between high red and processed meat intake and CRC risk include the content of the meat (e.g. protein, heme) and compounds generated by the cooking process (e.g. N-nitroso compounds, heterocyclic amines). These factors can affect the large intestine mucosa with genotoxicity and metabolic disturbances. Increased bacterial fermentation (putrefaction) of undigested protein and production of bacterial metabolites derived from amino acids may affect colon epithelial homeostasis and renewal. This correlates with the fact that most colonic cancers are detected in the distal colon and rectum where protein fermentation actively occurs. However, there are still large controversies on the relationship between red meat consumption and CRC risk. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to enhance the current understanding on the association between high red and processed meat intakes with CRC risk. A principal focus of this review will be to discuss the meat-related components, such as proteins in the meat, heme, N-nitroso compounds, and heterocyclic amines, and the effects they have upon the large intestine mucosa and the intestinal gut microbiota.     

Inhibition of PDGFR tyrosine kinase activity by a series of novel N-(3-(4-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazol-2-ylamino)phenyl)amides: a SAR study on the bioisosterism of pyrimidine and imidazole

A series of N-(3-(4-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazol-2-ylamino)phenyl)amides were synthesized and tested for inhibition of PDGFR and FLT3 autophosphorylation. The novel N-(3-(4-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazol-2-ylamino)phenyl)amides, obtained by replacement of the pyrimidine system in Imatinib (1) with an imidazole ring, exhibit potent inhibitory activity on PDGFR, similar to the parent compound (IC(50) (9e)=0.2 microM; IC(50) Imatinib (1)=0.3 microM). Selectivity hereby seems to be conserved, as shown by the lack of activity on FLT3, a closely related class III receptor tyrosine kinase, which is not affected by the parent compound Imatinib.     

Effect of 1,4-dioxanyl substitution on the adrenergic activity of some standard α-adrenoreceptor agents

A preliminary communication reported on the pharmacology of the potent partial α₂-agonist (2-(1,4-benzodioxan-6-ylamino)-2-imidazoline, a 1,4-dioxan derivative of clonidine. Its degree of agonism/antagonism depended upon the peripheral or central α₂-adrenoreceptor system studied. It was of interest to discover whether a similar substitution of the 1,4-dioxan moiety in other standard α-adrenergic agents would similarly produce high affinity compounds of complex pharmacological profile. The same substitution when introduced into guanfacine, fenmetazole and tolazoline resulted in unpredictable changes in profile with a reduction in α-affinity.     

Genetic background of lead and mercury metabolism in a group of medical students in Austria

Background

Information on the impact of genetic predisposition on metal toxicokinetics in the human body is limited. There is increasing evidence that certain genetic polymorphisms modify lead and mercury toxicokinetics. This called for analysis of further candidate genes.

Objectives

Medical students (N=324) were examined in order to detect potential associations between lead exposure and polymorphisms in HFE, VDR, ALAD, and MT genes, as well as between mercury exposure and GSTT1, GSTM1, GSTA1, GSTP1, GCLC, and MT polymorphisms.

Methods

The levels of lead and mercury exposure of students were determined by blood, urine, and hair analyses (ICP-MS, CV-AAS). Genotyping of common polymorphisms was examined by MALDI-TOF MS and the TaqMan methodology. Associations between lead and mercury exposures and genetic background were examined by bivariate analysis, and by categorical regression analysis (CATREG) controlled by metal- and matrix-specific variables.

Results

Lead and mercury levels in urine, blood, and hair indicated low exposures. VDR polymorphism and joint presence of VDR/ALAD polymorphisms were significantly and independently associated with urine lead concentrations (CATREG P<0.05). Polymorphisms in GSTP1-114 and MT4 genes as well as dual gene combinations including GSTP1, GCLC, GSTT1, and GSTM1 polymorphisms were independent variables related to mercury body burdens (CATREG P<0.05). GSTP1-114/GSTT1 and GSTP1-105/GCLC combinations showed synergistic effects on hair mercury levels compared to single-gene variants.

Conclusions

We found evidence that certain genetic backgrounds were associated with lead and mercury metabolism, suggesting gene-environment and gene-gene-environment interactions. The modes of interaction remain to be evaluated.     

d-Aspartic acid supplementation combined with 28 days of heavy resistance training has no effect on body composition,muscle strength,and serum hormones associated with the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis in resistance-trained men

It was hypothesized that d-aspartic acid (D-ASP) supplementation would not increase endogenous testosterone levels or improve muscular performance associated with resistance training. Therefore, body composition, muscle strength, and serum hormone levels associated with the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis were studied after 28 days of resistance training and D-ASP supplementation. Resistance-trained men resistance trained 4 times/wk for 28 days while orally ingesting either 3 g of placebo or 3 g of D-ASP. Data were analyzed with 2 × 2 analysis of variance (P < .05). Before and after resistance training and supplementation, body composition and muscle strength, serum gonadal hormones, and serum D-ASP and d-aspartate oxidase (DDO) were determined. Body composition and muscle strength were significantly increased in both groups in response to resistance training (P < .05) but not different from one another (P > .05). Total and free testosterone, luteinizing hormone, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, and estradiol were unchanged with resistance training and D-ASP supplementation (P > .05). For serum D-ASP and DDO, D-ASP resulted in a slight increase compared with baseline levels (P > .05). For the D-ASP group, the levels of serum DDO were significantly increased compared with placebo (P < .05). The gonadal hormones were unaffected by 28 days of D-ASP supplementation and not associated with the observed increases in muscle strength and mass. Therefore, at the dose provided, D-ASP supplementation is ineffective in up-regulating the activity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis and has no anabolic or ergogenic effects in skeletal muscle.     

Design considerations for liposomal vaccines: influence of formulation parameters on antibody and cell-mediated immune responses to liposome associated antigens

Liposomes (phospholipid bilayer vesicles) are versatile and robust delivery systems for induction of antibody and T lymphocyte responses to associated subunit antigens. In the last 15 years, liposome vaccine technology has matured and now several vaccines containing liposome-based adjuvants have been approved for human use or have reached late stages of clinical evaluation. Given the intensifying interest in liposome-based vaccines, it is important to understand precisely how liposomes interact with the immune system and stimulate immunity. It has become clear that the physicochemical properties of liposomal vaccines - method of antigen attachment, lipid composition, bilayer fluidity, particle charge, and other properties - exert dramatic effects on the resulting immune response. Here, we present a comprehensive review of the physicochemical properties of liposomal vaccines and how they influence immune responses. A discussion of novel and emerging immunomodulators that are suitable for inclusion in liposomal vaccines is also presented. Through a comprehensive analysis of the body of liposomal vaccine literature, we enumerate a series of principles that can guide the rational design of liposomal vaccines to elicit immune responses of a desired magnitude and quality. We also identify major unanswered questions in the field, pointing the direction for future study.