A prognostic immune predictor,HLA-DRA,plays diverse roles in non-muscle invasive and muscle invasive bladder cancer

BackgroundThere is an increasing demand for prognostic immune biomarkers of cancer. The prognostic significance of immune markers has been shown for various cancers, but biomarkers of bladder cancer (BCa) have not been fully evaluated. To clarify the role of human leukocyte antigen DR alpha chain (HLA-DRA) in BCa development, we examined expression of HLA-DRA mRNA in tissue samples of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC).Materials and MethodsTissues of 96 NMIBC, 43 MIBC and 59 controls comprising noncancerous BCa surrounding tissues were used to examine the expression of HLA-DRA gene by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The expression of up-stream genes regulating HLA-DRA were also measured to explain the role of HLA-DRA in BCa.ResultsPatients with high grade NMIBC showed higher expression of HLA-DRA than those with low grade NMIBC (P < 0.05). In addition, NMIBC patients who progressed to MIBC showed high expression of HLA-DRA mRNA. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that NMIBC patients with low expression of HLA-DRA had better progression-free survival than those with high expression (P = 0.004). Moreover, the expression of genes regulating HLA-DRA varied in NMIBC and MIBC, indicating a different immunoregulation effect of HLA-DRA in both cancers.ConclusionsHigh expression of HLA-DRA in NMIBC patients has implications for patient stratification strategies, as well as for BCa tumor immunology.     

Amelioration in Hepatic Insulin Sensitivity by Reduced Hepatic Lipid Accumulation at Short-Term After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Background

Previous studies showed that early after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), there is a remarkable improvement in type 2 diabetes, which is characterized by insulin resistance. This study aims to gain insight into the underlying mechanisms of this effect. We determined the acute effects of RYGB on hepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivity.

Methods

A rat model of type 2 diabetes was established using high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin (30 mg/kg, ip). Animals were divided into four groups: diabetic, diabetic RYGB, diabetic RYGB sham, and control rats. Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps with tracer infusion were completed at 2 weeks postoperatively to assess insulin sensitivity. Triglyceride concentration in liver and muscle tissues was determined. Protein kinase C (PKC) membrane translocation, protein expression of phospho-c-Jun NH₂-terminal kinase (JNK), and phospho-IκB kinase β (IKKβ) were assessed with western blot. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in the liver were also measured.

Results

RYGB surgery significantly improved hepatic insulin sensitivity index and decreased hepatic triglyceride concentration (P?<?0.05), without an improvement in peripheral insulin sensitivity. Membrane translocation of PKC-ε, PKC-δ, and PKC-θ; the ratio of MDA to SOD; and the expression of p-JNK and p-IKKβ in the liver were lower in the diabetic RYGB group than in the diabetic group.

Conclusions

Diabetes remission was induced at short term after RYGB. The improvement of hepatic tissue lipotoxicity decreased the activation of certain PKC isoforms, the activity of JNK and IKK inflammatory signaling pathways, and the degree of oxidative stress. Furthermore, the hepatic insulin sensitivity was ameliorated, which is possibly a mechanism for early diabetes remission.     

单倍体异基因淋巴细胞输注在小鼠移植物抗宿主病和移植物抗肿瘤效应中的意义

目的建立小鼠免疫耐受模型,探讨单倍体异基因淋巴细胞输注在小鼠移植物抗宿主病（GVHD）和移植物抗肿瘤（GVT）效应中的意义。方法64只BALB／C雌性小鼠按随机数字表法分为4组,每组16只。对照组：实验第4天接种肿瘤细胞（小鼠大肠癌CT26细胞株配制成1×10^7／mL的瘤细胞悬液,接种到雌性小鼠右腋皮下）后不予任何特殊处理;化疗组：实验第4天接种肿瘤细胞,第7天开始化疗;供体淋巴细胞输注（DLI）组：实验开始时进行预处理,第4天接种肿瘤细胞,第13、15、17天输注单倍体异基因淋巴细胞（雄性BALB／C小鼠制备的脾淋巴细胞）;化疗＋DLI组：实验开始时进行预处理,第4天接种肿瘤细胞,第7天开始化疗,第13、15、17天输注单倍体异基因淋巴细胞。预处理方案为输注单倍体异基因淋巴细胞＋环磷酰胺＋输注单倍体异基因淋巴细胞。化疗方案为小鼠接种肿瘤细胞后第3天给予环磷酰胺腹腔化疗。每日观察各组小鼠临床GVHD的指标,并给予临床评分。观察荷瘤鼠肿瘤生长情况,计算接种成功后首日到小鼠死亡的时间和肿瘤质量,计算抑瘤率。应用流式细胞仪检测各组小鼠外周静脉血中T细胞数量,接种后15d各组处死3只小鼠取瘤体制作成观察切片,HE染色后光镜观察。多组比较采用方差分析,组间比较采用LSD—t检验。结果化疗＋DLI组的小鼠GVHD临床表现轻于其他组小鼠。对照组、化疗组、DLI组、化疗＋DLI组GVHD评分分别为（2．3±0．6）分、（1．5±1．1）分、（6．7±0．9）分、（3．4±0．5）分,4组比较,差异有统计学意义（F=148．68,P〈0．05）。4组小鼠全部接种CT26细胞成功。对照组、化疗组、DLI组、化疗＋DLI组小鼠肿瘤质量分别为（3．40±0．20）g、（0．80±0．10）g、（2．20±0．20）g、（0．50±0．30）g,4组比较,差异有统计学意义（F=149．17,P〈0．05）;4组小鼠抑瘤率分别为0、77％±9％、35％±3％、85％±44％;4组小鼠CD3’分别为52．3％±2．9％、44．8％±3．1％、62．9％±3．5％、65．9％±3．3％,4组比较,差异有统计学意义（F：28．04,P〈0．05）;4组小鼠CD3＋CD4＋分别为32．1％±2．6％、27．1％±1．1％、42．6％±1．8％、41．7％±2．4％,4组比较,差异有统计学意义（F=40．29,P〈0．05）;4组小鼠CD3＋CD8＋分别为22．7％±2．2％、20．7％±1．8％、26．7％±0．8％、26．1％±0．7％,4组比较,差异有统计学意义（F=10．74,P〈0．05）;4组小鼠CD3＋CD＋CD25＋分别为8．7％±0．6％、6．6％±0．6％、11．2％±0．4％、13．3％±0．7％,4组比较,差异有统计学意义（F=82．88,P〈0．05）。4组小鼠的肿瘤组织均有不同程度的坏死、出血,其中DLI组和化疗＋DLI组肿瘤组织大片坏死,瘤细胞变小,间质内有大量炎性细胞浸润,化疗＋DLI组还可见大量增生的淋巴滤泡。对照组、化疗组、DLI组、化疗＋DLI组小鼠生存时间分别为（16．8±2．5）d、（26．3±2．9）d、（23．4±2．5）d、（33．7±4．6）d,4组比较,差异有统计学意义（F=46．45,P〈0．05）。结论（1）预处理方案可以诱导小鼠的特异性免疫耐受。（2）单倍体异基因淋巴细胞输注与化疗具有协同作用,联合应用可以抑制小鼠皮下移植瘤瘤体的生长以及延长小鼠的生存时间。（3）化疗可降低供体淋巴细胞输注后诱发的GVHD效应并且提高了GVT效果。（4）CD3＋CIN＋CD25＋T淋巴细胞在降低GVHD反应中起着重要的作用。     

Mechanosensitivity of voltage-gated K+ currents in rat trigeminal ganglion neurons

We investigated the mechanosensitivity of voltage-gated K+ channel (VGPC) currents by using whole-cell patch clamp recording in rat trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons. On the basis of biophysical and pharmacological properties, two types of VGPC currents were isolated. One was transient (I(K,A)), the other sustained (I(K,V)). Hypotonic stimulation (200 mOsm) markedly increased both I(K,A) and I(K,V) without affecting their activation and inactivation kinetics. Gadolinium, a well-known blocker of mechanosensitive channels, failed to block the enhancement of I(K,A) and I(K,V) induced by hypotonic stimulation. During hypotonic stimulation, cytochalasin D, an actin-based cytoskeletal disruptor, further increased I(K,A) and I(K,V), whereas phalloidin, an actin-based cytoskeletal stabilizer, reduced I(K,A) and I(K,V). Confocal imaging with Texas red-phalloidin showed that actin-based cytoskeleton was disrupted by hypotonic stimulation, which was similar to the effect of cytochalasin D. Our results suggest that both I(K,A) and I(K,V) are mechanosensitive and that actin-based cytoskeleton is likely to regulate the mechanosensitivity of VGPC currents in TG neurons.     

Estrogen induces neurite outgrowth via Rho family GTPases in neuroblastoma cells

Estrogen (E2) has direct in vivo and in vitro effects, such as inducing neurite outgrowth, on neurons. We investigated the morphological changes and intracellular signaling pathway induced by E2 in neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells. The effect of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) or progesterone (P4) on the E2-induced neurite outgrowth was also examined using SH-SY5Y cells. Neurite outgrowth was induced by E2 in association with the phosphorylation of Akt, and these effects of E2 were abolished by MPA but not by P4. Progesterone receptor antagonist RU486 blocked the inhibitory effects of MPA. Estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182,780 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor LY294002 inhibited the E2-induced neurite outgrowth. Because the Rho family of small GTPases has been shown to be involved in the regulation of neurite outgrowth, we examined the cross-talk among Rac1, Cdc42 and RhoA in the E2-induced neurite outgrowth. E2 immediately increased the Rac1 and Cdc42 activity and decreased the RhoA activity. E2-induced neurite outgrowth was attenuated in cells expressing dominant-negative mutants for Rac1 or Cdc42. These results suggest that regulation of Rho family GTPase activity by E2 is important for the neurite outgrowth in neuroblastoma cells, and that MPA may have an antagonistic effect against E2.     

难治性癫过度运动发作的临床特征与致灶定位

目的总结以过度运动发作为主要表现的药物难治性癫的诊疗经验。方法回顾性分析25例药物难治性癫病人的临床资料,均以过度运动发作为主要表现。根据症状特点、MRI、头皮视频脑电图及颅内脑电图监测,综合定位致灶,并行手术切除。结果切除额叶致灶23例,切除前颞叶致灶2例。神经病理学检查显示:皮质发育不良(FCD)Ⅰ型8例,FCDⅡ型12例,节细胞胶质瘤1例,皮质微发育不良1例,灰质异位1例,胶质瘢痕1例,海马硬化1例。术后随访12~60个月,按Engel分级:Ⅰ级19例,Ⅱ级2例,Ⅲ级2例,Ⅳ级2例。结论以过度运动发作为特点的难治性癫病人,其致灶主要位于额叶,但也可位于额叶外的脑区,准确切除致灶后疗效满意。     

Migration and remyelination by oligodendrocyte progenitor cells transplanted adjacent to focal areas of spinal cord inflammation

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Exogenous cell replacement in MS lesions has been proposed as a means of achieving remyelination when endogenous remyelination has failed. However, the ability of exogenous cells to remyelinate axons in the presence of inflammation remains uncertain. We have explored the remyelinating capacity of an oligodendrocyte progenitor cell line CG-4 transduced with the GFP gene and transplanted adjacent to a zymosan-induced focal demyelination model in the rat spinal cord. The resulting zymosan-induced lesions were characterized by persistent macrophage/microglia activation, focal demyelination, degeneration of axons, and reactive astrogliosis. GFP(+) CG-4 cells were found to migrate preferentially toward the inflammatory lesion and survive inside the lesion. A proportion of GFP(+) CG-4 cells differentiated into mature oligodendrocytes and remyelinated axons within the lesion. These findings suggest that grafted oligodendrocyte progenitors may migrate toward areas of inflammation in the adult rat spinal cord, where they can survive and differentiate into myelinating oligodendrocytes.     

Feasibility of establishing cerebral ischemia models by using aerocyst-blocking bilateral ascending pharyngeal artery of piglets Imaging assessment

BACKGROUND: The cerebral ischemia and ischemia/reperfusion animal models are used to simulate the human cerebrovascular diseases is one of the popular topics of neurological science recently. To study the pathophysiology, pathogenesis, prophylaxis and treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular diseases and to establish the ideal animal model that is the most similar to the human cerebral ischemia, are the topics that the people generally cared about. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of aerocyst-blocking bilateral ascending pharyngeal artery on the establishment of cerebral ischemia models by using digital subtraction angiography (DSA), magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and magnetic resonance perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI). DESIGN: Repetitive measure animal experiment. SETTING: Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Dalian University. MATERIALS: The experiment was carried out in the Animal Laboratory (Provincial Laboratory), Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian Univeristy from January to May 2006. A total of 14 domestic piglets, of 6 months old, weighing 12–15 kg, of either gender, were selected from Animal Experimental Center, Dalian University. Multistar T.O.P digital subtraction angiography machine was provided by Siemens Company, German. METHODS: Aerocyst-blocking bilateral ascending pharyngeal artery was used to establish cerebral ischemia models. And then, Multistar T.O.P. DSA was used for imaging of cerebral vessels before blocking, during blocking and at 0.5 and 2 hours after ischemia perfusion. GE Signa 1.5 T supraconduction magnetic resonance imaging was used for DWI examination; in addition, PWI was used based on focal sites and areas. Otherwise, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to detect signal changes of T1WI and T2WI in ischemic areas. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Analytic results of DSA, DWI, PWI and MRI. RESULTS: All 14 experimental piglets were involved in the final analysis. ① DSA: The blood flow of bilateral ascending pharyngeal arteries and its branch were blocked at blocking phase, which restored 0.5 and 2 hours after reperfusion. ② DWI and PWI: There were no observable abnormalities in PWI and DWI at pre-blocking. Abnormal increased signals were found on both DWI and PWI at during and post-blocking. There were reduction in ADC and rCBF and delay in rTTP at all time points except pre-blocking. ③ MRI: There were no abnormal signals observable at any time of pre- and post-blocking in T1WI and T2WI. CONCLUSION: It is feasible to establish this kind of animal experimental models, and it can simulate the ischemic state; meanwhile, the existence and extent can be showed directly by DSA, DWI, and PWI.     

老年脑卒中患者慢性期康复效果调查：日本综合医院康复门诊与日间医院患者肢体功能比较

背景：有研究表明日间医院的康复服务与综合医院康复门诊比较,患者的功能和生活质量方面差异无显著性意义,但两者间有关脑卒中患者慢性期肢体功能的差异及其影响因素却少有报道。 目的：比较日本老年脑卒中患者慢性期分别在综合医院康复门诊和日间医院康复期间的肢体功能差异,分析影响功能差异的相关因素,以便改进老年脑卒中患者康复方案。 方法：分别对医院门诊和日间医院进行康复训练的老年脑卒中患者119例(年龄60~75岁)实施为期1年的调查分析,比较两组入选时和1年后的肢体功能指标的差异,包括健侧和偏瘫侧的股四头肌肌力、患侧膝关节伸展和踝关节背屈的关节活动度和10 m步行时间。采用逐步回归分析确定影响肢体功能指标变化的显著因素。 结果与结论：医院门诊组患者肢体健侧和偏瘫侧股四头肌肌力在入选时和1年后均大于日间医院组(P < 0.05),而两组的10 m步行时间差异均无显著性意义。医院门诊组在入选时患者患侧膝关节伸展和踝关节背屈关节活动度均小于日间医院组(P < 0.05),而1年后两组以上指标比较差异无显著性意义。逐步回归分析结果显示入选时健侧和偏瘫侧股四头肌肌力、患侧膝关节伸展和踝关节背屈关节活动度是其各自功能指标变化的显著影响因素,而偏瘫侧膝关节伸展、踝关节背屈的关节活动度越受限的患者,训练的效果越好。因此,日间医院组需要采取针对性的肌力增强或维持训练和膝关节活动度训练。