Identification of a Membrane Receptor for Retinol-Binding Protein Functioning in the Cellular Uptake of Retinal

Retinol-binding protein (RBP) is the transport protein that carries retinol in the circulation from the liver to its target tissues. The existence of a cell-surface receptor on the target cells, which mediates the uptake of retinol from RBP, has been known since 1975. Recently, it was identified as an integral transmem-brane protein named STRA6 that is inducible by retinoic acid in certain cancer cells. The receptor was found to be highly specific for RBP, with high affinity, and to be localized in all tissues known to require retinol for their function, particularly the pigment epithelium of the eye.     

Stereoselective plasma protein binding of ibuprofen enantiomers

Summary We have developed a novel and reproducible method for determining the plasma protein binding of the two ibuprofen enantiomers in the presence of each other. The method involves the use of radiolabelled racemic ibuprofen, equilibrium dialysis, derivatization of the enantiomers to diastereomeric amides, high-performance liquid chromatography, and radiochemical analysis.We have determined the plasma protein binding of R(–)- and S(+)-ibuprofen in 6 healthy male volunteers after the oral administration of 800 mg racemic ibuprofen.The mean time-averaged percentage unbound of the R(–)-enantiomer, 0.419 was significantly less than that of the S(+)-enantiomer, 0.643, consistent with stereoselective plasma protein binding.The percentage unbound of each ibuprofen enantiomer was concentration-dependent over the therapeutic concentration range and was influenced by the presence of its optical antipode.     

Capillary hemangioblastoma: histogenesis of stromal cells

Summary The histogenesis of stromal cells in capillary hemangioblastoma has been the subject of debate. The light and electron microscopic studies of hemangioblastomas presented here showed pericytic and leiomyoblastic features in stromal cells. Cells cultured by the monolayer method showed similar features to those of the original tumors. Immunohistochemical studies for glial fibrillary acidic protein and factor VIII/von Willebrand factor indicated that stromal cells were antigenically distinct from astrocytes and endothelial cells. These findings suggest that stromal cells are closely related to pericytes and smooth muscle cells, and support Rhodin's speculation that pericytes serve as a precursor to smooth muscle cells.     

Inadequate dietary magnesium intake increases atherosclerotic plaque development in rabbits

Epidemiological studies have shown dietary magnesium (Mg) intake and serum Mg levels to be inversely correlated with the development of atherosclerosis. We hypothesized that low levels of Mg would promote atherosclerotic plaque development in rabbits. New Zealand white rabbits (4 months old, n = 22) were fed an atherogenic diet containing 0.12% (−Mg), 0.27% (control), or 0.43% (+Mg) Mg for 8 weeks. Blood samples were obtained at baseline, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks and were assayed for total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), non-HDL, triglycerides (TG), C-reactive protein, serum Mg, and erythrocyte Mg. Aortas from −Mg had significantly more plaque, with an intima thickness 42% greater than control and 36% greater than +Mg. Serum cholesterol levels rose over time, and at 8 weeks, −Mg had the highest and +Mg the lowest total and non-HDL cholesterol and TG levels, although these results did not reach significance. Over time, serum Mg levels increased, and erythrocyte Mg levels decreased. C-reactive protein significantly increased in all groups at 4 and 6 weeks but returned to baseline levels by 8 weeks. This study supports the hypothesis that inadequate intake of Mg results in an increase in atherosclerotic plaque development in rabbits.     

血脂康对急性冠状动脉综合征患者血清高敏C-反应蛋白、血脂蛋白的影响

目的观察急性冠状动脉综合征(ACS)患者血清高敏C-反应蛋白(Hs-CRP)、血脂水平变化及血脂康的干预情况。方法69例ACS患者随机分为血脂康组(40例)和常规治疗组(29例),治疗前后分别测定Hs-CRP、总胆固醇、甘油三酯、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C);另30名健康人为对照组。结果与对照组比较,ACS患者Hs-CRP水平明显升高,且与心肌损害程度密切相关。血脂康治疗2周,能明显下调ACS患者的Hs-CRP水平。结论血清Hs-CRP水平与ACS的发生、严重程度密切相关,血脂康的抗炎作用在ACS的早期治疗中有重要意义。     

脊髓损伤后热休克蛋白27、表皮脂肪酸结合蛋白和金属蛋白酶组织抑制因子-1的基因表达及甲基强的松龙对其表达的影响

目的研究脊髓损伤后热休克蛋白27(HSP27)、表皮脂肪酸结合蛋白(FABPs)和金属蛋白酶组织抑制因子-1(TIMP-1)的基因表达及甲基强的松龙(MP)对其表达的影响.方法SD大鼠30只.随机分为假手术组、单纯脊髓损伤组(损伤组)及脊髓损伤+大剂量MP治疗组(MP组),每组10只.应用改良的Allen's打击法致T8脊髓损伤.MP组大鼠伤后即刻从尾静脉内注射大剂量MP(30mg/kg).损伤后24h切取损伤平面上下0.5cm的脊髓组织,进行RT-PCR反应,检测HSP27、FABPs和TIMP-1的基因表达.结果术后24h假手术组HSP27、FABPs和TIMP-1的基因表达相对丰度分别为0.0643±0.0152、0.6413±0.1005和0.7091±0.0577;损伤组上述三个因子的表达升高,分别为1.0013±0.3861、1.2187±0.2851和0.8971±0.1092,与假手术组比较差异有显著性(P＜0.01、P＜0.05、P＜0.05);MP组上述三个因子的表达继续升高,分别为1.2858±0.1384、1.7122±0.1766和1.2081±0.1093,与损伤组比较差异有显著性(P＜0.05、P＜0.01和P＜0.01).结论脊髓损伤后,邻近损伤处的脊髓组织中HSP27、FABPs及TIMP-1的基因表达显著增高,大剂量MP能进一步促进三个因子表达,发挥组织保护作用.     

复合珊瑚羟基磷灰石人工骨的研制及其成骨效应

目的 自行研制复合珊瑚羟基磷灰石人工骨并评估其成骨效应。方法 取南海澄黄滨珊瑚碳酸钙在特定条件下经过“热液交换反应”，制成单纯珊瑚羟基磷灰石(coralline Hydroxyapatite，CHA)人工骨，并将其与基因重组骨形态发生蛋白(rhBMP2)和几丁糖复合制成了三种复合珊瑚羟基磷灰石(composite Coralline Hydroxyapatite，CCHA)人工骨，将此三种不同配型的复合人工骨和单纯CHA人工骨分别植入四组24只SD大白鼠肌肉内。手术后2、4、6、8周取材进行组织学观察，计数高倍单位视野内的成骨细胞数量和炎性细胞数量。采用SPSS8.0统计软件处理系统分析。结果 术后各时期取材结果显示：B组(CHA rhBMP2)和D组(CHA rhBM2P 几丁糖)的单位视野内成骨细胞数量明显多于A组(单纯CHA)和C组(CHA 几丁糖)：而C组和D组的单位视野内炎性细胞数量明显少于A组和B组。即D组人工骨的单位视野内的成骨细胞数量多、炎性细胞少。结论 rhBMP2-几丁糖／CHA复合人工骨不但具有显著的成骨诱导作用，还具有炎症反应轻及持续的诱导成骨作用，是一良好的骨移植替代物。     

D2-43病毒E蛋白在酵母细胞表面的展示

目的：在酵母细胞表面展示登革2型病毒43株(D2—43)的E基因，探索利用酵母表面展示系统建立DNA改组筛选平台的可行性。方法：通过RT-PCR扩增获得D2-43的E基因，将该基因亚克隆至T载体后，再克隆至酵母表面展示载体pYDI，于酿酒酵母EBY100中利用半乳糖进行诱导表达。表达产物采用间接免疫荧光法和FACS进行检测。结果：酵母表面展示产物可与D2-43的腹水抗体特异性地结合；在半乳糖诱导后24h，展示E蛋白的酵母细胞百分数达22．07％。结论：本研究为建立基于酵母表面展示系统的DNA改组筛选平台奠定了基础。     

铁调节蛋白2基因多态性与阿尔茨海默病及血管性痴呆的相关分析

Objective To evaluate the association of 2616c/T polymorphism in iron regulatory protein 2(IRP2)gene with Alzheimer disease(AD)and Vascular dementia(VD).Methods In this study,281 patients with AD,60 with VD,and 285 normal aged were recruited.The 2616C/T polymorphism in IRP2 gene was analyzed by using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism.And the cognitive function was assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE).Results (1)No significant difieFences were demonstrated in IRP2 genotype or allele frequencies between AD patients and controls(χ2=2.46,P=0.292;χ2=2.17,P=0.141 respectively).However,when AD patients were stratified by disease severity.the frequency of T allele carriers in the moderate to severe AD patients was 78.0%,significantly higher than that in controls(69.8%;χ2=4.106,P＜0.05).Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the age-,sex-and ApoE-adiusted OR of modcrate to severe AD patient with T allele was 1.62(95% CI=1.03-2.54).The frequency of T allele carriers or T allele in VD patients was higher than that of controls,but the difference was not statistically significant(P＞0.05).(2)The frequency of tit genotype or T allele in the moderate to severe AD patients was significantly higher than that in mild AD patients(25.8%vs.12.5%,χ2=5.477,P＜0.05;51.9%vs.40.3%,χ2=5.803,P＜0.05 respectively).(3)MMSE scores of the AD patients with TT genotype was significantly lower than ones with CC or CT genotype(P=0.028;P=0.014 respectively).Conclusion The 2616C/T polymorphism in the IRP2 gene is possibly associated with moderate to severe AD.but not associated with VD.And the TT genotype may be a risk factor for cognitive impairment of patients with AD in Chinese Han.