Rapid cytotoxicity of human B lymphocytes induced by VH4-34 (VH4.21) gene-encoded monoclonal antibodies, II

We have previously described complement-independent killing of human B lymphocytes by two IgM MoAbs derived from the VH4-34 (VH4.21) gene. Analysis of 17 independently derived VH4-34-encoded MoAbs shows that B cell toxicity is not limited to the two described MoAbs, but is a general property shared by a subset of MoAbs derived from the VH4-34 gene. As observed by two independent microscopy techniques, giant membrane pores were formed on target B cells within 10–15 min of exposure to cytotoxic VH4-34-derived MoAbs. Toxicity by individual MoAb correlated directly to its B cell binding intensity measured by FACS, i.e. stronger the binding greater the killing. Sequence analysis showed that V_H region in germ-line or in near germ-line configuration was necessary but not sufficient for B cell binding. In addition, a particular sequence motif enriched in basic amino acids in the CDR3 may be required to supplement the reactivity mediated by the V_H region of the MoAb molecule. VH4-34-encoded antibodies that fulfil the above sequence requirements have cold agglutinin activity towards the i antigen of cord erythrocytes. In vivo, such anti-i/anti-B cell antibodies are rarely detected in healthy adults, but serum levels are dramatically elevated in selective pathological conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and infectious mononucleosis. This strict regulation may be related to the novel and rapid mechanism of human B cell toxicity demonstrated by antibodies encoded by a single human V_H gene.     

Mesenteric neovascularization during spring-mediated intestinal lengthening

BackgroundShort gut syndrome, a condition characterized by inadequate absorption of nutrients owing to decreased bowel length, has minimal avenues for treatment. We have proposed spring-mediated distraction enterogenesis to lengthen bowel in porcine jejunum as a treatment for short gut. We aim to evaluate the extent of mesenteric neovascularization in segments of lengthened bowel via spring-mediated enterogenesis.MethodsFemale juvenile Yucatan pigs underwent laparotomy and insertion of gelatin-encapsulated compressed nitinol springs, held in place with plication sutures, into the jejunum. At surgery and sacrifice, macroscopic mesenteric blood vessels were counted between the plication sites. Histologic samples of the mesentery were obtained to evaluate microscopic vasculature.ResultsA statistically significant increase in macroscopic mesenteric blood vessels was seen after intestinal lengthening (before: 1.9 ± 0.7 vessels, after: 4.7 ± 1.2 vessels, p = 0.001). A statistical significance is also seen in the density of arterioles (control: 3.0 ± 3.0 vessels/mm, spring: 7.0 ± 9.0 vessels/mm, p = 0.01) and venules (control: 4.0 ± 3.0 vessels/mm, spring: 8.0 ± 8.0 vessels/mm, p = 0.003).ConclusionIntestinal segments lengthened by intraluminal springs demonstrated total greater number of macroscopic vessels and microscopic blood vessels per length of mesentery as compared to control. This suggests local changes within the mesentery to recruit blood supply to growing intestine.Level of evidenceN/AType of studyTreatment study.     

Mononucleosis syndrome and coincidental human herpesvirus-7 and Epstein-Barr virus infection

Two girls (a 5 year old and a 21 month old) experiencing mononucleosis syndrome with coincidental human herpesvirus (HHV)-7 and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections are described. One patient had primary HHV-7 infection and reactivated EBV infection. The other had primary HHV-7 and EBV infections. These cases indicated that HHV-7 is capable of inducing infectious mononucleosis-like illness. Multiple herpesvirus infection in one of the patients also suggests that interaction among herpesviruses can occur in vivo. The consequence of this interaction may have clinical implications.     

Cholesterol efflux capacity of high‐density lipoprotein was not associated with cognitive decline and brain structures in older people with diabetes mellitus

Aims/IntroductionTo examine the association between cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) of serum high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) and cognitive function and brain structures in older people with diabetes mellitus.Materials and MethodsParticipants of a randomized placebo‐controlled trial of 27‐month vitamin B₁₂ supplementation in older people with diabetes mellitus, which showed no effect on cognition, were further followed up at month 72. Cognitive tests included the Clinical Dementia Rating scale, Neuropsychological Test Battery in memory, executive function and psychomotor speed. Brain magnetic resonance imaging scans were carried out in a subset at baseline, month 27 and month 45. Fasting serum at baseline, month 9, month 27 and month 72 were analyzed for adenosine triphosphate‐binding cassette transporter A1‐mediated CEC of HDL and apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1).ResultsSerum HDL cholesterol at baseline was associated with better executive and memory function at follow up. Serum ApoA1 was associated with a better memory Z‐score at month 18. Serum CEC and ApoA1 were not associated with Clinical Dementia Rating scale, Neuropsychological Test Battery, hippocampal volume and white matter disease on magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and whole brain atrophy rates. They were also not associated with cognitive function at month 27 and 72 on multilevel modeling. CEC and ApoA1 decreased significantly from baseline to month 27. Faster decliners in CEC had a greater increase in brain peak width of skeletonized mean diffusivity.ConclusionsHigher serum HDL cholesterol was associated with more favorable changes in memory and executive function in older people with diabetes mellitus. However, this was not due to CEC or ApoA1. A decline in CEC was associated with small vessel disease in the brain.     

大鼠颈动脉球囊损伤后管壁血管内皮生长因子和血管内皮细胞黏附分子1表达及雷公藤多甙的干预

目的:观察不同剂量雷公藤多甙对颈动脉球囊损伤后大鼠血管内皮生长因子、血管内皮细胞黏附分子1的影响,探讨雷公藤多甙在再狭窄防治方面的作用。方法:实验于2006-01/05在上海复旦大学医学院动物实验中心及上海瑞金医院烧伤研究所完成。①实验材料:SPF级SD雄性大鼠32只;雷公藤多甙(复旦复华药业)。②实验分组:随机分为正常对照组、模型组、雷公藤多甙小剂量组、大剂量组各8只。③实验干预:采用右颈动脉内膜剥脱法制备大鼠颈动脉狭窄模型。模型组术后予蒸馏水3mL/(kg·d)灌胃,雷公藤多甙小剂量和大剂量组分别给予雷公藤多甙30,60mg/(kg·d)灌胃。④实验评估:于术后2周麻醉后处死各实验组动物,取材,采用免疫组织化学方法检测大鼠颈总动脉血管内皮生长因子和血管内皮细胞黏附分子1含量。结果:32只大鼠全部进入结果分析。①正常大鼠颈动脉血管壁少量表达血管内皮生长因子,球囊损伤后表达量增加,雷公藤多甙大、小剂量组血管内皮生长因子表达的趋势与模型组基本相同,但表达量较模型组明显增加,雷公藤多甙小剂量组与模型组比较,P<0.05;大剂量组与模型组相比,P<0.01。②正常大鼠颈动脉管壁少量表达血管内皮细胞黏附分子1。球囊损伤后,模型组管壁血管内皮细胞黏附分子1表达增加;雷公藤多甙小剂量组和大剂量组管壁血管内皮细胞黏附分子1表达的趋势与模型组基本相同,但数量明显下降,雷公藤多甙小剂量组与模型组比较,P<0.05,大剂量组与模型组比较P<0.01。结论:雷公藤多甙能有效促进内皮细胞生成,减少内皮细胞间的黏附,对大鼠血管球囊损伤后的狭窄有一定的防治作用。     

Methylprednisolone Inhibits the Expression of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein and Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans in Reactivated Astrocytes

创伤后的神经胶质增生导致硫酸软骨素蛋白聚糖(CSPG)的显著表达,从而抑制轴突生长和再生。甲基强地松龙(MP),一种合成的糖皮质激素,在急性脊髓损伤(SCI)的治疗中有神经保护作用和抗炎效应。但是,MP对于CSPG在活性胶质细胞中的表达的作用尚不清楚。本文用a-氨基-3-羟基-5-甲基-4-异恶唑丙酸酯(AM-PA)诱导星形胶质细胞再活化,用环噻嗪模拟SCI的兴奋性中毒刺激。AMPA治疗后,星形胶质细胞再活化的标志物-胶质纤维酸性蛋白(GFAP)、CSPG神经聚糖和磷酸盐的表达都显著上调。AMPA治疗星形胶质细胞的条件培养液强烈抑制大鼠背根神经节中神经元的轴突生长,但这种作用能被MP的预处理所逆转。此外,MP下调成年SCI大鼠中GFAP和CSPG的表达,对抗RU486的糖皮质激素受体(GR)和GR si RNA能逆转MP对GFAP和神经聚糖表达的抑制作用。这些结果提示,MP能在兴奋性中毒损伤后通过GR介导的星形胶质细胞再活化下调和GSPG表达抑制来改善神经修复,促进轴突生长。