Volume 118  ·   Issue 24  ·  2005

Abstract：Background As one of the intercellular adhesion molecules, CD58 plays important roles in promotion of the adhesion between T cells and target cells, hyperplasia, activation of T cells and natural killer cells, and balance between Th1 and Th2. We studied the relationship between the levels of CD58 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and severity of HBV infection. Methods The levels of CD58 mRNA in PBMCs were detected using quantitative reverse transcription PCR. The percentage of CD58 positive cells was detected by flow cytometry in patients and healthy controls. Results The levels of CD58 mRNA and the percentage of CD58 positive cells in patients infected with HBV were significantly higher than that in the control. Based on severity of HBV infection, the patients were classified into four groups. The expression of CD58 increased significantly in an order from mild chronic, moderate chronic, severe chronic to severe hepatitis groups. The levels of CD58 mRNA and the percentage of CD58 positive cells in PBMCs from patients with HBV infection were both positively correlated with serum levels of ALT and AST.Conclusion The level of CD58 expression is related with the severity of HBV infection and the degree of liver damage。

Abstract：Background Rev is necessary for exporting unspliced and incompletely spliced intron containing HIV mRNAs and for HIV replication. The aim of this study is to develop a kind of selective suicide construct that can specifically and directly induce HIV infected cells into apoptosis based on the high affinity of Rev and Rev response element (RRE). Methods Molecular-cloning technique was used to synthesis Rev dependent TNF-R1 expression construct pDM128-TNF-R1 (pT128) that contains RRE and TNFR1 gene. Restriction digestion, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing were processed and the exactness and correctness of the inserted TNF-R1 gene in pT128 were confirmed repeatedly. The expression of pT128 co-transfected with different combination of other plasmids by calcium phosphate-DNA co-precipitation in Helas and by gene gun transfection in keratinocytes was further tested by flow-cytometry and cell counted under microscope. Results The new plasmid specifically expressed TNF-R1 in Helas when co-transfected with pRev but did not when without pRev. Indirect expression of TNF-R1 from pT128 was slower than the direct expression of that from Hu p60 TNFR1 in pDC302 (pT60), but all those pT60 or pT128 transfected cells showed apoptosis at last while TNF-R1 was sufficiently expressed. Other kinds of Rev expression construct such as pAD8 and a chimeric HIV vaccine also can switched on the selective expression of pT128. Not only Rev-dependent expression in Helas, pT128 also normally expressed its TNF-R1 in keratinocytes. Co-transfected with pRev or pAD8 that expressed Rev, pT128 expressed TNF-R1 and induced apoptosis of green fluorescent keratinocytes in skin explant. The number of green fluorescent keratinocytes co-transfected by pT128 plus pRev or pAD8 was gradually outnumbered by that co-transfected by pT128 only. The difference was more significant after culturing for 72 hours. Conclusions Rev dependent pT128 is able to selectively induce apoptosis of HIV-infected or Rev-expressed target cells by expression of TNF-R1. The new strategy based on manipulation of the regulatory protein of HIV may be valuable in design of new HIV vaccine。

Abstract：Background Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is expressed highly in epithelial tumours associated closely with human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) infections. However, evidence about the direct relationship between HSP70 expression and HPVs infections are still lacking. In the present study, we examined the expression of HSP70 in keratinocytes introduced with HPV16 E6/E7 oncogenes. Methods Stable transfected cells were established by transfection of the plasmids pLXSN16E6/E7 into cultured primary keratinocytes and subsequently selected by plasmid specific selection antibiotic (G418) at the required concentration. The expression of HSP70 in pLXSN16E6/E7 transfected keratinocytes was determined by Western blot. The correlation of HSP70 expression and E6/E7 transfection was further confirmed by doubly labelled immunofluorescent staining.Results Compared to non-transfected keratinocytes, there was a significant trend for higher levels of HSP70 in pLXSN16E6/E7 transfected keratinocytes. Doubly labelled immunofluorescent staining experiment showed that the co-localization of HPV16 E6/E7 and HSP70 in transfected keratinocytes was observed and increased expression of HSP70 was strongly associated with the transfection of HPV16 E6/E7.Conclusions Our studies demonstrated increased levels of HSP70 proteins in keratinocytes stably transfected by HPV16 E6/E7 oncogenes. It suggests that the expression of HSP70 is modulated by HPV16 E6/E7 proteins, which may be involved in HPV16 E6/E7 induced immortalization。

Abstract：Background To better understand the possibilities of antiangiogenic tumor therapy and to assess possible side effects, we investigated the effect of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and curcumin on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in U937 and Raji cell lines and their effect on angiogenesis in a human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVECs)-derived cell line (ECV304), and also the relationship between Notch1 and VEGF. The aim of this study was to elucidate potential mechanisms controlling tumor neovascularization. Methods VEGF secreted by U937 and Raji cell lines was determined by ELISA. Angiogenesis was tested by network formation of endothelial cells on Matrigel. Levels of VEGF mRNA in U937 and Raji cells and Notch1 mRNA levels in EV304 cells were determined by RT-PCR. Results Secretion of VEGF by U937 and Raji cells was increased by TNF-α treatment and suppressed by curcumin (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of VEGF165 and VEGF121 (containing 165 and 121 amino acid residues, respectively) were detected in any fractions. TNF-α augmented the expression of VEGF165 and VEGF121 mRNA and curcumin reduced the expression (P<0.01). No networks or cords formed in control and curcumin groups. There was tube formation on matrigel in the supernatants of the Raji culture group and the supernatants groups treated by VEGF group and TNF-α in Raji cell. Notch1 mRNA was detected but there was no significant change in the VEGF group compared with control (P>0.05).Conclusions Expressions of VEGF mRNA in U937 and Raji cells were increased by TNF-α and suppressed by curcumin. VEGF and TNF-α can induce angiogenesis, and curcumin can inhibit angiogenesis in ECV304 cells。

Abstract：Background The advent of second generation agent-SonoVue and low mechanical index real-time contrast enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) imaging have been shown to improve the diagnostic performance of ultrasonography in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). But no report has described the effect of high mechanical index (MI) post-CEUS. This study aimed to investigate the value of post-CEUS in displaying tissue structures of HCC. Methods Seventy-six HCCs in 65 patients were included in the study. Each patient underwent three scans, high-MI (MI: 0.15-1.6) pre-contrast ultrasound, low-MI (MI: 0.04-0.08) CEUS with contrast agent SonoVue, and high-MI post-contrast ultrasound, which was performed within 3 minutes after CEUS. The size, boundary, echogenicity, internal echotexture and posterior acoustic enhancement of the HCCs in the conventional scans before and after CEUS were evaluated. According to pathological evidence, diagnosis rates of pre-contrast, CEUS and post-contrast scans were determined and compared. The potential mechanism of post-contrast ultrasound imaging was also discussed. Results Compared with pre-contrast, post-contrast ultrasound showed improvement in image quality in most HCCs: twenty-six (34.2%) more lesions showed well defined margins and fourteen (18.4%) more nodules showed halo sign; twenty-three (30.3%) lesions demonstrated enlarged in sizes; changes in echogenicity were seen in 30 lesions (39.5%); eighteen (23.7%) more lesions showed heterogenecity and 20 (26.3%) more lesions showed "mosaic" or "nodule-in-nodule" sign; twelve (15.8%) more lesions showed posterior acoustic enhancement. Post-contrast ultrasound showed increased diagnostic accuracy of 93.4% (71/76), compare with 88.2% (67/76) of CEUS alone. Conclusions High-MI post-contrast ultrasound utilizes harmonic signals during the rupture of microbubbles, and significantly improves the display of echo-characteristics of HCCs in ultrasound images, which adds diagnostic values for CEUS. Post-contrast ultrasound could play an important role in tissue characterization, and may be included in CEUS protocols。

Abstract：Background In the past 5 years, new treatment materials and techniques offering a different concept in endovascular treatment have been described for cerebral arteriovenous malformations (CAVMs). The aim of this study was to assess the endovascular treatment of CAVMs by using a liquid embolic material, Onyx (Micro Therapeutics. Inc., Irvine, CA, USA).Methods From September 2003 to September 2004, Onyx was used to treat 22 patients with CAVMs. Ten AVMS were located in functional areas, 8 in deep cerebral areas, and 4 in the cerebellar hemisphere. The size of CAVMs was about 3 cm in diameter in 5 patients, 3-6 cm in 11, and more than 6 cm in 6.Results In the 22 patients, Onyx embolization was successful. Nidus occlusion was complete in 3 patients, > 90% in 8, >80% and <90% in 6, and >50% and <80% in 5. Complications included transient neurological deficits in 2 patients, and adherence of microcatheter to the site of injection in 2.Conclusions Being non-adhesiveness, Onyx is a safe and satisfactory embolic material in the treatment of CAVMs. But its long-term efficacy awaits further follow-up。

Abstract：Background Respiratory muscle fatigue plays an important role in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). In previous clinical studies, non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) was proved to be successful only for AECOPD patients with severe respiratory failure. We hypothesized that, the outcomes of AECOPD would be improved if NPPV is early (within 24 to 48 hours of admission) administered in those patients with respiratory muscle fatigue and mild respiratory insufficiency, especially in patients without fulfilling the conventional criteria of mechanical ventilatory support. Methods A prospective multicentre randomized controlled trial was conducted in 19 hospitals in China over 16 months. Three hundred and forty-two AECOPD patients with pH≥7.25 and PaCO2＞45 mmHg were recruited on general ward and randomly assigned to standard medical treatment (control group) or early administration of additional NPPV (NPPV group).Results The characteristics of two groups on admission were similar. The number of AECOPD patients requiring intubations in NPPV group was much fewer than that of the control group (8/171 vs 26/71, P=0.002). Subgroup analysis showed the needs for intubation in mildly (pH≥7.35) and severe (pH＜7.30) acidotic patients in NPPV group were both decreased (9/80 vs 2/71, P=0.047 and 8/30 vs 3/43, P=0.048, respectively). The mortality in hospital was reduced slightly by NPPV but with no significant difference (7/171 vs 12/171, P=0.345). Respiratory rate (RR),scale for accessory muscle use and arterial pH improved rapidly at the first 2 hours only in patients of NPPV group. After 24 hours, the differences of pH, PaO2, scale for accessory muscle use and RR in NPPV group [(7.36±0.06) mmHg, (72±22) mmHg, (2.5±0.9)/min, (22±4)/min] were statistically significant compared with control group (7.37±0.05) mmHg, (85±34) mmHg, (2.3±1.1)/min, (21±4)/min, P＜0.01 for all comparisons].Conclusions The early use of NPPV on general ward improves arterial blood gas and respiratory pattern,decreases the rate of need for intubation in AECOPD patients. NPPV is indicative for alleviating respiratory muscle fatigue and preventing respiratory failure from exacerbation。

Abstract：Background Amyloidosis is a collection of diseases in which different proteins are deposited. Amyloid deposits occur in systemic and organ-limited forms. In both systemic and localized forms of the disease, lung can be involved. The aim of this study was to explore the different respiratory manifestations of amyloidosis. Methods Chest radiology, clinical presentations, bronchoscopic/laryngoscopic findings and lung function data of 59 patients with amyloidosis involving respiratory tract collected during January 1986 to March 2005, were analysed.Results Of the 16 cases with localized respiratory tract amyloidosis, 8 had the lesions in the trachea and the bronchi, 2 in the larynx and the trachea, 5 in the larynx and/or the pharynx, and 1 in the lung parenchyma. Of 43 systemic amyloidosis with respiratory tract involvement, 3 had the lesions in bronchi, 13 in lung parenchyma, 33 in pleura, 8 in mediastina, 1 in nose and 1 in pharynx. Chest X-rays were normal in most cases of tracheobronchial amyloidosis. CT, unlike chest X-rays, showed irregular luminal narrowing, airway wall thickening with calcifications and soft tissue shadows in airway lumen. Localized lung parenchymal amyloidosis presented as multiple nodules. Multiple nodular opacities, patch shadows and reticular opacities were the main radiological findings in systemic amyloidosis with lung parenchymal involvement. In pleural amyloidosis, pleural effusions and pleural thickening were detected. Mediastinal and/or hilar adenopathy were also a form of lung involvement in systemic amyloidosis. The major bronchoscopic findings of tracheobronchial amyloidosis were narrowing of airway lumen, while nodular, 'tumour like' or 'bubble like' masses, with missing or vague cartilaginous rings, were detected in about half of the patients.Conclusions Localized respiratory tract amyloidosis mostly affects the trachea and the bronchi. Chest X-rays are not sensitive to detect these lesions. Systemic amyloidosis often involves lung parenchyma and the pleura. Open lung biopsy or pleural biopsy should be performed for the diagnosis。

Osteoporosis, one of the major and growing health problems around the world, is defined as a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, with high bone fragility and susceptibility to fractures.1 In China, 6.97% of the population (13 billion) suffered from osteoporosis in 2000.2 As far as Hongkong was concerned, 3783 hip fractures were attributed to osteoporosis in 1995 two times as many as those in 1966, and the direct cost was no less than 150 million Hong Kong dollars.3

With the widespread clinical application of renal biopsy and serum antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) testing, the percentage of renal injuries caused by systemic small vessel vasculitis (SVV) including microscopic polyangiitis (MPA)and Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) is on the rise in China。

Although renal grafts' survival and functioning have been improved with the introduction of cyclosporine A (CsA) into the immunosuppression treatment, its long-term results are still failing to meet treatment expectations. One of the important reasons is that the bioavailability of CsA varies largely among different patients but the use of CsA is not individualized。

Bladder carcinoma is the most common tumor in the urinary system. In 1996, a sample investigation showed that bladder carcinoma, in which more than 90% was mainly primary bladder transitional cell carcinoma (BTCC), was one of the ten highest mortality malignant tumors in China. Bladder carcinoma represented 2% of all malignant tumors and has the fifth most common malignancy in men in Europe and North America.1