Expression of Th cytokines in peripheral blood before and after splenectomy in immune thrombocytopenia patients

AIM: To investigate the changes of Th cytokines before and after splenectomy in immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) patients. METHODS: The QuantiGene Plex method was used to measure the mRNA expression of Th1, Th2 (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6 and IL-10), Th3 (transforming growth factor β₁,TGF-β₁), and Th17 (IL-17) cytokines in peripheral blood of ITP patients before and after laparoscopic splenectomy and those in peripheral blood of healthy controls. RESULTS: The mRNA level of IL-2 was significantly decreased in ITP patients before operation compared with the healthy controls, whereas IL-17 was obviously over-expressed. No significant difference of the other cytokines between preoperative group and the normal controls was found. After splenectomy, the expression levels of both IL-2 and TGF-β₁ were significantly higher than those in preoperative group and the normal controls. IL-2 was also significantly increased after operation, but was still lower than that in the normal controls. No significant difference of other cytokines between postoperative group and healthy controls was observed. In addition, The Th1 cytokines (IL-2 and IFN-γ) were found to be positively correlated (r=0.647, P<0.01) in preoperative patients, while no correlation was found between the other cytokines. There was a positive correlation between IL-2 and IFN-γ (r=0.787, P<0.01) in postoperative patients. IL-17 also had positive correlations with IL-2 (r=0.554,P<0.01) and IFN-γ (r=0.461,P<0.05) in ITP patients after operation, respectively. CONCLUSION: There is an imbalance of Th cytokines in ITP patients. The mechanism of splenectomy for treating ITP may be associated with the balance regulation of Th cytokines.     

Expression of telomerase inhibitor Pinx1 in leukemia cells and its correlation with telomerase activity

AIM:To study the expression of telomerase inhibitor Pinx1 in acute leukemia cells and during the differentiation of acute promyelocytic leukemia cells,and to realize its effect on telomerase activity.METHODS:Realtime quantitative PCR with fluorescence probe hybridization was used to measure the expression of Pinx1 and hTERT mRNA in acute leukemia cells and during differentiation of NB4 cells induced by ATRA.The correlations between Pinx1 and hTERT expression were also analyzed.RESULTS:Pinx1 mRNA expression in acute leukemia samples (0.00312,5.42×10-4-0.024) was significantly higher than that in normal bone marrow mononuclear cells (7.89×10-4,0-0.00863,P<0.01).The expression of Pinx1 mRNA had significant positive correlation with hTERT mRNA expression (r=0.296,P<0.05).Pinx1 mRNA expression decreased during differentiation,its expression was positive correlated with hTERT mRNA expression (r=0.900,P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS:As an inhibitor of telomerase,however,Pinx1 also had the same direction of regulation with telomerase activity in acute leukemia cells,suggesting its expression variation may be a subsequent reaction induced by that of hTERT to stabilize telomerase activity.The exact mechanisms remained to be verified.     

The feature of clonal expansion of TCR Vβ T cells from peripheral blood in patients with acute monoblastic leukemia

AIM: To investigate the distribution and clonal expansion of TCR Vβ subfamily T cells in patients with acute monoblastic leukemia (M5). METHODS: The CDR3 of TCR Vβ 24 subfamily genes were amplified in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 9 cases with M5 using RT-PCR and the PCR products were further labeled with fluorescent and analyzed by genescan technique for the CDR3 size, to evaluate clonality of the detectable TCR Vβ T cells. RESULTS: Only 1-10 Vβ subfamily T cells were identified in M5 cases. Genescan analysis showed that oligoclonal (clonal expansion) T cells were found in some Vβ subfamilies from 8 cases with M5, Vβ 2 oligoclonal T cells were identified in six cases, whereas Vβ 7- or Vβ 9 clonal expansion T cells were detected in the other two cases, respectively. In addition, except Vβ 2, Vβ 7 or Vβ 21 oligoclonal T cells could be detected in two cases, respectively. CONCLUSION: The skew distribution and clonal expansion of TCR Vβ subfamily T cells could be found in patients with M5.It may be a specific ant i-leukemia immune response with which the host T cells were activated by the leukemia-associated-antigen.The clonal expansion T cells were tendentious in Vβ 2,which may be related to the M5 leukemia cells as sociated antigen.     

The feature of TCR Vα repertoire and clonal expansion of T cells from peripheral blood in patients with acute monoblastic leukemia

AIM: To investigate the distribution and clonal expansion of 29 T cell receptor (TCR) Vα subfamily T cells in patients with acute monoblastic leukemia (AML-M5)．METHODS: The CDR3 of TCR Vα 29 subfamily genes were amplified in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 8 cases with AML-M5 using RT-PCR，and the PCR products were further labeled with fluorescent and analyzed by genescan technique for the CDR3 size,to evaluate clonality of the detectable TCR Vα subfamily T cells.9 normal individuals served as control.RESULTS: Most Vα subfamily genes could be detected in PBMCs from normal individuals,whereas only 1-10 subfamily T cells were identified in 8 cases with AML-M5,the highest frequently expressed Vα subfamily was Vα3 (75%),and Vα12 was the second (62.5%),15 Vα subfamilies (Vα1,4,5,7,9,14-18,20,21,26,28 and Vα29) were absent.Genescan analysis showed that clonal expanded T cells were found in T cells from 6 out of 8 AML-M5 cases.The highest frequency of clonal expanded T cells predominated in Vα12 (3 out of 5 positive samples).In PBMCs from two cases,clonal expanded Vα3 T cells were the unique detectable Vα subfamily T cells.CONCLUSION: The selected usage and clonal expansion of TCR Vα subfamily T cells from peripheral blood could be found in patients with AML-M5.It may be a specific immune response which the host T cells are activated by the M5 leukemia cells.The distribution pattern of Vα subfamily clonal expansion displays individual specificity．     

Fibrinolytic activity and its mechanisms in various leukemic cell lines

AIM:To study the relation between expression of uPAR and annexinⅡ and fibrinolytic activity in various leukemic cell lines. METHODS:The plasma activity was measured under the reaction between cells of NB4, SHI-1, K562, Jurkat, Raji and plaminogen by chromogenic assay. The protein expressions of uPAR and annexinⅡin cells of NB4, SHI-1, K562, Jurkat, Raji were detected by flow cytometry method. The mRNA expressions of uPAR and annexinⅡin cells of NB4, SHI-1, K562, Jurkat, Raji were detected by RT-PCR. RESULTS:The plasma activity in SHI-1 cells and NB4 cells were higher obviously than that in Raji, K562 and Jurkat cells. The protein expression ratio of uPAR and annexinⅡ in NB4 cells were (13.15±1.61)% and (95.97±1.19)%， respectively, they were (99.00±0.26)%, (90.35±2.15)% respectively in SHI-1 cells, and they were lower in K562, Jurkat, Raji cells. The expression of annexinⅡ mRNA in NB4 cells was higher than that in SHI-1 cells, and they were undectectable in K562 and Jurkat cells. The expression of uPAR mRNA in NB4 and SHI-1 cells were higher than that in Jurkat and K562 cells. The expression of uPAR mRNA in Raji cells was undectectable. CONCLUSION:The primary hyperfibrinolysis in leucocythemia cells was observed, and relation was closely with the expression of annexinⅡ. It might be the main reason for bleeding and disseminated intravascular coagulation in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia and acute monocytic leukemia.     

Analysis of cytokines derived from murine yolk sac endothelial cells cultured in vitro

AIM:To purify murine yolk sac endothelial cells (mYS-EC) and investigate the cytokines mRNA expression in mYS-EC. METHODS:The murine yolk sacs were digested with 0.1% collagenase, resuspended in DMEM and counted after digestion and centrifugation. The yolk sac adherent cells were cultured in DMEM containing 15% FBS with 10% mBMEC-CM or 5μg/L VEGF, ECGF and bFGF. The phagocytose function and expression of vWF were evaluated via particle phagocytosis and immunohistochemistry method. Atlas cDNA expression array was used for analysis of cytokine expression in mYS-EC. RESULTS:Colonies consisting of pure yolk sac endothelial cells were obtained in liquid culture system containing 15% FBS and 10% mBMEC-CM or 5μg/L VEGF, ECGF and bFGF. For complete purification of the endothelial cells, subsequent passage was also necessary. Cellular cord formed during passage culture. The endothelial cells were round or oval sharp in morphology, positive in phagocytosis and factor VIII related antigen (von Willebrand's Factor, vWF). The mRNA expressions of cytokines, such as TGF-β2, TNF-α, IFN-γ, FL, BMP-4, MIP-1β, BMP-2A, FLT2, endothelin 2, thymosin β10, IL-6, IL-13, IL-9, SCYA5 and ACBP were detected in mYS-ECs. CONCLUSION:mYS-EC was purified and expanded in vitro. The mRNA expression of 15 kinds of cytokines was detected in mYS-ECs by Atlas arrays.     

Progress on role of exosomes derived from leukemia cells

Exosomes are bilayer-lipid membrane nanovesicle from almost all living cell types which are involved in intercellular substance transporting and signaling communication. Exosomes are 30~120 nm in diameter, can transfer bioactive molecules including DNA, RNA, microRNA, protein as well as lipids derived from parents' cells to recipient cells by body fluids, and specifically influence their physiological or pathological conditions. Leukemia is due to malignant proliferation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. It was reported that leukemia cells derived exosomes play a key role in disease progression, drug resistance, and predict prognosis. This paper will outline the role of exosomes derived from leukemia cells and provide important information to help explore the molecular pathogenesis, biomarker as well as therapeutic target of leukemia.     

Effects of endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene transfection on cytokines and cAMP production in human phagocytic cells

AIM and METHOD: Human endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene was transfected into human phagocytic cell U937 and the effects of gene transfer on cytokines and cAMP production were observed. RESULTS: A functional eNOS was stably expressed in transfected U937 cells, but NO release was undetectable in intact transfectants. However, eNOS gene expression upregulated tumor necrosis factor-α release and downregulated interleukin-10 and cAMP production in either presence or absence of NOS inhibitor N^ω-monomethyl-L-arginine. CONCLUSION: The function of tranfected eNOS gene product showed cellular speciality. The effector molecule that changed the produced pattern of cytokines and cAMP in phagocytic cells seems not likely the nitric oxide.     

Role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of heart failure

Previous reports have shown that cytokines and cytokine receptors are independent predictors of mortality in patients with advanced heart failure. Recent studies demonstrate that cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 1 and interleukin 6, play an important role in the pathogenesis of heart dysfunction in patients with heart failure. In this review, we summarized the importance, expression and mechanism of cytokines in the development and progression of heart failure.     

Function of dendritic cells in cord blood

AIM: To explore the function of dendritic cells in cord blood.METHODS: Dendritic cell precursor subsets pDC/pDC(CD11c+CD123- /CD11c-CD123+) in cord blood and adult peripheral blood were analyzed gated by CD34-Lin- HLA-DR+ cells and the levels of IL-12p40,IL-10,IFN-γ,IL-4 in the serums were tested by ELISA.RESULTS: The level of IL-12p40 in cord blood serum was higher than that in peripheral blood.pDC1/pDC2,IL-10,IFN-γ,IL-4 in cord blood were similar to that in peripheral blood.CONCLUSION: Function development of dendritic cells in cord blood may be consummate.     

Prostaglandin E2 receptors,EP2 and EP4, regulate expression of surface molecules and cytokines in B-cells of collagen-induced arthritic mice

AIM: To observe the immunoregulatory effects of prostaglandin E₂ receptor (EP) subtypes EP2/EP4 on the B-cells of collagen-induced arthritic(CIA)mice. METHODS: DBA/1 mice were immunized with chicken type II collagen emulsified in Freunds complete adjuvant to induce arthritis. B-cells were isolated from the splenocyte suspension by positive selection using anti-CD19 monoclonal antibody immunomagnetic beads. The expression of MHC II, CD 80 and CD86 was examined by flow cytometry. The mRNA levels of EPs, interferon γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), IL-6, IL-4, IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) were detected by real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS: The rank of the mRNA levels of EPs was EP2>EP1>EP3>EP4 in B-cells and EP2/EP4 mRNA expression was obviously increased in CIA mice. EP2 antagonists inhibited the expression of MHC II, CD80 and CD86. EP4 antagonist had little effect on CD80. EP2/EP4 antagonists inhibited the mRNA expression of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-6 (P<0.05 or P<0.01) and increased the expression of IL-10 (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Furthermore, the antagonists of EP2 and EP4 also increased the mRNA expression of IL-4 and TGF-β (P<0.01), respectively. CONCLUSION: PGE₂ modulate the pathogenesis of CIA via EP2/EP4 by regulating the expression of surface molecules and cytokines in B-cells. EP2/EP4 may be a new therapeutic target for treating rheumatoid arthritis.     

Effect of cladribine on growth inhibition and autocrining cytokines in human umbilical vein endothelial cell line EA.hy926

AIM: To study the effects of cladribine on growth and secretion activity of human umbilical vein endothelial cell line EA.hy926, and to investigate the mechanism of its anti-tumor effect by inhibiting endothelial cells. METHODS: The effects of cladribine at different concentrations on the cell viability were detected by CCK-8 assay. Apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were examined by flow cytometry. The protein expression levels were determined by Western blot. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secreted by EA.hy926 cells with cladribine treatment for 48 h were analyzed by ELISA. The nitric oxide (NO) production was measured by Gries method. RESULTS: Cladribine at 0.4~1 μmol/L inhibited the viability of EA.hy926 cells in time-and dose-dependent manners. The IC₅₀ was about 3.644 μmol/L. The results showed 43.74% cells in S phase when the concentration of cladribine was 0.4 μmol/L, and 77.23% cells in S phase when the concentration of cladribine was 1 μmol/L. The apoptosis was not induced by cladribine at 0.4~10 μmol/L. The protein expression of Bax and caspase-3 did not change. The expression of p21 increased and the p53 decreased (P<0.05). The levels of TNF-α and TGF-β1 secreted by EA.hy926 cells increased after cladribine treatment for 48 h. The levels of VEGF and NO decreased. CONCLUSION: Cladribine obviously inhibits the viability of EA.hy926 cells. The mechanism is related to the cell cycle arrest. Cladribine promotes the secretion of TNF-α and TGF-β1 by EA.hy926 cells and inhibits the secretion of VEGF and NO.     

Transition of WT1 isoforms inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of human leukemia cell line HL-60

AIM: To study the potential effects of exogenous Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) isoforms on the proliferation and apoptosis of human leukemia cell line HL-60. METHODS: WT1 (17AA－/KTS－) gene obtained by RT-PCR was cloned into a PCDH1-MCS1-EF1-copGFP plasmid. The recombinant plasmid was confirmed by enzyme digestion and sequencing, and was transfected into HL-60 cells by LipofectamineTM 2000. The stable transformants were selected by G418 screening. WT1(17AA－/KTS－) expression was identified by real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting. The proliferation of the cells was measured by MTT assay. The apoptosis of the cells was determined by morphological observation and flow cytometry analysis. RESULTS: The eukaryotic expression vector PCDH1-MCS1-EF1-copGFP-WT1 (17AA－/KTS－) was successfully constructed. The recombinant cells exhibited high mRNA and protein levels of WT1(17AA－/KTS－). The growth of recombinant cells was slower than that of HL-60 cells transfected with control vector and normal HL-60 cells. After exposed to As2O3 at 2 μmol/L for 48 h, both recombinant cells and control cells exhibited the morphological characteristics of apoptosis, but the former was more typical than the latter. The apoptosis was enhanced in the recombinant cells after the cells were exposed to As2O3 for 24 h. CONCLUSION: Exogenous WT1(17AA-/KTS-) isoform inhibits the proliferation and promotes the apoptosis of leukemic cells.     

Expression of 2 SYK protein isoforms in breast cancer cells and their effect on cell invasion

AIM: This study was to explore the expression of spleen tyrosine kinase(SYK)(L) and SYK(S) in breast cancer cells and their effects on invasive phenotype of breast cancer cell line MB435. METHODS: The expression of SYK in breast cancer cell lines MB435, ZR75.1, MB468, T47D and MCF 7 were detected by Western blotting. MB435 cells were transfected with pcDNA3.1-SYK(L), pcDNA3.1-SYK(S) or pcDNA3.1 respectively, G418-resistant stable clones were pooled and the SYK expression was measured by Western blotting. Chemoinvasion assays were performed to study the effects of SYK(L) and SYK(S) on breast cancer cell invasion.RESULTS: SYK(L) and SYK(S) were simultaneously expressed in most detected breast cancer cells. Pooled SYK(L) and SYK(S) stable clones were made by Fugene 6 transfection and G418 selection. The expression of SYK(L) suppressed the invasive ability of breast cancer cells, while SYK(S) didnt.CONCLUSION: The simultaneously expression of SYK(L) and SYK(S) in breast cancer cells is a common phenomenon. Among SYK(L) and SYK(S),only SYK(L) protein is capable of suppressing the invasion of breast cancer cells.     

Expression of human leukocyte antigen E in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines

AIM: To investigate the human leukcyte antigen E (HLA-E) expression in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. METHODS: The techniques of real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to study the HLA-E expression in the 5 cell lines of hepatocellular carcinoma and a fetal liver cell line at mRNA and protein levels. RESULTS: The results of real-time PCR showed that no statistical difference of HLA-E mRNA level between fetal liver cell L02 and other 4 cell lines of hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2, Bel7402, PLC and MHCC97) was observed, and almost absence of HLA-E mRNA expression in Hep3B2.1-7 cells was detected. However, the results of Western blotting showed that there was a significant statistical difference of HLA-E protein levels between L02 cells and the 5 cell lines of hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2, Bel7402, PLC, MHCC97 and Hep3B2.1-7), and no HLA-E protein in Hep3B2.1-7 cells was detectable. CONCLUSION: Asynchronization of HLA-E expression between mRNA and protein levels was found in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines.