Objective To investigate the expressions of β1, 3-N-acetyl glucosaminyl transfrases ( Fringe) ( RFNG, LFNG and MFNG) in lung tissues and lung T cells isolated from asthmatic mice, and to explore the role of Fringe in pathogenesis of asthma. Methods Asthmatic BALB/ c mouse model was established by inhalation of ovalbumin after intraperitoneal injection. Meanwhile, the control groups were established by normal saline. Lung tissues were sampled after 24 hours since the last stimulation. T cells were isolated from the lung tissues using percol and NylonFiber. The mRNA expressions of three kinds of Fringe in the lung tissues and lung T cells were examined by reverse transcription-PCR ( RT-PCR) . The protein expressions of Fringe in the lung tissues were detected by Western blot. Results The mRNA expressions of RFNG, LFNG and MFNG were detectable in the lung tissues and lung T cells. The mRNA expressions of RFNG increased in the asthmatic group compared with the control group( lung tissues: 0. 92 ±0. 35 vs 0. 51 ±0. 13, P lt; 0. 01; lung T cells: 0. 33 ±0. 06 vs 0. 18 ±0. 07, P lt; 0. 01) . LFNG mRNA had lower expression level in the asthmatic group( lung tissue: 0. 77 ±0. 32 vs 1. 61 ±0. 31, P lt; 0. 01; lung T cells: 0. 49 ±0. 19 vs 0. 71 ±0. 03, P lt;0. 01) . No difference on the mRNA expression of MFNG was found in the lung tissues( 1. 44 ±0. 29 vs 1. 70 ±0. 44, P gt; 0. 05) . MFNG mRNA expression decreased in the asthmatic group compared with the control group in the T cells( 1. 17 ±0. 04 vs 0. 68 ±0. 07, P lt;0. 05) . The results of western blot were consistent with RT-PCR results of the lung tissues. The expressions of RFNG increased in the asthmatic group( 1. 17 ±0. 04 vs 0. 68 ±0. 07, P lt;0. 05) . The expression of MFNG has no difference between two groups( 8. 10 ±0. 60 vs 9. 12 ±0. 07, P gt;0. 05) . LFNG had a lower expression in the asthmatic group( 4. 11 ±0. 38 vs 6. 41 ±0. 11, P lt; 0. 05) . Conclusion The abnormal expressions of three kinds of Fringe may be involved in the pathogenesis of asthma.
Objective To explore the value of CT obstruction index ( CTI) on CT pulmonary angiography( CTPA) in estimating the severity of acute pulmonary embolism. Methods 27 patients with pulmonary embolism were retrospectively studied. Pulmonary embolism was diagnosed by CTPA. The correlations between CTI and arterial blood gas and shock index ( SI) were assessed by Spearman rank correlation analysis. Blood gas values and SI were comparatively evaluated belowand above different CTI cutoffvalues( 30% , 40% , 50% , and 60% , respectively) . Results A significant correlation was found between CTI and PaO2 ( r = - 0. 416, P =0. 031) , and also between CTI and P( A-a) O2 ( r =0. 468, P =0. 014) . PaO2 ( P =0. 027) and P( A-a) O2 ( P = 0. 034) were significantly different between pulmonary embolism patients above and below the CTI 60% cutoff value( P lt;0. 05) . Conclusions CTI is an effective index to evaluate the severity of pulmonary embolism. CTI gt;60% might be an indicator of higher severity.
ObjectiveTo prepare curcumin loaded monomethoxyl poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactic-co-glycolicacid) (mPEG-PLGA) nanopaticles (CUR-NPs), investigate the effect of curcumin (CUR) and CUR-NPs on reversing corticosteroid resistance induced by cigarette smoke extract (CSE), and compare biological function between CUR and CUR-NPs in macrophages RAW264.7. MethodsmPEG-PLGA nanoparticles loaded with CUR were prepared via emulsion solvent evaporation.In lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated macrophages RAW264.7, budesonide (BUD) was used to treat macrophages RAW264.7.In LPS and CSE stimulated macrophages RAW264.7, BUD (10-10-10-5 mol/L), CUR(10-10-10-5 mol/L), CUR(10-7 mol/L)+BUD(10-9-10-5 mol/L), CUR(10-9-10-5 mol/L)+BUD(10-7 mol/L), and CUR-NPs(10-9-10-5 mol/L)+BUD(10-7 mol/L) were respectively used to treat macrophages RAW264.7 activated.The level of IL-8 in cell culture supernatant was measured by ELISA.In CSE stimulated macrophages RAW264.7, CUR(10-7 and 10-6 mol/L) and CUR-NPs(10-7 and 10-6 mol/L) were used to treat macrophages RAW264.7.The mRNA level of HDAC2 was measured by real-time PCR, the protein level of HDAC2 was measured by Western blot.Cellular uptake of CUR and CUR-NPs in macrophages RAW264.7 was determined by cellular fluorescence intensity observed and detected by laser confocal microscopy imaging. ResultsThe morphology of CUR-NPs was spherical and the mean particle size was (356.4±146.6)nm.Compared with LPS stimulation, co-stimulation of LPS and CSE led to a significant decrease in the maximum inhibitory rate of BUD on IL-8 (P < 0.05) and a significant increase in the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of BUD on IL-8 (P < 0.05).When using LPS+CSE to stimulate, compared with BUD (10-10-10-5 mol/L) group, the maximum inhibitory rate of BUD in CUR (10-7 mol/L)+BUD (10-9-10-5 mol/L) group on IL-8 was significantly higher (P < 0.05) and the IC50 of BUD decreased significantly (P < 0.05).When using LPS+CSE to stimulate, CUR and CUR-NPs in 10-9, 10-8 and 10-7 mol/L concentration, the inhibitory rate of CUR-NPs+BUD (10-7 mol/L) on IL-8 was significantly higher than that of CUR+BUD (10-7 mol/L) (P < 0.05). CSE stimulation induced a significant decrease in the mRNA and protein expression of HDAC2. Compared with CSE group, the mRNA and protein levels of HDAC2 of CUR(10-7 and 10-6 mol/L) group and CUR-NPs(10-7 and 10-6 mol/L) group were significantly higher (P < 0.05).In 10-7 mol/L concentration, the mRNA and protein levels of HDAC2 in CUR-NPs group were significantly higher than those in CUR group.In 10-7 mol/L concentration, cellular uptake of CUR in CUR-NPs was significantly higher than the native CUR. ConclusionsCUR and CUR-NPs can reverse the corticosteroid resistance induced by CSE.CUR-NPs can improve the cellular uptake of CUR.In the case of low concentration, CUR-NPs have more biological activity than CUR.
Objective To investigate the effects of down-regulating of Rfng gene ( 1, 3-Nacetylglucosaminyltransferases) in lung CD4 + T cells of asthmatic rat model by small interfering RNA ( siRNA) and explore the role of Rfng in pathogenesis of asthma. Methods An asthmatic rat model was established by OVA sensitization and challenge. Total T cells were isolated from lung tissue of asthmatic rats, and CD4 + T lymphocytes were purified using magnetic beads. CD4 + T lymphocytes were transfected by siRNA targeting Rfng gene. The mRNA and protein expressions of Rfng were detected by quantitative PCR and Western blot. Quantitative PCR was performed to determine the mRNA levels of Th1 /Th2 cytokines and related genes including IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5, T-bet, and GATA3. ELISA was performed to determine the concentrations of IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-5 in supernatant. Results The mRNA and protein expression of Rfng in RNAi group decreased significantly. IL-12, IFN-γ, T-bet increased and while IL-4, IL-5, and GATA3 decreased significantly. The concentrations of IL-12 and IFN-γ in the supernatant increased significantly, while IL-4 and IL-5 decreased significantly. Conclusions Down regulation of Rfng affects T cell differentiation. It is presumed that Fringe contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma.
Objective To investigate the effects of histone modification on the expression of chemokines in alveolar epithelial typeⅡ cells ( AECⅡ) in a rat model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD) . Methods 20 SD rats were randomly assigned to a normal control group and a COPD group. The rat model of COPD was established by cigarette smoking. Lung histological changes were observed by HE staining. AECⅡ cells were isolated and identified by alkaline phosphatase staining and electron microscopic. The mRNA expressions of monocyte chemoattractant protein ( MCP) -1, IL-8, and macrophage inflammatory protein ( MIP) -2αwere detected by real-time quantitative PCR. The expression of histone deacetylase ( HDAC) 2 was measured by western blot. Chromatin immunoprecipitation ( ChIP) was used todetect H3 and H4 acetylation, and H4K9 methylation in the promoter region of chemokine gene. Results Compared with the control group, the mRNA expressions of MCP-1, IL-8, and MIP-2αin the COPD group increased 4. 48,3. 14, and 2. 83 times, respectively. The expression of HDAC2 protein in the COPD group wassignificantly lower than in the control group ( 0. 25 ±0. 15 vs. 0. 66 ±0. 15, P lt; 0. 05) . The expression of HDAC2 had a negative correlation with the gene expressions of IL-8, MCP-1, and MIP-2α( r = - 0. 960,- 0. 914, - 0. 928, respectively, all P lt;0. 05) . The levels of H3 and H4 acetylation were higher, and H4K9 methylation level was lower in the promoter region of chemokine gene in the COPD group compared with the control group ( all P lt; 0. 05) . Conclusions MCP-1, IL-8, and MIP-2α participate and promote the lung inflammatory response in COPD. HDAC2-mediated histone modification may play an important role in COPD inflammation.
Objective Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs） have been suggested to play an important role in the treatment of a variety of pulmonary diseases. The present study was aimed at evaluating the therapeutical effect of MSCs transplantation on emphysematous rats，and explore its influence in local and systemic inflammation. Methods Emphysema rat model was established by cigarette smoking. MSCs were transfected with lentivirus vector carrying green fluorecent protein （GFP） and the transfected MSCs in lung of smoke rats were detected by imaging system for small animals. Thirty-six SD rats were randomly divided into a control group，an emphysema group，and a MSCs transplantation group. The total and differential cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF） were measured. TNF-α and IL-1β levels in BALF and serum were measured by ELISA. Malonaldehyde （MDA） level in lung tissue was detected by chromatometry. Emphysema changes were evaluated by mean linear intercept （MLI） of lung under light microscope by HE staining. Results The transfected MSC in different lung lobes were found to be alive at four weeks after intrapulmonary delivery. Compared with the emphysema group，the total cell count in BALF，TNF-α and IL-1β levels in BALF and serum，MDA level in lung tissue and MLI were significantly reduced intheMSCs transplantation group（Plt;0.01）. Conclusions Transplantation of MSCs can mediate down-regulation of TNF-α and IL-1β in BALF and serum，attenuate inflammation，oxidative stress and emphysema change of lung，suggesting that MSCs have significant therapeutic effects on emphysema.
Objective To investigate the genetic polymorphism of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus ( MRSA) isolated from hospital acquired pneumonia. Methods Seventy-four hospitalized patients were diagnosed as noscomial MRSA pneumonia from January 2007 to January 2008 in Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong Univesity. The genes of MRSA were amplified by random amplified polymorphic DNA typing ( RAPD) assay in 82 clinical isolates from these patients. Results Two to 15 amplified DNA fragments were observed in agarose gel and they were classified into 11 genotypes. Genotypes Ⅲ, Ⅵ and Ⅶ ( 32. 56% , 30. 23% and 13. 95% , respectively) were mainly isolated from the ICU. Both independent genotypes and overlapping genotpyes with those from ICU were identified in isolates from the departments of geriatrics, emergency and respiratory medicine. Outbreak or cluster cases ( 48. 65% ) were found in 36 of the 74 patients while all outbreak cases occurred in the ICU. Conclusions Noscomial MRSA pneumonia is easy to disseminate and small-scale outbreak may occur especially in ICU. RAPD is valuable for identification and prevention of the spread of MRSA in hospital.
Objective To investigate the mutations of quinolone resistance determinational region ( QRDR) in fluoroquinolon-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from patients with nosocomial pneumonia. Methods Eight-four Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from patients with nosocomial pneumonia in Xinhua Hospital during January 2006 to December 2007, from whom fluoroquinolon-resistant resisitant ( case) and fluoroquinolon-susceptible ( control ) Pseudomona aeruginosa were identified. The mutation of QRDR was tested by restriction fragment length polymorphism ( RFLP) and gene sequencing.The relationship between QRDR mutations and clinical prescription was analyzed. Results Mutation in QRDR was found in 42 isolates among the 50 fluoroquinlon-resisitant isolates( 84. 0% ) , while no mutation was found in fluoroquinlon-susceptible isolates. The mutation in GyrB Ser464 was found in 34 isolates ( 68. 0% ) . There was statistical difference in the usage of β-lactams between the GyrB-Ser464-mutated group and the non-GyrB-Ser464-mutated group( OR = 11. 3, P = 0. 003 and OR = 3. 5, P = 0. 023) , also in the time of fluoroquinolon usage before isolated ( P = 0. 038) . Conclusions The mutation of QRDR is contributing to fluoroquindor-resisitance of Pseudomona aeruginosa, most of which lies in GyrB Ser464.Abuse of β-lactams and fluoroquinolon may be the risk factors of mutation in GyrB Ser464.
Objective To investigate the clinicopathologic features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of the primary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (PLELC) of the lung. Methods Clinical and pathological data of one patient with PLELC of the lung were reviewed. PLELC of the lung was analyzed through review of literatures. Results A mass in the upper lobe of the left lung and atelectasis were detected by CT in a 36 year old nonsmoker male. He presented with cough, expectoration, fever and shortness of breath for one month. Neoplasm in left main bronchus was observed through bronchoscopy. Histological study showed cohesive clusters of comprising syncytial-appearing cells with vesicular nuclei and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes. Immunohistochemistry showed positive expression of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) encoded small nuclear RNA. Nasal CT scan was negative for suspicious nasopharyngeal mucosal lesion or tumor. Then he was diagnosed as PLELC. The patient received docetaxel+nedaplatin regimens for 6 cycles with stable disease, but one month later after the end of chemotherapy, he was readmitted to hospital for dyspnea. CT scans showed progression of the lesion with massive pericardial effusion and pleural effusion. The patient could not tolerate chemotherapy, then received supportive treatment and died soon. Totally 18 Chinese articles and 25 foreign articles were screened out. Literature review suggested that patients with PLELC of the lung usually occurred in young nonsmokers and without gender difference. PLELC of the lung was closely associated with EBV infection. Its clinical manifestations were not specific, so that histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were the main method of diagnosis. PLELC of the lung may respond to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Surgery-based multimodality treatment was recommended. Patients with early or resectable disease had better prognosis, but patients with unresectable disease had poor prognosis. Conclusions PLELC of the lung may be closely associated with EBV infection. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis is the main method of diagnosis. Surgery-based multimodality treatment should be recommended because of its high response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Patients with early or resectable disease have better prognosis.