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AimsA growing research demonstrated that YAP1 played important roles in gliomagenesis. We explored the expression of YAP1 and STAT3, the relationship between them and the effect of YAP1, STAT3 on prognosis in glioma.MethodsExpression of YAP1, p-YAP1, STAT3, pSTAT3-S727 and pSTAT3-Y705 in 141 cases of low-grade gliomas (LGG) and 74 cases of high-grade gliomas (HGG) of surgical specimens were measured by immunohistochemistry. Pearson’s X2 test was used to determine the correlation between immunohistochemical expressions and clinicopathological parameters. Pearson’s or Spearman correlation test was used to determine the association between these proteins expression. Survival analysis was used to investigate the effect of these proteins on prognosis.ResultsHigh expressions of YAP1, STAT3, pSTAT3-S727 and pSTAT3-Y705 were found in HGG compared with LGG (p=0.000). High expressions of YAP1, STAT3, pSTAT3-S727 and pSTAT3-Y705 were found in 63.5%, 59.5%, 66.2% and 31.1% cases of HGG, respectively. YAP1 expression was associated to tumour location, Ki-67 and P53, STAT3 expression was related with Ki-67 and P53, and the expression of pSTAT3-S727 was associated with Ki-67. There was a significantly positive correlation between YAP1 and pSTAT3-S727 (pConclusionOur research showed that YAP1 and STAT3 were significantly activated in HGG compared with LGG. YAP1 significantly correlated with pSTAT3-S727 in glioma, YAP1 and pSTAT3-S727 coexpression may serve as a reliable prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for glioma.

This meta-analysis aimed to analyze retinal microvasculature features in eyes with Behçet’s disease (BD) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library, were comprehensively searched for published studies comparing retinal microvasculature characteristics between eyes with BD and controls. Continuous variables were calculated using the mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Review Manager software (version 5.30) was used to conduct statistical analysis. A total of 13 eligible studies involving 599 eyes with BD and 622 control eyes were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled results showed that the macular whole enface superficial and deep vessel density (VD) values measured by OCTA were significantly lower in eyes with BD than in control eyes (superficial VD: MD = − 3.05, P P = 0.0004). The foveal superficial and deep VD values were also significantly lower in the BD group than in the control group (superficial VD: MD = − 1.50, P = 0.009; deep VD: MD = − 4.25, − = 0.03). Similarly, the analysis revealed a significant reduction in the parafoveal superficial and deep VD in eyes with BD than in control eyes (superficial VD: MD = − 3.68, P P = 0.0007). In addition, the superficial and deep foveal avascular zones (FAZs) were significantly larger in patients with BD than in controls (superficial FAZ: MD = 0.06, P = 0.02; deep FAZ: MD = 0.12, P = 0.03). The present meta-analysis found that macular whole enface VD, foveal VD, and parafoveal VD were lower in eyes with BD, and the FAZ was larger in patients with BD. The findings suggest that OCTA can assist clinicians in diagnosing and monitoring the status of patients with BD.

Laparoscopy surgery is the gold standard for the treatment of aldosterone-producing adenomas (APA). However, the effectiveness between laparoscopic total and partial adrenalectomy is controversial. Therefore, we retrospectively analyzed the postoperative and follow-up outcomes of these two procedures.A total of 96 APA patients underwent laparoscopic surgery in our hospital between January 2012 and December 2017. A total of 65 patients who underwent laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy (group 1) were compared with 31 patients who underwent laparoscopic total adrenalectomy (group 2). The mean follow-up time was 32.3 months and 40.8 months, respectively. Patient's preoperative characteristics, date during surgery, and postoperative clinical results of the two groups were analyzed.In both groups of patients, laparoscopic adrenalectomy was successfully carried out. The laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy group had a shorter operation time when compared to total adrenalectomy (P = .01). However, patients in the laparoscopic total adrenalectomy group were older (P = .04) and had a higher proportion of multiple adenomas (P = .01) compared to partial adrenalectomy. Five patients (7.7%) who underwent partial adrenalectomy did not show improvement in hypertension and/or serum potassium below normal levels, and review of plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) and/or computerized tomography (CT) indicated that surgery was not successful in these patients. All 31 patients who underwent total adrenalectomy showed improvement or recovery from hypertension, and all PAC and serum potassium levels returned to normal levels after surgery.Although both surgical procedures were technically safe and feasible, laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy showed a higher failure rate (7.7%) for patients with APA. Therefore, choosing laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy requires careful consideration, and we selected laparoscopic total adrenalectomy in patients with unilateral APA.

Amarogentin is an efficacious Chinese herbal medicine and a component of the bitter apricot kernel. It is commonly used as an expectorant and supplementary anti-cancer drug. β-Glucosidase is an enzyme that hydrolyzes the glycosidic bond between aryl and saccharide groups to release glucose. Upon their interaction, β-glucosidase catalyzes amarogentin to produce considerable amounts of hydrocyanic acid, which inhibits cytochrome C oxidase, the terminal enzyme in the mitochondrial respiration chain, and suspends adenosine triphosphate synthesis, resulting in cell death. Hydrocyanic acid is a cell-cycle-stage-nonspecific agent that kills cancer cells. Thus, β-glucosidase can be coupled with a tumor-specific monoclonal antibody. β-Glucosidase can combine with cancer-cell-surface antigens and specifically convert amarogentin to an active drug that acts on cancer cells and the surrounding antibodies to achieve a killing effect. β-Glucosidase is injected intravenously and recognizes cancer-cell-surface antigens with the help of an antibody. The prodrug amarogentin is infused after β-glucosidase has reached the target position. Coupling of cell membrane peptides with β-glucosidase allows the enzyme to penetrate capillary endothelial cells and clear extracellular deep solid tumors to kill the cells therein. The Chinese medicine amarogentin and β-glucosidase will become an important treatment for various tumors when an appropriate monoclonal antibody is developed.

Berberine is a well‑known component of the Chinese herbal medicine Huanglian (Coptis chinensis), and is capable of inhibiting the proliferation of multiple cancer cell lines. However, information available regarding the effect of berberine on prostate cancer cell growth is limited. In the present study, LnCaP and PC‑3 human prostate cancer cell lines were selected as in vitro models in order to assess the efficacy of berberine as an anticancer agent. A cell proliferation assay demonstrated that berberine inhibited cell growth in a dose‑and time‑dependent manner. Further investigation revealed berberine significantly accumulated inside cells that were in the G1 phase of the cell cycle and enhanced apoptosis. Western blot analysis demonstrated that berberine inhibited the expression of prostate‑specific antigen and the activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and it attenuated EGFR activation following EGF treatment in vitro. In conclusion, the results indicate that berberine inhibits the proliferation of prostate cancer cells through apoptosis and/or cell cycle arrest by inactivation of the EGFR signaling pathway.

Background: The blockade of PD-1–PD-L1 pathway is emerging as an effective therapeutic strategy for several advanced cancers. But the immune regulatory role of PD-1–PD-L1 pathway is not clear in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. This study aims to evaluate the role of PD-1–PD-L1 pathway in CD8+ T-cell functions in tumour-draining lymph nodes (TDLNs) and tumours of CRC patients. Methods: PD-1 expression on CD8+ T cells was examined by flow cytometry, and PD-L1 expression in TDLNs and tumour tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry. Production of IFN-γ, IL-2 and expression of granzyme B, perforin in CD8+ T cells were detected by intracellular staining. Results: PD-1 expression is markedly upregulated on CD8+ T cells in TDLNs and tumours compared with that in peripheral blood. PD-1-expressing CD8+ T cells are competent for production of cytokine (IL-2 and IFN-γ) and perforin in the tumour-free lymph nodes (TFLNs), but exhibit exhausted phenotypes in tumours. In addition, PD-L1 is highly expressed in tumours rather than TFLNs, which is closely correlated with the impairment of IFN-γ production of tumour-infiltrating PD-1+ CD8+ T cells. Conclusions: Our findings suggest a suppressive effect of PD-1 on CD8+ T-cell function in tumours, but not in TFLNs.

Microemulsions show excellent potential as drug delivery systems, but the surfactants used to prepare them can cause side effects. Researchers have explored various strategies to expand microemulsion area and thereby reduce the surfactant content necessary, but how these strategies affect drug oral bioavailability has not been investigated in detail. Microemulsions were prepared using 16% or 24% mixed surfactant Tween 80-Cremophor EL-PEG400 (1:1:2) and either 6% caprylic/capric triglyceride oil (GTCC) or 6% or 15% mixed oil (Maisine™ 35-1 with GTCC). Some microemulsions contained just enough surfactant based on ternary phase diagrams, while others had excess surfactant. All empty and ibuprofen-loaded microemulsions were clear or translucent with a slight blue color, and they remained stable after dilution and centrifugation. In experiments with rats, oral bioavailability (AUC0⟶t) of ibuprofen in the microemulsions was similar for the different formulations (6779.0-7413.3 min μg/mL) and significantly higher than that of an ibuprofen suspension (4830.9 min μg/mL). The different formulations behaved similarly in a cellular uptake assay with Caco-2 cells. These results suggest that excess surfactant does not increase oral bioavailability or cellular uptake of ibuprofen. Therefore, to minimize side effects, using just enough surfactant to ensure microemulsion stability and drug solubility may be an appropriate strategy.

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a prevalent and potential complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. An animal model, xenogeneic GVHD (X-GVHD), that mimics accurately the clinical presentation of GVHD would provide a tool for investigating the mechanism involved in disease pathogenesis. Murine models indicated that inhibiting IL-21 signaling was a good therapy to reduce GVHD by impairing T cell functions. We sought to investigate the effect of exogenous human IL-21 on the process of X-GVHD. In this study, human IL-21 was expressed by hydrodynamic gene delivery in BALB/c-Rag2⁻/⁻ IL-2RΓc⁻/⁻ (BRG) immunodeficient mice which were intravenously transplanted human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs). We found that human IL-21 exacerbated X-GVHD and resulted in rapid fatality. As early as 6 days after hPBMCs transplanted to BRG mice, a marked expansion of human CD19⁺ B cells, but not T cells, was observed in spleen of IL-21-treated mice. Compared with control group, IL-21 induced robust immunoglobulin secretion, which was accompanied by increased accumulation of CD19⁺ CD38(high) plasma cells in spleen. In addition, we demonstrated that B-cell depletion was able to ameliorate X-GVHD. These results are the first to find in vivo expansion and differentiation of human B cells in response to IL-21, and reveal a correlation between the expansion of B cells and the exacerbation of xenogeneic GVHD. Our findings show evidence of the involvement of B cells in X-GVHD and may have implications in the treatment of the disease.

Eupatilin, a pharmacologically active flavone derived from the Artemisia plant species, is known to possess anti-oxidant activity. However, the effects of eupatilin on oxidative stress-induced retinal damage in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and the potential mechanisms involved have not been explored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of eupatilin on oxidative stress-induced retinal damage in RPE cells. Our results showed that eupatilin significantly attenuated H

To investigate the clinical effect of steroids on reducing postoperative edema in rhinoplasty.Cochrane, Medline data, Pubmed date, were searched and updated on October 2013. Randomized controlled trials(RCTS) studies were included to assess the efficacy of steroids on decreasing postoperative edema after rhinoplasty. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated, and date analyses were performed using the Cochrane Collaboration's software RevMan 5.2.A total of 4 RCTS involved 172 patients with rhinoplasty, including 87 patients in the experimental group( steroid) and 85 paitents in control group (placebo). Meta analysis results showed the edema in experimental group was significantly less than that in the control group on postoperative day 1 and 3 (P0.01), while the difference was not significant on postoperative day 7 (P = 0.19).Perioperative application of steroid in rhinoplasty can significantly reduce periorbital edema in the first postoperative day. The edema can completely be relieved after application of steroid for 3 days. It is a safe and effective way to reduce the postoperative edema.

Purpose: To assess the relation of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) in tumor draining lymph nodes (TDLNs) with tumor progression and immune suppression in colorectal cancer (CRC). Experimental Design: Flow cytometry was used to analyze the densities of Tregs in lymphocytes of TDLNs, peripheral blood, and tumors from 34 patients with CRC. The frequency of Tregs was compared and evaluated for the association with disease stage. The effect of Tregs on the function of CD8+ T cells was investigated by IFN-γ production. Results: The density of Foxp3+ Tregs in TDLNs was dramatically higher than that in peripheral blood lymphocytes, but significantly lower than that in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Importantly, the frequency of Foxp3+ Tregs in TDLNs, rather than that in tumors and peripheral blood, was positively correlated with disease stage. In addition, the functions of CD8+ T cells were impaired in TDLNs compared with peripheral blood lymphocytes and were restored after Treg depletion. Conclusions: Foxp3+ Tregs in TDLNs are more correlated with disease progression and potentially influence CD8+ T-cell functions. This study suggests that the frequency of Tregs in TDLNs may provide a valuable prognostic tool in the treatment of CRC. Clin Cancer Res; 16(16); 4105–12. ©2010 AACR.

Results of recent investigations have demonstrated the plasticity of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) can differentiate into neural lineages. In this study, we explored the experimental condition of differentiation into neuron-like cells or rhodopsin (RHOS)-positive cells induced by epidermal growth factor (EGF) and taurine in vitro and to investigate their biological characteristics. MSC were obtained from umbilical cord blood (UCB) of term deliveries. Cultured cells were treated with Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium/F12 (pH 7.0-7.2) supplemented with 30 ng/ml EGF. After the third cell passage, the cells were trysinized and analyzed with a flow cytometer using the following monocloned antibodies: CD90, CD29, CD34, CD44, and CD45. Taking another MSC of the third passage, its basal medium was replaced with alpha minimum essential medium supplemented with taurine (50 micromol/L). Cells were cultured for an additional 8-10 d, fixed, and then immunocytochemically analyzed. Primary antibodies included the following: neuron-specific enolase (NSE), RHOS, and nestin. In our study, we isolated a cell population derived from UCB, which possesses morphological characteristics similar to those of MSC isolated from bone marrow. In the cytometric analysis, MSC did not present labeling for the hematopoietic line (CD34 and CD45) and were positive for CD29, CD44, and CD90. After induction by taurine, 80.5 +/- 16.2% of the cell population expressed NSE, 36.8 +/- 9.6% expressed RHOS, and 29.6 +/- 9.3% expressed Nestin, while only 7.9 +/- 3.5% expressed NSE in the control group. This study demonstrates that partial MSC induced by taurine and EGF can differentiate into neuron-like cells or RHOS-positive cells in vitro, which may provide a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of some forms of retinal degeneration.

Increasing evidence indicates the immunosuppressive nature of the local environment in tumor. The present study was focused on analyzing the immune status within hepatocellular carcinoma. In contrast to the increasing number of CD4(+) T cells, CD8(+), CD3(-)CD56(+), CD3(+)CD56(+), and gammadeltaT cells were all found to be under-represented in tumor infiltrating lymphocytes. Notably, the relative abundance of CD3(+)CD56(+) cells appeared to be correlated with patient survival. Functional analysis demonstrated that CD4(+) cells in the tumor tended to produce more IL-10 but less IFN-gamma, whereas CD8(+) cells showed impaired capacity for the production of both IFN-gamma and perforin. Consistent with previous reports, we observed a significant increase of Foxp3(+) cells in the tumor tissue. Intriguingly, although over 90% of CD4(+)CD25(high) cells were found to be Foxp3(+), the majority of Foxp3(+) cells were identified in the CD4(+)CD25(medium) and CD4(+)CD25(-) subsets. In support of its role as a negative regulator, CD4(+)CD25(high) cells suppressed the proliferation of CD4(+)CD25(-) cells isolated from the same tissues in an APC dependent manner. In conclusion, the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma is featured by the presence of multiple immunosuppressive factors.

Objective: Previous studies provided evidence that many factors contribute to retinal angiogenesis, including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). But the role of nitric oxide generated by iNOS in the regulation of expression of hypoxia-inducible genes in retinopathy of prematurity remains unclear. So we sought to better define the molecular basis of this iNOS-dependent regulation. Methods: In this study, using immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR and Western blotting technologies, we investigated the changes of iNOS, HIF-1α, VEGF and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt (PI3K/Akt) expressions. Results: Hypoxia- induced overexpression of iNOS, HIF-1α, VEGF, PI3K/Akt and phosphorylated PI3K/Akt was observed in the untreated retinopathy of the prematurity group. Administration of the selective iNOS inhibitor aminoguanidine hemisulfate markedly decreased the expression of these genes. Conclusions: These results indicate that iNOS mediates HIF-1α activation and VEGF expression in retinal angiogenesis and that the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway may play a role in this process.

To establish a BALB/c-nu mouse model of invasive bladder carcinoma and to investigate the feasibility, efficacy, and side effects of treating the mouse xenografts with internal iliac arterial infusion of albumin-bound arsenic trioxide (As2O3). Bladder tumors were established by intravesicular injection. Color Doppler were used to monitor tumor growth. Albumin-bound As2O3 and bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles were synthesized by cross-linking. BALB/c-nu mice were randomly divided into four treatment groups: 1) normal saline, 2) BSA nanoparticles, 3) As2O3 injections, and 4) albumin-bound As2O3. In an attempt to replicate the treatment of bladder cancer in humans using internal iliac arterial infusion, the drugs were injected into the mouse abdominal aorta. Tumor xenografts were established successfully. Mice treated with As2O3 injections and with albumin-bound As2O3 had significantly smaller bladders (36.59% and 37.82% smaller, respectively) than mice given normal saline injections (P < 0.01). Mice receiving As2O3 injections had lower white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts compared with mice receiving normal saline injections only (P < 0.05). However, mice treated with albumin-bound As2O3 did not experience a significant decrease in WBC or platelet counts compared with control mice. A model of intra-arterial bladder cancer treatment was successfully established in BALB/c-nu mice. In this model, albumin-bound As2O3 appeared to be an effective method for treating bladder tumors, with less severe hematologic side effects compared with As2O3 alone. The infusion of albumin-bound As2O3 through the internal iliac artery is a promising method of bladder cancer therapy.

To identify TUBB3 gene mutations in a Chinese family with congenital fibrosis of the extraocular muscle associated with corpus callosum agenesis.We have found a family with CFEOM associated with corpus callosum agenesis, including 4 affected individuals in three generations of 11 familial members. 4 affected individuals were sequenced by direct TUBB3 sequencing, 4 unaffected individuals in the family and 100 cases of unrelated normal person as a control.This family is in line with Mendelian autosomal dominant inheritance. Clinical manifestations belongs to CFEOM3. All affected individuals were detected with TUBB3 c.1249GA mutation, the mutation is in exon 4, resulting in wild-type gene encoding the Aspartic acid ( Asp or D ) replaced .by Asparagine (Asn or N ).Our study supports that TUBB3 gene mutation c.1249GA (p. Asp417Asn), is the underlying molecular pathogenesis of this family with CFEOM3.

To clinically characterize a collected family of congenital fibrosis of extraocular muscles associated with naso-sinusitis, then determine the genetic location of the disease gene by linkage analysis to approach the etiopathogenesis of CFEOM on gene.A CFEOM family (fifteen cases suffering from congenital general fibrosis syndrome in four generations of 41 members) was collected. All the suffers were correlated with clinical ophthalmic and thin-sectioned magnetic resonance imaging across the orbit and the brain-stem level to determine its clinical classification and genetic characteristics. The family was tested for linkage analysis to two known autosomal dominant CFEOM loci on chromosome 12p11. 2-q12 (FEOM1 ) and 16q24 (FEOM3).All the suffers had congenital unilateral or bilateral blepharoptosis, head tilt, chin lift, primary gaze fixed in a hypo-and exotropic position, forced duction testing positive. But vertical and horizontal positions of the eye and restriction of eye movement were different among affected individuals. Furthermore, MRI examinations showed that all the incidence of those families associated with naso-sinusitis and hypertrophic inferior turbinate, and the juveniles with hypertrophic adenoid. Pedigree shows that the family were in line with the characteristics of autosomal dominant inheritance. According to the genetic characteristics and clinical manifestations, the genetic family should be referred as CFEOM3. The lod scores for D12S331, D12S59 and D12S1668 were between 1 and 3, and the maximum lod score was 2. 19 for D12S1048, but the lod scores for D16S520, D16S498 and D16S2621 were both1.0.This family is best classified as CFEOM3 and linkage with D12S331, D12S59 and D12S1668.

To explore the effects of siRNA-mediated downregulation of integrin-linked kinase (ILK) gene expression on the proliferation and apoptosis in retinoblastoma cells.Experiment study. Human retinoblastoma cells, HXO-Rb(44) cells, were divided into four groups: ILK siRNA intervention group, control siRNA intervention group, empty liposome group and blank control group. ILK siRNA was transfected into HXO-Rb(44) cells by lipofection. The expression of ILK mRNA and protein was detected at 48 hours after transfection by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Cell proliferation inhibition was measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. The apoptosis was detected by Annexin/PI double immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Statistical method adopted one-way ANOVA between each group overall comparison.The HXO-Rb(44) cells were transfected by ILK siRNA successfully with lipofection. RT-PCR analysis showed that the expression of ILK mRNA in the ILK siRNA intervention group was significantly decreased as compared to the control siRNA intervention group, empty liposome group and blank control group (0.12 ± 0.02 vs. 0.45 ± 0.04, 0.42 ± 0.05 and 0.40 ± 0.04, F = 12.781, P = 0.000). Similar results were obtained for protein expression as revealed by Western blot analysis (0.10 ± 0.03 vs. 0.38 ± 0.07, 0.40 ± 0.05 and 0.43 ± 0.03, F = 18.647, P = 0.000). The proliferation inhibition rate in the ILK siRNA intervention group (35.0%) was higher than that in the blank control group (0%), control siRNA intervention group (2.1%) and empty liposome group (1.8%) (F = 23.573, P = 0.000). The results of immunofluorescence and flow cytometry showed that ratio of Annexin positive cells was highest in the ILK siRNA intervention group (26.5%), which was 5.0%, 4.6%, 5.3% in the empty liposome group, blank control group, control siRNA intervention group, respectively (F = 65.217, P = 0.000).ILK siRNA can downregulate the expression of ILK gene in HXO-Rb(44) cells inhibited the cell proliferation and induced their apoptosis.

To investigate the effect of focal adhesional kinase (FAK) on tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)-induced MMP-2 and -9 activities in cornea epithelium.Experimental research. The human corneal epithelial cells (HCE) were cultured in vitro. HCEs were incubated with different concentrations of TNF-α for 24 h, including 1 µg/L (group B), 10 µg/L (group C) and 100 µg/L (group D). The control group (group A) was incubated with phosphate buffer solution. The activities of MMPs were examined by gelatin zymography and the phosphorylation of FAK was examined by western blot analysis. FAK was down regulated by FAK siRNA following lipofectamine-mediated transfection in corneal epithelial cells. Down-regulation was confirmed using western blot analysis. Cells cultured with different concentrations of TNF-α (Groups B to D) and the control group (group A) was at similar volumes of media. Then the activities of MMP-2 and -9 were examined by gelatin zymography and the phosphorylation of FAK by western blot analysis. Statistical methods adopted one-way ANOVA and Tukey's honestly significant test between each group.Gelatin zymography: Activities of MMP-2 and -9 in TNF-α treated groups were greater than those of the control group. The activity of MMP-2 in A, B, C and D groups was 124.06 ± 4.06, 146.72 ± 5.51, 241.18 ± 5.65 and 389.95 ± 4.44, respectively with F = 2960.91, P = 0.000. The activity of MMP-9 in A, B, C and D groups was 122.78 ± 5.86, 165.70 ± 7.90, 479.49 ± 6.22 and 495.88 ± 5.03 (F = 4937.46, P = 0.000). Significant differences were found in each two groups (P = 0.000). Western blot analysis:the phosphorylation of FAK (p-FAK) in test groups (10-100 ng/ml) were significantly greater than that in control group (p-FAK of group C and D was 0.52 ± 0.03 and 0.61 ± 0.06, F = 431.03, P = 0.000). p-FAK levels in 100 ng/ml group were greater than that in 10 ng/ml group (P = 0.005). After down-regulating the protein FAK, TNF-α had no effect on the activity of MMP-2 (The data of MMP-2 were 55.13 ± 0.66, 55.67 ± 0.43, 55.49 ± 0.20 and 55.91 ± 0.37 in groups A, B, C and D, F = 2.73, P = 0.079). We detected the increasing activity of MMP-9 in group C, D and p-FAK in group D (The data of MMP-9's activity were 80.48 ± 0.39, 81.26 ± 0.62, 84.43 ± 0.47, 85.56 ± 0.61 in groups A, B, C and D, F = 105.80, P = 0.000). The activity of MMP-9 in group D was stronger than that from the group C (P = 0.019). We just only detected a small quantity of p-FAK in group D (0.47 ± 0.05), which was weaker than that before down regulating the protein FAK (t = 5.03, P = 0.001).Our results demonstrate the critical role of FAK in TNF-α induced activity of MMP-2 and -9 in human corneal epithelium cells. Blocking the FAK signaling pathway can reduce the activity of MMP-2 and -9 which may play an important role in prevention and treatment of corneal diseases.

To investigate the incidence and relative factors of Terson syndrome in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).A prospective case series study was conducted in 202 eyes of 101 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage from November 2009 to May 2010. Fundus examination and color fundus photograph under mydriasis were carried out on every patient diagnosed as Terson syndrome with initial direct ophthalmoscopy after their general state was stable. The incidence of Terson syndrome was analyzed and correlated with gender, consciousness state, Glasgow Coma Scale score (GCS) and Hunt-Hess grade, anatomical locations of the ruptured aneurysms, mortality rate.Fifteen (14.8%) Terson syndrome patients were diagnosed in a total of 101 aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients. Analysis of our data revealed no statistically significant difference between men and women in regard to the incidence of Terson syndrome (χ(2) = 0.615, P0.05). A significant relationship was observed between consciousness state (χ(2) = 17.503, P0.05), GCS score (χ(2) = 7.673, P0.05), Hunt-Hess grade (χ(2) = 9.987, P0.05) and the incidence of Terson syndrome. A higher frequency of Terson syndrome was demonstrated in patients with consciousness disturbance, lower GCS score and higher Hunt-Hess grade. However, no correlation was found between localization of the ruptured aneurysm (χ(2) = 0.000, P0.05), mortality rate and the occurrence of Terson syndrome. One case required surgical treatment during follow-up.A higher frequency of Terson syndrome was observed in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, which had association with clinical conditions significantly. Therefore, the SAH patients with consciousness disturbance, lower GCS score and higher Hunt-Hess grade should be paid attention to ophthalmic conditions and performed fundus examination. The occurrence of Terson syndrome needs to be further explored whether to determine the prognosis in SAH patients. Terson hemorrhage absorbed spontaneously in most patients and required surgical intervention in very few patients.

To evaluate the role of different concentration of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on the morphology, proliferation and apoptosis in inducing umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) into neuron-like cells in vitro, and screen the optimal concentration of ATRA.It was an experimental study. The third passage of MSC was placed in 24-well cell culture plates at a density of 1 × 10(4)/well. After the adherent of cells, the medium was changed to DMEM/F-12 containing different concentration of ATRA (0.25 µmol/L, 0.5 µmol/L, 1.0 µmol/L, 2.0 µmol/L, 4.0 µmol/L) for 24 h respectively. The cells cultured without ATRA were taken as the control group. After another 24 h, the morphologic changes of induced cells were observed by inverted microscope and cell proliferation, apoptosis of ATRA was analyzed using the MTT colorimetric assay. We take another control group and ATRA groups to detect the apoptotic and positive stained percentage of induced cells by Annexin V-FITC/PI combining flow cytometry. The optimal concentration of ATRA was determined by all the above-mentioned index. According to the nature of the material, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed for absorption value and apoptosis rate in different concentration of ATRA for 24 h, t test for further comparison between two groups. T-test were also used between the positive expression of induced neuron-like cells and the control group.Compared to the control group, ATRA at the concentration of 0.25 µmol/L did not inhibit the proliferation of umbilical cord MSC obviously (t = 0.72, 1.32, P0.05). Part of MSC were floating instantly at the moment of adding ATRA of 4.0 µmol/L and no adherent cells were observed after 24 h' culture. Exposed to ATRA at the concentration of ≥ 1.0 µmol/L for 24 h, the proliferation of MSC were significantly inhibited, showing a dose-dependent manner (t = 8.8, 18.9, 22.1; P0.01). 0.5 µmol/L of ATRA did not affect the proliferation of cells and its morphology remained normal; 1.0 µmol/L of ATRA affected very few cells; but 2.0 µmol/L of ATRA cultured for 24 h inhibited the proliferation of cells obviously than 1 h, and the cells increased in size and became flattened. Flow cytometry showed that the rate of apoptosis between the control group and ≥ 1.0 µmol/L groups were significantly different (t = 9.88, 19.95, 31.61; P0.01).In the process of inducing umbilical cord MSC into neuron-like cells, 0.5 µmol/L ATRA was the optical concentration. ≥ 1.0 µmol/L ATRA can inhibit the cell proliferation, increase the apoptosis of cells significantly and caused obvious damages.

The aim of this article was to investigate the structural basis of ocular motility and visual abnormalities in humans with congenital fibrosis of the extraocular muscles (CFEOM).17 volunteers from 2 CFEOM pedigrees Clinical ophthalmic and motility examed and 18 normal control subjects were correlated with thin-sectioned magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) across the orbit and the brain-stem level.Subjects with CFEOM had severe bilateral blepharoptosis, limited supraduction, and variable ophthalmoplegia. In affected subjects, MRI demonstrated atrophy of the levator palpebrae superioris, all EOMs, and the optic nerves, and small or absent orbital motor nerves. The oculomotor nerve was most severely hypoplastic, but the abducens was also affected. Subjects with CFEOM exhibited subclinical but highly significant reduction from normal in mean optic nerve size (P0.05). There are also some difference between the two CFEOM pedigrees.These findings suggest that neuronal disease is primary in CFEOM, with myopathy arising secondary to abnormal innervation and the oculomotor nucleus and trochlear nucleus of the abnormalities defects.

Proliferation and migration of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells play a crucial role in proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR)-related pathology. Cytokines, including EGF, can result in RPE cell activation and cause PVR. In this study, integrin-alpha(5) expression was first studied in PVR membranes by immunofluorescence. Then the effect of EGF on integrin-alpha(5) expression was determined by flow cytometry, Western blot analysis and the reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in the ARPE-19 cell line. Proliferation and migration of ARPE-19 cells were measured by the methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide and Boyden chamber assays. We found that a higher level integrin-alpha(5) was present at the RPE cell surface in PVR compared with normal retina. EGF could dose dependently increase integrin-alpha(5) mRNA and protein levels in vitro. EGF promoted ARPE-19 cell proliferation and migration. Neutralizing integrin-alpha(5) by specific anti-integrin-alpha(5) antibody abolished most of the effects of EGF. The study provided evidence that EGF might influence PVR by promoting integrin-alpha(5) expression and subsequent proliferation and migration of RPE.

To evaluate visual development after extraction of congenital cataract in young patients.This was a retrospective clinical study. Forty one congenital cataract patients (62 eyes) at 0-3 years old were divided into 4 groups:0.5 year old,or =0.5 and1 year old,or =1 and2 years old andor =2 years old. Capsulectomy and cataract aspiration combined with anterior vitrectomy were performed in all cases. After the operation, patients were treated with optical correction by spectacles and visual training with occlusion therapy. Flash visual evoked potential (F-VEP)was examined by using Mini stimulator 3 days and 12 weeks after surgery. VISTON visual plasticity system was used to assess visual acuity 1 week and 12 weeks after surgery.VEP examination revealed that P100 latent time was reduced by visual training 3 months after surgery as compared with that of 3 days after surgery. Both P100 amplitude and visual acuity were increased. The younger patients obtained the better improvement. The group for lower than 0. 5 year old recovered best.Congenital cataract patients should be operated as early as possible and wear suitable spectacles for optical correction and undertake visual training after surgery, these procedures play a significant role for visual development and improvement in these patients.

The cancer testis (CT) antigen HCA587 is highly expressed in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and induces specific T-cell responses in a significant proportion of HCC patients. To explore its potential in cancer immunotherapy, a reverse immunology approach was adopted to identify HCA587-derived HLA-A ∗ 0201-restricted epitopes. Multiple peptides with a top ranking in various prediction programs were thus synthesized and three of them—p248–256, p140–149 and p144–152—were found to bind to HLA-A * 0201 molecules with a high affinity and effectively induced a recall response of CD8 + T cells, which were either primed in vitro with the HCA587 antigen or directly isolated from HCC patients bearing HCA587 + tumors. Notably, these peptide-specific CD8 + T cells exhibited potent cytotoxic activity over HCA587 + tumor cells. Taken together, the present study has identified three new HLA-A * 0201-restricted cytotoxic T cell epitopes in the CT antigen HCA587, which may serve as targets for peptide-based immunotherapy for HCC patients.

The MAGE-A3 protein, one of the promising tumor antigens for immunotherapy, is highly expressed in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we estimated the specific CD8(+) T cell immune response to MAGE-A3 p271-279 peptide (M3(271)) in the peripheral blood of HCC patients without antigen vaccination in order to evaluate its immunotherapeutic potential in these patients. After expansion in vitro, the functional IFN-gamma producing M3(271) specific CD8(+) T cells were detected in 30.8% (8/26) of HLA-A2(+)MAGE-A3(+) HCC patients. The effector CD8(+ )T cells could release cytotoxic molecules of granzyme B and perforin after restimulation with natural HLA-A2(+)MAGE-A3(+) HCC cell lines in the samples tested. The functional supertype of HLA-A2 in the presentation of HLA-A*0201 restricted M3(271) peptide has been identified in the Chinese HCC patients of Han ethnicity, that widely expanded the applicability of this tumor peptide vaccine in Chinese HCC patients. Thus, the functionally detectable pre-existence of M3(271)-specific CD8(+) T cells in HCC patients makes M3(271) a potential target for immunotherapy in these patients. The responsive CD8(+ )T cells to both NY-ESO-1 and MAGE-A3 antigens provide a rationale for the application of a bivalent vaccine in HCC patients with tumors expressing both antigens.

Background & Aims: The present study was undertaken to determine the expression of a newly identified tumor antigen cancer-placenta 1 (CP1) in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) and explore the CP1-specific immune response in CRC patients and its correlation with patient survival. Methods: CP1 expression was determined by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot analysis. Serum antibodies against CP1 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and T-cell response was measured by interferon-γ/granzyme-B release enzyme-linked immunospot assays. The HLA-A2–restricted epitopes in CP1 were predicted by bioinformatics and then experimentally validated by enzyme-linked immunospot assay. Results: CP1 expression was detected in a significant number of CRC tissues, reaching 47.6% at the messenger RNA (mRNA) level and 28.6% at the protein level. Of patients with CP1 mRNA+ tumors, more than 50% had CP1-responsive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and 30% spontaneous-occurring antibodies against CP1. Further studies revealed 2 dominant HLA-A2–restricted epitopes in the CP1 antigen: p31-39 and p58-66. In a follow-up study up to 33 months after surgery, 9 of the 10 patients with CP1-specific CD8 T-cell response survived, whereas 6 of the 8 nonresponders died. Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated a significant correlation between T-cell response and patient survival. Conclusions: CP1 represents a new class of tumor-specific shared antigen. Its high expression in CRC tissues, prevalence of CP1-specific immune responses in CP1 mRNA+ CRC patients, and positive correlation with survival suggest that the antigen may be a useful target for cancer immunotherapy.

Background The baseline data pertaining to the national epidemiological survey of infectious keratitis remain scarce in China, and currently there is no corneal blindness control strategy developed by the nation. Methods Geographically defined cluster sampling was used to randomly select a cross-section of residents from representative urban and rural populations in Hubei Province. Participants were selected from village registers, followed by door-to-door household visits. The assessment items included a structured interview, visual acuity testing, external eye examination, and anterior segment examination using slit lamp. Causes and sequelae of corneal disease were identified according to uniform customized protocol. Results The prevalence of presenting corneal diseases was 0.8% (211/26 305), while the prevalence of infectious keratitis was 0.148% (39/26 305). The prevalences of viral, bacterial, and fungal keratitis were 0.065, 0.068, and 0.015%, respectively. There were no significant differences found between the prevalences of viral (accounting for 43.6%) and bacterial (accounting for 46.2%) corneal ulcers. cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis were not found. Infectious keratitis was the leading cause of corneal blindness (85.7%), and the prevalence of blindness in at least one eye resulting from infected corneas was 0.091% (95% CI: 0.067-0.127%). Conclusions Viral and bacterial mechanisms constitute the most important risk factors for infectious corneal ulcers in Central China. To reduce the rate and severity of infectious keratitis, he public health care policy should be focused on designing cost-effective strategies and operational programs for the prevention and prompt treatment of infectious corneal ulcers.