ObjectiveTo observe the concentration of the inflammatory cytokines in vitreous of severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) after intravitreal ranibizumab injection (IVR). MethodsA total of 80 PDR patients (80 eyes) were enrolled in this study. The patients were randomly divided into vitrectomy group (group A) and IVR combined with vitrectomy group (group B), 40 eyes in each group. The differences of sex (χ2=0.05), age (t=0.59), duration of diabetes (t=0.36), HbA1c (t=0.13) and intraocular pressure (F=0.81) between two groups were not significant (P>0.05). The eyes in group B received 0.5 mg (0.05 ml) ranibizumab injection at 7 days before operation. The vitreous samples (0.4 ml) were obtained before operation. The concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. ResultsThe concentration of VEGF and ICAM-1 were (10.70±3.60), (224.64±90.32) pg/L in group B and (72.38±23.59), (665.61±203.34) pg/L in group A. The differences of VEGF and ICAM-1 concentration between two groups was significant (t=16.34, 12.53; P<0.001). The concentration of IL-6 and IL-8 were (210.64±80.27), (156.00±57.74) pg/L in group B and (45.78±33.82), (41.07±13.82) pg/L in group A. The differences of IL-6 and IL-8 concentration between two groups was significant (t=11.97, 12.24; P<0.001). There was no difference of CTGF concentration between two groups (t=1.39, P=0.17). The CTGF/VEGF in group B was higher than that in group A (t=14.75, P<0.001). ConclusionsOne week after IVR, the concentration of VEGF and ICAM-1 are decreased, while IL-6 and IL-8 increased. There is no obvious change in CTGF, but CTGF/VEGF is increased.
Objective To investigate the expression of chemokine receptor CXCR7 and the relation between its expression and clinicopathologic characteristics in papillary thyroid carcinoma. Method The expressions of CXCR7 in 79 cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma and their paracancerous tissues，and 33 cases of benign thyroid lesion tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. Results The positive expression rates of CXCR7 were 0（0/79），65.8%（52/79），and 30.3%（10/33） in the paracancerous tissues，papillary thyroid carcinoma tissues，and benign thyroid lesions tissues，respectively. The positive expression rate of CXCR7 in the papillary thyroid carcinoma tissues was significantly higher than that in the paracancerous tissues （P＜0.05） or benign thyroid lesion tissues（P＜0.05）. The expression of CXCR7 was correlated with lymph node metastasis （P＜0.05）. Conclusion CXCR7 might take part in tumorigenesis，progression，and lymph node metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma.
Objective The observe the effects of interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) on proliferation, migration and capillary tube formation of human retinal vascular endothelial cells (HREC) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Methods The chemokine receptor (CXCR3) mRNA of HREC and HUVEC were quantified by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In the presence of the different concentrations of IP-10, the difference in proliferation capacity of HREC and HUVEC were analyzed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) methods. Wound scratch assay and threedimensional in vitro matrigel assay were used for measuring migration and capillary tube formation of HREC and HUVEC, respectively. Results RT-PCR revealed both HREC and HUVEC expressed CXCR3. The proliferation of HREC in the presence of IP-10 was inhibited in a dosagedependent manner (F=6.202,P＜0.05), while IP-10 showed no effect on the inhibitory rate of proliferation of HUVEC (F=1.183,P＞0.05). Wound scratch assay showed a significant reduction in the migrated distance of HREC and HUVEC under 10 ng/ml or 100 ng/ml IP-10 stimulation (F=25.373, 23.858; P＜0.05). There was no effect on the number of intact tubules formed by HREC in the presence of 10 ng/ml or 100 ng/ml IP-10. The number of intact tubules formed by HREC in the presence of 1000 ng/ml IP-10 was remarkably smaller. The difference of number of intact tubules formed by HREC among 10, 100, 1000 ng/ml IP-10 and nonintervention group was statistically significant (F=5.359,P＜0.05). Conclusion IP-10 can inhibit the proliferation, migration and capillary tube formation ability of HREC and the migration of HUVEC.
Objective To observe the effects of stromal cellderived factor 1alpha; (SDF-1alpha;) in secondary neovascular glaucoma (NVG) of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Methods The vitreous specimens from 25 PDR patients (31 eyes) were collected with 13 NVG eyes and non-NVG 18 eyes. The concentrations of SDF-1alpha; and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in those specimens were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were treated by different concentrations of SDF-1alpha;and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in vitro, and the formation of tube cavity-like structure, length of capillarylike structures and 5prime;-bromo-2prime;-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling of treated HUVEC were measured. Results The length of HUVEC tube-like and capillarylike structure formation in 10, 100, 1000 ng/ml SDF-1alpha; and 10 ng/ml VEGF groups were longer than that in the control group, the differences were statistically significant (P＜0.01). The A value of BrdU labeling of 10, 100, 1000 ng/ml SDF-1alpha; and 10 ng/ml VEGF groups were increased than that in the control group, the differences were statistically significant (P＜0.01). The vitreous levels of SDF-1alpha; and VEGF of NVG specimens were higher than those in the non-NVG group, the differences were statistically significant (P＜0.01). Conclusions SDF-1alpha; may promote the migration and proliferation of vascular endothelium cells, and participate in the neovascularization process in NVG patients with PDR.
Objective To summarize the relationships between chemokines or chemokine receptors, especially CCL19/CCL21-CCR7 and CXCL12-CXCR4 axis and occurrence and development of gastric cancer. Methods Domestic and international publications online involving the relationships between chemokines, chemokine recepotors and gastric cancer in recent years were collected and reviewed. Results By regulating the microenvironment of the growth of gastric cancer, CCL19/CCL21-CCR7 played an important role in lymph node metastasis and CXCL12-CXCR4 axis played a key role in the development of peritoneal carcinomatosis. CCR7 might function as a specific prognostic marker for lymph node metastasis of gastric cancer. Blocking the CXCL12-CXCR4 axis might be useful for the future development of a more effective therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer involved in peritoneal dissemination. Conclusions Chemokines and chemokine receptors promote the evolution of gastric cancer in variable ways, so the mechanisms of which should be comprehended to provide a theoretical basis for the future treatment. As new therapeutic targets, chemokines and chemokine receptors have a prosperity for the clinic evaluation and treatment of gastric cancer.
Objective To explore the effect of dendritic cells (DCs) allergized by K-ras mutant peptide on expressions of chemokines CCL19, CCL22, and cytoskeletal protein fascin-1. Methods DCs were derived from peripheral blood in the presence of granuloceyte/macrophage-colony stimulating factor, interleukin (IL) -4 in vitro. The DCs were collected on day 7 after culture, and were divided into non-K-ras mutant peptide group (addition of RPMI 1604 culture solution 50 μg/ml) and K-ras mutant peptide group (addition of K-ras mutant peptide 50 μg/ml). Phenotype was identified by flow cytometry. The morphological structure was observed by scanning and transmission electron microscopies, respectively. The expressions of IL-12, CCL19, and CCL22 were tested continuously by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of cytoskeletal protein fascin-1 was determined by Western blot. Results ①The expressions of CD1a, CD80, and CD86 after loading K-ras mutant peptide were higher than that before loading K-ras mutant peptide (Plt;0.01). ②The DCs with petal-like and branch-like profections after loading were observed under scanning electron microscopy; The DCs with irregular shapes, branch-like or burr-like were showed under transmission electron microscopy. ③The expressions of IL-12, CCL19, and CCL22 in the Kras mutant peptide group were higher than those in the non-K-ras mutant peptide group at different times (6, 12, 24, and 48 h) after loading Kras mutant peptide (Plt;0.01). ④The expression of fascin-1 in the K-ras mutant peptide group was also higher than that in the non-K-ras mutant peptide group (Plt;0.01). Conclusion K-ras mutant peptide can promote DC to mature and improve the expression of chemokines and cytoskeletal protein which will strengthen DC migration.
Objective To detect the single nucleotide polymorphisms ( SNPs) in the upstream promoter region of chemokine like factor ( CKLF) gene and analyze their possible associations with asthma and asthma-related phenotypes. Methods Direct Sequence of the 1553bp upstream promoter region of CKLF gene was performed in 245 Chinese Han human genomic DNAs ( 119 asthmatics and 126 controls) .The frequencies of alleles, genotypes, and haplotypes were determined and the association of these SNPs with asthma were further analyzed. Results Four novel SNPs, SNP88 ( T gt; C) , SNP196 ( T gt; C) , SNP568 ( C gt;G) , and SNP1047 ( C gt; G) were found in the promoter region of CKLF. The frequency of rare allele was 0. 168 ( SNP88C) , 0. 168 ( SNP196C) , 0. 352 ( SNP568G) and 0. 167 ( SNP1047G) , respectively.Haplotypes, their frequencies and the linkage disequilibrium coefficients between SNPs were constructed.Complete linkage disequilibrium( LDs) were observed between SNP88 and SNP196, SNP88 and SNP1047,as well as SNP196 and SNP1047, respectively ( D′=1. 000, r2 = 1. 000) . SNP568 was in partial LD with the other three SNPs ( r2 = 0. 366) . No association between asthma and the SNPs was observed. Conclusions Four SNPs in the regulatory region of CKLF in Chinese Han population were firstly identified. Although no significant correlation with asthma was revealed, the SNP and haplotype information is useful for other disease association studies in the future.
Objective To investigate the influence on matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 3, 9, and 13 levels of human articular cartilage cells after blocking stromal cell derived factor 1 (SDF-1)/ chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) signaling pathway withAMD3100 and to define the function mechanism of AMD3100. Methods A total of 144 cartilage blocks from 12 osteoarthritis (OA) patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (OA cartilage group) and 144 normal cartilage blocks (Mankin score of 0 or 1) from 12 patients undergoing traumatic amputation (normal cartilage group). OA cartilage group was further divided into subgroups A1, B1, and C1, and normal cartilage group into subgroups A2, B2, and C2. The cartilage tissues were cultured in DMEM solution containing 100 ng/mL SDF-1 and 1 000 nmol/L AMD3100 in subgroup A, 100 ng/mL SDF-1 and 1 000 nmol/L MAB310 in subgroup B, and 100 ng/mL SDF-1 in subgroup C, respectively. The levels of MMP-3, 9, and 13 were measured by ELISA; the expressions of MMP-3, 9, and 13mRNA were tested by RT-PCR. Results ELISA and RT-PCR results showed that the levels of MMP-3, 9, and 13 and the expressions of MMP-3, 9, and 13 mRNA were significantly lower in subgroup A than in subgroups B and C at the same time points (P lt; 0.05); the levels of MMP-3, 9, and 13 and the expressions of MMP-3, 9, and 13 mRNA were significantly higher in OA cartilage group than in normal cartilage group at the same time points (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion SDF-1 could induce overexpression and release of MMP-3, 9, and 13 in the articular cartilage through the SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling pathway; AMD3100 could reduce the mRNA expressions and secretion of MMP-3, 9, and 13 in OA cartilage by blocking the SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling pathway; but AMD3100 could not make the secretion of MMP-3, 9, and 13 return to normal levels in OA cartilage.
Objective To observe the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) in aqueous humor of patients with macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Methods Forty eyes of 40 consecutive patients with macular edema secondary to CRVO (CRVO group) were enrolled in this study. The patients included 25 males and 15 females. The patient age ranged from 38 to 76 years. The control group was 20 patients with senile cataract who underwent phacoemulsification, including 10 males and 10 females. The levels of VEGF165, VEGF165b, IL-6 and MCP-1 in aqueous humor were determined by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. The correlation of VEGF, and IL-6, and MCP-1 were analyzed. Results The median aqueous level of VEGF165, IL-6 and MCP-1 were 1089.0, 165.6, 1253.0 pg/ml respectively in CRVO group, which were higher than the control group's results (168.2, 4.7, 216.4 pg/ml respectively), the differences were statistically significant (Z=-4.549, -6.008, -5.343;P＜0.001). The VEGF165b in CRVO group and control group were 834.0, 915.9 pg/ml respectively, the difference was not statistically significant (Z=-0.207，P＞0.05). The ratio of VEGF165b to VEGF165 in CRVO group and control group were 2.71, 7.28 respectively, the difference was statistically significant (t=-3.007，P＜0.05). There was a highly positive correlation between IL-6 and VEGF in CRVO group (r=0.526,P=0.001) and also mild positive correlation in control group (r=0.425，P=0.070). No correlation between MCP-1 and VEGF was observed in both groups (CRVO group: r=0.211,P＞0.05. Control group: r=-0.019,P＞0.05). Conclusions VEGF165, IL-6 and MCP-1 levels were increased in CRVO patients while the VEGF165b was normal. The ratio between VEGF165b and VEGF165 in aqueous humor of patients with macular edema secondary to CRVO was decreased.
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.