63 normal human gallbladders (non-stone group) and 47 inflammed cholesterol stone gallbladders(stone group) were assayed for the amount of macrophages(ΜΦ),the levels of tumor necro-sis factor (TNF) and interleukin 1(1L-1).It was found that in stone group,the amount of ΜΦ was significantly higher than in non-stone group(ΜΦ4101.90±295.72 vs 572.13±30.07AU,Plt;0.01).The levels of TNF and 1L-1 released mainly from the MΦ in stone group were also significantly increased in comparison with those in non-stone group(TNF 18.12±2.03 vs 4.45±0.39ng/mg,Plt;0.001;1L-1 102.42±7.84 vs 66.75±9.50u/mg protein,Plt;0.05).These results suggest that the activited ΜΦ and increases of TNF,1L-1 may be closely related to the inflammatory reaction in gallbladders and the formation of cholesterol gallstones.
Objective To investigate the possible role of ulinastatin(UTI) in f lipopolysacccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury(ALI).Methods Thirty male SD rats were randomly divided into three groups，ie.a normal control group，a LPS group and a LPS plus UTI group.The rats were injected with 1 mL of normal saline via caudal vein in the control group，with LPS 5 mg/kg via caudal vein in the LPS group，and with UTI 100000 U/kg shortly after injection with LPS in the LPS plus UTI group.The rats were sacrificed 4 h after the injection.Lung wet/dry weight ratio was measured.IL-18 level in serum and lung tissue was determined by ELISA and the expression of NF-κB in lung tissue was determined by immunohistochemistry.Pathological changes of rats’ lung were observed by optical and electron microscope.Results Compared with the control group，IL-18 level in serum and NF-κB expression in lung tissue were significantly higher in the LPS group(Plt;0.01).The IL-8 level was somewhat elevated in the LPS+UTI group but with no significant difference from that in control group was found (Pgt;0.05).The lung inflammation in the LPS+UTI group was milder than that in the LPS rats.Conclusion UTI can alleviate LPS-induced inflammatory reaction and lung injury in rat model.
Objective To access the protective effects of glucosamine hydrochloride capsules (OTL) on articular cartilage in osteoarthritis of rabbit. Methods Thirty-six New Zealand white rabbits were divided randomly into three groups (n=12): sham group (group A), anterior cruciate l igament transection (ACLT)/normal sal ine group (group B), and ACLT/ OTL group (group C). Rabbits in groups B, C received ACLT on the right knee. Rabbits in group A were not given ACLT ascontrol. Group C received a daily administration of OTL at a dose of 150 mg/kg of body weight for 12 weeks; in contrast, group B received normal sal ine at the same dose. All rabbits were sacrificed after 12 weeks. The right femoral condyle were removed and observed at pathologic changes with HE staining and graded by Mankin’s scale, the expression level of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) were detected by immunohistochemical staining. Results All rabbits survived at the end of experiment and incision healed well. The gross observation showed that joint synovia increased and articular surface was smooth and integrity in group A; that ulcer was observed on the articular surface of group B; and that articular surface was smooth and integrity in group C. There were sigificant differences in articular cartilage scores between 3 groups (P lt; 0.05). The histological observation showed that the articular cartilage had normal structure and the cells arranged regularly in group A; that the articular cartilage became thin and the cells arranged irregularly in group B; and that the cells arranged with a clear layer and had regular shape in group C. The Mankin scores were 1.04 ± 0.13, 7.97 ± 0.12, and 2.81 ± 0.36 in groups A, B, and C, respectively; showing significant difference between 3 groups (P lt; 0.05). The result of immunohistochemistry showed that the expressions of TGF-β1 were 50.62 ± 1.51, 24.81 ± 1.28, and 41.57 ± 1.69 and the expressions of IL-1β were 13.12 ± 1.21, 62.53 ±2.37, and 30.67 ± 1.28; showing significant differences between 3 groups (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion A daily administration ofOTL at a dose of 150 mg/kg for 12 weeks can partially decrease the expression levels of IL-1β and increase the expression levels of TGF-β1, which delays the development of osteoarthritis.
Objective Melatonin (MLT) can increase the expression of cartilage-derived growth factor and stimulate the synthesis of cartilage matrix. To investigate the prevention and treatment effects of MLT on damaged cartilage through observing the expressions of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) in articular cartilage of the rats with osteoarthritis (OA). Methods Forty SPF 4-week-old male SD rats (weighing 120-150 g) were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=10): normal control group (group A), OA group (group B), OA/pinealectomy group (group C), and OA/ pinealectomy/MLT group (group D). The rats of group A served as a control without treatment. The rats of groups B, C, andD underwent left knee joint injection of 0.2 mL 4% papain solution 1 time every other day for 2 weeks for establ ishing OAmodel. Two weeks after papain injection, the rats of groups C and D were exposed to continuous l ight for 24 hours (intensity of illumination: 500 lx) for creating pinealectomy models. And at the next day after pinealectomy model establ ishing, the rats of group D were treated with intra-articular injections of 0.2 mL 20 mg/mL MLT solution 4 times a week for 4 weeks. At 1 week after last MLT injection, the venous blood samples were taken in groups A, B, and C to test the level of serum MLT by ELISA, respectively, and then the specimens of left cartilage of femoral condyle were harvested for macroscopic, histological, and immunohistochemical examinations in 4 groups. Results The OA and pinealectomy models of rats were successfully establ ished, and all rats survived. There were significant differences in the serum MLT level among groups A, B, and C, and among different time points at the same group (P lt; 0.05). In group A, articular cartilage surface was smooth and elastic, and chondrocytes arranged regularly. In groups B and C, articular cartilage surface was rough, cartilage defects and subchondral bone exposure were observed in some areas, and chondrocytes arranged irregularly. In group D, cartilage surface was more smooth than that in groups B and C, and the degrees of cartilage defect and subchondral bone exposure decreased with regular arrangment of chondrocytes. There were significant differences in Mankin scores and integral absorbance values among 4 groups (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Exposure to continuous l ight can accelerate degeneration process of articular cartilage of OA rats. Injections of 0.2 mL MLT solution (20 mg/mL) by intra-articular for 4 weeks can inhibit the progress of cartilage defects. Upregulationof anabol ic factor of BMP-2 as well as down-regulation of catabol ic factors of IL-1β is associated with cartilage repairin the pathological features of OA.
Objective To determine the contents of matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3) and interleukin 1 (IL-1) in the tissues of the lumbar disc herniation and to investigate their roles in the pathogenesis. Methods The tissues of the herniated lumbar disc were obtained from 30 patients undergoing surgery for persistent radiculopathy from June 2003 to December 2004 and at the same time these samples were divided into the following three experimentalgroups: the bulge group (n=11), the protrusion group (n=9), and the prolapsus group (n=10)，14 males, 16 females, aged 33.64 years. As the control group, 9 lumbar disc specimens were harvested from 9 patients(4 males, 5 females, aged 21-58 years) suffering from bursting fracture of the lumbar spine. The specimens were analyzed by the ELISA method for the contents of MMP-3 and IL-1. Results The contents of MMP-3(14.25±1.32, 19.89±2.97,20.69±2.18 ng/ml in the bulge group, protrusion group and prolapsus group, separately) and IL-1(8.52±0.22， 11.88±0.52，11.90±0.73 pg/ml in the bulge group, protrusion group and prolapsus group, separately) in the experimental groups were significantly higher than those in the control group. The contents of MMP-3 and IL-1 in the protrusion group were not significantly higher than those in the prolapsus group, but they were significantly higher than those in the bulge group(P＜0.01). The contents of MMP-3 had a significant relationship with the contents of IL-1 in the three experimental groups and the control group(P＜0.01). Conclusion The result demonstrates that the tissues of the lumbar disc herniation can produce both MMP-3 and IL-1, which may have an unknown but important relationship with each other.
OBJECTIVE: To study the expression of interleukin-1 receptor in normal mice sciatic nerves and in transected sciatic nerves treated with or without extrinsic interleukin-1 locally at different periods. METHODS: Seventy-two KM mice were equally divided into two groups. All the left sciatic nerves were transected. The stumps in experimental group were soaked in liquid with interleukin-1, whereas those in control group without interleukin-1. Then all the stumps were repaired end to end. At the 3rd hour, 1st day, 3rd day, 7th day, 14th day, and 28th day after operation respectively, every proximal stump was dissected and the expression of interleukin-1 receptor was carried out by immunohistochemistry method (LSAB method). The expression level of interleukin-1 of ten normal sciatic nerves of mice was studied, too. RESULTS: Normal nerves showed interleukin-1 receptor expression on the membrane of Schwann cells. After nerve injury, the interleukin-1 receptor expression increased biphasically in both groups, but the intensity of increase was lower in the experimental group than in the control group. CONCLUSION: Schwann cell is the target cell of interleukin-1.
Objective To investigate the effect of B7-1 and IL-12 gene expression on the immunogenicity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) HepG2 cells. Methods Plasmids encoding B7-1 and IL-12 molecules were retrovirally introduced into human HCC cells,empty vector as control. PBLs were cocultured with HepG2/B7-1,HepG2/IL-12 and HepG2/neo cells. Three days later,PBLs were submitted to specific cytotoxicity test and nonspecific cytotoxicity test against K562 cells by MTT assay.Results HLA-Ⅰ molecules on PBLs were detected by FACS.HLA-Ⅰ molecules expressing on PBL cocultured with HepG2/B7-1,HepG2/IL-12 cells were enhanced by 16.95% and 14.71% than those of HepG2/neo group, respectively(Ｐ＜0.05). Specific cytotoxicity against HepG2/B7-1 cells was 12.5% higher than that of against HepG2/neo cell,while no increase in that of against HepG2/IL-12 cells. Cytotoxicities against K562 cells in HepG2/B7-1,HepG2/IL-12 groups were 19.38% and 14.78% higher than those of HepG2/neo group, but no significant difference between the first two groups.Conclusion B7-1 and IL-12 gene transfer could remarkably promote immunogenicity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and induce b specific and nonspecific immunity against hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro.
Objective To explore the effect of IL-10 on the inhibition of early proinflammatory cytokine release in intraabdominal infection and early sepsis. Methods Forty eight SD rats were randomized into 4 groups, 12 in each group, ①sham operation group, ②control group, ③prophylactic group, ④therapeutic group. Group 1 underwent laparotomy only, group 2 received laparotomy and cecal ligation plus punctures (CLP) with saline injected once every 3 hrs, group 3 underwent CLP and IL-10 injection intraperitoneally 1 hr before surgery and once every 3 hrs following operation, group 4 received CLP and IL-10 injection once every 3 hrs after operation. At 3 and 9 hr points, rats were sacrificed and blood samples were taken for measurement of inflammatory cytokines. Results Almost no inflammatory cytokines were detected in sham group, CLP produced a significant rise in serum TNF-α (tumor necrosis α), IL-1, IL-6 (interleukin 1,6) in control group, IL-10 reduced the rise of inflammatory cytokines significantly. Conclusion IL-10 could inhibit the early inflammatory cytokine release in rat model of sepsis. Suggesting it may attenuate the severity of inflammation.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of phosphorylatable short peptide (pSP) conjugated chitosan (CS) (pSP-CS) mediated insul in-l ike growth factor 1 (IGF-1) gene and human interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) gene local transfection on the repair of articular cartilage defect. MethodsCo-expression plasmid pBudCE4.1-IL-1Ra+IGF-1, single gene expression plasmid pBudCE4.1-IL-1Ra and pBudCE4.1-IGF-1 were constructed and combined with pSP-CS to form pSP-CS/ pDNA complexes. Thirty 3-month-old healthy male New Zealand white rabbits, weighing 2.0-2.5 kg, double legs were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=12). Lateral femoral condyle articular surface was only exposed in sham-operated group (group A); full-thickness cartilage defects were created in the articular surface of the lateral femoral condyle of the knee in 4 intervention groups: pSP-CS/pBudCE4.1 (group B), pSP-CS/pBudCE4.1-IL-1Ra (group C), pSP-CS/pBudCE4.1-IGF-1(group D), and pSPCS/ pBudCE4.1-IL-1Ra+IGF-1 (group E). At 1 week after operation, intra-articular injection of pSP-CS/pDNA complexes was administrated 2 times a week for 7 weeks in each intervention group, the same volume normal sal ine in group A. The general condition of animal was observed after operation, and rabbits were sacrificed at 8 weeks. Knee joint synovial fluid was collected to measure the concentrations of the IL-1Ra and IGF-1 by ELISA; mRNA expressions of Aggrecan, matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3), and MMP inhibitor 1 (TIMP-1) were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR; the chondrogenic phenotype of nascent cells in the damage zone was identified by alcian blue-periodic acid/schiff (AB-PAS) histochemistry and Aggrecan immunohistochemistry staining. ResultsThirty experimental rabbits all survived to the end of experiment, without infection and death. Large amounts of exogenous proteins of IGF-1 and IL-1Ra were detected in the synovial fluid of 4 intervention groups. There were significant differences between groups D, E and group A in IGF-1 protein expression, and between goups C, E and group A in IL-1Ra protein expression (P < 0.05). Aggrecan and TIMP-1 mRNA expressions were significantly up-regulated in group E, simultaneously MMP-3 mRNA expression was significantly down-regulated when compared with groups C and D (P < 0.05). Varying degrees of cartilage repair appeared in groups C, D, and E, showing positive staining of AB-PAS and Aggrecan, and group E had better results than groups C and D (P < 0.05); inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrous tissue prol iferation were seen in the defect region of group B, without significant cartilage repairing. ConclusionpSP-CS is an ideal gene del ivery system for cartilage defect gene therapy; IL-1Ra and IGF-1 double gene transfection has better biologic effect on cartilage defect repair.
ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between alumina ceramic particles and aseptic loosening of the joint prosthesis and the effect of lanthanum chloride on the secretion of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) of macrophage RAW264.7 induced by alumina ceramic particles. MethodsRAW264.7 cells were cultured in vitro and divided randomly into 4 groups according to different culture solutions:blank control group (group A),1 mg/mL alumina ceramic particles (group B),1 mg/mL alumina ceramic particles and 10 μmol/L lanthanum chloride (group C),and 10 μmol/L lanthanum chloride (group D).The cell growth was detected by MTT,and ELISA,RT-PCR,and Western blot were used to test the expressions of IL-1β,TNF-α,and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). ResultsThere was no significant difference in cell growth among all groups by MTT (F=2.180,P=0.142).RT-PCR results showed that the expressions of IL-1β,TNF-α,and NF-κB mRNA in group B were significantly higher than those in the other 3 groups (P<0.05); the expressions in group D were significantly lower than those in group A (P<0.05).ELISA results showed that the contents of IL-1β and TNF-α in group B were significantly higher than those in the other 3 groups (P<0.05); the contents in group D were significantly lower than those in group A (P<0.05).Western blot analysis revealed that the expression of NF-κB protein in group B was significantly higher than that in the other 3 groups (P<0.05). ConclusionAlumina ceramic particles can stimulate the secretion of IL-1β and TNF-α of macrophage,and lanthanum chloride can inhibit the secretion of IL-1β and TNF-α of macrophage.