CpG oligodeoxynucleotides inhibit tumor growth and reverse the immunosuppression caused by the therapy with 5-fIuorouracil in murine hepatoma

AIM: To investigate the effect of CpG-containing oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODN) alone or in combination with the chemotherapeutic agent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on tumor growth and whether CpG ODN can reverse the immunosuppression caused by the chemotherapy with 5-FU in murine hepatoma model. METHODS: Hepatoma model was established by subcutaneous inoculation with hepatoma-22 (H22) cells into the right flank of BALB/c mice. Mice with tumor were treated by peritumoral injection of CpG ODN alone or in combination with subcutaneous injection of 5-FU. Tumor size was quantified regularly. Serum levels of IL-12 and IFN-γ in mice were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The lytic capacity of splenic NK cells was tested by lactate dehydrogenase release assay. RESULTS: Peritumoral injection of CpG ODN alone or in combination with subcutaneous injection of 5-FU, and the treatment with 5-FU alone all led to significant inhibition of hepatoma growth. The mean tumor volumes fell by 46.66% in mice injected with CpG ODN, 68.34% in the 5-FU treated mice, and 70.23% in mice treated with the combination of CpG ODN and 5-FU than in controls. There was no significant difference in tumor size between 5-FU-treated mice and mice treated with the combination of 5-FU and CpG ODN (P>0.05). The serum levels of IL-12 and IFN-γ of mice treated with CpG ODN alone (IL-12: 464.50±24.37 pg/mL; IFN-γ: 134.20?5.76 pg/mL) or with the co-administration of CpG ODN and 5-FU (IL-12: 335.83±28.74 pg/mL; IFN-γ: 111.00±5.33 pg/mL) were significantly higher than that of controls (IL-12: 237.50±45.31 pg/mL; IFN-γ: 56.75±8.22 pg/mL). The production of IL-12 and IFN-γ was suppressed moderately in 5-FU-treated mice (IL-12: 166.67±53.22 pg/mL; 53.33±16.98 pg/mL) compared to control mice (P>0.05), whereas the combination of CpG ODN and 5-FU significantly increased the serum levels of IL-12 and IFN-γ compared to 5-FU alone (P<0.05). The NK cell killing activity in CpG ODN-treated mice (44.04±1.38%) or the mice treated with CpG ODN combined with 5-FU (30.67±1.28%) was significantly potentiated compared to controls (19.22±0.95%, P<0.05). The co-administration of CpG ODN and 5-FU also significantly enhanced the lytic activity of NK cells when compared with the treatment with 5-FU alone (12.03±1.42%, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The present data suggests that CpG ODN used as single therapeutic agent triggers anti-tumor immune response to inhibit the growth of implanted hepatoma and reverses the immunosuppression caused by the chemotherapy with 5-FU.     

妊娠对乙型肝炎肝郁脾虚型患者血清细胞因子浓度的影响及临床意义

目的 :探讨妊娠对慢性乙型肝炎 (乙肝 )肝郁脾虚型患者血清白细胞介素 - 10、12 (IL - 10、IL - 12 )、γ-干扰素 (IFN-γ)浓度的影响及临床意义。方法 :用酶联免疫法 (EL ISA)检测孕期和非孕期患者 IL - 10、IL - 12及 IFN -γ血清浓度 ,并作同期肝功能指标检查。患者分为早孕期 (2 6例 )、晚孕期 (32例 )、非孕期 (31例 ) 3组。 2 0例非孕期健康者为对照组。结果 :早孕期组 IL - 10水平 [(2 6 .0± 9.8) ng/ L ]较非孕期组 [(18.0± 1.3) ng/ L ]升高 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,而与对照组 [(2 9.4± 5 .1) ng/ L ]相近 (P >0 .0 5 )。IL - 12、IFN -γ分别为 (5 4 .1± 2 6 .0 ) ng/ L和 (45 .5± 17.3) ng/ L ,较对照组 [(8.2± 2 .1) ng/ L、(2 4 .5± 6 .1) ng/ L ]和非孕期组 [(8.0± 2 .7) ng/ L、(16 .7± 3.7) ng/ L ]均明显升高 (均P <0 .0 1)。晚孕期组与其他各组比较 ,IL - 10 [(9.4± 1.9) ng/ L ]明显下降 (P <0 .0 1) ,但 IL - 12 [(16 6 8.0± 318.2 )ng/ L ]、IFN -γ[(46 1.0± 10 3.3) ng/ L ]显著升高。结论 :妊娠可使慢性乙肝肝郁脾虚型患者血清 IL - 12、IFN-γ浓度升高 ,在晚孕期表现更为明显。     

CpG oligodeoxynucleotides inhibit tumor growth and reverse the immunosuppression caused by the therapy with 5-fluorouracil in murine hepatoma

AIM: To investigate the effect of CpG-containing oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODN) alone or in combination with the chemotherapeutic agent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on tumor growth and whether CpG ODN can reverse the immunosuppression caused by the chemotherapy with 5-FU in murine hepatoma model. METHODS: Hepatoma model was established by subcutaneous inoculation with hepatoma-22 (H22) cells into the right flank of BALB/c mice. Mice with tumor were treated by peritumoral injection of CpG ODN alone or in combination with subcutaneous injection of 5-FU. Tumor size was quantified regularly. Serum levels of IL-12 and IFN-γ in mice were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The lytic capacity of splenic NK cells was tested by lactate dehydrogenase release assay. RESULTS: Peritumoral injection of CpG ODN alone or in combination with subcutaneous injection of 5-FU, and the treatment with 5-FU alone all led to significant inhibition of hepatoma growth. The mean tumor volumes fell by 46.66% in mice injected with CpG ODN, 68.34% in the 5-FU treated mice, and 70.23% in mice treated with the combination of CpG ODN and 5-FU than in controls. There was no significant difference in tumor size between 5-FU treated mice and mice treated with the combination of 5-FU and CpG ODN (P&gt;0.05). The serum levels of IL-12 and IFN-γ of mice treated with CpG ODN alone (IL-12: 464.50&#177;24.37 pg/mL; IFN-γ: 134.20&#177;25.76 pg/mL) or with the co-administration of CpG ODN and 5-FU (IL-12: 335.83&#177;28.74 pg/mL; IFN-γ: 111.00&#177;5.33 pg/mL) were significantly higher than that of controls (IL-12: 237.50&#177;45.31 pg/mL; IFN-γ: 56.75&#177;8.22 pg/mL). The production of IL-12 and IFN-γ was suppressed moderately in 5-FU-treated mice (IL-12:166.67&#177;53.22 pg/mL, 53.33&#177;16.98 pg/mL) compared to control mice (P&gt;0.05), whereas the combination of CpG ODN and 5-FU significantly increased the serum levels of IL-12 and IFN-γ compared to 5-FU alone (P&lt;0.05). The NK cell killing activity in CpG ODN treated mice (44.04&#177;1.38%) or the mice treated with CpG ODN combined with 5-FU (30.67&#177;1.28%) was significantly potentiated compared to controls (19.22&#177;0.95%, P&lt;0.05). The co-administration of CpG ODN and 5-FU also significantly enhanced the lytic activity of NK cells when compared with the treatment with 5-FU alone (12.03&#177;1.42%, P&lt;0.05). CONCLUSION: The present data suggests that CpG ODN used as single therapeutic agent triggers anti-tumor immune response to inhibit the growth of implanted hepatoma and reverses the immunosuppression caused by the chemotherapy with 5-FU.     

反义内皮素转换酶核酸对尘螨过敏哮喘患者外周血单个核细胞释放白细胞介素5的抑制作用

目的　探讨转导反义内皮素转换酶 (ECE)核酸的气道上皮细胞对尘螨过敏性患者外周血单个核细胞释放Th1/Th2相关细胞因子的影响。方法　尘螨过敏患者 2 1例 ,分离其外周血单个核细胞 (PBMC) ,根据实验要求分为 :未刺激组 (A组 )、反义ECE上皮细胞 +PBMCs组 (A1组 )、对照组上皮细胞 +PBMCs组 (A2 组 )及螨刺激组 (B组 )、反义ECE上皮细胞 +PBMCs+尘螨提取液组 (B1组 )、对照组上皮细胞 +PBMCs+尘螨提取液组 (B2 组 ) ,共培养 72h ,螨刺激组同时加入尘螨提取液 2 0 μg/ml。培养上清用酶联免疫吸附 (ELISA)法检测白细胞介素 5 (IL 5 )、γ干扰素 (IFN γ)。结果2 1例患者中有 12例患者经尘螨刺激后IL 5释放明显增加。将 12例患者进行统计学分析发现 ,未经尘螨刺激时 ,A1组IL 5和IFN γ水平分别为 [(6 0± 1 3)× 10 -9g/L]和 [(6 3± 2 6 )× 10 -9g/L],A2 组为 [(7 5± 1 1)× 10 -9g/L]、[(70± 5 2 )× 10 -9g/L],两组比较差异均无显著性 (P >0 0 5 ) ;尘螨刺激后 ,B1组的IL 5水平和IFN γ分别为 [(8 2± 1 6 )× 10 -9g/L]、[(10 0± 4 1)× 10 -9g/L],B2 组分别为[(12 0± 1 8)× 10 -9g/L]、[(15 3± 71)× 10 -9g/L],两组IL 5比较差异有显著性 (P =0 0 4 7) ,而IFN γ水平比较差异无显著性 (P >     

γ干扰素质粒基因转染对支气管哮喘小鼠气道炎症的影响

目的观察气道内γ干扰素(IFNγ)基因转染对支气管哮喘(简称哮喘)小鼠气道炎症的影响。方法健康6周龄SPF级C57BL/6小鼠40只,按随机数字表法分为4组。正常对照组(A组)、哮喘模型组(B组)、模型空质粒干预组(C组)、模型IFNγ质粒干预组(D组),每组10只。B组、C组及D组以0.1%卵白蛋白(OVA)0.1ml腹腔注射致敏,以1%的OVA50μl滴鼻激发建立哮喘模型;A组用等量生理盐水分别代替0.1%的OVA0.1ml和1%OVA50μl;C组和D组分别经鼻滴入空质粒pcDNA3.1()和Lipofentamine2000混合液50μl或重组IFNγ质粒和Lipofentamine2000混合液50μl。观察各组小鼠支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)中的细胞成分、白细胞介素4(IL4)、IL5、IFNγ和肺组织病理学变化。结果B组小鼠BALF中炎性细胞总数、嗜酸粒细胞(EOS)、中性粒细胞和淋巴细胞计数分别为(0.102±0.020)×109/L、(0.0193±0.0047)×109/L、(0.0107±0.0039)×109/L、(0.0255±0.0042)×109/L,A组分别为(0.082±0.012)×109/L、(0.0041±0.0009)×109/L、(0.0051±0.0016)×109/L、(0.0201±0.0019)×109/L,A、B两组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);D组小鼠BALF中炎性细胞总数、EOS、中性粒细胞和淋巴细胞计数分别为(0.086±0.016)×109/L、(0.0116±0.0031)×109/L、(0.0062±0.0018)×109/L、(0.0182±0.0041)×109/L,与B组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。B组小鼠BALF中IL4、IL5、IFNγ水平分别为[(39.2±5.1)pg/ml、(83.7±4.7)pg/ml、(15.7±2.7)pg/ml],A组小鼠分别为[(13.3±1.9)pg/ml、(12.1±2.3)pg/ml、(31.8±7.9)pg/ml],A、B两组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);D组小鼠BALF中IL4、IL5、IFNγ水平分别为[(16.4±3.2)pg/ml、(26.3±3.4)pg/ml、(65.4±10.4)pg/ml],与B组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。A组小鼠气道无明显炎症变化,B和C组小鼠小支气管、血管黏膜下和周围肺组织有明显的炎症细胞浸润,血管壁明显水肿;D组小鼠气道炎症明显减轻。结论气道内转染干扰素质粒能有效改善哮喘小鼠细胞因子IL4、IL5和IFNγ异常,同时对EOS、中性粒细胞数和淋巴细胞肺内募集、肺组织炎症改变有一定抑制作用。     

细辛脂素体外免疫抑制作用的实验研究

目的　探讨细辛体外免疫抑制作用的有效成分和作用机制并与环孢素 (CsA)进行比较。方法　提取中药细辛中的细辛脂素 ,分离成年Wistar大鼠的心肌细胞 (2× 10 6个 /ml)和SD大鼠的脾细胞 (1× 10 7个 /ml ) ,前者做刺激细胞 ,后者做反应细胞 ,各 0 1ml于 96孔板进行混合细胞培养 ,加入 0 1ml含细辛脂素大鼠血清 ,培养 10 8h后MTT法测定脾细胞增殖抑制率 ;培养液上清中IL 2、IFN γ及IL 4水平 ;并用光镜、电镜观察心肌细胞。结果　含细辛脂素的动物血清可在体外抑制脾细胞增殖反应 (抑制率达 6 0 37% ) ,心肌细胞损伤减轻 ,使培养液上清中IL 2和IFN γ浓度[(6 9 11± 17 4 7)pg/ml;(183 11± 95 2 4 ) pg/ml]与阳性对照组相比降低 [(16 0 4 4± 19 79) pg/ml;(5 2 1 89± 133 18) pg/ml],IL 4浓度 [(5 3 14± 11 80 ) pg/ml]与阳性对照组相比 [(14 4 4± 4 2 1)pg/ml]升高。与CsA组相比各指标相似 [IL 2 :(5 3 11± 18 35 )pg/ml;IFN γ :(16 6 2 2± 6 1 5 6 ) pg/ml;IL 4 :(44 2 0± 11 5 6 ) pg/ml],P >0 0 5。 结论　中药细辛提取物细辛脂素与CsA有相似的免疫抑制作用 ,并能够产生保护受体器官作用 ;细辛提取物体外抗排斥反应时IL 2和IFN γ降低的同时使IL 4升高可能与提高移植耐受有关。     

白细胞介素12重组腺病毒气道内应用对哮喘豚鼠治疗作用的研究

目的　探讨激发前气道内应用白细胞介素 12 (IL 12 )重组腺病毒对过敏性气道高反应的调节作用。方法　以C5 7BL/ 6小鼠经鸡卵蛋白 (OVA)免疫建立哮喘模型 ,实验分 6组 ,每组 6只。激发前气管内单次使用IL 12重组腺病毒 (10 8pfu/mouse) ,观察抗原激发后反应的变化。结果　 (1)小鼠气道内应用IL 12重组腺病毒在肺内可有效表达 ,48h血浆及肺泡灌洗液IL 12分别为 (5 40± 6 0 )U/ml和 (470 0± 80 0 )U/ml,对照病毒和PBS组未检出 ,两组比较差异有显著性 (P <0 0 1)。 (2 )在抗原激发阶段使用IL 12重组腺病毒 ,可明显抑制肺内IL 4[(3 5± 2 0 )ng/ml∶85 0± 2 5 0 )ng/ml]和IL 5[(6 5± 4 5 )ng/ml∶(5 4 0± 14 0 )ng/ml];γ干扰素 (IFN γ)的产生增加 [(6 90 0± 32 0 )ng/ml∶(12 5±3 2 )ng/ml];并明显抑制气道高反应性 [(36 0± 30 )cmH2 O∶(810± 5 0 )cmH2 O];抑制外周血 [(0 7±0 1) %∶(9 2± 0 5 ) % ]及肺泡灌洗液 [(3 5± 0 7)∶(2 1 6± 4 7)× 10 4 /ml]中的嗜酸细胞的水平 ;与对照组比较 (t分别 =7 97、7 92、5 1 6、18 9、9 33、47 1,P均 <0 0 1) ;但与总IgE[(6 5± 9) μg/ml∶(6 7± 10 )μg/ml]及抗原特异性IgE[(32± 8)∶(33± 8)U/ml]比较无明显影响 (P均 >0 0 5 )。     

鼠白细胞介素12质粒对小鼠支气管哮喘模型气道炎症及细胞因子的影响

目的　研究鼠白细胞介素 12 (IL 12 )基因表达 (mIL 12 )质粒对小鼠支气管哮喘 (简称哮喘 )模型气道炎症及细胞因子的影响 ,并分析其作用机制。方法　卵白蛋白 (OVA)致敏建立小鼠哮喘模型。BALB/c小鼠 4 1只 ,分为 6组。即哮喘模型组 (A组 ) 8只 :OVA致敏 +OVA气雾攻击 ;模型对照组 (B组 ) 6只 :用生理盐水代替 1%OVA溶液雾化 ,余处理同A组 ;mIL 12质粒预防组 (C组 ) 8只 :实验第 1、3、5天各肌肉注射mIL 12质粒 10 0 μg ;mIL 12质粒治疗组 (D组 ) 8只 :实验第 14、16、18天各肌肉注射mIL 12质粒 10 0 μg ;空质粒预防组 (E组 ) 5只 :实验第 1、3、5天各肌肉注射空质粒 10 0 μg ;空质粒治疗组 (F组 ) 6只 :实验第 14、16、18天各肌肉注射空质粒 10 0 μg。测定所有小鼠支气管 肺泡灌洗液 (BALF)中的嗜酸粒细胞 (EOS)个数和IL 4、IL 5、γ干扰素 (IFN γ)水平。结果B组小鼠EOS个数和IL 4、IL 5、IFN γ浓度分别为 (0 0 1± 0 0 3)× 10 8/L、(2 4± 4 ) pg/ml、(33± 6 ) pg/ml、(72 5± 5 9) pg/ml,C组为 (0 0 6± 0 0 4 )× 10 8/L、(43± 13) pg/ml、(6 3± 10 )pg/ml、(6 2 6± 6 0 ) pg/ml,D组为 (0 11± 0 12 )× 10 8/L、(38± 14 )pg/ml、(6 6± 14 ) pg/ml、(6 6 1± 4 0 ) pg/ml,与A     

人免疫缺陷病毒携带者和艾滋病患者血清IFN-γ、IL-10和免疫球蛋白的检测及其临床意义

目的　探讨IFN γ和IL 10在人免疫缺陷病毒 (HIV )感染中的意义。方法　利用双抗体夹心ELISA法检测 3 0例HIV携带者、16例艾滋病 (AIDS)患者血清IFN γ和IL 10水平 ,采用透射比浊法检测血清IgG、IgA和IgM水平 ,选择 2 3名健康人作对照组。 结果　AIDS患者IFN γ水平为 (4 .5± 2 .7)pg/ml,对照组为 (8.2± 4.1) pg/ml,AIDS患者明显低于对照组 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,HIV携带者、AIDS患者血清中IL 10水平明显高于对照组 [(12 .4± 7.4) pg/ml ,(2 8.1± 11.2 ) pg/mlVs(6.9± 3 .8)pg/ml ,P <0 .0 1] ,且AIDS组高于HIV携带组 (P <0 .0 1)。HIV携带者和AIDS患者血清中免疫球蛋白水平均高于对照组。结论　HIV携带者存在Th1型免疫应答缺陷 ,Th2型免疫应答与感染慢性化及疾病持续发展有关。     

免疫刺激DNA序列与过敏原联用对哮喘小鼠模型气道过敏性炎症的作用

目的　观察免疫刺激DNA序列 (ISS DNA)单用和与过敏原卵白蛋白 (OVA)合用 ,对支气管哮喘 (简称哮喘 )小鼠模型气道过敏性炎症的作用及作用维持时间。方法　BALB/c小鼠 36只 ,分ISS组 (A组 ) 12只、ISS +OVA组 (B组 ) 12只、OVA组 (C组 ) 6只和生理盐水 (NS)组 (D组 ) 6只。A、B、C组用OVA致敏及激发。A组和B组根据注射次数再分A1、B11次注射组 (1次腹腔注射ISS DNA 10 0μg或ISS DNA 10 0 μg +OVA 10 μg)和A2 、B2 2次注射组 (2次腹腔注射ISS DNA或ISS DNA +OVA)。各组在第 1次激发后 6周中 ,每周采血 1次测特异性IgE ,最后处死小鼠测支气管肺泡灌洗液 (BALF)中细胞计数及分类 ,肺组织病理检查 ,检测脾细胞分泌γ干扰素 (IFN γ)的水平。结果　BALF中嗜酸细胞 (EOS)数A1组为 (2 39± 0 81)× 10 4/ml;A2 组为 (2 .6 2± 0 .77)× 10 4/ml;B1组为 (1.80± 0 .12 )× 10 4/ml;B2 组为 (1.84± 0 .6 7)× 10 4/ml,与C组 [(12 .4 3± 2 .13)× 10 4/ml]比较差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 5 )。脾细胞分泌的IFN γA1组为 (5 10± 10 2 )pg/ml;A2 组为 (492± 98)pg/ml;B1组为 (5 32± 12 0 )pg/ml;B2组为 (46 9± 132 )pg/ml,与C组 [(194± 80 )pg/ml]比较差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 5 )。血清IgE前 4周B组与C组比较     

Three layer functional model and energy exchange concept of aging process

Relying on a certain degree of abstraction, we can propose that no particular distinction exists between animate or living matter and inanimate matter. While focusing attention on some specifics, the dividing line between the two can be drawn. The most apparent distinction is in the level of structural and functional organization with the dissimilar streams of ‘energy flow’ between the observed entity and the surrounding environment. In essence, living matter is created from inanimate matter which is organized to contain internal intense energy processes and maintain lower intensity energy exchange processes with the environment. Taking internal and external energy processes into account, we contend in this paper that living matter can be referred to as matter of dissipative structure, with this structure assumed to be a common quality of all living creatures and living matter in general. Interruption of internal energy conversion processes and terminating the controlled energy exchange with the environment leads to degeneration of dissipative structure and reduction of the same to inanimate matter, (gas, liquid and/or solid inanimate substances), and ultimately what can be called ‘death.’ This concept of what we call dissipative nature can be extended from living organisms to social groups of animals, to mankind. An analogy based on the organization of matter provides a basis for a functional model of living entities. The models relies on the parallels among the three central structures of any cell (nucleus, cytoplasm and outer membrane) and the human body (central organs, body fluids along with the connective tissues, and external skin integument). This three-part structural organization may be observed almost universally in nature. It can be observed from the atomic structure to the planetary and intergalactic organizations. This similarity is corroborated by the membrane theory applied to living organisms. According to the energy nature of living matter and the proposed functional model, the decreased integrity of a human body's external envelope membrane is a first cause of the structural degradation and aging of the entire organism. The aging process than progresses externally to internally, as in single cell organisms, suggesting that much of the efforts towards the restoration and maintenance of the mechanisms responsible for structural development should be focused accordingly, on the membrane, i.e., the skin. Numerous reports indicate that all parts of the human body, like: bones, blood with blood vessels, muscles, skin, and so on, have some ability for restoration. Therefore, actual revival of not only aging tissue of the human body's membrane, but the entire human body enclosed within, with all internal organs, might be expected. We assess several aging theories within the context of our model and provide suggestions on how to activate the body's own anti-aging mechanisms and increase longevity. This paper presents some analogies and some distinctions that exist between the living dissipative structure matter and inanimate matter, discusses the aging process and proposes certain aging reversal solutions.     

Unusual responses of nocturnal pineal melatonin synthesis and secretion to swimming: Attempts to define mechanisms

Abstract: The effect of swimming at night on rat pineal melatonin synthesis was compared with that of light exposure at night. Rats were forced to swim at 0030 hr (lights out at 2000 hr) and sacrificed by decapitation 15 and 30 min later, immediately after swimming. Other groups of animals were exposed to white light (650μW/cm²) for 15 and 30 min at same time. Swimming caused a rapid and highly significant drop in the melatonin content in the pineal gland; however, the activity of N-acetyltransferase (NAT), the supposed rate limiting enzyme in the melatonin production, was not changed. Despite the drop in pineal melatonin levels, serum concentrations of the indole remained elevated in the rats that swam. In contrast, melatonin levels in the pineal and serum of light exposed rats fell precipitously, accompanied by a significant suppression of NAT activity. Since we anticipated that the strenuous exercise associated with swimming may induce release of artrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) from the heart, which in turn could cause the release of pineal melatonin, in a second study we injected physiological saline intravenously to stretch the cardiac muscle and release ANP. Three milliliters of normal saline was injected during the day into the jugular vein of anesthetized rats that were pretreated with isoproterenol to stimulate pineal melatonin production. Animals were killed 15 min after the saline injection, and pineal NAT activity and pineal melatonin levels were measured. The saline injections caused no alteration in the elevated levels of either NAT or melatonin. These data suggest that the disparity in pineal NAT activity (which was high) and pineal melatonin (which was low), in animals swum at night, may not be caused by ANP which is released during strenuous exercise such as swimming.     

The immunoneuroendocrine role of melatonin

Abstract: A tight, physiological link between the pineal gland and the immune system is emerging from a series of experimental studies. This link might reflect the evolutionary connection between self-recognition and reproduction. Pinealectomy or other experimental methods which inhibit melatonin synthesis and secretion induce a state of immunodepression which is counteracted by melatonin. In general, melatonin seems to have an immunoenhancing effect that is particularly apparent in immunodepressive states. The negative effect of acute stress or immunosuppressive pharmacological treatments on various immune parameters are counteracted by melatonin. It seems important to note that one of the main targets of melatonin is the thymus, i.e., the central organ of the immune system. The clinical use of melatonin as an immunotherapeutic agent seems promising in primary and secondary immunodeficiencies as well as in cancer immunotherapy. The immunoenhancing action of melatonin seems to be mediated by T-helper cell-derived opioid peptides as well as by lymphokines and, perhaps, by pituitary hormones. Melatonin-induced-immuno-opioids (MHO) and lymphokines imply the presence of specific binding sites or melatonin receptors on cells of the immune system. On the other hand, lymphokines such as -γ-interferon and interleukin-2 as well as thymic hormones can modulate the synthesis of melatonin in the pineal gland. The pineal gland might thus be viewed as the crux of a sophisticated immunoneuroendocrine network which functions as an unconscious, diffuse sensory organ.     

Melatonin and photoperiodic time measurement: Seasonal breeding in the sheep

Abstract: Well-established circadian physiology supports the view that photoperiodic time measurement utilizes the coincidence between the presence of light and a photosensitive phase of a 'biological clock' to alter reproductive status—the so-called external coincidence model of seasonal breeding. In this review, we examine the mechanism whereby photoperiod interacts with presumed suprachiasmatic nuclei activity to allow endogenous melatonin to normally synchronize reproductive activity to the optimal time of year. The Romney Marsh sheep is particularly explored as an experimental model. It is suggested that the on/off activity of seasonal reproduction may be a robust mechanism able to be predictably manipulated by the judicious use of the light/dark cycle and exogenous melatonin, but firmly based on circadian principles.     

Conservative management of perforated duodenal diverticulum： A case report and review of the literature

Duodenal diverticula are a relatively common condition. They are asymptomatic, unless they become complicated, with perforation being the rarest but most severe complication. Surgical treatment is the most frequently performed approach. We report the case of a patient with a perforated duodenal diverticulum, which was diagnosed early and treated conservatively with antibiotics and percutaneous drainage of secondary retroperitoneal abscesses. We suggest this method could be an acceptable option for the management of similar cases, provided that the patient is in good general condition and without septic signs.     

Changes in connexin43, the gap junction protein of astrocytes, during development of the rat pineal gland

Abstract: The abundance of gap junctions between rat pineal astrocytes formed by connexin43 (Cx43) was studied during development. Levels and distribution of Cx43 were measured by immunoblotting and indirect immunofluorescence, respectively. The amount of Cx43 in cells located within the gland was low until about the 7th postnatal day and increased to adult values between the 14th and 21st days postpartum. Although astrocytes, recognized by their vimentin immunoreactivity, were scarce before birth, they were abundant by the 7th postnatal day suggesting that the low levels of Cx43 found at this age corresponded to a low expression of this protein. Localization of the immunoreactivity to Cx43 and vimentin showed a close correlation, indicating that mature or immature pineal astrocytes form gap junctions made of Cx43. Since Cx43 levels attained their adult values at about the time the innervation and the functional state of the gland reached maturity (2–3 weeks after birth), it is proposed that astrocyte gap junctions are involved in the function of the adult rat pineal gland.     

Language of CTO interventions – Focus on hardware

The knowledge of variety of chronic total occlusion (CTO) hardware and the ability to use them represents the key to success of any CTO interventions. However, the multiplicity of CTO hardware and their physical character and the terminology used by experts create confusion in the mind of an average interventional cardiologist, particularly a beginner in this field. This knowledge is available but is scattered. We aim to classify and compare the currently used devices based on their properties focusing on how physical character of each device can be utilized in a specific situation, thus clarifying and simplifying the technical discourse.     

High prevalence of distal sensory polyneuropathy in antiretroviral-treated and untreated people with HIV in Tanzania

Objectives To describe the prevalence of distal sensory polyneuropathy (DSP), a complication of both advanced HIV disease and of antiretroviral therapy (ART), amongst Tanzanians with HIV, on and off ART (including stavudine) with CD4 counts above and below 200 cells/μl. Methods We recruited participants attending ART clinic into four groups: >6 months ART exposure and (i) CD4 < 200 cells/μl or (ii) CD4 > 200 cells/μl (ART/CD4 < 200 and ART/CD4 > 200, respectively); ART‐naïve and (iii) CD4 < 200 cells/μl or iv)CD4 > 200 cells/μl (noART/CD4 < 200 and noART/CD4 > 200, respectively). Primary outcome was DSP, as defined by presence of at least one symptom and one sign. Results Of 326 evaluable participants, 81 (32 men, median age 38 years, median CD4 142 cells/μl) were enrolled in the ART/CD4 < 200 group, 78 (17 men, median age 37 years, median CD4 345 cells/μl) in ART/CD4 > 200, 81 (30 men, median age 37 years, median CD4 128 cells/μl) in noART/CD4 < 200 and 86 (22 men, median age 33 years, median CD4 446 cells/μl) in noART/CD4 > 200. Numbness was the most commonly reported symptom. DSP prevalence ranged from 43.2% in ART/CD4 < 200 to 20.9% in noART/CD4 > 200. DSP was more common among men (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–3.3) and older participants (aOR 2.7, 95% CI 1.1–6.2 for age 40 + vs. <30 years). Conclusion Distal sensory polyneuropathy is common amongst those attending this clinic, even those with no ART exposure and a CD4 count above 200 cells/μl. Stavudine and didanosine expose HIV‐infected patients to an additional avoidable risk of DSP. Access to non‐neurotoxic ART regimes as well as earlier HIV diagnosis and initiation of ART is needed.