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 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 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 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.
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common and serious diabetic complications, which is the main cause of vision loss in adults. The specific vascular and neuropathology mechanism of DR is not clear. It has been demonstrated that Inflammatory reaction might be take effects in the development and progression of DR. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), as an important chemokine in the inflammatory response process, promotes chemotactic and activating factors, destroys the blood-retinal barrier, causes retinal vascular disease, and activates microglia, which is related to the severity of the disease. With further research on MCP-1, it is possible to use chemokines and their receptors as target cells to control or slow down the progression of DR by reducing or inhibiting the production of MCP-1 in diabetic patients in the early stages of the disease. This study can provide new ideas and new methods about preventing and treating DR.
Objective To observe the influence of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) on the expression of pigment epitheliumderived factor (PEDF) of human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Methods Cultured humanRPE cells (4th－6th generations) were treated with four different concentrations of TA (40, 400, 4times;103 and 4times;104 mu;g/L) for three different periods (12 or 24 or 48 hours), the levels of PEDF protein in the cell culture supernatant and cell lysates were determined by Western blot. After the initial experiment, RPE cells were treated with or without tumor necrosis factor-alpha; (TNF-alpha;, 20 ng/ml） for 24 hours, followed by TA (400 mu;g/L) treatment. The levels of PEDF and phospho-p38 mitogen activated protein kinase(p-p38MAPK) protein expression in cell culture supernatant and cell lysates were measured by Western blot. Results TAtreated RPE cells had higher PEDF expression, and 400 mu;g/L TA group had the highest effect (F＝16.98,P＜0.05). 400 mu;g/L TA treatment for one, six or 24 hours, with or without TNF-alpha; pretreatment, could all promote the PEDF expression and inhibit the p-p38MAPK protein expression (F＝16.87, 10.28; P＜0.01). TNF-alpha; pretreatment alone could inhibit PEDF protein expression and promote p-p38MAPK protein expression (F=16.87, 10.28; P＜0.01). Conclusions TA can up-regulate the expression of PEDF, and downregulate the expression of p-p38MAPK in the cultured human RPE cells.
ObjectiveTo review the recent research progress of the regulatory mechanisms of osteoclast (OC) formation and functions. MethodsThe related literature on OC formation, activation, and functions was reviewed, analyzed, and summarized. ResultsMacrophage colony stimulating factor and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand are essential cytokines which regulate all aspects of OC formation and functions. In additional to mediating bone resorption, OCs also partici pate in regulation of osteoblast formation and immune responses. ConclusionThe researches on the regulation of OC formation and functions have further revealed the destruction mechanisms of various kinds of bone diseases, which will facil itate to find more suitable biological targets for cl inical therapy.
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.
Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1) is a cytokine which belongs to the CC chemokine family. Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells, photoreceptors and microglial cells in the retina can secrete MCP-1. Physiological level of MCP-1 is important for preserving morphology of RPE and glial cells, as well as retinal function and gross morphology. MCP-1 is likely released from Müller glia and the RPE cells when retina under stress, and attracts microglia/macrophages to the sites of retinal damage, activates the microglia to ingest cell debris. MCP-1 has been found upregulated in the intraocular fluid of retina in patients and animal models with retinal detachment, posterior uveitis and age-related macular degeneration. The expression of MCP-1 may be response to retinal inflammation. Therefore, it is tempting to speculate that pharmacological targeting of MCP-1 may be a safe and viable strategy in treatment of retinal disease.