体外针对X基因的小干扰RNA的抗乙型肝炎病毒效应研究

目的：探讨体外针对乙型肝炎病毒（HBV）X基因的小干扰RNA（siRNA）对HBV复制和抗原表达的抵制作用。方法：利用siRNA表达框架法设计针对HBVX基因的siRNA,转染HepG2．2．15细胞,RT-PCR半定量检测转染前后X基因的表达;ELISA法测定各组24、48、72hHBsAg和HBeAg的含量;荧光定量PCR检测48h时HBVDNA的变化。结果：制备了HBVX基因的siRNA,转染后24、48和72h,HBVX基因mRNA的量分别减少了57％、78％和40％;siRNA能抑制HBsAg和HbeAg的分泌,抑制高峰在48h,抑制率分别为42％和43％;荧光定量PCR证实HBVDNA的复制亦受到抑制。结论：针对HBVX基因的siRNA在体外具有抑制HBV复制和抗原表达的作用。     

体内诱生抗原鉴定技术

体外不表达而只在体内才表达的基因称为体内诱导基因。研究表明,体内诱导基因涉及病原菌在体内的生存和致病过程,因此有重要意义。最近提出的体内诱生抗原鉴定技术(invivo-inducedantigentechnology,IVIAT)就是用于筛选病原菌体内诱导基因的一种方法。该方法不使用动物模型,而是采用经病原菌体外表达抗原吸收处理的病人血清来检测病原菌的表达文库,从而筛选体内诱导基因;方法简便、快速。这些筛选得到的体内诱导基因有助于病原菌致病机制的研究,同时也能够为抗菌药物、诊断试剂及疫苗设计等研究提供潜在靶标。     

应用改良的实时TaqMan荧光定量RT-PCR技术检测口蹄疫病毒及其3D基因转录水平

将改良的实时TaqMan荧光定量RT-PCR技术应用于口蹄疫病毒感染体内和体外的定量检测以及其3D基因转录水平分析。结果表明:对样品中口蹄疫病毒基因组RNA的检测灵敏度可达l0个基因拷贝,可同时检测病毒正负链复制水平且重复性较好,所测口蹄疫病毒3D基因转录水平可高达6.9×104拷贝/μL;与实时SYBRGreenⅠ染料RT-PCR技术比较,改良的实时TagMan荧光定量RT-PCR技术检测灵敏度高6.7倍。以上结果证实,改良的实时TaqMan荧光定量RT-PCR技术在病毒检测和基因表达水平分析方面有更高的灵敏度和特异性。     

肉毒毒素体外检测方法的研究进展

肉毒毒素是肉毒梭状芽胞杆菌在生长繁殖过程中产生的一种神经毒素,对人和动物具有强毒性和高致死性,在世界范围内,肉毒中毒的案例时有发生,病情严重者一般2~3 d即可死亡。肉毒毒素产品所用的体内检测方法(小鼠生物法)的结果变异系数大,不利于肉毒毒素产品含量的标准化控制。因而,建立准确且灵敏度高的肉毒毒素体外检测方法,在临床治疗及制品的质量控制方面都具有重要意义,现就常用的肉毒毒素体外检测方法作一阐述。     

应用改良的实时TaqMan荧光定量 RT-PCR技术检测口蹄疫病毒及其3D基因转录水平

将改良的实时TaqMan荧光定量RT-PCR技术应用于口蹄疫病毒感染体内和体外的定量检测以及其3D基因转录水平分析.结果表明对样品中口蹄疫病毒基因组RNA的检测灵敏度可达l0个基因拷贝,可同时检测病毒正负链复制水平且重复性较好,所测口蹄疫病毒3D基因转录水平可高达6.9×104拷贝/μL;与实时SYBR GreenⅠ染料RT-PCR技术比较,改良的实时TagMan荧光定量RT-PCR技术检测灵敏度高6.7倍.以上结果证实,改良的实时TaqMan荧光定量RT-PCR技术在病毒检测和基因表达水平分析方面有更高的灵敏度和特异性.     

霍乱毒素B亚单位在疫苗研究中的应用

CTB不同于CT，没有毒性，在体内和体外CTB具有强的免疫调节活性。越来越多的证据表明CTB在疫苗研究中发挥重要作用。深入理解CTB的免疫调节机制及其在疫苗研究中的应用，有助于设计新疫苗和改良疫苗。因此，将对CTB在疫苗研究中的应用进展进行综述。     

改造HBV作为基因治疗载体

HBV具备改造作为肝靶向性基因治疗载体的基本条件———天然嗜肝特异性,能够在肝细胞内持续复制、反复感染,病毒本身对细胞没有明显的细胞毒性;能够携带外源基因并被包装成病毒颗粒;能够介导外源基因的转移和表达。但由于基因结构复杂,目前改造的HBV载体均存在载容量小、复制包装效率低及安全性差等缺点。就近年相关研究进展进行综述。     

猪皮肤成纤维细胞PERV体外和体内感染性的研究

为了解猪皮肤成纤维细胞PERV在体外和体内的感染性,通过建立猪皮肤成纤维细胞系,将所建细胞系与人胚胎肾293细胞体外共培养,并移植于严重联合免疫缺陷鼠(SCID鼠)皮下进行猪皮肤成纤维细胞PERV的体外和体内感染性实验。结果表明,猪皮肤成纤维细胞与人胚胎肾细胞共培养过程中,猪内源性逆转录病毒感染人胚胎肾细胞,进一步证实和拓宽了猪细胞PERV感染人细胞的范畴;猪皮肤成纤维细胞移植SCID鼠皮下后,导致SCID鼠发生猪细胞微嵌合(78．57％)和PERV在体内感染(85．71％)并且波及远离移植部位的多种组织或器官,但是并未检测出SCID鼠组织中表达PERV env RNA。这就证实了猪皮肤成纤维细胞PERV的体外感染性和在小鼠体内的感染性,但未能找到PERV在体内活跃复制的明显证据。因而,在猪异种移植过程中PERV传播的潜在危险仍然是必须高度重视的生物安全性问题。     

抗微生物作用的纳米材料研究新进展

通过对国内外抗微生物作用的纳米材料研究进行综述,总结几种最常应用的抗微生物作用的纳米材料的应用范围、作用原理及优缺点,为纳米材料的选用提供参考。目前抗微生物作用的纳米材料主要有金属元素型纳米材料、金属氧化物型纳米材料、非金属无机化合物型纳米材料、有机化合物型纳米材料和天然纳米材料等;纳米材料的抗微生物机制主要有催化反应与接触反应学说两种;有些纳米材料按现有制作方法和使用方法,具有一定的生物毒性。因此,今后应重视如何降低纳米材料的生物毒性以及进一步开发应用天然纳米材料的研究。     

纳米ZnO对斑马鱼(Danio rerio)肝组织mdr1、nka、ctr1、hif基因mRNA的影响

随着纳米材料的广泛应用,越来越多的人开始关注并研究纳米材料的环境安全性,特别是生物毒性。基因mRNA受环境的影响往往早于毒性损伤,可作为组织损伤的前兆。以斑马鱼为受试生物,运用RT-PCR研究了ZnO纳米颗粒(5.6 mg/L)对肝组织mdr1(多药耐药性基因)、nka(Na+-K+-ATP酶基因)、ctr1(高亲和铜转运蛋白基因)、hif(低氧诱导因子基因)mRNA的影响,这些基因主要与斑马鱼肝组织自身免疫、细胞膜转运功能以及氧化应激有关。实验发现各基因与对照组相比有显著性差异(p<0.05),说明ZnO纳米颗粒对斑马鱼肝组织mdr1、nka、ctr1、hif基因有影响。     

Nanomaterials as a potential environmental pollutant: Overview of existing risk assessment methodologies

The development and use of engineered nanomaterials is increasing rapidly and there are already a large number of consumer products containing nanomaterials. The possible release of nanomaterials from these products is still uncertain, as is their final fate and effects in the environment. Regulators need to deal with this lack of data when carrying out risk assessment and modify the existing risk assessment approaches to adapt them to the unique features of nanomaterials. Here we give an overview of various risk assessment approaches for nanomaterials developed worldwide, in which we describe their strengths and limitations, and have evaluated two of them, the Nano Risk Framework and the Precautionary Matrix for specific cases. Many properties of engineered nanomaterials are unknown and this causes deficiencies in the approaches studied. It is therefore essential to increase the present scarce data on nanomaterials released in the environment and close the gaps in the current methodologies to perform adequate risk assessment for nanomaterials.     

In vivo tumor cell targeting with "click" nanoparticles

The in vivo fate of nanomaterials strongly determines their biomedical efficacy. Accordingly, much effort has been invested into the development of library screening methods to select targeting ligands for a diversity of sites in vivo. Still, broad application of chemical and biological screens to the in vivo targeting of nanomaterials requires ligand attachment chemistries that are generalizable, efficient, covalent, orthogonal to diverse biochemical libraries, applicable under aqueous conditions, and stable in in vivo environments. To date, the copper(I)-catalyzed Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition or "click" reaction has shown considerable promise as a method for developing targeted nanomaterials in vitro. Here, we investigate the utility of "click" chemistry for the in vivo targeting of inorganic nanoparticles to tumors. We find that "click" chemistry allows cyclic LyP-1 targeting peptides to be specifically linked to azido-nanoparticles and to direct their binding to p32-expressing tumor cells in vitro. Moreover, "click" nanoparticles are able to stably circulate for hours in vivo following intravenous administration (>5 h circulation time), extravasate into tumors, and penetrate the tumor interstitium to specifically bind p32-expressing cells in tumors. In the future, in vivo use of "click" nanomaterials should expedite the progression from ligand discovery to in vivo evaluation and diversify approaches toward multifunctional nanoparticle development.     

Biostatistical methods for the validation of alternative methods for in vitro toxicity testing

Statistical methods for the validation of toxicological in vitro test assays are developed and applied. Validation is performed either in comparison with in vivo assays or in comparison with other in vitro assays of established validity. Biostatistical methods are presented which are of potential use and benefit for the validation of alternative methods for the risk assessment of chemicals, providing at least an equivalent level of protection through in vitro toxicity testing to that obtained through the use of current in vivo methods. Characteristic indices are developed and determined. Qualitative outcomes are characterised by the rates of false-positive and false-negative predictions, sensitivity and specificity, and predictive values. Quantitative outcomes are characterised by regression coefficients derived from predictive models. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) technique, applicable when a continuum of cut-off values is considered, is discussed in detail, in relation to its use for statistical modelling and statistical inference. The methods presented are examined for their use for the proof of safety and for toxicity detection and testing. We emphasise that the final validation of toxicity testing is human toxicity, and that the in vivo test itself is only a predictor with an inherent uncertainty. Therefore, the validation of the in vitro test has to account for the vagueness and uncertainty of the "gold standard" in vivo test. We address model selection and model validation, and a four-step scheme is proposed for the conduct of validation studies. Gaps and research needs are formulated to improve the validation of alternative methods for in vitro toxicity testing.     

Current and future needs for developmental toxicity testing

A review is presented of the use of developmental toxicity testing in the United States and international regulatory assessment of human health risks associated with exposures to pharmaceuticals (human and veterinary), chemicals (agricultural, industrial, and environmental), food additives, cosmetics, and consumer products. Developmental toxicology data are used for prioritization and screening of pharmaceuticals and chemicals, for evaluating and labeling of pharmaceuticals, and for characterizing hazards and risk of exposures to industrial and environmental chemicals. The in vivo study designs utilized in hazard characterization and dose-response assessment for developmental outcomes have not changed substantially over the past 30 years and have served the process well. Now there are opportunities to incorporate new technologies and approaches to testing into the existing assessment paradigm, or to apply innovative approaches to various aspects of risk assessment. Developmental toxicology testing can be enhanced by the refinement or replacement of traditional in vivo protocols, including through the use of in vitro assays, studies conducted in alternative nonmammalian species, the application of new technologies, and the use of in silico models. Potential benefits to the current regulatory process include the ability to screen large numbers of chemicals quickly, with the commitment of fewer resources than traditional toxicology studies, and to refine the risk assessment process through an enhanced understanding of the mechanisms of developmental toxicity and their relevance to potential human risk. As the testing paradigm evolves, the ability to use developmental toxicology data to meet diverse critical regulatory needs must be retained.     

Implant microparticles--a new concept for non-invasive cancer therapy

Some progress in cancer research was possible in recent years mainly due to important advances in nanotechnology. However, clinical use of nanomaterials is still hindered by limitations. In search of better performance and control of inoculated materials, the efficiency and toxicity of SBBC implant particles was assessed. B16 tumoral cells (murine melanoma) were subjected to SBCC particles using in vitro and in vivo experimental models. In vitro experiments concerning the growth inhibition of tumoral cells using SBCC particles were performed by Flow Cytometry and by MTT Assay. In vivo experimental model (C57BL/6 mice) was used to complete this investigation: weight, viability and tumoral dimension were monitored. An anti-proliferative activity on B16 tumoral cells and an ability to produce apoptosis were observed. A reduction of tumoral volume and a 54% survival rate in the treated animals compared to the controls was obtained. Our preliminary results showed that the SBCC implants were effective against B16 melanoma cells, while there is no toxicity associated.     

In vitro genotoxicity testing strategy for nanomaterials and the adaptation of current OECD guidelines

There is a pressing requirement to define a hazard identification and risk management strategy for nanomaterials due to the rapid growth in the nanotechnology industry and their promise of life-style revolutions through the development of wide-ranging nano-containing consumer products. Consequently, a battery of well defined and appropriate in vitro assays to assess a number of genotoxicity endpoints is required to minimise extensive and costly in vivo testing. However, the validity of the established protocols in current OECD recognised genotoxicity assays for nanomaterials is currently being questioned. In this report, we therefore consider the in vitro OECD genotoxicity test battery including the Ames, micronucleus and HPRT forward mutation assays, and their potential role in the safety assessment of nanomaterial induced DNA damage in vitro.     

Toxicity of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs): A review

Gold nanoparticles are a kind of nanomaterials that have received great interest in field of biomedicine due to their electrical, mechanical, thermal, chemical and optical properties. With these great potentials came the consequence of their interaction with biological tissues and molecules which presents the possibility of toxicity. This paper aims to consolidate and bring forward the studies performed that evaluate the toxicological aspect of AuNPs which were categorized into in vivo and in vitro studies. Both indicate to some extent oxidative damage to tissues and cell lines used in vivo and in vitro respectively with the liver, spleen and kidney most affected. The outcome of these review showed small controversy but however, the primary toxicity and its extent is collectively determined by the characteristics, preparations and physicochemical properties of the NPs. Some studies have shown that AuNPs are not toxic, though many other studies contradict this statement. In order to have a holistic inference, more studies are required that will focus on characterization of NPs and changes of physical properties before and after treatment with biological media. So also, they should incorporate controlled experiment which includes supernatant control Since most studies dwell on citrate or CTAB-capped AuNPs, there is the need to evaluate the toxicity and pharmacokinetics of functionalized AuNPs with their surface composition which in turn affects their toxicity. Functionalizing the NPs surface with more peculiar ligands would however help regulate and detoxify the uptake of these NPs.     

Rational approaches for toxicological assessments of nanobiomaterials

The nanobiomaterials display unique and distinguished usefulness in day‐to‐day life. The application of nanobiomaterials is being utilized in several segments, including semiconductor industries, cosmetics, and medicines. Alongside their usefulness these nanobiomaterials have potential toxicity which may limit it's further use. As there is sparse information on toxicological facets of nanomaterials available, a proactive approach for evaluation of potential risk of nanobiomaterials should be exercised. This review explains the potential mechanism of nanobiomaterials toxicity and rational approaches for selection of protocols to study toxicity of nanobiomaterials.