Rabbit lymphocyte subpopulations. I. Separation of Ig+ and Ig- cells and their interaction in cultures stimulated by mitogens.

Rabbit lymph node cells (Ig⁺Ig^?) were rosetted with anti-Ig antibody-coated erythrocytes and the rosetted Ig⁺ cells (B cells) were separated from unrosetted Ig^? cells (T cells) by centrifugation through Ficoll-Hypaque medium. The Ig^? cells were recovered from the top and the Ig⁺ cells from the bottom of the Ficoll-Hypaque layer. Some of the purified Ig⁺ cells lost their ability to form rosettes when cultured with the mitogen associated with streptolysin O. This suggested that the Ig⁺ population might contain two distinct subpopulations. The response of Ig⁺Ig^?, Ig⁺, and Ig^? cells to various mitogens was studied. The Ig^? cells incorporated more ³H-TdR when they were incubated by themselves than when they were cultured with Ig⁺ cells in an Ig⁺Ig^? culture. On the other hand, the Ig⁺ cells incorporated less ³H-TdR when they were incubated by themselves than when they were incubated with Ig^? cells in an Ig⁺Ig^? culture. Thus, Ig⁺ cells suppressed the response of Ig^? cells whereas Ig^? cells enhanced the response of Ig⁺ cells. We conclude that rabbit Ig⁺ cells (B cells) and Ig^? cells (T cells) interact with a feedback pattern of regulation.     

ON THE ORIGIN OF THE ACETYL MOIETY OF ACETYLCHOLINE IN BRAIN STUDIED WITH A DIFFERENTIAL LABELLING TECHNIQUE USING 3H-14C-MIXED LABELLED GLUCOSE AND ACETATE

—Cortex slices of rat brain were incubated with glucose mixed-labelled with ³H and ¹⁴C in the 6-position and the ³H/¹⁴C ratios of lactate, acetate, citrate and acetylcholine were determined. The values obtained were: lactate 0·95, acetate 0·85, citrate 0·65 and acetylcholine 0·67 when expressed in relation to a glucose ³H/¹⁴C ratio of 1·00. When brain slices were incubated with [2-¹⁴C, 2-³H]acetate in the presence of unlabelled glucose, labelled acetylcholine was formed with a ³H/¹⁴C ratio not significantly different from the labelled substrate. The results indicate that citrate is a precursor to the acetyl moiety of acetylcholine.     

Mapping of susceptibility to Marek's disease within the major histocompatibility (B) complex by refined typing of White Leghorn chickens

The major histocompatibility (B) complex of a distinct commercial pure White Leghorn chicken line was characterized using serological, biochemical and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) typing. Line B chickens displayed a high recombination frequency within the B complex. Three recombinant haplo-types were identified. The influence of these haplotypes was determined in relation to the haplotypes B^l9 and B²¹ on their resistance to Marek's disease (MD) in an experimental infection with the virus. Offspring of sires with a recombinant haplotype in combination with B¹⁹ or B²¹, and dams, which were homozygous B¹⁹/B¹⁹ or B²¹/B²¹ were infected. The B type of the offspring had a significant effect upon survival. Animals with B complex types B²¹/B²¹, B¹³⁴/B²¹ and B²³⁴/B²¹ were relatively resistant to MD (24–32% mortality), whereas B¹⁹/B¹⁹ birds were highly susceptible (68% mortality). Animals with a recombinant halpotype B^19r21 (B-G²¹, B-F¹⁹) were equally susceptible to MD as birds with the complete B¹⁹ haplotype. In contrast to earlier publications, resistance was not inherited as a dominant trait. Apparently, B¹⁹ was associated with a dominant susceptibility. The gene(s) associated with the B complex and involved in resistance to MD were localized within the B-F/B-L region. However, the association with a presumably non-coding subregion of B-G could not be excluded.     

Interactions between Plants and Epiphytic Bacteria Regarding Their Auxin Metabolism

Epiphytic, IAA-producing bacteria strains were fed with ¹⁴C-tryptophan (Try). ¹⁴C-Try absorption and, after transfer to a Try-free medium, ¹⁴C-IAA output were stated. Using 4 different methods, the ¹⁴C-Try containing bacteria were applied to the tips of sterile corn coleoptiles and the ‘diffusible’ auxin collected at the coleoptile bases by means of agar blocks. ¹⁴C-IAA was detected in the agar blocks. Sterile coleoptiles the tips of which were wupplied with ¹⁴C-Try also deliver some ¹⁴C-IAA at their bases, but much less than both sterile coleoptiles supplied with ¹⁴C-Try-containing bacteria and nonsterile supplied with ¹⁴C-Try.     

15N-marked aphids for predation studies under field conditions

Individuals ofSitobion avenae (F.) (Homoptera: Aphididae) were marked with the stable isotope ¹⁵N through feeding on cereal seedlings which were immersed in a¹⁵N-enriched nutrient solution. Increased ¹⁵N-contents were obtained in all aphids with no detrimental effect on survival and fertility. When ¹⁵N-marked aphids were transferred to non ¹⁵N-enriched seedlings, after a short initial decreasing phase, ¹⁵N-contents remained nearly constant in time. A content of 10% ¹⁵N in the nutrient solution of the seedlings was sufficient for marking the aphids.     

乳腺癌术后放疗联合复方苦参注射液的临床效果观察

目的:分析乳腺癌术后放疗联合复方苦参注射液的临床治疗效果。方法:选取2013年3月至2016年3月我院收治的乳腺癌患者83例,本次治疗前均接受保乳及前哨淋巴结活检术以及5周期的辅助化疗。将患者随机分为对照组42例和观察组41例,对照组患者给予单纯术后放疗治疗,观察组给予患者术后放疗联合复方苦参注射液治疗。比较两组患者治疗前后的血清CA125、CA153及CA724,及CD3~+、CD4~+、CD8~+、CD4~+/CD8~+及NK细胞水平,以及不良反应的发生情况。结果:治疗后,两组的血清CA125、CA153及CA724水平均明显降低,且观察组显著低于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。观察组的CD3~+、CD4~+、CD8~+、CD4~+/CD8~+及NK细胞数较治疗前明显改善,观察组的CD3~+、CD4~+、CD4~+/CD8~+及NK细胞数显著高于对照组,CD8~+显著低于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。治疗期间,观察组患者的II度以上皮肤反应、骨髓抑制的发生率均显著低于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:乳腺癌术后放疗联合复方苦参注射液治疗可显著增强机体的细胞免疫功能,且安全性更高。     

Competition between effective and ineffective bradyrhizobia nodulating peanuts (Arachis hypogaea)1

The competitive ability of effective and ineffective isolates of Bradyrhizobium to form nodules on four peanut (Arachis hypogaea) genotypes from which they were originally isolated was investigated in a greenhouse study. Pregerminated seeds of each genotype were inoculated with five ratios of ineffective effective bradyrhizobia: 10⁴:0, 10⁴:10² 10⁴:10⁴ 10²:10⁴ and 0:10⁴. Plants were harvested 35 days after planting and nitrogenase activity, total nodule number per plant, plant shoot dry weight and the proportion of nodules formed by each Bradyrhizobium isolate were determined. Nodulation suppression occurred on plants inoculated with the mixed cultures, especially on those inoculated with the 10⁴:10² ineffective effective inoculum ratio. More than 85% of the nodules on plants inoculated with the 10⁴:10⁴ and 10²:10⁴ ineffective effective Bradyrhizobium mixtures were formed by the effective isolates. The number of effective nodules per plant, nitrogenase activity and plant shoot dry matter production all increased with the proportion of the effective bradyrhizobia in the inocula.     

Meningiomas: A Comparative Study of 68Ga-DOTATOC, 68Ga-DOTANOC and 68Ga-DOTATATE for Molecular Imaging in Mice

Purpose

The goal of this study was to compare the tumor uptake kinetics and diagnostic value of three ⁶⁸Ga-DOTA-labeled somatostatin analogues (⁶⁸Ga-DOTATOC, ⁶⁸Ga-DOTANOC, and ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATATE) using PET/CT in a murine model with subcutaneous meningioma xenografts.

Methods

The experiment was performed with 16 male NUDE NU/NU mice bearing xenografts of a human meningioma cell line (CH-157MN). ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATOC, ⁶⁸Ga-DOTANOC, and ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATATE were produced in a FASTLab automated platform. Imaging was performed on an Argus small-animal PET/CT scanner. The SUV_max of the liver and muscle, and the tumor-to-liver (T/L) and tumor-to-muscle (T/M) SUV ratios were computed. Kinetic analysis was performed using Logan graphical analysis for a two-tissue reversible compartmental model, and the volume of distribution (V_t) was determined.

Results

Hepatic SUV_max and V_t were significantly higher with ⁶⁸Ga-DOTANOC than with ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATOC and ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATATE. No significant differences between tracers were found for SUV_max in tumor or muscle. No differences were found in the T/L SUV ratio between ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATATE and ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATOC, both of which had a higher fraction than ⁶⁸Ga-DOTANOC. The T/M SUV ratio was significantly higher with ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATATE than with ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATOC and ⁶⁸Ga-DOTANOC. The V_t for tumor was higher with ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATATE than with ⁶⁸Ga-DOTANOC and relatively similar to that of ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATOC.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates, for the first time, the ability of the three radiolabeled somatostatin analogues tested to image a human meningioma cell line. Although V_t was relatively similar with ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATATE and ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATOC, uptake was higher with ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATATE in the tumor than with ⁶⁸Ga-DOTANOC and ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATOC, suggesting a higher diagnostic value of ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATATE for detecting meningiomas.     

Monovalent-ion carrier effects on transport of Rb86 and Cs137 into bush bean plants

Summary Bush bean plants were exposed to either Rb⁸⁶ or Cs¹³⁷ for 24 hours with different monovalent cations as carriers in single-salt solutions except for the presence of 10⁻⁴ M CaCl₂. Ratio of uptake of the radionuclides at 10⁻³ to 10⁻² M was used as an index of the carrier ability of various cations. Different monovalent cations decreased uptake of Cs¹³⁷ and its transport to shoots unequally when 10⁻² M salts were compared with 10⁻³ M salts. Rubidium and cesium salts decreased Cs¹³⁷ uptake equally but potassium salts were less effective in decreasing uptake when the ratios of the two concentrations were considered. All monovalent cations decreased uptake of Cs¹³⁷ at the 10⁻² M carrier concentration but some did not at 10⁻³ M. Nitrate nitrogen was a big factor in these results. Cesium and rubidium salts were most effective. Potassium appeared to increase Cs¹³⁷ transport to shoots particularly at 10⁻³ M KNO₃. Only cesium, rubidium, and potassium salts decreased uptake of Rb⁸⁶ when 10⁻² M salts were compared with 10⁻³ M. Rubidium and cesium salts decreased uptake essentially equally and potassium salts again were less effective. All nitrate salts tended to increase Rb⁸⁶ transport to shoots more consistently than with Cs¹³⁷. It is concluded that absorption and transport to shoots were not equivalent for potassium, rubidium, and cesium.     

Selectivity of interaction of univalent cations with mammalian ribosomes studied by equilibrium dialysis in the presence of the K+ analogue, 204Tl+

The interaction of K⁺ with mammalian ribosomes was studied by equilibrium dialysis and compared with that of other univalent cations. The heavy K⁺ analogue, Tl⁺, binds more firmly than K⁺ to ribosomes and, unlike K⁺, has a practically useful isotope. With ²⁰⁴Tl⁺ as a marker of K⁺-selective binding the ribosome-cation interaction could be followed down to levels below 0.1 average Tl⁺-occupied site per ribosome. The Tl⁺/ribosome ratio varied with the free Tl⁺ concentration in a multiple way. At high Tl⁺ saturation Tl⁺ was easily displaced by Mg²⁺. With decreasing Tl⁺ saturation the competitive activity of Mg⁺⁺ was strikingly reduced, indicating that Tl⁺ and Mg⁺⁺ compete with different efficiency for different classes of sites.The experiments on univalent cations were performed at 1.5 mM Mg²⁺ under two complementary conditions: (1) Ribosomes were pretreated with 5 × 10^?2, 5 × 10^?3, and 5 × 10^?4 M LiNO₃, NaNO₃, KNO₃, and CsNO₃, and then equilibrated with different concentrations of ²⁰⁴TlNO₃ in the same buffers. (2) Ribosomes were pretreated with 10^?2, 10^?4, and 10^?6 M ²⁰⁴TlNO₃, and then equilibrated with different concentrations of LiNO₃, NaNO₃, KNO₃, and CsNO₃ (displacement experiments). At high Tl⁺ saturation Na⁺ and Li⁺ were about as active as K⁺ and Cs⁺ in competing with ²⁰⁴Tl⁺. With decreasing Tl⁺ saturation a differentiation occurred in favor of K⁺ and Cs⁺, with some preference for K⁺. It is concluded that ribosomes contain a limited number of sites with pronounced ion specificity. Of physiological cations K⁺ is most firmly bound to these sites.     

Circulating memory B cells and plasmablasts are associated with the levels of serum immunoglobulin in patients with ulcerative colitis

Humoural immunity is crucial for the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC), but the precise perturbation of B cell immunity is poorly understood. This study is aimed at evaluating the numbers of different subsets of circulating memory B cells, plasmablasts, and the levels of serum immunoglobulin in UC patients. Total of 23 patients with active UC and 14 healthy controls (HC) were examined for the numbers of different subsets of circulating memory B cells and plasmablasts before and after treatment with mesalazine for 8–12 weeks by flow cytometry. Disease activity was evaluated by the Mayo clinic score. The levels of serum immunoglobulin, C‐reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were measured in individual subjects. In comparison with that in HC, significantly reduced numbers of IgG⁺ IgD^? CD27⁺ CD19⁺ memory B cells, increased numbers of CD20^? CD19⁺ plasmablast subsets, and higher serum IgG levels were detected in UC patients. The concentrations of serum IgG, the numbers of CD138⁺ CD38⁺ CD20^? CD19⁺, and IgG⁺ CD38⁺ CD20^? CD19⁺ plasmablasts were negatively associated with the numbers of IgG⁺ IgD^? CD27⁺ CD19⁺ memory B cells. Furthermore, the values of Mayo clinic score, CRP, or ESR in UC patients were negatively correlated with the numbers of IgG⁺ IgD^? CD27⁺ CD19⁺ memory B cells, while positively correlated with the serum IgG levels and the numbers of plasmablast subsets. Following treatment with mesalazine, the numbers of circulating IgG⁺ IgD^? CD27⁺ CD19⁺ memory B cells were significantly increased, while the numbers of CD138⁺ CD38⁺ CD20^? CD19⁺ and IgG⁺ CD38⁺ CD20^? CD19⁺ plasmablasts were reduced in UC patients. These decreased IgG⁺ IgD^? CD27⁺ CD19⁺ memory B cells and increased plasmablasts may be involved in the pathogenic process of UC.     

肺癌患者外周血淋巴细胞亚群水平的表达及临床意义

目的:探讨肺癌患者外周血淋巴细胞亚群水平的表达及临床意义。方法:选择2016年3月~2017年3月期间我院收治的88例肺癌患者作为研究组,选择同期于我院进行健康体检的88例受检者作为对照组。两组研究对象均通过流式细胞仪检测外周血T淋巴细胞亚群水平。观察对比两组研究对象外周血T淋巴细胞亚群的表达水平,以及研究组不同临床病理特征患者外周血T淋巴细胞亚群的表达水平。结果:研究组CD4~+/CD8~+、CD4~+、CD3~+表达水平均低于对照组,CD8~+表达水平高于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。研究组Ⅲ期与Ⅳ期患者CD4~+/CD8~+、CD4~+、CD3~+表达水平均低于Ⅰ期与Ⅱ期,Ⅲ期与Ⅳ期患者CD8~+表达水平高于Ⅰ期与Ⅱ期(P0.05);小细胞肺癌患者CD4~+/CD8~+、CD4~+、CD3~+表达水平均低于非小细胞肺癌患者,CD8~+表达水平高于非小细胞肺癌患者,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。不同性别、年龄、肿瘤分化程度肺癌患者CD4~+/CD8~+、CD8~+、CD4~+、CD3~+水平无统计学差异(P0.05)。结论:肺癌患者外周血淋巴细胞亚群水平的表达呈现异常状态,且表达水平与疾病的分期和病理分型有关。     

Additivity-based design of the strongest possible turkey ovomucoid third domain inhibitors for porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) and Streptomyces griseus protease B (SGPB)

We describe here successful designs of strong inhibitors for porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) and Streptomyces griseus protease B (SGPB). For each enzyme two inhibitor variants were designed. In one, the reactive site residue (position 18) was retained and the best residues were substituted at contact positions 13, 14, and 15. In the other variant the best residues were substituted at all contact positions except the reactive site where a Gly was substituted. The four designed variants were: for PPE, T¹³E¹⁴Y¹⁵-OMTKY3 and T¹³E¹⁴Y¹⁵G¹⁸M²¹P³²V³⁶-OMTKY3, and for SGPB, S¹³D¹⁴Y¹⁵-OMTKY3 and S¹³D¹⁴Y¹⁵G¹⁸I¹⁹K²¹-OMTKY3. The free energies of association (ΔG⁰) of expressed variants have been measured with the proteases for which they were designed as well as with five other serine proteases and the results are discussed.     

Effect of the chelation of metal cation on the antioxidant activity of chondroitin sulfates

The antioxidant potencies of chondroitin sulfates (CSs) from shark cartilage, salmon cartilage, bovine trachea, and porcine intestinal mucosa were compared by three representative methods for the measurement of the antioxidant activity; DPPH radical scavenging activity, superoxide radical scavenging activity, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. CSs from salmon cartilage and bovine trachea showed higher potency in comparison with CSs from shark cartilage and porcine intestinal mucosa. Next, CS from salmon cartilage chelating with Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Mn²⁺, or Zn²⁺ were prepared, and their antioxidant potencies were compared. CS chelating with Ca²⁺ or Mg²⁺ ions showed rather decreased DPPH radical scavenging activity in comparison with CS of H⁺ form. In contrast, CS chelating with Ca²⁺ or Mg²⁺ ion showed remarkably enhanced superoxide radical scavenging activity than CS of H⁺ or Na⁺ form. Moreover, CS chelating with divalent metal ions, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Mn²⁺, or Zn²⁺, showed noticeably higher hydroxyl radical scavenging activity than CS of H⁺ or Na⁺ form. The present results revealed that the scavenging activities of, at least, superoxide radical and hydroxyl radical were enhanced by the chelation with divalent metal ions.     

Toll receptors type-2 and CR3 expression of canine monocytes and its correlation with immunohistochemistry and xenodiagnosis in visceral leishmaniasis

The aim of the present study was to investigate TLR2 expression in peripheral blood monocytes from dogs naturally infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum to determine whether it correlates with CD11b/CD18 (CR3) expression, and to evaluate the potential of dogs as sources of infection using phlebotomine xenodiagnosis. Forty eight dogs were serologically diagnosed with L. infantum infection by indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Parasitological exams from bone-marrow aspirates were positive by PCR analysis. All dogs were clinical defined as symptomatic. Ear skin tissue samples were obtained for immunohistochemistry (IHQ) analysis. The potential of these dogs as a source of infection using phlebotomine xenodiagnosis (XENO) was evaluated. Flow cytometry was carried out on peripheral blood mononuclear cells using superficial receptors including CD14, CD11b, TLR2 and MHCII. IHQ ear skin tissue parasite load and XENO where done where we found a strict correlation (r = 0.5373). Dogs with higher expression of MFI of CD11b inside CD14 monocytes were represented by dogs without parasite ear tissue load that were unable to infect phlebotomines (IHQ⁻/XENO⁻). Dogs with lower expression of MFI of CD11b inside CD14 monocytes were represented by dogs with parasite ear tissue load and able to infect phlebotomines (IHQ⁺/XENO⁺) (p = 0,0032). Comparable results were obtained for MFI of MHCII (p = 0.0054). In addition, considering the population frequency of CD11b⁺TLR2⁺ and CD11b⁺MHCII⁺, higher values were obtained from dogs with IHQ⁻/XENO⁻ than dogs with IHQ⁺/XENO⁺ (p = 0.01; p = 0.0048, respectively). These data, together with the TLR2 and NO assays results (CD11b⁺TLR2⁺ and NO with higher values for dogs with IHQ⁻/XENO⁻ than dogs with IHQ⁺/XENO⁺), led to the conclusion that IHQ⁻/XENO⁻ dogs are more resistant or could modulate the cellular immune response essential for Leishmania tissue clearance.     

Antimicrobial activity of Fe‐loaded chitosan nanoparticles

To increase the antimicrobial activities of chitosan, chitosan nanoparticles loaded with Fe²⁺ or Fe³⁺ were prepared by surfactant‐assisted chitosan chelating Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺ and ionic gelation chitosan. Their chelating rates were determined by spectrophotometry. The particle sizes and zeta potentials of chitosan nanoparticles loaded with Fe²⁺ or Fe³⁺ were measured by size and zeta potential analysis. The nanoparticles antimicrobial activities were evaluated by different concentration against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans in vitro. Results showed that the mean diameter of chitosan nanoparticles loaded with Fe²⁺ or Fe³⁺ were 206.4 and 195.2 nm, respectively. Their zeta potentials were +28.82 and +28.26 mV, respectively. The chelating rate of chitosan nanoparticles loaded with Fe²⁺ was greatly higher than with Fe³⁺. Their antimicrobial activity was showed greatly higher at lower concentrations compared to chitosan, and the antibacterial effect of chitosan nanoparticles loaded with Fe²⁺ or Fe³⁺ was preliminary observed.     

DCs-CIK细胞免疫治疗联合化疗对转移性前列腺癌患者免疫功能及生活质量的影响

目的:探讨DCs-CIK细胞免疫(Dendritic cells-Cytokine induced killer cells,DCs-CIK)治疗联合化疗对转移性前列腺癌患者免疫功能及生活质量的影响。方法:选择106例确诊转移性前列腺癌患者随机分为观察组与对照组,每组各53例,对照组采用多西他赛联合表阿霉素~+泼尼松化疗方式进行治疗,观察组在此基础上给予DC-CIK细胞免疫治疗。比较两组患者治疗前后外周血CD3~+、CD3~+CD4~+、CD3~+CD8~+、CD3-CD56~+、CD4~+CD8~+、自然杀伤细胞(NK)、自然杀伤T细胞(NKT)表达水平;使用QLQ-C30问卷评价患者治疗前后生活质量的变化情况,观察并比较患者治疗过程中发生的不良反应情况。结果:组观察组患者治疗总有效率达73.58%远高于对照组41.51%水平(p0.05);观察组患者治疗后外周血CD3~+、CD3~+CD4~+、CD3~+CD8~+、CD3-CD56~+、CD4~+CD8~+、NK、NKT表达水平明显好于对照组(p0.05);观察组患者躯体功能、角色功能、情绪功能、认知功能、社会功能各项指标得分明显好于对照组(p0.05);两组患者接受治疗后,均有部分患者出现恶心呕吐、脱发、白细胞减少、血小板减少或肝功受损,其中观察组患者出现恶心呕吐、白细胞减少的人数明显少于对照组(p0.05)。结论:DCs-CIK细胞免疫治疗联合化疗有助于转移性前列腺癌患者的治疗,在明显改善患者免疫能力的同时有效改善患者生活质量,具有重要的临床指导意义。     

CD4+CD25-Foxp3+ T cells: a marker for lupus nephritis?

Introduction

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogenous autoimmune disease, which can affect different organs. Increased proportions of CD4⁺CD25^-Foxp3⁺ T cells have been described in SLE patients. The exact role of this cell population in SLE patients still remains unclear. We therefore analyzed this T cell subset in a large cohort of SLE patients with different organ manifestations.

Methods

Phenotypic analyses, proportions and absolute cell numbers of CD4⁺CD25^-Foxp3⁺ T cells were determined by flow cytometry (FACS) in healthy controls (HC) (n = 36) and SLE patients (n = 61) with different organ manifestations. CD4⁺CD25^-Foxp3⁺ T cells were correlated with clinical data, the immunosuppressive therapy and different disease activity indices. In patients with active glomerulonephritis, CD4⁺CD25^-Foxp3⁺ T cells were analyzed in urine sediment samples. Time course analyses of CD4⁺CD25^-Foxp3⁺ T cells were performed in patients with active disease activity before and after treatment with cyclophosphamide and prednisone.

Results

CD4⁺CD25^-Foxp3⁺ T cells were significantly increased in active SLE patients and the majority expressed Helios. Detailed analysis of this patient cohort revealed increased proportions of CD4⁺CD25^-Foxp3⁺ T cells in SLE patients with renal involvement. CD4⁺CD25^-Foxp3⁺ T cells were also detected in urine sediment samples of patients with active glomerulonephritis and correlated with the extent of proteinuria.

Conclusion

CD4⁺CD25^-Foxp3⁺ T cells resemble regulatory rather than activated T cells. Comparative analysis of CD4⁺CD25^-Foxp3⁺ T cells in SLE patients revealed a significant association of this newly described cell population with active nephritis. Therefore CD4⁺CD25^-Foxp3⁺ T cells might serve as an important tool to recognize and monitor SLE patients with renal involvement.     

Laser flash photolysis study on antioxidant properties of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives

The antioxidant properties of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives (HCA) were studied by laser flash photolysis. The transient species with maximum absorption at 360 nm were assigned to the phenoxyl radical of HCA. The SO₄^•− induced oxidation of HCA was also investigated. It was shown that the interaction of SO₄^•− with HCA resulted in the formation of HCA phenoxyl radicals with rate constants of 2.0–3.9×10⁹ M⁻¹ s⁻¹. The reactions of HCA with triplet state of benzophenone were analyzed and quenching rate constants of 4.3–7.8×10⁹ M⁻¹ s⁻¹ were determined.