Effects of sample collection and storage conditions on DNA damage in buccal cells from agricultural workers

Buccal cells are becoming a widely used tissue source for monitoring human exposure to occupational and environmental genotoxicants. A variety of methods exist for collecting buccal cells from the oral cavity, including rinsing with saline, mouthwash, or scraping the oral cavity. Buccal cells are also routinely cryopreserved with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), then examined later for DNA damage by the comet assay. The effects of these different sampling procedures on the integrity of buccal cells for measuring DNA damage are unknown. This study examined the influence of the collection and cryopreservation of buccal cells on cell survival and DNA integrity. In individuals who rinsed with Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS), the viability of leukocytes (90%) was significantly (p<0.01) greater than that of epithelial cells (12%). Similar survival rates were found for leukocytes (88%) and epithelial cells (10%) after rinsing with Listerine(?) mouthwash. However, the viability of leukocytes after cryopreservation varied significantly (p<0.01) with DMSO concentration. Cell survival was greatest at 5% DMSO. Cryopreservation also influenced the integrity of DNA in the comet assay. Although tail length and tail moment were comparable in fresh or cryopreserved samples, the average head intensity for cryopreserved samples was ～6 units lower (95% CI: 0.8-12 units lower) than for fresh samples (t(25)=-2.36, p=0.026). These studies suggest that the collection and storage of buccal samples are critical factors for the assessment of DNA damage. Moreover, leukocytes appear to be a more reliable source of human tissue for assessing DNA damage and possibly other biochemical changes.     

Sample preparation method for isolation of single-cell types from mouse liver for proteomic studies

It becomes increasingly clear that separation of pure cell populations provides a uniquely sensitive and accurate approach to protein profiling in biological systems and opens up a new area for proteomic analysis. The method we described could simultaneously isolate population of hepatocytes (HCs), hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), Kupffer cells (KCs) and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) by a combination of collagenase-based density gradient centrifugation and magnetic activated cell sorting with high purity and yield for the first time. More than 98% of the isolated HCs were positive for cytokeratin 18, with a viability of 91%. Approximately 97% of the isolated HSCs expressed glial fibrillary acidic protein with a viability of 95%. Nearly 98% of isolated KCs expressed F4/80 with a viability of 94%. And the purity of LSECs reached up to 91% with a viability of 94%. And yield for HCs, HSCs, LSECs and KCs were 6.3, 1.3, 2.6 and 5.0 million per mouse. This systematic isolation method enables us to study the proteome profiling of different types of liver cells with high purity and yield, which is especially useful for sample preparation of Human Liver Proteome Project.     

Separation and behavior in vitro of hemocytes from the moth,Pseudoplusia includens

Hemocytes collected from larvae of Pseudoplusia includens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) were separated by centrifugation on Percoll cushions. The procedure resulted in 95% purity of plasmatocytes and greater than 99% purity of granular and spherule cells. Medium supplemented with chicken serum enhanced cell viability and promoted spreading of plasmatocytes. Cell-free plasma and medium preconditioned by plasmatocytes or granular cells stabilized cells in vitro and also accelerated spreading of plasmatocytes relative to medium supplemented with chicken serum. Oenocytoids were the only morphotype that exhibited endogenous phenoloxidase activity, while granular cells and plasmatocytes were the only cells that endocytosed fluorescent beads in vitro. Granular cells and plasmatocytes ingested fluorescently labelled beads, both in mixed populations of hemocytes and after separation. Plasmatocytes were the only morphotype that encapsulated large foreign targets in vitro following separation. Separated granular cells attached and spread on the surface of foreign targets but never formed a multilayered capsule.     

日本七鳃鳗类淋巴细胞的分离及细胞学特征

为分离纯化并鉴定日本七鳃鳗(Lampetra japonica)血液中的类淋巴细胞,采用Ficoll密度梯度离心法分离出单个核细胞层,并得到分离单个核细胞层的最佳分离液比重为1.092。利用流式细胞仪对分离到的单个核细胞层细胞进行分选,根据细胞的前向光及侧向光散射特征成功分选出类淋巴细胞,分选效率为95.68%,每毫升外周血可分离纯化得到类淋巴细胞2.4×106个。通过透射电镜观察七鳃鳗类淋巴细胞,细胞为圆形或椭圆形,细胞表面有突起、无微绒毛,胞质内含有板状嵴线粒体、粗面内质网、游离核糖体和液泡等。淋巴细胞异质性实验结果表明,日本七鳃鳗血液白细胞中尚未发现T淋巴细胞、B淋巴细胞的分化。     

原代小鼠肝脏细胞的高效分离纯化与培养

目的：建立一种能稳定获得高活力和高纯度原代小鼠肝脏细胞的分离、纯化及培养方法。方法：应用改良的Seglen 二步法原位灌注和机械离心分离肝脏细胞,并用改良的高糖DMEM培养基进行培养。台盼蓝拒染法检测接种时肝脏细胞的存活率,倒置显微镜动态观察肝脏细胞形态变化,应用免疫荧光技术对肝脏细胞进行Albumin 染色。结果：每只小鼠可获取肝脏细胞的总产量平均为1.35× 10^6 / g体重,肝脏细胞存活率＞ 90%。倒置显微镜下观察贴壁前肝细胞直径为35.14 滋m± 4.35 滋m,肝脏细胞在接种后3 h基本完成贴壁;肝脏细胞接种后24h,所有肝脏细胞均强阳性表达成熟肝脏细胞标志物Albumin,肝细胞纯度＞ 95%。结论：改良的分离纯化及培养方法能稳定获得高产量、高活率及高纯度的小鼠肝脏细胞。     

Recovery of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate from recombinant Escherichia coli by homogenization and centrifugation

Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate from recombinant E. coli was recovered using homogenization and continuous centrifugation with a purity of 94%. Final protein and DNA concentrations were 1.0% w/w and 1.9% w/w, respectively, when a hypochlorite treatment was employed prior to centrifugation. High fractional cell debris removal (94%) was achieved with two centrifugation steps.     

An evaluation of lectin-mediated magnetic bead cell sorting for the targeted separation of enteric bacteria

Lectin-labelled magnetic beads were assessed and compared with antisera as an alternative approach for the targeted separation and isolation of enteric bacteria. Of the 16 lectins tested against a range of bacterial species, concanavalin A (conA) showed the greatest potential. Agglutination of bacterial cells in suspension using conA and methods for effective labelling of the magnetic beads with the lectin were optimized. ConA-labelled magnetic beads were compared with antibody-labelled beads for recovery of bacterial cells from pure or mixed laboratory cultures and from natural populations in river water. Recovered cell populations were free from environmental impurities and a high percentage of the culturable cells was extracted. Specific cell recovery was found to be variable, but the use of lectins offers some promise as an alternative cell discriminator.     

Toxoplasma gondii: Purification of zoites from peritoneal exudates by eight methods

Many methods have been proposed for removing contaminating host cells from mouse peritoneal exudates infected with Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites. Of these, eight established methods were compared. They were density gradients, sonication and trypsin digestion, differential centrifugation, haemolysin digestion, filtration through glass wool and cellulose columns, and sintered glass and polycarbonate filtration. The methods were assessed for zoite recovery, host cell removal, effect on zoite viability and antigenic integrity, time, cost, and ease. They were almost all capable of removing >90% of the mouse leucocytes, but in some cases this resulted in low zoite recoveries. The sonication and trypsin method produced the best zoite recovery and highest purity, but appeared to affect zoite viability and antigenic integrity. The haemolysin digestion procedure has been adopted by our laboratory because of its high recovery of zoites, and it is inexpensive, quick, and easy to perform.     

Recovery of E,E‐farnesol from cultures of yeast erg9 mutants: Extraction with polymeric beads and purification by normal‐phase chromatography

Saccharomyces cerevisiae erg9 mutants blocked at squalene synthase require ergosterol for growth and produce E,E‐farnesol. Typically, at least half the amount of farnesol remains cell associated. Practically insoluble in water, farnesol can be extracted from production cultures of the erg9 mutants using either methanol/hexane or poly(styrene‐co‐divinylbenzene) beads. The first method consumes more solvents and requires centrifugation to clear an interface emulsion. The second method uses 50% less solvent and the beads can be used repeatedly for extraction. The solvent‐free crude extract from the beads extraction contained higher concentration of farnesol (76–77%) than that from the solvent extraction (61–65%). Farnesol was obtained after normal‐phase chromatography in high overall recovery (94%) and purity (99%). © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009     

Assessment of DNA damage and its modulation by dietary and genetic factors in smokers using the Comet assay: a biomarker model.

Methods are needed to assess exposure to genotoxins in humans and to improve understanding of dietary cancer prevention. The Comet assay was used to detect smoking-related exposures and dietary modulations in target tissues. Buccal scrapings, blood and faeces were collected from 38 healthy male volunteers (smokers and non-smokers) during a dietary intervention study with bread supplemented with prebiotics+/-antioxidants. GSTM1-genotype was determined with PCR. Buccal and peripheral lymphocytes were analysed for DNA damage using the Comet assay. Genotoxicity of faecal water (FW) was assayed in human colon HT29 clone 19A cells. 'Tail intensity' (TI) was used as a quantitative indicator of DNA damage in the Comet assay. Intervention with bread reduced DNA damage in lymphocytes of smokers (8.3+/-1.7% TI versus 10.2+/-4.1% TI, n=19), but not of non-smokers (8.6+/-2.8% TI versus 8.3+/-2.7% TI, n=15). Faecal water genotoxicity was reduced only in non-smokers (9.4+/-2.9% TI versus 18.9+/-13.1% TI, n=15) but not in smokers (15.5+/-10.7% TI versus 20.4+/-14.1% TI, n=13). The Comet assay was efficient in the detection of both smoking-related exposure (buccal cells) and efficacy of dietary intervention (faecal samples). Smokers and non-smokers profited differently from the intervention with prebiotic bread+/-antioxidants. Stratification of data by genotype enhanced specificity/sensitivity of the intervention effects and contributed important information on the role of susceptibility.     

Assessment of DNA damage and its modulation by dietary and genetic factors in smokers using the Comet assay: a biomarker model

Methods are needed to assess exposure to genotoxins in humans and to improve understanding of dietary cancer prevention. The Comet assay was used to detect smoking-related exposures and dietary modulations in target tissues. Buccal scrapings, blood and faeces were collected from 38 healthy male volunteers (smokers and non-smokers) during a dietary intervention study with bread supplemented with prebiotics±antioxidants. GSTM1-genotype was determined with PCR. Buccal and peripheral lymphocytes were analysed for DNA damage using the Comet assay. Genotoxicity of faecal water (FW) was assayed in human colon HT29 clone 19A cells. 'Tail intensity' (TI) was used as a quantitative indicator of DNA damage in the Comet assay. Intervention with bread reduced DNA damage in lymphocytes of smokers (8.3±1.7% TI versus 10.2±4.1% TI, n=19), but not of non-smokers (8.6±2.8% TI versus 8.3±2.7% TI, n=15). Faecal water genotoxicity was reduced only in non-smokers (9.4±2.9% TI versus 18.9±13.1% TI, n=15) but not in smokers (15.5±10.7% TI versus 20.4±14.1% TI, n=13). The Comet assay was efficient in the detection of both smoking-related exposure (buccal cells) and efficacy of dietary intervention (faecal samples). Smokers and non-smokers profited differently from the intervention with prebiotic bread±antioxidants. Stratification of data by genotype enhanced specificity/sensitivity of the intervention effects and contributed important information on the role of susceptibility.     

Buccal cell DNA extraction: yield, purity, and cost: a comparison of two methods

Simple and cost-effective methods are needed to extract DNA in order to use it in large-scale studies. Blood is an excellent DNA source; however, it is costly and invasive thus an alternative is needed. Several kits and chemical protocols using buccal cells have been proposed for DNA extraction. The objective of the study is to evaluate buccal NaOH chemical protocol and Nucleospin Tissue Kit (BD Biosciences, Macery-Nagel, Germany) for DNA extraction. DNA swab samples were collected from 300 voluntary participants. DNA yields and purity were measured by NaOH and Nucleospin Tissue Kit techniques; the cost and time consumption for DNA extraction per sample were assessed as well. Results have shown that DNA amount and purity extracted by NaOH procedure was compared to that of the kit (p = 0.164; p = 0.249, respectively). NaOH method was considered cheaper and less time consuming (0.06 versus 3.80 USD, and 1.33 versus 3.59 minutes per sample, p < 0.001). Buccal cell derived DNA extracted by NaOH protocol can be considered a feasible substitute for more expensive and time-consuming kits.     

Percoll密度梯度离心法分离大鼠肺Ⅱ型上皮细胞

目的建立大鼠肺泡Ⅱ型上皮细胞（AT-Ⅱ）的改良体外原代培养法。方法采用循环冲洗、支气管灌洗、胰蛋白酶消化、滤网过滤并用轻比重及重比重PercolL密度梯度离心,分离AT-Ⅱ。原代培养后通过碱性磷酸酶（alkaline phosphatase,AKP）法和电镜鉴定AT-Ⅱ。结果经AKP染色和电镜鉴定所得的AT-Ⅱ纯度为（80．2±6．3）％,每只大鼠可分离出1×10^7AT-Ⅱ。结论采用Percoll密度梯度离心法能分离出较高纯度的AT-Ⅱ。     

Isolation of viable type II alveolar epithelial cells by flow cytometry

We developed a new method for isolating viable type II cells from fractionated and unfractionated lung cell suspensions by flow cytometry using acridine orange (AO). Fischer-344 rat lungs were dispersed into single-cell suspensions by a technique that yields a high number of cells (4-5 X 10(8) cells/lung, congruent to 85% viable), congruent to 11% of which are type II cells. Elutriated fractions from the lung cell preparation and parent, unfractionated cell suspensions were incubated with 1.0-0.02 micrograms/ml AO and analyzed by flow cytometry. Parameters analyzed included axial light loss (ALL) and red fluorescence (RF). Based on their unique RF, attributable to AO staining of type II cell lamellar bodies, and their ALL characteristics, type II pneumocytes were sorted from elutriated fractions to greater than 95% purity. Using the same approach, type II pneumocytes were sorted from unfractionated lung cell suspensions at greater than or equal to 85% purity. The viabilities of the type II alveolar epithelial cells isolated by this method range from 85% to 95%, and the ultrastructural features of the sorted cells were unaltered by AO labeling or sorting.     

Micronuclei and other nuclear anomalies in normal human buccal mucosa cells of oral cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy: a field effect

We evaluated micronuclei and other nuclear anomalies in exfoliated epithelial cells of the oral cavity on the side opposite the lesion targeted by radiotherapy and correlated them with radiation doses. Buccal smears were obtained from oral cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy with a cumulative dose of at least 1000 rad for 3 weeks and from controls matched for age, gender and habits. The exfoliated cells from the mucosa were collected using a cytobrush; smears were prepared, fixed in 80% methanol and stained using the Feulgen plus fast green method. The mean number of micronuclei and other nuclear anomalies/1000 cells was significantly greater in patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment, but the differences were not significant compared to radiation doses. It appears that radiotherapy has a potent clastogenic effect on buccal mucosal cells of oral cancer patients.     

Nitrate and phosphate removal by chitosan immobilized Scenedesmus

The effect of chitosan immobilization of Scenedesmus spp. cells on its viability, growth and nitrate and phosphate uptake was investigated. Scenedesmus sp. (strains 1 and 2) and Scenedesmus obliquus immobilized in chitosan beads showed high viability after the immobilization process. Immobilized Scenedesmus sp. strain 1 had a higher growth rate than its free living counterpart. Nitrate and phosphate uptake by immobilized cells of Scenedesmus sp. (strain 1), freely suspended cells and blank chitosan beads (without cells) were evaluated. Immobilized cells accomplished a 70% nitrate and 94% phosphate removal within 12h of incubation while free-living cells removed 20% nitrate and 30% phosphate within 36 h of treatment. Blank chitosan beads were responsible for up to 20% nitrate and 60% phosphate uptake at the end of the experiment. Chitosan is a suitable matrix for immobilization of microalgae, particularly Scenedesmus sp., but this system should be improved before its application for water quality control.     

Lipoxygenase activities of the epithelial cells of the human buccal cavity

The lipoxygenase activities of cultured human buccal epithelial cells and cells taken ex vivo from the human buccal cavity were compared. Lipoxygenation by cultured cells exhibited exclusively omega-6 positional specificity. A membrane-damaging event such as freezing was required for activation. In contrast, after simple addition of arachidonic acid, the ex vivo buccal cells produced predominantly 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid. Chromatography on chiral columns yielded products which had an (S) configuration at the site of oxygen insertion. 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid was transformed by ex vivo buccal cells to 5(S),12(S)-dihydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid. These products could have a role in modulation of inflammatory states of the oral cavity.     

Assessment of DNA damage and its modulation by dietary and genetic factors in smokers using the Comet assay: a biomarker model

Methods are needed to assess exposure to genotoxins in humans and to improve understanding of dietary cancer prevention. The Comet assay was used to detect smoking-related exposures and dietary modulations in target tissues. Buccal scrapings, blood and faeces were collected from 38 healthy male volunteers (smokers and non-smokers) during a dietary intervention study with bread supplemented with prebiotics±antioxidants. GSTM1-genotype was determined with PCR. Buccal and peripheral lymphocytes were analysed for DNA damage using the Comet assay. Genotoxicity of faecal water (FW) was assayed in human colon HT29 clone 19A cells. ‘Tail intensity’ (TI) was used as a quantitative indicator of DNA damage in the Comet assay. Intervention with bread reduced DNA damage in lymphocytes of smokers (8.3±1.7% TI versus 10.2±4.1% TI, n=19), but not of non-smokers (8.6±2.8% TI versus 8.3±2.7% TI, n=15). Faecal water genotoxicity was reduced only in non-smokers (9.4±2.9% TI versus 18.9±13.1% TI, n=15) but not in smokers (15.5±10.7% TI versus 20.4±14.1% TI, n=13). The Comet assay was efficient in the detection of both smoking-related exposure (buccal cells) and efficacy of dietary intervention (faecal samples). Smokers and non-smokers profited differently from the intervention with prebiotic bread±antioxidants. Stratification of data by genotype enhanced specificity/sensitivity of the intervention effects and contributed important information on the role of susceptibility.     

Purification of natural killer-like Kurloff cells and arachidonic acid metabolism.

Pulmonary and splenic Kurloff cells have been purified from estrogen-treated guinea pig. Enzymatic digestion of lung tissue and mechanical dispersion of cells yielded about 650 x 10(6) viable cells. After centrifugal elutriation and centrifugation on continuous Percoll gradient, a population of high-density (1,100 g/ml) pulmonary Kurloff cells were obtained with high viability (approximately 99%) and purity (approximately 99%). Splenic Kurloff cells have been isolated by disruption of spleen tissue and centrifugation on continuous Percoll gradient. High-density splenic Kurloff cells (150 x 10(6) cells per spleen) were also obtained with high purity (approximately 99%) and viability (approximately 99%). Pulmonary and splenic Kurloff cells were incubated with various concentrations of arachidonic acid (10, 30 and 100 microM) in the absence or presence of 2 microM ionophore A23187. With 10 microM arachidonic acid the relative production of cyclooxygenase products was the following: TxB2 greater than PGE2 approximately PGI2. For an arachidonic acid concentration superior to 10 microM, the profile of release was PGE2 much greater than TxB2 greater than PGI2. Arachidonic acid metabolism through the 5-lipoxygenase pathway was also studied by incubating pulmonary or splenic Kurloff cells with 10 microM arachidonic acid in the absence or presence of 2 microM ionophore A23187, or in some experiments, with 2.5 microM leukotriene A4. Reverse phase HPLC profiles clearly indicated that high-density Kurloff cells did not express 5-lipoxygenase activity. However, these cells showed the ability to convert exogenous leukotriene A4 into leukotriene B4 suggesting the presence of LTA4 hydrolase activity. These data have been confirmed by a sensitive RIA method. This study constitutes the first report on the purification of pulmonary Kurloff cells and on arachidonic acid metabolism by these cells. The possible implications of Kurloff cells in various biological events are discussed.     

Purification of Genomic DNA with Minimal Contamination of Proteins

The purification is based on a set of solutions and a simple centrifugation procedure. Protocols are designed for an easy extraction and purification of genomic DNA from a wide range of samples, including whole blood, buffy coat, bone marrow, body fluids, buccal cells, tissues, mouse tails, etc. RBCs are lysed by dilution into a hypotonic solution. Tissues are broken down and digested by proteinase K in the presence of an anion detergent to release genomic DNA. After precipitation of the detergent and proteins, unique beads that bind proteins, lipids, and RNAs are added to achieve the supreme purity. Genomic DNA is then separated by alcohol precipitation. A proprietary nucleic acid precipitation reagent is used to enhance DNA recovery from low concentration samples. No DNA-binding beads or columns are used in the method, eliminating the problem of low yield and the risk of shearing of genomic DNA. The purified samples are free of proteins, lipids, salts, and RNA contamination. Purified samples are also stable for storage and suitable for all downstream applications.