Impulse cytophotometry studies of bone marrow and blood cells in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). 2. Lymphatic cells in blood

The DNA-content of mononuclear cells of the peripheral blood of infantile and juvenile ALL patients was investigated using Pulse Cytophotometry. The fraction of cells in S- and G2 + M-phase is significantly increased in comparison with samples of healthy probands. The fraction of DNA-synthesising cells (S-phase) of both peripheral blood (mononuclear cells) and bone marrow of leukemia patients cannot be significantly distinguished by mathematical methods. On the other hand, the fraction of cells in later phases of cell cycle (G2 + M-phase) is significant enhanced in the bone marrow in comparison with the peripheral blood. A high correlation was found between the number of leukocytes and fraction of G2 + M-phase cells in the peripheral blood of SR- and MR-patients. No correlation was found between the number of leukocytes and S-phase-fraction. The occurrence of aneuploid cell populations in the mononuclear fraction of peripheral blood in the acute state of ALL could be of importance for prognosis and regime of therapy.     

Biaryl analogues of teriflunomide as potent DHODH inhibitors

The structure–activity relationships of a novel series of biaryl dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) inhibitors related to teriflunomide are disclosed. These biaryl derivatives were the result of structure-based design and proved to be potent DHODH inhibitors which in addition showed good antiproliferative activities on peripheral blood mononuclear cells and good efficacies in vivo in the rat adjuvant-induced-arthritis model.     

Natural killer cells in human colostrum

The presence of natural killer cells in human colostrum was disclosed with the use of a fluorochrome-labeled monoclonal antibody HNK-1 (Leu-7) that recognizes cells with natural killer and killer activity. Approximately 0.5% of total colostral cells were stained with this reagent. These cells were separated by the fluorescence-activated cell sorter and examined for their morphology by electron microscopy and for their cytotoxic activity against 51Cr-labeled K562 target cells. Two morphological types of natural killer cells were observed in colostrum: the first was represented by large cells with numerous vacuoles but without dense cytoplasmic granules; the second type, which occurred with lower frequency, resembled the large granular lymphocytes associated with natural killer activity in peripheral blood. The HNK-1-positive cells from colostrum displayed low cytotoxic activity against K562 target cells. Incubation of HNK-1-positive cells from peripheral blood with cell-free colostrum resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of the cytotoxic activity. The functional changes were accompanied by morphological alterations which included degranulation and the formation of numerous vacuoles. The variances in the cytotoxic activity of peripheral blood HNK-1-positive cells suspended in different dilutions of colostrum suggest that this fluid contains humoral factors which modify morphology and function depending on their concentrations.     

Cytogenetic investigations in families with ataxia-telangiectasia.

Chromosomal studies were performed on peripheral blood lymphocytes and cultured skin fibroblasts from five Israeli-Moroccan families with ataxia-telangiectasia. A total of 24 individuals, including seven propositi, was investigated. Among the probands, significantly elevated rates of chromosome damage were observed in both blood and skin. Skin fibroblasts of affected individuals showed several orders of magnitude more chromosome breakage than lymphocytes. Increased rates of chromosome damage were also observed in the fibroblasts of some phenotypically normal family members (obligate heterozygotes and sibs) when compared to normal controls. An apparent abnormal clone of cells, possessing a large acrocentric marker chromosome (14q+), was observed in varying proportions among cells of all the propositi (2-5% of lymphocytes; 1-9% of fibroblasts).     

Vitamin E prevents exercise-induced DNA damage

The single cell gel test (SCG test or comet assay) was used to study DNA damage in peripheral white blood cells (WBC) of humans after a single bout of exhaustive exercise and the effect of vitamin supplementation. Human subjects were asked to run on a treadmill until exhaustion and blood samples were taken before and 24 h after the run. A clear increase in DNA strand breakage was observed in the 24-h sample of all probands. A short-term application of multivitamin pills or vitamin E (3 × 800 mg) resulted in a significantly smaller increase of DNA effects in WBC of some probands. When the volunteers were given a supplement of vitamin E (1200 mg daily) for 14 days prior to run, exercise-induced DNA damage was clearly reduced in all probands. In four out of five subjects, vitamin supplementation completely prevented the induction of DNA damage after exhaustive exercise. Intake of vitamin E for 14 days led to a clear increase in vitamin E serum concentrations. Malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation, was measured in the serum of probands in tests with and without vitamin supplementation for 14 days. MDA concentrations were significantly decreased following vitamin E supplementation but not significantly changed 15 min and 24 h after a run. Our results demonstrate that vitamin E prevents exercise-induced DNA damage and indicate that DNa breakage occurs in WBC after exhaustive exercise as a consequence of oxidative stress.     

A novel mutation (Cys308Phe) of the LDL receptor gene in families from the South-Eastern part of Poland

The purpose of this investigation was to characterize a new mutation in the LDL-receptor (LDLR) gene in three families with clinically diagnosed familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) from the South-Eastern part of Poland. Mutational screening with exon by exon sequencing analysis was performed in all probands. The novel mutation c986G>T (Cys308Phe) in the exon 7 of LDLR gene was found in three apparently unrelated probands with FH. Analysis of the receptor activity of peripheral blood lymphocytes by binding and uptake of DiL-LDL showed a significant reduction (by 24% versus healthy control) of the fluorescent label in the lymphocytes of patients heterozygous for this mutation. Concentrations of serum LDL-C in probands before treatment were between 9.5 and 10.5 mmol/l. All patients had corneal arcus and tendon xanthoma. Clinically, families were characterized by premature coronary artery disease. This mutation occurred relatively frequently in our group of patients with FH, but this could be explained by a founder effect since we demonstrated their common ancestors.     

Genetic analysis of the APC gene in taiwanese familial adenomatous polyposis

Colorectal cancer has become the third leading cause of death from cancer in Taiwan. Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal dominant inherited disease characterized by the presence of multiple adenomatous polyps in the colon and rectum. The gene responsible for FAP(APC) was cloned in 1991. Extensive analyses of the mutation spectra in FAP kindreds have been performed in different countries, but the results have been highly variable (30–80%). In this study, we used denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) followed by automatic sequencing in an effort to establish the mutation spectrum of APC from DNA of peripheral blood cells. Among the 6 FAP probands analyzed, mutations were detected in 3 (50%), 2 of which were novel. The first novel mutation was at codon 2166, with a C to T transition, resulting in a stop codon. The second novel mutation was at codon 1971, with a C to G transversion, resulting in an amino acid change from serine to cysteine. The third mutation involved an A insertion in the sequence of -AAAAAA- at codons 1554–1556, which created a downstream stop codon (codon 1558). This study is the first to report mutation analysis in Taiwanese FAP probands.     

Megakaryoblastic micromegakaryocytic crisis in chronic myeloid leukemia

Atypical megakaryoblasts (MKB) or megakaryocytes (MK) are occasionally present in the peripheral blood during the terminal development of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). We report on a 49-year-old female suffering from Ph1 chromosome-positive CML with typical megakaryoblastic transformation in the peripheral blood and in the bone marrow. The small "blasts" were at the most only slightly larger and were occasionally even smaller than lymphocytes but showed megakaryoblastic or atypical megakaryocytic differentiation. The cytoplasmic cytochemical pattern of the atypical megakaryocytic cells was identical to that of large atypical thrombocytes. Platelet peroxidase was detected upon electron-microscopic (EM) examination. Immunologic characterization disclosed the presence of MK-specific antigens. When cultured in vitro on agar, the blasts transformed spontaneously into large mature MK, exhibiting characteristic cytochemical and immunological patterns. Cytogenetic examination of peripheral blood showed severe abnormalities. The patient did not respond to therapy and died 3 months after manifestation of the blast crisis.     

Platelet dysfunction as the presenting feature of atypical myelodysplastic syndrome with monosomy 7, normal blood counts and no bleeding tendency

A 71-year-old male patient with atypical myelodysplastic syndrome showing monosomy 7 is described. He presented with severe foot pains, trophic skin and nail changes, loss of distal pulses, all compatible with peripheral arterial occlusive disease. He had completely normal blood counts and no bleeding tendency. Prolonged bleeding time was disclosed by chance, during routine haemostatic studies. An acquired platelet dysfunction was considered, with prolonged bleeding time and large platelets that failed to aggregate in response to arachidonic acid and that had impaired response to collagen and adrenaline. The bone marrow was hypercellular, with numerous dysplastic megakaryocytes and two other slightly dysplastic myeloid lines. Cytogenetic analyses of the bone marrow cells showed a mosaic karyotype: 46,XY/45,XY,-7. On angiography, bilateral thrombosis of the iliac, superficial femoral and popliteal arteries was disclosed. The patient was prepared with platelet transfusions. Arterial thrombectomy and amputation of the left calf were performed. Ten months later, his blood counts showed mild pancytopenia. He died at home. The authors discuss some clinical and pathogenetical aspects of such presentations of myelodysplastic syndromes.     

Chromosomal instability in homo- and heterocygocity for microcephalia vera )author's transl)]

In a family with microcephalia vera, not only the 3 microcephalic probands, but also their healthy mother showed a significantly increased rate of spontaneous structural chromosomal aberrations in cultures of lymphocytes of the peripheral blood. Thus an increased aberration rate in the lymphocytes of asymptomatic family members could serve as a sign of heterocygocity. The qualitative analysis revealed aberrations of the chromatid and chromosomal type; exchanges that are frequently found in Fanconi's and Bloom's syndrome could not be detected. Therefore it can be assumed that the chromosomal instability of microcephalia vera is caused by a specific mechanism.     

Selection of 3LL tumor subline resistant to natural effector cells concomitantly selected for increased metastatic potency

Summary The numbers of strongly adherent monocytes in the peripheral blood of normal subjects and cancer patients were determined. The method used was to place peripheral blood mononuclear cells in microwells and culture them for 1 week. At the end of that period, adherent macrophages were counted in the Coulter counter after release. Adherent cells per milliliter of blood, per total cells, and per mononuclear cells or monocytes plated were markedly diminished in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 44 melanoma, 23 breast cancer, 18 lung cancer, nine colon cancer, and 27 leukemia patients. Median values were 14.8×10⁴ adherent cells per ml peripheral blood for 86 normal subjects, as against 2.5×10⁴ per ml in the peripheral blood of the 125 patients (P<0.001). There was a poor correlation between the adherent cell numbers and the peripheral blood leukocyte counts, but an excellent correlation of the different adherent cell counts with each other. The number of adherent cells in the peripheral blood varied inversely with age in the cancer patients, but not in the normal subjects (r=0.29, P<0.005). When patients under age 50 were compared to the controls, the deficiency of adherent cells was slightly more severe in patients with stage IV lung cancer than in those with stage III lung cancer. In contrast, there was no difference in the degree of deficiency between patients with stage III melanoma and no evident disease and patients with stage IV disseminated metastatic disease. The implications of these results are discussed.     

变应性鼻炎患者外周血中Tr1/Th3细胞的检测和分析

目的:检测变应性鼻炎(Allergic rhinitis,AR)患者和健康对照者外周血中IL-10+CD4+T细胞、TGF-β+CD4+T细胞(分别代表Tr1细胞和Th3细胞的特性)的比例,并探讨其在AR发病中的意义,为AR的治疗提供临床参考。方法:分离19例对粉尘螨过敏的AR患者和19例健康对照者外周血单个核细胞(PBMCs),采用流式细胞术分别检测外周血中IL-10+CD4+T细胞、TGF-β+CD4+T细胞的比例。结果:同健康对照者相比,AR患者外周血中IL-10+CD4+T细胞的比例显著降低[(1.66±0.48)%vs.(3.80.92)%,t=-9.08,P0.01)],AR患者外周血中TGF-β+CD4+T细胞的比例降低[(1.92±0.54)%vs.(4.76±1.12)%,t=-9.94,P0.01)]。结论:外周血中IL-10+CD4+T(Tr1)细胞比例的降低可能是AR发病的一个重要因素,提高AR患者外周血中分泌IL-10的Tr1细胞的比例可能在AR的治疗中具有重要意义。外周血中TGF-β1+CD4+T(Th3)细胞的比例显著降低,可能是AR发病的一个重要因素。但TGF-β1与AR关系的研究较少,特别是外周血中TGF-β1水平与AR的关系研究较少,需进一步研究。     

Subpopulations of human T lymphocytes. III. Distribution and quantitation in peripheral blood, cord blood, tonsils, bone marrow, thymus, lymph nodes, and spleen.

Human T cell subpopulations (Tμ and Tγ) were examined for their distribution in the peripheral blood, cord blood, bone marrow, tonsils, thymus, lymph nodes and spleen. The proportions of Tμ and Tγ cells are comparable in the peripheral blood, tonsils and bone marrow. The proportions of Tγ cells in cord blood are significantly higher than those in the peripheral blood. Almost complete lack of Tγ cells was observed in lymph nodes. Spleen has very high proportions of Tγ cells. Thymuses have very low proportions of both Tμ and Tγ cells when compared with peripheral blood, cord blood, tonsils, and bone marrow. The receptors for IgM on Tμ cells appear to be masked by passively absorbed IgM and require prior in vitro incubation in medium containing fetal calf serum for the full expression of this marker.     

Decreased serum and red blood cell kynurenic acid levels in Alzheimer's disease

Kynurenine aminotransferases (KAT I and KAT II) are responsible for the transamination of kynurenine (KYN) to form kynurenic acid (KYNA), an excitatory amino acid receptor antagonist. Since these members of the kynurenine pathway (KP) are proposed to be involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's dementia (AD), the activities of these enzymes and the levels of these metabolites were measured in the plasma and red blood cells (RBCs) of AD and control subjects together with the inheritance of the apolipoprotein (APOE) epsilon4 allele. KYNA levels were significantly decreased both in the plasma and in the RBCs in AD, but the levels of KYN and the activities of KAT I and KAT II remained unchanged. No association has been found with the possession of the epsilon4 allele. These findings indicate an altered peripheral KP in AD regardless of the APOE status of the probands.     

妊娠梅毒患者外周血中Th17和Treg细胞水平及其临床意义分析

目的:探讨妊娠梅毒患者外周血中Th17和Treg细胞水平及其临床意义。方法:选择2015年4月至2016年5月我院收治的35例妊娠梅毒患者作为观察组,并选择同期进行孕检的健康孕妇30例作为对照组。分析和比较其外周血Th17和Treg细胞水平及其诊断妊娠梅毒的临床价值。结果:观察组患者外周血Th17水平显著高于对照组,而外周血Treg水平显著低于对照组(P0.05)。多因素logistic回归分析结果显示外周血Th17和Treg水平与妊娠梅毒发病具有明显相关性。外周血Th17诊断妊娠梅毒的AUC为0.776,95%CI为0.656～0.896,外周血Treg诊断妊娠梅的ROC曲线下的面积(area under curve,AUC)为0.947,95%CI为0.897～997,Th17+Treg诊断妊娠梅毒的AUC为0.960,95%CI为0.913～1.000;Th17和Treg单独检测分别和联合检测曲线下面积比较均具有显著差异(Z=-2.807、-0.375,P0.05);Th17+Treg联合检测的特异度、准确度分别为91.73%、93.28%,显著高于各指标单独检测(P0.05)。结论:妊娠梅毒患者外周血Th17细胞增多,Treg细胞减少,联合检测外周血Th17和Treg细胞水平诊断妊娠梅毒具有较高的准确度,可作为诊断妊娠梅毒的重要参考指标。     

Gene Expression Profiles from Disease Discordant Twins Suggest Shared Antiviral Pathways and Viral Exposures among Multiple Systemic Autoimmune Diseases

Viral agents are of interest as possible autoimmune triggers due to prior reported associations and widely studied molecular mechanisms of antiviral immune responses in autoimmunity. Here we examined new viral candidates for the initiation and/or promotion of systemic autoimmune diseases (SAID), as well as possible related signaling pathways shared in the pathogenesis of those disorders. RNA isolated from peripheral blood samples from 33 twins discordant for SAID and 33 matched, unrelated healthy controls was analyzed using a custom viral-human gene microarray. Paired comparisons were made among three study groups—probands with SAID, their unaffected twins, and matched, unrelated healthy controls—using statistical and molecular pathway analyses. Probands and unaffected twins differed significantly in the expression of 537 human genes, and 107 of those were associated with viral infections. These 537 differentially expressed human genes participate in overlapping networks of several canonical, biologic pathways relating to antiviral responses and inflammation. Moreover, certain viral genes were expressed at higher levels in probands compared to either unaffected twins or unrelated, healthy controls. Interestingly, viral gene expression levels in unaffected twins appeared intermediate between those of probands and the matched, unrelated healthy controls. Of the viruses with overexpressed viral genes, herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) was the only human viral pathogen identified using four distinct oligonucleotide probes corresponding to three HSV-2 genes associated with different stages of viral infection. Although the effects from immunosuppressive therapy on viral gene expression remain unclear, this exploratory study suggests a new approach to evaluate shared viral agents and antiviral immune responses that may be involved in the development of SAID.     

Cellular Reprogramming of Human Peripheral Blood Cells

Breakthroughs in cell fate conversion have made it possible to generate large quantities of patient-specific cells for regenerative medicine. Due to multiple advantages of peripheral blood cells over fibroblasts from skin biopsy, the use of blood mononuclear cells （MNCs） instead of skin fibroblasts will expedite reprogramming research and broaden the application of reprogramming technology. This review discusses current progress and challenges of generating induced pluripotent stem cells （iPSCs） from peripheral blood MNCs and of in vitro and in vivo conversion of blood cells into cells of therapeutic value, such as mesenchymal stem cells, neural cells and hepatocytes. An optimized design of lentiviral vectors is necessary to achieve high reprogramming efficiency of peripheral blood cells. More recently, non-integrating vectors such as Sendai virus and episomal vectors have been successfully employed in generating integration-free iPSCs and somatic stem cells.     

Differential effects of human blood monocytes on the growth of human tumour cell lines in vitro

Summary Monocytes and macrophages have been shown to be cytotoxic towards tumour cells in vitro. However, although tumour-associated monocytes and macrophages are now widely accepted to contribute a relatively high proportion of the cellular infiltrate of experimental and human solid carcinomas, a cytotoxic/cytostatic effector function for these cells in vitro or in vivo has yet to be conclusively demonstrated. In the present study, we show that non-activated peripheral blood monocytes co-cultured with tumour cells across a semi-permeable membrane release soluble factors that modulate the growth of tumour cells in contrasting ways. After Nycoprep 1.068 separation, non-activated peripheral blood monocytes enhanced the in vitro proliferation of HT29 colon adenocarcinoma cells but inhibited T47D breast carcinoma cell replication; peripheral blood lymphocytes were incapable of mediating these effects. In contrast, peripheral blood monocytes activated by interferon caused a pronounced inhibition of both HT29 and T47D cell proliferation.     

Distinct biochemical phenotypes predict clinical severity in nonlethal variants of osteogenesis imperfecta.

We reviewed clinical and biochemical findings from 132 probands with nonlethal forms of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) whose fibroblasts were sent to the University of Washington for diagnostic studies in the years 1981-87. In cells from 86% of probands with nonlethal OI we identified biochemical alterations compatible with heterozygosity for a mutation that affected expression or structure of alpha chains of type I procollagen. We observed two major biochemical phenotypes. Cells from 40 probands (group A) secreted about half the normal amount of normal type I procollagen and no identifiable abnormal molecules; these patients were generally of normal stature, rarely had bone deformity or dentinogenesis imperfecta, and had blue sclerae. Cells from 74 probands (group B) produced and secreted normal and abnormal type I procollagen molecules; these patients were usually short and had bone deformity and dentinogenesis imperfecta, and many had grey or blue-grey sclerae. In cells from an additional 18 probands (group C) we were unable to identify altered type I procollagen synthesis or structure. Detection of these abnormalities has value in the determination of mode of inheritance and in the prediction of clinical severity.