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Biomedical subjects

Hong Ren

Publications and source records attributed to Hong Ren.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

[One year and half treatment with lamivudine in active cirrhosis resulting from chronic hepatitis B].

OBJECTIVE: To study the therapy effect of long term lamivudine treatment on active cirrhosis following chronic hepatitis B, and explore the methods for abnormalities resulting from lamivudine withdrawing. METHODS: 58 patients received lamivudine 100 mg orally everyday for 18 months. The changes were observed and wrote down, including clinical symptoms and signs, aminotransferase, virology indexes, and the abnormalities after lamivudine withdrawing, then further to find out plans for the latter. RESULTS: (1) After lamivudine treatment, there were 35 patients whose situation stabilized, life quality improved, child-pugh score declined, and liver function turned better. (2) The level of HBV DNA decreased at least 10(3) copies/ml. HBeAg of 33.3% patients (13/39) became negative. (3) Among the 10 patients who stopped lamivudine of their own accord, and came again after 3 - 6 months because of hepatitis B recurring, two were treated with interferon for one month, then turning to liver-protecting methods for deteriorating, the other eight only received liver-protecting and immune-regulating treatment, whose liver function improved. CONCLUSIONS: Long term treatment with lamivudine for active cirrhosis following chronic hepatitis B can improve liver function and life quality, prevent exacerbation. And it is not advisable to use interferon for hepatitis B relapsing after lamivudine withdrawing.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Clinical research on the treatment effect of autologous dendritic cell vaccine on the patients with chronic hepatitis B].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the treatment effect of autologous HBsAg-loaded dendritic cells (DCs) on patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS: Monocytes were isolated from fresh peripheral blood of 19 CHB patients by Ficoll-Hypaque density gradient centrifugating and cultured with plastic -adherence method. DCs were induced and proliferated from the monocytes with granulocyte-macrophage clony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) for seven days. After being incubated with HBsAg for two hours, DCs were injected to patients subcutaneously twice at the interval of two weeks. HBV DNA level, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level, and HBV markers in the serum of patients were tested every two months. RESULTS: 11 of the 19 (57.9%) patients responded to DC-treatment clinically. The rates of HBeAg clearance and HBeAg/anti-HBe seroconversion were 52.6% (10/19) and 26.3% (5/19) respectively, and the copies of HBV DNA decreased by 10(1.77 2.39) (t = 3.13, P < 0.01). Two patients who were treated in combination with lamivudine had complete clinical response. There was no difference in the trial effect between the DC treatment and the other two antiviral methods, and in the efficient rate between the patients whose ALT levels were high before treatment and those whose ALT levels were normal. CONCLUSION: The autologous HBsAg-loaded DCs can effectively suppress HBV replication, reduce virus load in serum, eliminate HBeAg and promote HBeAg/ anti-HBe seroconversion. The patients whose ALT levels are high or normal can response clinically to DCs treatment. DCs in combination with lamivudine can eliminate virus more effectively.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed2003

[Prokaryocytic expression of the shortened hepatitis B surface antigen and antigenic analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the expression of the shortened hepatitis B surface antigen in prokaryocyte and detect the antigenic characters. METHODS: Firstly, the gene fragments coding the 152 and 124 amino acids of the carboxyl terminus of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Secondly, they were cloned to plasmid pBKS+, and the accuracy of those constructions were confirmed by restriction enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing. Then, they were cloned to prokaryocytic expression vector-plasmid pET32a(+). The recombinant plasmids were transfected into E.coli BL21 and induced to express with IPTG. RESULTS: The recombinant plasmids were successfully constructed. In E.coli BL21, the protein was expressed in a fusion fashion and could be recognized by monoclonal antibody against HBsAg with ELISA and Western blot. CONCLUSION: The shortened HBsAg can be expressed in prokaryocyte.

Cloning, Molecular↗
PubMed2003

[Heat shock protein 70-HBsAg complex inducing antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte immune response].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the possibility of cell-medicated immune response induced with heat shock protein 70 (HSP70)-HBsAg protein complex in vitro. METHODS: HSP70-HBsAg complex was reconstituted in vitro which was injected into mice in order to observe that whether HSP70-HBsAg would stimulate humoral and cellular immune responses. HSP70, HSP70-HBsAg complex and HBsAg were used to activate the dentritic cell (DC) individually, which would initiate homogeneic T lymphocyte to transform to cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL). The cytotoxicity of CTL was detected with MTT assay. RESULTS: HSP70-HBsAg complex elicited both humoral and cellular immune responses against HBsAg in mice. Specific CD8+ CTL response was readily induced by HSP70-HBsAg complex and HBsAg, especially the former. CONCLUSIONS: HSP70-HBsAg complex is immunogenic and HSP70 can lead to great efficient CTL response. And HSP70-HBsAg complex may be used as a protein vaccine for immunotherapy for chronic hepatitis B.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

[Long-term health-related quality of life in chronic hepatitis B patients].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate their long-term outcome and the efficacy and economic significance of antiviral drugs by investigating the long-term health-related quality of life (HQL) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. METHODS: The HQL of 101 CHB patients with biopsy-proven 6 to 18 years ago and 105 persons of general population as control was studied with revised SF-36 questionnaire. RESULTS: The HQL in CHB patients was lower than that in general population in physical functioning, role physical, general health, mental health, and specific symptoms (mu > or = 2.10, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The long-term HQL in chronic hepatitis B patients is poor.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

[Diagnosis and treatment of 23 cases with rhabdomyolysis related acute renal failure].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the occurrence rate, therapeutic effect and prognosis of rhabdomyolysis related acute renal failure(RM-ARF). METHODS: Twenty-three patients were investigated, 17 male and 6 female, mean age was (38.00+/-17.13) years. The blood samples of 23 patients were analyzed, using a series of serum creatine phosphokinases (CPK) and L-lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and biochemical detection items, including serum myoglobin, serum electrolytes (Na(+), K(+), Cl(-), Ca(2+), P(3+), HCO(-3)), liver and renal function, serum albumin, uric acid, hemoglobulin, arterial blood-gas analysis, the results of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) etc. Three patients were undergone renal biopsy and immunohistological En Vision test of renal tubular myoglobin deposits. RESULTS: The occurrence rate of RM-ARF was 5.96% of all ARF patients. Serum CPK level and some electrolytes increased significantly. Renal pathology indicated acute tubular necrosis in 3 patients with all positive immunohistological results of myoglobin. Eight patients had muscular injury without muscular biopsy identified, that extrarenal hemopurification as hemodialysis(HD), continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), continuous venous venous hemofiltration (CVVH) were examined in 18 patients. After treatment, the mortality rate of RM-ARF was about 34.78%(8/23), the rest patients survived and 12 patients recovered with normal renal function. CONCLUSION: The most pathogenesis of RM are not traumatic. The test of CPK level and some biochemical detection items is an effective way to raise the diagnosis rate. Renal biopsy can make the diagnosis of RM-ARF in early stage, and improve the prognosis, lower the mortality rate.

Acute Kidney Injury↗
PubMed2003

[PreS/S gene mutations in HBV in children infected through mother-to-infant transmission and in their mothers].

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the characteristics of mutations in PreS/S gene of HBV in children infected through mother-to-infant transmission and in their mothers with different degree of viremia. METHODS: There were 15 pairs of child and mother in this study. Mothers of all children were chronic asymptomatic HBsAg carrier (ASC) before pregnancy and the children were not inoculated against HBV after birth. Anti-HBV medicine was never administrated to all subjects. The serological markers of hepatitis A, B, C, D and E virus were tested and the titers of serum HBV DNA were quantitated. PreS/S gene was amplified by PCR and cloned into pGEM-T vector with T-A cloning technique. The recombinant plasmid pGEM-PreS/S was confirmed by digestion with restriction enzyme ApaI and SacI. Two clones were selected to be sequenced from each patient. RESULTS: According to the degree of viremia in every pair of mother and child, 15 pairs of child and mother were divided into three groups: group A (both children and mothers had high viremia with HBeAg-positive), group B (high in children and low in mothers with anti-HBe positive), and group C (low in children and high in mothers), and there were 5 pairs in each group. The subtype of each pair was the same. There were 4/5 pairs of HBV with B/adw2 and 1/5 pair of HBV with C/adrq+ in each group. It was shown that there were no difference among the four high viremia groups or between the two low viremia groups in the number of mutations and the number of mutational positions. However, there was significant difference between high viremia group and low viremia group. The mutation was not related to age. There were 56 mutational positions and there was no mutational hotspot in high viremia patients. In two low viremia groups (the mothers in group B and the children in group C), there were 113 mutational positions and 85 mutational positions were hotspots (owned by 5/8 clones in each) which could make 37 amino acids changed. Most of mutational amino acids were located within T and B cell epitopes of envelope protein or/and located in the surrounding regions. CONCLUSIONS: There are many differences in HBV with different degree of viremia, even if it comes from the same strain. There are some regular patterns in the mutations of HBV after HBeAg seroconversion happened.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[A study of the characteristics of pre S/S gene mutation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in mothers and HBV-infected children via mother-to-infant transmission].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristics of mutations in pre S/S gene of HBV in asymptomatic carrier (AsC) children infected through mother-to-infant transmission and their AsC mothers with different degree of viremia. METHODS: According to the levels of viremia in every pair of mother and child, 15 pairs of child and mother were divided into three groups 5 pairs in each group in this study: group I (both children and mothers had high viremia), group II (children had high and mothers had low viremia) and group III (children had low and mothers had high viremia). pre S/S gene was amplified by PCR and cloned into pGEM-T vector with T-A cloning technique. The recombinant plasmid pGEM- preS/S was confirmed by digestion with restriction enzyme ApaI and SacI. Tow clones were selected to be sequenced in each patient. The mutations of preS/S were compared with HBV DNA consensus sequence of Chongqing. RESULTS: In each group the subtypes of HBV were B/adw2 in 4 pairs and C/adrq+ in one pair. The preS/S clones in patients infected with subtype B/adw2 HBV were analyzed. It was shown that there was no difference among the four high viremic groups or between the two low viremic groups in the number of mutation and the mutational position. However, there was significant difference between the high viremic group and low viremic group. The mutation was not related to age. In the two low viremic groups (the mothers of group II and the children of group III), there were 86-94 mutational positions in 13/16 clones. There were 86 same mutational positions causing 37 amino acid changes in 11/13 clones and 90 same mutational positions causing 38 amino acid changes in 2/13 clones. Most of the changed amino acids were located within T and B cell epitopes of the envelope protein or/and the surrounding regions. Sixty-two mutational positions that resulted in 28 amino acid changes were same in these two mutational sequences. CONCLUSIONS: The mutation of HBV is not associated with the duration of infection. There are many differences of mutation when HBV comes from a same strain in hosts with different degrees of viremia. There are some regular patterns in the mutation of HBV after occurrence of HBeAg seroconversion. The mutation could be related to the escape of the attack of host's immunity.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Specific immune responses in Balb/c mice induced by plasmid coexpressing hepatitis B surface antigen and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor].

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the improvement of specific immune responses induced by plasmid coexpressing hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). METHODS: All Balb/c (H-2d) mice were immunized with pGM-CSF/S, pS/GM-CSF, pS or control plasmids. 4 weeks later, anti-HBs titer and the levels of IL-2, IL-4 and IFN-gamma in the supernatant of splenocytes were detected using enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and HBsAg-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) activity was measured with a 51Cr release assay, using P815/S transfectants as target cells. RESULTS: The anti-HBs antibody titers in the serum, the levels of IL-2 and IFN-gamma, and the CTL activity in pcDNA3.1-GM-CSF-S immuned mice were higher than those in PcDNA3.1-S immunized mice (F=4.176, P<0.01; F=31.188, P<0.01; F=31.796, P<0.01; F<or=26.891, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: It will improve the specific immune responses induced by HBsAg DNA vaccine after it is binded to the gene of GM-CSF.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

[Establishment of consensus sequence of PreS/S of hepatitis B virus with genotype B/serotype adw2 or genotype C/serotype adrq+ prevailing in Chongqing of China].

OBJECTIVE: To develop consensus sequence of HBV PreS/S with different subtype in Chongqing of China. METHODS: The gene of PreS/S of HBV in 18 AsC was sequenced. The genotype and serotype of HBV were determined. The main HBV strain prevailing in Chongqing was identified to establish its consensus sequence. RESULTS: It was found that 9 strains were genotype B/serotype adw2, 6 were genotype C/serotype adrq+ and 3 were genotype B/serotype ayw1. The consensus sequence of PreS/S of HBV with genotype B/serotype adw2 and genotype C/serotype adrq+ were established. There were 6 nucleotide variants which causing 4 amino acids change between consensus sequence of PreS/S with genotype B/serotype adw2 in Chongqing and in Southeast of China (homology showed 99.5% and 99.0% respectively). There were 13 different sites that caused 4 amino acids change between consensus sequence of PreS/S with genotype C/serotype adrq+ in Chongqing and in Northeast and South of China (homology showed 98.9% and 99.0% respectively). Comparing the two consensus sequence of PreS/S gene of different subtype HBV in Chongqing, there was 95 variants which caused 40 amino acids variants (the homology was 92.1% and 90.0% respectively). CONCLUSION: The consensus sequence of PreS/S of hepatitis B virus with genotype B/serotype adw2 and genotype C/serotype adrq+ prevailing in Chongqing was established.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Relationship between the different replication status of HBV and mutations in the core promoter in mothers and their children infected via mother-to-infant transmission.

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between the different replication status of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and mutations in the core promoter (CP) in mother and her child infected by mother-to-infant transmission. METHODS: The core promoter was amplified by PCR and cloned into pGEM-T vector with the T-A cloning technique. The recombinant plasmid pGEM-CP was confirmed by digestion with restriction enzyme Apa I and Sac I. Two clones were selected to be sequenced in each patient. RESULTS: Every pair of mother and child had same serotype and genotype and the homology of nucleotides encoding "a" determinant was 98%-100%. The number of mutations in the core promoter of patients with a high replication status was less than that in those with a low replication status. Mutations were mainly distributed in basia core promoter (BCP) and the inhibitor region of Kunitz-type serine protease. This difference was not associated with mother or child. CONCLUSION: The different replication status of HBV is caused by mutations in the core promoter in mother and child infected by mother-to-infant transmission and appears to be not associated with the status of development of the infection.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

The natural history of chronic hepatitis B: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the natural history of chronic hepatitis B so as to evaluate its long-term therapeutic outcome of the patients and the efficacy of antiviral drugs. METHODS: A cohort of 183 biopsy-proven chronic hepatitis B patients (mean age of 31.75+/-8.03 years, male/female ratio: 152:31) and 247 controls were followed up retrospectively for 11.81+/-4.08 years. This study was focused on long-term clinical outcome including the rates of liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and death, apart from the long-term effect of antiviral drugs and prognostic factors. RESULTS: In the 183 chronic hepatitis B patients, 22 (12.02%) developed liver cirrhosis, 12 (6.56%) developed hepatocellular carcinoma, and 20 (10.93%) died. The 5-, 10- and 15-year survival rates were 97.27%, 91.62%, and 84.47%, respectively. The 5-, 10- and 15-year incidence rates of HCC were 0, 3.19%, and 11.56%, respectively. In the 247 controls, 6 (2.43%) died; none of them developed cirrhosis or HCC. The rates of death, liver cirrhosis, and HCC in the hepatitis B patients were markedly different (P<0.005) compared with the controls. The overall mortality of hepatitis B patients was 4.5-fold higher than the general population. Cox multiple regression analysis showed that old age, severe histological injury, and positive HBeAg were closely related to liver cirrhosis; old age, severe histological injury, and male were major factors leading to death. The independent variable of predicted HCC was not found. CONCLUSION: The long-term outcome of hepatitis B patients is poor and the efficacy of antiviral drugs needs further study.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[The primary study on the anti-HBV effect of whole recombinant yeast].

OBJECTIVES: Based on the immunologic character of Pichia pastoris yeast, a new therapeutic vaccine, whole recombinant yeast, was used to explore a new way to activate cell-mediated anti-viral immunity. METHODS: The recombinant plasmids, pPIC9K/S and PIC9K/hsp(1-370)-S, were constructed by inserting the gene encoding HBsAg, HSP70 (1-370) -HBsAg into vector pPIC9K and then the recombinants were transfected into Pichia pastoris yeast,GS115, respectively. Then that recombinant yeast immunized BALB/C mice were detected for humoral and cellular immunity to HBsAg. RESULTS: Recombinant yeast successfully activated the humoral immunity to HBsAg in mice, but failed to activate the cellular immunity. CONCLUSION: The whole recombinant yeast can be used as vaccine, but need further study for optimal way of immunization.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

[Secretion expression of Mt. heat shock protein 70 in Pichia pastoris and identification of the protein].

To obtain the expression of Mycobacterium tuberculosis heat shock protein 70 in methylotropic yeast. The expression vector pPIC9K-hsp70 was constructed, linearized and introduced into Pichia pastoris GS115 by electroporation. The result protein was secreted into the supernatant induced by 0.5% methanol at 30 degrees C and purified by centrifugation, ultrafiltration and ATP-agarose. The recombinant Hsp70 was identified by SDS-PAGE, Western blot, mice experiment and effect on the immature DC. The SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis showed that the apparent molecular weight of expressed Hsp70 was about 70 kD and the expressed protein could specifically react with anti-Mt. Hsp70 IgG. And mice immunization indicated the expressed hsp70 had immunogenicity. Hsp70 could induce DC maturation and release Th1 cytokine. The secreted 70 kD protein was about 120 mg/L which accounted for more than 30% of the total supernatant protein and was purified to electrophoretic purity. The Hsp70, which had the biological activity, is successfully secretorily expressed in the Pichia pastoris GS115.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Anxiolytic effect of wogonin, a benzodiazepine receptor ligand isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi.

The search for novel anxiolytics devoid of undesirable side-effects typical of classical benzodiazepines (BDZs) has been intense, and flavonoids, as a relative new class of ligands, have been shown to possess anxiolytic effects in vivo. The present study evaluated the pharmacological properties of a naturally occurring monoflavonoid, 5,7-dihydroxy-8-methoxyflavone or wogonin. The affinity (K(i)) of wogonin for the benzodiazepine site (BZD-S) on the gamma-aminobutyric acid(A) (GABA(A)) receptor complex was 0.92 microM. Using electrophysiological techniques, we showed that wogonin enhanced the GABA-activated current in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons, and in Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing recombinant rat GABA(A) receptors, the enhancement was partially reversed by the co-application of a 1 microM concentration of the BZD-S antagonist anexate (Ro15-1788). Acute toxicity and behavioral effects were examined in mice. Acute lethal activity was low, with an LD(50) of 3.9 g/kg. Oral administration of wogonin (7.5 to 30 mg/kg) elicited an anxiolytic response that was similar to that elicited by diazepam in the elevated plus-maze; a dose-dependent increase in open arm entries and time spent in open arms was observed. More importantly, its anxiolytic effect was blocked by the co-administration of Ro15-1788. In the holeboard test, not only did wogonin-treated mice experience an increased number of head-dips but they also spent more time at it, showing no signs of sedation. Furthermore, wogonin did not cause myorelaxant effects in the horizontal wire test. Taken together, these data suggest that wogonin exerts its anxiolytic effect through positive allosteric modulation of the GABA(A) receptor complex via interaction at the BZD-S. Its anxiolytic effect was not accompanied by sedative and myorelaxant side-effects typical of BDZs.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

A site in the fourth membrane-associated domain of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor regulates desensitization and ion channel gating.

The N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor has four membrane-associated domains, three of which are membrane-spanning (M1, M3, and M4) and one of which is a re-entrant pore loop (M2). The M1-M3 domains have been demonstrated to influence the function of the ion channel, but a similar role for the M4 domain has not been reported. We have identified a methionine residue (Met(823)) in the M4 domain of the NR2A subunit that regulates desensitization and ion channel gating. A tryptophan substitution at this site did not alter the EC(50) for glycine or the peak NMDA EC(50) but decreased the steady-state NMDA EC(50) and markedly increased apparent desensitization, mean open time, and peak current density. Results of rapid solution exchange experiments revealed that changes in microscopic desensitization rates and closing rates could account for the changes in macroscopic desensitization, steady-state NMDA EC(50), and current density. Other amino acid substitutions at this site could increase or decrease the rate of desensitization and mean open time of the ion channel. Both mean open time and desensitization were dependent primarily upon the hydrophobic character of the amino acid at the position. These results demonstrate an important role for hydrophobic interactions at Met(823) in regulation of NMDA receptor function.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2002

I-kappa B kinases alpha and beta have distinct roles in regulating murine T cell function.

NF-kappaB is a transcription factor that regulates a variety of genes involved in the control of the immune and inflammatory responses. Activation of NF-kappaB is mediated by an inducible I-kappaB kinase (IKK) complex comprised of two catalytic subunits, IKKalpha and IKKbeta. In this study, the role of these kinases in the development and function of T lymphocytes was explored using transgenic mice expressing the dominant-negative forms of one or both kinases under the control of a T cell-specific promoter. Activation of the NF-kappaB pathway in thymocytes isolated from these transgenic mice following treatment with either PMA and ionomycin or anti-CD3 was markedly inhibited. Although inhibition of IKKalpha and/or IKKbeta function did not alter T cell development in these transgenic mice, the proliferative response to anti-CD3 was reduced in thymocytes isolated from mice expressing dominant-negative IKKbeta. However, inhibition of both IKKalpha and IKKbeta was required to markedly reduce cytokine production in thymocytes isolated from these transgenic mice. Finally, we demonstrated that IKKalpha and IKKbeta have opposite roles on the regulation of anti-CD3-induced apoptosis of double-positive thymocytes. These results suggest that IKKalpha and IKKbeta have distinct roles in regulating thymocyte function.

Animals↗