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Biomedical subjects

T Sun

Publications and source records attributed to T Sun.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Current topics in protozoal diseases.

The author reviews seven protozoal diseases, emphasizing the current development but also briefly reviewing the basic knowledge in epidemiology, parasitology, clinical features, pathology, and laboratory diagnosis. Cryptosporidiosis, microsporidiosis, and cyclosporiasis, which are newly discovered diseases in humans, and pneumocystosis, toxoplasmosis, and isosporiasis, which are important opportunistic infections in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, are discussed. The author also presents acanthamoeba keratitis, a disease seen mainly in contact lens wearers that is expected to have a higher prevalence in the near future.

Humans

Engineering a uniquely reactive thiol into a cysteine-rich peptide.

Cysteine mutagenesis for the purpose of chemical labelling was applied to the K+ channel neurotoxin charybdotoxin, a 37-residue peptide with six functionally essential cysteines. An additional 'spinster cysteine' was introduced at a position far away in space from the toxin's known interaction surface where it contacts its K+ channel receptor. Despite the presence of the extra unpaired cysteine residue, the toxin still folds efficiently and may be labelled by fluorescent and radioactive reagents to give a functionally competent toxin.

Animals

[The cloning of threonine operon in vivo and mutagenesis in vitro in E. coli].

Report here was the selection of the E. coli strain producing 1.2% threonine. The wild type threonine operon was cloned in vivo and subcloned in vitro. The subclone was mutagenizied in vitro and a clone pTHR12-9-1 producing threonine was obtained. Also the effect of pTHR12-9-1 on threonine yield of hosts producing different amount of threonine was studied. We found that pTHR12-9-1 could promote the production of threonine in lower yield hosts, but it reduced the production of threonine in higher yield hosts. The phenomenon was discussed.

Cloning, Molecular

[Development of a new fundus image processing system for diagnosis of glaucoma].

For diagnosis of glaucoma, we developed a new fundus image processing system that measures the optic disc structures from the fundus video image and enhances the RNFL. The design and function features are discussed in detail. Clinical application shows that the multifunctional system is accurate in measurements and easy to operate, providing a new approach to the early diagnosis of glaucoma.

Fundus Oculi

Detection of minimal residual disease in a patient with acute promyelocytic leukemia by RT-PCR: necessity of chemotherapy following ATRA therapy.

The PML/RAR alpha fusion gene resulting from the t (15;17) translocation is a specific marker for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). We examined bone marrow cells by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect residual PML/RAR alpha mRNA-containing cells following treatment with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and cytotoxic chemotherapy in a patient with APL. This RT-PCR assay can detect one leukemic cell in 10(2) normal cells in vitro. We show that PML/RAR alpha mRNA was still detectable despite clinical remission following ATRA treatment, but undetectable following consolidation with chemotherapy. These data show that this technique is useful for the identification of minimal residual disease in patients with APL and that cytotoxic chemotherapy following ATRA therapy is required for the elimination of APL cells.

Base Sequence

Effects of modulation of basic fibroblast growth factor on tumor growth in vivo.

BACKGROUND: Recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor (rHu-bFGF) is known to stimulate proliferation in some tumor cells and to modulate tumor vascularization. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the possible role of this agent in the development of tumors. The study was designed to determine the effects of modulating bFGF activity in vivo in tumor models from cell lines with different responses to bFGF and with different content and receptor levels of bFGF. METHODS: Two tumor cell lines (human DLD-2 colon carcinoma and rat C6 glioma) were characterized for bFGF content and bFGF receptor levels by Western blot analysis in cultured cells and by studies of [125I]rHu-bFGF binding to sections from xenografts grown in nude mice. Tumor cell proliferation was monitored after treatment with rHu-bFGF or the DG2 or DE6 IgG monoclonal antibody to rHu-bFGF in culture and in vivo. RESULTS: C6 cells exhibited 7800 high-affinity receptors for rHu-bFGF per cell (dissociation constant [Kd] = 46 pM), while DLD-2 cells lacked high-affinity receptors. rHu-bFGF stimulated [3H]thymidine uptake by C6 cells, but the addition of DG2 IgG prevented this stimulation; rHu-bFGF had no effect on [3H]thymidine incorporation by DLD-2 cells. C6 cells had higher levels of immunoreactive bFGF than did DLD-2 cells. The xenografts from both cell lines exhibited high-affinity [125I]rHu-bFGF binding that was concentrated on vascular-like structures. rHu-bFGF at a dosage of 0.25 mg/kg given intraperitoneally daily for 18 days caused a twofold increase in DLD-2 tumor weight but had little effect on the growth of C6 xenografts. In contrast, daily intravenous injections of DG2 IgG given to mice had no effect on DLD-2 tumor growth but reduced growth of C6 tumors by approximately 30%--a statistically significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of exogenous rHu-bFGF or of a neutralizing antibody resulted in significant alterations in tumor growth in vivo, which were specific for tumor type and bFGF characteristics. While some of these effects may be mediated by the bFGF-responsive endothelial cells of the tumor vasculature (DLD-2 colon carcinoma), others may result from inhibition of bFGF-dependent tumor cell proliferation (C6 glioma). IMPLICATIONS: Studies that measure tumor blood flow are necessary to confirm that these effects are mediated by changes in tumor vasculature.

Animals

p53 gene mutation and integrated hepatitis B viral DNA sequences in human liver cancer cell lines.

A G:C-->T:A mutational hotspot at codon 249 of the p53 tumor suppressor gene has previously been identified in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) of patients from Qidong, China and southern Africa in which aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) are known synergistic risk factors. We have examined p53 mutation patterns of HCC from geographic areas in which the risk factors vary. Nine HCC lines and four hepatoblastoma lines (HB) were examined for p53 gene mutations and the relationship with HBV infection. Five of the nine HCC lines had homozygous mutation or deletion randomly distributed in exons 6-8, whereas none of the four HB cell lines had p53 mutations. One of the four HB lines (HepG2) had an N-ras mutation at codon 61 position 2. The p53 point mutations in the three HCC cell lines from Japan resulted in the amino acid changes of cysteine for tyrosine in cell line HuH 7 at codon 220 (A:T-->G:C), alanine for glycine in cell line HLF at codon 244 (G:C-->C:G), and serine for arginine in cell line HLE at codon 249 (G:C-->C:G). In addition, the deletion of 18 base pairs from codon 264 position 3 to codon 270 position 1 has resulted in the deletion of Leu-Gly-Arg-Asn-Ser-Phe from the amino acids sequences 256-270 in the Japanese cell line HuH 4. The cell line PLC/PRF/5 that showed p53 mutation at codon 249 (G:C-->T:A) with substitution of serine for arginine was derived from a South African patient. Our results indicate that whereas the p53 gene is not mutated in the HB cell lines, the HCC cell lines frequently contain an abnormal p53 gene. In addition, p53 point mutations were not detected in the four Japanese HCC cell lines that were positive for genomic integration of HBV X-gene and surface antigen gene. The three Japanese HCC cell lines with p53 mutations did not contain HBV sequences, indicating that hepatocarcinogenesis associated with p53 mutation does not require the genomic integration of HBV sequences.

Base Sequence

Epidemic meningococcemia and purpura fulminans with induced protein C deficiency.

Patients with epidemic infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C were studied to assess the relationship of abnormal coagulation parameters to prognosis. Patients were categorized into stages within the first hour of observation according to severity of illness. During the epidemic years 1986 through 1991, 113 patients with bacteriologically proven N. meningitidis infection were observed, 15 of whom died. Purpura fulminans was seen in 28 patients, of whom 14 (50%) died. Among the 14 surviving patients who had purpura fulminans, 10 suffered gangrene with deforming autoamputation secondary to the dermal microvascular thrombosis and hemorrhagic necrosis. Evaluation of the induced diffuse intravascular coagulation in 59 patients included studies of the naturally occurring anticoagulants, focusing on protein C and protein S. The magnitude of the declining levels of protein C, the degree of thrombocytopenia, and the presence of fibrin split products are directly related to the clinical severity of the illness (P = .0053). Thus, in individuals with severe disease expression, the risk of purpura fulminans with death or deformity was significantly increased when the platelet count was < 50,000 cells/mm3 (P = .0001) and protein C levels were low (P = .0158). The immaturity of the protein C system in children who are < 4 years of age may contribute to the rapid and more frequent pathogenesis of purpura fulminans. Therapy directed at replacement of the naturally occurring anticoagulants, such as protein C, may ultimately improve the prognosis for individuals with purpura fulminans.

Adolescent

Aggressive natural killer cell lymphoma/leukemia. A recently recognized clinicopathologic entity.

We report a comprehensive study of a case of aggressive natural killer cell lymphoma/leukemia, which is characterized by young male predominance, rapidly progressive clinical course, and presence of lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and bone marrow involvement. The leukemic phase is frequently preceded by pancytopenia. The diagnostic clues are the detection of cytoplasmic granules in tumor cells on Wright-Giemsa-stained tissue imprints or smears and a selective loss of T-cell antigens. Immunophenotyping is decisive in making the final diagnosis by showing positive natural killer cell markers (CD16, CD56, and/or CD57), CD2, CD11c, and Ia, but negative CD3, T-cell receptor heterodimers, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase, and B-cell markers. Genotyping always shows germline configuration in both immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor genes. The unique feature in this case is its presentation as a testicular lymphoma, which has not been previously reported. Polymerase chain reaction was performed in this case but failed to detect human T-cell leukemia virus type I/II provirus. It is important to recognize this new entity as it is a highly aggressive disease with a rapidly progressive clinical course and fails to respond to any chemotherapeutic regimen available.

Adult

Serial phenotypic, cytogenetic and molecular genetic studies in Richter's syndrome: demonstration of lymphoma development from the chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cells.

In this report we describe a unique longitudinal study on the clinical, phenotypic, cytogenetic and molecular genetic features of malignant cells from diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) to the development of lymphoma and lymphomatous meningitis. CLL cells at diagnosis were CD5+, CD19+, surface IgG+, kappa+, were karyotypically abnormal and showed clonal rearrangements in the immunoglobulin heavy (IgH) and kappa light chain genes. Phenotypically leukaemic cells and lymphoma cells at RS resembled CLL at diagnosis, but showed cytogenetic evolution. Geometrically leukaemic cells and lymphoma cells retained the initial clonal rearrangements in IGH and kappa genes, but showed additional supervening clonal rearrangements in both of these genes as the disease progressed to RS. Furthermore, the c-lambda DNA showed clonal rearrangements in the leukaemic cells and lymphoma cells at RS. This complete phenotypic and genotypic analysis of tumour cells during the course of the disease demonstrates the origin of lymphoma from CLL cells through progressive cytogenetic and molecular genetic changes in CLL cells.

Blotting, Southern

A case of acute megakaryocytic leukemia with hematogones.

A case of an infant male with Down's syndrome, pancytopenia, and a relative lymphocytosis is presented. A bone marrow aspirate and crushed marrow biopsy were evaluated by microscopy and flow cytometry. A population of immature lymphoid cells positive for CD10 (CALLA) and CD19 (Leu 12) was initially interpreted as suggestive of an acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, a second bone marrow biopsy revealed morphologic features consistent with acute megakaryocytic leukemia (AMKL) with fibrosis. This diagnosis was supported by the flow cytometric study showing increased myeloid and megakaryocytic antigen-positive cells in the bone marrow and peripheral blood obtained after chemotherapy for ALL. This report presents evidence that the original lymphoid population represented hematogones, which were preferentially aspirated due to marrow fibrosis. There are no previous reports of hematogones identified at the presentation of an acute leukemia. It also emphasizes that the presence of hematogones with the resultant marker findings can be misleading. The diagnosis of ALL in pediatric patients should not be based solely on the presence of increased CD10-positive cells.

Biopsy

[Triterpenes and steroidal compounds from cynomorium songaricum].

From the whole parasitic plant of Cynomorium songaricum Rupr. three ursane type triterpenes, three steroidal compounds, palmitic acid and sucrose were isolated. The triterpenes were identified as acetyl ursolic acid (2), ursolic acid (3) and a new compound, ursa-12-ene-28-oic acid, 3 beta-propanedioic acid monoester (1). The steroidal compounds were identified as beta-sitosterol palmitate (4), beta-sitosterol (5) and beta-sitosterol glucoside (daucosterol, 6). Compounds 2 and 5 were found in this genus for the first time.

Drugs, Chinese Herbal

A study of lymphoma of large granular lymphocytes with modern modalities: report of two cases and review of the literature.

Two cases of lymphoma of large granular lymphocytes are reported. The first case expressed natural killer (NK) cell, some T-cell (CD 2, CD 5, CD 8), and HLA-DR antigens, but was negative for other T-cell (CD 3, CD 4, CD 7), T-cell receptor (TCR), B-cell, and myeloid antigens. Germline configuration was demonstrated for TCR, and immunoglobulin heavy and light chain genes. The second case expressed NK cell, some T-cell (CD 3, CD 7, CD 8), and TCR antigens, but was negative for other T-cell (CD 4, CD 5), B-cell, myeloid, and HLA-DR antigens. Rearrangement of TCR alpha and beta chains were detected. Thus, the findings of case 1 were consistent with true NK cell lineage and case 2 with NK-like T-cell lineage. Our report underscores the heterogeneity of this newly recognized lymphoma, which nevertheless carries a consistently poor prognosis and is probably more prevalent in the Asian population. This study also provides information concerning immunophenotypes of cellular infiltrates in internal organs and cytogenetic abnormalities in this lymphoma; neither has been reported frequently in the literature. The importance of detecting cytoplasmic granules in tissue imprints or electron micrographs for differentiating other T-cell lymphomas is emphasized, and the classification of large granular lymphoproliferative disorders is discussed.

Adolescent

Study of the major phenotype of large granular T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder.

Six cases of large granular T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder with a selected immunophenotype (CD3+, CD4-, CD8+, CD16+) were studied to characterize a homogeneous group of patients. It was found that most of these patients did not exhibit the clinical features frequently described in large granular T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder--recurrent infection, rheumatoid arthritis, and splenomegaly. The laboratory tests usually positive in large granular T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder, including rheumatoid factor and anti-nuclear antibodies, also were frequently negative. The pathognomonic features were found to be neutropenia and large granular lymphocytosis with positive killer cell markers. All six cases showed T-cell receptor gene rearrangement that indicated a monoclonal proliferation of lymphoid cells, which were natural killer-like T cells by immunophenotyping. B cells were essentially absent in all cases. It should be emphasized that bone marrow aspirates are as informative as peripheral blood samples for the diagnosis of large granular T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder; indeed, phenotypes of blood and marrow in one case were identical in terms of percentages of markers. In this selected group of patients, the clinical courses were indolent with uncomplicated outcomes. In three patients, chemotherapy did not induce an obvious clinical response, but all patients' conditions remained stable with only supportive care.

Adult

Phenotyping and genotyping of composite lymphoma with Ki-1 component.

A case of composite lymphoma consisting of an anaplastic large-cell Ki-1 lymphoma and a small-cell follicular lymphoma was found in the splenic hilar lymph node of a 66-year-old woman. The Ki-1 lymphoma showed monoclonal IgM-lambda and CD 20, CD 74, and CDw 75 antigens by immunostaining and CD 19, CD 20, CD 22, and lambda antigens by flow cytometry. The follicular lymphoma also showed monoclonal IgM-lambda, and CD 20 and CDw 75 antigens but not CD 74 and CD 30 (Ki-1) by immunostaining. Flow cytometric analysis of the follicular lymphoma component was not conclusive, as it was impossible to separate the neoplastic from the normal small B lymphocytes. Ki-1 lymphoma usually is seen in childhood and is mostly of T cell origin. It is, therefore, unusual to find Ki-1 antigen component in a composite lymphoma of B-cell origin in an adult. However, there has been evidence to suggest that B-cell Ki-1 lymphoma may be related to follicular lymphoma. Thus, our case may represent a follicular lymphoma transforming into a Ki-1 lymphoma. Immunogenotyping in this case revealed that the two components were probably of the same clonal origin, as they seemed to share the same light chain gene. The presence of rearrangement in the switch region of the IgH in our case without the actual occurrence of heavy chain switching may have triggered somatic recombination in the IgH complex. This series of events may have led to the transformation of a low-grade lymphoma into a high-grade lymphoma, accounting for the two morphologic patterns seen in our bimorphic lymphoma.

Aged

Extramedullary blast crisis in chronic myelogenous leukemia. Demonstration of T-cell lineage and Philadelphia chromosome in a paraspinal tumor.

A case of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) with penetrance of the Ph1 molecular alteration into the T-cell lineage of a paraspinal tumor is reported. The T-cell nature of the paraspinal tumor was documented by immunochemical study and genotyping. The Philadelphia chromosome was also detected by genotyping in the same tumor cell population. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case of extramedullary T-cell blast crisis in CML demonstrated in an extranodal tumor. The clinical significance of detecting extramedullary blast crisis, and the theories for the scarcity of T-cell transformation in CML are discussed.

Blast Crisis

Mutational hotspot in the p53 gene in human hepatocellular carcinomas.

Human hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) from patients in Qidong, an area of high incidence in China, in which both hepatitis B virus and aflatoxin B1 are risk factors, were analysed for mutations in p53, a putative tumour-suppressor gene. Eight of the 16 HCC had a point mutation at the third base position of codon 249. The G----T transversion in seven HCC DNA samples and the G----C transversion in the other HCC are consistent with mutations caused by aflatoxin B1 in mutagenesis experiments. No mutations were found in exons 5,6,8 or the remainder of exon 7. These results contrast with p53 mutations previously reported in carcinomas and sarcomas of human lung, colon, oesophagus and breast; these are primarily scattered over four of the five evolutionarily conserved domains, which include codon 249 (refs 4-9). We suggest that the mutant p53 protein may be responsible for a selective clonal expansion of hepatocytes during carcinogenesis.

Base Sequence