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Xiang-Sheng Chen,
Yue-Ping Yin,
Guo-Jun Liang,
Qian-Qiu Wang,
Ning Jiang,
Qiao Liu, Geng-Feng Fu,
Bin Yang,
Yu-Jiao Zhou,
Mei-Qin Shi,
Baoxi Wang
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have become a major public health problem among female sex workers (FSWs) in China. There have been many studies on prevalences of HIV and syphilis but the data about Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infections are limited in this population in China. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed among FSWs recruited from different types of venues in 8 cities in China. An interview with questionnaire was conducted, followed by collection of a blood and cervical swab specimens for tests of HIV, syphilis, NG and CT infections. RESULTS: A total of 3,099 FSWs were included in the study. The overall prevalence rates of HIV, syphilis, NG and CT were 0.26%, 6.45%, 5.91% and 17.30%, respectively. Being a FSW from low-tier venue (adjusted odds ratios [AOR]=1.39) had higher risk and being age of >= 21 years (AOR=0.60 for 21--25 years; AOR=0.29 for 26--30 years; AOR=0.35 for 31 years or above) had lower risk for CT infection; and having CT infection was significantly associated with NG infection. CONCLUSIONS: The high STI prevalence rates found among FSWs, especially among FSWs in low-tier sex work venues, suggest that the comprehensive prevention and control programs including not only behavioral interventions but also screening and medical care are needed to meet the needs of this population.
BMC Public Health 02/2013; 13(1):121. · 2.00 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are valuable reagents for efficient gene silencing in a sequence‑specific manner via the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. The current synthetic siRNA structure consists of symmetrical duplexes of 19‑21 base pairs (bp) with 2 nucleotide (nt) 3' overhangs. In this study, we report that an asymmetric siRNA (asiRNA) consisting of 17 bp duplex region (17 bp asiRNA) exhibited potent activity in inhibiting bcl-2 gene expression and cancer cell proliferation in vitro. Importantly, this asiRNA structure significantly reduced off‑target silencing by the sense strand. To improve the stability of the 17 bp asiRNA, we synthesized a series of chemically modified 17 bp asiRNAs. Further experiments showed that in comparison with the 17 bp asiRNA, the 17 bp asiRNA‑M2, one of the modified 17 bp asiRNAs, exhibited a comparable gene silencing activity and an improved stability in vitro. Furthermore, the 17 bp asiRNA‑M2 with a proteolipid micelle delivery system can effectively suppress the growth of H22 and BGC 803 tumors in vivo. These results suggest that the chemically modified asiRNAs may have potential as an effective therapeutic approach for cancer gene therapy in the future.
International Journal of Oncology 11/2012; · 2.40 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells are immune effector cells characterized by co-expression of CD3 and CD56 molecules. We examined the quantities of CIK cells and the changes of these cell expressing NK cell receptors in HIV-1-positive children infected via mother-to-child transmission. The percentage of CIK cells was quantified and the changes in the surface cell receptor profiles in 18 HIV-1-infected children were examined. We found that CIK cell percentages were dramatically increased in HIV-1-infected children. Furthermore, the expressions of CD16, NKp30, NKp44, NKp46, NKp80 and CD244 on CIK cells were decreased, while the expressions of KIR3DL1 and NKG2D on CIK cells were increased in HIV-1-infected children. However, the expressions of KIR2D and NTB-A on CIK cells did not change in the HIV-1-infected children. CIK cells possessed the characteristics of promoting the maturation of dendritic cells and killing functions in HIV-1-infected children. Moreover, serum concentrations of IL-4 and IFN-γ were significantly increased in HIV-1-infected children compared with the HIV-negative controls. These changes likely occurred as a protective mechanism against transmission of maternal HIV-1 virus and thereby helped to limit viral spread, eliminate infected cells and help HIV-1-infected patients to slow the progression to AIDS.
International Immunology 03/2012; 24(3):197-206. · 3.41 Impact Factor
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Xi-ping Huan,
Yue-ping Yin, Geng-feng Fu,
Ning Jiang,
Qian-qian Zhang,
Xue-ning Zhang,
Xiao-liang Wang,
Hai-yang Hu,
Bei Wang,
Hai-tao Yang,
Xiang-sheng Chen
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ABSTRACT: To investigate infections of syphilis, neisseria gonorrhoeae, chlamydia trachomatis and the related risk factors in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Jiangsu province.
A total of 400 MSM were enrolled by Snowball Sampling Method from August to October in 2010 and then 328 cases were surveyed by a questionnaire and collected serum sample 5 ml per person as well as rectal swab on the spot; all of the serum samples were tested for syphilis by ELISA and TRUST, and all of the rectal swabs were tested for neisseria gonorrhoeae or chlamydia trachomatis. The influencing factors of syphilis, neisseria gonorrhoeae, chlamydia trachomatis were analyzed by logistic regression analysis.
The 328 MSM were (32.46 ± 9.72) years old, 59.15% (194/328) were unmarried.75.00% (246/328) MSM had rectal sex with men in the past 3 months, and condom use rate for recent sex was 56.71% (186/328), while 53.05% (174/328) MSM didn't have sex with women in the last 3 months. The syphilis infection rate among MSM was 13.41% (44/328), the neisseria gonorrhoeae infection rate was 3.66% (12/328), and the chlamydia trachomatis rate was 11.59% (38/328). The number of sex partners was the key factor that influenced syphilis infections (OR = 4.213, 95%CI: 1.133 - 15.656).
The prevalence of syphilis and chlamydia trachomatis was high in MSM in Jiangsu, while risk behavior rate were high in the MSM and then should be intervened.
Zhonghua yu fang yi xue za zhi [Chinese journal of preventive medicine] 11/2011; 45(11):975-8.
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ABSTRACT: Dendritic cells (DCs) play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1). Reduced numbers of blood DCs have been observed in individuals with chronic HIV-1 infection. In the present study, we analyzed the expression levels of monocytes, myeloid dendritic cell (mDC) precursors, mDCs, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), in HIV-1-infected patients in China who were infected via different routes of transmission, including heterosexual and homosexual sexual contact, and blood transmission through importation of blood or blood products, to further elucidate their role in HIV. Compared with HIV-negative individuals (n = 40), relative levels of CD11c+CD14⁻mDCs, CD11c++CD123(low) mDCs, and CD11c⁻CD123+ pDCs in total peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were significantly lower in all HIV patients (n = 93), and in those with blood transmission (n = 26) and heterosexual transmission (n = 43), while relative levels of CD11c+CD14⁻mDCs were significantly lower in HIV patients infected via homosexual transmission (n = 24). The results of correlation analysis demonstrated a significant negative correlation between CD4+ T-cell counts and the relative levels of CD11c++CD123(low) mDCs in HIV-I patients infected via blood transmission. There was no significant correlation between CD4+ T-cell counts and the expression level of other DC subpopulations in PBMCs from HIV patients. The results of this study suggest that HIV-1 patients with different routes of transmission exhibit altered expression levels of blood DC subpopulations, which contributes to dysregulated immune responses and pathogenesis of HIV-1.
Viral immunology 02/2011; 24(1):35-43. · 1.78 Impact Factor
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08/2010: pages 99 - 117; , ISBN: 9780470626528
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Geng-Feng Fu,
Xu Chen,
Sha Hao,
Jun-Li Zhao,
Hai-Yang Hu,
Hai-Tao Yang,
Xiao-Qin Xu,
Tao Qiu,
Lei Li,
Jin-Shui Xu,
Xiao-Yan Liu,
Xi-Ping Huan,
Ya-Yi Hou
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ABSTRACT: Natural killer (NK) cells are believed to play a role in the progression of human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) disease, and NK cell levels are reduced in individuals with chronic HIV-1 infection. To assess the effects on quantity of NK cells and the changes of NK cell receptors in HIV-1 infected children via mother-to-child transmission, the percentage of NK cells is quantified and the changes in the NK cell receptor profiles in 20 HIV-1 infected children who are not progressing into AIDS were examined. The results showed that NK cell percentage was decreased in the HIV-1 infected children. The expression of NKp30 on NK cells was increased, while the expressions of CD16, NKp44, NKp46, NKp80, NTB-A, CD244, KIR2D, KIR3DL1 and NKG2D on NK cells were decreased in the HIV-1 infected children. NK cell cytolytic activity was elevated in HIV-1 infected children. These results indicate that the acute changes in NK cell percentage and NK cell receptors in HIV-1 infected children are different from the HIV-1 infected adult individuals. Moreover, serum concentrations of IL-18 were elevated in HIV-infected children compared to HIV-uninfected controls. These differences probably play a role in protecting against transmission of maternal HIV-1 virus and guiding the therapeutic strategies for HIV-1 infected children.
Cellular Immunology 01/2010; 265(1):37-43. · 1.97 Impact Factor
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Geng-Feng Fu,
Sha Hao,
Jun-Li Zhao,
Xiao-Qin Xu,
Hong-Xiong Guo,
Hai-Yang Hu,
Hai-Tao Yang,
Lei Li,
Jin-Shui Xu,
Tao Qiu,
Xi-Ping Huan,
Ya-Yi Hou
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ABSTRACT: Natural killer (NK) cells are believed to play a role in human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) disease progression, and NK cell levels are reduced in individuals with chronic HIV-1 infection. In the present study, we compared the frequency and phenotype of peripheral blood CD3-CD56+ NK cells in HIV-1 infected patients in China who were infected through different routes of transmission, including heterosexual and homosexual sexual contact, and blood transmission through injection drug use or importation of blood or blood products. The results showed significantly reduced numbers of CD3-CD56+ NK cells with no association with route of transmission. The expression of CD16 on CD3-CD56+ NK cells in HIV-1 infected patients was similar to that in healthy controls. Among the examined receptor (KIR3DL1, NKp80, NKp44, CD244, NKG2D, and NTBA) expressions, only KIR3DL1 and NKp80 expressions on CD3-CD56+ NK cells were suppressed in HIV-1-infected patients compared to healthy controls, and no significant difference was observed between patients upon comparison of different routes of transmission. A subset of CD3(dim)/CD56+ cells was dramatically increased in HIV-1-infected patients. This study suggests that changes in NK cell count and receptors are not related to the route of HIV-1 transmission. A new subset of CD3(dim)/CD56+ cells emerged only in HIV-1-infected patients, and may play a role in limiting viral spread, eliminating infected cells, and slowing the progression from HIV-1 infection to AIDS.
Viral immunology 05/2009; 22(2):105-16. · 1.78 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To evaluate the potential therapeutic effect of liposomal gene delivery, genes encoding for human thymosin alpha1 (Talpha1) and interferon omega1 were injected via the tail vein into mice bearing a Hep-A-22 liver tumor.
The cDNA of human Talpha1 and interferon omega1 were obtained by synthesis or reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. Eukaryotic expressing vectors pIRES2, encoding Talpha1 and/or interferon omega1, were constructed and injected with liposome via the tail vein into ICR mice bearing a Hep-A-22 tumor. The potency of tumor inhibition was evaluated when three treated groups were compared with the group receiving the empty vector. Apoptosis of tumor cells was investigated by analyzing DNA fragmentation.
Only the group treated with dual-gene plasmid reached an eligible level of tumor inhibition (43%). The difference in tumor weight was statistically significant between the Talpha1 gene or the interferon omega1 gene treated groups and the control (P<0.05), and highly significant between the dual-gene treated group and the control (P<0.01). DNA ladder was observed in the tumor cells from the purpose gene treated groups but not from the control.
The dual-gene plasmid-liposome complex showed more potent inhibition than the single gene constructs on the growth of Hep-A-22 tumor cells in mice, which may be attributed to indirect and additive induction of apoptosis in tumor cells by increased expression of Talpha1 and interferon omega1.
Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 10/2006; 21(10):1538-43. · 2.87 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Bcl-2 is an anti-apoptotic protein. If the level of Bcl-2 protein can be reduced sufficiently in tumors using RNA interference (RNAi) to target the gene message, the apoptosis of tumor cells may be promoted. In this study, we synthesized 19 nucleotides (nts) small interference RNA (siRNA) constructs suppressing bcl-2 gene expression in human tumor cells (HeLaB2 and BGC-823 cell lines) in vitro. The bcl-2 gene expression levels were significantly reduced when these siRNA were transfected into experimental two tumor cells for 72 hours. The apoptosis process was also examined in the tumor cells. Here we synthesized siRNA from a DNA template under the control of the RNA polymerase III promoter in transfected tumor cells. Using this DNA vector-based approach, we found that the siRNA efficiently and specifically inhibited the synthesis of protein encoded by the bcl-2 gene in HeLaB2 and BGC-823 tumor cells. Tumor growth was inhibited by 66.5% with 2mg/kg pSilencer 3.1H1-bcl-2 in mouse liver tumor-bearing BALB/c mice. This approach may prove to be a valuable clinical technique for the analysis of specific gene functions and gene therapy of malignant tumors that utilize the bcl-2 gene via RNA interference.
Cancer biology & therapy 09/2005; 4(8):822-9. · 2.64 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Synthesized gene of human thymosin alpha 1 (Talpha1) was inserted into pET-28a, pET-9c, pThioHis B, pGEX-2T or pBV222 and then inductively expressed in strains of Escherichia coli. Among the five expression systems, the BL21/pET-28a system provides the highest expression level of fusion protein in a soluble form, which is up to 70% of total expressed bacterial proteins as visualized by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The resulting fusion protein purified through nickel affinity chromatography accounts for 2.53% of the wet bacterial pellet weight and reaches 94.5% purity by SDS-PAGE. These results indicate the potential of this expression system for high-throughput production of recombinant Talpha1.
Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica 03/2005; 37(2):147-51. · 1.38 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To overcome difficulties that hampered widespread application of a specific delivery system in cancer gene therapy and to inhibit the growth of solid liver cancer, we utilized a strain of Bifidobacterium longum as a delivery system to transport an endostatin gene that can inhibit growth of tumor. The B. longum strain with the endostatin gene (B. longum-En) was taken orally by tumor-bearing nude mice through drencher preparation. The results showed that B. longum-En could strongly inhibit the growth of solid liver tumor in nude mice and prolong the survival time of tumor-bearing nude mice. Furthermore, tumor growth was inhibited more efficiently when the B. longum-En treatment included selenium. Enriching the B. longum-En treatment with selenium improves the activity of NK and T cells and stimulates the activity of IL-2 and TNF-alpha in BALB/c mice. These results suggest that B. longum may be a highly specific and efficient vector for transporting anticancer genes in cancer gene therapy.
Cancer Gene Therapy 03/2005; 12(2):133-40. · 2.80 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To obtain an efficient delivery system for transporting endostatin gene to mouse liver tumor xenografts by administration of aerosol.
Recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.0/endostatin containing human endostatin gene together with signal peptide from alkaline phosphatase were transferred into human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) by transferrin(TF)-liposome-endostatin complex. Western blot was used to detect the expression of human endostatin in transfected HUVEC cells and its medium. After the tumor-bearing mice were administrated with TF-liposome-endostatin complex, the lung tissue was analyzed by immunohistochemical method for expression of endostatin and the tumors were treated with CD-31 antibody to detect the density of microvessels in tumor tissues. The inhibition of tumor growth was estimated by the weight of tumors from groups treated with different doses of TF-liposome-endostatin complex. DNA fragmentation assay was used to detect the apoptosis of the cells from primary liver tumor.
Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical method confirmed the expression of endostatin protein in vitro and in vivo. After the tumor sections were treated with CD-31 antibody, the positive reaction cells appeared brown while the negative cells were colorless. The positively stained area of the TF-liposome-endostatin treated group was significantly smaller (P<0.01, 645.8+/-55.2 microm(2)) than that of the control group (1 325.4+/-198.5 microm(2)). The data showed a significant inhibition of angiogenesis. After administration of TF-liposome-endostatin, comparing with the control group administrated with TF-liposome-pcDNA3.0, liver tumor growth in the mice treated with 50, 250 and 500 mg DNA/kg was inhibited by 36.6 %, 40.8 %, and 72.8 %, respectively (P<0.01). And a typical DNA fragmentation of apoptosis was found in the cells from tumor tissues of the mice treated with TF-liposome-endostatin but none in the control group.
Endostatin gene could be efficiently transported into the mice with TF-liposome-DNA delivery system by administration of aerosol. TF-liposome-mediated endostatin gene therapy strongly inhibited angiogenesis and the growth of mouse xenograft liver tumors. It also could promote the development of apoptosis of tumors without direct influence on tumor cells.
World Journal of Gastroenterology 03/2003; 9(2):262-6. · 2.47 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: In order to overcome difficulties that hampered widespread application of antiangiogenesis in cancer therapy, a highly specific delivery system may be engaged in vivo to deliver and express antiangiogenic genes. We selected a strain of Bifidobacterium adolescentis (B. adolescentis) as the delivery system to transport endostatin gene to solid tumors. B. adolescentis with endostatin gene were injected into tumor-bearing mice through the tail vein. After the mice were sacrificed, the tumor and some normal tissues of the mice were examined. B. adolescentis were only found in the tumors and no bacilli were found in other normal tissues. Also, a strong inhibition of angiogenesis had been shown to inhibit local tumor growth in the administrated group. These results suggested that B. adolescentis only germinated and proliferated in solid tumors and might be a highly specific and efficient vector for transporting anticancer genes into target tumor in cancer gene therapy.
Cancer Gene Therapy 03/2003; 10(2):105-11. · 2.80 Impact Factor
