Factor D Research Articles

The clinicpathology study about the effect of the expression of spleen tyrosine kinase on vascular endothelial growth factor-C and vascular endothelial growth factor-D and the effect of lymphangiogenesis in breast cancer

Objective To explore the effect of the expression of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) -C and VEGF-D in the family of vascular endothelial growth factor and the effect of lymphangiogenesis in breast cancer. Methods 30 patients with and axillary lymph-nodemetastases (ALNM) in breast cancer, 30 patients without ALNM in breast cancer and 10 patients of adenosis were respectively selected. Syk, VEGF-C, VEGF-D protein expressions were detected by immu-nohistochemistry and the number of lymphatic vessel density, lymphatic vessel density (LVD) was detected. Results The positive expression of Syk in breast cancer is obviously lower than in adensis tussues (P <0.01) , the positive expressions of VEGF-C and VEGF-D in breast cancer are obviously higher than in adensis tussues (P < 0.01) , the positive expression of Syk is negative correlation with the positive expression of VEGF-C and VEGF-D (rs = - 0.352, rs = - 0.355; P < 0.01) , and negative correlation with the lever of LVD (rs = - 0.297, P < 0.05). Conclusion The expression of Syk is negative correlation with the positive expression of VEGF-C and VEGF-D and the lever of LVD stained with D2-40, which indecates the decreasion of Syk may increase the expression of VEGF-C and VEGF-D, so increase the lymphangiogenesis, and lead to lymphnodemetastase. Key words: Breast neoplasm; Spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) ; Lymphatic vessels growth factor; Lymphatic vessels; Lymphaticmetastase

Insights into complement convertase formation based on the structure of the factor B-cobra venom factor complex

Immune protection by the complement system critically depends on assembly of C3 convertases on the surface of pathogens and altered host cells. These short-lived protease complexes are formed through pro-convertases, which for the alternative pathway consist of the complement component C3b and the pro-enzyme factor B (FB). Here, we present the crystal structure at 2.2-A resolution, small-angle X-ray scattering and electron microscopy (EM) data of the pro-convertase formed by human FB and cobra venom factor (CVF), a potent homologue of C3b that generates more stable convertases. FB is loaded onto CVF through its pro-peptide Ba segment by specific contacts, which explain the specificity for the homologous C3b over the native C3 and inactive products iC3b and C3c. The protease segment Bb binds the carboxy terminus of CVF through the metal-ion dependent adhesion site of the Von Willebrand factor A-type domain. A possible dynamic equilibrium between a 'loading' and 'activation' state of the pro-convertase may explain the observed difference between the crystal structure of CVFB and the EM structure of C3bB. These insights into formation of convertases provide a basis for further development of complement therapeutics.

Expression and significance of vascular endothelial growth factors C and D in the tissue and serum of patients with gastric cancer

Objective To investigate the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) and vascular endothelial growth factor-D (VEGF-D) and their relationship with lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer. Methods Eighty patients with gastric cancer had been admitted to our department from January 2005 to December 2005, including 48 with local lymph node metastasis and 32 without local lymph node metastasis. Ten specimens of normal gastric mucosa from patients with gastric ulcer were used as control. The expression of VEGF-C and VEGF-D in serum and tissues were detected. Results The senun levels of VEGF-C and VEGF-D in patients with gastric cancer were significantly higher than those in the control group (χ2= 8.39, P < 0.05). The positive rate of the VEGF-C expression in the sermn of patients with gastric cancer was influenced by the lymph node metastasis (χ2 = 7.01, P < 0.05). The positive rates of the expressions of VEGF-C and VEGF-D in the gastric cancer tissue were 53% (42/80) and 63% (50/80), which were significantly higher than those in the normal gastric mucosa (χ2 =6.44, 6.58, P <0.05). The positive rate of the VEGF-C expression in the tissue of patients with gastric cancer was influenced by the lymph node metastasis (χ2=11.25, P <0.05). Conclusions The expression of VEGF-C is closely related to lymph node metastasis of gastric cancer. The serum levels of VEGF-C can be used as biologic markers in detecting lymph node metastasis of gastric cancer preoperatively. Key words: Gastric cancer; Vascular endothelial growth factor-C; Vascular endothelial growth factor-D

Expression and significance of VEGF-D and MMP-2 in pancreatic carcinoma

Objective To investigate the expression of VEGF-D and MMP-2 and explore their relationship with tumor invasion and local metastasis in pancreatic carcinoma.Methods The expression of VEGF-D and MMP-2 in 30 patients with pancreatic carcinomas and 6 cases with normal pancreatic tissues were detected by SABC immunohistochemical method.Results The positive rates of VEGF-D and MMP-2 proteins were 60%(18/30)and 66.7%(20/30)respectively,no expression of VEGF-D and MMP-2 was detected in normal pancreatie tissues.The expression of VEGF-D was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis(P＜0.05),and the expression of MMP-2 was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis and tumor local invasion(P＜0.05).The expression of VEGF-D protein Was positively correlated with MMP-2 protein(rs=0.54,P＜0.01).Conclusions There is a significantly positive correlation between high expression of VEGF-D and MMP-2 proteins in pancreatic carcinoma,and they may contribute to the invasive properties of pancreatic cancer. Key words: Pancreatic neoplasms; Vascular endothelial growth factor D; Gelatinase A

RESEARCHES CONCERNING THE INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT TECHNOLOGICAL FACTORS UPON ONION CULTURE BY CHIVE USING MACAU TYPE FORMS IN CONDITIONS OF BELINT VEGETABLE AREA

Two forms of onion represent the biological material used in the experiment: Dughagyma Csanad IIO and Dughagyma Makoi CR, creations of the Onion Research-Development Station in Mako. The experience is multi-factorial, having the fallowing divisions of the studied factors: factor A (planting period), factor B (fertilizing doses), factor C (onion forms) and factor D (chive’s diameter). The mean production obtained for the surface unit varied between 56,9 t/ha (Dughagyma Makoi CR) and 68,6 t/ha (Dughagyma Csanad II 0).

Cutaneous immune responses in the common carp detected using transcript analysis

In order to detect new immune-related genes in common carp ( Cyprinus carpio L.) challenged by an ectoparasitic infection, two cDNA libraries were constructed from carp skin sampled at 3 and 72 h after infection with Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. In a total of 3500 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) we identified 82 orthologues of genes of immune relevance previously described in other organisms. Of these, 61 have never been described before in C. carpio, thus shedding light on some key components of the defence mechanisms of this species. Among the newly described genes, full-length molecules of prostaglandin D2 synthase (PGDS), the CC chemokine molecule SCYA103, and a second gene for the carp β 2-microglobulin (β 2m), β 2m-2, were described. Transcript amounts of the genes PGDS, interferon (IFN), SCYA103, complement factor 7 (C7), complement factor P (FP), complement factor D (FD) and β 2m-2 were evaluated by real-time quantitative PCR (RQ-PCR). Samples from skin, blood and liver from fish challenged with I. multifiliis were taken at 3, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h post infection. Higher expression levels of most of these transcripts were observed in skin from uninfected fish, compared to the transcript levels detected in blood and liver from the same animals. Also, there was significant down-regulation of the genes PGDS and β 2m-2 in skin, whilst significant up-regulation was observed for the C7 and SCYA103 genes in liver of fish infected with the parasite. These results confirm the active role of fish skin in the immune response against infections, acting as an important site of expression of immune-related molecules.

On a “Singular” Integration Technique of Poisson

(2005). On a “Singular” Integration Technique of Poisson. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 112, No. 3, pp. 270-272.

Transient deficiency of complement factor D function in infancy

INTRODUCTION Complement factor D (FD) is an alternate pathway (AP) serine esterase (1-2 mcg/ml), required for C3b-bound factor B cleavage to C3bBb. Sera lacking FD have normal classical pathway (CH50) activity, but little or no AP (AH50) function, associated with lifelong increased risk of bacterial infection. We describe an infant with a previously undocumented transient form of FD deficiency or dysfunction.

The Future of the Q Methodology Movement

Concern about the future of Q methodology is examined by drawing a concourse from contributions to the Q-Method electronic discussion list, N=40 of which comprise a Q sample that is administered to n=42 participants, resulting in four factors. Those on Factor A (Orthodoxy Upheld) express a desire to maintain Stephenson's original conception of Q methodology and are concerned about intellectual leadership. Members of Factor B (Orthodoxy Applied and Promoted) are likewise supporters of the Stephenson tradition, but wish to vouchsafe Q's future through practical application to significant social issues and presenting the results in professional (non-Q) settings. Those on Factor C (Orthodoxy Reinforced) distinguish themselves from the previous two groups by virtue of their demand for greater material and non-material resources in support of the Q movement. The group on Factor D (Beyond Orthodoxy) expresses a desire to break with the past and encourage Q's accommodation with contemporary technical and conceptual developments, such as web-based Q sorting and qualitative research. Discussion focuses on the implications of these perspectives for the future of Q methodology.

Effects of excess factor D on early- and late-phase activation of the complement cascade.

The present study was undertaken to examine the effects of excess factor D build-up in the body of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients upon the activation of the alternative pathway and the terminal pathway in the fluid phase. First, to clarify the effect of excess factor D on the alternative pathway, purified factor D from an ESRD patient was added to normal serum and the changes in concentrations of C3a-des-Arg and C5a-des-Arg were investigated. The results showed that once the serum factor D level reached a concentration corresponding to 15 micrograms/ml in the serum of the ESRD patient, the C3a-des-Arg and C5a-des-Arg levels had climbed to about 1.7-fold the concentration in normal serum. Next, in order to clarify the effect of excess factor D on the terminal pathway, purified factor D was added to normal serum, and the changes in C5b6 generation were examined. The results indicated that as the factor D level increased in the serum, the C5b6 level rose gradually also; and when the factor D concentration reached 15 micrograms/ml, the C5b6 generation had risen to approximately 1.5-fold the level in normal serum. The present results therefore suggest that factor D build-up in ESRD patients provides a uremic toxin that can cause abnormal activation of the whole complement cascade.