Objective To observe the expressions of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) 1, 3a and 3b in retinoblastoma (RB). Methods Sixty-two RB samples and six normal retinas were studied, including 17 poorly differentiated and 45 well differentiated samples; 16 invasive and 46 non-invasive samples. The expressions of DNMT1, 3a, and 3b, and Ki-67 were detected using immunohistochemical analysis. Brown staining of nuclei was considered to represent the positive stain for DNMT1, 3a and 3b, and ki-67, blue staining as negative. The level of high expression of nuclear staining was, positive cells in DNMT1ge;65%, in DNMT3age;60% and in DNMT3bge;40%. The correlations of DNMT1, 3a and 3b expression in RB samples, and MIB-1 labeling index were analyzed. Results Viewed under the light microscope, negative expressions of DNMT1, 3a and 3b were demonstrated in normal retinas, however, positive expression was observed in RB samples, with 100% in DNMT1, 98% in DNMT3a and 92% in DNMT3b. Comparing well differentiated RB samples with poorly differentiated samples, significant differences were found in high expression of DNMT1 (chi;2=12.57,P＜0.05) and DNMT3a (chi;2=10.54,P＜0.05); also in the positive cells of DNMT1 (U=179,P＜0.05) and DNMT3a (U=198,P＜0.05). No significant difference was found comparing high expression (chi;2=1.5,P＞0.05) and positive cells (U=307,P＞0.05) of DNMT3b. When comparing invasive tumor tissues with non-invasive tumors, significant differences were shown between high expression (chi;2=4.72,P＜0.05) and positive cells comparing DNMT1 (U=236,P＜0.05). No significant difference was shown in high expression (chi;2=3.53,0.84; P＞0.05) in DNMT3a and DNMT3b, or in comparison with positive cells (U=338,257;P＞0.05). The expression of DNMTs was positively correlated with the MIB-1 labeling index in RB tissues (R2=0.554,0.376,0.219;P＜0.05). Conclusion There are high expressions of DNMT1,3a,and 3b in RB.
Objective To investigate the effects of cytokines on the expression of syndecan-1 in cultured human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and the signal transduction pathway. Methods Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect the expression of syndecan-1 mRNA and protein in normal RPE cells. The expression of syndecan-1 in RPE cells stimulated by different cytokines was detected and quantitatively analyzed by image process of immunofluorescence. The stimulation included 7 and 35 ng/ml tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha; for 24 hours, 1 and 6 mu;g/ml lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 11 hours, 7 ng/ml TNF-alpha; for 0 to 24 hours (once per 2 hours, and 13 times in total), and 30% supernatant of monocyte/macrophage strain (THP-1 cells) for 3, 14 and 43 hours. The effect of 30% supernatant of THP-1 cells was assayed after pretreated by PD098059［the specific inhibitor of extracellular signal regulated kinase(ERK) 1/2］for 2 hours. After exposed to 30% supernatant of THP-1 cells for 3 hours and treated by 0.25% trypsin for 5 minutes, RPE cells attaching was evaluated by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay. Results In normal human RPE cells, expressions of syndecan-1 mRNA and protein were detected, and b syndecan-1 positive yellowish green fluorescence was found in the cell membrane and cytoplasm while light green fluorescence was in the nucleus. As the concentration and stimulated time of TNF-alpha; or LPS increased, the fluorescence intensity decreased（Plt;0.01）, and after exposed to 30% supernatant of THP-1 cells, weaker fluorescence intensity was detected (Plt;0.001). Pretreatment with 50 mu;mol/L PD098059 for 2 hours partly inhibited the effect of THP-1 cells supernatant. After exposed to 30% supernatant of THP-1 cells for 3 hours, the number of attached cells decreased compared with the controls（Plt;0.05）. Conclusions TNF-alpha; and LPS down-regulate the expression of syndecan-1 in cultured human RPE cells. The supernatant of THP-1 cells down-regulates the expression of syndecan-1 and lessens the cells attaching, which is at least mediated by ERK 1/2 pathway. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis, 2006, 22: 113-116)