DFT-based Raman spectral study of astaxanthin geometrical isomers.

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid widely used in food additives, nutritional product and medicines, which shows many physiological functions such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive and anti-diabetic activities. It has been recognized that astaxanthin has all- and nine isomers, and these geometrical isomers have very different biological activities. The process of selective enrichment, metabolism and isomerization of astaxanthin in animals remains to be studied.

Construction of an HBV DNA vaccine by fusion of the GM-CSF gene to the HBV-S gene and examination of its immune effects in normal and HBV-transgenic mice.

Background: The hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA vaccine can generate both HBsAg-specific humoral and cellular immune responses. The immune response can be improved by inclusion of an adjuvant, such as the cytokine GM-CSF which is known to be a very good adjuvant.

Methods: To investigate the ability of GM-CSF to enhance HBV-DNA vaccines, we constructed the plasmids by fusion of GM-CSF gene to the HBV-S gene.

[Antivirus effect of plasmid co expressing hepatitis B surface antigen and granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor].

Objective: To investigate whether GM-CSF can enhance the antiviral effect of HBsAg DNA vaccine.

Methods: Divided animals into 8 groups. Group A: pcDNA3.

[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.