China ; epidemiology ; Endemic Diseases ; prevention & control ; statistics & numerical data ; Humans ; Public Health Practice

The main problems and solutions of mineral drugs in clinical use were studied based on the investigation on the quality of Haematitum and Fluoritum pieces in venalicium. The outward appearance and intrinsic quality of Haematitum and Fluoritum pieces in venalicium were studied by the requires which were in the first part of Chinese Pharmacopoeia published in 2010. The outward appearance and intrinsic quality of mineral drugs had large differences, the disqualification rate was 41.67% in 12 batches of Haematitum pieces and the disqualification rate was 53.85% in 13 batches of Fluoritum pieces. The crushing granularity of mineral drugs should be defined, the quality standards should be further improved. The drug adiministration ought to strengthen inspection and supervision in order to ensure the stability and reliability of the clinical efficacy.
Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; standards ; Minerals ; standards ; Quality Control

Objective To investigate and evaluate the polymorphism distribution of arsenic(+3 oxidation state)methyhransferase(AS3MT)5'-UTR VNTR in Chinese populations.Methods Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood anti-coagulated with ACD of 1440 individuals in a standard phenol-chloroform protocol.The phenotypes of AS3MT 5'-UTR VNTR were determined by polymerase chain reaction(PCR)associated with agarose gel electrophoresis.Results Of the 1440 individuals,771(53.5%),426(29.6%),211(14.7%),16(1.1%)and 16(1.1%)were carriers of the V2/V3(AB/A2B),V3/V3(A2B/A2B),V2/V2(AB/AB),V2/V4(AB/A3B)and V3/V4(A2B/A3B)genotype,respectively.The AB(V2),A2B(V3)and A3B(V4)allele frequency was 41.9%,57.0%,1.1%respectively.The differences of AB(V2)and A2B(V3)allele frequency were all significant between the northern and southern populations respectively(χ2=23.39,χ2=33.28,P＜0.007).Conclusions In different regions the AB(V2)and A2B(V3)allele frequency is different,the AS3MT 5'-UTR VNTR polymorphism can be used to evaluate the susceptivity of arsenieosis.

Objective To investigate gene polymorphisms and distribution features of glutathione Stransferase Omega-1 (GSTO 1 ) gene in Ala 140Asp site in 16 Chinese populations.MethodsA total of 1369 samples were from the human genome project(HGP)-the establishment and preservation program of Chinese minority genetic resources.The phenotypes of Ala/Ala (C/C),Ala/Asp (C/A),and Asp/Asp (A/A) of GSTO1 Ala140Asp were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP).With analysis of molecular variance(AMOVA),the genetic variation levels among nations and regions were analyzed by estimating the evolutionary distance of alleles or genotypes.ResultsOf the 1369 individuals analyzed,979 (71.51％) were carriers of the wild homozygous allele Ala/Ala(C/C),365 (26.66％) were heterozygotes Ala/Asp(C/A) and 25 (1.83％) were mutant homozygotes Asp/Asp(A/A),with an overall frequency of the GSTO 1 mutant allele A 15.16％ [ (365 +50)/( 1369 × 2)].AMOVA analysis showed that the difference was statistically significant(P ＜ 0.05) of genetic variations of GSTO1 gene Ala140Asp among the 14 ethnic groups,and was significant between the northem and southern populations (P ＜ 0.05 ).Conclusion In different regions and populations the GSTO1Ala140Asp mutant allele frequencies are different.

Objective To explore the protective mechanism of tea polyphenols (TPs) ion oxidative stress damage of the rat articular cartilage tissue caused by brick-tea fluorosis. Methods One hundred and twenty wistar male rats were randomly divided into 6 groups according to body mass: fluoride group with drinking water containing 100.00 mg/L F-, fluoride plus TPs group treated with 100.00 mg/L F- and 10.0 g/L TPs, fluoride plus aluminum group fed with 100.00 mg/L F- and 200.00 mg/L Al3+, fluoride plus aluminium and TPs group treated with 100.00 mg/L F-,200.O0 mg/L Al3+ and 10.0 g/L TPs;brick-tea group treated with drinking water containing 100.00 mg/L F-,215.00 mg/L Al3+ and 9.2 g/L TPs, which was steeped by the brick-tea;control group treated with tap water. The animals were bred for three months and then sacrificed. The level of SOD,T-AOC and MDA in blood serum were detected,also the level of NO and cytokine IL-1β and IL-6, the expression of iNOS mRNA and protein in articular cartilage were respectively analyzed by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Results Blood serum SOD level in the fluoride plus aluminum and TPs group[(664.009 ± 29.589)kU/L] was higher compared with that in the fluoride group[(625.328 ± 27.199)kU/L], fluoride plus aluminum group[(652.282±13.926)kU/L], although no statistically significant differences was found(P > 0.05) ;blood serum T-AOC level of the fluoride plus TPs, fluoride plus aluminum and TPs group, brick tea group[(10.874 ± 0.721), (11.871 ± 0.941), (10.380 ± 2.747)kU/L] was higher compared with fluoride group, fluoride plus aluminum group [(8.849 ± 1.887), (8.210 ± 1.740)kU/L], the differences all being statistically significant(P < 0.05) ;blood serum MDA level in the fluoride plus aluminum and TPs group[(3.235 ± 0.446)μmol/L] had significances compared with fluoride group, fluoride plus aluminum group [(3.889 ± 0.387), (4.580 ± 0.474)μmol/L, all P < 0.05)];blood serum NO level in fluoride plus Tps group, fluoride plus aluminum and TPs group, brick-tea group[(23.278 ± 2.386), (20.643 ± 2.623), (24.367 ± 6.072) μmol/L] had tatistical differences compared with fluoride group, fluoride plus aluminum group[(32.962 ± 8.268), (34.909 ± 6.288)μmol/L, all P < 0.05];blood serum IL-1β level of fluoride group, fluoride plus aluminum, fluoride plus Tps, fluoride plus aluminum and TPs group and brick-tea group [(4.728 ± 0.297), (4.412 ± 0.229), (4.432 ± 0.285), (4.516 ± 0.351), (4.614 ±0.2270)n/L] did not have inter-group differences (F = 2.314,P > 0.05);the blood serum IL-6 level of fluoride plus aluminum and TPs group, brick-tea group[(7.231 ± 0.596), (7.325 ± 0.290)ng/L] had statistical differences compared with fluoride plus aluminum[(8.256 ± 0.635)ng/L, P < 0.05]. The iNOS mRNA correspondent expression content of fluoride plus Tps group, fluoride plus aluminum and TPs group, brick-tea group(0.482 ± 0.021,0.447±0.021,0.491 ± 0.022) had statistical differences compared with fluoride group, fluoride plus aluminum group (0.562 ± 0.025,0.591 ± 0.020, all P < 0.05). Cells with positive iNOS protein expression of control group were mainly distributed at the surface layer of joint, while the cells of experiment groups were distributed both at the surface layer and the intermediate layer. Conclusions Tea polyphenols could alleviate oxidative stress damage on the articular cartilage, exerting protection against brick-tea fluorosis on rats through cleaning up free radicals, elevating total anti-oxidation capability, diminishing the generation of lipid peroxide.

Objective To study whether the measure of consumption of iodized salt to prevent iodine deficiency disorders could lead to residents excessive iodine intake in the coastal areas in China.Methods A large population-based cross-sectional study was carried out in four typical costal provinces along the coastline from north to south,including Liaoning,Shanghai,Zhejiang and Fujian.In addition to survey all of its area of Shanghai,the other three provinces' investigation was carried out at urban and rural levels,respectively,including 5 costal cities,5 costal villages and 3 inland rural areas(as a control point) in each province.In each investigated spot,the local water iodine,residents qualified iodized salt consumption rate,per capita daily intake of salt and urinary iodine levels in different populations were investigated.Results A total of 7552 copies of drinking water samples,7996 salt samples and 9873 urine samples of different populations(adults,lactating women,pregnant women and children) were collected from the 4 provinces.Except the coastal cities and counties of Zhejiang province,the qualified iodized salt consumption rates at household were all greater than 90％ in the investigated spots.The median urinary iodine(MUI) of adults and children investigated in the costal areas were in the range of 100 - 299μg/L.The MUIs of lactating women of all investigated areas were all greater than 100 μg/L.The MUI of pregnant women was at an insufficient iodine level which was lower than 150 μg/L in Shanghai,the costal cities of Zhejiang and the coastal counties of Fujian.Conclusions The overall level of iodine nutrition of coastal residents is appropriate; and it is insufficient among pregnant women in some coastal areas; coastal areas should adhere to the salt iodization measures to control iodine deficiency disorders.

Objective To provide a basis for preventive strategies to national drinking-water-borne endemic arsenicosis through mastering the implementing progress of preventive measures and observing the dynamic changes.Methods Surveillances were carried out according to the provisions and requirements of The Surveillance Project for National Drinking-Water-Borne Endemic Arsenicosis(Trial).Total of 11 provinces(autonomous regions) and Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps were selected as the surveillance provinces (autonomous regions).Endemic arsenicosis villages with exposed population over 100 persons were chosen as monitoring villages in each province,81 villages in 2010 and 89 villages in 2011 were selected.Potential endemic arsenicosis villages with exposed population over 100 persons were included; 26 villages in 2010 and 19 villages in 2011 were selected.The operation of water-improving projects was investigated,the arsenic content in water from resident house was tested in potential endemic arsenicosis villages and the prevalence of endemic arsenicosis based on the residents who lived in monitoring villages was surveyed:Results ①Total of 225 water-improving projects in 45 counties were monitored,1349 villages were covered and 72.66 million persons were benefited in 2010.Total of 233 waterimproving projects in 48 counties were monitored,1576 villages were covered and 84.61 million persons were benefited in 2011.②)Total of 107 villages with high level of water arsenic were investigated and 81 villages had improved the water quality in these villages in 2010.The water-improving projects running normally reached 90.12％(73/81),intermittent operation rate was 9.88％ (8/81) and without abandoned projects.The projects with qualified water reached 86.42％ (70/81).Total of 108 villages with high level of water arsenic were investigated and 89 villages with water improved in 2011.Normally operated projects reached 86.52％ (77/89),intermittent operation rate was 11.24％ (10/89)and abandoned projects was 2.25％ (2/89).The projects with qualified water arsenic level reached 82.02％(73/89).In addition,26 villages without water-improvement were investigated in 2010,and the families with high level of water arsenic reached 66.01％(371/562).Total of 19 villages were surveyed in 2011,and the families with high level of arsenic reached 54.99％(204/371).③Total of 23 964 persons were examined in villages with improved water in 2010,the detection rate of patients with endemic arsenicosis was 4.43％ (1061/23 964),3964 persons were examined in the villages without water-improvement and the detection rate was 5.98％(237/3964),two new cases were diagnosed.Total of 25 225 persons were examined in villages with waterimproved,the detection rate was 4.68％(1181/25 225),3145 persons were examined in the villages without waterimprovement,and the detection rate was 2.26％(71/3145) in 2011,none new case was detected.Conclusions It is not optimistic about the operating status and quality of water-improving projects.The prevalence in water-improved villages remains higher than that in water-unimproved villages.The long-term mechanism of surveillance should be established and perfected as soon as possible,and the management and maintenance of water-improving projects also should be strengthened.

Objective To observe the expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) in the progress of rat subchronic fluorosis,and analyse the mechanism of nitric oxide(NO) free radical injnry in bone.Methods Male wistar rats were divided randomly by body weight into two groups.i.e.sodium fluoride group and control group.Sodium fluoride group was given drinking water with 150 mg/L sodium fluoride,and control group was given tap water only.The animals were bred for 24 weeks.Every four weeks some rats were killed.The contents of serum and bone fluoride were examined and analyzed.The levels of serum NO were determined by Griess Reagent.The expressions of iNOS mRNA and protein were analyzed by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.Results The serum NO contents significantly increased(t=9.36,P＜0.01) in NaF-treated rats after 8 weeks[(19.94±3.04)nmol/L],but significantly decreased(t=10.47,4.46,P＜0.01) after 20 weeks[(11.55±3.54)nmol/L]and 24 weeks[(20.83±2.49)nmol/L],compared with control group[(9.11±1.21,31.13±3.93,33.10±7.37)nmol/L].The expression of iNOS mRNA significantly increased(t=13.09,4.82,14.23,4.64,7.82,5.29,P＜0.01)in rats treated with sodium fluoride[(1.87±0.11),(1.87±0.78),(1.90±0.29),(1.93±0.67),(1.88±0.38),(1.84±0.03)],compared with control group[(0.41±0.25),(0.30±0.17),(0.18±0.06),(0.63±0.15),(0.66±0.04),(0.65±0.55)],and these proteins mainly appeared in hyperplasie zone and hypertrophic zone cells of epiphyseal plate,cartilages,articular cartilage cells,osteoblasts and ligament cells.Conclusions High dose fluoride might persistentlv induce the expressions of iNOS and catalyze synthesis of NO,then regulates osteoblast and osteoclast activitv and finally influences bone turnover.

Objective To observe the expressions of matrix metal proteinases-13(MMP-13) mRNA and tissue inhibitor of metal protease- 1 (TIMP- 1) mRNA and analyse the molecular mechanism of bone matrix degradation in the progress of rat subchronic fluorosis. Methods Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups according to body weight, i.e. sodium floride group and control group. Rats in the sodium fluoride group were given drinking water containing 150 mg/L F-, and the animals in the control group were given tap water. The animals were bred for 24 weeks. Every 4 weeks some rats were killed. The change of obsteoclst was observed by transmission electron microscope. The expression levels of MMP-13 mRNA and TIMP-I mRNA were analyzed by RT-PCR. Results The number of lysesome and the synthesis of lysosoma enzyme in osteeclast were decreased. The expression of MMP-13 mRNA was significantly increased(t=2.29,2.41,3.07,2.52, 3.15,2.22, P<0.05) in rats treated with sodium fluoride (1.87±0.67,1.87±0.75,1.90±0.73,1.93±0.86,1.88±0.61,1.84±0.53), compared with control group(1.24±0.39, 1.19±0.27,1.07±0.22, I. 15 ~ 0.17, 1.17±0.18, 1.20±0.62). The expression of TIMP-1 mRNA was significantly increased (t=2.69,2.19,2.68,2.46,2.43,2.96, P<0.05) in rats treated with sodium fluoride(1.89±0.77,1.70±0.85,1.61±0.82,1.81±0.84,1.70±0.74, 2.06±0.96), compared with control group (1.07±0.39,0.87±0.49,0.71±0.48,0.99±0.43,0.95±0.46,0.89±0.57). Conclusion High dose fluoride might persistently induce the expressions of MMP-13 mRNA and TIMP-1 mRNA and may be involved in bone turnover.

Objective To investigate the effect of aluminum on hair loss induc ed by fluoride in fluorosis mice.Methods Sixty male C57BL mice were divided into four groups according to body mass:control group,fluoride (F) group (F-100 mg/L),aluminum(Al) group(Al3+ 270 mg/L) and F + Al group(F-100 mg/L + Al3+270 mg/L).Mice were killed 1 month and 3 months after the experiment,respectively.Bone F content was detected by ion-selective electrode method.The level of bone Al was measured through inductively coupled plasma emission spectrum.Dental fluorosis and hair loss of mice were evaluated by visual method.Results One month after the experiment,no dental fluorosis and hair loss was found in all four groups.The content of bone F was the highest in F group [(2401.649 + 86.835) mg/kg],and the lowest in A1 group [(427.006 + 11.878) mg/kg].The levels of bone F in F + Al group and control group were (1210.332 + 19.531)mg/kg and (538.001 + 33.337)mg/kg,respectively.The difference was statistically significant between any two groups (all P ＜ 0.05).Three month after the experiment,all mice of F treatment group had dental fluorosis and hair loss(10/10).Alopecia areas were found in the neck and back regions only.There was no hair loss in control group,Al group and F + Al group.No dental fluorosis was found in both control and Al groups.Only 2 mice were found with dental fluorosis in F + Al group.The levels of bone F in F group,F + Al group,control group and Al group were (4098.645 + 58.842),(1888.165 ± 12.187),(876.258 + 14.462) and (662.385 ± 8.966) mg/kg,respectively.The difference was statistically significant between any two groups (all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions The hair loss is found in fluorosis mice.Hair loss of mice is closely associated with the level of F exposure.Al can prevent the occurrence of hair loss induced by F in mice through reducing the accumulation of F.