Objective To investigate the clinic features of extra-intestinal manifestations ( EM ) of ulcerative colitis (UC) in Chinese patients in Liao ning Province. Methods Two hundred and five UC cases in the First Hospital of China Medical University from Jan. 2002 to Feb. 2007 were reviewed retrospectively. Chi-square test was used to test the difference between groups. Results Skeletal and mouth manifestation were the most frequent extra-intestinal manifestations (6. 83% ). The incidence of parenteral performance in patients less than 40 years old was significantly higher than that in patients more than 40 years old (P <0. 01). There was no significant difference between male and female ( P > 0. 05). Our data showed that the extensive colitis had the highest incidence of extra-intestinal manifestations than of the other two types, LUC and DUC. Most extra-intestinal manifestations presented in UC active period ( P < 0. 05 ). The incidence of extra-intestinal manifestations in severe cases was significantly higher than that in mild cases(P <0. 05). There was a trend of increasing frequency from mild to moderate to severe type cases ( P < 0. 05 ). The occurrence of extra-intestinal manifestations was significantly higher in the group with disease course more than five years than that with less than five years group ( P < 0. 05). Conclusions Extra-intestinal manifestations had a high incidence in UC. The most frequently involved organs were joints, mouth, hepatobiliary, skin and eyes system. The patient could have multiple extra-intestinal manifestations and there was a tendency that EM was more likely occurred among patients in the higher age, active phase, longer course, severity degree of the disease.

Objective To assess the ability of quantitative ultrasound index to predict the severity of CCl4?induced liver fibrosis in a rat model us?ing logistic regression analysis. Methods In a rat model of 40%CCl4?induced liver fibrosis,ultrasound detected the portal vein diameter,blood flow velocity,and Young's modulus. The degree of hepatic fibrosis was determined using a light microscope after hematoxylin and eosin staining of tissue. Results Portal vein diameter and Young's modulus were useful predictors of the severity of liver fibrosis,with statistical significance(P<0.05). Young's modulus was most effective with an R2 value 0.788. Young's modulus combined with the distal diameter of portal vein effectively improved the predictive ability,showing an R2 value 0.821. Conclusion Young's modulus is the most predictive index to assess the severity of liver fibrosis. A combination of multiple indices can improve the ability to predict the severity of liver fibrosis.

Objective To construct a eukaryotic expression plasmid of pcDNA 3.1-Ag85A-CD226, and to use it as DNA vaccine then further evaluate its immunogenicity through oral administration in a mouse model.Methods The CD226-PCR2.1-ToPo plasmid was used as the template to clone CD 226 gene by PCR.The CD226 gene was then inserted into pcDNA 3.1-Ag85A plasmid to construct the recombinant plas-mid of pcDNA3.1-Ag85A-CD226.After identified by restriction enzyme analysis and sequencing , the re-combinant plasmid was transfected into HEK 293 cells by using lipofection .The expression of Ag85A-CD226 gene in HEK293 cells was detected by RT-PCR, Western blot and indirect immunofluorescence assay .The purified recombinant plasmid was used to prepare the Ag 85A-CD226 DNA vaccine by liposomal encapsula-tion.The vaccine was administered intragastrically to mice .The activities of NK cells , the cytokine levels in the supernatants of spleen cell cultures and the mRNA level of cytokines in the intestines were evaluated to analyze the immunogenicity of Ag85A-CD226 DNA vaccine.Results The Ag85A-CD226 DNA vaccine was prepared successfully .The expression of Ag85A-CD226 fusion protein was detected in HEK293 cells.The activities of NK cells from mice vaccinated with Ag 85A-CD226 DNA vaccine were higher than those from other control groups (P<0.01).The level of TNF-α, IFN-γand IL-2 in the supernatants of spleen cell cul-tures and in the intestines were significantly up-regulated in comparison with other control groups ( P <0.01).The level of IL-4 in the supernatants of spleen cell cultures was down-regulated in the experimental group (P<0.01), but the level of IL-4 in intestines showed no significant difference among the five groups (P>0.05).Conclusion The Ag85A-CD226 DNA vaccine could significantly enhance Th1 type immune responses systemically and in the intestine as in comparison with those vaccinated with single dose of Ag 85A DNA vaccine or CD226 DNA vaccine.