Objective To investigate mRNA and protein expression of aproliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) in peripheral blood mononuclear cell and plasma of patients with B cells non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) pre- or post- chemotherapy and to explore the role of APRIL in the B-NHL. Methods The mRNA and protein expression of APRIL were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RFQ-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), respectively. According to the standard curves,the quantitative levels of target mRNA and protein were determined. Results The detection linear range of targeted mRNA by RFQ-PCR was 101-109 pg/ml, and the coefficient of variation values for both intra- and inter-experimental reproducibility ranged 1.69 %-5.99 % and 6.35 %-10.12 %, respectively. To detect expression of APRIL protein by ELISA, the correlation coefficient of standard curves reached 0.9922. Before or after chemical treatment, the expression levels of APRIL mRNA and protein in patients with B-NHL were significantly higher than those in normal control (P ＜0.01), while the expression levels in post-treatment patients with Ⅲ and Ⅳ stage were lower than those of pre-treatment patients with corresponding stage (P ＜0.05, respectively), but those of pre- and post-treatment patients with Ⅰ / Ⅱ stage were not different (P ＞0.05).Conclusion The expression level of APRIL mRNA is similar to that of APRIL protein. APRIL may be involved in pathogenesis and development of B-NHL. Moreover, APRIL may be related to the burden of B-NHL and it may be considered as a targeted molecule for B-NHL.

Objective To quantitatively analyze the mRNA and protein expression level of a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) and investigate its clinical significance in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and plasma from newly diagnosed patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL).Methods The mRNA of the target gene in 32 B-CLL patients and 15 health controls was quantified with real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RFQ-PCR) and protein by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results APRIL mRNA was assayed with RFQ-PCR,the intra-and inter-batch reproducibility showed the coefficient of variation (CV) were 1.69 ％-6.98 ％ and 6.49 ％-10.27 ％,respectively.The expressions of APRIL mRNA and protein in patients with B-CLL were significantly higher than those in control (P ＜ 0.05),and significant difference was noted among the comparable stages in the arms (P ＜ 0.05).The expression of APRIL mRNA and protein in TDI (treatment-demand-indicator) arm was significantly higher than those in non-TDI arm (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions APRIL may be involved in the formation and development of B-CLL and be an influence factor for disease staging.Thus,APRIL may be a prognostic indicator as well as the therapy target for the disease.

BACKGROUND:Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) may be mutated duringin vitro culture based on the spontaneous malignant transformation of adult stem cells and tumor stem cell theory, and there may be a risk of tumorigenesis after in vivo transplantation. Therefore, to establish and perfect the in vitro safety testing procedures will actively promote the clinical application of stem cells. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the tumorigenic mechanism of hUC-MSCs and the expression level of DNA methyltransferase (DNMTs) in hUC-MSCs. METHODS:Primary hUC-MSCs were isolated and expanded by tissue adherent culture. 3-Methycholanthrene was used to cause the malignant transformation in hUC-MSCs (experimental group), followed by morphological observation and tumorigenesis experiment in nude mice. Then, the tumor tissues were obtained and identified by pathological examination and primary cell culture, and the levels of DNMTs mRNA in hUC-MSCs treated with 3-methycholanthrene and dimethyl sulfoxide (control group) were detected by real-time RT-PCR and compared. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:hUC-MSCs treated with 3-methycholanthrene led to malignant transformation, which showed malignant growth and non-integer ploidy changes in the cell nuclei, and formed a malignant tumor in immune-deficient mice after injection. Compared with the control group, the cells in the experimental group showed higher expression of DNMTs mRNA as detected by real-time RT-PCR. To conclude, hUC-MSCs can trigger malignant transformation in the morphology and the epigenetics under certain conditions. DNMTs can be a candidate for prevention against malignant transformation of transplanted stem cells.

A brief introduction to the development milestones of postgraduate medical education in the world, highlighting the present details of such systems in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany and some Asian countries.It is held that common patterns can be identified despite the gaps found in such systems of these countries.In view of the training management system cornmonalities of thecountries,the authors proposed the development directions of residency training in China to enhance thehands-on capability and competence of clinical doctors in a standardized manner.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the main inhaled allergens and the difference of that between city and rural suburbs in patients with allergic rhinitis in the mountain region of the northwest Hubei province and to provide epidemiological basis for prevention and treatment in the region. METHOD: Eight hundred and thirty-five cases who were diagnosed as allergic rhinitis with standardized allergens in Taihe Hospital of Hubei University of Medicine from Sep 2009 and Dec 2011 were studied. The data of allergens and the distribution of the patients were recorded and analyzed. χ2-test were used to analyze the data. RESULT: The top 7 of inhaled allergens were house dust mites (89.6%), dust mites (86.0%), tropical mites (56.9%), croton bug (18.8%), felon herb (8.1%), the cat hair (8.1%) and fine chain alternata bacteria (9.5%), Two main kinds of allergen in three different area are with no obvious difference (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION In northwest Hubei Province, the highest rate of inhaled allergens was dust mites, which are approximate in different age groups and different regions, especially in the city.
Allergens ; analysis ; Animals ; Artemisia ; Cats ; China ; epidemiology ; Humans ; Pyroglyphidae ; Rhinitis, Allergic ; epidemiology ; Rural Population ; Skin Tests

Objective To quantitatively analyze the mRNA expression level of lymphoid enhance factor 1 (LEF-1) in bone marrow mononuclear cells of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at intermediate-risk after initial diagnosis and chemotherapy, and to analyze its clinical significance. Methods The real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to measure the expression level of LEF-1 gene in AML patients at intermediate-risk after initial diagnosis and chemotherapy, and its relationship with effectiveness and survival were analyzed. Results The LEF-1 mRNA level in preliminarily diagnosed patients with AML was significantly higher than that in control arm [0.00519 (0.00015-0.09207) vs. 0.00101 (0.00009-0.00233)], and the difference was statistically significant (u=134.50, P<0.01). The LEF-1 mRNA level in patients after chemotherapy was significantly declines as compared to that in patients before chemotherapy [0.00107 (0.00008 - 0.00744) vs. 0.00519 (0.00015 - 0.09207)], and the difference was statistically significant (u= 317.00, P< 0.01) and LEF-1 mRNA expression level before chemotherapy in complete remission (CR) patients was significantly higher than that in non-CR patients [(0.01108 (0.00164 - 0.09207) vs. 0.00110 (0.00015 - 0.00916)], and the difference was statistically significant (u=19.00, P<0.01). High LEF-1 expression predicted a significantly better overall survival in AML patients with intermediate-risk cytogenetics (χ2= 4.549, P= 0.033). Conclusions LEF-1 may be involved in the development and progression of AML at intermediate-risk patients and is closely related to tumor burden and treatment efficacy. LEF-1 may be a good predictor of better prognosis and a novel target for therapeutic effect.

Objective To investigate the relationship between serum vitamin B12 level and arsenic methylation and the risk of arsenic poisoning in the arsenic exposed population.Methods Three villages in Midu County,Dali City,Yunnan Province were investigated.Cross-sectional study was used to select 103 subjects.The population was divided into three groups according to drinking water arsenic exposure situation and whether arsenic poisoning patients:28 cases of control group (not exposed to high arsenic),30 cases of arsenic patient group and 45 cases of non patient group.Instant peripheral blood samples and urine samples were collected.The content of arsenic in urine was determined by hydride generation cold trap and atomic absorption spectrophotometry.The levels of vitamin B12 in serum were determined by chemiluminescence immunoassay.The urine arsenic and serum vitamin B12 contents in different groups were compared,the arsenic poisoning prevalence rate in people with different levels of serum vitamin B12 was investigated,and the correlation between serum vitamin B12 level and the metabolism of arsenic methylation was analyzed.Results The level of urinary inorganic arsenic (iAs),monomethylated arsenic (MMA) and dimethylated arsenic (DMA),total arsenic (tAs) were significantly different between groups (F =13.032,20.778,21.978,22.155,all P ＜ 0.05).The levels of urine arsenic in patients with arsenic exposure [(94.56 ± 107.62),(75.76 ± 54.31),(270.19 ± 185.10),(444.02 ± 323.28) μg/g Cr] and non patient with arsenic exposure [(40.05 ± 47.47),(45.11 ± 46.06),(183.91± 151.45),(270.84 ± 231.45) μg/g Cr] were significantly higher than those in control group [(7.58 ± 4.82),(4.27 ± 2.01),(26.89 ± 11.45),(38.91 ± 13.34) μg/g Cr,all P ＜ 0.05].The serum levels of vitamin B12 were significantly different between groups (F =6.650,P ＜ 0.05),patients exposed to arsenic [(366.05 ± 120.03) ng/L] was significantly lower than the control group [(533.70 ± 180.12) ng/L,P ＜ 0.05].There were significant differences in the detection rate of arsenic poisoning among different levels of serum vitamin B12 (x2=8.13,P ＜ 0.05),the lower dose of vitamin B12,the more serious the incidence of arsenic poisoning.The content of vitamin B12 was negatively correlated with MMA％ (r =-0.21,P ＜ 0.05),and positively correlated with SMR (r =0.21,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Low levels of vitamin B12 in serum may increase the risk of arsenic poisoning.

Objective To analyze the mRNA expression level of lymphoid enhance factor 1 (LEF-1), and to investigate its clinical significance in bone marrow mononuclear cells of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia chronic-phase (CML-CP) after initial diagnosis and chemotherapy, and to analyze its clinical significance. Methods The real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the expression level of LEF-1 gene in 38 CML-CP patients after initial diagnosis and chemotherapy and 20 persons without blood system diseases and neoplastic diseases as normal control. The difference of LEF-1 expression level between the patients and healthy control was compared, and the effect of imatinib on the main molecular response (MMR) was analyzed. Results The expression of LEF-1 mRNA in 38 newly diagnosed patients [0.00214 (0.00020 - 0.02120)] was significantly higher than that in normal controls [0.00101 (0.00009 - 0.00233)] (U= 163.0, P< 0.01). The expression of LEF-1 mRNA in MMR group [0.00107 (0.00010 - 0.00519)] was significantly lower than that in non-MMR group [0.01015 (0.00091 -0.03615)] (U= 25.0, P< 0.01). There was no significant difference in LEF-1 mRNA expression between the normal control group and the MMR group after imatinib treatment (U= 201.0, P> 0.05). The level of LEF-1 mRNA expression of non-MMR group was also higher than that of the normal control group (U= 14.0, P<0.01). The rate of acquiring MMR was significantly higher in high LEF-1 mRNA expression group [84.2 %(16/19)] than that in low expression group [47.4%(9/19)] (χ2=4.209, P<0.01). The time of acquiring MMR was significantly shorter in the high LEF-1 mRNA expression group [(10.0 ± 4.5) months] than that in the low expression group [(14.6 ± 3.8) months] (t= 2.705, P< 0.01). Conclusions LEF-1 may be involved in the occurrence and development of CML, and reflects the tumor burden. It may be one of the indicators to predict the efficacy of imatinib.

Objective To explore the levels and the significance of IL-11 and soluble glycoprotein 130(sgp130) in the treatment of new-diagnosed acute leukemia(AL) during the induced remission. Methods The levels of IL-11 and sgpl30 in 47 patients with acute leukemia were determined by ELISA respectively before treatment and after completed remission(CR), and the number of white blood cell (WBC) and platelet (Plt) were valued by hametometry. Results Plasma IL-11 level of AL patients was significantly lower than normal (P ＜0.05), and increased obviously to the normal level when complete remission was achieved. And it correlated with PLT counts. While sgp130 level was higher than normal (P＜0.05),and declined after CR and correlated with WBC counts. Conclusion The plasma IL-11 and sgp130 levels can be helpful for confirming the diagnosis,evaluating the efficiency and predicting the prognosis of AL.

Objective To investigate the effects of arsenic trioxide plus thalidomide on immune function of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).Methods Fifty-seven MDS patients (Low risk,medium risk and high risk) and 30 healthy volunteers were selected as our subjects.Thirty-four cases with medium risk Ⅱ and high risk MDS patients were randomly divided into A and B groups.Seventeen MDS patients in A group were treated with arsenic trioxide plus thalidomide,and 17 MDS patients in B group were treated with low-dose cytarabine.Lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood were examined by flow cytometry (FCM).The adverse effect of arsenic trioxide and thalidomide were recorded.Results Compared with control group,the number of T lymphocytes(CD3 +),B lymphocytes (CD3-CD19 +) and NK cell (CD3-(CD16 CD56) +) of patients with MDS were significantly lower,and the differences were statistically significant (t =2.157,2.349,2.958 ; P ＜ 0.05 or P ＜ 0.01).The helper CD3 + CD4 + T cell (Th) ratio decreased in MDS patients than that of control group (t =2.412,P ＜ 0.05).The inhibition CD3 + CD8 + T cells (Ts) ratio increased (t =2.749,P ＜ 0.01).Th/Ts ratio inversion was seen in MDS patients.As the progression of MDS increase,Ts cell expression gradually increased and NK cells ratio gradually decreased.However,there was no significant difference among three groups.Th cells and B lymphocytes in the risk group were lower than that in the low risk group,and the difference was statistically significant (F =4.896 and 4.516,P ＜0.05),but there was no significant difference in the terms of the number of T lymphocytes,Th cell,ratio of Th/Ts and B lymphocytes among MDS groups.Number of T lymphocytes,B lymphocytes and NK cell count in group A after treatment were increased than that before treatment (t =2.435,2.468,2.653,P ＜ 0.05).In group A,2 cases were complete remission,4 cases with partial remission,and 5 cases with hematologic improvement.The total effective rate was 64.71％ (11/17),and curative effect is obviously better than that of B group (x2 =4.253,P ＜ 0.05).Meanwhile adverse effect was mild.Conclusion The cellular and humoral immune function decreased in MDS patients.The treatment of arsenic trioxide plus thalidomide on MDS is proved safety and efficacy,which might work by improving immune function of MDS patients.