Objective To detect and analyse the mutations in rhodopsin gene of members in a family affected by autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (ADRP). Methods Using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), we amplified exon 1-5 of rhodopsin gene in patients with ADRP,and analyzed it with direct sequence measuement. Results The Gly-182-Asp mutation in the rhodopsin gene was detected in most of affected members of this ADRP family, but no mutation was detected in two affected members and the control ones. Conclusion We cannot regard the Gly-182-Asp mutation in the rhodopsin gene as the pathagenic factor of the ADRP family. It is likely there is a new gene next to the rhodopsin gene.

Objective To investigate the role of Rho kinase (ROCK) in the protective effects of hydrogen on intestinal epithelial barrier function in sepsis. Methods Caco-2 cells were cultured routinely, and divided into 6 groups randomly (n=3):control group (C group), hydrogen-rich medium group (H group), lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treatment group (L group), hy?drogen+LPS-treatment group (HL group), Rho kinase inhibitor (Y-37632) treatment group (Y group) and Rho kinase inhibi?tor Y-27632+LPS-treatment group (YL group). H group was treated with 0.6 mmol/L hydrogen-rich media. The concentra?tion of LPS and Y-27632 were 50 mg/L and 25μmol/L separately. After the Caco-2 monolayer model was established, the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) values were measured regularly. When the TEER value reached 800Ω·cm2, the treatment was administered. Then TEER values were measured at 6 h, 12 h and 24 h, and FITC-dextran permeability was de?tected at 24 h. Cells were seeded on 6-well plates. After cell density reached 80%-90%, treatments were given randomly. The real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was conducted to assess mRNA levels of ZO-1 and ROCK mRNA. ZO-1 and ROCK protein expression levels were detected by Western blot assay. Results Compared with C group, TEER values were elevated in 12 h and 24 h in H group (P<0.05). There were no statistical significances in FITC-dextran permeability,
protein expression levels of ZO-1 and ROCK between C group and H group (P>0.05). TEER values were elevated at 6 h, 12 h and 24 h in Y group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in FITC-dextran permeability between C group and Y group (P > 0.05). The mRNA expression of ZO-1 increased and mRNA expression of ROCK decreased in Y group (P <0.05). The TEER values reduced at 6 h, 12 h and 24 h in L group. The FITC-dextran permeability increased significantly, mRNA and protein expressions of ZO-1 significantly decreased, mRNA and protein expressions of ROCK significantly in?creased in L group (all P<0.05). Compared with L group, TEER values increased significantly at 6 h, 12 h and 24 h in YL group, FITC-dextran permeability decreased, mRNA expressions of ZO-1 increased, mRNA expressions of ROCK de?creased in YL group (P<0.05). Compared with L group, TEER values increased at 6 h, 12 h and 24 h in HL group, FITC-dextran permeability reduced markedly, protein expressions of ZO-1 increased at each time point, protein expressions of ROCK decreased at each time point in HL group (P<0.05). Conclusion Hydrogen can protect intestinal barrier function against sepsis, ameliorate the integrity and permeability of intestinal epithelium and increase the expressions of intercellular tight junction proteins. The suppression of Rho kinase over-expression induced by LPS may be involved in these protective effects of hydrogen.

Objective To investigate the effect of hydrogen on endotoxin-induced expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in human colon epithelial cells (Caco-2 cells).Methods Caco-2 cells were cultured routinely,seeded in Transwell chambers or wells,and randomly divided into 4 groups (n =45 each) using a random number table:control group (group C);hydrogen-rich culture medium group (group H);endotoxin group (group E);hydrogen-rich culture medium + endotoxin group (group HE).The cells were cultured in high-glucose DMEM culture medium in group C.The cells were incubated in hydrogen-rich culture medium containing hydrogen 0.6 mmol/L in group H.The cells were incubated in highglucose DMEM culture medium containing 50 μg/ml lipopolysaccharide in group E.The cells were incubated in hydrogen-rich culture medium containing 50 μg/ml lipopolysaccharide and 0.6 mmol/L hydrogen in group HE.Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) was measured before incubation or culture,and at 6,12 and 24 h of incubation or culture.The viability of Caco-2 cells was measured by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay at 24 h of incubation or culture.The expression of ZO-1 mRNA in Caco-2 cells was determined using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction at 6,12 and 24 h of incubation or culture.The distribution of ZO-1 in Caco-2 cells was observed by immunofluorescence at 24 of incubation or culture.Results Compared with group C,TEER was significantly decreased at 6,12 and 24 h of incubation or culture,and the expression of ZO-1 mRNA was significantly down-regulated in E and HE groups (P＜0.05),and no significant change was found in the parameters mentioned above in group H (P＞0.05).Compared with group E,TEER was significantly increased at 6,12 and 24 h of incubation or culture,and the expression of ZO-1 mRNA was significantly up-regulated in group HE (P＜0.05).The distribution of ZO-1 protein in cell membrane became discontinuous,and the distribution of ZO-1 protein in cytoplasm was significantly increased in group E.Compared with group E,the distribution of ZO-1 protein in cell membrane was significantly increased and gradually became continuous,and the distribution of ZO-1 protein in cytoplasm was significantly decreased in group HE.Conclusion The mechanism by which hydrogen reduces the damage to human colon epithelial cell barrier is related to up-regulation of ZO-1 expression and improvement in the redistribution of ZO-1 protein.

As a frontier branches of science,a significant progress in orbital diseases has been achieved in the last several years.In view of the existing problems in current teaching mode for experts in orbital diseases and their characteristics,a series of initiatives for researching a new mode have been taken,and some achievements have been made.

Objective To establish real-time PCR method for the detection of JAK2 V617F mutation and evaluate its clinical significance in patients with myeloprollferative disorders and leukemia.Methods 71 chronic myelocytic leukemia(CML) patients, 22 essential thrombocythemia (ET) patients, 11 primary myelofibrosis (PMF) patients, 9 polycythemia vera (PV) patients and 7 cosinophilia patients were enrolled in this study. JAK2 V617F mutation was determined by real-time PCR and amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS), followed by sequencing. Human erythroleukemia cell (HEL cell)DNA was used as homozygous control of JAK2 V617F mutation. The detection limit for either real-time PCR or ARMS was evaluated. Results Real-time PCR assay showed that there was a melting temperature(Tin) peak at (75.0±0.2)℃ for wild type samples and a Tm peak at (76.6±0.2)℃ for mutation type samples. JAK2 V617F mutation was detected in 8(88.9%) patients with PV, 12(54.5%) patients with ET and 7(63.6%) patients with PMF respectively. But there was only one positive case in 71 CML patient (1.4%). The results showed complete concordance with ARMS results and confirmed by sequencing. The mutation could be detected in 102 HEL cells per 106 white blood cells by real-time PCR, whereas the mutation can be assessed in 104 HEL cells per 106 white blood cells by ARMS. Thus, the sensitivity of real-time PCR was 100-fold higher than ARMS. Conclusions The real-time PCR method is successfully established for detection of JAK2 V617F mutation. This method is more sensitive, convenient than ARMS, and suitable for clinical application. There is high frequency of JAK2 V617F mutation in myeloproliferative disorders and it could be used as the diagnostic marker for myeloproliferative disorders.

Objective To investigate the effect of miR-218 on cell proliferation and cell cycle in the gastric cancers (GC).Methods SGC-7901 and MGC-803 cells were transfected with miR-218 mimics.Meanwhile,SGC-7901 and MGC-803 cells were transfected with control mimics (Scramble mimics) as negative control.Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the miR-218 expression in these transfected cells.The effect of miR-218 overexpression on cell proliferation was evaluated with direct cell counting and MTS [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5 (3-carboxymethonyphenol)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium inner salt] assay.Moreover,the effect of miR-218 overexpression on cell cycle was examined by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS).Results miR-218 expression was remarkably induced in miR-218-transfected cells,miR-218 overexpression led to a significant decrease in cell proliferation rate compared to control cells (P ＜ 0.05).miR-218 overexpression induced GC G1 arrest.Conclusions miR-218 can suppress GC cell proliferation and block cell cycle progression.It maybe play an important role in tumorigenesis and development of GC.

Objective:To localize the gene of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa(ADRP) in a family. Methods: A large ADRP family was studied and 3 5 ml of venous blood from some family members was collected, and genomic DNA was extracted from the blood. Then two point linkage analysis between the known markers and the disease locus was performed. Results: Linkage analysis showed the maximum LOD score reached 2.732852 at marker D3S1292 (at recombination fraction ?=0.1). Conclusion: The gene responsible for ADRP is located in 3q21 eara.

Objective To investigate the relationship between smoking and insulin resistance in non-obese male patients with CAD. Methods 414 consecutive non-obese male patients with angiographically-documented CAD(luminal diameter narrowing>50%)were recruited,including 113 nonsmokers and 301 smokers.With 99 miht smokers(<400 packs/year),95 medium smokers(400-799 packs/year)and 107 heavy smokers(≥800 packs/year).Insulin resistance index(IRI)was expressed by homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)calculated by the formula of[fasting serum glucose(mmol/L)×fasting plasma insulin(mU/L)]/22.5.IRI≥2.69 was defined as insulin resistance,while IRI<2.69 was insulin sensitive.Fasting glucose,fasting insulin and IRI were recorded and odds ratio for the incidence of insulin resistance was calculated.Results Fasting glucose was higher in heavy smokers (5.86 mmol/L)than that in nonsmokers(5.51 mmol/L,P=0.037)and mild smokers(5.33 mmol/L,P=0.014).Fasting insulin and IRI were also significantly higher in heavy smokers(10.25 mU/L)than those in non-smokers(8.72 mU/L,P=0.0231,respectively)and mild smokers(8.67 mU/L,P=0.023 1).Compared with nonsmokers,the odds ratio for the incidence of insulin resistance was 1.53(95%CI 0.55-2.94;P=0.027)in medium smokers and 1.89(95%CI 0.49-3.14;P=0.018)in heavy smokers.Conclusions The relationship between smoking and insulin resistance is highly dose dependent in non-obese male patients with CAD.

Objective To investigate the effects and mechanisms of hydrogen inhalation on serum levels of pro-inflammatory factors and intestinal injury in severe septic mice. Methods 176 male ICR mice were randomly divided into four groups: sham operation group, hydrogen control group ( sham + hydrogen inhalation ), model group ( severe sepsis model ) and hydrogen treatment group ( severe sepsis model+hydrogen inhalation ), with 44 mice in each group. Severe sepsis model was reproduced by cecal ligation and puncture ( CLP ). 2%hydrogen inhalation was given for 1 hour at 1 hour and 6 hours after sham or CLP operation. Twenty animals in each group were selected and observed for 7-day survival rate. Six animals in each group were selected and sacrificed at 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours after sham or CLP, the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α ( TNF-α), interleukins ( IL-6, IL-10 ) and high mobility group box 1 ( HMGB1 ) in serum were determined, the intestinal histopathological changes and scores were evaluated by light microscopy, and the activities of myeloperoxidase ( MPO ) and caspase-3 were determined. Results The 7-day survival rate of severe sepsis mice was 0; the 7-day survival rate was increased to 60% in hydrogen treatment group, with statistical significance in variables compared with model group ( P<0.05 ). Compared with sham operation group, the serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10 and HMGB1 were obviously increased, the intestine were heavily injured along with higher histopathological scores, and the intestinal MPO and caspase-3 activities were significantly enhanced at different time points after CLP in model group ( all P<0.05 ). Compared with model group, the serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6 and HMGB1 were significantly decreased [ TNF-α( ng/L ):6 hours:110.34±9.28 vs. 440.55±25.78, 12 hours: 82.29±8.43 vs. 448.36±32.54, 24 hours: 79.68±9.04 vs. 346.42±22.24, 48 hours: 80.79±10.06 vs. 368.94±31.58; IL-6 ( ng/L ): 12 hours: 58.68±8.55 vs. 158.28±16.73, 24 hours: 46.98±7.58 vs. 146.74±18.02, 48 hours: 38.67±8.22 vs. 136.45±15.45; HMGB1 (μg/L ): 6 hours: 15.75±4.32 vs. 55.56±10.04, 12 hours:32.02±9.33 vs. 89.65±15.65, 24 hours: 35.87±8.54 vs. 86.44±20.33, 48 hours: 23.85±9.83 vs. 98.33±18.88, all P<0.05 ], the serum concentrations of IL-10 ( ng/L ) at 24 hours and 48 hours after CLP were obviously increased ( 24 hours:135.44±16.43 vs. 79.22±12.03, 48 hours:110.92±12.54 vs. 74.47±11.18, both P<0.05 ), the intestinal injury were ameliorated with decreased histopathological scores ( 12 hours: 1.70±0.06 vs. 3.23±0.44, 24 hours:2.12±0.31 vs. 4.51±0.58, 48 hours:2.03±0.42 vs. 4.27±0.58, all P<0.05 ), and the intestinal MPO and caspase-3 activities were significantly decreased [ MPO ( U/g ):6 hours:13.75±4.21 vs. 25.56±5.34, 12 hours:14.72±4.22 vs. 30.53±6.87, 24 hours:11.62±3.14 vs. 33.58±7.24, 48 hours:11.33±4.03 vs. 38.57±8.12;caspase-3 ( fluorescence intensity ): 6 hours: 0.37±0.07 vs. 0.69±0.23, 12 hours: 0.42±0.07 vs. 0.86±0.13, 24 hours: 0.53±0.11 vs. 1.36±0.23, 48 hours:0.50±0.08 vs. 1.48±0.15, all P<0.05 ] in hydrogen treatment group. Conclusion Hydrogen inhalation can down-regulate the systemic inflammatory response to ameliorate the intestinal injury, and it may improve the septic process and increase the survival rate of mice with severe sepsis.

Objective To evaluate the effects of hydrogen on oxidative stress injury induced by high glucose in Schwann cells and its relationship with PARP-1-dependent cell death (parthanatos).Methods Primary rat Schwann cells were cultured in 96-well plate (1×104 cells/ml,200 μl/well) or in 6-well plate (1 × 106 cells/ml,2 ml/well) with RSM culture medium and were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=30 each):control group (group C),hydrogen group (group H2),high glucose group (group HG),high glucose plus hydrogen group (group HG+H2) and high osmotic control group (group M).The cells were cultured in the common culture medium in C,HG and M groups.The cells were cultured in hydrogen-rich culture medium in H2 and HG + H2 groups.In HG and HG + H2 groups,50 mmol/L of glucose was added to the culture medium.In C and H2 groups,the equal volume of normal saline was added to the culture medium.In M group,mannitol 44.4 mmol/L was added to the culture medium.The cells were then incubated for 48 h.After 48 h of incubation,the cell viability was measured using CCK-8 assay,intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was detected by flow cytometry,the concentration of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxy Guanosine (8-OHdG) was determined by ELISA,and the expression of poly (ADP-ribose)-polymerase-1 (PARP-1),cleaved-PARP-1,poly (ADP-ribose) (PAR),and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) in the total protein and nucleus was measured by Western blot.PARP-1 activity (cleaved-PARP-1/PARP-1) and AIF nuclear translocation were recorded.Results Compared with C and H2 groups,the cell viability was significantly decreased,and PARP-1 activity,expression of ROS,8-OhdG and PAR,and AIF nuclear translocation were increased in HG and HG + H2 groups.Compared with HG group,the cell viability was significantly increased,and PARP-1 activity,expression of ROS,8-OhdG and PAR,and AIF nuclear translocation were decreased in HG+H2 group.There was no significant difference in each parameter between M and C groups.Conclusion Hydrogen can reduce oxidative stress injury induced by high glucose in Schwann cells,and the mechanism is related to inhibition of parthanatos.