The relationship between serum uric acid(SUA) and hypertension was investigated and the interactions of SUA with metabolic risk factors was assessed. Blood pressure and biomarkers features were evaluated for all the8 415 individuals from a community-based health examination survey in Xuzhou, and the statistical analysis was made. Raised blood pressure was associated with increased SUA concentration(P＜0.01). Age and high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C) significantly interacted with SUA(P for interaction=0.012 and 0.001, respectively). There is significant association between SUA and hypertension, which may be affected by age and HDL-C levels.

Objective To explore the changes of Th17 cells in the pathogenesis and aggravation of chronic hepatitis B (CHB).Methods Thirty-two CHB patients,44 hepatitis B virus (HBV)related acute-on-chronic liver [ailure (ACLF) patients and 20 healthy controls (HC) were involved in our research. The frequencies of circulating Th17 cells were detected by flow cyrometry. The interleukin 17 (IL-17) mRNA expressions in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Immunohistochemical staining was performed to determine the expressions of IL-17+ cells in the liver tissues.The serum IL-17 concentrations were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorhent assay (ELISA),and the dynamic changes in ACLF patients with different prognosis were also observed.Normal distribution data were used by analysis of variance and non-normal distribution data were used by Kruskal-Wallis H test or Mann-Whitney U test.Results In CHB,ACLF and healthy control groups,Th17 cells frequencies in PBMC were (1.47 ± 0.60) ％,(3.20 ± 1.08) ％ and (0.86 ± 0.43) ％,respectively ; IL-17 mRNA were 4.32±11.77,18.32±8.21 and 1.00,respectively; IL-17+ cells in the liver tissues were (10.6±4.8),(21.1±6.6) and (0.5±0.2)/high power field; the level of IL-17 in serum were (15.88±6.51),(35.03±11.54) and (10.04±4.06) ng/L,respectively (all P＜0.05).Moreover,the frequencies of circulating Th17 cells and the levels of serum IL-17 in medium-stage and end-stage ACLF patients were higher than that in early-stage ACLF patients (both P ＜ 0.01). In ACLF patients,the circulating Th17 cells frequencies were positively correlated with international normalized ratio (INR,r=0.44,P＜0.01) and model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) score (r=0.44,P＜0.01).And the frequencies of circulating Th17 cells were positively associated with the serum alanine transaminase (ALT) levels in CHB patients (r=0.51,P＜0.01).Moreover,the survival ACLF patients had an initially lower serum IL-17 level compared with the non-survivors,and the serum IL-17 level showed a gradually decreasing trend during the course of medical treatment.In contrast,the nonsurvival group exhibited a gradually increasing trend.Conclusions Th17 cell and its cytokine IL-17 may contribute to liver injury in the pathogenesis of CHB and promote the occurrence and the development of HBV-related ACLF. Moreover,the elevated levels of Th17 cells and IL-17 may indicate poor short-term prognosis in ACLF patients.

Objective To detect the gene mutation of thyroid hormone receptor β ( TRβ ) in a family with thyroid hormone resistance syndrome.Methods The genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes of the patient and his 5 family members.The exons 1-10 ofTRβ gene were amplified by PCR.The products of PCR were sequenced directly to detect the gene mutation.Results Two members of this family were confirmed to have the C y A transition mutation at nucleotide 1642 site within exon 10 of TRβ gene,which was a missense mutation causing the substitution of Proline to Threonine (P453T).The mutation was Heterozygous.Conclusions It was confirmed that the patient has TRβ gene mutation P453T in exon 10.The mutation may lead to the occurrence of thyroid hormone resistance syndrome.

Objective To explore cardioprotective effect of matrine on myocardial ischemia in hypercholesterolemia rats. Methods Myocardial infarction was induced by subcutaneous injection of isopreterenol (ISO, 85 mg/kg) once daily for two consecutive days in rats feeding cholesterol-rich diet for 4 weeks. Content of serum lipid, myocardial injury marker enzymes, lipid peroxidatase and activities of antioxidative enzymes in serum and/or heart tissues were measured, and cardiac function was evaluated. Results Administration of matrine (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, respectively) decreased serum level of TC and TG, improved left ventricle (LV) contractile function (increased LVSP and +dp/dtmax) and LV diastolic function (decreased LVEDP and increased -dp/dtmax), depressed the levels of myocardial injury marker enzymes of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK), promoted the activities of antioxidative enzymes of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalyst (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GHS-PX), as well as decreased the content of lipid peroxidation product of malondialdehyde (MDA) in plasma and/or myocardial tissues in hypercholesterolemia rats with myocardial infarction. Histopathology examination demonstrated that matrine could attenuate ISO-induced myocardial infarction morphologically in hypercholesterolemia rats. Conclusion Our results suggest that cardioprotective effect of matrine on myocardial infarction in hypercholesterolemia rats is attributed to its ability to decrease the TC and TG content of serum, enhance the activities of antioxidative enzymes, and maintain the stability of myocardial cellular membranes.

Objective To investigate the effect of fatty acid binding protein 4(FABP4)DNA methylation on abnormal lipid metabolism in placental trophoblastic dyslipidemia. Methods Human placental trophoblast cell line(HTR-8)was treated with L-NAME of 100 μmol/L for 48 h. The lipid content in placental trophoblasts was detected by chemical enzyme-colorimetry. The FABP4 DNA methylation level in placenta trophoblasts was detected by nested-touch down methylation specific PCR (NT-MSP). the mRNA and protein expression of DNMT1 and FABP4 were detected by qRT-PCR and Western Blot,respectively,in trophoblast cells. Results The lipid content in trophoblasts significantly increased as compared with the control(P < 0.05). Expression of FABP4 mRNA and protein increased(P < 0.05),while FABP4 methylation level and expression of DNMT1 significantly decreased (P<0.05)after treatment with L-NAME. Conclusions FABP4 DNA methylation is involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism in placental trophoblastic cells of hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy.

Objective To investigate the efficacy of interferon α(IFNα)and adefovir dipivoxil (ADV)combination therapy in HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B(CHB)patients and to explore the optimized strategy for individualized treatment.Methods A total of 156 HBeAg positive CHB patients were enrolled in the study from January 2005 to June 2009 in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Medical University.Fifty-six CHB patients with hepatitis B virus(HBV)DNA≥1 X 107copy/mLand/or liver fibrosis stage≥S3,or previous monotherapy failure(relapse)were treated with initial IFNα and ADV combination therapy.Fifty-two patients who didn't meet any of the above baseline characteristics received initial IFNα monotherapy.The remaining 48 patients treated with IFNα monotherapy for full treatment duration were considered as control.At week 24 of treatment,the treatment regimens were adjusted according to quantitative changes of HBV DNA,HBeAg and HBsAg:16 patients who achieved early response in group of initial IFNα and ADV combination therapy subsequently received IFNα monotherapy,the other patients in group of initial combination therapy together with patients who did not achieved early response in group of initial IFNα monotherapy subsequently received IFNα and ADV combination treatment.The HBV DNA levels,HBeAg and HBsAg titers were detected at the end of 48 weeks of treatment to determine the treatment duration.The treatment efficacy,safety,drug resistance and relapse rates were finally evaluated at week 72.All data were analyzed using chi square test.Results At week 24,the early response rate in group of initial combination therapy was 28.6%,and the HBV DNA negative rate and alanine aminotransferase(ALT)normalization rate were significantly higher than those in groups of initial IFNα monotherapy and control(53.6%vs 32.7%vs 27.1%and 62.5%vs 40.4%vs 37.5%,respectively,P<0.05);in addition,HBeAg loss rate was higher than control group(39.3%vs 18.8%,x2=7.48;P<0.05).At week 48,five of 16 patients who achieved early response developed HBeAg reversion and three cases accompanied with virological breakthrough in group of initial combination therapy after switching to IFNα monotherapy,while the rates of HBV DNA negative,HBeAg seroconversion and HBsAg clearance were 73.2%,41.1%and 12.5%,respectively.The HBV DNA negative rate,HBeAg seroconversion rate and HBsAg clearance rate in 96 patients Who had received different combination treatment regimens were 65.6%,33.3%and 8.3%,respectively.At week 72,the relapse rate in individualized treatment group was comparable to those in control group,while HBsAg clearance rate increased 2.7%in individualized treatment group.Conclusions IFNα and ADV combination treatment could improve early biochemical and virological responses.Individualized treatment strategy based on baseline characteristics and treatment responses may be helpful for optimizing antiviral treatment in CHB patients.

Objective To investigate the changes of Th1/Th2 cells and related cytokine levels in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) fibrosis.Methods Forty-six patients with CHB fibrosis underwent liver biopsy during March and October,2011.According to the stage of fibrosis,the patients were divided into S0-1 group (n =15),S2-3 group (n =20) and S4 group (n =11).Ten healthy subjects served as controls.The frequencies of circulating Th1,Th2 cells were detected by flow cytometry.The expressions of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin 4 (IL-4) mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were detected by real-time quantitative PCR.The serum IFN-γand IL-4 concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.Intrahepatic expressions of IFN-γ and IL-4 were detected by immunohistochemical staining.Differences between groups were analyzed using non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis H test,followed by Mann-Whitney U test for multiple comparisons.Logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis.Results With the degree of liver fibrosis exacerbations,the peripheral Th1/Th2 cells frequencies ratio,IFN-γ/IL-4 mRNA ratio in PBMCs,serum IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio and intrahepatic IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio were declined (x2 =36.259,40.822,26.321 and 31.852,respectively,all P ＜ 0.05).Serum and intrahepatic IFNγ/IL-4 ratio were negatively associated with the stage of liver fibrosis (r =-0.616 and-0.531,P ＜0.01).Logistic regression analysis showed that AST,PT and the serum IFNγ/IL-4 ratio were the risk factors for significant liver fibrosis (S2-4) (OR =5.933,95％ CI:1.324-26.586,P =0.02; OR =12.866,95％CI:1.746-94.788,P =0.01; OR=4.755,95％CI:1.034-21.862,P =0.04).Conclusions The CHB patients has imbalanced Th1/Th2 ratio.With the degree of liver fibrosis exacerbations,Th1/Th2 cytokines drift into Th2 lymphocyte sub-cluster,which suggests that Th1/Th2 imbalance may be involved in the pathogenesis of CHB fibrosis.

Objective: To explore the relationship among self-regulatory focus and depression, anxiety symptoms and suicidal risks of medical college students. Methods: A total of 2 251 freshmen were recruited from a medical university by convenienee sampling methood. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey using Regulatory Focus Questionnaire (RFQ), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), Psychache Scale (PAS), and Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) was conducted. Results: The prevalence rate of freshmen’s depression symptoms was as high as 20.4%, the prevalence rate of anxiety symptoms was 11.2%, and the risk of suicide increased by 5.85 times among students with depression-anxiety comorbid symptoms. Girls reported higher prevention focused scores than boys, as well as higher anxiety symptoms and suicidal risks(t=4.84,2.18,5.57,P<0.05). College students with a prevention focused self-regulation style had significantly higher scores on depression, anxiety symptoms and suicidal risks than those with a promotion focused regulatory style, the effect sizes of the differences were moderate or large (Cohen’s d>0.50). Conclusion Self-regulatory focus plays an important role in emotional health. The pursuit of promotion goals is beneficial to mental health, while the pursuit of prevention goals is more likely to be associated with depression, anxiety symptoms and a higher risk of suicide.

Objective To validate the predictive value of hepatitis B virus ( HBV )-related hepatocellular carcinoma ( HCC) risk score model D2AS in chronic HBV infection patients without antiviral therapy.Methods A total of 93 patients with chronic HBV infection were selected between January 2015 and July 2017 in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Medical University.Clinical data including age , gender, medical history, ultrasonography, hepatitis B surface antigen ( HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibody ( anti-HBs), hepatitis B e antigen ( HBeAg), hepatitis B e antibody ( anti-HBe), hepatitis B core antibody ( anti-HBc), HBV DNA and alanine aminotransferase levels were collected by information center .REACH-B score and D2AS score were used to predict the risk of HCC.Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the discrimination , and Hosmer-Lemeshow ( H-L) goodness-of-fit test was used to evaluate the calibration of the model.Results REACH-B score and D2 AS score for the 95 chronic HBV infection patients were 9 (8,12) and 0.95 (0.57,2.08), respectively.The area under the curve ( AUC) for REACH-B score and D2 AS score were 0.916 (95% confidence interval [ CI] 0.834-0.998) and 0.784 (95%CI 0.587-0.981), respectively.The difference was not statistically significant ( P ＝0.195).However, for HBeAg-negative patients with chronic HBV infection , the AUC for D2 AS score and REACH-B score were 0.952 (95%CI 0.876-1.000) and 0.913 (95%CI 0.821-1.000), respectively (P＝0.458).The H-L goodness-of-fit test was P＞0.05.Conclusions The D2 AS score can be used for HCC prediction among patients who do not meet antiviral criteria.The predictive value of the D 2AS score for HCC is comparable to the REACH-B score in HBeAg-negative patients with chronic HBV infection.

Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) is the "gold standard" for the diagnosis of portal hypertension, which could be applied in the evaluation of liver cirrhosis. Combined use of HVPG with model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scoring system may more accurately match the donors and recipients undergoing liver transplantation for liver cirrhosis, select the appropriate timing of surgery, and provide guidance for bridging treatment for patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation. Besides, HVPG may also predict clinical prognosis of liver transplant recipients, and provide evidence for early detection and intervention of potential complications. Therefore, the value of HVPG in preoperative evaluation and prognosis prediction of liver transplant recipients was reviewed, aiming to provide guidance for clinical diagnosis and treatment of liver transplant recipients before and after surgery.