OBJECTIVETo investigate regulation function of anodonta glucan HBP-A on chondrocytes through Wnt pathway in vitro.

METHODSRat chondrocytes were cultured and differentiated induced with IL-1beta (10 ng/ml) in vitro. Chondrocytes were divided into five groups:IL-13 group,IL-1beta + IWP-2 (5 microM,Wnt pathway inhibitor) group, IL-1beta + HBP-A (0.3 mg/ml) group and IL-1beta + IWP-2 + HBP-A group. Wnt-3a, beta-catenin (24 h,48 h,72 h) and MMP-13(72 h) genes expression were detected by Rt-PCR, while beta-catenin, MMP-13, Sox-9 and coll-II (48 h) protein expression were measured by Western-blot.

RESULTSAfter induction of IL-1beta, gene expression of Wnt-3a, beta-catenin and MMP-13 were increased,so were the protein expression of beta-catenin and MMP-13. In contrast,protein expression of Sox-9 and Coll-II were declined. Following addition of HBP-A, Wnt-3a, beta-catenin and MMP-13 were shown as induction of IL-1beta, but protein expression of Sox-9 and Coll-II were upgraded. Combining HBP-A with IWP-2 led to the lowest level in Wnt-3a, beta-catenin gene and beta-catenin protein expression and highest expression of Sox-9 protein.

CONCLUSIONHBP-A could not only delay the differentiation of chondrocytes through downgrading the signal expression of Wnt/beta-catenin,but also adjust the expression of Wnt-3a, beta-catenin and Sox-9 when combinated with the Wnt inhibitor.

Animals ; Anodonta ; chemistry ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Chondrocytes ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Glucans ; pharmacology ; Interleukin-1beta ; metabolism ; Rats ; Wnt Signaling Pathway ; drug effects ; Wnt3A Protein ; genetics ; metabolism ; beta Catenin ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo search the susceptibility genes of gallstone disease in Chinese population.

METHODSA genome wide scan was performed in twelve families with gallstone disease using fluorescence-labeled microsatellite markers. Genehunter and Batchlink of Linkage package were used for non- parameter and parameter linkage analysis to search the linkage loci on chromosomes.

RESULTSFour loci of D3S1266, D4S406, D9S1682 and D11S902 showed suggestive evidence for linkage. nonparametric linkage analysis (NPL)-score of D4S406 and D9S1682 was 1.77 (P = 0.05) and 1.92 (P = 0.04) respectively. The corresponding logarithm of the odds ratio (LOD)-score of D3S1266, D9S1682 were 1.35 and 2.07, and showed a rise of LOD-score from 1.35 to 2.71, 2.07 to 2.40 respectively when families with later-found patients or with higher triglyceride level were analyzed alone. Transmitted disequilibrium test of D11S902 showed a P-value of 0.0027.

CONCLUSIONSChromosome 3, 4, 9 and 11 may contain genes involved in gallstone disease in Chinese population, and chromosome 3, 9 may hide genes that are liked to gallstone disease in families with later-found patients or with higher triglyceride concentration.

Age Factors ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Body Mass Index ; Cholecystolithiasis ; ethnology ; genetics ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 11 ; genetics ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 3 ; genetics ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 4 ; genetics ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 9 ; genetics ; Female ; Genetic Linkage ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Humans ; Male ; Microsatellite Repeats ; Pedigree

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the myocardial perfusion and function in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) before and after percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation (PTSMA).

METHODSSixty-eight patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy were included and (99)Tc(m)-MIBI SPECT MPI was applied before and at 1 week after PTSMA, six-month follow-up was finished in 11 patients. Semi quantity and QGS quantity perfusion and function assessment was performed in 17 LV segments.

RESULTSMyocardial perfusion post-PTSMA was significantly reduced in 98% patients, especially in basal anterosepta, basal interseptal, mid-anteroseptal, mid-interseptal and apical septal segments compared with pre-PTSMA (all P < 0.05). Perfusion was significantly increased at 6 months follow-up than at 1 week post-PTSMA but still lower than pre-PTSMA (all P < 0.05). LVEF (evaluated by gated SPECT) was similar before and after the procedure (P > 0.05). Regional wall motion after PTSMA was lower than pre-PTSMA in basal anterior, basal anteroseptal, basal interseptal and basal inferior (P < 0.05). Regional wall thinkening was lower than pre-PTSMA in basal interseptal, mid-anteroseptal, mid-interseptal (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS(99)Tc(m) MIBI SPECT can be used to monitor myocardial perfusion post PTSMA in patients with HOCM.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Angioplasty, Balloon ; Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Catheter Ablation ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate strategy of treatment of hemofiltration on severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and fulminant acute pancreatitis (FAP).

METHODSOne hundred and thirty patients with SAP and eighty-one patients with FAP treated with hemofiltration (HF) were prospectively observed from March 1997 to December 2008. Indications for HF, variables (time interval for hemofiltration), mode, therapeutic dosage, blood rate, heparin dosage and components of hemofiltration, therapeutic efficacy (time of disapearance of abdominal pain, intra-abdominal pressure and survival rate) and complications (incidence of bleeding and blood infection).

RESULTSAll patients underwent high volume hemofiltration (HVHF) or hemodialysis-filtration (HDF) within 72 hours after onset of the disease. Dose of SAP and FAP was (53 +/- 6) mlxkg(-1)xh(-1) and (59 +/- 10) mlxkg(-1)xh(-1) (P < 0.05), respectively. Rate of short veno-venous hemofiltration in SAP (76.9%) was higher than that of FAP (38.3%) (P < 0.05); however, rate of continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (23.1%) was lower than that of FAP (37.0%) (P < 0.05). Rate of HDF was much higher in FAP than that of SAP. Low molecular weight heparin and heparin were both available to anticoagualte;but dosage required in patients with FAP was much higher than that of SAP (P < 0.05). Time intervals for amelioration of abdominal pain in SAP and FAP were (9 +/- 6) h and (15 +/- 10) h, respectively. Itra-abdominal pressure was decreased significantly at the end of hemofiltration compared to prior to hemofiltration in SAP and FAP (P < 0.05). Level of serum triglyceride decreased abruptly after adsorption (P < 0.05). Rate of operation within 28 days in SAP (73.8%) was lower than FAP (87.7%). The in-hospital survival rates in SAP and FAP were 88.5% and 67.9%, respectively. Amount of platelet decreased in patients with blood flow rate less than 240 ml/min was higher than that of more than 240 ml/min (P < 0.05). And incidence of blood stream infection and bleeding increased significantly (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSHVHF and HDF used in SAP and FAP patients underwent conservative treatment within 72 hours, respectively, can increase survival rate significantly.

Acute Disease ; Hemofiltration ; Humans ; Pancreatitis ; therapy ; Survival Rate

BACKGROUNDFluid therapy for severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) should not only resolve deficiency of blood volume, but also prevent fluid sequestration in acute response stage. Up to date, there has not a strategy for fluid therapy dedicated to SAP. So, this study was aimed to investigate the effects of fluid therapy treatment on prognosis of SAP.

METHODSSeventy-six patients were admitted prospectively according to the criteria within 72 hours of SAP onset. They were randomly assigned to a rapid fluid expansion group (Group I, n = 36) and a controlled fluid expansion group (Group II, n = 40). Hemodynamic disorders were either quickly (fluid infusion rate was 10 - 15 ml x kg(-1) x h(-1), Group I) or gradually improved (fluid infusion rate was 5 - 10 ml x kg(-1) x h(-1), Group II) through controlling the rate of fluid infusion. Parameters of fluid expansion, blood lactate concentration were obtained when meeting the criteria for fluid expansion. And APACHE II scores were obtained serially for 72 hours. Rate of mechanical ventilation, incidence of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS), sepsis, and survival rate were obtained.

RESULTSThe two groups had statistically different (P < 0.05) time intervals to meet fluid expansion criteria (Group I, 13.5 +/- 6.6 hours; Group II, (24.0 +/- 5.4) hours). Blood lactate concentrations were both remarkably lower as compared to the level upon admission (P < 0.05) and reached the normal level in both groups upon treatment. It was only at day 1 that hematocrit was significantly lower in Group I (35.6% +/- 6.8%) than in Group II (38.5% +/- 5.4%) (P < 0.01). Amount of crystalloid and colloid in group I ((4028 +/- 1980) ml and (1336 +/- 816) ml) on admission day was more than those of group II ((2472 +/- 1871) ml and (970 +/- 633) ml). No significant difference was found in the total amount of fluids within four days of admission between the two groups (P > 0.05). Total amount of fluid sequestration within 4 days was higher in Group I ((5378 +/- 2751) ml) than in Group II ((4215 +/- 1998) ml, P < 0.05). APACHE II scores were higher in Group I on days 1, 2, and 3 (P < 0.05). Rate of mechanical ventilation was higher in group I (94.4%) than in group II (65%, P < 0.05). The incidences of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) and sepsis were significantly lower in Group II (P < 0.05). Survival rate was remarkably lower in Group I (69.4%) than in Group II (90%, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSControlled fluid resuscitation offers better prognosis in patients with severe volume deficit within 72 hours of SAP onset.

Acute Disease ; Adult ; Female ; Fluid Therapy ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pancreatitis ; pathology ; therapy

OBJECTIVETo investigate the polymorphisms of cluster of differentiation 14(CD14)gene promoters and explore whether such polymorphisms are associated with the susceptibility to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome(MODS) in Chongqing population.

METHODSThe single nucleotide polymorphisms of the promoter region of CD14 gene at position -1145 and -159 were detected using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method in 106 patients with severe chest trauma, among whom 47 were with MODS.

RESULTSTrauma patients carrying G allele tended to have a higher risk of MODS than those carrying A allele at position-1145, the MODS scores in trauma patients carrying G allele were significantly higher than those carrying A allele (P=0.217 for dominant effect and P=0.037 for recessive effect), and the MODS scores in trauma patients carrying T allele were significantly higher than those carrying C allele at position -159 (P=0.048 for dominant effect and P=0.198 for recessive effect). The genotypes of CD14 gene at positions -1145 and -159 were significantly correlated with the MODS scores (P=0.043,P=0.046). Compare with single-point mutation, simultaneous two-point mutation had significantly higher risk of MODS (Pü0.01), while the difference of MODS scores showed no statistical significance (P=0.239).

CONCLUSIONThe polymorphisms of CD14 gene promoters are associated with MODS after severe chest trauma in Chongqing population.

Adult ; Female ; Genotype ; Humans ; Lipopolysaccharide Receptors ; genetics ; Male ; Multiple Organ Failure ; etiology ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Thoracic Injuries ; complications

OBJECTIVETo investigate the value of combined determination of neutrophil CD64 and procalcitonin (PCT) in the early diagnosis of neonatal bacterial infection.

METHODSAccording to discharge diagnosis, 37 neonates with bacterial infection were divided into sepsis (n=15) and ordinary infection (non-sepsis) groups (n=22). Twenty-one neonates without infection who were hospitalized during the same period of time were enrolled as the control group. Venous blood samples were collected immediately after admission. Flow cytometry was used to measure the serum level of neutrophil CD64. Chemiluminescence and immune transmission turbidimetry were used to measure the serum levels of PCT and CRP respectively.

RESULTSThe sepsis group had higher serum levels of neutrophil CD64, PCT, and CRP than the control group (P<0.01), the ordinary infection group had a higher serum level of neutrophil CD64 than the control group (P<0.01), and the sepsis group had higher serum levels of PCT and CRP than the ordinary infection group (P<0.01). The areas under the ROC curve (AUC) of neutrophil CD64, PCT, and CRP in diagnosing bacterial infection were 0.818, 0.818, and 0.704 respectively, and the AUC of combined neutrophil CD64 and PCT was 0.926. A combination of neutrophil CD64 and PCT had a sensitivity of 97.29% and an accuracy of 89.65% in the early diagnosis of neonatal bacterial infection.The sensitivity and accuracy were higher than those of a combination of CRP and neutrophil CD64 or PCT as well as neutrophil CD64, PCT, or CRP alone for the early diagnosis of neonatal bacterial infection.

CONCLUSIONSThe combined determination of neutrophil CD64 and PCT can improve the sensitivity and accuracy in the diagnosis of neonatal bacterial infection, which helps with early identification of bacterial infection.

Bacterial Infections ; blood ; diagnosis ; C-Reactive Protein ; analysis ; Calcitonin ; blood ; Early Diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Neutrophils ; chemistry ; ROC Curve ; Receptors, IgG ; blood

OBJECTIVETo study the characteristics of inheritance and epidemiology of gallstone disease in one pedigree.

METHODSA gallbladder disease-specific questionnaire was administered to all family members to ascertain histories of cholecystectomy and other medical conditions as well as anthropometrical data. Laboratory examination and ultrasonography were performed to determine the existence of gallstone.

RESULTSOne hundred and thirteen members of four generations in the index family were enrolled in the study. The prevalence of gallstone in females (34.48%) was higher than in males (23.64%) but with no significant difference. The prevalence in the second and third generations (52%) was higher than in others (20%) (P < 0.05). The heritability and standard error showed as 86.38% +/- 46.46% in I generations. Body mass index, histories of hypertension, hyperlipidemia and blood glucose were positively related to gallstone disease (P = 0.012, < 0.01, 0.017, 0.043, respectively) in this family. Gallstone disease was not significantly related to history of diabetes, daily alcohol or diet habit. Plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels were not correlated with gallstone disease.

CONCLUSIONGallstone disease presented aggregation in the family and was in accordance with the characteristics of autosomal dominant inheritance. Being female, obesity, hypertension and history of hyperlipidemia might serve as risk factors to this family.

Adolescent ; Adult ; China ; epidemiology ; Family Health ; Female ; Gallstones ; epidemiology ; genetics ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; genetics ; Humans ; Hyperlipidemias ; complications ; Hypertension ; complications ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Obesity ; complications ; Pedigree ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; Sex Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires

BACKGROUNDRaloxifene has been approved for prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in Caucasian women. It also has some positive effects on serum lipids in Caucasians. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of raloxifene hydrochloride on lumbar spine and total hip bone mineral density (BMD), bone metabolism, and serum lipids in Chinese postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

METHODSThis was a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in which 204 postmenopausal Chinese women with osteoporosis were assigned to receive raloxifene (60 mg) or placebo treatment daily for 12 months. BMD, serum bone metabolism markers, and serum lipids were measured before and after drug administration. BMD was measured by Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) and bone metabolism markers were analyzed by one-step enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum lipids were measured by enzymatic analysis.

RESULTSAt the end of the 12-month study, lumbar spine BMD increased in both groups with a mean increase of (3.3 +/- 4.8)% in the raloxifene group and (1.0 +/- 4.9)% in the placebo group (P < 0.001). There was a mean increase in total hip BMD of (1.4 +/- 4.8)% in the raloxifene group and a mean decrease of (0.9 +/- 5.0)% in the placebo group (P < 0.001). No subject in the raloxifene group had a new vertebral fracture and 5 placebo subjects had new fractures (P > 0.05). In the raloxifene group, the median decreases in the biochemical markers of bone metabolism serum osteocalcin and C-telopeptide were 41.7% and 61.5%, respectively. These changes were statistically significant compared with those in the placebo group (10.6% and 35.6%, P < 0.001, respectively). Both total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly in the raloxifene group compared with those in the placebo group (P < 0.001, respectively) and there was no significant effect of raloxifene on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides compared with placebo.

CONCLUSIONSRaloxifene 60 mg/d for 12 months significantly increases lumbar spine and total hip BMD, significantly decreases bone turnover, and has favourable effects on serum lipids in Chinese postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Bone Density ; drug effects ; Bone and Bones ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Lipids ; blood ; Middle Aged ; Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal ; drug therapy ; Raloxifene Hydrochloride ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use

OBJECTIVETo investigate the comparability of bcr-abl (P210) transcript levels detected in different hospitals.

METHODSTen hospitals in China took part in the four times of sample exchange and comparisons from April, 2010 to August, 2011. The exchange samples were prepared by Peking University People's Hospital. Firstly, the BCR-ABL (P210)(+) cells from a newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia patient were 10-fold serially diluted by BCR-ABL (P210)(-) cells and they covered 4 magnitudes. Then, TRIzol reagents were thoroughly mixed with cells in each tube. Every 12 samples (three samples per magnitude) were sent to the other 9 hospitals. The cell number of each sample was 8×10(6). The detection of bcr-abl transcript levels by real-time quantitative PCR were performed in every hospital according to their own protocols. Conversion factors (CF) were calculated using regression equation.

RESULTSDifferences in bcr-abl transcript levels did exist among results of 10 hospitals in each comparison. In general, the results of the most of hospitals were in line with the dilutions of cells. CF of every hospital fluctuated. Three hospitals had relatively stable CF, and their ranges were 2.8 - 5.2, 1.2 - 2.8 and 2.2 - 6.8, respectively; two hospitals had unstable CF with ranges 0.76 - 7.0 and 2.1 - 18.7; three hospitals couldn't be calculated CF one or two times because of the significant deviation of the results from the actually bcr-abl transcript levels, and their ranges of CF which could be calculated were 1.9 - 19.2, 3.6 - 7.6 and 0.18 - 14.7; One hospital only had two CF (3.3 and 5.0) because of the replacement of an important reagent during the period of comparisons.

CONCLUSIONSComparability of bcr-abl (P210) transcript levels between different hospitals could be achieved through CF which acquired by sample exchange and comparison. The stable and reliable detection system is the premise to acquire correct CF.

Bone Marrow Cells ; China ; Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Hospitals ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction