Child, Preschool ; Chondromatosis, Synovial ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Diagnostic Errors ; Female ; Humans ; Tibial Fractures ; diagnosis ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

This study was purposed to investigate the intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) gene K469E (A/G) (rs5498) and K56M (A/T) (rs5491) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1) levels in plasma in three Chinese populations of Yugur, Tibetan and Han nationalities, to analyze comparatively the genotypes and allele frequencies distribution in different ethnic groups, and to explore the effects of ICAM-1 K469E and K56M polymorphism and sICAM-1 levels in plasma. EDTA-anticoagulant venous blood from Yugur(327 cases), Tibetan (400 cases) and Han (126 cases) people was collected, the DNA was extracted by using whole blood genomic DNA extraction kit, DNA SNP were analyzed by PCR-RFLP, genotype was judged by gel scan imaging system after agarose gel electrophoresis, the gene sequence was determined and the distribution of ICAM-1 genotypes and allele frequencies were compared among different ethnic groups, besides, the group representativeness was tested via the Hardy-Weinberg genetic equilibrium. Finally, the human sICAM-1 plasma levels were detected by using human ICAM-1 ELISA kit. The results showed that DNA sequencing result was consistent with PCR-RFLP analysis. In Yugur, Tibetan and Han nationalities, the KK, KE and EE three genotypes at ICAM-1 K469E gene locus were detected, the genotype distribution was not statistically significantly different, while the K, E allele frequency distribution was statistically significantly different (P < 0.05). Both of genotype and allele frequency distribution between Yugur, Tibetan and Han nationalities were statistically significantly different (P < 0.05). In K56M site only KK, KM two genotypes were detected, but the MM genotype was not detected in the three ethnic groups; the difference of two genotypes and K, M allele frequencies between Yugur and Han population was statistically significantly different (P < 0.05). Among three ethnic groups, the sex ratio and age distribution of K469E, K56M genotypes and allele frequencies of ICAM-1 gene were not significantly different, and distribution was in accordance with Hardy-Weinberg genetic equilibrium (P > 0.05). The plasma sICAM-1 level at ICAM-1 K469E allele locus in K individuals [(253 ± 122), (185 ± 97) µg/L] was higher than that at non-K allele [(145 ± 110) µg/L, P < 0.01]; the plasma sICAM-1 level of ICAM-1 K56M sites with KK genotype [(253 ± 122) µg/L] was higher than that of the KM genotypes [(168 ± 103) µg/L, P < 0.01]. In Yugur and Tibetan groups, the plasma sICAM-1 levels [(224 ± 80), (214 ± 111) µg/L] were higher than that in the Han group [(175 ± 125)µg/L, P < 0.05]. Pairwise comparison indicated that the plasma sICAM-1 levels between Yugur and Han group were statistically significantly different (P < 0.01), that was significantly different between Tibetan and Han group (P < 0.05). It is concluded that in Yugur, Tibetan and Han population, the genotypes and gene frequencies of two amino acid sites K469E and K56M in ICAM-1 were KK/KE-type, KK-type and K allele, moreover, the ratio of them in Yugur and Tibetan group was higher than that in Han, while there is not significant difference in sex ratio and age distribution, therefore, ICAM-1 genotype and allele frequency distribution in this study had ethnic representativeness. ICAM-1 gene K469E and K56M polymorphisms were likely to affect the plasma sICAM-1 expression level. K469E gene K allele may be a genetic risk factor, while K56M gene M allele a may be genetic protective factor for some diseases.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Ethnic Groups ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; Humans ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; blood ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Plasma ; metabolism ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Young Adult

The aim of this study was to investigate the similarities and differences of A1381T (rs216311) and -1793G/C (rs7966230) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in Chinese Yugur, Tibetan, and Han nationalities and their influence on plasma vWF concentration in order to explore the sensitivity of these 3 nationalities to vWF-related diseases. Peripheral venous blood was obtained from 322 Yugur, 399 Tibetan, and 120 Han healthy people. The DNA were then extracted. vWF gene A1381T and -1793G/C polymorphisms were analyzed by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and sequenced when it was necessary. The vWF:Ag level in plasma was determined by ELISA. The results showed that the genotype distribution of vWF gene at both A1381T and -1793G/C loci in Yugur, Tibetan and Han nationalities was different with statistically significance (P < 0.05). GG genotype of A1381T locus accounted for 69.9% in Yugur nationality, which was much higher than 56.6% and 53.3% in Tibetan and Han nationalities respectively(P < 0.01); AA genotype of A1381T locus expressed a low level of vWF in plasma. For the -1793G/C locus, the proportion of CG genotype in Yugur was much higher than that in Han, CC genotype expressed a high level of vWF in plasma. The plasma vWF levels with different nationalities and the polymorphism of vWF gene were significantly different. It is concluded that the polymorphisms of vWF gene at both A1381T and -1793G/C loci in Yugur, Tibetan and Han are significantly different; the polymorphism of vWF gene influences the plasma vWF level; the plasma vWF levels in Yugur and Tibetan are significantly higher than that in Han, which may be associated with the living environment and habits.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; China ; Ethnic Groups ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Plasma ; chemistry ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Young Adult ; von Willebrand Factor ; genetics ; metabolism

BACKGROUNDHyperparathyroidism (HPT) occurs at an early age and has a high disability rate. Unfortunately, confirmed diagnosis in most patients is done at a very late stage, when the patients have shown typical symptoms and signs, and when treatment does not produce any desirable effect. It has become urgent to find a method that would detect early bone diseases in HPT to obtain time for the ideal treatment. This study evaluated the accuracy of high field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combined with spiral computed tomography (SCT) scan in detecting early bone diseases in HPT, through imaging techniques and histopathological examinations on an animal model of HPT.

METHODSEighty adult rabbits were randomly divided into two groups with forty in each. The control group was fed normal diet (Ca:P = 1:0.7); the experimental group was fed high phosphate diet (Ca:P = 1:7) for 3, 4, 5, or 6-month intervals to establish the animal model of HPT. The staging and imaging findings of the early bone diseases in HPT were determined by high field MRI and SCT scan at the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th month. Each rabbit was sacrificed after high field MRI and SCT scan, and the parathyroid and bones were removed for pathological examination to evaluate the accuracy of imaging diagnosis.

RESULTSParathyroid histopathological studies revealed hyperplasia, osteoporosis and early cortical bone resorption. The bone diseases in HPT displayed different levels of low signal intensity on T(1)WI and low to intermediate signal intensity on T(2)WI in bone of stage 0, I, II or III, but showed correspondingly absent, probable, osteoporotic and subperiosteal cortical resorption on SCT scan.

CONCLUSIONHigh field MRI combined with SCT scan not only detects early bone diseases in HPT, but also indicates staging, and might be a reliable method of studying early bone diseases in HPT.

Animals ; Bone Diseases ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Calcium ; blood ; Female ; Hyperparathyroidism ; complications ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Male ; Osteoporosis ; diagnosis ; Phosphorus ; blood ; Rabbits ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; methods

OBJECTIVETo sum up causes and the prevention of complications after using the radio frequency ablation (RFA) to treat of primary and secondary liver cancers.

METHODSThe clinical courses of 735 patients, undergoing percutaneous RFA treatment for a total of 1780 times were reviewed. The causes of the complications occurring after the RFA treatment, and their prevention and treatment were evaluated.

RESULTSEleven complications after RFA treatment were found. Postoperative fever, sweating, and local pain were common. Serious complications, such as gut perforation, intraabdominal hemorrhage, and cardiovascular accident were found in 4 patients, and the mortality was 75%.

CONCLUSIONSThe RFA treatment is an effective method for the treatment of primary and secondary liver tumor. Careful selection of patients, appropriate preoperative preparations, proper operative procedures, and suitable postoperative care are the key points in preventing the complications.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; secondary ; surgery ; Catheter Ablation ; adverse effects ; Female ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; secondary ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged

BACKGROUNDArterial stiffness increases with age and is also associated with traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Little is known about the relations of homocysteine and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) to arterial stiffness in the Chinese community. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of plasma homocysteine and hs-CRP levels with arterial stiffness in a community-based cohort.

METHODSWe related levels of homocysteine and hs-CRP to four measures of arterial stiffness (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), carotid-radial PWV, carotid-ankle PWV and heart rate corrected augmentation index) in 1680 participants from two communities of Beijing, China. Arterial stiffness was measured within two days of the time of biomarker measurement.

RESULTSIn univariate analysis, homocysteine was positively associated with the carotid-femoral PWV (r = 0.211, P < 0.0001), carotid-radial PWV (r = 0.120, P < 0.0001) and carotid-ankle PWV (r = 0.148, P < 0.0001), whereas it was inversely related to the augmentation index (r = -0.052, P = 0.016). Hs-CRP was positively associated with the carotid-femoral PWV (r = 0.074, P = 0.001) and carotid-ankle PWV (r = 0.050, P = 0.02). In multiple-adjusted models (R(2) = 0.57), homocysteine levels remained a significant determinant of the carotid-femoral PWV (standardized β = 0.065, P = 0.007), whereas the association of hs-CRP with measurements of arterial stiffness was not present.

CONCLUSIONSIn the Chinese population, plasma homocysteine levels are associated with alterations of aortic stiffness, whereas plasma levels of hs-CRP are not independently related to artery stiffening.

Aged ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; C-Reactive Protein ; metabolism ; China ; epidemiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Homocysteine ; blood ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Vascular Stiffness ; physiology

To investigate the cell-killing effect and its possible mechanism of rClone30-hDR5 in combination with TRAIL on human hepatic carcinoma (HCC) cell line, first of all, recombinant plasmid pee12.4-hDR5 was introduced into HepG2 cells by liposome transfection. After five rounds of screening by flow cytometry, HepG2 cells expressing high levels of DR5 on cell surface were isolated. The cytotoxicity of TRAIL to selected cells was higher than that of TRAIL to HepG2 cells by MTT method (P < 0.01). The result suggested that the cloned hDR5 gene had biological activity. MTT assay showed that, rClone30- hDR5 in combination with TRAIL more efficiently inhibited the tumor growth of HepG2 cells compared to rClone30-hDR5 or TRAIL in vitro. The results of Annexin V-FITC/PI staining and Quantitative Real-time PCR indicated that rClone30-hDR5 in combination with TRAIL significantly increased the mRNA levels of caspase 3 and caspase 8, and induced the apoptosis of tumor cells. HepG2 cells were infected with rClone30-hDR5 or rClone30 at MOI of 1. The expression of hDR5 on tumor surface increased significantly by rClone30-hDR5 compared to that by rClone30, which contributed to the sensitivity to TRAIL. In conclusion, rClone30-hDR5 in combination with TRAIL has potential application value in cancer treatment.
Apoptosis ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; pathology ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Caspase 8 ; metabolism ; Drug Synergism ; Hep G2 Cells ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; pathology ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Receptors, TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand ; pharmacology ; TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand ; pharmacology ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo investigate the correlation of the testis volume and reproductive hormone level with the results of testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) in non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients, and to explore the cut-off value of the testis volume and reproductive hormone level in predicting the results of TESA so as to provide reliable information for the diagnosis and treatment of NOA.

METHODSWe enlisted 121 NOA patients in this study, divided them into a sperm group and a non-sperm group based on the results of TESA, and measured their testis volumes and reproductive hormone levels.

RESULTSThe left testis volume, the right testis volume, and the levels of prolactin (PRL), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), estradiol (E2) and total testosterone (T) in the non-sperm and sperm groups were (7.07 +/- 1.06) ml vs (11.75 +/- 1.38) ml, (7.37 +/- 1.37) ml vs (11.70 +/- 1.98) ml, (12.43 +/- 11.69) ng/ml vs (9.60 +/- 4.55) ng/ml, (15.77 +/- 10.84) mIU/ml vs (8.01 +/- 7.43) mIU/ml, (6.12 +/- 2.92) mIU/ml vs (8.11 +/- 20.11) mIU/ml, (119.36 +/- 43.52) pmol/L vs (141.12 +/- 48.33) pmol/L, and (11.43 +/- 4.05) nmol/L vs (12.46 +/- 4.60) nmol/L, respectively. The mean levels of serum FSH and PRL were significantly higher in the non-sperm than in the sperm group. Although the mean testis volume of the former was less than that of the latter, there were no significant differences between the two groups, and nor were any significant differences in age and the levels of E2 and T. The cut-off value of the testis volume was 9 ml, with sensitivity of 93.8%/89.6% (left/right) and specificity of 100%/94.3% (left/right). The area under curve (AUC) of the left testis volume was 0.984 and that of the right was 0.961, indicating a high diagnostic accuracy. The cut-off value of the serum FSH level was 8.18 mIU/ml, with a sensitivity of 71.2% and a specificity of 75.0%. The AUC of the FSH level was 0.743, suggestive of a moderate diagnostic accuracy.

CONCLUSIONThe testis volume and FSH level are important for predicting the TESA results of NOA patients, and the former has even a higher diagnostic accuracy than the latter.

Adult ; Azoospermia ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone ; analysis ; Humans ; Luteinizing Hormone ; analysis ; Male ; Organ Size ; Sperm Retrieval ; Testis ; anatomy & histology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the association between vasectomy and prostate cancer.

METHODSWe searched comprehensively the databases, CBMDisc, CMCC, CMAC, CNKI (from 1978 to January 6, 2009), and PubMed (from 1965 to January 6, 2009) using the key words "vasectomy" and "prostate cancer", screened the retrieved literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, performed a Meta-analysis with the software RevMan 4.2 after identification of the relevant data, and calculated the overall pooled OR (95% CI) as well as that of the association of prostate cancer with <20 and > or =20 yr vasectomy.

RESULTSA total of 20 088 cases and 232 506 controls in 27 reports (7 cohort and 20 case-control studies) were included in this investigation. The overall pooled OR (95% CI) was 1.10 (0.97-1.24), and those of <20 and > or =20 yr vasectomy were 0.94 (0.83-1.06) and 1.05 (0.90-1.23), respectively.

CONCLUSIONNo existing literature show any positive association between vasectomy and prostate cancer.

Humans ; Male ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Risk Factors ; Vasectomy ; adverse effects

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship of seminal plasma levocarnitine with sperm concentration, vitality and motility.

METHODSEnrolled in this study were 64 infertile men, who were divided according to the results of routine sperm tests into a normozoospermia (n = 12), an oligozoospermia (n = 16), an asthenozoospermia (n = 20) and an oligoasthenozoospermia group (n = 16). The level of seminal plasma levocarnitine was detected by LC-MS-MS, the concentration of seminal plasma testosterone measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay, the correlation of seminal plasma levocarnitine with sperm concentration, motility and vitality determined by bivariate correlation analysis with SPSS15.0, and so was the correlation between the carnitine and sperm concentration by partial correlation analysis with seminal plasma testosterone as a control variable to exclude the influence of testosterone.

RESULTSThe concentrations of total seminal plasma levocarnitine, free seminal plasma levocarnitine and seminal plasma acetolevocarnitine were (91.33 +/- 40.49) mg/L, (40.89 +/- 24.13) mg/L and (50.44 +/- 21.90) mg/L; the Pearson coefficients of correlation of the levocarnitine level with sperm motility, vitality and concentration were 0.161 (P = 0.235), 0.114 (P = 0.370) and 0.637 (P < 0.001), those of free seminal carnitine with sperm motility and vitality were 0.325 (P = 0.024) and 0.316 (P = 0.029), respectively, with the oligozoospermia group excluded, and that of partial correlation between the concentrations of seminal levocarnitine and sperm was 0.641 (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONThe level of seminal plasma levocarnitine is positively correlated with sperm motility and vitality, and more significantly with sperm concentration.

Adult ; Carnitine ; analysis ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; physiopathology ; Male ; Semen ; chemistry ; cytology ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility ; physiology ; Spermatozoa ; cytology ; physiology ; Young Adult