Objectives To screen the differentially expressed proteins in serum of population chronically exposed to arsenic in drinking water,thus to provide candidate protein biomarkers for arsenic exposure and arsenicosis.Methods Subjects were selected from the drinking water type of endemic arsenicosis areas in Shanxi province,China.Demographic characteristics,history of arsenic exposure,cigarette smoking,alcohol drinking,health and other information were collected using questionnaire.The subjects were divided into low-arsenic group (with arsenic in drinking water ＜ 10 μg/L),medium-arsenic group( 10 - 50 μg/L),high-arsenic group( ＞ 50 μg/L),and arsenicosis group(the drinking water with arsenic ＞ 50 μg/L was replaced by low arsenic water ＜ 10 μg/L).The number of cases in each group was 30.The arsenicosis patients were diagnosed according to “Standard of Diagnosis for Endemic Arsenism” (WS/T 211-2001 ).With the principle of informed consent,blood samples were collected.Differentially expressed serum proteins of different arsenic exposure groups and arsenicosis group were screened by two-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis(2-D DIGE),and further identified by mass spectrometry (MS).Results An average of (1299 ± 167) protein spots were identified in 6 gel images and 688 protein spots were discovered repeatedly in at least 5 gels.There were 33 protein spots differentially expressed among low-,medium- and high-arsenic groups P ＜ 0.01).Fifty four protein spots were significantly different among low-,medium-,high-arsenic exposure groups and arsenicosis group(P ＜ 0.01 ).Twenty five protein spots were selected for MS analysis,and13 protein spots were identified.Compared with low-arsenic group,the expressions of apolipoprotein A-Ⅳ,retinol binding protein,and estrogen receptor hypothalamic isoform in medium- and higharsenic exposure groups were down regulated,and the expressions of component 4A and 4B were up regulated.Compared with low-,medium- and high-arsenic groups,the expressions of beta-2-glycoprotein Ⅰ,Keratin 1,hemopexin,complement C1r subcomponent,and ficolin-3 in arsenicosis group were down regulated,and the expressions of pigment epithelial-differentiating factor,alpha-1-microglobulin and carboxypeptidase N catalytic chain were up regulated.Conclusions Chronic arsenic exposure can significantly change population's serum protein expression.Differentially expressed proteins in arsenicosis patients will not decline with the decline of arsenic in a short term.Whether or not the differentially expressed proteins identified in this study can be used as biomarkers for arsenic exposure and arsenicosis needs to be further verified.

ObjectiveTo observe the changes of fluoride content in serum,bone and urine after rats were exposed to single fluoride,single aluminum or fluoride combined with aluminum and to investigate the effects of different doses of aluminum on fluoride accumulation and excretion in rats.Methods Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 9 groups based on 3 × 3 factorial design.Different doses of fluoride(NaF,0,50,200 mg/L)and(or) aluminum(AlCl3,0,100,200 mg/L) were administered to rats in each group by drinking water.The rats took food and water ad libitum during the experimental period.After feeding for 18 weeks,rats with obvious dental fluorosis were determined as successful establishment of animal model.The fluoride content in the serum,bones and urine were measured.Results Fluoride affected the fluoride content in serum,bones and urine(F=166.74,577.81,160.96,all P ＜ 0.01 ).The interaction of fluoride and aluminum on serum,bone and urinary fluoride were statistically significant (F =7.95,5.13,6.94,all P ＜ 0.01 ).When the fluoride level was 50 mg/L,the serum fluoride contents were [ (0.08 ± 0.03) and (0.08 ± 0.02) mg/L] in the aluminum levels of 0 and 100 mg/L groups,which was higher than that of the aluminum level of 200 mg/L group[ (0.04 ± 0.01)mg/L,F=7.14,5.78.all P＜ 0.05].The bone fluoride content in the 0 mg/L aluminum level group[ (1996.53 ± 383.73) mg/kg] was higher than that of the 100 and 200 mg/L groups[(1252.51 ± 189.08),( 1160.63 ± 129.63) mg/kg,F=20.54,24.56,all P ＜ 0.01 ].When the fluoride level was 200 mg/L,the bone fluoride contents were decreased with the increasing doses of aluminum[ (4668.70 ± 887.67),(3920.30 ± 528.31 ),(3297.64 ± 396.04) mg/kg].Between any two groups,the differences were statistically significant (F =15.59,52.31,14.38,all P ＜ 0.01 ).When the fluoride level was 50 mg/L,the urinary fluoride content in the 0 mg/L aluminum level group[ (34.054 ± 9.30)mg/L] was higher than that of the 100,200 mg/L groups[( 14.81 ± 6.32),(14.67 ± 3.42) mg/L,F =25.30,24.32,all P ＜ 0.01 ].When the fluoride level was 200 mg/L,the urinary fluoride contents in the 0,100 mg/L aluminum level groups[ (57.14 ± 21.38),(51.75 ± 8.39)mg/L] were higher than that of the 200 mg/L group[(34.839 ± 9.30) mg/L,F=30.04,20.31,all P ＜ 0.01 ].ConclusionsAluminum is an antagonist of fluoride.The antagonism could be enhanced as the dose of aluminum increased.In this study,aluminum could effectively counteract the absorption of fluoride in rat model when the ratio of fluoride to aluminum is 1 ∶ 2.

OBJECTIVESTo investigate Bsm I single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of vitamin D receptor gene (VDRG) in low-risk Chinese Han population and its relationship to the susceptibility to prostate cancer (PCa), and to discuss the possible reason for the racial difference of PCa.

METHODSOne hundred and three patients with PCa and 106 normal controls, mainly from Northern Chinese Han population, were enrolled in this study. Their blood samples were obtained, all of which were genotyped for Bsm I SNP by denaturing high performance liquid chromatography(DHPLC) methods using case-control study.

RESULTSThe distribution of genotype and allele had no significant difference between PCa patients and normal controls (P > 0.05). The frequencies for the bb, Bb and BB genotypes in PCa patients and normal controls were 92.23%/94.34%, 7.77%/5.66%, and 0/0, respectively. The frequencies for B and b allele were 3.88%, 96.12% and 2.91%, 97.09%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONSThe results indicate no significant relationship between the VDRG polymorphisms and PCa in Northern Chinese Han population. The distribution of VDRG Bsm I SNP varies in different ethnic populations, which may be one reason for the racial difference of PCa.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Case-Control Studies ; China ; ethnology ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; genetics ; Receptors, Calcitriol ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo observe the specific clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture at Lingtai (GV 10) and Shendao (GV 11) on premature heartbeat.

METHODSSeventy-two cases of premature heartbeat were randomized into an observation group and a control group. In the observation group, electroacupuncture was applied at Lingtai (GV 10) and Shendao (GV 11). In the control group, electroacupuncture was applied at bilateral Xuanzhong (GB 39). The treatment was given once a day and 10 times made one session in both groups. Respectively, the dynamic electrocardiogram detection was done before treatment and after one session of treatment in each group.

RESULTSThe total effective rate was 47.1% (16/34) in the observation group and 6.5% (2/31) in the control group. The efficacy in the observation group was superior to that in the control group, presenting the statistical significant difference in comparison (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONElectroacupuncture at Lingtai (GV 10) and Shendao (GV 11) has specific clinical efficacy on premature heartbeat.

Acupuncture Points ; Aged ; Arrhythmias, Cardiac ; therapy ; Electroacupuncture ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect and mechanism of portal blood stasis on lung and renal injury induced by hepatic ischemia reperfusion.

METHODSA rabbit hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury model was established by hepatic portal occlusion and in situ hypothermic irrigation for 30 min. Twenty-four New Zealand white rabbits were employed and randomly divided into 3 groups equally by different dosage of portal blood stasis removal: group A5 (5 ml blood removal), group A10 (10 ml blood removal),and group B (no blood removal). Eight rabbits were served as controls with no hepatic portal occlusion and hypothermic irrigation. After reperfusion 4 h serum endotoxin content, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (Cr) were examined respectively, meantime lung and kidney tissues were sampled to determine the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), the pathology, and wet to dry weight ratio, broncho-alveolar lavage fluid protein content in lung tissues.

RESULTSRemoving portal blood stasis ameliorated lung and renal injury as shown by decreasing the level of serum endotoxin, TNF-alpha, BUN, Cr, wet to dry weight ratio, broncho-alveolar lavage fluid protein content, MDA, SOD. TNF-alpha, Cr, broncho-alveolar lavage fluid protein content in lung tissues and MDA in kidney tissue in group A5 were significantly reduced compared with those in group B (P < 0.05), while in lung tissue in group A10 were also markedly reduced (P < 0.05). The activation of SOD in group A5 were significantly increased (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSRemoval of portal blood stasis before the resume of splanchnic circulation may ameliorate the lung and renal injury induced by hepatic ischemia reperfusion. The possible mechanism may be that portal blood stasis removal reduces endotoxin absorption, and further decreases production of serum TNF-alpha.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Ischemia ; metabolism ; pathology ; Kidney ; metabolism ; pathology ; Liver ; blood supply ; Lung ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Portal Vein ; pathology ; Rabbits ; Random Allocation ; Reperfusion Injury ; metabolism ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the influence of the amount of portal blood stasis removal on endotoxemia and liver function after liver transplantation.

METHODSForty-seven patients who received liver transplantation from February 2006 to November 2007 were divided into 2 groups according to the amount of portal blood stasis removal during operation: group A (n = 26) 50 ml and group B (n = 21) 200 ml of portal blood stasis removal respectively. The levels of plasma endotoxin, D-lactate, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, liver function and blood coagulation were examined and analyzed.

RESULTSUnder the condition of no significant difference in sex, age, primary liver diseases and Child-pugh's classification, cold ischemic time, total operation and anhepatic time, operation methods, volume of blood loss and transfusion, and all preoperative observations. Most of observations showed the restoration of the patients in group B was better than that in group A. The plasma levels of endotoxin, D-lactate, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time in group B were significantly lower than those in group A (P < 0.05). The level of plasma prealbumin in group B was significantly higher than that in group A (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe removal of 200 ml portal blood stasis leads to a better results than that of 50 ml, and it can help alleviate endotoxemia and facilitate the restoration of the liver function after liver transplantation.

Adult ; Aged ; Bloodletting ; methods ; Endotoxemia ; prevention & control ; Female ; Humans ; Liver ; physiopathology ; Liver Transplantation ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Portal Vein ; surgery ; Postoperative Complications ; prevention & control ; Reperfusion Injury ; prevention & control

OBJECTIVETo study whether Lycium barbarum glycopeptide 3 (LBGP3) affects T cell apoptosis in aged mice.

METHODSLBGP3 was purified with DEAE cellulose and Sephadex columns. Apoptotic "sub-G1 peak" was detected by flow cytometry and DNA ladder was resolved by agarose gel electrophoresis. Levels of IFN-gamma and IL-10 were measured with specific kits and mRNA expression was detected by RT-PCR. Apoptosis-related proteins of FLIP, FasL, and Bcl-2 were determined by Western blotting.

RESULTSLBGP3 was purified from Fructus Lycii water extracts and identified as a 41 kD glycopeptide. Treatment with 200 microg/mL LBGP3 increased the apoptotic rate of T cells from aged mice and showed a similar DNA ladder pattern to that in young T cells. The reversal of apoptotic resistance was involved in down-regulating the expression of Bcl-2 and FLIP, and up-regulating the expression of FasL.

CONCLUSIONLycium barbarum glycopeptide 3 reverses apoptotic resistance of aged T cells by modulating the expression of apoptosis-related molecules.

Aging ; immunology ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Fas Ligand Protein ; immunology ; Glycopeptides ; pharmacology ; Interferon-gamma ; genetics ; immunology ; Interleukin-10 ; genetics ; immunology ; Lycium ; chemistry ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; immunology ; RNA, Messenger ; immunology ; T-Lymphocytes ; drug effects ; immunology

Objective:This paper mainly discusses the health policy of early life of pregnant women and infants in Beijing as an example,and to provide the basis for policy formulation and optimization.Methods:By using the content analysis method,149 policy texts are divided into two dimensions:policy objectives and policy instruments.The results are described by manual coding,cross analysis and trend analysis.Results:In regard to Policy Objectives,improvement of maternal and child health service levels accounts for the biggest proportion(61.7%),whereas improvement of research level accounts for the least(8.1%).In the four dimensions of policy instruments,mandatory,spontaneous,capacity-building,and incentive tools account for 90%,55%,48%and 42%respectively.According to the trend analysis,integrity of policy system has been continuously improved and the proportion of infant and child care has also increased.Both cross-analysis and trend analysis have showed the strong use of coercive and incentive tools by relevant policies;The use of spontaneous and capacity-building tools is low and decreases over time.Conclusion:Improving the level of maternal and child health services is the core concern of Beijing's early life health policy.However,relatively little attention is paid to the family,infant and child care,and scientific research construction.As for Policy Instruments,mandatory tools are widely used;Incentive Tools and Spontaneous Tools are mainly applied in well-being and soft guidance;insufficient use of Capacity-building Tools.Suggestions:In the future,the policy system should be further improved,which should be targeted and deficiency-mending.It is suggested that more resources should be increased for the family system,more attention should be paid to vulnerable groups early in life,and more financial support should be applied to scientific research on maternal and child health.

OBJECTIVEThe correlation were studied between testosterone 5-alpha-reductase II (SRD5A2) gene polymorphisms and prognosis factors.

METHODSV89L and A49T variants was identified with Mwo1 and Rsa1. The differences of V89L and A49T between cancer of prostate (CaP) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were studied. In addition, we also researched the association of polymorphisms with age of onset, free prostate specific antigen (FPSA), total PSA (TPSA), FPSA/TPSA (F/T), Gleason score, and T stage in cancer group.

RESULTSWe found no differences of V89L and A49T polymorphisms between CaP and BPH. In CaP group the A49T variant was associated with lower age of onset (P = 0.03) and higher Gleason score (P = 0.015). There were no differences between VV and VL+LL polymorphisms with any of the characteristics studied. When the characteristics above were regarded as two-level discrete variable, there were no differences by A49T and V89Lvariants.

CONCLUSIONIn CaP group, the AT+TT genotype was perhaps associated with poor prognosis. VL+LL genotype has no relation with prognosis.

3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase ; genetics ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Prognosis ; Prostate-Specific Antigen ; blood ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; genetics ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; blood ; genetics ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo discuss the clinical features and surgical treatments of giant coronary artery aneurysm (CAA).

METHODSFrom July 1996 to October 2004, 6 giant CAA patients were underwent surgery at Fuwai hospital. Three cases were underwent CAA resection, 2 concomitant coronary bypass, 3 reconstruction. The giant CAA was often combined with other cardiac diseases. Four cases underwent additional procedures of fistula closure, 3 aortic valve replacements, 2 aortoplasty and 1 thrombus cleaning at the same time.

RESULTSAll patients recovered uneventfully. The mean of cardiopulmonary bypass time was (144 +/- 26) min (range 67 to 207 min). Aortic cross clamping time was (104 +/- 21) min (range 56 to 172 min). Patients follow-up time occurred from 8 to 87 months (mean of 48 months). All patients were free of symptoms during follow-up. None of the patients died during the follow-up period and none of the CAA recurred.

CONCLUSIONSThe giant CAA is a serious cardiovascular disease, early diagnosis and surgical treatment are mandatory.

Adult ; Coronary Aneurysm ; pathology ; surgery ; Coronary Artery Bypass ; Coronary Vessels ; pathology ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Surgical Procedures, Operative ; methods ; Treatment Outcome