The morbility of bronchial asthma is gradually increasing year by year all over the world. Numerous studies have demonstrated that bronchial asthma is close related with immunoregulation. Vitamin D3 is involved to immune regulatory mechanisms in bronchial asthma, including regulating cytokine, Treg, matrix metalloproteinases-9. Considering the influence of vitamin D3 on the immune regulatory of bronchial asthma, it is provided a theory evidence that vitamin D can be used in the treatment of bronchial asthma effectivly and a novel method of immune treatment for children with bronchial asthma eventually.

Objective To investigate the effects of allogenic intra-bone marrow bone marrow transplantation (IBM-BMT) on re-establishing hematopoiesis in mice. Methods Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMNCs) from BALB/ c mice were transplanted into the C57BL/6 mice treated with a lethal dose of ~(60)Coγ-ray radiation through intra-bone marrow injection or intravenous injection. Sixty of the C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups as higher dose intra-bone marrow injection group (IBM1 group), lower dose intra-bone marrow injection group (IBM2 group) and intravenous injection group (IV group). The nucleated cell numbers of whole bone marrow from the tibia of each recipient mouse were counted respectively at the day 1, day 3, day 6 and day 9 after the transplantation. The donor-derived total nucleated cells and myeloid cells were quantified by flow cytometry. Results At 6th day after transplantation, more total bone marrow nucleated cells, total donor-derived nucleated cells and donor-derived myeloid cells in the tibia of injected side in both IBM1 group and IBM2 group were found than that in IV group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion Compared with traditional bone marrow transplantation (IV-BMT),IBM-BMT improves the bone marrow hematopoiesis in the early hematopoietic re-establishing stage in allogenic bone marrow transplantation.

To investigate whether human umbilical cord plasma (HUP) can be used to culture human cord blood mesenchymal stem cells (HUCMSCs), we collected 20 surplus HUP. After being treated with salting out and diasysis, the HUP were used to culture HUCMSCs as 10% volume, and compared with fetal bovine serum (FBS). Morphological characteristics, growth curve and reproductive activity of HUCMSCs cells were observed. The concentration of bFGF and noggin secreted by HUCMSCs cultured with HUP and FBS medium were detected by ELISA. It was found that compared to FBS, the morphology, reproductive activity and characteristic of HUCMSCs cell cultured with HUP were not distinctively different from FBS. The concentration of bFGF in HUP group was significantly higher than that of FBS group, and the concentration of noggin was also different in the two groups. So we concluded that HUP could be used to culture HUCMSCs for a long-time, and the HUP mediumcoild could be more suitable for the culture of human embryonic stem cell (hESC).
Animals ; Cattle ; Cell Culture Techniques ; Cells, Cultured ; Culture Media ; chemistry ; Fetal Blood ; chemistry ; Humans ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; Plasma ; chemistry ; Serum ; chemistry

AIM: To explore the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms of promoter G~ -597 -A, G~ -572 -C, G~ -174 -C and T~ 15 -A, C~ 132 -T in exon 5 of interleukin 6 and lumbar intervebral disc disease. METHODS: The single nucleotide polymorphisms of interleukin 6 gene, including polymorphisms of G~ -597 -A, G~ -572 -C in promoter, G~ -174 -C and T~ 15 -A, C~ 132 -T in exon 5 were analyzed by the polymerase chain reaction and sequencing methods in 81 cases with lumbar intervebral disc disease and 101 healthy controls. The association of single nucleotide polymorphisms of interleukin 6 gene with lumbar intervebral disc disease in two groups was measured. The association of single nucleotide polymorphisms of interleukin 6 gene with lumbar intervebral disc degeneration in those younger than 45-year-old were also measured. RESULTS: The G~ -572 -C polymorphism of interleukin 6 gene was observed, but no single nucleotide polymorphism of G~ -597 -A, G~ -174 -C in promoter and T~ 15 -A, C~ 132 -T in exon 5 in two groups was detected. There was no difference between the distribution of the G~ -572 -C polymorphism of interleukin 6 gene in two groups. In those younger than 45-year-old the association of the single nucleotide polymorphism of interlukin-6 gene and lumbar intervebral disc degeneration was not significant. CONCLUSION: There is G~ -572 -C polymorphism in Chinese. No relation between G~ -572 -C polymorphism of interleukin 6 with lumbar intervebral disc disease and lumbar intervebral disc degeneration was observed.

BACKGROUND: Different derivatives of chitosan with different molecular weights or degrees of deacetylation show different anti-tumor effects.OBJECTIVE: To study the inhibition effect of water-soluble chitosan and its derivatives, such as sulfonated chitosan, carboxymethyl chitosan and chitooligosaccharides for the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cell line SMMC7721.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: Controlled experiments based on observation were carried out in Jiangxi Institute of Digestive Disease (Nanchang, Jiangxi, China) from January 2004 to December 2006.MATERIALS: Hepatoma cell line SMMC7721 was provided by Jiangxi Institute of Digestive Disease (China). 85.5% deacetylated chitooligosaccharides and 85% deacetylated water-soluble chitosan were produced by Jinan Haidebei Ocean Biological Engineering Co., Ltd (China); Carboxymethyl chitosan and 88.5% deacetylated chitosan were the products of Shanghai Qisheng Biological Products Co., Ltd (China).METHODS: Sulfonated chitosan was prepared using 88.5% deacetylated chitosan and chlorosulfonic acid-formamide, and then was detected with infrared spectroscopy in the Detection Analysis and Test Center, East China University of Science and Technology. SMMC7721 cells in the log phase were inoculated into 96-well culture plates, which were then added with water-soluble chitosan, sulfonated chitosan, carboxymethyl chitosan and chitooligosaccharides with the final concentrations of 25, 50, 100, 200, 400 and 800mg/L. This test was repeated for 3 times, while the control group was also set each time. After 72 hours of routine culture, MTT solution was added into each well and inoculated for another 4 hours. After the culture was terminated, dimethyl sulfoxid was added. The absorbance value of each well was measured at 490nm wavelength on a microplate reader. Three tests were measured to obtain the mean value. Also the inhibition rate was calculated.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Growth inhibition effect of chitosan and its derivatives on the hepatoma cell line SMMC7721.RESULTS: Among the chitosan and its derivates at four kinds of concentrations, water-soluble chitosan and sulfonated chitosan could significantly inhibit the growth of SMMC7721 cells (P<0.001), and the effect was the most significant in the case of sulfonated chitosan. Treatment with water-soluble chitosan and sulfonated chitosan at the concentration of 50mg/L could inhibit the growth of SMMC7721 cells in a dose-dependent manner, and reached a peak at the concentration of 400mg/L and 800mg/L, respectively. Carboxymethyl chitosan and chitooligosaccharides showed no growth inhibition effect (P>0.05).CONCLUSION: Water-soluble chitosan and sulfonated chitosan have significant antigrowth effects on hepatoma carcinoma cells, while carboxymethyl chitosan and chitooligosaccharides are ineffective.

Objective To explore the regulation and effect factors of arsenic expose and arsenic methylation level, then to provide a reference for study the function of arsenic metabolism in a arsenic poisoning process. Methods A meta-analysis was performed by two researchers. Twenty-five papers satisfying our priori eligibility criteria were included by searching Cochrane library, Pubmed, Springer, Embase and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Based on the results of heterogeneity, a random or fixed effects model was chosen for the meta-analysis. Results The results showed that the following arsenic metabolites increased (all P<0.01) following arsenic exposure: inorganic arsenic [iAs; standardized mean difference (SMD): 1.07; 95% confidence interval (CI):0.61 - 1.53)], monomethyl arsenic (MMA; SMD: 1.10; 95% CI: 0.81 - 1.40), dimethyl arsenic (DMA; SMD: 2.50;95%CI:1.50-3.69), and total arsenic (TAs, SMD:3.10;95%CI:2.13-4.07). Additionally, the percentages of iAs (iAs%; SMD: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.60 - 1.40) and MMA (MMA%; SMD: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.21 - 0.77) also increased, while the percentage of DMA (DMA%; SMD: - 0.55; 95% CI: - 0.80 - - 0.31) decreased (P<0.01). The primary methylation index (PMI; SMD: - 0.57; 95% CI: - 0.94 - - 0.20), and secondary methylation index (SMI;SMD: - 0.27; 95% CI: - 0.46 - - 0.09) decreased (all P< 0.01). Compared to female, male had higher MMA%(SMD:0.44;95%CI:0.35-0.52), lower DMA%(SMD:-0.33;95%CI:-0.38--0.28) and SMI (SMD:-0.36;95%CI:-0.53--0.19). The smoker had higher MMA%(SMD: 0.22; 95%CI: 0.07 - 0.37) and lower DMA%(SMD:-0.16;95%CI: - 0.26 - - 0.05). The drinker had higher MMA% (SMD: 0.17; 95% CI: 0.07 - 0.27) and lower DMA%(SMD:-0.24;95%CI:-0.39--0.10). The older people had higher MMA%(SMD:-0.23;95%CI:-0.40--0.06). In addition, the body mass index may influence the percentages of MMA (SMD: - 0.18; 95% CI: - 0.31 - - 0.04, P < 0.01). Conclusion Arsenic exposure, smoking, drinking, and older age can reduce the capacity of arsenic methylation. Arsenic methylation is more efficient in women than in men.

Objective To is ol ate novel thyroid hormone-response genes, to study the characterizations of the ir expressions and to predict their possible functions in neonatal rats. Methods A neonatal rat model with congenital hypothyr oidism was established and cDNA fragments of novel thyroid hormone-response gen es from cerebral cortex of neonatal rats were obtained by fluorescence-labeled DD-PCR analysis, subcloning and sequencing. Complete cDNAs of novel thyroid hor mone-response genes were cloned by the techniques of electronic clone, RT-PCR and sequencing, their expressions regulated by thyroid hormone were confirmed b y Northern blot analysis, their distributions, transcription levels in different tissues and different brain areas were further observed by semiquantitative RT -PCR analysis, and their possible functions were postulated through bioinformat ic techniques. Results A novel complete cDNA of thyroid hormone-response protein-1 (TRP-1) gene is cloned. It is 973 bp in f ull-length (Gene Bank accession no. AF348365), and its transcription was enhanc ed in cerebral cortex in neonatal hypothyroidism rats. The expression of its mRN A was very extensive, but more abundant in brain. Its transcriptional level in d ifferent brain areas was not uniform, much higher in olfactory bulb. Its encodin g protein had some significant domains and motifs. Conclusion TRP-1 gene is a new thyroid hormone-response gene and may play an important role during normal brain development. Its abnormal expression may b e partially responsible for neurological defects in brain arising from thyroid h ormone deficiency during critical period for perinatal rats.

Objective To evaluate the acute effects of mirtazapine on sleep polysomnographic variables in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) using polysomnography (PSG). Methods Twenty-five MDD patients took mirtazapine 15 mg an hour before bedtime during the first three days and then 30 mg during the following four days. Polysomnographic and clinical data were collected at baseline and on the 7th day. Results The scores on the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS,7.92±3.86,t=10.255,P=0.000), the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA,6.84±5.57,t=6.137, P=0.000) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17,9.80±4.41,t=12.132,P =0.000) decreased rapidly after a 7-day medication. PSG showed mirtazapine administration significantly increased the total sleep time (402.46±80.75,t=-2.990,P=0.006), the sleep efficiency (76.17%±10.65%,t=-2.750,P=0.011), and the slow wave sleep percentages(19.66%±11.43%,t=3.236, P=0.004) and decreased the wake time after sleep onset (80.38±48.02,t=2.972,P =0.007). However, there was no significant difference in the sleep latency, the number of awakening, the rapid eye movemert (REM) sleep latency, the ratio of REM sleep and the frequency of REM sleep episode. Conclusion Mirtazapine as monotherapy in the treatment of MDD has relieved depressive symptoms rapidly and significantly, increased the total sleep time, the sleep efficiency and the slow wave sleep percentages thus to achieve better sleep quality.

Objective To investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of diabetes mellitus in populations of Hans and Kazaks in Xinjiang. Methods A total of 7 299 Hans and Kazaks adults from Shihezi, Xinyuan County of Yining city, and Shawan town of Tacheng City were surveyed. The data were collected according to questionnaire and physical examination and laboratory test. Results The prevalence rates of diabetes mellitus for male, female and all subjects were 8. 14% , 7. 77% , 7. 93% (Hans), and 7. 41% , 4. 90% , 5. 89% (Kazaks), respectively in Hans and Kazaks, Standardized rates were 6. 40% , 7. 06% , 6. 66% (Hans), and 5. 87% , 4. 60% , 5. 28% ( Kazaks), respectively . The prevalence rates of impaired fasting glucose( IFG) were 9. 54% , 8. 08% , 8. 70% ( Hans), and 12. 18% , 8. 62% , 10. 03% ( Kazaks), respectively. Standardized rates were 7. 04% , 7. 23% , 8. 54% ( Hans), and 10. 12% , 8. 09% , 9. 31% ( Kazaks), respectively. Old age, hypertension, dyslipidemia, overweight and obesity, and central obesity were risk factors for diabetes mellitus. Conclusion The prevalence rates of diabetes mellitus and IFG in Hans and Kazaks are higher than those in ethnic minorities in other region. Primary or secondary prevention should be implemented in time.

Objective To investigate the effect of haplotype and linkage disequilibrium of PPARγgene rs3856806, rs12490265, rs1797912, and rs1175543 in patients with metabolic syndrome ( MS) in Kazakhs of Xinjiang.Methods MALDI-TOF-MS was used to detect PPARγgene rs3856806, rs12490265, rs1797912, and rs1175543 genotypes in 489 subjects ( including 245 MS and 244 controls ) .Results ( 1 ) The frequencies of rs3856806T, rs12490265A, rs1797912C and rs1175543G alleles for MS group in Kazakhs were all significantly lower than those for controls [ rs3856806T allele:12.53% vs 17.01%; rs12490265A allele: 31.84% vs 38.52%;rs1797912C allele:35.31%vs 43.24%;rs1175543G allele:40.61%vs 47.54%(all P<0.05)].(2)Significant linkage disequilibrium were observed between PPARγgene rs1797912 and rs1175543, rs12490265, and rs1175543 polymorphisms.(3)AGCC and GAAT were significantly different between MS and control group in Kazakhs(both P<0.05).(4) Carrying rs3856806T, rs12490265A, rs1797912C, rs1175543G was 0.267 times that of carrying rs3856806C, rs12490265G, rs1797912A, rs1175543A.Conclusions The PPARγgene rs3856806, rs12490265, rs1797912 and rs1175543 polymorphisms were associated with metabolic syndrome in Kazakhs.There were very strong linkage disequilibrium between PPARγgene rs1797912 and rs1175543, rs12490265 and rs1175543 polymorphisms, The AGCC haplotype and GAAT haplotype may serve as protective factors of metabolic syndrome.Carrying rs3856806T, rs12490265A, rs1797912C, and rs1175543G may confer lower risk of MS in Kazakhs.