Alterations in the balance between synthesis and degradation of extracellular matrix( ECM) and its remodeling may result in an accumulation of ECM molecules and lead to tubulointerstitial fibrosis and glomerulosclerosis and end-stage renal failure. The major physiologic regulators of ECM degradation in the glomerulus are matrix metalloproteinases ( MMP). Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-2 and-1 (TIMP-2 and TIMP-1)are endogenous inhibitors of MMP-2 and MMP-9 respectively. The expression or activity of MMP and TIMP is different in all kinds of kidney diseases or pathophysiological processes. This article reviews the interrelationship of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and kidney diseases.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic basis for a child with clinically suspected nephronophthisis (NPHP). METHODS: Peripheral blood samples of the patient and her parents were collected subjected to high-throughput sequencing. Sanger sequencing was used to verify the gene variants. RESULTS: The patient, a 7-year-old girl with congenital blindness, was admitted to a local hospital due to repeated vomiting for 7-8 days and then transferred to author's hospital due to renal failure. Her urine occult bloods (3+) and urine protein (1+) were abnormal. Her blood urea nitrogen and creatinine showed a significant progressive increase. Renal ultrasound showed a mild enlargement in bilateral renal, increased echogenicity, loss of corticomedullary differentiation, and the presence of cysts in both kidneys. No familial genetic history was found in the family of patient and the child was clinically diagnosed with nephronophthisis. The proband was found to harbor compound heterozygous variants of the CEP290 gene, namely c.2587-2A>T and c.2251C>T, which were inherited from her mother and father, respectively. Based on the ACMG guidelines, both variants were predicted to be pathogenic. CONCLUSION The patient was diagnosed with NPHP type 6 due to variants of the CEP290 gene. Above finding has provided new evidence for the genotype-phenotype correlation of this disease.

Objective To construct a native promoter-regulated Aspergillus fumigatus strain containing red fluorescent protein-labeled calmodulin (CaM-RFP),and to observe the dynamic distribution of calmodulin during the growth of Aspergillus fumigatus.Methods Bilateral flanking sequences of Aspergillus fumigatus calmodulin gene were designed,and plasmids containing the two flanking sequences and mRFP-Aspergillus fumigatus pyrG gene (mRFP-AfpyrG) were amplified separately.The final linear PCR product for transformation was generated from the above three PCR products by fusion PCR.Then,the above linear fragment was transferred into the Aspergillus fumigatus strain by protoplast transformation,so as to construct the CaM-RFP Aspergillus fumigatus strain.The monoclonal colony was picked from the screening medium and subjected to culture.Then,the stablest fluorescent monoxenic strain of Aspergillus fumigatus was selected,and the transformant was verified by PCR.The recombinant strain and wild-type stain were cultured on solid nutrient media separately,and the morphology of these strains was observed by fluorescence microscopy at different time points.Additionally,the above 2 strains were cultured in liquid media separately,and XTT assay was performed to evaluate the growth activity of strains.Microscopy was also conducted to dynamically observe the CaM-RFP Aspergillusfumigatus strain,and analyze the spatial and temporal distribution of calmodulin during the growth and development of Aspergillus fumigatus.Results The fluorescent phenotype and PCR identification results both indicated the successful construction of the CaM-RFP Aspergillus fumigatus strain.The growth activity at 24 hours did not differ between the recombinant strain and wild-type stain (A490:0.689 ± 0.081 vs.0.678 ± 0.054,t =1.32,P ＞0.05),so did the morphology.During the polarized growth of Aspergillus fumigatus,calmodulin was always at the top of the hyphae,germination site of the hyphal branch and the top of new branches.Conclusion Calmodulin may be involved in the regulation of spore germination and polar hyphal growth of Aspergillus fumigatus.

Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is the most common thyroid dysfunction, and its relationship with blood pressure (BP) has been controversial. The aim of the study was to analyze the association between SCH and newly-diagnosed hypertension. Methods: Based on data from the Thyroid disease, Iodine nutrition and Diabetes Epidemiology (TIDE) study, 49,433 euthyroid individuals and 7,719 SCH patients aged ≥18 years were enrolled. Patients with a history of hypertension or thyroid disease were excluded. SCH was determined by manufacturer reference range. Overall hypertension and stage 1 and 2 hypertension were diagnosed according to the guidelines issued by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association in 2017. Results: The prevalence of overall hypertension (48.7%), including stage 1 (28.9%) and 2 (19.8%) hypertension, increased significantly in SCH patients compared with euthyroid subjects. With elevated serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level, the hypertension prevalence also increased significantly from the euthyroid to different SCH subgroups, which was more profound in females or subjects aged <65 years. The age- and sex-specific regression analysis further demonstrated the same trends in the general population and in the 1:1 propensity matched population. Similarly, several BP components (i.e., systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial BP) were positively associated with TSH elevation, and regression analysis also confirmed that all BP components were closely related with SCH in female subjects aged <65 years. Conclusion The prevalence of hypertension increases for patients with SCH. SCH tends to be associated with hypertension and BP components in females younger than 65 years.

Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is the most common thyroid dysfunction, and its relationship with blood pressure (BP) has been controversial. The aim of the study was to analyze the association between SCH and newly-diagnosed hypertension. Methods: Based on data from the Thyroid disease, Iodine nutrition and Diabetes Epidemiology (TIDE) study, 49,433 euthyroid individuals and 7,719 SCH patients aged ≥18 years were enrolled. Patients with a history of hypertension or thyroid disease were excluded. SCH was determined by manufacturer reference range. Overall hypertension and stage 1 and 2 hypertension were diagnosed according to the guidelines issued by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association in 2017. Results: The prevalence of overall hypertension (48.7%), including stage 1 (28.9%) and 2 (19.8%) hypertension, increased significantly in SCH patients compared with euthyroid subjects. With elevated serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level, the hypertension prevalence also increased significantly from the euthyroid to different SCH subgroups, which was more profound in females or subjects aged <65 years. The age- and sex-specific regression analysis further demonstrated the same trends in the general population and in the 1:1 propensity matched population. Similarly, several BP components (i.e., systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial BP) were positively associated with TSH elevation, and regression analysis also confirmed that all BP components were closely related with SCH in female subjects aged <65 years. Conclusion The prevalence of hypertension increases for patients with SCH. SCH tends to be associated with hypertension and BP components in females younger than 65 years.

Background/Aims: Low educational attainment is a well-established risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in developed areas. However, the association between educational attainment and the risk of NAFLD is less clear in China. Methods: A cross-sectional study including over 200,000 Chinese adults across mainland China was conducted. Information on education level and lifestyle factors were obtained through standard questionnaires, while NAFLD and advanced fibrosis were diagnosed using validated formulas. Outcomes included the risk of NAFLD in the general population and high probability of fibrosis among patients with NAFLD. Logistic regression analysis was employed to estimate the risk of NAFLD and fibrosis across education levels. A causal mediation model was used to explore the potential mediators. Results: Comparing with those receiving primary school education, the multi-adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for NAFLD were 1.28 (1.16 to 1.41) for men and 0.94 (0.89 to 0.99) for women with college education after accounting for body mass index. When considering waist circumference, the odds ratios (95% CIs) were 0.94 (0.86 to 1.04) for men and 0.88 (0.80 to 0.97) for women, respectively. The proportions mediated by general and central obesity were 51.00% and 68.04% for men, while for women the proportions were 48.58% and 32.58%, respectively. Furthermore, NAFLD patients with lower educational attainment showed an incremental increased risk of advanced fibrosis in both genders. Conclusions In China, a low education level was associated with a higher risk of prevalent NAFLD in women, as well as high probability of fibrosis in both genders.