Objective To reproduce a simple and practicable animal model of rheumatoid arthritis(RA)for evaluating the therapeutic effects of recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist(rhIL-1Ra).Methods The animal model of RA was reproduced in Wistar rats by intradermic injection of an admixture of bovine type Ⅱcollagen and Freund's complete adjuvant on the foot pad,tail,and back of the rats and the injections were repeated 7 days later.Results Two weeks after the second injection,all the extremities were markedly swollen.The diameter of ankle joints,the level of TNF-? in serum,and the size of the paws were increased obviously.There was destruction and absorption of the bone trabeculae of distal end of the tibia.There was also necrosis and fibrosis of cartilage of the joints.The articular space was narrowed.Thus RA model was successfully reproduced in rat.Conclusion Bovine type Ⅱcollagen and Freund's complete adjuvant were a favorable agent for the reproduction of RA model in rats.

Objective To investigate the clinical effect and to summarize the experience of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of spleen together with splenic artery balloon block in treating hypersplenism due to cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Methods Under the situation of splenic artery occlusion with balloon, RFA of the spleen was performed in 15 patients with hypersplenism caused by cirrhosis and portal hypertension. The mean duration of RFA was (46.4±5.4) min. Routine blood tests were conducted at 3 days, one week, one, 3 and 6 months after the treatment, and abdominal CT angiography was performed one month after RFA. The results were analyzed. Results One patient developed massive bloody pleural effusion at left thorax three days after RFA, which was improved after hemostasis and thoracic drainage. No severe complications occurred in other patients. Abdominal CT angiography performed one month after RFA showed that the ablated extent by RFA was accounted for about 34.3%-71.8% proportion of the spleen, with a mean of (56.20 ±13.09)%. Preoperative blood tests indicated that the count of white blood cells, red blood corpuscles and blood platelets was (3.88±1.75)×109/L, (4.06±0.37) × 1012/L and (48.14± 11.33)×109/L, respectively. One month after RFA the count of white blood cells and blood platelets increased to (5.62±1.61) ×109/L and (132.29±33.20) ×109/L respectively. When compared with the preoperative data, the differences in the count of white blood cells and blood platelets were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion For the treatment of hypersplenism due to cirrhosis and portal hypertension, percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of spleen together with splenic artery balloon block is quite safe and this technique has satisfactory short-term effect.

Objective To identify gene mutations and explore the molecular mechanism of a pedigree with inherited coagulation F Ⅶ deficiency. Methods The levels of F Ⅶ: Ag in the proband and other family members were measured by ELISA assay. The values of PT, F Ⅶ: C and other coagulant parameters were determined by one-stage clotting for laboratory phenotype diagnosis. All the exons,exon-intron boundaries and 5',3' untranslated sequences of F7 gene were amplified by direct sequencing. The detected mutations were further confirmed by sequencing the other stand. The CLC Protein Workbench software was used to analyze the species conservation of the mutated site and the protein secondary structure. 100 healthy individuals were selected to exclude gene polymorphism. Results PT, FⅦ∶C and FⅦ: Ag in the proband and his sister were abnormal, which were 36. 3 s, 5.0%, 40. 7% and 33.4 s,5. 0%, 37.4%, respectively. Both PT and FⅦ∶C in the proband's father, mother, daughter and niece were slightly abnormal, which were 14.9 s, 14. 6 s, 15.5 s, 14. 6 s and 70%, 85%, 59%, 79%, respectively.The heterozygous mutations c. 784T ＞ C and c. 964T ＞ G in exon 8 of F7 gene were found in the proband,resulting in the substitutions of Ser269Pro and Cys329Gly respectively. Compound heterozygous mutations c. 784T ＞ C and c. 964T ＞ G were found in the proband's sister. The proband's mother was heterozygous for c. 784T ＞ C. His father, daughter and niece were heterozygous for c. 964T ＞ G. The protein biological characteristics analysis revealed that the Cys329Gly caused the change of spatial configuration, and Ser269Pro led to the change of amino acid polarity and hydrophobicity. Conclusion Compound heterozygous mutations of Cys329Gly and Ser269 Pro in F7 gene may be the underlying molecule mechanism of FⅦ deficiency in this pedigree.

Objective To study the relationship between the valine/leucine247 (817G/T) polymorphism in exon 7 of apolipoprotein H (apoH) gene and the generation of antiphospholipid (APL)antibodies in patients of Han nationality with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Wenzhou region.Methods This study included 165 patients with SLE and 160 healthy controls of Han nationality in Wenzhou region.Venous blood samples were obtained from all of the subjects followed by the isolation of blood plasma,sera and white blood cells.PCR and DNA sequencing were carried out to assess the Leu/Va1247 polymorphism in apoH gene.Lupus anticoagulant (LAC) was detected by Russell viper venom time (RVVT) assay.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was carried out to quantify the serum levels of anti-β2-glycoprotein Ⅰ (GPI) antibodies and anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA).Chi-square test was carried out to compare the 817G/T polymorphism between the patients and controls,and Logistic regression analysis to evaluate the correlation between the 817G/T polymorphism and production of antiphospholipid antibodies.Results There were significant differences between the patients and controls in the genotype distribution and allele frequency at position 817 of apoH gene (both P ＜ 0.01).The TT,GT genotypes and T allele were more frequent,while GG genotype and G allele were less frequent,in the patients than in the controls.The GT genotype at position 817 was a risk factor for the production of LAC (P＜ 0.05,OR =2.33,95％CI =1.18-4.59),anti-β2GPl antibodies(P＜ 0.01,OR =5.92,95％CI =2.61-13.46) and ACA(P＜ 0.05,OR =2.52,95％CI =1.22-5.24),and the TT genotype was associated with an increased frequency of anti-β2GPI antibodies (P ＜ 0.01,OR =5.84,95％CI =1.69-20.20).Conclusions The 817G/T(Leu/Va1247) polymorphism in exon 7 of apoH gene is associated with the generation of APL antibodies in patients of Han nationality with SLE in Wenzhou region.The TT and GT genotypes at position 817 of apoH gene appear to be a risk factor for the production of APL antibodies.

OBJECTIVETo explore the molecular pathogenesis and clinical phenotypes in 10 probands with inherited fibrinogen (Fg) deficiency.

METHODSThe diagnosis of hereditary Fg deficiency was validated by prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), Fg activity (Fg:C) and Fg antigen (Fg:Ag) in plasma. All of the exons and their flanking sequences of the Fg gene were analyzed by direct sequencing. Detected mutations were confirmed by reverse sequencing.

RESULTSThe ranges of Fg:C and Fg:Ag in the 10 probands were 0.52-0.91 g/L and 0.62-2.98 g/L, respectively. Five of the probands had type I disorders, and 5 had type II disorders. Seven point mutations were identified, among which 6 have located in the D region. γThr277Arg, γAsp316His, γTrp208Leu and Lys232Thr were novel mutations, and αArg19Ser was first reported in Chinese. Four probands had the same mutation site (γArg275). As to the clinical manifestation, probands with type I disorders were asymptomatic or with mild or medium symptoms, while those belonged to type II disorders had moderate or serious symptoms. Two probands have carried an Arg275Cys mutation but had different clinical manifestations.

CONCLUSIONMutations of the Fg gene seem to aggregate to the D region of FGG in our region, and Arg275 is a common mutation. However, no correlation has been found between the mutation site and clinical manifestations.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Afibrinogenemia ; blood ; classification ; genetics ; Base Sequence ; Child ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; methods ; Exons ; genetics ; Family Health ; Female ; Fibrinogen ; genetics ; metabolism ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mutation, Missense ; Partial Thromboplastin Time ; Phenotype ; Point Mutation ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Prothrombin Time ; Thrombin Time ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo identify potential mutations and explore the molecular mechanism underlying combined inherited coagulation factors VII(FVII) and X(FX) deficiency for a family featuring consanguineous marriage between maternal cousins.

METHODSProthrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen, FVII activity (FVII:C), FX activity (FX:C), FVII antigen (FVII:Ag), FX antigen (FX:Ag) and other coagulant parameters of the proband and 5 family members were measured. Potential mutations in exons, exon-intron boundaries and 5', 3' untranslated sequences of F7 and F10 genes were screened by polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing. Suspected mutations were confirmed by sequencing the opposite strand.

RESULTSPT and APTT of the proband were obviously prolonged to become 76.4 s and 60.2 s, respectively. FVII:C, FVII:Ag,FX:C and FX:Ag of the proband were obviously reduced to become 4%, 6%, 6% and 33%, respectively. Both PT and APTT of her grandmother, father, mother and daughter were slightly prolonged, which have measured 16.4 s, 15.8 s,16.9 s, 16.5 s, and 44.0 s, 42.1 s, 41.1 s, 43.5 s, respectively. And their FVII:C (34%, 39%, 31%, 40%, respectively), FX:C (50%, 58%, 47%, 42%, respectively) and FX:Ag (51%, 54%, 58%, 47%, respectively) were slightly reduced, while FVII:Ag was in the normal range. The coagulant parameters of her younger brother were within normal range. Two homozygous mutations, g.11267C to T in exon 8 of F7 gene, which resulted in an Arg277Cys substitution, and g.28139G to T in exon 8 of F10 gene which led to a Val384Phe substitution, were identified in the proband. The proband's grandmother, parents and daughter were heterozygous for both Arg277Cys and Val384Phe mutationss. Wild-type alleles of both F7 and F10 genes were also found in the younger brother.

CONCLUSIONA homozygous Arg277Cys mutation and a Val384Phe mutation have been respectively identified in the F7 and F10 genes, which can explain the low levels of FVII and FX in this family. The former has been inherited from the consanguineous parents.

Adult ; Aged ; Consanguinity ; Factor VII Deficiency ; genetics ; Factor X Deficiency ; genetics ; Female ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; Pedigree ; Phenotype

OBJECTIVETo analyze genetic mutation and molecular pathogenesis in a family affected with inherited coagulation factor XII(FXII) deficiency.

METHODSActivated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), FXII procoagulant activity (FXII:C), FXII antigen (FXII:Ag) and other coagulants were measured. For affected members of the family, exons 1-14 and flanking intronic regions of the FXII gene were amplified with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced thereafter. Expression plasmids containing mutant FXII cDNA was constructed and transfected into COS7 cells transiently. Expressions of FXII:Ag and FXII:C were analyzed.

RESULTSThe proband has manifested a prolonged APTT of 108.1 s (reference range: 27.0-41.0 s). Her husband has a normal APTT. Other members of the family had slightly increased APTT. The FXII:C and FXII:Ag of the proband have both dropped to about 0.01 (reference range: 0.72-1.13). The FXII:C levels of her husband, son, daughter and grandchild were 0.57, 0.24, 0.14, 0.16, respectively. And the FXII:Ag levels in her husband, son, daughter and grandchild were 0.55, 0.27, 0.15, 0.21, respectively. The proband and her daughter have both carried a heterozygous deletional mutation 6800-6808delAGCTGGGAG (6800-6808del9bp) in exon 9. For the promoter region of the FXII gene, the genotypes of the proband, her son, daughter and grandchild was TT, whilst that of her husband was CT. Expression study has shown that, whilst the mutant FXII protein has accumulated in the cells similar to wild-type protein, its secretion has reduced approximately by half.

CONCLUSIONA novel deletional mutation 6800-6808del9bp has been identified in the FXII gene. Although mutant FXII protein can still accumulate in cells, its secretion has become insufficient. The 6800-6808del9bp mutation and 46T/T have both contributed to the pathogenesis of FXII deficiency in the family, but may have not been the sole cause.

Adult ; Aged ; Animals ; Base Sequence ; COS Cells ; Cell Line ; Cercopithecus aethiops ; Factor XII ; genetics ; metabolism ; Factor XII Deficiency ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Expression ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Mutation ; Pedigree ; Phenotype ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo identify potential mutation underlying hereditary coagulation factor XII (FXII) deficiency in a pedigree and explore its molecular pathogenesis.

METHODSActivated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), FXII activity (FXII:C) and FXII antigen(FXII:Ag) and other coagulant parameters of the proband and 5 family members were measured. Potential mutations in the 14 exons and intron-exon boundaries of the FXII gene were screened with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct DNA sequencing. Suspected mutations were confirmed with reverse sequencing. Corresponding PCR fragments from other family members were also sequenced.

RESULTSAPPT of the proband and his son were significantly prolonged to 121.5 s and 98.5 s, respectively. FXII:C and FXII:Ag of the proband and his son have reduced to 5%, 6.8% and 9%, 12.2%, respectively. Plasma plasminogen activity (PLG:A) in both individuals was slightly higher than the normal reference range. FXII:C of his second daughter and grandson were slightly reduced to 64% and 60%. FXII:C of the other family members were all in the normal range (72%-113%). A heterozygous missense mutation, g.8597G>A, was identified in exon 13 of the FXII gene in the proband, which resulted in an p.Asp538Asn substitution. For the promoter regions of the FXII gene, the genotype of the proband was 46TT. The same mutations and 46T/T were also found in the proband's son but not in other members of the family. The genotypes of the proband's spouse, eldest daughter and grandson were 46CT, and his second daughter was 46TT.

CONCLUSIONThe heterozygous mutation of g.8597G>A identified in exon 13 of FXII gene is a novel mutation. Heterozygous p.Asp538Asn mutation and 46TT in the FXII gene can cause hereditary FXII deficiency, which was probably responsible for the low FXII concentrations in this pedigree.

Adult ; Base Sequence ; Exons ; Factor XII ; genetics ; Factor XII Deficiency ; congenital ; genetics ; Female ; Genotype ; Heterozygote ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Pedigree ; Point Mutation ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo identify potential mutations in a family affected with inherited factor Ⅶ (FⅦ) deficiency.

METHODSProthrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen, FⅦ activity (FⅦ:C) and other coagulant parameters of the proband and 15 family members were measured. Potential mutations were screened in the pedigree by polymerase chain reaction and direct DNA sequencing.

RESULTSThe PT of the proband and his younger brother was significantly prolonged to 39.0 s and 30.1 s, respectively. FⅦ:C of the proband and his younger brother was obviously reduced to 2% and 3%, respectively. FⅦ:C of his grandmother, maternal grandmother, aunt, father, mother, maternal uncle and maternal aunt was all below the normal range (80%-108%), which measured 68%, 54%, 71%, 73%, 62%, 72% and 59%, respectively. The other coagulant parameters were in the normal range. Two heterozygous mutations, g.11349G>A and g.11482T>G, both reside in exon 8 of the F7 gene, have resulted in p.Arg304Gln and p.His348Gln substitutions, were identified in the proband. The same mutations were also found in the proband's younger brother. Four maternal members in this family (grandmother, mother, maternal uncle and maternal aunt of the proband) were heterozygous for the p.Arg304Gln mutation, while three paternal members (grandmother, aunt and father of the proband) were heterozygous for the p.His348Gln mutation.

CONCLUSIONThe proband had inherited two independent mutations of the F7 gene including g.11349G>A and g.11482T>G from his mother and father, respectively. The compound heterozygous mutation probably explains the low FⅦ concentrations in this pedigree.

Adult ; Base Sequence ; Blood Coagulation Tests ; Factor VII ; genetics ; metabolism ; Factor VII Deficiency ; blood ; genetics ; Female ; Genetic Testing ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Pedigree ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo identify potential mutation underlying coagulation factor X (FX) deficiency in a consanguineous Chinese pedigree.

METHODSProthrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen, FX activity (FX:C) and other coagulant parameters were determined with a one-stage clotting assay. The FX antigen (FX:Ag) was determined with an ELISA assay. All coding exons and exon-intron boundaries of the F10 gene were amplified with PCR and subjected to direct sequencing. Suspected mutation was confirmed by reverse sequencing and analyzed with CLC Genomics Workbench 7.5 software.

RESULTSThe PT and APTT in the proband were prolonged to 67.2 s and 102.9 s, respectively. Further study showed that her FX:C and FX:Ag were reduced by 1% and 8%, respectively. The PT of her father, mother, and little brother were slightly prolonged to 14.5 s, 14.4 s and 14.4 s, respectively. The FX:C and FX:Ag in her father, mother and little brother were all slightly reduced. Genetic analysis of the proband has revealed a homozygous G>A change at nucleotide 27881 in exon 8 of the F10 gene, which predicted a p.Val298Met substitution. The proband's father, mother, and little brother were all heterozygous for the p.Val298Met mutation. The proband has inherited the homozygous mutation from her parents by consanguineous marriage. Other family members were all normal. Bioinformatics analysis has indicated that this mutation may result in changes in the secondary structure of the FX protein.

CONCLUSIONA homozygous mutation g.27881G>A(p.Val298Met) of the F10 gene has been identified, which probably accounts for the low FX concentrations in this pedigree.

Adult ; Amino Acid Sequence ; Consanguinity ; Factor X ; genetics ; Factor X Deficiency ; genetics ; Female ; Homozygote ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Mutation, Missense ; Pedigree ; Prothrombin Time