OBJECTIVETo observe effects of mild moxibustion and lovastatin on immunologic function in rabbits with chronic hyperlipidaemia and atherosclerosis (AS) to initially explain regulating rules of mild moxibustion on immunologic function.

METHODSAmong thirty-two Japanese male big-ear rabbits, 8 rabbits were randomly selec ted as a blank group, the rest 24 rabbits were fed with method of endothelial injury and high-fat diet to establish AS model. The blank group was raised with normal diet and free water. After ten weeks of model establishment, the rest 24 rabbits were randomly divided into a model group, a moxibustion group and a medicine group, eight rabbits in each one. Moxibustion was applied at "Shenque" (CV 8) and "Zusanli" (ST 36) for 10 min per acupoint per day in the moxibustion group, while intragastric administration of 3.6 mg/kg lovastatin capsule was applied in the medicine group. After treatment, serum was acquired. Spectrophotometry method was adapted to measure cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) and evaluated atherosclerosis index (AI), while enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method was used to measure interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-4 (IL-4).

RESULTS(1) The serum TC and HDL-C in the model group were significantly higher than those in the blank group, moxibustion group and medicine group (all P < 0.01). The mean value of AI was 1.683 +/- 0.486 in the moxibustion group, which was obviously lower than 20.301 +/- 4.022 in the model group (P < 0.01). (2) The ratio of Th1/Th2 was 0.569 +/- 0.143 in the moxibustion group and 0.445 +/- 0.079 in the medicine group, which were significantly lower than 0.917 +/- 0.255 in the model group (both P < 0.01), but there was no statistically significant difference between the moxibustion group and the medicine group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe moxibustion for AS could reduce atherosclerosis index, influence drift and bias of helper T cell and regulate balance between humoral immunity and cellular immunity. As a result, status of relative balance of immunity is acquired, which could slow down the development of atherosclerosis and process of thrombus burst.

Animals ; Atherosclerosis ; immunology ; therapy ; Humans ; Hyperlipidemias ; immunology ; therapy ; Interferon-gamma ; immunology ; Interleukin-4 ; immunology ; Male ; Moxibustion ; Rabbits ; Th1 Cells ; immunology ; Th2 Cells ; immunology

Objective To carry out a molecular screening of Chinese common deafness gene mutations in Chinese pregnant women group,so as to expatiate on the content,provide molecular epidemiological data,reduce the birth rate and provide a theoretical basis to the deaf children. Methods The molecular detection was done to the pregnant women underwent normal antenatal care in our hospital,using gene chips to screen the four com?mon deaf genes(GJB2,GJB3,SLC26A4 and mitochondrial 12S rRNA)in China;then,the newborn infants carrying mutations were treated with the hearing screening,using the methods of Otoacoustic Emissions(OAE)and Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials(BAEP),and the husbands of mutation carrying pregnant women were adopted molecular testing of the deaf susceptibility genes in order to investigate the correlation of the rate of pregnant women carrying the mutant genes and newborn infants deafness. Results Totally 2 067 cases of pregnant women were accepted to do the molecular screening,there were 110 cases of deafness mutations detected(5.320%),in which GJB2 gene(67 cases),GJB3 gene(6 cases), SLC26A4gene(33 cases),mitochondrial 12SrRNAgene(4 cases)mutation detection rates were 3.240%,0.290%,1.600%and 0.190%,respec?tively;especially:GJB2gene 235 del C,GJB2gene 299 del AT double mutant 1 case;GJB2gene 299 del AT,GJB3gene 538 C>T double mutant 1 case;GJB2 gene 235 del C,SLC26A4 gene IVS7?2 A>G double mutant 1 case. About 108 cases children newborn accepted to do the hearing screening,in which 3 cases had problems with the left ear,3 cases with the right ear,and 4 cases with the double ears. Conclusion The use of ge?netic deafness gene chip to do the molecular diagnostics in pregnant women can be convenient,fast and efficient for prenatal diagnosis of deafness, which provides a theoretical basis and good method for reducing the birth rate of deaf children and should be popularized more widely.

Objective To investigate the value of copy number variation analysis based on next-generation sequencing (NGS-CNVA) in the genetic analysis of missed abortion chorionic villi. Methods From August 2012 to May 2014, chorionic villi from 74 cases of missed abortion at 6-13 gestational weeks in Haidian Maternal and Child Health Hospital were collected and analyzed by karyotype analysis and NGS-CNVA. The results of the two methods were compared. Results (1) Karyotype analysis was carried out for the villi from the 74 missed abortion patients. Thirty cases were euploid, 26 cases were aneuploid, while 18 cases had structural abnormalities. The resolution of the karyotyping was 320 bands and the average report time was 22 days. (2) All of the 74 samples obtained NGS-CNVA results and the report time was 7-10 days. (3) The NGS-CNVA results of 56 cases were consistent with karyotype. Among them, 28 cases (28/56, 50%) had no copy number variants (CNV), and 19 cases (19/56, 34%)had CNV between 1 Mb and 10 Mb. 9 cases (9/56,16%) had CNV≥10 Mb found by NGS-CNVA, but not found by karyotyping. (4) According to the results of NGS-CNVA, karyotype were reviewed. The reviewed results found 7 cases with CNV<10 Mb and 3 cases with CNV≥10 Mb in 30 cases which got normal karyotype results at the first analysis. (5) Among the 18 cases of structural abnormalities, 6 cases were Robertsonian translocation. Sequencing technology could confirm the specific area of chromosome deletion/duplication in 8 cases, but could not locate them. Conclusions NGS-CNVA has lower failure rate, higher resolution, lower specimen requirement and shorter report time than karyotype analysis when used for the genetic analysis of missed chorionic villi . NGS-CNVA could be a useful genetic analysis method for the missed abortion villi.

OBJECTIVETo apply single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarray for delineation of small supernumerary marker chromosome (sSMC) in two newborns.

METHODChromosome karyotyping was performed on newborns who were born in Jan. 2013 and Jan. 2014 in Haidian Maternal and Child Health Hospital because of the abnormalities found in pregnancy checkups. SNP microarray analysis was carried out on 2 newborns with de novo sSMCs (one was mos 47,XY, + mar[45]/46,XY[5] and the other was mos 47, XY, + mar [30]/46, XY [20]), which could not be determined by conventional banding techniques. Genomic DNA was extracted from cord blood samples, amplified, tagged and hybridized following the manufacturer' s protocol. Data were collected and analyzed.

RESULTThere was a 78. 6 Mb duplication in chromosome 8 for Newborn A, which was associated with 8p22 duplication syndrome; and a 32. 7 Mb duplication in chromosome 13 for Newborn B, which was not yet reported definitely as pathogenic. The newborn A was identified with agenesis of the corpus callosum, obvious right eyelid drooping, the onset of low muscle tone and mental developmental lag behind their peers, while the newborn B had normal findings on physical and mental evaluation.

CONCLUSIONSNP-array can identify sSMCs of newborns at the DNA level, and can be used as an important supplement to the conventional karyotype analysis, but the pathogenicity of positive outputs need further verification.

Chromosome Duplication ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 8 ; Genetic Markers ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Infant, Newborn ; Karyotyping ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide

AIMTo elevate the encapsulation efficiency, decrease the burst release and improve the release of protein entrapped in poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres. The bovine serum albumin (BSA) composite microspheres of alginate-chitosan-PLGA were prepared and the release characteristics of BSA from this composite microspheres were studied.

METHODSThe much smaller calcium alginate microcapsules were first prepared by a modified emulsification method in an isopropyl alcohol-washed way and coated with chitosan, then the alginate-chitosan microcapsules were further entrapped in PLGA to form the composite microspheres. The protein concentration was determined using a BCA protein assay kit. The release profiles were changed with various formulation factors.

RESULTSThe average diameter of the composite microcapsules was about 30 microm. Comparing with 60% to 70% of the conventional PLGA microspheres, the average encapsulation efficiency was more than 80%, and the burst releases in phosphate buffer solution of the composite microspheres decreased from 40% and 50% to 25% and further to 5% in saline solution.

CONCLUSIONThe novel composite microspheres were prepared, the drug encapsulation efficiency increased and the burst release decreased. The desired release profiles could be obtained by regulating the ratios of PLG and PLA in the composite microspheres.

Alginates ; chemistry ; Chitosan ; chemistry ; Drug Delivery Systems ; methods ; Lactic Acid ; chemistry ; Microspheres ; Particle Size ; Polyglycolic Acid ; chemistry ; Polymers ; chemistry ; Serum Albumin, Bovine ; chemistry

Objective To evaluate the technique of transpancreatic septum precut for cannulation of inaccessible common bile duct in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Methods Data of 109 patients with difficult biliary cannulation in ERCP, of whom 56 underwent transpancreatic septum precut and 53 had needle-knife sphincterotomy from January 2006 to July 2008, were analyzed retrospectively, and the success rate of cannulation and the occurrence of complications were compared between the two methods. Results Of 109 patients accepted precut papillotomy, common bile duct cannulation was successfully achieved in 97. The success rates of transpancreatic septum precut group and needle-knife sphincterotomy group were 96.4% (54/56) and 81.1% (43/53) respectively, which was significantly different (P<0.05). Complications occurred in 11 cases, including bleeding(n =4), acute pancreatitis(n=5), cholangitis(n=2). The tolal frequency of complications of the transpancreatic septum pre-cut papillotomy group was lower than that of needle-knife sphincterotomy group(3.6% vs. 17.0%, P<0.05). Conclusion In patients with inaccessible bile ducts, transpancreatic septum precut is a safe and effective procedure in cannulation, exhibiting a higher success rate and lower occurrence of complication when compared with needle-knife sphincterotomy.

Objective To study the association between functional genetic polymorphisms of IL-1B(T-31C,C-511T),IL-1RN and the susceptibility to gastric cancers. Methods A case-control study was conducted in 180 gastric cancer cases and 308 age-and sex-matched cancer-free controls.Genotypes were detected by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP) assays,and association between genotypes,environmental factors and risk of gastric cancers were determined. Results IL-1B T-31C was in strong linkage disequilibrium with IL-1B C-511T(D'=0.862,R2= 0.721,P=0.000).Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the variant genotypes of IL-1B T-31C and C-511T were not significantly associated with risks for gastric cancers(adjusted OR,0.95 and 95% CI,0.62-1.47 for IL-1B T-31C;and adjusted OR,0.85 and 95% CI,0.55-1.31 for IL-1B C-511T).The variant genotypes(1/2,2/2) in IL-1RN were associated with a non-significantly increased risks for gastric cancers(adjusted OR,1.32 and 95% CI,0.71-2.36) in all subjects and with a significantly increased risks for gastric cancers in subjects with H.pylori infection(adjusted OR,2.03 and 95%CI,1.02-4.80).Conclusion The functional genetic polymorphisms of IL-1RN may contribute to the risks of gastric cancers in high-risk population,particularly in those with H.pylori infection.

The intracellular trafficking and subcellular distribution of exogenous gene is very important for gene delivery. A successful gene vehicle should overcome various barriers including endosomal membrane barriers to delivery gene to the target organelle. Traditional nonviral vehicle is unable to avoid endosomal pathway efficiently, so the efficiency of gene delivery is low and the application of gene drugs is limited. In order to achieve efficient nonviral gene delivery, a lot of researches based on endosomal escape have been carried out and some agents with the function of endsomal escape have been found. These agents facilitate the endsomal escape via various mechanisms, such as fusion into the lipid bilayer of endosomes, pore formation in the endosomal membrane, proton sponge effect and photochemical methods to rupture the endosomal membrane. In this review, various reported strategies for endsomal escape are described according to the escape mechanisms, and their applications in intracellular gene delivery are also discussed.
Cell Membrane ; metabolism ; Endosomes ; metabolism ; Gene Transfer Techniques ; Genetic Therapy ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of Danlou Tablet (DT) on inflammatory reaction, and expressions of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (LP-PLA2), secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2), and to analyze potential mechanisms.

METHODSForty male Wistar rats were randomly and equally divided into five groups, i.e., the normal control group, the model group, the Western medicine (WM) group, the low dose DT group, the high dose DT group, 8 in each group. Rats in the normal control group were fed with basic forage for 12 successive weeks, while AS rat model was established in rats of the other four groups by feeding high fat and sugar forage plus intraperitoneal injection of vitamin D₃. Normal saline, atorvastatin calcium suspension (at the daily dose of 1.8 mg/kg), low dose DT suspension (at the daily dose of 450 mg/kg), and high dose DT suspension (at the daily dose of 900 mg/kg) were administered to rats in the model group, the WM group, the low dose DT group, the high dose DT group respectively by gastragavage for 8 successive weeks. The general condition of all rats was observed. Rats were sacrificed after gastric administration and their serum collected. Serum levels of lipids (TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C) and inflammatory factors [IL-6, TNF-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (LP-PLA2), secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2)] were detected. Pathological changes of thoracic aorta were observed by HE staining. Protein and gene expressions of LP-PLA2 and sPLA2 in thoracic aorta were measured by Western blot and real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR respectively.

RESULTSCompared with the normal control group, rats in the model group were in low spirits and responded poorly. Typical atherosclerotic plaque could be seen in thoracic aorta of rats in the model group. Serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1, ox-LDL, LP-PLA2, and sPLA2 significantly increased (P < 0.05); protein and gene expressions of LP-PLA2 and sPLA2 in rat thoracic aorta increased (P < 0.05) in the model group. After 8 weeks of intervention, rats in 3 medication groups appeared active, and HE staining showed subsidence of plaque in rat thoracic aorta. Compared with the model group, serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1, ox-LDL, and LP-PLA2 decreased in 3 medication groups (P < 0.01, P < 0.05); serum sPLA2 level decreased, protein and mRNA expressions of LP-PLA2 and sPLA2 in rat thoracic aorta decreased in the WM group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05); protein and mRNA expressions of LP-PLA2 in rat thoracic aorta significantly decreased in the low dose DT group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05), and those of LP-PLA2 and sPLA2 decreased in the high dose DT group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONDT could fight against inflammatory reaction and AS possibly through inhibiting LP-PLA2 expression and reducing ox-LDL production.

1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase ; blood ; Animals ; Aorta, Thoracic ; pathology ; Atherosclerosis ; drug therapy ; Chemokine CCL2 ; blood ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Inflammation ; drug therapy ; Interleukin-6 ; blood ; Lipids ; blood ; Lipoproteins, LDL ; blood ; Male ; Phospholipases A2 ; blood ; Plaque, Atherosclerotic ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Tablets ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; blood

OBJECTIVETo explore effects and action mechanism of warm moxibustion on regulation of blood lipids and anti-atherosclerosis.

METHODSForty-one male Japanese big-ear white rabbits were randomly divided into a blank group (10 rabbits), a model group (10 rabbits), a moxibustion group (10 rabbits) and a medication group (11 rabbits). Normal diet was applied in the blank group while high-cholesterol diet combined with injection of bovine serum albumin were applied in the rest groups to establish rabbit model of atherosclerosis. After establishment, the model group was not intervened and warm moxibustion was applied in the moxibustion group at "Zusan-li" (ST 36) and "Shenque" (CV 8), 10 min per acupoint per day for continuous 4 weeks. The medication group was treated with intragastric administration of lovastatin capsule (3.6 mg/kg) for continuous 4 weeks. The level of blood lipids, such as total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and content of CD40 ligand (CD40L), soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) and expression of nuclear factor NF-kappaB were tested after 4 weeks.

RESULTSCompared with the model group, the moxibustion group and medication group could effectively reduce the contents of TC and low density lipoprotein (all P < 0.05), lower the level of sCD40L [(8.310 +/- 1.221) ng/mL in the model group, (7.097 +/- 0.846) ng/mL in the moxibustion group and (7.354 +/- 0.631) ng/mL in the medication group], reduce expression of CD40L [(0.235 +/- 0.179) mm2 in the model group, (0.072 +/- 0.079) mm2 in the moxibustion group and (0.039 +/- 0.015) mm2 in the medication group] and NF-kappaB [(0.145 +/- 0.052)mm2 in the model group, (0.052 +/- 0.012) mm2 in the moxibustion group and (0.036 +/- 0.013) mm2 in the medication group], indicating the significant difference (P < 0.05, P < 0.001). There was no statistical difference between the moxibustion group and medication group (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe warm moxibustion has great effect on regulation of blood lipids and anti-atherosclerosis, in which lowering expression of CD40-CD40L could be one of possible mechanisms to take effect of anti-atherosclerosis.

Animals ; Atherosclerosis ; blood ; therapy ; CD40 Antigens ; blood ; CD40 Ligand ; blood ; Humans ; Lipids ; blood ; Male ; Moxibustion ; methods ; Rabbits