AIM: To investigate the effect of low intensity white light irradiation on the retinas of mice.
METHODS: Thirty C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into two groups. The number of the mice in each group was 15. The mice in experimental group received dark adaptation from 5:00p. m. to 6:00p. m. , and then exposed to LED white light from 6:00p. m. to 7:00p. m. everyday for a month. At 1, 3, 7, 14 and 30d after the beginning, we examed the histology of mice retinas, calculated the thickness of outer nuclear layer ( ONL ) , inner nuclear layer ( INL ) and analyzed electrophysiology of mice.
RESULTS:One month after experiment, compared to the control group, the latency of Rod-R a wave of the mice in experimental group significantly prolonged, the amplitude of Cone-R b wave of the mice in experimental group significantly decreased and the latency of b wave of the mice in experimental group significantly prolonged ( P<0. 05). There are no significant difference in the histology of retina, ONL and INL thicknesses.
CONCLUSION: 100lux low intensity white light could give rise to the impairment of the retinal functions in dark-adapted mice.

Objective To investigate the relationship between activity of plasma platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH)and insulin resistance (IR) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods From Oct. 2006 to Jan. 2008, 105 PCOS patients undergoing treatment in Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Second Hospital affiliated to West China University were enrolled in the study, among 53 cases with homeostatic model assessment IR (HOMA-IR) exceed or equal 2.77 as IR-PCOS group and 52 cases with HOMA-IR less than 2.77 as non IR-PCOS group. In the mean time, 53 infertile women due to fallopian tube or husband factors were chosen as control group. Plasma PAF-AH activity, high-density lipoprotein-associated PAF-AH (H-PAF-AH) activity, low-density lipoprotein-associated PAF-AH (L-PAF-AH) activity, the ratio of L-PAF-AH to H-PAF-AH activity were measured and compared among three groups. The method of Pearson correlation analysis and stepwise multiple regression analysis were used to study the relationship between the ratio of L-PAF-AH to H-PAF-AH activities and hormonal and metabolic parameters. Results (1) Plasma PAF-AH activity [ (0.055±0.012) mmol· L~(-1)·min~(-1)], L-PAF-AH activity [(0.052±0.012) mmol·L~(-1)·min~(-1)], and the ratio of L-PAF-AH to H-PAF-AH activity (23±6) in the IR-PCOS group were significantly higher than those at control group [(0.050±0.009) mmol·L~(-1) ·min~(-1), (0.047±0.009) mmol·L~(-1)·min~(-1) and (18±4)] and non-IR-PCOS group [(0.050±0.0012) mmol·L~(-1) ·min~(-1), (0.048±0.012) mmol·L~(-1)·min~(-1) and (18± 5 ), P <0.05 ]. The ratio of L-PAF-AH to H-PAF-AH activities at IR-PCOS group was also significantly higher than those at Non IR-PCOS and control group after correction for body mass index (P<0.01). (2) Pearson correlation analysis showed that the ratio of L-PAF-AH to H-PAF-AH in PCOS patients was positively correlated with atherogenic index, age, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, HOMA-IR, triglyceride levels, fasting insulin levels, fasting glucose levels, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol (r=0.644, 0.247, 0.296, 0.212, 0.356, 0.587, 0.377, 0.375, 0.292 and 0.199, respectively, P<0.05), and negatively correlated with high density lipoprotein cholesterol (r=-0.510, P<0.05). The multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that atherogenic index and triglyceride were significant variables for the ratio of L-PAF-AH to H-PAF-AH activity (standardized coefficient, β=0.515 and 0.201, respectively, P<0.05). Conclusion The elvated L-PAF-AH activity may be associated with IR in PCOS patients, and the increased ratio of L-PAF-AH to H-PAF-AH activities may be a potential marker of inflammation in the patients.

Objective:To study the effect of nerve growth factor(NGF)on bone fracture healing of inflicted T_(10)spinal cord injury(SCI)complicated with tibia fracture in rats.Methods:Totally 120 rats were randomly divided into tihia fracture group (F group,n=40),T_(10)SCI+tibia fracture group(FS group,n=40),and T_(10)SCI+tibia fracture+NGF group(FSN group,n=40).Four weeks later,the fracture sites in the 3 groups were subjected to CT scanning;the maximum transverse diameter of the fracture ends and the gray scales of non-osseous area were measured;the changes of biomechanics property of the fracture ends were determined by three-point bending test;the bone morphometry,bone density,and histomorphology of callus were determined;the expression of OCN was detected by immunohistochemical method;the osteoblast ultrastructure was observed by TEM and the expression ofⅠ,Ⅱtype collagen were examined by Western blotting.Results:The maximum transverse diameter of F group was less than those of FS group(P

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility of detecting of Y-STR of fetal DNA in maternal plasma using Ion Torrent PGM™ System. METHODS: A total of 16 fetal DNA samples from maternal plasmas (8 cases from 38 weeks gestational age and 8 ones from 12 weeks) were prepared and a multiplex assay with 7 STR loci (DYS390, DYS391, DYS393, DYS438, DYS437, DYS456, DYS635) was designed for multiplex-PCR amplification. Using Ion Torrent PGM™ System, the results of Y-STR sequences and capillary electrophoresis were obtained and compared. RESULTS: Y-STR specific alleles were detected in the maternal plasma of all the pregnant women having male babies of second and third trimester, which were higher than that detected by capillary electrophoresis. Consistent Y-STR genotypes were observed between fetal DNA from maternal plasma and genomic DNA from the newborn babies. CONCLUSION Based on Ion Torrent PGM™ System, the prenatal Y-STR detection method may provide a high-sensitive and high-throughput choice for prenatal STR detection in forensic testing.
Alleles ; Chromosomes, Human, Y/genetics* ; DNA/blood* ; Family ; Female ; Fetal Blood/chemistry* ; Genotype ; Haplotypes ; Humans ; Male ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Pregnancy ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Sex Determination Analysis ; Tandem Repeat Sequences/genetics*

Acute Disease ; Animals ; Astrocytes ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cats ; Dimethoate ; analogs & derivatives ; poisoning ; Female ; Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein ; metabolism ; Male ; Poisoning ; metabolism ; pathology

AlM:To discuss the protective effect ofα-mangostin on retinal light damage in mice.METHODS:Totally 30 Balb/c mice, aged 6~8wk, were randomly divided into the control group, light-exposure group and α-mangostin group. Every group contained 10 mice. Mice of α-mangostin group were treated with alpha-mangostin at the dose of 30mg/( kg · d ) body weight by intragastric administration daily for 7d, and then exposed to white light at the 5th d. The light-exposure group and α-mangostin group were exposed to 5 000 ± 200lx white light-emmiting diodes (LEDs) for continuously 1h to establish the mice model of retinal light damage. Flash -electroretinograme was recorded 72h after light exposure. The changes in retinal morphology of mice were observed by light microscopy. Retinas were extracted to detect the malondialdhyde ( MDA ) content change of the retinal homogenate.RESULTS: Flash-electroretinogram ( F-ERG ) showed that retinal dysfunction was less severe in α-mangostin group than in light-exposure group ( P<0. 05 ). Light microscopy test showed that retina structural damage was less severe in α-mangostin group than in light-exposure group (P<0. 05). The level of MDA in retinal tissue of α-mangostin group was significantly lower when compared with light-exposure group (P<0. 05).CONCLUSlON: α-mangostin inhibits lipid peroxidation induced by light damage and protect retina against light damage.

Chemical constituents of Chlorella sorokiniana were isolated and purified by repeated column chromatographies, over silicagel and Sephadex LH-20. Their structures were identified on the basis of physicochemical properties and spectroscopic data analysis. Five compounds were obtained from the petroleum ether extract of Chlorella sorokiniana, and their structures were identified as (22E, 24R)-5alpha, 3beta-epidioxiergosta-6, 22-dien-3beta-ol(1),(24S)-ergosta-7-en-3beta-ol(2), loliolide(3), stigmasta-7,22-dien-3beta,5alpha,6alpha-triol(4), and 3beta-hydroxy-5alpha,6alpha-epoxy-7-megastigmen-9-one(5). The main liposoluble fractions from Chlorella sorokiniana maiuly contain fatty acids, alkyl acids and olefine acids. Components 1-5 were isolated from the genus Chlorella for the first time.
Biological Factors ; chemistry ; Chlorella ; chemistry ; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry ; Molecular Structure

OBJECTIVE: To develop a multiplex allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR) assay with three-color fluorescence labeling for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) SNP typing. METHODS: Based on the principle of AS-PCR, the primer sets were designed for 20 SNP located on the coding region of mtDNA and divided into 2 groups labeled with FAM and HEX fluorescence, respectively. A primer set included two forward (reverse) allelic specific primers with different sizes and a generic reverse (forward) primer. Blood samples from 200 unrelated individuals were analyzed by AS-PCR and capillary electrophoresis. Three random samples at least for each SNP site were examined and verified by direct sequencing. The haplotype frequency was investigated. RESULTS: Distinct electropherograms of 200 blood samples were obtained successfully. The typing results of direct sequencing were identical to those obtained from AS-PCR. The minimum detectable DNA concentration was 0.2 pg under the system of 10 microL. The sensitivity of the DNA concentrations ranged from 0.5 to 5 pg. The 200 individuals were assigned into 15 haplotype, and the haplotype diversity was 0.906 0. CONCLUSION AS-PCR is a simple, rapid and efficient method for mtDNA SNP typing, and can be applied to forensic practice.
Alleles ; DNA ; DNA Primers ; DNA, Mitochondrial/analysis* ; Electrophoresis, Capillary ; Haplotypes ; Humans ; Mitochondria ; Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods* ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

OBJECTIVETo investigate the Arg16Gly polymorphism of beta2-adrenergic receptor (beta2AR) gene and its association with endogenous hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) in Chinese population.

METHODSThree hundred and forty one subjects including 100 HTG patients and 241 healthy controls from a population of Chinese Han nationality in Chengdu area were studied using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphisms (PCR-RFLPs).

RESULTSThe frequencies of Gly allele at the Arg16Gly locus in combined group was 0.446, and were 0.427 and 0.490 in normal and HTG group, respectively. No significant difference was found in both allele and genotype frequencies between normal control and HTG group. The frequency of Gly allele at the Arg16Gly locus in beta2-adrenergic receptor gene in the population (0.446) was similar to that of Japanese (0.505), higher than that of American white(0.248), and lower than that of Polish population (0.633). In normal controls, subjects with genotype Arg/Arg had a higher concentration of serum TG and apoB100, and lower apoAII levels, when compared with those with genotypes Arg/Gly or Gly/Gly, respectively (vs. Arg/Gly for TG, vs. Gly/Gly for apoB100 and apoAII, respectively, P<0.05). In HTG group, subjects with genotype Arg/Arg had higher serum TC and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels when compared with those with Gly/Gly genotype (5.36+/-0.74 mmol/L vs. 4.77+/-1.07 mmol/L,P<0.05;3.03+/-0.70 mmol/L vs. 2.38+/-1.10 mmol/L,P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONThese results suggest that the Arg16Gly polymorphism in beta2-adrenergic receptor gene are not only associated with serum TG,apoB100 and apoAII levels in the healthy Chinese subjects in Chengdu area, but also with serum TC and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in subjects with endogenous hypertriglyceridemia. The Arg16Gly polymorphism in beta2-adrenergic receptor gene may be associated with TG and/or cholesterol metabolism in Chinese Han population.

Adult ; Aged ; Apolipoprotein B-100 ; blood ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Case-Control Studies ; China ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; Humans ; Hypertriglyceridemia ; blood ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2 ; genetics ; Triglycerides ; blood

OBJECTIVETo investigate the G-protein beta 3 subunit (GNB3) gene 825C/T polymorphism and its relationship to obesity in Chinese population.

METHODSThree hundred and ninety nine subjects (270 non-obese and 129 obese individuals) from a population of Chinese Han nationality in Chengdu area were studied using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphisms (PCR-RFLPs). Serum lipids were measured by enzymatic kits and apolipoproteins A I, A II, B100, C II, C III and E were measured by RID kits.

RESULTSThe frequencies of C and T alleles at the 825C/T site in obese and non-obese groups were 0.531 and 0.469, and 0.528 and 0.472, respectively. It showed no significant difference in both genotypes and allele frequencies between the non-obese and obese groups (P> 0.05). The frequency of T allele at 825C/T site in GNB3 gene in the population (0.471) was significantly higher than that of German white (0.319), lower than that of African black (0.788), and similar to that of Japanese (0.487). In the non-obese group, subjects with genotype TT had higher serum triglyceride(TG) concentrations than those with genotype CT (P< 0.05). In the obese group, subjects with genotype CC had lower serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C) levels than those with CT genotype (P< 0.05). Similar results were only observed in non-obese male and obese female subgroups, respectively, when male and female subgroups were further separated in the two groups. In addition, non-obese males with genotype TT and obese females with genotype CC had lower HDL-C and higher apoA I levels than those with genotype CT, respectively. Obese males with genotype TT had higher apoA I levels than those with genotype CC.

CONCLUSIONThe 825C/T polymorphism in the GNB3 gene was not associated with obesity in Chinese Han population of Chengdu area. However, it may be associated with serum triglyceride, HDL-C and apoAI levels, with some gender-specific effect, in this population.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Apolipoproteins ; blood ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Case-Control Studies ; Ethnic Groups ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins ; genetics ; Humans ; Lipids ; blood ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Obesity ; blood ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Sex Factors