Objective To analyse the high-dose dexamethasone suppression test(HDDST)-related differences in the clinical and biochemical features of the patients with Cushing's disease Methods Cases were drawn from 60 consecutive patients with Cushing's disease,who were then divided into two groups according to the response to the HDDST.The clinical and biochemical features between two groups were compared.Results(1) Of the 60 patients with Cushing's disease,23.3%(14/60)of patients(group A)did not yield results of suppression with the HDDST,and the others(group B)did.No difference was found in the age[(33.8?10.4 vs 36.2?11.2)years]and duration of illness[(2.1?1.6 vs 3.9?3.1)years]between two groups.(2)In clinical features,the patients in group A were more likely to have edema of lower limbs(64.3% vs 32.6%),hypokalemia (71.4% vs 28.3%),secondary diabetes(57.1% vs 26.1%)and purple striae(85.7% vs 54.3%,all P

Objective To identify the factors that influence the prognosis and particularly the survival of patients with corpus callosal gliomas. Methods A retrospective analysis of the clinical data was conducted involving 60 patients with corpus callosal gliomas treated between January, 1995 and December, 2007. All the patients underwent surgical tumor resection with postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression model were used to evaluate the possible prognostic factors including the patients' gender, age, preoperative Karnofsky performance status (KPS), tumor locations, preoperative epilepsy, histological grade, enhancement pattern on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), extent of surgical resection, and tumor size. Results Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that age, preoperative KPS score, and histological grade had significant influences on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival time of the patients. The tumor location had a significant impact on the overall survival time of the patients, but did not obviously affect the PFS. Multivariate analysis with the Cox regression model indicated that age, histological grade, and extent of surgical tumor resection significantly influenced the overall survival time of the patients, and age and histological grade of the tumor significantly affected the PFS. Conclusion A younger age, lower pathological grade and radical surgical resection of the tumor are the protective prognostic factors in patients with corpus callosal gliomas, while gender, tumor size, tumor location, and KPS score before operation have no prognostic significance.

BACKGROUNDPancreatic β cells are susceptible to fatty acid-induced apoptosis. The 17β-estradiol (E2) protects pancreatic β cells from apoptosis, mediated by the estrogen receptor-α (ERα). The mRNA level and promoter activity of leukemia-related protein (LRP) 16 were significantly increased by E2 in ER-α and LRP16 was a co-activator of ER-α. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of LRP16 on fatty acid-induced apoptosis in MIN6 cells.

METHODSCells with over-expressing LRP16 were obtained by lipidosome transfection. Insulin content and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) were examined by radioimmunoassay. Western blotting was applied to detect protein expression. Apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and flow cytometry. The forkhead boxO1 (FoxO1) subcellular localization was determined by immunocytochemical analysis.

RESULTSMIN6-LRP16 cells with overexpression of LRP16 were successfully established, and protein expression of LRP16 was 2.29-fold of that of control cells (MIN6-3.1, P < 0.05). Insulin content and GSIS in MIN6-LRP16 were substantially increased compared with those in control cells. When cells were stimulated with glucose, increased phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and serine-threonine kinase (Akt) were observed in MIN6-LRP16. When cells were under palmitate pressure, the TUNEL-positive rate in MIN6-LRP16 was (17.0 ± 0.5)%, while it in MIN6-3.1 was (22.0 ± 0.4)%. In palmitate-treated cells, attenuated Akt phosphorylation was observed, but the attenuation in Akt activity was partially restored in MIN6-LRP16 cells. Meanwhile, nuclear localization of FoxO1 in MIN6-LRP16 was apparently reduced compared with that in control cells.

CONCLUSIONSLRP16 regulated insulin content and GSIS in MIN6 cells by ERK1/2 and Akt activated way. Meanwhile, LRP16 overexpression protected MIN6 cells from fatty acid-induced apoptosis by partially restoring Akt phosphorylation and inhibiting FoxO1 nuclear redistribution. Therefore, LRP16 played important roles not only in insulin content and GSIS but also in the antilipotoxic effect mediated by Akt/FoxO1 signaling.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Fatty Acids ; pharmacology ; Forkhead Box Protein O1 ; Forkhead Transcription Factors ; genetics ; metabolism ; Mice ; Neoplasm Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Phosphorylation ; drug effects ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt ; genetics ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association between the genetic variations of six transmembrane protein of prostate 2 (STAMP2) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Xinjiang Uygur population.

METHODSA case-control study was conducted based on epidemiological investigation. A total of 1838 Uygur subjects were selected and divided into two groups: T2DM group (n=274) and control group (n=1564). All exons, flanking introns, and the promoter regions of STAMP2 gene were sequenced in 48 Uygur Xinjiang population with diabetes. Representative variations selected were genotyped by TaqMan-PCR method in all individuals.

RESULTSTen novel and 6 known variations in the STAMP2 gene were identified. The distribution of genotype rs8122 significantly differed between T2DM group and control group (P=0.05), whereas the distribution of genotypes rs1981529 and rs34741656 showed no such difference. The fasting insulin in the total cohort and homeostasis model of assessment index in females showed significant difference between these two groups (P<0.05), while the adjusted P value showed no statistical significance (P>0.05). In the male population, the different genotypes of rs8122 variation of STAMP2 gene were not significantly different (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONThree polymorphisms (rs8122, rs1981529 and rs34741656) of STAMP2 gene may be not related with T2DM in Xinjiang Uygur population.

Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Case-Control Studies ; China ; Diabetes Mellitus ; ethnology ; genetics ; Female ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Membrane Proteins ; genetics ; Middle Aged ; Oxidoreductases ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Promoter Regions, Genetic

OBJECTIVETo investigate the pathogenesis of ischemic-type biliary lesions (ITBLs) in post-liver transplant patients and the possible therapeutic mechanisms of sirolimus.

METHODSThe clinic data of 32 post-liver transplant patients with ITBLs from May 2004 to December 2010 was analyzed. There were including 25 male and 7 female patients with a median age of 46 years (ranging from 19 to 61 years). Patients were divided into those who received sirolimus (sirolimus group) and those who did not (control group). The expression of IL-2, FoxP3, and IL-10 in the portal area, liver function indexes, and bile duct injury score were assessed pre-ITBL, when ITBLs were identified, and after 6 months of sirolimus treatment.

RESULTSCompared with pre-ITBL optical density (OD) values, there was a significantly increase in IL-2 OD(0.138 ± 0.050 in control group and 0.141 ± 0.052 in sirolimus group), but not FoxP3 and IL-10 OD in both groups at the time ITBLs were diagnosed. After 6 months of treatment, the IL-2, FoxP3, and IL-10 OD values in the control group were not different from those when ITBLs were diagnosed. There was a significant reduction in post-therapy IL-2 OD(0.107 ± 0.043, t = 2.087, P = 0.044), and a significant elevation in FoxP3(0.213 ± 0.039) and IL-10 OD(0.187 ± 0.048) in sirolimus group as compared with those when ITBLs were diagnosed(t = -3.822 and -4.350, both P < 0.01). There was a significant increase in serum levels of ALT, AST, total bilirubin, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase and ALP at the time ITBLs were diagnosed compared with pre-ITBL levels in both groups. After 6 months of treatment, the above indexes had not changed in the control group, but significantly improved in the sirolimus group, and the bile duct injury score in the sirolimus group had significantly decreased(4.4 ± 2.4, Z = -2.568, P = 0.010). The 1-year and 3-year graft survival rates in the control group were 6/13 and 5/13, respectively, and 17/19 and 13/19, respectively, in the sirolimus group (χ(2) = 7.166, P = 0.007; χ(2) = 5.398, P = 0.020, respectively).

CONCLUSIONSSirolimus can downregulate IL-2 expression and upregulate FoxP3 and IL-10 expression, thereby stimulating FoxP3+ Treg cells, suppressing immunopathological damage, and promoting epithelial repair in bile ducts.

Adult ; Bile Duct Diseases ; drug therapy ; Female ; Forkhead Transcription Factors ; metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; Humans ; Interleukin-10 ; metabolism ; Interleukin-2 ; metabolism ; Ischemia ; diet therapy ; Liver Transplantation ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications ; drug therapy ; Sirolimus ; therapeutic use ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDTo study the molecular characteristics of YN92-4 strain isolated from mosquitoes in Yunnan Province and define its classification.

METHODSThe S segment of YN92-4 strain was amplified and sequenced by 2 different sets of primers. The phylogenic tree of S fragment was constructed by Phylip bio-software. The amino acid sequences of N and NSs proteins were also studied.

RESULTSYN92-4 strain could be amplified by 2 sets of primers respectively, S segment showed a highest homology with Batai virus (X73464), reached 96.4%, the homology of protein N and NSs amio-acid sequence with Batai virus was 99.1% and 98% respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe YN92-4 strain belongs to Batai virus, this is the first report of molecular biological identification of Batai virus in China.

Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Bunyamwera virus ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; China ; Culicidae ; virology ; DNA, Complementary ; chemistry ; genetics ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Viral ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Sequence Homology, Amino Acid

OBJECTIVETo investigate the genetic variations of the six transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate 4 gene (STEAP4) in Chinese Uygur patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and to analyze the association of the representative genetic variations of STEAP4 gene with MetS in the population.

METHODSThe sequences of STEAP4 gene functional region (all exons, exon-intron boundaries and the putative promoter region, including the -1 kb 5'and 3'untranslated regions) were amplified and sequenced for patients with MetS. The representative variations were selected based on the function (missense mutation) and linkage disequilibrxium (γ² > 0.8) and genotyped with TaqMan-PCR method in 1910 general populations (682 MetS and 1228 non-MetS controls). The subjects were selected from the cross-sectional study of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia from January to February 2007 among Uygur people, a relatively isolated population with a relatively homogeneous environment, in Hextian area in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

RESULTS(1) Fourteen novel and six known single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or mutations, including 2 missense mutations, were identified at the functional region of STEAP4 gene in 96 Uygur patients with MetS. The minor allele frequencies of the SNPs of STEAP4 gene in Uygur population were different from that in European and Chinese Han in Beijing area. (2) The SNP 364G/A (rs34741656, Ala122Thr) was significantly associated with MetS [dominant model P = 0.034, OR = 0.757(95%CI: 0.584-0.982) adjusted for age and gender], and was associated with fasting blood glucose (FBG) (P = 0.049) and 2-hour postprandial glucose (2HPG) (P = 0.027) levels in controls. In this SNP, the AA carriers had lower blood glucose levels compared with subjects carrying GG and GT genotypes. (3) The common haplotype H4 (rs8122/rs1981529/ rs34741656, G-A-A), may be associated with MetS (permutation P = 0.089).

CONCLUSIONSTEAP 4 genetic polymorphisms may be associated with MetS risk in Chinese Uygur population.

Adult ; Aged ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; China ; ethnology ; Ethnic Groups ; genetics ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Haplotypes ; Humans ; Male ; Membrane Proteins ; genetics ; Metabolic Syndrome ; etiology ; genetics ; Middle Aged ; Oxidoreductases ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide

OBJECTIVETo study the anatomy of lateral crural skin flap nourished by cutaneous branches of peroneal artery and its clinical application as vascularized skin flap transfer.

METHODSIn 20 cadavers specimen with 40 lower limbs, the cutaneous branches of the peroneal artery were dissected and their measurements were recorded. In the other 30 adult legs, their perforating points of the cutaneous arteries of peroneal artery were detected with supersonic Doppler flow meter. With the aid of anatomic and supersonic Doppler flow meter study, vascularized transfer of lateral crural skin flap pedicled by cutaneous branches of peroneal artery were successfully performed in 21 clinical cases.

RESULTSIn altogether 40 legs studied, 140 cutaneous branches were found. One to seven branches were found on one specimen, the average was 3.5 branches, in one leg was a high perforating skin branch. The perforating points of the cutaneous branches were mostly (76% cases) appeared within 7 - 21 cm length below the protruding point of head of fibula. The external diameter of the thickest cutaneous branch of each leg was (1 .4 - 2.9) mm, (1.8 +/- 0.4) mm, while the external diameters of two vena concomitants were (3.0 +/- 0.5) mm and (2.4 +/- 0.4) mm. 145 artery perforating points in 30 legs were detected by Doppler, with an average points of 4.8. The skin flaps taken in the 21 clinical cases were 5.0 cm x 3.5 cm - 28 cm x 11 cm in size. All the transferred free flaps survived uneventfully.

CONCLUSIONSThe lateral crural skin flap is nourished by a variable number of cutaneous branches of peroneal artery. The main branch can meet the demand of microvascular anastomosis. The free transfer of lateral crural flap by anastomosis of cutaneous branch of peroneal artery is superior to lateral skin flap transfer by anastomosis of main trunk of peroneal artery with the merit of simple procedure, minimal trauma and more physiological circulation established.

Adult ; Aged ; Arteries ; anatomy & histology ; surgery ; Humans ; Leg ; blood supply ; Middle Aged ; Skin ; anatomy & histology ; blood supply ; Skin Transplantation ; methods ; Surgical Flaps ; blood supply ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the effect on promoter de-methylation, expression of ALDH1a2 gene and cell apoptosis by treated with 5-Aza-dC and TSA in five human bladder cancer cell lines.

METHODSHuman bladder cancer cell lines RT-4, 253J, 5637, BIU-87 and T24 were cultured and treated with 5-Aza-dC and(or) TSA. The expression of the ALDH1a2 gene was detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. The methylation status of gene promoter was determined by MSP, and the cell cycle profile was established by flow cytometry.

RESULTSALDH1a2 was silenced in five human bladder cancer cell lines. Re-expression of ALDH1a2 was detected after treated with 5-Aza-dC alone or TSA in combination. ALDH1a2 transcript was marked in each cell lines combined with 5-Aza-dC and TSA treatment which showed a synergistic effect on expression of ALDH1a2 transcript. Early apoptotic was the main mode of apoptosis and death of human bladder cancer cell lines induced by 5-Aza-dC and TSA. The percentage of early apoptotic cells was 1.4% in control group and 2.8% in TSA group, however, 20.2% in 5-Aza-dC group and 33.8% in 5-Aza-dC + TSA group, respectively. The groups of TSA, 5-Aza-dC and 5-Aza-dC + TSA were significantly different from control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSAberrant methylation of ALDH1a2 gene is the main cause for gene transcriptional inactivation. Re-expression of ALDH1a2 gene and cell apoptosis are detected after either treatment with 5-Aza-dC alone or in combination with TSA.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Azacitidine ; pharmacology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Hydroxamic Acids ; pharmacology ; Retinal Dehydrogenase ; metabolism ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology