OBJECTIVE: To investigate if hyperbaric oxygen ( HBO) may induce structural changes of neurons in hippocampus from infantile rats and if the changes are reversible. METHODS: All 27 healthy SD infantile rats were exposed to HBO (0.25 MPa) or hyperbaric air (HBA) for 1 to 3 courses (10 days as 1 course). The hippocampus was taken at the end of each course to observe its morphology b y light microscope and electron microscope. RESULTS: HBO exposure induced capillary dilation, nuclear membr ane winding or blurring and some mitochondria swelling with its crista blurring i n neurons. The changes occurred after 1 course exposure and became significant w ith time. Most of the changes recovered 20 days after stopping exposure. No chan ge was found after HBA exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term HBO exposure can cause capillary dilati on and ultrastructural injury of neurons in hippocampus from infantile rats. The damage is not serious, but reversible.

OBJECTIVEKawasaki disease (KD) is an acute febrile vasculitic syndrome of unknown etiology that preferentially affects coronary artery. It has been suggested that proinflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) are key players during acute KD. Recently, the polymorphisms relative to major transcriptional start site of TNF-alpha and IL-10 gene were shown to influence the level of TNF-alpha and IL-10 production in vitro. This study was aimed to investigate the genetic association of TNF-alpha and IL-10 promoter polymorphisms in juvenile patients of Han nationality with KD, and to investigate the possible associations with clinical manifestations of the disease.

METHODSFour polymorphism sites of TNF-alpha and IL-10 gene promoter regions from 96 children with KD were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). One hundred and sixty age-matched normal children of the Han nationality were used as control. All patients accepted Doppler echocardiography examination in order to differentiate coronary artery lesions.

RESULTSThere was significant difference in allele frequencies of -308 (A/G) site of the TNF-alpha gene between children of the Han nationality and those of Japanese and Caucasian in America. There were significant differences in the allele frequencies of -1082 (G/A), -819 (C/T) and -592 (A/C) of IL-10 gene between children of the Han nationality and their British Counterparts (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in allele frequencies of -308 (A/G) site of TNF-alpha gene between children with KD and normal controls. There was no significant difference in the haplotypes and the allele frequencies of the above three sites of IL-10 between the two groups. However, when clinical features were examined, the genotype frequency of TNF-alpha-308A was significantly higher in IVIG-resistant KD patients than that of TNF-alpha-308G genotype (67% vs 5%, chi(c)(2) = 90.48, P < 0.01). The genotype of TNF-alpha-308A was closely associated with IVIG-resistant KD (P < 0.01, relative risk 42.25, 95% confidence interval 15.81-112.88). The haplotype frequency of IL-10 -1082A/-819T/-592A was also higher in patients with coronary artery lesion (CAL) caused by KD than those of Non-ATA haplotype (52% vs 20%, chi(2) = 18.36, P < 0.01). The haplotypes of IL-10 -1082A/-819T/-592A was significantly associated with CAL caused by KD (P < 0.01, relative risk 4.26, 95% confidence interval 2.20-8.25).

CONCLUSIONThe genotype of TNF-alpha-308A is one of the important factors that probably influence the therapeutic effect of KD. The haplotypes (-1082/-819/-592) of IL-10 gene promoter might be related to the pathogenesis of coronary artery complication of KD and -1082A/-819T/-592A haplotypes might be regarded as a genetic marker of risk factor for coronary artery lesion in KD.

Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Interleukin-10 ; genetics ; Male ; Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome ; genetics ; pathology ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; genetics ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of Jingjielianqiao Decoction in promoting leg ulcer in rabbits.

METHODSNine adult male New Zealand albino rabbits with chronic leg ulcers were randomized into 3 groups, namely group A treated with Jingjielianqiao Decoction, group B with Shengjiyuhong Decoction, and group C with normal saline. Gross observation of the wounds was carried out regularly for evaluating the changes in the ulcerous area, depth and wound surface excretion. After 3 weeks of treatment, the tissues on the edge of the ulcer were sampled and prepared for routine pathological examination, electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CD34. The number of blood vessels and their areas were also recorded.

RESULTSThe wounds showed no significant differences between the 3 groups by gross observation during the treatment, but after completion of the 3-week treatment, routine pathological examination and electron microscopy revealed significant differences between the groups. Immunohistochemistry for VEGF and CD34 yielded comparable results between groups A and B (positive control), but showed significant differences between group C and the other two groups (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONJingjielianqiao Decoction and Shengjiyuhong Decoction can obviously promote the healing of leg ulcer in rabbits.

Animals ; Antigens, CD34 ; analysis ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Immunohistochemistry ; Leg Ulcer ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Microscopy, Electron ; Phytotherapy ; Rabbits ; Random Allocation ; Skin ; drug effects ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; analysis ; Wound Healing ; drug effects

The purpose of this study is to investigate the Sal I, Nru I and Mse I restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) of factor IX gene in Chinese Han people. The frequencies of FIX-192 and FIX-793 for A and G, and FIX-698 for T and C were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in unrelated normal Chinese Han people. A sample of 214, 210 and 206 unrelated X chromosomes were analyzed for FIX-192 and FIX-793 and FIX-698, respectively. The results showed that the frequencies for FIX-192 were 0.878 for A and 0.122 for G, with a heterozygosity rate of 0.213, and the frequencies for FIX-793 were 0.552 for A and 0.448 for G, with a heterozygosity rate of 0.494, the frequencies for FIX-698 were 0.311 for T and 0.689 for C, with a heterozygosity rate of 0.429. It was concluded that the SalIand NruI and MseI RFLPs of FIX gene may be useful markers for carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis in Chinese families with hemophilia B patients.
China ; DNA ; genetics ; metabolism ; Deoxyribonucleases, Type II Site-Specific ; metabolism ; Factor IX ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Heterozygote ; Humans ; Male ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length

Objective:To investigate the subtype distribution of HIV-1 strains prevalent in four areas of China,and to study the characteristics of gag gene variation and changes in antigen epitopes under the host immune pressures. Methods:The plasma of HIV-1 infected people from Henan, Guangdong, Sichuan and Beijing in China were collected. Virion RNA was extracted directly from plasma after the virion was condensed. The gag gene was amplified by RT-PCR and nested-PCR.Sequences were subtyped by Genotyping Tool software, and phylogenetic analysis of gag gene were performed using the MEGA 4.1 software.The gene distances intra each subtype were calculated by Distance program. The Ks/Ka ratios were calculated using SNAP program. The variation analysis of CTL antigen epitopes restricted by main HLA-Ⅰ specificities in China was performed.Results:Six subtypes or circulating recombinant forms(CRFs)of HIV-1,including B',CRF07_BC,CRF01_AE,B,CRF08_BC and CRF02_AG,were identified in four areas of China.The gene distances intra each subtype were CRF01_AE>B>CRF08_BC> CRF07_BC>B' listed in order of size, meanwhile the order of Ks/Ka ratios was CRF01_AE>B>CRF08_BC>B'>CRF07_BC. Far more diversity of antigen epitopes in P17 region was observed than that in P24.Epitope mutations intra subtypes were CRF01_AE>B>B'>CRF07_BC listed in order of size. Conclusion:Itseems that CRF01_AE is under the strongest immune pressures,and displays the most diversity of gene and variation of epitopes intra subtypes prevalent in China, followed by subtype B, B' and CRF07_BC. The discrepancy of epitope mutations intra the subtypes is significant.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related, progressive neurodegenerative disorder that occurs gradually and results in memory, behavior, and personality changes. Abnormal sphingolipid metabolism was reported in AD previously. This study aimed to investigate whether sphK1 could exacerbate the accumulation of amyloid protein (Aβ) and sharpen the learning and memory ability of the animal model of AD using siRNA interference. An adenovirus vector expressing small interfering RNA (siRNA) against the sphK1 gene (sphK1-siRNA) was designed, and the effects of sphK1-siRNA on the APP/PS1 mouse four weeks after treatment with sphK1-siRNA hippocampal injection were examined. SphK1 protein expression was confirmed by using Western blotting and ceramide content coupled with S1P secretion was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Aβ load was detected by immunohistochemical staining and ELISA. Morris water maze was adopted to test the learning and memory ability of the APP/PS1 mice. A significant difference in the expression of sphK1 protein and mRNA was observed between the siRNA group and the control group. Aβ load in transfected mice was accelerated in vivo, with significant aggravation of the learning and memory ability. The sphK1 gene modulation in the Aβ load and the learning and memory ability in the animal model of AD may be important for the treatment of AD.
Alzheimer Disease ; diagnosis ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Gene Silencing ; Genetic Therapy ; methods ; Learning Disorders ; diagnosis ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Mice ; Mice, Transgenic ; Microinjections ; Phosphotransferases (Alcohol Group Acceptor) ; genetics ; RNA, Small Interfering ; administration & dosage ; genetics ; therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome

This study was to evaluate the role of reticulated platelets (RP) assay in the distinguishing the different causes of thrombocytopenia. The RP and immature platelet fraction (IPF) were stained by a nucleic acid-specific dye oxazine, and assayed by XE-2100 blood cell counter with an upgraded software in the reticulocyte/optical platelet channel. RP and IPF were measured in 137 thrombocytopenic patients and 187 normal controls. The results showed that the mean IPF was 1.07% in normal controls, and 10.28% in 109 patients with immune thrombocytopenia (p<0.01), RP absolute value in ITP group was higher than that in control group, there was significant difference between them (p=0.036). The mean IPF was 10.47% in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (PITP), and 9.45% in patients with secondary ITP (SITP). There was no significant difference of IPF between PITP and SITP group (p=0.635), but IPF in these 2 groups both were significantly higher than the normal controls. The mean IPF in 28 thrombocytopenic patients with hypocellular marrow was 2.37%. There was no difference of IPF between thrombocytopenic patients with hypocellular marrow and the normal controls (p=0.252), but the absolute counts of RP in the former was significantly lower than in the latter (p<0.05). The IPF cut-off for a diagnosis of thrombocytopenia with hypercellular marrow was 2.45%, the sensitivity was 92.7% and specificity 94.1%. It is concluded that the whole-blood IPF measurement by XE-2100 blood cell counter is an useful screening test to differentiate patients with thrombocytopenia of different causes. An IPF above 2.45% has both a high sensitivity and specificity for a diagnosis of thrombocytopenia with a hypercellular marrow.
Adult ; Blood Platelets ; cytology ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Platelet Count ; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic ; blood ; diagnosis ; Reticulocytes ; cytology ; Young Adult

Objective To investigate the pathogens spectrum and epidemiological characteristics of rash and fever illness (RFIs) from January 2010 to December 2017 in Pudong New Area, in order to provide scientific evidence for the prevention and control ofRFIs.Methods Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to detect the pathogens of enterovirus, measles virus, rubella virus and others from 2 831 clinical samples, and statistical analysis was performed.Results Pathogens were found in 1 633 samples in total, accounting for 68.59%. The top 4 viruses in the pathogen spectrum were enterovirus (52.54%), measles virus (28.54%), rubella virus (13.04%), and varicella-zoster virus (3.37%). There was significnat difference in the detection rate of rubella pathogens among patients of different genders(P=0.026). In the pathogen spectrum of infections of different age groups, the detection rate of enteroviruses at the age of 3-6 years was higher than that of other age groups. The detection rate of varicella-zoster virus at the age of 6-18 years old was higher than that of other age groups. The detection rate of virus including measles virus, rubella virus, dengue virus and small DNA virus in age of 18 and older was higher than that of other age groups. There was significant difference in the detection rate of pathogens in different age groups (all P<0.05).The incidence of RFIs was the highest in spring (41.52%) and the lowest in winter (15.00%). There was a statistical difference in the detection rate of enterovirus, measles, rubella and dengue virus in different seasons (P<0.05).Conclusions Enteroviruses and measles viruses are the main pathogens leading to RFIs in Pudong New Area, and the activity level of RFIs pathogens should be monitored for a long time.

OBJECTIVETo investigate a therapeutic method for male infertility caused by radiotherapy after surgical treatment of spermatocytoma.

METHODSA case of azoospermia caused by radiotherapy after surgical treatment of spermatocytoma was reported and the Chinese medicine Jiaweishuiluerxiandan was used as a major therapy for 3 years.

RESULTSThe patient's health condition was improved dramatically two years after being treated by the Chinese medicine but no sperm was found in his semen. However, three years after the treatment, his spermatozoon density was recovered from zero to 2.0 x 10(6)/ml with normal morphology. His sperm was subsequently used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection, which made his spouse pregnant successfully, and an healthy male infant was born by caesarean birth.

CONCLUSIONChinese medicine is a successful try at treating male infertility caused by radiotherapy after surgical treatment of spermatocytoma. For those who have failed to get their sperm frozen before surgery, Chinese medicine is a choice for remediation.

Adult ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Oligospermia ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Phytotherapy ; Pregnancy ; Radiotherapy ; adverse effects ; Seminoma ; radiotherapy ; surgery ; Sperm Count ; Testicular Neoplasms ; radiotherapy ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo explore the inhibitory effects of gene expression and functional activity of telomerase in leukemia cell lines by in vitro antisense hTERT treatment.

METHODSAn antisense hTERT eukaryotic expression vector was constructed by using gene recombination technique, targeting the 5' end mRNA sequence of the telomerase catalytic subunit. The vector expression in leukemia cell lines (HL60 and K562) was achieved by transfection using the SuperFect transfection reagent (Qiagen). After transfection, ectopic expression of the telomerase catalytic subunit was analyzed by quantitative fluorescence real-time RT-PCR, and cellular apoptosis and cell cycle parameters were evaluated by flow cytometry respectively.

RESULTSAn antisense pcDNA-hTERT eukaryotic expression vector was successfully constructed. Leukemia cell lines transfected with antisense hTERT constructed displayed a significant inhibition of gene expression of telomerase and its activity in vitro, as compared with the result of the control groups (without transfection and vector control).

CONCLUSIONIn-vitro antisense hTERT expression may down-regulate the gene expression and biological activity of telomerase in leukemia cells, suggesting a possibility of gene therapy against human malignancy through the telomerase-targeted molecular mechanism.

Apoptosis ; Cell Cycle ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Down-Regulation ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Genetic Vectors ; HL-60 Cells ; HeLa Cells ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; RNA, Antisense ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Telomerase ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transfection