Objective To explore the effects of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) overexpression on mitochondrial biosynthesis and function in melanocytes.Methods An immortalized human vitiligo melanocyte cell line PIG3V was used in this study.An overexpression plasmid Nrf2-pEX-1 containing the full-length Nrf2 gene was constructed.PIG3V cells were divided into 3 groups:blank group receiving no treatment,control group transfected with the pEX-1 plasmid,overexpression group transfected with the Nrf2-pEX-1 plasmid.After transfection,real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blot were performed to determine the mRNA and protein levels of mitochondrial biosynthesis-related factors (including Nrf2,nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM)) respectively;RT-PCR was also conducted to measure the copy number of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA),and flow cytometry to estimate mitochondial membrane potential (MMP);luciferase reporter system was used to estimate the intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level.Statistical analysis was carried out by using a two-sample t-test.Results After transfection,a significant increase was observed in the mRNA expression levels of Nrf2 and NRF1 at 24 hours (both P ＜ 0.001) and in those of Nrf2 and TFAM at 48 hours (both P ＜ 0.05),but no significant change was noted in the mRNA expression level of TFAM at 24 hours (P ＞ 0.05) or in that of NRF1 at 48 hours (P ＞0.05) in the overexpression group compared with the control group.In the case of Nrf2,NRF1 and TFAM protein levels,the overexpression group showed significant increases compared with the control group at 48 hours after transfection (all P ＜ 0.05),while no significant difference was noted between the two groups at 24 hours.Compared with the control group,MMP in the overexpression group increased by 2.313％ at 24 hours (t =5.546,P =0.005) and by 14.872％ at 48 hours (t =8.537,P =0.001) after transfection.Both the relative copy number of mtDNA and ATP level were similar between the overexpression group and control group at 24 hours after transfection (both P ＞ 0.05),but significantly higher in the overexpression group than in the control group at 48 hours (t =5.760,P =0.005;t =22.040,P =0.008).Conclusion Up-regulation of Nrf2 pathway can improve mitochondrial function and biosynthesis in PIG3V cells likely by promoting the expressions of mitochondrial biosynthesis-related genes and proteins.

OBJECTIVETo explore the genetic cause of a female patient with severe mental retardation and a history of adverse pregnancy.

METHODSThe patient was subjected to G-banded chromosome analysis and single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP-array) assaying. The correlation between genomic variations and the phenotype was explored.

RESULTSThe patient was found to have a complex chromosome rearrangement involving 5 chromosomes. The karyotypes of her parents were both normal. SNP-array assay has identified a 1.6 Mb microdeletion at chromosome 15q21.3 which involved 15 RefSeq genes and a 0.5 Mb microdeletion at 5q21.1 which involved one RefSeq gene.

CONCLUSIONThe microdeletions, which involved TCF12, ADMA10 and AQP9 genes, probably underlie the mental retardation shown by the patient.

Adult ; Chromosome Banding ; methods ; Chromosome Deletion ; Chromosomes ; genetics ; Female ; Genetic Testing ; methods ; Humans ; Intellectual Disability ; genetics ; Karyotype

Objective: To investigate the effects of anti-β₂ glycoprotein Ⅰ(β₂GPⅠ) antibody on atherosclerosis in ApoE deficient mice. Methods: A total of 24 male ApoE deficient mice of specific pathogen free level(six to eight-week old)were divided into normal control group, high fat diet group, high fat diet with anti-β₂GPⅠ group, high fat diet with homologous control antibody group (n=6 each group). During the feeding period, mice were weighed every 2 weeks and were intraperitoneally injected with anti-β₂GPⅠIgG (100 μg/per) and homologous control IgG (100 μg/per) according to grouping once a week. At the 16th week, the carotid arterial lipid deposition was observed by small animal magnetic resonance imaging, and blood samples were collected from internal vein of eyeball and the concentrations of TC, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C in plasma were measured after EDTA anticoagulant treatment. AI was calculated. The mice were then sacrificed and carotid arteries were removed, hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the atherosclerotic lesions near the bifurcation of carotid artery and to calculate lesion size. Results: (1) The body weight of mice was significantly higher in the high fat diet group compared to other 3 groups(all P<0.05), which was similar among high fat diet+ anti-β₂GPⅠantibody group, high fat diet+ homologous control IgG group and normal diet control group (P>0.05). (2) After 16 weeks, plasma concentrations of TC and LDL-C in high fat diet group, high fat diet+ anti-β₂GPⅠantibody group and high fat diet+ homologous control IgG group were significantly higher than in normal diet group (all P<0.05), there was no significant difference among high fat diet groups. The level of HDL-C was significantly higher in high fat diet control group than in normal diet control group. The concentration of TG was similar among groups. However, the value of AI in high fat+ anti-β₂GPⅠ antibody group was significantly higher than in other groups (all P<0.05). (3) After 16 weeks, magnetic resonance imaging revealed that mice in high fat diet+ anti-β₂GPⅠ antibody group had more obviously lipid deposition in the carotid arteries, it was significantly higher than that in the other groups, and the cross sections of carotid arteries stained with HE also demonstrated obviously carotid lumen stenosis and the percentage of carotid plaque area to carotid artery was (37.545±1.351)% in the high fat diet+ anti-β₂GPⅠ antibody group, it was significantly higher than normal diet group ((1.235±0.460)%), high fat diet control group((11.635±2.751)%) and high fat diet+ homologous control IgG group ((11.815±2.623)%), all P<0.01. In high fat diet+ anti-β₂GPⅠ antibody group, the area of carotid plaque was (3.121±0.124)×10⁴ μm^2, it was also significantly higher than normal diet group ((0.094±0.015)×10⁴ μm²), high fat diet control group ((1.309±0.147)×10⁴ μm²) and high fat diet+ homologous control IgG group ((1.027±0.228)×10⁴μm²), all P<0.01. Conclusion Anti-β₂GPⅠ antibody can promote atherosclerotic plaque formation in high fat diet fed ApoE deficient mice.

Objective To observe the value of FOLFOX-hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy(HAIC)combined with programmed cell death receptor-1(PD-1)inhibitor+targeted drug for treating China liver cancer staging(CNLC)stageⅢa hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods Sixty-one patients with CNLC stage Ⅲa HCC who underwent PD-1 inhibitor+targeted drug treatment were retrospectively enrolled and divided into observation group(n=30)and control group(n=31)based on whether received FOLFOX-HAIC treatment or not.The general information,treatment strategy,adverse reactions and therapeutic effects were compared between groups,and the value of treatment strategy in observation group was analyzed.Results No significant difference of general information nor PD-1 inhibitor+targeted drug strategy was found between groups(both P＞0.05).Among 1-2 grade adverse reactions,the incidence of nausea,vomiting and abdominal pain in observation group were higher than those in control group(both P＜0.05),while no significant difference of the other 1-2 grade nor 3 grade adverse reactions was observed(all P＞0.05).The objective response rate(ORR),progression free survival(PFS)and overall survival(OS)of observation group were all higher than those of control group(all P＜0.05).Conclusion FOLFOX-HAIC combined with PD-1 inhibitor+targeted drug was more effective for treating CNLC stage Ⅲa HCC with acceptable safety.

OBJECTIVETo detect potential mutations in two neonates suspected for Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS).

METHODSPeripheral blood samples from the neonates and their parents were collected and analyzed for CdLS-related genes using targeted sequence capture and next-generation sequencing. Suspected mutations were confirmed by direct Sanger sequencing.

RESULTSThe neonates were found to respectively carry mutations c.7219C to T and p.D2339Lfs*4 of the NIPBL gene, among which the p.D2339Lfs*4 mutation has not been reported previously. No pathogenic mutation was found in other CdLS-related genes including NIPBL, SMC1A, SMC3, RAD21 and HDAC8.

CONCLUSIONThe c.7219C to T and p.D2339Lfs*4 mutations of the NIPBL gene probably account for the disease in both patients.

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficiency in aortic root disease .Methods From April 2017 to April 2018,46 cases of aortic root disease accepted DavidⅠ[20 cases, 15 males and 5 females, aged(39.6 ±15.8)years, aortic root diameter was(58.3 ±4.4)mm] or Bentall[26 cases, 22 males and 4 females, aged(50.8 ±12.6)years,aortic root diam-eter was(59.5 ±5.0)mm], the data in the peri-operation and heart function in recent period after operation.Results No mortality was observed in the study.Morbidity occurred in both group was comparable.Mean cross-clamp time(129.5 ±28.6) min vs.(94.3 ±35.3)min(P<0.05).Blood transfusion(342.0 ±476.4)ml vs.(330.8 ±651.3)ml(P>0.05).ICU sta-ying time(1.0 ±0.2)day vs.(1.1 ±0.3)day(P>0.05).At the latest visit(10.5 ±6.8)months in David Ⅰ, no obviously regurgitation of aortic valve were observed 0.75 ±0.44 vs 1.0 ±1.3(P>0.05).Conclusion Except for the prolonged cross-clamp time, David Ⅰ is safely and effective in aortic root disease compared with Bentall in peri-operative period .The long term results need further follow-up.

OBJECTIVETo explore the genetic cause for a child with developmental delay.

METHODSThe karotypes of the child and her parents were analyzed with G-banding analysis. Their genome DNA was analyzed with low-coverage massively parallel copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) and verified by single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP-array).

RESULTSThe karyotype of the child was ascertained as 46,XX,r(15)(p13q26.3), while both parents showed a normal karyotype. CNV-seq and SNP-array have identified a de novo 15q26.2-q26.3 deletion in the child with a size of approximately 3.60 Mb.

CONCLUSIONThe abnormal phenotype of the patient carrying the ring chromosome 15 may be attributed to the presence of the 15q26.2-q26.3 microdeletion. The deletion and haploinsufficiency of the IGF1R gene probably underlie the main clinical features of the patient.

Child, Preschool ; Chromosome Banding ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 15 ; genetics ; DNA Copy Number Variations ; Female ; Humans ; Karyotyping ; Mosaicism ; Ring Chromosomes ; Sequence Deletion

Objective:To explore the effect of functional electrical stimulation on cognition and on the expression of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), synaptophysin (SYN) and microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) using a rat model of vascular dementia.Methods:Ninety pathogen-free male Wistar rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a placebo stimulation group and an electrical stimulation group. Both the placebo and electrical stimulation groups underwent bilateral occlusion of the common carotid artery to establish a model of vascular dementia. In the sham operation group the arteries were exposed without occlusion. Each group was then sub-divided into 3, 7 and 14 days subgroups with 10 rats in each subgroup. Beginning seven days after the surgery, the rats in the electrical stimulation group were given 30-minutes of stimulation every day while those in the sham operation group and the placebo stimulation group were given false electrical stimulation. After 3, 7 or 14 days the rats′ cognitive functioning was quantified using the Morris water maze test. The rats were then sacrificed and the expression of BDNF mRNA was measured using in situ hybridization. MAP2 and SYN levels were quantified immunohistochemically.Results:After 14 days the average latency in the placebo stimulation group was significantly longer than in the other groups. On the sixth day the average time in the target zone among the placebo stimulation group was significantly shorter than the other two groups′ averages. After only 3 days of simulation, the average expression of BDNF mRNA in the CA1 area of the hippocampus was significantly lower in the placebo stimulation group than among the others. After 7 days of stimulation the placebo group′s average was significantly lower than that of the sham operation group. The average expression of MAP2 had decreased significantly in the placebo stimulation group compared with the other two groups after 7 and 14 days of simulation. After 7 days the average expression of SYN in the placebo stimulation group was significantly lower than in the sham operation group, and after 14 days it was significantly lower than in the other two groups.Conclusions:Functional electrical stimulation may improve learning and memory in rats modelling vascular dementia through increasing BDNF, SYN and MAP2 expression levels.

Objective:To investigate the expression and significance of T helper cell 17 (Th17), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and coagulation function in patients with infectious endocarditis(IE).Methods:From December 2016 to December 2018, IE patients in Beijing Anzhen Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University who met the inclusion criteria were selected for cardiac surgery to analyze prospectively, 38 IE patients were selected as the observation group, and 30 healthy people were selected as the control group.The concentrations of serum Th17 related factors (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17 and IL-21), sICAM-1 and coagulation index(P selectin(sP-SLT)) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) and the difference between the two groups were statistically analyzed.Results:The concentrations of serum IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17 and IL-21((29.88±6.49), (14.89±3.31), (21.89±3.01), (563.26±67.36) ng/L) in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group((16.56±4.11), (7.52±2.34), (12.91±1.01), (423.38±56.49) ng/L)(all P<0.05). The level of serum sICAM-1 and sP-SLT ((1 247.57(581.39, 1 794.66) μg/L, (60.29±6.61) mg/L)in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group((837.28(405.68, 954.47) μg/L, (27.37±5.56) mg/L), and the difference was statistically significant( Z=12.37, t=22.30, all P<0.05). The level of serum IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17 and IL-21 in patients with postoperative infective endocarditis((16.19±4.07), (7.73±2.40), (13.83±0.94), (425.33±52.12) ng/L) were significantly lower than those before operation((29.88±6.49), (14.89±2.31), (21.89±3.01), (563.26±67.36) ng/L), and the differences were statistically significant(t values were 11.02, 13.25, 15.76, 9.98, all P<0.05). The levels of sICAM-1 and sP-SLT1 in patients with postoperative infective endocarditis((901.46(472.15, 1276.58) μg/L, (30.70±5.31) mg/L) were significantly lower than those before operation((1 057.26±463.06) μg/L, (60.29±6.61) mg/L)and the differences were statistically significant( Z=11.16, t=21.51, P<0.05). Conclusion:Th17 related factors, sICAM-1 and sP-SLT were highly expressed in IE patients, and the concentrations of these factors decreased after operation, suggesting that the above factors may be used as related factors for the diagnosis and prognosis of IE patients.

Objective:To analyze the immunology-related risk factors for short-term prognosis in patients with demyelinating diseases of central nervous system, and to evaluate their predictive value.Methods:From January 2012 to October 2022 in Beijing Tiantan Hospital of Capital Medical University and General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, the clinical data of 362 patients with demyelinating diseases of central nervous system were analyzed, including neuromyelitis optic spectrum disease (NMOSD) 181 cases, multiple sclerosis (MS) 129 cases, anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody associated disease (MOGAD) 38 cases, acute disseminated encephalomyelopathy (ADEM) 14 cases. According to the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score at discharge, the patients were divided into good prognosis group (EDSS≤3 scores, 267 cases) and poor prognosis group (EDSS>3 scores, 95 cases). The clinical data, admission severity (admission EDSS score), treatment, autoantibodies and immunoglobulin level and serum inflammatory factor level were compared between two groups. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors of short-term prognosis in patients with demyelinating diseases of central nervous system; and the predictive efficacy was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results:Compared with the good prognosis group, the admission EDSS score in the poor prognosis group was significantly higher: 2.5 (1.5) scores vs. 6.5 (3.5) scores. The positive rates of autoimmune disease-related antibody, systemic autoantibody, anti-nuclear antibody, anti-extractable nuclear antigen antibody, thyroid peroxidase antibody and thyroid globulin antibody were significantly higher: 89.5% (85/95) vs. 59.6% (159/267), 75.8% (72/95) vs. 52.1% (139/267), 65.3% (62/95) vs. 38.6% (103/267), 42.1% (40/95) vs. 23.2% (62/267), 40.0% (38/95) vs. 19.1% (51/267) and 42.1% (40/95) vs. 19.9% (53/267). The serum IgM was significantly lower: 0.84 (0.78) g/L vs. 1.00 (0.75) g/L. The serum tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-2 receptor and cerebrospinal fluid IgG were significantly higher: 8 055 (3 118) pg/L vs. 6 830 (3 515) pg/L, 348 (175) kU/L vs. 314 (146) kU/L and 47.50 (46.50) g/L vs. 33.00 (24.00) g/L. And there were statistical differences ( P<0.01 or <0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis result showed that the admission EDSS score and anti-nuclear antibody positive were the independent risk factors of short-term prognosis in patients with demyelinating diseases of central nervous system ( OR = 5.034 and 6.942, 95% CI 3.289 to 7.705 and 2.250 to 21.422, P<0.01). ROC curve analysis result showed that the area under the curve of anti-nuclear antibody positive combined with admission EDSS score predicted the short-term prognosis in patients with demyelinating diseases of central nervous system was 0.972, with a sensitivity of 90.5%, and a specificity of 92.5%. Conclusions:The admission EDSS score and anti-nuclear antibody positive are the independent risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with demyelinating diseases of central nervous system. And the combination of two indexes can better predict the short-term prognosis.