Objective To investigate the expression of neurokinin 1 receptor (NK 1R) in the biopsy specimens of colonic mucosa in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). The relation between the expression of NK 1R and clinical severity of UC was also evaluated. Methods UC tissues were obtained from 38 patients (23 males and 15 females) undergoing colonoscopy. Normal human colon tissues were obtained from 15 irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients (8 males and 7 females). Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR), western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to determine the expression of NK 1R. Results NK 1R mRNA expression level was enhanced in mucosae of UC compared with that of IBS. The overexpression of NK 1R was related to the severity of UC. Western blot analysis revealed that the overexpression of NK 1R protein level existed in UC. Immunohistochemistry showed moderate to strong NK 1R immunoreactivity which was localized in mononuclear cells and lymphoid follicles of lamina propria and in the crypt surface, epithelium, lymphoid follicles, submucosal arterioles and myenteric plexus neurones in the colonic mucosa of UC. Conclusions In patients with UC, the overexpression of NK 1R may be involved in the pathophysiological change in the disease and may contribute to the disruption of neuropeptide loop balance and deterioration of clinical condition.

【Objective】 To investigate the relationship of miRNA gene polymorphisms with blood pressure (BP) responses to the sodium and potassium diet intervention. 【Methods】 In 2004, we recruited 514 participants from 124 families in seven villages of Baoji, Shaanxi Province, China. All subjects were given a three-day normal diet, followed by a seven-day low-salt diet, a seven-day high-salt diet, and finally a seven-day high-salt and potassium supplementation. A total of 19 miRNA single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected for analysis. 【Results】 Throughout the sodium-potassium dietary intervention, the BP of the subjects fluctuated across all phases, showing a decrease during the low-salt period and an increase during the high-salt period, followed by a reduction in BP subsequent to potassium supplementation during the high-salt diet. MiR-210-3p SNP rs12364149 was significantly associated with systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) responses to low-salt diet. MiR-4638-3p SNP rs6601178 was significantly associated with SBP while miR-26b-3p SNP rs115254818 was significantly associated with MAP responses to low-salt intervention. In addition, miR-26b-3p SNP rs115254818 was significantly correlated with SBP, DBP and MAP responses to high-salt intervention. MiR-1307-5p SNPs rs11191676 and rs2292807 were associated with SBP and MAP responses to high-salt diet. MiR-4638-3p SNP rs6601178, miR-210-3p SNP rs12364149, miR-382-5p SNP rs4906032 and rs4143957 were significantly associated with SBP response to high-salt diet. In addition, miR-26b-3p SNP rs115254818 was significantly associated with SBP, DBP and MAP responses to potassium supplementation. MiR-1307-5p SNPs rs11191676, rs2292807, and miR-19a-3p SNP rs4284505 were significantly associated with SBP responses to high-salt and potassium supplementation. 【Conclusion】 miRNA gene polymorphisms are associated with BP response to sodium and potassium, suggesting that miRNA genes may be involved in the pathophysiological process of salt sensitivity and potassium sensitivity.

【Objective】 Corin, a transmembrane serine protease that can cleave atrial natriuretic peptide precursor (pro-ANP) into atrial natriuretic peptide with smaller bioactive molecules, participates in the pathophysiological process of hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship of Corin gene variation with blood pressure responses to sodium and potassium dietary interventions. 【Methods】 In 2004, we recruited 514 participants from 124 families in 7 villages of Baoji, Shaanxi Province, China. All the subjects received a 3-day normal diet, a 7-day low-salt diet, a 7-day high-salt diet, and finally a 7-day high-salt and potassium supplementation. Fifteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of Corin gene were selected for final analysis. 【Results】 SNPs rs12509275 were significantly associated with diastolic blood pressure (DBP) response to low-salt diet, while rs3749584 was associated with pulse pressure (PP) response to low-salt diet.SNP rs3749584 and rs10517195 were significantly associated with PP response to high-salt diet. In addition,rs17654278 were significantly associated with systolic blood pressure (SBP) response to high-salt and potassium supplementation, rs2271037 was significantly correlated with DBP responses to high-salt and potassium supplementation, and rs4695253, rs12509275, rs2351783, rs36090894 were significantly associated with PP response to high-salt and potassium supplementation. 【Conclusion】 Corin gene polymorphisms were associated with blood pressure response to sodium and potassium, suggesting that Corin gene may be involved in pathophysiological process of salt sensitivity and potassium sensitivity.