OBJECTIVETo investigate the association between the expression of turnor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) mRNA in fat tissue of intrauterine growth retarded (IUGR) rats and insulin resistance, and the long-term effects of early different nutritional diet.

METHODSThe IUGR rat model was established by food restriction of pregnant rats. A total of 32 newborn IUGR rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: IUGR model (S/N) group, IUGR high caloric diet (A) group, IUGR high caloric and high protein diet (B) group, IUGR high protein diet (C) group. Only the mother rats were given those different diets individually, and all IUGR newborn pups were lactated for 3 weeks. From the beginning of the 4(th) week, all IUGR pups were weaned and fed with normal diet till the end of the experiment. Eight normal birth weight newborn rats were used as the control group fed with the normal diet. Weight, perirenal fat weight, fasting glucose and insulin concentration and quantified TNF-alpha mRNA expression in adipose cell were measured at the 48(th) week. The insulin sensitive index (ISI) and the relation index between TNF-alpha mRNA and fat weight, fat weight/body weight (fw/bw) ratio and ISI were calculated.

RESULTSISI of IUGR model group, IUGR A and B groups was lower than normal control group, while perirenal fat weight, fw/bw and the expression of TNF-alpha mRNA in adipose cells were all significantly higher (P < 0.05 or 0.01). There were no significant differences in these indexes between IUGR C group and normal control groups (P > 0.05). A positive correlation was found between TNF-alpha mRNA and fat weight and fw/bw (r(1) = 0.755, r(2) = 0.782, P = 0.000). Significant inverse associations between ISI and TNF-alpha mRNA (r = -0.556, P = 0.000) and fw/bw (r = -0.513, P = 0.02) were also found.

CONCLUSIONThe occurrence of insulin resistance in IUGR rats is possibly associated with central obesity and accumulation of the abdominal fat and adipose cell over-expression of TNF-alpha. The adipose TNF-alpha may be an important pathogenic factor of insulin resistance of IUGR. High protein diet is a reasonable nutritional intervention. Because it promotes the skeleton muscle catch-up growth but not fat catch-up growth, it can avoid the occurrence of central obesity and insulin resistance in IUGR rats.

Adipose Tissue ; metabolism ; Animals ; Diet ; Female ; Fetal Growth Retardation ; Insulin Resistance ; Nutritional Status ; Pregnancy ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

BACKGROUND:In recent years, the application of stem cel s to treat autoimmune diseases has become a hot spot. But, studies on umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cel s transplantation for the treatment of polymyositis/dermatomyositis are rarely reported. OBJECTIVE:To explore the immunologic mechanism of Th cytokines on the occurrence and development of polymyositis/dermatomyositis by observing the changes in serum interferon-γ, interleukin-4 and interleukin-17 in patients after umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cel s transplantation. METHODS:Eighty-one polymyositis/dermatomyositis patients were selected and divided into conventional therapy group (n=44) undergoing glucocorticoid and immunosuppressants therapy and cel transplantation group (n=37) undergoing intravenous infusion of umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cel s at a density of (3.5-5.2 )×107 . Dosing regimen was same in the two groups. After fol ow-up of 1, 3, 6 months, the changes of creatine kinase and myodynamia were evaluated;after fol ow-up of 3 and 6 months, lung imaging was evaluated;in the cel transplantation group, interferon-γ, interleukin-4 and interleukin-17 levels were detected before treatment and at 3 and 6 months after treatment. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:At 1, 3, 6 months after treatment, the creatine kinase level was significantly decreased, and the muscle force grade was significantly increased in both groups (both P<0.001). Compared with the conventional therapy group, the creatine kinase level was lower and the muscle force grade was higher in the cel transplantation group (both P<0.001). Results from lung imaging test showed a remarkable improvement after cel transplantation, and it indicated that umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cel s transplantation had good stability. At 6 months after transplantation, the level of interferon-γwas significantly increased, while the interleukin-4 level was decreased significantly (both P<0.01);at 3, 6 months after cel transplantation, the levels of interleukin-17 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Levels of interleukin-4 and interleukin-17 were positively correlated with the level of creatine kinase at 6 months after cel transplantation (r=0.467, 0.488, both P<0.05), but there was no obvious correlation between the levels of interferon-γand creatine kinase (r=0.213, P>0.05). These findings indicate umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cel s transplantation combined with glucocorticoid and immunosuppressants therapy can adjust immune network effects and improve the immune tolerance in polymyositis/dermatomyositis patients, which is safe and effective.

OBJECTIVETo explore etiology, clinical manifestation and immunological changes of infectious pneumonia of neonates in Chengdu area.

METHODSSerum specimens were collected from 111 infants with infectious pneumonia. Eight viral and mycoplasmal specific serum IgM antibodies were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); C reactive protein (CRP), total IgG and its subclasses, IgA and IgM were determined by rate scattered nephelometry; T lymphocyte subpopulations were detected by biotin-streptavidin-peroxidase method, and clinical and other laboratory data were analyzed.

RESULTS(1) Etiological agents: specific serum IgM antibodies were positive in 40 of 111 cases (36.0%) with pneumonias. All the 30 control infants were negative for the specific serum IgM antibodies. Among 111 infants with infectious pneumonia, 20.7% had single viral or mycoplasmal infection, 40.5% had bacterial infection, 15.3% had viral and mycoplasmal infection with bacterial infection; 23.4% had infection with unknown agents. (2) The most common clinical manifestations were tachypnea and cyanosis. The next were cough, milk choking, rales, retractions of the supraclavicular, intercostal and subcostal areas. Roentgenographic examination commonly revealed vague opacities, increased density and patchy infiltration. (3) Immune status: (1) CD(3), CD(4) cell counts of infants with pneumonias were lower than those of the controls while their serum IgA, IgM concentrations were higher than those of the control. (2) The CD(3) and CD(4) cell counts of the group with bacterial infection were lower than those of the control group. (3) The serum IgA concentration of the group with viral and mycoplasmal infection was higher than those of the control group and the group with unknown infection. (4) The serum IgM concentration of the group with bacterial infection was higher than those of the control group. (5) There were no significant differences in CD(8) cell counts, CD(4)/CD(8), concentration of serum IgG and IgG(1 - 4) between pneumonia group and the control group, and among various infectious groups and the control.

CONCLUSIONPathogens of neonatal infectious pneumonia in Chengdu area included single viral or mycoplasmic infection or bacterial infection, viral and mycoplasmal infection with bacterial infection, and unknown infection. Immunological changes of newborn infants suffered from infectious pneumonia included declined CD(3) and CD(4) cell counts, particularly in bacterial infection.

Antibodies, Bacterial ; blood ; Antibodies, Viral ; blood ; Bacterial Infections ; complications ; C-Reactive Protein ; analysis ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin M ; blood ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Pneumonia ; diagnosis ; etiology ; immunology ; T-Lymphocyte Subsets ; immunology ; metabolism ; Virus Diseases ; complications

OBJECTIVETo analyze the clinical features, morphology and biologic behavior of primary malignant myoepithelioma (MME) of salivary glands.

METHODSThe H&E sections of 16 MME cases were reviewed. Immunohistochemical study using EnVision method for cytokeratin (CK), epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), vimentin, S-100 protein, desmin, muscle-specific actin (MSA), smooth muscle actin (SMA), Myo, proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), leukocyte common antigen (LCA) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was carried out.

RESULTSOf the 16 patients studied, 6 were males and 10 were females. Their ages ranged from 12 to 65 years (with an average age of 44 years). The tumor occurred predominantly in the parotid gland and minor salivary gland of the palate. Common clinical features included sudden and rapid tumor growth, superficial ulceration, bony destruction and nerve infiltration. Seven of the 16 patients developed local recurrences, while 2 patients had metastasis in the lymph nodes of submandibular or other cervical regions. Most tumors infiltrated adjacent normal salivary gland, adipose, muscular and bony tissues. The extent of local invasion however varied. Histologically, MME showed a wide range of morphologic appearance, with various combinations of clear, spindle, epithelioid or plasmacytoid cells. The tumor cells were atypical and demonstrated high mitotic activity. In this study, 9 cases were composed predominantly of clear tumor cells. Immunohistochemically the tumor cells were positive for CK, EMA, MSA, desmin and S-100 protein.

CONCLUSIONSIn general, MME is a rare and low-grade malignant salivary gland tumor. It carries a low potential for lymph node or distant metastasis but relatively high tendency for local recurrences, resulting in destruction of adjacent soft and bony tissues. The biologic behavior also varies, depending on the site of involvement. Morphologic diagnosis of MME can be difficult in view of the wide spectrum of histologic changes. A definitive diagnosis however is possible with the application of immunohistochemistry.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Cytokines ; metabolism ; Desmin ; metabolism ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myoepithelioma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Parotid Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Retrospective Studies ; Salivary Gland Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Salivary Glands, Minor ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the normal range of (CAG)n in spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) gene and spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3/MJD) gene in 110 normal subjects of Han population in Northeastern China, to assess the genotypes for clinically diagnosed spinocerebellar ataxia(SCA) individuals including 25 patients from 8 families and 6 sporadic patients, and to make presymptomatic and prenatal diagnosis.

METHODSDNA fragments from the normal subjects and the patients were detected by fluorescence-PCR. Homozygosities were selected for DNA sequencing.

RESULTSThe normal ranges of (CAG)n of SCA1 and SCA3/MJD were 20-39 and 14-38 repeats respectively, SCA1 was found mostly to be 26 and 27 repeats, allele frequency 34.09% and 20.91%; heterozygosity was 84.55%, SCA3/MJD was found mostly to be 14 repeats, allele frequency 39.55%, heterozygosity was 78.18%.(CAG)(68) of SCA3/MJD gene of one affected individual had been found in a family but no CAG mutative expansion in related members was observed.

CONCLUSIONThe normal ranges of CAG repeats vary with areas and races. SCAs genotyping is the first choice in presymptomatic and prenatal diagnosis.

Ataxin-1 ; Ataxin-3 ; Ataxins ; China ; DNA ; chemistry ; genetics ; Family Health ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; Humans ; Machado-Joseph Disease ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Male ; Nerve Tissue Proteins ; genetics ; Nuclear Proteins ; genetics ; Pedigree ; Repressor Proteins ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Spinocerebellar Ataxias ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Trinucleotide Repeat Expansion ; genetics ; Trinucleotide Repeats ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association of specific functional gene ACE (I/D) variants of the renin-angiotensin system with essential hypertension (EH) and interaction between ACE (I/D) gene and risk factors for EH in a genetically homogenous Mongolia rural population of China.

METHODSIndividuals (n=1099) were recruited from general population of Kezuohouqi Banner in Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region.

RESULTSThe association was found between ACE genotype DD plus ID and EH, with an interaction between ACE genotype DD plus ID and cigarette smoking in an additive model. Cigarette smoking index and ACE gene showed a low exposure-gene (LEG) effect on EH, with interaction indices from 7.10 to 1.16. Interaction between ACE genotype DD plus ID and alcohol drinking on EH appeared an additive model. Alcohol drinking index and ACE gene showed a low exposure-gene (LEG) effect on EH, with interaction indices from 1.66 to 1.09. BMI and ACE gene showed a low exposure-gene (LEG) effect on EH, with interaction indices from 6.15 to 2.49. Interactions between ACE genotype and WHR on EH showed a multiplicative model. In a short,there was an interaction between ACE gene and cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking and BMI on EH, especially in a low dose-exposure effect

CONCLUSIONIt is important for individuals who carry ACE D allele gene to prevent EH, and furthermore, to prevent and control coronary heart disease, in a view of population-based prevention.

Adult ; Age Factors ; Alcohol Drinking ; Anthropometry ; Blood Glucose ; China ; Cholesterol ; blood ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Environmental Exposure ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Humans ; Hypertension ; enzymology ; etiology ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mongolia ; ethnology ; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Renin-Angiotensin System ; genetics ; Risk Factors ; Rural Population ; Sex Factors ; Smoking ; Triglycerides ; blood

OBJECTIVE: To systematic evaluate the outcome of open-wedge high tibial osteotomy(OWHTO) and unicomartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) in treating medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee. METHODS: According to the retrieval strategy made by the Cochrane collaboration, a computer-base research of Medline, Pubmed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI, and Wanfang databases was performed and search deadline was March 2018. Related Chinese and English orthopedic journals and conference papers were manually searched. Controlled studies of OWHTO and UKA in the treatment of medial knee osteoarthritis were included. The quality of included researches was evaluated, and the data of postoperative knee function, complications, total knee arthroplasty(TKA) revision rates, and postoperative pain were extracted. Meta analysis was performed using the RevMan 5.0 software. RESULTS: A total of 8 articles that met the criteria were included containing a total of 675 patients. Meta-analysis showed that there was no significant difference in postoperative HSS score, knee score, functional score, and Lysholm score between the OWHTO and UKA groups(=0.32, =0.87, =0.22, =0.53). The range of joint motion in the OWHTO group was better than that in the UKA group, and the difference was statistically significant(=0.009). There was no significant difference in postoperative complications and the rates of revision to TKA between the two groups(=0.81, =0.23). There was no difference in postoperative knee pain between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS In the treatment of medial compartmental osteoarthritis of the knee that meets the surgical indications, OWHTO had better postoperative joint mobility. The results were similar in postoperative knee score, postoperative complications, and postoperative TKA revision rates between OWHTO and UKA groups.
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee ; Humans ; Knee Joint ; Osteoarthritis, Knee ; Osteotomy ; Tibia ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVESTo investigate the mechanism of Liuwei Dihuang Pill (, LDP) in treating postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) with Shen (Kidney) yin deficiency.

METHODSIn this study, 205 cases of PMOP were divided into the PMOP Shen-yin deficiency group (Group A), PMOP Shen-yang deficiency group (Group B), PMOP without Shen deficiency group (Group C), and control group (Group N). Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot techniques were used to observe the effects of LDP treatment on the cardiotrophin-like cytokine factor 1 (CLCF1), ankyrin repeat and SOCS box containing 1 (ASB1), and prokineticin 2 (PROK2) genes and the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway.

RESULTSThe mRNA (P<0.05) and protein (P<0.01) expression levels of the CLCF1 gene in Group A were significantly lower than the corresponding levels in Group N. After LDP treatment for 3 months, the mRNA expression levels of the CLCF1 gene were obviously up-regulated (P<0.01). After 6-month treatment, the expression levels of CLCF1 mRNA and protein were significantly up-regulated (both P<0.01), and the average bone density of the top femur had significantly increased (P<0.05). In vitro, CLCF1 overexpression resulted in a significant increase in the total protein and phosphorylated protein levels of JAK2 and STAT3.

CONCLUSIONSThe CLCF1 gene is an important gene associated with PMOP Shen-yin deficiency and the therapeutic effects of LDP may be mediated by up-regulation of CLCF1 gene expression and activation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway.

Cytokines ; genetics ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Humans ; Janus Kinases ; metabolism ; Middle Aged ; Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal ; drug therapy ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; STAT Transcription Factors ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; Up-Regulation ; Yin Deficiency ; drug therapy ; genetics