BACKGROUND: The occurrence and severity of acute high-altitude disease(AHAD) are determined by the speed entering the highland, the altitude of highland and seasons. The association between obesity and AHAD has not been fully investigated.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between obesity and acute high-altitude in people exposed rapidly to the highland.DESIGN: Comparative observation.SETTING: Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Chinese PLA and Department of Cardiology, Tibetan General Hospital of Chinese PLA.PARTICIPANTS: The experiment was conducted at the Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Tibetan Military Area Command of Chinese PLA in August 2006. Totally 82 Henan subjects aged 28-45 years were selected from the male workers constructing the Qinghai-Tibet Railway and their managers with acute high-altitude exposure. They had never been to the highland before, and all agreed to the detection.METHODS: ①Every subject completed the AHAD self-report questionnaire at sea level and 12 hours and 24 hours after ascending high-altitude. The items in the questionnaire included symptoms of headache, gastrointestinal symptoms,fatigue or weakness, dizziness, and insomnia. Each symptom was graded from 0-3 with 0 as no symptoms, 1 as mild symptoms, 2 as moderate symptoms, and 3 as severe symptoms and a total score of 15. A score of 4 or more could by identified as AHAD. ②The height and body mass were measured to calculate the body mass (BMI). Those with BMI≥28 kg/m2 served as the obesity group [n =39, mean age (35±8) years], and those with BMI of 18.5-23.9 kg/m2 as the normal body mass group [n =43, mean age (35±8) years]. ③Arterial blood was taken to evaluate arterial oxygen saturation (SO2), arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2) and arterial carbon dioxide pressure (PaCO2) at baseline and 24 hours after ascending high-altitude. ④The measurement data was compared by t test.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: BMI, vital capacity of lungs, SO2, PaO2 and PaCO2 levels of obese and normal people.RESULTS: Totally 39 obese people and 43 normal people were involved in the result analysis. ①AHAD score: No symptom was reported at sea level in all participants (scored 0), but the AHAD scores in the obesity group were significantly higher than those in normal group 12-hour and 24-hour after ascending high-altitude. ②Blood gas analysis:At sea level, there were no statistical differences in the levels of SO2, PaO2, and PaCO2 between two groups (P ＞ 0.05).But 24 hours after ascending high-altitude, SO2 and PaO2 of the obesity group were much lower than in the normal group (P＜ 0.01), and PaCO2 was significantly higher than in the normal group (P＜ 0.01).CONCLUSION: Obese men are more vulnerable to high-altitude hypoxia than people with normal body mass. Obesity is an important risk factor for the development of acute high-altitude disease.

This paper is in order to study the anti-feeding and growth inhibition activity of toatal ginsenoside of ginseng stems and leaves against 4th-instar Mythimna separata larvae. Simulating natural growing condition indoors, on the base, To study the anti-feeding and growth inhibition activity of toatal ginsenoside against 4th-instar M. separata larvae by leaf disc test. The toatal ginsenoside appeared to be of significant antifeeding activity against 4th-instar M. separata larvae. The 4th-instar M. separata larvae fed on the leaves of Sorghum bicolor treated with 20, 10, 5 g · L(-1) toatal ginsenoside. At 8 h, non-selective anti-feeding rate were 88.67%, 64.40% and 47.36%, and selective anti-feeding rate were 62.49% , 44.29% and 34.19%; Compared with the photographic, The toatal ginsenoside conld make the development period had prolonged 13h in treated group. The toatal ginsenoside had significant inhibition effect on feeding and growth and development against 4th-instar M. separata larvae, and inhibition effect increases as the increase of concentration ginsenoside.
Animals ; Ginsenosides ; pharmacology ; Insecticides ; pharmacology ; Larva ; Moths ; growth & development ; Panax ; chemistry

The selective side-chain cleavage of phytosterol to 4-androstene-3,17-dione(4-AD)and 1,4-androstadiene-3,17-dione(ADD)by Mycobacterium sp.was described.Because of the similarity in chemical structure between 4-AD and ADD,it is difficult to separate them from the fermentation broth.So far,it has been verified that the ADD can be produced by dehydrogenation of 4-AD.In this reaction,3-Ketosteriod-1-Dehydrogenase(ksdD)plays an important role.The gene knocking out method was used to solve the problem.Partial sequence of ksdD was obtained by PCR which was 631bp in length.Then,a targeting vector pUC19-MK was constructed,which was electroporate into the original strain Mycobacterium neoauru.The method of homologous recombination was used to knock out ksdD gene located in the chromosome of Mycobacterium neoauru.In this way,ksdD would lose its enzyme activity.In the result,5 transformants were screened.The experiments of steroid transformation by the transformants were carried out.The productivity of 4-AD reached 17.52% after 144h,which is 192% higher than the original strain.Meanwhile,the productivity of ADD reached 6.12%,which is 89.9% lower than the original strain.

BACKGROUNDThe mutation of the tyrosinase (TYR) gene results in oculocutaneous albinism type 1 (OCA1), an autosomal recessive genetic disorder. OCA1 is the most common type of OCA in the Chinese population. Hence, the TYR gene was tested in this study. We also delineated the genetic analysis of OCA1 in a Chinese family.

METHODSGenomic DNA was isolated from the blood leukocytes of a proband and his family. Mutational analysis at the TYR locus by DNA sequencing was used to screen five exons, including the intron/exon junctions. A pedigree chart was drawn and the fundus of the eyes of the proband was also examined.

RESULTSA novel missense mutation p.I151S on exon 1, and homozygous TYR mutant alleles were identified in the proband. None of the mutants was identified among the 100 normal control subjects. Genetic analysis of the proband's wife showed normal alleles in the TYR gene. Thus, the fetus was predicated a carrier of OCA1 with a normal appearance.

CONCLUSIONThis study provided new information about a novel mutation, p.I151S, in the TYR gene in a Chinese family with OCA1. Further investigation of the proband would be helpful to determine the effects of this mutation on TYR activity.

Adult ; Albinism, Oculocutaneous ; genetics ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Female ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Monophenol Monooxygenase ; genetics ; Mutation, Missense ; genetics ; Pedigree

OBJECTIVEThis study examined the distribution and expression of transforming growth factor-ß₂ (TGF-ß₂) in the hip capsule of children with developmental dysplasia (dislocation) of the hip (DDH) and non-DDH children in order to investigate the roles of TGF-ß₂ in hip joint laxity.

METHODSEight children with DDH and eight age- and gender-matched non-DDH children (control group) were enrolled. The immunohistochemical technique (S-P method) was used to examine the distribution and content of TGF-ß₂ in the hip capsule. Semiquantitative RT-PCR method was used to detect mRNA expression of TGF-ß₂ in the hip capsule. The quantitative analysis of TGF-ß₂ was performed by professional image software.

RESULTSA high expression of TGF-ß₂ was observed in the synovial layer with fibroblast regularly arranged parallel to the joint surface. There was decreased expression of TGF-ß₂ in the fibrous layer of the capsule. The percentage of positive fibroblasts and the gray-scale density in the fibrous layer in the DDH group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.01). TGF-ß₂ mRNA expression in the DDH group decreased compared with that in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe decreased TGF-ß₂ in distribution, content and mRNA expression in the hip capsule might contribute to hip joint laxity in children with DDH.

Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Hip Dislocation, Congenital ; metabolism ; Hip Joint ; chemistry ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Infant ; Joint Capsule ; chemistry ; Male ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Transforming Growth Factor beta2 ; analysis ; genetics

Genotoxicity research takes an important place in traditional Chinese medicine safety evaluation. Genotoxicity test on traditional Chinese medicine has been paid great attention since 1970s. Currently, the most developed genotoxicity test methods included: bacterial reverse mutation test and mouse lymphoma assay which are used to detect relevant genetic changes, micronucleus test and chromosomal analysis which are used to measure chromosomal aberration, and single cell electrophoresis assay which is used to test DNA damage. This article reviews research progress on genotoxicity of traditional Chinese medicine, evaluation methods of genotoxicity, the problems and solutions on genotoxicity evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine, and new technique used in genotoxicity test.
Animals ; Biomedical Research ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; adverse effects ; Mutagenicity Tests ; methods

Drug allergy and pseudoallergic reactions are main adverse drug reactions. Allergy is mainly induced by the immunogenicity of drug, drug metabolic products or drug additive. Pseudoallergic reactions may result from the irritation or activation of inflammatory material release. Pre-clinical evaluation of drug allergy and pseudoallergic reactions is included in immunotoxicity evaluation. Now there is no in vivo or in vitro method that could predict all kinds of allergy or pseudoallergic reactions due to the different mechanisms. In the past few years, FDA, SFDA OECD, ICH and WHO have published several guidelines on per-clinical immunotoxicity evaluation, however, no agreement has been reached on allergy and pseudoallergic reactions evaluation. This article reviews the requirements of allergy and pseudoallergic reactions in pre-clinical evaluation.
Drug Hypersensitivity ; diagnosis ; Humans ; Immune System ; drug effects ; Practice Guidelines as Topic

OBJECTIVEThe etiology of developmental dislocation of the hip (DDH) remains uncertain, but some research has shown that this disorder is closely related to hip joint laxity. This study examined the expression of collagens type I and III mRNA and protein in the hip capsule of children with DDH in order to investigate the roles of collagens type I and III in hip joint laxity.

METHODSNine children with DDH and nine age and gender-matched normal children (control group) were enrolled. Semiquantitative RT-PCR method was used to detect mRNA expression of COL1a1 and COL3a1 in the hip capsule. Western-Blot method was used to detect protein expression of COL1a1 and COL3a1 in the hip capsule. The quantitative analysis of the COL1a1 and COL3a1 was performed by professional image software and the results were analyzed with standard statistical methods.

RESULTSmRNA and protein expression of COL1a1 in the DDH group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, COL1a3 mRNA expression in the DDH group decreased significantly (P<0.01), but COL1a3 protein expression was not significantly different.

CONCLUSIONSThe decreased collagen I mRNA and protein expression in the hip capsule might contribute to hip joint laxity in children with DDH. Collagen type III may not be associated with hip joint laxity in DDH.

Blotting, Western ; Child ; Child Development ; Child, Preschool ; Collagen Type I ; analysis ; genetics ; Collagen Type III ; analysis ; genetics ; Female ; Hip Dislocation ; metabolism ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

BACKGROUND: Recently, it is thought that endothelial function is a new independent risk factor of atherosclerotic disease. However, the differences in endothelial function between Tibetan and Han nationality populations have not been fully investigated.OBJ ECTIVE: To investigate the differences in endothelial function between Tibetan and Han nationality population.DESIGN: Controlled analysis.SETTING: Department of Cardiology, General Hospital; Department of Cardiology, Tibet General Hospital of Chinese PLA.PARTICIPANTS: Totally 272 Tibetan male subjects, aged (43±9) years, were enrolled in this study to stand for Tibetan nationality populations. All of them were native residents in Lhasa city. And 580 Qinghai-Tibetan railway constructers with Han nationality, aged (42±11) years, were enrolled in this study to stand for Han nationality populations. All of them were male subjects from Sichuan province and lived in Lhasa city for at least 1 year. All the participants received regular physical examination between February and May 2006 in the General Hospital of Tibet Military Area Command of Chinese PLA. All the subjects lived in the same high-altitude area (the altitude of Lhasa is 3 658 m). Informed consents were obtained from all the participants.METHODS: ①Height, body mass, waist circumference, hip circumference, systolic blood pressure(SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured. Body mass index (BMI) was measured as body mass/height2. ② Measurement of brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD): All the participants, who were in the fasting state, were examined in supine position following 20-minute rest. The room temperature was about 20 ℃. In the right arm, a sphygmomanometer cuff was positioned 5 cm below the antecubital fossa. A 10-MHz transducer (Vivid 7, GE Corporation, USA) was used to image the right brachial artery. After obtaining the baseline imaging, the blood pressure cuff was inflated 50 mm Hg (1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa) above the participant's SBP to occlude the brachial artery for 4 minutes. The brachial artery was then imaged during cuff inflation and 2 minutes after cuff release. After the cuff was released and reactive hyperaemia occurred, that was, flow in the brachial artery increased to accommodate the dilated resistance vessels in the forearm. In order to ensure the reliability of the data, the cuff placement and image record were performed by two designated performers. Computer-assisted analysis software was used to calculate brachial artery diameters. The absolute and relative changes of brachial artery FMD were automatically calculated out with the attached software of Vivid 7 ultrasonic diagnosis instrument. ③Biochemical study: The biochemical parameters were obtained after an overnight fasting for 12 hours. Venous blood was sampled for the measurement of total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). ④ Analysis of variance was used to evaluate the measurement data. Chi-square statistic was used to compare enumeration data.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Comparison of change in BMI, waist-hip ratio, blood pressure, blood lipid, baseline brachial diameter and brachial diameter between 2 groups.RESULTS: Totally 272 Tibetan nationality populations and 583 Han nationality populations participated in the final analysis. ① Brachial artery FMD: The baseline brachial artery diameter of Tibetan nationality populations was significantly larger than that of Han nationality population [(4.28±0.06) mm vs. (4.03±0.04) mm, t =71.915 6, P ＜0.01]; The absolute and relative changes of brachial artery of Tibetan nationality populations were significantly smaller than those of Han nationality populations, respectively [(0.124±0.005) mm vs. (0.141±0.006) mm; (2.934±0.204)% vs.(3.587±0.152)%, t = 40.582 0,52.173 2, P ＜ 0.01]. ②Physical study results: BMI and waist-hip ratio of Tibetan nationality populations were significantly larger than those of Han nationality populations [(30.1±2.5) kg/m2 vs. (26.5±3.4) kg/m2, 0.92±0.07 vs. 0.88±0.05, t =15.595 1, 9.525 4, P ＜ 0.01]. ③TG and LDL-C levels of Tibetan nationality population were (2.31±1.31) mmol/L and (3.49±0.91) mmol/L, respectively, which were significantly higler than those of Han nationality population [(1.97±1.44) mmol/L and (3.07±0.86) mmol/L, t =3.420 0, 6.522 3, P ＜ 0.01].CONCLUSION: ① Brachial artery FMD of Tibetan nationality population is poorer than that of Han nationality population,I.e. Poor vascular reactivity. ② Tibetan nationality populations have severe abdominal obesity and higher level of blood lipid as compared with Han nationality populations.