OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between basal core promoter (BCP) combined point mutation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and TCM syndrome type.

METHODSOne hundred and two patients with chronic hepatitis with positive HBV DNA and hadn't ever been treated by Lamivudine and interferon were differentiated according TCM syndrome differentiation into 5 types, two excess types (damp-heat blocking zhong-jiao type and blood stasis blocking collaterals type) and three deficiency types, gan-stagnation with pi-dificiency type, gan-shen yin-deficiency type and pi-shen yang-deficiency type. The serum HBV DNA, hepatic biochemical indexes, and the mutation of BCPnt 1762A-T and nt1764G-A combined point were determined, respectively.

RESULTSThe variant strain positive rate detected in the excess type was significantly higher than that in the deficiency type, the highest rate appeared in patients of damp-heat blocking zhong-jiao type.

CONCLUSIONBCP combined point mutation may be liable to happen in patients of TCM excess type, especially in patients of damp-heat blocking zhong-jiao type.

Diagnosis, Differential ; Hepatitis B Core Antigens ; genetics ; Hepatitis B virus ; genetics ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; diagnosis ; virology ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Point Mutation ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; genetics

After oral administration of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen in Chinese), Panax notoginseng (Sanqi in Chinese) and Danshen Sanqi combination suspensions to Beagle dogs, the plasma concentration-time profiles of danshensu, tanshinone II(A), cryptotanshinone, notoginsenoside R1, ginsenoside Rg1 and Rb1 were analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated and analyzed with BAPP 2.0 software. The results showed that the Cmax and AUC of danshensu, notoginsenoside R1, ginsenoside Rg1 and Rb1 in Danshen Sanqi combination group all decreased in comparison with those of Danshen or Sanqi given alone, while the CLz/F and Vz/F increased to some extent. No significant differences of the pharmacokinetics of tanshinone II(A) and cryptotanshinone were observed between groups.
Administration, Oral ; Animals ; Area Under Curve ; Diterpenes, Abietane ; blood ; pharmacokinetics ; Dogs ; Drug Combinations ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; isolation & purification ; pharmacokinetics ; Female ; Ginsenosides ; blood ; pharmacokinetics ; Lactates ; blood ; pharmacokinetics ; Male ; Panax notoginseng ; chemistry ; Phenanthrenes ; blood ; pharmacokinetics ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Salvia miltiorrhiza ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of capsule endoscopic examination in the diagnosis of vascular malformation of small intestine and discuss the operative method of this disease.

METHODSThe clinical data of 11 cases of vascular malformation of small intestine by the capsule endoscopic diagnosis were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTSAll of the 11 cases received operation with the assistance of intra-operative endoscopic examination, and 10 cases were confirmed to suffer from vascular malformation of small intestine postoperatively. The methods of operation included dot-resection, wedge-shaped resection and segmental resection.

CONCLUSIONSThe capsule endoscopic examination is optimal for the diagnosis of vascular malformation of small intestine. Dot-resection, wedge-shaped resection and segmental resection with the assistance of intra-operative endoscopic examination for the surgical intervention of this disease are recommendable.

Adult ; Aged ; Arteriovenous Malformations ; complications ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal ; methods ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage ; diagnosis ; etiology ; surgery ; Humans ; Intestine, Small ; blood supply ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVETo analyze the clinical characteristics of infective endocarditis in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.

METHODSClinical characteristics from 5 patients with infective endocarditis and hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy hospitalized from January 2000 to December 2010 in our hospital were analyzed.

RESULTSFour patients were diagnosed with left ventricular outflow tract obstructive cardiomyopathy with outflow pressure gradient from 36 to 140 mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) and left atrial size 44 - 68 mm. Another patient was diagnosed as ventricular hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with significant right-ventricular outflow tract hypertrophy (30 mm), high pressure gradient (164 mm Hg) and enlarged right atrial (56 mm × 53 mm), there was a 17 mm × 8 mm vegetation on right-ventricular outflow tract in this patient. Blood cultures were positive for streptococcus viridans in all five patients, and enterococcus faecium was revealed in one aortic valve vegetation culture. Transthoracic echocardiogram was performed 2 - 4 times for each patient, the vegetations of two patients was detected only by transesophageal echocardiography. The mitral valve vegetation was detected in two patients, the aortic and mitral valve vegetations were detected in one patients, mitral and tricuspid vegetations in one patient and right ventricular outflow tract vegetation in one patient. The four hemodynamically stable patients were successfully treated with antibiotic therapy, one patient received urgent surgery (replacement of the aortic and mitral valve as well as septal myectomy). All patients recovered and follow-up (1 - 6 years) was available in 4 patients and no complication was observed.

CONCLUSIONThe risk of infective endocarditis complicating hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy is the highest in patients with both outflow obstruction and marked valve insufficiency, these patients should receive prophylactic antibiotic therapy during procedures that predispose to infective endocarditis.

Adult ; Aged ; Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic ; complications ; microbiology ; pathology ; Endocarditis, Bacterial ; complications ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVETo understand the differentially expressed genes in human T lymphocytes induced by arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3)) and to explore mechanism of its immunotoxicity and immune suppression.

METHODSHuman Jurkat T cell line was treated by arsenic trioxide (5 micromol/L, 24 h) in vitro, as a sample model. Then, the differentially expressed genes were cloned and the subtractive cDNA library from Jurkat T cell line was constructed by suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing techniques were applied to identify positive clones.

RESULTSThe forward subtracted cDNA library contained differentially expressed genes from Jurkat T cell line induced by arsenic trioxide was constructed, including 29 different gene fragments and only replicated one in the subtracted cDNA library identified by PCR and sequencing analysis. These gene sequences were 95%-100% analogous to the genes in public database (GenBank/EMBL). The cDNA library contained oxidative metabolic genes in mitochondria (triose phosphate dehydrogenase, NADH4, pyrophosphate synthase, 16S rRNA ribosome, succinate-CoA ligase and ATP synthase 6); transcriptional and translation genes poly (A) binding protein, t-RNA-guanine transglycoslase, ribosomal protein L23, ribosomal protein S15A, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3, Rab interaction protein 5, splicing factor-arginine serine rich 5, and ADP-ribosylation factor-like 6 interacting protein), oxide stress related genes (ferritin high chain and high-mobility group protein 2); protein activating and signaling pathway related genes (casein kinase, serine kinase 2 and phosphatidylinositol-four-phosphate adaptor protein-1-associated protein); cell differentiation and apoptosis associated genes (NB4 cell apoptosis related protein and myeloid differentiation primary response protein) and five genes with unknown function (KIAA0092, CGI-147protein, GCI-35, nucleolar phosphoprotein Nopp34 and Mus muscular partial mRNA for hypothetical protein), as well as a novel gene unmatched to the sequence in GenBank.

CONCLUSIONSThe forward subtracted cDNA library contained differentially expressed genes from Jurkat T cell line induced by arsenic trioxide was successfully constructed. And, genes not involved in previous research on arsenic were found. Results of analysis for these genetic function suggested that there should be many genes involved in process of T lymphocytes apoptosis or injury induced by arsenic trioxide and that there should still be many genes associated with arsenic that were not reported in the past.

Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Arsenicals ; pharmacology ; Cloning, Molecular ; DNA, Complementary ; chemistry ; genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; drug effects ; Gene Library ; Humans ; Jurkat Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Nucleic Acid Hybridization ; methods ; Oxides ; pharmacology ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of overexpression of Smad7 gene on cell proliferation in human bronchial epithelial cell lines.

METHODSHuman bronchial epithelial cell lines, BEP2D and BERP35T2 cells, were cotransfected with the mammalian expression vectors PCISmad7.neo and pMyc-SEAP, the latter was ac-myc cis-acting enhancer element fused with alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) reporter gene. Expression of c-myc, p15 and p21 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR before and after stable transfection of Smad7 into BEP2D and BERP35T2 cells in order to study the regulation of TGF-beta-mediated growth inhibition.

RESULTSAfter BEP2D and BERP35T2 cells transfected with Smad7, the transcriptional activity of c-myc was significantly increased. Smad7 overexpressing cells showed upregulation of c-myc expression and downregulation of p15 and p21 expression, which contributed to the loss of TGF-beta responses in these cells.

CONCLUSIONOverexpression of Smad7 may facilitate cell proliferation by antagonizing TGF-beta-mediated antiproliferative gene responses.

Bronchi ; cytology ; Cell Proliferation ; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic ; Cells, Cultured ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p15 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Epithelial Cells ; cytology ; Humans ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Signal Transduction ; Smad7 Protein ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Transfection ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; biosynthesis ; genetics

OBJECTIVESelecting variable-number tandem-repeat (VNTR) loci for different serogroups of Shigella spp to explore and establish multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) method, in order to study the molecular characteristic of the isolated strains.

METHODSOf the Shigella strains found by dysentery surveillance in Beijing from 2001 to 2009, 180 strains were selected for this study, according to the number and serotypes of the surveillant strains, at the ratio of 15%; including 50 strains of Shigella sonnei and 130 strains of Shigella flexneri. After screening the polymorphism of the 18 VNTR loci, 10 VNTR loci (sh1-sh10) were retained and constructed three groups of multi-PCR methods to detect all he 180 strains and analyze MLVA molecular subtypes using capillary segments.

RESULTSA range of 2 to 11 alleles were found on the 10 VNTR loci among the 180 Shigella strains, with a diversity index value between 0.158 and 0.766. The 10 loci showed diversity in different serogroups, such as only one allele found in sh6 of Shigella flexneri, sh2 and sh3 of Shigella sonnei individually. The isolated 180 strains were divided into 84 MLVA subtypes, with a resolution ratio D value at 0.967 (95%CI: 0.956 - 0.978). The 130 strains of Shigella flexneri were divided into 63 subtypes, named as TF001-TF063; among which TF001, TF002 and TF 005 were the dominant subtypes, accounting to 17, 16 and 15 strains respectively. The 50 strains of Shigella sonnei were divided into 21 subtypes, named as TS001-TS021; among which TS002 (14 strains) and TS001 (7 strains) were the dominant subtypes.

CONCLUSIONMLVA subtyping method including 10 VNTR loci was preliminarily developed. The MLVA cluster analysis revealed that the subtypes of Shigella strains isolated in Beijing were diverse, and suggested the possibility of multiple-clone source.

Alleles ; Bacterial Typing Techniques ; methods ; China ; DNA, Bacterial ; genetics ; Genotype ; Minisatellite Repeats ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Shigella ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA, with or without stents) for the treatment of patients with subclavian artery stenosis.

METHODSUsing the brachial (n = 25), radial (n = 3), femoral (n = 96), or combined (n = 28) approach, PTA was performed in consecutive 152 [bilateral n = 27, unilateral n = 125, 88 male, aged 17 approximately 82 (58 +/- 16) years old] subclavian artery stenosis patients with 179 lesions. Stenosis was caused by atheroma in 114 of 152 patients (75%) and by aortoarteritis in the other patients (25%). The indications for intervention were arm claudication in 130 of 152 patients (85.5%), subclavian steal in 138 of 152 patients (90.8%), blue finger syndrome in 2 of 152 patients (1.3%), coronary steal syndrome in 2 of 162 patients (1.3%), or anticipated coronary artery bypass grafting using the internal mammary artery in 10 asymptomatic patients (6.6%). All patients were followed up for at least 9 months after procedure.

RESULTSPTA was succeeded in 142 of 152 patients (93.4%) and procedural success rate was 100% in 133 stenotic lesions (diameter reduction 70% approximately 99%) and 78.2% in total occlusive lesions (36/46). Stents were deployed in 145 of 169 lesions. In the 142 patients successfully treated with PTA, the percent diameter stenosis was reduced from (90 +/- 8)% to (6 +/- 8)%, and lesions diameter improved from (1.0 +/- 0.9) mm to (7.0 +/- 0.5) mm (all P values < 0.001). No severe procedure related complications were observed. During 9 months follow-up in these 142 patients with successful PTA, sustained clinical improvement was seen in 135 patients and restenosis occurred in 7 patients with aortoarteritis (n = 4) and atheroma (n = 3).

CONCLUSIONSPercutaneous transluminal angioplasty is effective and safe for the treatment of subclavian artery stenosis.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Angioplasty, Balloon ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Subclavian Steal Syndrome ; therapy ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo establish DNA microarrays-based microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles of squamous cell carcinoma of larynx, using archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks, and to screen out and identify the differentially expressed miRNAs associated with the biological characteristics of this malignant disease.

METHODSTotal RNA was prepared from the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks. After quality identification and fluorescent labeling, the RNA samples were hybridized with the Agilent human miRNA microarrays which contains 723 probes for human miRNAs. The data was processed with the softwares GeneSpring GX and R-Project.

RESULTSFrom the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor blocks collected, 24 RNA samples were obtained with the quality accorded to the requirement of miRNA microarray analysis, and both the hybridization and consequent data processing were accomplished. A total of 319 miRNAs were identified and among them 96 were detected in all the 24 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks of laryngeal carcinoma; and 5 differentially expressed miRNAs (false discovery rate < 0.05) were found to be associated significantly with the lymphatic metastasis of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (P < 0.05), including miR-23a(*), miR-28-5p, miR-15a, miR-16 and miR-425.

CONCLUSIONSHistopathological archives of well-annotated formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue specimens are the valuable resources for miRNA study including to collect RNA samples for miRNA microarray analysis. A panel of differentially expressed miRNAs (miR-23a(*), miR-28-5p, miR-15a, miR-16 and miR-425) derived from the miRNA expression profile may serve as the potential molecular biomarkers for the prediction of metastasis development in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Humans ; Laryngeal Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; MicroRNAs ; metabolism ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; methods ; Paraffin Embedding

OBJECTIVESTo determine the germ-line mutations of hMSH2 and hMLH1 genes in Chinese hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) families' probands or in patients fulfilling different clinical criteria or guidelines; to clarify the nature and distribution of the mutations; to evaluate the sensitivity of different clinical criteria in mutation prediction.

METHODSThe entire coding regions (35 exons including exon-intron boundaries) of hMSH2 and hMLH1 genes were directly sequenced in 24 Amsterdam criteria (AC) probands, 15 Japanese criteria (JC) probands (except AC kindreds) and 19 Bethesda guidelines (BG) patients (except two former groups). All available affected and unaffected members from families of those with mutations were screened for mutation.

RESULTSIn 16 unrelated families selected by the different clinical criteria, 17 germ-line mutations were found with 11 (64.7%) of hMLH1 and 6 (35.3%) of hMSH2. Two mutations were identified in one of the families. Among the 17 germ-line mutations, 12 had not been reported previously. A diversified mutation spectrum was found, but 6 hMLH1 mutations were found to be concentrated in the region encompassing exon 14, 15 and 16. There was a wide spectrum of mutation type including frame shift, nonsense, splice site mutation, in frame insertion or deletion and missense mutations. The mutation detection rate of hMSH2 and hMLH1 in the AC group was significantly higher than that in the JC group (12/24 vs. 3/15). On the other hand, a low mutation rate (1/19) was detected in 19 BG patients. The mutation cosegregated with disease. Besides, three different genotypes in tumors from probands of mutation-positive families were found.

CONCLUSIONShMSH2 and hMLH1 mutations in Chinese HNPCC families show a wide spectrum. It seems that hMLH1 gene is involved more frequently than hMSH2 gene in Chinese HNPCC families. Different clinical criteria predict mutations with different sensitivities. The Amsterdam Criteria are most sensitive, while Japanese Criteria are highly practical and the Bethesda Guidelines are also practical to some extent. Gene mutations cosegregate with the disease phenotype. Carriers with no symptom in HNPCC families are most vulnerable groups, follow-ups are required for this group to get early diagnosis and to prevent the development of CRCs.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing ; Carrier Proteins ; Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis ; genetics ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; Germ-Line Mutation ; Humans ; Microsatellite Repeats ; MutL Protein Homolog 1 ; MutS Homolog 2 Protein ; Neoplasm Proteins ; genetics ; Nuclear Proteins ; Pedigree ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins ; genetics