Eight parameters about iron nutrition were observed longitudinally in eighty pregnant women from the first trimester to delivery. Their nutrients intake were recorded at the same time. It was noted that serum iron store (ferritin) decreased markedly in the course of pregnancy and the incidence of iron deficiency increased. Total iron intake was closely related to the variation of these parameters, the degree of iron deficiency in pregnant women and the content of cord ferritin. Iron in maternal serum is correlated to ferritin in the cord blood. It suggested that natural food abundant in iron, or food fortified with iron should be taken in early pregnancy to prevent iron deficiency of mothers.

AIMTo observe the differences of hemodynamics and nitric oxide synthase(NOS) activity of ventricular cardiac muscle in two septic shock models and explore the possible mechanism.

METHODSTwo rat models of septic shock[lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced septic shock] were used. The hemodynamic parameters and nitric oxide synthase activity of ventricular cardiac muscle were measured.

RESULTSThe hemodynamic parameters in CLP-induced model were increased in the early stage and decreased in the late stage while in LPS-induced model the parameters showed the same change of the CLP late stage. Both LPS model and CLP model (late stage) showed significant increase in NOS activity, but there was no difference between the two models. After treatment of the NOS inhibitor N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), the parameters of CLP-late stage and LPS model increased significantly. The NOS activity reached the highest level in the CLP-middle stage. The production of nitrite/nitrate decreased significantly in LPS model and CLP model(late stage) after treatment of L-NAME, but the nitrite/nitrate produced by constitutive NOS in LPS model was higher than CLP model(late stage).

CONCLUSIONThe increase of the NOS activity may be the main reason to lead to the depression of the hemodynamic parameters. Inducible NOS may play the leading role in the LPS model while cNOS and iNOS have the same effect in the CLP model.

Animals ; Hemodynamics ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Male ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; metabolism ; Nitric Oxide Synthase ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Shock, Septic ; classification ; metabolism

ObjectiveTo observe the influence of iodine on mRNA expression of iodide transporter (NIS),insulin-like growth factor Ⅰ (IGF- Ⅰ ) and transforming growth factor beta(TGF-β) in thyroid and mammary glands of lactating rats and to explore the role of NIS,IGF- Ⅰ and TGF-β mRNA in iodine uptake in thyroid and mammary glands of lactating rats.MethodsOne hundred and one Wistar rats(80 female and 21 male),weighting 8 - 100 g were selected.These female rats were randomly divided into five groups according to their body weight:control group(NI,normal feed,drank deionized water containing iodine 50 μg/L) ; low iodine group 1 and 2(LI-1,LI-2,low iodine feed,drank deionized water containing iodine 0 and 5 μg/L,respectively); high iodine group 1 and 2(HI-1,HI-2,normal feed,drank deionized water containing iodine 3000 and 10 000 μg/L,respectively),16 rats in each group.After feeding for 3 months,the female and male rates were mated 3:1.The female rats in each group were sacrificed at the fifth and tenth day after postpartum.Thyroid and mammary glands were taken.The mRNA levels of NIS,IGF- Ⅰ and TGF-β in thyroid and mammary glands of lactating rats were determined by real time quantitative PCR.ResultsThe fifth days after postartum,NIS,IGF- Ⅰ and TGF-β mRNA expression levels of thyroid and lactating mammary glands were different between groups,and the differences were statistically significant ( NIS:F =631.46,64.91,all P ＜ 0.01 ; IGF- Ⅰ:F =11.45,6.56,all P ＜ 0.01 ; TGF-β:F =291.83,304.53,all P ＜ 0.01).Compared with control group [NIS:0.0066 ± 0.0023, (0.1481 ± 0.0711 ) × 10-2; IGF- Ⅰ:0.0419 ± 0.0062,0.0542 ± 0.0044; TGF-β:0.1416 ± 0.0277,0.1670 ± 0.0499],regardless of thyroid or mammary gland,the NIS,IGF- Ⅰ and TGF-β mRNA expression of LI-1 [NIS:0.0447 ± 0.0110,(0.3030 ± 0.1831) × 10-2;IGF- Ⅰ:0.0662 ± 0.0078,0.0902 ± 0.008; IGF- Ⅰ:0.5514 ± 0.0508,0.6942 ± 0.0367],LI-2[NIS:0.0317 ±0.0081,(0.3017 ± 0.1601) × 10-2; IGF-I:0.0645 ± 0.0054,0.0894 ± 0.0093; TGF-β:0.5292 ± 0.0332,0.6704 ± 0.0277 ] was significantly increased (all P ＜ 0.01 ); the NIS mRNA expression of HI-1 [0.0043 ± 0.0011,(0.1233 ± 0.0954) × 10-2],HI-2[0.0037 ± 0.0017,(0.1058 ± 0.0854) × 10-2] was decreased(all P ＜ 0.05),while the expression of IGF-Ⅰ mRNA [0.0521 ± 0.0910,0.0715 ± 0.0026; 0.0516 ± 0.0078,0.0697 ± 0.0038] and TGF-β mRNA [0.2087 ± 0.0425,0.2361 ± 0.0425; 0.1971 ± 0.0237,0.2257 ± 0.0752 ] was increased (all P ＜ 0.05 ).The tenth days after postpartum,the mRNA expression levels of NIS,IGF- Ⅰ and TGF-β of thyroid and lactating mammary gland in rats were different between groups,and the differences were statistically significant (NIS:F =103.55,116.32,all P ＜ 0.01; IGF-Ⅰ:F =67.67,11.98,all P ＜ 0.01; TGF-β:F =74.30,381.30,all P ＜0.01 ).Compared with the control group[NIS:0.0069 ± 0.0011,(0.1337 ± 0.0599) × 10-2; IGF-Ⅰ:0.0390 ±0.0071,0.0534 ± 0.0056; TGF-β:0.1351 ± 0.0336,0.1534 ± 0.0320],the mRNA expression levels of NIS,IGF- Ⅰ and TGF-β of LI-1 [ NIS:0.0432 ± 0.0165,(0.2962 ± 0.0985 ) × 10-2; IGF- Ⅰ:0.0643 ± 0.0088,0.0873 ± 0.0055 ; TGF-β:0.5042 ± 0.0912,0.6408 ± 0.0420],LI-2[NIS:0.0287 ± 0.0111,(0.2873 ± 0.0862) × 10-2; IGF- Ⅰ:0.0621 ± 0.0094,0.0862 ± 0.0038; TGF-β:0.4893 ± 0.0504,0.6372 ± 0.0389] were significantly increased(all P ＜ 0.01 ); the NIS mRNA levels of HI-1 [ 0.0042 ± 0.0029,(0.1006 ± 0.0909) × 10-2],HI-2[0.0035 ± 0.0020,(0.0890 ± 0.0119) × 10-2] were decreased(all P＜ 0.05),while the expression of IGF-Ⅰ mRNA[0.0516 ± 0.0078,0.0668 ± 0.0071; 0.0508 ± 0.0089,0.0621 ± 0.0064] and TGF-β mRNA[0.2007 ± 0.0546,0.2175 ± 0.0370;0.1959 ± 0.0393,0.2097 ± 0.0425] were increased(all P ＜ 0.05 ).In thyroid and mammary glands,the comparisons of NIS,IGF,TGF-β mRNA expression of the fifth and tenth day after postartum,between each group were not statistically significant(all P ＜ 0.05).ConclusionsThere are regulatory mechanisms of thyroid and mammary glands of lactating rats in response to low or high iodine conditions.In low iodine,the expressions of NIS,IGF- Ⅰ and TGF-β mRNA in thyroid and mammary glands increase and iodide uptake ability is enhanced to meet the body needs.In high iodine,the expression of NIS mRNA decreases in thyroid and mammary glands.Due to the reduced ability of iodine uptake,iodine intake is reduced,thereby reducing the hazards of high iodine in filial rats.

Objective To investigate the roles of sphingosine kinasel (SPK1) in apoptosis,invasiveness and multidrug resistance of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line BEL-FU.Methods BEL-FU cells were infected with adenovirus carrying SPK1wT gene and SPK1siRNA (Ad-H1-SPK1) gene.Their effects on biological characteristics of BEL-FU cells were evaluated by MTT,cellular SPK enzyme activity assay,Transwell Migration Technology and Western-blot,respectively.Results AdSPK1wT significantly increased SPK activity but SPK1siRNA(Ad-H1-SPK1) decreased SPK activity.Over expression of SPK1 suppressed the apoptosis induced by DMS(Dimethyl sphingosine,DMS) and enhanced migration of BEL-FU cells.The cells infected with SPK1 siRNA( Ad-H1-SPK1)significantly increased the apoptosis induced by DMS and inhibited the migration of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells.The expression of multidrug resistance-related protein (MRP1) of cells infected with SPK1siRNA (Ad-H1-SPK1) was suppressed significantly compared with the control group,while the expression of MRP1 infected with Ad- SPK1wT was enhanced.Conclusion SPK1 activity is closely associated with apoptosis、migration and multidrug resistance of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells,therefore,it may serve as a new target for HCC treatment.

Background Clinical research showed that the corneal endothelial cell density value from different corneal specula microscopies exist diversity.The relevant literature of SP02,Tomey EM-3000 and SP3000P is still seldom up to now. Objective This research was to assess the repeatability of endothelial cell density measurements by SP02,Tomey EM-3000 and SP3000P respectively and the agreement among 3 kinds of endothelial microscopes.MethodsFifty-four healthy volunteers with the age 17-38 years old were included this research.The written informed consent was obtained from each subject before examination.The corneal endothelial cell densities in the right eyes were analyzed with SP02,Tomey EM-3000 and SP3000P respectively for 3 times under the automatic mode,and the analytical procedure of SP3000P measurement were divided into automatic mode SP3000P (A) and manual correction modes SP3000P( M).The repeatability of each specula microscopy was analyzed by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and coefficient of variation ( CV ),and the 95％ confidence intervals and plotting Bland-Altman graphs were used to analyze the agreement among these methods.ResultsThe mean corneal endothelial cell densities in the population ＜24 years were significantly higher than the ones ≥ 24 years (t =3.692,P＜0.05 ),but no statistical difference was found between different gender ( t =0.335,P =0.739 ).The mean corneal endothelial cell densities were ( 3058 ± 260 ),( 2954 ± 229 ),( 2668 ± 258 ),( 2734 ± 268 ) cell/mm2 ; the ICCs were 0.957,0.940,0.972 and 0.972 and the CV were 0.063,0.061,0.056,0.058 for SP02,Tomey EM-3000,SP3000P (A) and SP3000P ( M ) respectively.The 95％ confidence intervals were ( - 100.8 - 306.8 ),( 162.6 - 617.4 ),( 109.9-494.1 ) and ( -0.6 - 132.6 ) cell/mm2 for between SP02 and Tomey EM-3000,SP3000P ( A ) and SP02,SP3000P(A) and Tomey EM-3000,SP3000P(A) and SP 3000P(M) respectively.ConclusionsSP02,Tomey EM-3000 and SP3000P(A) have good repeatability in the measurement of corneal endothelial cell density,however the outcome is different.Therefore,it is not interchangeable for the detection of corneal endothelial cell density.The differences of corneal endothelial cell density obtained from these instruments shall be paid high attention for their differences.SP3000P(A) and SP3000P(M) can be used interehangeably and SP3000P(A) is a preferable choice due to its convenience and quickness.

The depositions of immunoglobulins on the retina of diabetic rat were studied with immunohistochemistry,immunofluorecence and computer analysing system.In comparison with control group, depositions of IgG,IgA and IgM on the retina of diabetic rat induced by streptozotocin were significantly increased (all P＜0.05 ).So the immunoglobulin depositions may contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.

AIM: To analyze the genotype of the allele distribution of a polymorphic G-954C within the 5 upstream promoter region of the nitric oxide synthetase 2A gene (NOS2A) in samples of diabetic retinopathy in patients with cystoid macular edema in the mainland of China.METHODS: Eighty-nine patients with diabetic retinopathy and cystoid macular edema and 90 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Nest polymerase chain reaction (PCR)was performed, and restriction endonudease digestion and gene fragments sequence were examined to detect the genotype of NOS24 G-954C.RESULTS: The genotypes of the sample population of 89 cases and 90 healthy controls were all detected as GG.CONCLUSION: The distribution of G-954C of NOS2A polymorphism are at a lower frequency in China, with little relevancy to the frequency of diabetic retinopathy combined with cystoid macular edema.

Objective To explore the effect of pedicle fixation for treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures in patients with osteoporosis,and to provide more evidence for the treatment.Methods Retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 121 patients with osteoporotic vertebral burst fracture from June 2012 to October 2015.And these patients were divided into two groups according to different operation methods, namely the control group (n=56) who were given short segment fixation and the observation group (n=65) who were given single segment fixation.The visual analogue scale(VAS),Oswestry disability index(ODI),vertebral height,kyphotic angle and bone mineral density of the two groups were analyzed before surgery and 3 days,1 month,3 months and 12 months after surgery.Results The VAS score,ODI score,vertebral height,and Cobb angle of the injured vertebra were significantly improved in both of the two groups,and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).The VAS score of the observation group was better than that of the control group 3 days after surgery with statistically significant difference (P<0.05).But there was no significant difference 3 months,6 months and 12 months after surgery(P>0.05).The ODI score of the observation group was better than that of the control group 3 days and 3 months after surgery with statistically significant difference (P<0.05),and there was no significant difference between the two groups till the end of follow-up.Pedicle fixation at the injured vertebra significantly improved the vertebral height and Cobb angle with statistically significant difference (P<0.05).And the anti-osteoporosis treatment significantly increased the bone mineral density (P<0.05).Conclusion Pedicle fixation at the injured vertebra is useful in pain relief as well as function and anatomical structure restoring.And anti-osteoporosis treatment is necessary for the bone mineral density increase.

OBJECTIVETo detect potential mutations of gap junction protein beta 2 (GJB2) and loricrin (LOR) genes in two patients with Vohwinkel syndrome.

METHODSPolymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing were used for detecting potential mutations in the GJB2 and LOR genes. Parents of one patient and 50 healthy individuals were used as controls.

RESULTSA novel homozygous missense mutation (c.A796G) of LOR gene was detected in one patient. The same mutation was not found in the other patient, their relatives and the 50 healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONA missence mutation of LOR gene was detected in a patient with Vohwinkel syndrome.

Abnormalities, Multiple ; genetics ; pathology ; Adult ; Child, Preschool ; Connexin 26 ; Connexins ; genetics ; Female ; Hand Deformities, Congenital ; genetics ; pathology ; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural ; genetics ; pathology ; Humans ; Keratoderma, Palmoplantar ; genetics ; pathology ; Male ; Membrane Proteins ; genetics ; Mutation, Missense ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

OBJECTIVETo sequence the gene encoding glutamate rich protein (GLURP) and identify the genotypes of geographically different Plasmodium falciparum (P. f) isolates from China.

METHODSThe gene of R2 repeat region of GLURP was amplified by nested polymerase chain reaction and cloned into T-vector. The nucleotide sequence of GLURP gene was determined by automatic sequencer (Dideoxy termination method) and analyzed by DNA Star software.

RESULTSAt least 7 different GLURP genotypes ranging from 600 bp to 1,500 bp were found in Yunnan and Hainan provinces. R2 region of GLURP gene consisted of several repeat units. Each repeat unit was composed of 19-20 residues which were shown to be highly conserved. GLURP gene was also size polymorphic due to differences in the number of repeat units, whereas the repeat sequence was conserved. Sequence analysis showed that DNA sequences and deduced amino acid sequences were highly homologous among the geographically dispersed isolates or various isolates from the same geographical region. No obvious differences were found in the GLURP gene sequences among geographically different isolates.

CONCLUSIONGLURP gene is highly structure conserved and size polymorphic, and so is useful in searching for malaria vaccine candidate antigen and developing a genotyping method for malaria research.

Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; China ; epidemiology ; DNA, Bacterial ; genetics ; Genotype ; Geography ; Malaria ; epidemiology ; genetics ; Malaria Vaccines ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Plasmodium falciparum ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; pathogenicity ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Protozoan Proteins ; genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA