Objective To assess the relationship between serum uric acid (SUA)and metabolic syndrome and coronary artery disease(CAD).Methods 232 untreated subjects with essential hypertension were divided into two groups(CAD and no CAD)by coronary angiography.All subjects were free of myocardial infarction,cardiomyopathy,valvular disease, atrial fibrillation,aortic dissection,and renal disease.Results Compared to no CAD group,age,diabetes,triglycerides and SUA in CAD group were higher.There was a significant association between SUA and the severity of CAD (P=0. 015).However,after adjustment for concomitant risk factors of cardiovascular disease,SUA was not an independent risk factor of CAD(P=0.151).In sex-specific analysis,there was a trend of SUA to be an independent risk factor of CAD in women(P=0.062),but it was no statistic significance.The highest quartile level of $UA tended to be associated with increased risk for CAD,but it was not statistically significant either(OR=2.52,P=0.075).SUA was closely associated with metabolic syndrome and diabetes in woman.Conclusion In untreated patients with essential hyperteusion,SUA was associated with metabolic syndrome and the severity of CAD,but it is not an independent risk factor of CAD,the raised SUA may be only a marker of insulin resistance.

Objective To evaluate the effect of point-of-care hemoglobin/hematocrit (POC HGB/HCT) devices and intraoperative blood salvage on the amount of perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion and blood conservation in clinical practice.Methods A total of 46 378 medical records of 22 selected hospitals were reviewed. The volume of allogeneic red blood cell and plasma, number of patients transfused, number of intraoperative autologous blood salvage, total volume of autologous blood transfusion, and amount of surgery in the year of 2011 and 2013 were tracked. Paired t-test was used in intra-group comparison, while t-test of two isolated samples carried out in inter-group comparison. P<0.05 was defined as statistically significant difference.Results In the hospitals where POC HGB/HCT device was used (n=9), the average allogeneic blood transfusion volume per 100 surgical cases in 2013 was significantly lower than that in 2011 (39.86±20.20 vs. 30.49±17.50 Units, t=3.522, P=0.008). In the hospitals without POC HGB/HCT meter, the index was not significantly different between 2013 and 2011. The average allogeneic blood transfusion volume was significantly reduced in 2013 than in 2011 in the hospitals where intraoperative autologous blood salvage ratio [autologous transfusion volume/(autologous transfusion volume+allogeneic transfusion volume)] was increased (n=12, t=2.290, P=0.042). No significant difference of the above index was found in the hospitals whose autologous transfusion ratio did not grow.Conclusion Intraoperative usage of POC HGB/HCT devices and increasing autologous transfusion ratio could reduce perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion.

Two fragments G1 and G2 of the glycoprotein G gene of bovine respiratory syncytial virus(BRSV) were selected for expression in Escherichia coli based on the analysis of glycoprotein G by DNA Star software.Then the two fragments of glycoprotein G were amplified by PCR with synthesized G gene of BRSV as the template.The amplified fragments G1 and G2 are 570bp and 308bp in length,respectively.The PCR products were cloned into pET30a vector and expressed in soluble form in E.coli after induction of cultured E.coli with IPTG.Both of the recombinant proteins G1 and G2 were purified by immobilized Ni ion affinity chromatography under native conditions.Then the purified proteins were analysed by Western blotting.The results showed that the purified recombinant protein G1 retained good antigenicity and specificity.But the purified recombinant protein G2 didn't possess biological activity.Antibodies against BRSV were detected in suspected bovine serum samples in China by using indirect ELISA and Western blotting with the purified recombinant protein G1.The purified recombinant protein G1 might be used as antigen for establishing serological methods for diagnosis of BRSV infection.And the purified recombinant protein G1 might also be used for preparing polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies for research on biological functions of glycoprotein G of BRSV.

ObjectiveTo determine thallium in whole blood by atomic absorption detection method, and to investigate the eliminating effect of hemoperfusion (HP) for thallium in blood.Methods The blood of Beagle dogs which had not exposed to thallium before were obtained for preparation of thallium nitrate (TlNO3)-containing solution in three concentrations according to the conversion formula based on animal weight and volume of blood. HP was performed in the simulated in vivo environment. The content of TlNO3 in blood of the next group was determined on the amount of TlNO3 for the last HP of the former dose group. Thallium quantity in different samples was measured with atomic absorption spectrometer blood samples before and after HP. Finally, the thallium concentration in blood was analyzed statistically.Results Thallium concentrations showed a good linear relationship in the range of 0-200μg/L (r = 0.998 4). The intra-day precision (RSD) was lower than 4.913%, the intra-day recovery rate was 96.2%-111.9%; the inter-day precision (RSD) was lower than 7.502%, the inter-day recovery rate was 89.6%-105.2%. The concentration of thallium in blood was significantly reduced after HP per time in high, middle, and low dose groups [(453.43±27.80) mg/L to (56.09±14.44) mg/L in high dose group,F = 8.820,P = 0.003;(64.51±13.60) mg/L to (3.19±0.23) mg/L in middle dose group,F = 36.312,P = 0.000; (5.40±0.98) mg/L to (0.38±0.25) mg/L in low dose group,F = 46.240,P = 0.000]. The adsorption rate of four times of HP in high, middle and low dose group were (87.63±2.48)%, (95.06±1.54)% and (92.76±4.87)%, respectively, without significant difference (F = 4.231,P = 0.070 ).Conclusions The method for measuring thallium was established, and it shows a very stable, simple, sensitive for determination of thallium. HP can effectively remove thallium from blood. Thallium concentration can be reduced by 90% after four times of HP. HP is also effective even when thallium concentration is not high.

OBJECTIVETo assess the value of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) combined with chromosomal analysis for the detection of Robertsonian translocation type trisomy 21 in amniotic fluid cells.

METHODSAmniotic fluid samples from pregnant women requesting prenatal diagnosis were cultivated. Metaphase cells were prepared for G-banding karyotype analysis. For the 5 Robertsonian translocation type trisomy 21, interphase nuclei from amniotic fluid and parental peripheral blood cells were prepared for FISH analysis.

RESULTSIn 2 cases, analysis of parental peripheral blood cells showed normal karyotypes. FISH analysis of amniotic fluid cells indicated that one sample had two copies of chromosome 21, which has a 46, XY, rob(21;21)(q10;q10) karyotype, whilst another had trisomy 21 by FISH, which has a 46, XY, rob(14;21)(q10;q10) karyotype. For the remaining three samples, analysis of parental peripheral blood cells indicated that their karyotypes were 45, XX, rob(14;21)(q10;q10), 45, XX, rob(15;21)(q10;q10) and 45, XX, rob(21;22)(q10;q10), whilst the karyotypes of amniotic fluid cells were 46, XX, rob(14;21)(q10;q10), 46, XY, rob(15;21)(q10;q10) and 46, XX, rob(21;22)(q10;q10), respectively.

CONCLUSIONCombined FISH and chromosomal analysis is an efficient method for detecting non-homologous Robertsonian translocation type trisomy 21. However, FISH has limited ability to detect homologous Robertsonian translocation type trisomy 21.

Adult ; Down Syndrome ; diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; methods ; Karyotyping ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; Translocation, Genetic

BACKGROUNDHyperglycemia in brain and spinal cord could aggravate neurologic impairment. Recent studies showed that L-lysine monohydrochloride (LMH) could increase the insulin secretion and regulate the blood glucose level. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of LMH on pancreatic islet B cells, the levels of endogenous insulin and blood glucose in spinal cord injured rats.

METHODSForty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups, namely, normal control group, model group, high-dose LMH group (621.5 mg/kg equal to LMH 1/8 LD50), and low-dose LMH group (310.8 mg/kg equal to LMH 1/16 LD50). The model of spinal cord injured rat was established by hemi-transection at the lower right thoracic spinal cord. LMH was administered via intraperitoneal injection once spinal cord injury was produced in rats. All rats were sacrificed 48 hours after spinal cord injured. The effects of LMH on pancreatic islet B cells, the content of endogenous insulin, and the level of blood glucose were observed with immunohistochemical method, radioimmunoassay method, and biochemical analyzer, respectively.

RESULTSThe insulin immunohistochemical intensities of islet B cells were significantly weaker in model group than those in normal control group (P < 0.01). The levels of endogenous insulin were significantly lower and the blood glucose levels were significantly higher in model group than those in normal control group (P < 0.01). The insulin immunohistochemical intensities of islet B cells were significantly stronger in high-dose LMH group than those in model group (P < 0.05). In addition, we found that the levels of endogenous insulin were significantly higher and the blood glucose levels were significantly lower in high-dose LMH group than those in model group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the insulin immunohistochemical intensities of islet B cells, the levels of endogenous insulin and the blood glucose between low-dose LMH group and model group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONLMH, but dose-dependent, might participate in the regulation of pancreatic islet B cells, and then reduce the blood glucose levels in the spinal cord injured rats.

Animals ; Blood Glucose ; analysis ; Hyperglycemia ; etiology ; Insulin ; blood ; Lysine ; pharmacology ; Male ; Neuroprotective Agents ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Spinal Cord Injuries ; blood ; complications

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of mutant hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) adenovirus (Adeno-HIF-1α-Ala402-Ala564) on cardiomyocytes (CMCs) differentiation from the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) co-cultured with CMCs.

METHODSFollowing groups were studied: HIF-1α group (MSCs + CMCs + Ad-HIF-1α), LacZ group (MSCs + CMCs + Ad-LacZ), Sham group (MSCs + CMCs + PBS) and MSC + HIF-1α Group (MSCs + Ad-HIF-1α). MSCs were co-cultured with myocardial cells in proportion of MSCs:CMCs 1:2, after 24 hours, cells were infect with virus (MOI = 100) or treated with PBS, cardiac troponin (cTnT) expression in MSCs was detected 7 days post infection by immunochemical analysis, mRNA expression of HIF-1α, TGF-β(1), Smad4, NKx2.5, GATA-4 was also detected by RT-PCR.

RESULTSHIF-1α increased MSCs differentiation to myocardial cells (differentiation rate 32.68% ± 6.52% vs. 8.28% ± 0.09% in the LacZ group and 10.25% ± 2.20% in the Sham group and 0.32% ± 0.05% in the MSC group (all P < 0.05 vs. HIF-1α group). mRNA expression of HIF, TGF-β(1), Smad4, NKx2.5 and GATA-4 was also significantly upregulated in HIF-1α group all P < 0.05 vs. Sham group).

CONCLUSIONHIF-1α promoted MSCs, co-cultured with myocardial cells, differentiating to cardiomyocytes via upregulating TGF-β(1)/Smad4 signaling pathway.

Adenoviridae ; genetics ; Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; genetics ; Cells, Cultured ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit ; genetics ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; cytology ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Signal Transduction ; Smad4 Protein ; metabolism ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of stromal cell derived factor 1 (SDF-1) on the proliferation of hepatic oval cells, and the influencing factors.

METHODSFlow cytometry was used to detect the expression of CXCR4 on the cell surface when WB-F344 cells were growing in the culture medium with and without transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) respectively. Western bolt was used to detect the expression of β-catenin and its phosphorylation level. The translocation of β-catenin was shown by confocal microscopy analysis. Q-RT-PCR was used in detecting the β-catenin downstream gene expression such as Ccnd1 and c-Myc. MTT was used to detect the proliferation of WB-F344 cells which were treated by SDF-1 + TGF-β1 and those cells exposed to SDF-1 or TGF-β1 only, as well as of the negative control group.

RESULTWB-F344 cells rarely express CXCR4 under conventional circumstance, but this receptor can be up-regulated when the culture medium contain a modest amount of TGF-β1 (the rate of CXCR4 positive cell increased by 39.5%). The bond of SDF-1 to CXCR4 results in the phosphorylation of β-catenin, and its inactivation. SDF-1 alone didn't affect the proliferation of WB-F344 cells (0.512 ± 0.010 vs. 0.513 ± 0.008, t = 0.337, P > 0.05), while TGF-β1 group show a slight decrease of cell population (0.393 ± 0.007,t = 28.001, P < 0.05). But when TGF-β1 combined with SDF-1, the proliferation of WB-F344 was more weakened than TGF-β1 group, and the difference was statistically significant (0.272 ± 0.009,t = 32.204, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSTGF-β1 can up-regulate the expression of CXCR4 in hepatic oval cells, and then inhibit the proliferation of hepatic oval cells via inactivating β-catenin in vitro.

Cell Line ; Cell Proliferation ; Chemokine CXCL12 ; metabolism ; Hepatocytes ; metabolism ; Humans ; Receptors, CXCR4 ; metabolism ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism ; beta Catenin ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical significances of combined detections of the autoantibodies ANA, ANAs and anti-dsDNA in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODSANA was tested by indirect immunofluorescent method (IIF), ENA was tested by Western blot and anti-dsDNA was measured with radioimmunoassay in the serum samples from patients with SLE (n=90), and from the comparison group (n=74) and healthy control group (n=53).

RESULTSThe sensitivity of anti-dsDNA, AnuA,anti-Sm in patients with SLE was 41.1%, 32.2% and 22.2%. The specificity of anti-dsDNA, AnuA, anti-Sm in SLE patients was all 97.3%. The positive likelihood ratios were 15.22, 11.93 and 8.22, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity reached 62.2% and 90.5%, respectively by combined determinations of anti-dsDNA, AnuA and anti-Sm.

CONCLUSIONThe combined examinations of anti-dsDNA, AnuA, anti-Sms can improve the sensitivity and efficiency of laboratory diagnosis of SLE.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Antibodies, Antinuclear ; blood ; Autoantibodies ; blood ; Female ; Humans ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic ; diagnosis ; immunology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Young Adult

This study was purposed to investigate the apoptosis-inducing effect of 8-bromo-7-methoxychrysin (BrMChR) on leukemia K562 cells as well as the variation of caspase-3 activity and phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) expression of K562 cells during the process of apoptosis. MTT assay was used to determine the inhibitory effect of BrMChR on proliferation of K562 cells. Cell apoptosis was assayed by AO/EB staining under fluorescent microscope and flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. The expression level of p-Akt was measured by Western blot. The results showed that BrMChR had the inhibitory effect on proliferation of K562 cells and could induce apoptosis of these cells in dose-dependent manner, and these effects were significantly stronger than ChR. After treatment of K562 cells with 3 µmol/L ChR for 12 hours, the apoptosis rate was only 3.68%, but the apoptosis rate of K562 cells treated with 3 µmol/L BrMChR was 21.8%. In the same time, the caspase-3 activity significantly increased (p < 0.05), but the expression of p-Akt was down-regulated (p < 0.01). It is concluded that BrMChR can induce apoptosis of K562 cells and with effect stronger than chR. P-Akt may participate in the apoptosis process of K562 cells induced by BrMChR.
Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Flavonoids ; pharmacology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt ; metabolism