BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis(RA) is an autoallergic disease,but its immunological pathogenesis has not been completely known. T lymphocytes, especially CD4+ TH1/TH2 cells, may have an important effect in the occurrence and development of RA.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the action of CD4+ TH1 and TH2 cells which separately mediate cellular immunity and humoral immunologic response (respectively) function in the occurrence and development of RA.DESIGN: Case-control, comparative observation.SETTING: Department of Immunology, Medical College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces.PARTICIPANTS: Totally 15 patients with RA hospitalized in the Department of Internal Medicine of General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University between March 1999 and March 2000 were selected for a RA patient group, consisting of 2 males and 13 females. Of them, 12 patients whose serumal rheumatoid factor (RF)was positive and the three others' was negative. At the same time, 30 healthy individuals from persons receiving health examination in the hospital or from our department were selected for a healthy control group, consisting of 4 males and 26 females. Informed consents were obtained from the participants.peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC) from the two groups of subjects were detected by enzyme-linked immunospot assay (ELISPOT). 200-500 lymphocytes were counted under a normal light microscope, and the perwhich secreted cytokines were detected by ELISPOT, and those which had red spots in their plasma after staining were positive cells. Among them,the cells secreting γ-interferon (IFN-γ) were Tm cells while those secreting interleukin-4 (IL-4) were TH2 cells. 200-500 lymphocytes were counted under a normal light microscope and the percentages of TH1 and TH2 cells square test were used for comparing statistical differences of data between the two groups.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Quantitative analysis of T lymphocyte subsets (including CD3+ T cells, CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells) and CD4+ TH1/TH2 cells in peripheral blood from the two groups of subjects.RESULTS: Analysis of the results was from the study on all of subjects percentages of total T cells (CD3+ T cells), CD4+T cells and CD8+F cells in peripheral blood were not significantly different between the two significantly higher in RA patient group than that in healthy control group [(24.44±5.25)%, (14.93±3.82)%, P ＜ 0.05],while in RA patient group the percentage of TH2 cells and ratio of TH1 cells to TH2 cells from peripheral blood were not significantly different as compared with those of control group(P ＞ 0.05).CONCLUSION: Cellular immunologic function mediated by TH1 cells may be associated with the occurrence and development of RA.

Objective To investigate the association between serum homocysteine (Hcy) level and oxidative stress in elderly patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Methods The 123 patients from January 2007 to June 2010 were recruited and divided into the elderly OSAHS group (n=55) and the non-elderly OSAHS group (n=68). One hundred healthy subjects were selected and divided into the elderly control group (n=52) and the non-elderly control group (n=48). The PSG variables were recorded and the levels of Hcy, malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) were detected after sleep in all subjects. Serum Hcy level was measured by cyclophorase, MDA and GSH levels were measured by spectrophotometer. Results There were statistical differences in Hcy concentration between four groups (F=28.26, P=0.000). The Hcy concentration was higher in elderly OSAHS group than in other groups, and was higher in elderly control group than in non-elderly control group, and was higher in non-elderly OSAHS group than in non-elderly control group. There were statistical differences in MDA and GSH concentrations between the four groups (F=5.56, P=0.002;F=4.79, P=0.004). The concentrations of MDA and GSH were higher in elderly OSAHS group than in other groups. Multiple regression analysis indicated a statistically significant relationship of Hcy concentration with age, MDA, GSH and AHI (β=0.07, 0.50, 0.23 and 2.00). Conclusions The concentration of Hcy increases and oxidative stress enhances with aging, especially in the elderly patients with OSAHS. The mechanism of high level of serum Hcy in elderly patients with OSAHS may be the high oxidative stress.

Objective To investigate the expression of CD38 and ZAP-70 in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and the relationship between the clinical stages and prognostic significance.Methods Flow cytometry was used to analyze CD38 and ZAP-70 expression in CLL,the patients were divided into high-risk group (Ⅲ,Ⅳ stage) (25 cases) and low-medivm risk group (0,Ⅰ,Ⅱ stage) (17 cases) according to Rai clinical stages.The distribution of CD38 and ZAP-70 expression in Rai clinical stages and the prognostic significance were analyzed.Results Positive expression of CD38 was 47.6 ％ (20/42) in all patients,64.0 ％(16/25) patients in high-risk group and 23.5 ％ (4/17) in low-medium risk group.The distribution of CD38 expression had significant difference between two groups (x2 =6.645,P =0.014).Positive expression of ZAP-70 was 40.5 ％ (17/42) in all patients,60.0 ％ (15/25) patients in high-risk group and 11.8 ％ (2/17) in low-medium risk group.The distribution of ZAP-70 expression had significant difference between two groups (x 2 =9.772,P =0.003).The patients with ZAP-70+ CD38 and ZAP-70+ CD38 were more distribute in high risk campare to the CD38+ ZAP-70- in low-medium risk group (x 2=10.076,9.346,6.005,all P ＜ 0.05).Follow-up 48 months (1-136 months),the progression-free survival of patients with ZAP-70+ CD38+ and ZAP-70 CD38 were respectively for 19.0 and 58.0 months (x2 =11.488,P =0.003).The progression-free survival of ZAP-70+CD38 or ZAP-70 CD38+ were 43.5 and 51.7 months and not statistically significant (x2 =0.075, P =0.784).Conclusion CD38 and ZAP-70 positive expression occurs in large proportion of CLL patients with advanced stages (Rai Ⅲ and Ⅳ stage) and according to the clinical stages the expression of CD38 and ZAP-70 may be predicted.The current findings suggest that both ZAP-70 and CD38 expression should be assessed in patients with CLL for the definition of prognostic subgroups.

AIM: To measure the macular thickness of normal young people by 3D 1000 optical coherence tomography (OCT) and study the repeatability of measuring results and the relationship between the thicknesses of macular and gender. At the same time, to compare our result with the data of other types of OCT, and to understand the consistency of the measuring results of macular thickness of different types of OCT.
METHODS: Totally 222 eyes in 111 young people were detected using 3D scan mode of Topcon 3D OCT 1000 (ver 2.4 ) . Twelve cases ( 24 eyes ) underwent repeatability check. We took transverse comparison between our measured results with other research's results.
RESULTS: There were 111 cases of young people, whose age were from 18-27 years old, all uncorrected and corrected visual acuity were≥1. 0, all intraocular pressure were <21mmHg. The average thickness of all macular region was 273. 32±17.08μm. Retinal volume of macular area was 7. 73 ± 0.37mm3 . Center thickness was 161 -264μm, and the average thickness was 200. 13±18. 81μm. Central macular thickness were 188 - 273μm, and the average thickness was 229. 00 ± 18. 20μm. The central macular thickness in men was significantly greater than that in women, and there was statistical difference. The results of repeated check of 12 cases ( 24 eyes ) in the macular area were no statistical difference except the outer ring of nasal quadrant, and the repeatability of average thickness in central macular thickness was better than in center thickness.
CONCLUSION:The repeatability of macular examination is good. The central macular thickness can be better repeated than the center thickness. The central macular thickness is 229. 00±18. 20μm in young people, according to the 3D 1000 OCT measurements. There are statistical difference of central macular thickness between different genders.

Objective To explore the pathologic changes in the brain areas corresponding to specific cognitive function and underlying mechanism of cognitive impairment in patients with epilepsy by DTI study.Methods Forty-four Patients and 20 control subjects received the test of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale and the Diffusion-Tensor Imaging examination.Mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) in the normal appearing white matter of interested area were measured.T test was employed to compare the MD and FA between patients and healthy controls,patients with normal and impaired FIQ respectively.The relationships between FIQ and DTI value were analyzed by Bivariate correlations.Results VIQ (100.52?17.63),PIQ (95.10?16.72) and FIQ (98.19?17.76) of the patients with epilepsy were significantly lower than those of health controls (VIQ,PIQ and FIQ were 109.77?13.54,108.11? 12.17 and 109.81?10.57,respectively).Significant reduction of FA in both side of posterior limb of internal capsule (P

0.05).Conclusions The expression of myostatin gene mRNA is increased in myotonic dystrophy.Up-regulated expression of myostatin in skeletal muscle might be associated with the mechanism of myotonic dystrophy.

Introduction:The 2010 targets of the China Hepatitis B Prevention Programme were a prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) less than 1.0% for children less than five years old and less than 6.0% for the total population. This survey assessed the prevalence of Hepatitis B infection in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province, China in 2009–2010.Methods:Multistage sampling was used with 2372 subjects among 17 selected villages. Blood specimen collection and testing by enzyme-linked immunosorbnet assay (ELISA) were completed using the following markers for hepatitis infection: HBsAg and antibody to HBsAg (anti-HBs); hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and antibody to HBeAg (anti-HBe); and hepatitis B core antibody (total anti-HBc). The data were analysed with Epi Info, version 3.3.2.Results:The prevalence of HBsAg was 2.4% (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.8–3.0; Adjusted Prevalence [AP] 2.9%); anti-HBs prevalence was 51.1% (95% CI: 49.1–53.1; AP 49.2%) and total anti-HBc prevalence was 41.7% (95% CI: 39.8–43.7; AP 45.5%). The prevalence of HBsAg and total anti-HBc positivity increased from young to older age groups, yet the prevalence of anti-HBs positivity decreased from young to older age groups (P< 0.001 for all). There was no difference in the prevalences of HBsAg and anti-HBs among females and males (P= 0.108 and 0.089), but females had a higher prevalence than males for total anti-HBc positivity (P< 0.001). Discussion: This survey showed that in 2010 the prevalence of HBsAg among children aged less than five years was lower than the national target of 1.0% and that the prevalence of HBsAg for the total population was lower than the national target of 6.0%.

BACKGROUNDCataracts is considered be formed because of an abnormal glucose metabolic pathway or oxidative stress. We explored the damaging role of ONOO- and antagonism of cholecystokinin octapeptide-8 (CCK-8) in diabetic cataractal rat lenses.

METHODSA diabetic cataractal animal model was established by peritoneal injection of streptozotocine (STZ). Thirty-six normal SD rats were taken as control group; seventy-two were given STZ (45 mg/kg) and then divided into STZ group and CCK-8 group (peritoneal injection CCK-8). STZ induced diabetic rats were treated with CCK-8 for 60 days. Lenses were examined with slit lamp at 20, 40 and 60 days. Immunofluorescent staining and Western blot analysis were used for determining nitrotyrosine (NT, a marker for ONOO-). PT-PCR and gene array analysis were used for determining the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthetase mRNA (iNOS mRNA) in lens epithelium (LEC).

RESULTSSTZ group rats developed lens opacity by 20 days that reached a high level by 60 days after STZ injection. CCK-8 group rats delayed the cataract formation. CCK-8 group rats delayed the cataract formation. There was no distinct expression of NT and iNOS mRNA in control group. In STZ group, there were distinct expression of NT and upregulation of iNOS mRNA; however, CCK-8 group showed weak expression of NT and downregulation of iNOS mRNA.

CONCLUSIONSNT, which may be a new form of oxidative stress, was expressed in diabetic rat LEC although CCK-8 could reverse NT damage in LEC. The results suggested that CCK-8 might be a useful therapeutic agent against diabetic cataract. The antagonizing mechanism of CCK-8 may be related to direct antagonism of ONOO- as well as its inhibition of the expression of iNOS mRNA for production of NO and therefore decrease in the formation of ONOO-.

Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Cataract ; etiology ; prevention & control ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; complications ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique ; Male ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II ; genetics ; Oxidation-Reduction ; Peroxynitrous Acid ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Sincalide ; pharmacology ; Streptozocin ; Tyrosine ; analogs & derivatives ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo observe the efficacy and safety of Danlong Oral Liquid (DOL) combined Western medicine (WM) in treating mild-to-moderate bronchial asthma patients (heat wheezing syndrome) at acute onset.

METHODSTotally 480 mild-to-moderate bronchial asthma patients (heat wheezing syndrome) at acute onset were randomly assigned to two groups in the ratio 3:1, the treatment group (360 cases) and the control group (120 cases). All patients received basic WM treatment. Patients in the treatment group took DOL, 10 mL each time, 3 times per day for 7 days in total, while those in the control group took Kechuanning Oral Liquid (KOL) , 10 mL each time, 3 times per day for 7 days in total. Efficacy for asthma symptoms, lung functions and scores of TCM syndrome and/or main symptoms were evaluated.

RESULTSThe percentage of clinical control and significant effectiveness of asthma symptoms in the treatment group was significantly higher than that of the control group (77.36% vs 56.07%, P < 0.01). The percentage of clinical control and significant effectiveness of lung functions in the treatment group was significantly higher than that of the control group (74.28% vs 50.00%, P < 0.01). The anterior-posterior difference in scores of TCM syndrome was significantly superior in the treatment group than in the control group (-11.26 ± 4.70 vs -9.21 ± 5.09, P < 0.01). The anterior-posterior difference in scores of main symptoms was significantly better in the treatment group than in the control group (-6.58 ± 3.08 vs -5.16 ± 3.45, P < 0.01). The incidence of adverse reactions was significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group [1.73% (6/346 cases) vs 10.17% (12/118 cases) , P < 0.05].

CONCLUSIONDOL combined WM was superior to KOL in treating mild-to-moderate bronchial asthma patients (heat wheezing syndrome) at acute onset.

Anti-Asthmatic Agents ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Asthma ; drug therapy ; Biomedical Research ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; methods ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Hot Temperature ; Humans ; Lung ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Phytotherapy ; Respiratory Sounds ; Syndrome

The present study was designed to observe if puerarin decreases lens epithelium cell (LEC) apoptosis induced partly by peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)). One hundred and eight rats were randomly divided into control group (n=36), streptozotocin (STZ) group (n=36) and STZ + puerarin group (n=36). The rats in the control group intraperitoneally (i.p.) received 0.5 ml of saline. The rats in STZ group and STZ + puerarin group received intraperitoneal injection of STZ (45 mg/kg). Three days later, the rats in STZ + puerarin group were given puerarin (140 mg/kg per day, i.p.). On days 20, 40 and 60 of the experiment, morphologic changes of lenses were observed with slit lamp. Then the animals were sacrificed for further analysis. The amount and percentage of apoptotic LECs were determined by flow cytometry. Nitrotyrosine (NT, the foot print of ONOO(-)) was examined by immunohistochemistry. Apoptosis-related genes (iNOS, etc.) were analyzed by gene array. The results showed that in the control group, all the lenses were clear. In STZ group, gradually severe opacity of the lens was observed on days 20, 40 and 60. But in STZ + puerarin group, mild opacity of the lens was observed on day 20 and more severe on day 40, but markedly decreased on day 60. In the control group, mild apoptosis of LECs was observed. In STZ group, time-dependent increase in apoptosis of LECs was observed. In STZ + puerarin group, mild apoptosis of LECs was observed on day 20, significantly increased on day 40, but markedly decreased on day 60. There was no expression of NT in the lens in the control group, but an increased expression of NT in STZ group. In STZ + puerarin group, mild expression of NT was observed on day 20, significantly increased on day 40, but markedly decreased on day 60. There was no expression of iNOS in the lens in the control group, but continuous up-regulation of iNOS expression in STZ group. In STZ + puerarin group, mild expression of iNOS was observed on day 20, significantly increased on day 40, but markedly decreased on day 60. Except the changes of iNOS related to NO production, the other apoptosis-related genes, including BCL-2 and SOD were down-regulated, while NF-kappaB and TNFR1-FADD-caspase signal transduction way were up-regulated in STZ group. The results were opposite in STZ + puerarin group and the control group. These findings show that NT is expressed in diabetic rat lens, which proves that LEC apoptosis in diabetic lens is partly induced by ONOO(-) which may be a new oxidative damage way to form cataract. Puerarin partly decreases LEC apoptosis induced by ONOO(-) and is a potential medicine for therapy of diabetic cataract. The mechanism of puerarin dealing with diabetic cataract may be related to its direct inhibition of LEC apoptosis and antagonism of ONOO(-) in diabetic rats.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; Cataract ; chemically induced ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; Epithelial Cells ; drug effects ; Isoflavones ; pharmacology ; Lens, Crystalline ; cytology ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II ; metabolism ; Peroxynitrous Acid ; Rats ; Tyrosine ; analogs & derivatives ; metabolism