Objective To explore the association of the calcitonin receptor (CTR) allelic polymor- phism in the 1377 bp region with the risk of idiopathic hypercalciuria (IH) in the Han nationality in Hubei area,and to study the pathogenesis of IH.Methods The CTR genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism in 76 patients with IH and 126 healthy controls from the Han nationality in Hubei area,using restriction endonuclease AluI.Results The distribution frequen- cies of AluI alleles in the 2 groups followed the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.The distribution frequencies of the CC,TC and TT genotypes were 73.7% ,17.1% and 9.2% in IH patient group,and 89.7% ,9.5% and 0.8% in control group;the distribution frequencies of C and T alleles in the 2 groups were 84.2% ,15.8% and 94.4% ,5.6% ,respectively.The distribution frequencies of T and TT alleles were higher,while those of C and CC alleles were lower,compared with control group;the differences between the 2 groups were signifi- cant (P＜0.05).Conclusions The results indicate that the C/T single nucleotide polymorphism in the CTR gene play a significant role in the mechanism of IH in the Han nationality in Hubei area in China.

OBJECTIVENeonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE) is an uncommon autoimmune disease passively transmitted from the mother in which there is transplacental passage of maternal antibodies. It is often misdiagnosed as intrauterine infection or sepsis. The main purpose of this retrospective study was to improve the understanding of pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of NLE.

METHODSClinical manifestations, results of the tests for antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-Ro/SSA, anti-La/SSB and anti-dsDNA antibodies in both infants with NLE (8 cases) and their mothers and head ultrasound and CT scans of the infants were analyzed. Follow-up was performed until one and ahalf years of age or all the abnormalities had been resolved.

RESULTSTotally 8 cases (3 males and 5 females) matched the criteria for diagnosis of NLE from September 2003 to February 2006, among whom 4 were small for gestational age and one was born prematurely. Mean gestational age was 38.1 +/- 1.9 weeks, mean birth weight 2 605 +/- 420 grams, mean admission age 22.4 +/- 27.7 days (2 hours-72 days) and mean age of onset 9.4 +/- 12.1 days (0 - 28 days). The common clinical manifestations included cutaneous lupus lesions (8 infants), neural system abnormalities (2 infants) and congenital heart block (2 infants). The skin of the infants exhibited annular, erythematous or desquamative lesions. They all disappeared before 6 months of age. One patient presented with grade III atrioventricular block and was delivered by cesarean section because of "fetal distress". He did not recover at one and a half years follow-up. One infant was hypotonic with delayed neuro-motor development initially and during follow-up with both abnormal neonatal behavioral neurological assessment (NBNA) and image findings. CT showed generalized low density involving periventricular area and deep white matter at one week of age. At the age of one and a half years, he presented with normal mental development index determined by CDCC infant intelligence mensuration. Other abnormal clinical findings included hepatosplenomegaly, anemia, thrombocytopenia, cholestasis and elevated liver enzymes, which were all resolved before 6 months of age. Only 3 mothers of the NLE infants were diagnosed as lupus erythematosus before parturition and only one received partial therapy. At least anti-Ro/SSA antibody or anti-La/SSB antibody or ANA was found in the affected patients. Seven cases had circulating anti-Ro and/or anti-La antibodies in the mothers and in the newborns, while ANA was positive in 7 newborns and in all mothers. All the clinical symptoms except congenital heart block disappeared before 18 months of age. No special intervention was applied.

CONCLUSIONSerum auto-antibodies should be investigated to rule out NLE when there is congenital heart block or rashes or thrombocytopenia presented in a neonate, despite there is no maternal history. Central nervous system abnormalities in NLE are likely to be transient and whether it will cause long term sequelae is uncertain.

Autoimmune Diseases ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Newborn, Diseases ; diagnosis ; Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous ; diagnosis ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Male ; Retrospective Studies

This study was aimed to investigate the regulatory effect of phenylhexyl isothiocyanate (PHI) on methylation of histone H3K4, H3K9 and demethylation of p15 gene in acute leukemia cell line Molt-4, and to explore the possible mechanism inducing re-expression of silent gene. The methylation status of histone H3K4, H3K9 and the expression of P15 protein in the Molt-4 cells treated with PHI were detected by Western blot; the methylation status of p15 gene in the Molt-4 cells before and after treatment with PHI was determined by methylation specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP); the expression level of p15 gene mRNA in Molt-4 cells treated with PHI was assayed by semiquantitative reverse transcription-PCR. The results indicated that the PHI could increase methylation of histone H3K4 and decrease methylation of histone H3K9 in concentration-and time-dependent manners. After treatment of Molt-4 cells with PHI for 5 days, the methylation of p15 gene was reduced, the significant hypermethylation of p15 gene was reversed, the silenced p15 gene re-expressed; the expressions of p15 mRNA and P15 protein were enhanced in concentration-dependent manner. It is concluded that probably through specifically regulating the methylation level of histone H3K4 and H3K9, the PHI causes the changes of chromosome space structure and results in the demethylation of CPG island in p15 gene, thereby induces the re-expression of p15 gene which was silenced.
Cell Line, Tumor ; CpG Islands ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p15 ; genetics ; metabolism ; DNA Methylation ; drug effects ; Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic ; drug effects ; Gene Silencing ; Histones ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Isothiocyanates ; pharmacology

This study is to investigate the effect of phenylhexyl isothiocyanate (PHI), which has been proved to be a novel histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) recently, on gene p15 de novo expression in acute leukemia cell line Molt-4, and to further study its potential mechanism. Modified methylation specific PCR (MSP) was used to screen p15-M and p15-U mRNA. DNA methyltransferasel (DNMT1), 3A (DNMT3A), 3B (DNMT3B) and p15 mRNA were measured by RT-PCR. P15 protein was detected by Western blotting. Hypermethylation of gene p15 was reversed and activation transcription of gene p15 in Molt-4 was de novo after 5 days exposure to PHI in a concentration dependent manner. DNMT1 and DNMT3B were inhibited by exposure to PHI for 5 days (P < 0.05). Alteration of DNMT3A was not significant. It is showed that PHI could reverse hypermethylation of gene p15 and transcriptional activation of gene p15 is de novo by PHI. It may result from down-regulating DNA methyltransferases, DNMT1 and DNMT3B, or up-regulating the histone acetylation that allows chromatin unfolding and the accessibility of regulators for transcriptional activation in the p15 promoter.
Cell Line, Tumor ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p15 ; genetics ; metabolism ; DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases ; genetics ; metabolism ; DNA Methylation ; Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Isothiocyanates ; pharmacology ; Precursor T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Repressor Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism

Objective To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture on hypothalamic insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods Sixty Wistar rats were randomized to a normal group (15 rats) and an observation group (45 rats). In the observation group, a rat model of T2DM was made by high-energy diet induction. After the model was successfully made 8 weeks later, the observation group was randomized to model making, treatment and blocker groups, 15 rats each. The treatment group received electroacupuncture and the blocker group, electroacupuncture plus intraventricular perfusion of phosphatidylinositol 3-hydroxyl kinase (PI3K) blocker. After 8 weeks of treatment, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was measured using a glucometer, fasting insulin (Fins) was determined by ELISA, insulin resistance index (IRI) was calculated and IRS-1 expression was examined by SABC immunohistochemistry assay in every group of rats. Results FPG and Fins increased significantly (both P<0.01) and IRI and IRS-1 expression decreased significantly (P<0.01) in the model making group compared with the normal group. FPG and Fins decreased significantly (both P<0.01) and IRI and IRS-1 expression increased significantly (P<0.01) in the treatment group compared with the model making group. FPG and Fins decreased significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01) and IRI and IRS-1 expression increased significantly (P<0.01) in the treatment group compared with the blocker group. Conclusion Electroacupuncture can improve FPG, Fins and insulin sensitivity by regulating hypothalamic IRS-1 expression in T2DM rats.

BACKGROUND: Local soft tissue lysis has been widely used in clinical rehabilitation treatment of chronic soft tissue injuries, and has achieved certain clinical outcomes. However, it is an invasive treatment, and there is little information about the pathological changes and prognosis of the local tissues post-treatment. OBJECTIVE: To observe the repair process and pathologic changes of the muscles after local soft tissue lysis with several needles. METHOD:Songjin-needle,Yinzhi-needle,Changyuan-needle,Xiaozhen-needle,Ren-needle and Pi-needle were inserted into the belly of rat gastrocnemius gastrocnemius with a depth of 0.5-1.0 cm, twice or thrice. Then the rats were killed at 3, 7, 14, 21 and 30 days after acupuncture. The corresponding parts of tissues were removed and fixed with paraformaldehyde, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemistry to observe the histomorphological features and pathological changes under light microscope. The CellSens-Entry 1.15 software was used for image acquisition, and the number of fibroblast cells and microvessel density were calculated. The integral absorbance values of collagen type Ⅰ were calculated by Image Pro plus 6 software. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: On day 3 after intervention, muscle fiber dissolution, necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration were visible. On day 7, there was a reduction in inflammatory cells, fibroblast activation and proliferation, and granulation tissue hyperplasia. On day 14, there was local accumulation of collagen with substantial granulation tissues. On day 21, collagen fibers decreased and granulation tissues organized. On day 30, there was local scar formation. Immunohistochemical staining results showed that there was collagen type Ⅰ in the surgical area after intervention. The microvessel density, fibroblast count and integral absorbance value increased firstly and then decreased, which showed significant differences among groups (P < 0.01). These findings imply that the new types of needles for local soft tissue lysis do certain damage to the gastrocnemius muscle, and the inflammatory changes of the local tissue and granulation tissue organized will result in local scar formation after loosening therapies.

Objective To explore the feasibility of "immersion program" in French-taught surgical lessons,as to provide multiple educational methods and practical experiences for the application of bilingual education in clinical medicine.Methods Twenty-nine senior students of French-taught class were randomly divided into group A(n=15) and group B(n=14)."Immersion program" and "transitional bilingual education" were employed for group A and group B,respectively for the first half of teaching session,and "transitional bilingual education" and "immersion program" for the second half,respectively.The differences between the two bilingual education models were compared through quiz.Results In the prior 2 of the 4 quiz,the scores of French quiz and the total scores were much higher in "immersion program" group,and there were significant differences between the two groups(P0.05). Conclusion "Immersion program" helps to improve the ability of presentation,comprehension and application of French in the precondition of equal educational content,and it will be more beneficial when accessing the "immersion program" on the basis of "transitional bilingual education".

A pairs of primers were designed according to the fusion protein(F)gene sequences of canine distemper virus(CDV)in GenBank.A 369 bp fragment aimed signal peptide fragment of F gene was amplified.The PCR products from viscera samples,blood,urine of fur animals including foxes,minks and raccoon dogs,which collected in the years 2005-2007,were cloned to pMD18-T Vector and sequenced.We obtained 13 positive signal peptide fragments from wild-type strains.The results indicated there was obviously genetic diversity between the wild-type strains and CDV3 and other vaccine strains.The homology with CDV3 is 80.7%-83.2%in nucleotide,and 64.8%-71.3%in amino acid.The analysis for the hydrophobic regions indicated the function of signal peptide fragment may be changed.This study can offer aca- demic data to research of CDV genetic variation and epidemiology.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether antipsychotic agent-induced weight gain was associated with 5-hydroxytryptamine 2C receptor (HTR2C) gene-759C/T and -697G/C polymorphisms. METHODS: A case-matching controlled study was done. Eighty-five patients who had gained more than 7% of their pre-drug body weight served as a study group, and 85 patients who had gained less than 7% of their pre-drug body weight served as a control group. The control group were matched with the study group in the kinds of antipsychotic agents and the course of antipsychotic treatment. The ligation diction reaction technique was used to analyse the frequencies of HTR2C gene-759C/T and -697G/C polymorphisms. RESULTS: The study group were more likely to be hemizygous for the -759C (for male) and the -759CC genotype (for female) than the control group. The study group were more likely to be hemizygous for the -697G (for male) and the -697CG/GG genotype (for female) (all P<0.05) than the control group. CONCLUSION The -759C/T and -697G/C polymorphisms of the promoter region of HTR2C gene may be associated with antipsychotic agent-induced weight gain.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Antipsychotic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; genetics ; Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT2C ; genetics ; Schizophrenia ; drug therapy ; genetics ; physiopathology ; Weight Gain ; drug effects ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and safety of Prostate in combination with an antibiotic for the treatment of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis.

METHODSA double-blind, parallel contrasted, multi-central method was applied in the study. After the Stamey test and expressed prostate secretion (EPS) examination, 160 patients with prostatitis were recruited and randomized into a trial group (80 cases with 1 case missing) and a control group (80 cases). In the trial group, the patients used the levofloxacin and Prostate during the first 4 weeks and Prostate only during the following 4 weeks. In the control group, the patients used the levofloxacin and placebo during the first 4 weeks, and placebo only during the following 4 weeks. Before and 4 and 8 weeks after the treatment, the patients were visited and evaluated by the national institute health-chronic prostatitis symptom index (NIH-CPSI), EPS, and asked about the side.

RESULTSAfter 4-week and 8-week treatment, the pain index dropped by 3.34 +/- 2.45 and 4.06 +/- 3.03 in the trial group, and effects. 2.28 +/- 2.42 and 3.30 +/- 3.29 in the control; the voiding index dropped by 2.22 +/- 1.79 and 2.77 +/- 2.04 in the trial group, and 1.24 +/- 1.67 and 1.83 +/- 2.25 in the control respectively. There was significant difference between pre-treatment and post-treatment in both the two groups (P < 0.01), while the difference was not significant between 4-week and 8-week post-treatment (P > 0.05). And there was significant difference between the two groups in the pain index and voiding index (P < 0.01), but not in the white blood cell count and lipid in the EPS (P > 0.05). No serious side effects were recorded, and the tolerance to Prostate and placebo showed no significant difference.

CONCLUSIONProstate in combination with an antibiotic can effectively relieve the pain and voiding symptoms and improve the life quality of the patients with nonbacterial prostatitis and well deserves to be recommended in clinical practice.

Adult ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; therapeutic use ; Chronic Disease ; Double-Blind Method ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Humans ; Male ; Phytotherapy ; Plant Extracts ; therapeutic use ; Pollen ; Prostatitis ; drug therapy ; Treatment Outcome