OBJECTIVETo investigate the inhibiting action of transforming growth factor-beta type R II receptor(TGF-beta R II) antibody to fibroblasts.

METHODSFour groups of cultured skin fibroblasts were treated with different dosages of TGF-beta R II antibody. Examinations were performed with HYP, MTT, microscope, and flow cytometry techniques.

RESULTSTGF-beta R II antibody resulted in significant inhibition of fibroblasts(P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONTGF-beta R II antibody has inhibiting effects on the proliferation of skin fibroblasts and with a dose-dependent manner.

Adolescent ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; pharmacology ; Cell Division ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Child ; Fibroblasts ; cytology ; drug effects ; ultrastructure ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Microscopy, Electron ; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases ; Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta ; analysis ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the immunological mechanism of allergic dermatitis induced by trichloroethylene (TCE).

METHODSThe guinea pig model of TCE-induced allergic dermatitis was established by Guinea pig Maximization Test. The effects of TCE and its metabolites on splenic lymphocytes of TCE-sensitized and non-sensitized guinea pig were detected by MTT assay.

RESULTSFor TCE-sensitized guinea pig, the survival rate of lymphocytes cultured with TCE (+S9) was significantly higher than that cultured with TCE (-S9) (83.0% +/- 3.4% vs 75.9% +/- 7.9%, P < 0.01), while, for normal animals, the survival rate of lymphocytes cultured with TCE (+S9) was significantly lower than that cultured with TCE (-S9) (63.4% +/- 8.4% vs 77.0% +/- 7.2%, P < 0.01). The survival rate of lymphocytes cultured with TCE (+S9) in TCE-sensitized animals was higher than that in normal animals (83.0% +/- 3.4% vs 63.4% +/- 8.4%, P < 0.05), but no statistically significant difference was found for TCE (-S9) (75.9% +/- 7.9% vs 77.0% +/- 7.2%, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONCytotoxicity of TCE to normal lymphocytes and proliferation of sensitized lymphocytes were enhanced by metabolic activation. The metabolites of TCE may act as effective immune hapten to stimulate the proliferation of hapten-specific lymphocytes in TCE-sensitized animals.

Animals ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact ; etiology ; immunology ; Female ; Guinea Pigs ; Lymphocytes ; drug effects ; Male ; Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis ; drug effects ; Spleen ; drug effects ; immunology ; Trichloroethylene ; toxicity

OBJECTIVESTo screen and clone the genes encoding hepatocellular carcinoma associated tumor antigens.

METHODSA hepatocellular carcinoma cDNA express library was constructed with ZAP vector and analyzed by serological analysis of recombinant cDNA expression library (SEREX) with sera from autologous and allogenous patients. Monoclonalized positive phage clones were converted into pBK-CMV phagemid forms by in vivo excision. The cDNA inserts were determined by restriction endonuclease digestion with EcoR I and Xho I. The cDNA inserts were sequenced and analyzed with bioinformatics. LIMS1 insert was cut from the clone HCL5-70 and constructed into pQE 31 express vector. The recombinant LIMS1 was expressed in M15 and analyzed with SDS-PAGE and Western blot.

RESULTSFourteen genes were cloned from autologous screening and eleven genes were obtained with allogeneous analysis. One gene, kinectin, was identified in both autologous and allogeneous screening. Eight of the total twenty-four genes were unknown for their functions; the other sixteen genes can be classified into eight groups according to their established or putative function. Recombinant LIMS1 was expressed in M15.

CONCLUSIONThe identification of hepatocellular carcinoma associated tumor antigens provides potential targets for immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma patients and will help in the understanding of the carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Antigens, Neoplasm ; genetics ; immunology ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; genetics ; immunology ; DNA, Complementary ; genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Genetic Therapy ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; genetics ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo explore a method for reconstruction of Poland's chest wall deformity.

METHODSThe customized, textured silicone prosthesis was fabricated from a soft silicone polymer that approximated to the softness of the pectoralis major muscle. A lateral incision of 6 cm on the affected chest was made. After a subcutaneous pocket above the ribs was created through the incision, the prosthesis was placed in the pocket.

RESULTSSince October 2000, chest wall reconstruction for Poland's syndrome deformity has been performed in 7 male patients (18 to 45 years) with the customized soft silicone prosthesis. Follow-up for 3 to 17 months showed that all patients were satisfied with the aesthetical results. Seroma occurred in 2 patients, and needle aspiration was used to solve the problem.

CONCLUSIONThis method is simple and less traumatic. The reconstructed chest wall approximates to the softness and appearance of the contralateral pectoralis muscle.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pectoralis Muscles ; Poland Syndrome ; surgery ; Prostheses and Implants ; Prosthesis Implantation ; methods ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Ribs ; Silicones ; therapeutic use ; Thoracic Wall ; abnormalities ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association of polymorphisms of nucleotide excision repair genes and chromosomal damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes among coke-oven workers.

METHODSThe genotypes of ERCC1 C19007T, ERCC2 C22541A, ERCC2 G23591A, ERCC2 A35931C, ERCC4 T30028C, ERCC5 G3507C and ERCC6 A3368G among 140 coke-oven workers and 66 non-coke-oven controls were determined by PCR-PFLP methods. Chromosomal damage was detected by cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay.

RESULTSMultivariate analysis of covariance revealed that in coke-oven workers, the ERCC1 19007 CC genotype exhibited significantly higher CBMN frequency [(1.05 +/- 0.68)%] than did the CT [(0.81 +/- 0.66)%] (P = 0.01) or TT [(0.66 +/- 0.37)%] (P = 0.05) or CT + TT genotypes [(0.75 +/- 0.63)%] (P = 0.004). For the ERCC6 A3368G polymorphism, AA genotype exhibited significantly higher CBMN frequency [(1.00 +/- 0.69)%] than did the AG [(0.67 +/- 0.42)%] (P = 0.05) or AG + GG genotypes [(0.66 +/- 0.41)%] (P = 0.02). Stratification analysis found the significant association between the two polymorphisms, ERCC1 C19007T and ERCC6 A3368G, and the CBMN frequencies were most pronounced in older workers. In addition, for the polymorphism of ERCC2 G23591A, GA carriers had significantly higher CBMN frequencies [(1.40 +/- 0.63)%] than those GG carriers [(0.98 +/- 0.59)%] (P = 0.01) in older workers.

CONCLUSIONSOur results suggested that polymorphisms of ERCC1 C19007T, ERCC6 A3368G and ERCC2 G23591A were associated with the CBMN frequencies in coke-oven workers.

Adult ; Alcohol Drinking ; Coke ; Comet Assay ; DNA Damage ; DNA Repair ; genetics ; DNA Repair Enzymes ; genetics ; Dihydroxydihydrobenzopyrenes ; urine ; Extraction and Processing Industry ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Humans ; Lymphocytes ; Male ; Micronucleus Tests ; Middle Aged ; Occupational Exposure ; analysis ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Smoking

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association of polymorphisms of metabolic and DNA repair enzyme genes and DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes in coke-oven workers.

METHODSOne hundred and forty-four coke-oven workers and 50 controls were recruited in this study. Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) levels were measured as the internal dose of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure. DNA damage was detected by alkaline comet assay, and the value of 1.74 was used as the cut-off value to determine whether the individual's DNA damage was positive. The genotypes of CYP1A1, CYP2E1, GSTP1, NQO1, mEH and XRCC1 were determined by PCR-based methods. With adjustment for urinary 1-OHP, age, sex, multiple analysis of covariance was used to study the association between genotypes and the ln-transformed olive TM and multiple logistic regression was used to calculate the adjusted OR and the 95% CI for the risk of DNA damage.

RESULTSIn 144 coke-oven workers, with adjustment for urinary 1-OHP, coking history and sex, the olive TM was significantly higher with XRCC1 280His allele than those with Arg allele (5.6 vs. 2.8, P < 0.01). The subjects with XRCC1 280His allele also have significantly higher risk for DNA damage than subjects with Arg allele (adjusted OR = 2.66, 95% CI = 1.00-7.14, P = 0.05) and the subjects with GSTP1 104Val allele have higher risk for DNA damage than subjects with Ile allele (adjusted OR = 1.90, 95% CI = 0.94-3.85, P = 0.07).

CONCLUSIONXRCC1 and GSTP1 polymorphisms might influence the susceptibility of DNA damage in occupational PAH-exposed coke-oven workers.

Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Coke ; poisoning ; Comet Assay ; Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1 ; genetics ; Cytochrome P-450 CYP2E1 ; genetics ; DNA Damage ; DNA Ligase ATP ; DNA Ligases ; genetics ; DNA Repair Enzymes ; genetics ; Female ; Genotype ; Glutathione S-Transferase pi ; genetics ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; NAD(P)H Dehydrogenase (Quinone) ; genetics ; Occupational Exposure ; adverse effects ; analysis ; Polymorphism, Genetic

OBJECTIVETo explore the association of gene polymorphism of organophosphate insecticides (OPs) metabolic enzymes with intermediate myasthenia syndrome (IMS) following acute OPs poisoning.

METHODSThirty six of 147 acute OPs poisoning patients developed IMS one to four days after poisoning. Peripheral blood samples were collected from all the patients and whole blood cholinesterase (ChE) activity was determined by DTNB spectrometry. The genetic polymorphism of CYP2E1 (1091C-->T) and GSTP1 (313A-->G) were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restrict fragment length polymorphism, CYP1A1 (4889A-->G), GSTM1 and GSTT1 by allele-specific PCR, and PON1 at 55 codon (55L-->M) by PCR-single strand conformation polymorphism.

RESULTSThe whole blood ChE activity in IMS patients was not significantly different from non-IMS patients at admission (38.22 +/- 17.56)% and (42.49 +/- 16.23)%, respectively, P > 0.05, but recovered much slower in IMS patients than that in non-IMS patients. The frequencies of heterozygote and variant homozygote of PON1 at 55 codon, GSTM1 null, and both GSTM1 and GSTT1 null were higher in IMS patients than those in non-IMS patients (P < 0.05), with odds ratios and their 95% confident intervals of 2.48 (1.06 - 5.78), 11.23 (2.95- 42.76), 2.53 (1.14 - 5.61) and 2.68 (1.20 - 5.97), respectively.

CONCLUSIONSPatients of OPs and its mixture poisoning with genotype of variant allele at 55 codon of PON1, GSTM1 null and both GSTM1 and GSTT1 null probably had higher risk for IMS.

Adult ; Cholinesterases ; metabolism ; Cytochrome P-450 CYP2E1 ; genetics ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Glutathione Transferase ; genetics ; Homozygote ; Humans ; Insecticides ; poisoning ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myasthenia Gravis ; chemically induced ; genetics ; Organophosphorus Compounds ; Point Mutation ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Syndrome

Objective:To investigate the related factors that affect the timing and prognosis of early tracheostomy in patients with multiple rib fractures.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted on medical data of 222 patients with multiple rib fractures who underwent tracheostomy in Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University from February 2013 to October 2019，including 160 males and 66 females，with the age of 18 to 85 years ［（49.5 ± 16.3）years］. According to the practice management guidelines for tracheostomy timing and the use of propensity score matching technology，there were 118 patients with tracheostomy within 7 days of tracheal intubation （early group） and 104 patients with tracheostomy after 7 days of tracheal intubation （late group） before matching，and there were 87 patients in early group and 87 patients in late group after matching. Data were compared between groups including the gender，age，underlying disease，injury severity score （ISS），Glasgow coma score （GCS），number of fractured ribs，total number of rib fractures （NTRF），first rib fracture，flail chest，traumatic brain injury，combined injuries （spine，maxillofacial，sternum），acute respiratory distress syndrome （ARDS），volume fraction of pulmonary contusion（VPC），blood lactic acid （within 24 hours of admission），hemothorax，pneumothorax，mechanical ventilation time，duration of tracheostomy，time from tracheal intubation to incision，length of hospital stay，length of stay in ICU，closed thoracic drainage，number of fiberoptic bronchoscopy，multi-drug resistant bacteria infection，ventilator-associated pneumonia，antibiotic use time，duration of sedative and analgesic drugs used and 28-day mortality. The multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to predict independent risk factors for early tracheostomy. The Pearson method was used to compare the relationship between multiple factors. The receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve was used to predict indicators that affect the prognosis of patients with early tracheostomy，and calculate the best cut-off value. The Kaplan-Meier single factor and COX multivariate survival were used to analyze the relevant factors affecting the 28-day mortality of patients.Results:（1） In early group，the NTRF，ARDS and VPC were higher than those in late group，and the time from tracheal intubation to incision and 28-day mortality rate were lower than those in late group （ P < 0.05），while the two groups showed no significant differences in the gender，age，underlying diseases and ISS （ P > 0.05）. （2） The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that there was statistical significance in NTRF （ OR = 1.775，95% CI 1.439-2.188），ARDS（ OR = 3.740，95% CI 1.441-9.711），VPC （ OR = 1.087，95% CI 1.052-1.124） （ P < 0.05）； the Pearson method analysis showed a significant correlation between VPC and NTRF （ r = 0.369， P < 0.05） and a low degree of correlation between ARDS and VPC （ r = 0.179， P < 0.05），but there was no significant correlation between ARDS and NTRF （ r = 0.132， P > 0.05）. （3） The ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve （AUC） of the VPC and NTRF ［AUC = 0.832 （95% CI 0.770-0.893），AUC = 0.804 （95% CI 0.740-0.868）］ were significantly higher than those of the number of rib fractures ［AUC = 0.437（95% CI 0.352-0.523），GCS ［AUC = 0.519 （95% CI 0.432-0.605）］ and ISS ［AUC = 0.484 （95% CI 0.398-0.571）］ （ P < 0.05）. After calculating the Yorden index，the best cut-off value for VPC was 23.9，and the best cut-off value for NTRF was 8.5. （4） The Kaplan-Meier single factor and multivariate COX model survival analysis showed that the 28-day survival ratio of patients with early tracheostomy was significantly better than that of late tracheostomy （ P < 0.05）. Conclusions:The NTRF，ADRS and VPC are independent risk factors for the timing and prognosis of early tracheostomy. There is a significant correlation between VPC and NTRF. The VPC ≥ 23.9% and or NTRF ≥ 8.5 can be used to predict early tracheostomy in patients with multiple rib fractures. Early tracheostomy may benefit the 28-day survival of patients with multiple rib fractures.

OBJECTIVETo explore the association between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exposure and telomere length (TL), so as to investigate the effective biomarkers to evaluate the genetic damage in peripheral blood of workers exposed to PAHs.

METHODSThe exposure group consisted of 145 coke-oven workers (including 30 top-oven workers, 76 side-oven workers and 39 bottom-oven workers), and the non-exposure control group comprised 68 medical staffs. At 6 hours after the weekend duty shift, the samples of urine and 1 ml venous blood were collected from each subject. Airborne benzene-soluble matter (BSM) and particulate-phase B(a)P in the working environment of coke-oven and controls were sampled and analyzed. The concentration of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHPyr) was determined. A real-time PCR method was used to determine the relative telomere length (RTL) of genomic DNA in peripheral blood. The relationship between the RTL and external exposure of PAHs, the potential factors which might have influence on TL were analyzed.

RESULTSThe medians of air BSM and particulate-phase B(a)P were higher in coke-oven (BSM: 328.6 µg/m(3); B(a)P: 926.9 ng/m(3)) than those in control working environment (BSM:97.8 µg/m(3); B(a)P: 49.1 ng/m(3)). The level of 1-OHPyr among coke-oven workers was significantly higher than that of non-exposed group (12.2 µmol/mol Cr vs 0.7 µmol/mol Cr; t = 26.971, P < 0.01). RTL in coke-oven workers were significantly shorter than those of controls (1.10 ± 0.75 vs 1.43 ± 1.06; t = 2.263, P = 0.026), and after adjusting for cigarettes per day and urinary 1-OHPyr, the significant difference was still observed (F(adju) = 5.496, P(adju) = 0.020). Stratification analysis found that RTL among the male and non-drinking groups in coke-oven workers were shorter than those the same sex and alcohol using status in controls (1.08 ± 0.73 vs 1.51 ± 1.10, F = 9.212, P = 0.003; 0.96 ± 0.38 vs 1.26 ± 0.46, F = 6.484, P = 0.012). Significant correlation between RTL and age was found (r = -0.284, P = 0.019) in non-exposure group.

CONCLUSIONPAH-exposure has effect on TL of genomic DNA in peripheral blood, which is mainly observed in the male and non-drinking groups between PAH-exposed workers and controls. It indicates that TL of genomic DNA in peripheral blood might be an effective biomarker as PAH-induced genetic damage.

Adult ; Benzene ; Case-Control Studies ; Coke ; DNA Damage ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Occupational Exposure ; adverse effects ; analysis ; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons ; adverse effects ; analysis ; Pyrenes ; analysis ; Telomere ; drug effects ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the sensitivity to bleomycin (BLM) in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) among coke-oven workers.

METHODSNinty-four coke-oven workers with exposure to a high level of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and 64 non-coke-oven workers (control) were recruited into this study. PBL was challenged by 8 microg/ml BLM, a known carcinogen, to induce certain amount of DNA damage, the difference of olive tail moment (TM) measured by comet assay before and after BLM treatment reflected the sensitivity towards mutagens.

RESULTSThe distribution of age, sex, and prevalence of smoking and drinking were not significantly different between these two groups. The geometric mean of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) was significantly higher in coke-oven workers than in controls (9.0 versus 1.5 microg/L, t = -9.317, P < 0.01). The coke-oven workers showed significantly higher sensitivity to BLM than controls (17.7 versus 14.9, t = -2.583, P = 0.01). A large inter-group difference in sensitivity to BLM was observed in both controls and coke-oven workers. Stratification analysis revealed the significant association between high 1-OHP level (> 9.0 microg/L) and increased sensitivity to BLM (F = 4.001, P = 0.05) among coke-oven workers. Smoking subjects showed a significant higher value of sensitivity than nonsmokers in controls but not in coke-oven workers. No significant difference was observed between age, drinking status, coking history or external exposure class and BLM sensitivity.

CONCLUSIONExposure to coke oven emission could increase the sensitivity to mutagens, which might be a reason of high incidence of lung cancer among coke-oven workers.

Adult ; Benzo(a)pyrene ; toxicity ; Bleomycin ; toxicity ; Coke ; Comet Assay ; DNA Damage ; DNA Repair ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphocytes ; drug effects ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mutagens ; toxicity ; Occupational Exposure