Objective : To examine the effect of asbestos exposure on oxidative stress, so as to provide insights into the elucidation of pathogenesis and management of asbestos-related diseases. Methods : Totally 245 subjects were recruited from an asbestos manufacturing area in Zhejiang Province, and their gender, age and history of asbestos exposure were collected through a questionnaire survey. The serum levels of 8-hydroxy-2'deoxyguanosine ( 8-OHdG ), glutathione ( GSH ), malondialdehyde ( MDA ), superoxide dismutase ( SOD ) and total antioxidative capacity ( TAOC ) were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ( ELISA ), and the levels of catalase ( CAT ), peroxiredoxin 2 ( PRX2 ), SOD1, SOD2 and thioredoxin-1 ( TRX1 ) were detected in peripheral white blood cells ( WBCs ) using a liquid-chip assay. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to identify the association between asbestos exposure and oxidative stress parameters. Results : There were 50 subjects without a history of asbestos exposure (unexposed group), 102 subjects with asbestos exposure for less than 10 years ( AE<10-year group ) and 93 subjects with asbestos exposure for 10 years and more ( AE≥10-year group ). No significant differences were found among the three groups in terms of age, gender, proportion of smokers or proportion of alcohol consumers ( P>0.05 ). Significantly higher 8-OHdG and MDA in serum, and higher PRX2 in peripheral WBCs were detected in the AE≥10-year group than in the unexposed group ( P<0.05 ); lower GSH and TAOC in serum, and lower CAT in peripheral WBCs were detected in the AE≥10-year group than in the unexposed group ( P<0.05 ); higher 8-OHdG and MDA in serum, and higher PRX2 in peripheral WBCs were detected in the AE≥10-year group than in the AE<10-year group ( P<0.05 ). Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that asbestos exposure significantly correlated with 8-OHdG, MDA and TAOC in serum, and CAT and PRX2 in peripheral WBCs ( P<0.05 ). Conclusion Asbestos exposure may induce the oxidative stress damage, suggesting that oxidative stress may be involved in asbestos-related diseases.

OBJECTIVETo explore the expression and clinical significance of Caudal-type homeobox transcription factor 2 (CDX2) gene in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients.

METHODReal time quantitative PCR (RQ-PCR) was used to test the expression level of CDX2 gene in 108 de novo AML patients and the clinical features of these patients were analyzed.

RESULTSCDX2 gene transcript levels were detectable in bone marrow mononuclear cells from 108 AML patients and 7 healthy donors, the median expression level were 1179.44 (range 14.15 - 867 961.10) and 105.30 (range 22.30 - 453.11). There was a statistically significant difference in expression level of CDX2 gene between the AML patients and normal donor (P < 0.01). All 14 patients with FLT3-ITD(+) were in CDX2 gene higher expression group (P = 0.018), including 10 patients with normal karyotype. In the 83 treated AML patients (P = 0.046) and 57 higher WBC count (≥ 10×10(9)/L, P = 0.048) patients, the higher expression level of CDX2 gene was associated with lower complete remission (CR) rates.

CONCLUSIONSHigher expression level of CDX2 gene was seen mostly in AML patients with FLT3-ITD mutation and with lower CR rates. CDX2 gene might be a prognostic molecular marker in AML patients with normal karyotype.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; CDX2 Transcription Factor ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Homeodomain Proteins ; genetics ; Humans ; Karyotyping ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; Prognosis ; Young Adult ; fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase 3 ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of Tangshenkang Granule (TG) containing serum on renal mesangial cells' (RMCs) proliferation and TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway in the high glucose condition.

METHODSTwelve SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, i.e., the low dose TG group, the middle dose TG group, the high dose TG group, and the blank control group, 3 in each group. After 7-day gastrogavage via portal vein blood, rats were sacrificed and their serum samples were collected. RMCs were cultured in common rat serum and TG containing serum respectively. The proliferation of mesangial cells was determined by methly thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay to determine the optimal TG containing serum concentration. Expression levels of TGF-β1 mRNA and protein were determined by real time quantitative PCR and ELISA. Smad2/3 protein expression and phosphorylation were determined by Western blot and immunofluorescence.

RESULTSTG containing serum at different doses could inhibit high glucose induced RMC cells' proliferation, TGF-β1 over-expression and Smad2/3 phosphorylation.

CONCLUSIONTG containing serum could inhibit high glucose induced RMC cells' proliferation, and its mechanism might be possibly associated with inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway.

Animals ; Cell Proliferation ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Glucose ; Mesangial Cells ; Phosphorylation ; RNA, Messenger ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Serum ; Signal Transduction ; Smad2 Protein ; metabolism ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo explore the roles of matrix metalloproteinase-1(MMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1(TIMP-1) in the pathogenesis of endometriosis and the effects of estrogen and progestin on their expression.

METHODSImmunohistochemistry and RT-PCR were employed to detect the expression of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 in the ectopic tissues of 35 patients with endometriosis, 22 eutopic endometrium tissues from women with endometriosis and 28 normal controls. Fifty-nine nude mice were injected with human late secretory endometrial chippings and randomized into estrogen group, progestin group, estrogen-progestin group and control group with corresponding treatments. The implantation rates and graft morphology were observed and MMP-1 and TIMP-1 expressions in the grafts detected by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSTypical endometrial glands and stroma were observed in all the groups with comparable implantation rates. The administration of progestin was associated with multiple peritoneal implantation sites and significantly larger implants. The transplanted endometria showed proliferative or secretory changes with estrogen or progestin administration. MMP-1 expression significantly increased and TIMP-1 expression decreased with increased MMP-1/TIMP-1 ratio in human and nude mouse ectopic endometria in comparison with those in normal endometria (P<0.05, P<0.01). MMP-1 expression was higher in estrogen and estrogen-progestin groups than in the control group, and was lower in the 3 sexual hormone-treated groups than in the control group. MMP-1 mRNA expression in the eutopic endometrium was significantly higher than that in the normal endometria.

CONCLUSIONProgestrin can not inhibit MMP-1 expression or the effect of estrogen on ectopic endometrium known as progestin resistance. The high expression of MMP-1 and low expression of TIMP-1 in endometriotic tissues confer strong invasiveness of ectopic endometrial tissue, especially in eutopic endometrial tissue, and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.

Adult ; Animals ; Endometriosis ; metabolism ; Estrogens ; pharmacology ; Female ; Humans ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Middle Aged ; Progestins ; pharmacology ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Random Allocation ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo explore the influence of lanthanum chloride (LaCl3) on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in RAW264.7 macrophages with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induction, and to investigate its possible mechanisms.

METHODSThe RAW264.7 macrophages were randomly divided into four groups: i. e, control group (without treatment), LaCl3 group (with treatment of 2.5 micromol/L of LaCl3 for 24 hrs), LaCl3 + LPS group (with treatment of 2.5 micromol/L LaCl3 for 24h), and LPS group (with treatment of 1 mg/L LPS for 24 hrs). The iNOS protein expression was measured by immunofluorescence and Western blot. iNOS gene expression was assayed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). NO production in culture supernatant was assayed by nitrate reductase method.

RESULTSImmunofluorescence analysis showed that iNOS was located mainly in the cytoplasm. RAW264.7 cells with overexpression of iNOS accounted for 44.4%, which was obviously higher than that in LaCl3 + LPS group (11.8%, P < 0.05). There was a faint signal of FITC-labeled green tint in control group or LaCl3 group. The iNOS mRNA and protein expression, and the NO content in LPS group were significantly higher than those in control, LaCl3, and LaCl3 + LPS groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONLaCl3 can suppress LPS-induced iNOS overexpression at mRNA and protein level and reduce NO production, indicating that LaCl3 can antagonize the excessive activation of iNOS induced by LPS.

Animals ; Cell Line ; Lanthanum ; pharmacology ; Lipopolysaccharides ; toxicity ; Macrophages ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Mice ; Nitric Oxide ; biosynthesis ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

To assess the clinical effect and safety of Chinese traditional medicine injection combined with radiotherapy for esophageal cancer. The relative randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Chinese medical injections (CMI) combined with radiotherapy as well as simple radiotherapy for esophageal cancer were searched from PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database(CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database and VIP Database as at September 2014. Two researchers completed the data extraction and quality evaluation independently. The data were analyzed by GeMTC 0.14.3 and Stata 12. 0 software. Finally, 43 RCTs involving 3 289 patients were finally included. The star network was constructed by different comparison groups. The results of network meta-analysis showed that the seven CMIs combined with radiotherapy was superior to simple radiotherapy in the treatment of esophageal cancer in efficacy, quality of life, and reduction in the incidence of nausea and leucopenia, but with no significant difference among the seven CMIs. Probability ranking result showed a great possibility for Shenqi Fuzheng and astragalus polysaccharide injections in improving the overall response rate and quality of life, which were followed by cinobufagin and kangai injections. However, only one study was included for Shenqi Fuzheng and astragalus polysaccharide injections. Therefore, cinobufagin or kangai injections were preferred in improving the overall response rate and quality of life. Aidi or compound sophora injections were better than other CMIs in reducing? the incidences of nausea (III-IV) and leukopenia. More RCTs of Shenqi Fuzheng and astragalus polysaccharide injections combined with radiotherapy for patients with esophageal cancer were expected in the future to confirm our results. Moreover, study findings will be reported, particularly for the adverse events in radiotherapy for esophageal cancer.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Child ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; radiotherapy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo summarize and analyze the epidemic situation of hantaviruses including geographic distribution, types and prevalent intensity of epidemic areas of hantavirus for the last 30 years in China, and to discuss relative preventive measures.

METHODSCollecting and analyzing the data of hantaviruses epidemics in China.

RESULTSThe annual number of cases of hantavirus disease rapidly increased from 3295 in 1970 to 115,804 in 1986 then sustained between 40,000 and 60,000 cases annually in the 1990's, and then decreased thereafter. The epidemic areas existed in all provinces except Qinhai and Xinjiang and there were the hospitalized cases of hantavirus disease reported in other provinces. In recent years, the prevalence of hantavirus infection had increased in some cities, and the seasonal distribution of the cases changed as well.

CONCLUSIONData suggested that the new epidemic characteristics of hantaviruses had emerged in China suggesting that it was necessary to strengthen surveillance programs and to take comprehensive preventive measures for the control and prevention of hantaviruses in China.

Animals ; China ; epidemiology ; Disease Reservoirs ; Female ; Hantaan virus ; immunology ; Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome ; epidemiology ; prevention & control ; transmission ; Humans ; Male ; Mice ; Population Surveillance ; Prevalence ; Rats ; Rodent Control ; Vaccination ; Vaccines, Inactivated ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo analyze cytogenetic features of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) patients and explore the relationship between cytogenetic characteristics and prognosis.

METHODSClinical and laboratory data of 41 CMML patients were analyzed.

RESULTSThe majority of CMML patients were middle-aged males. According to WHO classification, 17 (41.5%) patients were diagnosed as CMML-Ⅰ and 24 (58.5%) were diagnosed as CMML-Ⅱ. 14 (34%) of CMML patients harbored abnormal karyotypes and +8 was the most common. CMML-Ⅰpatients with abnormal karyotypes were older than those with normal karyotypes. CMML-Ⅱ patients with normal karyotypes had higher lymphocyte counts than those with abnormal karyotypes. Of 29 patients who had follow-up data, 26 died, with the median survival time being 4 (1-13) months. The median survival of patients with normal and abnormal karyotypes were 4.5 and 3.8 months, respectively (P=0.408). The median survival of CMML-Ⅰ patients with abnormal karyotypes was shorter than those with normal karyotypes (3 and 17 months, P=0.015), but no significant difference was found between the median survival of the two groups of CMML-Ⅱ patients (2.9 and 5.8 months, P=0.629).

CONCLUSION+8 has been the most common abnormal karyotype in CMML patients. The abnormal karyotype can be regarded as an indicator of poor prognosis for CMML-Ⅰ patients. Regardless of their karyotypes, CMML-Ⅱ patients have even poorer prognosis.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Karyotyping ; Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Chronic ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis

OBJECTIVETo explore the expression of BCL2L12 gene and its clinical significance for de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

METHODSReal-time quantitative PCR (RQ-PCR) was employed to measure the expression of BCL2L12 gene in 134 patients with de novo AML. The results were correlated with clinical features of patients.

RESULTSBCL2L12 gene transcript was determined for 134 AML patients and 49 healthy controls, with the median levels measured 0.1029 (0.0119-26.4090) and 0.2677 (0.0173-1.2858), respectively. There was a significant difference in the strength of BCL2L12 gene expression between patients and normal controls (P < 0.01). Those with lower BCL2L12 expression levels had a higher FLT3-ITD mutation rate compared with those with higher levels (27% vs. 5%, P = 0.036). Relapsed or refractory AML patients had lower expression compared with newly diagnosed patients (0.0873 vs. 0.1359, P = 0.014). There was no difference in overall survival (OS) between patients with higher and lower expression levels. However, for AML patients with a normal karyotype, the OS for those with lower expression was significant shorter (P = 0.037).

CONCLUSIONDe novo AML patients have a lower level of BCL2L12 gene expression. AML patients with lower BCL2L12 expression have a higher FLT3-ITD mutation rate, and most of them are relapse or refractory patients. In addition, among patients with a normal karyotype, those with a lower BCL2L12 expression have a shorter OS. Therefore, expression of the BCL2L12 gene may be used as a prognostic marker for AML patients with a normal karyotype.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic ; Humans ; Karyotyping ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; genetics ; mortality ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Muscle Proteins ; genetics ; Mutation ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; genetics ; Survival Analysis ; Young Adult ; fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase 3 ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the significance of flexible bronchoscopy in children with respiratory diseases.

METHODSA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 80 children who were hospitalized due to respiratory diseases (including severe pneumonia, Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia with atelectasis/lung consolidation/local emphysema, protracted pneumonia, coughing and wheezing of unknown cause, chronic cough of unknown cause, and laryngeal stridor) and who underwent flexible bronchoscopy/alveolar lavage.

RESULTSBronchoscopy found that all the 80 children had endobronchial inflammation, among whom 28 children had severe airway obstruction by secretion. Twenty-four children had congenital airway dysplasia besides endobronchial inflammation, and three children had bronchial foreign bodies. In the children with coughing and wheezing of unknown cause and laryngeal stridor, some had congenital airway dysplasia or bronchial foreign bodies. Among the 27 children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia, 26 had severe airway obstruction/embolization by secretion; 25 children (93%) underwent chest imaging again at 2 weeks after alveolar lavage, and the results showed complete or partial lung recruitment. Among the 80 children who underwent bronchoscopy, 3 had severe hypoxemia during surgery, 1 had epistaxis, 1 had minor bleeding during alveolar lavage, 3 had transient bronchospasm, and 5 had postoperative fever; these children were all improved after symptomatic treatment.

CONCLUSIONSFlexible bronchoscopy is safe and reliable in children with respiratory diseases. Early alveolar lavage under a flexible bronchoscope is recommended for children with severe/refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia to improve prognosis. Flexible bronchoscopy is recommended for children with recurrent coughing and wheezing and persistent laryngeal stridor, in order to directly observe the throat and airway under an endoscope.

Bronchoscopy ; adverse effects ; methods ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cough ; diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Lung Diseases ; diagnosis ; Male ; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma ; diagnosis ; Respiratory Sounds ; diagnosis ; Retrospective Studies