OBJECTIVETo observe the association between angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphism and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene polymorphism and risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) in Han Chinese.

METHODSThe polymorphism in the ACE and eNOS gene were detected by using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, blood pressure (BP), blood lipids, blood glucose (BS), body mass index (BMI) and left ventricle eject fraction (LVEF) were determined 236 patients with CAD and 190 healthy individuals.

RESULTSThe frequencies of DD genotype of ACE were higher and the II genotype were lower in CAD patients than in controls (P < 0.05). CAD patients with DD genotypes were related with higher serum TG, lower HDL-C, higher BS levels, higher BWI and lower LVEF compared to CAD patients with II and ID genotypes of ACE (all P < 0.05), while SBP, DBP, TC and LDL-C levels were similar among CAD patients and controls with different genotypes of ACE (P > 0.05). The genotype distributions of ACE and eNOS were also similar among CAD patients with or without diabetes mellitus/ACS, with single or multiple vessel diseases (P > 0.05). The frequency of GT genotype of eNOS was higher in CAD patients than in controls (P < 0.01) while the frequency of GG genotype in CAD patients and controls was similar (P > 0.05) and eNOS genotypes were not related to TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, BS, BMI, SBP, DBP and LVEF levels among CAD patients and controls (P > 0.05). The risk of suffering from CAD in population with ACE DD genotype is 1.74 times higher than that with II genotype (P < 0.01) and 1.73 times higher in population with eNOS GT genotype than that with GT genotype (P < 0.05). The risk of suffering from CAD is 37.9% with II and GG genotypes and 77.8% with DD and GT genotypes.

CONCLUSIONThe ACE and eNOS genotype polymorphisms were associated with risk of CAD and persons with DD and GT genotypes take higher risk of suffering from CAD.

Aged ; Case-Control Studies ; Coronary Artery Disease ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III ; genetics ; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide

OBJECTIVETo study the correlation between morphological variation and gentiopicroside content in cultivated Gentiana manshurica roots and to investigate the feasibility of breeding new varieties of high effective constituent content.

METHODGentiopicroside was determined in 5 morphological types of cultivated G. manshurica roots by HPLC, which are normal (or wild) type, white-flowered type, thick-rooted type, broad-leaved type I and broad-leaved type II.

RESULTAmong different types gentiopicroside content is the highest in the roots of thick-rooted type, the contents decrease as following order: normal type, broad-leaved type I white-flowered type and broad-leaved type II, and the gentiopicroside contents in the same type root system are a positive correlation with root ages, as 3-years-age roots > 2-years-age roots > 1-year-age varied with roots.

CONCLUSIONThe contents of effective constituent vary with the morphological variation in cultivated G. manshurica. It is feasible to breed a new variety with high effective constituent with the morphological character as a selecting index.

Genetic Variation ; Gentiana ; anatomy & histology ; chemistry ; classification ; Glucosides ; analysis ; Iridoid Glucosides ; Iridoids ; analysis ; Plant Roots ; anatomy & histology ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; anatomy & histology ; chemistry ; classification ; Pyrans ; analysis ; Species Specificity

BACKGROUNDInfections caused by gram-negative bacteria (GNB) often lead to high mortality in common clinical settings. The effect of traditional antibiotic therapy is hindered by drug-resistant bacteria and unneutralizable endotoxin. Few effective methods can protect high risk patients from bacterial infection. This study explored the protection of adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2)-bacteriacidal permeability increasing protein 700 (BPI(700))-fragment crystallizable gamma one 700 (Fc gamma1(700)) chimeric gene transferred mice against the minimal lethal dose (MLD) of E. coli and application of gene therapy for bacterial infection.

METHODSAfter AAV2-BPI(700)-Fc gamma1(700) virus transfection, dot blotting and Western blotting were used to detect the target gene products in Chinese hamster ovary-K1 cells (CHO-K1cells). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical assay were carried out to show the target gene expression in mice. Modified BPI-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was used to identify the target gene products in murine serum. The protection of BPI(700)-Fc gamma1(700) gene transferred mice was examined by survival rate after MLD E. coli challenge. Colony forming unit (CFU) count, limulus amebocyte lysate kit and cytokine kit were used to quantify the bacteria, the level of endotoxin, and proinflammatory cytokine.

RESULTSBPI(1-199)-Fc gamma1 protein was identified in the CHO-K1 cell culture supernatant, injected muscles and serum of the gene transferred mice. After MLD E. coli challenge, the survival rate of AAV2-BPI(700)-Fc gamma1(700) gene transferred mice (36.7%) was significantly higher than that of AAV2-enhanced green fluorescent protein (AAV2-EGFP) gene transferred mice (3.3%) and PBS control mice (5.6%). The survival rate of AAV2-BPI(700)-Fc gamma1(700) gene transferred mice treated with cefuroxime sodium was 65.0%. The bacterium number in main viscera, the levels of endotoxin and proinflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1beta) in serum of the AAV2-BPI(700)-Fc gamma1(700) gene transferred mice were markedly lower than that of PBS control mice (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSAAV2-BPI(700)-Fc gamma1(700) gene transferred mice can resist MLD E. coli infection through expressing BPI(1-199)-Fc gamma1 protein. Our findings suggested that AAV2 mediated BPI(700)-Fc gamma1(700) gene delivery could be used for protection and treatment of clinical GNB infection in high-risk individuals.

Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; therapeutic use ; Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides ; Blood Proteins ; CHO Cells ; Cricetinae ; Dependovirus ; genetics ; Disease Models, Animal ; Escherichia coli Infections ; therapy ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Genetic Therapy ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Proteins ; genetics ; Receptors, IgG ; genetics ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; genetics

An investigation on the chemical constituents of the 90% EtOH extract of Perovskia atriplicifolia led to the isolation of fifteen compounds from the EtOAc fraction. Based on the detailed spectral analysis (MS, 1D and 2D NMR), as well as comparison with the literatures, the structures of compounds 1-15 were determined as cirsimaritin (1), salvigenin (2), syringaldehyde (3), vinyl caffeate (4), 2α, 3α-dihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oicacid (5), 2α, 3α-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oicacid (6), niga-ichigoside F1 (2α, 3β, 19α, 23- tetrahydroxyurs - 12-en-28-oicacid- O-β-D- glucopyranoside, 7), sericoside (8), 4-epi-niga-ichigoside F1 (2α, 3β, 19α, 24-tetrahydroxyurs-12-en-28-oicacid O-β-D-glucopyranoside, 9), 2α, 3β, 24-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oicacid O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 2) - β-D-glucopyranoside (10), pruvuloside A (11), asteryunnanoside A [2α, 3β, 23-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oicacid O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-β- D- glucopyranoside,12], rosmarinic acid methyl ester (13), β-sitosterol (14), and daucosterol (15), respectively. Compounds 1-13 were isolated from the Perovskia genus for the first time. All the compounds were obtained from P. atriplicifolia for the first time.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Lamiaceae ; chemistry ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Molecular Structure ; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association of the 4G/5G polymorphism located in the promoter region of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1(PAI-1) gene with prognosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) in Chinese Hans.

METHODSOne hundred and fifty five patients with CAD and 190 unrelated healthy control individuals were included in the study. The 4G/5G polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. A follow-up survey of major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) and analysis of the relationship between the severity of coronary vessels and PAI-1 gene polymorphism were carried out.

RESULTS(1) The frequency of 4G/4G genotype of PAI-1 gene was higher in CAD patients than in controls (58/155, 37.42% vs 52/190, 27.37%, P< 0.01). (2) The frequency of 4G/4G genotype of PAI-1 in patients with MACE was higher than that in patients without MACE (40/81, 49.38% vs 18/74, 23.42%; P< 0.01). (3) The frequency of 4G/4G genotype in patients with multivessel disease was higher than that in patients with single-vessel disease (30/47, 44.77% vs 9/37, 24.32%; P< 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe 4G/5G polymorphism located in the promoter region of PAI-1 gene was associated with prognosis of CAD patients, and may be regarded as a biomarker of the severity of the involved vessels.

Coronary Artery Disease ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; genetics ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; genetics

Objective To investigate the current condition of Keshan disease(KD), and inner and outer environmental selenium (Se) levels in Shandong Province, in order to provide scientific evidence for the research, prevention and control work. Methods Inhabitants from 20 villages of 8 counties in KD endemic areas were selected as subjects undergoing general physical examination and electrocardiogram (ECG). Suspicious cases were followed up by chest X-ray radiographs. Meanwhile the Se contents in hair, wheat, corn and sweet potato were measured. Results Ninety one patients with KD, including 82 with latent KD and 9 with chronic KD, were screened out of 2613 inhabitants. The total incidence of KD was 3.48% (91/2613), while the incidence of latent and chronic KD was 3.14%(82/2613) and 0.34%(9/2613) respectively. No new cases of acute or sub-acute KD were found. A total of 368 abnormal ECCs were discovered and the rate of abnormal ECG detected among surveyed population was 14.08% (368/2613). Out of 113 suspects who took X-ray, 57 cases had cardiomagaly. In 217 samples of hair, 228 samples of wheat, 214 samples of corn and 190 samples of sweet potato that were collected, the Se contents were determined by fluorescence. The average Se content in hair, wheat,corn and sweet potato were (0.406±0.090), (0.026±0.009), (0.023±0.010), (0.024±0.006)mg/kg respectively. Conclusions Current condition of KD in Shandong Province remains relatively stable. Se content was increased in the hair, nearly achieving the level in normal areas, but remains low in food.

OBJECTIVETo investigate stress distribution of different material restored post-cores in dentine and provide a theoretical guidance for clinical use.

METHODSA three-dimensional finite element model of maxillary central incisor restored with post-core and PFM crown was constructed by SCT scan technology. Based on this model, stress distribution in dentine was analyzed before and after post-core restorations with 6 different materials, including cast Ni-Cr alloy, cast titanium alloy, cast gold alloy, glass fiber reinforced composite, polythene fiber reinforced composite, and common composite resin.

RESULTSWhen the tooth was restored with cast Ni-Cr alloy post and PFM crown, the maximum tensile stress and Von Mises stress in dentin at post apex increased 152% and 162% respectively, compared with a tooth restored only with PFM crown. If polythene fiber reinforced composite was used as post material, the stress distribution did not significantly change. When the other materials were used for the post, the stress distribution changed greatly. The elastic modulus of post-core materials affected the stress distribution pattern in dentine.

CONCLUSIONThe materials with elastic modulus similar to that of dentin, such as polythene fiber reinforced composite, may be suitable for post restoration.

Chromium Alloys ; Dental Materials ; Dental Restoration, Permanent ; Dental Stress Analysis ; methods ; Dentin ; Finite Element Analysis ; Humans ; Incisor ; physiology ; Materials Testing ; Post and Core Technique ; Tensile Strength

OBJECTIVETo compare the clinical characteristics of gastric cancer between young and elderly patients,and bring forward corresponding countermeasures.

METHODSClinical characteristics, treatment and prognosis between 79 young (or= 65 years old) patients were compared.

RESULTSThe constituent ratio of gender between young and elderly group was not significantly different (P=0.226). There was no particularity of early symptom in young patients, but they had shorter course of disease (165 d vs 400 d, P=0.029) and more frequent inferior part of cancer (49.4% vs 41.7%, P=0.038) as compared to elderly patients. There was significant difference between two groups in pathological stage ratio (P=0.027). The median total survival time of young and elderly patients was 1006 d and 530 d respectively, which was not significantly different (P=0.108). Furthermore, median survival time of young and elderly patients after radical resection were 1197 d and 919 d respectively, and the difference was not significant as well (P=0.242).

CONCLUSIONSCharacteristics of young patients with gastric cancer are lower incidence, larvaceous symptoms, more malignancy and quick development, which still remain general features of gastric cancer. By correct therapy, the efficacy of above young patients is similar to elderly patients. The key to improve prognosis is to further fortify cognition for gastric cancer and elevate early diagnostic rate.

Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Carcinoid Tumor ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Prognosis ; Stomach Neoplasms ; pathology ; Survival Rate

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the influence of two different types of digestive tract reconstruction on the life quality, nutritional status and tolerance to adjuvant chemotherapy after total gastrectomy in patients with gastric carcinoma.

METHODSThe clinical data of a total of 107 patients treated in our department from January 2005 to december 2008 were analyzed retrospectively. Among them, 49 patients underwent digestive tract reconstruction with functional jejunal interposition (FJI group) and 58 patients underwent Roux en-Y jejunal P-type anastomosis (PR group) after total gastrectomy. 79 of 107 (73.8%) patients received postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with XELOX regimen. The digestive complications and tolerance to chemotherapy were assessed respectively.

RESULTSNeither severe complications nor surgery-related or chemotherapy-related death were observed among the 107 patients. There were statistical differences in the incidence rate of emaciation, dumping syndrome and retention syndrome between the FJI and PR groups (P < 0.05), but no significant statistical difference in incidence rate of reflux esophagitis (P > 0.05). 28 of 40 (70.0%) patients in the FJI group completed all six cycles of chemotherapy, while 12 (30.0%) patients interrupted the treatment due to chemotherapy-related toxicity. 39 patients in the PR group received chemotherapy, 19 (48.7%) of them completed 6 cycles of chemotherapy but 20 (51.3%) patients interrupted. There was a significant difference in the incidence rate of grade III/IV chemotherapeutic toxicity and completion rate of chemotherapy (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSBoth functional jejunal interposition and Roux-Y operation are reasonable and safe procedures of digestive tract reconstruction. The incidence rates of emaciation, dumping syndrome and retention syndrome are lower in the patients with FJI, showing a better tolerance to adjuvant chemotherapy than Roux en-Y jejunal p type anastomosis.

Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y ; methods ; Anastomosis, Surgical ; methods ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Deoxycytidine ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; Fluorouracil ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; Gastrectomy ; methods ; Humans ; Jejunum ; surgery ; Nutritional Status ; Postoperative Period ; Quality of Life ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo study the best style of operation in the treatment of tumor invades adjacent structures (T(4)) cancer of the cardia and stomach fundus.

METHODSTwo hundred and one patients with T(4) cancer of the cardia and stomach fundus underwent operation. Of them, 31 were treated by laparotomy, and 170 by combined resection of the involved organs. The 3- and 5-year survival rates and the postoperative complication rate and mortality rate were analyzed in the patients who had under gone combined resection of the involved organs.

RESULTSThe median survival of the patients undergoing combined resection of the involved organs (29.3 months) was significantly longer than that of those receiving laparotomy (4.9 months). The 3- and 5-year survival rates of 170 patients who had under gone combined resection of the involved organs were 46.2% and 22.8%, respectively. The 3- and 5-year survival rates of patients undergoing total gastrectomy and proximal gastrectomy were 54.9% and 29.2% and 32.2% and 12.5%, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (chi(2) = 7.589, P < 0.01;chi(2) = 5.792, P < 0.05).The postoperative mortality rate and complication rate were 4.1% and 24.1%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONSThe patients without liver metastasis, widespread nodal involvement, peritoneal dissemination and local focus allowed by an en bloc combined resection in T(4) cancer of cardia and stomach fundus should undergo gastrectomy with a combined resection of the involved organs. Total gastrectomy should be performed to improve the curative effect.

Adult ; Aged ; Cardia ; Digestive System Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gastrectomy ; methods ; Gastric Fundus ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery ; Survival Analysis