OBJECTIVE To find the infla mmation bio markers induced by coke oven e missions (COE),we investigated the changes of T helper 17 (Th17 )cytokines in hu man bronchial epithelial (16HBE)cells.METHODS 16HBE cells were exposed to organic extracts of COE collected fro m co-king plant at the concentrations of 5,10 and 20 mg·L -1 for 24 h or 5 d to establish short-term and long-term cell models,respectively.Cell viability was measured by MTT assay and infla mmatory da mage was assessed by lactate dehydrogenase assay (LDH).The cytokines in culture supernatant sa mples was detected by co mmercial hu man Th17 cytokine panel kit.RESULTS COE Can induce infla mmation in COE 20 mg·L -1 group and no expression on IL-17 F and IL-1 β.The concentration of IL-10 was 1 .25 ± 0.54,1 .39 ±0.13 and (1 .90 ±0.73)pg·mL -1 in COE 5,10 and 20 mg·L -1 group showing good con-centration-effect relationship (r=0.98,P <0.05 ).IL-23 expression was found only higher at 10 and 20 mg·L -1 and the concentrations were 3.38 ±3.90 and (1 .74 ±2.00 )pg·mL -1 ,respectively.In 16HBE cells treated by COE for 5 d,elevated expression of IL-17A was found in COE 5 and 10 mg·L -1 group,and there was statistically sigificant difference between COE 10 mg·L -1 and DMSO group (P<0.05).Elevated concentration of IL-17F of 10.2 ±1 1 .78 and (6.79 ±7.84)pg·mL -1 was found in COE 5 and 10 mg·L -1 group.The concentration of IL-10 was 1 .71 ±0.02,1 .49 ±0.25 and (2.82 ± 0.33)pg·mL -1 in COE 5,10 and 20 mg·L -1 group,respectively.We found increased IL-1 βexpression with concentration of 2.72 ±0.62,2.25 ±0.33 and (0.93 ±0.21 )pg·mL -1 in COE 5,10 and 20 mg·L -1 group with negative dose-response relationship.We also found more elevated TNF-αlevels in the 5 d than in the 24 h model with no COE specific relationship.CONCLUSION COE induces expression changes of Th17 cytokines profile in 16HBE cells,including IL-23 and IL-1 βfor early and long-term infla mmation,respectively.IL-10 may be a candidate marker for population study on COE induced infla mmatory injury.

OBJECTIVE To establish an in vitro test method and to evaluate the genotoxicity of chemicals using primary cultured mouse hepatocytes and the changes in phosphorylated histone H2AX(γH2AX)expression levels to provide a more reliable marker of the identification of genotoxicity. METHODS Hepatocytes were isolated from BALB/c mice by an improved two-step collagenase diges?tion method and then cultured in sandwich configuration. The primary cultured hepatocytes were treat?ed with various concentrations of four known genotoxic agents bleomycin(BLM),benzo(a)pyrene〔B (a)p〕,styrene and styrene-7,8-oxide(SO)within the range of 40 μmol · L-1 and two non-genotoxic agents azathioprine(Aza)and ciclosporin A(CsA)at different time points within 24 h. The cytotoxicity induced by these toxicants was assessed by CCK-8 assay. Then,the changes in γH2AX expression levels in treated cells were determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS The four genotoxic agents could be detected and two non-genotoxic agents could not be detected by this method. The γH2AX expression level was the highest when hepatocytes were exposed to BLM and SO for 3 h,or B(a)p and styrene for 6 h(P<0.01). The production of γH2AX was 25.67,18.36,12.43 and 14.25 for the four types of genotoxic agents,respectively,and was approximately 19,13,9 and 11 times that of the vehicle control group(P<0.01)at the optimum time point and concentration. There was a significant positive corre?lation between the indicated concentrations of genotoxic chemicals and γH2AX expression levels(P<0.01). In addition,the production ofγH2AX indicated no marked increase in two non-genotoxic agents such as Aza and CsA in comparison with the control group. CONCLUSION This test method can effec?tively distinguish genotoxic agents from non-genotoxic agents,and direct genotoxic agents from indirect genotoxic agents in the absence of S9. γH2AX might be a reliable marker for the identification of the potential genotoxicity of chemicals.

Objective: To estimate the blood concentration of isoflurane with the inspired andexpired concentrations during laparoscopic surgery. Methods: 2 sections were divided in this experiment: section 1:23 adult patients (ASA I～II)were received abdominal surgeries,of whom,12 patients for non-laparoscopic surgeries and the others for laparoscopic surgeries. Central venous blood samples were collected for gas chromatography determination 20, 40, 60, 80 min after inhalating isoflurane . We could receive two different F value (the fraction of uptake of isoflurane)through the formula. Section 2: 27 patients were recruited for abdominal surgeries, 13 for laparoscopic surgeries and the others for non-laparoscopic surgeries. All of the processes were the same as the former. Then we confirm the results obtained from section1. Results: The F was 0.52 in the laparoscopic surgeries and 0.44 in the nonlaparoscopic surgeries. In the laparoscopic surgeries, the bias (MDPE) was 17% , accuracy (MDAPE)was 22.88% and the wobble was 11.7% .The correlation coefficient (r)was 0.83. In the nonlaparoscopic surgeries, the MDPE was 5.37% , the MDAPE was 16.02% , the wobble was 15.86% .The correlation coefficient was 0.90. Conclusion: The formula could be used in abdominal surgeries to evaluate the concentration of isoflurane according to the clinical standard of MDPE

OBJECTIVETo systematically evaluate the environmental exposure information of coke oven workers, we investigated the concentration and size distribution characteristics of the particle matter (PM) in the top working area of coke oven.

METHODSThe aerodynamic particle sizer spectrometer was employed to collect the concentration and size distribution information of PM at a top working area. The PM was divided into PM ≤ 1.0 µm, 1.0 µm < PM ≤ 2.5 µm, 2.5 µm < PM ≤ 5.0 µm, 5.0 µm < PM ≤ 10.0 µm and PM>10.0 µm based on their aerodynamic diameters. The number concentration, surface area concentration, and mass concentration were analyzed between different groups. We also conducted the correlation analysis on these parameters among groups.

RESULTSWe found the number and surface area concentration of top area particulate was negatively correlated with particle size, but mass concentration curve showed bimodal type with higher point at PM = 1.0 µm and PM = 5.0 µm. The average number concentration of total particulate matter in the top working area was 661.27 number/cm³, surface area concentration was 523.92 µm²/cm³, and mass concentration was 0.12 mg/m³. The most number of particulate matter is not more than 1 µm (PM(1.0)), and its number concentration and surface area concentration accounted for 96.85% and 67.01% of the total particles respectively. In the correlation analysis, different particle size correlated with the total particulate matter differently. And the characteristic parameters of PM2.5 cannot fully reflect the total information of particles.

CONCLUSIONThe main particulate matter pollutants in the top working area of coke oven is PM1.0, and it with PM(5.0) can account for a large proportion in the mass concentration of PM. It suggest that PM1.0 and PM(5.0) should be considered for occupational health surveillance on the particulate matter in the top area of coke oven.

Air Pollutants, Occupational ; analysis ; Coke ; Humans ; Occupational Exposure ; analysis ; Particle Size ; Particulate Matter ; analysis ; Workplace

OBJECTIVETo assess the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of calcium channel β 2 subunit (CACNB2) gene and essential hypertension (EH) in ethnic Han Chinese in Wenzhou area, and to study the influence of rs7069292 alleles on gene expression with luciferase reporter technique.

METHODSSixty hundred and thirty seven Han Chinese with EH and 600 normal controls were enrolled. Genotypes of 6 SNP within CACNB2 gene including rs2228645, rs2357928, rs7069292, rs7099380, rs10764319 and rs11014166 were determined with matrix assisted laser desorption ionization/time of flight mass spectrometer (MALDI-TOF MS). A luciferase reporter gene plasmid containing the fragment flanking rs7069292 (-2831 bp to -2460 bp) in the 5' regulatory region of CACNB2 was constructed.

RESULTSCompared with the control, CT and TT genotypes for the rs7069292 locus were significantly more common in EH group (5.20% vs. 2.17%, 2.59% vs. 1.08%, P< 0.05). CC genotype was not found. Promoter activity for allele C of the rs7069292 locus was significantly increased compared with allele T (P< 0.05). No significant difference was detected for other 5 SNPs in terms of genotypes and allele frequency.

CONCLUSIONThe rs7069292 CT polymorphism of the CACNB2 gene is associated with EH in ethnic Han Chinese from Wenzhou area. A T>C mutation may affect the expression of CACNB2.

Aged ; Alleles ; Base Sequence ; Calcium Channels, L-Type ; genetics ; Case-Control Studies ; Cell Line ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Humans ; Hypertension ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide

OBJECTIVEThe relationship between polymorphisms of ALAD and VDR genes and individual susceptibility of lead poisoning was investigated in children highly-exposed to lead.

METHODFour hundred and sixty-nine children were recruited into this study and the blood lead, ZPP, hemoglobin as well as three physical developmental indexes (head circumference, height and weight) were measured. VDR and ALAD gene polymorphisms were analyzed by the methods of PCR-RFLP.

RESULTSThe subjects with ALAD2 allele had higher ZPP level (10.12 micro mol/L vs 12.87 micro mol/L) (P = 0.017). The subjects with B allele has larger head circumference than only with b allele (51.19 cm vs 50.75 cm) (P = 0.028).

CONCLUSIONSIt was suggested that the ALAD gene polymorphism modified the relationship between blood lead and ZPP and the VDR gene variants influenced the skull development in children living under lead-polluted environment. The polymorphism of ALAD and VDR genes might serve as the molecular inherited factors modifying the susceptibility of lead poisoning.

Alleles ; Body Height ; drug effects ; genetics ; Body Weight ; drug effects ; genetics ; Child ; China ; epidemiology ; Environmental Pollution ; adverse effects ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; Humans ; Lead ; adverse effects ; blood ; Lead Poisoning ; epidemiology ; etiology ; genetics ; Male ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Porphobilinogen Synthase ; genetics ; Receptors, Calcitriol ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo explore the carbon black induced effects of lung morphology and pro-inflammation in mice, based on the carbon black aerosol dynamic inhalation exposure model.

METHODSThe carbon black aerosol generated by dynamic inhalation device was imported exposure chamber to mice. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to observe the characters of carbon black. Sixty 9-week-old male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into two control groups, 7 d exposure group and 14 d exposure group. The numbers of four groups of animals were 15, respectively. Mice were exposed to carbon black in the inhalation chamber at (29.33 ± 9.10) mg/m(3) for 6 h/d for continuous exposure 7 d and 14 d, respectively. After 7 d and 14 d exposure, the mice were sacrificed after the last exposure for 24 h. Control mice were killed at 7 d and 14 d. The trachea, lungs, liver, kidneys, and spleen tissues were separated and weighted. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes of lung by light microscopy. Pulmonary interleukin-8 (IL-8) expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultra structure of lung tissue.

RESULTSAfter 14 d exposure carbon black, the lung coefficient was increased in exposure group compared with control (0.61 ± 0.03 vs 0.79 ± 0.06, t = 6.26, P < 0.01). The spleen coefficient were higher than control(0.39 ± 0.04 vs 0.51 ± 0.06, t = 4.23, P < 0.01) . Other organ coefficients were no significant difference between CB group and control group.Histopathology displayed carbon black particles were deposited in the alveoli and lung bronchial wall in 7 d and 14 d groups. The black carbon particles were deposited within the lung tissue of mice in 14 d group. There were cilia damage, serious damage to the alveolar wall, inflammatory cell infiltration and more hyperemia in 14 d group. Immunohistochemistry showed the level of IL-8 in 7 d (0.272 ± 0.011) and 14 d (0.422 ± 0.065) exposure group were higher than control group in 14 d (0.188 ± 0.041) , F = 31.89, P < 0.01. TEM showed that the lung tissue vision was clear and organelle integrity in the control group. The particles appeared in lung tissue macrophage lysosomes in exposure group, the electron density was consistent with the carbon black particles.

CONCLUSIONThe dynamic carbon black particles exposure can affect the lung and spleen coefficient, damage integrity of lung morphology and induce inflammation in mice.

Aerosols ; Animals ; Cilia ; Inflammation ; Inhalation Exposure ; Interleukin-8 ; Lung ; Macrophages, Alveolar ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Pulmonary Alveoli ; Soot ; Spleen

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of myelin protein zero (P(0)) in 2,5-hexanedione (2,5-HD)-induced peripheral nerve injury, and the protective effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (Egb761) on 2,5-HD-induced toxic peripheral neuropathy.

METHODSAfter 4 weeks of treatment with 2,5-HD at different doses (50, 100, 200, 400 mg/kg) in rats, changes in the levels of P(0) in rat sciatic nerves was investigated, and the effect of Egb761 on 2,5-HD-induced toxic peripheral neuropathy was studied.

RESULTSThe blood-nerve barrier (BNB) permeability of the sciatic nerve increased, and the expression of P(0) mRNA and P(0) protein decreased in a dose-dependent manner after treatment with 2,5-HD for 4 weeks. Pretreatment with Egb761 protected against BNB interruption, and inhibited P(0) mRNA and protein reduction during 2,5-HD treatment. Pretreatment with Egb761 significantly reduced loss of body weight (P<0.01) and mitigated gait abnormalities (2.85±0.22) induced by 400 mg/kg 2,5-HD (P<0.01). It also reduced the signs of neurotoxicity induced by 2,5-HD.

CONCLUSION2,5-HD inhibited the expression of P(0) in a dose-dependent manner, and this may be an important mechanism by which toxic peripheral neuropathy is induced by 2,5-HD. Egb761 has a protective effect against 2,5-HD-induced peripheral neurotoxicity in rats.

Animals ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Environmental Pollutants ; toxicity ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; Hexanones ; toxicity ; Male ; Myelin P0 Protein ; genetics ; metabolism ; Neuroprotective Agents ; pharmacology ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Sciatic Nerve ; drug effects

To investigate the prenatal sonographic feature in the early diagnosis of amniotic band syndrome at 11 －14 weeks′ gestation . Methods A retrospective study was conducted to analysis and summarize the ultrasonographic features of 4 fetuses without band‐like echoes in amniotic cavity at 11－14 weeks′gestation ,but verified as amniotic band syndrome in Peking Union M edical College Hospital . Results T wo cases ( cases 1 ,2) showed the fixed head position with skull defect and intracranial structure disorders . Cases 3 and 4 showed one upper limb in a fixed position ,and the hand seemed to adhere to the umbilical cord isolatedly . In addition ,case 1 showed complete chorioamniotic membrane separation . T here were multiple band‐like echoes adhered to body of 3 fetals during the follow‐up scan at 14 －18 weeks . T he parents of cases 1 and 2 chose to terminate the pregnancy after counseling ,the other 2 cases also induced labor due to intrauterine fetal death at 15+2 weeks and 19+2 weeks respectively . All 4 cases were confirmed as amniotic band syndrome by pathology . Conclusions When the fetal sonographic images showed fixed head position ,disordered intracranial structure ,or adhesion between umbilical cord and hand with limited movement at 11 －14 weeks′ gestation ,it should be paid attention to observing the band‐like echoes and followed up closely to prevent missed diagnosis of amniotic band syndrome .

Objective:To evaluate the placental micro-vascular circulation by microvascular flowing imaging (MVFI) method, and to explore the clinical value of microvascular index (MVI) for the diagnosis of fetal growth restriction (FGR).Methods:A total of 21 fetuses at 24-34 weeks of gestation at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital from October to November 2019 were enrolled in this study, including 7 fetal growth restriction (FGR) fetuses, and 14 normal fetuses as control group. The fetuses of the two groups were matched according to the gestational weeks at the ratio of 1∶2. Fetal biometry parameters were measured and the placenta was observed by two-dimensional ultrasound.Uterine artery pulse index (UtA-PI), middle cerebral artery pulse index (MCA-PI), and umbilical artery S/D ratio were evaluated by color and pulse-wave Doppler. The placenta mico-circulation was displayed by the MVFI method and MVI was measured.Results:The study included 14 normal fetuses and 7 FGR fetuses. Compared with the control group, more placenta in the FGR group manifested as thickened and heterogeneous with decreased MVI and increased UtA-PI. There was statistically significant difference in placental mean MVI between two groups ( P=0.044). Besides, a trend towards significant negative correlation was observed between MVI and placenta thickness, although this was not statistically significant ( rs=-0.35, P=0.065). MVI had a higher specificity (100%) in the prediction of FGR. Conclusions:MVFI can display the micro-circulation of the placenta, and provide a direct and quantitative assessment method for placental perfusion.