BACKGROUNDAdrenocorticotrophin (ACTH)-secreting pituitary adenomas account for approximately 7% - 14% of all pituitary adenomas, but its pathogenesis is still enigmatic. This study aimed to explore mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas.

METHODSWe used fiber-optic beadarray to examine gene expression in three ACTH-secreting adenomas compared with three normal pituitaries. Four differentially expressed genes from the three ACTH-secreting adenomas and three normal pituitaries were chosen randomly for validation by reverse transcriptase-real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). We then analyzed the differentially expressed gene profile with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway.

RESULTSFiber-optic beadarray analysis showed that the expression of 28 genes and 8 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were significantly increased and the expression of 412 genes and 31 ESTs were significantly decreased. Bioinformatic and pathway analysis showed that the genes HIGD1B, EPS8, HPGD, DAPK2, and IGFBP3 and the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling pathway and extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction pathway may play important roles in tumorigenesis and progression of ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas.

CONCLUSIONSOur data suggest that numerous aberrantly expressed genes and several pathways are involved in the pathogenesis of ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas. Fiber-optic beadarray combined with pathway analysis of differential gene expression appears to be a valid method of investigating tumour pathogenesis.

ACTH-Secreting Pituitary Adenoma ; etiology ; genetics ; Adenoma ; etiology ; genetics ; Adult ; Disease Progression ; Expressed Sequence Tags ; Extracellular Matrix Proteins ; physiology ; Female ; Fiber Optic Technology ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; methods ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Signal Transduction ; physiology ; Transforming Growth Factor alpha ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of the Pim-1 gene in the LNCaP cells of the animal model of orthotopically implanted prostate cancer by surgical castration simulating androgen-deprivation therapy.

METHODSWe equally allocated 32 male BALBc-nu mice into 4 groups, androgen-dependent prostate cancer (ADPC), androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) , castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and blank control, and established the models of orthotopically implanted tumor using human prostate cancer LNCaP cells. We detected and ,compared the expressions of Pim-1, PSA, and androgen receptor (AR) in the tumor tissues of different groups by RT-PCR. qRT-PCR, ELSIA and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSThe relative gray scales in the ADPC and CRPC groups were 0.59 ± 0.01 and 1.14 ± 0.02, with statistically significant differences from 0.62 ± 0.03 in the ADT group (P < 0.05), and the Δ Ct values of Pim-1 were 6.15 ± 0.34 and 4.56 ± 0.23 in the former two groups, also with significant differences from 5.11 ± 0.21 in the latter (P < 0.05). The results of 2-ΔΔ Ct relative quantification analysis showed that the amplification products of Pim-1 in the ADT and CRPC groups increased 2.05 and 3.01 times respectively that of the ADPC group. The concentration of PSA was significantly higher in the ADPC ([480 ± 25] pg/ml) and CRPC ([870 ± 23] pg/ml) than in the ADT ([170 ± 32] pg/ml) and blank control groups (0 µg/L) (P < 0.01). The mean optical densities of Pim-1 and AR proteins were 0.017 ± 0.002 and 0.032 ± 0.009 in the ADPC group and 0.024 ± 0.002 and 0.040 ± 0.011 in the CRPC group, both with significant differences from those in the ADT group (0.018 ± 0.001 and 0.019 ± 0.006) (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONPim-1 is highly expressed in nude mice with prostate cancer receiving androgen-deprivation therapy and plays an important role in the progression and metastasis of prostate cancer.

Androgen Antagonists ; therapeutic use ; Animals ; Disease Progression ; Gene Expression ; Heterografts ; Humans ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent ; metabolism ; Prostate-Specific Antigen ; metabolism ; Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant ; genetics ; metabolism ; therapy ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-pim-1 ; metabolism ; Receptors, Androgen ; metabolism

Objective To study the influence of fluoride on the expression of osteoprotegerin(OPG) mRNA and protein in suckling rat osteoblasts. Methods Osteoblasts obtained from calvarial of suckling Wistar rats were cultured in vitro in the media supplemented with NaF at a series of doses[O(control), 1,2 and 4 mg/L groups], and OPG mRNA expression and protein were evaluated by RT-PCR and ELISA methods, respectively. Results OPG mRNA expression in suckling rat osteoblasts cultured in vitro significantly increased after exposure to NaF for 48 h and 72 h(F=333.48,808.34,P<0.05). OPG mRNA expression in suckling rat osteoblasts cultured in vitro after exposure to NaF for 48 h at different doses(0.810±0.003, 0.819±0.031 and 0.870±0.044 for 1,2 and 4 mg/L groups, respectively) compared with that of control (0.800±0.040, all P<0.05). OPG mRNA expression further increased for 72 h exposure to NaF(0.933±0.047,1.031±0.051,1.240±0.062 for 1,2 and 4 mg/L, respectively), significantly higher than that of the control (0.805±0.020,all P<0.05) and corresponding groups at 48 h. NaF doses and time exposure exhibited a significant synergistic effect on OPG mRNA expression(F=2004.16, P<0.05). NaF also enhanced OPG protein expression in suckling rat osteoblasts cultured in vitro. Significant differences were observed only in 4 mg/L group(0.228±0.014,0.277±0.048) and control(0.205±0.012,0.229±0.010) at 48 h and 72 h (P<0.05). In addition, OPG protein expression at 72 h post-exposure was higher than that at 48 h,but there was no synergistic effect between concentration and time(F=1.21,P>0.05). Conclusions The results suggested that NaF could increase OPG mRNA and protein expression in suckling rat osteoblasts with a synergistic effect between the doses and exposure time.

By inquiring the medical students under the background of grouping teaching between the mainland students and the oversea Chinese students,we have got something about their attitude toward the credit system.The result will help us to improve the teaching renovation in medical education.The questionnaire including implementing of credit system,standard credit system, grouping teaching,curriculum,tutor system of the undergraduates,the administration of education,and so on.Then we analyze and get the result.

The infection status of anisakid larvae was examined in 290 marine fish of 25 species and in 108 cephalopods of 3 species purchased in Bayuquan region, Yingko city nearby the coast of the Bohai Sea from may to August 1992. A total of 7,327 larvae were collected from 156 fish of 19 species and 8 squids of one species. The 3rd-stage larvae of Anisakis simplex were collected from 121 fish (63.4%) of 15 species (N = 191) and from 8 squids (14.8%) of one species (N = 54), and they were total, 5,992 (81.8%). Out of remaining 1,335 larvae, 154 (2.1%) were classified as Thynnascaris type B from 23 fish of 4 species, 1,013 (13.8%) as Thynnascaris type C from 79 fish of 13 species. 164 (2.2%) as Hysterothylacium China type V from 20 fish of 4 species, 3 (0.04%) as Raphidascaris from 3 fish of 2 species and one was Pseudoterranova decipiens larva.
Animal ; Anisakiasis/veterinary* ; Anisakiasis/parasitology ; Anisakiasis/epidemiology ; Anisakis/isolation & purification ; Anisakis/classification* ; China ; Fish Diseases/parasitology* ; Fish Diseases/epidemiology ; Fishes ; Larva ; Seawater ; Squid/parasitology*

Objective To investigate the effect of rosuvastatin on myocardial reperfusion and the recent clinical efficacy of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with/without the chronic pre-treatment of statins.Methods A total of 170 STEMI patients after primary PCI were enrolled.According to the history with the pre-treatment of statins,the patients were divided into long-term intervention group (pre-treatment of statins more than 3 months,n =45) and no long-term treatment group (without pre-treatment of statins or with less than 3 months pre-treatment of statins,n =125) patients.The no long-term treatment group was then randomly divided into the high dose group(n =64) and conventional dose group(n =61).The patients in high dose group were orally given treated with rosuvastatin 20 mg orally before PCI,and treated with rosuvastatin 10 mg qn after PCI,while the patients in the other two groups were treated with 10 mg rosuvastatin orally before PCI,and given rosuvastatin 10 mg qn after PCI.The three groups were treated for 40 d.All patients were orally given aspirin 300 mg + clopidogrel 600 mg before PCI,and treated with aspirin 100 mg qd + clopidogrel 75 mg qd after PCI for at least 12 months.Myocardial reperfusion,left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD),fractional shortening (FS) and Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF),major adverse cardiovascular events(MACEs) and adverse drug reactions were compared among the three groups.Results In the high dose group,long-term intervention group and the conventional dose group,the rates of TIMI 3 grade were 93.75％,95.56％ and 85.25％ respectively,while the rates of STR were 93.75％,95.56％ and 86.89％,and the incidence of reperfusion arrhythmia was 60.94％,57.78％ and 36.07％.Significant differences were found in all the parameters above among all groups (P ＜ 0.05).Forty days after PCI,in the three groups LVEDD were (52.80 ± 4.82),(51.88 ± 4.79) and (52.85 ± 4.72) mm,FS were (39.65 ± 2.89) ％,(40.05 ± 2.25) ％ and (34.05 ± 2.89) ％,and LVEF were (53.78 ± 6.92)％,(54.08 ± 6.22)％ and(47.05 ± 6.10)％,the differences were statistically significant (P ＜ 0.05) when compared with the parameters measured 7 days after PCI.MACEs in the group with pre-treatment of statins were recurrent angina pectoris(1 case),cardiogenic shock (3 cases),heart failure (1 case) and severe ventricular arrhythmia(2 cases),and the incidence of cardiovascular adverse event was 15.56％ (7/45 cases).In high-dose group,MACEs were recurrent angina (3 cases),cardiogenic shock (1 case),heart failure (4 cases),severe ventricular arrhythmia (3 cases),death (1 case);the incidence of cardiovascular adverse events was 18.75％ (12/64 cases),and statistically significant differences were found when compared with the conventional dose group (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Conventional dose pre-treatment of rosuvastatin was able to further alleviate the ischemic myocardial reperfusion and improve the recent clinical efficacy for STEMI patients with long-term pre-treatment of statins after primary PCI.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the incidence of the temporary and permanent sensory disturbance of the inferorbital nerve (ION) after Le Fort I osteotomy.

METHODSThirty patients with 60 inferorbital nerves were examined preoperatively, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6-months after the operation of the Le Fort I osteotomy by using sharp-blunt testing, 2-point discrimination, electric pain response test (ZGK-1 electrometer).

RESULTSThe incidence of the temporary nerve impairment was 75% (45 of 60) and the obvious recovery was found after 1 to 3 months after the operation. No permanent sensory disturbance was found in the patients.

CONCLUSIONSThe inferorbital nerve injury after Le Fort I osteotomy is usually temporary and the sensory recovery was in 1 to 3 months after the operation.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Cranial Nerve Injuries ; etiology ; rehabilitation ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Osteotomy, Le Fort ; adverse effects ; methods ; Postoperative Complications ; etiology ; rehabilitation ; Time Factors

OBJECTIVETo investigate the apoptotic situation of CD(34) positive cells in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).

METHODIn 36 MDS patients, immunocytochemical technique was used for the detection of the expression of CD(34) antigen and DNA in situ end labelling (ISEL) (fluorescein) for the apoptotic signals. Fourteen cases of iron deficiency anemias (IDA) were used as controls.

RESULTS(1) CD(34) expression in MDS group was much higher than that in controls (49.2 +/- 38.5 vs 10.2 +/- 9.7, P < 0.01), and MDS cases had an obviously higher apoptotic rate than control did (69.1 +/- 28.2 vs 17.8 +/- 11.2, P < 0.01). (2) Expression of CD(34) was higher in transforming group (P < 0.05) than in non-transforming and post-transforming groups. Apoptotic rates in both non-transforming/transforming group were higher than in post-transforming group (P < 0.02 and < 0.05 respectively). (3) No apoptosis was found in CD(34) positive cells in MDS; (4) Both CD(34) positive cells and apoptotic cells formed into small or large clusters but did not co-distributed in a given area.

CONCLUSIONThere is overexpression of CD(34) antigen on hematopoietic cells in MDS. High CD(34) expression accompanied high apoptosis coexisted in the process of transformation from MDS to AML. Apoptosis-resistance of these CD(34) positive cells suggested that they came from malignant hematopoietic cell clones.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Antigens, CD34 ; metabolism ; Apoptosis ; Bone Marrow Cells ; immunology ; pathology ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Immunoenzyme Techniques ; In Situ Nick-End Labeling ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myelodysplastic Syndromes ; immunology ; pathology

OBJECTIVEThe cascade of physiological events underlying hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) remains to be fully established. The perinatal brain shows both an increased tolerance to hypoxic-ischemic (HI) injury and a faster and more complete recovery than the adult. It is, therefore, important to understand the sequence of events following hypoxia and ischemia in young animals. The present study aimed to clarify the time-course of the activation of the mu-calpain, and the expression of c-Fos, c-Jun, HSP70 and HSP27 proteins following severe HI (2 h hypoxia) and their relationship with each other.

METHODSA modified newborn rat model of HIBD that included a combination of hypoxia and ischemia as described by Rice was used. Forty-two postnatal 7-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into seven groups (6 rats in each): 6 time-window groups and a normal control group. Samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 4, 12 and 24 h after HI insults. The protein concentration was determined using a modified Bradford assay. mu-calpain activation, c-Fos, c-Jun, HSP70 and HSP27 expressions were observed respectively by Western blot from cortical and hippocampal samples.

RESULTSThe cleavage of cytosolic mu-calpain was observed from both cortical and hippocampal samples in neonatal rats after HI. The ratio 76:80 of mu-calpain was increased significantly post-HI and reached a maximum at 24 h in cortex and at 12 h in hippocampus after HI. The expressions of c-Fos and c-Jun from both cortical and hippocampal samples in neonatal rats were up-regulated and peaked at 2 or 4 h after HI, demonstrating significant differences at 1, 2, 4, and 12 h compared with that observed in the control (P < 0.05). When compared with that observed in cortex, the nuclear c-Fos expression from hippocampal samples was highly elevated at 2, 4 and 12 h but significantly decreased at 24 h after HI (P < 0.05), while the nuclear c-Jun expression from hippocampal samples was highly elevated at 0 and 1 h but significantly decreased at 4 and 24 h after HI (P < 0.05). Similarly, the expressions of HSP70 and HSP27 from both cortical and hippocampal samples were up-regulated and reached a maximum at 12 or 24 h after HI, demonstrating significant differences at 12 or 24 h both in cortex and hippocampus for HSP70, and at 24 h in cerebral cortex as well as at 12 and 24 h in hippocampus for HSP27 compared with the control (P < 0.05). Furthermore, in comparison with that observed in cortex, the HSP70 expression from hippocampal samples was highly elevated at 1 h, but significantly decreased at 4, 12 and 24 h after HI (P < 0.05), while the HSP27 expression was permanently elevated in hippocampus after HI.

CONCLUSIONThe neuronal injury induced by HI insults appears to involve many ongoing and simultaneous mechanisms. HI activates the calpains immediately, which may contribute to neuron apoptosis, and induces a significant brain neuroprotection, since there is an increased HSP70 expression and a relatively late remarkable HSP27 expression in hypoxic-ischemic neonatal rat brain. Nuclear c-Fos and c-Jun may participate in the pathogenesis of HIBD.

Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Blotting, Western ; Brain ; metabolism ; pathology ; Calpain ; metabolism ; Enzyme Activation ; Female ; HSP27 Heat-Shock Proteins ; HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins ; metabolism ; Heat-Shock Proteins ; metabolism ; Hypoxia, Brain ; metabolism ; Male ; Neoplasm Proteins ; metabolism ; Proteins ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-jun ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Time Factors

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) gene polymorphisms and coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODSThis study involved 121 patients with T2DM and 94 with diabetic macroangiopathy. The polymorphisms of G8790A in ACE2 gene was analyzed using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis in these patients, and the clinical, biochemical and echocardiographic data were also analyzed.

RESULTSNo obvious difference was found in the genotyping data between the two groups. Among the male patients with diabetic macroangiopathy, the interventricular septal end-diastolic thickness (IVSTd) were significantly greater in patients of GG genotypes of ACE2 gene G8790A than in those of AA genotypes (P<0.01), and the left ventricular mass (LVMI) and urine protein were also significantly higher in GG genotypes (P<0.05). No similar results were found the uncomplicated diabetic group or the female diabetic patients with CAD.

CONCLUSIONThe ACE2 gene G8790A polymorphism plays a role in the pathogenesis of CAD in patients with type 2 diabetes, suggesting that ACE2 genotyping is helpful to screen the susceptible patients.

Adult ; Aged ; Alleles ; Base Sequence ; Case-Control Studies ; Coronary Disease ; complications ; genetics ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; complications ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Sequence Analysis, DNA