OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of miRNAs in amniotic fluid exosomes in growth and development of fetuses with Down syndrome (DS). METHODS: Amniotic fluid were collected from 20 fetuses with DS and 20 normal fetuses (control) to extract amniotic exosome miRNA. MicroRNA sequencing technique was used to identify the differentially expressed miRNAs between the two groups, for which gene ontology (GO) and pathway analysis was performed. Three differentially expressed miRNAs with the strongest correlation with DS phenotype were selected for qPCR verification. Dual luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the activity of let-7d-5p for targeted regulation of BACH1. RESULTS: We identified 15 differentially expressed miRNAs in DS as compared with the control group, among which 7 miRNAs were up-regulated and 8 were down-regulated. Target gene prediction results showed that the differentially expressed miRNAs targeted 17 DS-related genes. GO analysis revealed that the main functions of the target genes involved protein binding, protein transport, ATP binding, transferase activity and synapses. Pathway analysis revealed that the functional pathways were closely related with the development of the nervous system. qPCR results showed that the expression levels of miR-140-3p and let-7d-5p were significantly lower in DS group than in the control group (P < 0.05), as was consistent with miRNA sequencing results; the expression level of miR-4512 was significantly higher in DS group than in control group (P < 0.05), which was contrary to miRNA sequencing results. The results of double luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed that let-7d-5p was capable of targeted regulation of BACH1 expression. CONCLUSION Let-7d-5p in amniotic fluid exosomes may promote oxidative stress events in the brain of fetuses with DS by regulating BACH1 expression.
Amniotic Fluid/metabolism* ; Down Syndrome/genetics* ; Exosomes ; Female ; Humans ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Pregnancy

OBJECTIVE: To identify new biomarkers and molecular pathogenesis of Down syndrome (DS) by analyzing differentially expressed miRNAs in the placentas and their biological pathways. METHODS: Whole transcriptome sequencing was used to identify the differentially expressed miRNAs in DS (n=3) and normal placental samples (n=3) diagnosed by prenatal diagnosis. The target genes were predicted using miRWalk, Targetscan and miRDB, and GO and KEGG pathway analyses were performed for gene enrichment studies. RESULTS: We identified a total of 82 differentially expressed miRNAs in the placental tissues of DS, including 29 up-regulated miRNAs (fold change ≥2, P < 0.05) and 15 down-regulated miRNAs (fold change ≥2, P < 0.05), among which 10 miRNAs with relatively high expression abundance were selected for further analysis, including 4 up-regulated and 6 down-regulated miRNAs. These selected miRNAs shared the common target genes BTBD3 and AUTS2, both of which were associated with neurodevelopment. GO analysis showed that the target genes of the selected miRNAs were mainly enriched in protein binding, hydrolytic enzymes, metal ion binding protein combining, transferase activity, nucleotide, cytoplasmic constituents, nucleus composition, transcriptional regulation, RNA metabolism regulation, DNA-dependent RNA polymerase Ⅱ promoter transcriptional regulation, eye development, and sensory organ development. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the target genes of these differentially expressed miRNAs were involved in the signaling pathways including tumor-related signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Ras signaling pathway, Rap1 signaling pathway, cytoskeletal regulatory signaling pathway, purine metabolization-related signaling pathway and P53 signaling pathway. CONCLUSION The differentially expressed miRNAs may play important roles in placental damage and pregnancy pathology in DS and provide clues for the prevention and treatment of mental retardation-related diseases.
Cytoskeletal Proteins/metabolism* ; Down Syndrome/metabolism* ; Female ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Humans ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Nerve Tissue Proteins ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism* ; Placenta/metabolism* ; Pregnancy ; Transcription Factors/metabolism* ; Transcriptome ; Whole Exome Sequencing

Down syndrome is caused by partial or complete triplication of genes located on chromosome 21. Its incidence increases dramatically with the age of women. Hypotheses proposed for this have included abnormal homologous recombination, defective spindle assembly, biological aging, reduction of cohesion complexes, endocrine disorders, oocyte selection model, and single nucleotide polymorphisms of genes that maintain chromosome stability, etc. A literature review is provided here.
Aging ; genetics ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 21 ; genetics ; Down Syndrome ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Maternal Age ; Oocytes ; metabolism ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of Chinese medicine Haoqin Qingdan Decoction (, HQD) for febrile disease dampness-heat syndrome (FDDHS).

METHODSForty mice were divided into four groups, including normal control, FDDHS (induced by Radix et Rhizoma Rhei recipe and influenza virus A1 FM1 model), HQD, and the ribavirin groups (10 in each). The normal control and FDDHS groups were administered normal saline. HQD and the ribavirin groups were administered HQD and ribavirin intragastrically once daily at a dose of 64 g/(kg d) and 0.07 g/(kg d), respectively for 7 days. Lethargy, rough hair, diarrhea, tongue color and sole color were evaluated for pathological changes in morphology. The tongue and lung tissues were collected for histology. The CD14 and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression levels were measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTSMore than 80% of the FDDHS mice showed hypokinesia and lethargy, and pathological changes associated with rough hair, diarrhea, tongue color and sole color. With advanced treatment for 7 days, the thick greasy tongue fur of the HQD and ribavirin groups were thinner than that of the FDDHS group (P<0.05), and it was the thinnest in the ribavirin group as compared with that in other groups (P<0.05). The CD14 and TLR4 expression levels in the lung tissues of HQD and ribavirin groups significantly delined compared with the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CD14 was down-regulated more remarkably in the HQD group compared with the ribavirin group (P<0.05), whereas the converse was true with TLR4 (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSWe established a FDDHS mouse model showing systemic clinical symptoms. Both HQD and ribavirin can inhibit the expression of CD14 and TLR4 in FDDHS mice, while the effect of ribavirin might be much more violent. The expression changes of CD14 and TLR4 consistently refers to lipopolysaccharide, the commonly and hotly inducing factor in FDDHS.

Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Disease Models, Animal ; Down-Regulation ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Fever ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Lipopolysaccharide Receptors ; genetics ; metabolism ; Lung ; drug effects ; pathology ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Ribavirin ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Syndrome ; Toll-Like Receptor 4 ; genetics ; metabolism

The microRNA-21 (miR-21) is known to play a major role in cancer progression; however, its function in the cardiovascular system appears to be even more complex and conflicting. To characterize miR-21 expression in the plasma of individuals with or without metabolic syndrome (MetS), 58 MetS cases and 96 non-MetS controls were investigated. Expression levels of miR-21 were significantly decreased in the circulation of MetS subjects (OR=0.52, 95% CI: 0.29-0.92) compared with that of non-MetS subjects. Body mass index (BMI) and the number of MetS components had a negative correlation with the level of miR-21, whereas age was inversely related to the level of miR-21. No significant difference was detected in miR-21 levels between the sexes (P=0.056). MiR-21 might be a negative regulating factor in MetS.
Adult ; Aged ; Down-Regulation ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Metabolic Syndrome ; blood ; etiology ; genetics ; MicroRNAs ; blood ; genetics ; metabolism ; Middle Aged ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Risk Factors

OBJECTIVETo compare the results of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay and conventional karyotyping analysis for the detection of chromosomal aneuploidies.

METHODSIn total 2607 amniotic fluid samples were subjected to an improved FISH technique. Meanwhile, karyotype analysis was also ordered for each sample.

RESULTSOf the 2607 samples, 62 abnormalities were identified by FISH, which included 62 cases of trisomy 21, 5 cases of 45,X, 12 cases of trisomy 18, 3 cases of trisomy 13, and 1 case of 47, XYY. Conventional karyotyping analysis has identified 63 cases of trisomy 21, 5 cases of 45,X, 12 cases of trisomy 18, 3 cases of trisomy 13, 1 case of 47, XYY, and 57 cases of balanced translocations. The success rate of FISH detection was 98.4% for trisomy 21, and 100% for 45,X, trisomy 18 and trisomy 13.

CONCLUSIONFor the detection of chromosomal aneuploidies, FISH assay is quick, simple, accurate and can reduce workload when aminocyte culture has failed. As an auxiliary method for amniocytic analysis, it can provide reference for the consultation of those with advanced age and high pregnancy risk.

Adult ; Amniocentesis ; methods ; Amniotic Fluid ; cytology ; metabolism ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 18 ; genetics ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 3 ; genetics ; Chromosomes, Human, Y ; genetics ; Down Syndrome ; genetics ; Female ; Fetal Diseases ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; methods ; Karyotype ; Karyotyping ; methods ; Middle Aged ; Pregnancy ; Reproducibility of Results ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Sex Chromosome Aberrations ; Trisomy ; genetics ; Trisomy 18 Syndrome ; Turner Syndrome ; genetics ; Young Adult

Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human ; blood ; Cost-Benefit Analysis ; Down Syndrome ; blood ; diagnosis ; False Positive Reactions ; Female ; Health Care Costs ; Humans ; Maternal Serum Screening Tests ; economics ; methods ; standards ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Trimester, First ; blood ; Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A ; metabolism ; Prenatal Care ; methods ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; economics ; methods ; standards

BACKGROUNDAmniotic fluid (AF) supernatant contains cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) fragments. This study attempted to take advantage of cffDNA as a new material for prenatal diagnosis, which could be combined with simple quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) to provide an ancillary method for the prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 21 syndrome.

METHODSAF supernatant samples were obtained from 27 women carrying euploid fetuses and 28 women carrying aneuploid fetuses with known cytogenetic karyotypes. Peripheral blood samples of the parents were collected at the same time. Short tandem repeat (STR) fragments on chromosome 21 were amplified by QF-PCR. Fetal condition and the parental source of the extra chromosome could be determined by the STR peaks.

RESULTSThe sensitivity of the assay for the aneuploid was 93% (26/28; confidence interval, CI: 77%-98%) and the specificity was 100% (26/26; CI: 88%-100%). The determination rate of the origin of the extra chromosome was 69%. The sensitivity and the specificity of the assay in the euploid were 100% (27/27).

CONCLUSIONSTrisomy 21 can be prenatally diagnosed by the QF-PCR method in AF supernatant. This karyotype analysis method greatly reduces the requirement for the specimen size. It will be a benefit for early amniocentesis and could avoid pregnancy complications. The method may become an ancillary method for prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 21.

Amniotic Fluid ; metabolism ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 21 ; genetics ; Down Syndrome ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Microsatellite Repeats ; genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; methods

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficiency of first trimester prenatal screening for fetal chromosome abnormality using maternal serum marker test and(or) plus nuchal translucency (NT) in Guangzhou region.

METHODSThe results of prenatal screening were retrospectively analyzed among 43 703 women with singleton pregnancies from January 2007 to September 2012. A total of 43 703 pregnancies between 9 and 13(+6) weeks of pregnancy were collected and analyzed for maternal serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPPA), free β -human chorionic gonadotropin (free β -hCG) with or without crown-rump length (CRL). Nuchal translucency was measured by ultrasonographic scan between 11 and 13(+6) weeks of pregnancy. Gestational age was estimated by ultrasonographic scan. The risk values of Down syndrome (DS) and trisomy 18 were calculated using the software Lifcycle. Comparing the difference between the combined screening (PAPPA, free β -hCG and NT) and serum marker screening (PAPPA and free β -hCG).

RESULTSAmong the 43 703 pregnant women, screening showed that 1385 (3.17%) were Down syndrome positive and 55 (0.13%) were trisomy 18 positive. The final outcomes of pregnancy showed that 142 cases presented chromosomal abnormalities, of which 54 cases suffered from Down syndrome, 13 had trisomy 18, and 75 had other chromosome abnormalities. The total detection rate of Down syndrome and trisomy 18 were 83.33% and 76.92%, respectively.The positive rate is lower, and the detection rate is higher in combined screening group than serum marker screening group. The median PAPPA MoM was lower and the median free β -hCG MoM and NT measured value was higher in Down syndrome pregnancies than control group. The median PAPPA and free β -hCG MoM were lower and the median NT measured value was higher in trisomy 18 pregnancies than control group.

CONCLUSIONThe first trimester prenatal screening can effectively detect Down syndrome and trisomy 18 pregnancy. The combined screening method is superior to the serum marker screening and is the preferred strategy in the first trimester prenatal screening.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Biomarkers ; blood ; China ; Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human ; blood ; Chromosome Disorders ; diagnosis ; embryology ; genetics ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 18 ; genetics ; Down Syndrome ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Female ; Fetal Diseases ; diagnosis ; ethnology ; genetics ; Genetic Testing ; methods ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Nuchal Translucency Measurement ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Trimester, First ; Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A ; metabolism ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; methods ; Reproducibility of Results ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Trisomy ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Trisomy 18 Syndrome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of four traditional Chinese medicines distributed along lung meridian, namely Ephedrae Hebra, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Scutellariae Radix and Mori Cortex, on TLR2 and NF-κB expressions in mice with lung heat syndrome, in order to study the intervention effect of the four traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) on the lung heat syndrome.

METHODOne hundred KM mice were randomly divided into the normal control group, the model group, the Ephedrae Hebra group, the Zingiberis Rhizoma group, the Scutellariae Radix group and the Mori Cortex group (20, 10 g x kg(-1)), nasally dripped with streptococcus pneumoniae to establish the mouse lung heat syndrome model, and then administered with different TCMs. The expressions of TLR2, NF-κB p65 proteins in lung tissues were analyzed by the immunohistochemical method. The expressions of TLR2, NF-κB p65 mRNA were measured by real time PCR.

RESULTCompared with the normal control group, the expressions of TLR2 and NF-κB p65 proteins in lung tissues in the model group were higher (P < 0.01), and the expressions of TLR2 and NF-κB p65 mRNA in lung tissues were up-regulated (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, Ephedrae Hebra high and low dose groups, the Zingiberis Rhizoma low dose group and the Scutellariae Radix high dose group showed decreased expression of TLR2 protein (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01); Ephedrae Hebra high and low dose groups, the Zingiberis Rhizoma low dose group, Scutellariae Radix high and low dose groups and Mori Cortex high and low dose groups showed reduced expression of NF-κB p65 protein (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Ephedrae Hebra high and low dose groups, Zingiberis Rhizoma high and low dose groups, Scutellariae Radix high dose group and Mori Cortex high dose group showed down-regulated expression of TLR2 mRNA (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONEphedrae Hebra, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Scutellariae Radix and Mori Cortex can induce the TLR2/NF-κB inflammatory signal pathways by down-regulating the expressions of TLR2 and NF-κB p65 in protein and mRNA, so as to alleviate the lung tissue injury in mice with lung heat syndrome.

Animals ; Down-Regulation ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; classification ; pharmacology ; Female ; Gene Expression ; drug effects ; Immunohistochemistry ; Lung ; drug effects ; metabolism ; microbiology ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; methods ; Meridians ; Mice ; Phytotherapy ; methods ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; classification ; Pneumonia, Pneumococcal ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism ; Random Allocation ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Scutellaria baicalensis ; chemistry ; Species Specificity ; Syndrome ; Toll-Like Receptor 2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transcription Factor RelA ; genetics ; metabolism