ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the inhibitory effect of downregulation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) core gene (HBcAg) expression by RNA interference and magnetic nanoparticles on both HBV DNA replication and expression in vitro. Methods HepG2 2.2.15 cells were transfected with U6 promoter plasmids coding for small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting HBV core gene using magnetic nanoparticles. RT-PCR and Western blot were used to assess the mRNA and protein expression HBV core antigen. Real-time PCR was used to evaluate the suppression efficiency of HBV-DNA replication and expression; and radioimmunoassay was used for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), core antigen (HBcAg), and e antigen (HBeAg) detection. Results We successfully constructed nanoparticles with siRNA plasmid targeting HBV core antigen; HBcAg mRNA and HBV core antigen protein levels were significantly reduced in the transfected cells. HBV-DNA downregulation was estimated at 4-5 logs and the HBsAg and HBeAg levels were also reduced compared with the controls. Conclusion Downregulation of HBV core gene using RNAi technology and magnetic nanoparticles can potentially be used as a therapeutic strategy for Hepatitis B.
ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate clinical effects of the transurethral ureteroscopic lithotripsy(URL) and minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy(MPCNL) in the management of upper ureteral stones.Methods Clinical data of 258 patients diagnosed as having upper ureteral calculi from January 2001 to December 2004 in this hospital were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were given either URL(225 patients) or MPCNL(33 patients).Results Of the URL,the stone-free rate on one session was 73.8%(166/225) and the failure rate was 26.2%(59/225).The causes for the failure included stone movement to the renal pelvic in 42 patients(18.7%,42/225),unsuccessful manipulation in 14 patients(6.2%,14/225),and conversions to open surgery because of ureteral perforation in 1 patient and ureteral rupture in 2 patients(1.3%,3/225).Of the MPCNL,the stone-free rate on one session was 100%(33/33).Conclusions The application of URL can be interfered with ureteral stricture and twist that are secondary to incarcerated ureteral stones.High stone-free rate,low incidence of complications,and satisfactory reliability can be expected using MPCNL,especially in patients with impacted ureteral calculi accompanied with secondary affection at the same side.