Effects of moderate dose rosuvastatin on carotid plaque in patients with diabetes mellitus evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To observe the effect of lipid regulating therapy on carotid atherosclerotic plaque in diabetic patients. Methods: The REACH study, conducted between March 2009 and February 2012, enrolled asymptomatic patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed carotid atherosclerotic plaque, who had never taken lipid-lowering drugs. Patients were treated with a moderate dose of rosuvastatin for 24 months. Blood lipid levels were measured and carotid MRI was performed at baseline, 3 and 24 months after treatment. The volume of carotid wall and lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC) were measured by image analysis software. This study retrospectively analyzed patients in the REACH study. Patients were divided into diabetes group and non-diabetic group. The changes of blood lipid level and MRI parameters of carotid atherosclerotic plaque were compared between the two groups and their correlation was analyzed. Results: A total of 38 patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaque were included in this study, including 13 patients (34.2%) in the diabetic group and 25 patients (65.8%) in the non-diabetic group. Baseline parameters were comparable between the two groups, except higher HbA1c level in diabetes group (P<0.05). Compared with baseline, the total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) levels were significantly decreased at 3 and 24 months in both two groups (P<0.05). The change of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in diabetes group was not obvious, while it was significantly increased in non-diabetic group at 24 months ((1.38±0.33) mmol/l vs. (1.26±0.26) mmol/l, P<0.05). MRI results showed that the volume and percentage of LRNC remained unchanged at 3 months, slightly decreased at 24 months (64.86 (45.37, 134.56) mm3 vs. 75.76 (48.20, 115.64) mm3, P>0.05) and (15.84% (11.47%, 24.85%) vs. 16.95% (11.64%, 22.91%), P>0.05) in diabetic group. In non-diabetic group, the volume and percentage of LRNC were significantly decreased at 3 months (63.01 (44.25, 188.64) mm3 vs. 72.49 (51.91, 199.59) mm3, P<0.05) and (13.76% (8.81%, 27.64%) vs. 16.04% (11.18%, 27.05%), P<0.05) respectively. Both parameters further decreased to (55.63 (27.18, 179.40) mm3) and (12.71% (8.39%, 24.41%)) at 24 months (both P<0.05). Wall volume, lumen volume and percent wall volume (PWV) were not affected post therapy in both two groups(P>0.05). There were no correlations between the changes of plaque parameters including volume and percentage of LRNC, wall volume, lumen volume, PWV and the changes of blood lipid parameters (TC, LDL-C, HDL-C and TG) in 3 and 24 months (P>0.05). Conclusion: Lipid-lowering therapy possesses different effects on carotid atherosclerotic plaque in diabetic and non-diabetic patients, and the LRNC improvement is more significant in non-diabetic patients as compared to diabetic patients.

Novel sesquiterpenoids isolated from Chimonanthus praecox and their antibacterial activities / 中国天然药物

In the present study, four new sesquiterpenoids, chimonols A-D (compounds 1-4), together with four known compounds (5-8) were isolated from the EtOAc extract of Chimonanthus praecox Link. The structures of these new compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic techniques (UV, IR, MS, and 1D and 2D NMR), and their absolute configurations were established by comparing experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Compounds 1-8 were evaluated for antimicrobial activities and the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by the broth microdilution method in 96-well culture plates. Compounds 1, 2, and 7 exhibited weak antibacterial effects for S. aureus (ATCC 6538), E. coli (ATCC 11775), and P. aeruginosa (ATCC 10145) with MIC values being 158-249 µg·mL. Compounds 3-7 showed activities against C. glabrata (ATCC 2001) and S. aureus (ATCC 43300) with MIC values being 128-197 µg·mL. Compounds 1-4 showed activity against S. aureus (ATCC 25923) with MIC values being 162-254 µg·mL. The present study provided a basis for future evaluation of these compounds as antibacterial agents.

Novel sesquiterpenoids isolated from Chimonanthus praecox and their antibacterial activities / 中国天然药物

In the present study, four new sesquiterpenoids, chimonols A-D (compounds 1-4), together with four known compounds (5-8) were isolated from the EtOAc extract of Chimonanthus praecox Link. The structures of these new compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic techniques (UV, IR, MS, and 1D and 2D NMR), and their absolute configurations were established by comparing experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Compounds 1-8 were evaluated for antimicrobial activities and the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by the broth microdilution method in 96-well culture plates. Compounds 1, 2, and 7 exhibited weak antibacterial effects for S. aureus (ATCC 6538), E. coli (ATCC 11775), and P. aeruginosa (ATCC 10145) with MIC values being 158-249 µg·mL. Compounds 3-7 showed activities against C. glabrata (ATCC 2001) and S. aureus (ATCC 43300) with MIC values being 128-197 µg·mL. Compounds 1-4 showed activity against S. aureus (ATCC 25923) with MIC values being 162-254 µg·mL. The present study provided a basis for future evaluation of these compounds as antibacterial agents.

A Highly Sensitive Fluorescent Probe for Detection of Magnesium Ion(Ⅱ) Based on Novel Schiff's Base / 分析化学

A highly sensitive fluorescent probe TZ based on a novel Schiff's base was prepared for detection of Mg2+. It was constituted by introducing dansyl chloride and 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde through amino and hydrazide groups on p-aminobenzoyl hydrazide. The recognition mechanism of the fluorescent probe TZ for Mg2+was studied by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), UV-vis and fluorescence spectra. UV-vis spectra showed that the probe TZ had a characteristic absorption peak of naphthalene aldehyde at 386. 5 nm,and a new absorption peak at 411 nm was observed after coordination between TZ with Mg2+. A sharp isobestic point was obtained at 400 nm. Fluorescence spectra showed that the emission wavelength was red-shifted to 400 nm upon the addition of Mg2+into probe TZ. The fluorescence intensity was enhanced by 10 times at the emission wavelength of 468 nm and the quantum yield of 0.57 was obtained. Moreover,chemical bond energy transfer was found when 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde was coordinated with Mg2+. When the other metal ions (Li+,Na+,K+,Zn2+,Ca2+, Mn2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, Ag+, etc.) were added into TZ, no significant change of fluorescence intensity was observed. It indicated that TZ had high selectivity to Mg2+. Furthermore, the recognition of TZ to Mg2+was not interfered by other competing metal ions. ESI-MS titration and Job's plot analysis confirmed that 1: 1 complexation stoichiometry between TZ and Mg2+was obtained. The lowest detection limit was up to 0.13 μmol/L.

Central pulse pressure but not brachial blood pressure is the predominant factor affecting aortic arterial stiffness / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the differences in central hemodynamic indices between hypertensive and normotensive subjects and identify the blood pressure index that the most strongly correlate with arterial stiffness and vascular damage markers.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A cohort of 820 hypertensive patients and 820 normotensive individuals matched for age and gender were enrolled in this study. We measured carotid-femoral and carotid-radial pulse wave velocity (PWV), aortic augmentation index (AIx) and central blood pressures using pulse wave analysis and applanation tonometry. Plasma homocysteine (HCY), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were also tested in these subjects.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In both hypertensive and normotensive subjects, the central systolic blood pressure (SBP) and pulse pressure (PP) were significantly lower than brachial SBP and PP; this PP amplification was significantly lower in the normotensives (9.85∓6.55 mmHg) than in the hypertensives (12.64∓6.69 mmHg), but the amplification ratios were comparable between the two groups. Blood pressure and age were closely related with aortic arterial stiffness. Compared with normotensive subjects, hypertensive subjects had higher carotid-femoral PWV and AIx, and showed significantly lowered PP amplification ratio with age. Central PP was more strongly related to arterial stiffness and vascular damage markers than the other pressure indices. Multivariate analyses revealed that carotid-femoral PWV and aortic AIx were strongly influenced by central PP but not by the mean blood pressure or brachial PP.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The central PP is a more direct indicator of central arterial stiffness and a better marker of vascular aging than other blood pressure variables. These findings support the use of central blood pressure as a treatment target in future trials.</p>

Relationship between serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and metabolic syndrome: a cross-sectional study / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the relationship between serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and metabolic syndrome (MS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 1323 Beijing residents (559 male) were investigated. MS was defined by the modified 2004 Chinese Diabetes Society criteria and 439 cases were diagnosed as MS according to this criteria. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) of MS. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to analyze the association between NT-proBNP and characteristic variables.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>NT-proBNP was significantly lower in MS group compared to non-MS group [32.51 (29.17, 36.14) ng/L vs.38.55 (35.73, 41.50) ng/L, P = 0.012] after adjusted for age and gender. NT-proBNP level decreased with the presence of MS components (from 0 to 4 or 5) (45.92, 37.24, 35.40, 31.55 and 33.65 ng/L respectively, P = 0.043 for linear trend). Among the components, groups with larger waist circumference, higher fasting glucose and triglycerides were associated with lower NT-proBNP level. After adjustment for potential confounders, compared with the lowest NT-proBNP quartile, the adjusted odds ratio of the second, third and fourth quartile for having MS were 0.782 (95%CI: 0.544 - 1.122, P > 0.05), 0.709 (95%CI: 0.489 - 1.028, P > 0.05), 0.604 (95%CI: 0.405 - 0.900, P < 0.05), respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that female gender (β = 0.248, P < 0.001), age (β = 0.167, P < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (β = 0.154, P < 0.001) were positively related to NT-proBNP level while waist circumference (β = -0.082, P = 0.004), diastolic blood pressure (β = -0.085, P = 0.015), triglycerides (β = -0.101, P < 0.001), total cholesterol (β = -0.078, P = 0.004), eGFR (β = -0.150, P < 0.001) were negatively correlated to NT-proBNP level.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In this cohort, higher serum NT-proBNP concentration is associated with lower incidence of metabolic syndrome.</p>

Association between peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gene single nucleotide polymorphisms and arterial stiffness in adult Chinese population / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(PPAR) and arterial stiffness in adult Chinese population (> 50 years).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Cardiovascular risk factors from participants of Beijing epidemiological investigation were analyzed. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was measured by Complior system. The subjects were divided into normal arterial stiffness group (cfPWV < 12 m/s, n = 844) and increased arterial stiffness group (cfPWV > 12 m/s, n = 530). Three valid SNPs including rs1053049, rs1800234 and rs8192678 in the PPAR and PPARγC1a gene were genotyped by TaqMan allelic discrimination assays.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The age [(67.9 ± 8.8) years vs. (58.0 ± 9.7) years], prevalence of hypertension [71.1% (377/530) vs. 30.5% (257/844)] and diabetes mellitus [21.7% (115/530) vs. 11.0% (93/844)] were all significantly higher in increased arterial stiffness group than in normal group (all P < 0.05). The frequencies of CC, CT and TT type of rs8192678 [CC: 32.2% (272/844) vs. 30.8% (163/530), CT: 48.7% (411/844) vs. 52.1% (276/530), TT: 19.1% (161/844) vs. 17.2% (91/530)], rs1053049 [CC: 55.7% (470/844) vs. 51.3% (272/530), CT: 36.7% (310/844) vs. 39.1% (207/530), TT: 7.6% (64/844) vs. 9.6% (51/530)] and rs1800234 [CC: 88.4% (746/844) vs. 90.4% (479/530), CT + TT: 11.6% (98/844) vs. 9.6% (51/530)] were similar between the two groups. There was also no association between haplotypes and the increased arterial stiffness in this cohort.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>In this community-based population, we found that aging, hypertension and diabetes mellitus were associated but SNPs of PPAR and PPARγC1a were not associated with arterial stiffness.</p>

Relationship between serum homocysteine and metabolic syndrome: a cross-sectional study / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To explore the relationship between serum homocysteine and metabolic syndrome (MS).Methods A cohort with 1680 people involved in a community-based population in Beijing was investigated.Metabolic syndrome was defined by NCEP-ATP Ⅲ criteria.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) of MS.Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to analyze the association between Hcy and characteristic variables.Results Homocysteine was higher in MS population compared to those without MS ( 17.99 μmol/L vs.17.18 μmol/L,P=0.007) after adjusted for age and sex.Levels of homocysteine increased with the presence of MS components (from 0 to 4 or 5) (16.71,16.94,17.62,18.20,17.82 μmol/L respectively,P=0.044 for linear trend).Among the components,groups with larger waist circumference,higher blood pressure and triglycerides showed significantly higher Hcy level than their counterparts.Results from multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the highest Hcy quartile (Hcy Ⅳ ) was significantly associated with MS.Compared with the lowest Hcy quartile (Hcy Ⅰ ),the adjusted odds ratio of having MS in HcyⅣ was 1.379(1.005-1.892) after adjusting for age,sex,levels on creatinine/estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)/low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and uric acid,smoking,alcohol intake and exercise.In the partial correlation analyses,Hcy was positively associated with body mass index (BMI),waist circumsternece,blood pressure,LDL-C,triglycerides (TG),uric acid,serum creatinine,eGFR,but inversely associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and independently with age and sex.In multiple linear regression analysis,age,male sex,BMI,LDL-C,creatinine and uric acid were found to be independently associated with Hcy level.Conclusion There was an association noticed between the MS using NCEP-ATP Ⅲ criteria and the highest quartile level of Hcy in this study.Factors as age and being male,the levels of BMI,LDL-C,creatinine and uric acid were independently associated with the Hcy level.

Associations of plasma homocysteine and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels with arterial stiffness in Chinese population: a community-based study / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Arterial stiffness increases with age and is also associated with traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Little is known about the relations of homocysteine and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) to arterial stiffness in the Chinese community. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of plasma homocysteine and hs-CRP levels with arterial stiffness in a community-based cohort.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We related levels of homocysteine and hs-CRP to four measures of arterial stiffness (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), carotid-radial PWV, carotid-ankle PWV and heart rate corrected augmentation index) in 1680 participants from two communities of Beijing, China. Arterial stiffness was measured within two days of the time of biomarker measurement.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In univariate analysis, homocysteine was positively associated with the carotid-femoral PWV (r = 0.211, P < 0.0001), carotid-radial PWV (r = 0.120, P < 0.0001) and carotid-ankle PWV (r = 0.148, P < 0.0001), whereas it was inversely related to the augmentation index (r = -0.052, P = 0.016). Hs-CRP was positively associated with the carotid-femoral PWV (r = 0.074, P = 0.001) and carotid-ankle PWV (r = 0.050, P = 0.02). In multiple-adjusted models (R(2) = 0.57), homocysteine levels remained a significant determinant of the carotid-femoral PWV (standardized β = 0.065, P = 0.007), whereas the association of hs-CRP with measurements of arterial stiffness was not present.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>In the Chinese population, plasma homocysteine levels are associated with alterations of aortic stiffness, whereas plasma levels of hs-CRP are not independently related to artery stiffening.</p>

PEGylation of polyamidoamine dendrimer and the properties for gene vectors / 药学学报

Polyamidoamine-polyethylene glycol (PAMAM-PEG) copolymers were synthesized using IPDI as coupling reagent by two-step method. The copolymers were characterized by IR spectrum and 1H NMR spectrum, and the PEG conjugating ratios of the copolymers were calculated equal to 10% and 30% separately. MTT assay indicated that after PEGylation a lower cytotoxicity of the copolymers could be found, and with increasing PEG conjugating ratio the cytotoxicity decreased obviously. Agarose gel retardation assay demonstrated that PAMAM-PEG copolymers could be combined with DNA and PAMAM-PEG/DNA complexes were prepared by self-assembly. DLS measurement showed that when N/P > or = 50, the particle size of copolymer/ gene complexes was in a range of 150-200 nm, and the zeta potential was in a range of 10-25 mV. In vitro gene transfection illustrated that when N/P < or = 50, the gene transfection efficiency of PAMAM-PEG copolymers was a little less than that of PAMAM-G5, but the transfection efficiency can be raised by increasing N/P ratio or transfection time. Considering both cytotoxicity and transfection efficiency aspects PAMAM-PEG-13 was more effect than PAMAM-PEG-39 in PEGylation.

Association of HER2 protein expression with clinicopathologic features and prognosis in Chinese patients with gastric carcinoma / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the epidemiological status of HER2 protein expression in Chinese patients with gastric carcinoma, and to study its clinical and prognostic significance and the association with the clinicopathological features.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical data were reviewed in 860 patients with gastric carcinoma admitted to Guangdong General Hospital from 2003 to 2010. The HER2 status was evaluated using immunohistochemistry (IHC). The modified HercepTest scoring criterion was used to assess HER2 protein expression. The association between HER2 expression and clinicopathological features was analyzed by χ(2) test. Kaplan-Meier analysis, log-rank test and Cox regression model were used for the survival analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The median age of the patients was 59 years, and the male-to-female ratio was 2.06:1. Positive expression of HER2 protein (3+) was found in 77 (9.0%) cases of gastric carcinoma, and in 69 (8.9%) advanced gastric cancers. There was significantly positive association between HER2 over-expression and tumor differentiation, Lauren classification and WHO classification. No significant association was observed between HER2 protein expression and patients' age, gender, tumor location and clinical stage. There was no statistically significant difference in survival rate between patients with positive HER2 expression and negative ones.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Though there was significantly positive association between HER2 expression status and tumor differentiation, histological type, it may be of limited prognostic value in gastric cancer patients.</p>

Correlations between different obese indexes and arterial stiffness among populations at the community level / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between obesity [measured by body mass index(BMI), waist circumference(WC), waist-to-hip ratio(WHR)]and arterial stiffness on community populations in Beijing area. Methods In a cross-sectional study of 2664 subjects(1379 men and 1285 women)aged(53.19 ± 15.73 years, mean±standard deviation), BMI, WC, WHR and other cardiovascular risk factors, were measured and carotidfemoral pulse wave velocity(cfPWV)was measured to assess the arterial stiffness. All the data were analyzed with linear correlation analysis, univariate analysis and stepwise regression method to explore the relationship between obese indexes and arterial stiffness. Results We noticed that a showed the existence of positive correlations between BMI(r=0.0829,P＜0.01)and cfPWV, WC(r=0.2659, P＜0.01)and cfPWV, WHR(r=0.2749, P＜0.01)and cfPWV, in univariate analysis,cfPWV was associated with WC≥85 cm(male)or ≥80 cm(famale)(P＜0.01), WHR≥0.90(male)or≥ 0.85(famale)(P＜ 0.01). Stepwise regression analysis revealed that WC was an independent risk factor of cfPWV, other than age, gender, systolic blood pressure, HDL-C, OGTT2h etc. Conclusion Our findings indicated that obesity was an independent risk factor of cfPWV, which was an early marker of cardiovascular and renal diseases, among community population in Beijing area. There were different relationships between obesity measurement parameters(BMI, WC, WHR)and cfPWV.

Pressure wave reflections and central blood pressure in treated hypertensive subjects / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the differences in pressure wave reflections and central blood pressure between brachial BP classification and the effect of antihypertensive drugs.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>In 1371 chronically treated hypertensive subjects aged 33 - 87 years [679 males and 692 females, mean age (47.2 ± 11.5) years], radial arterial augmentation index (rAI) and central systolic blood pressure were measured using an automated tonometric method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>rAI gradually increased from the subgroup with the lower blood pressure to the higher blood pressure (P < 0.01), for each given brachial value, central systolic blood pressure was lower than the corresponding brachial pressure (P < 0.01). In multivariable linear regression models analysis revealed that the application of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (β = -0.09, P < 0.05), AT1 receptor blockade (β = -0.07, P = 0.01), calcium channel blocker (β = -0.12, P < 0.01) and diuretic (β = 0.14, P = 0.04) were independent determinants of rAI. Central SBP significantly correlated to the application of ACEI (β = -0.07, P = 0.02), ARB (β = -0.08, P = 0.01) and CCB (β = -0.15, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>In chronically treated hypertensive individuals, tight blood pressure control would be effective in reducing the reflection wave and central BP. Antihypertensive treatment strategies with more beneficial effects on arterial properties are needed.</p>

Association of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and the rate of glomerular filtration: a cross-sectional study in the population from certain areas of Beijing / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective Data from several large prospective studies revealed that a low glomerular filtration rate was independently associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and all-cause mortality in high-risk populations. Much on the association was explained by traditional CVD risk factors. However,findings from population-based studies were scarce and inconsistent. We explored the correlation between risks factors of cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a general population from certain area of Beijing. Methods A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted during Sep. 2007 to Oct. 2008 in Beijing. Out of 5100 individuals who were selected,4515 met the inclusion criteria and responded to the investigation. By face to face interview,a questionnaire was used to find out the risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Body height,body weight and blood pressures were measured. Serum creatinine and total cholesterol (TC),triglyceride (TG),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were detected. Glomerular filtration rate through using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation was estimated.Participants were grouped into three:≥90,60-89,<60[ml·min~(-1)·(1.73m~2)~(-1)] by eGFR. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify the associated risk factors. Results Exposure rate of cardiovascular disease risk factors increased along with the decrease of level of eGFR. Data from univariate logistic regression analyses suggested that age,smoking,history of hypertension and diabetes,BMI,SBP,LDL-C and TG were risk factors of CKD while results from multiple logistic regression indicated that age,smoking,hypertension,high level of TG appeared to be independent risk factors of CKD. Conclusion Exposure rate of cardiovascular disease risk factors increased along with the decrease of level of eGFR while age,hypertension,high level of TG and smoking were independent risk factors of CKD.

Associations and related factors between pulse wave velocity and arterial system and augmentation index measured on different sites in a healthy population / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the associations and related factors between pulse wave velocity (PWV) and arterial system and augmentation index (AI) measured on different sites in a healthy population.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>All subjects were selected from a local community investigation study which included 5116 people living in Haidian District or Daxing District, Beijing, China. A total of 729 healthy subjects [age 17 - 85 years, mean (39.2 ± 12.2) years, 413 men] were included in this study. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (CF-PWV), carotid-radial pulse wave velocity (CR-PWV) and carotid-ankle pulse wave velocity (CA-PWV) were measured using Complior. Pulse wave analysis at the right radial artery was measured and AI was calculated using SphygmoCor device.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>CF-PWV correlated significantly with CR-PWV or CA-PWV (all P < 0.01) by both Pearson and Partial Correlation analysis adjusted by age, body mass index, waist-hip ratio, systolic blood pressure, diastolic pressure and heart rate. There was no significant correlation between AI and CR-PWV (r = -0.072, P = 0.053) and between AI and CR-PWV (r = 0.024, P = 0.528), AI and CA-PWV (r = 0.068, P = 0.070) while AI was significantly correlated with CF-PWV (r = 0.110, P = 0.003). Multiple stepwise regression analyses showed that age, systolic blood pressure and heart rate were positively while female gender was negatively correlated with CF-PWV. CR-PWV was positively correlated with diastolic blood pressure and negatively correlated with pulse pressure and female gender (R(2) = 0.155). CA-PWV was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure and age while negatively correlated with pulse pressure and female gender. Multiple stepwise regression analysis also demonstrated that AI was positively correlated with age, diastolic blood pressure, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and female gender, and negatively correlated with heart rate, height and serum creatinine level(R(2) = 0.536).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>CA-PWV, covering carotid-femoral arterial segment, could partially represent CF-PWV as an indicator of large arterial stiffness. CR-PWV mainly reflects peripheral muscular arterial stiffness and is not suitable to be used interchangeably with CF-PWV or CA-PWV. Component of blood pressure (systolic, diastolic or pulse pressure) may have different influences on CF-PWV, CA-PWV or CR-PWV. AI is affected by multiple factors and poorly correlated with PWV and is not a good indicator for arterial stiffness.</p>

Clinical and pathological features of Alport syndrome in children / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the clinical and pathological features of Alport syndrome in children.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical and histopathological data of 10 hospitalized children with Alport syndrome from February 2007 to February 2009 were retrospectively reviewed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were 7 males and 3 females, with the age ranging from 2 years to 6 years and 7 months (mean 3 years and 2 months). Five of 10 cases had positive family history. X-linked dominant inheritance Alport syndrome was diagnosed in 8 cases, and autosomal recessive inheritance Alport syndrome in 2 cases. Recurrent gross hematuria was found in 5 cases, hematuria and proteinuria in 3 cases, massive proteinuria in 1 case, and nephritic syndrome in 1 case. Under the light microscope, 8 cases presented with mesangial proliferation glomerulonephritis, and 2 cases with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Immunofluorescence assay showed that all cases had IgM deposition in glomerulus. Only 1 case showed typical glomerular basement membrane (GBM) pathological changes. All cases showed abnormal alpha-chain distribution in renal collagen IV.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The children with Alport syndrome have diverse clinical manifestations. Characteristic histopathological presentations could not be found under a light microscope, mesangial proliferation glomerulonephritis is the dominant pathological change, and IgM deposition in glomerulus is common. The GBM pathological change in children is not common. Immunofluorescence assay of alpha-chain in collagen IV is needed for the diagnosis of Alport syndrome.</p>

Prevalence of microalbuminuria and its related factors among different genders in general population of Beijing / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective Microalbuminuria (MAU) is generally defined as an early effective index of cardiovascular disease and renal disease. Our study aims to investigate the prevalence of MAU and its related factors among people living in Bcijing. Methods In a cross-sectional study,2080 subjects (810 men and 1270 women) are recruited, with age distribution as 50.87± 13.10 years (mean ± standard deviation). Urine albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) is used to screen for microalbuminuria. All the data is analyzed with multivariate logistic regression method to explore the related factors for MAU. Results The overall prevalence of MAU in general population of Beijing is 17.50%, with male as 15.43% and female as 18.82% (P＜0.05). Results from the multivariate logistic regression analysis reveal that the independent risk factors of MAU in men are age(OR= 1.02), blood pressure ( OR= 1.02 ), serum creatinine ( OR= 1.04), while age ( OR= 1.04), systolic blood pressure (OR = 1.02), serum creatinine ( OR = 1.08 ), body mass index ( OR= 1.07), total cholesterol ( OR=2.05) in women. The protective factor of MAU in women is H DL-C (OR=0.44). Conclusion Our findings indicate that the prevalence of MAU in Beijing area is higher than those in other areas in China or abroad. The prevalence in females is higher than that in males (P＜0.05). There is a gender difference in the related factors of MAU.

Significance of expression of THY1 protein in epithelial ovarian cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of THY1 protein expression in epithelial ovarian cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining were used to detect the protein expression of THY1, Ki67 and cell apoptosis in 76 epithelial ovarian cancers by tissue microarray. The correlation between THY1 expression and patients' clinical features was analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 76 epithelial ovarian cancer samples, 64 were informative for IHC and TUNEL assays and 42 (65.6%) among them showed down-regulated/loss expression of THY1 protein. A significant positive correlation of THY1 protein expression with clinical stage and distant metastasis was observed in this ovarian cancer cohort (P < 0.05). The more advanced the tumor stage, the more frequency of loss expression of THY1 protein. In addition, the mean positive rate of Ki67 staining in tumors with down-regulated/loss expression of THY1 was 33.7% +/- 3.5%, significantly higher than that in the tumors with normal expression of THY1 (17.3% +/- 6.1%, P = 0.0027). However, no significant correlation was observed between THY1 protein expression and tumor cell apoptosis as well as patients' survival in this series (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Down-regulated/loss expression of THY1 protein in epithelial ovarian cancer is significantly correlated with cancer cell proliferation and metastasis in the epithelial ovarian cancer, and it may be used as one of the new molecular biomarkers to predict the disease progression in patients.</p>

Possible determinants of the radial augmentation index in 4985 Chinese population / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective The augmentation index (AI) derived from central arteries is generally defined as an index of augmentation of central blood pressure in systole derived from the return of pressure waves reflected from the periphery and is an index of arterial stiffness. There is controversy with respect to how to affect AI. Methods In a cross-sectional study of 4985 subjects (2417 men and 2568 women) aged 18-96 years (50.94± 14.73 years,mean±SD) ,AI was measured in the left radial artery using tonometry Colin HEM-9000AI. Results Among the subjects, 39.4% were diagnosed as hypertensive, 11.2% as diabetes mellitus, and 48.7% as hyperlipidemia. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that age, diastolic blood pressure, smoking, heart rate, height, waist circumference and fasting blood glucose were independent determinants of radial AI in women; while in men, it was also determined by total cholesterol. Radial AI was significantly higher in women than in men [(83.18± 12.36)% vs. (71.93±15.22)%, P<0.01]. Conclusion Our findings indicate that AI is determined by arterial stiffness, distance to the reflection point and reflection coefficient. It is necessary to take into account these confounding factors when assessing AI is used as an index for atherosclerosis.

NADPH oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species involved in angiotensin II-induced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression in mesangial cells / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the origin of oxidative stress induced by angiotensin II (AngII) in human mesangial cells and the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in AngII-induced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) expression.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>MCP-1 expression was determined by real time RT-PCR. ROS production was measured by DCFDA fluorescence. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity was examined by lucigenin chemiluminescence. p47phox and p67phox translocation was assayed by Western blot. Twenty-four male mice were randomly divided into three groups: the control, the AngIIinfusion [AngII 400 ng/(kg.min)], and the apocynin treatment. AngII was infused by subcutaneously osmotic minipump for 14 days. Urinary albumin and 8-isoprostane excretion were measured by ELISA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In cultured human mesangial cells, AngII induced the MCP-1 expression in a dose-dependent manner with 3.56 fold increase as compared with the control. AngII increased intracellular ROS production as early as 3 min with the peak at 60 min and was in a time and dose-dependent. Incubation with different dosages of AngII (1 nmol/L, 10 nmol/L, and 100 nmol/L AngII) for 60 min, ROS production increased at 1.82, 2.92, and 4.08 folds respectively. AngII-induced ROS generation was sensitive to diphenyleneiodonium sulfate (DPI, 10 micromol/L) and apocynin (500 micromol/L), two structurally distinct NADPH oxidase inhibitors. In contrast, inhibitors of other oxidant-producing enzymes, including the mitochondrial complex Iinhibitor rotenone, the xanthine oxidase inhibitor allopurinol, the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin, the lipoxygenase inhibitor nordihydroguiaretic acid, the cytochrome P450 oxygenase inhibitor ketoconazole and the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor G-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester were without an effect. AngII-induced ROS generation was inhibited by the AT1 antagonist losartan (10 micromol/L) but not the AT2 antagonist PD123319 (10 micromol/L). AngII treatment induced translocation of cytosolic of p47phox and p67phox to the membrane. The antioxidants almost abolished AngII-induced MCP-1 expression. AngII infusion increased urinary and p67 translocation by 2.69-, 2.97-, and 2.67-fold, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>NADPH oxidase-derived ROS is involved in AngII-induced MCP-1 expression. Inhibition of NADPH oxidase alleviates AngII-induced renal injury.</p>