ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The histologic characteristics of atopic dermatitis (AD) include perivascular edema and dilated tortuous vessels in the papillary dermis. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the fms-related tyrosine kinase 4 (FLT4) gene is associated with AD. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the associations between podoplanin (PDPN) gene SNPs and AD. METHODS: We genotyped 9 SNPs from 5 genes of 1,119 subjects (646 AD patients and 473 controls). We determined the promoter activity of 1 SNP (rs355022) by luciferase assay; this SNP was further investigated using 1,133 independent samples (441 AD patients and 692 controls). RESULTS: The rs355022 and rs425187 SNPs and the C-A haplotype in the PDPN gene were significantly associated with intrinsic AD in the initial experiment. The rs355022 SNP significantly affected promoter activity in the luciferase assay. However, these results were not replicated in the replication study. CONCLUSION: Two SNPs and the C-A haplotype in the PDPN gene are significantly associated with intrinsic AD; although, the results were confirmed by luciferase assay, they could not be replicated with independent samples. Nevertheless, further replication experiments should be performed in future studies.
Subject(s)
Humans , Dermatitis, Atopic , Dermis , Edema , Haplotypes , Luciferases , Polymorphism, Genetic , Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide , Protein-Tyrosine KinasesABSTRACT
As an efficient controlled release system for rhBMP-2, a functional nanoparticle-hydrogel complex, incorporated with matrix metalloproteinase( MMP) sensitive peptide cross-linker, was developed and used as a bone transplant. In vivo bone formation was evaluated by soft x-ray, histology, alkaline phosphatase(ALP) activity and mineral contents analysis, based on the rat calvarial critical size defect(8mm in diameter) model.Significantly, effective bone regeneration was achieved with the rhBMP-2 loaded MMP sensitive hyaluronic acid(HA) based hydrogel- Nanoparticles(NP) complex, as compared to only MMP HA, the MMP HA-NP without rhBMP-2, or even with the rhBMP-2. These improvements included the formation pattern of bone and functional marrow, the degree of calcium quantification, and the ALP activity. These results indicate that the MMP sensitive HA with nano-particle complex can be a promising candidate for a new bone defect replacement matrix, and an enhanced rhBMP-2 scaffold.
Subject(s)
Animals , Rats , Bone Marrow , Bone Regeneration , Calcium , Hyaluronic Acid , Hydrogels , Nanoparticles , Osteogenesis , TransplantsABSTRACT
Subject(s)
Animals , Humans , Rats , Adipocytes , Alkaline Phosphatase , Bone Marrow , Bone Regeneration , Collagen Type I , Culture Media , Flushing , Integrin-Binding Sialoprotein , Mesenchymal Stem Cells , Osteoblasts , Osteopontin , Plastics , PPAR gamma , RNA, Messenger , Stem Cells , Stromal CellsABSTRACT
Subject(s)
Animals , Child , Humans , Mice , Rats , Alkaline Phosphatase , Bone Marrow , Collagen , Dexamethasone , Integrin-Binding Sialoprotein , Osteoblasts , Osteocalcin , Osteogenesis , Osteopontin , Rodentia , Stem Cells , Stromal Cells , Tissue Donors , Vitamin DABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The appearance of multiple-drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains has been seriously compromising successful control of tuberculosis. Rifampin-resistance, caused by mutations in the rpoB gene, can be indicative of multiple-drug-resistance, and its detection is of great importance. The present study aimed to develop an oligonucleotide chip for accurate and convenient screening of drug-resistance. METHODS: In order to detect point mutations in the rpoB gene, an oligonucleotide chip was prepared by immobilizing specific probe DNA to a microscopic slide glass by a chemical reaction. The probe DNA that was selected from the 81 bp core region of the rpoB gene was designed to have mutation sites at the center. A total of 17 mutant probes related to rifampin-resistance including 8 rifabutin-sensitive mutant probes were used in this study. For accurate determination, wild type probes were prepared for each mutation position with an equal length, which enabled a direct comparison of the hybridization intensities between the mutant and wild type. RESULTS: Mycobacterial genomic DNA from clinical samples was tested with the oligonucleotide chip and the results were compared with those of the drug-susceptibility test in addition to sequencing and INNO-LiPA Rif. TB kit test in some cases. Out of 15 samples, the oligonucleotide chip results of 13 samples showed good agreement with the rifabutin-sensitivity results. The two samples with conflicting result also showed a discrepancy between the other tests, suggesting such possibilities as existence of mixed strains and difference in drug-sensitivity. Further verification of these samples in addition to more case studies are required before the final evaluation of the oligonucleotide chip can be made. CONCLUSION: An oligonucleotide chip was developed for the detection of rpoB gene mutations related to drug-susceptibility. The results to date show the potential for using the oligonucleotide chip for accurate and convenient screening of drug-resistance to provide useful information in antituberculosis drug therapy.