Effect of acupotomy intervention on the morphology and ultrastructure of rectus femoris muscle in rabbits with knee osteoarthritis / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of acupotomy on the morphology and ultrastructure of rectus femoris muscle in rabbits with knee osteoarthritis and to reveal the possible therapeutic mechanism involved in the effect of acupotomology on the treatment of knee osteoarthritis(KOA).@*METHODS@#Twenty-four male New Zealand rabbits aged 6 months and weighed (2.0±0.5) kg were randomly divided into blank group, model group and acupotomy group, 8 rabbits in each group. KOA model was established by modified Videman method with left hind limb extended plaster immobility for 6 weeks. In acupotomy group, the transfascial focal points of quadriceps femoris muscle were released by acupotomy under the guidance of Jingjin theory for 4 times and once a week, and the treatment points include Hedingci, Binwaixia, Binneixia. Blank group and model group were fed normally without intervention. One week after the end of the intervention, the pennation angle(PA), muscle thickness(MT), cross-sectional area(CSA) and strain ratio(SR) of rectus femoris were measured by ultrasound. HE staining was used to observe the changes of the tissue morphology, the number of muscle fibers and the average area of muscle fibers. The myofibril of rectus femoris, sarcomere and myofilament were observed by transmission electron microscope.@*RESULTS@#The PA of rectus femoris muscle in the blank group was (9.05±0.21)°. The MT was(1.09±0.09) cm and the CSA was(1.30±0.01) cm2. The PA of rectus femoris muscle in the model group was (3.06±0.15)°. The MT was (0.71±0.02) cm and the CSA was(0.77±0.02) cm2. The PA of rectus femoris muscle in the acupotomy group was (6.94±0.28)°. The MT was (0.80±0.05) cm and the CSA was(0.94±0.03) cm2. The muscle PA, MT and CSA of rectus femoris in the model group were significantly smaller than those in the blank group (P<0.05). Those in acupotomy group were significantly increased compared with those in model group (P<0.05). The SR of rectus femoris muscle was 1.19±0.02 in the blank group, 3.50±0.05 in the model group and 1.99±0.07 in the acupotomy group. The elastic SR of the model group was significantly higher than that of the blank group (P<0.05). These in acupotomy group was significantly lower than that in model group(P<0.05). The results of HE staining showed:in blank group, the fascicles of rectus femoris were arranged neatly, the number of beam of muscle fibers within the fixed visual field was 94.38±3.50 and the average CSA was(0.75±0.22) mm2. In model group, the fascicles of rectus femoris with different sizes were disorganized with a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration, the number of beam of muscle fibers within the fixed visual field was 196.63±2.62 and the average CSA was(0.26±0.03) mm2. Compared to the blank group, a significant increase in the number of muscle fibers in the fixed field in the model group (P<0.05) and the average CSA decreased significantly(P<0.05). In acupotomy group, the rectus femoris fascicles in the acupotomy group tended to be arranged in a more orderly manner, with the inflammatory cells decreased, the number of beam of muscle fibers within the fixed visual field was 132.88±4.61 and the average CSA was(0.70±0.07) mm2. Compared to the model group, a significant decrease in the number of muscle fibers in the fixed field in the model group(P<0.05) and the average CSA increased significantly(P<0.05). The results of transmission electron microscope showed:compared with the blank group, the overall arrangement of the myofibrils of the rectus femoris in the model group was less structured. There was fracture between the muscle fibers and the sarcomere, the myofilaments were disordered, and the fracture of the Z line was discontinuous. Compared with the model group, the myofibrillar texture of rectus femoris in acupotomy group was clearer, and the Z line was more continuous.@*CONCLUSION@#Based on the jingjin theory, the release of quadriceps femoris by acupotomy can effectively improve the morphology and structure of rectus femoris, and promote the repair and reconstruction of chronic skeletal muscle injury in rabbits with KOA, which may be one of the mechanisms of acupotomy in the treatment of KOA.

Evaluation of the effects of Uncaria rhynchophylla alkaloid extract on LPS-induced preeclampsia symptoms and inflammation in a pregnant rat model

Excessive pro-inflammatory cytokines result in adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preeclampsia-like phenotypes, and fetal growth restriction. Anti-inflammation might be an effective therapy. The aim of this research was to investigate whether Uncaria rhynchophylla alkaloid extract (URE), a highly safe anti-inflammation constituent of the herb, can inhibit inflammation and improve clinical characteristics of preeclampsia in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced preeclampsia rat model. The rat model was established by daily administration of LPS (1 μg/kg body weight per day) from gestational day (GD) 14 to 19. Different doses of URE (35, 70, and 140 mg/kg body weight per day) were administered from GD 14 to GD 19. The effects of URE on proteinuria, maternal hypertension, pregnancy outcomes, as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines levels in serum and placenta were measured. High-dose URE (HURE) treatment decreased LPS-induced mean 24-h proteinuria and systolic blood pressure, and increased fetal weight, placental weight, and the number of live pups (P<0.05). Moreover, increased serum and placental levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interferon-γ in the LPS-treated group were obviously inhibited after HURE administration (P<0.01). URE improved preeclampsia symptoms and mitigated inflammatory responses in the LPS-induced preeclampsia rat model, which suggests that the anti-inflammation effect of URE might be an alternative therapy for preeclampsia.

Clinical characteristics of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease related hepatocellular carcinoma / 中国实用内科杂志

With the rising incidence, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease associated hepatocellular carcinoma(NAFLD-HCC) has become the main type of liver cancer. Therefore, to improve the level of clinical diagnosis and treatment of NAFLD-HCC is of great value. This paper summarized the clinical characteristics of NAFLD-HCC, and has found that the NAFLD-HCC has a special nature course,without typical clinical manifestation; it is common in male, often accompanied with the metabolic syndrome, with single tumor and good differentiation. Serology, CT imaging and pathology are important in diagnosis of NAFLD-HCC. Improve living habits and strengthen exercise can prevent the occurrence of NAFLD-HCC. Drug and surgical treatment is still the most important means to treat NAFLD-HCC, while the effects of those treatments used in NAFLD-HCC have no significant difference compared with that used in other types of liver cancer. To summarize clinical features will help improve the level of diagnosis and treatment of NAFLD-HCC.It's necessary to constantly explore the pathogenesis of NAFLD-HCC in order to formulate the individualized prevention strategy of NAFLD-HCC which is of great significance.

Effect of Modified Erchentang on VEGF,VEGFR2,IL-4,ET-1 in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To observe the effects of Erchen on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor R2 (VEGFR2), interleukin (IL)-4 and endothelin-1 (ET-1) in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Method: The 50 SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, 10 rats in each group, which were normal group, model group, Erchentang low, medium and high dose group (10, 20, 40 g · kg-1 · d-1). COPD rat model was established by smoking combined with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intratracheal drip. After successful modeling, the treatment group was given intragastric administration, and the normal group and the model group were given intragastric distilled water of equal volume. The pathological changes of pulmonary vessels in rats were observed by light microscopy, and the thickness of pulmonary vascular wall was measured. The concentration of IL-4 in rat serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung homogenate was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the expression of ET-1 and immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of VEGF,VEGFR2 and ET-1 in lung tissue. Result: Compared with normal group, the concentration of IL-4 in serum, BALF and lung homogenate of model group rats decreased significantly (PPPPPPConclusion: Modified Erchentang can alleviate the process of pulmonary inflammation and pulmonary vascular remodeling in COPD rats, and slow down the progress of COPD and its complications by increasing the content of IL-4, inhibiting the expression of VEGF, VEGFR2, ET-1.

Effect of Modified Erchentang on PPARγ Expression in Lung Tissue of Rats with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To explore the effect of modified Erchentang on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) protein and gene expressions in lung tissue of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) rat model, and the expressions of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in serum, lung homogenate and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Method: Seventy SD rats were randomly divided into seven groups:normal group, model group, high, medium and low-dose modified Erchentang groups (40, 20, 10 g · kg-1 · d-1), Xiaokechuan group (5 g · kg-1 · d-1), and Erchentang group (5 g · kg-1 · d-1). The rat COPD model was established through smoking and intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After successful modeling, the treatment group was given drug by gavage, while the normal group and the model group were given the same amount of saline. The concentrations of IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α in serum, lung homogenate and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) of rats were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot were used to detect the expression of PPARγ in lung tissue. Result: Compared with the normal group, the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in serum, lung homogenate and BALF of the model group rats increased significantly (PPγ mRNA in lung tissue of rats in model group were significantly decreased (Pγ protein was significantly inhibited(Pα in serum, lung homogenate and BALF of each treatment group decreased to varying degrees(Pα in the middle-dose Erchentang group were particularly significant. The PPARγ mRNA and protein expressions in lung tissue of rats in each treatment group were increased to varying degrees (PConclusion: Modified Erchentang may improve pulmonary inflammation and pulmonary function in COPD rats by increasing the expression of PPARγ and the content of IL-10 and decreasing the contents of IL-6 and TNF-α.

Signal Pathways Relating to Prevention and Treatment of Airway Remodeling in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with Traditional Chinese Medicine / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory disease with a high morbidity, disability and mortality. At the same time, COPD is always accompanied by pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic pulmonary heart disease, right heart failure and other common serious complications. All of these cause serious financial burden for the family of patients. Airway remodeling plays an important role in the pathogenesis of COPD. It is the progressive development of airflow restriction that induces the main symptoms of COPD, such as cough, asthma and depression. Therefore, it is of great research value to explore the intervention of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) in the development of COPD by alleviating airway remodeling. Studies have shown that multiple signaling pathways can induce progressive airway remodeling, and the therapeutic effect of TCM has been frequently confirmed by experimental studies. TCM often has a therapeutic effect on COPD through multi-target and multi-channel mediation. This paper mainly includes five signaling pathways that traditional Chinese medicine can intervene COPD airway remodeling, namely matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)/tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMPs), transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1/Smads, RhoA/Rho-associated kinase (ROCK), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/b-fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB. This paper briefly reviews the research progress of these five signaling pathways, and discusses other signaling pathways that may be involved, in order to provide reference and ideas for future experimental research.

Research progress on translesion synthesis DNA polymerase ζ-Rev7 in tumor development / 基础医学与临床

Translesion DNA synthesis is a kind of post-replication repair process, which mainly involves DNA polymerase kappa, eta and zeta.Translesion synthesis is a tolerance mechanism of DNA damage inside the cell, in which DNA polymerase zeta plays an important role.DNA polymerase zeta is mainly composed of subunits Rev7 and Rev3, and play a main role of participate in the damage repair in cell metabolism.Rev7(also known as MAD2L2)is a multifunctional protein that can be combined with a variety of proteins to participate in DNA dam-age repair, cell cycle regulation, gene expression and carcinogenesis, which is also involved in the prognosis of various adverse tumors.

Clinical features and ETFDH mutations of children with late-onset glutaric aciduria type II: a report of two cases / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinical and genetic features of two families with late-onset glutaric aciduria type II caused by ETFDH mutations.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Target gene sequence capture and next generation sequencing were used for sequencing of suspected patients and their family members. The patients' clinical features were retrospectively analyzed and literature review was performed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The probands of the two families had a clinical onset at the ages of 10 years and 5.5 years respectively, with the clinical manifestations of muscle weakness and muscle pain. Laboratory examinations revealed significant increases in the serum levels of creatine kinase, creatine kinase-MB, and lactate dehydrogenase. Tandem mass spectrometry showed increases in various types of acylcarnitines. The analysis of urine organic acids showed an increase in glutaric acid. Electromyography showed myogenic damage in both patients. Gene detection showed two novel mutations in the ETFDH gene (c.1331T>C from the mother and c.824C>T from the father) in patient 1, and the patient's younger brother carried the c.1331T>C mutation but had a normal phenotype. In patient 2, there was a novel mutation (c.177insT from the father) and a known mutation (c.1474T>C from the mother) in the ETFDH gene. Several family members carried such mutations. Both patients were diagnosed with glutaric aciduria type II. Their symptoms were improved after high-dose vitamin B2 treatment.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>For patients with unexplained muscle weakness and pain, serum creatine kinase, acylcarnitines, and urinary organic acids should be measured, and the possibility of glutaric aciduria type II should be considered. Genetic detection is helpful to make a confirmed diagnosis.</p>

Effect of arthroscopic internal fixation and fusion for the treatment of patients with advanced ankle arthritis and the influence of AOFAS and VAS score / 中国内镜杂志

Objective To study the effect of arthroscopic internal fixation combined with arthrodesis on patients with advanced ankle arthritis and American Orthopedic Ankle Association Scoring System (AOFAS) and visual analogue scale (VAS). Methods 84 patients with advanced ankle arthritis from January 2012 to January 2015 were randomly divided into experimental group (42 cases) and control group (42 cases) by random number method. The patients in the control group were treated with traditional open ankle arthrodesis, the experimental group under the arthroscopic assisted internal fixation joint fusion. Then compare the time of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospitalization time and complication. The follow-up period was 12 to 36 months. Used the AOFAS score system to evaluate the curative effect. Use VAS to evaluate the degree of ankle pain. Results The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were significantly lower in the experimental group than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The postoperative hospital stay and the time of joint fusion were lower in the experimental group than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The incidence of complication (9.52%) in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group (25.57%) (P < 0.05). The results of follow-up showed that the VAS and AOFAS scores of the experimental group were better than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion The procedure of arthroscopic endoscopic fusion is short, the bleeding rate is low, the incidence of complications is low, the healing rate is high, and the follow-up effect is accurate. It is suitable for clinical use.

Effects of miR-125b on proliferation and invasion of hepatocarcinoma cells by ART4 protein / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of miR-125 b on ART4 protein and its effect on proliferation and invasion of hep-atocellular carcinoma cells .Methods:The expression of miR-125 b in hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatocellular cells was detected by qPCR.The expression of miR-125b and ART4 was detected by qPCR after overexpression of miR-125b.The expression of miR-125b and ART4 was detected by double luciferase assay .The effect of miR-125 b on the proliferation of hepatoma cells was detected by MTT assay.The effect of miR-125b on the invasion of hepatoma cells was detected by Transwell invasion assay .MTT assay was used to detect the effect of miR-125 b on the proliferation of hepatoma cells after overexpression of ART 4.Transwell invasion assay was used to detect the effect of miR-125 b on the invasion of hepatoma cells after overexpression of ART 4.Results: The expression of miR-125 b in hepatoma cells was low,and overexpression of miR-125b could inhibit the expression of ART4 protein.Overexpression of miR-125b could inhibit the proliferation and invasion of hepatoma cells .Overexpression of ART4 could reverse the proliferation and invasion of hepatoma cells by miR-125b.Conclusion:Expression of miR-125b in hepatocellular carcinoma was down-regulated.Meanwhile,miR-125 b can regulate the expression of ART 4 and affect the proliferation and invasion of hepatoma cells .

Double-balloon enteroscopy in diagnosis of small intestinal disease / 中国内镜杂志

Objective To explore the clinical value of double-balloon enterocopy (DBE) in diagnosis of small intestinal diseases. Methods The clinical and endoscope image data of 231 patients with suspected small bowel disease who underwent DBE from January 2008 to May 2016 were analyzed. Result 231 patients received 257 times of DBE examination, 112 of them were performed by oral and 93 by anal route, 26 patients were underwent by both approaches. The detection rate of intestine diseases was 64.9% (150/231), include 33 cases (14.3%) of nonspecific enteritis, 27 cases (11.7%) of crohn's disease, 19 cases (8.2%) of ulcer, 13 cases (5.6%) of intestinal vascular malformation, 12 cases (5.2%) of small intestinal stromal tumor. The lesion detection rate in obscure abdominal pain and obscure gastrointestinal bleeding were 59.6% (62/104) and 67.0% (63/94). In all patients, there were 1 case of small bowel perforation, the remaining patients had no serious complications such as bleeding and perforation. Conclusion The positive detection rate of double-balloon enteroscopy examination is high, and the double-balloon enteroscopy examination is relatively safe. So, double-balloon enterscopy examination has high diagnostic value for detecting small intestine diseases.

Double-balloon enteroscopy in diagnosis of small intestinal disease / 中国内镜杂志

Objective To explore the clinical value of double-balloon enterocopy (DBE) in diagnosis of small intestinal diseases. Methods The clinical and endoscope image data of 231 patients with suspected small bowel disease who underwent DBE from January 2008 to May 2016 were analyzed. Result 231 patients received 257 times of DBE examination, 112 of them were performed by oral and 93 by anal route, 26 patients were underwent by both approaches. The detection rate of intestine diseases was 64.9% (150/231), include 33 cases (14.3%) of nonspecific enteritis, 27 cases (11.7%) of crohn's disease, 19 cases (8.2%) of ulcer, 13 cases (5.6%) of intestinal vascular malformation, 12 cases (5.2%) of small intestinal stromal tumor. The lesion detection rate in obscure abdominal pain and obscure gastrointestinal bleeding were 59.6% (62/104) and 67.0% (63/94). In all patients, there were 1 case of small bowel perforation, the remaining patients had no serious complications such as bleeding and perforation. Conclusion The positive detection rate of double-balloon enteroscopy examination is high, and the double-balloon enteroscopy examination is relatively safe. So, double-balloon enterscopy examination has high diagnostic value for detecting small intestine diseases.

Identification of Epitopes for Neutralizing Antibodies Against H10N8 Avian Influenza Virus Hemagglutinin / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To develop neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against H10N8 avian influenza virus hemagglutinin and to identify the binding sites. Methods MAbs against hemagglutinin of H10N8 avian influenza virus were developed by genetic engineering. Neutralizing MAbs were screened by microneutralization assay,and then tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot to identity the binding sites.The homology modeling process was performed using Discovery Studio 3.5 software,while the binding epitopes were analyzed by BioEdit software. Results One MAb that could neutralize the H10N8 pseudovirus was obtained and characterized. Analysis about epitopes suggested that the antibody could bind to the HA1 region of hemagglutinin,while the epitopes on antigen were conserved in H10 subtypes.Conclusions One neutralizing antibody was obtained by this research.The MAb may potentially be further developed as a pre-clinical candidate to treat avian influenza H10N8 virus infection.

Influence of interleukin-1beta on microRNA-27b and matrix metalloproteinase-13 expression in rat chondrocytes / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Matrix metal oproteinase-13 is most active in the degradation of col agen type II in the extracel ular matrix of cartilage. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is thought to be the inducer of matrix metal oproteinases, and participates in the degradation and degeneration of articular cartilage. OBJECTIVE:To study the influence of IL-1βon microRNA-27b (miR-27b) and matrix metal oproteinase-13 expression of chondrocytes in rats. METHODS:Chondrocytes isolated from seven male Wistar rats were cultured and divided into IL-1βstimulation group and control group. No stimulus was given in the control group;10μg/L of serum free medium was used to culture rat chondrocytes in the IL-1βstimulation group. Cel growth was observed at 0, 24, and 48 hours under an inverted microscope. miR-27b and matrix metal oproteinase-13 expression in the cultured chondrocytes were detected. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The relative expression of matrix metal oproteinase-13 in rat chondrocytes was gradual y increased when induced by IL-1βat 0, 24, and 48 hours (P<0.05). Expression of miR-27b and miR-31 in rat chondrocytes at 24 and 48 hours induced by IL-1βgradual y decreased (P<0.05);conversely, expression of MiR-26a, miR-26b, miR-23, and miR-204 gradual y increased (P<0.05). After 48 hours of IL-1βinduction, expression of miR-27b was the lowest in rat chondrocytes (P<0.05). These findings suggest that IL-1βinhibits miR-27b expression, strengthens the expression of matrix metal oproteinase-13, and damages chondrocytes, contributing to both the onset and progression of osteoarthritis.

Eukaryotic expression and biological activity of human interleukin-35 / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To express and purify recombinant human interleukin-35[IL-35-IgG1 (Fc) in eukaryotic expression system and to study the interaction of IL-35 with gp130 protein.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A mammalian expression vector, pSTEP2-IL35-LFc, was constructed and transfected into HEK293T cells. Then rhIL-35-IgG1 (Fc) was expressed and purified with protein A affinity chromatography, and was examined with SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis. The binding of IL-35 to its receptor gp130 was investigated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The biological effect of IL-35 on gp130 was explored in M1 myeloid leukemia cells.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>rhIL-35-Fc with high purity on reduced SDS-PAGE was obtained. ELISA confirmed that IL-35-Fc was bound to gp130 and neutralized the function of gp130 in M1 myeloid leukemic cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>High-purity and biologically active rhIL-35-Fc protein successfully produced in this study. IL-35 binds to gp130 and neutralizes its activity of in M1 myeloid leukemic cells.</p>

Experiences of Sun's acupuncture in treating emergencies / 中国针灸

The Sun's acupuncture includes Sun's painless acupuncture technique, Sun's reinforcing-reducing method and Sun's hand-manipulating method. The key points of Sun's painless acupuncture method are summarized as one fast manipulation, two slow manipulations and finger pressure during needle insertion. While the key points of Sun's reinforcing-reducing process refers to needle insertion firstly, twisting secondly and followed by scraping the handle of the needle. The contents of Sun's hand-manipulating method includes short hand-manipulating, continuous hand-manipulating and intermittent hand-manipulating. There are four characteristics of Sun's reinforcing-reducing method. The first is dexterity and gentleness; the second is the combination of strong stimula tion and weak stimulation; the third characteristic is the requirement of the same manipulation rhythm during the whole needling process; and the fourth is to use different stimulus to distinguish reinforcing and reducing. Emergent cases treated with Sun's acupuncture method are also provided in this article for reader's references.

Meta-analysis of association between GSTM1 gene polymorphism and cervical cancer

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate association between glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) and cervical cancer.@*METHODS@#Published literature from PubMed, EMBASE, and other databases were retrieved. All studies evaluating the association between GSTM1/GSTT1 polymorphisms and cervical were included. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using fixed- or random-effects model.@*RESULTS@#A total of 15 case-control studies were included in the meta-analysis of GSTM1 genotypes (1,825 cases and 2,104 controls). The overall result showed that the association between GSTM1 null genotype and risk for cervical cancer was statistically significant (OR=1.53, 95%CI=1.18-2.00). Great heterogeneity was found between studies. Subgroup analysises were performed based on smoking and ethnicity. Our results showed that smokers with null GSTM1 genotype had higher risk of cervical cancer (OR=1.56, 95%CI=1.01-2.41). For the ethnicity stratification, significant increased risk of null GSTM1 genotype was found in Chinese and Indian population, but no increased risk in other population.@*CONCLUSIONS@#This meta-analysis provides strong evidence that the GSTM1 null genotype is associated with the development of cervical cancer, and especially in Chinese and Indian population, and smoking shows a modification on the association between GSTM1 null genotype and cervical cancer.

Effects of eight environmental endocrine disruptors on insulin resistance in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a preliminary investigation / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the relationship between 8 endocrine-disrupting chemicals in the serum and insulin resistance in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This study was conducted among 60 patients with PCOS, including 23 with insulin resistance (PCOS-IR) and 37 without insulin resistance (PCOS-NIR), and 29 non-PCOS women seeking medical attention for infertility or menstrual disorder (control group). The serum levels of 6 phthalic acid esters (PEAs), bisphenol A (BPA) and octylphenol (OP) were measured in all the subjects.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The levels of PAEs, BPA and OP showed no significant differences between PCOS patients and the control group (P>0.05). The serum level of OP was significantly lower in patients PCOS-IR than in those with PCOS-NIR (47.89 ng/ml vs 60.24 ng/ml, P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PEAs and BPA do not produce obvious effect on the pathogenesis of PCOS or contribute to insulin resistance, but OP may play a role in insulin resistance in PCOS patients.</p>

Prokaryotic expression of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 and preparation of monoclonal antibodies / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To express and purify the recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 mature peptide (rhBMP-2m) in prokaryotic system and to develop highly-specific monoclonal antibodies.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>An engineered E. coli strain expressing rhBMP-2m was fermented. The bacterial cells were firstly lysed and then the rhBMP-2m inclusion bodies were isolated by centrifugation. After the inclusion bodies had been solubilized by high-concentration denaturing agents, denatured rhBMP-2m was purified by cation ion-exchange chromatography. Biologically active rhBMP-2m was obtained by refolding of purified denatured rhBMP-2m through direct dilution. The refolded rhBMP-2m was used to immunize Balb/c mice to develop anti-rhBMP-2m monoclonal antibodies using classic hybridoma technique.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>rhBMP-2m with a purity greater than 95% was obtained on reduced SDS-PAGE. The refolded rhBMP-2m was measured to be bioactive by the induction of alkaline phosphatase activity in MC3T3-E1 cells. Two hybridoma cell lines that stably secreted anti-rhBMP-2m antibody were developed from the immunized mice.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Bioactive rhBMP-2m protein and its monoclonal antibodies were successfully prepared, which will provides a solid base for future studies on rhBMP-2.</p>

Sexual hormone and traditional Chinese patent medicine for early postmenopausal women: effect on quality of life and cost-utility analysis / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effect of Premarin and Kuntai capsule (a traditional Chinese patent medicine) on the quality of life (QOL) and their cost-utility in early postmenopausal women.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty-seven women with menopausal syndrome in the early postmenopausal stage were randomly allocated into Premarin group (0.3 mg/day and 0.6 mg/day alternately, n=29) and Kuntai group (4 g/day, n=28). The therapies lasted for one year and the patients were followed up every 3 months. The QOL of the patients was evaluated and the utility scores were obtained from rating scale to conduct a cost-utility analysis (CUA).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>At each follow-up examination, no significant difference was found in the QOL between the two groups (P>0.05). The QOL obviously increased after the 1-year-long therapy in both the groups, and Kuntai required longer treatment time than Premarin to take effect. The cost-utility ratio of Premarin and Kuntai were 13581.45 yuan/QALY (quality adjusted life year) and 25105.12 yuan/QALY, respectively. Both incremental cost analysis and sensitivity analysis showed that Kuntai was more costly than Premarin. The result of per-protocol analysis was consistent with that of intention-to-treat analysis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>At early stage of menopause, the QOL of women with menopausal syndrome can be significantly improved by low-dose Premarin and Kuntai capsule, but the latter is more costly.</p>