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Objective:To analyze the genetic etiology and prognosis in fetuses with increased nuchal translucency (NT) in order to assist in the clinical prenatal genetic counseling and diagnosis.Methods:This study retrospectively enrolled 1 658 cases of singleton pregnancy (<35 years old) receiving invasive prenatal diagnosis, including karyotype analysis and/or chromosome microarray analysis or copy number variation (CNV) sequencing, due to NT value ≥2.5 mm in the first trimester in Henan Provincial People's Hospital from August 2014 to December 2021. They were divided into different groups according to the thickness of NT (≥2.5-<3.0, ≥3.0-<3.5, ≥3.5-<4.5, ≥4.5-<5.5, ≥5.5-<6.5 and ≥6.5 mm groups) and abnormal ultrasound findings (isolated increased NT group, increased NT complicated by soft markers/non-severe structural abnormality group and increased NT complicated by severe structural abnormality group). The results of invasive prenatal diagnosis and pregnancy outcomes were compared between different groups using Chi-square test and trend Chi-square test. Results:The detection rates of numerical abnormalities of chromosomes were 15.8% (262/1 658) and 17.6% (252/1 431) when the NT thickness cut-off value were 2.5 mm or 3.0 mm, respectively. Overall, the detection rate of numerical abnormalities of chromosomes increased with thickness of NT ( χ2trend=180.75, P<0.001), ranging from 6.6% (44/671) in the NT≥2.5-<3.5 mm group to 45.6% (113/248) in the NT≥5.5 mm group. The incidence of pathogenic/likely pathogenic CNV(P/LP CNV) did not increased with NT thickness ( χ2trend=3.26, P=0.071), and the highest detection rate was observed in the NT≥4.5-<5.5 mm group (9.0%, 19/211). The detection rate of numerical abnormalities of chromosomes plus P/LP CNV in the isolated NT≥2.5-<3.0 mm group and NT≥3.0-<3.5 mm group were 5.3% (10/188) and 9.6% (36/375), respectively, however, the difference was not statistically significant ( χ2=3.06, P=0.080). The detection rates of numerical abnormalities of chromosomes plus P/LP CNV in the isolated NT≥3.5-<4.5 mm group and NT≥2.5-<3.0 mm complicated by soft markers/ non-severe structural abnormality group were 12.7% (52/410) and 24.1% (7/29), respectively, and the risk were 2.6 times (95% CI: 1.3-5.2) and 5.7 times (95% CI: 2.0-16.4) of the isolated NT≥2.5-<3.0 mm group, respectively. The pregnancy termination rate increased with the NT thickness ( χ2trend=304.42, P<0.001), ranging from 10.8% (23/212) in the NT≥2.5-<3.0 mm group to 90.7% (117/129) in the NT≥6.5 mm group. After exclusion of the pregnancies terminated due to numerical abnormalities of chromosomes and P/LP CNV, 87.6% (862/984) of the fetus with increased NT were born alive. Conclusions:The detection rate of numerical abnormalities of chromosomes increases with the thickness of NT. Invasive prenatal diagnosis is required for non-advance aged singleton pregnant women when fetuses present with isolated NT≥2.5 mm with or without soft markers/structural abnormalities.
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Objective:To investigate the normal parameter values of transvaginal E-Cervix cervical elastography of primipara and explore the correlation between E-Cervix parameters and gestational age.Methods:A total of 301 primiparas underwent E-Cervix by transvaginal ultrasound in Henan Provincial People′s Hospital from March 2019 to January 2021, they were divided into 6 groups according to generational weeks: group A (11-13 + 6W), group B (14-17 + 6W), group C (18-21 + 6W), group D (22-25 + 6W), group E (26-29 + 6W), group F (30-33 + 6W). Real-time E-Cervix parameters were obtained, including elasticity contrast index (ECI), hardness ratio (HR), internal ostium (IOS), and external ostium (EOS), strain ratio of the internal and external cervical ostium (IOS/EOS), and the correlations between E-Cervix parameters and the gestational week were analyzed. Results:The normal reference ranges of parameters ECI, IOS, EOS, HR and IOS/EOS were obtained, their 95% reference values in groups A to F were as follows: ECI (1.84-3.38, 2.13-4.50, 2.25-4.12, 2.06-3.96, 2.04-5.15, 2.36-5.53), HR (85.85%-88.72%, 77.31%-80.92%, 74.41%-78.50%, 71.13%-74.35%, 64.49%-68.56%, 63.57%-68.23%), IOS (0.12-0.21, 0.14-0.34, 0.14-0.31, 0.19-0.40, 0.19-0.56, 0.21-0.49), EOS (0.12-0.30, 0.14-0.34, 0.16-0.41, 0.20-0.39, 0.22-0.58, 0.22-0.54), IOS/EOS (0.55-1.12, 0.52-1.45, 0.56-1.26, 0.54-1.38, 0.54-1.52, 0.65-1.46). The differences of ECI, HR, IOS and EOS in different groups were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis results showed that ECI, IOS, and EOS were positively correlated with gestational week( rs=0.524, 0.689, 0.609; all P<0.01). HR was negatively correlated with gestational week ( rs=-0.755, P<0.01). The regression equations of ECI, HR, IOS and EOS were Y=0.06X+ 52.214, Y=99.25-1.07X, Y=8.63E-3X+ 0.05, Y=7.94E-3X+ 0.1, respectively. Conclusions:The normal parameters values of E-TVES are summarized.It provides effective support in data for cervical evaluation in the preterm prediction and success of labor induction.
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Objective:To observe the morphological characteristics of urogenital hiatus in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) after vaginal delivery.Methods:This study included 192 pregnant patients from Henan Provincial People′s Hospital who met the conditions between Jan.2020 and Aug.2021. All participants were screened for GDM by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) or fasting blood glucose at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy, and were divided into GDM group (34 cases) and non-GDM group (158 cases) based on the presence or absence of GDM. All participants underwent pelvic floor ultrasonography at the first trimester (6-8 gestational weeks), 3 days postpartum, 6 weeks postpartum, 6 months postpartum, and 1 year postpartum. Area of urogenital hiatus (AUH), transversal diameter of urogenital hiatus (TDUH) and anteroposterior diameter of urogenital hiatus (APDUH) were measured using Smart Pelvic. The Logistic regression model was used to calculate and match the propensity score between the GDM group and the non-GDM group.Results:In the non-GDM group, TDUH during rest maneuver at 6 weeks postpartum( P=0.319), the indicators during rest and contract maneuver at 6 months postpartum( P=0.586, 0.877, 0.164, 0.226, 0.465, 0.097), and TDUH during tension maneuver at 1 year postpartum( P=0.643) returned to the level of early pregnancy. In the GDM group, the indicators during rest maneuver and TDUH during contract maneuver at 6 months postpartum recovered to the level of early pregnancy ( P=0.647, 0.584, 0.376, 0.440), while APDUH and AUH during contract maneuver ( F=7.784, 9.785; P=0.005, <0.001) and the indicators during tension maneuver at 1 year postpartum( F=15.343, 11.974, 17.981; P<0.001) did not recover to the level of early pregnancy. After propensity score matching, APDUH and AUH during tension maneuver at 1 year postpartum in the GDM group were significantly greater than those in the non-GDM group( t=2.810, 2.926; P=0.006, 0.004). Conclusions:The pelvic floor muscles of GDM patients after vaginal delivery are more severely damaged, and the recovery speed is slower. Pelvic floor muscle exercise during pregnancy and enhanced postpartum follow-up are needed to prevent, diagnose and treat pelvic floor dysfunction early.
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Objective:To summarize the diagnosis features of the prenatal genetic diagnosis of fetal renal cystic disease and to explore the clinical feasibility and significance of prenatal genetic diagnosis of congenital cystic nephrosis.Methods:A total of 25 fetuses with congenital renal cystic disease were examined via invasive prenatal diagnosis in Henan Provincial People's Hospital from June 2017 to September 2019. Amniotic fluid samples were extracted by amniocentesis. Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) were performed in 17 cases. In addition to CMA, the other 8 cases were analyzed by G-band karyotype. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed in 6 cases which got normal results by CMA and karyotype, and highly suspected as hereditary disease.Results:Of the 25 fetuses assessed, 4 cases (16.0%) pathogenic copy number variation (pCNV) were found, including 2 cases of 17q12 deletion, 1 case of 10p15.1p14 deletion and 1 case of 4q21.28q22.1 deletion(including PKD2 gene). There were 8 cases without chromosome abnormality by karyotype analysis. Six clinical WES analysis found NPHS1 gene c.1440+1 G>A and c.925G > T mutations were related to Finnish type congenital nephrotic syndrome in 1 case, PKD1 gene c.6878C>T mutation was related to autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) in 1 case, and there was no definitive mutation in 4 cases. Conclusions:CMA and next generation sequencing are powerful tools for accurate diagnosis, treatment and genetic counseling of fetal congenital renal cystic diseases. For congenital cystic nephropathy, genetic detection is helpful to clarify the etiology, and provide more exactly informations for prognosis evaluation, treatment and family genetic counseling.
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Purpose@#Ischemic brain injury results in high mortality and serious neurologic morbidity. Here, we explored the role of SNHG15 in modulating neuronal damage and microglial inflammation after ischemia stroke. @*Materials and Methods@#The hypoxia/ischemia models were induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice and oxygenglucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) in vitro. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were conducted to determine the levels of SNHG15, miR-302a-3p, and STAT1/NF-κB. Moreover, gain- or loss-of functional assays of SNHG15 and miR-302a-3p were conducted. MTT assay was used to evaluate the viability of HT22 cells, and the apoptotic level was determined by flow cytometry. Furthermore, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to detect oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators in the ischemia cortex and OGD/R-treated BV2 microglia. @*Results@#The SNHG15 and STAT1/NF-κB pathways were both distinctly up-regulated, while miR-302a-3p was notably down-regulated in the ischemia cortex. Additionally, overexpressing SNHG15 dramatically enhanced OGD/R-mediated neuronal apoptosis as well as the expression of oxidative stress and inflammation factors from microglia. In contrast, knocking down SNHG15 or overexpressing miR-302a-3p relieved OGD/R-mediated neuronal apoptosis and microglial activation. Moreover, the rescue experiment testified that overexpressing miR-302a-3p also attenuated SNHG15 up-regulation-induced effects. In terms of the mechanisms, SNHG15 sponged miR-302a-3p and activated STAT1/NF-κB as a competitive endogenous RNA, while miR-302a-3p targeted STAT1 and negatively regulated the STAT1/NF-κB pathway. @*Conclusion@#SNHG15 was up-regulated in the hypoxia/ischemia mouse or cell model. The inhibition of SNHG15 ameliorates ischemia/hypoxia-induced neuronal damage and microglial inflammation by regulating the miR-302a-3p/STAT1/NF-κB pathway.
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Objective:To measure the normal range of inter-rectus distance in Han nationality women with normal gestational age and without a history of pregancy in central China by high-frequency ultrasound.Methods:A total of 561 Han nationality women with normal gestational age and without a history of pregnancy were continuously collected to perform transabdominal sonography from March 2018 to December 2019 in Henan Provincial People′s Hospital. The inter-rectus distance between superior margin of pubic symphysis and below the xiphoid process under rest condition was observed, and the widest distance between the inter-rectus distance was detected, also its distance with upper edge of umbilical level was confirmed. The 95% medical reference value(P95%) was adopted to confirm range of normal values of inter-rectus distance.Results:A total of 547 non-pregnant women were included in the study. The widest distance between the linea alba was mostly at the umbilical level. P95% for the inter-rectus distance was less than or equal to 29.00 mm.Conclusions:The ultrasounds can evaluate the inter-rectus distance in non-pregnant women. The widest inter-rectus distance in Han nationality women with normal gestational age and without a history of pregancy in central China is mostly at the upper edge of umbilical level. The critical point for the inter-rectus distance is 29.00 mm under rest condition.
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Objective:To observe pelvic floor muscle′s contraction in women with the second and full term natural parturition by intelligent ultrasonic examination.Methods:Ninety-five postpartum women who underwent natural parturition and post-partum check (6-9 weeks after delivery) in Henan Provincal People′s Hospital were recruited in this study from Jul to Dec 2018. Fifty-four puerpera were first parturition and 41 were second parturition. The morphology of urogenital hiatus was observed during both rest and contract maneuver by real-time 3D ultrasound. Several parameters were measured by intelligent ultrasound, such as hiatal area, anteroposterior diameter, transverse diameter, and the thickness of puborectalis muscles, and the D-values of all parameters were calculated in different maneuver. Meanwhile, the strength of pelvic muscle in two groups were measured and the ultrasonic diameters and muscle strength were compared.Results:The hiatal area, anteroposterior diameter, transverse diameter, and the thickness of bilateral puborectalis muscles between first natural parturition and second natural parturition during rest maneuver were (15.92±2.76)cm 2 vs (16.65±2.63)cm 2, (40.93±5.63)mm vs (40.27±6.21)mm, (55.54±6.05)mm vs (57.92±5.27)mm, (7.03±1.51)mm vs (7.44±1.23)mm, (7.49±1.44)mm vs (7.44±1.44)mm, there was no statistical difference( P>0.05). During contract maneuver, these data were (11.76±2.62)cm 2 vs (12.09±2.78)cm 2, (37.57±5.46)mm vs (37.18±4.71)mm, (42.21±5.69)mm vs (43.03±7.13)mm, (8.92±1.54)mm vs (8.87±1.23)mm, (8.90±1.60)mm vs (9.30±2.71)mm, there was no statistical difference( P>0.05). The D-values of all diameters were (4.16±2.38)cm 2 vs (4.43±2.70)cm 2, 3(1.00, 5.00)mm vs 1(1.00, 5.25)mm, (13.33±6.07)mm vs (14.41±6.54)mm, (1.90±1.78)mm vs (1.68±1.31)mm, 1(0.48, 2.40)mm vs 1.25(0.20, 2.13)mm, there was no statistically significant difference between two groups ( P>0.05). The non-eligibility rate of typeⅠmuscle fiber strength in two groups were 65% vs 68%(35 vs 28) and typeⅡmuscle fiber strength were 74% vs 79%(40 vs 32), there was no statistically difference between two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:In comparison to the primary and full term natural parturition women, there is no significant reduction of the pelvic floor muscle′s contraction by intelligent ultrasund in second and full term natural parturition women without abnormal pregancy history and complications. This could provide theoretical basis for the choice of the mode of second parturition and the rahabilitation of postpartum.
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Objective:To investigate the effect of L-carnitine on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) operation.Methods:The clinical data of 60 patients who had underwent CABG under extracorporeal circulation in Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Xi′an Jiaotong University from January 2015 to December 2017 was retrospectively analyzed. L-carnitine was infused into the patients in the observation group while the equal amount of normal saline was given to the patients in the control group during perioperative period. Venous blood was collected from each patient 1 hour before the surgery and at 2, 6, 24 and 72 hours after unclamping the aorta, then serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), and creatine kinase-MB isozyme (CK-MB) were detected. Additionally, cardiac function indices including stroke volume (SV), left ventricular diastolic diameter (LVDD), cardiac output (CO), Left ventricular ejection fraction (lVEF) were compared between the two group patients before the surgery and 6 days after operation.Results:Compared with before the operation, the levels of serum enzymes were all significantly increased after unclamping the aorta. The levels of serum AST, LDH and CK reached their peak at 24 hours after unclamping the aorta. Notably, the levels of serum AST, LDH and CK in the experimental group were lower than that in the control group at each time point after unclamping the aorta ( P<0.05). For serum CK-MB, the level in the experimental group reached its peak at 6 hours after unclamping the aorta, while the peak value was observed at 24 hours after unclamping the aorta in the control group. The level of CK-MB in the experimental group was significantly decreased compared with the control group at each time point after unclamping the aorta ( P<0.05). Moreover, there were no significant differences in cardiac function indices between the 2 groups before the operation ( P>0.05). The levels of SV, CO and LVEF in the experimental group were significantly increased while the level of LVDD was obviously decreased compared to that in the control group after the operation ( P<0.05). Conclusions:L-carnitine has protective effects on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in patients undergoing CABG operation under cardiopulmonary bypass, with reducing serum levels of myocardial enzyme in these patients.
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Objective To assess the diagnostic value of left ventricular angiography in patients with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.Methods A total of 32 consecutively recruited patients aged from 61 to 78 with suspected apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy from inconclusive apex imaging on conventional echocardiography from June 2016 to December 2017 underwent left ventricular opacification.A diagnosis of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was made when the thickness of hypertrophied area of the apex was ＞ 1.5 cm,the ratio of the hypertrophied area to the non-hypertrophied area was ＞ 1.3,and no hypertrophy was found elsewhere.Results Twenty-four out of 32 patients (75.0％) were diagnosed with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy,all of whom had pure apical hypertrophy.The other 8 patients were excluded,with normal thickness in the apex.Patients with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy had apical wall thicknesses ranging from 15 mm to 21 mm,reduced myocardial motion amplitude in the apex and uneven echo at certain areas of the ventricular wall.All cases showed clear images of the apex with left ventricular opacification,and the apex of the heart lost its normal morphology and showed a pointed end,with ventricular cavity obliteration or uneven wall thickness in the apex.Conclusions Left heart ventricular angiography can be complimentary to conventional echocardiography in the diagnosis of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy by providing a clearer endocardial contour and more accurate estimates of apical wall thickness and therefore enhancing the diagnostic value of ultrasound for apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
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Objective To investigate the distribution of TCM Constitution in hypertensive patients with diabetes mellitus by means of cross-sectional study.Methods A total of 150 hypertension patients from Shaanxi university of traditional Chinese medicine and Xianyang central hospital were selected from year 2014-2015,and were divided into two groups, including 62 patients complicated with diabetes, as the observation group; 88 patients without diabetes, as the control group. The distribution of TCM Constitution in the two groups was compared. Results The proportion of Yi n deficiency constitution, phlegm dampness constitution in the observation group was relatively high,but the proportion of Q i deficiency and Yi n deficiency in the control group was relatively high. Compared with the female patients,the proportion of Yi n deficiency constitution,phlegm dampness constitution and blood stasis constitution of the male patients was higher,while the Qi depression constitution and the proportion of the specific physical constitution were relatively low, and the difference was statistically significant (χ2value were 4.408, 3.723, 3.723, 3.964, 3.893, P value were 0.036, 0.044, 0.044, 0.046, 0.039). The factors like gender, age, BMI, alcohol intake, history of coronary heart disease, diet and taste preference were correlated with the physical types (B value were 1.967, 0.089, 0.017, -0.871, -0.959, -0.014,P<0.01 or P<0.05), and the taste preference and history of coronary heart disease posed a negative correlation with all types of constitution. Conclusions The types of TCM Constitution in hypertensive patients with diabetes are mainly Yi n deficiency and phlegm dampness, and the patients with hypertension are the deficiency of Q i and Yi n deficiency. The gender, age, BMI, alcohol consumption, coronary heart disease, and dietary preferences can influence the physical type of constitution.
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Objective To explore the value of sonohysterography (SHG) in diagnosis of post-cesarean scar diverticulum.Methods Totally 28 patients with post-cesarean scar diverticulum suspected clinical underwent SHG and conventional transvaginal ultrasound (TVS).The sizes of the diverticulum and the thickness of muscular layer were observed and the diagnostic value of SHG and TVS were compared.All patients underwent hysteroscopy,and the results were considered as diagnostic standard.Results Twenty diverticulums were found by hysteroscopy,20 diverticulums by SHG and 17 diverticulums by TVS.Taking hysteroscopy as diagnostic standard,the accuracy of SHG,TVS in diagnosis of diverticulums were 100％ (20/20) and 89.29％ (17/20) respectively.Superoinferior diameter ([9.17 ± 2.63] mm),left-right diameter ([11.76± 5.67]mm) of diverticulum and thickness of muscular layer ([3.29 ± 1.01]mm) measured by TVS had statistical differences compared with those measured by SHG (superoinferior diameter:[12.01± 4.04]mm,left-right diameter:[12.37±6.14]mm,thickness:[2.85±1.30]mm,all P＜0.05).The altitude of diverticulum measured by TVS and SHG had no statistial difference ([5.62±± 2.13]mm vs [5.50±2.34]mm,P＞0.05).Five patients with intra uterine adhesions,4 with endometrial polyps and 1 with submucosal myoma were detected by SHG.Conclusion SHG has clinical value in di agnosis of post-cesarean scar diverticulum..
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Objective@#To investigate surface properties of novel flowable composites after polishing and simulated brushing wear, compared to their pasty counterpart.@*Methods@#Composites employed in this study were: three flowable composites (A1: Clearfil Majesty ES Flow; B1: Beautifil Flow Plus F00; C1: Filtek Bulk Fill) and three paste composites (A2: Clearfil Majesty; B2: Beautifil; C2: Filtek Z350. Eleven disk-shaped specimens were made for each material. The specimens were cured, then subjected to sandpaper finishing for 20 s, one-step polishing for 30 s, finally subjected to simulated brushing for 10 000 cycles. Surface roughness and glossiness were measured before finishing, after finishing, after polishing, after 5 000 brushing cycles and after 10 000 brushing cycles, respectively. Data obtained were analyzed using two-way ANOVA method. Scanning electron microscope was employed to examine the microscopic appearance of each material.@*Results@#Surface roughness (0.11~0.22 μm) and glossiness (74.25~86.48 GU) of each material were similar after one-step polishing. After brushing simulation, roughness increased significantly and glossiness decreased significantly for each material (P<0.05). Group A1 presented the best gloss ([50.68±1.58] GU) after final wear (P<0.05). Flowable composites of group A1 and B1 tested in the present setup showed better surface properties compared to their pasty counterpart (group A2 and B2).@*Conclusions@#Within the limit of this study, flowable composites tested in the present research can obtain similar surface polish or even better than the paste composite counterpart.
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Objective To investigate differences in the expression of Ras 1,Rac1 and Rho1 genes between yeast and hyphal phases of Trichosporon asahii (T.asahii),and to explore their roles in the formation of hyphae.Methods The yeast phase and hyphal phase of T.asahii were cultured and served as yeast phase group and hyphal phase group respectively.Total RNA was extracted from the 2 groups,and real -time fluorescence-based quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) was performed to measure the mRNA expression of Ras1,Rac1 and Rho1.Results The hyphal formation rate was significantly lower in the yeast phase group than in the hyphal phase group (0.40％ ± 0.53％ vs.99.33％ ± 0.57％,t =13.93,P ＜ 0.05).When the mRNA expression of Ras1,Rac1 and Rho1 in the yeast phase group was all set as 1,that in the hyphal phase group was 25.17 ± 10.99,16.81 ± 7.80,42.61 ± 18.50,respectively,with significant differences between the two groups in the three parameters (t =3.81,3.51,3.90,respectively,all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Ras1,Rac1 and Rho1 genes may participate in the regulation of hyphal formation in T.asahii.
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Rapid detection of infection pathogens is of great importance to the prevention and control of infectious diseases.Compared with traditional approaches,point-of-care testing (POCT) technologies promise great advantages in simple, rapid and portable detection of pathogens.In this review, the technologies, categories, developments and applications of POCT in detection of infectious pathogens are elaborated.Furthermore, the future developments of POCT detection of infectious pathogen are also discussed.This review focuses on loop-mediated isothermal amplification ( LAMP) technology, microfluidic chip and biosensor technology in the POCT detection of infectious pathogens while elaborating on the application of these new technologies associated with POCT detection.
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ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of vesiculation moxibustion plus Levofloxacin in treating chronic bronchitis.MethodEighty-three eligible patients with chronic bronchitis were randomized into an observation group of 43 cases and a control group of 40 cases. The control group was intervened by orally taking Levofloxacin,while the observation group was additionally intervened by vesiculation moxibustion. The clinical efficacy in the two groups and the safety of vesiculation moxibustion were evaluated.ResultThere was a significant difference in comparing the total effective rate between the two groups (P<0.05), and the observation group was superior to the control group; vesiculation didn’t cause fever, obvious swelling, or big blisters, etc.ConclusionVesiculation moxibustion plus Levofloxacin can produce a satisfactory clinical efficacy in treating chronic bronchitis, and it’s safe and reliable without obvious adverse reactions and worth application in clinic.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the anti-oxidative stress and anti-fibrotic mechanisms of adiponectin by examining effects on oxidative stress levels and expression of fibrosis-related signaling factors, including transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGFb1), collagen I (COL-1), and the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway by using an in vitro HSC-T6 cultured cell system.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Activated HSC-T6 cells were pre-treated with 1.0 mug/mL adiponectin for 0, 30, 60 and 120 min, or left untreated to serve as controls, and both groups were then exposed to 5 mumol/L H2O2; a portion of the adiponectin-treated oxidative stress-induced cells were treated with an AMPK inhibitor (Compound C). The effects on mRNA levels of TGFb1. and COL-1 were analyzed by real-time PCR, in the levels of secreted TGF-b1 and COL-1 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of supernatants, and in the phosphoAMPK and AMPK protein expressions were detected by Western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared to the H2O2 group without adiponectin pre-treatment, the H2O2 group with adiponectin pre-treatment showed significantly increased activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), decreased content of malondialdehyde (MDA), and decreased gene and protein expressions of TGF-b1 and COL-1 (P less than 0.05). Moreover, inhibition of the AMPK pathway inhibited these adiponectin-mediated effects. The H2O2 group with adiponectin pre-treatment also showed increased levels of phospho-AMPK protein expression, with the maximum effect detected after 120 min of the adiponectin pre-treatment (P less than 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Inhibition of oxidative stress is one of the mechanisms of the anti-fibrotic effects of adiponectin. Adiponectin can attenuate oxidative stress levels, resulting in down-regulation of TGFb1 and COL-1 expression through activation of the AMPK pathway.</p>
Subject(s)
Humans , AMP-Activated Protein Kinases , Adiponectin , Cell Line , Collagen Type I , Down-Regulation , Hepatic Stellate Cells , Hydrogen Peroxide , Oxidative Stress , RNA, Messenger , Signal Transduction , Transforming Growth Factor beta1ABSTRACT
Objective To assess the renal perfusion of different severity of hepatic cirrhosis by contrast-enhanced ultrasound with time-intensity curve.Methods Forty hepatic cirrhosis patients with normal conventional renal function enrolled the study and were subdivided into Child-Pugh A group ( n =14),Child-Pugh B group ( n =14) and Child-Pugh C group ( n =12).Thirty healthy subjects were selected as the control group.The parameters of perfusion were compared among the groups.The correlations between parameters and score of Child-Pugh were analyzed using Pearson correlation.Results The cirrhosis groups showed a decrease of peak intensity,increase of time to peak,and reduce of area under the curve in the renal cortex( P ＜0.05).Compared with Child-Pugh A group,the peak intensity decreased in both ChildPugh B and C groups,time to peak increased in Child-Pugh C group( P ＜0.05 or P ＜0.01 ).The peak intensity had negative correlation with Child-Pugh score( r =- 0.506,P ＜0.01 ).Conclusions Contrastenhanced ultrasound combined with time-intensity curve can assess renal perfusion of hepatic cirrhosis quantitatively.The peak intensity was correlated to the severity of cirrhosis.
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Objective To assess the effects of captopril on renal perfusion of diabetic mellitus(DM)rabbits at early stage by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS).Methods Of 58 rabbits,6 were control group,37 were made as DM model successfully by alloxan and were randomly divided into 4 groups:untreatment group (n =16) and treatment group A,B and C (n =7 averagely).The treatment groups were given captopril(25 mg/kg weight) everyday by intragastric administration after the DM model established and renal pathology appeared Mogensen DN Ⅰ,Ⅱ or / and Ⅲ respectively.The treatment lasted 12 week.Then CEUS was performed on bilateral kidney to observe the renal perfusion,the parameters included:curve ascending slope(K1),time to peak intensity(PIT),peak signal intensity(PSI),area under the curve(AUC) and time to half of peak intensity(HPT).Results At the end of 12 weeks,compared with control group,PIT and HPT delayed,PSI and K1 decreased in untreatment group and group C,AUC of untreatment group increased.Compared with untreatment group,PIT,HPT and AUC decreased,PSI and K1 increased in group A,B and C.Compared with group C,HPT of treatment group A,B decreased.Compared with control group,renal's size increased and the cortex was thickened in untreatment group and group A,B,C.The pathological examination showed:renal were damaged more seriously in untreatment group than that in group A and B.There was no significant difference in Scr and BUN between all groups.Conclusions Assessment of CEUS for renal perfusion of diabetic mellitus rabbits at early stage is feasible and captopril can improve renal perfusion of DM rabbits.
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Objective To investigate the expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)in acute myeloid leukemia(AML) and its significance in the progress of AML.Methods Serum levels of HGF and VEGF in AML patients,including 25 de novo cases,17 cases with complete remission( CR),16 cases without remission and 12 cases with relapse,were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay( ELISA ).The data were compared with those of normal controls.Results The serum levels of HGF were( 1357.29 ± 358.64)ng/L in de novo patients,(1175.93 ± 306.71 )ng/L in patients without remission and( 1261.21 ± 340.83 )ng/L in patients with relapse,which were significantly higher than those in normal control(232.62 ± 99.13 ) ng/L and CR patients ( 256.65 ± 94.32 ) ng/L( F =78.35,P ＜ 0.01 ).The serum levels of VEGF were ( 253.84 ± 49.14 ) ng/L in de novo patients,( 245.87 ± 54.68 ) ng/L in patients without remission and(264.75 ± 62.52) ng/L in patients with relapse,which were significantly higher than those in normal control ( 97.61 ± 16.19 ) ng/L and CR patients ( 99.76 ± 15.93 ) ng/L ( F =68.65,P ＜ 0.01 ).Compared with de novo group,the serum levels of HGF and VEGF in CR patients decreased significantly but showed no significant difference from those in normal controls(P ＞0.05).The expression of HGF and VEGF in acute myeloid leukemia was positively correlated with each other ( r =0.49,P ＜ 0.05 ).Conclusion The expression of HGF and VEGF was closely related with the incidence and development of acute myeloid leukemia.Preventing HGF expression may be a possible strategy for leukemia therapy in the future.
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Objective To explore the relationship between the polymorphism of methionine synthase reductase(MTRR) A66G and the susceptibility to unexplained repeated spontaneous abortion (URSA).Methods Total of 200 Henan Han couples with URSA (URSA group) and 76 Henan Han healthy couples without URSA (control group)were enrolled in this study.Their MTRR A66G genotypes were determined by PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).Results (1) The allele frequencies of MTRR A66G:the frequencies of allele A and allele G in URSA group were 76.5％ (153/200)in husband and 72.8％ (146/200) in wife,23.5％ (47/200) in husband and 27.2％ (54/200) in wife,respectively.The frequencies of allele A and allele G in control group were 78.9％ (60/76) in husband and 78.3％ (59/76) in wife,21.1％ (16/76) in husband and 21.7％ (16/76) in wife,respectively.The frequencies of allele A and allele G were not significantly different between female and male subjects within the same experimental group (P ＞ 0.05),and also there were not significantly different between the same gender subjects at URAS and control groups(P ＞ 0.05).(2) The genotype frequencies of MTRR A66G:the frequencies of genotype AA,AG and GG in URSA group were 57.0％ (114/200) in husband and 52.0％ (104/200) in wife,39.0％ (78/200) in husband and 41.5％ (83/200) in wife,4.0％ (8/200) in husband and 6.5％ (13/200) in wife,prepectively.The frequencies of genotype AA,AG and GG in control group were 59.2％ (45/76) in husband and 59.2％ (50/76) in wife,39.5％ (30/76) in husband and 38.2％ (29/76) in wife;1.3 ％ (1/76) in husband and 2.6％ (2/76) in wife,prepectively.The frequencies of genotype AA,AG and GG were not significantly different between female and male subjects within the same group (P ＞ 0.05),and also there were not significantly different between the same gender subjects at URSA and control groups (P ＞0.05).(3) Combined genotype of couples:the combined genotype frequencies of GG + GG,GG + AG,GG +AA,AG + AG,AG + AA and AA + AA in URSA group were 1.0％ (2/200),2.5％ (5/200),6.0％ (12/200),20.0％ (40/200),38.0％ (76/200),and 32.5 ％ (65/200),prepectively ; the combined genotype frequencies in control group were 0,1.3％ (1/76),2.6％ (2/76),17.1％ (13/76),42.1％ (32/76),36.8％ (28/76),prepectively.The combined genotype analysis between the two groups were also not significantly different (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion The polymorphism of MTRR A66G gene was not associated with the susceptibility to URSA (P ＞ 0.05),and so it was not the inherited genetic risk factor of URSA.