Genome-Wide Screening of Aberrant Methylation Loci for Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#The pathogenicity of cleft lip (CL) is pretty complicated since it is influenced by the interaction of environment and genetic factors. The purpose of this study was to conduct a genome-wide screening of aberrant methylation loci in partial lesion tissues of patients with nonsyndromic CL (NSCL) and preliminarily validate candidate dysmethylated genes associated with NSCL.@*Methods@#Fifteen healthy and sixteen NSCL fetal lip tissue samples were collected. The Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip was used to screen aberrant methylation loci in three NSCL and three healthy lip tissues. The differential methylation sites and functions of the annotated genes between NSCL and healthy lip tissues were analyzed using minfi package of R software, cluster analysis, Gene Ontology (GO) annotation, and metabolic pathway annotation. Gene expression was assessed in nine differentially methylated genes by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The transcriptions mRNA levels of three out of nine candidate genes were downregulated remarkably in NSCL lip tissues, and these three genes' abnormal methylation loci were validated by pyrosequencing in 16 NSCL cases and 15 healthy cases.@*Results@#In total, 4879 sites in the genes of NSCL odinopoeia fetuses showed aberrant methylation when compared with normal lip tissue genome. Among these, 3661 sites were hypermethylated and 1218 sites were hypomethylated as compared to methylation levels in healthy specimens. These aberrant methylation sites involved 2849 genes and were widely distributed among the chromosomes. Most differentially methylated sites were located in cytosine-phosphoric acid-guanine islands. Based on GO analysis, aberrantly methylated genes were involved in 11 cellular components, 13 molecular functions, and a variety of biological processes. Notably, the transcription of DAB1, REELIN, and FYN was significantly downregulated in lesion tissues of NSCL fetus (P < 0.05). Pyrosequencing results validated that there were two loci in DAB1 with high methylation status in patient tissues (P < 0.05).@*Conclusions@#We detected numerous aberrantly methylated loci in lesion tissues of NSCL fetus. Aberrant gene expression in the REELIN signaling pathway might be related with NSCL. Decreased transcription of DAB1, a member of REELIN signal pathway, resulted from its abnormal high methylation, which might be one of the factors underlying the occurrence of NSCL.

Upregulated FAAH expression in PVN contributes to sympathoexcitation in rat with chronic heart failure / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To investigate the expression of fatty-acid amide hydrolase(FAAH)in paraventricular nu-cleus(PVN)and its contribution to renal sympathetic nerve activity in rats with chronic heart failure(CHF).METH-ODS:A rat model of CHF was established by ligation of the left coronary artery to induce acute myocardial infarction. Eight weeks after ischemia,the rat model of CHF was identified by echocardiogram and histopathological observation.The plasma level of norepinephrine(NE)was detected by ELISA.The protein expression levels of FAAH in the PVN were de-termined by Western blot.The N-arachidonoylethanolamide(AEA)generation in PVN was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography.After microinjection of AEA,PF3845(an FAAH inhibitor)or rAAV2-FAAH shRNA virus in PVN, the sympathetic drive indexes were recorded in different experiment groups.RESULTS: Compared with the rats in sham group,the cardiac function and AEA concentration in PVN were significantly reduced, while the plasma NE level and FAAH expression in PVN were obviously increased in the CHF rats(P<0.05).After microinjecion of PF3845, AEA or rAAV2-FAAH shRNA virus in PVN, the sympathetic drive indexes were decreased significantly and the cardiac function were improved in the CHF rats.CONCLUSION:Upregulated FAAH expression in PVN may result in sympathoexcitation in the rat with CHF.

Prevalence of Nontraumatic Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head and its Associated Risk Factors in the Chinese Population: Results from a Nationally Representative Survey / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (NONFH) is a debilitating disease that represents a significant financial burden for both individuals and healthcare systems. Despite its significance, however, its prevalence in the Chinese general population remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of NONFH and its associated risk factors in the Chinese population.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A nationally representative survey of 30,030 respondents was undertaken from June 2012 to August 2013. All participants underwent a questionnaire investigation, physical examination of hip, and bilateral hip joint X-ray and/or magnetic resonance imaging examination. Blood samples were taken after overnight fasting to test serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. We then used multivariate logistic regression analysis to investigate the associations between various metabolic, demographic, and lifestyle-related variables and NONFH.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>NONFH was diagnosed in 218 subjects (0.725%) and the estimated NONFH cases were 8.12 million among Chinese people aged 15 years and over. The prevalence of NONFH was significantly higher in males than in females (1.02% vs. 0.51%, χ2 = 24.997, P < 0.001). Among NONFH patients, North residents were subjected to higher prevalence of NONFH than that of South residents (0.85% vs. 0.61%, χ 2 = 5.847, P = 0.016). Our multivariate regression analysis showed that high blood levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and non-HDL-cholesterol, male, urban residence, family history of osteonecrosis of the femoral head, heavy smoking, alcohol abuse and glucocorticoid intake, overweight, and obesity were all significantly associated with an increased risk of NONFH.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Our findings highlight that NONFH is a significant public health challenge in China and underscore the need for policy measures on the national level. Furthermore, NONFH shares a number of risk factors with atherosclerosis.</p>

Xifeng zhidong tablet and the placebo control treatment of tic disorder children patients of internal disturbance of Gan-wind with phlegm syndrome: a clinical study / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the efficacy and safety of Xifeng Zhidong Tablet (XZT) in treating tic disorder children patients of internal disturbance of Gan-wind with phlegm syndrome (IDGWPS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A stratified randomized, double-blinded, parallel control of placebo, multi-center trial was conducted in 160 subjects from 5 hospitals in China. They were randomly assigned to 2 groups, the test group and the control group, 80 in each group. Those in the test group were treated with XZT, while those in the control group were treated with placebos. The therapeutic course was 4 weeks for all. The effectiveness indicators covered main indicators and secondary indicators. Yale global tic severity scale (YGTSS) was taken as the main indicators. The amelioration of social function impairment, efficacy, single index of Chinese medical syndromes, Chinese medical syndrome efficacy as well as disappearance rate of single Chinese medical symptoms were evaluated as secondary indicators. The safety indicators included clinical adverse events, vital signs, blood/urine/stool routines, renal and liver functions, and electrocardiogram (ECG).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>As for main indicators, the score of YGTSS decreased from 22.10 +/- 6.38 to 11.34 +/- 6.58 in the test group, while it decreased from 22.65 +/- 6.70 to 16.82 +/- 6.53 in the control group, showing statistical difference when compared with the same group before treatment (P < 0.01). Besides, the decrement was more significant in the test group after treatment (P < 0.05). As for secondary indicators, the total effective rate was 83.54% in the test group and 34.18% in the controlled group, showing statistical difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). As for social function impairment, 20,38, 16, 3, 1 case(s) in the test group were ranked as normal, minimal, mild, moderate, obvious degree, while 1, 24, 45, 7, and 0 case(s) in the control group were ranked as normal, minimal, mild, moderate, obvious degree. Better effect was obtained in the test group (P < 0.05).As for Chinese medical syndrome efficacy, it was 87.34% in the test group and 64.56% in the control group (P < 0.05). As for single index of Chinese medical syndromes, the disappearance rate of motor tics, irritability, dreaminess, abnormal tongue proper,abnormal tongue fur, and abnormal tongue pulse condition was 78.67%, 34.72%, 62.26%, 34.62%, 58.97%, and 39.74%, respectively in the test group, while they were 34.67%, 13.11%, 21.82%, 15.58%, 25.97%, and 19.48%, respectively in the control group. Better results were shown in the test group (P < 0.05). Totally 5 adverse events occurred. The incidence of adverse events was 3.75% in the test group and 2.53% in the control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>After 4 weeks of XZT treatment, the integral of YGTSS could be obviously reduced, the degree of social function impairment ameliorated, and Chinese medical syndromes improved. In addition, no adverse reaction occurred in this study.</p>

Effects of perioperative combined nutritional support in Crohn disease / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the efficacy of perioperative combined nutritional support in patients with Crohn disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 2000 to June 2008, 165 patients with Crohn disease receiving perioperative nutritional support were included in this retrospective analysis. The patients were divided into three groups according to the ways of nutritional support: total enteral nutrition group, total parenteral nutrition group and combined nutrition group; there were 55 patients in each group. Each group had the same treatment except for nutritional support. The efficacy of different approaches of nutritional support was analyzed and compared among the groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with total enteral and total parenteral nutrition, combined nutrition supplied more sufficient energy, the nutritional status improved more significant in short time; pre-albumin, transferrin, lymphocytes and platelet count increased significantly. The disease remission rate in combined nutrition group was 80.0%, better than 76.4% in total enteral nutrition group and 74.5% in total parenteral nutrition group. The morbidity rate was 10.9% in combined nutrition group, and it was lower than that in total enteral nutrition group and total parenteral nutrition group (25.4% and 18.2%, respectively). The length of hospital stay was shorter and the treatment was more cost-effective in combined nutrition group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>For patients with Crohn disease, perioperative combined nutritional support is more efficient than total enteral or parental nutrition support.</p>

Therapeutic effects of combined enteral nutrition with Tripterygium Wilfordii poly-glycoside in remission induction of active adult Crohn's disease / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the potential role of enteral nutrition (EN) combined with Tripterygium Wilfordii Poly-glycoside (TWP) for remission induction of active adult Crohn's disease (CD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data of 62 adult patients with active CD treated with EN and TWP in combination (n = 42) or TWP alone (n = 20) from March 2001 to September 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients had a Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) > 150 and < 450. In TWP group, subjects received TWP tablets (1.0 - 1.5 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) with uncontrolled diets; while in the group of combination therapy, the patients were given total enteral nutrition (TEN) through tube feeding in addition to TWP tablets. Clinical response was defined by a decrease of at least 70 points in the CDAI from baseline after treatment, and clinical remission was defined as the absolute value of CDAI (less than 150). Patients' nutritional and disease activity index, such as CDAI score, C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), were determined at 0, 4, and 12 weeks after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The ratio of clinical response (78.6% vs. 40.0%, P = 0.003) and clinical remission (69.1% vs. 30.0%, P = 0.004) were both significantly higher in the combined treatment group than in those the TWP group at week 4. At week 12, the clinical response ratio was significantly higher in the combined treatment group (90.5% vs. 65.0%, P = 0.014); the remission ratio was also higher in the combined treatment group (76.2% vs. 55.0%, P = 0.091). The nutritional parameters improved from baseline at week 4 and 12 in the combined treatment group but not in TWP group. At week 4, blood albumin, prealbumin, and transferrin levels was higher in the combined treatment group than those in TWP group (P < 0.05); at week 12, patients in combined treatment group also had significantly higher body mass index (BMI), blood albumin, prealbumin, transferrin and hemoglobin levels (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Treatment with enteral nutrition and TWP in combination are superior to TWP alone for induction of clinical response and remission in adult Crohn's Disease. This strategy also improves patient's nutritional status and avoids the adverse effects of traditional therapy.</p>

Effect of sFRP2 on the biological behavior of HepG2 cells / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of sFRP2 on the biological behavior of human hepatoma carcinoma HepG2 cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>HepG2 cells were infected with recombinant adenovirus containing mouse sFRP2 gene, and then the proliferation, cell cycle distribution, expression of tumor metastasis related factors (CD44, CD82/KAI1, EMMPRIN) and beta-catenin protein, and migration ability of the cells were detected by MTT, FCM, immunohistochemistry, Western blot and Transwell inserts, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>sFRP2 protein inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells, and increased the percentage of G0/G1 period cells. Expression of CD44 and CD82/KAI1 proteins, which could inhibit invasion and metastasis of tumor cells, was upregulated. However, EMMPRIN protein, which could promote the above properties of tumor cells decreased in HepG2 cells infected with the recombinant adenovirus containing mouse sFRP-2 gene. Western blot demonstrated that beta-catenin was expressed in HepG2 cells and there was no significant difference between the treated and the control groups. Transwell insert test showed sFRP2 protein decreased the migration ability of HepG2 cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The recombinant adenovirus containing mouse sFRP-2 gene could infect HepG2 cells. sFRP2 protein could significantly reduce the capability of proliferation, invasion and metastasis of HepG2 cells.</p>

Clinical Observation on Primary Infantile Tonic-Clonic Epilepsy Manifested as Syndrome of Convulsion due to Phlegm-Heat Treated by Xiaoer Dingfeng Decoction / 中医杂志

Objective To observe the effectiveness and salty of Xiaoer Dingfeng Decoction(Decoction to stop wind in children con- vulsion)in the treatment of syndrome of primary infantile convulsion due to phlegm-heat in tonic-clonic epilepsy.Methods Totally 90 infantile patients were randomized into three groups,which were treated by Xiaoer Dingfeng Decoction,Kangxian(Capsule to treat epilepsy)and Xifeng Capsule(Capsule to calm the wind)respectively.Frequency of seizure,lasting duration,and change of electroen- cephalogram(EEG)were observed 12 months later.Results The total effective rate of Xiaoer Dingfeng Decoction group was 86. 67%,better that that of Kangxian Capsule group(P0.05). It could greatly reduce the frequency of seizure,shorten the lasting duration,and improve the EEG.Conclusion Xiaoer Dingfeng De- coctions is effective and safe for the syndrome of primary infantile convulsion due to phlegm-heat in tonic-clonic epilepsy.