Non-canonical STING-PERK pathway dependent epigenetic regulation of vascular endothelial dysfunction via integrating IRF3 and NF-κB in inflammatory response

Inflammation-driven endothelial dysfunction is the major initiating factor in atherosclerosis, while the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we report that the non-canonical stimulator of interferon genes (STING)-PKR-like ER kinase (PERK) pathway was significantly activated in both human and mice atherosclerotic arteries. Typically, STING activation leads to the activation of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)/p65, thereby facilitating IFN signals and inflammation. In contrast, our study reveals the activated non-canonical STING-PERK pathway increases scaffold protein bromodomain protein 4 (BRD4) expression, which encourages the formation of super-enhancers on the proximal promoter regions of the proinflammatory cytokines, thereby enabling the transactivation of these cytokines by integrating activated IRF3 and NF-κB via a condensation process. Endothelium-specific STING and BRD4 deficiency significantly decreased the plaque area and inflammation. Mechanistically, this pathway is triggered by leaked mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) via mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), formed by voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) oligomer interaction with oxidized mtDNA upon cholesterol oxidation stimulation. Especially, compared to macrophages, endothelial STING activation plays a more pronounced role in atherosclerosis. We propose a non-canonical STING-PERK pathway-dependent epigenetic paradigm in atherosclerosis that integrates IRF3, NF-κB and BRD4 in inflammatory responses, which provides emerging therapeutic modalities for vascular endothelial dysfunction.

Autophagy enhanced by curcumin ameliorates inflammation in atherogenesis via the TFEB-P300-BRD4 axis

Disturbance of macrophage-associated lipid metabolism plays a key role in atherosclerosis. Crosstalk between autophagy deficiency and inflammation response in foam cells (FCs) through epigenetic regulation is still poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that in macrophages, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) leads to abnormal crosstalk between autophagy and inflammation, thereby causing aberrant lipid metabolism mediated through a dysfunctional transcription factor EB (TFEB)-P300-bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) axis. ox-LDL led to macrophage autophagy deficiency along with TFEB cytoplasmic accumulation and increased reactive oxygen species generation. This activated P300 promoted BRD4 binding on the promoter regions of inflammatory genes, consequently contributing to inflammation with atherogenesis. Particularly, ox-LDL activated BRD4-dependent super-enhancer associated with liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) on the regulatory regions of inflammatory genes. Curcumin (Cur) prominently restored FCs autophagy by promoting TFEB nuclear translocation, optimizing lipid catabolism, and reducing inflammation. The consequences of P300 and BRD4 on super-enhancer formation and inflammatory response in FCs could be prevented by Cur. Furthermore, the anti-atherogenesis effect of Cur was inhibited by macrophage-specific Brd4 overexpression or Tfeb knock-out in Apoe knock-out mice via bone marrow transplantation. The findings identify a novel TFEB-P300-BRD4 axis and establish a new epigenetic paradigm by which Cur regulates autophagy, inhibits inflammation, and decreases lipid content.

Efficacy of letrozole in treatment of male adolescents with idiopathic short stature / 浙江大学学报·医学版

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of aromatase inhibitor letrozole in treatment of male adolescents with idiopathic short stature (ISS). Seventy five boys with height less than 2 standard deviation (SD) below the mean who had entered puberty were enrolled in our study from 2004 to 2017, in the Pediatric Department of the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University. Among 75 patients, 28 in letrozole group received letrozole and spironolactone, 30 in gonadotrophin releasing hormone analogue (GnRHa) group received GnRHa injection and 17 had no intervention. Height velocity (HV), increment of bone age/chronological age (ΔBA/ΔCA), the final adult height (FAH) were compared among groups and the safety of letrozole treatment was evaluated. HV maintained faster during letrozole treatment when compared with other groups. HV during GnRHa treatment showed slightly decline in the first 6 months, but decreased remarkably after 6 months, and was significantly lower than that in letrozole group ( < 0.05). The maturation of BA slowed down in both letrozole and GnRHa groups. But the ΔBA/ΔCA in letrozole group during the first and the second year of treatment were significantly higher (0.67±0.09, 0.50±0.15, respectively) when compared with GnRHa group (0.59±0.16, 0.44±0.13, respectively) ( =2.78 and 2.20, all < 0.05). FAH in letrozole group and GnRHa group were (170±4) cm and (170±6)cm, there was no significant differences between the two groups ( >0.05), and both were higher than that in no intervention group (162±4 cm, < 0.01). After 6 months of letrozole treatment, testicular volumes and serum testerone levels increased; 39.2% (11/28) boys had clinical manifestations of hyperandrogenemia, and 82.1% (23/28) boys had decreased serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Serum levels of HDL and testerone returned normal and the hyperandrogenemia disappeared after the cessation of letrozole treatment. No significant changes in serum triglyceride, serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL), fating serum levels of insulin and glucose, HOMA-IR were observed. No abnormal liver function, myalgia, scoliosis or aggravations of scoliosis was found. Long term letrozole therapy during puberty in boys with ISS can delay bone maturation without significant decrease of linear growth, and thus can improve the final adult height. No severe adverse reactions were found.

An evaluation of the risk factors for orchidism and the efficacy of intensive corticosteroids therapy for the complicating testicular adrenal rest tumors in the patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency during the childhood and pubescent stages / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective To explore the risk factors for orchidism and the curative efficacy of intensive corticosteroids therapy for the testicular adrenal rest tumors ( TART ) in the patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency ( 21OHD) during childhood and pubescent periods. Methods A total 12 cases (27 case-times) with TART were adopted in intensive corticosteroids therapy, 7 cases (7case-times) as control group without intensive therapy. Retrospective analysis following parameters:( 1) The testicular volume and the echogenic characteristics of TART by B-mode ultrasound. ( 2 ) Serum levels of FSH, LH, testosterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, androstendion, and inhibin-B were measured. ( 3 ) Orchidism was defined by one of following events:serum level of inhibin-B≤3rd％ for norm, and/or serum level of testosterone<1. 47 ng/ml for the individual which is already in TannerⅣstage. ( 4) The relationship between regression of TART and intensive therapy project. Results The prevalence of TART in 21-OHD was 28.18％during 2-18 years old, and the youngest age with TART was 2. 48 year of old. The regression rate of TART by intensive therapy was higher than that of the control significantly, 20/30 and 1/11(tumor-times) respectively(P=0.004). When the dose of dexamethasone≥30％ of total doses of corticosteroids, the regression rate of TART was higher than those less than 30％ ones, or adopted hydrocortisone alone, were both respectively 16/20 and 4/10(P=0.045). The risk factors for orchidism related to early diagnosis:The TARTs stages in diagnosis (≥stages III;P=0.003) , the tumor in size, hyperechogenicity in B ultrasound of the tumors ( P = 0. 003 ) . Inhibin-B is the earliest displayed biochemical warker for orchidism. Conclusions The TART could regress when got early diagnosis and adopted intensive corticosteroids therapy on time. Delayed diagnosis was the main risk factor for orchidism. For early diagnosis of TART, we suggest to conduct the scrotal ultrasound regularly started from 2 years of age.

Metabolism and Axis of Early Menarche Girls and Girls Treated with GnRHa / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

[Objective] We assessed in a retrospective unicenter study the state of metabolism and gonadal axis of early menarche girls and girls who treated with Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs (GnRHa).[Methods] Thirty-nine early menarche girls and 58 girls who had been treated with GnRHa were enrolled in our study and 19 normal menarche girls were enrolled as control group.Data were collected in height,weight,gonadal hormone,blood glucose,insulin,blood lipid,leptin,adiponectin and the size of uterus and ovary.[Results] Both BMI SDS for chronological age (CA) and for bone age (BA) of early menarche girls were significantly higher than normal menarche girls (P ＜ 0.05).The ratio of insulin resistance in early menarche girls (20.5％) was also significantly higher than normal girls (0％).No significant difference in lipid metabolism and gonadal axis between two groups.In girls treated with GnRHa,BMISDS,insulin,HOMA-IR and the ratio of insulin resistance (20.7％) were all significantly higher than normal group (P ＜ 0.05).Meanwhile,DHEAS,androstenedione and testosterone of GnRHa treated girls were significantly higher than early menache girls,and DHEAS was higher than normal girls.The size of uterus in treated group was larger than the other two groups.[Conclusion] Early menarche and GnRHa treatment may take negative effect to BMI and glucose metabolism.Androgen was higher in GnRHa treated group.Therefore,suggestion was that BMI,insulin,blood glucose and androgen should be monitored in early menarche girls and girls treated with GnRHa.

Efficacy of Short-term Metformin Treatment on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Obese Children / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

[Objective] To observe the efficacy of metformin treatment on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in obese children.[Methods] A retrospective analysis was performed of 10 patients over 10 years old with NAFLD from July 10,2013 to August 23,2016.These patients were treated with metformin in pediatric endocrinology outpatient department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University.The changes of liver ultrasonography,hepatic enzymes,blood lipids,blood glucose,insulin,HOMA-IR,BMI,and waist circumference height ratio were compared before and after treatment with metformin.[Results] There were 10 cases of NASH,including 5 boys and 5 girls.The short-term treatment of metformin reduced the levels of ALT,AST,and HOMA-IR for all 10 patients (P ＜ 0.01).ALT,gradually decreased with the course of treatment.Fasting insulin and waist circumference to height ratio also improved with the treatment (P ＜ 0.05);the changes of TG,BMI,and fast glucose were not obvious (P ＞ 0.05).[Conclusion] Metformin can effectively reduce liver enzymes and improve insulin sensitivity in children with NASH in short term,the improvement of TG and BMI in short term is not obvious.

Utilization of furosemide/hydrochlorothiazide load test in differential diagnosis of Bartter syndrome from Gitelman syndrome in children / 临床儿科杂志

Objective To explore the application of furosemide/hydrochlorothiazide load test in clinical classification of Bartter syndrome and Gitelman syndrome and the significance of selecting target genes. Method The clinical features, biomarkers, the furosemide/hydrochlorothiazide load test, and gene detection in 5 patients with Bartter syndrome and Gitelman syndrome were retrospectively analyzed during 2012 to 2014. Results All of those 5 patients were manifested low potassium and metabolic acidosis; basis of renin, angiotensin II, and aldosterone were elevated. The blood pressures were normal. Most of the patients suffered from polydipsia, diuresis, and different degrees of growth retardation. The gene analysis of these 5 patients made the same diagnoses as furosemide/hydrochlorothiazide load test did. Conclusions Furosemide/hydrochlorothiazide load test can make a differentiation of Bartter syndrome from Gitelman syndrome and thus it can guide the selection of targeted gene detection.

Efficacies of rhGH alone and rhGH combined with stanozolol therapies on growth velocity of girls with Turner syndrome / 实用医学杂志

Objective To compare the different efficacies of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) alone and rhGH combined with low-does stanozolol on growth velocity (GV) of girls with Turner syndrome (TS). Methods 51 girls with TS were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n = 23) were treated with rhGH alone and group 2 (n = 28) with rhGH combined with low-does stanozolol both for more than six months. The two groups were compared in terms of GV, height standard deviation score for chronologic age (HtSDSCA), HtSDS for bone age (HtSDSBA), HtSDS (ΔHtSDS) and the ratio of ΔBA/ΔCA. Results In the first year, the GV was (6.29 ± 1.44) and (8.13 ± 1.87) cm/a in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. HtSDSCA changed from (-3.51 ± 0.99) to (-3.19 ± 1.09) and (-4.21 ± 1.19) to (-3.43 ± 1.06), and ΔBA/ΔCA was (0.60 ± 0.39) and (0.77 ± 0.56) in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. The GV and ΔHtSDS in Group 2 were significantly better than Group 1 (P < 0.05). The GV was negatively correlated with the age. Conclusion Compared with the therapy with rhGH alone, the one with rhGH combined with low-dose stanazolol is more effective in improving GV without accelerating bone maturation among the girls with Turner syndrome.

Menstrual regularity among early menarche girls and girls treated with GnRHa / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective To assess the effect of early menarche and treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs ( GnRHa ) in girls with central precocious puberty ( CPP ) or early and fast puberty ( EFP ) on menstrual regularity. Methods Six hundred and ten healthy girls were recruited and their menarche age and menstrual cycle were recorded. 169 CPP or EFP girls treated with GnRHa were followed up, and their menarche age and menstrual cycle were also recorded. Results There were 129 girls with irregular menstruation among 610 healthy girls(21. 1%), with 10 in 44 early menarche girls(22. 7%) and 11 in 44 late menarche girls(25. 0%). Compared with normal menarche girls(17. 2%), no significant difference was found in the incidences of irregular menstruation in early and late menarche girls. The incidences of dysmenorrhea were 41. 1% in normal girls and 50. 0% in early menarche girls, without significant difference. There was a higher incidence of irregular menstruation in 113 CPP girls and 56 EFP girls treated with GnRHa compared with healthy girls (31. 4% vs 21. 1%, P0. 05). Fifty-seven cases treated with GnRHa(33. 7%) suffered from dysmenorrhea, and there was no significant difference as compared with healthy girls and girls with early menarche. Conclusion The incidence of irregular menstruation was similar in early menarche girls and normal girls. CPP and EFP girls with GnRHa treatment had a significantly higher incidence of irregular menstruation than normal girls, but no difference was found as compared with girls with early menarche. Early menarche and GnRHa treatment did not affect the incidence of dysmenorrhea.

Effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue treatment on body mass index in central precocious puberty or early and fast puberty girls / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective To study the effect on body mass index ( BMI ) caused by treatment with Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs ( GnRHa) in girls with central precocious puberty ( CPP) or early and fast puberty ( EFP ) . Methods The BMI in 318 girls ( 227 CPP and 91 EFP ) treated with GnRHa alone was analyzed. Among them 89 were followed up to their final adult height. Results Before GnRHa treatment was started, thegirlswithCPPandEFPhadameanBMIstandarddeviationscore(SDS)forchronologicalage(BMISDSCA)of0.39 ±0.84andforboneage(BMISDSBA)of-0.11±0.69. Attheendoftreatment,themeanBMISDSCAwas0.59±1.01 and BMISDSBA was 0. 24 ± 0. 89, both were significantly higher than those at initiation. The increment in BMISDSBA (0.38±0.50)wasgreaterthanthatinBMISDSCA(0.21±0.56). Moreover,theratioofoverweight(BMI>85%)was significantly elevated. BMISDSCA of 89 girls who were visited at their final adult height was 0. 17 ± 1. 15, which was similar with BMISDS at initiation and in normal population. Conclusion The mean BMISDSCA of CPP and EFP was significantly higher than the general population, while BMISDSBA was significantly lower. During GnRHa treatment, BMISDS tended to be elevated. But it was reversible, for the mean BMISDS was back to normal at final adult height.

A patient with X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenital and central precocious puberty caused by a novel NROB1 gene mutation / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective To explore the possible role of NROB1 gene played in regulating hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis(HPGA) by analyzing the clinical and molecular characteristics in a case of central precocious puberty(CPP) with NROB1 gene mutation. Methods Clinical characteristics and direct sequencing of NROB1 gene in the patient were analyzed. Results A 11-month-old boy with manifested premature puberty, enlargement of penis/testes, and penile erection, but without manifestations of adrenal insufficiency was reportd. Clinical diagnosis was adrenal hypoplasia congenita( AHC) with CPP. The NR0B1 gene sequencing revealed a novel mutation in exon 1 (913C> T). Conclusion NR0B1 gene mutation may lead to the development of CPP in the patient with AHC. However, the mechanism remains unclear and thus deserves further exploration.

Effect of combined treatment with GnRHa and GH on linear growth in mid-and late pubertal girls at great bone ages with CPP or EFP and rela-tion to CNP signaling pathway / 中国病理生理杂志

[ ABSTRACT] AIM:To investigate the effect of combined treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue ( GnRHa) and growth hormone ( GH) on the linear growth in mid-and late pubertal girls at great bone ages with central precocious puberty ( CPP) or early and fast puberty ( EFP) , and to determine the relation between C-type natriuretic pep-tide ( CNP) signaling pathway and the accelerative effect of GH on long bone growth in these girls.METHODS:Twenty-two girls were diagnosed as CPP or EFP, whose bone ages were older than 11.5 years with impaired predicted adult height ( PAH) , and divided into GnRHa treatment group ( treated with GnRHa alone, slow-release of triptorelin 60~80 μg/kg every 4 weeks, im) and combined treatment group ( treated with GnRHa and GH, 1 U/kg GH every week for 6~7 times, sc) .The height, weight and pubertal stage were determined every 3 months.At the beginning and after 6 months of the treatment, the bone age was evaluated and the serum concentrations of amino-terminal pro-C-type natriuretic peptide ( NT-proCNP), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide (P1NP) were measured. Height velocity ( HV) , height SD score for bone age ( HtSDSBA ) , PAH and the serum indexes mentioned above were com-pared at the beginning and the end of the treatment.RESULTS: After 6 months of the treatment, HV, ΔHtSDSBA andΔPAH of the girls treated with GnRHa +GH were statistically higher than those of the girls given GnRHa alone ( P <0.01).Serum concentrations of NTproCNP, P1NP and IGF-1 were not significantly different between the beginning and the end of the 6-month combined treatment.The girls treated with GnRHa alone showed a significant decrease in both serum NTproCNP and P1NP levels (P<0.05) and no significant change of serum IGF-1 level after 6 months of the treatment. CONCLUSION:In the CPP or EFP girls who are in mid-and late puberty and at great bone ages, the combined treatment with GnRHa and GH may accelerate linear growth and improve predicted adult height.This effect of GH is not attributed to the change of serum IGF-1 level, and may be related in part to the acceleration of CNP-mediated long bone growth.

Epidemiology and pathogenesis research progress of cancer-related fatigue / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is associated with tumor and (or) anti-tumor treatment,which has a high incidence and seriously affects the life quality of patients.The etiology of CRF involves psychology,physiology and social factors.There are various hypothesis of pathogenesis and the inflammatory system may play an important role in the generation and development of CRF.A variety of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α,CRP are significantly correlated with CRF.

Final adult height of girls with central precocious puberty or early and fast puberty could be improved by treatment of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective To assess the efficacy and impact factors of treatment with Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs (GnRHa) in central precocious puberty (CPP) or early and fast puberty (EFP) girls in a retrospective unicenter study.Methods One hundred and two girls (75 CPP and 27 EFP) were treated with GnRHa alone and were followed up to their final adult hight (FAH).Results FAH was (158.0 ± 4.8) cm,being significantly higher than pretreatment predicted adult height [(151.1 ±5.1) cm,P＜0.01].There was no significant difference between CPP [(7.3 ± 4.4) cm] and EFP [(5.5 ± 4.5) cm] in net height gain.There was no significant improvement in FAH and pretreatment PAH for the patients who had menarche before treatment or whose growth velocity was less than 4 cm during the first year.Conclusion GnRHa treatment improves FAH efficiently for both CPP and EFP girls.Nevertheless,those who had menarche before treatment or whose growth velocity was less than 4 cm during the first year can hardly improve FAH by GnRHa treatment alone.

Prevalence and characterization of testicular adrenal rest tumors in children and adolescent males with congenital adrenal hyperplasia / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective To summarize the prevalence,risk factors,and characteristics of testicular adrenal rest tumors(TART) in children and adolescent males with congenital adrenal hyperplasia(CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD).Methods During past 4 years,there were 44 males with CAH caused by 21-OHD undergone testicular ultrasound scan in our clinic.We have diagnosed 13 cases of TART and summarized the characterizations.Results The prevalence of TART in our group was 29.5％ with 11 cases of salt wasters and 2 cases of simple virilizers.The median age of TART diagnosis was 10.2 years.The median follow-up period of TART was 3.0 years.History of poor control of CAH was found in every case before diagnosis of TART.The doses of hydrocortisone were increased in 5 cases of TART who refused operations or had small TART,resulting in tumor regression in two of those five patients.Testis-sparing surgeries were performed in 8 patients with symptoms relieved; 7 of those eight patients presented elevated FSH and LH after operations.Conclusions Prevalence of TART in our CAH children and adolescent males was 29.5％.Testicular ultrasound was useful in TART screening.TART should be considered when a CAH patient with poor control,especially in post-pubertal one.Delayed management of TART may lead to impaired testicular function.Increased doses of glucocorticoid may be effective in TART of small size.Testis-sparing surgery should be also considered if necessary.

Combined treatment with recombinant human growth hormone and stanazolol improves growth and final adult height in girls with Turner's syndrome / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Forty girls with Turner's syndrome (TS),aged (12.6 ± 1.9) years,were treated with daily subcutaneous injection of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH,1.0 ～ 1.1 IU · kg-1 · w-1) and oral stanozolol (0.02 ～ 0.04 mg · kg-1 · d-1) for 1 ～ 5 years.Growth velocity (GV),height standard deviation score (SDS) by reference of healthy Chinese girls (HtSDSNor) and height SDS by reference of untreated Chinese TS girls (HtSDSTs)were evaluated regularly.Of the forty girls studied,thirteen had discontinued the treatment after a mean duration of (2.9 ± 1.2)years when GV was less than 2 cm/year or when patients were satisfied with the achieved height.Final adult height (FAH) or near-final height,which was defined as the most recent available height after discontinuation of treatment,and the height gained in the thirteen girls were evaluated.Estrogen therapy was started at the age of(16.0 ± 1.1) years.HtSDSNor increased from-4.2 ± 1.0 to-3.4 ± 1.0 in the first year,and-2.8 ± 1.0,-2.4 ± 0.8,-2.5 ± 0.5,-2.3 ±0.3 respectively in the 2nd,3rd,4th,and 5th year.The change in HtSDSTs was similar to HtSDSNor.It was increased from 0.1 ± 0.9 to 1.0 ± 0.9 in the first year,and to 1.5 ± 0.8,1.9 ± 0.6,1.7 ± 0.4,1.7 ± 0.2 in the subsequent 4 years.The predicted adult height (PAH) in 13 girls was (142.8 ± 4.2) cm before treatment.FAH was (151.7 ± 4.1) cm,which was significantly higher than PAH (P＜0.01),and the mean height gain was (8.9 ± 2.8) cm (5.1 ～ 12 cm).FAHSDSNor was increased to-1.6 ± 0.8 from-3.8 ± 0.8.For girls with TS around 9 years of age,combined therapy with rhGH and low dosage of stanazolol may significantly increase growth velocity and improve final adult height.

Final height outcome of boys with idiopathic central precocious puberty treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective To observe the final adult height of 20 boys with idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP) treated with slow-releasing gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue(GnRHa).Methods Twenty boys with ICPP were treated with GnRHa for( 20.0 ± 6.1 ) months.At the beginning of therapy,mean chronological age and bone age was( 11.4 ± 1.0 ) years and ( 13.0 ± 0.4 ) years,respectively,GnRHa was discontinued when the boys reached the chronological age and bone age of( 13.2 ± 1.1 ) years and ( 13.7 ± 0.6 ) years,respectively.After the end of treatment,all the boys had been followed up for( 3.3 ± 1.5 ) years and had achieved adult height.Comparisons were made among their predicted adult height ( PAH ),final adult height ( FAH ),and target height ( THt ).The long-term outcome of final adult height in boys with ICPP was investigated after GnRHa treatment.Results All the boys reached target height range.Final height was similar to the target height [ ( 169.8 ± 5.8 vs 167.8 ± 4.6 ) cm,P＞0.05 ].The height gain,defined as the difference between predicted adult height at the start of treatment using the height SDS for bone age and actual adult height was( 3.62 ± 3.57 ) cm with the residual growth capacity of ( 11.82 ±3.99)cm,PAH significantly improved after GnRHa treatment compared with before treatment [ ( 169.0 ± 5.0 vs166.2 ± 4.2 ) cm,P＜0.01 ].There were no differences among PAH,FAH,and THt.Conclusion GnRHa treatment improves final height within the range of target height in boys with central precocious puberty.

The clinical application value of multi-slice spiral CT angiography / 中国基层医药

Objective To explore the clinical application value of multi-slice spiral CT angiography.Methods 28 patients who were suspected cerebrovascular disease were taken cerebrovascular enhanced scan by 16-slice spiral CT,and VR,MIP and MPR post -processing were uset to reconstmct the cerebrovascular image.Results In 28 patients,11 cases were normal,17 cases were abnormal,and among these patients there were 8 cases of abnormal blood vessels,4 cases of aneurysms,1 case of cerebral arteriovenous malformation,4 cases of cerebral artery stenosis.Conclusion The multi-slice CT compared with ordinary spiral CT had the advantage of faster and more secure.It had an important role in guiding the screening and clinical treatment programs in cerebral infarction patients with suspected cerebral artery stenosis.It had a lot of advantages in diagnosis vascular disease and clinical observation after treatment.

Association between linear growth patterns with serum insulin levels in pre-pubertal children born small for gestational age / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective To evaluate the association between two different linear growth patterns with the levels of serum insulin in children bem small for gestational age(SGA).Methods Serum fasting glucose,fasting insulin,and insulin-like growth factor-I(IGF-I)concentrations were determined in 30 catch-up growth(CUG)children bern SGA [CUG-SGA,16 females,14males,(6.62±0.66)year],37 non-catch-up growth(NCUG)children born SGA[NCUG-SGA,15 females,22 males,(5.97±0.56)year],and42 appropriate for gestational age(AGA)children with normal height[AGA,16females,26males,(7.05±0.39)year].Results (1) Basal fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)were significantly higher in CUG-SGA group than in NCUG-SGA and AGA group(P<0.01 or P<0.05).But there was no difference in fasting insulin between NCUG-SGA group and AGA group.IGF-I levels in CUG-SGA were significantly higher than in NCUG-SGA group[(212.61±17.81 vs 137.40±14.66)ng/ml,P=0.001],but showed no difference from AGA group(P=0.095).(2)In the SGA group,HOMA-IR showed positive correlation with age,△height SDS,and current body mass index.Fasting insulin showed positive correlation with △height SDS(r=0.500,P=0.002)in≤6 year group as well as with △weight SDS(r=0.496,P=0.030)in>6 year group.Conclusions Insulin as a growth factor may participate in postnatal catch-up growth accompanied with increased insulin resistance in SGA children.

Final adult height in girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue and growth hormone / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective To evaluate the long-term final adult height outcome of combined treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue(GnRHa)and recombinant human growth hormone(rhGH)in girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty(ICPP).Methods Out of 49 sirls with ICPP[treated with GnRHa at a dose of 60-80 μg/kg every 4 weeks for at least 6 months,whose height velocity fell below 4 cm/year and showed no improvement of predicted adult height(PAH)in 6 months],26 received(rhGH-combined group),in addition to chronological age,and duration of GnRHa treatment,who showed the same growth pattern but refused rhGH treatment,served to evaluate the efficacy of rhGH in addition.At the conclusion of the smdy,all the girls had been followed up for(3.3±1.9)years,and(3.2±0.9)years in rhGH-combined group and control group,respectively;and had achieved adult heisht.To compare the PAH with the final adult height(FAH)before and after treatment in the two groups.Results During rhGH treatment, height velocity of the rhGH-combined girls increased significantly[(6.7±2.0 vs <4)cm/year baseline],RhGH-combined gids showed an adult height far higher than pretreatment PAH [(157.5±4.5 vs 148.1±4.6)cm,P<0.01],and target height[(154.4±4.6)cm] was,significantly excceded.The control group reached an adult heisht also significandy higher than pretreatment PAH[(154.7±5.5vs 150.3±6.0)cm,P<0.01],while target height[(155.6±4.3)cm]was just reached but not significantlyexcceded.The gain in height obtained,calculated between pretreatment PAH and final heisat,(9.4±4.9)cm in rhGH-combined group was much more than that(4.3±4.2)cm in the control group(P<0.01).Conclusion RhGH may accelerate the linear growth and improve adult height of GnRHa-treated ICPP girls.