An update on renal fibrosis: from mechanisms to therapeutic strategies with a focus on extracellular vesicles

The increasing prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major global public health concern. Despite the complicated pathogenesis of CKD, renal fibrosis represents the most common pathological condition, comprised of progressive accumulation of extracellular matrix in the diseased kidney. Over the last several decades, tremendous progress in understanding the mechanism of renal fibrosis has been achieved, and corresponding potential therapeutic strategies targeting fibrosis-related signaling pathways are emerging. Importantly, extracellular vesicles (EVs) contribute significantly to renal inflammation and fibrosis by mediating cellular communication. Increasing evidence suggests the potential of EV-based therapy in renal inflammation and fibrosis, which may represent a future direction for CKD therapy.

Generation and characterization of Cyp4v3 gene knockout mice / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#Bietti crystalline dystrophy (BCD) is a rare degenerative eye disease caused by mutations in the CYP4V2 gene, and Cyp4v3 is the murine ortholog to CYP4V2. To better understand the molecular pathogenesis of this disease and to explore the potential treatment we have established a Cyp4v3 knock-out mouse model.@*METHODS@#Cyp4v3-/- mice were generated by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 in embryonic stem cells of C57BL/6J mice. Ocular morphologic characteristics were evaluated via fundus imaging, histologic analysis of rods and cones via immunofluorescence, and phalloidin stain to observe retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in whole-mounts, electroretinogram (ERG) was also conducted to examine the retinal function.@*RESULTS@#The characteristic features of BCD recurred in the Cyp4v3-/- mice, including retinal crystalline deposits, atrophy and degeneration of RPE cells, and ERG amplitude decline of dark and light adapted a- and b- wave; however, the immunofluorescence stain of rod and cone cells did not show obvious differences when compared with the wild type (WT) mice. In the early stage of the disease, no crystal-like deposits were found in the fundus, ERG detection of the retinal function did not find a significant decline, and the morphological structure and quantity of the neural retina and RPE did not change significantly. Crystalline deposits occurred and converged when the Cyp4v3-/- mice at the end of 6 months, and the deposits disappeared when the Cyp4v3-/- mice at the end of 12 months. The ERG amplitude started to decline when the Cyp4v3-/- mice at the end of 6 months and deteriorated at the end of 12 months. The RPE cells of the 12-month old Cyp4v3-/- mice showed irregular shape by phalloidin staining of F-actin. The Cyp4v3-/- mice behaved normally and were viable and fertile when maintained under specific pathogen-free (SPF) housing conditions.@*CONCLUSION@#Just like BCD patients, the disease progress of Cyp4v3-/- mouse is correlated with the age, which provides a good model for pathogenesis and gene therapy study in the future. The atrophy and degeneration of RPE take the lead in progressing of the disease, but the mechanism is not clear yet.

Advance of Netrin-1 for Protection and Repairment of Injuries after Cerebral Infarction (review) / 中国康复理论与实践

Netrin-1 may protect and repair the damage caused by cerebral infarction, in terms of inhibiting apoptosis and inflammatory, and promoting angiogenesis and axon regeneration, etc. Netrin-1 may associate with the pathogenesis and outcome of cerebral infarction. The application of Netrin-1 in clinic needs more researches.

Characteristics of COVID-19 clusters in Lishui / 预防医学

Objective@#To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID-19 ) clusters in Lishui, so as to provide basis for the prevention and control of COVID-19 clusters.@*Methods@#The data of COVID-19 clusters in Lishui from January 23 to March 29, 2020 were collected through China Disease Control and Prevention Information System-Public Health Emergency Information System, and analyzed time, space, scale, source of infection, exposure and transmission route by descriptive epidemiological method. @*Results@#There were 31 cases in 8 clusters ( about 4 cases per cluster ), with no death. The report time was bimodal, peaked first from January 20 to February 10 with 4 clusters imported from domestic and peaked second from March 1 to 29 with 4 clusters imported from overseas. Qingtian County reported 4 clusters, Liandu District, Yunhe County, Qingyuan County and Jingning County each reported 1 cluster. Thirteen cases were restaurant employees, accounting for 41.94%. The cases were mainly occurred in the condition that exposed in the same family ( 6 clusters ), in the same dinner and car ( 1 clusters ), and in the same party ( 1 clusters ). The exposure modes that caused more cases infected were through the same family (9 cases) and through the same dinner and car ( 6 cases ). There were 3 clusters with first-generation cases, 3 clusters with second-generation cases and 2 clusters with third-generation cases. The recurrence rate of the 8 clusters ranged from 1.49% to 7.69%, with a median of 3.47%. @*Conclusions@#The COVID-19 clusters in Lishui imported from domestic in the early stage and later from overseas. Most cases were reported from Qingtian County, were engaged in catering business, and exposed by living with families.

Impact of Pulmonary Vein Anatomy on Long-term Outcome of Cryoballoon Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Variant pulmonary vein anatomy (PVA) has been reported to influence the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after radiofrequency ablation.However,the effects of PVA on AF in patients undergoing cryoballoon ablation (CBA) remain unknown.The present study aimed to examine the impact of PVA on the long-term outcome of CBA for AF.A total of 78 patients (mean age 60.7±10.9 years,64.1％ males) with symptomatic and drug-refractory paroxysmal AF were enrolled in the study.Left atrium (LA) and PVA acquired at computed tomography angiography (CTA) were reconstructed with CARTO(R) 3 SYSTEM.Patients were routinely evaluated by 24-hour Holter monitoring following CBA.Cox regression was used to detect the predictors of AF recurrence after CBA.The results showed abnormal PVA in 30 patients (38.5％) and 18 patients (23.1％) had left common PV (LCPV).Electrical pulmonary vein isolation was achieved in all patients.After a mean follow-up of 689.5±103.8 days,it was found that patients with abnormal PVA had similar AF recurrence rate to those with normal PVA (26.7％ vs.25.0％,P=0.54),and there was no significant difference in AF recurrence rate between LCPV patients and non-LCPV patients (33.7％ vs.23.3％,P=0.29).Cox regression analysis showed that AF duration (72.9±9.0 vs.42.3±43.2 months,HR 1.001;95％CI 1.003-1.014;P＜0.001) and cryo-applications of right-side PVs (3.0±1.6 vs.4.7±1.7,HR 0.661;95％ CI 0.473-0.925;P=0.016) were independent predictors of freedom from AF,but PVA was not identified as a predictor of long-term success.In conclusion,the variant PVA cannot significantly influence the long-term outcome of AF patients undergoing CBA;longer AF duration and less cryo-applications of right-side PVs are associated with higher AF recurrent rate.

Impact of Pulmonary Vein Anatomy on Long-term Outcome of Cryoballoon Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Variant pulmonary vein anatomy (PVA) has been reported to influence the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after radiofrequency ablation.However,the effects of PVA on AF in patients undergoing cryoballoon ablation (CBA) remain unknown.The present study aimed to examine the impact of PVA on the long-term outcome of CBA for AF.A total of 78 patients (mean age 60.7±10.9 years,64.1％ males) with symptomatic and drug-refractory paroxysmal AF were enrolled in the study.Left atrium (LA) and PVA acquired at computed tomography angiography (CTA) were reconstructed with CARTO(R) 3 SYSTEM.Patients were routinely evaluated by 24-hour Holter monitoring following CBA.Cox regression was used to detect the predictors of AF recurrence after CBA.The results showed abnormal PVA in 30 patients (38.5％) and 18 patients (23.1％) had left common PV (LCPV).Electrical pulmonary vein isolation was achieved in all patients.After a mean follow-up of 689.5±103.8 days,it was found that patients with abnormal PVA had similar AF recurrence rate to those with normal PVA (26.7％ vs.25.0％,P=0.54),and there was no significant difference in AF recurrence rate between LCPV patients and non-LCPV patients (33.7％ vs.23.3％,P=0.29).Cox regression analysis showed that AF duration (72.9±9.0 vs.42.3±43.2 months,HR 1.001;95％CI 1.003-1.014;P＜0.001) and cryo-applications of right-side PVs (3.0±1.6 vs.4.7±1.7,HR 0.661;95％ CI 0.473-0.925;P=0.016) were independent predictors of freedom from AF,but PVA was not identified as a predictor of long-term success.In conclusion,the variant PVA cannot significantly influence the long-term outcome of AF patients undergoing CBA;longer AF duration and less cryo-applications of right-side PVs are associated with higher AF recurrent rate.

Clinical analysis on 9 cases of nervous system disorder caused by Heat stroke / 中国神经精神疾病杂志

Objective To summarize the clinical characteristics , nerve electrophysiological features , imaging manifestations and prognosis of nervous system disorder caused by heat stroke. Methods A retrospective study was un?dertaken on clinical, nerve electrophysiological and imaging characteristics and prognosis of 9 patients who had heat Stroke and received treatment during July and August in 2010 and 2013 at the Second Hospital of Shandong University. Results There were seven males and two females, aged from 47 to 87 years, among 9 patients. All cases are admitted within 6 hours and their Core body temperature were 39.8℃~42.5℃. Patients had disturbance of consciousness and multi?ple organ dysfunction including acute cerebral infarct in 2 cases, peripheral neuropathy in 3 cases, acute respiratory fail?ure in 2 cases, pulmonary infection in 9 cases, disseminated intravascular coagulation in 1 case ,acute myocardial injury in 8 cases, arrhythmia in 3 cases, rhabdomyolysis in 3 cases, acute liver damage in 8 cases, of acute kidney injury in 6 cases, upper gastrointestinal bleeding in 4 cases, metabolic acidosis in 1 case, metabolic alkalosis in 2 cases , electrolyte disorder in 9 cases and quadriplegia in 3 cases. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed diffuse brain swelling in 6 cas?es and the acute asymmetric lacunar infarction in 2 cases. All patients are treated with cooling , rehydration , anticoagula?tion , reduction of the intracranial pressure and symptomatic treatment. One case died and the condition of remaining cas?es were improved. At one-year follow-up, the symptoms were almost cured in 2 cases, significantly improved in 4 cases with disability degree in grade 1~2, moderately improved in 1 case with disability degree in grade 3, remained unchanged in 1 case with disability degree of grade 5. Conclusion Heat stroke can cause conscious disorder and multiple organ fail?ure .The central nervous system lesions are often presented with diffuse swelling or/and lacunar infarction and presented with peripheral nerve injury in some cases, leaving persistent neurological deficits .

Elastic fiber regeneration in vitro and in vivo for treatment of experimental abdominal aortic aneurysm / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The pathological characteristics of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) involved the regression of extracellular matrix (ECM) in aortic walls, especially elastic structure in medial layer. As the major structural protein of aorta, elastin contributes to the extensibility and elastic recoil of the vessels. We hypothesized that overexpression of elastin in vessel walls might regenerate the elastic structure of ECM, restore the elastic structure of the aneurysmal wall, and eventually lead to a reduction of aortic diameters (ADs) in an experimental model of AAA.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Tropoelastin (TE) of Sprague Dawley (SD) rat was synthesized by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and used to construct adneviral vectors containing elastin precursor protein (AdTE-GFP). Cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from aortas of male SD rats were transfected with AdTE-GFP, AdGFP, adenoviral vector (AdNull), and phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Immunofluorescence staining was performed to determine the expression of elastin in transfected cells. The expression of elastic fibers in ECM of VSMCs transfected with AdTE-GFP were detected by fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) at 1, 3, and 5 days following gene transfer. The AAA vessel walls were infused with AdTE-GFP or an empty AdNull, or PBS directly into the aneurysmal lumen. ADs of the aneurysms were compared in infused aortas. Formation of new elastic fibers in vivo was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin, and elastic von-Giesson staining. Recombinant elastin-GFP in vivo was identified by immunohistochemical staining.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Elastic fibers were increased both in ECM of VSMC and in vessel walls after gene transfer. Histological studies revealed that the AdTE-GFP-transduced aortas had elastic fiber regeneration in the aneurysmal walls. The AdTE-GFP-transduced aortas showed a decreased AD (23.04% ± 14.49%, P < 0.01) in AAA vessel walls.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Elastic fibers have been successfully overexpressed both in vitro and in a rat model of AAA by a technique of gene transfer. The overexpression of elastic fibers within the aneurysmal tissue appeared to reverse the aneurysm dilatation in this model.</p>

Clinical antiviral effects of Peg-IFNa-2a in patients with chronic hepatitis B / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate antiviral effects of Peg-IFNa-2a in patients with chronic hepatitis B.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>92 chronic hepatitis B patients were enrolled to receive the treatment with Peg-IFNa-2a 180 μg subcutaneous injection once weekly. The patients who did not get early response were divided into 3 groups: group 1, extend the treatment to 72 weeks; group 2, combined with nucleus(s)ide analogue (entecavir or adefovir) treatment; group 3, continue the treatment until 48 weeks. HBV DNA and quantitative HBsAg were assessed at baseline, week 12, 24, 36 and after 24 weeks follow-up.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Patients in group 1 had significantly higher SVR rate (78.3%) than patients in group 3 (38.1%, X2=7.33, P<0.05). The mean reduction of HBsAg in group 1 at 24 weeks of post-treatment follow up was higher than that in group 3 (t=2.11, P<0.05). In group 2 the mean reductions of HBV DNA at 24 weeks of post-treatment follow up were (3.9+/-1.1) log10 copy/ml and (3.7+/-1.3) log10 copy/ml respectively with combination of entecavir or adefovir, both of which were significantly higher than that in group 3(t=8.45 and 6.31, P<0.05); the SVR rates in the entecavir group and the adefovir group (83.3% and 85.7%, respectively) were significantly higher than that in group 3 (X2=8.20 and 7.78, P<0.05); the mean reductions of HBsAg in the entecavir group and the adefovir group [(0.8+/-0.5) log10 IU/ml and (0.9+/-0.3) log10 IU/ml, respectively ] were significantly greater than group 3[(0.4+/-0.3) log10 IU/ml, t=3.05 and 4.58, P<0.05]. The level of HBV DNA and C genotype were the main predictors of response.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Individualizing therapy by prolonging the duration of Peg-IFNa-2a treatment to 72 weeks or adding nucleoside analogues such as entecavir and adefovir in patients without early response may substantially increase the SVR rate and lead to the decrease of HBsAg.</p>

The analysis of drug resistance characteristics in clinical isolated Helicobacter pylori strains from different gastropathy patients and the inhibitory effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus on drug-resistant Helicobacter pylori / 中华消化杂志

Objective To analyze the drug resistant characteristics of 84 clinical isolated Helicobacter pylori (Hp) strains, and to observe the inhibitory effects of anti-Hp Lactobacillus acidophilus (La)4 and La6 on different antibiotic-resistant Hp strains. Methods Hp strains were isolated and cultured from gastric mucosa of 84 different gastropathy patients (20 patients with chronic gastritis, 24 with gastric ulcer, 19 with duodenal ulcer and 16 with gastric cancer). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of metronidazole, clarithromycin and amoxicillin were tested by E-test in order to determine the resistance of these three antibiotics in clinical isolated Hp strains. With standard La as control, the supernatant of anti-Hp La4 and La6 was added into Hp strains culture wells. Hp strains were cultured in solid media for 72 hours, and then inhibition ring were recorded. Anti-Hp Lactobacillus acidophilus liquid was also added to culture medium of different Hp strains, which were in liquid culture, culture medium were taken at different time points (4,8,12,24,48 hrs) to calculate bacteria colony number and test urease activity. Results In 84 clinical isolated Hp strains, the resistant rates of metronidazole, clarithromycin and amoxicillin resistance rates were 67.9%, 17.9% and 1.2% respectively. Of those 11 strains were mixed drug resistance, which included 10 strains of metronidazole and clarithromycin mixed drug resistance, and one of metronidazole and amoxicillin mixed drug resistance. In solid culture conditions, supernatant of anti-Hp Lactobacillus acidophilus La4 and La6 had obvious inhibitory effect on antibiotic-resistant and non-resistant Hp strains. In liquid culture conditions, anti-Hp Lactobacillu acidophilus La4 and La6 bacterium liquid could inhibit the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant and non-resistant Hp strains, the antagonistic role was significantly stronger than the standard Lactobacillus acidophilus strains (P<0.05). The urease activity of antibiotic-resistant Hp strains was inhibited since mixed cultured with anti-Hp Lactobacillu acidophilus La4 and La6 for 4 hours, the urease activity gradually decreased as culture time extended, and the inhibitory role was significantly stronger than the standard Lactobacillus acidophilus strains (P<0.05). Conclusions In 84 Hp strains, most were metronidazole resistant strains, followed by clarithromycin resistant strains, metronidazole and clarithromycin mixed resistance strains. In vitro, anti-Hp Lactobacillu acidophilus La4 and La6 had obvious inhibitory effects on antibiotic-resistant and non-resistant Hp strains.

Antiviral effects of entecavir in patients with hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze antiviral effects of entecavir in patients with hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>104 patients of hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis with no previous history of antiviral therapy were treated with entecavir 0.5 mg once daily. 37 patients were taken hepatic histologic examination before and after the treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Mean reductions of serum HBV DNA was 5.1 log10 96 weeks after the treatment, HBV DNA became undetectable in 98.1% patients, and ALT became normal in 80.7% patients; HBeAg seroconversion occurred in 13.9% of the 72 HBeAg positive patients; 61.5% of these patients were infected with genotype C HBV, and 26.9% were infected with genotype B HBV. The genotype of HBV was not associated with the therapeutical effect. Child-pugh score was associated with the progression of the disease: the proportion of patients with disease progression was highest in Child-Pugh C grade patients and lowest in Child-Pugh A grade patients. The level of the HBV DNA load was positively correlated with Knodell HAI score at the baseline and 96 weeks after the treatment.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Entecavir treatment results in suppression of HBV replication and delayed progression of fibrosis in patients with hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis.</p>

Clinical antiviral effects of telbivudine in patients with chronic hepatitis B / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze antiviral effects of telbivudine in patients with chronic hepatitis B.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>72 chronic hepatitis B patients without prior history of antiviral therapy were treated with telbivudine 600mg once daily.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>At week 4, 37.5% of the patients achieved undetectable HBV DNA, and 33.3% achieved ALT normalization. At week 108, 87.5% of the patients achieved undetectable HBV DNA, and 91.7% achieved ALT normalization. HBeAg seroconversion occurred in 23.9% of the 46 HBeAg positive patients. The rates of undetectable HBV DNA and HBeAg seroconversion at week 108 in the patients with HBV DNA < 3 log(10) copies/ml at week 12 were significant higher than those in patients with HBV DNA >or= 3 log(10) copies/ml. The rate of undetectable HBV DNA at week 108 in the patients with HBV DNA < 3 log(10) copies/ml at week 24 was significantly higher than that in patients with HBV DNA >or= 3 log(10) copies/ml, and the rate of antiviral resistance rate at week 108 in the patients with HBV DNA < 3 log(10) copies/ml at week 24 was significantly lower than that in patients with HBV DNA >or= 3 log(10) copies/ml. Antiviral therapy could significantly improve Child-Pugh score in patients with liver cirrhosis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Telbivudine treatment results in suppression of HBV and high HBeAg seroconversion, and improvement of Child-Pugh score in the patients with liver cirrhosis.</p>

The relationship between the implantation of ovarian stimulated embryos and the expression of leukemia inhibitory factor mRNA in mice metrium / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To check the expression of leukemia inhibitory factor (Lif) mRNA, and to study the impact of ovarian stimulation on the ability of embryo implantation in mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Pregnancy models of mice were established. The relationship between the implantation of ovarian stimulated embryos and the expression of Lif mRNA in mice metrium was analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The group of recipients which the transfered embryos were from stimulated cycles had lower pregnancy and implantation rate compared with the group of recipients which the transfered embryos were from non-stimulated cycles (20.00%, 8.33% vs 55.00%, 35.00%). The Lif mRNA expression was similar in the groups of recipients which the transfered embryos were from stimulated and non-stimulated cycles, so was in the groups of recipients which had single or more than one baby, but higher in the group of pregnancy recipients than in the group of unpregnancy recipients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Ovarian stimulation may reduce the ability of embryo implantation in mice. Lif mRNA expression is related to the implantation, but not parallel to the number of implantation.</p>

Association of genetic polymorphisms in endothelial nitric oxide synthase 3 gene with recurrent early spontaneous abortion / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the association of nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3) gene variable number of tandem repeat(VNTR) polymorphism in intron 4 and an 894(G/T) mutation at exon 7 with recurrent early spontaneous abortion (RESA).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and forty RESA women (patient group) and 140 healthy women with at least 1 pregnancy and without a history of pregnancy complications (control group) were included. The genotypes of NOS3 gene VNTR polymorphism were determined by polymerase chain reaction and agarose gel electrophoresis. The 894(G/T) mutation of genotypes of NOS3 gene at exon 7 was assessed by polymerase chain reaction-restrictive fragment length polymorphism.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The frequencies of aa and ba genotypes and a allele of NOS3 gene were higher in patient group than in control group (chi square: 4.51, P< 0.05; chi square: 4.29, P<0.05). The aa and ba genotypes were significantly associated with RESA (OR:1.8, 95% CI: 1.04-3.24). There was no significant difference in TT and GT genotypes and T allele of NOS3 gene between RESA patient group and control group (chi square: 1.16, P> 0.05; chi square:1.12, P> 0.05). 894(G/T) polymorphism may be not associated with RESA.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The genetic polymorphism of NOS3 gene 27 bp VNTR was associated with RESA. The genetic polymorphism of NOS3 gene 894(G/T) may be not associated with RESA. These results support that a allele of the NOS3 gene may be susceptibility allele.</p>

Estradiol Profiles During the Luteal Phase in Patients Undergoing IVF-ET Cycles / 现代生物医学进展

Objective: To investigate the predictive value of serum E2 in early diagnosis of pregnancy through IVF-ET(in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer). Methods: Sixty-two patients (75 cycles involved) undergoing IVF-ET cycles, whose infertility was attributed to uterine tube or male factors, were enrolled. Luteal phase serum E2 was detected every other day after extraction of oocytes with micro-particle enzyme immunoassay. Results: The level of serum E2 declined progressively after extraction of oocytes in both pregnant and non-pregnant cycles, while it showed no significant difference on 2, 4, 6, 8 days after extraction of oocytes. In pregnant cycles following IVF-ET, serum E2 achieved the nadir on day 10 and then increased gradually. The differences of serum E2 levels in pregnant and non-pregnant cycles were detectable from day 10 after extraction of oocytes (816.4+ 537.6 vs. 189.5±69.3 pg/ml) (P＜0.05). In non-pregnant cycles, E2 on day 10 was significantly lower than that on day 8 ( 189.5+ 69.3 vs. 989.2+581.5 pg/ml) (P＜0.05). Conclusions: We concluded that the level of E2 on day 8 and 10 consecutively after extraction of oocytes may have predictive value in diagnosing early pregnancy. Ascension of serum E2 level of pregnant patients on day 10 forebodes the success of pregnancy, or else the failure of pregnancy.

Estradiol Profiles During the Luteal Phase in Patients Undergoing IVF-ET Cycles / 现代生物医学进展

Objective: To investigate the predictive value of serum E2 in early diagnosis of pregnancy through IVF-ET(in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer). Methods: Sixty-two patients (75 cycles involved) undergoing IVF-ET cycles, whose infertility was attributed to uterine tube or male factors, were enrolled. Luteal phase serum E2 was detected every other day after extraction of oocytes with micro-particle enzyme immunoassay. Results: The level of serum E2 declined progressively after extraction of oocytes in both pregnant and non-pregnant cycles, while it showed no significant difference on 2, 4, 6, 8 days after extraction of oocytes. In pregnant cycles following IVF-ET, serum E2 achieved the nadir on day 10 and then increased gradually. The differences of serum E2 levels in pregnant and non-pregnant cycles were detectable from day 10 after extraction of oocytes (816.4+ 537.6 vs. 189.5±69.3 pg/ml) (P＜0.05). In non-pregnant cycles, E2 on day 10 was significantly lower than that on day 8 ( 189.5+ 69.3 vs. 989.2+581.5 pg/ml) (P＜0.05). Conclusions: We concluded that the level of E2 on day 8 and 10 consecutively after extraction of oocytes may have predictive value in diagnosing early pregnancy. Ascension of serum E2 level of pregnant patients on day 10 forebodes the success of pregnancy, or else the failure of pregnancy.