Fat-to-muscle Ratio: A New Anthropometric Indicator for Predicting Metabolic Syndrome in the Han and Bouyei Populations from Guizhou Province, China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the prevalence and possible factors influencing metabolic syndrome in people from Guizhou Province and to explore the predictive value of the fat-to-muscle ratio in diagnosing metabolic syndrome.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A multistage stratified sampling method was used in this cross-sectional study of 20-80 years old Han and Bouyei populations from Guizhou Province, southwestern China, from October-December 2012. The study included 4,553 cases of metabolic syndrome, that was defined according to 2005 International Diabetes Federation criteria. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used for determining the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive ability of the fat-to-muscle ratio for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The age-standardized prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 11.38% (men: 9.76%; women: 12.72%) for Han and 4.78% (men: 4.43%; women: 5.30%) for Bouyei populations. In Guizhou Province, the cut-off value for the men fat-to-muscle ratio was 0.34, the area under the curve was 0.95, and the sensitivity and specificity were 0.94 and 0.85, respectively. The cut-off value for the women fat-to-muscle ratio was 0.55, the area under the curve was 0.91, and the sensitivity and specificity were 0.93 and 0.79, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The fat-to-muscle ratio is highly predictive of metabolic syndrome in Guizhou Province, and a useful reference indicator.</p>

Individualized Immunosuppressive Protocol of Liver Transplant Recipient Should be Made Based on Splenic Function Status / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Lymphocyte subsets play important roles in rejection in liver transplant recipients, and the effect of splenic function on these roles remains unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility to adjust immunosuppressive agents based on splenic function status through detecting the lymphocyte subsets in liver transplantBeijing recipients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The lymphocyte subsets of 49 liver transplant recipients were assessed in the 309th Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army between June 2014 and August 2015. The patients were divided into splenectomy group (n = 9), normal splenic function group (n = 24), and hypersplenism group (n = 16). The percentages and counts of CD4+ T, CD8+ T, natural killer (NK) cell, B-cell, regulatory B-cell (Breg), and regulatory T-cell (Treg) were detected by flow cytometer. In addition, the immunosuppressive agents, histories of rejection and infection, and postoperative time of the patients were compared among the three groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was no significant difference of clinical characteristics among the three groups. The percentage of CD19+CD24+CD38+ Breg was significantly higher in hypersplenism group than normal splenic function group and splenectomy group (3.29 ± 0.97% vs. 2.12 ± 1.08% and 1.90 ± 0.99%, P = 0.001). The same result was found in CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Treg percentage (0.97 ± 0.39% vs. 0.54 ± 0.31% and 0.56 ± 0.28%, P = 0.001). The counts of CD8+ T-cell, CD4+ T-cell, and NK cell were significantly lower in hypersplenism group than normal splenic function group (254.25 ± 149.08 vs. 476.96 ± 225.52, P= 0.002; 301.69 ± 154.39 vs. 532.50 ± 194.42, P= 0.000; and 88.56 ± 63.15 vs. 188.33 ± 134.51, P = 0.048). Moreover, the counts of CD4+ T-cell and NK cell were significantly lower in hypersplenism group than splenectomy group (301.69 ± 154.39 vs. 491.89 ± 132.31, P= 0.033; and 88.56 ± 63.15 vs. 226.00 ± 168.85, P = 0.032).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Splenic function status might affect the immunity of liver transplant recipients, that should be considered when we make immunosuppressive protocols.</p>

Prevalence and associated risk factors of diabetes among ethnic Han residents in Guizhou / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To understand the fast plasma glucose (FPG) level and the epidemiologic characteristics of diabetes in ethnic Han residents of Guizhou province.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The survey was conducted among the ethnic Han residents aged 20-80 years, who were selected through multi stage cluster sampling in Guizhou. Basic laboratory test, physical examination were performed for each subject.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 2 967 subjects were surveyed. The average FPG level was 5.21 mmol/L for urban residents and 5.03 mmol/L for rural residents, (P<0.001) and the average FPG level was higher in males than in females (5.23 mmol/L vs. 5.09 mmol/L, P=0.003). The FPG level increased with age (P<0.001). In urban residents, the standardized prevalence of diabetes was 6.01% (crude prevalence: 7.45%), higher in males than in females (P<0.001) and increased with age. In rural residents, the standardized prevalence of diabetes was 3.47% (crude prevalence: 3.77%) and increased with age, but there was no sex specific difference in diabetes prevalence. The awareness rate of self diabetes status was 56.59%, the treatment rate was 84.47% and the plasma glucose control rate was 41.38%. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that risk factors for diabetes included being male, older than 40 years, family history of diabetes, frequent physical exercise, hypertension, high triglycerid level.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The prevalence of diabetes was high in ethnic Han residents in Guizhou, the differences in diabetes prevalence between urban area and rural area was statistical significant. More than half of the patients' FPG level had not been under control after treatment. The awareness rate of self diabetes status, the treatment rate and the control rate of diabetes should be improved.</p>

Observation on curative effect of glomerular pathological proteinuria treated with heat-producing needling / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the differences of curative effect of glomerular pathological proteinuria treated with combined therapy of acupuncture and medicine or simple medicine.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Two hundred and forty cases of glomerular pathological proteinuria were divided into a combined therapy of acupuncture and medicine group (combined therapy group), a medicine group I and a medicine group II, 80 cases in each group. In combined therapy group, Pishu (BL 20) and Zhishi (BL 52) were punctured by heat-producing needling; Terazosin Hydrochloride, Bisoprolol Fumarate tablets or compound Reserpinum Triamterene tablet were applied with oral administration when accompanied by high blood pressure, to control the blood pressure within 130/80 mmHg. In medicine group I , Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone system (RAAS) interruption method was applied to control blood pressure; Benazepril Hydrochloride and Telmisartan were applied with oral administration to keep blood pressure in satisfying level, below 125-130/75-80 mmHg. In medicine group II, placebo was orally taken, and the medicine therapy which was same as that in combined therapy group was applied when accompanied by high blood pressure. Quality low protein and low salt and fat diet were applied in all groups. The Chinese medicine syndrome score, laboratory indices and curative effect were observed in all groups before and after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total effective rate was 86.3% (69/80), 61.3% (49/80) and 17.5% (14/80) respectively in combined therapy group, medicine group I and medicine group II, indicating that the curative effect in combined therapy group was superior to that in other groups (P < 0.01, P < 0.05), and it in medicine group I was superior to that in medicine group II (P < 0.01). The Chinese medicine syndrome score was markedly reduced in combined therapy group (P < 0.01), and there was no obvious change in other groups (both P > 0.05). Urinary albumin (UMA) and urinary protein in 24 hours were notably reduced in combined therapy group and medicine group I (all P < 0.01), and it was more obviously in combined therapy group than that in other groups (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The blood pressure was markedly reduced in all groups (all P < 0.05) after treatment, and there was no significant change in indices of liver and kidney functions (all P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The curative effect of heat-producing needling method is good for treating glomerular pathological proteinuria, better than that of RAAS interruption method.</p>

Effect of conversion to sirolimus-based immunosuppression on tumor recurrence after liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma beyond the Standard Milan Criteria / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To investigate the effect of sirolimus (SRL)-based immunosuppression regimen on the survival and tumor recurrence in liver transplantation recipients with hepatocellular carcinoma beyond the standard Milan criteria. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 22 patients who received liver transplant in our hospital for HCC beyond the standard Milan criteria from June 2010 to June 2011. Eleven patients received tacrolimus for immunosuppression after liver transplant and the other 11 were converted from tacrolimus to SRL-based immunosuppression. The incidence rate of acute rejection, tumor-free survival period, blood routine, liver function and complications were compared between the two groups. Results The incidence rates of acute rejection were not significantly different between the two groups after a mean follow-up of (12 + 3) months (range, 7-18 months). Four patients in the SRL group and eight patients in tacrolimus group had HCC recurrence and metastasis. Kaplan-Meier recurrence-free survival curves demonstrated that SRL group had a significantly longer HCC recurrence-free survival than tacrolimus group(P<0. 05). Compared with tacrolimus group, SRL group had significantly lower leukocyte and platelet counts (P<0. 05). The tacrolimus-related nephrotoxicity was modestly improved in all the three patients after converted to SRL. Two patients suffered oral ulcers after conversion to SRL treatment and no severe complications such as arterial thrombosis were observed. Conclusion SRL can be effectively used for liver transplant recipients with hepatocellular carcinoma beyond the standard Milan criteria; it can achieve a similar anti-rejection effect to tacrolimus and can greatly reduce tumor recurrence.

Spirometric Standards for Healthy Children and Adolescents of Korean Chinese in Northeast China

In China there are 1,923,842 Korean Chinese, who live mostly (92.27%) in the country's three northeast provinces. In spite of this sizeable number, no spirometric data are available at present on them. The present study investigated normal spirometric reference values for the Korean Chinese children and adolescents. Spirometry was performed in 443 healthy Korean Chinese children and adolescents aged 8-18 yr with measurements of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF) and maximum mid-expiratory flow (MMEF). Reference equations for FEV1, FVC, PEF and MMEF were derived by using multiple regression analysis. All of the measured spirometric parameters correlated positively with height and age significantly (P < 0.001). The predicted values of FVC and FEV1 were higher than values obtained by using Caucasian and other Asian equations (P < 0.001). A set of spirometric reference equations has been derived using a relatively large, healthy, non-smoking young Korean Chinese population with a wide range of ages and heights, the results of which differ from those gained from several other reference equations. These reference equations should be used for evaluation of lung function in this population.

Prediction of ventilatory function in children and adolescents using backpropagation neural networks / 生理学报

The aim of this study is to develop backpropagation neural networks (BPNN) for better prediction of ventilatory function in children and adolescents. Nine hundred and ninety-nine healthy children and adolescents (500 males and 499 females) aged 10-18 years, all of the Han Nationality, were selected from Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and their heights, weights, and ventilatory functions were measured respectively by means of physical examination and spirometric test. Using the approaches of BPNN and stepwise multiple regression, the prediction models and equations for forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced expiratory flow at 25% of forced vital capacity (FEF25%), forced expiratory flow at 50% of forced vital capacity (FEF50%), maximal mid-expiratory flow (MMEF) and forced expiratory flow at 75% of forced vital capacity (FEF75%) were established. Through analyzing mean squared difference (MSD) and correlation coefficient (R) of the ventilatory function indexes, the present study compared the results of BPNN, linear regression equation based on this work (LR's equation), prediction equations based on the studies of Ip et al. (Ip's equation) and Zapletal et al. (Zapletal's equation). The results showed, regardless of sex, the BPNN prediction models appeared to have smaller MSD and higher R values, compared with those from the other prediction equations; and the LR's equation also had smaller MSD and higher R values compared with those from Ip's and Zapletal's equations. The coefficients of variance (CV) for FEF50%, MMEF and FEF75% were higher than those of the other ventilatory function parameters, and their increasing percentages of R values (ΔR, relative to R values by LR's equation) derived by BPNN were correspondingly higher than those of the other indexes. In sum, BPNN approach for ventilatory function prediction outperforms the traditional regression methods. When CV of a certain ventilatory function parameter is higher, the superiority of BPNN would be more significant compared with traditional regression methods.

Lung function reference values and prediction equations in children and adolescents of the Han nationality in Heilongjiang Province / 基础医学与临床

Objective To establish lung function reference values and prediction equations in children and adolescents of the Han nationality in Heilongjiang province.Methods A survey in 588 healthy children and adolescents (292 males,296 females)aged 10 to 18 years old was carried out in Heilongjiang province in 2008.Eight flowvolume tests parameters were measured.Stepwise multiple regression was carried out to establish prediction equations for the parameters mentioned above.Results FVC and FEV1,were found,regardless of sex,to tend to go up with the increase of age(P ＜0.001).Beginning from the age of 14,male FVC and FEV1 became significantly higher than those of the female(P ＜0.001),the period of a fast increase of the male FVC and FEV1 taking place during the age of 13～14,while that of the female taking place in the age of 12 ～ 13,one age bracket earlier than the male.All lung volumes and flow rates,were found,regardless of sex,to tend to go up with the increase of age,height and weight(P ＜ 0.001).The regression equations of lung function were established.By comparison with the equations derived from our study and other authors' reports,it was found that the difference between measured data and predicted values from other authors was higher than those from our8.Conclusion Reference values and prediction equations for forced expiratory lung function applicable for children and adolescents of the Han nationality in Heilongiiang province were established.

Fat mass and fat free mass on ventilatory function in adults / 生理学报

This study is designed to probe for the effects of fat mass (FM) and fat free mass (FFM) on ventilatory function in adults. 1 307 healthy adults (372 males and 935 females) were selected from some localities of Heilongjiang province through random sampling by means of questionnaire and physical examination and measured for height, weight, waist to hip ratio (WHR), FM, FFM and ventilatory function. The data were analyzed by means of Pearson correlation analysis, independent-samples t test and multi-factors regression analysis. Regardless of sex, an independent positive correlation was found (P<0.001) between age and fat mass index (FMI). Regardless of sex, fat free mass index (FFMI) was found to be positively associated with forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF) and forced expiratory flow at 25% of forced vital capacity (FEF25%) (P<0.01), and FMI was significantly and negatively related to FVC, FEV1, FEF75% (P<0.05). In males FMI was significantly and negatively related to maximal mid-expiratory flow (MMEF) (P<0.05). Regardless of sex, the effect of FFMI on FVC was higher than that of FMI. For the males, the effect of FFMI on FVC was smaller than that of FMI, while the opposite was found in the females. Regardless of sex, FEF75% tended to decrease with increasing FMI, while FFMI was found to have no effects on FEF75%. MMEF tended to decrease with increasing FMI in the males, but no marked change was found in the females. The above results suggest that FM and FFM are independent factors influencing ventilatory function in adults. FM is negatively correlated with ventilatory function, but as a reflection of muscle mass, FFM is positively correlated with ventilatory function in adults. There is quantitative difference between the effects of FFM and FM on ventilatory function.

Relationship of body mass index, fat free mass index, and fat mass index with inspiratory capacity in adults with normal lung function / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the relationship of inspiratory capacity (IC) with body mass index (BMI), fat free mass index (FFMI), and fat mass index (FMI) in adults with normal lung function.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Based on a survey on the Chinese physiological constants conducted in Heilongjiang during 2008, we obtained the data of 2,050 adults (921 men and 1,129 women aged 19-81 years) with normal lung function and grouped them according to the standard of classification of body weight recommended by Working Group on Obesity of China. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson correlation analysis, one-way analysis of variance,and multi-factor regression analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After the influences of age and gender were adjusted, IC was positively correlated with BMI, FFMI, and FMI in adults aged 19-81 years (all P= 0.000) (the correlation coefficients were 0.320, 0.303, and 0.204, respectively). The means of IC, FFMI, and FMI in obesity group were significantly higher than those in overweight group normal weight group, and underweight group, were significantly higher in overweight group than in normal weight group and underweight group, were significantly higher in normal weight group than in underweight group (all P = 0.000). Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that factors including age, gender, height, FFMI, and FMI influenced IC, and while height, FFMI, and FMI were positively correlated with IC, gender and age were negatively correlated with IC.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>BMI, FFMI, and FMI are positively correlated with IC in adults with normal lung function. The elevation of IC derived from BMI may attribute to FFMI and FMI, and FFMI has a higher influence on IC than FMI does.</p>

Relation between fat mass, fat free mass and ventilatory function in children and adolescents / 生理学报

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relation between fat mass (FM), fat free mass (FFM) and ventilatory function in children and adolescents. 1 174 healthy children and adolescents (583 males and 591 females) aged 10-18 years were selected from Heilongjiang Province through random sampling by means of questionnaire and physical examination, and measured for height, weight, waist to hip ratio (WHR), FM, FFM and ventilatory function. The data were analyzed by means of independent-samples t test, Pearson correlation analysis and multi-factors regression analysis. Regardless of sex, an independent positive correlation was found (P<0.001) between age and FFM index (FFMI). FM index (FMI) correlated negatively with age in males (P<0.001), but positively with age in females (P<0.001). Regardless of sex, FFMI correlated positively with forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced expiratory flow at 25% of forced vital capacity (FEF25%), FEF50%, and maximal mid-expiratory flow (MMEF) (P<0.05), while negatively with FEV1/FVC (P<0.01). FFMI was correlated positively with FEF75% in males (P<0.05), but not correlated in females. In males, FMI correlated negatively with FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF, FEF25%, FEF50%, FEF75% and MMEF (P<0.05), but not correlated with FVC. No correlation was found between the ventilatory function indices and FMI in females. Except FEV1/FVC and FEF75% in males, the effect of FFMI in predicting ventilatory function was higher than FMI regardless of sex. Moreover, the predicting effect of FFMI was higher in males than that in females. Growth spurt of lung function occurred in the ages of 12-15 years in males, while in the ages of 12, 13 and 18 years in females. During the period of growth spurt of lung function, regardless of sex, the effect of FFMI in predicting the lung function was higher than that of age. In conclusion, regardless of sex, FFMI correlates positively with ventilatory function, as a reflection of muscle mass. The effect of FFM in predicting ventilatory function is higher in males than that in females. FM correlates negatively with ventilatory function in males, but not in females. The rapid growth of height and FFM are possibly the main reasons for growth spurt of lung function.

The relationship between body fat percentage, waist-hip ratio and pulmonary ventilatory function among the adult females in Heilongjiang, in 2008 / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To examine the effect of body fat mass and fat distribution on pulmonary ventilatory function among the adult females.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Based on the multistage cluster sampling principal, we selected 935 healthy adult females with ages of 19-81 years old in Heilongjiang province to conduct the study. Every 10-years old as a age group. Firstly obtain the basic situation through the questionnaire survey, and then measure the height, body weight, waistline, hip circumference, body composition and lung function. FVC, FEV1, PEF, FEF25%, FEF 50%, FEF 75% and MMEF were determined. This study also examined the relationships between percentage body fat (PBF), waist-hip ratio (WHR) and FVC, FEV1, PEF, FEF25%, FEF 50%, FEF 75%, MMEF.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>PBF of subjects with ages of 19 - 29 years old and over 60 years old were (16.89 ± 5.34)% and (24.39 ± 6.83)%, WHR were 0.77 ± 0.05 and 0.88 ± 0.06, respectively. PBF and WHR tended to increase with age (F = 50.11, P value < 0.01). PBF obesity rates of subjects with ages of 19 - 29 years old and over 60 years old were 3.23% (7/217) and 43.75% (28/64), WHR obesity rates were 19.35% (42/217) and 85.94% (55/64) respectively. PBF obesity rate and WHR obesity rate tended to increase with age (χ(2) = 161.66, P value < 0.01; χ(2) = 159.61, P value < 0.01). PBF obesity groups compared with the normal groups, the former pulmonary ventilation function reduced significantly, of which FEF 50%, FEF 75% and MMEF decreased 2.61%, 19.44%, 10.28%, respectively. WHR obesity groups compared with the normal groups, the former pulmonary ventilation function reduced significantly, of which FEF 50%, FEF 75% and MMEF decreased 7.61%, 23.15%, 12.04%. After adjustment of age, height and body mass index (BMI), PBF was negatively correlated with FVC, FEV1, PEF and FEF25% (r values were -0.14, -0.14, -0.07, -0.07, respectively, all P value s < 0.05); WHR was negatively correlated with FEV1 (r value was -0.07, P value < 0.05) after adjustment of age, height and BMI.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PBF augmentation and abdominal obesity among adult females may be the risk factors of pulmonary function impairment.</p>

Relationship between waist to hip ratio and static lung volumes in adults / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM: The study is designed to probe for the relationship between waist to hip ratio(WHR)and static lung volumes of adults. METHODS: In July-October 2008, 1 307 healthy adults(372 males and 935 females)were selected in Heilongjiang province by means of questionnaire and physical examination. The height, weight, WHR, fat mass, percentage body fat and lung function were measured, and then grouped according to the standard of classification of WHR(central obesity male WHR ≥ 0.86, female ≥ 0.82)for analysis of the relationship between WHR and static lung volume. RESULTS: WHR was found, regardless of sex, to tend to go up with the increase in age and BMI(P<0.01), and both the fat mass and percentage body fat of the central obesity group were higher than those in the group with normal WHR(P<0.01). An independent negative correlation was found(P<0.05), also regardless of sex, between the WHR with expiratory reserve volume(ERV)in all these adults. ERV in central obesity group was lower than that in the group with normal WHR(P<0.05). Compared to the normal group, ERV in the central obesity group decreased by 11% for males and 8% for females(P<0.05). However, with regard to the relationship between WHR and VT, IC, MV, and VC, gender differences were found. For the males, a significant independent positive correlation was observed between WHR and IC(P<0.05), with IC of the central obesity group 6% higher than that in the group with normal WHR(P<0.05). For the females, significant independent positive correlation was found between WHR and MV(P<0.05), with the VT and MV of the central obesity group 7% and 6% higher(P<0.05), respectively, than that in the group with normal WHR. CONCLUSION: WHR is in an independent negative correlation with ERV. The elevation of WHR may play a role in the impairment of respiratory function. Its occurrence is accompanied by a rise of IC for the male and a rise of MV for the female. These changes in the two genders could be associated with the decrease in arterial oxygen tension caused by the decrease of ERV.

Association of transforming growth factor-alpha gene polymorphism and environment factors with nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate in Han nationality / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the association of transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha gene polymorphism and environment factors with nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCLP) in Han nationality.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Data related to infection, drug intake and folic acid supplement during pregnancy were gained through investigation of mothers. Polymerase chain reaction combined with restrict enzyme digestion was used to detect the target gene variation in 199 patients with NSCL/P and 203 healthy controls. Analysis was carried on the genotype and infection,drug intake and folic acid supplement.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The C2 allele frequency in patients with NSCL/P was significantly higher than that in healthy controls. There was a significant increase of patients with NSCL/P in pregnant women exposed to infection, drug intake and folic acid deficiency. There was an interaction between C1C2 genetype and infection, drug intake and folic acid supplement.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TGF-alpha gene polymorphism is associated with NSCL/P. Infection, drug intake and folic acid supplement during pregnancy were associated with the occurrence of NSCL/P. Individuals containing C2 allele were more sensitive to infection, drug intake and folic acid deficiency.</p>

Relationship between transforming growth factor-alpha gene polymorphism and non-syndromic cleft lip with cleft palate / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the association of TGF-alpha gene polymorphism and non-syndromic cleft lip with cleft palate in Shandong province.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Polymerase chain reaction combined with restrict enzyme digestion was used to detect the target gene variation in 98 patients with non-syndromic cleft lip with cleft palate and 101 healthy controls.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The C2 allele frequency in patients with non-syndromic cleft lip with cleft palate was significantly higher than that in healthy controls. The genotype frequency in patients with positive family history was significantly higher than that without positive family history.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TGF-alpha gene polymorphism is closely associated with non-syndromic cleft lip with cleft palate in Shandong, especially in patients with positive family history.</p>