A new macrocyclic flavonoid from Onychium japonicum / 药学学报

Seven compounds were isolated from Onychium japonicum by macroporous resin, silica gel, ODS, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC. Their structures were identified by NMR, MS and other spectroscopic methods as onychone A (1), quercetin (2), quercetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnoside (3), kaempferol-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (4), kaempferol-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (5), (-)-prunin (6), and norathyriol (7). Compound 1 is a novel macrocyclic flavonoid, and all the others are reported from this plant for the first time. In vitro cytotoxic activities of compounds 1-7 were evaluated by MTS testing with five cancer cell lines. Compound 7 exhibited weak cytotoxicity against tumor cell lines A549, SMMC-7721, and SW480.

Clinical and dermoscopic features of surgically treated melanocytic nevi: a retrospective study of 1046 cases / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#Compared with Caucasians, unique demographic and clinical features have been reported in Chinese patients with malignant melanoma, but similar comparative studies of melanocytic nevi (MN) are lacking. This study examined the clinical and dermoscopic features of MN in surgically treated Chinese cases.@*Methods@#Clinical data and dermoscopic findings from 1046 cases of MN were collected and analyzed. Cases were treated from January 1 to December 31, 2014 at the Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Peking University First Hospital. The association between nevi location and histologic subtypes was examined with Chi-squared test and univariate logistic regression. Chi-squared test was also used to analyze the proportion of globular patterns across different body sites, and proportion of parallel furrow patterns across different histologic subtypes.@*Results@#The majority of the nevi were from female patients, irrespective of location. The range of age at the time of nevi onset was from 0 (birth) to 79 years. There were 381 (36.4%, 381/1046) congenital nevi; of these 81.6% (311/381) were present at birth. Nevi appeared before 30 years of age in 83.2% (870/1046) of the cases. Median values of length growth rate in congenital and acquired MN were 2.0 and 1.6, respectively. Median values of length growth rates in four age groups (0–9, 10–19, 20–29, and ≥30 years) of congenital nevi were 2.2, 2.0, 2.4, and 2.0, respectively. In acral nevi, which often need to be differentiated from acral lentiginous melanoma, 50.2% (109/217) were junctional (odds ratio [OR]; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 91.572 [52.210–160.959], P < 0.05). Acral location was also associated with a higher likelihood of compound nevi subtype (OR [95% CI]: 14.468 [8.981–23.306], P < 0.05). The globular (59.4%, 354/596) and pseudonetwork (48.8%, 291/596) dermoscopic patterns were often seen in the head and neck region. In areas other than head and neck and acral regions, the globular pattern was the commonest pattern (34.8%, 71/204) regardless of age. Parallel furrow pattern occurred in 46.0% (87/189) of acral MN, followed by fibrillar pattern (21.7%, 41/189).@*Conclusion@#Unique clinical and dermoscopic features exist in Chinese patients with MN compared with observations reported in other population.

Clinical and dermoscopic features of surgically treated melanocytic nevi: a retrospective study of 1046 cases / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Compared with Caucasians, unique demographic and clinical features have been reported in Chinese patients with malignant melanoma, but similar comparative studies of melanocytic nevi (MN) are lacking. This study examined the clinical and dermoscopic features of MN in surgically treated Chinese cases.@*METHODS@#Clinical data and dermoscopic findings from 1046 cases of MN were collected and analyzed. Cases were treated from January 1 to December 31, 2014 at the Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Peking University First Hospital. The association between nevi location and histologic subtypes was examined with Chi-squared test and univariate logistic regression. Chi-squared test was also used to analyze the proportion of globular patterns across different body sites, and proportion of parallel furrow patterns across different histologic subtypes.@*RESULTS@#The majority of the nevi were from female patients, irrespective of location. The range of age at the time of nevi onset was from 0 (birth) to 79 years. There were 381 (36.4%, 381/1046) congenital nevi; of these 81.6% (311/381) were present at birth. Nevi appeared before 30 years of age in 83.2% (870/1046) of the cases. Median values of length growth rate in congenital and acquired MN were 2.0 and 1.6, respectively. Median values of length growth rates in four age groups (0-9, 10-19, 20-29, and ≥30 years) of congenital nevi were 2.2, 2.0, 2.4, and 2.0, respectively. In acral nevi, which often need to be differentiated from acral lentiginous melanoma, 50.2% (109/217) were junctional (odds ratio [OR]; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 91.572 [52.210-160.959], P < 0.05). Acral location was also associated with a higher likelihood of compound nevi subtype (OR [95% CI]: 14.468 [8.981-23.306], P < 0.05). The globular (59.4%, 354/596) and pseudonetwork (48.8%, 291/596) dermoscopic patterns were often seen in the head and neck region. In areas other than head and neck and acral regions, the globular pattern was the commonest pattern (34.8%, 71/204) regardless of age. Parallel furrow pattern occurred in 46.0% (87/189) of acral MN, followed by fibrillar pattern (21.7%, 41/189).@*CONCLUSION@#Unique clinical and dermoscopic features exist in Chinese patients with MN compared with observations reported in other population.

Association between Prenatal Environmental Factors and Child Autism: A Case Control Study in Tianjin, China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the association between autism and prenatal environmental risk factors.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A case-control study was conducted among 193 children with autism from the special educational schools and 733 typical development controls matched by age and gender by using questionnaire in Tianjin from 2007 to 2012. Statistical analysis included quick unbiased efficient statistical tree (QUEST) and logistic regression in SPSS 20.0.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were four predictors by QUEST and the logistic regression analysis, maternal air conditioner use during pregnancy (OR=0.316, 95% CI: 0.215-0.463) was the single first-level node (χ²=50.994, P=0.000); newborn complications (OR=4.277, 95% CI: 2.314-7.908) and paternal consumption of freshwater fish (OR=0.383, 95% CI: 0.256-0.573) were second-layer predictors (χ²=45.248, P=0.000; χ²=24.212, P=0.000); and maternal depression (OR=4.822, 95% CI: 3.047-7.631) was the single third-level predictor (χ²=23.835, P=0.000). The prediction accuracy of the tree was 89.2%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The air conditioner use during pregnancy and paternal freshwater fish diet might be beneficial for the prevention of autism, while newborn complications and maternal depression might be the risk factors.</p>

Pharmacokinetic comparison of two ozagrel polymorph forms in SD rats / 药学学报

To enhance the quality and efficiency of ozagrel by investigating the differences between the ozagrel polymorphs in bioavailability. Solid ozagrel in different polymorph forms were orally administered to SD rats. An HPLC method was established to determinate plasma level of ozagrel. The bioavailabilities of two polymorph forms were calculated and compared. The pharmacokinetic parameters of ozagrel, were as follows: Cmax was 32.72 ± 17.04 and 34.01 ± 19.13 mg · L(-1), respectively; AUC0-t was 61.14 ± 14.76 and 85.56 ± 18.08 mg · L(-1) · h, respectively; t½ was 1.53 ± 0.51 and 4.73 ± 3.00 h, respectively. There was no significant difference in pharmacokinetic parameters between form I and II polymorphs of ozagrel while the t½ of form II is longer, which indicates that the use of form II polymorph as pharmaceutical product may prolong the effective action time in clinics. This would help the polymorph quality control in drug production.

Preliminary analysis of bitter substances in spica of Prunella vulgaris / 中国中药杂志

Volatile oil components and the contents and types of amino acid in spica of Prunella vulgaris were analysed by GC-MS and amino acid analyzer. Esters, fatty acids, aromatic hydrocarbon, ketone and several alcohol compounds were identified by mass spectrum comparison. In these ingredients, beta-ionone smelled aroma of cedar, raspberry, nerolidol showed weak sweet soft orange blossom flavor, neroli tasted sweet and fresh, nerolidol tasted sweet with light aroma of wood, hexadecanal showed a weak aroma of flowers and wax, alpha-sinensal had rich and fresh sweet orange flavor. To some extent, these types of aromatic substances can affect the taste of herbal tea or decoction made of Spica Prunellae. Among amino acids detected, natural amino acids accounted for a larger proportion, and those natural amino acids showed bitterness, slight bitterness, sourness (freshness), sweetness, slight sweetness, sourness (slight freshness). The results indicated that bitter and slightly bitter amino acids have the greatest impacts on the sense of Spica Prunellae.

Altered Activity and Functional Connectivity of Superior Temporal Gyri in Anxiety Disorders: A Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

OBJECTIVE: The prior functional MRI studies have demonstrated significantly abnormal activity in the bilateral superior temporal gyrus (STG) of anxiety patients. The purpose of the current investigation was to determine whether the abnormal activity in these regions was related to a loss of functional connectivity between these regions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten healthy controls and 10 anxiety patients underwent noninvasive fMRI while actively listening to emotionally neutral words alternated by silence (Task 1) or threat-related words (Task 2). The participants were instructed to silently make a judgment of each word's valence (i.e., unpleasant, pleasant, or neutral). A coherence analysis was applied to the functional MRI data to examine the functional connectivity between the left and the right STG, which was selected as the primary region of interest on the basis of our prior results. RESULTS: The data demonstrated that the anxiety patients exhibited significantly increased activation in the bilateral STG than the normal controls. The functional connectivity analysis indicated that the patient group showed significantly decreased degree of connectivity between the bilateral STG during processing Task 2 compared to Task 1 (t = 2.588, p = 0.029). In addition, a significantly decreased connectivity was also observed in the patient group compared to the control group during processing Task 2 (t = 2.810, p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: Anxiety patients may exhibit increased activity of the STG but decreased functional connectivity between the left and right STG, which may reflect the underlying neural abnormality of anxiety disorder, and this will provide new insights into this disease.

A novel mutation of the KIT gene in a Chinese family with piebaldism / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Human piebaldism is a rare autosomal dominant condition characterized by congenital white forelock and depigmented patches of skin, typically on the forehead, anterior trunk and extremities. Mutations in the KIT gene have been proposed to be responsible for the underlying changes in this disorder. The aim of this study was to identify gene mutation in a Chinese family with piebaldism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A Chinese family with piebaldism presenting with white forelock and large depigmented skin macules on the abdomen, arms and legs was collected. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood of the family members. The encoding exons with flanking intron regions of the KIT gene were analyzed by polymerase chain reactions (PCR) and direct DNA sequencing. Besides, DNA extracted from 100 ethnically matched population individuals was as controls.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A heterozygous missense mutation c.2590T > C was identified in the patients of the family. This mutation converted a serine residue to proline (p.Ser864Pro). The mutation was not found in their unaffected family members or normal controls.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>A novel missense mutation c.2590 T > C was found and it might play a significant role in the piebaldism phenotype in the family.</p>

Abnormal intrinsic brain activity in amnestic mild cognitive impairment revealed by amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation: a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Previous studies have shown that brain functional activity in the resting state is impaired in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. However, alterations in intrinsic brain activity patterns in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients are poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the differences in regional intrinsic activities throughout the whole brain between aMCI patients and controls.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In the present study, resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed on 18 amnestic MCI (aMCI) patients, 18 mild AD patients and 20 healthy elderly subjects. And amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) method was used.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with healthy elderly subjects, aMCI patients showed decreased ALFF in the right hippocampus and parahippocampal cortex, left lateral temporal cortex, and right ventral medial prefrontal cortex (vMPFC) and increased ALFF in the left temporal-parietal junction (TPJ) and inferior parietal lobule (IPL). Mild AD patients showed decreased ALFF in the left TPJ, posterior IPL (pIPL), and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex compared with aMCI patients. Mild AD patients also had decreased ALFF in the right posterior cingulate cortex, right vMPFC and bilateral dorsal MPFC (dMPFC) compared with healthy elderly subjects.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Decreased intrinsic activities in brain regions closely related to episodic memory were found in aMCI and AD patients. Increased TPJ and IPL activity may indicate compensatory mechanisms for loss of memory function in aMCI patients. These findings suggest that the fMRI based on ALFF analysis may provide a useful tool in the study of aMCI patients.</p>

Functional MRI study of mild Alzheimer's disease using amplitude of low frequency fluctuation analysis / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Previous studies have shown that the functional brain activity in the resting state is impaired in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. However, most studies focused on the relationship between different brain areas, rather than the amplitude or strength of the regional brain activity. The purpose of this study was to explore the functional brain changes in AD patients by measuring the amplitude of the blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) functional MRI (fMRI) signals.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty mild AD patients and twenty healthy elderly subjects participated in the fMRI scan. The amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (ALFF) was calculated using REST software.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the healthy elderly subjects, the mild AD patients showed decreased ALFF in the right posterior cingulate cortex, right ventral medial prefrontal cortex, and in the bilateral dorsal medial prefrontal cortex. No brain region with increased ALFF was found in the AD group compared with the control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The reduced activity in the posterior cingulate cortex and medial prefrontal cortex observed in the present study suggest that the functional abnormalities of those areas are at an early stage of AD. The ALFF analysis may provide a useful tool in fMRI study of AD.</p>

A functional magnetic resonance imaging study on resting state brain default mode network in patients with mild cognitive impairment / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective To explore the activity and its possible neural mechanism of brain default mode network by using resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods The 20 amnestic MCI patients and 25 healthy controls were included in this study, and all subjects underwent mini-mental state examination (MMSE), auditory verbal learning test (AVLT) and fMRI. The data were analyzed by amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (ALFF), and the enhanced and weakened regions of ALFF were observed and compared in both MCI patients and healthy controls. Results MMSE and AVLT tests showed that the memory function was seriously impaired in MCI patients compared with healthy controls, which is based on the short and long delayed episodic memory impairment (2.4±1.7 vs. 6.6±1.4, t=3.70, P＜0.01; 2.1±1.6 vs. 6.7±1.5, t=4.16, P＜0.01). The resting state fMRI showed that MCI patients had significant decreases of ALFF in hippocampal formation, parahippocampal cortex and lateral temporal cortex as compared with health controls (t=2.58, 2.43 and 1.75, all P＜0.01), which were closely relevant to the episodic memory. And they had significant increases in temporal-parietal joint and inferior parietal lobule (t=3.14 and 2.77, both P＜0.01). Conclusions MCI patients show significant decreased active intensity of some DMN nodes that is related to episodic memory in resting state. Increased active intensity in MCI patients would be some type of compensation.

Absorption dynamic characteristics of clopidogrel bisulfate polymorphs in rat / 药学学报

Four crystalline forms of clopidogrel bisulfate were characterized by analytical techniques. Aiming to research the absorption characteristics of clopidogrel bisulfate polymorphs after taken orally by rat, and to estimate the influence of crystal form to pharmacodynamic action, four crystalline forms of clopidogrel bisulfate were administered intragastrically to rats, and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to measure the contents of clopidogrel bisulfate and its metabolite in rat plasma. The metabolite of clopidogrel bisulfate was detected in rat plasma. There were significant deviations among four crystalline forms in the areas under curve of the metabolite of clopidogrel bisulfate. We concluded that the different crystal forms of clopidogrel bisulfate showed different pharmacokinetic characteristics, which might affect pharmacodynamic action.

Impact of endocrine disrupting chemicals on semen quality / 中华男科学杂志

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are natural or man-made agents that interfere in some way with human or animal normal endocrine function, and even influence the endocrine function of their offspring. There are many kinds of EDCs, which are widely present in soil, water, and even food. This review elaborates the impact of EDCs on human and animal semen quality from the viewpoint of epidemiology and biology by focusing on pesticides, plasticizers and detergents.

Study on genetic polymorphism of human mismatch repair gene hMLH1 and susceptibility of papillary thyroid carcinoma in Chinese Han people / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the associations between the single nucleotide polymorphism of human mismatch repair gene hMLH1 and the papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in Chinese Han people.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A hospital based 1:1 matched case-control study was carried out. The single nucleotide polymorphism (-93G > A, 1151T > A and 655A > G) for 204 pairs of cases with PTC as well as healthy controls was identified by PCR-RFLP, PCR-ASO and DNA sequencing.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>With univariate analysis, we found that compared to 1151TT genotype, the TA genotype could increase the PTC risk marginally, with odds ratio (OR) of 2.15 (95%CI: 0.99 - 4.85); While the mutant genotype TA + AA could increase the PTC risk statistically significant, with OR of 2.15(95%CI: 1.02 - 4.69). With 2 x 4 cross-over study, we found that compared to -93GG and 1151TT genotypes, individuals with both -93GA + AA and 1151TA + AA could increase the PTC risk marginally, with OR of 2.50 (95%CI: 0.96 - 6.67); While, compared to 655AA and 1151TT genotypes, individuals with both 655AA and 1151TA + AA could increase the PTC risk statistically significant, with OR of 2.50 (95%CI: 1.02 - 4.73). Multivariate and conditional logistic regression analysis showed the genotype of 1151TA, the history of receiving CT diagnosis, the history of tumor, the negative life events and eating seafood frequently could increase the risk of PTC, with OR of 6.79 (95%CI: 3.18 - 14.49), 3.35 (95%CI: 1.93 - 5.80), 39.03 (95%CI: 3.70 - 41.60) and 3.98 (95%CI: 1.81 - 8.73); While, eating fruit frequently could decrease the PTC risk.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The 1151TA + AA genotype, the history of receiving CT diagnosis, the history of tumor, the negative life events and eating seafood frequently were the risk factors of PTC, while eating fruit frequently was the protective factor.</p>

Association of genetic polymorphisms and haplotypes in hMLH1 and hMSH3 gene with the risk of papillary thyroid carcinoma / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the relationship of the genetic polymorphisms and the haplotypes in hMLH1 and hMSH3 gene with the risk of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in Chinese Hans.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A hospital based 1:1 matched case-control study was carried out. The polymorphisms for 204 pairs of PTC cases and healthy controls were identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and allele specific oligonucleotide (PCR-ASO) assays.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) The PTC risk was marginally increased in the hMLH1 1151TA genotype, with odds ratio (OR) of 2.15 (95%CI: 0.99-4.85); the PTC risk was significantly increased in the mutant genotype 1151TA+AA, with OR of 2.15 (95%CI: 1.02-4.69); (2) The haplotypes of -93G, 1151A, 655A in the hMLH1 gene could increase the PTC risk, with OR of 2.67 (95%CI: 1.16-6.53, P=0.011), compared with the haplotype of -93G, 1151T, 655A; (3) Compared to 3124A, 2835G haplotype in hMSH3 gene, the 3124G, 2835A haplotype could increase the PTC risk marginally, with OR of 3.08 (95%CI: 0.92-13.25).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The 1151T/A polymorphism in hMLH1 was associated with PTC; both the haplotype of -93G, 1151A, 655A in hMLH1 and the 3124G, 2835A haplotype in hMSH3 were associated with PTC.</p>

A matched case-control study of papillary thyroid carcinoma / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>In order to explore the risk factors of the papillary thyroid carcinoma(PTC), a hospital-based matched case-control study was carried out in Shanghai.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Matched by gender, age (+/- 3 years old) and native place,205 pairs of cases and controls were recruited and studied. Database was established with Epi Info 6.0 software. Univariate and multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis were carried out with SPSS 11.5 software.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Data from multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis showed that often drinking tea and having better economic living standard 20 years ago were protective factors of PTC, with ORs of 0.456 and 0.221 respectively. Personal history of CT examination, familial history of cancer and the mother's age was older than 22 years when the research subject was delivered, were risk factors of PTC, with ORs of 12.935, 7.027 and 3.729 respectively. Results data from multivariate analysis on female subjects showed that the history of CT examination, mother's age was older than 22 (when the subject was delivered) and the history of gynecological disease were the risk factors of PTC,with ORs of 107.453,29.246 and 59.521 respectively. Taking bean products frequently and having higher standard of living 20 years ago were the protective factors of PTC,with ORs of 0.025 and 0. 144 respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>History of CT examination, familial history of cancer and the mother's age(older than 22 when the subject was delivered) were the risk factors of PTC. Frequent tea drinking habit and having higher standard of living 20 years ago were the protective factors of PTC. History of CT examination,mother's age (older than 22 when the subject was delivered) and the history of gynecological disease appeared the risk factors of PTC for women. Habit on frequent bean products taking and had higher standard of living 20 years ago were the protective factors of PTC to women.</p>

Genetic polymorphisms in X-ray repair cross-complementing gene 1 and susceptibility to papillary thyroid carcinoma / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the association of polymorphisms in the X-ray repair cross-complementing gene 1 (XRCC1) and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A hospital based, matched case-control study was carried out. The polymorphisms in XRCC1 for 105 pairs of cases with PTC and controls were identified by PCR-RFLP.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The frequencies of Arg/Arg, Arg/Trp and Trp/Trp genotypes at XRCC1 Arg194Trp site were 47.6%, 49.5% and 2.9% among cases compared to 45.7%, 48.6% and 5.7% among controls. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (chi(2) = 1.07, P = 0.59). The frequencies of Arg/Arg, Arg/Gln and Gln/Gln genotypes at XRCC1 Arg399Gln site were 46.7%, 41.9% and 11.4% among cases, while 54.2%, 42.9% and 2.9% among controls respectively. There was statistically significant difference between the two groups (chi(2) = 6.40, P = 0.04). Individuals with Gln/Gln genotype had a 3.65-fold increased risk of developing PTC compared to Arg/Arg genotype (OR = 4.65, 95% CI: 1.24 - 17.45). The multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis showed that the XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism, negative life events and X-irradiation history were associated with PTC, with odds ratios of 2.71 (95% CI: 1.22 - 6.05), 5.34 (95% CI: 1.40 - 20.38) and 0.38 (95% CI: 0.12 - 0.72) respectively. However, XRCC1 Arg194Trp polymorphism, drinking tea, fruit and economic levels did not show statistically significant associations with PTC.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The Gln/Gln genotype at XRCC1 Arg399Gln site and negative life events significantly increased while X-irradiation history decreased the risk of developing PTC.</p>

Single nucleotide polymorphisms and point mutations of ataxia telangiectasia mutated gene in Chinese of Han ethnicity / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and point mutations of ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene in Chinese of Han ethnicity.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The target fragments of the exon 39, exon 61 and exon 63 of ATM gene were first amplified using PCR technique, then screened for the SNPs and point mutations using single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) technique, finally the representative bands were sequenced for the verification of the new single nucleotide polymorphisms and point mutations using the automatic DNA sequencing technique.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Six new SNPs were found in the exon 39, intron 61 and intron 63 of ATM gene. They are respectively the A/T polymorphisms at nucleotide 5689 and 5691 in exon 39, the T/G polymorphisms at nucleotide +69 and +99, the A/G polymorphism at nucleotide +94 in intron 61, the G/C polymorphism at nucleotide +17 in intron 63. Five new point mutations were found in the exon 61, intron 62 and exon 63 of ATM gene. They are respectively the T/G transversion at nucleotide 8618 in exon 61, the T/G transversion at nucleotide -13 in intron 62, the T/G transversion at nucleotide 8793, the G/A transitions at nucleotide 8816 and 8848 in exon 63. The known three SNPs, the G/A polymorphism at nucleotide 5557 in exon 39, the T/C polymorphism at nucleotide +104 in intron 61 and the T/C polymorphism at nucleotide -55 in intron 62, were verified in Chinese of Han ethnicity.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There are great differences in the SNPs of ATM gene between Chinese of Han ethnicity and Caucasian.</p>