Phenotype and genotype analyses of two pedigrees with inherited fibrinogen deficiency / 中华血液学杂志

Objective: To analyze the phenotype and genotype of two pedigrees with inherited fibrinogen (Fg) deficiency caused by two heterozygous mutations. We also preliminarily probed the molecular pathogenesis. Methods: The prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT) and plasma fibrinogen activity (Fg∶C) of all family members (nine people across three generations and three people across two generations) were measured by the clotting method. Fibrinogen antigen (Fg:Ag) was measured by immunoturbidimetry. Direct DNA sequencing was performed to analyze all exons, flanking sequences, and mutated sites of FGA, FGB, and FGG for all members. Thrombin-catalyzed fibrinogen polymerization was performed. ClustalX 2.1 software was used to analyze the conservatism of the mutated sites. MutationTaster, PolyPhen-2, PROVEAN, SIFT, and LRT online bioinformatics software were applied to predict pathogenicity. Swiss PDB Viewer 4.0.1 was used to analyze the changes in protein spatial structure and molecular forces before and after mutation. Results: The Fg∶C of two probands decreased (1.28 g/L and 0.98 g/L, respectively). The Fg∶Ag of proband 1 was in the normal range of 2.20 g/L, while it was decreased to 1.01 g/L in proband 2. Through genetic analysis, we identified a heterozygous missense mutation (c.293C>A; p.BβAla98Asp) in exon 2 of proband 1 and a heterozygous nonsense mutation (c.1418C>G; p.BβSer473*) in exon 8 of proband 2. The conservatism analysis revealed that Ala98 and Ser473 presented different conservative states among homologous species. Online bioinformatics software predicted that p.BβAla98Asp and p.BβSer473* were pathogenic. Protein models demonstrated that the p.BβAla98Asp mutation influenced hydrogen bonds between amino acids, and the p.BβSer473* mutation resulted in protein truncation. Conclusion: The dysfibrinogenemia of proband 1 and the hypofibrinogenemia of proband 2 appeared to be related to the p.BβAla98Asp heterozygous missense mutation and the p.BβSer473* heterozygous nonsense mutation, respectively. This is the first ever report of these mutations.

Correlation analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine physical fitness and cardiovascular health behaviors among college students / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To analyze the correlation between Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) physical fitness and cardiovascular health behaviors among college students and to provide a reference for physical fitness management and primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases for college population.@*Methods@#From August to November 2021, 1 621 college students from three universities in Liaoning Province were selected by clustering random sampling method, and questionnaire survey was conducted using the TCM Physical Fitness Determination Scale and the cardiovascular health behavior index proposed by the American Heart Association to analyze the correlation between TCM physical fitness and cardiovascular health behavior among college students.@*Results@#Cigarette smoking was higher among male students (20.7%) and students majoring arts and sports(27.3%)( χ 2=184.99, 79.43, P < 0.05). Body mass index (BMI) was higher among male students (4.7%) and students majoring medicine(3.6%)( χ 2=64.11, 15.38 , P <0.05). Physical inactivity was more common among female students(39.6%), medical majors(45.2%), and students with a family history of cardiovascular disease(CVD)(33.4%)( χ 2=145.40, 189.91, 15.89, P <0.05). Unhealthy diet was more common among students with medical majors and no family history of CVD(45.8%, 43.1%)( χ 2=33.13, 15.57, P <0.05). Significant differences in TCM body composition were found among college students by gender, major, and family history of CVD( χ 2=101.22, 82.38, 90.42, P <0.01). Healthy diet (ideal) and physical exercise (ideal, average) were negatively associated with Qi deficiency ( OR =0.48, 0.19, 0.63), physical exercise (ideal, average) was negatively associated with Yang deficiency( OR =0.43, 0.68), BMI (ideal) and physical exercise (ideal) were negatively associated with Phlegm dampness( OR =0.21, 0.37), physical exercise (ideal) was negatively correlated with Damp heat and Blood stasis qualities ( OR =0.34, 0.20), and physical exercise (ideal, general) was negatively correlated with Qi yu qualities( OR =0.34, 0.51)( P <0.05).@*Conclusion@#TCM physical fitness is associated with cardiovascular health behavior, with varying effects of each indicator of cardiovascular health behavior on TCM physical fitness. Personalized cardiovascular interventions should be taken according to differential constitutions to provide reference for constitution regulation and cardiovascular disease prevention.

Effect of moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) on myocardial remodeling and function in exercise-induced fatigue rats / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To explore the effect of moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) on myocardial structure and function in exercise-induced fatigue rats. Methods: A 12-week treadmill running training was performed to create an exercise-induced fatigue rat model. Sixty eligible male specific-pathogen-free grade Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a control group, a model group, a non-meridian non-acupoint group, a Zusanli (ST 36) group and a Shenque (CV 8) group, with 10 rats in each group. Rats in the blank group did not receive treadmill running training or moxibustion. Rats in the control group did not receive treadmill running training but received mild moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8). Rats in the model group received treadmill running training but no moxibustion. Rats in the non-meridian non-acupoint group, the Zusanli (ST 36) group and the Shenque (CV 8) group received moxibustion at the non-meridian non-acupoint points, Zusanli (ST 36) or Shenque (CV 8) immediately after each treadmill running training, 15 min each time, once a day for 5 consecutive days a week at a 2-day interval, 60 times of moxibustion in total. Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESd), left ventricular diastolic volume (LVDv), left ventricular systolic volume (LVSv), ejection fraction (EF), stroke volume (SV), early diastolic peak flow velocity of mitral valve (E) and late diastolic peak flow velocity of mitral valve (A) of each group before and after the last treadmill running training were measured. Blood was collected 6 h after the last treadmill running training, and serum C-reactive protein (CRP), myoglobin (Mb), creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and cardiac troponin T (cTnT) levels were detected. Finally, the heart was separated, the heart mass (HM) was measured, the cTnT level of the myocardial tissue was detected, the ultrastructural changes of the left ventricular myocardium were observed by transmission electron microscope, the left ventricular fraction shortening (LVFS), E/A and heart mass index (HMI) were calculated. Results: Compared with the same group before treatment, the rat cardiac LVEDd, LVESd, LVDv, LVSv, SV, E and A were significantly increased (all P<0.01), and the rat LVFS, E/A and EF were significantly decreased (all P<0.01) in the model group and the non-meridian non-acupoint group after treatment; the rat cardiac SV, LVDv, LVSv, E and A were all increased (all P<0.01), while E/A and EF were decreased (all P<0.01) in the Zusanli (ST 36) group after treatment; the rat cardiac LVDv, E and A were significantly increased (P<0.01 or P<0.05), and E/A was significantly decreased (P<0.01) in the Shenque (CV 8) group after treatment. After treatment, compared with the blank group, the rat cardiac LVEDd, LVESd, SV, LVDv, LVSv, E, A, the serum CRP, Mb, CK-MB, cTnI, cTnT and HMI, and the myocardial cTnT were increased (all P<0.01), and the LVFS, E/A and EF were all reduced (all P<0.01) in the model group; compared with the model group and the non-meridian non-acupoint group, rats in the Zusanli (ST 36) group and the Shenque (CV 8) group showed decreased LVEDd, LVESd, SV, LVDv, LVSv, E, A, serum CRP, Mb, CK-MB, cTnI, cTnT and HMI, and myocardial cTnT (P<0.01 or P<0.05), along with increased LVFS, E/A and EF (all P<0.01); compared with the Zusanli (ST 36) group, Mb and A of the Shenque (CV 8) group were decreased (both P<0.01), while both E/A and EF were increased (P<0.01, P<0.05). Transmission electron microscopy examination showed that myofibrils in the blank group and the control group were neatly arranged with clear light and dark bands; the model group and the non-meridian non-acupoint group showed different degrees of myofibril disintegration and breakage, increased and aggregated mitochondria of different sizes, and increased electron density. The myofibrils in the Shenque (CV 8) group and Zusanli (ST 36) group were arranged neatly with clear light and dark bands, and compensatory hyperplasia of mitochondria. Conclusion: Moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) and Zusanli (ST 36) both can effectively improve the occurrence of myocardial remodeling in exercise-induced fatigue rats, and the effect of moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) is better in improving cardiac function.

Odanacatib Inhibits Resistin-induced Hypertrophic H9c2 Cardiomyoblast Cells Through LKB1/AMPK Pathway

ABSTRACT Odanacatib (ODN) is a selective inhibitor of cathepsin K. The cysteine protease cathepsin K has been implicated in cardiac hypertrophy. Resistine is an adipokine which is identified to promote cardiac hypertrophy. Here, we hypothesize that ODN mitigates resistin-induced myocyte hypertrophy. Cell surface area and protein synthesis were measured after treatment with resistin and ODN in H9c2 cells. The expression of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy marker BNP and β-MHC was detected by RT-qPCR. The expression and phosphorylation of AMPK and LKB1 were analyzed with Western blot. Resistin could significantly increase cardiomyocyte cell surface area, protein synthesis, and embryonic gene BNP and β-MHC expression, inhibit phosphorylation of AMPK and LKB1. ODN could significantly reverse the effects of resistin. Collectively, our data suggest that ODN can inhibit cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by resistin and the underlying mechanism may be involved in LKB1/AMPK pathway.

Influence of rice and added sugar intakes on fasting plasma glucose and triacylglycerol levels amongst a population sample of Malaysian adults

Introduction: A recently published meta-analysis showed that each additional serving of rice increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) by an alarming 11%. We investigated whether this phenomenon is seen in the Malaysian population by studying the effect of rice intake and added sugar consumption on fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and fasting triacylglycerol (TAG). Methods: Ninety subjects (60 females, 30 males, aged 30-70 years), adequate to detect a weak-to-moderate Pearson correlation of r=0.26 at a=0.05 and power= 0.80, were recruited by convenience sampling from six communities in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. Fasting blood samples were collected by finger-prick and analysed for FPG (AccuCek, Roche) and TAG (Accutrend, Roche). Macronutrient intakes, including rice, were obtained by a single interview using a previously-evaluated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and quantitated as grams by the DietPLUS V2 programme. Added sugar intakes by subjects were estimated using an Added Sugar Intake excel programme. Results: Rice contributed to 85% of dietary carbohydrates, accounting for 41.8 % kcal of the average 1750- kcal diet. Rice intakes or added sugar consumption did not have a significant correlation (p>0.05) with FPG nor fasting TAG. Added sugar consumption, which averaged 44g/person/day (5% kcal) was markedly lower than the 137g/person/day reported elsewhere for the Malaysian population. Conclusion: High consumption of rice as a risk factor of type 2 DM was not indicated in the present study. Since white rice consumption varied 10-fold in the present subjects, the reduction in daily intake of this staple food represents a feasible option for cutting back on calorie intake for overweight or obese individuals.

Diagnostic value of automated breast volume scanner in high-risk and small breast lesions / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the accuracy of detection by automated breast volume scanner (ABVS) in diagnosis of high-risk and small breast lesions.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and twelve patients with solid high-risk and small breast lesions were identified by ABVS. The patients were divided into benign lesion group and cancer group after pathological examination. The clinicopathological findings and ultrasonographic features of the lesions were compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among the 112 lesions there were 49 benign and 63 malignant lesions. The mean size on ABVS and pathology were (1.59 ± 0.52) cm and (1.52 ± 0.58) cm. There was no significant difference in tumor sizes determined by ABVS and pathology (P = 0.194). The mean age of patients with benign lesions was (38.5 ± 7.4) years and that of malignant lesions was (52.4 ± 13.6) years, showing a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.001) . The mass shape, orientation, margin, lesion boundary, echo pattern, calcification, BI-RADS category and retraction phenomenon were significantly different of the malignant and benign masses (P < 0.05). But there was no significant difference in the location of lesions and posterior acoustic features (P > 0.05) . Retraction phenomenon was significantly associated with pathological type and histologic grade of the breast cancer (P < 0.01). The specificity, sensitivity and accuracy of retraction phenomenon were 100% (46/46), 73.0% (46/63), and 84.8% (95/112), respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>ABVS provides advantages of better size prediction of high-risk and small breast lesions. Furthermore, the retraction phenomenon in coronal plane shows high specificity and sensitivity in detecting breast cancer.</p>

Radial probe endobronchial ultrasound scanning assessing invasive depth of central lesions in tracheobronchial wall / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Patients with central tracheobronchial benign or malignant lesions who have not recieved surgical treatment can be treated by interventional techniques, such as laser, afterloading radiotherapy, cryotherapy, photodynamics treatment, radiofrequency ablation and stenting, etc. The accuracy of the invasive depth of central lesion in tracheobronchial wall plays an important role in making interventional treatment plan. This study used radial probe endobronchial ultrasound (RP-EBUS) scanning to evaluate the accuracy of the invasive depth of central lesions in tracheobronchial wall, and the influence of RP-EBUS scanning in treatment plan making and guidance.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This was a prospective study of consecutive patients with central tracheobronchial lesions found by CT or bronchoscopy. We performed EBUS scanning after common bronchoscopy under local anesthesia. A radial ultrasonic probe (2.0 mm in diameter with 20-MHz frequency) with a balloon sheath was introduced through the 2.8-mm-diameter channel of a flexible bronchoscope. The balloon at the tip of the probe was inflated with distilled water until coupling with the airway wall under endoscopic control. The circular image of EBUS, which revealed the layered structure of the tracheobronchial wall, could be achieved.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Total of 125 patients were enrolled in the study. Thirty patients underwent surgical operation and pathologically proved the RP-EBUS diagnosis accuracy of tumor invasive depth in tracheobroncial wall was 90% (27/30), sensitivity and specificity were 88.89% (24/27) and 100% (3/3), respectively. In response to EBUS images, 40 approaches were altered or guided: lymph-node metastasis and compressive lesions was diagnosed by EBUS-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) (n = 8); Lesions ablation with laser or electricity were stopped when EBUS demonstrated close range with vessels or perforation possibility (n = 13), stents size were changed (n = 14), operation was canceled (n = 3) and foreign body was removed (n = 2). No complication associated with the use of EBUS was observed.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>RP-EBUS can be a useful tool in assessing the central lesion invasive depth to the tracheobronchial wall.</p>

Inhibitory effects of the immunoconjugate composed of anti-type IV collagenase antibody Fab' fragment and lidamycin on tumor invasion and metastasis / 药学学报

This study is to investigate the tumor invasion and metastasis inhibition effects of the immunoconjugate composed of lidamycin and anti-type IV collagenase monoclonal antibody Fab' fragment. Boyden chamber assay was used to evaluate the influence of Fab'-LDM on HT-1080 cells invasion ability, gelatinase spectrum was used to measure the change of invasion factor MMP-2 and MMP-9's secretion, and RT-PCR was adopted to determine TIMP-1 mRNA expression level. The immunoconjugate inhibition of tumor in situ metastasis was also tested in nude mice. The Fab'-LDM conjugates had dose-dependent inhibition effect on HT-1080 cells' invasion. At the concentrations of 5 and 10 nmol L(-1), the Fab'-LDM inhibited the invasion by (60 +/- 12) % and (79 +/- 11) % respectively. At the concentration of 5 and 10 nmol L(-1), the Fab'-LDM inhibited the secretion of MMP-2 by (42 +/- 8) % and (54 +/- 6) % and that of MMP-9 by (57 +/- 3) % and (87 +/- 1) %, respectively. RT-PCR indicated that conjugates increased the anti-invasion factor TIMP-1 level. The in vivo experiment showed that, compared with the control group, the tumor inhibition rate in Fab', Fab'-LDM, and LDM group equaled to (30 +/- 13) %, (86 +/- 26) %, (74 +/- 22) % respectively. In conclusion, Fab'-LDM could inhibit the invasion and metastasis of tumor and it might be a new tumor biotherapy agent.

Application of high-frequency electrocautery combined with high pressure balloon expansion in treatment of benign airway obstruction / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the value of high-frequency electrocautery combined with high-pressure balloon expansion in the treatment of benign airway obstruction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twelve patients with complete airway obstruction received treatment with high-frequency electrocautery and high-pressure balloon expansion, and 6 months of follow-up was performed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After the initial treatment, the rate of airway obstruction relief exceeded 50% in 8 patients, who showed lung recruitment and an increased dyspnea index, suggesting total effectiveness; one patient showed mild improvement with airway stenosis relief by less than 50% (the upper-left lobe remained obstructed). Stents were implanted eventually in 7 patients for airway maintenance. Two patients showed relief of the airway obstruction by over 50% after the initial treatment, but lung recruitment or dyspnea relief failed to be achieved, suggesting non-response to the treatment. The airway failed to be found in 1 case (who received 5 previous operations of ablation and dilatation), which was considered a non-response case.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>High-frequency electrocautery combined with high pressure balloon expansion is clinically effective with few complications in some cases of benign complete airway stenosis. The possibility of airway stenosis and even obstruction should be considered in patients with tuberculosis during the treatment.</p>

Activation of calcium-sensing receptors is associated with apoptosis in cardiomyocytes under simulated ischemia/reperfusion / 浙江大学学报·医学版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To examine the association of activation of calcium-sensing receptors (CaSR) with apoptosis in cardiomyocytes under simulated ischemia/reperfusion.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ventricular cardiomyocytes of neonatal rats were incubated in ischemia-mimetic solution for 2 h, then re-incubated in normal culture medium for 24 h to establish a model of simulated ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL assay). The expression of CaSR mRNA was detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The expression of Caspase -3 and Bcl-2 was detected by Western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The simulated I/R enhanced the expression of CaSR and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. GdCl(3), a specific activator of CaSR, further increased the expression of CaSR and cardiomyocyte apoptosis, along with upregulation of Caspase-3 and downregulation of Bcl-2.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CaSR is associated with I/R injury and apoptosis in neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes via suppressing Bcl-2 and promoting Caspase -3 expression.</p>

Hepatocyte growth factor attenuates ischemia/reperfusion induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis via downregulating calcium sensing receptor expression / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To examine whether the anti-apoptotic effect of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in cardiomyocytes underwent ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) is associated with downregulation of calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) mRNA expression.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were isolated and randomly divided into 7 groups: control, I/R, GdCl(3), GdCl(3) + NiCl(2) + CdCl(2), GdCl(3) + LY294002, GdCl(3) + HGF, GdCl(3) + HGF + LY294002.I/R was established by incubating primary neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes in ischemia-mimetic solution for 2 h, then reincubated in normal culture medium for 24 h. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis was detected by TUNEL. The expression of CaSR mRNA was detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The expression of Caspase-3, Bcl-2 and Phosphoinositide-3 Kinase (PI3K) was analyzed by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>I/R enhanced the expression of CaSR mRNA (I/R: 2.62 ± 0.41, control: 1.00 ± 0.31, P < 0.01) and cardiomyocyte apoptosis [I/R: (15.32 ± 2.54)%, control: (2.90 ± 1.45)%, P < 0.01]. GdCl(3) further increased the expression of CaSR mRNA (GdCl(3): 4.46 ± 0.62, I/R: 2.62 ± 0.41, P < 0.01) and cardiomyocyte apoptosis [GdCl(3): (25.36 ± 2.60)%, I/R: (15.32 ± 2.54)%, P < 0.01], along with upregulation of Caspase-3 (GdCl(3): 1.93 ± 0.28, I/R: 1.50 ± 0.21, P < 0.01), downregulation of Bcl-2 (GdCl(3): 0.82 ± 0.18, I/R: 1.71 ± 0.30, P < 0.01) and PI3K phosphorylation inhibition (I/R: 0.87 ± 0.08, GdCl(3): 0.61 ± 0.07, P < 0.01). Combination of GdCl(3) with LY294002 further enhanced cardiomyocytes apoptosis [GdCl(3) + LY294002: (32.6 ± 3.42)%, GdCl(3): (25.36 ± 2.60)%, P < 0.01] but did not affect CaSR mRNA expression (GdCl(3) + LY294002: 4.27 ± 0.56, GdCl(3): 4.46 ± 0.62, P > 0.05). HGF decreased I/R- and GdCl(3)-induced apoptosis [GdCl(3) + HGF: (11.8 ± 1.89)%, GdCl(3): (25.36 ± 2.60)%, P < 0.05] by suppressing Caspase-3 (GdCl(3) + HGF: 1.12 ± 0.23, (GdCl(3): 1.93 ± 0.28, P < 0.05; GdCl(3) + HGF + LY294002: 1.87 ± 0.31, GdCl(3) + LY294002: 3.86 ± 0.47, P < 0.05) and promoting Bcl-2 (GdCl(3) + HGF: 2.56 ± 0.54, GdCl(3): 0.82 ± 0.18, P < 0.05; GdCl(3) + HGF + LY294002: 1.68 ± 0.28, GdCl(3) + LY294002: 0.68 ± 0.13, P < 0.05) and PI3K phosphorylation expression (GdCl(3) + HGF: 2.87 ± 0.21, GdCl(3): 0.61 ± 0.07, P < 0.05; GdCl(3) + HGF + LY294002: 2.01 ± 0.14, GdCl(3) + LY294002: 0.44 ± 0.10, P < 0.05) in accordance with downregulation of CaSR mRNA expression (GdCl(3) + HGF: 1.46 ± 0.37, GdCl(3): 4.46 ± 0.62, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>HGF exerts protective role in I/R-induced apoptosis at least in part by inhibiting CaSR mRNA expression along with promoting Bcl-2, suppressing Caspase-3 expression and stimulating PI3K phosphorylation signaling pathway.</p>

In vitro suppressive effect of angelica polysaccharide on human cytomegalovirus-induced apoptosis via direct infection in CHRF-288-11 cells / 中国实验血液学杂志

The objective of study was to investigate the in vitro suppressive effect of angelica polysaccharide (APS) on human cytomegalovirus-induced apoptosis via direct infection in CHRF-288-11 cells. HCMV AD169 directly infected CHRF-288-11 were cultured in vitro, APS in different doses were added on day 3 after the infection of virus. Cells of every group were collected at different time points. HCMV DNA of cells were detected by using polymerase chain reaction and the apoptotic cells were examined by using Hoechst staining, MTT assay, DNA fragmentation assay and flow cytometry. The results showed that the APS to some extent inhibited the apoptosis of CHRF cells infected by HCMV in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. The expression of HCMV IEA in CHRF-288-11 cells was found by PCR amplification. Morphology observation, flow cytometry assay and DNA fragmentation assay revealed the existence of apoptosis. With the dose decrease of APS added to the infected CHRF cells, the percentage of apoptotic cells increased. It is concluded that the HCMV AD169 can infect CHRF cells directly in vitro and decrease cell viability. HCMV AD169 infection increases the apoptosis of CHRF cells in time-dependent manner. When APS was added to the CHRF cells infected by HCMV AD169 in vitro, the viability of CHRF cells increase, which indicated that APS to some extent protects the CHRF cells infected by HCMV. APS suppresses the cytomegalovirus-induced apoptosis in CHRF cells directly infected in vitro in dose-dependent manner.

Human cytomegalovirus induces apoptosis of human promyelocytic leukemic cells via direct infection in vitro / 中国实验血液学杂志

The study was purposed to investigate the proliferation and the suppression effect of human cytomegalovirus (hCMV) on human promyelocyte cell line HL-60, and to study whether hCMV can induce apoptosis of HL-60 via direct infection in vitro and its mechanism. Promyelocyte cell line HL-60 and hCMV AD169 strain were co-cultured. PCR was used to detect the direct infection of HL-60 cells by hCMV IEA expression. The apoptosis cells were analyzed by morphologic observation, DNA ladder formation, flow cytometry with Annexin V/PI stain. The results indicated that hCMV AD169 suppressed the differentiation and proliferation of HL-60 cells in vitro significantly (P < 0.05). The suppression was dose-dependent. hCMV DNA was successfully detected in HL-60 cells of viral infection groups by PCR. The apoptotic cells were confirmed by morphologic observation and DNA ladder formation. The results of flow cytometry showed that the percentage of apoptotic cells increased along with the increase of hCMV titer and the time after infection. It is concluded that the promyelocyte can be infected directly by hCMV AD169 strain. hCMV AD169 strain inhibited the differentiation and proliferation of promyelocyte. The apoptosis of HL-60 cells can be induced by hCMV infection. With the increase of viral infectious titer and the time after infection, the percentage of apoptotic cells also increase and produce in dose-dependent and time- dependent manner. Induced apoptosis may be one of the mechanisms of granulocytopenia induced by hCMV infection.

Clinical investigation on the treatment of HCMV hepatitis in children / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effective therapeutic method of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) hepatitis in children.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-five children with HCMV hepatitis were randomly assigned to a treated group (n=13) or a control group (n=12). Both groups were treated with prednisone, glucurone, luminal and Xiaoyanlidanpian. But the treated group was given ganciclovir (GCV) + intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in addition. Each infant of the two groups was checked for blood routine, liver function and HCMV copy numbers on admission and before discharge. They were seen at the third, sixth and ninth month after discharge. On each visit blood specimens were collected for HCMV copy numbers (fluorescence quantitative PCR, FQ-PCR).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The viral load of the treated group decreased significantly. A significant difference in viral copy numbers was found between the two groups on admission, discharge, and third, sixth and ninth month after discharge (P less than 0.001). The number of HCMV DNA copy fell to 10(3) copies/ml on discharge while that of the control group fell to the same level after the third month. The differences between the two groups in the length of hospitalization, time of initial jaundice disappearance and complete disappearance were statistically significant (P less than 0.05). The need for transfusion in the treated group was significantly less than that in the control group (chi-square=4.012, P less than 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Combination of GCV with a high dosage of IVIG to treat HCMV active infection could decrease viral load remarkably; The duration of disease, severity of symptoms, degree of anemia and the need for blood transfusion were reduced. No adverse effects related to the combination of GCV with IVIG therapy were observed.</p>

Correlation between plasma leptin level and premature infant weight loss / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Leptin is an adipocyte-derived hormone regulating body weight and energy balance in animals and human being. Although the physiological functions of leptin in human are still unclear, its secretion is closely related to fat mass and energy expenditure in both adults and children. This study investigated whether the plasma leptin level was reduced in connection with the weight loss during the neonatal period and try to find out the role of leptin in body weight regulation and energy balance of premature infants.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The radioimmunoassay was used to determine the plasma leptin concentration. The first blood samples were obtained at the delivered, and then collected the samples every two days until the infants' body weight recovered to the birth weight or above. At the same time, the essential fluid and energy for the patients were supplied to keep their physiological functions. One person was appointed to take responsibility to examine the body weight, body length and head circumference. Then computed out their Kaup index from the first day to the seventh or twelfth day.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 26 premature infants were selected into the study, of which 14 cases were male and 12 female, and their gestational age ranged from 30 to 36 weeks. There was a significantly positive correlation between the premature newborns' body weight loss and their plasma leptin levels (the 1st day: n = 26, r = 0.766; the 3rd day: n = 26, r = 0.636; the 5th day: n = 26, r = 0.629; the 7th day: n = 26, r = 0.717; the 9th-12th day: n = 24, r = 0.587; P < 0.01). The time of body weight loss and the plasma leptin level which declined to extremely low were positively correlated. (r = 0.611, P < 0.01). The time when body weight loss declined to extremely low in 26 premature infants ranged form the 3rd to the 9th day after birth [(5.2 +/- 1.6) day], and that of the plasma leptin levels ranged form the 3rd to the 8th day after birth (4.7 +/- 1.4) day. The maximal ranges of the body weight loss and the plasma leptin decrease in 26 premature infants were (6.5 +/- 3.0)% and (59.6 +/- 11.3)%, respectively. In addition, there were significantly positive correlations among the plasma leptin level, the premature newborns' body length (the 1st day: n = 26, r = 0.609, P < 0.01; the 3rd day: n = 26, r = 0.419, P < 0.05; the 5th day: n = 26, r = 0.583, P < 0.01; the 7th day: n = 26, r = 0.626, P < 0.01; the 9th-12th day: n = 24, r = 0.482; P < 0.05), and the Kaup index (the 1st day: n = 26, r = 0.634; the 3rd day: n = 26, r = 0.534; the 5th day: n = 26, r = 0.542; the 7th day: n = 26, r = 0.611; the 9th-12th day: n = 24, r = 0.539; P < 0.01). Although the head circumference correlated positively with the plasma leptin level at the first week after the delivery (the 1st day: n = 26, r = 0.580, P < 0.01; the 3rd day: n = 26, r = 0.417, P < 0.05; the 5th day: n = 26, r = 0.426; P < 0.01). There was a lower correlation between them one week after the delivery (the 7th day: n = 26, r = 0.369; the 9th-12th day: n = 24, r = 0.323; P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There was a significantly positive correlation between the plasma leptin level and the premature newborns weight loss. Leptin may participate in the regulation of energy balance and body weight of premature infants during neonatal life. Leptin may play an important role in growth and development of premature infants.</p>

Human cytomegalovirus aggravates apoptosis of human megakaryocytes via direct infection in vitro / 中国实验血液学杂志

The megakaryocyte and platelet lineage may be one of the major sites of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection. However, whether HCMV aggravates apoptosis in normal megakaryocytes was not well investigated. Megakaryocytic cell line CHRF-288-11 and HCMV AD 169 strain were co-cultured in this study. PCR was used to detect the direct infection of the cells by HCMV IEA expression. The apoptotic cells were analyzed by morphologic observation, DNA ladder formation, annexin V/PI and PI assay with flow cytometry. The results showed that HCMV significantly inhibited the growth of CHRF cells in three different concentrations of viral infection groups (10(-3), 10(-2), 10(-1)). The viability levels in each infection groups were 77%, 73% and 68% respectively after incubation for 7 days, compared with 98% in the control group. Using annexin V/PI with flow cytometry, it was shown that the percentages of apoptotic cells viral infection in groups (10(-3), 10(-2), 10(-1)) were (21.3 +/- 2.49)%, (25.8 +/- 3.65)% and (31.4 +/- 3.91)% at 7 days after infection, while the control was (3.68 +/- 1.47)%. The apoptotic cells were further confirmed by morphologic observation and DNA ladder formation. Furthermore, PCR detection also showed the direct infection by identification of HCMV IEA expression in CHRF cells. This study suggested that HCMV could directly infect megakaryocytes and aggravated apoptosis in HCMV-infected megakaryocytes.

Effect of human cytomegalovirus on hematopoietic system / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the mechanism and the suppression effect of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) on hematopoietic system.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Semi-solid culture system was used to observe the effect of HCMV AD169 strain on colony forming unit granulocyte/macrophage (CFU-GM), CFU-erythroid (CFU-E), CFU-multipotent (CFU-Mix) and CFU-megakaryocyte (CFU-MK) growth. The techniques of in situ polymerase chain reaction (IS-PCR) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used to demonstrate the existence of HCMV DNA in the colony cells of cultured CFU-GM, CFU-Mix, CFU-MK and CFU-E, respectively. The immediate early antigen (IEA) mRNA in CFU-MK and late antigen (LA) mRNA in CFU-E were detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). HCMV early protein P52 was detected with immunohistochemical technique.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>HCMV AD169 suppressed the differentiation and proliferation of CFU-GM, CFU-E, CFU-Mix and CFU-MK in vitro significantly (P < 0.05). The suppression was dose-dependent. HCMV DNA was successfully detected in CFU-GM, CFU-Mix, CFU-MK colony cells from viral infection groups by IS-PCR, and was detected in CFU-E by PCR, while it was negative in blank control or mock control groups. CFU-MK colony cells expressed HCMV IEA mRNA with the size of 340 bp in virus infection groups of 10(3) plague forming unit (PFU), 10(4) PFU and 10(5) PFU, respectively. The HCMV LA mRNA was detected by RT-PCR and was 263 bp long in positive control group of HCMV-infected human embryonic fibroblasts. The expression of HCMV LA mRNA in CFU-E was negative. The early protein P52 of HCMV in 10(4) PFU group was also identified by immunohistochemical staining.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>HCMV AD169 strains inhibited the differentiation and proliferation of CFU-GM, CFU-E, CFU-Mix and CFU-MK by the infection of the hematopoietic progenitors. HCMV might cause the suppression of hematopoiesis by direct infection, which is thought to be one of the reasons of HCMV infection associated with thrombocytopenia, neutropenia and anemia.</p>

Experimental studies of hypoglycemic action on total flavone of Ampelopsis grossedentata from Guangxi / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study hypoglycemic action of total flavone (GXTF) of Ampelopsis grossedentata from Guangxi by observing the effects of GXTF on blood glucose levels in many strain animal models.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The blood glucose levels in many strain animal models were determined after oral administration, with the models of diabetes induced by alloxan, of hyperglycemic mice induced by epinephrine and glucose, and normal mice.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>GXTF had better therapeutical action on diabetes mice induced by alloxan, and could significantly lowered the blood glucose levels of hyperglycemic mice induced by epinephrine and glucose, but had no significant effects on blood glucose levels of normal mice. Acute toxicity test showed that the maximum oral dosage is 26.0 g.kg-1.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>GXTF has better hypoglycemic effect on many strain animal models and toxicity is vary small.</p>