The Effect of Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid Supplementation on Serum Homocysteine, Anemia Status and Quality of Life of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Plasma homocysteine level and megaloblastic anemia status are two factors that can affect the quality of life of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). We conducted this study to determine the effect of vitamin B12 and folic acid supplementation on serum homocysteine, megaloblastic anemia status and quality of life of patients with MS. A total of 50 patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) included in this study which divided into 2 groups. The vitamin group received 5 mg folic acid tablet daily and 3 doses of vitamin B12 (1,000 mcg) injection and the other group received placebo and normal saline injection (same doses). The quality of life was measured by using Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 questionnaire (MSQOL-54). Fully automated fluorescence polarization immunoassay was used to measure serum homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folate. Complete blood count blood test was conducted to determine the anemia status. The mean homocysteine level reduced by 2.49 ± 0.39 µmol/L (p = 0.001), hemoglobin increased from 11.24 ± 1.54 to 13.12 ± 1.05 g/dL (p = 0.001), and mean corpuscular volume decreased from 95.50 ± 6.65 to 89.64 ± 4.24 in the vitamin group (p = 0.001). There was a significant improvement in the mental field of life quality in the placebo group (37.46 ± 19.01 to 50.98 ± 21.64; p = 0.001), whereas both physical and mental fields of quality of life were improved significantly in the vitamin group (40.38 ± 15.07 to 59.21 ± 12.32 and 29.58 ± 15.99 to 51.68 ± 18.22, respectively; p = 0.001). Serum homocysteine level decrease and anemia status improvement with vitamin B12 and folic acid supplementation reveal the potential role of these two vitamins in improving the life quality of MS patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials Identifier: IRCT2015100313678N7

Evaluation of three commercially-available chikungunya virus immunoglobulin G immunoassays / Evaluación de tres inmunoensayos comercializados de inmunoglobulina G para el diagnóstico del virus del chikungunya

ABSTRACT The emergence of chikungunya virus in the Americas means the affected population is at risk of developing severe, chronic, rheumatologic disease, even months after acute infection. Accurate diagnostic methods for past infections are essential for differential diagnosis and consequence management. This study evaluated three commercially-available chikungunya Immunoglobulin G immunoassays by comparing them to an in-house Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Atlanta, Georgia, United States). Results showed sensitivity and specificity values ranging from 92.8% - 100% and 81.8% - 90.9%, respectively, with a significant number of false-positives ranging from 12.5% - 22%. These findings demonstrate the importance of evaluating commercial kits, especially regarding emerging infectious diseases whose medium and long-term impact on the population is unclear.(AU)

RESUMEN Como consecuencia de la aparición del virus del chikungunya en las Américas, la población afectada corre el riesgo de padecer reumatismos crónicos graves, aun meses después de la infección aguda. Es fundamental contar con métodos precisos para diagnosticar los antecedentes de la infección a fin de elaborar un diagnóstico diferencial y abordar las manifestaciones de la fase crónica. Se han estudiado tres inmunoensayos comercializados de detección de inmunoglobulinas G para el diagnóstico del chikungunya, comparándolos con el enzimoinmunoanálisis de adsorción (ELISA) propio. Los resultados señalan valores de sensibilidad del 92,8% al 100% y de especificidad del 81,8% al 90,9%, así como un número significativo de falsos positivos, de entre el 12,5% y el 22%.(AU)

Metabolic interactions between hyperhomocysteinemia and endothelin-1 among Tunisian patients with acute coronary diseases

BACKGROUND: Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are complex and polygenic diseases which are a real problem of public health. These syndromes require multidisciplinary studies to understand the pathogenesis mechanisms and metabolic interactions between different risk factors.This study aimed to explore the variation of two coronary risk parameters not mentioned by Framingham cohorts, hyperhomocysteinemia and endothelin-1 (ET-1) in Tunisian coronary and the study of the variation of these parameters based on various cardiac risk factors and metabolic relationship between them.To 157 coronary and 142 healthy subjects, the concentration of homocysteine was quantified by fluorescence polarization immunoassay; the concentration of ET-1 was measured by an analytical technique, the High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) coupled with mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Our study showed that homocysteine and ET-1 were significantly higher in patients compared to healthy subjects (24.40 ± 12.5 µmol/L vs 7.44 ± 2.5 µmol/L p <0.00001) for homocysteine and (15.2 ± 5.3 nmol/L vs 7.1 ± 2.7 nmol/L, p <0.00001) for ET-1. On the other hand, homocysteine varies according to tobacco and diabetes while ET-1 depends on the sex, hypertension, smoking, obesity and dyslipidemia and a statistically negative correlation was shown between homocysteine and ET-1 in coronary patients (r = -0.66 p <0.00001. CONCLUSION: The study of the variation of these two parameters in coronary patients and metabolic exploration of the relationship between homocysteine and ET-1 according to various risk factors and the interactions between themselves facilitates the decision of therapeutic treatment.

The development of a fluorescence polarization immunoassay for aflatoxin detection / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

A fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) was developed for the analysis ofaflatoxins (AFs) using an anti-aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) monoclonal antibody and a novel fluorescein-labeled AFB1 tracer. The FPIA showed an IC50 value of 23.33 ng/mL with a limit of detection of 13.12 ng/mL for AFB1. The cross-reactivities of AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2, AFM1, and AFM2 with the antibody were 100%, 65.7%, 143%, 23.5%, 111.4%, and 2%, respectively. The group-specificity of anti-AFB1mAb indicated that the FPIA could potentially be used in a screening method for the detection of total AFs, albeit not AFG2 and AFM2. The total time required for analyzing 96 samples in one microplate was less than 5 min. This study demonstrates the potential usefulness of the FPIA as a rapid and simple technique for monitoring AFs.

Desarrollo y evaluación de un protocolo serológico de fluorescencia polarizada en el estudio de anticuerpos contra Brucella spp en humanos / Development and evaluation of a serological protocol of fluorescence polarization for the preliminary study of Brucella spp antibodies in humans

A objeto de mostrar el desarrollo y alcance de un método de análisis serológico basado en la técnica de fluorescencia polarizada (FPA) a partir de una gota de sangre obtenida mediante punción capilar, se realizó la determinación de anticuerpos antibrucelosis de un conjunto de 321 personas de alto riesgo laboral. Los resultados se compararon con la data proveniente del análisis de sueros sanguíneos mediante FPA e inmunoanálisis enzimático competitivo (ELISA-c). El número de concordantes fue 318 (99,06%), los 3 discordantes (0,93%) resultaron negativos con fluorescencia polarizada en suero (FPAs) y ELISA-c, pero positivos con FPA capilar (FPAc). Los resultados comparativos de FPAc fueron: sensibilidad: 100%; especificidad: 99,05%; valor predictivo positivo: 66,67%; valor predictivo negativo: 100,0%; proporción de falsos positivos: 0,95%; proporción de falsos negativos: 0%; exactitud: 98,0%; razón de probabilidades: 203,00. La J de Youden para ambos métodos de FPA fue de 0,667. La determinación se consideró confiable y la concordancia de ambos procedimientos de FPA y ELISA-c resultó sin diferencias estadísticas (P>0,05%), lo que permite recomendar ampliamente la implementación del estudio de la brucelosis humana con sangre proveniente de punción capilar como método preliminar.

In order to show the development and scope of a serological analysis method based on fluorescence polarization assay (FPA) from a drop of blood obtained by the capillary technique, a Brucella antibody assay was performed on a group of 321 high-risk workers. The results were compared with data from the analysis of blood serum by FPA and a competitive enzyme immunoassay (ELISA-c). The number of concordance was 318 (99.06%), and discordant 3 (0.93%), which were negative in serum by fluorescence polarization (FPAs) and ELISA-c, but positive with capillary FPA (FPAc). The comparative results FPAc were: sensitivity 100%; specificity: 99.05%; positive predictive value 66.67%; negative predictive value 100.0%; false positive rate: 0.95%; false negative rate: 0%; accuracy: 98.0%; odds ratio: 203.00. The youden J for both FPA methods was 0.667. The identification was considered reliable and the correlation of both procedures, FPA and ELISA-c, was no statistically different (P> 0.05%), which allows to highly recommend the study implementation of human brucellosis with capillary blood as a preliminary method.

Asociación de variantes funcionales en genes del metabolismo de la homocisteína con riesgo de trombosis venosa profunda e hiperhomocisteinemia en individuos del Sur de Chile / Association of functional variants in homocysteine metabolism genes, deep venous thrombosis risk and hyperhomocysteinemia in Southern Chilean subjects

Introducción: La Trombosis Venosa Profunda (TVP) es un importante problema de salud en la sociedad moderna. Evidencia reciente sugiere una asociación entre variantes funcionales en genes del metabolismo de la homocisteína con TVP. Sin embargo, los resultados entre poblaciones son contradictorios. En este trabajo, evaluamos la potencial asociación entre la presencia de polimorfismos en genes del metabolismo de la homocis-teína y susceptibilidad a TVP e hiperhomocisteinemia en sujetos chilenos. Métodos: Un total de 231 individuos, 77 pacientes con diagnóstico de TVP y 154 controles fueron incluidos en el estudio. Polimorfismos en los genes Metilenotetrahi-drofolato reductasa (MTHFR) y Cistationina p-sintetasa fueron genotipificados por PCR-RFLP Las concentraciones de homocisteína basal fueron cuantificadas mediante Inmunoensayo de Fluorescencia Polarizada. Resultados: La distribución genotípica y frecuencias alélicas del polimorfismo MTHFR C677T fue significativamente diferente entre pacientes y controles (p<0.01). Odds Ratio para TVP asociada al genotipo homocigoto fue 3.68 (I.C. 95 por ciento: 1.628-8.337, p<0.01). Por el contrario, la distribución genotípica de la variante CBS 844ins68 fue similar en ambos grupos (OR=1.82, I.C. 95 por ciento: 0.636-5.234, p=0.257). Además, los portadores del genotipo homocigoto MTHFR 677TT presentaron niveles más elevados de homocisteína plasmática. Conclusiones: El polimorfismo MTHFR C677T constituye un biomarcador de riesgo de TVP en población chilena, y se relaciona a mayores niveles de homo-cisteína en sujetos homocigotos. Los resultados sugieren que la detección molecular de esta variante debería ser incluida en el estudio básico de Trombofilia en nuestra población.

Background: Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) is an important health problem in modern society. Recent evidence suggests an association between functional variants in homocysteine metabolism genes and DVT. However, findings in different populations have been contradictory. In this work, we evaluated the potential association between the presence of polymorphisms in homocysteine metabolism genes, DVT susceptibility and hyperhomocysteinemia in Chilean subjects. Methods: A total of 231 individuals, 77 patients with diagnosis of DVT and 154 controls were included in this study. Common variants in Metylenete-trahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and Cistationine p-synthetase (CBS) genes were genotyped by PCR-RFLP. Basal homocysteine was quantified by Fluorescence Polarization Immunoassay. Results: Genotype distribution and allelic frequencies of MTHFR C677T polymorphism were significantly different between patients and controls. Odds Ratio for DVT associated to homozygous status was 3.68 (95 percent C.I., 1.628-8.337, p<0.01). On the other hand, the genotype distribution of the CBS 844ins68 variant was similar in both groups (OR 1.82, 95 percent C.I.: 0.636-5.234, p=0.257). In addition, the individuals carrying the MTHFR 677TT homozygous genotype exhibited higher levels of homocysteine. Conclusion: The MTHFR C677T polymorphism constituted a molecular biomarker of DVT in Chilean population, and related to higher levels of homocysteine in homozygote subjects. The results suggest that the molecular detection of this polymorphism should be included in the basic screening for thrombophilia in our population.

Serum Homocysteine and Folate Levels in Korean Schizophrenic Patients

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to confirm the results of the authors' previous research on schizophrenia manifesting high serum homocysteine and low folate levels. This study is anchored on a theory that a high serum homocysteine concentration affects schizophrenia by virtue of a neurotoxic mechanism, and on a report that some schizophrenia patients with high homocysteine levels benefited from high folate ingestion. METHODS: The serum homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 levels of 236 normal-control-group subjects and 234 schizophrenia subjects who met the diagnostic criteria based on DSM-IV-TR were compared. The homocysteine levels were measured via fluorescence polarization immunoassay, and the folate and vitamin B12 levels were determined via radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: The homocysteine levels of the patient group were significantly higher than those of the normal control group. The homocysteine level was more negatively correlated with the folate level in the schizophrenia group than in the control group. The percentages of female and male schizophrenia subjects manifesting high homocysteine levels were 33.8 and 51.5%, respectively. The percentage of schizophrenia subjects with low folate levels was 66.2%. In the low- and normal-folate-level groups, the patient group showed significantly higher homocysteine levels than the normal control group. The low-folate-level patient group particularly showed significantly higher homocysteine levels than the low-folate-level normal control group. CONCLUSION: Some schizophrenia patients with high serum homocysteine levels may have the genetic defect of having low folate serum levels. In such cases, folate ingestion may be a good management modality for clinical improvement.

Therapeutic drug monitoring of valproic acid in patients with monotherapy at steady state

The role of therapeutic drug monitoring [TDM] in patient care has grown rapidly since its introduction three decades ago. The aim of present study was to evaluate the possible relationship between serum levels and the clinical response of valproic acid [VPA]. In the present study we evaluated a homogeneous group of adult patients receiving VPA monotherapy. A total of 18 epileptic patients who fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria were entered this prospective study. Steady state trough plasma concentration was determined by fluorescence polarization immunoassay [FPIA]. The correlation between therapeutic response and VPA serum concentration was evaluated. Mean VPA dose and mean total VPA plasma concentrations were 8.35 +/- 1.49 mg/kg/day and 50.40 +/- 4.18 micro g/ml respectively. Mean VPA clearance was 8.84 +/- 4.43 [ml/kg/h]. Plasma levels within the therapeutic range were found in 33% of epileptic patients. Plasma levels were below the therapeutic range in 67% of study population. Of patients 75% and 17% with sub-therapeutic levels achieved complete control and partial control respectively. Poor correlation was found between the plasma concentration of VPA and its therapeutic effects. Therefore, this study showed that TDM of VPA will be useful only when individuals are non-responsive to treatment or vulnerable to adverse reactions with standard doses

Effect of folic acid supplementation on homocysteine level in postmenopausal women

Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic diseases including Ischaemic heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. Homocysteine [Hcy] is an intermediate formed during the catabolism of essential sulphur containing amino acid methionine, increased Hcy is associated with endothelial dysfunctions in healthy human. Plasma Hcy is significantly lower in premenopausal women than young men but after menopause basal homocysteinemia increases significantly in women approaching those in men. Several studies showed that hyperhomocysteinemia to be stronger risk factor for CHD [Coronary Heart Disease] in women than men. It seems likely that altered hormonal status and age related low folate intake are responsible for this. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of folic acid supplements for six months, on Hcy level in postmenopausal women. Hcy was estimated by Flourescence Polarization Immunoassay [FPIA]. There was a significant [p < 0.001] decrease in Hcy level after six months of folic acid supplements. Hcy is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic disease, this study favours the view that after menopause Hcy level increases significantly and a simple non Toxic and relatively inexpensive vitamin [folic acid] intervention might be useful in primary cardiovascular prevention in this high risk group because Hcy is a stronger risk factor for CHD in postmenopausal women than men

Analysis of detecting methods of digoxin blood drug level / 中国中药杂志

Digoxin plays a part in healing of congestive heart failure in clinic. Its therapeutic dose is very approximate to toxic dose and even they overlap each other sometimes. There are many influencing factors on blood drug level of digoxin. Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics varies with different individuality. It is indispensable to detecting blood drug level in order to treat disease and prevent intoxication. Integrating with the detecting-methods of blood drug level of digoxin home and broad, characteristic of many methods are summarized from sensitivity, linearity range, cross-reaction and precision. These methods include radio immunoassay, enzyme immunoassay, chemiluminescence immunoassay, fluorescence immunoassay and HPLC-MS-MS. These methods are popular for their specialized ascendancy. The cost of radio immunoassay is low. Enzyme immunoassay has good specificity. Sensitivity and stability of chemiluminescence immunoassay is very excellent. Fluorescence polarization immunoassay is sensitive and convenient. HPLC-MS-MS has high resolution and good specificity. One of the development tendencies is to combine two or more methods in detecting the blood drug level of digoxin which contribute to these methods integrated use.

Plasma Homocysteine Measurement with ion exchange chromatography [Jeol Aminotac 500]: a comparison with the Abbott IMx assay

We evaluated ion exchange chromatography [IEC] on the Jeol Aminotac 500 analyzer for total homocysteine [tHcy] determination and compared it with an immunoassay method using fluorescence polarization on an Abbott IMx analyzer. IEC method validation [linearity, limit of detection, precision, interference] was made according to the French Biology Society guidelines [Societe Fran‡aise de Biologie Clinique]. Moreover, during a 2-month period, 55 plasma samples from patients scheduled for routine tHCy measurement were assayed by both methods for determining correlation. The IEC method was found linear up to at least 190 micro mol/l, and the limit of detection was 1.6 micro mol/l. Precision was studied with 3 controls at 6, 15 and 30 micro mol/l. Intra-assay coefficients of variation [n = 14] were 8.3, 3.1 and 2.3%, respectively, and inter-assay coefficients of variation [n = 15] were 9.6, 5.1 and 4.9%, respectively. No interference was found with other sulfur-containing amino acids [methionine, cysteine]. An excellent agreement was found between IEC and fluorescence polarization [Deming regression; y = 0.99x - 1.23; r = 0.97; p < 0.001]. The IEC method for tHcy measurement shows adequate precision and correlates highly with the IMx assay. The IEC method is more time-consuming but less expensive in reagent cost and allows simultaneous determination of plasma methionine concentration which may help to explain the underlying mechanism responsible for hyperhomocysteinemia

The Comparative Analysis of the Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Homocysteine Level between Ischemic Stroke and Hypertensive Intracerebral Hemorrhage / 대한뇌혈관외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) is an early structural marker of the atherosclerotic process and an elevated total homocysteine level is an early biochemical marker of atherosclerosis. But there are few reports about serum homocysteine level and carotid IMT between ischemic stroke, hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH) and control group. METHOD: We studied about 173 patients with ischemic stroke, HICH and control group. Carotid IMT was defined as the mean of IMT measured by B-mode ultrasonography. Serum homocysteine level was measured by fluorescence polarization immunoassay method in fasting state. We compared serum homocysteine level and carotid IMT between ischemic stroke, HICH and control group. In statistics, One-Way ANOVA was used. RESULTS: A significant increase in carotid IMT was noted in ischemic stroke and HICH compared with that in the control group (p<0.05), whereas there was no significant differences in carotid IMT between ischemic stroke and HICH. The serum homocysteine level of ischemic stroke was significantly higher than that of control group (p<0.05). But there were no significant differences between HICH and control group, HICH and ischemic stroke. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, we thought a carotid IMT of ischemic stroke, HICH and serum homocysteine level in ischemic stroke can be used as early diagnostic marker. Therefore, our results address the need of further prospective clinical studies in patients with ischemic stroke and HICH in order to evaluate a possible diagnostic ability of carotid IMT and serum homocysteine level.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphism (C677T) in relation to homocysteine concentration in overweight and obese Thais.

We analyzed the association between MTHFR (C677T) gene polymorphism with serum concentrations of homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 in 37 male and 112 female overweight/ obese Thai volunteers (BMI > or = 25.00 kg/m2), and compared them with 23 male and 90 female control subjects (BMI = 18.5-24.99 kg/m2). Statistically significant higher levels of serum homocysteine were found in the overweight/obese subjects than the control subjects (p < 0.05). Serum folic acid levels in the overweight/obese subjects were significantly lower than the control subjects (p < 0.05). When the data were grouped according to homocysteine concentration and MTHFR gene polymorphism, there were significantly higher homocysteine concentrations in the overweight/obese subjects than the control subjects in wild type gene polymorphism (CC) in the hyperhomocysteine group (homocysteine >10.0 mmol/l) (p < 0.05), but in genotype polymorphism (CC, CT, TT) there were lower folic acid and vitamin B12 concentrations in the overweight/obese subjects than in the control subjects. In the hyperhomocysteine groups, there was no significant difference in the frequencies of MTHFR (C677T) gene polymorphism between the overweight/obese subjects and the control subjects. Folic acid and gene polymorphism were found to be significantly related to the overweight/ obese and control groups in logistic regression analysis (p < 0.05). The results support the supposition that folic acid is more important than vitamin B12.

Homocysteine level in patients with established transmural myocardial infarction

To evaluate the levels of serum total homocysteine in patients suffering from established transmural myocardial infarction and normal healthy subjects of local population. A case control study. The present study was carried out at Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Ilyas [HMI] Institute of Pharmacology and Herbal Sciences in collaboration with National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Karachi, from June 2001 to December 2001. Eighty-four persons were included in a case control study. Sixty-three patients were cases suffering from transmural myocardial infarction of anterior wall and 21 normal healthy subjects were controls having no history of IHD ever before. Fasting venous serum was analyzed for total homocysteine using fluorescence polarization immunoassay [FPIA] while lipid parameters and plasma glucose were estimated by enzymatic colorimetric method. Mean serum total homocysteine and low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C] levels [19.43 +/- 2.46 umol/L, 124.97 +/- 45.31mg/dl respectively] were found to be significantly higher in cases as compared to controls. The mean serum High density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] [27.57 +/- 15.31mg/dl] was found to be significantly lower as compared to control. Mean serum glucose, total cholesterol and serum triacylglycerol [84.32 +/- 2.46 mg/dl, 174.35 +/- 27.08mg/dl and 148.49 +/- 43.12mg/dl respectively] were higher in patients as compared to control but difference was insignificant statistically. Significantly high levels of total homocysteine along with high levels of LDL-C and low levels of HDL-C appear to be the factors responsible for the increase risk of coronary artery disease in our local population

Determination of theophylline concentration in serum by chemiluminescent immunoassay / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This study aimed to establish chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) for quantitative determination of theophylline levels in human serum.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>To measure the concentration of theophylline (n=122) and evaluate the assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The linear range of the CLIA method was 0.51-40 mg/L (Y=1.02X+0.44, r=0.995). The intra and inter CV (coefficient variance) of CLIA were 3.20% and 3.57%, respectively. The average recovery rate was 102.3%. This method was free from interference by brilirubin (<200 micromol/L), hemoglobin (<10 g/L), and triglycerides (<15 mmol/L).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This method is simple, convenient and precise for clinical pharmacokinetics study of theophylline.</p>

Study on polymorphisms of CYP3A5 gene and their clinical role / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the polymorphisms of CYP3A5 gene in Chinese population and the association between CYP3A5 genotypes and their clinical functions.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>CYP3A5 gene varisances were detected in 180 samples using denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography(DHPLC), and CsA concentrations in 12 of 180 samples from hemopoietic stem cell transplant recipients were monitored by a commercial fluorescence polarization immunoassay. The data were analyzed by a statistical software.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the 180 samples, there was only one allelic variant CYP3A5*3 with a frequency of 76.1% (274/360), and there were three CYP3A5 genotypes, namely CYP3A5*1/*1, CYP3A5*1/*3 and CYP3A5*3/*3 with frequencies of 5.6%, 36.7% and 57.8% respectively. Also, there were significant differences in CsA concentrations, including standardized trough concentrations C(0) and two-hour peak concentrations C(2), between CYP3A5 CYP3A5*1/*1 and CYP3A5*1/*3 found in 12 hemopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, and both C(0) and C(2) in CYP3A5*1/*1 were lower than those in CYP3A5*1/*3.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CYP3A5*3 is the primary allelic variant in Chinese population. CYP3A5 genotypes are closely associated with blood CsA concentrations in hemopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, and CYP3A5*1/*1 requires a larger CsA dose to maintain the same blood concentration than does CYP3A5*1/*1. CYP3A5 genotyping by DHPLC may predict recipients' phenotype and CsA dose requirement.</p>

Recent advances in the determination methods of aflatoxins / 中国中药杂志

Aflatoxins are very harmful pollutants generally existing in peanuts, corns, farm products and so on. Many methods for the determination of aflatoxins have been developed in recent thirty years. The limits for aflatoxins have been set down for foods and farm products in different countries successively. In China, the methods for the determination of aflatoxins in foods cannot meet the need of new limit regulations. Aflatoxins were found in some traditional Chinese medicines according to some literatures. But the detective method and standard for the determination of aflatoxins is not established in active pharmacopoeia. The analytical methods for aflatoxins have been summarized in this paper, which can provide the references to the researchers who are engaged in the determination of aflatoxins in traditional Chinese medicines and foods. This paper mainly focuses on the liquid chromatography method with immunoaffinity column cleanup using post-column derivatization system for aflatoxins. Aflatoxins can be adsorbed in the immunoaffinity column peculiarly on the basis of this method, and then they can be eluted with organic solvent. It is the best way for cleanup using immunoaffinity column for the determination of aflatoxins in traditional Chinese medicines. This HPLC method with fluorescence detector using post-column derivatization system is a commonly used method in different countries, and it is more sensitive and accurate. Our studies have also proved that this method, that is: the liquid chromatography methods with immunoaffinity column cleanup using post-column derivatization system for aflatoxins, is the best method, which is suitable for the determination of aflatoxins in traditional Chinese medicines.

Estudio de los niveles plasmáticos de homocisteína, ácido fólico y vitamina B-12 en una población limeña de jóvenes adultos / Distribution of plasma homocysteine, folate and B-12 vitamin in Lima, Peru's young adults

Objetivo: Estudiar la distribución de homocisteína plasmática y su relación con los niveles de ácido fólico y vitamina B-12, en una población de jóvenes adultos de la ciudad de Lima. Material y Métodos: Estudio de corte transversal en una muestra de 65 personas con edades entre 18 y 30 años. La homocisteína plasmática fue determinada por inmunoensayo de polarización fluorescente (FPIA), ácido fólico por captura iónica y B-12 enzimáticamente. Resultados: La distribución de los niveles de homocisteina varió entre 1,40 y 24,04 mmoles/L, con una media de 8,32±5,46; mediana 7,76 mmol/L. Los niveles medios de homocisteína fueron significativamente mayores (p=0,005) en varones (9,97±4,81 mmol/L), que en mujeres (7,35±2,03 mmol/L). Los niveles de homocisteína se correlacionan significativamente con las mediciones de ácido fólico (r=-0,329; p=0,007), pero no hay indicios de asociación con la vitamina B-12; sin embargo, se encontró asociación con el índice de masa corporal (IMC) (r=0,391; p=0,001). Conclusiones: La distribución de los niveles de homocisteína en la muestra estudiada se encuentra dentro de los niveles referenciales sugeridos por la literatura; sin embargo, estos valores tienden a estar próximos al límite inferior del rango de normalidad. Los niveles de ácido fólico en sangre pueden ser un factor determinante de la variación de los niveles de homocisteína.

Objective: To describe the distribution of plasma homocysteine, folic acid, B-12 vitamin concentrations among students living in the city of Lima, Peru. Material and Methods: Transversal cohort study of 65 young adults between 18 and 30 year-old. The plasma homocysteine concentration was determined by fluorescence polarization inmunoassay FPIA from Abbott Laboratories, folic acid by ionic capture and vitamin B-12 by enzimatic assay. Results: The distribution of homocysteine values ranged from 1,40 to 24,04 mmol /L; geometric mean homocysteine 8,32±5,46, median 7,76 mmol/L. Homocysteine geometric means were significantly higher (p=0,005) in men (9,97±4,81 mmol/L) than in women (7,35±2,03 mmol/L). Plasma homocysteine level was significantly correlated with folic acid plasma level (r=-0,329, p=0,007) but not with B-12 vitamin. However, plasma homocysteine level was correlated with body mass index (r=0,391; p=0,001). Conclusions: The distribution of homocysteine levels in our sample is within the reference range already reported. However, there was a complete shift of the homocysteine distribution curve towards lower values. Plasma folic acid levels may be a determinant factor in the variation of homocysteine levels.

Screening for phenylketonuria and congenital hypothyroidism in 5.8 million neonates in China / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To summarize neonatal screening for phenylketonuria (PKU) and congenital hypothyroidism (CH) in China, to further clarify incidence of the two kinds of diseases in newly-born babies, and to explore issues in neonatal screening and their solutions.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Neonatal screening for PKU and CH was conducted by 39 neonatal screening centers all over the country, sponsored by the Group of Neonatal Screening, Chinese Society of Child Health Care, Chinese Preventive Medical Association and the Center for Neonatal Screening Quality Control Laboratory, National Center for Clinical Laboratories (NCCL). In each infant a heel prick blood sample was collected at 72 hours postnatal onto standard filter paper. PKU was screened by bacterial inhibition assay and fluorometric method, and CH was screened by TSH measurement by time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay (TRFIA), fluorescence enzyme immunoassay (FEIA) and enzyme immunoassay (EIA).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>From 1985 to 2001 in China, totally of 5 817 280 newborns were screened for PKU, 522 cases of PKU detected with an incidence of 1:11 144, and 5 524 019 newborns were screened for CH, 1 836 cases of CH detected with an incidence of 1:3 009. Annual average number of newborns screened for congenital genetic diseases was increased by 45.5% in recent six years.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Neonatal screening was developed quickly in China in recent years, especially in some developed cities, such as Shanghai with a coverage of 98.3% in 2001. But, its coverage was about only 10% in China as a whole. In development of neonatal screening, it is necessary to attach more importance to quality of screening and increasing coverage of screening, as well as gradual development of new screening techniques for other neonatal preventable diseases, in addition to PKU and CH, and their application, and improvement of level of child health care in China.</p>

Comparison of the Antibiotic Release Kinetics from the Implant Coated with Antibiotic-impregnated Polymers / 대한정형외과연구학회지

PURPOSE: To compare the antibiotic release kinetics of the implant coated with antibiotic-impregnated polymers MATERIALS AND METHODS: Authors used polylactic acid (PLA) and polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) as the biodegradable carriers, gentamicin sulfate as the antibiotic and Steinmann pin as the implant. Ten Steinmann pins were coated with gentamicin of each 10, 20 and 30% mixture of PLA or PLGA for the elution kinetics study. In the elution study, total 60 coated implants were incubated in 10 mL of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at 37 delta C and sampled at 6 hrs, 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 20, and 25 days. Assays were performed with fluorescence polarization immunoassay. Statistical analysis was done with SAS release 2.01. RESULTS: Released concentration of GM decreased with time. Minimum inhibitory concentration was maintained until 6th day on PLA 10% subgroup, 9th day in the 20 and 30% subgroups, until 6th day on PLGA 20% subgroup, and 3rd day in the 10 and 30% subgroups. Released concentrations were significantly higher in all PLA subgroups than in PLGA as a parameter of sampled time (all p<0.05). There was no statistical difference between PLA 20 and 30% subgroup after 12th sampled day (p=0.2636). CONCLUSION: PLA-GM group showed higher effective concentration for longer time than PLGA-GM group. 20 and 30% subgroups of PLA-GM showed prolonged maintenance of minimum inhibitory concentration compared with 10% subgroup, but there was no difference between the two groups.