Glucocorticoid use and varying doses on the long-term outcomes of offspring born to patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

This study aims to assess the impact of non-fluorinated glucocorticoid use and varying doses on the long-term physical, neurological, and social-emotional development outcomes of offspring born to patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The goal is to provide guidance on the appropriate dosage of glucocorticoids during pregnancy in SLE patients. We conducted a follow-up study on the offspring of SLE patients who had pregnancies and were admitted to our obstetrics department between January 1, 2016, and September 30, 2021. Patients who received immunosuppressants and dexamethasone were excluded from the study. The SLE patients were categorized into three groups based on their glucocorticoid use during pregnancy: hormone-free group, ≤ 10 mg/day group, and > 10 mg/day group (equivalent to prednisone). Most patients in the three groups were used hydroxychloroquine during pregnancy. We assessed the physical development status, including weight, height (length), and other relevant factors in three groups. Additionally, we utilized the Age and Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition (ASQ-3) to evaluate the development of communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem-solving, and personal-social. The social-emotional development status was assessed using the Age and Stages Questionnaires: Social-Emotional (ASQ: SE). We standardized the weight, height (length), body mass index, and ASQ-3 domain scores of children of different ages and genders into Z-scores for comparison. The results of this study demonstrated no statistically significant differences in the long-term physical development, neurological development, and social-emotional development outcomes of the offspring of SLE patients in three groups. However, while not reaching statistical significance, it was found that the offspring of the > 10 mg/day group had lower height (length) Z-scores and communication Z-scores compared to the other groups.   Conclusion: The use of non-fluorinated glucocorticoids during pregnancy and varying doses did not have a significant impact on the long-term physical, neurological, and social-emotional development outcomes of offspring born to SLE patients. However, the offspring of SLE patients treated with glucocorticoids > 10 mg/day during pregnancy may be necessary to strengthen the monitoring of height (length) and communication skills in the long term. What is Known: • Fetal exposure to glucocorticoids can have implications for the development of multiple systems and may persist after birth, potentially increasing the risk of neurological abnormalities and other diseases. • There is limited research on the long-term development of offspring born to SLE patients, especially the patients treated with glucocorticoids. What is New: • The use of non-fluorinated glucocorticoids during pregnancy and varying doses did not have a significant impact on the long-term outcomes of offspring born to SLE patients. • The offspring of SLE patients treated with glucocorticoids >10 mg/day during pregnancy may be necessary to strengthen the monitoring of height (length) and communication skills in the long term.

[Association of pregnancy factors with cow's milk protein allergy in infants].

OBJECTIVE: To preliminarily explore the association of pregnancy factors with cow's milk protein allergy in infants. METHODS: This study was based on data from a subcohort of a study called genetic susceptibility to cow's milk allergy in Chinese children, including infants born in Peking University People's Hospital between March 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020. The infants were divided into a cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) group and a control group according to whether they had developed cow's milk protein allergy at the age of 1 year. We retrospectively collected the clinical data of infants and their mothers before and during pregnancy, and analyzed the association of multiple factors during pregnancy with cow's milk protein allergy in infants. RESULTS: A total of 278 infants were enrolled in this study, including 52 infants with CMPA and 226 infants without CMPA. Among them, there were 143 boys and 135 girls. The proportion of male infants in the CMPA group (69.2%) was higher than that in the control group (47.3%), and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.004). There were no significant differences in the distribution of birth weight, gestational age at birth, low-birth-weight infants, premature, umbilical cord entangle neck, and neonatal asphyxia between the CMPA group and the control group (P>0.05). The proportion of mothers complicated with autoimmune diseases, anemia or antibiotics exposure during pregnancy in the CMPA group was higher than that in the control group, and there were statistical differences between the two groups (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the distribution of other pregnancy complications between the two groups (P>0.05), such as eclampsia/preeclampsia, chronic hypertension/gestational hypertension, diabetes/gestational diabetes, thyroid diseases, and so on. There was no significant difference in the overall distribution of some blood routine indexes during pregnancy between the CMPA group and the control group (P>0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that male infant, mothers complicated with autoimmune diseases or anemia, antibiotic exposure during pregnancy were independent risk factors for cow's milk protein allergy. CONCLUSION: Male infant, mothers complicated with autoimmune diseases or anemia, antibiotic exposure during pregnancy were independent risk factors for cow's milk protein allergy.

Correlation between apelin and VEGF levels in retinopathy of prematurity: a matched case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Although several clinical studies have analysed the relationship between the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and apelin-13 in venous blood and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), no definitive conclusions have been reached. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between apelin-13 levels and VEGF levels and ROP. METHODS: Differences in plasma apelin-13 and VEGF levels were analysed in two groups of infants born with birth weight < 1500 g and gestational age < 32 weeks at Peking University People' s Hospital. One group comprised infants diagnosed with ROP and the other group was a control group comprising infants without ROP. RESULTS: Apelin-13 levels were significantly lower in the ROP group than in the control group, while VEGF levels showed the opposite result (both P < 0.001). Infants with severe ROP had lower apelin-13 levels and higher VEGF levels than with mild ROP (both P < 0.05).The receiver operating characteristic curve for apelin-13 level as the indicator of ROP showed that a cut-off value of 119.6 pg/mL yielded a sensitivity of 84.8% and a specificity of 63.6%, while for VEGF level, the cut-off value of 84.3 pg/mL exhibited a sensitivity of 84.8% and a specificity of 66.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma apelin-13 and VEGF levels at 4-6 weeks of age may play a role in assisting the diagnosis of ROP.

Plasma apelin and vascular endothelial growth factor levels in preterm infants: relationship to neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.

AIM: The study aimed to determine the association between cord plasma levels of apelin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm infants. METHODS: This case-control study included 120 preterm infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of our hospital between January 2019 and January 2020. The infants were divided into RDS (n = 60) and non-RDS groups (n = 60). The cord plasma apelin and VEGF levels, perinatal characteristics, and neonatal complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The plasma apelin levels in the RDS group were significantly higher than in the non-RDS group (158.9 ± 24.8 vs. 125.2 ± 18.2 pg/mL, respectively), whereas VEGF levels in the non-RDS group were significantly higher than in the RDS group (187.4 ± 28.5 vs. 245.1 ± 44.8 pg/mL, respectively) (both p < .001). Infants with more severe RDS had higher plasma apelin levels and lower plasma VEGF levels. In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for the prediction of RDS, a cutoff of 148.4 pg/mL for apelin level yielded a sensitivity of 63.3% and a specificity of 95.0%, whereas a cutoff of 214.2 pg/mL for VEGF level showed a sensitivity of 86.7% and a specificity of 75.0%. Apelin levels were negatively correlated with VEGF levels in infants with RDS (r = 0.84, p < .001). CONCLUSION: Differences in cord plasma apelin and VEGF levels may aid in the early diagnosis and treatment of RDS in preterm infants.

Genetic susceptibility to cow's milk allergy in Chinese children.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is the most common food allergy in young children. Previous studies have reported that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with CMA. The extent to which SNPs contribute to the occurrence of CMA is unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the independent relevance of genetic predisposition to CMA in Chinese children. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: 200 infants with CMA and 799 healthy controls aged 0-12 months were included. Five previously identified genetic variants (rs17616434, rs2069772, rs1800896, rs855791 and rs20541) were genotyped. Logistic regression was used to analyze the genetic associations or their interactions with a family history of allergy on CMA. RESULTS: Among the five SNPs, only IL10 rs1800896 was significantly associated with CMA (odds ratio (OR) 1.60, p=0.042). Each 1-risk allele increase in the genetic risk score (GRS) was suggestively associated with an 11% higher risk of CMA (1.11: 0.99-1.27, p=0.069) and a 45% increased risk of CMA in the GRS high-risk group compared to the GRS low-risk group (1.45: 1.02-2.06, p=0.037). Furthermore, parental allergy also increased the risk of CMA among children (1.87: 1.46-2.39, p<0.001). Importantly, parental allergy exacerbated the genetic effect on the risk of CMA. CONCLUSIONS: The rs1800896 variant in the IL-10 gene is associated with CMA in Chinese children. In addition, the GRS had an interaction with parental history of allergy, implying that genetic risk for CMA was exacerbated among those with parental history of allergy.

Delivery room resuscitation and short-term outcomes of extremely preterm and extremely low birth weight infants: a multicenter survey in North China.

BACKGROUND: Delivery room resuscitation assists preterm infants, especially extremely preterm infants (EPI) and extremely low birth weight infants (ELBWI), in breathing support, while it potentially exerts a negative impact on the lungs and outcomes of preterm infants. This study aimed to assess delivery room resuscitation and discharge outcomes of EPI and ELBWI in China. METHODS: The clinical data of EPI (gestational age [GA] <28 weeks) and ELBWI (birth weight [BW] <1000 g), admitted within 72 h of birth in 33 neonatal intensive care units from five provinces and cities in North China between 2017 and 2018, were analyzed. The primary outcomes were delivery room resuscitation and risk factors for delivery room intubation (DRI). The secondary outcomes were survival rates, incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and risk factors for BPD. RESULTS: A cohort of 952 preterm infants were enrolled. The incidence of DRI, chest compressions, and administration of epinephrine was 55.9% (532/952), 12.5% (119/952), and 7.0% (67/952), respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that the risk factors for DRI were GA <28 weeks (odds ratio [OR], 3.147; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.082-4.755), BW <1000 g (OR, 2.240; 95% CI, 1.606-3.125), and antepartum infection (OR, 1.429; 95% CI, 1.044-1.956). The survival rate was 65.9% (627/952) and was dependent on GA. The rate of BPD was 29.3% (181/627). Multivariate analysis showed that the risk factors for BPD were male (OR, 1.603; 95% CI, 1.061-2.424), DRI (OR, 2.094; 95% CI, 1.328-3.303), respiratory distress syndrome exposed to ≥2 doses of pulmonary surfactants (PS; OR, 2.700; 95% CI, 1.679-4.343), and mechanical ventilation ≥7 days (OR, 4.358; 95% CI, 2.777-6.837). However, a larger BW (OR, 0.998; 95% CI, 0.996-0.999), antenatal steroid (OR, 0.577; 95% CI, 0.379-0.880), and PS use in the delivery room (OR, 0.273; 95% CI, 0.160-0.467) were preventive factors for BPD (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Improving delivery room resuscitation and management of respiratory complications are imperative during early management of the health of EPI and ELBWI.

Neonatal hereditary spherocytosis caused by a de novo frameshift mutation of the SPTB gene characterized by hydrops fetalis: A case report.

RATIONALE: The etiology of non-immune hydrops fetalis is complex, and its prognosis is poor. One of its main causes is anemia. There are few reports on hydrops fetalis due to anemia caused by hereditary spherocytosis (HS), especially regarding its occurrence in the neonatal period. Thus, we report on a case of neonatal HS caused by a new SPTB gene mutation that was characterized by hydrops fetalis. PATIENT CONCERNS: A neonate with intrauterine hydrops fetalis showed severe hyperbilirubinemia and anemia, reticulocytosis, and hepatosplenomegaly. Laboratory examination findings were normal. DIAGNOSES: Gene sequencing of the patient and his parents showed a de novo frameshift mutation in the patient's SPTB gene. Ultimately, the patient was diagnosed with HS. INTERVENTIONS: Exchange and red blood cell transfusions were performed in the neonatal period. OUTCOMES: The child was discharged from the hospital 14 days postnatal because his hemoglobin and bilirubin levels were stable. Red blood cell transfusion was performed once in infancy; however, no further red blood cell transfusions were required within 2 years of age. LESSONS: Hydrops fetalis can be a manifestation of HS. Genetic detection can help confirm the diagnosis of suspected neonatal HS undocumented by other laboratory examinations.

[Perinatal conditions of late preterm twins versus early term twins].

OBJECTIVE: To study the perinatal complications of late preterm twins (LPTs) versus early term twins (ETTs). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed for the complications of 246 LPTs, 496 ETTs, and their mothers. The risk factors for late preterm birth were analyzed. According to gestational age, the twins were divided into five groups: 34-34+6 weeks (n=44), 35-35+6 weeks (n=70), 36-36+6 weeks (n=132), 37-37+6 weeks (n=390), and 38-38+6 weeks (n=106). The perinatal complications were compared between groups. RESULTS: Maternal hypertension, maternal thrombocytopenia, placenta previa, and premature rupture of membranes were independent risk factors for late preterm birth in twins (P < 0.05). The LPT group had higher incidence rates of respiratory diseases, feeding intolerance, and hypoglycemia than the ETT group (P < 0.05). The 34-34+6 weeks group had a higher incidence rate of neonatal asphyxia than the 37-37+6 weeks and 38-38+6 weeks groups; and had a higher incidence rate of septicemia than 36-36+6 weeks group (P < 0.0045). The 34-34+6 weeks and 35-35+6 weeks groups had higher incidence rates of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, neonatal apnea, and anemia than the other three groups; and had higher incidence rates of neonatal pneumonia, hypoglycemia and septicemia than the 37-37+6 weeks and 38-38+6 weeks groups (P < 0.0045). The 35-35+6 weeks group had a higher incidence rate of feeding intolerance than the 36-36+6 weeks, 37-37+6 weeks, and 38-38+6 weeks groups (P < 0.0045). The 36-36+6 weeks group had a lower incidence rate of hypoglycemia than the 34-34+6 weeks group and a higher incidence rate of hypoglycemia than the 37-37+6 weeks group (P < 0.0045). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with ETTs, LPTs have an increased incidence of perinatal complications. The incidence of perinatal complications is associated with gestational ages in the LPTs and ETTs.

RIP140/PGC-1α axis involved in vitamin A-induced neural differentiation by increasing mitochondrial function.

Vitamin A deficiency and mitochondrial dysfunction are both associated with neural differentiation-related disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Down syndrome (DS). The mechanism of vitamin A-induced neural differentiation and the notion that vitamin A can regulate the morphology and function of mitochondria in its induction of neural differentiation through the RIP140/PGC-1α axis are unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the roles and underlying mechanisms of RIP140/PGC-1α axis in vitamin A-induced neural differentiation. Human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) were used as a model of neural stem cells, which were incubated with DMSO, 9-cis-retinoic acid (9-cis-RA), 13-cis-retinoic acid (13-cis-RA) and all-trans-retinoic acid (at-RA). Neural differentiation of SH-SY5Y was evaluated by Sandquist calculation, combined with immunofluorescence and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of neural markers. Mitochondrial function was estimated by ultrastructure assay using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) combined with the expression of PGC-1α and NEMGs using real-time PCR. The participation of the RA signaling pathway was demonstrated by adding RA receptor antagonists. Vitamin A derivatives are able to regulate mitochondrial morphology and function, and furthermore to induce neural differentiation through the RA signaling pathway. The RIP140/PGC-1α axis is involved in the regulation of mitochondrial function in vitamin A derivative-induced neural differentiation.

[Effect and safety of intensive phototherapy in treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect and safety of intensive phototherapy in the treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. METHODS: A total of 144 neonates with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia were randomly and prospectively divided into intensive phototherapy group and conventional phototherapy group, with 72 neonates in each group. The therapeutic effect and incidence of complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Within 12 hours after phototherapy, the total serum bilirubin level in the intensive phototherapy group was significantly lower than in the conventional phototherapy group (P<0.05), and the intensive phototherapy group had a significantly greater reduction in serum bilirubin level than the conventional phototherapy group (P<0.05). The intensives phototherapy group had a significantly shorter time of phototherapy than the conventional phototherapy group (P<0.05). The incidence rates of fever, diarrhea, rash, and hypocalcemia and reductions in blood calcium and hemoglobin levels after phototherapy showed no significant differences between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: During the initial stage of phototherapy, intensive phototherapy can quickly and effectively reduce the serum level of bilirubin in neonates with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. It can also shorten the total phototherapy time, and does not increase the incidence of adverse events. Therefore, it is superior to conventional phototherapy.

Perinatal risk factors and neonatal complications in discordant twins admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have shown a relationship between birth weight discordance and adverse perinatal outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the perinatal risk factors and neonatal complications of discordant twins who are admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. METHODS: A total of 87 sets of twins were enrolled in this retrospective study, of which 22 sets were discordant twins and 65 sets were concordant twins. Binary Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors associated with the occurrence of discordant twins. The common neonatal complications of discordant twins were also investigated. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis showed that the use of assisted reproductive techniques, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and unequal placental sharing were risk factors for the occurrence of discordant twins. The incidence of small for gestational age infants and very low birth weight infants of discordant twins was significantly higher, while the birth weight of discordant twins was significantly lower than those of concordant twins. The duration of hospitalization of discordant twins was longer than that of concordant twins. The incidence of several neonatal complications, such as neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and intracranial hemorrhage, was higher in discordant twins than that in concordant twins. The percentage of those requiring pulmonary surfactant and mechanical ventilation was significantly higher in discordant twins than that in concordant twins. CONCLUSIONS: Use of assisted reproductive techniques, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and unequal placental sharing are perinatal risk factors of discordant twins who are admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. These infants are also much more likely to suffer from various neonatal complications, especially respiratory and central nervous system diseases. It is important to prevent the occurrence of discordant twins by decreasing these risk factors and timely treatment should be given to discordant twins.

[The influence of preventive iron supplementation to iron nutritional status in breastfed infants].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects to iron status who were given preventive iron supplements for two months from when they were breast-fed to four-month-old. METHODS: A total of 123 infants in four-month-old age who were breast-fed were randomly divided into iron supplementation group (63 cases) and control group (60 cases), iron supplementation group was supplied with low-dose iron (1 mg×kg⁻¹×d⁻¹) for two months with no intervention for control group. Blood samples were collected to test C reactive protein and iron status indicators in six-month-old age group infants, and the growth indices were measured and compared on the gender difference of iron status at and 6 months. RESULTS: After 2 months of low-dose iron supplementation, the hemoglobin of iron supplementation group (26 cases) increased about 5.5 g/L while the control group (34 cases) increases about 0.0 g/L (median), 95% confidence intervals were -7.0 - 13.0 g/L and -9.0 - 15.0 g/L, respectively. The hemoglobin increase of iron supplementation group was higher than the control group, the difference was statistically significant (u = -2.326, P < 0.05). The other iron nutritional status and the growth did not show any significant difference between iron supplementation group and control group (P > 0.05). At age 6 month, the MCV of the boys were (75.89 ± 3.34) fl, while the girls were (77.20 ± 3.17) fl. The boys had lower values of MCV than the girls, and the gender difference was statistically significant (t = 4.73, P < 0.05). The other iron nutritional status did not show any significant gender difference (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Low-dose iron supplementation of breast-fed infants at 4-month-old can increase the hemoglobin level when they were 6-month-old, and had no measurable side effect on growth.

[Thrombocytopenia in pregnancy and neonatal outcomes].

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between thrombocytopenia in pregnancy associated with various causes and neonatal outcomes. METHODS: Medical records of 140 pregnant women with thrombocytopenia in pregnancy and the neonatal outcomes from January 2009 to December 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. The pregnant women were classified into four groups according to the causes of thrombocytopenia: gestational thrombocytopenia (GT; n=94), pregnancy with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP; n=30), pregnancy with other hematological disease (aplastic anemia or myelodysplastic syndrome; n=12), and other causes (n=4): pregnancy induced hypertension syndrome, pregnancy with systemic lupus erythematosus, and pregnancy with alcoholic cirrhosis. The neonatal outcomes in the four groups were compared. RESULTS: The premature birth rates in the GT and the ITP groups were 11.3% and 16.7%, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups. The premature birth rate in the other hematological disease group was 53.8%, which was significantly higher than that in the GT (P<0.01) and the ITP groups (P<0.05). Congenital passive immune thrombocytopenia was found in 2 neonates (2%) in the GT group and in 4 neonates (13%) in the ITP group (P<0.05). In addition, other diseases were also observed in neonates in the ITP group, including 1 case (3%) of ITP and 1 case (3%) of Evans syndrome. Intracranial hemorrhage occurred in one neonate (8%) in the other hematological disease group. Neonatal lupus syndrome was found in 1 case (25%) in the other causes group. CONCLUSIONS: Thrombocytopenia in pregnancy associated with different causes may result in different neonatal outcomes.

[Risk factors for preterm birth and complications in 287 late preterm infants].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors for preterm birth and complications in late preterm infants. METHODS: The clinical data of 287 late preterm infants were retrospectively studied. Two hundred and eighty-eight term infants served as the control group. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors associated with late preterm birth. The common complications in late preterm infants were investigated. RESULTS: Several significant risk factors for late preterm birth were identified by logistic regression analysis: twin pregnancy, gestational diabetes mellitus, eclampsia or preeclampsia, placenta previa, placental abruption and premature rupture of membranes. The duration of hospitalization in late preterm infants was longer than that in term infants. The complications were common in late preterm infants, with a high prevalence of anemia, aspiration pneumonia, hypoglycemia and intracranial hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: The late preterm infants are much more likely to suffer various complications. It is important to reduce the incidence of late preterm births by decreasing perinatal risk factors above mentioned.

[Effects of receptor-interacting protein 140 gene knockdown on the proliferation of microglioma cells: experiment with rat microglioma cells].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of receptor-interacting protein (RIP)140 gene knockdown on the proliferation of microglioma cells. METHODS: Mouse microglioma cells of the line BV-2 were cultured and transfected with 2 kinds of recombinant RIP140-shRNA plasmids (V2MM-71674 and V2MM-71080) or blank plasmid MSCV-EGFP. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of RIP140; and the cell proliferation was detected by MTT assay. RESULTS: There were not significant differences in the RIP140 mRNA and protein expression between the BV-2 and BV-2-MGCV-EGFP groups. Compared to those of the BV-2 group, the RIP140 mRNA expression levels of the BV-2-71674 and BV-2-71080 groups were lower by 73% and 75% respectively. The protein expression levels of the BV-2-71674 and BV-2-71080 groups were remarkably lower than those of the BV-2 and BV-MSGV-EGFP groups. MTT assay showed that there were not significant differences in the proliferation rates at different time points between the BV-2 and BV-2-MSCV-EGFP groups, however, the proliferation rates at the time points of 24, 48, 72, and 96 h of the BV-2-71674 and BV-2-71080 groups were significantly lower than those of the BV-2 group (all P<0.01). CONCLUSION: RIP140 gene knockdown effectively inhibits the proliferation of microglioma cells.

[Expression profile of receptor-interacting protein 140 in the brain: experiment with prenatal and postnatal mice].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of receptor-interacting protein of 140,000 (RIP140) in the developmental brain. METHODS: The brain tissues of 15-day-old and 20-day-old fetal Balb/c mice and 1, 7, 14, 28, 42, and 56-day-old postnatal mice were collected. The expression of RIP140 was examined by immunohistochemistry. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to quantify the expression of the mRNA and protein levels of RIP140. RESULTS: (1) Immunochemistry showed that RIP140 was expressed extensively in the brain of embryonic and newborn mice, mainly present in the neurons in many different brain regions, such as the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and pituitary gland. The cellular location of RIP140 was confined to the nucleus. (2) Real-time PCR revealed that the RIP140 mRNA expression in brain was in an increment as the time went by, peaked on the 7th day after birth, then was in a instable level after that until the adulthood. (3) Western blotting indicated that the protein level of RIP140 was coincident with the mRNA level [r(s) = 0.767, P = 0.016 (bilateral)]. CONCLUSION: The expression and role of RIP140 may be involved in the whole neurodevelopment stages of brain, and may take part in the development and the function of the brain.