Factors affecting the accuracy and reliability of the measurement of anti-Müllerian hormone concentration in the clinic.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to identify the factors that influence serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentration measurements. METHODS: We collected serum samples between May and September 2018 and compared the effect on AMH concentration measured by ELISA of conditions including venepuncture, storage time, storage temperature, locations of the reaction microplate, and the use of the oral contraceptive pill and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH). RESULTS: AMH concentration was not affected by food intake but was affected by haemolysis. It was also much higher in samples on the edge of the ELISA microtitre plate. AMH concentration increased after incubation at room temperature for 1 day, 4°C for 3 days, -20°C for 1 month and -40°C for 4 months, but no change occurred during storage at -80°C for 9 months. AMH concentration was high in patients following GnRH agonist treatment but was not affected by oral contraceptives. CONCLUSIONS: No fasting is required prior to AMH measurement. Placement of serum samples on the edge of microtitre plates affects the results of the AMH ELISA. If serum samples cannot be assayed immediately, it is best to store them at -80°C. Basal AMH concentration cannot be used as a measure of ovarian reserve after GnRH agonist treatment.

Assessment of Anti-Mullerian Hormone and Anti-Mullerian Hormone Type II Receptor Variants in Women with Repeated Implantation Failures.

Repeated implantation failure (RIF) is a common endocrine disease that causes female infertility and the etiology is unknown. The abnormal expression of key proteins and hormones at the maternal-fetal interface affected the maternal-fetal communication and leads to adverse pregnancy outcomes. The expression of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and AMH receptor II (AMHRII) was observed in the endometrium. This study aimed to investigate the expression of AMH and AMHRII at the human endometrium, decidual tissue, and blastocyst. Furthermore, the expression of AMH and AMHRII were examined in the RIF patients using immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR to test the AMHRII expression. The results demonstrated that AMH and AMHRII were present in healthy endometrium and AMHRII was highly expressed in mid-luteal phase. In addition, AMHRII expression was detected throughout the pregnancy and AMHRII's highest expression was in the second trimester. AMHRII was expressed in the blastocysts; however, AMH was not observed. The positive expression rate for AMHRII was significantly higher in the endometrium from RIF. Estrogen receptor (ER), insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1(IGFBP1), and prolactin (PRL) were significantly less expressed in RIF with high expression of AMHRII. The apoptosis was significantly higher in patients with high expression of AMHRII than in patients with normal expression of AMHRII. Our data suggests that AMHRII had an effect on RIF via the AMH and AMHRII signaling pathway. It participated in the development of RIF by interfering with endometrial decidualization and apoptosis.

Rapid discovery of tyrosinase inhibitors from Sophora flavescens:significance for comprehensive utilization of its non-medicinal resources / 中国中药杂志

Sophorae Flavescentis Radix,derived from the root of Sophora flavescens in the Leguminosae family,has been widely used in the medicine,agriculture,animal husbandry,and daily chemical industry. A pharmacophore model-based method for rapid discovery of tyrosinase inhibitors( TIs) from S. flavescens was established by molecular docking under Lipinski rules,and verified by enzyme assays. Briefly,the chemical constituent database of S. flavescens( CDSF) was established based on the previous papers. Theoptimal pharmacophore model( OPM) was constructed by DS 2019 on the basis of known active TIs. Eighty-three hits predominated by flavonoids having higher fitting scores with OPM than the positive control were screened out,and subjected to molecular docking based on the three-dimensional structure of tyrosinase crystal protein. The potential TIs such as kurarinone and nor-kurarinone were rapidly discovered from the compounds with higher docking scores than the positive control under the Lipinski rules. The results were verified by the in vitro enzyme assays. The inhibition activities of tyrosinase from non-medicinal parts of S. flavescens were also tested to explore the relationship between the inhibition activity and chemical compositions. This study is expected to provide data support for the comprehensive application and development of S. flavescens and also a new method for the rapid discovery of active substances or functional constituents in the complex systems.

Targeting Lymphocyte Activation Gene 3 to Reverse T-Lymphocyte Dysfunction and Improve Survival in Murine Polymicrobial Sepsis.

BACKGROUND: Lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3) is one of the immune checkpoint molecules, negatively regulating the T-cell reactions. The present study investigated the role of LAG-3 in sepsis-induced T-lymphocyte disability. METHODS: Mice sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). LAG-3 expression on some immune cells were detected 24 hours after CLP. LAG-3 knockout and anti-LAG-3 antibody were applied to investigate the effects on the survival, bacterial clearance. Cytokine levels, T-cell counts, and the presence of apoptosis (in blood, spleen, and thymus) were also determined. In vitro T-cell apoptosis, interferon γ secretion, and proliferation were measured. The expression of interleukin 2 receptor on T cells was also determined after CLP. RESULTS: LAG-3 was up-regulated on CD4+/CD8+ T, CD19+ B, natural killer, CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells and dendritic cells. Both LAG-3 knockout and anti-LAG-3 antibody had a positive effect on survival and on blood or peritoneal bacterial clearance in mice undergoing CLP. Cytokine levels and T-cell apoptosis decreased in anti-LAG-3 antibody-treated mice. Induced T-cell apoptosis decreased, whereas interferon γ secretion and proliferation were improved by anti-LAG-3 antibody in vitro. Interleukin 2 receptor was up-regulated on T cells in both wild-type and LAG-3-knockout mice undergoing CLP. CONCLUSIONS: LAG-3 knockout or anti-LAG-3 antibody blockade protected mice undergoing CLP from sepsis-associated immunodysfunction and may be a new target for the treatment.

Anti-Müllerian Hormone Regulates Stem Cell Factor via cAMP/PKA Signaling Pathway in Human Granulosa Cells by Inhibiting the Phosphorylation of CREB.

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) downregulates the level of stem cell factor (SCF) via the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway in human granulosa cells (GCs). Little information is available on the molecular mechanism underlying the interaction. This study is aimed at determining whether AMH regulates expression of SCF via the cAMP-PKA-CREB signaling pathway in human GCs. In the present study, we verified the binding of cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) to promoter of SCF in human GCs. Furthermore, the effect of CREB was tested on the SCF promoter, and the site of CREB binding to SCF promoter was identified using truncations as well as assays of SCF-promoted mutation and CREB mutation. To investigate the correlation among AMH, SCF promoter, and CREB, pGL-Basic-SCF+CREB was transfected into overexpressed AMH GCs (AMH-high GCs), low expressed AMH GCs (AMH-low GCs), and normal GCs (GCs), respectively. Finally, immunofluorescence, double immunostaining, and Western blot were carried out in AMH-high and AMH-low GCs to confirm the AMH-mediated regulation of SCF expression by inhibiting the phosphorylation of CREB (pCREB) in GCs. Results indicated CREB interacted with SCF promoter and significantly enhanced the transcription level of SCF. The CREB binding site was localized at 318-321 bp of SCF gene promote. AMH inhibits the expression of SCF by phosphorylation of CREB via the PKA signaling pathway in GCs. These findings provide an in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying AMH suppressing the follicle growth, which would aid in the development of a novel therapy.

Analysis of atypical computed tomography features of primary small intestinal lymphoma / 中华消化杂志

Objective@#To investigate the atypical computed tomography (CT) features of primary small intestinal lymphoma (PSIL), and its correlation with pathology.@*Methods@#From July 2007 to June 2018, at Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, the clinical features and CT imaging data of 29 histopathologically diagnosed PSIL with atypical CT features were retrospectively analyzed.@*Results@#A total of 29 cases were all confirmed as Non-Hodgkin′s lymphoma including 23 cases of B cell lymphoma and six cases of peripheral T cell lymphoma. In 24 PSIL patients, the intestinal wall was unevenly thickened. While five cases had intra- and extra-intestinal masses. Images of four PSIL patients showed heterogeneous density at unenhanced CT scan, five cases presented with heterogeneous mild to moderate enhancement and five cases demonstrated with obvious enhancement at portal venous phase. Multiple ulcers in mucosa were found in 20 cases, and obviously abnormal mucosal enhancement was found in five cases, and 13 cases showed rough serosa layer of intestinal wall and the fat gap around the intestinal wall disappeared. Adjacent organs were involved in four cases and intestinal obstruction occurred in eight cases.@*Conclusion@#The atypical imaging of PSIL can be heterogeneous density of the lesion, heterogeneous or obvious enhancement at enhanced scan, multiple ulcers on the mucosal surface, thickening of the mucosal surface, blurred peripheral fat space, involvement of adjacent organs and intestinal obstruction.

Analysis of atypical computed tomography features of primary small intestinal lymphoma / 中华消化杂志

Objective To investigate the atypical computed tomography (CT) features of primary small intestinal lymphoma (PSIL),and its correlation with pathology.Methods From July 2007 to June 2018,at Ruijin Hospital,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine,the clinical features and CT imaging data of 29 histopathologically diagnosed PSIL with atypical CT features were retrospectively analyzed.Results A total of 29 cases were all confirmed as Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma including 23 cases of B cell lymphoma and six cases of peripheral T cell lymphoma.In 24 PSIL patients,the intestinal wall was unevenly thickened.While five cases had intra-and extra-intestinal masses.Images of four PSIL patients showed heterogeneous density at unenhanced CT scan,five cases presented with heterogeneous mild to moderate enhancement and five cases demonstrated with obvious enhancement at portal venous phase.Multiple ulcers in mucosa were found in 20 cases,and obviously abnormal mucosal enhancement was found in five cases,and 13 cases showed rough serosa layer of intestinal wall and the fat gap around the intestinal wall disappeared.Adjacent organs were involved in four cases and intestinal obstruction occurred in eight cases.Conclusion The atypical imaging of PSIL can be heterogeneous density of the lesion,heterogeneous or obvious enhancement at enhanced scan,multiple ulcers on the mucosal surface,thickening of the mucosal surface,blurred peripheral fat space,involvement of adjacent organs and intestinal obstruction.

Imaging diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis / 临床肝胆病杂志

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a special autoimmune-mediated pancreatitis with the clinical manifestation of obstructive jaundice, and it often has good response to steroids. At present, AIP is classified into type 1 and type 2. The imaging findings of AIP include diffuse or localized pancreatic parenchymal enlargement, and the former is also called the “sausage-shaped” appearance. Imaging examinations of AIP have their own advantages and disadvantages. Ultrasound, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, endoscopic ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, PET-CT, and PET-MR help with diagnosis and differential diagnosis and can be used for the monitoring and follow-up of clinical outcomes.

[Seminal plasma anti-Müllerian hormone and inhibin B and serum inhibin B in predicting the outcome of routine IVF fertilization].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the correlations of seminal plasma (sp) anti-Müllerian hormone (spAMH) and inhibin B (spINHB) and serum INHB (serINHB) with semen parameters in oligoasthenospermia patients and explore their value in predicting the outcome of routine in vitro fertilization (IVF). METHODS: We obtained the levels of spAMH, spINHB and serINHB as well as semen parameters from 88 infertile males undergoing IVF due to oligoasthenospermia or female uterine tubal factors from August 2016 to February 2017. Using the ROC curve and Pearson's correlation analysis, we examined the effects of the obtained parameters on the fertilization rate and assessed the correlation of the levels of spAMH, spINHB and serINHB with the semen parameters of the patients. RESULTS: Concerning the predictive value for the outcome of IVF, Pearson's correlation analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of spAMH was 0.807 (sensitivity = 84.6%, specificity = 76%, cut-off point = 3.529, P <0.001) and that of spINHB was 0.768 (sensitivity = 84.6%, specificity = 88.7%, cut-off point = 31.117, P = 0.002). The serINHB level was found positively correlated with sperm concentration (r = 0.346, P = 0.001), total sperm count (r = 0.378, P <0.001), sperm motility (r = 0.521, P <0.001), and the percentage of progressively motile sperm (r = 0.343, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The levels of spAMH and spINHB can be used as laboratory indexes to predict the fertilization rate of routine IVF and are correlated with semen parameters in oligoasthenospermia patients, while that of serINHB has a positive correlation with the semen parameters of the patients.

Seminal plasma anti-Müllerian hormone and inhibin B and serum inhibin B in predicting the outcome of routine IVF fertilization / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To analyze the correlations of seminal plasma (sp) anti-Müllerian hormone (spAMH) and inhibin B (spINHB) and serum INHB (serINHB) with semen parameters in oligoasthenospermia patients and explore their value in predicting the outcome of routine in vitro fertilization (IVF).@*METHODS@#We obtained the levels of spAMH, spINHB and serINHB as well as semen parameters from 88 infertile males undergoing IVF due to oligoasthenospermia or female uterine tubal factors from August 2016 to February 2017. Using the ROC curve and Pearson's correlation analysis, we examined the effects of the obtained parameters on the fertilization rate and assessed the correlation of the levels of spAMH, spINHB and serINHB with the semen parameters of the patients.@*RESULTS@#Concerning the predictive value for the outcome of IVF, Pearson's correlation analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of spAMH was 0.807 (sensitivity = 84.6%, specificity = 76%, cut-off point = 3.529, P <0.001) and that of spINHB was 0.768 (sensitivity = 84.6%, specificity = 88.7%, cut-off point = 31.117, P = 0.002). The serINHB level was found positively correlated with sperm concentration (r = 0.346, P = 0.001), total sperm count (r = 0.378, P <0.001), sperm motility (r = 0.521, P <0.001), and the percentage of progressively motile sperm (r = 0.343, P = 0.001).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The levels of spAMH and spINHB can be used as laboratory indexes to predict the fertilization rate of routine IVF and are correlated with semen parameters in oligoasthenospermia patients, while that of serINHB has a positive correlation with the semen parameters of the patients.

Preoperative diagnosis of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging / 中华消化杂志

Objective To assess the value of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PNEN) and to analyze the factors influencing thepreoperative imaging diagnosis of PNEN.Methods From January 2016 to November 2016, patients with PNEN diagnosed by surgery and biopsy were collected. CT and MRI data of them were analyzed. The CT values or signal intensity of the lesions and the pancreatic parenchyma were measured and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the lesion was calculated. Detecting sensitivity and diagnosis accuracy of CT and MRI were compared. Detecting sensitivity of different MRI sequences was also analyzed. Diagnosis accuracy of non-functional PNEN and functional PNEN was compared and analyzed. Lesion CNR was compared between arterial phase and portal venous phase of the contrast enhanced CT. The sensitivity, accuracy and constituent ratio were compared by nonparametric analysis. Independent sample t test and one-way analysis of variancewere performed for the quantitative parameters comparison. Results A total of 54 patients with 56 lesions of PNEN were included for two of whom had two lesions each. CT and MRI were both performed in 44 patients (46 lesions).Detecting sensitivity and diagnosis accuracy of CT were 97.8% (45/46) and87.0% (40/46), respectively. Detecting sensitivity of MRI were 97.8% (45/46) and89.1% (41/46), respectively. There was no significant difference in detecting sensitivity and diagnosis accuracy between CT and MRI (both P>0.05). The CNR of lesion in arterial phase was higher than that of portal venous phase(4.7±3.8 vs 3.4±2.5), and the difference was statistically significant (t=2.949, P<0.05). Detecting rates of T1 weighted imaging with fat suppression (T1WI-FS) image, T2 weighted imaging with fat suppression (T2WI-FS) image, diffusion weighted imagingand dynamic contrast enhanced T1WI-FS image were 90.0% (45/50), 88.0%(44/50), 86.0%(43/50), and 91.7% (44/48), respectively. There was no significant difference in detecting rate among these images sequences (Q=2.526, P=0.510). Tumor diameter in non-functional PNEN was significantly larger than that in functional PNEN ((2.9±1.6) cm vs (1.7±0.7) cm)(t=3.479,P<0.05). The overall diagnosis rate of non-functional PNEN with CT and MRI before operation was 70.8% (17/24), which was significantly lower than that of functional PNEN (100.0%, 31/31) (χ2=10.360，P=0.002).Conclusions CT and MRI are both sensitive in detectingPNEN, and they were two complementary modalities. CT image in arterial phase delineated the lesion better than that in portal venous phase. MRI images with different sequences can becomplementary and there is no significant difference in detecting sensitivity for PNEN among different sequences. CT and MRI play an equal rolein the diagnosis of PNEN before operation. Because of atypical CT and MRI findings, the diagnosis of non-functional PNEN is more difficult thanfunctional PNEN.

Diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis with computed tomography / 中华消化杂志

Objective To investigate the computed tomography (CT) features of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP).Methods The CT imaging data of 33 patients with AIP confirmed by pathology and/or steroid therapy were retrospectively analyzed.Image analysis including the shape of pancreas, density of lesion, contrast enhancement, the changes of pancreatic duct and biliary duct, peripancreatic appearances and adjacent organ involvement.T test was performed for statistical analysis.Results Among 33 patients with AIP, 23 cases (70%) with pancreatic parenchyma diffuse enlargement, eight cases (24%) with partial enlargement and two cases (6%) with normal pancreas.The lesions appeared hypoattenuating or isoattenuating on plain CT scan.After contrast-enhanced scan, the average CT values of lesions were (75.7±17.0) Hu at arterial phase, which was lower than that of venous phase (90.7±12.0) Hu, and the difference was statistically significant (t=3.378,P=0.002).The lesions demonstrated as progressive enhancement at venous phase.Among 33 patients, the main pancreatic duct was visible in six patients (18%).Sixteen patients (48%) presented with intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary tract dilatation caused by intrapancreatic common bile duct stenosis.Thickened envelope-like structure around the lesions, presenting as capsule sign was seen in 14 patients (42%).Extra-pancreatic organ involvement was found in seven patients including three cases of kidney involvement.After treated with steroid, seven patients repeated CT which showed different degrees of improvement.Conclusion The main CT findings of AIP are diffuse and partial enlargement of pancreas with progressive enhancement at venous phase, envelope-like structure around pancreas, and stenosis of intrapancreatic common bile duct, which are important in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of AIP.

Cystatin C combined with carotid artery plaque score improves predictability of significant coronary ar-tery disease in patients with chest pain / 实用医学杂志

Objective To assess the value of plasma level of cystatin C(Cyst-C)and carotid artery plaque score(PS)in predicting significant coronary artery disease(SCAD)in patients with chest pain. Methods A total of 192 patients with chest pain were involved retrospectively. According to the coronary angiography results ,the patients were divided into groups of SCAD (n = 128) and non-significant coronary artery disease (NSCAD , n = 64). Analyses were done to discuss the association of Cyst-C and PS with SCAD and the predictive value of Cyst-C and PS for SCAD. Results Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that Cyst-C and PS were independent predictors of SCAD. The odds ratios(OR)associated with the Cyst-C(each 1 mg/L)and PS(each 1 mm)for prediction of SCAD were 1.329 and 1.197,respectively. The areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curves(AUC)for the Cyst-C and the PS to predict the SCAD were 0.654 and 0.688,respectively. The combination of Cyst-C and PS increased the AUC to 0.742. The optimal cut-off value of Cyst-C was 0.95 mg/L and had a sensitivity of 72.3% for SCAD. Similarly,the optimal cut-off level of PS was 3mm which presented a sensitivity of 70.7%. A Cyst-C ≥ 0.95 mg/L and a PS ≥ 3 mm had negative predictive values of 46.3% and 48.3%,respectively,for SCAD. By combining Cyst-C with PS ,the sensitivity and negative predictive value increased to 83.6%and 62.5%, respectively. Conclusions Cyst-C and PS are both correlated with SCAD. They are independent predictive factors for SCAD in patients with chest pain. Combination of Cyst-C and PS can improve the predictability ,which may increase the reliability of screening SCAD before cardiac catheterization.

Anti-Müllerian hormone gene polymorphism is associated with androgen levels in Chinese polycystic ovary syndrome patients with insulin resistance.

PURPOSE: The objective of the study was to investigate whether genetic polymorphisms of the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and its specific receptor anti-Müllerian hormone type II receptor (AMHRII) were associated with the hormone disorder and phenotype of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: This case-control study included 141 PCOS patients and 123 normal women. Two polymorphisms of AMH and AMHRII and the clinical characteristics of participants such as body mass index (BMI), serum luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol levels (E2), total testosterone levels (T), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were analyzed with the case-control sample. Gene-gene interactions of AMH and AMHRII genes were analyzed based multifactor-dimensionality reduction method. RESULTS: A significant difference of AMH gene polymorphisms were observed in IR-PCOS women and controls. The AMH and AMHRII gene polymorphisms were not found a significant difference in non-IR-PCOS and normal groups. To IR-PCOS women, genotypes of AMH were closely related to the serum levels of LH (P = 0.000), testosterone (P = 0.000) and HOMA-IR (P = 0.038), while in the non-IR-PCOS and normal groups, no relationship was found. No impact of AMH and AMHRII gene-gene interactions was demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: Our research suggests that the diversity of AMH genotypes in the AMH signal pathway may be connected with the susceptibility and phenotype of PCOS with insulin resistance.

Expression of caspase-3 and transposition of Omi/HtrA2 in H9C2 by erythropoietin and/or Omi/HtrA2 silencing / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective To observe the expression of caspase-3 and transposition of Omi/HtrA2 in H9C2 by erythropoietin and/or Omi/HtrA2 silencing to explore the related anti-apoptotic mechanisms.Methods The cultured H9C2 cardiomyocytes were divided into control group,H/R group (anoxia 2 h and re-oxygenation 24 h), and different concentrations of EPO treatment groups.The release rate of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)in cell supernatant was measured in each group.Expressions of cleaved caspase-3 and Omi/HtrA2 were measured by Western blot;then the transposition of Omi/HtrA2 between cytoplasm and mitochondria was observed.Specific siRNA interfering fragment was transfected into H9C2 cardiomyocytes by liposome method.Its silencing effect on Omi/HtrA2 was measured by RT-PCR and Western blot.The survival rate,release rate and expression of cleaved caspase-3 were measured.And the expression of Omi/HtrA2 was measured in cytoplasm and mitochondria in H9C2 (transposition of Omi/HtrA2 ).Results Compared with H/R group,the release of LDH and expression of cleaved caspase-3 were decreased; the transposition of Omi/HtrA2 from mitochondria to cytoplasm in H/R treatment groups was increased compared with control group,while that in EPO (20 IU/mL)group decreased.si-HtrA2 group transfected with siRNA showed a decreased release of LDH and expression of cleaved caspase-3 with all significant variances (P <0.05).Conclusion EPO exerts a cytoprotective effect by inhibiting the transposition of Omi/HtrA2 and hence the activation of caspases-3 pathway.

Effects of photodynamic therapy on the proliferation and apoptosis of human papillomavirus type 16 E7 proteinexpressing HaCaT cells / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To explore the effects of aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) on the proliferation and apoptosis of HaCaT cells stably expressing human papillomavirus type 16 E7 protein (HaCaT/HPVl6 E7 cells).Methods Cultured HaCaT/HPV16 E7 cells were divided into several groups: blank control group receiving no treatment, ALA group treated with ALA alone, irradiation group irradiated with 630-nm red laser (30 mW/cm2,12 J/cm2), ALA-PDT groups pretreated with ALA for 5 hours followed by 630-nm red laser radiation at 4, 8, 12 J/cm2 respectively.CCK8 assay was performed to determine the survival rate of cells at 24 hours after PDT, and flow cytometetry and confocal microscopy were conducted to detect cell apoptosis and observe cell morphology respectively at 3 hours.Results At 24 hours, the survival rate of cells was 68.98％ ± 1.03％, 46.03％ ± 2.96％ and 23.57％ ± 3.83％ in the 4-,8-and 12-J/cm2 ALA-PDT groups respectively, significantly lower than that in the blank control group, ALA group and irradiation group (99.15％ ± 0.64％, 98.13％ ± 0.83％ and 96.85％ ± 1.37％ respectively, all P ＜ 0.05).With the increase in radiation dose, cell apoptosis was accelerated with obvious morphological changes and shrinkage of cells in the ALA-PDT groups.Conclusion ALA-PDT can inhibit the proliferation, and promote the apoptosis of HPV-infected HaCaT cells in a dose-dependent manner within a certain range of radiation dose.

Effect and Mechanism of Helix B Surface Peptide on Reducing Myocardial Ischemia Reperfusion Injury in Experimental Mice / 中国循环杂志

Objective: To investigate the effect and mechanism of helix B surface peptide (HBSP) on myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury (MIRI) in experimental mice. Methods: The MIRI model was established by ligation of anterior descending coronary artery of the mice for 45 min and followed by corresponding treatment at 5 min before reperfusion. A total of 64 male ICR mice were randomly assigned to 4 group:①Sham group,②MIRI group, the mice received normal saline at 5 min before reperfusion,③HBSP group, MIRI mice received HBSP at 5 min before reperfusion and④HBSP+PD98059 group, MIRI mice received PD98059 (a speciifc blocker of ERK1/2) at 20 min before reperfusion and followed by HBSP at 5 min before reperfusion.n=16 in each group, all animals were treated for 2 hours. The area of myocardial infarction (MI) was detected by TTC-EB double staining method, the myocardial apoptosis rate was examined by TUNEL method, the levels of protein expression of ERK1/2 and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 were measured by Western blot analysis. Results: Compared with MIRI group, HBSP group presented decreased MI area, decreased myocardial apoptosis rate and increased phopsphorylation level of ERK1/2, allP Conclusion: HBSP may reduce the MI area via inhibiting myocardial apoptosis and therefore, protecting the experimental mice from MIRI; the mechanism might be related to the activation of ERK1/2 pathway.

Antimüllerian hormone regulates stem cell factor expression in human granulosa cells.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there is a correlation between antimüllerian hormone (AMH) and stem cell factor (SCF) in serum, follicular fluid (FF), and granulosa cells (GCs), and to investigate a possible regulatory mechanism of AMH on SCF in human granulosa cells. DESIGN: Prospective clinical and experimental study. SETTING: Academic center. PATIENT(S): 163 women undergoing IVF. INTERVENTION(S): Serum, FF, and GCs obtained in all women, primary cultures of human GCs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): AMH and SCF were analyzed in serum, FF, and GCs, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, and immunoblotting. RESULT(S): There was a significant negative correlation between AMH and SCF protein level in FF, and in the mRNA expression of AMH and SCF in GCs. Conversely, there was no correlation between AMH and SCF levels in serum. In primary cultures of human GCs, SCF was down-regulated by treatment with recombinant human AMH and was increased by cyclic adenosine 3':5' monophosphate (cAMP) in a dose-dependent manner. A protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor (H89) significantly reversed the effects of recombinant human AMH and cAMP on SCF mRNA and protein expression. CONCLUSION(S): This is the first report on a modulatory role for AMH as an ovarian/follicular autocrine/paracrine factor controlling SCF expression via the cAMP/PKA pathway.

Evaluate the effect of mucosal healing after low-dose azathioprine in patients with small bowel Crohn's disease by double-balloon enteroscopy / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective To evaluate the clinical value of double-balloon enteroscopy( DBE)in as-sessing the effect of mucosal healing in patients with moderate small bowel Crohn's disease( CD)treated with low-dose azathioprine. Methods CD patients who were naive to any immunomodulators or biological a-gents with lesions mainly located in ileu were screened by multislice CT enterography and anal-route DBE at baseline. Lesions at 150 cm proximal to ileocecal valve were assessed by DBE with Simple Endoscopic Score for CD( SES-CD)after 12 and 24 months of low-dose azathioprine treatment,respectively. Results A total of 36 patients were enrolled and the average tolerated dose of azathioprine was(61. 8 ± 17. 2)mg/day. The total rates of complete,near-complete,partial and no mucosal healing in 36 patients were 19. 4%(7/36), 5. 6%(2/36),27. 8%(10/36),and 47. 2%(17/36)at month 12 and 30. 6%(11/36),25. 0%(9/36), 33. 3%(12/36),and 11. 1%(4/36)at month 24,respectively. The baseline SES-CD score(OR=2. 71, 95%CI:1. 11-6. 63,P=0. 029)and duration of disease(OR=1. 27,95%CI:1. 10-1. 47,P =0. 001) were two relevant factors associated with mucosal healing of small bowel CD. Conclusion DBE has a signif-icant advantage in assessing post-therapy mucosal healing for patients with small bowel CD. The optimal time point for the first follow-up by DBE is at least 12 months after low-dose azathioprine treatment.

Imaging diagnosis of extramedullary hematopoiesis / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To discuss and analyze the imaging features of extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH).Methods Imaging data of EMH in 7 patients with 85 lesions confirmed by clinical and pathological results were retrospectively analyzed.Results CT or MRI showed thoracic paravertebral multiple tumor-like soft tissue masses in 6 patients accompanied with pleural mass in 1,with liv-er mass in 1 and spleen mass in 1,and the masses in the distal ileum and in front of the inferior vena cava in 1.Thoracic paraverte-bral and pleural masses presented isodensity on plain CT and moderate enhancement on post-contrast CT.Among the 6 liver mas-ses,CT showed uniform density in 5 and small area of necrosis in 1.The only one spleen mass also appeared inner necrosis and mul-tiple small calcifications.The mass in the ileum presented thickened bowel wall with moderate enhancement,meanwhile the mass in front of vena cava presented obvious edge enhancement.MRI in 2 patients showed the masses with low signal on T1 WI and high sig-nal on T2 WI.Conclusion EMH has certain specific imaging characteristics,which may be helpful for correct diagnosis of EMH when combined with the clinical data.