WGCNA reveals a biomarker for cancer-associated fibroblasts to predict prognosis in cervical cancer.

BACKGROUND: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are crucial components of the cervical cancer tumor microenvironment, playing a significant role in cervical cancer progression, treatment resistance, and immune evasion, but whether the expression of CAF-related genes can predict clinical outcomes in cervical cancer is still unknown. In this study, we sought to analyze genes associated with CAFs through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and to create a predictive model for CAFs in cervical cancer. METHODS: We acquired transcriptome sequencing data and clinical information on cervical cancer patients from the TCGA and GEO databases. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was conducted to identify genes related to CAFs. We developed a prognostic model based on CAF genes in cervical cancer using LASSO Cox regression analysis. Single-cell sequencing data analysis and in vivo experiments for validation of hub genes in CAFs. RESULTS: A prognostic model for cervical cancer was developed based on CAF genes including COL4A1, LAMC1, RAMP3, POSTN, and SERPINF1. Cervical cancer patients were divided into low and high risk groups based on the optimal cutoff value. Patients in the high risk group had significantly worse prognosis. Single-cell RNA sequencing data revealed that hub genes in the CAFs risk model were expressed mainly in fibroblasts. The real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR results revealed a significant difference in the expression levels of COL4A1, LAMC1, POSTN, and SERPINF1 between the cancer group and the normal group (p < 0.05). Consistently, the results of the immunohistochemical tests exhibited notable variations in COL4A1, LAMC1, RAMP3, POSTN, and SERPINF1 expression between the cancer and normal groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The CAF risk model for cervical cancer constructed in this study can be used to predict prognosis, while the CAF hub genes can be utilized as crucial markers for cervical cancer prognosis.

2,2',4,4',5,5'-Hexabromophenyl ether (BDE-153) causes abnormal insulin secretion and disorders of glucose and lipid metabolism in mice.

BACKGROUND: Environmental polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) exposure may be associated with diabetes and obesity. 2,2',4,4',5,5'-Hexabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-153) is one of the most abundant and widely distributed homologs of PBDEs detected in humans. This study investigated the effects of BDE-153 on the expression of adipokines and glucose and lipid metabolism. METHODS: Adult male C57BL/6 mice were divided into five BDE-153 groups and one control group. After BDE-153 exposure for 4 weeks, the levels of biochemical indexes and the mRNA and protein expression levels of leptin, adiponectin, peroxisome proliferators activated receptors gamma (PPARγ), and AMPKα were measured. The histomorphological changes of liver and pancreas tissues were observed. RESULTS: After BDE-153 exposure, the weight of mice in the medium-high-dose group at different exposure times was lower than that in the control group ( p all <0.05), and the body weight decreased slightly with the increase of the dose of BDE-153. BDE-153 caused the disorder of glucose and lipid metabolism in mice, the weight of liver and pancreas increased, lipid droplets accumulated in liver cells, and the positive rate of insulin staining increased in a dose-dependent manner. BDE-153 also interfered with the expression of PPARγ, AMPKα, and adipokines. The results of restrictive cubic splines (RCS) showed that there were a nonlinear dose-response relationship between the exposure dose of BDE-153 and the expression levels of PPARγ, AMPKα, and adipokines. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that BDE-153 may interfere with the expression of adipokines and the secretion of insulin by affecting the expression of PPARγ and AMPKα, which play a key role in glucose and lipid metabolism, leading to the occurrence of glucose and lipid metabolism disorder.

Bidirectional regulation of BDE-47 on 3T3-L1 cell differentiation based on a restricted cubic spline model.

BDE-47 (2,2,4,4-tetrabromodiphenyl ether) is a polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congener, which has the characteristics of high biological detection rate, the highest content and strong biological toxicity, and is widely distributed in organisms. Many studies have found that BDE-47 may also be an environmental risk factor for metabolic diseases such as obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. However, the way that PBDEs influence adipocyte differentiation remains unclear. The methylisobutylxanthine, dexamethasone, and insulin method was used to study the effect of BDE-47 on the differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells. The 3T3-L1 cells were exposed by different concentrations of BDE-47, and the effect of cell viability was detected at different stages. In addition, the lipid droplet aggregation of adipocytes was observed and the triglyceride (TG) levels in the cytoplasm were detected after differentiation. The relative mRNA expression levels of leptin, adiponectin, and PPARγ in cells were determined by RT-PCR, and differentially expressed genes were preliminarily screened by digital gene expression profile. Our study found that BDE-47 promoted the differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells. Restriction cubic spline analysis showed that BDE-47 bidirectionally. regulated the mRNA synthesis of TG, PPARγ, and leptin genes and the aggregation of lipid droplets. BDE-47 may induce adipocyte differentiation by activating PPARγ, resulting in the differential expression of genes related to the AMPK signaling pathway, insulin resistance, and other metabolic pathways. The highest and lowest-dose BDE-47 exposure groups had the greatest impact on adipocyte differentiation.

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor is a prognostic biomarker and is correlated with immune responses in cervical cancer.

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) plays an important role in tumor development. However, its function in cervical cancer has not been fully elucidated. We evaluated the ten genes that are predicted to associate with AHR protein interaction. The comprehensive scores were: CYP1A1, ARNT2, HSP90AA1, ARNT, AIP, PTGES3, HSP90AB1, CYP1B1, ESR1, MAF, respectively. In addition, we showed that levels of AHR and its related genes were correlated with the immune infiltration and expression of immuno-regulators (immunoinhibitors, immunostimulators, MHC molecules) levels in cervical cancer. High expression of AHR, CYP1A1, HSP90AA1, and HSP90AB1 and low expression of ESR1 were negatively correlated with the prognoses of cervical cancer patients. The Cox multivariate regression showed that high expression of AHR (HR = 1.874, 95% CI = 1.069-3.285, P= 0.028) and CYP1A1 (HR = 1.822, 95%CI = 1.077-3.080, P= 0.025) were risk factors for prognosis in patients with cervical cancer. IHC results indicated that AHR and CYP1A1 were widely expressed in cervical cancer. These findings suggest that AHR and CYP1A1 may serve as prognostic biomarkers for determining prognosis and immune infiltration in cervical cancer.

Decabromodiphenyl ether causes insulin resistance and glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in mice.

BACKGROUND: Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) is the most commonly used brominated flame retardant. Recently, BDE-209 has been suspected of being an environmental risk factor for metabolic diseases such as obesity, insulin resistance (IR), type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. AIM: To investigate the effects of BDE-209 on IR and glucose and lipid metabolism in C57BL/6 mice. METHODS: Adult male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into high, medium-high, medium, medium-low, and low dose BDE-209 groups, and a control group (n = 6 per group), which received 1000, 800, 600, 450, 300, and 0 mg/kg BDE-209, respectively. After BDE-209 exposure for 60 d, the mice were fasted overnight, and then sacrificed to obtain tissues. An automatic biochemical analyzer was used to detect serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C); enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to detect fasting serum insulin (FINS), leptin (LEP), and adiponectin (Adp) levels; a blood glucose meter was used to detect fasting blood glucose (FBG). Morphological changes of the liver were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to determine the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein levels, respectively, of LEP, Adp, and peroxisome proliferators activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) in mouse liver and adipose tissues. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in the weight of mice in each group after 45 and 60 d of exposure (P < 0.05). After 60 d of exposure, the weight of liver and adipose tissues in the exposure groups were greater than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The liver tissue structure was disordered and the liver tissues were accompanied by local inflammatory cell infiltration in the high, medium-high, and medium dose BDE-209 groups. The levels of FINS, insulin sensitivity index, Adp, and HDL-C were decreased in the BDE-209 group compared with the control group, as were the mRNA and protein levels of Adp in liver and adipose tissues (P < 0.05). Serum level of FBG and LEP were higher in the BDE-209 group than in controls. TC, TG, and LDL-C levels as well as the mRNA and protein expression of LEP and PPARγ in liver and adipose tissues were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Homeostatic assessment model of IR was higher in the medium and medium-low dose BDE-209 groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: BDE-209 increases the body weight, fat and liver tissue weight, TC, TG, and LDL-C, reduces HDL-C, and causes IR in mice, which may be related to activating the PPARγ receptor.

HIV transmission in sero-discordant couples with the HIV-positive partner in Xinjiang: incidence and associated predictors.

INTRODUCTION: To control the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among sero-discordant couples, we explored the HIV seroconversion and its contributing factors. METHODOLOGY: We recruited negative partners in HIV sero-discordant couples to established a prospective cohort between January 2010 and June 2015 from areas with severe HIV epidemic in Xinjiang. Follow up once every 3 months, serological tests and risk behavior surveys every 6 months. Variables were screened by LASSO regression and a Cox proportional hazards model was established. RESULTS: A total of 1162 negative partners of sero-discordant couples were recruited. The seroconversion occurred in 42 negative partners during follow-up period, with a seroconversion rate of 2/100 (95% CI = 1.21-2.27), and the median time for seroconversion was 0.92 years. The Cox model showed that frequency of sexual behavior for nearly six months, consistent condom use, knowledge of the transmission route for HIV, a history of sexually transmitted diseases, recent CD4 + T lymphocyte count were all significant contributing factors to the seroconversion in negative partner of HIV sero-discordant couples. In addition, the Cox model was used to evaluate the risk factors of seroconversion for HIV negative partners. CONCLUSIONS: The seroconversion rate of HIV negative partners in Xinjiang was lower. The LASSO Cox model may accurately predict the risk of HIV transmission in sero-discordant couples.

[Effects of decabromodiphenyl ether on glucose and lipid metabolism and adipocyte factors in C57BL/6 mice].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of decabromodiphenyl ether(BDE-209) on glucose and lipid metabolism and adipocytokines in mice. METHODS: A total of 36 adult male C57 BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 6 groups, 1000, 800, 600, 450 and 300 mg/kg groups and the control group, with 6 in each group. 60 days after gavage, fasting overnight, the mice were killed and the corresponding test materials were taken. Using an automatic biochemical analyzer to detect triglycerides(TG), total cholesterol(cholesterol, TC), low-density lipoprotein(LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein(HDL-C). Detected rat fasting blood glucose(FBG) with Roche blood glucose meter. Observed the morphological changes of mouse liver tissue using HE staining. Determined leptin(LEP), the mRNA and protein expression levels of adiponectin(ADP) and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors(PPAR)-γ with Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: The levels of fasting serum lisulin(FINS), insulin sensitivity index(ISI), ADP and HDL-C in the serum of the BDE-209 exposure group decreased(P& lt; 0. 05). The levels of FBG, LEP, TC, TG and LDL-C in the serum of the BDE-209 exposure group increased(P& lt; 0. 05). mRNA and protein expression levels of LEP and PPAR-γ in the liver increased(P& lt; 0. 05), and ADP mRNA and protein expression levels decreased(P& lt; 0. 05). Adipocyte factor LEP was positively correlated with the content of FBG, TG, TC and LDL-C, with r values of 0. 775, 0. 767, 0. 716 and 0. 812(P& lt; 0. 05), and negatively correlated with FINS and HDL-C, with r values of-0. 919 and-0. 817(P& lt; 0. 05). ADP was positively correlated with FINS and HDL-C, with r values of 0. 824 and 0. 832(P& lt; 0. 05), and negatively correlated with FBG, TG, TC and LDL-C, with r values of-0. 883, -0. 686, -0. 704 and-0. 772, respectively(P& lt; 0. 05). BDE-209 exposure to each dose group could change the morphology of mouse liver tissue to a certain extent. CONCLUSION: Decabromodiphenyl ether can disturb the metabolism of glucose and lipids. Among them, the disorder in the high and high dose groups of BDE-209 is more obvious. The low dose of BDE-209 can also change the morphology of liver tissue.

[Meta-analysis of the association between PPARγ2 gene Pro12Ala polymorphism and obesity in Chinese population].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ(PPARγ) 2 gene Pro12 Ala polymorphism and the risk of obesity in the Chinese population. METHODS: Take "peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma2", "PPAR gamma2", "pparg2", "peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma2", "obesity", "Pro12 Ala", "gene polymorphism", "Chinese" as searchable words, Chinese people were selected as study subjects from Chinese databases such as CNKI, Wanfang Database, VIP and foreign language databases such as PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science, which were published from the establishment of the database until December 31, 2019. RevMan 5. 3 software was used for Meta-analysis of the literature with literature score ≥ 5 points. RESULTS: A total of 12 articles were included, including 2233 cases and 1795 healthy controls. Meta-analysis showed that:(1) Dominant gene model: the risk of obesity for those carrying Ala/Ala+Pro/Ala was 1. 86 times that of those carrying Pro/Pro(OR=1. 86, 95%CI 1. 07-3. 21). (2) Additive gene model: the risk of obesity for those carrying Pro/Ala was 1. 79 times that of those carrying Pro/Pro(OR=1. 79, 95% CI 1. 04-3. 08). (3) Allelic model: the risk of obesity in those carrying the allele Ala was 1. 75 times that of those carrying the allele Pro(OR=1. 75, 95% CI 1. 11-2. 78). The subgroup analysis of different regions showed that the combined OR(95% CI) values of the dominant gene model, additive gene model and allelic model in the southern region were 1. 96(1. 12-3. 42), 2. 02(1. 14-3. 56) and 1. 79(1. 06-3. 03), the combined OR(95% CI) values of the dominant gene model, additive gene model and allele model in the northern region were 1. 89(0. 90-3. 97), 1. 77(0. 85-3. 67) and 1. 80(0. 97-3. 36). CONCLUSION: The polymorphic allele Ala or genotype Ala/Ala or Pro/Ala of PPARγ2 gene may increase the risk of obesity in Chinese population. The correlation between the PPARγ2 gene Pro12 Ala polymorphism and the risk of obesity in the southern population is more obvious.

Effects of 2,2',4,4' -tetrabromodiphenyl ether on differentiation of mouse 3T3-L1 cells / 预防医学

Objective@#To investigate the effects of 2, 2', 4, 4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether ( BDE-47 ) on the differentiation of mouse embryonic fibroblasts-3T3-L1, so as to provide the basis for revealing the mechanism of environmental obesity factors. @*Methods@#The 3T3-L1 cells were divided into five BDE-47 intervention groups ( 25, 18.75, 12.5, 7.5 and 2.5 µmol/L ), a positive control group (1 µmol/L 2, 4-thiazolidinedione) and a negative control group ( 0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide ) for the induction of differentiation. The lipid droplet accumulation in adipocytes was observed by oil red O staining treatment and detection of optical desity ( OD ) on the eighth day of differentiation. Triglyceride ( TG ) content was measured using the histiocyte TG enzymatic assay kit. The mRNA expression of adiponectin and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ ( PPARγ ) was measured by RT-PCR.@*Results@#The positive areas of oil red O staining, OD values, TG content and mRNA expression of adiponectin and PPARγ in 3T3-L1 cells were significantly different among seven groups ( P<0.05 ). The positive areas of oil red O staining and OD values in the BDE-47 groups with different concentrations were higher than those in the negative control group ( P<0.05 ). The 18.75 µmol/L BDE-47 group had higher TG levels than the negative control group ( P<0.05 ). The mRNA expression of PPARγ in the 25, 18.75, 12.5, and 7.5 µmol/L BDE-47 groups and the positive control group was higher than that in the negative control group ( P<0.05 ). The mRNA expression of PPARγ in the 12.5 µmol/L BDE-47 group was higher than that in the 25, 18.75, 7.5, 2.5 µmol/L BDE-47 group and the positive control group ( P<0.05 ). The mRNA expression of adiponectin in the 12.5, 7.5 µmol/L BDE-47 group and the positive control group was higher than that in the negative control group ( P<0.05 ). The mRNA expression of adiponectin in the 12.5 µmol/L BDE-47 group was higher than that in the 25, 18.75, 2.5 µmol/L BDE-47 group ( P<0.05 ). The mRNA expression of PPARγ and adiponectin in the different concentration groups of BDE-47 distributed like inverted "U" shape.@*Conclusion@#BDE-47 can promote the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Low concentration of BDE-47 may induce adipocyte differentiation by activating PPARγ.

[Restrictive cubic spline analysis of dose-response relationship between maternal polybrominated diphenyl ethers exposure level and neonatal low birth weight in Urumqi].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the dose-response relationship between maternal polybrominated diphenyl ethers(PBDEs) exposure and neonatal low birth weight(LBW) by restrictive cubic spline method. METHODS: Blood samples from 96 full-term primiparas in Urumqi were collected and the concentrations of seven PBDEs(BDE-28, BDE-47, BDE-99, BDE-100, BDE-153, BDE-154, BDE-183) in serum were measured to calculate the total PBDEs concentration(ΣPBDEs). The sociodemographic data of pregnant women and their spouses, prenatal examination, nutritional status during pregnancy, internal and external environmental factors and neonatal birth outcomes were collected to analyze the influencing factors affecting the low birth weight of the newborn and explore the dose-response relationship between the exposure level of maternal PBDEs and the birth weight of the newborn. RESULTS: (1) ΣPBDEs ranged from 144.67 to 32884.70 pg/g lipid weight(LW), and the median concentration was 3930.93 pg/g LW. BDE-153 was the main source of contribution. The median concentration was 41.04%.(2) There was a positive correlation between ΣPBDEs and birth outcomes such as birth length and body weight, both P<0.05.(3) There were significant differences in the distribution of PBDEs, weight gain during pregnancy, birth weight, Apgar score, house decoration before and after pregnancy, number of home appliances and number of carpets in normal birth weight infants and low birth weight infants(P<0.05).(4) Restricted cubic splines showed a non-linear "∩" dose-response relationship between the exposure level of PBDEs during pregnancy and the intensity of birth weight. The relationship between the exposure level of PBDEs during pregnancy and the intensity of LBW showed a weak nonlinear "^" dose-response relationship. The correlation intensity between the level and the normal birth weight showed a non-linear "^" dose response relationship(non-linear test, both P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The blood level of PBDEs in pregnant women in Urumqi is low, but it can affect the birth outcome of newborns. The correlation between the exposure level of PBDEs and birth weight during pregnancy is nonlinear dose-response relationship.

[Physical development and the age of fat reunion of Uygur and Han children under 7 years old in Urumuqi in 2015].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the physical development of Uygur and Han children under 7 years old in Urumuqi, and analyze the age of adiposity rebound. METHODS: Using stratified cluster sampling, 9682 Uygur and Han children under 7 years old were selected in 7 districts and 1 county in Urumqi in June 2015, measuring their heights, weights, sitting heights, head circumference and chest circumference; comparingthe differences of weight for height Z-score( WHZ), drawing WHZ curves, calculating the adiposity rebound ages of Uygur and Han nationality boys and girls. RESULTS: The difference of physical development in low age groups was significant. There were significant differences in the WHZ of Uygur and Han boys in 0 month-( t = 4. 277, P <0. 001), 6 months-( t = 2. 133, P = 0. 033), 5 years-( t = 2. 278, P = 0. 023), 6-7 years( t = 2. 503, P = 0. 013) and all ages combined( t = 5. 238, P < 0. 001), and significant differences exist in WHZ of Uygur and Han girls in 0 month-( t = 2. 533, P =0. 011) and 1 year old-( t =-2. 141, P = 0. 033). The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity in boys was higher than that in girls under 7 years old( overweight rate: Uygur boys 7. 97%, Uygur girls 5. 46%; Han boys 12. 55%, Han girls 5. 90%; obesity rate:Uygur boys 5. 58%, Uygur girls 3. 48%; Han boys 7. 73%, Han girls 3. 92%), while overweight obesity ratio( OOR) in Uygur girls were higher than Uygur boys( girls OOR =1. 57, boys OOR = 1. 43) and OOR of Han girls was lower than that of boys( girls OOR =1. 50, boys OOR = 1. 62). Mathematical model indicated that the adiposity rebound age of Han boys was 3. 94 years old( 95% CI 3. 54-4. 33), Uygur boys was 4. 17 years old( 95% CI 2. 70-5. 72) and Han girls was 4. 56 years old( 95% CI 4. 14-4. 99), and the adiposity rebound age of Uygur girls was 5. 57 years old( 95% CI 4. 00-7. 13). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among Han children under seven years old is higher than that of Uygur children, and the age of fat rebound in Han children is earlier than that of Uygur children.

Cross-Cultural Validation of the High Blood Pressure Health Literacy Scale in a Chinese Community.

BACKGROUND: Considering the importance of health literacy (HL) for the maximum yield from the hypertension control programs, development of a reliable and valid instrument of hypertension-related HL is critical. This study aimed to translate and validate the High Blood Pressure-Health Literacy Scale (HBP-HLS) into Chinese (C-HBP-HLS) and evaluate its psychometric properties in Chinese context. METHOD: Between June 2013 and January 2014, a cross-sectional study was conducted among recruited hypertensive patients belonging to the Han and Kazakh-Chinese communities in Urumqi, Xinjiang, China. RESULTS: A pilot sample (n = 242) was selected for the exploratory factor analysis of the translated and modified instrument. Another sample (n = 308) was recruited for the confirmatory factor analysis. C-HBP-HLS consisted of five dimensions (Print Health Literacy, Medication Label, Understanding Ability, Newest Vital Sign Test, and Avoiding Food Allergy) containing 15 items, accounting for 77.7% of the total variance. The 5-factor model demonstrated a good overall fit. The scale-level content validity index was 0.85. Cronbach's alpha of the overall scale was 0.78 and test-retest reliability was 0.96. Education level had a strong positive correlation with the scores for items Q1, Q2, and Q3(r = 0.481, 0.492, 0.475, respectively). Health Literacy scores among Kazakh patients were significantly lower than Han (7.13±7.90 vs. 30.10±13.42, Z = -14.573, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: C-HBP-HLS demonstrated suitable factor structure and robust psychometric properties for measuring health literacy level among hypertensive patients in China.

[Comparisons of risk factors for low birth weight between Han and Uygur full-term infants].

OBJECTRIVE: To compare the differences in risk factors for low birth weight (LBW) between Han and Uygur full-term infants and to provide a basis for the prevention of LBW in newborn infants. METHODS: Eighty-seven full-term LBW infants (38 Hans and 49 Uygurs) between March 2013 and June 2014 were selected as the case group, and 186 full-term normal birth weight infants (92 Hans and 94 Uygurs) were selected as the control group. A questionnaire survey was performed to investigate the related factors for LBW. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine the risk factors for LBW. RESULTS: The birth weights in Uyghur LBW infants were lower than in Han ones (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that drinking (OR=2.472, P=0.015) and smoking (OR=2.323, P=0.007) by the father, pregnancy complications (OR=14.377, P<0.001), and times of pregnancy (OR=2.995, P=0.001) were the risk factors for LBW in Han infants, while drinking by the father (OR=1.968, P=0.007), times of pregnancy (OR=1.953, P=0.005), pregnancy complications (OR=10.283, P=0.002), and poor indoor environment (OR=1.367, P=0.027) were the risk factors for LBW in Uyghur infants. CONCLUSIONS: There are differences in physical growth between Han and Uygur LBW infants. Han and Uygur infants share the same traditional risk factors for LBW, such as father's harmful behaviors like drinking, times of pregnancy, and pregnancy complications, however, the indoor environment also plays a role in the occurrence of LBW in Uygur infants.

Comparisons of serum total IgE, IgG, and IgG1 levels in patients with and without echinococcosis-induced anaphylactic shock.

We investigated serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE), IgG, and IgG1 levels in patients with and without echinococcosis-induced anaphylactic shock. This was a case-control study of 11 patients with echinococcosis-induced anaphylactic shock and 22 echinococcosis patients with cyst rupture but without anaphylactic shock. Blood was collected before surgery (T0), at the time of cyst rupture (T1), and shock (Tx), 1 h (T2), 1 day (T3), and 1 week (T4) after cyst rupture. Serum IgE, IgG, and IgG1 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum IgE, IgG, and IgG1 levels were significantly higher in patients who developed anaphylactic shock at all time points. Increased pre-surgical IgG and IgG1 levels were identified to be a significant risk factors for developing anaphylactic shock. The results showed that a serum IgG concentration of 312.25 µg/mL could be used as a cut-off point to predict whether an echinococcosis patient would develop anaphylactic shock.

Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with anaphylactic shock after surgery for cystic echinococcosis.

We reviewed the records of 446 patients who were treated surgically for cystic echinococcosis (CE) to identify risk factors for anaphylactic shock. Of 446 patients, 10 had final diagnoses of anaphylactic shock induced by CE; none died. The incidence of anaphylactic shock was significantly higher in younger age groups (P < 0.001) and in patients with pulmonary cysts. Anaphylactic shock induced by CE appears to differ from type I immediate hypersensitivity shock, which suggests that in CE, shock may be caused by a combination of immediate hypersensitivity and endotoxic shock. This possibility suggests that additional precautions should be taken during surgery. These precautions include reducing intracystic pressure, which would prevent possible leaked liquid from reaching other organs by surrounding the cyst with sterile gauze and decrease the chance of spreading the echinococcus; preventing antigen from contacting other tissues where it might trigger anaphylaxis; and resecting the cyst completely when feasible.

[Effects of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabrominated diphenyl ethers on the TRalpha1 and TRbeta1 expression in liver in C57BL/6 mice].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabrominated diphenyl ethers (BDE-47) on the expression change of TRalpha1, TRbeta1 at both mRNA and protein levels. METHODS: C57BL/6 mice were divided randomly into 4 groups and administrated with corn oil, 0.5, 5 and 50 mg/kg/BW BDE-47 for 4 days through intraperitoneal injection respectively. GAPDH selected as internal standard, real time quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot were employed to detect the mRNA levels and protein of TRalpha1 and TRbeta1 in livers. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the mRNA levels of TRalpha1 and TRbeta1 were up-regulated in the medium and high BDE-47 dose groups (P < 0.05). The protein level of TRalpha1 significantly up-regulated while TRbeta1 was significantly down-regulated. CONCLUSION: BDE-47 could change the expression of TRalpha1 and TRbeta1 in the mRNA and protein levels in liver.

[Effects and toxicity mechanism of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabrominated diphenyl ethers on the homeostasis of thyroid hormone system in C57BL/6 mice].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects and of toxicity mechanism of 2,2',4,4'-TETRABDE (BDE-47) on TT3, TT4 and TSH in C57BL/6 mice. METHODS: C57BL/6 mice were divided randomly into 4 groups, and given with corn oil (control group) and 1 micromol/(kg x d), 10 micromol/(kg x day) and 100 micromol/(kg x day) BDE-47 for 4 days through intraperitoneal injection respectively. After collecting the bloods, livers and thyroids, the T3, T4 and TSH levels of serum were detected by electro chemiluminescenc (ECLI), thyroid peroxidase (TPO) activities in thyroid by guaiacol method and type-I deiodinase (DI) in liver by CHOPRA method. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the level of TT4 decreased significantly in the three BDE-47 dose groups, TT3 in the medium and high dose groups decreased significantly, and the activities of DI increased in the medium and high dose groups significantly (P < 0.05), whereas TSH level in serum and activity of TPO in thyroid in the three dose groups weren't statistically significant comparing with control group. CONCLUSION: BDE-47 could affect the homeostasis of thyroid hormone system, and activity of type-I deiodinase (DI) in liver being changed might be the one of toxicity mechanisms.