AIM:To sum up the clinical and pathological characte- ristics of solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) and the experience with it.METHODS: A total of 553 SPT patients reported in Chinese literature between January 1996 an...AIM:To sum up the clinical and pathological characte- ristics of solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) and the experience with it.METHODS: A total of 553 SPT patients reported in Chinese literature between January 1996 and January 2009 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of the 553 SPT patients included in this review was 27.2 years, and the male to female ratio was 1:8.37. Their symptoms were non-specific, and nearly one third of the patients were asymptomatic. Computed tomography and ultraso-nography were performed to show the nature and location of SPT. Most of the tumors were distributed in the pancreatic head (39.8%), tail (24.1%), body andtail (19.5%). Forty-five patients (9.2%) were diagnosed as malignant SPT with metastasis or invasion. None of the clinical factors was closely related to the malignant potential of SPT. Surgery was the main therapeutic modality for SPT. Local resection, distal pancreatectomy and pancreatoduodenectomy were the most common surgical procedures. Local recurrence and hepatic metastasis were found in 11 and 2 patients, respectively, after radical resection. Four patients died of tumor progression within 4 years after palliative resection of SPT. The prognosis of SPT patients was good with a 5-year survival rate of 96.9%.CONCLUSION: SPT of the pancreas is a rare indolent neoplasm that typically occurs in young females. It is a low-grade malignancy and can be cured with extended resection. The prognosis of such patients is good although the tumor may recur and metastasize.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the population-based prevalence of fatty liver disease (FLD) and its risk factors in Guangdong Province,China. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey with multiple-stage stratified cluster and random sa...AIM: To investigate the population-based prevalence of fatty liver disease (FLD) and its risk factors in Guangdong Province,China. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey with multiple-stage stratified cluster and random sampling of inhabitants over 7-year-old was performed in 6 urban and rural areas of Guangdong Province,China. Questionnaires,designed by co-working of epidemiologists and hepatologists,included demographic characteristics,current medication use,medical history and health-relevant behaviors,i.e. alcohol consumption,smoking habits,dietary habits and physical activities. Anthropometric measurements,biochemical tests and abdominal ultrasonography were carried out. RESULTS: Among the 3543 subjects,609 (17.2%) were diagnosed having FLD (18.0% males,16.7% females,P > 0.05). Among them,the prevalence of confirmed alcoholic liver disease (ALD),suspected ALD and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were 0.4%,1.8%,and 15.0%,respectively. The prevalence rate (23.0%) was significantly higher in urban areas than (12.9%) in rural areas. After adjustment for age,gender and residency,the standardized prevalence of FLD in adults was 14.5%. Among them,confirmed ALD,suspected ALD and NAFLD were 0.5%,2.3%,and 11.7%,respectively,in adults and 1.3% (all NAFLD) in children at the age of 7-18 years. The overall prevalence of FLD increased with age in both genders to the peak of 27.4% in the group of subjects at the age of 60-70 years. The prevalence rate was significantly higher in men than in women under the age of 50 years (22.4% vs 7.1%,P < 0.001). However,the opposite phenomenon was found over the age of 50 years (20.6% vs 27.6%,P < 0.05). Multivariate and logistic regression analysis indicated that male gender,urban residency,low education,high blood pressure,body mass index,waist circumference,waist to hip ratio,serum triglyceride and glucose levels were the risk factors for FLD. CONCLUSION: FLD,especially NAFLD,is prevalent in South China. There are many risk factors for FLD.展开更多
Grain size and shape are important determinants of grain weight and yield in rice. Here, we report a new major quantitative trait locus (QTL), qTGW3, that controls grain size and weight in rice. This locus, qTGW3, e...Grain size and shape are important determinants of grain weight and yield in rice. Here, we report a new major quantitative trait locus (QTL), qTGW3, that controls grain size and weight in rice. This locus, qTGW3, encodes OsSK41 (also known as OsGSK5), a member of the GLYCOGEN SYNTHASE KINASE 3/SHAGGY-like family. Rice near-isogenic lines carrying the loss-of-function allele of OsSK41 have increased grain length and weight. We demonstrate that OsSK41 interacts with and phosphorylates AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR 4 (OsARF4). Co-expression of OsSK41 with OsARF4 increases the accumulation of OsARF4 in rice protoplasts. Loss of function of OsARF4 results in larger rice grains. RNA-sequencing analysis suggests that OsARF4 and OsSK41 repress the expression of a common set of downstream genes, including some auxin-responsive genes, during rice grain development. The loss-of-function form of OsSK41 at qTGW3 represents a rare allele that has not been extensively utilized in rice breeding. Suppression of OsSK41 function by either targeted gene editing or QTL pyramiding enhances rice grain size and weight. Thus, our study reveals the important role of OsSK41 in rice grain development and provides new candidate genes for genetic improvement of grain yield in rice and perhaps in other cereal crops.展开更多
Foreword Note:Some of the document contents may involve certain patents,the identification of which is not the responsibility of the institution that releases the document.Main drafting organizations:Tsinghua Universi...Foreword Note:Some of the document contents may involve certain patents,the identification of which is not the responsibility of the institution that releases the document.Main drafting organizations:Tsinghua University,Specialty Committee of Network Pharmacology of World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies(WFCMS).展开更多
Background It remains a challenge to inhibit the local recurrence or distant metastasis of localized or locally advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) after surgical resection. We investigated the feasibility, safety a...Background It remains a challenge to inhibit the local recurrence or distant metastasis of localized or locally advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) after surgical resection. We investigated the feasibility, safety and efficacy of immunotherapy using autologous tumor lysate (TL)-pulsed dendritic cells (DCs) and cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells in patients with localized or locally advanced RCC.展开更多
Background We developed a new combined strategy of thrombus aspiration plus intra-infarct-related artery (IRA) bolus administration of tirofiban via the aspiration catheter in patients with ST-segment elevation myoc...Background We developed a new combined strategy of thrombus aspiration plus intra-infarct-related artery (IRA) bolus administration of tirofiban via the aspiration catheter in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This strategy can reduce the distal embolism and achieve highly localized concentrations of tirofiban, which can improve myocardial reperfusion without increasing the risk of bleeding. The aim of this study was to investigate whether this combined strategy is superior to thrombus aspiration alone in improving myocardial perfusion in patients with STEMI undergoing primary angioplasty.Results Baseline characteristics of the two groups were well-balanced. The TIMI 3 flow showed a better tendency in the intra-IRA group than in the aspiration alone group (97.22% vs. 87.04%, X2=7.863, P=0.049). The peak of CK-MB (83.9 (68.9-310.5) U/L vs. 126.1 (74.7-356.7) U/L, P=0.034) and Tnl (42.7 (14.7-113.9) ng/ml vs. 72.5 (59.8-135.3) ng/ml, FMD.029) were lower in the intra-IRA group than in the aspiration alone group. LVEF in the hospital favored the intra-IRA group, (45.7±8.3)% to (42.9±12.1)%, t=1.98, P=0.049. There was a tendency towards a lower MACE at 9-month follow-up in the intra-IRA group although it did not reach statistical difference (Log-rank X2=2.865, P=0.09). There was no statistical difference in any bleeding events between the two groups.Conclusions Thrombus aspiration plus intra-IRA bolus administration of tirofiban combined with angioplasty may be related with improved myocardium perfusion, saved more myocardium, and resulted in a better clinical prognosis.展开更多
The New Vacuum Solar Telescope (NVST) is a one meter vacuum solar telescope that aims to observe fine structures on the Sun. The main goals of NVST are high resolution imaging and spectral observations, including me...The New Vacuum Solar Telescope (NVST) is a one meter vacuum solar telescope that aims to observe fine structures on the Sun. The main goals of NVST are high resolution imaging and spectral observations, including measurements of the solar magnetic field. NVST is the primary ground-based facility used by the Chinese solar research community in this solar cycle. It is located by Fuxian Lake in southwest China, where the seeing is good enough to perform high resolution observations. We first introduce the general conditions at the Fuxian Solar Observatory and the primary science cases of NVST. Then, the basic structures of this telescope and instruments are described in detail. Finally, some typical high resolution data of the solar photosphere and chromosphere are also shown.展开更多
Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent novel cell death pathway. Deferoxamine, a ferroptosis inhibitor, has been reported to promote spinal cord injury repair. It has yet to be clarified whether ferroptosis inhibition repre...Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent novel cell death pathway. Deferoxamine, a ferroptosis inhibitor, has been reported to promote spinal cord injury repair. It has yet to be clarified whether ferroptosis inhibition represents the mechanism of action of Deferoxamine on spinal cord injury recovery. A rat model of Deferoxamine at thoracic 10 segment was established using a modified Allen's method. Ninety 8-week-old female Wistar rats were used. Rats in the Deferoxamine group were intraperitoneally injected with 100 mg/kg Deferoxamine 30 minutes before injury. Simultaneously, the Sham and Deferoxamine groups served as controls. Drug administration was conducted for 7 consecutive days. The results were as follows:(1) Electron microscopy revealed shrunken mitochondria in the spinal cord injury group.(2) The Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor rating score showed that recovery of the hindlimb was remarkably better in the Deferoxamine group than in the spinal cord injury group.(3) The iron concentration was lower in the Deferoxamine group than in the spinal cord injury group after injury.(4) Western blot assay revealed that, compared with the spinal cord injury group, GPX4, xCT, and glutathione expression was markedly increased in the Deferoxamine group.(5) Real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed that, compared with the Deferoxamine group, mRNA levels of ferroptosis-related genes Acyl-CoA synthetase family member 2(ACSF2) and iron-responsive element-binding protein 2(IREB2) were up-regulated in the Deferoxamine group.(6) Deferoxamine increased survival of neurons and inhibited gliosis. These findings confirm that Deferoxamine can repair spinal cord injury by inhibiting ferroptosis. Targeting ferroptosis is therefore a promising therapeutic approach for spinal cord injury.展开更多
Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) has been recognized as a major healthcare problem affecting millions of patients worldwide.However,epidemiologic data concerning AKI in China are still lacking.The objectives of ...Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) has been recognized as a major healthcare problem affecting millions of patients worldwide.However,epidemiologic data concerning AKI in China are still lacking.The objectives of this study were to characterize AKI defined by RIFLE criteria,assess the association with hospital mortality,and evaluate the impact of AKI in the context of other risk factors.Methods This prospective multicenter observational study enrolled 3,063 consecutive patients from 1 July 2009 to 31 August 2009 in 22 ICUs across China's Mainland.We excluded patients who were admitted for less than 24 hours (n=1623),younger than 18 years (n=127),receiving chronic hemodialysis (n=29),receiving renal transplantation (n=1) and unknown reasons (n=28).There were 1255 patients in the final analysis.AKI was diagnosed and classified according to RIFLE criteria.Results There were 396 patients (31.6%) who had AKI,with RIFLE maximum class R,I,and F in 126 (10.0%),91 (7.3%),and 179 (14.3%) patients,respectively.Renal function deteriorated in 206 patients (16.4%).In comparison with non AKI patients,patients in the risk class on ICU admission were more likely to progress to the injury class (odds ratio (OR) 3.564,95% confidence interval (CI) 1.706-7.443,P =0.001],while patients in the risk class (OR 5.215,95% CI 2.798-9.719,P <0.001) and injury class (OR 13.316,95% CI 7.507-23.622,P <0.001) had a significantly higher probability of deteriorating into failure class.The adjusted hazard ratios for 90-day mortality were 1.884 for the risk group,3.401 for the injury group,and 5.306 for the failure group.Conclusions The prevalence of AKI was high among critically ill patients in Chinese ICUs.In comparison with non-AKI patients,patients with RIFLE class R or class I on ICU admission were more susceptibility to progression to class I or class F.The RIFLE criteria were robust and correlated well with clinical deterioration and mortality.展开更多
The Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST, also called the Guo Shou Jing Telescope) is a special reflecting Schmidt telescope. LAMOST’s special design allows both a large aperture (effecti...The Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST, also called the Guo Shou Jing Telescope) is a special reflecting Schmidt telescope. LAMOST’s special design allows both a large aperture (effective aperture of 3.6 m–4.9 m) and a wide field of view (FOV) (5°). It has an innovative active reflecting Schmidt configuration which continuously changes the mirror’s surface that adjusts during the observation process and combines thin deformable mirror active optics with segmented active optics. Its primary mirror (6.67m×6.05 m) and active Schmidt mirror (5.74m×4.40 m) are both segmented, and composed of 37 and 24 hexagonal sub-mirrors respectively. By using a parallel controllable fiber positioning technique, the focal surface of 1.75 m in diameter can accommodate 4000 optical fibers. Also, LAMOST has 16 spectrographs with 32 CCD cameras. LAMOST will be the telescope with the highest rate of spectral acquisition. As a national large scientific project, the LAMOST project was formally proposed in 1996, and approved by the Chinese government in 1997. The construction started in 2001, was completed in 2008 and passed the official acceptance in June 2009. The LAMOST pilot survey was started in October 2011 and the spectroscopic survey will launch in September 2012. Up to now, LAMOST has released more than 480 000 spectra of objects. LAMOST will make an important contribution to the study of the large-scale structure of the Universe, structure and evolution of the Galaxy, and cross-identification of multiwaveband properties in celestial objects.展开更多
INTRODUCTIONThe prevalence of hyperuricenlia (HUA) has increased in China in the recent years in relation to socioeconomic developments and changing lifestyles and diets, with a trend toward onset at younger age. HU...INTRODUCTIONThe prevalence of hyperuricenlia (HUA) has increased in China in the recent years in relation to socioeconomic developments and changing lifestyles and diets, with a trend toward onset at younger age. HUA has become the second most common metabolic disease after diabetes mellitus. Like gout, HUA is also associated with the occurrence and progression of disorders of the urinary, endocrine, metabolic, cardio-cerebrovascular, and other systems.展开更多
The basic leucine zipper(bZIP)transcription factor HY5 plays a multifaceted role in plant growth and development.Here the apple MdHY5 gene was cloned based on its homology with Arabidopsis HY5.Expression analysis demo...The basic leucine zipper(bZIP)transcription factor HY5 plays a multifaceted role in plant growth and development.Here the apple MdHY5 gene was cloned based on its homology with Arabidopsis HY5.Expression analysis demonstrated that MdHY5 transcription was induced by light and abscisic acid treatments.Electrophoretic mobility shift assays and transient expression assays subsequently showed that MdHY5 positively regulated both its own transcription and that of MdMYB10 by binding to E-box and G-box motifs,respectively.Furthermore,we obtained transgenic apple calli that overexpressed the MdHY5 gene,and apple calli coloration assays showed that MdHY5 promoted anthocyanin accumulation by regulating expression of the MdMYB10 gene and downstream anthocyanin biosynthesis genes.In addition,the transcript levels of a series of nitrate reductase genes and nitrate uptake genes in both wild-type and transgenic apple calli were detected.In association with increased nitrate reductase activities and nitrate contents,the results indicated that MdHY5 might be an important regulator in nutrient assimilation.Taken together,these results indicate that MdHY5 plays a vital role in anthocyanin accumulation and nitrate assimilation in apple.展开更多
AIM:To investigate whether the apoptotic activities of 8-bromo-7-methoxychrysin(BrMC) involve reactive oxygen species(ROS) generation and c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK) activation in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells...AIM:To investigate whether the apoptotic activities of 8-bromo-7-methoxychrysin(BrMC) involve reactive oxygen species(ROS) generation and c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK) activation in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells(HCC).METHODS:HepG2,Bel-7402 and L-02 cell lines were cultured in vitro and the apoptotic effects of BrMC were evaluated by flow cytometry(FCM) after propidium iodide(PI) staining,caspase-3 activity using enzymelinked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),and DNA agarose gel electrophoresis.ROS production was evaluated by FCM after dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate(DCHFDA) probe labeling.The phosphorylation level of JNK and c-Jun protein was analyzed by Western blotting.RESULTS:FCM after PI staining showed a dose-dependent increase in the percentage of the sub-G1 cell pop-ulation(P < 0.05),reaching 39.0% ± 2.8% of HepG2 cells after 48 h of treatment with BrMC at 10 μmol/L.The potency of BrMC to HepG2 and Bel-7402(32.1% ± 2.6%) cells was found to be more effective than the lead compound,chrysin(16.2% ± 1.6% for HepG2 cells and 11.0% ± 1.3% for Bel-7402 cell) at 40 μmol/L and similar to 5-flurouracil(33.0% ± 2.1% for HepG2 cells and 29.3% ± 2.3% for Bel-7402 cells) at 10 μmol/L.BrMC had little effect on human embryo liver L-02 cells,with the percentage of sub-G1 cell population 5.4% ± 1.8%.Treatment of HepG2 cells with BrMC for 48 h also increased the levels of active caspase-3,in a concentration-dependent manner.z-DEVD-fmk,a caspase-3specific inhibitor,prevented the activation of caspase-3.Treatment with BrMC at 10 μmol/L for 48 h resulted in the formation of a DNA ladder.Treatment of cells with BrMC(10 μmol/L) increased mean fluorescence intensity of DCHF-DA in HepG2 cells from 7.2 ± 1.12 at 0 h to 79.8 ± 3.9 at 3 h and 89.7 ± 4.7 at 6 h.BrMC did not affect ROS generation in L-02 cells.BrMC treatment failed to induce cell death and caspase-3 activation in HepG2 cells pretreated with N-acetylcysteine(10 mmol/L).In addition,in HepG2 cells treated with BrMC(2.5,5.0,10.0 μmol/L) for 12 h,JNK acti展开更多
In face of the everlasting battle toward COVID-19 and the rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2,no specific and effective drugs for treating this disease have been reported until today.Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2),a ...In face of the everlasting battle toward COVID-19 and the rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2,no specific and effective drugs for treating this disease have been reported until today.Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2),a receptor of SARS-CoV-2,mediates the virus infection by binding to spike protein.Although ACE2 is expressed in the lung,kidney,and intestine,its expressing levels are rather low,especially in the lung.Considering the great infectivity of COVID-19,we speculate that SARS-CoV-2 may depend on other routes to facilitate its infection.Here,we first discover an interaction between host cell receptor CD147 and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.The loss of CD147 or blocking CD147 in Vero E6 and BEAS-2B cell lines by anti-CD147 antibody,Meplazumab,inhibits SARSCoV-2 amplification.Expression of human CD147 allows virus entry into non-susceptible BHK-21 cells,which can be neutralized by CD147 extracellular fragment.Viral loads are detectable in the lungs of human CD147(hCD147)mice infected with SARS-CoV-2,but not in those of virus-infected wild type mice.Interestingly,virions are observed in lymphocytes of lung tissue from a COVID-19 patient.Human T cells with a property of ACE2 natural deficiency can be infected with SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus in a dosedependent manner,which is specifically inhibited by Meplazumab.Furthermore,CD147 mediates virus entering host cells by endocytosis.Together,our study reveals a novel virus entry route,CD147-spike protein,which provides an important target for developing specific and effective drug against COVID-19.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the hypothesis that the protective effects of curcumin in hepatic warm ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury are associated with increasing heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) expression and antioxidant...AIM: To investigate the hypothesis that the protective effects of curcumin in hepatic warm ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury are associated with increasing heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) expression and antioxidant enzyme activity. METHODS: Sixty Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into sham, I/R, C + I/R groups. The model of reduced-size liver warm ischemia and reperfusion was used. Curcumin (50 mg/kg) was administered by injection through a branch of superior mesenteric vein at 30 min before ischemia in C + I/R group. Five rats were used to investigate the survival during 1 wk after operation in each group. Blood samples and liver tissues were obtained in the remaining animals after 3, 12, and 24 h of reperfusion to assess serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), liver tissue NO2- + NO3-, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), nitricoxide synthase (NOS) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, HspT0 expression and apoptosis ratio. RESULTS: Compared with I/R group, curcumin pretreatment group showed less ischemia/reperfusioninduced injury. CAT and SOD activity and Hsp70 expression increased significantly. A higher rate of apoptosis was observed in I/R group than in C + I/R group, and a significant increase of MDA, NO2^- + NO3^- and MPO level in liver tissues and serum transaminase concentration was also observed in I/R group compared to C + I/R group. Curcumin also decreased the activity of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in liver after reperfusion,but had no effect on the level of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) after reperfusion in liver. The 7 d survival rate was significantly higher in C + I/R group than in I/R group. CONCLUSION: Curcumin has protective effects against hepatic I/R injury. Its mechanism might be related to the overexpression of Hsp70 and antioxidant enzymes.展开更多
AIM:To compare efficacy of combined lamivudine(LAM)and adefovir dipivoxil(ADV)therapy with that of entecavir(ETV)monotherapy for hepatitis B virus(HBV)-related decompensated liver cirrhosis.METHODS:A total of 120 na v...AIM:To compare efficacy of combined lamivudine(LAM)and adefovir dipivoxil(ADV)therapy with that of entecavir(ETV)monotherapy for hepatitis B virus(HBV)-related decompensated liver cirrhosis.METHODS:A total of 120 na ve patients with HBVrelated decompensated cirrhosis participated in this study.Sixty patients were treated with combined LAM and ADV therapy(LAM+ADV group),while the other60 were treated with ETV monotherapy(ETV group)for two years.Tests for liver and kidney function,alpha-fetoprotein,HBV serum markers,HBV DNA load,prothrombin time(PT),and ultrasonography or computed tomography scan of the liver were performed every1 to 3 mo.Repeated measure ANOVA and theχ2test were performed to compare the efficacy,side effects,and the cumulative survival rates at 48 and 96 wk.RESULTS:Forty-five patients in each group were observed for 96 wk.No significant differences in HBV DNA negative rates and alanine aminotransferase(ALT)normalization rates at weeks 48(χ2=2.12 and 2.88)and96(χ2=3.21 and 3.24)between the two groups were observed.Hepatitis B e antigen seroconversion rate in the LAM+ADV group at week 96 was significantly higher in the ETV group(43.5%vs 36.4%,χ2=4.09,P<0.05).Viral breakthrough occurred in 2 cases(4.4%)by week 48 and in 3 cases(6.7%)by week 96 in the LAM+ADV group,and no viral mutation was detected.In the ETV group,viral breakthrough occurred in 1 case(2.2%)at the end of week 96.An increase in albumin(F=18.9 and 17.3),decrease in total bilirubin and in ALT(F=16.5,17.1 and 23.7,24.8),reduced PT(F=22.7 and 24.5),and improved Child-Turcotte-Pugh and the model for end-stage liver disease scores(F=18.5,17.8,and 24.2,23.8)were observed in both groups.The cumulative rates of mortality and liver transplantation were 16.7%(10/60)and 18.3%(11/60)in the LAM+ADV and ETV groups,respectively.CONCLUSION:Both LAM+ADV combination therapy and ETV monotherapy can effectively inhibit HBV replication,improve liver function,and decrease mortality.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Chemokines have strong chemoattractant effects and are involved in a variety of immune and inflammatory reactions, such as attracting activated T lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes and natural killer cell...BACKGROUND: Chemokines have strong chemoattractant effects and are involved in a variety of immune and inflammatory reactions, such as attracting activated T lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes and natural killer cells via the pathway of G protein-coupled receptors to sites of inflammatory injury and contribute to wound repair. This investigation was designed to assess the levels of chemokine interferon-gamma inducible protein-10 (IP-10) and IP-10 mRNA, and the relationship between IP-10 mRNA and HBV-DNA and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in patients with chronic hepatitis B. METHODS: The levels of IP-10 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were kinetically detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The rate of chemokine/GAPDH was regarded as the extreme level of chemokine. The level of IP-10 in serum was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the expression of IP-10 in hepatic biopsy tissue was detected by streptavidin-peroxidase (SP) immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The level of IP-10 mRNA in the PBMCs of patients was 0.7387 +/- 0.0768 (lg cDNA/lg GAPDH); it was significantly higher in patients with chronic hepatitis B than that in normal controls (P<0.001). The level of IP-10 in the serum of patients was 660.9 +/- 75.5 pg/ml. There was a significant difference between patients with chronic hepatitis B and normal controls (P<0.05). In patients with chronic hepatitis B, the level of IP-10 mRNA in PBMCs was correlated with the IP-10 plasma level (r=0.7312, P<0.001), and the IP-10 plasma level was fairly correlated with the levels of ALT and HBV-DNA plasma (r=0.7235, P<0.001; r=0.7371, P<0.001). IP-10 was found by immunohistochemical analysis to be selectively upregulated on sinusoidal endothelium. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of IP-10 mRNA in PBMCs, IP-10 plasma concentration and the expression of IP-10 in sinusoidal endothelium are all high in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Chemokine IP-10 may play an important role in trafficking inflammatory cells to the local foc展开更多
文摘AIM:To sum up the clinical and pathological characte- ristics of solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) and the experience with it.METHODS: A total of 553 SPT patients reported in Chinese literature between January 1996 and January 2009 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of the 553 SPT patients included in this review was 27.2 years, and the male to female ratio was 1:8.37. Their symptoms were non-specific, and nearly one third of the patients were asymptomatic. Computed tomography and ultraso-nography were performed to show the nature and location of SPT. Most of the tumors were distributed in the pancreatic head (39.8%), tail (24.1%), body andtail (19.5%). Forty-five patients (9.2%) were diagnosed as malignant SPT with metastasis or invasion. None of the clinical factors was closely related to the malignant potential of SPT. Surgery was the main therapeutic modality for SPT. Local resection, distal pancreatectomy and pancreatoduodenectomy were the most common surgical procedures. Local recurrence and hepatic metastasis were found in 11 and 2 patients, respectively, after radical resection. Four patients died of tumor progression within 4 years after palliative resection of SPT. The prognosis of SPT patients was good with a 5-year survival rate of 96.9%.CONCLUSION: SPT of the pancreas is a rare indolent neoplasm that typically occurs in young females. It is a low-grade malignancy and can be cured with extended resection. The prognosis of such patients is good although the tumor may recur and metastasize.
基金Supported by a Grant from Guangzhou Health Bureau Project, No. 2004-Z001
文摘AIM: To investigate the population-based prevalence of fatty liver disease (FLD) and its risk factors in Guangdong Province,China. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey with multiple-stage stratified cluster and random sampling of inhabitants over 7-year-old was performed in 6 urban and rural areas of Guangdong Province,China. Questionnaires,designed by co-working of epidemiologists and hepatologists,included demographic characteristics,current medication use,medical history and health-relevant behaviors,i.e. alcohol consumption,smoking habits,dietary habits and physical activities. Anthropometric measurements,biochemical tests and abdominal ultrasonography were carried out. RESULTS: Among the 3543 subjects,609 (17.2%) were diagnosed having FLD (18.0% males,16.7% females,P > 0.05). Among them,the prevalence of confirmed alcoholic liver disease (ALD),suspected ALD and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were 0.4%,1.8%,and 15.0%,respectively. The prevalence rate (23.0%) was significantly higher in urban areas than (12.9%) in rural areas. After adjustment for age,gender and residency,the standardized prevalence of FLD in adults was 14.5%. Among them,confirmed ALD,suspected ALD and NAFLD were 0.5%,2.3%,and 11.7%,respectively,in adults and 1.3% (all NAFLD) in children at the age of 7-18 years. The overall prevalence of FLD increased with age in both genders to the peak of 27.4% in the group of subjects at the age of 60-70 years. The prevalence rate was significantly higher in men than in women under the age of 50 years (22.4% vs 7.1%,P < 0.001). However,the opposite phenomenon was found over the age of 50 years (20.6% vs 27.6%,P < 0.05). Multivariate and logistic regression analysis indicated that male gender,urban residency,low education,high blood pressure,body mass index,waist circumference,waist to hip ratio,serum triglyceride and glucose levels were the risk factors for FLD. CONCLUSION: FLD,especially NAFLD,is prevalent in South China. There are many risk factors for FLD.
基金This work was financially supported by grants from the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2016YFD0100902), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (numbers 31400223, 31471461, and 31625004), the Basic Research Program from the Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission (14JC1400800), the Basic Application Research Program from the Shanghai Municipal Agriculture Commission (2014-7-1-2), and the Agricultural Seed Project of Shandong Province.
文摘Grain size and shape are important determinants of grain weight and yield in rice. Here, we report a new major quantitative trait locus (QTL), qTGW3, that controls grain size and weight in rice. This locus, qTGW3, encodes OsSK41 (also known as OsGSK5), a member of the GLYCOGEN SYNTHASE KINASE 3/SHAGGY-like family. Rice near-isogenic lines carrying the loss-of-function allele of OsSK41 have increased grain length and weight. We demonstrate that OsSK41 interacts with and phosphorylates AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR 4 (OsARF4). Co-expression of OsSK41 with OsARF4 increases the accumulation of OsARF4 in rice protoplasts. Loss of function of OsARF4 results in larger rice grains. RNA-sequencing analysis suggests that OsARF4 and OsSK41 repress the expression of a common set of downstream genes, including some auxin-responsive genes, during rice grain development. The loss-of-function form of OsSK41 at qTGW3 represents a rare allele that has not been extensively utilized in rice breeding. Suppression of OsSK41 function by either targeted gene editing or QTL pyramiding enhances rice grain size and weight. Thus, our study reveals the important role of OsSK41 in rice grain development and provides new candidate genes for genetic improvement of grain yield in rice and perhaps in other cereal crops.
文摘Foreword Note:Some of the document contents may involve certain patents,the identification of which is not the responsibility of the institution that releases the document.Main drafting organizations:Tsinghua University,Specialty Committee of Network Pharmacology of World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies(WFCMS).
基金This study was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30772178), Medical Research Fund of Science and Technology of Guangdong (No. B2007062), Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education of China (No. 20060558032), Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province (No. 7117362) and the Program of 5010 of Sun Yat-sen Universitty (No. 2007028). Conflicts of interest: none.
文摘Background It remains a challenge to inhibit the local recurrence or distant metastasis of localized or locally advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) after surgical resection. We investigated the feasibility, safety and efficacy of immunotherapy using autologous tumor lysate (TL)-pulsed dendritic cells (DCs) and cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells in patients with localized or locally advanced RCC.
文摘Background We developed a new combined strategy of thrombus aspiration plus intra-infarct-related artery (IRA) bolus administration of tirofiban via the aspiration catheter in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This strategy can reduce the distal embolism and achieve highly localized concentrations of tirofiban, which can improve myocardial reperfusion without increasing the risk of bleeding. The aim of this study was to investigate whether this combined strategy is superior to thrombus aspiration alone in improving myocardial perfusion in patients with STEMI undergoing primary angioplasty.Results Baseline characteristics of the two groups were well-balanced. The TIMI 3 flow showed a better tendency in the intra-IRA group than in the aspiration alone group (97.22% vs. 87.04%, X2=7.863, P=0.049). The peak of CK-MB (83.9 (68.9-310.5) U/L vs. 126.1 (74.7-356.7) U/L, P=0.034) and Tnl (42.7 (14.7-113.9) ng/ml vs. 72.5 (59.8-135.3) ng/ml, FMD.029) were lower in the intra-IRA group than in the aspiration alone group. LVEF in the hospital favored the intra-IRA group, (45.7±8.3)% to (42.9±12.1)%, t=1.98, P=0.049. There was a tendency towards a lower MACE at 9-month follow-up in the intra-IRA group although it did not reach statistical difference (Log-rank X2=2.865, P=0.09). There was no statistical difference in any bleeding events between the two groups.Conclusions Thrombus aspiration plus intra-IRA bolus administration of tirofiban combined with angioplasty may be related with improved myocardium perfusion, saved more myocardium, and resulted in a better clinical prognosis.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China
文摘The New Vacuum Solar Telescope (NVST) is a one meter vacuum solar telescope that aims to observe fine structures on the Sun. The main goals of NVST are high resolution imaging and spectral observations, including measurements of the solar magnetic field. NVST is the primary ground-based facility used by the Chinese solar research community in this solar cycle. It is located by Fuxian Lake in southwest China, where the seeing is good enough to perform high resolution observations. We first introduce the general conditions at the Fuxian Solar Observatory and the primary science cases of NVST. Then, the basic structures of this telescope and instruments are described in detail. Finally, some typical high resolution data of the solar photosphere and chromosphere are also shown.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81672171(to XY),81330042(to SQF),81620108018(to SQF),81772342the State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology(Nankai University),China,No.2017027
文摘Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent novel cell death pathway. Deferoxamine, a ferroptosis inhibitor, has been reported to promote spinal cord injury repair. It has yet to be clarified whether ferroptosis inhibition represents the mechanism of action of Deferoxamine on spinal cord injury recovery. A rat model of Deferoxamine at thoracic 10 segment was established using a modified Allen's method. Ninety 8-week-old female Wistar rats were used. Rats in the Deferoxamine group were intraperitoneally injected with 100 mg/kg Deferoxamine 30 minutes before injury. Simultaneously, the Sham and Deferoxamine groups served as controls. Drug administration was conducted for 7 consecutive days. The results were as follows:(1) Electron microscopy revealed shrunken mitochondria in the spinal cord injury group.(2) The Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor rating score showed that recovery of the hindlimb was remarkably better in the Deferoxamine group than in the spinal cord injury group.(3) The iron concentration was lower in the Deferoxamine group than in the spinal cord injury group after injury.(4) Western blot assay revealed that, compared with the spinal cord injury group, GPX4, xCT, and glutathione expression was markedly increased in the Deferoxamine group.(5) Real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed that, compared with the Deferoxamine group, mRNA levels of ferroptosis-related genes Acyl-CoA synthetase family member 2(ACSF2) and iron-responsive element-binding protein 2(IREB2) were up-regulated in the Deferoxamine group.(6) Deferoxamine increased survival of neurons and inhibited gliosis. These findings confirm that Deferoxamine can repair spinal cord injury by inhibiting ferroptosis. Targeting ferroptosis is therefore a promising therapeutic approach for spinal cord injury.
文摘Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) has been recognized as a major healthcare problem affecting millions of patients worldwide.However,epidemiologic data concerning AKI in China are still lacking.The objectives of this study were to characterize AKI defined by RIFLE criteria,assess the association with hospital mortality,and evaluate the impact of AKI in the context of other risk factors.Methods This prospective multicenter observational study enrolled 3,063 consecutive patients from 1 July 2009 to 31 August 2009 in 22 ICUs across China's Mainland.We excluded patients who were admitted for less than 24 hours (n=1623),younger than 18 years (n=127),receiving chronic hemodialysis (n=29),receiving renal transplantation (n=1) and unknown reasons (n=28).There were 1255 patients in the final analysis.AKI was diagnosed and classified according to RIFLE criteria.Results There were 396 patients (31.6%) who had AKI,with RIFLE maximum class R,I,and F in 126 (10.0%),91 (7.3%),and 179 (14.3%) patients,respectively.Renal function deteriorated in 206 patients (16.4%).In comparison with non AKI patients,patients in the risk class on ICU admission were more likely to progress to the injury class (odds ratio (OR) 3.564,95% confidence interval (CI) 1.706-7.443,P =0.001],while patients in the risk class (OR 5.215,95% CI 2.798-9.719,P <0.001) and injury class (OR 13.316,95% CI 7.507-23.622,P <0.001) had a significantly higher probability of deteriorating into failure class.The adjusted hazard ratios for 90-day mortality were 1.884 for the risk group,3.401 for the injury group,and 5.306 for the failure group.Conclusions The prevalence of AKI was high among critically ill patients in Chinese ICUs.In comparison with non-AKI patients,patients with RIFLE class R or class I on ICU admission were more susceptibility to progression to class I or class F.The RIFLE criteria were robust and correlated well with clinical deterioration and mortality.
文摘The Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST, also called the Guo Shou Jing Telescope) is a special reflecting Schmidt telescope. LAMOST’s special design allows both a large aperture (effective aperture of 3.6 m–4.9 m) and a wide field of view (FOV) (5°). It has an innovative active reflecting Schmidt configuration which continuously changes the mirror’s surface that adjusts during the observation process and combines thin deformable mirror active optics with segmented active optics. Its primary mirror (6.67m×6.05 m) and active Schmidt mirror (5.74m×4.40 m) are both segmented, and composed of 37 and 24 hexagonal sub-mirrors respectively. By using a parallel controllable fiber positioning technique, the focal surface of 1.75 m in diameter can accommodate 4000 optical fibers. Also, LAMOST has 16 spectrographs with 32 CCD cameras. LAMOST will be the telescope with the highest rate of spectral acquisition. As a national large scientific project, the LAMOST project was formally proposed in 1996, and approved by the Chinese government in 1997. The construction started in 2001, was completed in 2008 and passed the official acceptance in June 2009. The LAMOST pilot survey was started in October 2011 and the spectroscopic survey will launch in September 2012. Up to now, LAMOST has released more than 480 000 spectra of objects. LAMOST will make an important contribution to the study of the large-scale structure of the Universe, structure and evolution of the Galaxy, and cross-identification of multiwaveband properties in celestial objects.
文摘INTRODUCTIONThe prevalence of hyperuricenlia (HUA) has increased in China in the recent years in relation to socioeconomic developments and changing lifestyles and diets, with a trend toward onset at younger age. HUA has become the second most common metabolic disease after diabetes mellitus. Like gout, HUA is also associated with the occurrence and progression of disorders of the urinary, endocrine, metabolic, cardio-cerebrovascular, and other systems.
基金This work was supported by grants from the Natural Science Foundation of China(31325024 and 31601742)the Ministry of Education of China(IRT15R42)and Shandong Province Government(SDAIT-06-03).
文摘The basic leucine zipper(bZIP)transcription factor HY5 plays a multifaceted role in plant growth and development.Here the apple MdHY5 gene was cloned based on its homology with Arabidopsis HY5.Expression analysis demonstrated that MdHY5 transcription was induced by light and abscisic acid treatments.Electrophoretic mobility shift assays and transient expression assays subsequently showed that MdHY5 positively regulated both its own transcription and that of MdMYB10 by binding to E-box and G-box motifs,respectively.Furthermore,we obtained transgenic apple calli that overexpressed the MdHY5 gene,and apple calli coloration assays showed that MdHY5 promoted anthocyanin accumulation by regulating expression of the MdMYB10 gene and downstream anthocyanin biosynthesis genes.In addition,the transcript levels of a series of nitrate reductase genes and nitrate uptake genes in both wild-type and transgenic apple calli were detected.In association with increased nitrate reductase activities and nitrate contents,the results indicated that MdHY5 might be an important regulator in nutrient assimilation.Taken together,these results indicate that MdHY5 plays a vital role in anthocyanin accumulation and nitrate assimilation in apple.
基金Supported by Hunan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China,No.03JJY5009
文摘AIM:To investigate whether the apoptotic activities of 8-bromo-7-methoxychrysin(BrMC) involve reactive oxygen species(ROS) generation and c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK) activation in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells(HCC).METHODS:HepG2,Bel-7402 and L-02 cell lines were cultured in vitro and the apoptotic effects of BrMC were evaluated by flow cytometry(FCM) after propidium iodide(PI) staining,caspase-3 activity using enzymelinked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),and DNA agarose gel electrophoresis.ROS production was evaluated by FCM after dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate(DCHFDA) probe labeling.The phosphorylation level of JNK and c-Jun protein was analyzed by Western blotting.RESULTS:FCM after PI staining showed a dose-dependent increase in the percentage of the sub-G1 cell pop-ulation(P < 0.05),reaching 39.0% ± 2.8% of HepG2 cells after 48 h of treatment with BrMC at 10 μmol/L.The potency of BrMC to HepG2 and Bel-7402(32.1% ± 2.6%) cells was found to be more effective than the lead compound,chrysin(16.2% ± 1.6% for HepG2 cells and 11.0% ± 1.3% for Bel-7402 cell) at 40 μmol/L and similar to 5-flurouracil(33.0% ± 2.1% for HepG2 cells and 29.3% ± 2.3% for Bel-7402 cells) at 10 μmol/L.BrMC had little effect on human embryo liver L-02 cells,with the percentage of sub-G1 cell population 5.4% ± 1.8%.Treatment of HepG2 cells with BrMC for 48 h also increased the levels of active caspase-3,in a concentration-dependent manner.z-DEVD-fmk,a caspase-3specific inhibitor,prevented the activation of caspase-3.Treatment with BrMC at 10 μmol/L for 48 h resulted in the formation of a DNA ladder.Treatment of cells with BrMC(10 μmol/L) increased mean fluorescence intensity of DCHF-DA in HepG2 cells from 7.2 ± 1.12 at 0 h to 79.8 ± 3.9 at 3 h and 89.7 ± 4.7 at 6 h.BrMC did not affect ROS generation in L-02 cells.BrMC treatment failed to induce cell death and caspase-3 activation in HepG2 cells pretreated with N-acetylcysteine(10 mmol/L).In addition,in HepG2 cells treated with BrMC(2.5,5.0,10.0 μmol/L) for 12 h,JNK acti
基金supported by the National Science and Technology Major Project of China(2019ZX09732-001)the Key R&D Plan Projects in Shaanxi Province(2020ZDXM2-SF-01)Young Talent fund of the University Association for Science and Technology in Shaanxi,China(20200304).
文摘In face of the everlasting battle toward COVID-19 and the rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2,no specific and effective drugs for treating this disease have been reported until today.Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2),a receptor of SARS-CoV-2,mediates the virus infection by binding to spike protein.Although ACE2 is expressed in the lung,kidney,and intestine,its expressing levels are rather low,especially in the lung.Considering the great infectivity of COVID-19,we speculate that SARS-CoV-2 may depend on other routes to facilitate its infection.Here,we first discover an interaction between host cell receptor CD147 and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.The loss of CD147 or blocking CD147 in Vero E6 and BEAS-2B cell lines by anti-CD147 antibody,Meplazumab,inhibits SARSCoV-2 amplification.Expression of human CD147 allows virus entry into non-susceptible BHK-21 cells,which can be neutralized by CD147 extracellular fragment.Viral loads are detectable in the lungs of human CD147(hCD147)mice infected with SARS-CoV-2,but not in those of virus-infected wild type mice.Interestingly,virions are observed in lymphocytes of lung tissue from a COVID-19 patient.Human T cells with a property of ACE2 natural deficiency can be infected with SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus in a dosedependent manner,which is specifically inhibited by Meplazumab.Furthermore,CD147 mediates virus entering host cells by endocytosis.Together,our study reveals a novel virus entry route,CD147-spike protein,which provides an important target for developing specific and effective drug against COVID-19.
文摘AIM: To investigate the hypothesis that the protective effects of curcumin in hepatic warm ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury are associated with increasing heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) expression and antioxidant enzyme activity. METHODS: Sixty Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into sham, I/R, C + I/R groups. The model of reduced-size liver warm ischemia and reperfusion was used. Curcumin (50 mg/kg) was administered by injection through a branch of superior mesenteric vein at 30 min before ischemia in C + I/R group. Five rats were used to investigate the survival during 1 wk after operation in each group. Blood samples and liver tissues were obtained in the remaining animals after 3, 12, and 24 h of reperfusion to assess serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), liver tissue NO2- + NO3-, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), nitricoxide synthase (NOS) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, HspT0 expression and apoptosis ratio. RESULTS: Compared with I/R group, curcumin pretreatment group showed less ischemia/reperfusioninduced injury. CAT and SOD activity and Hsp70 expression increased significantly. A higher rate of apoptosis was observed in I/R group than in C + I/R group, and a significant increase of MDA, NO2^- + NO3^- and MPO level in liver tissues and serum transaminase concentration was also observed in I/R group compared to C + I/R group. Curcumin also decreased the activity of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in liver after reperfusion,but had no effect on the level of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) after reperfusion in liver. The 7 d survival rate was significantly higher in C + I/R group than in I/R group. CONCLUSION: Curcumin has protective effects against hepatic I/R injury. Its mechanism might be related to the overexpression of Hsp70 and antioxidant enzymes.
基金Supported by the National Key Program for Infectious Diseases of China to Yang YD,2013ZX1000200112th Five-Year Significant New Drugs Creation Plan of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China toYangYD,2011ZX09302-003-03
文摘AIM:To compare efficacy of combined lamivudine(LAM)and adefovir dipivoxil(ADV)therapy with that of entecavir(ETV)monotherapy for hepatitis B virus(HBV)-related decompensated liver cirrhosis.METHODS:A total of 120 na ve patients with HBVrelated decompensated cirrhosis participated in this study.Sixty patients were treated with combined LAM and ADV therapy(LAM+ADV group),while the other60 were treated with ETV monotherapy(ETV group)for two years.Tests for liver and kidney function,alpha-fetoprotein,HBV serum markers,HBV DNA load,prothrombin time(PT),and ultrasonography or computed tomography scan of the liver were performed every1 to 3 mo.Repeated measure ANOVA and theχ2test were performed to compare the efficacy,side effects,and the cumulative survival rates at 48 and 96 wk.RESULTS:Forty-five patients in each group were observed for 96 wk.No significant differences in HBV DNA negative rates and alanine aminotransferase(ALT)normalization rates at weeks 48(χ2=2.12 and 2.88)and96(χ2=3.21 and 3.24)between the two groups were observed.Hepatitis B e antigen seroconversion rate in the LAM+ADV group at week 96 was significantly higher in the ETV group(43.5%vs 36.4%,χ2=4.09,P<0.05).Viral breakthrough occurred in 2 cases(4.4%)by week 48 and in 3 cases(6.7%)by week 96 in the LAM+ADV group,and no viral mutation was detected.In the ETV group,viral breakthrough occurred in 1 case(2.2%)at the end of week 96.An increase in albumin(F=18.9 and 17.3),decrease in total bilirubin and in ALT(F=16.5,17.1 and 23.7,24.8),reduced PT(F=22.7 and 24.5),and improved Child-Turcotte-Pugh and the model for end-stage liver disease scores(F=18.5,17.8,and 24.2,23.8)were observed in both groups.The cumulative rates of mortality and liver transplantation were 16.7%(10/60)and 18.3%(11/60)in the LAM+ADV and ETV groups,respectively.CONCLUSION:Both LAM+ADV combination therapy and ETV monotherapy can effectively inhibit HBV replication,improve liver function,and decrease mortality.
基金a grant from the Nature Science Foundation of the Department of Education of Anhui Province (No. 2007kj019A).
文摘BACKGROUND: Chemokines have strong chemoattractant effects and are involved in a variety of immune and inflammatory reactions, such as attracting activated T lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes and natural killer cells via the pathway of G protein-coupled receptors to sites of inflammatory injury and contribute to wound repair. This investigation was designed to assess the levels of chemokine interferon-gamma inducible protein-10 (IP-10) and IP-10 mRNA, and the relationship between IP-10 mRNA and HBV-DNA and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in patients with chronic hepatitis B. METHODS: The levels of IP-10 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were kinetically detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The rate of chemokine/GAPDH was regarded as the extreme level of chemokine. The level of IP-10 in serum was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the expression of IP-10 in hepatic biopsy tissue was detected by streptavidin-peroxidase (SP) immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The level of IP-10 mRNA in the PBMCs of patients was 0.7387 +/- 0.0768 (lg cDNA/lg GAPDH); it was significantly higher in patients with chronic hepatitis B than that in normal controls (P<0.001). The level of IP-10 in the serum of patients was 660.9 +/- 75.5 pg/ml. There was a significant difference between patients with chronic hepatitis B and normal controls (P<0.05). In patients with chronic hepatitis B, the level of IP-10 mRNA in PBMCs was correlated with the IP-10 plasma level (r=0.7312, P<0.001), and the IP-10 plasma level was fairly correlated with the levels of ALT and HBV-DNA plasma (r=0.7235, P<0.001; r=0.7371, P<0.001). IP-10 was found by immunohistochemical analysis to be selectively upregulated on sinusoidal endothelium. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of IP-10 mRNA in PBMCs, IP-10 plasma concentration and the expression of IP-10 in sinusoidal endothelium are all high in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Chemokine IP-10 may play an important role in trafficking inflammatory cells to the local foc