Showing papers by "Chinese PLA General Hospital published in 2000"

Study on beta 2 adrenergic receptor genetic polymorphisms in asthmatics in the people of the Han nationality of northern China

Abstract: Objective To analyze the association between beta 2-AR genetic polymorphism and asthma in the people of the Han nationality of northern China Methods Allele Specific-PCR techniques were used to determine 16, 27 and 164 locus alleles of beta 2-AR genetic polymorphisms in 58 unrelated patients with asthma and 89 healthy controls from the people of the Han nationality of northern China Results (1) The distribution frequency of genotype beta 2-AR 16 loci: Arg/Arg genotype accounts for 13%, Arg/Gly 76% and Gly/Gly 11% The beta 2-AR 27 loci: Gln/Gln genotype accounts for 36%, Gln/Glu 55% and Glu/Glu 9% The beta 2-AR 164 loci: Thr/Thr genotype accounts for 30%, Thr/Ile 53% and Ile/Ile 17% (2) The frequency of genotype beta 2-AR 16 loci in asthmatics: Arg/Arg genotype accounts for 24%, Arg/Gly 45% and Gly/Gly 31% There was a significant increase in the frequency of Gly/Gly genotype in asthmatics compared with healthy group(OR = 40, 95% CI 17-97), but there was no significant difference in the allele frequency of asthmatics compared with healthy group The frequency of genotype beta 2-AR 27 loci in asthmatics: Gln/Gln genotype accounts for 34%, Gln/Glu 56% and Glu/Glu 10% There was no significant difference in the allele frequency of asthmatics compared with healthy group The frequency of genotype beta 2-AR 164 loci in asthmatics: Thr/Thr genotype accounts for 10%, Thr/Ile 83% and Ile/Ile 7% There was no significant difference in the frequency of Ile/Ile genotype in asthmatics compared with healthy group, and in the allele frequency of asthmatics compared with healthy group In addition, our study reveals that beta 2-AR 16 locus genetic polymorphism is in association with asthmatic severity Conclusions These results suggest that beta 2-AR 16 locus genetic polymorphism is correlated with asthma severity in the people of the Han nationality of northern China

Evaluating effects of some medicine on tinnitus with animal behavioral model in rats

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To develop a valid behavioral animal model of tinnitus and to determine the animals whether have the perception of tinnitus and to evaluate effects of nimodipine and Chinese herbs on tinnitus using the behavioral model. METHODS Adult male albino rats (n = 60) were fell evenly and randomly into ten groups. Animals in Group I and II were administrated sodium salicylate 350 mg/kg/d (i.p.). Instead, animals in control groups (Group III and IV) were saline injected. Pure tone (8 kHz, 65 dBSPL) was given to rats in Group V and VI instead of sodium salicylate. Nimodipine (1 mg/kg) were administrated to animals in Group VII and VIII. Gushenshuerfang, one kind of Chinese herbs were administrated to animals in Group IX and X. Medicine or pure tone were being given to all animals in Group I, III, V, VII, IX before conditioned reflex. Animals in Group II, IV, VI, VIII, X began to have medicine or pure tone after conditioned reflex. Thirsty animals (deprived of water for several days) were breeded in sound-proofed room and listened a persistent white noise (55 dB SPL) and trained daily with our instrument system, according to the procedure based on Pavlovian conditioned suppression paradigm. Subjects were permitted to lick water at an automatic dispenser during daily training sessions and the number of licks was recorded automatically. Noise offset (silence) was the conditioned stimulus and the electrical shock was the unconditioned stimulus. After two or three days training, subjects learnt rapidly to associate noise offset with shock and then established a behavioral conditioned reflex. Because of shock fear they decrease or even stop licking with the presentations of conditioned stimulus. However, subjects gradually forgot or ignored the fear without any shock present in extinction test sessions. RESULTS Animals' licking recovered to their pre-training levels respectively at the following days: Group I--5 days, Group II--2 days, both Group III and IV--4 days, Group V--5 days, Group VI--2 days, Group VII--5 days, Group VIII--4 days, Group IX--5 days, Group X--4 days. There were much significant differences among all groups and all training days (F test, P < 0.001). Above results provided sufficient evidence for that tinnitus was induced by salicylate and tinnitus presented with noise offset. In group I, tinnitus became additional conditioned stimulus. Therefore, the fear of animals was much severe and the numbers of licking were much fewer. Extinction lasted longer. In group II, animals ignored the noise offset much easily and the extinction lasted much shorter. Moreover, results from group V and VI, pure tone instead of salicylate, indicated that sensation (tinnitus) sounded like pure tone. The groups VII, VIII, IX, X demonstrated that nimodipine and Gushenshuerfang, one kind of Chinese herbs can cure the tinnitus induced by salicylate. CONCLUSION All behavioral evidence indicated that animals perceived tinnitus induced by salicylate and this animal model could be used in evaluating curative effects of some medicine on tinnitus.

Association between delayed cardioprotection of aged rat myocytes and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To study the cardioprotective effects of hypoxic preconditioning (HPC) on aged rat ventricular myocytes and the cellular mechanism of protection. METHODS In the model of hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) of isolated ventricular myocytes of aged rat, the effects of HPC on aged rat ventricular myocytes against lethal H/R stimulated ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury 24 hours later and the changes of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) system were observed in the present study. RESULTS HPC attenuated the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and ATP depletion in myocytes and increased the viability of myocytes. It was also found that MAPK and its down-stream kinase--S6 kinase were also activated after HPC. CONCLUSION There is delayed cardioprotection in cardiac myocytes of aged rat and the cellular mechanism underlying might involve the activation of MAPK system.

[Cochlear hypoxia and mtDNA deletion: possible correlated factors to cause presbycusis].

Abstract: Objective To find the relationship among the most common mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) 4,977 bp deletion, aging and deterioration of acoustic organ and determine the pathologic factors causing mtDNA 4,977 bp deletion. Methods Sixty-seven temporal bones from a presbycusis group, an age-matched control group and a young control group were evaluated. The nested PCR and tri-nested PCR techniques were used to test the presence of mtDNA 4,977 deletion. Computer imaging processing was used to measure the parameters of blood vessels in the internal acoustic meatus. Results Temporal bones from patients aged 50 years or over frequently showed mtDNA 4,977 deletions. In presbycusis patients, 17 of 34 ears showed mtDNA 4,977 deletion, whereas only 4 of 19 ears from the age-matched control group showed mtDNA 4,977 deletions. mtDNA 4,977 deletions were often seen in the spiral ganglion and vestibular ganglion neurons. In the presbycusis group, the lumen of the vasa nervosum of the internal auditory meatus showed a more severe reduction in patients with mtDNA 4,977 deletion than in those without deletion. Conclusion There is a strong correlation between presbycusis and mtDNA 4,977 deletion. We hypothesize that cochlear hypoxia may cause mtDNA 4,977 deletions and other mtDNA mutants which in turn may cause a reduction of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and decreased auditory nerve function. The symptoms of neural presbycusis, however, may appear only after mtDNA metabolism decreases below a specific threshold.

[Thiol reagent thimerosal-induced Ca2+ mobilization in isolated guinea pig cochlear outer hair cells].

Abstract: Objective To understand mechanism of cochlear outer hair cells (OHCs) intracellular Ca 2+ mobilization further. Methods Intracellular calcium of isolated guinea pig was investigated using thimerosal, a —SH group oxidizing agent, and fura 2 fluorescence ratio imaging microscopy. Results In the presence of thimerosal, intracellular Ca 2+ concentrations ([Ca 2+ ]i )of OHCs were elevated in a dose dependent manner. Even in Ca 2+ free medium, Ca 2+ response was still induced. The effects of thimerosal on [Ca 2+ ]i were completely blocked and reversed by (DTT). Neither 1 100 μmol/L ryanodine nor 5 20 mmol/L caffeine altered the effects of thimerosal. Pretreatment with pertussis toxin (PTX) for 30 min did not affect the thimerosal induced increase in [Ca 2+ ]i The increase in [Ca 2+ ]i when Ca 2+ was added during thimerosal application in Ca 2+ free medium was almost completely blocked by 500 mol/L LaCl 3 , while nifedipine did not inhibit further increase in [Ca 2+ ]i caused by thimerosal. Conclusion Oxidation of the SH group of the OHC membrane can induce a Ca 2+ release from intracellular Ca 2+ stores, which are ryanodine and caffeine insensitive, and Ca 2+ influx through non specific Ca 2+ channels, but not the nifedipine sensitive Ca 2+ Channels. The possible oxidation of SH group gated Ca 2+ channels in OHCs are worthy of further study.

Effect of percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy on local immune response in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract: Objective To assess the local immune response to percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy (PMCT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Seventy eight patients with HCC underwent PMCT. Samples of cancer and adjacent liver tissues were taken at pre therapy, and 3, 17 and 30 days after therapy by ultrasound guided biopsy and were stained by immunohistochemical technique. The CD3, CD45RO, CD56, CD68 and CD20 positive cells were detected in the tissue section and counted under a microscope. Results There were some CD3, CD45RO, CD56, CD68 and CD20 positive cells scattered among the cancer stroma and sinusoids and surrounding liver tissue pre therapy. Those cells increased significantly at the third day post therapy compared with those of pre therapy both in cancer and adjacent liver tissues, except CD20 positive cells. The number of infiltrating immunocytes was related to the basic immune state of patients ( r =0.56, P =0.013). Those immunocytes scattered among the parenchymal area of the tumor, the lumen of small blood vessels and the stroma closing to small vessels. The number of CD45RO and CD56 cells reached their highest point at the day 17 and CD68 positive cells at day 3 and sustained to the day 30 after PMCT. Those immunocytes were seen among the cancer cells and the lumen of small blood vessels after. Conclusion The number of immunocytes in the lesion area is increased and the local immune function is enchanced by PMCT.

Quantitative 3D measurements of the skull base by using spiral volumatric CT images

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To study the spatial relationships of mandibular condyle and carotid canal, jugular fossa, foramen ovale, foramen spinosum when mandible in normal physical position. METHODS 100 native adults were examined by spiral volumatric CT. The data were transferred to workstation, three-dimensional(3d) cranial base images were reconstructed, 3D measurements were performed by using specific 3d CT landmarks. 12 points were defined and 28 distances and angles were measured in the skull base from submandibular viewpoint. The internal pole of condyle and the condylar long axis were regarded as the center point and 0 degree axis in the reference frame. RESULTS Submandibular approach provided a clear vision of the internal pole of condyle and condylar long axis. The ECC was located at 12.01 +/- 2.71 mm, 5.14 +/- 1.22 degrees, Jug was located at 15.11 +/- 2.72 mm, -56.27 +/- 14.05 degrees according to the reference frame. CONCLUSIONS Quantitative measurements of 3D skull base can be very precise. Mandibular approach is easy to show the mandibular condyle. The reference frame is helpful to located other important structures of skull base in operation.

Morphologic analysis of 14 cases of hepatic angiomyolipoma

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To study the morphology of hepatic angiomyolipoma (HAML). METHODS HE staining, PAS staining, immunohistochemistry and electronic microscopy were used to study 10 cases from our department and 4 cases from consultation. RESULTS All 14 HAML cases showed perivascular epithelioid cells (PEC) with 4 different types of morphology. They presented characteristic PAS positivity premelanosome like structures and dense body under electronic microscopy. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated positive reaction for both actin and HMB45. CONCLUSION Light and electronmicroscopic features and immunophenotype of HAML are characteristic of PEC related lesion.

The selection of taxol resistance associated genes in ovarian cancer cell line by mRNA DD

Abstract: Objective One of the main reasons of the treatment failure for ovarian cancer is the emergence of drug resistance in which several genes involved. The purpose of the study was to select the genes related to Taxol resistance in ovarian cancer. Methods Resistant ovarian cancer cell line, Skov3/Taxol-25, was established by interval exposure Skov3 to Taxol. mRNA was compared between Skov3 and Skov3/Taxol-25 by mRNA DD. Results Skov3/Taxol-25 showed 44 times increase resistance to Taxol after 12 months of induction. There were 22 new differential bands obtained from Skov3/Taxol-25 as compared with Skov3. 18 bands were special by repeated PCR. In the 5 sub-clones, three clones were homologous to the known gene. 105/106 base pair of clone 1 were homologous to tPA (tissue plasminogen activator), 261/268 of clone 3 to Kiaa 0372, and 406/409 of clone 18 to LDLC. The other 2 ESTs were new gene segments, which were banked to Genbank with the number of AF120327 and AF120328. The identification by RT-PCR revealed that both tPA and Kiaa0372 were special genes from Skov3/Taxol-25, while LDLC was pseudopositive. Conclusion Several genes were involved in the resistance to Taxol in ovarian cancer. The enhanced expression of tPA indicated the increased ability of metastasis after the acquisition of resistance to taxol.

Aortic calcification and matrix metalloproteinases

Abstract: Objective To study the relationship between arterial calcification and matrix metalloproteinases including MMP-1 and MMP-3. Methods 15 human aorta specimens from autopsies were stained with HE to identify calcification. Immunohistochemical method was used to determine the secretion of MMP-1 and MMP-3. Results Among the 15 aorta specimens, calcification was found in 10 and no calcification in the remaining 5. There was no significant difference in the percentage of MMP-1 positive cells between two groups, with 83.8% +/- 5.2% in calcified specimens vs 84.0% +/- 7.5% in non calcified ones. 9 of the 10 calcified aortas were positive for MMP-3 staining. Serial sections showed that the localization of positivity was in concordance with calcified regions. The 5 normal aortas were MMP-3 negative. The difference between the two groups was significant. Conclusion MMP-3 secretion relates closely with arterial calcification. And MMP-3 may participate in calcium minerali-zation in arteries. MMP-1 has no relation with arterial calcification.