Showing papers in "National Medical Journal of China in 2003"

The relationship between tumor suppressor genes p14ARF and p53 expression and biological behavior of pancreatic carcinoma

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between tumor suppressor genes p14(ARF) and p53 expression and the biological behavior of pancreatic carcinoma. METHODS Modified Envision method of immunohistochemistry was used on 42 specimens of pancreatic adenocarcinoma and 10 normal specimens of normal pancreas resected during operation to examine the expression of the gene p14(ARF). and ABC immunohistochemical technique was used to examine the expression of p53. RESULTS The positive rates of p14(ARF) in of normal pancreatic tissues and pancreatic carcinoma were 90% and 35.7% respectively (P < 0.01). The positive rates of p53 in tissues of normal pancreatic and pancreatic carcinoma were 0 and 42.5% (P < 0.05) respectively. Significant correlation was detected between the expression of p14(AR) and p53 and the diameter of tumor, the rate of lymph node metastasis, pathological grade, and clinic stage in pancreatic carcinoma. No correlation was found between the expression of p14(ARF) and p53 and the tumor infiltration in pancreatic carcinoma. CONCLUSION The tumor suppressor gene p14(ARF) and p53 are closely related to the occurrence and development of pancreatic carcinoma. It is possible to treat pancreatic carcinoma by gene intervention.

[A low level of TNF-mediates hemorrhage-induced acute lung injury via p55 TNF receptor].

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To examine the temporal relationship of pulmonary TNF-alpha production to acute lung injury (ALI) during hemorrhagic shock (HS). METHODS HS was induced in mice by removal of 30% of calculated total blood volume. Lung TNF-alpha was measured by ELISA. Lung neutrophil accumulation was detected by immunofluorescent staining, and pulmonary microvascular permeability was assessed using Evans blue dye. RESULTS While HS induced a slight and transient increase in lung TNF-alpha, neutrophil accumulation preceded the change in lung TNF-alpha. However, lung neutrophil accumulation and the increase in microvascular permeability were abrogated in TNF-alpha knockout mice, and both were restored by administration of low dose TNF-alpha to TNF-alpha knockout mice prior to HS. Both neutrophil accumulation and microvascular leak were abrogated in p55 TNF-alpha receptor knockout mice, while p75 TNF-alpha receptor knockout mice behaved similar to wild type. CONCLUSION A low level of pulmonary TNF-alpha is sufficient to mediate HS-induced acute lung injury and that the p55 TNF-alpha receptor plays a dominant role in regulating the pulmonary inflammatory response to HS. The results suggest that anti-TNF-alpha strategies for the control of the pulmonary inflammatory response to HS can be directed toward antagonizing the p55 TNF-alpha receptor.

[Association of -2548G/A functional polymorphism in the promoter region of leptin gene with antipsychotic agent-induced weight gain].

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To investigate whether the -2548G/A functional polymorphism in promoter region of leptin gene influencing weight gain following antipsychotic agents (APS) acute treatment in schizophrenic patients. METHODS 128 Chinese Han untreated patients with schizophrenia (male 61, female 67) with an age and gender matched health controls (n = 38) were recruited. The polymorphism of leptin gene was determined with PCR-RFLP technique. MRI determined abdominal body fat in 22 controls and 30 patients on admission and after 10 weeks treatment with risperidone or chlorpromazine. Body mass index (BMI) was measured on admission and every week subsequently (for patients). RESULTS There were average increases in (6.2 +/- 5.7)% of baseline weight and in (38.5 +/- 42)% of baseline abdominal subcutaneous fat (SUB) and in (40.0 +/- 41.2)% of baseline intra-abdominal fat (IAF) 10 weeks after treatment. There were no significant differences in the distribution of allele and genotypes either between the patients and controls or between gender groups. It was found significantly increased weight gain in the patient with the -2548AA genotype (chi(2) = 7.529, df = 1, P = 0.006; OR = 1.941; 95% CI: 1.175 - 3.207); The genotypes had no influence on the baseline weight indicators both in patients and controls. However, as compared with the patients with G allele, the patients with AA genotype had significant increase in BMI (P = 0.003) and SUB (P = 0.009). CONCLUSION The finding identify that the -2548G/A polymorphism in promoter region of leptin gene associated with APS-induced weight gain and abdominal fat deposition and distribution. -2548AA may be a genetic risk factor for the development of weight gain and body fat deposition in Chinese Han schizophrenic patients during APS acute treatment.

[Treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by recombinant adenovirus-p53 combined with radiotherapy: a phase II clinical trial of 42 cases].

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of recombinant adenovirus-p53 (Adp53, SBN-1) combined with radiotherapy in treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). METHODS: Forty-two patients with HNSCC were randomly divided into 2 groups: gene therapy + radiotherapy group (GTRT group. n = 20, SBN-1 solution 1 x 10(12) VP was injected intratumorally once a week for 8 weeks and radiotherapy was begun since the 3rd day of gene therapy 5 fractions a week with the with the fraction dosage of 2 Gy and total dosage of 70 GY) and radiotherapy group (RT group. n = 22, the above regimen of radiotherapy was conducted). CT was conducted 5 weeks and 8 weeks after the beginning of treatment and 2 months after the finish of treatment (validation point) to calculate the size of tumor. Patients were monitored for adverse event and serum level of anti-adenoviral antibody. A comparative study was also performed on the immediate response rate by CT at the times when the dosages of 40 Gy and 70 Gy had been given. RESULTS: The average tumor reduction rates were (63 +/- 17)%, (82 +/- 18)%, and (90 +/- 16)% at the 40 Gy time point, 70 Gy time point, and validation point respectively in the GTRT group, all higher than those in the RT group (37 +/- 26)%, (62 +/- 39)%, and (70 +/- 34)% respectively, all P < 0.05. Random control study showed that the radio-sensitized enhancement rate was 1.72 at 40 Gy time point and the CR rate of the GRTR group at the validation point was 1.68 times higher than that of the RT group. Self-controlled study showed that the SBN-1 radio-sensitized enhancement ratio in the 4 GTRT group was 1.69 at 40 Gy time point and the CR rate of the GTRT group at validation point was 253% that of the RT group (P < 0.01). No dose-limiting toxicity and adverse events were noted, except transient fever after SBN-1 administration. CONCLUSION: A potentially effective gene therapeutic agent for HNSCC treatment, intratumoral injection of SBN-1 is safe.

[Down-regulated full-length novel gene GDDR and its effect on gastric cancer].

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To clone gene fragments from suppression substructive library established for screening down-regulated genes in gastric carcinoma, and obtain the full-length novel gene. METHODS Gene fragments were identified by sequencing plasmids of positive colonies chosen randomly. One gene fragment was amplified by RACE, and the full-length novel gene was obtained. Expression of novel gene mRNA was respectively detected by semi-quantitative PCR in the gastric carcinoma tissues and counterpart normal gastric mucous membrane of 25 patients with gastric cancer. The structure of the full-length novel gene, location on chromosome, property of protein encoded by full-length novel gene and its function were investigated by Bio-message technique. RESULTS One 331 bp gene fragment was cloned, and its full-length novel gene obtained by RACE. The novel full-length gene was named GDDR, registered in the number of AF494509 by GenBank. Significant down-regulated expression of GDDR gene mRNA in gastric carcinoma tissues was confirmed (GDDR/beta-actin 13.474 +/- 5.059 vs 1.041 +/- 0.202, P < 0.01). GDDR was located in chromosome 2p13 with 5 exons. As one member of new BRICHO family as CA11, GDDR encoding protein with transmembrane peptide revealed homology to protein encoded by CA11. CONCLUSION A novel full-length gene GDDR is obtained. GDDR likely is another gene of BRICHO family related to gastric cancer.

Endobronchial eosinophils preferentially stimulate T helper cell type 2 responses

Abstract: OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether eosinophils within the tracheobronchial lumen can stimulate Th2 cell expansion by presenting antigen both in vitro and in vivo. METHODS Airway eosinophils were recovered from ovalbumin-sensitized and -challenged BALB/c mice, these eosinophils were then cocultured with sensitized CD4(+) cells in the absence or presence of anti-CD80 or/and -CD86 monoclonal antibodies. Airway eosinophils were instilled into the trachea of sensitized mice, At 3 d thereafter, the draining paratracheal lymph nodes were removed and teased into cell suspensions for culture. Cell-free culture supernatants were collected for detection of cytokines. RESULTS Our data showed that airway eosinophils, recovered following inhalational ovalbumin challenge in sensitized mice functioned as CD80- and CD86-dependent antigen-presenting cells to stimulate sensitized CD4(+) lymphocytes to produce IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13, but not interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in vitro assay. When instilled intratracheally in ovalbumin-sensitized recipient mice, these antigen-loaded eosinophils migrated into draining paratracheal lymph nodes primed Th2 cells in vivo for IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13, but not IFN-gamma, production during the in vitro culture that was also CD80- and CD86-dependent. CONCLUSIONS We concluded that eosinophils within the lumina of airways could process inhaled antigen function in vitro and in vivo as antigen-presenting cells to promote expansion of Th2 cells. This investigation highlights the potential of eosinophils to not only act as terminal effector cells but also to actively modulate immune responses by amplifying Th2 cell responses.

[Recombinant adenovirus p53 agent injection combined with radiotherapy in treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a phase II clinical trial].

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of recombinant adenovirus p53 agent (SBN-1) combined with radiotherapy in treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. METHODS Twenty-nine cases with nasopharyngeal carcinoma were randomly divided into two groups: gene therapy + radiotherapy group (GTRT group, n = 16, SBN-1 was injected intratumorally once a week for 8 weeks, and radiotherapy with the dosage of 60-70 Gy was given 3 days after the first injection of SBN-1) and radiotherapy group (RT group, n = 213, the same regimen of radiotherapy was given only). CT and MRI were conducted 4, 8, and 12 weeks after to evaluate the size of tumor. Then the patients were followed-up every month. Toxicity was evaluated by physical examination, KPS scoring, blood, urine, and feces routines, serum BUN, creatine, AST, ALT, LDH, and AKP, electrocardiography, and X-ray. RESULTS The tumors of the patients group were reduced by 70.9 +/- 18.1% and 49.4 +/- 22.8% in the GTRT group and the RT group respectively (P < 0.001) 4 weeks after treatment; and were reduced by 94.9 +/- 10.2% and 80.4 +/- 17.0% in the GTRT group and RT group respectively (P < 0.001) 8 weeks after treatment. The rates of complete regression of tumor 12 weeks after the treatment were 75% and 15% in the GTRT group and RT group respectively (P < 0.005). 3 cases presented mild, self-limited fever and no other side effects were noted. CONCLUSION Local injection of SBN-1 combined with radiotherapy to treat nasopharyngeal carcinoma is safe and significantly more effective than single radiotherapy.

Detection of human papillomavirus type 16 E6 mRNA in carcinomas of upper digestive tract

Abstract: Objective To investigate the relationship between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the development of upper digestive tract carcinomas. Methods In situ hybridization (ISH) technique was used to detect the expression of HPV16 E6 mRNA in 40 specimens of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, 74 specimens of gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma, 40 specimens of adenocarcinoma of gastric corpus, 62 specimens of adenocarcinoma of gastric antrum, all resected during operation, and 58 specimens of normal tissues of gastric mucosa, obtained by endoscopy. Results The positive rate of HPV16 E6 mRNA was 70% (28/40) in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas, 67.6% (50/74) in gastric cardiac adenocarcinomas, 47.5% (19/40) in adenocarcinoma of gastric corpus, 35.5% (22/62) in adenocarcinoma of gastric antrum, and 20% (10/50) in normal tissues of gastric mucosa respectively, without a significant difference between esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma (P=0.955). The positive rate in gastric adenocarcinoma was significantly lower than that in gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma (P0.05) or in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (P0.01). The positive rate in normal tissue of gastric mucosa was significantly lower than those in gastric adenocarcinoma (P0.05) in gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma (P0.01) , and in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (P0.01). The positive rate in gastric cardiac carcinomas was negatively correlated with TNM stage (P0.05). However, there was no correlation between HPV16 and gender, age, tumor size, depth of penetration, differentiation, lymph node metastasis, vascular invasion and prognosis of these patients with gastric cardiac carcinoma (all P0.05). Conclusion HPV infects not only squamous epithelium, but also glandular epithelium. HPV16 may be an etiologic factor in the development of upper digestive tract carcinomas, especially esophageal and cardiac carcinomas.

[Chlamydia-like and coronavirus-like agents found in dead cases of atypical pneumonia by electron microscopy].

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To explore the causative agents of the atypical pneumonia (also SARS) occurred recently in some regions of our country. METHOD Organ samples of 7 dead cases of SARS were collected from Guangdong, Shanxi, Sichuan Provinces and Beijing for electron microscopic examination. 293 cell line was inoculated with the materials derived from the lungs to isolate causative agent(s). The agents in the organs and cell cultures were revealed by immunoassay. RESULTS Both Chlamydia-like and coronavirus-like particles were found in EM. Inclusion bodies containing elementary bodies, reticulate antibodies and intermediate bodies of Chlamydia-like agent were visualized in multiple organs from the 7 dead cases, including lungs (7 cases), spleens (2 cases), livers (2 cases), kidneys (3 cases) and lymph nodes (1 cases), by ultrathin section electron microscopy (EM). In some few sections, coronavirus-like particles were concurrently seen. A coronavirus RNA- polymerase segment (440 bp) was amplified from the lung tissues of two cases of the SARS. After inoculated with materials from the lung samples, the similar Chlamydia-like particles were also found in the inoculated 293 cells. Since the Chlamydia-like agents visualized in both organs and cell cultures could not react with the genus specific antibodies against Chlamydia and monoclonal antibodies against C. pneumoniae and C. psittaci, the results might well be suggestive of a novel Chlamydia-like agent. CONCLUSION Since the novel Chlamydia-like agent was found co-existing with a coronavirus-like agent in the dead cases of SARS, it looks most likely that both the agents play some roles in the disease. At the present time, however, one can hardly determining how did these agents interact each other synergetically, or one follows another, need further study.

[Effectiveness of recombinant adenovirus p53 injection on laryngeal cancer: phase I clinical trial and follow up].

Abstract: Objective To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of recombinant adenovirus p53 injection (SBN-1) in patients with laryngeal cancer. Methods Twelve cases with laryngeal cancer, 11 males and 1 female, aged 59.5 +/- 12.4 years, were randomly divided into three groups of 4 patients. The patients received intratumor injection of SBN-1 at the dosage of 1 x 10(10)VP, 1 x 10(11)VP, or 1 x 10(12)VP once every other day for 2 courses of treatment with 5 times of injection as one course of treatment. Two days after the injection the patients were operated on. After the operation SBN-1 of the same doses was injected around the tumor bed. The patients were followed up for more than 3 years by correspondence and out-patient department examinations. ELISA was used to detect the serum anti-adenoviral IgG and IgM, and interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R). Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the expression of p53 protein in the tumor tissues. Flow cytometry was used to examine the T cell subgroup. The symptoms and side effects were observed. Results One patient in the 10(12)VP group presented self-limited fever (38.2-38.6 degrees C) and no other abnormality was observed after the SBN-1 injection. Specific antibody to SBN-1 turned from negative to positive two or three weeks after the first injection. P53 protein expression was significantly enhanced in tumors after injection of SBN-1. The serum level of IL-2R was 750 +/- 401 pg/ml before treatment and 552 +/- 203 pg/ml after treatment. The numbers of CD3, CD4, and CD8 were 66 +/- 10, 41 +/- 15, and 32 +/- 10 respectively before the treatment and were 67 +/- 9, 43 +/- 8, and 34 +/- 16 respectively after treatment, and the CD4/CD8 ratio was 1.4 +/- 0.6 before the treatment and was 1.6 +/- 0.9 after treatment. The abnormality in SIL-2R level and the disorder of T cell subgroup were improved in 2 cases. Followed up for over 3 years showed that all cases still lived free of cancer. Conclusion Safe and effective on laryngeal cancer without obvious adverse events, local injection of SBN-1 is a promising treatment.

Effect of berberine on the differentiation of adipocyte

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To observe the effect of berberine on the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes into adipocytes and to elucidate its mechanism. METHODS 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were cultured and then divided into 7 groups into whose media were added berberine of the concentrations of 0, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 micro mol/L, 100 nmol/Linsulin, and 10 micro mol/L berberine + 100 nmol/L insulin. The proliferation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes was detected by MTT method. The accumulation of lipid in the cytoplasm of differentiated adipocytes was observed by oil red O staining. The peroxisome proliferation activated receptor gamma2 (PPARgamma2) mRNA and protein were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting respectively. RESULTS MTT method showed that the absorbance at 570 nm of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes increased by 17% (P < 0.01), 36% (P < 0.001), and 22% (P < 0.05) in the groups of 1, 10, and 100 micro mol/L berberine, by 53% (P < 0.0001)in the group of 100 nmol/L insulin, and by 66% in the group of 10 micro mol/L berberine + 100 nmol/L insulin. There were less and smaller lipid droplets in the 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with berberine as compared with the untreated control cells and only 10% - 20% of the treated cells displayed big lipid drops. RT-PCR showed that berberine significantly reduced the expression of PPARgamma2 mRNA by 48% (P < 0.01) in the course of 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation. Western blotting showed that berberine inhibited the expression of PPARgamma2 protein. CONCLUSION Berberine promotes the proliferation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, decreases the accumulation of lipid drops therein, and inhibits the terminal differentiation of adipocyte, which may be associated with its effect on decreasing the expression of PPARgamma2 mRNA and protein, suggesting that berberine has advantages in the treatment of obesity patients with type 2 diabetes.

The neuroprotection of resveratrol in the experimental cerebral ischemia

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To study the effect of resveratrol on cerebral infarct volume, cerebral edema as well as the expression of nuclear fac for (NF-kappaB) p65 in the experimental permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion. METHODS A middle cerebral artery occlusion model was constructed in 20 Wistar rats with Longa's method. Then the 20 rats were divided into 4 groups: control group, and 3 resveratrol groups (resveratrol of the concentrations of 10(-8) g/kg, 10(-7) g/kg, and 10(-6) g/kg were injected intravenously) (group 1- 4). The area of infarct was examined by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. The water content was calculated by dry and wet weight method. The expression of NF-kappaB p65 was investigated with immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The ischemic volume was 241 +/- 36, 222 +/- 39, 126 +/- 16, and 128 +/- 19 * in the groups 1 - 4 respectively, and the volume ratio was 0.49 +/- 0.04, 0.47 +/- 0.04, 27 +/- 0.02, and 0.43 +/- 0.02 respectively. The brain water content was 83.5% +/- 1.5%, 82.9% +/- 1.4%, 79.5% +/- 1.5%, and 79.9% +/- 1.4% in groups 1 - 4 with a significant difference between 10(-7) g/kg resveratrol group and pure ischemia group and 10(-6) g/kg resveratrol group and pure ischemia group (both P < 0.05). NF-kappaB p65 was not expressed in the normal control group and sham operation group, and was expressed 2 hours after pure ischemia. The expression of NF-kappaB p65 positive cells was the most significant 12 hours after the pure ischemia and began to decrease 24 hours after ischemia. CONCLUSION Resveratrol has a neuroprotective effect on the ischemic brain. This effect is related to the inhabitation of expression of NF-kappaB p65.

[Epidemiologic features, clinical diagnosis and therapy of first cluster of patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome in Beijing area].

Abstract: Objective Investigate the features of outbreak epidemic, clinical disease progression of the first SARS cases in Beijing and evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic regimen. Methods Twenty-nine patients (11 men and 18 women, 20 - 74 years old age range) were diagnosed with infectious SARS and admitted in our hospital from the March 5th to April 14th, 2003 in this study. The data of clinical presentation and disease progression of all the patients including index subject as the infectious SARS resource patient, her family infected members and 21 health care workers were abstracted. Results The first SARA outbreak in Beijing was characterized with the cluster feature of resource patient family members and health care providers. The incubation period ranged from 2 to 14 days. All the patients had a fever (temperature > 38 degrees C for over 24 hours) and other manifestations as reported before. Serial chest radiographs showed progressive pathologic air-space disease. Twenty patients showed the severe syndrome with various time ranged from 1 day to 14 days. Two patients died of progressive acute respiratory distress disease. The histologic analysis of one death patient showed diffuse alveolar damage in the two lungs. Twenty-six patients receiving the combined therapy including use of corticosteroid, antiviral ribavirin agents after the onset of symptoms and showed they had an acute self-limited disease course. The oldest patient (74 year old, male) received the healthy convalescent plasma infusion (50 ml) from recovered SARS subject and completely recovered within 21 days, having a shorter disease course. Conclusion SARS is a kind of new self-limited and acute infectious disease. Early diagnosis, early isolation, early antiviral therapy for patients and efficient prevention for health care providers are urgently recommended. In particular, a combinational therapy of use of antiviral agents, preventive antibacterial antibiotics and pulsed dosage of corticosteroid can efficiently raise the clinical recovery rate and decrease mortality of SARS patients.

[Analysis of anti-proliferation of curcumin on human breast cancer cells and its mechanism].

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To study the suppressive effects of curcumin on breast carcinoma cells and the mechanism. METHODS Estrogen receptor (ER) positive human breast cancer line MCF-7 and ER negative human breast cancer line MDA-MB-231 were cultured 17-beta estradiol and curcumin were added into the culture. Northern blot hybridization and Western blots were performed to detect the expression of mRNA and protein. The human ERE promoter activity was analyzed by transient transfection with CAT-reporter constructs. Invasion experiments were conducted with a Matrigel invasion chamber. RESULTS Curcumin inhibit the proliferation in both estrogen receptor (ER) positive MCF-7 cells and ER negative MDA-MB-231 cells. Curcumin's antiproliferative effects are estrogen dependent in ER positive MCF-7 cells. Curcumin inhibits the expression of ER downstream genes including pS2 and TGF-alpha (transforming growth factor-alpha) in ER-positive MCF-7 cells, and this inhibition is also dependent on the presence of estrogen. In addition, curcumin exerts strong anti-invasive effects in vitro which was not estrogen dependent in the ER-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. These anti-invasive effects appeared to be mediated through the down-regulation of MMP-2 (matrix metalloproteinase) and the up-regulation of TIMP-1 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase). Curcumin inhibited the transcript levels of two major angiogenesis factors VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and b-FGF (basic fibroblast growth factor) in ER-negative MDA-MB-231 cells. CONCLUSION Curcumin exerts multiple suppressive effects on breast carcinoma cells;it's mechanism of chemoprevention is pleiotropic.

Gamma knife radiosurgery for trigeminal schwannomas

Abstract: Objective To evaluate the role of gamma knife (GK) in the treatment of trigeminal schwannomas Methods From June 1994 to June 2000, 38 patients with trigeminal schwannoma treated with GK radiosurgery were reviewed GK was the primary treatment modality in 30 cases and followed microsurgery in 8 cases Of the 38 tumors, 12 had small cysts within the tumors, the rest were solid The mean diameter of the 38 tumors was 32 mm (range: 16 approximately 48 mm) and the tumors ranged in volume from 2 to 33 cm(3) (with a mean mean volume of 9 cm(3)) The maximum dose irradiated to tumor was 20 to 33 Gy (mean: 26 Gy), the tumor margin dose ranged from 11 to 15 Gy (mean: 13 Gy) Results 35 patients had been followed for 26 to 98 months (mean: 65 months) 20 had been followed more than 60 months Mild numbness or diplopia relieved completely in 12 patients after GK treatment Improvement of neurological deficits was seen in 11, unchanged dysfunction or slightly worsening of trigeminal nerve deficits in 9 Three patients had mild worsened symptoms at different time because of tumor progression Tumor growth control: tumor disappeared after GK treatment was observed in 5 cases from 18 to 36 months after, a marked decrease in volume was observed in 24 cases, unchange in 2 cases and increase in 3 cases at 5, 26, and 60 months after respectively One patient with resolved symptom refused to have MRI examination for more than 6 years Of the three increased tumors, one recurrent malignant schwannoma elapsed 26 months after GK treatment The second was a small tumor and started to progress 5 years after, but after second GK treatment, the tumor decreased again The third was large tumor and was subtotally removed through surgery because of tumor swelling 5 months after At last follow-up, the residual tumor remained stable The control rate of the 35 tumors was 91% (32/35) Conclusion Small and middle-size trigeminal schwannomas are the best candidates for GK radiosurgery The control dose is 13 to 14 Gy

Laboratory and clinical study of levofloxacin against Helicobacter pylori

Abstract: Objective To assess antibacterial activity of levofloxacin to Helicobacter pylori (Hp)strains In Vitro and In Vivo. Methods The Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for 52 clinical isolates was detected by agar dilution method and was compared with those of amoxicillin and clarithromycin. To examine the effects of pH variation on the susceptibility of Hp to levofloxacin, Mueller-Hinton agar with 7% defibrinated sheep blood was adjusted to a pH range of 4.0, 5.0, 7.0 by adding hydrochloric acid. 85 Hp-positive Patients with chronic active gastritis or active peptic ulcer disease were consecutively recruited in a prospective, open-label study. The enrolled patients were randomised to receive a seven-day course of omeprazole 20mg bid plus amoxicillin 1000mg bid and levofloxacin 200mg bid. Their Hp status was assessed by 13 C-urea breath test and/or endoscopy 4-6 weeks after the end of treatment. Results The resistant rates of strains to levofloxacin, amoxicillin and clarithromycin were 1.9%, 11.5% and 25%, respectively. A dual-resistance to amoxicillin and clarithromycin was demonstrated in five Hp strains (9.6%), which were all susceptible to levofloxacin. The prevalence of strains with resistance to levofloxacin was lower than that of strains with resistance to clarithromycin ( P 0.01), and was no statistically different with amoxicillin ( P 0.05). The activity of levofloxacin was diminished under acidic environment ( P 0.01). 84 enrolled patients completed the study. 76 patients (PP and ITT analysis, 91.7%; 90.6%) become Hp-negative. Slight side-effects occurred in 5patients (5.9%). Conclution In the present study, we report a high rate of resistance to amoxicillin and clarithromycin in this region. Omeprazole/levofloxacin-based triple therapy, including amoxicillin, is attractive because they combine a high eradication efficacy with an excellent tolerability and safety profile.

[Clinical analysis of 190 cases of outbreak with atypical pneumonia in Guangzhou in spring, 2003].

Abstract: Objective To study methods of diagnosis and treatment for atypical pneumonia (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), outbreak of the illness in Guangzhou during Jan. - Mar., 2003. Methods 190 cases with atypical pneumonia were analyzed, and the cases were admitted in Guangzhou municipal First Hospital and Guangzhou municipal Eighth Hospital. Results Patients were infected by close quarters contacting each other. All patients manifest high fever, and accompany by dyspnea, cough, palpitate, weakness, headache and swirl. Other 46 cases were accompanied by diarrhea. Most of patients, manifestation of lungs was negative. Chest X-ray, shadow of lungs were light in beginning, and change to severity slowly or suddenly during 5 - 10 days. Of these cases, 36 cases develop to ARDS and 11 cases died with severity ARDS. Using general antibiotic was of no effect for the illness. Continual positive airway pressure (CPAP) and glucocorticoid was required that can control deprivation of the disease when toxicosis symptom of patients was severity and shadow of lungs diffuse more and more. Conclusion Infectivity of the illness is evidence and spread by airway. Using general antibiotic was of no effect for the illness. Continual positive airway pressure (CPAP) and glucocorticoid are effective for control of the disease.

[High prevalence of knee, but not hip or hand osteoarthritis in Beijing elders: comparison with data of Caucasian in United States].

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To investigate the prevalence of knee, hip and hand osteoarthritis (OA) in the elderly of Beijing and to compare the prevalence of OA between the Beijing elders and the US Caucasians. METHODS Using the same standardized instruments and protocol as those in the Framingham Osteoarthritis Study, home interview, clinical examination and radiography were conducted among 1012 males and 1507 females, all aged 60 and over, on 4 central districts of Beijing with informed consent. The data of survey were compared with those of the corresponding US study. RESULTS The prevalence of radiographic and symptomatic knee osteoarthritis was 42.8% and 15.4% respectively among the women aged 60 and over in Beijing, higher than those in Caucasian women of the same age. The prevalence of radiographic and symptomatic knee osteoarthritis were 27.6% and 7.1% respectively among the men aged 60 and over in Beijing, similar to those in the Caucasian men of the same age. The prevalence of radiographic hand osteoarthritis among the Beijing men and women aged 60 and over were 44.5% and 47.0% respectively, lower than those among the contemporary Caucasian in US. The prevalence of hip osteoarthritis among the men and women aged 60 and over were only 0.4% and 0.6%, significantly lower than those among the contemporary Caucasian in US. CONCLUSION Compared to the Caucasian contemporaries, fewer Beijing elderly suffer from hand and hip osteoarthritis. However, knee osteoarthritis is much more prevalent, affecting millions of elderly Chinese.

Effects of lactulose treatment on the course of subclinical hepatic encephalopathy

Abstract: Objective To observe the natural history of subclinical hepatic encephalopathy (SHE) and to compare the efficacy of long-term and short-term treatment of lactulose. Methods Sixty SHE patients with abnormal psychometric tests performance and/or evoked potentials were randomly divided into 3 groups of 20 cases: control group (given vitamin B complex only for 24 weeks), short-term lactulose group (administered orally with lactulose 15 - 90 ml/d for 8 weeks in addition to vitamin B complex as described above), and long-term lactulose group (administered orally with lactulose 15 - 90 ml/d for 24 weeks in addition to vitamin B complex as described above). Blood ammonia, liver function, number connection test (NCT), digital symbol test (DST), quality of life, and somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) were investigated 0, 8, 16, and 24 weeks after the onset of experiment. The incidence of HE was recorded. Results No statistically significant difference was found in terms of liver function score of ENVER, and SEP any time after the onset of the experiment (all P > 0.05). Eight weeks after the onset of experiment the performance of NCT and DST was significantly improved in the 2 lactulose groups than in the control group (both P 0.05). However, significant difference failed to appear in blood ammonia 8 weeks after, and began to be found since the 16th week between the control group and long-term lactulose group (P 0.05). 24 weeks after, the condition of the long-term lactulose group was still better than those of the other 2 groups (all P 0.05). The HE prevalence of the control, short-term lactulose, and long-term lactulose groups were 40%, 30%, and 5% respectively 24 weeks after, with a significant difference between the long-term lactulose group and between any of the other groups (both P 0.05). Conclusion Long-term lactulose treatment lowers blood ammonia and improves the psychometric performance and quality of life, thus lowering the prevalence of clinical HE. However, short-term lactulose treatment fails to improve of the natural course of HE.

[Nosocomial fungal infections, analysis of 149 cases].

Abstract: Objective To investigate the manifestation, diagnosis, antifungal therapy and outcome of nosocomial fungal infections Methods The clinical data of 149 patients with nosocomial fungal infections admitted in the PUMC hospital from Dec 1981 to Nov 2001, 67 males and 82 females with an average age of 5232 years, including the manifestation, diagnosis, treatment and outcome, were reviewed retrospectively Results 134 out of the 149 patients suffered from deep mycoses All cases had underlying conditions, including primary pulmonary diseases (n = 29), rheumatic disease (n = 20), hematological disease such as leukemia or lymphoma (n = 18), HIV infection/AIDS (n = 13), major surgery (n = 10), and intracerebral hemorrhage or cerebral infarction (n = 24) The predisposing factors or risk factors for deep mycoses included use of high dose broad-spectrum antibiotics over a long period (n = 37), steroids/cytotoxic chemotherapy (n = 29), immunosuppressant (n = 17), chemotherapy (n = 10), intravenous lines and incubation (n = 36), and tracheotomy or endotracheal intubation (n = 12) The infectious sites were lung, meninges, cerebral parenchyma, blood, etc in the order of prevalence Depending on infectious site and type of fungus, the clinical manifestations included fever (6376%), respiratory symptom such as cough (3758%), leucocytosis (396%), chest X-ray images (2449%) etc CNS fungal infection included meningitis, brain abscess, and granuloma Meningitis due to Cryptococcus resembled that due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis The main pathogenic fungal species were Candida albicans, C tropicalis, C parapsilosis, C neoformans, and Aspergillus species Amphotericin B, fluconazole, and flucytosine were used alone or in combination The overall mortality rate was 2953% (44/149) Out of the 149 patients 67 were cured, 29 made improvement The incidence of fungal infection remarkably increased recently with 75 cases appearing in the past 5 years (5034%) Conclusion The incidence of fungal infection is increasing recently which is correlated with use of high dose broad-spectrum antibiotics over a long period, high dose steroids/cytotoxic chemotherapy, immunosuppressant, chemotherapy, and improvement of examination skills, etc The main pathogens are still Candida albicans and non-albicans Candida species Early diagnosis is very important

[Continuous surveillance of antimicrobial resistance among nosocomial gram-negative bacilli from intensive care units in China].

Abstract: Objective To investigate the change of antimicrobial resistance among nosocomial gram-negative bacilli, especially those of Enterobacteriaceae isolated from intensive care units from 1994 to 2001 in China. Methods E test was made to determine the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 10 279 isolates of gram-negative bacilli (including 5 829 strains of bacilli of Enterobacteriaceae) from 32 hospitals in China from 1994 to 2001. Results The most common pathogens were Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp, Acinetobacter spp. Enterobacter spp, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. The most common pathogens in respiratory tract specimens were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (25%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (18%), and Acinetobacter baumanni (11%). The most common pathogens in blood and urine specimens were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antibiotic remaining the most active against all of the gram-negative bacilli for 7 years was imipenem (with a susceptibility rate of 87%), followed by cefoperazone/sulbactam (however, with a susceptibility rate decreasing from 86% to 75%), amikacin (75%), ceftazidime (73%), cefepime (72%), and piperacillin/tazobactam (71%). The susceptibility rate of Escherichia coli Klebsiella pneumoniae to imipenem remained 98% with a MIC(90) of 0.5 micro g/ml during the 7 years, much higher than those to amikacin (84%), ceftazidime (83%), cefoperazone/sulbactam (83%), piperacillin/tazobactam (80%), and cefepime (80%). The susceptibility rate of these two species to cefoperazone/sulbactam decreased from 90% in 1996 to 74% in 2001. While the susceptibility to cefotaxime and ceftriaxone decreased from 82% to 57%. The susceptibility rate of Escherichia coli to ciprofloxacin decreased from 54% to 25% and that of Klebsiella pneumoniae to ciprofloxacin decreased from 90% to 75%. The prevalence of extended spectrum beta-lactamases in these two species increased from 11% in 1994 to 34% in 2001. The most active antibiotics against Enterobacter cloacae were imipenem, cefepime, amikacin with the susceptible rates of 95%, 76%, and 70%, respectively; the susceptibility rates of Citrobacter freundii to imipenem, cefepime, amikacin, and cefoperazone/sulbactam were 94%, 80%, 80%, and 78% respectively. Only 40% approximately 60% isolates of Enterobacter cloacae and Citrobacter freundii were susceptible to third-generation cephalosporins. Conclusion Imipenem remains highly active against Enterobacteriaceae, but the activities of other antibiotics have decreased in recent years.

Downregulation of the pigment epithelium derived factor by hypoxia and elevated glucose concentration in cultured human retinal pigment epithelial cells

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of hypoxia and high glucose concentration on the production and secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF), an antiangiogenesis factor, in the cultured human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. METHODS Human RPE cells were cultured under normoxic or hypoxic (1% O(2)) condition with or without (25 mmol/L) glucose. RT-PCR and real-time quantificaton analysis were used to examine the expression of VEGF and of PEDF mRNAs. Western blot analysis was used to measure the levels of VEGF and PEDF proteins. RESULTS The expression of VEGF mRNA in RPE cells under hypoxic condition for 12 hours was 2.6 times that under the normoxic condition (P = 0.001), and the expression of PEDF mRNA was only 0.77 time that of the controls (P = 0.251). Under hypoxic condition with high concentration of glucose the expression of VEGF mRNA in RPE cells was 3.8 times that under the normoxic condition (P < 0.001), and the expression of PEDF mRNA was further decreased (only 0.23 time that of the controls, P = 0.02). The expression levels of VEGF protein under hypoxic condition with and without glucose were 1.69 and 1.27 times respectively those under the normoxic condition (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.004). The expression level of PEDF protein under hypoxic condition with glucose was 0.49 time that under the normoxic condition (P < 0.0001) and the expression level of PEDF protein under hypoxic condition without glucose was 0.92 time that under the normoxic condition (P = 0.114). CONCLUSION Hypoxia indirectly influence the downregulation of PEDF and high concentration of glucose directly downregulates the expression of PEDF and increases the expression of VEGF simultaneously, thus supporting the concept that hyperglycemia is one of the most dangerous consequences of diabetes-associated "glucose toxicity" in vivo.

Association between tryptophan hydroxylase gene polymorphisms and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with or without learning disorder

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between two tryptophan hydroxylasec (TPH) gene polymorphisms, A218C and A-6526G polymorphisms, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with or without learning disorder (LD). METHODS Blood samples were taken from 132 trios with probands of ADHD with LD and 221 trios with probands of ADHD without LD. DNA was extracted and PCR was performed to amplify the fragments of A218C amd A-6526G polymorphisms. NheI and MboI were used to detect different alleles of the two polymorphisms separately. transmission disequilibriumtest (TDT) and haplotype analysis were used to test the association of the two polymorphisms of TPH gene and ADHD with or without LD. RESULTS Haplotype block composed by A218C and A-6526G polymorphisms was related to ADHD with LD (chi(2) = 9.362, df = 3, P = 0.025). The haplotype of 218A/-6526G was significantly untransmitted to the probands with ADHD with LD (chi(2) = 9.252, df = 1, P = 0.002). CONCLUSION TPH gene and the haplotype of 218A/-6526G may be related to ADHD with LD.

[Changes of antimicrobial resistance among nonfermenting gram-negative bacilli isolated from intensive care units from 1994 to 2001 in China].

Abstract: Objective To investigate the antimicrobial resistance among nonfermenting gram-negative bacilli isolated from intensive care units (ICUs) during the past 7 years in China. Methods From 1994 to 2001, the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of imipenem and other ten antibiotics for 4450 strains of nosocomial nonfermenting bacteria isolated from the ICUs of 32 hospitals in China were determined by E test. WHONET-5 software was used to analyze the data. Results The most predominant pathogens were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (46.9%), Acinetobacter spp. (31.0%), and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (9.2%). The susceptibility rates of these nonfermenting gram-negative bacilli to cefoperazone/sulbactam, imipenem, ceftazidime, piperacillin/tazobactam, amikacin, cefepime, and ciprofloxacin were 78.6%, 77.0%, 70.1%, 69.5%, 69.9%, 63.0%, and 59.1% respectively. Imipenem and cefoperazone/sulbactam were the most active agents against nonfermenting bacilli other than S.maltophilia and Burkholderia cepacia with susceptible rates 84.2% and 77.4% respectively. From 1994 to 2001, the activity of these 11 antibiotics against Pseudomonas aeruginosa decreased; the susceptibility rates of the nonfermenting gram-negative bacilli to imipenem, ceftazidime, amikacin, cefoperazone/sulbactam, cefepime, and piperacillin/tazobactam ranged from 70.0% to 83.0%. The susceptibility rate of Acinetobacter spp. to imipenem was 95.0% and remained unchanged for years. The susceptibility rate to cefoperazone/sulbactam came second, however, it was decreased from 88.0% in 1996 to 69.0% in 2001. The susceptibility rates to ceftazidime, cefepime, piperacillin/tazobactam, ticarcillin/clavulanic acid, gentamicin, and ciprofloxacin ranged from 45% to 58%. The susceptibility of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was the highest to cefoperazone/sulbactam, ceftazidime, and ticarcillin/clavulanic acid (78% approximately 85%). Cefoperazone/sulbactam, piperacillin/tazobactam, and imipenem inhibited 80% of Alcaligenes spp. Only cefoperazone/sulbactam and piperacillin/tazobactam inhibited 70% of the strains of Flavobacterium spp; and 73% approximately 86% of Burkholderia cepacia were susceptible to cefoperazone/sulbactam, piperacillin/tazobactam, ceftazidime, and cefepime. Conclusion In recent 7 years, the antimicrobial resistance among nonfermenting gram-negative bacilli has increased in China. Antibiotics policy is urgently needed in order to delay the resistance development.

[Retrospective analysis of 304 cases of malignant lymphomas in pathology: study and practice of the WHO classification of lymphoid neoplasms].

Abstract: Objective To evaluate the practical application of the WHO classification of lymphoid neoplasms, and to investigate the relative frequency and geographic distribution of the subtypes of lymphoma. Methods The pathological specimens of 304 cases with lymphoma diagnosed during the period 1994 approximately 2002 in the First Hospital of Peking University were retrospectively studied. The histopathologic, immunophenotypic and clinical data were reviewed and reappraisal was performed according to the WHO classification. Results There were 20 cases (6.6%) of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) and 284 cases (93.4%) of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). In the 284 NHL cases, B-cell neoplasms accounted for 60.2% and T/NK-cell neoplasms for 39.1%. On subtyping, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma of nasal type, unspecified peripheral T-cell lymphoma, extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of MALT type, angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma were the most common 6 subtypes and amounted to 88.03% of NHL. The distribution of NHL subtype in this group showed important difference from those in some areas in the world. Extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma of nasal type and other peripheral T-cell lymphoma had a higher frequency, but B-small lymphocytic lymphoma and follicular lymphoma were less common in this group than in Western countries. Conclusion The new WHO classification may be applicable to the diagnosis and subtyping of most lymphomas, making the pathological diagnosis easier to practise. A correct diagnosis of ML may be reached by combination of clinic, histological and immunological features.

[Surveillance on gram-positive bacteria isolated from patients with hospital acquired infections or community acquired infections].

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To determine the drug-resistance rates of gram-positive cocci isolated from patients with hospital acquired infection (HAI) or community acquired infection (CAI) in 34 study wards of 13 hospitals located at different areas in China. METHODS According to the previous protocol, from July 1(st) 2000 to June 30(th) 2001, a total of 2401 pathogenic strains were isolated from 13 hospitals. Among them, 805 strains of gram-positive cocci were collected for in vitro susceptibility test using international standard plate dilution method. According to the criteria of guidelines of NCCLS (2001), MIC(50) and MIC(90) were detected to represent the antibacterial activity of antimicrobial agents and R%, I%, and S%, were calculated to show the resistant, intermediate and susceptible rates of the bacteria to the compounds tested. RESULTS The detectable rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) were 37.4% (89/238) and 33.8% (51/151) respectively. Among a total of 238 strains of S. aureus, 139 were isolated from patients with CAI and 37 were from HAI patients, the rate of MRSA from HAI patients (89.2%, 33/37) was significantly higher than that of MRSA from CAI patients (30.2%, 42/139) (P < 0.01). The total resistant rate of penicillin resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (PRSP) was 26.7% (8/30), including a R% of 3.3% (1/30) and an I% of 23.3% (7/30). 331 strains of Enterococcus were isolated, including 178 strains from the study wards and 153 strains from other wards. The ratio of number of strains of E. faecalis to E. faecium was 6.8:1 (286/42). The rate of ampicillin resistant E. faecium (AREF) was 73.8% (31/42), significantly higher than the rate of ampicillin resistant E. faecalis (16.4%, 47/286). Neither strains of S. aureus nor strains of coagulase negative Staphylococcus were found resistant to vancomycin. No strains of Enterococcus were found resistant to vancomycin, the intermediate rates of E. faecalis and E. faecium to vancomycin were 3.5% (10/286) and 9.5% (4/42) respectively. All strains of Enterococcus were found 100% susceptible to teicoplanin. CONCLUSION The resistance patterns of Gram-positive cocci including MRSA, PRSP, and AREF are similar to the results of the 1998 - 1999 surveillance. No strain of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, including VRSA and VISA or vancomycin resistant enterococcus, VRE is found in this study.

The association of cyclin D1 (A870G) polymorphism with susceptibility to esophageal and cardiac cancer in north Chinese population

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To investigate the association of Cyclin D1 (A870G) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) with the susceptibility to esophageal and cardiac cancer in northern Chinese population. METHODS By polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism analysis (PCR-SSCP), the Cyclin D1 (A870G) genotyping was performed among 178 patients with esophageal or esophageal -gastric junction carcinoma (120 with esophageal squamous cell cancer and 58 with cardiac adenoma cancer) and 122 health controls. RESULTS There were no significant differences in Cyclin D1 (A870G) allele frequencies between cancer patients and health controls (P = 0.075). There is no genotype distribution difference was found between non-smoker patients and controls (P > 0.05). The risk for esophageal and cardiac cancer is 2.5 times higher in A/A genotype carried smokers than that in A/G or G/G genotype carried non-smokers, with the adjusted Odd Ratio of 2.57 (95% confidence interval is 1.19 approximately 5.57). The G/G genotype reduces the susceptibility to esophageal cancer, with the adjusted Odd Ratio of 0.39 and 95% confidence interval of 0.18 - 0.82. The A/A frequency in cardiac patients (34.48%) is higher than that in health controls (23.77%) but the difference does not reach significant (P = 0.212). CONCLUSION In northern Chinese population, the smoking individuals carrying Cyclin D1 (A870G) A/A genotype increase the susceptibility to esophageal and cardiac cancer. The G/G genotype probably plays a protecting role in the occurrence of esophageal cancer.

[Relationship among the XhaI and EcoRI locus polymorphisms of apolipoprotein B gene, serum lipid metabolism and gallstone disease].

Abstract: OBJECTIVES To explore the relationship between the XbaI and EcoRI locus polymorphisms of apolipoprotein B gene and gallstone disease. METHODS Restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR) technique was used to analyze the genotype of the ApoB gene in 106 patients and 105 controls, according to the design of case control study. RESULTS The frequencies of X+X- and X-X- of XbaI locus polymorphism were significantly different between the patients and controls and the frequency of X+ allele in the patients was significantly higher than that in the controls (0.104 vs 0.052). Meanwhile, the levels of LDLc and ApoB in the patients were significantly higher than those in the controls among the group of X+X- genotype. The frequencies of E+E- and E+E+ of EcoRI locus polymorphism were significantly different between the patients and controls and the frequency of E-allele in the patients was significantly higher than that the in controls, and the level of LDLc with E+E- genotype was higher than that with E+E+ genotype among the patients. CONCLUSION ApoB gene X+ allele of XbaI locus and E-allele of EcoRI locus may be the susceptible genes for gallstone disease, and variation of X+ and E-alleles may affect serum lipid metabolism and formation of gallstone.

Reduced resistin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract: Objective To measure the serum resistin level of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus so as to examine whether there exists a relationship between resistin, obesity and diabetes Methods ELISA was used to examine the fasting serum resistin, leptin, and true insulin and those 2 hours after taking 75 g glucose in 51 untreated type 2 diabetic patients, 30 males and 21 females, and 52 sex and age matched normal control subjects Blood glucose, blood pressure, height, weight, waist circumstance, hip girth were measured Body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR), and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI)were calculated Results In comparison with the control, the diabetic group had higher waist to hip ratio (WHR) and serum insulin levels ( P 0 05), but significantly lower resistin levels both in the fasting status (23 ng/ml±15 ng/ml vs 30 ng/ml±18 ng/ml, P 0 05) and 2 hours after glucose loading (22 ng/ml±11 ng/ml vs 31 ng/ml±15 ng/ml, P 0 001) The leptin level was not statistically different between the two groups ( P 0 05) The resistin level 2 hours after glucose loading was not significantly different between these 2 groups Correlation analysis demonstrated that fasting resistin level was not correlated with sex, BMI, leptin, and blood pressure, but positively correlated with QUICKI ( r =0 30, P 0 01) and negatively correlated with blood glucose( r =-0 21, P 0 05) Conclusion The serum resistin level of patients with type 2 diabetes is reduced rather than increased in fasting status and 2 hours after glucose taking Resistin may not be the major link between obesity and diabetes in human beings Since human resistin level is positively correlated with insulin sensitivity, the use of term "resistin", originally for its resistance to insulin, may be somewhat premature

Deletion of p15 and p16 genes and overexpression of STK15 gene in human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To investigate the association of p15 and p16 genes deletion, and STK15 gene overexpression with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). METHODS The cancer tissue and surrounding normal tissue were taken during operation from 50 cases of LSCC who had undergone neither chemotherapy nor radiotherapy preoperatively. DNA was extracted and PCR was used to test the homozygous deletion of p15 exon 2 (p15E2) and p16 exon 2 (p16E2). RNA was extracted, cDNA was synthesized by reverse transcription, and the expression of STK15 gene was tested by PCR with beta-actin as inner control. At the same time the expression of STK15 in human LSCC Hep-2 cell line was tested. The ratio of ADV (average density value) of STK15 gene to the ADV of beta-actin gene was calculated. RESULTS The rate of p15E2 deletion was 12% (6/50) and that of p16E2 was 14% (7/50). The p15E2 and p16E2 codeletion rate was 6% (3/50). In 34 of the 50 cases (68%) the expression of STK15 gene in tumor tissue was higher than that of the paired surrounding normal tissue with a significant difference. The ratio of ADV of STK15 gene to ADV of beta-actin gene was 1.03 +/- 0.30 in the cancer tissue, and 0.89 +/- 0.22 in the paired normal tissue with a significant difference (t = 4.333, P < 0.01). The expression of STK15 gene was higher than that of beta-actin in Hep-2 cell line. CONCLUSION The homozygous deletion of p15E2 and p16E2 and overexpression of STK15 gene may play a role in the oncogenesis and malignant progression of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.