[Correlation between serum growth differentiation factor 11 level and severity of coronary artery disease in patients with acute myocardial infarction]

Objective: To investigate the correlation between serum growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) level and coronary artery lesions in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and the predictive efficacy of nomogram risk prediction model based on GDF11 combined with traditional risk factors on the occurrence of STEMI. Methods: This study was a retrospective cross-sectional study. Patients hospitalized in the Department of Cardiology of the 904th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of People's Liberation Army of China from 2016 to 2018 were selected and divided into control group and STEMI group. The demographic data, blood lipid level, laboratory indicators of blood and GDF11 level were collected. Logistic regression analysis screened out independent correlated factors for the occurrence of STEMI. Spearman correlation analysis clarified the correlation of each indicator with the SYNTAX or Gensini scores. A nomogram risk prediction model for the risk of STEMI occurrence and the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to compare the prediction efficiency of each model. Results: A total of 367 patients were enrolled, divided into control group (n=172) and STEMI group (n=195), age (66.5±11.8), male 222 (60.49%). The serum GDF11 level of STEMI group was significantly lower than that of the control group (36.20 (16.60, 70.75) μg/L vs. 85.00 (53.93, 117.10) μg/L, P<0.001). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed serum GDF11(OR=0.98, 95%CI: 0.97-0.99) and traditional independent risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, C-reactive protein, homocysteine, lipoprotein (a) and apolipoprotein A1/B were independent correlate factors for the occurrence of STEMI (P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that serum GDF11 was negatively correlated with SYNTAX score and Gensini score (P<0.05). The nomogram model constructed by serum GDF11 combined with traditional independent risk factors (AUC=0.85, 95%CI: 0.81-0.89) had better predictive value for the occurrence of STEMI than the traditional nomogram model constructed by independent risk factors(AUC=0.80, 95%CI:0.75-0.84) or serum GDF11 (AUC=0.76, 95%CI: 0.72-0.81), all P<0.01. Conclusions: Serum GDF11 is an independent correlate factor in the occurrence of STEMI and is negatively correlated with the severity of coronary artery lesions in patients with STEMI. The nomogram model constructed based on GDF11 combined with traditional risk factors can be a good predictor for the occurrence of STEMI.

[The textbooks in the North China Medical College]

The North China Medical College typically represented medical colleges for traditional Chinese medicine in the 1930s when many of them were set up. It was based on the principles of centring on traditional Chinese medicine, following western medicine and integrated medicine in teaching. This led to the emergence of a great number of people with a high level of traditional Chinese medicine and strong belief in it. In terms of the textbooks and handouts for western medicine, compared to similar textbooks in other medical colleges, such as the Medical College of Xie He, at that time, the textbooks in the North China Medical College covered a variety of perspectives and categories. It was found that 20 textbooks for western medicine in the North China Medical College were designed reasonably in content and were simple and applicable in teaching. More importantly, it contained some traditional Chinese medicine in different degrees, with its typical characteristics. The course design and textbook compilation provided references for the teaching in contemporary medical universities.

[Endoscopic lateral neck dissection via the breast and transoral approaches for papillary thyroid carcinoma: a report of 10 cases]

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of endoscopic lateral neck dissection via the breast and transoral approaches (ELNDBTOA) for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Methods: From February 2015 to April 2019, 10 patients with PTC (cN1b) including 1 male and 9 females aged from 22 to 53 years old received ELNDBTOA in the General Surgery Department of Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University. Total thyroidectomy, the central lymph node dissection and the selective neck dissection (levels Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ) were performed endoscopically via the breast approach, and then the residual lymph nodes were dissected via transoral approach. The medical records, operation time, blood loss, complications and postoperative follow-up outcomes were analyzed retrospectively. SPSS 22.0 software package was used for statistical processing of clinical data of patients. Results: All cases were successfully treated with ELNDBTOA without transfer to open surgery. The average operative time was (362.5±79.7) min, the blood loss was (23.0±14.9) ml, and the postoperative hospital stay was (5.1±1.3) days. The mean number of harvested cervical lymph nodes were (34.2±25.8), and the mean number of positive lymph nodes were (6.5±4.9). Lymph nodes were dissected by the further dissection via oral approach in 6 patients and a total of 9 lateral lymph nodes were havested from 2 of the 6 patients, with 3 positive lymph nodes. Two patients had transient skin numbness in the mandibular area and recovered within two weeks. One patient developed transient hypoparathyroidism and recovered within two months. No secondary bleeding, recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis, chylous leakage, neck infection, permanent hypoparathyroidism or other complications were observed. The follow-up time was from 16 to 66 months with a median of 42.5 months, no tumor recurrence or metastasis occurred, and also no obvious deformity, abnormal sensation or movement in the chest, neck and mouth was observed. Conclusions: ELNBTOA is safe and feasible, with good cosmetic outcome.

[The role and mechanism of human trophoblastic cell surface antigen 2 in the invasion and metastasis of ovarian cancer]

Objective: To explore the role and molecular mechanism of trophoblastic cell surface antigen 2 (Trop2) in the invasion and migration of ovarian cancer. Methods: Through the data mining of Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia and TCGA database, the clinical significance of Trop2 expression was analyzed. Western blot was used to detect Trop2 protein expression in ovarian cancer cell lines including A3O, A1780 and SKOV3. SKOV3 cells were used to construct Trop2-short hairpin RNA (shRNA) cell model. Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the SKOV3 mRNA expression in SKOV3-shRNA and SKOV3-NC cells. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) was used to detect the proliferation of SKOV3-shRNA cells and SKOV3-NC cells. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell cycle and apoptosis in two groups of cells. Transwell array was used to detecte the invasion and migration of SKOV3-shRNA cells and SKOV3-NC cells. Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of AKT, p-AKT, β-catenin, caspase3, bcl-2, E-cadherin and vimentin. Results: Trop2 mRNA highly expressed in ovarian cancer, and was related to the tumor stage and patient survival. Compared with A3O cells, Trop2 overexpressed in A1780 and SKOV3 cells (P<0.05). The relative expression levels of Trop2 mRNA in SKOV3-NC group and SKOV3-shRNA group were 1.18±0.24 and 0.42±0.08, with statistically significant difference (P<0.05). The results of CCK-8 array showed that the cell viability of SKOV3-NC group was significantly higher than that of SKOV3-shRNA group (P<0.05). The proportion of G(0)/G(1) cells in SKOV3-NC and SKOV3-shRNA groups were (38.67±4.22)% and (60.24±8.17)%, respectively. G(0)/G(1) arrest was observed in SKOV3-shRNA cells (P<0.05). The apoptosis rate of SKOV3-shRNA group was (26.32±1.81)%, significantly higher than (6.54±1.32)% of SKOV3-NC group (P<0.05). The number of migrating SKOV3 cells in the SKOV3-shRNA and SkOV3-NC groups were 1 255.83±108.44 and 1 679.71±213.92, while the number of invading cells were 242.49±52.09 and 473.54±73.11, respectively. Compared with the SKOV3-NC group, the number of migrating and invading SKOV3-shRNA group was significantly reduced (all P<0.05). The expressions of p-AKT2, Bcl-2, vimentin and β-catenin were down-regulated, and the expressions of caspase 3 and E-cadherin were up-regulated in SKOV3-shRNA cells. There was no significant change in the total protein level of AKT. Conclusions: Trop2 expression is related to ovarian cancer stage and postoperative survival. Trop2 can promote ovarian cancer cell proliferation and metastasis by activating the AKT/β-catenin signaling pathway and knockdown of Trop2 inhibits the progression of ovarian cancer.

Dietary supplementation with arginine and glutamic acid enhances key lipogenic gene expression in growing pigs

Our previous study showed dietary supplementation with Arg and Glu increased intramuscular fat deposition and decreased back fat thickness in pigs, suggesting that the genes involved in lipid metabolism might be regulated differently in muscle and s.c. adipose (SA) tissues. Sixty Duroc × Large White × Landrace pigs with an average initial BW of 77.1 ± 1.3 kg were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatment groups (castrated male to female ratio = 1:1). Pigs in the control group were fed a basic diet, and those in experimental groups were fed the basic diet supplemented with 2.05% alanine (isonitrogenous group), 1.00% arginine (Arg group), 1.00% glutamic acid + 1.44% alanine (Glu group), or 1.00% arginine + 1.00% glutamic acid (Arg+Glu group). Fatty acid percentages and mRNA expression levels of the genes involved in lipid metabolism in muscle and SA tissues were examined. The percentages of C14:0 and C16:0 in the SA tissue of Glu group pigs and C14:0 in the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle of Glu and Arg+Glu groups decreased ( < 0.05) compared to the basic diet group. The Arg+Glu group showed the highest ( < 0.05) hormone-sensitive lipase expression level in SA tissue and higher ( < 0.05) mRNA levels of in the LD muscle than the basic diet and isonitrogenous groups. Additionally, the mRNA level of fatty acid synthase in the Arg+Glu group was more upregulated ( < 0.05) than that of the Arg group. An increase in the mRNA level of in the biceps femoris muscle was also observed in the Arg+Glu group ( < 0.05) compared with the basic diet and isonitrogenous groups. Collectively, these findings suggest that dietary supplementation with Arg and Glu upregulates the expression of genes involved in adipogenesis in muscle tissues and lipolysis in SA tissues.

Dietary supplementation with arginine and glutamic acid modifies growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality in growing-finishing pigs

Sixty Duroc × Large White × Landrace pigs with an average initial BW of 77.1 ± 1.3 kg were used to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with arginine and glutamic acid on growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality in growing-finishing pigs. The animals were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatment groups (12 pigs/group, male:female ratio 1:1). The pigs in the control group were fed a basal diet (basal diet group), and those in the experimental groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 2.05% -alanine (isonitrogenous group), 1.0% -arginine (Arg group), 1% glutamic acid + 1.44% -alanine (Glu group), or 1.0% -arginine + 1.0% glutamic acid (Arg+Glu group). After a 60-d period of supplementation, growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality were evaluated. The results showed no significant differences ( > 0.05) in growth performance and carcass traits of the pigs in the Arg group relative to the basal diet group; however, the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle and back fat showed a decrease ( < 0.05) in the percentage of SFA. In the Glu group, the final BW, phase 1 (d 1 to 30) and phase 2 (d 31 to 60) ADFI, and average back fat thickness of the pigs decreased ( < 0.05) by 7.14%, 23.43%, 8.03%, and 33.88%, respectively, when compared with the basal diet group. Dietary Arg+Glu supplementation had no effect ( > 0.05) on the final BW, phase 2 ADFI, and average daily weight gain in pigs but decreased ( < 0.05) their phase 1 ADFI, average back fat thickness, and percentage of SFA in the LD muscle and back fat, and increased ( < 0.05) the i.m. fat (IMF) content of the LD and biceps femoris muscles when compared with the basal diet group. Furthermore, a 16% decrease in yellowness (b* value; < 0.05) was observed in the Arg+Glu group pigs when compared with the isonitrogenous group. These findings suggest that dietary supplementation with both Arg and Glu beneficially increases the IMF deposition and improves the meat color and fatty acid composition without affecting growth performance and s.c. fat in pigs, providing a novel strategy to enhance meat quality in growing-finishing pigs.

Developmental changes in polyamines and autophagic marker levels in normal and growth-restricted fetal pigs

Polyamines are essential for embryonic and fetal survival, growth, and development. Additionally, polyamines may induce autophagy in mammalian cells. However, little is known about the availability of polyamines or autophagy in the porcine conceptus with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). The present study was performed to evaluate the developmental changes of polyamine concentrations in IUGR and normal porcine fetuses as well as autophagic marker levels in the fetal intestinal mucosa during the second half of gestation when most fetal growth occurs. Allantoic fluid (ALF), amniotic fluid (AMF), umbilical vein, and the small-intestinal mucosa were obtained from both IUGR and normal fetal pigs at d 60, 90, and 110 of gestation. Concentrations of polyamines in fetal fluids as well as protein abundances of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3B (LC3B), an autophagic marker, in the fetal small-intestinal mucosa were determined. Concentrations of polyamines varied greatly in different fetal compartments and changed substantially with advancing gestation. Concentrations of polyamines in IUGR fetal fluids and the small-intestinal mucosa were markedly different from those in their normal counterparts at d 60 and 90 of gestation, whereas most of the differences were not detected by late (d 110) gestation. Specifically, polyamine levels were lower in the umbilical vein plasma but higher in ALF and AMF from IUGR fetuses. Furthermore, enhanced levels of an autophagic marker were observed in the small-intestinal mucosa of IUGR fetuses throughout mid and late gestation in association with abnormal spermidine levels in fetal plasma. These findings support the notion that enhanced autophagy may be an important survival mechanism in IUGR fetuses. Collectively, our findings provide a new framework for future studies to define the roles for polyamines in the prevention and treatment of IUGR in both human medicine and animal production.

Association between the XPG gene Asp1104His polymorphism and lung cancer risk

It has been suggested that the xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group G (XPG) gene Asp1104His polymorphism is linked to susceptibility to lung cancer. However, the results from the published studies are contradictory rather than conclusive. With this meta-analysis, we aimed to achieve a better understanding of the effects of the XPG gene Asp1104His polymorphism on lung cancer risk. We identified six eligible studies from five publications that included a total of 2293 lung cancer patients and 2586 controls. There was a significant association between the XPG gene Asp1104His polymorphism and lung cancer (His/His vs Asp/Asp: OR = 1.24, 95%CI = 1.04-1.48; Asp/His vs Asp/Asp: OR = 1.17, 95%CI = 1.03-1.34; the dominant model: OR = 1.18, 95%CI = 1.04-1.33; the recessive model: OR = 1.10, 95%CI = 0.94-1.28). In a subgroup analysis by nationality, we found a significant association between the XPG gene Asp1104His polymorphism and lung cancer risk in Asians. No publication bias was found in this study. The results from this meta-analysis indicate that the XPG gene Asp1104His polymorphism is associated with lung cancer risk, especially in Asians.

Portal serum constituents possible determinants for anatomical localization ofSchistosoma mansoni during maturation and reproduction

Coupled adult pairs ofSchistosoma mansoni were incubated in medium containing either peripheral or portal serum from rat, rabbit, hamster, or man, and egg production was measured daily. In all cases egg production was significantly increased for pairs in the presence of portal sera compared with that in the presence of peripheral sera. Fractionation of rabbit portal serum according to molecular weight demonstrated that the most active component(s) were in the range of 2000 to 50,000. Similarly, a rat portal serum fraction in the range of 2000 to 30,000 molecular weight was most stimulatory. These fractions were as effective in stimulating oviposition as whole portal serum.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) portal serum factor(s) exist that stimulateS. mansoni oviposition in vitro; (2) they are present in susceptible and nonsusceptible hosts; and (3) the molecular weight range for the active components is larger than would be expected for simple carbohydrates, amino acids, or free fatty acids absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Rare synchronous primary large B-cell gastric lymphoma and huge retroperitoneal liposarcoma with inguinal hernia in chronic hepatitis B patient

Multiple primary neoplasms with synchronous or metachronous presentation are rare, although the incidence has recently increased because of several factors. We present the case of a 53-year-old patient with chronic hepatitis B who presented with abdominal mass, mild abdominal pain, and inguinal hernia. Computed tomography imaging demonstrated diffuse thickening of the gastric antral wall, together with a huge heterogeneous abdominal mass with predominant fat attenuation with septa that showed mild enhancement on contrast-enhanced scans. Distal gastrectomy and wide resection of the retroperitoneal mass was performed. Pathology exam led to a diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell gastric lymphoma with retroperitoneal liposarcoma. This is a rare case of a primary gastric lymphoma with another primary (sarcomatous) malignancy occurring synchronously in same patient.

The presence and expression of the hepatitis B virus in human oocytes and embryos

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to explore the potential for vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) from parents to offspring via human germ cells.

METHODS

For study samples, 250 oocytes from hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seropositive women and 578 embryos from couples with at least one HBsAg seropositive partner were collected. HBV DNA in the nuclei of oocytes and embryos was detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization; HBsAg expression was analysed using immunofluorescence; and serum HBV DNA levels were measured by real-time PCR. The HBV infection duration of the women and the serum HBsAg status of their mothers were also examined.

RESULTS

HBV DNA was present in 9.6% (24/250) of oocytes and 14.4% (83/578) of embryos. Rates of HBV DNA positive embryos were similar among couples in which the woman, man or both partners were HBsAg seropositive, 13.1% (57/436), 21.3% (16/75) and 14.9% (10/67), respectively. Rates of positivity in oocytes and embryos were significantly higher in a group with high serum levels HBV DNA than in a group with lower serum levels (P= 0.004 and P= 0.002, respectively). Higher rates of oocyte positivity were found for women whose mothers were HBV infected compared with those with uninfected mothers. Expression of HBsAg was observed in 8.7% (2/28) oocytes and 14.1% (10/71) embryos (P= 0.34).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of HBV DNA in human oocytes or embryos was related to the women's serum levels of HBV DNA and the infection status of their mothers. The HBV positive embryos were either maternally or paternally dependent. HBV infection may result in vertical transmission to the offspring via germ cells.

Soybean-derived beta-conglycinin affects proteome expression in pig intestinal cells in vivo and in vitro

It is well known that β-conglycinin, a soybean allergen, induces allergies and causes intestinal damage in fetuses and neonates. However, the underlying mechanisms responsible for the adverse effects of β-conglycinin remain elusive. In particular, it is unknown whether or not this dietary substance causes direct damage affecting the proliferation and integrity of intestinal cells. This study evaluated the effect of different concentrations of β-conglycinin (0 to 1,500 µg/mL) and the duration of culture (48 or 72 h) on the proliferation and proteome of porcine intestinal epithelial cells. Eight individually housed piglets (10 d old; initial BW, 3.79 ± 0.07 kg) were randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 4) and challenged with or without β-conglycinin via oral administration d 10 through 28. After the last administration of β-conglycinin or PBS, piglets were killed and jejuna mucosal samples were collected for proteomic analysis. Supplementing β-conglycinin to either culture medium or weanling pigs increased (P < 0.05) the expression of proteins related to apoptosis, stress, and inflammation, but decreased (P < 0.05) the expression of proteins related to cytoskeleton and nucleus replication in intestinal cells. Further analysis confirmed an increase in caspase-3 expression in the cells exposed to β-conglycinin in vivo and in vitro. Collectively, these novel results indicate that β-conglycinin directly induces intestinal damage by depressing intestinal-cell growth, damaging the cytoskeleton, and causing apoptosis in the piglet intestine.

Gene therapy for metabolic diseases of the liver

Significant advances have been made in the field of liver-directed gene therapy. Many diseases are potential targets for gene therapy, including diseases that have exclusive liver involvement and those with systemic manifestations as a result of defective protein synthesis from the liver. Examples are Crigler-Najjar syndrome type 1, alpha(1)-antitrypsin deficiency and haemophilia A and B. Strategies for gene delivery include the use of viral and nonviral vectors. In addition to previously developed viral vectors, such as retroviruses, adenoviruses and adeno-associated viruses, new viral vectors such as lentiviruses are being investigated extensively. Nonviral vectors for gene delivery include liposomes and receptor-mediated gene therapy. A strategy to correct gene defects has been developed using chimaeric RNA/DNA oligonucleotides, and methods to inhibit aberrant or deleterious gene expression using ribozymes, antisense oligonucleotides and dominant-negative gene products are being developed. However, more research focusing on more efficient gene expression and safety will be required before gene therapy can be routinely applicable.

Differential composition of proteomes in sow colostrum and milk from anterior and posterior mammary glands

Piglets obtaining milk from anterior and middle mammary glands (MG) grow faster than those suckling posterior MG, but the underlying mechanisms are not clear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differential proteomes of colostrum and milk secreted by anterior and posterior MG. Six healthy primiparous sows with 7 pairs of MG were used; the first and the second pairs were defined as anterior MG and the sixth and seventh pairs as posterior MG. Colostrum and milk were collected at d 1 and 14 after parturition, respectively. Comparative proteomics analysis was performed to identify the differentially expressed proteins in colostrum and milk secreted by anterior and posterior MG. Results show that protein composition in colostrum and milk varied markedly with the anatomical location of MG. Immunoglobulins, lactadherin, and haptoglobin were upregulated (P < 0.05) in colostrum from anterior MG compared with posterior MG. Concentrations of immunoglobulins and lactoferrin in milk from anterior MG were greater (P < 0.05) than milk from posterior MG. Moreover, concentration of proteins from somatic cells was greater (P < 0.05) in milk from posterior MG compared with anterior MG. Most proteins, in which abundance was upregulated in colostrum and milk from anterior MG, contribute to passive immunity, intestinal development of suckling piglets and epithelial integrity, and the health of MG. Collectively, these results indicate that in comparison with posterior MG, anterior MG are more active in protein synthesis and produce more immunoglobulins and lactoferrin in colostrum and milk.

The use of surrogate vascular markers in youth at risk for premature cardiovascular disease

Premature cardiovascular disease (CVD) begins in youth--a crucial period when modification of the disease may have the greatest impact. Failure to diagnose preclinical CVD at this stage misses a major opportunity to prevent the long-term consequences of this disease. An array of surrogate vascular markers (SVMs) are now available that can determine the extent of preclinical vascular injury in the pediatric population. These SVMs include flow-mediated vasodilatation, carotid intima media thickness, arterial stiffness, and biomarkers including high sensitivity C-reactive protein, cell adhesion molecules and methylarginines. We believe that the use of these SVMs will help to develop a better understanding of early pathological vascular changes in youth, facilitate earlier diagnosis of preclinical atherosclerosis and provide an objective measure of the vascular effects of any therapeutic intervention aimed at risk factor modification. Ultimately, our future health will depend on carefully balancing the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment in high-risk youth with the long-term risk of CVD. The application of SVMs in the pediatric population will help us achieve this balance.

Positional effects and strand preference of RNA interference against hepatitis C virus target sequences

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) 3'-untranslated region (UTR) and negative-strand RNA sequences contribute cis-acting functions essential to viral RNA replication. Although efficient suppression of HCV replicon RNA in cell culture has been demonstrated with small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) directed against various sequences in the 5' UTR and coding regions, data regarding siRNA targeting of the 3' UTR have been lacking. Furthermore, it has not been definitively shown whether the active constructs, identified to date, exert their effect exclusively via suppression of the replicon positive strand, negative strand or some combination of both strands. In the present study, we assayed inhibitory activity of various siRNAs targeting the 3' UTR by transient transfection in a subgenomic replicon cell culture model. A survey of 13 candidate target sites in the 3'-UTR X sequence indicated a uniformly low activity of siRNA constructs against the steady-state level of replicon. In contrast, the majority of these same siRNAs exhibited high activity against HCV X sequences of either polarity when these targets were presented in the context of a mammalian polymerase II mRNA transcript. Transfection of siRNAs directed against other regions of the replicon revealed differences in the magnitude of inhibitory effects against positive-strand and negative-strand target sites. Strand preference of siRNA activity was further demonstrated through the introduction of base-pair-destabilizing mutations that promote strand-specific targeting. The results suggest that the HCV positive-strand 5' UTR and coding region are efficiently and directly targeted by siRNA, whereas the 3' UTR and the entire negative strand are relatively resistant to RNA interference.

Chinese herbal ingredients are effective immune stimulators for chickens infected with the Newcastle disease virus

This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of 4 Chinese herbal ingredients (CHI) as immune stimulators for an active vaccine in chickens using both in vitro and in vivo assays. The CHI used were Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), Isatis root polysaccharide (IRPS), Propolis polysaccharide, and Epimedium flavone at various concentrations. Two hundred 14-d-old male White Roman chickens were randomly divided into 10 groups. Chickens in groups 1 to 9 were inoculated with the New-castle disease virus (NDV) strain IV vaccine by intranasal and intraocular administration. Chickens in groups 1 to 8 were also administered subcutaneously on the dorsal region of the neck with 0.5 mL of the corresponding CHI at 2 doses: 29 and 58 mg/kg of BW for APS and IRPS and 7.25 and 14.5 mg/kg of BW for the others, once daily for 3 successive days. In group 9 (CHI-free control) and group 10 (both vaccine- and CHI-free control), chickens were injected with 0.5 mL of physiological saline. New-castle disease virus-specific serum hemagglutination inhibition antibody (Ab) production in immunized chickens was quantified using established methods. The results indicate that a majority of the CHI used at appropriate concentrations were effective in enhancing in vitro proliferation of chick embryo fibroblasts in response to the NDV infection. In vivo administration of CHI to vaccinated chickens (7.25 to 58 mg/kg of BW, depending on type) increased serum anti-NDV hemagglutination inhibition Ab titer concentrations, compared with the administration the NDV alone. For all CHI, a beneficial effect on the Ab production was observed on d 21 after the initiation of the vaccination. On the basis of the in vivo doses used, Propolis polysaccharide and Epimedium flavone were more potent than APS and IRPS in promoting the humoral immune response in the young birds (P < 0.05). Collectively, these findings suggest that appropriate doses of CHI can be used as novel, effective immune stimulators for chickens.

Effect of dietary oligochitosan supplementation on ileal digestibility of nutrients and performance in broilers

The effect of dietary chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) supplementation on ileal digestibilities of nutrients and performance in broilers was assessed by feeding graded levels (0, 50, 100, 150 mg/kg) of COS. Two thousand four hundred male commercial Avian broilers (1-d-old) were assigned randomly to 5 dietary treatment groups (60 birds per pen with 8 pens per treatment). Diet A was a typical corn- and soybean meal-based diet supplemented with 6 mg/kg of an antibiotic flavomycin (positive control). Diet B was the basal diet without any supplement. Diets C, D, and E were formulated by adding 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg of COS to the basal diet, respectively. On the morning of d 21 and 42, 64 birds (8 per pen with 8 pens per treatment) from the growth trial for each age group were killed by cervical dislocation for determination of the ileal digestibilities of nutrients. Dietary supplementation with COS and antibiotic enhanced (P < 0.05) the ileal digestibilities of DM, Ca, P, CP, and all amino acids (except for alanine in the 21-d-old birds or phenylalanine, glutamate, and glycine for the 42-d-old birds). Feed efficiency was improved (P < 0.05) in response to dietary supplementation of an antibiotic or COS (150 mg/kg for d 1 to 21, and 100 and 150 mg/kg for d 21 to 42). The results demonstrate for the first time to our knowledge that dietary COS supplementation was effective in increasing the ileal digestibilities of nutrients and feed efficiency in broilers. Our findings may explain a beneficial effect of COS on chicken growth performance.

The prospects of hepatic drug delivery and gene therapy

Liver targeted therapy is designed to deliver a substance preferentially to the organ in order to increase the accumulation, improve the therapeutic effect and reduce toxicity to other organs. The aim of selective targeting is to deliver a substance to a specific cell type in the liver. A variety of vehicles have been designed and further modified for selective targeting of therapeutics to the liver. The targeting properties and strategies of commonly used agents, such as liposomes, microspheres and recombinant chylomicrons, are discussed. Viral and non-viral vectors, such as cationic liposomes, reconstituted chylomicron remnants, adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses, retroviruses, and SV-40, are currently being evaluated for the delivery of DNA to the liver. New developments in improving the targeting efficiency of the available vectors while avoiding their disadvantages have made their use in clinical trials of various genetic disorders possible. For viral hepatitis, antisense and ribozyme techniques are being employed with selective targeting approaches. A commonly employed current strategy for targeting hepatocellular carcinoma cells is to make the tumour cells convert non-toxic 'prodrugs' to toxic metabolites in situ, achieving a high concentration of the toxic product in the local milieu, while avoiding systemic toxicity. Although gene therapy itself is in its infancy, some encouraging results have been developed in studies of familial hypercholesterolaemia, haemophilia, alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency and Crigler-Najjar syndrome. The potential strengths as well as the problems with these studies are discussed.

Association study of an SNP combination pattern in the dopaminergic pathway in paranoid schizophrenia: a novel strategy for complex disorders

Schizophrenia is a common mental disorder with a complex pattern of inheritance. Despite a large number of studies in the past decades, its molecular etiology remains unknown. In this study, we proposed a 'system-thinking' strategy in seeking the combined effect of susceptibility genes for a complex disorder by using paranoid schizophrenia as an example. We genotyped 85 reported single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) present in 23 genes for the dopamine (DA) metabolism pathway among 83 paranoid schizophrenics and 108 normal controls with detailed clinical and genetic information. We developed two novel multilocus approaches-the potential effective SNP combination pattern and potential effective dynamic effects analysis, by which three susceptibility genotype combinations were found to be associated with schizophrenia. These results were also validated in a family-based cohort consisting of 95 family trios of paranoid schizophrenia. The present findings suggest that the COMT and ALDH3 combination may be the most common type involved in predisposing to schizophrenia. Since the combination blocks the whole pathways for the breakdown of DA and noradrenaline, it is very likely to play a central role in developing paranoid schizophrenia.

Arginine stimulates intestinal cell migration through a focal adhesion kinase dependent mechanism

BACKGROUND

L-Arginine is a nutritional supplement that may be useful for promoting intestinal repair. Arginine is metabolised by the oxidative deiminase pathway to form nitric oxide (NO) and by the arginase pathway to yield ornithine and polyamines.

AIMS

To determine if arginine stimulates restitution via activation of NO synthesis and/or polyamine synthesis.

METHODS

We determined the effects of arginine on cultured intestinal cell migration, NO production, polyamine levels, and activation of focal adhesion kinase, a key mediator of cell migration.

RESULTS

Arginine increased the rate of cell migration in a dose dependent biphasic manner, and was additive with bovine serum concentrate (BSC). Arginine and an NO donor activated focal adhesion kinase (a tyrosine kinase which localises to cell matrix contacts and mediates beta1 integrin signalling) after wounding. Arginine stimulated cell migration was dependent on focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signalling, as demonstrated using adenovirus mediated transfection with a kinase negative mutant of FAK. Arginine stimulated migration was dependent on NO production and was blocked by NO synthase inhibitors. Arginine dependent migration required synthesis of polyamines but elevating extracellular arginine concentration above 0.4 mM did not enhance cellular polyamine levels.

CONCLUSIONS

These results showed that L-arginine stimulates cell migration through NO and FAK dependent pathways and that combination therapy with arginine and BSC may enhance intestinal restitution via separate and convergent pathways.

Secondary structure and hybridization accessibility of the hepatitis C virus negative strand RNA 5'-terminus

The positive strand RNA genome of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is transcribed exclusively from a full-length cytoplasmic replication intermediate, the negative strand RNA. Despite this essential role in hepatocellular infection, the negative strand has not yet been subjected to extensive molecular characterization, and in comparison with the HCV genome and proteome, remains relatively unexplored as a target for antiviral therapy. The highly conserved negative strand terminal sequences, complementary to the positive strand 5'- and 3'-untranslated regions, are believed to contribute structural features essential for the initiation of positive strand synthesis and the maintenance of template integrity. We investigated the solution structure of the HCV negative strand 5'-terminal region by endoribonuclease mapping and thermodynamic modelling of RNA secondary structure. The enzymatic probing data are consistent with structural models featuring a large terminal stem loop (SL), which constitutes a mirror image of the complementary 3'-X region SL I structure. Nucleotide positions within the negative strand accessible to hybridization were mapped by RNase H digestion in the presence of combinatorial oligonucleotide libraries. The hybridization data further support the existence of a terminal SL, and reveal target sites within the negative strand 5'-terminus which may be susceptible to antisense-mediated inhibition.

Structure-based design of hepatitis C virus inhibitors

The limitations of current treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have prompted the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting events specific to viral replication. Over the past decade, advances in the study of HCV molecular biology have led to the identification of cis-acting RNA sequences and viral enzymatic activities which present attractive targets for inhibition. High-resolution, three-dimensional structures of the HCV serine protease, helicase and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase have been determined through X-ray crystallographic studies. More recently, solution structures of these proteins and the HCV internal ribosome entry site have been evaluated by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and electron microscopy. Mutational analysis and structural characterization of these macromolecules in complex with bound substrates, cofactors and inhibitors has further defined the various electrochemical interactions which mediate protein-protein, protein-RNA and other intermolecular contacts. This review will discuss the available structural data with respect to the rational design of HCV enzyme inhibitors and the development of antisense-based therapeutic strategies, such as RNA interference.

[Fragile X mental retardation protein interacts with human NDK/Nm23-H2]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the physiological role of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) and screen the proteins interacting with FMRP in human fetal hippocampus cDNA library.

METHODS

Human fetal hippocampus cDNA library was constructed in yeast two-hybrid DAD vector pGAD10. Quality of the library was measured by picking up random colonies as templates for PCR testing. Proteins interacting with FMRP were screened by yeast two-hybrid system. Furthermore, the interaction site of FMRP was mapped in yeast.

RESULTS

The average length of inserts of the two-hybrid library was 1.5 kb, and the ratio of recombinant colonies was about 90%. Human NDK/Nm23-H2 was found interacting with FMRP. NDK/Nm23-H2 interacted with FMRP exon 1-12, as well as FMRP isoforms without exon 12, and exons 14-17. NDK/Nm23-H2 couldn't interact with FMRP exon 1-6 and exon 2-7 fragments.

CONCLUSIONS

Human NDK/Nm23-H2 can bind FMRP directly. The interaction site of FMRP is located at its exon 1-11. This interaction in vitro might alter the intracellular distribution of NDK/Nm23-H2, and even regulates the transcription and expression of FMRP.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of extract of Ginkgo biloba added to haloperidol in treatment-resistant patients with schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

Many studies have indicated that excess free radical formation may be involved in the pathogenesis of patients with schizophrenia. Some investigators suggested that the use of free radical scavengers might provide improvement in schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness and to evaluate the side effects of extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb) plus haloperidol in chronic, treatment-resistant inpatients with schizophrenia.

METHOD

One hundred nine patients meeting DSM-III-R criteria for schizophrenia completed a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of EGb plus haloperidol. Fifty-six of the patients were randomly assigned to receive a fixed dose of 360 mg/day of EGb plus a stable dose of haloperidol, 0.25 mg/kg/day, and 53 were assigned to receive placebo plus the same dose of haloperidol for 12 weeks. Patients were assessed using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), and the Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS) at baseline, week 6, and week 12 and the Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS) for side effects at week 12.

RESULTS

There was a significant reduction in both groups in BPRS total score after 12 weeks of treatment (p < .05). However, a significant reduction in total SAPS and SANS scores was noted in the EGb group (p < .05), but not in the placebo group. There was a lower SAPS total score in the EGb group than in the placebo group at the end of 12 weeks of treatment (p < .05). Of those treated with EGb plus haloperidol, 57.1% were rated as responders as compared with only 37.7% of those receiving placebo plus haloperidol when assessed by the SAPS (chi2 = 4. 111, p = .043). After 12 weeks of treatment, TESS subscore 1 (behavioral toxicity) and subscore 3 (symptoms of nerve system) were significantly decreased in the EGb group compared with the placebo group (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

EGb treatment may enhance the effectiveness of antipsychotic drugs and reduce their extrapyramidal side effects.