[Relationship between human papillomavirus E7 protein and Rb gene product in fresh tissues of squamous cervical carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To study the possibility of complex formation of the E7 protein encoded by human papillomavirus (HPV) binding to retinoblastoma gene product (pRb) in fresh samples of squamous cervical carcinoma (SCC).

METHODS

HPV 6/11, 16, 18, 33 DNA were detected in 40 samples of by polymerase chain reaction technique (PCR). The complexes of HPV E7-pRb were examined in fresh tissues of HPV contained SCC through capture enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (capture-ELISA).

RESULTS

45.0% (18/40) of the samples were proved to be HPV positive by PCR. Out of 18 samples with HPV positive samples, the complexes of HPV E7-pRb were detected in 9 cses, including 1 HPV18 positive and 8 HPV16 positives. The complexes of HPV E7-pRb were not found in 2 cases of positive HPV 6/11. No correlation was observed between the E7 protein binding to pRb and the histological grade of cervical carcinoma (P < 0.05). There was correlation with clinical staging, the number of cases showing that the E7 protein pRb complex in stage I was significantly higher than that in stages II-IV (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The complex of "high risk" HPV E7-pRb was demonstrated in fresh tissues of SCC. There is no correlation between the complex and histological grade of SCC. The complex formation may occur in the early developmental stage of cervical cancer.

[Determination of Cu, Pb, Sn, Fe and Zn in the ancient Chinese bronzes by X-ray fluorescence filter paper method]

The determination of Cu, Pb, Sn, Fe and Zn in the ancient chinese bronzes has been performed using X-ray fluorescence filter paper method. The result is satisfactory. The samples are dissolved in the HCl-H2O2 system, ard then the solution is dropped on the filter paper. It is convenient for detection by XRF. In addition this method is efficient to reduce the matrix effect of sample. The correlative coefficients of calibration curves between element concentration and X-ray intensity are over 0.99. The rate of recovery is 97-104%, and the relative standard deviation for each element is less than 2.00%. The copper's result measured by this method agrees well with that of chemical method. This method is simple, rapid and accurate. It is also applied to determine the elements in the other ancient objects.

[P53 protein expression in malignant germ cell tumor of ovary and its relationship with clinical course and prognosis]

To study the relationship of P53 protein expression with clinical course and prognosis in malignant germ cell tumor of ovary P53 protein expression was examined by immunohistochemical ABC methods in 82 cases of the neoplasm and 20 cases of normal ovary tissue. The results showed that no expression of P53 protein was detected in normal ovarian tissue. The total expression rate of P53 protein was 24.39% in neoplasm, and the expression was not significantly correlated with the different histological types of neoplasm. The study however found that the protein expression of p53 gene was significantly correlated with the clinical stages and prognosis of the neoplasm.

[The comparison of clinical and surgical-pathological staging for endometrial carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the differences between clinical (FIGO 1971) and surgical-pathological (FIGO 1989) stagings of endometrial carcinoma and to investigate the advantage and the feasibility of the surgical-pathological staging.

METHODS

Clinical and pathological data of 290 patients with endometrial carcinoma surgically treated from 1989 to 1995 were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical and surgical-pathologic staging of these patients were compared. The stagings were analyzed with regards to the prognostic factors of endometrial cancer.

RESULTS

The differences between clinical and surgical-pathologic staging in stage I and II were 19.7% and 80.5% respectively. 4.2% with metastases to the lymph node, 10.6% with positive peritoneal cytology and 60.5% with myometrial invasion were found in clinical stage I. 51.4% with metastases to the lymph nodes, 46.9% with positive peritoneal cytology and 100.0% of myometrial invasion were observed in clinical stage II. The causes of the differences between these two staging systems are: (1) it was impossible before operation to accurately detect metastases of the lymph nodes and malignant cells in the pelvic-peritoneal cavity; (2) when the dilation and curettage was done before operation, the lesions of an involved cervix might be missed or an uninvolved cervix misdiagnosed as metastatic lesion; (3) there were already cancer cells disseminated in the peritoneal cavity.

CONCLUSIONS

The surgical-pathologic staging defines the real extent of endometrial carcinoma. It is advised that at the initial operation attention should be paid to areas beyond the extent of the intended surgery itself. During the initial operation, peritoneal cytology and pelvic and para-aortic lymph node samplings should be done for the purpose of surgical-pathologic staging of the selection of postoperative adjuvant therapy and of providing a clinico-pathological basis for the prediction of prognosis. Since there is a high percentage of misdiagnosis in clinical stage II endometrial carcinoma, special attention is needed in diagnosing and treating such patients.

[Hepatocyte apoptosis in chronic viral hepatitis and its relationship with viral and Fas antigen expression]

To study the apoptosis of hepatocytes and its relationship with viral and Fas antigen expression in viral hepatitis, we detected apoptosis of liver cell and the expression of viral and Fas antigens in liver tissues of patients with chronic hepatitis B and/or C virus infection by using in situ end-labelling and immunohistochemical methods, respectively. 25 of 31 cases were detected end-labelling positive cells in their liver. The stained cells scattered in hepatic lobules, and also located in some necrosis areas and in bile duct epithelium. The apoptosis index was higher in patients with high histological active index (HAI) and in patients with viral antigen(s) positive in their liver than that in patients with low HAI and in patients without viral antigen, respectively. Apoptosis occurred in antigen positive and negative cells. There was no significant difference of apoptosis index between Fas antigen positive and negative group. These results indicated that both the infected and uninfected liver cells could occur apoptosis in patients with viral hepatitis. Further study on the mechanism of liver cell apoptosis is needed.

[Application of spectrophotometry to evaluation of the levels and the influence of chemotherapeutic drugs on ATP of malignant cell lines]

To evaluate the value of ATP spectrophotometry for malignant tumor in vitro chemosensitivity test, Hela and L929 cell lines, which were derived from human cervical carcinoma and mouse fibroma respectively, were investigated. The results showed that when the cellular numbers were > or = 2 x 10(5), the linearity between the ATP concentrations and the cellular numbers was observed, with all 2 cell types studied, and that when L929 cells were incubated with cis-platinum (1x, 2x, 5x x plasma peak concentration, PPC), a marked fall in ATP concentrations was observed and a clear dose-response curve was obtained, but no decrease of ATP concentrations was measured after incubation with adriamycin (1x, 2x, 5x x PPC). This study suggests that ATP spectrophotometry is a cheap, feasible method for studying the energy metabolism and the influence of chemotherapeutic drugs on ATP concentrations of malignant tumor.

[Chemotherapy repeated injection via pelvic retroperitoneal cannulation]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the feasibility of chemotherapy for lymphatic metastases of gynecologic cancer by repeated injection via pelvic retroperitoneal cannulation.

METHODS

5-fluorouracil (5-FU), thiotepa, methofrexate were repeatedly injected into the pelvic retroperitoneal space of 25 dogs and 24 patients respectively via cannulation. Microscope and high-performance liquid chromatography were used to observe the drug concentration of 5-FU and pathologic changes of the involved tissues.

RESULTS

Animal experiment showed no toxicity to vessels, ureter and the normal tissues involved; nodal 5-FU concentration of repeated injection side was 7 to 9 times of that on the peripheral connective tissue (P < 0.05). Clinical study revealed: (1) the external iliac, hypogastric, obturator, deep inguinal and most of the common iliac lymph nodes were submerged in the 5-FU solution; (2) pelvic and periaortic nodal 5-FU concentrations of repeated injection side were 20 to 73 and 27 to 110 times of that on single injection side respectively; nodal 5-FU concentration was 11 to 20 times of that on the peripheral connective tissue; (3) metastatic cancer cells of nodal in the study group showed obvious degeneration and necrosis while no changes in the control; (4) no severe complications or adverse effects were observed.

CONCLUSION

Repeated injection via pelvic retroperitoneal cannulation was feasible and probably more effective for the treatment of lymphatic metastases of gynecologic cancer.

[A study on the factors affecting the result of correction of saddle nose with implant of artificial bone]

This study made statistics of 816 cases of correction of saddle nose with implant dense polycrystalline hydroxylapatite partic artificial bone. The factors which affected the result of the operation included selection of graininess of the artificial bone, design of implanting bed and operating errors, etc. These factors were studied in detail in this paper.

Clodronate prevents bone loss in aged ovariectomized rats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of clodronate to prevent ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteopenia in aged rats. Fourteen-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 166) were randomized into six groups. One group was sacrificed at the start of the study, four groups were ovariectomized, and one group was sham-operated (Sham). The OVX rats were given subcutaneously either vehicle (veh) or clodronate at doses of 3, 7, or 25 mg/kg once a week for 3 months, and the Sham rats were given the vehicle. At all dose levels clodronate inhibited trabecular bone loss in the distal femur and in the fourth lumbar vertebral body (L4), and decreased bone resorption as evidenced by urinary deoxypyridinoline excretion. The lowest dose of clodronate preserved serum osteocalcin and endosteal bone formation of secondary spongiosa in L4 at the level of the Sham/veh group. The OVX-induced increase in periosteal bone formation of femoral diaphysis was unaffected by two smaller doses of clodronate, but was decreased to the level of Sham rats after the highest dose. After 3 mg/kg clodronate, the percentage of femoral cortical bone area and the mean relative cortical thickness were higher compared with the OVX/veh group. There was a good positive correlation between the maximum load in three-point bending of the tibia and tibial ash weight. Normal lamellar pattern of newly formed cancellous and cortical bone was found after clodronate treatment. No signs of adverse accumulation of osteoid or any deleterious effect on mechanical strength of long bones and lumbar vertebrae were found.

Cross-reactivity of skin and serum specific IgE responses and allergen analysis for three mosquito species with worldwide distribution

BACKGROUND

Allergic reactions to mosquito bites are a common problem worldwide. Cross-reactive immunologic responses have not been reported.

OBJECTIVE

For the three most common mosquito species, Aedes (Ae.) vexans, Ae. aegypti, and Culex (Cx.) quinquefaciatus, we investigated skin and serum specific IgE responses and analyzed salivary allergens.

METHODS

Locally, Ae. vexans is a major pest, but Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefaciatus are not found. We studied 41 subjects living in Manitoba, using (1) skin bite tests, (2) ELISA to measure serum mosquito saliva- or salivary gland-specific IgE, (3) ELISA inhibition tests, and (4) sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine of the 41 subjects had skin reactions to Ae. vexans bites. Twenty-two of the 29 also reacted to Ae. aegypti bites. Mean serum mosquito-IgE levels to each of the three species were significantly higher in the reactive subjects than in the nonreactive subjects. Significant intercorrelations were found among skin reactions and mosquito-specific IgE levels for the three species. The Ae. aegypti-IgE ELISA reaction could be inhibited by addition of each mosquito extract. The serum IgE and IgG from Manitobans reacted with the antigens of all three species. A 37 kd allergen in each of the three species was recognized by the antibody against a recombinant Ae. aegypti saliva protein.

CONCLUSIONS

Strong cross-reactive skin and IgE responses and species-shared antigens exist among the three mosquito species studied.

[The spectrum analysis of high performance liquid chromatographic peak by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometric detectors]

In the analysis of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the qualification of chromatographic peak can be carried out by the methods of adding standard, comparing retention time and absorption spectrum etc. This paper reports a simple and practical method for measurement of absorption spectrum of HPLC peak by ultraviolet and visible variable wavelength detector. A BASIC program was edited with Shimadzu C-R4A data processor. Stopping the pump at the retention time we use the program to analyse absorption spectrum of the peak and the absorption spectrum of standard (Cr, PU, UA) by Shimadzu UV-2201 UV-VIS recording spectrophotometer and the absorption spectrum of standard (-S) with sample (-T) by this method are presented. The figure shows that the absorption spectra of the samples of Cr, PU and UA almost completely overlapped with those of the standards. The results showed that this method is reliable.

Heterogeneity of polyclonal IgE characterized by differential charge, affinity to protein A, and antigenicity

Functional and physical heterogeneity of polyclonal IgE has been reported. Extremely low serum concentrations of IgE have limited the study of these important differences. We have purified polyclonal dog IgE and developed polyclonal and monoclonal (mAb C2) anti-dog IgE antibodies. In this study chromatofocusing of dog IgE revealed two biologically active IgE fractions: IgE1 eluted at pH 5.0, and IgE2 eluted at pH 4.7. The two IgE subforms (IgEs) exhibited typical IgE characteristics: positive in the 48-hour passive cutaneous anaphylaxis response, heat-labile, identical molecular weight, and reactive to polyclonal anti-dog IgE. However, the two IgEs were found to be significantly heterogeneous. IgE1 bound to protein A and did not react with mAb C2 in ELISA and isoelectric focusing-immunoblotting, whereas IgE2 did not bind to protein A and reacted with mAb C2. Further, in sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting, IgE2, but not IgE1, reacted with seven well-defined mAb anti-human IgE antibodies and an mAb anti-mouse IgE antibody, even though both IgE1 and IgE2 reacted with polyclonal anti-human and anti-mouse IgE. Neuraminidase or endoglycosidase treatment did not abolish the differential antigenicity and charge of IgE1 and IgE2, although the antigenicity of IgE2 was significantly reduced after incubation with endoglycosidase. These data suggest that carbohydrate moieties are not involved in the observed differences in antigenicity and charge and that the two IgE molecules represent distinct isotypes. In studies with seven purified IgE fractions obtained from different ragweed-allergic dogs, the distribution of ragweed IgE2 varied 200-fold, whereas ragweed total IgE levels varied only fourfold. This raises the possibility of a relationship between different IgEs and the allergic response.

[Correlations of T lymphocyte subsets and IL-2, sIL-2R in patients with malignant ovarian tumor]

To study the relation between malignant ovarian tumor (MOT) and cell mediated immunity, the numbers of T lymphocyte subsets and levels of IL-2 and sIL-2R were measured simultaneously in 40 patients with MOT and 30 normal controls (NC), and the correlations between T subsets and IL-2, T subsets and sIL-2R were analyzed. The results were as follows: (1) The numbers of CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+ and the levels of IL-2 in the patients were lower than those in the NC significantly, and the opposite results were observed about CD8+ and sIL-2R (P < 0.01-0.001); (2) There were positive correlations between CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+ and IL-2 and there were negative correlations between CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+ and sIL-2R in MOT group (P < 0.01-0.001). The results suggested that the T lymphocyte immune function in MOT group was decreased. The reduced numbers of CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+ were related to the decreased levels of IL-2 and the increased levels of sIL-2R. It may be an important factor of incidence and development in MOT.

[Evaluation on ISGP classification of endometrial hyperplasia in clinical application]

To evaluate clinical application of International Society of Gynecologic Pathologists Classification of endometrial hyperplasia 424 patients with endome trial hyperplasia were treated in our hospital from Sept. 1989 to Feb. 1995. Our of these cases, 339 were simple hyperplasia, 28 were complex hyperplasia and 57 atypical hyperplasia. We made an analysis of the cases of complex and atypical hyperplasia in terms of the ISGP classification. The total rate of curettage was 63.5%. The agreement rate for pathologic diagnoses before and after operation was 78%. Under the age of 40, 18 patients had atypical hyperplasia and 15 of them underwent hysterectomy. Eight patients had complex hyperplasia and 3 of them underwent hysterectomy. Above the age of 40, 39 patients had atypical hyperplasia and 30 of them had uterus removed. Twenty patients had complex hyperplasia and 12 of them had uterus removed. These suggest that the ISGP pathologic diagnostic method is good to avoid overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Yet, diagnostic curettage is still the best means in diagnosis before operation.

Reciprocal regulation of delta 1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase and proline dehydrogenase genes controls proline levels during and after osmotic stress in plants

Plants generally accumulate free proline under osmotic stress conditions. Upon removal of the osmotic stress, the proline levels return to normal. In order to understand the mechanisms involved in regulating the levels of proline, we cloned and characterized a proline dehydrogenase (PDH) cDNA from Arabidopsis thaliana (AtPDH). The 1745 bp cDNA contains a major open reading frame encoding a peptide of 499 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence has high homology with both Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Drosophila melanogaster proline oxidases and contains a putative mitochondrial targeting sequence. When expressed in yeast, the AtPDH cDNA complemented a yeast put1 mutation and exhibited proline oxidase activity. We also determined the free proline contents and the delta 1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase (P5CS) and PDH mRNA levels under different osmotic stress and recovery conditions. The results demonstrated that the removal of free proline during the recovery from salinity or dehydration stress involves an induction of the PDH gene while the activity of P5CS declines. The reciprocal regulation of P5CS and PDH genes appears to be a key mechanism in the control of the levels of proline during and after osmotic stress. The PDH gene was also significantly induced by exogenously applied proline. The induction of PDH by proline, however, was inhibited by salt stress.

Studies on metabolism of directly labeled 99mTc-antibody in mice

The elucidation on the metabolic products of the 99mTc-antibody conjugates may provide insights and approaches that would reduce the undesirable deposition of radioactive species in normal tissues. In this investigation, the radiolabeled species in blood, urine, bile and extracts of liver and kidney obtained at different times after the injection of a model antibody, 99mTc-MAb170, into mice were analyzed with various chromatographic methods. Ninety-nine to 100% of the radioactivity in serum was associated with intact MAb170. The radioactivity in liver homogenate extract was strictly protein-bound to either intact MAb or low molecular weight species (LMW). In kidney extracts, the majority of the radioactivity was protein bound 99mTc, with less than 8% of the activity being non-protein bound 99mTc. Multiple 99mTc-containing protein and non-protein species were found in urine and bile. Evidence supporting the presence of 99mTc-cysteine and 99mTc-glutathione in bile, kidney and urine was also obtained. No evidence for the in vivo formation of 99mTc-pertechnetate in mouse blood, liver, kidney, bile and urine was observed.

Defective folding of mutant p16(INK4) proteins encoded by tumor-derived alleles

p16(INK4) is a specific cyclin D-dependent kinase inhibitor and a multiple tumor suppressor. Inactivation of p16 is frequent in both primary tumors and tumor-derived cell lines. We describe here the conformational properties and oligomerization state of seven mutant p16 proteins; all of them are deficient in function. Four of the seven proteins show significantly disrupted secondary structure and backbone folding. The other three adopt partially folded, molten globule-like conformations. These proteins have near-native levels of secondary structure, but lack the ability to undergo a cooperative thermal transition and are substantially less resistant to proteolysis than is wild type p16. At low concentrations, two of the seven proteins are monomers, three exhibit an apparent molecular weight between the value of a monomer and a dimer, and the other two aggregate significantly. Our results strongly suggest that defective protein folding and/or aggregation is a common mechanism for inactivation of p16.

Comparison of proteins, IgE, and IgG binding antigens, and skin reactivity in commercial and laboratory-made mosquito extracts

BACKGROUND

Commercial extracts are available for the diagnosis and treatment of mosquito allergy, but their antigen content has never been analyzed.

OBJECTIVE

We wanted to analyze commercially available mosquito extracts and to compare these extracts with different laboratory preparations.

METHODS

Seven commercially available mosquito whole body extracts from six companies and four laboratory mosquito preparations including saliva extract were studied. Epicutaneous tests and measurement of protein concentration were performed. Protein components were identified by sodium sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and silver stain. IgE and IgG binding antigens were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting with sera from mosquito-allergic subjects.

RESULTS

The seven commercial materials produced wheals and papules ranging from 0 to 36 mm2. Their protein concentrations varied from 0.1 to 4.9 mg/mL. There were significant differences in their protein and antigen components. Some extracts contained multiple highly immunoreactive proteins and IgE- and IgG-binding antigens that are not present in mosquito saliva, but few actual salivary antigens. In the four laboratory preparations, rank ordered from whole body, head and thorax, salivary gland to saliva extracts, the amount of salivary antigens significantly increased, while non-salivary proteins and antigens significantly decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

Commercial mosquito extracts should be standardized. Purer mosquito extracts should be used in diagnosis and immunotherapy of mosquito allergy.

Approaches and reconstruction in skull base operation

OBJECTIVE

To design convenient lateronasal and infrafrontal approaches or lateronasal subvolution approach to radically resect skull base tumors involving cranial cavity.

METHODS

From 1987 through 1994, 22 patients with malignant tumors, 6 with benign tumors, one with a giant sphenoid sinus cyst and one with intranasal meningoencephalocele underwent the operation. Twenty-three cases had anterocranial fossa involved; 4, midcranial fossa; 2, anteromedial cranial fossa; and 1 case, posteromedial cranial fossa. Among the patients with malignant tumors, 11 underwent expansive maxillectomy and 10 had orbital contents resected. The intracranial approaches through lateronasal and infrafront (21 cases), nasal columella lateral subvolution (3 cases) and other approaches were used.

RESULTS

The reconstruction of bony skull base defect in excess of 3.00 cm x 3.00 cm with total front musculocutaneous flap (8 cases), galeal and pericranial flap (5 cases) or other tissues (3 cases) has effectively prevented meningoencephalocele. Twelve cases had the dura resected in a range of 2.00 cm x 2.00 cm to 7.00 cm x 6.00 cm. Reconstruction of the dura defect with autofascia lata in 9 cases and other tissues in 3 cases effectively prevented the cerebrospinal fluid leak. Eight of 22 (36.4%) patients with malignant tumors have been alive and free of disease for 3-7 years after the operation. Six patients with benign tumors, one patient with giant sphenoid sinus cyst and one with meningoencephalocele were cured with this reconstructing method.

CONCLUSIONS

Frontal musculocutaneous and pericranial flaps have advantages over free bone because of easy surviving and easy operating without occurrence of osteonecrosis and exclusive reaction.

Immunologic mechanisms in mosquito allergy: correlation of skin reactions with specific IgE and IgG antibodies and lymphocyte proliferation response to mosquito antigens

BACKGROUND

Allergic reactions to mosquito bites are a common problem. Although IgE-mediated hypersensitivity has been reported, other immunologic mechanisms may be involved.

OBJECTIVES

To study the relationship between skin bite reactions and immunologic parameters.

METHODS

Forty-one subjects were experimentally exposed to mosquito (Aedes vexans) bites. Immediate and delayed skin reactions were traced at 20 minutes and 24 hours, respectively, after the bites. Sera were analyzed for mosquito salivary gland-specific IgE (mosquito-IgE) and IgG (mosquito-IgG) by ELISA. Lymphocyte proliferation assays with mosquito extract were also performed.

RESULTS

One of 41 subjects had only a delayed skin reaction to the bite, 23 had both immediate and delayed reactions, 6 had only immediate reactions, and 11 had no reaction. The mean mosquito-IgE and -IgG concentrations were higher in the subjects with immediate reactions than in those without immediate reactions (P < .007). The mean lymphocyte proliferation stimulation index was higher in the subjects with delayed reactions than in those without delayed reactions (P < .015). Further, both mosquito-IgE and -IgG levels correlated with skin immediate and delayed reactions (P < .04), while lymphocyte proliferation indices only correlated with skin delayed reactions (P < .006). Inverse correlations were found between the size of skin reactions and the number of years lived in Canada (P < .04), but not with age.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that IgE-, lymphocyte- and, probably, local IgG immune-complex-mediated hypersensitivities are involved in mosquito allergy. Naturally acquired desensitization to mosquito bites occurs during long-term exposure.

[The value of urine cystein proteinase and serum CA125 measurement in monitoring the treatment of malignant ovarian tumor]

Urine cystein proteinase (UCP) and serum CA125 were measured in 40 patients with malignant ovarian tumor (malignant group), 40 patients with benign ovarian tumor (benign group), and 40 normal control (normal group). 28 patients in the malignant group underwent UCP and CA125 measurement pre-operation, post-operation, and during three courses of chemotherapy. The enzyme activity of UCP in the malignant group was significantly higher than that in the benign and normal groups (P < 0.05 or 0.01). The values of UCP in patients with malignant tumor of stages II-IV were significantly higher compared with those of stages I-II (P < 0.01, 0.05). The activity of UCP was elevated pre-operation, post-operation, and was much higher on the seventh day postoperation. After the seventh day, UCP activity decreased gradually. Serum CA125 was also detected pre-operation, at 7.30 and 60 days post-operation. The levels of UCP and CA125 pre-operation and 30, 60 days post-operation in the patients whose residual carcinoma lesions were > 2 cm in diameter were apparantly higher than those with no residual lesions (P < 0.05). UCP and CA125 values were measured in six patients before relaparotomy. The sensitivity, specificity, accuaracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for UCP assay are 980%, 100%, 83%, 100% and 50% and those for CA125 assay are 40%, 100%, 80%, 100%, and 25%, respectively.

[The value of CA125 and LDH assays in assisting diagnosis of epithelial ovarian carcinoma]

40 first-treated cases of epithelial ovarian cancer, 13 cases of cervical cancer, 13 cases of corpus cancer and 50 cases of benign tumor were included in this study from Jan. 1991 through May 1992 to evaluate the significance of the blood CA125, LDH, CR and SA levels in assisting diagnosis of epithelical ovarian cancer. The CA125 levels of the 40 canses of ovarian cancer were higher than those of cervical cancer and corpus cancer (P < 0.05); the SS, PLR and AC of CA125 in ovarian cancer were higher than those of LDH, SA and CR (P < 0.05); the SS of CA125 in ovarian cancer was higher than that of LDH isoenzyme (P < 0.05). The results show that CA125 may be the best tumor marker in assisting ovarian cancer; CA125 is more informative than LDH, CR and SA; when CA125 is used incombination with other tumor markers, SS, SP, NPV and PPV can be greatly raised.

Antenatal screening and fetal diagnosis of beta-thalassemia in a Chinese population: prevalence of the beta-thalassemia trait in the Guangzhou area of China

In this paper beta-globin gene mutations were detected in 452 beta-thalassemia carriers from 13462 unselected individuals (6731 pregnant women and their husbands) who were screened for the beta-thalassemia trait in the Guangzhou area of China. The incidence of beta-thalassemia was calculated as 3.36%. This is higher than found in previous studies performed in southern China. Using reverse dot blot analysis, we found 11 types of mutations and identified the mutations in 446 (98.7%) of the 452 cases. Direct sequencing was carried out on the 6 unknown alleles, and a novel amber mutation in a beta 0-thalassemia gene (beta 37TGG --> TAG) was found in one of them. Thus, the prevalence and spectrum of beta-thalassemia mutations were obtained for this region. Twelve couples were detected at risk for thalassemia, and prenatal diagnosis was carried out in 11 of them. This is the largest number of Chinese subjects studied by DNA analysis to date and is the first report on the prospective diagnostic trial for beta-thalassemia in a Chinese population. In addition, we have performed 80 prenatal diagnoses based on screening for beta-thalassemia retrospectively.

Cross-reactivity and molecular mass of the epsilon chains of the IgE antibodies in dogs, humans, rats, and mice

We report the cross-reactivities and comparative molecular masses of the IgE epsilon chains in humans, rats, mice, and dogs. Monoclonal human, rat, and mouse IgE, and our purified polyclonal dog IgE were used in the study. IgE of the 4 species, separated by SDS-PAGE, were analyzed by immunoblotting with polyclonal and monoclonal antihuman IgE, polyclonal and monoclonal antimouse IgE, monoclonal antirat IgE, and polyclonal antidog IgE antibodies. The polyclonal antihuman and polyclonal antimouse IgE cross-reacted with the IgE of the other 3 species, while their monoclonal forms cross-reacted with dog IgE only. Polyclonal antidog IgE cross-reacted with human and mouse IgE, while the monoclonal antirat IgE did not cross-react with any other species. "Reverse' passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in ragweed-sensitized dogs revealed that polyclonal antihuman and polyclonal antimouse IgE were able to elicit positive skin responses, and monoclonal antihuman, antirat, and antimouse IgE antibodies were not. The molecular masses of the epsilon chains were 77 kDa for mice, 75 kDa for rats and dogs, and 70 kDa for humans.