Risk factors associated with inhibitor development in Chinese patients with haemophilia B

INTRODUCTION

Inhibitor development is a severe complication of factor IX substitution treatment for haemophilia B (HB). Current research examined the association between inhibitor development and F9 genotypes and polymorphisms in immune response genes in Chinese HB patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

11 inhibitor-positive HB patients and 41 inhibitor-negative HB patients were enrolled. Direct sequencing, copy number variation (CNV) detection and fragment length analysis were applied to identify F9 genotypes and 15 polymorphisms in immune response genes.

RESULTS

7 patients developed high titer inhibitors, with 5 of them having histories of consecutive exposure to FIX products on demand for at least 5 days. Allergic reactions/anaphylaxis to prothrombin complex concentrates (PCC) occurred in 3 patients before inhibitors were detected. Five nonsense mutations (E54X, R75X, Q185X, R298X and R379X), two large deletions (E1~6del and E1~8del) and one missense mutation (S411G) were identified in patients with inhibitors. Missense mutations had a low odds ratio for FIX inhibitors development (IOR) of 0.078 (P = 0.02), while nonsense mutation presented a high IOR of 8.500 (P = 0.0044). The frequency of allele T in CD44(95102) (A/T) was significantly higher in inhibitor-negative patients, with OR of 0.324 (P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Nonsense mutations conferred a higher risk for while allele T in CD44(95102) (A/T) might play a protective role against inhibitor development in Chinese HB patients.

Insulin-Like growth factor 1 related pathways and high-fat diet promotion of transgenic adenocarcinoma mouse prostate (TRAMP) cancer progression

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to investigate the role of IGF-1 related pathway in high-fat diet (HFD) promotion of TRAMP mouse PCa progression.

METHODS

TRAMP mice were randomly divided into two groups: HFD group and normal diet group. TRAMP mice of both groups were sacrificed and sampled on the 20th, 24th and 28th week respectively. Serum levels of insulin, IGF-1 and IGF-2 were tested by ELISA. Prostate tissue of TRAMP mice was used for both HE staining and immunohistochemical staining of IGF-1 related pathway proteins, including IGF-1Rα, IGF -1Rβ, IGFBPs and AKT.

RESULTS

The mortality of TRAMP mice from HFD group was significantly higher than that of normal diet group (23.81% and 7.14%, p=.035). The tumor incidence of HFD TRAMP mice at 20(th) week was significantly higher than normal diet group (78.57% and 35.71%, p=.022). Serum IGF-1 level of HFD TRAMP mice was significantly higher than that of normal diet TRAMP mice. Serum IGF-1 level tended to increase with HFD TRAMP mice's age. HFD TRAMP mice had higher positive staining rate of IGF-1Rα, IGF-1Rβ, IGFBP3 and Akt than normal diet TRAMP mice.

CONCLUSIONS

IGF-1 related pathway played an important role in high-fat diet promotion of TRAMP mouse PCa development and progression.

The Role of Geographic Factors in Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Uptake Among Adolescent Girls in the United States

There has been limited research examining the role of geographic factors in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake among adolescent girls. This study is one of the first to investigate and identify community-level geographic factors that may be associated with HPV vaccine uptake in the United States. We analyzed data from the 2011 and 2012 National Immunization Survey-Teen to examine associations of HPV vaccine initiation (receipt of at least one dose based on healthcare provider records) among female adolescents aged 13 to 17 years (N = 20,565) with ZIP code level geographic factors that were linked to the survey. Analyses were conducted using weighted logistic regression that included state-random effects. HPV vaccine initiation was approximately 53% in both 2011 and 2012. Racial composition and urban/rural residence were both independently associated with vaccine initiation (P = < 0.05). Initiation was higher among girls living in communities where the majority (>50%) of the population was Hispanic compared to communities where the majority of the population was non-Hispanic white (69.0% vs 49.9%; Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 1.55, 95% CI, 1.33–1.80). Girls living in high population density areas (urban) had higher HPV vaccine initiation compared to those living in low population density areas (rural) (56% vs 44.6%; AOR 1.37, 95% CI, 1.13–1.65). Initiation was also higher among girls living in the most impoverished communities compared to girls living in the least impoverished communities (61% vs 50.4%), but community-level poverty was not significant in the adjusted analysis. Higher HPV vaccination coverage in poor urban communities with a high proportion of racial/ethnic minorities may be partly attributable to targeted interventions and the continued effectiveness of the Vaccines for Children program (VFC), which provides recommended vaccines at no cost to eligible children. Learning more about factors that influence higher HPV vaccination initiation rates among certain groups might inform intervention strategies for groups with lower initiation rates.

Large-Scale and Selective Synthesis of Carbon Nanofiber Bundles, Curved Carbon Nanofibers and Helical Carbon Nanofibers

Through the pyrolysis of acetylene at 250 °C, large quantities of carbon nanofiber bundles (CNFBs), curved carbon nanofibers (CCNFs) and helical carbon nanofibers (HCNFs) can be synthesized selectively by controlling the Fe:Cu molar ratio of Fe-Cu nanoparticles. In this study, the systematic experimental results indicated that the Cu content in the Fe-Cu nanoparticles and pyrolysis temperature had great impact on the yield and structure of the final samples. Moreover, the transmission electron microscopic observation indicated that the catalyst nanoparticles were enwrapped tightly by graphite layers, and the obtained HCNFs show good magnetic property. Compared to the methods reported in the literature, the approach described herein has the advantages of being simple, low-cost, and environment-friendly. It is suitable for the controllable and mass production of CNFBs, CCNFs and HCNFs.

Evaluation of concentrations of botulinum toxin A for the treatment of hemifacial spasm: a randomized double-blind crossover trial

The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of two concentrations of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) for the treatment of hemifacial spasm. We randomly divided 20 patients with hemifacial spasm into high- and low-concentration groups; they were administered 50 and 25 U/mL BTX-A injection, respectively. Further, we compared the curative effects and the occurrence of adverse reactions in the two groups. Our results showed that both the concentrations of BTX-A were effective and no significant difference was observed in the onset time and therapeutic efficacy between the two groups; however, the duration of efficacy was longer in the high-concentration group than in the low-concentration group. Patients in both groups had no allergic reactions and systemic toxic reactions, but those in the high-concentration group had more serious adverse reactions and they lasted for longer durations. The adverse reactions in the two groups were not specifically treated, and they resolved in a relatively short time. In conclusion, local injection of BTX-A was effective in treating hemifacial spasm and each concentration of BTX-A had advantages and disadvantages, which indicated that the concentration of BTX-A can be selected according to the clinical characteristics and willingness of the patients.

GPER-independent effects of estrogen in rat aortic vascular endothelial cells

GPER (aka GPR30) has been identified as an important mechanism by which estrogen mediates its effects. Previous studies from our laboratories and those of others have demonstrated that GPER activation mediates a range of vascular contractile and growth regulatory responses. However, the importance of GPER in mediating the actions of estradiol (E2) in rat aortic endothelial cells is unclear. Therefore, we sought to determine the importance of GPER vs. the "classical" estrogen receptor (ER) in mediating the endothelial growth regulatory effects of E2. To do this we assessed the effect of E2 in regulating phosphoERK content and apoptotic rates in rat aortic endothelial cells and the role of GPER in mediating these effects. E2 mediated a concentration-dependent inhibition of both ERK phosphorylation and serum deprivation-induced apoptosis with a maximal effect at a concentration of 10 nM. Pretreatment with the ER antagonist ICI 182780 abolished E2-mediated inhibition of both ERK phosphorylation and apoptosis. In contrast, pretreatment with GPER antagonist G15 had no significant effect on E2-mediated inhibition of ERK phosphorylation or on apoptosis. Further, downregulation of GPER expression with a GPER shRNA adenovirus did not block E2-mediated inhibitory effects on ERK phosphorylation and apoptosis. In fact, these inhibitory effects of E2 were further enhanced by GPER downregulation. Downregulation of ERα expression reversed the E2-mediated inhibitory effects to stimulatory effects. E2's phosphoERK and apoptosis stimulatory effects seen with ERα downregulation are attenuated by pretreatment with G15. In conclusion, in rat aortic endothelial cells, E2-mediated endothelial effects are predominantly driven by ER and not by GPER.

Targeting PPM1D by lentivirus-mediated RNA interference inhibits the tumorigenicity of bladder cancer cells

Protein phosphatase magnesium/manganese-dependent 1D (PPM1D) is a p53-induced phosphatase that functions as a negative regulator of stress response pathways and has oncogenic properties. However, the functional role of PPM1D in bladder cancer (BC) remains largely unknown. In the present study, lentivirus vectors carrying small hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting PPM1D were used to explore the effects of PPM1D knockdown on BC cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. shRNA-mediated knockdown of PPM1D significantly inhibited cell growth and colony forming ability in the BC cell lines 5637 and T24. Flow cytometric analysis showed that PPM1D silencing increased the proportion of cells in the G0/G1 phase. Downregulation of PPM1D also inhibited 5637 cell tumorigenicity in nude mice. The results of the present study suggest that PPM1D plays a potentially important role in BC tumorigenicity, and lentivirus-mediated delivery of shRNA against PPM1D might be a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of BC.

Establishment of the optimum two-dimensional electrophoresis system of ovine ovarian tissue

Lambing performance of sheep is the most important economic trait and is regarded as a critic factoring affecting the productivity in sheep industry. Ovary plays the most roles in lambing trait. To establish the optimum two-dimensional electrophoresis system (2-DE) of ovine ovarian tissue, the common protein extraction methods of animal tissue (trichloroacetic acid/acetone precipitation and direct schizolysis methods) were used to extract ovine ovarian protein, and 17-cm nonlinear immobilized PH 3-10 gradient strips were used for 2-DE. The sample handling, loading quantity of the protein sample, and isoelectric focusing (IEF) steps were manipulated and optimized in this study. The results indicate that the direct schizolysis III method, a 200-μg loading quantity of the protein sample, and IEF steps II (20°C active hydration, 14 h→500 V, 1 h→1000 V 1 h→1000-9000 V, 6 h→80,000 VH→500 V 24 h) are optimal for 2-DE analysis of ovine ovarian tissue. Therefore, ovine ovarian tissue proteomics 2-DE was preliminarily established by the optimized conditions in this study; meanwhile, the conditions identified herein could provide a reference for ovarian sample preparation and 2-DE using tissues from other animals.

An improved dosage regimen of sertraline hydrochloride in the treatment for premature ejaculation: an 8-week, single-blind, randomized controlled study followed by a 4-week, open-label extension study

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

This study aimed at evaluating the safety and efficacy of an improved dosage regimen of sertraline in patients with premature ejaculation (PE) and to examine whether the premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT) can be used as a measure of treatment response in these patients.

METHODS

A total of 218 PE patients were randomized into control (n = 61) and treatment (n = 157) groups to receive mycelium of cordyceps sinensis C4 and sertraline 50 mg daily for 8 weeks, respectively. Following this blinded stage, sixty-three patients chose to take sertraline 100 mg daily for an additional 4-week period, and 80 other patients continued treatment with sertraline 50 mg. Main outcome measures include intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT), PEDT score and Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGIC) score.

RESULTS

At weeks 4 and 8, mean IELT of patients who subsequently chose to take 100 mg of sertraline was significantly lower than that of patients who continued taking 50 mg of sertraline, although the IELT value was comparable between the two groups of patients at baseline. However, with an additional 4-week treatment, the mean IELT increased significantly more in the 100-mg group than in the 50-mg continuation group. Similar results were also obtained in the analyses of the PEDT and CGIC scores. Both regimens were well tolerated, and relapse rate did not differ significantly between the two groups.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that PE patients not responding to an 8-week treatment with sertraline 50 mg can benefit from an additional 4-week treatment with sertraline 100 mg and that the PEDT may be a valid measure of treatment response in PE patients.

Ethyl pyruvate administration suppresses growth and invasion of gallbladder cancer cells via downregulation of HMGB1-RAGE axis

High mobility group box B1 (HMGB1)-receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) axis has been previously known to be involved in carcinogenesis and development of multiple malignancies. Some studies have confirmed that Ethyl pyruvate (EP), a potent inhibitor of HMGB1, exerts the therapeutic effects on metastatic live tumor from gastric cancer. However, the effects and possible molecular mechanisms of EP on gallbladder cancer (GBC) need to be further explored. In the present study, human GBC cell lines (GBC-SD and SGC-996) were treated with different concentrations of EP. Then, the expression levels of HMGB1, RAGE and some transcription factors were identified by Real-time PCR and Western blot assays. Cell proliferative activities indicated by MTT assay, invasive potential by Transwell assay and cell apoptosis and cycle distribution were performed for functional analysis of GBC cell lines in vitro. As a result, EP decreased the expression of HMGB11, RAGE, PCNA and matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9), while it increased the expression of p53. Moreover, EP administration decreased GBC cell proliferation, inhibited the invasive potential, and induced apoptosis and cycle arrest in S phase in GBC cells. In conclusion, EP administration inhibits growth and invasion of gallbladder cancer cells possibly via down-regulation of the HMGB1-RAGE axis, suggesting that EP may play a critical role in the treatment of cancer in conjunction with other therapeutic agents.

[Establishment of a stable urethral stricture model in New Zealand rabbits]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the method of building a stable urethral stricture (US) model in New Zealand white rabbits.

METHODS

Through 10X magnification optical microscope, a resection of 1.0cm urethral mucosa was made in 6 male rabbits and other 6 male rabbits were controlled. After 60 days, the rabbits were evaluated with urethrography, urethral pressure profile (UPP) and histology.

RESULT

Urethrography demonstrated a stricture with narrow lumen and discontinuous mucosa in the resection group. The urethras of the control animals were all normal. UPP showed that the urethral pressure on operative site in the controlled group was 14.67±2.16cmHO, and 27.83±3.71 cmHO in the resection group. There was significant statistical difference between the two groups (P<.01). The urothelium was well-distributed, covered without any inflammatory cells in the controlled group, which had 3-4 layers of the epithelial cells. And the urothelium was unequally covered with neutrophils and lymphocytes in the resection group.

CONCLUSIONS

We establish the way to build a stable urethral stricture model of New Zealand rabbits by the microsurgical technique, which is a good laboratory model to research all kinds of urethral stricture. Urethrography and histology combined UPP are the reliable methods to identify the urethral stricture.

[Association between the myeloperoxidase gene polymorphisms and the susceptibility to prostate cancer: a case-control study in a Chinese population]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common cancer among men in most western populations. The polymorphisms of the myeloperoxidase (MPO) gene have been correlated with abnormal MPO expression and increased risk of various types of cancers. Our study aimed to evaluate the association between the genetic polymorphisms and the risk of prostate cancer.

METHODS

Genotyping was carried out by using the genotyping system (MassARRAY iPLEX; Sequenom, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA) on 1,108 PCa patients and 1,525 cancer-free controls in a Chinese Han population.

RESULTS

Although one SNP (rs8082134, P < 0.050) was significant, it is very rare and unstable. Other SNPs had no significant difference between genotype distributions in the PCa patients and the control group. Totally, SNPs in the MPO gene is not associated with PCa risk.

CONCLUSION

Our data showed a limited association between the MPO SNPs and the susceptibility to PCa in population of Chinese Han population. The possible association of rs8082134 of MPO with PCa risk need further clarification.

Netrin-1 rescues neuron loss by attenuating secondary apoptosis in ipsilateral thalamic nucleus following focal cerebral infarction in hypertensive rats

Neurological deficit following cerebral infarction correlates with not only primary injury, but also secondary neuronal apoptosis in remote loci connected to the infarction. Netrin-1 is crucial for axonal guidance by interacting with its receptors, deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC) and uncoordinated gene 5H (UNC5H). DCC and UNC5H are also dependence receptors inducing cell apoptosis when unbound by netrin-1. The present study is to investigate the role of netrin-1 and its receptors in ipsilateral ventroposterior thalamic nucleus (VPN) injury secondary to stroke in hypertensive rats. Renovascular hypertensive Sprague-Dawley rats underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Continuous intracerebroventricular infusion of netrin-1 (600 ng/d for 7 days) or vehicle (IgG/Fc) was given 24h after MCAO. Neurological function was evaluated by postural reflex 8 and 14 days after MCAO. Then, immunoreactivity was determined in the ipsilateral VPN for NeuN, glial fibrillary acidic protein, netrin-1 and its receptors (DCC and UNC5H2), apoptosis was detected with Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated digoxigenin-dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay, and the expressions of caspase-3, netrin-1, DCC, and UNC5H2 were quantified by western blot analysis. MCAO resulted in the impaired postural reflex after 8 and 14 days, with decreased NeuN marked neurons and increased TUNEL-positive cells, as well as an up-regulation in the levels of cleaved caspase-3 and UNC5H2 protein in the ipsilateral VPN, without significant change in DCC or netrin-1 expression. By exogenous netrin-1 infusion, the number of neurons was increased in the ipsilateral VPN, and both TUNEL-positive cell number and caspase-3 protein level were reduced, while UNC5H2 expression remained unaffected, simultaneously, the impairment of postural reflex was improved. Taken together, the present study indicates that exogenous netrin-1 could rescue neuron loss by attenuating secondary apoptosis in the ipsilateral VPN after focal cerebral infarction, possibly via its receptor UNC5H2, suggesting that relative insufficiency of endogenous netrin-1 be an underlying mechanism of secondary injury in the VPN post stroke.

Optic atrophy differentially diagnosed as spinocerebellar ataxia from Leber hereditary optic neuropathy by gene mutation analysis

Optic atrophy describes a group of diseases of retinal ganglion cells and axons that eventually lead to loss of vision. Optic atrophy has both congenital and acquired causes, and its diagnosis (or differential diagnosis) is complicated. This case report describes a 20-year-old man who presented with a 1-year history of progressive vision loss in both eyes and no obvious systemic symptoms. Fundus examination revealed bilateral optic atrophy. Based on clinical characteristics, visual field analysis and pattern visual evoked potential examination, the presumptive diagnosis was Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON). Analysis of mitochondrial DNA indicated the absence of all of three common mutations associated with LHON (m.3460G>A, m.11778G>A, m.14484T>C). Detailed questioning of the patient revealed a history of prolonged language development and poor balance. Neurological examination indicated abnormal co-ordination, suggesting the presence of inherited spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA). Analysis of the SCA7 gene revealed a high number of trinucleotide repeats [(CAG)(n), n > 64], confirming the diagnosis of SCA. The aetiology of optic atrophies is complicated and the molecular genetic detection approach provides the best information for diagnosing these diseases.

[Urinary BLCA-4 level is useful to detect upper urinary tract urothelial cell carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

Upper urinary tract urothelial cell carcinomas (UUT-UCCs) are rare but usually invasive at diagnosis. Early diagnosis of UUT-UCCs is thus warranted. UUT has the same embryological origin with bladder and BLCA-4 is a highly sensitive and specific marker for bladder cancer. We intend to investigate the viability of BLCA-4 in detecting UUT-UCCs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Urines from 30 UUT-UCC patients, 10 ureteral polyp patients, 20 infected patients with incarcerated ureteral stones, and 30 normal controls were included. BLCA-4 antibody was produced and applied in an indirect ELISA assay.

RESULTS

Urinary BLCA-4 is significantly higher in UUT-UCC group than «Polyp» group (P=0.0017), «Infection» group (P<0.0001), or « Normal» group (P<0.0001). The «Polyp» group is also higher than «Infection» group (P=0.015), or «Normal» group (P=0.0009). ROC curve revealed at cut-off of 5.5×10(-4)A, sensitivity was 93.3% and specificity was 100%. When grouped as ureteral mass vs normal, same cut-off value yielded 93.3% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity. At 2.4×10(-4)A, sensitivity was 56.7% and specificity was 97.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary BLCA-4 is also highly specific in UUT-UCCs detection. For incidentally identified ureteral mass, BLCA-4 can be considered an auxiliary indicator besides biopsy.

Slug regulates Cyclin D1 expression by ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in prostate cancer cells

AIM

Cyclin D1 is an important cell cycle regulatory proteins, which is a functional target of Slug in the regulation of cell growth of prostate cancer cells. But the pathway of these two factors interacting with each other is unclear.

METHODS

The infectde PCa Cells were treated with proteasome inhibitor MG-132. Expression level of Slug, HA-cyclin D1 and other protein was examined by Western blot.

RESULTS

Increasing doses of adenovirus expressing human Slug were added to DU-145 cells separately, but there were no significantly difference on expressions of Slug and cyclin D1. We found that the protein expressions of HA-Cyclin D1 (wide-type) were all reduced through high expression of Slug, which is dose-dependent. However, there is no change for HA-Cyclin D1 (mutant) expression in PC-3 with pMIGW-Cyclin D1-HA T286A. The protein expression of HA-Cyclin D1 were all reduced three days after infection by adding adenovirus expressing human Slug to PC-3 carrying pMIGW-Cyclin D1-HA vector compared to negative control, which is dose-dependent. However, there is no change for HA-Cyclin D1 expression in PC-3 with pMIGW-Cyclin D1-HA treated by MG-132.

CONCLUSION

We found that forced expression of Slug inhibited proliferation of prostate cancer cells through downregulation of cyclin D1 expression. And Slug regulates cyclin D1 expression by ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in PCa cells.

Microwave-assisted one-step patterning of aqueous colloidal silver

A new approach of utilizing microwave to pattern gradient concentric silver nanoparticle ring structures has been presented. The width and height of a single ring and the space between adjacent rings can be adjusted by changing the silver colloidal concentration and the microwave output power. By simply enhancing the ambient vapour pressure to the saturated value during microwave-assisted evaporation, sub-100 nm rings can be deposited in between adjacent micro-rings over a distance of millimetres. Combined with microwave sintering, this approach can also create conductive silver tracks in a single step, showing huge potential in fabricating micro- and nano-electronic devices in an ultra-fast and cost-effective fashion.

Expression profiling based graph-clustering approach to determine renal carcinoma related pathway in response to kidney cancer

BACKGROUND

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common cancer of the kidney. Despite advances in treatment, 5-year survival rate for metastatic RCC is estimated to be less than 10%. Thus, new therapeutic options for RCC are urgently needed.

AIM

In this study, our objective here was to identify a set of discriminating genes in RCC and normal kidney tissue, and predict their underlying molecular pathway in response to RCC using graph-clustering approach and gene ontology (GO) term analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The GSE6344 expression profile was used in this study and the tissues used were either de-identified or were archival tissues. Through Statistical analysis, Network analyses, graph clustering and Pathway enrichment analysis to predict underlying molecular pathway.

RESULTS

The results indicated the genes in cluster 1 and cluster 6 were involved in metabolism pathways, such as PPAR (peroxisome proliferator activated receptor) signaling pathway and Glycolysis pathway, etc. The genes in cluster 2, 3, 5, and 7 were associated with RCC progression through adhesion pathways, such as Focal adhesion, Cell adhesion molecules, and Gap junction. Besides, cluster 4 participated in MAPK (mitogen activated protein kinases) signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested these pathways play an important role in RCC progression. Further study may pay more attention to confirm the unidentified genes, explore their prognosis for RCC, and novel chemotherapeutic targets.

The status of carrier and prenatal diagnosis of haemophilia in China

Haemophilia A (HA) and haemophilia B (HB) are the most common X-linked inherited bleeding disorders. It is important to detect the carrier women in families with HA/HB and subsequent antenatal diagnosis of confirmed carriers. This study consists of 102 HA families which include 68 mothers for prenatal diagnosis and 107 female relatives for carrier diagnosis, and 29 HB families which include 16 mothers and 31 female relatives respectively. The rapid fluorescent PCR with two groups of different combined polymorphism markers was applied for linkage analysis in HA and HB families respectively. The Amelogenin gene was added to help the detection of gender diagnosis. Gene sequencing was also used to detect the mutations directly. There were 37 causative F8C mutations (23 novel) and 24 causative F9C mutations (eight novel) found in this cohort of patients. Few of the women could not be diagnosed due to homologous recombination and/or inability to locate the mutation. Complicated cases have been found in some families. With regard to carrier and prenatal diagnosis, it was considered that genetic diagnosis by linkage analysis and direct sequencing was successful. Some special families might require combination of the linkage analysis and gene sequence for a successful diagnosis. New intragenic SNP and STR sites special to Chinese population need to be discovered.

The polymorphisms in the VHL and HIF1A genes are associated with the prognosis but not the development of renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF1A) play a pivotal role in renal carcinogenesis. This study was aimed to clarify the influence of VHL and HIF1A polymorphisms on renal cell cancer (RCC) susceptibility and survival.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We genotyped four potentially functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (rs779805 in VHL and rs11549465, rs11549467, and rs2057482 in HIF1A) and assessed their associations with RCC risk, clinicopathologic parameters in a case-control study of 620 patients and 623 controls, and the prognosis of RCC in a cohort of 311 patients.

RESULTS

No significant differences in VHL or HIF1A genotypes were observed between RCC cases and controls. However, individuals with ≥2 variant alleles of the four polymorphisms were associated with less frequent lymph node metastasis and lower clinical stage (P = 0.032 and P = 0.041, respectively). And the number of variant alleles was associated with improved survival in a dose-response manner (P(trend) = 0.013). Furthermore, multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the number of variant alleles (≥1 versus 0) was an independent prognostic factor for RCC survival (P = 0.036) together with clinical stage and tumor grade.

CONCLUSION

The VHL and HIF1A polymorphisms may not influence RCC susceptibility but may jointly influence RCC progression and survival.

Clinical and genetic characterization of complete androgen insensitivity syndrome in a Chinese family

We studied a family with two cousins who were diagnosed with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome, an X-linked disorder caused by mutations in the androgen receptor gene. A pedigree analysis and a molecular study using PCR and DNA sequencing clarified each female family member's androgen receptor status and revealed a mutation consisting of the deletion of exon 2 and surrounding introns of the androgen receptor gene. Based on the relative nucleotide positions, we concluded that the deletion mutation in exon 2 and its surrounding introns was approximately 6000 to 7000 bp. This mutation, never previously fully characterized using DNA sequencing, was responsible for complete androgen insensitivity syndrome in this family. Pedigree analysis with a molecular study of the androgen receptor gene in affected families facilitates genetic counseling provided to family members.

Association of IL-4 -590 T>C polymorphism and risk of renal cell carcinoma in a Chinese population

Interleukin 4 (IL-4) is a typical pleiotropic T helper 2 (Th2) cytokine. This cytokine is a critical mediator of the Th1/Th2 balance and apoptosis potential and involved in the process of inflammation-mediated carcinogenesis in human organs, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The effects of functional promoter polymorphism of the IL-4 gene on risk of RCC in Chinese are still unknown. In this study, we genotyped functional polymorphism in IL-4-590 T>C in a hospital-based case-control study of 340 patients with diagnosed RCC and 342 cancer-free controls in a Chinese population. Compared with IL-4-590 TT genotype, the CC genotype had a significantly decreased RCC risk [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.22-0.89]. Furthermore, a significant decreased risk of RCC was found in the combined variant genotypes CT + CC compared with the TT genotype (adjusted OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.50-0.93). The IL-4 C allele frequency was 0.178 among the cases and 0.237 among the controls, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.007). These results suggest that the IL-4-590 T>C polymorphism is involved in susceptibility to developing RCC in Chinese populations. Larger studies are warranted to validate our findings.

Urinary BLCA-4 is highly specific for detection of bladder cancer in Chinese Han population and is related to tumour invasiveness

BLCA-4 is currently the most sensitive and specific urinary marker for bladder cancer. As the incidence of bladder cancer varies by ethnic and territory, we tended to evaluate the feasibility of bladder cancer detection using urinary BLCA-4 in Chinese Han nationality. Urines from 79 bladder cancer patients, 31 urinary tract infection patients and 29 normal controls were included. Tissue specimens of 53 bladder cancers, 24 pathologically normal tumour- adjacent urothelium and 15 healthy controls were involved. BLCA-4 antibody was produced and applied in an indirect ELISA assay for urine samples and immunohistochemistry study in tissue samples. Urinary BLCA-4 was significantly higher in the bladder cancer group (P=0.0001). The level was in no relation to age, gender, growth pattern, grade or stage. Discrepant to reported data, a cut-off value of 1.7×10⁻⁴ A was acquired here, which yields a sensitivity of 97.37% and specificity of 100%. Muscle invasiveness was related to a higher BLCA-4 level (P=0.0175). Tumour tissues were also scored higher in staining (P=0.0001), yet this was not related to invasiveness. In 41.67% of adjacent normal tissue we found positive BLCA-4 expression. Urinary BLCA-4 was also highly specific in bladder cancer detection in the Chinese, with additional indicative value in muscle invasiveness detection. A cut-off value of 1.7×10⁻⁴ A may be more adaptive to Chinese Han population.

Recombinant N-terminal part of bovine herpesvirus 1 ICP27 protein: its preparation, purification, and use for raising specific antiserum

Recombinant N-terminal part of bovine herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1) ICP27 protein fused with thioredoxin and His-tag ("the recombinant protein") expressed in Escherichia coli was purified by the Ni2+-NTA affinity chromatography and used for the preparation of antiserum by immunization of rabbits. The antiserum recognized the recombinant protein in Western blot analysis and was able to detect BoHV-1 ICP27 in the nucleoli of BoHV-1-infected MDBK cells. These results showed that such an antiserum could serve as a valuable tool in further studies of the functions of BoHV-1 ICP27.

KEYWORDS

Bovine herpesvirus 1, ICP27, recombinant protein, antiserum, immunofluorescence assay.

The adipokine zinc-alpha2-glycoprotein (ZAG) is downregulated with fat mass expansion in obesity

INTRODUCTION

Zinc-alpha2-glycoprotein (ZAG) is a novel adipokine, which may act locally to influence adipocyte metabolism. This study assessed the effect of increased adiposity on ZAG expression in adipose tissue in human subjects. The study also examined the association between ZAG and adiponectin expression in human adipose tissue, and whether ZAG modulates adiponectin secretion by human adipocytes.

METHODS

Adipose tissue (visceral and subcutaneous) was collected from human subjects with a wide range of BMIs. Human Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome (SGBS) adipocytes were used for in vitro studies. ZAG mRNA levels were quantified by real-time PCR and protein by Western blotting.

RESULTS

In human subjects, ZAG mRNA level was negatively correlated with BMI (r = -0.61, P < 0.001, n = 23, visceral; r = -0.6, P < 0.05, n = 14, subcutaneous) and fat mass (r = -0.62, P < 0.01, visceral; r = -0.6, P < 0.05, subcutaneous). Negative associations were also found between ZAG mRNA and insulin resistance parameters including plasma insulin (r = -0.65, P < 0.001, visceral; r = -0.55, P < 0.05, subcutaneous) and homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (r = -0.65, P < 0.001, visceral; r = -0.52, P = 0.055, subcutaneous), and C reactive protein (CRP) (r = -0.46, P < 0.05, visceral; r = -0.53, P < 0.05, subcutaneous). However, ZAG mRNA was positively correlated with adiponectin (r = 0.5, P < 0.05, visceral; r = 0.82, P < 0.001, subcutaneous) but negatively associated with leptin mRNA (r = -0.42, P < 0.05, visceral; r = -0.54, P < 0.05, subcutaneous). ZAG secretion by differentiated human adipocytes was abundant. Addition of recombinant ZAG stimulated adiponectin release from human adipocytes.

CONCLUSION

ZAG gene expression in adipose tissue is downregulated with increased adiposity and circulating insulin. ZAG mRNA is positively correlated with adiponectin mRNA, and ZAG enhances adiponectin production by human adipocytes. We suggest that ZAG is linked to obesity and obesity-related insulin resistance.

Silencing of HIF-1alpha suppresses tumorigenicity of renal cell carcinoma through induction of apoptosis

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) is a main responder to intracellular hypoxia and is overexpressed in many human cancers, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC). To better understanding of the role of HIF-1alpha in the tumorigenicity of RCC, we used short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) interference to inhibit HIF-1alpha expression in the human renal cancer cell line, Caki-1 and OS-RC-2. Silencing of HIF-1alpha significantly reduced the expression of HIF-1alpha in both of renal cancer cell lines. In vitro downregulation of HIF-1alpha inhibited Caki-1 and OS-RC-2 cell growth, migration and invasion. The results further showed that HIF-1alpha silencing resulted in caspase-dependent apoptosis of Caki-1 and OS-RC-2 through regulation of PI3K/Akt pathway and Bcl-2-related proteins expression. In vivo animal studies showed that tumor growth was significantly inhibited in HIF-1alpha shRNA-transfected RCC. Intratumor gene therapy with polyethylenimine-loaded HIF-1alpha shRNA also resulted in tumor growth suppression. Thus, this study demonstrates that downregulation of HIF-1alpha could suppress tumorigenicity of RCC through induction of apoptosis, and HIF-1alpha shRNA may be a promising strategy for the treatment of RCC.