Magnetic resonance imaging and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry of the lumbar spine in professional wrestlers and untrained men

The aim of this study was to examine the relation between bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT) and bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar spine in male professional wrestlers and healthy untrained men. A total of 14 wrestlers (22.9±3.4 years) and 11 controls (24.4±1.6 years) were studied cross-sectionally. Body composition and BMD were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine was examined in a sagittal T1-weighted (T1-w) spin-echo (SE) sequence. The averaged bone marrow signal intensity (SI) of L2-L4 was related to the signal of an adjacent nondegenerative disk. Mean SI of T1-w SE in wrestlers was lower than controls (P=0.001), indicating L2-L4 BMAT in wrestlers was lower compared to controls. L2-L4 BMD in wrestlers was higher than controls (P<0.001). In the total subject population, L2-L4 BMD was inversely correlated with mean SI of T1-w SE (r=-0.62, P=0.001). This association remained strong after adjusting for body mass and whole lean mass, but became weaker after adjusting for whole body or trunk fat percentage. The inverse relationship between BMAT and BMD was confirmed in this relatively small subject sample with narrow age range, which implies that exercise training is an important determinant of this association.

Association analysis of the IL2RA gene with alopecia areata in a Chinese population

BACKGROUND

Interleukin-2 receptor subunit alpha (IL2RA) is highly expressed on CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells and is important for immune homeostasis and the suppression of autoimmune responses. It has been suggested that the single nucleotide polymorphism in IL2RA may affect the pathogenesis of alopecia areata (AA).

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to investigate the link between IL2RA polymorphism and AA in a Chinese population.

METHODS

We examined 427 patients and 430 controls in this study. The rs3118470 polymorphism was evaluated using high-resolution melting analysis and direct sequencing.

RESULTS

The prevalence of the C/C, T/C and T/T genotypes was 16.2, 48.2 and 35.6%, respectively. The genotype distribution and allele frequencies were significantly different between AA and control subjects (p < 0.0001). The C allele frequency was significantly higher in the AA group (p < 0.0001), and the frequencies of C allele and C/C genotype were higher in the patients with family history (p = 0.034; p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The rs3118470 single nucleotide polymorphism of IL2RA may be a genetic marker to assess the risk of AA in a Chinese population.

Fermented milk supplemented with probiotics and prebiotics can effectively alter the intestinal microbiota and immunity of host animals

Fermented milk supplemented with 2 probiotic strains, Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 and Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM, and a prebiotic, isomaltooligosaccharide, was orally administered to 100 healthy adults at 480 g/d for 2 wk in a randomized controlled trial. The fecal bacterial compositions of these subjects were examined by culture before and after the intervention. The same fermented milk was also orally fed to BALB/c mice, and immune as well as fecal bacteria analyses were conducted using the same culturing methods. After the intervention, increases in fecal bifidobacteria and lactobacilli were observed among the subjects compared with the subjects in the control group. In contrast, after the intervention, fecal enterobacilli were significantly decreased in the test group compared with the control group. The same effects on the composition of the intestinal microbiota were observed in mice. Furthermore, the tested mice were found to have significantly increased delayed-type hypersensitivity, plaque-forming cells, and half-hemolysis values after the intervention with the fermented milk. In summary, the synbiotic fermented milk containing probiotics and a prebiotic may contribute to improve intestinal health and may have a positive effect on the humoral and cell-mediated immunity of host animals.

A comparison of the clinical characteristics of women with recurrent major depression with and without suicidal symptomatology

BACKGROUND

The relationship between recurrent major depression (MD) in women and suicidality is complex. We investigated the extent to which patients who suffered with various forms of suicidal symptomatology can be distinguished from those subjects without such symptoms.

METHOD

We examined the clinical features of the worst episode in 1970 Han Chinese women with recurrent DSM-IV MD between the ages of 30 and 60 years from across China. Student's t tests, and logistic and multiple logistic regression models were used to determine the association between suicidality and other clinical features of MD.

RESULTS

Suicidal symptomatology is significantly associated with a more severe form of MD, as indexed by both the number of episodes and number of MD symptoms. Patients reporting suicidal thoughts, plans or attempts experienced a significantly greater number of stressful life events. The depressive symptom most strongly associated with lifetime suicide attempt was feelings of worthlessness (odds ratio 4.25, 95% confidence interval 2.9-6.3). Excessive guilt, diminished concentration and impaired decision-making were also significantly associated with a suicide attempt.

CONCLUSIONS

This study contributes to the existing literature on risk factors for suicidal symptomatology in depressed women. Identifying specific depressive symptoms and co-morbid psychiatric disorders may help improve the clinical assessment of suicide risk in depressed patients. These findings could be helpful in identifying those who need more intense treatment strategies in order to prevent suicide.

Effect of a traditional Chinese medicine Liu Wei Di Huang Wan on the activities of CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 in healthy volunteers

Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (LDW), a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, is widely used for the treatment of various diseases in China. This study was designed to investigate the potential herb-drug interactions of LDW in healthy volunteers and attempted to ascertain whether the interaction might be affected by genotypes. We assessed the effect of LDW on the activities of CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 in 12 Chinese healthy subjects in a single-center, controlled, non-blinded, two-way crossover clinical trial. The subject pool consisted of six extensive metabolizers with CYP2C19*1/*1 and six poor metabolizers with CYP2C19*2/*2. Placebo or 4.8 g LDW (12 pills, 0.2 g/pill, twice daily) was given to each participant for 14 continuous days with a wash-out period of 2 weeks after an oral administration of 30 mg omeprazole, 30 mg dextromethorphan hydrobromide and 7.5 mg midazolam. The activities of CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 were ascertained by their respective plasma or urinary metabolic ratios on day 14 post-treatment. There is no difference in the activities of the three tested enzymes before or after a 14-day administration of LDW. LDW had no effect on the pharmacokinetic parameters of the substrates and their metabolites. A 14-day administration of LDW did not affect the activities of CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4. LDW is unlikely to cause pharmacokinetic interaction when it is combined with other medications predominantly metabolized by these enzymes.

Associations between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (+45T>G, +276G>T, -11377C>G, -11391G>A) of adiponectin gene and type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The associations between adiponectin polymorphisms and type 2 diabetes have been studied widely; however, results are inconsistent.

METHODS

We searched electronic literature databases and reference lists of relevant articles. A fixed or random effects model was used on the basis of heterogeneity. Sub-group and meta-regression analyses were conducted to explore the sources of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant associations between +45T>G (rs2241766), +276G>T (rs1501299), -11391G>A (rs17300539) and type 2 diabetes risk. However, for -11377C>G (rs266729), the pooled OR (95% CI) for G vs C allele was 1.07 (1.03-1.11, p = 0.001). Subgroup analysis by study design revealed that -11377C>G (rs266729) dominant model (CG+GG vs CC, p = 0.0008) and G vs C allele (p = 0.0004) might be associated with type 2 diabetes risk in population-based case-control studies. After stratification by ethnicity, we found that -11377C>G (rs266729) dominant model (CG+GG vs CC, p = 0.004) and G vs C allele (p = 0.001) might be associated with type 2 diabetes risk in white individuals. In individuals with a family history of diabetes, the presence of -11391G>A (rs17300539) dominant model (GA+AA vs GG) and A vs G allele might be associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

The presence of +45T>G (rs2241766), +276G>T (rs1501299) and -11391G>A (rs17300539) do not appear to influence the development of type 2 diabetes. However, G vs C allele of -11377C>G (rs266729) might be a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

Pharmacokinetics of antofloxacin hydrochloride in healthy male subjects after multiple intravenous dose administration

The purpose of the study was to evaluate pharmacokinetic characteristics of antofloxacin hydrochloride, a new fluoroquinolone antibiotic, during a multiple, intravenous dosing regimen. Twelve healthy, Chinese male volunteer subjects were each given 300 mg of antofloxacin by intravenous infusion once daily for 7 days. Blood and urine samples were taken at designated time points for analysis of antofloxacin concentration by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Safety and tolerability were assessed by evaluation of subject complaints, vital signs, electrocardiograms, electroencephalograms, clinical chemistry parameters, haematology and urinalysis and prothrombin time. The serum steady concentration of antofloxacin was obtained in 96 h after the administration of a daily intravenous dose of 300 mg of the drug. In the present study, the following pharmacokinetic parameters after 7 days of treatment with antofloxacin were determined to be: C(max) 3.81 ± 0.66 mg/L, C(min) 0.85 ± 0.19 mg/L, AUC(0-24) 60.51 ± 8.30 mg/L·h, C(av) 2.52 ± 0.35 mg/L, PTF 87.45 ± 3.37%, t(1/2)β 20.34 ± 1.88 h. The C(max) and AUC(0-24) after 7-day treatment were both higher than after the first dose (by 43% and 110%, respectively). The cumulative urinary elimination of antofloxacin within 96 h after the last dose was about 56%. During the study, there were neither subject complaints nor significant adverse clinical findings. Antofloxacin, administered intravenously as a single, daily 300 mg dose for 7 days, demonstrated favourable pharmacokinetic characteristics and tolerability. The results of this study indicate that antofloxacin hydrochloride is suitable for further clinical study.

Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor antibody induces rhabdomyosarcoma cell death via a process involving AKT and Bcl-x(L)

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and their receptor, IGF-1 receptor (IGF1R), have important roles in growth, development, stress response, aging and cancer. There are many agents that inhibit IGF1R in oncology clinical development, and in some cases, they have been associated with rapid tumor regression. However, it is not clear by which process these targeted agents induce cancer cell death and how to predict such tumor responses. Here, we showed that IGF1R antibody led to rapid cell death and tumor regression in some rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) cells. Mechanistic analysis revealed a rapid onset of mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis, including mitochondrial depolarization, cytochrome C release and the activation of specific caspases. The antibody sensitive cells had greater dependence on AKT for maintaining downstream signaling and the expression of a constitutively active AKT, which restored AKT-signaling in these cells, inhibited anti-IGF1R induced cell death. Further analysis showed IGF1R antibody-induced hypophosphorylation of BAD and activation of downstream BAX. Interestingly, the examination of RMS cell lines and tumors revealed an inverse correlation between elevated IGF1R and Bcl-2 level (P=0.033), with the sensitive cells lacking Bcl-2 expression. The overexpression of BAD specific target, Bcl-x(L), conferred resistance, whereas Bcl-x(L) knockdown sensitized cells lacking Bcl-2 to anti-IGF1R-induced cell death. We propose that RMS pathogenesis involves increased IGF1R expression that enhances AKT and Bcl-x(L)-mediated cell survival, and the blockage of IGF1R results in inhibition of survival signal from Bcl-x(L) and cell death in the sensitive Bcl-2 negative cells.

Expression patterns of the prolactin receptor gene in chicken lymphoid tissues during embryogenesis and posthatch period

Prolactin (PRL) is a pituitary hormone with multiple homeostatic roles among vertebrates. Although it has mainly been studied in relation to its role during the initiation and maintenance of incubation behavior in avian species, it has also been shown to act on the immune system. In this study, levels of PRL receptor (PRLR) mRNA were quantified by real-time PCR, and tissue expression was localized by in situ hybridization in primary and secondary lymphoid organs. Prolactin receptor was shown to be expressed in the bursa follicles, thymus lobules, and splenic pulp at all stages of development examined. Levels of PRLR expression were consistently higher in the bursa of Fabricius when compared with other lymphoid organs, suggesting that PRL acts primarily on bursal development. Furthermore, levels of PRLR mRNA appeared to fluctuate during embryogenesis, with a significant increase observed at embryonic day 19 in the bursa, at 7 d of age in the thymus, and on hatching day in the spleen. Thus, PRL might play an important role during the development of the immune system in chickens.

Reaction of pyridoxamine with malondialdehyde: Mechanism of inhibition of formation of advanced lipoxidation end-products

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and advanced lipoxidation end products (ALEs) are implicated in many age-related chronic diseases and in protein aging. Recent studies suggest that pyridoxamine (PM) is an efficient AGEs/ALEs inhibitor in various biological systems. Because malondialdehyde (MDA) is an important intermediate in the formation of ALEs during lipid peroxidation, the purpose of this study is to determine whether PM can trap MDA directly and thereby prevent ALEs formation. PM reacted readily with MDA under physiological conditions. Within 6 h, a 1-pyridoxamino-propenal adduct derived from reaction of equimolar PM + MDA was detected. A 1-amino-3-iminopropene complex and a dihydropyridine-pyridinium complex were also identified after 7 d incubation. PM also greatly inhibited the lipofuscin-like fluorescence formation induced by MDA reaction with bovine serum albumin (BSA). Our results showed clearly that PM inhibited the formation of ALEs by trapping MDA directly under physiological condition, and provide insight into the mechanism of action of PM in protecting proteins against carbonyl stress.

Cloning and sequence analysis of dsRNA segments 5, 6 and 7 of a novel non-group A, B, C adult rotavirus that caused an outbreak of gastroenteritis in China

A diarrhoeal outbreak among adults in China was caused by a new rotavirus, termed ADRV-N, that does not react with antisera directed against group A, B or C rotaviruses [Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi (Chin. Epidemiol.) 19 (1998) 336]. ADRV-N can be propagated in cell cultures [Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi (Natl. Med. J. China) 82 (2002) 14]. We present the complete sequences for ADRV-N genome segments 5 and 6, and a full ORF sequence of genome segment 7. The deduced amino acid sequences suggest that these segments encode NSP1, VP6 and NSP3, respectively. These three ADRV-N genome segments have a unique -ACCCC-3' terminal sequence. The 5'-GG- terminus of segments 5 and 6 is the same as that of other rotaviruses. The amino acid similarity between VP6 and NSP3 of ADRV-N and the cognate sequences of their closest counterpart, group B IDIR, was 37 and 35%, respectively. The ADRV-N NSP1 has a double-stranded RNA binding motif (DSRM) and a putative autoproteolytic cleavage motif upstream from the DSRM. The putative ADRV-N NSP3 has a truncated C-terminus compared to the cognate protein of group B rotaviruses. All the available data demonstrate that ADRV-N differs significantly from the known rotaviruses and strongly suggest that ADRV-N is the first recognized member of a new group of rotaviruses infecting humans.

Effects of tebuconazole on morphology, structure, cell wall components and trichothecene production of Fusarium culmorum in vitro

The effects of tebuconazole, a systemic fungicide, on the morphology, structure, cell wall components and toxin production of Fusarium culmorum were investigated in vitro. Treatment was by application of four filter paper strips (0.75 cm x 5.0 cm) soaked in 20 micrograms ml-1 fungicide placed around a point inoculum in Petri dishes. Mycelial growth was strongly inhibited by fungicide treatment. Scanning electron microscopic observations showed that the fungicide caused irregular swelling and excessive branching of hyphae. The morphological changes induced by the fungicide at the ultrastructural level included considerable thickening of the hyphal cell walls, excessive septation, the formation of the incomplete septa, extensive vacuolisation, accumulation of lipid bodies and progressing necrosis or degeneration of the hyphal cytoplasm. Non-membrane inclusion bodies were often detected in the hyphal cytoplasm. Furthermore, the formation of new hyphae (daughter hyphae) inside collapsed hyphal cells was common following treatment. The daughter hyphae also displayed severe alterations such as irregular thickening of the cell walls and necrosis of the cytoplasm. Using cytochemical techniques, the labelling densities of chitin and beta-1,3-glucan in the cell walls of the fungicide-treated hyphae were more pronounced than in those of the control hyphae. Moreover, immunogold labelling with antiserum against deoxynivalenol (DON) revealed that Fusarium toxin DON was localized in the cell walls, cytoplasm, mitochondria and vacuoles of the hyphae from the control and the fungicide treatment, but the labelling density in the fungicide-treated hyphae decreased dramatically compared with the control hyphae, indicating that tebuconazole reduced Fusarium toxin production of the fungus.

Transient expression of somatostatin mRNA in developing ganglion cell layers of rat retina

Somatostatin (SOM) mRNA in developing ganglion cell layer (GCL) detected by in situ hybridization histochemistry and SOM peptide in developing optic chiasma and optic tract detected by immunocytochemistry were monitored to explore whether ganglion cells expressing SOM project to the visual center. Most of these cells in the developing GCL expressed SOM transiently from embryonic day 13 (E13) to E21. The cells expressing SOM mRNA initially followed a central-to-peripheral pattern of development. The cells expressing SOM mRNA in the retinas of fetuses became detectable at E13. From E14 to E17 the number of cells expressing SOM mRNA increased rapidly. At E17 most of the cells in the developing GCL expressed SOM mRNA. From E18 to postnatal days the positive cells became sparse except at the postnatal day 0 (PND0) the positive cells decreased dramatically in comparison with that at the E21. At PND15, the positive cells only can be found in the inner neuroblastic layer and in the ganglion cell layer. At PND20 the distribution pattern and the number of the positive cells were essentially the same as that in adult rat. SOM immunoreactivity was detectable at E16 in the developing optic chiasma and optic tract; the majority of the fibers in these area were SOM positive. From E16 to E18 the density of the immunostaining increased rapidly, whereas from E19 to E21 the density decreased. At PND0 no positive fibers were seen. The transient presence of SOM in most of the ganglion cells in the developing ganglion cell layer has prompted us to study the role of SOM in generation and differentiation of the retinal ganglion cells, and formation of the retina-visual center projections.

[The alternation current conductive property of blood]

The blood electro-frequency properties of normal human body were investigated in the range of 1 Hz-10 MHz. The method of testing and the equipment were examined to meet the need for the measurement of blood property. In the experiment, it was discovered that the electric conductivity of blood increased obviously with the increase of testing frequency in the rage of 100 Hz-10 KHz, but almost no change in phase was noted. This result suggests it is necessary to modify the previous work and build up a reasonable equivalent electric model of blood.

[Detection of fetal DNA in maternal plasma using the nested polymerase chain reaction]

OBJECTIVE

To search for a new method of non-invasive prenatal gene diagnosis.

METHODS

A single-copy human DYS14 gene of Y-chromosome of fetal DNA sequence was amplified by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from twelve pregnant maternal plasma (12-40 weeks). A 239 bp and 198 bp specific fragment were obtained. The maternal plasma samples of twelve pregnant women were used directly for nested PCR. RESULTS The fragment was identified in 8 of 10 male-bearing pregnant women plasma. The diagnostic accordance rate was 80% (8/10), 6 to 8 women gave positive signals in two consecutive amplifications, 2 of 8 women gave positive signals in the second amplification. The rate of positive was increased greatly by nested PCR (from 60% to 80%). None of the other 2 female-bearing pregnant women had positive results. The final accuracy of 83.3% (10/12) was attained in all cases.

CONCLUSION

The finding of circulating fetal DNA in maternal plasma may have new implications for non-invasive prenatal gene diagnosis, and the nested PCR possesses the advantages of sensitivity and specificity which improves the clinical application.

[Repair of the over-convex antihelix]

Contrary to a prominent ear, the deformity of the over-convex antihelix shows a very acute antihelix angle and helix depression and retreat. The patients usually have a desire to have such deformity corrected though it is not severe. In recent years we have corrected the over-conves antihelix using postauricular flap and cartilage with satisfactory results.

[An observation on pathological changes in retinal ultrastructure of rat with hypertension and after its life-long treatment with captopril]

The fundus and retinal ultrastructural changes of rats with hypertension and such rats having taken life-long captopril treatment were examined by funduscope, light and transmission electron microscopes. The normal rats were the controls. The results showed that in the hypertension group, the ratio of the diameter of the retinal artery to that of the vein was 1:2, the arteries were spastic and narrowed, their light reflexes were widened and their calibers of the lumens were uneven, the fundus appearances being consistent with grade I and II retinal changes of systemic hypertension. Under the light microscope, it was discovered that the basement membranes of the retinal capillaries were thickened and their lumens narrowed, resulting in retinal ischemia and anoxia. Under the transmission electron microscope, the main pathological changes involved the external segments of photoreceptors and ganglionic cells. The pathological changes were hazy renewed membranous discs at the basal portions of the external segments of photoreceptors, edematous ganglionic cells being the majority, their cytoplasm stained pale, mitochondrial vacuolization, enlargement of smooth endoplasmic reticula and degranulation of rough endoplasmic reticula. In the group of rats with hypertension having taken life-long captopril treatment, the fundi and blood pressure remained normal and no significant ultrastructural changes had taken place in their retinae.