[Study of the radiotherapy modality for patients with stage IIb-IIIb cervical stump cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the radiotherapy modality progress of stageIIb-IIIb cervical stump cancer.

METHODS

The clinical data of 13 patients with stageIIb-IIIb cervical stump cancer undergoing radiotherapy from January 2000 to April 2012 was reviewed. Before 2006, 8 patients received conventional external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy.Since 2006, 5 patients received intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and brachytherapy.

RESULTS

The median survival was 12-139 months. The median overall survivals and disease free survivals in the conventional radiotherapy (CRT) group were 57 months and 50 months, 3 cases of them recurred during 8-19 months and died of tumor progression.While, the median overall survivals and disease free survival in the IMRT group both were 21 months and nobody recurred. In the CRT group, 7 patients suffered toxicities, including 5 patients grade I-II acute rectum reaction, 2 patients grade I bladder reaction; and 3 had grade I-III, late rectum reaction, 2 patients for grade II bladder late reaction.In the IMRT group, toxicities including 1 case grade I acute or late rectum reaction, and no bladder reaction.

CONCLUSION

In our experience, the recommended IMRT and interstitial brachytherapy for the selected patients with advanced cervical stump carcinoma may be obtain better tumor dose distribution and more sparing of the organ at risk.

Enhanced tunnelling electroresistance effect due to a ferroelectrically induced phase transition at a magnetic complex oxide interface

The range of recently discovered phenomena in complex oxide heterostructures, made possible owing to advances in fabrication techniques, promise new functionalities and device concepts. One issue that has received attention is the bistable electrical modulation of conductivity in ferroelectric tunnel junctions (FTJs) in response to a ferroelectric polarization of the tunnelling barrier, a phenomenon known as the tunnelling electroresistance (TER) effect. Ferroelectric tunnel junctions with ferromagnetic electrodes allow ferroelectric control of the tunnelling spin polarization through the magnetoelectric coupling at the ferromagnet/ferroelectric interface. Here we demonstrate a significant enhancement of TER due to a ferroelectrically induced phase transition at a magnetic complex oxide interface. Ferroelectric tunnel junctions consisting of BaTiO3 tunnelling barriers and La(0.7)Sr(0.3)MnO3 electrodes exhibit a TER enhanced by up to ~10,000% by a nanometre-thick La(0.5)Ca(0.5)MnO3 interlayer inserted at one of the interfaces. The observed phenomenon originates from the metal-to-insulator phase transition in La(0.5)Ca(0.5)MnO3, driven by the modulation of carrier density through ferroelectric polarization switching. Electrical, ferroelectric and magnetoresistive measurements combined with first-principles calculations provide evidence for a magnetoelectric origin of the enhanced TER, and indicate the presence of defect-mediated conduction in the FTJs. The effect is robust and may serve as a viable route for electronic and spintronic applications.

Diffusion tensor tractography of residual fibers in traumatic spinal cord injury: a pilot study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In clinical studies, evaluating residual fiber tracts in spinal cord injuries poses serious difficulties, whereas diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can assess alterations in fiber structural integrity. For this reason, this study aimed to determine changes in the structural integrity of residual fiber tracts via fractional anisotropy (FA) variations and fiber-tracking patterns in patients with chronic traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

T2-weighted and diffusion-weighted imaging was performed on four traumatic SCI patients and three healthy volunteers using a 3.0-T MR scanner. After obtaining fiber-tracking maps, FA values were measured and analyzed in residual and remote normal and healthy cords.

RESULTS

Diffusion tensor tractography showed obvious destruction of fiber tracts in injured cords. In the healthy control subjects, averaged FA values ranged from 0.545 to 0.601, whereas all SCI patients had decreased FA values in both residual (0.220 ± 0.121) and remote normal fibers (0.535 ± 0.101). There were also statistically significant differences in FA values between residual and remote normal fibers in patients (P = 0.000) and between their residual and healthy control fibers (P = 0.000). No significant difference was found between remote normal and healthy cords (P = 0.312).

CONCLUSION

Specific FA variations were observed in residual fibers, suggesting that DTI may be a useful tool for evaluating residual tracts in SCI patients.

Room temperature multiferroicity in Bi(4.2)K(0.8)Fe(2)O(9+δ)

Magnetoelectric multiferroics are materials that have coupled magnetic and electric dipole orders, which can bring novel physical phenomena and offer possibilities for new device functions. In this report, single-crystalline Bi_4.2K_0.8Fe₂O_9+δ nanobelts which are isostructural with the high-temperature superconductor Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O_8+δ are successfully grown by a hydrothermal method. The regular stacking of the rock salt slabs and the BiFeO₃-like perovskite blocks along the c axis of the crystal makes the Bi_4.2K_0.8Fe₂O_9+δ nanobelts have a natural magnetoelectric–dielectric superlattice structure. The most striking result is that the bulk material made of the Bi_4.2K_0.8Fe₂O_9+δ nanobelts is of multiferroicity near room temperature accompanied with a structure anomaly. When an external magnetic field is applied, the electric polarization is greatly suppressed, and correspondingly, a large negative magnetocapacitance coefficient is observed around 270 K possibly due to the magnetoelectric coupling effect. Our result provides contributions to the development of single phase multiferroics.

DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes of ovarian cancer patients after radiotherapy

OBJECTIVE

Radiotherapy is a common mode of treatment for many types of cancer, particularly cancers that are not detected until late stages, as is common with ovarian cancer. Although radiotherapy is effective in preferentially killing tumor cells, DNA damage induced by ionizing radiation can also have toxic effects on non-tumor cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent of toxicity on non-tumor cells following radiotherapy for ovarian cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors used the comet assay to assess DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes of 60 ovarian cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Venous blood samples were collected from patients before radiotherapy and after accumulated doses of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 Gy of radiotherapy.

RESULTS

Comet frequencies, reflecting the proportion of damaged cells, were significantly higher after radiotherapy than before radiotherapy (f = 69.66, p < 0.05) and demonstrated a linear relationship with accumulated dose (y = 9.87 + 0.2987x, r = 0.9497, p < 0.05). Additionally, the comet tail length, reflecting the relationship between undamaged and damaged DNA, was significantly longer after radiotherapy (f = 175.13, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that radiotherapy induces DNA damage in lymphocytes of ovarian cancer patients and suggest that radiotherapy doses should be limited during clinical treatment to reduce toxic side-effects.

De novo FUS gene mutations are associated with juvenile-onset sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in China

Juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare form of motor neuron disease and occurs before 25 years of age. Only very few sporadic cases of juvenile-onset ALS have been reported. Rare SOD1 mutations and several FUS mutations have been identified in juvenile-onset ALS patients. To define the genetics of juvenile-onset sporadic ALS (SALS) of Chinese origin, we sequenced all 5 exons of SOD1, exons 3-6 and 12-15 of FUS in 11 juvenile-onset SALS patients, 105 adult-onset ALS patients (including 6 familial ALS [FALS] pedigrees), and 245 healthy controls. For the 11 juvenile-onset SALS and 6 FALS cases, the other 7 exons of FUS were also screened. A heterozygous de novo missense mutation c.1574C>T (p.P525L), a heterozygous de novo 2-base pair deletion c.1509_1510delAG (p.G504Wfs*12), and a nonsense mutation c.1483C>T (p.R495X) was each identified in 1 juvenile SALS patient. A heterozygous missense mutation c.1561C>G (p.R521G) was identified in a FALS proband. In the Chinese population, the frequency of FUS mutation in FALS is 11.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.9%-22.0%), higher than the Japanese (10%; 95% CI, 0.7%-19.3%), and Caucasians (4.9%; 95% CI, 3.9%-6.0%). The frequency of FUS mutation in SALS patients is 1.5% (95% CI, 0.2%-2.9%), which is similar to Koreans (1.6%; 95% CI, 0%-3.2%), but higher than in Caucasians (0.6%; 95% CI, 0.4%-0.8%). Our findings suggest that de novo FUS mutations are associated with juvenile-onset SALS of Chinese origin and that this gene should be screened in ALS patients with a young age of onset, aggressive progression, and sporadic occurrence.

Discrepancy of potential antiviral resistance mutation profiles within the HBV reverse transcriptase between nucleos(t)ide analogue-untreated and -treated patients with chronic hepatitis B in a hospital in China

Little is known about the discrepancy of the potential antiviral resistance mutation profiles within the hepatitis B virus (HBV) reverse transcriptase (RT) between nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA)-untreated and -treated patients with chronic hepatitis B. Full-length HBV RT sequences from 59 NA-treated and 105 NA-untreated Chinese patients were amplified and sequenced. Forty-two potential NA resistance (NAr) mutation sites were screened within these 164 RT sequences. The NAr mutation prevalence and frequency in the NA-treated group were significantly higher than those in the NA-untreated one (P < 0.001, respectively). The classical primary drug resistance and secondary/compensatory mutations were only detected at seven sites (rtL80, rtI169, rtL180, rtA181, rtT184, rtM204, and rtN236) in NA-treated patients. The non-classical putative NAr and pre-treatment mutations were observed at 22 sites (rtT38, rtN/S53, rtL82, rtL/I91, rtN/Y124, rtH126, rtT128, rtN/D134, rtN139, rtR153, rtV191, rtV207, rtS213, rtV214, rtE218, rtY/F221, rtV/I224, rtL229, rtI233, rtN/H238, rtR242, and rtS/C256) in both groups. Substitutions at seven non-classical mutation sites were of interest due to either detection only in patients with virologic breakthrough (rtL82 and rtV214), or potential ties with HBV genotypes (rtV191 and rtL229), or coexistence with rtM204I/V (rtL229), or increased mutation trends after NA-treatment (rtT128, rtV207, and rtN/H238). In conclusion, NA treatment not only constitutes a major selection factor for the primary and secondary/compensatory NAr mutations but also drives the changes of some of the putative NAr mutation sites, most of which are the genotype-independent RT sites (rtL82, rtT128, rtV191, rtV207, rtV214, rtL229, and rtN/H238). Their antiviral resistance potential calls for further investigations.

Two new sesquiterpene lactones from the supercritical fluid extract of Centipeda minima

Two new sesquiterpene lactones, minimolides G(1) and H(2), were isolated from the supercritical fluid extract of Centipeda minima. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive analyses of spectroscopic data including IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR. Compounds 1 and 2 displayed inhibitory activity against human nasopharyngeal cancer cell line (CNE) with IC₅₀ values of 61.4 and 28.7 μM, respectively.

Identification of a novel missense mutation in angiogenin in a Chinese amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cohort

Abstract Angiogenin (ANG) gene mutations have been identified in both familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients from multiple European and North American populations. However, no ANG mutation has yet been reported in Asian ALS populations. Here, we screened for ANG mutations in a Chinese ALS cohort. The entire coding region of the ANG gene was sequenced in 10 familial ALS pedigrees, 202 sporadic ALS patients, and 151 healthy controls. All patients were negative for SOD1, FUS, and TARDBP mutations. We identified a novel missense mutation, c.379G > A (p.V103I), in one sporadic ALS patient, but not in the controls. No mutations were found in the familial ALS patients. A novel missense variant, c.323A > G (p.H84R), was detected in one healthy individual. We identified the presence of the known single nucleotide polymorphism, rs11701 (T/G), in both ALS cases and controls. However, no significant association of the G allele with ALS susceptibility was demonstrated. In conclusion, ANG mutations accounted for 0.5% of our SOD1-, FUS-, TARDBP- mutation-negative ALS cohort. Our findings highlight that the genetic background of ALS differs between different populations, and suggest that ANG mutation may be involved in the aetiology of ALS in the Han Chinese population.

Thermogravimetric investigation on co-combustion characteristics of tobacco residue and high-ash anthracite coal

The thermal behavior of high-ash anthracite coal, tobacco residue and their blends during combustion processes was investigated by means of thermogravimetric analysis (20 K min(-1), ranging from ambient temperature to 1273 K). Effects of the mixed proportion between coal and tobacco residue on the combustion process, ignition and burnout characteristics were also studied. The results indicated that the combustion of tobacco residue was controlled by the emission of volatile matter; the regions were more complex for tobacco residue (four peaks) than for coal (two peaks). Also, the blends had integrative thermal profiles that reflected both tobacco residue and coal. The incorporation of tobacco residue could improve the combustion characteristics of high-ash anthracite coal, especially the ignition and burnout characteristics comparing with the separate burning of tobacco residue and coal. It was feasible to use the co-combustion of tobacco residue and high-ash anthracite coal as fuel.

Interplay between charge stripes and sign reversals of Hall and Seebeck effects in stripe-ordered La(1.6-x)Nd0.4Sr(x)CuO4 superconductors

The Hall and Seebeck effects of the stripe-ordered superconductor La(1.6-x)Nd(0.4)Sr(x)CuO(4) single crystals (x = 0.10, 0.12 and 0.15) were investigated systematically. The sign change of Hall and Seebeck coefficients (R(H) and S) from positive to negative with decreasing temperature suggests the presence of electron pockets in the Fermi surface due to the stripe ordering. We successfully tune this behavior through an epitaxial strain induced by the mismatch between the thin film and the substrate. The negative R(H) disappears in the thinner film in which the static charge stripe is greatly suppressed by the strong epitaxial strain, and for a strain released thicker film the negative R(H) recovers. These results indicate the possibility of Fermi surface reconstruction caused by the static charge stripe order in the system.

Ultralong silver trimolybdate nanowires: synthesis, phase transformation, stability, and their photocatalytic, optical, and electrical properties

Ultralong orthorhombic silver trimolybdate nanowires (NWs) can be synthesized by a simple hydrothermal process without using any structure directing agent. Their phase transformation and stability to thermal and modeling sunlight from a Xe lamp have been systematically studied. Well-dispersed Ag nanoparticles can in situ form on the backbone of the nanowires by photoirradiation, and their photocatalytic and optical properties have been investigated. The investigations on photocatalytic, photoluminescent, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of the as-synthesized nanowires indicate that these nanowires loaded with Ag nanoparticles by photoirradiation can be a new kind of photocatalytic and luminescent material and potentially can be used as an efficient SERS substrate. The electrical conductivity of an individual nanowire exhibits almost nonlinear and symmetric current/voltage (I/V) characteristics for bias voltages in the range of -5 to 5 V. Ohmic mechanism, Schottky, and the Poole-Frenkel emission play an important part, respectively, in low, medium, and high electrical fields.

Combined administration of D-galactose and aluminium induces Alzheimer-like lesions in brain

OBJECTIVE

It has been reported that D-galactose (D-gal) can model subacute aging, and aluminum (Al) acts as a neurotoxin, but combined effects of them have not been reported. The present work aimed to reveal the effect of combined administration of D-gal and Al in mice and compare the effect of D-gal treatment with that of Al treatment.

METHODS

Al was intragastrically administered and D-gal was subcutaneously injected into Kunming mice for 10 consecutive weeks. Learning and memory, cholinergic systems, as well as protein levels of amyloid β (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau were determined using Morri water maze test, biochemical assays and immunohistochemical staining, respectively.

RESULTS

The mice with combined treatment had obvious learning and memory deficits, and showed decreases in brain acetylcholine (ACh) level and in activities of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Formation of senile plaque (SP)-like and neurofibrillary tangle (NFT)-like structures was also observed. The behavioral and pathological changes persisted for at least 6 weeks after withdrawal of D-gal and Al.

CONCLUSION

Combined use of D-gal and Al is an effective way to establish the non-transgenic Alzheimer's disease (AD) animal model, and is useful for studies of AD pathogenesis and therapeutic evaluation.

Profile of HBV antiviral resistance mutations with distinct evolutionary pathways against nucleoside/nucleotide analogue treatment among Chinese chronic hepatitis B patients

BACKGROUND

Antiviral drug-resistant HBV mutants under a variety of treatment protocols are complex and only partly understood. Here, a population-based cross-sectional study was performed to analyse the profile of resistance mutations in distinct evolutionary pathways refractory to different nucleoside/nucleotide analogues (NAs).

METHODS

Serum samples of 199 chronic hepatitis B patients undergoing NA treatment from five hospitals in four northern cities of China were obtained between January 2007 and July 2009. The genotypic resistance of HBV in these samples was characterized. The full-length HBV reverse transcriptase region was amplified, sequenced and analysed with particular focus on the following NA-resistant changes: rtL80, rtI169, rtV173, rtL180, rtA181, rtT184, rtA194, rtS202, rtM204, rtN236 and rtM250.

RESULTS

Among 199 HBV isolates, 30 (15.08%) and 169 (84.92%) were genotypes B and C, respectively, and 65 (32.66%) harboured NA-resistant mutations. The prevalence of mutations at rtM204 was 34.33% in 134 patients who had received or who had been exposed to lamivudine-based therapy. Five cases of rtN236 mutations were detected exclusively among 75 patients receiving adefovir-dipivoxil-based therapies. A total of 19 cases of multidrug resistance rtA181 mutations were observed in those with lamivudine-, adefovir-dipivoxil- or telbivudine-based treatment (186 cases), but not in those undergoing entecavir treatment (13 cases). Mutations were not found at rtI169, rtT184, rtA194 or rtS202. rtM204 mutations (27 rtM204I, 15 rtM204V and 5 rtM204I/V cases) were detected at the highest frequency among 65 mutants (72.30% [47/65]) and found to display 16 combination mutation patterns, in which rtM204I and rtM204V were significantly associated with rtL80I/V and rtL180M, respectively (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

One-third of the studied population harboured NA-resistant HBV with complicated mutation patterns. Monitoring HBV genotypic resistance mutation markers and patterns is therefore shown to be beneficial for optimizing antiviral therapies and for avoiding clinical deterioration.

Large exchange bias after zero-field cooling from an unmagnetized state

Exchange bias (EB) is usually observed in systems with an interface between different magnetic phases after field cooling. Here we report an unusual phenomenon in which a large EB can be observed in Ni-Mn-In bulk alloys after zero-field cooling from an unmagnetized state. We propose that this is related to the newly formed interface between different magnetic phases during the initial magnetization process. The magnetic unidirectional anisotropy, which is the origin of the EB effect, can be created isothermally below the blocking temperature.

Post-operative implantation metastasis of craniopharyngioma: a case report

Craniopharyngiomas are histologically benign epithelial tumours arising from squamous epithelial remnants of Rathke's pouch, which have a tendency to invade surrounding structures and recur after apparently complete resection. They represent the most frequent non-glial tumour in children, accounting for approximately 5% of paediatric brain neoplasms. Total resection of a craniopharyngioma may be difficult, and recurrence has been reported in 25-70% of patients. Recurrence often occurs at the primary site, although a few cases of ectopic recurrence along surgical or needle tracts have been reported. Here a case of metastatic adamantinomatous-type craniopharyngioma attributed to direct implantation by surgical procedure is presented, along with a review of the current literature on craniopharyngiomas.

Expression of activin A and follistatin in glioblastoma and their effects on U87 in vitro

In some cancer cell lines, the gene encoding activin A (inhibin βA [INHBA]) is over-expressed and enhances cancer proliferation. Protein levels of activin A and follistatin were assessed in glioblastoma and normal brain tissues in this study, and the effect of activin A and follistatin treatment on the proliferation of U87 human glioblastoma cells in vitro was also studied. High levels of activin A were observed in glioblastomas compared with normal brain tissue. In contrast, follistatin levels were similar between the two tissues. [(3)H]Thymidine assay showed that activin A (3 - 30 ng/ml) produced a dose-dependent increase in DNA synthesis of U87 cells compared with controls. Flow cytometric analyses showed that activin A increased the proliferative index of U87 cells compared with controls. Activin A also induced up-regulation of p-SMAD2/3 in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment of U87 cells with follistatin blocked these activin A-induced effects. The disequilibrium between activin A and follistatin may play a role in the development of glioblastoma.

[Clinical characterization of vulvar epithelioid sarcoma]

OBJECTIVE

Vulvar epithelioid sarcoma is a rare, undifferentiated soft-tissue sarcoma, with a high rate of local relapse, regional nodal spread and distant metastases. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of this malignancy.

METHODS

We studied the clinicopathologic features of 20 cases of vulvar epithelioid sarcoma, of which 4 cases were admitted to our hospital from 1999 to 2009. All of the patients received radical local excision with inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy. Seven patients were treated without adjuvant therapy. Seven patients received postoperative radiotherapy only and three underwent chemotherapy. Chemotherapy plus radiotherapy were given postoperatively in three.

RESULTS

The patients ranged in age from 23 to 80 years (median: 36 y). The tumors ranged from 1 to 10 cm in their greatest diameter (median: 5.1 cm). All cases showed immunoreactivity for both vimentin and cytokeratin. Follow-up information on all 20 patients was available, and covered periods ranging from 3 to 104 months.11 patients were alive with no evidence of disease. 2 patients developed lymph node metastases but alive. 7 patients had died of the disease. Survival of the early stage (I-II) patients was significantly longer than those in the advanced stage (III-IV) (median, 21 vs. 6 months, P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between survival of patients with or without inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy (median, 11.5 vs. 6 months, P = 0.086).

CONCLUSIONS

Because of the relatively frequent misdiagnosis, a differential diagnosis combined with immunohistochemistry is needed to determine an early and accurate diagnosis. The tumor markers exhibiting immunoreactivity includ vimentin, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and cytokeratin (CK). Radical local excision with adequate margin (at least 2 cm) and bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy is effective for the treatment of vulvar epithelioid sarcoma. The role of adjuvant therapy, chemotherapy and radiation remains unclear but merits consideration.

Spin structure transition in La(1.6-x)Nd(0.4)Sr(x)CuO(4) superconductors

The field and temperature dependencies of the spin structures in the normal states of La(1.6-x)Nd(0.4)Sr(x)CuO(4) (x = 0.10, 0.12, and 0.15) single crystals have been studied by measuring the magnetoresistance and susceptibility. A negative magnetoresistance appears just below the spin-ordering temperature for the magnetic fields parallel to the CuO(2) plane, which can be attributed to the spin-flop transition of the special spin structure in the normal state of the system. The anisotropic variations of susceptibilities with temperature for all the three specimens can be described in the framework of the crystal-field theory. The well fitted broad peaks of the in-plane susceptibilities χ(ab) for the specimens suggest that the susceptibilities are dominated by Nd(3+), and thus the spin reorientation of Cu(2+) in the CuO(2) plane can not be observed from the study of the susceptibility.

Isotope effect in spin response of pi-conjugated polymer films and devices

Recent advances in organic spin response include long polaron spin-coherence times measured by optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR), substantive room-temperature magnetoelectroluminescence and magnetoconductance obtained in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and spin-polarized carrier injection from ferromagnetic electrodes in organic spin valves (OSVs). Although the hyperfine interaction (HFI) has been foreseen to have an important role in organic spin response, no clear experimental evidence has been reported so far. Using the chemical versatility advantage of the organics, we studied and compared spin responses in films, OLED and OSV devices based on pi-conjugated polymers made of protonated, H-, and deuterated, D-hydrogen having a weaker HFI strength. We demonstrate that the HFI does indeed have a crucial role in all three spin responses. OLED films based on the D-polymers show substantially narrower magneto-electroluminescence and ODMR responses, and as a result of the longer spin diffusion obtained, OSV devices based on D-polymers show a substantially larger magnetoresistance.

Effects of chitosan/collagen substrates on the behavior of rat neural stem cells

Spinal cord and brain injuries usually lead to cavity formation. The transplantation by combining stem cells and tissue engineering scaffolds has the potential to fill the cavities and replace the lost neural cells. Both chitosan and collagen have their unique characteristics. In this study, the effects of chitosan and collagen on the behavior of rat neural stem cells (at the neurosphere level) were tested in vitro in terms of cytotoxicity and supporting ability for stem cell survival, proliferation and differentiation. Under the serum-free condition, both chitosan membranes and collagen gels had low cytotoxicity to neurospheres. That is, cells migrated from neurospheres, and processes extended out from these neurospheres and the differentiated cells. Compared with the above two materials, chitosan-collagen membranes were more suitable for the co-culture with rat neural stem cells, because, except for low cytotoxicity and supporting ability for the cell survival, in this group, a large number of cells were observed to migrate out from neurospheres, and the differentiating percentage from neurospheres into neurons was significantly increased. Further modification of chitosan-collagen membranes may shed light on in vivo nerve regeneration by transplanting neural stem cells.

Characterization of potential antiviral resistance mutations in hepatitis B virus reverse transcriptase sequences in treatment-naïve Chinese patients

Full-length hepatitis B virus (HBV) reverse transcriptase (RT) sequences were amplified and sequenced among 192 nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA)-naïve Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis B. Deduced amino acids (AAs) at 42 previously reported potential NA resistance (NAr) mutation positions in RT region were analyzed. Patients were found with either B-genotype (28.65%) or C-genotype (71.35%) infections. Rt53, rt91, rt124, rt134, rt221, rt224, rt238 and rt256 were identified as B- and C-genotype-dependent polymorphic AA positions. AA substitutions at 11 classical NAr mutation positions, i.e. rt80, rt169, rt173, rt180, rt181, rt184, rt194, rt202, rt204, rt236 and rt250, were not detected. However, potential NAr mutations were found in 30.73% (59/192) isolates, which involved 18 positions including rt53, rt207, rt229, rt238 and rt256, etc. The concomitant AA changes of HBsAg occurred in 16.67% (32/192) isolates including sG145R mutation. One-third of mutation positions were located in functional RT domains (e.g. rt207 and rt233), A-B interdomains (overlapping HBsAg 'a' determinant and showing most concomitant immune-associated mutations) and non-A-B interdomains (e.g. rt191 and rt213), respectively. Genotypes B and C each showed several preferred positions to mutate. These results might provide insights into understanding the evolution and selection basis of NAr HBV strains under antiviral therapy.

Association between DPP6 polymorphism and the risk of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Chinese patients

BACKGROUND

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive degenerative disease characterized by the loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord, brainstem, and cerebral cortex, which results in muscle weakness, atrophy. Sporadic ALS (SALS) accounts for about 90% of ALS cases, but the etiology is largely unknown. Most of the researchers consider it to be a complex disease. There have been several genome-wide association (GWA) studies reporting several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) which are susceptible to ALS, but no data of Asians (including Chinese) yet. We investigate whether the polymorphism of rs10260404 in DPP6 gene is associated with SALS in Chinese Han origin to compare the ethnic differences between Chinese Han origin and other populations.

METHODS

The genomic DNA was extracted from the leukocytes of whole blood samples in 58 Chinese Han patients with SALS and 52 healthy controls. The asymmetric PCR was processed in the presence of an unlabeled probe that contained the rs10260404 locus. The product was genotyped on a light scanner using high resolution melting method and some were confirmed with sequencing.

RESULTS

The rs10260404 polymorphism was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in patients and controls. The CC genotype and the C allele were similar in patients compared with healthy subjects and not associated with an increased risk of Chinese SALS patients (chi(2) = 0.29, OR = 1.26, 95% CI 0.55 - 2.87, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The rs10260404 is not associated with ALS susceptibility in Chinese people with Han origin which may be due to ethnic differences. More study with large number of cases in Chinese population is really necessary.

Superlong beta-AgVO3 nanoribbons: high-yield synthesis by a pyridine-assisted solution approach, their stability, electrical and electrochemical properties

Monoclinic beta-silver vanadate (beta-AgVO(3)) nanoribbons with widths of 300-600 nm, thicknesses of ca. 40 nm, and lengths of 200-300 microm can be easily synthesized in high yield directly from a hydrothermal reaction between V(2)O(5) and AgNO(3) in a solution containing a small amount of pyridine. The results demonstrated that the formation of single-crystal AgVO(3) nanoribbons is strongly dependent on the reaction temperature, especially, the presence of pyridine and its dosage. A possible growth mechanism of single-crystal AgVO(3) nanoribbons has been proposed. Exposure of the nanoribbons to electron beam will easily result in the formation of Ag nanoparticles embedded in situ on the backbone of the nanoribbons, making the nanoribbons potentially useful as efficient catalyst support. The electrical conductivity of an individual single-crystal beta-AgVO(3) nanoribbon exhibits nonlinear and symmetric current/voltage (I-V) characteristics for bias voltages in the range of -6 to 6 V.

Photocatalytic hydrogen generation over lanthanum doped TiO2 under UV light irradiation

TiO2 nanoparticles doped with different amount of lanthanum were obtained by sol-gel approach and followed annealing at different temperature. The crystal size of TiO2 doped with lanthanum was smaller than that of pure TiO2. Photocatalytic activity of TiO2 doped with lanthanum for water splitting into H2 was investigated. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 doped with lanthanum for water splitting into H2 is higher than that of pure TiO2. It was found that the optimal photocatalyst was TiO2 doped with 2 wt% lanthanum and calcined at 600 degrees C for 4 h which had hydrogen generation rate 700.6 micromol h(-1).

Screening of genes differentially expressed in HepG2 cells transfected with human hepatocyte growth factor

AIM: To construct the eukaryotic expression vector of pcDNA3.1(-)-hHGF, and to screen the differentially expressed genes in HepG2 cells transfected with the vector.

METHODS: We constructed the expression vector of pcDNA3.1(-)-hHGF, which was confirmed by restriction enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing, and then transfected it into HepG2 cell line. The expression of HGF protein was observed by Western blotting. At last, we compared the differentially expressed genes between HepG2 cells transfected with pcDNA3.1(-)-hHGF and pcDNA3.1(-) respectively by cDNA microarray technique.

RESULTS: The expression vector was constructed successfully and confirmed by restriction enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing analysis. The expression of hHGF protein was confirmed by Western blotting. High quality mRNA and cDNA had been prepared and successful microarray screening had been conducted. From the scanning results, we found 430 genes that were up-regulated and 88 genes down-regulated in HepG2 cells transfected with hHGF.

CONCLUSION: cDNA microarray technology is successfully used to screen the genes differentially expressed in HepG2 cells transfected with hHGF, which brings some new clues for studying the regulatory mechanism of hHGF in liver cells.

Molecular analysis of hormone-regulated petal regeneration in Petunia

The petal is an important floral organ of higher plants. To study the mechanism of petal development, the in vitro regeneration system of petals was established in Petunia. High-frequency induction of petals occurred directly from explants on the media containing the combination of N6-benzyladenine (6-BA) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Expression analysis of genes involved in flower development indicated that these genes were classified into three types. ABERRANT LEAF AND FLOWER (ALF) gene was induced during petal regeneration. Whereas, B-class and E-class genes, and genes involved in cell division were constitutively upregulated. In contrast, C-class and D-class genes were not expressed in explants and regenerated tissues. Further, in situ hybridization analysis showed that both ALF and GREEN PETAL (GP) expression were spatially regulated. The results suggest that differential regulation of gene expression occurs in the presence of hormones during petal regeneration, and hormone-regulated gene expression might be required for petal regeneration. This study provides the preliminary information to understand the mechanism of petal regeneration.

[Application of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in patients with neurological diseases]

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) has been increasingly used in treating patients with neurogenic dysphagia to improve nutrition status and prevent choking. PEG is mostly used for stroke and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, although more evidence-based researches are required to assess the timing, risks, and survival benefits. Its application in senile dementia is still controversial.

[Clinical review of 97 patients with endometrial stromal sarcoma]

OBJECTIVE

To review the survival outcomes in patients with endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) in Cancer Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and to discuss prognostic factors and the role of post-operative adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

METHODS

Hospital records and pathology reports for 97 patients with ESS were reviewed. Among 97 patients, 69 had low-grade ESS (LGESS), 16 had high-grade ESS (HGESS) and 12 had unclear grade. The median age at diagnosis was 44.0 years. The median follow-up time was 62 months (5 - 277 months). Atypical vaginal bleeding (43%) and prolonged and increased menses (36%) were the main symptoms.

RESULTS

Totally 2-year and 5-year cumulative survival rates were 93% and 84%, respectively. Cumulative survival curves were significantly different between LGESS and HGESS, and so did cumulative survival curves between stage I - II and stage III - IV (P < 0.05). Totally, 34 patients (37%) had local or distant recurrence. The median time-to-recurrence (TTR) was 27 months. The recurrence rates of the patients with or without preserve of ovary were 89% and 24%, respectively (P = 0.000). The local-control-rates of the patients who received or did not receive post-operative radiotherapy were 81% and 43%, respectively (P = 0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

The prognosis of HGESS is obviously worse than that of LGESS. The risk of recurrence of patients with preserve of ovary was remarkably higher than that of patients without preserve of ovary. Postoperative radiotherapy could increase the local-control-rates.

[Using the lower medial leg fasciocutaneous flap to repair soft tissue defects at root of tongue]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical value of lower medial leg fasciocutaneous flap for the repair of soft tissue defects at root of tongue.

METHODS

4 cases of soft tissue defects at root of tongue were underwent surgery with lower medial leg fasciocutaneous flaps. This paper describes in detail the anatomy of the flap, technique of make up the flap, advantages and disadvantages, and its clinical applications.

RESULTS

All the 4 flaps were got successfully one stage repair. A satisfied reconstruction were attained, the transplanted skin grafts on the defect regions of lower medial leg survived without necrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The lower medial leg fasciocutaneous flaps is a good method for the repair of the defect reconstruction at the root of tongue. The soft tissue defects at root of tongue can be used the flap combined with partial soleus. The flaps not only has thin fat and soft quality, but also is far away from the region of head and neck. The donor site is blanket with less damage.

Predictive value of rapid virological response and early virological response on sustained virological response in HCV patients treated with pegylated interferon alpha-2a and ribavirin

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The therapeutic effect of pegylated interferon (peg-IFN)-alpha-2a combination with ribavirin on patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is dependent on the rapidity of the virological response. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive value of rapid virological response (RVR) and early virological response (EVR) on sustained virological response (SVR) in HCV patients treated with peg-IFN-alpha-2a and ribavirin.

METHODS

The HCV genotypes of 105 patients with chronic hepatitis C were detected by enzyme-immunoassay. Patients received subcutaneous 180 microg peg-IFN-alpha-2a once weekly plus daily ribavirin. Patients with genotype 1 were treated for 48 weeks and patients with genotype 2 or 3 were treated for 24 weeks. HCV RNA was assessed by qualitative PCR at pretreatment, at weeks 4 and 12 during treatment, and at week 24 of follow-up. Virological response rates at different weeks were investigated, with RVR defined as serum HCV RNA undetectable after 4 weeks and EVR defined as HCV RNA either undetectable or decrease by >or=2 log(10) after 12 weeks. The effects of virological response rates at different weeks on SVR were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 105 patients, 44 (41.9%) were genotype 1, 46 (43.8%) were genotype 2, and 15 (14.3%) were genotype 3. RVR rates (19.5%) of patients with genotype 1 were significantly lower than those (60.7%) of genotype 2 or 3 (chi(2) = 16.836, P = 0.000); and EVR rates (73.2%) of patients with genotype 1 were significantly lower than those (96.7%) of genotype 2 or 3 (chi(2) = 12.220, P = 0.000). The SVR rates (86.7%) of patients who had achieved RVR were significantly higher than those (43.9%) of patients who had not achieved RVR (chi(2) = 19.713, P = 0.000). The positive predictive value of RVR in all patients was higher than that of EVR, but there was no significant difference between RVR and EVR. The negative predictive value of RVR in all patients or with genotype 1 was significantly lower than that of EVR. In univariate analysis, HCV RNA level (P = 0.014), genotype (P = 0.001), RVR (P = 0.000) and EVR (P = 0.000) were associated with effect of treatment. However, in stepwise regression analysis, the independent factors associated with effect of antiviral therapy were RVR (OR = 6.501, P = 0.001), EVR (OR = 2.776, P = 0.003) and genotype (OR = 3.061, P = 0.024).

CONCLUSIONS

The RVR and EVR rates of patients with genotype 1 were significantly lower than those of patients with genotype 2 or 3. RVR had a similar predictive value as EVR on SVR. Genotype, HCV RNA level, RVR and EVR were associated with SVR. Genotype, RVR and EVR were independent factors for predicting the effect of antiviral therapy.

[Efficiency and side effects of concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy for advanced cervical cancers]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficiency of concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy for advanced cervical cancer.

METHODS

Between Dec. 1999 and Dec. 2003, 158 women with cervical cancer were treated with concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The regimen was 45 Gy/25 fraction radiation to the pelvis, intracavitary after-loading 7-9 fractions, (42 +/- 7) Gy to point A and 10-30 Gy to cervical submucosa 0.5 cm for debulking; meanwhile, chemotherapy was given with cisplatin 60 mg/m2, d1-d4, and 5-Fu 2400 mg/m2, over a 96-hour period.

RESULTS

The rate of local resistence and pelvic recurrence was 4.4% and 3.2%, respectively. The rate of distant metastasis was 17.1%. The overall 5-year survival rate was 66.3%, without statistically significant difference between concurrent chemoradiation group and radiation alone group during the same period. The adverse effect included grade 3 or grade 4 leukopenia in 12.7% of these patients, grade 3 thrombocytopenia in 1.3%, anemia in 3.2%, diarrhoea in 17.8%, cardiac toxicity in 10.1% and radiation- related rectitis in 13.3% and cystitis in 0.6%, but alopecia was rare.

CONCLUSION

Concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy may not be able to improve survival for advanced cervical cancer, however, adverse effect is tolerable.

Allelic imbalance on chromosomes 3p, 9p and 17p in malignant progression of laryngeal mucosa

Objectives/hypothesis:

To evaluate the character and significance of microsatellite deoxyribonucleic acid allelic imbalance in laryngeal squamous cell carcinogenesis.

Methods:

We investigated the frequency of expression and clinical relationships of loss of heterozygosity and microsatellite instability in 49 laryngeal premalignant and malignant lesions. Allelic imbalance was analysed using six polymorphic markers (D3S1234, D9S171, D9S1748, D9S162, D9SINFA and D17S796), via polymerase chain reaction – single sequence length polymorphism – silver staining.

Results:

Allelic loss was seen in 3.7 per cent of the six markers in hyperplastic lesions, 10.81 per cent in mild dysplasia, 26.03 per cent in moderate to severe dysplasia, and 38.67 per cent in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Significant associations were found between allelic loss and clinical pathological grades (χ2 = 17.686, p = 0.000). No statistically significant difference was found in the frequency of microsatellite instability (χ2 = 0.314, p > 0.05). In the early stages of neoplastic change, the incidence of microsatellite instability was higher than that of loss of heterozygosity.

Conclusions:

Allelic imbalance was associated with the carcinogenesis and progression of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Microsatellite analysis might provide new approaches to early genetic detection for patients with premalignant laryngeal lesions.

[A study of 152 cases of pulmonary fungal infection: reevaluation of the microbiological spectra]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the microbiological spectra and clinical outcome of patients with pulmonary fungal infections.

METHODS

All the cases of clinically diagnosed pulmonary fungal infection from January 2002 to June 2006 were reevaluated according to the definitions of European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Mycosis Study Group (EORTC/MSG), and the etiology of the patients were analyzed.

RESULTS

Pulmonary fungal disease was classified as proven (n = 38), probable (n = 24), possible (n = 35) and colonization (n = 55). In the proven group, the most frequently encountered fungi were Aspergillus species (15/38), followed by Cryptococcus species (13/38), Candida species were rare (2/38). In the probable group, Aspergillus species and Aspergillus species + Candida species were among the most common pathogens; while in the possible group and the colonization group, Candida species were most frequently encountered. The mortality of patients with probable pulmonary fungal infection (58.3%) was higher than that of patients in the possible group (25.7%) or the colonization group (16.4%) (P = 0.001). Univariate analysis showed that only APACHE II score was associated with outcome of patients with "pulmonary Candida infections", and antifungal therapy did not improve the outcome of such patients.

CONCLUSION

The most frequently encountered fungi in patients with pulmonary fungal infections were Aspergillus species, followed by Cryptococcus species. Primary Candida pulmonary infections were rare.

Hormone-regulated inflorescence induction and TFL1 expression in Arabidopsis callus in vitro

To study hormone-regulated inflorescence development, we established the in vitro regeneration system of Arabidopsis inflorescences in the presence of cytokinin and auxin. Media containing a combination of thidiazuron (TDZ) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) were used to induce callus formation. Higher frequencies of calli were obtained by using the inflorescence stems as explants. After transferring the calli to media containing a combination of zeatin and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), the inflorescences were induced from the calli. The morphology of regenerated inflorescences was similar to that of inflorescences in plants; however, flowers of regenerated inflorescences often lacked a few floral organs. Furthermore, TFL1, a gene involved in floral transition in Arabidopsis, was activated during the inflorescence induction. Our results suggest that the TFL1 gene plays an important role in hormone-regulated inflorescence formation.

[Clinical application of sentinel lymph node detection to early stage cervical cancer]

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) identification has been increasingly used in the treatment design of a variety of solid tumors, particularly breast cancer and melanoma. A negative SLN predicts the absence of tumor metastases in the regional lymph nodes with high accuracy. This study was to investigate the clinical value of combined isotope-dye technique for detecting SLN, and to evaluate the accuracy of SLN in predicting the pelvic lymph nodes status in patients with early stage cervical cancer.

METHODS

A total of 27 patients with early stage cervical cancer,scheduled for radical hysterectomy and total pelvic lymphadenectomy, were eligible for the study. Lymphoscintigraphy was performed with injection of radioactivity isotope (99m)Tc-labeled dextran ((99m)Tc-DX) into the uterine cervix 16 h before surgery. Methylthioninium (4 ml) was injected into the same points as (99m)Tc-DX during surgery, and the patients underwent lymphatic mapping with a handheld gamma-detecting probe. After resection of SLNs, standard radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection was performed. All removed lymph nodes, including the SLNs, were examined by routine histopathology. The histopathologic results of SLNs and non-SLNs were compared.

RESULTS

The detection rates of SLN were 96.3% by blue dye method, and 100% by radiolabeled tracer or combined isotope-dye. Blue dye method identified 61 SLNs, radiolabeled tracer identified 69 SLNs, and combined isotope-dye identified 70 SLNs. Preoperative SPECT/CT fusion images detected 4 SLNs in the parametrium. Seven (25.9%) patients had lymph node metastasis. The sensitivity, accuracy, negative predictive value, and false negative rate of SLN detection were 85.7% (6/7), 96.3% (26/27), 95.2% (20/21), and 14.3% (1/7), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

SPECT/CT imaging not only is superior to planar imaging in detecting SLN but also enables precise localization of SLNs. The combined isotope-dye method can improve the accuracy of SLN detection. SLN detection can accurately predict the pelvic lymph nodes status in early stage cervical cancer.

Magnetic-field-dependent carrier injection at La2/3Sr1/3MnO3/ and organic semiconductors interfaces

We have fabricated organic diodes utilizing several pi-conjugated organic semiconductors (OSEC) as spacer layers between La2/3Sr1/3MnO3 (LSMO) and various metallic electrodes, and measured their magnetoresistance (MR) and magnetoelectroluminescence (MEL) responses. The devices exhibit large negative high-field MR responses that resemble the MR response of the LSMO electrode, but amplified by approximately 3 orders in the resistance, and accompanied by a positive high-field MEL effect. These magnetic-field effects result from enhanced carrier injection at the LSMO-OSEC interface that is attributed to the anomalous field-dependent Fermi level shift in LSMO.

[Analysis of prognostic factors in 159 cases of cervical adenocarcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To assess prognostic factors in patients with cervical adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

Totally 159 cases of primary cervical adenocarcinoma were diagnosed in Cancer Hospital, Peking Union Medical College between 1992 and 2002. Clinical and pathological data including patients'age, delivery, tumor size, stage, grade, histological subtype, Pap smear, serum CA125 and treatment were reviewed. Mean age at presentation was 51.4 years. And the mean follow-up time was 59.8 months. According to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), patients with stages I-IV accounted for 13.2%, 34.0%, 45.3% and 7.5%, respectively. Survival analysis was carried out using SPSS software version 11.0.

RESULTS

The overall 5-year survival rate was 47.9%. It was 86.1%, 56.4%, 36.0% and 0 for stages I, II, III and IV respectively. And 29.6% cases experienced recurrence or distant metastasis. The 5-year survival rate for them was 17.3%. In univariate analysis, tumor size (P = 0.009), stage (P < 0.01) and elevated serum CA125 values (P = 0.039) were significant factors for survival. In the group of 27 cases who received surgery, the survival was significantly poorer for cases with pelvic lymph node metastases (P = 0.001) and deep stromal invasion (P = 0.009). Only stage and pelvic lymph node metastases remained significant predictors for survival when multivariate analysis was performed.

CONCLUSIONS

This retrospective study suggests that FIGO stage and pelvic lymph node metastasis are independent factors in prediction of survival in cervical adenocarcinoma. Survival rate remains to be improved.

A simple and convenient route to prepare poly(vinylidene fluoride trifluoroethylene) copolymer nanowires and nanotubes

Poly(vinylidene fluoride trifluoroethylene) copolymer nanowires and nanotubes have been prepared for the first time via a high temperature (</=260 degrees C) vacuum infiltration method, which is a simple and convenient route for fabricating polymer nanowires and nanotubes when polymers, instead of monomers, are used as the starting materials.

Pistil induction by hormones from callus of Oryza sativa in vitro

This study describes the successful formation of floral organ pistil from the callus of pistil explants of Oryza sativa L. For induction of floral organs, different explants--including young embryo, lemma, palea and pistil--were used for callus induction with different combinations of N(6)-benzyladenine and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). High frequencies of callus formation from pistil and young embryo explants were achieved. Floral organs were induced after calli from pistils were transferred to medium containing both zeatin and 2,4-D. The morphological characteristics of the pistil-like organs are very similar to those formed in planta though with minor differences. Further histological study revealed that the in vitro pistil contains an ovule within its ovary. Furthermore, a pistil-specific gene, OsMADS3 used as a molecular marker for pistil identity, was expressed in the pistil-like organs as it was in pistils in the flower of the plant.

[Leptin and clustering of the components of risk factors for metabolic syndrome]

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate relationship between serum level of leptin and the components of risk factors for metabolic syndrome and to analyze the characteristics and laws of clustering of the risk factors.

METHODS

Totally, 795 non-diabetic adult Chinese subjects (691 men and 104 women, aged 40 - 75 years) from a diabetes prevalence survey in 2000 were involved in this study. Measurements included serum levels of true insulin (TI), leptin, fasting lipids, fasting glucose (FBG) and 2 h postchallenge glucose, as well as seated blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), ratio of waist circumference to hip circumference (WHR), calculated quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), etc. Relationship between serum level of leptin and all the variables mentioned above was studied by statistical methods such as factor analysis, etc.

RESULTS

Serum level of leptin in the study subjects increased with the number of components of abnormal metabolism they had. Detection rates of obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome were significantly higher in those with the upper tertile of serum leptin level than in those with the lower tertile. Factor analysis revealed that variation of the 11 variables including serum level of leptin was affected by the three factors, i.e., the central factor associated with BMI, WHR, FTI, QUICKI and higher serum level of triglyceride (TG) and lower serum level of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), the glucose intolerance factor loaded with blood glucose level, FTI, QUICKI and higher serum level of TG (in women only) and the hypertension factor loaded with blood pressure and BMI (in men only), which could explain 62.0% and 66.7% of total variance in men and women, respectively, and higher serum level of TI and insulin resistance also loaded with both the central factor and glucose tolerance factor.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum level of leptin was significantly associated with the key markers of metabolic syndrome. Hyperleptinaemia could be a new component of metabolic syndrome. Clustering of the risk factors for metabolic syndrome could be affected by many factors, and although insulin resistance played an important role in it, insulin resistance alone could not explain its etiology.