The UL31 to UL35 gene sequences of Duck enteritis virus correspond to their homologs in herpes simplex virus 1

Five ORFs in the genome of Duck enteritis virus (DEV) corresponding to UL31, UL32, UL33, UL34, and UL35 genes of Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) were amplified by a modified "targeted gene walking" PCR, cloned, and sequenced. UL33, UL34, and UL35 genes were oriented from the left to the right of genome, while UL31 and UL32 had an opposite orientation. A comparison of deduced amino acid sequences of the DEV ORFs with their alphaherpesvirus homologs showed well-conserved regions except for the UL34 and UL35 genes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that DEV was closer to the genus Mardivirus than to any other genus of the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae. Based on this evidence, we proposed to assign DEV to the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae.

22R-Hydroxycholesterol induces differentiation of human NT2 precursor (Ntera2/D1 teratocarcinoma) cells

Recently, we have shown that 22R-hydroxycholesterol, a steroid intermediate in the pathway of pregnenolone formation from cholesterol, is present at lower levels in Alzheimer's disease (AD) hippocampus and frontal cortex tissue specimens than in age-matched controls, and that this substance protects against cell death induced by amyloid beta-peptide in both rat sympathetic nerve pheochromocytoma (PC12) and differentiated human Ntera2/D1 teratocarcinoma neurons. Herein we report that 22R-hydroxycholesterol inhibits the proliferation of human Ntera2/D1 teratocarcinoma precursor cells (NT2) and induces these cells to differentiate into "neuron-like" or "astrocyte-like" cells. 22R-Hydroxycholesterol-induced differentiation of NT2 cells is associated with increases in the expression of neurofilament protein NF200, the cytoskeletal proteins microtubule-associated protein type II (MAP2) a and MAP2b, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor receptor-alpha 2 (GFRalpha2). These effects of 22R-hydroxycholesterol are considered to be stereospecific because its enantiomer 22S-hydroxycholesterol and other steroids failed to induce differentiation of NT2 cells. 22R-Hydroxycholesterol was found to lack specific binding for numerous receptors, including all steroid receptors tested. However, using a cholesterol protein binding blot assay we demonstrated the presence of a 22R-hydroxycholesterol-binding protein in NT2 cells distinct from the human oxysterol receptors liver X receptor LXRalpha and beta.

Phospho Akt mediates multidrug resistance of gastric cancer cells through regulation of P-gp, Bcl-2 and Bax

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway is an important intracellular pathway that is frequently activated in cancer cells. The role of P-AKT in multidrug resistance of gastric cancer cells and the possible underlying mechanisms are here investigated. Up-regulation of P-AKT expression could confer resistance to both P-glycoprotein-related and P-glycoprotein-non-related drugs on AGS cells, and suppress adriamycin-induced apoptosis, along with decreased accumulation and increased releasing amount of adriamycin. P-AKT could significantly up-regulate the expression of Bcl-2, and down-regulate the expression of Bax, but not alter the expression of PTEN in gastric cancer cells. Inhibition of P-AKT expression could partially reverse P-AKT-mediated multidrug resistance and significantly up-regulate P53 expression, and down-regulate the expression of P-glycoprotein and the transcription of the multidrug resistance gene 1. Further studies of the biological functions of P-AKT may be helpful for understanding the mechanisms of multidrug resistance of gastric cancer and developing possible therapeutical strategies.

Disrupting mitochondrial function with surfactants inhibits MA-10 Leydig cell steroidogenesis

It is well established that surfactants can elicit cytotoxic effects at threshold concentrations by changing the permeability and solubilizing components of cell membranes. The purpose of this study was to characterize the relationship between perturbation of the mitochondrial membrane resulting from treatment with representative cationic, nonionic, and anionic surfactants and the extent to which this perturbation affects steroid formation and StAR protein expression and activity in MA-10 Leydig cells. The StAR protein is synthesized as an active 37 kDa extramitochondrial form, which is processed into a 30 kDa intramitochondrial form after cholesterol transfer and mitochondrial import and processing. It has been shown in several in vitro studies that the mitochondrial electrochemical gradient is required for the StAR protein to transfer cholesterol to the inner mitochondrial membrane. Each substance that was tested produced a concentration-dependent decrease in steroid formation in hCG-stimulated MA-10 cells. Decreases in progesterone production were accompanied by loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and by a decrease in the levels of the 30 kDa form of the StAR protein. However, levels of the 37 kDa form of the StAR protein did not decrease, indicating no effect on StAR protein expression. These results demonstrate how perturbation of the mitochondrial membrane by surfactants inhibits import, processing, and cholesterol transfer activity and underscore the importance of including sensitive assays that evaluate mitochondrial function when screening for potential effects on steroidogenesis with in vitro test systems.

Antiproliferative activity and induction of apoptosis in human colon cancer cells treated in vitro with constituents of a product derived from Pistacia lentiscus L. var. chia

In this report, we demonstrate that a 50% ethanol extract of the plant-derived product, Chios mastic gum (CMG), contains compounds which inhibit proliferation and induce death of HCT116 human colon cancer cells in vitro. CMG-treatment induces cell arrest at G(1), detachment of the cells from the substrate, activation of pro-caspases-8, -9 and -3, and causes several morphological changes typical of apoptosis in cell organelles. These events, furthermore, are time- and dose-dependent, but p53- and p21-independent. Apoptosis induction by CMG is not inhibited in HCT116 cell clones expressing high levels of the anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2, or dominant-negative FADD, thereby indicating that CMG induces cell death via a yet-to-be identified pathway, unrelated to the death receptor- and mitochondrion-dependent pathways. The findings presented here suggest that CMG (a) induces an anoikis form of cell death in HCT116 colon cancer cells that includes events associated with caspase-dependent pathways; and (b) might be developed into a chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of human colon and other cancers.

Spontaneous basilar artery dissection

Dissection of the basilar artery is rare. We report a 51-year-old man who developed acute pontine infarction associated with dissection of the distal basilar artery. There was no trauma or unaccustomed movement of the head and neck prior to the stroke. The dissection was diagnosed non-invasively by magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography. Cervicocerebral artery dissection is a common cause of stroke in young patients particularly when conventional cardiovascular risk factors are absent. Magnetic resonance angiography combined with magnetic resonance imaging is a useful diagnostic tool prior to invasive angiography.

Reversal of multidrug resistance of gastric cancer cells by downregulation of Akt1 with Akt1 siRNA

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT1 pathway was an important intracellular pathway that was frequently activated in cancer cells. In the present study, we constructed the siRNA eukaryotic expression vectors of AKT1 and transfected them into AGS cells to examine whether the down-regulation of AKT1 increased cell sensitivity towards chemotherapeutic drugs. After transfection, the expression of AKT1 was dramatically decreased in AKT1 siRNA transfectants compared with that in parental cells and empty vector control cells. The down-regulation of AKT1 could significantly enhance the sensitivity of AGS cells to vincristine, adriamycin, 5-fludrouracil and cisplatin. AKT1 siRNA could significantly down-regulate the expression of Bcl-2, and up-regulate the expression of Bax, but not alter the expression of PTEN in gastric cancer cells. These observations suggested that the siRNA constructs of AKT1 we obtained could effectively down-regulate the expression of AKT1 and reverse the resistant phenotype of gastric cancer cells. The further study of the biological functions of AKT1 may be helpful for understanding the mechanisms of multidrug resistance of gastric cancer and developing possible strategies to treat gastric cancer.

Zinc ribbon domain containing 1 protein: modulator of multidrug resistance, tumorigenesis and cell cycle

Zinc ribbon domain containing 1 (ZNRD1) gene encoding a protein consisting of two zinc ribbon domains was recently cloned from the human HLA locus. So far, ZNRD1 has been found implicated in transcription regulation and might play potential roles in mediating several biological processes, including multidrug resistance, tumorigenesis and cell cycle. This article reviewed these recent findings and provided additional information to support the role of ZNRD1 gene as a novel candidate DNA damage repair related gene.

OncoVEX: A family of oncolytic herpes simplex viruses optimised for therapeutic use

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HSV in which ICP34.5 is deleted directs tumour selective cell lysis and has proven safe in Phase I clinical trials. To produce oncolytic HSV with enhanced anti-tumour properties, we have deleted ICP34.5 from a clinical isolate of HSV-1, which enhances the tumour cell killing capabilities of the virus, deleted ICP47 (which blocks antigen presentation), and inserted the gene encoding GM-CSF. This aimed to maximize anti-tumour immune responses following intra-tumoural injection and provide an in situ, patient-specific, anti-tumour vaccine, combined with oncolysis. In vivo, both injected and non-injected tumours could be cured and animals were then protected against tumour cell challenge. A Phase I clinical trial with the virus (OncoVEXGM-CSF) has been conducted including patients with cutaneous or sub-cutaneous deposits of a number of tumour types (Lead Investigator: Professor Charles Coombes, Hammersmith Hospital, London). This demonstrated the virus to have a good safety profile, the main side effects being ‘flu-like symptoms, similar to those which have previously been observed with other oncolytic products. Virus replication and GM-CSF expression was demonstrated together with inflammation, flattening and necrosis of injected lesions which was in some cases considerable and which was also in some cases observed in lesions which had not themselves been injected. In all cases where necrosis was observed in biopsies, this correlated with areas of staining for HSV, suggesting the virus had caused the effect. Following this promising data, Phase II studies are underway in multiple tumour types. In addition to OncoVEXGM-CSF, further versions of OncoVEX expressing other active genes have been constructed and tested in pre-clinical models. These include a virus expressing TNF∝, intended to be synergistic with radiotherapy, and versions of the virus expressing a pro-drug activating gene combined with the delivery of a fusogenic glycoprotein designed to maximize the properties of the virus for local tumour control. Each of these have shown promising results in pre-clinical tumour models, including in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy where benefits which are at least additive have been demonstrated.

[Table: see text]

Differential susceptibility to etoposide in clones derived from a human ovarian cancer cell line

OBJECTIVES

To identify parameters/factors that may contribute to the differential sensitivity to etoposide in two clones isolated from the human ovarian carcinoma SKOV-3 cell line, which does not express p53 and is resistant to platinum-based regimens.

METHODS

Differential sensitivity of the cells to etoposide was monitored by microscopy to observe morphological changes, by flow cytometry analyses to detect cell cycle perturbations, and by molecular/biochemical assays to identify events involved in induction of apoptosis.

RESULTS

Etoposide treatment (1) induced apoptosis in one clone, ES, but not in another clone, ER, (2) had no effect on the expression of the antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-X(L) in both cell clones, whereas the proapoptotic proteins Bak and Bax were dramatically upregulated in ES, but not ER cells, and (3) induced more extensive processing of procaspase-8, procaspase-9, and the caspase-3-targeted substrates, topoisomerase I and PARP, in ES cells. Ectopic overexpression of Bcl-2 in ES cells failed to inhibit etoposide-induced apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The differential susceptibility of ES and ER cells to etoposide-induced apoptosis is associated with differences in several events rather than with a specific single genetic regulator of the apoptotic machinery. We propose that the differential response of ovarian cancer patients to etoposide treatment is associated with the number of etoposide-sensitive cells in the tumor.

Detection and identification of avian, duck, and goose reoviruses by RT-PCR: goose and duck reoviruses are part of the same genogroup in the genus Orthoreovirus

A reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) procedure for the detection of avian, duck, and goose reovirus (ARV, DRV, and GRV) RNA from cell culture supernatant and clinical samples was established. Based on multiple sequence alignment, a pair of degenerate primers was selected and synthesized. The amplified, cloned, and sequenced 598-base-pair products from the sigmaA-encoding gene fragment from 16 isolates (ranging over 30 years) indicated that the primer regions were well conserved. The sensitivity of this method was determined to be 10(-2) PFU. The specificity of the RT-PCR method was determined by testing specimens containing avian influenza A viruses, Newcastle disease virus, and infectious bronchitis virus, all of which yielded negative results with no discernible background. The efficiency of the system for detection of ARV, DRV, and GRV directly in 71/83 clinical samples was confirmed. The nucleotide sequence analysis indicated that DRV and GRV isolated from China in different locales and years were closely related, showing 97.4-100% homology to each other, but with only 86.7-88.5% identity to DRV 89026. The nucleotide and amino acid sequence identities in the amplified sigmaA-encoding gene were 74.2-78.4% and 86.9-92.0%, respectively, between duck/goose and chicken species. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that GRV and DRV aggregated into the same specified genogroup within subgroup II of the genus Orthoreovirus and are more closely related to ARV than to Nelson Bay virus. Overall, this study developed a sensitive and specific technique for the identification ARV, DRV, and GRV, and sequencing analysis has enhanced our understanding of the evolutionary relationship between ARV, DRV, and GRV.

Peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor in neurosteroid biosynthesis, neuropathology and neurological disorders

The peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor is a mitochondrial protein expressed at high levels in steroid synthesizing tissues, including the glial cells of the brain. Peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor binds cholesterol with high affinity and is a key element of the cholesterol mitochondrial import machinery responsible for supplying the substrate cholesterol to the first steroidogenic enzyme, thus initiating and maintaining neurosteroid biosynthesis. Neurosteroid formation and metabolism of steroid intermediates are critical components of normal brain function. Peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor also binds with high affinity various classes of compounds. Upon ligand activation peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor-dependent cholesterol transport into mitochondria is accelerated leading in increased formation of neuroactive steroids. These steroids, such as allopregnanolone, have been shown to be involved in various neurological disorders, such as anxiety and mood disorders. Thus, peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor drug ligand-induced neuroactive steroid formation offers a means to regulate brain dysfunction. Peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor basal expression is upregulated in a number of neuropathologies, including gliomas and neurodegenerative disorders, as well as in various forms of brain injury and inflammation. In Alzheimer's disease pathology neurosteroid biosynthesis is altered and a decrease in the intermediate 22R-hydroxycholesterol levels is observed. This steroid was found to exert neuroprotective properties against beta-amyloid neurotoxicity. Based on this observation, a stable spirostenol derivative showing to display neuroprotective properties was identified, suggesting that compounds developed based on critical intermediates of neurosteroid biosynthesis could offer novel means for neuroprotection. In conclusion, changes in peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor and neurosteroid levels are part of the phenotype seen in neuropathology and neurological disorders and offer potential targets for new therapies.

Effects of alginate encapsulation on mitochondrial activity

The long-term objective of our research is to study the biochemical consequences of primary genetic defects of the Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex, a key mitochondrial enzyme complex, by NMR spectroscopy. An established method to obtain energetic and metabolic information from intact cells involves the use of 31P and 13C NMR spectroscopic techniques. NMR spectra from live and fully functional cells can be obtained from cells encapsulated within alginate beads and maintained in a perfusion bioreactor throughout the NMR experiment. However, before spectroscopic studies can commence, the effects of alginate encapsulation on the general metabolism and mitochondrial activity of fibroblasts need to be determined. in this study we report glucose consumption and flow cytometry measurements (with the fluorescent markers MitoTracker GreenFM and Nonyl-acridine Orange to determine the mitochondrial status and mass) of healthy human fibroblasts encapsulated in a mannuronic acid-rich alginate matrix. The results show that alginate encapsulation of fibroblasts does not affect the glucose consumption, the mitochondrial integrity, or the mitochondrial mass during 21 days of in vitro culture.

Helix 6 of tBid is necessary but not sufficient for mitochondrial binding activity

The apoptosis effector Bid regulates cell death at the level of mitochondrial cytochrome c efflux. Bid consists of 8 alpha-helices (designated H1 through H8, respectively) and is a soluble cytosolic protein in its native state. Proteolysis of the N-terminus (encompassing H1 and H2) of Bid yields activated "tBid" (truncated Bid), which translocates to the mitochondria and induces the efflux of cytochrome c. Here, we demonstrate that helix H6 of tBid is necessary, albeit not sufficient, for mitochondrial binding. In particular, a 33 amino acid long domain, which encompassed H6 and H7, behaved as the minimum domain in tBid that was sufficient for mitochondrial binding. Unexpectedly, the hydrophobic surface of these helices could be mutated without altering the binding activity of the domain, implying that the secondary structure of the helices may be the key determinant of binding. These experiments expand our mechanistic understanding of the apoptotic regulator, tBid.

Expression of matrix metalloproteinases MMP-9 within the airways in asthma

The matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) enzymes MMP-9, have relevance to chronic structural airway changes in asthma, which can be generated by structural and inflammatory cells, and have the ability to degrade proteoglycans and thus potentially enhance airway fibrosis and smooth muscle proliferation through their ability to release and activate latent, matrix-bound growth factors. Immunostaining for MMP-9 was undertaken in acetone-fixed and glycolmethacrylate-embedded endobronchial biopsy specimens obtained by fibreoptic bronchoscopy under local anaesthesia. The findings from 30 asthmatic subjects were compared with those from 18 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) subjects and 10 healthy controls. Meanwhile, pulmonary function test and airway responsiveness were performed. Immunoreactivity for MMP-9 was assessed by an image analysis system. The biopsy specimens from asthmatic subjects contained significantly more eosinophils (P < 0.001) than those from COPD subjects, and healthy control did not contain eosinophils. MMP-9 immunoreactivity could be identified in endobronchial biopsy specimens from all the asthmatic subjects and 40% ofthe COPD subjects, but could not be identified in healthy controls. Gelatinase B (MMP-9) immunoreactivity was located in bronchial epithelium and extracellular matrix in submucosa, prominent in denuded epithelium. The immunohistochemical score for MMP-9 was significantly correlated with eosinophilic number in bronchial mucosa. FEV1% predicted FEV1/FVC (%) (r = 0.52, 0.41, 0.37, respectively P < 0.01 did not correlate with PD20 FEV1 from asthmatic subjects. MMP-9 is expressed by bronchial epithelium and may be a important factor for eosinophil infiltraed into airway from asthma subjects.

[Fatal side-effects of all-trans retinoic acid in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia]

Of 82 patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) who were treated with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), 35 developed leukocytosis and 22 fatal side-effects(15 with retinoic acid syndrome and 7 intracranial bleeding). There was a high mortality in the patient with fatal side-effects. The relationship between leukocytosis and fatal side-effects was analyzed and the effect of therapeutic interventions on the development and prognosis of the fatal side-effects was investigated. The results showed that leukocytosis was a risk factor of the development of fatal side-effects in APL treated with ATRA. ATRA combined with small dose of harringtonin in treating APL can reduce the incidence of intracranial bleeding resulted from leukocytosis and corticosteroid can decrease the mortality of retinoic acid syndrome.

[Use of microsatellites in zygosity diagnosis of twins]

OBJECTIVE

To diagnose zygosity of twins by microsatellite polymorphism.

METHODS

One hundred and eighty-four samples, including 69 pairs of twins with the same gender and 6 pairs of twins with different gender were recruited. Seventeen sib pairs were also collected for controls. Nine highly polymorphic microsatellite loci were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using fluorescence-labeled primers and the products were sized by automated fragment analysis after electrophoresis and laser detection. Zygosity was diagnosed by comparing the concordance of the genotype of the 9 markers.

RESULTS

Sixty-three pairs of monozygotic (MZ) and 12 pairs of dizygotic (DZ) twins were assigned their zygosity by comparison of polymorphism of 9 microsatellite loci. Within each of the 63 monozygotic (MZ) pairs there was complete concordance. However, within each of the 12 dizygotic pairs and other 17 sib pairs, discordant loci were found. With five or six markers, the probability that any twin pair was MZ if all markers were concordant was 99% or 99.6%, respectively. With all the nine markers, the probability that any twin pair was MZ if all markers were concordant was 99.95%.

CONCLUSION

The technology of gene scan and genotyping provides a rapid and reliable approach to zygosity detection.

[Influence of clinical staging of type III sinusitis on the operative effectiveness]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the influences of different degree of pathological changes in chronic polypous sinusitis patients on the effectiveness of endoscopic sinus surgery.

METHOD

According to history, anatomic structures and severity of lesions, 104 cases (208 sides) of Type III sinusitis were divided into 3 stages. Rates of clinical effectiveness and complications were compared and analyzed.

RESULTS

The total effective rates were 93.06%, 82.89% and 70.00% and the rates of complications were 5.56%, 14.47% and 25.00% in stages 1, 2, 3 respectively.

CONCLUSION

The effective rates, difficulties and risks of operation depend upon the anatomic variations (integration of ostiomeatal complex) and the degree of lesions (augmentation of granulation and osseous hypertrophy of ethmoid bone). All these should be listed as objective bases in classifying stages of patients which will play a directional role in clinical work.

TiCl4-n-Bu4NX (X = I, Br, and Cl) combination-induced coupling of alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones with aldehydes

A three-component coupling reaction between vinyl ketones, aldehydes, and halides has been developed with TiCl(4)-n-Bu(4)NX combined reagents. Treatment of vinyl ketones with a TiCl(4)-n-Bu(4)NI combination followed by an addition of a variety of aldehydes provides syn-alpha-iodomethyl-beta-hydroxy ketones with high stereoselectivity. Methyltriphenylphosphonium iodide as well as n-Bu(4)NI acts efficiently as a halide source. The combination of TiCl(4)-n-Bu(4)NBr provides the corresponding bromo compounds in good yields. syn-alpha-Chloromethyl-beta-hydroxy ketones are obtained with the TiCl(4)-n-Bu(4)NCl combination. A competitive experiment reveals that the order of relative reactivity of the combinations is TiCl(4)-n-Bu(4)NI > TiCl(4)-n-Bu(4)NBr > TiCl(4)-n-Bu(4)NCl.

Peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor levels correlate with the ability of human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell line to grow in SCID mice

MDA-MB-231 (MDA-231) human breast cancer cells have a high proliferation rate, lack the estrogen receptor, express the intermediate filament vimentin, the hyaluronan receptor CD44, and are able to form tumors in nude mice. The MDA-231 cell line has been used in our laboratory to examine the role of the peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) in the progression of cancer. During these studies 2 populations of MDA-231 cells were subcloned based on the levels of PBR. The subclones proliferated at approximately the same rate, lacked the estrogen receptor, expressed vimentin and CD44, and had the same in vitro chemoinvasive and chemotactic potential. Both restriction fragment length polymorphism and comparative genomic hybridization analyses of genomic DNA from these cells indicated that both subclones are of the same genetic lineage. Only the subclone with high PBR levels, however, was able to form tumors when injected in SCID mice. These data suggest that the ability of MDA-231 cells to form tumors in vivo may depend on the amount of PBR present in the cells.

A Fas-associated death domain protein-dependent mechanism mediates the apoptotic action of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the human leukemic Jurkat cell line

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 and are useful for prevention and cure of cancers, especially colon and rectal cancers. The NSAIDs indomethacin and sulindac sulfide have been shown to induce apoptosis of colon epithelial cancer cells by a Bax-dependent mechanism that involves mitochondria-mediated activation of a caspase-9-dependent pathway. In this report, we demonstrate that indomethacin and sulindac sulfide induce apoptosis of human leukemic Jurkat cells by a mechanism that requires the Fas-associated Death Domain Protein-mediated activation of a caspase-8-dependent pathway. Therefore, NSAIDs induce apoptosis by different mechanisms depending on the cell type.

[The change in the plasma contents of adrenomedullin and endothelin in burn patients during early postburn stage]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the change in the plasma contents of adrenomedullin (ADM) and endothelin (ET) in burn patients, so as for us to explore their roles in the pathogenesis in the physiological disturbance in burn patients.

METHODS

The plasma concentrations of ADM and ET were determined at 6, 12, 24 and 48 postburn hours (PBHs) in 40 burn patients with radioimmunoassay (RIA) and compared with those of 25 healthy people.

RESULTS

The postburn plasma levels of ADM and ET in burn patients increased immediately after injury, and they were positively correlated to burn area. The plasma ADM reached peak level at 12 PBHs and decreased thereafter, but remained at higher level than that in healthy people at 48 PBHs (P < 0.01). Plasma ET increased to top level at 6 PBH and decreased thereafter. But it remained at high level at 48 PBHs in severe burn patients (burned area larger than 45% TBSA) (P < 0.05 approximately 0.01). The plasma levels of ET and ADM increased proportionally and their ratio was close to that in normal control, but it decreased obviously after 6 PBH in all groups (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

There were evident postburn changes in plasma ADM and ET contents, and the results implied that ADM and ET played some roles in the development of postburn physiological disturbance.

Fluid transport by human nonpigmented ciliary epithelial layers in culture: a homeostatic role for aquaporin-1

We report for the first time that cultured nonpigmented human ciliary epithelial (NPE) cell layers transport fluid. Cells were grown to confluence on permeable membrane inserts, and fluid transport across the resulting cell layers was determined by volume clamp at 37 degrees C. These cell layers translocated fluid from the apical to the basal side at a steady rate of 3.6 microl x h(-1) x cm(-2) (n = 4) for 8 h. This fluid movement was independent of hydrostatic pressure and was completely inhibited by 1 mM ouabain, suggesting it arose from fluid transport. Mercuric chloride, a nonspecific but potent blocker of Hg(2+)-sensitive aquaporins, and aquaporin-1 antisense oligonucleotides both partially inhibited fluid transport across the cell layers, which suggests that water channels have a role in NPE cell homeostasis. In addition, these results suggest that of the two ciliary epithelial layers in tandem, the NPE layer by itself can transport fluid. This cultured layer, therefore, constitutes an interesting model that may be useful for physiological and pharmacological characterization of ciliary epithelial fluid secretion.

[Clindamycin soluble suppository-production and its efficacy in treating bacterial vaginosis]

OBJECTIVE

To make the soluble suppository of clindamycin which is an effective drug for treatment of Bacterial vaginosis and to treat patients in clinical trials.

METHODS

Outpatients who had vaginal infections from Sept. 1998 to Jan. 1999 were investigated. The diagnoses of bacterial vaginosis were made according to Amsel's criteria and 80 patients were included in this study. They were divided into two groups to be treated respectively by metronidanole suppository and clindamycin suppository which were made by our hospital pharmacy.

RESULTS

The cure rate of metronidanole was 87.5% and that of clindamycin 90.3%; No significant difference was noted between the two groups(P > 0.05). The new clindamycin suppository was not irritant and it was easy to dissolve in vagina. There was no discontinued treatment because of side-effect.

CONCLUSION

The clindamycin suppository does not irritate the mucosa of vagina, it is an efficacious remedy for bacterial vaginosis.

[The study on the occult metastases to cervical lymph node in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and hypopharynx]

OBJECTIVE

To study the metastastic regularity of cervical lymph node in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and hypopharynx, which will provide some theoretical basis for surgeon to use selective neck dissection (SND) in some patients with carcinoma above.

METHOD

Sixty-nine originally cN0 staged neck dissection specimens from 40 patients were evaluated using mutipl-level sectioning in 4 microns intervals, which were respectively processed by H&E-staining and immunostaining with an antibody to cytokeratin (CK AE3). These patients weren't given any treatment (radiotherapy or chemotherapy or surgery in neck) before surgery. All cases had been followed up 1 year or more.

RESULT

The examination of lymph nodes from 40 patients revealed 31 (0.59% 31/2219) occult metastases in 14 (35% 14/40) patients. Among them, six patients with supraglottic cancer, 1 patient with transglottic cancer and 7 patients with hypopharyngeal cancer. There were no occult metastases to cervical lymph node among 9 patients with glottic cancer. All occult metastases mainly located in ipsilateral level II and/or level III. Occult metastases weren't found in nodes from level I, level IV and level V.

CONCLUSION

The study further prove that metastases to cervical lymph node mainly occur in the ipsilateral level II and level III among patients with carcinoma of the larynx and hypopharynx. According to the risks of occurring occult metastases to cervical lymph node, we suggest applying to ipsilateral or bilateral SND (level II and level III be dissected) among patients with carcinoma of the larynx and hypopharynx which staged T2-T4 N0M0 clinically.

Peak stresses observed in the posterior lateral anulus

STUDY DESIGN

The stress distributions within cadaveric lumbar intervertebral discs were measured for a range of loading conditions.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the distribution of stress across the area of the intervertebral disc and to compare regional variations in peak stress during compression loading with various flexion angles.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The rate of disc degeneration and the occurrence of low back disorders increase with higher mechanical loading of the spine. The largest peak stresses occur in the anulus.

METHODS

Human lumbar L2--L3 and L4--L5 cadaver functional spinal units were obtained and tested. The distribution of disc stress was measured using a pressure probe with loads applied, pure compression and compression with 5 degrees of either flexion or extension.

RESULTS

Stress profiles were recorded across the intervertebral disc at a compressive force of 1000 N and each of the three flexion-extension angles. The highest values (2.99 +/- 1.31 MPa) were measured during extension-compression lateral to the midline of the disc in the posterior anulus. The pressure in the nucleus was relatively unchanged by flexion angle remaining about 1.00 MPa for a 1000-N compression.

CONCLUSIONS

Pressure measurements of the cadaveric nucleus have been used to validate models of lumbar spine loading and to evaluate the risk of low back injury and disc herniation. Previous observations limited to midsagittal measurements of the nucleus did not identify the regions of highest stress. The highest values observed here within the posterolateral anulus correspond to common sites of disc degeneration and herniation.

c-Myc is necessary for DNA damage-induced apoptosis in the G(2) phase of the cell cycle

The c-myc proto-oncogene encodes a transcription factor that participates in the regulation of cellular proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Ectopic overexpression of c-Myc has been shown to sensitize cells to apoptosis. We report here that cells lacking c-Myc activity due to disruption of the c-myc gene by targeted homologous recombination are defective in DNA damage-initiated apoptosis in the G(2) phase of the cell cycle. The downstream effector of c-Myc is cyclin A, whose ectopic expression in c-myc(-/-) cells rescues the apoptosis defect. The kinetics of the G(2) response indicate that the induction of cyclin A and the concomitant activation of Cdk2 represent an early step during commitment to apoptosis. In contrast, expression of cyclins E and D1 does not rescue the apoptosis defect, and apoptotic processes in G(1) phase are not affected in c-myc(-/-) cells. These observations link DNA damage-induced apoptosis with cell cycle progression and implicate c-Myc in the functioning of a subset of these pathways.

c-Jun N-terminal kinase is required for metalloproteinase expression and joint destruction in inflammatory arthritis

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are involved in inflammation and tissue destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In particular, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) is highly activated in RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes and synovium. However, defining the precise function of this kinase has been difficult because a selective JNK inhibitor has not been available. We now report the use of a novel selective JNK inhibitor and JNK knockout mice to determine the function of JNK in synoviocyte biology and inflammatory arthritis. The novel JNK inhibitor SP600125 (anthra[1,9-cd]pyrazol-6(2H)-one) completely blocked IL-1--induced accumulation of phospho-Jun and induction of c-Jun transcription in synoviocytes. Furthermore, AP-1 binding and collagenase mRNA accumulation were completely suppressed by SP600125. In contrast, complete inhibition of p38 had no effect, and ERK inhibition had only a modest effect. The essential role of JNK was confirmed in cultured synoviocytes from JNK1 knockout mice and JNK2 knockout mice, each of which had a partial defect in IL-1--induced AP-1 activation and collagenase-3 expression. Administration of SP600125 modestly decreased the rat paw swelling in rat adjuvant-induced arthritis. More striking was the near-complete inhibition of radiographic damage that was associated with decreased AP-1 activity and collagenase-3 gene expression. Therefore, JNK is a critical MAPK pathway for IL-1--induced collagenase gene expression in synoviocytes and in joint arthritis, indicating that JNK is an important therapeutic target for RA.

Hyaluronan synthase 3 overexpression promotes the growth of TSU prostate cancer cells

Hyaluronan synthase 3 (HAS3) is responsible for the production of both secreted and cell-associated forms of hyaluronan and is the most active of the three isoforms of this enzyme in adults. In this study, the cDNA for human HAS3 was cloned and characterized. The open reading frame consisted of 1659 bp coding for 553 amino acids with a deduced molecular weight of about 63,000 and isoelectric pH of 8.70. The sequence of human HAS3 displayed a 53% identity to HAS1 and a 67% identity to HAS2. It also contained a signal peptide and six potential transmembrane domains, suggesting that it was associated with the plasma membrane. To evaluate the physiological role of human HAS3, expression vectors for this protein were transfected into TSU cells (a prostate cancer cell line), and the phenotypic changes in these cells were examined. The enhanced expression of hyaluronan in the transfected cells was demonstrated by dot blot analysis and ELISA. These cells were found to differ from their vector-transfected counterparts with respect to the following: (a) they grew at a faster rate in high (but not low) density cultures; (b) conditioned media from these cells stimulated the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells; (c) when placed on the chorioallantoic membrane of chicken embryos, these cells formed large, dispersed xenografts, whereas the control transfectants formed compact masses; and (d) when injected s.c. into nude mice, the xenografts formed by HAS3 transfectants were bigger than those formed by control transfectants. Histological examination of these xenografts revealed the presence of extracellular hyaluronan that could act as conduits for the diffusion of nutrients. In addition, they had a greater number of blood vessels. However, the HAS3-transfected TSU cells did not display increased metastatic properties as judged by their ability to form lung masses after i.v. injection. These results suggested that the HAS3-induced overexpression of hyaluronan enhanced tumor cell growth, extracellular matrix deposition, and angiogenesis but was not sufficient to induce metastatic behavior in TSU cells.

[A retrospective analysis of therapeutic outcome of various types of severe virus hepatitis]

OBJECTIVE

To explore combined therapeutic schemes for severe virus hepatitis and to raise survival rate.

METHODS

The therapeutic outcomes of different schemes were analyzed in 1020 cases of severe viral hepatitis treated in our hospital in recent twenty years. The treatments were classified as basic and combination of Chinese traditional and Western medicine therapies in which embryonic liver cell suspend liquid or hepatic growth factor, or/and artificial liver as blood cleaner were also used for the latter.

RESULTS

The survival rate was 30.28% (33/109) treated by basic procedures and 60.15% (548/911) by combined procedures. There was obvious statistical difference in survival rate between the two groups (P<0.001). Among all the patients, 219 (21.47%) suffered from acute or sub-acute severe hepatitis, 801 (78.53%) chronic severe hepatitis; 446 started their treatment at the early stage of the disease and the survival rate was 77.13% (344/446); 404 at the mid stage and 170 at the late stage and the survival rates were 52.72% (213/404) and 14.12% (24/170), respectively. The survival rate for the patients treated at the early or the mid stage was much higher than that at the late stage (P<0.001), and had a positive correlation with the activity of prothrombin.

CONCLUSION

The combined therapies used in present study are effective to raise the survival rate of the patients with severe virus hepatitis. Early treatment is extremely important for the patients' prognosis.

[Short-term and long-term effectiveness of endovascular embolization in treating intracranial aneurysms]

OBJECTIVE

To study the short-term and long-term effectiveness of endovascular embolization with Guglielmi detachable coil (GDC) or mechanical detachable spiral (MDS) intreating intracranial aneurysms.

METHODS

362 patients with cerebral aneurysms were treated by endovascular embolization with GDC or MDS. Follow-up interviews in the form of correspondence or hospital visit were conducted to 173 of those patients 3 approximately 24 months after the treatment. DSA cerebral artery angiography was made to 84 patients.

RESULTS

The clinical symptoms disappeared gradually after the treatment among all of the interviews. No subarchnoid hemorrhage was found. All of the 56 cases with ocular paralysis recovered, 1 case in a week, 52 in a year, and 3 in 18 months. Visual acuity improved to different degrees among 10 cases with visual disturbance in 6 months. Five of the 84 patients who received DSA angiography showed recurrence of aneurysm. Then cause of recurrence was absorption of MDS coils in 2 cases and shifting of the coil in 3 case.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular embolization is an effective method in treating the intracranial aneurysms with minimal invasiveness and few complications.

9-Nitrocamptothecin is an effective drug for the treatment of human lung tumors: comparison of in vitro and in vivo studies

9-Nitrocamptothecin (9NC) results in complete regression of small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and non-SCLC (NSCLC) growing as xenografts in immunodeficient mice. In this study, we have monitored histological changes in the tumors during 9NC-induced regression, and perturbations in the cell cycle of cells derived from these tumors using flow cytometry. In vivo, 9NC treatment induces dramatic changes in the tumor cells, which die by apoptosis and are ultimately eliminated from the normal tissue. In vitro, 9NC treatment resulted in apoptosis and cytostasis of the NSCLC and SCLC cells, respectively. Further, 9NC induced cytostasis in control, normal human lung fibroblasts. Therefore, the studies in vivo have indicated that 9NC acquires a remarkable antitumor activity against both the SCLC and NSCLC types tested, and that results of studies in vitro may not reflect the results observed in vivo.

Multiple immediate-early gene-deficient herpes simplex virus vectors allowing efficient gene delivery to neurons in culture and widespread gene delivery to the central nervous system in vivo

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) has several potential advantages as a vector for delivering genes to the nervous system. The virus naturally infects and remains latent in neurons and has evolved the ability of highly efficient retrograde transport from the site of infection at the periphery to the site of latency in the spinal ganglia. HSV is a large virus, potentially allowing the insertion of multiple or very large transgenes. Furthermore, HSV does not integrate into the host chromosome, removing any potential for insertional activation or inactivation of cellular genes. However, the development of HSV vectors for the central nervous system that exploit these properties has been problematical. This has mainly been due to either vector toxicity or an inability to maintain transgene expression. Here we report the development of highly disabled versions of HSV-1 deleted for ICP27, ICP4, and ICP34.5/open reading frame P and with an inactivating mutation in VP16. These viruses express only minimal levels of any of the immediate-early genes in noncomplementing cells. Transgene expression is maintained for extended periods with promoter systems containing elements from the HSV latency-associated transcript promoter (J. A. Palmer et al., J. Virol. 74:5604-5618, 2000). Unlike less-disabled viruses, these vectors allow highly effective gene delivery both to neurons in culture and to the central nervous system in vivo. Gene delivery in vivo is further enhanced by the retrograde transport capabilities of HSV. Here the vector is efficiently transported from the site of inoculation to connected sites within the nervous system. This is demonstrated by gene delivery to both the striatum and substantia nigra following striatal inoculation; to the spinal cord, spinal ganglia, and brainstem following injection into the spinal cord; and to retinal ganglion neurons following injection into the superior colliculus and thalamus.

Extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM1) has angiogenic properties and is expressed by breast tumor cells

Tumor growth and metastasis are critically dependent on the formation of new blood vessels. The present study found that extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM1), a newly described secretory glycoprotein, promotes angiogenesis. This was initially suggested by in situ hybridization studies of mouse embryos indicating that the ECM1 message was associated with blood vessels and its expression pattern was similar to that of flk-1, a recognized marker for endothelium. More direct evidence for the role of ECM1 in angiogenesis was provided by the fact that highly purified recombinant ECM1 stimulated the proliferation of cultured endothelial cells and promoted blood vessel formation in the chorioallantoic membrane of chicken embryos. Immunohistochemical staining with specific antibodies indicated that ECM1 was expressed by the human breast cancer cell lines MDA-435 and LCC15, both of which are highly tumorigenic. In addition, staining of tissue sections from patients with breast cancer revealed that ECM1 was present in a significant proportion of primary and secondary tumors. Collectively, the results of this study suggest that ECM1 possesses angiogenic properties that may promote tumor progression.

Expression profiling suggested a regulatory role of liver-enriched transcription factors in human hepatocellular carcinoma

By using a cDNA array representing 14,000 cDNA clusters, we studied the expression profiles in paired clinical hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) samples and the distal nontumorous liver tissues from the same patients. Despite the significant heterogeneity among the clinical samples, 72 genes (including 30 novel genes) were down-regulated and 84 genes (including 48 novel genes) were up-regulated in >50% of the cancer samples that were identified. The alterations in gene expression levels were confirmed by Northern blot and reverse-transcription PCR in all of 4 randomly selected genes. It was conspicuous that 21 of 38 hepatocarcinoma (HCC) down-regulated genes studied previously were reportedly regulated by a group of liver-enriched transcription factors (LETFs), and 12 of 36 HCC up-regulated genes studied previously were involved in protein translation. Reexamination of the cDNA array data further revealed that most of the genes known to be regulated by LETFs were down-regulated in at least a portion of the HCC samples. Among the LETFs, the expression level of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) alpha was down-regulated in cancer, whereas hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 (HNF-1), HNF-3beta, HNF-4alpha, and HNF-4gamma were up-regulated. The expression profiling thus suggested multiple regulatory pathways involved in HCC, especially that related to LETFs.

Effects of free radicals and amyloid beta protein on the currents of expressed rat receptors in Xenopus oocytes

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of free radicals (FRs) and amyloid beta protein 1-40 (A beta 1-40) on the functions of expressed neurotransmitter receptors (NRs) in Xenopus oocytes.

METHODS

Total RNA and messenger RNA (mRNA) was prepared from 3-month-old Wistar rat brain tissues with Promega kits and microinjected into maturated Xenopus oocytes (stages V-VI) with 50 nl (50 ng) for each oocyte. The microinjected oocytes were incubated with modified Bath's solution at 19.0 degrees C +/- 1.0 degree C for receptor expression and their currents were recorded with double electrode voltage clamp technique. Superoxide anion free radicals (SAFRs) were produced via a reaction system (HPX/XO) with hypoxanthine (HPX, 0.05 mol/L) and xanthine oxidase (XO, 0.1 U/L). In order to observe the effects of A beta and SAFRs on the expressed glutamate receptor, HPX/XO and A beta 1-40 were added to incubation solution at 12 h, 24 h and 96 h before recording.

RESULTS

The results showed that the oocytes expressed functional NRs originating from rat brain tissues. These NRs included muscarinic acetylcholine (mACh), glutamate (Glu), dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The current characteristics of expressed receptors were inward currents carried by chloride ion with their equibrilium potentials close to -22 mV. The extent of effect on the current of expressed glutamate receptor from rat brain was different among different A beta concentrations and incubation times. A beta 1-40 at a concentration of 20 nmol/L had little effect on the currents of expressed rat brain glutamate receptors up to 24 h of incubation period; but the currents of glutamate receptor were significantly decreased (25% off, P < 0.01) in the treatment of 60 nmol/L A beta 1-40 over 24 h. Moreover, when 20 nmol/L A beta 1-40 was co-incubated over 12 h with SAFRs produced by the reaction system of HPX/XO, it was found that the currents of expressed rat brain glutamate receptors had been changed markedly. When the oocytes were co-treated with 60 nmol/L A beta 1-40 and SAFRs over a period of 12 h, the currents of glutamate receptor significantly decreased (21% off, P < 0.05), and the decreased percentage reached 52% over 24 h co-treatment with 60 nmol/L A beta 1-40 and SAFRs. In addition, vitamin E had a partial effect against this inhibitory effect.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that A beta has a kind of inhibitory effect upon the current of the glutamate receptor, similar to the effects of free radicals. The effects can be antagonized by vitamin E. These imply that A beta may play a role via inhibiting receptor function in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease.

A kinetic study on the interaction of deprotonated purine radical cations with amino acids and model peptides

By use of pulse radiolysis techniques, the radical cations of purine nucleotides have been successfully produced by the SO4- ion oxidation. Time-resolved spectroscopic evidence is provided that the one-electron-oxidized radicals of dAMP and dGMP can be efficiently repaired by aromatic amino acids (including tyrosine and tryptophan) via electron transfer reaction. As a model peptide, Arg-Tyr-AcOH was also investigated with regard to its interaction with deprotonated purine radical cations. The rate constants of the electron transfer reactions were determined to be (1 approximately 5) x 10(8) dm(3) mol(-1) s(-1). These results suggest that the aromatic amino acids in DNA-associated proteins may play some role in electron transfer reactions through DNA.

NF-kappa B regulation by I kappa B kinase-2 in rheumatoid arthritis synoviocytes

IkappaB kinase-1 and IkappaB kinase-2 (IKK1 and IKK2; also called IKKalpha and IKKbeta, respectively) are part of the signal complex that regulates NF-kappaB activity in many cell types, including fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). We determined which of these two kinases is responsible for cytokine-induced NF-kappaB activation in synoviocytes and assessed the functional consequences of IKK1 or IKK2 overexpression and inhibition. FLS were infected with adenovirus constructs encoding either wild-type (wt) IKK1 or IKK2, the dominant negative (dn) mutant of both kinases, or a control construct encoding green fluorescence protein. Analysis of the NF-kappaB pathway revealed that cytokine-induced IKK activation, IkappaB degradation, and NF-kappaB activation was prevented in cells expressing the IKK2 dn mutant, whereas baseline NF-kappaB activity was increased by IKK2 wt. In addition, synthesis of IL-6 and IL-8, as well as expression of ICAM-1 and collagenase, was only increased by IKK2 wt, and their cytokine-induced production was abrogated by IKK2 dn mutant. However, the IKK1 dn mutant did not inhibit cytokine-mediated activation of NF-kappaB or any of the functional assays. These data indicate that IKK2 is the key convergence pathway for cytokine-induced NF-kappaB activation. Furthermore, IKK2 regulates adhesion molecule, matrix metalloproteinase, and cytokine production in FLS.

Metastatin: a hyaluronan-binding complex from cartilage that inhibits tumor growth

In this study, a hyaluronan-binding complex, which we termed Metastatin, was isolated from bovine cartilage by affinity chromatography and found to have both antitumorigenic and antiangiogenic properties. Metastatin was able to block the formation of tumor nodules in the lungs of mice inoculated with B16BL6 melanoma or Lewis lung carcinoma cells. Single i.v. administration of Metastatin into chicken embryos inhibited the growth of both B16BL6 mouse melanoma and TSU human prostate cancer cells growing on the chorioallantoic membrane. The in vivo biological effect may be attributed to the antiangiogenic activity because Metastatin is able to inhibit the migration and proliferation of cultured endothelial cells as well as vascular endothelial growth factor-induced angiogenesis on the chorioallantoic membrane. In each case, the effect could be blocked by either heat denaturing the Metastatin or premixing it with hyaluronan, suggesting that its activity critically depends on its ability to bind hyaluronan on the target cells. Collectively, these results suggest that Metastatin is an effective antitumor agent that exhibits antiangiogenic activity.

Promoter polymorphisms of hepatic lipase gene influence HDL(2) but not HDL(3) in African American men: CARDIA study

Hepatic lipase encoded by the hepatic lipase gene (LIPC) is involved in the metabolism of several lipoproteins. Four promoter polymorphisms in LIPC have been found to be in complete disequilibrium and associated with high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apolipoprotein (apo)A-I levels in both white and black populations. We investigated the association between the promoter polymorphism and lipid profiles as well as anthropometric phenotypes in African American men in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study. We performed serial cross-sectional analyses and longitudinal analyses of lipids from 578 subjects in five examinations over 10 years of follow-up. Results showed that the allele frequency (0.52) in our black population was consistent with that reported in black subjects but much higher than that reported (approximately 0.2) in white populations. Analysis of covariance tests of the three genotypic means in each examination showed that the P values ranged from 0.01 to 0.08 for HDL-C (except P = 0.54 in the fourth examination), from 0.006 to 0.01 for HDL(2)-C, and from 0.06 to 0.07 for apoA-I. Mean HDL(3)-C levels were essentially identical among the three genotypes. Total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, and apoB, which are mainly involved in the very low density lipoprotein-LDL pathway, were not significantly different according to the promoter polymorphism, except for triglycerides in the third examination (P = 0.01). No significant association was found between anthropometric phenotypes and the LIPC polymorphism in any of five examinations. The change of the anthropometric variables was not significantly associated with genotypes. In conclusion, our results indicated that the LIPC promoter polymorphism has exclusive effects on HDL(2)-C but not HDL(3)-C levels.