Synthesis, characterisation and antitumour activities of gallic acid hydrazone and its rare earth complexes

A new gallic acid hydrazone, 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoyl salicylaldehyde hydrazone, and its four rare earth complexes, [LnL (OAc)2] • H2O (Ln = La3+, Sm3+, Tb3+, Dy3+), have been synthesised and characterised on the basis of elemental analyses, molar conductivity, IR and 1H NMR spectra. The antitumour activities of the prepared compounds have also been evaluated. The results indicate that Gallic acid hydrazone and its four complexes synthesised possess antitumour activity to some extent, and the four complexes show higher antitumour activity against the human leukaemia cell line HL-60 than the ligand. The antitumour activity of the gallic acid hydrazone can be improved by the formation of the rare earth complexes.

PTEN polymorphisms and the risk of esophageal carcinoma and gastric cardiac carcinoma in a high incidence region of China

PTEN, as a tumor suppressor gene, plays an important role in regulating cell growth, proliferation, and apoptosis. Two common polymorphisms, -9C/G and IVS4 (-/+), may alter susceptibility to the disease. To test the hypothesis that the genetic variations of PTEN play a role in the etiology of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma (GCA), a population-based case-control study was conducted in 350 ESCC patients, 257 GCA patients, and 634 healthy controls from a high-incidence region of Hebei province, China. The PTEN polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (PCR-RFLP). The results showed that the family history of upper gastrointestinal cancer (UGIC) significantly increased the risk of developing ESCC and GCA (the age, gender and smoking status adjusted OR = 1.73 and 1.67; 95% CI = 1.29-2.32 and 1.28-2.19, respectively). The overall distribution of the PTEN -9C/G genotype was not significantly different between cancer patients and controls. Compared with the PTEN IVS4-/- genotype, the IVS4+/+ genotype significantly decreased the risk of ESCC and GCA development, the adjusted OR was 0.64 (95% CI = 0.44-0.94) and 0.63 (95% CI = 0.41-0.98), respectively. Stratification analysis by gender, age, smoking status and family history of UGIC showed that the PTEN IVS4-/+ genotype only reduced the risk of ESCC (adjusted OR = 0.55, 95%CI = 0.34-0.90) among subjects with family history of UGIC. While the IVS4+/+ genotype decreased the susceptibility to both ESCC and GCA (adjusted OR = 0.61 and 0.57, 95% CI = 0.37-0.98 and 0.34-0.98, respectively) among male subjects, the IVS4+/+ genotype only decreased the risk of ESCC development among subjects younger than 55 years (adjusted OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.21-0.85). In addition, the haplotype analysis found that the -9C/IVS4- haplotype increased the risk of developing ESCC and GCA (OR = 1.31 and 1.24, 95% CI = 1.08-1.58 and 1.001-1.53). Our results suggested that the PTEN IVS4+/+ homozygote may play a protective role in the development of ESCC and GCA, while the haplotype -9C/IVS4- might be the risk factor of the development of ESCC and GCA in the high incidence region population of Hebei province, China.

Varicella-zoster virus-specific immune responses in elderly recipients of a herpes zoster vaccine

BACKGROUND

A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that involved 38,546 subjects > or =60 years old demonstrated efficacy of a high-potency live-attenuated Oka/Merck varicella-zoster virus (VZV) vaccine. The trial included an immunology substudy to determine the relationship of VZV-specific immune responses to vaccination and clinical outcome.

METHODS

The immunology substudy enrolled 1395 subjects at 2 sites where blood samples obtained prior to vaccination, at 6 weeks after vaccination, and at 1, 2, and 3 years thereafter were tested for VZV-specific cell-mediated immunity (VZV-CMI) by gamma-interferon ELISPOT and responder cell frequency assays and for VZV antibody by glycoprotein ELISA.

RESULTS

VZV-CMI and VZV antibodies were significantly increased in vaccine recipients at 6 weeks after vaccination. The vaccine-induced increases in VZV-CMI persisted during the 3 years of follow-up, although their magnitude decreased over time. The magnitude of these VZV-specific immune responses was greater in subjects 60-69 years old than in subjects > or =70 years old.

CONCLUSIONS

The zoster vaccine induced a significant increase in VZV-CMI and VZV antibody. The magnitude and duration of the boost in VZV-CMI in vaccine recipients and the relationship of this boost to age paralleled the clinical effects of the vaccine observed during the efficacy trial. These findings support the hypothesis that boosting VZV-CMI protects older adults against herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia.

[Tribendimidine enteric coated tablet in treatment of 1,292 cases with intestinal nematode infection--a phase IV clinical trial]

OBJECTIVE

To further evaluate the efficacy and safety of tribendimidine in treatment of adult patients with intestinal nematode infections.

METHODS

An open and multi-center clinical trial was conducted in the provinces of Hainan, Sichuan and Guizhou. A total of 1,292 infected cases aged 15-70 years were enrolled in the study. Modified Kato-Katz method was used to diagnose the cases with intestinal nematode infections and assess the efficacy 3-4 weeks post treatment. Patients with Ascaris lumbricoides infection were treated orally with tribendimidine enteric coated tablets at a single dose of 300 mg, while in the patients with Ancylostoma duodenale, mixed A. duodenale and A. lumbricoides, or with other helminth infections, a single dose of 400 mg was administered.

RESULTS

The cure rate and effective rate of the patients with Ancylostoma infection were 88.4% (1,009/1,141) and 99.1% (1,131/1,141), respectively, while in patients with A. lumbricoides infection, they were 95.0% (419/441) and 99.8% (440/441), respectively. The cure rate of tribendimidine enteric coated tablet given to patients with Trichuris trichiura infection at a single dose of 400 mg was 76.8% (109/142). The adverse effect induced by tribendimidine was light and transient with a rate of 3.3% (42/1,292). No apparent impact was seen on blood and urine routine examinations, hepatic and renal functions as well as ECG examination.

CONCLUSION

It is further confirmed that under the used dosage for expanding treatment in larger sample of patients with various ages and infected with Ancylostoma duodenale, A. lumbricoides and other helminths, tribendimidine enteric coated tablet is safe with satisfactory efficacy.

Isolation of Ashbya gossypii mutant for an improved riboflavin production targeting for biorefinery technology

AIMS

To isolate a strain overproducing riboflavin and to improve riboflavin production for practical use in a biorefinery technology.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Ashbya gossypii spores were mutagenized by exposure to UV light and mutant ZP4 strain, producing riboflavin threefold the riboflavin that of the wild-type strain, was isolated by the first and second screenings. Proteomic analysis of ZP4 strain showed the expression patterns of eight types of genes related to riboflavin biosynthesis different from those of the wild-type strain and those enzyme activities were investigated. When activated bleaching earth (ABE) containing 75 g l(-1) rapeseed oil was added in the culture of the ZP4 strain with oxygen-enriched air supplied, riboflavin concentration increased to 8.7 g l(-1) at 5 days of culture. Riboflavin production yield was 0.17 g g(-1) of consumed oil, which was eightfold higher than that of the wild-type strain.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that the mutant ZP4 strain shows potential for improving riboflavin production for practical utilization using vegetable oil as the sole carbon source.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY

Our results indicate that the mutant ZP4 strain shows potential for producing riboflavin from vegetable oil, and therefore will be contributed to biorefinery technology.

A rat model of pontine hemorrhage

Approximately 15% of all strokes are due to intracerebral hemorrhage, and of these, 5 to 9% will occur in the pons, with mortality approximately 60% of the time. However, there is not an adequate animal model to fully address this important clinical problem. To this end, pontine hemorrhage was induced in rats using stereotaxic injection of 0.15 units of collagenase. At 24, 48, and 72h (n = 4 per group), the hemorrhagic volume, brain water content, body temperature, and neurological function (corner turn, inclined plane, and neurological deficit score) were assessed. All tested parameters were significantly increased, compared to sham, without any differences between time points. Furthermore, the extent of brainstem edema was highly correlated with neurological score, inclined plane, and body temperature. This new pontine hemorrhage rat model demonstrated brain edema and neurological deficits, and can be used to test treatment strategies for pontine hemorrhage.

Inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway attenuates cerebral vasospasm after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage through the suppression of apoptosis

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have demonstrated that apoptosis in cerebral arteries could play an essential role in cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and that SP600125, an inhibitor of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) could suppress apoptosis. The present study examined whether SP600125 could reduce cerebral vasospasm through the suppression of apoptosis.

METHOD

Fifteen dogs were assigned to 3 groups: control, SAH, and SAH + SP600125 (30 micromol/l). SAH was induced by the injection of autologous blood into the cisterna magna on day 0 and day 2. Angiograms were evaluated on day 0 and day 7. The activation of the JNK pathway and caspase-3 were also evaluated using Western blot. To determine the distribution, TUNEL staining and immunohistochemistry for phosphorylated c-jun and cleaved caspase-3 were performed.

FINDINGS

Severe vasospasm was observed in the basilar artery of the SAH dogs. SP600125 reduced angiographic and morphological vasospasm and reduced the expression of cleaved caspase-3, thereby suppressing apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that SP600125 attenuates cerebral vasospasm through the suppression of apoptosis, which may provide a novel therapeutic target for cerebral vasospasm.

The clinical significance of acute brain injury in subarachnoid hemorrhage and opportunity for intervention

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a devastating neurological event that accounts for 3-7% of all strokes and carries a mortality rate as high as 40%. Delayed cerebral vasospasm has traditionally been recognized as the most treatable cause of morbidity and mortality from SAH. However, evidence is mounting that the physiological and cellular events of acute brain injury, which occur during the 24-72 h following aneurysm rupture, make significant contributions to patient outcomes, and may even be a more significant factor than delayed cerebral vasospasm. Acute brain injury in aneurysmal SAH is the result of physiological derangements such as increased intracranial pressure and decreased cerebral blood flow that result in global cerebral ischemia, and lead to the acute development of edema, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and infarction. The consequence of these events is often death or significant neurological disability. In this study of acute brain injury, we elucidate some of the complex molecular signaling pathways responsible for these poor outcomes. Continued research in this area and the development of therapies to interrupt these cascades should be a major focus in the future as we continue to seek effective therapies for aneurysmal SAH.

Effects of superoxide dismutase and catalase derivates on intracerebral hemorrhage-induced brain injury in rats

The use of exogenous superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) has been previously evaluated against various reactive oxygen species-mediated brain injuries, especially those associated with ischemia/ reperfusion. In this study, we investigated effects of these enzymatic antioxidants on intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)-induced brain injury. A total of 65 male Sprague-Dawley rats (300-380 g) were divided into a sham group, an untreated ICH group, 3 groups of ICH rats treated with lecithinized SOD (PC-SOD) at doses of 0.1, 0.3, and 1 mg/kg, and a group treated with polyethylene glycol conjugated CAT (PEG-CAT) at a dose of 10,000 U/kg. An additional group of ICH rats received a combination of PC-SOD (1 mg/kg) and PEG-CAT (10,000 U/kg). ICH was induced by collagenase injection. All drugs were administered intravenously immediately after ICH induction. Brain injury was evaluated by scoring neurological function and measuring brain edema at 24 h after ICH induction. Our results demonstrated that ICH caused significant neurological deficit associated with remarkable brain edema. Treatment with PC-SOD, PEG-CAT, or PC-SOD in combination with PEG-CAT did not reduce brain edema or neurological deficit after ICH. We conclude that intravenously administered PC-SOD and/or PEG-CAT do not reduce brain injury in the collagenase-induced ICH rat model.

DNA methylation and loss of protein expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinogenesis of high-risk area

DNA methylation is an important mechanism for gene silence. The purpose of this study was to investigate aberrant promoter methylation of the p16 and FHIT genes in tissues and plasma and loss of protein expression in esophageal precancerous conditions (EPC) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) of high-risk area. Methylation-specific PCR(MSP) was employed to examine the DNA methylation in the plasma and tissues of 95 patients of EPC, ESCC and 10 chronic esophagitis (CE). Loss of protein expression of p16 and FHIT was detected immunohistochemically. In total 95 lesion tissues of EPC and ESCC, p16 methylation was found in 53 (55.79%) cases, and 41 of 53 (77.36%) cases were demonstrated deletion of the p16 protein immunohistochemically. FHIT methylation was found in 49 (51.58%) cases, and 40 of 49 (81.63%) were demonstrated deletion of the FHIT protein. Only 1 (10%) case of 10 CE p16 methylation was found in the tissues. In the plasma of total 105 samples, 2 of 23 high grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN) and 12 of 37 ESCC were detected p16 methylation, and 2 of 23 HGIN and 14 of 37 ESCC were detected FHIT methylation. These results indicate that p16 and FHIT methylation may be one of the earliest events and an important mechanism for gene silencing in esophageal squamous cell carcinogenesis. This study may be helpful for screening the candidate molecular markers for early diagnosis of ESCC in high-risk area.

[Correlation of 53BP1 and p53 polymorphisms to susceptibility to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma]

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

53BP1 is one of p53-binding proteins, which can enhance the transcriptional activation of p53 and plays a key role in tumor suppression. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) T885G has been found in the promoter of 53BP1. This study was to investigate the correlation of 53BP1 and p53 SNPs to susceptibility to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma (GCA) in a high incidence area of Hebei Province in China.

METHODS

Genotypes of 53BP1 T885G and p53 Arg72Pro in 349 ESCC patients, 275 GCA patients, and 635 healthy subjects were detected by primer-introduced restriction analysis-polymerase chain reaction (PIRA-PCR).

RESULTS

The overall distribution of 53BP1 T885G was not significantly different between ESCC patients, GCA patients and healthy subjects (P>0.05). When stratified by smoking status and family history of upper gastrointestinal cancer (UGIC), the distribution of 53BP1 T885G was not significantly different between ESCC patients, GCA patients and healthy subjects. Compared with p53 Arg72Pro Arg/Arg genotype, Pro/Pro genotype decreased the susceptibility to GCA [the age, sex, smoking status, and family history adjusted odds ratio (OR)=0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.64-0.98]. Stratification analysis showed that Pro/Pro genotype decreased the susceptibility to GCA among non-smokers (adjusted OR=0.72, 95% CI=0.54-0.97), but p53 Arg72Pro had no influence on the susceptibility to ESCC. Stratified by p53 Arg72Pro genotype, 53BP1 T885G G/G genotype reduced the susceptibility to GCA among the individuals with Pro allele (Arg/Pro and Pro/Pro genotypes) (adjusted OR=0.74, 95% CI=0.57-0.95).

CONCLUSION

53BP1 T885G may not be correlated to the susceptibility to ESCC and GCA in the high incidence area of Hebei Province in China; p53 Arg72Pro Pro/Pro genotype could decrease the susceptibility to GCA; 53BP1 T885G G/G genotype could reduce the susceptibility to GCA among the individuals with p53 Pro allele.

Analysis on the mechanism of gastrointestinal hemorrhage caused by the third-generation cephalosporins

AIM: To probe into the possible mechanism of gastrointestinal hemorrhage induced by the third generation of cephalosporins.

METHODS: The related literatures in the past 30 years were collected and retrospective analyzed.

RESULTS: The third generation of cephalosporins caused mucosal injury of various organs, such as gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract or urinary tract, complicated with hemorrhage. Besides, the injuries also occurred in heart, lung, and nerve. Adverse reactions were found in 73 cases, of which 6 were confirmed with gastrointestinal mucosal injury, 2 with urinary mucosal injury, and 1 with respiratory mucosal injury, and the 9 cases were all complicated with hemorrhage. The mortality rate associated with hemorrhage was 50%.

CONCLUSION: Multi-organ dysfunction can be caused by the third-generation cephalosporins. Gastrointestinal hemorrhage occurs less frequently that other adverse reactions, but it can lead to a higher mortality rate.

[Correlations of polymorphisms in matrix metalloproteinase-3 and -7 promoters to susceptibility to brain astrocytoma]

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are key enzymes involved in tumor development, invasion and metastasis. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter regions of MMP genes may influence tumor development and progression via modulating mRNA transcription and protein expression. This study was to explore the correlations of the promoter SNPs in MMP-3 and MMP-7 genes to susceptibility to brain astrocytoma.

METHODS

The genotype of MMP-3 -1171 5A/6A and MMP-7 -181A/G polymorphisms in 236 patients with brain astrocytoma and 366 healthy controls was detected by polymerase chain reaction-restrictive fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).

RESULTS

The allelotype and overall genotype distribution of MMP-3 SNP among the astrocytoma patients and healthy controls were similar (P>0.05). Stratified by sex, age, and histological grade, the susceptibility to brain astrocytoma among the subjects with 5A/5A and 5A/6A genotypes and the subjects with 6A/6A genotype were similar(P>0.05). The overall genotype distribution of MMP-7 SNP among the astrocytoma patients and healthy controls were significantly different (P = 0.001). Compared with the A/A genotype, both the G/G and the A/G genotypes significantly increased the susceptibility to astrocytoma [sex-and age-adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.77 and 1.69, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.27-6.02 and 1.01-2.84, respectively]. Stratification analysis showed that the G/G genotype significantly increased the susceptibility to astrocytoma in men (adjusted OR = 3.24, 95% CI = 1.12-9.41) and in the individuals younger than 45 years (adjusted OR = 3.16, 95% CI = 1.09-9.16). When stratified by histological grade, the A/G genotype increased the susceptibility to grade II astrocytoma by about 2 folds (adjusted OR = 2.06, 95% CI = 1.05 - 4.05), while the G/G genotype increased the susceptibility to grade II-IV astrocytoma by about 3 folds.

CONCLUSION

MMP-7 -181A/G polymorphism may influence the susceptibility to astrocytoma, while MMP-3-1171 5A/6A polymorphism has no correlation to the susceptibility.

Intracellular localization of integrin-like protein and its roles in osmotic stress-induced abscisic acid biosynthesis in Zea mays

Plants have evolved many mechanisms to cope with adverse environmental stresses. Abscisic acid (ABA) accumulates significantly in plant cells in response to drought conditions, and this is believed to be a major mechanism through which plants enhance drought tolerance. In this study, we explore the possible mechanisms of osmotic stress perception by plant cells and the consequent induction of ABA biosynthesis. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence localization experiments, using a polyclonal antibody against human integrin beta1, revealed the presence of a protein in Zea mays roots that is similar to the integrin proteins of animals and mainly localized in the plasma membrane. Treatment with GRGDS, a synthetic pentapeptide containing an RGD domain, which interacted specifically with the integrin protein and thus blocked the cell wall-plasma membrane interaction, significantly inhibited osmotic stress-induced ABA biosynthesis in cells, and the GRGDS analog which does not contain the RGD domain had no effect. Our results show that a strong interaction exists between the cell wall and plasma membrane and that this interaction is largely mediated by integrin-like proteins. They also imply that the cell wall and/or cell wall-plasma membrane interaction plays important roles in the perception of osmotic stress. Accordingly, we conclude that the cell wall and/or cell wall-plasma membrane interaction mediated by the integrin-like protein plays important roles in osmotic stress-induced ABA biosynthesis in Zea mays.

[Correlation of p73 polymorphisms to genetic susceptibilities to esophageal carcinoma and gastric cardiac carcinoma]

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

p73 is a tumor suppressor gene. The two polymorphisms in the non-coding region of the exon 2 of p73 gene, named G4C14-A4T14, can form a stem-loop structure, and may influence p73 expression. This study was to investigate the correlation of p73 G4C14-A4T14 polymorphisms to susceptibilities to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma (GCA) in a high incidence region of Hebei Province.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based case-control study in 348 ESCC patients, 259 GCA patients, and 630 healthy controls. p73 genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restrictive fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).

RESULTS

Family history of upper gastrointestinal cancer (UGIC) significantly increased the risk of developing ESCC and GCA [the age, sex, and smoking status adjusted odds ratio (OR)=1.68, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.28-2.20; OR=1.68, 95% CI=1.24-2.26, respectively]. The overall distribution of p73 genotype and allelotype in cancer patients and controls were not significantly different. Stratification analysis by smoking status and family history of UGIC found that the GC/AT genotype significantly increased the risk of developing GCA among the subjects without family history of UGIC (OR=1.71, 95% CI=1.14-2.57), while p73 G4C14-A4T14 polymorphisms did not increase the risk of developing ESCC and GCA in other subgroups.

CONCLUSION

In p73 G4C14-A4T14 polymorphisms, the GC/AT genotype increases the risk of developing GCA among the subjects without family history of UGIC.

Neuroprotective effect of hyperbaric oxygen in a rat model of subarachnoid hemorrhage

Acute brain ischemia after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) induces oxidative stress in brain tissues. Up-regulated NADPH oxidase (NOX), a major enzymatic source of superoxide anion in the brain, may contribute to early brain injury after SAH. We evaluated the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on protein expression of gp91(phox) catalytic subunit of NOX, lipid peroxidation as a marker of oxidative stress, and on neurological and neuropathological outcomes after SAH. Twenty-nine male Sprague-Dawley rats (300 to 350 g) were randomly allocated to control (sham operation), SAH (endovascular perforation), and SAH treated with HBO groups (2.8 ATA for 2 hours, at 1 hour after SAH). Cerebral blood flow was measured using laser Doppler flowmetry. Rats were sacrificed after 24 hours and brain tissues collected for histology (Nissl staining and gp91 (phox) immunohistochemistry) and biochemistry. Mortality and neurological scores were evaluated. Neuronal injury associated with enhanced gp91 (phox) immunostaining was observed in the cerebral cortex after SAH. The lipid peroxidation product, malondialdehyde, accumulated in the ipsilateral cerebral cortex. HBO treatment reduced expression of NOX, diminished lipid peroxidation, and reduced neuronal damage. HBO caused a drop in mortality and ameliorated functional deficits. HBO-induced neuroprotection after SAH may involve down-regulation of NOX and a subsequent reduction in oxidative stress.

[Technique of detection of hepatitis C core antigen used in safety blood transfusion]

This study was purposed to investigate the feasibility to screen donor with HCV infection by means of HCV-cAg ELISA. The first and repeat assays were performed for detection of serum anti-HCV in 8677 donor's serum specimens from January 2003 to December 2005. All serum anti-HCV specimens with positive anti-HCV from first and repeat assays were finally identified by using HCV-cAg ELISA and HCV RT-PCR methods. The results showed that only 5 serum specimens were positive anti-HCV by HCV-cAg ELISA identification in 29 specimens including 15 specimens with positive ant-HCV in first assays and 14 specimens with positive anti-HCV in repeat assays, the positive rate detected by HCV cAg ELISA was 17.24%. 5 serum specimens were positive anti-HCV by HCV RT-PCR detection also in 29 specimens mentioned above, the positive rate detected by HCV RT-PCR was 17.24% too. It is concluded that sensitivity of HCVcAg ELISA is similar to HCV RT-PCR and may be useful for the early diagnosis of hepatitic C or used as a reliable method to screen donor with HCV infection in blood transfusion medicine.

[Correlations between serine hydroxymethyltransferase1 C1420T polymorphisms and susceptibilities to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma]

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT), a key enzyme in the folate metabolism, affects gene methylation and DNA synthesis through providing one-carbon units for purine, thymidylate, and methionine. It is closely related to the development and progression of tumors. This study was to investigate the correlations between SHMT1 C1420T single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and susceptibilities to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma (GCA).

METHODS

SHMT1 C1420T SNP was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-confronting two-pair primers (PCR-CTPP) analysis in 584 ESCC patients, 467 GCA patients, and 540 healthy controls. The correlations between SHMT1 C1420T SNP polymorphisms and susceptibilities to ESCC and GCA were analyzed with Logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Family history of upper gastrointestinal cancer (UGIC) significantly enhanced the risk of developing ESCC and GCA [the age, gender, smoking status, and family history of UGIC adjusted odds ratio (OR)=2.89, 95% confident interval (CI)=2.23-3.73; OR =1.68, 95% CI=1.28-2.23]. The frequency of 1420C/T genotype was significantly lower in ESCC and GCA patients than in healthy controls (12.0% vs. 16.5%, P<0.05; 10.9% vs. 16.5%, P<0.01). Compared with C/C genotype, C/T genotype significantly reduced susceptibilities to ESCC and GCA, with adjusted OR of 0.70 (95% CI=0.50-0.98) for ESCC and 0.55 (95% CI=0.38-0.81) for GCA. Stratification analysis showed that C/T genotype significantly reduced susceptibilities to ESCC and GCA among non-smokers, with adjusted OR of 0.54 (95% CI=0.33-0.90) for ESCC and 0.56 (95% CI=0.33-0.95) for GCA. In addition, C/T genotype significantly reduced susceptibility to GCA among individuals with or without UGIC history, with adjusted OR of 0.46 (95%CI=0.24-0.90) and 0.62 (95% CI=0.38-0.99) respectively, and reduced susceptibility to ESCC only among individuals with UGIC history, with adjusted OR of 0.51 (95% CI=0.29-0.89).

CONCLUSION

SHMT1 1420C/T genotype could significantly reduce susceptibilities to ESCC and GCA among individuals from high risk areas in Hebei Province of China.

[Association of polymorphisms of p21cip1 and p27kip1 genes with susceptibilities of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma]

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Researches showed that polymorphisms of p21(cip1) and p27(kip1) genes have associations with susceptibilities of breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and so on. This study was to investigate the possible association of functional polymorphisms of p21(cip1) and p27(kip1) genes with susceptibilities of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma (GCA) in a population from a high incidence region in north China.

METHODS

The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 3'-untranslated region of p21(cip1) gene and in codon 109 of p27(kip1) gene were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in 299 ESCC patients, 256 GCA patients, and 437 healthy controls from a high incidence region of north China.

RESULTS

The frequency of p21(cip1) T allelotype was significantly higher in ESCC patients than in healthy controls (42.8% vs. 36.7%, P=0.02). The frequency of p27(kip1) V allelotype was significantly higher in ESCC and GCA patients than in healthy controls (96.8% and 96.1% vs. 92.9%, P=0.001, P=0.02). The distribution of p21(cip1) genotypes among ESCC patients was significantly different from that among healthy controls (P=0.04); compared with the combination of the C/C and C/T genotypes, the T/T genotype significantly elevated the risk of developing ESCC [adjusted odds ratio (OR)=1.93, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.12-3.94]. The distribution of p27(kip1) genotypes among ESCC and GCA patients were significantly different from that among healthy controls (P=0.002, P=0.01); compared with the combination of V/G and G/G genotypes, the V/V genotype significantly elevated the risk of developing ESCC and GCA (adjusted OR=2.44, 95% CI=1.21-4.02; adjusted OR=2.01, 95% CI=1.12-3.68). When stratified for smoking and family history of upper gastrointestinal cancers (UGIC), compared with the combination of V/G and G/G genetypes, the V/V genotype significantly elevated the risk of developing both ESCC and GCA in smokers (adjusted OR=2.24, 95% CI=1.14-4.03; adjusted OR=2.61, 95% CI=1.25-3.82) and ESCC in individuals with positive family history of UGIC (adjusted OR =2.04, 95% CI=1.04-3.43). The combination of p21(cip1) T/T and p27(kip1) V/V genotypes significantly elevated the risk of developing ESCC and GCA (adjusted OR=3.78, 95% CI=1.46-5.89; adjusted OR=2.56, 95% CI=1.06-4.78).

CONCLUSION

In north China, p21(cip1) polymorphisms might be correlated with the susceptibility of ESCC, p27(kip1) polymorphisms might be correlated with the susceptibilities of ESCC and GCA, and they might have synergetic effect on ESCC and GCA development.

Large Uniform-Sized Polymer Beads for Use as Solid-Phase Supports Prepared by Ascension Polymerization

Large uniform-sized polymer beads are desirable for "one-bead-one-compound" applications in the combinatorial synthesis of compound libraries. We have developed a technique for the preparation of large polymer spheres with narrow size distributions. Uniform-sized poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) beads with diameters in excess of 1 mm have been prepared by free radical polymerization in an ascension process through a heated column. The size of the beads can be adjusted by the diameter of the injection needle and the injection speed. The resin beads can be made porous by the incorporation of a porogen during the preparation; they reach a specific surface area in excess of 200 m(2)/g. The mechanical properties of the spheres and their use in organic synthesis have been studied.

Polymorphisms in tumor necrosis factor genes and susceptibility to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma in a population of high incidence region of North China

BACKGROUND

We investigated the possible association of the functional polymorphisms in the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) genes with susceptibility to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma (GCA).

METHODS

The TNF-alpha-308G/A and TNF-beta+252G/A single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped using polymerase-chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis, in 555 cancer patients (291 ESCC and 264 GCA) and 437 healthy controls in a high incidence region of North China.

RESULTS

Among healthy controls, frequencies of the TNF-alpha 1/1, 1/2 and 2/2 genotypes were 89.4%, 9.2% and 1.4% respectively, while frequencies of the TNF-beta B1/B1, B1/B2 and B2/B2 genotypes were 12.6%, 32.3% and 55.1%, respectively. No significant difference was found in the overall genotype and allelotype distribution of the TNF-alpha-308G/A and TNF-beta+252G/A SNPs among cancer patients and controls. However, both the B1/B1 genotype and B1/B2 genotype significantly increased the risk of developing ESCC [the age and gender adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.04 and 1.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04 - 4.43 and 1.14 - 2.60, respectively] and GCA (the age and gender adjusted OR = 2.68 and 2.64, 95% CI = 1.14 - 6.29 and 1.47 - 4.72, respectively) in individuals with negative family history of UGIC, in comparison with the B2/B2 genotype. When the two TNF polymorphisms were combined and analyzed, individuals with the TNF-beta B1/B2 and TNF-alpha 1/2 or 2/2 genotypes significantly reduced the risk of developing ESCC and GCA, in comparison with those harboring the TNF-beta B2/B2 and TNF-alpha 1/1 genotypes (the age and gender adjusted OR = 0.37 and 0.34, 95% CI = 0.15 - 0.92 and 0.13 - 0.90, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, the TNF-alpha-308G/A and TNF-beta+252G/A genotyping may be used as a stratification markers to predicate the risk of ESCC and GCA development in North China.

[Polymorphisms of thymidylate synthase gene and correlation of its protein expression to lymph node metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma]

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Thymidylate synthase (TS) is a key enzyme in DNA synthesis. The 28-bp tandem repeat in the 5'-untranslated region (UTR) of TS gene and the G/C single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of TS gene may modify the expression and activity of TS protein, therefore, may change the susceptibility and prognosis of tumors. This study was to explore the correlations of TS 5'-UTR polymorphism to lymph node metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and the expression of TS protein.

METHODS

Peripheral leucocyte DNA was extracted from 232 ESCC patients and 348 age-and gender-matched healthy controls. TS 5'-UTR tandem repeat and the G/C SNP genotype was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), respectively. TS expression in 51 specimens of ESCC was detected by SP immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The frequencies of 3G/3G, 3G/3C, 3C/3C, 2R/3G, 2R/3C, 2R/2R, and other genotypes were 17.5%, 17.3%, 29.3%, 12.9%, 17.8%, 3.7%, and 1.5% in the healthy controls, and 16.0%, 16.0%, 29.3%, 13.8%, 17.6%, 4.3%, and 3.0% in the ESCC patients; whereas the frequencies of 3G, 3C, 2R, and other alleles were 32.8%, 47.0%, 19.5%, and 0.7% in the healthy controls, and 31.2%, 46.8%, 20.5%, and 1.5% in the ESCC patients, respectively. Compared with 3G/3G genotype, 2R/3G genotype significantly increased the risk of lymph node metastasis of ESCC [age and gender adjusted odds ratio (OR), 11.53; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.67-49.74]. TS protein expression was significantly related to TS 5'-UTR genotype (P<0.05), but was not related to gender, age, lymph node metastasis and clinicopathologic stage.

CONCLUSION

TS 5'-UTR tandem repeat and G/C SNP genotype, but not TS expression, might be a candidate molecular marker to predict lymph node metastasis of ESCC.

Nonspherical colloidal crystals fabricated by the thermal pressing of colloidal crystal chips

Nonspherical colloids and their ordered arrays may be more attractive in applications such as photonic crystals than their spherical counterparts because of their lower symmetries, although such structures are difficult to achieve. In this letter, we describe the fabrication and characterization of colloidal crystals constructed from nonspherical polyhedrons. We fabricated such nonspherical colloidal crystals by pressing spherical polymer colloidal crystal chips at a temperature slightly lower than the glass-transition temperature (T(g)) of these polymer colloids. During this process, the polymer microspheres were distinctively transformed into polyhedrons according to their crystal structures, whereas the long-range order of the 3D lattice was essentially preserved. Because a working temperature lower than T(g) effectively prevented the colloidal crystals from fusing into films, the spherical colloidal crystals were transformed greatly under pressure, which lead to obvious change in the optical properties of colloidal crystals. Besides their special symmetry and optical properties, these nonspherical colloidal crystals can be used as templates for 2D or 3D structures of special symmetry, such as 2D nano-networks. We anticipate that this fabrication technique for nonspherical colloidal crystals can also be extended to nonspherical porous materials.

[Single nucleotide polymorphism in the matrix metalloproteinases promoter is associated with susceptibility to endometriosis and adenomyosis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 1, 3 promoter single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) with the susceptibility to endometriosis (EM) and adenomyosis.

METHODS

The SNP of the MMP-1 and MMP-3 gene promoter region was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) among 100 endometriosis patients, 80 adenomyosis patients and 150 unrelated healthy women.

RESULTS

(1) The frequency of 2G allelotype of MMP-1 in the EM and adenomyosis patients (79.0% and 79.4%, respectively) was significantly different from the control (67.0%) (P < 0.01). The frequencies of 1G/1G, 1G/2G and 2G/2G genotypes of EM and adenomyosis patients were significantly different from that in healthy controls (P < 0.05). Compared with 1G/1G genotype, both 2G/2G alone and in combination with 1G/2G genotype significantly increased the risk of developing EM (adjusted odds ratio was 3.65 and 3.25, 95% CI = 1.41-9.43 and 1.29-8.23, respectively), but only 2G/2G genotype significantly enhanced the risk of developing adenomyosis. (2) The frequencies of the 5A and 6A allelotype of MMP-3 among EM (14.0% and 86.0%, respectively) and adenomyosis patients (15.6% and 83.4%, respectively) were not significantly different from healthy controls (20.3% and 79.7%, respectively) (P > 0.05). The genotype distribution of 5A/5A, 5A/6A and 6A/6A in patients was not significantly different from controls (P > 0.05). Compared with the 6A/6A genotype, neither the 5A/5A alone nor in combination with the 5A/6A genotype significantly modified the risk of developing EM and adenomyosis. (3) The distribution of haplotype (1G/6A, 2G/6A, 1G/5A and 2G/5A) frequency of MMP-1 and MMP-3 SNP was significantly different between cases and controls. Compared with the 1G/6A haplotype, 2G/6A haplotype significantly enhanced the risk of developing EM, but not significantly enhanced the risk of developing adenomyosis.

CONCLUSION

Individuals with the MMP-1 2G allelotype have significantly increased risk of developing EM and adenomyosis; MMP-3 promoter SNP is not associated with susceptibility to EM and adenomyosis, 2G/6A haplotype could be used as a stratified marker for EM.

Single nucleotide polymorphism in DNA methyltransferase 3B promoter and its association with gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma in North China

AIM

To investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in promoter of the DNA methyltransferase 3B (DNMT3B) gene and risk for development and lymphatic metastasis of gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma (GCA).

METHODS

The hospital based case-control study included 212 GCA patients and 294 control subjects without overt cancer. The DNMT3B SNP was genotyped by PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis.

RESULTS

The C/C genotype was not detected in both GCA patients and controls. In control subjects, the frequency of T/T and C/T genotypes was 94.9% and 5.1% respectively, and that of T and C alleles was 97.4% and 2.6%, respectively. The genotype and allelotype distribution in the GCA patients was not significantly different from that in controls (P=0.34 and 0.33, respectively). When stratified by smoking status and family history of upper gastrointestinal cancer, significant difference in the genotype distribution was not observed between GCA patients and controls. The distribution of DNMT3B genotypes in GCA patients with or without lymphatic metastasis did not show significant difference (P=0.42).

CONCLUSION

The distribution of DNMT3B SNP in North China is distinct from that in Caucasians. Although this SNP has been associated with susceptibility to lung, head, neck and breast cancer, it may not be used as a stratification marker to predict susceptibility and lymphatic metastasis of GCA, at least in the population of North China.

[Correlation of E-cadherin polymorphisms to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma]

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

E-cadherin (CDH1) relates with invasion and metastasis of various cancers. Polymorphisms in the promoter region of E-cadherin gene may modify its transcriptional activity and protein level. This study was designed to investigate the correlation of CDH1 C-160A and G-347GA single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) to susceptibilities and lymphatic metastases of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma (GCA) in northern China population.

METHODS

CDH1 promoter SNPs (C-160A and G-347GA) were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis in 333 ESCC patients, 239 GCA patients, and 343 healthy controls. The combined effect of C-160A and G-347GA was analyzed by EH software.

RESULTS

The overall genotype and allelotype distributions of C-160A and G-347GA in ESCC and GCA patients were not significantly different from those in healthy controls (P = 0.08). When stratified by smoking status, family history of upper gastrointestinal cancer, and lymph node metastasis state, CDH1 SNPs also did not significantly influence the development and lymphatic metastasis of ESCC and GCA. However, compared with individuals with G-347GA G/G genotype, individuals with GA allele (G/GA or GA/GA genotype) had significantly higher risk to develop GCA [age and gender adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.03-2.04]. The haplotype distribution of CDH1 in the 333 ESCC patients was significantly different from that in the 343 healthy controls (P = 0.008). Compared with -160C/-347G haplotype, -160A/-347GA haplotype significantly increased the risk of developing ESCC (age and gender adjusted OR = 24.26, 95% CI = 3.25-180.87).

CONCLUSIONS

CDH1 C-160A SNP has no relation with susceptibility and lymphatic metastasis of ESCC and GCA. However, individuals with G-347GA GA allele have high risk of developing GCAu individuals with -160A/-347GA haplotype have high risk of developing ESCC.

No association of the matrix metalloproteinase 1 promoter polymorphism with susceptibility to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma in northern China

AIM: To investigate association of the 2G or1G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) promoter with susceptibility to esophageal squam-ous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma (GCA) in a population of North China.

METHODS: MMP1 promoter SNP was genotyped by polymerase-chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis in 417 cancer patients (234 ESCC and 183 GCA) and 350 healthy controls.

RESULTS: The genotype frequencies of the MMP1 promoter SNP in healthy controls were 55.4% (2G/2G), 30% (1G/2G) and 14.6% (1G/1G), respectively. The genotype and allelotype distribution in ESCC and GCA patients was not significantly different from that in healthy controls (all P values were above 0.05). Compared with the 1G/1G genotype, neither the 2G/2G nor in combination with the 1G/2G genotype significantly modified the risk of developing ESCC and GCA, the adjusted odds ratio was 1.28 (95%CI = 0.78-2.09), 1.23 (95%CI = 0.38-2.05) in ESCC and 1.39 (95%CI = 0.80-2.41), 1.34 (95%CI = 0.74-2.40) in GCA, respectively. When stratified by smoking status and family history of upper gastrointestinal cancer, the 2G/2G genotype alone or in combination with the 1G/2G genotype also did not show any significant influence on the risk of ESCC and GCA development. In addition, influence of the MMP1 SNP on lymphatic metastasis in ESCC and GCA was also not obs-erved.

CONCLUSION: The 2G or 1G SNP in the MMP1 promoter might not modify the risk of ESCC and GCA development and might not be used as a stratification marker to predict the potential of lymphatic metastasis in these two tumor types.

Age scope of high-risk population for esophageal cancer in Ci county

AIM

To define the age scope of high-risk population for esophageal cancer (EC) in Ci county.

METHODS

The results of endoscopic examination of 2 013 subjects, cytological screening of 16 763 persons and records of 9 265 patients with EC were analyzed by Ridit methods, the standard age group was 45-49 year group.

RESULTS

The average age of patients with moderate esophageal epithelium dysplasia by endoscopic examination was 53.5 years, of severe esophageal epithelium dysplasia, 51.4 years, early EC, 55.6 years. The average age of stage one severe epithelium dysplasia (SEEDI) by cytological screening was 51.2 years, of stage two severe epithelium esophageal dysplasia (SEED II) 51.6 years, of advanced EC 61.7 years. In the group of 40-year olds, the value of Ridit by pathological diagnosis was 0.46, 95% CI, 0.45-0.47, that by cytological diagnosis was 0.45, 95% CI, 0.43-0.47. As the age increased at five-year intervals, the value of Ridit increased significantly.

CONCLUSION

In Ci county of a high incidence area of EC, the age definition of high-risk population should be above 45 years.

Synthesis of bimetallic nanoshells by an improved electroless plating method

In the Letter, we demonstrate an improved electroless plating method for the synthesis of bimetallic shell particles. The procedure involves a combination of surface reaction, seeding growth, and removal of supporting cores. We modified ammonical AgNO3 in ethanol with a controlled amount of HCHO in the seeding process and a uniform and relatively dense coverage of silver nanoparticle seeds on colloid cores was achieved. Following the second kind of metal plating, we extended this method to prepare continuous bimetallic core-shell and hollow particles with a submicrometer diameter. The morphologies of the bimetallic Cu/Ag and Pt/Ag particles were studied with transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, and their crystallinity and chemical composition were confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The prepared materials may be of applied value in areas such as catalysis, optics, and plasmonics.

[Correlation of matrix metalloproteinase-3 polymorphism to genetic susceptibility and lymph node metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer]

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) might be involved in invasion and metastasis of tumors by degrading extracellular matrix (ECM) and basement membrane (BM). The 5A or 6A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at the -1 171 bp site of promoter region of MMP-3 may modify the transcription and local expression of MMP-3. This study was to investigate correlation of the MMP-3 SNP with genetic susceptibility and lymph node metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

Genotypes of the MMP-3 SNP of 173 NSCLC patients and 350 healthy controls were detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).

RESULTS

Distributions of the MMP-3 genotypes in both NSCLC patients and healthy controls were accorded with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P>0.05). Frequencies of the 6A/6A, 5A/6A, and 5A/5A genotypes were 65.3%, 30.6%, and 4.1% in NSCLC patients, and 67.7%, 30.0%, and 2.3% in healthy controls, whereas frequencies of the 6A and 5A alleles were 79.3% and 20.7% in NSCLC patients, and 82.7% and 17.3% in healthy controls. The overall genotype and allelotype distributions among NSCLC patients and healthy controls were similar (P>0.05). However, stratified analysis found that frequency of the 5A allele was significantly higher in smoking patients than in healthy smokers (21.0% vs. 12.9%, P=0.03). Therefore, smokers with the 5A/6A or 5A/5A genotype have higher risk of developing NSCLC [age and sex adjusted odds ratio (OR) =2.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) =1.13-3.78]. When stratified by pathologic types, no significant difference in MMP-3 genotype or allelotype distribution between adenocarcinoma patients, squamous carcinoma patients and healthy controls was shown. When further stratified by lymphatic metastasis status, frequencies of the 5A allele and the 5A/5A genotype were significantly higher in NSCLC patients with lymphatic metastasis than in NSCLC patients without lymphatic metastasis (22.8% vs. 11.8%, P=0.02u 8.6% vs. 0%, P=0.02). Thus, NSCLC patients with the 5A/5A genotype have higher risk of lymphatic metastasis than NSCLC patients with the 6A/6A genotype (OR=12.38, 95% CI=0.76-202.13).

CONCLUSIONS

The 5A allele of MMP-3 might be associated with the increased susceptibility to NSCLC among smokers. The 5A homozygote might increase the risk of lymphatic metastasis in NSCLC patients.

Interleukin-10 -1082 promoter polymorphism is not associated with susceptibility to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma in a population of high-incidence region of north China

AIM: To investigate the possible association of G→A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at the -1082 position of interleukin (IL)-10 promoter with susceptibility to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma (GCA) in a population of a high incidence region of North China.

METHODS: IL-10-G1082A promoter SNP was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) in 355 cancer patients (203 ESCC and 152 GCA) and 443 healthy controls.

RESULTS: Smoking significantly increased the risk of ESCC and GCA development (the age and sex adjusted OR = 1.42 and 2.64, 95%CI = 1.11-1.81 and 1.46-4.76, respectively). Similarly, family history of upper gastrointestinal cancer (UGIC) significantly increased the risk of developing ESCC and GCA (the age and sex adjusted OR = 1.44 and 3.10, 95%CI = 1.18-1.75 and 1.94-4.97, respectively). The A/A, A/G and G/G genotype frequencies of IL-10-G1082A were 60.3%, 37.0% and 2.7% in healthy controls, 57.6%, 39.9% and 2.5% in ESCC and 61.2%, 36.8% and 2.0% in GCA patients, respectively. The frequencies of A and G alleles were 78.8% and 21.2% in healthy controls, 77.6% and 22.4% in ESCC patients and 79.6%, 20.4% in GCA patients. The distribution of genotype and allelotype in ESCC and GCA patients was not significantly different from that in healthy controls (P>0.05). Compared to the A/A genotype, the combination of A/G and G/G genotypes did not show a significant effect on the risk of developing ESCC and GCA; the adjusted odds ratio was 0.92 (95% CI = 0.76-1.11) in ESCC and 0.95 (95% CI = 0.61-1.46) in GCA, respectively. When stratified for smoking status and family history of UGIC, the combination of A/G and G/G genotypes also did not show any significant influence on the risk of ESCC and GCA development compared to A/A genotypes.

CONCLUSION: IL-10-G1082A polymorphism might not be used as a stratification marker to predicate the risk of ESCC and GCA development in North China.

An analysis of frequency response for the blood flow of volume pulse in microcirculation

In this paper, a frequency analysis for the microcirculation model is introduced to find new microcirculation parameters in the frequency domain. By using Bode Plot of transfer function, we found two characteristic parameters of the model: damping ratio xi and break frequency omega(n). By analyzing the variation of xi and omega(n), it enables us to have better understanding of different states of microcirculation. At low damping, 0<xi<1, the state of microcirculation will be better and better along with the increasing of the omega(n). At over damping, xi> or =1, the state of microcirculation will be worse and worse along with the descending of the omega(n). The results of experiments on 120 subjects are consistent with the analytical results of the model.

[Association of p53 gene polymorphism with susceptibility to ovarian cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of p53 codon 72 and p53 intron 3 (PIN3) polymorphism with susceptibility to epithelial ovarian cancer in northern Chinese women.

METHODS

p53 codon 72 and PIN3 genotyping was performed by DNA fragments with sequence specific primers among 124 patients with ovarian cancer and 128 healthy control women.

RESULTS

The frequency of the Pro and Arg allele among ovarian cancer patients and healthy controls were 53.2%, 46.8% and 46.1%, 53.9%. No significant difference in distribution of allelotype was shown between the two groups (chi(2) = 2.563, P = 0.109). The genotype frequencies of Pro/Pro, Pro/Arg, and Arg/Arg among ovarian cancer and healthy controls were 29.0%, 48.4%, 22.6% and 21.1%, 50.0%, 28.9% respectively. No significant difference was shown between the cases and controls (chi(2) = 2.598, P = 0.273). When the epithelial ovarian cancer patients were grouped according to the pathological characteristics, no significant difference was observed between the patients with serous cystadenocarcinoma or endometrioid carcinoma and the control group or between the two carcinoma groups for p53 codon 72 Pro/Arg (P > 0.05). When the epithelial ovarian cancer patients were divided into two subgroups according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) standard, there was a significant difference between the early group (I approximately II) and the late group (III approximately IV) for Arg allelotype and Arg/Arg genotype (chi(2) = 7.494, P = 0.006 and chi(2) = 8.318, P = 0.004). The frequency of A, A'allelotype among ovarian cancer patients and healthy controls was 94.8%, 5.2% and 94.5%, 5.5%, no significant difference was shown between two groups (chi(2) = 0.013, P = 0.91). The genotype frequency of AA, AA', A'A' was not significantly different between the ovarian cancer and healthy controls (chi(2) = 0.301, P = 0.583). There was no significant difference in the frequencies of allelotypes and genotypes between patients with serous systadenocarcinoma and those with endometrioid carcinoma and between patients with ovarian cancers and the control subjects (all P > 0.05). The frequencies of allelotypes and genotypes were not significantly different between early and late ovarian cancers (chi(2) = 0.014, P = 0.906 and chi(2) = 0.137, P = 0.711).

CONCLUSIONS

In northern Chinese women, p53 codon 72 Pro/Arg and p53 PIN3 gene polymorphisms are not associated with development of ovarian cancer. Arg/Arg genotype may be used as a stratification marker according to the standards of FIGO for ovarian cancer.

Bone sialoprotein promotes bone metastasis of a non-bone-seeking clone of human breast cancer cells

Bone sialoprotein (BSP) is a major non-collagenous protein in mineralized tissues. BSP is also implied to be involved in tumor metastasis through its unique structure. Using the human breast cancer cell line MDA-231, we established both brain-seeking and bone-seeking cell clones. The brain-seeking cells (MDA4-231BR) showed no bone metastasis in an animal model. In this experiment, MDA-231BR cells were transfected with BSP cDNA and inoculated into the hearts of nude mice. All five nude mice which received BSP-transfected MDA-231BR cells developed bone metastases, while no bone lesions were observed in the control group. Histological examination revealed invasion of tumor cells into the endosteal space and erosion of the bone margin. Some animals were crippled due to large lesions. These results suggest that BSP may impart to breast cancer cells the capacity to metastasize and thus play an important role in bone metastasis of malignant tumors.

A specialized plug-in software module for computer-aided quantitative measurement of medical images

This paper presents a specialized system for quantitative measurement of medical images. Using Visual C++, we developed a computer-aided software based on Image-Pro Plus (IPP), a software development platform. When transferred to the hard disk of a computer by an MVPCI-V3A frame grabber, medical images can be automatically processed by our own IPP plug-in for immunohistochemical analysis, cytomorphological measurement and blood vessel segmentation. In 34 clinical studies, the system has shown its high stability, reliability and ease of utility.

Preparation of metallodielectric composite particles with multishell structure

In this article, we demonstrated the synthesis of metallodielectric composite particles comprising a metal shell on a dielectric core and an outer coating of an insulating dielectric layer by depositing silver on silica supporting cores followed by coating of titania. A combination of surface reaction and surface seeding techniques is exploited for the formation of a complete silver shell on silica spheres. The additional outer coating of titania on silver shell particles is then performed by hydrolyzing tetra-n-butyl titanate in ethanol at room temperature. The morphologies of silver shells and titania coating are studied with electron microscopy, and their existences are confirmed with X-ray diffraction and energy-dispersive X-ray measurement.

Heat shock proteins expression in brain stem after subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats

The pathogenesis of brain damage after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) especially at molecular or gene level remains unclear. We used complimentary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) macroarray technique and compared gene expression in brain stem after experimental SAH in rats. The upregulation of several heat shock proteins (HSPs) demonstrated by cDNA array was further confirmed by Western blotting. The expressions of 9 genes were upregulated 30 minutes or 2 days after SAH. They included four upregulated HSPs: HSP90alpha, HSP60, HSP27, and HSP10. Western blotting demonstrated increases in the HSP27 and HSP10 proteins on Day 2. SAH enhanced the induction of several HSP mRNAs in the brainstems, even though the functions of these HSPs after SAH remain unclear.

Epoxide hydrolase Tyr113His polymorphism is not associated with susceptibility to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in population of North China

AIM: To investigate the possible association of microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH) Tyr113His polymorphism with susceptibility to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in a population of North China.

METHODS: The mEH Tyr113His genotypes were determined by polymerase-chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis in 257 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and 252 healthy subjects as a control group.

RESULTS: The frequencies for Tyr and His alleles were 44.2%, 55.8% in ESCC patients, and 44.0% and 56.0% in healthy subjects, respectively. No statistic difference in allele distribution was observed between ESCC patients and controls (χ² = 0.008, P = 0.929). The overall genotype distribution difference was not observed between cancer cases and controls (χ² = 2.116, P = 0.347). Compared with Tyr/Tyr genotype, neither His/His genotype nor in combination with Tyr/His genotype significantly modified the risk of the development of ESCC, the adjusted odds ratio was 1.076 (95%CI = 0.850-1.361) and 0.756 (95%CI = 0.493-1.157), respectively. When stratified for sex, age, smoking status and family history of upper gastrointestinal cancer, His/His genotype alone or in combination with Tyr/His genotype also did not show any significant influence on the risk of developing ESCC.

CONCLUSION: MEH Tyr113His polymorphism may not be used as a stratification marker in screening individuals at a high risk of ESCC.

Analysis of cytokine regulators inducing interferon production by mouse uterine natural killer cells

In mice and women, terminal differentiation of uterine natural killer (uNK) cells commences during endometrial decidualization. Both proliferation and interferon (IFN)-gamma are induced. Uterine NK cell precursors appear to home from secondary lymphoid organs to decidualizing uteri and localize mesometrially to the central decidua basalis, the site of maternal arterial modification at Gestation Days (gd) 9.5-10. In mice, genetic absence of uNK cells results in absence of pregnancy-induced spiral artery modification. Administration of IFN-gamma to uNK-negative pregnant females induces arterial modifications without fetal loss. In this study, we investigated the roles of cytokines, known in other tissues to differentiate and activate NK cells, in induction of IFN-gamma production in normal mouse implantation sites. Fecundity evaluation, implantation site morphometry, and IFN-gamma quantification in interleukin (IL)-12p40(0/0), IL-18(0/0), dual IL-12p40(0/0)/IL-18(0/0) and congenic strains revealed the importance of both IL-12 and IL-18 in the induction of spiral artery modification and IFN-gamma synthesis. Immediately after implantation, IL-18 was localized transiently to decidual cells, but by gd8, IL-18 was produced solely by uNK cells, suggesting that early uNK cells are activated by stroma and lymphocyte-derived signals maintain later uNK cell activation. Mesometrial tissue of C57Bl/6J mice was examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay in virgin, early postimplantation, and midgestation females for expression of the heterodimeric cytokines IL-23 (composed of IL-12p40 and a novel alpha chain), IL-27 (composed of two IL-12-related chains) and IL-27R. No expression was detected in virgin uteri. The four genes were induced by gd6, and uNK cells isolated from midgestation transcribed IL-23alpha and IL-27R. This study advances the understanding of uNK cell activation during normal pregnancy.

NQO1 C609T polymorphism associated with esophageal cancer and gastric cardiac carcinoma in North China

AIM: To investigate the association of the NQO1 (C609T) polymorphism with susceptibility to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma (GCA) in North China.

METHODS: The NQO1 C609T genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis in 317 cancer patients (193 ESCC and 124 GCA) and 165 unrelated healthy controls.

RESULTS: The NQO1 C609T C/C, C/T and T/T genotype frequency among healthy controls was 31.5%, 52.1% and 16.4% respectively. The NQO1 T/T genotype frequency among ESCC patients (25.9%) was significantly higher than that among healthy controls (χ² = 4.79, P = 0.028). The NQO1 T/T genotype significantly increased the risk for developing ESCC compared with the combination of C/C and C/T genotypes, with an age, sex and smoking status adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 1.78 (1.04-2.98). This increased susceptibility was pronounced in ESCC patients with family histories of upper gastrointestinal cancers (UGIC) (adjusted OR = 2.20, 95%CI: 1.18-3.98). Similarly, the susceptibility of the NQO1 T/T genotype to GCA development was also observed among patients with family histories of UGIC, with an adjusted odds ratio of 2.55 (95%CI: 1.21-5.23), whereas no difference in NQO1 genotype distribution was shown among patients without family histories of UGIC.

CONCLUSION: Determination of the NQO1 C609T genotype may be used as a stratification marker to predicate the individuals at high risk for developing ESCC and GCA in North China.

Multiple hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) expands the therapeutic window in acute spinal cord injury in rats

Hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) therapy has been reported to improve neurological recovery following spinal cord injury (SCI). In the present study, we examined whether multiple HBO expands the therapeutic window for acute SCI. Single HBO (2.8 ATA, 1 hour) treatment was used at 30 minutes, 3 hours, and 6 hours following SCI, and serial HBO treatment (once daily for 1 week) at 6 hours and 24 hours post-injury. Mild SCI was induced by adjusting the height for a weight drop insult (10 g) to 6.25 mm above the exposed spinal cord. The group of animals receiving a single HBO intervention beginning at 30 minutes and 3 hours, or serial HBO treatment starting at 6 hours following the injury had a significantly better neurological recovery than animals with SCI only. The results of this study demonstrate that multiple HBO expands the therapeutic window for acute SCI to 6 hours after injury, further that serial HBO administration is superior to single HBO therapy.

Apoptosis, blood-brain barrier, and subarachnoid hemorrhage

This study was undertaken to investigate the role of apoptosis in the integrity of blood-brain barrier (BBB) in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). BBB permeability changes were examined and found increased on day 7 in a double hemorrhage rat model using Evans blue dye. The BBB permeability increase is coincidental to brain microvascular endothelial cell apoptosis (expression of caspase-8 and -9) occurring on Day 7. However, caspase-8 and caspase-9 inhibitors failed to protect the BBB. Considering that treatment did not completely inhibit apoptosis in brain microvascular endothelial cells, higher doses, earlier and/or multiple applications, and, possibly, more potent caspase inhibitors may be needed.

Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger expression in the developing rat cortex

The Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX) participates in the regulation of neuronal Ca(2+) homeostasis and is also believed to be involved in the neuronal responses to hypoxia. However, there are very limited data on how NCX mRNA and protein expression are regulated during brain development. In the present study, we sought to elucidate the developmental expression of NCX1 and NCX2 in the rat cortex from late fetal to adult stages using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot assays. The primers for NCX1 mRNA targeted the alternative splicing domain to allow differentiation between NCX1 splice variants. Our results show that: (1) only two NCX1 mRNA splice variants (NCX1.5 and NCX1.4) are present in the cortex and their expression is age-dependent; (2) total NCX1 mRNA levels are low in fetal tissue, reach maximum density at postnatal day 8 and substantially decline with further maturation; (3) NCX2 mRNA density is significantly greater than total NCX1 mRNA for all ages and increases markedly during maturation from fetus/neonate to adult; and (4) NCX1 protein expression is lowest in late fetal cortex and reaches maximum levels after 2 weeks postnatally, even though expression levels are not significantly different between newborn and adult animals. Also, we found a similar NCX1 protein trend in the subcortical and cerebellar regions during development. From these data we suggest that NCX1 and NCX2 are differentially expressed in the cortex with a predominance of NCX2 levels during postnatal development. We speculate that the developmental increase in NCX2 expression is responsible for the overall increase in Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange capacity during maturation.

Upregulation of small GTPase RhoA in the basilar artery from diabetic (mellitus) rats

The goal of this study was to determine whether RhoA, a small GTPase, might be involved in the development of cerebral pathogenesis in diabetes. Male SD rats (n = 120) were divided into six groups: diabetic for 2, 4, 8 weeks, and an age-matched control group. Diabetes was induced by intravenous injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg). RhoA mRNA expression in basilar artery was measured by competitive RT-PCR. RhoA mRNA level was significantly increased in 4 weeks (184.1 +/- 28.5%, n = 7) and 8 weeks (218.7 +/- 24.5%, n = 7) after STZ injection compared to the age matched control basilar arteries (P < 0.05). Western blot was used to measure the membrane binding RhoA level to represent the activity of RhoA. We found that RhoA activity was strikingly increased in the diabetic basilar artery (n = 10 in each groups) compared to control basilar artery after STZ injection. Our data demonstrated that there was an upregulation of RhoA in the basilar artery of STZ induced diabetic rats, suggesting that RhoA might be involved in the cerebral vascular pathogenesis during diabetes mellitus.

Optimum ratio of histidine in the piglet ideal protein model and its effects on the body metabolism. II. Optimum ratio of histidine in 10-20 KG piglet ideal protein and its effects on blood parameters

Two growth trails were conducted to determine the optimum ratio of histidine in 10-20 kg piglet ideal protein model. Four diets containing 0.23%, 0.31%, 0.39% and 0.47% digestible histidine (0, 0.08%, 0.16%, 0.24% crystalline histidine supplemented into the basal diet) were fed to 96 piglets of mean initial body weight 10.3 +/- 1.08 kg for 18 d in Experiment 1. Average daily gain, average daily feed intake and feed conversion efficiency were inhibited (P < 0.05) with the diet containing 0.23% digestible histidine. Performance was maximized with 0.31% digestible histidine. As the dietary histidine increased, blood urea nitrogen and serum cholesterol concentration were influenced significantly. The concentrations of serum histamine and free histidine did not change with increase in digestible histidine from 0.23 to 0.31%, but higher supplementation resulted in a significant linear increase in both serum parameters. It was concluded that the dietary level of 0.23% digestible histidine does not meet the requirement of 10-20 kg piglets. Based on the results from Experiment 1, Experiment 2 was designed to determine the optimum ratio of lysine:histidine in the ideal protein model of 10-20 kg piglet. Ninety-six Large White x Landrace piglets weighing 10.2 +/- 0.88 kg were divided into 4 groups. They were fed four diets containing 0.26, 0.29, 0.32 or 0.35% digestible histidine, formulated by adding 0.03, 0.06, 0.09 or 0.12% crystalline histidine to the basal diet. The trial lasted for 21 days. Results showed that performance was significantly improved with 0.32 and 0.35% digestible histidine. As dietary histidine increased, blood urea nitrogen tended to decrease but not significant at P < 0.05. Serum cholesterol concentration increased with an increase in dietary histidine level and reached a maximum at 0.35%. Serum histamine increased with increasing dietary histidine. Free serum histidine increased linearly with increased dietary histidine. From both experiments it was concluded that the digestible histidine requirement for 10-20 kg piglets was 0.31% and that the optimum ratio of dietary lysine to histidine should be 100:30. The concentrations of cholesterol, histamine and free histidine in serum were sensitive parameters to measure changes in dietary histidine levels.