A66G and C524T polymorphisms of the methionine synthase reductase gene are associated with congenital heart defects in the Chinese Han population

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common birth defects; genes involved in homocysteine/folate metabolism may play important roles in CHDs. Methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) is one of the key regulatory enzymes involved in the metabolic pathway of homocysteine. We investigated whether two polymorphisms (A66G and C524T) of the MTRR gene are associated with CHDs. A total of 599 children with CHDs and 672 healthy children were included; the polymorphisms were detected by PCR and RFLP analysis. Significant differences in the distributions of A66G and C524T alleles were observed between CHD cases and controls, and slightly increased risks of CHD were associated with 66GG and 524CT genotypes (odds ratios = 1.545 and 1.419, respectively). The genotype frequencies of 524CT in the VSD subgroup, 66GG and 524CT in the PDA subgroup were significantly different from those of controls. In addition, the combined 66AA/524CT, 66AG/524CT and 66GG/524CT in CHDs had odds ratios = 1.589, 1.422 and 1.934, respectively. Increased risks were also observed in 66AA/524CT and 66GG/524CT for ASD, 66AG/524CT for VSD, as well as 66GG/524CT for PDA. In conclusion, MTRR A66G and C524T polymorphisms are associated with increased risk of CHDs.

Zinc finger protein A20 overexpression inhibits monocyte homing and protects endothelial cells from injury induced by high glucose

Diabetes mellitus causes vascular lesions and may ultimately lead to atherosclerosis. One of the earliest steps in the development of atherosclerotic lesions is the adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells of the vessel wall. It is currently unknown whether zinc finger protein A20 is able to protect endothelial cells from injury caused by high levels of glucose and monocyte homing. In our study, adhesion of monocytes to the vessel wall endothelium was detected by measuring the rolling velocity of monocytes along human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Activation of NF-κB was analyzed through Western blot. HUVEC apoptosis was monitored by TUNEL in situ end-labeling and flow cytometry. High glucose concentrations (25 mM) stimulated monocytes, reducing the velocity at which they roll along HUVECs. Stimulation of monocytes with high levels of glucose also induced HUVEC apoptosis. Overexpression of the zinc finger protein A20 inhibited monocyte recruitment, NF-κB activation, P-selectin expression, and HUVEC apoptosis induced by high glucose levels. We conclude that zinc finger protein A20 can protect HUVECs from injury induced by high levels of glucose and potentially could be used to develop treatments against diabetic vascular lesions.

Evaluation ECMO in adult cardiac transplantation: can outcomes of marginal donor hearts be improved?

AIM

This study documents our experience with the use of ECMO in adult cardiac transplantation. Furthermore, in an attempt to improve outcomes of donor hearts with long ischemic times (LITs) we evaluated the efficacy of a strategy based on intraoperative ECMO (i-ECMO) circuit extended into postoperative cardiopulmonary support.

METHODS

From February 2005 to September 2009, 11 patients (i-ECMO group) receiving allografts with LITs >7 hours underwent intraoperative ECMO circuit strategy with routine extension of ECMO into postoperative period. Eleven contemporary patients (s-CPB group) received ECMO support after standard CPB at the various intervals after the transplantation as a salvage therapy.

RESULTS

Overall weaning rate was 86.4%; overall 30-day and 1-year survival rates were 81.8% and 72.7%, respectively. There was no difference in mortality between the two groups. Length of stay in the intensive care unit, the requirement for packed red blood cells administration and the total in-hospital cost were significantly reduced in i-ECMO group patients (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The salvage of failing cardiac allograft with ECMO allows effective stabilization of the hemodynamic and leads toward myocardial recovery. Extending ECMO into postoperative period provides early, continues and effective support for donor hearts with LITs and maximizes the use of such marginal organs.

Anaesthetic technique may affect prognosis for ovarian serous adenocarcinoma: a retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND

Animal studies have shown that regional anaesthesia and analgesia may prevent or attenuate the surgical stress response by preserving immune function and result in better long-term outcome. We have tested the hypothesis that patients with ovarian serous adenocarcinoma who had surgery with epidural anaesthesia and analgesia would have better long-term outcome than those who were given general anaesthesia (GA) and i.v. opioid analgesia.

METHODS

A retrospective review of medical records identified 143 patients with ovarian serous adenocarcinoma who underwent surgery between January 1994 and October 2006 at the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center. Data in the analysis included age, anaesthesia-analgesia technique, ASA status, blood loss, transfusion, duration of surgery, status of preoperative cancer antigen 125, tumour size, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, histological grade, lymph node status, residual macroscopic tumour, and chemotherapy. Survival analysis was made with the main outcome measure of death.

RESULTS

The 3- and 5-yr overall survival rates were 78% and 61% in the patient group who received epidural anaesthesia and analgesia (Group E, n=106), and 58% and 49% in the patient group who received GA and i.v. opioid analgesia (Group G, n=37), respectively. After adjusting for the other variables, Group G had a hazard ratio of 1.214 (P=0.043) in a multivariable Cox regression model compared with Group E.

CONCLUSIONS

This retrospective analysis suggests that epidural anaesthesia and analgesia for ovarian serous adenocarcinoma surgery may reduce mortality during the initial years of follow-up.

Establishment of goat embryonic stem cells from in vivo produced blastocyst-stage embryos

Embryonic stem (ES) cells with the capacity for germ line transmission have only been verified in mouse and rat. Methods for derivation, propagation, and differentiation of ES cells from domestic animals have not been fully established. Here, we describe derivation of ES cells from goat embryos. In vivo-derived embryos were cultured on goat fetal fibroblast feeders. Embryos either attached to the feeder layer or remained floating and expanded in culture. Embryos that attached showed a prominent inner cell mass (ICM) and those that remained floating formed structures resembling ICM disks surrounded by trophectodermal cells. ICM cells and embryonic disks were isolated mechanically, cultured on feeder cells in the presence of hLIF, and outgrown into ES-like colonies. Two cell lines were cultured for 25 passages and stained positive for alkaline phosphatase, POU5F1, NANOG, SOX2, SSEA-1, and SSEA-4. Embryoid bodies formed in suspension culture without hLIF. One cell line was cultured for 2 years (over 120 passages). This cell line differentiated in vitro into epithelia and neuronal cells, and could be stably transfected and selected for expression of a fluorescent marker. When cells were injected into SCID mice, teratomas were identified 5-6 weeks after transplantation. Expression of known ES cell markers, maintenance in vitro for 2 years in an undifferentiated state, differentiation in vitro, and formation of teratomas in immunodeficient mice provide evidence that the established cell line represents goat ES cells. This also is the first report of teratoma formation from large animal ES cells.

Preservation and transplantation of porcine testis tissue

Grafting of immature mammalian testis tissue to mouse hosts can preserve the male germline. To make this approach applicable to a clinical or field situation, it is imperative that the testis tissue and/or spermatozoa harvested from grafted tissue are preserved successfully. The aim of the present study was to evaluate protocols for the preservation of testis tissue in a porcine model. Testis tissue was stored at 4 degrees C for short-term preservation or cryopreserved by slow-freezing, automated slow-freezing or vitrification for long-term storage. Preserved tissue was transplanted ectopically to mouse hosts and recovered xenografts were analysed histologically. In addition, spermatozoa were harvested from xenografts and cryopreserved. Total cell viability and germ cell viability remained high after tissue preservation. Complete spermatogenesis occurred in xenografts preserved by cooling up to 48 h, whereas spermatogenesis progressed to round spermatids in the xenografts that were frozen-thawed before grafting. Approximately 50% of spermatozoa harvested from xenografts remained viable after freezing and thawing. The in vivo developmental potential of cryopreserved tissue was reduced despite high post-thaw viability. Therefore, it is important to evaluate germ cell differentiation in vivo in addition to cell viability in vitro when optimising freezing protocols for testis tissue.

Air pressure pulsation solid state fermentation of feruloyl esterase by Aspergillus niger

Air pressure pulsation solid state fermentation (APP-SSF) was applied to produce feruloyl esterase (FAE) by Aspergillus niger. With the optimization of some variables by orthogonal design, the optimal condition obtained was 0.2 MPa (gauge pressure) of high pressure intensity, 30 min of low pressure duration and 20s of high pressure duration. Based on the optimized condition, the APP-SSF achieved the reasonable enzyme yield of 881 mU/g at 48 h, which was 58% more than that by static solid state fermentation (static SSF) at 72 h. By comparison of two fermentation methods in temperature, O(2) and CO(2) concentration, and respiration intensity, it was concluded that APP-SSF enhanced heat and mass transfer of fermentation system and strengthened the metabolism of microorganisms. The APP-SSF had a greatly positive effect on FAE production by A. niger, by enhancing mass and heat transfer and activating growth and metabolism.

[E-cadherin as a novel surface marker of spermatogonial stem cells]

Spermatogenesis is a fundamental biological process that ensures gee transmission from one generation to another trough gametes. This process relies on a rare population of testicular cells, called spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), that self-renew throughout adult male life and differentiate into mature gametes. Despite the longstanding research of SSCs, their biological properties remain largely unknown which is partly due to very limited availability of these cells. Here we show that cell adhesion protein E-cadherin is a highly specific surface marker of mouse SSCs, which can be successfully used for their enrichment.

Callus distraction for humeral nonunion with bone loss and limb shortening caused by chronic osteomyelitis

Nonunion of the humerus with bone loss and shortening due to osteomyelitis is rare but difficult to treat. We describe our experience with a callus distraction technique using a monolateral external fixator for the treatment of this condition. Between October 1994 and January 2004, 11 patients were treated. There were seven males and four females, with a mean age of 14 years (10 to 17). The mean bone loss was 1.9 cm (1 to 2.7) and the mean length discrepancy in the upper limb was 5.6 cm (3.5 to 8.0). The mean follow-up was for 106 months (54 to 166). The mean external fixation index was 34.8 days/cm (29.8 to 40.5). The mean lengthening was 9.5 cm (5.5 to 13.4). There were seven excellent results, three good and one poor. There were nine excellent functional results and two good. The treatment of humeral nonunion with bone loss and shortening due to osteomyelitis by callus distraction is a safe and effective means of improving function and cosmesis.

Genetic analysis and gene mapping of a rice few-tillering mutant in early backcross populations (Oryza sativa L.)

A rice mutant, G069, characteristic of few tiller numbers, was found in anther culture progeny from the F(1) hybrid between an indica-japonica cross, Gui630x02428. The mutant has another two major features: delayed tillering development and yellowing apex and margin on the mature leaves. As a donor parent, G069 was further backcrossed with the recurrent parent,02428, for two turns to develop aBC (2)F(2) population. Genetic analysis in the BC (2)F(2) population showed that the traits of few-tillering and yellowing apex and margin on the mature leaves were controlled by one recessive gene. A pool of equally mixed genomic DNA, from few-tillering individual plants in BC (2)F(2), was constructed to screen polymorphism with simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers in comparison with the 02428 genome. One SSR marker and three restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers were found possibly linked with the recessive gene. By using these markers, the gene of few-tillering was mapped on chromosome 2 between RFLP marker C424 and S13984 with a genetic distance of 2.4 cM and 0.6 cM, respectively. The gene is designated ft1.

Molecular cloning and identification of naturally occurring human antisenseangiopoietin-1: Gna-1

One novel cDNA fragment was obtained from vascular endothelial cells by differential display reverse transcription PCR technique. By using this fragment as probe, we screened the human artery cDNA library and obtained one cDNA clone which is 2198 bp in length. After sequencing and homology researching, we found that the clone contained a region of 851 bp in length complementary to that of humanangiopoietin-1 cDNA, encoding the partial fibrinogen-like domain and 3' non-translational region. It was inferred that this clone was a naturally occurring antisense RNA of humanangiopoietin-1, designated asGna-1. Gna-1 does not encode protein. The transcription ofGna-1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and ECV304 cells was confirmed by RT-PCR method.Gna-1 may be involved in regulating the function ofangiopoietin-1, and play a significant role in angiogenesis.

1 XENOGRAFTING OF ADULT MAMMALIAN TESTIS TISSUE

Testis tissue grafting presents an option for preservation of genetic material when sperm recovery is not possible. Grafting of testis tissue from sexually immature males to immunodeficient mice results in germ cell differentiation and production of fertilization-competent sperm from different mammalian species (Honaramooz et al. 2002 Nature 418, 778–781). However, the efficiency of testis tissue xenografting from adult donors has not been critically evaluated. Spermatogenesis was arrested at meiosis in grafts from mature horses (Rathi et al. 2006 Reproduction 131, 1091–1098) and hamsters (Schlatt et al. 2002 Reproduction 124, 339–346), and no germ cell differentiation occurred in xenografts of adult human testis tissue (Schlatt et al. 2006 Hum. Reprod. 21, 384–389). The objective of this study was to investigate survival and germ cell differentiation of testis xenografts from sexually mature donors of different species. Small fragments of testis tissue from 10 donor animals of 5 species were grafted under the back skin of immunodeficient, castrated male mice (n = 37, 2–6/donor). Donors were pig (8 months old), goat (18 months old and 4 years old) (n = 2), bull (3 years old), donkey (13 months old), and rhesus monkey (3, 6, 11, and 12 years old). At the time of grafting, donor tissue contained elongated spermatids, albeit to different degrees (&gt;75% of seminiferous tubules in testis tissue from pig, goat, bull, and 6–12-year-old monkeys, and 33 or 66% of tubules in tissue from donkey or 3-year-old monkey, respectively). Grafts were recovered &lt;12 weeks (n = 14 mice), 12–24 weeks (n = 16 mice), and &gt;24 weeks (n = 7 mice) after grafting and classified histologically as completely degenerated (no tubules found), degenerated tubules (only hyalinized seminiferous tubules observed), or according to the most advanced type of germ cell present. Grafts from pig, goat, bull, and 6–12-year-old monkeys contained &gt;60% degenerated tubules or were completely degenerated at all time points analyzed. In contrast, in grafts from the 3-year-old monkey, only 18% of tubules were degenerated, 14% contained Sertoli cells only, 64% contained meiotic, and 4% haploid germ cells at 24 weeks after grafting. Similarly, donkey testis grafts recovered 12–24 weeks after grafting contained &lt;2% degenerated tubules, 46% of tubules had Sertoli cells only, 45% contained meiotic, and 7% haploid germ cells. These results show that survival and differentiation of germ cells in testis grafts from sexually mature mammalian donors is poor. However, better graft survival and maintenance of spermatogenesis occurred in donor tissue from donkey and 3-year-old monkey that were less mature at the time of grafting. Therefore, species and age-related differences appear to exist with regard to germ cell survival and differentiation in xenografts from adult donors. This work was supported by USDA/CSREES 03-35203-13486, NIH/NCRR 5-R01-RR17359-05, the Spanish Ministry of Education, and Science (BES-2004-4112).

Evolution of VHL tumourigenesis in nerve root tissue

Haemangioblastomas are the key central nervous system manifestation of von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease, which is caused by germline mutation of the VHL gene. We have recently shown that 'tumour-free' spinal cord from patients with VHL disease contains microscopic, poorly differentiated cellular aggregates in nerve root tissue, which we descriptively designated 'mesenchymal tumourlets'. Here we have investigated spinal cord tissue affected by multiple tumours. We show that a small subset of mesenchymal tumourlets extends beyond the nerve root to form proliferative VHL-deficient mesenchyme and frank haemangioblastoma. We thus demonstrate that tumourlets present potential, but true precursor material for haemangioblastoma. We further show that intraradicular tumourlets consist of scattered VHL-deficient cells with activation of HIF-2alpha and HIF-dependent target proteins including CAIX and VEGF, and are associated with an extensive angiogenic response. In contrast, activation of HIF-1alpha was only observed in the later stages of tumour progression. In addition, ultrastructural examination reveals gradual transition from poorly differentiated VHL-deficient cells into vacuolated cells with a 'stromal' cell phenotype. The evolution of frank haemangioblastoma seems to involve multiple steps from a large pool of precursor lesions.