Atmospheric nourishment of global ocean ecosystems

Over the vast open ocean, vital nutrients for phytoplankton growth in the sunlit surface layer are largely provided through physical transport from deep waters, but some nutrients are also provided through atmospheric deposition of desert dust. The extent and magnitude of dust-mediated effects on surface ocean ecosystems have been difficult to estimate globally. In this work, we use global satellite ocean color products to demonstrate widespread responses to atmospheric dust deposition across a diverse continuum of phytoplankton nutritional conditions. The observed responses vary regionally, with some areas exhibiting substantial changes in phytoplankton biomass, whereas in other areas, the response reflects a change in physiological status or health. Climate-driven changes in atmospheric aerosols will alter the relative importance of this nutrient source.

Effect of Glucose Contents on Electrochemical Corrosion Behavior of Ti/ZrO2 Brazing Joint in SBF

The effect of glucose content on the electrochemical corrosion behavior of the Ti/ZrO₂ brazing joint in simulated body fluid (SBF) was researched by the means of SEM morphologies, electrochemical and XPS analyses. Herein, pitting is observed to be a dominating corrosion model under the investigated glucose content. The pitting corrosion of the joint in 200 mg/dL SBF is minimal. In addition, the joint in 200 mg/dL SBF manifests the best corrosion resistance by electrochemical analyses, which indicates that glucose content has a bidirectional effect on corrosion of the Ti/ZrO₂ brazing joint. Additionally, the corrosion current value and impedance of titanium and brazing joint are close, which indicates that their corrosion resistance is similar. Finally, the OH^-, Cl^-, Sn²⁺/Sn⁴⁺ and -COOH on the joint surface are found by XPS analysis, and the mechanism of Ti/ZrO₂ brazing joint corrosion is elucidated. The study provides a novel understanding of the corrosion behavior and relevant corrosion mechanism of the Ti/ZrO₂ brazing joint in body fluids with different glucose content.

Defending against adversarial attacks on graph neural networks via similarity property

Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) are powerful tools in graph application areas. However, recent studies indicate that GNNs are vulnerable to adversarial attacks, which can lead GNNs to easily make wrong predictions for downstream tasks. A number of works aim to solve this problem but what criteria we should follow to clean the perturbed graph is still a challenge. In this paper, we propose GSP-GNN, a general framework to defend against massive poisoning attacks that can perturb graphs. The vital principle of GSP-GNN is to explore the similarity property to mitigate negative effects on graphs. Specifically, this method prunes adversarial edges by the similarity of node feature and graph structure to eliminate adversarial perturbations. In order to stabilize and enhance GNNs training process, previous layer information is adopted in case a large number of edges are pruned in one layer. Extensive experiments on three real-world graphs demonstrate that GSP-GNN achieves significantly better performance compared with the representative baselines and has favorable generalization ability simultaneously.

The expected values of the total numbers of independent edge sets and independent sets in random alpha-type pentagonal chains

A independent edge set of G containing mutually independent edges is also called a matching of G. The total numbers of matchings and independent sets of a graph G, namely, the Hosoya index and the Merrifield-Simmons index, respectively, are two important topological indices. We compute the average total numbers of independent edge sets and independent sets in random alpha-type pentagonal chains.

Stroke incidence and cognitive outcomes of intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis: study protocol for a multicenter, prospective, observational cohort study

Background

Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) is one of the leading causes of stroke worldwide. Current diagnostic evaluations and treatments remain insufficient to assess the vulnerability of intracranial plaques and reduce the recurrence of stroke in symptomatic ICAS. On the other hand, asymptomatic ICAS is associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment. The pathogenesis of ICAS related cognitive decline is largely unknown. The aim of SICO-ICAS study (stroke incidence and cognitive outcomes of ICAS) is to elucidate the pathophysiology of stroke and cognitive impairment in ICAS population, comprehensively evaluating the complex interactions among life-course exposure, genomic variation, vascular risk factors, cerebrovascular burden and coexisting neurodegeneration.

Methods

SICO-ICAS is a multicenter, prospective, observational cohort study. We aim to recruit 3,000 patients with symptomatic or asymptomatic ICAS (>50% or occlusion) who will be followed up for ≥12 months. All participants will undergo pre-designed magnetic resonance imaging packages, blood biomarkers testing, as well as detailed cognitive domains assessment. All participants will undergo clinical visits every 6 months and telephone interviews every 3 months. The primary outcome measurement is ischemic stroke or cognitive impairment within 12 months after enrollment.

Discussion

This study will establish a large prospective ICAS cohort, hopefully discover new biomarkers associated with vulnerable intracranial plaques, identify subjects at high risk for incident ischemic stroke or cognitive impairment, and eventually propose a precise diagnostic and treatment strategy for ICAS population.

Trial Registration

Chinese Clinical Trials Register ChiCTR2200061938.

Erythrocyte Ghost Based Fusogenic Glycoprotein Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Glycoprotein Complexes as an Efficient Deoxyribonucleic Acid Delivery System

This study aimed to construct a new type of fused erythrocyte vector for gene delivery system. The conditioned medium of AD293 cells expressing vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein gene was collected, and erythrocyte ghost was prepared by hypotonic lysis. Using cationic polymer to condense deoxyribonucleic acid to form a complex, fusogenic erythrocyte ghost was incubated with this complex to obtain virion. Flow cytometry and luciferase activity analysis were used to detect the delivery of fusogenic erythrocyte ghost to deoxyribonucleic acid in AD293 cells and refractory cells, respectively. Transfection efficiency of fusogenic erythrocyte ghost in vivo was detected by confocal microscope. Vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein and erythrocyte ghost were effectively integrated, and fusogenic erythrocyte ghost was successfully prepared. deoxyribonucleic acid/polyethylenimine complexes form 100–300 nm particles. Fusogenic erythrocyte ghost can effectively incorporation deoxyribonucleic acid complexes. Confocal microscope observed red fluorescence close to blue fluorescence, indicating that labeled fusogenic erythrocyte ghost may trigger liver and spleen tissue endocytosis or fusion. A new delivery vector of fusogenic erythrocyte ghost was constructed. This system could enhance the delivery efficiency even in cells which refractory to conventional transfections in vitro.

[Survival and disease burden trend analysis of occupational pneumoconiosis from 1963 to 2020 in Shizuishan City]

Objective: To understand the survival status and its influencing factors of occupational pneumoconiosis patients in Shizuishan City, and to analyze the disease burden of occupational pneumoconiosis and its trend, so as to provide scientific basis for formulating comprehensive prevention and treatment measures of occupational pneumoconiosis. Methods: A retrospective survey was conducted during July to December 2020 to explore the survival status of occupational pneumoconiosis patients who had been reported from 1963 to 2020 in Shizuishan City. The Kaplan-Meier method and Life-table method were used for survival analysis, and Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of survival time. The disability adjusted life years (DALY) was applied to analyze the disease burden of occupational pneumoconiosis and its temporal trend. Results: From 1963 to 2020, a total of 3263 cases of occupational pneumoconiosis were reported in Shizuishan City, of which 1467 died, so that the fatality rate was 44.96%. The median survival time was 26.71 years, average age of death was (70.55±10.92) years old. There were significant differences in the survival rates of occupational pneumoconiosis patients among different types, diagnosis age, exposure time, industry, initial diagnosis stage and whether upgraded (P<0.05) . As the survival time increased, the survival rate of patients decreased gradually. When the survival time was ≥50 years, the cumulative survival rate of patients was 4.20%. Cox regression analysis suggested that the type of pneumoconiosis, industry, diagnosis age, exposure time, initial diagnosis stage and whether upgraded were the influencing factors for the survival time of patients with occupational pneumoconiosis (P<0.05) . The total DALY attributable to occupational pneumoconiosis from 1963 to 2020 in Shizuishan City was 48026.65 person years, of which the years of life lost (YLL) was 15155.39 person years, and the average YLL was 10.33 years/person, and the years lost due to disability (YLD) was 32871.26 person years, and the average YLD was 10.07 years/person. The DALY attributed to coal worker's pneumoconiosis and silicosis were 39408.51 person years and 6565.02 person years, respectively, and they accounted for 82.06% and 13.67% of the total disease burden in Shizuishan City, respectively. The DALY caused by occupational pneumoconiosis in the age group of 40-49 years old and the first diagnosis of stage I occupational pneumoconiosis were higher, which were 20899.71 and 36231.97 person years, respectively. The average YLL and average YLD showed a volatility downtrend over time. Conclusion: The disease burden of occupational pneumoconiosis cannot be ignored in Shizuishan City, and timely targeted measures should be taken for key populations and key industries. It is recommended that life-cycle health management and hierarchical medical should be taken to improve the life quality of patients and prolong their lifes.

Factors Influencing Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and ischemic stroke, which are common diseases among older people, are closely related to cognitive impairment. This study aims to investigate the influencing factors of post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) in patients with T2DM.

Methods

We enrolled 161 patients with T2DM who experienced acute ischemic stroke and were hospitalized in the Department of Neurology, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong, China. Cognitive function was evaluated with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale. According to the results, patients were divided into three groups-the cognitively normal group, mild cognitive impairment group, and severe cognitive impairment group. We analyzed general demographic data, laboratory information, imaging data, the results of neuropsychological evaluation, and clinical features as well as influencing factors of PSCI in these patients and established a prediction model.

Results

The three groups of patients were significantly different in terms of age, education level, course of diabetes mellitus (DM), recurrent cerebral infarction (RCI), and other factors. RCI, course of DM, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were independent risk factors of PSCI in patients with T2DM, with odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 7.17 (2.09, 30.37), 5.39 (2.40, 14.59), and 3.89 (1.66, 10.04), respectively, whereas female, senior high school, serum albumin were protective factors: 0.28 (0.07, 0.95), 0.05 (0.01, 0.21), 0.20 (0.08, 0.42), respectively. Furthermore, we constructed a prediction model using sex, age, education level, RCI, DM course, HbA1c and serum albumin and obtained a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The area under the ROC curve is 0.966, suggesting the significant association of these influencing factors with PSCI in patients with T2DM.

Conclusion

In this study, the occurrence of PSCI in patients with T2DM was related to RCI, course of DM, and HbA1c, among other factors. Attention to influencing factors is needed in these patients for early diagnosis and timely intervention of cognitive impairment.

Open heart surgery or echocardiographic transthoracic or percutaneous closure in secundum atrial septal defect: a developing approach in one Chinese hospital

Background

To study the clinical manifestations and advantages of open-heart surgery and echocardiographic transthoracic or percutaneous closure with secundum atrial septal defect (ASD). The surgeon’s learning curve was also analyzed.

Methods

In all, 115 consecutive patients with ASD from May 2013 to May 2019 were enrolled. According to the operative procedure, patients were divided into three groups: group one (open repair group) (n = 24), where patients underwent ASD repair (ASDR) under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB); group two (closed surgical device closure group) (n = 69), where patients (six patients ≤1 y and sixteen ≤10 kg) underwent transthoracic ASD occlusion under transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) guidance; and group three (transcatheter occlusion group) (n = 22), where patients underwent percutaneous ASD occlusion under echocardiography. The clinical features and results of each group were analyzed. All patients were telephonically followed-up after 3 months.

Results

All the three methods treating ASD were successfully performed in our hospital. It was also a typical developing history of congenital heart disease (CHD) surgery in China. One patient in the group two was transferred to emergency surgery for occluder retrieval and CPB-ASDR. Eight patients experienced failed transthoracic or percutaneous occlusion, two of whom underwent unsuccessful percutaneous closure at another hospital. Two patients each in the groups two and three were intraoperatively converted to CPB-ASDR. Two patient in the group three was converted to transthoracic occlusion surgery. All patients were discharged without any residual shunt. The three-month follow-up also did not show any residual shunt and occluder displacement.

Conclusion

In low-weight, infants, or huge ASDs with suitable rim for device occlusion, transthoracic ASD closure was successfully performed. Based on knowledge of ASD anatomy and skilled transthoracic occlusion of ASD, surgeons can perform percutaneous occlusion of ASD under echocardiographic guidance.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection of distal intestinal tumors using grasping forceps for traction

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of traction device-assisted endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of the rectum and the distal segment of sigmoid colon using grasping forceps.

METHODS

A total of 43 patients scheduled for colonic ESD at our institution were enrolled between January 2013 and June 2017. The patients were randomly allocated to receive conventional ESD (group A) or traction device-assisted ESD (group B). The procedure time, complication rate, and en-block resection rate in the two groups were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 41 patients completed the study. The procedure time, complication rate and en-block resection rate were, respectively, 104.1 ± 34.7 min, 15%, 90% in the routine group (group A) and 84.7 ± 23.5 min, 9.5%, 90.5% in traction device-assisted ESD (group B). The procedure time in group B was significantly less than that in group A (F = 4.442, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Traction device-assisted ESD using grasping forceps is safe and effective in distal colon ESD.

Regulation of a TGF-β1-CD147 self-sustaining network in the differentiation plasticity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Cellular plasticity has an important role in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, the involvement of a TGF-β1-CD147 self-sustaining network in the regulation of the dedifferentiation progress was fully explored in HCC cell lines, hepatocyte-specific basigin/CD147-knockout mice and human HCC tissues. We demonstrated that TGF-β1 stimulation upregulated CD147 expression and mediated the dedifferentiation of HCC cells, whereas all-trans-retinoic acid induced the downregulation of CD147 and promoted differentiation in HCC cells. Overexpression of CD147 induced the dedifferentiation and enhanced the malignancy of HCC cells, and increased the transcriptional expression of TGF-β1 by activating β-catenin. CD147-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) production activated pro-TGF-β1. The activated TGF-β1 signaling subsequently repressed the HNF4α expression via Smad-Snail1 signaling and enhanced the dedifferentiation progress. Hepatocyte-specific basigin/CD147-knockout mice decreased the susceptibility to N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced tumorigenesis by suppressing TGF-β1-CD147 signaling and inhibiting dedifferentiation in hepatocytes during tumor progression. CD147 was positively correlated with TGF-β1 and negatively correlated with HNF4α in human HCC tissues. Positive CD147 staining and lower HNF4α levels in tumor tissues were significantly associated with poor survival of patients with HCC. The overexpression of HNF4α and Smad7 and the deletion of CD147 by lentiviral vectors jointly reprogrammed the expression profile of hepatocyte markers and attenuated malignant properties including proliferation, cell survival and tumor growth of HCC cells. Our results highlight the important role of the TGF-β1-CD147 self-sustaining network in driving HCC development by regulating differentiation plasticity, which provides a strong basis for further investigations of the differentiation therapy of HCC targeting TGF-β1 and CD147.

Alteration of N-glycoproteins/N-glycosites in human hepatic stellate cells activated with transforming growth factor-β1

Proteins N-glycosylation is significantly increased in the activated human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) stimulated by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) compared to the quiescent HSCs according to our previous study. However, little is known about the alteration of N-glycoprotein profiles in the activated HSCs. Profiles of N-glycopeptides / N-glycoproteins / N-glycosites in LX-2 cells, with and without activation by TGF-β1, were identified and compared using hydrazide chemistry enrichment coupled with liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry analysis. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were further used for validation. A total of 103 non-redundant N-glycopeptides, with 107 glycosylation sites from 86 N-glycoproteins, were identified in activated and quiescent LX-2 cells respectively. Among these, 23 proteins were known N-glycoproteins, and 58 were newly identified N-glycoproteins. In addition, 43 proteins (e.g., pigment epithelium-derived factor and clathrin heavy chain 1) were solely identified or up-regulated in the activated LX-2 cells, which participated in focal adhesion and glycosaminoglycan degradation pathways and were involved in interaction clusters of cytoskeletal proteins (e.g., myosin light chains and keratins). The increased expression of glucosamine (N-acetyl)-6-sulfatase and phospholipase C beta 2 and the decreased expression of zinc finger and BTB domain-containing protein 1 were validated in the activated compared to the quiescent LX-2 cells. In conclusion, increased expression of N-glycoproteins and N-glycosites play important roles in cellular contractility, signal transduction, and responses to stimuli in the activated HSCs, which might provide useful information for discovering novel molecular mechanism of HSC activation and therapeutic targets in liver fibrosis.

I148M variant of PNPLA3 increases the susceptibility to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease caused by obesity and metabolic disorders

BACKGROUND

The patatin-like phospholipase 3 (PNPLA3) rs738409 gene polymorphism is an important genetic determinant of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the associations between liver fat and metabolic traits in rs738409 G allele carriers and the allelic influence on this association have not been fully studied.

AIM

To investigate the influence of the PNPLA3 gene polymorphism on the association of liver fat with serum metabolic factors and carotid atherosclerosis.

METHODS

Liver fat was measured by quantitative ultrasound in 4300 subjects in the Shanghai Changfeng community and analysed for its association with obesity and metabolic factors in individuals with the PNPLA3 CC, CG and GG genotypes.

RESULTS

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease occurred in 37.9% and 28.8% of the subjects with the GG and CC genotypes respectively (P < 0.001). Liver fat was significantly associated with body mass index, waist circumference, serum triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood glucose and insulin in the PNPLA3 rs738409 G allele carriers (P < 0.001). Compared with the CC homozygotes, the GG homozygotes presented higher liver fat and liver fibrosis scores despite their better metabolic status (comparison of regression line slopes, P < 0.05). An increase in liver fat was accompanied by a significant increase in the average and maximum carotid intima-media thickness in subjects with the PNPLA3 CC genotype but not in those with the GG genotype.

CONCLUSIONS

PNPLA3 rs738409 G allele carriers were found to be more susceptible to the metabolic-related hepatic steatosis, and developed NAFLD and liver fibrosis despite presenting relatively better metabolic statuses and lower risks for carotid atherosclerosis.

Identification of therapeutic targets of ischemic stroke with DNA microarray

OBJECTIVE

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a complex disease that resulting from the interaction of various environmental and genetic risk factors. As genetic factors exerting a direct contributory role in IS, it is one of the focus areas of identification the genetic factors of IS. This study aimed to screen bio-targets of ischemic stroke (IS), and to identify related drug molecules.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The gene expression profile GSE22255 was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, including 20 whole blood samples from IS patients (IS group) and 20 samples from healthy controls (control group). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened out using limma package in R. Hierarchical clustering and differences between the groups analysis were conducted for confirming these DEGs. Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) and Kyoto Enrichment of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were used to obtain the functional genes and pathways respectively. The DEGs were then entered into the WebGestalt database and related drug molecules were retrieved.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, 27 DEGs were identified from IS group including 25 up- and 2 down-regulated genes. Then functions and pathways enrichment analysis for DEGs were conducted and TNF, IL1B and TNFAIP3 were found to be both participate in apoptosis and NOD-like receptor signaling pathway. Finally, collagenase and other most-related drug molecules were identified from the DEGs.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to DEGs, several drug molecules were retrieved, which may be related with stroke. Our study provides some underlying bio-targets such as TNF, IL1B and TNFAIP3 for IS and potential drug molecules such as collagenase for the treatment of IS.

[Association of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome with carotid atherosclerosis and the efficacy of continuous positive airway pressure treatment]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) with carotid atherosclerosis and the efficacy of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment.

METHODS

A total of 93 OSAHS patients diagnosed by polysomnography (PSG) were selected from Sleep Disorders Center at Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College between March 2013 and December 2014. Based on the results of apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), they were divided into mild (n=22), moderate (n=37), and severe OSAHS group (n=34). Meanwhile, 28 healthy adult individuals matched for age and body mass index (BMI) were enrolled as the control group. The carotid intima-mesa thickness (IMT) was measured by color Doppler uhrasonography, and plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and nitric oxide (NO) were determined by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The correlations between carotid IMT and plasma levels of TNF-α, ET-1 and NO were analyzed. A total of 24 patients with moderate to severe OSAHS underwent CPAP treatment and the carotid IMT, plasma levels of TNF-α, ET-1 and NO were compared before and after CPAP treatment.

RESULTS

OSAHS patients had significant increase of carotid IMT with the increasing disease severity, and the carotid IMT in mild, moderate and severe OSAHS groups were all significantly higher than that in the control group ((0.73 ± 0.31), (0.86 ± 0.07), (1.07 ± 0.14) vs (0.65 ± 0.10) mm, all P<0.05). The plasma levels of TNF-α and ET-1 in mild to severe OSAHS group were significantly higher than those in controls ((17.45 ± 3.02), (23.81 ± 2.91), (35.16 ± 3.43) vs (12.53 ± 3.48) ng/L and (0.81 ± 0.13), (1.06 ± 0.21), (1.66 ± 0.30) vs (0.64 ± 0.12) ng/L, all P<0.05 ), whereas plasma levels of NO in the three OSAHS groups were significantly decreased compared with the control group ((35.46 ± 10.12), (29.32 ± 9.47), (20.16 ± 7.41) vs (45.43 ± 7.92) µmol/L, all P<0.05). Furthermore, there were significant differences in plasma levels of TNF-α, ET-1 and NO among the three OSAHS groups (all P<0.05). Carotid IMT was positively correlated with plasma TNF-α and ET-1 (r=0.56 and 0.51) and negatively correlated with plasma NO (r=-0.46) (all P<0.05). After 3 months of CPAP treatment, plasma levels of TNF-α and ET-1 in OSAHS patients were significantly reduced ((19.64 ± 5.28), (0.94 ± 0.21) vs (28.72 ± 5.36), (1.36 ± 0.36) ng/L), and plasma NO was markedly increased ((33.57 ± 6.32) vs (24.34 ± 4.46) µmol/L, all P<0.05). However, CPAP treatment did not have a significant effect on carotid IMT ((0.91 ± 0.21) vs (0.96 ± 0.14) mm), P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Systemic inflammation and vascular endothelial dysfunction may play an important role in pathogenesis and development of carotid artery atherosclerosis in OSAHS. Short-term CPAP therapy alleviates systemic inflammation and improves endothelial function, but does not influence the increased carotid IMT in OSAHS patients.

Potent and Selective Amidopyrazole Inhibitors of IRAK4 That Are Efficacious in a Rodent Model of Inflammation

IRAK4 is a critical upstream kinase in the IL-1R/TLR signaling pathway. Inhibition of IRAK4 is hypothesized to be beneficial in the treatment of autoimmune related disorders. A screening campaign identified a pyrazole class of IRAK4 inhibitors that were determined by X-ray crystallography to exhibit an unusual binding mode. SAR efforts focused on the identification of a potent and selective inhibitor with good aqueous solubility and rodent pharmacokinetics. Pyrazole C-3 piperidines were well tolerated, with N-sulfonyl analogues generally having good rodent oral exposure but poor solubility. N-Alkyl piperidines exhibited excellent solubility and reduced exposure. Pyrazoles possessing N-1 pyridine and fluorophenyl substituents were among the most active. Piperazine 32 was a potent enzyme inhibitor with good cellular activity. Compound 32 reduced the in vivo production of proinflammatory cytokines and was orally efficacious in a mouse antibody induced arthritis disease model of inflammation.

Knockdown of filaggrin influences the epidermal terminal differentiation via MAPK pathway in normal human epidermal keratinocytes

We aimed to gain further insight into the role of the MAPK signaling pathway in terminal differentiation of normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) with filaggrin knockdown. Filaggrin expression was knocked down by shRNA technology and the MAPK pathways were inhibited by three different inhibitors in NHEKs. The associated mRNAs and proteins were investigated by RT-PCR and western blot. Filaggrin absence inhibited the expression of differentiation-associated proteins, and blocked the protein expression of p38 MAPK, ERK1/2, JNK, Akt and NF-κB. Moreover, inhibited p38 MAPK, instead of ERK1/2 or JNK, lead to decreases in the expressions of Akt, NF-κB, and differentiation- associated proteins. In conclusion, Filaggrin might affect the epidermal terminal differentiation mainly through the p38-MAPK, NF-κB and Akt pathways. ERK1/2 and JNK might also be involved in the process.

Mutation spectrum in a large cohort of unrelated Chinese patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC) is a hereditary heterogeneous cardiovascular disorder. Existing data have been of predominantly Caucasian samples, and a large study is needed in Chinese population. The present study was intended to explore the genetic basis and clinical characteristics correlated with different genotypes in a large cohort of Chinese patients. Direct gene sequencing of β-myosin heavy chain (MYH7), myosin binding protein-C (MYBPC3), and cardiac troponin T (TNNT2) was performed in 136 unrelated Chinese HC patients. Clinical evaluations were conducted. In total, 32 mutations were identified in 36 patients (27%), including 10 novel ones. Distribution of mutations was 56% (MYBPC3), 31% (MYH7), and 13% (TNNT2), respectively. Double mutations were identified in 3% patients. The occurrence of HC-associated sarcomeric mutations was associated with an earlier age of onset, increased left ventricular hypertrophy, a higher incidence of syncope, previous family history, and sudden cardiac death. No statistical difference was identified in patients carrying MYBPC3 and MYH7 mutations with regard to clinical characteristics and outcomes. Patients with double mutations were associated with malignant progression in the study. In conclusion, MYBPC3 is the most predominant gene in HC. Multiple mutations are common in MYH7, MYBPC3, and TNNT2. The present study suggests a large diversity of HC and a prognostic role of genotype.

[Aerosolized iloprost therapy for pulmonary hypertensive crisis in 4 patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension]

OBJECTIVE

To summary the efficacy and safety of aerosolized iloprost in patients with pulmonary hypertensive crisis.

METHODS

On the basis of conventional therapy, aerosolized iloprost (10 µg per time for 10 - 15 min in 2 hours interval, 8 times per day) was administered to four patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension and pulmonary hypertensive crisis. Blood pressure, heart rate, systemic artery oxygen saturation, systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP) measured by echocardiography and the adverse events were analyzed.

RESULTS

After aerosolized iloprost therapy, sPAP was significantly decreased and systemic artery oxygen saturation was improved. Adverse events (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dry cough) were observed in two patients, and the iloprost use was stopped in one patient due to severe vomiting and diarrhea.

CONCLUSION

Aerosolized iloprost could significantly reduce the sPAP and improve the systemic artery oxygen saturation in patients with pulmonary hypertension crisis.

[Expressions of OB-R, IRF-1 and GR-β in airway smooth muscle cells of obese rats with asthma]

AIM

To explore the relationship between obesity and difficult-to-treat asthma by observing the expressions of leptin receptor (OB-R), interferon regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1) and glucocorticoid receptor-β (GR-β) in airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) of obese rats with asthma.

METHODS

Sixty rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, 2 groups with normal weight: control group (group A), asthmatic group (group B), and 2 groups with obesity: control group (group C), asthmatic group (group D). The trachea smooth muscle was obtained from the rats of each group, and ASMCs were isolated, purified, and cultured in vitro. Then the expression of OB-R mRNA was measured by RT-PCR, and the levels of IRF-1 and GR-β proteins were measured by Western blotting.

RESULTS

The expression of OB-R mRNA in airway smooth muscle cells in group B, C and D were higher than that in group A, while it in group D was significantly higher than group B and C. What's more, the levels of IRF-1 and GR-β proteins increased in group B, C and D as compared with group A, and were significantly higher in group D than in group B and C, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The increased expressions of OB-R, IRF-1 and GR-β in ASMCs of obese rats with asthma may play a role in the onset of obese asthma and glucocorticoid resistance.

[Novel mutations of cardiac troponin T in Chinese patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy]

OBJECTIVE

To screen the cardiac troponin T (TNNT2) mutations in Chinese patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and to analyze the potential link between the genotype and the phenotype.

METHODS

Clinical features of 100 probands with HCM and some family members were evaluated, 200 unrelated normal subjects served as control. The exons and flanking introns of TNNT2 were amplified with PCR and direct sequencing was used to screen TNNT2 mutations/polymorphisms.

RESULTS

Two novel missense mutations were detected in 2 HCM patients: R92W and R286H. These 2 mutations were not found in 200 non-HCM controls. A five-basepair insertion/deletion polymorphism in intron 3 of TNNT2 was identified in this HCM cohort but was not related to the phenotype.

CONCLUSIONS

Two missense mutations, R92W and R286H, were found in 2/100 patients with HCM, TNNT 2 mutation is relatively low in Chinese patients with HCM.

[Effects of oxidative stress and NF-kappaB levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells on development of silicosis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the change of indicators of oxidative stress in serum and NF-kappaB in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with silicosis, and explore the mechanism of the development of silicosis.

METHODS

The subjects were divided into (1) 200 workers exposed to SiO2 for at least 1 years in a foundry served as the dust-exposure group; (2) 130 cases with silicosis (I phase silicosis 64 cases, II phase 46 cases III phase 20 cases) served as the silicosis group; (3) 32 cases with 0+ phase silicosis in the foundry served as the observed group,(4)100 subjects from a hotel served as the control group. The serum including superoxide dismutase (SOD), nitric oxide (NO), serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), lipid malondialdehyde (MDA) and NF-kappaB protein levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were determined, respectively.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, NO levels in dust-exposed group and silicosis group significantly increased, and SOD decreased significantly (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Compared with the control group and dust-exposed group, T-AOC, NOS, MDA levels in silicosis group significantly increased (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). GSH-Px in dust-exposed group and silicosis group were (231.164 +/- 36.484) and (270.469 +/- 39.228)U/ml, respectively which were significantly than that [(223.360 +/- 46.838) U/ml] in control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), and there was significant difference of GSHPx between the silicosis group and the dust-exposed group significantly (P < 0.01) . GSH-Px level [(290.750 +/- 39.129) U/ml] in III phase silicosis group were significantly higher than those [(256.906 +/- 21.41) and (259.594 +/- 34.79) U/ml] in observation group and I phase silicosis group (P < 0.05). NF-kappaB levels [(72.06 +/- 9.12) and (85.25 +/- 11.64) ng/L] in dust-exposed group and silicosis group were significantly higher than that [(59.71 +/- 9.27) ng/L] in control group (P < 0.01), and there was significant difference of between the silicosis group and the dust-exposed group (P < 0.01). There was a positive correlation between serum GSH-Px level and the silicosis stages (r = 0.507, P < 0.01). Also there was a positive correlation between NF-kappaB level and silicosis stages, age, GSH-Px or NO levels (r = 0.376, 0.243, 0.233, 0.221, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The imbalance of oxidative and anti-oxidation system and the activation of NF-kappaB are related with the occurrence and development of silicosis. The monitoring of oxidative stress indicators and NF-kappaB is beneficial to the prediction and prognosis assessment of silicosis.

Novel TNF-α converting enzyme (TACE) inhibitors as potential treatment for inflammatory diseases

Our research on hydantoin based TNF-α converting enzyme (TACE) inhibitors has led to an acetylene containing series that demonstrates sub-nanomolar potency (K(i)) as well as excellent activity in human whole blood. These studies led to the discovery of highly potent TACE inhibitors with good DMPK profiles.

[Novel MYBPC3 mutations in Chinese patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy]

OBJECTIVE

To screen the MYBPC3 gene mutations in Han Chinese patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

METHODS

Sixty-six patients with HCM were enrolled for the study. The exons in the functional regions of MYBPC3 were amplified with PCR and the products were sequenced.

RESULTS

Four novel mutations and four common polymorphisms were identified in this patient cohort. A Lys301fs mutation in exon10 was evidenced in a H30, and when he was 47 years old, he had the chest tightness, shortness of breath with septal hypertrophy of 18.7mm; a Asp463stop mutation in exon17 was detected in a H48, he was 24 years old 24-year-old when a medical examination showed ventricular septal hypertrophy of 15.4 mm; both Gly523Arg mutation in exon18 and Tyr847His mutation in exon26 were found in a H53 with onset age 36 years old, feeling chest tightness after excise and his ventricular septal hypertrophy was 27 mm that time. MYBPC3 mutations occurred in 4.5% patients in this cohort. These mutations were not found in 100 non-HCM control patients.

CONCLUSION

MYBPC3 mutation is presented in a small portion of Han Chinese patients with HCM.

Effect of Chinese drugs for supplementing Qi, nourishing Yin and activating blood circulation on myocardial perfusion in patients with acute myocardial infarction after revascularization

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effects of Chinese drugs for supplementing qi, nourishing yin and activating blood circulation on the myocardial perfusion in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients after revascularization.

METHODS

Eighty patients with anterior or inferior ventricular wall AMI, who had received revascularization by intravenous thrombolysis or coronary bypass, were randomized into the treated group and the control group equally, both treated with conventional Western medical treatment, but combined, respectively, with Xinyue Capsule (, XYC) plus Composite Salvia Tablet (CST) and placebo for 3 months. Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) was performed 14 days and 3 months after revascularization, respectively on every patient to observe blood perfusion extent (b value), myocardial perfusion velocity (k value) and local blood fl ow volume (k x b) in left ventricular infarction-related vascular segments under stressed state.

RESULTS

With 5 cases dropping out in the observation period (3 in the treated group and 2 in the control group), the trial was completed in 75 patients in total. The 14-day DSE shows that the b value and k x b value of left anterior ventricular wall mid segment and apex segment, and the k value of apex segment in patients with anterior wall AMI, as well as the b value and k x b of basal segment in patients with inferior wall AMI in the treated group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The 3-month DSE shows that the b value of apex segment, k x b value of basal segment, mid segment and apex segment of left anterior ventricular wall in patients with anterior wall AMI as well as the b value and k x b value of basal segment of left inferior ventricular wall in patients with inferior wall AMI were all higher in the treated group than those in the control group, respectively (P<0.05). The comparison between 14-day DSE and 3-month DSE in the treated group showed that the b value of apex segment of left anterior ventricular wall in patients with anterior wall AMI and the k x b value of apex segment and mid segment of left inferior ventricular wall in patients with inferior wall AMI significantly increased along with the on-going treatment (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Therapy with Chinese drugs for supplementing qi, nourishing yin and activating blood circulation in combination with conventional Western medical treatment could obviously improve the blood perfusion at the myocardial tissue level in infarction-related vascular segments.

Effects of basic fibroblast growth factor on the expression of extracellular matrix and matrix metalloproteinase-1 in wound healing

BACKGROUND

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) has shown potential in clinical practice to accelerate wound healing, but the underlying biomolecular mechanism remains largely unknown. Fibroblasts are the most important cells involved in producing and remodelling the extracellular matrix (ECM) in wound healing, and are one of the major target cells of bFGF in wound repair. To date, however, we have little idea of whether there is any specific relationship between bFGF and ECM metabolism. This study aimed to investigate whether bFGF improves wound repair by regulating the balance of ECM synthesis and degradation.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of bFGF on the expression of fibronectin, collagen and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 of human skin fibroblasts (HSFs) and to evaluate whether it contributes to improving the quality of wound healing.

METHODS

HSFs were stimulated with bFGF for 72 h, and then production of fibronectin, collagen and MMP-1 was detected, using reverse transcription PCR at the transcriptional level and Western blot analysis at post-transcriptional level.

RESULTS

bFGF stimulation resulted in increases in fibronectin expression of 1.31-, 1.47-, 1.57- and 1.62-fold in a dose-dependent manner in response to 10 ng/mL, 50 ng/mL, 100 ng/mL and 500 ng/mL of bFGF, respectively, but had no effect on the expression of collagen. Further investigation revealed that bFGF dose-dependently upregulated the expression of MMP-1.

CONCLUSION

This study supports the hypothesis that bFGF has the potential to accelerate wound healing and improve the quality of wound healing by regulating the balance of ECM synthesis and degradation, suggesting a potential antiscarring role in wound healing.

CSF biomarkers in frontotemporal lobar degeneration with known pathology

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the diagnostic value of CSF biomarkers in patients with known pathology due to frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD).

BACKGROUND

It is important to distinguish FTLD from other neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer disease (AD), but this may be difficult clinically because of atypical presentations.

METHODS

Patients with FTLD (n = 30) and AD (n = 19) were identified at autopsy or on the basis of genetic testing at University of Pennsylvania and Erasmus University Medical Center. CSF was obtained during a diagnostic lumbar puncture and was analyzed using assays for total tau and amyloid-beta 1-42 (A beta(42)). Patients also were assessed with a brief neuropsychological battery.

RESULTS

CSF total tau level and the ratio of CSF total tau to A beta(42) (tau/A beta(42)) were significantly lower in FTLD than in AD. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses confirmed that the CSF tau/A beta(42) ratio is sensitive and specific at discriminating between FTLD and AD, and is more successful at this than CSF total tau alone. Although some neuropsychological measures are significantly different in autopsy-proven FTLD and AD, combining these neuropsychological measures with CSF biomarkers did not improve the ability to distinguish FTLD from AD.

CONCLUSIONS

The ratio of CSF tau/A beta(42) is a sensitive and specific biomarker at discriminating frontotemporal lobar degeneration from Alzheimer disease in patients with known pathology.

Frontotemporal lobar degeneration: recent progress in antemortem diagnosis

Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by changes in behaviour and language dysfunction. Two broad pathological subdivisions of FTLD are recognized in a recent classification scheme based on biochemical features: tau-positive pathology due to the accumulation of various forms of the microtubule-associated protein tau, such as FTLD with Pick bodies and corticobasal degeneration; and tau-negative pathology such as frontotemporal lobar degeneration with ubiquitin/TDP-43-immunoreactive inclusions. Etiologically based treatments aim to target the mechanisms underlying the accumulation of these abnormal proteins in these conditions. It is essential for us to develop biomarkers that support the accurate diagnosis of the specific diseases causing FTLD. These biomarkers also can be useful in assessing efficacy during treatment trials. This review summarizes the epidemiologic, clinical, neuropsychological, imaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker features that can help identify these pathologically defined conditions during life.

[Clinical observation on total glucosides of paeony combined with sulfasalazine in treatment of ankylosing spondylitis]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and adverse reaction of total glucosides of paeony (TGP) combined with sulfasalazine (SSZ) in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

METHODS

Sixty-seven AS patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups: the treatment group (34 cases) treated with TGP and SSZ, the control group (33 cases) with methotrexate (MTX) and SSZ. Changes of clinical efficacy related indexes including lumber pain index, morning stiffness time, peripheral joint pain index, thoracic expansion, Schober test, Bath AS disease active index (BASDAI), Bath AS functional index (BASFI), the levels of erythrocyte sedimentation (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), and X-ray of sacroiliac joint were observed.

RESULTS

The clinical efficacy indexes were significantly improved after treatment in the two groups (P < 0.05). Except that the improvement of lumber pain index and peripheral joint pain index was better in the treatment group than that in the control group (P < 0.05), no significant difference was found in the other indexes between the two groups. The occurrence of adverse reation was less in the treatment group than in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

TGP treatment combined with SSZ shows favorable effect on AS with less and milder adverse reaction.

Discovery of 2-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyl-3-{2-[[(R)-1-(5- methylfuran-2-yl)propyl]amino]-3,4-dioxocyclobut-1-enylamino}benzamide (SCH 527123): a potent, orally bioavailable CXCR2/CXCR1 receptor antagonist

Structure-activity studies on lead cyclobutenedione 3 led to the discovery of 4 (SCH 527123), a potent, orally bioavailable CXCR2/CXCR1 receptor antagonist with excellent cell-based activity. Compound 4 displayed good oral bioavailability in rat and may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases.

[Comparative study of gene mutation between Chinese patients with familial and sporadic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the gene mutation between Chinese patients with familial and sporadic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

METHODS

Peripheral blood samples were collected from 36 patients with familial HCM (FHCM) and 50 patients with sporadic HCM (SHCM), all un-related and from different provinces of China. PCR was used to amplify the 26 protein-coding axons of beta-myosin heavy chain (MYH7), 16 exons for cardiac troponin T (TNNT2), and 38 exons for cardiac myosin-binding protein C (MYBPC3). The amplified products were sequenced and compared with the standard sequence in the genBank so as to determine the potential mutation sites.

RESULTS

(1) 13 of the 36 FHCM patients (36.1%) harbored 3 different mutations in MYH7 gene: Arg663His in exon18, Glu924Lys in exon 23, and Ile736Thr in exon 20. Of the 50 SHCM patients, only 1 (2%) harbored MYH7 gene missence mutation: Ile736Thr located in exon 20. (2) TNNT2 was not identified in all SHCM patients and FHCM patients. (3) MYBPC3 was not identified in all SHCM patients. Four FHCM patients harbored 2 different mutations: Arg502Trp in exon 18 and Arg346fs in exon 13 respectively.

CONCLUSION

MYH7 and MYBPC3 may be the dominant disease-causing genes in Chinese familial HCM patients; however the mutation rate of MYH7 and MYBPC3 genes is significantly lower in the SHCM patients compared with the FHCM patients. TNNT2 seems not the predominant disease-causing gene in all Chinese patients with HCM.

Characterization of Peripheral Human Cannabinoid Receptor (hCB2) Expression and Pharmacology Using a Novel Radioligand, [35S]Sch225336

Studies to characterize the endogenous expression and pharmacology of peripheral human cannabinoid receptor (hCB2) have been hampered by the dearth of authentic anti-hCB2 antibodies and the lack of radioligands with CB2 selectivity. We recently described a novel CB2 inverse agonist, N-[1(S)-[4-[[4-methoxy-2-[(4methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl] phenyl]sulfonyl] phenyl]ethyl]methane-sulfonamide (Sch225336), that binds hCB2 with high affinity and excellent selectivity versus hCB1. The precursor primary amine of Sch225336 was prepared and reacted directly with [(35)S]mesyl chloride (synthesized from commercially obtained [(35)S]methane sulfonic acid) to generate [(35)S]Sch225336. [(35)S]Sch225336 has high specific activity (>1,400 Ci/mmol) and affinity for hCB2 (65 pm). Using [(35)S]Sch225336, we assayed hemopoietic cells and cell lines to quantitate the expression and pharmacology of hCB2. Lastly, we used [(35)S]Sch225336 for detailed autoradiographic analysis of CB2 in lymphoid tissues. Based on these data, we conclude that [(35)S]Sch225336 represents a unique radioligand for the study of CB2 endogenously expressed in blood cells and tissues.

[Analysis of MYH7, MYBPC3 and TNNT2 gene mutations in 10 Chinese pedigrees with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and the correlation between genotype and phenotype]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to screen the disease-causing gene mutations and investigate the genotype-phenotype correlation in 10 Chinese pedigrees with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

METHODS

There are 91 family members from these 10 pedigrees and 5 members were normal mutated carriers, 23 members were HCM patients (14 male) aged from 1.5 to 73 years old. The functional regions of myosin heavy chain gene (MYH7), cardiac myosin-binding protein C (MYBPC3) and cardiac troponin T gene (TNNT2) were screened with PCR and direct sequencing technique. Clinical information from all patients was also evaluated in regard to the genotype.

RESULTS

Mutations were found in 5 out of 10 pedigrees. Mutations in MYH7 (Arg663His, Glu924Lys and Ile736Thr) were found in 3 pedigrees and 3 patients from these pedigrees suffered sudden death at age 20-48 years old during sport. Mutations in MYBPC3 were found in 2 pedigrees, 1 with complex mutation (Arg502Trp and splicing mutation IVS27 + 12C > T) and 1 with novel frame shift mutation (Gly347fs) and the latter pedigree has sudden death history. No mutation was identified in TNNT2.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the Han Chinese is a relatively homogeneous ethnic group, different HCM gene mutations were responsible for familiar HCM suggesting the heterogeneity nature of the disease-causing genes and HCM MYH7 mutations are associated with a higher risk of sudden death in this cohort. Furthermore, identical mutation might result in different phenotypes suggesting that multiple factors might be involved in the pathogenesis of familiar HCM.

[Effects of transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects: intermediate and long-term follow-up of 68 cases]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the curative effects of transcatheter closure on perimembranous ventricular septal defects (PMVSDs) using unbalanced Amplatzer asymmetric ventricular septal defect occluder (AAVSDO).

METHODS

The data of 68 patients of PMVSDs with a diameter of 6.7 mm (3 to 12 mm) and the diameter of ventricular septal rim below the aortic valve of 2.7 +/- 1.1 mm (1-5 mm), 27 males and 41 females, aged 15.6 +/- 11.5 (1.5-44), weighing 42.8 +/- 15.2 kg (10-72 kg), treated with AAVSDO, the diameter of which was 1-2 mm larger than the largest diameter of the defects determined by angled left ventriculography, from September 2002 to January 2005 were prospectively analyzed. The patients were followed up for 221 +/- 130 days (90 to 750 days).

RESULTS

Seventy-one procedures were performed. The device was implanted successfully in 65 of the 68 patients (95.6%). The selected device diameter was 8.4 mm (4 to 14 mm). Device was lost in one patient during the procedure, which was successfully managed by recapturing the device with a snare device and redeploying it. During the procedure, transient complete left bundle branch block and right bundle branch block occurred in 6 and 5 patients respectively. On follow-up evaluation, transient junctional rhythm occurred in one patient, and accelerated ventricular rhythm in 1. After deployment of the device, the immediate complete closure rate was 43% (28/68), increased to 81.5% (53/68) on the day next to the procedure, and reached 100% 6 months after. One patient adopted surgical reparation because hemolysis occurred after the device implanted. The hospitalization time was 4.5 +/- 3.6 days (2-8 days). The X-ray exposure time was 14.8 +/- 10.7 min (6-48 min). The procedure time 72.6 +/- 38.7 min (35-186 min). One patient was diagnosed as with deep vein thrombosis because of right leg swelling at the seventh day after the procedure. The symptoms disappeared after anticoagulation treatment with low molecule weight heparin. During the scheduled long-term follow-up all patients were doing well. No episode of endocarditis, procedure-related death, or wire disruption was recorded.

CONCLUSION

The initial and long-term follow-up results of transcatheter closure of PMVSDs are promising with high success and occlusion rates. Transcatheter closure of PMVSDs using AAVSDO appears to be the first line choice for suitable patients with such defects.

[A frame shift mutation, Arg346fs mutation, is identified in cardiac myosin-binding protein C gene in a Chinese family with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the disease-causing gene mutation in Chinese with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

METHODS

The peripheral venous blood samples were collected from 5 HCM families without consanguinity, including 5 probands, 2 males and 3 females, 28 sporadic HCM patients, 18 males and 10 females, and 80 healthy controls. The exons in the functional regions of cardiac myosin-binding protein C (MYBPC3) were amplified with PCR and the amplified products were sequenced.

RESULTS

A frame shift mutation-Arg346fs mutation in exon 13, the first mutation identified in Chinese-was discovered in one family with HCM. However, the members of the same HCM family with the Arg346fs mutation showed differences in phenotype and prognosis.

CONCLUSION

Cardiac myosin-binding protein C (MYBPC3) may be one of the main disease-causing genes. The heterogeneity of phenotype suggests that multiple factors may be involved in the pathogenesis.