Volume 114 · Issue 12 · 2001

Objective To explore the effect of oxLDL on CXC chemokine growth-regulated oncogene α (GROα) expression in human endothelial cells and the possible functional significance of the effect. Methods LDL was isolated by sequential ultracentrifugation and oxidized to oxLDL. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction with GAPDH as internal standard was applied and CXC chemokine GROα mRNA in endothelial ECV304 cells was examined. ELISA was used to determine GROα protein expression on ECV304 cell surface and in the medium. With static cell adhesion assays, the physiological significance of elevated GROα expression was tested. Results OxLDL, not LDL, treatment of ECV304 cells significantly induced the expression of GROα mRNA that was not detectable in untreated cells. Induction of expression was first evident at 1 h, became maximal at 2 h, and was substantially decreased by 4 h. In a concentration- and time-dependent manner, oxLDL, and not LDL, induced a significant upregulation of GROα surface expression in ECV304 cells that was at a barely detectable level in unstimulated ECV304 cells. GROα protein in the medium did not change significantly. Exposure of ECV304 cells to 40 ng protein /ml oxLDL for 24 h resulted in a marked increase in the number of U937 cells bound to ECV304 cells and antibodies to GROα inhibited adhesion. Conclusion OxLDL functionally upregulated GROα expression in endothelial cells. Chin Med J 2001; 114(12):1240-1244

Objective To explore whether Pvu Ⅱ restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) in the lipoprotein lipase (LPL) gene are associated with hypertriglyceridemics (HTG). Methods Pvu Ⅱ restriction fragment length polymorphisms in the lipoprotein lipase gene on a sample of 135 HTG patients and 193 age-matched healthy individuals in Chengdu area were detected with the method of PCR-RFLP. Results The P + P + genotype frequency and P + allelic frequency of LPL gene for HTG cases are higher than those for control groups (0.460 vs 0.337, P < 0.05; 0.689 vs 0.565, P < 0.01). The serum levels of TG, apoC Ⅱ, apoC Ⅲ, apoE and TG/HDL-C in P + P + genotype are higher than those in P-P- genotype (P < 0.05). Conclusion The results suggest that P + P + genotype in the lipoprotein lipase gene is associated with susceptibility to hypertriglyceridemics in Chinese population. Chin J Med Genet 2001; 18: 296-298.

Objective To investigate the myocardial protective effects of pinacidil-induced hyperpolarized arrest and compare with those afforded by conventional depolarized hyperkalemic arrest. Methods Eighteen dogs were equally divided into three groups: normothermic hyperpolarized group (Group A), hypothermic hyperpolarized group (Group B), and hyperkalemic group (Group C). Pinacidil (50 μmol/L) containing 37℃ St. Thomas solution (K+ 5 mmol/L, 10 ml/kg), pinacidil (50 μmol/L, Sigma, USA) containing 4℃ St. Thomas solution (K+ 5 mmol/L, 10 ml/kg) and 40℃ standard St. Thomas solution (K+ 16 mmol/L, 10 ml/kg) were infused respectively through the aortic root after aortic-clamping. Heart arrest and its recovery, ultrastructure of the myocardium, the level of serum myocardial enzymes, and lipid peroxide and adenine nucleotide of the myocardium were measured. Hemodynamics during ischemia and after reperfusion were observed. Results The percentages of normal mitochondria and glycogen did not change much during ischemia (except at 60 min) and after reperfusion in B Group, but declined markedly in Group C 30 min and 60 min after ischemia and 20 min after reperfusion (P < 0.01). In Group A, they were lower than those of Group B before ischemia, but higher than those of Group C. The recoveries of CO, SV, CI, LVSW, RVSW and MAP in Group B were significantly better than those in other two groups 15 min and 30 min after reperfusion (P < 0.05 and 0.01, respectively). However, they were still better in Group A than those in Group C (P < 0.05 and 0.01, respectively). The onset of heart arrest was faster in Groups C and B than that in Group A. Highly elevated serum myocardial enzymes were observed 60 min after ischemia and 20 min after reperfusion in Group C, while they were only mild in the hyperpolarized groups, especially in Group B, and their recoveries were rapid. Adenine nucleotides of the myocardium were better preserved in Group B than in other two groups 30 min, 60 min after ischemia, and 20 min after reperfusion (P < 0.05 and 0.01, respectively). They were also much better in Group A than in Group C (P < 0.05 and 0.01, respectively). Lipid peroxide of the myocardium were significantly lower in Group B than in other groups 20 min after reperfusion (P < 0.01), and they were lower in Group A than in Group C (P < 0.05). Conclusions Myocardial protection for global ischemia during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) could be achieved with hyperpolarized heart arrest induced by pinacidil, an ATP- sensitive potassium channel opener, especially in the hypothermic state. The protection is weaker in normothermia but is still superior to that with traditional depolarized hyperkalemic arrest. Chin Med J 2001; 114(12):1245-1248

Objective To determine whether the polymorphism A1166C in the angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor (AT1R) gene is associated with essential hypertension. Methods A case-control study was carried out using 125 hypertensive and 103 normotensive subjects. The A→C variant at position 1166 (A1166C) of the AT1R gene was identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR/restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR/RFLP) analysis. The digestion products were separated on 2% agarose gels and visualized with ethidium bromide under ultraviolet ray. Results The differences in C1166 allele frequency and in the AC genotype distribution of the AT1R gene between the hypertensive and normotensive groups were statistically significant (C allele: 0.092 vs 0.034, χ2 = 6.186, P < 0.05; AC genotype: 0.184 vs 0.068, χ2 = 6.654, P < 0.05). Conclusion The AC genotype is associated with essential hypertension, and the C allele may be a marker for predisposition to hypertension in Chinese Han population. Chin Med J 2001; 114(12):1249-1251

Objective To explore the role of γδT cells in the airway of asthmatics and to identify the forces which induce and maintain the inflammatory process. Methods Peripheral blood (PB) and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were obtained from 7 asthmatic subjects and 7 nonsmoker control subjects. The percentage of γδT cells in the PB and BALF was measured by immunofluorescent staining and flow cytometry. The frequency of usage and the clonality of Vδ subfamilies (Vδ1 - Vδ3) were assessed by RT-PCR and gene scanning. Results A higher proportion of γδT cell was detected in the BALF of asthmatic subjects (7.8% ±4.7%)than that from control subjects (3.3%±3.0%, P = 0.04). No selective usage for a particular Vδ subfamily was found, but the relative expression level of Vδ1 was significantly higher in the asthmatic airway (44% ± 13%) than in the control (19% ±5%, P = 0.0002). In asthmatic subjects, the monoclonal or oligoclonal expansion of γδT lymphocytes was predominant in the BALF, especially Vδ1+ T lymphocytes. Conclusions Antigenic specific γδT cells might play an important role in the inducement and maintenance of airway inflammation. Persistent antigenic stimulation may be the key factor that maintains chronic airway inflammation in asthma. Chin Med J 2001; 114(12):1252-1257

Objective To investigate the role of suppressor gene p16 in the process of differential regulation of retinoic acid (RA) on the A549 lung cancer cells. Methods Tumor suppressor gene pl6 was transferred into A549 cells and the cells were treated with all-trans retinoic acid (ATR) at the dosage of 5 × 10-6 mol/L for 4 d. After that, the proliferation and differentiation of A549 cells were examined by growth curve and cytometry analysis, the change of lung lineage-specific marker MUC1 was tested by immunohistochemical staining. Meanwhile, Western blot was used to observe the change of p16 protein expression in A549 cells treated with ATRA. Results ATRA could obviously inhibit the growth and induce the differentiation of A549 Cells that were transferred with p16 gene. There were more cells arrested in G1/G0 phase and the expression of MUG1 was markedly down-regulated than in control cells. The expression of p16 protein was up-regulated in A549 cells treated with ATRA. Conclusion Suppressor gene p16 could enhance the effects of RA and proliferated suppression and differential induction of A549 cells. Chin J Tuberc Respir Dis 2001; 24; 534-536.

Objective To detect the relationship between the polymorphism of the glycogen-targeting regulatory subunit of the skeletal muscle glycogen-associated protein phosphatase 1 (PPP1R3) gene and type 2 diabetes by case-control study. Methods We genotyped the PPP1R3 gene Asp905Tyr polymorphism and a common 3'-untranslated region AT (AU)-rich element (ARE) polymorphism in 101 type 2 diabetic patients and 101 controls by oligonucleotide ligation assay (OLA) and polyacrylamide gel elecrophoresis, respectively. Results Subjects with Tyr/Tyr genotypes whose body mass index (BMI) <25 were used as the reference group. Those whose BMI≥25 with Asp905 had a 3.66-fold increase (95% CI: 1.48-9.06, P = 0.005) in type 2 diabetes risk. No association was found between 3'UTR ARE polymorphism and type 2 diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.15; 95% CI: 0.62-2.14, P = 0.65). Conclusion A joint effect between the Asp905 and BMI increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, and Asp905Tyr and ARE polymorphism of PPP1R3 gene are not the major diabetogenic gene variants in Chinese population. Chin Med J 2001; 114(12):1258-1262

Objectives To assess weight loss efficacy, safety and tolerability of sibutramine in simple obese subjects. Methods Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Four hospital outpatient clinics in Shanghai, Chongqing, Shandong and Tianjin, respectively. Participants: 233 men and women, 18-65 years old, with body mass index (BMI) ranging from 27 to 40 kg/m2 were randomly divided into an intervened group and a placebo control group. Sibutramine 10 mg or placebo once a day. Main outcome measures: Body weight, routine laboratory and clinical safety monitoring. Results Of 233 eligible patients, 120 received sibutramine and 113 received placebo. Weight reduction was significantly greater in the intervened group (6.8±3.1) kg than the placebo control group (0.48 ± 2.6) kg from week 4 onwards to week 24 (P < 0.001). Some minor side effects were noticed in the subjects who took sibutramine. But the symptoms were light and short term. Sibutrarmine was will tolerated. Conclusions Sibutramine 10 mg once a day is an effective an safe therapy for weight reduction in simple over-weighted and obese subjects. Chin J Prev Med 2001; 35: 329-332.

Objective To study the relationship of the large multifunctional proteasome 7 (LMP7) gene polymorphism with susceptibility to type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM-1) and the DR3 gene in south Chinese Han population. Methods LMP7 genotypes and the DR3 gene were identified in 71 DM-1 patients and 86 healthy persons (as controls) by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. DM-1 patients and controls were divided into DR3-positive and DR3-negative subjects. The frequencies of LMP7 genotypes and alleles were compared between DM-1 patients and controls respectively in the random subjects and in the DR3-matched subjects. Furthermore, DM-1 patients were divided into 3 groups according to the age of diabetic onset: group A≤14 years, group B 15-30 years, group C≥31 years. Results In the random subjects, the frequency of LMP7-B/B was lower (39% vs 58%, P < 0.05) and that of LMP7-B/A was higher (54% vs 31 %, P < 0.01) in DM-1 patients than that in controls. In DR3-positive subjects, the frequencies of LMP7 genotypes and alleles showed no differences between DM-1 patients and controls. In DR3-negative subjects, the frequency of LMP7-B/B was decreased (40% vs 61%) and that of LMP7-B/A was increased (55% vs 28%, P < 0.01) in DM-1 patients. The frequencies of LMP7 genotypes and alleles showed no significant differences among different ages of diabetic onset. Conclusions LMP7-B/B may be the protective genotype, and LMP7-B/A may be the susceptible genotype of DM-1, and this may not be affected by the DR3 gene. Persons with LMP7-B/B may have a decreased risk, and those with LMP7-B/A have an increased risk suffering from DM-1. The LMP7 gene may not be associated with the age of diabetic onset. Chin Med J 2001; 114(12):1263-1266

Objective To study the endovascular treatment of artery rupture caused by injury on which surgery was impossibly performed. Methods All 76 patients underwent selective angiography to make accurate diagnosis. Endovascular occlusion of the target artery with a balloon catheter was accomplished and surgical vessel repair followed in 13 cases. Under the condition that the blood supply of the remote limb on which the artery rupture was detected remained normal, the injured artery was obstructed completely with either detachable balloon or coil in 63 cases. Results No complication, disability, or death was found in any case. Conclusions Occlusion of the blood flow of the target vessel with balloon catheter is an easy, effective and safe preoperational approach for patients who fail to be treated perfectly with direct surgery. Chin J Traumatol 2001; 17: 592-594.

Objective To investigate the changes of β-adrenergic receptor (βAR) in peripheral lymphocytes and β2AR mRNA levels at different stages of bronchial asthma. Methods β2AR density and β2AR mRNA level in peripheral lymphocytes, cAMP and cGMP levels in blood plasma were estimated by radioligand binding assay, radioimmunoassay and RT-PCR. Results (1) Maximum bound volume (Bmax) and equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) of β2AR of lymphocyte in asthma patients at remission stage were markedly higher than that in normal subjects, while cAMP levels in blood plasma showed no difference. Bmax of β2AR and cAMP levels in asthma patients at acute exacerbation stage were significantly lower than that in normal subjects, and Kds between these two groups were not much different. (2) Expression of β2ARmRNA in peripheral lymphocytes of asthmatics at remission stage was not significantly different compared with that in normals. Conclusions Amount and function of βAR and β2ARmRNA levels are related to asthmatic conditions. Changes of βAR and β2ARmRNA in asthma might rather be a pathological change accompanied by the course of the disease than a primary defect. Chin Med J 2001; 114(12):1317-1319

Objective To evaluate the effect and feasibility of using estrogen cream for the prevention and treatment of recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) in postmenopausal women. Methods Forty-five postmenopausal women with a history of recurrent UTI were divided into two groups (group premarin and group antibiotic). Participants were assigned to apply intravaginal premarin cream (group premarin, n = 30) or oral antibiotic (group antibiotic, n = 15) for 3 months respectively. Urine routine test, midstream urine and vaginal cultures, vaginal health score (VHS), vaginal cell maturation value (MV), endometrial thickness and blood estrogen level were obtained before and after the study. Results The incidence of UTI in the group premarin was significantly reduced as compared with that in the group antibiotic (2/27 vs 12/15, P < 0.001). In the group premarin Lactobacilli reappeared (from 0 to 59.3%) and MV (from 9.2 ± 6.8 to 74.6±14.1) and VHS (from 5.2 ±0.4 to 13.4±2.5) were improved after 3 months. There was no significant change in the group antibiotic. Conclusion It seems that intravaginal use of estrogen cream would effectively prevent and reduce the UTI in postmenopausal women. China J Obstet Gynecol 2001; 36: 531-533.

Objective To understand the clinical significance of membrane receptors of interleukin-2 (CD25) in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of patients with gastric cancer. Methods CD25 percentages in PBL from 110 patients with gastric cancer and 100 normal individuals were examined by flow cytometry. Results were analyzed clinically and pathologically. Results Mean CD25% in PBL from normal individuals and patients with gastric cancer were 17.24±5.33 and 22.47 ± 6.82, respectively, and the difference was significant (P < 0.01). Abnormally elevated CD25% in PBL from patients with gastric cancer were correlated with tumor site, macropathology type, tumor size, differentiation degree and clinical stage. Conclusion Measuring CD25% in PBL from gastric cancer patients before surgery may provide a reference for diagnosis, immune treatment and judging prognosis. Chin Med J 2001; 114(12):1320-1322

Objective To study the inhibitory effect of oxymatrine on hepatitis B virus (HBV) in vitro. Methods Microparticle enzyme immunoassay. bDNA signal amplification assay was used for determining secreted HBsAg/HBeAg in the culture medium, HBV DNA from core particles in the cytoplasm and MTT colorimetric assay was used to assay the oxymatrine cytotoxity. Results The inhibitory rates of HBsAg and HBeAg were 40.57% and 48.27% by oxymatrine at the concentration of 2000 μg/ml. At 100 - 2000 μg/ml, it can remarkably decrease the level of viral core associated-HBV DNA in the cytoplasm. No significant toxicity was shown in such concentrations. Conclusion Oxymatrine has a potential anti-HBV activity in vitro. Chin J Dig 2001; 21: 550-552.

Objective To establish a rat model of chronic atrophic gastritis and explore the factors inducing atrophy. Methods In accordance with repeated orthogonal design of L8(27), 60% alcohol and 20 mmol/L sodium deoxycholate (served as factor A), 0.05%-0.1% ammonia water (factor B), 0.05% indomethacin (factor C) were given, alone or in combination, to rats in three experiments for 3 months, 6 months or 9 months respectively. Then the rats were dissected, and their pathologic changes of the gastric mucosa were assessed. Results Typical signs of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) were found in all rats which were treated with factor A, B, C alone or in combination for 6 or 9 months. No significant difference of pathologic changes of gastric mucosa was found between the rats treated for 6 months and those for 9 months. No obvious CAG signs were found in the rats treated with factor A, B, C for 3 months. Conclusion Sixty percent of alcohol, 20 mmol/L sodium deoxycholate, 0.05%-0.1% ammonia water and 0.05% indomethacin given to Sprague-Dawley rats for 6 months can successfully establish the animal model of CAG. Prolongation of the model-establishment time is not able to further facilitate the atrophy of gastric mucosa. Chin Med J 2001; 114(12):1323-1325

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based acquired immunologic deficiency syndrome (AIDS) educational intervention in young adults. Methods A quasi-experimental design was used. Two townships in Kunshan county, matched by socioeconomic characteristics, were randomly assigned to intervention or control group. Eight hundred young adults aged 18 - 30 were recruited from the two townships as study subjects. A 12-month comprehensive educational intervention on AIDS prevention was conducted in the intervention group through local family planning services. Results After intervention, subjects in intervention significantly improved their knowledge on AIDS and attitudes related to AIDS prevention. Reported rate of condom use during the last episode of sexual intercourse increased from 8.5% at baseline to 14.4% after intervention (χ2 = 4.66, P = 0.0308). No obvious change was observed among subjects in control group. Conclusion This study demonstrated the feasibility of integration of AIDS educational intervention into the existing family planning services. Integration of AIDS programs into family planning program should be considered as a realistic approach for AIDS control in China. Chin J Epidemiol 2001; 22: 326-329.

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of contrast enhanced three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in identifying the systemic blood supply in pulmonary sequestration. Methods Three patients who were suspected of pulmonary sequestration were examined by contrast enhanced 3D MRA. MR images were compared with surgical findings. Results Contrast enhanced 3D MRA clearly demonstrated systemic arteries from the descending thoracic aorta supplying the basilar segments of the lower lobe in each case. Pulmonary veins from these segments, which drained into the left atrium in two cases, were also detected. MRA images were consistent with those observed in surgery. Conclusion Contrast enhanced 3D MRA allows accurate diagnosis of pulmonary sequestration and may obviate the need for more invasive investigations. Chin Med J 2001; 114(12):1326-1328