Genetic diversity of the human serotonin receptor 1B (HTR1B) gene

We systematically and comprehensively investigated polymorphisms of the HTR1B gene as well as their linkage disequilibrium and ancestral relationships. We have detected the following polymorphisms in our sample via denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, database comparisons, and/or previously published assays: G-511T, T-261G, -182INS/DEL-181, A-161T, C129T, T371G, T655C, C705T, G861C, A1099G, G1120A, and A1180G. The results of the intermarker analyses showed strong linkage disequilibrium between the C129T and the G861C polymorphisms and revealed four common haplotypes: ancestral (via chimpanzee comparisons), 129T/861C, -161T, and -182DEL-181. The results of association tests with schizophrenia were negative, although A-161T had a nominal P = 0.04 via ASPEX/sib_tdt. The expressed missense substitutions, Phe124Cys, Phe219Leu, Ile367Val, and Glu374Lys, could potentially affect ligand binding or interaction with G proteins and thus modify drug response in carriers of these variants. On average, the human cSNPs and differences among other primates clustered in the more thermodynamically unstable regions of the mRNA, which suggests that the evolutionary survival of nucleotide sequence variation may be influenced by the mRNA structure of this gene.

Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects and patent foramen ovale under intracardiac echocardiographic guidance: feasibility and comparison with transesophageal echocardiography

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has been employed successfully for guiding transcatheter device closure of secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) and patent foramen ovale (PFO). However, the use of TEE for device closure requires general anesthesia. Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) can provide similar anatomical views that might replace the use of TEE for device closure. Eleven patients (eight female/three male) with secundum ASD and PFO associated with strokes underwent attempts at transcatheter closure of their defects under sequential TEE and ICE guidance (six patients) and under ICE alone (five patients). The ages of the patients ranged from 6.6 to 74.7 yr, and their weights ranged from 23 to 124.5 kg. The sizes of the defects, as measured by TEE (six patients), ranged from 3 to 27 mm and, as measured by ICE (11 patients), from 3 to 27 mm. The balloon-stretched diameter of the ASD, as measured by TEE (six patients), ranged from 16 to 38 mm and, as measured by ICE (11 patients), from 16 to 35 mm. Both techniques correlated well for the measured two-dimensional diameter and for the balloon-stretched diameter (r = 0.97 and 0.98, respectively). Both TEE and ICE provided similar views of the defects and the various stages of device deployment. Owing to the proximity of the left atrium to the esophagus, however, the images obtained by ICE were more helpful and informative than those obtained by TEE. All patients experienced successful device placement (six patients under both TEE and ICE; five patients under ICE guidance alone); complete closure of the defects was effected in nine patients, whereas two patients had small residual shunts. There were no complications. We conclude that ICE provides unique images of the atrial communications and measurements similar to those obtained by TEE. ICE potentially could replace TEE as a guiding imaging tool for ASD and PFO device closure, thus eliminating the need for general anesthesia.

[Chromosome t (8; 21) and t (15; 17) in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia]

OBJECTIVE

To report an acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patient with both chromosome t (8; 21) and t (15; 17).

METHODS

Chromosome specimen was prepared by short-term culture of bone marrow cells, karyotype analyses by R-banding technique, and fusion genes by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULT

Karyotype analyses showed the appearance of 45, X, -X, t (8; 21), t (15; 17), and RT-PCR assay revealed AML1/ETO and PML-RARalpha fusion gene transcripts.

CONCLUSION

AML with both t (8; 21) and t (15; 17) might be recognized as a a novel subtype of acute leukemias.

Feasibility and clinical significance of real-time quantitative RT-PCR assay of PML-RARalpha fusion transcript in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia

INTRODUCTION

To study the relationship between the expression level of the PML-RARalpha fusion transcripts and the clinical status and efficiency of the therapy in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients, we applied a very sensitive and specific real-time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) system to quantify the dose of PML-RARalpha fusion transcripts in a series of APL patients at distinct disease stages.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 31 APL patients (19 males and 12 females; aged from 8 to 74 years) from eight hospitals in Shanghai were analysed. Real-time Quantitative RT-PCR was used to measure the normalized dose (DoseN) of PML-RARalpha fusion transcripts.

RESULTS

A wide range of PML-RARalpha DoseN above 1 x 10(3) was noted in 25 newly diagnosed patients. PML-RARalpha DoseN was significantly decreased after remission induction with ATRA, ATRA/chemotherapy or As2O3 and further reduced after consolidation. The fact that all patients with long disease free survival had a constantly low PML-RARalpha DoseN below 2 x 10(2) and a higher level predicted impending relapse suggests that this value could serve as a 'threshold' for molecular remission. PML-RARalpha DoseN was also of prognostic value in a group of relapsed patients, since good response to As2O3 reinduction was accompanied by a remarkable reduction of fusion transcript level, whereas patients with high PML-RARalpha Dose(N) after the second CR tended to relapse again rapidly.

CONCLUSION

These results confirm that real-time RT-PCR assay for PML-RARalpha transcripts in APL patients is useful in reflecting leukemic burden, assessing response to treatment and indicating the ultimate clinical outcome or curability of disease.

Changes in serum ammonia concentration in cirrhotic patients with Helicobacter pylori infection

OBJECTIVE

To study whether liver cirrhosis associated with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection will induce increased serum ammonia and whether the peripheral serum ammonia reflects the level of portal vein serum ammonia.

METHODS

Blood was taken from the portal vein and the cubital vein in cirrhotic patients with and without H. pylori infection and non-cirrhotic patients (splenic rupture) with and without H. pylori infection, and the serum ammonia was measured.

RESULTS

The mean levels of serum ammonia in the group of cirrhotic patients with H. pylori infection were 167.82 +/- 8.97 mumol/L (portal vein) and 142.2 +/- 13.35 mumol/L (cubital vein). They were increased significantly as compared with cirrhotic patients without H. pylori infection (47.68 +/- 12.03 mumol/L portal vein and 37.23 +/- 7.04 mumol/L cubital vein), and also compared with the groups of splenic rupture patients with and without H. pylori infection (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between the serum ammonia level of the cubital vein and portal vein (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

H. pylori infection can induce an increase in serum ammonia in patients with liver dysfunction, and the peripheral serum ammonia measurement may replace the portal vein serum ammonia as a monitoring method. Eradication of H. pylori in cirrhotic patients may prevent hepatic encephalopathy (HE).

CPEB, maskin, and cyclin B1 mRNA at the mitotic apparatus: implications for local translational control of cell division

In Xenopus development, the expression of several maternal mRNAs is regulated by cytoplasmic polyadenylation. CPEB and maskin, two factors that control polyadenylation-induced translation are present on the mitotic apparatus of animal pole blastomeres in embryos. Cyclin B1 protein and mRNA, whose translation is regulated by polyadenylation, are colocalized with CPEB and maskin. CPEB interacts with microtubules and is involved in the localization of cyclin B1 mRNA to the mitotic apparatus. Agents that disrupt polyadenylation-induced translation inhibit cell division and promote spindle and centrosome defects in injected embryos. Two of these agents inhibit the synthesis of cyclin B1 protein and one, which has little effect on this process, disrupts the localization of cyclin B1 mRNA and protein. These data suggest that CPEB-regulated mRNA translation is important for the integrity of the mitotic apparatus and for cell division.

Effects of CH-100, a chinese herbal medicine, on acute concanavalin A-mediated hepatitis in control and alcohol-fed rats

BACKGROUND

Administration of concanavalin A (Con A) leads to acute hepatitis that involves T-cell activation and inflammatory mediator production in mice and rats. We examined the role of CH-100, a Chinese herbal medicine previously trialed in human hepatitis C, in the prevention of Con A-related, T-cell-mediated, acute liver injury in rats.

METHODS

Female Wistar rats were fed 40% ethanol, 2% sucrose, or isocaloric sucrose for 8 weeks. At the same time, these animals were fed either the Chinese herbal medicine CH-100 (4 tablets/kg body weight/ day) or placebo in chow daily. Blood from the tail vein was collected for endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide) assay at 0, 4, and 8 weeks of ethanol consumption. Twenty-four hours after injection of Con A (20 mg/kg body weight) or phosphate-buffered saline, blood from the tail vein was collected for alanine aminotransferase and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha assays. Liver-associated CD4+ T cells were isolated from liver perfusates and then cultured with Con A (5 microg/ml) at 37 degrees C for 24 hr. Supernatants were harvested for TNF-alpha assay. The proportion of CD4+ T cells in blood and liver perfusates was measured. Liver samples were collected for histopathological analysis.

RESULTS

Lipopolysaccharide levels were significantly reduced in CH-100-treated ethanol-fed rats compared with placebo-treated rats. After Con A injection, alanine aminotransferase levels were lower at 12 and 24 hr in herb-treated rats compared with placebo-treated rats. Furthermore, serum TNF-alpha levels were lower in ethanol-fed rats on herbal treatment. A significant decrease in TNF-alpha production by liver-associated CD4+ T cells in culture was observed in CH-100-treated ethanol-fed rats. CH-100 treatment was associated with a decreased percentage of CD4+ cells in both blood and liver perfusate in all groups. Herb-treated rats displayed markedly less hepatic necrosis and a reduced CD4+ T-cell infiltrate in portal areas than did placebo-fed rats.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate that CH-100 modified the T-cell response to Con A injection. The effect was more marked in ethanol-fed rats, which suggests a possible role for CH-100 in treating alcoholic liver disease.

Transcatheter closure of multiple atrial septal defects. Initial results and value of two- and three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography

AIMS

To examine the feasibility of transcatheter closure of multiple atrial septal defects using two Amplatzer devices simultaneously and to describe the importance and the role of two- and three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography in the selection and closure of such defects.

METHODS

Twenty-two patients with more than one atrial septal defect underwent an attempt at transcatheter closure of their atrial septal defects at a mean+/-SD age of 30. 8+/-18.6 years (range 3.7-65.9 years) and mean weight of 56.6+/-25.5 kg (range 12.9-99 kg) using two Amplatzer devices implanted simultaneously via two separate delivery systems. During catheterization, two dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography was performed in all but one patient, during and after transcatheter closure, while three dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography was performed in six patients before and after transcatheter closure.

RESULTS

Forty-four devices were deployed in all patients to close 45 defects (one patient with three defects closed by two devices). Two dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography was helpful in selection and in guiding correct deployment of the devices. The mean size of the larger defect, as measured by transoesophageal echocardiography was 12.8+/-5.9 mm and the mean size of the smaller defect was 6.6+/-3.0 mm. The mean size of the larger devices was 15+/-7.5 mm, and 8.4+/-3.7 mm for the smaller. Three dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography provided superior imaging and demonstrated the number, shape and the surrounding structures of the atrial septal defects in one single view. The median fluoroscopy time was 28.7 min. Device embolization with successful catheter retrieval occurred in one patient. Forty-four devices were evaluated by colour Doppler transoesophageal echocardiography immediately after the catheterization with a successful closure rate of 97.7%. On follow-up colour Doppler transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated successful closure in 97.5% at 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of more than one Amplatzer septal occluder to close multiple atrial septal defects is safe and effective. The use of two- and three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography provided useful information for transcatheter closure of multiple atrial septal defects using two devices. Three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography enhanced our ability to image and understand the spatial relationship of the atrial septal defect anatomy.

Axially symmetric on-axis flat-top beam

A synthesis method for arbitrary on-axis intensity distributions from axially symmetric fields is developed in the paraxial approximation. As an important consequence, a new pseudo-nondiffracting beam, the axially symmetric on-axis flat-top beam (AFTB), is given by an integral transform form. This AFTB is completely determined by three simple parameters: the central spatial frequency S(c), the on-axis flat-top length L, and the on-axis central position z(c). When LS(c) >> 1, this AFTB can give a nearly flat-top intensity distribution on the propagation axis. In particular, this AFTB approaches the nondiffracting zero-order Bessel J0 beam when L--> infinity. It is revealed that the superposition of multiple AFTB fields can give multiple on-axis flat-top intensity regions when some appropriate conditions are satisfied.

Characterization of an immortalized human vaginal epithelial cell line

PURPOSE

Adherence of type 1 piliated Escherichia coli to vaginal mucosa plays a major role in the pathogenesis of ascending urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women. Progress in understanding the mechanism of adherence to the vaginal surface could be enhanced by the utilization of well-characterized vaginal epithelial cells. The objective of this study was to immortalize vaginal epithelial cells and study their bacterial adherence properties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Primary vaginal cells were obtained from a normal post-menopausal woman, immortalized by infection with E6/E7 genes from human papillomavirus 16 (HPV 16) and cultured in serum free keratinocyte growth factor medium.

RESULTS

Positive immunostaining with a pool of antibodies to cytokeratins 1, 5, 10 and 14 (K1, K5, K10 and K14) and to K13 confirmed the epithelial origin of these cells. The immortalized cells showed binding of type 1 piliated E. coli in a pili specific and mannose sensitive manner.

CONCLUSION

This model system should facilitate studies on the interaction of pathogens with vaginal mucosal cells, an essential step in the progression of ascending UTIs in women.

[Changes of AC/cAMP system and phosphorylation regulation of adenylate cyclase activity in brain regions from morphine-dependent mice]

OBJECTIVE

To further understand the changes of AC/cAMP system in the brain regions from morphine-dependent mice.

METHODS

By inducing morphine dependence in mice, we observed changes in AC/cAMP signal system, the phosphorylation regulation of adenylate cyclase (AC) activity in brain regions and effect of protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor on the development of morphine dependence.

RESULTS

(1) In morphine-dependent mice, AC activity, cAMP contents, and cytosolic PKA activity in striatum, hippocampus, and cerebral cortex were significantly higher than those of control. But there were no similar changes in cerebellum, and PKA inhibitor injected intracerebroventricular 15 min prior to morphine injection could inhibit the changes of AC activity; (2) These changes described above were not observed in mice treated with naloxone 30 min prior to daily morphine injection; (3) In striatum and cerebral cortex of morphine-dependent mice, level of AC phosphorylation in vitro was apparently higher as compared to control group. It indicated that the level of AC phosphorylation in vivo was decreased in morphine-dependent mice; (4) PKA inhibitor was given to mice intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) 15 min. prior to daily morphine injection could prevent the development of morphine dependence in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The up-regulation of AC/cAMP-PKA signal system in some brain regions occurred in the state of morphine dependence and the effect was mediated via specific activation of opiate receptors. Furthermore, that PKA affecting AC phosphorylated state and leading to the increase of AC activity suggest that the increase of PKA activities during chronic morphine treatment could lead to the positive feedback regulation in AC/cAMP system and further potentiate the AC/cAMP system, and these may be one of important mechanisms by which chronic opiate induce dependence in target neurons.

Maskin is a CPEB-associated factor that transiently interacts with elF-4E

In Xenopus, the CPE is a bifunctional 3' UTR sequence that maintains maternal mRNA in a dormant state in oocytes and activates polyadenylation-induced translation during oocyte maturation. Here, we report that CPEB, which binds the CPE and stimulates polyadenylation, interacts with a new factor we term maskin. Maskin contains a peptide sequence that is conserved among elF-4E-binding proteins. Affinity chromatography demonstrates that CPEB, maskin, and elF-4E reside in a complex in oocytes, and yeast two-hybrid analyses indicate that CPEB and maskin bind directly, as do maskin and elF-4E. While CPEB and maskin remain together during oocyte maturation, the maskin-elF-4E interaction is substantially reduced. The dissolution of this complex may result in the binding of elF-4E to elF-4G and the translational activation of CPE-containing mRNAs.

Ethanol-altered liver-associated T cells mediate liver injury in rats administered Concanavalin A (Con A) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)

BACKGROUND

Recent work from our laboratory implicates T cells in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease. We have studied the role of liver-associated T cells in acute hepatitis produced in control rats administered Concanavalin A (Con A) after adoptive transfer of T cells from alcohol-consuming animals.

METHODS

Liver-associated T cells from ethanol-consuming rats were transferred via tail vein to nonethanol-consuming rats. They then received Con A (20 mg/kg body weight) intravenously. This produced a severe hepatitis. Serum was collected for the assay of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and cytokines.

RESULTS

Hepatic necrosis was accompanied by an increase in plasma levels of ALT, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. These increases correlated with increased production of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in culture of liver-associated T cells stimulated or unstimulated with Con A. Immunohistology staining showed increased infiltration of inflammatory cells comprised of neutrophils and mononuclear cells, which included greater numbers of CD4+ T cells in the portal tract areas and around the central vein. Focal and lobular necrosis was seen with inflammatory cells in the necrotic area. Hepatocytes isolated from the liver showed increased apoptosis compared with rats that received liver-associated T cells from nonethanol-consuming rats. Injection of endotoxin LPS, in the same model, was associated with less hepatocyte injury indicating a distinct role for T cells as opposed to Kupffer cells in this model of liver disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic ethanol consumption induces a lesion in a pool of liver-associated T cells which can mediate liver injury after polyclonal mitogen activation.

Studies on treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia with arsenic trioxide: remission induction, follow-up, and molecular monitoring in 11 newly diagnosed and 47 relapsed acute promyelocytic leukemia patients

Fifty-eight acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients (11 newly diagnosed and 47 relapsed) were studied for arsenic trioxide (As2O3) treatment. Clinical complete remission (CR) was obtained in 8 of 11 (72.7%) newly diagnosed cases. However, As2O3 treatment resulted in hepatic toxicity in 7 cases including 2 deaths, in contrast to the mild liver dysfunction in one third of the relapsed patients. Forty of forty-seven (85.1%) relapsed patients achieved CR. Two of three nonresponders showed clonal evolution at relapse, with disappearance of t(15;17) and PML-RARalpha fusion gene in 1 and shift to a dominant AML-1-ETO population in another, suggesting a correlation between PML-RARalpha expression and therapeutic response. In a follow-up of 33 relapsed cases over 7 to 48 months, the estimated disease-free survival (DFS) rates for 1 and 2 years were 63.6% and 41.6%, respectively, and the actual median DFS was 17 months. Patients with white blood cell (WBC) count below 10 x 10(9)/L at relapse had better survival than those with WBC count over 10 x 10(9)/L (P =.038). The duration of As2O3-induced CR was related to postremission therapy, because there was only 2 of 11 relapses in patients treated with As2O3 combined with chemotherapy, compared with 12 of 18 relapses with As2O3 alone (P =.01). Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis in both newly diagnosed and relapsed groups showed long-term use of As2O3 could lead to a molecular remission in some patients. We thus recommend that ATRA be used as first choice for remission induction in newly diagnosed APL cases, whereas As2O3 can be either used as a rescue for relapsed cases or included into multidrug consolidation/maintenance clinical trials.

[Dynamic monitoring of serum soluble HLA class I antigens in renal transplant recipients]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relations between serum soluble HLA class I antigens (sHLA-I) and the period of acute rejection and infection in renal transplant recipients.

METHODS

We measured the serum levels of sHLA-I in 36 renal transplant recipients with ELISA dynamically.

RESULTS

The serum sHAL-I levels were higher in uremia patients than in normal controls [(2.94 +/- 0.34) microg/L vs. (0.76 +/- 0.33) microg/L, P < 0.05]. After renal transplantation, the serum sHLA-I levels decreased significantly in stable patients [(0.63 +/- 0.33) microg/L], but increased significantly 3 days before acute rejection and 5 or 7 days after infection.

CONCLUSIONS

The serum sHLA-I levels can be used as a parameter for monitoring acute rejection and infection in renal transplantation.

Roles of glycoproteins and oligosaccharides found in human vaginal fluid in bacterial adherence

Adherence of type 1-piliated Escherichia coli to carbohydrate structures of vaginal mucosa plays a major role in the pathogenesis of ascending urinary tract infections in women. Colonization of the vaginal introitus is influenced by interactions between pathogens, vaginal fluid, and vaginal epithelium. In this study, the type and amount of carbohydrates and glycoproteins present in vaginal fluid were determined. Free and protein-bound oligosaccharides in vaginal fluid specimens were analyzed by fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE) and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Two-dimensional electrophoretic separations of vaginal fluid glycoproteins were performed together with bacterial overlay assays. The results of FACE showed that the majority of the oligosaccharides are in the free state and the bound oligosaccharides are undetectable. HPLC analysis of free sugars revealed glucose as the major sugar (3.3 +/- 0.3 mM), and the concentrations of mannose and glucosamine were 0.065 +/- 0.04 and 0.02 +/- 0.001 mM, respectively. Radiolabeled E. coli bound three vaginal fluid glycoproteins with the following molecular masses and pIs: 82 kDa and pI 5.5, 55 kDa and pI 4.5, and 55 kDa and pI 6.5. The binding was inhibited by mannose and by deglycosylation of the proteins prior to the overlay assay. One of these putative receptors was identified to be the heavy chain of secretory IgA (S-IgA). These data suggest that the free mannose in the fluid is less than that required to affect E. coli-epithelial cell binding interactions and that S-IgA may bind E. coli in the vaginal introitus.

Follow-up study on a susceptibility locus for schizophrenia on chromosome 6q

Evidence for suggestive linkage to schizophrenia with chromosome 6q markers was previously reported from a two-stage approach. Using nonparametric affected sib pairs (ASP) methods, nominal p-values of 0.00018 and 0.00095 were obtained in the screening (81 ASPs; 63 independent) and the replication (109 ASPs; 87 independent) data sets, respectively. Here, we report a follow-up study of this 50cM 6q region using 12 microsatellite markers to test for linkage to schizophrenia. We increased the replication sample size by adding an independent sample of 43 multiplex pedigrees (66 ASPs; 54 independent). Pairwise and multipoint nonparametric linkage analyses conducted in this third data set showed evidence consistent with excess sharing in this 6q region, though the statistical level is weaker (p=0.013). When combining both replication data sets (total of 141 independent ASPs), an overall nominal p-value=0.000014 (LOD=3. 82) was obtained. The sibling recurrence risk (lambdas) attributed to this putative 6q susceptibility locus is estimated to be 1.92. The linkage region could not be narrowed down since LOD score values greater than three were observed within a 13cM region. The length of this region was only slightly reduced (12cM) when using the total sample of independent ASPs (204) obtained from all three data sets. This suggests that very large sample sizes may be needed to narrow down this region by ASP linkage methods. Study of the etiological candidate genes in this region is ongoing.

[Effects of long-term morphine exposure on the cAMP system and c-Fos phosphorylation in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells]

OBJECTIVE

To further understand the effects of long-term morphine exposure on the cAMP system and c-Fos phosphorylation in differentiated SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells.

METHODS

Cellular changes of cAMP, PKA and c-Fos were detected by protein competitive conjunction, enzyme activity and isotope incorporation methods respectively.

RESULTS

(1) Long-term exposure (2 min-36 h) to morphine (100 mumol/L) could induce the biphasic changes in cAMP contents. Treament for 2 min to 1 h, morphine caused rapid and siginificant decrease of the cAMP level and then gradully recovered and apparently increased at 36 h. At that time, naloxone added to the incubation media caused an overshoot of cellular cAMP; (2) Long-term exposure to morphine could also induce the biphasic changes in cytosolic PKA activity. This is consistent with the changes of cAMP during the chronic treatment of cells with morphine. But no changes were observed in membrane PKA activity; (3) In morphine dependent-like cells decreased c-Fos phosphorylation level was observed. PKA inhibitor could significantly inhibit this change; (4) Concomitant administration of naloxone could block the changes in PKA activity and c-Fos phosphorylation described above.

CONCLUSIONS

The up-regulation of cAMP system in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells may be involved in the development of morphine dependent and in morphine dependent-like SH-SY5Y cells and PKA was suggested to regulate c-Fos dephosphorylation through activating phosphatase and then activate some genes transcription, which might be one of the important mechanism regardingas cellular adaptive responses underlying dependence to opioid drugs.

Alcoholic hepatitis as a T-cell mediated disorder: an hypothesis

BACKGROUND

The mechanism by which alcohol induces alcoholic hepatitis, the precursor lesion for cirrhosis, has never been elucidated. In particular, direct toxicity has not been proven. This article reviews the hypothesis that a primary target of chronic alcohol ingestion is the T lymphocyte. The lesion in the T lymphocyte is characterized by reduced baseline secretion of cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha; although characterized by an exaggerated release of cytokines when stimulated by polyclonal activators such as endotoxin. High concentrations of cytokines, especially tumor necrosis factor-alpha, within the liver induce necrosis/apoptosis of hepatocytes.

METHODS

Data supporting this hypothesis in rodent models are reviewed.

CONCLUSION

A strategic approach for testing this concept in man is defined.

[Evidence for involvement of NO/NOS-cGMP signal system in morphine dependence]

The present study was undertaken to observe changes in cGMP contents, calcium-dependent and non-calcium-dependent NOS activities in brain regions isolated from morphine-dependent mice as well as the effect of NOS inhibitor (L-NMMA) on the development of this dependence. It was found that (1) cGMP contents in cerebellum, striatum, hippocampus and cerebral cortex were significantly decreased. (2) Calcium-dependent NOS activity was noticeably increased in striatum and cerebral cortex, which was inhibited by PKA inhibitor. No similar changes were found in cerebellum and hippocampus. Changes of non-calcium-dependent NOS activity did not occur in morphine-dependent mice brain. (3) In the striatum and cerebral cortex of morphine-dependent mice, the level of 150 kD protein phosphorylation in vitro was noticeably decreased, which was inhibited by IP20 (PKA inhibitor). (4) NOS inhibitor injected (icv) 15 min prior to daily morphine injection could prevent the development of morphine dependence. (5) All the changes above were not observed in mice treated with naloxone 30 min prior to daily morphine injection. Our data suggest that the reduction of cGMP contents and the increase of calcium-dependent NOS activity in striatum and cerebral cortex isolated from morphine-dependent mice may be mediated by opioid receptors and involved in the development of morphine-dependence. Why the increase of NOS activity was in association with the reduction of cGMP contents remains to be answered and it implies that the effect of NO/NOS involved in morphine-dependence may be produced through other mechanisms other than those producing cGMP signal. NOS phosphorylation in some other brain regions, which may be regulated by PKA, probably contributes to the increase of NOS activity in morphine-dependent mice.

Chromosomal aberrations during progression of chronic myeloid leukemia identified by cytogenetic and molecular cytogenetic tools: implication of 1q12-21

To study the genomic abnormality underlying the acute transformation of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), 15 CML patients in blast crisis (BC), 3 in accelerated phase (AP), and 20 in chronic phase (CP) were analyzed by conventional cytogenetics, comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), and dual-color chromosomal painting. Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome was identified in every case studied. Only 5 among 20 CP patients had additional abnormalities while 13 of 18 patients with disease progression (BC + AP) showed extra numerical and/or structural chromosomal aberrations. Cytogenetically, the most common chromosome gains during BC and AP were double or triple Ph chromosomes (5 of 14 cases) and trisomy 8 (5 of 14 cases). Trisomies 7 and 17 (1 of 14 cases each) were also observed. CGH analysis detected genetic imbalances in eight cases. Gains of chromosome 20 (3 cases) and 17q (2 cases) were observed, respectively. The recurrent chromosome loss was the deletion of the short arm of chromosome 17, seen in one case with i(17)(q10) and one case with an unbalanced translocation (1;17). In one case, a very complex chromosomal rearrangement, del(3),del(6),der(6)t(17;3;6),der(17)t(6;17), was seen. A novel finding of this work is the involvement of chromosome 1(q12-21qter) in CML disease progression. Overrepresentation of 1(q12-21qter) region was detected by CGH in one case which had a derivative chromosome 17. This abnormal chromosome was later confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) painting to be a fusion between chromosome 1 and 17 to form the der(17)t(1;17) (q12-21;p11). Two other cases showed the same region being involved in translocations, t(1;10)(q12-21;q26) and t(1;11)(q12-21;p15). It is possible that one or more genes residing on chromosome 1q12-21 may be important in the acute transformation of CML. In conclusion, we find that the combined use of CGH, chromosome painting, and classic cytogenetic analysis allows a better evaluation of the genomic aberration involved in CML blastic transformation, and offers new directions for its further molecular investigations.

[Chromosomal abnormalities in 38 CML cases of various phases]

OBJECTIVE

To study the genomic abnormality underlying the blast crisis of chronic myeloid leukemia(CML).

METHODS

15 CML patients in blast crisis (BC), 3 in accelerated phase (AP) and 20 in chronic phase (CP) were analyzed by conventional cytogentics, comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and dual color chromosomal painting.

RESULTS

Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome was identified in every case studied. Only 5 among 20 CP patients had additional abnormalities while 12 out of 14 patients with disease progression (BC + AP) showed extra numerical and/or structural chromosmal aberrations. Cytogenetically, the most common chromosome gains during BC and AP were double or triple Ph chromosome(5/14), trisomy 8(5/14), trisomy 7(1/14) and 17 (1/14). Three cases showed the same region being involved in translocations t(1;17)(q12-21;q10), t(1;10) (q12-21;q26) and t(1;11)(q12-21;p15). CGH analysis detected genetic imbalances in 8 cases. In one case, a very complex chromosmal translocation del(3), del(6)(q13-21), der(6)t(17;3;6), der(17)t(6;17) was characterized by chromosomal painting.

CONCLUSION

We find that the combined use of CGH, chromosomal painting, and classic cytogenetic analysis allows a better evaluation of the genomic aberration involved in CML blastic transformation, and offers new directions for its further molecular investigation.

[Contraceptive efficacy of Sino-female condom: comparison with condom]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the contraceptive efficacy of Sino-female condom with condom.

METHODS

603 volunteer couples were randomly divided into two groups: 304 couples using female condom for contraception, and 299 using condom. Using lifetable method and log rank test, we compared the pregnancy rates and other discontinuation rates after follow-up for 6 months in two groups.

RESULTS

No abnormal findings of cervical and vaginal smears were detected before and after this clinical trial in all 603 women. The follow-up rates at 6 months were 99.01% and 99.67% in the female condom group and condom group, respectively. The 6-month gross cumulative pregnancy rates were 1.06 and 1.69 per 100 women and the discontinuation rates due to allergy were 1.39 and 0.34, respectively. No difference was statistically significant (P > 0.05). However, the discontinuation rate for other causes in the female condom group was significantly higher than that in the condom group (P < 0.01). The main cause was that more than half of subjects were used to applying condom before this study.

CONCLUSION

The contraceptive efficacy of Sino-female condom is as same as that of condom, and its clinical use is quite safe.

Geometrical-transformation approach to optical two-dimensional beam shaping: comment

I show that the research reported by Arieli et al. [Appl. Opt. 36, 9129 (1997)] has two serious mistakes: One is that an important factor is lost in the formula used in that study to determine the x-direction coordinate transformation; the other is the conclusion that the geometrical-transformation approach given by Arieli et al. can provide a smooth phase distribution. A potential research direction for obtaining a smooth phase distribution for a generic two-dimensional beam-shaping problem is stated.

IL-6, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha production by liver-associated T cells and acute liver injury in rats administered concanavalin A

The relationship between the development of acute hepatitis and the production of TNF-alpha IFN-gamma and IL-6 by liver-associated T lymphocytes following intravenous injection of concanavalin A (Con A) was studied in rats. Following a single injection of Con A, there was a dose and time-dependent correlation in the serum levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), IL-6, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha. These increases correlated with an increase in the numbers of CD4+, CD8+ and CD25+ T cells in blood and CD4+ and CD25+ T cells in the liver perfusate, but not with CD8+ T cells in liver perfusate. Increased levels of IL-6, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha were constitutively produced by liver-associated CD4+ T cells when cultured. In Con A-stimulated cultures, liver-associated CD4+ T cells secreted increasing levels of TNF-alpha in a time-dependent manner following Con A injection, but TNF-alpha production by peripheral blood lymphocytes was transient with peak levels detected at 1 h which then declined over 24 h. Histological examination of the liver revealed fatty change, hepatocyte degeneration and necrosis, with an associated cell infiltrate of neutrophils and CD4+ T cells both in the portal areas and around the central veins. These results support the hypothesis that Con A-induced liver damage is mediated by CD4+ T cells acting within the liver, at least in part through the secretion of TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma and IL-6.

[Modulation of cGMP levels, soluble guanylate cyclase and phosphodiesterase activities in brain of morphine-dependent mice]

By inducing morphine dependence in mice, the changes of cGMP contents, phosphodiesterase (PDE) and soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) activities and their phosphorylation regulated by protein kinase A (PKA) were observed. It was found that: (1) cGMP contents in cerebellum, striatum, hippocampus and cerebral cortex were significantly lower. (2) The sGC activities were apparently decreased in cerebellum and striatum. In the striatum and cerebral cortex the sGC activities and phosphorylation levels in vitro were significantly increased and were inhibited by PKA inhibitor. (3) The PDE activities showed no change in cerebellum and hippocampus, but in striatum and cerebral cortex PDE activities and phosphorylation levels in vitro were significantly increased and were inhibited by PKA inhibitor. (4) These changes described above were not observed in mice treated with naloxone 30 min prior to daily morphine injection. Our data indicate that the decrease of cGMP contents occurred generally in brain regions of morphine-dependent mice. The decrease of cGMP contents in cerebellum and hippocampus may be due to the decrease of sGC activities, but the decrease of cGMP contents in striatum and cerebral cortex may be mainly due to the increase of PDE activity. Both sGC and PDE activities were regulated by PKA.

Effects on rapid cooling of small samples in quenching

Rapid cooling of small samples is necessary both to cryofixation for electron microscopy and to vitrification for cryopreservation. Several effects on the cooling rates of small samples quenched into liquid nitrogen were studied, including the diameter of samples, the subcooling of liquid nitrogen, the quenching speed, and the quenching distance. The heat flux is 1.4 x 10(6) W/m2; the cooling rate is also up to 8200 K/s at the CHF point of boiling curves for sphere of diameter 0.287 mm quenching into subcooled liquid nitrogen. It is also found that if the time of sample moving inside the liquid nitrogen is not longer than the time required for forming stable vapor in the liquid, the quenching boiling heat transfer is not influenced by the quenching speed. Several equation for calculating heat flux of samples are also presented.

[Surgical treatment of aortopulmonary septal defect]

OBJECTIVE

To study the surgical treatment of aortopulmonary septal defect.

METHOD

From January 1983 to December 1996, 5 patients with aortopulmonary septal defect (APSD) (2 male and 3 female) aged from 6 to 34 years (mean 17.4 years) underwent surgical treatment. According to Mori's were classification, 5 patients belonged to type I, 2 type II and 1 type III. The diameters of the defect ranged from 1.0 to 3.0 cm. The operations were performed under moderate hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass. Pulmonary artery incision was performed, in 3 patients while aortic incision in the other 2. All defects were repaired by Dacron patch.

RESULT

There were no operative deaths and postoperative complications. During follow-up of 10 months to 12 years, no late complications and deaths were found.

CONCLUSION

The operation should be done early as possible whenever the diagnosis is established. The surgical repair should be taken under cardiopulmonary bypass. To chose an incision on the aorta is more reasonable than on the pulmonary artery. The use the dacron patch can prevent stenosis and recanalization after operation.

Altered T-lymphocyte responsiveness to polyclonal cell activators is responsible for liver cell necrosis in alcohol-fed rats

The role of T-cell activation in alcoholic liver disease was investigated in rats fed alcohol and subsequently exposed to concanavalin A (Con A). Following Con A injection (20 mg/kg body weight), greater increases in liver-to-body weight ratio and ALT levels were observed at 12 and 24 hr in rats fed ethanol, compared with control rats fed sucrose. Furthermore, increases in serum interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels were noted in ethanol-fed rats, with maximal levels detected at 4 hr declining thereafter, but remaining above control levels at 24 hr. Analysis of T-cell subpopulations showed an increased percentage of CD4+, CD5+, and CD8+ T cells in blood from all groups, but not in liver perfusate. In contrast, a significant increase in the percentage of activated CD25+ T cells was detected in both blood and liver perfusate from rats fed ethanol even 24 hr after Con A injection. When CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from liver perfusate were cultured in the absence or presence of Con A, an increase in interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha production in supernatants was observed in ethanol-fed rats. In cultures stimulated with Con A, a 2- to 8-fold increase in cytokine production was detected, with intrahepatic CD4+ T cells being the major source. Immunohistological analysis revealed infiltration of CD4+ T cells around portal vein and central vein areas associated with fatty liver and severe hepatic necrosis. The results suggest that alcohol consumption induced a dysregulated T-cell population that mediated hepatic necrosis following polyclonal activation with Con A.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation and status epilepticus

Status epilepticus has been associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), but little is known regarding the pathogenesis of this uncommon association. We describe a 41-year-old woman with status epilepticus resulting in death in whom laboratory data demonstrated profound activation of the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems; autopsy findings were consistent with DIC. The occurrence of DIC in status epilepticus may be related to widespread endothelial damage secondary to seizure-induced hyperpyrexia. Body temperature should be closely monitored in patients with prolonged seizures.

[Studies on complex chromosomal translocation and their relevance to clinical prognosis in acute promyelocytic leukemia]

OBJECTIVE

To study the relationship between the complex chromosome translocation in acute promyelocytic leukemia(APL, M3) and clinical therapy and prognosis.

METHODS

Chromosome translocation and PML-RAR fusion transcript in three APL patients were studied by using karyotypic analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization and reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

The findings revealed that all these cases had PML/RAR A gene rearrangement. Apart from the chromosomes 15 and 17 involved in the translocation, other multiple chromosomes including 5, 11, 16, 22 were also implicated in complex translocations, which to some extent seemed to be related with clinical prognosis.

CONCLUSION

This study provides additional information for monitoring clinical therapy and prognostic evaluation.

[Application of comparative genomic hybridization to hyperdiploid acute lymphoblastic leukemia]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the implication of comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) in leukemia study.

METHODS

Genomic abnormalities in 14 ALL patients were assayed by CGH, and the results were compared with those of conventional karyotype analysis.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Regional and/or whole chromosome over-representation was found to be more frequent than under-representation (43 gains versus 6 losses), the most common gains involved being chromosomes 21 and X. Comparison between the results of CGH and conventional R-banding analysis showed that: 1. In 2 cases with trisomy, both the methods gave identical results. 2. In 8 cases, both the results were consistent excepting for minor discrepancies. 3. In 3 cases, including 2 each with triploidy and tetraploidy respectively, and one with chimeric karyotype of normal/+22, the results from the two methods were discrepant.

Effects of electroacupuncture at neiguan on myocardial microcirculation in rabbits with acute myocardial ischemia

This paper reports the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at Neiguan (P 6) on myocardial microcirculation and electrical activity observed in rabbits with acute myocardial ischemia (AMI) by employing the vascular casting method and taking monophasic action potential (MAP) as an index. It was found that in the ischemic border zone of the heart, the electrical excitability was strengthened, the shortening of the phase repolarization inhibited, and the number of the micrangia increased in some degree following EA. This suggests that EA can relieve arteriolospasm, inhibit extreme dilatation of blood capillaries, modulate imbalance of micro-vasomotion of the coronary artery, improve myocardial blood-supply, and promote normalization of electrical activities of the ischemia myocardium. This fact not only elucidates the recovery mechanism of the ischemic myocardium promoted by EA at Neiguan (P 6), but also provides morphological basis for the theory of relationship between Neiguan of the Pericardium Meridian and the heart.

Decreased tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1alpha production from intrahepatic mononuclear cells in chronic ethanol consumption and upregulation by endotoxin

The relationship between the changes in liver pathology and the production of interleukin (IL)-1alpha, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) by intrahepatic mononuclear cells was studied in rats fed alcohol and subsequently exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Rats were fed 40% ethanol in drinking water, whereas control rats were provided with a chow diet with isocaloric or 2% sucrose drinking solutions for up to 20 weeks. Decreased IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha production in 24-hr culture supernatants of mononuclear cells isolated from liver perfusate was detected while IL-6 remained unchanged over 20 weeks. When animals were injected with LPS (1.0 microg/kg body weight), there was a 5-fold rise in ALT levels in the ethanol-fed group, but not in control groups. Increased IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels in the serum and supernatant of cultured intrahepatic mononuclear cells stimulated with or without LPS or concanavalin A was observed. There was a correlation between levels of ALT and TNF-alpha, but not IL-6. T cells and Kupffer cells were the major source of TNF-alpha in culture supernatants of hepatic perfusate mononuclear cells from ethanol-consuming rats injected LPS. In addition, pathological liver injury was evident, which suggests a pathogenic role for TNF-alpha in alcohol-induced liver disease.

The sensitivity of denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis: a blinded analysis

Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) is considered one of the most sensitive and specific of the mutational scanning techniques, yet blinded analyses have not been reported. We report the results of a blinded study of the efficiency of DGGE to detect mutations in the Human Coagulation Factor IX. Two overlapping genomic DNA sequences from exon 8 of Factor IX (290 bp and 539 bp length) with an unknown number of mutations were amplified with a 40 bp GC-clamp and tested blindly by DGGE. DGGE detected all mutations in the 290 bp genomic DNA segment. DGGE detected all but one mutation in the 539 bp genomic segment after experimental conditions were fully optimized but missed multiple mutations in an initial blinded experiment. These results demonstrate the utility of blinded analyses and confirm the exquisite power of DGGE for detecting mutations.

Detection of chromosome over- and underrepresentations in hyperdiploid acute lymphoblastic leukemia by comparative genomic hybridization

Chromosomal analysis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is often difficult because of the suboptimal in vitro growth of the immature lymphoid cell and the poor morphology obtained. In this study, we describe the application of comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) to investigate the genomic abnormalities in 14 patients with ALL, all of whom had cytogenetically identified numerical aberrations or gross chromosomal structural alteration. With the use of CGH, regional or whole chromosome overrepresentation or both were found to be more frequent than underrepresentation (52 gains vs. 6 losses), the most common gains being chromosomes 21 and X. The results of the comparison between CGH and conventional R-banding analysis could be classified into three categories: (1) in three cases, including two with trisomy, CGH and banding analysis gave identical results; (2) in six cases with hyperdiploidy and two cases presenting chromosome structural abnormalities, the results were consistent but with minor discrepancies; (3) in three cases, including two with triploidy and tetraploidy and one with chimeric karyotype together with +22, the data from CGH and cytogenetical analysis were discrepant. CGH could not find the triploidy and tetraploidy. Our results suggest that CGH has certain value in the detection of gains or losses of chromosome materials in hyperdiploid ALL. Nevertheless, the combination of CGH and conventional karyotyping provides more precise information on the genomic imbalance in ALL.

[Detection of CBF beta-MYH11 fusion transcript and inv(16)(p13;q22) in acute myelomonocytic leukemia(M4) by RT-PCR and FISH]

OBJECTIVE

To study the clinical significance of inv(16) and CBF beta-MYH11 fusion gene in the diagnosis and prognosis for M4Eo.

METHODS

CBF beta-MYH11 fusion transcripts and inv (16) were analyzed by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH), respectively, in acute myelomonocytic leukemia(M4) with or without eosinophilia.

RESULTS

In fifteen cases tested, one case of M4Eo and one of 9 M4 without eosinophilia were found to have CBF beta-MYH11 fusion transcript. Follow-up of the M4Eo patient showed residual PCR positivity 2 months after complete remission.

CONCLUSION

The data suggest that screening by both RT-PCR and FISH should be performed in all AML-M4 regardless of morphologic features to allow accurate diagnosis and prognosis of M4 patients.

[Influence of neuronal excitation and inhibition of rostral ventrolateral medulla on the effect of electroacupuncture of "Neiguan" acupoint]

Experiments were performed on 44 rabbits anesthetized with a mixture of urethane and chloralose. The effects of microinjection of glutamate and glycine in bilateral rostral ventrolateral medulla (rVLM) on the reaction of electroacupuncture (EA) of "Neiguan" acupoint (PC 6) after myocardial ischemia by ligature of the left ventricular branch of coronary artery were observed. Results showed that (1) EA could significantly promote the recovery of ECG ST-segments, mean blood pressure (MBP), left ventricular pressure (LVP) and the maximum rising rate of LVP (dp/dt max); (2) Glutamate could enhance the effects of EA on MBP, LVP and dp/dt max to a certain extent; (3) The effects of EA could be weakened significantly by glycine. It suggests that EA-induced improvement of the cardiovascular function can be strengthened further in some degree when neurons of rVLM are excited and weakened pronouncedly while the neurons are inhibited. Therefore, rVLM participates in the regulatory process of EA on functional activity of the heart.

[Influence of microinjection of clonidine and yohimbine in rVLM on the effect of electroacupuncture treatment of myocardial ischemia]

In the present paper, influence of microinjection of clonidine (Clon, 0.38 mMol, 2 microliters) and yohimbine (Yoh, 5.1 mMol, 2 microliters) in rostral ventrolateral medulla (rVLM) on the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at Neiguan (PC 6) was observed in the rabbit with acute myocardial ischemia. Results showed that (1) EA of Neiguan could significantly accelerate the recovery of AMI-induced changes in ECG ST-segement, mean blood pressure, left ventricular pressure (LVP) and dp/dt max; (2) Clon strengthened the effect of EA on ST and LVP in some degree; and (3) Yoh significantly weakened the effect of EA on ST and LVP. It reveals that when alpha 2 receptors of rVLM are excited, the favourable effect of EA in regulating post-ischemic myocardial electrical and mechanical activity can be enhanced in some degree; and when they are inhibited, the effect of EA disappears, indicating an involvement of alpha 2 receptors of rVLM in EA of Neiguan-induced regulation on the functional activity of the heart.

Suggestive evidence for a schizophrenia susceptibility locus on chromosome 6q and a confirmation in an independent series of pedigrees

We have investigated whether there is a locus on chromosome 6 that confers an increased susceptibility to schizophrenia using a two-stage approach and nonparametric linkage analysis. Allele sharing identical by descent (IBD) and multipoint maximum likelihood score (MLS) statistics were employed. Results from two tested data sets, a first data set, or genome scanning data set, and a second replication data set, show excess allele sharing for multiple markers in 6q, a chromosomal region not previously reported as linked to schizophrenia. In our genome scanning data set, excess allele sharing was found for markers on 6q13-q26. The greatest allele sharing was at interval 6q21-q22.3 at marker D6S416 (IBD percentage 69; P = 0.00024). The multipoint MLS values were greater than 2.4 in the 11.4-cM interval delimited by D6S301 and D6S303, with a maximum value of 3.06 close to D6S278 and of 3.05 at D6S454/D6S423. We did not confirm, however, the previously described linkage in 6p, when tested in the systematic genome scanning data set. The replication data set also showed excess allele sharing in chromosomal area 6q13-q26, which overlapped with the aforementioned positive linkage area of the genome scanning data set. The highest sharing of the second data set was at D6S424 (IBD percentage 64; P = 0.0004), D6S283 (IBD percentage 62; P = 0.0009), and D6S423 (IBD percentage 63; P = 0.0009). Multipoint MLS analysis yielded MLS values greater than 1 in an area of about 35 cM, which overlaps with the MLS multipoint area of linkage from the genome scanning data set. The multipoint MLS at the D6S454/D6S423 locus was 2.05. In the second data set, the maximum multipoint MLS was located about 10 cM centromeric from the maximum of the genome scanning data set, at the interval D6S424-D6S275 (2.35). Our results provide very suggestive evidence for a susceptibility locus for schizophrenia in chromosome 6q from two independent data sets.

[Detection of bcr gene rearrangement in chronic myeloid leukemia by fluorescence in situ hybridization]

OBJECTIVE

To detect bcr gene rearrangement in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

METHODS

Bcr rearrangement was detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), using 765E3, a yeast artificial chromosome (YAC)-derived probe flanking the breakpoint within bcr gene.

RESULTS

Nine patients with CML were examined, bcr gene rearrangement was revealed in 5 cases in chronic phase, 2 in blastic phase, and one after interferon-alpha therapy. The karyotype of 1 case after autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT) was chimera with normal and bcr gene rearrangement chromosomes.

CONCLUSION

YAC765E3 is a useful probe for detecting bcr gene rearrangement. FISH technique is likely an important tool for monitoring of treatment and revealing minimal residual disease in CML.

[Detection of MLL gene rearrangement in acute myelomonocytic and monocytic leukemia]

OBJECTIVE

To reveal the incidence of MLL gene rearrangement and its clinical, features in acute myelomonocytic leukemia (M4) and acute monocytic leukemia (M5).

METHODS

10 patients with M4 and 27 cases with M5 were studied with the Southern blot technique to detect MLL gene abnormalities.

RESULTS

5 M5 patients were found to have MLL rearrangement, and these patients were characterized clinically by: (1) Younger at onset, (2) a higher white blood cell count (often > 100 x 10(9)/L), (3) frequent extramedullary involvement with hepatosplenomegaly and central nervous system leukemia (CNSL), and (4) a lower remission rate with a short survival time.

CONCLUSION

There is a high incidence of MLL rearrangement in M5, and this gene abnormality stands for a marker of poor prognosis.

Biological and clinical significance of cytogenetic study on 100 acute lymphoblastic leukemia and 219 acute non-lymphoblastic leukemia

OBJECTIVE

To further investigate the role that cytogenetic may play in the diagnosis and prognosis of leukemia, a study was conducted in 319 acute leukemias.

METHODS

100 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 219 patients with acute non-lymphoblastic leukemia (ANLL) were from Rui Jin Hospital, Xin Hua Hospital, Ren Ji Hospital and Shanghai Children's Hospital. Their cytogenetic data were analyzed together with those of morphology, immunology and clinical prognosis.

RESULTS

In ALL group, 48 cases were karyotypically normal whereas 52 cases revealed chromosomal changes, among which 32 had quantitative abnormalities and 20 had qualitative abnormalities. The translocation t(9; 22) was identified in 11 out of 20 cases of structural aberrations (55%). Specific structural aberrations t(9; 22) and t(8; 14) were detected to be related to B-lineage associated differentiation antigens and t(8; 14) also with ALL-L3 according to FAB classification. With regard to clinical prognosis, the survival rate of structural aberration subset decreased significantly compared with the normal karyotype subset (P < 0.05). However, no statistically significant difference was found between hyperdiploidy subset (not including near-triploidy) and normal karyotype subset (P > 0.75). In ANLL group, 80% of de novo patients and relapsed patients had chromosomal abnormalities. Importantly, structural aberrations accounted for 73% of these abnormalities and frequently corresponded to specific types of FAB classification. Relevant prognostic studies demonstrated that t(15; 17) subset had the best overall survival probability, followed by t(8; 21) and normal karyotype subset, while the numerical aberration subset showed a relatively poor prognosis.

CONCLUSION

Our data confirmed that cytogenetic study is important for the molecular study of the leukemogenesis. On the other hand, it also provides an independent parameter for prognosis in acute leukemia.