Bronchogenic cysts with infection in the chest wall skin of a 64-year-old asymptomatic patient: A case report

BACKGROUND

Skin bronchogenic cysts are extremely rare congenital bronchocystic changes caused by the abnormal development of the trachea, bronchial trees or lung buds during the embryonic period. The first case of skin bronchogenic cysts was reported in 1945. Since then, this disease has attracted increasing attention, but due to the low incidence, its pathogenesis is still not clear.

CASE SUMMARY

Here, we report another case of skin bronchogenic cysts with infection in a 64-year-old female patient. The patient had no symptoms for more than 60 years until her chest wall was recently found to be swollen, and she felt pain and discomfort. At the same time, secretions were found on the surface of the swelling. Color Doppler ultrasound examination showed abnormal echoes in the soft tissue under the frontal chest wall, suggesting the presence of cysts. Cytological puncture resulted in about 2 mL of pus and showed the presence of more acute inflammatory cells. The final clinical diagnosis was skin cyst with infection, and surgery was carried out. The pathological results obtained after surgery showed that the cystic wall was covered with column-like cilia epithelial cells, and the interstitial structure was partially inundated with inflammatory cells. After a variety of examinations and clinical diagnoses, we finally confirmed that the patient was suffering from bronchogenic cyst.

CONCLUSION

This article not only describes the case of an elderly patient with rare skin bronchogenic cysts with infection but also provides a detailed and correct diagnosis and a successful treatment process, which is of great value for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Hepatoprotective Constituents of Total Dibenzocyclooctadiene Lignans from Schisandra chinensis Based on the Spectrum-Effect Relationship

To scientifically clarify the hepatoprotective constituents of Fructus Schizandrae chinensis, eleven batches samples of total dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans (TDL) from Schisandra chinensis were prepared by using the optimum extraction technique. Characteristic high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) chromatograms were obtained through HPLC analysis technology, and the hepatoprotective effects of the eleven batches of TDL were evaluated by MTT assay. Based on the chemical and biological activity results, the spectrum-effect relationship between the characteristic HPLC fingerprints and the hepatoprotective effect of TDL was established using Minitab 16.0 data analysis software. On the basis of the spectrum-effect relationship, thirteen compounds (1–13) were obtained from the TDL by chemical natural product chemical separation and purification technology, and their structures were identified on the basis of the spectral data and the literature. Based on these compounds, thirteen common peaks among the thirty-three chromatographic peaks in the above HPLC fingerprints were identified. Our findings showed that some components, including, schisandrin B (2), schisandrin A (3), and schisandrol B (7) had significant roles in promoting hepatoprotective activity. Preliminary verification of the spectrum-effect relationship of TDL from S. chinensis was carried out, and the results confirmed that the activity of a composite of these three key components in optimal ratios was better than that of any individual compound, which potentially confirmed the reliability of the spectrum-effect relationship and the synergistic effects of traditional Chinese medicine.

A Novel Prediction Model of COVID-19 Progression: A Retrospective Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

Estimating the risk of disease progression is of utmost importance for planning appropriate setting of care and treatment for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to develop and validate a novel prediction model of COVID-19 progression.

METHODS

In total, 814 patients in the training set were included to develop a novel scoring system; and 420 patients in the validation set were included to validate the model.

RESULTS

A prediction score, called ACCCDL, was developed on the basis of six risk factors associated with COVID-19 progression: age, comorbidity, CD4⁺ T cell count, C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). For predicting COVID-19 progression, the ACCCDL score yielded a significantly higher area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) compared with the CALL score, CoLACD score, PH-COVID-19 score, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio both in the training set (0.92, 0.84, 0.83, 0.83, 0.76, and 0.65, respectively) and in the validation set (0.97, 0.83, 0.83, 0.78, 0.74, and 0.60, respectively). Over 99% of patients with the ACCCDL score < 12 points will not progress to severe cases, and over 30% of patients with the ACCCDL score > 20 points will progress to severe cases.

CONCLUSION

The ACCCDL score could stratify patients with at risk of COVID-19 progression, and was useful in regulating the large flow of patients with COVID-19 between primary health care and tertiary centers.

Efficacy Evaluation of Thymosin Alpha 1 in Non-severe Patients With COVID-19: A Retrospective Cohort Study Based on Propensity Score Matching

Objective: Thymosin alpha 1 (Thymosin-α1) is a potential treatment for patients with COVID-19. We aimed to determine the effect of Thymosin-α1 in non-severe patients with COVID-19.

Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 1,388 non-severe patients with COVID-19. The primary and secondary clinical outcomes were evaluated with comparisons between patients treated with or without Thymosin-α1 therapy.

Results: Among 1,388 enrolled patients, 232 patients (16.7%) received both Thymosin-α1 therapy and standard therapy (Thymosin-α1 group), and 1,156 patients (83.3%) received standard therapy (control group). After propensity score matching (1:1 ratio), baseline characteristics were well-balanced between the Thymosin-α1 group and control group. The proportion of patients that progressed to severe COVID-19 is 2.17% for the Thymosin-α1 group and 2.71% for the control group (p = 0.736). The COVID-19-related mortality is 0.54% for the Thymosin-α1 group and 0 for the control group (p = 0.317). Compared with the control group, the Thymosin-α1 group had significantly shorter SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding duration (13 vs. 16 days, p = 0.025) and hospital stay (14 vs. 18 days, p < 0.001). No statistically significant difference was found between the Thymosin-α1 group and control group in duration of symptoms (median, 4 vs. 3 days, p = 0.843) and antibiotic utilization rate (14.1% vs. 15.2%, p = 0.768).

Conclusion: For non-severe patients with COVID-19, Thymosin-α1 can shorten viral RNA shedding duration and hospital stay but did not prevent COVID-19 progression and reduce COVID-19-related mortality rate.

[Role of bone morphogenetic protein 1/tolloid proteinase family in the development of teeth and bone]

The bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 1/tolloid (TLD) proteinase family is a group of important metalloproteinases, which play key roles in the growth and development of tissues and organs via regulating the biosynthetic processing of the extracellular matrix. Clinical reports have revealed that mutations in the genes encoding BMP1/TLD proteinases lead to dentinogenesis imperfecta type Ⅰ, accompanied with osteogenesis imperfecta. Therefore, this proteinase family is essential for the development of hard tissues. In this study, we review the research progress in the function and mechanism of the BMP1/TLD proteinase family in the development of teeth and bone.

[Temporal and spatial distribution of Gli1+ cells and their function during periodontal development]

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the distribution of Gli1+ cells in the periodontal ligament (PDL) and to evaluate their contribution in the development of periodontal tissue by using transgenic mouse lines.

METHODS

Gli1lacZ/+ mice were harvested at different ages (3, 6, and 8 weeks), and the temporal and spatial distribution patterns of Gli1+ PDL cells were revealed by X-gal staining. Afterward, 3-week-old Gli1-CreERT2/+;R26RtdTomato/+ mice were administered with tamoxifen, and the fates of Gli1+ cells and their descendants were traced during periodontal development.

RESULTS

A large number of Gli1+ cells were detected in the PDL of the 3-week-old mice; however, their number significantly decreased from 3 weeks to 8 weeks (P<0.05). Cell lineage tracing data showed that the descendants of Gli1+ cells dramatically increased from 3 weeks to 8 weeks (P<0.05) and gradually differentiated into fibroblasts, cementocytes, and osteocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

The multi-differentiation potential of Gli1+ PDL cells was revealed, indicating that Gli1+ cells are an important cell source for periodontal development.

[Effects of surgical and endovascular treatment of blood blister-like aneurysms of the internal carotid artery]

Objective: To explore the clinical characteristics, therapeutic methods and effects of blood blister-like aneurysms (BBA) of the supraclinoid segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA). Methods: A total of 40 patients with BBAs of the ICA treated at Department of Neurosurgery of West China Hospital between January 2010 and January 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. There were 14 males and 26 females with the mean age of 44.7 years (ranging from 25 to 64 years). There were 38 patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and 2 patients were found incidentally with unruptured aneurysms in regular examination. Surgical treatment was performed in 22 patients, including direct clipping, clipping over wrapping and trapping. Endovascular treatment with single or multiple stents and coiling was performed in 18 patients. Clinical outcomes were assessed with modified Rankin Scale. The patients were followed up with CT angiography. Results: Direct clipping of BBA was performed in 18 patients, clipping over wrapping in 3 patients and trapping of ICA in 1 patient. Intraoperative rupture occurred in 5 patients. Postoperative cerebral infarction developed in 6 cases, 4 patients died. Single stent-assisted coiling was performed in 8 cases, and multiple stents with coiling in 10 patients. Procedure-related hemorrhage occurred in 2 patients, postoperative massive cerebral infarction developed in 1 patient with stent-assisted coiling. The follow-up time was 26.8 months (ranging from 6 to 72 months), among the patients with surgery, good results (modified Rankin Scale 0-2) were achieved in 16 patients; one patient was score 3, and the other was 4. In endovascular group, 15 patients had good results and one with mRS 4. Follow-up angiography revealed recurrence of BBA in 2 patients treated with stent and coiling, which was retreated with coiling. No recurrence was found in surgical group. Conclusions: BBA of the supraclinoid ICA is a specific and complicated intracranial aneurysm with high risk and complications no matter the treatment is surgical or endovascular, take proper operation methods could achieve satisfactory results.

α-adrenoceptor-mediated enhanced inducibility of atrial fibrillation in a canine system inflammation model

The exact mechanism associated with inflammation and atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the roles of connexin 43 (Cx43) and a1‑adrenergic receptor (α1‑AR) activation in the pathogenesis of system inflammation‑induced AF. A canine model of chronic low‑grade system inflammation was established by administrating a low dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 0.1 µg/kg) for 2 weeks. Programmed stimulation was applied on the right atrial appendage to determine the effective refractory periods (ERP) and the window of vulnerability (WOV). Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‑α) and interleukin 6 (IL‑6) levels in plasma and atrial tissue were measured by ELISA. Cx43, Toll‑like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor κB (NF‑κB) proteins were analyzed using western blotting or immunohistochemistry. Administration of LPS for 2 weeks increased the concentration of TNF‑α and IL‑6 in the plasma and right atrium. ERP was markedly shortened and cumulative WOV was significantly widened in the LPS group. Following treatment with LPS, the amount of Cx43 protein in the area of intercalated disk increased. In addition, a high‑density of Cx43 in the lateral connection was identified. LPS also induced the activation of NF‑κB in the canine atrium. Administration with the α1‑AR blocker doxazosin prevented the production of LPS‑induced inflammatory cytokine and reversed the enhanced vulnerability to atrial fibrillation. Doxazosin inhibited the LPS‑induced increase in Cx43 protein and heterogeneous distribution, and prevented the activation of NF‑κB. These results indicated that chronic low‑grade system inflammation may increase the inducibility of AF in a canine model. The underlying mechanism may be involved in the LPS‑induced activation of NF‑κB, and the increase in Cx43 expression and lateral distribution via an α1-AR-dependent pathway.

Sex Influences on the Penetrance of IL-1β and IL-1RN Genotypes for Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Chinese Population

Polymorphism (variable number of tandem repeats) in the second intron of the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist ( IL-1Ra) gene and two single nucleotide polymorphisms at positions −511 and +3954 of the IL-1β gene may be associated with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study used sex stratification to investigate a correlation of the three genetic polymorphisms with the risk of RA, on patients with RA and healthy controls. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) were performed. The frequencies of the IL-1β+ 3954 allele and genotype in female patients were significantly different compared with the controls; but in males, only the frequency of the IL-1β+ 3954 allele was different. The frequency of the IL-1RN genotype in patients was not statistically different compared with the controls; however, the frequency of IL-1RN allele in female patients was different. The association of the three polymorphisms with the susceptibility to RA appears to be significantly affected by gender.

The Anti-proliferative Effects of Recombinant Human Lysozyme on Human Gastric Cancer Cells

We investigated the anti-proliferative effects of recombinant human lysozyme (rHlys) on gastric cancer cell lines and normal human lung fibroblasts. Using conventional molecular cloning techniques we purified rHlys, which we incubated with cultured cells and measured the effects on cell proliferation and viability. At concentrations of 100 and 1000 μg/l, rHlys significantly inhibited the growth of human gastric cancer cell lines. In contrast, 10 and 50 μg/l of rHlys stimulated gastric cancer cell growth. None of the concentrations of rHlys affected cell viability. Only the highest concentration of rHlys (1000 μg/l) inhibited human lung fibroblast growth. Our results suggest that 100 μg/l is the optimum growth inhibiting concentration, which inhibited cancer cell growth but not normal cell growth. Our in vitro findings suggest that genetically engineered rHlys might inhibit human gastric cancer cell proliferation in vivo, so it might warrant further investigation as a potential novel anti-cancer agent.

c-Met identifies a population of matrix metalloproteinase 9-producing monocytes in peritumoural stroma of hepatocellular carcinoma

Macrophages (Mϕ) are prominent components of solid tumours and exhibit distinct phenotypes in different microenvironments. Previously, we found that tumours could alter the normal developmental process of Mϕ to trigger transient activation of monocytes in the peritumoural stroma of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the present study, we showed that a fraction of monocytes in the peritumoural stroma, but not in HCC cancer nests, expressed surface c-Met molecules. Monocytes exposed to tumours strongly expressed c-Met proteins with kinetics similar to their activation status, and significant correlations were found between c-Met levels and HLA-DR expression on tumour-infiltrating monocytes. NF-κB-mediated autocrine TNF-α stimulated the expression of c-Met on activated monocytes, and by interacting with its ligand hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), c-Met increased the motility and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9-producing capacity of tumour-associated monocytes. The intensity of c-Met expression on tumour-infiltrating monocytes was associated with high mortality and reduced survival of patients with HCC. Therefore, the expression of c-Met on activated monocytes/Mϕ may represent a novel mechanism by which a tumour actively and precisely regulates the distribution and functions of these cells to facilitate disease progression.

Antitumour effect of sesquiterpene (+)-chabranol on four human cancer cell lines by inducing apoptosis and autophagy

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects and mechanisms of sesquiterpene (+)-chabranol on proliferation of a panel of four human tumour cell lines (BGC-823, SGC-7901, SSMC-7721 and HepG2).

METHODS

Cell viability was assessed using a standard methyltetrazolium assay; cell-cycle analysis of BGC-823 cells was performed by flow cytometry. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to examine the ultrastructure of BGC-823 cells exposed to (+)-chabranol. Apoptosis was investigated by evaluating DNA laddering, using gel electrophoresis.

RESULTS

(+)-Chabranol had a marked time- and concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on BGC-823 cell proliferation. The effect was less marked in SGC-7901, SSMC-7721 and HepG2 cells. Exposure of BGC-823 cells to (+)-chabranol arrested the cell cycle at G(1). Evidence of apoptosis and autophagy was observed by TEM; DNA laddering in BGC-823 cells supported the presence of apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggested that (+)-chabranol has antitumour activity against BGC-823 cells, and may exert its action by inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis and autophagy. With further development, (+)-chabranol may represent a potential novel treatment for poorly differentiated gastric cancer.

Correlation analysis of the urban heat island effect and the spatial and temporal distribution of atmospheric particulates using TM images in Beijing

This study combines the methods of observation statistics and remote sensing retrieval, using remote sensing information including the urban heat island (UHI) intensity index, the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), the normalized difference water index (NDWI), and the difference vegetation index (DVI) to analyze the correlation between the urban heat island effect and the spatial and temporal concentration distributions of atmospheric particulates in Beijing. The analysis establishes (1) a direct correlation between UHI and DVI; (2) an indirect correlation among UHI, NDWI and DVI; and (3) an indirect correlation among UHI, NDVI, and DVI. The results proved the existence of three correlation types with regional and seasonal effects and revealed an interesting correlation between UHI and DVI, that is, if UHI is below 0.1, then DVI increases with the increase in UHI, and vice versa. Also, DVI changes more with UHI in the two middle zones of Beijing.

Up-Regulation of CXC Chemokine Receptor 4 Expression in Chronic Atrial Fibrillation Patients with Mitral Valve Disease May Be Attenuated by Renin–Angiotensin System Blockers

This study characterized CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) expression in patients with mitral valve disease and chronic atrial fibrillation (AF). Forty-eight patients with chronic AF formed two groups based on whether they were treated with or without renin–angiotensin system (RAS) blockers (AF + RAS group; n = 25, or AF – RAS group; n = 23). The controls comprised 17 mitral valve disease patients with sinus rhythm (SR group). CXCR4 mRNA and protein levels in the left atria were significantly higher in the AF – RAS and AF + RAS groups than in the SR group. CXCR4 expression was significantly lower in the AF + RAS group than the AF – RAS group. More CD34+ cells expressed CXCR4 in the AF – RAS and AF + RAS groups than in the SR group. Angiotensin II, collagen I and left atrial diameter significantly positively correlated with CXCR4 expression in the AF – RAS group. These results suggest that CXCR4 expression is up-regulated in chronic AF patients with mitral valve disease, is associated with atrial remodelling, and that these effects are attenuated by RAS blockers.

Resveratrol inhibits proliferation of cultured rat cardiac fibroblasts: correlated with NO-cGMP signaling pathway

Rhizoma polygoni cuspidate, used as a traditional Chinese herb, offered the therapeutic potential for cardiovascular diseases. Resveratrol, extracted from root of the rhizoma polygoni cuspidate has sparked increasing interest in therapeutic application. Resveratrol was shown to exert a variety of pharmacological effects including cardioprotective and cancer chemopreventive properties. However, its mechanisms of the action are not completely understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism of resveratrol on preventing cardiac fibroblasts from proliferative and hypertrophic response induced by angiotensin II. Cell proliferation and cytotoxicity were detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay, respectively. Hypertrophic response of cardiac fibroblasts was measured by mRNA expression of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). Resveratrol (25, 50, 75, and 100 microM) inhibited cardiac fibroblasts proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner compared with angiotensin II group (P<0.01), and the inhibitory effects were blocked by pretreatment with N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and 1H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazole-[4,3-a]-quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ). Resveratrol increased nitric oxide (NO) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) levels in culture medium, increased intracellular cyclic GMP (cGMP) level in cardiac fibroblasts, and decreased ANP and BNP levels in culture medium. The mRNA expression of ANP and BNP was suppressed by resveratrol. These results suggested that resveratrol inhibited cardiac fibroblasts proliferation induced by angiotensin II, and the inhibitory effect might be associated with the activation of NO-cGMP signaling pathway.

Transplantation of autologous endothelial progenitor cells may be beneficial in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension: a pilot randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to investigate the feasibility, safety, and initial clinical outcome of intravenous infusion of autologous endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH).

BACKGROUND

Experimental data suggest that transplantation of EPCs attenuates monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension in rats and dogs. In addition, clinical studies suggest that autologous progenitor cell transplantation is feasible and safe in patients with ischemic diseases.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, randomized trial comparing the effects of EPC transplantation plus conventional therapy with those of conventional therapy alone in patients with IPAH. The primary end point was change in the 6-min walk distance using a standardized protocol. The secondary end points were changes in hemodynamic variables as assessed by right heart catheterization.

RESULTS

After 12 weeks of follow-up, the mean distance walked in 6 min increased by 48.2 m in the cell infusion group (from 263 +/- 42 m to 312 +/- 34 m), and an increase of 5.7 m occurred in the conventional therapy group (from 264 +/- 42 m to 270 +/- 44 m). The mean difference between the 2 groups was 42.5 m (95% confidence interval 28.7 to 56.3 m, p < 0.001). The patients in the cell infusion group also had significant improvement in mean pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, and cardiac output. There were no severe adverse events with cell infusion.

CONCLUSIONS

This preliminary study showed that intravenous infusion of autologous EPCs seemed to be feasible and safe, and might have beneficial effects on exercise capacity and pulmonary hemodynamics in patients with IPAH. (Safety and Efficacy Study of Transplantation of EPCs to Treat Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension; http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00257413?order=1; NCT00257413).

Association of ACE, ACE2 and UTS2 polymorphisms with essential hypertension in Han and Dongxiang populations from north-western China

To assess the significance of polymorphisms of the genes for angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and urotensin II (UTS2) as risk factors for essential hypertension in two populations from north-western China, we enrolled 198 patients with essential hypertension and 131 healthy controls from the Han population and 120 patients with essential hypertension and 102 healthy controls from the Dongxiang population. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism were used to analyse gene polymorphisms. The results provided evidence that genetic variants of UTS2 and ACE2 may play a role in the development of essential hypertension in these populations. Polymorphisms of ACE were not associated with essential hypertension in either population. This is the first report showing that the S89N single-nucleotide polymorphism of the UTS2 gene is associated with essential hypertension.

Homocysteine accelerates senescence and reduces proliferation of endothelial progenitor cells

Our previous studies showed that homocysteine (Hcy) reduces endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) numbers and impairs functional activity. However, the mechanisms by which Hcy reduces EPCs numbers and activity remain to be determined. Recent studies have demonstrated that reduced EPCs numbers and activity was associated with EPCs senescence which involved telomerase activity. Therefore, we investigated whether Hcy accelerates the onset of EPCs senescence through telomerase inactivation, leading to cellular dysfunction. EPCs were isolated from peripheral blood and characterized. After ex vivo cultivation, EPCs became senescent as determined by acidic beta-galactosidase staining. Hcy dose-dependently accelerated the onset of EPCs senescence in culture. Moreover, Hcy decreased proliferation of EPCs as assessed by BrdU incorporation assay and colony-forming capacity. To get further insights into the underlying mechanisms of these effects induced by Hcy, we measured telomerase activity and determined the phosphorylation of Akt by using western blot. Hcy significantly diminished telomerase activity and Akt phosphorylation. Taken together, the results of the present study demonstrated that Hcy accelerated the onset of EPCs senescence, leading to cellular dysfunction. The effect of Hcy might be dependent on telomerase inactivation, and Akt dephosphorylation also appeared to play a major role. In addition, atorvastatin had a preventative effect against Hcy-induced EPCs senescence.

Effects of aspirin on number, activity and inducible nitric oxide synthase of endothelial progenitor cells from peripheral blood

AIM

To investigate whether aspirin has an influence on endothelial progenitor cells (EPC).

METHODS

Total mononuclear cells (MNC) were isolated from peripheral blood by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation, then cells were plated on fibronectin-coated culture dishes. After 7 d of culture, attached cells were stimulated with aspirin (to achieve final concentrations of 1, 2, 5, and 10 mmol/L) for 3, 6, 12, and 24 h. EPC were characterized as adherent cells that were double positive for 1,1-dioctadecyl-3,3,3,3-tetramethylindocarbocyanine low density lipoprotein (DiLDL) uptake and lectin binding by direct fluorescent staining. EPC proliferation and migration were assayed using a 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2 thiazoyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and a modified Boyden chamber assay, respectively. An EPC adhesion assay was performed by replating the EPC on fibronectin-coated dishes, and then adherent cells were counted. In vitro vasculogenesis activity was assayed by using an in vitro vasculogenesis kit. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was assayed by Western blotting.

RESULTS

Incubation of isolated human MNC with aspirin decreased the number of EPC. Aspirin also decreased the proliferative, migratory, adhesive, and in vitro vasculogenesis capacity of EPC, and also their iNOS levels in a concentration- and time-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

Aspirin decreases (1) the number of EPC; (2) the proliferative, migratory, adhesive and in vitro vasculogenesis capacities of EPC; and (3) iNOS levels in EPC.

[Single nucleotide polymorphism in SCN5A and the distribution in Chinese Han ethnic group]

Mutations in voltage-gated sodium channel type (SCN5A) may evoke severe, life-threatening disturbances in cardiac rhythm, including long QT syndrome, idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (Brugada Syndrome), and isolated cardiac conduction disease. There is increasing awareness of the role of common polymorphisms in altering gene function and in susceptibility to diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in SCN5A gene and the distribution of these identified SNPs in Chinese Han nationality. SCN5A gene was sequenced by fluorescent labeling automatic sequencing method in 120 unrelated samples from Han nationality in South China. Allele frequency distribution was tested by Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The results showed that a total of 5 SNPs were identified in SCN5A gene, including three SNPs in code region, one SNP in regulatory region and the other in intron 23 adjacent to donor splicing site. The distribution of the SNPs in SCN5A gene was uneven. These allele frequencies in Han population of South China were as follows: G87A (A29A) 27.5%, A1673G (H588R) 10.4%, 4245+82A>G 32.8%, C5457T (D1819D) 41.3% and G6174A 44.9% respectively. The SNPs G87A (A29A), 4245+82A>G and G6174A were reported for the first time. There was no significant difference in the allele frequency of A1673G (H558R) within different ethical populations (P>0.05). C5457T (D1819D) allele frequency of Han population in South China was similar to that observed in Japanese (P>0.5), but higher than that in American (p<0.005). There was no significant difference in the distribution of the SNPs between male group and female group (all p>0.05). S1102Y and other 10 SNPs identified in other ethnic populations have not been detected in Chinese Han population. The allele distribution of SNPs was in good unity with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. It is suggested that the SNP distribution of SCN5A gene varies within different nationalities. These data will be of use for genetic association studies of acquired arrythmias and investigation of sensitivity to drug therapy.

Effects of homocysteine on number and activity of endothelial progenitor cells from peripheral blood

The aim of this study is to investigate whether homocysteine (Hcy) has influences on endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) number and activity. Total mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated from peripheral blood by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation, and then the cells were plated on fibronectin-coated culture dishes. After 7 d cultured, attached cells were stimulated with Hcy (to make a series of final concentrations: 10, 50, 100 and 200 micromol/l) or vehicle control for the respective time points (6, 12, 24 and 48 h). EPCs were characterized as adherent cells double positive for DiLDL uptake and lectin binding by direct fluorescent staining under a laser scanning confocal microscope. EPCs proliferation, migration and in vitro vasculogenesis activity were assayed with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, modified Boyden chamber assay and in vitro vasculogenesis kit, respectively. EPCs adhesion assay was performed by replating those on fibronectin-coated dishes, and then adherent cells were counted. Incubation of isolated human MNCs with Hcy dose and time dependently decreased the number of EPCs, maximum at 200 micromol/l, 24 h (approximately 50% reduction, P < 0.01). In addition, Hcy dose and time dependently impaired EPC proliferative, migratory, adhesive and in vitro vasculogenesis capacity. In conclusion, hyperHcy may induce the reduction of EPCs with decreased functional activity.

Tibetan population data on the multiplex short tandem repeat loci--D16S539, D7S820, and D13S317

The multiplex amplification system of three tetrameric short tandem repeats loci (D16S539, D7S820, and D13S317) have been analysed extensively in various populations for forensic application. Population genetic studies were carried out for these three loci in a population sample of 129 unrelated Tibetan individuals by using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by 4% polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and silver staining. All loci were in accordance with the Hardy-Weinberg expectations. The observed heterozygosities of three loci-D16S539, D7S820, and D13S317 were 73.3%, 81.4% and 80.6%, respectively. The polymorphism information contents (PIC) were 0.84, 0.80 and 0.83, respectively. Comparing with Han population, there was no statistically significant difference except for D16S539 locus.

Location and migration of cations in Cu(2+)-adsorbed montmorillonite

Locations of Cu2+ ion in Cu(2+)-adsorbed montmorillonite have been studied by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), supplemented by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). In the EPR spectra of Cu(2+)-adsorbed montmorillonite, three signals, corresponding to Cu2+ ion, have been simultaneously recorded. Some Cu2+ ions seemed to replace the original interlayer metal cations and some entered into the hexagonal cavities. A small fraction of Cu2+ ions penetrated into the octahedral vacancies. There were two ways for the adsorption of Cu2+ ion by montmorillonite--exchangeable and specific. On heating, the hydrated Cu2+ ion in the interlayer loses the coordinating water and then enters into the hexagonal cavities. When the heating temperature further increased, dehydroxylation occurs, which facilitates Cu2+ ion in the hexagonal cavities to penetrate into the octahedral vacancies.

Polyanhydrides. V. Branched polyanhydrides

The objective of the present study was to investigate the properties of branched polyanhydrides and compare them to the corresponding linear polymers. Sebacic acid was polymerized with 1,3,5 benzenetricarboxylic acid and poly(acrylic acid) to yield random and graft-type branched polyanhydrides. The polymerization was followed until the gel point and the resulting polymers were evaluated for their physico-chemical properties and degradation behaviour. Drug release from these polymers was studied using morphine as a model drug. The experiment showed that the molecular weights of branched polyanhydride were significantly higher (mol wt 250,000) than the molecular weight of linear poly(sebacic anhydride) (mol wt 80,000). In the case of poly(acrylic acid) branched polymers, the molecular weight increased linearly with increasing concentration of poly(acrylic acid). The specific viscosities of the branched polyanhydrides were lower than linear polyanhydrides with similar molecular weights. Except for the difference in molecular weights, there were no noticeable changes in the physico-chemical or thermal properties of the branched polymers and the linear poly(sebacic anhydride). The degradation of the branched polyanhydride was triphasic and the degradation rates were faster than for linear poly(sebacic anhydride). The release of morphine from the branched polymers was lower than the corresponding poly(sebacic anhydride). Release of morphine was much higher from the poly(acrylic acid) branched polymers compared to the 1,3,5 benzenetricarboxylic acid branched polymers and increased with increasing concentrations of the branching agent. However, in both cases the release rates and the total amounts of morphine released approached that of poly(sebacic anhydride).