AIM: The incidence of gastric cardia cancer has greatlyincreased in the past 2-3 decades, however, the risk factorsfor the disease are still not clearly understood. Theinvestigations among Chinese population on the ri...AIM: The incidence of gastric cardia cancer has greatlyincreased in the past 2-3 decades, however, the risk factorsfor the disease are still not clearly understood. Theinvestigations among Chinese population on the risk factorsof gastric cardia cancer were also scarcely reported. Wetherefore conducted a case-control study in Fujian province,China, to investigate the potential risk and protective factorsof this disease.METHODS: 191 cardia and 190 non-cardia gastric cancercases, and a total of 222 control cases were included in thisstudy. Standard questionnaires were used in collectingepidemiological factors and the data were then analyzed bythe unconditional logistic regression model.RESULTS: As the factors such as age, gender, smoking,alcohol consumption, and family history of gastric cancerwere controlled, a multivariable analysis was conducted,which revealed that there was a significant correlationbetween the dietary habits such as irregular meal, over andfast eating, and the gastric cardia cancer with the odds ratios(ORs) of 4.2 (95 % confidence interval: 2.3-7.7), 4.7 (2.1-10.8), and 2.7 (1.3-5.3) respectively. Other correlations werealso observed between the gastric cardia cancer and theconsumption of salty fish or pickled vegetable, smoking,and the family cancer history with the ORs of 5.5 (1.4-19.5),1.8 (1.0-3.0), 2.1 (1.3-3.5), and 3.8 (2.3-6.2) respectively.In contrast, the negative correlations were found existingbetween the intake of fresh vegetables and fruits, the useof refrigerator, and the gastric cardia cancer, with the ORsof 0.4 (0.2-0.9), 0.2 (0.1-0.5), and 0.2 (0.1-0.4),respectively. However, dietary habits were associated lesswith non-cardia gastric cancer compared with its cardiacounterpart.CONCLUSION: Dietary habits might be one of the riskfactors for the cardia carcinogenesis among Chinesepopulation.展开更多
AIM:To study the therapeutic effects of anti-fibrosis herbs and selenium on hepatic fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats and the underlining molecular mechanisms.METHODS:Fifty-three Wistar rats were...AIM:To study the therapeutic effects of anti-fibrosis herbs and selenium on hepatic fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats and the underlining molecular mechanisms.METHODS:Fifty-three Wistar rats were randomly divided into:normal control group, model control group, colchicine group, anti-fibrosis herbs group (AF group) and anti-fibrosis herbs plus selenium group (AS group).The last four groups were administered with CCl4 at the beginning of experiment to induce hepatic fibrosis. Then colchicine, anti-fibrosis herbs and selenium were used to treat them. The normal control group and the model control group were given normal saline at the same time. At the end of the 6^th week, rats in each group were sacrificed. Blood and tissue specimens were taken. Serum indicators (ALT, AST, HA, LN) were determined and histopathological changes were graded. Lymphocyte CD4 and CD8 were examined by flow cytometry. Expression of TGF-β1 and NF-κB was detected by immunohistochemistry and expression of TGF-β1 mRNA was detected by semiquantified RT-PCR.RESULTS: Histological grading showed much a smaller degree of hepatic fibrogenesis in AS group and AF group than that in colchicine group and model control group.The serum content of ALT, AST, HA and LN in AF group and AS group were significantly lower than that in colchicine group (ALT:65.8±26.5, 67.3±18.4 and 96.2±20.9 in AF, AS and colchicine groups respectively; AST: 150.8±34.0, 154.6±27.3 and 215.8±24.6 respectively; HA: 228±83, 216±58 and 416±135 respectively; LN:85.9±15.0, 80.6±18.6 and 106.3±14.2 respectively) (P<0.05). The level of CD4 and CD4/CD8 ratio in AF group and AS group was significantly higher that those in cochicine group (CD4:50.8±3.8, 52.6±3.4 and 40.2±2.1 in AF, AS and colchicine groups respectively;CD4/CD8 ratio:1.45,1.46 and 1.26, respectively (P<0.05).The expression level of NF-κB and TGF-β1 in the liver tissues of AF and AS treatment groups was markedly decreased compared with that in cochicine group, and TGF-β1 mRNA was also markedly decreased (1.07±0.31 and 0.98±0.14 vs2.34±0.43, P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Anti-fibrosis herbs and selenium have beneficial effects on hepatic fibrosis in rats by enhancing immunity and inhibiting NF-κB and TGF-β1 expressions.展开更多
It has been proved that severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is caused by SARS-associated coronavirus, a novel coronavirus. SARS originated in Guangdong Province, the People's Republic of China at the end of 2...It has been proved that severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is caused by SARS-associated coronavirus, a novel coronavirus. SARS originated in Guangdong Province, the People's Republic of China at the end of 2002. At present,it has spread to more than 33 countries or regions all over the world and affected 8 360 people and killed 764 by May 31,2003. Identification of the SARS causative agent and development of a diagnostic test are important. Detecting disease in its early stage, understanding its pathways of transmission and implementing specific prevention measures for the disease are dependent upon swift progress. Due to the efforts of the WHO-led network of laboratories testing for SARS, tests for the novel coronavirus have been developed with unprecedented speed. The genome sequence reveals that this coronavirus is only moderately related to other known coronaviruses. WHO established the definitions of suspected and confirmed and probable cases. But the laboratory tests and definitions are limited. Until now, the primary measures included isolation, ribavirin and corticosteroid therapy, mechanical ventilation, etc. Other therapies such as convalescent plasma are being explored. It is necessary to find more effective therapy. There still are many problems to be solved in the course of conquering SARS.展开更多
AIM: To analyse the role of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors in the process of esophageal cancer (EC) formation in Xi'an, China. METHODS: A hospital based case-control study, combined with molecula...AIM: To analyse the role of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors in the process of esophageal cancer (EC) formation in Xi'an, China. METHODS: A hospital based case-control study, combined with molecular epidemiological method, was carded out. A total of 127 EC cases and 101 controls were interviewed with questionnaires containing demographic items, habit of tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking, and family history of EC. Polymorphism of CYPIA1 and GSTM1 of 127 EC cases and 101 controls were detected by PCR method. The interactions between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors were also discussed. RESULTS: Tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking and a family history of EC were risk factors for EC with an OR of 2.04 (95% CI 1.15-3.60), 3.45(95% CI 1.74-6.91), 3.14 (95% CI 1.28-7.94), respectively. Individuals carrying CYP1A1 Val/Val genotype compared to those with CYP1A1 Ile/Ile genotype had an increased risk for EC (OR 3.35, 95% CI 1.49-7.61). GSTM1 deletion genotype was a risk factor for EC (OR1.81, 95% CI 1.03-3.18). Gene-environment interaction analysis showed that CYPIA1 Val/Val genotype, GSTM1 deletion genotype had synergetic interactions with tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking and family history of EC. CONCLUSION: Tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking and a family history of EC are risk factors for EC. CYP1A1 Val/Val and GSTM1 deletion genotypes are genetic susceptibility biomarkers for EC. There are synergic interactions between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the preliminary effects of comprehensive prevention of gastric cancer in Zhuanghe County epidemiologically.METHODS: Stratified sampling and cluster sampling were applied to define the intervention gro...AIM: To evaluate the preliminary effects of comprehensive prevention of gastric cancer in Zhuanghe County epidemiologically.METHODS: Stratified sampling and cluster sampling were applied to define the intervention group and the control group. The prospective cohort study was used for evaluating the effect of preventing gastric cancer. The relative risk (RR)and attributable risk percent (AR %) of intervention on gastric cancer death were calculated. Potential years of life lost (PLYY) of the disease was analyzed, and the RR and AR %of PYLL were calculated. Survival analysis was applied among the screened patients.RESULTS: In the first 4 years after intervening, the relative risk (RR) of intervention on death was 0.5059 (95 % CI:0.3462～0.7392,P＜0.05) with significance statistically. AR %of the intervention on death was 49.41%. The RR of intervention on cumulative PYLL was 0.6778 (95 % CI:0.5604～0.8198,P＜0.05) with statistic significance. AR %of the intervention on cumulative PYLL was 30.32 %. The four-year survival rate of the screened patients was 0.6751(95 % CI: 0.5298～0.9047).CONCLUSION: The initiative intervention results showed that the intervention approach used in the trial was effective, it reduced mortality and increased survival rate, and alleviated the adverse effect of gastric cancer on the health and life of screened population.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the effects of eukaryotic expression of plasmid on augmentation of liver regeneration (ALR) in rat hepatic fibrosis and to explore their mechanisms. METHODS: Ten rats were randomly selected from 50...AIM: To investigate the effects of eukaryotic expression of plasmid on augmentation of liver regeneration (ALR) in rat hepatic fibrosis and to explore their mechanisms. METHODS: Ten rats were randomly selected from 50 Wistar rats as normal control group. The rest were administered intraperitoneally with porcine serum twice weekly. After 8 wk, they were randomly divided into: model control group, colchicine group (Col), first ALR group (ALR1), second ALR group (ALR2). Then colchicine ALR recombinant plasmid were used to treat them respectively. At the end of the 4th wk, rats were killed. Serum indicators were detected and histopathological changes were graded. Expression of type Ⅰ, Ⅲ, collagen and TIMP-1 were detected by immunohisto-chemistry and expression of TIMP-1 mRNA was detected by semi-quantified RT-PCR. RESULTS: The histologic examination showed that the degree of the rat hepatic fibrosis in two ALR groups was lower than those in model control group. Compared with model group, ALR significantly reduced the serum levels of ALT, AST, HA, LN, PCIII and IV (P<0.05). Immunohistochemical staining showed that expression of type Ⅰ, Ⅲ, collagen and TIMP-1 in two ALR groups was ameliorated dramatically compared with model group (I collagen: 6.94±1.42,5.80±1.66 and 10.83±3.58 in ALR1, ALR2 and model groups, respectively; Ⅲ collagen: 7.18±1.95, 4.50±1.67 and 10.25±2.61, respectively; TIMP-1: 0.39±0.05,0.20±0.06 and 0.53±0.12, respectively,P<0.05 or P<0.01). The expression level of TIMP-1 mRNA in the liver tissues was markedly decreased in two ALR groups compared with model group (TIMP-1 mRNA/β-actin: 0.89±0.08, 0.65±0.11 and 1.36±0.11 in ALR1, ALR2 and model groups respectively, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: ALR recombinant plasmid has beneficial effects on rat hepatic fibrosis by enhancing regeneration of injured liver cells and inhibiting TIMP-1 expressions.展开更多
AIM: To describe the mortality rate of pancreatic cancer and its distribution in China during the period of 1991-2000.METHODS: Based on the data of demography and death collected through China′s Disease Surveillance ...AIM: To describe the mortality rate of pancreatic cancer and its distribution in China during the period of 1991-2000.METHODS: Based on the data of demography and death collected through China′s Disease Surveillance Point System (DSPS) over the period of 1991-2000, the distribution of death rate of pancreatic cancer was described in terms of age group, gender, calendar year, rural/urban residence and administrative district.RESULTS: A total of 1 619 death cases attributed to pancreatic cancer (975 men and 644 women) were reported by DSPS during 1991-2000. The reported, adjusted and agestandardized mortality rates increased from 1.46, 1.75, and 2.18 per 100 000 populations in 1991 to 2.38, 3.06, and 3.26per 100 000 populations in 2000. The majority (69.62 %) of the deaths of pancreatic cancer were seen in the age group of 60 years and older. The mortality rate was higher in men than in women, but the male to female death rate ratios decreased during the 10 years. Our data also showed that the death rate of pancreatic cancer in urban areas was about 2-4 fold higher than that in rural areas, and in Northeast and East China, the death rates were higher than those in the other 5 administrative districts.CONCLUSION: The death rate due to pancreatic cancer was rising during the period of 1991-2000 and the peak mortality of pancreatic cancer might arrive in China.展开更多
AIM: To examine the association of daily alcohol intake,types of alcoholic beverage consumed, drinking patterns and obesity with alcoholic liver disease in China.METHODS: By random cluster sampling and a 3-year follow...AIM: To examine the association of daily alcohol intake,types of alcoholic beverage consumed, drinking patterns and obesity with alcoholic liver disease in China.METHODS: By random cluster sampling and a 3-year follow-up study, 1 270 alcohol drinkers were recruited from different occupations in the urban and suburban areas of Xi'an City. They were examined by specialists and inquired for information on: Medical history and family medical history, alcohol intake, types of alcoholic beverage consumed, drinking patterns by detailed dietary questionnaires. Routine blood tests and ultrasonography were done.RESULTS: Multivariate analysis showed that: (1) The risk threshold for developing alcoholic liver disease was ingestion of more than 20 g alcohol per day, keeping on drinking for over 5 years in men. The highest OR was at the daily alcohol consumption ≥160 g, the occurrencerate of ALD amounted to 18.7% (P<0.01). No ALD occurred when ingestion of alcohol was less than 20 g per day. (2) 87.9% of all drank only at mealtimes. The cumulative risk of developing ALD was significantly higher in those individuals who regularly drank alcohol without food than in those who drank only at mealtimes, especially for those who regularly drank hard liquors only and multiple drinks (P<0.05). (3) The alcohol consumption in those with BMI ≥25 was lower than in those with BMI<25, but the risk increased to 11.5%, significantly higher than that of general population, 6.5% (P<0.01). (4) Abstinence and weight reduction could benefit the liver function recovery.CONCLUSION: In the Chinese population the ethanol risk threshold for developing ALD is 20 g per day, and this risk increases with increased daily intake. Drinking 20 g of ethanol per day and for less than 5 years are safe from ALD. Drinking alcohol outside mealtimes and drinking hard liquors only and multiple different alcohol beverages both increase the risk of developing ALD. Obesity also increases the risk, Abstinence and weight reduction will directly affect the prognosis of ALD, Doctor's strong advice might influence the prognosis indirectly.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the inhibitory effects of endostatinvascular endothelial growth inhibitor (VEGI151) recombinant adenoviruses on neovascularization.METHODS: We used recombinant adenoviruses to treat human vascular ...AIM: To investigate the inhibitory effects of endostatinvascular endothelial growth inhibitor (VEGI151) recombinant adenoviruses on neovascularization.METHODS: We used recombinant adenoviruses to treat human vascular endothelial cell line ECV304, human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2, and murine fibroblast cell line L929, in order to study the chimeric gene expression in these cell lines. Chick choriallantic membrane(CAM) model, rabbit inflammatory corneal neovascularization(CNV) model, and liver cancer-bearing nude mice model were employed to investigate the negative biological effect of fusion molecules on neovascularization in vivo.RESULTS: Western blot showed that the molecular weight of fusion protein was about 41kD after infection of ECV304,HepG2 and L929 cells with supernatant of AdhENDO-VEGI151.The fusion protein showed a specific inhibitory effect on the proliferation of ECV304 cells, but no inhibitory effect on the growth of HepG2 and L929 cells (F=13112.13, P=0.0001). In the chick choriallantic membrane (CAM) assay, the expressed fusion protein significantly inhibited neovascularization. Rabbit inflammatory corneal neovascularization (CNV) induced by intrastromal sutures resulted in a uniform neovascular response. In this model, direct subconjunctival injection of AdhENDO-VEGI151 expressed the fusion protein in vivo and suppressed the development of CNV. Topical application of AdhENDO-VEGI151 led to a significant suppression of CNV (F=1413.11, P=0.0001),as compared with the control group of AdLacZ. Immunohistochemical staining showed the fusion protein dominantly expressed in corneal epithelium. Compared with the control group of AdLacZ (4075.9±1849.9 mm^3), the average tumor size of group AdhENDO-VEGI151 reduced in size (487.7±241.2 mm^3) (F=14.80, P=0.0085), with an inhibition rate of 88.03%. Immunohistochemical staining showed the adenoviruses carried the fusion gene expressed on liver cancer cell membrane. MVD decreased more significantly in treated mice (30.75±3.31%) than in AdLacZ control(50.25±8.65%) (F=17.72, P=0.0056) with an inhibition rate of 39%.CONCLUSION: Fusion protein expressed by recombinant adenoviruses has a significant inhibitory effect on neovascularization.展开更多
AIM: To clarify whether -238G/A polymorphism of tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) gene promoter region was associated with outcomes of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Han population of northern China, and to analyz...AIM: To clarify whether -238G/A polymorphism of tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) gene promoter region was associated with outcomes of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Han population of northern China, and to analyze the geneenvironment interaction between -238G/A polymorphism and cigarette smoking or alcohol consumption. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted to analyze the association of TNF-a gene promoter polymorphism with HBV infection outcomes. A total of 207 patients with chronic hepatitis B (HB) and 148 cases of self-limited HBV infection from Ditan Hospital and Shunyi District Hospital in Beijing, respectively were recruited. History of smoking and alcohol drinking was inquired by a questionnaire. The -238G/A polymorphism of TNF-a gene promoter was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restricted fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS: The frequencies of GG and GA genotypes were 98.07% and 1.93% in chronic HB patients and 93.24% and 6.76% in self-limited HBV infection individuals, respectively (X^2=5.30, P=-0.02). The frequency of G allele was significantly higher in patients with chronic HB that in individuals with self-limited HBV infection (99.03% vs 96.62%, X^2=5.20, P=0.02). Only modestly increased risk of onset of chronic HB was found in smokers (OR=1.40, 95% CI： 0.87-2.28, P=0.14) and drinkers (OR=-1.26, 95%CI： 0.78-2.05, P=-0.32). There was a positive interaction between genotype GG and cigarette smoking with an interaction index (Ⅱ) of 2.95, or alcohol consumption with an Ⅱ of 1.64. CONCLUSION: The -238G/A polymorphism of TNF-a gene promoter region is independently associated with different outcomes of HBV infection.展开更多
Objective To investigate the association of specific functional gene ACE (I/D) variants of the renin-angiotensin system with essential hypertension (EH) and interaction between ACE (I/D) gene and risk factors for EH i...Objective To investigate the association of specific functional gene ACE (I/D) variants of the renin-angiotensin system with essential hypertension (EH) and interaction between ACE (I/D) gene and risk factors for EH in a genetically homogenous Mongolia rural population of China. Methods Individuals (n=1099) were recruited from general population of Kezuohouqi Banner in Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region. Results The association was found between ACE genotype DD plus ID and EH, with an interaction between ACE genotype DD plus ID and cigarette smoking in an additive model. Cigarette smoking index and ACE gene showed a low exposure-gene (LEG) effect on EH, with interaction indices from 7.10 to 1.16. Interaction between ACE genotype DD plus ID and alcohol drinking on EH appeared an additive model. Alcohol drinking index and ACE gene showed a low exposure-gene (LEG) effect on EH, with interaction indices from 1.66 to 1.09. BMI and ACE gene showed a low exposure-gene (LEG) effect on EH, with interaction indices from 6.15 to 2.49. Interactions between ACE genotype and WHR on EH showed a multiplicative model. In a short, there was an interaction between ACE gene and cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking and BMI on EH, especially in a low dose-exposure effect Conclusion It is important for individuals who carry ACE D allele gene to prevent EH, and furthermore, to prevent and control coronary heart disease, in a view of population-based prevention.展开更多
AIM: To study the application of artificial neural network (ANN) in forecasting the incidence of hepatitis A, which had an autoregression phenomenon.METHODS: The data of the incidence of hepatitis A in Liaoning Provin...AIM: To study the application of artificial neural network (ANN) in forecasting the incidence of hepatitis A, which had an autoregression phenomenon.METHODS: The data of the incidence of hepatitis A in Liaoning Province from 1981 to 2001 were obtained from Liaoning Disease Control and Prevention Center. We used the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model of time series analysis to determine whether there was any autoregression phenomenon in the data. Then the data of the incidence were switched into [0,1] intervals as the network theoretical output. The data from 1981 to 1997 were used as the training and veriying sets and the data from 1998 to 2001 were made up into the test set.STATISTICA neural network (ST NN) was used to construct,train and simulate the artificial neural network.RESULTS: Twenty-four networks were tested and seven were retained. The best network we found had excellent performance, its regression ratio was 0.73, and its correlation was 0.69. There were 2 input variables in the network, one was AR(1), and the other was time. The number of units in hidden layer was 3. In ARIMA time series analysis results, the best model was first order autoregression without difference and smoothness. The total sum square error of the ANN model was 9 090.21, the sum square error of the training set and testing set was 8 377.52 and 712.69,respectively, they were all less than that of ARIMA model.The corresponding value of ARIMA was 12 291.79, 8 944.95 and 3 346.84, respectively. The correlation coefficient of nonlinear regression (RNL) of ANN was 0.71, while the RNL of ARIMA linear autoregression model was 0.66.CONCLUSION: ANN is superior to conventional methods in forecasting the incidence of hepatitis A which has an autoregression phenomenon.展开更多
AIM: To analyze the data from Tianjin Cancer Registry of mortality due to colon cancer from 1981 to 2000 in Tianjin, China. METHODS: Tumors diagnosed in this study were coded according to ICD-9. Mortality rates were c...AIM: To analyze the data from Tianjin Cancer Registry of mortality due to colon cancer from 1981 to 2000 in Tianjin, China. METHODS: Tumors diagnosed in this study were coded according to ICD-9. Mortality rates were calculated by sex and calendar year of diagnosis. RESULTS: Seventy point four percent of colon cancer deaths occurred in the age group of 55-79 years and the mortality rate reached its peak in the age group of 75-80 years. The average age at death was 64.10 years. An ascending trend was observed in the mean age of death due to colon cancer from 1981 through 2000. However, as for the sex ratio, there was no clear trend exhibited. During 1981-2000, the total number of deaths was 2147, 1041 males and 1106 females. The mean mortality rate of colon cancer was 3.04/100 000. The mortality caused by colon cancer ascended from 1981 to 2000. CONCLUSION: The epidemic trend of colon cancer in Tianjin and its risk factors and prevention should be studied further.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the risk factors of colon cancer andrectal cancer.METHODS: A nested case-control study was conducted ina cohort of 64 693 subjects who participated in a colorectalcancer screening program from 1989...AIM: To investigate the risk factors of colon cancer andrectal cancer.METHODS: A nested case-control study was conducted ina cohort of 64 693 subjects who participated in a colorectalcancer screening program from 1989 to 1998 in Jiashancounty, Zhejiang, China. 196 cases of colorectal cancer weredetected from 1990 to 1998 as the case group and 980non-colorectal cancer subjects, matched with factors of age,gender, resident location, were randomly selected from the64 693 cohort as controls. By using univariate analysis andmutivariate conditional logistic regression analysis, the oddsratio (OR) and its 95 % confidence interval (95 %CI) werecalculated between colorectal cancer and personal habits,dietary factors, as well as intestinal related symptoms.RESULTS: The mutivariate analysis results showed that aftermatched with age, sex and resident location, mucous bloodstool history and mixed sources of drinking water were closelyassociated with colon cancer and rectal cancer, OR values forthe mucous blood stool history were 3.508 (95 %CI: 1.370-8.985) and 2.139 (95 %CI: 1.040-4.402) respectively; for themixed drinking water sources, 2.387 (95 %CI: 1.243-4.587)and 1.951 (95 %CI: 1.086-3.506) respectively. All reachedthe significant level with a P-value less than 0.05.CONCLUSION: The study suggested that mucous bloodstool history and mixed sources of drinking water were therisk factors of colon cancer and rectal cancer. There was noany significant association between dietary habits and theincidence of colorectal cancer.展开更多
AIM: To explore the mode of inheritance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a moderately high-incidence area of East China.METHODS: A pedigree survey was conducted in 210 families (3315 individuals) ascertained throu...AIM: To explore the mode of inheritance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a moderately high-incidence area of East China.METHODS: A pedigree survey was conducted in 210 families (3315 individuals) ascertained through 210 HCC probands in Haimen, Jiangsu Province. Simple segregation analysis was conducted using SEGRANB software. The probability of ascertainment (π), segregation ratio (p), and the proportion of sporadic cases (x) were estimated. Complex segregation analysis was performed using the REGTL program of S.A.G.E.Models were fitted on the data of 3212 individuals that allowed for personal HBsAg status and variable age of onset in REGTL program.RESULTS: The estimate of segregation ratio was 0.191 by SEGRANB. The probability of ascertainment was 0.0266, and the proportion of sporadic cases was 0.465. The results of complex segregation analysis showed that Mendelian autosomal recessive inheritance of a major gene that influenced the age of onset distribution of HCC, provided the best fit to the data. In the best-fitting recessive model,the frequency of the disease allele was 0.11138. HBsAg seropositive status would significantly increase the risk of developing HCC.CONCLUSION: These results suggest that at least one major gene is involved in the genetic predisposition to develop HCC at an earlier age of onset. The seropositive HBsAg status can significantly increase the risk of developing HCC, which provides strong support for the interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors.展开更多
AIM: To study the protective effect of eukaryotic expression plasmid encoding augmenter of liver regeneration (ALR) on acute hepatic injury and hepatic failure in rats. METHODS: The PCR-amplified ALR gene was recombin...AIM: To study the protective effect of eukaryotic expression plasmid encoding augmenter of liver regeneration (ALR) on acute hepatic injury and hepatic failure in rats. METHODS: The PCR-amplified ALR gene was recombined with pcDNA3 plasmid, and used to treat rats with acute hepatic injury. The rats with acute hepatic injury induced by intraperitoneal injection of 2 mL/kg 50% carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) were randomly divided into saline control group and recombinant pcDNA3-ALR plasmid treatment groups. Recombinant pcDNA3-ALR plasmid DNA (50 or 200 μg/kg) was injected into the rats with acute hepatic injury intravenously, intraperitoneally, or intravenously and intraperitoneally in combination 4 h after CCl4 administration, respectively. The recombinant plasmid was injected once per 12 h into all treatment groups four times, and the rats were decapitated 12 h after the last injection. Hepatic histopathological alterations were observed after HE staining, the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in liver tissue was detected by immunohistochemical staining, and the level of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was determined by biochemical method. The recombinant plasmid DNA (200 μg/kg) and saline were intraperitoneally injected into the rats with acute hepatic failure induced by intraperitoneal injection of 4 mL/kg 50% CCl4 after 4 h of CCl4 administration, respectively. Rats living over 96 h were considered as survivals.RESULTS: The sequence of ALR cDNA of recombinant pcDNA3-ALR plasmid was accordant with the reported sequence of rat ALR cDNA. After the rats with acute hepatic injury were treated with recombinant pcDNA3-ALR plasmid, the degree of liver histopathological injury markedly decreased. The pathologic liver tissues, in which hepatic degeneration and necrosis of a small amount of hepatocytes and a large amount of infiltrating inflammatory cells were observed, and they became basically normal in the most effective group after four times of injection of recombinant pcDNA3-ALR plasmid. The indexes of PCNA significantly increased in the recombinant pcDNA3-ALR plasmid treatment groups compared to model group. The level of serum AST and ALT remarkably reduced in recombinant pcDNA3-ALR plasmid treatment groups compared to model group. The results showed that the effect of 200 μg/kg recombinant pcDNA3-ALR plasmid in the rats with acute liver injury was stronger than that of 50μg/kg pcDNA3-ALR DNA.The effect of intravenous injection of recombinant pcDNA3ALR plasmid was better. After the rats with acute hepatic failure were treated with recombinant pcDNA3-ALR plasmid,the survival rate (40%) significantly increased in treatment groups compared to control group (15%, P＜0.01).CONCLUSION: The ALR gene may play an important role in relieving acute hepatic injury and hepatic failure by promoting hepatic cell proliferation and reducing level ofAST and ALT in CCl4-intoxicated rats.展开更多
AIM: To study the differential expression of proteins in normal and cancerous gastric tissues, and further identify new molecular markers for diagnosis and prognosis of gastric carcinoma, as well as develop new therap...AIM: To study the differential expression of proteins in normal and cancerous gastric tissues, and further identify new molecular markers for diagnosis and prognosis of gastric carcinoma, as well as develop new therapeutic targets of the disease.METHODS: Matched pairs of tissues from 6 gastric cancerpatients were analyzed for their two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE) profiles. Soluble fraction proteins from human normal and cancerous gastric tissue were separated in the first dimension by isoelectric focusing on immobilized pH gradient (IPG, pH3-10) strips, and by125 g/L sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) in the second dimension with silver nitrate staining. Protein differential expression was analyzed by use of image analysis software to find out candidates for gastric cancer-associated proteins.RESULTS: Nine protein spots overexpressed in tumor tissues as compared with noncancerous regions. In the next step, 9 tumor-specific spots were cut off from Coomassie Brilliant Blue staining gels, digested in gel with L-l-tosylamide-2-phenylethyl chloromethyl ketone (TPCK)-trypsin. Protein identification was done by peptide mass fingerprinting with matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization-tirne of flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS).In total, 5 tumor-specific protein spots corresponding to 5different polypeptide chains were identified, including annexin V, carbonic anhydrase, prohibitin, fibrin beta and fibrinogen fragment D. Among these 5 spots, the potential significance of the differential expressions is discussed.CONCLUSION Differential expression analysis of proteomes may be useful for the development of new molecular markers for diagnosis and prognosis of gastric carcinoma.展开更多
AIM:To identify the role of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) mRNA expression in peripheral blood one week after surgery as a predictor for recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Published studies fulfilling the...AIM:To identify the role of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) mRNA expression in peripheral blood one week after surgery as a predictor for recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Published studies fulfilling the selection criteria were identified by searching several databases online. After a methodology assessment using a quality scale designed by European Lung Cancer Working Party, data in each research were aggregated by means of meta-analysis. RESULTS: Altogether 368 cases were included in the 9 selected studies, which fulfilled the selection criteria. The quality scores ranged from 35% to 84% with a median score of 55%. The 'design' subscore had the lowest median value (38%). By aggregating the data, a high x2 value (77.576) was presented. The fail-safe number was 136 and 64 for P= 0.05 and 0.01, respectively. CONCLUSION: AFP mRNA expression in peripheral blood 1 wk after surgery correlated with the recurrence of HCC and was a good predictor for tumor recurrence.展开更多
基金the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province, China,No.C001009the Foundation for the Author of National Excellent Doctoral Dissertation of P.R.China,No.200157
文摘AIM: The incidence of gastric cardia cancer has greatlyincreased in the past 2-3 decades, however, the risk factorsfor the disease are still not clearly understood. Theinvestigations among Chinese population on the risk factorsof gastric cardia cancer were also scarcely reported. Wetherefore conducted a case-control study in Fujian province,China, to investigate the potential risk and protective factorsof this disease.METHODS: 191 cardia and 190 non-cardia gastric cancercases, and a total of 222 control cases were included in thisstudy. Standard questionnaires were used in collectingepidemiological factors and the data were then analyzed bythe unconditional logistic regression model.RESULTS: As the factors such as age, gender, smoking,alcohol consumption, and family history of gastric cancerwere controlled, a multivariable analysis was conducted,which revealed that there was a significant correlationbetween the dietary habits such as irregular meal, over andfast eating, and the gastric cardia cancer with the odds ratios(ORs) of 4.2 (95 % confidence interval: 2.3-7.7), 4.7 (2.1-10.8), and 2.7 (1.3-5.3) respectively. Other correlations werealso observed between the gastric cardia cancer and theconsumption of salty fish or pickled vegetable, smoking,and the family cancer history with the ORs of 5.5 (1.4-19.5),1.8 (1.0-3.0), 2.1 (1.3-3.5), and 3.8 (2.3-6.2) respectively.In contrast, the negative correlations were found existingbetween the intake of fresh vegetables and fruits, the useof refrigerator, and the gastric cardia cancer, with the ORsof 0.4 (0.2-0.9), 0.2 (0.1-0.5), and 0.2 (0.1-0.4),respectively. However, dietary habits were associated lesswith non-cardia gastric cancer compared with its cardiacounterpart.CONCLUSION: Dietary habits might be one of the riskfactors for the cardia carcinogenesis among Chinesepopulation.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province,No.302489
文摘AIM:To study the therapeutic effects of anti-fibrosis herbs and selenium on hepatic fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats and the underlining molecular mechanisms.METHODS:Fifty-three Wistar rats were randomly divided into:normal control group, model control group, colchicine group, anti-fibrosis herbs group (AF group) and anti-fibrosis herbs plus selenium group (AS group).The last four groups were administered with CCl4 at the beginning of experiment to induce hepatic fibrosis. Then colchicine, anti-fibrosis herbs and selenium were used to treat them. The normal control group and the model control group were given normal saline at the same time. At the end of the 6^th week, rats in each group were sacrificed. Blood and tissue specimens were taken. Serum indicators (ALT, AST, HA, LN) were determined and histopathological changes were graded. Lymphocyte CD4 and CD8 were examined by flow cytometry. Expression of TGF-β1 and NF-κB was detected by immunohistochemistry and expression of TGF-β1 mRNA was detected by semiquantified RT-PCR.RESULTS: Histological grading showed much a smaller degree of hepatic fibrogenesis in AS group and AF group than that in colchicine group and model control group.The serum content of ALT, AST, HA and LN in AF group and AS group were significantly lower than that in colchicine group (ALT:65.8±26.5, 67.3±18.4 and 96.2±20.9 in AF, AS and colchicine groups respectively; AST: 150.8±34.0, 154.6±27.3 and 215.8±24.6 respectively; HA: 228±83, 216±58 and 416±135 respectively; LN:85.9±15.0, 80.6±18.6 and 106.3±14.2 respectively) (P<0.05). The level of CD4 and CD4/CD8 ratio in AF group and AS group was significantly higher that those in cochicine group (CD4:50.8±3.8, 52.6±3.4 and 40.2±2.1 in AF, AS and colchicine groups respectively;CD4/CD8 ratio:1.45,1.46 and 1.26, respectively (P<0.05).The expression level of NF-κB and TGF-β1 in the liver tissues of AF and AS treatment groups was markedly decreased compared with that in cochicine group, and TGF-β1 mRNA was also markedly decreased (1.07±0.31 and 0.98±0.14 vs2.34±0.43, P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Anti-fibrosis herbs and selenium have beneficial effects on hepatic fibrosis in rats by enhancing immunity and inhibiting NF-κB and TGF-β1 expressions.
文摘It has been proved that severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is caused by SARS-associated coronavirus, a novel coronavirus. SARS originated in Guangdong Province, the People's Republic of China at the end of 2002. At present,it has spread to more than 33 countries or regions all over the world and affected 8 360 people and killed 764 by May 31,2003. Identification of the SARS causative agent and development of a diagnostic test are important. Detecting disease in its early stage, understanding its pathways of transmission and implementing specific prevention measures for the disease are dependent upon swift progress. Due to the efforts of the WHO-led network of laboratories testing for SARS, tests for the novel coronavirus have been developed with unprecedented speed. The genome sequence reveals that this coronavirus is only moderately related to other known coronaviruses. WHO established the definitions of suspected and confirmed and probable cases. But the laboratory tests and definitions are limited. Until now, the primary measures included isolation, ribavirin and corticosteroid therapy, mechanical ventilation, etc. Other therapies such as convalescent plasma are being explored. It is necessary to find more effective therapy. There still are many problems to be solved in the course of conquering SARS.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.39670651
文摘AIM: To analyse the role of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors in the process of esophageal cancer (EC) formation in Xi'an, China. METHODS: A hospital based case-control study, combined with molecular epidemiological method, was carded out. A total of 127 EC cases and 101 controls were interviewed with questionnaires containing demographic items, habit of tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking, and family history of EC. Polymorphism of CYPIA1 and GSTM1 of 127 EC cases and 101 controls were detected by PCR method. The interactions between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors were also discussed. RESULTS: Tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking and a family history of EC were risk factors for EC with an OR of 2.04 (95% CI 1.15-3.60), 3.45(95% CI 1.74-6.91), 3.14 (95% CI 1.28-7.94), respectively. Individuals carrying CYP1A1 Val/Val genotype compared to those with CYP1A1 Ile/Ile genotype had an increased risk for EC (OR 3.35, 95% CI 1.49-7.61). GSTM1 deletion genotype was a risk factor for EC (OR1.81, 95% CI 1.03-3.18). Gene-environment interaction analysis showed that CYPIA1 Val/Val genotype, GSTM1 deletion genotype had synergetic interactions with tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking and family history of EC. CONCLUSION: Tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking and a family history of EC are risk factors for EC. CYP1A1 Val/Val and GSTM1 deletion genotypes are genetic susceptibility biomarkers for EC. There are synergic interactions between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors.
基金National Ninth Five-year Study Program for Taking Key Scientific Problems,No.96-906-01-04National Tenth Fiveyear Study Program for Taking Key Scientific Problems,No.2001BA703B06(B)
文摘AIM: To evaluate the preliminary effects of comprehensive prevention of gastric cancer in Zhuanghe County epidemiologically.METHODS: Stratified sampling and cluster sampling were applied to define the intervention group and the control group. The prospective cohort study was used for evaluating the effect of preventing gastric cancer. The relative risk (RR)and attributable risk percent (AR %) of intervention on gastric cancer death were calculated. Potential years of life lost (PLYY) of the disease was analyzed, and the RR and AR %of PYLL were calculated. Survival analysis was applied among the screened patients.RESULTS: In the first 4 years after intervening, the relative risk (RR) of intervention on death was 0.5059 (95 % CI:0.3462～0.7392,P＜0.05) with significance statistically. AR %of the intervention on death was 49.41%. The RR of intervention on cumulative PYLL was 0.6778 (95 % CI:0.5604～0.8198,P＜0.05) with statistic significance. AR %of the intervention on cumulative PYLL was 30.32 %. The four-year survival rate of the screened patients was 0.6751(95 % CI: 0.5298～0.9047).CONCLUSION: The initiative intervention results showed that the intervention approach used in the trial was effective, it reduced mortality and increased survival rate, and alleviated the adverse effect of gastric cancer on the health and life of screened population.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province, No. 302489
文摘AIM: To investigate the effects of eukaryotic expression of plasmid on augmentation of liver regeneration (ALR) in rat hepatic fibrosis and to explore their mechanisms. METHODS: Ten rats were randomly selected from 50 Wistar rats as normal control group. The rest were administered intraperitoneally with porcine serum twice weekly. After 8 wk, they were randomly divided into: model control group, colchicine group (Col), first ALR group (ALR1), second ALR group (ALR2). Then colchicine ALR recombinant plasmid were used to treat them respectively. At the end of the 4th wk, rats were killed. Serum indicators were detected and histopathological changes were graded. Expression of type Ⅰ, Ⅲ, collagen and TIMP-1 were detected by immunohisto-chemistry and expression of TIMP-1 mRNA was detected by semi-quantified RT-PCR. RESULTS: The histologic examination showed that the degree of the rat hepatic fibrosis in two ALR groups was lower than those in model control group. Compared with model group, ALR significantly reduced the serum levels of ALT, AST, HA, LN, PCIII and IV (P<0.05). Immunohistochemical staining showed that expression of type Ⅰ, Ⅲ, collagen and TIMP-1 in two ALR groups was ameliorated dramatically compared with model group (I collagen: 6.94±1.42,5.80±1.66 and 10.83±3.58 in ALR1, ALR2 and model groups, respectively; Ⅲ collagen: 7.18±1.95, 4.50±1.67 and 10.25±2.61, respectively; TIMP-1: 0.39±0.05,0.20±0.06 and 0.53±0.12, respectively,P<0.05 or P<0.01). The expression level of TIMP-1 mRNA in the liver tissues was markedly decreased in two ALR groups compared with model group (TIMP-1 mRNA/β-actin: 0.89±0.08, 0.65±0.11 and 1.36±0.11 in ALR1, ALR2 and model groups respectively, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: ALR recombinant plasmid has beneficial effects on rat hepatic fibrosis by enhancing regeneration of injured liver cells and inhibiting TIMP-1 expressions.
文摘AIM: To describe the mortality rate of pancreatic cancer and its distribution in China during the period of 1991-2000.METHODS: Based on the data of demography and death collected through China′s Disease Surveillance Point System (DSPS) over the period of 1991-2000, the distribution of death rate of pancreatic cancer was described in terms of age group, gender, calendar year, rural/urban residence and administrative district.RESULTS: A total of 1 619 death cases attributed to pancreatic cancer (975 men and 644 women) were reported by DSPS during 1991-2000. The reported, adjusted and agestandardized mortality rates increased from 1.46, 1.75, and 2.18 per 100 000 populations in 1991 to 2.38, 3.06, and 3.26per 100 000 populations in 2000. The majority (69.62 %) of the deaths of pancreatic cancer were seen in the age group of 60 years and older. The mortality rate was higher in men than in women, but the male to female death rate ratios decreased during the 10 years. Our data also showed that the death rate of pancreatic cancer in urban areas was about 2-4 fold higher than that in rural areas, and in Northeast and East China, the death rates were higher than those in the other 5 administrative districts.CONCLUSION: The death rate due to pancreatic cancer was rising during the period of 1991-2000 and the peak mortality of pancreatic cancer might arrive in China.
基金Supported by the Scientific Foundation of Ministry of Health of China,No.98-1-236
文摘AIM: To examine the association of daily alcohol intake,types of alcoholic beverage consumed, drinking patterns and obesity with alcoholic liver disease in China.METHODS: By random cluster sampling and a 3-year follow-up study, 1 270 alcohol drinkers were recruited from different occupations in the urban and suburban areas of Xi'an City. They were examined by specialists and inquired for information on: Medical history and family medical history, alcohol intake, types of alcoholic beverage consumed, drinking patterns by detailed dietary questionnaires. Routine blood tests and ultrasonography were done.RESULTS: Multivariate analysis showed that: (1) The risk threshold for developing alcoholic liver disease was ingestion of more than 20 g alcohol per day, keeping on drinking for over 5 years in men. The highest OR was at the daily alcohol consumption ≥160 g, the occurrencerate of ALD amounted to 18.7% (P<0.01). No ALD occurred when ingestion of alcohol was less than 20 g per day. (2) 87.9% of all drank only at mealtimes. The cumulative risk of developing ALD was significantly higher in those individuals who regularly drank alcohol without food than in those who drank only at mealtimes, especially for those who regularly drank hard liquors only and multiple drinks (P<0.05). (3) The alcohol consumption in those with BMI ≥25 was lower than in those with BMI<25, but the risk increased to 11.5%, significantly higher than that of general population, 6.5% (P<0.01). (4) Abstinence and weight reduction could benefit the liver function recovery.CONCLUSION: In the Chinese population the ethanol risk threshold for developing ALD is 20 g per day, and this risk increases with increased daily intake. Drinking 20 g of ethanol per day and for less than 5 years are safe from ALD. Drinking alcohol outside mealtimes and drinking hard liquors only and multiple different alcohol beverages both increase the risk of developing ALD. Obesity also increases the risk, Abstinence and weight reduction will directly affect the prognosis of ALD, Doctor's strong advice might influence the prognosis indirectly.
基金Supported by The National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30170891 and No.39970819
文摘AIM: To investigate the inhibitory effects of endostatinvascular endothelial growth inhibitor (VEGI151) recombinant adenoviruses on neovascularization.METHODS: We used recombinant adenoviruses to treat human vascular endothelial cell line ECV304, human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2, and murine fibroblast cell line L929, in order to study the chimeric gene expression in these cell lines. Chick choriallantic membrane(CAM) model, rabbit inflammatory corneal neovascularization(CNV) model, and liver cancer-bearing nude mice model were employed to investigate the negative biological effect of fusion molecules on neovascularization in vivo.RESULTS: Western blot showed that the molecular weight of fusion protein was about 41kD after infection of ECV304,HepG2 and L929 cells with supernatant of AdhENDO-VEGI151.The fusion protein showed a specific inhibitory effect on the proliferation of ECV304 cells, but no inhibitory effect on the growth of HepG2 and L929 cells (F=13112.13, P=0.0001). In the chick choriallantic membrane (CAM) assay, the expressed fusion protein significantly inhibited neovascularization. Rabbit inflammatory corneal neovascularization (CNV) induced by intrastromal sutures resulted in a uniform neovascular response. In this model, direct subconjunctival injection of AdhENDO-VEGI151 expressed the fusion protein in vivo and suppressed the development of CNV. Topical application of AdhENDO-VEGI151 led to a significant suppression of CNV (F=1413.11, P=0.0001),as compared with the control group of AdLacZ. Immunohistochemical staining showed the fusion protein dominantly expressed in corneal epithelium. Compared with the control group of AdLacZ (4075.9±1849.9 mm^3), the average tumor size of group AdhENDO-VEGI151 reduced in size (487.7±241.2 mm^3) (F=14.80, P=0.0085), with an inhibition rate of 88.03%. Immunohistochemical staining showed the adenoviruses carried the fusion gene expressed on liver cancer cell membrane. MVD decreased more significantly in treated mice (30.75±3.31%) than in AdLacZ control(50.25±8.65%) (F=17.72, P=0.0056) with an inhibition rate of 39%.CONCLUSION: Fusion protein expressed by recombinant adenoviruses has a significant inhibitory effect on neovascularization.
基金Supported by the Research Funit for the Doctoral Training Program from the Ministry of Education,No.2000002340 and Beijing Municipal Government Commission for Science & Technology,No.H020920020590
文摘AIM: To clarify whether -238G/A polymorphism of tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) gene promoter region was associated with outcomes of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Han population of northern China, and to analyze the geneenvironment interaction between -238G/A polymorphism and cigarette smoking or alcohol consumption. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted to analyze the association of TNF-a gene promoter polymorphism with HBV infection outcomes. A total of 207 patients with chronic hepatitis B (HB) and 148 cases of self-limited HBV infection from Ditan Hospital and Shunyi District Hospital in Beijing, respectively were recruited. History of smoking and alcohol drinking was inquired by a questionnaire. The -238G/A polymorphism of TNF-a gene promoter was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restricted fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS: The frequencies of GG and GA genotypes were 98.07% and 1.93% in chronic HB patients and 93.24% and 6.76% in self-limited HBV infection individuals, respectively (X^2=5.30, P=-0.02). The frequency of G allele was significantly higher in patients with chronic HB that in individuals with self-limited HBV infection (99.03% vs 96.62%, X^2=5.20, P=0.02). Only modestly increased risk of onset of chronic HB was found in smokers (OR=1.40, 95% CI： 0.87-2.28, P=0.14) and drinkers (OR=-1.26, 95%CI： 0.78-2.05, P=-0.32). There was a positive interaction between genotype GG and cigarette smoking with an interaction index (Ⅱ) of 2.95, or alcohol consumption with an Ⅱ of 1.64. CONCLUSION: The -238G/A polymorphism of TNF-a gene promoter region is independently associated with different outcomes of HBV infection.
基金This study was supported by Beijing Municipal Natural Sciences Foundation (Grant No. 7001004) Research Fund for the Doctoral Training Program from the Ministry of Education (Grant No. 20020023009) China Medical Board in New York (Grant No. 96-657).
文摘Objective To investigate the association of specific functional gene ACE (I/D) variants of the renin-angiotensin system with essential hypertension (EH) and interaction between ACE (I/D) gene and risk factors for EH in a genetically homogenous Mongolia rural population of China. Methods Individuals (n=1099) were recruited from general population of Kezuohouqi Banner in Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region. Results The association was found between ACE genotype DD plus ID and EH, with an interaction between ACE genotype DD plus ID and cigarette smoking in an additive model. Cigarette smoking index and ACE gene showed a low exposure-gene (LEG) effect on EH, with interaction indices from 7.10 to 1.16. Interaction between ACE genotype DD plus ID and alcohol drinking on EH appeared an additive model. Alcohol drinking index and ACE gene showed a low exposure-gene (LEG) effect on EH, with interaction indices from 1.66 to 1.09. BMI and ACE gene showed a low exposure-gene (LEG) effect on EH, with interaction indices from 6.15 to 2.49. Interactions between ACE genotype and WHR on EH showed a multiplicative model. In a short, there was an interaction between ACE gene and cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking and BMI on EH, especially in a low dose-exposure effect Conclusion It is important for individuals who carry ACE D allele gene to prevent EH, and furthermore, to prevent and control coronary heart disease, in a view of population-based prevention.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30170833
文摘AIM: To study the application of artificial neural network (ANN) in forecasting the incidence of hepatitis A, which had an autoregression phenomenon.METHODS: The data of the incidence of hepatitis A in Liaoning Province from 1981 to 2001 were obtained from Liaoning Disease Control and Prevention Center. We used the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model of time series analysis to determine whether there was any autoregression phenomenon in the data. Then the data of the incidence were switched into [0,1] intervals as the network theoretical output. The data from 1981 to 1997 were used as the training and veriying sets and the data from 1998 to 2001 were made up into the test set.STATISTICA neural network (ST NN) was used to construct,train and simulate the artificial neural network.RESULTS: Twenty-four networks were tested and seven were retained. The best network we found had excellent performance, its regression ratio was 0.73, and its correlation was 0.69. There were 2 input variables in the network, one was AR(1), and the other was time. The number of units in hidden layer was 3. In ARIMA time series analysis results, the best model was first order autoregression without difference and smoothness. The total sum square error of the ANN model was 9 090.21, the sum square error of the training set and testing set was 8 377.52 and 712.69,respectively, they were all less than that of ARIMA model.The corresponding value of ARIMA was 12 291.79, 8 944.95 and 3 346.84, respectively. The correlation coefficient of nonlinear regression (RNL) of ANN was 0.71, while the RNL of ARIMA linear autoregression model was 0.66.CONCLUSION: ANN is superior to conventional methods in forecasting the incidence of hepatitis A which has an autoregression phenomenon.
文摘AIM: To analyze the data from Tianjin Cancer Registry of mortality due to colon cancer from 1981 to 2000 in Tianjin, China. METHODS: Tumors diagnosed in this study were coded according to ICD-9. Mortality rates were calculated by sex and calendar year of diagnosis. RESULTS: Seventy point four percent of colon cancer deaths occurred in the age group of 55-79 years and the mortality rate reached its peak in the age group of 75-80 years. The average age at death was 64.10 years. An ascending trend was observed in the mean age of death due to colon cancer from 1981 through 2000. However, as for the sex ratio, there was no clear trend exhibited. During 1981-2000, the total number of deaths was 2147, 1041 males and 1106 females. The mean mortality rate of colon cancer was 3.04/100 000. The mortality caused by colon cancer ascended from 1981 to 2000. CONCLUSION: The epidemic trend of colon cancer in Tianjin and its risk factors and prevention should be studied further.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.30170828
文摘AIM: To investigate the risk factors of colon cancer andrectal cancer.METHODS: A nested case-control study was conducted ina cohort of 64 693 subjects who participated in a colorectalcancer screening program from 1989 to 1998 in Jiashancounty, Zhejiang, China. 196 cases of colorectal cancer weredetected from 1990 to 1998 as the case group and 980non-colorectal cancer subjects, matched with factors of age,gender, resident location, were randomly selected from the64 693 cohort as controls. By using univariate analysis andmutivariate conditional logistic regression analysis, the oddsratio (OR) and its 95 % confidence interval (95 %CI) werecalculated between colorectal cancer and personal habits,dietary factors, as well as intestinal related symptoms.RESULTS: The mutivariate analysis results showed that aftermatched with age, sex and resident location, mucous bloodstool history and mixed sources of drinking water were closelyassociated with colon cancer and rectal cancer, OR values forthe mucous blood stool history were 3.508 (95 %CI: 1.370-8.985) and 2.139 (95 %CI: 1.040-4.402) respectively; for themixed drinking water sources, 2.387 (95 %CI: 1.243-4.587)and 1.951 (95 %CI: 1.086-3.506) respectively. All reachedthe significant level with a P-value less than 0.05.CONCLUSION: The study suggested that mucous bloodstool history and mixed sources of drinking water were therisk factors of colon cancer and rectal cancer. There was noany significant association between dietary habits and theincidence of colorectal cancer.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.39930160
文摘AIM: To explore the mode of inheritance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a moderately high-incidence area of East China.METHODS: A pedigree survey was conducted in 210 families (3315 individuals) ascertained through 210 HCC probands in Haimen, Jiangsu Province. Simple segregation analysis was conducted using SEGRANB software. The probability of ascertainment (π), segregation ratio (p), and the proportion of sporadic cases (x) were estimated. Complex segregation analysis was performed using the REGTL program of S.A.G.E.Models were fitted on the data of 3212 individuals that allowed for personal HBsAg status and variable age of onset in REGTL program.RESULTS: The estimate of segregation ratio was 0.191 by SEGRANB. The probability of ascertainment was 0.0266, and the proportion of sporadic cases was 0.465. The results of complex segregation analysis showed that Mendelian autosomal recessive inheritance of a major gene that influenced the age of onset distribution of HCC, provided the best fit to the data. In the best-fitting recessive model,the frequency of the disease allele was 0.11138. HBsAg seropositive status would significantly increase the risk of developing HCC.CONCLUSION: These results suggest that at least one major gene is involved in the genetic predisposition to develop HCC at an earlier age of onset. The seropositive HBsAg status can significantly increase the risk of developing HCC, which provides strong support for the interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province, No. 302489
文摘AIM: To study the protective effect of eukaryotic expression plasmid encoding augmenter of liver regeneration (ALR) on acute hepatic injury and hepatic failure in rats. METHODS: The PCR-amplified ALR gene was recombined with pcDNA3 plasmid, and used to treat rats with acute hepatic injury. The rats with acute hepatic injury induced by intraperitoneal injection of 2 mL/kg 50% carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) were randomly divided into saline control group and recombinant pcDNA3-ALR plasmid treatment groups. Recombinant pcDNA3-ALR plasmid DNA (50 or 200 μg/kg) was injected into the rats with acute hepatic injury intravenously, intraperitoneally, or intravenously and intraperitoneally in combination 4 h after CCl4 administration, respectively. The recombinant plasmid was injected once per 12 h into all treatment groups four times, and the rats were decapitated 12 h after the last injection. Hepatic histopathological alterations were observed after HE staining, the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in liver tissue was detected by immunohistochemical staining, and the level of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was determined by biochemical method. The recombinant plasmid DNA (200 μg/kg) and saline were intraperitoneally injected into the rats with acute hepatic failure induced by intraperitoneal injection of 4 mL/kg 50% CCl4 after 4 h of CCl4 administration, respectively. Rats living over 96 h were considered as survivals.RESULTS: The sequence of ALR cDNA of recombinant pcDNA3-ALR plasmid was accordant with the reported sequence of rat ALR cDNA. After the rats with acute hepatic injury were treated with recombinant pcDNA3-ALR plasmid, the degree of liver histopathological injury markedly decreased. The pathologic liver tissues, in which hepatic degeneration and necrosis of a small amount of hepatocytes and a large amount of infiltrating inflammatory cells were observed, and they became basically normal in the most effective group after four times of injection of recombinant pcDNA3-ALR plasmid. The indexes of PCNA significantly increased in the recombinant pcDNA3-ALR plasmid treatment groups compared to model group. The level of serum AST and ALT remarkably reduced in recombinant pcDNA3-ALR plasmid treatment groups compared to model group. The results showed that the effect of 200 μg/kg recombinant pcDNA3-ALR plasmid in the rats with acute liver injury was stronger than that of 50μg/kg pcDNA3-ALR DNA.The effect of intravenous injection of recombinant pcDNA3ALR plasmid was better. After the rats with acute hepatic failure were treated with recombinant pcDNA3-ALR plasmid,the survival rate (40%) significantly increased in treatment groups compared to control group (15%, P＜0.01).CONCLUSION: The ALR gene may play an important role in relieving acute hepatic injury and hepatic failure by promoting hepatic cell proliferation and reducing level ofAST and ALT in CCl4-intoxicated rats.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30070671
文摘AIM: To study the differential expression of proteins in normal and cancerous gastric tissues, and further identify new molecular markers for diagnosis and prognosis of gastric carcinoma, as well as develop new therapeutic targets of the disease.METHODS: Matched pairs of tissues from 6 gastric cancerpatients were analyzed for their two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE) profiles. Soluble fraction proteins from human normal and cancerous gastric tissue were separated in the first dimension by isoelectric focusing on immobilized pH gradient (IPG, pH3-10) strips, and by125 g/L sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) in the second dimension with silver nitrate staining. Protein differential expression was analyzed by use of image analysis software to find out candidates for gastric cancer-associated proteins.RESULTS: Nine protein spots overexpressed in tumor tissues as compared with noncancerous regions. In the next step, 9 tumor-specific spots were cut off from Coomassie Brilliant Blue staining gels, digested in gel with L-l-tosylamide-2-phenylethyl chloromethyl ketone (TPCK)-trypsin. Protein identification was done by peptide mass fingerprinting with matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization-tirne of flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS).In total, 5 tumor-specific protein spots corresponding to 5different polypeptide chains were identified, including annexin V, carbonic anhydrase, prohibitin, fibrin beta and fibrinogen fragment D. Among these 5 spots, the potential significance of the differential expressions is discussed.CONCLUSION Differential expression analysis of proteomes may be useful for the development of new molecular markers for diagnosis and prognosis of gastric carcinoma.
基金Supported by the National Key Research and Development Program,No. 2001BA703BO4
文摘AIM:To identify the role of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) mRNA expression in peripheral blood one week after surgery as a predictor for recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Published studies fulfilling the selection criteria were identified by searching several databases online. After a methodology assessment using a quality scale designed by European Lung Cancer Working Party, data in each research were aggregated by means of meta-analysis. RESULTS: Altogether 368 cases were included in the 9 selected studies, which fulfilled the selection criteria. The quality scores ranged from 35% to 84% with a median score of 55%. The 'design' subscore had the lowest median value (38%). By aggregating the data, a high x2 value (77.576) was presented. The fail-safe number was 136 and 64 for P= 0.05 and 0.01, respectively. CONCLUSION: AFP mRNA expression in peripheral blood 1 wk after surgery correlated with the recurrence of HCC and was a good predictor for tumor recurrence.
