AIM: Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) are a family of transcription factors activated in response to cytokines and growth factors. Constitutive activation of Stat3 has been observed in a grow...AIM: Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) are a family of transcription factors activated in response to cytokines and growth factors. Constitutive activation of Stat3 has been observed in a growing number of tumor-derived cell lines, as well as tumor specimens from human cancers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of p-Stat3, activated form of Stat3, and its downstream mediators including cyclin D1 and Bcl-XL in colorectal carcinoma (CRC), and to explore the possible mechanism of Stat3 signaling pathway in the tumorigenesis of colorectal carcinoma. METHODS: Tissue samples from 45 patients of primary colorectal carcinoma were selected for studying Stat3 signaling pathway protein expression. Western blot analysis was used to measure the expression of p-Stat3, cyclin D1, and Bcl-xu proteins in colorectal carcinomas. Furthermore, the expression patterns of these proteins were analyzed for their distribution at the cellular level by immunohistochemical staining of the tissues. RESULTS: Protein levels of p-Stat3, cyclin D1, and Bcl-XL were increased in colorectal carcinomas compared with adjacent normal mucosae (P<0.05). Elevated levels of pStat3 were correlated with the nodal metastasis and the stage (P<0.05). Overexpression of cyclin D1 was associated with the nodal metastasis (P<0.05). There was also a significant correlation between the expressions of p-Stat3 and cyclin D1 (r=0.382, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Constitutive activation of Stat3 may play an important role in the tumorigenesis of colorectal carcinoma, and the detailed mechanism of Stat3 signaling pathway in CRC deserves further investigation.展开更多
AIM:Population-based assessment of noncardiac chest pain (NCCP) is lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, psychosocial factors and health seeking behaviour of NCCP in southern Chinese.METHODS:A...AIM:Population-based assessment of noncardiac chest pain (NCCP) is lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, psychosocial factors and health seeking behaviour of NCCP in southern Chinese.METHODS:A total of 2 209 ethnic Hong Kong Chinese households were recruited to participate in a telephone survey to study the epidemiology of NCCP using the Rose angina questionnaire, a validated gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) questionnaire and the hospital anxiety-depression scale. NCCP was defined as non-exertional chest pain according to the Rose angina questionnaire and had not been diagnosed as ischaemic heart diseases by a physician.RESULTS: Chest pain over the past year was present in 454 subjects (20.6%, 95% CI 19-22), while NCCP was present in 307 subjects (13.9%, 95% CI 13-15). GERD was present in 51% of subjects with NCCP and 34% had consulted a physician for chest pain. Subjects with NCCP had a significantly higher anxiety (P<0.001) and depression score (P=0.007), and required more days off (P=0.021) than subjects with no chest pain. By multiple logistic regression analysis, female gender (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1-3.2), presence of GERD (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.6-4.8), and social life being affected by NCCP (OR 6.9, 95% CI 3.3-15.9) were independent factors associated with health seeking behaviour in southern Chinese with NCCP.CONCLUSION: NCCP is a common problem in southern Chinese and associated with anxiety and depression. Female gender, GERD and social life affected by chest pain were associated with health care utilization in subjects with NCCP.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the dynamic expression of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) protein and FAK mRNA in fibrotic rat liver tissue, and the relationship between FAK and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) proliferation.METHODS: Rat ...AIM: To investigate the dynamic expression of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) protein and FAK mRNA in fibrotic rat liver tissue, and the relationship between FAK and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) proliferation.METHODS: Rat hepatic fibrosis was induced by bile duct ligation (BDL). Histopathological changes were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and by Masson's trichrome method. FAK mRNA in the rat livers was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and the distributions of FAK were assessed immunohistochemistrically. The number of activated HSCs was quantified after alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) staining.RESULTS: With the development of hepatic fibrosis, the positively stained cells of α-SMA increased obviously, which were mainly resided in the portal ducts, fiber septa and perisinuses accompanied with proliferating bile ducts. The positively stained areas of the rat livers in model groups 1 to 4 wk after ligation of common bile duct (12.88±2.63%,22.65±2.16%, 27.45±1.86%, 35.25±2.34%, respectively)were significantly larger than those in the control group (5.88±1.46%) (P<0.01). The positive staining for FAK significantly increased, which was mainly situated in portal ducts, fiber septa and around the bile ducts, vascular endothelial cells and perisinusoidal cells. The expression of FAK was positively correlated with α-SMA expression(r=0.963, P<0.05). FAK mRNA expression was obviously up-regulated in the model groups compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that expressions of FAK protein and mRNA are greatly increased in fibrotic rat livers, which may play an important role in HSC proliferation and hepatic fibrogenesis.展开更多
AIM:To compare the therapeutic effect of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization （TACE), laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation (LRFA), and conservative treatment for the therapy of decompensated liver cirrhosis patie...AIM:To compare the therapeutic effect of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization （TACE), laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation (LRFA), and conservative treatment for the therapy of decompensated liver cirrhosis patients with hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC).METHODS:Between October 2000 and July 2003, one hundred patients with histologically proven primary HCC and clinical decompensated liver cirrhosis (Child classification B or C) were included in this study. Forty patients received LRFA (LRFA group), twenty received TACE (TACE group),and forty received conservative treatment (control group).We compared the survival, recurrence, and complication rates in these three groups, making adjustment using the tumor metastastic node staging system.RESULTS:The major complication rate in the TACE group (9/20) was significantly higher than that in the LRFA group (7/40). For patients with TMN stage Ⅱ HCC, the survival rate of the LRFA group was better than that of the TACE and control groups (P=0.003) but the recurrence rates befween the LRFA and TACE groups did not differ.CONCLUSION: The LRFA group of patients had betterclinical outcomes in terms of survival and complication rates in comparison with the TACE group or conservative treatment in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis, especially in TMN patients with stage Ⅱ HCC. LRFA is thus an appropriate alternative treatment for poor liver function among patientswith HCC.展开更多
AIM: To assess the mechanisms of protective action by different mild irritants through maintenance of gastric mucosal integrity and modulation of mucosal nitric oxide (NO) in experimental gastritis rats.METHODS: Etche...AIM: To assess the mechanisms of protective action by different mild irritants through maintenance of gastric mucosal integrity and modulation of mucosal nitric oxide (NO) in experimental gastritis rats.METHODS: Etcher 200 mL/L ethanol, 50 g/L NaG or 0.3 mol/L HCl was pretreated to normal or 800 mL/L ethanol-induced acute gastritis Sprague-Dawley rats before a subsequent challenge with 500 mL/L ethanol. Both macroscopic lesion areas and histological damage scores were determined in the gastric mucosa of each group of animals. Besides,gastric mucosal activities of NO synthase isoforms and of superoxide dismutase, along with mucosal level of leukotriene (LT)C4 were measured.RESULTS: Macroscopic mucosal damages were protected by 200 mL/L ethanol and 50 g/L NaCI in gastritis rats.However, although 200 mL/L ethanol could protect the surface layers of mucosal cells in normal animals (protection attenuated by NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester), no cytoprotection against deeper histological damages was found in gastritis rats. Besides, inducible NO synthase activity was increased in the mucosa of gastritis animals and unaltered by mild irritants. Nevertheless, the elevation in mucosal LTC4 level following 500 mL/L ethanol administration and under gastritis condition was significantly reduced by pretreatment of all three mild irritants in both normal and gastritis animals.CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the aggravated 500 mL/L ethanol-evoked mucosal damages under gastritis condition could be due to increased inducible NO and LTC4 production in the gastric mucosa. Only 200 mL/L ethanol is truly 'cytoprotective' at the surface glandular level of nongastritis mucosa. Furthermore, the macroscopic protection of the three mild irritants involves reduction of LTC4 level in both normal and gastritis mucosa, implicating preservation of the vasculature.展开更多
AIM: Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) play an important role in resolving HBV infection. In the present study, we attempted to evaluate the efficiency of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs) transduced with recombi...AIM: Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) play an important role in resolving HBV infection. In the present study, we attempted to evaluate the efficiency of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs) transduced with recombinant retroviral vector bearing hepatitis B virus (HBV) core gene and the capability of generating CTLs against HBcAg by genetically modified DCs in vivo.METHODS: A retroviral vector containing HBV core gene was constructed. Replicating DC progenitor of C57BL/6 mice was transduced by retroviral vector and continually cultured in the presence of recombinant mouse granulocytemacrophage colony-stimulating factor (rmGM-CSF) and interleukin-4(IL-4) for 6 days. LPS was added and cultured for additional two days. The efficiency of gene transfer was determined by PCR, Western blot and FACS. Transduced DCs immunized C57BL/6 mice subcutaneously 2 times at an oneweek interval. Intracellular IFN-γ and IL-4 of immunized mice lymphocytes were analyzed. Generation of CTLs in lymphooytes stimulated with mitomycin C-treated EL4-C cell which stably expresses HBcAg was determined by LDH release assays.RESULTS: Recombinant retroviral expression vector (pLCSN) was positively detected by PCR as well as enzyme digestion with EcoRI and BamH I. Retroviruses were generated by pLCSN transfection packing cell and the virus titer was 3x10s CFU/ml. Indirect immunofluorescence and FACS showed that HBV core gene was expressed in murine fibroblasts. Transduced bone marrow cells had capability of differentiating into DCsc in vitro in the presence of rmGMCSF and rmIL-4. The result of PCR showed that HBV core gene was integrated into the genome of transduced DCs.Western blot analysis showed that HBV core gene was expressed in DCs. The transduction rate was 28 % determined by FACS. Retroviral transduction had no influence on DCs expressions of CD80 and MHC class Ⅱ. HBcAg specific CTLs and Th1 type immune responses could be generated in the mice by using transduced DCs as antigen presenting cells (APCs).CONCLUSION: Retroviral transduction of myeloid DCs progenitors expresses efficiently HBcAg, and genetically modified DCs evoke a higher CTLs response than HBcAg in vivo.展开更多
AIM- To study the prevalence of Barrett's esophagus in Chinese and its correlation with gastroesophageal reflux. METHODS: This study was carded out in a large prospective series of 391 patients who had undergone u...AIM- To study the prevalence of Barrett's esophagus in Chinese and its correlation with gastroesophageal reflux. METHODS: This study was carded out in a large prospective series of 391 patients who had undergone upper endoscopy. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the position of squamocolumnar junction (SC3). Reflux esophagitis (RE) and its degree were recorded. Intestinal metaplasia (IM) in biopsy specimen was typed according to histochemistry and HE and alcian blue (pH2.5) staining separately. Results correlating with clinical, endoscopic, and pathological data were analysed. RESULTS: The prevalence of IM endoscopically appearing Long-segment Barrett's Esophagus (LSBE) was 26.53%, Short-segment Barrett's Esophagus (SSBE) was 33.85% and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) was 34.00%. IM increased with age of above 40 years old and no difference was found between male and female. Twelve were diagnosed as dysplasia (7 low -grade, 5 high-grade), 16 were diagnosed as cardiac adenocarcinoma and 1 as esophageal adenocarcinoma. The more far away the SCJ moved upward above GEJ, the higher the prevalence and the more severe the RE were. CONCLUSION: There was no difference of the prevalence of IM in different places of SCJ, and IM increased with age of above 40 years old. It is important to pay attention to dysplasia in the distal esophagus and gastro-esophageal junction, and adenocarcinoma is more common in cardia than in esophagus. BE is a consequence of gastroesophageal reflux disease.展开更多
AIM: To explore expression and distribution features of COX-2 and bcl-2 in human gastric adenocarcinoma tissues and to study its biological significance.METHODS: Totally 36 human gastric carcinoma samples were enrolle...AIM: To explore expression and distribution features of COX-2 and bcl-2 in human gastric adenocarcinoma tissues and to study its biological significance.METHODS: Totally 36 human gastric carcinoma samples were enrolled in this study (cardiac adenocarcinoma 16 cases, distal gastric adenocarcinoma 20 cases). The expressions of COX-2 and bcl-2 in cancerous tissues and corresponding para-cancerous tissues were investigated by immunohistochemistry using COX-2 polyclonal antibody and bcl-2 monoclonal antibody. The normal gastric mucosa tissues were used as control.RESULTS: The expressions of COX-2 and bcl-2 in gastric carcinoma were significantly higher than that in the paracancerous tissues (77.8% vs 47.2%, P＜0.01, 80.56% vs 58.33%, P＜0.05). The expression of COX-2 in cardiac adenocarcinoma was remarkably higher than that in the distal gastric carcinoma (93.8% vs 65.0%, P＜0.01). The expression of COX-2 was mainly localized in the cytoplasm of tumor cells and partly in the nucleus. There is a transition of the COX-2 cytoplasmic positivity to nucleic in tumor cells with the increase of gastric carcinoma pathological grade. Interstitial macrophages, fibroblasts and vascular endothelial cells also expressed COX-2. The tissues with higher expression of COX-2 also expressed high level of bcl-2 protein.CONCLUSION: Abnormal expression pattern of COX-2within the tissues of human gastric cancer is correlated with tumor location and lymph node metastasis. COX-2may regulate expression of apoptosis suppressor gene (bcl-2) through interaction of tumor cells and stromal cells and play an important role in the generation and development of tumors, which will be of great help in developing new methods for antitumor therapy.展开更多
AIM： To evaluate the diagnostic value of assaying telomerase activity in ascites cells for the differential diagnosis of malignant and non-malignant ascites.METHODS: Ascites from 40 patients with hepatocellular carci...AIM： To evaluate the diagnostic value of assaying telomerase activity in ascites cells for the differential diagnosis of malignant and non-malignant ascites.METHODS: Ascites from 40 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), 31 with non-HCC gastrointestinal carcinoma (CA), and 24 with liver cirrhosis (LC) were analyzed for telomerase activity. The telomerase activities in cell pellets from ascites were measured according to the Telomeric Repeat Amplification Protocol (TRAP) and quantified with a densitometer.RESULTS: Positive telomerase activity was detected in 16 of 31 (52%) CA patients, 10 of 40 (25%) HCC patients, and 1 of 24 (4%) LC patients (P<0.001). The telomerase activity was higher in the ascites of CA patients than in the ascites of HCC or LC patients (CA: 22.9±5.8, HCC: 6.7±2.5, LC:1.3±1.3, P= 0.001). Cytology was positive in 18 CA patients (58%) and 1 HCC patient (2.5%), respectively. The positive telomerase activity was not related to patients' age, gender,and ascitic protein concentration, but to white blood count (r = 0.31, P = 0.002), neutrophil count (r= 0.29, P = 0.005),and the C-reactive protein level (r = 0.29, P = 0.018). When the results of both cytological examination and telomerase assay were considered together, the sensitivity increased to 77% for CA patients, 25% for HCC patients, and 48% for all 71 gastrointestinal cancer patients.CONCLUSION: Combining cytological examination of ascites with telomerase activity assay significantly improves the differential diagnosis between malignant and non-malignant ascites.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the pathway(s)mediating rat antral circular smooth muscle contractile responses to the cholinomimetic agent,bethanechol and the subtypes of muscarinic receptors mediating the cholinergic contraction...AIM:To investigate the pathway(s)mediating rat antral circular smooth muscle contractile responses to the cholinomimetic agent,bethanechol and the subtypes of muscarinic receptors mediating the cholinergic contraction. METHODS:Circular smooth muscle strips from the antrum of Sprague-Dawley rats were mounted in muscle baths in Krebs buffer.Isometric tension was recorded.Cumulative concentration-response curves were obtained for(+)-cis- dioxolane(cD),a nonspecific muscarinic agonist,at 10^(-8)- 10^(-4)mol/L,in the presence of tetrodotoxin(TTX,10^(-7)mol/L). Results were normalized to cross sectional area.A repeat concentration-response curve was obtained after incubation of the muscle for 90 min with antagonists for M1(pirenzepine), M2(methoctramine)and M3(darifenadn)muscarinic receptor subtypes.The sensitivity to PTX was tested by the ip injection of 100 mg/kg of PTX 5 d before the experiment.The antral circular smooth muscles were removed from PTX-treated and non-treated rats as strips and dispersed smooth muscle cells to identify whether PTX-linked pathway mediated the contractility to bethanechol. RESULTS:A dose-dependent contractile response observed with bethanechol,was not affected by TTx.The pretreatment of rats with pertussis toxin decreased the contraction induced by bethanechol.Lack of calcium as well as the presence of the L-type calcium channel blocker,nifedipine,also inhibited the cholinergic contraction,with a reduction in response from 2.5±0.4 g/mm^2 to 1.2±0.4 g/mm^2(P<0.05).The dose- response curves were shifted to the right by muscarinic antagonists in the following order of affinity:darifenacin (M_3)>methocramine(M_2)>pirenzepine(M_1). CONCLUSION:The muscarinic receptors-dependent contraction of rat antral circular smooth muscles was linked to the signal transduction pathway(s)involving pertussis-toxin sensitive GTP-binding proteins and to extracellular calcium via L-type voltage gated calcium channels.The presence of the residual contractile response after the treatment with nifedipine,suggests that an additional pathway could mediate the cholinergic contraction.The involvement of more than one muscarinic receptor(functionally predominant type 3 over type 2)also suggests more than one pathway mediating the cholinergic contraction in rat antrum.展开更多
AIM:To evaluate the correlations of plasma von Willebrand factor (vWF) level with the distant metastasis and prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer. METHODS: A total of 86 patients with historically confirmed me...AIM:To evaluate the correlations of plasma von Willebrand factor (vWF) level with the distant metastasis and prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer. METHODS: A total of 86 patients with historically confirmed metastatic colorectal cancers receiving treatment at Taipei Veterans General Hospital were enrolled. All patients had measurable metastatic lesions and life expectancies of more than 3 mo. Plasma vWF levels were measured by immuno-turbidimetric assay and compared with results from 40 non-metastatic colorectal cancer patients and 22 healthy controls. Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer were divided into two groups according to serum vWF levels and the differences between these two groups were analyzed using X2 test. Data on age, gender, performance status, location of primary tumor, extent of metastasis, site of metastases, histological differentiation, serum CEA and plasma vWF levels were analyzed to determine association with survival. Survival curves were constructed by Kaplan-Meier product limit method and the data was analyzed using log-rank test on a microcomputer. Multivariate analysis using the Cox's proportional hazards regression model was then performed to determine the independent prognostic indicators among all of the possible variables. RESULTS: Colorectal cancer patients were identified as having significantly higher plasma vWF concentrations than healthy controls (P<0.05). Moreover, higher vWF plasma levels were associated with advanced tumor stage (P<0.05) and the presence of multiple metastases (P=0.014). Patients with lower vWF plasma levels (≤160%) survived significantly longer than those with a higher plasma vWF level (log-rank test, P= 0.0043). By multivariate analysis, plasma vWF levels (P<0.001), the extent of metastasis (P= 0.012), and the performance status (P=0.014) were identified as independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: Our data indicates that high plasma vWF concentrations correlate with advanced diseases and significantly poor prognosis of patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma. It may serve as a potential biological marker of disease progression in these patients.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the prevalence and the risk factors of glucose intolerance in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis C and to evaluate the relationship between interferon (IFN)treatment and glucose intolerance in...AIM: To investigate the prevalence and the risk factors of glucose intolerance in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis C and to evaluate the relationship between interferon (IFN)treatment and glucose intolerance in these patients.METHODS: Prospective cross-sectional study was done to evaluate the prevalence of glucose intolerance in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection from the outpatient clinic of Department of Family Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital. Chronic hepatitis C was defined as persistent presence of anti-HCV and persistent elevation of liver transaminase for at least 1.5 folds for at least 6 months. Moreover, patients were further categorized into normal fasting glucose and glucose intolerance (diabetes mellitus (DM) and impaired fasting glucose) according to the diagnostic criteria of American Diabetic Association. RESULTS: Totally, 359 Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis C were enrolled (212 males and 147 females, mean age=58.1±13.0 years). One hundred and twenty-three patients (34.3 %) had various forms of IFN treatment. One hundred and twenty-five patients (34.6 %)had glucose intolerance, including 99 patients (27.6 %) with DM and 26 patients (7.0 %) with impaired fasting glucose.Tn comparison with those with normal fasting glucose levels,patients with chronic hepatitis C with glucose intolerance were significantly older, had a significantly higher body mass index, and they were more likely to suffer from obesity, to have family history of diabetes and to have had previous IFN treatment. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression revealed significantly that age ≥ 57 years, obesity,previous history of IFN treatment and the presence of family history of diabetes were independent risk factors associated with the presence of glucose intolerance in chronic hepatitis C patients.CONCLUSION: In conclusion, 34.6 % of Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis C had glucose intolerance. Chronic hepatitis C patients who were older in age, obese, had previous IFN treatment history and had family history of diabetes were prone to develop glucose intolerance. To our knowledge, this is the first population-based report to confirm that interferon treatment to be an independent risk factor to develop glucose intolerance.展开更多
To measure Derp1 and Blot5 allergen levels in asthmatics’ homes in Hongkong. Methods Seventy houses were enrolled for a mite indoor environment study. Dust samples were obtained from two sites of each patients’ hous...To measure Derp1 and Blot5 allergen levels in asthmatics’ homes in Hongkong. Methods Seventy houses were enrolled for a mite indoor environment study. Dust samples were obtained from two sites of each patients’ house: bed and floor. Derp1 and Blot5 levels were quantified by a two-site monoclonal antibody-based ELISA technique. Results The levels of Derp1 allergens found in bed (geometric mean (GM) 3.43 μg/g of dust; 95%CI, 1.89-4.96 μg/g) and on the floor (GM 1.12 μg/g of dust; 95%CI, 0.71-1.53 μg/g) indicated significant differences (P = 0.005). However, the levels of Blot5 allergens found in bed (GM 19.00 μg/g of dust; 95%CI, 0.89-38.90 μg/g) and on the floor (GM 6.14 μg/g of dust; 95%CI, 0.40-11.90 μg/g) showed no statistically significant difference. In addition, in regards to the exposure index for Derp1 and Blot5 allergens found in bed and on the floor, 17.6% in bed and 8.6% on the floor had levels of Blot5 ≥ 10 μg/g of dust, higher than those obtained for Derp1 (7.2% and 0% in bed and on the floor respectively, P < 0.05); higher percentages in bed and on the floor (25.0% and 35.7%) were observed for levels of Blot5 = 0 μg/g of dust as compared with Derp1 in bed and on the floor (4.3% and 14.5% respectively, P < 0.05). Conclusions Derp1 and Blot5 are the major allergens found in this regional study, Blot5 is a more potent allergen in Hongkong, probably reflecting the high level of exposure to Blomia tropicalis (Bt). Bt and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus(Dp) allergens should be included for precise diagnosis and effective immuno-therapeutic treatment of mite allergy in Hong-kong.展开更多
Aim: To produce biologically active recombinant human (rh) ZP proteins in a human cell for use in sperm function tests. Methods: The human embryonic kidney cell line 293T was employed to produce rhZP1, rhZP2 and rhZP3...Aim: To produce biologically active recombinant human (rh) ZP proteins in a human cell for use in sperm function tests. Methods: The human embryonic kidney cell line 293T was employed to produce rhZP1, rhZP2 and rhZP3 proteins individually and together by co-expression. Presence of these proteins in the culture medium and cell lysate was assessed by Western blotting analysis. The effect of the recombinant proteins on the human AR was assessed. Results: RhZP2 and rhZP3 were secreted into the culture medium, whereas rhZPl was found only in the cell lysate. Interestingly, when all zona pellucida proteins were co-expressed in the same cells, rhZPl was also secreted into the culture medium. However, despite the presence of all three ZP proteins in sufficient concentration and evidence of heavy glycosylation on gel electrophoresis, biological activity to induce the AR was not observed. Conclusion: RhZP1, rhZP2 and rhZP3 were successfully expressed in the human embryonic kidney cell line 293T. It appears that an interaction amongst these proteins may be required for release of rhZPl from the cell. Although this approach is not satisfactory for producing active human ZP proteins, it makes a significant contribution to the understanding of the structural and functional characteristics of the ZP proteins.展开更多
AIM: Studies on Helicobacter pylori (H pylon) and gastroduodenal diseases have focused mainly on the distal sites of the stomach, but relationship with the gastric cardia is lacking. The aim of this study is to determ...AIM: Studies on Helicobacter pylori (H pylon) and gastroduodenal diseases have focused mainly on the distal sites of the stomach, but relationship with the gastric cardia is lacking. The aim of this study is to determine if the gastric topology and genotypic distribution of Hpyloriwere associated with different upper gastrointestinal pathologies in a multiethnic Asian population. METHODS: Gastric biopsies from the cardia, body/corpus and antrum were endoscoped from a total of 155 patients with dyspepsia and/or reflux symptoms, with informed consent. H pylori isolates obtained were tested for the presence of 26kDa, ureC, cagA, vacA, iceA1, iceA2 and babA2 genes using PCR while DNA fingerprints were generated using random amplification polymorphic DNA (RAPD). RESULTS: Hpyloriwas present in 51/155 (33%) of patients studied. Of these, 16, 15 and 20 were isolated from patients with peptic ulcer diseases, gastroesophageal reflux diseases and non-ulcer dyspepsia, respectively. Of the Hpyloripositive patients, 75% (38/51) had Hpyloriin all three gastric sites. The prevalence of various genes in the H pylori isolates was shown to be similar irrespective of their colonization sites as well as among the same site of different patients. The RAPD profiles of H pylori isolates from different gastric sites were highly similar among intra-patients but varied greatly between different patients. CONCLUSION: Topographic colonization of H pylori and the virulence genes harboured by these isolates have no direct bearing to the clinical state of the patients. In multiethnic Singapore, the stomach of each patient is colonized by a predominant strain of H pylori，irrespective of the clinical diagnosis.展开更多
AIM: Helicobacter pylori( H pylori) has been linked to chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastric cancer and MALT-lymphoma.The link of genotypes of Hpylorito gastric cancer remains controversial. The aim of this study w...AIM: Helicobacter pylori( H pylori) has been linked to chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastric cancer and MALT-lymphoma.The link of genotypes of Hpylorito gastric cancer remains controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the Hpylori vacA alleles, cagA and iceA in patients with gastric cancer in Taiwan.METHODS: Patients with gastric cancer, peptic ulcer and chronic gastritis were enrolled in this study. We obtained biopsy specimens from the stomach at least 2 cm away from the tumor margin in patients with gastric cancer, and from the antrum of stomach in patients with peptic ulcer or chronic gastritis. DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction were used to detect the presence or absence of cagA and to assess the polymorphism of vacA and iceA.RESULTS: A total of 168 patients (gastric ulcer: 77, duodenal ulcer: 66, and chronic gastritis: 25) were found to have positive PCR results of the biopsy specimens from patients with peptic ulcer and chronic gastritis. We found positive cagA (139/168, 83%), m2 (84/168, 50%) and iceA1 (125/168,74%) strains in the majority of patients. In patients with gastric cancer, the vacA sla and slc subtypes were less commonly found than those in non-cancer patients (35/66 vs 127/168, P= 0.0001 for sla and 13/66 vs93/168, P<0.0001 for slc). In the middle region, the mlT strain in patients with gastric cancer was more than that of non-cancer patients(23/66 vs 33/168, P = 0.02).CONCLUSION: In Taiwan, H pylori with positive vacA sla,cagA and iceA1 strains are found in the majority of patients with gastric cancer or non-cancer patients. In patients with gastric cancer, the vacA s1a and slc subtypes are less and m1T is more than in patients with peptic ulcer and chronic gastritis.展开更多
AIM:Helicobacter pyloricauses chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer,gastric cancer and MALT-lymphoma. Different genotypes of Helicobacter pylori are confirmed from diverse geographic areas. Its association with bleeding pep...AIM:Helicobacter pyloricauses chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer,gastric cancer and MALT-lymphoma. Different genotypes of Helicobacter pylori are confirmed from diverse geographic areas. Its association with bleeding peptic ulcer remains controversial.The aim of this study was to investigate the Helicobacter pylori vacA alleles, cagA and iceA in patients with bleeding peptic ulcer.METHODS:We enrolled patients with bleeding, nonbleeding peptic ulcers and chronic gastritis. Biopsy specimens were obtained from the antrum of the stomach for rapid urease test, bacterial culture and PCR assay. DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction were used to detect the presence or absence of cagA and to assess the polymorphism of vacA and iceA.RESULTS: A total of 168 patients (60.4%) (25 patients with chronic gastritis, 26 patients with bleeding gastric ulcer,51 patients with non-bleeding gastric ulcer, 26 patients with bleeding duodenal ulcer, and 40 patients with non-bleeding duodenal ulcer) were found to have positive PCR results between January 2001 and December 2002. Concerning genotypes, we found cagA (139/278, 50%), vacA s1a(127/278, 45.7%), and iceA1 (125/278, 45%) predominated in all studied patients. In patients with bleeding peptic ulcers,vacA s1a and m1T were fewer than those in patients with non-bleeding peptic ulcers (37/106 vs 69/135, P=0.017, and 4/106 vs 21/135, P=0.002).CONCLUSION:In patients with peptic ulcers, Hpylori vacA s1a and m1T prevent bleeding complication.展开更多
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30271269
文摘AIM: Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) are a family of transcription factors activated in response to cytokines and growth factors. Constitutive activation of Stat3 has been observed in a growing number of tumor-derived cell lines, as well as tumor specimens from human cancers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of p-Stat3, activated form of Stat3, and its downstream mediators including cyclin D1 and Bcl-XL in colorectal carcinoma (CRC), and to explore the possible mechanism of Stat3 signaling pathway in the tumorigenesis of colorectal carcinoma. METHODS: Tissue samples from 45 patients of primary colorectal carcinoma were selected for studying Stat3 signaling pathway protein expression. Western blot analysis was used to measure the expression of p-Stat3, cyclin D1, and Bcl-xu proteins in colorectal carcinomas. Furthermore, the expression patterns of these proteins were analyzed for their distribution at the cellular level by immunohistochemical staining of the tissues. RESULTS: Protein levels of p-Stat3, cyclin D1, and Bcl-XL were increased in colorectal carcinomas compared with adjacent normal mucosae (P<0.05). Elevated levels of pStat3 were correlated with the nodal metastasis and the stage (P<0.05). Overexpression of cyclin D1 was associated with the nodal metastasis (P<0.05). There was also a significant correlation between the expressions of p-Stat3 and cyclin D1 (r=0.382, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Constitutive activation of Stat3 may play an important role in the tumorigenesis of colorectal carcinoma, and the detailed mechanism of Stat3 signaling pathway in CRC deserves further investigation.
基金Supported by the Competitive Earmarked Research Grant HKU 7487/03M of the Hong Kong Research Grant Council,the Simon K.Y.Lee Gastroenterology Fund of the University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Society of Gastroenterology
文摘AIM:Population-based assessment of noncardiac chest pain (NCCP) is lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, psychosocial factors and health seeking behaviour of NCCP in southern Chinese.METHODS:A total of 2 209 ethnic Hong Kong Chinese households were recruited to participate in a telephone survey to study the epidemiology of NCCP using the Rose angina questionnaire, a validated gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) questionnaire and the hospital anxiety-depression scale. NCCP was defined as non-exertional chest pain according to the Rose angina questionnaire and had not been diagnosed as ischaemic heart diseases by a physician.RESULTS: Chest pain over the past year was present in 454 subjects (20.6%, 95% CI 19-22), while NCCP was present in 307 subjects (13.9%, 95% CI 13-15). GERD was present in 51% of subjects with NCCP and 34% had consulted a physician for chest pain. Subjects with NCCP had a significantly higher anxiety (P<0.001) and depression score (P=0.007), and required more days off (P=0.021) than subjects with no chest pain. By multiple logistic regression analysis, female gender (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1-3.2), presence of GERD (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.6-4.8), and social life being affected by NCCP (OR 6.9, 95% CI 3.3-15.9) were independent factors associated with health seeking behaviour in southern Chinese with NCCP.CONCLUSION: NCCP is a common problem in southern Chinese and associated with anxiety and depression. Female gender, GERD and social life affected by chest pain were associated with health care utilization in subjects with NCCP.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province,No.301361
文摘AIM: To investigate the dynamic expression of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) protein and FAK mRNA in fibrotic rat liver tissue, and the relationship between FAK and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) proliferation.METHODS: Rat hepatic fibrosis was induced by bile duct ligation (BDL). Histopathological changes were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and by Masson's trichrome method. FAK mRNA in the rat livers was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and the distributions of FAK were assessed immunohistochemistrically. The number of activated HSCs was quantified after alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) staining.RESULTS: With the development of hepatic fibrosis, the positively stained cells of α-SMA increased obviously, which were mainly resided in the portal ducts, fiber septa and perisinuses accompanied with proliferating bile ducts. The positively stained areas of the rat livers in model groups 1 to 4 wk after ligation of common bile duct (12.88±2.63%,22.65±2.16%, 27.45±1.86%, 35.25±2.34%, respectively)were significantly larger than those in the control group (5.88±1.46%) (P<0.01). The positive staining for FAK significantly increased, which was mainly situated in portal ducts, fiber septa and around the bile ducts, vascular endothelial cells and perisinusoidal cells. The expression of FAK was positively correlated with α-SMA expression(r=0.963, P<0.05). FAK mRNA expression was obviously up-regulated in the model groups compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that expressions of FAK protein and mRNA are greatly increased in fibrotic rat livers, which may play an important role in HSC proliferation and hepatic fibrogenesis.
文摘AIM:To compare the therapeutic effect of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization （TACE), laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation (LRFA), and conservative treatment for the therapy of decompensated liver cirrhosis patients with hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC).METHODS:Between October 2000 and July 2003, one hundred patients with histologically proven primary HCC and clinical decompensated liver cirrhosis (Child classification B or C) were included in this study. Forty patients received LRFA (LRFA group), twenty received TACE (TACE group),and forty received conservative treatment (control group).We compared the survival, recurrence, and complication rates in these three groups, making adjustment using the tumor metastastic node staging system.RESULTS:The major complication rate in the TACE group (9/20) was significantly higher than that in the LRFA group (7/40). For patients with TMN stage Ⅱ HCC, the survival rate of the LRFA group was better than that of the TACE and control groups (P=0.003) but the recurrence rates befween the LRFA and TACE groups did not differ.CONCLUSION: The LRFA group of patients had betterclinical outcomes in terms of survival and complication rates in comparison with the TACE group or conservative treatment in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis, especially in TMN patients with stage Ⅱ HCC. LRFA is thus an appropriate alternative treatment for poor liver function among patientswith HCC.
文摘AIM: To assess the mechanisms of protective action by different mild irritants through maintenance of gastric mucosal integrity and modulation of mucosal nitric oxide (NO) in experimental gastritis rats.METHODS: Etcher 200 mL/L ethanol, 50 g/L NaG or 0.3 mol/L HCl was pretreated to normal or 800 mL/L ethanol-induced acute gastritis Sprague-Dawley rats before a subsequent challenge with 500 mL/L ethanol. Both macroscopic lesion areas and histological damage scores were determined in the gastric mucosa of each group of animals. Besides,gastric mucosal activities of NO synthase isoforms and of superoxide dismutase, along with mucosal level of leukotriene (LT)C4 were measured.RESULTS: Macroscopic mucosal damages were protected by 200 mL/L ethanol and 50 g/L NaCI in gastritis rats.However, although 200 mL/L ethanol could protect the surface layers of mucosal cells in normal animals (protection attenuated by NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester), no cytoprotection against deeper histological damages was found in gastritis rats. Besides, inducible NO synthase activity was increased in the mucosa of gastritis animals and unaltered by mild irritants. Nevertheless, the elevation in mucosal LTC4 level following 500 mL/L ethanol administration and under gastritis condition was significantly reduced by pretreatment of all three mild irritants in both normal and gastritis animals.CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the aggravated 500 mL/L ethanol-evoked mucosal damages under gastritis condition could be due to increased inducible NO and LTC4 production in the gastric mucosa. Only 200 mL/L ethanol is truly 'cytoprotective' at the surface glandular level of nongastritis mucosa. Furthermore, the macroscopic protection of the three mild irritants involves reduction of LTC4 level in both normal and gastritis mucosa, implicating preservation of the vasculature.
基金a grant from Key Lab Programs of Jiangsu Province,No.k2030
文摘AIM: Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) play an important role in resolving HBV infection. In the present study, we attempted to evaluate the efficiency of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs) transduced with recombinant retroviral vector bearing hepatitis B virus (HBV) core gene and the capability of generating CTLs against HBcAg by genetically modified DCs in vivo.METHODS: A retroviral vector containing HBV core gene was constructed. Replicating DC progenitor of C57BL/6 mice was transduced by retroviral vector and continually cultured in the presence of recombinant mouse granulocytemacrophage colony-stimulating factor (rmGM-CSF) and interleukin-4(IL-4) for 6 days. LPS was added and cultured for additional two days. The efficiency of gene transfer was determined by PCR, Western blot and FACS. Transduced DCs immunized C57BL/6 mice subcutaneously 2 times at an oneweek interval. Intracellular IFN-γ and IL-4 of immunized mice lymphocytes were analyzed. Generation of CTLs in lymphooytes stimulated with mitomycin C-treated EL4-C cell which stably expresses HBcAg was determined by LDH release assays.RESULTS: Recombinant retroviral expression vector (pLCSN) was positively detected by PCR as well as enzyme digestion with EcoRI and BamH I. Retroviruses were generated by pLCSN transfection packing cell and the virus titer was 3x10s CFU/ml. Indirect immunofluorescence and FACS showed that HBV core gene was expressed in murine fibroblasts. Transduced bone marrow cells had capability of differentiating into DCsc in vitro in the presence of rmGMCSF and rmIL-4. The result of PCR showed that HBV core gene was integrated into the genome of transduced DCs.Western blot analysis showed that HBV core gene was expressed in DCs. The transduction rate was 28 % determined by FACS. Retroviral transduction had no influence on DCs expressions of CD80 and MHC class Ⅱ. HBcAg specific CTLs and Th1 type immune responses could be generated in the mice by using transduced DCs as antigen presenting cells (APCs).CONCLUSION: Retroviral transduction of myeloid DCs progenitors expresses efficiently HBcAg, and genetically modified DCs evoke a higher CTLs response than HBcAg in vivo.
文摘AIM- To study the prevalence of Barrett's esophagus in Chinese and its correlation with gastroesophageal reflux. METHODS: This study was carded out in a large prospective series of 391 patients who had undergone upper endoscopy. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the position of squamocolumnar junction (SC3). Reflux esophagitis (RE) and its degree were recorded. Intestinal metaplasia (IM) in biopsy specimen was typed according to histochemistry and HE and alcian blue (pH2.5) staining separately. Results correlating with clinical, endoscopic, and pathological data were analysed. RESULTS: The prevalence of IM endoscopically appearing Long-segment Barrett's Esophagus (LSBE) was 26.53%, Short-segment Barrett's Esophagus (SSBE) was 33.85% and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) was 34.00%. IM increased with age of above 40 years old and no difference was found between male and female. Twelve were diagnosed as dysplasia (7 low -grade, 5 high-grade), 16 were diagnosed as cardiac adenocarcinoma and 1 as esophageal adenocarcinoma. The more far away the SCJ moved upward above GEJ, the higher the prevalence and the more severe the RE were. CONCLUSION: There was no difference of the prevalence of IM in different places of SCJ, and IM increased with age of above 40 years old. It is important to pay attention to dysplasia in the distal esophagus and gastro-esophageal junction, and adenocarcinoma is more common in cardia than in esophagus. BE is a consequence of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
文摘AIM: To explore expression and distribution features of COX-2 and bcl-2 in human gastric adenocarcinoma tissues and to study its biological significance.METHODS: Totally 36 human gastric carcinoma samples were enrolled in this study (cardiac adenocarcinoma 16 cases, distal gastric adenocarcinoma 20 cases). The expressions of COX-2 and bcl-2 in cancerous tissues and corresponding para-cancerous tissues were investigated by immunohistochemistry using COX-2 polyclonal antibody and bcl-2 monoclonal antibody. The normal gastric mucosa tissues were used as control.RESULTS: The expressions of COX-2 and bcl-2 in gastric carcinoma were significantly higher than that in the paracancerous tissues (77.8% vs 47.2%, P＜0.01, 80.56% vs 58.33%, P＜0.05). The expression of COX-2 in cardiac adenocarcinoma was remarkably higher than that in the distal gastric carcinoma (93.8% vs 65.0%, P＜0.01). The expression of COX-2 was mainly localized in the cytoplasm of tumor cells and partly in the nucleus. There is a transition of the COX-2 cytoplasmic positivity to nucleic in tumor cells with the increase of gastric carcinoma pathological grade. Interstitial macrophages, fibroblasts and vascular endothelial cells also expressed COX-2. The tissues with higher expression of COX-2 also expressed high level of bcl-2 protein.CONCLUSION: Abnormal expression pattern of COX-2within the tissues of human gastric cancer is correlated with tumor location and lymph node metastasis. COX-2may regulate expression of apoptosis suppressor gene (bcl-2) through interaction of tumor cells and stromal cells and play an important role in the generation and development of tumors, which will be of great help in developing new methods for antitumor therapy.
基金Supported by the grant NSC89-2320-B-075-049 from the National Science Council,Taiwan
文摘AIM： To evaluate the diagnostic value of assaying telomerase activity in ascites cells for the differential diagnosis of malignant and non-malignant ascites.METHODS: Ascites from 40 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), 31 with non-HCC gastrointestinal carcinoma (CA), and 24 with liver cirrhosis (LC) were analyzed for telomerase activity. The telomerase activities in cell pellets from ascites were measured according to the Telomeric Repeat Amplification Protocol (TRAP) and quantified with a densitometer.RESULTS: Positive telomerase activity was detected in 16 of 31 (52%) CA patients, 10 of 40 (25%) HCC patients, and 1 of 24 (4%) LC patients (P<0.001). The telomerase activity was higher in the ascites of CA patients than in the ascites of HCC or LC patients (CA: 22.9±5.8, HCC: 6.7±2.5, LC:1.3±1.3, P= 0.001). Cytology was positive in 18 CA patients (58%) and 1 HCC patient (2.5%), respectively. The positive telomerase activity was not related to patients' age, gender,and ascitic protein concentration, but to white blood count (r = 0.31, P = 0.002), neutrophil count (r= 0.29, P = 0.005),and the C-reactive protein level (r = 0.29, P = 0.018). When the results of both cytological examination and telomerase assay were considered together, the sensitivity increased to 77% for CA patients, 25% for HCC patients, and 48% for all 71 gastrointestinal cancer patients.CONCLUSION: Combining cytological examination of ascites with telomerase activity assay significantly improves the differential diagnosis between malignant and non-malignant ascites.
文摘AIM:To investigate the pathway(s)mediating rat antral circular smooth muscle contractile responses to the cholinomimetic agent,bethanechol and the subtypes of muscarinic receptors mediating the cholinergic contraction. METHODS:Circular smooth muscle strips from the antrum of Sprague-Dawley rats were mounted in muscle baths in Krebs buffer.Isometric tension was recorded.Cumulative concentration-response curves were obtained for(+)-cis- dioxolane(cD),a nonspecific muscarinic agonist,at 10^(-8)- 10^(-4)mol/L,in the presence of tetrodotoxin(TTX,10^(-7)mol/L). Results were normalized to cross sectional area.A repeat concentration-response curve was obtained after incubation of the muscle for 90 min with antagonists for M1(pirenzepine), M2(methoctramine)and M3(darifenadn)muscarinic receptor subtypes.The sensitivity to PTX was tested by the ip injection of 100 mg/kg of PTX 5 d before the experiment.The antral circular smooth muscles were removed from PTX-treated and non-treated rats as strips and dispersed smooth muscle cells to identify whether PTX-linked pathway mediated the contractility to bethanechol. RESULTS:A dose-dependent contractile response observed with bethanechol,was not affected by TTx.The pretreatment of rats with pertussis toxin decreased the contraction induced by bethanechol.Lack of calcium as well as the presence of the L-type calcium channel blocker,nifedipine,also inhibited the cholinergic contraction,with a reduction in response from 2.5±0.4 g/mm^2 to 1.2±0.4 g/mm^2(P<0.05).The dose- response curves were shifted to the right by muscarinic antagonists in the following order of affinity:darifenacin (M_3)>methocramine(M_2)>pirenzepine(M_1). CONCLUSION:The muscarinic receptors-dependent contraction of rat antral circular smooth muscles was linked to the signal transduction pathway(s)involving pertussis-toxin sensitive GTP-binding proteins and to extracellular calcium via L-type voltage gated calcium channels.The presence of the residual contractile response after the treatment with nifedipine,suggests that an additional pathway could mediate the cholinergic contraction.The involvement of more than one muscarinic receptor(functionally predominant type 3 over type 2)also suggests more than one pathway mediating the cholinergic contraction in rat antrum.
基金Supported by a Grant From the Yen Tjing-Ling Medical Foundation
文摘AIM:To evaluate the correlations of plasma von Willebrand factor (vWF) level with the distant metastasis and prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer. METHODS: A total of 86 patients with historically confirmed metastatic colorectal cancers receiving treatment at Taipei Veterans General Hospital were enrolled. All patients had measurable metastatic lesions and life expectancies of more than 3 mo. Plasma vWF levels were measured by immuno-turbidimetric assay and compared with results from 40 non-metastatic colorectal cancer patients and 22 healthy controls. Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer were divided into two groups according to serum vWF levels and the differences between these two groups were analyzed using X2 test. Data on age, gender, performance status, location of primary tumor, extent of metastasis, site of metastases, histological differentiation, serum CEA and plasma vWF levels were analyzed to determine association with survival. Survival curves were constructed by Kaplan-Meier product limit method and the data was analyzed using log-rank test on a microcomputer. Multivariate analysis using the Cox's proportional hazards regression model was then performed to determine the independent prognostic indicators among all of the possible variables. RESULTS: Colorectal cancer patients were identified as having significantly higher plasma vWF concentrations than healthy controls (P<0.05). Moreover, higher vWF plasma levels were associated with advanced tumor stage (P<0.05) and the presence of multiple metastases (P=0.014). Patients with lower vWF plasma levels (≤160%) survived significantly longer than those with a higher plasma vWF level (log-rank test, P= 0.0043). By multivariate analysis, plasma vWF levels (P<0.001), the extent of metastasis (P= 0.012), and the performance status (P=0.014) were identified as independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: Our data indicates that high plasma vWF concentrations correlate with advanced diseases and significantly poor prognosis of patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma. It may serve as a potential biological marker of disease progression in these patients.
文摘AIM: To investigate the prevalence and the risk factors of glucose intolerance in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis C and to evaluate the relationship between interferon (IFN)treatment and glucose intolerance in these patients.METHODS: Prospective cross-sectional study was done to evaluate the prevalence of glucose intolerance in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection from the outpatient clinic of Department of Family Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital. Chronic hepatitis C was defined as persistent presence of anti-HCV and persistent elevation of liver transaminase for at least 1.5 folds for at least 6 months. Moreover, patients were further categorized into normal fasting glucose and glucose intolerance (diabetes mellitus (DM) and impaired fasting glucose) according to the diagnostic criteria of American Diabetic Association. RESULTS: Totally, 359 Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis C were enrolled (212 males and 147 females, mean age=58.1±13.0 years). One hundred and twenty-three patients (34.3 %) had various forms of IFN treatment. One hundred and twenty-five patients (34.6 %)had glucose intolerance, including 99 patients (27.6 %) with DM and 26 patients (7.0 %) with impaired fasting glucose.Tn comparison with those with normal fasting glucose levels,patients with chronic hepatitis C with glucose intolerance were significantly older, had a significantly higher body mass index, and they were more likely to suffer from obesity, to have family history of diabetes and to have had previous IFN treatment. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression revealed significantly that age ≥ 57 years, obesity,previous history of IFN treatment and the presence of family history of diabetes were independent risk factors associated with the presence of glucose intolerance in chronic hepatitis C patients.CONCLUSION: In conclusion, 34.6 % of Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis C had glucose intolerance. Chronic hepatitis C patients who were older in age, obese, had previous IFN treatment history and had family history of diabetes were prone to develop glucose intolerance. To our knowledge, this is the first population-based report to confirm that interferon treatment to be an independent risk factor to develop glucose intolerance.
文摘To measure Derp1 and Blot5 allergen levels in asthmatics’ homes in Hongkong. Methods Seventy houses were enrolled for a mite indoor environment study. Dust samples were obtained from two sites of each patients’ house: bed and floor. Derp1 and Blot5 levels were quantified by a two-site monoclonal antibody-based ELISA technique. Results The levels of Derp1 allergens found in bed (geometric mean (GM) 3.43 μg/g of dust; 95%CI, 1.89-4.96 μg/g) and on the floor (GM 1.12 μg/g of dust; 95%CI, 0.71-1.53 μg/g) indicated significant differences (P = 0.005). However, the levels of Blot5 allergens found in bed (GM 19.00 μg/g of dust; 95%CI, 0.89-38.90 μg/g) and on the floor (GM 6.14 μg/g of dust; 95%CI, 0.40-11.90 μg/g) showed no statistically significant difference. In addition, in regards to the exposure index for Derp1 and Blot5 allergens found in bed and on the floor, 17.6% in bed and 8.6% on the floor had levels of Blot5 ≥ 10 μg/g of dust, higher than those obtained for Derp1 (7.2% and 0% in bed and on the floor respectively, P < 0.05); higher percentages in bed and on the floor (25.0% and 35.7%) were observed for levels of Blot5 = 0 μg/g of dust as compared with Derp1 in bed and on the floor (4.3% and 14.5% respectively, P < 0.05). Conclusions Derp1 and Blot5 are the major allergens found in this regional study, Blot5 is a more potent allergen in Hongkong, probably reflecting the high level of exposure to Blomia tropicalis (Bt). Bt and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus(Dp) allergens should be included for precise diagnosis and effective immuno-therapeutic treatment of mite allergy in Hong-kong.
文摘Aim: To produce biologically active recombinant human (rh) ZP proteins in a human cell for use in sperm function tests. Methods: The human embryonic kidney cell line 293T was employed to produce rhZP1, rhZP2 and rhZP3 proteins individually and together by co-expression. Presence of these proteins in the culture medium and cell lysate was assessed by Western blotting analysis. The effect of the recombinant proteins on the human AR was assessed. Results: RhZP2 and rhZP3 were secreted into the culture medium, whereas rhZPl was found only in the cell lysate. Interestingly, when all zona pellucida proteins were co-expressed in the same cells, rhZPl was also secreted into the culture medium. However, despite the presence of all three ZP proteins in sufficient concentration and evidence of heavy glycosylation on gel electrophoresis, biological activity to induce the AR was not observed. Conclusion: RhZP1, rhZP2 and rhZP3 were successfully expressed in the human embryonic kidney cell line 293T. It appears that an interaction amongst these proteins may be required for release of rhZPl from the cell. Although this approach is not satisfactory for producing active human ZP proteins, it makes a significant contribution to the understanding of the structural and functional characteristics of the ZP proteins.
基金Supported by NMRC Grant,No.0415/2000,R-182-000-037-213
文摘AIM: Studies on Helicobacter pylori (H pylon) and gastroduodenal diseases have focused mainly on the distal sites of the stomach, but relationship with the gastric cardia is lacking. The aim of this study is to determine if the gastric topology and genotypic distribution of Hpyloriwere associated with different upper gastrointestinal pathologies in a multiethnic Asian population. METHODS: Gastric biopsies from the cardia, body/corpus and antrum were endoscoped from a total of 155 patients with dyspepsia and/or reflux symptoms, with informed consent. H pylori isolates obtained were tested for the presence of 26kDa, ureC, cagA, vacA, iceA1, iceA2 and babA2 genes using PCR while DNA fingerprints were generated using random amplification polymorphic DNA (RAPD). RESULTS: Hpyloriwas present in 51/155 (33%) of patients studied. Of these, 16, 15 and 20 were isolated from patients with peptic ulcer diseases, gastroesophageal reflux diseases and non-ulcer dyspepsia, respectively. Of the Hpyloripositive patients, 75% (38/51) had Hpyloriin all three gastric sites. The prevalence of various genes in the H pylori isolates was shown to be similar irrespective of their colonization sites as well as among the same site of different patients. The RAPD profiles of H pylori isolates from different gastric sites were highly similar among intra-patients but varied greatly between different patients. CONCLUSION: Topographic colonization of H pylori and the virulence genes harboured by these isolates have no direct bearing to the clinical state of the patients. In multiethnic Singapore, the stomach of each patient is colonized by a predominant strain of H pylori，irrespective of the clinical diagnosis.
文摘AIM: Helicobacter pylori( H pylori) has been linked to chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastric cancer and MALT-lymphoma.The link of genotypes of Hpylorito gastric cancer remains controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the Hpylori vacA alleles, cagA and iceA in patients with gastric cancer in Taiwan.METHODS: Patients with gastric cancer, peptic ulcer and chronic gastritis were enrolled in this study. We obtained biopsy specimens from the stomach at least 2 cm away from the tumor margin in patients with gastric cancer, and from the antrum of stomach in patients with peptic ulcer or chronic gastritis. DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction were used to detect the presence or absence of cagA and to assess the polymorphism of vacA and iceA.RESULTS: A total of 168 patients (gastric ulcer: 77, duodenal ulcer: 66, and chronic gastritis: 25) were found to have positive PCR results of the biopsy specimens from patients with peptic ulcer and chronic gastritis. We found positive cagA (139/168, 83%), m2 (84/168, 50%) and iceA1 (125/168,74%) strains in the majority of patients. In patients with gastric cancer, the vacA sla and slc subtypes were less commonly found than those in non-cancer patients (35/66 vs 127/168, P= 0.0001 for sla and 13/66 vs93/168, P<0.0001 for slc). In the middle region, the mlT strain in patients with gastric cancer was more than that of non-cancer patients(23/66 vs 33/168, P = 0.02).CONCLUSION: In Taiwan, H pylori with positive vacA sla,cagA and iceA1 strains are found in the majority of patients with gastric cancer or non-cancer patients. In patients with gastric cancer, the vacA s1a and slc subtypes are less and m1T is more than in patients with peptic ulcer and chronic gastritis.
文摘AIM:Helicobacter pyloricauses chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer,gastric cancer and MALT-lymphoma. Different genotypes of Helicobacter pylori are confirmed from diverse geographic areas. Its association with bleeding peptic ulcer remains controversial.The aim of this study was to investigate the Helicobacter pylori vacA alleles, cagA and iceA in patients with bleeding peptic ulcer.METHODS:We enrolled patients with bleeding, nonbleeding peptic ulcers and chronic gastritis. Biopsy specimens were obtained from the antrum of the stomach for rapid urease test, bacterial culture and PCR assay. DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction were used to detect the presence or absence of cagA and to assess the polymorphism of vacA and iceA.RESULTS: A total of 168 patients (60.4%) (25 patients with chronic gastritis, 26 patients with bleeding gastric ulcer,51 patients with non-bleeding gastric ulcer, 26 patients with bleeding duodenal ulcer, and 40 patients with non-bleeding duodenal ulcer) were found to have positive PCR results between January 2001 and December 2002. Concerning genotypes, we found cagA (139/278, 50%), vacA s1a(127/278, 45.7%), and iceA1 (125/278, 45%) predominated in all studied patients. In patients with bleeding peptic ulcers,vacA s1a and m1T were fewer than those in patients with non-bleeding peptic ulcers (37/106 vs 69/135, P=0.017, and 4/106 vs 21/135, P=0.002).CONCLUSION:In patients with peptic ulcers, Hpylori vacA s1a and m1T prevent bleeding complication.
