[Association of Hind RFLP in lipoprotein lipase gene with type 2 diabetes].

We examined the association of a Hind RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) in the lipoprotein lipase (LPL) gene with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in Chinese Han population in Hubei Province. Genotypes were determined by PCR-RFLP in 102 controls and 264 T2DM patients using sib-pair and unrelated case-control designs. The frequencies of the H+ allele and H+H+ genotype for patients were significantly higher than those for controls (H+: 76.9% vs 69.1%, P < 0.05; H+H+: 59.8% vs 52%, P < 0.05). When all subjects were grouped as designed, the H+ allele and H+H+ genotype for sib patients were significantly higher than those for sib controls (H+: 81.5% vs 67.8%, P < 0.05; H+H+: 68.5% vs 50.7%, P < 0.05), while there were no significant differences in controls and random patients (P>0.05). Logistic regression analysis suggested that risk factors for T2DM was fasting plasma glucose and LPL genotypes, with individuals with the H+H+ genotype doubling their risk for T2DM as compared to those with the H+H- and H-H- genotypes (95% CI: 1.0363.840, P < 0.05). These data suggest that the Hind RFLP in the LPL gene is associated with T2DM risk in Chinese Han population in Hubei Province, and the H+ allele may serve as a genetic risk factor of T2DM.

[A molecular phylogeny of Shennongjia white bear based on mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequence].

The phylogenetic relationship of Shennongjia white bear has been an open question. Total DNA was extracted and sequenced from hair and feces of Shennongjia white bear. Based on the partial Cyt b gene sequence obtained from the samples, the authors aligned them using the Clustal W software program. The MEGA software was used to analyze the divergences and base substitutions of the partial Cyt b gene among the 11 species: Shennongjia white bear, Selenarctos thibetanus, Euarctos americanus, Helarctos malayanus, Ursus arctos, Thalarctos maritimus, Melursus ursinus, Procyon lotor, Ailuropoda melanoleuca, Ailurus fulgens and Tremarctos ornatus. The phylogenetic trees constructed by multiple methods (NJ and MP) supported nearly the same topology. Our molecular results show that the sequence divergence between Shennongjia white bear and Asiatic black bear (Selenarctos thibetanus) is lower than that between other species.

[Whole sequence analysis of brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene in Asiatic Black Bear through faecal sampling].

Using our lab's improved protocol for faecal DNA extraction, the entire 753-bp DNA coding sequence of the nuclear brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene was cloned for the first time from Asiatic Black Bear Selenarctos thibetanus faecal samples with primers based on the reported sequence of the Malayan Bear BDNF gene. Hair was used as a positive control and the experiments were repeated several times to obtain reliable and identical results. Sequence analysis showed that the BDNF gene of Asiatic Black Bear was highly conserved compared to those of human and giant panda, with an identity of 94.5% and 98.9%, respectively. The deduced amino acid sequence of the mature protein was found to be identical to those of all the reported mammalians. According to gene sequence alignment, the giant panda appeared to be phylogenetically closer to Asiatic Black Bear than the lesser panda. This study represents the first time that a non-invasive method such as faecal sampling was used to analyze a functional nuclear BDNF gene of Asiatic Black Bear. It will not only provide important reference for the conservation and breeding of Asiatic Black Bear and open up new avenues of non-invasive sampling in the study of endangered wildlife, but also provide another molecular evidence for the study of relationship of Asiatic Black Bear and its related species.