Associations of Changes in Serum Inflammatory Factors, MMP-3, 25(OH)D and Intestinal Flora with Osteoporosis and Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients.

BACKGROUND: To explore the associations of changes in serum inflammatory factors, matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D], and intestinal flora with osteoporosis and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, so as to provide references for clinical diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: A total of 98 RA patients were selected as the objects of study (RA group), and divided into active-stage group (n = 56) and remission-stage group (n = 42) according to the disease activity score (DAS28). Another 50 healthy people receiving physical examination in our hospital during the same period were selected as the control group. The changes in serum inflammatory factors, MMP-3, 25(OH)D, and intestinal flora were compared among the three groups, and the osteoporosis of the subjects was analyzed in each group. Moreover, the associations of changes in serum inflammatory factors, MMP-3, 25(OH)D, and intestinal flora with osteoporosis and disease activity in RA patients were analyzed using the Pearson's method. RESULTS: Compared with those in the control group, the levels of serum MMP-3, interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, and C-reactive protein (CRP). The Escherichia coli count were significantly increased, while the level of serum 25(OH)D, bone mineral density (BMD), and Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium counts were significantly decreased in the active-stage group and remission-stage group, more obviously in active-stage group (p < 0.05). The osteoporosis and disease activity in RA patients were positively correlated with serum IL-6, IL-10, CRP, MMP-3, Escherichia coli and BMD, but negatively correlated with 25(OH)D, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium (p < 0.05), and not correlated with the sharp score (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There are certain associations of changes in serum inflammatory factors, MMP-3, 25(OH)D, and in-testinal flora with osteoporosis and disease activity in RA patients, showing certain value in clinical application.

[Epidemic analysis of HIV-1 incidence using BED-CEIA assay in Tianjin, China, 2010].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the epidemic characteristics of HIV-1 recent infection among high-risk populations in Tianjin and to provide reasonable evidence for intervention strategy. METHOD: Blood samples were detected using BED-CEIA to identify recent HIV-1 infection, and HIV/AIDS cases in Tianjin 2010 were collected to analyze epidemic data. RESULTS: 349 of reported HIV/AIDS cases were confirmed from total 777 207 people. ALL of 87 HIV-1 recent infections were males and mainly detected from men who have sex with men (MSM), voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) and STD outpatients, the HIV-1 incidence of each group was 1.48%, 0.38%, 0.17% respectively. There were not significant difference in recent HIV-1 infection rate between other areas and locals. The homosexual transmission was 80.46% among recent HIV-1 infections. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that the homosexual contact was primary route of HIV transmission in Tianjin. The infection of HIV was serious among MSM, effective interventions should be taken for HIV/AIDS control and prevention urgently.

[Survey on recent infection of human immunodeficiency virus among men who have sex with men in Tianjin during 2008 - 2009].

OBJECTIVE: To study the situation of HIV infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Tianjin during 2008 - 2009 and to provide reasonable evidence for intervention strategy. METHODS: Transect investigations in MSM were conducted three times during 2008 - 2009. Blood samples were collected and detected to identify the recent HIV infection with IgG-capture BED-enzyme immunoassay (BED-CEIA) before HIV incidence was estimated. RESULTS: 1799 specimens were tested and the HIV prevalence rates of each study were 6.7%, 8.6% and 6.2%, while the incidence rates were 2.7%, 2.5% and 2.8%, respectively. The estimated incidence rates among these testees were 5.36% and 5.52% per year in 2008 and 2009. RESULTS: of this study showed that the HIV incidence stabilized at high level among MSM in Tianjin, calling for the effective interventions be taken for HIV/AIDS control and prevention.