A repeating fast radio burst associated with a persistent radio source.

The dispersive sweep of fast radio bursts (FRBs) has been used to probe the ionized baryon content of the intergalactic medium1, which is assumed to dominate the total extragalactic dispersion. Although the host-galaxy contributions to the dispersion measure appear to be small for most FRBs2, in at least one case there is evidence for an extreme magneto-ionic local environment3,4 and a compact persistent radio source5. Here we report the detection and localization of the repeating FRB 20190520B, which is co-located with a compact, persistent radio source and associated with a dwarf host galaxy of high specific-star-formation rate at a redshift of 0.241 ± 0.001. The estimated host-galaxy dispersion measure of approximately [Formula: see text] parsecs per cubic centimetre, which is nearly an order of magnitude higher than the average of FRB host galaxies2,6, far exceeds the dispersion-measure contribution of the intergalactic medium. Caution is thus warranted in inferring redshifts for FRBs without accurate host-galaxy identifications.

MicroRNA-448/EPHA7 axis regulates cell proliferation, invasion and migration via regulation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in non-small cell lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a primary subtype of lung cancers which has a high morbidity and poor prognosis. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that aberrantly expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) were implicated in the regulatory functions of multiple processes during tumorigenesis. In the current study, we explored the functional roles and underlying mechanisms of miR-448 in NSCLC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assays were conducted to measure miR-448 expressions in 51 pairs of NSCLC tissues and corresponding normal tissues. Moreover, the relationship between miR-448 expressions and clinicopathological characteristics of NSCLC patients was also determined. We then performed transwell assays to explore the functions of miR-448 in NSCLC cell invasion and migration. As we had identified EPHA7 as a functional target of miR-448 in NSCLC cells, the clinical significance of EPHA7 in NSCLC patients was further investigated. Finally, we detected the influence of miR-448 on tumor growth rate and tumor size of NSCLC using tumor xenografts. RESULTS: Underexpressed miR-448 was identified in NSCLC, and low miR-448 expression was confirmed to be associated with the poor prognosis and adverse clinicopathologic features of NSCLC patients. Moreover, functional assays demonstrated that miR-448 overexpression suppressed NSCLC cell proliferation, invasion and migration. EPHA7 was identified as a direct target of miR-448. Additionally, miR-448 restoration suppressed in vivo NSCLC cell growth. Finally, our studies also indicated that miR-448 exerted anti-NSCLC functions via regulating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and EMT. CONCLUSIONS: These results showed that miR-448/EPHA7 axis maybe one of the useful diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for NSCLC patients.

[Clinical analysis of 31 cases of 2019 novel coronavirus infection in children from six provinces (autonomous region) of northern China].

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological history, clinical manifestations, treatment and the short-term prognosis of 31 cases of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infection in children from six provinces (autonomous region) in northern China. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the epidemiological history, clinical symptoms, signs, laboratory examinations, chest imaging, treatment and the short-term prognosis of 31 cases of 2019-nCoV was conducted. The patients were diagnosed between January 25th, 2020 and February 21st, 2020 in 21 hospitals in 17 cities of six provinces (autonomous region) of Shaanxi, Gansu, Ningxia, Hebei, Henan and Shandong. Results: The age of the 31 children with 2019-nCoV infection was 7 years and 1 month (6 months-17 years). Nine cases (29%) were imported cases. Other 21 cases (68%) had contact with confirmed infected adults. One case (3%) had contact with asymptomatic returnees from Wuhan. Among the 31 children, 28 patients (90%) were family cluster cases. The clinical types were asymptomatic type in 4 cases (13%), mild type in 13 cases (42%), and common type in 14 cases (45%). No severe or critical type existed. The most common symptom was fever (n=20, 65%), including 1 case of high fever, 9 cases of moderate fever, 10 cases of low fever. Fever lasted from 1 day to 9 days. The fever of fifteen cases lasted for ≤3 d, while in other 5 cases lasted >3 d. Other symptoms included cough (n=14, 45%), fatigue (n=3, 10%) and diarrhea (n=3, 10%). Pharyngalgia, runny nose, dizziness, headache and vomiting were rare. In the early stage, the total leukocytes count in peripheral blood decreased in 2 cases (6%), the lymphocytes count decreased in 2 cases (6%), and the platelet count increased in 2 cases (6%).Elevation of C-reactive protein (10%, 3/30), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (19%, 4/21), procalcitonin (4%,1/28), liver enzyme (22%, 6/27) and muscle enzyme (15%, 4/27) occurred in different proportions. Renal function and blood glucose were normal. There were abnormal chest CT changes in 14 cases, including 9 cases with patchy ground glass opacities and nodules, mostly located in the lower lobe of both lungs near the pleural area. After receiving supportive treatment, the viral nucleic acid turned negative in 25 cases within 7-23 days. Among them, 24 children (77%) recovered and were discharged from hospital. No death occurred. Conclusions: In this case series, 2019-nCoV infection in children from six provinces (autonomous region) in northern China are mainly caused by close family contact. Clinical types are asymptomatic, mild and common types. Clinical manifestations and laboratory examination results are nonspecific. Close contact history of epidemiology, nucleic acid detection and chest imaging are important bases for diagnosis of 2019-nCoV infection. After general treatment, the short-term prognosis is good.

Assessment of the cryoablation margin using MRI-CT fusion imaging in hepatic malignancies.

AIM: To demonstrate the feasibility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-computed tomography (CT) fusion imaging for the assessment of the ablative margin after cryoablation in hepatic malignancies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study analysed 35 patients with 47 liver tumours treated with CT-guided cryoablation. Fusion images of pre-ablation MRI and intraoperative CT data were created on a workstation. Minimal ablative margin (MAM) assessment was categorised into three groups: (I) MAM <0 mm (tumour protruded through the ablation zone), (II) MAM 0-5 mm, and (III) MAM ≥5 mm. Local tumour progression (LTP) was assessed during follow-up. RESULTS: MRI-CT fusion imaging was successfully achieved in 46 (97.9%) of 47 lesions. LTP was detected in 67.4% (31/46) of cases. Twenty-four (77.4%) of 31 LTPs occurred in the subcapsular region of the liver. Using fusion images, the MAM was classified as groups I, II, and III in 18, 25, and three tumours, respectively. In group I, LTP was found in 15 (83.3%) of 18 lesions, whereas in group II, LTP was detected in 16 (64%) of 25 lesions. The cumulative LTP rate in group II was significantly lower than that in group I (p=0.012). CONCLUSION: Pre-ablation MRI and intraoperative CT fusion imaging is feasible and useful for evaluating the MAM of cryoablation in hepatic malignancies.

Transarterial chemoembolization with raltitrexed-based or floxuridine-based chemotherapy for unresectable colorectal cancer liver metastasis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the efficiency and safety of raltitrexed- or floxuridine (FUDR)-based transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with unresectable colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRCLM). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 81 patients with unresectable CRCLM who failed systemic chemotherapy and were treated with TACE in our department from Oct 2014 to Oct 2017. Of these, 61 patients received TACE using raltitrexed, oxaliplatin, and pirarubicin (raltitrexed group), and 20 received TACE using FUDR, oxaliplatin, and pirarubicin (FUDR group). The objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS, from the first TACE), progression-free survival (PFS, from the first TACE), and adverse reactions were evaluated and compared between the two groups, and prognostic factors for OS were analyzed. RESULTS: The ORRs of the raltitrexed group and FUDR group were 67.2 and 45.0%, respectively (P = 0.076), and the DCRs were 86.9 and 80.0%, respectively (P = 0.452). The median OS (from first TACE) was 14.0 months in the raltitrexed group and 13.0 months in the FUDR group (P = 0.556). The median PFS (from first TACE) was 2.1 months in the raltitrexed group and 2.4 months in the FUDR group (P = 0.878). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the primary tumor site, Child-Pugh class, and combination with local ablation (RFA or CRA) were independent significant factors affecting survival. There were no significant differences in adverse reactions between the two groups (P > 0.05), and no treatment-related death occurred in either group. CONCLUSION: TACE treatment based on raltitrexed or FUDR is an efficient and safe alternative choice for treating unresectable CRCLM.

[Diagnostic and therapeutic values of interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization in B-cell lymphomas: a clinicopathologic analysis of 604 cases].

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and value of interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in the pathological diagnosis, differential diagnosis and therapeutic assessment of B-cell lymphomas. Methods: The cohort included 604 cases of B-cell lymphoma which were collected at West China Hospital from May 2010 to December 2016.And all were subjected to interphase FISH using 11 break apart or fusion probes (MYC, bcl-2, bcl-6, IRF4, MYC/IgH, bcl-2/IgH, CCND1/IgH, IgH, API2/MALT1, p53/ATM, and D13S319/CEP12). Results: The median age of the 604 B-cell lymphoma patients was 47.7 (aged 2-90) years including 372 men and 232 women. All the cases was divided into 463 large B cell lymphomas(LBL) and 141 small B cell lymphomas, and the total interphase FISH positive rate was 59.8% (361/604). Among the 463 LBL, 12.5% (58/463), 9.5% (44/463) and 2.2% (10/463) of cases showed MYC, bcl-6 and bcl-2 gene rearrangements respectively; and 363 diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCLs) were reclassified as germinal center B-cell (GCB) subtype (38.6%, 140/363) and non-GCB subtype (61.4%, 223/363) by Hans algorithm. The rearrangement rates in GCB and non-GCB DLBCL were 45.7%(64/140)and 21.5%(48/223; P=0.001), respectively. Compared to the non-GCB DLBCL, GCB DLBCL showed higher MYC and bcl-2 gene rearrangements (P=0.001). Eleven (2.4%, 11/463) cases had MYC and bcl-6 or bcl-2 gene rearrangement (double-hit lymphoma); one (0.2%, 1/463) case had MYC, bcl-6 and bcl-2 gene rearrangements (triple-hit lymphoma); two (0.4%, 2/463) cases had bcl-2 and bcl-6 gene rearrangements. MYC translocation and MYC/IgH fusion were detected in 94.2%(81/86) and 83.7%(72/86) cases of Burkitt lymphomas. IRF4 rearrangement was detected in two cases of IRF4+ LBCL. Genetic abnormalities were detected in 9/19, 100%(29/29), 30.8%(12/39) and 68.5%(37/54) cases of follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, MALT lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, respectively. Conclusions: Interphase FISH can rapidly and accurately detect the genetic changes in B-cell lymphomas. Different genetic changes are specifically valuable to the diagnosis, differential diagnosis, prognosis evaluation and treatment guidance of various B-cell lymphomas.

[Study on the Specific Complexation of GMDTC and Metal Ion].

Objective: Study the response of GMDTC to cadmium ions and metal ions in vivo to determine whether GMDTC are specifically complexed with cadmium ions to provide a reference for the safety and dfficacy of GMDTC. Methods: Complexometric titration, HPLC and HPLC-MS were applied to research the complexation reaction of GMDTC and various metal ions. The molecular ion peak of GMDTC, GMDTC-Cd complex and GMDTC-Pb complex also detected by LC-MS. Additionally, the initial structure was determined by DFT simulation method. Results: Results of complexometric titration and HPLC detection showed that GMDTC characteristic absorption peak area was proportional to the concentration of itself and there was no color change and peak time change when the GMDTC mixed with Ca(2+), Fe(2+), Mg(2+), Zn(2+). However, the color changed to black transition when the GMDTC mixed with Cu(2+) and the color changed from yellow precipitate to light yellow transparent transition when GMDTC mix with Hg(2+). Moreover, the peak area as well as the retention time has changed a lot which indicated that a chemical reaction has already happened. When the GMDTC mixed with Cd(2+) and Pb(2+), the color has changed from pale yellow to colorless transparent and the peak area of GMDTC has increased a lot. Finally, the GMDTC-Cd complex ratio both of which are 2:1 were calculated based on the results of LC-MS instrument and atomic calculations. Conclusion: The specific cadmium chelating agent GMDTC can not react with the Ca(2+), Fe(2+), Mg(2+), Zn(2+), but it can react chemically with Cu(2+) and Hg(2+), even specific complex with Pb(2+) and Cd(2+).

Long non-coding RNA HULC promotes proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells via down-regulation of miR-195.

OBJECTIVE: LncRNAs HULC has been reported to be important regulators in the development of various human diseases. However, the role of HULC in bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) remains unclear. The present study aimed to explore the regulatory effect of HULC on proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs and the underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression of HULC and miR-195 in BMSCs were altered by transfection and measured by qRT-PCR. Cell viability was measured by the CCK-8 assay. Osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs was determined by evaluation of osteogenic markers (Ocn, ALP, Runx2, and Col-1) expression levels using Western blot and qRT-PCR. Furthermore, Western blot was performed to assess the expression of proliferation-related factors, Wnt/ß-catenin and p38MAPK pathway-related factors. RESULTS: HULC overexpression significantly increased cell viability, down-regulated p21 expression but up-regulated CyclinD1 expression, and promoted the levels of osteogenic markers. However, the complete opposite effect was observed in HULC knockdown. Notably, miR-195 expression was negatively regulated by HULC and miR-195 exerted a reversed effect of HULC on BMSCs. Moreover, miR-195 mediated the regulatory effect of HULC on BMSCs proliferation and osteogenic differentiation, as miR-195 mimic abolished the effect of HULC overexpression on BMSCs. We also found that HULC overexpression enhanced the activation of Wnt/ß-catenin and p38MAPK pathway through down-regulating miR-195. CONCLUSIONS: We revealed that HULC promoted proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. The potential mechanism might be involved in its negative regulation on miR-195 and enhanced activation of Wnt/ß-catenin and p38MAPK pathway.

[Expression and significance of c-fos in resistant cell line TU177/VCR of larynx squamous cell carcinoma].

Objective: To explore the effect of c-fos on multidrug resistance of laryngeal cancer TU177 cells. Method: Increasing drug concentration gradient is adopted to establish the stability of the laryngeal cancer drug resistance in cell line; RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect difference of the c-fos between TU177 and TU177/VCR cells; plasmids with human c-fos knockdown or over expression were transfected into TU177/VCR and TU177 cells respectively, and the effects of different treatment on cell proliferation were investigated with MTT. Results: The drug resistance of TU177/VCR cells was 26.25-fold in vincristine (VCR), 7.33-fold in Paclitaxel (TAX), 2.41 in cisplatin (DDP), and 5.50 in 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), comparing with TU177( P<0.05). The TU177/VCR cells had significantly higher c-fos expression compared to TU177 cells( P<0.05). The results showed that the IC(50) values of 5-FU for the NC group and c-fos shRNA group were (306.2±6.3)µmol/L and (81.3±3.9)µmol/L, respectively, which was decreased by 73% in the c-fos shRNA group compared to that in the NC group (P<0.05). Similarly, the results showed that the IC(50) values for 5-FU were (55.3±9.4) µmol/L in NC group and (288.1±7.3)µmol/L in c-fos WT group, which was increased 5.21-fold in c-fos WT cells. Conclusion: C-fos plays important role in multidrug resistance of larynx cancer cell TU177/VCR, and might become a new molecular target for laryngeal cancer treatment.

[FAT1 inhibits cell proliferation of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through regulating the expression of CDK4/CDK6/CCND1 complex].

Objective: To explore the expression of FAT1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tissues, and its effect on cell proliferation. Methods: The expression levels of FAT1 protein in human ESCC tissues and matched adjacent normal tissues were determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Lentivirus based knockdown of FAT1 was carried out in YSE2 and Colo680N cell lines and 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2H tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays was performed to examine the effect of FAT1 on the proliferation of these ESCC cells. Colony formation assay was used to detect the colony formation ability. Flow cytometry was performed to analyze the cell cycle and apoptosis. The expression levels of cell cycle markers in FAT1 knock out ESCC cell lines were detected by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Results: The relative expression of FAT1 in ESCC tissues was 66.97±21.53, significantly lower than 78.13±16.76 of adjacent normal tissues(P<0.05). Knockdown of FAT1 promoted cell proliferation and colony formation. In YSE2 cell, the division time in negative control (NC) group was (1 570±51) min, significantly longer than (1 356±31) min in shFAT1 group. In Colo680N cell, division time in NC group was (1 532±53) min, significantly longer than (1 290±30) min in shFAT1 group (P<0.05). Knockdown of FAT1 promoted G1-to S-phase transition and resulted in the upregulation of CDK4/CDK6/CCND1. Conclusion: FAT1 inhibits the proliferation and G1-to S-phase transition of ESCC cells through regulating the protein expression of CDK4/CDK6/CCND1 complex.

A pleiotropic effect of the APOE gene: association of APOE polymorphisms with multibacillary leprosy in Han Chinese from Southwest China.

BACKGROUND: Patients with leprosy have a very low risk of Alzheimer disease (AD) and ß-amyloid (Aß) deposition is significantly lower in the brain tissue of elderly patients with leprosy compared with age-matched controls. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) plays a critical role in lipid metabolic pathways and in the brain, facilitating the proteolytic clearance of Aß. We hypothesized that APOE confers risk of leprosy as lipid metabolism is involved in Mycobacterium leprae infection. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the potential genetic associations between APOE and leprosy in two independent Chinese case-control cohorts from the Yuxi and Wenshan prefectures, Yunnan Province of Southwest China. METHODS: Five APOE single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were analysed in 1110 individuals (527 patients and 583 controls) from the Yuxi prefecture using a SNaPshot assay. Genetic variations in the entire APOE exons were screened in 1788 individuals (798 patients and 990 controls) from the Wenshan prefecture using next-generation sequencing technology. RESULTS: The AD-associated SNPs rs405509 and rs439401 increased the risk of leprosy per se and multibacillary leprosy (P < 0·005), but the APOE-ε4 allele did not. The SNPs rs405509 and rs439401 were cis expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) for APOE expression in human skin. Differential APOE mRNA expression was observed in skin lesions of patients with type I reaction leprosy and those with multibacillary leprosy. APOE and related lipid genes are involved in an interaction network with leprosy susceptibility genes. CONCLUSIONS: The APOE gene is associated with leprosy, most likely by regulating lipid-metabolism-related genes.

Effects of sacral nerve stimulation with acupuncture on gut transit time and c-kit expression in colon of rats with slow transit constipation.

Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is an alternative surgical approach to alleviate fecal incontinence and constipation. This study aimed to explore the effects and underlying mechanisms of SNS with acupuncture on gut transit time and colon c-kit protein expression in rats with slow transit constipation (STC). Fifty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: blank control, SNS, Mosapride, sham SNS, and STC model control group. The STC model was established by subcutaneous injection of morphine. Each group was treated over a 15-day period. Gut transit time was measured 1 day before the treatment started and after 5, 10, and 15 days of treatment. After the 15-day treatment, animals were sacrificed and colonic tissues were collected for analysis of c-kit protein expression, using western blot analysis. We found significant differences in gut transit time in the SNS group compared with the Mosapride group after 5 (P = 0.001) and 10 (P = 0.004) days of treatment. After 15 days of treatment, there were no differences in gut transit time among the SNS, Mosapride, and blank control groups. However, significant differences were observed when comparing the SNS and Mosapride groups with the STC model and sham SNS groups. A decreased c-kit protein expression was observed in the STC model control, sham SNS, and Mosapride groups, compared with the SNS group (P = 0.001). Our data indicate that SNS can decrease gut transit time and increase the expression of c-kit protein in rats with STC to improve colon transit function.

[A clinicopathological study of IgG4-related ocular disease and differentiated diagnosis with non-IgG4-related ocular disorders].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinicopathologic features of IgG4-related ocular disease and differentiated diagnosis with non-IgG4-related ocular disorders. METHODS: Forty-three cases were selected from the Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University from December 2008 to January 2015 with retrospective series case study. The clinical manifestation, laboratory examination, imaging findings, treatment and histopathological characteristics were analyzed. According to the diagnostic criteria for IgG4-related ocular disease in 2014 and relevant literatures, our cases were divided into two groups: IgG4-related ocular disease (23 samples from 18patients) and non-IgG4-related ocular disease (31 samples from 25 patients). The male-to-female ratio, the periductal fibrosis and the orbital lesion area was analyzed by Pearson chi-square. The Immunohistochemistry of IgG4+/HPF, IgG+/HPF and IgG4+/IgG+ ratio and age was analyzed by two sample t test. The involved structural tissue and the infiltration of eosinophils and lymphocytes and plasma cells was analyzed by signed-rank test. RESULTS: The significant statistic differences were observed between these two groups in immunohistochemical staining of IgG4 (>40/HPF) (t=12.17, P<0.01), IgG (t=2.91, P<0.01) and IgG4+/IgG+ ratio (≥40%) (t=16.98, P<0.01), the lymphocytic and plasmacytic infiltration (F=3.62, P=0.03),the periductal fibrosis(F=4.71 , P=0.03), the involved region of orbit (t=1.11, P=0.01), but not in the mean age and male-to-female ratio (t=1.09, P=0.58). IgG4 ROD should be distinguished form the non-specific inflammation disorders, lymphoma and so on. CONCLUSIONS: IgG4-related ocular disease often arises from middle-old man, characterized by bilateral orbital painless swelling and abundant IgG4+ plasma cells infiltration. Nearly all orbital tissue could be involved by IgG4-related ocular disease, especially lacrimal gland. But the characteristic obliterating phlebitis were not seen. The immunohistochemical staining of IgG4 and IgG plays an important role in differentiating IgG4-related ocular disease from non-IgG4-related ocular disorders. Combining clinical manifestation, laboratory examination, imaging findings with histopathology is helpful for diagnosis and differential diagnosis. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2016, 52: 256-262).

Ghrelin administration enhances neurogenesis but impairs spatial learning and memory in adult mice.

Ghrelin, an orexigenic brain-gut hormone promoting feeding and regulating energy metabolism in human and rodents, was reported to enhance both adult neurogenesis and hippocampus-dependent memory formation. However, it is still unclear whether ghrelin-induced hippocampus neurogenesis is responsible for its memory improvement. Using 5-bromo-2' deoxyuridien (BrdU) to birth-date newborn neurons and c-Fos expression to identify dentate gyrus (DG) neurons involved in memory processes, we checked here the effect of ghrelin treatment on adult neurogenesis and cognitive behaviors in mice. We further examined the possible effect of ghrelin on the recruitment of new neurons into the spatial memory traces in intact mice. We found that systemic ghrelin treatment (80µg/kg, ip injection once daily for 8days) stimulated neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus, but had no effect on spatial memory formation. Consistently, it did not affect the incorporation of newborn neurons into the spatial memory circuits. On the contrary, local infusion of ghrelin (8ng/0.5µl into CA1 region of the hippocampus) impaired spatial memory formation, but did not affect adult neurogenesis. Our results thus suggested that ghrelin plays distinct roles in modulating adult neurogenesis and the memory acquisition in the hippocampus, the two processes may not be correlated and may be mediated by different mechanisms.

Polymorphisms in the promoter of the CD14 gene and their associations with susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis.

Although the role of CD14 in recognizing Mycobacterium tuberculosis is well-understood, the possible role of polymorphisms in susceptibility to develop tuberculosis remains unclear. This study evaluates whether there is an association of polymorphisms within the promoter of the CD14 gene with susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis. In a case-control study, we genotyped the eight known single nucleotide polymorphisms SNPs within the promoter of the CD14 gene of 698 Han Chinese subjects. Statistically significant differences between tuberculosis patients and healthy controls were found for G-1619A, T-1359G, A-1145G, and C-159T. The haplotype-GGGT, composed of these four SNPs, exhibited a significant association with the disease. Furthermore, expression levels of soluble CD14 were significantly higher in tuberculosis patients with the GGGT haplotype than with other haplotypes, while IgE expression levels were significantly reduced. Our results suggest that these four SNPs within the promoter of the CD14 gene are associated with susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis.