Development and clinical evaluation of a rapid antibody lateral flow assay for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

BACKGROUND: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which has quickly spread worldwide since its outbreak in December 2019. One of the primary measures for controlling the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection is an accurate assay for its diagnosis. SARS-CoV-2 real-time PCR kits suffer from some limitations, including false-negative results in the clinic. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of a rapid antibody test kit for COVID-19 diagnosis. METHODS: The nuclear capsid protein (N) and spike protein 1 (S1) fragments of SARS-CoV-2 were expressed in Escherichia coli, and rapid antibody-based tests for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection were developed. To evaluate their clinical applications, the serum from COVID-19 patients, suspected COVID-19 patients, recovering COVID-19 patients, patients with general fever or pulmonary infection, doctors and nurses who worked at the fever clinic, and health professionals was analyzed by the rapid antibody test kits. The serum from patients infected with Mycoplasma pneumoniae and patients with respiratory tract infection was further analyzed to test its cross-reactivity with other respiratory pathogens. RESULTS: A 47 kDa N protein and 67 kDa S1 fragment of SARS-CoV-2 were successfully expressed, purified, and renatured. The rapid antibody test with recombinant N protein showed higher positive rate than the rapid IgM antibody test with recombinant S1 protein. Clinical evaluation showed that the rapid antibody test kit with recombinant N protein had 88.56 % analytical sensitivity and 97.42 % specificity for COVID-19 patients, 53.48 % positive rate for suspected COVID-19 patients, 57.14 % positive rate for recovering COVID-19 patients, and 0.5-0.8 % cross-reactivity with other respiratory pathogens. The analytical sensitivity of the kit did not significantly differ in COVID-19 patients with different disease courses (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The rapid antibody test kit with recombinant N protein has high specificity and analytical sensitivity, and can be used for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection combined with RT-PCR.

Exosomal miRNAs as Biomarkers of Cancer: a Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Tumor-derived exosomal miRNAs secreted by cancer cells play significant roles in the pathological processes of cancer, but no systematic meta-analysis has focused on the diagnostic efficiency of exosomal miRNAs. This meta-analysis assessed the diagnostic value of circulating exosomal miRNA in cancer. METHODS: Studies evaluating the diagnostic value of exosomal miRNA were identified in EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science up to August 1, 2018. The quality of each study was assessed according to the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2, and STATA 14.0 was used for the analyses. The true positive (TP), false positive (FP), true negative (TN), and false negative (FN) rates were extracted from each study to obtain the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: The meta-analysis included 16 studies with 1,591 patients. Five studies reported sensitivity values, and the pooled sensitivity was 0.86 (95% CI = 0.80 - 0.90, while 29 studies reported specificity values, and the pooled specificity was 0.89 (95% CI = 0.83 - 0.93). The pooled PLR was 7.8 (95% CI = 4.9 - 12.4), the pooled NLR was 0.16 (95% CI = 0.11 - 0.24), the pooled DOR was 48 (95% CI = 23 - 101), and the AUC was 0.94 (0.91 - 0.96). CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis indicated that body fluid exosomal miRNAs are highly accurate for distinguishing patients from healthy individuals, and exosomal miRNAs have superior diagnostic value in plasma, prostate cancer patients, and non-Asian individuals.

Enhancement of Gastric Ulcer Healing and Angiogenesis by Hepatocyte Growth Factor Gene Mediated by Attenuated Salmonella in Rats.

The present study developed an oral hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) gene therapy strategy for gastric ulcers treatment. An attenuated Salmonella typhimurium that stably expressed high HGF (named as TPH) was constructed, and the antiulcerogenic effect of TPH was evaluated in a rat model of gastric ulcers that created by acetic acid subserosal injection. From day 5 after injection, TPH (1 × 109 cfu), vehicle (TP, 1 × 109 cfu), or sodium bicarbonate (model control) was administered orally every alternate day for three times. Then ulcer size was measured at day 21 after ulcer induction. The ulcer area in TPH-treated group was 10.56 ± 3.30 mm², which was smaller when compared with those in the TP-treated and model control groups (43.47 ± 4.18 and 56.25 ± 6.38 mm², respectively). A higher level of reepithelialization was found in TPH-treated group and the crawling length of gastric epithelial cells was significantly longer than in the other two groups (P < 0.05). The microvessel density in the ulcer granulation tissues of the TPH-treated rats was 39.9 vessels/mm², which was greater than in the TP-treated and model control rats, with a significant statistical difference. These results suggest that TPH treatment significantly accelerates the healing of gastric ulcers via stimulating proliferation of gastric epithelial cells and enhancing angiogenesis on gastric ulcer site.

Salidroside induces rat mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into dopaminergic neurons.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterised by the loss of substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons that leads to a reduction in striatal dopamine (DA) levels. Replacing lost cells by transplanting dopaminergic neurons has potential value to repair the damaged brain. Salidroside (SD), a phenylpropanoid glycoside isolated from plant Rhodiola rosea, is neuroprotective. We examined whether salidroside can induce mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to differentiate into neuron-like cells, and convert MSCs into dopamine neurons that can be applied in clinical use. Salidroside induced rMSCs to adopt a neuronal morphology, upregulated the expression of neuronal marker molecules, such as gamma neuronal enolase 2 (Eno2/NSE), microtubule-associated protein 2 (Map2), and beta 3 class III tubulin (Tubb3/ß-tubulin III). It also increased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and nerve growth factor (NGF) mRNAs, and promoted the secretion of these growth factors. The expression of dopamine neurons markers, such as dopamine-beta-hydroxy (DBH), dopa decarboxylase (DDC) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), was significantly upregulated after treatment with salidroside for 1-12 days. DA steadily increased after treatment with salidroside for 1-6 days. Thus salidroside can induce rMSCs to differentiate into dopaminergic neurons.

Comparison of conventional mathematical model and machine learning model based on recent advances in mathematical models for predicting diabetic kidney disease.

Previous research suggests that mathematical models could serve as valuable tools for diagnosing or predicting diseases like diabetic kidney disease, which often necessitate invasive examinations for conclusive diagnosis. In the big-data era, there are several mathematical modeling methods, but generally, two types are recognized: conventional mathematical model and machine learning model. Each modeling method has its advantages and disadvantages, but a thorough comparison of the two models is lacking. In this article, we describe and briefly compare the conventional mathematical model and machine learning model, and provide research prospects in this field.

Identification and clinical significance of circulating endothelial progenitor cells in gastric cancer.

CONTEXT: There are few reports of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in peripheral blood have been found in patients with gastric cancer. OBJECTIVE: We quantified EPCs in the peripheral blood of patients with gastric cancer, with the expectation that this approach might lead to a new marker for the diagnosis of gastric cancer. METHODS: We enumerated CD34+/CD133+ EPCs in the peripheral blood of 145 subjects by use of flow cytometry. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The quantity of peripheral blood EPCs in patients with gastric cancer are correlated with patient's age. In addition, the number of peripheral blood EPCs in patients with gastric cancer increased with tumor node metastasis stage and histological differentiation of the cancers, and with the operative status of the patients.

[Construction of recombinant adenovirus vector pAdxsi-GFP-HIF containing hypoxia inducible factor gene and its expression in endothelial cells].

OBJECTIVE: To construct a recombinant adenovirus (pAdxsi-GFP-HIF) encoding human hypoxia inducible factor 1 α gene (HIF-1 α) and to express it in endothelial cells. METHODS: HIF-1 α gene was obtained from human lung cancer cell line A549, which was cultured in hypoxia condition, by RT-PCR. The HIF-1 α gene was subcloned into shuttle vector p Shuttle-CMV-EGFP at KpnI and BamHI sites. After identified with restriction enzymes, plasmid p Shuttle-GFP-HIF was linearized by digestion with restriction endonuclease I-CeuI and I-SceI, and subsequently cotransformed into E.coli DH5a with adenoviral backbone plasmid pAdxsi to make homologous recombination. After linearized by PacI, the homologous recombinant adenovirus plasmid was transfected into 293 cells to package and amplify. The recombinant adenovirus was infected with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (ECV304), and the expression level of HIF-1 α protein was evaluated by ELISA. RESULTS: The recombinant adenovirus vector containing HIF-1 α gene (pAdxsi-GFP-HIF) was successfully constructed and amplified with titer of 3.38 X 10(10) pfu/mL. The green fluorescence protein was detected under fluorescent microscope in ECV304 at 24h after transfection and with a stronger degree after 48h. The concentration of HIF-1 protein was (48.93 ±3.86)ng/mL in supernatant at 48 h after transfection. CONCLUSION: A recombinant adenovirus vector pAdxsi-GFP-HIF, encoding human hypoxia inducible factor 1 α gene, has been constructed in vitro and expressed successfully in ECV304 cells.

N6-methyladenosine RNA modification: an emerging molecule in type 2 diabetes metabolism.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a metabolic disease with an increasing rate of incidence worldwide. Despite the considerable progress in the prevention and intervention, T2D and its complications cannot be reversed easily after diagnosis, thereby necessitating an in-depth investigation of the pathophysiology. In recent years, the role of epigenetics has been increasingly demonstrated in the disease, of which N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the most common post-transcriptional modifications. Interestingly, patients with T2D show a low m6A abundance. Thus, a comprehensive analysis and understanding of this phenomenon would improve our understanding of the pathophysiology, as well as the search for new biomarkers and therapeutic approaches for T2D. In this review, we systematically introduced the metabolic roles of m6A modification in organs, the metabolic signaling pathways involved, and the effects of clinical drugs on T2D.

MicroRNA-126 Regulates Thrombosis Through Endothelial Progenitor Cells.

Thrombosis is a common problem with potentially severe consequences. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) show great potential as a thrombosis therapy due to their angiogenesis-promoting, thrombus-relieving, and anticoagulant functions. However, cell therapies present more clinical challenges than small molecule solutions. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding single-stranded RNAs with wide-ranging regulatory activities. miRNA-126 is highly enriched in EPCs and endothelial cells. Although increasing research showed that mircoRNA-126 (miR-126) can regulate EPC functions through various pathways and cytokines, summaries of these interactions are rare. Therefore, this brief review of recent findings on the relationship between miRNA-126 and EPC function will attempt to clarify the role of miR-126 in thrombosis through regulation of EPCs, with the goal of exploring alternative therapies for thrombotic diseases.

Protein kinase C: A potential therapeutic target for endothelial dysfunction in diabetes.

Protein kinase C (PKC) is a family of serine/threonine protein kinases that play an important role in many organs and systems and whose activation contributes significantly to endothelial dysfunction in diabetes. The increase in diacylglycerol (DAG) under high glucose conditions mediates PKC activation and synthesis, which stimulates oxidative stress and inflammation, resulting in impaired endothelial cell function. This article reviews the contribution of PKC to the development of diabetes-related endothelial dysfunction and summarizes the drugs that inhibit PKC activation, with the aim of exploring therapeutic modalities that may alleviate endothelial dysfunction in diabetic patients.

Inhibitory effects of the attenuated Salmonella typhimurium containing the IL-2 gene on hepatic tumors in mice.

To observe the inhibitory effects of an attenuated S. typhimurium strain carrying IL-2 gene (TPI) on hepatoma cell line (HepG2) and transplanted tumors in mice. TPI, TPG (an attenuated S. typhimurium strain carrying green fluorescent protein gene), and TP (an attenuated S. typhimurium strain) strains were transfected into HepG2 cells. At 48 h after transfecting, the transfection rate was 82.58 ± 1.74%. The expression level of IL-2 was (99.5 ± 12.2) ng/1 × 10(6) cells. Compared with TPG, TP, and normal mouse groups, the proportion of CD4(+) T and CD8(+) T cells in the blood from the TPI group was higher, the levels of IgM and IgG(1) were significantly increased, and the proliferation activity of splenic lymphocyte was significantly stronger. The transplanted tumor weight in the TPI group was significantly smaller than that in the other two groups. The infiltration of lymphocytes increased in the tumor from TPI group mice. TPI was effectively transfected into cancer cells, which expressed the protein of interest. Oral administration of TPI prolonged survival of mice transplanted with hepatoma cell tumours.

Effect of oral hepatocyte growth factor gene mediated by attenuated salmonella on 2-, 4-, 6-trinitro-benzene-sulfonic-acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rat.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: In order to explore a new therapeutic method, we investigated the effects of exogenously expressed hepatocyte growth factor mediated by attenuated salmonella (TPH) on rats with ulcerative colitis (UC) induced by 2-, 4-, 6-trinitro-benzene-sulfonic acid. METHODS: The UC rats were treated with TPH, attenuated salmonella with a eukaryotic expression vector (TP) or sodium bicarbonate (model control [MC]) every other day. Cluster of differentiation (CD)4(+) and CD8(+) T cells and immunoglobulins in the blood were analyzed by flow cytometry. The HGF expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. A macroscopic-scale observation of the colon and a histological assessment were also carried out. RESULTS: The CD4(+) T counts and the CD4(+) /CD8(+) ratio in the TPH group were significantly lower than that in the MC group. The immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G(1) levels in the TPH group were significantly lower than that in the MC group and TP group. After treatment with TPH, the symptoms of the ulcerative rats were significantly alleviated. The colonic lesion grades in the TPH group were lower than that in the TP group and MC group. Significant improvement occurred after the TPH treatment, as evidenced by alleviated mucosal inflammation. At 7 days post-treatment, the HGF expression in the colonic tissues that were treated with TPH was stronger than that in the samples treated with TP. CONCLUSIONS: TPH inhibits the proliferation of T lymphocytes and the antibody production of B lymphocytes. Furthermore, it ameliorates mucosal inflammation and promotes the regeneration of mucosa and the healing of the colonic ulceration.

Oxidative stress: a possible mechanism for lead-induced apoptosis and nephrotoxicity.

Lead-induced nephrotoxicity is a human health hazard problem. In this study, Human mesangial cells (HMCs) were treated with different concentration of lead acetate (5, 10, 20 µmol/l) in order to investigate the oxidative stress and apoptotic changes. It was revealed that lead acetate could induce a progressive loss in HMCs viability together with a significant increase in the number of apoptotic cells using 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The apoptotic morphological changes induced by lead exposure in HMCs were demonstrated by PI-Hochest33342 staining. A DNA laddering pattern in lead-treated cells was shown, which could indicate nuclear fragmentation. In addition, lead acetate significantly increased the levels of malondialehyde (MDA) content and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. Therefore, it might be concluded that lead could promote HMCs' oxidative stress and apoptosis, which may be the chief mechanisms of lead-induced nephrotoxicity.

The characteristics of the synonymous codon usage in hepatitis B virus and the effects of host on the virus in codon usage pattern.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the main human health problem and causes a large-scale of patients chronic infection worldwide.. As the replication of HBV depends on its host cell system, codon usage pattern for the viral gene might be susceptible to two main selections, namely mutation pressure and translation selection. In this case, a deeper investigation between HBV evolution and host adaptive response might assist control this disease. RESULT: Relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) values for the whole HBV coding sequence were studied by Principal component analysis (PCA). The characteristics of the synonymous codon usage patterns, nucleotide contents and the comparison between ENC values of the whole HBV coding sequence indicated that the interaction between virus mutation pressure and host translation selection exists in the processes of HBV evolution. The synonymous codon usage pattern of HBV is a mixture of coincidence and antagonism to that of host cell. But the difference of genetic characteristic of HBV failed to be observed to its different epidemic areas or subtypes, suggesting that geographic factor is limited to influence the evolution of this virus, while genetic characteristic based on HBV genotypes could be divided into three groups, namely (i) genotyps A and E, (ii) genotype B, (iii) genotypes C, D and G. CONCLUSION: Codon usage patterns from PCA for identification of evolutionary trends in HBV provide an alternative approach to understand the evolution of HBV. Further more, a combined selection of mutation pressure with translation selection on codon usage might shed a light on understanding the evolutionary trends of HBV genotypes.

[The toxic effects of lead acetate on the apoptosis and the ultrastructure in human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2)].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the toxic effects of lead acetate on the apoptosis and ultrastructure of human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2). METHODS: After HK-2 cells were exposed to 5, 10 and 20 µmol/L lead acetate for 24 h, the morphological changes of HK-2 cells were observed by Hochest 33342-PI staining, and the ultrastructure changes of HK-2 cells were examined under a electron microscope, LDH activity and MDA content in supernatant of HK-2 cellular culture were detected by spectrophotometer, DNA damage of HK-2 was determined by DNA ladder and the apoptotic rates of HK-2 cells were measured by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The morphological changes of apoptotic HK-2 cells in exposure group were observed by Hochest 33342-PI staining. The cytoplasm vacuoles, karyopycnosis, nuclear membrane vague and apoptotic bodies in HK-2 cells of exposure group were found under electron microscopy. LDH activity and MDA contents in exposure group increased significantly, as compared to control group (P < 0.01). The results of DNA Ladder showed that DNA damage of HK-2 cells in exposure group appeared. The apoptotic rates of HK-2 cells exposed to 5, 10, 20 µmol/L lead acetate were 14.16% ± 2.94%, 19.45% ± 2.73%, 25.01% ± 3.97%, respectively, which were significantly higher than that (5.81% ± 2.18%) in control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Lead acetate could remarkably induce the apoptosis of HK-2 cells and affect the kidney.

NK4 Regulates Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Properties and Inhibits Tumorigenicity by Modulating the DKK1/Wnt/ß-Catenin Axis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of NK4 gene on the properties and tumorigenicity in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cell. METHODS: Here, we used the attenuated Salmonella carrying the NK4 gene to transfect the AMC-HN-8 cells and detected the expression of NK4 by the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q RT-PCR). The properties of NK4 gene was determined by MTT method, cell scratch test, and flow cytometry. A nude mouse tumorigenesis model was used to evaluate the effect of NK4 gene on the growth of AMC-HN-8 cells in vivo. While a western blot assay was used to assess the expression of DKK1, Wnt1 and ß-Catenin in nude mouse tumors. RESULTS: qRT-PCR showed that the expression of NK4 in the transfection group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.01), and the expression increased with the time of transfection. MTT results showed NK4 overexpression inhibited the proliferation of AMC-HN-8 cells, and the inhibitory activity no longer increased with increasing dose when 30% expression supernatant was added (P<0.01). Scratch experiment showed that NK4 overexpression decreased the cell migration ability (P<0.01). Annexin V/PI double staining experiment showed that NK4 gene induced AMC-HN-8 cell apoptosis (P<0.01), and cell cycle arrest in S phase (P<0.01). NK4 overexpression inhibited tumor formation ability of AMC-HN-8 cells in vivo (P <0.05). WB detection showed that the expression of DKK1 increased, Wnt1 and ß-Catenin protein decreased after the high expression of NK4. CONCLUSIONS: NK4 gene inhibit cell proliferation and migration, while promote cell apoptosis, and induce cell cycle arrest in S phase of laryngeal carcinoma AMC-HN-8 cells. NK4 overexpression inhibit the tumorigenesis ability of AMC-HN-8 cells, which may be related to the regulation of DKK1/Wnt1/ß-Catenin signal axis.

Development of Models to Predict Postoperative Complications for Hepatitis B Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment remains the best option for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) caused by chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, there is no optimal tool based on readily accessible clinical parameters to predict postoperative complications. Herein, our study aimed to develop models that permitted risk of severe complications to be assessed before and after liver resection based on conventional variables. METHODS: A total of 1,047 patients treated by hepatectomy for HCC with HBV infection at three different centers were recruited retrospectively between July 1, 2014, and July 1, 2018. All surgical complications were recorded and scored by the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI). A CCI ≥26.2 was used as a threshold to define patients with severe complications. We built two models for the CCI, one using preoperative and one using preoperative and postoperative data. Besides, CCI and other potentially relevant factors were evaluated for their ability to predict early recurrence and metastasis. All the findings were internally validated in the Hangzhou cohort and then externally validated in the Lanzhou and Urumqi cohorts. RESULTS: Multivariable analysis identified National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance (NNIS) index, tumor number, gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), total cholesterol (TC), potassium, and thrombin time as the key preoperative parameters related to perioperative complications. The nomogram based on the preoperative model [preoperative CCI After Surgery for Liver tumor (CCIASL-pre)] showed good discriminatory performance internally and externally. A more accurate model [postoperative CCI After Surgery for Liver tumor (CCIASL-post)] was established, combined with the other four postoperative predictors including leukocyte count, basophil count, erythrocyte count, and total bilirubin level. No significant association was observed between CCI and long-term complications. CONCLUSION: Based on the widely available clinical data, statistical models were established to predict the complications after hepatectomy in patients with HBV infection. All the findings were extensively validated and shown to be applicable nationwide. Such models could be used as guidelines for surveillance follow-up and the design of post-resection adjuvant therapy.

Docking protein 1 and free fatty acids are associated with insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: Insulin resistance (IR) is a key defect in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); therefore, effective means of ameliorating IR are sought. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 154 patients with T2DM and 39 with pre-diabetes (pre-DM). The effects of IR and a high concentration of FFA on gene expression were determined using microarray analysis and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in patients with T2DM or pre-DM. RESULTS: Serum FFA concentration and homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) were significantly higher in patients with T2DM but no obesity and in those with pre-DM than in controls. HOMA-IR was significantly associated with T2DM. RT-qPCR showed that the expression of FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog (FOS) and AE binding protein 1 (AEBP1) was much lower in the circulation of participants with obesity and diabetes. RT-qPCR showed that the expression of docking protein 1 (DOK1) was significantly lower in the blood of participants with diabetes but no obesity and in those with pre-DM than in controls. CONCLUSIONS: FFA and DOK1 are associated with IR in patients with T2DM but no obesity or pre-DM. The downregulation of DOK1 might inhibit lipid synthesis and induce lipolysis, inducing or worsening IR.

[Effects of altitude on circulating endothelial progenitor cells and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in patients with type 2 diabetes].

Objective: To compare the changes in the number of circulating endothelial progenitor cells and hypoxia-inducible factors in patients with type 2 diabetes at different altitudes, and to provide a basis for the research and treatment of type 2 diabetes vascular complications. Methods: Selected Type 2 diabetes patients who were diagnosed in a low altitude area of 386 m (Xianyang City) and a high altitude area of 1 520 m (Lanzhou) (25 persons/29 persons) and healthy persons (20 persons/20 persons) were selected. An automatic biochemical analyzer was used to detect the indexes of blood lipids, blood glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin of the two groups of people, and the concentration of Hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The number of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in peripheral blood was determined by a cytometer. Results: No matter in low or high altitude areas, the number of circulating EPCs in the diabetes group was lower than that in the healthy group (P＜0.01). The levels of body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR), triglyceride (TG), fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbAlc) were increased (P＜0.05). Compared with the low-altitude group, the expression levels of HIF-1α in diabetic patients at high-altitude and healthy people were increased significantly (P＜0.05), while the number of circulating EPCs was decreased significantly (P＜0.05), and the number of circulating EPCs in healthy people or the patients with type 2 diabetes without vascular complications was higher than that of patients with type 2 diabetes with vascular complications (P＜0.05). Conclusion: With the increase in altitude, the expression level of HIF-1α in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)patients is increased, and the number of circulating EPCs is decreased, which is closely related to the degree of vascular disease. Therefore, it is possible through transplantation of EPCs for high altitude T2DM patients to achieve the prevention and improvement of diabetic vascular complications.