Systematic proteomics profiling of lysine crotonylation of the lung at Pseudoglandular and Canalicular phases in human fetus.

Lung tissue is an important organ of the fetus, and genomic research on its development has improved our understanding of the biology of this tissue. However, the proteomic research of developing fetal lung tissue is still very scarce. We conducted comprehensive analysis of two developmental stages of fetal lung tissue of proteomics. It showed the developmental characteristics of lung tissue, such as the down-regulation of metabolism-related protein expression, the up-regulation of cell cycle-related proteins, and the regulation in proteins and pathways related to lung development. In addition, we also discovered some key core proteins related to lung development, and provided some key crotonylation modification sites that regulation during lung tissue development. Our comprehensive analysis of lung proteomics can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the developmental status of lung tissue, and provide a certain reference for future research and epigenetics of lung tissue.

Integrated proteome and acetylome analyses unveil protein features of gestational diabetes mellitus and preeclampsia.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and preeclampsia (PE) are associated with maternal and infant health. Although the pathogenesis of PE and GDM remains controversial, oxidative stress is involved in the underlying pathology of GDM and PE. Protein lysine acetylation (Kac) plays an important regulatory role in biological processes. There is little data regarding the association of the maternal acetylome with GDM and PE. This study aimed to assess the potential value of the proteome and acetylome for GDM and PE. In our study, we included placental tissues from healthy individuals (n = 6), GDM patients (n = 6), and PE patients (n = 6) to perform 4D-label free quantification proteomics analysis and PRM analysis. We identified 22 significantly regulated proteins and 192 significantly regulated acetylated proteins between the GDM and PE groups. Furthermore, 192 significantly regulated acetylated proteins were mainly enriched in endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and ferroptosis pathways. Seventeen acetylated sites in these two pathways were verified by PRM analysis. Our comprehensive analysis revealed key features of GDM/PE-significantly regulated acetylated proteins in the placentas from GDM and PE. The results of signaling pathway analysis focused on ERS and ferroptosis. These findings may help explore the underlying pathology, new biomarkers, and therapeutic targets of GDM and PE.

Systematic proteomics analysis of lysine acetylation reveals critical features of placental proteins in pregnant women with preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a dangerous hypertensive disorder that occurs during pregnancy. The specific aetiology and pathogenesis of PE have yet to be clarified. To better reveal the specific pathogenesis of PE, we characterized the proteome and acetyl proteome (acetylome) profile of placental tissue from PE and normal-term pregnancy by label-free quantification proteomics technology and PRM analysis. In this research, 373 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified by proteome analysis. Functional enrichment analysis revealed significant enrichment of DEPs related to angiogenesis and the immune system. COL12A1, C4BPA and F13A1 may be potential biomarkers for PE diagnosis and new therapeutic targets. Additionally, 700 Kac sites were identified on 585 differentially acetylated proteins (DAPs) by acetylome analyses. These DAPs may participate in the occurrence and development of PE by affecting the complement and coagulation cascades pathway, which may have important implications for better understand the pathogenesis of PE. In conclusion, this study systematically analysed the reveals critical features of placental proteins in pregnant women with PE, providing a resource for exploring the contribution of lysine acetylation modification to PE.

Risk factors and genetic characteristics of the carriage of hypervirulent and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii among pregnant women.

Background: Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) and its emerging evolutionary branch toward hypervirulence have been neglected in pregnancy. Methods: From September 2020 to August 2021, an active surveillance culture program encompassed 138 randomly selected pregnant women, with five subjected to sample collection at two different time points. The clinical characterization was explored through statistical analysis. Whole-genome sequencing, a Galleria mellonella infection model, and a global database were used to investigate the genetic characterization, pathogenicity, evolutionary history, and phylogenetic relationships of the isolates. Results: Of the 41 CRAB isolates obtained, they were divided into four ClustersRS and an orphan pattern. ClusterRS 1 (n = 31), with eight complex types in pregnancy, was also the dominant ClusterRS globally, followed by ClusterRS 13 (n = 5), identified as hypervirulent KL49 CRAB, exhibiting phylogeographical specificity to Guangdong. A maternal carriage CRAB rate of 26.09% (36/138) was revealed, with half of the isolates representing novel complex types, prominently including CT3071, as the first KL7 isolates identified in Shenzhen. Both KL49 and KL7 isolates were most commonly found in the same participant, suggesting potential intraspecific competition as a possible reason for CRAB infection without carriers during pregnancy. The independent risk factors for carriers were revealed for the first time, including advanced maternal age, gestational diabetes mellitus, and Group B Streptococcus infection. Conclusion: The significant carriage rate and enhanced virulence of CRAB during pregnancy emphasize the imperative for routine surveillance to forestall dissemination within this high-risk group, especially in Guangdong for ClusterRS 13 isolates.

Constructing artificial gap junctions to mediate intercellular signal and mass transport.

Natural gap junctions are a type of channel protein responsible for intercellular signalling and mass communication. However, the scope of applications for these proteins is limited as they cannot be prepared at a large scale and are unable to spontaneously insert into cell membranes in vitro. The construction of artificial gap junctions may provide an alternative strategy for preparing analogues of the natural proteins and bottom-up building blocks necessary for the synthesis of artificial cells. Here we show the construction of artificial gap junction channels from unimolecular tubular molecules consisting of alternately arranged positively and negatively charged pillar[5]arene motifs. These molecules feature a hydrophobic-hydrophilic-hydrophobic triblock structure that allows them to efficiently insert into two adjacent plasma membranes and stretch across the gap between the two membranes to form gap junctions. Similar to natural gap junction channels, the synthetic channels could mediate intercellular signal coupling and reactive oxygen species transmission, leading to cellular activity.

Relationship between self-disclosure and anticipatory grief in patients with advanced lung cancer: the mediation role of illness uncertainty.

Objective: To study the relationship between self-disclosure, illness uncertainty (IU) and anticipatory grief (AG) in patients with advanced lung cancer. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study using convenience sampling method, in which 316 patients with advanced lung cancer who were hospitalized in a tertiary hospital in Wuxi City, China, from November 2022 to April 2023 were sampled. The Preparatory Grief in Advanced Cancer Patients, Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale, and the Distress Disclosure Index Scale (DDI) were selected to analyse the status quo, correlations, and the mediating effect of illness uncertainty on the relationship between self-disclosure and anticipatory grief in advanced lung cancer patients. Results: The total self-disclosure score of advanced lung cancer patients was (36.35 ± 9.25), the total score of IU was (56.92 ± 15.65), and the score of AG was (52.29 ± 9.08); the results of correlation analyses showed that IU was negatively correlated with self-disclosure in advanced lung cancer patients (p < 0.05) and positively correlated with AG (p < 0.05), and self-disclosure was negatively correlated with AG (p < 0.05);the mediating effect rate of IU between self-disclosure and AG in advanced lung cancer patients was 49%. Conclusion: The AG of advanced lung cancer patients was at a medium-high level, and IU had a significant mediating effect between self-disclosure and AG of advanced lung cancer patients; by increasing the level of patients' self-disclosure, IU could be effectively alleviated, and ultimately the AG of the patients could be reduced.

Nontrivial Topological Surface States in Ru3 Sn7 toward Wide pH-Range Hydrogen Evolution Reaction.

Nontrivial topological surface states (TSSs), which possess extraordinary carrier mobility and are protected by the bulk symmetry, have emerged as an innovative platform to search for efficient electrocatalysts toward hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Here, a Sn-based nontrivial metal Ru3 Sn7 is prepared using electrical arc melting method. The results indicate that the (001) crystal family of Ru3 Sn7 possesses nontrivial TSSs with linear dispersion relation and large nontrivial energy window. Experimental and theoretical results demonstrate that nontrivial TSSs of Ru3 Sn7 can significantly boost charge transfer kinetics and optimize adsorption of hydrogen intermediates due to bulk symmetry-protected band structures. As expected, nontrivial Ru3 Sn7 exhibits superior HER activity to Ru, Pt/C, and trivial counterparts (e.g., Ru2 Sn3 , IrSn2 , and Rh3 Sn2 ) with higher ratios of noble metals. Furthermore, the wide pH-range activity of topologically nontrivial Ru3 Sn7 implies the robustness of its TSSs against pH variation during the HER. These findings provide a promising approach to the rational design of topologically nontrivial metals as highly efficient electrocatalysts.

Disulfide Bond Engineering for Enhancing the Thermostability of the Maltotetraose-Forming Amylase from Pseudomonas saccharophila STB07.

Maltooligosaccharides are a novel type of functional oligosaccharides with potential applications in food processing and can be produced by glycosyl hydrolases hydrolyzing starch. However, the main obstacle in industrial applications is the balance between the high temperature of the process and the stability of enzymes. In this study, based on the structural information and in silico tools (DSDBASE-MODIP, Disulfide by Design2 and FoldX), two disulfide bond mutants (A211C-S214C and S409C-Q412C) of maltotetraose-forming amylase from Pseudomonas saccharophila STB07 (MFAps) were generated to improve its thermostability. The mutation A211C-S214C was closer to the catalytic center and showed significantly improved thermostability with a 2.6-fold improved half-life at 60 °C and the thermal transition mid-point increased by 1.6 °C, compared to the wild-type. However, the thermostability of mutant S409C-Q412C, whose mutation sites are closely to CBM20, did not change observably. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that both disulfide bonds A211C-S214C and S409C-Q412C rigidified the overall structure of MFAps, however, the impact on thermostability depends on the position and distance from the catalytic center.

Efficacy and safety of pulmonary rehabilitation training on lung function, quality of life, and T cell immune function in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary rehabilitation training is an important means of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, some people think that its effect is not satisfactory, and there is a lack of understanding of the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation training on T cell immune function. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of pulmonary rehabilitation training on lung function, quality of life and T cell immune function in stable COPD patients. METHODS: Seventy-two stable COPD patients recruited from the Outpatient department of Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University and Wuxi Huishan Rehabilitation Hospital, and divided them into experimental group (39 cases) and control group (33 cases) by random number table method. Both groups were received routine drug therapy, COPD knowledge education, and smoking cessation treatment. On this basis, the experimental group received daily pulmonary rehabilitation training, including pursed-lip breathing (PLB) training, abdominal breathing training, skeletal muscle training, and coughing and expectoration training. Lung function [percentage of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1%) and the percentage of FEV1/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC%)], quality of life [6-minute walk test (6MWT), COPD assessment test (CAT score)], and T lymphocyte subsets (CD3+%, CD4+%, CD8+%, and CD4+%/CD8+%) levels were compared by independent sample t-test or paired t-test between the 2 groups before and after 12 weeks of treatment in a double-blind method. RESULTS: There were no remarkable differences in lung function indexes, 6MWT, CAT score, and T cell immune function between the 2 groups before treatment. After 12 weeks, all indexes in the experimental group (all P<0.01) and T lymphocyte subsets in the control group (CD3+%, CD4+%, CD8+% and CD4+%/CD8+% were 0.010, 0.037, 0.021 and 0.016, respectively) were significantly better than before treatment, and there were no significant differences in lung function,6MWT, and CAT scores in the control group. After 12 weeks, all indexes in the experimental group were significantly better than those in the control group except CD8+% (FEV1%, FEV1/FVC%, 6MWT, CAT score, CD3+%, CD4+% and CD4+%/CD8+% were 0.002, 0.009, <0.001, 0.007, 0.037, 0.046 and <0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary rehabilitation training can improve the lung function, quality of life, and T cell immune function of stable-phase COPD patients. Perhaps the recovery of T-cell immune function is the root of the patient's improvement. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100048419.

Tandem Cross-Coupling of Alkynyl Sulfides and Alkynyl Sulfoxides/[3,3]-Sulfonium Rearrangement to Construct Tetrasubstituted Furans.

In the presence of boron trifluoride, a variety of alkynyl sulfides and alkynyl sulfoxides undergo tandem cross-coupling/[3,3]-sulfonium rearrangement followed by 5-exo-dig heterocyclization. The strategy provides concise access to novel tetrasubstituted furans in good to high yields with 100% atom-economy efficiency. Further derivatization of the resultant furans was feasible by utilizing the incorporated alkylthio groups.

Improving the Product Specificity of Maltotetraose-Forming Amylase from Pseudomonas saccharophila STB07 by Removing the Carbohydrate-Binding Module.

Maltotetraose (G4) is composed of four glucose units linked by the α-1,4-glycosidic bond, which has excellent adaptability in food processing and specific physiological functions. Maltotetraose-forming amylases (MFAses) are used in the industry as a promising tool for G4 production. The MFAse from Pseudomonas saccharophila STB07 (MFAPS), which belongs to the GH13, can preferentially hydrolyze substrates to G4. MFAPS contains a carbohydrate-binding module (CBM). In this study, we removed the CBM to obtain the mutant MFAPS-ΔCBM. We explored the aspects affecting the catalytic performance of enzymes through structural simulations and molecular docking. Results showed that when the CBM was removed, the thermal stability of MFAPS was slightly reduced, and its catalytic ability for long-chain substrates, such as corn starch, was significantly reduced. However, the catalytic ability and product specificity of the substrates with shorter chain length, such as maltodextrin (DE 7-9), were improved. The G1-G7 (glucose (G1), maltose (G2), maltotriose (G3), maltotetraose (G4), maltopentaose (G5), maltohexaose (G6), and maltoheptaose (G7)) contents and G4 proportion of the mutant MFAPS-ΔCBM reaction at 24 h were 11.1 and 11.6% higher than those of MFAPS, respectively. The results also showed that the forces of MFAPS on the substrate near the -4, -1, +1, and +3 subsites were critical for its product specificity.

Multiplexed analysis of gene expression and chromatin accessibility of human umbilical cord blood using scRNA-Seq and scATAC-Seq.

Nowadays, umbilical cord blood (UCB) cells has been increasingly replacing fetal and adult-derived cells in adoptive cell therapy. However, gene expression and chromatin accessibility in umbilical cord blood cells has not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, we used an integration of scRNA-seq with the scATAC-seq technology to perform unbiased analysis of UCBCs over developmental time from 31 gestational week (GW) to 37 GW in humans. We identified several distinct cell types (erythroid cell, T cell, B cell, erythroid precursor cells, NK cell, and endothelial progenitor cell) and subpopulations (6 different clusters of erythroid cells) in UCB cells. In addition, we also identified a series of differentially expressed genes and chromatin accessibility in each cell type between different gestational weeks. Interestingly, the gene expression pattern of umbilical cord blood cells from normal fetuses of similar gestational weeks were more consistent. In conclusion, our analysis presents a better understanding of the chromatin landscape and regulatory networks in UCB cells.

Expression of macrophage inflammatory protein-1α and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in glioma-infiltrating microglia: involvement of ATP and P2X7 receptor.

Chemokines can be produced by gliomas, which mediate the infiltration of microglia, a characteristic feature of glioma-associated neuropathogenesis. ATP that is released at a high level from glioma has been reported to play a regulatory role in chemokine production in cultured glioma cells. The objective of this study was to define the potential role of extracellular ATP in the regulation of macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1) expression in glioma-associated microglia/macrophages. The results showed that Iba1(+) and ED1(+) microglia existed in the tumor at 3 and 7 day after injection of C6 glioma cells into the rat cerebral cortex (dpi). ED1(+) microglia/macrophages or Iba1(+) microglia in the glioma were also colocalized to MIP-1α- and MCP-1-expressing cells. In vitro study indicated that treatment with ATP and BzATP (an agonist for ATP ionotropic receptor P2X7R) caused an increase in the intracellular levels of microglial MIP-1α and MCP-1. By using an extracellular Ca(2+) chelator (EGTA) and P2X7R antagonists, oxidized ATP (oxATP) and brilliant blue G (BBG), we demonstrated that BzATP-induced production of MIP-1α and MCP-1 levels was due to P2X7R activation and Ca(2+) -dependent regulation. Coadministration of C6 glioma cells and oxATP into the rat cerebral cortex resulted in a reduction of MIP-1α- and MCP-1-expressing microglia/macrophages. We suggest, based on the results from in vivo and in vitro studies, that a massive amount of ATP molecules released in the glioma tumor site may act as the regulator with P2X7R signaling that increases MIP-1α and MCP-1 expression in tumor-infiltrating microglia/macrophages.

[Clinical significance of intermittent sinusoidal fetal heart rate at third trimester].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate clinical significance of intermittent sinusoidal fetal heart rate at third trimester. METHODS: From Jan 2002 to Dec 2010, 48 pregnant women at 33 to 41 gestational weeks undergoing electronic fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring presented with intermittent sinusoidal FHR in Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second School of Clinical Medicine, Jinan University were enrolled in this retrospective study. Twenty-one cases were categorized into continuous group (i.e. with sinusoidal feature and a constant duration ≥ 10 minutes), while the other 27 cases were categorized into intermittent group (i.e. with a duration < 10 minutes). In the mean time, 76 normal cases were chosen randomly matched as control group. Blood gas and hemoglobin were measured in umbilical artery after fetal head delivery. General neurological system examination were performed in those fetus in hospitalization. The outcome of those fetuses was compared. RESULTS: (1) Neonatal complications: the rate of asphyxia, meconium-stained amniotic fluid and fetal anemia were 63% (17/27), 33% (9/27) and 63% (17/27) in group of intermittent sinusoidal FHR, which were significantly higher than 1% (1/76), 4% (3/76), 3% (2/76) in control group (P < 0.05). When compared with 67% (14/21), 52% (11/21), 76% (16/21) in group of continuous sinusoidal, the statistical difference were not observed (P > 0.05). (2) Blood gas in neonate: the rates of pH less than 7 were 18% (5/27) in intermittent group, 52% (11/21) in continuous group and 0 in control group, which all reached statistical difference among those three groups (P < 0.05). (3) Brain damage and death: the rates of brain damage and death were 48% (13/27) and 11% (3/27) in intermittent group, 81% (17/21) and 43% (9/21) in continuous group, and 0 in control group, which all showed significant difference between them (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Intermittent and continuous sinusoidal FHR are typical graphics of severe fetal anemia at third trimester. Intermittent sinusoidal FHR is indicative of serious fetal hypoxia.

Modification by α-d-glucan branching enzyme lowers the in vitro digestibility of starch from different sources.

Granular corn starch, waxy corn starch, potato starch and tapioca starch were modified using the α-d-glucan branching enzyme (1,4-α-d-glucan:1,4-α-d-glucan 6-α-d-(1,4-α-d-glucano)-transferase, GBE, EC 2.4.1.18) from Geobacillus thermoglucosidans. The GBE-catalyzed modification caused a time-dependent increase in the ratios of α-1,6 linkages to total glycosidic linkages, as well as reductions in the average chain length and relative crystallinity. These modifications lowered the in vitro digestibility of the starch. Modification with GBE caused varying degrees of change in the in vitro digestibility of starches obtained from different sources. The highest slowly digestible starch (SDS) and resistant starch (RS) contents were found in modified tapioca starch. After modification of tapioca starch with GBE for 10h, the ratio of α-1,6 linkages to total glycosidic linkages was increased by 11.5%, while its relative crystallinity was decreased by 22.9%. Meanwhile, the SDS and RS contents of tapioca starch were increased by 47.3% and 13.5%, respectively. These results demonstrate that the digestibility of starch can be lowered through GBE modification, which may aid the development of modified starches that are digested more slowly.

A two-stage temperature control strategy enhances extracellular secretion of recombinant α-cyclodextrin glucosyltransferase in Escherichia coli.

The effects of temperature on extracellular secretion of the α-cyclodextrin glucosyltransferase (α-CGTase) from Paenibacillus macerans JFB05-01 by Escherichia coli were investigated. When protein expression was induced at constant temperature, the greatest amount of extracellular recombinant α-CGTase was produced at 25 °C. Higher or lower induction temperatures were not conducive to extracellular secretion of recombinant α-CGTase. To enhance extracellular secretion of α-CGTase by E. coli, a two-stage temperature control strategy was adopted. When expression was induced at 25 °C for 32 h, and then the temperature was shifted to 30 °C, the extracellular α-CGTase activity at 90 h was 45% higher than that observed when induction was performed at a constant temperature of 25 °C. Further experiments suggested that raising the induction temperature can benefit the transport of recombinant enzyme and compensate for the decreased rate of recombinant enzyme synthesis during the later stage of expression. This report provides a new method of optimizing the secretory expression of recombinant enzymes by E. coli.

Aortic balloon occlusion for controlling intraoperative hemorrhage in patients with placenta previa increta/percreta.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To investigate whether abdominal aortic balloon occlusion (ABO) effectively reduces intraoperative hemorrhage in patents with placenta previa increta/increta. METHODS: Forty-three women were diagnosed as placenta previa increta/percreta by ultrasound and MRI. These patients' assessments were taken by their chief physician, and they were under necessity of previous cesarean section as confirmed by the committee of experts during consultation. There was no significant difference in disease risk rating between them in whole process. Although our department provided a more appropriate method, 10 of 43 patients chose intraoperative aortic balloon occlusion (IABO). Other 33 patients who refused that suggestion were considered as control group. Fully informed consents were obtained from all patients in this study group. The intraoperative blood loss, blood transfusion, rate of hysterectomy and complications of mothers and fetus of IABO group and control group were analyzed. RESULTS: The median intraoperative blood loss was 1000 ml in the IABO group compared with 2000 ml in the control group (p < 0.05). The median volume of transfused red blood cells was 1100 ml in the IABO group compared with 2000 ml in the control group (p < 0.05). 33.3% (11/33) patients in the control group had hemorrhagic shock, and one of them suffered from cardiac arrest intraoperatively because of severe bleeding. However, none of these serious events occurred in the IABO group (p < 0.05). The hysterectomy rate was 70% (7/10) in the IABO group and 63.3% (21/33) in the control group (p > 0.05). No IABO-related complications were observed in the mother and fetus. CONCLUSION: IABO is an effective and safe method to control intraoperative blood loss and blood transfusion in patients with placenta previa increta/percreta.

Prophylaxis of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome by intra-amniotic administration of pulmonary surfactant.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) is caused by a deficiency in pulmonary surfactant (PS) and is one of the main reasons of neonatal mortality. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intra-amniotic administration of pulmonary surfactant for prophylaxis of NRDS. METHODS: Forty-five pregnant women who were due for preterm delivery and whose fetuses' lungs proved immature were divided into two groups. Fifteen women (study group) were administered one dose of pulmonary surfactant injected into the amniotic cavity and delivered within several hours. Nothing was injected into the amniotic cavity of 30 women of the control group. The proportion of neonatal asphyxia, NRDS, mortality and the time in hospital were analyzed to determine if there was any difference between the two groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups for neonatal asphyxia. Foam tests showed that higher proportion of neonates in the study group than in the control group (56.3% vs 13.3%, P < 0.05) had lung maturity. A greater number of control neonates (11/30, 32.3%) had NRDS, compared with the neonates given PS via the amniotic cavity before delivery (1/16, 6.3%, P < 0.05). The neonates in the study group spent nearly 10 days less in hospital than the control group [(32.4 +/- 7.6) days vs (42.0 +/- 15.7) days, P < 0.05], but the difference in mortality between the two groups was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-amniotic administration of pulmonary surfactant can significantly reduce the proportion of NRDS and the time in hospital of preterm neonates. Whether this method can reduce the mortality of preterm neonates needs to be evaluated further. Intra-amniotic administration of pulmonary surfactant provides an additional effectual means for NRDS prophylaxis.

[An investigation on the transmission routes and early diagnosis of intrauterine infection induced by hepatitis B virus].

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the relationship between the fetus infection and HBV M, HBV DNA in amniotic fluid, umbilical cord blood, maternal blood and placenta, and to explore the mechanism of vertical transmission of HBV. METHODS: Immunonetric assay and nucleic acid amplification hybri-comb were used. Both HBV M and HBV DNA were detected in amniotic fluid, vein blood, umbilical cord blood for each of 65 HBV-positive women in their different gestational periods, while immunohistochemical analysis was carried out on the tissue of placenta, liver, lung or heart from each abortive fetus/dead infant in the case. RESULTS: For all of the 65 HBsAg-positive women in their different gestational periods, the detected positive rate of HBsAg was 21.50% in amniotic fluid, and 20.00% in umbilical blood. The positive rate of HBsAg, HBeAg, Anti-HBc and HBV DNA detected in blood, amniotic fluid and umbilical blood was 6.15%. The cases with positive HBsAg, Anti-HBe, Anti-HBc and negative HBV DNA were in a percentage of 13.85%. Immunohistochemical analysis on placentas after birth/abortion as well as the tissues of livers, lungs, hearts of the fetuses/dead infants in 4 cases of pregnant women with positive HBsAg, HBeAg, Anti-HBc or HBV DNA in blood, amniotic fluid or umbilical blood showed that HBsAg, HBcAg positive cells in the scope could be seen in every layer of the tissue of placenta, in the hepatic/pulmonary tissue, but not in the cardiac tissue. CONCLUSION: The infection in amniotic fluid or placenta relates to HBV infection in fetus; intrauterine HBV may result in infection in organs such as blood, liver, or lung of a fetus; infection in the amniotic fluid may be another key route of the intrauterine infection of fetus, and the detection on HBV M or HBV DNA in amniotic may be used as one of diagnostic proofs of HBV infection of fetus in its early stage.