Low vitamin D levels and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, evidence for their independent association in men in East China: a cross-sectional study (Survey on Prevalence in East China for Metabolic Diseases and Risk Factors (SPECT-China)).

Recent studies have suggested an association between vitamin D and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, some results are subject to debate. This study was carried out to evaluate the correlation between NAFLD and vitamin D in men and women in East China. The data were obtained from a cross-sectional study that focused on the health and metabolic status of adults in sixteen areas of East China. According to ultrasonic assessments, the patients were divided into normal and NAFLD groups. Demographic characteristics and biochemical measurements were obtained. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to explore the association. In total, 5066 subjects were enrolled, and 2193 (43·3 %) were diagnosed with NAFLD; 84·56 % of the subjects showed vitamin D deficiency. Subjects with high vitamin D levels had a lower prevalence of NAFLD, particularly male subjects. Within the highest quartile of vitamin D levels, the prevalence of NAFLD was 40·8 %, whereas the lowest quartile of vitamin D levels showed a prevalence of 62·2 %, which was unchanged in women across the vitamin D levels. Binary logistic analysis showed that decreased vitamin D levels were associated with an increased risk of NAFLD (OR 1·54; 95 % CI 1·26, 1·88). This study suggests that vitamin D levels are significantly associated with NAFLD and that vitamin D acts as an independent factor for NAFLD prevalence, particularly in males in East China. Vitamin D interventional treatment might be a new target for controlling NAFLD; elucidating the mechanism requires further research.

Blastocyst-stage versus cleavage-stage embryo transfer in the first frozen cycles of OHSS-risk patients who deferred from fresh embryo transfer.

Elective cryopreservation of all embryos has been the most effective means to avoid developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). However, it is still unknown which stage is optimal for freezing and transferring into uterus in OHSS-risk patients. This study was undertaken to evaluate whether OHSS-risk patients could benefit from transferring blastocysts. A total of 162 women were allocated to cleavage-stage embryo transfer (ET) (group A = 70) and blastocysts transfer (group B = 92) on the basis of patients' voluntary in their first frozen cycles. Although the mean number of transferred embryos in group A was significantly more than those in group B (2.37 ± 0.52 versus 2.11 ± 0.52, p < 0.05), the clinical pregnancy rates, implantation rates and live birth rates in group B were significantly higher than those in group A (47.83% versus 31.43%, p < 0.05; 31.44% versus 18.67%, p < 0.05; 40.21% versus 27.14%, p < 0.05), and the multiple pregnancy rates in both groups were comparable (34.09% versus 36.36%, p > 0.05). The observed results in OHSS-risk population allow us to take a position in favor of blastocyst transfer, thus pregnancy and live birth could be achieved with fewer ETs and in a shorter time frame.

Live birth following vitrification of in vitro matured oocytes derived from sibling smaller follicles at follicle selection phase in the context of in vitro fertilization.

In ovarian stimulation, a 31-year-old woman with polycystic ovary syndrome was at the risk of developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, follicle aspiration was performed, and eight immature oocytes were collected from follicle fluids. After 28 h in vitro culture, six of them reached MII and were vitrified. The patient failed to conceive in her fresh in vitro fertilization cycle and next two replacement cycles. In the third replacement cycle, a successful pregnancy was obtained by vitrified-thawed oocytes. This case demonstrates that follicular aspiration during follicle selection phase has protective effects against developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, and rescued immature oocytes are viable and could produce promising embryos for live birth.

Chronic hepatitis B virus infection in women is not associated with IVF/ICSI outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: This study was to evaluate whether chronic HBV (Hepatitis B virus) infection in women is associated with poor performance following IVF/ICSI (in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection) treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 123 cycles with female chronic HBV infection were compared with 246 cycles with no-infected couples, matched for female age, D3 serum FSH (follicles stimulation hormone) levels, body mass index and assisted reproductive technology approach used (IVF or ICSI), in a ratio of 1:2. RESULTS: The details in IVF/ICSI cycles, including the dosage of gonadotrophin used, the serum estradiol levels and the endometrial thickness on the day of hCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin) injection, the mean number of oocytes retrieved, and the embryology data, were similar among seropositive and seronegative women. And there was no significant differences in implantation rates and live birth rates between seropositive women group and matched control (30.52 versus 28.34% per transfer; 42.28 versus 40.65%). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that women with chronic HBV infection is not associated with outcomes of IVF/ICSI treatments.

[Suppression of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation on in vitro maturation, fertilization and developmental competence of oocytes].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the roles of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) capacity in oocyte maturation, fertilization and embryo development. METHODS: Carbonyl cyanide p- (tri-fluromethoxy) phenyl-hydrazone (FCCP), a metabolic inhibitor of mitochondria, was introduced into culture medium. The integrity of spindle and chromosome alignment, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and rates of maturation, germinal vesicle breakdown, fertilization and blastulation were assessed in vitro. RESULTS: Significant decreases were detected in the percentages of oocytes with nuclear maturation, normal spindle formation and chromosome alignment, ROS levels and capable for blastocyst formation between oocytes treated with FCCP and non-treated (control group), 55.8%, 37.9%, 0.67 and 57.9% (FCCP 10 nmol/L group), 47.3%,34.7%, 0.59 and 41.8% (FCCP 100 nmol/L group) versus 62.9%, 61.9%,0.94 and 68.3% (control group) respectively, P<0.05. However, No significant differences were found in the rates of GVBD and fertilization in oocytes from the FCCP treated and the control. CONCLUSION: Inhibition of mitochondrial metabolic capacity resulted in decreased the percentages of oocytes with nuclear maturation, normal spindle formation and chromosome alignment, ROS levels and capable for blastocyst formation. But the treatment of FCCP did not affect the rate of fertilization.

[Effects of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation on mitochondria copy number and functions in murine oocytes].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of whether controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number, mitochondrial function, distribution, the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in oocytes and the mechanism of oocyte loss in COH. METHODS: Matured murine oocytes were classified into COH group and natural cycles (NC) group. The copies of mtDNA, the magnitude of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δφm) and oocyte adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, pattern of mitochondrial distribution, and ROS levels were evaluated by realtime PCR, immunofluorescence and fluorescence-luciferase mensuration. RESULTS: The copies of mtDNA, the levels of Δφm, and ATP content in oocytes between COH and NC groups showed statistical difference [(1.15 ± 0.01)×10(5), 0.34 ± 0.03 and (241 ± 20) fmol/oocyte (COH)] versus [(2.15 ± 0.19)×10(5), 0.82 ± 0.07 and (325 ± 11) fmol/oocyte (NC)], respectively(P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in the rate of evenly distributed mitochondria and the level of ROS in oocytes from COH and NC [(76.5% (78/102) in COH versus 82.1% (69/84)]; 1.07 ± 0.07 in COH versus 0.93 ± 0.08 in NC (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: It was indicated that non-physiological COH treatments inhibit mtDNA replication, alter mitochondrial function, which might partly be involved in the low development potential of COH oocyte.

Gene Expression Profiling of Head and Neck Tumors Identifies FOXP1 and SOX10 Expression as Useful for Distinguishing Ameloblastoma From Basaloid Salivary Gland Tumors.

Odontogenic tumors show considerable morphologic heterogeneity and at times the diagnosis can be challenging. Ameloblastoma, the most common odontogenic tumor, can have morphologic similarity to some salivary gland tumors and therefore we sought to identify biomarkers that might aid in the diagnosis by performing transcriptome wide gene expression profiling of 80 odontogenic and salivary gland neoplasms. These data identified the FOXP1/SOX10 expression profile as characteristic of many odontogenic tumors including ameloblastoma but largely absent in salivary gland tumors. We then assessed 173 salivary gland tumors and 108 odontogenic tumors by immunohistochemistry for FOXP1 and SOX10 expression and found that 34/35 (97%) cases of ameloblastomas were diffusely positive for FOXP1 but completely negative for SOX10. None of the basaloid salivary neoplasms (basal cell adenoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, polymorphous adenocarcinoma, and myoepitheloma) demonstrated FOXP1/SOX10 expression pattern. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that the FOXP1/SOX10 immunophenotype is common in odontogenic tumors including ameloblastoma and might be useful distinguishing these from similar appearing basaloid salivary gland tumors.

Photodynamic antitumor activity of Ru(ii) complexes of imidazo-phenanthroline conjugated hydroxybenzoic acid as tumor targeting photosensitizers.

Two novel Ru(ii) polypyridyl complexes bearing imidazo-phenanthroline conjugated hydroxybenzoic acid groups were designed to enhance the tumor targeting ability as photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy. [Ru(bpy)2(phcpip)] (ClO4)2 (Ru-1) and [Ru(bpy)2(ohcpip)] (ClO4)2 (Ru-2) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine; phcpip = 2-(3-carboxyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) imidazo [4,5-f]phenanthroline; ohcpip = 2-(2-hydroxyl-3-carboxyphenyl) imidazo [4,5-f] [1,10] phenanthroline) were synthesized and their photodynamic antitumor activities were investigated. Both complexes displayed high photocytotoxicity toward cancerous cell lines HepG2, A549, MCF-7, and MDA-MB-231, but low photocytotoxicity toward normal cell lines GES-1 and Huvec. They were mainly localized at the nucleus of HepG2 cells after 24 h incubation, arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase and induced cancer cell apoptosis through reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated pathways. Tumor targeting of the complexes is attributed to stronger molecular binding to DNA.

[Transfection of nuclear factor-kappaB decoy oligodeoxynucleotides prevents ischemic acute renal failure in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) decoy oligodeoxynucletides (ODN) on acute ischemic renal failure (iARF). METHODS: The right kidney was resected and the left renal artery was isolated so as to establish the animal model of iARF in 18 SD rats. Then the 18 rats were divided into 3 groups of 6 rats to be infused into the left renal artery with protamine liposome (PL)-wrapped NF-kappaB decoy ODN (NF-kappaB group), scrambled ODN (scrambled group), or nothing (iARF group) and then underwent clamping of the left renal artery for 60 minutes. Another six rats underwent sham operation with infusion of normal saline and without clamping of the renal artery (sham group). Twenty-four hours later, blood was extracted from the inferior vena cava to detect the serum creatinine (Cr) and blood urine nitrogen (BUN). Normal saline was infused into the aorta to lavage the kidney. Then the kidney was taken to undergo histologic examination and examination of NF-kappaB/DNA binding activity, monocyte/macrophage (M/MPhi) infiltration and MCP-1 gene and protein expression. RESULTS: In the rats injected with PL-wrapped NF-kappaB decoy ODN fluorescence was mainly distributed in the glomeruli 2 hours after injection of NF-kappaB decoy ODN, mainly in the renal tubules 12 hours later, and remarkably subsided after 24 hours. In the rats injected with un-wrapped NF-kappaB decoy ODN, no fluorescence was seen at any time point. After 24 h of reperfusion, compared with sham-operated animals, the serum Scr and BUN levels of the iARF group were about 10-times and 5 times those of the sham operation group (256 micromol/L +/- 84 micromol/L vs. 25 micromol/L +/- 5 micromol/L and 43 mmol/L +/- 13 mmol/L vs. 8.45 mmol/L +/- 1.07 mmol/L respectively. both P < 0.001), the NF-kappaB/DNA binding activity was markedly elevated [with the median values 1.75 vs. 0.15 relative density unit (RDU), P < 0.005], the renal tubular damage score was significantly higher (3.63 +/- 0.15 vs. 0.00 +/- 0.00 scores, P < 0.01), M/MPhi infiltration and the expression of MCP-1 gene were also increased. In comparison with the iARF group, the serum Cr level of the NF-kappaB decoy ODN treatment group was significantly lowered by 70% (79 micromol/L +/- 21 micromol/L vs. 256 micromol/L +/- 84 micromol/L, P < 0.01), the renal tubular damage score was markedly lower (1.85 +/- 0.15 vs. 3.63 +/- 0.15 scores, P < 0.01), and the M/MPhi infiltration and MCP-1 gene expression were inhibited. CONCLUSION: NF-kappaB plays a critical role in renal ischemia/reperfusion injury and NF-kappaB decoy ODN reduces the renal dysfunction and injury associated with I/R of the kidney. In vivo transfection of NF-kappaB decoy ODN provides a novel therapeutic strategy for iARF.

RNase9, an androgen-dependent member of the RNase A family, is specifically expressed in the rat epididymis.

Members of the RNase superfamily participate in a diverse array of biological processes, including RNA degradation, antipathogen activities, angiogenesis, and digestion. In the present study, we cloned the rat RNase9 gene by in silico methods and genome walking based on homology to the Macaca mulatta (rhesus monkey) epididymal RNase9. The gene is located on chromosome 15p14, spanning two exons, and is clustered with other members of the RNase A superfamily. It contains 1279 bp and encodes 182 amino acids, including a 24-amino acid signal peptide, and it has unique features known from other RNases. Unlike those other members, the rat RNase9 mRNA was specifically expressed in the epididymis, especially in the caput and corpus, and exhibited an androgen-dependent expression pattern but was downregulated in an epididymitis animal model. The RNASE9 was expressed in a principal cell-specific pattern. Interestingly, most of the principal cells in the caput expressed the RNASE9; however, in the distal caput, the principal cells showed a checkerboard-like pattern of immunoreactivity. We also observed that the RNASE9 was bound on the acrosomal domain of sperm. Its potential roles in sperm maturation are discussed.

[Inactivation of T4 phage in water environment using proteinase].

The inactivation effectiveness of proteinase to viruses was investigated by using T4 phage as a model virus. The results showed that the inactivation effectiveness of proteinase to T4 phage was obvious. In the optimum conditions and 67.5 u/mL concentration, the inactivation rate of proteinase K to T4 phage in sterilized water and in sewage achieved 99.4% and 49.4% respectively in an hour, and achieved >99.9% and 81.1% in three hours. The inactivation rate of the industrial proteinase 1398 to T4 phage in sterilized water achieved 74.4% in an hour. The effects of pH and temperature on the inactivation effectiveness was not evident.

In vivo transfection of NF-kappaB decoy oligodeoxynucleotides attenuate renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic acute renal failure (ARF) is a common and often fatal condition characterized by tubular epithelial cell necrosis and marked monocyte infiltration. Inflammatory mechanisms, including cell adhesion, cell infiltration, and cytokine production, are involved. These processes are thought to be directly or indirectly regulated by nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB). Targeted of NF-kappaB might ameliorate ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury by inhibiting the production of genes that involved in ischemic ARF. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of NF-kappaB decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) in experimental rat ischemic ARF. METHODS: Ischemic ARF was induced by left renal artery clamping for 60 minutes, while the right kidney was being removed in female Sprague-Dawley rats. The effect of cationic liposome-protamine-NF-kappaB decoy ODN was evaluated after infusion into the kidney via the renal artery before clamping. After 24 hours of reperfusion, we then assessed morphologic and functional parameters, NF-kappaB/DNA binding activity, monocyte/macrophage (M/MPhi) infiltration, and gene expression in I/R kidney. RESULTS: After 24 hours of reperfusion, compared with sham-operated animals, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels in ischemic ARF animals were increased about 10-fold and fivefold respectively. (255.67 +/- 34.48 micromol/L vs. 25.33 +/- 2.23 micromol/L and 43.47 +/- 5.50 mmol/L vs. 8.45 +/- 0.43 mmol/L, P < 0.001), NF-kappaB/DNA binding activity was markedly elevated [median value was 1.75 vs. 0.15 relative density unit (RDU), P < 0.005]. NF-kappaB decoy ODN treatment reduced the elevation of serum creatinine level by 70% (79.17 +/- 8.64 micromol/L vs. 255.67 +/- 34.48 micromol/L, P < 0.01), BUN level by 40% (28.33 +/- 4.86 mmol/L vs. 43.47 +/- 5.50 mmol/L, P= NS), and almost abolished the NF-kappaB activation compared with levels observed in sham-operated rats (median value was 0.25 vs. 1.9 RDU, P < 0.005). Furthermore, NF-kappaB decoy ODN pretreatment prevented the occurrence of tubular necrosis and reduced the renal tubular damage scores markedly (1.85 +/- 0.06 vs. 3.63 +/- 0.06 scores, P < 0.01). In addition, M/MPhi infiltration was obviously suppressed (9.77 +/- 1.19 cells/hpf vs. 29.22 +/- 1.94 cells/hpf, P < 0.01), Moreover, results of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry showed the up-regulation of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) was greatly decreased, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) expression were also reduced, approaching levels observed in sham-operated animals. The data suggest that NF-kappaB decoy ODN treatment protects renal tissue from the effects of I/R injury and thus reduces the severity of ARF. CONCLUSION: These experiments demonstrated that NF-kappaB plays a critical role in renal I/R injury by reducing a series of inflammatory genes. NF-kappaB decoy ODN treatment reduces the renal dysfunction and damage associated with ischemic ARF. Therefore, in vivo transfection of NF-kappaB decoy ODN provides a new therapeutic strategy for ischemic ARF.