Efficient Co-Adsorption and Highly Selective Separation of Cs+ and Sr2+ with a K+ -Activated Niobium Germanate by the pH Control.

137 Cs and 90 Sr are hazardous to ecological environment and human health due to their strong radioactivity, long half-life, and high mobility. However, effective adsorption and separation of Cs+ and Sr2+ from acidic radioactive wastewater is challenging due to stability issues of material and the strong competition of protons. Herein, a K+ -activated niobium germanate (K-NGH-1) presents efficient Cs+ /Sr2+ coadsorption and highly selective Cs+ /Sr2+ separation, respectively, under different acidity conditions. In neutral solution, K-NGH-1 exhibits ultrafast adsorption kinetics and high adsorption capacity for both Cs+ and Sr2+ (qm Cs  = 182.91 mg g-1 ; qm Sr  = 41.62 mg g-1 ). In 1 M HNO3 solution, K-NGH-1 still possesses qm Cs of 91.40 mg g-1 for Cs+ but almost no adsorption for Sr2+ . Moreover, K-NGH-1 can effectively separate Cs+ from 1 M HNO3 solutions with excess competing Sr2+ and Mn + (Mn +  = Na+ , Ca2+ , Mg2+ ) ions. Thus, efficient separation of Cs+ and Sr2+ is realized under acidic conditions. Besides, K-NGH-1 shows excellent acid and radiation resistance and recyclability. All the merits above endow K-NGH-1 with the first example of niobium germanates for radionuclides remediation. This work highlights the facile pH control approach towards bifunctional ion exchangers for efficient Cs+ /Sr2+ coadsorption and selective separation.

Association of interleukin-10 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms with rheumatoid arthritis in a Chinese population.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Increasing numbers of studies show that interleukin (IL)-10 plays a key role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and acts as an immunomodulatory cytokine. The purpose of the present study was to analyse the relationship between gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL-10 gene and RA susceptibility. STUDY DESIGN: We genotyped three SNPs (rs1800890, rs3024495, rs3024505) of the IL-10 gene in a Chinese population of 354 RA patients and 367 controls. Genotyping was conducted using TaqMan SNP genotyping assays. Plasma IL-10 levels were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: The A allele of the rs1800890 variant was significantly related to decreased risk for RA compared with the T allele (A vs T: OR 0.580, 95% CI 0.345 to 0.975, P=0.038). No significant association between the genotype distribution of these SNPs and RA susceptibility was detected. The genotype effect of the dominant model was also evaluated, but no statistical difference was found. Further analysis in RA patients demonstrated that none of these SNPs were associated with rheumatoid factor (RF) or anti-citrullinated protein antibody (anti-CCP). In addition, no significant differences in plasma IL-10 levels were observed among RA patients with different genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: The IL-10 rs1800890 variant might contribute to RA susceptibility in the Chinese population. Replication studies in different ethnic groups are required to further examine the critical role of IL-10 gene variation in the pathogenesis of RA.

Association of HLA-DQB1 polymorphisms with rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis.

AIM: Studies investigating the association between HLA-DQB1 alleles and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have reported conflicting results. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether DQB1 alleles confer susceptibility to RA. DESIGN: A comprehensive literature search up to May 2016 was conducted to identify case-control studies on the association of HLA-DQB1 alleles with RA. Pooled ORs with 95% CIs were used to assess the strength of association. SETTING: The literature indicates that HLA-DQB1 is associated with susceptibility to RA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Frequencies of HLA-DQB1 alleles and phenotype in RA patients and healthy controls. RESULTS: Fifteen studies with 1250 cases and 1621 controls were included in this meta-analysis. DQB1 alleles were associated with RA susceptibility. The frequencies of DQB1*06 were lower in RA (p-value for comparability=0.007, OR 0.726,95% CI 0.576 to 0.916; p=0.004, OR 0.611,95% CI 0.438 to 0.852). The frequencies of DQB1*02 were lower in RA (p=0.044, OR 0.731,95% CI 0.597 to 0.895). A higher frequency of DQB1*04 was observed in RA (p=0.023, OR 1.604,95% CI 1.067 to 2.410). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis demonstrates that DQB1*02 and DQB1*06 may be negatively associated with RA. Conversely, DQB1*04 may confer susceptibility to RA.

The Hippo signaling pathway: a potential therapeutic target is reversed by a Chinese patent drug in rats with diabetic retinopathy.

BACKGROUND: The Hippo signaling pathway is reported to be involved in angiogenesis, but the roles of the Hippo pathway in diabetic retinopathy have not been addressed. Fufang Xueshuantong Capsule has been used to treat diabetic retinopathy in China; however, the effect of Fufang Xueshuantong Capsule on the Hippo pathway has not been investigated. METHODS: In this study, diabetes was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Twenty weeks later, Fufang Xueshuantong Capsule was administered for 12 weeks. When the administration ended, the eyes were isolated for western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses. The levels of P- mammalian sterile 20-like (MST), large tumor suppressor homolog (Lats), P- yes-associated protein (YAP), transcriptional co-activator with PDZ binding motif (TAZ) and TEA domain family members (TEAD) were measured. RESULTS: Diabetic rats had a decreased P-MST level in the inner plexiform layer and reduced expression of P-YAP in the photoreceptor layers of their eyes. In addition, diabetic rats displayed remarkable increases in Lats, TAZ and TEAD in their retinas. Furthermore, Fufang Xueshuantong Capsule restored the changes in the Hippo pathway. CONCLUSIONS: The Hippo signaling pathway is important for the progression of diabetic retinopathy and will hopefully be a targeted therapeutic approach for the prevention of diabetic retinopathy.

Highly Efficient Uptake of Cs+ by Robust Layered Metal-Organic Frameworks with a Distinctive Ion Exchange Mechanism.

137Cs with strong radioactivity and a long half-life is highly hazardous to human health and the environment. The efficient removal of 137Cs from complex solutions is still challenging because of its high solubility and easy mobility and the influence of interfering ions. It is highly desirable to develop effective scavengers for radiocesium remediation. Here, the highly efficient uptake of Cs+ has been realized by two robust layered metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), namely [(CH3)2NH2]In(L)2·DMF·H2O (DMF = N,N'-dimethylformamide, H2L= H2aip (5-aminoisophthalic acid) for 1 and H2hip (5-hydroxyisophthalic acid) for 2). Remarkably, 1 and 2 hold excellent acid and alkali resistance and radiation stabilities. They exhibit fast kinetics, high capacities (q m Cs = 270.86 and 297.67 mg/g for 1 and 2, respectively), excellent selectivity for Cs+ uptake, and facile elution for the regeneration of materials. Particularly, 1 and 2 can achieve efficient Cs+/Sr2+ separation in a wide range of Sr/Cs molar ratios. For example, the separation factor (SF Cs/Sr) is up to ∼320 for 1. Moreover, the Cs+ uptake and elution mechanisms have been directly elucidated at the molecular level by an unprecedented single-crystal to single-crystal (SC-SC) structural transformation, which is attributed to the strong interactions between COO- functional groups and Cs+ ions, easily exchangeable [(CH3)2NH2]+, and flexible and robust anionic layer frameworks with open windows as "pockets". This work highlights layered MOFs for the highly efficient uptake of Cs+ ions in the field of radionuclide remediation.

High-capacity recovery of Cs+ ions by facilely synthesized layered vanadyl oxalatophosphates with the clear insight into remediation mechanism.

Radiocesium remediation is of great significance for the sustainable development of nuclear energy and ecological protection. It is very challenging for the effective recovery of 137Cs from aqueous solutions due to its strong radioactivity, solubility and mobility. Herein, the efficient recovery of Cs+ ions has been achieved by three layered vanadyl oxalatophosphates, namely (NH4)2[(VO)2(HPO4)2C2O4]·5 H2O (NVPC), Na2[(VO)2(HPO4)2C2O4]·2 H2O (SVPC), and K2.5[(VO)2(HPO4)1.5(PO4)0.5(C2O4)]·4.5 H2O (KVPC). NVPC exhibits the ultra-fast kinetics (within 5 min) and high adsorption capacity for Cs+ (qmCs = 471.58 mg/g). It also holds broad pH durability and excellent radiation stability. Impressively, the entry of Cs+ can be directly visualized by the single-crystal structural analysis, and thus the underlying mechanism of Cs+ capture by NVPC from aqueous solutions has been illuminated at the molecular level. This is a pioneering work in the removal of radioactive ions by metal oxalatophosphate materials which highlights the great potential of metal oxalatophosphates for radionuclide remediation.

Highly selective cesium(I) capture under acidic conditions by a layered sulfide.

Radiocesium remediation is desirable for ecological protection, human health and sustainable development of nuclear energy. Effective capture of Cs+ from acidic solutions is still challenging, mainly due to the low stability of the adsorbing materials and the competitive adsorption of protons. Herein, the rapid and highly selective capture of Cs+ from strongly acidic solutions is achieved by a robust K+-directed layered metal sulfide KInSnS4 (InSnS-1) that exhibits excellent acid and radiation resistance. InSnS-1 possesses high adsorption capacity for Cs+ and can serve as the stationary phase in ion exchange columns to effectively remove Cs+ from neutral and acidic solutions. The adsorption of Cs+ and H3O+ is monitored by single-crystal structure analysis, and thus the underlying mechanism of selective Cs+ capture from acidic solutions is elucidated at the molecular level.

Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Cardiovascular (CV) risk in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is increased. In this study, we evaluated the differences in major markers of CV risk between patients with T1DM and healthy controls by a systematic review and meta-analysis. Literature from PubMed, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library comparing CV risk markers between patients with T1DM and controls was obtained. The overall standard mean differences (SMDs) of carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilation (FMD%), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV), and glyceryl trinitrate-mediated dilatation (GTN%) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) between patients with T1DM and control groups were calculated using fixed-effect or random-effect model. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the Cochran Q and I2 statistics. The results showed that patients with T1DM had a significantly greater cIMT (SMD: 0.89; 95% CI, 0.69-1.09; P < .001), significantly lower FMD% (SMD: -1.45%; 95% CI, -1.74 to -1.17; P < .001), significantly increased cf-PWV (SMD: 0.57; 95% CI, 0.03-1.11; P < .001), and significantly decreased GTN% (SMD: -1.11; 95% CI, -1.55 to -0.66; P < .001) than controls. Our results support the current evidence for an elevated CV burden in patients with T1DM and affirm the clinical utility of markers of subclinical atherosclerosis in the management of these patients.

Expression of several long noncoding RNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

PURPOSE: Accumulating evidence has linked long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) to autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. This study aimed to detect the expression levels of five lncRNAs (lnc0640, lnc3643, lnc5150, lnc7514 and lncagf) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), as well as their correlation with clinical and laboratory features. MATERIALS/METHODS: We recruited 76 patients with SLE and 71 normal controls into the present study, and obtained PBMCs from the blood samples of all study subjects. Expression levels of lncRNAs were determined by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and their associations with clinical and laboratory characteristics were analyzed. RESULTS: Lnc5150 expression levels were statistically significantly decreased (Z=-6.016, P < 0.001) compared with normal controls. Lnc3643 levels were also statistically significantly decreased in SLE patients with proteinuria compared with those without (Z=-2.934, P = 0.003), and the lnc7514 levels were statistically significantly lower in anti-dsDNA(+) patients compared with anti-dsDNA(-) patients. The expression levels of lnc3643 were correlated with C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), lnc7514 was correlated with disease activity and ESR (all P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The aberrant lncRNA expression levels and their associations with laboratory features in SLE suggest their important role in SLE pathogenesis.

Association between circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D and systemic lupus erythematosus: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: The indicators for measuring vitamin D are various, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) is considered as the optimal indicator of total vitamin D levels. In this study, we aim to deeply explore the 25(OH)D status in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, and evaluate its relation to SLE risk and disease severity. METHODS: Literature about 25(OH)D status and its associations with SLE were searched in Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases. Standardized mean difference (SMD), odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were illustrated by forest plots, and correlation coefficients (r) were combined by generic inverse variance method. Heterogeneity and publication bias were quantified by I-squared (I2 ) test, funnel plot and Egger's test, respectively. Sensitivity analyses were further examined by leave-one-out method. RESULTS: Nineteen articles were included into our meta-analysis. The overall results showed that compared with the healthy controls, the circulating 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in SLE patients (pooled SMD = -1.63, 95% CI: -2.51 to -0.76). Subgroup analysis revealed that compared with the healthy controls, SLE patients of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) ≥ 10, Arab and European ethnicity, all 4 seasons, no vitamin D supplement, had significantly lower circulating 25(OH)D levels; no significant differences were observed in SLE patients of SLEDAI < 10, mixed ethnicity, spring, summer, vitamin D supplement, respectively; no matter the changes of age, disease duration, and the therapy of corticosteroid or immunosuppressive or neither, circulating 25(OH)D levels were significantly reduced in SLE patients. The deficiency, insufficiency and sufficiency of vitamin D could significantly elevate, slightly decrease (not significantly), significantly decrease SLE risk, respectively (pooled OR = 4.37, 95% CI: 1.49 to 12.84; pooled OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.22 to 1.26; pooled OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.15 to 0.63). Circulating 25(OH)D levels were inversely associated with SLEDAI (pooled correlation coefficient = -0.50, 95% CI: -0.8278 to -0.1689). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with healthy controls, 25(OH)D levels are significantly lower in SLE patients, which is influenced by disease activity, ethnicity, seasons and vitamin D supplement; no matter the change of age, diseases duration and therapy of corticosteroid or immunosuppressive or neither, 25(OH)D levels are significantly decreased in SLE patients; the deficiency, insufficiency and sufficiency of vitamin D could significantly elevate, slightly decrease, and significantly decrease SLE risk, respectively; and 25(OH)D levels inversely correlate with SLEDAI.

Prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in systemic lupus erythematosus: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) has been suggested to be associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the results of prevalence studies on PH in SLE vary substantially. To derive a more precise estimation on the prevalence of PH in SLE, a meta-analysis was performed. METHODS: Relevant literatures were searched in PubMed and EMBASE until November 2017. A total of 1366 articles were obtained after searching databases, and 23 studies were finally included in the meta-analysis. Heterogeneity test was performed, and publication bias was evaluated. RESULTS: The result of analysis in random effect model showed that the pooled prevalence was 8% (95%CI 5-12%). There was no evidence of publication bias (p = 0.51). To evaluate the stability of our results, sensitivity analyses were performed, and the results showed no significant change when any one study was excluded. Subgroup analyses demonstrated that there were significant differences in PH prevalence in SLE patients of different gender, age, regions, year of publication, and diagnostic methods. CONCLUSIONS: PH is prevalent in SLE patients, but it was significantly different between different gender, age, regions, year of publication, and diagnostic methods.

Meta-analysis of associations between XRCC1 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1 (XRCC1) gene polymorphisms confer susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A meta-analysis was conducted to determine the associations between XRCC1 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to SLE and RA. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted to identify all relevant studies. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate the strength of the association. RESULTS: A total of nine case-control articles, consisting of five SLE and four RA articles, involving 1138 patients and 1399 healthy controls, were included in the meta-analysis. This meta-analysis showed no significant association of the Arg399Gln and Arg194Trp polymorphisms with SLE were found in all models when all study subjects were considered together. Stratification by ethnicity indicated the variant Arg399 (A) allele carriers increased the risk of SLE in Asians (A vs. G: OR = 1.402, 95% CI = 1.139-1.726, P = 0.001) and decreased the risk of SLE in Caucasians (A vs. G: OR = 0.769, 95% CI = 0.630-0.937, P = 0.009; AA vs. AG+GG: OR = 0.727, 95% CI = 0.554-0.953, P = 0.021). However, we failed to reveal any association between XRCC1 gene polymorphisms (Arg399Gln, Arg280His and Arg194Trp) and RA risk under all analysis models. Similar results were obtained in the subgroup analysis based on ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that the XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism might be associated with genetic susceptibility to SLE in Asians and Caucasians, and there is no significant association between XRCC1 gene polymorphisms (Arg399Gln, Arg280His and Arg194Trp) and RA risk.

Association of interleukin-10 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus in a Chinese population.

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of interleukin (IL)-10 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a Chinese population. 848 SLE patients and 461 normal controls were recruited in this study. Nine SNPs in IL-10 gene (rs1518110, rs1518111, rs1554286, rs1800890, rs1800893, rs3024493, rs3024495, rs3024498 and rs6667202) were genotyped using TaqMan genotyping assays on Fluidigm 192.24 system. The frequency of IL-10 rs3024498-C allele was significantly higher in patient group compared with control subjects (OR=5.118, 95% CI=1.819-14.405, P=0.002). No significant differences were detected for the distribution of allele and genotype frequencies of other eight SNPs between patients with SLE and controls after Bonferroni correction (all P>0.0056). Interestingly, significant differences were detected both in the allele and genotype frequencies of rs3024498 between SLE patients with and without arthritis (P=0.002, P=0.022, respectively).There was significant difference in genotype frequency at rs3024498 between SLE patients with and without malar rash (P=0.040). And, there was significant difference in allele frequency at rs3024498 between SLE patients with and without anti-double-stranded DNA (P=0.032). Meanwhile, significant difference in genotype frequency at rs1518110 and rs1518111 were found in patients with and without lupus headache (P=0.025, P=0.038, respectively). There were significant difference in allele and genotype frequency at rs1800890 and rs6667202 between SLE patients with and without thrombocytopenia (rs1800890: P=0.016, P=0.026, respectively; rs6667202: P=0.007, P=0.007, respectively). Further, significant difference were observed both in allele frequency and in genotype distribution of rs1800893 between patients with and without tubular urine and proteinuria (tubular urine: P<0.001, P=0.003, respectively; proteinuria: P=0.001, P=0.018, respectively). In summary, IL-10 rs3024498 polymorphism might contribute to SLE susceptibility and several clinical phenotypes.

Circulating Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Levels in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is closely related to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, especially Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). However, published works about the circulating MMP-9 levels in SLE are contradictory. A meta-analysis was performed to estimate circulating MMP- 9 levels in SLE patients more accurately and explore its related influencing factors. METHODS: The related literatures were systematically searched in PubMed, Embase, and The Cochrane Library database (up to 31 January 2018). Pooled Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI) of circulating MMP-9 levels were calculated by Stata12.0 software according to fixed-effect or randomeffect model analysis. RESULTS: A total of 638 articles were retrieved, and 12 studies including 730 SLE cases and 759 controls were finally included in the meta-analysis. No significant differences in circulating MMP-9 levels were observed between SLE patients and healthy controls (pooled SMD = -0.209, 95% CI = -0.812 to 0.394). However, subgroup analyses indicated that age<30 years group had higher MMP-9 levels (SMD = 0.991, 95% CI: 0.504 to 1.478) and sample size (n ≥ 60) group had lower MMP-9 levels when compared with controls (SMD = -0.755, 95% CI: - 1.347 to -0.163). CONCLUSION: The meta-analysis of current evidence suggests that circulating MMP-9 levels do not differ between SLE patients and healthy controls, however, the results may be affected by age and sample size. Further studies are needed to clarify the relationship between SLE and circulating MMP-9 levels.

Elevated seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in AIDS/HIV patients: A meta-analysis.

Clinical toxoplasmosis in AIDS/HIV patients is a great public health concern around the world. Untreated Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii)-infections are often fatal in AIDS/HIV patients. This study aims to assess the seroprevalence and odds ratio (OR) of T. gondii in AIDS/HIV patients, as well as the potential influential factors. Studies published from December 1, 1983 to December 1, 2016 in English, which comparing the seroprevalence of T. gondii between AIDS/HIV patients and control group were searched in PubMed, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library databases. The non-weighted prevalence, pooled fixed-effect or random-effect model estimates of OR and its 95% confidence intervals (CI) were all calculated. Heterogeneity test was performed by the Q statistic and quantified using I2, publication bias was evaluated using a funnel plot and Egger's linear regression test. A total of 4220 articles were obtained after searching databases, and 12 studies with 2101 AIDS/HIV patients and 5851 controls were incorporated in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis revealed that, compared with the control group, the AIDS/HIV group had a higher seroprevalence of T. gondii (46.12% vs 36.56%) (OR=1.55, 95%CI: 1.19-2.04). Subgroup analyses showed that publication year, race, geographic locations and diagnostic methods are positive associated with the seroprevalence of T. gondii. Overall, our study suggests that AIDS/HIV patients have higher seroprevalence of T. gondii than those without.

Circulating osteoprotegerin levels are elevated in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aimed to systemically review the evidence regarding the relationship between the circulating blood osteoprotegerin (OPG) level and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as well as the potential influential factors. Research related to plasma/serum OPG levels in RA patients and healthy controls were gathered using PubMed, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library database (up to Jan. 1, 2017). Pooled standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated by fixed-effects or random-effect model analysis. Heterogeneity test was performed by the Q statistic and quantified using I 2, and publication bias was evaluated using a funnel plot and Egger's linear regression test. After searching databases, 443 articles were obtained, and 11 studies with 710 RA patients and 561 controls were finally included. Meta-analysis revealed that, compared with the control group, the OPG level was significantly higher in the RA group (P < 0.001), with the SMD of 1.02 and 95%CI (0.20, 1.84). Subgroup analyses showed that race, disease duration, body mass index (BMI), and disease activity score based on the assessment of 28 joints (DAS28) were positively associated with OPG level in RA patients. Our meta-analysis revealed a significantly higher circulating OPG level in RA patients, and it was influenced by race, disease duration, BMI, and DAS28.

Increased plasma/serum levels of prolactin in systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Prolactin (PRL), a polypeptide hormone produced by the pituitary gland, is involved in the regulation of humoral and cell mediated immune responses. PRL levels have been investigated in several autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), however, yielded different and inconsistent results. This study aims to derive a more precise evaluation on plasma/serum PRL levels in SLE patients, as well as the potential influential factors. METHODS: Studies published from 1 January 1987 to 31 December 2015 in English, which comparing plasma/serum PRL levels between SLE group and control group were searched in PubMed, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library databases. Pooled standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated by fixed-effects or random-effect model analysis. Heterogeneity test was performed by the Q statistic and quantified using I2, publication bias was evaluated using a funnel plot and Egger's linear regression test. RESULTS: Five-hundred and forty-seven articles were obtained after searching databases, and 12 studies with 429 SLE patients and 326 controls were finally included. Meta-analysis revealed that, compared with the control group, the SLE group had significantly higher plasma/serum PRL levels (P < 0.001), with the SMD of 1.26 and 95%CI (0.70，1.82). Subgroup analyses showed that SLE patients from Asia and Europe had higher plasma/serum PRL levels. However, no significant change in plasma/serum PRL levels was observed in SLE patients from America (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our study suggests that SLE patients have higher plasma/serum PRL level, but with a regional difference.

The protective effect of the active components of ERPC on diabetic peripheral neuropathy in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Euonymus alatus, Radix trichosanthis, Panax notoginseng and Coptis chinensis are popular plants used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diabetes. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study is to investigate the therapeutic effect of the active components of Euonymus alatus, Radix trichosanthis, Panax notoginseng and Coptis chinensis (cERPC) on diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the rats and explore the underlying mechanism involved. METHODS: After diabetes was induced in rats for 20 weeks, cERPC or water was administered for 12 weeks. After a hot plate test, motor nerve conduction velocity and sciatic nerve blood flow were determined; the sciatic nerves were isolated for toluidine blue staining; and the fibre area, fibre diameter, axon area, axon diameter and myelin thickness were evaluated. The levels of the myelin basic protein, myelin protein zero, Oct6 and Krox20 were measured by western blot or immunofluorescence. RESULTS: cERPC was efficient in reducing the response latency, increasing motor nerve conduction velocity, enhancing sciatic nerve blood flow and ameliorating the pathological changes in diabetic rats. cERPC also had a role in increasing the levels of myelin basic protein and myelin protein zero and improving the expression of Oct6 and Krox20 in sciatic nerves of diabetic rats. CONCLUSIONS: cERPC ameliorates diabetic peripheral neuropathy by attenuating electrophysiological, circulatory and morphological alterations, which is mediated by the Oct6-Krox20 pathway.

Association of long noncoding RNAs expression levels and their gene polymorphisms with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Increasing evidence has demonstrated the association between long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and multiple autoimmune diseases. To explore four lncRNAs (GAS5, lnc-DC, linc0597 and linc0949) expression levels and gene polymorphisms in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a two stage design was applied. In the first stage, 85 SLE patients and 71 healthy controls were enrolled to investigate the lncRNAs expression levels. Then, 1260 SLE patients and 1231 healthy controls were included to detect the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the differentially expressed lncRNAs identified in the first stage. Linc0597, lnc-DC and GAS5 expression levels were significantly lower in SLE patients than healthy controls (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.003 respectively). Association of five SNPs (rs10515177, rs2070107, rs2632516, rs2877877, rs2067079) with SLE risk were analyzed. No significant association was observed between these gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to SLE (all P > 0.010), and we did not find significant association between any genotypes at five SNPs and their respective lncRNAs expression in SLE (all P > 0.010). In summary, the expression levels of linc0597, lnc-DC and GAS5 are decreased in SLE patients, but their gene polymorphisms are not associated with SLE risk, and do not influence their expression levels.

Lentivirus mediated over expression of CGRP inhibited oxidative stress in Schwann cell line.

CGRP is reported to be implicated in the process of diabetes and neuronal disease. However, the role and underlying mechanism of CGRP involved in diabetic neuropathy is unknown. Schwann cells play a central role in diabetic neuropathy, therefore the protective effect of CGRP on Schwann cells exposed to high glucose is determined. In the present study, full-length CGRP cDNA was isolated and then transferred to gateway adapted lentivirus expression vector by LR recombination reaction. Afterwards, the CGRP bearing recombinant virus was prepared in 293 FT cells and used to infect Schwann cells. The viability and superoxide anions of Schwann cells were evaluated following stimulation with high glucose, and levels of SOD, MDA and NOX1 were assessed. The results suggested that CGRP expression was up-regulated following lentivirus transfection. Lenti-CGRP increased cell viability in high glucose, but the effect was transient. Further lenti-CGRP protected against oxidative stress in Schwann cells triggered by high glucose and lenti-CGRP was effective in increasing SOD and decreasing MDA level. Meanwhile, the increased level of NOX1 caused by high glucose was reversed by lenti-CGRP overexpression. We therefore, suggest that lenti-CGRP may play a role in inhibiting oxidative stress in Schwann cell lines following hyperglycemic stimulation.