Clinical and Imaging Characteristics of Contrast-enhanced Mammography and MRI to Distinguish Microinvasive Carcinoma from Ductal Carcinoma In situ.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The prognosis of ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion (DCISM) is more similar to that of small invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) than to pure ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). It is particularly important to accurately distinguish between DCISM and DCIS. The present study aims to compare the clinical and imaging characteristics of contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between DCISM and pure DCIS, and to identify predictive factors of microinvasive carcinoma, which may contribute to a comprehensive understanding of DCISM in clinical diagnosis and support surveillance strategies, such as surgery, radiation, and other treatment decisions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-seven female patients diagnosed with DCIS were included in the study from May 2019 to August 2023. Patients were further divided into two groups based on pathological diagnosis: DCIS and DCISM. Clinical and imaging characteristics of these two groups were analyzed statistically. The independent clinical risk factors were selected using multivariate logistic regression and used to establish the logistic model [Logit(P)]. The diagnostic performance of independent predictors was assessed and compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and DeLong's test. RESULTS: In CEM, the maximum cross-sectional area (CSAmax), the percentage signal difference between the enhancing lesion and background in the craniocaudal and mediolateral oblique projection (%RSCC, and %RSMLO) were found to be significantly higher for DCISM compared to DCIS (p = 0.001; p < 0.001; p = 0.008). Additionally, there were noticeable statistical differences in the patterns of enhancement morphological distribution (EMD) and internal enhancement pattern (IEP) between DCIS and DCISM (p = 0.047; p = 0.008). In MRI, only CSAmax (p = 0.012) and IEP (p = 0.020) showed significant statistical differences. The multivariate regression analysis suggested that CSAmax (in CEM or MR) and %RSCC were independent predictors of DCISM (all p < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of CSAmax (CEM), %RSCC (CEM), Logit(P) (CEM), and CSAmax (MR) were 0.764, 0.795, 0.842, and 0.739, respectively. There were no significant differences in DeLong's test for these values (all p > 0.10). DCISM was significantly associated with high nuclear grade, comedo type, high axillary lymph node (ALN) metastasis, and high Ki-67 positivity compared to DCIS (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The tumor size (CSAmax), enhancement index (%RS), and internal enhancement pattern (IEP) were highly indicative of DCISM. DCISM tends to express more aggressive pathological features, such as high nuclear grade, comedo-type necrosis, ALN metastasis, and Ki-67 overexpression. As with MRI, CEM has the capability to help predict when DCISM is accompanying DCIS.

Magnetic resonance imaging-based lymph node radiomics for predicting the metastasis of evaluable lymph nodes in rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Lymph node (LN) staging in rectal cancer (RC) affects treatment decisions and patient prognosis. For radiologists, the traditional preoperative assessment of LN metastasis (LNM) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) poses a challenge. AIM: To explore the value of a nomogram model that combines Conventional MRI and radiomics features from the LNs of RC in assessing the preoperative metastasis of evaluable LNs. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 270 LNs (158 nonmetastatic, 112 metastatic) were randomly split into training (n = 189) and validation sets (n = 81). LNs were classified based on pathology-MRI matching. Conventional MRI features [size, shape, margin, T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) appearance, and CE-T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) enhancement] were evaluated. Three radiomics models used 3D features from T1WI and T2WI images. Additionally, a nomogram model combining conventional MRI and radiomics features was developed. The model used univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression. Evaluation employed the receiver operating characteristic curve, with DeLong test for comparing diagnostic performance. Nomogram performance was assessed using calibration and decision curve analysis. RESULTS: The nomogram model outperformed conventional MRI and single radiomics models in evaluating LNM. In the training set, the nomogram model achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.92, which was significantly higher than the AUCs of 0.82 (P < 0.001) and 0.89 (P < 0.001) of the conventional MRI and radiomics models, respectively. In the validation set, the nomogram model achieved an AUC of 0.91, significantly surpassing 0.80 (P < 0.001) and 0.86 (P < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSION: The nomogram model showed the best performance in predicting metastasis of evaluable LNs.

Associations of parental reproductive age and elevated blood pressure in offspring: An observational study.

Background: Increased parental reproductive age has been a social trend around the world, and elevated blood pressure in children leads to an approximately two-fold increased risk of hypertension in adulthood. Aim of this study is to assess the associations of parental reproductive age with the risk of elevated blood pressure in offspring, and to explore the influence of offspring lifestyle on the associations. Methods: Data was obtained from a national school program conducted in 7 Chinese provinces, and the final sample was 39,190 students aged 7-18 years. Anthropometric measurements and questionnaires were designed to collect data of children blood pressure and information respectively. Results: In this study, 26.7% of children were defined as elevated blood pressure. A U-shaped pattern was observed in the relationship between maternal age and risk of elevated blood pressure, while risk of elevated blood pressure decreased continuously with paternal age increased. After adjustment, offspring of paternal age ≤27 & maternal age ≤26 years and those of paternal age >30 & maternal age >32 years were related to great risk of elevated blood pressure (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.08-1.29, P < 0.001; OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.01-1.38, P < 0.05). When stratified by lifestyle status, significant associations between maternal/paternal age and risk of elevated blood pressure were only observed in those with worse lifestyle behaviors, but not in offspring with healthier lifestyle. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that risk of elevated blood pressure in children is independently related to parental reproductive age, and children maintaining a healthy lifestyle may mitigate the adverse effect.

Pharmacotherapy of urethral stricture.

ABSTRACT: Urethral stricture is characterized by the chronic formation of fibrous tissue, leading to the narrowing of the urethral lumen. Despite the availability of various endoscopic treatments, the recurrence of urethral strictures remains a common challenge. Postsurgery pharmacotherapy targeting tissue fibrosis is a promising option for reducing recurrence rates. Although drugs cannot replace surgery, they can be used as adjuvant therapies to improve outcomes. In this regard, many drugs have been proposed based on the mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of urethral stricture. Ongoing studies have obtained substantial progress in treating urethral strictures, highlighting the potential for improved drug effectiveness through appropriate clinical delivery methods. Therefore, this review summarizes the latest researches on the mechanisms related to the pathophysiology of urethral stricture and the drugs to provide a theoretical basis and new insights for the effective use and future advancements in drug therapy for urethral stricture.

[Study on chemical constituents from flowers of Ailanthus altissima].

OBJECTIVE: To isolate and identify the chemical constituents from the flowers of Ailanthus altissima. METHODS: Macroporous adsorptive resins (DM130), Silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, ODS were employed for the isolation and purification of chemical constituents. The structures were identified on the basis of spectral data and physicochemical examination. RESULTS: Eight compounds were isolated and identified as follows: brevifolin (1), brevifolin carboxylic acid (2), methyl brevifolin carboxylate (3), ellagic acid (4), diethyl-2,2',3,3',4,4'- hexahydroxybiphenyl-6,6'-dicarboxylate (5), rutin (6), gallic acid (7), ethyl gallate (8). CONCLUSION: Compounds 1 -5 are isolated from this genus for the first time.

Long noncoding RNASEH1-AS1 exacerbates the progression of non-small cell lung cancer by acting as a ceRNA to regulate microRNA-516a-5p/FOXK1 and thereby activating the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Till now, no study has focused on the functions of RNASEH1 antisense RNA 1 (RNASEH1-AS1) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Accordingly, we measured the expression of RNASEH1-AS1 in NSCLC and characterized its functions in detail. Finally, our research elucidated the mechanisms that occurred downstream of RNASEH1-AS1. METHODS: RNASEH1-AS1 expression was examined utilizing TCGA database and qRT-PCR. Functional experiments were conducted to study the tumor-associated functions of RNASEH1-AS1. The targeting relationship among RNASEH1-AS1, microRNA-516a-5p (miR-516a-5p), and forkhead box K1 (FOXK1) was revealed utilizing RNA immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays. RESULTS: Utilizing TCGA database and our own cohort, we found a significantly increased level of RNASEH1-AS1 in NSCLC. The high level of RNASEH1-AS1 was markedly related with poor clinical outcomes. Knockdown of RNASEH1-AS1 expression inhibited NSCLC cell growth, metastatic capacities, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition and promoted the apoptosis in vitro, whereas RNASEH1-AS1 overexpression exerted the opposite effects. Additionally, knocking down RNASEH1-AS1 expression suppressed tumor growth in vivo. RNASEH1-AS1 was confirmed to act as a miR-516a-5p sponge, consequently upregulating FOXK1 expression in NSCLC cells. As revealed by the subsequent rescue experiments, the miR-516a-5p/FOXK1 axis served as a downstream effector of RNASEH1-AS1. In addition, by controlling the miR-516a-5p/FOXK1 axis, RNASEH1-AS1 was capable of activating the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. CONCLUSION: RNASEH1-AS1 exacerbated the oncogenicity of NSCLC by affecting the miR-516a-5p/FOXK1 axis and consequently promoting the activation of Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. Our newly identified RNASEH1-AS1/miR-516a-5p/FOXK1/Wnt/ß-catenin network may offer an interesting foundation for NSCLC treatment in the clinic.

Exploring the Associations between Single-Child Status and Childhood High Blood Pressure and the Mediation Effect of Lifestyle Behaviors.

Background: This study aimed to assess the association between single-child status and childhood high blood pressure (HBP) and to explore the role of lifestyle behaviors in this relationship. Methods: This study used data from a cross-sectional survey of 50,691 children aged 7~18 years in China. Linear and logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between single-child status and HBP, and interactions between single-child status and lifestyle behaviors were also evaluated. Mediation analysis was conducted to detect the mediation effect of lifestyle behaviors. Results: Of the participants enrolled, 67.2% were single children and 49.4% were girls. Non-single children were associated with a greater risk of HBP, especially in girls (OR = 1.11, 95%CI: 1.03~1.19). Meat consumption and sedentary behavior mediated 58.9% of the association between single-child status and HBP (p < 0.01). When stratified by sleeping duration, non-single girls of insufficient sleep and hypersomnia showed a higher risk of HBP (p < 0.05) than single-child peers, but not in those with adequate sleep. Conclusion: Findings suggest that non-single children had an increased risk of HBP, and keeping healthy lifestyle behaviors could help to mitigate the adverse impact in non-single children.

Acupuncture inhibits mammalian target of rapamycin, promotes autophagy and attenuates neurological deficits in a rat model of hemorrhagic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) accounts for approximately 15% of all stroke cases. Previous studies suggested that acupuncture may improve ICH-induced neurological deficits. Therefore, we investigated the effects of acupuncture on neurological deficits in an animal model of ICH. METHODS: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with autologous blood (50 µL) into the right caudate nucleus. Additional rats underwent sham surgery as controls. ICH rats either received acupuncture (GV20 through GB7 on the side of the lesion) or sham acupuncture (1 cm to the right side of the traditional acupuncture point locations). Some ICH rats received acupuncture plus rapamycin injection into the right lateral ventricle. Neurological deficits in the various groups were assessed based on composite neurological score. The perihemorrhagic penumbra was analyzed by histopathology following hematoxylin-eosin staining. Levels of autophagy-related proteins light chain (LC)3 and p62 as well as of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-related proteins, and phosphorylated (p)-mTOR and p-S6K1 (ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-1), were assessed by Western blotting. RESULTS: Acupuncture significantly improved composite neurological scores 7 days after ICH (17.7 ± 1.49 vs 14.8 ± 1.32, p < 0.01). Acupuncture augmented autophagosome and autolysosome accumulation based on transmission electron microscopy. Acupuncture significantly increased expression of LC3 (p < 0.01) but decreased expression of p62 (p < 0.01). Acupuncture also reduced levels of p-mTOR and p-S6K1 (both p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture improved neurological deficits in a rat model of ICH, possibly by inhibiting the mTOR pathway and activating autophagy.

Lifestyle Risk Factors and the Population Attributable Fractions for Overweight and Obesity in Chinese Students of Zhejiang Province.

Objectives: To assess the relationship between modifiable lifestyle factors and risk of overweight/obesity in Chinese students, and to evaluate the predicting prevalence of overweight if the lifestyle risk factors were removed. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 40,141 students in grade three and above (8-24yrs) in 2019 in Zhejiang Province, China. Physical examination was performed, and a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect lifestyle information, including dietary behavior, physical activity, TV watching, sleeping, smoking, drinking, and tooth-brushing habits. Logistic regression models were performed to assess the relationship between overweight/obesity and a series of lifestyle factors. Population attributable fractions (PAFs) were used to calculate the predicting prevalence of overweight/obesity if lifestyle risk factors were removed. Results: The prevalence of overweight/obesity of participants was 25.5% (male 32.3%, female 18.1%). Overweight/obesity were associated with adverse lifestyle factors, such as watch TV ≥1 h/day (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.11-1.22), insufficient sleep (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.11-1.22), and irregular toothbrushing habits (OR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.01-1.39). Based on the calculated PAFs, the predicted prevalence of overweight/obesity would decline moderately if lifestyle factors were modified, with the magnitudes of decrease vary by sex, age and residence. Generally, a larger reduction was estimated if the sleeping time was increased and TV time was reduced, with the prevalence of overweight/obesity decreased by 1.1% (95% CI: 0.7, 1.5%) and 0.9% (95% CI: 0.6, 1.2%), respectively. Conclusions: Predicted prevalence of overweight/ obesity in Chinese students may decrease if modifiable lifestyle risk factors were removed. The attributable risk for obesity of lifestyle behaviors varied in age, sex and residence groups. The findings of this study may provide insights for planning and optimizing future obesity intervention endeavors.

CpFe(CO)2 anion-catalyzed highly efficient hydrosilylation of ketones and aldehydes.

K[CpFe(CO)2] and [NEt4][CpFe(CO)2] enabled highly efficient hydrosilylation of ketones and aldehydes with PhSiH3 to synthesize tris- and bis(alkoxy)silanes in excellent yields depending on the substituents on the carbonyl compounds. The catalyst represents one of the most efficient and practical iron catalysts for hydrosilylation of carbonyl compounds with a TOF up to 24 540 h-1.

Interleukin-28B Polymorphisms Predict the Efficacy of Peginterferon Alpha in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B: A Meta-Analysis.

Background: Polyethylene glycol interferon alpha (PEG-IFN-α) is the most frequently used pharmacotherapeutic approach in patients infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Numerous studies have reported that interleukin-28B (IL-28B) genetic polymorphisms are related to the therapeutic efficacy of PEG-IFN-α, but the results are inconsistent. The present meta-analysis aimed to analyze the association between IL-28B genetic polymorphisms and the prognosis of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) treated with PEG-IFN-α to inform clinical practice. Methods: PubMed, EBSCO, and Scopus databases were searched for relevant literature published before February 30, 2021. We calculated the crude odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the cited articles. A total of 2510 patients with CHB treated with PEG-IFN-α in 13 clinical cohort studies were analyzed. Results: The overall analysis demonstrated a potential association between IL-28B genetic polymorphisms and response to PEG-IFN-α; however, the association was not statistically significant. Furthermore, the subgroup analysis revealed that among patients with HBeAg-negative CHB, the rs12979860 CC genotype and rs8099917 TT genotype were associated with more significant treatment response to PEG-IFN-α (CC vs. non-CC: OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.00-7.76, I 2 = 83%; TT vs. non-TT: OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.35-3.48, I 2 = 0%). Among Asian patients with CHB, the rs12979860 CC genotype was associated with a more significant treatment response to PEG-IFN (CC vs. non-CC: OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.18-2.99, I 2 = 0%). Conclusion: This meta-analysis revealed that the IL-28B rs12979860 CC genotype and rs8099917 TT genotype indicated a better treatment response than non-CC and non-TT genotypes for PEG-IFN-α in patients with CHB.

Focal adhesion kinase: important to prostaglandin E2-mediated adhesion, migration and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

Prostaglandin E2 has been implicated in cell growth and metastasis in many types of cancers. However, the effects of PGE2 and its mechanism on cell adhesion, migration, and invasion have not been clarified yet. In this study, we found PGE2 treatment significantly increased the cell adhesion, migration, and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. In addition, the effects of PGE2 were found to be associated with focal adhesion kinase (FAK). PGE2 treatment increased the phosphorylation and synthesis of FAK in a dose-dependent manner. RNA interference targeting FAK suppressed PGE2-mediated cell adhesion and migration. Furthermore, the downstream proteins of FAK, paxillin and Erk2, were also activated by PGE2. PGE2 treatment increased the phosphorylation and synthesis of paxillin in a dose-dependent manner. PGE2 treatment also induced the phosphorylation of Erk2. PD98059, the specific inhibitor of MEK, suppressed PGE2-mediated cell adhesion and migration. However, it had no effect on PGE2-induced activation and synthesis of FAK. These results demonstrated that PGE2 greatly induced HCC cell adhesion, migration, and invasion by activating FAK/paxillin/Erk pathway.

[Penetrative needling improves neurological function by up-regulating expression of autophagy related protein LC3 in rats with hemorrhagic stroke].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of penetrative needling from "Baihui" (GV20) to "Qubin" (GB7) on neurological function and expression of autophagy related protein microtubule-associated protein, light chain 3 (LC3) in rats with hemorrhagic stroke, so as to explore its mechanism underlying improvement of hemorrhagic stroke. METHODS: A total of 120 male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation, model, non-acupoint, acupuncture and medication (Rapamycin) groups which were further divided into two time-point subgroups (3, 7 days after modeling, n=12/subgroup). The intracerebral hemorrhage model was established by injection of the rat's auto-blood (50 µL) into the putaman region. Penetrative needling from GV20 to GB7 or sham acupoints (about 1 cm beside GV20 and GB7) was conducted for 30 min, twice daily for 7 days. For rats of the medication group, Rapamycin solution (7 µmol/L) was injected into the right lateral ventricle. The neurological functions (locomotor and balance deficits) were evaluated according to suspended wire test (0-6 points) and horizontal board walking test (0-6 points). Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to detect the expression of total LC3 and expression of LC3-Ⅰ and LC3-Ⅱ proteins in the ischemic penumbra region of brain tissue, respectively. RESULTS: After modeling, the neurological function scores were significantly decreased on day 3 and 7, the levels of LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ and LC3 protein on day 3 and 7 were significantly increased in the model group relevant to the sham operation group (P<0.05). Following the interventions, the neurological function scores as well as LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ and LC3 protein expression were significantly increased in both acupuncture and medication groups compared with the model group (P<0.05). The effect of Rapamycin was obviously stronger than that of penetrative needling in up-regulating the expression of LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ and LC3 protein (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Penetrative needling can improve neurologic function in hemorrhagic stroke rats, which is related with its effect in up-regulating the expression of autophagy-related protein LC3.

Aminooxyacetic acid improves learning and memory in a rat model of chronic alcoholism.

Chronic alcoholism seriously damages the central nervous system and leads to impaired learning and memory. Cell damage in chronic alcoholism is strongly associated with elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and calcium ion overload. Aminooxyacetic acid is a cystathionine-ß-synthase activity inhibitor that can reduce H2S formation in the brain. This study sought to observe the effect of aminooxyacetic acid on learning and memory in a chronic alcoholism rat model. Rats were randomly divided into three groups. Rats in the control group were given pure water for 28 days. Rats in the model group were given 6% alcohol for 28 days to establish an alcoholism rat model. Rats in the aminooxyacetic acid remedy group were also given 6% alcohol for 28 days and were also intraperitoneally injected daily with aminooxyacetic acid (5 mg/kg) from day 15 to day 28. Learning and memory was tested using the Morris water maze test. The ultrastructure of mitochondria in the hippocampus was observed by electron microscopy. H2S levels in the hippocampus were measured indirectly by spectrophotometry, and ATPase activity was measured using a commercial kit. The expression of myelin basic protein was determined by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Compared with the control group, latency and swimming distance were prolonged in the navigation test on days 2, 3, and 4 in the model group. In the spatial probe test on day 5, the number of platform crosses was reduced in the model group. Cristae cracks, swelling or deformation of mitochondria appeared in the hippocampus, the hippocampal H2S level was increased, the mitochondrial ATPase activity was decreased, and the expression of myelin basic protein in the hippocampus was down-regulated in the model group compared with the control group. All the above indexes were ameliorated in the aminooxyacetic acid remedy group compared with the model group. These findings indicate that aminooxyacetic acid can improve learning and memory in a chronic alcoholism rat model, which may be associated with reduction of hippocampal H2S level and mitochondrial ATPase activity, and up-regulation of myelin basic protein levels in the hippocampus.

N-Acetyltransferase 2 gene polymorphism in a group of senile dementia patients in Shanghai suburb.

AIM: To investigate the possible association of hereditary polymorphism of N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) gene with the susceptibility towards senile dementia in farmer population of Shanghai suburb. METHODS: NAT2 gene genotyping was performed at 7 major polymorphic loci (G191A, C282T, T341C, C481T, G590A, A803G, and G857A) with a polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism based procedure in 2 groups of farmer subjects in Shanghai suburb. A group of 51 diagnosed dementia patients [comprising 29 sporadic Alzheimer disease (AD) patients and 22 sporadic vascular dementia (VD) patients] and a group of 112 healthy individuals were in the same area. RESULTS: The homogenous rapid genotypes (R/R, including*4/*4, *13 /*13, and *4/*13) was found over-present in both groups of patients, compared with healthy individuals, for all farmer dementia patients, 52.9 % vs 33.0 %, P=0.016, OR (95 % CI): 2.28(1.16-4.48); for AD group only, 51.7 % vs 33.0 %, P=0.063, OR (95 % CI): 2.18 (0.95-4.97); for VD group 54.5 % vs 33.0 %, P=0.055, OR (95 % CI): 2.43 (0.96-2.43). The significant frequency difference of genotype *4/*7B between farmer dementia patients and healthy individuals, and that of solo-alleles *13, and *7B were observed between the healthy individuals and both groups of dementia patients. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest the involvement of various NAT2 rapid-acetylating genotypes in the individual susceptibility to senile dementia. Variant genotypes of NAT2 might serve as a hereditary risk factor for AD and VD in Chinese population.

Polymorphism of alpha-estrogen receptor and aryl hydrocarbon receptor genes in dementia patients in Shanghai suburb.

AIM: To explore the possible association of different polymorphic forms of human alpha-estrogen receptor (ER-alpha) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor gene (Ahr) with the risk to senile dementia in farmers in Shanghai suburb. METHODS: Senile dementia patients (n=52) were examined for ER-alpha and Ahr gene polymorphism genotyping. Healthy individuals (n=125) in the same area were selected as a community control group. Two polymorphic loci, Pvu II locus and Xba I locus, of human ER- a gene were investigated by a PCR-RFLP-based procedure. The population frequencies of two polymorphic loci in exon 10 of Ahr gene, G1721A (R554K) and G1768A (V570I) were compared between patients and healthy controls using an allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR) procedure. RESULTS: The mutant allele frequencies of ER-alpha gene in the AD group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P=0.023, OR=2.94, 95 % CI 1.13-7.71 for Pvu II locus; P=0.046, OR=2.28, 95 % CI 1.003-5.17 for Xba I locus). The mutant allele frequencies among female AD patients were higher than those in the female controls (P=0.016, OR=3.68, 95 % CI 1.22-11.08 for Pvu II locus, P=0.029, OR=2.95, 95 % CI 1.10-7.94 for Xba I locus). The mutant form, neither in the homozygous, nor in the heterozygous form was detected at the locus of Ahr G1768A in a normal local population. No significant difference of Ahr genotype frequency at locus G1721A was noticed between the patients and healthy individuals. CONCLUSION: The distribution of ER polymorphisms was significantly different between Chinese and some other ethnic populations. The results suggested that ER-alpha gene polymorphisms might be related to the individual susceptibility to AD, especially in the females. However, it did not support the association of Ahr gene polymorphism with higher risk of senile dementia.