Leaf-root-soil N:P stoichiometry of ephemeral plants in a temperate desert in Central Asia.

Ephemeral plants are a crucial vegetation component in temperate deserts of Central Asia, and play an important role in biogeochemical cycle and biodiversity maintenance in desert ecosystems. However, the nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) status and interrelations of leaf-root-soil of ephemeral plants remain unclear. A total of 194 leaf-root-soil samples of eight ephemeral species at 37 sites in the Gurbantunggut Desert, China were collected, and then the corresponding N and P concentrations, and the N:P ratio were measured. Results showed that soil parameters presented no significant difference among the eight species. The total soil N:P was only 0.116 (geomean), indicating limited soil N, while the available soil N:P (4.896, geomean) was significantly larger than the total N:P. The leaf N (averagely 30.995 mg g-1) and P (averagely 1.523 mg g-1) concentrations were 2.64-8.46 and 0.93-3.99 times higher than the root N (averagely 8.014 mg g-1) and P (averagely 0.802 mg g-1) concentrations, respectively. Thus, leaf N:P (averagely 21.499) was 1.410-2.957 times higher than root N:P (averagely 11.803). Meanwhile, significant interspecific differences existed in plant stoichiometric traits. At the across-species level, N content scaled as the 3/4-power of P content in both leaves and roots. Leaf and root N:P ratios were mainly influenced by P; however, the leaf-to-root N or P ratio was dominated by roots. Leaf and root N, P contents and N:P were generally unrelated to soil nutrients, and the former presented lower variation than the latter, indicating a strong stoichiometric homeostasis for ephemerals. These results demonstrate that regardless of soil nutrient supply capacity in this region, the fast-growing ephemeral plants have formed a specific leaf-root-soil stoichiometric relation and nutrient use strategy adapting to the extreme desert environment.

The Validity and Reliability of a Tire Pressure-Based Power Meter for Indoor Cycling.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of a tire pressure sensor (TPS) cycling power meter against a gold standard (SRM) during indoor cycling. Twelve recreationally active participants completed eight trials of 90 s of cycling at different pedaling and gearing combinations on an indoor hybrid roller. Power output (PO) was simultaneously calculated via TPS and SRM. The analysis compared the paired 1 s PO and 1 min average PO per trial between devices. Agreement was assessed by correlation, linear regression, inferential statistics, effect size, and Bland-Altman LoA. Reliability was assessed by ICC and CV comparison. TPS showed near-perfect correlation with SRM in 1 s (rs = 0.97, p < 0.001) and 1-min data (rs = 0.99, p < 0.001). Differences in paired 1 s data were statistically significant (p = 0.04), but of a trivial magnitude (d = 0.05). There was no significant main effect for device (F(1,9) = 0.05, p = 0.83, ηp2 = 0.97) in 1 min data and no statistical differences between devices by trial in post hoc analysis (p < 0.01-0.98; d < 0.01-0.93). Bias and LoA were -0.21 ± 16.77 W for the 1 min data. Mean TPS bias ranged from 3.37% to 7.81% of the measured SRM mean PO per trial. Linear regression SEE was 7.55 W for 1 min TPS prediction of SRM. ICC3,1 across trials was 0.96. No statistical difference (p = 0.09-0.11) in TPS CV (3.6-5.0%) and SRM CV (4.3-4.7%). The TPS is a valid and reliable power meter for estimating average indoor PO for time periods equal to or greater than 1 min and may have acceptable sensitivity to detect changes under less stringent criteria (±5%).

Early renal injury indicators can help evaluate renal injury in patients with chronic hepatitis B with long-term nucleos(t)ide therapy.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) with long-term nucleos(t)ide therapy may experience renal insufficiency. Traditional renal function indicators, such as urine protein, serum urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum creatinine, are normal when early mild lesions occur. Therefore, more sensitive renal function indicators are needed. AIM: To investigate the significance of early renal injury indicators in evaluating renal injury in patients with CHB with long-term nucleos(t)ide therapy. METHODS: We collected the clinical data of 69 outpatients with CHB at Peking University First Hospital from March 2018 to January 2020 who had been treated with long-term nucleos(t)ide therapy and analyzed the results of early renal injury indicators. Continuous normal distribution data were analyzed by the t-test to determine the difference between two groups. Continuous non-normally distributed data were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney U-test between two groups. The Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to determine the differences among multiple groups. Enumeration data were analyzed by the chi-square test. The related factors of early renal injury indicators were analyzed by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The average treatment duration with nucleos(t)ide analogs of the 69 patients with CHB was 99.7 ± 28.7 mo. The cases of patients with elevated BUN and hypophosphatemia were 6 (8.7%) and 13 (18.8%), respectively; 31 (44.9%) patients had abnormal early renal injury indicators, including 9 patients with abnormal urine microalbumin, 7 patients with abnormal urine immunoglobulin, 6 patients with abnormal urine transferrin, and 19 patients with abnormal α1 microglobulin. There were no significant differences in the mean values of age, sex, BUN, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum uric acid, serum calcium, or serum phosphorus between the two groups of patients with and without early renal injury indicators. However, the mean levels of serum creatinine and urine creatinine, N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosidase enzyme, α1 microglobulin, and urine immunoglobulin in the former group of patients were significantly higher than those in the latter group of patients (P < 0.05). The incidence of early renal injury in patients with eGFR ≥ 90, 60-89, and 30-59 mL/(min·1.73 m2) was 36.4% (8/22), 47.6% (20/42), and 60% (3/5), respectively. Logistic regression analysis results showed that gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase [odds ratio (OR) = 1.05 (1.008-1.093), P = 0.020], direct bilirubin [OR = 1.548 (1.111-2.159), P = 0.010], serum creatinine [OR = 1.079 (1.022-1.139), P = 0.006], and age [OR = 0.981 (0.942-1.022), P = 0.357] were independent predictors of early renal injury. CONCLUSION: Patients with CHB treated with long-term nucleos(t)ide analog therapy had a high probability of early renal injury, and early renal injury indicators were highly sensitive and could be used to monitor early renal impairment.

[The difference of IL-28B polymorphisms between hepatitis C patients with and without cryoglobulinemia].

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether patients infected with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) show a differential distribution profile of IL-28B polymorphisms according to the presence of concomitant cryoglobulinemia. METHODS: Sixty-two consecutive CHC patients were enrolled in the study between December 2008 and December 2010. All patients received combination therapy of pegylated interferon alpha-2a (weekly, 180 g, subcutaneous injection) plus ribavirin (daily, 10to15 mg/kg body weight, oral) for 48 weeks, with individualized dosage adjustments according to the patient's clinical situation. Cryoglobulins were detected visibly by separation of cryoprecipitates in patient serum samples. Three IL-28B SNPs (rs8099917, rs12979860, and rs12980275) were detected by sequencing. Response to treatment was assessed by measuring serum levels of HCV RNA by quantitative PCR at baseline (prior to treatment initiation), during treatment (4 and 12 weeks after treatment initiation), end of therapy (48 weeks after treatment initiation), and post-treatment (24 weeks after end of therapy). The significance of between-group differences were assessed by the Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: Cryoglobulinemia was detected in 43.5% (27/62) of the CHC patients and showed a female bias (59.3% vs. males: 34.3%, P = 0.05). Compared to CHC patients without cryoglobulinemia, the CHC patients with cryoglobulinemia showed significantly higher levels of HCV RNA at baseline (5.64+/-1.20 vs. 6.37+/-0.67, P less than 0.05) but lower frequencies of the IL28B rs8099917 TT genotype (94.3% vs. 63.0%, P = 0.002), rs8099917 T allele (97.1% vs. 81.5%, P = 0.003), and rs12979860 C allele (94.3% vs. 83.3%, P = 0.048). CHC patients with cryoglobulinemia and having the rs8099917 TT, rs12979860 CC, or rs12980275 AA genotype achieved a higher rate of sustained virological response. CONCLUSION: Cryoglobulinemia in CHC patients is associated with a differential distribution of IL-28B polymorphisms, and certain polymorphisms may be related to anti-viral treatment response.

[Evaluation of safety of meningococcal group AC bivalent polysaccharide conjugate vaccine in children aged 5-24 months old].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety of meningococcal group AC bivalent polysaccharide conjugate vaccine among children aged 5-24 months old. METHODS: From July 2011 to June 2012, a total of 34 411 children aged 5-24 month-old who voluntarily vaccinated meningococcal group AC bivalent polysaccharide conjugate vaccine in Zhongshan city were included. The adverse effects within 72 hours were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: 34 411 children were recruited, including 18 708 boys (54.36%), whose mean age were ( 11.4 ± 3.9 ) months old.Within 72 hours, the incidence rates of local adverse effects were 0.76% (261/34 411) for erythema,0.57% (197/34 411) for sclerosis,0.56% (191/34 411) for swelling,0.42% (143/34 411) for pain,0.15% (53/34 411) for pruritus, and 0.15% (50/34 411) for rash on the injection site. The overall incidence rate of local adverse effects was 1.61% (554/34 411; 95%CI:1.48%-1.74%). The incidence rates of systemic adverse effects were 0.98% (312/34 411) for fever,0.48% (164/34 411) for anorexia,0.31% (108/34 411) for diarrhea,0.29% (100/34 411) for malaise,0.20% (70/34 411) for nausea and vomiting, and 0.08% (26/34 411) for headache. The overall incidence rate of systemic adverse effects was 1.64% (565/34 411; 95%CI:1.51%-1.78%).25 children (0.07%) had hyperpyrexia ( > 39°C), and the time of duration lasted less than 48 hours.16 children (0.05%) had symptoms of cold, such as cough and catarrh.No accident and other serious events were reported. The incidence rate of systemic adverse effects among boys was 1.79% (334/18 708), which was higher than that of girls (1.47%, 231/15 703), the difference showed statistical significance (χ(2) = 5.22, P < 0.01). The incidence rate of systemic adverse effects among children aged 5-12 month-old was 1.78% (411/23 113), which was higher than that among children aged 13-24 month-old (1.36%, 154/11 298), the difference showed statistical significance (χ(2) = 8.10, P < 0.01). The incidence rate of local adverse effects in children vaccinated the first dose was 1.72% (536/31 129), which was higher than that in children vaccinated the second or third dose (0.55%, 18/3282), the difference showed statistical significance (χ(2) = 25.81, P < 0.01). The incidence rate of systemic adverse effects in children vaccinated the first dose was 1.73% (539/31 129), which was higher than that in children vaccinated the second or third dose (0.79%, 26/5282), whose difference also showed statistical significance (χ(2) = 16.22, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The safety of meningococcal group AC bivalent polysaccharide conjugate vaccine among children aged 5-24 months old is relative good.

Cryoglobulinemia is an independent factor negatively associated with sustained virological response in chronic hepatitis C patients.

BACKGROUND: Mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC) is one of the most common and severe symptoms in chronic hepatitis C patients. The aim of this study was to investigate whether mixed cryoglobulinemia is a factor associated with sustained virological response in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with combination therapy of pegylated interferon alpha-2a and ribavirin. METHODS: This is a single-center study including 57 chronic hepatitis C patients who received combination treatments of pegylated interferon alfa-2a and ribavirin. Serum cryoglobulin was detected by cryoprecipitation prior to treatment. Serum hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA levels were checked before treatment, during the fourth and 12th week of treatment, and during the 24th week after cessation of treatment. The genotype of HCV was determined at baseline. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the factors associated with sustained virological response. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were with MC (43.9%). Twenty-four weeks after cessation of antiviral treatment, sustained virological response achievement in MC(+) patients was significantly lower than that in MC(-) patients (32.0% vs. 75.0%, P = 0.001). Univariate Logistic regression analysis and multivariate Logistic regression analysis found that only MC (odds ratio: 6.375; 95% CI: 1.998- 20.343, P = 0.002) was negatively associated with sustained virological response achievement. CONCLUSION: MC is an independent factor negatively associated with sustained virological response in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with pegylated interferon alpha-2a and ribavirin.

Efficacy of pegylated interferon-alpha-2a plus ribavirin for patients aged at least 60 years with chronic hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND: In China, patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-associated liver disease are getting older, and thus the number of deaths due to such disease is increasing. The efficacy of combination therapy with ribavirin and interferon for chronic HCV infection in elderly patients has not been fully clarified. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of the combination therapy in the elderly patients. METHODS: Sixty-eight chronic hepatitis C patients, who received the combination therapy, were classified into two age groups: elderly group ((3)60 years, n = 25) and non-elderly group (< 60 years, n = 43). Rapid virological response, complete early virological response, sustained virological response, relapse, non-response rate, and safety were compared between the elderly group and non-elderly group. RESULTS: Overall sustained virological response was lower in the elderly group than non-elderly group (44% vs. 75%, P = 0.012, OR = 0.270, and 95%CI 0.095 - 0.768). Among patients with HCV genotype 1, sustained virological response was lower in the elderly group than non-elderly group (45% vs. 77%, P = 0.015, OR = 0.247, 95%CI 0.078 - 0.781). The proportions of dose reduction due to laboratory abnormalities were significantly higher in the elderly group than non-elderly group (60.0% vs. 32.6%, P = 0.027). Multiple binary Logistic regression analysis confirmed that patient age was an associated factor for sustained virological response. CONCLUSION: Among patients with HCV genotype 1, the elderly patients had lower sustained virological response than non-elderly patients during pegylated interferon-alpha-2a plus ribavirin combination therapy.

De novo combination therapy with lamivudine and adefovir dipivoxil in chronic hepatitis B patients.

AIM: To investigate the appropriate time for combination therapy in HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with decompensated cirrhosis. METHODS: Thirty HBeAg positive CHB patients with decompensated cirrhosis were enrolled in the study. All of the patients were given 48 wk combination therapy with lamivudine (LAM) and adefovir dipivoxil (ADV). Briefly, 10 patients were given the de novo combination therapy with LAM and ADV, whereas the other 20 patients received ADV in addition to LAM after hepatitis B virus (HBV) genetic mutation. RESULTS: Serum alanine aminotransferase and total bilirubin were both improved in the two groups at 4, 12, 24 and 48 wk after treatment. Serum albumin was also improved at 24 and 48 wk after combination therapy in both groups. The serum HBV DNA level was still detectable in every patient in the two groups at 4 and 12 wk after combination treatment. However, in the de novo combination group, serum HBV DNA levels in 4 (40%) and 9 (90%) patients was decreased to below 1×10(3) copies/mL at 24 and 48 wk after the combination treatment, respectively. In parallel, serum HBV DNA levels in 2 (20%) and 8 (40%) patients in the add-on combination group became undetectable at 24 and 48 wk after combination treatment, respectively. Furthermore, 6 (60%) patients in the de novo combination group achieved HBeAg seroconversion after 48 wk treatment, whereas only 4 (20%) patients in the add-on combination group achieved seroconversion. Child-Pugh score of patients in the de novo combination group was better than that of patients in the add-on combination group after 48 wk treatment. Moreover, patients in the de novo combination group had a significantly decreased serum creatinine level and elevated red blood cell counts. CONCLUSION: De novo combination therapy with LAM and ADV was better than add-on combination therapy in terms of Child-Pugh score, virus inhibition and renal function.

[Variants and quasispecies of reverse transcriptase region in polymerase gene of hepatitis B virus during lamivudine treatment].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the variants and quasispecies of reverse transcriptase region in polymerase gene of hepatitis B virus (HBV) during lamivudine treatment and their relationship with genotypes and viral loads. METHODS: HBV DNA of 117 chronic hepatitis B patients treated with lamivudine were amplified by using PCR. The PCR products including the YMDD motif were sequenced by DNA sequencer, of which, HBV DNA viral loads of 99 patients were determined by real-time PCR and 64 samples were sequenced by Pyrosequencing. RESULTS: In HBV YMDD variant group and no variant group, the HBV genotypes were 79.6% and 86.7% of type C, 18.5% and 12.7% of type B, 1.9% of A/B recombinant type and 2.6% of type D, respectively. The viral loads (log 10) were 6.5699 and 6.6165, respectively. There was no significant difference in HBV genotypes and viral loads between these two groups. The rtL180M variant was found in association with the rtM204I/V variant, HBV variants and wild-type in YMDD motif all existed together in these two groups. CONCLUSIONS: HBV variants (quasispecies) in YMDD motif could be quantified by pyrosequencing, which would be a feasible measure during nucleoside or nucleotide analogue therapy against chronic HBV infection.

Prevalence of abnormal glycometabolism in patients with chronic hepatitis C and related risk factors in China.

BACKGROUND: An epidemiologic link between hepatitis C virus (HCV) and abnormal glycometabolism had been established. This study was designed to investigate the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance, and to explore the relation between insulin resistance and hepatitis C virus genotype, serum hepatitis C virus-RNA level in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients. METHODS: Three hundred and fifty-nine consecutive patients (CHC, n = 296; chronic hepatitis B (CHB), n = 63) were evaluated. HCV genotyping was performed by restriction fragment method and serum hepatitis C virus-RNA quantified PCR for all CHC patients in the baseline serum. Fasting levels of insulin and glucose were measured in all patients and the homeostatic assessment of insulin resistance was calculated in the baseline serum. RESULTS: Type 2 diabetes mellitus was diagnosed in 15.5% of 296 CHC patients. Insulin resistance was present in 23.8% of the 235 nondiabetic CHC patients, in 23.1% of the 182 nondiabetic and noncirrhotic CHC patients, and associated with high serum HCV RNA level (OR: 1.754; 95%CI: 1.207 - 2.548, P = 0.003) and age > 40 years (OR: 3.542; 95%CI: 1.257 - 9.978, P = 0.017). Insulin resistance was less frequent in CHB than in matched CHC (7.9% vs. 21.4% respectively, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The incidence of insulin resistance in CHC was significantly higher than that in CHB patients, associated with high serum HCV RNA level and age > 40 years.

[The effect of cryoglobulinemia on the antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possible influence of cryoglobulinemia on the antiviral effect in chronic hepatitis C patients, who were treated with combination therapy of pegylated interferon alpha-2a and ribavirin. METHODS: Forty consecutive patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) were enrolled in the study. They received pegylated interferon alfa-2a (40kD, 180mug/w) along with ribavirin. Baseline cryoglobulins were detected in the sera by cryoprecipitation. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotyping was performed and HCV viral load was detected at baseline, and at 4, 12 weeks during treatment, 24 weeks after cessation of treatment. RESULTS: Eighteen (45.0%) patients infected with HCV were cryoglobulins positive at baseline. Mean serum HCV RNA level in cryoglobulins positive patients was higher than that in cryoglobulins negative patients (6.36+/-0.63 vs. 5.70+/-1.20, P = 0.032). The rapid virological response (RVR) rate was statically different between cryoglobulins positive patients and cryoglobulins negative ones (6/18, 33.3% vs. 15/22, 68.2%, P = 0.028). In contrast, no difference was found in early virological response (EVR) rate between the cryoglobulins positive patients and cryoglobulins negative ones (14/17, 82.4% vs. 18/21, 85.7%, P = 1.0). Sustained virological response (SVR) rate in cryoglobulins positive and cryoglobulins negative was different (0/3, 0 vs 6/6, 100%, P = 0.012). The rate of patients achieved RVR was different between the patients infected with HCV genotype 1 b of two groups (cryoglobulins positive: 2/13, 15.4% vs cryoglobulins negative 14/21; 66.7%, P = 0.005). However, the rate of EVR in patients infected HCV genotype 1 b was not statistically different (cryoglobulins positive: 9/12, 75.0% vs. cryoglobulins negative 17/20; 81.2%, P = 0.647). CONCLUSION: The rates of RVR and SVR achievement in cryoglobulinemia positive CHC patients are lower than those in cryoglobulinemia negative CHC patients.

Identification of zRAP55,a gene preponderantly expressed in Stages I and II oocytes of zebrafish.

In an in silico search for gonand specific expressed genes, we have identified zRAP55 which is enriched in the ovary of zebrafish . zRAP55 encodes a protein of 382 amino acids with a highly conserved Lsm domain. zRAP55 protein shares more than 56% identities with that of other vertebrate species. RT-PCR results show that it is predominantly expressed in the ovary. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry studies reveal that zRAP55 is ubiquitously dispersed throughout the cytoplasm of stages I and II oocytes, whereas no expression is observed in stages III and IV oocytes. As an RNA associated protein, zRAP55 might function in the control of protein translation at the early stages of oogenesis in zebrafish.

[Effect of Liuwei Dihuang pill on expression of NF-kappaB in kidney lesion induced by gentamicin in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of Liuwei Dihuang Pill on kidney lesion in rats induced by gentamicin and its mechanism. METHODS: Rats were divided into three groups: control group, gentamicin group, Liuwei Dihuang Pill group randomly. Parameters of kidney function and oxidative production in three groups were tested by biochemical analysis. Nuclear Factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) protein were determined by western blotting. RESULTS: Parameters of weight, kidney indexes, oxidative production MDA and enzyme activity of NOS in kidney cortex of gentamicin group significantly increased (P < 0.05), and enzyme activity of SOD significantly decreased (P < 0. 05). The protein expression of NF-kappaB in gentamicin group was significantly up-regulated. After treatment with Liuwei Dihuang Pill, the above-mentioned up-regulated parameters were all significantly inhibited. CONCLUSION: Liuwei Dihuang Pill can inhibit the expression of NF-kappaB protein, so as to alleviate the renal oxidative lesion, and it may be one of the important mechanisms for treating gentamicin induced kidney lesion.

[Protection and mechanisms of salvianolic-acid B on experimental renal interstitial fibrosis in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect and mechanism of salvianolic acid B (SA-B) on renal interstitial fibrosis in rats induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). METHODS: 18 male SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, 6 in each group. After the models were established, the rats were treated with SA-B for 2 weeks. Then their renal pathology were examined by hight microscope and electron microscopy Protein expression levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) and E-cadherin (E-cad) in the obstructed kidney were analyzed by Western blot and Biochemistry assay. RESULTS: Pathological examination of the kidney in model group showed tubules lumen widened and many inflammatory cells infiltrated, a part of renal tubule expanded and part of them atrophied. The tubular epithelial cells were karyorrhexis or karyolysis, some tubulars were atrophy. The protein expression of alpha-SMA were significantly up-regulated (P < 0.01) and E-cad were significantly down-regulated (P < 0.01) in the model group. After intervention with SA-B, the renal pathological status in the treatment group was significantly improved, the expression of alpha-SMA were significantly down-regulated (P < 0.05), but E-cad only a little up-regulated (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: SA-B could antagonize renal interstitial fibrosis mainly by maintaining epithelial phenotype, inhibiting the protein of alpha-SMA which is the principal effect cells that are responsible for the progressive kidney fibrosis.

Prevalence of antinuclear and anti-liver-kidney-microsome type-1 antibodies in patients with chronic hepatitis C in China.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may induce autoimmune response and autoantibodies can be detected in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients. However, the reported positive rate of autoantibodies in CHC patients in China varies considerably. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and anti-liver-kidney-microsome type 1 autoantibodies (anti-LKM-1) in a large cohort of CHC patients, and analyzed the factors related to the presence of the autoantibodies. METHODS: A total of 360 CHC patients were enrolled in this study. Serum ANA and anti-LKM-1 were detected by indirect immunofluorescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Clinical analysis was performed to disclose the related factors to autoantibody production. RESULTS: The prevalence of ANA and anti-LKM-1 in CHC patients was 12.5% (45/360) and 2.5% (9/360), respectively. Women had a higher prevalence than men (18.9% vs 11.4%, P = 0.046). Patients with positive autoantibodies had lower HCV RNA levels (1.2 x 10(7) copies/L vs 7.2 x 10(7) copies/L, P < 0.05). Positive ANA was associated with higher serum globulin (P < 0.05). Stratified analysis showed that there were no significant differences in age, HCV genotype, disease course, clinical stage, prevalence of cirrhosis and interferon therapy between autoantibody-positive and -negative subgroups. CONCLUSION: Autoantibodies can be induced in the course of CHC, and some CHC patients can even develop autoimmune hepatitis.

Novel N-containing rotenoid and seco-rotenoid from the root of Derris elliptica.

Two new rotenoids, 2-hydroxy-5-aminorotenonone (1) and elliptoic acid (2), were isolated from the roots of Derris elliptica collected in Guangdong Province, China. Their structures were established by extensive spectral analysis. Compound 1 is the first N-containing rotenoid and compound 2 is the third rotenoid with the cleavage of C(12)-C(12a).

[Detection and the production mechanism of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and anti-liver/kidney microsomal tpe 1 antibodies (anti-LKM1) in patients with chronic hepatitis C].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and anti-liver/ kidney microsomal type 1 antibodies (anti-LKM1) in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC)and to explore the mechanism of production of these autoantibodies. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from 360 patients with CHC (case group), 69 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and 69 patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) (control group). Serum ANA and anti-LKM1 were detected by indirect immunofluorescence (HF) technique and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Multi-factor analysis was performed to explore the correlations of the production of autoantibodies with some factors such as age, sex, viral loads, HCV genotype, biochemical parameters and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: Fifty-four (15%) of 360 patients infected with HCV were positive in autoantibodies. The prevalence of ANA and anti-LKM1 were 12.5% (45/360) and 2.5% (9/ 360), respectively. The positive rate of autoantibodies in patients with CHC was significantly higher than that in patients with CHB (15% vs 2.9%, P = 0.006), but significantly lower than that in patients with AIH (15% vs 47.9%, P < 0.001). Twenty-one (11.35%) of 185 male patients and 33 (18.86%) of 175 female patients were positive in autoantibodies, the difference in positive rate was significant (P < 0.05). HCV virus loads in the autoantibodies negative group were higher than that in the autoantibodies positive group (7.2 x 10(7) copies/L vs 1.23 x 10(7) copies/L, P < 0.05). There were not significant differences in age and genotype between the autoantibody positive group and the autoantibody negative group. The serum biochemical parameters of the autoantibody positive group were similar to those of the autoantibody negative group. The differences were not significant for the course of disease, clinical symptom, the incidence of cirrhosis between the autoantibody positive group and the autoantibody negative group. The prevalence of autoantibodies was not different for patients with or without interferon treatment (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Autoantibodies related to AIH can be detected in CHC patients; interferon may not induce the production of autoantibodies; it is very likely that HCV infection induces the autoimmune reaction and the production of autoantibodies.

Relationship between nm23H1 genetic instability and clinical pathological characteristics in Chinese digestive system cancer patients.

AIM: To study the relationship between nm23H1 gene genetic instability and its clinical pathological characteristics in Chinese digestive system cancer patients. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) was used to analyze the microsatellite instability (MSI) and loss of heterozygosity (LOH). Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of nm23H1. RESULTS: The MSI was higher in TNM stage I + II than in stage III + IV of gastric, colonic and gallbladder carcinomas. The LOH was higher in TNM stage III + IV than in stage I + II of gastric, colonic and hepatocellular carcinomas. Lymphatic metastasis was also observed. The expression of nm23H1 protein was lower in TNM stage III + IV than in stage I + II of these tumors and in patients with lymphatic metastasis.The nm23H1 protein expression was higher in the LOH negative group than in the LOH positive group. CONCLUSION: MSI and LOH may independently control the biological behaviors of digestive system cancers. MSI could serve as an early biological marker of digestive system cancers. Enhanced expression of nm23H1 protein could efficiently inhibit cancer metastasis and improve its prognosis. LOH mostly appears in late digestive system cancer.