Drought and low temperature-induced NF-YA1 activates FT expression to promote citrus flowering.

Flower induction in adult citrus is mainly regulated by drought and low temperatures. However, the mechanism of FLOWERING LOCUS T regulation of citrus flowering (CiFT) under two flower-inductive stimuli remains largely unclear. In this study, a citrus transcription factor, nuclear factor YA (CiNF-YA1), was found to specifically bind to the CiFT promoter by forming a complex with CiNF-YB2 and CiNF-YC2 to activate CiFT expression. CiNF-YA1 was induced in juvenile citrus by low temperature and drought treatments. Overexpression of CiNF-YA1 increased drought susceptibility in transgenic citrus, whereas suppression of CiNF-YA1 enhanced drought tolerance in silenced citrus plants. Furthermore, a GOLDEN2 - LIKE protein (CiFE) that interacts with CiFT protein was also isolated. Further experimental evidence showed that CiFE binds to the citrus LEAFY (CiLFY) promoter and activates its expression. In addition, the expressions of CiNF-YA1 and CiFE showed a seasonal increase during the floral induction period and were induced by artificial drought and low-temperature treatments at which floral induction occurred. These results indicate that CiNF-YA1 may activate CiFT expression in response to drought and low temperatures by binding to the CiFT promoter. CiFT then forms a complex with CiFE to activate CiLFY, thereby promoting the flowering of adult citrus.

Genome-wide genetic variation and comparison of fruit-associated traits between kumquat (Citrus japonica) and Clementine mandarin (Citrus clementina).

KEY MESSAGE: The comprehensive genetic variation of two citrus species were analyzed at genome and transcriptome level. A total of 1090 differentially expressed genes were found during fruit development by RNA-sequencing. Fruit size (fruit equatorial diameter) and weight (fresh weight) are the two most important components determining yield and consumer acceptability for many horticultural crops. However, little is known about the genetic control of these traits. Here, we performed whole-genome resequencing to reveal the comprehensive genetic variation of the fruit development between kumquat (Citrus japonica) and Clementine mandarin (Citrus clementina). In total, 5,865,235 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 414,447 insertions/deletions (InDels) were identified in the two citrus species. Based on integrative analysis of genome and transcriptome of fruit, 640,801 SNPs and 20,733 InDels were identified. The features, genomic distribution, functional effect, and other characteristics of these genetic variations were explored. RNA-sequencing identified 1090 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) during fruit development of kumquat and Clementine mandarin. Gene Ontology revealed that these genes were involved in various molecular functional and biological processes. In addition, the genetic variation of 939 DEGs and 74 multiple fruit development pathway genes from previous reports were also identified. A global survey identified 24,237 specific alternative splicing events in the two citrus species and showed that intron retention is the most prevalent pattern of alternative splicing. These genome variation data provide a foundation for further exploration of citrus diversity and gene-phenotype relationships and for future research on molecular breeding to improve kumquat, Clementine mandarin and related species.

A New Technique for Sagittal Synostosis: A Plurality of Small Incisions Minimally Invasive Technique Used on Infants and Young Patients.

OBJECTIV: The authors devised a multiple small incisions minimally invasive technique for use in isolated nonsyndromic sagittal synostosis to achieve better esthetic effect and satisfactory reshaping of the calvarial vault. The purpose of this study is to provide clinicians with new and feasible solution. METHODS: From April 2016 to January 2017, 5 male patients were successfully treated with minimally invasive surgery. The age ranges from 1.5 to 3.3 years. The authors designed 9 short skin linear incisions (2-3 cm long) strategically to disperse in the scalp. The patient was assessed in a series including sex, age of surgery, blood loss, blood transfusion, duration of surgery, postoperative complications, preoperative and postoperative cephalic index (CI), length of stay (LOS), esthetic outcomes, and intellectual developmental quotient (DQ). RESULTS: The shortest operation time is 1.5 hours. The shortest hospital stay is 6 days. The blood loss ranged from 135 to 280 mL. No serious complications occurred during the follow-up time. Postoperative 3-dimensional CT scan showed that the extensive floating bone formed well. Preoperative CI ranged from 64.2 to 68 and postoperatively 69.4 to 74.3. Mental development was tested by children heath care practioners, significantly improving DQ from 67 to 81 preoperatively and 76 to 90 postoperatively. All children receive good esthetic results. CONCLUSION: The new technique is safe and effective. The advantages are satisfactory: calvarial fornix remodeling, less visible appearance of scars, shorter length of surgery, lower mental and financial stress, optimal age for surgery, no endoscopic adjuvant and postoperative helmet are needed.

Severe chemosis and treatment following fronto-orbital advancement surgery for Crouzon syndrome: A case report.

RATIONALE: Crouzon syndrome is a craniofacial malformation caused by premature fusion of fibrous sutures in infants. It is one of the most common craniosynostosis syndromes, and surgery is the only effective treatment for correcting it. Postoperative complications such as encephalocele, infections, hematoma have been reported. We herein report a case of a 62-month-old boy with Crouzon syndrome who underwent fronto-orbital advancing osteotomy, cranial vault remolding, and extensive osteotomy and subsequently developed left proptosis and severe chemosis, these complications are rare and we believe it will be of use to clinicians, physicians, and researchers alike. PATIENT CONCERNS: The patient's skull had been malformed since birth, and he had been experiencing paroxysmal headaches coupled with vomiting for 4 months. Having never received prior treatment, he underwent fronto-orbital advancement at our clinic; afterward, left proptosis and severe chemosis occurred. DIAGNOSIS: The patient was diagnosed with Crouzon syndrome, and the complications included left proptosis and severe chemosis, confirmed by the clinical manifestations, physical examination, and computed tomography (CT). INTERVENTION: We carried out cranial vault remodeling and fronto-orbital advancement. We applied ophthalmic chlortetracycline ointment on the conjunctivae, elevated the patient's head, evacuated the hematoma, and carried out a left blepharorrhaphy. OUTCOMES: The proptosis and chemosis resolved with no recurrence. No other complications occurred during the follow-up period (12 months), and CT scans revealed that the hematoma had disappeared. The calvarial vault reshaping was satisfactorily performed, and the patient's vision was not impaired. LESSONS: Severe proptosis and chemosis are rare complications that can occur after fronto-orbital advancement for Crouzon syndrome. A detailed preoperative examination (including magnetic resonance imaging and CT) is essential for diagnosis. Complete hemostasis, evacuation of hematoma, and placement of a periorbital drainage tube during surgery all contribute to an effective treatment plan. An ophthalmic ointment should be administered, and the patient's head should be elevated during the procedure. Evacuation of retrobulbar epidural hematoma and blepharorrhaphy could also help relieve proptosis and chemosis. Our report describes 2 rare complications associated with the treatment for Crouzon syndrome, and we believe it will be of use to clinicians, physicians, and researchers alike.

Anti-Tumor Mechanisms Associated With Regulation of Non-Coding RNA by Active Ingredients of Chinese Medicine: A Review.

Cancer has become the second leading cause of death worldwide; however, its complex pathogenesis remains largely unclear. Previous research has shown that cancer development and progression are closely associated with various non-coding RNAs, including long non-coding RNAs and microRNAs, which regulate gene expression. Target gene abnormalities are regulated and engaged in the complex mechanism underlying tumor formation, thereby controlling apoptosis, invasion, and migration of tumor cells and providing potentially effective targets for the treatment of malignant tumors. Chemotherapy is a commonly used therapeutic strategy for cancer; however, its effectiveness is limited by general toxicity and tumor cell drug resistance. Therefore, increasing attention has been paid to developing new cancer treatment modalities using traditional Chinese medicines, which exert regulatory effects on multiple components, targets, and pathways. Several active ingredients in Chinese medicine, including ginsenoside, baicalin, and matrine have been found to regulate ncRNA expression levels, thus, exerting anti-tumor effects. This review summarizes the scientific progress made regarding the anti-tumor mechanisms elicited by various active ingredients of Chinese medicine in regulating non-coding RNAs, to provide a theoretical foundation for treating tumors using traditional Chinese medicine.

Identification of the Genetic Variation and Gene Exchange between Citrus Trifoliata and Citrus Clementina.

To identify the genetic variation between Citrus trifoliata and Citrus clementina, we performed genome resequencing on the two citrus species. Compared with the citrus reference genome, a total of 9,449,204 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 846,615 insertion/deletion polymorphisms (InDels) were identified in the two citrus species, while 1,868,115 (19.77%) of the SNPs and 190,199 (22.47%) of the InDels from the two citrus species were located in the genic regions. Meanwhile, a total of 8,091,407 specific SNPs and 692,654 specific InDels were identified in the two citrus genotypes, yielding an average of 27.32 SNPs/kb and 2.34 InDels/kb. We identified and characterized the patterns of gene exchanges in the grafted citrus plants by using specific genetic variation from genome resequencing. A total of 4396 transporting genes across graft junctions was identified. Some specific genetic variation and mobile genes was also confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Furthermore, these mobile genes could move directionally or bidirectionally between the scions and the rootstocks. In addition, a total of 1581 and 2577 differentially expressed genes were found in the scions and the rootstocks after grafting compared with the control, respectively. These genetic variations provide fundamental information on the genetic basis of important traits between C. trifoliata and C. clementina, as the transport of genes would be applicable to horticulture crops.

[A study of genetic diversity in lactate dehydrogenase of Streptococcus mutans from clinical isolates].

OBJECTIVES: Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is shown to be an important virulence factor resulting in acid production of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), on which the cariogenic potential of S. mutans depends. Differences in cariogenic abilities of S. mutans isolates may be determined by genetic heterogeneity from virulent factors. The relationship between LDH activity or genetic diversity and cariogenicity of S. mutans (serotype c) isolates was studied in this research. METHODS: The genome DNA of S. mutans isolates were isolated and LDH gene (ldh) were amplified with specific primers. These isolates came from 34 caries-active individuals and 36 caries-free ones, in which 24 strains showed the high LDH activity and 21 strains showed the low LDH activity. Then genetic diversity of PCR products were analyzed or assessed by restriction fragment-length polymorphism (RFLP). Some of amplified LDH genes from different group were sequenced and assayed. RESULTS: It is testified that two genotypes A and B of ldh-RFLP were revealed when LDH genes were digested with Mse I, but Hph I, Mnl I, Dde I, Nla III and Alu I digesting fragments of Idh gene did not show different pattern. Furthermore, Fisher Exact one-Tail Test showed that the proportion of genotype B among strains from caries-free individuals was higher than that from caries-active ones (P = 0.033), while the distribution of genotypes with different LDH activity was different between two groups (two-Tail Test P = 0.017). The sequencing DNA testified that the specific base mutation would lead to multiple kind of genotype resulted. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that LDH gene of S. mutans clinical strains from different individuals is conservative, while there still is the gene mutation in. The ldh genetic diversity may be related to the low caries sensitivity, and closely correlated with the differences in LDH enzyme activity of S. mutans strains.

[Distribution of fimA genotype of Porphyromonas gingivalis in Chinese periodontitis patients and its relationship with chronic periodontitis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the distribution of fimA genotype of Porphyromonas gingivalis in Chinese periodontitis patients and try to find the relationship between fimA genotype and chronic periodontitis. METHODS: Subgingival plaque samples were collected from 101 periodontitis patients. P. gingivalis 16S rRNA primer and fimA type-specific primer were designed. The distribution of fimA genotype in periodontitis patients was detected by PCR. Clinical periodontal indices (PPD, CAL and BOP) were measured at the sample tooth's six points; namely, the mesio-, mid-, distobuccal and mesio-, mid-, distolingual points. RESULTS: P. gingivalis was detected in 89 periodontitis patients (88.1%). Among them, a single fimA genotype was detected in most subgingival plaque samples (65.1%), and the most prevalent fimA genotype was type II (43.8%), followed by type IV (40.4%); Type II fimA and IV fimA were more frequently detected in mild/moderate periodontitis group and severe periodontitis group. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that P. gingivalis with type II fimA and IV fimA are more predominant in Chinese periodontitis, and the organisms are involved in the destructive progression of periodontitis in Chinese.

[Relationship of the genetic diversity within the V-region, P-region and C-terminus of surface protein of Streptococcus mutans to dental caries].

OBJECTIVE: To gain an understanding of the relationship between the genetic diversity within the V-region, P-region, C-terminus of surface protein of Streptococcus mutans (serotype c) and their adherent abilities. METHODS: The clinical isolates of S. mutans (serotype c) in two groups with different adherent abilities (cpm>2000, cpm<1000) had been prepared in our experimental laboratory. The genome DNA was extracted, and the spaP-pv (2060-3157 bp) and spaP-c (4003-4851 bp) were amplified by PCR, respectively. Genetic diversity was assessed by restriction fragment-length polymorphism (RFLP) with restriction endonucleases Alu I. RESULTS: (1) Two different patterns of spaP-pv RFLP among strains were revealed after the amplified product being digested with Alu I. The distributions of two genotypes (a and b) in the clinical strains with different adherent abilities differed significantly (P<0.05). The proportion of genotype b in the strains with higher adherent abilities was higher than that in the strains with lower adherent abilities. (2) Two different patterns (c and d) of spaP-c RFLP among strains were also revealed after the spaP-c being digested with Alu I. No statistically significant difference was observed in the distribution of the two genotypes in the clinical strains. CONCLUSION: The genetic diversity within spaP-pv of clinical isolates of S. mutans might be related to the differences of their adherent abilities.

[Acquisition of Mutans streptococci by children of 3-4 years with possible source of the pathogen from their mothers].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Mutans streptococci (MS) in children of 3-4 years and thus reveal the relationship between the children's acquisition of MS and their mothers' pathogen. METHODS: Fifty mother-child pairs were selected, examined and divided into three groups according to the children's caries. MS in plaque and mothers' salivary samples were detected by MSB medium. Then 200 MS strains from 20 mothers-children were analyzed by AP-PCR. RESULTS: Acquisition of MS was identified in 37 of 50 children (74%), including 11 of 24 caries-free children and all 26 children with caries. The difference was significant (P<0.01). Genotypes showed that 16 of 37 children (43.2%) had the same fingerprint as their mothers'. The level of MS identified in mothers' salivary sample was lower than that in mothers' plaque sample (32% and 56%). CONCLUSION: These results suggested that caries in children of 3-4 years are closely related with MS acquisition. Mothers are still their important source of MS. The sensitivity of mothers' salivery samples is much lower than that of plaque samples in studying the transmission of MS.

[Effect of tea polyphenol on the demineralization and remineralization of enamel in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of tea polyphenol (TP) on the mineralization behaviour of enamel in two sterile, in vitro systems. METHODS: In the demineralization study, sound enamel sections were pH-cycled. Treatments were 2000 mg/L TP, 200 mg/L TP, 2000 mg/L TP + 100 mg/L fluoride, 100 mg/L fluoride, and deionized water. In the remineralization study, surface-softened enamel was used and pH-cycled as above. Test treatments were 2000 mg/L TP, 2000 mg/L TP + 250 mg/L fluoride, 250 mg/L fluoride, and deionized water. The acidic buffers were retained for calcium analysis. The enamel was analysed before and after pH-cycling by microhardness. RESULTS: In the demineralization study, the calcium depletion rates(CDR) were (0.43 +/- 0.05), (0.49 +/- 0.006), (0.21 +/- 0.02), (0.21 +/- 0.03) and (0.50 +/- 0.11) microgram/(mm2.h) respectively. The Knoop hardness values(KHV) percent reduction were 94.19 +/- 3.50, 96.62 +/- 0.63, 74.74 +/- 4.09, 77.79 +/- 3.11 and 97.32 +/- 4.03 respectively. There were no significant differences within either the TP-only groups or the fluoride groups, but the fluoride groups were significantly more efficacious than the TP-only groups (P < 0.05). In the remineralization study, the KHV percent increase were -11.96 +/- 10.1, -21.32 +/- 11.3, -49.52 +/- 24.6 and -4.24 +/- 8.51 respectively. Notably more remineralization was observed in the fluoride group. There were no significant differences between the other groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The data of this in vitro study suggest that TP has no effect on de/remineralization of enamel blocks and there is no synergetic action of TP and fluoride in a sterile system. This finding supports the proposition that tea polyphenols exert an anti-caries effect via an anti-microbial mode-of-action.

[Evaluation of the in vitro cariogenic potential of Streptococcus mutans (serotype C) strains isolated from caries-free and -active people: the ability of acidogenicity].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the ability of acidogenicity of S. mutans (serotype C) strains isolated from the people with different caries experience. METHODS: Same density solutions of all isolated S. mutans were made and cultured in different pH TPPE liquid for the same period of time. Terminal pH of the solutions was measured. The values of delta pH were compared. RESULTS: Significant difference of acidogenicity was observed between the strains of different genotypes isolated from the same person. The ratio of high acidogenicity isolates harbored in caries-active people was greater than that of caries-free people; a significant difference was noted (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The high cariogenicity of isolated S. mutans strains of caries-active people shows a close relationship with the high acidogenicity of the isolated S. mutans (serotype C) strains.

[Differential analyses of mRNA expression of gtfs from Streptococcus mutans in different pH condition].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the expression level of each gtf under different pH cultural conditions and to find the relationship between gtf expression levels with environmental pH in different strains of Streptococcus mutans (S.mutans). METHODS: S. mutans form clinical isolation with different extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) producibility and UA159 were selected. Their ability to produce EPS under pH5.5 and pH7 were tested. Then in two strains, the relative quantity of gtfA, gtfB, gtfC, gtfD's mRNA which were related to S. mutan's ability to produce EPC, were examined by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR) methods under different pH culture condition. RESULTS: At pH5.5, expression levels of gtfA, gtfB, gtfD were increased while that of gtfC were decreased in both strains, and that of gtfB, gtfC were higher in strain which produces more ECP. CONCLUSION: The expression levels of gtfs related closely to the cariogenicity of S. mutan.

[Clinical evaluation of composite inlays in defective molars].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical effect of composite inlays in the defective molars. METHODS: A total of 200 defective molars from 163 patients were divided into two groups, including 100 molars of each. One group was restored with the direct composite inlays and another group with the traditional composite fillings. All the restorations were evaluated in oral cavity after 6-month and 5-year filling or insertion with United States public health service criterions. The data were analyzed using SPSS 11.0 software with the chi-square test. The significance level was set at 5%. RESULTS: In clinical service for 6 months, the successful rate of composite inlays was 91.8% (90/98) and the corresponding figure for traditional composite fillings was 91.8% (89/97), but there was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). In clinical service for 5 years, the successful rate of composite inlay was 87.9% (80/91), the corresponding figure for the traditional composite fillings being 67.4% (60/89) and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In clinical, the defective molars can be well restored with the direct composite inlays. Especially in the long-term clinical service, the composite inlays show significant superiority over the traditional composite fillings.

[Interleukin-8 regulations of oral epithelial cells by porphyromonas gingivalis with different fimA genotypes].

OBJECTIVE: The expression of heterogenic virulence properties depends on its clonal diversity. The aim of the study was to investigate the mechanism of interleukin-8 (IL-8) regulations of oral epithelial cells by challenge of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) with different fimA genotypes, discuss the relation between fimA genotype and its pathogenicity. METHODS: P. gingivalis ATCC 33277 (type I), W83 (type IV), 47A-1 (type IV) were assessed for their inductions of IL-8 expression in human oral epithelial cells (KB cell line, ATCC CCL-17). KB cells without stimulation of P. gingivalis were used as control group. IL-8 mRNA expression was de termined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) at different time intervals (1, 3, 6, 24 h) following continuous co culture of bacteria with KB cell line, and IL-8 protein levels in culture supernatant was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: IL-8 mRNA levels were up-regulated and reached its high peak at 1 h following both genotypes infection, then decreased to base level till 24 h. Attenuation of IL-8 protein levels was down-regulated when KB cell co-cultured with both genotypes for 3 h till 24 h, and type IV was lower than type I. IL-8 and IL-6 mRNA expression were not consistent with their protein levels, which indicated post-transcriptional regulations. CONCLUSION: fimA genotypes of P. gingivalis are related with the effect of IL-8 inductions, which indicates fimA genotype is associated with pathogenesis of P. gingivalis.

[Effect of fibrinogen on the secretion of interleukin-1beta and - 8 by polymorphonuclear leukocytes].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of one of the acute-phase proteins, fibrinogen, on the release of IL-1beta and -8 by human peripheral polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and the possible role of fibrinogen during the destruction of periodontium. METHODS: Peripheral PMN were isolated by discontinuous density gradient centrifuging technique. The freshly isolated PMN were suspended in Hank's balanced saline solution (1 x 10(9)/L) supplemented with 0.5% BSA and 0.1% glucose. The levels of IL-1beta and -8 in the supernatants produced by cultured cells upon the addition of human fibrinogen at different concentrations were measured by ELISA technique. RESULTS: Incubated with human fibrinogen at 2 g/L or 10 g/L for different time periods, human peripheral PMN released significantly greater amount of IL-1beta [(10.41 +/- 0.37) - (35.86 +/- 0.30) ng/L or (22.81 +/- 0.45) - (57.77 +/- 2.08) ng/L] and IL-8 [(93.90 +/- 13.95) - (2045.66 +/- 53.03) ng/L or (115.02 +/- 10.61) - (3858.69 +/- 25.65) ng/L] than PMN without the stimulation of fibrinogen (IL-1beta, P < 0.001, and IL-8, P < or = 0.016). The higher concentration of fibrinogen or the longer treatment time, the higher levels of IL-1beta and -8 were released by PMN (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Fibrinogen induced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1beta and -8 by PMN and may be involved in magnification of the inflammatory response of periodontium and bone resorption.

[Study of the correlation between moderately and severely chronic periodontitis and coronary heart disease].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between moderately and severely chronic periodontitis and coronary heart disease, as well as the role of fibrinogen in the mechanisms responsible for the correlation between periodontitis and coronary heart disease. METHODS: 95 subjects who were systemic health or patients of coronary heart disease with or without periodontitis were enrolled. All the subjects were placed into 4 groups based on their periodontal status and cardiovascular health. The 4 groups were healthy control group (HC), moderately and severely chronic periodontitis group (MSP), coronary heart disease group(CHD), and MSP coexisted with CHD group (MSP+CHD). Clinical periodontal index were examined, at the same time, plasma fibrinogen levels and serological changes used in diagnosing of cardiovascular disease routinely were determined. ANOVA and ANCOVA were used in the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Fibrinogen levels of HC, MSP, CHD, and MSP+CHD group were (2.36+/-0.37), (3.63+/-0.73), (4.08+/-0.84), and (4.14+/-0.96) g/L, respectively. Fibrinogen levels of MSP and MSP+CHD group were significantly higher than that of healthy controls (P<0.01). The patients with moderately to severely chronic periodontitis were more likely to have coronary heart disease as compared to periodontally healthy controls (OR=2.527, P=0.047) after adjusted for blood pressure and body mass index. CONCLUSION: Moderately and severely chronic periodontitis maybe a risk factor of coronary heart disease and fibrinogen could be one of the biological basis which links periodontitis with coronary heart disease.

[Correlation between levels of fibrinogen, beta455 g/A fibrinogen gene polymorphism and chronic periodontitis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between plasma levels of fibrinogen, the-beta455 G/A fibrinogen gene polymorphism and the severity of periodontal inflammation and to explore the possible role of fibrinogen in the association of periodontitis with coronary heart disease (CHD). METHODS: A total of 121 patients with moderate to severe periodontitis and periodontally healthy and gingivitis controls were enrolled in the study. Peripheral blood samples were collected and the plasma fibrinogen levels were determined by the clotting method of Clauss. Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis with Hae III were used to examine the -beta455 G/A fibrinogen gene polymorphism. RESULTS: Fibrinogen levels were significantly higher in moderately or severely chronic periodontitis patients [(3.45 +/- 0.68) g/L] than periodontally healthy and gingivitis controls [(2.47 +/- 0.42) g/L, P < 0.001]. The carrier status of the A allele at position -455 in the beta fibrinogen gene was associated with elevated fibrinogen levels and the frequency of the-A455 allele in the beta fibrinogen gene in the patient group was significantly higher than in the control group (P = 0.032). Carriers of the -A455 allele were about 3-fold more likely to have moderate or severe periodontitis as compare to individuals without the -A455 allele( OR = 3. =135, P= 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Fg-beta455 G/A polymorphism may contribute to the elevated plasma fibrinogen levels and put individuals at higher risk of having severe periodontitis. As the independent risk factor of CHD, fibrinogen levels and Fg-beta455 G/A polymorphism may play a role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis.

[Genetic diversity of F-ATPase subunits gene uncEBF amplified from Streptococcus mutans clinical isolates].

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research was to study the genetic diversity of F-ATPase subunit gene uncEBF derived from Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) clinical isolates, furthermore to investigate the relationship between the genetic diversity of F-ATPase and S. mutans aciduric ability. METHODS: 38 S. mutans strains included 18 high acid tolerance strains and 20 low acid tolerance strains. Gene uncEBF of these isolates were amplified with specific primers from S. mutans genomic DNA, and the PCR products were analyzed by RFLP and sequenced. SPSS 11.0 statistic software assayed the results. RESULTS: It was testified that two genotypes A and B of PCR-RFLP were revealed when digested with Alu I and Dde I digested fragments of uncEBF displayed two different patterns C and D. Fisher exact two-tail test showed that the distributions of A and B genotype strains with different acidurance were different (P < 0.05), and the proportion of A genotype strains from high acidurance group was higher than that from low acidurance one. Some of these amplified uncEBF genes from different genotype were sequenced and testified that there existed variation of Alu I and Dde I recognized sites. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that uncEBF gene of S. mutans F-ATPase obviously exhibited genetic diversity.

[Genetic diversity and mRNA expression of F-ATPase subunit uncG gene of streptococcus mutans clinical isolates].

OBJECTIVE: To study the genetic diversity and the gene expression of membrane-bound proton-translocating ATPase (F-ATPase) subunit gene uncG derived from Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) clinical isolates. METHODS: 38 S. mutans strains derived from caries-active and caries-free individuals including 18 strains displaying high acid tolerance and 20 strains displaying low acid tolerance. Gene uncG was amplified with specific primers from S. mutans genomic DNA, then the PCR product was analyzed by RFLP and sequenced. The relative expression quantity of uncG gene against the housekeeping gene recA was determined by using RT-PCR method. A gel documentation system and QUANTITY ONES software were used to analyze the data results. RESULTS: It was testified that four genotypes A, B, C and D of PCR-RFLP were revealed when respectively digested with Alu I and Bsr I, but the distributions of the four genotype strains showed no difference (P > 0.05). The differences of uncG gene transcript quantities derived from different genotype or different aciduranc strains had no significance (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study indicated that uncG gene of F-ATPase obviously displayed genetic diversity and existed polymorphism at mRNA expression level, while the Alu I-RFLP genotypes and the expression levels would not be responsive to different acid tolerance of S. mutans strains.