Triglyceride-glucose index in early pregnancy predicts the risk of gestational diabetes: a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the association between the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index in early pregnancy and the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in the second trimester. The primary objectives were to evaluate the predictive potential of the TyG index for GDM, determine the optimal threshold value of the TyG index for GDM assessment, and compare the predictive performance of the TyG index alone versus its combination with maternal age and pre-pregnancy body mass index on GDM. Moreover, the study explored the association between the TyG index in early pregnancy and the risk of other pregnancy-related complications (PRCs), such as placental abruption and gestational hypertension. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective cohort study recruited 1,624 pregnant women who underwent early pregnancy antenatal counseling and comprehensive assessments with continuous monitoring until delivery. To calculate the TyG index, health indicators, including maternal triglycerides and fasting plasma glucose, were measured in early pregnancy (< 14 weeks of gestation). The predictive power of the TyG index for evaluating GDM in Chinese pregnant women was determined using multifactorial logistic regression to derive the odds ratios and 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup analyses were conducted, and the efficacy of the TyG index in predicting PRCs was assessed via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and restricted cubic spline, with the optimal cutoff value calculated. RESULTS: Logistic regression analyses revealed a 2.10-fold increase in the GDM risk for every 1-unit increase in the TyG index, after adjusting for covariates. The highest GDM risk was observed in the group with the highest TyG index compared with the lowest quintile group (odds ratios: 3.25; 95% CI: 2.23-4.75). Subgroup analyses indicated that exceeding the recommended range of gestational weight gain and an increased GDM risk were significantly associated (P = 0.001). Regarding predictive performance, the TyG index exhibited the highest area under the curve (AUC) value in the ROC curve for GDM (AUC: 0.641, 95% CI: 0.61-0.671). The optimal cutoff value was 8.890, with both sensitivity and specificity of 0.617.The combination of the TyG index, maternal age, and pre-pregnancy body mass index proved to be a superior predictor of GDM than the TyG index alone (AUC: 0.672 vs. 0.641, P < 0.01). After adjusting for multiple factors, the analyses indicated that the TyG index was associated with an increased risk of gestational hypertension. However, no significant association was noted between the TyG index and the risk of preeclampsia, placental abruption, intrauterine distress, or premature rupture of membranes. CONCLUSION: The TyG index can effectively identify the occurrence of GDM in the second trimester, aligning with previous research. Incorporating the TyG index into routine clinical assessments of maternal health holds significant practical implications. Early identification of high-risk groups enables healthcare providers to implement timely interventions, such as increased monitoring frequency for high-risk pregnant women and personalized nutritional counseling and health education. These measures can help prevent or alleviate potential maternal and infant complications, thereby enhancing the overall health outcomes for both mothers and babies.

Clinical application of single nucleotide polymorphism microarray analysis in pregnancy loss in Northwest China.

Background: Spontaneous abortion is the most common complication of early pregnancy. In this study, we aim to investigate the clinical application value of genetic diagnosis using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarray analysis on the products of conception and to characterize the types of genetic abnormalities and their prevalence in pregnancy loss in Northwest China. Methods: Over 48 months, we selected 652 products of conception, which included chorionic villi, fetal tissues, germ cell samples, amniotic fluid samples, cord blood samples, and a cardiac blood sample. We analyzed the distribution of chromosomal abnormalities leading to fetal arrest or abortion using SNP array. The patients were then categorized divided into groups based on maternal age, gestational age, number of miscarriages, and maternal ethnic background. The incidences of various chromosomal abnormalities in each group were compared. Results: Of the 652 cases, 314 (48.16%) exhibited chromosomal abnormalities. These included 286 cases with numerical chromosomal abnormalities, 24 cases with copy number variation, and four cases with loss of heterozygosity. Among them, there were 203 trisomy cases, 55 monosomy cases, and 28 polyploidy cases. In the subgroup analysis, significant differences were found in the frequency of numerical chromosomal abnormalities and copy number variation between the advanced and younger maternal age group as well as between the early and late abortion groups. Furthermore, we identified significant differences in the frequency of numerical chromosomal abnormalities between the first spontaneous abortion and recurrent miscarriage groups. However, there were no significant differences in the frequency of numerical chromosomal abnormalities between the Han and Uighur groups. Conclusion: Our research highlights chromosomal abnormalities as the primary cause of spontaneous abortion, with a higher incidence in early pregnancy and among women of advanced age. The use of SNP array analysis emerges as an effective and reliable technique for chromosome analysis in aborted fetuses. This method offers a comprehensive and dependable genetic investigation into the etiology of miscarriage, establishing itself as a valuable routine selection for genetic analysis in cases of natural abortions.

Association Analysis of Gene Sequencing by NeoSeq Combined with Tandem Mass Spectrum and Four Neonatal Diseases.

BACKGROUND: NeoSeq is a new method of gene sequencing for newborn screening. The goal is to explore the relationship between gene sequencing by NeoSeq combined with tandem mass spectrum (TMS) and four neonatal diseases. METHODS: A total of 1,989 newborns from August 2010 to December 2021 were enrolled. The case number of congenital hypothyroidism, phenylketonuria, adrenocortical hyperplasia, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency was counted, and the results of gene sequencing by NeoSeq and TMS were analyzed. RESULTS: The proportion of male newborns was higher than that of female newborns (51.68% vs. 48.32%). The detection rate of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency was higher than that of the other three diseases (0.60% vs. 0.05%, 0.05%, 0.15%). A total of 121 newborns were recalled from 1989 newborns by traditional screening technique, and TMS detected phenylketonuria, citrullinemia, glutaric acidemia type I, and 3-methylcro-tonyl-CoA carboxylase deficiency in 1 newborn each. Gene sequencing by NeoSeq of newborns with positive TMS results confirmed the presence of susceptibility genes, and 17 of 1,868 newborns with normal biochemical tests had pathogenic genes. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency is relatively higher in four neonatal diseases, and the detection rate of gene sequencing by NeoSeq combined with TMS is high.

Integrated Proteomic and N-Glycoproteomic Profiling of Placental Tissues of Patients with Preeclampsia.

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is a multi-system disorder of pregnancy that poses a serious threat to maternal and perinatal health worldwide. This study aims to evaluate the global alterations of protein expression and N-glycosylations that are crucial for PE pathogenesis. Here, tandem mass tag labeling combined with LC-MS/MS was employed to determine the global expression of all proteins and intact glycopeptide in placentas from three healthy pregnant women, three patients with early-onset severe PE, and three patients with late-onset severe PE. Results: A total of 2260 proteins were quantified across 9 placental tissues, of which 37 and 23 were differentially expressed in the early-onset and late-onset PE groups, compared to the controls. A total of 789 glycopeptides were accurately quantified, which were derived from 204 glycosylated sites in 159 glycoproteins and were modified by 59 N-Linked glycans. A total of 123 differently expressed glycopeptides, which were from 47 glycoproteins were identified among three groups. Through a combined analysis of proteomic and glycoproteomic data, it was found that the changes in 10 glycoproteins were caused by the difference in glycosylation level but not in the protein abundance level. Conclusion: This is the first study to conduct an integrated proteomic and glycoproteomic characterization of placental tissues of PE patients. Our findings suggest that glycosylation modification may affect the molecular function of proteins through changes in the glycosylation structure or the occupancy of glycosylation, which will provide new insights to help elucidating the pathogenic mechanism of PE.

From an identity process theory perspective: a daily investigation of why and when ostracism triggers ingratiation.

Although existing studies suggest the relationship between ostracism and ingratiation, the knowledge about why and when ostracism promotes ingratiatory behaviors remains limited. Drawing from identity process theory, the current study examines the influence of ostracism on ingratiatory behaviors through the mediating role of self-identity threat on a daily timescale and the cross-level moderation of core self-evaluation. Through a diary study of 117 Chinese college students across 14 consecutive days, we found that daily ostracism had a positive indirect effect on daily ingratiatory behaviors through daily self-identity threat. Core self-evaluation of students weakened the indirect effect, such that only students with low core self-evaluation engaged in daily ingratiatory behaviors to cope with self-identity threat from ostracism. More importantly, supplemental analyses suggested that averaged daily ingratiatory behaviors were negatively related to perceived ostracism one week later. We discussed several theoretical and practical implications of these findings and proposed future research directions.

Associations between AGT, MTHFR, and VEGF gene polymorphisms and preeclampsia in the Chinese population.

INTRODUCTION: Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific multisystemic syndrome. This study aimed to investigate the associations between angiotensinogen (AGT), methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) polymorphisms, and PE in the Han Chinese population. METHODS: We genotyped 26 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in three genes by using QuantStudio™ 12 K Flex Real-Time PCR technology in 168 patients with PE and 204 healthy pregnant control subjects. The associations of tested polymorphisms with PE were analyzed at allele, genotype, and haplotype levels. RESULTS: A common coding variant in MTHFR, rs2274976, was significantly associated with increased risk of PE in both allelic and genotype models (P < 0.05). The heterozygous genotypes of rs699 (G/A vs G/G) in AGT gene and rs3025035 (C/T vs C/C) in VEGF gene showed weak associations with increased PE risk, whereas the mutant homozygous genotype of rs3024987 (TT vs C/C) and the heterozygous genotype of rs3025039 (C/T vs C/C) in VEGF gene displayed weak associations with decreased PE risk (P < 0.05). DISCUSSION: However, these weak associations lost significance after multiple testing correction. The results indicated that rs2274976 in MTHFR gene may contribute to the increased risk of PE in pregnant women. AGT and VEGF gene polymorphisms may not play a significant role in PE development.

Conservative management versus cesarean hysterectomy in patients with placenta increta or percreta.

OBJECTIVE: To compare conservative management and cesarean hysterectomy in patients with placenta increta or percreta. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this multicenter retrospective study, we recorded data on 2219 patients with placenta increta or percreta from 20 tertiary care centers in China from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2015. Propensity score analysis was used to control for baseline characteristics. We divided patients into conservative management (C) and hysterectomy (H) groups. The primary outcome was operative/postoperative maternal morbidity; secondary outcomes were maternal-neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: In total, 17.9% (398/2219) of patients had placenta increta and percreta; 82.1% (1821/2219) of the patients were in group C. After propensity score matching, 140 pairs of patients from the two groups underwent one-to-one matching. Group C showed less average blood loss within 24 h of surgery (1518 ± 1275 vs. 4309 ± 2550 ml in group H, p<.001). There were more patients with blood loss >1000 ml in group H than in group C (93.6% [131/140] vs. 61.4% [86/140], p<.001). More patients received blood transfusions in group H than in group C (p=.014). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of bladder injury, postoperative anemia, fever, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Neonatal outcomes in the two groups were similar. CONCLUSION: Either conservative management or hysterectomy should be considered after thorough evaluation and detailed discussion of risks and benefits. A balance between bleeding control and fertility can be achieved.

Ethnic disparities in postpartum hemorrhage after cesarean delivery: a retrospective case-control study.

PURPOSE: To explore the relationship of ethnicity and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) for women who underwent cesarean delivery (CD) and examine the risk factors for PPH in distinct ethnic groups in China. METHODS: We conducted case-control studies with the maternity data from the 11,778 CD cases, in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Initially, multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the disparity of race-ethnicity on the risk of PPH in ethnic Han, Uygur, Hui and Kazakh. Then, we performed case-control studies within two major ethnic groups, identifying the specific risk factors for PPH. RESULTS: Ethnic Uygur were associated with a statistically significant increased odds [adjusted odds ratios (aOR) 2.05; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26-3.33] of PPH compared with ethnic Han. For subgroup analyses, in Uygur subgroup, general anesthesia (aOR 7.78; 95% CI 2.31-26.20); placenta previa (aOR 11.18; 95% CI 3.09-40.45); prenatal anemia (aOR 4.84; 95% CI 2.44-9.60); emergency surgery (aOR 4.22; 95% CI 1.95-9.13) were independently associated with PPH. In Han subgroup, general anesthesia (aOR 5.70; 95% CI 1.89-17.26); placenta previa (aOR 20.08; 95% CI 6.35-63.46); multiple pregnancy (aOR 7.21; 95% CI 1.61-32.37); body mass index (aOR 1.19; 95% CI 1.07-1.31) were the risk factors to PPH. CONCLUSION: Uygur have more tendency to PPH compared to Han, and risk factors for PPH in Uygur and Han groups may differ. Knowing these differences may be meaningful when planning interventions and resources for high-risk patients undergoing cesarean delivery, and we need more research aimed at risk factors for PPH.

Screening and Functional Analysis of TPO Gene Mutations in a Cohort of Chinese Patients With Congenital Hypothyroidism.

Backgrounds: As a crucial enzyme in thyroid hormone synthesis, the genetic defective thyroid peroxidase (TPO) was one of the main genetic factors leading to congenital hypothyroidism (CH). Methods: Mutations in the TPO gene were screened and identified in 219 patients with CH from northwest China by using high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. The biological function of detected variants was studied by in vitro experiments and homology modeling. Results: Nineteen rare variants, including seven novel ones, were detected in 17 of 219 patients (7.8%). Most cases were detected with one single heterozygous variant, and only two patients were detected with multiple variants, i.e., compounds for (1) IVS7-1G>A, p.Ala443Val, and p.Arg769Trp and (2) p.Asn592Ser and p.Asn798Lys. The biological function of the four missense mutations (i.e., p.Ala443Val, p.Arg769Trp, p.Asn592Ser, and p.Asn798Lys) they carried were further studied. Experimental data showed that these four mutations did not affect the protein expression level of the TPO gene but remarkably reduced the peroxidase activity toward guaiacol oxidation, retaining 8-32% of activity of the wild-type protein. The comparison of the predicted 3-D structures of wild-type and mutant TPO proteins showed that these four amino acid substitutions changed the non-covalent interactions of studied residues that might alter the structure and function of the TPO protein. Conclusion: This study was the first to analyze the TPO mutation spectrum of patients with CH in northwest China. Our data indicated that the TPO mutation was not a common reason to cause CH in China. The functional data may help to clarify the structure-function relationship of the TPO protein and provide further evidence for the elucidation of the genetic etiology of CH.

The prevalence of CGG repeat expansion mutation in FMR1 gene in the northern Chinese women of reproductive age.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of CGG repeat expansion mutation in FMR1 gene varies among different populations. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of this mutation in women of reproductive age from northern China. METHODS: A total of 11,891 pre-conceptional or pregnant women, including 5037 pregnant women and 7357 women with the history of spontaneous abortion or induced abortion due to delayed growth of the embryos, were recruited. The number of CGG repeats in FMR1 was measured by the TRP-PCR method. We also offered genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis to the women carrying pre-mutation or full mutation alleles. RESULTS: The prevalence of pre-mutation in reproductive women in northern China was 1/410, higher than that in southern China and Korea but lower than that in western countries. We also found that the prevalence of pre-mutation was relatively high (1/320) in women with abortion history. CONCLUSION: Screening for CGG repeat expansion mutation in FMR1 should be recommended to the women with the history of spontaneous abortion or induced abortion due to delayed growth of the embryos.

Maternal and neonatal outcomes of placenta increta and percreta from a multicenter study in China.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to identify the maternal and neonatal outcomes in women with placenta increta or placenta percreta in China. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 2219 cases from 20 tertiary care centers in China between January 2011 and December 2015. All cases were diagnosed of placenta increta or placenta percreta, based on either intraoperative findings or histopathological findings. RESULTS: The incidence of placenta increta and placenta percreta progressively increased from 0.18% in 2011 to 0.78% in 2015. Compared with the placenta increta, placenta percreta was strongly related to serious adverse outcomes: postpartum hemorrhage (65.9% versus 38.6%, p = .003), blood transfusion (86.2% versus 46.5%, p < .001), hysterectomy (43.3% versus 11.2%, p < .001), preterm birth (65.7% versus 49.9%, p < .001), and the need for neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission (54.5% versus 36.7%, p < .001). CONCLUSION: The incidence of placenta increta and placenta percreta is likely to increase in China. The depth of placenta implantation is associated with the severity of outcomes. Placenta percreta tends to have worse maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Efficacy of tenofovir in preventing perinatal transmission of HBV infection in pregnant women with high viral loads.

Mother-to-child transmission is the major cause of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. This double-blind trial tested the effect of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in preventing vertical transmission. Pregnant women who were HBsAg/HBeAg-positive with a HBV DNA titer ≥ 2×106 IU/mL were randomly assigned to the control (n = 60) and TDF-treated (n = 60) groups. TDF treatment (oral dose 300 mg/day) was initiated at 24 weeks of gestation and continued to 4 weeks after delivery. The subjects were followed up to 28 weeks postpartum. The effects of TDF on vertical transmission, outcomes of the mothers and infants and virological changes were monitored. TDF dynamically reduced the serum HBV DNA level of the mothers, particularly during the first 4 weeks of treatment. The lower viral loads were maintained in the pregnancies until delivery. Approximately 90% and 33.9% of the TDF-treated mothers had viral loads ≤2000 IU/mL after delivery and at 28 weeks postpartum, respectively. No cervical transmission or adverse effects were observed in the TDF-treated individuals, whereas 13.5% of the infants were infected with HBV in the control group. We conclude that TDF treatment initiated at 24 weeks of gestation in high-viremia, HBsAg/HBeAg-positive mothers efficiently prevents mother-to-child HBV transmission without adverse events in mothers and infants.

Mutational Spectrum Analysis of Seven Genes Associated with Thyroid Dyshormonogenesis.

OBJECTIVE: Thyroid dyshormonogenesis (DH) is a genetically heterogeneous inherited disorder caused by thyroid hormone synthesis abnormalities. This study aims at comprehensively characterizing the mutation spectrum in Chinese patients with DH. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We utilized next-generation sequencing to screen for mutations in seven DH-associated genes (TPO, DUOX2, TG, DUOXA2, SLC26A4, SLC5A5, and IYD) in 21 Chinese Han patients with DH from Xinjiang Province. RESULTS: Twenty-eight rare nonpolymorphic variants were found in 19 patients (90.5%), including 19, 5, 3, and 1 variants in DUOX2, TG, DUOXA2, and SLC26A4, respectively. Thirteen (62%) patients carried monogenic mutations, and six (28.5%) carried oligogenic mutations. Fifteen (71%) patients carried 2 or more DUOX2 (14) or DUOXA2 (1) variants. The genetic basis of DH in nine (43%) patients harboring biallelic or triallelic pathogenic variants was resolved. Seventeen patients (81%) carried DUOX2 mutations, most commonly p.R1110Q or p.K530X. No correlations were found between DUOX2 mutation types or numbers and clinical phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS: DUOX2 mutations were the most predominant genetic alterations of DH in the study cohort. Oligogenicity may explain the genetic basis of disease in many DH patients. Functional studies and further clinical studies with larger DH patient cohorts are needed to validate the roles of the mutations identified in this study.

The value of the 24-h proteinuria in evaluating the severity of preeclampsia and predicting its adverse maternal outcomes.

BACKGROUND: To identify the 24-h proteinuria value with quantitative analysis and how it correlates with the severity of preeclampsia and subsequent adverse maternal outcomes in the Chinese population. STUDY DESIGN: Eleven hospitals in 10 provinces across China were chosen, in which 1,738 pregnant women complicated by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) with the records of 24 h proteinuria were enrolled. They were allocated into four groups: patients with maximal quantified proteinuria < 0.3 g/24 h (Group 1, n = 328); patients with maximal quantified proteinuria ≥ 0.3 g/24 h and < 2.0 g/24 h (Group 2, n = 638); patients with maximal quantified proteinuria ≥ 2.0 g/24 h and < 5.0 g/24 h (Group 3, n = 353); and patients with maximal quantified proteinuria ≥ 5.0 g/24 h (Group 4, n = 419). Logistic regression analysis were conducted to assess the differences in maternal outcomes between different subgroups of 24-h proteinuria and to identify independent risk factors of adverse maternal outcomes in preeclampsia. The multivariable risk prediction model of adverse maternal outcome for HDP was established with receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) curve and its predicted value was assessed. RESULTS: Thrombocytopenia and cerebral or visual symptoms were more frequent in Groups 3 and 4 than Groups 1 and 2 but no differences were found between Groups 3 and 4 or Groups 1 and 2. Maternal complications were more frequent in Groups 3 and 4 than in Groups 1 and 2 [Group 3 vs. Group 1, odds ratios (ORs) = 3.359 (1.067-10.571); Group 4 vs. Group 1, OR = 3.628 (1.189-11.086); Group 3 vs. Group 2, OR = 2.845 (1.155-7.003); Group 4 vs. Group 2, OR = 3.082 (1.304-7.288)]. However, no significant difference was found between Groups 4 and 3 or between Groups 2 and 1. The proteinuria ≥ 2 g/24 h had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC ROC) of 0.668 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.632-0.705) for predicting adverse maternal outcome. After adjusting for the effects of other symptoms, signs, and laboratory tests, it was the independent risk factor and predictor factor of the adverse maternal outcome (OR = 3.683, 95% CI 2.439-5.562, P<0.001). The final risk prediction model had an AUC ROC of 0.800 (95% CI 0.769-0.830, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The proteinuria ≥ 2 g/24 h is an independent predictive factor of adverse maternal outcomes in preeclampsia, but its individual predictive value is limited. The risk prediction model is effective in assessing the risk of adverse maternal outcomes in patients with HDP.

Post-marketing safety surveillance and reevaluation of Motherwort injection: A clinical study of 10 094 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety profiles of Motherwort injection (MI). METHODS: A multi-center, prospective and drug- derived hospital intensive monitoring method was conducted to assess the safety of MI in real world applications. This study was based on a very large population after the injection was approved and marketed in China. All patients using the injection in participating hospitals were monitored to determine the incidence, pattern, severity and outcome of associated adverse events. RESULTS: The post-marketing surveillance was performed in 10 094 female patients from April to December, 2015. The incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) was 0.79¡ë(8/10 094). Among the 8 patients, the reported adverse events mainly included systemic abnormalities, such as fever, chills and eyelid edema; skin and appendages disorders, such as pruritus and rash; gastrointestinal disorders, such as nausea, abdominal distension and pain; heart rate and rhythm disorders, such as palpitation and increased heart rate. All of these ADRs were mild in severity. CONCLUSION: In this study the ADRs incidence rate of MI is very low, which supports that it is generally safe for use in obstetric and gynecological diseases. However, the total number of 8 ADRs recorded over a relatively short time span seems limited, and the low number of reports could not represent an absolute guarantee of safety.

A study of the association between the sFlt-1/PIGF ratio and preeclampsia in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China.

AIM: It was previously reported that the ratio of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) to placental growth factor (PlGF) can predict the clinical onset of preeclampsia. This study seeks to validate the association between ratios of sFlt-1/PlGF with preeclampsia and to identify the contribution of ethnicity across diverse populations of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. METHODS: Pregnant women were classified into those with preeclampsia (n = 136) and healthy controls (n = 350). Serum levels of sFlt-1 and PlGF were quantified using a Roche serum instrument in both patients and controls. RESULTS: Compared to healthy controls, women with preeclampsia had significantly higher levels of sFlt-1 (7303.81 pg/ml vs. 2508.69 pg/ml, p < .001) and ratios of sFlt-1/PlGF (241.68 vs. 14.29, p < .001), whereas levels of PIGF were decreased (241.68 vs. 14.29, p < .001). These three values varied greatly across nationalities, and non-Han Chinese subjects (including Uygur, Kazak, Hui) were more likely to experience severe preeclampsia than Han Chinese subjects. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to demonstrate that the ratio of sFlt-1/PlGF can both predict and serve as a diagnostic factor for preeclampsia in pregnant women from different populations within the Xinjiang region of China.

A protein in pig spleen similar to immune suppressive protein of stress.

AIM: To purify a protein in pig spleens, which was similar to immune suppressive protein of stress (ISPS), and characterize its properties and functions. METHODS: 1) Pig spleen was extracted in dilute hydrochloric acid. 2) The extract was ultra-filtrated for having high molecular weight proteins (Mr>30 000). 3) The filtrates were purified with FPLC affinity chromatography. 4) The elute from FPLC was used for T-lymphocyte proliferation and ELISA test. 5) Lastly, SDS-PAGE was used to determine the molecular weight and purity of the final product. RESULTS: A protein purified from pig spleen (the pig ISPS homologue) inhibited concanavalin A (Con A)-induced mouse lymphocyte proliferation. The molecular weight of this protein was about Mr 190 000. It has a stronger selectivity against T-lymphocyte line such as Jurkat cell line and mastocyte line (P8l5) and has a weaker inhibitory activity on macrophage line (U937). CONCLUSION: A protein similar to rat/mouse ISPS was found in pig spleen. This may provide an opportunity to study its roles in tumors and autoimmune diseases.

[Involvement of immune system in the pathogenesis of viral myocarditis].

Myocarditis is thought to be commonly caused by various viruses, and accumulating evidence links viral myocarditis with the eventual development of dilated cardiomyopathy. Heart disease is the most prevalent cause of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Cytokines are being increasingly recognized as an important factor in the pathogenesis of myocarditis and cardiomyopathy. Elevated levels of circulating cytokines have been reported in patients with heart failure, and various cytokines have been shown to depress myocardial contractility in vitro and in vivo. A number of reports have shown that cytokines generated by activated immune cells cause an increase in nitric oxide (NO) via induction of NO synthase. Increased generation of NO may induce myocardial damage. It has been suggested that NO can be either beneficial or harmful to the host, NO can protect the myocardium against damage from CVB3 infection by inhibiting viral replication. A better molecular understanding of the direct effect of viral infection on cardiac myocytes and the balance of beneficial and detrimental effects of the immune response will ultimately provide insight into the mechanisms by which viral infections cause cardiomyopathy in humans.

[Calcitonin gene-related peptide induces chemokine interleukine-8 synthesis in human monocytes].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on the function of immune cells. METHODS: Human monocytes were cultured with calcitonin gene-related peptide in vitro and activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The IL-8 level in the supernatant was measured with ELISA and the IL-8 mRNA expression in monocytes was observed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The chemotactic activity of monocytes to neutrophils and lymphocytes was analyzed with micro-chemotacxis chamber. Chemotactic index (CI) was calculated by the formula: number of monocytes migrating to the underside of membrane in the LPS + CGRP group/number of monocytes migrating to the underside of membrane in the control group. CGRP receptor antagonist CGRP8 - 37 was added into the culture to study the effect of CGRP. Blank control and cultures of monocytes with LPS or with CGRP only were used as controls. RESULTS: The level of IL-8 protein in the supernatant of the LPS + CGRP group was 1 120 pg/ml +/- 14.80 pg/ml, significantly higher than those in other groups (670 pg/ml +/- 15.10 pg/ml in LPS + CGRP + CGRP8 - 37 group). The expression of IL-8 mRNA in the LPS + CGRP group was the highest (IL-8/beta-actin = 1.845 +/- 0.587), IL-8/beta-actin in the LPS + CGRP + CGRP8 - 37 group was1.339 +/- 0.434. The chemotactic activities of the monocytes to neutrophils and lymphocytes were enhanced in the LPS + CGRP group (CI = 3.78 +/- 0.08 to neutrophils and CI = 3.4 +/- 0.27 to lymphocytes). The CI values were 1.15 +/- 0.31 and 1.21 +/- 0.06 respectively in the LPS + CGRP + CGRP 8 - 37 group. CONCLUSION: CGRP in the peripheral nerve ending induces monocytes to synthetize and secret chemotactic factor IL-8 and enhance the chemotactic activity of monocytes, thus promoting the directional migration and aggregation of neutrophils and lymphocytes to foci of inflammation.