Combined laparoscopic-endoscopic approach for gastric glomus tumor: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Gastric glomus tumor (GGT) is rare submucosal mesenchymal tumor that lacks specific clinical manifestations and is usually treated mainly by traditional surgical resection. This paper presents a case of a GGT, exhibited both intraluminally and extraluminally growth that was removed by laparoscopy-gastroscopy cooperative surgery. CASE SUMMARY: A 52-year-old male presented with epigastric discomfort accompanied by a sense of fullness for 3 mo. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy identified a submucosal lump located in the gastric antrum. Endoscopic ultrasonography identified a 2.4 cm × 1.8 cm lump located in the gastric antrum. It originated from the muscularis propria and exhibited both intraluminally and extraluminally growth, with hypoechoicity on the periphery, hyperechoicity in the middle, and unclear boundaries. Computed tomography showed nodular thickening of 3.0 cm × 2.2 cm in the gastric wall of the gastric antrum, and after enhancement, the lesion exhibited obvious enhancement We suspected that it was a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (glomus tumor and schwannoma were not excluded) and planned to perform laparoscopy-gastroscopy cooperative surgery. Immunohistochemical staining after the operation revealed that spinal muscular atrophy (+), h-caldesmon (+), cluster of differentiation 34 (CD34) (+), 2% Ki-67-positive rate, CD56, melanoma antigen, CD117, discovered on GIST-1, leukocyte common antigen, caudal type homeobox 2, cytokeratin, and S-100 were all negative. The tumor was finally diagnosed as a GGT. CONCLUSION: GGTs are rare submucosal tumors of the stomach and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of gastric submucosal tumors. Laparoscopy-gastroscopy cooperative surgery is less invasive and more precise and could be an effective method for the treatment of GGTs.

Genome-Wide Identification, Classification, and Expression Profiling Reveals R2R3-MYB Transcription Factors Related to Monoterpenoid Biosynthesis in Osmanthus fragrans.

Osmanthus fragrans is widely grown for the purpose of urban greening and the pleasant aroma emitted from its flowers. The floral scent is determined by several monoterpenoid volatiles, such as linalool and its oxides, which are a few of the most common volatiles and the main components of the essential oils in most sweet osmanthus cultivars. In addition, the relative contents of cis- and trans-linalool oxide (furan) may affect the aromas and quality of the essential oils. MYB proteins represent the largest family of transcription factors in plants and participate in regulating secondary metabolites. Several cis-elements, especially AC-rich regions, are known to be bound by 2R-MYBs and could be found in the promoter of the enzyme genes in the terpenoid metabolic pathway. However, there has to date been no investigation into the 2R-MYB family genes involved in regulating terpenoid biosynthesis in O. fragrans. Here, 243 non-redundant 2R-MYB proteins were grouped into 33 clusters based on the phylogeny and exon-intron distribution. These genes were unevenly distributed on 23 chromosomes. Ka/Ks analysis showed that the major mode of 2R-MYB gene evolution was purifying selection. Expression analysis indicated that 2R-MYB genes in O. fragrans exhibited varied expression patterns. A total of 35 OfMYBs representing the highest per kilobase per million mapped reads in the flower were selected for quantitative real-time PCR analysis. The correlation analysis between the expression level and the contents of fragrant compounds at different flowering stages suggested that OfMYB19/20 exhibited remarkably positive correlation with the accumulation of cis-linalool oxides. OfMYB51/65/88/121/137/144 showed significantly negative correlations with one or more linalool oxides. Characterization of these proteins revealed that OfMYB19 and OfMYB137 were localized in the nuclei, but did not show transcriptional activation in the yeast system, which suggested that they may be bound to other transcription factors to exert regulatory functions. These findings provide useful information for further functional investigation of the 2R-MYBs and offer a foundation for clarifying the 2R-MYB transcription factors involved in the molecular mechanism of the regulation of monoterpenoid biosynthesis in Osmanthus fragrans.

Bachelor groups in primate multilevel society facilitate gene flow across fragmented habitats.

In the face of ongoing habitat fragmentation, many primate species have experienced reduced gene flow resulting in a reduction of genetic diversity, population bottlenecks, and inbreeding depression, including golden snub-nosed monkeys Rhinopithecus roxellana. Golden snub-nosed monkeys live in a multilevel society composed of several 1 male harem units that aggregate to form a cohesive breeding band, which is followed by one or more bachelor groups composed of juvenile, subadult, and adult male members. In this research, we examine the continuous landscape resistance surface, the genetic diversity and patterns of gene flow among 4 isolated breeding bands and 1 all-male band in the Qinling Mountains, China. Landscape surface modeling suggested that human activities and ecological factors severely limit the movement of individuals among breeding bands. Although these conditions are expected to result in reduced gene flow, reduced genetic diversity, and an increased opportunity for a genetic bottleneck, based on population genetic analyses of 13 microsatellite loci from 188 individuals inhabiting 4 isolated breeding bands and 1 all-male band, we found high levels of genetic diversity but low levels of genetic divergence, as well as high rates of gene flow between males residing in the all-male band and each of the 4 breeding bands. Our results indicate that the movement of bachelor males across the landscape, along with their association with several different breeding bands, appears to provide a mechanism for promoting gene flows and maintaining genetic diversity that may counteract the otherwise isolating effects of habitat fragmentation.

Characterization of the complete plastid genome of fireweed, Epilobium angustifolium, Shaanxi, China.

In this article, we studied the complete chloroplast genome of Fireweed, Epilobium angustifolium, an essential herbaceous perennial species of the genus Epilobium (Onagraceae), we used Illumina sequencing platform to characterize its whole plastid genome sequence. The results showed that its whole plastid genome is a typical qudaripartite circular molecule with 161,199 bp in total length, which contains a large single-copy region of 89,076 bp, a small single-copy region of 17,321 bp, and two inverted repeat regions of 27,401 bp. We identified 130 genes, 85 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA, and 8 rRNA genes within this genome. The GC content in the chloroplast genome, LSC region, SSC region, and IR region were 38.1, 36.3, 33.1, and 42.7%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that this plant was placed as a sister to the congeneric Epilobium ulleungensis, the two species were clustered into a clade with high bootstrap support.

Evaluation of Predictive Value of Artificial Insemination in Anti-Mullerian Hormone in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

@#【Objective】To evaluate the role of serum antimullerian hormone （AMH） concentration in predicting clinical outcomes in controlled ovarian stimulation and intrauterine insemination （IUI）. 【Methods】 A retrospective analysis of IUI data from patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and infertility in our reproductive center from January 2014 to August 2017. According to the clinical outcomes，data was divided into three groups：clinical pregnancy group，non-pregnant group，and cancellation cycle group due to multiple follicular or no dominant follicular develop. The ovarian function evaluation indexes were compared such as serum AMH，basal FSH and basal sinus follicle（AFC）. The cutoff values of the AMH to predict multi- follicular development or no dominant follicular development which IUI cycles were cancelled，and to predict obtain cumulative clinical pregnancy outcomes were calculated according to the ROC curve to cancel the cycle. 【Results】 The clinical pregnancy rates of PCOS patients were from 15.9% to 17.1% ，while the cumulative clinical pregnancy rate increased in repeat cycles （≤3 cycles） was 21.6% ，significantly higher than the average clinical pregnancy rate（16.7%）during the first cycle. AMH levels in the cancelled cycle group were significantly higher than those in the non-cancelled cycle group［（14.1±6.5）vs（10.3±4.3）ng/mL，（14.1±6.5）vs（9.3±4.3）ng/mL， P<0.025］. Compared with the clinical pregnancy group，cancel cycle group and non- pregnant group，the mean AFC of the former two groups were significantly higher［（34.5±11.4）vs（30.7±11.3），（7.8±10.8）vs（30.7±11.3），P<0.025］. In addition，we found that women′ s age，baseline FSH were negatively correlated with the cumulative pregnancy rate of repeated IUI cycles，and women′s baseline BMI，baseline LH，AFC，and AMH were positively correlated with cumulative pregnancy rates. The number of mature follicles on the HCG triggering day，as well as the value of AMH，may be the influencing factor of IUI cumulative clinical pregnancy. By ROC curve analysis，we assume that AMH is more suitable than the AFC to predict IUI cycle cancellation rate and the cumulative pregnancy rate.【Conclusion】Repeated IUI cycles can be improved cumulative pregnancy rate of PCOS infertile couples. AMH，as an important index to measure ovarian reserve function，can be used to predict the the IUI cumulative clinical pregnancy outcomes and cancelled cycle rates：as AMH increased to more than 6.56 ng/mL，the pregnancy rate increased；but when AMH ≥14.72 ng/mL，the risk of cancelled IUI cycles was increased，becasues of multi-follicular developing and absence of dominant follicle development.

Transfection of adenovirus-mediated mircoRNA-126 gene into infant hemangioma endothelial cells in vitro.

Objective: To investigate the effects of microRNA-126 (miR-126) overexpression on hemangioma endothelial cells (HemECs). Methods: An adenoviral vector containing the miR-126 gene was constructed. HemECs were passaged and expanded and adenovirus-mediated green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene was transfected in vitro. The infection efficiency of adenovirus vector to HemECs was tested by Ad-GFP infection procedure. GFP expression efficiency was observed using a fluorescence microscope and flow cytometry was used to determine the best virus multiplicity of infection (MOI). The experiment was divided into the blank group, AD-GFP group, and AD-miR-126 group. The miR-126 group was transfected into HemECs in vitro with adenovirus-mediated miR-126 gene under optimal MOI conditions. RT-PCR was applied to detect expression of miR-126 gene in cells. The influence of recombinant adenovirus on cell activity was evaluated by CCK-8 assay. Flow cytometry was utilized to detect cell cycle and apoptosis. Results: HemECs could be effectively infected by adenovirus containing GFP gene in vitro, the transfection efficiency had the dose-effect relationship with multiplicities of infection (MOI). When MOI was 400, the infection efficiency was more than 90%. miR-126 expression in HemECs was significantly enhanced in miR-126 group (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, cell proliferation was significantly enhanced (P<0.05) and induced S-phase arrest significantly (P<0.05) when miR-126 was upregulated. In addition, compared with the control group, the early apoptotic rate was significantly decreased by upregulating miR-126 (P<0.05). Conclusion: miR-126 overexpression can successfully promote proliferation and inhibit apoptosis of HemECs. This work will provide the theoretical and experimental basis for further transplantation study in vivo.

Male cooperation for breeding opportunities contributes to the evolution of multilevel societies.

A small number of primate species including snub-nosed monkeys (colobines), geladas (papionins) and humans live in multilevel societies (MLSs), in which multiple one-male polygamous units (OMUs) coexist to form a band, and non-breeding males associate in bachelor groups. Phylogenetic reconstructions indicate that the papionin MLS appears to have evolved through internal fissioning of large mixed-sex groups, whereas the colobine MLS evolved through the aggregation of small, isolated OMUs. However, how agonistic males maintain tolerance under intensive competition over limited breeding opportunities remains unclear. Using a combination of behavioural analysis, satellite telemetry and genetic data, we quantified the social network of males in a bachelor group of golden snub-nosed monkeys. The results show a strong effect of kinship on social bonds among bachelors. Their interactions ranged from cooperation to agonism, and were regulated by access to mating partners. We suggest that an 'arms race' between breeding males' collective defence against usurpation attempts by bachelor males and bachelor males' aggregative offence to obtain reproductive opportunities has selected for larger group size on both sides. The results provide insight into the role that kin selection plays in shaping inter-male cohesion which facilities the evolution of multilevel societies. These findings have implications for understanding human social evolution, as male-male bonds are a hallmark of small- and large-scale human societies.

Effect of Chinese herb chicory extract on expression of renal transporter Glut9 in rats with hyperuricemia / 中国中药杂志

Sixty SD male rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, benzbromarone group(20 mg•kg⁻¹•d⁻¹), chicory extract high dose, middle dose and low dose groups (5, 7.5, 10 g•kg⁻¹•d⁻¹). The rats in normal group were given with water, and the rats in other groups were given with 10% fructose solution to establish hyperuricemia models. All the rats were sacrificed on the 42th day. Then their serum uric acid(SUA), serum creatinine(CRE), urea nitrogen(BUN) and urinary uric acid(UUA) levels were detected to calculate the clearance rate of uric acid in kidney(CUA). Meanwhile, the protein and gene expression levels of renal glucose transporter family member 9(Glut9) were detected by immunohistochemical and Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR) methods. The effects of Chinese herb chicory extract on expression of renal Glut9 and decreasing uric acid were explored in this study, and the results showed that chicory extract could reduce SUA level in rats with hyperuricemia, increase renal CUA, decrease the protein expression of renal Glut9, inhibit uric acid re-absorption in kidney, and thus promote renal uric acid excretion.

Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of patients with glaucoma: An analysis of hospital data between 2003 and 2012.

PURPOSE: To assess demographic and clinical characteristics of glaucoma patients in an Ophthalmologic Hospital of Jinan, China from 2003 to 2012. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical charts of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG), and secondary glaucoma (SG) were reviewed. The main outcome measures of patients with glaucoma included basic demographic data (age at presentation, gender, and residence), clinical characteristics (admission date, intraocular pressure, and naked vision), and previous history (injury, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, and alcohol consumption). RESULTS: Data from 1458 glaucoma patients were reviewed, of which PACG and SG patients accounted for 45.40% and 47.19%, respectively. The average age of all patients with glaucoma increased from 56.05 years in 2003 to 57.83 years in 2012, and the proportion of patients from rural areas rose from 46.43% to 59.13% during 10-year period. Female gender, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension were associated with PACG. POAG was related to smoking and alcohol consumption. There was positive correlation between SG and history of injury and diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSION: PACG and SG are the major types of glaucoma. Gender, injury, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, smoking, and alcohol consumption were associated with different types of glaucoma.

Genome-wide mapping of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in three rice cultivars reveals its preferential localization in transcriptionally silent transposable element genes.

5-Hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), a modified form of cytosine that is considered the sixth nucleobase in DNA, has been detected in mammals and is believed to play an important role in gene regulation. In this study, 5hmC modification was detected in rice by employing a dot-blot assay, and its levels was further quantified in DNA from different rice tissues using liquid chromatography-multistage mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS/MS). The results showed large intertissue variation in 5hmC levels. The genome-wide profiles of 5hmC modification in three different rice cultivars were also obtained using a sensitive chemical labelling followed by a next-generation sequencing method. Thousands of 5hmC peaks were identified, and a comparison of the distributions of 5hmC among different rice cultivars revealed the specificity and conservation of 5hmC modification. The identified 5hmC peaks were significantly enriched in heterochromatin regions, and mainly located in transposable elements (TEs), especially around retrotransposons. The correlation analysis of 5hmC and gene expression data revealed a close association between 5hmC and silent TEs. These findings provide a resource for plant DNA 5hmC epigenetic studies and expand our knowledge of 5hmC modification.

Antitumor and Adjuvant Activity of λ-carrageenan by Stimulating Immune Response in Cancer Immunotherapy.

λ-Carrageenan is a seaweed polysaccharide which has been generally used as proinflammatory agent in the basic research, however, how the immunomodulating activity of λ-carrageenan affects tumor microenvironment remains unknown. In this study, we found that intratumoral injection of λ-carrageenan could inhibit tumor growth in B16-F10 and 4T1 bearing mice and enhance tumor immune response by increasing the number of tumor-infiltrating M1 macrophages, DCs and more activated CD4(+)CD8(+) T lymphocytes in spleen. In addition, λ-carrageenan could enhance the secretion of IL17A in spleen and significantly increase the level of TNF-α in tumor, most of which was secreted by infiltrating macrophages. Moreover, λ-carrageenan exhibited an efficient adjuvant effect in OVA-based preventative and therapeutic vaccine for cancer treatment, which significantly enhanced the production of anti-OVA antibody. The toxicity analysis suggested that λ-carrageenan was with a good safety profile. Thus, λ-carrageenan might be used both as a potent antitumor agent and an efficient adjuvant in cancer immunotherapy.

Synergic antitumor effect of SKLB1002 and local hyperthermia in 4T1 and CT26.

A de novo VEGFR2-inhibited compound SKLB1002 which is independently developed in our laboratory has been described for antiangiogenesis and displays a potent antitumor activity in vivo and in vitro. In the present investigation, we aim to prove that combination therapy of SKLB1002 with hyperthermia plays a synergy as an antitumor agent in solid tumor. In this study, we analyzed their synergetic inhibitory action on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), murine mammary cancer 4T1, murine colon carcinoma CT26 in vitro. Multiply-table tournament was performed to detect cell proliferation in vitro. 4T1 implantation and CT26 implantation in BALB/c mice were used to examine the activity of combination therapy of SKLB1002 with hyperthermia in vivo. Vascular density was determined by CD31 immunohistochemistry. TUNEL was used to measure apoptosis in tumor tissue. Metastasis assay was investigated via measurement of pulmonary metastasis nodules under the microscope. Potential toxicity of combination therapy was observed by histologic analysis of main organs stained with H&E. In vitro, the combination therapy significantly inhibited cell proliferation of HUVEC, 4T1 and CT26. In vivo, 4T1 and CT26 model experiments showed that combination therapy remarkably inhibited tumor growth and prolonged life span. When compared with controls, combination therapy reached 61 % inhibition index of tumor growth against CT26 and 51 % against 4T1. Moreover, it reduced angiogenesis and increased tumor apoptosis and necrosis. It was further found that combination therapy could efficiently prevent tumor from metastasizing to lung. Importantly, it had no toxicity to main organs including heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidney. Combination treatment has been proved to be a novel and strong strategy in clinical antitumor therapy. Our findings suggest that the combination therapy of SKLB1002 with hyperthermia has a synergistic antiangiogenesis, anticancer and promotion of apoptosis efficacy compared with controls. These findings could pave a new way in clinical tumor therapy.

Chicory extract's influence on gut bacteria of abdominal obesity rat / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the efficacy mechanisme of chicory extract interventing abdominal obesity rat from the aspect of gut bacteria.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Male SD rats were randomly divided into five groups, namely the normal group, model group, large and small dose group of chicory and the fenofibrate group. Normal group was given deionized water, the other group was given fructose water and give the medical treatment of chicory and fenofibrate. Assay triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL by biochemical methods and measure body weight and abdominal circumference and microscopicly observe the count changes of gut bacteria through real-time PCR method.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Compared with normal group, the triglyceride level and abdominal circumference were significantly higher (P < 0.05), weight and high-density lipoprotein increased but no significant changes and E. coli, lactobacillus increased significantly. Compared with model group, chicory extract large and small dose group and the fenofibrate group can significantly reduce triglyceride levels (P < 0.05), reduce the number of E. coli and Lactobacillus and increase the number of bifidobacteria. The fenofibrate group can significantly reduce total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein levels.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The chicory's treatment effect on abdominal obesity is significant. The efficacy mechanisme intervention abdominal obesity may be related to the reduction of the number of lactic acid bacteria and E. coli and the increase of bifidobacteria.</p>

Codelivery of curcumin and doxorubicin by MPEG-PCL results in improved efficacy of systemically administered chemotherapy in mice with lung cancer.

Systemic administration of chemotherapy for cancer often has toxic side effects, limiting the doses that can be used in its treatment. In this study, we developed methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(caprolactone) (MPEG-PCL) micelles loaded with curcumin and doxorubicin (Cur-Dox/MPEG-PCL) that were tolerated by recipient mice and had enhanced antitumor effects and fewer side effects. It was shown that these Cur-Dox/MPEG-PCL micelles could release curcumin and doxorubicin slowly in vitro. The long circulation time of MPEG-PCL micelles and the slow rate of release of curcumin and doxorubicin in vivo may help to maintain plasma concentrations of active drug. We also demonstrated that Cur-Dox/MPEG-PCL had improved antitumor effects both in vivo and in vitro. The mechanism by which Cur-Dox/MPEG-PCL micelles inhibit lung cancer might involve increased apoptosis of tumor cells and inhibition of tumor angiogenesis. We found advantages using Cur-Dox/MPEG-PCL micelles in the treatment of cancer, with Cur-Dox/MPEG-PCL achieving better inhibition of LL/2 lung cancer growth in vivo and in vitro. Our study indicates that Cur-Dox/MPEG-PCL micelles may be an effective treatment strategy for cancer in the future.

[Growth ability of human dental pulp cells on three bioactive scaffolds].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the proliferation and differentiation of the human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) on the bioactive scaffolds. METHODS: Primary HDPCs were harvested from impacted third molars of healthy adult individuals (18-25 years of age) by enzyme digestion, expanded and cultured. The cells used for this investigation were the 4 th passage. Immunohistochemical methods were used to verify that the cells were dental pulp cells. The expression of stromal precursor antigen-1 (STRO-1) was determined by flow cytometry. Three different types of scaffolds were used: collagen (COL), collagen / bioglass (COL-BG) and collagen / bioglass / polycaprolactone (COL-BG-PCL). Cell proliferation on the scaffolds was determined using a MTT assay at hour 6, on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 14 and 21. On day 14, the scaffolds were stained with the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining kit. RESULTS: The tested cells had STRO-1 positive cells. The proliferation of HDPCs was significantly higher on the COL-BG scaffold and COL-BG-PCL scaffold as compared with COL scaffold (P<0.05). Especially on days 14 and 21, the optical density value of bioglass composite scaffold were 5 times that of the COL scaffold. The ALP positive staining area was observed more extensively on the COL-BG scaffold and COL-BG-PCL scaffold than on the COL scaffold. CONCLUSION: As comparison with the COL scaffold, HDPCs' proliferation and differentiation present more activity on the COL-BG and COL-BG-PCL scaffolds.

[Recent progresses in RNA N6-methyladenosine research].

RNA modifications, especially methylation of the N6 position of adenosine (A)--m6A, represent an emerging research territory in RNA biology. m6A is a post-transcriptional modification of RNAs, which is catalyzed by the mRNA: m6A methyltransferase complex containing three individual components and is the most common form found in the internal sequences of mRNAs in eukaryotes. Latest study showed that the fat mass and obesity-associated protein could remove the methyl group, indicating that the modification is reversible. Importantly, inhibiting or silencing the methyltransferase will cause significant changes of phenotypes. However, due to limited detection methods, the mechanism of m6A has not been figured out yet. Next-generation sequencing combining with IP (immunoprecipitation) technologies makes it possible to detect m6A modifications in a large scale. Here, we reviewed recent progresses of m6A studies including the discovery of m6A, mechanism of biosynthesis, tissue and genome distribution, detection methodology and possible biological functions. We also compared three IP-seq technologies that are currently widely used, and summarized the challenges in m6A studies.

Synthesis and anti-tubercular activity of novel alkyl substituted riminophenazine derivatives.

A series of novel riminophenazine derivatives bearing an alkyl substituent attached to N-5 and imino nitrogen at C-3 position of the phenazine ring were obtained through rational drug design, aiming to maintain high anti-tubercular activity, lower toxicity and reduce lipophilicity. All target compounds were prepared by utilizing simple and flexible synthetic route and evaluated against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv and screened for mammalian cytotoxicity. The results demonstrated that compounds with a cyclopropyl substituent at N-5 position were more active than the reference compound clofazimine. In particular, 2-(4-chloroanilino)-5-cyclopropyl-3-(4-methoxycyclohexyl) imino-3, 5-dihydrophenazine (25) was found to be the most potent compound with low cytotoxicity and lipophilicity. This compound could serve as a valuable lead molecule for further optimization.

[Expression of various subtypes of human leukocyte antigen-G in placenta of patients complicated with severe pre-eclampsia].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the different expression of various subtypes of human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) in placenta of patients complicated with severe pre-eclampsia. METHODS: Ten placental samples from early-onset severe pre-eclamptic pregnancies and ten from late-onset severe pre-eclamptic pregnancies were collected as study group; ten placental samples from preterm pregnancies and ten from normal pregnancies were collected as control group. The levels of HLA-G protein in the four groups were measured by western blot and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: (1) HLA-G1 protein decreased significantly in both the early-onset (2.4 ± 0.6 versus 2.9 ± 1.1, P < 0.05) and the late-onset pre-eclampsia groups (3.5 ± 2.1 versus 4.2 ± 2.4, P < 0.05). (2) HLA-G5 protein increased in the late-onset pre-eclampsia groups (1.8 ± 1.1 versus 1.1 ± 0.9, P < 0.05); the increase in the early-onset pre-eclampsia group is not obvious (1.6 ± 0.9 versus 1.4 ± 0.7, P > 0.05). (3) The level of HLA-G1 protein in placenta from patients complicated with premature labor is lower (2.9 ± 1.1 versus 4.2 ± 2.4, P < 0.05); HLA-G5 protein does not change significantly (1.4 ± 0.7 versus 1.1 ± 0.9, P > 0.05). (4) HLA-G1 and G5 proteins mainly express in the placenta extravillous cytotrophoblast cells. There is also a high level of expression around the blood vessels and in the extraembryonic mesoderm. CONCLUSIONS: (1) HLA-G1 decreased significantly in both the early-onset and late-onset pre-eclamptic patients. (2) HLA-G5 increased in both the early-onset and late-onset pre-eclamptic patients, and the increase in the late-onset pre-eclamptic patients is obvious. (3) In late pregnancy, the level of HLA-G1 is lower in patients complicated with premature labor, this may be the result of its earlier pregnancy week; HLA-G5 does not change significantly. (4) HLA-G1 and G5 mainly express in the placenta extravillous cytotrophoblast cells.