Postbiotics: emerging therapeutic approach in diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a prevalent microvascular complication in diabetic patients that poses a serious risk as it can cause substantial visual impairment and even vision loss. Due to the prolonged onset of DR, lengthy treatment duration, and limited therapeutic effectiveness, it is extremely important to find a new strategy for the treatment of DR. Postbiotic is an emerging dietary supplement which consists of the inactivate microbiota and its metabolites. Numerous animal experiments have demonstrated that intervention with postbiotics reduces hyperglycemia, attenuates retinal peripapillary and endothelial cell damage, improves retinal microcirculatory dysfunction, and consequently delays the progression of DR. More strikingly, unlike conventional probiotics and prebiotics, postbiotics with small molecules can directly colonize the intestinal epithelial cells, and exert heat-resistant, acid-resistant, and durable for storage. Despite few clinical significance, oral administration with postbiotics might become the effective management for the prevention and treatment of DR. In this review, we summarized the basic conception, classification, molecular mechanisms, and the advances in the therapeutic implications of postbiotics in the pathogenesis of DR. Postbiotics present great potential as a viable adjunctive therapy for DR.

Metabolic enzymes: key modulators of functionality in cancer stem-like cells.

Cancer Stem-like Cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of cancer cells with self-renewal capacity and are important for the initiation, progression and recurrence of cancer diseases. The metabolic profile of CSCs is consistent with their stem-like properties. Studies have indicated that enzymes, the main regulators of cellular metabolism, dictate functionalities of CSCs in both catalysis-dependent and catalysis-independent manners. This paper reviews diverse studies of metabolic enzymes, and describes the effects of these enzymes on metabolic adaptation, gene transcription and signal transduction, in CSCs.

Postoperative Regulatory T-Cells and Natural Killer Cells in Stage I Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer Underwent Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Lobectomy or Thoracotomy.

BACKGROUND: Regulatory T-cells (Treg) play key roles in suppressing cell-mediated immunity in cancer patients. Little is known about perioperative Treg fluctuations in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) lobectomy, as a minimal invasive procedure for treating NSCLC, may have relatively less impact on the patient's immune system. This study aimed to observe perioperative dynamics of circulating Treg and natural killer (NK) cell levels in NSCLC patients who underwent major lobectomy by VATS or thoracotomy. METHODS: Totally, 98 consecutive patients with stage I NSCLC were recruited and assigned into VATS or thoracotomy groups. Peripheral blood samples were taken on 1-day prior to operation, postoperative days (PODs) 1, 3, 7, 30, and 90. Circulating Treg and NK cell counts were assayed by flow cytometry, defined as CD4 + CD25 + CD127 low cells in CD4 + lymphocytes and CD56 + 16 + CD3- cells within CD45 + leukocytes respectively. With SPSS software version 21.0 (SPSS Inc., USA), differences between VATS and thoracotomy groups were determined by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and differences between preoperative baseline and PODs in each group were evaluated by one-way ANOVA Dunnett t-test. RESULTS: In both groups, postoperative Treg percentages were lower than preoperative status. No statistical difference was found between VATS and thoracotomy groups on PODs 1, 3, 7, and 30. On POD 90, Treg percentage in VATS group was significantly lower than in thoracotomy group (5.26 ± 2.75 vs. 6.99 ± 3.60, P = 0.012). However, a higher level of NK was found on all PODs except on POD 90 in VATS group, comparing to thoracotomy group. CONCLUSIONS: Lower Treg level on POD 90 and higher NK levels on PODs 1, 3, 7, 30 in VATS group might imply better preserved cell-mediated immune function in NSCLC patients, than those in thoracotomy group.

Inflammatory cytokines, adiponectin, insulin resistance and metabolic control after periodontal intervention in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of periodontal intervention on inflammatory cytokines, adiponectin, insulin resistance (IR), and metabolic control and to investigate the relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and moderately poor glycemic control and chronic periodontitis. METHODS AND PATIENTS: A total of 190 moderately poorly controlled (HbA1c between 7.5% and 9.5%) T2DM patients with periodontitis were randomly divided into two groups according to whether they underwent periodontal intervention: T2DM-NT and T2DM-T group. The levels of serum adiponectin, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), lipid profile, glucose, insulin, homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and homeostasis model assessment of ß-cell function (HOMA-ß) were measured at baseline and after 3 months. RESULTS: The levels of clinical periodontal variables, the probing depth, attachment loss, bleeding index, and plaque index were improved significantly in T2DM-T group after 3 months compared to T2DM-NT group (all p<0.01). After 3 months, the serum levels of hsCRP, TNF-α, IL-6, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting insulin (FINS) and HOMA-IR index decreased, and adiponectin was significantly increased in T2DM-T group compared to those in the T2DM-NT group (p<0.05 or p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Periodontal intervention can improve glycemic control, lipid profile and IR, reduce serum inflammatory cytokine levels and increase serum adiponectin levels in moderately poorly controlled T2DM patients.

[Drug resistance and associated factors on HIV in Liangshan prefecture, Sichuan province].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the HIV drug resistance among HIV/AIDS patients who had received highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAATR) in Liangshan prefecture and related factors. METHODS: This investigation was conducted from August to October 2010. Data on epidemiology, treatment, CD4(+) T cell, viral load and drug resistance tests were collected. RESULTS: 233 (73.50%) had a viral load of < 1000 copy/ml, with the median CD4(+) T cell count as 329 cell/µl. 26 samples appeared to be drug resistant, with the rate as 8.20%. Among 84 patients with antiviral therapy failure, the overall drug resistance rate was 30.95% (26/84). While 24 (28.57%) were resistant to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) drugs. Among nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI), 7 (8.33%) were resistant. 1 (1.19%) had protease inhibitor (PI) resistance mutations identified. Factors that significantly associated with drug resistance would include: being injecting drug users (AOR = 3.37, 95%CI: 1.06 - 10.66, P = 0.0390), having had chronic diarrhea > 1 month (AOR = 8.38, 95%CI: 1.87 - 37.69, P = 0.0055), having had CD4(+) T cell < 200 (AOR = 3.48, 95%CI: 1.29 - 9.39, P = 0.0139), being residents from Butuo area (AOR = 17.68, 95%CI: 4.97 - 62.86, P < 0.0001). When comparing with other areas, data from Butuo showed that people who carried Yi ethnicity (AOR = 17.35, 95%CI: 2.01 - 149.73, P = 0.0095) and were literate (having had primary or higher levels of education) (AOR = 0.18, 95%CI: 0.08 - 0.42, P < 0.0001), being married or having cohabited relations (AOR = 8.17, 95%CI: 2.35 - 28.39, P = 0.001) were found to be less adherent (AOR = 0.05, 95%CI: 0.02 - 0.13, P < 0.0001) to the treatment. CONCLUSION: Successful antiviral outcomes were seen among those AIDS patients under treatment, in Liangshan prefecture. Resistance rates were significantly different in regions. For IDUs, enforcement on subjects including prevention on drug resistance, adherence to HAART and treatment for drug addiction should be strengthened and programs being integrated.

Changes of adiponectin and inflammatory cytokines after periodontal intervention in type 2 diabetes patients with periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine serum adiponectin, C-reactive protein (CRP), TNF-α and IL-6 levels in impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with periodontitis before and after periodontal intervention, and to investigate the relationship between T2DM and periodontitis. METHODS: A total of 50 IGT and 106 T2DM patients with periodontitis were enrolled. The T2DM patients were divided into two groups: T2DM without macrovascular disease (DM1) group and T2DM with macrovascular disease (DM2) group. Each group was randomly divided into two subgroups according to whether they performed periodontal intervention. The normal control group (NC group) consisted of 30 healthy adults. The serum adiponectin, CRP, TNF-α and IL-6 levels were measured at baseline and 3 months after periodontal intervention. RESULTS: The serum adiponectin levels at baseline had decreased tendency with significant difference between each two groups, while CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels had increased tendency with significant difference between each two groups among NC, IGT, DM1 and DM2 groups (all P<0.01). At 3 months after periodontal intervention, the serum adiponectin levels were increased than those without periodontal intervention (all P<0.01), while CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α significantly decreased (all P<0.05) in both IGT and DM1 groups. In DM2 group, only CRP levels at 3 months after periodontal intervention were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Moreover, the HbAlc levels in T2DM patients were improved at 3 months after periodontal invention (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Periodontal intervention is helpful for glucose control, which may be associated with increased serum adiponectin levels and decreased inflammatory cytokine levels.

[Factors associated with retention in a community-based methadone maintenance treatment among heroin addicts].

OBJECTIVE: To explore factors associated with retention in a community-based methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) among heroin addicts in Xichang of Sichuan province. METHODS: All 206 heroin addicts were first admitted to MMT community-based program between March to September 2004. Baseline data of patients characteristics, social function, drug using behaviors, sexual behaviors, dose of methadone and retention were collected. RESULTS: Up to Oct, 2005, all 206 patients contributed 8.98 +/- 5.74 person-months of following-up. The retention rates were 58.7% after 6 months and 34.6% after 12 months respectively. Cox proportional hazard regression model indicated that the employed (HR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.39 - 0.92), helping family to do housework in past 30 days more than once a day (HR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.42 - 0.82) and previous self-detoxification > or = 3 times (HR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.47 - 0.91) were independently associated with retention. CONCLUSION: We should give individual counseling to help heroin addicts increasing compliance.

Association of platelet-monocyte aggregates with platelet activation, systemic inflammation, and myocardial injury in patients with non-st elevation acute coronary syndromes.

BACKGROUND: Platelet-monocyte aggregates (PMA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are increased in unstable coronary disease. The interrelation of PMA with platelet activation, systemic inflammation, and their association with markers of myocardial injury has not been studied extensively. HYPOTHESIS: The study was undertaken to evaluate the association of CRP, PMA, and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in patients admitted with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS). METHODS: In all, 69 consecutive patients with NSTE-ACS, 58 patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP), and 46 control patients without coronary artery disease were selected; PMA, sP-selectin, sCD40L inter leukin, (IL)-6, CRP, and cTnI concentrations were measured in these patients at the time of admission. Patients with NSTE-ACS were classified into two groups: those with troponin normal (cTnI < 0.06 ng/ml) and those with troponin elevation (cTnI > or = 0.06 ng/ml). Their risk for clinical in-hospital cardiac events (death and nonfatal myocardial infarction) was analyzed. RESULTS: Compared with SAP and control, patients with NSTE-ACS exhibited higher levels of PMA, sP-selectin, sCD40L, IL-6, and CRP. All these parameters were found to be higher (p < 0.001 ) in patients with troponin elevation than in those with normal troponin. There was a significant relationship between PMA and CRP (r =0.628, p < 0.001) and cTnI (r = 0.557, p < 0.001) in patients with NSTE-ACS. Logistic analysis further demonstrated that the presence of elevated PMA, CRP, and cTnI levels each confers and increases risk of future cardiac events. CONCLUSIONS: Levels of PMA and CRP were significantly increased in patients with NSTE-ACS, especially in those with troponin elevation. This increase is strongly related to the risk of in-hospital cardiac events. A panel of PMA, CRP, and cTnI may provide important information additional to current laboratory data for the treatment of NSTE-ACS.

[A prospective cohort study on human immunodeficiency virus and syphilis seroconversion among injecting drug users].

OBJECTIVE: To study the rate of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seroconversion, HIV transmission and related risk factors among injecting drug users (IDUs) in an area of Sichuan province. METHODS: In November 2002, a community-based baseline survey was conducted to recruit 333 HIV-seronegative IDUs for a prospective cohort study in Xichang county of Sichuan province, China. Follow-up visits were carried out every 6 months to study the situation of drug use, sexual behaviors of the IDUs and blood specimens were collected to test for antibodies against HIV and syphilis. RESULTS: During a 24-month follow-up period, cohort retention rate and HIV incidence were 75.7% and 2.53 per 100 person-years [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10-3.97)], respectively. Multivariate Poisson regression model showed that risk factors which were significantly associated with HIV seroconversion would include: ethnicity (RR = 12.42; 95% CI: 2.72-56.74, P = 0.0012) and needle or syringe sharing in the past 3 months (RR = 4.06; 95% CI: 1.29-12.81, P = 0.0168). Syphilis seroconversion in this cohort was 4.71 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 2.59-6.82). In multivariate Poisson regression being female (RR = 4.42; 95% CI: 1.78-10.99, P = 0.0014) appeared to be the only factor which was significantly associated with syphilis seroconversion. CONCLUSION: Our study results showed that there was a rapid transmission of HIV and syphilis among IDUs in Sichuan province, suggesting that effective intervention should be urgently taken.

[Study on the function of decoction for invigorating the kidney and improving blood circulation to thrombosis on rabbit blood stasis model].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of decoction for invigorating the kidney and improving blood circulation to thrombosis and pathology on rabbit blood stasis model. METHOD: Thirty rabbits were ramdomly divided into normal group, model group, high dose group, low dose group and Xue Shuan Ning group. Tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI), fibrinogen (Fbg) and D-dimer (DD) were investigated after those rabbits had been treated. One rot was solected randomly from each group to observe pathological changes. RESULT: There were significant differences in t-PA, PAI, Fbg and DD between normal group and other groups is very obvious (P < 0.01) . Between groups of high dose low dose Xue Shuan Ning and model, the statistical differeces were significant, as well as between groups of high dose, low dose and Xue Shuan Ning groups (P < 0.05). However, there was no statistical difference between high dose group and high dose group (P > 0.05). The pathological changes in model group were most serious, those in Xue Shuan Ning were less serious. There were slight pathological changes in high dose group and low dose group. CONCLUSION: Models ware made successfully. High dose group and low dose group have stronger effect on thrombosis than Xue Shuan Ning group.

[Elevated serum secretory type II phospholipase A2 in patients with coronary heart disease].

OBJECTIVE: To measure the serum level of secretory type II phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) in patients with coronary heart disease and investigate the possible relationship with IL-8 and LPA. METHODS: A total of 110 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), 63 patients with stable coronary heart disease (SCHD) group and 89 non-CHD control patients were studied. Serum levels of sPLA2, IL-8, LPA and hs-CRP were measured and the correlation among these parameters was observed. RESULTS: The levels of serum sPLA2 [(68 +/- 17) U/ml], IL-8 [(182 +/- 80) pg/ml] and LPA [(2.85 +/- 0.36) micromol/L] were significantly higher in CHD patients than those in controls [sPLA2: (55 +/- 12) U/ml; IL-8: (119 +/- 33) pg/ml; LPA: (2.34 +/- 0.36) micromol/L, all P < 0.01], and sPLA2 and IL-8 were also significantly higher in ACS patients [sPLA2: (71 +/- 18) U/ml; IL-8: (195 +/- 78) pg/ml] than those in SCHD patients [sPLA2: (63 +/- 12) U/ml; IL-8: (159 +/- 79) pg/ml, both P < 0.01]. Serum sPLA2 level was positively correlated with hs-CRP, IL-8 and LPA (r = 0.203, P = 0.007; r = 0.658, P < 0.01; r = 0.231, P = 0.005, respectively). The relative risk of having CHD is 6.248 (P < 0.01) with the sPLA2 level above 63.75 U/ml. CONCLUSION: Elevated serum sPLA2 level is a risk factor for CHD.

[Incidence rates of human immunodeficiency virus and syphilis as well as the rate of retention in a 6-month follow-up study of female sex workers in areas with heavy drug use in Xichang of Sichuan province, China].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis incidence rates as well as the retention rate in a cohort with 6-month follow-up study among female sex workers (FSWs). METHODS: From December, 2004, to January, 2005, a community-based baseline survey was conducted to recruit 343 FSWs for a prospective cohort study in Xichang county of Sichuan province, China. Follow-up visits were conducted at 6 months to analyze risk factors associated with cohort retention for subjects' baseline sociodemographic and sexual behavioral characteristics. Blood specimens were also collected to test antibodies against HIV and syphilis. RESULTS: During the 6-month follow-up period, HIV and syphilis incidence appeared to be 1.00 per 100 person-years and 6.23 per 100 person-years, respectively. The rate of retention in the cohort was 53.6% (184/343). Results from multivariate logistic regression model showed that factors were significantly associated with cohort retention including people with minority ethnic background (OR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.18-0.74), people having participated in AIDS prevention program (OR = 1.83; 95% CI: 1.17-2.86) or being clients in the last 6 months > or = 50 (OR = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.11-2.77) and having changed living/working place (OR = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.33-0.94). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that the syphilis incidence and unprotected sex behavior were high among local FSWs. People belonged to Han nationality, having participated in AIDS prevention program and having a steady living/working place were associated with cohort retention at 6-month follow-up study among FSWs, respectively.

[Ion-pair solid-phase extraction (SPE) and HPLC analysis of paraquat in biological sample].

OBJECTIVE: To establish an HPLC method for the determination of Paraquat in biological samples. METHODS: Paraquat in biological samples was extracted by C18 columns which were pre-treated with cetyl-trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and soudium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), and analysed by HPLC/DAD. RESULTS: The detection limit of the method was 1 ng x mL(-1), and the average recoveries were 81%-94%. CONCLUSION: The method can be used to analysis of paraquat in biological samples.

[An 1-year prospective cohort study on mortality of injecting drug users].

OBJECTIVE: To study the mortality among injecting drug users (IDUs) from an IDUs cohort in Liangshan of Sichuan province. METHODS: In November 2002, 376 injecting drug users were recruited and followed up for 1 year as part of a prospective cohort study. Socio-demographics and risk behaviors on drug use were recorded. After one year, the mortality rate was estimated and risk factors for mortality were analyzed using Cox regression. RESULTS: Out of the original cohort of 376 participants, there were 28 reported and confirmed deaths during the one year follow-up period. The mortality rate of the cohort was 77.32 per 1000 person-years (95% CI: 48.68 - 105.95) with the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) as 47.62 (95% CI: 31.63 - 68.71). Out of the 28 deaths, 64.3% (18/28) caused by overdoses of drug. No variables were found to be associated with death of all causes, but being un-married and >or= 9 year history of injecting drugs were found to be associated with overdose-related mortality in the final model of Cox regression. The hazard ratios were 4.51 (95% CI: 1.03 - 19.67) and 2.77 (95% CI: 1.10 - 7.00) respectively. CONCLUSION: Overdose served the most frequent cause of deaths in Liangshan of Sichuan province. Future studies should be conducted to focus on mortality and risk factors associated with mortality among IDUs to provide targeted interventions in reducing unnatural mortality.

An imaging study using laminin peptide 99mTc-YIGSR in mice bearing Ehrlich ascites tumour.

BACKGROUND: The YIGSR is a pentapeptide, from the laminin-1 of the beta1 chain, which can mediate cell adhesion and bind the 67 kD laminin receptor. The purpose is to evaluate the usefulness of (99m)Tc-YIGSR, a novel tumour radiotracer, in the receptor imaging of Ehrlich ascites tumour. METHODS: Using S-acetly-NH3-MAG3 as chelate, YIGSR, a pentapeptide from laminin, was tagged with (99m)Tc. (99m)Tc-YIGSR was detected in the tumour group bearing Ehrlich ascites tumour and blocked group. Tumour, normal, inflammatory and blocked groups were imaged. RESULTS: Through reverse phase Sep-Pak C18 chromatogram, it was revealed that YIGSR could conjugate with S-acetly-NH3-MAG3, and be radiolabelled at room temperature and neutral pH with a radiolabelling yield of 62%, and of 4% without chelate. (99m)Tc-YIGSR was rapidly cleared from kidney, then liver. The imaging findings showed tumour tissue accumulated initial radioactivity at fifteen minutes after injection in the tumour group, and the uptake increased to peak at three hours with a tumour/muscle ratio (T/M) of 11.36, then cleared slowly to a T/M of 7.50 at eight hours. The tumour uptake of radiotracer in blocked group was significantly lower with T/M of 4.61 at three hours and 0.89 at eight hours. The T/M was only 3.72 at three hours and 1.29 at eight hours after injection in inflammatory group. Compared with inflammatory group and control obstructive group, the ratio of T/M in tumour group was significantly different (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Using S-acetly-NH3-MAG3, we radiolabelled YIGSR with (99m)Tc. (99m)Tc-YIGSR possesses many merits of tumour imaging: rapid visualization, high sensitivity and specificity, and satisfactory target/nontarget ratio. Our data suggest (99m)Tc-YIGSR is a promising tumour radiotracer.

[Single nucleotide polymorphisms of HIV coreceptor CCR5 gene in Chinese Yi ethnic group and its association with HIV infection].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of HIV-1 coreceptor CCR5 gene in Chinese Yi ethnic group and the association between these SNPs and HIV/AIDS. METHODS: Peripheral blood samples of 102 HIV negative persons of Chinese Yi nationality, 87 males amd 15 females, aged 23 (12-37), and 68 HIV carriers, 61 males and 7 females, aged 27 (17-51). The regulatory and structural regions of the HIV coreceptor CCR5 gene were amplified from the genomic DNA by nested PCR, each of the two regions was divided into three gene fragments which were overlapped. High throughput DHPLC was used for screening of unknown mutations in each gene fragment. The PCR products showing different peak traces from wild types in DHPLC were sequenced by forward and reverse primers respectively. The sequences were analyzed with the help of Sequence Navigator software to search for SNP loci. Statistical analysis by SPSS and PPAP softwares were made to study the association between these SNPs and HIV infection. RESULTS: Five SNPs (A77G, G316A, T532C, C921T, and G668A) and a AGA deletion of the 686-688 nucleotides were discovered in the coding region of this gene in Chinese Yi ethnic group. C921T mutation was a nonsense mutation, and the other SNPs (A77G, G316A, T532C, and G668A) are sense mutation, with the amino acid changes of K26R, G106R, C178R, and R223Q. Only the frequency of R223Q allelic gene was high (0.08) but those of the others were low (less than 0.01). There was no significant difference in the allele frequency between the HIV negative and HIV positive groups (all P > 0.05). Five SNP loci (T58934G, G59029A, T59353C, G59402A, and C59653T) were found in the regulatory region of CCR5 gene with high allelic frequencies of 0.1912-0.2941. Between the HIV negative and HIV positive groups, there were no differences in the SNP loc (all P > 0.05). Statistical analysis of the association between the linkage of mutation loci with HIV infection suggested a significant difference in the haplotype frequency of T59353C-G59402A between the HIV negative and HIV positive groups of the Yi population. CONCLUSION: A high throughput screening method of detecting unknown genetic mutation DHPLC can effectively analyze the SNP of CCR5 regulatory and structural regions in Chinese Yi ethnic group.

[Community-based survey on human immunodeficiency virus infection among injection drug users in Sichuan, China].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and risk factors for its transmission among injection drug users (IDUs) in Liangshan Yizu Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province, China. METHODS: A community-based survey was conducted to investigate demographic characteristics, pattern and frequency of sharing injection equipment, and sexual behaviors in IDUs. Blood samples were also collected from them to detect for antibodies against HIV and syphilis. RESULTS: A total of 379 subjects were recruited with informed consent for study through community outreach and peer recruiting methods. Their prevalence of HIV infection was 11.3% (43/379). Ethnicity, frequency of sharing syringes and cotton swab during the past three months and syphilis infection associated with HIV infection by univariate analysis using chi-square test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed odds ratio of frequency of sharing syringes for HIV infection during the past three months was 2.28 (95% CI 1.18 - 4.43), and that for syphilis infection 3.10 (95% CI 1.48 - 6.48). CONCLUSION: Frequency of sharing syringes during the past three months associated with syphilis and HIV infection.

[Study on the relationship between hepatitis C virus infection and sharing injection equipment, sexual behavior among injecting drug users].

OBJECTIVE: To study hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission through different modes of sharing injection equipment and sexual behavior among injecting drug users (IDUs) in Liangshan of Sichuan province. METHODS: A community-based survey was conducted to investigate past and current demographic data, injection equipment sharing patterns and sexual behavior of IDUs. Blood samples were also taken to test for HCV. The survey was conducted between Nov 8 and Nov 29, 2002. 379 subjects were screened through outreach recruitment and peer informing. SPSS (11.5) was used for data analysis. RESULTS: HCV prevalence was 71.0% (269/379). Needles or syringes sharing in the past three months and past syphilis infection were strongly associated with HCV transmission after univariate analysis using chi-square test. Trend analysis indicated that HCV infection rate increased along with the increase of needles or syringes sharing, sharing of rinse water and the number of peers sharing the equipments. Data from multivariate logistic regression showed that sharing of needles or syringes and history of syphilis infection were significantly associated with HCV transmission. No significant difference was found between HCV infection and sexual behavior after univariate analysis using chi-square test. CONCLUSION: Further sero-epidemiological prospective cohort studies should be conducted to clarify the relationship between different modes of sharing injection equipment, sexual behavior and HCV infection.

[Genetic polymorphism of human immunodeficiency virus coreceptor CCR5Delta32 and CCR2-64I alleles in Chinese Yi Ethnic group in Sichuan].

OBJECTIVE: To explore genetic polymorphisms CCR5 of HIV coreceptor and CCR2 in Chinese Yi Ethnic group in Sichuan. METHODS: Genomic DNA samples were obtained from 119 healthy individuals and 88 HIV-1 infected individuals of Chinese Yi Ethnic group in Sichuan. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), cloning and gene sequencing techniques were employed to identify the genotype of CCR5Delta32; PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and gene sequencing were employed to identify the CCR2-64I alleles. RESULTS: At CCR5 locus, 2 heterozygotes (CCR5-wt/Delta32) and none homozygote (CCR5-Delta32/Delta32) were observed in 119 healthy individuals, allelic frequency of CCR5-Delta32 was 0.84%; No mutant was found in 88 HIV-1 infected individuals. At CCR2 locus, 26 heterozygotes (CCR2-64V/64I) and two homozygotes (CCR2-64I/64I) were observed in healthy individuals but the allelic frequency CCR2-64I was 12.61%. Among infected individuals, 12 heterozygotes (CCR2-64V/64I) and 7 homozygotes (CCR2-64I/64I) were observed and the allelic frequency CCR2-64I was 13.27%. Statistical analysis revealed that the differences of both loci between healthy and infected individuals were insignificant. Both loci were consistent with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in the two different groups. CONCLUSION: The polymorphism of CCR5Delta32 and CCR2-64I alleles from Chinese Yi Ethnic group was detected which was of significance for the evaluation of genetic resistance to HIV-1 infection in Chinese population.

[Study on function of decoction for invigorating the kidney and improving blood circulation on rabbits blood stasis model].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of decoction for invigorating the kidney and improving blood circulation to thrombosis on rabbits blood stasis model. METHOD: Thirty rabbits were randomly divided into normal group, model group, heavy dose group, slight dose group and xue shuan ning group. Tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI), fibrinogen (Fbg) and D-dimer (DD) were investigated after those rabbits had been treated. One was selected randomly from each group to observe pathological changes. RESULT: There was significant difference in t-PA, PAI, Fbg and DD between normal group and other groups (P < 0.01). Among groups of heavy dose, slight dose, xue shuan ning and model, the statistical differences were significant, as well as among groups of heavy dose, slight dose and xue shuan ning (P < 0.05). However, there was no statistical difference between heavy dose group and slight dose group (P > 0.05). The pathological changes in model group were most serious, and those in xue shuan ning were less serious. There were slight pathological change in heavy dose group and light dose group. CONCLUSION: Models were made successfully. Heavy dose group and slight dose group have stronger effect on thrombosis than xue shuan ning group.