A comprehensive investigation of RHD polymorphisms in the Chinese Han population in Xi'an.

BACKGROUND: This study is a comprehensive analysis of RHD in D-negative phenotypes in saline, in Xi'an, Shanxi province, central China. MATERIAL AND METHODS: DCcEe in saline was measured for each blood sample from every donor between January 2008 and June 2012 in the Xi'an Blood Centre, China. D-negative results were confirmed by an indirect antiglobulin test and further investigated by adsorption-elution as required. The initial step of molecular analysis was RHD zygosity testing. Then RHD was detected by a sequence-specific polymerase chain reaction system for RHD(1227G>A), weak D type 15, and RHD(711delC) alleles for the samples carrying at least one RHD. For the remaining non-identified samples, ten RHD exons were amplified using a previously widely used RHD coding region sequencing method. Some RHD/RHCE conversion alleles were identified while those remaining were submitted to direct sequencing. RESULTS: Overall, 2,493 D-negative samples in saline were detected in a total of 890,403 donors (D-negative rate, 0.28%). Among the D-negative individuals, RHD deletion (d/d) was assessed in 1685 donors (67.59%). Non-functional RHD alleles were detected in 184 donors (7.38%), the most common being the RHD-CE(2-9)-RHD and RHD(711delC) alleles. Two new alleles were observed and family investigations were performed; RHD(1227G>A) DEL was detected in 516 individuals (20.70%), and weak D or partial D variants were identified in 108 donors (4.33%). The most common alleles were weak D type 15, D(VI) type 3 and D(V) type 2. Four new weak D alleles were noted, and two cases of RHD(1227G>A)/weak D type 15 heterozygosity were confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: Currently, it seems to be difficult to observe any new RHD alleles in the Han Chinese population. D prediction in this population is easier because popular alleles are dominant, accounting for about 99.80% of alleles in D-negative people. Weak D types and partial D variants are rare and occur in approximately 0.01% of the population.

DEL RBC transfusion should be avoided in particular blood recipient in East Asia due to allosensitization and ineffectiveness.

Previously, both primary and secondary anti-D alloimmunizations induced by "Asian type" DEL (RHD1227A allele) were observed in two incidents. We investigated how often these alloimmunization events occur. The transfusions of any D-negative patients were investigated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University Medical College, China, during the entire 2009. The antigens of D, C, c, E, and e were routinely serotyped. The "Asian type" DEL variant was genotyped and the RHD heterozygote was determined through two published methods. The changes in anti-D levels were monitored by the indirect antiglobulin test (IAT) and flow cytometry. Thirty D-negative transfused patients were included in the study. We focused on 11 recipients who were transfused with packed red blood cells (RBCs) from DEL donors at least one time. Of those 11 recipients, seven were anti-D negative before transfusion and four were anti-D positive (one patient with an autoantibody). One of the seven pre-transfusion anti-D negative patients produced a primary-response anti-D after being transfused with 400 ml of DEL blood twice. All four pre-transfusion antibody positive patients were not observed hemoglobin (Hb) levels increased, as expected after transfusions. Two patients had an increase in anti-D from 1:8 to 1:64 by IAT, which was also shown by flow cytometry. None of the patients experienced an acute hemolytic episode. Our data indicated that the primary anti-D induced by DEL transfusion or the secondary anti-D elevated by DEL in a truly D-negative patient might not be unusual. We suggest that a truly D-negative childbearing-aged woman should avoid DEL transfusion to protect her from primary anti-D allosensitization. In addition, anti-D positive recipients should also avoid DEL red cell transfusion due to the delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR).

[Monosaccharide composition analysis and its content determination of polysaccharides from Rhaponticum uniforum].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the monosaccharide composition in the polysaccharides from Rhaponticum uniforum, determine the content of monosaccharide, and provide some references for further research. METHOD: The monosaccharide composition was determined by high performance anion exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD). Phenol-sulfuric acid method was used for the determination of the content of polysaccharide. RESULT: The monosaccharides composition in polysaccharides from R. uniforum are glucose, arabonose and fructose. Their molar ratios are 1 : 1.61 : 2.21. The content of polysaccharide is 95.78%, taking the mixture of monosaccharide compositions as reference substances. CONCLUSION: HPAEC-PAD can be used to analyze the monosaccharide composition in the polysaccharide with high precision, and the method of phenol-sulfuric acid is simple, convenient and reliable.

[Determination of Pb, Cd, Hg and As in three sorts of Chinese traditional medicine treating tumor by ICP-MS].

A method was proposed to determine Pb, Cd, Hg and As in three sorts of Chinese traditional medicine treating tumor (Jinkehuaier, Huachansu and Fufangkushen) by ICP-MS. The result shows that the contents of the four elements Pb, Cd, Hg and As in these three sorts of Chinese traditional medicine treating tumor are low, which are all correspond with the import standard in Southeast Asia. The contents of Hg and As in Jinkehuaier are higher than the standard of U.S. FDA about drug and health food. ICP-MS is a quick and accurate method for the determination of Pb, Cd, Hg and As in Chinese traditional medicine.