Immunity and inflammation in pulmonary arterial hypertension: From pathophysiology mechanisms to treatment perspective.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe cardiopulmonary dysfunctional disease, characterized by progressive vascular remodeling. Inflammation is an increasingly recognized feature of PAH, which is important for the initiation and maintenance of vascular remodeling. High levels of various inflammatory mediators have been documented in both PAH patients and experimental models of PAH. Similarly, multiple immune cells were found to accumulate in and around the wall of remodeled pulmonary vessels and in the vicinity of plexiform lesions, respectively. On the other hand, inflammation is also a bridge from autoimmune diseases to PAH. Autoimmune diseases always lead to chronic inflammation, characterized by the low-level persistent infiltration of immune cells, and elevated levels of several pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. In addition, circulating autoantibodies are found in the peripheral blood of patients, indicating a possible role of autoimmunity in the pathogenesis of PAH. Thus, anti-inflammatory and immunotherapy might be new strategies to prevent or even reverse the process of PAH. Many anti-inflammatory agents and immunotherapies have been confirmed in animal models while some clinical trials employing immunotherapies are completed or currently underway. Here, we review pathological mechanisms associated with inflammation and immunity in the development of PAH, and discuss potential interventions for the treatment of PAH.

Probing the Potential Mechanism of Quercetin and Kaempferol against Heat Stress-Induced Sertoli Cell Injury: Through Integrating Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation.

Quercetin and kaempferol are flavonoids widely present in fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants. They have attracted much attention due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, and neuroprotective properties. As the guarantee cells in direct contact with germ cells, Sertoli cells exert the role of support, nutrition, and protection in spermatogenesis. In the current study, network pharmacology was used to explore the targets and signaling pathways of quercetin and kaempferol in treating spermatogenic disorders. In vitro experiments were integrated to verify the results of quercetin and kaempferol against heat stress-induced Sertoli cell injury. The online platform was used to analyze the GO biological pathway and KEGG pathway. The results of the network pharmacology showed that quercetin and kaempferol intervention in spermatogenesis disorders were mostly targeting the oxidative response to oxidative stress, the ROS metabolic process and the NFκB pathway. The results of the cell experiment showed that Quercetin and kaempferol can prevent the decline of cell viability induced by heat stress, reduce the expression levels of HSP70 and ROS in Sertoli cells, reduce p-NF-κB-p65 and p-IκB levels, up-regulate the expression of occludin, vimentin and F-actin in Sertoli cells, and protect cell structure. Our research is the first to demonstrate that quercetin and kaempferol may exert effects in resisting the injury of cell viability and structure under heat stress.

POLG Mutations Are Probably Rare in the Han Chinese Population.

Objective Mutations in polymerase gamma gene (POLG) are believed to be an important cause of early and juvenile onset of non-syndromic intractable epilepsy. The aim of this study is to investigate the incidence/prevalence of POLG pathogenic variants in epilespy patients of Han population through sequencing it.Methods Han Chinese patients with seizures prior valproic acid (VPA) exposure at Shanghai Children's Hospital were collected from 2015 to 2019. The clinical diagnosis was based on the 2014 Consensus Statement of Epilepsy by the International League against Epilepsy (ILAE). Blood sampling were performed before VPA treatment. The POLG gene DNA was sequenced by either the first or the next generation sequencing (NGS). The POLG variant burden was illustrated. Liver functions were tested to describe whether they experienced VPA toxicity.Results Totally 216 Han Chinese patients were included, aged from 1 month to 15 years old, 102 were male and 114 were female. The onset age was 1 month old to 13 years old, and the epilepsy course ranged from 2 weeks to about 3 years. VPA treatment was delivered for the generalized or intractable partial seizures at standard dosage. No patient experienced hepatic toxicity following VPA exposure. DNA sequencing data showed no patient had either a homozygous mutation or compound heterozygous mutation of POLG. Single heterozygous mutations of c.1150G>T and p.D384Y were found in 2 patients, and single heterozygous mutation of c.156_158dupGCA was found in 1 patient. None of these variants showed clinical significance.Conclusions Functional modifying POLG homozygous mutations and compound heterozygous mutations were not detected and VPA toxicity was not seen in the current study. POLG mutation frequency might be rare in Han Chinese, and standard VPA therapeutic dosage might be safe for Han Chinese patients.

Vasorelaxant effect of quercetin on cerebral basilar artery in vitro and the underlying mechanisms study.

The aim of this study is to investigate the vasorelaxant effect of quercetin on cerebral basilar artery in vitro and provide a preliminary discussion concerning the underlying mechanisms. Using a DMT-isolated micro vessel system, quercetin was found to exhibit a vasodilatory effect on basilar arteries contracted by potassium chloride (KCl), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). The vasorelaxant effect of quercetin was partially attenuated when endothelium cells were removed. L-NAME, indomethacin, and ODQ treatment also decreased the potency of quercetin. In endothelium-denuded rings, the vasorelaxant effect of quercetin was not influenced by K+ channel inhibitors. However, quercetin inhibited KCl induced extracellular calcium influx and ET-1 induced transient intracellular calcium release in a Ca2+-free solution. In conclusion, quercetin induced relaxation of the basilar artery in vitro is partially dependent on endothelium, which is mainly related to NO and COX pathways. It also induces relaxation through blockage of calcium channels.

DL0805-2, a novel indazole derivative, relaxes angiotensin II-induced contractions of rat aortic rings by inhibiting Rho kinase and calcium fluxes.

AIM: DL0805-2 [N-(1H-indazol-5-yl)-1-(4-methylbenzyl) pyrrolidine-3-carboxamide] is a DL0805 derivative with more potent vasorelaxant activity and lower toxicity. This study was conducted to investigate the vasorelaxant mechanisms of DL0805-2 on angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced contractions of rat thoracic aortic rings in vitro. METHODS: Rat thoracic aortic rings and rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were pretreated with DL0805-2, and then stimulated with Ang II. The tension of the aortic rings was measured through an isometric force transducer. Ang II-induced protein phosphorylation, ROS production and F-actin formation were assessed with Western blotting and immunofluorescence assays. Intracellular free Ca(2+) concentrations were detected with Fluo-3 AM. RESULTS: Pretreatment with DL0805-2 (1-100 µmol/L) dose-dependently inhibited the constrictions of the aortic rings induced by a single dose of Ang II (10(-7) mol/L) or accumulative addition of Ang II (10(-10)-10(-7) mol/L). The vasodilatory effect of DL0805-2 was independent of endothelium. In the aortic rings, pretreatment with DL0805-2 (1, 3, and 10 µmol/L) suppressed Ang II-induced Ca(2+) influx and intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization, and Ang II-induced phosphorylation of two substrates of Rho kinase (MLC and MYPT1). In VSMCs, pretreatment with DL0805-2 (1, 3, and 10 µmol/L) also suppressed Ang II-induced Ca(2+) fluxes and phosphorylation of MLC and MYPT1. In addition, pretreatment with DL0805-2 attenuated ROS production and F-actin formation in the cells. CONCLUSION: DL0805-2 exerts a vasodilatory action in rat aortic rings through inhibiting the Rho/ROCK pathway and calcium fluxes.

Salvianolic acid A attenuates vascular remodeling in a pulmonary arterial hypertension rat model.

AIM: The current therapeutic approaches have a limited effect on the dysregulated pulmonary vascular remodeling, which is characteristic of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). In this study we examined whether salvianolic acid A (SAA) extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine 'Dan Shen' attenuated vascular remodeling in a PAH rat model, and elucidated the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: PAH was induced in rats by injecting a single dose of monocrotaline (MCT 60 mg/kg, sc). The rats were orally treated with either SAA (0.3, 1, 3 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1)) or a positive control bosentan (30 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1)) for 4 weeks. Echocardiography and hemodynamic measurements were performed on d 28. Then the hearts and lungs were harvested, the organ indices and pulmonary artery wall thickness were calculated, and biochemical and histochemical analysis were conducted. The levels of apoptotic and signaling proteins in the lungs were measured using immunoblotting. RESULTS: Treatment with SAA or bosentan effectively ameliorated MCT-induced pulmonary artery remodeling, pulmonary hemodynamic abnormalities and the subsequent increases of right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP). Furthermore, the treatments significantly attenuated MCT-induced hypertrophic damage of myocardium, parenchymal injury and collagen deposition in the lungs. Moreover, the treatments attenuated MCT-induced apoptosis and fibrosis in the lungs. The treatments partially restored MCT-induced reductions of bone morphogenetic protein type II receptor (BMPRII) and phosphorylated Smad1/5 in the lungs. CONCLUSION: SAA ameliorates the pulmonary arterial remodeling in MCT-induced PAH rats most likely via activating the BMPRII-Smad pathway and inhibiting apoptosis. Thus, SAA may have therapeutic potential for the patients at high risk of PAH.

[An interpretation of consensus statements on diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis and demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system in children (2012 version)].

The International Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Study Group (IPMSSG) put forward the 2007 version of the diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis and other immune-mediated demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system in children in 2007 ("2007 version" for short). In 2012, IPMSSG proposed the new diagnostic criteria with reference to the latest research achievements of 150 members ("2012 version" for short). The 2012 version of the consensus statements covers the diagnostic criteria for acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, clinically isolated syndrome, neuromyelitis optica, and multiple sclerosis in children. As the two IPMSSG members in China, the authors give an interpretation of the 2012 version of the consensus statements with reference to related literature and clinical and scientific experience. The authors focus on how the 2012 version comprehensively and thoroughly elaborates on the clinical features, diagnostic criteria, influencing factors, and new ideas of acute demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system in children. These become more operable in clinical diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis and other immune-mediated demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system in children.

Brazilin isolated from the heartwood of Caesalpinia sappan L induces endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxation of rat aortic rings.

AIM: Brazilin is one of the major constituents of Caesalpinia sappan L with various biological activities. This study sought to investigate the vasorelaxant effect of brazilin on isolated rat thoracic aorta and explore the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Endothelium-intact and -denuded aortic rings were prepared from rats. The tension of the preparations was recorded isometrically with a force displacement transducer connected to a polygraph. The phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2 and myosin light chain (MLC) were analyzed using Western blotting assay. RESULTS: Application of brazilin (10-100 µmol/L) dose-dependently relaxed the NE- or high K(+)-induced sustained contraction of endothelium-intact aortic rings (the EC50 was 83.51±5.6 and 79.79±4.57 µmol/L, respectively). The vasorelaxant effect of brazilin was significantly attenuated by endothelium removal or by pre-incubation with L-NAME, methylene blue or indomethacin. In addition, pre-incubation with brazilin dose-dependently attenuated the vasoconstriction induced by KCl, NE or Ang II. Pre-incubation with brazilin also markedly suppressed the high K(+)-induced extracellular Ca(2+) influx and NE-induced intracellular Ca(2+) release in endothelium-denuded aortic rings. Pre-incubation with brazilin dose-dependently inhibited the NE-stimulated phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and MLC in both endothelium-intact and -denuded aortic rings. CONCLUSION: Brazilin induces relaxation in rat aortic rings via both endothelium-dependent and -independent ways as well as inhibiting NE-stimulated phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and MLC. Brazilin also attenuates vasoconstriction via blocking voltage- and receptor-operated Ca(2+) channels.

[Effect and mechanism of total flavonoids of bugloss on rats with myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury].

This study is to investigate the effect of total flavonoids of Uygur medicine bugloss (BTF) on rats with myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, and to explore the mechanisms by which it acts. Left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery in rats was occluded for 30 min followed by 4 h reperfusion. Meanwhile, BTF dissolved in saline was administered intraperitoneally at dosage of 10, 30 and 50 mg x kg(-1). Electrocardiograph, infarction index, serum myocardial enzymes and heart function were determined to evaluate the effect of BTF. Some other observations were carried out to explore whether inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis is involved in the mechanisms underlying BTF. Our results showed that in ischemia/reperfusion injured rats BTF could dose-dependently reduce myocardial infarction index and myocardial enzyme leakage, and enhance heart function, indicating that it possesses significant cardio protection. ELISA analysis showed that BTF could decrease the content of myocardial inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha. Western-blotting confirmed that BTF could increase the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and reduce the expression of proapoptosis protein Bax. Further more, the phosphorylation level of PI3K and Akt was upregulated by BTF treatment. BTF can protect rat against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. Anti-inflammation and inhibition of apoptosis through upregulating PI3K/Akt signal pathway may contribute to the protective effect of BTF.

Dan-Shen-Yin Granules Prevent Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension via STAT3/HIF-1α/VEGF and FAK/AKT Signaling Pathways.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) plays an important role in the treatment of complex diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases. However, it is hard to identify their modes of action on account of their multiple components. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of Dan-Shen-Yin (DSY) granules on hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (HPH), and then to decipher the molecular mechanisms of DSY. Systematic pharmacology was employed to identify the targets of DSY on HPH. Furthermore, core genes were identified by constructing a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and analyzed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes (KEGG) analysis. Related genes and pathways were verified using a hypoxia-induced mouse model and hypoxia-treated pulmonary artery cells. Based on network pharmacology, 147 potential targets of DSY on HPH were found, constructing a PPI network, and 13 hub genes were predicted. The results showed that the effect of DSY may be closely associated with AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and HIF-1 signaling pathways, as well as biological processes such as cell proliferation. Consistent with network pharmacology analysis, experiments in vivo demonstrated that DSY could prevent the development of HPH in a hypoxia-induced mouse model and alleviate pulmonary vascular remodeling. In addition, inhibition of STAT3/HIF-1α/VEGF and FAK/AKT signaling pathways might serve as mechanisms. Taken together, the network pharmacology analysis suggested that DSY exhibited therapeutic effects through multiple targets in the treatment of HPH. The inferences were initially confirmed by subsequent in vivo and in vitro studies. This study provides a novel perspective for studying the relevance of TCM and disease processes and illustrates the advantage of this approach and the multitargeted anti-HPH effect of DSY.

Polyglutamine-Specific Gold Nanoparticle Complex Alleviates Mutant Huntingtin-Induced Toxicity.

Huntington's disease (HD) belongs to protein misfolding disorders associated with polyglutamine (polyQ)-rich mutant huntingtin (mHtt) protein inclusions. Currently, it is indicated that the aggregation of polyQ-rich mHtt participates in neuronal toxicity and dysfunction. Here, we designed and synthesized a polyglutamine-specific gold nanoparticle (AuNP) complex, which specifically targeted mHtt and alleviated its toxicity. The polyglutamine-specific AuNPs were prepared by decorating the surface of AuNPs with an amphiphilic peptide (JLD1) consisting of both polyglutamine-binding sequences and negatively charged sequences. By applying the polyQ aggregation model system, we demonstrated that AuNPs-JLD1 dissociated the fibrillary aggregates from the polyQ peptide and reduced its ß-sheet content in a concentration-dependent manner. By further integrating polyethyleneimine (PEI) onto AuNPs-JLD1, we generated a complex (AuNPs-JLD1-PEI). We showed that this complex could penetrate cells, bind to cytosolic mHtt proteins, dissociate mHtt inclusions, reduce mHtt oligomers, and ameliorate mHtt-induced toxicity. AuNPs-JLD1-PEI was also able to be transported to the brain and improved the functional deterioration in the HD Drosophila larva model. Our results revealed the feasibility of combining AuNPs, JLD1s, and cell-penetrating polymers against mHtt protein aggregation and oligomerization, which hinted on the early therapeutic strategies against HD.

A novel hypertensive crisis rat model established by excessive norepinephrine infusion and the potential therapeutic effects of Rho-kinase inhibitors on it.

Hypertension crisis is a severe disease and needs emergency treatment in clinic. It is an important task to discover novel drugs which could lower the blood pressure steadily and quickly. However, animal models for screening anti-hypertensive crisis agents are unsatisfactory. The present study aimed to establish a new hypertensive crisis rat model and then explore the therapeutic effects of three Rho-kinase inhibitors including Fasudil, DL0805-1 and DL0805-2 on such a disease model. The hypertensive crisis symptoms were developed on male Wistar rats by subcutaneously injecting small doses of norepinephrine (NE) for 10 days in the initial stage. A sudden increase in blood pressure (BP) was then induced by excessive NE infusion. Compounds to be tested were intravenously injected into the rats immediately when the rapidly increased systolic blood pressure appeared. The results have shown that after small dose administration with NE, the rats could obtain acute BP increase to a high level without sudden death when a large dose of NE was injected. Fasudil, DL0805-1 and DL0805-2 could lower the blood pressure quickly in a dose dependent manner and improve the survival rate. The compounds also prevent the animals from organ damage. In conclusion, we established a novel hypertensive crisis animal model which could evaluate agents within a short time. In this model, we found that three Rho-kinase inhibitors have potential therapeutic effects on hypertensive crisis. This work might contribute to the discovery and development of new anti-hypertensive crisis drugs.

[The effect of CACNA1H gene G773D mutation on calcium channel function].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of CACNA1H gene mutation G773D on calcium channel function. METHODS: By the overlap extension PCR we introduced G773D mutation into a human Cav3.2acDNA for constructing the mutant. And then using whole cell clamp technique, we studied the alterations of channel behavior in transfected HEK-293 cells. RESULTS: There were no difference in kinetics of activation and inactivation of calcium channel between wild type and mutant. However comparing with the wild-type Cav3.2 channel, G773D mutant could increase the calcium current density significantly. CONCLUSION: CACNA1H gene G773D mutation is able to increase calcium current and neuronal excitability.

Fasudil evokes vasodilatation of rat mesenteric vascular bed via Ca(2+) channels and Rho/ROCK pathway.

As a Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, fasudil has been used in clinical trials of several cardiovascular diseases. This study was to investigate the vasorelaxant effect of fasudil on resistance arterial rings including mesenteric, renal, ventral tail and basilar artery. We also examined the potential mechanisms of its vasodilatory action using mesenteric artery rings. A DMT multiwire myograph system was used to test the tension of isolated small arteries. K(+) channel blockers, NO-cGMP pathway blockers and Ca(2+)-free physiological salt solution (PSS) were employed to verify the underlying mechanisms. Fasudil (10(-7)-10(-4)M) relaxed four types of small artery rings pre-contracted by 60mmol/l KCl (pEC50: 6.01±0.09, 5.47±0.03, 5.54±0.04, and 5.72±0.10 for mesenteric, renal, ventral tail and basilar artery rings, respectively). Pre-incubation with fasudil (1, 3, or 10µmol/l) attenuated KCl (10-60mmol/l) and angiotensin II (Ang II; 1µmol/l)-induced vasoconstriction in mesenteric artery rings. Fasudil at the concentration of 10(-6)mol/l showed different relaxant potency in endothelium intact (pEC50:6.01±0.09) or denued (5.75±0.06) mesenteric artery. The influx and release of Ca(2+) were inhibited by fasudil. In addition, fasudil could block the increased phosphorylation level of myosin light chain (MLC) and myosin-binding subunit of myosin phosphatase (MYPT1) induced by Ang II. However, pretreatment with various K(+) channel blockers did not affect the relaxant effects of fasudil remarkably. The present results demonstrate that fasudil has a vasorelaxant effect on isolated rat resistance arteries, including mesenteric, renal, ventral tail and basilar artery, and may exert its action through the endothelium, Ca(2+) channels, and the Rho/ROCK pathway.

Methyl salicylate 2-O-ß-d-lactoside alleviates the pathological progression of pristane-induced systemic lupus erythematosus-like disease in mice via suppression of inflammatory response and signal transduction.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), with a high incidence rate and insufficient therapy worldwide, is a complex disease involving multiple organs characterized primarily by inflammation due to deposition of immunocomplexes formed by production of autoantibodies. The mechanism of SLE remains unclear, and the disease still cannot be cured. We used pristane to induce SLE in female BALB/c mice. Methyl salicylate 2-O-ß-d-lactoside (MSL; 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg) was orally administered 45 days after pristane injection for 4.5 months. The results showed that MSL antagonized the increasing levels of multiple types of antibodies and cytokines in lupus mice. MSL was found to suppress joint swelling and have potent inhibitory effect on arthritis-like symptoms. MSL also significantly decreased the spleen index and expression of inflammatory markers in the lupus mice. MSL protected the kidneys of lupus mice from injury through inhibiting the expression of inflammatory cytokines and reducing the IgG and C3 immunocomplex deposits. Further Western blot assays revealed that the downregulation of the intracellular inflammatory signals of NFκB and JAK/STAT3 might be the potential molecular mechanisms of the pharmacological activity of MSL against SLE in vivo. These findings may demonstrate that MSL has the potential to be a useful and highly effective treatment for SLE.

Case-control study and transmission/disequilibrium tests of the genes encoding GABRA5 and GABRB3 in a Chinese population affected by childhood absence epilepsy.

BACKGROUND: Childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) is one of the most frequently recognized syndromes among the idiopathic generalized epilepsies (IGEs). CAE is considered to be a genetic disease, with a possible polygenic inheritance pattern. The genes responsible for CAE have not been identified yet. The object of this study was to investigate whether or not CAE is associated with the gene encoding the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) type-A receptor subunits alpha5 (GABRA5) and beta3 (GABRB3) in a Chinese population. METHODS: Five microsatellite DNA repeats, 69CA, 85CA, 155CA1, 155CA2, and A55CA1, adjoining chromosome 15q11-q13, were used as genetic markers. Both case-control study and transmission/disequilibrium tests (TDTs), as well as fluorescence-based semi-automated genotyping techniques, were used in 90 CAE patient-mother-father trios and 100 normal controls of Han ethnicity to conduct association analysis. RESULTS: The frequencies of allele 5 of 69CA, alleles 2 and 8 of 85CA, alleles 6 and 7 of 155CA1, allele 2 of 155CA2, and alleles 1 and 11 of A55CA1 were significantly higher in CAE patients than in normal controls. To prevent spurious associations arising from population admixture, we further conducted TDT tests in the 90 CAE trios. The results of TDT analysis further suggested that microsatellite DNA repeats 85CA, 155CA1, and 155CA2 were associated with CAE. CONCLUSIONS: GABA type-A receptor subunit genes GABRA5 and GABRB3 may be either directly involved in the etiology of CAE in the Chinese population or in linkage disequilibrium with disease-predisposing sites.

[Analysis on mutation of adrenoleukodystrophy gene in exon 1 and exon 5].

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the molecular mechanism of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy(ALD) in Chinese. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction in exon 1, exon 5 and their flanking sequences and direct DNA sequencing of ALD gene were performed in four patients, their mothers and twenty normal individuals as controls. RESULTS: A splice mutation was identified in the interface of exon 5 and intron 5 (1875 G-->A). This splice mutation in 5' end of intron 5 might lead to abnormal splice in exon 5 and exon 6 and bring about unstable and abnormal ALD protein; the lignoceryl CoA ligase could not transport very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA) into peroxisome and could not function normally; consequently, defective beta-oxidation of VLCFA in peroxisome could result in an accumulation of VLCFAS in the central nervous system, adrenal gland and blood. CONCLUSION: The splice mutation in 5' end of intron 5 leading to abnormal splice in exon 5 and exon 6 appears to be one of the causes of X-linked recessive adrenoleukodystrophy.

[Association of child absence epilepsy with T-STAR gene].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the Association of child absence epilepsy with T-STAR gene. METHODS: PCR was conducted on the DNA of peripheral blood white cells from 48 children with child absence epilepsy (CAE), 47 male and 49 female, aged 2.9 approximately 14, of Han nationality in Northern China and 48 healthy children in the same area to amplify the exons of T-STAR gene The PCR products underwent sequencing to identify the possible mutations. RESULTS: No mutation was found in the exons of the T-STAR gene, however, 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were found. A case-control study was carried out, using SNP1 and SNP2. There was no significant difference in genotype frequency of the 2 SNPs between the CAE group and control group (SNA1: chi(2) = 2.965, df = 1, P = 0.085; SNP2: chi(2) = 2.965, df = 1, P = 0.085). There was no significant difference in allele frequency of the 2 SNPs between the CAE group and control group too (SNA1: chi(2) = 3.185, df = 2, P = 0.203; SNP2: chi(2) = 3.185, df = 2, P = 0.203). CONCLUSION: T-STAR may not be a susceptibility gene for CAE in Chinese populations.

Complete Mitochondrial Genome of the Red Fox (Vuples vuples) and Phylogenetic Analysis with Other Canid Species.

The whole mitochondrial genome sequence of red fox (Vuples vuples) was determined. It had a total length of 16 723 bp. As in most mammal mitochondrial genome, it contained 13 protein coding genes, two ribosome RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes and one control region. The base composition was 31.3% A, 26.1% C, 14.8% G and 27.8% T, respectively. The codon usage of red fox, arctic fox, gray wolf, domestic dog and coyote followed the same pattern except for an unusual ATT start codon, which initiates the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 3 gene in the red fox. A long tandem repeat rich in AC was found between conserved sequence block 1 and 2 in the control region. In order to confirm the phylogenetic relationships of red fox to other canids, phylogenetic trees were reconstructed by neighbor-joining and maximum parsimony methods using 12 concatenated heavy-strand protein-coding genes. The result indicated that arctic fox was the sister group of red fox and they both belong to the red fox-like clade in family Canidae, while gray wolf, domestic dog and coyote belong to wolf-like clade. The result was in accordance with existing phylogenetic results.

[T-type calcium channel gene-CACNA1H is a susceptibility gene to childhood absence epilepsy].

OBJECTIVE: Childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) is one of the most frequently recognized syndromes among the idiopathic generalized epilepsies (IGEs). It is considered to be a hereditary disease. The possible inheritance pattern of CAE is polygenic. The genes responsible for CAE, however, have not yet been identified. The aim of this study was to further investigate based on the authors' recent work whether or not T-type calcium channel gene-CACNA1H is a susceptibility gene to childhood absence epilepsy. METHODS: The authors conducted the mutation screening of the exons 6-12 and the nearby partial introns of the CACNA1H gene using the method of direct sequencing of PCR products in 48 newly found CAE patients. RESULTS: The authors found 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). They also found 4 mutations which only existed in CAE patients. Both G773D and H515Y mutations were heterozygous. The mutation of H515Y has never been reported previously. The patient inherited the mutation from his mother. The authors found two CAE patients with the mutation of G773D previously. This is the third time that the authors found one more CAE family with this G773D mutation, and the patient with the mutation G773D inherited the mutation from his father. CONCLUSION: T-type calcium channel gene-CACNA1H might be a susceptibility gene to childhood absence epilepsy.