Genetic polymorphisms of TLR2 locus in Chinese Cantonese population

AIM: Toll-like receptor 2 ( TLR2 ) was a significant pathogen recognition receptor in innate immune system. The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of TLR2 polymorphisms in the general population of Chinese Cantonese. METHODS: Peripheral blood samples were collected from 200 unrelated healthy Chinese Cantonese individuals. The functional regions of TLR2 locus, including promoter region and all three exons with their surrounding intronic regions were amplified using PCR and sequenced in a random sample of 24 subjects. TLR2 genotyping in other 176 subjects was performed using PCR-sequence specific primer and PCR. RESULTS: A total of 5 single nucleotides polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected, the two of which were novel. SNPs located in the coding region were all synonymous substitutions. The most common SNP was rs3804099 with the minor allele frequency of 26.3%. One 22 bp insertion/deletion (INDEL) polymorphism was found in exon 1 with the deletion allele frequency of 31.8%. All polymorphic sites were consistent with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Neutrality test suggested that TLR2 in Chinese Cantonese did not significantly deviate from the neutral model. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis showed complete LD between SNP-18945 C/T and SNP-18 883 C/G, and strong LD between SNP rs3804099 and SNP rs3804100. CONCLUSION: This is the first report on the distribution of TLR2 polymorphisms in the general population of China. It provided some ethnic specific polymorphisms, which might help in the further studies of disease association in Chinese.     

Toll like receptor 4- a potential transmembrane receptor contributes to the cardiac remodeling of hypertension

AIM: To observe the expression of Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) in the left ventricle of Goldblatt rats and to explore the role and mechanism of TLR4 in left ventricular remodeling of hypertension.METHODS: Goldblatt model of Two-kidney,one-clip(2K1C) renovascular hypertension was induced in twenty-five rats(H group),and twenty rats served the sham-operated group(sham group).The tail cuff blood pressure was detected every week and echocardiogram was observed every other week.After eight weeks of operation,the rats were killed and the samples of the left ventricle were collected.The concentration of AngⅡ in left ventricle was assessed by radioimmunoassay.Western blotting and RT-PCR were used to exam the mRNA and protein expression of TLR4 in the left ventricle.Immunohistochemistry was adopted to exam the location of TLR4 in the myocardium.RESULTS: TLR4 mRNA and protein expression were consistently upregulated in the left ventricle of H group compared with sham group.In H group,predominantly sarcolemmal staining was observed,especially focal areas of intense TLR4 staining were found in juxtaposed regions of two or more adjacent myocytes;However,in sham group,TLR4 expression was diffuse and presumably cytoplasmic.Considerable correlation was found between blood pressure,MESS,LVMI,RWT,the concentration of AngⅡ in left ventricle and the protein expression of TLR4 in myocytes.CONCLUSION: During the development of left ventricular remodeling of Goldblatt rats,expression of TLR4 increases significantly.Enhanced expression of TLR4 locates in the sarcolemma,especially in juxtaposed regions of two or more adjacent myocytes.These indicate that TLR4 transmembrane receptor which is closely relative with inflammation and immunity probably contributes to the development of ventricular remodeling.     

Association analysis between two SNPs in SNCA and PARK16 genes and Parkinson disease in a Han Chinese population in Liaoning area

AIM: To investigate the genotypic frequency of rs3857059 in SNCA gene and rs16856139 in PARK16 gene for determining the potential genetic risk factors of Parkinson disease (PD) in a Han Chinese population in Liaoning area of China. METHODS: The genomic DNA from 213 PD patients and 214 matched controls was amplified in the multiplex PCR system and subsequently genotyped by digestion with endonuclease Pvu II. Genetic parameter and association studies were carried out with SPSS 13.0 and PLINK 1.07 software. RESULTS: We accurately detected all genotypes in the 2 loci with PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) techniques. The gene frequency of G allele in the rs3857059 locus was higher in PD group than that in control group with statistical significance (χ²= 7.592,P<0.01, OR=0.677, 95% CI=0.517~0.888). The T allele frequency in the rs16856139 locus was lower in PD group than that in control group and statistical result revealed a significant difference (χ²=11.511, P<0.01, OR=0.390, 95% CI=0.227~0.669). CONCLUSION: The 2 SNPs investigated in SNCA and PARK16 genes are likely to play roles as common risk factors for PD disease in the Han Chinese population.     

Haplotype analysis of Tim-3 gene polymorphisms within asthma susceptible region 5q31-33

AIM: To investigate the relationship between Tim-3 gene polymorphisms within chromosome susceptible region 5q31-33 and asthma. METHODS: The genotypes of 4 SNPs (rs10053538, rs10515746, rs13170556 and rs9313441) in 118 allergic asthma nuclear pedigrees were analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism. Family-based association analysis method for transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) was employed for the data processing. Haplotypes and their frequencies were established and analyzed by TRANSMIT software. RESULTS: ① No transmission disequilibrium was found in 4 SNPs of Tim-3 from heterozygous parents onto patients in our 118 trios analyzed by TDT (P>0.05). The 4 SNPs were not associated with asthma. ② The family-based haplotype analysis showed that the haplotypes of Tim-3 constructed by rs10053538, rs13170556, rs9313441 were associated with asthma (2=10.83, P<0.05). The observed numbers of haplotype GGG from parents to the affected offsprings were less than the expected numbers, which showed a significant biased transmission (2=8.24，P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The Tim-3 gene in chromosome 5q31-33 itself or a locus nearby may confer susceptibility to asthma in this Chinese Han population.     

Effect of Chinese propolis on PC-PLC activity and TLR4 expression in LPS-treated vascular endothelial cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of Chinese propolis on the activity of phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC) and the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in LPS-treated vascular endothelial cells (VECs). METHODS: Confluent VECs were stimulated with LPS at the concentration of 100 μg/L in the presence of 0.5% fetal bovine serum. The cells were treated with Chinese propolis at the concentration of 12.5 mg/L for 12 h and 24 h. The viability of VECs and the level of nitric oxide (NO) were detected by sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay and chemical method, respectively. The activity of PC-PLC was measured using L-α-phosphatidylcholine as substrate. The protein levels of TLR4, nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) and p53 were determined by Western blotting. The level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was examined using a fluorescent probe, 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescin (DCHF). For the measurement of mitochondrial membrane potential, the fluorescent dye JC-1 was used. RESULTS: Treatment with Chinese propolis for 24 h had no effect on the viability of VECs. However, the levels of NO and ROS were significantly decreased by Chinese propolis. PC-PLC activity and NF-κB p65 expression were significantly depressed by Chinese propolis treated for 12 h, and the expression of TLR4 and p53 were dramatically decreased by Chinese propolis treated for 12 and 24 h. No effect of Chinese propolis on mitochondrial membrane potential was observed. CONCLUSION: Chinese propolis depresses the activity of PC-PLC and the expression of TLR4, and then inhibits the downstream signal molecules such as NF-κB p65, p53, ROS and NO in VECs.     

Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms of IL-1, IL-10 and TNF-β with rheumatoid arthritis in Chinese Han population from Quanzhou

AIM: To explore the genetic characteristics of enrolled rheumatoid arthritis and genetic mechanisms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by studying the associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with rheumatoid arthritis in Chinese Han population from a very high prevalence area of rheumatoid arthritis, Quanzhou. METHODS: A case-control study of 155 rheumatoid arthritis patients (RA group) and 170 normal controls (control group) from Quanzhou were enrolled. All of 5 SNPs were genotyped by allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and analyzed by SPSS 19.0. χ²-test was applied to predict Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and allele and genotype frequencies between RA group and control group were compared. Logistic regression models were used to analyze SNPs. Link disequilibrium analysis and haplotype analysis were performed with SHEsis software. RESULTS: Total of 1 SNP in control group was confirmed by Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test (P>0.05), and 1 SNP in RA group was confirmed by Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test (P>0.05). Allele frequencies of 4 SNPs were significantly different between control group and RA group (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: The SNPs of IL-10 rs1800893, IL-1β rs16944, TNF-β rs2009658 and TNF-β rs1041981 were associated with the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis in Chinese Han population of Quanzhou. Allele G of IL-10 rs1800893, allele G of IL-1β rs16944, allele C of TNF-β rs2009658 and allele C of TNF-β rs1041981 can be used as potential genetic markers for the diagnosis of RA in Quanzhou, Fujian.     

Effects of different group B streptococci strains on platelet activation

AIM: To explore the ability of different group B streptococci (GBS) strains on inducing platelet activation. METHODS: Six strains of GBS, separated from the septic patients with thrombocytopenia, were used as the inducers. Light transmission aggregometry was used to measure platelet aggregation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to investigate the interaction of platelets with bacteria. The expression of platelet CD62P, Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4 was determined by flow cytometry and Western blotting. Furthermore, the activity of platelet TLR2 (or TLR4) was blocked by anti-TLR2 (or anti-TLR4) monoclonal antibody, and the platelet aggregation induced by GBS was detected. RESULTS: Only 3 of 6 GBS strains isolated from the septic patients induced platelet aggregation and up-regulated the expression of CD62P and TLR2 in the platelets (P < 0.05), but not TLR4. Incubation with anti-TLR2 antibody, but not anti-TLR4 antibody, significantly blocked platelet aggregation induced by GBS.CONCLUSION: Some GBS strains from the patients are able to trigger platelet activation in vitro, and platelet TLR2 may play an important role in the interaction between GBS and platelets.     

Discovery and characterization of SNPs in Vitis vinifera and genetic assessment of some grapevine cultivars

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are among the current generation of molecular markers. SNPs occur at high frequencies in both plant and animal genomes and can provide broader genome coverage and reliable estimates of genetic relevance. In this study, 144 sequences, amplified by 9 pairs of primers from 16 cultivars of Vitis vinifera, were cloned. The sequence alignment of the 9 group sequences derived from 16 sample cultivars yielded 154 SNPs in a combined length of 3443 bp genomic sequences. SNPs were discovered with an average frequency of one SNP per 23 bp. The distribution of the SNPs comprised of 70% transitions, 20% transversions, 8% InDels and 2% others. A phylogenetic tree constructed from these data showed that all the 16 cultivars were separated well and grouped differently in the entire dendrogram derived from the SNP data, therefore confirming that single nucleotide polymorphisms could be an efficient and powerful method for grapevine cultivar identification and genetic diversity analysis in grapevine.     

Unfractionated heparin ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of interleukin-8 in human endothelial cells through Toll-like receptor 4 signaling

AIM:To determine the effect of unfractionated heparin(UFH) on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced expression of interleukin-8(IL-8) and the role of Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4) signaling. METHODS:Human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells(HPMECs) were either exposed to LPS alone(10 mg/L) or in combination with 100 U/L or 10³ U/L UFH. UFH was added to the cells 15 min prior to stimulation with LPS. Those samples not receiving LPS or UFH received an equal volume of phosphate-buffered saline. The concentrations of IL-8 in the cell culture supernatants were detected by ELISA at 2, 6 and 12 h. The mRNA expression of IL-8, CD14 and TLR4 in HPMECs was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction at 2, 6 and 12 h. RESULTS:Compared with normal control group, the mRNA expression of IL-8 in LPS group was increased, and reached the peak at 6 h. The protein level of IL-8 reached the peak at 12 h. The mRNA expression of TLR4 in LPS group reached the peak at 6 h. They were down-regulated in UFH group. The mRNA expression of CD14 was not detected. CONCLUSION:The expression of IL-8 is obviously increased in LPS-treated HPMECs. UFH might exert its therapeutic effect through TLR4 signaling.     

Toll-like receptor 4 expression on mast cells in human gingival tissues with chronic periodontitis

AIM: To observe the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) on mast cells in human gingival tissues with chronic periodontitis. METHODS: A total of 68 volunteers, including 23 cases of mild chronic periodontitis, 25 cases of severe chronic periodontitis and 20 healthy controls, were involved in this study, and their gingival specimens were taken and fixed in 4% neutral formalin. The histological changes of gingival tissues were observed by HE staining. The expression of TLR4 in gingival tissues was detected by immunohistochemical staining, and TLR4 expression on mast cells was detected by immunofluorescence double staining. RESULTS: The expression of TLR4 in gingival tissues and on mast cells in chronic periodontitis groups was significantly higher than that in normal control group (P<005), and that in severe chronic periodontitis group was significantly higher than that in mild chronic periodontitis group (P<005). CONCLUSION: The expression of TLR4 in gingival tissues and on mast cells is increased with the severity of chronic periodontitis, suggesting that TLR4, especially TLR4 on mast cells, may play an important role in human chronic periodontitis.     

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms of tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene are associated with severe adult community acquired pneumonia in Chinese

AIM: Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) participates in the establishment of inflammatory lesions in pneumonia.High production of TNF-α may relate to the severity of pneumonia.There have already been several studies examining the association between pneumonia and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that affect cytokine productivity.SNPs of TNF-α,-1 031,-863,-857,-308 and -238 have been identified.The variant alleles of these SNPs have suggested to be related to high TNF-α production and the severity of pneumonia.Therefore,the aim of this study 〖JP2〗is to examine the association between the severity of pneumonia 〖JP3〗in Chinese and the following SNPs: five in the TNF-α〖JP〗 gene promoter (-1 031,-863,-857,-308,-238).METHODS: A total of 117 Chinese individuals were enrolled in this study.They were 67 patients with pneumonia and 50 healthy subjects.TNF-α was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism for all subjects.The frequency distributions of genotypes in different groups were analyzed by SPSS 11.5 program.RESULTS: Frequency of subjects who carried at least one variant allele in TNF-α-1 031,-863,-857,-308,-238 SNPs among pneumonia patients was significantly higher than that in healthy subjects.And frequency of subjects who carried variant allele in TNF-α-863,and -308 SNPs among severe adult community acquired pneumonia patients was significantly higher than that in common pneumonia patients.CONCLUSION: TNF-α -863 and -308 SNPs appear to be associated with severe adult community acquired pneumonia in Chinese populations.     

Distribution characteristics of polymorphisms of interleukin-22 gene in Guangxi population and their association with serum lipid levels

AIM: To investigate the distribution characteristics of interleukin-22 (IL-22) gene rs2227485C/T and rs2227491A/G polymorphisms in Guangxi people and the distribution differences with other ethnic groups, and to explore the difference levels of common lipid indexes in different genotypes. METHODS: SNaPshot technique and DNA sequencing were used in 280 Guangxi persons to examine IL-22 genotypes and to analyzed the distribution frequencies of allele and genotype in these sites. The distribution frequencies in different sexes, and the differences between groups and diffe-rence levels of common lipid indexes in different genotypes were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Three genotypes of CC, CT and TT were found in rs2227485C/T with the frequency distribution of 17.1%, 49.3% and 33.6%, respectively. No significant difference between different sexes of each genotype and allele frequency in the Guangxi population was observed (P>0.05). Compared with the distribution frequencies of genotype and allele in HapMap-TSI, HapMap-HCB, HapMap-JPT and HapMap-MEX, those in Guangxi population showed statistically significant differences (P<0.05). Three genotypes of AA, AG and GG were found in rs2227491A/G with the frequency distribution of 16.1%, 52.8% and 31.1%, respectively. There was no significant difference between different sexes of each genotype and allele frequency in the Guangxi population (P>0.05). The significant differences of genotype frequencies among Guangxi population, HapMap-TSI, HapMap-JPT and HapMap-MEX were detected (P<0.05). Compared with the other 4 populations, allele frequencies in Guangxi population had significant difference (P <0.05). There were significant differences in the levels of HDL-C and LDL-C among the 3 genotypes of rs2227491A/G. The level of HDL-C had difference between AG/AA genotype and GG genotype. In addition, the level of LDL-C had difference between AG/GG genotype and AA genotype (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: rs2227485C/T and rs2227491A/G polymorphisms of IL-22 gene have differences in different populations. The rs2227491A/G polymorphism may be associated with serum lipid levels.     

Role of Toll-like receptor 2 and 4 in Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guerin induced injury of renal tubule epithelial cells

[ABSTRACT] AIM: To explore the effect of Toll-like receptor 2 and 4 in Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guerin（BCG）induced human proximal renal tubule epithelial cells（HK-2）injury. METHODS: HK-2 cells were stimulated by BCG, the expression of TLR2 ,TLR4,Chemokine(C-X-C motif) ligand 1(CXCL1), Transforming growth factor beta 1( TGF-β1) was detected by quantitative real-time PCR and western blot. TLR2 monoclonal Antibodies and TLR4 inhibitor was treated with HK-2 cells 1h before BCG stimulating, The expression of CXCL1 and TGF-β1 was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR and western blot. RESULTS：BCG can induce the increased expression of TLR2,TLR4,CXCL1 and TGF-β1 in HK-2 cells. Additionally , CXCL1 and TGF-β1 expression was inhibited partly by TLR2 monoclonal Antibodies and TLR4 inhibitor respectively. CONCULUSION: BCG is able to increase TLR2,TLR4,CXCL1 and TGF-β1 production in HK-2 cells.Our results indicate that TLR2 and TLR4 signaling pathway plays important role in tubule epithelial cells injury induced by BCG.     

Expression of IL-1α and TNF-α modified by Toll-like receptor 4 genetic polymorphism is associated with colorectal carcinoma

AIM: To investigate the association of D299G, T399I and A896G polymorphisms of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and colorectal carcinoma (CRC). METHODS:
The genotypes of these 3 loci among 268 patients with CRC and 268 healthy controls were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment lengthy polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The protein levels of IL-1α, IL-8, TGF-β and TNF-α in the homogenate of CRC biopsies were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: No significant difference of the genotype frequencies of TLR4 A896G and D299G between the cases and the controls was observed. CT combined TT genotype of T399I was significantly associated with increased CRC risk. The individuals with the T allele of T399I showed a 1.843-fold increase in CRC risk as compared with the C allele. The concentrations of IL-1α and TNF-α in CRC biopsies were significantly elevated in the individuals with the genotype of T399I CT combined with TT as compared with the genotype of CC. CONCLUSION: TLR4 T399I promotes the development of CRC by modifying the expression of IL-1α and TNF-α in CRC tissues.     

Involvement of TLR4/NLRP3 inflammasome in contrast medium-induced inflammation and injury in renal tubular epithelial cells

AIM: To investigate whether Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome were involved in contrast medium (CM)-induced inflammation and injury in renal tubular epithelial cells. METHODS: Iopromide was used to injure NRK-52E cells in the study. The cell viability was measured by CCK-8 assay. The protein levels of TLR4, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speckle-like protein (ASC), caspase-1 and cleaved caspase-3 were determined by Western blot. The releases of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 were detected by ELISA. The apoptotic rate was evaluated by Hoechst staining, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was analyzed by JC-1 staining. siRNA was transfected into the NRK-52E cells to silence NLRP3 expression. RESULTS: CM decreased the viability of NRK-52E cells (P<0.05). CM also elevated the protein levels of cleaved caspase-3, TLR4, NLRP3, IL-1β and IL-18 (P<0.05). Silencing NLRP3 attenuated CM-induced releases of inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, treatment with TLR4 inhibitor TAK-242 or knockdown of NLRP3 by siRNA transfection both attenuated cell apoptosis and loss of MMP caused by CM. CONCLUSION: TLR4/NLRP3 inflammasome takes part in the pathogenesis of CM-induced acute kidney injury, and mediates CM-induced injury and inflammation in renal tubular epithelial cells.     

Toll-like receptor 4 promotes migration and invasion abilities of human non-small-cell lung cancer cells

AIM:To evaluate the expression and biological role of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in human non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. METHODS:The mRNA and protein levels of TLR4 in NSCLC tissue were exa-mined by RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. After treating the A549 cells and SPC-A-1 cells with TLR4 stimulator lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and inhibitor TAK-242, RT-qPCR, Western blot and flow cytometry were performed to detect the expression of TLR4. The migration and invasion abilities were detected by Transwell assay, and the mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was also detected. RESULTS:The mRNA and protein levels of TLR4 were higher in the NSCLC tissue than those in the noncancerous tissue (P<0.01). LPS stimulation significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR4 in the NSCLC cell lines A549 and SPC-A-1 (P<0.01). The LPS-induced TLR4 activation enhanced the migration and invasion abilities of A549 cells and SPC-A-1 cells (P<0.01). LPS increased the expression levels of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF in the A549 cells and SPC-A-1 cells (P<0.01). Moreover, the expression levels of TLR4, MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF, as well as the migration and invasion abilities of the cells were blocked by TAK-242 (P<0.01). CONCLUSION:TLR4 might be involved in the migration and invasion of NSCLC cells, and TLR4 inhibition might be considered as a therapeutic target for treatment of NSCLC.     

Expression and significance of TLR4/NF-κB in pulmonary vascular remodeling in smoking rats

ATM: To observe the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor-κB subunit P65 protein (NF-κB P65) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in the pulmonary vascular tissues of the rats exposed to smoke, and to explore the possible mechanism of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in pulmonary vascular remodeling. METHODS: SPF male healthy rats (n=48) were randomly divided into control group, smoke exposure for 4 weeks group (S4 group), smoke exposure for 8 weeks group (S8 group) and smoke exposure for 12 weeks group (S12 group), with 12 rats in each group. HE staining was used to observe the morphological changes of pulmonary vessels, and then the pulmonary vascular wall area/total vascular area (WA%) and vascular wall thickness/vascular external diameter (WT%) were measured by the medical image analysis system. The expression of TLR4, NF-κB P65 and PCNA in the pulmonary vascular tissues was detected by immunohistochemical staining. The protein content was expressed by the average integral absorbance. The mRNA expression of TLR4 in the pulmonary vessels was detected by RT-qPCR. The relationships between WA%, WT%,TLR4 protein, TLR4 mRNA, P65 protein, PCNA protein and pulmonary vascular remodeling, and another relationships between WA%, WT%, P65 protein, PCNA protein and TLR4 protein were analyzed.RESULTS: The WA% and WT% in smoke exposure groups significantly increased compared with control group, and the ratio was proportional to the time of smoke exposure. The protein expression of TLR4, p65 and PCNA, and the mRNA expression of TLR4 in smoke exposure groups also increased significantly compared with control group. CONCLUSION: The extent of pulmonary vascular remodeling in the rats increases when the protein expression of TLR4 is up-regulated. There is a positive correlation between pulmonary vascular remodeling and the protein expression of TLR4 and NF-κB P65. Pulmonary vascular remodeling may be related to the activation of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.     

Protein Z intron FG79A polymorphisms are not associated with coronary artery disease

AIM: To investigate the distribution of protein Z intron FG79A polymorphisms in Chinese and the associations with coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: 148 patients were performed selected coronary angiography and more than one major coronary vessel with at least 50% stenosis was defined as CAD. The control group consisted of 147 subjects. The protein Z intron FG79A polymorphisms were studied by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism and parts of PCR products were sequenced. RESULTS: Protein Z intron FG79A polymorphisms were first recovered in Chinese, and the frequencies of G and A alleles were 44.24% and 55.76%, respectively. The frequencies of two alleles were not significantly different between patients and controls. There was no significant difference in protein Z intron FG79A genotype distribution among patients with one, two or three stenosed vessels. No significant difference was found among the frequencies of the three genotypes between both acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and non-ACS. CONCLUSION: Protein Z intron FG79A polymorphisms are present in Chinese. Protein Z intron FG79A polymorphisms were not associated with CAD and ACS.     

梨属植物分类的历史回顾及新进展

一般相信梨属植物的原种起源于第三纪的我国西部和西南部的山区。根据其原生分布,分为东方梨和西方梨。由于梨属植物分布范围广,加上梨属种间很容易发生自然杂交,梨属植物的分类至今仍存在很多问题。被大多数植物分类学家所认可的种大约在30个左右。我国是东方梨种的主要起源地,我国分类学家相信有13个种起源于我国。不仅如此,我国也是世界上梨品种类型最多的国家。主栽系统有砂梨、白梨、秋子梨和新疆梨等。最新的分子生物学证据表明,白梨、砂梨和日本梨系统可能起源于共同的祖先:分布于我国长江流域的野生砂梨。考虑到白梨在我国梨栽培中的重要地位,建议用Pyruspyrifoliavar.sinensis(Lindley)TengetTanabe来表示白梨系统。