Effect of tetracycline combined with anti-inflammation drug and tetracycline on the level of serum IgG antibody titer in early-onset periodontitis

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of tetracycline combined with anti-inflammation drug on the serum antibody level against porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) in patients with early-onset periodontitis (EOP). METHODS: The study population consisted of 12 individuals with early-onset periodontitis, 16 patients with adult periodontitis (AP) and 12 periodontally healthy subjects (HS). Clinical examination and recordings of probing pocket depth (PPD), periodontal attachment level (PAL) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were performed prior to treatment and at three months following the periodontal treatment. The serum antibody titer against Pg in patients with EOP was measured at diagnosis and at the termination of treatmeat. RESULTS: A significant improvement was observed in probing pocket depth, periodontal attachment level and gingival bleeding index post treatment for three months. The serum IgG antibody titer against porphyromonas gingivalis was decreased significantly after the treatment. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that mechanical periodontal treatment combined with tetracycline and anti-inflammation drug provides clinically favorable results in patients with early-onset periodontitis.     

Effect of tetracycline on the avidity of serum IgG antibody against porphyromonas gingivalis in patients with aggressive periodontitis

AIM:To evaluate the effect of mechanical periodontal treatment combined with tetracycline on periodontal attachment level (AL) and the avidity of serum antibody against porphyromonas gingivalis(P. gingivalis) in patients with aggressive periodontitis(AgP). METHODS:Twenty-five patients with AgP and twenty periodontally healthy controls were studied (HS). Clinical examination and recordings of AL were performed before and 3, 6 and 12 months after the periodontal treatment. The avidity of IgG antibody against P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide(LPS) was measured by diethylamine dissociation ELISA. RESULTS:A significant improvement in AL was observed following treatment (P<0.01). The avidity of serum IgG antibody against P. gingivalis increased compared with controls, and was decreased significantly after mechanical periodontal treatment combined with tetracycline (P<0.01). CONCLUSION:Our results demonstrate that mechanical periodontal treatment combined with tetracycline provides clinically favorable results in patients with AgP.     

The expression of receptor of epidermal growth factor in gingiva of patient with periodontitis

AIM:To observe the expression of epidermal growth factor receptors(EGFR) of gingival tissue in periodontitis. METHODS: The expression of EGFR was determined by using immunohistochemical techniques in gingival tissue of 15 healthy individual, 32 cases with adult periodontitis (AP) and 12 cases with juvenile periodontitis (JP). RESULTS: Expression of EGFR was mainly located on basal cell membranes in healthy gingiva, and the staining intensity was faint. In AP cases, expression of high level EGFR was mostly observed on the membranes of epithelial cell in the periodontal endopocket or junctional epithelium, intensity of staining appeared to decrease gradually with the differentiation of keratinocytes, and the horny cell layer was not stained by the antibody. In JP cases, strong positive staining was present on membrane of epithelial cells in the germinative layer of gingival tissue. There was an apparent difference between healthy gingiva and AP or JP (P＜ 0.01 ), or AP and JP (P＜ 0.01). CONCLUSION: The distribution and expression of EGFR in gingival epithelium of periodontitis showed obvious differ- euce. The data indicated that EGFR may affect apical migration of junctional epithelium, and may play a role in development of AP and JP.     

Clinical significance of elevated serum interleukin 15 in patients with active lupus nephritis

AIM: To detect interleukin 15 (IL-15) levels in peripheral blood from patients with active lupus nephritis and investigate its clinical significance. METHODS: IL-15 level was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated with grads density abaxiality. The inhibitory effects of dexamethasone on production of IL-15, IgG and anti-dsDNA antibody in cultured PBMCs from LN patients were also investigated. RESULTS: (1) Serum IL-15 level in LN patients was significantly higher than that in normal controls (P<0.01). Serum IL-15 level in active LN patients was significantly higher than that in remised patients (P<0.05). (2) Serum IL-15 level was positively correlated with SLEDAI, anti-dsDNA antibody and 24 h urine protein excretion in active LN patients. (3) Serum IL-15 level was significantly reduced in LN patients treated with combination of cyclophosphamide (CTX) and steroid for 12 weeks. (4) Secretion of IL-15, IgG and dsDNA antibody in cultured PBMCs from active LN patients was significantly higher than that in normal control group, and IL-15 level in supernatant of cultured PBMCs from active LN patients was positively correlated with IgG and dsDNA antibody. Dexamethasone inhibited the secretion of IL-15, IgG and dsDNA antibody in cultured PBMCs from LN patients. CONCLUSION: Serum IL-15 level in patients with active lupus nephritis is significantly elevated, suggesting that IL-15 may be involved in the pathophysiological process of LN. IL-15 may be used as an index to assess the activity of LN.     

CO2 与养分交互作用对番茄幼苗养分利用的影响

以番茄(Lycopersicon esculentumMill.)‘合作906’为材料进行溶液培养试验,设2个因子:CO2和营养液浓度;CO2浓度设正常(360μL/L)和倍增(720μL/L)2个水平;营养液浓度设基本营养液(日本山崎番茄营养液),微量元素采用阿农营养液配方的1/2、1/4、1/8、1/164个水平,完全试验方案8个处理,3次重复。pH为6·0±0·2,3d更换1次营养液。移植到1·2L盆(2株/盒)中,植株在CO2生长箱(VS-3DMC)中培养,全天施放CO2,白天25℃,晚上15℃,光照为14h/d,光照强度11000lx,相对湿度60%。46d时收获,根、茎、叶经蒸馏水冲洗吸干水分后,放入纸袋105℃杀青,75…     

Cloning,expression, biological characteristics and tissue localization of a Clonorchis sinensismembrane antigen/excretory-secretory antigen,acid phosphatase

AIM:To clone, express and determine the biological characteristics and tissue localization of Clonorchis sinensis(C. sinensis, Cs) acid phosphatase (AP), and to identify CsAP as C. sinensismembrane antigen/excretory-secretory antigen. METHODS:The methods of bioinformatics, molecular biology, immunohistochemistry and gelatin zymography were used to analyze CsAP. RESULTS:From cDNA library, a full-length 1 410 bp cDNA clone of Cs encoding a novel AP was selected, recombinated, expressed and purified in Escherichia coli. The molecular weight of the CsAP recombinant was 55 kD. CsAP was a membrane antigen as well as an excretory-secretory antigen. The fluorescence of CsAP was located in metacercaria and intestinal cecum and tegument of adult, but not detected in redia or cercaria. The cross reactions between Clonorchis sinensis and Schistosoma japonicum in the recognition of their infective sera by CsAP was observed. The recognition of CsAP with C. sinensiscrude antigens was not different among the mild, midrange or grave C. sinensisinfection. After immuned by CsAP recombinant, the total IgG antibody titer of the rats went up to the peak value of over 1∶25 600 in the 3rd week. CsAP had the ability to degrade collagen. CONCLUSION: CsAP is highly expressed in Escherichia coli, showing its immunogenicity, but not a good diagnostic marker, and might be an excretory-secretory protein as well as a membrane protein.     

Study on chlamydia pneumoniae infection in the patients with spontaneous brain bleeding

AIM: To study the relationship between Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cpn) and spontaneous brain bleeding. METHODS: The IgG and IgM antibody titers to Cpn in peripheral blood from 9 patients of spontaneous brain bleeding were detected by microimmunofluorescence antibody technique (MIF). The Cpn DNA of arteries in brain bleeding region from these cases was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The Cpn major outer membrane protein (MOMP) expression of arteries in brain bleeding region from these cases were tested by Western blot. RESULTS: All the geometric average titer to IgG antibody (190.3±3.2) and the positive rate of IgG antibody (85.2%) and IgM antibody (30.8%) were significantly higher in spontaneous brain bleeding patients than those (48.1±2.0, 48.1% and 4.8%) in control (P<0.01,P<0.05,P<0.01). The positive rate of the Cpn DNA was 88.9%(8/9) and the Cpn MOMP expression was found in the arteries of brain bleeding region from all 9 cases. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous brain bleeding may be associated with the chlamydia pneumoniae infection.     

Relationship between TNF-α gene polymorphism-308 and type 2 diabetes with periodontitis

AIM: To investigate the gene polymorphism-308 of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in the relation with the susceptibility to periodontitis combined with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and its severity.METHODS: Human DNA samples were obtained from 240 DM patients with periodontitis (periodontitis group, n=120) and without periodontitis (control group, n=120). All patients were genotyped by PCR-RFLP analysis. The frequencies of genotypes and alleles were analyzed. Sulcus bleeding index (SBI) and probing depth (PD) in all patients were measured. The polymorphism-308 of TNF-α gene in the relation with the susceptibility to periodontitis combined with DM and its severity was analyzed.RESULTS: No significant difference in the frequency of genotype and allele was found between DM patients with mild periodontitis and DM patients without periodontitis (P>0.05). However, the frequencies of these genotypes and alleles in DM patients with moderate and severe periodontitis were significantly higher than those in DM patients without periodontitis (P<0.01). The findings showed that the level of TNF-α was associated with SBI and PD (P<0.01).CONCLUSION: TNF-α -308 G/A polymorphism is not associated with DM patients with mild periodontitis, whereas it may have a role in pathogenesis and prognosis of moderate and severe periodontitis combined with DM through TNF-α level.     

Effect of hyperbaric oxygen on HIF-1α expression in rat experimental periodontitis with psychological stress

AIM: To investigate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression in rat experimental periodontitis with psychological stress. METHODS: Male special pathogen-free Wistar rats (n=120) were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal control group; psychological stress stimulation group; experimental periodontitis group: the periodontitis model was induced by wrapping 3/0 silk ligature inoculated with Porphyromonas gingivalis around the left maxillary second molar of the rats; periodontitis model with stress stimulation group. Psychological stress was removed at the 9th weeks after ligature, 6 rats from each experiment group were randomly chosen to HBO treatment. The rats were sacrificed at the 2nd, 4th, 8th and 10th weeks after ligature. Gingival index (GI) and attachment loss (AL) were measured before sacrifice. The histological changes of periodontal tissues were observed under microscope with HE staining. The expression of HIF-1α was observed by the method of immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The sites of gingival attachment were normal in control group and psychological stress stimulation group. Periodontal pocket, and periodontal attachment loss were observed in experimental periodontitis group. The tissue damage was much serious in periodontitis model with stress stimulation group. No significant difference of GI and AL among psychological stress stimulation group and normal control group during the experiment was observed. GI and AL in periodonitis model with stress stimulating group were significantly higher than those in experimental periodontitis group at the 4th and 8th weeks (P < 0.01). The levels of GI and AL were significantly lower at the 10th weeks after HBO treatmnt than those in untreated groups (P < 0.05). No significant difference of HIF-1α expression scores among psychological stress stimulation group and normal control group was found. HIF-1α expression scores in periodonitis model with stress stimulating group was significantly higher than that in experimental periodontitis group at the 4th and 8th weeks (P < 0.01). At the 10th weeks after HBO treatment the levels of HIF-1α were significantly lower than that in untreated groups (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Stress stimulation may aggravate periodontitis by decreasing tissue oxygenation in rats. HBO may represent a useful way in psychological stress periodontitis therapy.     

Changes of serum autoantibodies against β1 and M2 receptors in the patients of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

AIM: To study the changes of serum autoantibodies against β₁-adrenergic and M₂-muscarinic receptors in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), that is, overlap syndrome (OS). METHOD: Serum autoantibodies against β₁ and M₂ receptors in 26 cases with OS, 32 with OSAS, 30 with COPD and 28 normal subjects were determined by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). RESULTS: The positive rates and titer of β₁ and M₂ receptor autoantibodies are significantly increased in OS group (92.2％,57.7% and 1:98, 1:67), compared to OSAS (71.9%, 40.6% and 1:83, 1:30) or COPD group (70.0%, 36.7% and 1:79, 1:28) (P＜0.05), and they are higher in these groups than in the control (25.0%, 14.3% and 1:20, 1:20) (P＜0.01). CONCLUSION: Serum β₁-and M₂ receptor autoantibodies are significantly increased in the patients with COPD, OSAS or OS, compared to the control, and the highest is in OS.     

Rapamycin inhibits HMGB1 expression and releases in RAW264.7 cells induced by lipopolysaccharides in vitro

AIM: To observe the mechanism that rapamycin (RPM) affects HMGB1 expression and release in RAW264.7 cells induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS).METHODS: RAW264.7 cells were cultured in six wells plate and divided into five groups: control group, 250 μg/L LPS treatment group, 100 μg/L RPM treatment group, 50 μg/L rTNF-α treatment group and 100 μg/L TNF-α antibody treatment group. After 4 h treatment, the TNF-α level in the culture media was evaluated by ELISA assay. After 24 h, the expression of HMGB1 mRNA was measured by RT-PCR, and HMGB1 protein level in the culture media was determined by Western blotting analysis.RESULTS: TNF-α level in the culture media of RAW264.7 cells has no significant difference between RPM treatment group and control group (P>0.05). Both HMGB1 mRNA expression and HMGB1 protein level were remarkably higher in LPS treatment group than that in control group (P<0.05). RPM attenuated LPS-induced HMGB1 mRNA and HMGB1 accumulation. Compared with that in RPM treatment group, HMGB1 accumulation was increased in rTNF-α treatment group, and had no significant difference in TNF-α antibody treatment group (P>0.05).CONCLUSION: RPM inhibits HMGB1 expression not only by directly suppressing STAT3 activation, but also by indirectly reducing TNF-α level.     

Expression of IgG in bladder carcinoma and the effect of the antibody against human IgG on tumor cell apoptosis

AIM: To investigate the expression of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in bladder transitional carcinoma cells (BTCC) and the effect of the antibody against human IgG on tumor cell apoptosis.METHODS: The expression of IgG of BTCC was detected by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and flow cytometry (FCM). The expression of IgG mRNA was tested by hybridization in situ method and RT-PCR in vitro. Antiproliferation effects of the antibody of antihuman IgG on T24 and BIU-87 cell lines were measured by MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was assessed by FCM.RESULTS: The expression of IgG was 91.1％ (51/56) in clinical cases, and 45.4％ (5/11) in normal controls. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting showed that the IgG was significantly expressed in T24 and BIU-87. FCM indicated the IgG was mainly expressed in cytoplasma. No IgG was detected by ELISA in supernatant of cell culture medium. RT-PCR and hybridization in situ demonstrated IgG mRNA was significantly expressed in two cell lines. Under the treatment of 25 mg/L of goat nonspecific IgG and the antibody of antihuman IgG, the inhibition ratio of cell growth in T24 and BIU-87 were (4.73±3.73)% vs (24.98±3.81)% and (5.36±1.53)% vs (22.70±3.72)%, respectively (P<0.05). The percentages of apoptotic cells in T24 and BIU-87 were 2.3% vs 20.7% and 1.3% vs 15.3%, respectively.CONCLUSION: IgG is significantly expressed in bladder transitional carcinoma cell. The antibody of antihuman IgG inhibits cancer cell growth and induces tumor cell apoptosis.     

Effects of lipopolysaccharide,IL-6 and TNFα on the tissue factor expression of astrocytes

AIM:To study the effects of lipopolysaccharide(LPS), interleukin-6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) on tissue factor(TF) expression of astrocytes. METHODS:Astrocytes were identified with anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein antibody. The TF activity of cell lysate was measured with one stage clotting assay. RESULTS:TF activity of astrocytes of LPS,IL-6,TNFα groups were obviously higher than that of the control group(P <0.05); While LPS,IL-6 and TNFα were combined with trifluoperazine or H₇, their inductive effects were inhibited. CONCLUSION:LPS,IL-6 and TNFα promoted the TF expression of astrocytes and its mechanisms may connected with Calcium/Camodulin and protein kinase C pathway.     

Site specific antibody of Na/Ca exchanger stimulates Na/Ca exchanger current and has cross-reaction with Ca channel and Na pump

AIM: To look for a new way of NCX activation by the antibody against the specific site of NCX (α1 repeat sequence124HNFTAGDLGPSTIVGSAAFNMF145), and to observe the cross-reaction of the antibody to other ion channel and transporter. METHODS: Synthesized peptide as antigen was used to immunize rat for 9 weeks. The titer of the antibody was monitored by ELISA. IgGs in the positive sera (titer>1∶〖KG-*2〗640) was purified by affinity chromatography with a Mab Trap kit. The effects of the purified IgGs on the ion channel and transporter (INa/Ca, INa pump, ICa-L, Itko, Ik1, IK) at concentrations of 10 nmol/L, 20 nmol/L and 40 nmol/L were observed by whole cell voltage clamp technique. RESULTS: The purified IgG enhanced INa/Ca, ICa-L and I Na/k pump in a dose-dependent manner and no significant effect on INa, Itko, Ik1 and Ik was found. CONCLUSION: The site specific antibody of Na-Ca exchanger stimulates Na-Ca exchanger current and has cross-reaction with L-type Ca channel and Na pump.     

Effect of psychological stress on development of periodontitis and expression of periodontal hypoxia-inducible factor 1α in rats

AIM: To investigate the effect of psychological stress on the development of periodontitis and the expression of periodontal hypoxia-inducible factor 1α(HIF-1α) in rats.METHODS: Forty-eight male Wistar rats(SPF grade) were randomly divided into 4 groups:(1) normal control group, i.e. naive rats;(2) experimental periodontitis group: the periodontitis model was induced by wrapping 3-0 silk ligature inoculated with putative periodontopathic bacteria around the left maxillary second molar of the rats;(3) stress group: the rats were treated with stress alone;(4) periodontits with stress group, the periodontitis model was induced as above,and the rats were treated with stress. The rats were sacrificed at week 1, 4, 6 and 8 after the ligature. The attachment losses(AL) were measured by home-made probe. The histological changes of periodontal tissues stained with hematoxylin and eosin(HE) were observed under microscope. The HIF-1α expression level in the periodontal epithelium was determined by immunohistochemistry that was used to evaluate the severity of hypoxia by measuring the average rate of HIF-1α-positive cells.RESULTS: No significant difference of AL between stress group and normal control group was observed(P>0.05).The AL and the average rate of HIF-1α-positive cells in periodontitis with stress group were significantly higher than those in experimental periodontitis group at time points of week 4,6 and 8 after ligature(both P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Psychological stress is one of the periodontitis inducing factors in the animal model. Psychological stress may aggravate periodontitis by decreasing tissue oxygenation in rats.     

Mechanism of calcium sensitivity in lymphatic hypo-reactivity in hemorrhagic shock rats

AIM: To observe the changes of lymphatic reactivity to norepinephrine (NE) and calcium sensitivity in vitro in hemorrhagic shock (HS) rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham group (with only operation), HS group (duplicating HS model, and divided into shock 1 h and shock 2 h subgroups). The thoracic duct rings (n=48 in each group) were prepared for assaying the lymphatic reactivity to NE and calcium sensitivity by lymphatic tension measurement technique in vitro with isolated perfusion system. Meanwhile, the effects of angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ) and insulin (Ins) on lymphatic reactivity were also observed. RESULTS: Compared with sham group, the NE concentration-response curves in HS 1 h and HS 2 h groups, and calcium concentration-response curves in HS 2 h group were obviously shifted to right. The lymphatic reactivity to NE, contraction to calcium, maximum effect(E_max)and avidity index (pD₂) were markedly reduced. In HS group, after incubating with calcium sensitizer Ang Ⅱ, the lymphatic reactivity to NE and calcium sensitivity were significantly increased but reduced in sham group. However, calcium sensitivity inhibitor Ins decreased the lymphatic contractile response to NE and Ca²⁺. CONCLUSION: The lymphatic hypo-reactivity in hemorrhagic shock rats is related to calcium desensitization, indicating a mechanism of lymphatic hypo-contraction.     

Effect of hyperbaric oxygen on periodontitis with psychological stress in rats

AIM: To investigate the role of chronic psychological stress on periodontitis and the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on periodontitis with psychological stress in rats. METHODS: Male special pathogen-free Wistar rats (n=80) were randomly divided into 4 groups: (1)normal control group; (2)experimental periodontitis group: the periodontitis model was induced by wrapping 3/0 silk ligature inoculated with Porphyromonas gingivalis around the left maxillary second molar of the rats; (3)psychological stress stimulation group; (4)periodontitis model with stress stimulation group. Psychological stress was removed at the 9th week after ligature, and 4 rats from each experimental group were randomly chosen for HBO treatment. The rats were sacrificed at the 2nd, 4th, 8th and 10th weeks after ligature. The levels of blood glucose, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone and adrenaline were measured as the stress markers. The histological changes of periodontal tissues were observed under microscope with HE staining. RESULTS: The levels of blood glucose, ACTH, corticosterone and adrenaline in psychological stress stimulation group and periodontitis with stress group were significantly higher than those in control group and experimental periodontitis group at the 2nd and 4th weeks after ligature (P<0.05). The levels of the stress markers were significantly lower than those in untreated groups in the 10th week after HBO (P<0.01). The sites of gingival attachment were normal in control group and psychological stress stimulation group. Periodontal pocket, and periodontal attachment loss (AL) were observed in experimental periodontitis group. The tissue damage was much heavier in periodontitis model with stress stimulation group as the furcation of tooth was exposed and the tissue damage was observed on both sides of the adjacent teeth. No significant difference of AL between psychological stress stimulation group and normal control group during the experiment was observed. The AL in periodontal model with stress stimulating group was significantly higher than that in experimental periodontitis group at the 2nd, 4th and 8th weeks (P<0.01). The level of AL was attenuated at the 10th week after HBO (P<0.01). No difference of histological change in periodontal tissues was observed between control group and psychological stress stimulation group. Severer inflammatory changes and alveolar bone destruction were observed in periodontitis with stress group than those in experimental periodontitis group. The levels of inflammation reduced at the 10th week after HBO. CONCLUSION: Stress stimulation is one of the inducing factors of periodontitis in rats, which aggravates periodontitis. HBO may represent a useful way in treating psychological stress periodontitis.     

Effects of sevoflurane preconditioning on myocardial dysfunction in lipopolysaccharide-challenged mice

AIM:To investigate the effects of sevoflurane(Sevo) preconditioning on myocardial dysfunction in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-challenged mice. METHODS:Forty male BALB/c mice were randomly allocated to 4 groups:control group, LPS group, Sevo+LPS group and Sevo group. Following pretreatment with or without 2% Sevo for 30 min and washing out for 10 min, all mice received intraperitoneal injection of LPS or normal saline(NS). The mice received an echocardiographic evaluation by a high-resolution in vivo imaging system 12 h after administration of LPS or NS. The mice were then killed and the hearts were removed for histological analysis. Serum levels of lactic dehydrogenase(LDH), creatine kinase-MB(CK-MB) were measured with an automatic biochemical analyzer. The myocardium was homogenized for detecting the activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) and the content of nitric oxide(NO). RESULTS:Echocardiographic evaluation demonstrated that LPS resulted in an increase in lert ventricular end-diastolic volume and significant decreases in stroke volume,cardiac output and ejection fraction. The alteration of cardiac functions was inhibited by the pretreatment with Sevo. LPS caused significant elevation of LDH and CK-MB in serum samples and severe pathological damage of the hearts. Compared with LPS group, serum levels of LDH and CK-MB were reduced and pathological damage was attenuated in Sevo+LPS group. Sevo preconditioning also significantly attenuated the increases in iNOS and NO induced by LPS. CONCLUSION:Sevo preconditioning protects against myocardial impairment and myocardial dysfunction in LPS-challenged mice. Inhibition of iNOS activity and of NO production by Sevo preconditioning may contribute to the beneficial role in the process of cardioprotection during endotoxemia.     

Correlation between HBsAg level and HBV DNA titer during chronic hepatitis B treatment

AIM: Viral load is widely used as an indicator for the diagnosis and monitoring the treatment efficacy of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Previous studies suggested that the quantity of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in serum could be a surrogate marker of serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA level. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether HBsAg level correlates with HBV DNA titer during CHB treatment. METHODS: Sera were collected from 47 CHB patients ［35 male, 12 female, mean age: (35±8) years］ treated for 48 weeks with a monotherapy (pegylated interferon alpha-2a, 18 patients; lamivudine, 15 patients) or a combination therapy (pegylated interferon alpha-2a and lamivudine, 14 patients). Serum samples were obtained at week 0 (just before the treatment), 4, 8, 24, 48 and week 72 (24 weeks after the treatment). HBV DNA was measured with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). HBsAg was quantified with an automated chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. RESULTS: The titer of HBsAg correlated with the HBV DNA level in the 18 patients with monotherapy of pegylated interferon alpha-2a and the 14 patients with combination therapy (pegylated interferon alpha-2a and lamivudine). The significant correlation (canonical correlation=0.83) was found. However, no correlation in 15 patients with the monotherapy of lamivudine was observed. CONCLUSION: HBsAg titer correlates with HBV DNA level in CHB patients during the treatment with interferon or interferon and lamivudine, which can be a surrogate marker for monitoring the treatment efficacy.