Correlation between Toll-like receptor 4 on peripheral blood monocytes and serum IL-6 in patients with chronic severe hepatitis B

AIM:To study the change of Toll like receptor 4(TLR4) on peripheral blood monocytes (PBMCs) and its role in the pathogenesis of chronic severe hepatitis B.METHODS:The expression of TLR4 on CD14+ PBMCs was determined by flow cytometry in 30 healthy control,31 patients with chronic hepatitis B and 30 patients with chronic severe hepatitis B. The level of serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) was detected by ELISA. RESULTS:The expressions of TLR4 on PBMCs and serum IL-6 in the groups of healthy control,patients with chronic hepatitis B and patients with chronic severe hepatitis B were 2.3±1.1,3.7±2.3,6.9±4.1 mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) and （11.5±7.2) ng/L,(40.8±31.2) ng/L,(77.6±33.3） ng/L. The TLR4 value in the group of patients with chronic severe hepatitis B was significant higher than that in the group of healthy control and the group of patients with chronic hepatitis B (P<0.05). However,there was no significant difference between the group of patients with chronic hepatitis B and the group of healthy control (P>0.05). Serum IL-6 increased gradually and significantly between the group of healthy control and the groups of patients with chronic hepatitis B and patients with chronic severe hepatitis B. There was a significant positive correlation between the expression of TLR4 and the content of serum IL-6 in the group of chronic severe hepatitis B. CONCLUSION:TLR4 may play a role in the pathogenesis of chronic severe hepatitis B.     

Diagnostic and prognostic application of proteomic patterns in breast cancer

AIM: To detect the serum proteomic patterns in patients of breast cancer by the method of SELDI-TOF-MS and CM10 ProteinChip, and to screen the biomarker candidates, build and validate the diagnostic models, and evaluate its clinical value in surveillance and follow-up after operation. METHODS: The SELDI-TOF-MS technology and CM10 ProteinChip were used to detect the proteomic patterns of serum from 63 breast cancer patients and 40 healthy women. The biomarker candidates were screened and the diagnostic models were constructed by ZJU-PDAS software. Meanwhile, the model was blind-validated in another 23 patients and 20 healthy women. At the same time, 16 serum samples were detected to evaluate its value in surveillance and follow-up after operation. RESULTS: The best model was composed by two protein peaks (BC1/3.9 kD and BC2/5.6 kD) with its sensitivity and specificity of 87.30% (55/63) and 95.00% (38/40), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity in the blind-validation of new cases were 95.65% (22/23) and 85.00% (17/20), respectively. The diagnostic efficacies were the same to the patients of different stages (P>0.05). The expression of BC1 increased while BC2 decreased after operation. The expression of BC2 in the patients with recurrence or metastasis was higher than that in the tumor-free survivors (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: This method shows its potential in detection, surveillance and follow-up after operation. The method is also useful for screening the novel and better biomarkers in breast cancer.     

Analysis of proteomic spectra in serum from patients with colorectal cancer by SELDI-TOF mass spectrometry

AIM: To study the changes of proteomic spectra in serum from patients with colorectal cancer in order to detect the specific protein markers. METHODS: Proteomic spectra of sixty-four serum samples from patients with colorectal cancer (preoperation and postoperation) and forty from normal individuals were generated by IMAC-Cu proteinchip array and SELDI-TOF mass spectroscopy (surface enhanced laser desorption/ionization-time of flight). The discriminatory profiling between cancer and normal samples was analyzed by Biomarker Wizard software and Biomarker Pattern softwar. RESULTS: Nineteen differentially expressed proteins in serum were screened by analysis of protemic spectra of preoperative patients and normal individuals. Five proteins (5972.67 D, 5927.21 D, 6113.48 D, 5908.55 D and 4292.51 D) were obtained for making up marker patterns that was able to class the patients-team and normal-team. Corresponding correct ratio were 97.5% (56/64) and 80% (32/40). The proteins that overexprssed in preoperation were obviously down-regulated when postoperation. CONCLUSION: The preliminary results suggest that classification system will provide a highly accurate and innovative approach for the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer and judgment of prognosis. SELDI-TOF mass spectrometry is a useful tool for the detection and identification of new protein markers in serum.     

Identification of specific serum biomarkers in gastric adenocarcinoma patients

AIM: To screen the possible serum biomarkers for the diagnosis of gastric adenocarcinoma. METHODS: The surface-enhanced laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS) was used to screen the serum samples from 109 cases of gastric adenocarcinoma and 106 control subjects (60 healthy subjects, 30 patients with chronic superficial gastritis and 16 cases of chronic atrophic gastritis). The differentially-expressed protein peaks were selected and isolated with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and processed with enzyme before liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. The data mining was performed with software Xcalibur program component Bioworks 3.2. RESULTS: Three differentially-expressed protein peaks were selected as potential serum biomarkers of gastric adenocarcinoma patients.The m/z peak at 5 906.5 showed the increase (8.53±4.33 in cancer group, and 0.88±0.31 in control group). The m/z peaks at 6 635.7 and 8 716.3 showed the decrease (6.54±2.44 and 0.93 ± 0.29, respectively, in cancer group and 17.56±4.43 and 2.16±0.98, respectively, in control group, P<0.01). The 3 m/z peaks were identified as fibrinogen α-chain, apolipoprotein A-II and apolipoprotein CI,respectively. The combined use of the 3 biomarkers distinguished the samples in the cancer patients out of the controls at a sensitivity of 93.85% (61/65) and a specificity of 94.34% (50/53). CONCLUSION: The fibrinogen α-chain, apolipoprotein A-II and apolipoprotein CI identified as potential markers for gastric adenocarcinoma show diagnostic values in clinical application.     

Diagnosis of colorectal cancer by WCX magnetic bead-based serum proteomic fingerprinting

AIM: To screen the potential protein biomarkers in serum for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) by the technique of proteomic fingerprint.METHODS: Proteomic fingerprint combining magnetic beads with MALDI-TOF-MS was used to profile and compare the serum proteins from 98 patients with CRC and 80 healthy blood donors. Proteomic patterns associated with CRC were identified by Biomarker Wizard Software. The model of biomarkers was constructed and evaluated using the Biomarker Patterns Software.RESULTS: A total 68 discriminating m/z peaks were identified to be related with CRC (P<0.01). The model of biomarkers based on the 4 biomarkers (2 870.7, 3 084.0, 9 180.5 and 13 748.8) was constructed by Biomarker Patterns Software. Using this model, excellent separation between the CRC and the controls was generated. The sensitivity of the model was 92.85% (91/98) and the specificity was 91.25% (73/80). Blind test data indicated a sensitivity of 86.95% (40/46) and a specificity of 85.00% (34/40).CONCLUSION: The biomarkers for CRC can be discovered in serum by MALDI-TOF-MS combining the use of magnetic beads. The pattern of combined markers provides a powerful and reliable method for diagnosis of CRC with high sensitivity and specificity.     

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.     

Detection of miR-122 expression in serum by Taqman probe real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and its clinical significance

AIM: To detect the serum level of miR-122 expression by the technique of Taqman probe real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR for identifying its clinical significance. METHODS: The stem-loop RT primer, PCR primer and Taqman probe of miR-122 and U6 snRNA were designed. The expression of miR-122 in the serum samples of 27 cases of preoperative hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), 15 cases of hepatitis B, 15 cases of hepatitis C, 15 cases of healthy control (HC), 11 cases of postoperative hepatocellular carcinoma (PHCC) and 10 cases of recurrence after postoperative hepatocellular carcinoma was detected by Taqman probe real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. U6 snRNA was used as the internal control. RESULTS: The results showed that the method of Taqman probe real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR could detect the amplification signal of serum miR-122. The expression level of serum miR-122 in the patients with HCC, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and recurrence was higher than that in HC and the patients with PHCC. Meanwhile, the serum level of miR-122 in the patients with hepatitis C was higher than that in the patients with HCC, hepatitis B and recurrence. However, no difference of miR-122 expression level among HCC, hepatitis B and recurrent patients was observed. The miR-122 level was lower in PHCC patients than that in HCC and recurrent patients. In hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) and/or hepatitis B virus e antigen (HBeAg) positive patients, the miR-122 level was higher than that in the negative ones. The miR-122 level in hepatitis C antibody (HCV-Ab) positive patients was raised compared with the negative ones. The serum level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was positively correlated with the serum level of miR-122 (r=0.34, P<0.05). The miR-122 expression level in the patients with serum AFP≥400 μg/L was higher than that in the patients with serum AFP<400 μg/L. CONCLUSION: The method of Taqman probe real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR can detect the serum level of miR-122 expression. Serum miR-122 might be used as a new biomarker of liver diseases, especially in the early diagnosis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma, the curative effect of surgical operation and the prognosis.     

Urinary concentration of aquaporin-2 water channel protein at different stages of chronic heart failure rats

AIM: To study urinary concentration of aquaporin-2 water channel protein(AQP2) at different stages of chronic heart failure(CHF) rats and its relation to hyponatremia. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats(200~250 g) underwent either a left coronary artery ligation (a model of CHF) or a sham-operation. At different stage after surgery, urinary AQP2 concentration was measured by Western blot. 24-hours urine volume, serum sodium and urine osmolality were measured at the same time. RESULTS: There were two peaks of urinary excretion of AQP2 in severe heart failure rats model: one was the third day after operation, the other was the 9th week. Serum sodium and urine osmolality were significantly different in CHF rats as compared with sham-operated rats. Seven weeks after surgery, urinary AQP2 concentration was increased significantly insevere CHF rats compared with the mild ones and the control ones(365%±103% vs 179%±81% and 99%±48%, P＜0.01).CONCLUSION: The variation of urinary AQP2 excretion at different stages after ligation showed that the expression of AQP2 gene was increased obviously in CHF rats, and its expression level was higher as the heart failure became more severe.This is the important reason of heart failure with hyponatremia.     

Correlation of intestinal endotoxemia,histaminemia and cellular immune function in patients with hepatitis B

AIM: To investigate the correlation of intestinal endotoxemia (IETM), histaminemia and cellular immune function in the patients with hepatitis B. METHODS: Peripheral blood was collected from patients with chronic hepatitis B (n=80) and healthy individuals (n=18). According to plasma endotoxin concentration, total patients were divided into two groups: ET positive and ET negative. Serum IL-10, IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4 concentrations were detected. In addition, the serum histamine (HA), tryptase (TS) and AP50 levels were studied. RESULTS: Compared to control group, the concentrations of IL-4 and IL-10 were increased, but IL-12 and IFN-γ were decreased obviously in total patients (P<0.05). The levels of IL-4 and IL-10 in ET positive group were higher than that in ET negative group (P<0.05). The level of IL-12 and IFN-γ had no statistical difference between two groups. AP50, HA and TS levels were increased significantly in total patients compared with control group, and the levels of ET positive were higher than that in ET negative group (P<0.05). Furthermore, in total patients, ET was correlated with IL-4, IL-10, AP50 and HA, respectively. HA was negatively correlated with IL-12 and IFN-γ, and correlated with AP50 and TS. In ET positive group, ET was correlated with IL-4, IL-10, AP50 and HA, respectively, which did not exist in ET negative group. CONCLUSION: AP50 may be a sign of IETM. IETM may be disbenefit to hepatitis B through activating complement, which leads to histaminemia and poor cellular immune function.     

Diagnostic value of serum miR-21 for diabetic nephropathy

AIM:To evaluate the diagnostic value of serum miR-21 as a molecular biomarker in the patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). METHODS:Twenty-five patients with DN, 50 patients with type II diabetes ［divided into DMA group and DMB group base on urinary microalbumin (UmAlb), 25 in each group］, 25 patients with diabetic nephropathy-induced uremia (UM) and 25 normal controls (NC) were included in the study. Total RNA was extracted from the serum samples for determining the miR-21 level using real-time PCR. The relationship between miR-21 level and clinical parameters of the patients with diabetic nephropathy was analyzed. RESULTS:The relative expression level of serum miR-21 was significantly lower in DN group than that in DMA group, DMB group and NC group, and was significantly higher than that in UM group (all P<001). The serum miR-21 level showed significant negative correlation with cystatin C, UmAlb, UmAlb/urinary creatinine in DN patients (P<0.01,P<0.05,P<0.05). For discriminating the DN patients from NC, DMA, DMB, DMA＋NC, DMB＋NC and DMA＋DMB, the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) for serum miR-21 were 0848 (95% CI: 0737~0959), 0896 (95% CI: 0812~0980), 0782 (95% CI: 0641~0922), 0838 (95% CI: 0743~0933), 0796 (95% CI: 0675~0917) and 0808 (95% CI: 0704~0911), and the sensitivity and specificity were 800% and 720%, 720% and 880%, 720% and 840%, 760% and 770%, 760% and 820%, 700% and 860%, respectively. For discriminating the DN patients from DMA＋DMB＋NC, the AUC-ROC was 0845 (95% CI: 0752~0939), and the sensitivity and specificity were 760% and 773%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Serum miR-21 can serve as a molecular diagnostic marker for diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy.     

羽衣甘蓝和白菜型油菜硫代葡萄糖苷超高效液相色谱—飞行时间质谱分析方法

利用超高效液相色谱-飞行时间质谱（UHPLC–Triple–TOF–MS）技术建立了羽衣甘蓝等蔬菜中硫代葡萄糖苷（Glucosinolate,简称硫苷）的分析方法。蔬菜样品采用70% 甲醇提取,采用UPLC BEH C₁₈反相色谱柱,乙腈-水（均含0.1%甲酸）流动相系统,10 min快速梯度洗脱;在电喷雾质谱负离子模式下采用飞行时间质谱全扫描-信息关联采集-子离子扫描（TOF–MS scan–IDA–Product ion scan）复合扫描模式,1次进样分析可同时获得硫苷的一级质谱和二级质谱信息;基于TOF–MS的高分辨率性能,得到硫苷分子、离子和碎片离子的精确质荷比,大大提高硫苷定性分析的准确性。将建立的分析方法应用于白菜型油菜Yellow Sarson的种子和羽衣甘蓝的叶片组织,分别鉴定出24和15种硫苷,表明本方法具有灵敏度高、准确度高和高通量等优点,适合于十字花科蔬菜中硫苷的分析。     

Effects of uremic serum of different molecular weight groups ongene and protein expression of connective tissue growth factor gene and proteinexpression in human renal tubular epithelial cells

AIM:To investigate the effects of uremic serum of different molecular weight groups on gene and protein expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in human renal tubular epithelial cells.METHODS:The serum from 40 chronic renal failure patients and 20 healthy volunteers were collected and uremic serum was segregated to three groups: >10 000 D,5 000-10 000 D,<5 000 D by 10 000 D and 5 000 D molecular weight Centricon Plus 20 Centrifugal Filter Devices.The protein expression of CTGF was examined by Western blotting.The mRNA expression of CTGF was detected by RT-PCR.RESULTS:CTGF gene expression were increased in 2.5%-20% uremic serum groups compared with that in normal control group,and it was the highest in 10% uremic serum groups.CTGF gene expression was increased significantly in molecular weight >10 000 D and 5 000-10 000 D groups,and the highest was in >10 000 D group,but it was no significant difference in <5 000 D group compared with that in normal control group.CTGF protein was increased in different molecular weight uremic serum groups compared with that in normal control group,and gradually increased following the increasing of uremic serum concentration and it was the highest in molecular weight >10 000 D group.CONCLUSION:Human renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis was accelerated significantly by uremic toxin,especially molecular weight >10 000 D uremic toxin through promoting the gene and protein expression of CTGF in renal tubular epithelial cells in patients with chronic renal failure.     

Effect of fraction F of naja naja atra venom on protein tyrosine phosphorylation in platelet activation

AIM: To observe the mechanism of intracellular signal transduction that fraction F of naja naja atra venom inhibits platelet aggregation. METHODS: Tests were divided into six groups: (1) blank group; (2) control group and (3)-(6) ADP plus fraction F group (doses of fraction F were 100, 30, 10, 3 mg/L, respectively). Protein tyrosine phosphorylation in platelets was assayed by Western blotting and platelet aggregation was assayed by nephelometer. RESULTS: Fraction F significantly inhibited molecular masses (MW) 76, 66 and 37.5 kD protein tyrosine phosphorylation in platelet that induced by ADP in a dose-dependent manner, in which 30 and 100 mg/L dose group showed obviously different effects when compared to control group (P<0.05). Inhibition of platelet aggregation was positive correlated with protein tyrosine phosphorylation in platelets （r=0.9367, P<0.01）. CONCLUSIONS: Fraction F of naja naja atra venom affected intracellular signal transduction pathway in platelets by inhibiting MW 76, 66 and 37.5 kD protein tyrosine phosphorylation. The result suggests that this effect may be one of the anti-thrombus mechanisms of fraction F.     

铁皮石斛类原球茎空气干燥法超低温保存中的脱水蛋白分析

 用空气干燥法将铁皮石斛类原球茎脱水至不同含水量, 进行超低温保存和热稳定蛋白的SDS-PAGE 分析, 并进行脱水蛋白的Western-blot 检测。结果表明: 在本试验条件下, 含水量以g/ g DM表示时,铁皮石斛类原球茎脱水时间(x) 对含水量(y) 的回归方程式为y = - 0.1208 x + 9.9636。含水量下降为0.1～0.5 g/ g DM时, 冻后存活率达到最大值。当含水量达1.0 g/ g DM时, 热稳定蛋白的含量明显增加, 经免疫检测其中分子量分别为28.7 和34.3 kD 的两个热稳定蛋白为脱水蛋白。认为含水量是铁皮石斛超低温保存成功的关键因素, 也是引起脱水蛋白大量积累的重要条件。     

Relationship between precore/basal core promoter mutations of hepatitis B virus and therapeutic effect of peginterferon α-2b,and changes of mutations before and after treatment

AIM:To investigate the relationship between therapeutic effect of peginterferon α-2b (Peg-IFNα-2b) and precore (PC) region G1896A and basal core promoter (BCP) region A1762T/G1764A mutations of hepatitis B virus (HBV), and the changes of the mutations before and after treatment. METHODS:The patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) (n=69) were treated with Peg-IFNα-2b for 48 weeks and followed up for 24 weeks. The PC and BCP sequences at baseline and the 72th week were determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct sequencing. Serum HBsAg, HBeAg, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and HBV DNA was quantified in the samples taken at baseline (week 0), during the treatment period (weeks 4, 8, 12, 24, 36 and 48), and during follow-up (weeks 60 and 72). RESULTS:Within the total cohort, wild-type (WT) virus was detectable in only 14 patients (20.29%), and mutants were detected in 55 patients (79.71%). The serum HBeAg level in the patients with mutant virus was significantly lower than that in the patients with WT virus (P=0.024). The proportion of WT, PC mutant, BCP mutant and PC+BCP mutant was significantly changed at baseline and week 72 (P=0.004). No significant difference of HBeAg seroconversion and combined response between patients with WT virus or mutants (PC, BCP and PC+BCP) was observed. CONCLUSION:PC and BCP mutations have no effect on the response of HBeAg-positive CHB patients to Peg-IFNα-2b. The proportion of each mutation was significantly changed before and after treatment.     

The proteome research of human lens epithelial cells by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry

AIM: To establish the techniques in the proteome research of human lens epithelial cells,including the techniques of two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry.METHODS: Total protein of cultured human lens epithelial cells was extracted with two kinds of different methods.The proteins were separated using immobilized pH gradients 2-DE and visualized by silver staining.The digitized images obtained by GS-800 scaner were then analyzed with PDQuest software in order to establish the differential expression profiles.The differential expressed protein spots were cut from the gels using proteomework spot cutter and subjected to in-gel digestion with trypsin.The digested peptide separation was conducted by a Finnigan LCQ MS coupled with a Surveyor HPLC system. RESULTS: A high resolution and reproducible 2-ED image was successfully obtained.The maps of 2-DE showed that lens proteins were in the section of pH 4-7 which the relative molecular weight was 17-72 kD.Relative molecular weight of more abundant proteins was localized at 19-50 kD,as well as the isoelectric points were found to lie between PI 5-7.Two of these proteins were identified by mass spectrometry and database queries.CONCLUSION: A stable protein maps of human lens epithelial cells is constructed.The technique will be used in human lens research to characterize physiological processes and diseases.     

苹果实生树阶段转变特异蛋白质的SDS-PAGE分析

 利用聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳技术（SDS-PAGE）分析了6株苹果实生树（‘红玉’ב金冠’）叶片中蛋白质随节位升高的动态变化。结果表明,随节位升高蛋白质带发生变化,共发现了3条阶段转变特异蛋白质带,分子量分别为55 kD、19 kD和17 kD。其中55 kD蛋白质表现为定性变化,有5株实生树在36～75节出现,到101～126节消失;19 kD蛋白质在实生树低节位含量高,在86～100节之后含量突然降低;17 kD蛋白质在实生树低节位含量低,随着植株的发育蛋白质在36～50节含量突然增加并保持稳定,到91～105节后含量突然下降。认为这3种蛋白质是苹果实生树阶段转变的特异蛋白质。     

Screening and identification of specific serum biomarkers of Parkinson disease

AIM：To screen the possible serum biomarkers of Parkinson’s disease. METHODS：The surface-enhanced laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS) was used to screen the serum samples from 44 cases of Parkinson’s disease and 60 control subjects. The differentially expressed protein peaks were selected and isolated with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and processed with enzyme before analysis by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The data mining was performed by Xcalibur program component BioWorks 3.2. RESULTS：Three differentially expressed protein peaks were selected as potential serum biomarkers from the patients of Parkinson’s disease: the protein at 8 937 m/z peak showed significant increase (27.47±16.58 in Parkinson’s disease group, and only 5.01±3.47 in control group), and the proteins at 6 636 and 8 697 m/z peaks showed significant decreases (5.43±2.66 and 20.22±9.57, respectively, in Parkinson’s disease group, and 18.85±7.56 and 51.13±26.22, respectively, in control group). The proteins at 6 636, 8 697 and 8 937 m/z peaks were identified as apolipoprotein C-I, apolipoprotein C-III and complement 3a,respectively. Combined use of these 3 biomarkers effectively distinguished the subjects between Parkinsons disease group and control group. The detection rate of the patients with Parkinsons disease was 90.0% (27/30), and the detection rate of the healthy sibkects was 92.5% (37/40). CONCLUSION：The apolipoprotein C-I, apolipoprotein C-III and complement component 3a identified as potential markers of Parkinson’s disease have diagnostic value in clinical application.     

Relationship between serum concentrations of IL-18, IL-10, IL-6 and acute coronary syndrome

AIM: To examine the relation between serum concentrations of interleukin-18, interleukin-10, interleukin-6 and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS: Serum concentrations of IL-18, IL-10, IL-6 were measured in 17 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), 30 patients with unstable angina pectoris (UAP), 15 patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP) and 20 controls by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and radioimmunoassay (RIA).The relation between IL-18, IL-6 and IL-10 was compared. RESULTS: Serum concentrations of IL-18, IL-6 were significantly increased in the AMI and UAP groups in comparison with the SAP and control groups. Conversely, serum concentrations of IL-10 were significantly decreased in the AMI and UAP groups in comparison with the SAP and control groups. The correlation of concentrations of IL-18 and IL-6 had no significance; but the levels of IL-18 and IL-6 were negatively correlated with IL-10. CONCLUSION: Serum IL-18, IL-6 concentrations increase while serum IL-10 concentration decreases in patients with acute coronary syndromes. The inflammatory imbalance between IL-18, IL-6 and IL-10 may play an important role in the instability of atherosclerotic plaque.     

Intervention of hydrogen on memory damage induced by chronic hypoxia-hypercapnia in rats

AIM: To investigate the effects of hydrogen on the memory damage caused by chronic hypoxia-hypercapnia in rats. METHODS: Twenty-four SD rats trained by eight-arm radial maze test were randomly divided into 3 groups:normal control group (NC), hypoxia-hypercapnia+saline group (MS) and hypoxia-hypercapnia+ hydrogen group (MH). The rats in the latter 2 groups were placed in a closed cabin for 8 h/day,6 days/week and lasted for 4 weeks, in which O₂ was 9％-11％ and CO₂ was 5％-6％. In every time after the animals were out of the cabin, the MS rats were intraperitoneally injected with saline (5 mL/kg) and the MH rats were intraperitoneally injected with hydrogen solution at the same dose. The learning and memory function, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were examined after the cabin training. The ultramicrostructures of hippocampus were also observed. RESULTS: (1) Compared with NC group, the number of working memory errors, the total errors, the content of hippocampus 8-OHdG and serum MDA in MS and MH groups were higher and the activity of serum SOD was lower (P<0.05). The hippocampus structure was destroyed and some degree of edema and more apoptosis in the neurons were obserued in MS group and MH group. (2) Compared with MS group, the number of working memory errors(WME), the total errors, the content of hippocampus 8-OHdG and serum MDA were lower and the activity of serum SOD was higher in MH group (P<0.05). In MH group, the morphology of hippocampus structures kept nearly normal arrangement and the only mild edema and fewer apoptosis in the neurons were found. CONCLUSION: Hydrogen may attenuate chronic hypoxia-hypercapnia-induced memory damage in rats by inhibiting apoptosis of the neurons and decreasing detrimental free radicals reaction.