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Biomedical subjects

Bo Zhang

Publications and source records attributed to Bo Zhang.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed2005

ApoA-I/phosphatidylcholine discs remodels fast-migrating HDL into slow-migrating HDL as characterized by capillary isotachophoresis.

OBJECTIVE: Capillary isotachophoresis (cITP) is a technique for characterizing plasma lipoprotein subfractions according to their electrophoretic charges. We used this technique to examine the mechanism by which apoA-I/phosphatidylcholine (POPC) discs increase pre-beta HDL. METHODS AND RESULTS: The cITP analysis was performed using plasma prestained with a lipophilic dye on a Beckman P/ACE MDQ system. Plasma from a patient with lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) deficiency who had increased apoE-containing HDL was used to characterize the charge distribution of apoA-I/POPC discs. cITP analysis of apoB- and E-depleted plasma of the patient in the presence of apoA-I/POPC discs indicated two major subfractions of apoA-I/POPC discs with mobilities of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (fast and slow apoA-I). Incubation of whole plasma from a normolipidemic subject in the presence of apoA-I/POPC discs caused a reduction in cITP fast (f)- and intermediate (i)-migrating HDL, and fast and slow apoA-I, and an increase in slow (s)-migrating HDL. The changes in cITP lipoprotein subfractions were not affected by the inhibition of LCAT activity. ApoA-I/POPC discs increased the fractional esterification rate of cholesterol in apoB-depleted plasma. CONCLUSION: ApoA-I/POPC discs remodeled cITP fHDL and iHDL to sHDL independent of LCAT activity.

Apolipoprotein A-I↗
PubMed2005

Hemodynamic and morphologic changes of peripheral hepatic vasculature in cirrhotic liver disease: a preliminary study using contrast-enhanced coded phase inversion harmonic ultrasonography.

AIM: To provide the useful information for the diagnosis of liver cirrhosis by observing the morphology of peripheral hepatic vessels and the hemodynamics of microbubble arrival time in these vessels. METHODS: Twenty-one subjects including 5 normal volunteers and 16 patients (liver cirrhosis, n=10; chronic hepatitis, n=6) were studied by contrast-enhanced coded phase inversion harmonic sonography (GE LOGIQ 9 series) using a 6-8 MHz convex-arrayed wide-band transducer. The images of peripheral hepatic artery, portal and hepatic vein were observed in real-time for about 2 min after intravenous injection of Levovist. The time when microbubbles appeared in the peripheral vessels (microbubble arrival time) was also recorded. The morphologic changes of peripheral hepatic vasculature were classified as marked, slight, and no changes based on the regularity in caliber, course, ramification, and the delineation of vessels compared to normal subjects. RESULTS: The microbubble arrival time at peripheral artery, portal, and hepatic vein was shorter in cirrhotic patients than in chronic hepatitis patients and normal subjects. The marked, slight and no morphologic changes of peripheral hepatic vasculature found in 5 (5/6, 83.3%), 1 (1/6, 16.7%), and 0 (0/6, 0%) liver cirrhosis patients, respectively, and in 1 (1/10, 10%), 6 (6/10, 60%), and 3 (3/10, 30%) chronic hepatitis patients, respectively. There was a significant difference between the two groups (P< 0.001). CONCLUSION: Evaluation of the hemodynamics and morphology of peripheral hepatic vasculature by contrast-enhanced coded pulse inversion harmonic sonography can provide useful information for the diagnosis of liver cirrhosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Imaging findings of biliary hamartomas.

AIM: To evaluate the imaging findings of biliary hamartomas (von Meyenburg complexes, VMCs) and discuss the differential diagnosis with other related diseases. METHODS: Imaging findings of biliary hamartomas on ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)and hepatobiliary scintigraphy were retrospectively analyzed in six patients. RESULTS: On ultrasound images, five of the six cases showed multiple small hyper- and hypo-echoic lesions with comet-tail echoes, especially when magnified by US with the usage of zoom function. In all the six cases, multiple tiny hypodense lesions less than 10 mm in diameter were revealed as scattered throughout the liver with no enhancement on CT. These tiny lesions were demonstrated to be hyper- and hypo-intensity on T2- and TI-weighed images, respectively, in three patients who underwent MRI examinations. MRCP was performed in two patients, and clearly showed multiple tiny irregular- and round-shaped hyper-intensity lesions. MRCP and hepatobiliary scintigraphy showed normal appearances of intra- and extra-hepatic bile ducts in two and one patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: Imaging modalities are useful in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of VMCs. A correct diagnosis might be obtained when typical imaging findings are present even without a histological confirmation.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Association between fast-migrating low-density lipoprotein subfraction as characterized by capillary isotachophoresis and intima-media thickness of carotid artery.

BACKGROUND: A mildly modified LDL subfraction that is characterized by an increased negative charge exists in plasma. This electronegative LDL separated by ion-exchange chromatography has been shown to be inflammatory and its proportion is increased in patients with hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus. The present study examined the association between the level of fast (f)-migrating LDL subfraction characterized by capillary isotachophoresis (cITP) and carotid-artery intima-media thickness (CA-IMT). METHODS AND RESULTS: This study included 469 subjects who underwent a physical examination. CA-IMT was determined by high-resolution B-model ultrasonoraphy. Levels of charge-based LDL subfractions were measured by cITP on a Beckman P/ACE MDQ system. An increased serum LDL-C level and cITP fLDL level were associated with increased CA-IMT after adjusting for age. The extent of the associations between cITP fLDL and CA-IMT and between LDL-C and CA-IMT were similar as assessed by a receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis. LDL-C, triglyceride, and remnant-like particle cholesterol levels were independently correlated with cITP fLDL, and the LDL-C level had the strongest correlation with cITP fLDL. The association between the cITP fLDL level and CA-IMT was significant in the high LDL-C stratum but not in the low stratum, indicating that it is modified by the LDL-C level. The high-LDL-C-high-fLDL group had the highest relative risk for a high CA-IMT among the groups with each combination of LDL-C and cITP fLDL level. CONCLUSION: The cITP fLDL level was associated with CA-IMT and its combination with the LDL-C level is a stronger indicator for a high CA-IMT.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[Expression of SARS-CoV in various types of cells in lung tissues].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the cell types infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) in lung tissues and explore the mechanism of lung injury in SARS. METHODS: In-situ hybridization(ISH) and immunohistochemistry(IHC) double staining was applied to study the lung tissues from 7 SARS cases of Beijing and one of Anhui province. According to SARS-CoV genome sequence, the cDNA probe was synthesized and labelled by digoxin. Immunohistochemically, antibodies of cytokeratin(CK), CD34, CD68, Vimentin and CD3 were applied to demonstrate bronchial epithelial cells, type II pneumocytes, endothelial cells, macrophages, fibroblasts and T cells respectively. RESULTS: The positive results of in-situ hybridization showed that the lung tissues of all cases expressed SARS-CoV RNA, and positive signals displayed in cytoplasms (purple-blue, NBP-BCIP. ISH-IHC double staining showed that positive signals of both ISH (purple-blue NBT-BCIP and IHC (red-brown, AEC expressed in the cytoplasms (purple and red). The positive results of double staining indicated that bronchial epithelial cells, type II pneumocytes, endothelial cells, macrophages, fibroblasts and T lymphocytes were diffusely infected by SARS-CoV. CONCLUSION: This study of ISH-IHC double staining in lung tissues of SARS patients showed that bronchial epithelial cells, type II pneumocytes, endothelial cells, macrophages, T lymphocytes and fibroblasts were attacked diffusely in SARS lungs. Various types of cells damaged by SARS-CoV and inflammatory mediators released by those cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of lung injury in SARS.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Modulating effects of cholesterol feeding and simvastatin treatment on platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase activity and lysophosphatidylcholine concentration.

BACKGROUND: Platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolyse (PAF-AH) is an enzyme that degrades PAF and bioactive oxidized lipids. However, it has been reported to be a risk factor for coronary heart disease. The present study examined the effects of cholesterol feeding and simvastatin treatment on plasma PAF-AH activity. METHODS: Japanese White rabbits (n=22) were fed a diet containing 0.3% cholesterol and 3% corn oil for 1 month, and then divided into two groups that continued to receive this diet with (treated) or without (control) treatment with simvastatin (0.01%) for another 2 months. RESULTS: Cholesterol feeding increased and simvastatin treatment decreased apolipoprotein (apo) B-containing lipoprotein subfractions as characterized by capillary isotachophoresis, serum levels of total cholesterol, phospholipids, LDL-C, apoE, plasma and LDL-associated PAF-AH (LDL-PAF-AH) activities, and plasma lyso-PC concentration. Cholesterol feeding also increased apoB levels but decreased the LDL-PAF-AH/LDL-C ratio and did not change the plasma PAF-AH/lyso-PC ratio. Simvastatin treatment did not affect apoB levels and only slightly increased the LDL-PAF-AH/LDL-C ratio. Secretion of PAF-AH activity from monocyte-derived macrophages was increased by cholesterol feeding but not affected by simvastatin treatment. These results indicate that PAF-AH activity is increased by cholesterol feeding due to increased secretion of PAF-AH activity from macrophages and that PAF-AH activity is decreased by simvastatin due to increased removal of lipid and enzyme contents of LDL particles. CONCLUSION: Cholesterol elevation by cholesterol feeding and cholesterol-lowering by simvastatin modulate plasma PAF-AH activity by different mechanisms.

1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase↗
PubMed2005

High-concentration food wastewater treatment by an anaerobic membrane bioreactor.

The viability of treating high-concentration food wastewater by an anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AMBR) was studied using polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration membranes PES200, PES300, PES500 and PES700 with norminal molecular weight cutoff (MWCO) ranging from 20,000 to 70,000 Da. Hydraulic and solid retention time significantly affected the treatment performance of the AMBR kept at 60 h and 50 days in the study. The four membranes exhibited a similar efficiency in removal of suspended solids, color, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and bacteria. When the volumetric loading rate was below 4.5 kg/m3d, COD removal rate was in the range of 81-94% and the gas yield stabilized at 0.136 m3/kg COD. The effect of membrane properties including MWCO, hydrophobicity and surface morphology on membrane fouling and cleaning was evaluated. The PES200 membranes with the smallest MWCO and smoothest surface exhibited a serious initial flux decline, whereas the PES700 membranes with the largest MWCO and roughest surface were observed related to the highest flux decline and the lowest recoverable flux rate during long-term operation. Membrane autopsy revealed that the significant flux decline was caused by the formation of a thick biofouling layer onto the membrane surfaces.

Anaerobiosis↗
PubMed2005

Transcriptional upregulation of DNA polymerase beta by TEIF.

The overexpression of DNA polymerase beta (beta-pol) has been identified in lots of human cancers, but the mechanism has seldom been investigated. Telomerase transcriptional element-interacting factor (TEIF) can bind to hTERT promoter, stimulating its transcription and telomerase activities. Here, we report that TEIF could also enhance the expression of beta-pol at transcription level. TEIF could specifically activate transcription of beta-pol promoter, but not that of DNA polymerase alpha or delta promoter. The responsible sequences for binding of TEIF were revealed as GC-rich elements dispersing from +19 to -29 nt of beta-pol promoter, which due to mutations caused decreasing in binding of TEIF and apparent losing of transactivation activity. The in vivo interaction between TEIF and beta-pol promoter was identified by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Besides, ectopic expression of TEIF in HeLa cells could upregulate both levels of endogenous beta-pol mRNA and protein, and consequently increases resistance to the oxidative stress of H2O2. The data may provide new clue to the elucidation of beta-pol overexpression in cancers and also a functional link between beta-pol and telomerase.

Adaptor Proteins, Vesicular Transport↗
PubMed2005

Application of serum protein fingerprinting coupled with artificial neural network model in diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma tends to present at a late clinical stage with poor prognosis. Therefore, it is urgent to explore and develop a simple, rapid diagnostic method, which has high sensitivity and specificity for hepatocellular carcinoma at an early stage. In this study, the serum proteins in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma or liver cirrhosis and in normal controls were analysed. Surface enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass (SELDI-TOF-MS) spectrometry was used to fingerprint serum protein using the protein chip technique and explore the value of the fingerprint, coupled with artificial neural network, to diagnose hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: Of the 106 serum samples obtained, 52 were from patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, 22 from patients with liver cirrhosis and 32 from healthy volunteers. The samples were randomly assigned into a training group (n = 70, 35 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, 14 with liver cirrhosis, and 21 normal controls) and a testing group (n = 36, 17 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, 8 with liver cirrhosis, and 11 normal controls). An artificial neural network was trained on data from 70 individuals in the training group to develop an artificial neural network diagnostic model and this model was tested. The 36 sera in the testing group were analysed with blind prediction by using the same flowchart and procedure of data collection. The 36 serum protein spectra were clustered with the preset clustering method and the same mass/charge (M/Z) peak values as those in the training group. Matrix transfer was performed after data were output. Then the data were input into the previously built artificial neural network model to get the prediction value. The M/Z peaks of the samples with more than 2000 M/Z were normalized with biomarker wizard of ProteinChip Software version 3.1 for noise filtering. The first threshold for noise filtering was set at 5, and the second was set at 2. The 10% was the minimum threshold for clustering. The statistical analysis of the data of serum protein mass spectrum was performed in the groups (normal vs. hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver cirrhosis vs. hepatocellular carcinoma) with the t test. RESULTS: Comparison between the groups of hepatocellular carcinoma and normal control: The mass spectra from 56 samples (hepatocellular carcinoma and normal controls) in the training group were analysed and 241 peaks were obtained. In addition, 21 peaks from them were used for comparison between the groups of hepatocellular carcinoma and normal controls (P < 0.01). Only 2 peaks at 3015 M/Z and 5900 M/Z were selected with significant difference (P < 10 (-9)). A model was developed based on these two proteins with different M/Z. It was confirmed that this artificial neural network model can be used for comparison between the groups of hepatocellular carcinoma and normal controls. The sensitivity was 100% (17/17), and the specificity was 100% (11/11). Comparison between the groups of hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cirrhosis: The mass spectra from 49 samples in the training group (including patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cirrhosis) were analysed and 208 peaks were obtained. In addition, 21 peaks from them were used for comparison between the groups of hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cirrhosis (P < 0.01). Only 2 peaks at 7759 M/Z, 13134 M/Z were selected with significant difference (P < 10 (-9)). A model was developed based on these two proteins with different M/Z. It was confirmed that this artificial neural network model can be used for comparison between the groups of hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cirrhosis. The sensitivity was 88.2% (15/17), and the specificity was 100% (8/8). CONCLUSIONS: The specific biomarkers selected with the SELDI technology could be used for early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Relation between insulin resistance and fast-migrating LDL subfraction as characterized by capillary isotachophoresis.

The proportion of the electronegative low density lipoprotein [LDL(-)] subfraction, which is atherogenic, is increased in type 2 diabetes but is not reduced by glycemic control. Therefore, we evaluated the ability of a new technique, capillary isotachophoresis (cITP), to quantify charge-based LDL subfractions and examined the relation between insulin resistance and the cITP fast-migrating (f) LDL levels. Seventy-five 10-year-old boys were included. The two cITP LDL subfractions, fLDL and major LDL subfractions, were proportional to the LDL protein content within the range of 0.1-0.8 mg/ml LDL protein. Levels of cITP fLDL were positively correlated with triglyceride (TG) levels and negatively correlated with LDL size. Insulin resistance as assessed by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) was positively correlated (P < 0.01) with cITP fLDL levels (r = 0.41). The relation between HOMA-IR and cITP fLDL levels depended on TG levels but was independent of body mass index and LDL size. cITP lipoprotein analysis is an accurate and sensitive method for quantifying charge-based LDL subfractions in human plasma, and insulin resistance is related to cITP fLDL independent of LDL size.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Multiple organ infection and the pathogenesis of SARS.

After >8,000 infections and >700 deaths worldwide, the pathogenesis of the new infectious disease, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), remains poorly understood. We investigated 18 autopsies of patients who had suspected SARS; 8 cases were confirmed as SARS. We evaluated white blood cells from 22 confirmed SARS patients at various stages of the disease. T lymphocyte counts in 65 confirmed and 35 misdiagnosed SARS cases also were analyzed retrospectively. SARS viral particles and genomic sequence were detected in a large number of circulating lymphocytes, monocytes, and lymphoid tissues, as well as in the epithelial cells of the respiratory tract, the mucosa of the intestine, the epithelium of the renal distal tubules, the neurons of the brain, and macrophages in different organs. SARS virus seemed to be capable of infecting multiple cell types in several organs; immune cells and pulmonary epithelium were identified as the main sites of injury. A comprehensive theory of pathogenesis is proposed for SARS with immune and lung damage as key features.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Immunization of mice with concentrated liquor from male zooid of Antheraea pernyi.

AIM: To study the effects of concentrated liquor from male zooid of Antheraea pernyi on immunological mice. METHODS: For each experiment, 40 mice were randomly divided into normal saline group (control group) and three tested groups that were administered different dosages of concentrated liquor from male zooid of A. pernyi and food for 15 d. The typical FSR and HC(50) value, monocyte-phagocytic exponent K and emendated monocyte-phagocytic exponent alpha were determined and calculated respectively. RESULTS: After 24 and 48 h, the FSR values of the three tested groups improved significantly in comparison to the control group by variance analysis. The HC(50) values showed a significant difference between the high dosage group and the control group, as well as between the high dosage group and other two tested groups. The monocyte-phagocytic exponent K and emendated exponent alpha showed rising tendencies, but no significant differences were found by variance analysis. CONCLUSION: The concentrated liquor from male zooid of A. pernyi can significantly enhance cellular and humoral immune function in mice, but has no distinct influence on the monocyte-phagocytic system in mice.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

15-zinc finger protein Bloody Fingers is required for zebrafish morphogenetic movements during neurulation.

A novel zebrafish gene bloody fingers (blf) encoding a 478 amino acid protein containing fifteen C(2)H(2) type zinc fingers was identified by expression screening. As determined by in situ hybridization, blf RNA displays strong ubiquitous early zygotic expression, while during late gastrulation and early somitogenesis, blf expression becomes transiently restricted to the posterior dorsal and lateral mesoderm. During later somitogenesis, blf expression appears only in hematopoietic cells. It is completely eliminated in cloche, moonshine but not in vlad tepes (gata1) mutant embryos. Morpholino (MO) knockdown of the Blf protein results in the defects of morphogenetic movements. Blf-MO-injected embryos (morphants) display shortened and widened axial tissues due to defective convergent extension. Unlike other convergent extension mutants, blf morphants display a split neural tube, resulting in a phenotype similar to the human open neural tube defect spina bifida. In addition, dorsal ectodermal cells delaminate in blf morphants during late somitogenesis. We propose a model explaining the role of blf in convergent extension and neurulation. We conclude that blf plays an important role in regulating morphogenetic movements during gastrulation and neurulation while its role in hematopoiesis may be redundant.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2005

Suppression of hepatitis A virus genome translation and replication by siRNAs targeting the internal ribosomal entry site.

Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting the coding region of hepatitis A virus (HAV) were shown to specifically inhibit viral genome replication. Compared to the coding region, the HAV internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) in the 5' non-coding region is highly sequence-conserved and folds into stable secondary structures. Here, we report efficient and sustained RNA interference mediated by both RNase III-prepared siRNA (esiRNA) and vector-derived short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) that are targeted to various domains of the HAV IRES. Using reporter constructs, and the DNA-based HAV replicon system, we found that shRNAs targeting the HAV IRES domains IIIc and V sustainably suppressed genome translation and replication whereas the IRES domains IIIa and IV were resistant to RNA interference. Our study suggests that some HAV IRES domains might be used as a universal and effective target for specific inhibition of HAV infection.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed2005

Kinetic and thermodynamic characterization of the cobalt and manganese oxyhydroxide cores formed in horse spleen ferritin.

Horse spleen ferritin (HoSF) containing 800-1500 cobalt or 250-1200 manganese atoms as Co(O)OH and Mn(O)OH mineral cores within the HoSF interior (Co-HoSF and Mn-HoSF) was synthesized, and the chemical reactivity, kinetics of reduction, and the reduction potentials were measured. Microcoulometric and chemical reduction of HoSF containing the M(O)OH mineral core (M = Co or Mn) was rapid and quantitative with a reduction stoichiometry of 1.05 +/- 0.10 e/M forming a stable M(OH)(2) mineral core. At pH 9.0, ascorbic acid (AH(2)), a two-electron reductant, effectively reduced the mineral cores; however, the reaction was incomplete and rapidly reached equilibrium. The addition of excess AH(2) shifted the reaction to completion with a M(3+)/AH(2) stoichiometry of 1.9-2.1, consistent with a single electron per metal atom reduction. The rate of reaction between M(O)OH and excess AH(2) was measured by monitoring the decrease in mineral core absorbance with time. The reaction was first order in each reactant with second-order rate constants of 0.53 and 4.74 M(-1) min(-1), respectively, for Co- and Mn-HoSF at pH 9.0. From the variation of absorbance with increasing AH(2) concentration, equilibrium constants at pH 9.0 of 5.0 +/- 1.9 for Co-HoSF and 2.9 +/- 0.9 for Mn-HoSF were calculated for 2M(O)OH + AH(2) = 2M(OH)(2) + D, where AH(2) and D are ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid, respectively. Consistent with these equilibrium constants, the standard potential for the reduction of Co(III)-HoSF is 42 mV more positive than that of the ascorbic acid reaction, while the standard potential of Mn(III)-HoSF is 27 mV positive relative to AH(2). Fe(2+) in solution with Co- and Mn-HoSF under anaerobic conditions was oxidized to form Fe(O)OH within the HoSF interior, resulting in partial displacement of the Co or Mn by iron.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Plasma level and genetic variation of apolipoprotein E in patients with lipoprotein glomerulopathy.

BACKGROUND: Lipoprotein glomerulopathy (LPG) is a renal disease characterized by thrombus-like lipoproteins in the glomerular capillaries and its abnormal lipoprotein profiles with marked elevation of apolipoprotein E (apoE). In this study, 15 Chinese patients with LPG were involed in exploring the association of the genetic variation and its plasma level in the pathogenesis of LPG. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the clinical and pathological features was made in 15 patients with LPG. Plasma concentrations of apoE were measured with radial immunodiffusion assay. Genetic variations of apoE gene were detected using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Glomerular deposition of apoA, apoB and apoE in these patients were detected by immunofluorescence staining using monoclonal antibodies. RESULTS: Biochemical profiles of lipids and lipoproteins revealed markedly elevated levels of triglyceride, apoB and apoE, but approximately normal levels of total cholesterol, apoA1 and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], which resembled familial hypertriglyceridemia. Genetic analysis demonstrated that the genotype distribution of apoE were 7 cases with epsilon3/epsilon4, 4 cases with epsilon3/epsilon3 and 2 cases with epsilon2/epsilon3. The other 2 cases (a mother and her son) showed a same distinct band. The band pattern of later 2 cases was quite similar to the apoE variant of Tokyo type. The calculated allele frequency of epsilon 4 was relatively high in cases with LPG in comparison with that in the normal controls. We further divided the 13 patients into three groups according to their genotypes of apoE. Patients with the genotype of apoE epsilon2/epsilon3 showed a lower level of plasma apoE as compared to those with apoE epsilon3/epsilon4 (P < 0.05). The serum level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was the lowest in patients with the genotype of apoE epsilon3/epsilon4. No difference was found among the patients with different apoE genotype in the other clinical and pathological characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: The genotype of apoE epsilon3/epsilon4 is the predominant one in Chinese patients with LPG. Patients with this genotype tend to have a higher plasma level of apoE and more severe lipid dysmetabolism. No correlation was found between the genotype of apoE and the clinical features in patients with LPG.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

NXT2 is required for embryonic heart development in zebrafish.

BACKGROUND: NXT2 is a member of NXT family proteins that are generally involved in exporting nuclear RNA in eukaryotic cells. It is not known if NXT2 has any function in specific biological processes. RESULTS: A zebrafish mutant exhibiting specific heart defects during embryogenesis was generated by animal cloning-mediated retroviral insertions. Molecular analysis indicated that the mutant phenotype was caused by a disruption of NXT2. Whole-mount RNA in situ hybridization showed that NXT2 transcripts were clearly detectable in embryonic heart as well as other tissues. Further analysis revealed that expression level of one form of alternative splicing NXT2 mRNA transcripts was significantly reduced, resulting in deficient myocardial cell differentiation and the malformation of cardiac valve at the atrioventricular boundary. The defects could be reproduced by morpholino anti-sense oligo knockdown of NXT2. CONCLUSION: NXT2 has a critical role in maintaining morphogenetic integrity of embryonic heart in vertebrate species.

Active Transport, Cell Nucleus↗