Biomedical subjects

H Wang

Publications and source records attributed to H Wang.

At least 559 records · Page 31Linked to original sources

PubMed2001

Analysis of hypermutation of the 5' noncoding region in the BCL-6 gene.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate BCL-6 gene mutations in Chinese populations with B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and direct DNA sequencing were used to identify mutations in the 5' noncoding region of the BCL-6 gene in a total of 40 cases of diffuse large-cell lymphoma (DLCL) and follicular lymphoma (FL). RESULTS: Nine cases were found to have base substitutions. The incidence of BCL-6 gene mutation and the frequency of single-base changes were approximately 25.7% and (0.56-1.10) x 10(-2)/bp, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The 5' regulatory region of the BCL-6 gene undergoes frequent somatic hypermutation during lymphomagenesis and the identification of BCL-6 gene hypermutations provides a molecular marker for confirmatory diagnosis of B-NHL.

5' Flanking Region↗

PubMed2001

High level expression of human factor VIII in mammalian cells after retroviral-mediated gene transfer.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a retroviral-mediated high efficient expression system of human coagulation factor VIII. METHODS: The LNC-FVIIIBD retroviral vector was generated by cloning a human B-domain-deleted (760aa-1639aa) Factor VIII (FVIII) cDNA (FVIII cDNA BD) into the retroviral vector pLNCX. Several mammalian cell lines, including NIH3T3, CHO, Cos-7 and human hepatic cell line, L-02, were transduced with viral supernatant from the highest virus-producing PA317 clone. Antigen and coagulant activity of human FVIII in cell culture medium were measured by ELISA and a one-stage method, respectively. RT-PCR was performed for the detection of FVIIIBD mRNA. RESULTS: Human FVIII was expressed in all four target cells, with the highest FVIII expression observed in NIH3T3. The coagulant activity of secreted FVIII was up to 1.6 U/10(6) cells.24 hrs-1, and the FVIII antigen was 500 ng/10(6) cells.24 hrs-1. FVIII coagulant activity and antigen expressed by transduced CHO cells were 0.12 U/10(6) cells.24 hrs-1 and 62.4 ng/10(6) cells.24 hrs-1, respectively. Human FVIII expression was relatively low in Cos-7 and L-02 cells. RT-PCR results demonstrated transcription of FVIII cDNA BD in the target cells. CONCLUSIONS: The constructed retroviral vector was able to direct high level expression of human FVIII in various mammalian cell lines. It has potential utility in the future gene therapy for Hemophilia A.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Regional glucose metabolic increases in left auditory cortex in tinnitus patients: a preliminary study with positron emission tomography.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between tinnitus and glucose metabolism in auditory cortex and whether positron emission tomography (PET) can be an objective tool in measuring tinnitus. METHODS: Eleven right-handed patients with severe tinnitus and ten right-handed control subjects participated in the 18F-FDG/PET study. Analysis with regions of interests was used to calculate asymmetry indices according to the formula: [(L-R) x 100/[(L + R) divided by 2]]. RESULTS: Glucose metabolism in the auditory cortex of tinnitus patients was asymmetric between the left and right auditory cortices, with that of the left being much higher than that of the right. The asymmetry indices of tinnitus patients was significantly higher than that of the control group (unpaired t test, P < 0.001). This revealed that the increased metabolic activity was present in the predominant left hemisphere with a significant focus on the superior and transverse temporal gyri (Brodmann areas 41 and 42, respectively corresponding to primary and secondary auditory cortex), and the results were independent of the subjective localization of the tinnitus sensation. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that the increased metabolism in the left auditory cortex is related to the tinnitus sensation. PET is capable of providing objective evidence for tinnitus and may be used as a potential tool in measuring tinnitus.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Confirmation of susceptibility gene loci on chromosome 1 in northern China Han families with type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To confirm previous effort to identify type 2 diabetes susceptibility genes in a Northern Chinese population by conducting a new genome scan with both an increased number of type 2 diabetes families and a new set of microsatellite markers within the previously localized regions. METHODS: A genome scan method was applied. After multiplexed PCR, electrophoreses, genescan and genotyping analysis, we obtained size information for all loci, and then a further study was done by both parametric and non-parametric linkage analysis to investigate the P values and Z values of these loci. RESULTS: We surveyed 34 microsatellite markers which distributed within 5 regions along chromosome 1, and a total of 12,000 genotypes were screened. Evidence of linkage with diabetes was identified for 8 of the 34 loci. All P values of the 8 loci were lower than 0.05, and the highest Z value was 2.17. A very interesting finding is that all 5 markers at the p- terminal 1p36.3-1p36.23 region, spanning a long range of 16.9 cM, were identified to have a low P value of less than 0.05, which suggests that this region may contain multiple susceptibility genes. Regions 4 and 5 also confirmed the previous findings, and we narrowed these two regions to a 2.7 cM and 2.5 cM regions, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We further confirmed the results gained in the previous genome-wide scan using an increased number of NIDDM families and a new set of microsatellite markers lying within the initially localized regions. The fact that all 5 loci at the p- terminal region displayed a low P value of less than 0.05 suggests that more than 1 susceptibility gene may reside in this region.

Chromosomes, Human, Pair 1↗

PubMed2001

Transcatheter closure in 354 pediatric cases of patent ductus arteriosus using five different devices.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) by comparing five different devices. METHODS: 354 patients (135 males, 219 females) underwent transcatheter closure of PDA using the Porstmann Ivalon plug, Rashkind double umbrella, Sideris button device, Coils and Amplatzer occluders. The mean PDA diameter at its narrowest segment was 3.1 +/- 1.3 mm. Qp/Qs was 2.2 +/- 0.5. Follow-up evaluation was performed with color flow mapping of the main pulmonary artery at 24 h and 6 months after closure. RESULTS: Successful occlusion was observed in 92% (23/25) for the Porstmann device, 98.7% (77/78) for the Rashkind device, 100% (43/43) for the Sideris device, 100% (69/69) for the Coil and 100% (139/139) for the Amplatzer device. No residual shunts were needed for the Porstmann, while 1.4%-15% of patients who received the Rashkind, Sideris, Coils or Amplatzer needed residual shunts during follow-up. There were complications of 24% (6/25) for the Porstmann, 3.8% (3/78) for the Rashkind, 1.4% (1/69) for Coils and 1.4% (2/139) for the Amplatzer. No complications were found in patients with the Sideris device. CONCLUSION: The results showed that the Sideris device, Coils and the Amplatzer device are more effective and safer than the others for the occlusion of PDA in children.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Investigation of infection risk and the value of urine endotoxin during extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the infection risks and the value of endotoxin determination in urine during extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). METHODS: According to the distribution and complications of upper urinary calculi, 164 patients were divided into five groups. Group A consisted of 48 patients with 1 to 4 renal calculi, which were or less than 2 cm in diameter. Group B was composed of 24 patients with renal calculus larger than 2 cm in diameter or one to multiple renal calculi. Group C was composed of 22 patients with 1 to 3 renal calculi accompanied by 1 to 2 ureteric calculi. Group D consisted of 51 patients with 1 to 3 ureteric calculi that were 0.5 to 1.2 cm in diameter, respectively. Group E included 19 patients with complicated renal calculus, such as casting and staghorn renal calculus. Urine and blood samples of these patients were obtained before and after ESWL, respectively. Their urine samples were proven sterile prior to treatment. All samples were cultured for bacteria and investigated for endotoxin concentration by the limulus lysate test. RESULTS: No significant difference in serum endotoxin was noted before and after ESWL. Blood bacterial cultures were all negative in all patients after ESWL, similar to those before ESWL. Significant increases in urine endotoxin after ESWL compared with that before ESWL in patients of Groups B, C and E were observed, respectively (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in urine endotoxin after ESWL compared with that before ESWL in patients of Groups A and D. The positive incidences of urine bacterial culture were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in Groups B and C and very significantly increased (P < 0.01) in Group E compared with those in Groups A and D. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary infection risk following ESWL was lower in patients with one to several renal calculi, which were less than 2 cm in diameter and did not interfere obviously with the urine flow or in patients with 1 to 3 ureteric calculi that were 0.5 to 1.2 cm in diameter. The risk was higher in those with complicated calculi, such as casting, staghorn renal calculus, renal calculus larger than 2 cm in diameter or renal calculi accompanied by ureteric calculi. For patients with higher infection risk after ESWL, prophylactic antibiotics are necessary even if bacteriuria is not present before ESWL. Endotoxin determination in urine is a reliable, sensitive and simple method for the diagnosis of bacterial infection in patients undergoing ESWL.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Gynecological procedures under gasless laparoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate gasless laparoscopy in treating gynecological conditions. METHODS: With Kirschner wire lifting, transversely or longitudinally introduced into abdominal wall subcutaneously, we exposed the operative field and pelvic organs with routine operative instruments under epidural anesthesia. When a dense pelvic adhesion was confronted, we used the temporarily low-pressured pneumolaparoscopy to dissect it. RESULTS: All procedures were carried out without organ injury, hematoma, or other complications. The operative field can be clearly seen with this method. The mean time for appendagectomy was one hour and for laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy 80 minutes. CONCLUSION: Gasless laparoscopy avoids the complications which occur in the routine laparoscopy such as subcutaneous or mediastinal pneumatoma, hypercarbonemia, air embolism, cardiopulmonary dysfunction. Our lifting method is simple, convenient, time and money saving, as well as more flexible for treating gynecological conditions.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

An epidemiological survey on neonatal jaundice in China.

OBJECTIVE: To provide epidemiological data for revising the diagnostic criteria of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in China. METHODS: A survey was performed among full-term infants in multiple centers throughout the country. From less than 24 hours after birth, the infants' bilirubin levels were measured every day until the peak level fell to less than 68.4 mumol/L. Auditory brainstem responses were assessed in 56 infants randomly chosen from those with serum bilirubin levels of higher than 220.5 mumol/L. RESULTS: Jaundice in most infants was detected at 2-3 days after birth. The bilirubin level usually reached a peak level of 204 +/- 54.69 mumol/L at 5 days after birth and then fell. Among the 875 infants, the serum bilirubin levels in 34.4% of neonates were higher than 220.5 mumol/L. The mean serum bilirubin level of the infants during the first week after birth varied with geography (P < 0.001) and season (P < 0.001). The serum bilirubin level was significantly associated with gestation age (P < 0.01), delivery method (P < 0.01), weight loss (P < 0.001), and PCV elevation (P < 0.001) during the first three days after birth. CONCLUSIONS: The start time of neonatal jaundice was similar to that reported elsewhere, but the mean peak level in our study was higher than the reported. It is suggested that the diagnostic criteria for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in China should be strict.

Bilirubin↗

PubMed2001

[Study on infection of transfusion transmitted virus in serum, breast milk of pregnant women and umbilical venous blood from their newborns].

OBJECTIVE: To study transfusion transmitted virus (TTV) infection in pregnant women and their newborns, and the route of transmission. METHODS: Serum, breast milk from 150 pregnant women and umbilical venous blood from their newborns were collected. TTV DNA was amplified by semi-nested-polymerase chain reaction, and the positive products were sequenced directly. RESULTS: The positive rate of TTV DNA in pregnancy serum was 11.3% (17/150). Among the 17 serum positive cases, TTV DNA was detected in 11 breast milk samples, and none in all the umbilical blood. The homologous of partial nucleotide sequence of TTV DNA between the 3 serum samples and their breast milk were 97.6%-99.2%. Compared the 5 serum positive samples (A1-A5) with N22 segments of Japanese original isolate, the homologous of partial nucleotide and amino acid sequence were 71.5%-92.8%, 71.5%-92.8%, respectively. CONCLUSION: There exists TTV infection in pregnancy serum and breast milk. Transmission by breast feeding may be one of the main pathway causing TTV infection.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[Non-invasive prenatal diagnosis of fetal Down syndrome by dual-color fluorescence in situ hybridization with co-denaturation].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the possibility of non-invasive prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome by dual color fluorescence in situ hybridization with co-denaturation. METHODS: Fetal nucleated red blood cells labeled by anti-glycophorin a monoclonal immunomagnetic microbeads were enriched from maternal peripheral blood by magnetic activated cell sorting. The ploidy of chromosome 21 and sex of fetuses were determined using two-color fluorescence in situ hybridization with 21 and Y chromosome probes denatured by codenaturation. The accuracy of prediction was verified according to the karyotype of fetuses by analysis of amniotic cells. RESULTS: The ploidy of chromosome 21 of fetuses from 11 pregnant women was predicted normal. The results were correctly identified by the fetal karyotypes. 5 pregnant women were predicted carrying male fetuses. The number and mean number of male fetal nucleated red blood cells were 9-65 and 25 per 2 ml, respectively. The purity of male fetal erythrocytes enriched from maternal peripheral blood was 1.4%-18.8%; 6 pregnant women were predicted carrying female fetuses, and no male fetal nucleated red blood cell was found. The results of sex prediction were consistent with the kayotypes of fetuses by analysis of amniotic cells. CONCLUSION: It is possible to predict the ploidy of chromosome 21 and the sex of fetuses when fetal nucleated erythrocytes enriched by direct immunomagnetic labeling followed by magnetic activated cell sorting are analyzed using two-color fluorescence in situ hybridization with Y and 21 chromosome probes through codenaturation.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[Therapeutic effects of adenovirus-bcl-xs gene to the ascites tumor of nude mice model of human ovarian carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of adenovirus-bcl-xs gene on the ascites tumor growth inhibition and survival rate of nude mice with human ovarian carcinoma transplanted intraperitoneally. METHODS: Making an adenovirus-bcl-xs gene vector infected in JH293T cell and reproduced in it. After having detected the inhibitory potential of adenovirus-bcl-xs gene on NUTU-19 cell we use it to transfer intraperitoneally to ascites tumor model of human ovarian carcinoma transplanted in nude mice. Detected the ascites formation, the survival time and survival rate of nude mice with the human ascites tumour. The weight and toxic-adverse systemically effects of nude mice was observed and morphology of adenovirus was observed by electromicroscope and the gene expression was detected by immunocell chemistry. RESULTS: The adenovirus-bcl-xs gene could reproduce in JH293T cell and had inhibitory potential on NUTU-19 cell, the survival time of nude mice was longer and the survival rate was higher, and the time of ascites formation was retarted. There was no obvious alternation in the weight and systemic toxic-adverse effects observed. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggests that the transfer of adenovirus-bcl-xs gene to the ascites tumour of nude mice with human ovarian carcinoma could improve the survival rate of nude mice and retard the time of ascites formation. It may be a useful method of gene therapy in the treatment of ovarian carcinoma.

Adenoviridae↗

PubMed2001

[Experiment study of the effect of enhanced external counterpulsation on shear stress].

This study inquired into the therapeutic mechanism of external counterpulsation(ECP) in the treatment of myocardial ischemia. Blood flow was measured at the arteria carotics, truncus brachiocephalics and other places in six chest-open dogs, and shear stress was operated. The statistical results show that the average, the range of change, and the changing rate were augmented with ECP, i.e. the phasic characteristics of shear stress were increased.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Point mutations of muscle mitochondrial DNA from patients with mitochondrial encephalomyopathies.

OBJECTIVE: To study the relation between point mutations at nt3243 and nt8344 of muscle mitochondrial DNA from patients with mitochondrial encephalomyopathies and phenotypes. METHODS: DNA was extracted from muscle specimens from 5 patients with mitochondrial encephalomyopathies and and amplified by PCR method, using corresponding oligonucleotide primers. DNA fragments were digested with restriction enzymes Bgl I and Apa I, then the digested DNA fragments were analyzed with an electrophoresis method. RESULTS: The point mutation at nt3243 of mtDNA was found in 2 patients, one with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) and another with myoclonic epilepsy with ragged red fibers (MERRF). The point mutation at nt8344 was found in 2 patients with MERRF, including the one with point mutation at nt3243. CONCLUSION: The point mutation of DNA at nt3243 correlated with MELAS and nt8344 correlated with MERRF. In addition, the detection of point mutations at both nt3243 and nt8344 in a patient with MERRF shows the association of mutation with diversity in clinical manifestations of mitochondrial encephalomyopathies.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

[A study on the pathogenesis of Streptococcus mitis exotoxin].

OBJECTIVE: To study the isolation, purification and pathogenesis of Streptococcus mitis pyrogenic exotoxin causing toxic shock syndrome. METHODS: Streptococcus mitis isolated from patients' throat were shaking cultivated. After being centrifuged, the supernatant fluid of the culture was precipitated with 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% (NH(4))(2)SO(4) respectively and the fast protein liquid chromatography(FPLC) was used for the final step of purification. Rabbits receiving subcutaneous injection with respective purified proteins were monitored daily for fever. The ability of the purified proteins to enhance the susceptibility of the rabbits to lethal Escherichia coli endotoxin shock is recorded, when the endotoxin was injected intravenously 4 hours after administration of 10 microg Streptococcus mitis exotoxin. RESULTS: Only the protein precipitated by 20% (NH(4))(2)SO(4) (molecular weight is 34,000) from culture supernatant fluid was pyrogenic for rabbits (average temperature increase near 1 degrees C), and it can also cause the proliferation of rabbit splenocytes (mitogenicity). All the animals receiving subcutaneous injection of exotoxin containing purified proteins precipitated with higher concentrations of (NH(4))(2)SO(4) died within 16 approximately 29 hours after intravenous injection of the Escherichia coli endotoxin, demonstrating the enhanced susceptibility of the animals to lethal endotoxin shock. The control rabbits displayed none of these effects. CONCLUSION: Streptococcus mitis exotoxin is a novel streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

[A study of tissue factor expression and hemostatic molecular markers in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia].

OBJECTIVES: To study the changes of tissue factor expression and hemostatic molecular markers in acute promyelocytic leukemia during all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) or arsenic trioxide (AS(2)O(3)) treatment. METHODS: The plasma level of tissue factor (TF), tissue factor pathway inhibitor(TFPI), thrombin antithrombin complex(TAT), plasmin antiplasmin complex(PAP), urokinase type plasminogen activator(u-PA), urokinase type plasminogen activator receptor(u-PAR) and the TF level of bone marrow blasts lysate were measured by ELISA. Transcription of TF mRNA was detected by RT-PCR. RESULTS: The plasma levels of TF [(98.3 +/- 19.8) ng/L, (89.6 +/- 15.2) ng/L], TFPI [(94.4 +/- 37.0) mg/L, (93.5 +/- 36.4) mg/L], TAT [(21.9 +/- 9.6) microg/L, (18.2 +/- 9.7) microg/L[, PAP [(0.73 +/- 0.26) mg/L, (0.63 +/- 0.33) mg/L], u-PA [(0.63 +/- 0.23) microg/L, (0.57 +/- 0.01) microg/L] and u-PAR [(0.41 +/- 0.14) microg/L, (0.47 +/- 0.16) microg/L], the TF of bone marrow blasts lysate [(680.24 +/- 456.61) pg/10(7), (368.02 +/- 151.2) pg/10(7)] and transcription of mRNA were all remarkably elevated at the time of diagnosis. They all decreased after ATRA and AS(2)O(3) administration. CONCLUSIONS: There is over expression of TF, activation of coagulation system and hyperfibrinolysis, in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia, these can be ameliorated with clinical improvement. All-trans retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide down-regulate the expression of TF mRNA and decrease the TF contents in APL blasts. However, there is also high plasma level of TF and TAT indicating the existence of hypercoagulability after remission.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[Differential regulation of sodium pump alpha-subunit isoform gene by ouabain and digoxin in myocardium of rats].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of ouabain and digoxin on both the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and sodium pump alpha-subunit expression in myocardium of rats. METHODS: Normal Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were injected with ouabain, digoxin or normal saline (NS) everyday and indirect SBP was recorded once a week. Six weeks later, all the rats were killed and sodium pump alpha1-, alpha2-, and alpha3-subunit were detected in the left ventricular myocardium with RT-PCR method and immunohistochemical assay at mRNA and protein levels. RESULTS: At the end of six weeks SBP of rats infused with ouabain increased significantly (132.6 +/- 9.0 vs 115.7 +/- 8.2 mm Hg, P < 0.01), while no difference of SBP was found between digoxin group and NS group. The effects of ouabain and digoxin on sodium pump alpha-subunit isoform expression in myocardium were also different: both ouabain and digoxin stimulated expression of alpha3-isoform whereas alpha2-isoform unchanged at both mRNA and protein levels. alpha1-isoform was decreased in ouabain group and alpha1-isoform unchanged in digoxin group at both mRNA and protein levels. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that both ouabain and digoxin could regulate sodium pump alpha-subunit isoform expression, which might be related to the physiological roles of endogenous ouabain and might be responsible for the difference between the pharmacological and toxicological effects of ouabain and digoxin, including their effects on blood pressure.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

[Malignant hypertension presenting with renal damage: a clinical and pathological analyses].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical features and pathological characteristics of malignant hypertension (MHPT) with renal damage. METHODS: The blood pressure, eye ground, urinalysis, renal function and extrarenal presentations of malignant hypertension patients, who had been hospitalized in recent eleven years, were analyzed retrospectively. There were 27 patients, 21 males and 6 females, aged from 19 to 51 years. At the same time, the clinical and pathological features of primary MHPT were compared with those of renal parenchymal MHPT. RESULTS: Among these patients, primary hypertension was diagnosed in 10 cases (37%), glomerulonephritis in 10 cases (37%), renovascular hypertension in 1 case (3.7%), and undetermined etiology in 6 cases (22.3%). The common renal presentations were those of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) and progressive renal failure. Compared with those who were diagnosed as renal parenchymal MHPT, primary MHPT patients had lower urinary protein excretion (P = 0.001) and most of them had family history of hypertension. Renal biopsy was done in 13 cases, revealing primary MHPT in 4 cases and glomerulonephritis in 9. Typical pathological findings for primary MHPT were fibroid necrosis, marked intimal hyperplasia ("onion skin" like change) and ischemic changes of glomeruli. Severe glomerulonephritis, hyalinosis and thickening of renal arterioles were the main changes in MHPT with renal parenchymal diseases. After intensive therapy, the renal functions of some primary MHPT patients improved markedly. CONCLUSION: Malignant hypertension presenting with renal damage was not very rare. It was usually misdiagnosed. The clinical presentations, pathological findings and prognosis of primary MHPT were different from those of renal parenchymal MHPT.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[A clinical and pathological analysis of 41 patients with anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody related diseases].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical and pathological characteristics of anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) antibody associated diseases with different clinical patterns. METHODS: The clinical and pathological data of 41 patients with anti-GBM antibody associated diseases, screened in our institute in recent six years, were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: 22 of the 41 patients presented as Goodpasture syndrome, 2 of them having normal renal function. 32 of the 41 patients had anti-GBM antibody positive only (single positive). 31 of the 32 single positive patients were male with an average age of (26.8 +/- 9.7) years. The remaining 9 patients were both anti-GBM antibody and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) positive (double positive); 7 of the 9 were female with an average age of (44.5 +/- 19.6) years. There was significant difference in gender and age between the single and double positive groups (P < 0.05). 30 of the 32 patients with renal biopsy had crescentic glomerulonephritis and the remaining two with normal renal function had mild mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis only. 24 of the 30 (80%) crescentic glomerulonephritis patients had all glomeruli affected by crescents with severe glomerular capillary loop and Bowman's capsule damage. With immunofluorescence examination, 16 of the 23 cases had typical IgG and C(3) linear deposition along glomerular capillary walls, but the remaining 7 had fine granular IgG and/or C(3) deposition. In a few cases, granular deposition was found even in mesangium. There was no correlation between the immunofluorescence patterns and the severity of glomerular damage (P > 0.05). All patients had anemia, hematuria and proteinuria, 7 of the 41 cases presented as nephrotic syndrome. After intensive immunosuppressive therapy, only four patients, including the two patients with normal renal functions, achieved remission, the remaining patients either were in renal replacement therapy or died. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-GBM antibody associated diseases are not rare in China. Single positive patients are mainly young male, while double positive patients are mainly middle-aged female. Most of the patients with anti-GBM antibody associated diseases have crescentic glomerulonephritis (rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, RPGN) with a bad prognosis. However, not all the patients have typical linear deposition of IgG and C(3) along glomerular capillary walls. Only a few non-oliguric patients with normal renal function or mild renal damage may achieve remission.

Adolescent↗