Biomedical subjects

W Yang

Publications and source records attributed to W Yang.

At least 235 records · Page 13Linked to original sources

PubMed1999

Molecular characterization of a calponin-like protein from Schistosoma japonicum.

The gene for a Schistosoma japonicum (Philippine strain origin) (Sjp) calponin-like protein has been cloned and characterised. The clone, designated P14, was isolated from a Sjp adult worm lambda ZAP cDNA library by immunoscreening, and was shown to contain a full-length cDNA encoding a 38.3 kDa protein that shared significant sequence similarity to a number of previously reported calponins and 22 kDa smooth-muscle proteins. Northern analysis indicated the P14 transcript was approximately 2.2 kb in both Sjp and Chinese strain S. japonicum (Sjc) adult worms. Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA suggested that several copies of the P14 gene are present in the Sjc and Sjp genomes but only one copy was evident in the S. mansoni (Sm) genome. Western blot analysis indicated that the product of P14 occurs as a 38 kDa protein in adult Sjp worms and homologues are present in adult worms of Sjc and Sm. At least six isoforms, all with a similar molecular size of approximately 38 kDa and isoelectric points ranging from 8.1 to 9.5, were present in adult Sjc worms. The protein was immunolocalized to the muscle of male and female Sjc adult worms. Recombinant protein was expressed in E. coli and purified under denaturing conditions, and in yeast to produce a soluble protein in purified form. The availability of purified, correctly folded protein will allow investigations into its biological functions and potential involvement in host immunity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1999

Localisation of hepatic vascular resistance sites in the isolated dual-perfused rat liver.

The locations of the vascular resistance sites which regulate vascular tone in the hepatic arterial and portal venous vasculatures of the rat liver were identified using a new, in vitro, dual-perfused liver preparation. Twelve livers of male Wistar rats were perfused via the hepatic artery and portal vein at fixed flow and at physiological pressure. Dose-related vasoconstriction to injections or infusions of noradrenaline was measured as transient or sustained increases in perfusion pressure, respectively, in the hepatic arterial and portal venous vasculatures. Direct injections/infusions of noradrenaline refer to those administered into the vasculature from which pressure was recorded, e.g., the effects of hepatic arterial (direct) injections/infusions of noradrenaline upon hepatic arterial perfusion pressure. Indirect injections/infusions of noradrenaline were those administered to the adjacent afferent vasculature, e.g., the effects of portal venous (indirect) injections of noradrenaline upon hepatic arterial perfusion pressure. The converse applies for recordings of portal venous perfusion pressure. The -log(M) ED50 values to direct (hepatic arterial) and indirect (portal venous) injections in the hepatic artery were 4.25+/-0.20 and 3.40+/-0.10, respectively, and were significantly different (P < 0.01, Student's unpaired t-test); the -log(M) ED50 values to direct (portal venous) and indirect (hepatic arterial) injections in the portal vein were 3.91+/-0.08 and 3.85+/-0.11, respectively, and were not significantly different (P > 0.05, Student's unpaired t-test). Similarly, the -log(M) ED50 values to direct (hepatic arterial) and indirect (portal venous) infusions in the hepatic artery were 5.28+/-0.11 and 3.75+/-0.12, respectively, and were significantly different (P < 0.01, Student's unpaired t-test); the -log(M) ED50 values to direct (portal venous) and indirect (hepatic arterial) infusions in the portal vein were 5.31+/-0.19 and 5.70+/-0.16, respectively, and were not significantly different (P > 0.05, Student's unpaired t-test). These results demonstrated that there is little transfer of noradrenaline from the portal venous to the hepatic arterial resistance sites, but significant transfer from the hepatic artery to the portal venous suggesting that; (a) the portal venous resistance sites are located at the sinusoidal or post-sinusoidal level; and (b) the hepatic arterial resistance sites are located at the pre-sinusoidal level.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Expression and genetic analysis of prtb, a gene that encodes a highly conserved proline-rich protein expressed in the brain.

A mouse gene, designated prtb (proline codon-rich transcript, brain expressed) was identified and characterized from a gene trap embryonic stem cell line. It encodes a proline-rich protein of 168 amino acids that shares 99% amino acid sequence identity with its human homologue and is located on the distal region of mouse chromosome 15. To determine the expression pattern and function of prtb, mice that carry the prtb(gt) allele were generated. During embryogenesis,prtb gene expression as revealed by beta-galactosidase (beta-gal) marker gene activity was highly regulated. Between embryonic day (E) 11.5 and E12.5, beta-gal activity was restricted to the developing heart. From E13.5 on, expression in the heart was extinguished. However, very strong beta-gal activity could be detected in the brains of adult mice, suggesting a role for this gene in brain function. Mice homozygous for the mutation were viable, fertile, and did not display any obvious abnormalities. This could be due to functional redundancy as Northern blot hybridization analysis clearly demonstrated that prtb(gt) is likely to be a null allele.

5' Untranslated Regions↗

PubMed1999

Antigen mimicry by anti-idiotypic antibodies: study of interactions between complementary surfaces in macromolecules.

Anti-idiotypic antibodies were obtained from New Zealand White rabbits injected with affinity-purified rabbit anti-TrpR antibodies. In gel mobility shift studies, such immunoglobulin preparations were shown to contain one or more species able to form specific complexes with DNA molecules bearing a trp operator. In competitive ELISA assays, the binding of anti-idiotypic antibodies to operator-bearing DNA was reversed by TrpR. The demonstration that the immune repertoire contains information for operator-specific DNA-binding proteins may be relevant to the etiology of certain autoimmune diseases.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Prognostic significance of cerebrospinal fluid cyclic adenosine monophosphate in neonatal asphyxia.

OBJECTIVE: In piglets prolonged asphyxia resulted in decreased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) 3;,5;-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) during recovery; this was associated with reduced pial arteriolar responses to stimuli that use cAMP as a second messenger. We hypothesized that asphyxia in human neonates results in decreased CSF cAMP and that low CSF cAMP is associated with abnormal outcome. DESIGN: We studied 27 infants with evidence of hypoxic-ischemic insult; 19 were term (group 1) and 8 were preterm (group 2). The normal values of CSF cAMP were determined from 75 infants with no asphyxia; 44 were term (group 3) and 31 were preterm (group 4). CSF cAMP was measured by using radioimmunoassay procedures. RESULTS: CSF cAMP levels in infants with asphyxia (groups 1 and 2) were 12 +/- 9. 5 and 7.9 +/- 7.1 pmol/mL, respectively, significantly lower than those of groups 3 and 4 (control infants), that is, 21.1 +/- 8.7 and 27.1 +/- 9.2 pmol/mL, respectively (P <.0001). Among infants with asphyxia, 3 died and 10 had abnormal neurologic outcome. Univariate analysis showed that abnormal outcomes were significantly related to CSF cAMP levels, phenobarbital use, and multi-organ failure. However, only CSF cAMP was retained in the model by stepwise logistic regression. CSF cAMP of 10.0 pmol/mL discriminated between those with normal and those with abnormal neurologic outcome. Low CSF cAMP concentration was associated with abnormal long-term outcome, estimated odds ratio of 12.4 (95% CI, 2.1-109.3; P <.006), and sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 85%, 69%, 73%, and 80%, respectively. CONCLUSION: CSF cAMP concentrations were decreased in infants with asphyxia. Low CSF cAMP levels were associated with poor neurologic outcome.

Apgar Score↗

PubMed1999

Production of interleukin-10 by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from residents of a marshland area in China endemic for Schistosoma japonicum.

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) cytokine production was assessed using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 67 individuals living in an area endemic for schistosomiasis japonica in China (Dongting Lake, Hunan Province), and 11 control subjects from a non-endemic part of the same Province. Production of IL-10 was measured following in vitro stimulation of PBMC using whole parasite extract (SWAP) or a panel of recombinant Schistosoma japonicum antigens (22-kDa tegumental membrane-associated antigen, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, paramyosin, 14-kDa fatty acid-binding protein and 28-kDa glutathione S-transferase) which are of recognized interest in the development of protective immunity to schistosomiasis. Significantly, PBMC isolated from the exposed population compared with the non-exposed population produced higher levels of IL-10. There was a trend towards higher mean levels of IL-10 release in putatively resistant (insusceptible) (consistently egg negative but highly exposed) individuals compared with susceptible (egg-positive) subjects from the exposed population. Analysis of individual exposure (the duration of water contact and the percent body surface area in contact with water, expressed as m2 h/day) vs. IL-10 production indicated a weak but consistent and statistically significant inverse correlation, with lower levels of exposure being associated with higher levels of IL-10. These results suggest an association between IL-10 production and resistance to S. japonicum in subjects from this Chinese population exposed to infection.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Enhanced delivery of boronophenylalanine for neutron capture therapy of brain tumors using the bradykinin analog Cereport (Receptor-Mediated Permeabilizer-7).

OBJECTIVE: Using the well-characterized F98 rat glioma model, the purpose of the present study was to determine whether the delivery of boronophenylalanine (BPA) could be enhanced by prior administration of the bradykinin analog Cereport (Alkermes, Inc., Cambridge, MA) (previously known as Receptor-Mediated Permeabilizer-7), which produces a transient, pharmacologically mediated opening of the blood-brain barrier. METHODS: Two series of experiments were performed in F98 glioma-bearing rats that had received either intracarotid (i.c.) or intravenous infusions of Cereport (at doses ranging from 1.5 to 7.5 microg/kg of body weight), followed by i.c. (or intravenous) injection of BPA (300 mg/kg of body weight). Animals were killed 0.5, 2.5, or 4 hours later, samples of blood, skin, muscle, and eye were obtained, brains were removed, and tumors were excised for boron determination by direct current plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy. RESULTS: Averaged over all time points, i.c. infusion of Cereport significantly enhanced tumor boron uptake (P = 0.0001), compared with the excipient (saline) control values. Tumor boron values were equivalent at 0.5 (36.0 microg/g) and 2.5 hours (38.5 microg/g) after i.c. administration of Cereport and BPA and then decreased by 33% (to 25.7 microg/g) at 4 hours. These tumor boron uptake values were significantly different (alpha = 0.05), compared with values measured at the corresponding times after i.c. administration of BPA without Cereport (22.6, 21.8, and 15.3 microg/g, respectively). Although no time-related effects were observed, i.c. administration of Cereport followed by intravenous administration of BPA also significantly enhanced (alpha = 0.05) tumor boron uptake at 0.5, 2.5, and 4 hours (27.4, 30.3, and 28.0 microg/g, respectively), compared with values obtained without Cereport (11.3, 13.4, and 15.2 microg/g, respectively). Boron levels in normal brain tissue from tumor-bearing and non-tumor-bearing cerebral hemispheres and in blood were not significantly different from those measured in saline-treated control animals. CONCLUSION: This study established that i.c. infusion of Cereport significantly increased delivery of BPA to F98 rat gliomas, and this could enhance the efficacy of boron neutron capture therapy of this tumor.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Boron neutron capture therapy of brain tumors: an emerging therapeutic modality.

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is based on the nuclear reaction that occurs when boron-10, a stable isotope, is irradiated with low-energy thermal neutrons to yield alpha particles and recoiling lithium-7 nuclei. For BNCT to be successful, a large number of 10B atoms must be localized on or preferably within neoplastic cells, and a sufficient number of thermal neutrons must be absorbed by the 10B atoms to sustain a lethal 10B (n, alpha) lithium-7 reaction. There is a growing interest in using BNCT in combination with surgery to treat patients with high-grade gliomas and possibly metastatic brain tumors. The present review covers the biological and radiobiological considerations on which BNCT is based, boron-containing low- and high-molecular weight delivery agents, neutron sources, clinical studies, and future areas of research. Two boron compounds currently are being used clinically, sodium borocaptate and boronophenylalanine, and a number of new delivery agents are under investigation, including boronated porphyrins, nucleosides, amino acids, polyamines, monoclonal and bispecific antibodies, liposomes, and epidermal growth factor. These are discussed, as is optimization of their delivery. Nuclear reactors currently are the only source of neutrons for BNCT, and the fission reaction within the core produces a mixture of lower energy thermal and epithermal neutrons, fast or high-energy neutrons, and gamma-rays. Although thermal neutron beams have been used clinically in Japan to treat patients with brain tumors and cutaneous melanomas, epithermal neutron beams now are being used in the United States and Europe because of their superior tissue-penetrating properties. Currently, there are clinical trials in progress in the United States, Europe, and Japan using a combination of debulking surgery and then BNCT to treat patients with glioblastomas. The American and European studies are Phase I trials using boronophenylalanine and sodium borocaptate, respectively, as capture agents, and the Japanese trial is a Phase II study. Boron compound and neutron dose escalation studies are planned, and these could lead to Phase II and possibly to randomized Phase III clinical trials that should provide data regarding therapeutic efficacy.

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy↗

PubMed1999

Integration of hepadnavirus DNA in infected liver: evidence for a linear precursor.

DNA of the avian hepadnavirus, duck hepatitis B virus, was found to be integrated at low abundance into the cellular DNA extracted from the livers of infected ducklings. The frequency of integration was estimated to be at least one viral genome per 10(3) to 10(4) cells by 6 days postinfection. The structures of virus-cell junctions determined by sequencing were compared with those of virus-virus junctions formed by nonhomologous recombination between the ends of linear viral DNA forms. This comparison allowed us to conclude that linear viral DNA was the preferential form used as an integration substrate. Potential factors promoting viral DNA integration during chronic infection are discussed.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Silencing of the Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 1 gene by the Max-Mad1-mSin3A modulator of chromatin structure.

The tumor-associated latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) gene in the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genome is activated by EBV-encoded proteins and cellular factors that are part of general signal transduction pathways. As previously demonstrated, the proximal region of the LMP1 promoter regulatory sequence (LRS) contains a negative cis element with a major role in EBNA2-mediated regulation of LMP1 gene expression in B cells. Here, we show that this silencing activity overlaps with a transcriptional enhancer in an LRS sequence that contains an E-box-homologous motif. Mutation of the putative repressor binding site relieved the repression both in a promoter-proximal context and in a complete LRS context, indicating a functional role of the repressor. Gel retardation assays showed that members of the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor family, including Max, Mad1, USF, E12, and E47, and the corepressor mSin3A bound to the E-box-containing sequence. The enhancer activity correlated with the binding of USF. Moreover, the activity of the LMP1 promoter in reporter constructs was upregulated by overexpression of USF1 and USF2a, and the transactivation was inhibited by the concurrent expression of Max and Mad1. This suggests that Max-Mad1-mediated anchorage of a multiprotein complex including mSin3A and histone deacetylases to the E-box site constitutes the basis for the repression. Removal of acetyl moieties from histones H3 and H4 should result in a chromatin structure that is inaccessible to transcription factors. Accordingly, inhibition of deacetylase activity with trichostatin A induced expression of the endogenous LMP1 gene in EBV-transformed cells.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1999

Expression of 25(OH)D3 24-hydroxylase in distal nephron: coordinate regulation by 1,25(OH)2D3 and cAMP or PTH.

Previous studies using microdissected nephron segments reported that the exclusive site of renal 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase (24OHase) activity is the renal proximal convoluted tubule (PCT). We now report the presence of 24OHase mRNA, protein, and activity in cells that are devoid of markers of proximal tubules but express characteristics highly specific for the distal tubule. 24OHase mRNA was undetectable in vehicle-treated mouse distal convoluted tubule (DCT) cells but was markedly induced when DCT cells were treated with 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3]. 24OHase protein and activity were also identified in DCT cells by Western blot analysis and HPLC, respectively. 8-Bromo-cAMP (1 mM) or parathyroid hormone [PTH-(1-34); 10 nM] was found to potentiate the effect of 1, 25(OH)2D3 on 24OHase mRNA. The stimulatory effect of cAMP or PTH on 24OHase expression in DCT cells suggests differential regulation of 24OHase expression in the PCT and DCT. In the presence of cAMP and 1, 25(OH)2D3, a four- to sixfold induction in vitamin D receptor (VDR) mRNA was observed. VDR protein, as determined by Western blot analysis, was also enhanced in the presence of cAMP. Transient transfection analysis in DCT cells with rat 24OHase promoter deletion constructs demonstrated that cAMP enhanced 1, 25(OH)2D3-induced 24OHase transcription but this enhancement was not mediated by cAMP response elements (CREs) in the 24OHase promoter. We conclude that 1) although the PCT is the major site of localization of 24OHase, 24OHase mRNA and activity can also be localized in the distal nephron; 2) both PTH and cAMP modulate the induction of 24OHase expression by 1,25(OH)2D3 in DCT cells in a manner different from that reported in the PCT; and 3) in DCT cells, upregulation of VDR levels by cAMP, and not an effect on CREs in the 24OHase promoter, is one mechanism involved in the cAMP-mediated modulation of 24OHase transcription.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗

PubMed1999

Attitudes toward the mentally ill in a sample of professionals working in a psychiatric hospital in Beijing (China).

The attitudes of psychiatric doctors and nurses toward the mentally ill in a large urban psychiatric hospital in China were compared using the Community Attitudes toward the Mentally Ill (CAMI). Data indicated that the attitude of professionals differed on 11 of the 40 questions of this instrument. Those questions are divided along 4 dimensions: authoritarianism, benevolence, social restrictiveness and rehabilitation in the community. Results showed that psychiatric doctors have a more liberal and positive attitude toward the mentally ill than psychiatric nurses, especially about their rehabilitation in the community. Factor analysis also indicated that nurses were more likely than doctors to attribute negative characteristics to the mentally ill. Some explanations are proposed to explain these differences.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

A chronic, massive thrombus in the right main pulmonary artery: a case report and echocardiographic analysis.

A chronic, large thrombus in the right main pulmonary artery (PA) was detected in a 54-year-old woman with a history of surgical repair of atrial septal defect. Color flow imaging revealed a prominent red signal along the right border of the markedly dilated PA. Pulsed Doppler echocardiography showed that the red signal was caused by flow reversal occurring during systole. According to the physics of blood flow, flow reversal probably represents secondary, helical flow, which may be related to thrombus formation.

Echocardiography↗

PubMed1999

[Screening for mitochondrial 1555(G) mutation in patients with aminoglycoside antibiotic-induced deafness].

OBJECTIVE: To identify the incidence of the 1555(G) mutation in pedigrees and sporadic patients with aminoglycoside antibiotic- induced deafness so as, to privide the theoretical evidence for establishing the method of diagnosis of this disease. METHODS: Blood samples were obtained from two pedigrees and seven sporadic patients with aminoglycoside antibiotic-induced deafness, and five mothers of the sporadic patients. DNA was extracted from the isolated leukocytes. The mitochondrial DNA fragments were amplified by PCR; 1555(G) mutation was detected by Alw26 I restriction endonuclease digestion. RESULTS: Fourteen individuals from two pedigrees carried homoplasmic 1555(G) mutation. Seven sporadic patients and the five mothers did not have 1555(G) mutation. CONCLUSION: The incidence of the 1555(G) mutation in pedigrees with aminoglycoside antibiotic-induced deafness is fairly high, while in sporadic patients is low. Screening for mitochondrial 1555(G) mutation is of potential value to clinical use.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Blood pressure measurements in the newborn.

This article reviews the methods of blood pressure measurements, values reported on premature and term infants, and the significant changes in trends and measurements reported with various conditions. Understanding the underlying mechanisms or conditions that may be associated with blood pressure derangements enable the clinician to determine appropriate treatment and optimal monitoring of responses to instituted therapy.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Ultrasound biomicroscopic study on changes of ocular anterior segment structure after topical application of cycloplegia.

OBJECTIVES: To observe the changes of the ocular anterior segment structure and the relationship between the intraocular pressure (IOP) and these changes after the topical application of cycloplegia using ultrasound biomicroscope (UBM), especially to observe the changes of ciliary body thickness, ciliary process thickness and ciliary process-lens distance. METHODS: The quantitative measurement with UBM and the measurement of IOP were performed before and after the topical application of 2% homatropine solution in 48 normal eyes. The results were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: In the parameters showing the changes of the anterior chamber angle after topical use of 2% homatropine solution, both the trabecular iris angle and the angle opening distance 250 decreased. The iris thickness 1 increased. The anterior chamber became deeper and the iris-lens contact distance became shorter. All these differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). In the parameters showing the changes of ciliary body, the ciliary body thickness and the ciliary process thickness decreased. The scleral ciliary body angle increased. The iris-zonule distance decreased and the ciliary process-lens distance increased. All these differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The IOP increased from 17.63 +/- 3.45 mm Hg to 18.23 +/- 3.53 mm Hg after topical use of 2% homatropine solution, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: After the topical use of cycloplegia, the anterior chamber becomes deeper. The anterior chamber angle becomes narrower, and the ciliary body becomes thinner and moves backward and the ciliary process-lens distance increases. By using UBM the structures of the ocular anterior segment in the living state can be observed and measured quantitatively. The ultrasound biomicroscopic imaging has its advantages in the morphological study of the ocular anterior segment.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

[The relationship between ophthalmic nerve lesion in glaucoma and ocular and systemic haemodynamic disturbance].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between the optic nerve lesion in glaucoma and ocular and systemic haemodynamic disturbance. METHODS: The color Doppler imaging was used to study blood velocity in the ophthalmic, the central retinal and the short posterior ciliary arteries in 34 patients with primary open angle glaucoma, 31 patients with low tension glaucoma and 90 healthy controls. The peak systolic velocity(PSV), the end diastolic velocity (EDV) and resistive index (RI) in each artery were measured, moreover the nailfold microcirculation and blood viscosity in each patient were examined. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the PSV and EDV of the central retinal arteries were significantly lower while the RI of the central retinal arteries was significantly higher in both POAG and LTG patients. The RI of the short posterior ciliary arteries however was significantly higher in POAG. Nailfold microcirculation shows that some important parameters, including flow pattern, loop surrounding, morphological weighted value, total weighted value and capillary deformity rate in the two glaucoma groups were higher, whereas the flow velocity was lower than in the control group. The plasm viscosity and the whole blood viscosity (low spear) were higher than normal. According to our measurements, the nailfold microcirculation and blood viscosity was worse at the end stage of glaucoma than at early stage. The correlative analysis between measurement results of color doppler imaging and microcirculation and heamorrheology showed that nailfold microcirculation morphological weighted value was negatively correlated with the EDV of the central retinal artery and positively correlated with the RI of the central retinal artery in LTG patients. CONCLUSIONS: The abnormity of ocular haemodynamics and systemic microcirculation and blood viscosity is one important factor of optic nerve damage in glaucoma.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Diagnostic role of antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase in latent autoimmune diabetes mellitus in adults.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diagnostic role of antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65-Ab) in latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA) and the frequency of GAD-Ab in Chinese patients initially diagnosed as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). METHODS: Forty-five control subjects and 195 consecutive inpatients initially classified as NIDDM with > or = 35 years of age at onset and nonketotic history for > 6 months after diagnosis, were recruited. In vitro transcripted and translated recombinant human 35S-GAD65 was used in radioligand assay of GAD-Ab. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of GAD65-Ab was 14.8% (29/195) in NIDDM patients and 2.2% (1/45) in control subjects, respectively. Of the 29 GAD65-Ab positive patients, 17 (58.6%) were insulin-deficient while 12 (41.4%) were non-insulin-deficient. The prevalence of GAD65-Ab in NIDDM group with age of < 40 years at diabetes onset, ketotic history, body mass index (BMI) < 21 kg/m2, were significantly higher than that of corresponding control diabetic subgroups (2.5, 4.1 and 3.2 times, respectively). The sex, duration, symptoms of polyphagia, polydipsia, polyuria and weight loss at onset of the disease were not related to the prevalence of GAD65-Ab positivity. CONCLUSIONS: In China, patients initially diagnosed as NIDDM may in many cases suffer from LADA. Testing by GAD65-Ab may be of assistance to identifying LADA at the earliest stage of disease.

Adult↗