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Biomedical subjects

Z Wang

Publications and source records attributed to Z Wang.

At least 775 records · Page 43Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Impact of RT-PCR monitoring on the long-term survival in acute promyelocytic leukemia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of kinetics of molecular remission via retro-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay on the long-term survival in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). METHODS: Seventy patients with newly-diagnosed APL in remission were involved in this study. Monitoring of minimal residual disease (MRD) was performed regularly by RT-PCR assay for PML-RAR alpha during consolidation. RESULTS: A 5-year relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall-survival (OS) were estimated as 46.8% +/- 8.4% and 69.9% +/- 9.4% for the whole group. Fifty-two (74.3%) patients got negative RT-PCR result at least once. Serial monitoring of RT-PCR was available in 38 cases and 24 (63.2%) patients presented with persistent negative PCR results. The achievement and continuous negative RT-PCR result was significantly related to the RFS. CONCLUSIONS: Achievement of negative RT-PCR in remission is associated with favorable RFS and OS. Continuous negative RT-PCR results are associated with long-term relapse-free survival and may be considered as potentially curative. RT-PCR assay for detection of MRD should be performed regularly during post-remission period as an important prognostic factor.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

[Gibbs-Sampler approach for meta-analysis of multiple clinical trials using generalized linear model with random-effects].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of the Gibbs-Sampler method in evaluating the relationship between clinic events and health risks in a meta-analysis of multiple clinical trials. METHODS: By using a generalized linear model with random-effects, Gibbs-Sampler technique was used in a meta-analysis of multiple clinical trials of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in patients with myocardial infarction (MI). RESULTS: When heterogeneity across different trials can not be ignored, compared with the classic method, the odds ratio of relative reinfarction risk estimated by the Gibbs-Sampler method would have less variation. The gain in the reduction of variation in estimate of the overall odds ratio was 9.52%. CONCLUSION: Implementation of the Gibbs-Sampler technique in meta-analysis of multiple clinical trials has the potential of reducing the inaccuracy caused by heterogeneity across trials.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗
PubMed2000

[Changes of selenium concentration and glutathione peroxidase activity in maternal and cord blood in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the importance of selenium concentration and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). METHODS: We measured the selenium concentration by a catalytic polorographic method and GSH-Px activity by a 5,5'-dithionbis (2-nitrobenzoic acid) direct method in maternal and cord blood in 30 pregnant women with and without this disease respectively during the last trimester of pregnancy and post partum and in 30 non-pregnant women. RESULTS: Sults (1) The selenium concentration and GSH-Px activity in maternal blood were found to be significantly lower in ICP than in women with normal pregnancies during the last trimester [(0.0389 +/- 0.0090) mg/L, (0.0477 +/- 0.0094) mg/L, P < 0.001] [(59.31 +/- 11.42) U, (68.48 +/- 10.47) U, P < 0.002] and post partum [(0.0463 +/- 0.0092) mg/L, (0.0510 +/- 0.0093) mg/L, P < 0.05] [(68.12 +/- 11.46) U, (72.67 +/- 9.83) U, P < 0.05]. (2) The selenium concentration and GSH-Px activity in cord blood was significantly decreased in ICP than that of normal pregnances [(0.0387 +/- 0.0093) mg/L, (0.0461 +/- 0.0089) mg/L, P < 0.005)] [(57.66 +/- 12.55) U, (67.46 +/- 11.93) U, P < 0.005)] (3) The activity of the selenoenzyme GSH-Px had a significant positive correlation with selenium concentration (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The blood selenium deficiency and reduced GSH-Px activity may lead to the formation of free radicals, which could damage the structure and function of hepatocytes and result in ICP.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Prevent from bleeding after medical abortion through prolonged application of mifepristone with misoprostol for terminating early pregnancy].

OBJECTIVE: To find out the optimal doses regimen of mifepristone with misoprostol for termination early pregnancy. METHODS: A randomized comparative study in 1,621 women requesting medical abortion at < or = 49 days from 9 hospitals was conducted in Hebei, women were randomly divided into 2 groups by 2:1 ratio. Study group (n = 1,118) women took mifepristone 50 mg immediately, then 25 mg b. i. d(total amount of 300 mg), plus misoprostol 600 micrograms at 8:00 in the morning on 3th day, and plus misoprostol 200 micrograms respectively at 8:00 in the morning on 4th, 5th, 6th day. In control group (n = 494), mifepristone 50 mg immediately, then, 25 mg b. i. d (total amount of 150 mg), plus misoprostol 600 micrograms at 8:00 in the morning on 3th day. RESULTS: In study group and control group, the complete abortion rate was 98.39% and 88.06% respectively, bleeding duration was (8.2 +/- 2.8) days and (12.3 +/- 3.9) days. There was no difference of side effects between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Mifepristone taken 300 mg plus misoprostol 1,200 micrograms orally for 6 days is an optimal dose regimen for termination of early pregnancy.

Abortion, Induced↗
PubMed2000

Emodin on hepatic fibrosis in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate effect of emodin on hepatic fibrosis in rats. METHODS: The rat hepatic fibrosis model was induced by the subcutaneous injection of 40% CCl4 (twice a week for 6 weeks) dissolved in olive oil. The emodin-treated rats were treated with low-dose, mediate-dose and high-dose emodin (20, 40 and 80 mg/kg body weight, once a day for 42 days) dissolved in 0.5% sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), except receiving CCl4. Control group received only olive oil and 0.5% CMC. Liver functions were determined by standard procedure. Serum hyaluronic acid and laminin were determined by radioimmunoassay. Liver hydroxyprolines were determined. Histopathological changes were examined by optical microscopy. RESULTS: Compared with model group, the emodin-treated rats showed (1) liver functions were improved, alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) were obviously reduced, and total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) were significantly increased; (2) serum hyaluronic acid and laminin were markedly reduced; (3) liver hydroxyproline was significantly decreased; (4) the degrees of fibrosis were reduced. The changes of parameters mentioned above were significant (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Emodin has effect on hepatic fibrosis in rats. The hepatoprotective of emodin may be one of mechanisms for liver fibrosis.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Suppression of induced atherosclerosis in h-apo AI transgenic mice by overexpression of human apo AI in the aortic wall.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the inhibitory effect of expressed human apolipoprotein AI (h-apo AI) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) on atherosclerosis development in transgenic mice, and cultivation of smooth muscle cells isolated from the aortic wall of transgenic mice that are able to produce human apo AI in vitro. METHODS: Both h-apo AI transgenic mice and normal C57 mice were fed with either a regular chow or a high-fat diet containing 5% pork lard, 1.25% cholesterol and 0.25% sodium cholate for 14 or 24 weeks respectively. Human apo AI mRNA were detected by Northern blot. Plasma apo AI levels were measured using a radio-immuno-diffusion assay, and plasma lipid levels were measured using a colorimetric assay. Image analysis was performed in order to quantify the fatty streak areas stained with oil red O. In addition, smooth muscle cells isolated from the media layer of the aortic wall of h-apo AI transgenic mice were cultured for the detection of human apo AI produced. RESULTS: Higher levels of h-apo AI mRNA were found in liver, small intestine, kidneys and aortae in transgenic mice than in the controls all on a high-fat diet. The transgenic mice had an increased level of serum apo AI and HDL-cholesterol and the fatty streak area counted at the aortic sinus was approximately 5-fold less in the transgenic mice after feeding with a high fat ration, particularly after 24 weeks. SMC isolated from the transgenic mice aortae were cultivated and able to express h-apo AI mRNA and its related protein. CONCLUSION: Elevation of h-apo AI and HDL in serum and aortic wall of the transgenic mice has a remarkably inhibitory effect on the development of experimental atherosclerosis.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Activated protein C resistance in antiphospholipid thrombosis syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the correlation between antiphospholipid antibodies (APA), activated protein C resistance (APCR) and antiphospholipid thrombosis (APL-T) syndrome and further investigate the mechanism of thrombosis in APL-T syndrome. METHODS: ELISA, PTT-LA and APTT +/- APC methods were used to detect anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA), lupus anticoagulants (LA) and APC R in 20 APL-T syndrome patients. RESULTS: Twenty patients were diagnosed as APL-T. ACA-IgG, M and LA are strongly associated with APL-T. The incidence of APCR in APL-T (75%) was significantly higher than that of the normal group (5%). CONCLUSION: There was high prevalence of APCR in APL-T, which was strongly associated with LA. It is proposed that acquired APCR induced by APA is a key to understanding thrombosis in Chinese APL-T patients.

Activated Protein C Resistance↗
PubMed2000

Kinetic study of eosinophil apoptosis and its relationship to Th2 cytokines in asthmatic murine model.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the significance and regulatory mechanism of eosinophil apoptosis in asthmatic airway inflammation using an animal models, as well as its relationship to IL-5 and IL-10. METHODS: An animal model of asthma was established by ovalbumin (OVA) sensitizing-challenging BALB/C mice. At seven points in the time course after challenge, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed to obtain BAL cells. Levels of two Th2 cytokines, IL-5 and IL-10 were detected by ELISA. A double label technique combining CD15 with CD49d was used to distinguish eosinophils from other cell types. Cell apoptosis was assayed by PI stain using a flow cytometer. RESULTS: Eosinophil apoptosis was identified and a two-phase elevation of apoptosis percentages was observed, although no significant difference was found between average apoptosis in the asthmatic group and that in the control. Analysis of kinetic changes of eosinophil apoptosis and cytokine levels revealed a negative correlation between apoptosis percentages and levels of IL-5, and a closer correlation between apoptosis percentages and the IL-5/IL-10 ratio. Dexamethasone pretreatment markedly reduced IL-5 levels in BAL, elevated eosinophil apoptosis percentages, but had no effect on IL-10 levels. CONCLUSION: Eosinophils underwent apoptosis in asthmatic airways. Equilibrium between IL-5 and IL-10 not only regulated eosinophil infiltration, but also modulated cell apoptosis.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Expression and significance of urokinase-type plasminogen activator in human gliomas.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression and clinical significance of urokinase type plasminogen activator (uPA) in human gliomas. METHODS: mRNA and protein expressions of uPA were examined by Northern blot hybridization and immunohistochemical method in 43 cases of gliomas and 5 cases of normal brain tissues and their relationship to clinical indexes was comprehensively analyzed. RESULTS: All tissues expressed the 2.5 kb transcript of uPA mRNA. The uPA mRNA level in high-grade gliomas was considerably higher than that in low-grade gliomas and normal brain tissues (P < 0.01). Levels of uPA mRNA expression in tumor tissues with recurrence during 18 postoperative months and a survival period less than 3 years, were significantly higher than counterparts (P < 0.01). uPA mRNA expression was strongly correlated with the microvessel quantity (MVQ) in gliomas (r = 0.56, P < 0.01). uPA protein was mainly distributed in tumor cells and endothelial cells of glioblastomas and anaplastic astrocytomas. CONCLUSION: Expression of uPA is associated with the malignant progression, invasion and angiogenesis of gliomas, and it may play a critical role in the recurrence and prognosis of gliomas.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Molecular epidemiologic study of Mycoplasma genitalium infection in high risk populations of sexually transmitted diseases in China.

OBJECTIVE: To detect Mycoplasma genitalium (Mg) infection in high risk populations of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) from several cities in China and to clarify the possible role of Mg in the pathogenesis of non-gonococcal urethritis. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on 2 pairs of primers, one for Mg-Pa (adhesion protein) and the other for 16S-rRNA (Mycoplasma genera) was used to detect Mg infection. Urogenital specimens of different high risk populations and urethritis patients, were collected from the Guangdong, Kunming, Shanghai, Nanjing, and Changzhou areas. RESULTS: The positive detection rate of Mg-DNA in high risk populations of STDs was significantly higher than that of the control group (chi 2 = 7.82, P < 0.01). The positive detection rates in Guangdong STD clinics and promiscuous persons from Kunming were higher than those from the Shanghai, Nanjing, and Changzhou areas (chi 2 = 8.54, P < 0.01 and chi 2 = 5.89, P < 0.05). Mg DNA could be detected in those patients without other relevant pathogens. Some patients were simultaneously infected with Mg and other microbes, such as Chlamydia trachomatis and/or Ureaplasma urelyticum. The positive Mg-DNA detection rate in patients with urethritis symptoms was higher than in patients without the symptoms (chi 2 = 11.68, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Mg infection exists in high risk populations of STDs in China, and the Mg infection rate is different among different high risk groups.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

The prevalence of lactase deficiency and lactose intolerance in Chinese children of different ages.

OBJECTIVE: To determine lactose metabolism and lactase activity in Chinese children of different ages, prevalence of lactase deficiency (LD), and lactose intolerance (LI). METHODS: All 1168 healthy subjects between 3 and 13 years were recruited from schools in four large cities in China. They were screened by a 25 g lactose tolerance test. Some subjects were challenged with 50 g milk powder on different days. Both indicators, the expiratory H2 concentration and intolerance symptoms, were analyzed. RESULTS: LD occurred in 38.5% of children in the 3-5 year age group, and 87% of the 7-8 year and 11-13 year old groups. The age of occurrence for LD may be at 7-8 years among Chinese children. The prevalence of LI among Chinese children was 12.2% at age 3-5 years, 33.1% at age 7-8 years, and 30.5% at age 11-13 years, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that LD is very common in Chinese children from these four cities. LD and LI have a dose dependent response: lactose absorption and symptoms are based on lactase activity. The relationship between breast feeding history (or the history of cow milk intake) and lactase activity among Chinese children has not been established.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

[Influence of sonographic examination on embryo villi during early pregnancy].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of sonographic examination on embryo villi during early pregnancy. METHODS: Eighty early pregnant women intended for artificial abortion were divided into 4 groups: group I served as control, the remaining 3 groups underwent pelvic sonographic examination transabdominally for 10 minutes (group II), transvaginally for 3 minutes (group III) or for 10 minutes (group IV) respectively. After 1 hour embryo villi were obtained through artificial abortion and examined by electronic microscopy, biochemical methods and sister chromatid exchanges (SCE). RESULTS: In group IV, but not group II, III, the embryo microvilli were found broken, lost and disarranged. The rough endoplasmic reticulum of trophoblasts expanded. Their malondial dehyde levels increased while the superoxide dismutase (SOD) decreased as compared with control (P < 0.01). There was no difference of SCE among these 4 groups. CONCLUSION: It is recommended that sonographic examination should be done through abdominal approach for shorter than 10 minutes during early stage of pregnancy.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Changes of selenium concentration in blood and placenta in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of deficiency of blood selenium and placental selenium on the damage of histomorphology of the placentas in ICP. METHODS: We measured the selenium concentration by a catalytic polorographic method in blood and placenta and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity by a 5,5'-dithionbis (2-nitrobenzoic acid) direct method in blood in 30 women with ICP (ICP group) and 30 normal pregnant women (control group). Furthermore, the features of the placentas (10 from control group and 10 from ICP group) pathologic changes were observed microscopically. RESULTS: (1) The selenium concentrations in blood (0.0389 +/- 0.0090) mg/L and placenta (0.3770 +/- 0.0964) mg/kg and the activity of GSH-Px (59.31 +/- 11.42) U in ICP group were found to be significantly lower than those in blood (0.0477 +/- 0.0094) mg/L and placenta (0.4554 +/- 0.0626) mg/kg and the activity of GSH-Px (68.48 +/- 10.47) U in control group, respectively (P < 0.002). (2) The activity of GSH-Px had a significant positive correlation with selenium concentration in blood in ICP group (r = 0.05498, P < 0.001) and in control group (r = 0.06234, P < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between blood and placental selenium concentrations in ICP group (r = 0.6473, P < 0.001). On the other hand, there was not correlation in women with normal pregnancies. (3) Placentas obtained from women with ICP had swelling and fibrinoid necrosis of villi, increasing number of syncytial sprouts, thickening of vasculo-syncytial membrane (VSM) and decreasing size of the intervillous space under light microscopy. Placentas from control group did not show the pathologic changes as mentioned above. CONCLUSIONS: As selenium constitutes the active part of GSH-Px, these results suggest that the placental selenium deficiency may lead to reduced placental GSH-Px activity and the antioxidative defence may have been defective which may be associated with the damage of histomorphology of the placentas in ICP.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[The value of CEA mRNA, CEA protein and cytology of peritoneal washings in the prediction of metastasis of gastric cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the usefulness of CEA determination and cytology of peritoneal washings in the prediction of metastasis of gastric cancer to the peritoneum. METHODS: CEA was detected at mRNA level by RT-PCR and at protein level by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Cytologic examination was done by conventional method. Peritoneal washings were collected during operation from 43 patients with gastric carcinoma and 10 with benign lesions. RESULTS: The positive rate of RT-PCR was 56.3% and that of RIA was 38.1%. Both were more sensitive than that of cytologic examination (33.1%) of free cancer cells in the peritoneal washings. The level of CEA mRNA expression increased with the depth of invasion and stage of the disease. It also varied significantly in tumors different in the gross type and serosal involvement. CONCLUSION: To detect CEA in peritoneal washings by RT-PCR and RIA, and to examine them for tumor cells by cytotogic method are useful to predict subclinical metastasis to the peritoneam in patients with gastric carcinoma, but RT-PCR is most sensitive.

Carcinoembryonic Antigen↗
PubMed2000

[A study on IL-5 and IL-10 in the modulation of asthmatic airway inflammation in murine models].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the time-course profile of airway inflammation in murine asthma model, and to analyze the dynamic profile of pro-inflammatory factor IL-5, and inflammtion-suppressing factor IL-10 in the airway. METHODS: An animal model of asthma was established by OVA sensitizing-challenging BALB/C mice. At seven points (0 h, 8 h, 24 h, 48 h, 96 h, days 7 and days 14) in the time course after challenge, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed. Total cell counts, cell differential, eosinophil (EOS) counts and percentages were examined and levels of two Th2 cytokines, IL-5 and IL-10, were detected by ELISA. RESULTS: After OVA challenge, total cell counts, EOS counts and EOS percentages in BALF were increased significantly. EOS count increased at 8 h, formed a plateau from 24 h to 48 h, declined at 96 h, reduced approximately to control from days 7 to days 14. IL-5 in BALF elevated at 8 h, maitained at high level from 28 h to 96 h, decreased at days 7. The dynamic changes of IL-5 was in synchronism with that of EOS counts, a positive correlation being identified. No significant difference was found between IL-10 in BALF before and after challenge. A close correlation between EOS counts and IL-5/IL-10 ratio was demonstrated (r = 0.9, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: IL-5 and IL-10 up- and down-regulate asthmatic airway inflammation respectively, and their interaction may play an important role in inflammatory progress and resolution.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

[Preliminary investigation of effect of serum leptin on nutritional state of COPD patients].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the significance of serum leptin and TNF-alpha in malnutrition of COPD. METHODS: Serum leptin and TNF-alpha concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. Body mass index (BMI), percent normal body weight (NW%), triceps skin-fold thickness (TSF), subscapular skin-fold thickness (SSF), mid-upper arm circumference (MAC), serum albumin (ALB) and total lymphocytes count (LYM) were determined in 31 patients with COPD and in 11 healthy controls. The correlation between leptin and nutritional parameters was analysed. RESULTS: (1) Serum leptin concentrations (3.0 +/- 2.5) micrograms/L in 42 subjects were significantly correlated with BMI, NW%, TSF, SSF and MAC (P < 0.001). (2) Serum leptin concentrations were significantly correlated with BMI in both malnourished patients with COPD and non-malnourished patients (P < 0.05-0.001). The leptin level was significantly lower in malnourished group (1.3 +/- 1.0) micrograms/L than in non-malnourished group (4.5 +/- 2.6) micrograms/L, (P < 0.05). The differences in serum leptin level and BMI between non-malnourished group and healthy group were not significant. (3) Serum TNF-alpha level was significantly higher in COPD group (1.8 +/- 0.3) micrograms/L than in healthy group (1.0 +/- 0.5) microgram/L (P < 0.05). Serum leptin levels didn't significantly correlate with TNF-alpha levels in COPD patients. CONCLUSION: Serum leptin levels correlate with nutritional parameters in COPD patients and leptin may contribute to the malnutrition in COPD patients.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

[Effect of adenovirus type 5 E1A gene on proliferation and metastasis of human lung adenocarcinoma cells].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of E1A gene on proliferation and metastasis of human lung adenocarcinoma cells. METHODS: A mammalian E1A-expressing recombinant constructed in our laboratory, named pcDNA3-E1A, was introduced into human lung adenocarcinoma cell line(Anip 973) by lipofectamine. The cells resistant to G418 were selected. The characteristics of the E1A-expressing Anip 973(Anip 973-E1A) cells were studied in vitro and in vivo, including cell growth rate and doubling-time, colony-forming efficiency on soft agarose, tumorigenicity and metastasis. RESULTS: The growth rate of E1A-Anip 973 cells was diminished and their colony-forming efficiency was inhibited significantly. The tumorigenicity in nude mice of the E1A-expressing Anip 973 was markedly suppressed. CONCLUSION: E1A suppresses the malignant phenotype of human lung adenocarcinoma cell line. This study provides experimental data for gene therapy of lung cancer with E1A.

Adenocarcinoma↗