Study on influence of age,gender and genetic variants on lactose intolerance and its impact on milk intake in adult Asian Indians

Background: Lactase non-persistence (LNP) has been associated with the CC genotype of ?13910C?>?T and GG genotype of ?22018G?>?A polymorphisms present upstream of the lactase gene. Lactose intolerance (LI) is caused when gastrointestinal symptoms develop in individuals with low lactase activity.

Objective: To analyse association of LNP genotype and LI symptoms with milk intake and determine whether factors such as age, gender and genotype affect LI status.

Subjects and methods: Genetic analysis and lactose tolerance test (LTT) were performed on 205 healthy Indian adults. The pattern of milk consumption was recorded using a dietary questionnaire.

Results: LI was strongly associated with ?13910CC genotype (OR?=?10.28, 95% CI?=?2.32–45.55, p?=?0.002). Females were found to be at a higher risk of developing LI (OR?=?2.47, 95% CI?=?1.33–4.59, p?=?0.004). The association of the ≥50 years age group with LI was marginally significant (OR?=?1.86, 95% CI?=?0.995–3.47, p?=?0.05). Frequency and quantity of milk intake were lower in subjects belonging to the LNP genotype and LI groups (p?Conclusions: Subject study suggests that gender and genotype may be associated with development of LI. Association of age with LI was marginal. The data also indicate that LNP genotype and LI may play a role in influencing milk intake in individuals.     

An association between lactose intolerance and anthropometric variables in the Sudanese Shagia tribe (East Africa)

Background: The culture of contemporary Sudanese tribes is not homogeneous. One of the three main tribes in northern Sudan is the Shagia tribe. This study is part of the large-scale research project to anthropologically and genetically describe the Shagia population, who inhabited three villages in an isolated region of the Fourth Nile Cataract. This population is extremely homogeneous as a result of geographical, genetic and cultural isolation.

Aim: The aim of the study was to analyse the frequency of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), C/T-13910 and G/C-14010, within the isolated population. These SNPs are closely associated with lactase persistence. In addition, this study has correlated the SNPs with anthropometric measurements.

Subjects and methods: Buccal swabs were collected from 126 subjects. The DNA was extracted and the occurrence of the two alleles at each SNP was analysed using real-time PCR. An anthropometric examination of 64 adult individuals was used for an analysis of body measurements and proportions.

Results: At the C/T-13910 SNP, the CT genotype frequency was 3.2%, whilst 96.8% of individuals were homozygous for the C allele. The presence of the T allele showed a strong association with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. At the G/C-14010 locus, all the examined subjects were homozygous for the G allele.

Conclusions: The C/T-13910 polymorphism correlated with anthropometric measurements. Identification of the T allele of C/T-13910, in this isolated tribe, may be linked to their previously nomadic lifestyle and could provide important information on the ancestry of the tribe and the admixture of European genes.     

The epigenetic modification during the induction of Foxp3 with sodium butyrate

Context: CD4?+?CD25+ regulatory T (Treg) lymphocytes are critical for immune homeostasis. Foxp3 (Forkhead Box protein P3) is always considered as a marker of function and identities determination of Treg cells because of special occurring in Treg cell. People who lack Treg cells or have a low expression of Foxp3 gene will suffer fatal autoimmunity. Scientists are trying to use Treg cells as a treatment for autoimmune disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective: Our objective was to induce Foxp3?+?CD4+ T cells from naïve CD4?+?T cells isolated from C57 mice spleen in vitro using stimuli that include the short chain fatty acid sodium butyrate. Furthermore, to explore the relationship between Foxp3+ T cells induction and epigenetic modification, by observing the changes of Foxp3, Ezh2 (Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2) and phosphorylated Ezh2 in the induced Treg cells.

Materials and methods: The naïve CD4+ T cells were separated from C57 mice spleen by immunomagnetic separation. Anti-CD28, anti-CD3, IL-2, TGF-β1, and sodium butyrate were added with proper concentration to induce Foxp3 expression during 72?hours. Then, we observed the effect of GSK126 (Ezh2 inhibitor) on the induction within the same over 72?hours duration. Then, western blot and Q-PCR were used to see the changes in gene/protein expression of Foxp3, Ezh2, and phosphorylated Ezh2.

Results: According to our results, group 3 that received full stimulus had a significant higher level of Foxp3 and Ezh2 expression (p?p?p?p?p?p?Conclusion: In this study, we were able to transform CD4?+?T cells into CD4?+?Foxp3?+?T cell by using stimulus like antibodies (anti-CD28, anti-CD3) and cytokines (IL-2, TGF-β1). Sodium butyrate contributes to CD4?+?Foxp3?+?T cell induction in vitro and at an optimum concentration of 5?mM. Sodium butyrate promotes expression of Ezh2 and Fxop3 of T cells in vitro; in addition, to lowering relative expression of phosphorylated Ezh2 probably be influencing some pathways like PI3K-Akt. Epigenetic modification is also thought to take essential part into the upregulation of Foxp3 from naïve CD4?+?Tcells.     

Distribution of the − 13910C>T polymorphism in the general population of Portugal and in subjects with gastrointestinal complaints associated with milk consumption

Background: The ? 13910C>T polymorphism has been associated with lactase persistence (LP) in European populations.

Aim: To assess ? 13910C>T genotypes across Portugal and in adult individuals with unspecific gastrointestinal complaints associated with milk consumption.

Subjects and methods: This study genotyped ? 13910C>T in the general population from Northern (n = 64), Central (n = 70) and Southern (n = 65) Portugal and in 40 subjects with gastrointestinal symptoms. Additionally, the concordance was evaluated between breath-hydrogen test and ? 13910C>T genotypes in 65 samples.

Results: An overall frequency of 0.349 for the LP ? 13910*T allele was estimated in the general population, with a noticeable decrease in the South (0.269) compared with North (0.383) and Centre (0.393). Among the symptomatic group, the frequency of the ? 13910*T allele (0.363) was not significantly different from the general population. A 94% concordance was found between the breath-hydrogen and the molecular tests.

Conclusions: This study suggests that (i) the distribution of the LP polymorphism is not uniform across the country, (ii) genotyping ? 13910C>T is a good diagnostic tool for lactase status in the Portuguese population and (iii) self-reported gastrointestinal complaints are not good predictors of the LP status, implying that a significant part of those complaints may not be related to hypolactasia.     

Decreased proportions of CD4 + IL17+/CD4 + CD25 + CD127− and CD4 + IL17+/CD4 + CD25 + CD127 − FoxP3+ T cells in children with autoimmune thyroid diseases*

Until now, altered balance of Th1 and Th2 immune cells has been postulated to play an important role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD). However, recent studies on thyroid diseases have suggested a new role for Th17 cells that have been classified as a new lineage, distinct from Th1, Th2 and Treg cells. Despite wide interest, the role of Th17 cells in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases is still debated. The aim of the study was to estimate the proportions of Th17/Treg T cells in peripheral blood from patients with Graves’ disease (GD; n?=?29, mean age 15.4?±?5.1 years), Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT; n?=?39, mean age 15.2?±?4.1 years) and in healthy controls (n?=?49, mean age 14.8?±?3 years). Polychromatic flow cytometry and several fluorochrome-conjugated monoclonal antibodies were applied to delineate Th17 and Treg cells. The analysis of Th17/Treg T cell proportions in peripheral blood from patients with Graves’ disease revealed significantly lower ratios of CD4?+?IL17+/CD4?+?CD25?+?CD127???(p?p?p?p?R?=?0.71, p?R?=?0.72, p?R?=?0.66, p?相似文献   

The T/G 13915 variant upstream of the lactase gene (LCT) is the founder allele of lactase persistence in an urban Saudi population

Background

The prevalence of lactase persistence is high in Saudi Arabia.

Objective

To identify a DNA variant for the lactase persistence/non‐persistence trait in adult Arabs in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

We sequenced DNA from 432 anonymous neonatal blood donors from five different regions of Saudi Arabia to cover the 400 bp region surrounding the previously identified lactase persistence/non‐persistence variant C/T−13910 residing in intron 13 of the MCM6 gene.

Results

Two anonymous blood donors carried the C/T−13910 genotype. One variant, T/G −13915, residing 5 bp upstream of the C/T−13910 variant, was present in 332 of 432 (76.9%) of the neonatal samples, compatible with previous prevalence figures of lactase persistence in urban Saudi populations. Determination of disaccharidase activities in 25 intestinal biopsy samples showed a highly significant correlation between lactase activity and the T/G−13915 genotypes (p<0.001; Fisher exact test) as well as between the L:S ratio and the aforementioned genotypes (p<0.001; Fisher exact test).

Conclusion

The T/G−13915 variant is the founder mutation of lactase persistence in an urban Saudi population. The results obtained here have implications for genetic testing of adult‐type hypolactasia and to analysis of human evolution, the origin of cattle domestication and migrations of the populations in the Arabian peninsula.     

Association of CD14 promoter polymorphisms and soluble CD14 levels in mite allergen sensitization of children in Taiwan

CD14 is responsible for environmental lipopolysaccharide recognition and is a positional candidate gene for allergy. We hypothesized that genetic polymorphisms in the promoter region of the CD14 gene may be associated with Dermatophagoides pteronysinnus (Der p) allergen sensitization in children. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the CD14 promoter region, C(–159)T, A(–1,145)G, and G(–1,359)T were genotyped, and analyzed in 240 randomized case–control school-age children in Taiwan. Serum concentrations of IgE and soluble CD14 (sCD14) were also assayed. We found a significant inverse correlation of sCD14 and total serum IgE levels in our study population. Moreover, sCD14 binds Der p allergen in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. The distribution of three SNPs genotypes was similar in asthmatic children and the control group. However, there was a significant difference in the distribution of genotype CD14 G(–1,359)T, but not C(–159)T, between mite-sensitive and non-sensitive children. Haplotype analysis showed strong linkage disequilibrium among these three SNPs in the CD14 promoter region. Carriers of the CD14–159C/–1,145A/–1,359T haplotype had the highest IgE and lowest sCD14 levels as compared to other haplotypes. Our results support the hypothesis that CD14 gene variants may play an important role in influencing allergen sensitization of children in Taiwan.     

Functional polymorphisms of DEFB1 gene in type 1 diabetes Brazilian children

We analyzed three functional 5′ un-translated region β-defensin 1 (DEFB1) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) in a group of 170 type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients. In order to evaluate the SNPs influence on the disease onset and the development of other autoimmune disorder, such as celiac disease (CD) and autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD), patients were stratified according to the presence of AITD, CD, and both AITD and CD. As control group, we studied 191 healthy children and adolescent not presenting a familiar historic of T1D, CD or AITD. DEFB1 SNPs were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium both in healthy controls and T1D patients, as well in the T1D patients stratified according to the presence of other autoimmune disorder(s). Allele, genotype, and haplotype frequencies of T1D patients globally considered were comparable to healthy controls ones. No evidence of any association of DEFB1 SNPs with the onset of AIDT, CD, and both AITD and CD on T1D patients was evidenced. Only a minor trend was found for an increased frequency of the ? 20 G allele in T1D patients only presenting AITD vs. T1D patients not presenting AITD or CD, as well as an increase of those haplotypes comprising the ? 20 G allele when compared with the GCA haplotype. We also evaluated the influence of functional DEFB1 SNPs on the age of T1D onset: no significant statistical conclusion was achieved. Further studies are envisaged, in order to elucidate the possible role of functional DEFB1 polymorphisms in the onset of TD1 and other autoimmune-related disorders.     

Thymosin α1 plus routine treatment inhibit inflammatory reaction and improve the quality of life in AECOPD patients

Abstract

Context: Thymosin α1 (Tα1) is considered to be a promising immunomodulatory drug and could balance immunity and tolerance in immune tolerance and autoimmunity.

Objective: To explore the efficacy of Tα1 plus routine complex treatment in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).

Methods: Eighty-four AECOPD patients were enrolled and randomized into an experimental group and a control group. All patients received the routine treatment. Additionally, the experimental group received subcutaneous injections of Tα1 while the control group received placebo. Four weeks later, the curative effect of treatment and immune function of both groups were analyzed.

Results: Partial pressures of oxygen (PaO₂), PaCO₂, and pulmonary function of the experimental group improved after treatment compared to that recorded prior to treatment and that observed for the control group (p?<?0.01, both). The CD4⁺ T cell count, serum interferon (IFN)-γ levels, and the ratios of CD4⁺/CD8⁺ and IFN-γ/interleukin (IL)-4 increased in both groups (p?<?0.01), while the CD8⁺ T cell count and levels of IL-4, IL-8, and leukotrienes B4 (LTB4) decreased as expected (p?<?0.01). Meanwhile, the above-mentioned indices of the experimental group improved significantly compared to the indices of the control group (p?<?0.05 or 0.01).

Conclusions: Tα1 plus routine treatment could improve the immune function of AECOPD patients and inhibit the inflammatory reaction, thus reducing the recurrence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).     

TNFalpha and IL10 SNPs act together to predict disease behaviour in Crohn's disease

Background: The cytokines tumour necrosis factor (TNF)α and interleukin (IL)10 have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD), with increased concentrations reported in patients with active disease. However, limited data exist on their effects on disease phenotype in the same population. Certain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the promoter region of the IL10 (-1082G/A, -592C/A) and TNFα (-308G/A, -857C/T) genes have been associated with altered levels of circulating IL10 and TNFα.

Methods: We conducted an Australian based case–control study (304 CD patients; 231 healthy controls) of these four SNPs. Further investigation of two SNPs was conducted using a logistic regression analysis.

Results: We identified a possible association of both IL10 SNPs and TNFα-857 with CD. Further investigation of a relationship with disease severity showed a significant association of higher producing IL10-1082G and TNFα-857C alleles with stricturing behaviour, which was strongest when these alleles were combined and persisted after multivariate analysis (p = 0.007; odds ratio (OR) 2.37, 95% CI 1.26 to 4.43). In addition, the TNFα-857CC genotype was independently associated with familial CD (p = 0.03; OR 3.12; 95% CI 1.15 to 8.46).

Conclusion: These two SNPs may help to predict disease behaviour in CD patients, which may be clinically useful in shaping treatment of the disease at an earlier stage.

     

Peripheral distributions of IL-4-producing CD4 + T cells and CD4 + CD25 + FoxP3 + T cells (Tregs) in rheumatoid arthritis patients with poor response to therapy are associated with HLA shared epitope alleles and ACPA status

Specific profiling of CD4?+?T cell subsets in the circulation and inflamed joints of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients may have therapeutic implications. This study aimed to evaluate the peripheral distributions of Th2 and Treg cells in relation to HLA-shared epitope (SE) alleles and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (ACPAs) status in patients with good response (GR) and poor response (PR) to treatment. The frequencies of IL-4-producing CD4?+?T cells (Th2) and CD4?+?CD25?+?Foxp3?+?T cells (Tregs) were determined by flow cytometry in 167 RA patients including 114 GR and 53 PR cases. CD4?+?T cell subsets were also analyzed based on HLA-SE and ACPAs statuses. One hundred nine of 167 patients were positives for HLA-SE, 63.4% for ACPAs, 43.7% for SE/ACPAs and 14.9% were negatives for SE/ACPAs. Higher frequencies of Th2 (P?=?0.001) and Treg cells (P?=?0.03) were found in the patients versus controls. Increased and decreased frequencies of Th2 and Tregs cells were observed in the PR versus GR patients respectively (P?=?0.003 and P?=?0.004). Higher proportions of Th2 cells were observed in the SE⁺RA versus SE^?RA (P?=?0.001), in ACPA⁺RA versus ACPA^?RA (P?=?0.005) and in the SE⁺ACPA⁺RA versus SE^?ACPA^?RA patients (P?=?0.002). Treg cells frequencies decreased in the SE⁺RA versus SE^?RA (P?=?0.03) and in SE⁺ACPA⁺RA versus SE^?ACPA^?RA (P?=?0.02). ACPA⁺GR and SE⁺PR patients showed higher proportions of Th2 cells than ACPA^?GR and SE^?PR patients respectively (P?=?0.02 and P?=?0.01). Analysis of the CD4?+?T cell subsets profiles in conjunction with genetic background and autoantibodies patterns can be useful for precise therapeutic response monitoring in the RA patients.

     

Association between the three functional miR-146a single-nucleotide polymorphisms,rs2910164, rs57095329, and rs2431697, and autoimmune disease susceptibility: A meta-analysis

Studies suggest associations between the miR-146a single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and susceptibility to autoimmune diseases. However, the results are inconsistent and inconclusive. Therefore, the aim of this study was to arrive at a conclusion about the association between the three functional miR-146a SNPs and autoimmune disease risk. Studies were identified through PubMed/MEDLINE searches for studies published up to January 2016 using as keywords rs2910164, rs57095329, rs2431697, and miR-146a polymorphisms. Thirty studies were included in the meta-analysis. The SNP rs2910164?G?>?C was found to be associated with increased risk of multiple sclerosis (CC?+?CG versus GG, OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.01–1.55), with decreased risks of psoriasis (C versus G, OR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.69–0.96; CC versus GC?+?GG, OR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.56–0.94), Behcet’s disease (CC versus GC?+?GG, OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.50–0.73), asthma (C versus G, OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.69–0.93; CC versus GC?+?GG, OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.48–0.86), and uveitis (CC?+?CG versus GG, OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.49–0.77). The SNP rs2431697 C?>?T was found to be associated with an increased risk of SLE (T versus C, OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.15–1.38; TC?+?TT versus CC, OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.03–1.58; TT versus TC?+?CC, OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.21–1.62). The SNP rs57095329 A?>?G was found to be associated with an increased risk of SLE (G versus C, OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.17–1.35). The miR-146a SNPs rs2910164, rs57095329, rs2431697 are associated with susceptibility to certain autoimmune diseases. However, for other autoimmune diseases, they may be protective or insignificant.     

Meta-Analysis of Associations Between Interleukin-10 Polymorphisms and Susceptibility to Vasculitis

Objective: This study determined whether interleukin-10 (IL-10) polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to vasculitis.

Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted of the associations between the IL-10 -1082 G/A, -819 C/T, and -592 C/A polymorphisms and the haplotype of the IL-10-1082 G/A, -819 C/T, -592 C/A polymorphisms and vasculitis.

Results: A total of 21 comparative studies involving 4121 patients and 5504 controls were considered in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis revealed no association between the IL-10-1082 G allele and vasculitis in all study subjects (OR?=?0.927, 95% CI?=?0.780–1.102, p?=?0.389). However, disease-specific meta-analysis showed an association between Wegener’s granulomatosis (WG) and the IL-10-1082 G allele (OR?=?0.729, 95% CI?=?0.547–0.971, p?=?0.031). Meta-analysis revealed an association between vasculitis and the IL-10-819 C allele (OR?=?0.804, 95% CI?=?0.706–0.916, p?=?0.001) in all study subjects and Behcet’s disease (BD) (OR?=?0.724, 95% CI?=?0.679–0.781, p?<?1.0?×?10^?9). Meta-analysis of the IL-10-592 C allele showed an association with vasculitis in all study subjects (OR?=?0.805, 95% CI?=?0.619–0.938, p?=?0.005) and BD (OR?=?0.718, 95% CI?=?0.661–0.781, p?<?1.0?×?10^?9). Meta-analysis of the IL-10 haplotype revealed an association between the GCC haplotype and vasculitis in Europeans (OR?=?1.239, 95% CI?=?1.105–1.513, p?=?0.035).

Conclusions: This meta-analysis showed that IL-10 polymorphisms are associated with vasculitis susceptibility, especially in WG and BD.     

Effects of tacrolimus (FK506) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) on regulatory T cells and co-inhibitory receptors in the peripheral blood of human liver allograft patients

Context: Recent studies have shown that a combination treatment of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and tacrolimus (FK506) may be an option for organ transplantation patients.

Objective: In this study, we detected the effects of FK506 and MMF on the expressions of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and co-inhibitory receptors on Tregs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of patients with stable phase after liver transplantation.

Materials and methods: A total of 35 patients with stable stage after 6?months of liver transplantation were divided into two groups including 20 patients were treated with FK506 monotherapy (FK506 group), and 15 patients with FK506 and MMF combination (FK506?+?MMF group). 15 healthy subjects were served as the control.

Results: It is found that percentages of CD3⁺, CD3⁺CD4⁺ and CD3⁺CD8⁺ T cells in FK506 group are lowered compared to the control group but they are elevated in FK506?+?MMF group. Amount of CD4⁺CD25⁺CD127low/-Treg cells in CD3⁺ CD4⁺T cells in FK506?+?MMF group was higher than that in FK506 group and control group. The expressions of co-inhibitory receptors (CTLA-4, PD-1, Tim-3, LAG-3 and TIGIT) on Tregs in FK506?+?MMF group were significant higher than those in the FK506 group and control group. The levels of the relative cytokines (TGF-β and IL-10) in FK506 group are down-regulated compared to the control group.

Conclusion: The application of FK506 combined with MMF may be superior to FK506 monotherapy for the patients to further induce the immune tolerance after liver transplantation.     

Alcohol use disorder and GABAB receptor gene polymorphisms in an Italian sample: haplotype frequencies,linkage disequilibrium and association studies

Background: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a complex trait with genetic and environmental influences. Several gene variants have been associated with the risk for AUD, including genes encoding the sub-units of the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors.

Aim: This study evaluated whether specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding GABA_B receptor sub-units can be considered as candidates for the risk of AUD.

Subjects and methods: Seventy-four AUD subjects and 128 Italian controls were genotyped for 10 SNPs in genes encoding GABA-B1 and GABA-B2 sub-units (GABBR1 and GABBR2). Allele, genotype, and haplotype frequencies were tested for the association with the AUD trait.

Results: A significant difference between AUD individuals and controls was observed at genotype level for rs2900512 of GABBR2 gene. The homozygous T/T genotype was not found in the controls, whereas it was over-represented in the AUD individuals. Under the recessive model (T/T vs C/T?+?C/C) this result was statistically significant, as well as the Odds Ratio for the association with the AUD trait.

Conclusions: The results provide preliminary data on the association between GABA_B receptor gene variation and risk of AUD. To confirm this finding, studies with larger samples and additional characterisation of the phenotypic AUD trait are required.     

Effect of combination of vitamin E and umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells on inflammation in mice with acute kidney injury

Background: The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of combination of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell (UC-MSC) and vitamin E (VitE) on inflammation in mice with acute kidney injury (AKI).

Methods: UC-MSCs were isolated from pregnant wistar mice and cultured. A total of 90 female wistar mice were randomly divided into control group, AKI group, AKI?+?VitE group, AKI?+?UC-MSC group, and AKI?+?VitE?+?UC-MSC group (18 mice in each group) which were given no treatment, normal saline, VitE, UC-MSC, and VitE?+?UC-MSC, respectively. The renal pedicles on both sides were clipped for 50?min with micro-artery clips to induce AKI. Six mice were sacrificed at days 1, 3, and 7, while blood and kidney tissues were collected to detect levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Scr). Kidney tissues were stained by HE staining to observe pathological changes; levels of interleukin-lβ, TNF-α, interleukin-10, and β-FGF were measured by ELISA.

Results: Compared with the control group, AKI mice showed higher levels of serum BUN and Scr, tubular swelling and necrosis suggesting that AKI model was successfully established. Mice in AKI?+?VitE group, AKI?+?UC-MSC group, and AKI?+?VitE?+?UC-MSC presented better renal function than mice of AKI group. Mice from AKI?+?VitE?+?UC-MSC group showed the best renal function with the least renal tubular injury (p?p?p?Conclusions: Combination of UC-MSC and VitE significantly inhibited inflammatory reaction in kidney through the regulation of inflammatory cytokines in the microenvironment of kidney with AKI. Combination of UC-MSC and VitE presented therapeutic effect on AKI than the single use of UC-MSC or VitE.     

Reference data for ultrasound bone characteristics in Hungarian children aged 7–19 years

Backround: Osteoporosis is a common disease and physical activity (PA) has a favourable influence on bone status.

Aim: To establish normative data for calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) bone characteristics in children and to analyse the relationships between PA, anthropometric and bone parameters.

Subjects and methods: Hungarian children aged 7–19 (n?=?2674; 1325 girls, 1349 boys) provided PA, anthropometric and bone data. QUS parameters were registered with Sonost3000 densitometer (speed of sound: SOS, m/s; broadband ultrasound attenuation: BUA, dB/MHz; bone quantity index (BQI?=?αSOS?+?βBUA). Reference centiles of QUS parameters were constructed by LMS method. Multivariate linear regression models were used to analyse the relationships.

Results: QUS bone parameters increased with age. There were no gender differences, except in 11- and 19-year-old children, where boys showed higher values. SOS (1497.15?±?15.72 vs 1494.05?±?14.81?m/s) and BQI (65.31?±?16.71 vs 62.26?±?15.78) were higher in athletic children. The regression model revealed significant relations between SOS and age, relative muscle mass and PA; BUA correlated with gender, morphological age, BMI, relative muscle mass and PA.

Conclusions: Changes in the bone parameters among 7–19-year-old Hungarian children depended on age, anthropometric dimensions and the level of PA. The normative data could be used for monitoring QUS bone parameters in children, leading to more effective interventions for healthy bones.