Maternal serum lead levels and risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women: a cohort study in a maternity hospital,Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Preeclampsia is one of the major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Despite numerous studies, the etiology of preeclampsia has not yet been fully elucidated. There has been confliction in results on the role of maternal lead in preeclampsia. Keeping in view with the scarcity of data on role of lead in preeclamptic women of Saudi Arabia and the disparity in earlier findings, the present study was carried out to determine the levels of maternal serum lead in patients with preeclampsia in comparison to normal pregnancy. The study consisted of 120 pregnant women divided into three groups of 40 each, control, HR group and PET group. The serum levels of lead were estimated by Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. We found that the mean value of serum lead was 18.23 ± 2.34, 20.08 ± 2.15 and 27.18 ± 2.13 µg/dl in control, high risk group and preeclamptic group respectively. The levels of Pb were found to decrease significantly (P < 0.05) in preeclamptic group compared to control. However, there was no significant change in levels of Pb when HR group was compared to Control and preeclamptic group. In the present study, we observed that serum levels of lead were positively correlated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure and were statistically significant (P < 0.05). However, negative correlation was observed between Pb and BMI ruling out the association of BMI with preeclampsia. It is thus concluded that preeclampsia is associated with significant increase in maternal lead and these increasing levels of serum lead pose a significant risk in pregnant women to preeclampsia.     

Elevated Serum Homocysteine Levels Were Not Correlated with Serum Uric Acid Levels,but with Decreased Renal Function in Gouty Patients

Hyperhomocysteinemia is one of the important factors of the cardiovascular disease, and gout is well known to be associated with cardiovascular disease. There are a few reports on the serum homocysteine (Hcy) levels in patients with gout, however, the results showed discrepancies. In this study, we measured Hcy levels in patients with gout and examined factors associated with the levels of serum Hcy. Ninety-one male patients with gout and 97 age-matched healthy male controls were enrolled in the study. Serum uric acid levels were not significantly different between gout and healthy control groups. However, serum Hcy levels were significantly higher in patients with gout compared to controls (13.96±4.05 µM/L vs 12.67±3.52 µM/L, P=0.035). In gout group, patients with 1-2 stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) had significantly lower serum Hcy than those with 3-5 stages of CKD (13.15±3.46 µM/L vs 17.45±4.68 µM/L, P<0.001). Multivariate linear analysis revealed an inverse association between serum Hcy and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (β=-0.107, P<0.001). In conclusion, serum Hcy was elevated in male patients with gout. Hyperhomocysteinemia was not correlated with serum uric acid, but it was inversely associated with impaired renal function.

Graphical Abstract

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Effect of different monotherapies on serum nitric oxide and pulmonary functions in children with mild persistent asthma

Introduction

Common medications used to treat mild persistent asthma are glucocorticoids, leukotriene receptor antagonists and theophylline. The aim of the study was to evaluate monotherapy with either inhaled steroids, oral leukotriene receptor antagonist or theophylline in Egyptian children with mild persistent asthma by determining their clinical, laboratory and spirometric responses to treatment.

Material and methods

Thirty-nine mild asthmatic children between 8 and 13 years of age were included in the study. Patients were classified according to therapy received into four groups: oral leukotriene receptor antagonist (montelukast), inhaled corticosteroid (fluticasone propionate), sustained-release (SR) theophylline, and no treatment. Pulmonary function testing was performed at the start of therapy and 8 weeks later using spirometry. Eosinophil count and serum nitric oxide were estimated in the blood. Minitab statistical package was used for analysis of data.

Results

Follow-up after 8 weeks revealed significant improvement in FEV1% in groups 1 (p < 0.01) and 3 (p < 0.05), significant improvement in PEFR in groups 1 (p < 0.05) and 2 (p < 0.01), significant decline in serum NO levels in groups 1 (p < 0.05) and 2 (p < 0.05), as well as significant improvement in eosinophil count in groups 1, 2 and 3 (p < 0.01, < 0.001, < 0.01 respectively). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the decline in serum NO and the decline in blood eosinophil % in group 2 (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Inhaled corticosteroids and montelukast have a significant role in controlling the pulmonary functions and the inflammatory process in children with mild persistent asthma, although inhaled corticosteroids seem to yield a better response. Children with mild persistent asthma should receive a controller medication, and SR theophylline may be a good cost-benefit alternative for low socio-economic groups of patients.     

妊娠期高血压疾病患者孕中期血管内皮功能变化

目的探讨妊娠期高血压疾病患者在孕中期临床发病前的血管内皮功能的变化。方法对340例孕中期孕妇用超声行肱动脉血流介导的舒张功能（FMD）,血清内皮素（ET）、一氧化氮（NO）测定,并根据其随访的妊娠结局分为妊娠期高血压疾病组（妊高征组）和正常组,比较两组的FMD,ET,NO结果。结果 340例中有41例孕晚期发生妊娠期高血压疾病（妊高征组）,而其余299例未发生妊娠期高血压疾病（正常组）。孕中期妊高征组FMD、血清NO显著低于正常组,而血清ET显著高于正常组,差异均有显著性（P〈0.05）。在妊高征组内,重度子痫前期组FMD、血清NO显著低于轻度子痫前期组,而血清ET显著高于轻度子痫前期,差异有显著性（P〈0.05）。结论孕中期妊娠期高血压疾病潜在患者虽然血压正常,但已存在血管内皮损伤,可被超声、实验室等检出。     

妊娠期高血压疾病患者的血管内皮功能评价

目的探讨妊娠期高血压疾病(HDCP)患者的血管内皮功能变化。方法对孕晚期50例妊娠期高血压疾病患者(研究组)和30例正常孕妇(对照组),检测两组患者的血清内皮素(ET)、一氧化氮(NO)水平,超声测量肱动脉血流介导的舒张功能(FMD)。结果 (1)研究组ET高于对照组并有统计学差异(P<0.05),而研究组的NO、FMD低于对照组并均有统计学差异(P<0.05)。(2)在研究组内,重度子痫前期组的ET高于轻度子痫前期组并有统计学差异(P<0.05),而重度子痫前期组的NO、FMD低于轻度子痫前期组并均有统计学差异(P<0.05)。结论 HDCP患者存在血管内皮损伤,超声等检查能有效检测其内皮损伤程度。     

Therapeutic effect of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells in rat severe acute pancreatitis

Aim: To investigate the therapeutic effect of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) on rat severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Methods: Rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 15 per group): control group, SAP group, and SAP+MSCs group. SAP was established by retrograde pancreatic duct injection of 3% sodium taurocholate. In SAP+MSCs group, UC-MSCs at 1×10⁷ cells/kg were injected via the tail vein 12 h after SAP. Rats (n = 5 per group) were sacrificed on days 1, 3 and 5, and the blood and pancreatic tissues were collected. The levels of serum amylase, lipase, inflammatory cytokines, and anti-inflammatory cytokines were determined. Pathological changes of the pancreas (HE staining) and apoptotic acinar cells (TUNEL staining) were observed under light microscope. Results: The levels of serum amylase and lipase in SAP group were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05). The pancreas in SAP group showed significantly massive edema, inflammation, hemorrhage and necrosis when compared with control group. There were numerous TUNEL-positive apoptotic acinar cells after SAP. However, in SAP+MSCs group, the levels of serum amylase were significantly reduced on days 1, 3, and 5 after MSC transplantation (P<0.01). The serum lipase level in SAP+MSCs group was significantly lower than that in SAP group on days 3 and 5 (P<0.01). The edema formation, inflammatory cell infiltration, hemorrhage, and necrosis were reduced significantly attenuated in SAP+MSCs group as compared to SAP group (P<0.05). MSCs significantly reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), but increased the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) in SAP rats. The number of TUNEL-positive acinar cells was significantly reduced on days 3 and 5 after MSCs transplantation (P<0.01). Conclusion: Transplantation of UC-MSCs significantly inhibits inflammation and decreases pancreatic injury secondary to SAP.     

Asymmetric and Symmetric Dimethylarginine in Adolescents with Hyperuricemia

The purpose of this work was to investigate if in adolescents with hyperuricemia serum levels of asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA, SDMA) are increased and if their levels correlate with serum uric acid (UA). Patients and Methods. The study group consisted of 58 hyperuricemic patients aged median 16.15 Q1–Q3 (14–17). The reference group contained 27 healthy individuals with normal serum UA level. ADMA and SDMA were measured by immunoenzymatic ELISA commercial kits and expressed in μmol/L. Serum UA was measured by the colorimetric method. Results. In hyperuricemic patients serum ADMA values did not differ between two estimated groups (P > 0.05); however, SDMA was significantly higher than in reference group (P < 0.01). Serum ADMA and SDMA correlated positively with UA (r = 0.34, P < 0.01) (r = 0.31, P < 0.01) and hs-CRP (r = 0.20, P < 0.05) (r = 0.36, P < 0.01), respectively. Conclusion. We demonstrated increased SDMA but not ADMA levels in adolescents with hyperuricemia and their correlation with serum uric acid levels. However, at the moment it is difficult to answer the question if it is just coexistence of these factors or any mechanism linking uric acid and methylated arginines really exists.     

血清CysC、Hcy、及β-HCG检测与妊娠期高血压疾病的相关性研究

目的探讨孕妇血清半胱氨酸蛋白酶抑制剂C（Cystatin C）、同型半胱氨酸（Hcy）、及β-HCG联合检测与妊娠期高血压疾病的相关性。方法选择健康晚孕妇女60例及妊娠期高血压疾病（hypertensive disorder complicating preg-nancy,HDCP）患者肾病组18例和妊娠期高血压疾病患者无肾病组35例,对其血清分别进行Cys C、Hcy、β-HCG的检测。结果妊娠期高血压疾病肾病组血清Cys C、Hcy水平明显高于无肾病组（P〈0.01）,两组均明显高于健康晚孕组（P〈0.01）;妊娠期高血压疾病肾病组及无肾病组β-HCG水平无明显差别（P〉0.05）,与健康晚孕组比较结果有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论血清Cys C、Hcy与β-HCG联合检测对了解妊娠期高血压疾病的病情具有重要意义。Cys C及Hcy与β-HCG比较在反映HDCP患者的肾损害及肾功能恢复方面更敏感,是反映HDCP病情及预后的良好指标。联合检测可作为了解HDCP的发生、发展及预后判断的指标。     

Correlation between matrix metalloproteinase-9 and endometriosis

Endometrial implantation is the major cause of endometriosis (EMS). Matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) can degrade multiple extracellular matrix and has been postulated to be related with EMC occurrence. This study thus investigated serum and ascites levels of MMP-9 in EMS patients, in an attempt to discuss the correlation between MMP-9 and EMS. A total of 100 EMS patients, including eutopic endometrium and ectopic endometrium, were recruited in this study along with hysteromyoma patients as the control group. Peripheral blood and ascites samples were collected and tested for MMP-9 levels using gelatin zymogram and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In EMS patients, MMP-9 levels in serum and ascites were 6.24±0.53 mM and 38.57±4.93 mM, respectively. Both of them were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05). Eutopic endometrium group had higher MMP-9 levels compared to those in ectopic endometrium ones (P<0.05). With advancement of disease stage, EMS patients had progressively elevated MMP-9 levels (P<0.05). Patients at proliferative stage had higher MMP-9 secretion (P<0.05). In summary, site of endometrium, clinical stage and proliferative cycle were independent risk factors for EMS. The elevation of serum and ascites MMP-9 existed in EMS patients, of which those had ectopic endometrium, advanced stage and at proliferative stage had higher MMP-9 expression.     

Clinical significance of joint detection of serum CEA,SCCA, and bFGF in the diagnosis of lung cancer

Lung cancer is a type of malignant tumor with highest morbidity and mortality. This study tested three tumor marker levels including CEA, SCCA, and bFGF to explore their value in lung cancer diagnosis and pathological type judgment. Venous blood was extracted from lung cancer patients, lung benign lesion patients and healthy control. Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay was applied to detect serum CEA and SCCA content. ELISA was used to test serum bFGF level. Serum CEA, SCCA, and bFGF levels and positive rates were significantly higher in lung cancer group than that of lung benign disease group and health control (P < 0.05). bFGF showed higher detection sensitivity than CEA in lung cancer (P < 0.05). Three joint detection sensitivity was higher than single test (P < 0.05), while its specificity was lower (P < 0.05), and the accuracy presented no significant difference. Serum CEA and SCCA levels and positive rates were obviously higher in non-small cell lung cancer patients when compared with small cell lung cancer patients (P < 0.05), while bFGF level was similar between small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. bFGF showed higher detection rate than SCCA in small cell lung cancer (P < 0.05). Three joint detection exhibited higher positive rate in small cell lung cancer and non-small lung cancer than single test. Serum CEA, SCCA and bFGF joint detection improved detection sensitivity in lung cancer and had important reference value for pathological type deduction.     

Changes of monocyte subsets in patients with acute coronary syndrome and correlation with myocardial injury markers

Objective: To explore the changes of peripheral blood monocytes subsets in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and its clinical significance. Methods: A total of 68 ACS patients and 27 healthy subjects (HS) were enrolled. Monocyte subset analysis was performed using flow cytometry: CD14++CD16-(Mon1), CD14++CD16+ (Mon2), and CD14+CD16++ (Mon3). Results: 1. The number of Mon1 and Mon3 were significantly increased in ACS patients compared with HS (P<0.05) and Mon2 decreased in ACS patients (P<0.05). 2. The number of Mon1, Mon2, Mon3 was positively correlated with WBC count (P<0.05). The Mon2% was negatively correlated with the serum levels of LDH, CK, CK-MB (P<0.05). The number of Mon1, Mon3 was positively correlated with the serum levels of LDH, CK, CK-MB (P<0.05). Conclusion: The changes in different subsets of monocytes may be associated with pathogenesis of ACS and myocardial injury. The findings might be useful in the assessment of myocardial injury.     

Significance of plasma hepatocyte growth factor in diagnosis of benign and malignant solitary pulmonary nodules

Purpose: We aimed to figure out the difference of serum hepatocyte growth factor (S-HGF) level between benign and malignant solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) patients. Methods: The study comprised 42 serum samples from SPNs patients and 10 serum samples of healthy donors. The HGF level was measured by the commercially enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Results: By statistical analysis, the S-HGF levels of the malignant SPNs patients were significantly higher than that of control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the levels of S-HGF in malignant group were also significantly higher than that in benign group (P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference between the benign and control group (P > 0.05). The levels of S-HGF were also shown no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) in different pathologic types of lung cancer patients. In addition, the incidence of malignant SPNs increased when the S-HGF level ≥ 250 pg/ml. Conclusion: The detection of S-HGF level may be a new detection method used for the rapid diagnosis of benign and malignant SPNs.     

Association of the ARL15 rs6450176 SNP and serum lipid levels in the Jing and Han populations

The association of ADP-ribosylation factor-like 15 (ARL15) rs6450176 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and serum lipid profiles has never been studied in the Chinese population. The present study was undertaken to detect the association of ARL15 rs6450176 SNP and several environmental factors with serum lipid levels in the Jing and Han populations. Genotypes of the SNP were determined in 726 unrelated subjects of Jing nationality and 726 participants of Han nationality. The genotypic and allelic frequencies of the SNP in Jing but not in Han were different between males and females (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05; respectively). The G allele carriers in Han had lower serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and apolipoprotein (Apo) B levels, and higher ApoA1/ApoB ratio than the G allele non-carriers (P < 0.05-0.01). The G allele carriers in Jing had lower serum TC, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), ApoA1, ApoB levels and higher ApoA1/ApoB ratio than the G allele non-carriers (P < 0.05 for all). Subgroup analyses showed that the G allele carriers had lower TC and LDL-C levels in Han males; lower LDL-C and ApoB levels in Han females; lower ApoB levels and ApoA1/ApoB ratio in Jing males; and lower LDL-C levels in Jing females than the G allele non-carriers (P < 0.05-0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that serum TC, LDL-C, ApoB levels and the ApoA1/ApoB ratio in Han; and TC, HDL-C and ApoA1 levels in Jing were correlated with the genotypes of the ARL15 rs6450176 SNP (P < 0.05-0.001). Serum lipid parameters were also associated with several environmental factors in both ethnic groups. These findings indicated that there may be a racial/ethnic- and/or sex-specific association of the ARL15 rs6450176 SNP and serum lipid levels.     

High Titer and Avidity of Nonneutralizing Antibodies against Influenza Vaccine Antigen Are Associated with Severe Influenza

The importance of neutralizing antibody in protection against influenza virus is well established, but the role of the early antibody response during the initial stage of infection in affecting the severity of disease is unknown. The 2009 influenza pandemic provided a unique opportunity for study because most patients lacked preexisting neutralizing antibody. In this study, we compared the antibody responses of 52 patients with severe or mild disease, using sera collected at admission. A microneutralization (MN) assay was used to detect neutralizing antibody. We also developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) which detects both neutralizing and nonneutralizing antibodies against viral antigens from a split-virion inactivated monovalent influenza virus vaccine. While the MN titers were not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.764), the ELISA titer and ELISA/MN titer ratio were significantly higher for patients with severe disease than for those with mild disease (P = 0.004 and P = 0.011, respectively). This finding suggested that in patients with severe disease, a larger proportion of serum antibodies were antibodies with no detectable neutralizing activity. The antibody avidity was also significantly higher in patients with severe disease than in those with mild disease (P < 0.05). Among patients with severe disease, those who required positive pressure ventilation (PPV) had significantly higher ELISA titers than those who did not require PPV (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the ELISA titer and antibody avidity were independently associated with severe disease. Higher titers of nonneutralizing antibody with higher avidity at the early stage of influenza virus infection may be associated with worse clinical severity and poorer outcomes.     

Changes in Type 2 Biomarkers After Anti-IL5 Treatment in Patients With Severe Eosinophilic Asthma

Patients with severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA) suffer from frequent asthma exacerbations, where eosinophils are major effector cells in airway inflammation, and anti-interleukin (IL)-5 becomes an effective treatment modality to control eosinophilic inflammation of SEA. Fifteen patients with SEA who had been treated with anti-IL5 (reslizumab, 100 mg monthly intravenously) for 6 months at Ajou University Hospital (Suwon, Korea) were enrolled in this study. Clinical parameters, including total blood eosinophil count (TEC), FEV1%, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels, and serum biomarkers such as eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN), periostin (PON), and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), were analyzed. EDN levels and TEC decreased significantly after 1 month of treatment (P < 0.05 for both), while no changes were noted in FeNO/PON/TGF-β1 levels. FEV1% increased after 2 months of treatment (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between TEC and EDN levels (r = 0.60, P = 0.02). Significant negative correlations were noted between age and TEC/EDN levels (r = −0.57, P = 0.02 and r = −0.56, P = 0.03, respectively). Baseline TEC was higher in the EDN-responder group (≥75% decrease) than in the non-responder group (P = 0.06) with a positive correlation between %reduction in EDN and TEC (r = 0.67, P = 0.01). The onset age was younger and asthma duration was longer in the FEV1%-non-responder group (<12% increase) than in the FEV1%-responder group (P = 0.07 and P = 0.007, respectively). In conclusion, changes in the serum EDN level may be a potential biomarker for monitoring eosinophilic inflammation after anti-IL5 treatment in SEA, which is affected by onset age and asthma duration.     

Darapladib,a Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 Inhibitor,Reduces Rho Kinase Activity in Atherosclerosis

PurposeIncreased lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) activity and Rho kinase activity may be associated with atherosclerosis. The principal aim of this study was to examine whether darapladib (a selective Lp-PLA2 inhibitor) could reduce the elevated Lp-PLA2 and Rho kinase activity in atherosclerosis.ResultsThe serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and Lp-PLA2, significantly increased in atherosclerosis model groups, as did Rho kinase activity and cardiomyocyte apoptosis (p<0.05 vs. sham group), whereas nitric oxide (NO) production was reduced. Levels of TC, LDL-C, CRP, Lp-PLA2, and Rho kinase activity were respectively reduced in darapladib groups, whereas NO production was enhanced. When compared to the low-dose darapladib group, the reduction of the levels of TC, LDL-C, CRP, and Lp-PLA2 was more prominent in the high-dose darapladib group (p<0.05), and the increase of NO production was more prominent (p<0.05). Cardiomyocyte apoptosis of the high-dose darapladib group was also significantly reduced compared to the low-dose darapladib group (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in Rho kinase activity between the low-dose darapladib group and the high-dose darapladib group (p>0.05).ConclusionDarapladib, a Lp-PLA2 inhibitor, leads to cardiovascular protection that might be mediated by its inhibition of both Rho kinase and Lp-PLA2 in atherosclerosis.     

Clinical Progression and Cytokine Profiles of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Infection

Clinical progression over time and cytokine profiles have not been well defined in patients with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection. We included 17 patients with laboratory-confirmed MERS-CoV during the 2015 outbreak in Korea. Clinical and laboratory parameters were collected prospectively. Serum cytokine and chemokine levels in serial serum samples were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All patients presented with fever. The median time to defervescence was 18 days. Nine patients required oxygen supplementation and classified into severe group. In the severe group, chest infiltrates suddenly began to worsen around day 7 of illness, and dyspnea developed at the end of the first week and became apparent in the second week. Median time from symptom onset to oxygen supplementation was 8 days. The severe group had higher neutrophil counts during week 1 than the mild group (4,500 vs. 2,200/µL, P = 0.026). In the second week of illness, the severe group had higher serum levels of IL-6 (54 vs. 4 pg/mL, P = 0.006) and CXCL-10 (2,642 vs. 382 pg/mL, P < 0.001). IFN-α response was not observed in mild cases. Our data shows that clinical condition may suddenly deteriorate around 7 days of illness and the serum levels of IL-6 and CXCL-10 was significantly elevated in MERS-CoV patients who developed severe diseases.     

MiR-29b-3p affects growth and biological functions of human extravillous trophoblast cells by regulating bradykinin B2 receptor

IntroductionThis study investigated miR-29b-3p’s effects and mechanisms in preeclampsia development.Material and methodsIn this study, we analysed the pathology and expression of miR-29b-3p and B2R mRNA from normal and preeclampsia placenta tissues using hematoxylin and eosin staining and RT-qPCR assay. For cell experiments, we used transwell assay CCK-8, flow cytometry and wound healing assay to determine the effects and correlation of miR-29b-3p and B2R in HTR-8/SVneo cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, cell invasion and migration in a preeclampsia cell model. Moreover, the mechanisms were determined using Western blot or immunofluorescence in different groups.ResultsClinical analysis revealed that miR-29b-3p gene expression dramatically increased with increasing degree of preeclampsia (p < 0.001 or p < 0.05, respectively). The HTR-8/SVneo cell biological activities of the model group were significantly depressed (p < 0.001). However, with miR-29b-3p inhibitor or B2R transfection, the HTR-8/SVneo cell biological activities significantly recovered (p < 0.001). Western blot assay showed that B2R, VEGF-A, CCND-1, MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels were suppressed in the model group, compared with those in the NC groups (p < 0.001, respectively). With miR-29b-3p inhibitor or B2R transfection, the protein expression levels of B2R, VEGF-A, CCND-1, MMP-2 and MMP-9 dramatically increased (p < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionsThe down-regulation of miR-29b-3p could improve HTR-8/SVneo cell biological activities in a preeclampsia cell model by targeting B2R.     

Brain edema and protein expression of c-Fos and c-Jun in the brain after diffused brain injury

Objective: To investigate brain edema and protein expression of c-Fos and c-Jun in brain after diffuse brain injury, and to investigate the pathological change after brain injury, which may provide evidence for the clinical treatment of diffused brain injury. Methods: Marmarou method was used to establish the diffuse brain injury in rats. Results: After diffused brain injury, brain water content increased at 1 h, reached the peak at 1 d and remained at a high level at 7 d when compared with control group. One day after injury, diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage was observed in the brain. HE staining showed vascular swelling and bleeding at the cortex and corpus callosum at 1 d. β-APP expression was found at the brainstem, hippocampus, thalamus, corpus callosum and periventricular regions. Pathological examination of ultrathin sections showed evidence edema and fracture of axons at 3 d after brain injury. The brain injury caused severe cerebral ischemia. The c-Fos and c-Jun expression increased at 1 h. The c-Fos expression peaked at 3 h (P < 0.05), then reduced, reached a maximal level again at 3 d (P < 0.05), and reduced significantly at 7 d but remained at a higher level when compared with control group (P < 0.05). The number of c-Jun positive cells peaked at 6 h (P < 0.05), then reduced, reached a maximal level again at 3 d and reduced markedly but still remained at a higher level when compared with control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: After diffuse brain injury, brain water content and c-Fos/c-Jun expression change over time.     

Systemic acute-phase reactants, C-reactive protein and haptoglobin, in adult periodontitis

Capture ELISAs with biotinylated monospecific antibodies were developed to detect both C-reactive protein (CRP) and haptoglobin (Hp) in serum of adult periodontitis (AP) patients and normal subjects. Each acute-phase reactant was significantly increased in serum from AP patients with CRP at 9.12 ±1.61 mg/l versus 2.17 ± 0.41 mg/l (P < 0.001) and Hp at 3.68 ± 0.37 g/l versus 1.12 ± 0.78 g/l (P < 0.001). Assessment of clinical characteristics of the patients' periodontal disease indicated that CRP and Hp levels were significantly increased in patients with the most frequent disease active episodes (P < 0.02 and P < 0.001, respectively). Longitudinal examination of the Hp levels showed a significant decrease following scaling and root planing (3.68 versus 2.38 g/l; P < 0.01). After a 2-year administration of 50 mg/b.i.d. Flurbiprofen (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), significantly decreased Hp levels were noted (P < 0.005). CRP levels declined by 35–40% after 1–2 years of treatment with the drug (P < 0.05). The findings indicated that localized infections resulting in increased inflammation and tissue loss in the periodontium elicit systemic host changes manifest by increases in two acute-phase reactants. The conclusions are that either these molecules are formed locally and distributed to the serum, or these presumably localized infections impact upon the systemic components of the host protective responses.