佛波酯对促进人绒毛膜癌AJR细胞侵入机制的研究

目的：探讨佛波酯（PMA）是否通过改变细胞因子的生成而影响滋养细胞的侵袭性。方法：用反转录聚合酶链反应（RT－PCR）检测人绒毛膜癌JAR细胞与侵袭力调节有关的多种细胞因子基因表达的变化。结果：JAR细胞表达肝细胞生长因子（HGF）、胰岛素样生长因子Ⅱ（IGF－Ⅱ）、转化生长因子β（TGF-β）、白细胞介素1β（IL－1β）和血管内皮生长因子（VEGF），且VEGF的表达以VEGF121和VEGF165为主，而不表达IGF－I。100nmol/L PMA处理细胞24h可显著上调IL－1β、HGF、IGFⅡ mRNA的表达，同时抑制TGF－β2、TGF－β3 mRNA的表达，而对TGF－β1、VEGF mRNA的表达未见有明显变化。结论：HGF、IL－1β、IGF－Ⅱ对滋养细胞的侵入起促进作用，而TGF－β2、TGF－β3具有抑制效应。说明丝裂原PMA可能通过调节这几种细胞因子的自分泌机制，从而增强JAR细胞的侵袭能力。     

TGF-β/Smads信号通路与滋养细胞的恶性侵袭

在人类胚胎植入过程中,滋养细胞对子宫内膜组织的有限侵袭是受严格精细调控的,其过度的侵入与绒癌的形成有关[1].研究表明,体内多种细胞因子对滋养细胞的侵入具有调节作用.如自分泌和旁分泌的TGF、TNF-α、IGF、EGF以及丝裂原等均能通过细胞内某些信号通路调控滋养细胞MMP、uPA等侵袭相关蛋白酶的表达,从而调节滋养细胞的侵袭作用[2-4].转化生长因子β(transforming growth factor-β,TGF-β)是目前研究最多的参与滋养细胞侵入调节的细胞因子.研究发现,胎盘绒毛小叶的合体滋养细胞、细胞滋养细胞及绒毛的间质滋养细胞、蜕膜腺体细胞和间质细胞有TGF-β1表达,说明TGF-β1可能主要由以上几种细胞合成并分泌[5,6].     

肝细胞生长因子对高糖条件下系膜细胞基质降解酶系统及转化生长因子β1的影响

目的通过体外培养大鼠肾系膜细胞,研究肝细胞生长因子(hepatocyte grouth factor,HGF)对高糖条件下系膜细胞表达及分泌转化生长因子-β1(transforming growth factor-β1,TGF-β1)、基质金属蛋白酶-9(matrix metalloproteinases-9,MMP-9)及其抑制物金属蛋白酶组织抑制物-1(tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1,TIMP-1)的影响,从而探讨HGF在糖尿病肾病中肾脏保护作用的机制。方法体外培养大鼠肾系膜细胞,分为正常对照组、高糖刺激组及HGF干预组,通过MTT比色测定不同时间、不同HGF浓度对大鼠肾系膜细胞增殖的影响;采用ELISA法测定细胞上清中MMP-9、TIMP-1、TGF-β1、HGF以及Ⅳ型胶原(Ⅳcol)的含量;以RT-PCR法检测系膜细胞MMP-9,TIMP-1、TGF-β1及HGF基因的表达。结果同正常对照组相比高糖刺激系膜细胞增生,HGF可以抑制高糖引起的系膜细胞增生。通过外源添加HGF可以显著抑制高糖条件下系膜细胞Ⅳcol、TIMP-1及TGF-β1的分泌,但对高糖条件下系膜细胞MMP-9的分泌则无显著影响。同高糖刺激组相比,外源HGF使系膜细胞MMP-9及HGF基因表达明显增强,而显著抑制系膜细胞TIMP-1及TGF-β1基因的表达。结论HGF对于高糖条件下的大鼠肾系膜细胞可能具有保护性作用,这一作用可能同以下途径有关:HGF抑制高糖刺激所导致的系膜细胞增生;HGF抑制TIMP-1mRNA表达及蛋白合成,促进MMP-9mRNA表达,从而调节MMP-9与TIMP-1之间的比例促进ECM降解;HGF显著抑制TGF-β1mRNA表达及蛋白合成,并且促使内源HGFmRNA表达增高,从而恢复TGF-β1与HGF之间的平衡。     

三种抗纤维化细胞因子对HepG2细胞转化生长因子-β1基因启动子转录活性的影响

目的:观察抗肝纤维化细胞因子白介素10(IL-10)、肝细胞生长因子(HGF)和干扰素γ(IFN-γ)对含不同-509C＞T基因型的转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)基因上游启动子转录活性的影响,探讨细胞因子可能的抗肝纤维化机制.方法:以TGF-β1基因上游5'侧翼区启动子(-1328 ～ 812)含有-509C＞T 位点的片段作为靶序列,将其与氯霉素乙酰基转移酶(CAT)报告基因组成重组体phTGF2.14C、phTGF2.14T,脂质体法转染至人肝癌细胞系HepG2,应用IL-10(4 ng/ml)、HGF(10 ng/ml)和IFN-γ(20 ng/ml)作用于转染后HepG2细胞,ELISA法测定报告基因的表达.结果:转染phTGF2.14C的HepG2细胞报告基因活性明显高于转染phTGF2.14T者(P＜0.01).IFN-γ对转染phTGF2.14C、phTGF2.14T的HepG2细胞TGF-β1启动子转录活性均具有明显的抑制作用(P＜0.05),HGF对转染phTGF2.14C HepG2细胞的TGF-β1启动子转录活性具有促进作用(P＜0.05),IL-10对两种情况下HepG2细胞TGF-β1启动子转录活性调控作用均不显著.结论:C等位基因可明显增强TGF-β1基因启动子转录活性;IFN-γ可能通过抑制TGF-β1基因启动子转录活性抑制肝纤维化,而HGF、IL-10的抗纤维化作用可能与此途径无关.     

胰岛素样生长因子-Ⅱ在妊振高血压综合征胎盘滋养细胞浅浸润中的影响

目的检测胎盘滋养细胞中胰岛素样生长因子-Ⅱ(insulin-like growthfactor-Ⅱ,IGF-Ⅱ)及其mRNA的表达,研究IGF-Ⅱ对细胞滋养细胞浸润能力的影响,评估IGF-Ⅱ在妊娠高血压综合征(妊高征)中的作用.方法①用免疫组化法检测正常及妊高征孕妇的胎盘组织中IGF-Ⅱ的表达,并用计算机图像分析系统进行定量分析比较.②用逆转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)检测正常妊娠及妊高征胎盘滋养细胞中IGF-ⅡmRNA表达水平,并通过紫外凝胶图像分析进行定量分析比较.③用滋养细胞体外侵袭试验研究IGF-Ⅱ对正常及妊高征胎盘细胞滋养细胞浸润能力的影响.结果①IGF-Ⅱ主要位于绒毛小叶的合体滋养细胞及细胞滋养细胞.此外,也存在于羊膜绒毛层,但染色较以上两种细胞明显减弱.经图像分析检测证实妊高征组胎盘IGF-Ⅱ的平均光密度显著低于正常妊娠组(P＜0.05).②妊高征胎盘滋养细胞IGF-ⅡmRNA的表达亦显著低于正常妊娠者(P＜0.05).③妊高征滋养细胞较正常滋养细胞的浸润能力显著降低.④IGF-Ⅱ能明显促进正常妊娠滋养细胞的侵袭能力;但对妊高征滋养细胞侵袭能力的影响不显著.结论IGF-Ⅱ可能在妊高征胎盘滋养细胞浅浸润过程中起重要作用.     

肝细胞生长因子对转化生长因子诱导肾小管上皮细胞转分化的影响

目的应用转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)诱导肾小管上皮细胞肌纤维母细胞转分化,研究肝细胞生长因子(HGF)对肾小管上皮细胞的表型重塑的作用和机制。方法在正常大鼠肾小管上皮细胞(NRK52E细胞株)培养液中分别加入TGF-β1及HGF,应用倒置相差显微镜、扫描电镜观察细胞形态变化;免疫组织化学方法检测肌纤维母细胞特异性标志物α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)的表达;ELISA法分析测定培养细胞上清液中纤维连结蛋白(FN)的含量;RT-PCR检测结缔组织生长因子(CTGF)mRNA表达。结果1TGF-β1诱导肾小管上皮细胞从原有典型的上皮细胞形态转变为长梭形肌成纤维细胞样形态;α-SMA的表达、上清液FN含量、细胞CTGFmRNA表达明显增加(P<0.05)。2单纯HGF对细胞形态学、α-SMA的表达及FN含量与空白对照组无明显影响;不同浓度HGF组的CTGFmRNA表达较空白对照组均增加(P<0.05)。3HGF能抑制TGF-β1诱导的NRK52E细胞形态学改变;α-SMA的表达、FN水平均比诱导组TGF-β1明显下降(P<0.05);HGF抑制了TGF-β1诱导的CT-GFmRNA表达(P<0.05)。结论HGF能够负性调控TGF-β1诱导的肾小管上皮细胞肌纤维母细胞转分化作用,减少FN分泌;HGF对TEMT的负性调节作用可能是通过减少CTGF表达来实现的。     

肺纤维化形成过程中大鼠肺成纤维细胞分泌TGF-β mRNA及HGF mRNA对肺泡Ⅱ型上皮细胞的影响

目的 研究在肺纤维化形成过程中肺成纤维细胞对肺泡Ⅱ型上皮细胞的影响.方法 用半定量RT-PCR法检测肺成纤维细胞及肺泡Ⅱ型上皮细胞共培养过程中转化生长因子-β(TGF-β)mRNA、肝细胞生长因子(HGF)及肺泡表面活性蛋白A(SP-A)mRNA的表达变化.结果 (1)SP-A mRNA的表达实验组低于对照组(P<0.01);(2)HGF、TGF-β mRNA的表达实验组高于对照组(P<0.01).结论 在肺纤维化的形成过程中,肺成纤维细胞未能促进肺泡Ⅱ型上皮细胞的生长.     

食管间质成纤维细胞与食管癌细胞相互作用的体外研究

目的 体外研究不同类型食管间质成纤维细胞与癌细胞株间接接触后其基因及生物学特性的改变.方法 检测人食管正常间质成纤维细胞(NFs)、不典型增生间质成纤维细胞(AFs)及癌相关纤维母细胞(CAFs)与癌细胞株间接相互接触前后的波形蛋白(Vimentin)、α平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)、转化生长因子-β(TGF-β1)、人肝细胞生长因子(HGF)、基质金属蛋白酶(MMP)2、MMP9 mRNA及食管癌细胞株的增殖细胞核抗原(PCNA) mRNA,并与食管癌细胞株进行侵袭实验.结果 从NFs到AFs再到CAFs,Vimentin mRNA的表达无差别,α-SMA、TGF-β1、HGF、MMP2及MMP9 mRNA的表达逐渐增强.在与食管癌细胞株间接接触后,NFs及AFs的α-SMA、TGF-β1、HGF、MMP2及MMP9 mRNA表达均上调,且差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05),而CAFs的相应mRNA表达无明显变化.食管癌细胞株的PCNA mRNA在与NFs接触后,无变化;而与AFs和CAFs接触后,PCNA mRNA表达明显上调.结论 食管癌细胞与食管间质成纤维细胞可影响对方的增殖活性及侵袭特性.     

Kupffer细胞NF-κB激活对胆道梗阻合并肝部分切除鼠肝细胞再生的影响

目的探讨Kupffer细胞(KCs)NF-κB激活在鼠非肝硬变性胆道梗阻肝部分切除后肝细胞再生过程中的作用.方法Wistar大鼠随机分为正常大鼠70%肝部分切除组(N-PH)、胆总管梗阻1周70%肝部分切除组(BDO-PH)、BDO-PH IL-10或生理盐水治疗组.EMSA法检测KCs NF-κB激活、RT-PCR法检测肝内HGF、IL-6、TGF-β1及IL-1β mRNA表达,ELJSA法检测肝内TNF-α水平,免疫组化法检测肝细胞BrdU标记.结果BDO-PH后0～72 h肝内IL-6 mRNA、TGF-β1mRNA、IL-1βmRNA及TNF-α表达增高而HGFmRNA表达减少,肝细胞BrdU标记减少.而IL-10能下调BDO-PH后KCs NF-κB活性、上调肝内HGF mRNA与下调肝内IL-6 mRNA、TGF-β1 mRNA、IL-1β mRNA及TNF-α表达,从而促进肝细胞BrdU标记.结论KCs NF-κB过度激活可能抑制非肝硬变性胆道梗阻肝部分切除后肝细胞再生,适当调节KCs NF-κB活性可能促进肝细胞再生.     

VEGF对上皮间充质转化的抑制与Smad信号途径及SnoN表达的变化

目的探讨血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)抑制转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)诱导HK-2细胞发生肾小管上皮-间充质细胞转化(EMT)的过程中对Smad2/3,Smad7信号途径以及SnoN表达的影响。方法体外培养的HK-2细胞分为:①正常对照组;②TGF-β1(5μg/L)阳性对照组;③VEGF165(100μg/L)作用组;④TGF-β1(5μg/L)+VEGF165(100μg/L)共同作用组。采用WesternBlot法和RT-PCR分别检测各组细胞p-Smad2/3和Smad2/3(共同作用30和60min),α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)、Smad7、SnoN的表达水平(共同作用48h)。结果 TGF-β1组α-SMA蛋白和mRNA表达与正常对照组比较明显增强,TGF-β1与VEGF165共同作用组α-SMA蛋白和mRNA表达与TGF-β1单独作用组比较明显减弱(P0.05)。体外HK-2细胞,TGF-β1组刺激30、60min,与正常对照组比较,(p-Smad2/3)/(Smad2/3)比值明显升高,TGF-β1+VEGF165组与TGF-β1单独作用组相比明显下降,且以30min时下降明显。TGF-β1组作用48h与正常对照组比较,Smad7蛋白和mRNA表达明显下降,VEGF165+TGF-β1组较TGF-β1单独作用组Smad7表达明显升高(P0.05)。VEGF165组与正常对照组相比,α-SMA、(p-Smad2/3)/(Smad2/3)、Smad7蛋白和mRNA表达的差异无统计学意义(P﹥0.05)。TGF-β1组SnoN蛋白表达与正常对照组比较明显增强(P0.05),TGF-β1与VEGF165共同作用组SnoN蛋白表达与TGF-β1单独作用组相比差异无统计学意义(P﹥0.05),各组SnoNmRNA表达差异均无统计学意义(P﹥0.05)。结论 VEGF165抑制TGF-β1诱导HK-2细胞EMT的机制可能与直接抑制Smad2/3磷酸化、上调Smad7信号表达有关,而与调节SnoN表达无关。     

Value of D-Dimers in patients with acute aortic dissection

Objective: To evaluatel the value of D-dimers in patients with acute aortic dissection (AAD). Methods: This study consisted of 16 patients with AAD and 27 non-AAD patients. Serum D-dimets were measured by Sta-Liatest D-DI immunoturbidimetric assay. Results: D-dimer level was higher (P ＜ 0.001) in patients with AAD(7.91 ± 5.52 μg/ml) than that in non- AAD group(1.57±1.24 μg/ml). D-dimer was positive (＞0.4 μg/ml) in all patients with AAD and in 10 control group patients (37%). Among patients with acute AAD, D-dimers tended to be higher in Stanford A than in Stanford B (8.67 ± 4.31 μg/ml vs. 3.24±1.27 μg/ml, P ＜0.01). D-dimer values tended to be higher in more extended disease(3.84 ± 1.65 μg/ml, 8.57 ± 3.58 μg/ml and 11.87 ± 5.69 μg/ml in thoracic aorta, thoracic and abdominal aorta, thoracic and abdominal aorta and iliacal arteries, respectively, P ＜ 0.05 for both 8.57 ± 3.58 and 11.87 ± 5.69 vs. 3.84 ± 1.65 ). Including the control group into the analysis, we found a sensitivity of 100%, a negative predictive value of 100%, and a specificity of 66% and a positive predictive value of 64% for D-dimer in diagnosis of AAD in our patients with suspected AAD. Conclusion: D-dimer was elevated in patients with AAD. A negative D-dimer test result could be useful in excluding AAD.     

Research of combined liver-kidney transplantation model in rats

Objective： To set up a simple and reliable rat model of combined liver-kidney transplantation. Methods： SD rats served as both donors and recipients. 4℃ sodium lactate Ringer＇s was infused from portal veins to donated livers,and from abdominal aorta to donated kidneys, respectively. Anastomosis of the portal vein and the inferior vena cava （IVC） inferior to the right kidney between the graft and the recipient was performed by a double cuff method, then the superior hepatic vena cava with suture. A patch of donated renal artery was anastomosed to the recipient abdominal aorta. The urethra and bile duct were reconstructed with a simple inside bracket. Results： Among 65 cases of combined liver-kidney transplantation, the success rate in the late 40 cases was 77.5%. The function of the grafted liver and kidney remained normal. Conclusion： This rat model of combined liver-kidney transplantation can be established in common laboratory conditions with high success rate and meet the needs of renal transplantation experiment.     

BLOOD PRESSURE CHANGE WITH AGE IN SALT-SENSITIVE TEENAGERS

Objective To observe blood pressure change with age in salt-sensitive teenagers whose salt sensitivity were determined by repeated testing.Methods Salt sensitivity was determined through intravenous infusion of normal saline combined with volume-depletion by oral diuretic furosemide in 55 teenagers. After five years, salt sensitivity was re-examined and subject blood pressure was followed up. Blood pressure changes in salt-sensitive teenagers were compared to that of non-salt sensitive teenagers over five years.Results After 5 years, the repetition rate of salt sensitivity determined by intravenous saline loading is 92.7%. In teenagers with salt sensitivity on the baseline, both the systolic blood pressure increments and increment rates were much higher than non-salt sensitive teenagers (12.7±12.1 mmHg vs. 2.8±5.2 mmHg, P＜ 0.01; 12.2%± 12.0% vs. 2.5% ±4.4%, P＜ 0.001,respectively). There was a similar trend for diastolic blood pressure (8.4 ± 6.4 mmHg vs. 3.7 ± 6.4 mmHg, P = 0.052; 13.2% ±10.6 % vs. 6.8%± 10.1%, P = 0.053, respectively).Conclusions Salt sensitivity determined by intravenous saline loading showed good reproducibility. Blood pressure increments with age were much higher in salt-sensitive teenagers than non-salt sensitive teenagers, especially in terms of systolic blood pressure.     

安心颗粒对急诊经皮冠状动脉介入术后生活质量影响的研究

目的：评价使用安心颗粒对急诊经皮冠状动脉介入术（PPCI）术后生活质量的影响.方法：将160例接受PPCI的急性ST段抬高型心肌梗死患者随机分为安心颗粒组（术前顿服安心颗粒8.8g,术后安心颗粒4.4 g/次,每日2次）和对照组（仅接受基础药物治疗）.所有患者均服用阿司匹林、氯吡格雷和阿托伐他汀.分别在入院时、出院前1d、出院后180 d时,应用心肌梗死多维度量表（MIDAS）、中文版SF-36评价量表对患者生活质量评分.并观察术后30 d以内的出血并发症、血小板减少症发生情况.结果：入院时和出院前1d,两组患者的心肌梗死MIDAS、SF-36量表评分比较无差异（P＞0.05）;出院后180 d时,与对照组比较,安心颗粒组MIDAS、SF-36评分明显减低（P＜0.05）;组内与入院时比较,两组出院前1d、出院后180 d时,MIDAS、SF-36评分均降低（P＜0.05）.两组患者在随访期间均无大量出血、少量出血、重度和极重度血小板减少症发生,安心颗粒组有4例、对照组有7例发生不明显出血（P＞0.05）.两组发生轻度血小板减少症的患者数比较无差异（P＞0.05）.结论：PPCI使用安心颗粒,能改善急性ST段抬高型心肌梗死患者的生活质量,且不增加出血风险.     

The comparative studies of the influences of Urapidil and Nicardipine on sino-atrial node function, atrio-ventricular node function and hemodynamics

Objective:To investigate the influences of urapidil and nicardipine on rabbit sinus function,atrio-ventricular node function and hemodynamics.Methods:Thirty-two Angora's rabbits were selected and randomly divided into four groups.U1 group:urapidil 0.25 mg/kg;U2 group:urapidil 0.5 mg/kg;N1 group:nicardipine 10 μg/kg;N2 group:nicardipine 20 μg/kg.All these medicine were administrated within 30 seconds.Measurements were taken before and after the administration of urapidil or nicardipine for the following data:mean blood pressure(MAP),heart rate(HR),sino-atrial conduction time(SACT),maximal sinoatrial recovery time(SNRTmax)corrected sinus node recovery time(CSNRT),index of sinus node recovery time(SNRTI),Wenckebach A-V conduction frequency (WB),and P-R interval.Results:Significant MAP and HR changes were identified in all of the four groups before and after administration of both urapidil and nicardipine.No significant changes could be found in the rest of the parameters.Intergroup analysis showed that SACT and CSNRT of N1 and N2 groups were shorter than those of the U2 group(P＜0.01);the MAP decreased(P＜0.01)and the HR increased drastically(P＜0.01).Conclusions:Neither urapidil(0.25 mg/kg,0.5 mg/kg)nor nicardipine(10μg/kg,20μg/kg)has any significant influence on rabbit sinus function or rabbit atrio-ventricular node function.Nicardipine could be a better choice than urapidil for parafunctional sinus node patients.     

Expression of OPGmRNA and ODFmRNA in the patients of hip fracture due to osteoporosis

Objective：To investigate the gene expression of osteoprotegerin（OPG） and osteoclast differentiation factor（ODF） in the bone tissue of patients with hip fracture due to osteoporosis. Methods：OPGmRNA and ODFmRNA in the bone tissue in 50 cases of osteoporosis sufferers（over 50 years old） with hip fracture（Observer Group） and 30 cases of hip facture sufferers with no osteoporosis（Control group） were analyzed with the Semi-Quantitative RT-PCR method. Results：The mRNA expressed of ODF, OPG were both high in the patients with hip fracture. In the control group, the expression of OPG mRNA was observed, while the expression of ODF mRNA was very slight. Conclusion：Aged patients contained all signals including OPG, ODF that are essential for inducing osteoclastogenesis and promoting bone resorption.     

The clinicopathological and immuohistochemical analysis of solid-pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas： report of 9 cases

Objective：To investigate the clinical features, pathological characteristics and immunophenotype of solid-pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas（SPTP）. Methods：Nine surgically treated cases of SPTP were retrospectively reviewed. Hematoxylin and Eosin（HE） staining and immunohistochemical staining were used to analyze all cases, and the general clinical data was collected. Results：Six patients were asymptomatic except for a palpable mass. Two patients complained of vague-epigastric pain. One patient appeared jaundice. The tumor was encapsulated and solid tissues alternately with cystic tissues. Histologically, the histological structure of solid portion was pseudopapillary with a fibrovascular core. Tumor cells were uniform and medium-sized which were arranged in sheets ets or nests or pseudopapillary patterns. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that SPTP proved positive in vimentin（9/9 cases）, AAT（9/9 cases）, NSE（9/9 cases）, ACT（7/9 cases）, CK20（2/9 cases）, CgA（1/9 cases）, S-100（3/gcases）, PR（4/gcases）, Syn（3/9 cases） and CD56（5/9cases）, negative in CEA and ER. Conclusion：SPTP is a tumor predominantly occurring in young women frequently without special symptoms. This tumor has various characteristical histological patterns with different immunophenotype.     

Dynamic Changes in Serum Estradiol and Progesterone levels in Patients of Premenstrual Syndrome with Adverse Flow of Liver-qi

Objective:To probe into the influence of changes of ovarian hormones on the pathogenesis of the specific sub-type premenstrual syndrome(PMS)and reveal partial microcosmic mechanisms of adverse flow of liver-qi.Methods:Estradiol(E2)and progesterone(P)levels in serum were determined at different phases of menstrual cycle by radioimmunoassay.Results:In the group of PMS with adverse flow of liver-qi.the secretive peak value Of E2 and P at the follicular phase significantly decreased,and the secretive peak value at the luteal phase did not come into being.Conclusions:Low E2 and P secretive peak at the follicular phase and absence of secretive peak at the luteal phase is one of the microcosmic mechanisms of PMS with adverse flow of liver-qi.One of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of specific sub-type PMS is probably the continuous low level of E2and P.     

Real-time Three-dimensional Echocardiography in Assessment of Left Ventricular and Right Ventricular Volumes

Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE)is a new ultrasound technique that enables dynamic threedimensional visualization and quantification of the heart in real time. Investigation of feasibility and methodology of RT3DE in determining left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) volumes, RT3DE was performed in 35 normal adults using Philips SONOS 7500 system with a 2-4 MHz matrix array transducer. The 60°×60° "pyramid" volume database was obtained and analyzed on a TomTec echo workstation. Both LV and RV volumes were calculated with four 3DE methods (i.e. apical 2, 4, 8, and 16-plane) through manually tracing ventricular endocardial borders in end diastole and end systole. Stroke volumes were then calculated. LV volume was also measured by 2DE Simpson's rule using GE VIVID 7 ultrasound machine.     

SCREENING FOR A 21-CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITY IN PREIMPLANTED EMBRYOS OF ELDERLY WOMEN

Increasing maternal age is the only etiological factor unequivocally linked to Down's syndrome in humans. The occurrence rate of newborns with Down's syndrome is about 1/220 in women over 35 years old. However, the occurrence rate in embryos fertilized in vitro, of the elder woman is unclear. Using FISH we screened the number of chromosome 21 in preimplanted embryos of 5 elderly women (average age, 38.4 years) to study the feasibility and necessity of screening trisomy 21 in embryos in patients over 35 years old at the in vitro fertilization (IVF) center.