TGF—β在慢性阻塞性肺疾病支气管粘膜组织中的表达

目的 探讨转化生长因子－β（ＴＧＦ－β）在慢性阻塞性肺疾病（ＣＯＰＤ）支气管重构中的作用。方法 采用ＳＰ免疫组织化学方法观察ＴＧＰ－β在１１例ＣＯＰＤ组纤维支气管镜标本组织的表达,并与１０例对照组比较。结果 （１）ＴＧＦ－β在对照组支气管上皮细胞无表达,在ＣＯＰＤ组支气管粘膜上皮细胞有明显的表达并与对照组比有显的差异,支气管粘膜上皮细胞基底膜是主要阳性表达区;化生粘膜上皮有较多阳性细胞数,表达增     

早期药物干预对慢性阻塞性肺疾病大鼠转化生长因子β1的表达影响

目的:观察慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)大鼠模型的TGF-β1的表达变化和早期药物干预对其表达的影响.方法:利用烟薰和气道内多次滴入脂多糖(LPS)建立大鼠COPD模型(B组).早期给予冬虫夏草(C组),红霉素(D组),吸入布地奈德(E组)等分组干预.小动物肺功能仪测定气道阻力(RL)和动态顺应性(Cdyn).采用免疫组织化学法和逆转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)法检测TGF-β1蛋白及mRNA.结果:模型组基本符合人类COPD病理生理变化.外周细支气管平滑肌层和细胞外基质胶原较正常组(A组)大鼠明显增多.C组与B组比RL减少(P＜0.01),D组、E组与B组比RL亦减少,但Cdyn增加(P＜0.01).B组细支气管上皮、肺泡巨噬细胞和小动脉内皮的TGF-β1蛋白及mRNA的表达高于A组(P<0.01),C组与B组无明显差异,而D组、E组与B组相比,TGF-β1蛋白及mRNA的抑制明显,主要表现在细支气管上皮,但两者抑制程度并无明显差异(P>0.05).气道阻力与细支气管黏膜上皮TGF-β1蛋白,支气管肺组织的TGF-β1mRNA均呈正相关(r＝0.510、P＜0.01,r＝0.367、P＜0.05).结论:慢性烟薰和气道内滴入LPS能构建含有气道重塑特征的COPD大鼠模型.早期应用红霉素,吸入布地奈德可明显抑制气道TGF-β1的表达,影响COPD大鼠气道重塑的发生发展,而冬虫夏草未见此作用.     

慢性鼻窦炎患者鼻窦黏膜上皮中TGF-β信号通路分析

背景 研究发现,CRSsNP和CRSwNP患者的鼻窦黏膜组织之间存在TGF-β1表达量的显著不同。而在下气道疾病的研究中发现,TGF-β通过调节气道黏膜上皮细胞增殖能力从而影响下气道黏膜重塑。TGF-β可能作为一个关键的因素参与了慢性鼻窦炎的鼻窦黏膜上皮重塑过程。 方法 通过Western Blot 分析CRS患者和正常对照组中筛窦黏膜组织中TGF-β1, TGF-β 受体I, TGF-β 受体 II, Smad3, 磷酸化的Smad3, Smad7 及 SARA差异。 以TGFβ1、EGF及相应抑制剂分别或共同作用于原代培养的鼻窦黏膜上皮细胞,通过MTT法测定各刺激组间细胞增殖水平的差异。 结果 在CRSsNP组, TGF-β1, TGF-β受体I, TGF-β 受体II和 Smad3 蛋白水平显著高于正常对照组。在 CRSwNP组, TGF-β1, Smad3 及 磷酸化的Smad3 蛋白水平 显著低于正常对照组. Smad7 蛋白在各CRS组均显著高于正常对照组.体外细胞培养实验中。各CRS组的鼻窦黏膜上皮细胞增殖能力均显著低于正常对照组。 结论 与正常对照组相比,CRSwNP 患者有着TGF-β 信号通路信号的显著低水平表达。在CRSsNP ,尽管TGF-β上游信号为高表达,负性调节因子Smad7蛋白的高表达可能抑制了TGF-β信号通路。从而,在CRSsNP 及 CRSwNP 患者中不同表达的TGF-β1并未显著影响鼻窦黏膜上皮增殖能力。     

The role and significance of enteral nutrition to the expression of TGF-β1 in the mucosa of the small intestine of rats with obstructive jaundice

目的 探讨肠内营养(EN)对梗阻性黄疸(OJ)大鼠肠黏膜上皮细胞凋亡及TGF-β1表达的影响及意义.方法 40只Wistar大鼠随机分为正常对照组、假手术组、OJ组、OJ+能全素组.OJ+能全素组给予肠内营养10 d,总能量提供为630 kJ/(kg·d),含氮量1.0 g/(kg·d).TUNEL法检测肠黏膜上皮细胞凋亡率,免疫组织化学法检测肠黏膜TGF-β1的表达.结果 OJ+能全素组肠黏膜细胞凋亡指数低于OJ组(P﹤0.05),OJ组大鼠肠黏膜TGF-β1阳性细胞表达显著减少(P＜0.01).OJ+能全素组大鼠肠黏膜TGF-β1阳性细胞表达与OJ组比较明显增加,差异显著(P＜0.01).结论 肠内营养可抑制肠黏膜上皮细胞凋亡,促进肠黏膜上皮细胞TGF-β1分泌,维持肠黏膜屏障的完整性,从而防止OJ时细菌和内毒素的移位.     

人羊膜上皮细胞在纤维蛋白支架和细胞生长因子作用下的研究

目的：以纤维蛋白凝块为支架构建人羊膜上皮细胞（HAEC）生长模型,观察表皮生长因子（EGF）、碱性成纤维细胞生长因子（bFGF）、转化生长因子β1（TGF-b1）对HAEC生长的影响.方法：在体外构建的纤维蛋白支架上培养HAEC,采用倒置显微镜、Giemsa染色和扫描电子显微镜观察HAEC的生长情况.采用TUNEL法检测EGF、bFGF和TGF-β1对纤维蛋白支架上HAEC凋亡的影响.结果：HAEC在构建的纤维蛋白支架上生长.EGF组和bFGF组HAEC凋亡较对照组明显减少（P＜0.05）,TGF-β1组HAEC凋亡较对照组明显增加（P＜0.05）.结论：HAEC能在构建的纤维蛋白支架上良好生长,EGF、bFGF可抑制HAEC凋亡,TGF-β1则促进HAEC凋亡.     

吡格列酮对肾小管上皮细胞转分化及CTGF表达的影响

目的 探讨吡格列酮能否负性调节转化生长因子β(TGF-β)诱导的肾小管上皮细胞转分化为肌成纤维细胞(TEMT),以及抑制TGF-β下游介质结缔组织生长因子(CTGF)表达,以阐明吡格列酮抗肾纤维化的作用及机制.方法 将体外培养的正常大鼠肾小管上皮细胞(NRK52E)分为空白对照组、TGF-β3 ng/mL诱导组、TGF-β3 ng/mL+DMSO组、不同剂量吡格列酮阻断组.应用倒置相差显微镜观察细胞形态,免疫组织化学、RT-PCR方法 定性及定量检测肌成纤维细胞特异性标志物α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA);RT-PCR方法 定量检测CTGFmRNA的表达;ELISA法测定培养细胞上清液中Ⅲ型胶原的含量.结果 ①TGF-β诱导组细胞从原来典型的上皮细胞形态转变为长梭形肌成纤维细胞形态;免疫组织化学染色见大量α-SMA阳性细胞,与对照组相比,α-SMAmRNA表达量增加(P＜0.05);CTGF mRNA表达量增加(P＜0.05);细胞培养上清液中Ⅲ型胶原的含量增加(P＜0.05).②吡格列酮阻断组明显抑制TGF-β诱导的NRK52E细胞形态学改变;各剂量组均能抑制TGF-β诱导的α-SMA mRNA、CTGF mRNA表达及Ⅲ型胶原分泌(P＜0.05),且呈剂量依赖(P＜0.05);③相关分析显示,CTGF mRNA与α-SMA mRNA、Ⅲ型胶原的分泌呈正相关(r=0.975,0.988,P均＜0.01).α-SMA mRNA与Ⅲ型胶原的分泌呈正相关(r=0.952,P＜0.01).结论 吡格列酮能够抑制TGF-β诱导的TEMT及Ⅲ型胶原的分泌,对肾间质纤维化具有负性调节作用;吡格列酮抑制TGF-β诱导的CTGF表达可能是其负性调节TEMT的机制之一.     

肠内营养对梗阻性黄疸大鼠肠黏膜上皮细胞凋亡及增殖的影响

目的探讨肠内营养(EN)对梗阻性黄疸(OJ)大鼠肠黏膜上皮细胞凋亡及TGF-β1表达的影响及意义。方法 40只Wistar大鼠随机分为正常对照组、假手术组、OJ组、OJ+能全素组。OJ+能全素组给予肠内营养10 d,总能量提供为630kJ/(kg.d),含氮量1.0 g/(kg.d)。TUNEL法检测肠黏膜上皮细胞凋亡率,免疫组织化学法检测肠黏膜TGF-β1的表达。结果 OJ+能全素组肠黏膜细胞凋亡指数低于OJ组(P﹤0.05),OJ组大鼠肠黏膜TGF-β1阳性细胞表达显著减少(P0.01)。OJ+能全素组大鼠肠黏膜TGF-β1阳性细胞表达与OJ组比较明显增加,差异显著(P0.01)。结论肠内营养可抑制肠黏膜上皮细胞凋亡,促进肠黏膜上皮细胞TGF-β1分泌,维持肠黏膜屏障的完整性,从而防止OJ时细菌和内毒素的移位。     

肺康颗粒对慢阻肺模型大鼠气道重塑及转化生长因子β_1的影响

[目的]观察肺康颗粒对慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)模型大鼠气道重塑及转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)的影响.[方法]将清洁级SD大鼠40只随机分为正常对照组、COPD模型组,肺康颗粒高、低剂量组(剂量分别为13、3.25g·kg-1·d-1),每组10只.采用熏香烟、气道内多次滴入脂多糖及灌服番泻叶法复制大鼠COPD肺脾两虚型模型.光镜下观察各组大鼠肺组织病理形态学变化并测量肺组织小气道管壁厚度;采用免疫组织化学法并结合图像分析技术测定大鼠肺组织、肺泡巨噬细胞、支气管黏膜上皮TGF-β1的表达.[结果]与正常对照组比较,模型组大鼠小气道管壁厚度及支气管肺组织TGF-β1的表达均有显著性升高(P<0.05);肺康颗粒高、低剂量组上述指标均显著低于模型组(P<0.05);但肺康颗粒高、低剂量组间支气管肺组织TGF-β1表达无显著性差异(P>0.05).模型组大鼠气道和肺组织出现慢性炎症改变和结构破坏,肺康颗粒高、低剂量组对上述病理变化有明显改善作用.[结论]肺康颗粒治疗COPD的作用与其能在一定程度上改善模型大鼠的气道重塑,降低TGF-β1的表达有关.     

气道平滑肌细胞TGF-β1表达与COPD气道重塑关系

目的探讨气道平滑肌细胞转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)表达在慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)气道重塑中的作用。方法非COPD、COPD男性肺癌病人各15例,取其肺叶切除后的外周肺组织,苏木精-伊红染色,光镜下观察气道重塑情况并应用图像处理系统进行形态定量;应用免疫组织化学方法检测支气管平滑肌细胞中TGF-β1的表达。结果 COPD组肺支气管管壁厚度占外径的百分比(WT%)和支气管壁横断面积占支气管总面积的百分比(WA%)均明显高于非COPD组,差异有显著性(t=10.93、15.35,P<0.01)。COPD组支气管平滑肌细胞的TGF-β1表达高于非COPD组,差异有显著意义(t=17.67,P<0.01)。一秒钟用力呼气容积占预计值的百分率(FEV1.0)%与WT%、WA%、TGF-β1均呈负相关(r=-0.787、-0.899、-0.846,P<0.01);TGF-β1与WT%、WA%呈正相关(r=0.837、0.915,P<0.01)。结论 COPD气道重塑的病理特征主要为小气道平滑肌不规则增生和细胞外基质沉积,TGF-β1在COPD的发病中起重要作用。     

哮喘大鼠血清、支气管肺泡灌洗液及肺组织中转化生长因子-β1与哮喘气道重塑

目的 观察哮喘大鼠模型血清、支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)中转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)的含量及肺组织中TGF-β1的表达,分析其相关性及与哮喘气道重塑的关系,为临床哮喘的诊断和治疗提供理论依据.方法 Wistar大鼠随机分为2组,正常对照组和哮喘模型组,每组20只.用卵蛋白(OVA)致敏和激发制成哮喘大鼠模型,用Elisa法测定血清及BALF中TGF-β1的含量,免疫组化法测定肺组织中TGF-β1的表达,Masson染色观察胶原沉积的情况,计算机图像分析系统评价呼吸性细支气管平滑肌厚度及上皮损伤程度评分等气道重塑指标.结果 造模后,与对照组相比模型组血清中TGF-β1的含量明显减低(P<0.05);BALF中TGF-β1的含量增加(P<0.01);肺组织中TGF-β1的表达增多(P<0.01).哮喘大鼠气道黏膜上皮损害、气道平滑肌厚度、气道胶原蛋白的沉积较对照组明显增加.结论 BALF中TGF-β1的含量增加、肺组织中TGF-β1的表达增加,加重了哮喘气道重塑;血清中TGF-β1含量减少,提示可以通过检测血清中TGF-β1为哮喘的诊断提供依据、间接了解气道重塑.     

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.