Exploration of IRES Elements within the ORF of the Coxsackievirus B3 Genome

Objective This study aimed to identify internal ribosome entry sites(IRESs) in the open reading frame(ORF) of the Coxsackievirus B3(CVB3) genome.Methods The sequences of P1, P2, or P3 of the CVB3 genome or the truncated sequences from each antithymocyte globulin(ATG) to the end of the P1, P2, or P3 gene were inserted into the pEGFP-N1vector. After transfection, possible IRES-dependent green fluorescent protein(GFP)-fused proteins were detected by anti-GFP western blotting. The sequences of possi...     

Analysis of hypermutation of the 5’ noncoding region in the BC L-6 gene

Objective To investigate BCL-6 gene mutations in Chinese populations with B-cell non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma.Methods Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and direct DNA sequencing were used to identify mutations in the 5’ noncoding re gion of the BCL-6 gene in a total of 40 cases of diffuse large-cell lymphoma ( DLCL) and follicular lymphoma (FL).Results Nine cases were found to have base substitutions.The incidence of BCL-6 gene mutation and the frequency of single-base changes were approximately 25.7% an d (0.56-1.10)×10(-2)/bp, respectively.Conclusions The 5’ regulatory region of the BCL-6 gene undergoes frequent somatic hypermuta tion during lymphomagenesis and the identification of BCL-6 gene hypermutations provides a molecular marker for confirmatory diagnosis of B-NHL.     

Treatment effect of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty on autonomic nervous activity during sleep in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome ( OSAS ) is characterized by repetitive episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep. The prevalence of OSAS in middle-aged population is about 2%-4%.^1 Many OSAS patients can be accompanied by serious cardiovascular complications, such as hypertension.^2 The aim of this study was to find the changes of autonomic nervous system (ANS) during sleep, and the impact of surgical treatment on heart rate variability (HRV) in OSAS patients.     

A Study on the Classification and the‘Catching’of the‘Arrived Qi’in Acupuncture

This essay studies the phenomenon of‘obtaining of qi’in acupuncture.Combined with clinical practice,the authors think that it was a habitual misunderstanding in the past to equate‘needling sensation’to ‘obtaining of qi’in acupuncture practice.The two concepts are different and are related with each other.The authors have also classified the phenomenon of‘obtaining of qi’according to its depth in the skin layer. Based on the research achievements in neuroscience,the authors propose the study on‘catching’the ...     

Alteration of NF-kB and TNF-α mRNA and protein in hippocampus in the chronic constrictive injury model of rats

Objective To investigate the alteration of nuclear factor kappa B( NF-κB) and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α) mRNA and protein in hippocampus in chronic constrictive injury (CCI) model of rats. Methods Seventy-six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 2 groups ( n = 38): the CCI group which received the chronic constriction injury and the sham group which received the sham operation as control. The mechanical and thermal nociceptive thresholds were assessed with paw withdrawal latency (PWL) to von Frey filaments and radiant heat at 1d before and ld,4d,7d,14d and 28d after CCI operation. Five animals were sacrificed at each time point for real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) and another three animals sacrificed at 7d postoperation for immunofluorescence histochemical staining. Results The thresholds to mechanical and thermal stimuli decreased obviously after operation in CCI group. The expressions of TNF-α and NF-κB mRNA began to increase at ld( (2.079 ±0. 104)times and 4d( ( 1.640 ± 0.064) times) after operation and reached the peak at 7d ((2.748 ±0.147)times, (2.010 ±0.096)times) ,then the expressions of TNF-a mRNA began to decrease,while the expressions of NF-kB mRNA maintained at a high level throughout the experiment. The result of immunofluorescence histochemical staining revealed that NF-kB and TNF-α protein expressions at 7 day increased significantly on the hippocampus,which was consisted with NF-κB and TNF-a mRNA levels. Conclusion The activation NF-κB and TNF-α in hippocampus may be involved in the procession of neuropathic pain.     

Relationship between peptic ulcer patients’ compliance and doctors’ order in China

Objective To get the knowledge about between patients’ compliance and doctors’ order in China, and to observe the influence on the reactivity of peptic ulcers due to the variation between patients’ compliance and doctors’ orders. Methods This is a prospective, randomized, multicenter, controlled trial of the efficacy in various instructional programs upon patients’ compliance with doctors’ orders. Patients with active peptic ulcers diagnosed through gastroscopic and pathologic examinations and followed up at the selected 100 hospitals of ten districts in Zhejiang Province of China between January 1 to December 31, 1997 were eligib le for this study. All patients were given the same medications (proton pump inhibitor and amoxycillin) and were divided into four groups (A, B, C, D) by randomly selected envelopes as follows. Group A: simple patient education, namely simple instruction about the use and the course of the medications, and the follow-up time. Group B: stressed patient education, namely detailed instruction about the use, the course, the curative and side effects, the necessity of following up as well as making appointments of being checked. Group C: supervised education, meaning that the patients were managed as Group A while their family members/friends as Group B. The family members/friends were also asked to supervise the patients in taking the medications, in following-up and giving their phone numbers to doctors. Group D: stressed patient education plus supervised education, meaning that the patients and their family members/friends were treated as both Group B and C.Results The compliance rate was 47.1% in all 11 983 patients. From high to low the compliance rates in the four groups were D (52.8%), C (46.8%), B (46.3%) and A (46.2%), but statistically there were no significant differences between them. The most compliant age was under 20 years with 51.7% as the rate of compliance , and the occupation was of medical workers (57.0%), and persons graduated from secondary specialized schools also had the highest compliance (55.4%). On the contrary, the most noncompliants were young people (20-29 years old, 44.6%), illiterate persons (43.9%) and self-employed laborers (43.9%). Mountain areas were the lowest (40.8%) compliant areas. The main reasons for the failure of compliance included drug cost (34.9%), inconvenience to see doctor (31.8%), forgetfulness of patients (24.2%). The reactivity of each group was shown as D (91.1%), C (90.3%), B (89.4%) and A (89.2%), with also no significant difference in statistics. But a big difference and be found between compliant group with the noncompliant one because the reactivity in the compliant group was 97.4% while in the noncompliant group was only 58.8% (x=1449.2, P<0.005). Conclusion Compliance with doctors’ orders exerts a significant influence on the reactivity. The main reasons of noncompliance (drug costs, inconvenience to see doctor) are corresponding to the economic and social conditions in China.     

Establishment of Lymphangioma Model and a Study on the Promoting Effect of Murine Melanoma Cell B16-F1 on the Lymphangiogenesis In Vitro

To establish an animal model of benign lymphangiomas of C57BL/6 mouse in vitro and to observe the effect of mouse ascites melanoma cell B16-F1 on the lymphangiogenesis, 16 C57BL/6 mice aged 8 weeks were given two intraperitoneal injections of incomplete Freund’s adjuvant at a 15-day interval. The induced neoplasms were studied histopathologically and thhe neoplasms speci- mens were immunohistochemically examined for the expressions of VEGF-C (vascular endothelial growth factor-C) and Flt-4 (VEGFR-3, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3). The neoplasms were harvested and embedded in fibrin gel for culture in conditioned medium of B16-F1 cells in vitro and observed under inverted microscope. Our results showed that white solid tumor masses devel- oped in peritoneal cavity after the induction. The tumors were confirmed to be lymphangioma by gross and histological examination. The tumor cells expressed both VEGF-C and Flt-4. Lymphatic capillaries coming from lymphangioma specimen grew into the gel and the conditioned medium of B16-F1 cells was found to be able to promote the growth of the vessels. It is concluded that intrap- eritoneal injection of incomplete Freund’s adjuvant is a good method for inducing benign lymphan- giomas in mouse and B16-F1 cells can promote lymphangiogenesis.     

Effect of Bushenyisui Formula on brain tissue apoptosis and Bcl-2 in beta-amyloid protein-induced Alzheimer’s disease rat models

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of Bushenyisui Formula on cell apoptosis and positive B cell lymphoma(Bcl-2) in the Brain of rat models of Alzheimer’s disease(AD) induced by beta-amyloid protein(Aβ) and the mechanism underlying the effect.METHODS:Total of 40 SD rats,20 females and 20 males,were randomly assigned to 4 groups,controlled group(A),model group(B),conventional treatment group(C) and Bushenyisui Formula treatment(BYFT) group(D),10 rats in each group.Aβ 1-42 was injected into the bilateral hippocampus of the rats in group B,C and D to create the models of AD.Sham operation was performed on the rats of group A in the same way by injecting equal volume of 0.9% sodium chloride solution into their bilateral hippocampus.5 days after operation,Bushenyisui Formula was intraperitoneally administered at a dose of 450 mg/kg to the rats of group D(QD) for 20 days.Equalvolumeof0.9%sodiumchloridesolution wasintraperitoneallyinjectedintotheratsofgroupB withthesameprocedure.C suspension(20 mg/mL) was intraperitoneally injected into the rats of group B with the same procedure.The number of apoptotic cells in Brain and the positive Bcl-2 were counted.The changes of learning and memory abilities were evaluated usingY-maze.RESULTS:Right after the establishment of the models,group B,C and D compared to group A respectively,the outcomes of Y-maze were significantly different from that of group A,which suggested obvious learning and memory disorder in those groups(P<0.01).After treatment,the times of electronic shocks of group C and D were significantly less than that of group B(P<0.05),and the numbers of apoptotic cells and positive Bcl-2 were significantly different from those of group B,apoptotic sells’ number of group C and D smaller than that of group B and the number of positive Bcl-2 greater than that of group B.CONCLUSION:Bushenyisui Formula could increase the number of Bcl-2 in brain,which improved the function of nervous system pertaining to learning and memory abilities.     

Response of the xenograft endothelium in the concordant xenotransplantation

Objective: To investigate the response of the xenograft endothelium in the concordant hamster to rat cardiac xenotransplantation and the mechanism of acute vascular rejection. Methods: The animals were divided into 5 groups randomly: control group,CsA group, splenectomy group, D0 splenectomy CsA group and D3 splenectomy CsA group. Hamster heart was heterotopicaly transplanted to rat abdominal cavity. The graft survival was monitored by palpation of the rat abdominal wall. The histological and ultrastructural changes of the xenogafts were investigated. NF-κB and P-selectin expression in the xenograft were detected. Hene Oxigenase-1 and Bcl-2 expression were also detected in the xenografts of different groups. Results: The mean survival time of the xenografts in control group, CsA group, splenectomy group, D0 splenectomy CsA group and D3 splenectomy CsA group was 3.4±0.55, 3.8±0.45, 6.4±1.52, 30 and 7.4±1.14 days. The rejected graft showed typical acute vascular rejection in control group, CsA group,splenectomy group and D3 splenectomy CsA group. Endothelial cells of the rejected xenograft showed dramatic assembly of ribosomes and expansion of the rough endoplasmic reticulum. However, the endothelium of the long-term survived grafts in D0 splenectomy CsA group showed normal architecture. NF-κB and P-selectin expression were detected in the rejected xenografts. HO-1 expression was observed in the long-term survived xenografts in D0 splenectomy CsA group. Conclusion: The endothelial cells of the xenograft might be activated during the acute vascular rejection. Expression of HO-1 might inhibit the upregulation of NF-κB and adhesion molecular which decreases the activation of the endothelium of the graft.     

Advances in the therapy of Barrett’s Esophagus

The rising incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma(EAC) in the world has led to continued interest in its precursor lesion,Barrett’s esophagus(BE). This review endeavors to summarize the recent advances in the therapy of BE with an emphasis on novel endoscopic therapies.     

LPS-induced NF-κB activation requires Ca2+ as a mediator in isolated pancreatic acinar cells of rat

Objective To investigate the effect of Ca2+ on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NF-κB activation in pancreatic acinar cells and the role of NF-κB in LPS-induced acinar cell injury. Methods Male rat pancreatic acinar cells were isolated by collagenase digestion, then exposed to varying concentrations of LPS (from 1 to 20 mg/L) in the presence or absence of EGTA. At various time points (30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours and 10 hours) after treatment with the agents, cell viability was determined by MTT. Nuclear translocation of NF-κB’s subunit p65 was visualized by immunofluorescence staining and nuclei protein was extracted to perform EMSA which was used to assay the activity of NF-κB binding to the DNA sequence containing the recognition site of NF-κB. Results LPS induced cell damage in a time- and concentration-dependent manner while EGTA attenuated LPS-induced cell damage (P&lt;0.05). NF-κB p65 immunofluorescence staining had increased intensity in the cytoplasm and indicated that nuclear translocation occurred within 30 minutes and its zenith was reached at 1 hour after LPS (10 mg/L) treatment. Testing of NF-κB DNA binding activity showed the same alteration phase as p65 immunofluorescence staining. NF-κB activation preceded the pathological alteration of pancreatic acinar cells. The Ca2+ chelator EGTA inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB activation. Conclusions NF-κB activation is an important early event in LPS-induced injury to pancreatic acinar cells. Ca2+ is an important mediator in the process of LPS-induced NF-κB activation.     

The Expression and Activity of MMPs Are Increased in Residual Tumor Tissues after the Termination of Immunotherapy

To investigate the invasive ability of the residual tumor cells after immunotherapy and explore the feasible approach suppressing the invasion, mice were inoculated with B16 cells, and then treated by gene therapy with p4-1BBL/psPD-1 or IFN-γ. The production and activities of MMP-9 and MMP-2 in residual tumor tissues were analyzed with gelatin zymography 1 day and 7 days after the termination of the immunotherapy. The production of MMP-9 and MMP-2 by B16 cells treated with IFN-γ was also analyzed. IFN-γ-treated B16 cells were inoculated to mice via subcutaneous injection. The invasion of tumor to muscular tissue was analyzed. Gene therapy with CH50 was used to suppress the invasive growth of tumor. The results showed that the expression and the activities of MMP-9 and MMP-2 were significantly increased 7 days after the end of immunotherapy. The re- sponse of tumor cells to ECM molecules was intensified after the removal of IFN-γ, resulting in significant increase of both the production and activities of MMP-9 and MMP-2, and the increased invasion of tumor. Gene therapy with CH50 effectively suppressed the invasive growth of tumor. It is concluded that the termination of immunotherapy may result in a higher metastatic potential of residual tumor cells. Suppressing tumor invasion by suitable treatment will improve the efficacy of immunotherapy..     

Tonglian Decoction(通莲汤) Arrests the Cell Cycle in S-phase by Targeting the Nuclear Factor-Kappa B Signal Pathway in Esophageal Carcinoma Eca109 Cells

Objective:To investigate the anti-tumor activity and molecular mechanism of Tonglian Decoction(通莲汤,TLD) on esophageal carcinoma Eca109 cells.Methods:Eca109 cells were treated with TLD and its separated formulae,including the clearing-heat and detoxification formula(Q),activating-blood and promoting-qi formula(H) and nourishing-yin and blood formula(Z).Cell proliferation was measured using the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide assay,cell morphology was observed using a microscope,the cell cycle was measured using flow cytometry and the activity of the nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB) signal pathway was detected by Western blot.Results:The half maximal inhibitory concentrations of TLD,Q and H were 386,771 and 729 mg/L,respectively.TLD,Q and H significantly inhibited cell proliferation,with 69.43%,60.84%and 61.90%of treated cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle.The percentage of cells in S phase increased significantly after treatment with TLD,Q,and H compared with the control group(P0.05),and TLD showed the strongest effect.Z had no influence on the cell cycle compared with the control group(P0.05).Western blot detection indicated slight differences in the inhibition of the NF- k B pathway by the different formulae.TLD formula strongly inhibited IKKβ,NF-κB,interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α expression compared with the control group.Conclusions:TLD inhibited Eca109 cell proliferation by arresting cells in S phase.The possible mechanism might be related to inhibiting the NF- κB transduction cascade.The combination of the herbs found in the three separate formulae,H,Q and Z,work synergistically in TLD to produce the inhibitory effects of TLD treatment on Eca109 proliferation.     

Morphological Changes in the Gills of Tilapia Fed Sterilized and Nonsterilized Sludge

The effects of digested sludge on the ultrastructure of gills of Sarotherodon mossambicus wereinvestigated.Samples of digested sludge were collected from the Shatin Sewage Treatment Plantin Hong Kong and.they were (1)sun-dried(NS)or(2)sterilized in an autoclave(SS).They werethen used as supplementary fish feed to cultivate the freshwater tilapia,S.mossambicus,for 50days under laboratory conditions.The SS at low dosage(25%)had the lowest toxicity amongdifferent treatments.A swelling of lamellar epithelium,the enlargement of the subepitlaelialspace,the collapse of capillaries,and the infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells in the lamellaeoffish gills were common to fish fed 50 to 100% NS and SS.The thickening of the basal laminain the gill lamellae is a common feature found in the sludge-treated fish.1989 AcademicPress.Inc.     

Expression of Insulin-like Growth Factor-I in Uterus is Ovarian Steroid Dependent： An in situ Immunohistochemical Study in Rat

Objective To study the immunohistochemical localization of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) in rats’uteri to determine if expression of the growth factor is ovarian steroid dependent. Method The study was carried out in presence and absence of ovary in situ of non pregnant females and during early gestation (day 1 to day 5.5). Cyclic females were tested to observe the effect of native steroids on IGF-I expression. Adult females were ovariectomized (OVX) and injected (s.c) with estradiol-17β in a dose of 0.1μg/ml per day for three consecutive days at interval of 24h prior to the collection of uterine horns. During the early pregnancy, studies were carried out on day 3.5 and day 5.5 of geatation respectively to determine the steroids’effects during pre- and post-implantation period. Tamoxifen was administered (s.c) in a dose of 250μg/ml per day from day 1 to day 3 of gestation while, the prostaglandin F 2α (PGF 2α ) was administered (s.c) from day 3 of gestation onward for three consecutive days at interval of 24h in a dose of 150μg/ml per day. Expression of IGF-I was immunohistochemically localised using IGF-I antibody in paraffin embedded sections. Results IGF-I was expressed in rat uterus during estrus phase as well as during pre and post-implantation period. The ovariectomized females’uteri lost the expression of IGF-I. Exogenous administration of tamoxifen and PGF 2α reduce the expression of the growth factor. Conclusion Expression of IGF-I in rat uterus during cyclic stage and early gestation depends upon the availability of circulating estrogen and progesterone. Uterine expression of IGF-I can be modulated by manipulating circulating ovarian steroid either during cyclic stage or during gestation.     

LMP1 activates NF- κB via degradation of IκBα in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells

Objective To elucidate the mechanisms by which Epstein- Barr virus- encoded latent membran e protein 1 activates NF- κB in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Methods A tetracycline- regulated LMP1- expressing nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line, T et- on- LMP1- HNE2, was used as the cell model. The kinetics of the expression of proteins, including LMP1, IκBα and IκBβ, was analyzed by Western blotting . The subcellular localization of NF- κB (p65) was detected by indirect immuno fluorescence assay. The NF- κB transactivity was studied by transient transfec tion and reporter gene assay. Results IκBα was phosphorylated and degraded after the inducible expression of LMP1, a lthough the total protein levels remained stable. The steady- state level of to tal IκBβ protein may have resulted from the initiation of an autoregulation lo op after the activation of NF- κB. No change in the IκBβ level was detected . NF- κB (p65) was translocated from the cytoplasm to the nucleus following de gradation of IκBα. After the introduction of the dominant- negative mutant of IκBα (Del 71) into Tet- on- LMP1- HNE2 cells, both nuclear translocation and transactivation of NF- κB induced by LMP1 was significantly inhibited. Conclusions The results indicated that in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells, LMP1 activated NF - κB via phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα, but not IκBβ. The do minant- negative mutant of IκBα (Del 71) could completely inhibit both the nuc lear translocation and transactivation of NF- κB induced by LMP1.     

Shp-2／NF-κB Pathway Mediates the Inhibition of Lipoxin A4 onIL-1β-induced Synthesis of IL-6 in Glomerular Mesangial Cells

Objective: To examine whether lipoxin A4 (LXA4) has an antagonistic effect on IL-1β-induced synthesis of IL-6 in glomerular mesangial cells, and to explore the molecular mechanisms of signal pathway in LXA4 actions. Methods: The glomerular mesangial cells of rat were cultured and treated with IL-1β with or without preincubation with LXA4 at different concentrations. The amount of IL-6 in the supernatant of cells was analyzed by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The expressions of mRNA of IL-6 were determined by RT-PCR. The expressions of Src homology 2( SH2 ) containing protein-tyrosine phosphatase 2(Shp-2) were assessed by immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting. Activities of DNA-binding of nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB) were measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assay(EMSA). Results:IL-1β- snulated secretion of protein and expression of mRNA of IL-6 in mesangial cells were inhibited by LXA4 in a dose-dependent manner. LXA4 antagonizes the phosphorylation of Shp-2 and activities of NF-κB induced by IL-1β Conclusion: LXA4 antagonists IL-1β-induced synthesis of IL-6 in glomerular mesangial cellsthrough the mechanism of Shp-2/NF-κB pathway-dependent signal transduction.     

Oxymatrine Improves TNBS-induced Colitis in Rats by Inhibiting the Expression of NF-κB p65

Inflammatory bowel disease is thought to be regulated by the balance between Th1 and Th2 cytokines secreted by T cells, and NF-κB p65 also plays a predominant role in the intestinal inflammation. We evaluated the potency of oxymatrine, one of active components of Sophora Root, in inhibiting the immune responses and inflammation in 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis. The inflammation was markedly ameliorated in the oxymatrine-treated rats. The level of IL-2 was increased and that of IL-10 was decreased in colon tissue in the rat model, which was reversed by the treatment of oxymatrine. Moreover, the elevated expression of NF-κB p65 in colon tissue in the model was also improved by oxymatrine treatment. Our results suggest that oxymatrine might be beneficial for the abnormal immune responses and inflammation by regulating the unbalance of Th1 and Th2 cytokines secretion and inhibiting the expression of NF-κB p65 in colon tissue.     

Evidence of compromised circulation in the pathogenesis of optic nerve damage in chronic glaucomatous rabbit.

The protective effect of improving the microcirculation on the retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and the ultrastructure of the optic nerve after intravenous (i.v.) use of Salviae miltiorrhiza (SMR) was studied in a chronic intraocular hypertension model in 36 rabbits. These rabbits were treated with topical 0.5% timolol, or i.v. SMR or i.v. 0.9% saline for 1, 3, 5 or 8 weeks. The intraocular pressure (IOP) was 19.6 +/- 2 mmHg and the RGC density was 1140 +/- 121.2/mm2 in control rabbits. After one week of intraocular hypertension (IOP between 30 and 40 mmHg), the RGC densities decreased to between 650 and 820/mm2. Following the use of timolol for 1 to 8 weeks, IOP returned to control level and the RGC density increased to 1015 +/- 7/mm2. After treatment with i.v. saline for 8 weeks, the RGC density decreased progressively from 651 +/- 1/mm2 at the beginning of treatment to 83 +/- 3/mm2. The RGC density of those rabbits treated with i.v. SMR for 8 weeks remained virtually unchanged (658 +/- 5/mm2) compared to the RGC density at the beginning of the treatment. Severe ultrastructural damage of optic nerve and collapsed capillaries were found in rabbits treated with saline while these findings were mild in rabbits treated with SMR. During these periods of treatment, the intraocular hypertension did not decrease in rabbits treated with either saline or SMR. From these findings and the fact that SMR improves local microcirculation, it is considered that the compromised microcirculation is one of the mechanisms in the pathogenesis of optic nerve damage in chronic glaucoma.

     

Treatment effect of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty on autonomic nervous activity during sleep in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is characterized by repetitive episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep. The prevalence of OSAS in middle-aged population is about 2%-4%.1 Many OSAS patients can be accompanied by serious cardiovascular complications, such as hypertension.2 The aim of this study was to find the changes of autonomic nervous system (ANS) during sleep, and the impact of surgical treatment on heart rate variability (HRV) in OSAS patients.