Extracellular matrix remodeling in oral submucous fibrosis: its stage-specific modes revealed by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization

BACKGROUND: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a chewing habit-related pre-cancerous condition of the oral mucosa affecting predominantly south Asians. It is histopathologically characterized by epithelial atrophy and fibrosis of the subepithelial connective tissue. Fibrosis extends all the way into the muscle layer, leading to difficulty in mouth opening. However, the dynamics of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling with OSF progression is largely unknown. METHODS: Forty biopsy specimens of OSF and 10 of normal buccal mucosa were examined for expression/deposition modes of eight ECM molecules by histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and in situ hybridization. RESULTS: In the early stage of OSF, tenascin, perlecan, fibronectin, collagen type III were characteristically enhanced in the lamina propria and the submucosal layer. In the intermediate stage, the ECM molecules mentioned above and elastin were extensively and irregularly deposited around muscle fibers. In the advanced stage, such ECM depositions decreased and were entirely replaced with collagen type I only. Their gene expression levels varied with progression of fibrosis, but the mRNA signals were confirmed in fibroblasts in the submucosal fibrotic areas. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the ECM remodeling steps in OSF are similar to each phase of usual granulation tissue formation. Restricted mouth opening may be a result of loss of variety of ECM molecules including elastin into the homogeneity of collagen type I replacing muscle fibers.     

湿润烧伤膏治疗褥疮26例的临床体会

目的:进一步观察湿润烧伤膏对治疗褥疮的疗效,寻找最理想的治疗方法。方法:通过对26 例不同原因所致褥疮的治疗,探索湿润烧伤膏对治疗褥疮病人最合理的用药方法,创面的变化及其愈合时间。结果:25例病人创面愈合,死亡1例。结论:湿润烧伤膏治疗褥疮方法简便,实用性强,疗效显著,值得各级医院推广。     

A study of the relationship between ambient lead and blood lead among lead battery workers

 Objective: To examine the relationship between ambient lead levels and blood lead levels and to explore the modifiers of the relationship between ambient lead and blood lead. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two lead battery factories. Blood lead level and ambient lead concentration were measured for each participant concurrently. A structured questionnaire was administered to collect sociodemographic characteristics and occupational history. Design: Biological and personal environmental measurements of 219 lead-exposed workers were analyzed by both simple and multiple linear regression. A regression model was selected for interpretation. Results: A high correlation (r=0.62) between ambient lead (PbA) and blood lead (PbB) was observed. In addition, numerous factors, including age, sex, alcohol consumption, personal hygiene practice and type of lead exposure, were also found to influence blood lead levels. Although PbB was highly correlated with PbA, blood lead level may not be effectively lowered by reducing ambient lead level. Based on the regression coefficients, improvement of hygienic practice was more effective at lowering PbB than reducing ambient lead level. Good hygienic practice may be the preferential way to reduce lead exposure in current conditions. Conclusion: Education of correct work practice may be more important than engineering control in the developing countries to lower blood lead levels in lead battery factories. Received: 28 May 1996/Accepted: 30 August 1996     

Endocrinology: High incidence of embryo transfer cancellations in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome

This study was aimed at assessing the outcome of in-vitro fertilization(IVF) and embryo transfer in patients with polycystic ovariansyndrome (PCOS). The results of IVF and embryo transfer in PCOSpatients (PCOS group, 78 cycles of 26 patients) were comparedwith those of a control group (423 cycles in 202 patients withoutmale factor; age and ovarian stimulation protocol were matched).Although the pregnancy rate per transfer was not different inthe two groups of patients (25 versus 34%, PCOS versus controlgroup), the PCOS group had a significantly lower pregnancy rateper follicle aspiration (19 versus 31%, P < 0.05). A notableresult was a significantly higher incidence of embryo transfercancellations in the PCOS group (22 versus 8%, P < 0.01),which resulted from unpredictable failure of either oocyte recoveryor fertilization. The incidence of unexplained complete failureof fertilization was significantly higher in the PCOS group(18 versus 5%, P < 0.01). These results may reflect a reducedquality of the oocytes in the PCOS group, and there was a subgroupof PCOS patients who repeatedly produced poor results of treatment.Although the ovarian stimulation regimen best suited to PCOSpatients remains to be determined, special care should be takenduring ovarian stimulation, especially when the PCOS patientshad experienced unexplained failure of oocyte recovery or fertilizationin the previous treatment cycle(s).     

Case Report: Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome Associated with Human Herpesvirus-6 Infection

We report a case of Gianotti-Crosti syndrome associated with human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) infection. An eight-month-old girl developed monomorphous papules on her cheeks, buttocks, and extremities after the subsidence of exanthema subitum. Viral antibody analysis confirmed primary HHV-6 infection. HHV-6 may be added to the list of causative agents of Gianotti-Crosti syndrome.     

体外循环中血浆内皮素、血管紧张素Ⅱ和前列环素的变化及临床意义

目的:分析体外循环心内直视手术中血浆内皮素、血管紧张 和前列环素的变化及临床意义。 方法 :应用放免法分别于 7个时点测定 30例心内直视手术病人血浆内皮素、血管紧张素 和前列环素 (终产物 6 - keto-PGF1α)水平。结果 :血浆内皮素水平在转机时高于术前 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,转流中逐渐升高 ,停转流时达高峰 (P <0 .0 1) ,术后 2 h及 2 4 h逐渐降低 ,但仍高于术前 (P <0 .0 5 )。血管紧张素 水平在转机时高于术前 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,转流 30 min降低 ,主动脉开放时升高 ,停转流时达高峰 (P <0 .0 1) ,术后 2 4 h呈下降趋势 ,但仍高于术前 (P <0 .0 5 )。 6 - keto- PGF1α在转流即刻显著升高 ,以后各时点降低。结论:体外循环期间血浆内皮素、血管紧张素 水平显著增高 ,6 - keto- PGF1α水平逐渐降低。体外循环期间加入内皮素、血管紧张素 拮抗剂或前列环素合成剂有利于心功能恢复