Phospholipase stimulates lipogenesis in SZ95 sebocytes

Introduction:  With progressing ageing human sebocytes reduce lipid production. However, the influence of certain aging mechanisms on sebaceous lipid synthesis as well as ways to influence the latter is not fully identified. Certain lipids act as ligands of nuclear receptors such as PPAR. Phospholipase (PLA2) catalyzes the hydrolysis of the sn-2 fatty acyl bond of phospholipids to yield free fatty acid and lysophospholipid. It has been hypothesized that PPAR may be activated by hydrolysis products of phospholipids and also by eicosanoids obtained through PLA2 activity.
Materials and Methods:  A method to quantify sebaceous lipid synthesis of SZ95 sebocytes in vitro was established and the cells were treated by snake venom Bothrops moojeni gel filtration fractions (Botmo GF). Botmo GF fractions were further purified by RP-HPLC, and a fraction with PLA2 activity (Botmo GF11-117) and a fraction without enzymatic activity (Botmo GF11-101) were identified and additionally tested.
Results:  Botmo GF fractions increased lipogenesis in SZ95 sebocytes without inducing apparent toxic or apoptotic effects. Botmo GF11-101 (1 μg/ml) enhanced neutral lipid synthesis by up to 170% and polar lipid synthesis by up to 120%. The enzymatically active PLA₂ Botmo GF11-117 (1 μg/ml) increased synthesis of neutral lipids by up to 200%, and polar lipids by up to 120% compared to untreated SZ95 sebocytes.
Conclusion:  PLA₂ activation or suppression could be important for human sebaceous lipogenesis. PLA₂ modifiers may be attractive for skin lipid research and pharmacological/cosmetic products.     

PRIMARY MENINGOCOCCAL CONJUNCTIVITIS IN CHILDREN

SUMMARY Four cases of primary meningococcal conjunctivitis in children are reported. This represents an incidence of 2% of patients presenting with conjunctivitis to a paediatric A&E department. All were initially treated with topical chloramphenicol, followed by systemic rifampicin once the diagnosis had been established. No ocular or systemic complications developed, nor recolonisation of the conjunctiva or colonisation of the nasopharynx at follow-up (1–2 years).     

四肢关节专用低场强MRI评估对膝关节损伤的诊断价值

目的：分析四肢关节专用低场强MRI诊断膝关节损伤的临床应用价值。 方法：于2004-12/2005-10解放军总医院全军骨科研究所收治经手术、关节镜检查或临床证实的膝关节损伤患者40例（43个膝关节）。应用Atorscan0.2T永磁型四肢关节专用低场强磁共振机,对膝关节损伤的MRI表现进行分析。 结果：四肢关节专用低场强MRI对半月板、前交叉韧带、骨挫伤等均可作出正确诊断。 结论：四肢关节专用低场强MRI对膝关节损伤的综合诊断具有重要意义,是膝关节损伤较理想的一种非创伤性检查方法。     

Blood transfusion exposure does not influence survival in patients with carcinoma of the breast

There is abundant evidence of immune modulation induced by exposure to blood transfusions. Some studies have demonstrated a detrimental effect of transfusion on the recurrence of malignant disease and survival. We retrospectively studied the impact of blood transfusion exposure on 229 patients with breast cancer who were seen from July 1973 to September 1980, had at least 5 years' follow-up and had been randomized by therapy at the time of diagnosis. The patients were divided into four groups according to transfusion history: Group 1 (111 patients), no transfusion; Group 2 (34 patients), first transfusion after mastectomy; Group 3 (41 patients), first transfusion at mastectomy; and Group 4 (43 patients), first transfusion before mastectomy. All transfused patients received red cells or whole blood or both. At the time of analysis, 124 (54%) of the patients had died. Only Group 2 was statistically associated with decreased survival; recurrence of disease was 85 percent in this group, compared with 53 percent to 61 percent in the other three groups (p = 0.006, log-rank test). In general, Group 2 patients received transfusions because of recurrent disease. We conclude that transfusions before or at mastectomy are not associated with increased recurrence or reduced survival in patients with breast cancer.