Association between genetic variants of IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha cytokines and cognitive performance in the elderly general population of the MEMO-study

This study is to investigate the associations between specific polymorphisms in three cytokine genes and domains of cognitive functioning in a population based study in the elderly. In a cross-sectional study of 369 community dwelling elderly subjects we examined the relationships between the polymorphisms IL-1beta-1418C-->T, IL-6-572G-->C and TNF-alpha-308G-->A and the cognitive function domains memory, processing speed and motor function using an extensive neuropsychological test battery. Linear regression models were used in the analysis and results adjusted for multiple comparisons. A significant association between the IL-1beta-1418C-->T polymorphism and memory performance was found with carriers of the T allele (dominant model) having worse memory performance than those with the C allele. In addition, a significant association between the TNF-alpha-308G-->A polymorphism and processing speed was observed, indicating better performance for heterozygous or homozygous carriers of the A allele. These results remained significant after adjustment for known confounders of cognitive function and additional Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Our study provides first results on detrimental effects of the IL-1beta-1418C-->T polymorphism on memory performance and neuroprotective effects of the TNF-alpha-308G-->A polymorphism on processing speed in elderly individuals. Further research is needed to prospectively examine changes in cognitive performance in relation to cytokine genotypes.     

1049例妇科门诊病人HPV感染基因型分析

目的研究宝安区妇女感染HPV的优势亚型,为宫颈癌防治提供依据。方法利用HPV基因芯片检测技术检验我院妇科门诊样本HPV亚型。结果 1049例病人中,HPV感染264例,阳性率25.17%。其中高危型（HPV16、18、31、33、35、39、45、51、52、53、56、58、59、66、68、73、83、和MM4）162例,占感染者81.44%;低危型（HPV11、6、42、43）49例,占感染者18.56%。二组感染率比较差异有统计学意义;264例感染HPV优势亚型HPV52,其次依次为16、43、58、68、18、53型;〈30岁及≥30岁两年龄段HPV感染率比较差异无统计学意义;组间优势亚型分布比较HPV53在〈30岁年龄组明显增加,其他优势亚型分布比较差异无统计学意义;单一亚型感染239例,占90.52%。结论高危亚型、单一亚型为主要常见感染类型;HPV基因分型诊断在宫颈癌筛查和防治中具有重要意义。     

Molecular epidemiology of hepatitis B and Delta virus strains that spread in the Mediterranean North East Coast of Tunisia

BackgroundTunisia is classified as an area of middle endemic for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, however little is known about hepatitis Delta virus (HDV) infection.ObjectivesThis study aimed to address the prevalence of HDV infection, to identify possible risks factors, and to analyze the genetic diversity of HDV strains that are spreading in Tunisia.Study designA retrospective large-scale study including 1615 HBsAg positive patients, native of the North East coast of Tunisia, recruited from Gastroenterology departments, was conducted. Demographic, epidemiological, ethnical, clinical and biological data were recorded. HBV and HDV serological analyses and DNA and RNA viral load quantification were performed. Genotyping of HBV and HDV strains was performed using nucleotide sequencing followed by phylogenetic analyses.ResultsThe study population included 819 (50.7%) men and 796 (49.3%) women; aged 12–90 years (mean age 41 ± 13 years). A very low prevalence of HDV infection, 2% was observed. No risk factor, except a history of hospitalization for surgery was found. All HDV strains belonged to genotype 1, with a wide distribution within the HDV-1 group. They all share the African amino acid marker, a serine at position 202 of the large Delta protein. HBV genotypes were distributed as follows: HBV/D1 (56.8%), HBV/D7 (40.9%), and HBV/A2 (2.3%).ConclusionTunisia is a low endemic region for HDV infection, due to an efficient policy of HBV infection control. HDV-1 is the sole genotype found, with a high diversity within this group. Further studies are ongoing in order to better characterize and manage the HBV/HDV-infected patients according to the genetic variability of the viral strains.     

Distribution of mutans streptococci in families: a longitudinal study

The purpose of this study was 1) to investigate whether a group of children not colonized by mutans streptococci (MS) at the age of 3 years were colonized several years later, and 2) to study whether MS that appeared in the children were identical to those found in the parents. In a previous study no MS were found in 13 3-year-old first-born children. In 10 of these children pooled plaque samples were again collected after 5 years, and in the other 3 children after 2 years. Additionally, separate plaque samples were obtained from the children's first permanent molars when the teeth were present. Pooled samples were also obtained from all the parental pairs at follow-up and from three pairs at baseline. MS were isolated, and genotyping was done through DNA fingerprinting by restriction endonuclease analysis. In 10 children MS were still not found. Among the three children with detectable MS the DNA fingerprints of the bacteria were the same in one girl and her mother and in one boy and his father; in the other boy no similar pattern was found in either mother or father. None of the individuals in the 13 parental pairs showed identical genotypes of MS. The results indicate an opportunity to remain MS-negative if not colonized at the age of 3 years. The difficulty of being colonized with MS from the spouse is highlighted.     

cHSP60在不同基因型沙眼衣原体小鼠生殖道感染中的表达

目的:建立不同基因型沙眼衣原体(CT)小鼠生殖道感染模型,分析c HSP60在不同基因型沙眼衣原体小鼠生殖道感染中表达的差异。方法:在5组雌性小鼠阴道内分别接种E、F、J、K、H型沙眼衣原体,ELISA法检测感染后第7 d阴道-宫颈分泌物和第35 d子宫输卵管组织匀浆中c HSP60的表达,将结果进行比较。结果:接种CT后7 d,E组分泌物中c HSP60表达明显高于其余各实验组及对照组(P值均<0.05)。接种CT后35 d,E组c HSP60水平低于其余各实验组(P<0.05);H组c HSP60水平高于E组、F组、J组(P<0.05)。结论:不同型别CT感染小鼠生殖道后,在不同感染阶段c HSP60表达水平存在差异,推测c HSP60可能参与了泌尿生殖道CT感染引起的免疫损伤。