2017 Vol. 30, No. 9

2017-09cover
2017, 30(9): 1-1.
2017-09contents
2017, 30(9): 2-2.
Original Articles
Antioxidant and Anti-aging Activities of Silybum Marianum Protein Hydrolysate in Mice Treated with D-galactose
ZHU Shu Yun, JIANG Ning, TU Jie, YANG Jing, ZHOU Yue
2017, 30(9): 623-631. doi: 10.3967/bes2017.083
Objective In the present study, we investigated the antioxidant and anti-aging effects of Silybum marianum protein hydrolysate (SMPH) in D-galactose-treated mice. Methods D-galactose (500 mg/kg body weight) was intraperitoneally injected daily for 7 weeks to accelerate aging, and SMPH (400, 800, 1, 200 mg/kg body weight, respectively) was simultaneously administered orally. The antioxidant and anti-aging effects of SMPH in the liver and brain were measured by biochemical assays. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed to study the ultrastructure of liver mitochondria. Results SMPH decreased triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the D-galactose-treated mice. It significantly elevated the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), which were suppressed by D-galactose. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as well as the concentrations of caspase-3 and 8-OHdG in the liver and brain were significantly reduced by SMPH. Moreover, it increased Bcl-2 levels in the liver and brain. Furthermore, SMPH significantly attenuated D-galactose-induced liver mitochondrial dysfunction by improving the activities of Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase as well as mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and fluidity. TEM showed that the degree of liver mitochondrial damage was significantly decreased by SMPH. Conclusion The results indicated that SMPH protects against D-galactose-induced accelerated aging in mice through its antioxidant and anti-aging activities.
Combined Effects of Family History of Cardiovascular Disease and Serum C-reactive Protein Level on the Risk of Stroke:A 9.2-year Prospective Study among Mongolians in China
ZHU Zheng Bao, HUANGFU Xin Feng, ZHONG Chong Ke, ZHOU Yi Peng, TIAN Yun Fan, BUREN Batu, XU Tian, WANG Ai Li, LI Hong Mei, ZHANG Ming Zhi, ZHANG Yong Hong
2017, 30(9): 632-640. doi: 10.3967/bes2017.084
Objective We aimed to evaluate the combined effect of a family history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and high serum C-reactive protein (CRP) on the stroke incidence in an Inner Mongolian population in China. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted from June 2002 to July 2012, with 2, 544 participants aged 20 years and over from Inner Mongolia, China. We categorized participants into four groups based on the family history of CVD and CRP levels. Results We adjusted for age; sex; smoking; drinking; hypertension; body mass index; waist circumference; and blood glucose, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Compared with the group with no family history of CVD/low CRP levels, the group with family history of CVD/high CRP levels had a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.78[95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03-3.07; P=0.039] of stroke, and an HR of 2.14 (95% CI, 1.09-4.20; P=0.027) of ischemic stroke. The HRs of hemorrhagic stroke for the other three groups were not statistically significant (all P > 0.05). Conclusion Participants with both a family history of CVD and high CRP levels had the highest stroke incidence, suggesting that high CRP levels may increase stroke risk, especially of ischemic stroke, among individuals with a family history of CVD.
Effect of Mono-2-ethyhexyl Phthalate on DNA Methylation in Human Prostate Cancer LNCaP Cells
WU Jian Hui, CHEN Jiao, WANG Yong, XIA Bin, WANG Rong, ZHAO Yan, WANG Qin Xia, SONG Qi, YAO Shun Heng, ZHANG Yun Hui, SUN Zu Yue
2017, 30(9): 641-648. doi: 10.3967/bes2017.085
Objective To evaluate whether mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) affects genomic DNA methylation and the methylation status of some specific genes such as patched gene (PTCH) and smoothened gene (SMO) in LNCaP cells. Methods LNCaP cells were treated with MEHP (0, 1, 5, 10, and 25 μmol/L) for 3 days. An ELISA assay was preformed to detect genomic methylation, including 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) content. A pyrosequencing assay was applied to assess DNA methylation in PTCH and SMO gene promoters. The correlation between DNA methylation and gene expression was assessed. Results The proportion of cytosines with 5-mC methylation in LNCaP cells was significantly decreased by MEHP (1, 5, 10, and 25 μmol/L) in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.01). For genes in the Hedgehog pathway, there was no significant MEHP concentration-dependent difference in the DNA methylation of PTCH and SMO. Conclusion MEHP might affect the progression of prostate cancer through its effect on global DNA methylation.
Crystalline Silica Promotes Rat Fibrocyte Differentiation in Vitro, and Fibrocytes Participate in Silicosis in Vivo
LI Juan, YAO Wu, HOU Jian Yong, Zhang Lin, BAO Lei, CHEN Hui Ting, WANG Di, YUE Zhong Zheng, LI Yi Ping, ZHANG Miao, HAO Chang Fu
2017, 30(9): 649-660. doi: 10.3967/bes2017.086
Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of SiO2 on fibrocytes and whether fibrocytes participate in silicosis in vivo. Methods A macrophagocyte (AM)/fibrocyte coculture system was established, and AMs were treated with 100 μg/mL SiO2. Flow cytometry was used to detect the number of fibrocytes. Real-time PCR was performed to measure the expression of collagen I, collagen III, and α-SMA mRNA. The levels of collagen I, collagen III, and TGF-β1 protein were determined by ELISA. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to measure α-SMA protein expression. A rat silicosis model was induced by intratracheal instillation of SiO2. Lung histopathological evaluation was conducted using HE and Masson's trichrome staining after 1 and 9 weeks. The number of fibrocytes in peripheral blood or lung tissue of rat was detected by flow cytometry. Double-color immunofluorescence was applied to identify fibrocytes in the lung tissue. Results Peripheral blood monocytes were found to differentiate into fibrocytes in vitro in a time-dependent manner, and exposure to crystalline silica might potentiate fibrocyte differentiation. In addition, fibrocytes were able to migrate from peripheral blood to the lung tissue, and the number of fibrocytes was increased after SiO2 exposure. Conclusion Silica exposure potentiates fibrocyte differentiation, and fibrocytes may participate in silicosis in vivo.
Letters to the Editor
Clustering of Non-communicable Diseases Risk Factors in Healthy Adults Aged 35 Years and Older in Shenzhen, China
NI Wen Qing, XU Jian, LIU Min, LIU Xiao Li, YANG Li Chen, ZHUO Zhi Peng, YUAN Xue Li, SONG Jin Ping, CHI Hong Shan, BAI Ya Min
2017, 30(9): 661-666. doi: 10.3967/bes2017.087
We assessed the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) risk factors with a focus on their clustering among healthy adults in Shenzhen, China. Data from the 2011 China Health and Nutrition Survey, comprising a regionally representative sample of 806 healthy adults aged 35 years or older, were obtained to determine the prevalence of five risk factors for NCDs. The prevalence of current smoking, central obesity, impaired fasting glucose, borderline hypertension, and borderline high total cholesterol was 19.97%, 28.29%, 4.47%, 10.55%, and 36.10%, respectively. A total 63.77% of participants had at least one risk factor. Upon examination of risk factor clustering, we observed that 7.57% of participants had at least three risk factors. Using this threshold as a cutoff, clustering of risk factors was associated with sex [odds ratio (OR) = 3.336, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.782 to 6.246], physical activity (OR = 1.913, 95% CI: 1.009 to 3.628), and BMI (OR = 7.376, 95% CI: 3.812 to 14.270). The prevalence of risk factors for NCDs is fairly high among healthy adults in Shenzhen, with a clustering tendency.
DNA Methylation and Birth Weight:a Genome-wide Analysis
MAO Li Li, XIAO Xin Hua, ZHANG Qian, ZHENG Jia, LI Wen Hui, YU Miao, ZHANG Hua Bing, PING Fan, XU Jian Ping, WANG Xiao Jing
2017, 30(9): 667-670. doi: 10.3967/bes2017.088
The study illustrate the inner correlation between global DNA methylation variation and different birth weights. Infant birth weight was used to identify cases and controls. Cord blood and placentas were collected. We performed DNA methylation profiling of bisulphite-converted DNA. We have identified many differentially methylated CpG sites in experimental groups; these sites involved in hundreds of signalings. Among these, more than ten pathways were referred to the glucose and lipid metabolism. Methylation changes in the insulin-signaling pathway (ISP), adipocytokine signaling pathway (ASP) and MAPK signaling pathway are involved in the fetal programming of diabetes.
Role of Diabetes Mellitus on Treatment Effects in Drug-susceptible Initial Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in China
MA Yan, HUANG Mai Ling, LI Tao, DU Jian, SHU Wei, XIE Shi Heng, WANG Hong Hong, ZHU Guo Feng, TAN Shou Yong, FU Yan Yong, MA Li Ping, ZHANG Lian Ying, LIU Fei Ying, HU Dai Yu, ZHANG Yan Ling, LI Xiang Qun, LIU Yu Hong, LI Liang
2017, 30(9): 671-675. doi: 10.3967/bes2017.089
We assessed the role of diabetes mellitus (DM) on treatment effects in drug-susceptible initial pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients. A prospective study was conducted in eight provinces of China from October 2008 to December 2010. We enrolled 1, 313 confirmed drug-susceptible initial PTB patients, and all subjects received the treatment regimen (2H3R3E3Z3/4H3R3) as recommended by the national guidelines. Of the 1, 313 PTB patients, 157 (11.9%) had DM; these patients had more sputum smear-positive rates at the end of the second month [adjusted odds ratios (aOR) 2.829, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.783-4.490], and higher treatment failure (aOR 2.120, 95% CI 1.565-3.477) and death rates (aOR 1.536, 95% CI 1.011-2.628). DM was a contributing factor for culture-positive rates at the end of the second month and treatment failure and death of PTB patients, thus playing an unfavorable role in treatment effects of PTB.
LncRNA H19 and Target Gene-mediated Cleft Palate Induced by TCDD
GAO Li Yun, ZHANG Feng Quan, ZHAO WEI Hui, HAN Guang Liang, WANG Xiao, LI Qiang, GAO Shan Shan, WU Wei Dong
2017, 30(9): 676-680. doi: 10.3967/bes2017.090
This study investigated the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the development of the palatal tissues. Cleft palates in mice were induced by 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Expression levels of long non-coding RNA H19 (lncRNA H19) and insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) gene were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The rate of occurrence of cleft palate was found to be 100% by TCDD exposure, and TCDD could cause short upper limb, cerebral fissure, webbed neck, and short neck. The expression levels of lncRNA H19 and IGF2 gene specifically showed embryo age-related differences on E13, E14, and E15 in the palatal tissues. The expression levels of lncRNA H19 and IGF2 gene showed an inverse relationship on E13, E14, and E15. These findings demonstrated that lncRNA H19 and IGF2 can mediate the development of mouse cleft palate.
Diagnostic Value of Cerebrospinal Fluid T-SPOT.TB for Tuberculousis Meningitis in China
LI Xue Lian, XIE Na, WANG Song Wang, WU Qian Hong, MA Yan, SHU Wei, CHEN Hong Mei, ZHANG Li Qun, WU Xiao Guang, MA Li Ping, CHE Nan Ying, GAO Meng Qiu
2017, 30(9): 681-684. doi: 10.3967/bes2017.091
The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) T-SPOT.TB test for the diagnosis of TB meningitis (TBM). A retrospective analysis of 96 patients with manifested meningitis was conducted; T-SPOT.TB test was performed for diagnosing TBM to determine the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was also drawn to assess the diagnostic accuracy. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of CSF T-SPOT.TB test were 97.8%, 78.0%, 80.3%, and 97.5%, respectively, for 52 patients (54.2%) of the 96 enrolled patients. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.910, and the sensitivities of CSF T-SPOT.TB for patients with stages Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ of TBM were 96.7%, 97.2%, and 98.9%, respectively. CSF T-SPOT.TB test is a rapid and accurate diagnostic method with higher sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing TBM.
Factors Affecting Patient Satisfaction with Community Health Service under the Gatekeeper System:A Cross-sectional Study in Nanjing, China
LI Wen Zhen, GAN Yong, ZHOU Yan Feng, CHEN Ya Wen, LI Jing, KKANDAWIRE Naomiem, HU Sai, QIAO Yan, LU Zu Xun
2017, 30(9): 685-690. doi: 10.3967/bes2017.092
The gatekeeper policy has been implemented for approximately ten years on a pilot population in China. It is necessary to assess the satisfaction of patients utilizing community health service (CHS) under the gatekeeper system. Our study showed that the cognition of gatekeeper policy was associated with four dimensions including doctor-patient relationships, information and support, organization of care, and accessibility (P < 0.001). One or more factors such as gender and self-perceived health scores also affected their satisfaction. General practitioners must be prepared to focus on these aspects of information and support, organization of care, and accessibility as indicators of potential opportunities for improvement. Additionally, policymakers can improve patients' satisfaction with CHS by strengthening their awareness of the gatekeeper policy.
Nosocomial Infection Surveillance in a Tuberculosis Specialized Hospital in China
XIE Zhong Yao, HUANG Guo Fang, GAO Hui, CHI Yu Qing, WANG Yan Xia, PANG Yu, WANG Jing Ping
2017, 30(9): 691-694. doi: 10.3967/bes2017.093
Nosocomial infections (NIs) are a critical issue affecting the quality of healthcare. In this study, we performed a retrospective study to explore the incidence rates, mortality rates, and microbial spectrum of NIs in Beijing Chest Hospital, a tuberculosis (TB) specialized hospital in China. Our data demonstrate that the overall incidence rate of inpatients with NIs slightly decreased from 2012 to 2016, which may be associated with the implementation of hand hygiene measures, while the mortality rates associated with NI did not significantly change. In addition, the species distribution of NIs was quite different from that presented in previous reports, and Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most frequently isolated microorganism.
Policy Forum
Acute Pesticide Poisoning in Jiangsu Province, China, from 2006 to 2015
WANG Bo Shen, CHEN Lin, LI Xiu Ting, XU Ming, ZHU Bao Li, ZHANG Juan
2017, 30(9): 695-700. doi: 10.3967/bes2017.094
This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of pesticide poisoning in Jiangsu Province, China, and to provide a scientific basis for developing effective interventional measures and preventive strategies. From 2006 to 2015, a total of 35, 308 cases of pesticide poisoning were reported in Jiangsu Province. Non-occupational poisoning accounted for 73.79% of all poisoning cases. A comparison of the data collected before (2006) and after (2015) this study showed a decrease in non-occupational pesticide poisoning. Pesticide poisoning showed an age central tendency of 30 to 44 years, area central tendency for northern Jiangsu, and seasonal central tendency of occupational pesticide poisoning in autumn. Pesticide poisoning remains a major health concern in China. Government agencies together with scientists should focus their efforts on the prevention of potential threats to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, women, and children.