Apolipoprotein E and low-density lipoprotein receptor gene polymorphisms in dyslipidemias-associated essential hypertension.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Aged↗
Biomedical subjects
C Qiu
Publications and source records attributed to C Qiu.
Association of gestational diabetes mellitus and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size.
A predominance of small, dense low-density lipoproteins (LDL) is characteristic of the dyslipidemic state seen in type 2 diabetes. However, no study has investigated the association in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), which is pathophysiologically similar to type 2 diabetes. We hypothesized that LDL particle size is reduced in GDM cases compared with controls. Gradient gel electrophoresis was used to characterize LDL subclass phenotypes in non-fasting intrapartum plasma from 105 GDM cases and 96 controls. All participants were free of pre-existing diabetes or hypertension. The authors used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) adjusted for confounders. Women with this phenotype had a significant 4.9-fold (95 % CI: 1.1-23.2) increased risk of GDM compared with those with the large, buoyant phenotype. The magnitude of this association was attenuated when plasma triglyceride and other confounders were included in the model (OR=4.2, 95 % CI: 0.5-39.5). Mean LDL particle size in GDM cases was smaller compared with controls (270.1 vs. 272.7A, p=0.003). The OR of GDM risk was 1.8 (95 % CI: 0.9-3.3) for every 10-A reduction in LDL particle size. Large prospective studies are needed to evaluate the association between smaller LDL particle size in early pregnancy with subsequent GDM risk.
Adult↗
Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Oxidized LDL) and the risk of preeclampsia.
Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. In a case-control study of 99 women with preeclampsia and 99 controls, we assessed maternal plasma oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxidized LDL) in relation to preeclampsia risk. Logistic regression procedures were used to derive odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI). Plasma oxidized LDL was determined using enzyme immunoassay. Maternal plasma oxidized LDL was significantly positively correlated with lipids in both cases and controls. After adjusting for nulliparity, pre-pregnancy body mass index, physical inactivity, family history of chronic hypertension and plasma vitamin C concentrations, women who had elevated oxidized LDL concentrations ( > or = 50 U/l) experienced a 2.9-fold increased risk of preeclampsia when compared with women having lower oxidized LDL concentrations (95 % CI 1.4-5.9). The risk of preeclampsia was markedly increased in women who had both elevated oxidized LDL and elevated triglyceride concentrations (OR=8.9, 95 % CI 3.1-26.2). Women with both elevated oxidized LDL and low vitamin C concentrations experienced a 9.8-fold increased risk of preeclampsia (95 % CI 3.0-32.2). Our results confirm the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Prospective studies are needed to determine if elevated oxidized LDL concentrations can predict the occurrence of preeclampsia.
Adolescent↗
Changes in placental adipocytokine gene expression associated with gestational diabetes mellitus.
Leptin and adiponectin, two adipocytokines, may work together in regulating energy homeostasis and insulin action. Leptin gene expression has been investigated in term placental tissue complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), but never in conjunction with all isoforms of the leptin receptor (LEPR A-D), or with adiponectin receptors (ADIPOR1 and 2). In this study we examined the association between changes in expression of these genes in placental tissue and GDM risk. We assessed placental gene expression of leptin, LEPR A-D and ADIPOR1 and 2 by real time PCR using mRNA from maternal and fetal biopsies. Tissues were collected from uncomplicated pregnancies (n=28) and those complicated by GDM (n=19). Gene expression was normalized to three endogenous housekeeping genes. Relative gene expression values were reported as fold change between groups. Adiponectin gene expression was out of the sensitive range of our assay. There were increases in leptin mRNA expression in GDM cases compared with controls for maternal-side (p=0.06), and fetal-side (p=0.09) placental biopsies. No significant changes were seen in GDM cases compared with controls in LEPR A-D or ADIPOR1 and 2. mRNA derived from maternal-side tissue was positively correlated with tissue from the fetal side for all genes studied (all p<0.01). Finally, we noted that absence or presence of GDM was a major factor in leptin mRNA expression after adjusting for maternal age, mode of delivery, parity and smoking status. In conclusion, increases in leptin mRNA expression in term placenta, but not that of its receptors, are associated with the diagnosis of GDM. Changes seen in the ligand, but not the receptor, of the leptin pathway in GDM-complicated pregnancies may also apply to the adiponectin pathway, as the ADIPOR1 and 2 mRNAs do not change with GDM diagnosis.
Adult↗
Limiting burn extension by transient inhibition of Connexin43 expression at the site of injury.
Extension of a burn wound over the first 24h following injury is recognised clinically, and leads to diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas. In the central nervous system, a similar spread of damage, beyond the initial injury, can occur via the spread of death signals from injured cells to their healthy neighbours via Connexin43 (Cx43) gap junction channels. In the skin, Cx43 is expressed in the basal epidermis and in fibroblasts and dermal appendages. We have used Cx43 specific antisense oligodeoxynucleotide approach to transiently down-regulate Cx43 protein in the early stages of partial thickness cutaneous burn wound healing. Antisense ODNs reduce the spread of tissue damage and neutrophil infiltration around the wound following injury. Epithelial cell proliferation is increased and the rate of wound closure is accelerated, compared to controls. Resultant scarring is smaller with less granulation tissue and more dermal appendages than controls. These findings suggest that Cx43 antisense treatment speeds partial thickness burn wound healing and reduces scarring. We suggest that this approach may provide an effective adjunct to managing partial thickness burn wounds.
Animals↗
Maternal plasma VEGF, sVEGF-R1, and PlGF concentrations in preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant Zimbabwean women.
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a disulphide-linked homodimeric glycoprotein that is selectively mitogenic for endothelial cells, plays an important role in vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. Preeclampsia, a relatively common complication of pregnancy that is characterized by diffuse endothelial dysfunction possibly secondary to impaired trophoblast invasion of the spiral arteries during implantation, has recently been associated with alterations in maternal serum/plasma concentrations of VEGF, and other related growth factors and their receptors. We examined the relationship of maternal plasma VEGF, sVEGF-R1 and PlGF levels to the risk of preeclampsia among women delivering at Harare Maternity Hospital, Zimbabwe. 131 pregnant women with preeclampsia and 175 controls were included in a case-control study. Maternal plasma concentrations of each biomarker were measured using enzymatic methods. We used logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI). Preeclampsia risk was inversely related with quartiles of plasma VEGF (OR: 1.0, 1.0, 0.7, and 0.5, with the lowest quartile as reference; p for trend=0.06). We noted a strong positive association between preeclampsia risk and sVEGF-R1 concentrations (OR: 1.0, 6.5, 9.7, 31.6, with the first quartile as the referent group; p for trend<0.001). After adjusting for confounders, we noted that women with sVEGF-R1 concentrations in the highest quartile (>or=496 pg/ml), as compared with those in the lowest quartile (<62 pg/ml) had a 31.6-fold increased risk of preeclampsia (OR=31.6, 95 % CI 7.7-128.9). There was no clear evidence of a linear relation in risk of preeclampsia with PlGF concentrations. In conclusion, plasma VEGF, sVEGF-R1 and PlGF concentrations (measured at delivery) were altered among Zimbabwean women with preeclampsia as compared with normotensive women. Our results are consistent with some, though not all, previous reports. Prospective studies are needed to: 1) identify modifiable determinants of maternal plasma concentrations VEGF, sVEGF-R1, and PlGF; and 2) evaluate the temporal relationship between observed alterations of these biological markers in preeclamptic pregnancies.
Adult↗
Risk and protective effects of the APOE gene towards Alzheimer's disease in the Kungsholmen project: variation by age and sex.
BACKGROUND: The risk effect of APOE epsilon 4 allele for Alzheimer's disease is acknowledged, whereas the putative protective effect of epsilon 2 allele remains in debate. OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether those inconsistent findings may be attributable to differences in age and sex composition of the study populations. METHODS: A community dementia free cohort (n = 985) aged > or =75 years was followed up to detect Alzheimer's disease cases (DSM-III-R criteria). Data were analysed using Cox models with adjustment for major potential confounders. RESULTS: Over a median 5.6 year follow up, Alzheimer's disease was diagnosed in 206 subjects. Compared with APOE epsilon 3/epsilon 3 genotype, the relative risk (RR) of Alzheimer's disease was 1.4 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.0 to 2.0; p = 0.03) for heterozygous epsilon 4 allele and 3.1 (95% CI, 1.6 to 5.9) for homozygous epsilon 4 allele. The association between epsilon 4 allele and Alzheimer's disease risk was stronger in men than in women (RR related to the interaction term epsilon 4 allele by sex, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2 to 0.9). The epsilon 4 allele accounted for one third of Alzheimer's disease cases among men, but only one tenth among women. The epsilon 2 allele was related to a reduced Alzheimer's disease risk mainly in people aged <85 years (RR, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2 to 0.8). The RR of Alzheimer's disease related to the interaction term of epsilon 2 allele by age was 2.4 (95% CI, 1.0 to 6.0; p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: The APOE genotype specific effects on Alzheimer's disease vary by age and sex, in which the epsilon 4 allele has a stronger risk effect in men, and the epsilon 2 allele confers a protective effect only in younger-old people.
Age Factors↗
Aggregation-induced emission of 1-methyl-1,2,3,4,5-pentaphenylsilole.
Aggregation greatly boosts emission efficiency of the silole, turning it from a weak luminophor into a strong emitter.
Journal Article↗
The influence of education on clinically diagnosed dementia incidence and mortality data from the Kungsholmen Project.
BACKGROUND: The relationship between education and Alzheimer disease (AD) or dementia has been widely examined and the evidence obtained is mixed. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the observed association between them. OBJECTIVE: To further understand the relationship between education and incidence of clinically diagnosed AD or dementia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A community-based, dementia-free cohort of 1296 aged 75 years and older was followed up to detect incident AD or dementia cases using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Revised Third Edition criteria. The vital status of all subjects who underwent the clinical examination at follow-up (n = 983) was ascertained for 5 years further. Data were analyzed with Cox proportional hazards model after adjustment for main potential confounders. RESULTS: Over an average (SD) of 2.8 (1.0) years of follow-up, 147 subjects were diagnosed as having dementia (109 subjects as having AD). Among those who were clinically examined at follow-up, 88 died with dementia (68 died with AD) within 5 years. Subjects with a low level of education (<8 vs > or =8 years) had a relative risk of 2.6 (95% confidence interval, 1.5-4.4) for AD and 1.7 (95% confidence interval, 1.1-2.6) for dementia. A low educational level was significantly related to all-cause mortality (relative risk, 1.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-1.7; P<.05), but not to the mortality of subjects with AD (relative risk, 1.1; 95% confidence interval, 0.5-2.2) or dementia (relative risk, 0.9; 95% confidence interval, 0.5-1.5). CONCLUSIONS: A low level of education is related to an increased incidence of clinical AD or dementia, but not to the mortality of subjects with AD or dementia. These findings can be accounted for by the "cognitive reserve" hypothesis. Alternatively, the observed association between educational level and incidence of AD or dementia may partly reflect detection bias, by which subjects with a low level of education tend to be clinically diagnosed at an earlier point in time.
Aged↗
[Africa or Asia, which is the evolutionary origin of human schistosomes?].
The origin and the evolution of Schistosomatidae species, due to their medical importance (responsible of the second most important human parasitosis after malaria), arouse a great interest. A combination of phylogenetic studies using several molecular markers has provided support for the traditional grouping and evolutionary inferences derived from morphological and biological data. The genus Schistosoma, which comprises all species parasitizing Man, is generally split into four evolutionary lineages (mansoni, haematobium, indicum and japonicum lineages). The group of African schistosomes (including mansoni and haematobium lineages) appears very divergent from the japonicum lineage. Recent phylogenetic studies using partial 28S rDNA sequencing and including Orientobilharzia turkestanicum from Iran, an Asian parasite of livestock, found, unexpectedly, that this species nested among Schistosoma species, thus rendering the latter paraphyletic, and suggested an Asian origin for the Schistosoma genus. The present work re-examines the question of the geographical origin of human schistosomes by analysing a new genomic marker (ITS2) as well as by including the use of O. turkestanicum originating from northeastern China. Our results are in agreement with previous work using 28S, in demonstrating that Schistosoma is not monophyletic. However, O. turkestanicum, whatever the method of analysis used (distance or parsimony), was grouped with members of the japonicum group to the exclusion of African Schistosoma species. Then, our data argue strongly for the need for further phylogenetic study including new taxa and new genomic sequences before definitely concluding either an Asian or African origin for the genus Schistosoma.
Africa↗
DSPP mutation in dentinogenesis imperfecta Shields type II.
We identified a nonsense mutation (Gln45stop) in exon 3 of the dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) gene in a Chinese family with dentinogenesis imperfecta Shields type II (DGI-II), in which the affected members showed discoloration and severe attrition of their teeth, with obliterated pulp chambers.
Asian People↗
Comparison of L-type and mixed L- and T-type calcium channel blockers on kidney injury caused by deoxycorticosterone-salt hypertension in rats.
The efficiency of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) in the treatment of chronic renal disease (CRD) is controversial. In this study, we investigated whether combined T- and L-type CCBs, using mibefradil (30 mg/kg/d), provided superior protection versus traditional L-type voltage-gated CCBs, using amlodipine (10 mg/kg/d), in the deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt model of high glomerular blood pressure (P(GC)) and rapidly developing kidney damage. After 4 to 5 weeks of DOCA-salt, amlodipine did not reduce proteinuria (protein, 341 +/- 90 versus 482 +/- 54 mg/24 h; P = not significant) or degree of glomerular damage (20% +/- 4% versus 28% +/- 6% damaged glomeruli; P = not significant) compared with untreated rats. Conversely, mibefradil reduced proteinuria and glomerular damage versus untreated DOCA-salt rats (protein, 244 +/- 75 mg/24 h; P < 0.02; damaged glomeruli, 11% +/- 3%; P < 0.05). Both CCBs had similar antihypertensive actions, returning blood pressure to the untreated sham value. Of note, P(GC) also was reduced by a similar extent (and to the sham value) with both mibefradil (58 +/- 2 mm Hg; P < 0.001) and amlodipine (61 +/- 2 mm Hg; P < 0.005) versus untreated DOCA-salt rats (70 +/- 1 mm Hg). This study shows that combined T- and L-type CCBs provide superior protection against CRD in the DOCA-salt model compared with L-type CCBs alone. However, this protection was not hemodynamic because similar systemic and glomerular antihypertensive responses occurred with both mibefradil and amlodipine. Although mibefradil was withdrawn from the market because of adverse drug interactions not associated with CCBs, other mixed channel blockers may provide an alternative or adjunctive therapy to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition in CRD.
Amlodipine↗
Endothelin mediates the altered renal hemodynamics associated with experimental congestive heart failure.
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is commonly associated with renal dysfunction. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the role of endothelin in the renal dysfunction of experimental CHF by using tezosentan, a potent dual endothelin receptor antagonist. Rats were subjected to coronary artery ligation. Cardiac and renal hemodynamics were assessed after 3-5 weeks, when CHF had developed. Compared with control rats, CHF rats had significantly higher left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), lower mean arterial pressure, and reduced dP/dt(max). CHF rats had severe renal vasoconstriction, as assessed by increased renal vascular resistance (RVR, p < 0.001), decreased renal plasma flow (RPF, p < 0.001), and glomerular filtration rate (GFR, p < 0.001). Filtration fraction rose (p < 0.001). Urine flow rate and sodium excretion were markedly lower. Acute administration of tezosentan induced a marked decrease in LVEDP without change of dP/dt(max) and heart rate. Tezosentan decreased RVR (-43%, p < 0.001) and increased RPF and GFR. Filtration fraction decreased slightly. Tezosentan also increased urine flow rate and sodium excretion. These findings demonstrate that endothelin at least partly mediates the altered renal hemodynamics associated with experimental CHF. Dual endothelin receptor blockade could be useful for the improvement of both cardiac and renal function in CHF.
Animals↗
A-6G variant of the angiotensinogen gene and essential hypertension in Han, Tibetan, and Yi populations.
To investigate the relationship between the A-6G variant in the promoter of the angiotensinogen gene and essential hypertension in Han, Tibetan, and Yi populations. All patients with essential hypertension were selected by WHO criteria. And the polymorphism of the A-6G variant was determined by PCR/RFLP. The data were analyzed by t test and chi2 test. There was no significant difference in the genotype or allele frequencies between normotensives and hypertensives in the Han, Tibetan, and Yi populations, respectively. However, when the subjects were divided into male and female subgroups, the genotype distributions among hypertensives and normotensives of the Tibetan female group were as follows: AA, 37% vs. 48%; AG, 52% vs. 48%; GG, 11% vs. 4%, respectively and the frequency of the G allele was significantly higher in hypertensives than in normotensives in the Tibetan female group (0.37 vs. 0.28, chi2=4.25, p<0.05). In addition, we observed that there was a significant difference between the Han and Tibetan normotensive groups in the distributions of the allele and genotype frequencies of the A-6G variant. The frequency of the G allele was 0.29 and 0.17 in the Tibetan normotensive and Han groups, respectively (p<0.001). The G allele of the A-6G variant was associated with hypertension in the Tibetan females, but not in the Yi or Han females. And we confirmed that there was a significant difference in the prevalence of the allele frequencies of the A-6G variant between the Han and Tibetan normotensive groups.
Adult↗
[Study on the effect of COX-2's selective inhibitor on human colorectal adenoma cells proliferation].
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanism of COX-2's selective inhibitor, NS-398, on human colorectal adenoma development. METHODS: The human colorectal adenoma cells were isolated and cultured identified. The cell growth rates were assessed, when treated with NS-398, by using MTT method. Expression of COX-2 protein in human colorectal tumor was examined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: 23 of 30 colorectal adenomas were primary cultured successfully. NS-398 inhibited the proliferation of the cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. COX-2 was overexpressed in colorectal adenoma(83.1%) and cancer(80.0%)compared with normal colon mucosa. CONCLUSION: The key of the several culture conditions for the survival of human colorectal adenoma cells have been improved. Such as, best of the digestive time and number of cell. The cells can be inhibited by NS-398 with dose-dependent. Overexpression of COX-2 protein occurs early during colorectal carcinogenesis which contribute to tumour formation.
Adenoma↗
Histopathological study of trabeculum after excimer laser trabeculectomy ab interno.
PURPOSE: To study the clinical manifestations and histopathologic changes of trabeculum after excimer laser trabeculectomy ab interno (ELT), and to investigate the mechanisms of ELT in reducing intraocular pressure. METHODS: ELT was performed on ten rabbit eyes and postoperative responses were documented. Corneoscleral tissue samples were harvested consecutively each week until the 5th postoperative week and these samples were examined under light and electrical microscopy. RESULTS: Mild stimulation signs were present postoperatively in nine of ten eyes, but no serious complications were experienced. Obvious inflammation was observed in one rabbit eye as a result of iris damage during the surgical manipulations. Local fractures on the trabecular meshwork and openings into Schlemm's canal were detected in all tissue samples under light microscope. Mitochondria were found to be turgescent and dilated like vacuoles and endoplasmic reticula were found to be dilated under electrical microscope in the early postoperative period. Later, all trabecular cells returned normal and no fibroblast cells were ever detected. CONCLUSIONS: Permanent openings through trabecular meshwork into the inner wall of Schlemm's canal can be created with ELT. The outflow resistance of aqueous humor can be reduced with these openings and intraocular pressure can be controlled thereafter.
Animals↗
[The photostability of hydrocortisone injection].
OBJECTIVE: This experiment was designed to make known wether the photostability of drugs in daylight can be obtained from lamplight exposure. METHODS: A self made cumulative illuminometer via pulse counting method was used for measuring cumulative illuminance of daylight to investige the photodegradation of Hydrocortisone injection in various lamp light and daylight; the equivalent influences of different light sources on the photostability of the injection were obtained, and the shelf-life in indoor daylight of the drug was predicted. RESULTS: The photodegradation of Hydrocortisone injection obeys zero order kinetics: C = C0-kEt; the shelf-life in indoor daylight of the injection in nude ampoules was predicted as 36 days and is comparable to 35 days in a long-term storage test. CONCLUSION: The photostability of drugs in daylight can be obtained from lamplight exposure experiment.
Drug Stability↗
[Studies on chemical constituents of Umbilicaria esculenta (Miyoshi) minks].
OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents from the fruit bodies of Umbilicaria esculenta. METHOD: Five compounds were isolated from the ethanolic extract of this plant by all kinds of column chormatography, and structures were identified by spectroscopic analysis. RESULT: Five compounds were identified as ethyl orsellinate, orsellinic acid, orcinol, lecanoric acid and lecanorin. CONCLUSION: Ethyl orsellinate, orsellinic acid, orcinol and lecanorin were isolated from this plant for the first time.
Lichens↗