Biomedical subjects

Hongwei Wang

Publications and source records attributed to Hongwei Wang.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2025

Transcriptome-wide analysis reveals potential roles of CFD and ANGPTL4 in fibroblasts regulating B cell lineage for extracellular matrix-driven clustering and novel avenues for immunotherapy in breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: The remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a pivotal role in tumor progression and drug resistance. However, the compositional patterns of ECM in breast cancer and their underlying biological functions remain elusive. METHODS: Transcriptome and genome data of breast cancer patients from TCGA database was downloaded. Patients were classified into different clusters by using non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) based on signatures of ECM components and regulators. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify core genes related to ECM clusters. Additional 10 independent public cohorts including Metabric, SCAN_B, GSE12276, GSE16446, GSE19615, GSE20685, GSE21653, GSE58644, GSE58812, and GSE88770 were collected to construct Training or Testing cohort, following machine learning calculating ECM correlated index (ECI) for survival analysis. Pathway enrichment and correlation analysis were used to explore the relationship among ECM clusters, ECI and TME. Single-cell transcriptome data from GSE161529 was processed for uncovering the differences among ECM clusters. RESULTS: Using NMF, we identified three ECM clusters in the TCGA database: C1 (Neuron), C2 (ECM), and C3 (Immune). Subsequently, WGCNA was employed to pinpoint cluster-specific genes and develop a prognostic model. This model demonstrated robust predictive power for breast cancer patient survival in both the Training cohort (n = 5,392, AUC = 0.861) and the Testing cohort (n = 1,344, AUC = 0.711). Upon analyzing the tumor microenvironment (TME), we discovered that fibroblasts and B cell lineage were the core cell types associated with the ECM cluster phenotypes. Single-cell RNA sequencing data further revealed that angiopoietin like 4 (ANGPTL4)+ fibroblasts were specifically linked to the C2 phenotype, while complement factor D (CFD)+ fibroblasts characterized the other ECM clusters. CellChat analysis indicated that ANGPTL4+ and CFD+ fibroblasts regulate B cell lineage via distinct signaling pathways. Additionally, analysis using the Kaplan-Meier Plotter website showed that CFD was favorable for immunotherapy response, whereas ANGPTL4 negatively impacted the outcomes of cancer patients receiving immunotherapy. CONCLUSION: We identified distinct ECM clusters in breast cancer patients, irrespective of molecular subtypes. Additionally, we constructed an effective prognostic model based on these ECM clusters and recognized ANGPTL4+ and CFD+ fibroblasts as potential biomarkers for immunotherapy in breast cancer.

Humans↗

PubMed2006

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells limit viral replication, pulmonary inflammation, and airway hyperresponsiveness in respiratory syncytial virus infection.

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC), as major producers of IFN-alpha, are thought not only to be pivotal in antiviral immunity, but also to limit allergic inflammation. In this study, we delineate the role of pDC in a mouse model of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-induced airway inflammation. Bone marrow-derived pDC generated high levels of IFN-alpha upon RSV infection, and the percentage of pDC expressing MHC class II and maturation-associated costimulatory molecules was increased. However, their weak Ag-presenting capacity was not enhanced. Furthermore, pDC induced marked levels of IL-10 in T cell cultures irrespective of infection. In vivo, numbers of pDC in the lung increased early after RSV infection and remained elevated throughout the inflammatory phase and the resolution phase of infection. Depletion of pDC resulted in increases in peak RSV titers, pulmonary inflammation, and airway hyperresponsiveness. In contrast, adoptive transfer of activated pDC to the airways reduced RSV copy numbers. In conclusion, RSV infection induces activation of murine pDC with robust IFN-alpha production, limiting replication and accelerating elimination of RSV. In addition to this innate response, pDC also may play an immune regulatory role in reducing pulmonary inflammation and inhibiting the development of airway hyperresponsiveness.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Gestational trophoblastic disease following in vitro fertilization.

BACKGROUND: Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) after fertility therapy seems to be a rare complication despite the widespread use of these treatments. Despite embryos derived from normally fertilized oocytes were transferred, molar pregnancies still occurring. CASES: Two patients underwent first cycle of in vitro fertilization (IVF) for management of infertility related to tubal obstruction. GTD was diagnosed by histopathology. CONCLUSION: It is unlikely that this complication is directly related to the technique of IVF itself but rather the characteristics of women and the partner attending for assisted conception make them more at risk of molar pregnancies. The management includes prompt curettage and regular follow-up.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Local CD11c+ MHC class II- precursors generate lung dendritic cells during respiratory viral infection, but are depleted in the process.

Increases in numbers of lung dendritic cells (DC) observed during respiratory viral infections are assumed to be due to recruitment from bone marrow precursors. No local production has been demonstrated. In this study, we isolated defined populations of murine lung cells based on CD11c and MHC class II (MHC II) expression. After culture for 12 days with GM-CSF, we analyzed cell numbers, DC surface markers, and Ag-presenting capacity. Only CD11c+ MHC II- cells from naive mice proliferated, yielding myeloid DC, which induced Ag-specific proliferation of naive T cells. After respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, numbers of pulmonary CD11c+ MHC II- precursor cells were significantly reduced and DC could not be generated. Moreover, RSV infection prevented subsequent in vivo expansion of pulmonary DC in response to influenza infection or LPS treatment. These results provide direct evidence of local generation of fully functional myeloid DC in the lung from CD11c+ MHC II(-) precursor cells that are depleted by RSV infection, leading to an inability to expand lung DC numbers in response to subsequent viral infection or exposure to bacterial products. This depletion of local DC precursors in respiratory viral infections may be important in explaining complex interactions between multiple and intercurrent pulmonary infections.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Association of SARS susceptibility with single nucleic acid polymorphisms of OAS1 and MxA genes: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Host genetic factors may play a role in susceptibility and resistance to SARS associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) infection. The study was carried out to investigate the association between the genetic polymorphisms of 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase 1 (OAS1) gene as well as myxovirus resistance 1 (MxA) gene and susceptibility to SARS in Chinese Han population. METHODS: A hospital-based case-control study was conducted. A collective of 66 SARS cases and 64 close contact uninfected controls were enrolled in this study. End point real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR-based Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) analysis were used to detect the single nucleic polymorphisms (SNPs) in OAS1 and MxA genes. Information on other factors associated with SARS infection was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate logistic analyses were conducted. RESULTS: One polymorphism in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of the OAS1 gene was associated with SARS infection. Compared to AA genotype, AG and GG genotypes were found associated with a protective effect on SARS infection with ORs (95% CI) of 0.42 (0.20-0.89) and 0.30 (0.09-0.97), respectively. Also, a GT genotype at position 88 in the MxA gene promoter was associated with increased susceptibility to SARS infection compared to a GG genotype (OR = 3.06, 95% CI: 1.25-7.50). The associations of AG genotype in OAS1 and GT genotype in MxA remained significant in multivariate analyses after adjusting for SARS protective measures (OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.14-0.98 and OR = 3.22, 95% CI: 1.13-9.18, respectively). CONCLUSION: SNPs in the OAS1 3'-UTR and MxA promoter region appear associated with host susceptibility to SARS in Chinese Han population.

2',5'-Oligoadenylate Synthetase↗

PubMed2006

Enhancing immune responses against HIV-1 DNA vaccine by coinoculating IL-6 expression vector.

DNA vaccines have a demonstrated ability to induce humoral and cellular immune responses in animal models and humans. To analyze the immunogenicity of HIV-1 DNA vaccine which expressing the chimeric gene gag-gp120 of Chinese prevalent HIV-1 strain and the immunoregulatory activity of IL-6, DNA vaccine plasmid pVAX1-gag-gp120 and eukaryotic expression plasmid pVAX1-IL6 were constructed and the expression in vitro was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting, the results showed that the gene of interest expressed in the transfected HeLa cells. To explore the immune response in mice coinoculated with HIV-1 DNA vaccine and IL-6 expression plasmid, BALB/c mice were injected i.m. with eukaryotic expression plasmid pVAX1-IL6 and DNA vaccine plasmid pVAX1-gag-gp120. The specific humoral and cellular immunity in mice could be induced by inoculating separately HIV-1 DNA vaccine plasmid or coinoculating with IL-6 expression plasmid, and the specific killing activities of spleen CTL and the level of serum antibodies in the coinoculation group were significantly higher than those in the separate inoculation group. These results strongly support the use of IL-6 as a cytokine adjuvant in DNA vaccination.

AIDS Vaccines↗

PubMed2006

Central and peripheral renin-angiotensin systems in ouabain-induced hypertension.

Chronic subcutaneous infusion of ouabain causes hypertension via central pathways involving angiotensin type 1 (AT(1)) receptor stimulation. The present study assessed plasma and tissue ANG I and II levels as well as AT1 receptor and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) mRNA levels and binding densities by real-time PCR and in vitro autoradiography in relevant brain nuclei and peripheral tissues (heart and kidney) in rats at 1 and/or 2 wk after start of ouabain infusion at 50 microg/day. After 2 wk (but not after 1 wk), blood pressures significantly increased (+15 mmHg). At 2 wk, plasma ANG I and II levels were markedly suppressed by ouabain. In contrast, in the heart and kidneys, ANG I levels were not affected, and ANG II levels tended to decrease, whereas in the hypothalamus ANG II content clearly increased. At 1 wk, no changes in ACE and AT1 receptor densities were seen. After 2 wk, there were significant decreases in AT(1) receptor mRNA and densities in the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT), subfornical organ (SFO), and paraventricular nucleus (PVN). ACE densities decreased only in the OVLT and SFO, but ACE mRNA showed more variable responses (decrease in OVLT vs. increase in PVN). In the kidneys, at 2 wk both AT1 receptor and ACE densities were decreased, but mRNA abundance did not change. The heart showed no significant changes. The increase in hypothalamic ANG II content and associated decreases in central AT1 receptor and ACE densities support the involvement of the brain renin-angiotensin system in the central hypertensive mechanism of action of ouabain.

Angiotensin I↗

PubMed2006

Thyroid status influence on adiponectin, acylation stimulating protein (ASP) and complement C3 in hyperthyroid and hypothyroid subjects.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid abnormalities (hyperthyroid and hypothyroid) are accompanied by changes in intermediary metabolism including alterations in body weight, insulin resistance and lipid profile. The aims of this study were to examine plasma ASP, its precursor C3 and adiponectin in hyperthyroid and hypothyroid subjects as compared to controls. METHODS: A total of 99 subjects were recruited from endocrinology/out-patient clinics: 46 hyperthyroid subjects, 23 hypothyroid subjects and 30 control subjects. Subjects were evaluated for FT4, FT3, TSH, glucose, insulin, complete lipid profile and the adipokines: adiponectin, acylation stimulating protein (ASP) and complement C3. RESULTS: Hyperthyroidism was associated with a 95% increase in adiponectin (p = 0.0002), a 47% decrease in C3 (p < 0.0001), no change in ASP and increased ASP/C3 ratio (p = 0.0012). Hypothyroidism was associated with a 31% increase in ASP (p = 0.008). Adiponectin and C3 correlated with FT3 (r = 0.383, p = 0.004 and r = -0.277, p = 0.007, respectively) and FT4 (r = 0.464, p = 0.003 and r = -0.225, p = 0.03, respectively). ASP correlated with TSH (r = 0.202, p = 0.04). Adiponectin did not correlate with either ASP or C3, only ASP and C3 correlated (r = -0.197, p = 0.05). Adiponectin was negatively correlated with BMI, total cholesterol and plasma triglyceride, while C3 was positively correlated with BMI and total cholesterol. Surprisingly, adiponectin was positively correlated with insulin (r = 0.293, p = 0.02) and HOMA-IR (r = 0.373, p = 0.003) while C3 was negatively correlated with glucose (r = -0.242, p = 0.022, insulin (r = -0.184, p = 0.05) and HOMA-IR. CONCLUSION: These changes suggest that thyroid disease may be accompanied by changes in adipokines, which may contribute to the phenotype expressed.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2006

Characterization of an avian influenza virus of subtype H7N2 isolated from chickens in northern China.

An H7N2 avian influenza virus was isolated from chickens during routine surveillance in northern China in 2002. To understand the origin of this virus, we completely sequenced its genome. The PB1, PA, HA, and M genes of this virus were highly homologous with those of the wild bird virus A/Africa starling/Eng-Q/983/79 (H7N1). The NP and NS genes were closely related to those of two other wild bird viruses isolated 30 years ago. The closest relatives of the PB2 and NA genes of the virus were those of the A/swine/Germany/2/81 (H1NI) and A/Leningrad/134/57 (H2N2), respectively. Animal inoculation tests showed that the virus cannot replicate efficiently in chickens. However, after intranasal inoculation, the virus induced 20% weight loss and replicated well in the lungs of mice. The virus was also recovered from the hearts and brains of the mice. These results suggest that the influenza virus isolated in chickens in northern China in 2002 originated in wild birds and may pose a threat for both avian species and mammalian hosts.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Voltage and ionic regulation of human serotonin transporter in Xenopus oocytes.

1. The serotoninergic system is known to be involved in the control of multiple behavioural and physiological functions. The serotonin (5-hydroxtryptamine; 5-HT) transporter (SERT), which controls the synaptic 5-HT concentration through re-uptake of this neurotransmitter into presynaptic terminals, has been a primary therapeutic target for various psychiatric and peripheral disorders. The aim of the present study was to identify the regulatory mechanism(s) of the human SERT (hSERT) in heterologously expressed oocytes. 2. The hSERT cRNA was transcribed in vitro and injected into Xenopus oocytes. The 5-HT-induced transporter currents were measured by voltage clamp. The effects of extracellular sodium or chloride were studied by replacement perfusion with tetramethylammonium-chloride (96 mmol/L) or sodium acetate (96 mmol/L). In addition, to alter the internal calcium concentration, CaCl2 (50 micromol/L) and inositol triphosphate (IP3; 50 micromol/L), with or without EGTA (2.5 mmol/L), were injected into oocytes. The specificity of 5-HT-sensitive currents was determined by the use of the SERT antagonist desipramine and niflumic acid to block background chloride currents. 3. The hSERT-expressing oocytes displayed voltage-dependent, 5-HT-induced currents that increased at negative potentials. Replacing extracellular sodium or chloride significantly decreased the hSERT currents by 89 and 45%, respectively (P < 0.05, n = 7 each). Injection of IP3 or CaCl2 increased the hSERT currents by approximately 65% (P < 0.05; n = 10 each) and the effect of IP3 was abolished by preinjection of EGTA. 4. These results demonstrate that hSERT activity is not only voltage dependent, but is also affected by intracellular calcium and extracellular sodium and chloride.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Geographical, spatial, and temporal distributions of multiple indoor air pollutants in four Chinese provinces.

Exposure to indoor air pollution from household energy use depends on fuel, stove, housing characteristics, and stove use behavior. We monitored three important indoor air pollutants-respirable particles (RPM), carbon monoxide (CO), and sulfur dioxide (SO2)-for a total of 457 household-days in four poor provinces in China (Gansu, 129 household-days; Guizhou, 127 household-days; Inner Mongolia, 65 household-days; and Shaanxi, 136 household-days), in two time intervals during the heating season to investigate spatial and temporal patterns of pollution. The two provinces where biomass is the primary fuel (Inner Mongolia and Gansu) had the highest RPM concentrations (719 microg/m3 in the single cooking/living/bedroom in Inner Mongolia in December and 351-661 microg/m3 in different rooms and months in Gansu); lower RPM concentration were observed in the primarily coal-burning provinces of Guizhou and Shaanxi (202-352 microg/m3 and 187-361 microg/m3 in different rooms and months in Guizhou and Shaanxi, respectively). Inner Mongolia and Gansu also had higher CO concentrations (7.4 ppm in the single cooking/living/bedroom in Inner Mongolia in December and 4.8-11.3 ppm in different rooms and months in Gansu). Among the two primarily coal-burning provinces, Guizhou had lower concentrations of CO than Shaanxi (1.2-1.8 ppm in Guizhou vs 2.0-13.3 ppm in different rooms and months in Shaanxi). In the two coal-burning provinces, SO2 concentrations were substantially higher in Shaanxi than in Guizhou. Relative concentrations in different rooms and provinces indicate that in the northern provinces heating is an important source of exposure to indoor pollutants from energy use. Day-to-day variability of concentrations within individual households, although substantial, was smaller than variation across households. The implications of the findings for designing environmental health interventions in each province are discussed.

Air Pollutants↗

PubMed2005

Construction and characterization of recombinant fowlpox virus coexpressing HIV-1(CN) gp120 and IL-2.

The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has now become one of the most serious infectious disease in the world, the safe and effective AIDS vaccines would be the best tools to control the disease. Fowlpox virus has been studied recently as a potential vector for the delivery of heterologous vaccine antigen. In this study, a recombinant fowlpox virus coexpressing gp120 of Chinese prevalent HIV-1 strain and IL-2 was constructed and the cellular immune responses against HIV-1 gp120 in BALB/c mice were evaluated. Chinese vaccine strain 282E4 of fowlpox virus was used as the vector to construct the recombinant fowlpox virus (rFPV) coexpressing HIV-1 gp120 and IL-2 via homologous recombination, and the recombinant virus was identified by PCR and Western blotting. The specific DNA fragment was amplified by PCR from the genomes of rFPV. Western blotting analysis showed that HIV-1 gp120 and IL-2 was expressed not only in chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) cells infected by rFPV, but also in mammalian cells infected by rFPV. After the recombinant fowlpox virus was inoculated into BALB/c mice, specific CTL activities in the immunized mice were detected in the spleen. The results demonstrated that rFPV had good immunogenicity and could induce BALB/c mice to produce specific cellular immunity. IL-2 played a role of immunoadjuvant and enhanced the cellular immune response. The study provides the basis for the preparation of a Chinese vaccine candidate against HIV-1.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

PubMed2005

The beta2 integrin CD11c distinguishes a subset of cytotoxic pulmonary T cells with potent antiviral effects in vitro and in vivo.

BACKGROUND: The integrin CD11c is known as a marker for dendritic cells and has recently been described on T cells following lymphotropic choriomeningitis virus infection, a systemic infection affecting a multitude of organs. Here, we characterise CD11c bearing T cells in a murine model of localised pulmonary infection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). METHODS: Mice were infected intranasally with RSV and expression of beta2 integrins and T lymphocyte activation markers were monitored by flow cytometry. On day 8 post RSV infection CD11c+ CD8+ and CD11c- CD8+ T cells were assessed for cytokine production, cytotoxic activity and migration. Expression of CD11c mRNA in CD8+ T cells was assessed by quantitative PCR. RESULTS: Following RSV infection CD11c+ CD8+ T cells were detectable in the lung from day 4 onwards and accounted for 45.9 +/- 4.8% of CD8+ T cells on day 8 post infection, while only few such cells were present in mediastinal lymph nodes, spleen and blood. While CD11c was virtually absent from CD8+ T cells in the absence of RSV infection, its mRNA was expressed in CD8+ T cells of both naïve and RSV infected mice. CD11c+, but not CD11c-, CD8+ T cells showed signs of recent activation, including up-regulation of CD11a and expression of CD11b and CD69 and were recruited preferentially to the lung. In addition, CD11c+ CD8+ T cells were the major subset responsible for IFNgamma production, induction of target cell apoptosis in vitro and reduction of viral titres in vivo. CONCLUSION: CD11c is a useful marker for detection and isolation of pulmonary antiviral cytotoxic T cells following RSV infection. It identifies a subset of activated, virus-specific, cytotoxic T cells that exhibit potent antiviral effects in vivo.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Seasonal patterns in monthly hemoglobin A1c values.

The purpose of this study was to investigate seasonal variations in population monthly hemoglobin A(1c) (A1c) values over 2 years (from October 1998 to September 2000) among US diabetic veterans. The study cohort included 285,705 veterans with 856,181 A1c tests. The authors calculated the monthly average A1c values for the overall population and for subpopulations defined by age, sex, race, insulin use, and climate regions. A1c values were higher in winter and lower in summer with a difference of 0.22. The proportion of A1c values greater than 9.0% followed a similar seasonal pattern that varied from 17.3% to 25.3%. Seasonal autoregressive models including trigonometric function terms were fit to the monthly average A1c values. There were significant seasonal effects; the seasonal variation was consistent across different subpopulations. Regions with colder winter temperatures had larger winter-summer contrasts than did those with warmer winter temperatures. The seasonal patterns followed trends similar to those of many physiologic markers, cardiovascular and other diabetes outcomes, and mortality. These findings have implications for health-care service research in quality-of-care assessment, epidemiologic studies investigating population trends and risk factors, and clinical trials or program evaluations of treatments or interventions.

Age Distribution↗

PubMed2005

Gene expression of adiponectin and adiponectin receptor 1 in type 2 diabetic rats and the relationship with the parameters of glucose and lipid metabolism.

In order to confirm whether the mRNA levels of adiponectin in adipose tissue and mRNA levels of AdipoR1 in the skeletal muscles were correlated with the serum parameters of glucose and lipid metabolism and to clarify the regulation of adiponectin receptor gene expression in diabetic states, serum adiponectin, mRNA levels of adiponectin in adipose tissue and mRNA levels of AdipoR1 in the skeletal muscles were examined in type 2 diabetic rats. The model of type 2 diabetes was prepared by feeding high fat diet and injecting low dosage of streptozotocin (STZ). The diabetic rats were screened out by oral glucose tolerance test. One group of type 2 diabetic rats received rosiglitazone. The serum adiponectin concentration was detected by using ELISA and mRNA levels were examined by RT-PCR. The serum adiponectin levels and mRNA levels of adiponectin in adipose tissue of type 2 diabetic rats were significantly decreased as compared with the normal control rats (P<0.05, P<0.01 respectively). No siglificant changes were observed in the expression of adiponectin receptor 1 in the skeletal muscle of type 2 diabetic rats. The mRNA levels of adiponectin in adipose tissue were reversely correlated with serum insulin (r=-0.66, P<0.05), triglyceride (r= -0.58, P<0.05), cholesterol (r=-0.49, P<0.05), interleukin-6 (r=-0.49, P<0. 05) and tumor necrosis factor (r= -0.43, P<0.05). The expression of adiponectin receptors was not altered in the skeletal muscle of Type 2 diabetic rats. The decreased serum adiponectin was caused by the decreased expression of adiponectin mRNA in adipose tissue rather than the adiponectin receptors in the skeletal muscle, which could be improved by rosiglitazone.

Adiponectin↗

PubMed2005

Reevaluation of the efficacy of intravenous gammaglobulin in the prevention and treatment of coronary artery lesion in Kawasaki disease.

In order to objectively evaluate the efficacy of intravenous gammaglobulin (IVIG) in the prevention and treatment of coronary artery lesion (CAL) in Kawasaki disease (KD) and the related factors influencing the IVIG efficacy, 314 children with KD were reviewed retrospectively and comparatively and were divided into IVIG plus aspirin group and ASA group. The occurrence and restoration of CAL in these two groups as well as many laboratory and clinical indexes including average hospital stay (days), total fever duration, defervescence time, platelet count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C reactive protein etc. were observed. The incidence of CAL was 39.5% in the children with KD. In the IVIG+ASA group, the incidence of CAL was 34.3% and 56.0% in ASA group respectively (P<0.001). The incidence of CAL was reduced in the group in which 2.0 g/kg or 1.0 g/kg IVIG was administered as compared with the group in which IVIG was administered at a dose < or =0.6 g/kg or > or =3.0 g/kg (P<0.05). CAL occurred less frequently when IVIG was administered at 3-10 days of the course than that when IVIG was administered < or =3 days or >10 days (P <0.05). About 13.4% of the CAL treated with IVIG was not recovered at the 12 th month of the course, mostly in the groups in which only ASA was administered and IVIG treatment was started 10 days later. The hospital stay (days), defervescence time, total fever duration, platelet count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C reactive protein were significantly reduced in IVIG+ ASA group as compared with those in the ASA group (P<0.05). IVIG treatment can remarkably shorten the course of patients with KD and decrease the incidence of CAL, but the efficacy of IVIG in the prevention and treatment of KD disease is not as expected by people, therefore, reevaluation of the practical efficacy of IVIG is required.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Immune vasculitis induced atherosclerosis.

The relationship between immune vasculitis and atherosclerosis was studied. The experimental model of weanling rabbits for immune vasculitis was reproduced by intravenous injection of 10% bovine serum albumin. There were 6 groups: group A, 25 weanling rabbits with immune vasculitis subject to coronary arteriography; group B, 10 normal mature rabbits subject to coronary arteriography; group C, 10 weanling rabbits subject to coronary arteriography; group D, 8 weanling rabbits with vasculitis and cholesterol diet; group E, 8 weanling rabbits receiving single cholesterol diet; group F: 8 weanling rabbits receiving basic diet. Four weeks later, coronary arteriography was performed in groups A, B and C. The rabbits in groups D, E and F were sacrificed for the study of pathological changes in the coronary artery after 12 weeks. The results showed that the dilatation of coronary artery occurred in 6 rabbits of group A, but in groups B and C, no dilatation of coronary artery appeared. In comparison with group E, more severe atherosclerosis occurred in group D, showing the thickened plaque, fibrous sclerosis and atherosclerotic lesion. Percentage of plaques covering aortic intima, incidence of atherosclerosis of small coronary arteries and degree of stenosis of coronary arteries were significantly higher in group D than in group E (P < 0.01). No atherosclerosis changes were found in group F. It was concluded that in the acute phase, the serum immune vasculitis can induce the dilatation of coronary artery of some weanling rabbits, and aggravate the formation of atherosclerosis in rabbits fed with cholesterol diet. Immune vasculitis is a new risk factor of atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Adiponectin, acylation stimulating protein and complement C3 are altered in obesity in very young children.

OBJECTIVE: Childhood obesity is increasing worldwide. This, in turn, is associated with chronic disease risk factors including hyperlipidaemia. The aim of the present study was to examine adiponectin, acylation-stimulating protein (ASP) and its precursor, complement C3, in very young obese and nonobese children and the corresponding associations with plasma lipid and lipoproteins. All three adipose tissue secreted factors are involved in fat metabolism, and little is known of the levels in very young children. DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 124 healthy children from 2 to 6 years old were evaluated for weight, height, plasma lipids and adipokines. Based on percentage ideal body weight (%IBW), 60 children were nonobese and 64 were overweight/obese. RESULTS: ASP and C3 were significantly increased (P = 0.0002 and P < 0.0001, respectively) in obese vs. nonobese, and this pattern held true when separated in three age groups: toddler (2-3 years), preschool (4-5 years) and primary school (6 years). By contrast, adiponectin was significantly decreased (P = 0.04). When separated based on a positive family history of obesity, ASP was increased (P = 0.005). Other than a small (23.4%) increase in plasma triglyceride, all other lipids [cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and nonesterified fatty acids] were normal. ASP, C3 and adiponectin were strongly correlated with %IBW (r = 0.515, P < 0.0001; r = 0.383, P < 0.0001; r = -0.211, P = 0.03, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Changes in plasma adipokines are seen in very young obese children in the absence of lipid changes. These changes in ASP, C3 and adiponectin in very young obese children may predispose towards enhanced fat storage (ASP) and decreased fat oxidation (adiponectin) further driving the obesity profile.

Adiponectin↗