Biomedical subjects

Xiao Xu

Publications and source records attributed to Xiao Xu.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2005

[The prevention and treatment of cytomegalovirus infection after liver transplantation].

OBJECTIVE: To review diagnosis and treatment experience of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection after liver transplantation. METHODS: The clinical data of 96 patients receiving liver transplantation in our hospital from January 2001 to December 2002 were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: CMV infection occurred in 19 patients, blood IE-E antigen of CMV and PP65 antigen of CMV was detected in all the patients with CMV infection, 8 patients with CMV-IgM positivity, 3 of them presented with dyspnea, 4 with fever and 2 with jaundice, 14 patients had no symptoms of CMV infection. IE-E antigen of CMV and PP65 antigen of CMV in blood of 18 patients became negative after treatment with ganciclovir, 1 patients died from interstitial pneumonitis. CONCLUSIONS: Cytomegalovirus infection after liver transplantation is associated with many factors, the key point of CMV infection is prevention actively and early treatment after operation. The detection of blood antigen of CMV is necessary for early diagnosis and guiding treatment of CMV infection, ganciclovir is effective for treatment of CMV infection.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Differentiating anxiety and depression symptoms in patients with partial epilepsy.

Anxiety and depression are separate psychiatric conditions that are often interrelated. This study examines whether they exist independently in this population of patients with partial epilepsy and if they affect all quality-of-life domains. Adult epilepsy patients taking two or more antiepileptic drugs completed a health status survey including demographic items, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Quality of Life in Epilepsy-10 (QOLIE-10). The questionnaire was completed by 201 epilepsy patients. Symptom prevalences of anxiety (52% none, 25% mild, 16% moderate, 7% severe) and depression (62% none, 20% mild, 14% moderate, 4% severe) were high. All health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) domains worsened significantly with increasing levels of anxiety and depression: Total QOLIE-10 scores decreased from 72+/-18 in patients with no anxiety to 54+/-13 in those with mild, 48+/-18 in those with moderate, and 40+/-23 in those with severe anxiety (P<0.0001). Total QOLIE-10 scores decreased from 70+/-16 in patients with no depression to 50+/-16 in those with mild, 45+/-16 in those with moderate, and 24+/-21 in those with severe depression (P<0.0001). No significant difference in anxiety scores was observed controlling for seizure frequency or epilepsy duration. Regression analyses showed that anxiety and depression account for different proportions of variance as predictors of HRQOL (R2=0.337 (anxiety) and 0.511 (depression)). The data suggest that patients may benefit from increased attention to the role of anxiety separately from depression.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

[Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: prognostic analysis of 89 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the experience of liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in one center and identify prognostic factors for survival. METHODS: The clinical data and survival results of 89 patients with HCC receiving LT from January 1999 to December 2003 were retrospectively analyzed and various clinicopathologic risk factors for actuarial survival and tumor free survival were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Six-month, 1-, and 2-year survival rates were 81.8%, 55.3% and 43.7%, respectively. The 6-month, 1-, and 2-year tumor free survival rates were 62.4%, 35.6% and 24.9%, respectively. The overall tumor recurrence and metastasis rate was 52.8%. In the univariate analysis, portal vein tumor thrombi (PVTT) (chi(2) = 15.14, P = 0.0001), tumor size (chi(2) = 15.05, P = 0.0001), hepatic cirrhosis background (chi(2) = 6.14, P = 0.0132), preoperative alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level (chi(2) = 5.82, P = 0.0159) and histopathologic grading (chi(2) = 4.61, P = 0.0319) were found to be significantly associated with actuarial survival rate. Seven factors influencing tumor free survival included PVTT (chi(2) = 26.30, P < 0.0001), tumor size (chi(2) = 25.25, P < 0.0001), preoperative AFP level (chi(2) = 14.83, P = 0.0001), histopathologic grading (chi(2) = 12.54, P = 0.0004), tumor distribution (chi(2) = 12.73, P = 0.0004), number of nodules (chi(2) = 9.81, P = 0.0017) and cirrhosis background (chi(2) = 9.76, P = 0.0018). In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, the prognostic factors independently associated with patient survival were identified to be PVTT (RR = 4.721, P = 0.001), age (RR = 3.282, P = 0.007) and histopathologic grading (RR = 2.368, P = 0.037). For tumor free survival, histopathologic grading (RR = 3.739, P < 0.0001), PVTT (RR = 4.382, P = 0.001), cirrhosis background (RR = 0.421, P = 0.011), age (RR = 2.312, P = 0.027) and AFP (RR = 2.301, P = 0.047) were identified as prognostic parameters. CONCLUSIONS: LT is a good therapeutic option for strictly selected patients with HCC. PVTT and histopathologic grading are the most important factors of predicting outcomes of HCC patients undergoing LT. Further studies should be strengthened to establish a reliable and feasible selection criteria and an optimal prognosis scoring system for LT.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Willingness or unwillingness to perform cesarean section for impending preterm delivery at 24 weeks' gestation: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to compare the costs and health outcomes of 2 management options when encountering a 24-week gestation in labor. STUDY DESIGN: We constructed a decision model for willingness versus unwillingness to perform cesarean section for fetal indication (aggressive vs nonaggressive management). We modeled chance nodes for stillbirth, neonatal death, and long-term survival, with and without major morbidity. Main outcome measures were intact (healthy) infant and live infant. Cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted from a societal perspective to determine the cost-effectiveness of the 2 strategies. RESULTS: The probabilities of both intact survival (16.8% vs 12.9%) and survival with major morbidity (39.2% vs 19.4%) were higher with willingness to perform cesarean section. Nonaggressive management was less costly for delivery at 24 weeks' gestation. Aggressive management strategy would cost dollar 4,680,387 more than nonaggressive management for each additional intact infant, and dollar 766,241 more per additional live infant. CONCLUSION: Although the probability of survival is increased by physician willingness to perform cesarean section, the more cost-effective strategy is unwillingness because of a strong relationship to the increased probability of survival with major morbidity when physicians are willing to perform cesarean section for fetal indications.

Cesarean Section↗

PubMed2005

Dynamic monitoring of cytotoxicity on microelectronic sensors.

A real-time cell electronic sensing (RT-CES) system was used for label-free, dynamic measurement of cell responses to cytotoxicants. Cells were grown onto the surfaces of microelectronic sensors, which are comprised of circle-on-line electrode arrays and are integrated into the bottom surfaces of the microtiter plate. Changes in cell status such as cell number, viability, morphology, and adherence were monitored and quantified by detecting sensor electrical impedance. For cell quantification and viability measurement, the data generated on the RT-CES system correlated well with those from the colorimetric (MTT) assay. For cytotoxicity assessment, cells growing on microelectronic sensors were treated with different cytotoxicants, such as arsenic, mercury, and sodium dichromate. The dynamic responses of the cells to the toxicants were continuously monitored by the RT-CES system. On the basis of the IC50 values, the RT-CES system displays an equal sensitivity to the neutral red uptake assay at specific time points. Furthermore, because the RT-CES system provides real-time information regarding the state of cell morphology and adhesion in addition to cell number, we were able to discern a previously unreported effect of arsenic on NIH 3T3 cells prior to cell death. Also, using the RT-CES system, we were able to monitor cytotoxicity effects that occur within a minute of compound addition. Taken together, the RT-CES system allows for real-time, continuous monitoring and quantitative recording of the whole assay process and provides new insight into the cell-toxicant interaction.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

The impact of medical legal risk on obstetrician-gynecologist supply.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of medical legal risk on practice location of obstetrician-gynecologists. METHODS: We used the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Membership Record to determine the number of Fellows and Junior Fellows by state. We obtained state malpractice premiums from the Medical Liability Monitor and state birth rates from the National Center for Health Statistics. The American Medical Association (AMA) "Crisis" and ACOG "Red Alert" designations, as well as state malpractice premium levels, were used to approximate malpractice risk. We examined the changes in state births to obstetrician-gynecologist rates from 1995 to 2003 by using the Student t test and Mann-Whitney tests. Comparisons were made between states of different risk levels. RESULTS: We found no significant difference in the percentage changes in births per Fellow or births per Junior Fellow between AMA "Crisis" and remaining states, nor between ACOG "Red Alert" and Safe states. The percentage changes in births per Fellow were similar in the 10 highest-premium states and the 10 lowest-premium states. The percentage increase in births per Junior Fellow in the 10 highest-premium states was significantly greater than the 10 lowest-premium states (median 28.5% versus 5.0%, P = .03). CONCLUSION: Malpractice premiums appear to influence practice location of new obstetrician-gynecologists. Neither the AMA designation of "Crisis" nor the ACOG designation of "Red Alert" had supply implications in the analysis. More research on the interaction of malpractice rates and obstetrician-gynecologist supply is needed for informed decisions regarding malpractice premium management.

Birth Rate↗

PubMed2005

Prevalence of and risk factors for intimate partner violence in China.

OBJECTIVES: We estimated the prevalence of and risk factors for intimate partner violence in China. METHODS: Our cross-sectional, comparative prevalence study used a face-to-face survey of randomly selected women attending an urban outpatient gynecological clinic at a major teaching hospital in Fuzhou, China. Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess risk factors for intimate partner violence. RESULTS: Of the 600 women interviewed, the prevalence of lifetime intimate partner violence and violence taking place within the year before the interview was 43% and 26%, respectively. For lifetime intimate partner violence, partners who had extramarital affairs and who refused to give respondents money were the strongest independent predictors. For intimate partner violence taking place within the year before the interview, frequent quarreling was the strongest predictor. CONCLUSIONS: Intimate partner violence is prevalent in China, with strong associations with male patriarchal values and conflict resolutions. Efforts to reduce intimate partner violence should be given high priority in health care settings where women can be reached.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Reductions in anaemia and fatigue are associated with improvements in productivity in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: Cancer-related anaemia is associated with fatigue that adversely affects patients' everyday functioning and wellbeing. We explore the impact of fatigue on patient productivity and caregiver burden. METHODS: The analyses are based on data from a randomised, open-label, active-controlled, dose-finding trial of darbepoetin alfa among solid-tumour cancer patients with anaemia, who are receiving chemotherapy. Fatigue is assessed with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT)-Fatigue subscale score. Productivity and caregiver outcomes include time (hours) missed from usual activities, amount of assistance (hours) needed from others, overall ability to perform desired activities and ability to perform family responsibilities. These outcomes are assessed at baseline and the end of the 12-week treatment period. ANOVA and linear regression models are used to evaluate associations. RESULTS: Patients (n=300) were aged 61 years on average, with a mean (SD) baseline haemoglobin of 9.9 (0.9) g/dL. FACT-Fatigue subscale score improvements were significantly (p=0.003) associated with haemoglobin improvements. Over a 2-week period, after controlling for age, sex and disease progression, one-point improvements in FACT-Fatigue subscale scores corresponded to a 1-hour (95% CI 0.5, 1.5) gain in productive time, 0.7-hour (95% CI 0.4, 1.0) reduction in caregiver time and 1.6% (95% CI 1.4, 1.7) improvement in overall activity. CONCLUSIONS: Reducing fatigue is associated with gains in productive time, reductions in caregiver burden and enhanced ability to perform activities. These outcomes may have broader implications for patients' wellbeing and for the societal impact of cancer-related fatigue and anaemia.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Utilization of health care services among the near-elderly: a comparison of managed care and fee-for-service enrollees.

This article compares and contrasts the use of health care services among near-elderly adults (55-64 yr) across HMOs, PPOs, and fee-for-service (FFS) plans. Statistical tests are used to examine possible selection bias by type of plan [corrected] Multistage regression methods are implemented whenever the test results indicate the presence of selection bias. The findings show that compared with FFS plans, HMOs and PPOs are associated with a greater use of outpatient services and preventive services among adults in this age range. The rate of hospital admissions and the length of hospital stay are found to be similar across these types of plans.

Fee-for-Service Plans↗

PubMed2005

[Effects of aspect on distribution pattern of Taxus chinensis population in Yele, Sichuan Province: an analysis based on patches information].

Employing GIS method and based on patches information, this paper studied the effects of aspect on the distribution pattern of Taxus chinensis population in Yele, Sichuan Province. The results showed that Taxus chinensis population mainly distributed on the aspects of northwest, northeast, east and north. These aspect patches were absolutely dominant on area, mean size, mean edge and the number of Taxus chinensis. There existed a significant correlation between aspect and Taxus chinensis distribution. Taxus chinensis distributed preferentially on north, northeast, northwest and east patches, then on west and southwest patches, and finally on flat and southeast patches. The distribution patterns of Taxus chinensis in Yele were clustering, except on south aspect patches. The intensity of clustering on north aspect patches was the highest, with the value of Clark-Evans (CE) index being 0.906. The intensity of clustering on northeast and northwest aspect patches was lower than that on north aspect patches, with the CE value 0.797 and 0.563, respectively. The CE values on the rest aspect patches were all not larger than 0.5. There existed a significant positive correlation between the intensity of clustering index, number of patches, total patch edge, and the number of Tarus chinensis distributed on the patches, with the value of correlation coefficient 0. 936, 0.735 and 0.802, respectively. There were no significant correlations among the intensity of clustering, patch area, mean patch size, mean patch edge, and mean shape index of aspect patches.

Biomass↗

PubMed2005

[NS398 induced apoptosis in pancreatic carcinoma cell strain BxPC-3 through a COX-2-in dependent pathway].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of the selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor NS398 on the growth of human pancreatic tumor BxPC-3 cell strain and its possible mechanisms. METHODS: The effect of NS398 on cell growth was assessed by 3- (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) -2, 5-diphenyl thiazolyl blue (MTT) assay. Apoptosis was determined by fluorescence-activated cell scanning (FACS) analysis and assessment of the floating cell/attached cell ratio. Caspase-3 activation was evaluated by Active Caspase-3 Apoptosis Kit with flow cytometry. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis (RT-PCR) and Western blot were used to demonstrate expression levels of COX-1, COX-2 mRNA, and protein, as well as Caspase-3 protein in pancreatic tumor BxPC-3 cell strain. RESULTS: Selective COX-2 inhibitor NS398 significantly decreased cell viability and induced apoptosis in pancreatic tumor BxPC-3 cell strain. The protein expression of Caspase-3 was induced by high-concentration NS398. Caspase-3 activity was strongly activated by NS398. CONCLUSIONS: Selective COX-2 inhibitor NS398 has antiproliferative and proapoptotic potential in pancreatic tumor BxPC-3 cells. Such effect is independent of COX-2, but correlates with Caspase-3 activation.

Apoptosis↗

PubMed2005

Hepatitis B virus reinfection after liver transplantation: related risk factors and perspective.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, liver transplantation (LT) has been acknowledged as an acceptable option for patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) related end-stage liver diseases. However, HBV reinfection is an important event affecting the long-term survival of recipients. This paper was to review the risk factors related to HBV reinfection after LT. DATA SOURCES: English literature was reviewed based on MEDLINE focusing on the potential factors related to HBV reinfection after LT. RESULTS: HBV reinfection attributes to the unfavorable prognosis after LT. Many related factors may be responsible for it, including recipent factors (ethnical background, preoperative HBV replication status, extrahepatic HBV existence status), donor factors (compromised donor liver, HLA-A, -B compatibilities), perioperative treatment (use of antiviral agents, drug resistance, virus mutation, immunosuppressants protocol, blood transfusion) and others. CONCLUSIONS: The successful management of HBV reinfection will only be achieved by perfect clarification of its mechanism. The new strategies include new antiviral agents, gene therapy and immune intervention, reliable use of the compromised donor livers, and so on.

Antiviral Agents↗

PubMed2004

Activation of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase gene promoter by hepatocyte nuclear factor-1beta in human papillary thyroid cancer cells.

We previously demonstrated that the human nicotinamide N-methytransferase (NNMT) gene was highly expressed in many papillary thyroid cancers and cell lines. The expression in other papillary and follicular cancers or cell lines and normal thyroid cells was low or undetectable. To gain an understanding of the molecular mechanism of this cell-specific expression, the NNMT promoter was cloned and studied by luciferase reporter gene assay. The promoter construct was expressed highly in papillary cancer cell lines, including those with higher (e.g. BHP 2-7) and lower (e.g. BHP 14-9) NNMT gene expression, and expressed weakly in follicular thyroid cancer cell lines. Further study with 5'-deletion promoter construct suggested that the NNMT promoter was regulated differently in BHP 2-7 and BHP 14-9 cells. In BHP 2-7 cells, promoter activity was dependent on an upstream sequence. In BHP 14-9 cells, sequence in the basal promoter region contributed notably to the overall promoter activity. RT-PCR or Western blot analysis indicated that hepatocyte nuclear factor-1beta (HNF-1beta) was expressed in only papillary cancer cell lines with high NNMT gene expression. HNF-1beta was not expressed or expressed very weakly in other papillary, follicular, and Hurthle cancer cell lines and primary cultures of normal thyroid cells and benign thyroid conditions. A HNF-1 binding site was identified in the NNMT basal promoter region. Mutations in this site decreased NNMT promoter activity in the HNF-1beta-positive BHP 2-7 cells, but not in the HNF-1beta-negative BHP 14-9 cells. HNF-1beta bound to the HNF-1 site specifically as a homodimer as determined by gel retardation assays with HNF-1beta-specific antibody. Cotransfection of a HNF-1beta expression plasmid increased NNMT promoter activity significantly in both HNF-1beta-positive and -negative thyroid cancer cell lines and Hep G2 liver cancer cells. Furthermore, transient expression of HNF-1beta in BHP 14-9 cells increased endogenous NNMT protein levels. In summary, HNF-1beta functions as a transcription activator for NNMT gene expression in some papillary thyroid cancer cells.

Adenocarcinoma, Papillary↗

PubMed2004

[Diagnosis and treatment of hepatic artery thrombosis after liver transplantation].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the experience in prevention, diagnosis, and management of hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). METHODS: The clinical data of 198 patients undergoing OLT from April 1993 to September 2003 were analyzed among which 96 underwent anastomosis of hepatic artery with 7/0 prolene by running suture (group 1) and 102 by intermittent suture (group 2). Ultrasonic examination was routinely performed every day within two weeks after operation and then performed selectively afterwards. RESULTS: The incidence rate of HAT in group 2 was 1.0% (1/102), significantly lower than that in group 1 (6.3%, 6/96) (chi(2) = 4.027, P = 0.045). HAT was discovered by color ultrasonography in 6 of the 7 cases, and by exploratory laparotomy in 1 case. Out of the 7 patients with HAT, 6 received emergency thrombectomy, and 1 received conservative therapy but died from tumor recurrence eventually. Biliary complication developed in 3 out of the 6 cases after thrombectomy of whom 2 died of liver failure and one waited for retransplantation. One of the other 3 cases died of renal failure, and 2 cases survived. The mortality of patients with HAT was 57.1% (4/7). CONCLUSION: The technique of hepatic artery anastomosis is the key factor for the prevention of HAT. Routine ultrasonography is important in early detection of HAT after OLT. Biliary complication is a severe outcome secondary to HAT.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Label-free, real-time monitoring of IgE-mediated mast cell activation on microelectronic cell sensor arrays.

Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated mast cell activation is involved in the immediate phase of allergic reactions and plays a central role in the onslaught and persistence of allergic diseases. IgE-mediated mast cell activation includes two important events: cell sensitization resulting from IgE binding to Fc (FcepsilonRI) receptor and cell activation triggered by allergen-mediated oligomerization of membrane-bound IgE. Real-time monitoring of these events is needed to dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying IgE-mediated mast cell activation. Existing technologies are limited to label-based end-point assay formats, which detect either early signaling or final phase of mast cell activation. We describe a microelectronic cell sensor-based technology allowing dynamic monitoring of IgE-mediated mast cell sensitization and activation in real-time without any labeling steps. RBL-2H3 mast cells were cultured onto the surface of microelectronic cell sensor arrays integrated into the bottom of microtiter plates, which record electric properties, such as impedance between cell membrane and sensor surface. In the presence of the allergen, dinitrophenyl (DNP)-bovine serum albumin (BSA), anti-DNP IgE-sensitized cells were activated within 5 min and the entire activation process was quantitatively and continuously recorded. Impedance measurements correlate with morphological dynamics and mediator release as measured by beta-hexosaminidase activity, and can be blocked by pharmacological agents, inhibiting IgE-mediated signaling. The assay on microelectronic cell sensor arrays can be scaled up for high-throughput screening of pharmacological inhibitors of IgE-mediated mast cell activation and other cell-based receptor-ligand assays.

Cell Degranulation↗

PubMed2004

Application of real-time cell electronic sensing (RT-CES) technology to cell-based assays.

Label-free detection emerges as a new approach in the development of technologies for cell-based screening assays. Unlike the classic detection methods that use fluorescence, radioisotope, luminescence, or light absorption, label-free detection directly measures the cell function without using a labeled molecule. The advantages of label-free detection include a simple homogeneous assay format, noninvasive measurement, less interference with normal cell function, kinetic measurement, and reduced time for assay development. Here, we have applied the electrical impedance detection method in a real-time cell electronic sensing (RT-CES trade mark ) system for cell-based assays. The cell growth rate measured by this RT-CES system was comparable to actual cell number counted manually. In addition, cell proliferation, cytotoxicity, cytoprotection, cell growth inhibition, and apoptosis data generated by this RT-CES system correlated with those determined by the classic methods. The conclusion is that the RT-CES system is a useful tool for label-free detection of certain cell-based parameters.

Cell Line, Tumor↗

PubMed2004

Prevention and treatment of hepatic artery thrombosis after liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) which is a serious complication after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) remains a significant cause of graft loss. The purpose of this study was to sum up our experiences in the prevention, diagnosis and management of HAT after liver transplantation. METHODS: From April 1993 to September 2003, a total of 198 patients underwent OLT at our hospital. The hepatic artery was anastomosed using 7/0 prolane with running continuous suture in 96 patients (group 1) and with interrupted suture in 102 (group 2). Ultrasonography was performed every day in two weeks after operation and selectively afterwards. RESULTS: HAT occurred in 6 patients (6.3%, 6/96) of group 1, and in 1 (1%, 1/102) of group 2 (X2=4.027, P=0.045). Six patients received emergency thrombectomy, and 1 conservative therapy but died from tumor recurrence eventually. Biliary complication developed in 3 patients after thrombectomy of whom 2 died of liver failure and one waited for retransplantation. In the other 3 patients after thrombectomy, 1 died of renal failure, and 2 survived. The mortality of patients with HAT was 57.1% (4/7). CONCLUSIONS: The technique of hepatic arterial anastomosis is the key factor for the prevention of HAT. Routine ultrasonography is very important in early detection of HAT after OLT. Biliary complication is a severe outcome secondary to HAT.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

[X protein variations of genotype B and C hepatitis B virus isolated from the patients with hepatocellular carcinoma].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: X protein was one of the most important pathogens of hepatitis B virus (HBV), and was crucial in the carcinogenesis of HBV related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It was demonstrated that the infection of genotype B or C HBV would result in different clinical manifestations and pathological characteristics in HCC patients, however, it was under elucidation whether these differences related to different genotypes of HBV X protein. This study was designed to investigate the amino acid differentiations of X proteins in standard genotype B or C HBV strains and the variations in HBV isolated from the HCC patients, and elucidate preliminarily the relationship between the genotype of HBV and carcinogenesis of HCC. METHODS: HBV X genes from the serum of twenty-two HBsAg positive HCC patients were amplified, cloned and sequenced. Genotyping of the X gene was carried out by Vector NTI6.0 software and the amino acid alignment among the standard and HCC originated X protein were done by DNAMAN software. RESULTS: Twenty-two HBV X genes were obtained and all of them could be categorized into genotype B or C. Besides of 14 amino acid differentiations within X protein between standard B and C HBV strains, HCC originated X protein of B and C genotype showed 4 consensus amino acid variations, and genotype C X protein showed additional 6 genotype-specific variations. All these differentiated and varied amino acids were located in the B, T cell epitopes and transactive or related regulatory regions. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to amino acid differentiations, X protein of genotype B or C HBV also showed genotype-specific variations in HCC patients. Amino acid differentiations and variations may result in the different immunocompetence and transactivation capacity between X proteins of genotype B and C.

Amino Acid Sequence↗