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Biomedical subjects

Z Rong

Publications and source records attributed to Z Rong.

11 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Alteration of surfactant proteins A and D in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the interaction between surfactant proteins and pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), and the impact of corticosteriods on surfactant proteins. METHODS: We established rat models of PCP and bacterial pneumonia induced by subcutaneous injection of 25 mg cortisone acetate. At 8-12 wk, the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of rats was collected. Total nucleated cells of BALF were counted and differentiated, and the concentrations of surfactant protein A (SP-A) and surfactant protein D (SP-D) were measured by immunoblotting assay. The rats were divided into three immunosuppressive groups and a normal control group. Group I, normal control (n = 6), consisted of healthy SD rats; group II, negative control (n = 6), consisted of rats with cortisone acetate injection for over 8 wk without lung infection; group III, bacterial pneumonia (n = 11), rats were injected with cortisone acetate over 8 wk that resulted in bacterial pneumonia without other pathogens isolated; and group IV, PCP (n = 14), rats with injected cortisone acetate for 8-12 wk and developed PCP without other pathogens isolated. RESULTS: Our results indicated that the total cell count in BALF in the negative control group was lower than that in the normal control group (P < 0.001). During PCP infection, the total cell count and the percentage of polymorphonuclearcytes (PMNs) in BALF were significantly increased (P < 0.01), but were lower than those in the bacterial pneumonia group. The concentration of SP-A of BALF in PCP (45.1 +/- 22.1 micrograms/ml) was significantly increased in comparison with that in the negative control (16.2 +/- 9.9 micrograms/ml, P < 0.05) and bacterial pneumonia groups (6.2 +/- 5.6 micrograms/ml, P < 0.001). We also found that the relative content of SP-D was significantly higher in PCP (24,249 +/- 4780 grey values) than that in the negative control (13,384 +/- 2887 grey values, P < 0.001) and that in bacterial pneumonia (11,989 +/- 2750 grey values, P < 0.001). SP-A and SP-D were also higher in the moderate to heavy group of PCP than those seen in the mild group (P < 0.01, P < 0.001). SP-A and SP-D were higher in the negative control group than those in the normal control group, but there was no significant difference between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the concentrations of SP-A and SP-D in BALF are increased by pneumocystis carinii specific stimulation, but the alteration is not related to the corticosteriod usage.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Relationship between the burden of Pneumocystis carinii, the inflammatory reaction and lung injury in Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between the burden of Pneumocystis carinii (P. carinii) and the inflammatory reaction and biochemical markers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) in a rat model of P. carinii pneumonia (PCP). METHODS: Clean grade 50 male Sprague-Dawley rats were immunosuppressed by a subcutaneous injection of 25 mg cortisone acetate twice a week for 8-12 weeks; the PCP model was successfully induced in 14 rats. The inflammatory reaction and biochemical markers of the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and type IV collagenase (matrix metalloproteinases, MMP-2, MMP-9) as well as the values of total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) in BALF between the mild burden group of P. carinii (involved alveoli < 25% per 100 alveoli, Group A) and the moderate to severe burden group (involved alveoli > or = 25% per 100 alveoli, Group B) were measured. The other six clean grade SD rats served as normal control group (Group C). RESULTS: The total white cell count in BALF was higher in Group B [(6.8 +/- 1.7) x 10(6)/L] than in Group A [(3.8 +/- 1.2) x 10(6)/L] (P < 0.01); however, there were no differences in white cell differentiation. Assays of biochemical markers showed that ALB in BALF in Group B (0.893 +/- 0.469 g/L) was increased in comparison with Group A (0.262 +/- 0.169 g/L); it was only 0.026 +/- 0.021 g/L in Group C. The contents of TP and activities of LDH were higher in Group B (TP 1.756 +/- 0.706 g/L, LDH 2580 +/- 550 U/L) than in Group A (TP 0.784 +/- 0.553 g/L, LDH 1410 +/- 620 U/L); the values of TP and LDH were 0.063 +/- 0.020 g/L and 370 +/- 250 U/L respectively in Group C. The activity of Type IV collagenase, including MMP-2 and MMP-9, was higher in Group B than in Group A (P < 0.01) (MMP-2: 1102 +/- 169 grey value vs 459 +/- 274 grey value; MMP-9: 1218 +/- 257 grey value vs 449 +/- 225 grey value). There was no activity of Type IV collagenase in BALF of Group C. No statistically significant difference was observed in ALP between the groups B and A. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that there is a significant correlation between the burden of P. carinii in lung tissues and the inflammatory reaction as well as biochemical markers of the resultant activity of lung injury.

Albumins↗
PubMed1999

Epstein-Barr virus infection in nasopharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To detect whether Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) harbors in nasopharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia (NPLH) which is frequently to be seen in Guangzhou, a high-incidence area of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), and to explore the relation between NPLH and development of NPC. METHODS: Twenty-four 10% formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded biopsies oef patients with NPLH and elevated serum IgA antibody titer (> or = 1:20) against viral capsid antigen of EB virus (IgA/VCA) were collected from the archives of the Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University of Medical Sciences during the period of January to June, 1993. PCR plus Southern blotting hybridization for detection of EBV DNA W-fragment and in situ hybridization for detection of EB virus encoded small RNAs (EBERs) were performed. All the patients were followed up more than 5 years. RESULTS: Twenty-two of 24 (91.7%) NPLH tissues contained EBV DNA. A few definitely EBERs positive B-lymphocytes could be found in 17 out of 24 specimens (70.8%). Neither NPC nor any EBV-associated malignancies were developed in all of these 24 patients up to date. CONCLUSION: Most of the NPLH tissues taken from the patients with an elevated serum IgA/VCA titer carry EBV, which is harbouring in the nuclei of a few infiltrating and hyperplastic B-lymphocytes. The NPLH without epithelial dysplasia can not be recognized as a precancerous lesion, and EBV infection in these lesions is not an important event, having no substantial significance in development of NPC.

Capsid↗
PubMed1999

[Clinical analysis of 90 cases with endobronchial tuberculosis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical features and early definite diagnosis of endobronchial tuberculosis(EBTB). METHODS: Clinical symptoms, chest X-ray/CT manifestations and fiberoptic bronchoscopic findings of 90 cases with EBTB were analyzed. RESULTS: Main symptoms were as follows: cough in 75 cases, fever in 27, haemoptysis in 24, pleural pain in 18, dyspnea in 11, weight loss in 7, etc. Signs of airway obstruction were rare, localized wheezing was found only in 2 cases. 7 cases in chest X-ray were normal, and only 2 cases in CT were indicative of EBTB. Bronchoscopic results showed exudative lesions in 38% of the cases, granulomatous lesions in 9%, cicatricial lesions in 26%, ulcerative lesions in 17%, and normal-like demonstrations in 11%. Positive results were found in 8 out of 50 by sputum acid-fast staining, 73 out of 86 by bronchoscopic brushing smears, and 17 out of 56 by bronchial biopsies. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical features of EBTB are non-specific, and EBTB can not be excluded only by normal chest X-ray findings. In contrast to CT, bronchoscopy plays an important role in definite diagnosis of the disease. When patients with slight fever of unknown origin or respiratory symptoms do not respond to general treatment, EBTB should be suspected and early fibereoptic bronchoscopy be performed. Fiberoptic bronchoscopic brushing examination for acid-fast bacillus and bronchial biopsy are beneficial to rapid and definite diagnosis of EBTB.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

[Study on inflammatory response and alteration of biochemical components in BALF from Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia].

OBJECTIVE: To study the cellular and biochemical changes in airways in pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP). METHODS: The cellular and biochemical changes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) between PCP and bacterial pneumonia in rat models induced by cortisone acetate(GC) injections were compared. The activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and type IV collagenase(matrix metalloproteinases, MMP-2, MMP-9) in BALF were measured. The rats were divided into four groups: (1) normal controls: 6 healthy SD rats; (2) negative control: 6 rats with GC injection over 8 weeks without lung infection; (3) bacterial pneumonia: 11 rats with GC injection over 8 weeks complicating bacterial pneumonia without other pathogens isolated; (4) PCP: 14 rats with GC injection during 8-12 weeks complicating PCP without other pathogens isolated. RESULTS: In PCP the total cell counts (6.9 +/- 2.6) x 10(6)/L and the percentage of PMNs (18.6 +/- 6.0)% in BALF were increased compared with negative control(P < 0.01), but were lower than those in bacterial pneumonia group(P < 0.01). ALB in BALF in PCP (623 +/- 484) g/L was increased compared with negative control (36 +/- 16) g/L(P < 0.05) and bacterial pneumonia(91 +/- 43) g/L(P < 0.05). The activities of ALP and LDH in PCP [(217 +/- 81) U/L, (208 +/- 82) U/L respectively] were higher than those in negative control [(75 +/- 37) U/L, (86 +/- 61) U/L, P < 0.05)] and bacterial pneumonia [(90 +/- 45) U/L, (130 +/- 75) U/L, P < 0.05]. The activities of Type IV collagenase, including MMP-2, MMP-9, were increased in PCP compared with negative control (P < 0.001) and bacterial pneumonia (P < 0.001, P < 0.01), and the activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 had positive correlations with total cell counts in BALF (r = 0.652, P < 0.05; r = 0.803, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: It suggests that there are differences in the cellular and biochemical aspects of lung inflammation and injury between PCP and bacterial pneumonia.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

The association of Ala54Thr variant of intestinal fatty acid binding protein gene with general and regional adipose tissue depots.

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the relationship between the Ala54Thr variation of FABP2 gene and general as well as regional adipose tissue depots. SUBJECTS: 165 subjects, in which 86 were subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) [age 54.45+/-9.80, male/female 1.05, body mass index (BMI) 26.48+/-4.01] and 79 were subjects with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) (age 55.86+/-10.00, male/female 1.08, BMI 26.75+/-3.30). DESIGN AND MEASUREMENTS: An association study of FABP2-Ala54Thr variation detected by PCR/HhaI digestion with general and regional adipose tissue depots determined by BMI and magnetic resonance imaging [abdominal subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue area (SA and VA) and femoral subcutaneous adipose tissue area (FA)]. RESULTS: The geneotype and allele frequencies of FABP2-Ala54Thr variation in Chinese were quite close to the frequencies in American Caucasians and Pima Indians reported in the literature. Significant difference in genotype frequency distribution was observed between FA subgroups comparisons (FA > or = 75 cm2 versus FA < 75 cm2) in NIDDM subjects (X2 = 11.460, P = 0.003), with significantly increased in Thr54-carrier [Thr54 (+)] genotype frequency and Thr54 allele frequency in NIDDM subject with FA < 75 cm2 (odd ratio for genotype was 4.62, X2 = 10.112, P = 0.001; and for allele = 2.36, X2 = 5.379, P = 0.020). The FA in NIDDM-Thr54 (+) subgroup was significantly lower than that in subjects with NIDDM-Thr54 (-) subgroup (61.19+/-21.51 cm2 versus 75.36+/-31.70 cm2, P = 0.021). Stepwise regression analysis revealed that FABP2-Thr54 genotype variation was an independent factor contributing to the variation of FA in NIDDM (P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: FABP2 is associated with regional adipose tissue depot. The decreased femoral subcutaneous adipose tissue depot in NIDDM subjects is related to FABP2-Thr54 variant.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1996

Measurements of membrane diffusing capacity and pulmonary capillary blood volume in normal subjects and patients with mild emphysema.

OBJECTIVE: To establish predicted values of membrane diffusing capacity (Dm) and pulmonary capacity blood volume (Vc), to compare the predicted values from our equations with those for Caucasians, to determine whether there are changes initially in Dm or Vc in patients with mild emphysema. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco), Dm and Vc were determined in 86 normal subjects and 16 patients using the single-breath diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLcosB) with two different alveolar concentrations of oxygen. RESULTS: The predicted equations are as follows. For males, DLco (ml/min/mm Hg) = 0.37H-0.19A-27.8; Dm (ml/min/mm Hg) = 0.65H-0.24A-53.7; Vc(ml) = 0.88H-78.9. For females, DLco = 0.28H-22.7; Dm = 0.59H-53.6; Vc = 66.6-0.36A. DLco and Vc are lower in Chinese than Caucasians while Dm is similar in Chinese and Caucasians. Eleven of 16 patients had a low DLco (< 80% predicted value), 12 had a low Dm and 5 had a low Vc. Eight of 12 patients with a low Dm also had a low DLco, but in 4 the DLco was normal. Nine of 12 with low Dm had a normal Vc. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides prediction equations of Dm and Vc. Chinese have a low DLco because their Vc is lower than Caucasians. The DLco and Dm are abnormal in a comparable percentage of patients. In patients with mild emphysema, the Dm becomes abnormal before the Vc.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Early signs of myopia in Chinese schoolchildren.

We looked for the earliest signs of the onset of myopia in 194 emmetropic (-0.25 to +0.75 D) eyes by following them for 1 to more than 2 years. Visual acuity examination, cycloplegic retinoscopy, and A-scan ultrasonography were performed at intervals of 6 to 12 months. Of the 194 eyes 64 became myopic during the observation time. Our results show that during the progression from emmetropia to myopia the change in visual acuity is not a good indicator of the onset of myopia. When visual acuity decreased to below 6/6 (20/20) cycloplegic retinoscopy showed that most of the 64 eyes had become truly myopic and A-scan ultrasonography revealed a significant increase in vitreous chamber depth and axial length as compared to the non-myopic eyes. In the early stage of myopia development the anteroposterior diameter of the eye elongates. However, changes in anterior chamber depth and lens thickness did not differ between the myopic and non-myopic group. Our results suggest that routine ocular refraction should be conducted in addition to the school vision screening. For those who have visual acuity 6/6 (20/20) and ametropia of -0.25 D or more minus we would like to be able to prevent or at least retard the development of myopia.

Child↗
PubMed1990

Studies on medicamentous inhibitory therapy for esophageal precancerous lesions--3- and 5-year inhibitory effects of antitumor-B, retinamide and riboflavin.

Since 1983, we have been conducting inhibitory therapy for precancerous lesions of the esophagus in two regions of Henan Province considered high-risk areas of esophageal carcinoma. Our goal was to effect a 50% reduction in the canceration rate of marked esophageal dysplasia. By means of a cytological survey, 2531 cases of marked esophageal dysplasia and 3393 cases of mild esophageal dysplasia were selected. The former were randomly divided into 3 groups for antitumor-B (ATB, a mixture of Chinese herbs), retinamide (4-ethoxycarbophenylretinamide) and placebo treatment respectively, and the latter into 2 groups treated with riboflavin and placebo respectively. Treatment was continued for 3 or 5 years (administration rate greater than 90% in all groups) and esophageal cytology reexamined (reexamination rates were 94.1% and 92.5% respectively). Our results were as follows: 1) ATB 3- and 5-year subjects saw the canceration rate of marked esophageal dysplasia drop by 52.2% and 47.3% respectively as compared to control (P less than 0.01). 2) Retinamide lowered the canceration rate by 37.3% after a 3-year treatment period, with this reduction reaching 43.2% after an additional 2 years of treatment with increased dosages (P less than 0.05, P less than 0.01). 3) In the riboflavin group, the canceration rate of mild esophageal dysplasia was reduced by 22.2% and 34.8% after 3 and 5 years of treatment respectively, but these differences were not statistically significant. The above results verify the efficacy of medicamentous inhibitory therapy for esophageal precancerous lesions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗