HMGA2在胃癌细胞上皮-间充质转化中的作用

目的:探讨HMGA2在胃癌细胞上皮-间充质转化(EMT)中的作用及机制。方法:采用Western blot和RT-qPCR实验检测不同分化程度的人胃癌细胞株MKN45、MKN28和SGC7901以及人永生化胃黏膜上皮细胞株GES-1中HMGA2的表达水平;采用脂质体转染法将pcDNA3.0-HMGA2质粒转染至MKN28细胞中,将si-HMGA2干扰片段转染至MKN45细胞中,并采用Western blot和RT-qPCR实验检测转染效率;CCK-8实验检测HMGA2上调对MKN28细胞活力的影响以及HMGA2下调对MKN45细胞活力的影响;采用细胞迁移和侵袭实验检测HMGA2上调对MKN28细胞迁移和侵袭能力的影响;采用Western blot和RT-qPCR实验检测HMGA2过表达对MKN28细胞EMT相关标志蛋白上皮型钙黏蛋白(E-cadherin)、神经型钙黏蛋白(N-cadherin)和波形蛋白(vimentin)表达的影响以及敲减HMGA2表达对MKN45细胞E-cadherin、N-cadherin和vimentin表达的影响;采用RT-qPCR实验检测过表达HMGA2的MKN28细胞Wnt/β-catenin信号通路相关分子表达的变化。结果:HMGA2在不同分化程度的胃癌细胞中的表达水平是不同的(P0.05)。上调MKN28细胞HMGA2的表达水平能够抑制细胞活力(P0.05);而在MKN45细胞中下调HMGA2的表达水平能够增强细胞活力(P0.05)。上调MKN28细胞HMGA2的表达水平能够促进细胞的迁移和侵袭能力(P0.05),且E-cadherin表达降低,N-cadherin和vimentin表达升高(P0.05);敲减HMGA2在MKN45细胞的表达水平使E-cadherin表达升高,而N-cadherin和vimentin表达降低(P0.05)。上调MKN28细胞中HMGA2的表达水平,细胞内Wnt/β-catenin通路的β-catenin及其下游分子c-Myc和cyclin D1的mRNA表达水平显著增加(P0.05)。结论:HMGA2与胃癌细胞迁移和侵袭能力密切相关,并且能够通过激活细胞内Wnt/β-catenin通路,促进胃癌细胞EMT。     

GKN2在胃癌细胞增殖、转移中的作用及机制

目的探讨胃动蛋白2(gastrokine 2, GKN2)对胃癌细胞的生长增殖、侵袭、转移的影响及分子机制。方法利用qRT-pCR和Western blot法检测GKN2在胃癌组织中的表达;构建对照细胞株AGS-CON、SGC-7901-CON与GKN2过表达细胞株AGS-GKN2、SGC-7901-GKN2,应用qRT-pCR和Western blot法检测GKN2在各细胞株中的表达变化,RTCA系统和克隆形成实验检测细胞增殖功能,Transwell及划痕实验检测细胞迁移和侵袭功能,并通过Western blot观察GKN2表达变化对PI3K/AKT/PTEN/mTOR信号通路相关蛋白的作用。结果 GKN2在胃癌组织及多株胃癌细胞株中的表达明显低于癌旁组织和正常胃上皮细胞;RTCA系统显示GKN2过表达组的增殖活性明显低于对照组;克隆形成实验结果显示,GKN2过表达组的细胞克隆数和大小明显低于对照组;Transwell及划痕实验结果表明,GKN2过表达组纵向迁移/侵袭数和横向迁移数明显低于对照组。Western blot结果显示,GKN2过表达下调增殖相关蛋白PCNA、Survivin,抗凋亡蛋白BCL-2及转移相关蛋白MMP-7、MMP-9和MMP-2表达水平,而上调Timp2表达水平。Western blot结果亦显示,GKN2影响PI3K/AKT/PTEN/mTOR通路的激活水平,特别是明显上调PTEN的表达。结论 GKN2在胃癌组织及多株胃癌细胞株中呈低表达或表达丢失。GKN2影响胃癌细胞的增殖和转移,可能通过PI3K/AKT/PTEN/mTOR通路促进胃癌的发生、发展。     

lncRNA XIST通过靶向miR-3666调控胃癌细胞增殖、侵袭转移机制北大核心CSCD

目的:探讨lncRNA XIST对胃癌细胞增殖、侵袭转移的影响及分子机制。方法:收集武汉市第四医院30例胃癌患者癌组织及癌旁组织,培养正常胃黏膜上皮细胞MRG-1、胃癌细胞SGC-7901和AGS,采用实时荧光定量PCR(RT-qPCR)检测lncRNA XIST和miR-3666表达水平;通过敲减胃腺癌细胞AGS中lncRNA XIST表达以及下调miR-3666表达水平,分析lncRNA XIST及miR-3666对胃癌细胞的调控作用,将细胞AGS分为si-NC组、si-XIST组、miR-NC组、miR-3666组、si-XIST+antimiR-NC组、si-XIST+anti-miR-3666组;MTT检测细胞增殖情况;Transwell检测细胞迁移和侵袭;流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡;双荧光素酶报告实验检测lncRNA XIST和miR-3666的靶向关系。结果:与癌旁组织和正常胃黏膜上皮细胞MRG-1比较,胃癌组织和AGS、SGC-7901细胞中XIST表达水平升高,miR-3666表达水平降低(P<0.05)。敲除lncRNA XIST或过表达miR-3666,AGS细胞增殖能力减弱,迁移和侵袭能力降低,细胞凋亡率升高(P<0.05)。lncRNA XIST靶向调控miR-3666,抑制miR-3666逆转了XIST基因敲除对胃癌AGS细胞增殖、运动性及凋亡的影响。结论:敲除lncRNA XIST可通过上调miR-3666抑制胃癌细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭,并促进细胞凋亡。     

Tiam1表达与胃癌侵袭转移关系的临床和实验研究

目的检测T淋巴瘤侵袭转移诱导因子1(Tiam1)在正常胃黏膜组织、胃癌组织以及胃癌细胞系中的表达,探讨其与胃癌侵袭转移的关系。方法(1)应用免疫组化SABC法检测60例胃癌及正常胃黏膜组织中Tiam1蛋白的表达并分析其与胃癌临床病理参数间的关系。(2)应用逆转录PCR和SABC免疫组化技术分别检测Tiam1mRNA与蛋白在胃癌MKN45细胞(MO)及其高(MH)、低(ML)侵袭转移亚株中的表达,分析其与胃癌细胞侵袭转移能力的关系。结果(1)Tiam1蛋白在正常胃黏膜组织中阴性表达显著低于癌组织(0vs78.3%),两者差异有统计学意义(P<0.01),且随胃癌组织分化程度的降低、浸润深度的增加、TNM分期的升高及伴有淋巴结转移,Tiam1蛋白染色阳性率逐渐升高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。但Tiam1蛋白表达水平与胃癌患者的性别、年龄、部位及癌肿大小无关,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。(2)Tiam1mRNA和蛋白在胃癌MKN45细胞高侵袭转移亚株中的表达均较其在MKN45细胞及低侵袭转移亚株中的表达为强,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论Tiam1表达与胃癌侵袭转移能力呈正相关,且其有可能成为反映胃癌恶性生物学行为的一种新型标志物。     

DNMT在胃癌中的表达及DNMT抑制剂5-氮杂-2’-脱氧胞苷对胃癌的影响

目的: 研究DNA甲基化转移酶(DNMT)各亚型DNMT1、DNMT2、DNMT3A、DNMT3B和DNMT3L在胃癌与胃黏膜中的表达特点,并分析DNMT抑制剂5-氮杂-2’-脱氧胞苷对胃癌和胃黏膜细胞的影响。方法: 免疫组化法对60例胃癌与癌旁组织行5种DNMT表达研究。免疫荧光法和Western免疫印迹法对SGC-7901、MKN-45(胃癌细胞)和GES-1(胃黏膜细胞)行5种DNMT表达研究。噻唑蓝比色法和流式细胞术分析5-氮杂-2’-脱氧胞苷对SGC-7901、MKN-45和GES-1增殖、细胞周期和凋亡的影响。结果: 胃癌与癌旁组织均有5种DNMT不同程度表达,但胃癌组织DNMT1和DNMT3A表达显著低于癌旁组织(P<0.01),DNMT2和DNMT3L表达也低于癌旁组织(P<0.05),只有DNMT3B在胃癌与癌旁组织中无显著差异(P>0.05)。胃癌细胞(SGC-7901和MKN-45)与胃黏膜细胞(GES-1)亦有部分DNMT表达,除DNMT3B在胃黏膜细胞表达较强外,余DNMT在胃癌与胃黏膜细胞中无显著差异。5-氮杂-2’-脱氧胞苷对胃癌与胃黏膜细胞的增殖率、周期分布和凋亡率并无显著影响。结论: DNMT在胃癌中表达呈降低趋势,抑制DNMT对胃癌细胞的增殖和凋亡无显著影响。     

微小RNA-384靶向NK细胞表面受体NKG2A及STAT3蛋白对胃癌细胞生物学行为的作用机制北大核心CSCD

目的:探究微小RNA-384靶向NK细胞表面受体NKG2A及STAT3表达对胃癌细胞生物学行为的作用机制。方法:选取滕州市中心人民医院2017年4月至2020年3月已确诊的46例胃癌患者癌组织与癌旁组织标本进行研究。胃癌细胞分为胃癌组(胃癌细胞组)、对照组(转染NC组)、转染组(转染miRNA-384组)。PT-PCR检测胃癌细胞miR-384、NKG2A mRNA水平。MTT检测细胞增殖。流式细胞仪检测细胞凋亡。Western blot检测STAT3、Survivin蛋白水平。双荧光酶报告检测miR-384、NKG2A靶向关系。结果:与癌旁组织相比,胃癌组织中miR-384表达降低、NKG2A表达升高(P<0.05)。与转染miR-384-NC组相比,转染miR-384组NK细胞增殖率随着时间延长而升高,CD16+、CD56+阳性率显著升高(P<0.05),提示转染miR-384后,可促进NK细胞增殖。胃癌组与对照组相比各指标差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。与对照组相比,转染组miR-384、凋亡率升高,NKG2A表达、增殖率、STAT3、Survivin表达降低(P<0.05)。NKG2A与STAT3表达呈正相关(r=0.327,P=0.003);NKG2A与Survivin表达呈正相关(r=0.415,P<0.001);STAT3与Survivin呈正相关(r=0.351,P=0.001)。转染miR-384后野生型胃癌细胞中NKG2A活性及STAT3表达降低(P<0.05),突变型胃癌细胞中NKG2A及STAT3表达无明显变化(P>0.05),表明NKG2A及STAT3是miR-384的靶基因。结论:miR-384通过靶向NK细胞表面受体NKG2A及STAT3表达,降低Survivin活性,促进胃癌细胞凋亡并抑制其增殖。     

胃癌中TRIM11的表达及其对PI3K/Akt信号通路的影响

目的 探讨胃癌组织中三结构域蛋白11(tripartite motif containing 11, TRIM11)的表达及其对胃癌细胞PI3K/Akt信号通路的影响。方法 收集120例行手术切除的胃癌组织和对应癌旁组织,采用qRT-PCR和免疫组化法检测胃癌组织和癌旁组织中TRIM11 mRNA和蛋白的表达水平,并分析TRIM11 mRNA表达与胃癌临床病理特征的相关性。体外培养胃癌细胞系AGS,转染TRIM11-siRNA 24 h后,EdU检测胃癌细胞增殖情况,流式细胞仪检测胃癌细胞凋亡情况,Western blot法检测PI3K/Akt信号通路相关蛋白表达变化。结果 癌旁组织中TRIM11阳性率为11.7%(14/120),胃癌组织中TRIM11阳性率为80.8%(97/120),差异有统计学意义(P<0.01),且TRIM11表达与胃癌临床分期、浸润深度、淋巴结转移相关(P<0.05)。与正常胃黏膜上皮细胞相比,胃癌细胞中TRIM11 mRNA表达升高(P<0.01)。与Control组相比,TRIM11-siRNA组胃癌细胞的增殖显著降低(P<0.0...     

胃癌中MCU的表达及对胃癌细胞转移的作用

目的探讨线粒体钙单向转运蛋白(mitochondrial calcium uniporter, MCU)在胃癌组织中的表达以及对胃癌细胞转移的影响。方法采用免疫组化SP法检测60例原发性胃癌和癌旁组织中MCU的表达;采用免疫荧光法和Western blot法检测20例新鲜胃癌组织及癌旁组织中MCU的表达。采用CCK-8实验检测MCU诱导剂(Spermine)对人胃癌细胞(MGC-803)增殖的影响。应用Transwell和细胞划痕实验检测对照组、Spermine组、siRNA MCU组对MGC-803细胞侵袭和迁移能力的影响。根据不同分组,干预48 h,通过线粒体膜电位检测钙离子,Western blot法检测MCU蛋白的表达水平。结果胃癌组织中MCU表达水平显著高于癌旁组织。细胞实验结果显示,Spermine对MGC-803细胞增殖的影响呈剂量依赖性。Spermine显著增加MGC-803细胞迁移和侵袭能力,siRNA MCU组显著降低细胞侵袭和迁移的细胞数量。线粒体膜电位结果表明,MCU调控胃癌细胞线粒体膜电位钙离子的水平。siRNA MCU组显著降低HIF-1α、TGF-β和增加E-cadherin蛋白的表达。结论 MCU在胃癌组织中高表达并促进胃癌细胞侵袭和迁移,对HIF-1α和TGF-β表达具有调控作用。     

siRNA靶向干扰circ_0055625表达对胃癌细胞增殖及转移的影响北大核心CSCD

目的:探讨siRNA靶向干扰circ_0055625表达对胃癌细胞增殖及转移的影响及其可能作用机制。方法:qRTPCR法检测胃癌组织与癌旁组织中circ_0055625、miR-1225-3p的表达量;Pearson法分析胃癌组织中circ_0055625与miR-1225-3p表达量的相关性;体外培养人胃癌细胞AGS,脂质体转染法将si-NC、si-circ_0055625、miR-NC、miR-1225-3p mimics、si-circ_0055625与anti-miR-NC(共转染)、si-circ_0055625与anti-miR-1225-3p(共转染)分别转染至AGS细胞;MTT、克隆形成实验分别检测细胞增殖及克隆形成能力;划痕实验与Transwell实验分别检测细胞迁移及侵袭能力;双荧光素酶报告实验检测circ_0055625与miR-1225-3p的靶向调控关系;Western blot法检测Snail、Vimentin、YAP-1蛋白表达量。结果:胃癌组织中circ_0055625的表达量高于癌旁组织(P<0.05),miR-1225-3p的表达量低于癌旁组织(P<0.05);circ_0055625与miR-1225-3p呈负相关(r=-0.8816,P<0.001);转染si-circ_0055625或转染miR-1225-3p mimics后细胞存活率降低(P<0.05),克隆形成数和侵袭细胞数减少(P<0.05),划痕愈合率和Snail、Vimentin、YAP-1蛋白水平降低(P<0.05);circ_0055625能够靶向结合miR-1225-3p,并可负向调控miR-1225-3p的表达;共转染si-circ_0055625与anti-miR-1225-3p能够逆转si-circ_0055625对AGS细胞增殖、克隆形成、迁移及转移的抑制作用。结论:siRNA靶向干扰circ_0055625表达可通过上调miR-1225-3p表达而抑制胃癌细胞增殖、克隆形成、迁移及侵袭。     

miR-551b-3p在胃癌组织中低表达并抑制胃癌细胞系HGC-27的增殖、迁移和侵袭

目的探讨miR-551b-3p在胃癌中的表达变化情况,及其对胃癌细胞功能的影响。方法用real-time PCR的方法检测60例胃癌组织及其对应的癌旁组织中miR-551b-3p的表达量,使用miR-551b-3p模拟物(miR-551b-3p mimic)转染胃癌细胞系HGC-27,CCK-8法检测细胞增殖;划痕愈合实验检测细胞迁移;Transwell法检测细胞侵袭。结果 1)miR-551b-3p在胃癌癌症组织中的表达明显低于癌旁组织(P0.05)。2)过表达miR-551b-3p mimic可以明显减弱胃癌细胞系HGC-27的增殖、迁移和侵袭能力。结论 miR-551b-3p在胃癌组织中低表达,并且抑制胃癌细胞系HGC-27的增殖、迁移和侵袭,可能与胃癌发生发展密切相关。     

Renal dysplasia and asplenia in two sibs

A family is reported in which two sibs, one male and the other female, both died within 24 hours of birth with enlarged polycystic kidneys. Postmortem histology in the second child showed gross renal dysplasia. In both children the pancreas was enlarged, nodular and cystic but the liver appeared macroscopically normal. In the second child, histological examination confirmed pancreatic fibrosis with cystic dilation of ducts, but showed portal fibrosis with bile duct proliferation in the liver.
This combination of findings is very reminiscent of those in a girl and her brother reported by Ivemark et al. (1959). The children reported here also showed absence or hypoplasia of the spleen, cardiac anomalies and other features of the Ivemark syndrome (Ivemark 1955), a quite different, usually sporadic, congenital disorder. It is suggested that the children described here have a distinct lethal congenital disorder, probably inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.     

Schizophrenia in a North Swedish geographical isolate, 1900–1977. Epidemiology, genetics and biochemistry

Over 200 schizophrenic patients belonging to three major and interrelated pedigree complexes have been investigated over the past 30 years in a North Swedish geographically isolated population, presently numbering about 6,000. An intensive investigation of a number of biochemical correlates and genetic markers in a few selected families belonging to one of the major pedigrees has indicated new strategies for the current research program.
Schizophrenia, as defined operationally, is significantly associated with decreased activities of two enzymes (1) blood platelet monoamine oxidase, (2) plasma dopamine-β-hydroxylase, and (3) with the genetic marker Gc² (group specific antigen). Both enzymes are subject to genetic variation. A positive score for linkage between schizophrenia and low plasma DBH activity has been calculated, but, so far, available data are insufficient for discrimination between linkage and partial contribution of genetically controlled low plasma DBH to the pathogenesis of the disease. Alternatively, both mechanisms could be involved.
As a model for continued research, schizophrenia is explained as based on a double dominant-recessive genotype (Aabb), representing a vulnerability which in about 50 % of cases develops into clinical schizophrenia. It is suggested that the dominant mutation (A) operates on or affects MAO activity, and that the recessive genotype (bb) is instrumental in low variates of DBH activity and very likely such variates within the normal range of physiological variation. Moreover, it is suggested that the combined effects of MAO- and DBH-reduced efficiency on the metabolism of e.g. dopamine could be an essential pathogenic mechanism for the schizophrenic illness which is segregating in this population.     

What will studies of Fulani individuals naturally exposed to malaria teach us about protective immunity to malaria?

There are an estimated over 200 million yearly cases of malaria worldwide. Despite concerted international effort to combat the disease, it still causes approximately half a million deaths every year, the majority of which are young children with Plasmodium falciparum infection in sub-Saharan Africa. Successes are largely attributed to malaria prevention strategies, such as insecticide-treated mosquito nets and indoor spraying, as well as improved access to existing treatments. One important hurdle to new approaches for the treatment and prevention of malaria is our limited understanding of the biology of Plasmodium infection and its complex interaction with the immune system of its human host. Therefore, the elimination of malaria in Africa not only relies on existing tools to reduce malaria burden, but also requires fundamental research to develop innovative approaches. Here, we summarize our discoveries from investigations of ethnic groups of West Africa who have different susceptibility to malaria.     

The universal muscular chain reaction,muscle spasm,Torsions, ruptures and extravasations. Chameleons of pathology and some manifestations of simple muscular disorders

Most bodily functions require the coordinated actions of complementary and supplementary paired muscle groups. Where this essential muscular cooperation is lacking, hollow organs may burst and others become literally screwed up, giving rise to many similar spastic diseases such as Torticollis, Twisted ovarian cyst, Torsion of the Testis, Volvulus of the intestines, Varicose Veins, Megacolon, Aortamegaly, Scoliosis, Erb's Palsy, Peyronie's Disease, Main-en-Griffe, Undescended Foot (Pes Cavus), Talipes, Strabismus. Spasm is “panenepidemic” and unclassified examples of Torsion Dystonia and Dyskinesia really are as common as debt and taxes.     

Class II HLA in Georgia Caucasus Tbilisi Georgians and their Mediterranean ancestry: The Usko Mediterranean languages

Georgia (or Sakartvelo in its own language) is a South Caucasus Mts. country with its easternmost part is enigmatically named Iberia, like the Iberian Peninsula, which may refer to rivers “Kura” and “Ebro” or their valleys respectively. Most of their inhabitants speak Georgian which is included within Dene-Caucasian group and Usko-Mediterranean subgroup of languages. The latter includes Basque, Berber, ancient Iberian-Tartessian, Etruscan, Hittite, Minoan Lineal A and others. In the present paper, HLA class II -DRB1 and -DQB1 alleles has been studied and extended haplotypes calculated. Most frequent haplotypes are also of Mediterranean origin (i. e.: (A*02-B*51)-DRB1*11:01-DQB1*03:01, (A*02-B*51)-DRB1*13:01-DQB1*06:03, or (A*24-B*35)-DRB1*01:01-DQB1*05:01) and DA genetic distances show that closest world populations to Georgians are Mediterraneans. Georgians also show common extended haplotypes ((A*02-B*51)-DRB1*11:01-DQB1*03:01, (A*02-B*13)-DRB1*07:01-DQB1*02:01 and (A*03-B*35)-DRB1*11:01-DQB1*03:01) with Svan people, a secluded population in North Georgia mountains. We can conclude that Georgians belong to a very old Mediterranean substratum according to both linguistics (Usko Mediterranean languages) and HLA genetics.     

Hypo- und Hypermagnesämie aus kardiologischer Sicht

Zusammenfassung Eine Reihe pathologischer Zustände bedingen Magnesiummangel. Zustände mit Hypermagnesämie sind ebenfalls bekannt, doch wesentlich seltener. Für den Kardiologen beachtenswert ist, daß unter Therapie mit bestimmten Diuretica bei Herzinsuffizienz, bei Herzinfarkt, Kardiomyopathie, Digitalisintoxikation und bestimmten Herzrhythmusstörungen Hypomagnesämie beobachtet wurde. Leider kann in der klinischen Routine nur ein extracelluläres Magnesiumdefizit durch Serumbestimmungen gemessen werden; über Magnesiummangel einzelner Organe kann nichts ausgesagt werden. Hinweise für Magnesiummangel geben aber neben der Messung des Serumspiegels Anamnese, klinischer Befund, bestimmte EKG-Veränderungen wie auch evtl. Hypokalämie, ein Zustand, bei dem sich oft — besonders bei Aldosteronismus — parallele Veränderungen zeigten.Tierexperimente deuten darauf hin, daß infarktähnliche Läsionen unter Magnesiummangel entstehen, doch ob Herzinfarkt beim Menschen durch Magnesiummangel ausgelöst werden kann, ist noch ungeklärt. In Leichenherzen zeigte sich im Infarktgebiet neben Calciumakkumulation signifikanter Magnesiumverlust, wobei unklar blieb, ob sich Ursache oder Folge des Infarktes widerspiegelten. Falls ein ursächlicher Zusammenhang besteht, ist er im Myokardstoffwechsel selbst zu suchen, wie bei der Alkoholkardiomyopathie, wo myokardialer Magnesiummangel zumindest als pathogenetischer Teilfaktor anerkannt wird. Andererseits versucht man aber auch Beziehungen zwischen Atherosklerose, Blutgerinnung und Hypomagnesämie herzustellen, in der Meinung, daß Magnesiummangel auch über den coronaren Pathomechanismus des Herzinfarktes wirken könnte. Sicher scheint, daß gewisse EKG-Veränderungen und Herzrhythmusstörungen durch einen irritierten Magnesiumhaushalt bedingt sein können, da sie bei Gabe bzw. Entzug von Magnesium verschwinden. Daß Magnesiummangel die Glykosidtoleranz verringert, wird tierexperimentell bestätigt. Unter Hypomagnesämie bewirkt Acetylstrophanthidin eher und länger Rhythmusstörungen als ohne, außerdem lassen diese sich durch Magnesiumgaben eliminieren. Da in gewissen Fällen spontane und digitalisinduzierte Herzrythmusstörungen durch Magnesiuminjektionen beseitigt wurden, scheint Magnesium als Therapeuticum angebracht. Einsatz verschiedener Magnesiumsalze bei Angina pectoris, degenerativen Herzerkrankungen und Herzinsuffizienz ohne geprüften und offensichtlich gestörten Magnesiumhaushalt ist fragwürdig, weil keine eindeutigen klinischen Erfolgsbeweise vorliegen. Immerhin mag es aber larvierte, durch Serumbestimmungen nicht erfaßbare Mangelzustände geben. Allgemein erscheint es aus kardiologischer Sicht ratsam, den Magnesiumhaushalt zu überwachen und in entsprechenden Fällen auszugleichen, um möglichen Myokardläsionen oder fatalen Herzrhythmusstörungen entgegenzuwirken.     

HLA in North Colombia Chimila Amerindians

HLA-A,-B,-C,-DRB1 and -DQB1 alleles have been studied in Chimila Amerindians from Sabana de San Angel (North Colombian Coast) by using high resolution molecular typing. A frequent extended haplotype was found:HLA-A*24:02-B*51:10-C*15:02-BRB1*04:07-DQB1*03:02 (28.7%) which has also been described in Amerinndian Mayos Mexican population (Mexico, California Gulf, Pacific Ocean). Other haplotypes had already been found in Amerindians from Mexico (Pacific and Atlantic Coast), Peru (highlands and Amazon Basin), Bolivia and North USA. A geographic pattern according to HLA allele or haplotype frequencies is lacking in Amerindians, as already known. Also, five new extended haplotypes were found in Chimila Amerindians. Their HLA-A*24:02 high frequencies characteristic is shared with aboriginal populations of Taiwan; also, HLA-C*01:02 high frequencies are found in New Zealand Maoris, New Caledonians and Kimberly Aborigines from Australia. Finally, this study may show a model of evolutionary factors acting and rising one HLA allele frequency (-A*24:02), but not in others that belong to the same or different HLA loci.     

Functional role of fertility α2

Fertility α₂-microglobulin is one of the main proteins expressed between the late lutein phase of the menstrual cycle and the first gestation trimester. It is produced by endometrial secretory glandular epithelium and decidual membrane. It is believed to be involved in the preparation to gestation, conception, normal development of the fetoplacental system, and initiation of labor. The immunomodulating, effect of fertility α₂-microglobulin and its possible involvement in the regulation of fertilization by blocking the spermatozoon reaction with the ovocyte lucid membrane were demonstratedin vitro. The data of structural analysis (appurtenance to lipocalines and unique pattern of N-glycosylation) and analysis of the spatial and temporal parameters of the expression in connection with other events in the organism within the same system of coordinates propated us to investigate the probability of realization of other, so far unknown functions of α₂-microglobulin. The probable mechanisms of realization of the immunomodulating function are analyzed. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 126, No. 10, pp. 364–373, October 1998     

Environmental risk factors and their role in the management of atopic dermatitis

Introduction: The etiology of atopic dermatitis (AD) is multifactorial with interaction between genetics, immune and environmental factors.

Areas covered: We review the role of prenatal exposures, irritants and pruritogens, pathogens, climate factors, including temperature, humidity, ultraviolet radiation, outdoor and indoor air pollutants, tobacco smoke exposure, water hardness, urban vs. rural living, diet, breastfeeding, probiotics and prebiotics on AD.

Expert commentary: The increased global prevalence of AD cannot be attributed to genetics alone, suggesting that evolving environmental exposures may trigger and/or flare disease in predisposed individuals. There is a complex interplay between different environmental factors, including individual use of personal care products and exposure to climate, pollution, food and other exogenous factors. Understanding these complex risk factors is crucial to developing targeted interventions to prevent the disease in millions. Moreover, patients require counseling on optimal regimens for minimization of exposure to irritants and pruritogens and other harmful exposures.