连南瑶族人群H型高血压与亚甲基四氢叶酸还原酶基因C677T多态性的关系

目的探讨亚甲基四氢叶酸还原酶(MTHFR)基因C677T多态性与连南瑶族自治县瑶族人群H型高血压的相关性,以期为该地区H型高血压的预防和治疗提供理论依据。方法选取2018年1月至2019年6月在连南瑶族自治县人民医院门诊及住院患者以及体检中心健康自愿者,且以三代均居住在连南瑶族自治县境内瑶族人群共363人为研究对象,根据血压及血浆同型半胱氨酸(Hcy)水平,将其分为正常对照组(124人)、非H型高血压组(136人)、H型高血压组(103例)。采用聚合酶链反应-限制性酶切片断长度多态性(PCR-RFLP)法对正常对照组、非H型高血压组、H型高血压组人群进行MTHFR基因C677T多态性检测,对H型高血压发生相关危险因素进行Logistic回归分析。结果经PCR-RFLP检测发现,3组MTHFR C677T隐性模型CC+CT、TT基因型分布频率比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。H型高血压组MTHFR C677T的CC、CT和TT基因型Hcy水平分别为(15.52±2.47)、(18.24±2.61)和(21.06±2.87)μmol/L,差异有统计学意义(F=39.400,P0.001),其中TT基因型Hcy含量高于CC、CT基因型,CT基因型Hcy含量高于CC基因型(P0.05)。Logistic回归分析结果显示,MTHFR C677T TT基因型是连南瑶族自治县瑶族人群H型高血压发病的危险因素(OR 2.210、95%CI 1.103～4.428)。结论连南瑶族自治县瑶族人群MTHFR C677T TT基因型是发生H型高血压的危险因素。     

MTHFR C677T位点基因多态性和同型半胱氨酸水平在冠心病合并高血压患者中的临床相关性分析

目的:探讨皖北汉族冠心病(CHD)合并高血压患者MTHFR基因多态性(C677T)及同型半胱氨酸(Hcy)水平与临床冠状动脉(冠脉)血管病变关系,为早期评估病变程度及危险度提供新证据。方法:纳入CHD合并高血压患者160例(CHD合并高血压组),及单纯高血压患者77例(高血压组),另纳入健康对照者34例(对照组)。采用高效液相色谱法测量各组Hcy水平,采用荧光定量PCR检测各组MTHFR基因C677T位点的多态性。计算血管病变支数,以Gensini评分评估冠脉病变程度。结果:CHD合并高血压组Hcy水平[(17.60±9.70)μmol/L]高于高血压组[(16.56±7.70)μmol/L],但无统计学差异;以上两组Hcy水平均显著高于对照组[(13.13±5.21)μmol/L],差异有统计学意义(均P0.05)。CHD合并高血压组中TT基因型频率(35.5%)显著高于对照组(14.7%),差异有统计学意义(P0.05);携带T突变基因(CT+TT型)患者Gensini评分(37.17±35.23)显著高于CC基因型患者(27.28±21.63),差异有统计学意义(P0.05);携带T突变基因(CT+TT型)患者Hcy水平[(18.42±10.38)μmol/L]显著高于CC型[(14.81±6.23)μmol/L],差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。男性Hcy水平[(19.40±10.32)μmol/L]显著高于女性[(14.06±6.32)μmol/L],差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。Hcy水平与年龄、血肌酐有线性相关性(P0.05)。结论:CHD合并高血压患者中,MTHFR基因多态性在C677T位点上的T基因突变与冠脉病变程度呈相关性,携带T突变基因患者Hcy水平和Gensini评分显著高于CC基因型的患者。高Hcy水平与携带T突变基因人群患CHD的概率可能增加。     

亚甲基四氢叶酸还原酶C677T位点基因多态性对采用叶酸联合维生素B_(12)治疗的老年H型高血压患者的影响研究

目的探讨亚甲基四氢叶酸还原酶(MTHFR)C677T位点基因多态性对采用叶酸联合维生素B_(12)治疗的老年H型高血压患者的影响。方法选取2015年9月—2017年9月莱芜市人民医院收治的老年H型高血压患者146例,均在常规降压治疗基础上采用叶酸联合维生素B_(12)连续治疗4个月。采用聚合酶链反应(PCR)-芯片杂交法检测MTHFR C677T位点基因多态性,比较不同基因型患者高血压分级,治疗前后血浆同型半胱氨酸(Hcy)水平、颈动脉粥样硬化斑块积分及不稳定斑块检出率。结果 146例患者中CC基因型26例(占17.8%),CT基因型46例(占31.5%),TT基因型74例(占50.7%)。不同基因型患者高血压分级比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。治疗前、后TT基因型患者血浆Hcy水平高于CC基因型、CT基因型(P0.05)。治疗后CC基因型、CT基因型患者血浆Hcy水平低于治疗前(P0.05)。治疗前、后TT基因型患者颈动脉粥样硬化斑块积分高于CC基因型、CT基因型,CT基因型患者颈动脉粥样硬化斑块积分高于CC基因型(P0.05)。治疗后CC基因型、CT基因型患者颈动脉粥样硬化斑块积分低于治疗前(P0.05)。治疗前、后不同基因型患者颈动脉不稳定斑块检出率比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论叶酸联合维生素B_(12)降低老年H型高血压患者血浆Hcy水平、颈动脉粥样硬化斑块积分效果与MTHFR C677T位点基因多态性有关,其中TT基因型患者的降低效果不如CC基因型、CT基因型,临床应当考虑遗传因素和基因多态性。     

血浆同型半胱氨酸及5,10-亚甲基四氢叶酸还原酶基因多态性与老年原发性高血压合并冠心病的关系

目的探讨血浆同型半胱氨酸(Hcy)水平及其代谢酶5,10-亚甲基四氢叶酸还原酶(MTHFR)基因多态性与老年原发性高血压合并冠心病的关系。方法选择2014年2月~2015年2月于玉林市第一人民医院心内科住院的老年原发性高血压患者共200例,其中男性115例,女性85例,平均年龄(67.52±3.53)岁。根据冠状动脉造影结果分为高血压组(100例)及冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病(冠心病)组(100例)。选取同时期的健康体检者100例为对照组。采用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性(PCR-RFLP)的方法检测3组MTHFR C677T基因型,同时检测Hcy水平。结果与对照组比较,高血压组和冠心病组血压、三酰甘油、总胆固醇、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇、Hcy均升高,差异有统计学意义(P均0.05)。高血压组MTHFR C677位点CC、CT和TT基因型频率分别为27.0%、50.0%和23.0%,C和T等位基因频率分别为52.0%和48.0%。冠心病组CC、CT和TT基因型频率分别为12.0%、55.0%和33.0%,C和T等位基因频率分别为39.5%和60.5%。对照组CC、CT和TT基因型频率分别为40.0%、45.0%和15.0%,C和T等位基因频率分别为62.5%和37.5%。冠心病组TT型基因频率及T等位基因频率均高于高血压组和对照组,差异有统计学意义(P均0.05)。冠心病组患者TT型Hcy水平高于CC型和CT型,差异有统计学意义(P均0.05)。结论 MTHFR C677T基因多态性中TT基因型可能是老年原发性高血压合并冠心病的一个重要遗传风险因子,T等位基因可能为该病的风险等位基因。     

亚甲基四氢叶酸还原酶基因多态性对老年冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病患者血浆同型半胱氨酸水平的影响

目的探讨亚甲基四氢叶酸还原酶(MTHFR)基因多态性对老年冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病(冠心病)患者血浆同型半胱氨酸(Hcy)水平的影响。方法老年冠心病患者200例作为健康冠心病组,老年健康体检者200例作为对照组,冠心病组患者随机分为叶酸治疗组和常规治疗组。测定所有入选者MTHFR基因型和血浆Hcy水平。结果 MTHFR存在三种基因型:TT、CT、CC。冠心病组T等位基因和C等位基因分布和健康对照组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05);冠心病组TT、CT和CC基因型和健康对照组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05),冠心病组TT基因型比例高于对照组。冠心病组血浆Hcy水平高于健康对照组(P0.05)。冠心病组中男性血浆Hcy水平高于女性(P0.05),高血压患者血浆Hcy水平高于非高血压患者(P0.05);冠心病组不同MTHFR基因型患者血浆Hcy水平比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05),其中TT基因型血浆Hcy水平高于CT和CC基因型(P0.05),CT基因型血浆Hcy水平高于CC基因型(P0.05)。叶酸治疗组治疗后TT基因型血浆Hcy水平和治疗前比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05),其余冠心病各亚组治疗后血浆Hcy水平和治疗前比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论 MTHFR基因多态性和冠心病及其血浆Hcy水平有关,叶酸治疗可以改善冠心病患者血浆Hcy水平,以TT基因型效果显著。     

MTHFR基因多态性与深静脉血栓形成及血瘀积分的相关性分析

目的探讨福建地区亚甲基四氢叶酸还原酶(MTHFR)基因C677T多态性与深静脉血栓(DVT)形成及DVT血瘀证候表型的相关性。方法通过病例对照试验纳入福建汉族DVT病人168例,同时选取健康体检者159名作为对照组,收集基线资料,采用聚合酶链式反应(PCR)、直接测序法检测两组MTHFR基因C677T突变位点观察CC、CT、TT基因型频率及等位基因频率,并评价DVT病人血瘀证候积分。结果两组MTHFR基因C677T多态性CC、CT和TT基因型频率分布比较,差异有统计学意义(χ^2=9.694,P=0.008),进一步χ^2分割检验显示DVT组CT+TT频率(44.05%)明显高于对照组(29.56%),差异有统计学意义(χ^2=7.355,P=0.007)。多因素二项Logistic回归分析,调整多种混杂因素后,MTHFR基因677CT+TT型(OR=1.798,95%CI:1.082~2.988,P=0.024)、血同型半胱氨酸(Hcy)(OR=1.059,95%CI:1.004~1.118,P=0.036)是DVT的危险因素。DVT病人携带MTHFR677T等位基因的中度、重度血瘀证人数构成比高于CC型,差异有统计学意义(χ^2=7.792,P=0.020);TT型血Hcy水平均高于CT型及CC型,差异均有统计学意义(Z=-2.219,P=0.026;Z=-3.367,P=0.001);轻度血瘀证血Hcy水平低于中度和重度血瘀证,差异均有统计学意义(Z=-3.571,P<0.001)。血瘀证候积分与血Hcy水平呈正相关(r=0.256,P=0.001)。结论携带MTHFR基因677CT/TT基因型及高水平Hcy是福建地区DVT形成的危险因素;MTHFR基因677CT/TT基因型可能是DVT血瘀证形成的易感因素之一,高Hcy可能与中医血瘀证形成相关。     

MTHFR C677T基因多态性与冠心病患者同型半胱氨酸及冠脉狭窄程度的相关性

[摘 要] 目的 探讨MTHFR C677T基因多态性与河南中部汉族冠心病（CHD）患者同型半胱氨酸(Hcy)及冠脉狭窄程度的相关性。方法 应用荧光染色原位杂交技术对河南中部汉族352例CHD患者和340例非CHD对照者进行MTHFR C677T基因多态性检测,并比较两组不同基因型之间Hcy水平的差异。采用Gensini评分系统评价CHD患者的冠脉狭窄程度,多元线性回归分析法探讨MTHFR C677T基因多态性以及其他因素与Gensini得分之间的相关性。结果 非CHD组MTHFR C677T 基因CC、CT、TT 型例数及分布频率分别为113(33.2％)、159(46.8％)、68(20％),CHD组MTHFR C677T位点CC、CT、TT型例数及分布频率分别为85(24.1％)、157(44.6％)、110(31.3％)。两组受试者各基因型分布频率均符合Hardy-Weinberg 平衡（P＞0.05）。两组受试者MTHFR C677T各基因型分布频率及等位基因频率比较,差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.001）。CHD组血清Hcy水平、高血压、糖尿病患病率分别为（23.1±8.7）、27.8%和16.8%,均高于非CHD组的（18.6±7.4）、10.6%和6.2%,差异均有统计学意义（P <0.05）。两组不同基因型之间血清Hcy水平差异有统计学意义（P <0.05）。多元线性回归分析结果显示,MTHFR C677T基因多态性与Gensini得分的相关性无统计学意义（β=-0.16,95%CI：-0.21～0.18,P=0.785）。结论MTHFR C677T基因多态性影响Hcy水平,但与CHD患者冠脉狭窄程度无明显相关性。     

H型高血压患者基因型与叶酸补充治疗的相关性

目的探讨不同基因型H型高血压患者血压及血浆同型半胱氨酸(homocysteine,Hcy)水平有无差异;在充分应用降压药物控制血压的同时给予叶酸补充治疗,观察治疗前后血浆Hcy及血压水平变化有无差异。方法通过Hcy检测确诊为H型高血压的患者166例入选。叶酸补充治疗前测定血浆Hcy水平,采集既往史、历史最高血压水平等,并行MTHFR(亚甲基四氢叶酸还原酶)677C/T基因型检测,根据检测结果进行分组,为CC组(野生型)、CT组(杂合型)、TT组(突变型)。所有患者在原有降压方案的基础上加用叶酸片0.8 mg 1/日,3月后测定患者血浆Hcy及血压水平。结果 1MTHFR 677C/T基因型检测结果:其中CC型42例,占25.3%,CT型42例,占25.3%,TT型82例,占49.6%。2叶酸治疗前血浆Hcy水平比较:男性高于女性,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);TT组高于CC组及CT组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);CC组与CT组之间差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。3历史最高血压水平比较:收缩压:CC组高于TT组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);CC组与CT组之间、CT组与TT组之间差异均无统计学意义(P0.05);舒张压:3组之间差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。4叶酸补充治疗前后血浆Hcy水平比较:3组患者治疗后血浆Hcy水平均较治疗前降低,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。5叶酸补充治疗前后血浆Hcy差值比较:TT组高于CC组及CT组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05),CC组与CT组间差异无统计学意义。6叶酸补充治疗前后血压差值比较分析:收缩压:CC组高于TT组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);CC组与CT组之间、CT组与TT组之间差异均无统计学意义(P0.05);舒张压:三组之间差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论 H型高血压患者基因型与血浆Hcy及历史最高血压水平部分存在差异性。叶酸补充治疗能够有效降低H型高血压患者血浆Hcy水平,并且对MTHFR 677C/T TT可能具有更好的降低Hcy的效果。降压药物联合叶酸补充治疗可能能够更有效地降低MTHFR 677C/T CC基因型H型高血压患者血压水平。     

H型高血压患者MTHFR基因多态性及叶酸补充对同型半胱氨酸浓度的影响

目的探讨H型高血压患者亚甲基四氢叶酸还原酶(methylenetetra hydrofolate reductase,MTHFR)基因多态性(C677T)及叶酸补充对同型半胱氨酸(homocysteine,Hcy)浓度的影响。方法选取四川省人民医院350例H型高血压患者,抽取其静脉血,采用聚合酶链反应(polymerase chain reaction,PCR)金磁微粒层析法检测MTHFR基因多态性。并给予每位患者800μg/d叶酸片,连续服用3个月,检测治疗前后所有患者的Hcy浓度并比较其变化情况。结果 H型高血压患者MTHFR基因多态性C677T中3种基因型CC型为92例,CT型为169例,TT型为89例,治疗前CC基因型组血浆Hcy浓度为(13.52±2.63)μmol/L,CT基因组型(14.36±4.25)μmol/L,TT基因组型为(18.56±6.24)μmol/L。连续服用3个月的叶酸片800μg/d后,CC基因型组血浆Hcy浓度为(11.25±1.94)μmol/L,CT基因组型(12.05±3.46)μmol/L,TT基因组型为(14.24±4.42)μmol/L。与治疗前比较,CC基因组,CT基因组,TT基因组血浆Hcy浓度均有明显的下降,差异有统计学意义(P0.01);其中TT基因型血浆Hcy浓度下降幅度最大,差异有统计学意义(P0.01)。结论采用叶酸片治疗可有效降低H型高血压患者血浆Hcy浓度,其中以MTHFR基因中TT型下降最明显。     

亚甲基四氢叶酸还原酶C677T基因多态性与H型高血压及同型半胱氨酸水平升高的相关性研究

目的探讨5,10-亚甲基四氢叶酸还原酶(MTHFR)C677T基因多态性与H型高血压及血浆同型半胱氨酸(Hcy)水平升高的关系。方法 2013年9月至2014年6月按整群随机抽样方法抽取湖南省6个地区的12个自然村或社区≥30岁长住居民4 012例,采用计算机随机数字表法从中随机抽取571例作为研究对象,根据血压及Hcy水平,将571例人群分为普通高血压组(190例)、H型高血压组(94例)和正常血压组(287例)。对所有研究对象采用扩增阻滞突变系统-聚合酶链反应法检测MTHFR C677T基因多态性,并进行基因分型;同时检测Hcy水平。结果 H型高血压组[70.2%(66例)、29.8%(28例)]、普通高血压组[82.1%(156例)、17.9%(34例)]和正常血压组[81.9%(235例)、18.1%(52例)]3组间隐性模型(CC+CT、TT)基因型频率差异有统计学意义(χ2=6.797,P=0.033);而3组间CC、CT、TT基因型频率差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。隐性模型中,H型高血压组TT与正常血压组和普通高血压组基因型频率比较,差异有统计学意义(χ2=5.812,P=0.016;χ2=5.212,P=0.022)。普通高血压组TT与正常血压组基因型频率比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。H型高血压组MTHFR C677T隐型模型CC+CT、TT基因型Hcy水平分别为(17.1±1.6)、(19.0±2.9)μmol/L,两种基因型间比较,差异有统计学意义(t=-3.115,P=0.004)。MTHFR C677T隐性模型基因型与H型高血压Logistic回归分析显示,调整性别和年龄后,隐性模型TT基因型者具有更高的H型高血压的发病风险(OR=1.946,95%CI:1.172~3.232,P=0.010)。结论该研究人群MTHFR C677T基因TT突变可能是Hcy水平升高和H型高血压发病的重要遗传因素。     

Three layer functional model and energy exchange concept of aging process

Relying on a certain degree of abstraction, we can propose that no particular distinction exists between animate or living matter and inanimate matter. While focusing attention on some specifics, the dividing line between the two can be drawn. The most apparent distinction is in the level of structural and functional organization with the dissimilar streams of ‘energy flow’ between the observed entity and the surrounding environment. In essence, living matter is created from inanimate matter which is organized to contain internal intense energy processes and maintain lower intensity energy exchange processes with the environment. Taking internal and external energy processes into account, we contend in this paper that living matter can be referred to as matter of dissipative structure, with this structure assumed to be a common quality of all living creatures and living matter in general. Interruption of internal energy conversion processes and terminating the controlled energy exchange with the environment leads to degeneration of dissipative structure and reduction of the same to inanimate matter, (gas, liquid and/or solid inanimate substances), and ultimately what can be called ‘death.’ This concept of what we call dissipative nature can be extended from living organisms to social groups of animals, to mankind. An analogy based on the organization of matter provides a basis for a functional model of living entities. The models relies on the parallels among the three central structures of any cell (nucleus, cytoplasm and outer membrane) and the human body (central organs, body fluids along with the connective tissues, and external skin integument). This three-part structural organization may be observed almost universally in nature. It can be observed from the atomic structure to the planetary and intergalactic organizations. This similarity is corroborated by the membrane theory applied to living organisms. According to the energy nature of living matter and the proposed functional model, the decreased integrity of a human body's external envelope membrane is a first cause of the structural degradation and aging of the entire organism. The aging process than progresses externally to internally, as in single cell organisms, suggesting that much of the efforts towards the restoration and maintenance of the mechanisms responsible for structural development should be focused accordingly, on the membrane, i.e., the skin. Numerous reports indicate that all parts of the human body, like: bones, blood with blood vessels, muscles, skin, and so on, have some ability for restoration. Therefore, actual revival of not only aging tissue of the human body's membrane, but the entire human body enclosed within, with all internal organs, might be expected. We assess several aging theories within the context of our model and provide suggestions on how to activate the body's own anti-aging mechanisms and increase longevity. This paper presents some analogies and some distinctions that exist between the living dissipative structure matter and inanimate matter, discusses the aging process and proposes certain aging reversal solutions.     

Unusual responses of nocturnal pineal melatonin synthesis and secretion to swimming: Attempts to define mechanisms

Abstract: The effect of swimming at night on rat pineal melatonin synthesis was compared with that of light exposure at night. Rats were forced to swim at 0030 hr (lights out at 2000 hr) and sacrificed by decapitation 15 and 30 min later, immediately after swimming. Other groups of animals were exposed to white light (650μW/cm²) for 15 and 30 min at same time. Swimming caused a rapid and highly significant drop in the melatonin content in the pineal gland; however, the activity of N-acetyltransferase (NAT), the supposed rate limiting enzyme in the melatonin production, was not changed. Despite the drop in pineal melatonin levels, serum concentrations of the indole remained elevated in the rats that swam. In contrast, melatonin levels in the pineal and serum of light exposed rats fell precipitously, accompanied by a significant suppression of NAT activity. Since we anticipated that the strenuous exercise associated with swimming may induce release of artrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) from the heart, which in turn could cause the release of pineal melatonin, in a second study we injected physiological saline intravenously to stretch the cardiac muscle and release ANP. Three milliliters of normal saline was injected during the day into the jugular vein of anesthetized rats that were pretreated with isoproterenol to stimulate pineal melatonin production. Animals were killed 15 min after the saline injection, and pineal NAT activity and pineal melatonin levels were measured. The saline injections caused no alteration in the elevated levels of either NAT or melatonin. These data suggest that the disparity in pineal NAT activity (which was high) and pineal melatonin (which was low), in animals swum at night, may not be caused by ANP which is released during strenuous exercise such as swimming.     

Melatonin and photoperiodic time measurement: Seasonal breeding in the sheep

Abstract: Well-established circadian physiology supports the view that photoperiodic time measurement utilizes the coincidence between the presence of light and a photosensitive phase of a 'biological clock' to alter reproductive status—the so-called external coincidence model of seasonal breeding. In this review, we examine the mechanism whereby photoperiod interacts with presumed suprachiasmatic nuclei activity to allow endogenous melatonin to normally synchronize reproductive activity to the optimal time of year. The Romney Marsh sheep is particularly explored as an experimental model. It is suggested that the on/off activity of seasonal reproduction may be a robust mechanism able to be predictably manipulated by the judicious use of the light/dark cycle and exogenous melatonin, but firmly based on circadian principles.     

The immunoneuroendocrine role of melatonin

Abstract: A tight, physiological link between the pineal gland and the immune system is emerging from a series of experimental studies. This link might reflect the evolutionary connection between self-recognition and reproduction. Pinealectomy or other experimental methods which inhibit melatonin synthesis and secretion induce a state of immunodepression which is counteracted by melatonin. In general, melatonin seems to have an immunoenhancing effect that is particularly apparent in immunodepressive states. The negative effect of acute stress or immunosuppressive pharmacological treatments on various immune parameters are counteracted by melatonin. It seems important to note that one of the main targets of melatonin is the thymus, i.e., the central organ of the immune system. The clinical use of melatonin as an immunotherapeutic agent seems promising in primary and secondary immunodeficiencies as well as in cancer immunotherapy. The immunoenhancing action of melatonin seems to be mediated by T-helper cell-derived opioid peptides as well as by lymphokines and, perhaps, by pituitary hormones. Melatonin-induced-immuno-opioids (MHO) and lymphokines imply the presence of specific binding sites or melatonin receptors on cells of the immune system. On the other hand, lymphokines such as -γ-interferon and interleukin-2 as well as thymic hormones can modulate the synthesis of melatonin in the pineal gland. The pineal gland might thus be viewed as the crux of a sophisticated immunoneuroendocrine network which functions as an unconscious, diffuse sensory organ.     

Serological survey of HIV and syphilis in pregnant women in Madagascar

Objectives Peripartal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis, leads to severe consequences for newborns. Preventive measures require awareness of the maternal infection. Although HIV and syphilis testing in Madagascar could be theoretically carried out within the framework of the national pregnancy follow‐up scheme, the required test kits are rarely available at peripheral health centres. In this study, we screened blood samples of pregnant Madagascan women for HIV and syphilis seroprevalence to estimate the demand for systemic screening in pregnancy. Methods Retrospective anonymous serological analysis for HIV and syphilis was performed in plasma samples from 1232 pregnant women that were taken between May and July 2010 in Ambositra, Ifanadiana, Manakara, Mananjary, Moramanga and Tsiroanomandidy (Madagascar) during pregnancy follow‐up. Screening was based on Treponema pallidum haemagglutination tests for syphilis and rapid tests for HIV, with confirmation of positive screening results on line assays. Results Out of 1232 pregnant women, none were seropositive for HIV and 37 (3%) were seropositive for Treponema pallidum. Conclusions Our findings are in line with previous studies that describe considerable syphilis prevalence in the rural Madagascan population. The results suggest a need for screening to prevent peripartal Treponema pallidum transmission, while HIV is still rare. If they are known, Treponema pallidum infections can be easily, safely and inexpensively treated even in pregnancy to reduce the risk of transmission.     

Conservative management of perforated duodenal diverticulum： A case report and review of the literature

Duodenal diverticula are a relatively common condition. They are asymptomatic, unless they become complicated, with perforation being the rarest but most severe complication. Surgical treatment is the most frequently performed approach. We report the case of a patient with a perforated duodenal diverticulum, which was diagnosed early and treated conservatively with antibiotics and percutaneous drainage of secondary retroperitoneal abscesses. We suggest this method could be an acceptable option for the management of similar cases, provided that the patient is in good general condition and without septic signs.     

Changes in connexin43, the gap junction protein of astrocytes, during development of the rat pineal gland

Abstract: The abundance of gap junctions between rat pineal astrocytes formed by connexin43 (Cx43) was studied during development. Levels and distribution of Cx43 were measured by immunoblotting and indirect immunofluorescence, respectively. The amount of Cx43 in cells located within the gland was low until about the 7th postnatal day and increased to adult values between the 14th and 21st days postpartum. Although astrocytes, recognized by their vimentin immunoreactivity, were scarce before birth, they were abundant by the 7th postnatal day suggesting that the low levels of Cx43 found at this age corresponded to a low expression of this protein. Localization of the immunoreactivity to Cx43 and vimentin showed a close correlation, indicating that mature or immature pineal astrocytes form gap junctions made of Cx43. Since Cx43 levels attained their adult values at about the time the innervation and the functional state of the gland reached maturity (2–3 weeks after birth), it is proposed that astrocyte gap junctions are involved in the function of the adult rat pineal gland.     

Variabilité des concentrations plasmatiques de l’angiotensinogène et risque d’hypertension artérielle chez le rat transgénique

Aim

Genetic polymorphisms of the human angiotensinogen gene are frequent and may induce up to 30% increase of plasma angiotensinogen concentrations with a blood pressure increase of up to 5 mmHg. Their role for the pathogenesis of human arterial hypertension remains unclear. High plasma angiotensinogen levels could increase the sensitivity to other blood pressure stressors.

Methods

Male transgenic rats with a 9-fold increase of plasma angiotensinogen concentrations and male non-transgenic rats aged 10 weeks were treated or not with NG-Nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester for 3 weeks in their drinking water (n = 3/group). Systolic blood pressure and body weight were measured at baseline and at the end of the study when left ventricular weight and ventricular expression of angiotensin I-converting enzyme and procollagen Iα1 were determined (polymerase chain reaction).

Results

At baseline, transgenic rats had +18 mmHg higher bood pressure and –8% lower body weight compared to non-transgenic rats (P < 0.05) without significant changes for the vehicle groups throughout the study (P > 0.05). NG-Nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester increased blood pressure, left ventricular weight and left ventricular weight indexed for body weight by +41%, +17.6% and +18.6% (P < 0.05) in transgenic and +25%, +5.3% and +6.7% (P > 0.05) in non-transgenic rats compared to untreated animals, respectively. Cardiac gene expression showed no differences between groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Increased plasma angiotensinogen levels may sensitize to additional blood pressure stressors. Our preliminary results point towards an independent role of angiotensinogen in the pathogenesis of human hypertension and associated end-organ damage.