2型糖尿病血管并发症患者细胞间黏附分子-1基因多态性研究

目的研究细胞间黏附分子-1（ICAM-1）469K〉E基因多态性位点等位基因分布频率及其与2型糖尿病（T2DM）血管病变的关系。方法采用聚合酶链式反应（PCR）方法检测62例T2DM血管并发症患者ICAM-1469KK、KE及EE基因型出现的频率。并检测其空腹血糖（BS）、甘油三酯（TG）、糖化血红蛋白（HbAIc）、血浆游离ICAM-1（sICAM-1）和总胆固醇（TC）水平，并与70例无血管并发症的T2DM患者及121例正常对照组比较。结果KK、KE、EE3种基因型在3组中的分布频率有明显差异（，=6．313，P=0．043）．DM血管病变组等位基因E的频率明显高于对照组和无血管病变组（P〈0．01），T2DM血管病变组ICAM-1469E等位基因携带者sICAM-1水平明显高于K等位基因携带者（P〈0．01）。结论ICAM—1469E等位基因与DM血管病变及ICAM-1水平升高有关。     

三基因单核苷酸多态性与汉族人群2型糖尿病的相关性研究

目的：研究rs3923113-GRB14,rs1802295-VPS26A,rs7178572-HMG20A三基因单核苷酸多态性（SNPs）与2型糖尿病（T2DM）及相关代谢指标的相关性。方法：用高分辨率溶解曲线（HRM）小片段基因分型方法检测300例T2DM者及300例健康体检者3SNP位点基因型及等位基因频率分布。结果：各SNP基因型分布符合遗传平衡定律。rs231362（KCNQl）的风险基因C患病风险是T等位基因的1．058倍（P=0．012,OR=1．058,95％CI：1．012-1．106）。rs231362（KCNQl）的3种基因型（TT、CT、CC）在T2DM组与对照组中的分布频率分别为0．7％、19．9％、75．6Voo和2．7％、25．6％、71．7％,2组基因型分布差异有统计学意义（P=0．031）。该位点在其隐性模型中（CCVSCT＋TT）,2组差异有统计学意义（P=0．028,OR=1．11,95％CI：1．01～1．22）。rs3923113-GRBl4、rs7178572-HMG20A基因型分布在病例组与对照组中未见显著性差异。我们分析了对照组血糖血脂与各SNP位点基因型之间的关系,rs3923113在显性模型[（TT＋GT）／GG]下TT＋GT组总胆固醇（Tc）值低于GG组;TT＋GT组高密度脂蛋白（HDL-C）1．07（0．90-1．19）mmol／L低于GG组1．21（1.02-1．41）mmol／L,P值分别为0．017与0．036。结论：rs231362-KCNQl可能与中国人群T2DM发病有关。rs3923113-GRBl4与TC及HDL-C升高有关。     

PPAR5基因＋294T／C多态性与2型糖尿病患者血脂和胰岛功能关系研究

目的研究2型糖尿病（T2DM）患者和糖耐量正常（NGT）者中PPARδ基因＋294T／C多态性与血脂和胰岛功能的关系。方法选取346例南京地区汉族人群，其中新诊断T2DM患者236名，NGT者110名，用Touch-down PCR检测PPAR5＋294T／C基因变异，并检测人选人群的临床指标。结果T2DM组中携带C等位基因（TC＋CC）者HOMA-β水平低于TT型（P〈0．05）；NGT人群中，携带C等位基因（TC＋CC）者LDL-C／HDL-C比值高于TT型（P〈0.05），Pearson相关分析显示NGT组携带C等位基因与LDL-C、LDL-C／HDL—C水平呈正相关（P〈0．05）。结论T2DM患者携带PPAR5＋294C等位基因者胰岛素分泌能力下降，在NGT组中PPAR5＋294T／C与脂代谢紊乱相关。     

金属硫蛋白1E基因多态性与2型糖尿病的关系

目的探讨金属硫蛋白（MT）IE基因多态性与2型糖尿病（T2DM）的关系。方法采用PCR-RFLP法检测149例T2DM患者和244例正常对照者的MTIE基因上的一个SNP-rs 8708274，应用SPSS统计学软件处理数据，进行统计学分析。结果病例组和对照组等位基因T和G比较差异有显著性（x^2=4．072，P〈0．05）；TT，TG，GG三种基因型频数分布在病例组和对照组中存在差异（x^2=8．252，P〈0．05）。结论在中国北方汉族人群中MTIE rs 708274位点基因多态性可能与T2DM相关。     

亚甲基四氢叶酸还原酶基因C677T突变与高尿酸血症的相关性研究

目的探讨高尿酸血症（HUM）与亚甲基四氢叶酸还原酶（MTHFR）基因C677T突变及高血糖、肥胖和高血压等的相关性。方法从青岛地区糖尿病流行病学调查数据库中，随机选取HUM＋T2DM患者79例、HUM无T2DM患者（HUM组）90例、并选取T2DM无HUA患者（DM组）90例和健康对照（NC）91例。采用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性技术检测MTHFR基因突变。结果HUM组和HUM＋T2DM组MTHFR677T等位基因频率分别为46．7％和51．3％，TT基因型频率分别为23．3％和26．6％，两组差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）；T等位基因和TT基因型频率在NC组和DM组间差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）；而HUM组和HUM＋T2DM组MTHFR677T等位基因型频率和TT基因型频率均分别高于NC组和DM组（P〈0．005）。CT和TT基因型患者平均血尿酸水平（分别为394．2μmol／L和465．8μmol／L）明显高于CC基因型者（347．3μmol／L）（P〈0．05）。多因素logistic回归分析表明，调整BMI、SBP、TG、TC及饮酒等因素后显示，MTHFR基因型是HUM患病的独立危险因素。结论MTHFR基因C677T突变是青岛地区人群发生HUM的独立危险因素。     

血管内皮生长因子基因多态性与糖尿病视网膜病变的相关性

目的探讨血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）-460C/T基因多态性与糖尿病视网膜病变（DR）的相关性。方法病史超过10年的2型糖尿病（T2DM）患者204例,分为非增殖型视网膜病变组（NP-DR,65例）、增殖型视网膜病变组（PDR,64例）及单纯2型糖尿病组（DM,75例）。用PCR-RFLP方法检测各组基因型,比较各组基因型和等位基因的频率。结果DR组VEGF-460位点TT基因型频率显著低于DM组（P〈0.01）,C等位基因频率显著高于DM组（P〈0.01）;NPDR组与PDR组基因型和等位基因频率差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。DM中CC、CT、TT基因型的DR发生率分别为69.8%、68.9%和42.2%,CC和CT基因型的DR发生率显著高于TT基因型（P〈0.01）。结论VEGF-460C/T多态性与DR的发生发展有关,C等位基因可能是DR的易感基因。     

脂联素基因多态性与2型糖尿病大血管病变的关系

目的研究脂联素基因多态性与2型糖尿病（T2DM）大血管病变的关系。方法采用聚合酶链式反应-限制性片段长度多态性技术对198例T2DM患者和98例正常对照组进行脂联素基因多态性分析。结果对照组脂联素＋276TT基因型频率较患者组明显增多（P〈0．01）；T2DM组有无大血管病变患者无明显差异。结论脂联素＋276G〉T多态性与T2DM相关，携带TT基因型可能减少患T2DM的几率；其多态性与T2DM大血管病变无明显相关性。     

脂联素基因SNP-11377多态性与冠脉病变程度相关性研究

目的探讨在中国上海地区汉族人群中脂联素基因（APM1）启动子序列单核苷酸多态性（SNP）与冠脉病变程度的关系。方法采用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性（PCR—RFLP）方法，分析了325例冠脉造影结果和脂联素启动子序列单核苷酸多态性（-11377G／C）的关系．研究设立了冠心病组（CAD）和正常对照组，并根据冠脉造影结果按照不同病变支数及Gensini评分将分成不同病变组，分析-11377位点基因型及基因频率的差异性。结果（1）冠心病组脂联素基因-11377位点多态性GC、GG基因型频率与对照组比较，显著高于对照组，差异有极显著性（χ^2=12．619，P〈0．05）；（2）冠心病患者脂联素-11377位点G等位基因频率显著高于正常人（χ^2=11．291，P〈0．05）；（3）根据冠脉造影结果冠脉不同病变支数各组比较，脂联素-11377位点基因型差异无显著性（χ^2=11．575，P〉0．05），而等位基因频率具有显著差异性（χ^2=11．582，P〈0．05）；（4）按Genisini标准冠状动脉不同积分各组之间比较脂联素基因型间差异无显著性（χ^2=10．983，P〉0．05），但等位基因频率具有显著差异性（χ^2=8．978，P〈0．05）。结论脂联素SNP-11377G／C各种基因型与冠心病有关，与冠状动脉粥样硬化病变程度无关，而等位基因频率不但与冠心病显著相关，并且与冠状动脉病变程度有关。     

eNOS基因5'侧翼区T-786C多态性与冠心病的相关性研究

目的探讨内皮型一氧化氮合酶（eNOS）基因5’侧翼区T-786C多态性与中国汉族人冠心病和冠状动脉狭窄支数的关系。方法依据eNOS基因5’侧翼区T-786C位点设计引物，应用多聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性（PCR-RFLP）分析方法检测136例经冠状动脉造影证实的冠心病（冠心病组）和77例非冠心病（对照组）患者的eNOS基因T-786C多态性。结果（1）冠心病组TT＋TC和CC基因型频率分别为72．8％、25．7％、1．5％，对照组分别为92．2％、6．7％、0（χ^2=11．5，P〈0．01）；（2）冠心病组C等位基因的频率高于对照组C等位基因的频率（14．3％比3．9％，χ^2=11．5，P〈0．01）；（3）多元logistic回归显示eNOS T-786C基因多态性是冠心病的独立危险因素（OR值5．261，95％CI：2．010～13．768）；（4）在1、2、3支冠脉血管狭窄组中。TC＋CC基因型频率分布分别为21．4％、25．0％和33．3％（χ^2=1．83，P〉0．05），C等位基因频率分别为10．7％、12．5％、18．5％（χ^2=2．66，P〉0．05）。结论（1）eNOS T-786C基因多态性是冠心病的遗传危险因素，并独立于冠心病其它的经典危险因素；（2）eNOS T-786C基因多态性与冠脉狭窄的支数元关。     

我国西部人群脂联素基因+45位点多态性与肥胖、胰岛素抵抗及2型糖尿病的相关性

目的探讨宁夏汉族人群脂联素基因＋45位核苷酸T／G多态性与肥胖、胰岛素抵抗（IR）及2型糖尿病（T2DM）的相关性。方法采用聚合酶链式反应-限制性内切酶长度多态性技术，对100例T2DM患者和101例正常对照（NC）者脂联素基因＋45位点进行基因分型；并计算BMI和HOMA-IR。结果（1）T2DM组GG基因型频率明显高于NC组（P〈0．01），G等位基因频率明显高于NC组（P〈0．01）。（2）在T2DM组中，GG＋TG基因型的BMI、HOMA-IR大于TT基因型（P〈0．01）。在NC组中，各基因型间BMI、HOMA-IR的差异无统计学意义。在T2DM组中，而BMII〉25组的GG＋TG基因型频率高于BMI〈25组（P〈0．01），G等位基因频率也高于BMI〈25组（P〈0．01）。结论脂联素基因＋45位核苷酸T／G多态性与肥胖、IR及T2DM相关。     

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.     

Response of rat pineal melatonin to calcium, magnesium, and lithium is circadian stage dependent

Abstract: Herein we documented the response of pineal melatonin production to electrolytes known to be effective on pineal function in view of a possible circadian stage dependence. We studied the release of melatonin by perifused rat pineal glands at 2 different circadian stages corresponding to the middle of the light and dark periods, i.e., respectively, 7 and 19 HALO (Hours After Light Onset, L:D = 12:12). The initial efflux rates were, as expected, much higher in the perifusates of glands removed from rats sacrificed during the dark phase than of those removed during the light phase. After 3 hr of perifusion, melatonin release reached similar levels which were found constant up to the 8th hr of perifusion, whatever the circadian stage. Perifusion of the glands with physiological concentrations for the rat of calcium (5.2 mmol/1) and magnesium (1.34 mmol/1) resulted in a stimulatory effect on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed in the middle of the dark period (19 HALO), whereas no effects were observed on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed during the light (7 HALO). Lithium (0.28 and 0.55 mmol/1) was ineffective on melatonin release in pineal glands removed 7 and 19 HALO. Our results show differences in the initial efflux rates of melatonin and in the response of perifused pineal glands to calcium and magnesium according to the circadian stage.     

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.