[The application of RNAi to the medical genetics].

Experimental RNA interference (RNAi) leading to the selective knockdown of gene function is induced by introducing into cells either double stranded RNA (dsRNA), or short interfering RNA (siRNA) fragments into which dsRNA is cut. The siRNA triggers degradation of homologous messenger RNA (mRNA). Widely used as a research tool in the genetic model organisms Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster and mouse to investigate the function of individual genes, RNAi has also been deployed in genome-wide, specific gene-knockdown screens.

[Associations of genetic polymorphisms in the EPHX1 gene and the GSTT1 gene with low birth weight in neonates].

Objective: To investigate whether genetic polymorphisms in the microsomal epoxide hydrolase gene (EPHX1) and the glutathione S-transferase theta1 gene (GSTT1) are associated with low birth weight in neonates.

Methods: Using standard questionnaires, 246 singleton live born mother-neonates pairs (73 cases were mother-low birth weight neonate pairs and 173 controls were mother-non low birth weight neonate pairs) were investigated by the trained field workers with case-control study at the hospital in Anqing, Anhui Province, China between 1998 and 1999. A total of 246 neonates were genotyped for genetic polymorphisms in the EPHX1 gene and the GSTT1 gene by a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay.

Mother's and child's methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism is associated with preterm delivery and low birth weight.

Objective: To investigate the association of the C677T polymorphism of the 5,10-methyleneterahydrofolate reductase(MTHFR) gene with preterm delivery(PTD) and low birth weight (LBW).

Methods: A total of 250 normal gestational age families and 250 PTD families were enrolled in the study. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) followed by restriction enzyme digestion were used for genotyping the polymorphism of MTHFR C677T.

[Effect of wolfberry fruit and epimedium on DNA synthesis of the aging-youth 2BS fusion cells].

Objective: To study the effect of water extracts of Wolfberry fruit (WB) and Epimedium (EM) on DNA synthesis of the aging-youth 2BS fusion cells.

Methods: Human embryonic lung diploid fibroblasts 2BS national standard strain, were used as an aging model. Cell denucleation and cell fusion techniques were applied to observe the effect of WB and EM on DNA synthesis of 2BS fusion cells.

[Associations of Rsa I polymorphism at the 5' flanking region of CYP2E1 and PON2 148 polymorphism in neonates with preterm delivery].

The objective is to investigate whether Rsa I polymorphism at the 5' flanking region of cytochrome P450 2E1 gene (CYP2E1) and paraoxonase 2 gene polymorphism (PON2 148) in neonates are associated with preterm delivery. Using standard questionnaires, 209 singleton live born mother-neonate pairs (include preterm cases and term controls) were investigated by the trained field workers with cross-sectional survey at the hospitals in Anqing, Anhui Province, China. Epidemiological and clinical data and blood samples were obtained from 209 mother-neonate pairs.

[Association of CYP2E1 of PON2311 polymorphisms in neonates with preterm].

The objective is to investigate whether Rsa I polymorphism in the 5'-flanking region of CYP2E1 and PON2311 polymorphism in neonates are associated with preterm. Using standard questionnaires, 194 singleton live born mother-neonate pairs (including preterm cases and term controls) were investigated by the trained field workers with cross-sectional survey at the hospitals in Anqing, Anhui Province, China. Epidemiological and clinical data and blood samples were obtained from 194 mother-neonate pairs.