Simultaneous quantification of 48 plasma amino acids by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to investigate urea cycle disorders.

Urea cycle disorders (UCD) are inborn errors of ammonia detoxification in which early diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent metabolic emergencies. Unfortunately, the diagnosis was often and pronounced delayed. To improve diagnosis, we developed herein a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method to investigate the disturbance of amino acid profile caused by UCD.

Epidermal growth factor and tumor necrosis factor α cooperatively promote the motility of hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines via synergistic induction of fibronectin by NF-κB/p65.

Background: The interaction between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and their microenvironment plays a fundamental role in tumor metastasis. The HCC microenvironment is rich in epidermal growth factor (EGF) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), which may cooperatively, rather than individually, interact with tumor cells to influence their biological behavior.

Methods: Immunohistochemistry was performed to study the expression of EGF and TNFα in HCCs.

[Identification of a novel pathogenic mutation in PDHA1 gene for pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency].

Objective: To study the molecular genetic mechanism and genetic diagnosis of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency (PHD), and to provide a basis for genetic counseling and prenatal genetic diagnosis of PHD.

Methods: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to amplify the 11 exons and exon junction of the PDHA1 gene from a child who was diagnosed with PHD based on clinical characteristics and laboratory examination results. The PCR products were sequenced to determine the mutation.

Clinical, biochemical, neuroimaging and molecular findings of X-linked Adrenoleukodystrophy patients in South China.

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy is a common X-linked recessive peroxisomal disorder caused by the mutations in the ABCD1 gene. In this study, we analyzed 19 male patients and 9 female carriers with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy in South China. By sequencing the ABCD1 gene, 13 different mutations were identified, including 7 novel mutations, and 6 known mutations, and 1 reported polymorphism.

First case report of medium-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency in China.

Medium-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD) is an autosomal recessive inborn error of mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation, caused by mutations in the ACADM gene. As it is the most commonly inherited disorder of the mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation in Caucasians, there are no related reports in China diagnosed by molecular genetic testing. We report here the case of a 2-year-old female patient who had hepatomegaly and abnormal liver function with a common illness, and who had been healthy before.

[Gene mutations and clinical manifestations in children with glycogen storage disease type Ib].

Objective: Glycogen storage disease type Ib (GSDIb) is caused by a deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate translocase (G6PT) activity due to SLC37A4 gene mutations. Most GSDIb patients have recurrent infections and inflammatory bowel disease, with poor prognosis. Detection of SLC37A4 gene mutations is of great significance for the diagnosis, subtyping and outcome prediction of GSD patients.

[Wolman disease with novel mutation of LIPA gene in a Chinese infant].

Objective: To explore the clinical characteristics of Wolman disease and diagnostic methods using enzymatic and molecular analysis.

Method: Lysosomal acid lipase activity was measured using 4-methylumbelliferyl oleate in the leukocytes of an infant suspected of Wolman disease and LIPA gene mutational analysis was performed by PCR and direct sequencing in the proband and his parents. After the diagnosis was confirmed, the clinical, biochemical, radiological and histopathological findings in this case of Wolman disease were retrospectively reviewed.

First case report of short-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency in China.

Short-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (SCADD) is a rare autosomal recessive inborn error of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation. It is caused by rare mutations as well as polymorphic susceptibility variants. We describe here the case of a 1-year-old male patient who had growth and mental retardation, seizures, and recurring fever since infancy.

[Preparation, characterization and preliminary application of monoclonal antibodies against the expressed Norovirus capsid protein].

Aim: To prepare the monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against Norovirus capsid protein for the development of a rapid assay of Norovirus and to investigate the pathogenesis of this virus.

Methods: Sp2/0-Ag-14 myeloma cells were fused with spleen cells of BALB/c mice immunized with the recombinant protein of Norovirus NVgz01 (DQ369797), which was overexpressed in E.coli.

[Preparation and characterization of specific monoclonal antibodies against hexon of HAdV 3].

Objective: To obtain the monoclonal antibody against hexon protein of human adenovirus.

Methods: BALB/c mice were immunized with purified recombinant hexon protein, and the spleen cells of the mice were isolated and fused with myloma cells. Four hybridoma cell strains were screened by indirect ELISA and cultured, and the sensitivity, specificity and virus neutralizing activity were analyzed with ELISA, Western blotting and neutralizing test.

[Cloning, expression and immunocharacterization of the capsid protein of human Norwalk virus Guangzhou strain NVgz01].

Objective: To clone, express and characterize the capsid protein of human Norwalk virus Guangzhou strain NVgz01.

Methods: On the basis of successful construction of full-genome clones and sequence analysis of human norovirus Guangzhou strain NVgz01, the full capsid gene was ligated into pET28a (+) for expression. After IPTG induction, the recombinant protein was purified through metal (Ni(2+)) chelating affinity chromatography.