Association of mtDNA D-loop polymorphisms with risk of gastric cancer in Chinese population.

The aim of present study was to evaluate the association of common polymorphisms detected in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop region (mononucleotide repetitive D310, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) D16521) with susceptibility to gastric cancer (GC) in northwestern Chinese population. A total of 180 GC patients and 218 healthy controls were investigated by using PCR- denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) assay. Genotype and allele distributions and haplotype construction were analyzed in case-control study.

Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

Background And Objectives: The mechanisms that trigger gallbladder evacuation dysfunction, the key risk factor for gallstone formation, have not yet been fully elucidated. The sphincter of Oddi (SO) plays important roles in the regulation of gallbladder evacuation and maintenance of normal hydraulic pressure of the biliary tract. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of hypercholesterolemia on the motility function of SO and the underlying mechanisms of SO dysfunction (SOD).

Molecular cloning, tissue distribution and bioinformatics analyses of the rabbit BK channel beta1 subunit gene.

Large-conductance, voltage-dependent and Ca(2+)-sensitive K(+) (BK) channels are composed of pore-forming alpha subunits and the modulatory beta subunits. In smooth muscle, the modulatory beta1 subunits are vital in rendering BK channels function as an important regulator of smooth muscle tone and excitability. In this study, we cloned and characterized the BK beta1 subunit gene from rabbits (New Zealand white) and observed its tissue distribution pattern.

Down regulated expression of the beta1 subunit of the big-conductance Ca2+ sensitive K+ channel in sphincter of Oddi cells from rabbits fed with a high cholesterol diet.

Hypercholesterolemia, which is closely related to gallbladder bile stasis, can cause sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) by increasing the tension of sphincter of Oddi (SO). Intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) could influence the tension of SO. The beta1 subunit of the big-conductance Ca(2+) sensitive K(+) channel (BK(Ca)) can enhance the sensitivity of the BK(Ca) channel to [Ca(2+)](i).

[The influence on the BK channel beta1 subunit expression of SO caused by high cholesterol in rabbits].

Aim: To investigate the effects on protein expression of big-conductance Ca(2+)-sensitive K(+) channel (BKca) beta1 subunit caused by high cholesterol in Rabbit Oddi's sphincter (SO) cells.

Methods: The rat-anti-rabbit polyclonal antiserum against beta1 subunits of BKca channel of SO cell was prepared. And the protein expression of BKca channel beta1 subunit of SO tissue was detected by semi-quantitative immunohistochemical staining.

[Preparation of polyclonal antiserum against beta subunit of rabbit BK channel].

Aim: To prepare polyclonal antiserum against beta subunit of rabbit BK channel in mice.

Methods: Gene encoding the intracellular fragment of rabbit BK channel's beta subunit was amplified by RT-PCR. The GST-beta fusion protein was expressed in E.