Correlation of AIM2 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from humans with acute and chronic hepatitis B.

The AIM2 (absent in melanoma 2) protein promotes host defenses against invading viruses and pathogenic bacteria through corresponding adapter molecules leading to the initiation of innate immune responses. We investigated the expression of AIM2 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with acute hepatitis B (AHB) and chronic hepatitis B (CHB) during different clinical phases, and analyzed the correlation between AIM2 and clinical profiles in these groups. This study indicated that there is higher expression of AIM2, IL-1β, and IL-18 in AHB compared with expression in CHB.

Age versus clinical virological characteristics in chronic hepatitis B virus infection: a case series study in China.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the clinical virological characteristics of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in chronic HBV infection patients of different ages, especially in relapse patients and patients with immune clearance.

Methods: The HBV clinical virological characteristics of chronic HBV infection were investigated in 1572 Chinese patients of different age groups (<20, 20-40, and >40 years old).

Results: Of the patients in the below 20 age group, those with evidence of immune tolerance accounted for 86.

[Determination of GATA-4 in the testis of the mouse].

Objective: To explore the characteristics and distribution of GATA-4 in the testis of male mice.

Methods: Paraffin sections were obtained from the testes of 24 male B6SJLF1/J mice, aged 0 day (n = 6), 2 weeks (n = 6), 4 weeks (n = 6) and 6 weeks (n = 6), and the expressions of GATA-4 in the testis were observed by the immunohistochemical ABC method and DAB visualization at different times.

Results: Positive expressions of GATA4 were found in the Sertoli cells and Leydig cells of all the mice, but significantly higher in the 4- and 6-week-old than in the 0-day and 2-week-old groups (P < 0.

[The GATA family in reproduction].

The GATA family proteins are a group of zinc finger transcription factors that are expressed in human and mammalian animals and play an important role in mammalian organ morphogenesis, cell proliferation and sex differentiation. GATA-4 and GATA-6 have been identified in the ovaries and testes of humans, mice, pigs and chickens. GATA-4 contributes to fetal male gonadal development by regulating the genes that mediate Müllerian duct regression and the onset of testosterone production.

[Experimental varicocele affects VEGF and Flt-1 protein expressions in the testis and epididymis of adolescent rats].

Objective: To investigate the effects of experimental left varicocele (ELV) on the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (Flt-1) proteins in the testis and epididymis of adolescent rats, and to find out the correlation of the two proteins with varicocele-induced male infertility.

Methods: We established the ELV model in adolescent male SD rats, and detected the expressions of VEGF and Flt-1 proteins in the testis and epididymis by immunohistochemistry at 2 and 4 weeks after surgery.

Results: Cell- and region-specific expressions of VEGF and Flt-1 were observed in the testis and epididymis of the ELV and control groups.

[Expressions of VEGF and Flt-1 in the testis, epididymis and epididymal sperm of adolescent rats].

Objective: To study the expressions of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (Flt-1) in the testis, epididymis and epididymal sperm of adolescent rats and explore the functions of both the proteins in the male reproductive system.

Methods: The expressions of VEGF and Flt-1 were detected in 20 adolescent SD rats, immunohistochemical staining used for both the testis and the epididymis and immunofluorescent staining for sperm.

Results: VEGF and Flt-1 proteins were specifically present in the testis, epididymis and sperm.