C1GALT1 polymorphisms are associated with Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis.

Background: Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) is the most serious long-term complication of Henoch-Schönlein purpura and aberrant galactosylation of IgA1 plays a role in its development. However, the precise role of genetic factors contributing to the abnormal IgA1 galactosylation remains unknown.

Methods: In order to examine the effects of C1GALT1 gene encoding core 1 β1,3-galactosyltransferase, an important role in the β1,3 glycosylation of IgA1, on HSPN susceptibility, we conducted a case-control association genetic study in 269 HSP and 61 HSPN in China.

Serum amyloid A levels associated with gastrointestinal manifestations in Henoch-Schönlein purpura.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is considered as an immune-mediated inflammatory disease. Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute-phase protein with proinflammatory effects. We investigated the levels of SAA in HSP patients and examined whether SAA levels are associated with organ involvement and disease severity.

Expression of nuclear factor -κBp65 in mononuclear cells in Kawasaki disease and its relation to coronary artery lesions.

Objective: To assess the association of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and complications of Kawasaki disease (KD) in Chinese children.

Methods: Based on color Doppler examination results, 86 affected children in the KD group were divided into two groups: 39 cases in coronary artery lesion group (CALs subgroup) and 47 cases in non-coronary artery lesion group (Non-CALs subgroup). Infection control group consisted of 65 cases of hospitalized infected children with fever, having same age as the affected children.

[Effects of TNF-α on ICAM-1 and LFA-1 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of children with febrile seizures].

Objective: To study the effects of TNF-α on ICAM-1 and LFA-1 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of children with febrile seizures (FS).

Methods: Sixteen children with FS and 16 age- and gender-matched healthy children were enrolled. The samples of PBMC from FS children were randomized into two groups with or without TNF-α treatment (TNF-α concentration 1.

The CD18 AvaII polymorphic site not associated with Henoch-Schönlein purpura.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is an immune complex-mediated systemic vasculitis. Its genetic etiology remains unknown. CD18, the subunit of integrin beta2 in leukocytes, has essential roles in the expression and function of ITGB2, mediating immune responses.

MEFV E148Q polymorphism is associated with Henoch-Schönlein purpura in Chinese children.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a multifactorial inflammatory disease whose pathogenesis remains unknown. Pyrin encoded by the MEFV gene (NM_000243; OMIM 608107) is an important active member of the inflammasome and has been shown to affect the expression of many of the genes involved in immune and inflammatory responses. The aim of our study was to elucidate the possible roles of MEFV genetic variants on the susceptibility to HSP and its clinical outcomes in 78 patients with HSP and 189 controls in China.

[Effect and mechanism of emodin on cholestatic hepatitis].

Objective: To explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of emodin on cholestatic hepatitis.

Methods: Rats were divided into 5 groups: 1 group was untreated, the other 4 groups were treated with alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT), ANIT and emodin, ANIT and ursodeoxycholic acid, or ANIT and dexamethasone, respectively. At 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after the treatment, NF-kappa B, early growth response factor-1 (Egr-1), cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant 1 (CINC-1), macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP-2), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1),tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were assayed by immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR , western-blot and ELISA.

[SR-XRF analysis of characteristics of heavy element concentration in qingdao algae and application to monitoring oceanic pollution].

Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the heavy element concentration characteristics of 14 specimens of 9 kinds of Qingdao algae by synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence (SR-XRF) are presented. Results show that various algae are quite different in element concentration. Some algae reveal super concentration ability, such as Sargassum pallidum for As and Sr, Symphyocladia latiuscula for Br and Laminaria japonica for I.