[Cloning and expression of SmDXS2 gene in Swertia mussotii].

1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate synthase2(DXS2) is the first key enzyme of the MEP pathway,which plays an important role in terpene biosynthesis of plants. According to the data of Swertia mussotii transcriptome, DXS2 gene(Gen Bank number MH535905) was cloned and named as Sm DXS2. The bioinformatics results showed that Sm DXS2 has no intron,with a 2 145 bp open reading frame encoding a polypeptide of 714 amino acids.

Cotton S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase-mediated spermine biosynthesis is required for salicylic acid- and leucine-correlated signaling in the defense response to Verticillium dahliae.

Cotton S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase-, rather than spermine synthase-, mediated spermine biosynthesis is required for salicylic acid- and leucine-correlated signaling in the defense response to Verticillium dahliae. Spermine (Spm) signaling is correlated with plant resistance to the fungal pathogen Verticillium dahliae. We identified genes for key rate-limiting enzymes in the biosynthesis of Spm, namely S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (GhSAMDC) and Spm synthase (GhSPMS).

The combination of L-4F and simvastatin stimulate cholesterol efflux and related proteins expressions to reduce atherosclerotic lesions in apoE knockout mice.

Background: Both L-4F, one apolipoprotein A-1 mimetic peptide, and statins can reduce progression of atherosclerosis by different mechanisms. The combination of the two drugs can cause lesion regression by rendering HDL anti-inflammatory. We postulated that combination of L-4F and simvastatin may stimulate cholesterol efflux and related proteins expressions to alleviate atherosclerosis.

[Association between ADRA1A gene polymorphism and autoantibodies against the alpha1-adrenergic receptor in hypertensive patients.].

Objective: To observe the association between ADRA1A gene polymorphism and autoantibodies against the alpha1-adrenergic receptor in hypertensive patients.

Methods: A total of 396 patients with essential hypertension admitted to our hospital were selected and autoantibodies in sera were detected by ELISA, and patients were divided into the autoantibody positive and negative group. Genomic DNA was extracted from erythrocytes obtained from EDTA-treated blood by the Blood DNA extraction kit.

[Increased autoantibody production against AT(1)-receptors and alpha(1)-adrenergic receptors in hypertensive patients].

Objective: To observe autoantibodies production against AT(1)-receptors and alpha(1)-adrenergic receptors and association to risk factors, such as sex, age, family history, course of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases in hypertensive patients.

Methods: A total of 690 patients with essential hypertension admitted to our hospital were selected and autoantibodies against AT(1)-receptors and alpha(1)-adrenergic receptors were detected by ELISA. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed based on obtained data.

Agonistic AT(1) receptor autoantibody increases in serum of patients with refractory hypertension and improves Ca(2+) mobilization in cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells.

Agonistic AT(1) receptor autoantibodies (AT(1)-AAs) have been described in the patients with malignant hypertension or preeclampia. Furthermore, AT(1)-AAs were highly associated with refractory hypertension. Function of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is important in the regulation of blood pressure.

The mechanism of signal transduction during vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation induced by autoantibodies against angiotensin AT1 receptor from hypertension.

Background: Autoantibodies against angiotensin AT1 receptor have been discovered in patients with preeclampsia or malignant hypertension. Some studies have demonstrated that the autoantibodies are involved in the immunopathogenesis of hypertension and have an agonist effect similar to angiotensin II.

Methods: Autoantibodies against AT1 receptor were purified from sera of patients with primary hypertension by affinity chromatography.

[Autoantibodies against alpha1 adrenergic receptor related with cardiac remodeling in hypertensive patients by clinical observation].

Objective: To investigate the effects of autoantibodies against alpha(-) adrenergic receptor on cardiac remodeling in patients with hypertension.

Methods: Five hundred and fifty three patients with hypertension in our hospital were selected. The autoantibodies against alpha(1) adrenergic receptor in sera of donor were detected by ELISA, and the results of echocardiography were recorded.

[A preliminary investigation on the serological and epidemiological characteristics of severe acute respiratory syndrome in children].

Objective: The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a highly contagious infection caused by a newly discovered strain of coronavirus (SARS-CoV). During the outbreak of SARS in the first half of 2003, children appeared to be less susceptible to the SARS coronavirus and pediatric patients presented with a less aggressive clinical course than adult patients did, demonstrating the traits which were rarely observed in other viral contagious disease. The present study aimed to preliminarily examine the presence of serum specific antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-associated coronavirus virus (SARS-CoV) in pediatric SARS patients and explore the possibility of subclinical infection in children/adults through close association with SARS cases.