Role of autophagy in advanced atherosclerosis (Review).

Atherosclerosis (AS) remains the leading cause for global cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality, and a major cause of cardiopathy, myocardial infarction and peripheral vascular diseases. Macrophages serve a critical role in atherosclerotic plaque stabilization and rupture, and the selective removal of macrophages may be beneficial in improving plaque stability. Autophagy is a process of self‑feeding, during which cytoplasmic proteins or organelles are packaged into vesicles and fused with the lysosome to form an autophagosome.

Mipu1 inhibits lipid accumulation through down-regulation of CD36 in RAW264.7 cells.

Background/aims: Our recent data indicated that Mipu1 overexpression reduces lipid intake and CD36 expression of macrophages in the presence of oxLDL. However, the mechanism of Mipu1 inhibiting lipid accumulation in macrophages is not elucidated.

Methods: Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot analysis were used to detect expression of Mipu1 and CD36.

[Conventional and molecular cytogenetic analyses of a derivative X chromosome in amniocentesis].

Objective: To analyze the aberrant der(X) chromosome using conventional and molecular cytogenetic approaches in a fetus of second trimester and to discuss its clinical effect.

Methods: Conventional cytogenetic procedures (GTG and CBG banding) were performed on cultured amniotic fluid cells. Three-color fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) consisting of X chromosome enumeration probes(CEPX), CEPY and Tel Xp/Yp was further performed to study the aberrant der(X) chromosome.

[Evaluation of detection and analysis of chromosome 22q11.2 microdeletion by multiple ligation-dependent probe amplification assay].

Objective: To evaluate multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) assay detection in analysis of chromosome 22q11.2 microdeletion.

Methods: Between March 2008 and September 2009, thirty-two patients including 10 males and 16 females aged between years (3.

[Sperm chromosome analysis and preimplantation genetic diagnos is in an infertile male with mosaic trisomy 18].

Objective: To analyze the numerical aberration rate of X, Y and chromosome 18 in sperms from an oligozoospermic male with mosaic trisomy 18 and to perform preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for the couple.

Methods: G-banding and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were performed on metaphase chromosome. Sperm was analyzed in three-color FISH with a probe mixture containing CEP18, CEPY and Tel Xq/Yq.

Novel real-time PCR assay for rapid prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome: a prospective study of 563 amniocytes.

Objective: To explore the possibilities of a novel real-time PCR assay for rapid prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome in clinical settings.

Design And Methods: This duplex real-time PCR assay is based on relative quantification of DSCR4 gene on chromosome 21 by using RABIF gene on chromosome 1 as a reference. For each sample, the differences in threshold cycles between DSCR4 and RABIF genes (Delta Ct, DeltaCt) were detected, and a calibrated DeltaCt value (DeltaDeltaCt, DeltaCt (sample)-DeltaCt (internal control)) was analyzed.

[Application of differential display-PCR technique in fluconazole-resistance gene expression of Candida].

Objective: To investigate the application of differential display-2PCR(DD-PCR) in research on gene expression of Candida.

Methods: Resistance to fluconazole was induced in a Candida albicans isolate 435 from vagina by culturing in YEPD broth with increasing fluconazole concentration in vitro, and the resistant isolate 435-2 (MIC=128 microg/ml ) was obtained after 80 days of incubation. Comparisons between 435 and 435-2 either in fluconazole-containing medium or in drug-free medium were performed with the modified DD-PCR including amplification with long primers, silver staining, reverse dot blot and non-radiographic labeling techniques.

[Study on experimental induction of fluconazole resistance in Candida albicans].

To investigate the phenotype and genotype variation between the Fluconazole resistant C. albicans isolates and the corresponding susceptible ones, our research established a resistance-induction mode in vitro. Comparisons were done on drug resistance maintainability, metabolic profile and the doubling time in the logarithmic growth phase.