Volume 113  ·   Issue 07  ·  2000

Objective To design a micro-incision operation for treating traumatic tattoo. Methods With an 11-gauge blade, a micro-incision was made on each side of the small tattoo spot and the tattoo skin was removed. For a longer tattoo particle, a longer incision was needed.The skin incision was sutured with 6-0 silk. For a complex tattoo, dermabrasion could be used first to remove the superficial one so as to expose the deep one which was removed in the same way as mentioned above. When there was a large number of tattoo particles, many operations were needed. Results Fourteen patients were treated by this method with good to excellent result. Conclusion Micro-incision for treating traumatic tattoo is an effective method. Chin Med J 2000; 113(7): 670-671

Objective To further illustrate the roles of p53 gene, epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)gene and loss of heterozygosity(LOH)on chromosome 10 and 17 p in human glioma progression. Methods p53 mutations were scanned in 50 gliomas with various malignant grades using the polymerase chain reaction single strand conformation polymorphism(PCR-SSCP)assay, and were confirmed by direct sequencing. LOH for chromosome 10, 17 p and amplification of the EGFR gene were also assessed using Southern blot analysis. Results p53 mutations were found in 9 of 17 high-grade astrocytomas(53%), 1 of 15 low-grade astrocytomas(7%), and the only subject of eppendymoblastoma but in none of the 10 medulloblastomas and 7 eppendymomas. The majority of gliomas(38/50)analyzed here retained both 17 p alleles. The frequency of p53 mutations was 13% in this group of tumors and increased to 50%(6/12)in tumors with one 17 p allele(P< 0.025). LOH on chromosome 10 was found in 35%(6/17)of high-grade astrocytomas, in 10%(1/10)of medulloblastomas, but in 0% of low-grade gliomas. EGFR gene amplification was found in 9 high-grade gliomas, 60%(6/9)of which also presented LOH for chromosome 10. Conclusions These results indicate that p53 inactivation is a common genetic event in astrocytoma progression that may be more strongly associated with the progression of astrocytomas than with their origin. Absence of p53 mutations in 50% of the tumors with one 17 p allele suggests that a tumor suppressor gene other than p53 may be located on chromosome 17 p and involved in progression to malignancy of some gliomas. The loss of alleles on chromosome 10 and the amplification of the EGFR gene appear to be restricted to high-grade tumors, suggesting that these events may be related to tumor progression rather than initiation. Chin Med J 2000; 113(7): 662-666

Objectives To investigate the inhibitory effect of expressed human apolipoprotein AI(h-apo AI)and high density lipoprotein(HDL)on atherosclerosis development in transgenic mice,and cultivation of smooth muscle cells isolated from the aortic wall of transgenic mice that are able to produce human apo AI in vitro. Methods Both h-apo AI transgenic mice and normal C57 mice were fed with either a regular chow or a high-fat diet containing 5% pork lard, 1.25% cholesterol and 0.25% sodium cholate for 14 or 24 weeks respectively. Human apo AI mRNA were detected by Northern blot. Plasma apo AI levels were measured using a radio-immuno-diffusion assay, and plasma lipid levels were measured using a colorimetric assay. Image analysis was performed in order to quantify the fatty streak areas stained with oil red O. In addition, smooth muscle cells isolated from the media layer of the aortic wall of h-apo AI transgenic mice were cultured for the detection of human apo AI produced. Results Higher levels of h-apo AI mRNA were found in liver, small intestine, kidneys and aortae in transgenic mice than in the controls all on a high-fat diet. The transgenic mice had an increased level of serum apo AI and HDL-cholesterol and the fatty streak area counted at the aortic sinus was approximately 5-fold less in the transgenic mice after feeding with a high fat ration, particularly after 24 weeks. SMC isolated from the transgenic mice aortae were cultivated and able to express h-apo AI mRNA and its related protein. Conclusion Elevation of h-apo AI and HDL in serum and aortic wall of the transgenic mice has a remarkably inhibitory effect on the development of experimental atherosclerosis. Chin Med J 2000; 113(7): 657-661

Objective To assess the quality of human erythrocyte superoxide dismutase(SOD)injection reaching the official standard for its clinical uses. Methods Human erythrocyte SOD injection prepared by McCord-Fridovich's method without column chromatography but with some modifications was used in preclinical trials, to observe the general pharmacology and pharmacodynamics of the product. Results The quality of human erythrocyte SOD injection conformed to the official standard of a biological product, which was found to be non-toxic and did not have any effects on the central and autonomic nervous systems as well as cardiovascular and respiratory systems. The efficacy of anti-inflammation and promotion of immuno-regulation especially on carrageenan and adjuvant-induced polyarthritis were shown in animals. Conclusion Human erythrocyte SOD injection is appropriate for prophylactic and therapeutic uses in clinical trials. Chin Med J 2000; 113(7): 654-656

Objective To isolate and clone the tumor suppressor gene on chromosomal region 7q32 correlated with the carcinogenesis of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC). Methods The genotypes of polymorphic microsatellite markers on 7q32 in DNA from 24 biopsies of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and matched normal blood cells were identified. The expression levels of 20 expressed sequence tags(ESTs)on 7q32 between human nasopharyngeal carcinoma epithelial 1(HNE1)and primary cultures of normal nasopharyngeal epithelial(PNNE)cells were compared using differential RT-PCR and Northern hybridization. The quantity of AA070437 DNA and mRNA was detected by differential PCR and differential RT-PCR, respectively. Results Loss of heterozygosity(LOH)was found in 25%-46% of NPC biopsies. AA070437 EST expression was down-regulated in HNE1 cell compared to PNNE cells. The down-regulation of AA070437 was found in 30.7% of NPC biopsies and allelic loss of AA070437 was observed in 29.1 % of NPC biopsies. Conclusion Our results show that AA070437 EST is negatively related with the occurrence of human NPC and may represent a candidate tumor suppressor gene of NPC on 7q32. Chin Med J 2000; 113(7): 650-653

Objective To study the influence of the nasal mucociliary system on intranasal drug administration and ways of reducing its influence on nasal absorption. Methods Rabbit nasopharynx was closed to stop mucociliary function in one group. In the other group, rabbits maintained their mucociliary function. Both groups were given a nasal drip of gentamycin and the serum levels were measured from 0 to 180 minutes after drug administration. To reduce the undesirable effects of the nasal mucociliary system, acetylcysteine was mixed into the gentamycin drops. In addition, nasal nebulization was evaluated in human volunteers as a means of increasing absorption of the drug in the non-ciliary area of the nasal cavity. Results Nasal mucociliary function reduced intranasal absorption of drug and made the highest absorbing rate and area under the curve(AUG)decrease by 25.1 %and 18.2%, respectively. Both the nasal drip containing acetylcysteine and the nebulizer could promote drug absorption in the nasal mucosa. The former made the highest intranasal absorption and AUG increase by 18.0% and 10.7%, respectively. The latter made the absorption increase 1.5-1.6 times. Conclusion The mucociliary system can decrease intranasal drug absorption. Application of acetylcysteine or the use of nebulizer can increase drug absorption. Chin Med J 2000; 113(7): 647-649

Objective To investigate the cellular phenotype and apoptosis of infiltrating cells involved in experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis(EAU). Methods Immunohistochemical staining and in situ apoptosis staining were performed using monoclonal antibodies to monocytes and macrophages(ED1), major histocompatibility complex(MHC)class-Ⅱantigen(0X6), T lymphocytes(R73)and TACS 1 Klenow kit on both ocular sections and wholemounts from Lewis rats after immunization with interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein(IRBP). Results EAU was induced in 12 of 16 Lewis rats with a mean clinical inflammation score of 1.29±0.7. Influx of monocytes, lymphocytes and MHC class Ⅱ-positive cells into the uvea and retina was noted after immunization with IRBP. Apoptosis of infiltrating cells was observed in the uvea and retina, and more apoptotic cells were present in the iris and ciliary body compared with those in the choroid and retina. Conclusion Apoptosis of infiltrating cells occurs at the early stage of EAU, which may greatly contribute to the rapid regression of the inflammation induced by IRBP. Chin Med J 2000; 113(7):643-646

Objective To investigate mitochondrial DNA(mt-DNA)mutations in optic neuritis of unknown cause(ONUC)and to assess the practical value of mt-DNA mutation detection in etiologically and differentially diagnosing ONUC. Methods Thirty patients with ONUC were screened for mt-DNA mutations of nt11778, nt3460 and nt15257 by using SSCP, mutation-specific primer PCR and sequencing. Results mt-DNA mutations were found in twelve of thirty ONUC patients. All of the mutations were at nt11778 position, but no one at nt3460 and nt15257. Conclusions Forty percent(12/30)of ONUC patients were caused by an mt-DNA mutation. Combined with other routine measures, screening for mt-DNA mutations in ONUC patients is of great significance in diagnosing ONUC etiologically and differentially. Chin Med J 2000; 113(7): 640-642

Objective To study the effect of anisodamine on neuronal death and hydroxyI radical(OH·)production during forebrain ischemia-reperfusion in gerbils. Methods The tested gerbils were divided into 3 groups, including sham-operated, control and anisodamine groups. In each group, there were 8 animals for biochemical examination and 6 animals for histologic study. Forebrain ischemia was induced by occlusion the bilateral common carotid arteries for 10 min in gerbils. 2, 3-and 2, 5-DHBA outputs were determined by high performance hiquid chromatography coupled with electrochemical detection. Behavioral change was tested by open field test and neuronal death was assessed by histological examination. Results The exploratory activities of gerbils in the control group were significantly higher than those in the anisodamine group on all test days. The amount of viable-looking neurons in the medial, middle and lateral CA1 sectors in anisodamine group were 41%±12%, 50%±21％ and 67%±15% of the sham-operated gerbils, respectively, being significantly higher than those in the control group(3%±2%, 4%±3% and 7%±4% of sham, P< 0.01). The 2, 3-DHBA outputs in the control group increased by 5 fold of the sham-operated gerbils after reperfusion for 60 min, but the 2, 3-DHBA outputs in the anisodamine group were only 2.4 fold of sham-operated gerbils, being significantly lower than that in the control group(P< 0.01). The 2, 5-DHBA outputs in the control group were significantly higher than those in the sham-operated group(P< 0.05). Conclusion Anisodamine has inhibitory effects on neuronal death and OH •production during cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in gerbils. Chin Med J 2000; 113(7): 636-639

Objective To access the production of a novel uterine luminal fluid 250 kD protein(ULF-250)during the various phases of the estrous cycle in relation to estrogen concentration, and to validate that the production and secretion of ULF-250 are regulated by estradiol and progesterone. Methods An immunohistochemical method was used to localize ULF-250 in rat uteri during each phase of the estrous cycle, and in uteri of ovariectomized rats treated with estradiol and progesterone. Results Positive immunostaining of ULF-250 occurred in the epithelial cells of the uterus at all phases of the estrous cycle; whereas the stroma was immunonegative. During the proestrus phase of the cycle, the glandular epithelial cells and glandular luminal content were stained strongly. During the estrus phase of the cycle, intense staining occurred in the glandular and uterine luminal epithelial cells, including the luminal content of the glands. In the metestrus phase of the cycle, only uterine epithelial cells were stained; during the diestrus phase, intense staining of the secreted contents of the uterine cavity and the glandular lumen occurred. The distribution of ULF-250 in the uteri of ovariectomized female rats treated with estradiol alone and estradiol plus progesterone were examined. In both groups, intense staining of the glandular luminal epithelial cells of the uterine endometrium occurred; in the estradiol-treated animals, only the luminal contents were stained. The present findings suggest that progesterone inhibits the secretion of ULF-250 that is stimulated by estradiol. Conclusions ULF-250 is produced by the glandular and luminal epithelial cells of the uterine endometrium and fluctuates with the phases of the estrous cycle. Its production is stimulated by estradiol and its secretion is regulated by progesterone. Chin Med J 2000; 113(7): 632-635