OBJECTIVE：The ALL-XH-99 protocol for the treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has been performed in the Union Hospital for 10 years. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of the protocol for childhood ALL and to investigate the prognostic factors for childhood ALL. METHODS: This is a retrospective study. The eligible patients were treated with the ALL-XH-99 protocol. However a minor modification based on the ALL-XH-99 protocol was performed in this study, i.e., the high-risk patients as the low- and moderate-risk patients were not administered with cranial irradiation. Event-free survival (EFS) was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method and the differences of the EFS among groups were compared with the log-rank test. Prognostic factors for childhood ALL were investigated by the stepwise Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: One hundred fifteen patients were eligible for the ALL-XH-99 protocol clinical study. The 115 patients consisted of 62 low-risk, 12 moderate-risk and 41 high-risk patients. The overall EFS at 5 years in the 115 patients was 69.0±5.0%. The 5-year-EFS in the low-risk, moderate-risk and high-risk patients was 82.0±6.0%, 77.0± 15.0% and 43.0±11.0%, respectively (P< 0.01). Relapse occurred in 16 patients (13.9%) in a median time of 17 months. Without administering cranial irradiation to all of the patients, the incidence of CNS leukemia relapse (2/115, 1.7%) was not higher than that previously reported. Multivariate analysis showed that the risk degree of leukemia, the presence of t (9; 22)/bcr/abl fusion gene and leukocyte count were independent adverse prognostic factors for ALL and their hazard ratio was 1.867, 3.397 and 2.236 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The therapeutic effectiveness of the ALL-XH-99 protocol for childhood ALL is satisfactory, with an EFS rate comparable to that of the developed countries. t (9; 22)/bcr/abl is the most important adverse independent prognostic factor for childhood ALL. Cranial irradiation may be eliminated to reduce late adverse effects in all of ALL patients.

OBJECTIVE: Unrelated umbilical cord blood has the clear benefits of rapid availability and a reduced stringency of requirement for HLA match. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of unrelated umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT) in the treatment of malignant leukemia in children. METHODS: Six children with malignant leukemia, including three cases of acute lymphocyte leukemia [two high-risk patients and one standard-risk patient in complete remission (CR)], two juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (one in CR and one in the accelerating stage), and one acute myeloblastic leukaemia (in CR), received a UCBT. The umbilical cord blood grafts were HLA-matched (n=1) or HLA-mismatched at 1 (n=1) or 2 (n=1) or 3 (n=3) loci. Busulfan/cyclophosphamide/antithymocyte globulin (ATG) or total body irradiation (TBI)/cyclophosphamide/ATG was involved in the myeloablative pretreatment regimen. The median infused donor nucleated cell was 8.51×107/kg of recipient weight, and the CD34+ cell was 1.81×105/kg of recipient weight. Cyclosporin, corticoid, mycophenolate mofetil and daclizumab were used for prophylaxis of acute graft versus host disease (GVHD). RESULTS: The time to reach an absolute neutrophil count of 0.5×109/L ranged from 11 to 35 days (median: 13 days) and the time to reach a platelet count of 20×109/L ranged from 27 to 68 days (median: 30 days) after transplantation, and the donors' hematopoietic stem cells were shown in these patients. Four patients developed grade I to III acute GVHD but responded to steroids and daclizumab. Chronic GVHD was not found during a 3-16-month follow-up. Four patients survived and did not relapse during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Unrelated umbilical cord blood is an alternative source of hematopoietic stem cells for patients with leukemia. UCBT can tolerate 1-2 HLA mismatches. The incidence of acute GVHD is high in UCBT recipients.

OBJECTIVE: To study the biological characteristics of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells（MSC）in children with aplastic anemia (AA) and evaluate the relationship of biological characteristics of MSC with the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy (IST). METHODS: Bone marrow- derived MSC were cultured and isolated from 29 children with AA and 5 normal controls. Seventeen out of the 29 cases received IST. Surface markers and cell cycle of MSC at passage 3 were analyzed by flow cytometry. The inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation by MSC was evaluated and TGF-β1 level in the supernatant of MSC was detected using ELISA.ResultsGrowth abnormality of MSC was found in 16 children with AA (55%), characterized by deficiency and poor proliferation of MSC, and was frenquently seen in patients with severe AA or in patients with more prolonged disease course or in patients with radiation/chemotherapy-induced AA. Surface markers, cell cycle and TGF-β1 level in the supernatant of MSC at passage 3 and the inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation by MSC in the AA group were similar to those in the control group. Eight out of nine patients with normal MSC growth achieved complete remission (CR) but only 2 out of 8 patients with abnormal MSC growth achieved CR following IST (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Bone marrow-derived MSC growth abnormality occurs in most of children with AA. MSC abnormality may affect adversely hematological recovery following IST.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between human cyclin C (CCNC) gene and childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). MethodsThe total RNA isolated from myeloid tissues of normal children and of children with newly diagnosed ALL and from ALL cell line 6T-CEM was reversely transcribed into cDNA. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR method was used to detect CCNC gene expression. RESULTS: CCNC was expressed in myeloid tissues of normal children and of children with newly diagnosed ALL as well as 6T-CEM. The relative expression level of CCNC gene in children with newly diagnosed ALL was significantly lower than in normal controls (2.35±0.83 vs 13.5±0.30; P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CCNC gene shows lower expression in children with newly diagnosed ALL, suggesting that it may be a tumor suppressing gene in childhood ALL.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the distribution and the changes of drug resistance of common pathogenic bacteria in children with lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) of Chengdu. METHODS: Sputum specimens for bacterial cultures were collected from children with LRTL who had been admitted to the Chengdu Children's Hospital between 2001 and 2006. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed after bacteria had been identified. The results between 2001 and 2003 were compared with those between 2004 and 2006. RESULTS: Hemophilus (24.3%) was the most common pathogenic bacteria for LRTI in children between 2001 and 2003, followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae (18.8%), Escherichia coli (18.2%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (11.3%), Staphylococcus aureus (10.0%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (6.5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6.4%) and other non-zymocyte (4.4%). Escherichia coli (23.7%) was the most common pathogenic bacteria in children with LRTL between 2004 and 2006, followed by Hemophilus (19.8%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (17.9%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (13.2%), Staphylococcus aureus (10.3%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (7.8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (4.0%) and other non-zymocyte (3.2%). Compared with the years of 2001-2003, the rate of drug resistance of pathogenic bacteria to antibiotics between 2004 and 2006 increased: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus 18.0% vs 8.8%, Methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococci 70.5% vs 18.1%, Extended-spetrum β-lactamase stains 44.4% vs 22.6%, and β-lactamase production stains of Hemophilus influenzae 40.2% vs 20.1%. CONCLUSIONS: The distribution of common pathogenic bacteria of children with LRTL has changed and the rate of drug resistance of pathogenic bacteria to antibiotics is increasing in recent three years in Chengdu.

OBJECTIVE: The causes of chronic diarrhea in children are complex. At present, food allergy is generally viewed as an important cause of this disorder, and IgG-mediated delayed allergy plays a major role in this process. This study aimed to explore the link between food specific IgG and chronic diarrhea in children, as well as the value of food allergens-specific IgG antibody detection in the management of this disorder. METHODS: Eighty-two children with chronic diarrhea and 30 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum levels of specific IgG antibody to 14 kinds of food were detected using ELISA. The results were classified into four grades: Grade 0 (negative), Grade 1 (mild allergy), Grade 2 (moderate allergy) and Grade 3 (severe allergy). The patients received a diet treatment based on the results of food specific IgG antibody detection. Children with negative IgG antibody were allowed to continue their current diet. In children with Grade 1 allergy, the food responsible for the IgG antibody positive test was given only at an interval of four days. In children with Grade 2 or 3, the offending food was eliminated from the diet. RESULTS: Of the 82 children with chronic diarrhea, 79 (96.2%) had increased specific IgG levels for one or more of the 14 foods tested compared to 8 (26.7%) of the controls (P<0.01). The majority of patients showed increased specific IgG levels for milk (68.3%) and egg (62.2%). A low proportion of patients (2.4%) was allergic to chicken, and no patient was allergic to pork. The symptoms were improved in 65 patients (79.3%) after 1 week to 3 months of diet treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Food allergy is one of major causes of chronic childhood diarrhea. Food specific IgG antibody detection may assist in the dietary management of this disorder.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical characteristics of childhood antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. METHODS: The medical data, including clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, and kidney pathology, of 7 children with ANCA-associated rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis were retrospectively studied. RESULTS: The 7 patients (6 girls and 1 boy) ranged in age from 3.5-14 years, with a mean age of 9 years. A diversity of major complaints and clinical symptoms was presented in the patients. Laboratory findings were not specific. All patients had elevated ESR, BUN and serum creatinine levels as well as anaemia, hematuria and proteinuria. Urinary protein electrophoresis showed mixed proteinuria in the 7 cases. C3 was normal in 3 cases and slightly decreased in 4 cases. All were MPO-ANCA positive, and 1 out of the 7 cases was positive for PR3-ANCA. Renal biopsy displayed extensive crescentic formations and necrotic glomerulus capillary loop. A great quantity of inflammatory cell infiltration and swollen endotheliocytes of small vessels as well as vessel wall edema or necrosis were found in the interstitium. Immunofluorescence showed no or little amounts of immune complex depositions in the renal glomeruli and vessel walls. Renal function was recovered and hematuria/proteinuria disappeared or greatly relieved in 3 patients after methylprednisone and cyclophosphamide pulse therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Children with ANCA-positive rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis present with various clinical manifestations. The diagnosis of this disorder may be difficult due to a lack of specificity in its clinical manifestations. It is important to enhance our understanding of this disorder to effectively make an early diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE: To study the development of pulmonary function of healthy children between 1- 48 months.METHODS: A total of 295 healthy children at ages of 1- 48 months were classified into 7 groups according to their age, i.e., 1-2 months, 3- 4 months, 5-7 months, 8-12 months, 13-24 months, 25-36 months, and 37- 48 months. Pediatric pulmonary function laboratory type 2600 (Sensor Medics Corporation USA) was used to detect tidal flow volume curve, which can partially replace the maximum expiratory flow volume curve and reflect airway ventination function. Passive expiratory flow volume technique was used to examine respiratory system static compliance and total airway resistance. Open nitrogen washout method was used to measure functional residual capacity. RESULTS: The values of tidal, peak tidal expiratory flow, and respiratory system static compliance functional residual capacity increased with the increasing age and were significantly different among the 7 groups. However, respiratory rate and total airway resistance decreased with the increased age. The value of each parameter of tidal flow volume curve was stable during 1-48 months.CONCLUSIONS: This study displayed the developmental characteristics of pulmonary function of healthy children at ages of 1-48 months, which is useful to observe the changes of pulmonary function in respiratory diseases.

OBJECTIVE: Many inborn errors of metabolism have similar presenting clinical manifestations, making early diagnosis difficult. We report our experience with tandem mass spectrometry combined with urine gas chromatography/mass spectrometry as a means of definitively diagnosing inborn errors of metabolism. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-two children with suspected inborn errors of metabolism but without specific clinical manifestations, admitted to the Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine between June 1, 2003 and September 30, 2006, were studied. Children received routine biochemical examinations, as well as mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Fifteen cases (11.5%) were confirmed as having inborn errors of metabolism, including 6 cases of methylmalonic acidemia, 2 of propionic academia, 2 of Type II citrullinemia, 1 of biotinidase deficiency, 1 of tyrosinemia, 1 of maple syrup urine disease, 1 of omithine transcarbamylase deficiency and 1 of very long chain Acyl CoA dehydrogenase deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: The combined use of tandem mass spectrometry with urine gas chromatography mass spectrometry is useful for early diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism in children with suspected inborn errors of metabolism but without specific clinical manifestations.

OBJECTIVE: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) usually occurs prior to 3 years old. The value of serum creatine kinase changes with clinical progression and age in patients with DMD. This study aimed to investigate the regularity in the changes of serum creatine kinase activities in children with DMD. METHODS: Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 40 children with DMD (ranged from 3-14 years). Serum creatine kinase levels were assayed by kinetic UV test. RESULTS: Serum creatine kinase level in the 40 DMD patients (ranged from 2 595- 45 495 U/L) was remarkably higher than the reference value (35-174 U/L). The highest serum creatine kinase level (average: 27750-31173 U/L) was found in 3-5 years old patients. Afterwards, serum creatine kinase level decreased with clinical progression and age, with a yearly average rate of decline was 8.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Serum creatine kinase level reaches a peak between 3 and 5 years old and then reduces with increasing age in children with DMD. The characteristic changes of serum creatine kinase are suspected to reflect the rate of muscle decay.

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical and epidemiologic characteristics and the serum types of enterovirus of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in children. METHODS: The RT-nPCR method was established with universal primers within 5' untranslated region of enterovirus and VP1 region of Coxsackievirus A16 (CAV16) and enterovirus 71 (EV 71). Enteroviruses were detected with RT-nPCR in 237 children with HFMD. Clinical and epidemiologic characteristics and serum types of enterovirus of the patients with HFMD were studied. RESULTS: The patients'age ranged from 7 months to 11 years (mean 4.2±0.5 years). The majority (94.5%) were less than 6 years old. HFMD was mostly seen in spring and winter (67.9%). Oral mucosal pox or ulcer as well as hand and foot rashes were observed in all 237 patients. Fever occurred in 141 patients (59.5%). Of the 237 patients, 133 (56.1%) were RT-nPCR positive. Of the 133 cases, 38 were positive for EV71, 64 were positive for CAV16, and 31 were negative for both EV71 and CAV16. The patients infected by different types of enteroviruses had similar clinical characteristics. Gene colon and sequence analysis for 12 strains of enteroviruses PCR positive products presented as EV71 (n=5), CAV16 (n=5), ECHO13 (n=1), and CAV5 (n=1). CONCLUSIONS: HFMD tends to occur in younger children less than 6 years old. The majority are affected in spring and winter. EV71 and CAV16 are common pathogens of HFMD. There is no relationship between clinical characteristics and serum types of enteroviruses in HFMD patients.

OBJECTIVE: To establish a hepatolenticular degeneration rat model with excessive copper, and investigate the effects of excessive copper deposits in the liver on hepatocyte apoptosis and Bax and Bcl-2 expression. METHODS: Rat model of hepatolenticular degeneration was established by administering forages containing 1g/kg of copper sulfate and drinking water containing 0.185% copper sulfate. Copper level in the liver and serum and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level in serum were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine 5-triphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL) method was used to detect hepatocyte apoptosis. Bax and Bcl-2 expression was observed by RT-PCR and imunohistochemistry staining. Quantification of positive cells was performed by image analyzer. RESULTS: With more prolonged excessive copper ingestion, copper level in the liver and serum as well as ALT level in serum rose, and more apoptosis cells appeared in the liver. Bax and Bcl-2 expression increased significantly compared with controls fed a normal diet and progressively increased with more prolonged excessive copper ingestion. The progressively increased extent of Bcl-2 expression was lower than that of Bax expression, so the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax decreased with increasing excessive copper ingestion time. CONCLUSIONS: Excessive copper deposits in the liver can induce hepatocyte apoptosis through an up-regulation of Bax expression.

OBJECTIVE: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its specific tryrosin kinase receptor-B (TrkB) are highly correlated to the chemoresistance of neuroblastoma (NB) cells and poor prognosis. This study observed the changes of the sensibility of NB cells to chemotherapy drug cisplatin (CDDP) before and after blockage of TrkB-BDNF signal pathway by specific tyrosin kinase inhibitor K252a. METHODS: Human NB cell line SH-SY5Y (SY5Y) was routinely cultured. Expression of TrkB was induced with nM all trans-retinoid acid (ATRA). Then BDNF, CDDP or K252a were added to the cultured SY5Y cells. Cell livability was assessed by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. TrkB autophosphorylation was determined by Western blot analysis. Cell apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry (FCM). The conformation of apoptosis cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS: The livability and apoptosis rate in SY5Y cells treated with ATRA, BDNF and CDDP were not different from the blank control group. However, after K252a together with ATRA, BDNF and CDDP treatment, the sensibility of SY5Y cells to chemotherapy drug CDDP increased, the livability decreased and the apoptosis rate increased in SY5Y cells when compared with the blank control group (P<0.01). K252a treatment resulted in blockage of TrkB autophosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS: The blockage of TrkB-BDNF signal pathway by K252a use can increase sensibility of NB cells to chemotherapy and thus decrease the livability of NB cells.

OBJECTIVE: To establish immortalized epiphysis cartilage cell strains in order to provide a stable cell resource for cell substitution and gene therapies of growth retardation. METHODS: Plasmid pEGFP-IRES2-SV40LTag containing simian virus 40 large T antigen gene was transfected into primarily cultured epiphysis cartilage cells of the newborn rat using the lipofectin transfection method. Colonies were isolated by G418 selection and cultured to immortalized cell strains. Fibroblast growth factor receptor-3 (FGFR-3), anti-collagen type II and type X antibodies were used to identify cultured cells and to investigate the capability of differentiation of the transfected cells. SV40LTag expression in expanded cell strains was identified by RT-PCR, Southern blot and immunocytochemistry method. RESULTS: Anti-G418 cell clone was obtained, which was confirmed as FGFR-3 positive epiphysis cartilage cells with the capability of stable proliferation. mRNA and protein of SV40LTag were expressed in transfected cells after stable transfection. The transfected cells were expanded to immortalized cell strains and named as immortalized epiphysis cartilage cells. The immortalized cells were elliptic or triangular, with two or three short axons. The immortalized epiphysis cartilage cell strains had stable biological characters. CONCLUSIONS: SV40LTag gene transfection can immortalize epiphysis cartilage cells. The establishment of FGFR-3 positive immortalized epiphysis cartilage cell strains may provide a stable cell resource for cell substitution and gene therapies of growth retardation.

OBJECTIVE: 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1, 25(OH)2D3] is a potent inducer of differentiation in myeloid leukemia cells, but its clinical use is limited due to its hypercalcaemic effect and resistance. Carnosic acid is a plant-derived polyphenol food preservative with chemoprotective effects against carcinogens. Recent research has shown that carnosic acid potentiates the effects of 1, 25(OH)2D3 on differentiation of human leukemia cells. This study examined the effects of 1, 25(OH)2D3 in combination with carnosic acid on monocytic differentiation as well as intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca2+ levels in human leukemia HL-60 cells. METHODS: HL-60 cells were randomly treated with 1 nmol/L 1, 25(OH)2D3, 100 nmol/L 1, 25(OH)2D3, 10 μmol/L carnosic acid, a combination of 1 nmol/L 1, 25(OH)2D3 and 10 μmol/L carnosic acid or placebo. Cell growth was observed by MTT assay for 72 hrs at an interval of 24 hrs. Cells were harvested after 72 hrs of culture. Morphologic features of the cells were observed by microscopy. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell cycle, monocytic differentiation marker CD14 expression, and intracellular ROS and Ca2+ levels. RESULTS: A combination of 1 nmol/L 1,25(OH)2D3 and 10 μmol/L carnosic acid resulted in greater proliferation inhibition (Ab: 0.560±0.020 vs 1.482±0.327; P<0.01), mature monocytic features, G0 /G1 cell arrest, higher CD14 expression (57.62 ± 0.817% vs 2.76±0.828%; P<0.01), lower intracellular ROS levels (52.67±10.76% vs 86.46±40.52%; P<0.01） and similar intracellular Ca2+ levels in HL-60 cells when compared with the placebo group. The ability of a combination of 1 nmol/L 1,25(OH)2D3 and 10 μmol/L carnosic acid to inhibit the proliferation and induce the differentiation of HL-60 cells was similar to that of 100 nmol/L 1,25(OH)2D3, while the intracellular Ca2+ level (115.64±17.74 nmol/L vs 185.75 ± 27.38 nmol/L) was significantly lower than that in the 100 nmol/L 1,25(OH)2D3 group. CONCLUSIONS: Low concentration of 1,25(OH)2D3 combined with 10 μmol/L carnosic acid can produce enhanced differentiation, proliferation inhibition and antioxidant effects of HL-60 cells. The combination of the two inducers dose not increases intracellular Ca2+ levels.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have suggested that under hypoxic conditions hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) contributes to the progression of neonatal pulmonary hemorrhage (NPH) by increasing the expression of endothelin-1 (ET-1) gene. RNA interference (RNAi) refers to the process of sequence-specific post-transcriptional gene-silencing mediated by double-stranded RNA. This new gene-silencing technique has recently been shown to be a powerful approach for studying gene function. The aim of this study was to construct the small interfering RNA (siRNA) eukaryotic expression vectors specific to human HIF-1α gene （pSIREN-Shuttle HIF-1α siRNA）in order to observe its silencing effect on HIF-1α under hypoxic conditions. METHODS: Six potential siRNA target sites (a-f）specific to human HIF-1α gene were designed and synthesized to two complementary oligonucleotides (A-F) for each siRNA target site. Using a gene recombination technique, the recombinant expression vectors (A-F′) were constructed by cloning the double strands oligonucleotide into RNAi-Ready pSIREN vector. The recombinant vectors were then transfected into the cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). After 48 hrs of culture, the cells were treated with CoCl2 (100 μM) for 3 hrs. Expression of HIF-1α mRNA and protein was detected using RT-PCR and Western blot. ET-1 level in cell culture supernates was detected using ELISA. RESULTS: The recombinant HIF-1α siRNA eukaryotic expression vectors A′-F′respectively aiming at sites (a-f) were constructed successfully. Compared to the non-transfection group, liposome-mediated gene transfection of pSIREN-Shuttle HIF-1α siRNA expression vectors into HUVECs obviously down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of HIF-1α, and partly decreased the ET-1 level in the B′and D′ transfection groups. CONCLUSIONS: The specific pSIREN-Shuttle HIF-1α siRNA expression vectors B′ and D′ aiming at b and d sites can inhibit the expression of HIF-1α, thus decreasing the level of its target gene ET-1. This may be helpful to study the relationship between HIF-1α and neonatal pulmonary hemorrhage in vivo in future.

OBJECTIVE: To study the neuroprotective effects of topiramate (TPM) alone or together with folic acid (FA) on young rats with kindling-induced epilepsy. METHODS: Rat models of epilepsy were prepared by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced kindling. Seventy-two 3-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: four TPM-treated epilepsy groups (TPM 20, 40 or 80 mg/kg/d and TPM 40 mg/kg/d + FA 5 mg/kg/d), a positive control group (untreated epilepsy group) and a negative control group (normal control group). After two months of administration, behaviors of the rats were recorded; serum levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) were measured using ELISA; pathological changes in the hippocampus were observed. RESULTS: The frequency of convulsion seizures in the 20, 40 and 80 mg TPM treatment and TPM+FA groups was 44.7 ±2.9, 44.3±3.1, 42.7±3.2, and 40.8±3.7 respectively, which were significantly lower than that in the positive control group (48.4±3.7) (P<0.01). Twenty, forty and eighty mg TPM treatment and TPM+FA treatment significantly reduced NSE levels from 35.71±5.97 μg/L of the control group to 27.40±6.40, 24.79±6.22, 21.47±6.87 and 22.55±7.02 μg/L respectively (P<0.05). Neuronal apoptosis in the CA3 and CA1 regions were alleviated in the four TPM treatment groups compared with positive control. The number of necrotic neurons was progressively reduced with the increased dose of TPM. The 40 mg TPM+FA treatment group showed less necrotic neurons in the CA3 and CA1 regions than the 40 mg TPM alone treatment group. CONCLUSIONS: TPM has protective effects against epilepsy-induced neuronal damage. The effect is dose-dependent. A combination of TPM and FA can produce a synergistic effect.

OBJECTIVE: Recent research has shown that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) can improve obesity. This study aimed to explore the relationship between BDNF and birth weight by measuring BDNF levels in the umbilical cord blood of neonates. METHODS: Based on birth weight, 51 first-born full-term healthy neonates were classified into 3 groups: small for gestational age (SGA, n=8), appropriate for gestational age (AGA, n=31) and large for gestational age (LGA, n=12). Height and birth weight as well as umbilical concentrations of BDNF, leptin, insulin, total cholesterol and triglyceride were determined. RESULTS: BDNF level in the SGA group (19 980.00±5 470.54 pg/mL) was significantly higher than that in the AGA (10 598.00±6 295.71 pg/mL) and LGA (7 508.57±3 767.81 pg/mL) groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the BDNF level between the AGA and LGA groups. Stepwise regression analysis showed that the value of BDNF was negatively correlated with birth weight and BMI of neonates, but had no correlation with leptin and insulin levels. Leptin levels showed positive correlations with birth weight and BMI of neonates. There were no significant differences in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: BDNF is closely correlated to birth weight but not correlated with leptin and insulin in neonates.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence of simple obesity and risk factors for the development of this disorder in preschool children from Urumqi City. METHODS: A total of 1 730 children at ages of 3-7 years sampled randomly from four district kindergartens of Urumqi City were enrolled in this study. Their heights and weights were measured. Risk factors for the development of simple obesity were investigated by multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Overweight occurred in 229 children (13.2%). One hundred and twenty-two children were diagnosed with simple obesity (7.1%). The 5 years old group children showed the highest incidence of obesity (9.5%), more than the other age group children. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that family history of obesity, high body mass index of the mother, little physical activity of the father, and bad diet habits and low educational levels of parents were risk factors for the development of simple obesity. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of simple obesity of preschool children from Urumqi City is higher than the reported data. The risk of childhood simple obesity is multifactorial. The prevention of simple obesity should begin at the preschool stage.