ABSTRACT. We conducted a case-control study to investigate the association between 3 common NALP3 polymorphisms (rs10754558, rs7512998, and rs12137901) and the susceptibility to primary gout. A total of 320 patients with primary gout and 320 controls were included in this study. The genotyping of NALP3 rs10754558, rs7512998, and rs12137901 were conducted by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Comparison analysis showed that primary gout patients were more likely to have higher body mass index, prevalence of hypertension, blood glucose, triglycerides, urea nitrogen, and uric acid (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed no significant association between the NALP3 rs10754558, rs7512998, and rs12137901 polymorphisms and the risk of gouty arthritis. In conclusion, we found no significant association between NALP3 gene polymorphisms and the risk of primary gout.

ABSTRACT. In this study, we observed changes in CD 4 + CD 25 + Foxp 3 + Treg expression in rats with osteoarthritis (OA) to explore the role that CD 4 + CD 25 + Foxp 3 + Treg plays in the decline in the condition of OA rats. Thirty rats were randomly divided into 2 groups equally and OA was induced in rats in the model group by injection of papain and l-cysteine into the right knee joint. Cartilage lesions were scored by the modified Mankin scale; pulmonary function was assessed by spirometry; interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-4 levels were evaluated by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; and the levels of CD 4 + CD 25 + Foxp 3 + Treg in peripheral blood were measured by flow cytometry. The left knee joints of the model rats appeared palpable swelling and osteophytes, while the body weight, heart and lung function of these rats decreased. The serum IL-4 level was lower, whereas the serum IL-17 level was higher in the model group (P < 0.05). 7290-7296 (2015) lower. Correlation of the changes in the levels of IL-4, IL-17, and Treg suggests that the underlying mechanism may be a reduction of the regulatory effect of Treg. The specific mechanism still requires further study.

Introduction Platelet concentrate has been used in surgery for many years. The initial concept of these autologous preparations was to concentrate platelets and their growth factors and to deliver it to a surgical site, in order to improve local healing. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is the new generation of platelet concentrate. Choukroun's PRF (L-PRF) is the latest development of platelet concentrate protocols, which was first developed in France by Choukroun et al. in 2001 as an autologous biomaterial. PRF is obtained centrifugally by autologous peripheral blood, without adding any biological agents. PRF contains the fibrin matrix polymer, leucocytes, cytokines and circulating stem cells. PRF could be classified into two categories, depending on their leucocyte content: pure plateletrich fibrin (P-PRF) and leucocyteand PRF (L-PRF). PRF is produced with a simple method, it is low cost and easily available, which has been applied in many different fields, particularly oral and maxillofacial, orthopaedic and plastic surgery. L-PRF and PRFM (P-PRF) are both applied in plastic surgery and the applications can be divided into two aspects: facial plastic surgery and wound healing. The aim of this review was to discuss platelet-rich fibrin in plastic surgery. Conclusion Unfortunately, this field of research suffered from some problems for many years, such as the lack of a coincident terminology and the leucocyte content. Further studies are necessary to validate the interest of the PRF in plastic surgery. This review describes the classification, preparation, applications and problems of PRF in plastic surgery.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of colonoscopy plus biopsy in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Retrospective analysis was performed on clinical data in 186 cases. Erosions, or ulcers, together with mucosal hyperemia and oedema were the most common manifestations of colonoscopy in 87% of patients. In about 56.4% of 186 cases, such manifestations occurred in the rectum and the sigmoid colon. Nearly 65.6% of the patients had a chronic intermittent clinical course. One case developed colon cancer, and another case had toxic megacolon; each case represents 0.05% of the total 186 patients. Therefore, prevalence of both malignancy and complication is low. Colonoscopy plus biopsy is considered to be the major means of the diagnosis of UC, demonstrating its value in differential diagnosis.