Wei Zhang

in the kidneys of mice with hypertension. This work provides an ideal tool to monitor Golgi oxidative stress for the first time and novel drug targets for the future treatment of hypertension.

Early diagnosis of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) represents a challenge, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytokines may be diagnostic biomarkers for PCNSL. We used an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay to measure interleukin (IL)-10, IL-6, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in the CSF of 22 B cell PCNSL patients and 80 patients with other CNS diseases. CSF IL-10 was significantly higher in PCNSL patients than in the control group (median 74.7 pg/ml vs < 5.0 pg/ml, P < 0.000). Using a CSF IL-10 cutoff value of 8.2 pg/ml, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 95.5% and 96.1%, respectively (AUC, 0.957; 95% CI, 0.901-1.000). For a CSF IL-10/IL-6 cutoff value of 0.72, the sensitivity was 95.5%, and the specificity was 100.0% (AUC, 0.976; 95% CI, 0.929-1.000). An increased CSF IL-10 level at diagnosis and post-treatment was associated with poor Progression free survival (PFS) for patients with PCNSL (P = 0.0181 and P = 0.0002, respectively). A low diagnostic value for PCNSL was found with CSF IL-8 or TNF-α. In conclusion, increased CSF IL-10 was a reliable diagnostic biomarker for large B cell PCNSL, and an IL-10/IL-6 ratio facilitates differentiation from other conditions, especially a CNS infection.

BACKGROUND: Several polymorphisms have been identified in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene, while their roles in the incidence of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) are conflicting. This meta-analysis was designed to clarify the impact of these polymorphisms on UC and CD risk. METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane electronic databases were searched from February 1995 to August 2011 for studies on the four VDR polymorphisms: TaqI, BsmI, FokI, and ApaI. Data were extracted and pooled odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated. RESULTS: Nine studies were included. In Asians, the ff genotype of FokI was associated with increased UC risk (OR = 1.65; 95% CI, 1.11- 2.45). The "a" allele carrier status of ApaI appeared to be a protective factor for CD (OR = 0.81; 95% CI, 0.67-0.97). The tt genotype increased the risk of CD in Europeans (OR = 1.23; 95% CI, 1.02-1.49). Moreover, the tt genotype of TaqI in males had a moderate elevated risk of UC (OR = 1.56; 95% CI, 1.02-2.39) and CD (OR = 1.84; 95% CI, 1.19-2.83). CONCLUSIONS: The meta-analysis reveals a significant increase in CD risk for Europeans carrying TaqI tt genotype and a significant decrease in CD risk for all carriers of the Apal "a" allele. For Asians, the VDR FokI polymorphism appears to confer susceptibility to UC. For males, the TaqI tt genotype is associated with susceptibilities to both UC and CD. Our study explored the genetic risk prediction in UC and CD, and may provide valuable insights into IBD therapy.