Objective To locate the distribution of muscle spindles in tibialis anterior (TA) and extensor digitorum longus muscle (EDL) and the anchoring mode of muscle spindles in skeletal muscles, and perform statistics analysis of their morphological character by anatomical parameters.   Methods Five adult wild type C57BL/6 mice were sacrificed, and TA and EDL were dissected and frozen with improved ultra-low temperature cryopreservation technology avoiding myofibers damaged by possible ice crystal. Continuous frozen transections were obtained and operated by HE staining, followed by microimaging to spot the muscle spindles location. Some parameters including regions length and cross section area (CSA) of muscle spindles were noticed for the discovery of some general characteristics of spindles by statistics.   Results For TA and EDL, the scattered characters of muscle spindles were distributed as follows: the spindles were located at the upper third of the mid-belly of both TA and EDL from caudal to rostral position, while near the enter point to muscle of the deep peroneal nerve in dorsal-ventral orientation. The peripheral of muscle spindles anchored to extrafusal fibers to hold in the muscle. And in term of length, region A, connected with sensory nerve ending, demonstrated a significant correlation with region B, which located at the poles of region A and twined by motor nerve ending (correlation index=0.75) when considering the muscle spindles with four intrafusal fibers only. And no correlation was discovered in any others pairwise parameters.    Conclusion The scattered diagram of muscle spindles in TA and EDL of C57BL/6 mice might provide anatomic basis for evaluation of lower limb motor function, especially for the spinal cord injury and recovery research. And the correlationship between the length of region A and B might improve exploring the variability of electrophysiological characters.

Paraventricular thalamic nucleus（PVT）is an essential component of the midline thalamus, which has been regarded as a transmit relay nucleus and an integrated center in multiple behaviors including wakefulness, food intake, addiction, reward and fear memory. PVT is predominantly populated with glutaminergic excitatory neurons expressing vesicular glutamate transporter-2 (VGluT2) but without GABAergic inhibitory neurons. Therefore, based on the paradox of its multiplexed roles in different behaviors and its comparatively simplex excitatory nature, more specific subclassification of excitatory PVT neurons is required in studies in this field. In the present review, morphological and electrophysiological characteristics, efferent and afferent connections, and morphological and functional distinctions in anterior subregion and posterior subregion of PVT are summarized. In addition, neural connections and neurochemical properties are used as subclassification criteria in PVT neurons. This review might explain the integrated role of PVT in different behaviors, which would be helpful for further studies on the PVT. 

Objective To understand the body characteristics of adults from the Tibeto-Burman language group.   Methods Totally 14 837 adults (6578 males and 8259 females) from 17 minorities were selected for investigation during 2015 to 2019 and these surveys were carried out in regions including Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan and Tibet Autonomous Region. Eight physical parameters (stature, sitting height, etc.) along with 4 corresponding indexes (stature-sitting index and the like) were carefully analyzed. The body characteristics of the Tibeto-Burman language group were then compared to those of certain minorities as well as Han in both northern and southern part of China based on our collected data.   Results Among 17 minorities of the Tibeto-Burman language group, people from Pumi and Tibet were relatively tall and have longer trunk and limbs. The presence of wider trunk and thicker limbs appeared to be common in Tibetan individuals. Subjects from Lahu, Jino and Derung were in possession of shorter stature and limbs while the trunk of Naxi, Lisu and Achang people seemed wider. Compared with other ethnic groups in China, individuals from the Tibeto-Burman language group tended to own shorter stature accompanied by medium trunk width, probably sharing similar physical characteristics with those minorities in southern China, especially She and Li.   Conclusion Among ethnic groups dotting in southern China, individuals from the Tibeto-Burman language group generally have medium stature, medium trunk height, and wide trunk whereas those from 3 Mon-Khmer groups, Va, Khmus and Blang, are shorter and smaller in width and height of the trunk. 

Objective  To investigate the relationship between the head and face traits of Han, Li, Uygur and Tibetan population.    Methods  From 2008 to 2011, sixteen head and face measurement traits were measured in Chinese young individuals from Jiangsu, Hainan, Xinjiang and Tibet, with sample size of 1034 ( 348 Han, 165 Li, 305 Uygur, 216 Tibetan ). The gender difference analysis, commonalities and differences between populations and principal component analysis were carried out.    Results  Most of the sixteen head and face measurement traits showed significant gender differences, the mean measurements of most features of males were bigger than those of females in four populations. Samples of the four populations usually had brachycephaly and hyperbrachycephaly. Most Han, Li and Uygur belonged to euryprosopy. Han, Li and Tibetan were typically mesorrhiny. The homogenous features of head and face of the four populations were shown. However, the head and face of the four populations also had some heterogeneous features. For instance, Han had the broadest face and Li had the broadest nose among all four populations. Furthermore, Uygur had the narrowest nose and Tibetan had the narrowest face. The result  in population relationships presented that the head and face measurement traits of Han and Li were relatively similar, while those of Uygur and Tibetan were narrower.     Conclusion There are commonalities and differences in the head and face measurement traits among the four populations. The group relationship between Han and Li is relatively similar, and that between Uygur and Tibetan is relatively close. The homogeneity and heterogeneity between populations can provide data and theoretical support for genetics, forensic science and other fields. 

Objective  To study the morphology of olfactory bulb(OB) neurons and the change of related proteins, and explore the causes of olfactory dysfuction in Alzheimer’s disease(AD).    Methods  Golgi-Cox staining technique was used to evaluate the morphological changes of neurons in the OB and anterior piriform cortex (aPC) of APP/PS1 AD model mice. The morphology of neurons was determined by Sholl analysis. Western blotting was used to evaluate the levels of protein expression.    Results  The results of Golgi-Cox showed that the dendrite length and branch number reduced significantly in the OB neurons of 3-5-month-old APP/PS1 mice, an age that the mice did not show the pathological characteristics and cognitive impairment of AD. Western blotting analysis showed that levels of potassium chloride cotransporter 2（KCC2）, a potassium chloride transporter crucial for neuronal morphology and synaptic function,   decreased significantly in the OB of 3-5-month-old APP/PS1 mice.    Conclusion  Abnormal neuronal morphology and KCC2 signal might be the basis of early olfactory dysfunction in AD. Thus, maintaining normal KCC2 signal may be one of the keys to intervene the olfactory abnormalities in the early stage of AD.  

Objective To explore the law of changes in the appearance of Chinese Mongolians with age.   Methods Totally 24 human indexes of head and face from 4410 cases (1916 males and 2494 females) and 13 Mongolian ethnic groups were measured, and 12 craniofacial indexes were calculated. Correlation analysis was used to study the changes of craniofacial indexes and indexes with age. The method  of analysis of variance was used to study whether the differences between the index values and index values of the three age groups were statistically significant.   Results With the increase of age, the distance between the two mandibular angles became wider, the mouth widened, the width, height and length of the nose increased, the skin of the upper lip increased, the length and width of the ear increased, the width of the head, forehead, face, mastoid and tragus narrowed, the width of the eyes narrowed, the upper and lower lips thinned, the circumference of the head and the height of the head decreased, and the length of the head did not change significantly. With the increase of age, the Mongolian face becomes narrower and longer, the proportion of the height of the face in the whole head high school increases, the nose becomes wider, and the head appears to be relatively longer, lower and wider. The distance between the left and right frontotemporal points is relatively closer, the mouth cleft appears more slender, and the ratio of length to width of the ear does not change much.   Conclusion With the increase of age, the facial features of Mongolian have changed.

Objective  To explore the influence of regional differences on the body composition of the Miao nationality.     Methods  The bioelectrical impedance method  was used to measure 17 body composition indexes of 357 adults of Miao Nationality in Guizhou (162 males and 195 females) and 471 adults of Miao Nationality in Western Hu’nan (210 males and 261 females). The correlation analysis between body composition and age,  One Way ANOVA and principal component analysis were carried out.  Results  The visceral fat grade and trunk fat percentage of Miao men in Guizhou and Miao in Western Hu'nan were positively correlated with age, and total muscle mass and trunk muscle mass were negatively correlated with age. The visceral fat grade and trunk fat rate of Miao women in the two regions were positively correlated with age, and the presumed bone mass and trunk muscle mass were negatively correlated with age. The index values of weight, muscle mass, estimated bone mass, water content, visceral fat grade, limb and trunk muscle mass in Guizhou Miao and Miao men in Western Hu’nan were all larger than women, and the body fat rate, limb and trunk fat mass were all smaller than women. The body fat percentages, limbs and trunk fat percentages of Guizhou Miao men and women were similar to those of Xiangxi Miao, and the muscle mass, limbs and trunk muscle mass were less than that of Xiangxi Miao.   Conclusion  There are  obvious regional differences in muscle mass between the Miao nationality in Guizhou and the Miao nationality in Western Hu’nan. 

Objective  To investigated the spatial and temporal expression of Atoh1 mRNA and protein level during the cerebellar development.   Methods  The frozen cerebellum sections of mice at different developmental stages were used to analyze the temporal and spatial expression patterns of Atoh1 mRNA by RNA scope technique, n=3 for each group. Meanwhile, two reporter mice with different genetic modification method were utilized to analyze the   spatialand temporal expression of Atoh1 at the protein level by immunofluorescence staining, n=3 for each group.  Results  Atoh1 mRNA was highly expressed in the embryonic cerebellar rhombic lip (RL) and the external granule layer (EGL). At the protein level, staining result of Atoh1-3*V5-P2A-tdTomato/+ knockin mice showed that Atoh1 was mainly expressed in the RL and the outer layer of the proliferative EGL. Atoh1-Cre;tdTomato/+   transgenic reporter mice showed that tdTomato positive cells were highly expressed in the EGL and the inner granule cell layer (IGL) during the whole granule cells   development.   Conclusion  During cerebellar development, Atoh1 mRNA and protein were highly expressed in the embryonic rhombic lip and postnatal external granule layer.    However, at the protein level, the expression of Atoh1 in the rhombic lip and external granule layer were different between knockin mice and transgenic mice. 

Objective  To investigate the effects of Smad7 knock down by lentivirus on rat cardiac fibroblasts proliferation, migration, cell differentiation and collagen secretion in vitro.    Methods  The primary cardiac fibroblasts were separated from the hearts of ten SD rats and identified by immunohistochemical method. The lentivirus transfection knocked down the expresson of Smad7 in cardiac fibroblasts, Western blotting was used to detect the efficiency of Smad7 knock down by lentivirus. The proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts was quantified by real-time unlabeled cell analyzer. Cell migration was evaluted by cell wound scratch assay. Western blotting was used to detect expression of α- smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen Ⅰ（Col Ⅰ）.  Results   Myocardial fibroblasts were successfully cultured and identified by immunocytochemical methods. The multiplicity of infection(MOI)  that lentivirus transduction of myocardial fibroblasts was 100. After lentivirus transduction, 88.33% myocardial fibroblasts expressed green fluorescent protein, showed that the lentivirus could significantly reduce the protein expression of Smad7. Smad7 deficiency decreased the proliferation and migration of cardiac fibroblasts, increased the protein expression of α-SMA and decreased collagen secretion. The results indicated that Smad7 deficiency significantly down-regulated the proliferation and migration of cardiac fibroblasts, increased α-SMA protein expression and reduced ColⅠ protein expression.  Conclusion  Smad7 deficiency can significantly change the cardiac fibroblasts function , that is related to the pathological mechanism that lead to myocardial fibrosis.

Objective  To  investigate the mechanism of TREM2 modulating the polarization of M2 microglia treated by oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R).   Methods  Mouse N9 microglial cells were cultured in vitro. N9 cells were transfected with lentivirus for TREM-2-overexpression (LV-TREM2), and LV-scramble acted as control group. OGD/R model was established. The OGD/R cells were randomly divided into OGD/R, OGD/R+LV-scramble and OGD/R+LV-TREM2 groups. Real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of TREM2 mRNA in OGD/R N9 cells within 72 hours after re-oxygenation. Immunofluorescence was applied to observe transfection of lentivirus LV-scramble and LV-TREM2 for normal N9 microglia, and Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to verify the efficiency of lentivirus transfection. The mRNA and protein contents of M1 microglial markers tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), M2 microglial markers arginase-1 (Arg-1) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were detected by Real-time PCR and ELISA. The expressions of phosphorylated-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (p-PI3K), PI3K, phosphorylated protein kinase B （p-Akt), Akt, phosphorylated inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)α (p-ⅠκBα) and ⅠκBα protein were detected by Western blotting. The distribution of NF-κB P65 (NF-κB P65) protein in N9 cells was analyzed by immunofluorescence method.    Results  TREM2 mRNA content in the OGD/R group cells increased significantly within 72 hours after re-oxygenation, and peaked at hour 24 and hour 48. Lentivirus LV-TREM2 effectively promoted the expression of TREM2 mRNA and protein of N9 cells in OGD/R model (P<0.001, P<0.01). Compared with the OGD/R group, the mRNA and protein content of TNF-α, IL-1β and iNOS decreased significantly, while Arg-1 and IL-10 in OGD/R+LV-TREM2 group increased  significantly(P<0.05). Besides, the ratios of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt increased  obviously (P<0.05), the ratio of p-ⅠκBα/ⅠκBα  decreased significantly in OGD/R+LV-TREM2 group (P<0.001), and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB P65 protein was obviously weakened.   Conclusion TREM-2 overexpression exerts anti-inflammatory effect by modulating the polarization of microglia from M1 to M2 type, which is associated with PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling pathways regulated by TREM2 in N9 microglia with OGD/R model.

Objective To analyze the expression changes of related mRNA and microRNA（miRNA）during spinal cord regeneration after tail amputation of Gekko japonicus, and to explore the biological effects of differentially expressed mRNA and miRNA during spinal cord regeneration.   Methods Fifty Gekko japonicus, the tail amputation model of Gekko japonicus was constructed, divided into normal group, 15days tail amputation group, and 25days tail amputation group, 5 in each group, repeat the experiment 3 times, 5 spare. Samples of each group were collected, RNA of each group was extracted and high-throughput sequencing. Bioinformatics analysis identifies differentially expressed mRNA and miRNA between groups, Gene Ontology(GO) enrichment analysis of differentially expressed mRNA functional annotations, and construction of miRNA and mRNA gene regulatory networks related to spinal cord regeneration.   Results The differential expression of mRNA and miRNA in the normal and newborn spinal cords of Gekko japonicus was analyzed by sequencing. The 15days and 25days tail amputation groups identified 538 and 510 differential mRNA expressions and 446, 127 differential miRNA expressions, respectively. GO analysis found that the differentially expressed mRNA aggregated in biological processes related to cell proliferation and neurodevelopment. In the spinal cord regeneration-related miRNA and its target gene regulatory network, 21 mRNA expression was down-regulated in the 15days tail amputation group, which was regulated negatively by 41 up-regulated miRNAs; 12 mRNA expression was up-regulated and was regulated by 29 down-regulated miRNAs. In the 25days tail amputation group, 8 mRNA expression was down-regulated and regulated negatively by 10 up-regulated miRNAs; 20 mRNA expression was up-regulated and regulated by 32 down-regulated miRNAs.   Conclusion Through the analysis of the differential expression of miRNA and mRNA in the regenerated spinal cord of Gekko japonicus, the expression changes of mRNA and miRNA in spinal cord regeneration were initially revealed, which provided experimental data for elucidating the molecular mechanism of spinal cord regeneration.

Objective  To explore the method  of distinguishing the degree of hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) in living mice in early stage, so as to lay a foundation for the follow-up study of the molecular mechanism of different degrees of HIBD.    Methods  The modified Rice-Vannucci method  was used to duplicate the HIBD model of C57BL/6 J mice. On the 1 day and 3 days after the model, the scalp of mice were cut and the brain tissue were observed to distinguish between mild and severe lesions in living mice, and then 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, laser speckle cerebral blood flow imaging, HE staining, Fluoro-Jade B (FJB) staining and body weight difference before and after operation were used to verify the reliability of observation in living mice.

  Results  Through the gross observation of brain tissue in living mice, HIBD could be divided into mild injury (HI-M) group and severe injury (HI-S) group. On day 1 and day 3 after HIBD, a significant decrease in cerebral blood flow, obvious gray infarction and a large number of necrotic neurons were observed in the HI-S group, and the body weight was significantly lower than that before operation. In the HI-M group, the cerebral blood flow of the injured side decreased only on the 3rd day after HIBD, and the loose arrangement of neurons in the cortex and hippocampus of the injured side was observed morphologically. The body weight was lower than that before operation.    Conclusion  Gross observation of brain tissue by cutting the scalp is a reliable method  to distinguish mild and severe brain injury in the early stage of HIBD in living mice.

Objective To investigate the expression and role of roundabout guidance receptor 1 (Robo1) in the neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) induced by valproate (VPA).   Methods The hippocampus NSCs of SD rats were isolated and cultured. Normal NSCs and VPA-treated NSCs were extracted from 10 SD rats. After VPA treatment, the proportion of neuron-specific marker β-tubulin Ⅲ (Tuj1) positive neurons differentiated from NSCs were detected by immunofluorescence. The differentially expressed mRNA in normal NSCs and VPA-induced NSCs were detected by gene chip technology. After VPA treatment, the expression levels of Robo1 mRNA and protein were detected by Real-time PCR and Western blotting. The dynamic changes of Robo1 mRNA were detected by Real-time PCR after the differentiation of NSCs. After the expression of Robo1 was down-regulated in NSCs by small interfering RNA, the expression of Robo1 protein was detected by Western blotting, and the expression levels of neuron-specific markers Tuj1 and microtubule associated protein-2 (MAP-2) were detected by Real-time PCR and immunofluorescence.   Results VPA induced NSCs to differentiate into neurons. Compared with the control group, the expression levels of Robo1 mRNA and protein in the differentiation of NSCs were significantly up-regulated during valproate treatment. After interference of Robo1 expression, not only Robo1 upregulation was inhibited during the differentiation of NSCs induced by VPA, but also the proportion of NSCs differentiated into neurons decreased.   Conclusion VPA may promote the differentiation of NSCs into neurons by up-regulating the expression of Robo1.

Objective To study the physical characteristics of body of Xibe adults in Liaoning province and to accumulate data for the study of physical anthropology.   Methods The investigation method  and judging standard were refered to correlative regulations in “Anthropometric Method ”. The survey included 33 measurement items, 5 indicators and 6 types, 330 Xibe adult people (male 174, female 156) were recruited.  Results According to the classification of body part index, the rates of long trunk, wide chest, wide shoulder and wide pelvis were the highest in all the adults of Xibe nationality in Liaoning province, the rates of middle and sub-long legs were the highest in the males, and the rates of super short legs were the highest in the females.According to the stature type, the rates of high type were the highest in males and females.   Conclusion The body physical characteristics of male adults of Xibe nationality in Liaoning are the most similar to those of male adults of Xibe nationality in Xinjiang, and the body physical characteristics of female adults of Xibe nationality in Liaoning were between those of female adults of ethnic minorities in Northwest China and Northeast China.

Objective  To analyze and describe the morphological characteristics of the proximal origin of the biceps brachii, and measure the anatomical data of its tendons, so as to provide references for related clinical applications of the biceps brachii.    Methods  Six adult shoulder specimens (4 on the left and 2 on the right) were dissected to observe the origin, morphology, and course of the biceps brachii tendon and its adjacent relationship with the coracobrachialis muscle, musculocutaneous nerve and other structures. And then the length, width, and thickness of the biceps tendon were measured.    Results  The origin of the short head of biceps consisted of muscle fibers attaching directly to the tip of the coracoid process, with a thin, tendinous aponeurosis covering its anterior surface, rather than a true tendon as previously described. The mean of length，widths and thickness of the short head of biceps were (107.7±9.6) mm，(20.0±1.5)mm and (5.8±2.0)mm.    Conclusion  The short head of the biceps brachii is directly from the coracoid process with muscle fibers. 

Objective  To study the acromial angle morphologic type and measurement analysis based on CT 3D reconstruction.    Methods  Totally 278 cases of adult CT three-dimensional reconstruction of the shoulder morphological data were collected, and the measurement data of the different types was analyzed, its statistical significance was clarified, and the morphological characteristics to division the type of acromial angle were summarized, its diagnosis and treatment under the acromion impingement of guiding significance were discussed.    Results  The acromial angle was divided into three types (C shaped acromial angle, L shaped acromial angle, and double angle shaped acromial angle). Among them, L type was the most, accounting for 48.56%, followed by C type, and double angle type was the least. In comparison of the breadth of the acromion and the length of the acromion, L type was significantly longer than C type (P<0.05). The thickness of acromion at a point of the double angle shaped acromial angle was greater than that of the other two type (P<0.05). In the comparison of ∠a, the double-angle type was greater than the C type (P<0.05), and the C type was greater than the L type (P<0.05).    Conclusion  There are significant differences in the classification and anatomical parameters of acromial angle, and the differences are statistically significant. It has certain guiding significance to the etiology and clinical diagnosis and treatment of subacromial impingement syndrome.

Objective To provide anatomical basis for clinical treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocation by studying the morphology of coracoid process of human scapula.   Methods A total of 500 patients with shoulder injury were selected from the Affiliated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Southwest Medical University in Sichuan Province, and 300 patients were selected as subjects, including 159 cases of right shoulder and 141 cases of left shoulder. CT scan images and 3D reconstruction results of scapula of the subjects were collected. The basic morphological characteristics of coracoid process CT images of the subjects were observed, and the relevant parameters were measured, including the longest horizontal distance of the coracoid process tip and the thickness of the midpoint (cd, pp’), the distance from the upper part of the coracoid process scapula to the base and the thickness of the midpoint (mn, kk’). The distance from the apex of the coracoid process to the base of the coracoid process (ab ), the longest horizontal distance of the recursion part of the coracoid process (ef), the distance of as (point s was the intersection of point a perpendicular to mn,   the distance of hj (point h and j were the intersection of the base of the coracoid process and the recursion part respectively), and ik (point i was the intersection of point k perpendicular to mn and the coracoid process retraction).   Results According to the morphological characteristics of coracoid process, they were divided into five types, including peanut 29.7%; Short rod type accounted for 27.4%; Melon seed type accounted for 12.6%; Rod type accounted for 17.0%; Wedge type accounted for 13.3%. Through data comparison, it was found that the distance ef and distance hj on the left were larger than those on the right, P<0.05. All types had statistical difference in comparison distance cd, P<0.05. The melon seed type showed statistical differences with peanut type, wedge type, long stick type and short stick type in thickness pp’, distance ab and as of point p, P<0.05. In the comparison of point K thickness kk’, there was statistical difference between melon seed type and other four types, P<0.05. In the distance ab comparison, there was statistical difference between the short bar type and the other four types, P<0.05.   Conclusion The study on the morphology of coracoid process can provide anatomical basis for clinical reconstruction of coracoid ligament to treat acromioclavicular joint dislocation.

Objective  To present anatomical landmarks for endoscopic transpterygoid transmaxillary approach to the upper parapharyngeal space.    Methods  Anatomy of the upper parapharyngeal space using endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid transmaxillary approach was performed in cadaveric head. The distances between medial pterygoid plate, lateral pterygoid plate and styloid process were measured, respectively. The distances between lateral pterygoid plate, sphenoid spine and the entrance of carotid canal were also investigated.    Results  The dissection was performed in 10 fresh cadaver heads (20 sides). The distance between medial pterygoid plate, lateral pterygoid plate and styloid process were (28.1±3.3)mm and (18.9±4.9)mm respectively. The distances between lateral pterygoid plate, sphenoid spine and the entrance of carotid canal were (14.1±3.7)mm and (6.7±1.5)mm respectively. Pharyngobasilar fascia，medial pterygoid muscle and tensor veli palatini muscle were key landmarks of the upper parapharyngeal space.   Conclusion  The bone landmarks of lateral pterygoid plate and sphenoid spine are effective in identification of the entrance of carotid canal, which is helpful to locate the parapharyngeal segment of internal carotid artery.

As the pipelines of nutrient and oxygen in the brain, cerebral vessels play an important role in the development and normal function of the brain. The development of the cerebrovascular system is divided into two processes, primitive vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. In this review, we summarize the roles, regulation mechanisms, as well as the interactions of the essential signaling molecules, such as the family members of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), neuropillin, Wnt, Notch, Hedgehog, in the vessel development, aiming to provide a reference for the basic and clinical investigation and the prevention and treatment of vascular diseases.

Objective  To investigate the correlation between the polymorphism of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene rs1801131 and hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy(HDCP) in Qinghai Han nationality.     Methods  The polymorphism of MTHFR rs1801131 in 120 pregnant women with HDCP (HDCP group) and 120 normal pregnant women (control group) were detected by restriction fragment length polymorphism polymerase chain reaction (PCR-RFLP) and verified by sequencing.     Results  The frequencies of AA, AC, and CC genotype of MTHFR gene in the HDCP group were 56.67%, 32.50%, and 10.83% respectively, and those in the control group were 74.17%, 23.33% and 2.50% respectively (P<0.05), the distribution of genotype was different significantly between the two groups). The frequency of AA genotype of HDCP group (56.67%) was lower than that of control group (74.17%, P<0.05), the frequency of CC genotype of HDCP group (10.83%) was higher than that of control group (2.50%, P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in the frequency of AC genotype between HDCP group and control group (P<0.05). The frequency distribution of alleles A and C of MTHFR rs1801131 polymorphism was significantly different between the HDCP group and the control group (P<0.001), and the frequency of allele C in the HDCP group was significantly higher than that in the control group (χ2=12.229,  OR=1.574, 95%  CI=1.181-2.099, P<0.001).     Conclusion  The polymorphism of MTHFR rs1801131 is related to the occurrence of HDCP in Qinghai Han population. The C gene might be the susceptibility gene of HDCP, and CC genotype might be the susceptibility genotype of HDCP.