To examine whether perinatal exposure of mouse to monoethyl-hexyl-phthalate (MEHP) causes the development of obesity in offspring. Methods: Pregnant mice were dosed by gavage with vehicle (olive oil) or MEHP(0.05, 0.25 or 0.5 mg/kg) from day 12 of gestation until day 7 of lactation. The body weight of offsprings was measured every week from the birth until 8 weeks of age. The liver weight, fat mass, and serum lipids and glucose levels were measured in offsprings at the 8th week after birth. Results: In utero exposure to MEHP (0.05, 0.25 or 0.5 mg/kg b.w.) increased the body weight of offsprings at birth (P<0.001). The body weight of female offsprings in MEHP group was not significantly different from that of controls at 8 weeks of age, while the exposure to low dose MEHP increased the body weight (P<0.01), epididymal and perirenal fat mass (P<0.001 and P<0.01, respectively) in male offsprings at 8 weeks of age. In addition, serum cholesterol, triglyceride and glucose levels were also significantly elevated (P<0.01, P<0.05 and P<0.001, respectively) in the MEHP exposed male offsprings. The exposure to medium or high dose MEHP had no effect on body weight, body fat, serum lipids and glucose levels in male offsprings. Conclusion: MEHP may increase the incidence of obesity and may act as a potential chemical stressor for obesity and obesity-related disorders.

2013 Vol. 21　(1):　8-11 [Abstract]（ 49 ） HTML (1 KB)  PDF  (0 KB)  ( 4 )

To investigate the risk factors of birth defect in Chongqing City, and to provide scientific evidence for the interventions. Methods: A 1:2 matched case-control study was conducted with 165 cases and 330 controls. Data were analyzed for descriptive study, univariate logistic regression and 1:2 matched conditional logistic regression with SAS9.2 statistical software. Results: The following factors were found to be significantly related to birth defects: threatened abortion during pregnancy (OR=80.60), pregnancy complication (OR=13.06), history of maternal line (OR=63.40), father with chronic diseases (OR=13.01), father's alcohol intake (OR=3.52), father's occupational contact of harmful substance(s) (OR=10.37), premarital checkup (OR=0.37), folic acid supplement (OR=0.30), seafood in dietary during pregnancy (OR=0.18). Conclusions: The history of maternal line, threatened abortion during pregnancy, pregnancy complication(s), father with chronic diseases, father taking alcohol or occupationally contacting harmful substances are the risk factors of birth defects, while premarital checkup, folic acid supplement and seafood intake during pregnancy are among the the protective factors.

2013 Vol. 21　(1):　16-18 [Abstract]（ 58 ） HTML (1 KB)  PDF  (0 KB)  ( 4 )

To understand the current status of the reproductive health knowledge, the premarital sex and the use of contraceptive methods among the young women attending the premarital health checkups in Qingdao City. Methods: A total of 1,680 young women who attended the premarital health checkups in Huangdao and Jimo, Qingdao were surveyed with a self-administered questionnaire between August and December, 2011. Results: A total of 1,575 eligible questionnaires were collected. The average score of reproductive health knowledge was 8.10±3.52 points (the full mark is 15 points.), and the pass rate was 49.8%. Multiple Logistic regression showed that the region and education level were associated with knowledge score. The rate of premarital sex was 83.4%. The average age of the first sex engagement was 22.72±2.97 years old and the first sex engagement at age of 20 years old or below accounted for 18.6%. Among 667 women who had sex but did not plan to get pregnant currently, 78.3% used condom in the last 6 months, and 24.9% and 22.8% chose rhythm and withdrawal, respectively. However, the proportion of the persistent use of contraceptive methods was only 48.9%. Conclusion: The reproductive health knowledge of this population was relatively poor and they were exposed to the sex too early. Measures should be taken to improve the use of the contraceptive methods in this population.

2013 Vol. 21　(1):　22-24 [Abstract]（ 42 ） HTML (1 KB)  PDF  (0 KB)  ( 1 )

To observe the clinical effect and safety of MYCu intrauterine contraceptive device (MYCuIUD) containing 25mg indomethacin and MCuⅡ functional IUD (MCuⅡIUD). Methods: A multicenter study recruited 1,400 women, and two types of IUDs were randomly inserted, 700 women each IUD. The women were followed up 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after insertion. Results: Twelve months after insertion, in MYCu group and MCuⅡgroup, the cumulative rate of pregnancy with IUD in situ was 0.43/100 and 0.73/100 women per year, respectively (P>0.05); the cumulative expulsion rate was 0.43/100 and 0.44/100 women per year, respectively (P>0.05); the rate of IUD removal for medical reasons (mainly bleeding and pain) was 1.30/100 and 1.88/100 women per year, respectively (P>0.05). 1 or 3 months after insertion, the occurrences of abnormal menstruation and low back/abdominal pain in MCuⅡgroup were higher than those in MYCu group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Both MYCuIUD and MCuⅡIUD performed well in the study. MYCuIUD can reduce bleeding and pain at the early stage of insertion.

2013 Vol. 21　(1):　29-31 [Abstract]（ 50 ） HTML (1 KB)  PDF  (0 KB)  ( 1 )

To investigate the anxiety status and its influencing factors in the pregnant women in Tangshan area, hopefully providing reference for the antenatal psychological counseling in this region. Methods: The anxiety status of 300 pregnant women in Tangshan area was analyzed by a specially designed questionnaire and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). Results: The SAS showed that the anxiety score of the pregnant women was 43.58±10.79,and the prevalence of prenatal anxiety was 35% (105/300). Single factor analysis showed that age, gestational stage, education level, abnormal maternal history, family history, medical history, monthly income, support from family and friends, attitude to the baby gender and the concern about the motherhood were correlated with anxiety status of pregnant women. Multifactor analysis indicated that, the support from family and friends was the protective factor, while abnormal maternal history, family history and gestational stage were positively correlated with the anxiety status of pregnant women. Conclusions: Abnormal maternal history, family history are the most important risk factors of anxiety in pregnant women in Tangshan area, and the support from family and friends plays a key role in relieving their anxiety. The medical staff should provide the antenatal psychological counseling accordingly.

2013 Vol. 21　(1):　36-39 [Abstract]（ 37 ） HTML (1 KB)  PDF  (0 KB)  ( 2 )

To establish a method to isolate and culture human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) in vitro and to study hUCMSCs' differentiation potential towards osteoblasts and lipoblasts. Methods: Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from human umbilical cord by enzyme digestion, conventional tissue adherence and modified tissue adherence. The immunophenotypes were detected by flow cytometry. The cells were induced to differentiate into osteoblasts and lipoblasts by different culture systems. Results: The modified culture method of hUCMSCs was established. The cells were of higher purity, and the primary cell number was 2-3 times as that achieved with conventional enzyme digestion method and 20-30 times as that of conventional tissue block culture. The adherent cells showed a spindle shape and were positive for CD73, CD90, CD44 and CD105, but negative for CD31, CD45 and CD34. After induction, the differentiated cells were positive for alizarin red staining and oil red O staining. Conclusion: An effectively culture method of hUCMSCs was established, and the cells can differentiate into osteoblasts and lipoblasts.

2013 Vol. 21　(1):　44-49 [Abstract]（ 52 ） HTML (1 KB)  PDF  (0 KB)  ( 2 )