Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown potential for cardiac repair following myocardial injury, but this approach is limited by their poor viability after transplantation. The present study was to investigate whether trimetazidine (TMZ) could improve survival of MSCs in an ex vitro model of hypoxia, as well as survival, differentiation, and subsequent activities of transplanted MSCs in rat hearts with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). MSCs at passage 3 were examined for their viability and apoptosis under a transmission electron microscope, and by using flow cytometry following culture in serum-free medium and exposure to hypoxia (5% CO(2), 95% N(2)) for 12 h with or without TMZ. Thirty Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups (n=10 each group), including group I (AMI control), group II (MSCs transplantation alone), and group III (TMZ+MSCs). Rat MSCs (4×10(7)) were injected into peri-infarct myocardium (MSCs group and TMZ+MSCs group) 30 min after coronary artery ligation. The rats in TMZ+MSCs group were additionally fed on TMZ (2.08 mg·kg(-1)·day(-1)) from day 3 before AMI to day 28 after AMI. Cardiac structure and function were assessed by echocardiography at 28th day after transplantation. Blood samples were collected before the start of TMZ therapy (baseline), and 24 and 48 h after AMI, and inflammatory cytokines (CRP, TNF-α) were measured. Then the survival and differentiation of transplanted cells in vivo were detected by immunofluorescent staining. The cellular apoptosis in the peri-infarct region was detected by using TUNEL assay. Furthermore, apoptosis-related proteins (Bcl-2, Bax) within the post-infarcted myocardium were detected by using Western blotting. In hypoxic culture, the TMZ-treated MSCs displayed a two-fold decrease in apoptosis under serum-free medium and hypoxia environment. In vivo, cardiac infarct size was significantly reduced, and cardiac function significantly improved in MSCs and TMZ+MSCs groups as compared with those in the AMI control group. Combined treatment of TMZ with MSCs implantation demonstrated further decreased MSCs apoptosis, further increased MSCs viability, further decreased infarct size, and further improved cardiac function as compared with MSCs alone. The baseline levels of inflammatory cytokines (CRP, TNF-α) had no significant difference among the groups. In contrast, all parameters at 24 h were lower in TMZ+MSCs group than those in MSCs group. Furthermore, Western blotting indicated that the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was up-regulated, while the pro-apoptotic protein Bax was down-regulated in the TMZ+MSCs group, compared with that in the MSCs group. It is suggested that implantation of MSCs combined with TMZ treatment is superior to MSCs monotherapy for MSCs viability and cardiac function recovery.

Since Hosobuchi first found that spinal cord stimulation had the effect of significantly increasing cerebral blood flow (CBF) more than two decades ago, spinal cord stimulation had attracted wide attention in the field of treating cerebral ischemia. A large number of animal and clinical studies have been performed in this field, which make it another research focus following thrombolysis and interventional therapy. This article reviews the research history, mechanisms, and current status of clinical applications of spinal cord stimulation in cerebral ischemia protection.

Objective To investigate the efficiency of the modified posterolateral curved incision with double intermuscular approach in the treatment of posterolateral tibial plateau fractures.Methods From August 2009 to March 2013,15 men and 17 women aged 28 to 77 (mean,46.25) years with posterolateral spitting or collapse tibial plateau fractures were treated to undergo a modified posterolateral approach.All types of fractures were closed,without nerve or artery injury.The duration from injury to fixation was 3-18 (mean,7.13) days.The modified posterolateral approach was preformed to expose tibial anterolateral condyle and posterolateral condyle through intermuscular space of anterior tibial muscle,popliteus muscle and soleus muscle.After open reduction,anterolateral fractures and posterolateral fractures were fixed by the T-shaped plate and Golf shaped plate respectively.Results All of the 32 patients were followed up from 6 months to 36 months (in average of 15.3 months).Postoperative X-ray showed satisfied fractures without obvious collapse of the articular surface.At the last follow-up,the Rasmussen scores were range from 6 to 18 (in average of 14.06),namely 14 cases excellent,15 cases good,3 cases fair.The knee joint functions were evaluated according to HSS.The HSS results showed that there were 12 cases excellent,16 cases good,3 cases fair and 1 case bad.None of the cases suffered from injuries of crucial blood vessel or nerves.No incision necrosis,wound infection or fixation failure occurred during follow-up.Conclusion Open reduction and internal fixation via modified posterolateral approach can expose posterolateral and anterolateral tibial plateau fracture in one incision.Fibular head osteotomy can be avoided.The present approach could also reduce surgical injury,minimize the possibilities of incision necrosis or plate exposure.The modified posterolateral approach can be recommended in clinical practice.

Objective To observe the effects of nourishing-kidney herbs on rat model with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.Methods 60 Wistar rats male and female half and half were randomly divided into a normal group,a model group and a nourishing-kidney group.By intramuscular injection of dexamethasone (2.5 mg/kg) twice a week to replicate osteoporosis rat model.All groups were treated for 9 weeks.Detected the BMD of femur in vitro and determined the bone metabolism marker in serum by biochemical process.Results The BMD decreased obviously (0.109± 0.007)g/cm2 and the content of TRAP in serum increased evidently (9.96± 1.15) μg/ml in the model group.In the nourishing-kidney group,the BMD was up-regulated (0.116 ± 0.007)g/cm2,and TRAP down-regulated(5.76 ± 0.85)μg/ml.Conclusion Intramuscular injection of dexamethasone can induce GIO rat model,and nourishing-kidney herbs have the effect of anti-osteoporosis.

AIM: To explore the relationship between intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1)expression in endothelial cells(EC) and advanced glycosylation end products(AGEs) stimulation. METHODS: Murine bone marrow derived ECs was stimulated by AGEs after pretreated with anti-AGEs, anti-IL-1? and N-acetylcysteine(NAC),then SOD activity and ICAM-1 concentration and adhesion rate(AR) were evaluated. RESULTS: ECs which expressed ICAM-1[(0.65?0.14) vs (0.11?0.02)] induced by AGEs showed lower SOD activity [(0.69?0.19)?10 3 U/L vs (1.71?0.42)?10 3 U/L]. The ICAM-1 expression as well as the increase of AR caused by AGEs stimulation could be suppressed by anti-AGEs(0.12?0.01) and NAC(0.11?0.05). Anti-IL-1? had no influence on these changes. CONCLUSION: AGEs could induce endothelial cells to express ICAM-1 in vitro, most probably due to the formation of free radicals. Besides, AGEs may stimulate other cells to secrete cytokines resulting in ICAM-1 expression in endothelial cells.

Objective To explore the efficacy of multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for aged patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Methods 25 aged patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy were treated by multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores were evaluated,clinical results were graded from excellent to poor using Odoms criteria,and the sagittal alignment of fusion segements were measured using Cobb method. Bone fusion and complications was evaluated. Results The final follow up score according to Odoms criteria was excellent in 8 patients ,good in 14 patients,and fair in 3 patients ,with excellent and good rate of 88%. The JOA score at final follow up(7.8) was significantly higher than preoperative(12. 8),with average improvement rate of 54%. At final follow up,bone fusion rate was 100%. Conclusion Multilevel anterior discectomy and fusion for aged patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy was effective.

Objective To study the pros and cons of two methods of infusing itraconazole injectionand prevent the blockage of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) and improve patients' satisfaction with nursing technology.Methods 172 patients infusing itraconazole were divided into two groups by random digital table method.86 cases established an independent infusion pathway as the control group,another 86 cases using PICC for itraconazole injection and withdrawing plunger of the syringe about 0.5 ml before and after the infusion and then pulsing-flushing it with 10 ml normal saline as the experimental group.Then compared the blockage rate of PICC and the patients' satisfaction with nursing technology.Results The blockage rate of the two groups had no significant difference (x2 =0.206,P ＞ 0.05) while patients' satisfaction with nursing skills was distinct,and the experimental group's was 96.51％ (83/86),much higher than 16.28％ (14/86) of the control group.Conclusions Withdrawing taken before and after the infusion of itraconazole injection could effectively prevent catheter blockage and improve patients' satisfaction with nursing technology.

Objective: To observe the therapeutic effect of Jingyuankang capsule on peripheral leukopenia in patients with HIV/AIDS.Methods: The methods of randomized,double blind,double analogue clinical trials were used for two groups: 58 cases treated with Jingyuankang capsule,Likejun tablet analogue and HAART therapy;58 cases treated with Likejun tablets,Jingyuankang capsule analogue and HAART therapy.Both groups had systematic administration of 6 weeks.The peripheral blood cells were examined to observe the therapeutic effect of Jingyuankang capsule on peripheral leukopenia.Results: Jingyuankang capsule had a good therapeutic effect in treating peripheral leukopenia.It signifi cantly increased the numbers of leukocytes and granulocytes.As the time of administration,it could promote the growth of leukocyte more obviously.It was clinical safe and effective.No toxic and side effect was found in the process of treatment and later follow-up visit.Conclusion: Jingyuankang capsule can effectively treat peripheral leukopenia in patients with HIV/AIDS.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown potential for cardiac repair following myocardial injury,but this approach is limited by their poor viability after transplantation.The present study was to investigate whether trimetazidine (TMZ) could improve survival of MSCs in an ex vitro model of hypoxia,as well as survival,differentiation,and subsequent activities of transplanted MSCs in rat hearts with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).MSCs at passage 3 were examined for their viability and apoptosis under a transmission electron microscope,and by using flow cytometry following culture in serum-free medium and exposure to hypoxia (5％ CO2,95％ N2) for 12 h with or without TMZ.Thirty Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups (n=10 each group),including group Ⅰ (AMI control),group Ⅱ (MSCs transplantation alone),and group Ⅲ (TMZ+MSCs).Rat MSCs (4×107) were injected into peri-infarct myocardium (MSCs group and TMZ+MSCs group) 30 min after coronary artery ligation.The rats in TMZ+MSCs group were additionally fed on TMZ (2.08 mg·kg-1·day-1) from day 3 before AMI to day 28 after AMI.Cardiac structure and function were assessed by echocardiography at 28th day after transplantation.Blood samples were collected before the start of TMZ therapy (baseline),and 24 and 48 h after AMI,and inflammatory cytokines (CRP,TNF-α) were measured.Then the survival and differentiation of transplanted cells in vivo were detected by immunofluorescent staining.The cellular apoptosis in the peri-infarct region was detected by using TUNEL assay.Furthermore,apoptosis-related proteins (Bcl-2,Bax) within the post-infarcted myocardium were detected by using Western blotting.In hypoxic culture,the TMZ-treated MSCs displayed a two-fold decrease in apoptosis under serum-free medium and hypoxia environment.In vivo,cardiac infarct size was significantly reduced,and cardiac function significantly improved in MSCs and TMZ+MSCs groups as compared with those in the AMI control group.Combined treatment of TMZ with MSCs implantation demonstrated further decreased MSCs apoptosis,further increased MSCs viability,further decreased infarct size,and further improved cardiac function as compared with MSCs alone.The baseline levels of inflammatory cytokines (CRP,TNF-α) had no significant difference among the groups.In contrast,all parameters at 24 h were lower in TMZ+MSCs group than those in MSCs group.Furthermore,Western blotting indicated that the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was up-regulated,while the pro-apoptotic protein Bax was down-regulated in the TMZ+MSCs group,compared with that in the MSCs group.It is suggested that implantation of MSCs combined with TMZ treatment is superior to MSCs monotherapy for MSCs viability and cardiac function recovery.

Acute pancreatitis is a local pancreatic and systemic inflammatory disease due to various living and environmental factors, such as alcohol, gallstones, high lipids, and smoking, and its pathogenesis remains unclear. Studies have shown that epigenetic regulation mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA, play an important role in the development and progression of acute pancreatitis. This article introduces the association between the common causes of acute pancreatitis (including alcohol, gallstones, high lipids, and smoking) and epigenetic regulation mechanisms, as well as the association between inflammatory response and epigenetic regulation mechanisms. The preliminary exploration of epigenetic regulation mechanisms in acute pancreatitis provides new thoughts for further understanding the development, progression, and treatment of acute pancreatitis.