AIM: To detect the expression of microRNA (miRNA)-29a in pulmonary arteries of monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary hypertensive rats, and to investigate the effects of miRNA-29a on pulmonary hypertension.METHODS: MCT-induced pulmonary hypertensive model was established in Wistar rats.The expression of miRNA-29a in the lung tissue was determined by qPCR.miRNA-29a was overexpressed in the pulmonary hypertension rats by tail vein injection of miRNA-29a-mimic.Pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and systemic arterial pressure (SAP) were measured.The morphological changes of the pulmonary arteries were observed by HE staining.The protein levels of p-Akt and p-eNOS were detected by Western blot.RESULTS: The mRNA expression of miRNA-29a was significantly decreased in the pulmonary arteries of MCT-induced pulmonary hypertensive rats.Furthermore, after overexpression of miRNA-29a, PAP was remarkably reduced, while SAP remained unchanged.In addition, the increased thickness of tunica media, the remodeling of pulmonary arteries and the decreased protein levels of p-Akt and p-eNOS in the pulmonary hypertensive rats were dramati-cally changed after miRNA-29a overexpression.CONCLUSION: Overexpression of miRNA-29a ameliorates pulmonary hypertension in rats.These effects may be associated with the activation of PI3K/Akt-eNOS signaling pathway.

Objective To evaluate the long-term effects and safety of diode laser in hair removal.Methods A retrospective study was conducted.In this study,350 patients with hypertrichosis were treated by an 800-nm diode laser with a pulse duration of 30 ms for various sessions.Two groups were divided based on the treatment sessions:group A receiving 6(≥4 for axillae)or more treatments,group B less than 6(＜4 for axillae)treatments.Patients were followed up for 8 months to 3 years(mean 22.5 months)by return visit or telephone.Evaluation of efficacy and side effects were performed.Results Follow-up and evaluation were completed in 235 patients,and a total of 375 sites treated.After 2-18 treatments,a total effective rate of 80.53%(302/375)was achieved.Significant higher effective rates were observed in group B compared with group A at all sites 86.84%(33/38)vs 35.00%(7/20)on the lips,68.42%(26/38)vs 30.77%(4/13)on the face and neck,92.00%(46/50)vs 55.56%(5/9)in lower extremities,86.96%(20/23)vs 50.00%(4/5)on the trunk.93.81%(91/97)vs 55.56%(5/9)at the axillae,92.16%(47/51)vs 73.68%(14/19)in the upper extremities(all P＜0.05),Side effects were noted in only 6 cases,including hyperpigmentation,itching,and development of follicular papules,blisters and white hair.Neither hypopigmentation nor scarring was observed.Conclusions Diode laser system is effective and safe for hair removal.The effect varies with lesional sites and treatment sessions.