ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of etomidate postconditioning on apoptosis in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion(I/R) injury.MethodsThirty-two pathogen-free male SD rats weighing 250-300 g were randomly divided into 4 groups ( n =8 each) using random number table:group sham operation ( group S); group focal cerebral I/R; group lipid emulsion (vehicle for etomidate) (group L) and group etomidate postconditioning (group Ep).Focal cerebral I/R was induced by inserting a nylon thread with rounded tip into right internal carotid artery.The thread was advanced cranially until resistance was met.Middle cerebral artery was occluded for 2 h in groups I/R,L and Ep.Normal saline,lipid emulsion and etomidate emulsion 20 mg/kg were injected peritoneally at the end of ischemia in groups I/R,L and Ep respectively.The animals were sacrificed at 24 h of reperfusion and their brains were removed for microscopic examination,assessment of apoptosis (by TUNEL) and detection of Bcl-2 and Bax expression ( by immuno-histochemistry).Apoptosis index ( AI =the number of apoptofic neurons/the total number of neurons examined × 100％ ) and Bcl-2/Bax ratio were calculated.Results I/R induced microscopic changes,significantly increased AI and Bcl-2 Bax ratio and up-regulated Bcl-2 and Bax expression in group I/R as compared with group S.Etomidate postconditioning significantly amefiorated brain damage,decreased AI,increased Bcl-2/Bax ratio,up-regulated Bcl-2 expression and down-regulated Bax expression in ischemic cerebral hemisphere in group Ep as compared with group I/R.There was no significant difference in brain damage,AI and Bcl-2 and Bax expression and Bcl-2/Bax ratio between groups I/R and L.ConclusionEtomidate postconditioning can attenuate focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats by inhibiting apoptosis and modulating Bcl-2 and Bax expression.

Effects of epidural block on stress response during eardiopulmonary bypass were studied. Twenty patients, undergoing open heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, were randomly divided into two groups:the control group with intravenous high-dose fentanyl and enflurane inhalation (1%-1.5%);the tested group with epidural block and enflurane inhalation (0.5%-1%). The plasma norepinephine (NE) and epinephrine (E) concentrations were higher in group control than those in tested group during and after CPB,even at the end of operation (P

Objective To evaluate the effect of continuous spinal anesthesia with a "catheter-over-needle" system which diminished the leakage of CSF through the hole in the dura alongside the inserted catheter and minimizes the risk of post-dura-puncture headache. Methods Sixty ASA Ⅰ - Ⅱ patients aged over 60 yr, scheduled for transurethral prostatectomy, were randomly divided into two groups of 30 patients in each group: group I continuous spinal anesthesia (CSA); group Ⅱ continuous epidural anesthesia(CEA) . Catheter was placed at L2-3 or L3-4. Both groups received 0.5% bupivacaine for surgery. A loading dose of 1.5-2.5 ml (groupⅠ ) or 8-13 ml (group Ⅱ) was given. If the surgery exceeded 2 h a third of the loading dose was injected. For postoperative analgesia a mixture of 0.125% bupivacaine + 0.0006% fentanyl was used. In group I the PCA setting was loading dose 0.5ml, background infusion at 0.5 ml/h, bolus dose 0.5 ml and lock-out interval 8 min. In group Ⅱ the loading dose was 2 ml followed by background infusion at 2 ml/h and bolus dose was 2 ml with lock-out interval of 15 min. Onset time and level of analgesia were recorded during surgery and VAS pain score and movement of lower extremities (modified Bromage score) were assessed. Postoperative PCA was maintained for 50 h. Results The demographic data including age, height and body weight were comparable between the two groups. There was no significant difference in the duration of surgery between the two groups. The onset of block was significantly faster in group I (3.5 ?2.3) min than that in the group Ⅱ (9.5 ?3.4) min. Motor blockade was less intense in group Ⅱ as assessed by modified Bromage score. Analgesia was more satisfactory in group I as less patients received fentanyl and droperidol iv during surgery in group I . Thetotal amount of bupivacaine used during postoperative analgesia was significantly less in group I , only about one-fifth of the total amount used in group Ⅱ. Two patients complained of headache in group I but in group Ⅱ there was also one patient complaining of headache. Conclusion Continuous spinal anesthesia has the advantage of faster onset of block, better analgesia, more intense motor block with less local anesthetic.

Objective To investigate the effects of different concentrations of sevoflurane on adhesion and expression of CD24 and CD44v6 in human lung cancer cell line A549.Methods Human lung cancer cell line A549 was obtained from Shanghai Cell Biology Medical Research Institute,Chinese Academy of Sciences and cultured in RPMI1640 culture medium containing 10％ fetal calf serum.The cells were inoculated in 24 well culture plate.After being cultured for 24 h,the cells were randomly divided into 4 groups:control group (group C) and 3 sevoflurane groups exposed to 1.7 ％,3.4 ％ and 5.1％ sevoflurane for 2,4 and 6 h respectively ( groups S1,S2,S3 ).The cells were cultured for another 48 h.Cell adhesion rate was detected by adhesion test and the expression of CD24 and CD44v6 mRNA and protein was determined by RT-PCR and flow cytometry.Results Sevoflurane significantly inhibited the cell adhesion rate and down-regulated CD24 and CD44v6 expression in a concentration and duration of exposure-dependent manner.Conclusion Sevoflurane can inhibit cell adhesion through down-regulation of CD24 and CD44v6 expression.

Objective To determine the optimum dose of dexmedetomidine (DEX) for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in elderly patients when combined with propofol.Methods Ninetytwo ASA physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ] elderly patients,aged 65-80 yr,with body mass index 18-25 kg/m2,scheduled for elective ERCP,were randomly assigned into 4 groups (n =23 each) using a random number table:fentanyl group (F group),low-dose DEX group (D1 group),medium-dose DEX group (D2 group) and high-dose DEX group (D3 group).Fentanyl 1.0 μg/kg and DEX 0.4,0.7 and 1.0 μg/kg (in normal saline 20 ml) were infused over 10 min via a pump in F,D1,D2 and D3 groups,respectively.At the end of infusion,propofol targetcontrolled infusion was started with the target plasma concentration set at 4 μg/ml,and after the mirror passed through the throat,the target plasma concentration of propofol was adjusted to 2.5 μg/ml.At 10 min after admission to the operating room,immediately after completion of fentanyl or DEX infusion,immediately after the effect-site concentration of propofol reached 4 μg/ml,immediately after the mirror passed through the throat,while pulling the stone,at end of surgery and when the patients were awake,the depth of sedation (NT value) was reccorded and the development of hypoxemia was also recorded.Arterial blood samples were collected at 10 min after admission to the operating room and at the end of operation to record PaCO2.The consumption of propofol,duration of ERCP,and emergence time were recorded.The body movement and requirement for vasoactive drugs were also recorded.Results Compared with F group, NT value and the incidence of hypoxemia were significantly decreased in D1-3 groups,PaCO2,the incidence of body movement and amount of propofol consumed were decreased in D2 and D3 groups,and the emergence time was prolonged and the requirement for atropine was increased in D3 group (P ＜0.05).Compared with D1 group,the PaCO2,NT value,incidence of body movement and amount of propofol consumed were decreased in D2 and D3 groups,the emergence time was prolonged and the requirement for atropine was increased in D3 group (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with D2 group,the consumption of propofol was decreased,the emergence time was prolonged,aud the requirement for atropine was increased in D3 group (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The optimum dose of dexmedetomidine is 0.7 μg/kg for ERCP in elderly patients when combined with propofol.

Objective To investigate the effects of isoflurane and sevonumne on apoptosis and expression of CD44 and CD54 in human lung cancer cell line A549.Methods Human lung cancer A549 cells were obtained from Shanghai Cell Biology Medical Research Institute,Chinese Academy of Sciences,and inoculated in 24 well culture plate.After being cultured for 24 h the cells were randomly divided into 3 groups:group Ⅰ control(group C);group Ⅱ isoflurane (group Iso) and group Ⅲ sevoflurane (group Sev).A 549 cells were exposed to 1.7% isoflurane and 2.5%sevoflurane for 4 h respectively in group Iso and Sev respectively,and were then cultured for another 24 h.Apoptosis and expression of CD44 and CD54 in A549 cells were detected with flow cytometer at 0 (T0),2 h(T1) and 4 h(T2) of and 24 h after(T3) exposure to isoflurane and sevoflurane.Results The percentage of apoptotic cells wag significantly higher at T2 and T3 in group Iso than in group C.The percentage of apoptotic cells was significantly higher at T1,T2 and T3 in group Sev than in group Iso and C.The expression of CD44 and CD54 at T1,T2 and T3 was significantly decreased as compared with the baseline at T0 in group Iso and Sev and was significantly lower in group Iso and Sev than in group C.Conclusion Isoflurane and sevoflurane can induce apoptesis of human lung cancer cell line A549, and sevoflurane is more effective. Isoflurane and sevoflurane can inhibit the expression of CD44 and CD54 of human lung cancer cell line A549.

Objective To evaluate the role of interleukin-4 receptor (IL-4R) in renal fibrosis following renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in mice.Methods Twelve male wild type BALB/C mice and 12 IL-4Rα gene-knockout mice,aged 8-10 weeks,weighing 20-30 g,were used in the study.The mice of either type were divided into 2 groups (n =6 each) using a random number table:sham operation group (group S) and group I/R.In group I/R,renal I/R was induced by occlusion of the right renal artery for 1 h with atraumatic microclips followed by 2 weeks of reperfusion.The right renal artery was only isolated in group S.At 2 weeks of reperfusion,blood samples were taken from the orbital vein for determination of the concentrations of serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr).The renal tissues were obtained,and the renal fibrosis area was measured by Sirius Red staining.The expression of fibronectin (FN),collagen Ⅰ (COL-Ⅰ) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in renal tissues was detected by immunofluorescence.The expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) and phospho-STAT6 in renal tissues was determined by Western blot.The ratio of phoshop-STAT6 to STAT6 was calculated to reflect the phosphorylation of STAT6.Results Compared with group S of wild type mice,the serum BUN and Cr concentrations and renal fibrosis area were significantly increased,the expression of FN,COL-Ⅰ and α-SMA in renal tissues was significantly up-regulated,and the phosphorylation of STAT6 in renal tissues was significantly increased in group I/R of wild type and IL-4Rα KO mice (P＜0.05).Compared with group I/R of wild type mice,the serum BUN and Cr concentrations and renal fibrosis area were significantly decreased,the expression of FN,COL-Ⅰ and α-SMA in renal tissues was significantly down-regulated,and the phosphorylation of STAT6 in renal tissues was significantly decreased in group I/R of IL-4RαKO mice (P＜0.05).Conclusion The mechanism of renal fibrosis following renal I/R injury is partially related to IL-4R,and IL-4R results in renal fibrosis through promoting activation of STAT6 signaling pathway in mice.

Objective To investigate the effects of serum from patients receiving isoflurane and sevoflurane on the invasion and migration ability of human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549. Methods Twenty ASAⅠorⅡ lung cancer patients aged 40 ~ 68 yr undergoing radical surgery were randomly divided into sevoflurane group (SEV group, n = 10) and isoflurane group (ISO group, n = 10). The concentration of sevoflurane or isoflurane maintained 1.5 MAC during anesthesia. Ten healthy volunteers were selected as control group. Serum was separated from blood sample taken at the end of surgery. A549 cells were randomly divided into sevoflurane group (group SEV, n = 10), isoflurane group (group ISO, n = 10) and control group (group C, n = 10). Cells of SEV group and ISO group were treated with 10% serum as respect to anesthetics for 24 hours. Cells of group C were treated with serum of control group. The invasion ability of cells was evaluated by Transwell assay. The migration ability of cells was determined by wound healing assay. The expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in A549 cells were detected by ELISA. Results Compared with group C and ISO group,the number of invasive cells in group SEV was reduced significantly (P < 0.05). The levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in group SEV were significantly decreased compared with those of group C and ISO group (P<0.05). Conclusion The serum of patients receiving sevoflurane anesthesia can attenuate the metastatic ability of A549 cells through inhibiting the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9.

Objective To evaluate the effect of propofol on invasiveness of human gastric cancer MKN-45 cells.Methods Human gastric cancer cell line MKN-45 were seeded in culture plates.After being cultured for 24 h,the cells were randomly divided into 5 groups(n =12 each):control group (group C),intralipid group (group Ⅰ),4 μg/ml propofol group (group P1),8 μg/ml propofol group (group P2) and 16μg/ml propofol group (group P3).The cells were treated with 10％ intralipid and 4,8 and 16 μg/ml propofol for 24 h in I and P1-3 groups,respectively.The cells were then cultured for another 24 h.The migration of cells was determined by cell scratch test.The invasion of cells was determined by Transwell invasion assay.The expression of RhoA and ROCK1 was detected by Western blot.Results Compared with group C,the cell migration and invasion were significantly decreased,and the expression of RhoA and ROCK1 was down-regulated in P1-3 groups,and no significant changes were found in the parameters mentioned above in group Ⅰ.With the increasing concentrations of propofol,the cell migration and invasion were gradually decreased,and the expression of RhoA and ROCK1 was gradually down-regulated in P1-3 groups.Conclusion Propofol can inhibit the invasiveness of human gastric cancer MKN-45 cells cultured in vitro dose-dependently and inhibition of RhoA/ROCK1 signaling pathway may be involved in the mechanism.

Objective To evaluate the effect of curcumin on spinal inflammatory factor in rats with diabetic neuropathy. Methods Diabetic neuropathy was induced by intraperitoneal injection with 1% STZ (60 mg/kg) in sprague-dawley rats. These diabetic rats were randomly allocated to diabetic group (D group, n=10) and curcumin group ( C group , n = 10 ) . Another 10 age-matched normal rats served as controlled group ( N group , n = 10 ) . 28 days after STZ injection, the rats in C group received daily intragastric administration of curcumin (200 mg/kg) whereas those in D group received the same volume of normal saline for 2 weeks. Caudal vein blood glucose levels at T1( before STZ injection)and at T2-T8(2、7、14、21、28、35、42 days after STZ injection)from all rats were detected. Responses to the mechanical stimulus were measured with von Frey filament, and paw withdraw threshold (PWT) was recorded at T1 and at T3 to T8. At T8,the rats were killed and lumbar segments of spinal cord were removed to detect TNF-αand IL-6 content. Results Compared to N group, rats in both C and D group showed hyperglycemia at T2 to T8 (P<0.05) and lower PWT at T4~ 8 (P < 0.01). Compared to D group, C group showed higher PWT at T7,8(P<0.05). Both D and C group showed higher levels of blood sugar at T2 ~ 8 than that at T1 (P < 0.05). C group showed higher PWT at T7,8 than that at T6(P<0.05). Compared to N group,spinal TNF-αand IL-6 content increased in both D and C groups (P<0.05). Compared to D group, C group had reduction of TNF-αand IL-6 concentration (P < 0.05). Conclusion Curcumin can attenuate diabetic neuropathic pain on rats probably by reducing inflammatory factor in spinal cord.