Objective To assess the association of Haptoglobin(Hp) polymorphism with acute coronary syndrome(ACS) in Chinese. Method A total of 112 patients with ACS including 57 patients with acute myocardial infarction and 55 patients with unstable angina pectoris confirmed with angiography and 121healthy controls were recruited in this study. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was utilized to genotype Hpl and Hp2 alleles and genotype frequencies in cases and controls were compared. All polymorphisms were test of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in both groups separately. The differences of genotypes and alleles between two groups were analyzed with x2 test. The association between Hp polymorphism and the risk of ACS was estimated by odds ratio (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), and the comprehensive evaluation of the factors associated with ACS were determined by using multivariate logistic regression analysis. P ＜0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results The frequency of Hp2-2 genotype was significantly higher in ACSs than in controls (0. 571 vs. 0. 355, P = 0. 001; OR = 2. 419, 95% CI:1. 427 ～4. 100), multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicates that Hp2-2 genotype is an independent risk factor to ACS (P = 0.002; OR = 2.557,95% CI: 1. 392 - 4.637). Similarly, the Hp2 allele frequency in ACS groups was significantly higher than that in the control subjects (0. 759 vs. 0. 616, P =0.001; OR = 1. 965,95% CI 1. 316 ～2. 934). Conclusion The Hp2-2 genotype is associated with ACS in Chinese. Hp2-2 genotype may be an independent risk factor to ACS, and Hp2 allele may be a genetic susceptibility factor to ACS in Chinese.

Objective To compare between the impact of Xuebijing injectio (a Chinese herbal medicine preparation) and that of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) on coagulation function and prognosis in patients with severe sepsis, so as to guide the treatment of sepsis. Method A total of 89 patients with severe sepsis were randomly(random number) divided into 3 groups, namely Xuebijing group (group A),LMWH group (group B) and routine group (group C). The patients of group C received a series of remedies according to the guideline for severe sepsis. The patients of group A were treated with Xuebijing injectio in addition to routine treatment. The patients of group B were treated with LMWH along with routine treatment.Data of blood coagulation function tests and APACHE Ⅱ score of patients in three groups before and after treatment were analyzed respectively. The 28-day mortality and length of hospital stay were compared among three groups. All data were analyzed by using t-test, Analysis of Variance, q-test, x2-test and rank sum treatment, all markers of the blood coagulation function tests in group A improved significantly after treatment (P＜0.01), while only some markers of the blood coagulation function tests improved in the other two groups ( P ＜ 0. 05 or P ＜ 0. 01 ); After treatment, the blood coagulation function in group A improved significantly more than that in other two groups ( P ＜ 0.05 ), while there were some markers of the blood coagulawith the data before treatment, the APACHE Ⅱ score in group A and group B decreased after treatment (P＜0.05). After treatment, the APACHE Ⅱ score of group A and group B decreased significantly more than that of group C ( P ＜ 0.05). But there was no significant difference between group A and group B ( P ＞Xuebijing obviously improves the blood coagulation function in patients with severe sepsis, while LMWH only improves some markers of the coagulation function tests. Both Xuebijing and LMWH reduce mortality and improve prognosis of patients with sepsis.

Objective To evaluate the accuracy of five blood glucose measurements commonly used in ICU and to determine the potential factors interfering the accuracy. Method This prospective study carried out in consecutively enrolled 49 patients stayed more than 48 hours in the medical ICU of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from November 2007 to January 2008. A total of 130 blood samples were measured to determine blood glucose with five different methods, and the biochemistry analyzer in central laboratory was regarded as reference method for comparison with other four methods, ( 1 ) capillary blood/glucometer;(2) arterial blood/glucometer; (3) arterial blood/blood gas analyzer; and (4) arterial blood/biochemistry analyzer. The accuracy of a method tested was judged by the difference in level of blood glucose between it and reference method, correlation coefficient, bias correction factor and discrepancy. The independent factors for the discrepancies were identified by multivariate logistic regression. Results The values of differences in level of blood glucose between above four methods and the reference were ( 1.7 ± 1.4) mmol/L,( 1.6 ± 1.4 ) mmol/L, ( 1.1 ± 1.2) mmol/L, and (0.5 ± 1.2 ) mmol/L, respectively. The rates of discrepancy were 66.9%, 63.8%, 40.0% and 23.8%. The correlation coefficients were 0. 844, 0. 845, 0. 895and 0. 896. The bias correction factors were 0. 821,0.831,0.914 and 0. 979. Decrease in hematocrit was statistically associated with the discrepancy between glucometer analysis methods and the reference, with OR of 0.923 for capillary blood ( P = 0.03 ) and 0. 912 for arterial blood( P = 0.014), respectively. Conclusions Glucometer analysis poorly correlated with reference method and blood gas analysis in ICU patients. Decrease in hematocrit significantly increased the degree of discrepancy in glucose measurements between glucometer analysis and the reference.

Objective To examine the impact of C-reactive protein (CRP) on the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), inflammatory cytokine, in cultured human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (hPASMCs) in order to find out the cause of pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). Method The hPASMCs were cultured and stimulated by different concerntrations of CRP (5 - 200 μg/ml) for different lengths of time. The activity of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) was evaluated by electrophoretic gel mobility shift assay (EMSA). The expression of IL-6 mRNA and the level of IL-6 protein were measured by using real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively. Results CRP increased IL-6 production in hPASMCs in a dose-dependent manner. The increase in IL-6 at concerntration of 200 μg/mL in the CRP group was as high as 2.8times that in the control group. CRP also significantly induced the activation of NF-κB in hPASMCs. The effect of CRP on the inflammatory cytokine, IL-6, was inhibited by the specific FcγⅡa receptor antibody.Conclusions In vitro, CRP increases the production of IL-6 in hPASMCs mediated by FcγⅡa receptor and NF-κB translocation. These data offer important insights into the role of CRP in the pathogenesis of PAH.

Objective To investigate effects of complement C5a receptor and P38-MAPK on myocardial injury brought about by septic shock in rats. Method The early septic shock models were established by the method of cecal ligature and incision (CLI). A total of 30 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly( random number) divided into normal control group ( n = 6 ) and model group ( n = 24 ) and the model group was further 12 hours later divided into 12 h subgroup (n = 12) and 24 h subgroup (n = 12). The arterial blood samples were collected 12 hours later for detecting the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK), and then the rats were sacrificed and the myocardial tissues were taken to assay the expressions of C5a receptor and P38-MAPK by using immunohistochemistry after HE staining. And the above procedure as did in 12 h subgroup was done 24 hours later. Results Compared with the control group, the levels of LDH and CK in rats of Model group were significantly higher (P ＜ 0. 05). There were significant differences in LDH and CK between 24 h subgroup and 12 h subgroup [(2 568.9 ± 280) vs. (2 201.2 ± 149)] and [(5 029.7±458) vs. (2 629.4±140)] ,P＜0. 05, P＜0.05. The analysis of C5aR and P38-MAPK gray values showed that there were significant differences between the model group and normal control group [(702.77 ±122) vs. (388.36±113)], P＜0. 05 and [(646.40±181) vs. (307.32 ±61)] ,P＜0.05,and those differences also found between the 24 h subgroup and 12 h subgroup. There was a significant positive correlation between C5aR and P38-MAPK (P＜0.05 ), and also the P38-MAPK had significant positive relationships with LDH(P＜0.05) and CK (P＜0.05). Conclusions The C5aR strongly potentiates the P38-MAPK to induce myocardial injury by septic shock.

Objective To investigate the expression changes of microRNAs and VEGF-NOTCH in renal ischemic injury in mice, and to explore the potential mechanism associated with renal angiogenesis.Method Male Balb/c mice were subjected to a standard renal ischemia to induce acute kidney injury (AKI) after 45 min of bilateral renal artery clamping. Following 4 h, 24 h of reperfusion or sham operation, kindey tissues were collected and subjected to detect the expression changes of microRNAs which relatived with angiogenesis and VEGF, Flk-1, Notch1 mRNA by Quantitative Real-time RT-PCR. Flk-1 protein was detected by Western blotting analysis at 24 h and 72 h following Ischemia/Reperfusion(I/R) injury. The expression of CD31 was examined in tissue sections by immunohistochemistry staining, and the microvessels in ischemic region of each group were counted. Results miRNA-210 and miRNA-92a expression increased significantly, with prominent changes at 4 h and 24 h after reperfusion( P ＜ 0.05 ). VEGF and Flk-1 mRNA expression and Flk-1 protein were increased in renal I/R compared with control group respectively (P＜0.05 ).Immunohistochemistry staining results of CD31 showed a significant increase of microvessels in renal ischemic region. Conclusion This study first reported the changes in miRNAs expression in response to kidney I/R in mouse. our results implied that miRNAs may be involved in targeting VEGF-Notch pathway signaling to regulate angiogenesis after renal I/R injury. It provided novel insights into the angiogenesis mechanism of renal ischemic injury.

Objective To observe the effects of ischemic preconditioning of hindlimb (HIP) on the expressions of heat shock protein70 (HSP70) in spinal cord of rats after spinal cord injury (SCI). MethodSprague Dawleys rats were randomly( random number) divided into three groups (20 rats in each group).In sham injury group, rats received laminectomy without SCI; while in the SCI group, rats received traumatic SCI. In HIP group, rats received HIP 8 h before SCI. The SCI animal models were made by using modified Allen's weight-drop device (50 g·cm) on L3-L4 vertebrae. HIP was induced by compressing the two lower limbs of rats alternately with a tourniquet for three cycles of ten-minute ischaemia followed by ten-minute reperfusion. Rats were sacrificed 24 h and 48 h after injury separately. The protein and mRNA of HSP70 of involved spinal cord segments were determined by using RT-PCR, hybridization in situ and immunohistochemistry. Results There was weak expression of HSP70 mRNA in rats of sham injury group, and sporadic positive cells in spinal tissue were found by using immunohistochemistry. The expressions of HSP70 mRNA 24 h and48 hours after SCI in HIP group[(22.18±3.69) and (14.15 ±4.18)] were higher than those in SCI group[(13.97±4.46) and ( 8.73 ± 3.55 )], and the differences were statistically significant (F=16.06, P = 0.005 and F = 7.43, P = 0. 028). The protein levels of HSP70 24 h and 48 hours after SCI in HIP group [(16.71±4.02) and (9.85±2.20)] were higher than those in SCI group [( 14.85 ± 3.73)and (8.78 ±2.05)], and the differences were statistically significant (F =90. 13, P =0.032 and F=34.70, P = 0. 036). Conclusions HIP can increase the transcription and expression of HSP70 in spinal cord of rats following SCI and may have the protective effects on neural tissue.

Objective To investigate the influence of inspired oxygen fraction (FiO2) on the ratio of PaO2/FiO2(P/F) during the implementation of lung protective ventilation strategy in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS) in order to unravel its clinical significance. Method This was a prospective study of 16 selected patients with ARDS treated with mechanical ventilation ( MV ) to get ratio of P/F in range of 100 to 200 by PEEP≥5 cmH2O and high inspired oxygen. After lung recruitment maneuvers by BiPAP with high pressure (PH) of 40 cmH2O for40 s, the MV was maintained the basic requirement for stabilizing the patients for 30 minutes. A series of FiO2 were set at fractions of 0.5,0.6,0.7,0.8,0.9 and 1in random sequence, and the changes of respiratory mechanics, blood gas and hemodynamics under the different concentrations of FiO2 were analyzed by using SPSS version 13.0 software. Results ( 1 ) The ratio of P/F increased as FiO2 increased, and it's significant as FiO2 increased to 0.7 or above. As the fractions of FiO2 were set at 0.5 and 1. O, the ratios of P/F changed in 24.70% ± 23.36% respectively. ( 2 ) Of them,6 patients ( 37.5% ) treated with FiO2 set at 0.5 had the ratio of P/F ＜ 200, and the fraction of FiO2 was increased to 1.0, the P/F ＞ 200. (3) FiO2 and Qs/Qt were negatively correlated ( r = - 0.390, P = O. 027 ),the higher inspired oxygen fraction, the lower shunt. When the fractions of FiO2 were set at 0.5 and 1.0 ,there was a positive correlation between △Qs/Qt and △P/F( r = 0.82, P = 0.005 ). Conclusions The inspired oxygen fraction affects the ratio of P/F, which may be resulted from shunt and it may influence the diagnosis of ARDS.

Objective To explore the effect of different positive end expiratory pressures (PEEP) on oxygen delivery (DO2) after recruitment maneuvers (RM) in dogs with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Method After ARDS models established in 15 dogs by oleic acid, static P-V (pressure-volume) curves were determined by low flow technique. Lower inflection point (LIP) was set by two-way linear regression methods. RM was operated with the pressure control method. ARDS dog models were randomly divided into three groups, namely PEEP 8 cmH2O group (group A), 12 cmH2O group (group B) and 16cmH2O group (group C) after RM (equivalent to pressure at4 cmH2O under LIP, 4 cmH2O near LIP, and 4 cmH2O above LIP, respectively). Hemodynamics and arterial blood gas analysis were monitored before RM, 0, 5, 10 and 15 min after RM. The recruited volume was measured by P-V curve method 15 min after RM and respiratory mechanics was also observed at the same time. Then DO2 was calculated. The quantitative variables were summarized as the mean and SD. The t-test was used to compare continuous variables between the two independent samples. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare variables among three groups. The level of significance was set at P＜0.05 for all the tests. Results In group A, the levels of PaO2 were significantly reduced 5 min, 10 min and 15 min after RM[(257 ± 23 )mmHg, (253±21)mmHg, and (255±19)mmHg] compared with PaO2 at 0 min [(322 ± 20) mmHg] (P＜0.05).But in group B and group C, the levels of PaO2 5 min, 10 min and 15 min after RM were not lower than level of PaO2 at 0 min after RM (P＞0.05 ). The levels of PaO2 in groups B and C were higher than that in group A at the same time (P＜0.05). The recruited volume distinctly increased with PEEP levels escalated [(50±12 ) mL, (124 ±15) mL, and ( 157 ±10)mL](P＜0.05). However, the increment in the recruited volume from PEEP 8 cmH2O to 12 cmH2O was dramatically greater than that from PEEP 12 cmH2O to 16 cmH2O.There was no significant difference in static compliance between group A and B [(14.3 ± 2.2) mL/cmH2O vs. (17.2±1.4)mL/cmH2O] (P ＞ 0.05 ). But compared with groups A and B, the static compliance in the group C significantly reduced(10.5 ± 0.9) mL/cmH2O ( P ＜ 0.05 ). The ratios of DO2 after RM to DO2 before RM were different at different levels of PEEP. The levels of DO2 after RM[( 1.15 ± 0. 11 ),( 1. 14 ± 0.12), ( 1.14 ± 0. 12) and ( 1.16 ± 0.11 )] increased more greatly than that before RM ( 1.00 ±0.09) in the group B (P ＜ 0.05 ). It did not occurred in the groups A and C. Conclusions The PEEP 12 cmH2O set at near the LIP after RM could be the optimal PEEP. Not only can it improve DO2 and the static compliance, but also maintain oxygenation and the recruited volume after RM.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of the protective effects induced by intrathecally remote morphine preconditioning (RMPC) against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats.Method Male SD rats weighing 280 ～ 320 g were used in this study. A needle was inserted through a surgically created hole into the spinal cord space. Sixty male SD rats, in which intrathecal needle was successfully placed without complication, were randomly (random number) divided into 10 groups of 6 animals each. In group Ⅰ myocardial I/R was produced (I/R). In group Ⅱ morphine was given intrathecally in 3 repeated doses of 1 μg/kg at 5 mtn intervals before ischemia (RMPC). Antagonists CGRP8-37 (CGRP receptor antagonist), 8-SPT (adenosine receptor antagonist), HOE-140 (bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist) and HEX (autonomic nerve antagonist) were given intrathecally in group Ⅲ , Ⅳ, Ⅴ and Ⅳrespectively at 10 min before RMPC. In group Ⅶ, Ⅷ, Ⅸ and X CGRP8-37, 8-SPT, HOE-140 and HEX were given intrathecally respectively at 40 min before ischemia. Myocardial I/R was produced by occlusion of left anterior descending branch (LAD) of coronary artery for 30 min followed by 120 min reperfusion. At the baseline and the end of 120 min reperfusion venous blood samples were taken for determination of LDH activity. The animals were then killed and hearts removed for measurement of area at risk (AAR) and infarct size area (IS). IS/AAR was calculated. Results The size of infarct area was smaller and IS/AAR ratio lower and significantly less LDH was released at the time of 120 min reperfusion in RMPC group (group Ⅱ) than in group I/R (group Ⅰ). The protective effects of RMPC was abolished by intravenously pretreatment with CGRP8-37, 8-SPT,HOE-140 and HEX. Conclusions CGRP, adenosine, bradykinin and autonomic nerve are involved in the protective effects of intrathecally remote morphine preconditioning against myocardial I/R injury.