The affiliation of the second author, Lei Sen Han, should be corrected.

To study the effect of nicorandil pretreatment on ketone body metabolism and Acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase (ACAT1) activity in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced cardiomyocytes. In our study, we applied H9c2 cardiomyocytes cell line to evaluate the cardioprotective effects of nicorandil. We detected mitochondrial viability, cellular apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and calcium overloading in H9c2 cells that exposed to H/R-induced cytotoxicity. Then we evaluated whether nicorandil possibly regulated ketone body, mainly β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and acetoacetate (ACAC), metabolism by regulating ACAT1 and Succinyl-CoA:3-keto-acid coenzyme A transferase 1 (OXCT1) protein and gene expressions. Nicorandil protected H9c2 cardiomyocytes against H/R-induced cytotoxicity dose-dependently by mitochondria-mediated anti-apoptosis pathway. Nicorandil significantly decreased cellular apoptotic rate and enhanced the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax expressions. Further, nicorandil decreased the production of ROS and alleviated calcium overloading in H/R-induced H9c2 cells. In crucial, nicorandil upregulated ACAT1 and OXCT1 protein expressions and either of their gene expressions, contributing to increased production of cellular BHB and ACAC. Nicorandil alleviated cardiomyocytes H/R-induced cytotoxicity through upregulating ACAT1/OXCT1 activity and ketone body metabolism, which might be a potential mechanism for emerging study of nicorandil and other K(ATP) channel openers.
Acetyl-CoA C-Acetyltransferase ; Apoptosis ; Calcium ; Cell Line ; Coenzyme A ; Gene Expression ; Metabolism* ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; Nicorandil* ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; Transferases

OBJECTIVETo construct a recombinant adenovirus expression vector containing the anti-oncogene PTEN and to investigate the effects of the PTEN gene on the proliferation of prostate cancer PC-3 cells and the expressions of cyclin D1 and p21 in the PC-3 cells.

METHODSThe PTEN gene was amplified from the rat hippocampus by RT-PCR and cloned into the shuttle plasmid pEN-TR2A. The plasmids were constructed and amplified in 293A cells. Prostate cancer PC-3 cells were cultured in vitro and infected with the adenoviral vector carrying the PTEN gene (Ad-PTEN). The up-regulation of the PTEN protein was measured by indirect immuno-fluorescence assay; the expressions of PTEN, cyclin D1 and p21 in the cells infected with Ad-PTEN and Ad-LacZ were determined by

RESULTSThe Western blot; and the effect of PTEN on the cell proliferation was detected by MTT assay and plate colony formation. recombinant adenoviral vector Ad-PTEN was successfully constructed. Western blot showed a significantly increased expression of the PTEN protein in the PC-3 cells infected with Ad-PTIEN (0.215 +/-0.065) as compared with that in the control ([0.052 +/-0.009], t = 4. 30, P <0.05) and the Ad-LacZ group ( [0. 056 +/- 0.008 ] , t =4.21, P <0.05). The expression of cyclin D1 was significantly lower in the Ad-PTEN-infected PC-3 cells (0. 256 +/- 0. 072) than in the control ( [0. 502 +/- 0. 087 ], t = 3.77, P < 0.05) and the Ad-LacZ group ([0.498 +/-0.081] , t =3.87, P <0.05), while the expression of p21 remarkably higher in the Ad-PTEN-infected PC-3 cells (0.589 +/-0. 076) than in the control ([0. 146 +/-0.026] , t = 9.55, P<0. 01) and the Ad-LacZ group ([0. 163 +/-0. 024] , t = 9.26, P <0.01). Ad-PTEN significantly inhibited the growth of the PC-3 cells (21.98%) at 48 h (t = 6.80, P <0.01). The colony formation rate of the PC-3 cells was (37.4 +/-4. 18)% in the Ad-PTEN group, significantly lower than (54.9 +/-4.81)% in the control (t =4.76, P<0.01) and (56.5 +/- 5.42)% in the Ad-LacZ group (t=4.83, P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe expression of PTEN induced by Ad-PTEN can significantly inhibit the proliferation of PC-3 cells, down-regulate the expression of cyclin D1, and up-regulate the expression of p21.

Adenoviridae ; genetics ; Animals ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Cyclin D1 ; metabolism ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21 ; metabolism ; Humans ; Male ; PTEN Phosphohydrolase ; genetics ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Objective To investigate a shorter and safer route for contralateral C_7 nerve root transfer. Methods Eight male patients were treated from Dec2005 to Nov.2006Their range of age was from 22 to 43 years with an average of 30 yearsFive cases had total brachial plexus avulsion.The operative delay was from 2 to 6 months(mean:4 months).The sealenus anterior muscle was transected before a prespinaJ & ret- ropharyngeal tunnel was madeThe contralateral C_7 nerve root was used to repair the upper trunk or the infra- clavicular lateral cord and posterior cord of injured side via this routeusing direct anastomosis or nerve graft- ing.Results The length of the harvested contralateral C_7 nerve root was(4.67?0.52em in the early 5 casesThe nerve graft was6.25?0.35)em long for repairing supraclavicular brachial plexus and(8.56?0.45cm long for repairing infraclavicular brachial plexusThe length of the harvested contralateral C_7 nerve root averaged 6.85cm in the other 3 cases2 of which had direct anastomosis to the residual nerve C_5 and C_6 nerve roots and the other used nerve graft of 3 cm in lengthTransient contralateral sensory symptoms were re- ported in most patientsAt 3 months followups6 patients had tingling sensation on the contralateral fingers with percussion on the injured cervical areaIpsilateral SSEP could be recorded by stimulating at 2 cm above sternoclavicular joint on the injured sideAt 7 months follow ups of 5 patientsCMAP could be recorded in bi- cepsdeltoids and infraspinatus or triceps with stimulation at Erb's pointHoweverno clinical movements was noticedAt 12 months follow ups of 3 patientswe could observe early motor and sensory function recovery of those patients to different extent.Conclusion Transection of anterior scalenus muscle shortens the length of the transfer route and allows more efficient neurotizationThe procedure is convenient and safeprovided certain precautions being usedThe principal of contralateral C_7 nerve transfer are reconstruct the anterior divi- sions of upper trunkposterior divisions of upper trunk and suprascapular nerve when repairing the supraclavic- ula brachial plexusReconstruct the lateral cord and posterior cord when repairing the infraclavicula brachial plexusPostsurgical fasting for 4 days included foods and liquids will benefit of healing of anastomosed nerves and regenerationaud avoid complications.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical characteristics of adolescent inguinal hernia, and to explore the reasonable repair methods. METHODS: The clinical data of 170 cases of adolescent aged between 14 to 18 years old with inguinal hernia admitted from January 2010 to January 2019 in West China Hospital of Sichuan University were analyzed retrospectively. The operation mode, anesthesia method, operation time, medical expenses, recurrence and complications were studied. RESULTS: Among the 170 patients, 16 patients were treated with traditional suture repairing Bassini method, 11 patients were treated with mesh plug repair, 3 patients were treated with plain film Lichtenstein method, 3 patients were treated with TAPP, and preperitoneal space repair was applied in 137 cases. Three patients with TAPP were treated with general anesthesia, 5 patients underwent continuous epidural anesthesia, and 162 patients underwent local infiltration anesthesia. The average operation time was(28.5±11.6)minutes. The median postoperative hospital stay was 1 day, including 159 cases(93.5%)of day surgery. The total cost of medical treatment was(7254.8±236.5)yuan per unilateral inguinal hernia, and the bilateral inguinal hernia was(13261.9±543.8)yuan. The follow-up rate was95%, and the follow-up time was 5 to 113 months. There was no recurrence. One patient with bilateral cryptorchidism developed fertility disorder, and two patients developed chronic pain. No serious complication occurred in remaining patients. CONCLUSION: Adolescent inguinal hernia should be selected from the individualized treatment plan.

OBJECTIVEConflicting results exist on the therapeutic effects of percutaneous myocardial laser revascularization (PMR) in patients with refractory angina pectoris. This study assessed the effects of PMR on myocardial innervation and perfusion in patients with refractory angina pectoris.

METHODSPatients with refractory angina unsuitable for standard revascularization treatment (PTI and CABG) were randomly divided into medication plus PMR (PMR, n = 17) and medication group (M, n = 13). Coronary sinus noradrenaline (NE) and epinephrine (E) levels, heart rate variability (HRV), total ischemic burden (TIB), and ischemic ST segmental events (STI), myocardial perfusion were evaluated at pre-, immediately post and 12 months post treatment (mean followed up time = 11.6 +/- 4.9 months).

RESULTSIn PMR group, one patient developed non-persistent ventricular tachycardia, 2 developed pericardial tamponade and another one patient developed heart failure at 24 h after operation. Coronary sinus NE and E were significantly lower 60 min post PMR compared to pre-PMR and HRV was significantly increased 24 h post PMR. One year post treatments, angina grade was significantly decreased in PMR (1.7 +/- 0.3) than that in M group (0.4 +/- 0.2, P < 0.05) while other parameters were similar between the groups.

CONCLUSIONSPMR induced an early transient denervation and decreased angina grade one year post treatment in patients with refractory angina.

Aged ; Angina Pectoris ; therapy ; Angioplasty, Balloon, Laser-Assisted ; Autonomic Denervation ; Female ; Heart ; innervation ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Ischemia ; therapy ; Myocardial Revascularization ; methods

Objective To investigate the effects of microRNAs(miRNAs) on invasion, migration and apoptosis of lung cancer cell lines. Methods Target cells were infected with hsa-mir-933, hsa-mir-4700-3p, hsa-mir-3144-3p, hsamir-3972, and hsa-mir-548a-5p. Cell apoptosis was measured using flow cytomertry, Transwell invasion assay, cell migration were analyzed by lineation,miRNA was quantified using Real-time PCR. Results Compared with the vector and control, in hsa-mir-933, hsa-mir-4700-3p, hsa-mir-3144-3p, hsa-mir-397 and hsa-mir-548a-5p group the apoptosis significantly increased,cell invasion ability significantly decreased,cell migration ability significantly decreased, miRNAs expression significantly increased. Conclusion Five microRNAs can promote the apoptosis of lung cancer cell lines, change the high invasiveness of lung cancer cell lines, inhibit the migration of lung cancer cell lines, and increase the expression of corresponding miRNAs.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of L-arginine on diabetic rats.

METHODSForty adult male Lewis rats were randomized equally into diabetic and normal control groups, and the former rats were treated intraperitoneally with streptozotocin to induce diabetes mellitus. Seven days later, half of the diabetic and normal rats were injected intraperitoneally with L-arginine at the daily dose of 1 g/kg, while the remainder were given saline instead. All the rats were euthanized on 10 days after L-arginine or saline treatment, and their body weight, plasma protein, arginine and sugar, food and water intake were analyzed.

RESULTSDiabetic rats had obviously decreased body weight, plasma protein and arginine but increased blood sugar and food and water intakes in comparison with the control rats. L-arginine significantly increased plasma protein and arginine, decreased food and water intakes, but failed to prevent weight loss and blood sugar increment in diabetic rats as compared to their saline-treated counterparts. L-arginine supplementation did not result in any changes other than arginine elevation in the control rats.

CONCLUSIONL-arginine supplementation can partially improve polydipsia and polyphagia and increase plasma protein in diabetic rats.

Animals ; Arginine ; administration & dosage ; blood ; therapeutic use ; Blood Glucose ; metabolism ; Blood Proteins ; metabolism ; Body Weight ; drug effects ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; blood ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Drinking ; drug effects ; Eating ; drug effects ; Injections, Intraperitoneal ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Inbred Lew

OBJECTIVETo explore the acute toxic effects and early curative efficacy of concurrent chemotherapy with different doses of cisplatin for Chinese nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients using intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).

METHODSEighty-eight untreated stage II/III nasopharyngeal cancer patients receiving IMRT and concurrent cisplatin were randomized into two groups receiving different doses of cisplatin. The standard group (DDP 100 mg/m² q3w, n = 44) and the study group (DDP 80 mg/m² q3w, n = 44). The acute toxic effects and 3-month therapeutic efficacy (early curative efficacy) in patients of the two groups who completed treatment were compared and analyzed.

RESULTSDuring the treatment, grade III-IV acute toxic effects were observed in more patients of the standard group compared with that in the study group (72.7% vs. 59.1%), but the difference was statistically not significant (P = 0.18). Significant difference was only seen in upper gastrointestinal reaction (P = 0.01) and anemia (P = 0.03) among the non-hematological and hematological adverse events. No significant differences in other adverse events were found between the two groups (P < 0.05). Three months after the completion of radiotherapy, 80 cases of the whole group achieved complete remission (CR) in the nasopharynx and neck MRI. In both the standard group and study group, 40 patients had CR and 4 patients had residual disease, respectively, showing a non-significant difference (P = 0.51) between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONSDuring the IMRT course, patients received cisplatin 80 mg/m² q3w, experienced less grade III-IV acute toxic effects. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy with cisplatin 80 mg/m² q3w or 100 mg/m² q3w, demonstrate similar early curative efficacy in II/III stage NPC patients in endemic regions of China.

Anemia ; Antineoplastic Agents ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Carcinoma ; Chemoradiotherapy ; China ; Cisplatin ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; therapy ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prospective Studies ; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated ; Remission Induction

Prostate cancer (PCa) patients who progress to metastatic castration-resistant PCa (mCRPC) mostly have poor outcomes due to the lack of effective therapies. Our recent study established the orphan nuclear receptor ROR