OBJECTIVE:To study and analyze the impact of rosuvastatin on function changes of endothelial cell. METHODS:30 patients with coronary heart disease were selected from our hospital during Jun. 2013 to Jun. 2014,and 15 healthy persons were included. They were divided into healthy control group,drug intervention of coronary heart disease group and coronary heart disease group with 15 cases in each group. The levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA),NO and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) were determined by ELISA and compared among those groups. Its relationship with OD value was analyzed. After cultured for 4 h and 8 h,human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were divided into 5 groups,i.g. control group 0 μmol/L,0.1 μmol/L group,1 μmol/L group,10 μmol/L group,100 μmol/L group. The change of DDAH mRNA expression in endothelial cells treated with different concentrations of rosuvastatin was detected. RESULTS:The level of ADMA in drug intervention of coronary heart disease group were significantly lower than in coronary heart disease group,but still higher than that in healthy control group;NO and NOS levels were significantly higher than coronary heart disease group,but still lower than healthy control group,with statisti-cal significance (P<0.05). According to Pearson method correlation analysis,OD value was positively correlated to ADMA,NO and NOS. 4h after HUVEC culture,RT-PCR showed that mRNA expression of DDAH were increased in 0.1 μmol/L,1 μmol/L, 10μmol/L and 100μmol/L rosuvastatin groups,there was statistically significant difference between 10μmol/L and 100μmol/L ro-suvastatin groups and control group (P<0.05). 8 h after HUVEC culture,RT-PCR showed mRNA expression of DDAH were in-creased in 0.1 μmol/L,1 μmol/L,10 μmol/L and 100 μmol/L rosuvastatin groups,and there was statistically significant difference between 10 μmol/L rosuvastatin group and control group(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Rosuvastatin is a new type of lipid-lowering drugs,which has a good protective effect on endothelial cells,it is worthy of attention in the clinic.

Objective To evaluate the role of bispectral index (BIS) in assessing the depth of sedation in hypogastric operation of children. Methods Forty children undergoing hypogastric operation were divided into two groups with 20 cases each by pre-school (age 3-5) (Ⅰ group) and school (age 6-12)(Ⅱ group). Sedation was solely maintained with TCI propofol. The infusion was adjusted till adequate scdation (OAA/S≤ 1 score) before sacral block. The course of propofol infusion and BIS of recovery period were closely observed. Sedation scores were assessed by special anesthetists. Results During recovery period, the mean values of BIS were gradually increased, when BIS > 76 predicted 94% sensitivity and 50% specificity in Ⅰ group, 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity in Ⅱ group. ROC area under the curve of the two groups were 0.917 ± 0.007, 0.955 ± 0.004. Conclusions BIS can predict fairly well the level of consciences during recovering periods. BIS monitoring is an effective and reliable method to guide children recovery.

Objective To investigate the changes of plasma bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4) levels in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and rosuvastatin intervention effect on BMP-4 level.Methods Fifty-two patients with CHD and 35 health people were enrolled in this study as CHD group and control group.ELISA method was used to detect the concentration of plasma BMP-4.Analyzed the relationship between plasma BMP-4 and blood lipids,flow-mediated dilation (FMD),nitric oxide (NO),cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2),malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD).And observed the changing of plasma BMP-4 before and after rosuvastatin intervention.Results Plasma BMP-4 level in CHD patients was (7.53 ± 1.20) μg/L,higher than that of control group ((3.81 ± 0.79) μ g/L,t =3.541,P =0.006).After rosuvastatin treatment,plasma BMP-4 level in CHD patient was decreased from (7.53 ± 1.20) μg/L to (5.40± 0.98) μg/L (t =1.436,P =0.001).Plasma BMP-4 level was positively correlated with COX-2,MDA,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,total cholesterol (r =0.395,0.350,0.274,0.288 respectively,P ＜ 0.01 or P ＜0.05).But,it was negatively correlated with NO,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,SOD,FMD (r =-0.291,-0.253,-0.476,-0.320 respectively,P ＜0.01 or P ＜0.05).COX-2,SOD and FMD were independent risk factors of plasma BMP-4 in patients with CHD.Conclusion Oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction are in patients with CHD.Rosuvastatin treatment can remarkably reduce plasma BMP-4 level,alleviate vascular endothelium injury induced by oxidative stress and improve endothelial function in patients with CHD.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the expression and effect of hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1alpha) in chronic kidney fibrosis, and to observe the effect of perindopril on its expression. METHODS: The rat models of chronic kidney fibrosis were induced by 5/6 nephrectomy, and 11 successful 5/6-nephrectomized rats were randomly assigned to 2 groups: a surgery group (n=6) and a treatment group (perindopril, n=5). A control group was induced by sham operation. Five weeks later, Picro-Sirius red stained was applied to measure collagen in the kidney, and Western blot was used to test HIF-1alpha protein; The expression of HIF-1alpha and CTGF mRNA in the kidney was analyzed by real-time PCR. RESULTS: Picro-Sirius red stained revealed significant accumulation of collagens in the surgery group than the control group; and lower accumulation of collagens in the treatment group than the surgery group. Western blot showed higher deposit HIF-1alpha in the surgery group than the control group (P<0.01) and lower deposit HIF-1alpha in the treatment group than the surgery group (P<0.01). Real time PCR showed higher expression of HIF-1alpha and CTGF mRNA in the surgery group than the control group (P<0.01)and lower expression of HIF-1alpha and CTGF mRNA in kidney of the treatment group compared with the surgery group (P<0.01). The expression of CTGF had positive correlation with HIF-1alpha (r=0.68, P<0.01). CONCLUSION The HIF-1alpha may induce kidney fibrosis through CTGF. Perindopril may decrease the expression of HIF-1alpha and CTGF to ameliorate kidney fibrosis.
Animals ; Connective Tissue Growth Factor ; genetics ; metabolism ; Fibrosis ; metabolism ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit ; genetics ; metabolism ; Kidney ; pathology ; Kidney Diseases ; drug therapy ; etiology ; metabolism ; Male ; Nephrectomy ; Perindopril ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases comprise a family of protein-serine/threonine kinases, which are highly conserved in protein structures from unicellular eukaryotic organisms to multicellular organisms, including mammals. These kinases, including ERKs, JNKs and p38s, are regulated by a phosphorelay cascade, with a prototype of three protein kinases that sequentially phosphorylate one another. MAPKs transduce extracellular signals into a variety of cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, survival, death, and differentiation. Consistent with their essential cellular functions, MAPKs have been shown to play critical roles in embryonic development, adult tissue homeostasis and various pathologies. In this review, we discuss recent findings that reveal the profound impact of these pathways on chronic inflammation and, particularly, inflammation-associated cancer development.
Animals ; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases ; metabolism ; Humans ; Inflammation ; complications ; enzymology ; JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism ; MAP Kinase Signaling System ; Mice ; Neoplasms ; enzymology ; etiology ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo explore the relation between genetic polymorphisms of NQO1, GSTT1 and risks of chronic benzene poisoning (BP).

METHODSA case-control study was conducted. 152 BP patients and 152 workers occupationally exposed to benzene without poisoning manifestations were investigated. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography(DHPLC) and sequencing were used to detect the single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) of the promoter and complete coding-region of NQO1 gene. Multiple PCR was used to detect GSTT1 genotype.

RESULTSIn smoking population, there was 7.73-fold (95% CI: 1.71-34.97, P = 0.010) of risk in BP subjects carrying NQO1c. 609 T/T genotype, compared with those carrying C/C and C/T. genotype. In drinking population, the individuals carrying the 6th extron of NQO1c. 609 T/T homozygote genotype had a 11.00-fold(95% CI: 1.89-63.83, P = 0.005) risk of BP compared to those with NQO1c. 609 C/T and C/C genotypes.

CONCLUSIONThe subjects carrying NQO1c. 609 T/T genotype and together with the habit of smoking or drinking may be more susceptible to BP.

Benzene ; poisoning ; Case-Control Studies ; Ethanol ; adverse effects ; Genotype ; Glutathione Transferase ; genetics ; Humans ; NAD(P)H Dehydrogenase (Quinone) ; genetics ; Occupational Diseases ; genetics ; Occupational Exposure ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Smoking ; adverse effects

In order to assess the thermal effect of different holmium laser fiber during lithotripsy with WOLF F4.5/6.5 pediatric ureteroscope, we established an impacted ureter calculi model. Under 100mmHg irrigation pressure, regional temperature of different holmium laser fiber with varied working time and power were recorded. We found that the regional temperature was related with laser fiber diameters, power and working time settings. With 550 μm laser fiber, laser firing time longer than 3 s or 365 μm laser fiber firing more than 6 s, regional temperature exceeded 42℃, which would bring thermal injury towards ureter and subsequently cause ureter stricture.

This study analyzed the current status of the cultivation process of professional postgraduates of clinical medicine, combining with the case of the auxiliary teaching model of Academic Salons on the WeChat platform in Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. We collected students' satisfaction evaluation of this auxiliary teaching model by questionnaire survey. Through analyzing the results and feedback, we found that the overall satisfaction of this auxiliary teaching model is 71.43%, and the model has a remarkable effect in broadening knowledge, inspiring thinking of clinical diagnosis and treatment, improving ability of scientific research, increasing learning interest, enhancing the ability to link theory with practice, and using the knowledge flexibly. However, there are still some shortcomings in early publicity, understanding students' interests and needs, and improving students' autonomous learning ability. Therefore, using the WeChat platform to carry out academic salons is a good auxiliary teaching model for cultivating the scientific research ability of professional postgraduates of clinical medicine.

α-cells, which synthesize glucagon, also support β-cell survival and have the capacity to transdifferentiate into β-cells. However, the role of α-cells in pathological conditions and their putative clinical applications remain elusive due in large part to the lack of mature α-cells. Here, we present a new technique to generate functional α-like cells. α-like cells (iAlpha cells) were generated from mouse fibroblasts by transduction of transcription factors, including Hhex, Foxa3, Gata4, Pdx1 and Pax4, which induce α-cell-specific gene expression and glucagon secretion in response to KCl and Arg stimulation. The cell functions in vivo and in vitro were evaluated. Lineage-specific and functional-related gene expression was tested by realtime PCR, insulin tolerance test (ITT), glucose tolerance test (GTT), Ki67 and glucagon immunohistochemistry analysis were done in iAlpha cells transplanted nude mice. iAlpha cells possess α-cell function in vitro and alter blood glucose levels in vivo. Transplantation of iAlpha cells into nude mice resulted in insulin resistance and increased β-cell proliferation. Taken together, we present a novel strategy to generate functional α-like cells for the purposes of disease modeling and regenerative medicine.
Animals ; Blood Glucose ; Fibroblasts* ; Gene Expression ; Glucagon ; Glucose Tolerance Test ; Immunohistochemistry ; In Vitro Techniques ; Insulin ; Insulin Resistance ; Mice* ; Mice, Nude ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Regenerative Medicine ; Transcription Factors

Background Individual lead or cadmium exposure can cause abnormal blood glucose level and changes in telomere length, and the role of telomere length in the relationship between heavy metal joint exposure and blood glucose level is still unclear. Objective To explore the role of telomere length in the relationship between lead and cadmium coexposure and blood glucose. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted. By convenient sampling method, 600 residents living in two communities in a city in North China were selected as participants from April to June 2016. Face-to-face interviews were performed to collect general demographics and lifestyles of the participants. The peripheral blood samples of the participants were collected for blood glucose and telomere length detection, the urine samples were collected for urinary cadmium, urinary lead, and urinary creatinine measurement, and both urinary cadmium and urinary lead were corrected by urinary creatinine. The included participants were divided into a control group, a high-cadmium and low-lead group, a high-lead and low-cadmium group, and a high-lead and high-cadmium group, according to the median levels of urinary cadmium and urinary lead. A restricted cubic spline model was constructed to analyze the relationship between urinary lead/cadmium levels and blood glucose concentrations in the four groups and the relationship between cadmium exposure and telomere length in the high-lead and high-cadmium group. Intermediary model test was conducted to analyze the effect of telomere length on the relationship between exposures to lead and cadmium and blood glucose. Results The included participants were divided into the control group (n=99), the high-cadmium and low-lead group (n=91), the high-lead and low-cadmium group (n=145), and the high-lead and high-cadmium group (n=265). The differences in age, education level, per capita monthly household income, smoking, blood glucose, and telomere length were statistically significant among the four groups (P＜0.05). The high-lead and high-cadmium group had the highest blood glucose concentration, (5.63±1.68) mmol·L⁻¹, and the shortest telomere length, (2.63±1.05) Kb. The restricted cubic spline results showed that urinary cadmium level was correlated with blood glucose concentration in the high-lead and high-cadmium group (F=3.45, P=0.037), and there was a non-linear association (F=6.91, P=0.002); the association between urinary cadmium level and telomere length was also non-linear (F=5.93, P=0.043). The intermediary model test results showed that telomere length was a mediating variable between urinary cadmium level and blood glucose concentration, and the mediating effect size was 0.0192 (95%CI: 0.0007-0.0563), with a mediation ratio of 15.57%. Conclusion Correlations between urinary cadmium and blood glucose and between urinary cadmium and telomere length were observed in the high-lead and high-cadmium coexposure group, and telomere length may play a mediating role in the relationship between them.