Aldosterone ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Cells, Cultured ; Endothelins ; metabolism ; Myoblasts, Cardiac ; drug effects ; secretion ; Nitric Oxide ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Objective To find a new indicator monitoring severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) by analyzing expression of lymphocytes and its subsets in SARS. Method Flow cytometer and hematology analyzer were used to detect the expression of lymphocytes and its subsets in 38 patients of SARS. Results Decreasing lymphocytes were found in 84 percent of the patients. The absolute value of lymphocyte subsets (T/B cell, NK cell) also decreased in a certain degree. Patients with decreasing T cell were mostly observed (95%). T helper/inducer (T 4)cells showed a higher rate of decreasing (100%) than T suppressor/killer (T 8)cells (87%). Based on the distribution of lymphocytes and its subsets, T cells demonstrated the greatest rate of decreasing (58%). Most patients had a relative normal B cells and NK cells with a rate of decreasing as little as 2.6% and 5.3%, respectively, more patients showed a decreasing T 4 cells (82%) than that of T 8 cells (34%). Forty-four percent of patients demonstrated a low ratio of T 4 to T 8. Conclusion The lymphocytes and its subsets were impaired in SARS, especially for T lymphocytes, T 4 cells were more seriously damaged than T 8 cells. The absolute counts of lymphocyte subsets showed more significant change of immune cells than relative counts of that in SARS.

RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products) is a multiligand receptor on the cell surface.Ligand-RAGE inter-actions activate several signal transduction pathways that propa-gate cellular oxidative stress and inflammatory response.RAGE expressed on the CD4 + T cells has been identified as a central transduction receptor which affects the activation,proliferation, migration and differentiation of the cells.In addition,blockade of RAGE suppressed the development of multiple immune-related
disorders mediated by CD4 + T cells.These studies highlight the importance of RAGE and its ligands for CD4 + T cells.This arti-cle briefly reviews the role of RAGE and its ligands on the prolif-eration,migration and differentiation of CD4 + T cells and sum-marizes the related research progress.

Objective To investigate the effects of levocarnitine on pregnancy outcome of the patients with obstructive azoospermia treated with intracytoplasmic sperm injection ( ICSI ) . Methods A total of 74 patients with obstructive azoospermatism treated with ICSI randomly divided into 2 groups:treatment group( n=38) , taking levocarnitine before treatment with ICSI 1 g twice a day for three months;control group( n=36) , taking vitamine E before treatment with ICSI 0.1 g twice a day time for three months.tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), reactive oxygen species(ROS) level, epididymal sperm motility and morphology in epididymal fluid of the two groups were determined before and after treatments. The number of matured oocytes, fertilization, and embryos of adequate quality, the rate of fertilization and embryo of adequate quality, and pregnancy rates after PESA-ICSI were compared between the two groups. Results TNF-α in epididymal fluid before and after the treatment was (5.39±2.28)and(4.05±2.14)ng.mL-1 in the treatment group(P<0.05), and(4.97±2.13)and(4.83±2.35)ng.mL-1 in the control group.ROS in epididymal fluid before and after the treatment was(62.72±8.51),(56.28±8.70)RLU.s-1(P<0.05)in the treatment group( P<0. 05 ) , and ( 62. 61 ± 7. 55 ) and ( 61. 05 ± 6. 77 ) RLU . s-1 in the control group. After treatment with levocarnitine, epididymal sperm motility was significantly increased(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in all the indexes in the control group before and after the treatment(P>0.05).After PESA-ICSI, the number and percentage of high quality embryo in the treatment group were significantly higher than those of the control group(P<0.05). Conclusion Levocarnitine can down-regulate epididymal TNF-α and ROS in patients with obstructive azoospermatism, thereby improve the environment of the epididymis and elevate the quality of sperm and ICSI pregnancy outcome.

Objective To explore imaging features of the lateral atlanto-dental interval (LADI) of atlanto-axial joint and its value in the diagnosis of atlanto-axial joint dislocation/subluxation. Methods Two hurdred and forty healthy volunteers without atlanto-axial joint dysfunction and 32 patients with torticollis and/or functional impairment at atlanto-axial joint were enrolled into this study. All subjects were examined with multi-slice CT in both neutral and max rotation positions to the left/right. Clinical endpoints including VBLADI, variance range of the VBLADI and asymmetric conditions were evaluated. x2 test is used to evaluate the variance of incidence of bilateral LADI asymmetry in different age groups, Pearson-test(2-tailed) is used to evaluate the correlation between VBLADI and rotary function of atlanto-axial joint,precise test of fourfold table is used to compare normal group with patient groups. Results ( 1 ) In the normal control group: asymmetry of bilateral LADI were observed in 204 among 240 (85.00%) healthy volunteers including 60 youngsters( ＜ 15 years) and 180 adults( ≥ 15 years). The median and P95% of |VBLADI| were 0.850 mm,2.450 mm in the young ( ＜ 15 years) and 0.700 mm,2.051 mm in the adult(≥15 years),there were 2 and 10 volunteers whose |VBLADI| ≥P95% in the young and in the adult respectively. There was no correlation between VBLADI( -2.146 to 2.114 mm,Median 0.000 mm) and LA(22.949° to 44.649°, Median 34.500°), RA (25.284° to 45.334°, Median 35.300° ), VLRA ( - 11.643°to 8.623 °, median 0.000 ° ) respectively in normal people ( r = - 0.030, - 0.005,0.026, P ＞ 0.05 ). ( 2 ) In the study with 32 patients including 25 youngsters( ＜ 15 years) and 7 adults( ≥ 15 years). Seventeen of 32 had atlanto-axial lateral subdislocation (AALSD),in 16 youngsters( ＜ 15 years), the median of the |VBLADI| was 3.350 mm and 14 cases |VBLADI| ≥2.450 mm;1 adult patient(≥ 15 years) had |VBLADI| ≥ 2.051 mm; 7 of 32 patients had atlanto-axial rotatory dislocation (AARD) including 4 youngsters |VBLADI| ＜2.450 mm,median 1.200 mm,3 adults |VBLADI| ＜2.051 mm,all of the 7 patients with AARD had unilateral parasol LADI in neutral position;8 of 32 patients had atlanto-axial complicated dislocation(AACD) including 5 youngsters |VBLADI| ≥2.450 mm,3 adults |VBLADI| ≥2.051 mm. There are more cases whose |VBLADI| ≥P95% in group AALSD and group AACD than in abnormal group( P<0.01 ), but there is no difference between group AARD and normal group( P = 0.738 ).Conclusion The imaging finding of "asymmetry of bilateral LADI" may be either a physiological variation or a pathological condition, clinical manifestations and other imaging findings should be evaluated to make a diagnosis.

Objective To investigate the effect of water-immersion restraint stress(WRS) on nitric oxide(NO) production and its mechanism in rat platelets.Methods Male SD rats underwent WIR stress for 2,4 and 8 hours.Ulcer index(UI) of stomach was chedsed by Guth method,nitrite production was measured by Greiss assay,nitric oxide synthase(NOS) activities and L-arginine transport rate were determined by isotope tracer method.ResultsAfter 2 h WRS,the NO production,the NOS activity and L-arginine transport rate in rat platelets obviously increased and then gradually decreased.After 8 h of WRS,these parameters were decreased as compared with the control group.The gastric ulcer appeared and got more serious after 4 h WIR stress.Conclusion Short-term WRS up-regulates L-arginine /NO pathway and increases nitric oxide production in the platelets but long-term WIR stress has the reversed effect.

Objective To observe the effects of five flavonoids include rutin(RU),dihydromyricetin(DMY),hesperetin(HP),daidzein(DA)and hydroxysaffor yellow A(HYSA)on myocardiocyte apoptosis induced by H2O2 and to explore their relationships with Keshan disease and the possible mechanism.Methods Primary cultured cardiocytes of neonatal rats were randomly divided into control group,model group,and flavonoids preincubation group.The cardiocyte apoptosis was examined by fluorescent staining,the rates of apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry,the expression of Bcl-2 family proteins associated with apoptosis were observed:by Western blot.Results Compared with model group[(24.33±6.51)%],RU[(13.95±3.80)%],DA[(11.82±3.50)%],HYSA[(12.33±3.78)%]could decreased the rate of apoptosis(P＜0.05).The five flavonoids could up-regulate Bcl-2 expression,down-regulate Bax expression,and increase the Bcl-2/Bax ratio[RU(0.989±0.094),DMY(0.931±0.280),HP(0.980±0.095),DA(1.049±0.092),HYSA(1.031±0.039),vs model(0.490±0.046),the difference had statistical significances(P＜0.05)],but the Bcl-xl did not significantly changed(P＞0.05).Conclusions RU,DMY,HP,DA and HYSA have antiapoptotic effects on cardiomyocyte via regulating Bcl-2 and Bax,which gives us a hint in prevention and treatment of Keshan disease.

Objective To report a case presented with atypical clinical and radiological appearance in the early stage and finally pathologically confirmed as chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids ( CLIPPERS) , aiming to improve the understanding of the disorder. Methods The clinical, imaging, laboratory and pathological features as well as treatment and prognosis of a pathologically confirmed CLIPPERS patient with repeated relapsing-remitting course and stepwise progression in nine years were retrospectively analyzed. Results There were five relapsing-remitting processes in total clinical course of nine years. The clinical and radiological appearance was atypical in the early stage. At the first attack, the patient presented with fever, headache, altered consciousness and epileptic seizure. In the following courses, the patient presented with ataxia, blurred vision and limb weakness. Brain MRI (2006-2009) showed multiple abnormal signals including supratentorial white matter, pons and cerebellum with patchy gadolinium enhancement. Treatment with steroids resulted in a favorable clinical and radiological improvement. The symptoms of this attack included limb weakness, blurred vision, dysdipsia and dysarthria. Physical examination showed cognitive dysfunction, multiple cranial nerves injuries and bilateral pyramidal signs. Brain MRI showed multiple abnormal signals involved pons and cerebellum predominantly as well as supratentorial white matter with punctate gadolinium enhancement peppering the pons and cerebellum. A characteristic predominantly T lymphocytic perivascular infiltration was seen on brain biopsy. Both the imaging and histological findings were consistent with the CLIPPERS features. High-dose steroids treatment was given and obvious clinical and radiological improvements were observed. After discharge, steroids were reduced slowly combined with the use of immunosuppressant to avoid relapse of the disorder. Conclusions There is heterogeneity in clinical manifestations of CLIPPERS with repeated relapsing-remitting course and imaging presentations are sometimes atypical in the early stage, which leads to the misdiagonsis and missed diagnosis. Distinctive pathology is the “gold standard” for definite diagnosis. The nosological position of CLIPPERS is still unclear. Repeated relapse-remitting leads to secondary cerebral atrophy and degeneration, with the risk of progressing to primary central nervous system lymphoma. Early and vigorous steroids treatment with continuing maintenance immunotherapy results in the decreased relapse and best long-term prognosis. The neurologist should strengthen the understanding of CLIPPERS for early correct diagnosis and treatment aiming to reduce the functional disability.

[Summary] To explore the mRNA expression of insulin-like growth factor-Ⅰ (IGF-Ⅰ),extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK),and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in greater omental adipose tissue of patients with metabolic syndrome and colorectal cancer.The mRNA expression of IGF-Ⅰ,ERK,and GLUT4 in greater omental adipose tissue of the subjects was measured by RT-PCR.(1) The mRNA expression level of IGF-Ⅰ and ERK in the metabolic syndrome group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P＜0.01),while in colorectal cancer subgroup the expression was significantly higher than that in the non-colorectal cancer subgroup (P＜ 0.01).The expression of GLUT4 was obviously lowered (P＜0.01).(2) The expression of ERK was positively correlated with that of IGF-Ⅰ (r =0.608,P＜0.01).The fasting insulin was positively correlated with the expression of ERK and IGF-Ⅰ(r =0.538,0.439,P ＜ 0.01),and negatively with that of GLUT4 (r =-0.457,P ＜ 0.01).There may be relationship between ERK plus IGF-Ⅰ and metabolic syndrome complicated with colorectal cancer.The lowered GLUT4 expression may be related to insulin resistance in metabolic syndrome.

Objective:To investigate the predicting value of European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation ( EuroSCORE ) and sino system for coronary operative risk evaluation ( SinoSCORE ) in early quality of life of patients after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).Methods:A total of 218 consecu-tive patients who underwent CABG from March 2010 to January 2013 were evaluated with both systems before operation .Health related quality of life ( QoL) was estimated by using 36-item short form health survey ( SF-36) preoperatively and postoperatively in order to evaluate the predicting value of the two sys -tems in early post-operative QoL.Calibration was evaluated by Hosmer-l,emeshow goodness-of-fit test. Discrimination was tested by determining the area under the receiver operating characteristic ( ROC ) curve .Results:There was no significant difference between the accumulation of the EuroSCORE and SinoSCORE in the all patients (t=-0.904, P=0.368), When using Wilcoxon test on life quality in the preoperative and postoperative patients respectively ,the data showed that the quality of life improved significantly in various dimensions of the postoperative patients (Z=-2.886, P<0.001).Except for bodily pain (BP) and mental health (MH), statistically significant correlation was found between the preoperative risk evaluation scores and the postoperative QoL scores (r:-0.203 to -0.493, P<0.05). Logistic regression analyses indicated that both the scores emerged as the independent predictor for a relatively worse QoL ( OR>1 , P<0 .05 ) .Furthermore , the EuroSCORE predicted the outcome with a higher OR.For SinoSCORE the Hosmer-Lemeshow test was significant (P=0.628) and the area under ROC curve was 0.754.For the EuroSCORE the Hosmer-Lemeshow test was significant (P=0.538) and the area under ROC curve was 0.854.Conclusion:Both EuroSCORE and SinoSCORE could be viewed as a predictor for several aspects of postoperative QoL , while EuroSCORE might have a greater predicting value.