OBJECTIVE To evaluate the possibility that CdCl2 induces autophagy and apoptosis in HEK293 cells,and the role of extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK1/2) and AKT proteins in autophagy. METHODS Green fluorescence protein(GFP)-light chain 3B(LC3B)expression plasmid was transfected into HEK293 cells. After 24 h,HEK293 cells were induced with CdCl2 2,4,8 and 10μmol·L-1 for 12 h. The expression of GFP-LC3B was detected by fluorescent microscopy. HEK293 cells were induced with CdCl2 2,4,8 and 10μmol · L-1 without transfection of GFP-LC3B for 12 h while autophagic vacuoles were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The expression of LC3B-Ⅱ/Ⅰproteins and the phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2 and AKT were analyzed by Western blotting. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry microscopy. HEK293 cells were treated with 3-MA 20μmol · L-1+CdCl2 10 μmol · L-1 for 12 h before cleaved caspase 3 protein was detected by Western blotting. RESULTS When HEK293 cells were exposed to CdCl2(≤10μmol · L-1)for 12 h,cytoplasmic GFP-LC3B punctuates were observed under the fluorescence microscope,and autophagic vacuoles were observed under an electron microscope. The expression of LC3B-Ⅱ/Ⅰ,p-ERK1/2 and p-AKT proteins was significantly increased in CdCl2-induced cells(P<0.05,P<0.01). Moreover,apoptosis was observed. The addition of 3-MA 20μmol · L-1+CdCl2 10μmol · L-1 enhanced apoptosis. Cleaved capase 3 protein expression was significantly increased(P<0.01). CONCLUSION CdCl2(≤10μmol·L-1)can induce autophagy in HEK293 cells. ERK1/2 and AKT proteins might be associated with the activation of autophagy that is accompanied by apoptosis,suggesting that autophagy can inhibit apoptosis at certain concentrations of CdCl2.

OBJECTIVE:To compare clinical efficacy and safety of intravenous dripping of methotrexate and uterine arterial perfusion embolization combined with complete curettage of uterine cavity (CCUC) in the treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP).METHODS:A total of 90 CSP patients were randomly divided into group A and B,with 45 cases in each group.Group A was given Methotrexate (MTX) injection 50 mg/m2 intravenously before CCUC.Group B received Seldinger catheterization in supine position before CCUC,and was given sequential infusion of MTX injection 50 mg/m2 and gelatin sponge particles into the uterine artery;the catheter was removed after satisfactory embolization by imaging examination.The levels of β-HCG of 2 groups were reexamined every 24 h,and CCUC was performed when serum β-HCG level was below 1 000 mU/mL.Perioperative bleeding volume,postoperative bleeding volume,the time of blood β-HCG returning to normal,the time of menstruation returning to normal,hospitalization time as well as the lesion diameters,the levels of blood β-HCG,the occurrence of compliance and ADR before and after treatment were compared between 2 groups.RESULTS:The intraoperative bleeding amount and postoperative bleeding amount of group B were significantly lower than those of group A,while the time of blood β-HCG returning to normal,the time of menstruation returning to normal and hospitalization time were significantly shorter than group A,and the incidence of total compliance was significantly lower than group A,with statistical significance (P＜0.05).Before medication,there was no statistical significance in lesion diameters between 2 groups (P＞0.05).Before CCUA,the lesion diameters of 2 groups were significantly smaller than before medication,and the group B was significantly smaller than group A,with statistical significance (P＜0.05).Before medication,there was no statistical significance in blood β-HCG levels between 2 groups (P＞0.05).Before and after CCUC,blood ββHCG levels of 2 groups were significantly lower than before medication,and the group B was significantly lower than group A,with statistical significance (P＜0.05).There was no statistical significance in the incidence of ADR between 2 groups (P＞0.05).CONCLUSIONS:Compared with methotrexate by intravenous drip,methotrexat by uterine artery embolization combined with CCUC for CSP can effectively reduce intraoperative bleeding amount,promote the decrease of blood β-HCG and menstrual recovery,and contribute to the reduction of complication risk with good safety.

Microglia play a crucial role in inflammation after cerebral ischemia.A large number of studies have shown that microglia are highly plastic cells that can assume different phenotypes and functions in response to specific microenvironmental signals.Microglia can be polarized into the classically activated proinflammatory M1 phenotype or the alternatively activated anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype,and play different roles in ischemic injury.Irnhibiting M1 while stimulating M2 may be a new approach for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Objective To investigate the changes in the expression of phosphatidylinositol 3?kinase(PI3?K),mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)and Beclin?1 in the hippocampus of normal rats and intermittent hypoxia rats with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion ,so as to explore the role of PI3K/mTOR/autophagy pathway in global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury aggravated by intermittent hypoxia. Methods A total of 80 healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham operation group(SO group,n=20),merely ischemia/reperfusion group(I/R group,n=20),intermittent hypoxia for 7?day ischemia/reperfusion group(IH7+I/R group,n=20),and intermittent hypoxia for 21?day ischemia/reperfusion group(IH21+I/R group,n=20). IH7+I/R group and IH21+I/R group were respectively given intermittent hypoxia for 7 days and 21 days before ischemia/reperfusion. The cerebral ischemia/reperfusion model was established by modified Pulsinelli four?vessel occlusion method. The morpholog?ical changes of nerve cells in hippocampal CA1 region were observed by HE staining and electron microscope. The protein expressions of PI3?K, mTOR and Beclin?1 of nerve cells in hippocampal CA1 region were detected by immunohistochemical staining and RT?PCR. The learning memory capacity of rats were assessed by the Morris water maze test. Results Compared with SO group,I/R group increased the never cells morphology damages,reduced the number of survival neurons,and declined the ability of learning and memory(P<0.05). Immunohistochemistry showed that the number of PI3?K immunoreactive cell,mTOR immunoreactive cell and Beclin?1 immunoreactive cell increased in I/R group compared with S0 group(P<0.05). RT?PCR showed that the expressions of PI3?K,mTOR and Beclin?1 increased in I/R group compared with S0 group(P<0.05). Compared with I/R group,intermittent hypoxia groups increased the never cells morphology damages,decreased the number of survival neu?rons,and declined the ability of learning and memory(P<0.05). Immunohistochemistry showed that the number of PI3?K immunoreactive cell, mTOR immunoreactive cell and Beclin?1 immunoreactive cell increased in IH7+I/R and IH21+I/R groups compared with I/R group(P<0.05). RT?PCR showed that the expressions of PI3?K,mTOR and Beclin?1 increased in IH7+I/R and IH21+I/R groups compared with I/R group(P<0.05),and the changes were more significant in IH21+I/R group(P<0.05). Conclusion Intermittent hypoxia can aggravate neurological injury after ischemia,which is related to PI3K/mTOR/autophagy pathway activation.

Objective To explore the clinical significance of a series of cytokines and peripheral blood immunocyte subsets before and after immunosuppressive therapy in patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).Methods The percentages of immunocyte subsets in the peripheral blood of 20 patients with ITP and 20 healthy controls were detected by flow cytometry,including CD3+,CD4+,CD8+,CD4+/CD8+,CD1~.ELISA was applied to detect the level of serum TNFα,IL-2,IL-6,IL-4,IL-10,IL-11,IL-17,IL-27,transforming growth factor β (TGFβ),thrombopoietin (TPO) of 20 patients with ITP and 20 healthy controls.Results The percentage of CD3+ T lymphocyte,CD4+ T lymphocyte and the ratio of CD4+ / CD8+ T lymphocyte in patients with ITP were lower than those in healthy controls [(62.66 ± 6.58) ％ vs (69.93 ± 4.81) ％,(29.46 ± 5.02) ％ vs (39.08 ± 3.50) ％,0.97 ± 0.35 vs 1.56 ± 0.26,all P ＜ 0.05].After immunosuppressive therapy,the percentage of CD3+ T lymphocyte,CD4+ T lymphocyte and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocyte [(71.49 ±5.16)％,(39.25 ±3.21)％ and 1.56 ±0.28] recovered to the same levels in healthy controls.The percentage of CD8+ T lymphocyte and CD19+ B lymphocyte in patients with ITP were higher than those in the healthy controls [(30.28 ±4.63)％ vs (25.90±3.06)％,(18.92 ± 4.27)％ vs (13.17 ± 3.64)％,all P ＜ 0.05].After treatment of immunosuppressive therapy,the percentage of CD8+ T lymphocyte and CD19+ B lymphocyte [(25.16 ± 3.45) ％ and (11.98 ± 3.68) ％] recovered to the similar levels in healthy controls.The serum levels of IL-4,IL-6,IL-11,IL-17 and TPO in patients with ITP were significantly higher than those in healthy controls.While TGFβ level was significantly decreased.There was no significant difference of IL-27 between ITP patients and healthy controls.After the treatment of immunosuppressive therapy,IL-4,IL-6,IL-11,IL-17,TPO and TGFβ were down-regulated while IL-27 was up-regulated.There was no significant difference of IFNγ,TNFα,IL-2 and IL-10 among ITP patients before or after immunosuppressive therapy and healthy controls.Conclusions The present study suggests that the aberrant immunocyte subsets and cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of ITP.Hyper-function of Th2 and Th17,dysfunction of Treg cells,up-regulation of IL-27,IL-11,TPO and other factors may contribute to the pathogenesis of ITP.

Objective To compare the cerebral protective effect of propofol and sevoflurane combined with sufentanil anesthesia in the patients undergoing valvular surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).Methods Sixty American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅱ or Ⅲ patients, aged 60-70 yr, scheduled for elective valvular surgery under CPB, were randomly divided into either propofol-based anesthesia group (group PA) or sevoflurane-based anesthesia group (group SA) , with 30 patients in each group.From induction of anesthesia to the end of surgery, group P received targetcontrolled infusion of propofol 0.5-2.0 μg/ml, and group S continuously inhaled 0.5％-2.5％ sevoflurane.Bispectral index value was maintained at 45-55.Immediately after induction (T0), at the end of surgery (T1) , and at 6, 12 and 24 h after surgery (T2-4) , the superior vena cava was retrogradely cannulated for blood sampling, and the concentrations of plasma S-100β protein and neuron-specific enzyme were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results Compared with group SA, the plasma S-100β concentrations at T1,2 and neuron-specific enzyme concentrations at T1-3 were significantly decreased in group PA.Conclusion The cerebral protective effect of propofol combined with sufentanil anesthesia is superior to that of sevoflurane combined with sufentanil anesthesia in the patients undergoing valvular surgery under CPB.

Objective To observe the effects of different anesthetic solutions on postoperative cognitive function and serum S100β protein levels.Methods A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted. Ninety patients necessary to perform off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (op-CABG) in Tianjin Chest Hospital from November 2013 to July 2014 were enrolled. They were divided into three groups by random number table: P1, P2 and P3 groups, 30 cases in each group. The anesthesia was maintained with propofol by target-controlled infusion (TCI) in all the patients in the three groups, and the respective dosages were < 2.0μg/mL, 2.0 - 3.0μg/mL and > 3.0 - 4.0μg/mL. The operation time, anesthesia time, dosages of propofol and the incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) were compared among the three groups. At the following times: before induction of anesthesia (T0), completion of anesthesia induction (T1), after tracheal intubation (T2), skin incision (T3), 1 hour after operation (T4), 2 hours after operation (T5) and the end of operation (T6), the narcotrend index (NTI) and hemodynamic levels were observed; the serum S100β protein levels were measured at the following times: before induction of anesthesia (Ta), 2 hours after operation (Tb), the end of operation (Tc), postoperative 6 hours (Td) and postoperative 24 hours (Te).Results There were no significant differences in operation times and anesthesia times among three groups (allP > 0.05); dosages of propofol in P2 and P3 groups were obviously higher than those of P1 group (mg: 1 746.3±43.9, 2 332.7±42.8 vs. 968.5±35.6, bothP < 0.05), and the incidences of POCD in P2 and P3 groups were lower than that in P1 group (10.00%, 6.67% vs. 33.33%, bothP < 0.05). With the extension of anesthesia time, the level of NTI was gradually declined in each group, in P3 group, it was occasionally increased at T6, and beginning from time point T1 afterwards, the NTI levels were lower than those of P1 and P2 groups at all the time points (allP < 0.05); the mean arterial pressure (MAP) in the three groups had a tendency of firstly going down and then increasing, and the inflection point being at T2, in P1 group, the elevation of MAP level persisted to T4, and it began to decline at T5, while in P2 and P3 groups, the levels started to decline at T4; the heart rate (HR) in three groups showed a tendency of firstly going up and then declining, and the inflection point being at T3; until T6, in P3 group, MAP and HR were all lower than those of P1 and P2 groups, the differences being statistically significant [MAP (mmHg, 1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa): 74.9±8.3 vs. 85.3±11.2, 84.2±10.1;HR (bpm): 74.1±4.2 vs. 80.9±8.1, 78.7±7.9, allP < 0.05]. The serum S100β protein levels of three groups at Tb began to be obviously higher than those at Ta, and reached the peak points at Tc, then the levels started to decline until Td, and the levels at Te was approximately close to those of Ta, but the serum S100β protein levels in P2 and P3 groups were lower than that in P1 group, the differences being statistically significant (mg/L: 1.05±0.22, 1.04±0.21 vs. 1.33±0.22, bothP < 0.05).Conclusion Application of propofol by TCI 2.0 - 3.0μg/mL for maintenance of anesthesia can achieve the satisfactory depth of anesthesia, and it not only can reduce the effects on hemodynamics, but also can decrease the serum S100β protein level and the incidence of POCD.

Objective To investigate the effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin(GSPE) on mitochondrial injury in hippocampus and learning-memory impairment after obstructive sleep apnea hypoxia in rats.Methods Male SD rats(n=80) were randomly divided into control group,model group,low dose of GSPE treatment group and high dose of GSPE treatment group.Rats in control group were exposed in air,the model group were suffered from intermittent hypoxia conditions (50 ml/L,8-hour-intermittent hypoxia everyday,and the duration of experiment 2 and 6 weeks,respectively).Mitochondrion pathology in hippocampal region was observed using electron microscope;malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and superoxide dismutase activity were detected by colorimetry and apoptotic cells was measured by TUNEL method.The cognitive function of rats in each group was assessed with the Morris water maze (MWM).Results After hypoxia,mitochondrion was significantly injured.The MDA contents were increased(79.86 ± 2.52,88.26 ± 2.86) and SOD level decreased (70.67 ± 6.70,64.26 ± 7.86).The number of neural apoptotic cells was significantly enhanced (9.68 ± 0.79,15.9 ± 2.92).MWM test showed that the escaping latency was prolonged and the frequency of crossing the platform was decreased (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with that in the model group,low dose of GSPE decreased MDA contents (76.38 ± 1.96,82.16 ±2.02),increased SOD level(76.20 ± 6.86,70.58 ± 6.86),and decreased apoptotic cells (6.60 ± 0.69,9.54 ±1.36).MWM test showed that the escaping latency was shortened and the frequency of crossing the platform was increased in GSPE treatment groups(P ＜ 0.05).Compared with low dose of GSPE,high dose of GSPE decreased MDA contents increased SOD level and decreased apoptotic cells.MWM test showed that the escaping latency was shortened and the frequency of crossing the platform was increased (P＜ 0.05).Conclusion GSPE can attenuate mitochondrial injury and improve learning-memory function after obstructive sleep apnea hypoxia.

Objective To evaluate the role of the angiotensin Ⅱ type 2 receptor (AT2R) in repeated propofol anesthesia-induced neuroapoptosis in the hippocampus of newborn rats.Methods Fiftyfour pathogen-free Sprague-Dawley rats,aged 7 days,weighing 10-15 g,were divided into 3 groups (n=18 each) using a random number table:control group (group C),repeated propofol anesthesia group (group P) and AT2R agouist CGP42112A group (group G).In group C,0.9％ sodium chloride injection 3 ml/kg was intraperitoneally injected,and half of the initial dose 1.5 ml/kg was given every 20 min for 5 times in total,lasting for 3 consecutive days.In group P,propofol 30 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected,and half of the initial dose 15 mg/kg was given every 20 min for 5 times in total,lasting for 3 consecutive days.In group G,a single bolus of CGP42112A 1 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected,propofol 30 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected 5 min later,and half of the initial dose of propofol 15 mg/kg was given every 20 min for 5 times in total,lasting for 3 consecutive days.At 2 h after emergence from anesthesia,6 rats were sacrificed and brains were removed for detection of neuroapoptosis in the hippocampus by TUNEL assay.The apoptosis index was calculated.Another 6 rats were sacrificed,brains were removed and hippocampi were isolated for determination of the expression of activated caspase-3,AT2R and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) in hippocampal tissues by Western blot.The other 6 rats were fed until 28 days old,and the cognitive function was then assessed using Morris water maze test.Results Compared with group C,the escape latency was significantly prolonged,the time of staying at the target quadrant was shortened,the frequency of crossing the platform was decreased,the apoptosis index was increased,the expression of activated caspase-3 was up-regulated,and the expression of AT2R and PPARγ was down-regulated in group P (P＜0.05),and no significant change was found in the parameters mentioned above in group G (P＞0.05).Compared with group P,the escape latency was significantly shortened.the time of staying at the target quadrant was prolonged,the frequency of crossing the platform was increased,the apoptosis index was decreased,the expression of activated caspase-3 was down-regulated,and the expression of AT2R and PPARγ was up-regulated in group G (P＜0.05).Conclusion Inhibited activity of AT2R is involved in repeated propofol anesthesia-induced neuroapoptosis in the hippocampus of newborn rats.

Objective To clarify the effects of exercise- and food intake restriction-induced weight reduction on expression of ghrelin in plasma and stomach of obese rats,and to explore the role of ghrelin during weight loss. Methods 100 weaned Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats were randomly divided into control group(fed with standard chow,n= 20) and model group (two-bottle-feeding method,fed with standard chow and high-fat diet simultaneously, n=80). After 20 weeks feeding, Lee' s index of control was used as the reference of diet-induced obesity identification, and then diet-induced obese rats were randomly divided into four groups:obese control group,swimming group,food intake restriction group and swimming+food intake restriction group, eight rats in each group. Rats in swimming group underwent long-term(40 min,6 days/week for 5 weeks)swimming exercise. Calorie in food intake restriction group was restricted 1/3 of normal kcal for 3 weeks,and subsequently restricted 1/3 for 2 weeks. Swimming+food restriction group had the same intervention as swimming and food restriction group. 8 normal diet rats were also chosen as controls. After five weeks of treatments,peripheral fat mass of testis and kidney,ghrelin proteins in plasma and stomach,and ghrelin mRNA in stomach were measured. Results Gastric ghrelin protein and mRNA were significantly lower in obese control group than those in normal control group (P<0.05). However, plasma ghrelin did not decrease markedly in obese control rats(P>0.05). Compared with obese control group,weight and fat mass in all weight loss groups declined notablely(P<0.05);in swimming and swimming+food restriction groups,the expression of ghrelin protein or mRNA in plasma or stomach increased remarkably( P<0.05); in food restriction group, the level of ghrelin mRNA raised significantly (P<0.05), while ghrelin protein in plasma and stomach had not change. Conclusion The level of ghrelin increased in exercise induced weight loss,while showed no significant change in food intake restriction group, suggested that ghrelin might be involved in the process of weight loss induced by exercise.