NG-nitro-D-arginine (D-NNA) produced pressor responses in rats by acting via chiral inversion intoNG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA), an inhibitor of nitro oxide synthase. The present investigation aimed to study the roleof the D-amino acid oxidase (DAAO) in chiral inversion of D-NNA and the relationship between DAAO activitieson various D-amino acids and their inversion rate. Benzoate (400 mg/kg) or creatinine (400 mg/kg), two inhibitorsof DAAO, blocked D-NNA-induced pressor responses in rats. Furthermore, the addition of the pure DAAOsignificantly potentiates L-NNA production rate in kidney homogenates by approximately 2-folds. The in vivo andin vitro results suggested that DAAO plays an essential role in the pressor responses elicited by D-NNA.Moreover, crude DAAO solution from the kidney showed marked selection (the maximal ratio of Kcat/Km wasnearly 15 times) on different D-amino acids that exhibited similar chiral inversion rate in vivo, suggesting that otherenzymes, such as transaminase, are also required for the entire process of D-NNA chiral inversion.

BACKGROUND: Epidural resistance materials are an approach to prevent the epidural scar adhesion after laminectomy. A composite membrane of mechanical separation and fibroblast inhibition is promising to be widely studied.OBJECTIVE: To prepare the interferon (IFN)/poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and chitosan/PLGA composite membranes, and to observe their effects on preventing epidural scar adhesion after laminectomy in rabbits.METHODS: L2 laminectomy was performed in 120 rabbits, which were randomly and evenly divided into six groups. The control group received nothing on epidurals. In the autologous free fat group, the exposed dura was covered with subcutaneous fat. In the sodium hyaluronate group, 1 mL sodium hyaluronate was dripped onto the dura. In the PLGA, chitosan/PLGA, and IFN/PLGA groups, the exposed dura was covered with one of the three membranes at a sufficient size. The animals were sacrificed at 2, 4, 6, 8 weeks postoperatively. The scar formation and adhesion to the dura in L2 laminectomy sites were observed and scored by gross observation. At 4 weeks postoperatively, fibroblast ultrastructure was observed through the use of transmission electron microscope.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Widespread scars formed in the control group. The scars in the autologous free fat and PLGA groups were less compared with the control group, but there was no significant difference between these two groups. In the early stage, the scars in the sodium hyaluronate group were obviously less compared with the autologous free rat and PLGA groups, while in the later period, the difference between them was not significant, but the results from the sodium hyaluronate group were still better compared with the control group. The scars and slight adhesion to the dura were observed in the chitosan/PLGA and IFN/PLGA groups. The effect of preventing scar adhesion in these two groups was remarkably superior to that in the other groups, but there was no significant difference between these two composite membrane groups. At 4 weeks postoperatively, fibroblast morphology and function in the control, autologous free rat, and PLGA groups were better than those in the chitosan/PLGA and IFN/PLGA groups. Chitosan/PLGA and IFN/PLGA composite membranes are effective materials to prevent epidural scar adhesion after laminectomy.

Objective To investigate the effect of atorvastatin on the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in rabbit abdominal arterial atherosclerotic plaque. Methods Eighteen male New Zealand rabbits weighing 2 kg were randomized to normal control group (n=6) and hypercholesterolemia group (n=12). The latter was given hypercholesterol diet for 2 weeks, and then catheter-induced abdominal aortic wall injury was performed. Rabbits in hypercholesterolemia and aortic injury group were randomized to model group (n=6,4 weeks of hypercholesterol diet) and atorvastatin(5 mg?kg-1?d-1 for 4 weeks)group (n=6). Finally, the levels of MMP2 and MMP9 protein and mRNA in the abdominal aortic artery were measured by immunohistochemical analysis, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) zymography. Results The intimal-medial thickness[(0. 49?0. 072) mm vs (0.66?0.079) mm, P

Objective To investigate the risk factors of in-stent restenosis (ISR) after coronary implantation of drug-eluting stent Methods One hundred and fifty-seven patients including 118 males and 39 females,who underwent successful implantation of drug-eluting stent, were recruited in the study. The patients were divided into the restenosis group (33 patients) and non-restenosis group ( 124 patients) according to the angiographic results. The associations of ISR with clinical and coronary angiographic characteristics were analyzed using univiriate analysis and logistic regression. Results In the restenosis group,there were 18 cases of diabetes mellitus ( 54. 5% ), 26 cases of frequency angina ( 78. 8% ), which were significantly higher than those of 31 cases of diabetes (25.0%) and 72 case of frequent angina (58. 1% ) in the non-restenosis group (χ2 = 10. 60, P ＜ 0. 01, χ2 = 4. 77, P = 0. 03 for diabetes mellitus and frequent angina, respectively). Compared to non-restenosis group, the occurrence rates of chronic total occasion, bifurcatus lesions, diffuse lesions were significandy higher in the restenosis group ( 19. 3% vs 7. 6% χ2 =5.92,21.1% vs 10. 2% χ2 =4. 34,26. 3%vs 12. 1% χ2 =6. 32,Ps ＜0. 05). Fifty-seven stents were implanted into the restenosis group,and one hundred and fifty-seven into the non-restenosis group. Logistic regression analysis showed that diabetes, frequent angina,chronic total occlusion lesions, bifurcatus lesions, diffuse lesions, stent length and diameter were significantly associated with restenosis ( OR value were 3.52,2. 59,3.05,3. 14,3.08,0. 93,95% CI were 1.56 - 7.90,1.02 - 6. 59,1.11 - 8. 36,1.30 - 7.59,1.34 - 7.05,0. 88 - 0. 98 respectively, Ps ＜ 0. 05 ). Conclusion After implantation of drug-eluting stent, diabetes mellitus, chronic total occasion lesions, frequent angina, diffuse lesions, bifurcatus lesions and stent length and diameter are associated with follow-up restenosis.

Objective To investigate the association between (beta-parvin) PARVB gene rs5764455 polymorphism and susceptibility to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods A total of 230 patients with NAFLD (NAFLD, n = 230) and 230 control subjects (control, n = 330) were genotyped by PCR and direct sequencing. Clinical information was detected and compared in different groups. Genotypic frequency and gene frequency distribution in the two groups and relative risks to NAFLD susceptibility were assessed statistically , respectively. Results No statistical differences were observed between PARVB gene rs5764455 genotypic frequency with gene frequency distribution and the two groups, respectively (Genotypic frequency χ2 = 0.182, P = 0.913; gene frequency χ2 = 0.180, P = 0.672). Comparing C/T + T/T genotype carrier with C/C genotype carrier, there were no differences concerning the relative risks to NAFLD susceptibility (OR = 1.266, P =0.178;adjusted OR =1.631, P =0.096) before and after adjusting body mass, BMI and so on. In the latter group, there are significant differences in the increases of body mass, BMI, TG, ALT and AST (P < 0.05). Conclusion Non-relationship was observed between PARVB gene rs5764455 polymorphism and the risk of NAFLD in Qingdao Han Chinese.

Objective To investigate the dynamic characteristics of the pacemaker current of canine sino-atrial node cells and compare them with the wild type mHCN2 pacemaker current overexpressed in neonatal rat myocardial cells.Methods Fresh canine sino-atrial node cells were enzymatically isolated in a calcium-free solution containing collagenase and elastase,and the funny current was recorded and compared with the mHCN2 current overexpressed in cultured neonatal rat myocardial cells under the same experimental conditions.Results The canine sinus node cells were elongated,spindle-shaped or polygonal,with well-defined boundaries,and showed spontaneous beating.The elicited pacemaker current was an inward current and its rise in amplitude quickened as the hyperpolarization potential increased.At V ＝-75 mV,the canine sinus atrial node pacemaker current was (-2.1±0.3) pA/pF and had the same activation kinetics as those of the mHCN2 channel current overexpressed in neonatal rat myocardial cells [τact:(728±137) ms vs.(530±65) ms,P＞0.05].Conclusions Within the physiological range,the pacemaker current in canine sino-atrial node cells and the wild type mHCN2 pacemaker current over expressed in neonatal rat myocardial cells have similar activation kinetics.

Objective To conclude and compare the technical characteristics and clinical efficacy of retroperitoneal and transperitoneal approach for robotic partial nephrectomy.Methods 418 patients received robotic partial nephrectomy conducted by one surgeon in the urology department of PLA General Hospital from 2013, December to 2015, October, including 157 cases in retroperitoneal approach and 261 cases in transperitoneal approach.There were no significant difference between the transperitoeal and retroperitoneal approach in patient age(51 years, 51 years, P=0.593), BMI(25.5 kg/m2,25.6 kg/m2, P=0.331), gender(male/female:111/46,186/75,P=0.184), location(left/right,80/77,123/138,P=0.575), tumor size(3.1cm,3.5cm,P =0.356), comorbidities, proportion of solitary kidney(11.5%, 9.6%,P=0.253) or bilateral tumors(1.3%,3.4%,P=0.179), RENAL score(6(5-8),6(5-8),P=0.083), ASA score(2 vs.2)(P=0.310) and preoperative serum creatinine(74.7 μmol/L,76.7 μmol/L, P=0.736).Patients in the retroperitoeal approach group were more likely to have abdomen surgery history (21.7%,14.2%,P=0.049).there was significant difference between two approaches in tumor location in the kidney ( anterior/posterior/others: 9/140/8, 212/36/13, P <0.001 ) Results The operation time (105min, 115min, P =0.041 ) and warm ischemia time ( 15min, 20min, P <0.001 ) were shorter and estimated blood loss(50ml,75ml,P<0.001) was less in the retroperitoneal group.No significant difference was observed in postoperative 24h blood loss(45ml,50ml,P =0.093), intraoperative transfusion rate (2.5%,6.5%,P=0.072) and collective system injury(24.8%,27.6%,P =0.539) between the two groups.Peritoneum break occurred in 25 cases in retroperitoneal group, which were repaired by Hem-o-lock.One intestinal injury occurred in transperitoneal group and was repaired intraoperatively.Three and nine cases in the retroperitoneal and transperitoneal group were converted to radical nephrectomy.One case in the transperitoneal group was found positive margin and received laparoscopic radical nephrectomy.Two liver injury and five spleen injury occurred in the transperitoneal group.For postoperative food intake(1 day, 2 days, P <0.001 ) , the length of indwelling drainage ( 3 days, 4 days, P <0.001 ) and the length of postoperative stay ( 5 days, 6 days, P =0.001 ) , the retroperitoneal group had one day shorter than the transperitoneal group.With the median following-up time of both group, 11 months (IQR:6-16) in RPRPN group and 12 months ( IQR: 7-19 ) , no subject with a tumor recovery or metastasis.Conclusions Retroperitoneal robotic partial nephrectomy is feasible and effective, which is similar to transperitoneal approach.The retroperitoneal approach is superior to transperitoneal approach for posterior, lateral and superior renal tumors.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association between two polymorphisms of the APOC3 gene (T-455C and C-482T) and hereditary risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

METHODSA total of 287 patients with NAFLD and 310 control subjects were genotyped by PCR and direct sequencing. Serum lipid profiles were also detected by standard biochemical

METHODSOne-hundred-and-eighty of the study participants were used to measure the APOC3 content by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Inter-group differences and associations were assessed statistically using Chi square and t tests and logistic and linear regression analyses.

RESULTSThe frequencies of neither the genotypes or alleles were significantly different between the NAFLD cases and the controls. Compared with the most common genotypes-455TT or-482CC, none of the variants showed a significant increase in risk of NAFLD or for the clinical and biochemical parameters. The adjusted odds ratios (with 95% confidence intervals) of NAFLD were 1.25 (0.79-1.96) and 1.20 (0.76-1.89) for carriers of the APOC3-455C and-482 T variants respectively (P more than 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe T-455C and C-482T polymorphisms of the APOC3 gene are not associated with risk of NAFLD, pathogenic changes in lipid profiles, or insulin resistance in Han Chinese.

Adult ; Aged ; Alleles ; Apolipoprotein C-III ; genetics ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; Humans ; Insulin Resistance ; Lipids ; blood ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease ; genetics ; metabolism ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association between the PNPLA3 rs738409 polymorphism and chronic hepatitis B (CH[B) in a Han Chinese population residing in Qingdao.

METHODSPeripheral blood samples were collected from 185 CHB patients and 164 healthy controls and subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing to determine the PNPLA3 genotypes. The relative risk of the rs738409 polymorphism for CHB was estimated by calculating the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval.

RESULTSThe rs738409 G allele frequency was significantly different between the CHB and control groups (31.9% vs.21.9% respectively, P less than 0.05). Compared to he rs738409 C allele, the G allele was associated with an increased risk of developing CHB (OR =1.67, 95% CI:1.18-2.34, P =0.003). Logistic regression model analysis, with adjustment for confounding factors, indicated that carriers of the PNPLA3 rs738409 GG + GC genotype had increased risk of CHB than carriers of the CC genotype (OR =1.76 ,95% CI:1.14-2.71, P =0.011).

CONCLUSIONQingdao Han Chinese who are carriers of the rs738409 G allele are at increased risk of CHB.

Adult ; Aged ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Case-Control Studies ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; epidemiology ; genetics ; Humans ; Lipase ; genetics ; Male ; Membrane Proteins ; genetics ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Risk Factors ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between SREBP-1c and the risk of liver disease associated with the triacylglyceride lipase PNPLA3 I148M variant using a human hepatoma cell line model transfected with recombinant lentiviruses.

METHODSHuh7 cells were transfected with control lentivirus or lentivirus containing the PNPLA3 I148M variant (variant). The two cell groups were compared to assess differences in triglyceride content (using oil red O staining), levels of triglyceride and cholesterol (using automated biochemical analyzer), expression of SREBP-lc mRNA (using fluorescence quantitative PCR), and expression of SREBP-1c protein (using western blot.

RESULTSCells expressing the PNPLA3 I148M variant showed higher triglyceride content (0.54+/-0.03 mmol/L vs. control cells: 0.23+/-0.02 mmol/L; t=22.58, P<0.001), cholesterol level (0.28+/-0.03 mmol/L vs. control cells: 0.13+/-0.02 mmol/L; t =11.83, P<0.001), SREBP-1cmRNA expression (13.59+/-0.60 vs. 11.81+/-0.82; [The abstract and text in the paper say variant increases, but the data shown says the higher value is in the control cells. Please correct to properly express the data.] P=0.001), and SREBP-1c protein expression. The level of SREBP-1c was positively correlated with serum triglyceride in the cells expressing the PNPLA3 I148M variant (r=0.912, P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe risk of liver disease associated with the PNPLA3 I148M variant, which increases lipogenesis, may involve SREBP-1c and a pathway that increases triglycerides.

Cell Line, Tumor ; Humans ; Lipase ; Liver Diseases ; Membrane Proteins ; Risk Factors ; Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein 1 ; Triglycerides