AIM:To evaluate the effects of atorvastatin on nitric oxide(NO),endothelin-1(ET-1)and myocardial no-reflow in a rabbit model of acute myocardial infarction and reperfusion(AMI/R). METHODS:Twenty-four rabbits were randomized into 3 groups:8 in AMI/R group,8 in atorvastatin-treated group(5 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1))and 8 in sham-operated group. Animals in the former two groups were subjected to 60 min of coronary occlusion followed by 120 min of reperfusion. Data on haemodynamics were collected. NO in blood sample,and in normal,and in infarcted reflow and no-reflow myocardium were evaluated respectively by nitrate reductase method. The levels of ET-1 in blood sample,and in normal,infarcted reflow and no-reflow myocardium were determined by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS:(1)Compared to the baselines,the heart rate(HR),systolic blood pressure(SBP),diastolic blood pressure(DBP),left ventricular systolic pressure(LVSP),maximal rate of increase and decline in left ventricular pressure(±dp/dt_(max))and cardiac output(CO)in AMI/R and atorvastatin-treated groups were significantly declined,whereas left ventricular end-diastolic pressure(LVEDP)was increased after 60 min of coronary occlusion and 120 min of reperfusion(P<0.05 or P<0.01). However,in atorvastatin-treated group,LVSP,LVEDP,±dp/dt_(max) and CO at the time point of 120 min of reperfusion recovered more significantly than those at the time point of 60 min of coronary occlusion(P<0.01),which was more significant than those in AMI/R group(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to AMI/R group,the SBP and DBP were significantly heigher in atorvastatin-treated group(P<0.01).(2)In atorvastatin-treated group,the levels of ET-1 in blood sample were significantly lower than those in AMI/R group(P<0.01),and the levels of NO were significantly higher(P<0.01). Moreover,the levels of NO or ET-1 in infarcted reflow myocardium were significantly lower than that in AMI/R group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).(3)Atorvastatin could ameliorate myocardial function. CONCLUSION:Atorvastatin is effective in increasing NO and reducing ET-1 in blood plasma and local myocardium,and in protection of endothelial cells. Atorvastatin also has a beneficial effect on improving left ventricular function during acute myocardial infarction and reperfusion in rabbits.

AIM:To evaluate the effects of atorvastatin on nitric oxide(NO),endothelin-1(ET-1)and myocardial no-reflow in a rabbit model of acute myocardial infarction and reperfusion(AMI/R). METHODS:Twenty-four rabbits were randomized into 3 groups:8 in AMI/R group,8 in atorvastatin-treated group(5 mg?kg-1?d-1)and 8 in sham-operated group. Animals in the former two groups were subjected to 60 min of coronary occlusion followed by 120 min of reperfusion. Data on haemodynamics were collected. NO in blood sample,and in normal,and in infarcted reflow and no-reflow myocardium were evaluated respectively by nitrate reductase method. The levels of ET-1 in blood sample,and in normal,infarcted reflow and no-reflow myocardium were determined by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS:(1)Compared to the baselines,the heart rate(HR),systolic blood pressure(SBP),diastolic blood pressure(DBP),left ventricular systolic pressure(LVSP),maximal rate of increase and decline in left ventricular pressure(?dp/dtmax)and cardiac output(CO)in AMI/R and atorvastatin-treated groups were significantly declined,whereas left ventricular end-diastolic pressure(LVEDP)was increased after 60 min of coronary occlusion and 120 min of reperfusion(P

Objective To design a wearable physiological monitoring system for acquiring and monitor-ing vital signs non-intrusively and concurrently.Methods All bio-sensors were embedded in an elastic shirt for detecting physiological parameters with wearable technology.A patented respiratory inductive plethysmography technology was used to measure respiratory function,two sensors were woven into the jerkin around the patient's chest and abdomen.A three-lead,single channel ECG measures heart rate,and a three-axis accelerometer records posture and activity level.An NTC thermometer embedded in the shirt measures the body temperature.Results An elastic jerkin with embedded sensors that collect and continuously monitor respiration,cardiac,temperature,posture and activity signals was fabricated.Conclusion This wearable physiological monitoring system can record multiple parameters non-intrusively and concurrently.It can act as an useful platform for further researches.

A total of 60 patients with an acute attack of asthma were studied.On presentation,fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and the serum concentrations of procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured.And sputum culture was also performed.The patients were re-evaluated while returning to their clinical remission states.They were classified into 2 groups:patients with bacterial infection (group A) and those with nonbacterial infection (group B).The levels of FeNO were significantly higher in patients with acute exacerbation than those in remission.No difference existed between groups A and B ( P ＞ 0.05 ).The levels of PCT and CRP of group A with acute exacerbation were significantly higher than those of group B( all P ＜0.05).While in remission,the levels of PCT and CRP decreased significantly in group A ( P ＜ 0.05 ) ; But compared with exacerbation,the levels of PCT and CRP showed no change in group B (P ＞0.05).And no differences existed between two groups while in remission (P ＞ 0.05 ).An elevation of FeNO indicates the acute exacerbation of asthma.And the increased serum levels of PCT and CRP are associated with bacterial infection.

Objective To study the relationship between the polymorphism of interleukin-12B (IL-12B)gene and coronary heart disease.Methods We recruited 256 patients with coronary heart disease admitted to our department as the study group and 256 normal subjects as the control group.The polymorphism of IL-12B gene was detected by polymerase chain reaction and single nucleotide polymorphism.Coronary artery stenosis,visfatin,high sensitive C reactive protein and cardiac function were determined.Results The difference in rs15677380 and rs14050311 allele frequencies between the study group and the control group was significant (χ2 =6.19,7.24,P=0.045,0.021).The G allele of rs15677380 and C allele of rs14050311 were risk factors for coronary heart disease (OR=1.32,1.49).Conclusion IL-12B gene is associated with the occurrence and development of carotid atherosclerosis and participates in the development of coronary heart disease.

Objective To observe the effects of Simvastatin on myocardial apoptosis and oxidative stress mechanism in immature rabbits with chronic heart failure.Methods Thirty-six male New Zealand big-eared immature rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups:Adriamycin(ADR) ± Simvastatin group(ADR-s group,n =12),in which ADR(1.5 mg/kg) received injection via the auricular vein of rabbits weekly,and the rabbits received oral Simvastatin [1.5 mg/(kg · d)] simultaneously for 12 weeks;ADR group (n =12),in which the rabbits received ADR like ADR-S group,and 9 g/L saline instead of Simvastatin;control group (CON group,n =12),which received the same amount of 9 g/L saline.Echocardiography examination was performed in 13th week.Myocardial fibrosis degree was detected by using MASSON staining,and the myocardial apoptosis was detected by using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling.Colorimetric method was used to detect the myocardial concentration superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA).Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect serum B-type brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level.Results (1) In CON group,the immature rabbits were all alive.Four rabbits died in ADR group,and the survival rate was 66.7％,while 2 rabbits died in ADR-s group,and the survival rate was 83.3％.(2)Compared with CON group,the left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDd) and left ventricular end systolic diameter (LVESd) in ADR-s group and ADR group increased [(11.90 ±1.09) mm,(ll.34 ±0.92) mm vs.(10.73 ±0.48) mm;(9.80 ±0.88) mm,(8.47 ± 1.23) mm vs.(7.31 ±0.36) mm];left ventricular fractional shortening(LVFS) and left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) decreased [(17.65 ± 1.70)％,(22.58 ± 2.19)％ vs.(31.79 ± 2.58) ％;(41.35 ± 3.19) ％,(49.17 ± 3.53) ％ vs.(64.34 ± 3.97) ％],and all the differences were significant(all P ＜ 0.05);LVEDd and LVESd in ADR-s group were lower than those of ADR group,while LVEF and LVFS in ADR-s group were higher than those of ADR group,and the differences were significant(all P ＜ 0.05).(3)MASSON staining:compared with ADR group,there was less myocardial cell hyperplasia of fibrous tissue in ADR-s group.(4) Compared with CON group,the apoptosis index was higher in ADR and ADR-s group [(34.25 ±11.13) ％,(24.00 ±6.85)％ vs.(16.58 ± 5.34)％],but ADR-s group had less than ADR group,and the differences were significant (all P ＜ 0.05).(5) Compared with ADR group,SOD activity of ADR-s group was higher [(13.40 ± 2.68) kU/L vs.(10.66 ± 2.99) kU/L],but MDA content was lower [(5.67 ± 1.36) μmol/mg vs.(7.08 ±0.98) μmol/mg],and the differences were significant (all P ＜0.05).(6) Serum BNP level in ADR group and ADR-s group was higher than that of the CON group[(33.28 ±9.58) μg/L,(26.71 ±6.72) μg/L vs.(13.56 ±2.82) μg/L],while was higher in ADR group than that of ADR-s group,and the differences were significant (all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Simvastatin can protect cardiac function of immature rabbits with chronic heart failure.The possible mechanism may be the up-regulation of myocardial SOD activity,reduction of cell lipid peroxidation and inhibition of myocardial apoptosis.

Objective To investigate the impacts of pyruvate kinase M2 isoform (PKM2) silencing on the radiosensitivity of lung adenocarcinoma cell line (A549 cells) and the radiation synergy of xenografts, and to explore their mechanisms. Methods Plasmid pshRNA?PKM2 for interference with PKM2 expression was transfected into A549 cells, and empty vector?transfected cells and untransfected cells were set as con?trols. The silencing efficiency of pshRNA?PKM2 and the expression level of microtubule?associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3) were measured by Western blot assay. The radiosensitizing effects in A549 cells and xen?ografts after PKM2 silencing were determined by colony?forming assay and xenografts growth curves. Autoph?agy formation in A549 cells and xenografts was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy, and the ex?pression level of PKM2 in xenografts was measured by immunohistochemistry. Comparison between groups was made by Student′s t?test, and the body weights of nude mice and xenograft volumes were subjected to a?nalysis of variance for continuous variables. Results Stable A549 cell lines transfected with pshRNA?PKM2 were successfully produced. Transfection with pshRNA?PKM2 significantly down?regulated PKM2 expression in A549 cells and xenografts (P= 0?? 001;P= 0?? 000). The sensitizer enhancement ratios for A549 cells and xenografts were 1?? 47 and 2?? 00, respectively. Interference with PKM2 expression enhanced radiation?in duced autophagy formation and significantly increased the ratio of LC 3 ? II / I ( P= 0.000 1 ) . Conclusions Silencing of PKM2 expression may enhance the radiosensitivity of A549 cells and xenografts by regulation of autophagy, which holds promise for becoming an effective radiosensitizing target for non?small cell lung canc?er, but still needs to be confirmed by further studies.

Objective To evaluate the clinical value of laparoscopic cystogastrostomy for retrogastric pancreatic pseudocysts.Methods Five patients suffering from retrogastric pancreatic pseudocysts caused by severe acute biliary pancreatitis received conservative management for 2 ～ 6 months,and the sizes of pseudocysts were 8,10,12,14,15 cm.All the 5 patients received laparoscopic cystogastrostomy,and 4 ports methods was applied,through anterior gastric wall,the posterior gastric wall and pancreatic pseudocysts were incised by using harmonic scalpel,then cystogastrostomy was performed to drain the pseudocysts.Results Laparoscopic cystogastrostomy for retrogastric pancreatic pseudocysts was successful in all patients,theoperation time was 90,105,115,120,150 minutes.The blood loss was 100,150,150,200,300 ml.No intra-gastric bleeding occurred.After 1 month follow-up,all the pseudocysts disappeared,and there was no acute pancreatitis and local infection recurrence.Gastric leakage occurred 7 d after operation in one patient,and was healed after one month of conservative management.Conclusions Laparoscopic cystogastrostomy through gastric cavity for retrogastric pancreatic pseudocysts is simple and effective,mini-invasive,and it can be an alternative therapeutic method for pancreatic pseudocysts.

ObjectiveTo determine the risk factors and the optimal management of hepatic artery complications (HAC) after orthotopic liver transplantation.MethodsThe clinical data of 180 orthotopic liver transplantation patients performed between January 2005 and September 2007 was reviewed.The incidence of HAC between primary liver carcinoma and benign diseases of liver was compared.ResultsTwelve (6.7％) episodes of HAC were identified.3 were hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) and 9 were hepatic artery stenosis (HAS).The incidence of HAC in patients with primary liver carcinoma (6/39) was higher than benign disease (6/141)(P＜0.05).ConclusionsThe keys to management of HAC after orthotopic liver transplantation are to diagnose the complication in time and to select the proper treatment based on the type of HAC.

Objective To observe the effect of electro-acupuncture therapy (ET) on the expression of sodium channel Na(v) 1.1 in rats after acute cerebral ischemia and the mechanism of any protective function of ET.Methods A model of focal acute cerebral ischemia was established by occluding the right middle cerebral artery.One hundred and eighty healthy SD rats were randomly divided into a sham operation control (SC) group, an ischemia control (IC) group, a real ET group and a false ET group, with 45 in each group. Immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PGR) methods were used to detect Na(v)1. 1 expression. 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining was used to detect infarct volume. Neurological examination and grading was carried out at 6 hours and then 1, 2, 3 and 7 days after inducing ischemia. Results The gradings and infarction volume ratios of the rats in the IC group were the most serious, while in the real ET group the severity was much less at each time point. Compared with the SC group, the expression of Na(v) 1.1 was significantly up-regulated in the IC group. The expression of Na(v) 1.1 was increased at the 6th hour, then down-regulated to the lowest level at day 1,then from the 2nd to the 7th day was up-regulated again. The expression of Na(v) 1.1 in the real ET group was significantly lower than in the IC group. Although the expression of Na(v)1.1 in the false ET group was low compared with the IC group, the difference was not significant. The difference between the real ET group and the false ET group was significant, however. Conclusions ET can reduce damage from cerebral ischemia and benefit the recovery of neural function. ET can also could regulate the expression of Na(v)1.1 after acute cerebral ischemia, which may be an important mechanism for neural function recovery.