Objective: To explore the clinical and anatomical characteristics of coronary slow lfow (CSF) in relevant patients.
Methods: We summarized the patients without coronary angiography (CAG) proved coronary stenosis (stenosis < 40%) while with TIMI indicated CSF in our hospital from 2013-01 to 2015-01. The patients were divided into 2 groups: CSF group, n=56 patients having at least 1 major coronary artery with TIMI frame counts > 27 and Control group,n=55 patients with normal coronary lfow. The related laboratory indexes were examined and relationship between MCV and CSF was studied by multi-logistic regression analysis.
Results: In CSF group, MCV 90.4 (87.48, 92.65) fL and RDW-CV 12.5 (12.30, 13.18) % were lower than those in Control group 92.3 (90.1, 94.3) fL and 13(12.7, 13.4) %,P<0.05; while MCHC 337 (332, 347) g/L and the number of left circumlfex distal braches involved 3 (2, 4) were higher than those in Control group 327.5 (322, 338) g/L and 2 (2, 3),P<0.05. Multi-logistic regression analysis showed that MCV was negatively related to CSF (partial regression coefficient= -0.138, P=0.015), Spearman rank correlation analysis presented that MCV was negatively related to TIMI frame counts (r= -0.201, P=0.009).
Conclusion: Deformability of red blood cells might be involved in pathogenesis of CSF in relevant patients.

BACKGROUNDTraditional Chinese medicine has been used widely for many years in China to treat acute pancreatitis. We have investigated the effects of Dachengqi decoction on intestinal mucosal permeability and outcome in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).

METHODSForty patients with sustained SAP that required admission to the surgical intensive care unit were enrolled prospectively in the study. All of these patients were divided randomly into the Dachengqi decoction group (n = 20) and control group (n = 20) on admission. Intestinal permeability was assessed by measuring absorption of two metabolically inert markers, lactulose (L) and mannitol (M), which were administered orally. Serum concentrations of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) and the ratio of lactulose to mannitol in urine (L/M) were detected in all patients.

RESULTSCompared with those in the control group, urinary L/M ratio decreased significantly in the Dachengqi decoction group on the 7th day after admission (P = 0.001). Also, serum concentrations of LPS were reduced on the 5th and 7th day after admission (P = 0.006, P = 0.008, respectively). Incidence of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and pancreatic infection was significantly lower in the Dachengqi decoction group compared with those in the control group (P = 0.038,P = 0.025, respectively).

CONCLUSIONDachengqi decoction may promote the recovery of intestinal mucosal permeability and decrease the incidence of MODS and pancreatic infection in patients with SAP.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Interleukin-6 ; metabolism ; Intestinal Mucosa ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; methods ; Middle Aged ; Pancreatitis ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDTherapeutic angiogenesis has been shown to promote blood vessel growth and improve tissue perfusion. Nerve growth factor (NGF) has been reported to play an important role in both physiological and pathological angiogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the effects of NGF on angiogenesis and skeletal muscle fiber remodeling in a murine model of hindlimb ischemia and study the relationship between NGF and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in angiogenesis.

METHODSTwenty-four mice were randomly allocated to normal control group (n = 6), blank control group (n = 6), VEGF gene transfection group (n = 6), and NGF gene transfection group (n = 6). The model of left hindlimb ischemia model was established by ligating the femoral artery. VEGF165plasmid (125 μg) and NGF plasmid (125 μg) was injected into the ischemic gastrocnemius of mice from VEGF group and NGF group, respectively. Left hindlimb function and ischemic damage were assessed with terminal points at 21th day postischemia induction. The gastrocnemius of four groups was tested by hematoxylin-eosin staining, proliferating cell nuclear antigen and CD34 immunohistochemistry staining, and myosin ATPase staining. NGF and VEGF protein expression was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTSOn the 21th day after surgery, the functional assessment score and skeletal muscle atrophy degree of VEGF group and NGF group were significantly lower than those of normal control group and blank control group. The endothelial cell proliferation index and the capillary density of VEGF group and NGF group were significantly increased compared with normal control group and blank control group (P < 0.05). The NGF and VEGF protein expression of NGF group showed a significant rise when compared with blank control group (P < 0.05). Similarly, the VEGF protein expression of VEGF group was significantly higher than that of blank control group (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference of the NGF protein expression between VEGF group and blank control group (P > 0.05). The type I skeletal muscle fiber proportion in gastrocnemius of NGF group and VEGF group was significantly higher than that of blank control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSNGF transfection can promote NGF and VEGF protein expression which not only can induce angiogenesis but also induce type I muscle fiber expression in ischemic limbs.

Animals ; Antigens, CD34 ; metabolism ; Female ; Hindlimb ; metabolism ; pathology ; Ischemia ; metabolism ; pathology ; Mice ; Muscle, Skeletal ; metabolism ; pathology ; Neovascularization, Physiologic ; genetics ; physiology ; Random Allocation ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; genetics ; physiology

Objective:To explore the effects of BCR-ABL downstream pathway inhibitors, such as RAF inhibitor SB590885, JAK inhibitor AZD1480, PI3K-mTOR double target inhibitor BEZ235 on chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) cells, and the effect of BEZ235 on the proliferation, apoptosis of CML cells and the sensitivity of imatinib in vitro.Methods:K562 cells were treated with different concentrations of the drugs. MTS method was applied to detect the proliferation inhibition rate of K562 cells, and 50% inhibitory concentration (IC 50) of all drugs for 48 h was calculated. The cell apoptosis rate was tested by using flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining. The cell cycle was tested by using flow cytometry with PI staining. K562 cells, imatinib-resistant and T315I-mutant human CML KBM7R cells and imatinib-resistant CML primary cells of patients were treated with different concentrations of the drugs. MTS method was used to test the proliferation inhibition of cells, and IC 50 of all drugs for 48 h was evaluated. KBM7R cells or primary cells of CML patients were treated with 1.0 μmol/L BEZ235, 1.0 μmol/L imatinib or the combination of both, respectively. Flow cytometry with PI staining was used to detect the cell cycle of KBM7R cells. Flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining was used to detect the cell apoptosis rate in CML primary cells. The expressions of p-AKT, cleaved Caspase-3 and Cyclin D1 proteins were detected by using Western blot. Results:SB590885, AZD1480 and BEZ235 could inhibit the proliferation of K562 cells, and the IC 50 after the treatment of K562 cells for 48 h was (11.49±3.14), (4.83±1.26) and (0.37±0.21) μmol/L, respectively. SB590885, AZD1480 and BEZ235 could promote the apoptosis of K562 cells. The cell apoptosis rates were increased compared with the control group without drug treatment (all P < 0.01). SB590885 and BEZ235 induced G 0/G 1 block (both P < 0.05). AZD1480 induced G 2/M block ( P < 0.05). BEZ235 could inhibit the proliferation of K562 cells, KBM7R cells and CML primary cells, and their IC 50 for 48 h was (0.37±0.21), (0.43±0.27) and (0.49±0.24) μmol/L, respectively. Compared with imatinib alone, the different concentrations of imatinib combined with 0.2 μmol/L BEZ235 could increase the proliferation inhibition of K562 cells, KBM7R cells and CML primary cells, and could reduce the IC 50 of imatinib. After the treatment of imatinib alone and combination with BEZ235 for 48 h, the imatinib IC 50 of K562 cells was (0.14±0.05) and (0.09± 0.04) μmol/L ( t = 1.531, P = 0.249), the imatinib IC 50 of KBM7R cells was (3.93±2.29) and (0.44±0.22) μmol/L ( t = 2.837, P = 0.047), the imatinib IC 50 of the primary cells was (3.12±1.53) and (0.39±0.23) μmol/L ( t = 3.925, P = 0.042). The cell apoptotic rate of the primary cells was (4.9±1.4)%, (13.1±3.2)%, (8.8±2.0)% and (40.6±6.0)%, respectively in the control group without drug treatment, 1.0 μmol/L BEZ235, 1.0 μmol/L imatinib and the combination of 1.0 μmol/L BEZ235 and 1.0 μmol/L imatinib after the treatment of 24 h ( F = 71.031, P < 0.01). Compared with imatinib alone, the expressions of p-AKT and Cyclin D1 proteins were decreased, and the expression of cleaved Caspase-3 protein was increased after the treatment of KBM7R cells for 12 h in the combination group of both BEZ235 and imatinib. Conclusions:BCR-ABL downstream pathway inhibitors can effectively inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of K562 cells. BEZ235 can inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of K562 cells, imatinib-resistant and T315I-mutant human KBM7R cells and imatinib-resistant CML primary cells of patients, which has a synergistic effect to imatinib.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of excimer laser atherectomy (ELA) combined with drug-coated balloon (DCB) in the treatment of lower limb arteriosclerosis obliterans.Methods From Sep 2016 to Dec 2018 42 patients (42 limbs) underwent ELA combined with DCB therapy.Results There were 27 males and 15 females.The mean age was (65.7 ±9.7) years.The average lesion length was (14.3 ±7.5) cm.The technical success rate was 100％ and the remission rate of clinical symptoms was 92.9％.Ankle-brachial index was significantly improved from (0.45 ± 0.15) pre-operation to (0.85 ± 0.13) postoperation (P =0.001).The mean follow-up was 10.9 months.At 3,6,and 12 months follow-up,the primary patency rate was 95.2％,92.8％ and 84.9％.The 1-year limb salvage rate was 95.2％.Conclusion ELA combined with DCB has a good 1-year results as our data reveal.

Objective To observe the effect of the expanded human umbilical cord blood CD34+cells in ischemic limb of mice and analyse the relationship between the CD34+cells and angiogenesis. Methods Human umbilical cord blood was collected and CD34+cells were separated for expanding. Mice limbs ischemia models were established (n=15) and randomly divided into three groups:expanded CD34+cells group (n=5),fresh CD34+cells group (n=5),and control group(n=5). CD34+cells were detected by DiI dye tracing and antihuman nuclear antigen antibody(HNA) immunohistochemical staining. The improvement of blood reperfusion was evaluated by indicators including limb temperature,CD31 staining,and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) mRNA expression. Results On days 14 (t=5.421,P=0.001;t=0.616,P=0.000) and 28(t=10.780,P=0.000; t=12.123,P=0.000),both expanded CD34+cells group and fresh CD34+cells group enjoyed better temperature improvement. Days 28 later,the vascular densities in the expanded CD34+cells group and the fresh CD34+cells group were 592.3±24.6 (t=26.386,P=0.000) and 530.7±25.5 (t=21.502,P=0.000),which were significantly higher than that in control group 219.7±19.9. The TGF-β1 mRNA expression in the expanded CD34+cells group and the fresh CD34+cells group were (0.578±0.050) copies (t=12.376,P=0.000) and (0.504±0.080) copies (t=7.098,P=0.000),both over control group [(0.224±0.040)copies]. Conclusions In vitro culture of cord blood CD34+cells can emigrate to ischemic zone and induce angiogenesis to alleviate ischemia. Thus,it may provide a treatment option for lower limb ischemia.
Animals ; Antigens, CD34 ; metabolism ; Cell Transplantation ; Cells, Cultured ; Extremities ; physiopathology ; Fetal Blood ; cytology ; Humans ; Ischemia ; therapy ; Mice ; Neovascularization, Physiologic ; Random Allocation ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism

Objective:To evaluate the effect of remote endarterectomy in the treatment of complex lower extremity ischemia.Methods:Twenty-one limb ischemic patients underwent remote endarterectomy in Beijing Hospital from Sep 2016 to Feb 2020. Clinical data including general condition, the lesion of lower artery before operation and follow up outcomes were collected. Then the patency rate and limb salvage rate were calculated.Results:The technique success rate was 71.4% (15/21). The 3, 6, 12 month patency rate were 93.3%, 85.6% and 74.1%, respectively. The 1-year limb salvage rate was 93.3% (14/15). In the 6 patients converted to artificial vessel bypass, the 3,6,12 months patency rates were 76.7%, 66.7% and 46.8%, respectively. The 1-year limb salvage rate was 66.7%.Conclusions:Remote endarterectomy of the lower extremity artery is an alternative option in the treatment of complex ischemic lesions of the lower extremity artery, other than artificial vessel bypass.

Adult ; Cyclophosphamide ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Prednisone ; therapeutic use ; Takayasu Arteritis ; drug therapy ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo analyze the effectiveness and costs of the eversion carotid endarterectomy (eCEA) and the carotid endarterectomy with patch angioplasty (pCEA) in treating carotid artery stenosis.

METHODSPatients with carotid artery stenosis who underwent the carotid endarterectomy in the vascular surgery department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from October 2009 to October 2012 were enrolled in this study. According to the two different surgical procedures, the patients were divided into eCEA group and pCEA group.

RESULTSThe two groups were not significantly different in terms of gender ,age ,risk factors, stenosis degree of carotid artery, and the ratio of bilateral lesions (all P>0.05).The ratio of shunt and antibiotics application, operative time, hospitalization cost, and length of hospital stay in the eCEA group were significantly lower than those in pCEA group (P<0.05).The therapeutic effectiveness, complications, surgery-related death, restenosis, and ipsilateral stroke were not significantly different between these two groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONBoth surgical procedures are safe and effective in treating the carotid artery stenosis;however, eCEA has lower cost when compared with pCEA and therefore can be used as the first choice.

Aged ; Carotid Artery, Internal ; surgery ; Carotid Stenosis ; surgery ; Endarterectomy, Carotid ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies

BACKGROUNDThe chimney/periscope technique has been used to address complex aortic pathologies. This study aimed to report the outcomes and experiences of chimney and/or periscope grafts (CPGs) used in the endovascular management of complex aortic pathologies.

METHODSTwenty-two patients with complex aortic pathologies were retrospectively studied from January 2013 to August 2016 in two vascular centers of teaching hospitals. All patients were diagnosed using computed tomography angiography (CTA). The patients were followed up at postoperative 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and yearly thereafter with X-ray, ultrasound, and/or CTA.

RESULTSTwenty-two cases (17 males; mean age 60.7 ± 16.3 years) with complex aortic pathologies were analyzed. Nineteen patients underwent CPGs only, and the other three cases underwent the simultaneous implantation of chimney/periscope and fenestrated/scallop grafts. Twenty-six arteries were managed with forty CPGs during the procedures. Complete angiographies revealed two Type I endoleaks, one Type III endoleak, and one Type IV endoleak. Other intraoperative complications included brachial thrombosis, external iliac artery rupture, and left renal stenosis. The 30-day mortality was 0. The mean follow-up was 26.1 ± 10.1 months with a range of 2-39 months. During the follow-up, two Type I endoleaks and one Type IV endoleak were observed. One right renal stent occlusion occurred in the 5th month and turned patent after reintervention. Three patients died during the follow-up, one due to an aneurysm rupture as a Type I endoleak, and two due to myocardial infarction. The instant technical success was 96%. The primary and secondary patencies were 92% and 96%, respectively. The overall survival rates were 95%, 84%, and 84% at 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively. Stent migration was not observed in any patient.

CONCLUSIONSChimney/periscope techniques could be used to tackle complex aortic pathologies, but the indications must be strictly controlled, and additional experiences are required.