Objective: To investigate the effects of sodium butyrate on intestinal barrier of the severe scald mice and the related mechanism. Methods: Eighteen C57BL/6 female mice, aged eight to twelve weeks, were divided into sham scald group, pure scald group, and scald+ sodium butyrate group according to random number table, with 6 mice in each group. Back of each mouse in pure scald group and scald+ sodium butyrate group were immersed into 90 ℃ water for 9 s, causing full-thickness scald of 30% total body surface area, while back of each mouse in sham scald group were immersed into 37 ℃ water for 9 s, causing sham injury. All of the mice in 3 groups were intraperitoneally injected with 1 mL sterile lactated Ringer′s solution immediately after injury. Besides, mice in scald+ sodium butyrate group were intraperitoneally injected with 300 mg/kg sodium butyrate at 30 min before injury and immediately after injury, while mice in sham scald group and pure scald group were intraperitoneally injected with the same volume of sterile phosphate buffer solution. At post injury hour (PIH) 24, portal vein of mice in 3 groups was harvested, intestinal permeability was measured by fluorescin isothiocyanate-dextran fluorescence probe tracing method, then lileal tissue of mice in 3 groups was harvested, protein expressions of zonula occludens l (ZO-1), occludin, claudin-1, claudin-2, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-18 were detected by Western blotting, and distribution of ZO-1 in intestinal mucosa was observed by indirect immunofluorescence. Data were processed with one-way analysis of variance, least-significant difference test, and Bonferroni correction. Results: (1) At PIH 24, the intestinal permeability of mice in sham scald group, pure scald group, and scald+ sodium butyrate group was 0.88±0.19, 2.62±0.48, 1.23±0.16, respectively. Compared with that in sham scald group, the intestinal permeability of mice in pure scald group was significantly elevated (P<0.01), while the intestinal permeability of mice in scald+ sodium butyrate group showed no obvious change (P>0.05). Compared with that in pure scald group, the intestinal permeability of mice in scald+ sodium butyrate group was significantly decreased (P<0.01). (2) At PIH 24, compared with those in sham scald group, the protein expressions of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1 of mice in pure scald group and scald+ sodium butyrate group were significantly decreased (P<0.05), while the protein expression of claudin-2 was significantly increased (P<0.05). At PIH 24, compared with those of pure scald group, the protein expressions of ZO-1 and occludin of mice in scald+ sodium butyrate group were significantly elevated (P<0.05), while the protein expression of claudin-2 was significantly decreased (P<0.05), the protein expression of claudin-1 showed no significant difference (P>0.05). (3) At PIH 24, compared with those in sham scald group, the protein expressions of NLRP3, IL-1β, and IL-18 of mice in pure scald group and scald+ sodium butyrate group were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with those of pure scald group, the protein expressions of NLRP3, IL-1β, and IL-18 of mice in scald+ sodium butyrate group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). (4) At PIH 24, ZO-1 in intestinal mucosa of mice in sham scald group was distributed smoothly, continuously and homogeneously along the membrane. ZO-1 in intestinal mucosa of mice in pure scald group was distributed unsmoothly with breaks. The distribution of ZO-1 in intestinal mucosa of mice in scald+ sodium butyrate group was ameliorated compared with that in pure scald group. Conclusions Sodium butyrate can inhibit the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and decrease the production of IL-1β and IL-18 in intestinal mucosa of severe scald mice, which protects the intestinal barrier function by alleviating the alteration of tight junction protein expression and localization.

Objective: To investigate the significance of intestinal fatty acid binding protein (IFABP) in the evaluation of intestinal barrier dysfunction of mice at the early stage of severe burn injury. Methods: Thirty-six 8-week-old C57BL/6 male mice were collected and divided into normal control group (n=6) and scald group (n=30) according to random number table. Back of each mouse in scald group was placed into hot water of 90 ℃ for 10 s, causing full-thickness scald (hereinafter refer to as burn) of 30% total body surface area, while mice in normal control group were not inflicted with burns. Six mice in normal control group were taken, and 6 mice in scald group at 1, 2, 6, 12, and 24 h post injury were taken respectively. The portal vein blood of each mouse was extracted and the plasma was separated to measure intestinal permeability with fluorescin isothiocyanate-dextran fluorescence probe tracing method and plasma IFABP content by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The distal ileum tissue of mice in normal control group and scald group at each time point post injury was collected to observe the morphology of the intestinal mucosa tissue by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Data were processed with one-way analysis of variance and Student-Newman-Keuls test, and pearson correlation test was used to analyze the correlation between intestinal permeability and plasma IFABP content of burned mice. Results: (1) At 1, 2, 6, 12, and 24 h post injury, the intestinal permeability of mice in scald group was 2.7±0.8, 5.4±2.5, 7.3±4.2, 12.4±6.1, 1.4±0.7, respectively, obviously higher than 1.0±0.4 of normal control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The intestinal permeability of mice in scald group showed an increasing trend post injury, reaching the peak at 12 h post injury, and rapidly falling back at 24 h post injury. (2) At 1, 2, 6, 12, and 24 h post injury, the plasma IFABP content of mice in scald group was (64±11), (59±12), (76±18), (111±22), and (66±10) ng/mL, obviously higher than (35±8) ng/mL in normal control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The plasma IFABP content of mice in scald group showed an increasing trend post injury, reaching the peak at 12 h post injury, and rapidly decreasing at 24 h post injury. (3) Uniform thickness of mucosa, intact epithelia, regularly arranged villi, and no inflammatory cell infiltration were observed in ileum of mice in normal control group. In ileum of mice in scald group, shortened villi of mucosa with different degrees, edema of lamina propria, and infiltration of neutrophils were observed at 1 and 2 h post injury; obviously damaged and partially exfoliated ileal mucosa, disorderly arranged and broken villi, degenerated and necrotic epithelial cells, dilated central lacteal, and infiltration of lymphocytes and neutrophils were observed at 6 and 12 h post injury; the damage of ileal mucosa was alleviated, and basically intact epithelia, dilated central lacteal, and infiltration of inflammatory cells were observed at 24 h post injury. (4) There was a significantly positive correlation between the intestinal permeability and the plasma IFABP content of burned mice (r=0.841, P<0.05). Conclusions The plasma IFABP can be used as a good biological indicator for the evaluation of intestinal barrier dysfunction of mice at the early stage of severe burn injury.

Objective: To investigate the effects of angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist valsartan on leptin, leptin receptor and collagen in rats with hepatic fibrosis. Methods: Thirty-six male wistar rats were randomly divided into control group, model group and drug-treated group, with 12 rats in each group. Liver fibrosis models were made by subcutaneous injection of carbon tetrachloride on the dorsal of the rats, simultaneously gastric gavage with Valsartan and were killed at the end of 8th week. The degree of liver fibrosis was observed by HE and Masson staining. The serum leptin (LP) and TGFβ1 were determined by ELISA. Liver LP mRNA and leptin receptor mRNA (OB-R mRNA) were detected by RT-PCR. Liver LP, OB-R and collagen I were detected by Western blot. The data of multiple groups were analyzed by one-way analysis variance (ANOVA), and linear correlation was performed between serum LP and TGF β1. Results: After the intervention of valsartan, HE and Masson staining showed that the degree of liver fibrosis was significantly reduced. The levels of serum LP and TGFβ1 in the control group were (18.92 ± 7.10) ng/ml and (9.13 ± 1.58) pg/ml respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the model group (46.92 ± 28.54) ng/ml and (16.39 ± 3.56) pg/ml, And (29.27 ± 7.27) ng/ml and (12.24 ± 2.94) pg/ml in the drug-treated group, respectively. The F values were 7.864 and 20.057 respectively. The P values were < 0.05. The differences were statistically significant. The relative expression levels of LP and OB-R mRNA in the control group were 0.35 ± 0.18 and 0.62 ± 0.18, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the model group (1.79 ± 1.79 and 1.52 ± 1.44, and drug-treated group 0.48 ± 0.34 and 0.75 ± 0.26, respectively), F values = 6.914,3.894, P values were < 0.05, the differences were statistically significant. The relative expression levels of LP, OB-R and collaten I in liver were 0.71 ± 0.13, 0.81 ± 0.11 and 0.76 ± 0.13 in the model group, 0.97 ± 0.06, 1.04 ± 0.06, and 1.05 ± 0.04 respectively in the drug-treated group and 0.74 ± 0.05, 0.93 ± 0.05 and 0.91 ± 0.05. The F values were 15.425, 13.757 and 19.130 respectively in three groups (P < 0.001), the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion Valsartan, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist, can reduce the expression of leptin and leptin receptor, reduce the production of TGFβ1 and collaten I, and play an anti-hepatic fibrosis effect.

Objective: To investigate the effects of short chain fatty acid (SCFA) on barrier disruption of human intestinal epithelial cell induced by endotoxin/lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the related mechanism. Methods: The human intestinal epithelial cell line Caco-2 was used to reproduce monolayer-cells. Cells were divided into control group, LPS group, and SCFA+ LPS group according to the random number table. Cells in control group were only routinely cultured with DMEM medium. Cells in LPS group were cultured with DMEM medium and LPS with final mass concentration of 10 μg/mL. Cells in SCFA+ LPS group were cultured with DMEM medium, LPS and SCFA (consisting of 0.5 mmol/L acetate, 0.01 mmol/L propionate, and 0.01 mmol/L butyrate) with final mass concentration of 10 μg/mL. At post culture hour (PCH) 0, 1, 2, 6, 12, and 24, transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) of cells was determined with an ohmmeter, with sample number of 72. Another portion of cells were divided and treated as above, and then Western blotting was employed to detect the protein expressions of zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1), occludin, and claudin-1 at PCH 24, with sample number of 6. Another portion of cells were divided and treated as above and then immunofluorescence was used to observe cellular morphology and distribution of ZO-1. Data were processed with analysis of variance of factorial design, one-way analysis of variance, least-significant difference test, and Bonferroni correction. Results: (1) Compared with that in control group, TER of cells in LPS group was significantly reduced from PCH 1 to 24 (P<0.01), while TER of cells in SCFA+ LPS group showed no obvious change (P>0.05). TER of cells in SCFA+ LPS group was significantly higher than that in LPS group from PCH 1 to 24 (P<0.01). (2) Compared with the protein expressions of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1 of cells in control group (1.25±0.10, 1.17±0.04, and 1.24±0.20), those of cells in LPS group (0.74±0.23, 0.76±0.11, and 0.77±0.11) at PCH 24 were significantly decreased (P<0.05), while those of cells in SCFA+ LPS group (1.23±0.46, 1.05±0.09, and 1.01±0.13) showed no significant differences (P>0.05). Protein expressions of occludin and claudin-1 of cells in SCFA+ LPS group were significantly higher than those in LPS group at PCH 24 (P<0.05). Protein expression of ZO-1 of cells in SCFA+ LPS group was higher than that in LPS group at PCH 24 with no significant difference (P>0.05). (3) At PCH 24, cells in control group were compact in arrangement with pebble-like appearance, and ZO-1 was distributed smoothly and continuously along the cell membrane. In LPS group, cells were sparse in arrangement with change in appearance, and ZO-1 was distributed uncontinuously along the cell membrane with curls and breaks. In SCFA+ LPS group, the appearance of cells and distribution of ZO-1 were remarkably ameliorated compared with those in LPS group. Conclusions SCFA can alleviate the barrier disruption of human intestinal epithelial cell induced by LPS through interdicting the abnormal distribution of ZO-1 and decrease of TER and tight junction proteins′ expressions.

Objective To observe the clinical effect of digital acupoint pressure on sensory dysfunction in hemiplegic patients after stroke. Methods From March to December, 2015, 60 hemiplegic patients with sensory dysfunction after stroke were randomly divided into control group and observation group with 30 cases in each group. The control group received routine rehabilitation exercise, while the obser-vation group received digital acupoint pressure in addition. Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Sense (FMA-S), Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Motor (FMA-M) and modified Barthel index (MBI) were used to evaluate the sensory dysfunction, motor function and activities of daily living be-fore and eight weeks after treatment. Results After treatment, the scores of FMA-S, FMA-M and MBI increased in both groups (t>6.430, P<0.01), and the scores were higher in the observation group than in the control group (t>2.100, P<0.05). Conclusion Digital acupoint pressure can facilitate the recovery of sensory dysfunction, improve the motor function and the activties of daily living in hemiplegic patients after stroke.

Objective To evaluate the therapeutic effect of hepatocyte growth factor(HGF) gene modified placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells( PMSCs) on limb ischemia in a rabbit model.Methods The placental tissue was digested with enzyme, cultured and passaged.The PMSCs were characterized by surface marker expression.These cells were infected with adenoviral( Ad)-HGF and intramuscular injected for treatment of limb ischemia in a rabbit model.The blood supply of the limb was detected by digital subtraction angiography ( DSA ) and the vessel number was evaluated in histopathological HE staining.Results The results showed that Ad-HGF gene transduction increased the vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF ) , basic fibroblast growth factor, bFGF ( bFGF ) and HGF expression in PMSCs. Transplantation of HGF-transduced PMSCs resulted in the increase in vessel density and improvement of blood supply in the rabbit limb ischemia model.Conclusion The therapeutic effect of HGF gene engineered PMSCs on ischemia by enhancing angiogenesis in a rabbit model is evaluated.Transplantation of PMSCs with HGF gene therapy may be a promising strategy for the treatment of ischemia diseases.

Objective To discuss the short-term curative effect and the safety of percutaneous vertebroplasty using high viscosity bone cement for the treatment of severe osteoporotic vertebral body compression fractures. Methods The clinical data of 100 patients with severe osteoporotic vertebral body compression fractures (compression degree>70%), who received percutaneous vertebroplasty by using high viscosity bone cement during the period from December 2010 to May 2013, were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients were followed up for at least one month. Both preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) and quality of life (QOL) scores, as well as the incidence of bone cement leakage, were recorded and the results were used to evaluate the curative effect and the safety of percutaneous vertebroplasty for severe osteoporotic vertebral body compression fractures. Results One week after the treatment, significant pain relief was obtained in 92 patients (92%), VAS scores decreased from preoperative (7.0 ±1.2) to postoperative (2.0±1.5), and QOL scores increased from preoperative (30±5.0) to postoperative (80±18.0);the differences were statistically significant (P<0.01). One month after the treatment, significant pain relief was seen in 91 patients (91%), VAS scores decreased from preoperative (7.0 ±1.2) to postoperative (1.5 ±1.0) and QOL scores increased from preoperative (30±5.0) to postoperative (80±15.0); the differences were statistically significant (P<0.01). No statistically significant differences in VAS scores and QOL scores existed between the data determined at one week after the treatment and the data determined at one month after the treatment (P>0.05). Leakage of bone cement was observed in 40 patients (40%), resulting no severe neurological symptoms; among the 40 patients, intervertebral disc leakage at above and below the vertebral body was detected in 28 patients (70%), vertebral anterior edge leakage was observed in 11 patients (27.5%) and vertebral posterior edge leakage was seen in one patient (2.5%). Conclusion For the treatment of severe osteoporotic vertebral body compression fractures, percutaneous vertebroplasty by using high viscosity bone cement is safe and effective.

Objective The present study was designed to investigate the efficiency of simvastatin therapy for experimental pul‐monary hypertension (PH) in rat ,and the effects on the number and function of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) . Methods Twenty four Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups randomly :model group ,treatment group and control group , 8 rats in each group .Rats were treated with a single subcutaneous injection of monocrotaline to induce PH (PBS used as control) . The rats in the experimental group were administrated with simvastatin 3 days following subcutaneous injection of monocrotaline .In the 21st day ,the number of circulating EPC ,the right ventricle systolic pressure of rat ,pulmonary vascular structural changes and the quantity of cultured EPC were measured .At the same time ,EPC in each group were cultured in vitro ,then the ability of prolif‐eration and function were analyzed and compared .Results The number of circulating EPC in model group was decreased signifi‐cantly compared to both control and model groups (P< 0 .01) .Compared with model group ,simvastatin treatment markedly de‐creased the RVSP and the ratio of media thickness to eternal diameter (P<0 .01) ,but the ratio of vessel area to total arterial area (VA/TAA) was definitively increased(P<0 .01) .After 7 days of culture in vitro ,both the output of EPC and the ability of prolif‐eration ,conglutination and migration of EPC in treatment group were up -regulated compared with those in model group (P<0 .01) .Conclusion This study confirmed that simvastatin effectively treat experimental PH through improving quantity and func‐tion of circulating EPC .

Objective To study the local anatomic structure of subclavian vein and have a good command of operating methods and skills on subclavian vein catheterization (SVC) so as to improve the success rate of puncture. Methods Retrospectively analyze the clinical data of 600 cases of hospitalized patients who have had SVC (male 410, female 190) in our hospital from March 2010 to March 2014. Results There were 582 cases (97%) of successful puncture,including 546 cases (91%) of one-time puncture success,38 cases (6. 3%) of repeated puncture or other types of puncture,and 16 cases (2. 7%) of failed puncture. Postoperative complications occurred in 22 patients (3. 7%),including 8 cases (1. 3%) of strayed into the artery,3 cases (0. 5%) of pneumothorax,5 cases (0. 8%) of catheter tip into the internal jugular vein,2 cases (0. 3%) of catheter related infection,2 cases (0. 3%) of catheter blockage,and 2 cases (0. 3%) of arrhythmia. Conclusion SVC is easy,safe and reliable,and it is of high success rate and less complications. Catheter retention time of SVC is longer. From the above,SVC is a good central venous puncture method which is worth of popularizing in clinical use.

Objective To investigate the clinical and radiological features of the patients with cryptogenic stroke as the first manifestation of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM),and to explore the mechanism and summarize the diagnostic strategy.Methods Transcmnial Doppler (TCD) bubble tests,non-contrast or contrast-enhanced transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography,contrast-enhanced thoracic CT and pulmonary angiography were performed in 2 patients with cryptogenic stroke for the detection of right to left shunt (RLS) and the diagnosis of PAVM.Then interventional catheter embolization of PAVM and postoperative follow-up were arranged.Results TCD bubble tests in these 2 patients showed the following characteristics indicating RLS:spontaneous continuous shunt at rest,earlystage shunt appeared rapidly after injection,considerable large amount of shunt volume as a shower of microbubble,the extent of shunt volume not attenuated by Valsalva Maneuver (VM).One patient was diagnosed as PAVM,the other was PAVM plus patent foramen ovale (PFO).Both patients of PAVM were successfully treated with interventional catheter embolizations.Then TCD bubble test was repeated and showed significantly decreased amount of RLS.They remained asymptomatic during the 3-year and 1-year follow-up.Conclusions In patients with cryptogenic stroke due to suspected paradoxical embolism,TCD bubble test should be performed for screening RLS.Besides PFO,a traditional access to intracardiac shunt,PAVM should be considered as a new access to extracardiac shunt in paradoxical embolism.