Objective: To evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine on renal fibrosis in a mouse model of renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) and the role of serine-threonine kinase (Akt). Methods: Sixty male C57BL/6 mice, aged 8 weeks, weighing 20-25 g, were divided into 5 groups (n=12 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group (S group), renal I/R group (I/R group), renal I/R plus dexmedetomidine group (I/R + D group), renal I/R plus dexmedetomidine plus Akt agonist SC79 group (I/R + D + SC group), and renal I/R plus dexmedetomidine plus normal saline group (I/R+ D+ NS group). Renal I/R injury model was established by clamping the bilateral renal pedicle for 30 min followed by reperfusion.Dexmedetomidine was intraperitoneally injected at 30 min before surgery in I/R+ D, I/R+ D+ SC and I/R+ D+ NS groups.SC79 was intraperitoneally injected as a bolus of 0.04 mg/kg at 1 min of reperfusion, followed by an intraperitoneal injection of the same dose every 24 h until day 7.The serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and Scr concentrations were detected at 24 h of reperfusion.Renal tissues were taken, and the damage to the renal tubules was scored.Renal tissues were removed at 14 days of reperfusion to detect the degree of renal fibrosis and expression of collagen 1 (COL1), fibronectin (FN), and α-smooth actin (α-SMA) (by immunofluorescence and Western blot). The expression of phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) in renal tissues was determined by Western blot at 24 h and 14 day of reperfusion. Results: Compared with group S, the serum BUN and Scr concentrations, renal tubule damage score and degree of renal fibrosis were significantly increased, and the expression of COL1, FN, α-SMA and p-Akt was up-regulated in group I/R (P<0.05). Compared with I/R group, the serum BUN and Scr concentrations, renal tubular damage score and degree of renal fibrosis were significantly decreased, and the expression of COL1, FN, α-SMA and p-Akt was down-regulated in I/R+ D and I/R+ D+ NS groups (P<0.05). Compared with I/R+ D group, the serum BUN and Scr concentrations, renal tubule damage score and degree of renal fibrosis were significantly increased , and the expression of COL1, FN, α-SMA and p-Akt was up-regulated in I/R+ D+ SC group (P<0.05). Conclusion Dexmedetomidine can reduce the degree of renal fibrosis in a mouse model of renal I/R and the mechanism is related to inhibiting activation of Akt.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine on hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1 α) signaling pathway during hypoxia in mice with lung cancer. Methods: Eighteen clean-grade healthy adult male BALB/c nude mice, aged 8 weeks, weighing 20-30 g, were divided into 3 groups (n=6 each) using a random number table method: lung cancer group (group L), hypoxia+ lung cancer group (group HL), and hypoxia plus lung cancer plus dexmedetomidine group (group HLD). Human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell suspension 1×10⁶/150 μl was injected via the tail vein to establish the mouse model of lung cancer.After the model was established successfully, chronic intermittent hypoxia was performed as follows: the mice were placed in air-tight modular incubation chambers, and the atmosphere was controlled by a constant gas flow containing 10% O₂ for 3 h once a day for 3 weeks.The mice in group HL were exposed to hypoxia.After the end of hypoxia exposure, the animals in group HLD were intraperitoneally injected with dexmedetomidine 25 μg/kg 3 times a week for 3 weeks in total.The mice in group L were placed in air-tight modular incubation chambers and the atmosphere was controlled by a constant gas flow containing 21% O₂ for 3 h once a day for 3 weeks, and the equal volume of normal saline was injected intraperitoneally.The mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation, and the lung tissues were removed for determination of lung cancer nodules count, HIF-1α expression (by immunohistochemistry), expression of HIF-1α, survivin and X chromosome linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) (by Western blot), and expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 (by real-time polymerase chain reaction). Results: Compared with group L, the number of lung cancer nodules was significantly increased, and the expression of HIF-1α, survivin, XIAP, MMP-2 and MMP-9 was up-regulated in the other two groups (P<0.05). Compared with group HL, the number of lung cancer nodules was significantly increased, and the expression of HIF-1α, survivin, XIAP, MMP-2 and MMP-9 was up-regulated in group HLD (P<0.05). A small number of HIF-1α positive cells were found in group L, a medium number of HIF-1α positive cells in group HL, and a large number of HIF-1α positive cells in group HAD. Conclusion Dexmedetomidine can promote proliferation of tumor cells in mice with lung cancer during hypoxia, and the mechanism is related to activating HIF-1α signaling pathway.

Objective To evaluate the effect of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) on the phenotypic transformation of the lumbar sympathetic ganglion (LSG) in the rats with diabetic neuropathic pain (PDN).Methods Twenty-four clean-grade healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats,aged 2 months,weighing 180-220 g,were divided into 4 groups (n =6 each) according to the method of random number table:control group (group C),group PDN,group PRF,and PRF control group (group PC).The PDN model was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin 60 mg/kg in anesthetized rats.Citrate-sodium citrate buffer 6 ml/kg was intraperitoneally injected in group C.Group PC only received radiofrequency needle puncture.PRF was performed on the right L3 LSG in group PRF.The mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (MWT) to yon Frey filament stimulation was measured before intraperitoneal injection (baseline,T0),before PRF and at 1,3,5,7 and 14 days after PRF.The rats were then sacrificed,and ipsilateral L3 LSGs were removed for determination of the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and vesicle glutamate transporter2 (VGLUT2) in LSGs (by double immunofluorescent staining) and for examination of pathological changes (with a light microscope).The number of neurons expressing VGLUT2 was counted.Results Compared with group C,the MWT was significantly decreased at T1-6,and the number of neurons expressing VGLUT2 was increased at T6 in PDN,PC and PRF groups (P＜0.05).Compared with PDN and PC groups,the MWT was significantly increased at T2-6,and the number of neurons expressing VGLUT2 was decreased at T6 in group PRF (P＜0.05).TH expression in LSGs was found,and no VGLUT2 expression in LSGs was observed in group C,the expression of TH and VGLUT2 in LSGs was found in the other three groups,especially in PDN and PC groups,and most of the neurons expressing VGLUT2 expressed TH simultaneously.Conclusion The mechanism by which PRF mitigates PDN is related to inhibiting the phenotypic transformation of LSGs in the rats.

Objective To observe the effect of intrathecal injection of TRESK overexpression adenoviruson phosphorylation of JNK and apoptosis of neurons in neuropathic pain rats.Methods Seventy-two male SD rats were randomly divided into six groups:groups C,S,NP,T,V,and NS,12 for each group.SNI was administrated to rats in groups NP,T,V and NS.TRESK adenovirus and negative virus were intrathecally injected after use of SNI in groups T and V,while equal volume of NS was injected to rats in group NS.MWT and TWL were measured at 1 day before operation(baseline,BL)and at 1,3,7 and 14 days after operation (days 1,3,7,and 14).Six rats in each group were sacrificed at D7 to determinate the expression of TRESK protein of DRG.The other rats were sacrificed at D14 to determinate neural apoptosis and the expressions of caspase3 and p-JNK of DRG.Results As compared with groups C,S and T,the expression of TRESK protein was significantly decreased at D7 in groups NP,NS and V (P＜0.05).Compared with groups C and S,MWT was significantly decreased at days 1,3,7 and 14 (P＜0.05),phosphorylation of JNK in DRG was significantly increased at D14 (P＜0.05),neuronal apoptosis rate and expressions of Caspase3 of DRG were significantly increased at D14 (P＜0.05) in groups NP,T,NS and V.Compared with groups NP,V and NS,MWT was significantly increased at time points of days 1,3,7 and 14 in group T (P＜0.05),phosphorylation of JNK of in DRG was significantly decreased at D14 in group T (P＜0.05),neuronal apoptosis rate and expression of Caspase3 of DRG were significantly decreased at D14 in group T (P＜0.05).Intrathecal injection ofpAd/CMV/VS-DEST-TRESK obviously reduced mechanical hyperalgesia,upregulated TRESK expression,and lowered JNK phosphorylation and NP in SNI rat.Conclusions Intrathecal injection of TRESK over expression adenovirus relieves NP via inhibiting JNK activation and neuronal apoptosis.

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the risk factors for antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) in Chinese adult patients systematically,and to provide evidence-based reference in clinic. METHODS:Retrieved from CNKI,VIP,CBM,Wanfang database,PubMed and Embase,etc.,disease control studies about AAD risk factors of Chinese adult patients were collected.The retrieval time limit ranged from Jan. 2000 to Jan. 2018. Meta-analysis was performed by using Rev Man 5.2 software after data extraction and quality evaluation of included literatures with NOS scale. RESULTS:A total of 14 literatures were included, involving 20 914 patients. The result of Meta-analysis showed that age ≥65 years [OR＝2.36,95%CI(1.99,2.79),P＜0.001], fasting [OR＝4.65,95%CI(3.79,5.69),P＜0.001],use of acid suppressant [OR＝5.82,95%CI(3.77,8.98),P＜0.001],serum albumin ≤30 g/L [OR＝2.40,95%CI(2.00,2.88),P＜0.001],invasive operation [OR＝3.95,95%CI(3.03,5.15),P＜0.001], stay in ICU [OR＝2.93,95%CI(2.38,3.60),P＜0.001],hospitalization time ≥10 d [OR＝4.08,95%CI(3.31,5.03),P＜0.001], antibiotic species ≥3 kinds [OR＝1.98,95%CI(1.56,2.51),P＜0.001] and duration of antibiotics use ≥10 d [OR＝6.16,95%CI (3.22,11.76),P＜0.001] were significantly correlated with the occurrence of AAD. CONCLUSIONS:Age ≥65 years,fasting, use of acid suppressant,serum albumin ≤30 g/L,invasive operation,stay in ICU,time of hospitalization ≥10 d,antibiotic species≥3 kinds and duration of antibiotics use≥10 d are risk factors for AAD in Chinese adult patients.

Objective To evaluate the role of interleukin-4 receptor (IL-4R) in renal fibrosis following renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in mice.Methods Twelve male wild type BALB/C mice and 12 IL-4Rα gene-knockout mice,aged 8-10 weeks,weighing 20-30 g,were used in the study.The mice of either type were divided into 2 groups (n =6 each) using a random number table:sham operation group (group S) and group I/R.In group I/R,renal I/R was induced by occlusion of the right renal artery for 1 h with atraumatic microclips followed by 2 weeks of reperfusion.The right renal artery was only isolated in group S.At 2 weeks of reperfusion,blood samples were taken from the orbital vein for determination of the concentrations of serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr).The renal tissues were obtained,and the renal fibrosis area was measured by Sirius Red staining.The expression of fibronectin (FN),collagen Ⅰ (COL-Ⅰ) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in renal tissues was detected by immunofluorescence.The expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) and phospho-STAT6 in renal tissues was determined by Western blot.The ratio of phoshop-STAT6 to STAT6 was calculated to reflect the phosphorylation of STAT6.Results Compared with group S of wild type mice,the serum BUN and Cr concentrations and renal fibrosis area were significantly increased,the expression of FN,COL-Ⅰ and α-SMA in renal tissues was significantly up-regulated,and the phosphorylation of STAT6 in renal tissues was significantly increased in group I/R of wild type and IL-4Rα KO mice (P＜0.05).Compared with group I/R of wild type mice,the serum BUN and Cr concentrations and renal fibrosis area were significantly decreased,the expression of FN,COL-Ⅰ and α-SMA in renal tissues was significantly down-regulated,and the phosphorylation of STAT6 in renal tissues was significantly decreased in group I/R of IL-4RαKO mice (P＜0.05).Conclusion The mechanism of renal fibrosis following renal I/R injury is partially related to IL-4R,and IL-4R results in renal fibrosis through promoting activation of STAT6 signaling pathway in mice.

Objective To investigate the morbidity, diagnostic profile and perinatal outcome of pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM) in 15 hospitals in Guangdong province. Methods A total of 41338 women delivered in the 15 hospitals during the 6 months,195 women with PGDM(PGDM group) and 195 women with normal glucose test result(control group)were recruited from these tertiary hospitals in Guangdong province from January 2016 to June 2016. The morbidity and diagnostic profile of PGDM were analyzed. The complications during pregnancy and perinatal outcomes were compared between the two groups. In the PGDM group, pregnancy outcomes were analyzed in women who used insulin treatment (n=91) and women who did not (n=104). Results (1)The incidence of PGDM was 0.472%(195/41338). Diabetes mellitus were diagnosed in 59 women (30.3%, 59/195) before pregnancy, and 136 women (69.7%,136/195) were diagnosed as PGDM after conceptions. Forty-six women (33.8%) were diagnosed by fasting glucose and glycohemoglobin (HbA1c) screening. (2) The maternal age, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), prenatal BMI, percentage of family history of diabetes, incidence of macrosomia, concentration of low density lipoprotein were significantly higher in PGDM group than those in control group (all P<0.05). Women in PGDM group had significantly higher HbA1c concentration((6.3±1.3)% vs (5.2±0.4)%), fasting glucose [(6.3±2.3) vs (4.8±1.1) mmol/L], oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT)-1 h glucose((12.6±2.9) vs (7.1± 1.3) mmol/L)and OGTT-2 h glucose [(12.0±3.0) vs (6.4±1.0) mmol/L] than those in control group (P<0.01). (3)The morbidity of preterm births was significantly higher (11.3% vs 1.0%, P<0.01), and the gestational age at delivery in PGDM group was significantly smaller [(37.6±2.3) vs (39.2±1.2) weeks, P<0.01]. Cesarean delivery rate in the PGDM group (70.8% vs 29.7%) was significantly higher than the control group (P<0.01). There was significantly difference between PGDM group and control in the neonatal male/female ratio (98/97 vs 111/84, P=0.033). The neonatal birth weight in PGDM group was significantly higher((3159±700) vs (3451±423) g, P<0.01). And the incidence of neonatal hypoglycemia in the PGDM group was higher than the control group (7.7% vs 2.6%, P=0.036).(4)In the PGDM group, women who were treated with insulin had a smaller gestational age at delivery [(36.9±2.9) vs (37.9±2.5) weeks, P<0.01], and the neonates had a higher neonatal ICU(NICU)admission rate (24.2% vs 9.6% , P<0.01). Conclusions The morbidity of PGDM in the 15 hospitals in Guangdong province is 0.472%. The majority of PGDM was diagnosed during pregnancy; HbA1c and fasting glucose are reliable parameters for PGDM screening. Women with PGDM have obvious family history of diabetes and repeated pregnancy may accelerate the process of diabetes mellitus. Women with PGDM have higher risk for preterm delivery and neonatal hypoglycemia. Unsatisfied glucose control followed by insulin treatment may increase the need for NICU admission.

Objective To evaluate the changes in the expression of adaptor protein containing pleck-strin homobgy domain, phosphotyrosine-binding domain and a leucine zipper motif 1(APPL1)during renal fibrosis in a mouse model of renal ischemia-reperfusion(I∕R)injury. Methods Twenty-four male C57BL∕6 mice, aged 8 weeks, weighing 20-25 g, were divided into 2 groups(n=12 each)using a random number table: sham operation group(S group)and renal I∕R group.The model of renal I∕R injury was established by clipping the bilateral renal pedicles for 30 min followed by reperfusion in group I∕R.Six mice were selected at 2 days of reperfusion, and venous blood samples were collected for determination of serum concentrations of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine.The animals were then sacrificed, the renal specimens were obtained for microscopic examination of tubular necrosis with a light microscope, and the damage to the renal tubules was scored using a semi-quantitative method.Six mice were sacrificed at 14 days of reperfusion, and the renal specimens were obtained for assessment of the degree of renal fibrosis(using picric acid-sirius red staining) and for determination of the expression of collagen type 1, fibronectin and α-smooth muscle actin in renal tis-sues(by Western blot or immunofluorescence method). At 2 and 14 days of reperfusion, the expression of APPL1 in renal tissues was detected by Western blot and the expression of APPL1 mRNA in renal tissues by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results Compared with group S, the serum concentrations of blood u-rea nitrogen and creatinine, scores of renal tubular damage and degree of renal fibrosis were significantly in-creased at 2 days of reperfusion, the expression of collagen type 1, fibronectin and α-smooth muscle actin in renal tissues was up-regulated at 14 days of reperfusion, and the expression of APPL1 protein and mRNA was up-regulated at 2 and 14 days of reperfusion in group I∕R(P<0.05). Conclusion Up-regulated expression of APPL1 may be involved in the process of renal fibrosis in a mouse model of renal I∕R injury.

Objective To observe the effect of adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK) on attenuating inflammation in fibrosis induced hy acute ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) in mice.Methods Forty eight male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups:sham operation group (sham group),IRI group,AMPK inhibitor+IRI group (AMPK/IRI group) and normal saline+IRI group (NS/IRI group),12 mice each group.The mice with renal IRI were occluded for 30 min through clipping bilateral renal pedicle,then released renal perfusion.Mice in sham group were performed the separation of renal pedicle without clipping.Mice in AMPK/IRI group and NS/IRI group were respectively intraperitoneal injected AMPK inhibitor and normal saline before IRI.At the 2 d after operation,6 randomly-selected mice from each group were blooded by extraction eyeball to detect BUN and Scr.The renal histopathological changes were observed through HE staining.The mRNA expression of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α was detected by real time PCR,and the level of AMPK phosphorylation was detected by Western blotting.At the 14 d after operation,Collagen 1 (COL1),α-SMA and fibronectin (FN) were detected by immunofluorescence and Western blotting in 6 remained mice from each group.The degree of kidney fibrosis was observed through sirus red staining.Results Compared with those in sham group,tubular interstitial damage was aggravated (P ＜ 0.05),BUN and Scr were increased (P ＜ 0.05),the mRNA expression of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α was increased at the 2 d after operation (all P ＜ 0.05),and the level of AMPK phosphorylation was activated in IRI group and NS/IRI group (all P ＜ 0.05);the degree of kidney fibrosis and the expression of COL1,α-SMA and FN were increased obviously at the 14 d (all P ＜ 0.05).Compared with those in IRI group,in AMPK/IRI group tubular interstitial damage was aggravated (P ＜ 0.05),BUN and Scr were increased (all P ＜ 0.05),the mRNA expression of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α was increased at the 2 d (all P ＜ 0.05),and the level of AMPK phosphorylation was decreased (P ＜ 0.05).Moreover,the degree of kidney fibrosis and the expression of COLI,α-SMA and FN were increased obviously at the 14 d in AMPK/IRI group (all P ＜0.05).Conclusions AMPK can ameliorate the acute renal ischemia reperfusion injury induce fibrosis in mice,and the mechanism may be related to the decrease of inflammatory reaction.

Objective To evaluate the role of T?type calcium channels in up?regulation of spinal Ca2+∕calmodulin?dependent protein kinase Ⅱ ( CaMKⅡ) expression in rats with neuropathic pain. Meth?ods Forty?eight male Sprague?Dawley rats, weighing 230-270 g, in which intrathecal catheters were suc?cessfully implanted, were divided into 4 groups ( n=12 each) using a random number table: sham opera?tion group (group S), neuropathic pain group (group NP), normal saline group (group NS), and T?type calcium channel blocker mibefradil group ( group M ) . The model of neuropathic pain was established by chronic compression of the dorsal root ganglion ( DRG) . Normal saline 20μl and mibefradil 200μg ( dilu?ted to 20μl in normal saline) were injected intrathecally at 5 days after compression of the DRG in NS and M groups, respectively. Before intrathecal catheter implantation ( T1 ) , before compression of the DRG ( T2 ) , at 5 days after compression of the DRG and before intrathecal administration ( T3 ) , and at 30, 60, 120 and 240 min after intrathecal administration ( T4?7 ) , the mechanical paw withdrawal threshold ( MWT) and thermal paw withdrawal latency ( TWL) were measured. The rats were sacrificed after the last measure?ment of the pain threshold at T7 , and the lumbar enlargement segments of the spinal cord were harvested for determination of CaMKⅡ expression by Western blot. Results Compared with group S, the MWT was significantly decreased, and TWL was significantly shortened at T3?7 , and the expression of spinal CaMKⅡ was significantly up?regulated in NP and M groups (P<0.05). Compared with group NP, the MWT wassignificantly increased, and TWL was significantly prolonged at T4?6, and the expression of spinal CaMKⅡwas significantly down?regulated in group M (P<0.05), and no significant change was found in the parame?ters mentioned above in group NS (P>0.05). Conclusion T?type calcium channels are opened, the intra?cellular free calcium ion concentrations are increased, and activated spinal CaMKⅡ is involved in the de?velopment of neuropathic pain in rats.