Objective: To investigate the effect of neurite outgrowth inhibitor extracellular peptide residues 1-40 (NEP1-40) combined with poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and gelatin electrospun fiber membrane on facial nerve repair in rats. Methods: According to the principle of random grouping, 108 male SD rats were divided into four groups (n = 27 in each group, approved by the ethics committee), namely, the sham group, control group, PLGA group, and NEP1-40 + PLGA group. A facial nerve fracture model was established for all of the groups except for the sham group. The control group received no further treatment, the PLGA group and the NEP1-40+PLGA group were supported by PLGA membrane, and the NEP1-40+PLGA group received one immediate local injection of NEP1-40 (5 μg/μL) at a dose of 10 μL. Facial nerve function analysis, electrophysiological examination, transmission electron microscope observation, HE staining, and immunohistochemical staining of myelin marker S100β and axonal marker β3-tubulin were used to evaluate the recovery of injured facial nerves of rats at 2, 4 and 8 weeks. Results : At 8 weeks, the facial nerve function score of the NEP1-40+PLGA group was better than that of the control group and PLGA group (P < 0.001), and facial nerve function was significantly restored. Electrophysiological examination of nerve action potentials at the injured facial nerve showed that the amplitude in the NEP1-40+PLGA group was higher than that of the control group and PLGA group (P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in latency and conduction velocity results between the groups (P > 0.05). At 2, 4, and 8 weeks, transmission electron microscopy showed that the number of myelinated nerve fibers and myelin sheath thickness in the cross-section of the injured facial nerve in the NEP1-40+PLGA group were greater than those in the other groups (P < 0.05). At 8 weeks, HE staining showed that the facial nerves in the control group had partially recovered, but the overall cell distribution was uneven and the boundary with surrounding tissues was slightly blurred. In contrast, the NEP1-40+PLGA group had a relatively uniform cell distribution and a clearer boundary with surrounding tissues. At 2, 4, and 8 weeks, the immunohistochemical results showed that in the cross-section of the injuried facial nerve, NEP1-40 increased the expression of neural markers S100 β and β3-tubulin, especially β3-tubulin, which was close to normal levels (P > 0.05) Conclusion NEP1-40 is beneficial for the generation of new myelin sheaths and axons at the site of injury, and it can promote the repair and regeneration of injured facial nerves to a certain extent, thus accelerating the recovery of injured nerve function.

Objective To investigate the effects of Yitangkang on browning of white adipose and PINK1/Parkin pathway of mitophagy in adipose tissue of db/db mice.Methods Totally 30 six-week db/db mice were randomly divided into model group,Yitangkang Group(30 g/kg)and liraglutide group(200 μg/kg),and another 10 C57BL/6 mice of the same age were set as normal group.All groups were treated with corresponding drugs or normal saline for 5 weeks.During the period of administration,the body mass and fasting blood glucose(FBG)of mice in each group were detected regularly,the samples of liver,white and brown adipose of mice were weighed,the contents of serum triglyceride cholesterol(TC),triacylglycerol(TG),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)were detected by biochemical analyzer,HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of inguinal white adipose tissue(iWAT),immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of browning marker protein uncoupling protein-1(UCP1)in iWAT,Western blot was used to detect the expressions of browning-related proteins UCP1,PRDM16,PGC-1α and mitophagy-related proteins PINK1,Parkin,Beclin-1,p62 in iWAT.Results Compared with the normal group,the body mass,liver,white adipose and brown adipose mass of the model group significantly increased(P<0.01),the FBG and serum TG,TC and LDL-C contents significantly increased(P<0.01),and the content of HDL-C significantly decreased(P<0.01);large vacuoles in iWAT adipocytes,the diameter of adipocytes increased obviously,some adipocytes were extruded and deformed,and the edge of adipocytes was not clear,the expressions of iWAT UCP1,PRDM16,PGC-1α and p62 proteins decreased(P<0.01),while the expressions of PINK1,Parkin and Beclin-1 proteins increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the body mass,liver and white adipose mass significantly decreased in Yitangkang group and the liraglutide group(P<0.01),FBG and serum contents of TC,TG and LDL-C were significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),while HDL-C content significantly increased(P<0.01);the diameter of iWAT adipocytes decreased,the number increased,and the morphology was regular,the expressions of iWAT UCP1,PRDM16,PGC-1α and p62 proteins increased(P<0.01),while the expressions of PINK1,Parkin and Beclin-1 proteins decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Yitangkang can improve glucose and lipid metabolism and promote browning of white adipose in db/db mice,which may be related to mitophagy mediated by PINK1/Parkin pathway.

The skin is the largest organ of the human body and consists of two layers: epidermis and dermis. The dermal fibroblasts originate from distinct locations of the embryo and contain the location memory information in the skin. The dermal fibroblast progenitors differentiate into various cell types that are fated to perform specific functions such as hair follicle initiation and scar formation during wound healing. In addition, other skin components such as adipose tissue and nerves also play a role in wound healing. The authors reviewed the skin structure and its relationship with wound healing, and explored the mechanism of skin structure, such as epidermis, dermis and fat, in regulating the process of wound regeneration or scar healing, in order to find ways to promote wound healing or improve the quality of healing.

The skin is the largest organ of the human body and consists of two layers: epidermis and dermis. The dermal fibroblasts originate from distinct locations of the embryo and contain the location memory information in the skin. The dermal fibroblast progenitors differentiate into various cell types that are fated to perform specific functions such as hair follicle initiation and scar formation during wound healing. In addition, other skin components such as adipose tissue and nerves also play a role in wound healing. The authors reviewed the skin structure and its relationship with wound healing, and explored the mechanism of skin structure, such as epidermis, dermis and fat, in regulating the process of wound regeneration or scar healing, in order to find ways to promote wound healing or improve the quality of healing.

Objective To observe the effects of enhanced exercise and combined vitamin D and calcium supplementation on muscular strength and fracture occurrence in postmenopausal women with a high risk of osteoporosis.Methods Totally 614 postmenopausal women at high risk factors of osteoporosis were enrolled in Dongcheng district of Beijing and randomized into four groups:group A(control group,n=173),group B(regular Tai Chi exercise,n=171),group C(calcium 600 mg/d+VitD800 U/d,n=139),and group D[calcium 600 mg/d+25 hydroxyl vitamin D(25OHD) 0.25 μg/d,n=131].Muscular strength was measured at baseline and one and two years after intervention.Bone turnover markers were measured at baseline and during the two-year follow-up.Falls and fractures were recorded.Results The incidence of 25OHD<50 nmol/L was approximately 92.6%.During the follow-up,the left grip strength decreased significantly two years after intervention(t=-3.252,P=0.001)in group A.Right grip strength decreased significantly in group B(t=2.460,P=0.015)while left grip strength improved significantly in group C(t=-2.051,P=0.043)one year after intervention.In group D,muscular strength in both 12-month and 24-month did not change compared with baseline(both P>0.05).Furthermore,serum procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide elevated significantly in group A(t=-2.962,P=0.004),group B(t=-2.888,P=0.005),and group C(t=-2.441,P=0.016),whereas β-C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen decreased significantly in group B(t=2.285,P=0.024)and group D(t=2.596,P=0.011)two years after intervention.Conclusion Enhanced exercise and combined calcium vitamin D supplementation may help sustain muscle strength in postmenopausal women,while calcium and vitamin D supplementation may improve muscular strength within a short period of time.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between homocysteine (Hcy), von willebrand factor (vWF), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and the risk of cardio-cerebrovascular events among Inner Mongolians.

METHODSA survey was conducted among 2 589 Inner Mongolians from May 2002 to June 2003, and they were followed up for about ten years. The 182 individuals who developed cardio-cerebrovascular events in the cohort were defined as cases and those whose age, gender and residence 1:1 matched to cases were selected from the individuals who did not developed cardio-cerebrovascular events as controls. Then, a nested case-control study was used to analyze the relationship between Hcy, vWF and sICAM-1 and risk of cardio-cerebrovascular events. Conditonallogistic regression analysis was used to calculate OR values and 95% CI.

RESULTSThe cases had a higher baseline blood pressure, higher prevalence of hypertension and family history of hypertension compared to controls (all P values < 0.05), however, there were no significantly different between TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, FBG, smoking and drinking rates (all P values > 0.05). The M (P(25)-P(75)) of Hcy were 10.68 (7.84-14.98) and 10.02 (6.64-13.94) µmol/L, vWFs were 10.88 (8.14-14.58) and 10.42 (7.97-13.50) mg/L, sICAM-1 were 336.48 (260.68-409.87) and 335.12 (269.87-409.87) ng/ml. They were not significantly different between the two groups (Z values were 0.89, 0.94 and 0.29, respectively, all P values >0.05). After adjustment for the family history of hypertension, hypertension, TC, FPG, BMI, smoking and drinking rate, the conditional logistic regression showed that OR (95% CI) of risk of cardio-cerebrovascular events were 1.00 (0.52-1.93), 2.37 (1.25-4.49), and 0.81 (0.45-1.47) for the participants with increased Hcy, vWF, and sICAM-1, compared with those with normal Hcy, vWF, and sICAM-1, respectively.

CONCLUSIONIn the Inner Mongolians, increased vWF at baseline may increase the risk of cardio-cerebrovascular events, and increased Hcy and sICAM-1 were not significantly associated with the risk of cardio-cerebrovascular events.

Cardiovascular Diseases ; Case-Control Studies ; Cytokines ; Homocysteine ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; Logistic Models ; Prevalence ; Risk ; Risk Factors ; Stroke ; von Willebrand Factor

BACKGROUNDMany studies have suggested that C-reactive protein (CRP) and blood lipids are associated with hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, few studies discussed the combined action of CRP and blood lipids on the risk of hypertension and prehypertension. This study aimed to investigate the combined action of CRP and lipid profiles on the risk of hypertension and prehypertension in Mongolian adults from Inner Mongolia, China.

METHODSThe systolic and diastolic blood pressure, height, weight and waist circumference were measured and factors such as smoking, alcohol intake, family history of hypertension, etc., were investigated and CRP, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG) were tested for 2 534 Mongolian adults aged ≥ 20 years. The subjects were divided into four subgroups, namely CRP median subgroup, CRP >median and LDL-C (TG) median and LDL-C (TG) >median subgroup. The ORs (95% CIs) of hypertension and prehypertension for the subgroups were calculated by univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTSThe multivariate adjusted ORs (95%CIs) of hypertension/prehypertension were 1.389 (0.979-1.970)/1.151(0.865-1.531), 1.666 (1.159-2.394)/1.431 (1.060-1.930), 1.756 (1.242-2.484)/ 1.770 (1.321-2.372), for CRP median subgroup, CRP >median and LDL-C median and LDL-C >median subgroup, respectively, compared with CRP median subgroup, CRP >median and TG median and TG >median subgroup, respectively, compared with CRP median and LDL-C (TG) >median subgroup among the four subgroups.

CONCLUSIONSSubjects with both CRP >median and LDL-C (TG) >median had highest risks of hypertension and prehypertension among all subjects. This study appeared to indicate that the combined action of elevated CRP and elevated LDL-C (TG) further increase the risks of hypertension and prehypertension among Mongolian population.

Adult ; Body Height ; physiology ; Body Weight ; physiology ; C-Reactive Protein ; metabolism ; China ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; blood ; epidemiology ; metabolism ; Lipids ; blood ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Waist Circumference ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between interleukin-6 (IL-6), endothelin-1 (ET-1), E-selectin and the risk of cardio-cerebrovascular events.

METHODSBased on a cohort study in which 2 589 Mongolians had been followed up for 10 years, a nested case-control study was carried out to analyze the relationship between IL-6, ET-1, E-selectin and the risk of cardio-cerebrovascular events. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).

RESULTSThe average level of IL-6 (7.66 vs. 8.77 pg/ml), ET-1 (0.74 vs. 0.75 pg/ml) and E-selectin (17.96 vs. 18.32 ng/ml)were not significantly different between the case and the control groups (P > 0.05). Data from the logistic regression analysis showed that IL-6, ET-1 and E-selectin were not significantly associated with the risk of cardio-cerebrovascular events. The multivariable adjusted ORs (95%CI) on the risk of cardio-cerebrovascular events were 0.69 (0.41-1.16), 1.10 (0.66-1.85) and 1.19 (0.71-2.00) for the participants with IL-6>23.91 pg/ml, ET-1>1.33 pg/ml and E-selectin>24.43 ng/ml, respectively, compared with those having IL-6≤23.91 pg/ml, ET-1≤1.33 pg/ml or E-selectin≤24.43 ng/ml.

CONCLUSIONData from our study indicated that the levels of IL-6, ET-1 and E-selectin at baseline were not significantly associated with the risk of cardio-cerebrovascular events in people from Inner Mongolia.

Cardiovascular Diseases ; epidemiology ; Case-Control Studies ; Cerebrovascular Disorders ; epidemiology ; China ; epidemiology ; Cohort Studies ; E-Selectin ; blood ; Endothelin-1 ; blood ; Humans ; Interleukin-6 ; blood ; Odds Ratio ; Risk

Objective To explore the effect of airway humidification on lung injury as a result of mechanical ventilation with different tidal volume(VT). Methods Twenty-four male Japanese white rabbits were randomly divided into four groups:low VT with airway humidification group,high VT with airway humidification group,low VT and high VT group without humidification,with 6 rabbits in each group. Mechanical ventilation was started after intubation and lasted for 6 hours. Low VT denoted 8 mL/kg,while high VT was 16 mL/kg,fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2)denoted 0.40,positive end-expiratory pressure(PEEP)was 0. Temperature at Y piece of circuit in airway humidification groups was monitored and controlled at 40℃. Arterial blood gas analysis,including pH value,arterial partial pressure of oxygen(PaO2),arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide(PaCO2),lung mechanics indexes, including peak airway pressure(Ppeak)and airway resistance(Raw),and lung compliance was measured at 0,2,4, 6 hours of mechanical ventilation. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin-8(IL-8)in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The animals were sacrificed at the end of mechanical ventilation. The wet to dry(W/D)ratio of lung tissues was calculated. Histopathologic changes in the lung tissueies were observed with microscope,and lung injury score was calculated. Scanning and transmission electron microscopies were used to examine the integrity of the airway cilia and the tracheal epithelium. Results Compared with low VT group,pH value in high VT group was significantly increased,PaCO2 was significantly lowered,and no difference in PaO2 was found. Ppeak,Raw,and lung compliance were significantly increased during mechanical ventilation. There were no significant differences in blood gas analysis and lung mechanics indexes between low VT with airway humidification group and low VT group. Compared with high VT group,PaCO2 in high VT with airway humidification group was significantly decreased,Ppeak raised obviously,and no difference in pH value,PaO2,Raw and pulmonary compliance was found. Compared with low VT with airway humidification group,no difference in blood gas analysis(PaCO2,mmHg,1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)was found,but Ppeak(cmH2O,1 cmH2O=0.098 kPa),Raw(cmH2O),and lung compliance(mL/cmH2O)were increased significantly in high VT with airway humidification group(PaCO2 at 2 hours:27.96±4.64 vs. 36.08±2.11,4 hours:28.62±2.93 vs. 34.55±5.50, 6 hours:29.33±2.14 vs. 35.01±5.53;Ppeak at 0 hour:14.34±1.97 vs. 8.84±1.32,2 hours:17.33±0.52 vs. 11.17±2.14,4 hours:17.83±0.98 vs. 12.67±2.06,6 hours:18.67±1.22 vs. 13.50±2.16;Raw at 0 hour:37.36±5.14 vs. 27.05±2.93,2 hours:43.94±6.58 vs. 31.95±3.56,4 hours:48.04±6.07 vs. 35.24±3.50, 6 hours:50.33±6.34 vs. 36.66±3.64;pulmonary compliance at 6 hours:2.28±0.18 vs. 1.86±0.37,all P<0.05). The lung W/D ratio in high VT group was significantly higher than that of the low VT group(6.17±2.14 vs. 3.50±1.52, P<0.05). W/D in high VT with airway humidification group was higher than that of low VT with airway humidification group but without statistically significant difference(5.17±2.14 vs. 3.00±1.10,P>0.05). Microscopic observation showed that cilia were partially detached,adhered and sparse in low VT group,while cilia in high VT group showed serious detachment and lodging. Remaining cilia were sparse,with lodging,and cellular structure was damaged. Lung tissue pathological injury score in the high VT group was significantly higher than that of low VT group(6.17±2.14 vs. 3.50±1.52,P<0.05). Cilia density and cellularity were normal in low VT with airway humidification group,and no difference in lung tissue pathological injury score was found compared with low VT group(3.00±1.10 vs. 3.50±1.52, P>0.05). Cilia were severely detached,adhered and lodging,and cellularity were not obvious in high VT with airway humidification group,and lung tissue pathological injury score was elevated significantly than that of the low VT with airway humidification group but without statistically significant difference(5.17±2.14 vs. 3.00±1.10,P>0.05). TNF-α and IL-8 concentrations showed no change in plasma and BALF in all groups during ventilation,and no significant difference was found among the groups. Conclusions Airway humidification can alleviate pathological lung injury,damage of cilia and cellular structure in trachea caused by mechanical ventilation with low and high VT. High VT with humidification can result in serious pulmonary edema.

Objective To investigate the relationship between interleukin-6(IL-6),endothelin-1 (ET-1),E-selectin and the risk of cardio-cerebrovascular events. Methods Based on a cohort study in which 2 589 Mongolians had been followed up for 10 years,a nested case-control study was carried out to analyze the relationship between IL-6, ET-1, E-selectin and the risk of cardio-cerebrovascular events. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the odds ratio(OR) and 95%confidence intervals(95%CI). Results The average level of IL-6(7.66 vs. 8.77 pg/ml), ET-1(0.74 vs. 0.75 pg/ml) and E-selectin (17.96 vs. 18.32 ng/ml) were not significantly different between the case and the control groups(P>0.05). Data from the logistic regression analysis showed that IL-6,ET-1 and E-selectin were not significantly associated with the risk of cardio-cerebrovascular events. The multivariable adjusted ORs(95%CI)on the risk of cardio-cerebrovascular events were 0.69 (0.41-1.16),1.10 (0.66-1.85) and 1.19(0.71-2.00) for the participants with IL-6>23.91 pg/ml ,ET-1>1.33 pg/ml and E-selectin>24.43 ng/ml,respectively,compared with those having IL-6≤23.91 pg/ml ,ET-1≤1.33 pg/ml or E-selectin≤24.43 ng/ml. Conclusion Data from our study indicated that the levels of IL-6,ET-1 and E-selectin at baseline were not significantly associated with the risk of cardio-cerebrovascular events in people from Inner Mongolia.