Effect of Isodon ternifolius-medicated serum on hepatic stellate cells based on TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway / 中国中药杂志

The present study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect and mechanism of Isodon terricolous-medicated serum on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced hepatic stellate cell(HSC) activation. LPS-induced HSCs were divided into a blank control group, an LPS model group, a colchicine-medicated serum group, an LPS + blank serum group, an I. terricolous-medicated serum group, a Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4) blocker group, and a TLR4 blocker + I. terricolous-medicated serum group. HSC proliferation was detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT) assay. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to measure type Ⅰ collagen(COL Ⅰ), COL Ⅲ, transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1), α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1(VCAM-1), cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1(caspase-1), and monocyte chemotactic protein-1(MCP-1). Real-time PCR(RT-PCR) was used to detect mRNA expression of TLR4, IκBα, and NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3), nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) p65, gasdermin D(GSDMD), and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD(ASC) in HSCs. Western blot(WB) was used to detect the protein levels of TLR4, p-IκBα, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, ASC, and GSDMD in HSCs. The results showed that I. terricolous-medicated serum could inhibit the proliferation activity of HSCs and inhibit the secretion of COL Ⅰ, COL Ⅲ, α-SMA, TGF-β1, caspase-1, MCP-1, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1 in HSCs. Compared with the LPS model group, the I. terricolous-medicated serum group, the colchicine-medicated serum group, and the TLR4 blocker group showed down-regulated expression of p-IκBα, NLRP3, NF-κB p65, GSDMD, and ASC, and up-regulated expression of IκBα. Compared with the TLR4 blocker group, the TLR4 blocker + I. terricolous-medicated serum group showed decreased expression of TLR4, p-IκBα, NLRP3, NF-κB p65, GSDMD, and ASC, and increased expression of IκBα. In conclusion, I. terricolous-medicated serum down-regulates HSC activation by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Exploring the key anti-fatigue components of American ginseng based on metabolomics and zebrafish models / 药学学报

The aim of this paper is to explore the key anti-fatigue active components in the saponin-like composition of American ginseng. The anti-fatigue activity of western ginseng samples was evaluated using a zebrafish model; metabolomics techniques were used to identify the main saponins in western ginseng from different origins; the active substances and relevant targets of the anti-fatigue effect of western ginseng were initially screened by constructing a PPI protein interaction network between western ginseng saponins and disease targets, and the key active ingredients were screened using a molecular docking method; finally, the anti-fatigue activity of the key active ingredients was evaluated using a zebrafish, animal experiment was approved by the Ethics Committee of Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences (SYXK20220005). The anti-fatigue activity of the key active ingredients was evaluated using a zebrafish model. The results of the zebrafish activity evaluation showed that there were significant differences in the activities of the western ginseng samples from the two origins, and a total of 10 different saponins were identified as possibly related to the anti-fatigue activity after further metabolomic testing and pattern discrimination. The core anti-fatigue targets were screened with the help of component-disease target PPI, combined with pharmacophore-like parameters and molecular docking techniques, and pseudoginsenoside F11 was found to have good binding activity to five of the targets. Finally, the zebrafish model revealed that pseudoginsenoside F11 exhibited significant anti-fatigue activity. This study used metabolomics and zebrafish model to screen the key active substances of pseudoginsenoside F11 for its anti-fatigue activity, which will provide a reference for further research on the anti-fatigue of pseudoginsenosides.

Uniportal thoracoscopic decortication for stage Ⅲ tuberculous empyema of 158 cases / 中华外科杂志

Objective: To examine the safety and feasibility of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) decortication in patients presenting with stage Ⅲ tuberculous empyema. Methods: From August 2017 to July 2020, 158 patients of stage Ⅲ tuberculous empyema underwent uniportal VATS decortication with partial rib resection and customized periosteal stripper in Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital. There were 127 males and 31 females, aged (M(IQR)) 32(28) years (range:14 to 78 years). Follow-up was performed in the outpatient clinic or via social communication applications, at monthly thereafter. If there was no air leak and chest tube drainage was less than 50 ml/day, a chest CT was performed. If the lung was fully re-expanded, chest tubes were removed. All patients received a follow-up chest CT 3 to 6 months following their initial operations which was compared to their preoperative imaging. Results: There was one conversion to open thoracotomy. The operative time was 2.75 (2.50) hours (range: 1.5 to 7.0 hours), and median blood loss was 100 (500) ml (range: 50 to 2 000 ml). There were no perioperative mortalities. There were no major complications except 1 case of redo-VATS for hemostasis due to excessive drainage and 1 case of incision infection, The incidence of prolonged air leaks (>5 days) was 80.3%(126/157). The postoperative hospital stay was 5.00 (2.25) days (range: 2 to 15 days). All patients were discharged with 2 chest tubes, and the median duration drainage was 21.00 (22.50) days (range: 3 to 77 days). Follow-up was completed in all patients over a duration of 20 (14) months (range: 12 to 44 months). At follow-up, 149 patients(94.9%) recovered to grade Ⅰ level, 7 patients to grade Ⅱ level, and 1 patient to grade Ⅲ level. Conclusion: Uniportal VATS decortication involving partial rib resection and a customized periosteal stripper is safe and effective for patients with stage Ⅲ tuberculous empyema.

Study of integrated state of HPV-16 infection in cervical cancer and precancerous tissues / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the prevalence of physical state of HPV-16 DNA in cervical cancer and cervical precancerous carcinoma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Multiplex PCR was adopted to detect the physical state of HPV in samples from 252 patients with cervical carcinoma, including 48 samples of cervical cancer, 204 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN ) (125 CIN I, 46 CIN II and 33 CIN III) and 20 normal samples from the subjects with hysteromyoma undergoing hysterectomy, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among 48 patients with cervical cancer, 31 (65.6%) were infected with HPV-16. Eighteen among 31 (58.1%) HPV-16 infected patients with cervical cancer were found to have integrated infection of HPV-16. The positive rates of HPV-16 infection in the patients with CIN I, CIN II and CIN III were 19.2%, 34.8% and 42.4%, and the integrated infection rates of HPV-16 were 16.7%, 18.8% and 35.7%, respectively. Compared with patients with different grades of CIN, the integrated rate of HPV-16 infection in those with cervical cancer was significantly elevated.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Among the patients with HPV-16 infection, the integrated state of HPV-16 is positively correlated with the severity of cervical lesions. Combined HPV typing test and detection of integrated viral state contribute to predicting the prognosis of patients with cervical precancerous lesions and increasing the accuracy of screening cervical cancer on the basis of HPV DNA detection.</p>

Effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on mast cells tryptase in asthmatic guinea pigs

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on the mast cell tryptase (MCT) in asthmatic guinea pigs.@*METHODS@#A total of 60 male or female healthy guinea pigs were randomly divided into control group (group A), asthmatic group (group B), and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 group (group C), with 20 cases in each group. To establish asthmatic guinea pig models, 1 mL peanut oil was filled into stomach in the morning in group A and group B, and 1 mL peanut oil with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 was filled into stomach in group C. Airway resistance (Re) of asthmatic guinea pigs was detected, and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cells were counted. Lung tissue with HE and MCT immunohistochemical staining were used to observe the pathological changes in lung tissue and the distribution of MCT.@*RESULTS@#After injection of different concentration of acetylcholine chloride, the Re in group B and group C were increased significantly compared with group A (P < 0.05); compared with group B, the Re in group C were decreased significantly (t = -5.385, -5.761, -6.184, -13.574, P < 0.05); the total number of BALF cells and eosinophils were increased significantly in group B and C (t = 19.618, 9.598, 10.854, 5.388, P < 0.05); compared with group B, the total number of BALF cells and eosinophils in group C was decreased significantly (t = -5.555, -5.392, P < 0.05); the number of tryptase positive cells in group B was increased significantly than that in group A (t = 21.312, P < 0.05), and in addition to the alveolar septum and submucosa, the cells were also distributed around blood vessels and outside the cells; the number of tryptase positive cells in group C was decreased significantly compared with group B, and the difference was statistically significant (t = 5.043, P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#After the asthmatic guinea pigs are treated with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, their BALF, Re, infiltration degree of inflammatory cells in the trachea and lung tissue and airway inflammatory reaction are reduced significantly. 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 has a certain inhibiting effect on the activation of mast cells and the release of MCT granules.

Effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on mast cells tryptase in asthmatic guinea pigs

Objective: To explore the effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on the mast cell tryptase (MCT) in asthmatic guinea pigs. Methods: A total of 60 male or female healthy guinea pigs were randomly divided into control group (group A), asthmatic group (group B), and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 group (group C), with 20 cases in each group. To establish asthmatic guinea pig models, 1mL peanut oil was filled into stomach in the morning in group A and group B, and 1mL peanut oil with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 was filled into stomach in group C. Airway resistance (Re) of asthmatic guinea pigs was detected, and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cells were counted. Lung tissue with HE and MCT immunohistochemical staining were used to observe the pathological changes in lung tissue and the distribution of MCT. Results: After injection of different concentration of acetylcholine chloride, the Re in group B and group C were increased significantly compared with group A (P<0.05); compared with group B, the Re in group C were decreased significantly (t=-5.385,-5.761,-6.184,-13.574, P<0.05); the total number of BALF cells and eosinophils were increased significantly in group B and C (t=19.618, 9.598, 10.854, 5.388, P<0.05); compared with group B, the total number of BALF cells and eosinophils in group C was decreased significantly (t=-5.555,-5.392, P<0.05); the number of tryptase positive cells in group B was increased significantly than that in group A (t=21.312, P<0.05), and in addition to the alveolar septum and submucosa, the cells were also distributed around blood vessels and outside the cells; the number of tryptase positive cells in group C was decreased significantly compared with group B, and the difference was statistically significant (t=5.043, P<0.05). Conclusions: After the asthmatic guinea pigs are treated with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, their BALF, Re, infiltration degree of inflammatory cells in the trachea and lung tissue and airway inflammatory reaction are reduced significantly. 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 has a certain inhibiting effect on the activation of mast cells and the release of MCT granules.

Protective effect of oxymatrine on chronic heart failure and ADMA metabolism pathway in isoproterenol-induced chronic heart failure in rats / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the protective effects of oxymatrine on chronic heart failure induced by isoproterenol (ISO) and to observe its effects on ADMA metabolism pathway in ISO-induced chronic heart failure in rats.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Male Sprague-Dawley rats were given oxymatrine (100,50 mg kg-1) orally for 14 days. Heart failure was induced in rats by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (5 mg kg-1 d-1 ) at the 8th day for 1 week. Serum parameters, haemodynamic parameters, Heart weight, and histopathological variables were analysed. Expression of protein levels were measured by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Oxymatrine (100,50 mg kg-1) significantly attenuated serum content of cTn I, improved left ventricle systolic and diastolic function and left ventricular remodeling, reduced the ISO-induced myocardial pathological changes compared with ISO group. In addition, oxymatrine (100,50 mg kg-1) significantly reduced serum level of ADMA (P <0. 01), normalize the reduced dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 2 (DDAH2) expression (P <0. 01) , but had no effect on the isoproterenol-induced upregulated protein arginine methyltransferases 1 expression.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Oxymatrine could ameliorate the experimental ventricular remodeling in ISO-induced chronic heart failure in rats and the mechanism involved in reducing serum content of ADMA and increased DDAH2 expression.</p>

Design of next generation antibody drug conjugates / 药学学报

Chemotherapy remains one of the major tools, along with surgery, radiotherapy, and more recently targeted therapy, in the war against cancer. There have appeared a plethora of highly potent cytotoxic drugs but the poor discriminability between cancerous and healthy cells of these agents limits their broader application in clinical settings. Therapeutic antibodies have emerged as an important class of biological anticancer agents, thanks to their ability in specific binding to tumor-associated antigens. While this important class of biologics can be used as single agents for the treatment of cancer through antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC), their therapeutical efficacy is often limited. Antitumor antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) combine the target-specificity of monoclonal antibody (mAb) and the highly active cell-killing drugs, taking advantages of the best characteristics out of both components. Thus, insufficiency of most naked mAbs in cancer therapy has been circumvented by arming the immunoglobulin with cytotoxic drugs. Here mAbs are used as vehicles to transport potent payloads to tumor cells. ADCs contain three main components: antibody, linker and cytotoxics (also frequently referred as payload). Antibodies can recognize and specifically bind to the tumor-specific antigens, leading to an antibody-assisted internalization, and payload release. While ADC has demonstrated tremendous success, a number of practical challenges limit the broader applications of this new class of anticancer therapy, including inefficient cellular uptake, low cytotoxicity, and off-target effects. This review article aims to cover recent advances in optimizing linkers with increased stability in circulation while allowing efficient payload release within tumor cells. We also attempt to provide some practical strategies in resolving the current challenges in this attractive research area, particularly to those new to the field.

Study on inhibitory effect of lycium pigment on lipopolysaccharide-induced uveitis in rats and its mechanism / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the inhibitory effect of lycium pigment on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced uveitis in rats and its mechanism.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The rat uveitis model was established by 30-day oral administration of lycium pigment (50, 100, 200 mg x kg(-1)) and footpad injection of LPS. Ocular tissues were collected for a histopathological inspection. The protein, nitric oxide and ADMA in aqueous humor, level of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in retina, activities of serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and content of malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined by using Western blot, ELISA and biochemical methods.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>According to the pathological study, lycium pigment (50, 100, 200 mg x kg(-1)) could notably reduce the inflammatory cell infiltration around corpus ciliare matrix of uveitis rats, and the concentration of protein and nitric oxide, and increased ADMA in aqueous humor. Lycium pigment (100, 200 mg x kg(-1)) could significantly inhibit the expression of iNOS in ocular tissues. In addition, lycium pigment (100, 200 mg x kg(-1)) also decrease the activities of serum T-AOC, SOD, GSH-PX, and the content of lipid peroxide MDA.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Lycium pigment has the inhibitory effect on LPS-induced uveitis in rats. Its mechanism is related to the regulation of nitric oxide/ADMA pathway and the improvement of oxidation resistance.</p>

Efficacy of infliximab combined with surgery in the treatment of perianal fistulizing Crohn disease / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the efficacy of infliximab combined with surgery in the treatment of perianal fistulizing Crohn disease (CD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data of 15 patients with perianal fistulizing CD receiving infliximab combined with surgery in the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine from March 2010 to June 2011 were analyzed retrospectively. One week after operation, all the patients received infliximab infusion thrice at weeks 0, 2, and 6. Crohn disease activity index (CDAI), perianal Crohn disease activity index (PDAI), body mass index (BMI), routine blood test and endoscopy were evaluated at week 0, 14. Adverse reactions and healing time were recorded.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>At week 14, the response rate was 100% with 86.7% (13/15) complete responders. One patient had local improvement and one developed recurrent fistula. The mean healing time was 32.5 (20-45) d. Anorectal stenosis in 4 patients was significantly improved. At week 14, CDAI decreased to 114.0±90.3 from 230.5±97.5 after IFX treatment. PCDAI decreased to 2.8±3.2 from 9.9±3.4, and BMI increased to (21.5±3.0)kg/m(2) from (19.1±3.1)kg/m(2). C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), platelet and neutrophil were significantly decreased from baseline (all P<0.01). Intestinal mucosa healed completely in one patient. There were no serious adverse events except hypokalemia in one patient and severe infusion reaction in another.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Infliximab combined with surgery is effective and safe for perianal fistulizing CD.</p>

Facilitative effect of glycine on regulation of baroreflex in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus of conscious rats / 生理学报

The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is a central site for integration of the endocrine system and the autonomic nervous system. Despite a number of studies have pointed out the importance of the PVN in the central regulation of cardiovascular functions, the chemical mediators in the PVN responsible for mediating baroreflex are not well understood. In the present study, we used the conscious rats to investigate the possible involvement of glycine (Gly) in PVN in the central regulation of baroreflex induced by intravenous injection of phenylephrine (0.8 mug/0.04 mL, in 3 min). Then, the microdialysis sampling was performed in the PVN and the concentration of Gly in the microdialysate was measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) combined with electrochemical techniques, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded simultaneously. Injection of phenylephrine elicited a significant increase (P<0.01) in MAP from the baseline of (99.5+/-14.2) mmHg to the maximum of (149.8+/-19.5) mmHg and a decrease (P<0.01) in HR from the baseline of (400.8+/-33.1) beats/min to the minimum of (273.4+/-40.8) beats/min, respectively. Synchronously, the injection of phenylephrine increased the level of Gly in the microdialysate from the PVN to (162.9+/-27.3)% of the basal level (P<0.05). Perfusion of strychnine (100 mumol/L), an antagonist of Gly receptor, into the PVN enhanced the pressor response and attenuated the bradycardic response during the baroreflex, resulting in a decrease in baroreflex sensitivity (P<0.001). Whereas, the perfusion of Gly (1 mmol/L) into the PVN did not affect the pressor response but enhanced the bradycardic response during the baroreflex, resulting in an increase in baroreflex sensitivity (P<0.001). These results suggest that endogenous Gly in the PVN may act via strychnine-sensitive Gly receptor to produce a facilitative effect on baroreflex.

Expression of ZNF217 in human ovarian cystadenocarcinoma and its clinical significance / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the correlation of ZNF217 expression to the carcinogenesis and progression of human ovarian cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Immunohistochemistry and real-time RT-PCR were used to detect ZNF217 expression in human ovarian cystadenocarcinoma, ovarian cystadenoma and normal ovary tissues.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expression levels of ZNF217 protein and mRNA in ovarian cystadenocarcinoma was significantly higher than those in matched ovarian cystadenoma and normal tissues (P<0.05). No significant difference was found in the expression between ovarian cystadenoma and normal ovarian tissues (P>0.05). The mRNA expression in the specimens was consistent with the protein expression of ZNF217 (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>ZNF217 gene expression is closely correlated to the occurrence and clinical stages of ovarian carcinomas, suggesting that ZNF217 can be an important candidate gene responsible for the occurrence and progression of ovarian carcinomas.</p>

Expression of fragile histidine triad in endometriosis / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To detect the expression of fragile histidine triad in endometriosis and investigate the pathogenesis of endometriosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>immunohistochemistry was used to examine the expression of Fhit in the eutopic and ectopic endometria of 58 patients with endometriosis and in the endometria in 15 patients with hysteromyoma.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The intensity of Fhit expression decreased in the order of normal endometrium, eutopic endometrium in endometriosis group, and ectopic endometrium. In patients with endometriosis, Fhit expression in the eutopic and ectopic endometria in proliferative phase showed no significant difference from that in secretory phase (P>0.05). Fhit expression in the ectopic endometrium showed significant difference between different r-AFS stages. MOD of ectopic endometrium in stages I-II was significantly higher than that in stages III-IV (P<0.05), but Fhit expression in the eutopic endometrium showed no significant difference (P>0.05). MOD of ovarian endometriosis showed no difference with that of adenomyosis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Fhit may play an important role in the development of endometriosis.</p>

P2Y6 receptor and immunoinflammation / 神经科学通报·英文版

The immunocytes microglia in the central nervous system (CNS) were reported to play a crucial role in neurodegeneration. As a member of P2 receptors family, purinoceptor P2Y6 has attracted much attention recently. Previous studies showed that purinoceptor P2Y6 mainly contributed to microglia activation and their later phagocytosis in CNS, while in immune system, it participated in the secretion of interleukin (IL)-8 from monocytes and macrocytes. So there raises a question: whether purinoceptor P2Y6 also takes part in neuroinflammation? Thus, this review mainly concerns about the properties and roles of purinoceptor P2Y6, including (1) structure of purinoceptor P2Y6; (2) distribution and properties of purinoceptor P2Y6; (3) relationships between purinoceptor P2Y6 and microglia; (4) relationships between purinoceptor P2Y6 and immunoinflammation. Itos proposed that purinoceptor P2Y6 may play a role in neuroinflammation in CNS, although further research is still required.

Relaxant effects of matrine on aortic smooth muscles of guinea pigs / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine whether matrine, a kind of traditional Chinese medicinal alkaloid, can relax the aortic smooth muscles isolated from guinea pigs and to investigate the mechanism of its relaxant effects.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Phenylephrine or potassium chloride concentration-dependent relaxation response of aortic smooth muscles to matrine was studied in the precontracted guinea pigs.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Matrine (1 x 10(-4) mol/L -3.3 x 10(3) mol/L) relaxed the endothelium-denuded aortic rings pre-contracted sub-maximally with phenylephrine, in a concentration-dependent manner, and its pre-incubation (3.3 x 10(-3) mol/L) produced a significant rightward shift in the phenylephrine dose-response curve, but had no effects on the potassium chloride-induced contraction. The anti-contractile effect of matrine was not reduced by the highly selective ATP-dependent K+ channel blocker glibenclamide (10(-5) mol/L), either by the non-selective K+ channel blocker tetraethylammonium (10(-3) mol/L), or by the beta-antagonist propranolol (10(-5) mol/L). In either "normal" or "Ca(2+)-free" bathing medium, the phenylephrine-induced contraction was attenuated by matrine (3.3 x 10(-3) mol/L), indicating that the vasorelaxation was due to inhibition of intracellular and extracellular Ca2+ mobilization.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Matrine inhibits phenylephrine-induced contractions by inhibiting activation of alpha-adrenoceptor and interfering with the release of intracellular Ca2+ and the influx of extracellular Ca2+.</p>

Cardiovascular change induced by central hypertonic saline are accompanied by GABA release in awake rats / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>AIM</b>To investigate the possible involvement of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) in cardiovascular responses induced by central salt loading.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Direct perfusion into PVN region with hypertonic saline (0.6 mol/L) was performed in conscious rats by using an in vivo brain microdialysis technique. Then, the extracellular concentration of GABA in the PVN region was measured by microdialysis and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques, and the blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were with recorded simultaneously. Bicuculline (an antagonist of GABAA receptor) or saclofen (an antagonist of GABAB receptor) were coperfused hypertonic saline into PVN region, then the cardiovascular responses were examined.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) The local perfusion of 0.6 mol/L saline elicited significant increases on BP and HR (P < 0.01). In addition, perfusion of 0.6 mol/L saline increased the extracellular GABA levels in the PVN region, which reached 561.96% +/- 173.96% (P < 0.05) of the basal level. (2) Bicuculline or salcofen significantly attenuated the in-response of BP (P < 0.01, respectively), whereas the antagonists did not influence the response of HR induced by hypertonic saline.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Local perfusion of hypertonic saline in the PVN region elicits a local release of GABA, which may act via GABA(A) and GABA(B) receptors to produce pressor response.</p>

Ultrasonic study of deep-vein diameter and blood flow spectrum changes in full-term pregnant women / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the changes in lower limb deep vein diameters, blood flow velocity and blood biochemistry in full-term pregnant women for early diagnosis and treatment of prothrombotic state.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and twenty-eight full-term pregnant women at high risk of thrombosis (Group A), 61 healthy full-term pregnant women (Group B), and 42 healthy non-pregnant women (Group C) underwent high-resolution color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) for examining the deep veins of the lower limbs. The hematological indexes such as D-D, PLT, HGB, HCT, TT, APTT, PT, and FbgC were also observed in these 3 groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared to Group B, the women in group A showed significantly increased diameters of the common femoral veins (CFV) and left superficial femoral vein (SFV), HCT and DD, but with significantly decreased peak blood flow in the bilateral popliteal veins (POPV) (P<0.01) and increased left POPV diameter (P=0.034). Compared to those in group C, the diameters of the bilateral CFVs, SFVs, POPV, and posterior tibial veins (PTVs) were significantly increased, but the peak blood flow in the bilateral CFVs and POPVs were significantly reduced in groups A and B; the PLT, HGB, HCT, DD, TT, APTT, PT, and FbgC also showed significant changes in groups A and B (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The full-term pregnant women are at higher risk of prothrombotic state than non-pregnant women, and the full-term pregnant women with the high risk factors for thrombosis are more likely to have prothrombotic state than healthy full-term pregnant women. CDU examination of the lower limb deep veins can be of value in the diagnosis of prothrombotic state.</p>

Hysterectomy after cardiopulmonary resuscitation in patients with obstetric hemorrhagic shock / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the indication of hysterectomy after successful resuscitation of cardiac arrest due to obstetric hemorrhagic shock.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A retrospective analysis was conducted in 13 patients with cardiac arrest due to obstetric hemorrhagic shock in 7 hospitals of Guangzhou, including 12 patients undergoing hysterectomy and 1 undergoing uterine artery embolization.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>s After successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation, only 4 of the 13 patients undergoing hysterectomy or uterine artery embolization for continuing uterus hemorrhage survived.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Detailed plans and emergency measures should be formulated in the management of high-risk pregnancies. Early diagnosis and active treatment of obstetric hemorrhagic shock with hysterectomy or uterine artery embolization are critical in preventing cardiac arrest and improving the survival of the patients.</p>

Effect of antagonism of glutamate receptors in the PVN region on baroreflex in conscious rats / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>AIM</b>To investigate the possible involvement of glutamate(Glu) in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) in the central regulation of baroreflex.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The baroreflex was induced by intravenous injection of phenylephrine in conscious rats, and the extracellular concentration of Glu in the PVN region was measured by microdialysis and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques. To determine whether the observed Glu release was involved in the baroreflex, NMDA and non-NMDA receptor antagonists, MK-801 and CNQX, were perfused in the PVN region during baroreflex.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>During baroreflex, the Glu concentration in the PVN region immediately increased to 384.82% +/- 91.77% of basal level (P < 0.01). (2) During baroreflex, direct perfusion of MK-801 and CNQX in the PVN were attenuated the increase of blood pressure and enhanced the decrease of HR (P < 0.01),resulting a significant increase in baroreflex sensitivity (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Glutamate in PVN is involved in central regulation of baroreflex, which may inhibit baroreflex via ionothopic glutamate receptors.</p>

Application of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of complex anal fistula / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of complex anal fistula.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The preoperative digital examination and MRI with the phased-array coil were implemented for 28 patients who were clinically suspected with complex anal fistula. The final diagnosis were based on surgical findings. Outcomes of MRI and digital examination were compared with surgical results.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Twenty-five patients were diagnosed as complex anal fistula, 1 presacral cyst and 2 chronic anorectal fistula combined with perianal mucinous adenocarcinoma. All the patients were correctly diagnosed by MRI,while the patients with presacral cyst and perianal mucinous adenocarcinoma could not be diagnosed correctly by digital examination. According to the Parks classification, 3 patients were suffered from trans-sphincteric fistula, 10 intersphincteric, 5 supra- sphincteric and 7 extra-sphincteric. The diagnosis rates of the internal opening with digital examination and MRI were 48% and 84%, the rates of the primary tract were 76% and 100%, and the rates of the secondary extensions were 57.9% and 94.7% respectively. The differences in detection of internal opening, primary tract and secondary extensions between MRI and digital examination were significant (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>MRI with the phased-array coil can correctly orient the internal opening and direction of the complex anal fistula, and find the relationship between anorectal sphincters and the complex fistula.</p>