Influence of high-voltage electrical burn on the rheological property of platelet and leukocyte in rats and the interventional effect of pentoxifylline / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the influence of high-voltage electrical burn (HEB) on the aggregation and adhesion of platelet and leukocyte in rats and the interventional effect of pentoxifylline (PTX).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and eighty SD rats were divided into control, electrical burn (EB), and pentoxifylline treatment (PT) groups according to the random number table, with 60 rats in each group. (1) Ten rats were taken from each group at 15 minutes before injury for the observation of the microcirculatory perfusion of chest skin with Laser Doppler Perfusion Imager (LDPI), and the number of leukocyte adherent to mesenteric venule with Bradford Variable Projection Microscope (BVPM). Serum was collected from heart blood to determine the contents of platelet activating factor (PAF), thromboxane B2 (TXB2), prostacyclin (PGI2), P-selectin, E-selectin and L-selectin by double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The ratio of TXB2 to PGI2 was calculated therefrom. (2) Model of HEB was reproduced in the remaining 50 rats of EB group and that of PT group with voltage regulator and experimental transformer (the electrical current applied to the left forelimb and exited from the right hind limb). The remaining 50 rats of control group were sham injured with the same devices without electric current. Within 2 minutes post injury (PIM), rats in control group and EB group were intraperitoneally injected with 2 mL isotonic saline, while rats in PT group were intraperitoneally injected with 2 mL pentoxifylline (50 mg/mL). At PIM 5 and 1, 2, 4, 8 hour(s) post injury (PIH), 10 rats of every group were randomly chosen at each time point for the observation of the microcirculatory perfusion of chest skin and the number of leukocytes adherent to mesenteric venule through the same method as used above, and the levels of the related factors of aggregation and adhesion of platelets and leukocytes were determined, and then the relative ratio was calculated. Data were processed with the analysis of variance of factorial design and LSD test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The contents of PAF, TXB2, PGI2, P-selectin, E-selectin, L-selectin, and the ratio of TXB2 to PGI2, as well as the number of adhered leukocyte in EB group were higher, while the microcirculatory perfusion value was lower than those of control group, with F values from 854.20 to 8156.52, P values all below 0.01. The microcirculatory perfusion value and PGI2 content of PT group were higher, while the contents or number of other indexes were lower than those of EB group, with F values from 33.18 to 1033.99, P values all below 0.01. Only the data within EB group and PT group were comparable. The contents of PAF, TXB2, PGI2, P-selectin, E-selectin, L-selectin, and the ratio of TXB2 to PGI2, as well as the number of adhered leukocyte in EB group and PT group at each time point were significantly higher than those at 15 minutes before injury, while the microcirculation perfusion value was significantly lower than that at 15 minutes before injury (P values all below 0.001), with the exception of the ratio of TXB2 to PGI2 in PT group and E-selectin in EB group and PT group at PIM 5. The contents of PAF, TXB2, and E-selectin and the ratio of TXB2 to PGI2 in EB group peaked at PIH 4, and they were respectively (9.3 ± 0.9) ng/mL, (14.31 ± 0.65) nmol/mL, (271.2 ± 18.4) ng/mL and 4.62 ± 0.26. The contents of PGI2 and P-selectin, and the number of adhered leukocyte in EB group peaked at PIH 8, and they were respectively (3.98 ± 0.24) nmol/mL, (514 ± 24) ng/mL, and (25.50 ± 4.14) per 100 µm venule. The content of L-selectin peaked at PIH 2 [(876 ± 54) ng/mL]. The microcirculatory perfusion value was lowest at PIM 5 [(1.17 ± 0.10) V].</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>HEB can increase the contents of PAF, TXB2, PGI2, P-selectin, E-selectin, L-selectin, the ratio of TXB2 to PGI2, and the number of adhered leukocyte, as well as decrease the skin microcirculatory perfusion value. PTX can inhibit the aggregation and adhesion of platelets and leukocytes through increasing the content of PGI2 and decreasing contents of other factors mentioned above, thus alleviating the microcirculatory dysfunction after HEB.</p>

Interleukin 7 and its receptor promote cell proliferation and induce lymphangiogenesis in non-small cell lung cancer / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the mechanism of interleukin 7/interleukin 7 receptor (IL-7/IL-7R) in promoting cell proliferation and inducing lymphangiogenesis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in vivo and in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Immunohistochemical study for IL-7, IL-7R, cyclin D1 and vascular endothelial growth factor-D (VEGF-D) was carried out in NSCLC tissues from 95 patients. The relationship between IL-7/IL-7R expression and various parameters was analyzed. The mechanism of IL-7/IL-7R in promoting cell proliferation and inducing lymphangiogenesis was studied by methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, reverse transcriptase-PCR, Western blot, co-immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation and nude mice experiments with xenograft tumors.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>IL-7 (63.2%, 60/95), IL-7R (61.1%, 58/95), cyclin D1 (52.6%, 50/95) and VEGF-D (58.9%, 56/95) showed that high level of expression in NSCLC. IL-7/IL-7R over-expression correlated with cyclin D1 expression (P < 0.01, P < 0.01), VEGF-D expression (P < 0.01, P < 0.01), increased lymphovascular density (P = 0.005, P = 0.013), advanced clinical stage (P = 0.008, P = 0.005) and presence of lymph node metastasis (P < 0.01, P < 0.01). IL-7/IL-7R could promote proliferation of A549 cell, increase cyclin D1 and VEGF-D expression, and enhance c-Fos/c-Jun expression and phosphorylation, resulting in formation of heterodimer. Furthermore, IL-7/IL-7R could induce binding of c-Fos/c-Jun to cyclin D1/VEGF-D promoters and regulate their transcription. IL-7/IL-7R could also promote proliferation and lymphangiogenesis of lung cancer xenograft tumors.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>IL-7/IL-7R promotes c-Fos/c-Jun expression and activity in NSCLC. This further facilitates cyclin D1 expression and accelerates proliferation of cells and VEGF-D-induced lymphovascular formation.</p>

Influence of high-voltage electric burn on the microcirculation of heart in rabbit / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the influence of high-voltage electric burn on the microcirculation of heart in rabbit.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One-hundred and twenty New Zealand rabbits of clean grade were divided into control group (C) and electric burn group (EB) according to the random number table, with 60 rabbits in each group. Rabbits in EB group were subjected to high-voltage electric burn (the electrical current flow into the left foreleg at the lateral side of proximal end and out from the corresponding site of the right hind leg) with voltage regulator and experimental transformer. Rabbits in C group were sham injured with the same devices without electrification. At 15 minutes before injury, and 5 minutes, 1, 2, 4, 8 hour (s) post injury (PIM or PIH), ten rabbits in each group were chosen to examine the cardiac apex microcirculation hemoperfusion (CAMH) with laser Doppler hemoperfusion image instrument. The morphologic changes of microvessels of left ventricular wall tissues of 2 rabbits from each of the 10 rabbits collected at above-mentioned time points were observed with light microscope and transmission electron microscope. Auricular vein blood of rabbit was harvested at above-mentioned time points for the determination of aspartate amino transferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBDH), creatine kinase (CK), and creatine kinase isozyme MB (CK-MB) by full-automatic biochemical analyzer. Data were processed with two-factor analysis of variance and LSD test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) The differences between C group and EB group in detection results were statistically significant, with F values from 425.991 to 3046.834, P values all below 0.01. Only the data within EB group were comparable. (2) At PIM 5, the CAMH value of rabbits in EB group was (1.96 ± 0.09) V, which was lower than that at 15 minutes before injury [(4.34 ± 0.35) V, P < 0.01]. The CAMH value of rabbits in EB group was increased at PIH 1 [(3.43 ± 0.30) V], and then it showed a tendency of decrease. (3) Bleeding and microthrombus formation were observed in venule and capillary vessel of rabbits in EB group at PIH 8. Breakage of basement membrane of capillary endothelial cells, mitochondrial swelling, and severe degranulation from damaged endoplasmic reticulum were observed in rabbits of EB group at PIH 8. (4) Levels of AST, LDH, HBDH, CK, and CK-MB in rabbits of EB group were significantly higher at PIH 1, 2, 4, 8 than at 15 minutes before injury (with P values all below 0.01). The AST level peaked at PIH 2 [(164 ± 39) U/L]. Levels of LDH and HBDH peaked at PIH 4, which were respectively (1016 ± 246) U/L and (487 ± 54) U/L. The CK level peaked at PIH 8 [(7799 ± 738) U/L]. The CK-MB level peaked at PIH 2 [(1848 ± 65) U/L].</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>High-voltage electric burn can bring damage to the microvessels of heart in rabbits and change blood flow of microcirculation, which should be given adequate attention during the treatment.</p>

Clinical effect of the concentrated suture fixation method on skin transplantation in the jaw and neck region / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the clinical effect of the concentrated suture fixation method on skin transplantation on deep burn wound or wound of cicatricial deformity after burn in the jaw and neck region.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and fourteen patients, hospitalized from April 2002 to December 2011, with deep burn or cicatricial deformity after burn in the jaw and neck region, were divided into packaging group and concentrated suture group according to the random number table. Each group had 57 patients including 48 cases with deep burn and 9 cases with cicatricial deformity. Traditional suture-package fixation method and concentrated suture fixation method were respectively used in packaging group and concentrated suture group to fix the autologous medium split-thickness skin in transplantation on wounds or scars. On post operation day (POD) 14, the skin microcirculatory perfusion flow of skin graft was measured, and the occurrence of ecchymoma, infection, and necrosis of skin in operative region were observed. The elasticity and contracture of grafted skin and scar hyperplasia on wound edge were observed 6 months after operation. Measurement data were processed with u test, while enumeration data with Fisher's exact test or Chi-square test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) On POD 14, the skin microcirculatory perfusion flow in concentrated suture group [(2.86 +/- 0.8) V] was significantly higher than that in packaging group [(2.33 +/- 0.15) V, u = 17.776, P < 0.05]. (2) Ecchymoma occurred in 4 patients of packaging group and 3 patients of concentrated suture group, but the difference between two groups was not statistically significant (chi 2 = 0.152, P > 0.05). (3) Infection in operative region was observed in 1 patient of packaging group, while no patient in concentrated suture group showed this symptom. The difference between two groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). (4) Grafted skin in 6 patients of packaging group showed foliated necrosis, which was not observed on those of patients in concentrated suture group. The difference between two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). (5) Centipede leg-like scar hyperplasia on wound edge occurred in 21 patients in packaging group and 6 patients in concentrated suture group, and the difference between two groups was statistically significant (chi 2 = 10.920, P < 0.05). (6) Poor elasticity of grafted skin was detected in 17 patients of packaging group and 4 patients of concentrated suture group, and the difference between two groups was statistically significant (chi 2 = 9.865, P < 0.05). (7) Obvious contracture of grafted skin was observed in 15 patients of packaging group and 4 patients of concentrated suture group, and the difference between two groups was statistically significant (chi 2 = 11.684, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Concentrated suture fixation method is suitable for application in transplantation of big sheet skin on wound in the jaw and neck region. It has high survival rate and is convenient for postoperative observation.</p>

Rheological changes of leukocytes in mesentery capillary of rats with transcranial high-voltage electrical burn and the therapeutic effects of ulinastatin / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the influence of transcranial high-voltage electrical burn (HEB) on rheological changes of leukocytes in mesentery capillary in rats and the therapeutic effects of ulinastatin.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-five SD rats were divided into control (C), electrical burns (EB), and ulinastatin treatment (UT) groups according to the random number table, with 15 rats in each group. Model of HEB was reproduced in rats of EB and UT groups with voltage regulator and experimental transformer, and then rats in EB group was intraperitoneally injected with 2 mL isotonic saline while rats in UT group was intraperitoneally injected with 2 mL ulinastatin (2 x 10(4) U/kg). Rats in C group received sham burn with the same treatment as used in EB group but without electric current. Rheological changes of leukocytes in mesentery capillary were observed with Bradford microscope at 15 minutes before HEB and 5 minutes, 1, 2, 4, 8 hour (s) after HEB (PHM or PHH), including counting the number of rolling leukocytes, leukocytes rolling speed, the number of leukocytes adherent to mesentery capillary, total leukocyte-endothelium contact time (TLECT). Data were processed with t test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) The number of rolling leukocytes from PHM 5 to PHH 8 was increased in EB group and UT group as compared with that at 15 minutes before HEB, especially at PHM 5 [(51.4 +/- 3.2), (24.6 +/- 1.9) cells/min, respectively] which were higher than that in C group [( 1.1 +/- 0.7) cells/min, with t value respectively 59.28, 44.99, P values all below 0.05]. The number in UT group at each time point after burn was less than those in EB group, especially at PHM 5 (t = 27.97, P < 0.05). (2) Compared with that at 15 minutes before HEB, the rolling speed of leukocytes from PHM 5 to PHH 8 was slow in EB group and UT group, especially at PHM 5 [(90 +/- 9), (175 +/- 13) microm/s, respectively] which were slower than that in C group [(277 +/- 12) microm/s, with t value respectively 47.97, 21.59, P values all below 0.05]. The rolling speed in UT group from PHM 5 to PHH 8 was faster than that in EB group, especially at PHM 5 (t = 20.55, P < 0.05). (3) Compared with that at 15 minutes before HEB, the number of leukocytes per 100 micrometer capillary from PHM 5 to PHH 8 was increased in EB group and UT group, especially at PHM 5 (23.27 +/- 3.20, 5.80 +/- 1.61, respectively) which were higher than that in C group (0, with t value respectively 28.16, 13.95, P values all below 0.05). The number of adhered leukocytes in UT group at each time point after burn was less than that in EB group, especially at PHM 5 ( t = 18.89, P < 0.05). (4) Compared with that at 15 minutes before HEB, TLECT from PHM 5 to PHH 8 was increased in EB group and UT group, especially at PHM 5 [(14.45 +/- 1.99), (3.66 +/- 0.96) s/min, respectively] which were longer than that in C group (0 s/min, with t value respectively 28.12, 14.77, P values all below 0.05). TLECT in UT group from PHM 5 to PHH 8 was shorter than that in EB group, especially at PHM 5 (t = 18.91, P < 0.05). (5) No rolling leukocyte or wall-adherent leukocyte was found in blood flow of arterioles or capillaries of rats in three groups at each time point.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Transcranial HEB can lead to abnormal rheological changes of leukocytes in mesentery capillary in rats, and the changes can be ameliorated by ulinastatin.</p>

Alteration of thromboxane A2 and prostacyclin levels in rats with obstructive jaundice and the effect of salviae miltiorrhizae on them / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the alteration of plasma levels of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and prostacyclin (PGI2) as well as changes of microcirculation in renal cortex of obstructive jaundice model rats, and to study the effect of Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae (SM) on them.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: the sham operation group (A), the common bile duct ligation model group (B), and the SM treated model group (C). Their blood plasma TXA2/PGI2 ratio (T/P), blood levels of urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) were determined respectively in batches (8 rats from each group) on the 3 rd, 7th and 10th day, their capillary caliber (CC) in renal cortex was measured at the same time points using WX-9 type microcirculation microscope.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with Group A, T/P was higher and CC was smaller in Group B at all the time points. Levels of BUN and Cr increased on day 7 and day 10 after modeling (P<0.05), and they were increasing markedly along with the elongation of the obstructive time (P<0.05). As compared with Group B, T/P was lower and CC was expanded in Group C, with levels of BUN and Cr lowered on day 10 (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>T/P elevation and renal microcirculation obstacle are the important factors for inducing renal injury in obstructive jaundice, and SM shows a protective effect on kidney against the injury.</p>

Alteration in bulbar conjunctiva microcirculation and interventional effect of Pentoxifylline after high-voltage electrical burn in rabbits / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the changes in bulbar conjunctiva microcirculation (BCM) and the therapeutic effect of Pentoxifylline on BCM disturbance after high-voltage electrical burn (HEB) in rabbits.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-five rabbits were divided into control group (C), electrical burn group (EB), and Pentoxifylline treatment group (PT) according to random number table, with 15 rabbits in each group. Model of HEB was reproduced in rabbits from EB and PT groups with voltage regulator and experimental transformer. Rabbits in C group were sham injured with the same devices without electrification. Changes in BCM were observed with microcirculation microscope at 15 minutes before HEB and 5 minutes, 1, 2, 4, 8 hour(s) post HEB (PHM or PHH), including: (1) morphology of microvessels, such as the discernible, diameters of arterioles, venules, and capillaries, the unevenness in caliber, and ischemic area; (2) dynamic changes in microvascular blood flow, such as blood flow speed in arterioles, venules, and capillaries, erythrocyte aggregation, and microthrombi formation; (3) condition of tissues surrounding microvessel, such as bleeding and exudation. Measurement data were processed with t test; enumeration data were processed with Fisher's exact test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) Morphology of microvessel: discernible of microvessels in EB and PT groups was decreased, but that of PT group was better than that of EB group. At PHM 5, diameter of arterioles, venules and capillaries was respectively (7.3+/-2.5), (12.3+/-2.4), (3.5+/-0.7) microm in EB group, all narrower than those of the control group [(14.6+/-3.1), (27.2+/-3.5), (9.0+/-1.4) microm, with t value respectively 5.23, 13.66, 14.04, P values all below 0.05]. Diameters of the microvessels in PT group [(10.2+/-3.8), (21.5+/-3.1), (7.1+/-1.2) microm] were larger than those in EB group (with t value respectively 2.21, 8.99, 10.18, P values all below 0.05). Diameters of arterioles, venules and capillaries in EB and PT groups recovered to the before HEB size at PHH 1. From PHH 2 to 8, arterioles and capillaries decreased gradually in caliber, venules dilated gradually in EB and PT groups, but the changes in PT group were not obvious. Thickness of microvessel was observed uneven in EB group at PHM 5, which lasted until PHH 8. Ischemia of the tissue was observed in EB group at PHM 5, which improved at PHH 2. Situation in PT group was better. (2) Dynamic changes in microvascular blood flow: at PHM 5, blood flow speed in arterioles, venules and capillaries was respectively (202+/-53), (198+/-44), (46+/-12) microm/s in EB group, all slower than those of the control group [(544+/-37), (359+/-32), (220+/-19) microm/s, with t value respectively 20.47, 11.51, 30.02, P values all below 0.05], and those of PT group [(335+/-42), (260+/-35), (119+/-23) microm/s] were faster than those of EB group (with t value respectively 7.55, 4.26, 14.85, P values all below 0.05). Blood flow speed in EB and PT groups recovered to the before HEB level at PHH 1. From PHH 2 to 8, blood flow speed decreased gradually in EB and PT groups, but that of PT group was faster than that of EB group. Erythrocyte aggregation in venules and capillaries was observed in EB group at PHM 5, which eased up at PHH 1, but aggregated at PHH 2, lasting until PHH 8. Obvious microthrombi were observed in EB group at PHH 2, which increased gradually. These changes were less obvious in PT group. (3) Condition of surrounding tissues of microvessel: in EB group, exudation was observed around microvessels at PHH 1, bleeding at PHH 2, with a worsening tendency. Changes in those in PT group were less obvious.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>HEB causes disturbance in BCM, but it can be ameliorated by Pentoxifylline.</p>

Multiple supernumerary teeth: a case report / 华西口腔医学杂志

Supernumerary teeth is one of the dysplasia that the number of the teeth are more than physical number. Most cases of reports were with 1-2 supernumerary teeth and rare cases were with more than 3 supernumerary teeth. A 17-year old female patient of 7 impacted supernumerary teeth were found because of toothache of premolar caused by impacted supernumerary teeth and were treated by extraction of impacted supernumerary teeth.

Maxillary second molar with two buccal and two lingual root canals: a case report / 华西口腔医学杂志

Incidence rate of 4 root canals in maxillary second molar is very low and most molars have only two mesiobuccal root canals. The emergence of 4 root canals in maxillary second molar with two lingual root canals is especially rare. A case of 4 root canals maxillary second molar with two lingual root canals was successfully treated and reported in this article.

Dynamic change in microcirculation of pancreas after experimental high-voltage electric burn / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the changes in surface microcirculation of pancreas after high-voltage electric burn (HEB).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty rabbits were divided into electrical injury (E) group and control (C) group in a simple random method, with 15 rabbits in each group. Rabbit model of HEB was reproduced from E group with TC-30-20KVA type voltage regulator and YDJ-10KVA type experimental transformer. Rabbits in C group were shamly burned with the same equipment as in E group but not electrified. Intravenous blood of rabbits in both groups was drawn 15 mins before HEB and 0, 1, 2, 4, 8 h after to determine the levels of serum amylase and blood glucose. The morphology of the pancreas microvessels and its surrounding tissues, and the dynamic changes in microvascular blood flow were observed with WX-9 microscope and its image analytical system.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The level of serum amylase of rabbits in E group increased gradually and peaked (849 +/- 39) U/L at 8 post HEB h (PHH), which decreased gradually reaching the nadir (153 +/- 21) U/L at 8 PHH in C group (P < 0.05). The blood glucose levels of rabbits in E group and C group increased gradually, with the former level obviously higher than the latter (P < 0.05). Arteriole, venule and capillary network on the surface of pancreatic lobules of rabbits in both groups were clearly seen and well-distributed in the natural way before HEB. In E group, arterioles of rabbits contracted at 0 PHH, and increased gradually in caliber size at 1 PHH; venules of rabbits were unevenly thickened at 2 PHH, and dilated at 8 PHH; the capillaries were contracted or with interrupted flow or completely obstructed at 0 PHH, and their thickness were uneven at 2 PHH, showing exudation at 8 PHH. There was no obvious change of microvessels in rabbits in C group at each time point. There was no exudation and bleeding around the microvessels on the pancreas surface of rabbits in both groups before HEB. In E group exudation was observed around microvessels at 1 PHH, bleeding was observed at 2 PHH and became obvious at 4 PHH; exudation and diffuse bleeding from capillaries were observed at 8 PHH. There was no exudation and bleeding in rabbits in C group as observed at each time point. Before HEB, blood flow speed in microvessels of rabbits in 2 groups was similar to each other (P > 0.05), and no erythrocyte aggregation or microthrombus was found in both groups. In E group, blood flow speed slowed down at 0 PHH as compared with that before HEB, it accelerated at 1 h and slowed down later; erythrocyte aggregation in venules and capillaries was found at 0 PHH, and it aggregated gradually. No above-mentioned change was found in C group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>HEB produces microcirculation disturbance and functional disturbance of pancreas.</p>

Effects of heparanase inhibition by RNA interference on proliferation, invasiveness and apoptosis of lung cancer cells / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of heparanase expression inhibition on the proliferation, invasiveness and apoptosis of human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Recombinant eukaryotic expression plasmid pshRNA-Hpa targeting human heparanase gene was constructed. A549 cells were cultured in DMEM and transfected with pshRNA-Hpa. The expression of heparanase mRNA and protein were examined by RT-PCR and Western blot. The proliferation, invasiveness and apoptotic rates of A549 cells were determined by MTT method, matrigel invasion assays and flow cytometry respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expression levels of heparanase mRNA and protein were down-regulated in A549 transfected with pshRNA-Hpa. The number of cells penetrating matrigel and the proliferation ability of A549 cells transfected with pshRNA-Hpa were reduced significantly compared to the control cells. The apoptotic rate of A549 cells transfected with pshRNA-Hpa was 12.53% +/- 0.34%, being significantly higher than that of the control cells (both P < 0.01). Western-blot showed that inhibition of heparanase expression led to reduced Akt phosphorylation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The recombinant plasmid pshRNA-Hpa effectively inhibited the expression of heparanase, thus suppressing the proliferation and invasion and inducing apoptosis of A549 cells. The effects may be due to the down-regulation of Akt phosphorylation level.</p>

Effect of ulinastatin on intestinal mucosal barrier function of rats with obstructive jaundice / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of ulinastatin on intestinal mucosal barrier function of rats with obstructive jaundice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seventy-two male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation, obstructive jaundice, and ulinastatin treatment groups (groups A, B, and C, respectively). In groups B and C, the common bile duct was ligated to induce obstructive jaundice. The rats in group C were given intraperitoneal injection of ulinastatin at the daily dose of 40,000 IU/kg after the operation, while those in groups A and group B received equal amount of normal saline. At 3, 5, 7 and 10 days after the operation, the liver function and plasma endotoxin level were evaluated and measured, and bacterial culture of the mesenteric lymph nodes, liver and spleen was performed. The terminal ileum mucosa was observed under light microscope, and the intestinal villi and mucosal thinckness was examined with image analysis system.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The indices relative to the liver function and plasma endotoxin level were higher at different time points of observation in group B than in group A (P<0.01), and were lower in group C than in group B (P<0.01). Plasma endotoxin level was similar between groups A and C 3 days after the operation (P>0.05). The rate of bacterial translocation was higher in group B than in group A and C (P<0.01, P<0.05), but comparable between groups A and C (P>0.05). Intestinal mucosal injury was observed in group B 3 days after operation, and aggravated with the passage of time. The injury was milder in group C. The intestinal villus length and mucosal thickness were greater in groups A and C than in group B (P<0.01 or P<0.05), but comparable between the former two groups 3 days after operation (P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In early stage of obstructive jaundice, the intestinal mucosal barrier may sustain injuries which aggravate with time; ulinastatin has significant effect in protecting the mucosal barrier function especially against early pathological changes.</p>