ABSTRACT
Objective To detect the expression of apelin and angiotensin I receptor related protein (APJ) in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and to explore the role of apelin-APJ system in the occurrence and development of COPD. Methods A rat model of COPD was established using the method of smoke exposure. SD rats were randomly divided into a control group and a COPD group. The rats in COPD group were exposed to secondhand cigarette smoke in a fume box twice a day for 4 months. Expressions of apelin mRNA and APJ mRNA in rat lung tissues were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Expressions of apelin protein and APJ protein were determined by immunohistochemistry. Results The expressions of apelin mRNA and APJ mRNA in COPD group were decreased by 44% and 13% as compared with those in the control group. The mRNA expressions of apelin and APJ in rat lung tissues were negatively correlated with RV/(LV + S) (r = -0.454 and -0.448, P < 0.05), and positively related with FEV0.3/FVC (r = 0.529 and 0.475;P < 0.05). Apelin and APJ were mainly expressed in the epithelial cells of the bronch and lung, alveolar macrophages, vascular endothelial cells, and the membrane and cytoplasm of some alveolar wall cells. The expression of apelin and APJ protein was lower in COPD group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusions The mRNA and protein expressions of apelin and APJ are decreased in the lung tissues in rats with COPD , which may be an important factor leading to the development of COPD. Apelin-APJ system might be a new target for prevention and treatment of pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular hypertrophy induced by COPD.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the clinic characteristics,therapeutical approaches and outcome of food-borne infection caused by Group C,Type? hemolytic streptococcus.Methods We retrospectively analyzed 51 patients infected by Group C,Type? hemolytic streptococcus who were hospitalized in the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University from May to June 2003.Results All the patients had eaten the same food which was infected by Group C,Type ? hemolytic streptococcus.The clinical manifestations were 51 pharyngal hyperaemia(100%),44 fever(86%),39 tonsillitis(76.5%),31 headache(60.8%)and 23 ache from head to foot(45.1%).There was no obvious digestive symptom.Seventeen cultivated pharyngal swab samples had all positive results,and 23(52.3%)of 44 cultivated collutory samples were positive.The cultivated bacteria were all Group C,Type? hemolytic streptococcus equisimilies.All the patients were cured after antimicrobial therapy,and hadn't get any complication.Conclusion Infection caused by Group C,Type? hemolytic streptococcus should be considered if the patients have the same food and have such symptoms as fever,headache,ache from head to foot,pharyngal hyperaemia and tonsillitis.Diagnosis can be confirmed with the positive cultivated result of pharyngal swab and collutory.The patients without serious basic disease will have good prognosis after effective and timely therapy.