ABSTRACT
Objective: To observe the effect of lipid regulating therapy on carotid atherosclerotic plaque in diabetic patients. Methods: The REACH study, conducted between March 2009 and February 2012, enrolled asymptomatic patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed carotid atherosclerotic plaque, who had never taken lipid-lowering drugs. Patients were treated with a moderate dose of rosuvastatin for 24 months. Blood lipid levels were measured and carotid MRI was performed at baseline, 3 and 24 months after treatment. The volume of carotid wall and lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC) were measured by image analysis software. This study retrospectively analyzed patients in the REACH study. Patients were divided into diabetes group and non-diabetic group. The changes of blood lipid level and MRI parameters of carotid atherosclerotic plaque were compared between the two groups and their correlation was analyzed. Results: A total of 38 patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaque were included in this study, including 13 patients (34.2%) in the diabetic group and 25 patients (65.8%) in the non-diabetic group. Baseline parameters were comparable between the two groups, except higher HbA1c level in diabetes group (P<0.05). Compared with baseline, the total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) levels were significantly decreased at 3 and 24 months in both two groups (P<0.05). The change of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in diabetes group was not obvious, while it was significantly increased in non-diabetic group at 24 months ((1.38±0.33) mmol/l vs. (1.26±0.26) mmol/l, P<0.05). MRI results showed that the volume and percentage of LRNC remained unchanged at 3 months, slightly decreased at 24 months (64.86 (45.37, 134.56) mm3 vs. 75.76 (48.20, 115.64) mm3, P>0.05) and (15.84% (11.47%, 24.85%) vs. 16.95% (11.64%, 22.91%), P>0.05) in diabetic group. In non-diabetic group, the volume and percentage of LRNC were significantly decreased at 3 months (63.01 (44.25, 188.64) mm3 vs. 72.49 (51.91, 199.59) mm3, P<0.05) and (13.76% (8.81%, 27.64%) vs. 16.04% (11.18%, 27.05%), P<0.05) respectively. Both parameters further decreased to (55.63 (27.18, 179.40) mm3) and (12.71% (8.39%, 24.41%)) at 24 months (both P<0.05). Wall volume, lumen volume and percent wall volume (PWV) were not affected post therapy in both two groups(P>0.05). There were no correlations between the changes of plaque parameters including volume and percentage of LRNC, wall volume, lumen volume, PWV and the changes of blood lipid parameters (TC, LDL-C, HDL-C and TG) in 3 and 24 months (P>0.05). Conclusion: Lipid-lowering therapy possesses different effects on carotid atherosclerotic plaque in diabetic and non-diabetic patients, and the LRNC improvement is more significant in non-diabetic patients as compared to diabetic patients.
Subject(s)
Humans , Carotid Arteries/pathology , Carotid Artery Diseases/drug therapy , Cholesterol, HDL/therapeutic use , Cholesterol, LDL , Diabetes Mellitus , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Necrosis/pathology , Plaque, Atherosclerotic/drug therapy , Retrospective Studies , Rosuvastatin Calcium/therapeutic useABSTRACT
Introduction@#Hong Kong SAR (China) achieved measles elimination status in 2016, and the incidence of measles infection had been low over the past few years. However, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) at the Department of Health was notified on 22 March 2019 of an outbreak of three cases of measles infection among workers at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).@*Methods@#We reviewed notifications of measles received by CHP from 1 January to 17 May 2019. We defined a confirmed case of measles as having laboratory evidence of measles infection. All confirmed cases among airport workers or those with epidemiological information suggesting they had been infected by contact with airport workers were included in the review. We described the epidemiological features and reviewed the control measures against the outbreak.@*Results@#We identified 33 cases, 29 of which were among airport workers. They comprised 22 men and 11 women, aged 20–49 years (median 25 years). The majority of people with confirmed measles presented with fever and rash. All required hospitalization. None developed complications. Control measures, including enhanced environmental hygiene and improved ventilation at HKIA and vaccinations for the airport community, were implemented.@*Discussion@#Early recognition of the outbreak and prompt control measures, especially targeted vaccination of the exposed population, effectively controlled the outbreak in just two weeks.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND@#Obstetric hemorrhage is a major cause of maternal death during cesarean delivery. The objective of this retrospective observational study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intra-operative cell salvage (IOCS) in cesarean section.@*METHODS@#We included a total of 361 patients diagnosed with central placenta previa who underwent cesarean section from May 2016 to December 2018. In this study, 196 patients received autologous transfusion using IOCS (IOCS group) and 165 patients accepted allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT group). Propensity score matched analysis was performed to balance differences in the baseline variables between the IOCS group and ABT group. Patients in the IOCS group were matched 1:1 to patients in the ABT group.@*RESULTS@#After propensity score matching, 137 pairs of cases between the two groups were successfully matched and no significant differences in baseline characteristics were found between the IOCS group and ABT group. Patients in the IOCS group were associated with significantly shorter length of hospital stay, compared with ABT group (8.9 ± 4.1 days vs. 10.3 ± 5.2 days, t = -2.506, P = 0.013). The postoperative length of hospital stay was 5.3 ± 1.4 days for patients in the IOCS group and 6.6 ± 3.6 days for those in the ABT group (t = -4.056, P < 0.001). The post-operative hemoglobin level in the IOCS group and ABT group was 101.3 ± 15.4 and 96.3 ± 16.6 g/L, respectively, which were significantly different (t = 2.615, P = 0.009). Allogeneic red blood cell transfusion was significantly lower at 0 unit (range: 0-11.5 units) in the IOCS group when compared with 2 units (range: 1-20 units) in the ABT group (P < 0.001).@*CONCLUSIONS@#This retrospective observational study using propensity score matched analysis suggested that IOCS was associated with shorter length of postoperative hospital stay and higher post-operative hemoglobin levels during cesarean delivery.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the effect and mechanism of pilose antler different components on the bone tissue of ovariectomized osteoporosis model rats and ascertain the material basis of pilose antler. Method:fifty-six SD rats were divided randomly into seven groups:normal group,model group,Xianling Gubao group(468 mg·kg-1),Bujiale group(80 mg·kg-1),polysaccharide group(50 mg·kg-1),polypeptides group(175 mg·kg-1),polysaccharide and polypeptide mixture group(50 mg·kg-1+175 mg·kg-1). Osteoporosis mode was established through ovary resection of female rats,meanwhile,the rats were given different components of pilose antler for consecutively 12 weeks. Subsequently, using absorptiometry to measure the rats' bone mass density. The activities of bone alkaline phosphatase(BALP),osteocalcin (OT),bone morphogenetic protein2(BMP-2),Smad1,Smad5,Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) were detected by enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of BMP-2,Smad1,Smad5,Runx2 protein was examined by Western blot and Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). Morphological assay for bone tissue were detected by htoxylin eosin(HE) staining. Result:After 12 weeks, Compared with the normal group, the osteoporosis model group showed significantly decrease in bone mineral density(PPPConclusion:Pilose antler different components has therapeutic effect on ovariectomized osteoporosis model rats.The mechanism may be related to up-regulat the expression of BMP-2/Smad1,Smad5/Runx2 signal pathways.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND@#Mutations in the isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) and IDH2 genes are important for both the integrated diagnosis and the prognosis of diffuse gliomas. The p.R132H mutation of IDH1 is the most frequently observed IDH mutation, while IDH2 mutations were relatively rarely studied. The aim of the study was to determine the pathological and genetic characteristics of lower-grade gliomas that carry IDH2 mutations.@*METHODS@#Data from 238 adult patients with lower-grade gliomas were retrospectively analyzed. The status of IDH1/2 gene mutations, telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations, O-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation, 1p/19q co-deletion and the expressions of IDH1 R132H, alpha-thalassemia X-linked mental retardation, and p53 were evaluated. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated via Kaplan-Meier estimation using the log-rank test.@*RESULTS@#Totally, 71% (169/238) of patients were positive for IDH mutations, including 12 patients harboring mutations in IDH2. Among the 12 patients with IDH2 mutations, ten patients harbored the R172K mutation, one patient harbored the R172S mutation and one harbored the R172W mutation. Of these, 11 tumors occurred in the frontal lobe and showed morphology typical of oligodendroglioma. The proportion of grade II tumors was higher than that of grade III tumors in IDH2 mutant-gliomas. IDH2 mutations were frequently associated with TERT promoter mutations, 1p/19q co-deletion and MGMT promoter methylation. IDH2 mutations were associated with better outcomes compared with IDH wild-type gliomas (P < 0.05). However, the PFS and OS did not differ from that of IDH1 mutant patients (P = 0.95 and P = 0.60, respectively).@*CONCLUSIONS@#IDH2 mutations are more frequent in oligodendrogliomas and associated with a better prognosis. IDH2 mutations may segregate in distinct clinico-pathological and genetic subtypes of gliomas, and therefore may merit routine investigation.
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Objective To present our experience in minimally invasive management of urinary tract stones in patients with urinary diversion. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed 26 patients with urinary tract stones after cystectomy and urinary diversion. The types of urinary diversion were ileal conduit, colon conduit, ileal orthotopic neobladder in 19, 4, and 3 patients, respectively. At postoperative days 2, a plain KUB and urinary ultrasonography were performed in order to assess stone fragmentation or hydronephrosis. According to postoperative imaging, stone free rate (SFR) was defined as complete absence of fragments or residual stones less than 4mm. Results 19 patients were treated with minimally invasive percutaneous lithotripsy (MPCNL) and 2 patients required second-look MPCNL. Anterograde flexible ureteroscopy was performed in 2 patients, while in 2 patients a combined anterograde and retrograde approach was required. Three reservoir stones were treated by transurethral neo-bladder lithotripsy. Postoperative significant complications occurred in 2 patients (7.7%). The highest percentage of stone composition was struvite, as a result of chronic urinary tract infection (UTI). SFR was 88.5% (23 of 26). Conclusions Our experience showed that MPCNL is a safe and effective treatment modality with little morbidity for renal and upper ureteral stones in patients with urinary diversion. For middle and lower ureteral stones, an anterograde approach could be also considered as a first line treatment, but a combined anterograde and retrograde approach was required when the anterograde access alone cannot provide acceptable results.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Aged , Urinary Diversion , Lithotripsy/methods , Urinary Calculi/surgery , Ureteroscopy/methods , Retrospective Studies , Treatment Outcome , Middle AgedABSTRACT
Objective:To establish a mouse macrophage line lacking NLRP3.Methods:A GFP and neomycin dual selection marker vector which contains an efficient shRNA-coding insert for mouse NLRP3,was constructed and transfected into macrophages (RAW264.7) to select the stable clone cells in G418-contained medium.Then,the expanded clone cells that retain strong GFP expression were further sorted using the popular flow cytometry.The obtained cell mix (herein termed RAWNKD) were passaged and maintained for further identification,including observation of GFP marker,especially quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) to confirm knockdown of NLRP3 in the generated RAWNKD cells which were challenged with LPS and ATP or not.Results:Over 80% of RAWNKD cells expressed GFP,and little NLRP3 mRNA was detected in RAWNKD cells,notably no obvious increase in NLRP3 mRNA was observed when the RAWNKD cells were challenged by LPS and ATP.Conclusion:The macrophage line lacking NLRP3 was successfully established,and such macrophage deficient in NLRP3 inflammasome is a valuable cell model for investigating the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome,especially signaling in inflammation mediated by NLRP3 inflammasome.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE This work aimed to investigate the anti-rheumatoid arthritic effect of gentio-picroside from Gentiana macrophylla Pall using an animal model of adjuvant induced arthritis. METH-ODS Adjuvant arthritis was induced in fifty SD male rats,which were randomly divided into five groups (n=10):control(0.5% CMC-Na)group,AIA(rats with CFA)group,dexamethasone(1 mg·kg-1)group, gentiopicroside(50 mg·kg-1)group,and gentiopicroside(100 mg·kg-1)group.Rats were administered intragastrically with drugs or CMC-Na once a day for a period of 2 weeks.Paw swelling,arthritic index, histological changes were assessed to evaluate the anti-arthritic effect.Weight growth,spleen and thymus indexes were also investigated in.RESULTS Gentiopicroside at dose of 100 mg·kg-1significantly inhibited the secondary paw swelling(P<0.05)and arthritis index(P<0.05),decreased synovial inflammatory infil-tration, synovial hyperplasia and bone erosion. Furthermore, gentiopicroside showed no immunosup-pressive adverse effects in body weight, index of spleen and thyums compared with dexamethasone administration (P<0.05, P<0.01). CONCLUSION Gentiopicroside possessed anti-arthritic efficacy in AIA rats without immunosuppressive effects.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE To explore the effects and underlying mechanism of Jieyu Anshen granule (JY) in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-treated rats after ischemic stroke. METHODS A rat model of post-stroke depression(PSD)was developed by additional CUMS procedures after middle cere-bral artery occlusion(MCAO).Sprague-Dawley rats were given 1 g·kg-1and 3 g·kg-1of JY by gastrogavage for 4 weeks.Escitalopram(10 mg·kg-1)served as a reference drug.Behavioral tests including sucrose preference test, forced swim test and open-field test were performed to evaluate the antidepressant effects. Levels of norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in rat brain were assayed. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by measuring TNF-α and IL-1β in brain. Serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) were estimated as indices of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity. Western blot analysis was used to evaluate hippo-campal expression of the 5-HT1A receptor (5-HT1AR) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). RESULTS PSD rats exhibited decreased sucrose consumption and motor activity, increased immobility time (P<0.01). JY treatment reversed the depressive behaviors in PSD rats (P<0.05, P<0.01). Treat-ment with JY resulted in significantly increased levels of NE, DA and 5-HT in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (P<0.05, P<0.01), and increased expression of 5- HT1AR and BDNF in the hippocampus(P<0.01). JY treatment significantly down-regulated the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in hippocampus andprefrontal cortex (P<0.05). Treatment with JY also resulted in significantly decreased ACTH and CORTin serum which had been increased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION These findings suggest that JY treat-ment could ameliorate PSD, and the effects are likely ascribed to inhibiting HPA axis hyperfunction andinflammatory, up-regulating the levels of neurotransmitters (NE, DA and 5-HT), and the expression ofhippocampal 5-HT1AR and BDNF.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the relationship between blood pressure variability (BPV) and combined cardiovascular events in 5-10 years in patients with hypertension.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 367 hypertensive patients treated in our hospital from January, 2000 to January, 2005 were analyzed, and their BPV was assessed in comparison with 145 normotensive individuals. The hypertensive patients were classified into high BPV group and low BPV group, and the general clinical data and biochemical profiles were compared. The relationship between BPV and combined cardiovascular events of the patients within 5-10 years were explored.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the normotensive individuals, the hypertensive patients showed significantly increased standard deviation and coefficient of variation of 24-h systolic blood pressure (SBP), 24-h diastolic blood pressrue (DBP), daytime SBP, daytime DBP, night-time SBP and night-time DBP (P<0.01). The percentages of drinking, smoking, diabetes and coronary heart disease were significantly higher in patients with high BPV than those with lower BPV (P<0.01 or 0.05); uric acid, homocysteine, urinary protein/creatinine ratio and urinary microalbumin increased more significantly in patients with high BPV (P<0.01 or 0.05). In addition, the combined cardiovascular events in 5-10 years were significantly higher in the patients with higher BPV than those with lower BPV (P<0.01 or 0.05). Logistic multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that alcohol, diabetes, coronary heart disease, uric acid and homocysteine were independent risk factors for cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients (P<0.01 or 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In hypertensive patients, BPV is closely correlated with the long-term combined cardiovascular events, and a high BPV is associated with a greater likeliness of combined cardiovascular events.</p>
ABSTRACT
Background & Objective: Radiotherapy and temozolomide are the standard therapy for newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). However, it is unclear whether adding another agent to the commonly used radiotherapy-temozolomide (RT + TMZ) benefits newly diagnosed GBM patients. The present network meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of combining other agents with RT + TMZ for GBM treatment. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE.com, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to September 23, 2014, to include all randomized controlled trials of RT + TMZ-based therapy in GBM patients. Pairwise and network meta-analyses were performed to compare the therapeutic regimens. Results: Seventeen studies involving 4,148 patients were identified. The results of pairwise meta-analysis indicated no significant differences among most comparison groups, except for bevacizumab + RT + TMZ versus RT + TMZ for progression-free survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59–0.86; P = 0.000) and RT + TMZ versus RT alone for overall survival (HR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.58–0.88; P = 0.001). The results of network meta-analysis also showed no significant differences in most comparisons; however, adverse events were more common among patients receiving additional therapeutic agents other than RT + TMZ. The ranking probability analysis indicated that bevacizumab + RT + TMZ and nimustine + cisplatin + RT + TMZ were associated with the best progression-free and overall survival, but they also caused the most adverse events in GBM patients. RT + bevacizumab + irinotecan had the highest probability of being the best regimen for minimizing adverse events. Conclusions: The addition of other targeted agents, particularly bevacizumab and nimustine, to RT + TMZ could be slightly effective for the treatment of newly diagnosed GBM patients; however, adverse events remained common.
Subject(s)
GlioblastomaABSTRACT
Objective To study the role of interleukin-22 (IL-22) in murine asthmatic airway inflammation and airway models, and explore the mechanism of astragaioside (AS) Ⅳin the treatment of asthma.Methods Ovalbumin(OVA) was used as an allergen to sensitize and challenge the mice .Thirty-two female specific-free ( SPF) four-week BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 4 groups:control group , asthma group , budesonide treatment group ( BUD group ) and AS-Ⅳgroup.HE staining and AB-PAS were used to measure the inflammation scores and goblet cells hyperplasia , enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to analyze IL-22 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), flow cytometry was performed to analyze the proportion of Th22 cells in spleen single cell suspension , and realtime-PCR was performed to analyze the IL-22 mRNA levels in lung tissue .Results The inflammation scores of asthma group were elevated compared with the control group(P<0.05).An overall reduction of asthmatic airway inflammation was observed in the BUD group and AS-Ⅳgroup by the end of the trial .IL-22 levels in BALF and the proportion of Th22 cells in spleen single cell suspension were significantly increased after treatment in BUD and AS-Ⅳ groups(P<0.01), while the mRNA levels of IL-22 were obviously decreased(P<0.01).Conclusion The increase of IL-22 can induce airway inflammation of asthma . AS-Ⅳcan reduce Th22 cell differentiation and the expression of IL-22, thereby inhibiting the development of airway inflammation of asthma.
ABSTRACT
Objective To study the role of interleukin-22 (IL-22) in murine asthmatic airway inflammation and airway models, and explore the mechanism of astragaioside (AS) Ⅳin the treatment of asthma.Methods Ovalbumin(OVA) was used as an allergen to sensitize and challenge the mice .Thirty-two female specific-free ( SPF) four-week BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 4 groups:control group , asthma group , budesonide treatment group ( BUD group ) and AS-Ⅳgroup.HE staining and AB-PAS were used to measure the inflammation scores and goblet cells hyperplasia , enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to analyze IL-22 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), flow cytometry was performed to analyze the proportion of Th22 cells in spleen single cell suspension , and realtime-PCR was performed to analyze the IL-22 mRNA levels in lung tissue .Results The inflammation scores of asthma group were elevated compared with the control group(P<0.05).An overall reduction of asthmatic airway inflammation was observed in the BUD group and AS-Ⅳgroup by the end of the trial .IL-22 levels in BALF and the proportion of Th22 cells in spleen single cell suspension were significantly increased after treatment in BUD and AS-Ⅳ groups(P<0.01), while the mRNA levels of IL-22 were obviously decreased(P<0.01).Conclusion The increase of IL-22 can induce airway inflammation of asthma . AS-Ⅳcan reduce Th22 cell differentiation and the expression of IL-22, thereby inhibiting the development of airway inflammation of asthma.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the effective dosage and formulation of agkistrodon in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>CIA was induced by injection of collagen in complete/incomplete Freund's adjuvant. Agkistrodon decoction, agkistrodon powder, and agkistrodon wine were administered daily starting from the onset of arthritis. Paw swelling degree was measured by using a volume-measuring instrument every 7 days after primary immunization. Arthritis index was measured and calculated using the "five scoring method" every 7 days. The levels of serum interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and type II collagen IgG antibodies were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Finally, all ankles were removed, and X-ray radiography was performed with In-vivo Imaging System FX. Samples were counterstained with hematoxylin and eosin for analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among the various dosage formulations of agkistrodon, high-dose powder, which was equivalent to an amount of 6 g/day in adults, showed better effects on the inhibition of joint swelling and reduction of arthritis index score. The relatively low levels of serum IL-1 and anti-type II collagen IgG antibodies, as well as the X-ray radiography and pathology results, further proved the superiority of the high-dose powder over the other formulations. The effect of decoction on inhibiting joint swelling was inversely proportional to the dosage. Other effects, such as reduction of arthritis index score and the levels of serum IL-1 and anti-type II collagen IgG antibodies, were directly proportional to the dosage. While the use of large dose agkistrodon wine led to negative effects.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>These data highlight the potential function of high-dose agkistrodon powder, which was equivalent to an amount of 6 g/day in adults. The powder can quickly relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and prevent aggravation of disease, especially during the early period.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Female , Agkistrodon , Metabolism , Antibodies , Blood , Arthritis, Experimental , Blood , Drug Therapy , Collagen Type II , Allergy and Immunology , Dosage Forms , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Extremities , Diagnostic Imaging , Pathology , Interleukin-1beta , Blood , Medicine, Chinese Traditional , Rats, WistarABSTRACT
Previous publications showed that the value of LLOQ (lowest limit of quantification) for doxazosin and its enantiomers in biological samples were above 0.1 ng·mL-1. The present study was designed to establish a new liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the quantification at very low concentration of (-)doxazosin in rat plasma after intravenous administration of (-)doxazosin (3.0 mg·kg-1). The plasma samples containing prazosin as an internal standard were extracted by solid-phase extraction (SPE) and separated on Acquity BEH C18(50 mm×2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) column under alkaline conditions of the mobile phase. (-)Doxazosin was monitored under positive ionization condition by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) with an ESI source. The good linear range of (-)doxazosin varied from 10.4 pg·mL-1 to 13 ng·mL-1(r=0.9922), and the lowest limit of quantification was 10.4 pg·mL-1. An assessment of the matrix effect using post-extraction spiking method and post-column infusion method demonstrated that co-eluting matrix components did not significantly influenced the ionization of (-)doxazosin and prazosin (IS). Using the new method, we accurately measured (-)doxazosin concentration at 48 h after intravenous administration in the rats, and the concentration was 0.0344±0.0102 ng·mL-1. The method is specific, sensitive, and suitable for determining (-)doxazosin at very low concentration in rat plasma samples.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the differences in central hemodynamic indices between hypertensive and normotensive subjects and identify the blood pressure index that the most strongly correlate with arterial stiffness and vascular damage markers.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A cohort of 820 hypertensive patients and 820 normotensive individuals matched for age and gender were enrolled in this study. We measured carotid-femoral and carotid-radial pulse wave velocity (PWV), aortic augmentation index (AIx) and central blood pressures using pulse wave analysis and applanation tonometry. Plasma homocysteine (HCY), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were also tested in these subjects.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In both hypertensive and normotensive subjects, the central systolic blood pressure (SBP) and pulse pressure (PP) were significantly lower than brachial SBP and PP; this PP amplification was significantly lower in the normotensives (9.85∓6.55 mmHg) than in the hypertensives (12.64∓6.69 mmHg), but the amplification ratios were comparable between the two groups. Blood pressure and age were closely related with aortic arterial stiffness. Compared with normotensive subjects, hypertensive subjects had higher carotid-femoral PWV and AIx, and showed significantly lowered PP amplification ratio with age. Central PP was more strongly related to arterial stiffness and vascular damage markers than the other pressure indices. Multivariate analyses revealed that carotid-femoral PWV and aortic AIx were strongly influenced by central PP but not by the mean blood pressure or brachial PP.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The central PP is a more direct indicator of central arterial stiffness and a better marker of vascular aging than other blood pressure variables. These findings support the use of central blood pressure as a treatment target in future trials.</p>
Subject(s)
Humans , Aorta , Arterial Pressure , Blood Pressure , Case-Control Studies , Hemodynamics , Hypertension , Pulse Wave Analysis , Vascular StiffnessABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To study the correlation between expression of Wnt and NCX1 and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in mouse with myocardial hypertrophy.@*METHODS@#C57B/16 male mice were given the subcutaneous injection of 1 mg/kg isoprenaline to build the myocardial hypertrophy model. After 14 d of model building, mice were executed by cervical vertebra luxation. The ratio of heart weight/body weight (HW/BW) and heart weight/tibia length (HW/TL) was observed and proved using HE staining that detected the size of cardiomyocytes. 40 male C57B/16 mice were randomly divided into the sham group (normal saline) and model group (isoprenaline), with 20 mice in each group. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling was applied to detect the cardiomyocyte apoptosis; while Western blot and immunohistochemistry were employed to detect the expression of Wnt and NCX1. Meanwhile, the correlation between these two proteins and cardiomyocyte apoptosis was explored.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the sham group, the ratio of HW/BW and HW/TL was increased in the model group, as well as the bigger and hypertrophied cardiomyocytes, decreased number and increased apoptosis of cardiomyocytes, and increased positive expression of Wnt3a, Wnt5a and NCX1 in the cardiac muscle tissue. Besides, there was positive correlation between the expression of Wnt and NCX1 and the cardiomyocyte apoptosis.@*CONCLUSION@#The expression of Wnt3a, Wnt5a and NCX1 in mouse with myocardial hypertrophy is increased and positively correlated with the cardiomyocyte apoptosis.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To study the correlation between expression of Wnt and NCX1 and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in mouse with myocardial hypertrophy. Methods: C57B/16 male mice were given the subcutaneous injection of 1 mg/kg isoprenaline to build the myocardial hypertrophy model. After 14 d of model building, mice were executed by cervical vertebra luxation. The ratio of heart weight/body weight (HW/BW) and heart weight/tibia length (HW/TL) was observed and proved using HE staining that detected the size of cardiomyocytes. 40 male C57B/16 mice were randomly divided into the sham group (normal saline) and model group (isoprenaline), with 20 mice in each group. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling was applied to detect the cardiomyocyte apoptosis; while Western blot and immunohistochemistry were employed to detect the expression of Wnt and NCX1. Meanwhile, the correlation between these two proteins and cardiomyocyte apoptosis was explored. Results: Compared with the sham group, the ratio of HW/BW and HW/TL was increased in the model group, as well as the bigger and hypertrophied cardiomyocytes, decreased number and increased apoptosis of cardiomyocytes, and increased positive expression of Wnt3a, Wnt5a and NCX1 in the cardiac muscle tissue. Besides, there was positive correlation between the expression of Wnt and NCX1 and the cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Conclusion: The expression of Wnt3a, Wnt5a and NCX1 in mouse with myocardial hypertrophy is increased and positively correlated with the cardiomyocyte apoptosis.
ABSTRACT
Traditional medicine (herb medicine) began to prevail again over last two decades, and it is about 70% of the world population taking herb medicine as supplement or alternative medicine according to a recent survey. The consumption of herb medicine increased exponentially in Canada, Australia and Europe during last 10 years. Since concomitant administration of herbal and western medicine has become a trend, it requires paying close attention to the problem. Herb-drug interactions have been extensively investigated worldwide, and there is an increasing concern about the clinical herb-drug interaction. In this review we introduced the current progress in the herb-drug interactions including evidence-based clinical studies and establishment of levels of evidence for herb-drug interaction; and in the related mechanisms including the induction and inhibition of metabolic enzymes, inhibition and induction of transport and efflux proteins, alteration of gastrointestinal functions, and alteration in renal elimination. We also analyzed both the achievements and the challenges faced in the concomitant administration of traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine.