ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the CT features and pathology of intrapulmonary lymph nodes (IPLNs), so as to improve the understanding and diagnosis of IPLNs. Methods A total of 38 patients (49 IPLNs) who were confirmed by the surgery and pathology were retrospectively analyzed, including 21 males and 17 females with a mean age of (56±8) years. All the patients underwent MSCT scan and 1.0 mm thin layer reconstruction before surgery. Double-blind method was used to analyze CT signs and the corresponding histopathological changes were compared. Results (1) Location: all IPLNs were located below the level of tracheal carina with 17 were on the left lung, and 32 were on the right lung. (2) Shape: 34 IPLNs were round, 15 were triangular or prism and so on. (3) Size: the maximum diameter of IPLNs ranged from 0.26 to 1.28 cm (0.66±0.23 cm), of which 45 cases were≤1.0 cm. (4) Quantity: 28 IPLNs were solitary and 10 were multiple. (5) Density: All 48 IPLNs were solid nodules with a median CT value of 43 HU (range from 19 to 106 HU), and there were no calcification, vacuoles and air bronchial signs were showed. (6) Margin and pleura: all the 48 IPLNs boundaries were clear and smooth, and 45 pieces were less than 1.0 cm from the pleura, of which 20 were close to the pleura or inter-lobar fissure. (7) Other: no"satellite focal", pleural depression syndrome, and vascular bundle sign were showed;22 peripheral fine lines of IPLNs were visible. (8) Pathology: IPLNs were dark brown or gray-black nodules with well-defined borders, coated, tough, hard, and carbon deposition could be seen in most cases. Conclusion IPLNs are benign nodules in the lung, which have certain CT features and typical pathological changes. Based on the CT performance and characteristics, it is helpful to make correct diagnosis of IPLNs before operation.
ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the effects and mechanism of atrovastatin on the expression of the NF-κB in renal tissues of diabetic rats.Methods A total of 60 male SD rats was randomly taken out 40 rats to make diabetic model by injection of 65mg streptozotoein (STZ) into enterocoelia,the rest of 20 rats were normal control group.After the model made,atrovastatin (2 mg/kg/d) was given to the treated group,and the normal control group and diabetic rats without treatment group were given equivalent water.After 12 weeks,the rats were killed.Total RNA of the renal tissues was isolated from one kidney for each rat,and the renal tissues from the another kidney was prepared for immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis.The NF-κB mRNA expressions among three groups were determined by RT-PCR.The distribution of NF-κB in the renal tissues was observed,and compared its difference among three groups.ResultsPCR showed that NF-κB mRNA was increased in the renal tissues of diabetic rats compared to control rats ( P ＜ 0.05 ).Drug-treated rats showed significantly decreased levels of NF-κB mRNA in the renal tissues compared to the untreated diabetic group( P ＜0.05).The results were also observed in protein lelel of NF-κB expression.IHC showed that there existed positive cells in the glomerular and renal tubulointerstitum.Conclusions Atrovastatin can down-regulate the expression of NF-κB and suppress the increased level of NF-κB protein in the renal tissue of diabetic rats,and slow the progress of retinopathy.
ABSTRACT
Objective It has been known that cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) acts as a tumor promoter in rodent models for colorectal cancer, but its precise role in the processes of carcinogenesis remains unclear. The study was designed to observe the relationship between expression of COX and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the mouse embryo fibroblast (MEF) with knock out of COX-1 gene (COX-1 -/- ) or COX-2 gene (COX-2 -/- ) and wild MEF cells (COX-1 +/+ /COX-2 +/+ ). Methods We cultured the mouse embryo fibroblasts, measured the VEGF levels in the culture medium of these cells using ELISA, and extracted mRNA from these cells to identify the expressions of VEGF isoforms by RT-PCR. Results VEGF level could hardly be measured in the COX 2-deficient cells (COX-2 -/- ), however, the VEGF level was significantly increased in the cells with COX-2 gene (COX-2 +/+ ) and decreased by celecoxib, a COX-2 inhibitor. The level of VEGF was not associated with COX-1 expression. COX-2 inhibited the expressions of three isoforms of VEGF at mRNA level. Conclusions COX-2 plays an important role in the VEGF secretion and synthesis and therefore, it has an effect on the angiogenesis and tumor growth.