ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Abdominal cocoon syndrome is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction, which is difficult to diag- nose preoperatively. We here report a case of abdominal cocoon. A 47-year-old male patient was referred to the general surgery department with complaints of abdominal pain, distension, nausea and vomiting for 1 day. An abdominal computed tomography examination detected the dilated small intestinal loops clustered in the abdomen and surrounded by a sac-like membrane. During the exploratory surgery, a capsular structure was identified in the lower quadrant with a regular surface that was solid fibrous in nature. The combination of physical examination, imaging signs and medical history may be helpful in the diagnosis.
ABSTRACT
Gut-derived endotoxin and pathogenic bacteria have been proposed as important causative factors of morbidity and death during heat stroke. However, it is still unclear what kind of damage is induced by heat stress. In this study, the rat intestinal epithelial cell line (IEC-6) was treated with heat stress or a combination of heat stress and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In addition, propofol, which plays an important role in anti-inflammation and organ protection, was applied to study its effects on cellular viability and apoptosis. Heat stress, LPS, or heat stress combined with LPS stimulation can all cause intestinal epithelial cell damage, including early apoptosis and subsequent necrosis. However, propofol can alleviate injuries caused by heat stress, LPS, or the combination of heat stress and LPS. Interestingly, propofol can only mitigate LPS-induced intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis, and has no protective role in heat-stress-induced apoptosis. This study developed a model that can mimic the intestinal heat stress environment. It demonstrates the effects on intestinal epithelial cell damage, and indicated that propofol could be used as a therapeutic drug for the treatment of heat-stress-induced intestinal injuries.