Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection and recurrent respiratory tract infection in children / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To analyze the risk factors of mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection and recurrent respiratory tract infection (RRTI) in children, and to provide reference for early clinical intervention. Methods A total of 648 RRTI children admitted to our hospital from October 2018 to December 2020 were selected. Serum MP antibody levels were detected by semi-quantitative method. According to whether the children were combined with mycoplasma infection, they were divided into experimental group (MP positive, n=283) and control group (MP negative, n=365). Age, gender, body mass index, nutrient deficiency, preterm birth, anemia, onset season, collective living, antibiotics application were collected from the two groups. Logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors of MP infection in RRTI children. Results Among of 648 RRTI children, 283 (43.67%) had MP infection. There was no statistical significance in MP infection of pneumonia in children of different ages and genders between the two groups (P>0.05).There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in nutrient deficiency, onset season, length of hospital stay, days of fever, group living, application of antibiotics and invasive operation (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the onset season, length of hospital stay, group living were independent risk factors for MP infection in RRTI children (P<0.05). Conclusion The risk of MP infection in RRTI children is higher, and the main risk factors are onset season, length of hospital stay, group living and application of antibiotics.

Epidemiological characteristics of latent syphilis in Yancheng Cityfrom 2016 to 2020 / 预防医学

Objective@#To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of latent syphilis in Yancheng City from 2016 to 2020, so as to provide insights into syphilis control. @*Methods@#All reported cases with latent syphilis in Yancheng City from 2016 to 2020 was collected from the Communicable Disease Report System of China Disease Prevention and Control Information System, and the prevalence of latent syphilis was estimated and standardized by the seventh population census data in Yancheng City. The trends in the incidence of latent syphilis were evaluated using annual percent change (APC), and the temporal, regional and human distributions of latent syphilis patients were descriptively analyzed. In addition, the spatial clusters of latent syphilis incidence were identified using spatial autocorrelation analysis. @*Results@#A total of 7 790 cases with latent syphilis were reported in Yancheng City from 2016 to 2020, and the standardized incidence of latent syphilis increased from 15.35/105 in 2016 to 28.70/105 in 2020 (APC=17.54%, t=5.357, P=0.013). Latent syphilis cases were reported in each month, and no obvious seasonable characteristics were seen. During the period from 2017 to 2020, the highest incidence of latent syphilis was seen in residents at ages of 70 to 79 years, with incidence rates of 41.71/105, 43.04/105, 75.79/105 and 72.94/105, respectively, and most cases were farmers (4 711 cases, 60.47%). The three highest incidence of latent syphilis was reported in Funing County (191.40/105), Tinghu District (137.13/105) and Yandu District (126.23/105). There was a positive spatial correlation of latent syphilis incidence in Yancheng City from 2016 to 2020 (Moran's I=0.23, Z=4.457, P=0.001), and two high-high clusters were identified in 14 townships (streets) of Funing County, Binhai County, Tinghu District, Sheyang County and Yandu District and 3 low-low clusters in 7 townships (streets) in Jianhu County, Tinghu District, Dongtai City and Sheyang County. @*Conclusions@#The incidence of latent syphilis appeared a tendency towards a rise, and there were remarkable spatial clusters identified in latent syphilis incidence in Yancheng City from 2016 to 2020. The elderly people and farmers are at high risk of latent syphilis.

Calcium channel blockers improve prognosis of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 and hypertension / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Hypertension is considered an important risk factor for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The commonly anti-hypertensive drugs are the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors, calcium channel blockers (CCBs), and beta-blockers. The association between commonly used anti-hypertensive medications and the clinical outcome of COVID-19 patients with hypertension has not been well studied.@*METHODS@#We conducted a retrospective cohort study that included all patients admitted with COVID-19 to Huo Shen Shan Hospital and Guanggu District of the Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China. Clinical and laboratory characteristics were extracted from electronic medical records. Hypertension and anti-hypertensive treatment were confirmed by medical history and clinical records. The primary clinical endpoint was all-cause mortality. Secondary endpoints included the rates of patients in common wards transferred to the intensive care unit and hospital stay duration. Logistic regression was used to explore the risk factors associated with mortality and prognosis. Propensity score matching was used to balance the confounders between different anti-hypertensive treatments. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to compare the cumulative recovery rate. Log-rank tests were performed to test for differences in Kaplan-Meier curves between different groups.@*RESULTS@#Among 4569 hospitalized patients with COVID-19, 31.7% (1449/4569) had a history of hypertension. There were significant differences in mortality rates between hypertensive patients with CCBs (7/359) and those without (21/359) (1.95% vs. 5.85%, risk ratio [RR]: 0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.13-0.76, χ2 = 7.61, P = 0.0058). After matching for confounders, the mortality rates were similar between the RAAS inhibitor (4/236) and non-RAAS inhibitor (9/236) cohorts (1.69% vs. 3.81%, RR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.13-1.43, χ2 = 1.98, P = 0.1596). Hypertensive patients with beta-blockers (13/340) showed no statistical difference in mortality compared with those without (11/340) (3.82% vs. 3.24%, RR: 1.19, 95% CI: 0.53-2.69, χ2 = 0.17, P = 0.6777).@*CONCLUSIONS@#In our study, we did not find any positive or negative effects of RAAS inhibitors or beta-blockers in COVID-19 patients with hypertension, while CCBs could improve prognosis.

Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation alters mice placental function / 解放军医学杂志

Objective To observe and assess the effect of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) on fetal weight and placental function of mouse model. Methods In vitro fertilized (IVF) blastocysts were transferred to non-stimulated pseudopregnant mice (NSP group, n=6) and superovulated pseudopregnantt mice (SOP group, n=6). At 18.5 d of embryonic age (E18.5 d), the fetal weight and placental weight were examined. The areas of labyrinth layer and junction layer of placenta were measured using microscopic image software. The apoptosis in the placenta was detected by TUNEL. The levels of glutathion (GSH) and malonaldehyde (MDA) in placenta were detected separately by spectrophotometry and barbiturate method. The expression levels of amino acid transporter Snat1, Snat2, Snat4, Lat1, Lat2, Cd98, and Taut mRNA in placenta were detected by qRT-PCR. The SNAT2 protein levels in microvillous membrane (MVM) of placenta were detected by Western blotting. Results At E18.5d, compared with the mice in SOP group to those in NSP group, the mean weights of fetal and placenta were significantly lower [(1.37±0.13) g vs. (1.75±0.13) g; (0.14±0.02) g vs. (0.17±0.01) g, P<0.001)]. The apoptosis rates increased in both labyrinth layer and junction layer of placenta [(7.57±1.23) % vs. (4.62±0.91) %, P<0.001; (5.28±0.99) % vs. (3.27±0.69) %, P=0.002]. The GSH level in placenta decreased obviously [(5.21±1.55) μmol/g prot vs. (8.45±1.60) μmol/g prot, P=0.005], while the concentration of MDA increased markedly [(1.35±0.52) nmol/g prot vs. (0.56±0.19) nmol/g prot, P=0.005]. The levels of Snat1, Snat2, Lat2 and Tau mRNA in the placenta were down regulated (0.77±0.13, 0.65±0.18, 0.69±0.18, 0.73±0.07, P<0.001), and the SANT2 protein levels in placental MVM were decreased significantly [(0.32±0.01) vs. (0.65±0.15), P<0.001]. Conclusion Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation may alter placental function, and induced placental oxidative stress might be a critical factor of abnormal placental function.

Mucormycosis in patients with hematological diseases: seven cases reports and literature review / 中华血液学杂志

Objective@#To explore the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of patients with hematological diseases that complicated by mucormycosis, and to improve the understanding and clinical diagnosis and treatment of the disease.@*Methods@#The clinical data of 7 patients suffering from mucormycosis during September 2012 and September 2018 were retrospectively analyzed, and their clinical characteristics, treatment process and prognosis were analyzed.@*Results@#Of 7 patients, there were 4 males and 3 females, with a median age of 36 (19-79) years old. Two patients were diagnosed as acute myeloid leukemia as the underlying disease, the other 5 patients suffered from acute B lymphoblastic leukemia, peripheral T cell lymphoma, chronic myelocytic leukemia in blastic phase, myeloproliferative neoplasm and severe aplastic anemia after transplantation, respectively. Among them, disease types of mucormycosis were pulmonary in 4 patients, rhino-orbital-cerebral in 1 patient, cutaneous in 1 patient and disseminated in 1 patient. All the cases were confirmed by biopsy histopathology. The treatment drugs were amphotericin B or liposomal amphotericin B, and posaconazole. Surgical treatment was performed in 4 patients, 3 out of 4 achieved radical debridement, and the other one had local debridement. Two patients were cured, 1 patient was improved and 4 patients died.@*Conclusions@#The clinical manifestation and image feature of mucormycosis in patients with hematological diseases were diverse, and the mortality rate is high, diagnosis mainly depends on histopathology. Early diagnosis, control of underlying disease, improvement of immunosuppressive status, timely effective antifungal therapy and radical surgical debridement are the key points for improving the survival rate of patients with hematological diseases complicated by mucormycosis.

Research progress in cellular pharmacokinetics of nano-drug delivery systems / 药学学报

Nano-drug delivery systems (nano-DDS) are the hotspots of new drug delivery systems, which have many advantages, such as sustained and controlled release, targeting delivery. Traditional pharmacokinetics are difficult to predict the efficacy of drugs in vivo sometimes. It is urgently needed to extend the traditional pharmacokinetics studies to the cell/subcellular level and perform cell pharmacokinetic studies. The study on the pharmacokinetics of nano-DDS helps us to elucidate the mechanism of the actions of them in cells and guides us to design and develop nano-DDS more reasonably. This article summarizes the research content and methods on the cellular pharmacokinetics of nano-DDS, in order to provide an important reference for the early stage design of nano-DDS.

A UPLC-MS/MS method for quantification of a novel doxorubicin conjugation prodrug in tumor cells / 药学学报

In this study, we developed a rapid and sensitive ultra high-performance liquid chromatographytandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method to detect a sulfide bond doxorubicin conjugation prodrug (DOX-S-DOX) in human breast cancer tumor cells (MCF-7). The samples were prepared by acetonitrile precipitation using daunorubicin as internal standard (IS). A reversed phase C18 analytical column (Agilent Eclipse plus C18 RRHD 1.8 μm, 2.1 mm×50 mm) was utilized to separate the samples under gradient elution conditions. Mobile phase was a mixture of 0.1% formic acid in water and methanol at a flow rate of 0.4 mL ·min-1. The analysis was conducted on the mass spectrometer using an electrospray interface (ESI) in the positive ionization model. The calibration range was 20.0-400 ng·mL-1 with the correlation coefficients (r2) ≥ 0.99. The inter-and intra-assay precision (relative standard deviation, RSD%) of quality control samples was within 3.77%-8.35% and relative error (RE%) for accuracy was between -2.04% and 2.62%. Recovery (97.67%-104.2%) and matrix effect (104.8%-113.9%) were consistent, precise, and reproducible at different quality control levels in accordance with FDA guidance. The assay was successfully used in the cellular pharmacokinetics study of DOX-S-DOX, which may provide a clue to explore analytical methods of other prodrug forms of DOX.

Analysis of serum specific IgE in children with allergic conjunctivitis and associated allergic diseases / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

·AIM: To investigate the distribution of serum specific IgE in children with allergic conjunctivitis and associated allergic diseases. ·METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 708 cases of allergic conjunctivitis in children, according to age divided into the infant group (2 months to 1 years old) 232 cases, the children group (>1 years to 3 years old) 255 cases and the preschool group (>3 years to 6 years old) 221 cases. A automatic in vitro detection system was used to detect serum inhaled allergens and food allergen specific IgE by immune capture method. A questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the associated allergic diseases and consultation with relevant departments. ·RESULTS: The sIgE positive rate was the lowest in the infant group (87.1%). There were significant differences in the number of sIgE positive species in the infant group compared with those in the other two groups (χ2=10. 96, 21. 78; P<0. 01). The most common allergens in all three groups were milk, egg white and household dust mites, and the positive rate of SIgE in milk was higher in the infant group than in the other two groups. The positive rate of sIgE in dust mites, house dust, tree pollen, mulberry, dog fur, egg white, pineapple and mango were higher in the preschool group than in the other two groups. The positive rate of 3-6 grade sIgE in household dust mites and house dust were higher in preschool group than that in the other two groups (P<0. 01). The infant group had the highest proportion of gastrointestinal allergy (28. 9%). The preschool group had the highest proportion of allergic rhinitis. The proportion with more than three kinds of allergic diseases in children group was higher than that of the other two groups(P<0. 01). ·CONCLUSION: With the increase of age, the positive rate and types of allergen in children with allergic conjunctivitis increased gradually. House dust mites become the primary inhalation allergen from infancy. Allergic diseases associated with allergic conjunctivitis in children are consistent with allergic march.

Analysis on mechanisms and medication rules of herbal prescriptions for gout caused by heat-damp accumulation syndrome based on data mining and network pharmacology / 中国中药杂志

To mine the medication rules of herbal prescriptions for gout caused by heat-damp accumulation syndrome, and explore the possible mechanism of the core herbs, we collected the relevant literature of gout caused by heat-damp accumulation syndrome in CNKI, medication rules of herbal prescriptions are analyzed by using TCMISS(V2.5) software, and the compatibility of core drugs and new prescriptions were mined.KEGG pathway analysis was performed by BATMAN-TCM, an online analysis tool, and the potential signaling pathways of core drugs compatibility to treat gout caused by heat-damp accumulation syndrome were revealed. The results showed that six core drugs and three new prescriptions were found out of the 136 prescriptions. The core compatibility herbs in clinical treament of gout caused by heat-damp accumulation syndrome, Phellodendri Chinrnsis Cortex, Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix and Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix, which potential signaling pathways were purine metabolic pathway and neura activity ligand receptor interaction signaling pathway. Therefore, for gout caused by heat-damp accumulation syndrome, the mainly used therapies of TCM were clearing heat and drying dampness,inducing diuresis for removing edema, dispeling wind and eliminating dampness. The mechnisms of core compatibility herbs may be achieved through the intervention of purine metabolic pathway and neural activity ligand receptor interaction signaling pathway.

A New Method of 3-Dimensional Localization of Intraocular Foreign Bodies Using CT Imaging: A Role of Optic Nerve / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Computed tomography (CT) is considered the most sensitive method for the detection of intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs).The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new method of 3-dimentional (3D) localization of IOFBs that takes advantage of the anatomical structure of the optic nerve and to assess the clinical outcomes using this new method.Twenty-two trauma patients with IOFBs or suspected IOFBs admitted to our hospital were scanned with multislice CT (MSCT) between July and December 2003.All scanning was performed with a 16-row spiral CT in axial plane using a sequential scanning protocol.During the scanning,the eyeball of the patient was kept stable and was not allowed to rotate internally or externally.Section collimation was set at 16 mm × 0.75 mm.Table feed was 12 mm.Reconstruction index was 0.75 mm.After scanning,the reconstructed images were loaded into a workstation to create the multiplanar reconstruction images with the aid of the 3D software.We compared the localization results with the operative findings.Multiplanar reconstruction images showed IOFBs in all 22 patients.IOFBs occurred in the eyeball of 14 patients,in the wall of the eyeball of 5 patients and in the posterior orbits of 3 patients.Different surgical procedures were designed according to the localization by this new method and all IOFBs were successfully removed.All of these foreign bodies were metallic and the localization of IOFB using MSCT was consistent with that found by operative findings.It was suggested that MSCT is a simple and effective imaging modality for the localization of IOFBs.In our study,we localized the IOFBs more quickly and accurately by taking advantage of the fixed position of the intraocular segment of the optic nerve,and determined the necessary surgical parameters.

The Role of CBS in Injury Time Estimation after Brain Contusion / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To observe the changes of cystathionine β-synthase （CBS） expression in the cerebral cortex after brain contusion at different times.@*METHODS@#An experimental model of traumatic brain injury （TBI） in mice was established by an improved weight-drop device. Then Western blotting and immunohistochemical examination were used to detect the CBS expression in cerebral cortex around injury at different time points （1 h, 6 h, 12 h, 1 d, 2 d, 3 d, 7 d）.@*RESULTS@#The results of Western blotting revealed that the expression level of CBS was down-regulated and reached its lowest level at the 3rd days after injury, and then restored to normal level after 7 days. The results of immunohistochemistry showed that CBS was present in the normal brain cortex. CBS expression gradually decreased at the 3rd days after injury, and then restored to normal level after 7 days.@*CONCLUSIONS@#CBS has the potential to be a reference index for time estimation after brain contusion in forensic practice.

Investigation of the Release of Nifedipine from Sustained-Release Tablets Based on Compaction Properties of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influencing mechanism of the particle size of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) on the release behavior of nifedipine from a sustained-release tablet system based on the compaction properties of HPMC. METHODS: The compaction properties of HPMC K4M of different particle sizes were determined. Hydrophilic matrix sustained-release tablets were prepared using nifedipine as the active ingredient and HPMC K4M as a hydrophilic matrix former. The effect of compaction properties of HPMC K4M on the porosity, release, and other properties of nifedipine hydrophilic matrix sustained-release tablets were also studied. RESULTS: The decrease of the particle size of HPMC K4M resulted in higher bulk density, tap density, compressibility index, and tensile strength and smaller elastic recovery of HPMC K4M, which all led to the decrease of thickness and porosity and the increase of HPMC concentration per unit volume of nifedipine hydrophilic matrix sustained-release tablets. These factors resulted in faster gelation rate of nifedipine sustained-release tablets and decreased water ingress and polymer swelling, so the release of nifedipine from the delivery system was prolonged. CONCLUSION: The obviously different compaction properties of HPMC of different particle sizes influence the porosity and gelation rate and then the release of hydrophilic matrix nifedipine sustained-release tablets.

Progress in the physiological and pathophysiological functions of sodium calcium exchangers / 生理学报

Sodium calcium exchanger (NCX), which is widely expressed in the plasma membrane, mitochondrial membrane and secretory vesicles in diverse kinds of cells, belongs to a type of cation translocators. NCX works in two modes, the forward mode and reverse mode, to regulate the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration bi-directionally. In the forward mode, NCX carries Ca(2+) out of the cell against its electrochemical gradients coupled to the influx of Na(+) down its electrochemical gradients; alternatively, Ca(2+) enters through the reverse mode of NCX, and Na(+) is carried out of the cell. Exactly through the two-way modes, NCX can regulate intracellular Ca(2+) concentration fleetly and accurately, and plays a critical role in a series of physiological processes including intracellular signal transduction, growth and development of cells, excitation and its coupled functions of excitable cells. NCX are acknowledged to be involved in myofiber contraction, neurotransmission, migration and differentiation of neurogliocyte, activation of immune cells, secretion of cytokines and hormones etc. Moreover, abnormal activation of the reverse mode of NCX plays a vital role in many pathological processes including cell apoptosis, ischemia-reperfusion injury, insulin secretion, tumor etc. Here we reviewed the research status about the NCX's participation in some physiological and pathophysiological processes, so as to provide comprehensive understanding about its functions.

Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor Subtype Expression in Type Vestibular Hair Cells of Guinea Pigs / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Recent studies have demonstrated that five subtypes (M1-M5) of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) are expressed in the vestibular periphery.However,the exact cellular location of the mAChRs is not clear.In this study,we investigated whether there is the expression of M1-M5 muscarinic receptor mRNA in isolated type Ⅱ vestibular hair cells of guinea pig by using single-cell RT-PCR.In vestibular end-organ,cDNA of the expected size was obtained by RT-PCR.Moreover,mRNA was identified by RT-PCR from individually isolated type Ⅱ vestibular hair cells (single-cell RT-PCR).Sequence analysis confirmed that the products were M1-M5 mAChR.These results demonstrated that M1-M5 mAChR was expressed in the type Ⅱ vestibular hair cells of the guinea pig,which lends further support for the role of M1-M5 mAChR as a mediator of efferent cholinergic signalling pathway in vestibular hair cells.

Correlations between serum interleukin-18 (IL-18) level, IL-18 gene promoter polymorphisms and the development of sepsis in children / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the correlations of serum interleukin-18 (IL-18) level and IL-18 gene promoter polymorphisms to the development of sepsis in children.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the authors tested the serum IL-18 level in 90 patients with sepsis and 123 normal controls, and their single nucleotide polymorphisms of the promoter region of IL-18 gene at position -607C/A and -137G/C were detected using polymerase chain reaction with sequence specific primers method and sequencing technique.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>(1) The serum IL-18 level in sepsis groups was (196.56 +/- 157.32) pg/ml that was significantly higher than (66.16 +/- 41.63) pg/ml in normal controls (P < 0.01), the more severe the degree of sepsis was, the more significantly higher the serum IL-18 level was. The serum IL-18 level in non serious sepsis group was (152.87 +/- 114.96) pg/ml that was significantly higher than (66.16 +/- 41.63) pg/ml in normal controls, the serum IL-18 level in serious sepsis group was (191.98 +/- 169.72) pg/ml that was significantly higher than that in non serious sepsis group, and the serum IL-18 level in extremely serious sepsis patients was (323.89 +/- 159.35) pg/ml, the difference was highly significant (P = 0.000). The difference was significant among the groups with different severity of sepsis (P < 0.01). There was a negative correlation between PCIS (pediatric critical illness score) of sepsis and the serum IL-18 level (P < 0.01). (2) There were polymorphisms in IL-18 gene promoter of matched healthy children and sepsis in children. The GG genotype frequency (61.8%) of IL-18-137G/C in healthy children was the highest, followed by GC genotype (35.8%) and CC genotype (2.4%) in sequence. The G allele frequency (79.7%) was higher in IL-18-137G/C of healthy children than C allele (20.3%). The GG genotype frequency (71.1%) of IL-18-137G/C in septic children was the highest, the next were GC genotype (26.7%) and CC genotype (2.2%). The G allele frequency (84.4%) was higher in IL-18-137G/C of septic children than C allele (15.6%). The CA genotype frequency (61.0%) of IL-18-607C/A in healthy children was the highest, followed by CC genotype (26.8%) and AA genotype (12.2%). The C allele frequency (57.3%) was higher in IL-18-607C/A of healthy children than A allele (42.7%). The CA genotype frequency (76.7%) of IL-18-607C/A in septic children was the highest, followed by CC genotype (21.1%) and AA genotype (2.2%) in sequence. The C allele frequency (59.4%) was higher in IL-18-607C/A of septic children than A allele (40.6%). (3) The genotype frequency of IL-18-607 CA was 76.7% in sepsis groups that was significantly higher than 61.0% in normal controls, and the genotype frequency of -607 AA was 2.2% in sepsis groups that was significantly lower than 12.2% in normal controls, the difference was significant (P < 0.05). (4) In the order of -137CC, -137GC, -137GG, the serum IL-18 level in normal controls were as follows: (45.67 +/- 28.36) pg/ml, (53.27 +/- 37.91) pg/ml, (76.91 +/- 42.44) pg/ml, and with (140.50 +/- 60.10) pg/ml, (184.42 +/- 157.33) pg/ml, (237.02 +/- 161.76) pg/ml respectively in sepsis groups. In the order of -607AA, -607CA, -607CC, the serum IL-18 level in normal controls were: (48.80 +/- 32.11) pg/ml, (68.41 +/- 42.53) pg/ml, (70.17 +/- 43.87) pg/ml; and with (141.50 +/- 64.35) pg/ml, (151.21 +/- 121.19) pg/ml, (211.16 +/- 163.64) pg/ml respectively in sepsis groups. The difference was not significant among different groups (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The serum IL-18 level in sepsis groups was significantly higher than that in normal controls, which was related to the severity of sepsis. It was possible that the genotype of -607CA carriers was susceptible to sepsis, which mean that the genotype of -607CA might be susceptible genotype of sepsis. However, the genotype of -607AA might play an oppose role in the risk of sepsis.</p>

Role of extracellular-signal regulated kinase cascade on cerebral ischemia and ischemic preconditioning in hippocampal neuron in gerbils / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>AIM</b>To investigate the role of extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) cascade on cerebral ischemia and ischemic preconditioning in hippocampal neuron.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Male gerbils were randomly divided into sham group (SH), ischemia/reperfusion group (I/ R), ischemia preconditioning group (IP), specific antagonist of ERK-PD98059 (PD), solvent control groups (VE group), PD98059 combined with IP group (PIP). Forebrain ischemia was induced by occlusion of bilateral common carotid arteries and confirmed by isoelectricity of EEG. Observations were carried out in each group 15 min, 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, 1 d, 3 d, 5 d and 7 d after ischemia. Open field test was used to examine the spontaneous motor activity, the survival and apoptotic neurons, Fos and NF-kappaB masculine neurons in hippocampal CA1 region were counted, the expression of HSP70 in hippocampal CA1 region and p-ERK in hippocampal CA3/DG regions were detected by SABC immunocytochemical technique.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The spontaneous motor activity, the number of apoptotic neurons and NF-kappaB masculine neurons at 1 d, 3 d, 5 d, 7 d in CA1 region were much less in IP group than in I/R group (P < 0.01). The number of Fos masculine neurons at 15 min, 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, 1 d in CA1 region were significant more in IP group than in I/R group (P < 0.01). The expressions of p-ERK and HSP70 were significantly higher in IP group than in I/R group. The number of Fos masculine neurons at each point were more and apoptotic neurons at 1 d, 3 d were less in PD group than in I/R group. Results of observation in PIP group were within IP group and I/R group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Activation of ERK in CA3/DG regions were related to ischemic tolerance. Induction of the expression of Fos and HSP70, decreasing of the product of NF-kB which might be one of the molecule mechanisms playing an important role in neural protection of ischemic preconditioning.</p>

The relationship between the effects of curcumin on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury and immediately genic expressions of fos, Jun and NF-kappaB in hippocampal CA1 area and its significance in gerbils / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>AIM</b>To explore the relationship between the effects of curcumin on cerebral ischemic/reperfusion injury and immediately genic expressions of Fos, Jun and NF-kappaB in hippocampal CA1 area.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Gerbils were randomly divided into sham group (SH), ischemia/reperfusion group (I/R), curcumin group (CU) and solvent control group (SC). Forebrain ischemia was induced by occlusion of bilateral common carotid arteries. Observations were carried out in each group 15 min, 1 h, 2 h, 6 h, 1 d, 3 d, 5 d and 7 d after ischemia: open field test was used to examine the behavioral change, the apoptosis neurons in hippocampal CA1 region was counted, the expression of Fos, Jun and NF-kappaB in hippocampal CA1 was detected by SABC immunocytochemical technique.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The behavioral mark and the number of apoptosis neurons in hippocampal (CA1 region was much less in CU group than in I/R group (P < 0.01) The expression of Fos was more and the expression of Jun and NF-kappaB was less in CA1 area in CU group than in I/R group (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Curcumin can significantly protect neurons against cerebral ischemia, increasing the expression Fos and decreasing the expression of Jun and NF-kappaB may be the protective mechanisms.</p>

Effects of ischemic preconditioning on the expression of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and c-jun N-terminal kinase in hippocampus in a gerbil model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of ischemic preconditioning (IP) on the expression of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) and c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in hippocampus in a gerbil model of ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and the role of ERK and JNK in the mechanism of ischemic cerebral preconditioning. Methods Gerbils of both sexes weighing 50-70kg were randomly divided into 4 groups : ( Ⅰ ) sham operation group; ( Ⅱ ) IP group; (Ⅲ) I/R group and ( Ⅳ ) IP + I/R group. Cerebral ischemia was produced by occlusion of bilateral common carotid arteries and confirmed by isoelectricity on EEG. In sham operation group bilateral common carotid arteries were exposed but not occluded. In IP and I/R groups the animals were subjected to 3 min (IP group) or 5 min (I/R group) cerebral ischemia respectively. In IP + I/R group the animals first underwent 3 min cerebral ischemia followed by 24h reperfusion and then were again subjected to 5 min cerebral ischemia. Open field test was performed to evaluate the behavioral deficit 1,3,5 and 7 days after ischemia. The animals were sacrificed at 15 min, 2, 4, 6h and 1, 3, 5, 7 days after ischemia. The brains were immediately removed for detection of apoptosis (TUNEL) and expression of p-ERK and JNK (immuno-histochemistry) in hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions and microscopic examination. Results Compared with I/R group the behavioral deficit was significantly decreased and the number of living pyramidal neurons was significantly increased and apoptotic neurons significantly decreased in IP + I/R group. No p-ERK expression was detected in CA1 region in all of the 4 groups but in CA3 region the p-ERK expression was significantly higher in group IP + I/R than in group I/R. The p-JNK expression increased gradually during reperfusion in both CA1 and CA3 regions and was still detectable 7 days after ischemia and was significantly lower in CA1 region in group IP + I/R than in group I/R.Conclusion IP protects hippocampal neurons from I/R injury by inhibiting the expression of p-JNK in CA1 region and enhancing the activity of p-ERK in CA3 region