Panorama da qualidade biológica da água destinada ao tratamento dialítico em pacientes sob cuidados críticos em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva / Overview of the biological quality of water intended for dialysis treatment in patients under critical care in Intensive Care Units

A incidência da lesão renal aguda caracteriza-se como evento frequente em pacientes críticos internados em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva e está associada ao aumento de mortalidade, causando grande impacto à Saúde Pública. As intercorrências clínicas são minimizadas com intervenções dialíticas, acarretando a exposição do paciente a volumes expressivos de água tratada durante a terapia renal em leito. As análises microbiológicas e de determinação de endotoxinas bacterianas em amostras de água tratada e em soluções de dialisato foram executadas em dois hospitais públicos do município de São Paulo, seguindo metodologias analíticas preconizadas em compêndios oficiais. A avaliação demonstrou que a porcentagem de resultados satisfatórios no período de 2010 a 2022 variou entre 35,2 a 100% e de 40 a 100% para as unidades hospitalares I e II para a água tratada, respectivamente; e, 100% para as soluções de dialisato para a unidade hospitalar I. A eficácia de ações delineadas pelas equipes técnicas das unidades hospitalares, na adequação da água destinada à terapia dialítica, aponta para a importância em estimular outras instituições hospitalares na padronização e implantação de melhoria contínua de seus sistemas de tratamento de água para uso em procedimento dialítico, prevenindo riscos adicionais aos pacientes expostos à terapia renal.

The incidence of acute kidney is high among critically ill patients admitted to Intensive Care Units and is associated with increased mortality, having a major impact on public health. Clinical complications are minimized with dialysis interventions, which expose patients to significant volumes of treated water during in-bed renal therapy. Microbiological analyzes and determination of bacterial endotoxins were performed on treated water samples and dialysate solutions in two public hospitals in São Paulo city, using analytical methodologies recommended in official compendia. The evaluation showed that the percentage of satisfactory results for treated water ranged from 35.2% to 100% in Hospital Unit I and from 40% to 100% in Hospital Unit II between 2010 and 2022. For dialysate solutions in Hospital Unit I, the percentage of satisfactory results was 100% during the same period. The effectiveness of actions implemented by the technical hospital teams, in adapting water for dialysis therapy, points to the importance of encouraging other hospital institutions to standardize and implement a program of continuous improvement for their water treatment systems used in dialysis procedures. This will help to prevent additional risks to patients exposed to renal therapy.

Role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor in down-regulation of Clara cell secretory protein expression during endotoxin-induced lung injury in rats / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in the down-regulation of Clara cell secretory protein (CCSP) expression during endotoxin-induced lung injury in rats.Methods:Twenty-four clean-grade healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 8 weeks, weighing 200-250 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=6 each) using a random number table method: normal control group (group C), acute lung injury (ALI) group, ALI+ AhR antagonist group, and ALI+ vehicle group. Lipopolysaccharide(LPS) 1 mg/kg was intratracheally instilled to develop the model of lung injury, while the equal volume of normal saline was given instead in group C. At 2 h before LPS injection, AhR antagonist 6, 2′, 4′-trimethoxyflavone solution 5 mg/kg (diluted to 1 ml in dimethyl sulfoxide solution) was intraperitoneally injected in ALI+ AhR antagonist group, while dimethyl sulfoxide solution 1 ml was given in ALI+ vehicle group. The rats were sacrificed under anesthesia at 48 h after LPS administration. The left lung was lavaged and the broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected for determination of the concentrations of CCSP by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the expression of CCSP in the bronchial epithelium in right lung tissues was determined by immunohistochemistry. Results:Compared with group C, the expression of CCSP in the bronchial epithelium was significantly down-regulated, and the concentrations of CCSP in BALF were decreased in the other three groups ( P<0.05 or 0.01). Compared with ALI group and ALI+ vehicle group, the histopathological injury was significantly reduced, the expression of CCSP in the bronchial epithelium was up-regulated, and the concentrations of CCSP in BALF were increased in ALI+ AhR antagonist group ( P<0.01). Conclusions:AhR partially mediates the down-regulation of CCSP expression during endotoxin-induced lung injury in rats.

Role of α7nAChR in penehyclidine hydrochloride-induced reduction of endotoxin-induced acute lung injury in mice / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the role of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) in penehyclidine hydrochloride-induced reduction of endotoxin-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice.Methods:Forty SPF healthy male C57BL/6 mice, aged 6-8 weeks, weighing 18-25 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=10 each) using a random number table method: control group (group C), ALI group, penehyclidine hydrochloride group (PHC group), and α7nAChR inhibitor MLA group (MLA group). ALI was induced by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide 15 mg/kg in anesthetized animals, while normal saline was given instead in group C. In PHC group, penehyclidine hydrochloride 2 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at 30 min before developing the model. MLA 10 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at 10 min before administration of penehyclidine hydrochloride in MLA group. Mice were sacrificed at 6 h after lipopolysaccharide administration, and lung tissues were collected for microscopic examination of the pathological changes (by HE staining) and for determination of the wet/dry weight ratio (W/D ratio), content of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and IL-10 (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and expression of α7nAChR (by Western blot). Results:Compared with C group, the W/D ratio and contents of TNF-α and IL-1β were significantly increased, the content of IL-10 was decreased, and the expression of α7nAChR was up-regulated in ALI, PHC and MLA groups ( P<0.05). Compared with ALI group, the W/D ratio and contents of TNF-α and IL-1β were significantly decreased, the content of IL-10 was increased, and the expression of α7nAChR was up-regulated in PHC group ( P<0.05). Compared with PHC group, the W/D ratio and contents of TNF-α and IL-1β were significantly increased, the content of IL-10 was decreased, and the expression of α7nAChR was down-regulated in MLA group ( P<0.05). Compared with ALI group, the pathological changes of lung tissues were significantly mitigated in PHC group, while this effect of PHC was partially reversed by α7nAChR inhibitor MLA. Conclusions:α7nAChR is involved in penehyclidine hydrochloride-induced reduction of endotoxin-induced ALI in mice.

Evaluación in vivo de la pirogenicidad de bioproductos fúngicos con potencial prebiótico / In vivo pyrogenicity evaluation of fungal bioproducts with prebiotic potential / Avaliação in vivo da pirogenicidade de bioprodutos fúngicos com potencial prebiótico

RESUMEN Introducción: Los productos naturales con actividad farmacológica requieren de evaluaciones preclínicas que justifiquen su empleo sobre una base científica. El ensayo de pirógenos es una prueba dentro de la Farmacología de Seguridad que se realiza para determinar la presencia de endotoxinas y constituye un método valioso, para demostrar la seguridad de bioderivados con potencial prebiótico en el campo de la inmunonutrición. Objetivo: Evaluar la pirogenicidad de bioproductos fúngicos de Pleurotus ostreatus (extractos acuosos del micelio y cuerpos fructíferos) y un biopreparado de levadura Kluyveromyces marxianus, empleando el ensayo de pirógenos en conejos Nueva Zelanda. Método: Se ensayaron concentraciones de 1,0 y 10,0 mg/mL de cada muestra por vía endovenosa en dosis de 0,5 y 5,0 mg/kg de peso. El diseño experimental cumplió las buenas prácticas de laboratorio según lo establecido por el International Council for Laboratory Animals Science y se realizó de acuerdo a los procedimientos normalizados de trabajo del Centro de Toxicología y Biomedicina, Santiago de Cuba. Resultados: Los extractos de Pleurotus ostreatus y el biopreparado de levadura (0,5 mg/kg) no mostraron signos de pirogenicidad. En los resultados del biopreparado (5,0 mg/kg), los valores de temperatura caen en un rango de incertidumbre, según la Farmacopea de Estados Unidos (USP) y se sugirió repetir el estudio. Conclusiones: Los extractos de Pleurotus ostreatus y el biopreparado de Kluyveromyces marxianus (0,5 mg/kg) no indujeron un aumento de temperatura significativo en los animales, lo cual sugiere que en estos bioproductos no existen niveles de endotoxinas que puedan provocar pirogenicidad.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Natural products with pharmacological activity require preclinical evaluations to justify their uses scientifically. The pyrogen assay is a safety pharmacology test performed to determine the presence of endotoxins and it is a valuable method to demonstrate the bio-derivative products safety and their prebiotic potential in the field of immunonutrition. Objective: To evaluate the pyrogenicity of fungal bioproducts from Pleurotus ostreatus (aqueous extracts from mycelium and fruiting bodies) and a biopreparation from Kluyveromyces marxianus yeast, using a pyrogen assay in New Zealand rabbits. Method: Concentrations of 1.0 and 10.0 mg/mL of each sample were tested intravenously at doses of 0.5 and 5.0 mg/kg body weight. The experimental design complied with good laboratory practices as established by the International Council for Laboratory Animal Science and was carried out according to the standard work procedures of the Centro de Toxicología y Biomedicina, Santiago de Cuba. Results: Pleurotus ostreatus extracts and the yeast biopreparation (0.5 mg/kg) showed no signs of pyrogenicity. In the biopreparation results (5.0 mg/kg), temperature values fall in the uncertainty range according to the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP), and therefore it was suggested to repeat the study. Conclusions: Pleurotus ostreatus extracts and Kluyveromyces marxianus biopreparation (0.5 mg/kg) did not induce a significant temperature increase in the animals, thereby suggesting that there are no endotoxin levels in such bioproducts that could cause pyrogenicity.

RESUMO Introdução: Produtos naturais com atividade farmacológica requerem avaliações pré-clínicas que justifiquem seu uso em bases científicas. O ensaio de pirogênio é um teste dentro da Farmacologia de Segurança que é realizado para determinar a presença de endotoxinas e é um método valioso para demonstrar a segurança de bioderivados com potencial prebiótico no campo da imunonutrição. Objetivo: Avaliar a pirogenicidade de bioprodutos fúngicos de Pleurotus ostreatus (extratos aquosos do micélio e corpos de frutificação) e de uma biopreparação da levedura Kluyveromyces marxianus, utilizando o ensaio pirogênico de coelho da Nova Zelândia. Método: Concentrações de 1,0 e 10,0 mg/mL de cada amostra foram testadas por via intravenosa nas doses de 0,5 e 5,0 mg/kg de peso. O desenho experimental obedeceu às boas práticas laboratoriais estabelecidas pelo Conselho Internacional para a Ciência dos Animais de Laboratório e foi realizado de acordo com os procedimentos de trabalho padrão do Centro de Toxicologia e Biomedicina, Santiago de Cuba. Resultados: Os extratos de Pleurotus ostreatus e a biopreparação de leveduras (0,5 mg/kg) não apresentaram sinais de pirogenicidade. Nos resultados da biopreparação (5,0 mg/kg), os valores de temperatura estão dentro de uma faixa de incerteza, segundo a Farmacopeia dos Estados Unidos (USP) e foi sugerido repetir o estudo. Conclusões: Os extratos de Pleurotus ostreatus e a biopreparação de Kluyveromyces marxianus (0,5 mg/kg) não induziram um aumento significativo da temperatura nos animais, o que sugere que não há níveis de endotoxinas nesses bioprodutos que possam causar pirogenicidade.

Effects of systemic inflammation due to hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury upon lean or obese visceral adipose tissue

Purpose: To evaluate how the induction of liver damage by ischemia and reperfusion affects the adipose tissue of lean and obese mice. Methods: Lean and diet-induced obese mice were subjected to liver ischemia (30 min) followed by 6 h of reperfusion. The vascular stromal fraction of visceral adipose tissue was analyzed by cytometry, and gene expression was evaluated by an Array assay and by RT-qPCR. Intestinal permeability was assessed by oral administration of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran and endotoxemia by serum endotoxin measurements using a limulus amebocyte lysate assay. Results: It was found that, after liver ischemia and reperfusion, there is an infiltration of neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes, as well as an increase in the gene expression that encode cytokines, chemokines and their receptors in the visceral adipose tissue of lean mice. This inflammatory response was associated with the presence of endotoxemia in lean mice. However, these changes were not observed in the visceral adipose tissue of obese mice. Conclusions: Liver ischemia and reperfusion induce an acute inflammatory response in adipose tissue of lean mice characterized by an intense chemokine induction and leukocyte infiltration; however, inflammatory alterations are already present at baseline in the obese adipose tissue and liver ischemia and reperfusion do not injure further.

Role of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in reduction of acute lung injury by bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells-conditioned medium in rats / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway in reduction of acute lung injury (ALI) by bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-conditioned medium in rats.Methods:Thirty-two healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 6-8 weeks, weighing 200-250 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=8 each) according to the random number table method: control group (group C), group ALI, ALI + bone marrow MSCs-conditioned medium group (group M), and ALI + bone marrow MSCs-conditioned medium + LY294002 group (group L). A rat model of ALI was developed by endotracheal inhalation of aerosolized lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 5 mg/kg in anesthetized animals in group ALI, group M and group L. At 1 h after LPS administration, serum-free DMEM medium 1 ml was intravenously injected in group C and group ALI, bone marrow MSCs-conditioned medium 1 ml was intravenously injected in group M, PI3K inhibitor LY294002 30 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at 2 h before the model was developed, and bone marrow MSCs-conditioned medium 1 ml was intravenously injected at 1 h after the model was developed in group L. The blood samples were taken from the heart at 24 h after LPS administration, and serum was isolated for determination of the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Then the rats were sacrificed and lung tissues were obtained for determination of the lung wet/dry weight ratio (W/D ratio), expression of Akt and phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) (by Western blot) and for microscopic examination of the pathological changes which were scored.The p-Akt/Akt ratio was calculated. Results:Compared with group C, the W/D ratio, lung injury score and serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly increased, the expression of p-Akt in lung tissues was down-regulated, the ratio of p-Akt/Akt was decreased ( P<0.05), and pathological changes were found in lung tissues in group ALI.Compared with group ALI, the W/D ratio, lung injury score and serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly decreased, the expression of p-Akt in lung tissues was up-regulated, the ratio of p-Akt/Akt was increased ( P<0.05), and pathological changes were significantly attenuated in group M, and no significant change was found in the parameters mentioned above in group L ( P>0.05). Compared with group M, the W/D ratio, lung injury score and serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly increased, the expression of p-Akt in lung tissues was down-regulated, the ratio of p-Akt/Akt was decreased ( P<0.05), and pathological changes were accentuated in group L. There were no significant differences in the expression of Akt in lung tissues between the four groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is involved in reduction of ALI by bone marrow MSCs-conditioned medium in rats.

Relationship between HO-1 and PPARγ during alveolar macrophage polarization in a mouse model of endotoxin-induced acute lung injury / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the relationship between heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) during alveolar macrophage polarization in a mouse model of endotoxin-induced acute lung injury (ALI).Methods:Thirty clean-grade male C57BL/6 mice (24 wide-type mice and 6 HO-1 knockout mice), aged 6-8 weeks, weighing 18-22 g, were studied.Wide-type mice were divided into 4 groups ( n=6 each) using a random number table method: control group (C group), ALI group, ALI+ HO-1 agonist hemin group (ALI+ H group), and ALI+ hemin+ PPARγ antagonist T0070907 group (ALI+ H+ T group).HO-1 knockout mice in which the ALI model was developed served as ALI+ HO-1 -/- group.ALI model was developed by injecting lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 15 mg/kg via the tail vein in anesthetized animals.T0070907 1.5 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at 1 h before LPS administration in ALI+ H+ T group, and hemin 50 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at 30 min before LPS administration in ALI+ H group and ALI+ H+ T group.Mice were sacrificed at 12 h after LPS administration, and lung tissues were obtained to measure the wet to dry weight ratio (W/D ratio), to observe pathological changes which were scored, and to determine the F4/80+ /CD86+ labeled M1 alveolar macrophages and the F4/80+ /CD206+ labeled M2 alveolar macrophages (by flow cytometry), contents of M1 macrophage-related genes inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and M2 macrophage-related genes Arginase-1 (Arg-1) (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), and the expression of HO-1 and PPARγ (by Western blot). Results:Compared with C group, the lung injury score, W/D ratio, levels of CD86 and CD206, and contents of iNOS and Arg-1 were significantly increased, and PPARγ expression was up-regulated in the other four groups ( P<0.05), and HO-1 protein expression was up-regulated in ALI, ALI+ H and ALI+ H+ T groups ( P<0.05).Compared with ALI group, the lung injury score, W/D ratio, and levels of CD86 and iNOS were significantly increased, the levels of CD206 and Arg-1 were decreased, and the expression of HO-1 and PPARγ was down-regulated in ALI+ HO-1 -/- group, the lung injury score, W/D ratio and levels of CD86 and iNOS were significantly decreased, the levels of CD206 and Arg-1 were increased, and the expression of HO-1 and PPARγ was up-regulated in ALI+ H group ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in the parameters mentioned above in ALI+ H+ T group ( P>0.05).Compared with ALI+ H group, the lung injury score, W/D ratio and levels of CD86 and iNOS were significantly increased, the levels of CD206 and Arg-1 were decreased, the expression of PPARγ was down-regulated ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in the expression of HO-1 in ALI+ H+ T group ( P>0.05). Conclusions:HO-1 can up-regulate the expression of PPARγ, inhibit the polarization of alveolar macrophages toward M1 phenotype and promote the polarization toward M2 phenotype, thus playing an endogenous protective role in endotoxin-induced ALI in mice.

Mechanism of penehyclidine hydrochloride alleviating endotoxin-induced lung injury in rats: relationship with Toll-like receptor 4 / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the role of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in the mechanism by penehyclidine hydrochloride alleviating lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury(ALI)in rats.Methods:Twenty-four healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 10 weeks, weighing 220-250 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=6 each) according to the random number table method: normal saline group (NS group), endotoxin-induced ALI group (ALI group), penehyclidine hydrochloride + normal saline group (PHC+ NS group) and penehyclidine hydrochloride + endotoxin-induced ALI group (PHC+ ALI group). ALI was induced by intratracheal instillation of LPS 5 mg/kg in anesthetized animals. In group PHC+ ALI, penehyclidine hydrochloride 2 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected immediately after intratracheal instillation of LPS. The equal volume of normal saline was injected into the airway in group NS, and penehyclidine hydrochloride 2 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected immediately after intratracheal instillation of normal saline in group PHC+ NS. The rats were sacrificed at 6 h after intratracheal instillation of LPS or normal saline, and lungs were removed. The lung was lavaged and broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected for determination of concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Lung tissues were obtained for microscopic examination of the pathological changes (with a light microscope) and for determination of wet to dry lung weight ratio (W/D ratio) and TLR4 protein and mRNA expression (by immuno-histochemistry or real-time polymerase chain reaction). Results:Compared with group NS and group PHC+ NS, the W/D ratio and concentrations of TNF-α and IL-1β in BALF were significantly increased, the expression of TLR4 protein and mRNA in lung tissues was up-regulated ( P<0.01), and the pathological changes of lung tissues were aggravated in group ALI . Compared with group ALI, the W/D ratio and concentrations of TNF-α and IL-1β in BALF were significantly decreased, the expression of TLR4 protein and mRNA in lung tissues was down-regulated ( P<0.01), and the pathological changes of lung tissues were significantly mitigated in group PHC+ ALI. Conclusions:The mechanism by which penehyclidine hydrochloride reduces endotoxin-induced lung injury may be related to reduction of TLR4 activity and thus inhibition of pulmonary inflammatory responses in rats.

Effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on mitochondrial quality control during endotoxin-induced acute lung injury in mice / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on mitochondrial quality control during endotoxin-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice.Methods:Twenty-four clean-grade healthy male C57BL/6J mice, aged 4-6 weeks, weighing 15-20 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=6 each) according to the random number table method: control group (group C), endotoxin-induced ALI group (group L-ALI), endotoxin-induced ALI plus acupoint electroacupuncture group (group L-ALI+ EA), and endotoxin-induced ALI plus non-acupoint electroacupuncture group (group L-ALI+ SEA). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 15 mg/kg was injected via the caudal vein to develop the model of endotoxin-induced ALI in anesthetized mice.In group L-ALI+ EA, at 5 days before LPS injection, bilateral Zusanli and Feishu acupoints were stimulated with an electric stimulator for 30 min each time at a voltage of 1-2 mA and a frequency of 2/15 Hz until the end of the experiment.In group L-ALI+ SEA, stimulation was performed at the points 0.5 cm lateral to the acupoints of bilateral Zusanli and Feishu non-meridian and non-acupoint sites using the shallow puncture method, and the other treatment methods were the same as those previously described in group EA.Group C received no treatment.The mice were sacrificed by euthanasia at 12 h after LPS administration, and lung tissues were obtained for microscopic examination of the pathological changes (with a light microscope) and structure and morphology of mitochondria (with a transmission electron microscope) and for determination of the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and contents of glutathione (GSH) and glutathione oxidized (GSSG). The GSH/GSSG ratio was calculated.The expression of mitochondrial fusion proteins mitofusin 1 (Mfn1), Mfn2, optic atrophy1 (OPA1), dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), fission protein 1 (Fis1), peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF1), NRF2, PTEN-induced putative protein kinase 1 (PINK1) and the E3 ubiquitin ligase (Parkin) was determined by Western blot. Results:Compared with group C, the level of ROS and contents of GSSG and mtDNA were significantly increased, GSH content and GSH/GSSG ratio were decreased, the expression of Mfn1, Mfn2, OPA1, NRF1, NRF2 and PGC-1α was down-regulated, and the expression of Drp1, Fis1, PINK1 and Parkin was up-regulated in L-ALI, L-ALI+ EA and L-ALI+ SEA groups ( P<0.05). Compared with group L-ALI, the level of ROS and contents of GSSG and mtDNA were significantly decreased, GSH content and GSH/GSSG ratio were increased, the expression of Mfn1, Mfn2, OPA1, NRF1, NRF2 and PGC-1α was up-regulated, and the expression of Drp1, Fis1, PINK1 and Parkin was down-regulated in group L-ALI+ EA ( P<0.05). Compared with group L-ALI+ EA, the level of ROS and contents of GSSG and mtDNA were significantly increased, GSH content and GSH/GSSG ratio were decreased, the expression of Mfn1, Mfn2, OPA1, NRF1, NRF2 and PGC-1α was down-regulated, and the expression of Drp1, Fis1, PINK1 and Parkin was up-regulated in group L-ALI+ SEA ( P<0.05). Conclusions:TEAS can reduce endotoxin-induced ALI probably through regulating mitochondrial quality control in mice.

Effects of esketamine on pyrolysis in lung tissues of rats with endotoxin-induced acute lung injury / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effects of esketamine on pyrolysis in lung tissues of rats with endotoxin-induced acute lung injury (ALI).Methods:SPF healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 200-220 g, aged 8 weeks, were divided into 3 groups ( n=10 each) using a random number table method: control group (group C), endotoxin-induced ALI group (group ALI) and esketamine group (group E). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 10 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected to establish the model of endotoxin-induced ALI model.The equal volume of 0.9% sodium chloride injection was intraperitoneally injected in group C. Esketamine 10 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at 30 min of injection of LPS in group E. Lung tissues were removed after blood samples were collected from hearts at 24 h after injection of LPS for determination of concentrations of serum interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and IL-8 (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), the wet/dry weight ratio (W/D ratio), activities of myeloperoxidase (MPO) (by colorimetric assay) and the expression of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor containing pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1 and gasdermin D (GSDMD) (by Western blot) and for examination of pathological changes which were scored after haematoxylin and eosin staining and ultrastructure (using an electron microscope). Results:Compared with group C, the lung injury score, W/D ratio, MPO activity, expression of NLRP3, caspase-1 and GSDMD and concentrations of IL-1β and IL-18 in serum were significantly increased in ALI and E groups ( P<0.05). Compared with group ALI, the lung injury score, W/D ratio, MPO activity, expression of NLRP3, caspase-1 and GSDMD and concentrations of IL-1β and IL-18 in serum were significantly decreased in group E ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The mechanism by which esketamine reduces endotoxin-induced ALI is related with inhibition of pyrolysis in lung tissues of rats.

Study on the peripheral blood levels changes of soluble receptor for advanced glycosylation end product, endotoxin and Toll-like receptor in patients with severe acute pancreatitis complicated with peritoneal cavity infection / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To explore the peripheral blood levels changes of soluble glycosylation end product receptor (sRAGE), endotoxin and Toll-like receptor (TLR) in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) complicated with peritoneal cavity infection, and clarify the relationship between indexes and pathogenetic condition.Methods:The clinical data of 105 patients with SAP in Shanghai Pudong New Area People′s Hospital from January 2017 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 28 cases had peritoneal cavity infection (infection group), and 77 cases had peritoneal cavity infection symptoms but undiagnosed (non-infection group). The acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) at admission was recorded. When patients had the suspected symptoms and signs of peritoneal cavity infection, the serum levels of sRAGE, endotoxin, TLR4 and TLR9 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The correlation between serum levels of sRAGE, endotoxin, TLR-4, TLR-9 and APACHE Ⅱ was analyzed by Pearson analysis; the risk factors of peritoneal cavity infection in SAP patients were analyzed by multivariate Logistic regression; the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn, and the diagnostic efficacy of serum sRAGE, endotoxin, TLR-4 and TLR-9 in peritoneal cavity infection were evaluated in patients with SAP; the Kaplan-Meier survival curve was drawn, and the comparison used log-rank test.Results:The serum sRAGE, endotoxin, TLR-4 and TLR-9 in infection group were significantly higher than those in non-infection group: (822.16 ± 104.51) ng/L vs. (728.09 ± 96.47) ng/L, (62.59 ± 20.11) ng/L vs. (41.62 ± 13.64) ng/L, (45.17 ± 8.54) μg/L vs. (37.34 ± 6.22) μg/L, (26.35 ± 6.73) μg/L vs. (20.02 ± 5.49) μg/L, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01). Pearson correlation analysis result showed that the serum sRAGE, endotoxin, TLR-4 and TLR-9 were positively correlated with APACHE Ⅱ in patients with SAP ( r = 0.632, 0.556, 0.521 and 0.631; P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis result showed that the combined organ function damage, shock, hypoxemia and serum sRAGE, endotoxin, TLR-4 and TLR-9 were independent risk factors of peritoneal cavity infection in patients with SAP ( P<0.05). ROC curve analysis result showed that the area under the curve for the serum sRAGE, endotoxin, TLR-4 and TLR-9 combined diagnosis of peritoneal cavity infection in patients with SAP was the largest, which was 0.910 (95% CI 0.838 to 0.957, P<0.01), with a sensitivity of 82.14% and a specificity of 87.01%. According to the ROC curve cut-off value of serum sRAGE, endotoxin, TLR-4 and TLR-9 (764.58 ng/L, 58.01 ng/L, 40.24 μg/L and 22.61 μg/L), the 28 patients with SAP complicated with peritoneal cavity infection were divided into high levels patients (21, 14, 23 and 22 cases) and low levels patients (7, 14, 5 and 6 cases); Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis result showed that the 28-day survival rates in patients with high levels of sRAGE, endotoxin, TLR-4 and TLR-9 were significantly lower than those in patients with low levels (61.90% vs. 71.43%, 50.00% vs. 78.57%, 60.87% vs. 80.00% and 59.09% vs. 83.33%), and there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The serum sRAGE, endotoxin, TLR-4 and TLR-9 have a high combined diagnostic value in SAP complicated with peritoneal cavity infection, and they are all related to the severity of the disease and have a significant impact on survival.

Níveis de endotoxina no sangue periférico não estão relacionados ao supercrescimento bacteriano intestinal em portadores de doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica sem cirrose / Peripheral blood endotoxin levels are not associated with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease without cirrhosis

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common forms of chronic liver disease worldwide. Approximately 20% of individuals with NAFLD develop nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is associated with increased risk of cirrhosis, portal hypertension, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Intestinal microflora, including small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), appear to play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease, as demonstrated in several clinical and experimental studies, by altering intestinal permeability and allowing bacterial endotoxins to enter the circulation. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between SIBO and endotoxin serum levels with clinical, laboratory, and histopathological aspects of NAFLD and the relationship between SIBO and endotoxin serum levels before and after antibiotic therapy. METHODS: Adult patients with a histological diagnosis of NAFLD, without cirrhosis were included. A comprehensive biochemistry panel, lactulose breath test (for diagnosis of SIBO), and serum endotoxin measurement (chromogenic LAL assay) were performed. SIBO was treated with metronidazole 250 mg q8h for 10 days and refractory cases were given ciprofloxacin 500 mg q12h for 10 days. RESULTS: Overall, 42 patients with a histopathological diagnosis of NAFLD were examined. The prevalence of SIBO was 26.2%. Comparison of demographic and biochemical parameters between patients with SIBO and those without SIBO revealed no statistically significant differences, except for use of proton pump inhibitors, which was significantly more frequent in patients with positive breath testing. The presence of SIBO was also associated with greater severity of hepatocellular ballooning on liver biopsy. Although the sample, as a whole, have elevated circulating endotoxin levels, we found no significant differences in this parameter between the groups with and without SIBO. Endotoxin values before and after antibiotic treatment did not differ, even on paired analysis, suggesting absence of any relationship between these factors. Serum endotoxin levels were inversely correlated with HDL levels, and directly correlated with triglyceride levels. CONCLUSION: Serum endotoxin levels did not differ between patients with and without SIBO, nor did these levels change after antibacterial therapy, virtually ruling out the possibility that elevated endotoxinemia in non-cirrhotic patients with NAFLD is associated with SIBO. Presence of SIBO was associated with greater severity of ballooning degeneration on liver biopsy, but not with a significantly higher prevalence of NASH. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the reproducibility and importance of this finding in patients with NAFLD and SIBO.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica (DHGNA) é uma das doenças hepáticas crônicas mais comuns em todo o mundo. Aproximadamente 20% dos indivíduos com DHGNA desenvolvem esteato-hepatite não alcoólica (EHNA) que está associada a maior risco de cirrose, hipertensão portal e/ou carcinoma hepatocelular. Alterações da microflora intestinal, incluindo o supercrescimento bacteriano intestinal (SBI), parecem ter um papel importante na patogênese da doença, como demonstrado em estudos clínicos e experimentais, pela alteração da permeabilidade intestinal e permitindo que endotoxinas bacterianas alcancem a circulação sanguínea. OBJETIVO: Determinar a relação entre o SBI e níveis de endotoxina sérica em pacientes não cirróticos com DHGNA, com os aspectos clínicos, laboratoriais e histopatológicos da doença e a relação entre SBI e níveis séricos de endotoxina antes e após tratamento com antibiótico. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos pacientes maiores de 18 anos e com diagnóstico histológico de DHGNA, sem cirrose. Foram realizados: avaliação bioquímica geral, teste do H2 expirado com lactulose para diagnóstico de SBI e dosagem de endotoxina sérica - ensaio cromogênico para LAL. Para o tratamento do SBI utilizamos o metronidazol 250 mg de 8/8 horas por 10 dias e para os casos de retratamento foi utilizado ciprofloxacino 500 mg de 12/12 horas por 10 dias. RESULTADOS: Incluímos 42 pacientes com diagnóstico histopatológico de DHGNA. A prevalência de SBI foi de 26,2%. Quando comparamos o grupo dos pacientes com SBI com aquele sem SBI e analisamos suas variáveis demográficas e bioquímicas, não encontramos diferença estatisticamente significante entre elas, exceto pela utilização de inibidores de bomba de próton, que foi significantemente mais frequente nos pacientes com teste respiratório positivo. A presença de SBI também esteve associada à maior intensidade de balonização na biópsia hepática, quando comparados àqueles sem SBI. Embora o grupo como um todo apresentasse elevação dos níveis circulantes de endotoxinas, não pudemos encontrar diferenças estatísticas entre os grupos com e sem SBI. Os valores de endotoxinas pré e pós tratamento antibiótico não diferiram entre si, mesmo em análise pareada, sugerindo ausência de relação entre esses fatores. Os níveis de endotoxina sérica apresentaram correlação inversa com os níveis de HDL e correlação direta com os níveis de triglicerídeos. CONCLUSÃO: Níveis de endotoxinas séricas não diferiram entre os pacientes com e sem SBI, e que esses níveis não se modificaram após tratamento medicamentoso da proliferação bacteriana, praticamente excluindo a possibilidade de que os níveis elevados de endotoxemia estejam relacionados à SBI. A presença dessa proliferação bacteriana esteve associada à maior intensidade de balonização na biópsia hepática, mas não à maior prevalência de EHNA entre os portadores de SBI. Estudos complementares são necessários para avaliar a reprodutibilidade e a importância desse achado em portadores de DHGNA com SBI.

Validation and applicability of an alternative method for dialysis water and dialysate quality analysis / Validação e aplicabilidade de um método alternativo para análise da qualidade da água e do dialisato em diálise

ABSTRACT Introduction: In hemodialysis, patients are exposed to a large volume of water, which may lead to fatal risks if not meeting quality standards. This study aimed to validate an alternative method for monitoring microbiological quality of treated water and assess its applicability in dialysis and dialysate analysis, to allow corrective actions in real-time. Methods: Validation and applicability were analyzed by conventional and alternative methods. For validation, E. coli standard endotoxin was diluted with apyrogenic water in five concentrations. For the applicability analysis, treated water for dialysis was collected from different points in the treatment system (reverse osmosis, drainage canalization at the storage tank bottom, reuse, and loop), and dialysate was collected from four machines located in different rooms in the hemodialysis sector. Results: The validation results were in accordance with the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia acceptance criteria, except for the last two concentrations analyzed. In addition, the ruggedness criterion performed under the US Pharmacopoeia was in agreement with the results. Discussion: A limiting factor in the applicability analysis was the absence of the endotoxin maximum permitted level in dialysate by the Brazilian legislation. When comparing the analysis time, the alternative method was more time-consuming than the conventional one. This suggests that the alternative method is effective in the case of few analyses, that is, real-time analyses, favoring corrective actions promptly. On the other hand, it does not support the implementation of the alternative method in a laboratory routine due to the high demand for analyses.

RESUMO Introdução: Na hemodiálise, os pacientes são expostos a um grande volume de água, o que pode levar a riscos fatais se não cumprir com padrões de qualidade. Este estudo teve como objetivo validar um método alternativo para monitorar a qualidade microbiológica da água tratada e avaliar sua aplicabilidade em análises de diálise e dialisato, para permitir ações corretivas em tempo real. Métodos: A validação e aplicabilidade foram analisadas por métodos convencionais e alternativos. Para validação, a endotoxina padrão de E. coli foi diluída com água apirogênica em cinco concentrações. Para a análise de aplicabilidade, a água tratada para diálise foi coletada em diferentes pontos do sistema de tratamento (osmose reversa, canalização de drenagem no fundo do tanque de armazenamento, reutilização e circuito) e o dialisato foi coletado em quatro máquinas localizadas em diferentes salas do setor de hemodiálise. Resultados: Os resultados da validação obedeceram aos critérios de aceitação da Farmacopeia Brasileira, com exceção das duas últimas concentrações analisadas. Além disso, o critério de robustez realizado sob a Farmacopeia dos EUA estava de acordo com os resultados. Discussão: Um fator limitante na análise de aplicabilidade foi a ausência do nível máximo permitido de endotoxina no dialisato pela legislação brasileira. Ao comparar o tempo de análise, o método alternativo consumiu mais tempo que o convencional. Isso sugere que o método alternativo é eficaz no caso de poucas análises, ou seja, análises em tempo real, favorecendo ações corretivas imediatamente. Por outro lado, não suporta a implementação do método alternativo em uma rotina de laboratório devido à alta demanda por análises.

Correlation between intestinal mucosal permeability and prognosis in patients with liver cirrhosis / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective@#To investigate the correlation between changes in intestinal mucosal permeability and prognosis of patients with liver cirrhosis.@*Methods@#Data of 89 cases with liver cirrhosis who were hospitalized in the Hepatology Department of Shanxi Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2017 to August 2017 were collected as the liver cirrhosis experimental group, and 40 healthy subjects were randomly selected as the healthy control group. JY-DLT, the Intestinal Mucosal Barrier Biochemical Index Analysis System was used to measure the levels of serum diamine oxidase (DAO), D-lactic acid, and endotoxin (ETX) in two groups to evaluate intestinal mucosal barrier function. Spearman’s rank correlation test was used to evaluate the correlation between liver cirrhosis prognosis and intestinal mucosal permeability. The results of the two groups were compared by Mann-Whitney H test of two independent samples. One-way Anova was used for intergroup comparison. The pairwise comparison between groups was performed using the LSD or SNK test.@*Results@#The level of ETX in patients with decompensated cirrhosis was significantly higher than that in the compensated phase, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The levels of DAO, D-lactic acid and ETX in the liver cirrhosis group were significantly higher than those in the healthy control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.01). The plasma levels of DAO, D-lactic acid and ETX in the Child-Pugh grade groups of patients with liver cirrhosis were significantly higher than those in the healthy control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The results of intergroup comparison showed that there were statistically significant differences in DAO, D-lactic acid and ETX levels between Child-Pugh grade A and grade B groups (t = -4.255, 2.527, -2.179, P < 0.05). Furthermore, there were statistically significant differences in the levels of D-lactic acid and ETX between the Child-Pugh grade A and grade C groups (t = -2.693, -4.248, P < 0.01).The plasma levels of DAO, D-lactic acid and ETX levels were positively correlated (r = 0.205, 0.372, 0.342, P < 0.01). D-lactic acid and ETX levels were positively correlated with CTP score, Forns’ index, RPR index, APRI score, FIB-4 index and FibroScan score(P < 0.01).@*Conclusion@#The three indices (plasma DAO, D-lactic acid, and ETX) can accurately detect the changes in intestinal mucosal permeability. Moreover, the higher index of intestinal mucosal permeability causes the more severe degree of liver cirrhosis and the correlation between the intestinal mucosal permeability and the prognosis score of liver cirrhosis provides a reference for a new evaluation system and new ideas for the treatment of liver cirrhosis.

Clinical and microbiological effects of dialyzers reuse in hemodialysis patients / Efeitos clínicos e microbiológicos do reúso de dialisadores em pacientes em hemodiálise

Abstract Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a high prevalence and is a worldwide public health problem. Reuse of dialyzers is a cost reduction strategy used in many countries. There is controversy over its effects on clinical parameters and microbiological safety. Methods: In this clinical crossover study, 10 patients performed consecutive hemodialysis (HD) sessions divided in two phases: "single use" sessions (N = 10 HD sessions) followed by "dialyzer reuse" sessions (N = 30 HD sessions). Clinical, laboratory, and microbiological parameters were collected in the following time points: "single use", 1st, 6th, and 12th sessions with reuse of dialyzers, including bacterial cultures, endotoxins quantification in serum and dialyzer blood chamber, and detection of hemoglobin and protein residues in dialyzers. Results: Mean age of the sample was 37 ± 16 years, 6 (60%) were men, and 5 (50%) were white. CKD and HD vintage were 169 ± 108 and 47 (23-111) months, respectively. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) [4.9 (2.1) mg/mL], ferritin (454 ± 223 ng/mL), and endotoxin levels [0.76 (0.61-0.91) EU/mL] were high at baseline. Comparison of pre- and post-HD variations of serum levels of CRP and endotoxins in the "single use" versus "reuse" phases did not result in differences (p = 0.8 and 0.4, respectively). Samples of liquid in the dialyzer inner chamber were negative for the growth of bacteria or endotoxins. There was no significant clinical manifestation within and between the phases. Conclusion: Dialyzers reuse was safe from a clinical, microbiological, and inflammatory point of view. The dialyzer performance remained adequate until the 12th reuse.

Resumo Introdução: A doença renal crônica (DRC) é um problema de saúde pública mundial de alta prevalência. O reúso de dialisadores é uma estratégia de redução de custos empregada em muitos países. Seus efeitos sobre parâmetros clínicos e de segurança microbiológica são alvo de controvérsia. Métodos: No presente estudo clínico cruzado, 10 pacientes realizaram sessões consecutivas de hemodiálise (HD) divididas em duas fases: a primeira com sessões de "uso único" (N = 10 sessões de HD) e a segunda com sessões com "reúso de dialisadores" (N = 30 sessões de HD). Parâmetros clínicos, laboratoriais e microbiológicos foram registrados nos seguintes momentos: "uso único", 1a, 6a e 12a sessões com reúso de dialisadores, incluindo culturas bacterianas, quantificação de endotoxinas no soro e na câmara interna do dialisador e detecção de hemoglobina e resíduos de proteína nos dialisadores. Resultados: A idade média da amostra foi de 37 ± 16 anos seis (60%) eram homens e cinco (50%) eram brancos. Os tempos com DRC e em HD foram de 169 ± 108 e 47 (23-111) meses, respectivamente. Os níveis séricos de proteína C-reativa (PCR) [4,9 (2,1) mg/mL], ferritina (454 ± 223 ng/mL) e endotoxinas [0,76 (0,61-0,91) UE/mL] estavam elevados no início do estudo. A diferença dos níveis séricos de PCR e endotoxinas pré e pós-HD nas fases de "uso único" e "reúso" não foi significativa (p = 0,8 e 0,4, respectivamente). As amostras de líquido retiradas da câmara interna do dialisador foram negativas para crescimento de bactérias e endotoxinas. Não houve registro de manifestações clínicas significativas nas fases do estudo. Conclusão: O reúso de dialisadores foi seguro dos pontos de vista clínico, microbiológico e inflamatório. O desempenho do dialisador permaneceu adequado até o 12º reuso.

Role of adipokines, oxidative stress, and endotoxins in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, implicated in the pathophysiology of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Present study aimed to assess the role of adipokines, oxidative stress, and endotoxins in the pathogenesis of NAFLD in T2DM.Methods: Present cross-sectional observational study included healthy controls (n=50; group 1); T2DM patients without NAFLD (n=50; group 2), T2DM patients with NAFLD (n=50; group 3). Study subjects were age and gender matched.Results: Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), endotoxin, malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly elevated and adiponectin, ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), and glutathione (GSH) were significantly lower (p<0.001) in T2DM patients with NAFLD when compared to T2DM patients without NAFLD and controls. Endotoxin showed significant positive correlation with TNF-α (r=0.304; p<0.001), hs-CRP (r=0.193; p=0.018), and MDA (r=0.420; p<0.001), and significant negative correlation with adiponectin (r=-0.406; p<0.001). TNF-α and IL-6 showed significant positive correlation with MDA (r=0.526; p<0.001, r=0.229; p=0.005) and significant negative correlation with adiponectin (r=-0.396; p<0.001, r=-0.318; p<0.001), FRAP (r=-0.418; p<00.001, r=-0.170; p=0.038), and GSH (r=-0.353; p<0.001, r=-0.301; p<0.001).Conclusions: Authors observed elevated endotoxin, oxidative stress, inflammation and lower adiponectin levels in T2DM subjects compared to controls. These changes were more pronounced in T2DM with NAFLD when compared to T2DM without NAFLD.  Lower adiponectin levels were found to be a better predictor of NALFD in T2DM and is associated with oxidative stress and systemic inflammation.

Comparison of two rotary systems in bacteria/lps removal from endodontic infections: randomized clinical trial

Abstract: This clinical study compared the effectiveness of two rotary systems: HyFlex CM (Coltene-Whaledent, Altstetten, Switzerland) and ProTaper Next (Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland) on the removal of cultivable bacteria and endotoxins from primarily infected root canals. This study was designed as a randomized single-blinded, 2-arm, clinical trial. Twenty-four primarily infected root canals were selected and randomly divided into 2 groups: HyFlex CM (n = 12); and ProTaper Next (n = 12). Samples were collected before and after the biomechanical preparation and inoculated in specific flasks. Irrigation was performed using 2.5% sodium hypochlorite. A kinetic turbidimetric lysate assay of limulus amoebocytes was used to quantify endotoxins. Microbiological culture technique was used to determine the count of bacterial colony forming units (CFU/mL). Data collected were statistically analyzed using SigmaPlot 12.0 for Windows. The Two-Way ANOVA statistical test was performed and the level of significance was 5%. In the samples before the biomechanical preparation, cultivable bacteria and endotoxins were evidenced in 100% of the cases. The culture analysis revealed that there was no statistically significant difference in the bacterial reduction between the two instrumentation systems. Endotoxins were present in 100% of the canals after instrumentation and there was no statistical difference between the two systems in endotoxin reduction. Thus, it was concluded that both instrumentation systems were effective in reducing root canal bacteria and endotoxins with primary endodontic infection and that there was no statistical difference between them. However, no system was able to eliminate 100% of the bacteria and their by-products.

Role of mitophagy in hydrogen-induced reduction of LPS-caused mitochondrial injury to macrophages of mice / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective To evaluate the role of mitophagy in hydrogen-induced reduction of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-caused mitochondrial injury to macrophages of mice.Methods Macrophage line RAW264.7 cells of mice were routinely cultured and divided into 4 groups (n =6 each) using a random number table method:control group (Con group),LPS group,LPS plus hydrogen group (LPS + H2 group) and LPS plus hydrogen plus mitophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) group (LPS+H2+3-MA group).Cells were incubated for 6 h with LPS at the concentration of 1 μg/ml in LPS group.Cells were incubated for 6 h with LPS 1 μg/ml and hydrogen-rich medium 0.6 mmol/L.Cells were incubated for 1 h with 2 mmol/L 3-MA and then incubated for 6 h with LPS 1 μg/ml and hydrogen-rich medium 0.6 mmol/L in LPS+H2+3-MA group.Mitochondrial respiratory control ratio (RCR) was measured using a Clark-type electrode.Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was determined by JC-1 staining.Autophagosomes were counted with a transmission electron microscope.The expression of PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1),E3 ubiquitin ligase (Parkin),microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 Ⅱ (LC3 Ⅱ)and Beclin-1 was determined by Western blot.Results Compared with Con group,RCR and MMP were significantly decreased,the expression of PINK1,Parkin,LC3 Ⅱ and Beclin-1 was up-regulated,and the number of autophagosomes was increased in LPS group (P＜0.05).Compared with LPS group,RCR and MMP were significantly increased,the expression of PINK1,Parkin,LC3 Ⅱ and Beclin-1 was up-regulated,and the number of autophagosomes was increased in LPS+H2group (P＜0.05).Compared with LPS+H2 group,RCR and MMP were significantly decreased,the expression of PINK1,Parkin,LC3 Ⅱ and Beclin-1 was down-regulated,and the number of autophagosomes was decreased in LPS + H2 + 3-MA group (P＜0.05).Conclusion Enhanced mitophagy is involved in hydrogen-induced reduction of LPS-caused mitochondirial injury to macrophages of mice.

Endotoxin and intestinal microflora in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective To study the changes of endotoxin in blood,Escherichia coli,lactobacillus,bifidobacterium,enterococci in feces of HCC patients.Methods Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the difference between HCC group and normal group in the expression in bifidobacterium,lactobacillus,enterococcus and Escherichia coli,and the difference of endotoxin level.Results The expression levels of Escherichia coli and enterococcus in HCC group were significantly higher than those in normal control group (P＜ 0.05).Bifidobacterium and lactobacillus in primary liver cancer group significantly decreased compared with the normal group (P ＜ 0.05).The serum endotoxin level in HCC group was significantly higher than that in normal control group (P ＜ 0.05).Bifidobacterium and lactobacillus increased in HCC group.Enterococcus and escherichia coli decreased in HCC group.There was a significant positive correlation between endotoxin content and tumor number and tumor diameter in HCC patients.Conclusion Bifidobacterium,lactobacillus decreased,enterococcus and Escherichia coli increased in HCC patients.These changes along with the increase of endotoxin may relate to the development of HCC.

Role of endogenous heme oxygenase-1/carbon monoxide signaling pathway in endoplasmic reticulum stress during endotoxin-induced acute lung injury in rats / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective To evaluate the role of endogenous heme oxygenase-1/carbon monoxide ( HO-1/CO) signaling pathway in endoplasmic reticulum stress during endotoxin-induced acute lung injury ( ALI) in rats. Methods Forty healthy clean-grade male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 8 weeks, weighing 190-210 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=10 each) using a random number table method: control group (group C), ALI group, ALI plus ZnPP-IX group (group AZ), and ALI plus vehicle sodium bicarbonate group ( group AV) . ALI was induced by intravenously injecting lipopolysaccharide 5 mg/kg in anesthetized rats. At 30 min before establishing the model, ZnPP-IX 10μmol/kg (diluted to 1 ml in 50 mmol/L sodium bicarbonate) was intraperitoneally injected in group AZ, and 50 mmol/L sodium bicarbonate 1 ml was intra-peritoneally injected in group AV. After injecting lipopolysaccharide for 6 h, blood samples were collected from the common carotid artery for determination of plasma CO concentration, the rats were then sacrificed, and lungs were removed for microscopic examination of the pathological changes which were scored and for determination of CO level, wet to dry weight ratio ( W/D ratio) , cell apoptosis ( by TUNEL) , and expres-sion of heme oxygenase-1 ( HO-1) , glucose-regulated protein 78 ( GRP78) , phosphorylated protein kinase R-like endoplasmie reticulum kinase (p-PERK), phosphorylated eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha ( p-elF2 ) , CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein ( CHOP ) and caspase-12 in lung tissues ( by Western blot) . Apoptosis index ( AI) was calculated. Results Compared with group C, the lung injury scores, W/D ratio, AI and CO levels in plasma and lung tissues were significantly increased, and the expression of HO-1, GRP78, p-PERK, p-elF2, CHOP and caspase-12 was up-regulated in the other three groups ( P＜0. 05) . Compared with group ALI, lung injury scores, W/D ratio and AI were sig-nificantly increased, CO levels in plasma and lung tissues were decreased, the expression of HO-1 was down-regulated, and the expression of GRP78, p-PERK, p-elF2, CHOP and caspase-12 was up-regula-ted in group AZ (P＜0. 05), and no significant change was found in the parameters mentioned above in group AV ( P＞0. 05) . Conclusion HO-1/CO signaling pathway produces endogenous protection possibly through inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress during endotoxin-induced ALI in rats.