Regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic potential of microglial inhibitors in neuropathic pain and morphine tolerance / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Microglia are important cells involved in the regulation of neuropathic pain (NPP) and morphine tolerance. Information on their plasticity and polarity has been elucidated after determining their physiological structure, but there is still much to learn about the role of this type of cell in NPP and morphine tolerance. Microglia mediate multiple functions in health and disease by controlling damage in the central nervous system (CNS) and endogenous immune responses to disease. Microglial activation can result in altered opioid system activity, and NPP is characterized by resistance to morphine. Here we investigate the regulatory mechanisms of microglia and review the potential of microglial inhibitors for modulating NPP and morphine tolerance. Targeted inhibition of glial activation is a clinically promising approach to the treatment of NPP and the prevention of morphine tolerance. Finally, we suggest directions for future research on microglial inhibitors.

Atorvastatin combined with clopidogrel in preventing carotid artery atherosclerostic plaques of aged patients with infarction / 中华神经医学杂志

Objective To observe the clinical effects of atorvastatin combined with clopidogrel on the prevention of carotid artery atherosclerostic plaques in aged patients with infarction. Methods Eighty aged patients with infarction, admitted to out hospital from July 2006 to September 2010, were chosen; these patients were randomly divided into observation group (n=40, giving treatment of atorvastatin combined with clopidogrel) and control group (n=40, giving treatment of treatment of Clopidogrel). The levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (CH), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), the blood viscosity and the platelet maximum aggregation rate (MAR) were measured and the plaque scores were evaluated 4, 12 and 24 w after the treatment.Results As compared with those before treatment, the levels of TG, LDL-C and MAR in the control group 24 w after treatment, and the levels of TG and CH in the observation group 12 w after treatment and the levels of TG, CH, LDL-C and MAR in the observation group 24 w after the treatment were significantly decreased (P<0.05). As compared with the control group, the observation group enjoyed significantly lower level of CH 12w after the treatment and lower levels of TG, CH and LDL-C 24 w after the treatment (P<0.05). Lower plaque scores in the observation group were noted as compared with that in the control group 24 w after the treatment (P<0.05). Conclusion Atorvastatin combined with clopidogrel can safely prevent and stabilize the carotid artery atherosclerostic plaques in aged patients with infarction.