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Objective To investigate the effect of atorvastatin on atherosclerosis formation of common carotid artery and its possible mechanism. Methods A total of 36 male apolipoprotein E gene knockout (ApoE-/-) mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: a control group, a model group, and an atorvastatin group. The mice of the control group were fed with normal diet and received a sham operation, while the mice in the model group and the atorvastatin group were given high fat diet and received a right common carotid artery cannulation. At 5 weeks after procedure, the mice in the model group and the atorvastatin group were intragastric administration of normal saline and atorvastatin (10 mg/kg daily), respectively. At 8 weeks after procedure, the blood from femoral arteries was obtained for biochemical detection, then right common carotid arteries were taken out for histopathological study. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of NF-κB mRNA in the plaques. Western blotting was used to detect phosphorylated NF-κB p65. Results The lipid levels in the model group and the atorvastatin group were significant higher than those in the control group (al P 0. 05 ). The histopathological study showed that the obvious plaque formation and the necrotic core and neovessels in plaques were observed in the model group; obviously thickened intima and more intact endothelial cel s in the vessel wal were observed in the atorvastatin group. The plaque burden in the model group and the atorvastatin group was significantly higher than that in the control group (al P<0. 001), while the plaque burden in the atorvastatin group was significantly less than that in the model group (P<0. 001). Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR detection showed that the expression levels of NF-κB mRNA in the model group and the atorvastatin group were significantly higher than that in the control group (al P<0. 001), and the expression level of NF-κB mRNA in the atorvastatin group was significant lower than that in the model group (P= 0. 022). Western blotting showed that the expression level of the phosphorylated NF-κB p65 was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0. 001), and the expression level of the phosphorylated NF-κB p65 was significantly lower than that in the model group (P<0. 001). Conclusions Atorvastatin may reduce atherosclerosis in the common carotid artery in ApoE-/-) mice by down-regulating NF-κB.
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Objective To investigate effects of thoracoscopic sternal elevation by using a steel bar(Nuss procedure) in the treatment of pectus excavatum in children.Methods Under the assistance of thoracoscopy,a substernal tunnel was created using a blunt dissector via a right thoracic incision.Then a steel bar was inserted under the sternum.After the bar was placed in position,it was turned over to elevate the deformed sternum and the anterior chest wall.Results The operation was completed successfully in all the 11 cases.The operating time ranged 50~85 min(mean, 67 min).The intraoperative blood loss ranged 5~20 ml(mean,10 ml).The surgical outcomes were classified as "excellent" in 9 cases,"good" in 1 case,and "fair" in 1.Follow-up observations for 2~15 months(mean,6.4 months) in 8 cases showed satisfactory appearance.Conclusions Thoracoscopic Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum in children is a minimally invasive technique with limited surgical trauma,minimal blood loss,simple performance,rapid recovery,and good cosmetic results,being worthy of recommendation.
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Objective To discuss the laparoscopic diagnosis and treatment for non-palpable undescended testis.Methods Laparoscopy was utilized in the diagnosis and treatment of 29 cases of non-palpable undescended testis(34 sides) from July 2002 to March 2005.Results The diagnosis was clarified in all the 29 cases.Intraabdominal testis was found in 21 sides(primary orchidopexy in 16 sides and two-staged Fowler-Stephens orchidopexy in 5 sides) and absent testis,13 sides.Follow-up observations for 0.5~1 year in 29 cases showed no testicular retraction or atrophy.Conclusions Laparoscopic intervention,characterized with accurate diagnosis,little invasion,and quick recovery,can be the first choice for the diagnosis and treatment of(non-palpable) undescended testis.The primary orchidopexy of testis may have satisfactory results if possible.