Role of prostaglandin E2 receptor 4 in cardiovascular diseases / 生理学报

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a cyclooxygenase metabolite of arachidonic acid. It acts as a bioactive lipid and plays an important role in regulating many biological processes. PGE2 binds to 4 different G protein-coupled receptors including prostaglandin E2 receptor subtypes EP1, EP2, EP3 and EP4. The EP4 receptor is widely expressed in most of human organs and tissues. Increasing evidence demonstrates that EP4 is essential for cardiovascular homeostasis and participates in the pathogenesis of many cardiovascular diseases. Here we summarize the role of EP4 in the regulation of cardiovascular function and discuss potential mechanisms by which EP4 is involved in the development of cardiovascular disorders with a focus on its effect on inflammation.

Clinical effects of the circumcision stapler, foreskin cerclage, and traditional circumcision: A comparative study / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the clinical effects of the circumcision stapler, circumcision cerclage, and traditional circumcision in the treatment of phimosis and redundant prepuce.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Using the circumcision stapler (group A), foreskin cerclage (group B), and traditional circumcision (group C), we treated 276 patients with phimosis or redundant prepuce. We made comparisons among the three groups in the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative and 24-hour postoperative pain scores, and incidence of postoperative complications. Results: The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and intraoperative pain score were (6.52 ± 2.45) min, (1.93 ± 0.82) ml, and 1.37 ± 0.68 in group A and (7.24 ± 1.86) min, (1.51 ± 0.72) ml, and 1.20 ± 0.79 in group B, all significantly lower than (28. 36 ± 4.22) min, (9.52 ± 3.29) ml, and 3.06 ± 0.75 in group C (P <0.05). The 24-hour postoperative pain score was remarkably higher in group B than in A and C (3. 18 ± 0. 82 vs 1. 85 ± 0. 63 and 1. 82 ± 0. 75, P <0. 05). The incidence rate of postoperative complications was markedly lower in group A than in B (5. 43% vs 14. 13%, P < 0.05), but with no significant differences between either A and C or B and C (P >0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The circumcision stapler, with its advantages of simple operation, minimal invasiveness, fewer complications, and better cosmetic result, deserves a wider clinical application.</p>