Establishment of a method for repairing extremities with extensively deep burn using fresh allogeneic scalp and autologous microskin and observation of its effect / 中华烧伤杂志

Objective@#To establish a method for repairing extremities with extensively deep burn using large piece of fresh allogeneic scalp spliced by Meek glue combined with autologous microskin and observe its effect.@*Methods@#Medical records of two male patients with extremely extensive deep burn admitted to our hospital from May to November in 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Two patients aged 44 and 25 years respectively, with total burn area of 90% and 97% total body surface area (TBSA) and full-thickness burn area of 85% and 70% TBSA, respectively. Preoperatively, the surgical area on the extremities was calculated to estimate the necessary amount of allogeneic scalp and Meek miniature skin. The large piece of fresh allogeneic scalp spliced by Meek glue combined with autologous microskin was prepared according to the methods described as follows. Thin medium-thickness fresh scalps with 3% TBSA and 0.30-0.35 mm in depth were harvested from each donor and spliced into a large piece with epidermis upward by spraying Meek glue. Then the spliced scalp was punched after covered with a single-layer gauze. Autologous microskin was transported onto the dermis of fresh large piece of allogeneic scalp by traditional floating method. Bilateral extremities with full-thickness burn of two patients were selected for self-control. The left upper extremity was denoted as treatment group while the right upper extremity was denoted as control group in Patient 1. The right lower extremity was denoted as treatment group while the left lower extremity was denoted as control group in Patient 2. Wounds in the treatment group were treated with fresh large piece of allogeneic scalp spliced by Meek glue and autologous microskin with expansion ratio of 1∶15 after escharectomy, while wounds in control group received grafting of Meek miniature skin with expansion ratio of 1∶6 and or 1∶9 after escharectomy. The donors of allogeneic scalp were 32 males who were the relatives or friends of the patients, aged 21-50 years, with scalp area of (548±48) cm2. The healing conditions of donor sites of scalp were observed on post operation day 10, and were followed up within 3 months after operation to observe whether forming alopecia and hypertrophic scar or not. Wound healing condition was evaluated during follow-up in post operation week (POW) 2-5 and 4 months after operation. Wound coverage rates were calculated in both treatment and control groups in POW 2, 3, 4, and 5.@*Results@#The donor sites of all allogeneic scalp of donors healed completely on post operation day 10. There was no alopecia or hypertrophic scar within 3 months after operation for follow-up. In POW 2, allogeneic scalp grafts basically survived in treatment group without obvious exudation, and most of the Meek miniature skin survived in control group with obvious exudation. Part of allogeneic scalp grafts dissolved and detached in treatment group in POW 3, and the surviving grafts scabbed. The eschar detached and new epithelium was observed in treatment group in POW 4 and 5. In POW 3-5, surviving Meek miniature skin in control group creeped and was incorporated, and the wounds shrank. Hypertrophic scar was observed in both treatment and control groups 4 months after operation, without obvious difference in scar as a whole. The wound coverage rates were respectively 84%-98% and 76%-92% in treatment group of two patients in POW 2-5, close to or higher than those of control group (35%-97% and 28%-81%, respectively).@*Conclusions@#The study establishes a novel method for splicing fresh allogeneic scalps into a large piece as the covering of microskin, which has good effect for repairing extensively deep burn wounds. Considering that allogeneic skin is scarce, this method may be a new option in clinical treatment for extensively deep burn patients.

Application of allogeneic skin in burn surgery / 中华烧伤杂志

Allogeneic skin grafting has a history of nearly 150 years and is one of the key measures to repair extensive deep burn wounds. Allogeneic skin survives temporarily to cover the wound, providing a valuable opportunity for the ultimate wound repair using autografts. As the main methods for the repair of extensive deep burn wounds in China, both the microskin grafting technique and inlay skin grafting technique are based on allogeneic skin grafting. Since allogeneic skin is hardly available in recent years, many burn centers are in extreme lack of allogeneic skin, which seriously hampers clinical burn care. Organ Procurement Organization and allogeneic skin banks may be legal means of solving the problems of source and quality of allogeneic skin, and the successful development of ideal engineered skin is the fundamental solution to burn care without allogeneic skin grafting in the future.

Sixty years′ innovative development of the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery of the Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital / 中华烧伤杂志

The Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery of the Fouth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital (the former 304th hospital of PLA) was established in 1958 as one of the earliest specialized burn departments in China. In the pioneering efforts of professor Sheng Zhiyong, an internationally renowned authority in burn surgery and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, several generations of the department represented by Zhu Zhaoming, GuoZhenrong, Chai Jiake, Yang Hongming, and Shen Chuan′an have worked hard from inheritance to innovation. The Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery has evolved from a simple treatment-oriented department to a military priority built discipline, a military burn research institute, a national key clinical specialty and a national key discipline which integrates treatment, scientific research, achievement transformation, and talent training. At present, our department has 300 beds in total, and we have our own outpatient and emergency service, registration and toll service, 7 operation rooms, medical cosmetics center, hair transplantation center, rehabilitation and physical exercise center, skin care center, and specialized laboratory. In recent years, we have treated more than 70 000 emergency patients and outpatients every year, admitted over 6 500 inpatients annually, and conducted more than 9 000 operations yearly. Our department ranks among the top in the specialized departments with the same size across the country. Our burn cure rate stands at 99.5%, and 50% lethal area is 98% total body surface area, ranking in the international leading level.

Research progress and application of MEEK micrografting technique / 解放军医学杂志

Wound coverage in early stage is the key of extensive burn treatment.Meek micro skin grafting technique plays an important role for wound coverage in extensive burn injury.There are several advantages by using the Meek technique,such as high expanding ratio,shorter operation time,lower incidence of infection,shorter time of repairing wound,lower cost of unit area repair.Meek technique is worth popularizing for these advantages in extensive burn wound repair,however,it could not replace other skin grafts methods.This article reviews the research progress and clinical application of Meek Technique.

The relation between serum cholinesterase level and both the disease progress and prognosis of massively burned patients:a retrospective study / 解放军医学杂志

Objective To observe the dynamic change of serum cholinesterase (ChE) activity in severely burned patients,analyze the correlation between serum cholinesterase activity and both the severity and prognosis of burn injury.Methods The clinical data of 203 patients with large area burn (TBSA ＞30％) were collected from the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery,First Affiliated Hospital of PLA General Hospital from January 2014 to December 2016 and the data of 30 healthy subjects as control group were retrospectively analyzed.According to the total burn area,these patients were divided into 3 groups:30％-49％ TBSA group (n=77),50％-79％ TBSA group (n=70),more than 80％ TBSA group (n=56).The serum was extracted from the two groups at 1,3,5,7,9,11,14,21,28,35 and 42 days after injury.Serum ChE activity was compared between the patients and the controls,and between the patient groups.The comparisons were also conducted between the 3 patient groups on the altitude of the decrease in serum ChE activity 21 days after injury,when the serum ChE activity reached the lowest level after injury,and the correlation between the burn area and the serum ChE activity was analyzed at each time point.In addition,according to the prognosis,the patients were divided into the survival group (n=172) and the death group (n=31).The serum ChE activity at each time point and the range of serum ChE activity decrease on day 21 and day 28 after injurywere compared between the two groups.Results 1)The serum ChE activity was lower in the patient groups than in the control group (8.18 ± 1.15kU/L) at all the time points observed except the first day after injury (P＜0.01).2) On the 21st and 28th days after injury,the serum AhE activity was higher in 30％-49％TBSA group than in the 50％-79％ TBSA group and in ≥ 80％ TBSA group,and the activity was higher in 50％-79％ TBSA group than in ≥ 80％ TBSA group (P＜0.05).Pearson correlation analysis on the serum ChE activity and burn area showed a significant positive correlation on day 3,5 and 7 after injury (P＜0.01) and a significant negative correlation on day 14,21 and 28 day after the injury (P＜0.05,P＜0.01),and no significant correlation at the remaining time points (P＞0.05).Up to the 21st day after injury,serum ChE decreased less significantly in 30％-49％ TBSA group (1.18 ± 1.70kU/L) than in 50％-79％ TBSA group (2.20 ± 2.01kU/L)and in ≥80％ TBSA group (3.35 ± 1.89kU/L),and less significantly in 50％-79％ TBSA group than in ≥80％ TBSA group,with statistically significant differences (P＜0.05).3) The serum ChE activity decreased to the lowest value (4.89 ± 1.48kU/L) on day 21 after burn in the survival group and to the lowest value (4.21 ± 1.37kU/L) on day 28 in the death group,with statistically significant difference (P＜0.05).On day 28 after injury,the serum ChE activity was significantly higher (4.92 ± 1.46kU/L) in the survival patients than in the patients died (4.21 ± 1.37kU/L) at the 21st day after injury.On day 21 and 28 after injury,the magnitude of decrease in serum ChE activity was less significant in the survival group (2.26 ± 1.93kU/L and 2.43 ± 1.87kU/L respectively) than in the death group (3.61 ± 2.20kU/L and 4.22 ± 1.94kU/L) (P＜0.05).Conclusions After burn,the activity of serum ChE decreased significantly,and there was a tendency to decrease firstly and increase aftetwards.The activity reached the lowest value on day 21 after injury.The area of burn was negatively correlated with the activity of serum ChE,and this relation was more remarkable on day 14,21 and 28 after injury.The greater the decrease of serum ChE activity,the worse the prognosis of the patients.As such,serum ChE activity has a certain value in reflecting the severity of burn injury and predicting the prognosis of patients.

Multicenter epidemiological investigation of hospitalized elderly, young and middle-aged patients with severe burn / 中华烧伤杂志

Objective@#To compare and analyze the epidemiological characteristics of hospitalized elderly, young and middle-aged patients with severe burn in recent years, so as to provide reference for the prevention and treatment of elderly patients with severe burn.@*Methods@#Relying on the entry system of epidemiological case data and biological sample of severe burn from multicenter in clinic, medical records of patients with severe burn, aged above 18, hospitalized in 8 burn wards from January 2012 to December 2015 were collected. Six hundred and fifteen patients who were more than 18 years old and less than or equal to 65 years old were included in young and middle-aged group (YM). Eighty-two patients aged more than 65 years old were included in elderly group (E). Data of age, gender, residence, education level, cause of injury, location of injury, season of injury, total burn area, occurrence and area of full-thickness burn injury, wound site, inhalation injury incidence and severity, post burn admission time, proportion of delayed resuscitation, proportion of escharectomy or tangential excision and skin grafting, preinjury systemic disease, system complication during hospitalization, length of hospital stay, outcome of treatment, and reason of abandoning treatment of patients were analyzed. Data were processed with chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test. The odds ratios of preinjury systemic disease, system complication during hospitalization, and adverse outcome of patients in group YM were compared with those in group E.@*Results@#(1) The majority of patients in the two groups were male, but the proportion of male patients in group YM was higher. There was statistically significant difference in gender distribution of patients between the two groups (χ2=18.727, P<0.001). The majority of patients in the two groups were from rural areas, but the proportion of rural patients in group E was higher. There was statistically significant difference in residence distribution of patients between the two groups (χ2=9.306, P=0.002). Patients in group YM mainly had secondary education, while patients in group E mainly had primary education. There was statistically significant difference in distribution of education level of patients between the two groups (χ2=146.797, P<0.001). (2) The most common causes of injury of patients in the two groups were both flame, but the proportion of patients with flame burn injury in group E was higher. There was statistically significant difference in distribution of cause of injury of patients between the two groups (χ2=25.063, P<0.001). The main locations of injury of patients in groups YM and E were respectively public place and private residence. There was statistically significant difference in location distribution of injury of patients between the two groups (χ2=46.313, P<0.001). The main seasons of injury of patients in groups YM and E were respectively summer and winter. There was statistically significant difference in season distribution of patients between the two groups (χ2=23.143, P<0.001). There was statistically significant difference in distribution of total burn area of patients between the two groups (χ2=25.799, P=0.002). The occurrences of full-thickness burn injury of patients in the two groups were similar (χ2=2.685, P=0.101), while there was statistically significant difference in area of full-thickness burn injury of patients between the two groups (χ2=26.702, P=0.002). There was no statistically significant difference in distribution of wound site of patients between the two groups (χ2=3.954, P=0.785). There were no statistically significant differences in incidence and severity distribution of inhalation injury of patients between the two groups (with χ2 values respectively 0.425 and 0.672, P values above 0.05). (3) There was statistically significant difference in distribution of admission time of patients between the two groups (χ2=6.632, P=0.036), but there was no statistically significant difference in proportion of delayed resuscitation of patients between the two groups (χ2=1.261, P=0.261). The proportion of escharectomy or tangential excision and skin grafting of patients in group YM was 72.0% (443/615), which was significantly higher than 35.4% (29/82) of group E (χ2=44.498, P<0.001). The incidence of preinjury systemic disease of patients in group YM was 13.2% (81/615), which was significantly lower than 61.0% (50/82) of group E (χ2=108.337, P<0.001). The risk of preinjury systemic disease of patients in group E was 10.30 times of that of patients in group YM [with 95% confidence interval (CI) of 6.24-17.01, P<0.001]. During hospitalization, 59.8% (49/82) of patients in group E suffered from system complications, which was significantly higher than 36.6% (225/615) of group YM (χ2=16.282, P<0.001). The risk of system complication of patients in group E was 2.57 times of patients in group YM (with 95% CI of 1.61-4.12, P<0.001). The length of hospital stay of patients in group E was significantly shorter than that of group YM (U=36 735, P<0.001). There was statistically significant difference in treatment outcome of patients between the two groups (χ2=106.251, P<0.001). The risk of adverse outcome of patients in group E was 7.52 times of group YM (with 95% CI of 4.40-12.88, χ2=67.709, P<0.001). The proportion of abandoning treatment of patients in group E was significantly higher than that of group YM (χ2=150.670, P<0.001). The risk of abandoning treatment of patients in group E was 15.86 times of that of group YM (with 95% CI of 9.36-26.88, P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in distribution of reason of abandoning treatment of patients between the two groups (χ2=4.178, P=0.243).@*Conclusions@#There were significant differences in the epidemiological characteristics of patients in groups E and YM. In elderly burn patients, the proportion of rural population was higher and the education level was lower. Flame burn was common and burns mostly occurred in private residences and in winter. The total burn area was slightly lower but the area of full-thickness burn injury was larger. The length of hospital stay was shorter and the proportion of surgical treatment was lower. The incidences of preinjury systemic disease and system complication during hospitalization were higher, and therefore the risks of adverse outcome and abandoning treatment were higher.

Effects of scar excision combined with negative-pressure on repair of hypertrophic scar in burn children / 中华烧伤杂志

Objective@#To explore the effects of scar excision combined with negative-pressure on repair of hypertrophic scar in burn children.@*Methods@#From October 2010 to August 2016, 25 children with hypertrophic scar after deep burn were hospitalized, with scar course ranging from 3 months to 11 years and scar area ranging from 35 to 427 [83(51, 98)]cm2. A total of 35 scars of 25 children were located in trunk (11 scars), upper limb (11 scars), and lower limb (13 scars). All children received scar excision operation and negative-pressure treatment (negative-pressure value ranged from -40 to -20 kPa), among which 6 cases received scar excision operation and negative-pressure treatment for two times for further removal of scars. After scar excision, electronic spring scale was used to measure the tension of the incision. The tension value of children ranged from 3.43 to 23.84 [7.16 (5.59, 9.12)] N, and then the incision was closed with appropriate suture according to the value of the tension. The incision with smaller tension was firstly opened on post operation day (POD) 8. After removing the suture, negative-pressure was conducted to POD 14. The incision with larger tension was firstly opened on POD 12. After removing the suture, biological semi-membrane was used to reduce tension to POD 16. All healed incisions were performed with anti-scar treatment for 1 year and relaxation and fixation for 3 months. General condition of the incision was observed after operation. The reduction percentage of scar area was calculated half-year after operation. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale was used to record the overall score of scar and scar score of trunk, upper limb, and lower limb before operation and half-year after operation. Data were processed with paired t test and Wilcoxon rank sum test.@*Results@#After removing the suture, all incisions of children healed well without redness, effusion, and rupture. Half-year after operation, the appearance and deformity of incision were obviously improved, and the symptoms including pruritus and pain were basically relieved. Half-year after operation, the scar area of children ranged from 0 to 174 [21(9, 47)]cm2, which was significantly decreased as compared with that before operation (Z=-5.16, P<0.05). The reduction percentage of scar area ranged from 36% to 100% [(73±19)%]. Half-year after operation, the overall score of scar and scar score of trunk, upper limb, and lower limb of children were obviously decreased as compared with those before operation (with t values from 6.42 to 17.37, P values below 0.05).@*Conclusions@#Scar excision combined with negative-pressure treatment has a good clinical effect on repair of hypertrophic scar in burn children, which is suitable for clinical application.

Bibliometric analysis of scientific articles on epidemiological study of burns in China / 中华烧伤杂志

Objective@#To analyze the current status of epidemiological study of burns in China, and to explore the related strategies.@*Methods@#Retrospective or cross-sectional scientific articles in Chinese or English on epidemiological study of burns in China published from January 2005 to December 2015 were systemically retrieved from 4 databases. The databases include PubMed, Embase, China Biology Medicine disc, and Chinese Journals Full-text Database. From the results retrieved, data with regard to publication year, journal distribution, number of institutions participated in the study, affiliation of the first author and its location, and admission time span and age of patients in all the scientific articles were collected. Furthermore, the definition of age range and the grouping method of age of pediatric patients in English articles on epidemiological study of pediatric burns of China were recorded. Data were processed with descriptive statistical analysis.@*Results@#A total of 256 scientific articles conforming to the study criteria were retrieved, among which 214 (83.59%) articles were in Chinese, and 42 (16.41%) articles were in English; 242 (94.53%) articles were retrospective studies, and 14 (5.47%) articles were cross-sectional studies. During the 11 years, the number of the relevant articles was fluctuant on the whole. The scientific articles were published in 130 journals, with 42 English articles in source journals for SCIENCE CITATION INDEX EXPANDED-JOURNAL LIST, accounting for 16.41%, and 116 Chinese articles in Source Journal for Chinese Scientific and Technical Papers, accounting for 45.31%. Totally 215 (83.98%) articles were single-center studies, and 29 (11.33%) articles were multicenter studies which were conducted by three or more centers. The number of affiliations of the first author of articles was 161 in total. The top 10 institutions regarding the article publishing number published 58 articles, accounting for 22.66%. Scientific articles on epidemiological study of burns were retrieved with location of affiliation of the first author in 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the Central Government in Mainland China, and also in Taiwan Province and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, among which Shanghai ranked first with 24 (9.38%) articles published. The admission time span of patients in the articles ranged from 3 months to 47 years, with 120 (46.87%) articles from 3 months to 5 years, 79 (30.86%) articles from 6 to 10 years, and 57 (22.27%) articles more than 10 years, respectively. Regarding the age of patients in the study, 123 articles were on epidemiological study of pediatric burns, and 16 articles on epidemiological study of elderly burns, accounting for 48.05% and 6.25%, respectively. Further analysis of articles on epidemiological study of pediatric burns in English showed that there was no standard definition of age range or unified grouping method of age for pediatric burn patients.@*Conclusions@#The epidemiological study of burns in China has been carried out nationwide, but the number of institutions conducted relevant study is not that much, and multicenter epidemiological studies remain scanty. The quality of the articles needs to be further improved. The epidemiological study of elderly burns is relatively deficient and calls for more attention. The epidemiological study of burns in China lacks regularity or continuity in time scope. There is an urgent need for the guideline on classification method for items of epidemiological study of burns in China so as to standardize the related research.

Effects of transfection of human epidermal growth factor gene with adenovirus vector on biological characteristics of human epidermal cells / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the suitable transfection condition of human epidermal cells (hECs) with human epidermal growth factor (EGF) gene by adenovirus vector (Ad-hEGF) and its effects on the biological characteristics of hECs.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>hECs were isolated from deprecated human fresh prepuce tissue of circumcision by enzyme digestion method and then sub-cultured. hECs of the third passage were used in the following experiments. (1) Cells were divided into non-transfection group and 5, 20, 50, 100, 150, and 200 fold transfection groups according to the random number table (the same grouping method below), with 3 wells in each group. Cells in non-transfection group were not transfected with Ad-hEGF gene, while cells in the latter six groups were transfected with Ad-hEGF gene in multiplicities of infection (MOI) of 5, 20, 50, 100, 150, and 200 respectively. The morphology of the cells was observed with inverted phase contrast microscope, and expression of green fluorescent protein of the cells was observed with inverted fluorescence microscope at transfection hour (TH) 24, 48, and 72. (2) Another three batches of cells were collected, grouped, and treated as above, respectively. Then the transfection rate of Ad-hEGF gene was detected by flow cytometer (n=3), the mass concentration of EGF in culture supernatant of cells was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (n=6), and the proliferation activity of cells was detected by cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) and microplate reader (n=6) at TH 24, 48, and 72, respectively. (3) Cells were collected and divided into non-transfection group and transfection group, with 6 wells in each group. Cells in non-transfection group were cultured with culture supernatant of cells without transfection, while cells in transfection group were cultured with culture supernatant of cells which were transfected with Ad-hEGF gene in the optimum MOI (50). CCK8 and microplate reader were used to measure the biological activity of EGF secreted by cells on culture day 1, 3, and 5. (4) Cells were collected and divided into non-transfection group and transfection group, with 12 wells in each group. Cells in non-transfection group were not transfected with Ad-hEGF gene, while cells in transfection group were transfected with Ad-hEGF gene in the optimum MOI (50). The expression levels of cytokeratin 14 (CK14) and CK19 of cells were measured by immunofluorescence staining at TH 24. (5) Cells were collected, grouped, and treated as in (4), with 6 wells in each group. At post scratch hour (PSH) 0 (immediately after scratch), 12, 24, and 48, the migration distance of cells was observed and measured with inverted phase contrast microscope. Data were processed with analysis of variance of factorial design, analysis of variance for repeated measurement, and LSD test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) At TH 24 and 48, morphology of cells in each transfection group and non-transfection group were similar. Compared with that in non-transfection group, the cell debris increased significantly in 200 fold transfection group at TH 72. At TH 24, 48, and 72, the expression of green fluorescent protein was not seen in cells of non-transfection group, whereas it increased in cells of transfection group over transfection time. (2) The transfection rate of Ad-hEGF gene of cells in each transfection group increased gradually over transfection time. At TH 72, the transfection rates of Ad-hEGF gene of cells in 50-200 fold transfection groups were all above 90%, while the transfection rates of Ad-hEGF gene of cells in non-transfection group, 5, and 20 fold transfection groups were (0.51±0.20)%, (62.44±6.23)%, and (75.00±5.43)% respectively, which were obviously lower than the rate in 50 fold transfection group [(93.12±2.55)%, with P values below 0.01]. The mass concentration of EGF in culture supernatant of cells in each transfection group increased gradually over transfection time. At TH 72, the mass concentration of EGF in culture supernatant of cells in 50 fold transfection group was obviously higher than that in each of the other groups (with P values below 0.01). The proliferation activity of cells in each group at TH 24 and 48 was similar (with P values above 0.05). At TH 72, the proliferation activity of cells in 200 fold transfection group was obviously lower than that in other groups (with P values below 0.05). (3) On culture day 1, the biological activity of EGF secreted by cells in two groups was similar (P>0.05). On culture day 3 and 5, the biological activity of EGF secreted by cells in transfection group were obviously higher than that in non-transfection group (with P values below 0.01). (4) At TH 24, the expression levels of CK14 and CK19 of cells in transfection group were higher than those in non-transfection group. (5) The width of scratch in two groups was nearly the same at PSH 0. At PSH 12-48, the migration distance of cells in transfection group was obviously longer than that in non-transfection group (with P values below 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The suitable range of MOI of hECs transfected with Ad-hEGF gene is 50-150, and 50 is the optimum. hECs transfected with Ad-hEGF gene with MOI 50 can effectively express the EGF gene and keep its good abilities of proliferation, differentiation, and migration, as well.</p>

Quadrilobed superior gluteal artery perforator flap for sacrococcygeal defects / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Perforator flaps are used extensively in repairing soft tissue defects. Superior gluteal artery perforator flaps are used for repairing sacral defects, but the tension required for direct closure of the donor area after harvesting of relatively large flaps carries a risk of postoperative dehiscence. This research was to investigate a modified superior gluteal artery perforator flap for repairing sacrococcygeal soft tissue defects.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From June 2003 to April 2010, we used our newly designed superior gluteal artery perforator flap for repair of sacrococcygeal soft tissue defects in 10 patients (study group). The wound and donor areas were measured, and the flaps were designed accordingly. Wound healing was assessed over a follow-up period of 6 - 38 months. From January 1998 to February 2003, twelve patients with sacrococcygeal pressure sores were treated with traditional methods, VY advancement flaps or oblong flaps, as control group.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After debridement, the soft tissue defects ranged from 12 cm × 10 cm to 26 cm × 22 cm (mean 16.3 cm × 13.5 cm). Four patients were treated using right-sided flaps ranging from 15 cm × 11 cm to 25 cm × 20 cm (mean 18.2 cm × 14 cm). Four patients were treated using left-sided flaps, and two were treated using both right- and left-sided flaps. Suction drains were removed on postoperative Days 3 - 21 (mean 5.9) and sutures were removed on postoperative Days 12 - 14. Each flap included 1 - 2 perforators for each of the donor and recipient sites. Donor sites were closed directly. All flaps survived. In eight patients, the wounds healed after single-stage surgery. After further debridement, the wounds of the remaining two patients were considered healed on postoperative Days 26 and 33, respectively. The rate of first intention in the study group (80%, 8/10) significantly increased than that of control group ((25%, 3/12), χ(2) = 4.583, P = 0.032). Follow-up examinations found that the flaps had a soft texture without ulceration. In the two patients without paraplegia, the range of motion of the hip joints was not affected.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The use of the quadrilobed superior gluteal artery perforator flap can overcome the disadvantages of traditional perforator flaps and represents an improved approach for repairing soft tissue defects in the sacrococcygeal region.</p>

Efficacy observation on application of negative pressure therapy in the treatment of superficial partial-thickness scald wound in children / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of negative pressure therapy in the treatment of superficial partial-thickness scald in children.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Three hundred and seven children with superficial partial-thickness scald hospitalized from August 2009 to May 2012 were divided into negative pressure therapy group (NPT, n = 145) and control group (C, n = 162) according to the random number table. Patients in group NPT were treated with negative pressure from within post injury day (PID) 3 to PID 9 (with -16 kPa pressure), while traditional occlusive dressing method was used in group C. Changes in body temperature, wound healing condition, frequency of dressing change were compared between group NPT and group C. Bacterial culture results of wounds were compared before and after treatment in group NPT. Volume of drained transudate per one percent of wound area was recorded in group NPT on PID 1 to PID 3. Data were processed with t test or chi-square test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The incidence of high fever was significantly lower in group NPT (26.9%, 39/145) than in group C (63.6%, 103/162, χ(2) = 41.419, P < 0.01). On PID 9, complete wound epithelization was observed in 138 patients in group NPT, and in 7 patients there were a few residual wounds which healed after dressing change for 2 days. The wound healing time of patients in group NPT [(9.2 ± 0.6) d] was obviously shorter than that in group C [(10.1 ± 1.6) d, t = 6.895, P < 0.01]. The frequency of dressing change among patients in group NPT [(2.05 ± 0.22) times] was significantly decreased as compared with that in group C [(4.82 ± 0.81) times, t = 39.878, P < 0.01]. Bacteria were found in wound secretion of seventeen patients in group NPT before treatment, while no bacterium was discovered in all patients after treatment. Volumes of drainage fluid in group NPT were proportional to wound areas, which were respectively (9.8 ± 3.2), (6.2 ± 2.1), (4.1 ± 1.6) mL per one percent of wound area on PID 1, 2, and 3.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>NPT can decrease times of dressing change, and alleviate infection and inflammatory response by drainage of transudate, which promotes wound healing at last. NPT is proved to be a safe and effective approach for treatment of children with superficial partial-thickness scald.</p>

Structural and functional changes in islet beta cells in severely scalded rats / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the structural and functional changes in islet beta cells in severely scalded rats, and to explore its relationship with dysfunction of glycometabolism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seventy-two Wistar rats were divided into scald (S) group and sham injury (SI) group according to the random number table, with 36 rats in each group. Rats in group S were inflicted with 50%TBSA full-thickness scald by a 12-s immersion of back and a 6-s immersion of abdomen in 94 °C hot water. Rats in group SI were sham injured through immersion of back and abdomen in 37 °C warm water. At post injury hour (PIH) 6 and on post injury day (PID) 3 and 7, plasma glucose level was measured for intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) in 12 rats of each group, and the area under the curve (AUC) of plasma glucose level was calculated. After the IPGTT, pancreatic tissue was harvested and subjected to a double immunostaining for insulin and cell nuclei to determine the pancreatic insulin-positive area ratio, and the area and number of beta cells in the islets (referred to as "the three indicators in the islets"). Data were processed with the analysis of repeated measures and factorial designed analysis of variance, and LSD test was applied for paired comparison.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) At PIH 6 and on PID 3, the overall plasma glucose levels of rats in group S before and after injection of glucose and at each time point were obviously higher than those of rats in group SI (with F values of main effects respectively 79.372 and 32.962, P values all below 0.001; with P values of paired comparison below 0.05 or 0.01). On PID 7, the overall plasma glucose levels in the two groups before and after injection of glucose and at each time point were close (with P values all above 0.05). (2) The overall AUC of plasma glucose levels of rats in group S was higher than that of rats in group SI (main effects: F = 337.87, P < 0.01). Compared with those of rats in group SI [(1019 ± 32), (1003 ± 72) mmol·min·L(-1)], the AUCs of plasma glucose levels of rats in group S were higher at PIH 6 and on PID 3 [(1501 ± 163), (1132 ± 67) mmol·min·L(-1), P values all below 0.001]. The AUCs of plasma glucose levels were close between two groups on PID 7 (P > 0.05). The AUCs of plasma glucose levels on PID 3 and 7 were both lower than that at PIH 6 in rats of group S (with P values all below 0.001). (3) The three indicators in the islets in rats of group S were all lower than those of rats in group SI (with F values of main effects respectively 135.17, 24.75 and 39.35, P values all below 0.01). There were no significant differences in the three indicators in the islets at PIH 6 between two groups (with P values all above 0.05). The three indicators in the islets of rats in group S on PID 3 and 7 [0.47 ± 0.05, 0.51 ± 0.07; (0.032 ± 0.008), (0.037 ± 0.008) mm(2); (303 ± 64), (341 ± 58) cells] were significantly lower than those of rats in group SI [0.63 ± 0.05, 0.64 ± 0.06; (0.043 ± 0.011), (0.044 ± 0.012) mm(2); (398 ± 112), (387 ± 90) cells; P < 0.05 or P < 0.01] and that at PIH 6 within group S (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The number of beta cells is reduced, and the insulin secretion function of beta cells is decreased in the scalded rats, and they may constitute the cause of dysfunction of glycometabolism, mainly manifested as hyperglycemia.</p>

Repair of pressure sores over ischial tuberosity with long head of biceps femoris muscle flap combined with semi-V posterior thigh fasciocutaneous flap / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the clinical effect of transplantation of the long head of biceps femoris muscle flap in combination with semi-V posterior thigh fasciocutaneous flap for repair of pressure sores over ischial tuberosity.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eight patients with 10 deep pressure sores over ischial tuberosity were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital to the PLA General Hospital and the 98th Hospital of PLA from April 2004 to June 2010. The wounds measured from 2 cm × 2 cm to 6 cm × 4 cm were covered with the long head of biceps femoris muscle flap and semi-V posterior thigh fasciocutaneous flap (ranged from 10 cm × 6 cm to 13 cm × 8 cm). The condition of flaps was observed and followed up for a long time.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All flaps survived. Nine wounds healed by first intention. Subcutaneous accumulation of fluids occurred in one wound with formation of a sinus at drainage site, and it healed after dressing change for 25 days. Patients were followed up for 7 to 34 months. Sore recurred in one patient 9 months after surgery, and it was successfully repaired with the same flap for the second time. Flaps in the other 7 patients appeared satisfactory with soft texture and without ulceration.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This combined flap is easy in formation and transfer, and it causes little side injury with good resistance against pressure. It is a new method for repair of pressure sore over sacral region.</p>

Regulatory effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 on cell proliferation of skeletal myoblast strain L6 and its possible signal mechanism / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the regulatory effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) on cell proliferation of skeletal myoblast strain L6 and its possible signal mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>L6 cells cultured in DMEM high glucose culture medium containing 10% FBS were divided into control group (C, without addition), GLP-1 group (G, added with 10 nmol/L GLP-1), PI3K inhibitor group (W, added with 50 nmol/L PI3K specific inhibitor wortmannin), and GLP-1 + PI3K inhibitor group (GW, added with 10 nmol/L GLP-1 and 50 nmol/L wortmannin) according to the random number table. Cell proliferation activity was detected with MTT assay at post culture hour (PCH) 24, 48, 72 (denoted as absorbance value). At PCH 24, the change in cell cycle was evaluated with flow cytometer, the expression level of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was determined with immunohistochemical staining, the protein levels of phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K) and p-Akt were determined with Western blotting. Data were processed with multi-group analysis of variance.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) The cell proliferation activity at PCH 48, 72 in G group was respectively 0.660 +/- 0.120, 0.870 +/- 0.240, all significantly higher than those in C group (0.530 +/- 0.060, 0.700 +/- 0.100, with F value respectively 5.46, 5.90, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The cell proliferation activity in W group at each time point was lower than that in C group. The cell proliferation activity in GW group at PCH 48, 72 was respectively 0.510 +/- 0.080, 0.740 +/- 0.160, all lower than those in G group (with F value respectively 5.46, 5.90, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). (2) The percentage of S phase cell in G group at PCH 24 [(15.7 +/- 0.4)%] was significantly higher than that in C group [(13.6 +/- 0.6)%] and GW group [(10.1 +/- 0.6)%], while that in W group [(6.8 +/- 1.2)%] was lower than that in C group (with F values all equal to 15.39, P values all below 0.01). (3) PCNA level in G group at PCH 24 [(51.24 +/- 1.18)%] was markedly higher than that in C group [(36.72 +/- 1.56)%] and GW group [(25.90 +/- 1.22)%], and while in W group [(21.70 +/- 0.09)%] was lower than that in C group (with F values equal to 783.80, P values all below 0.05). (4) The protein level of p-Akt in G group at PCH 24 was significantly higher than that in the other 3 groups, while that in W group was lower than that in C group (with F values equal to 94.43, P values all below 0.01). There was no obvious difference in protein level of p-PI3K at PCH 24 among G, GW, and C groups ( F = 20.94, P > 0.05). The protein level of p-PI3K at PCH 24 in W group was lower than that in C group (F = 20.94, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>GLP-1 can promote cell proliferation of skeletal myoblast by accelerating the progression of cell cycle and increasing the synthesis of DNA, which can be attributed to PI3K/Akt signal pathway.</p>

Modulatory effect of insulin on scalded rat serum-induced apoptosis of skeletal myoblast / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the modulatory effect of insulin on apoptosis of skeletal myoblast (L6 cells) by serum of scalded rat and its mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>L6 cells cultured with DMEM medium containing 10% FBS were divided into control (C, added with 20% normal rat serum), serum from rat with scald injury (S, added with 20% serum from scalded rat), insulin (I, added with 20% normal rat serum and 100 nmol/L insulin), and serum of scalded rat + insulin (SI, added with 20% serum of scalded rat + 100 nmol/L insulin) groups according to the random number table. After being cultured for 48 hours, apoptosis was observed with Hoechst 33258 staining and its number counted, annexin V -FITC/PI double-labeling method was used to assess apoptosis rate, the protein levels of phosphorylated (p-) Akt, p-PI3K, Bax, Bcl-2, and active caspase-3 were determined by Western blotting. Data were processed with grouped or paired t test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) The amount of apoptosis with typical morphological change in S group [(59.6 +/- 3.9) per visual field] was more than that in C, I, and SI groups [(4.9 +/- 2.6), (5.5 +/- 2.1), (19.7 +/- 2.3) per visual field, with t value respectively 28.53, 29.86, 21.53, P values all below 0.01]. (2) Apoptotic rate in S group was (18.5 +/- 1.8)%, which was markedly higher than that in C, I, and SI groups [(1.1 +/- 0.6)%, (1.5 +/- 0.3)%, (7.8 +/- 0.6)%, with t value respectively 22.41, 22.83, 13.92, P values all below 0.01]. (3) Compared with those in C group, the protein levels of Bax and active caspase-3 in S group were up-regulated (1.12 +/- 0.63 vs. 0.16 +/- 0.03, 2.15 +/- 0.51 vs. 0.21 +/- 0.03, with t value respectively 3.80, 10.69, P values all below 0.01), the protein level of p-Akt was lowered (0.20 +/- 0.03 vs. 0.42 +/- 0.07, t = -8.46, P < 0.01), and the protein levels of p-PI3K and Bcl-2 showed no statistical difference (0.19 +/- 0.03 vs. 0.26 +/- 0.09, 0.17 +/- 0.03 vs. 0.28 +/- 0.07, with t value respectively -2.73, - 1.14, P values all above 0.05). The protein levels of Bax (0.40 +/- 0.14) and active caspase-3 (0.83 +/- 0.18) in SI group were lowered (t = -3.23, P < 0.05; t = 6.66, P < 0.01) and the protein levels of p-Akt, Bcl-2, and p-PI3K in SI group were elevated (0.39 +/- 0.10, 0.78 +/- 0.03, 0.47 +/- 0.12, with t value respectively 4.07, 18.71, 5.05, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) as compared with those in S group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Serum from scalded rat can induce apoptosis in skeletal myoblast, and the effect can be inhibited by insulin through PI3K/Akt signal pathway.</p>

Treatment strategies for mass burn casualties / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Mass burn casualties are always a great challenge to a medical team because a large number of seriously injured patients were sent in within a short time. Usually a high mortality is impending. Experiences gained from successful treatment of the victims may be useful in guiding the care of mass casualties in an armed conflict.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-five burn victims in a single batch, being transferred nonstop by air and highway from a distant province, were admitted 48 hours post-injury. All patients were male with a mean age of (22.4 +/- 8.7) years. The burn extent ranged from 4% to 75% ((13.6 +/- 12.9)%) total body surface area. Among them, thirty-two patients were complicated by moderate and severe inhalation injury, and tracheostomy had been performed in 15 patients. Decompression incisions of burn eschar on extremities were done in 17 cases before transportation. All the thirty-five patients arrived at the destination smoothly via 4-hour airlift and road transportation. Among them, twenty-five patients were in critical condition.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>These thirty-five patients were evacuated 6 hours from the scene of the injury, and they were transferred to a local hospital for primary emergency care. The patients were in very poor condition when admitted to our hospital because of the severe injury with delayed and inadequate treatment. Examination of these patients at admission showed that one patient was suffering from sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Dysfunction of the heart, lung, liver, kidney, and coagulation were all found in the patients. Forty-eight operations were performed in the 23 patients during one month together with comprehensive treatment, and the function of various organs was ameliorated after appropriate treatment. All the 35 patients survived.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>A well-organized team consisting of several cooperative groups with specified duties is very important. As a whole, the treatment protocol should be individualized, basing on the extent of the injury and the care that the patient had received at the spot. During airlift, the stretchers should be arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cabin. The treatment protocol in our hospital consisted mainly of prompt effective relief of all life-threatening complications, followed by early closure of burn wounds, appropriate use of anti-infection therapy, emphasis on nutritional support, correction of metabolic disorders, alleviation of immunosuppression, correction of coagulopathy, and effective support and protection of organ function.</p>

Effect of intensive insulin therapy on apoptosis-related ligands in serum in rats with severe scald / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate changes in apoptosis-related ligands in serum in rats with severe scald and the effect of intensive insulin therapy on the changes.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and fifty Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: sham burn (SB), scald (S) and treatment (T) groups. Rats in S and T groups were inflicted with 40% TBSA full-thickness burn, followed by intraperitoneal injection with 40 mL/kg of isotonic saline for resuscitation. Rats in T group were subcutaneously injected insulin in a dose of 0.25 U/100 g 24 hours after burn injury, and every 12 hours for 5 days (0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25 U/100 g each day, respectively) to control the level of blood glucose between 3 and 6 mmol/L. Rats in SB group were sham scalded at 37 degrees C without resuscitation. Blood was drawn from abdominal aorta on 1, 4, 7, 10, 14 post burn day (PBD) for determination of serum levels of TNF-alpha, soluble Fas ligand (sFasL) and soluble Fas receptor (sFas) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and insulin by radioimmunity assay (RIA).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The serum level of TNF-alpha in S group peaked on 1 PBD (30.9 +/- 8.7) ng/L, which showed statistically significant difference when compared with that of SB and T groups (12.7 +/- 2.8) ng/L, (16.8 +/- 4.7) ng/L, respectively, P < 0.01), then lowered gradually to become similar to that of SB group on 7 PBD. The level of TNF-alpha in T group increased gradually, but was obviously lower than that of S group on 1, 4, 7 PBD (P < 0.01). The level of sFasL in S (on 7-14 PBD) and T (4-10 PBD) groups was significantly higher than that in SB group (P < 0.05), then lowered to normal level. The levels of sFas on 4-10 PBD in T group were obviously higher than that in S and SB group (P < 0.05). Ratio of sFasL to sFas in serum of S group was higher than that in SB group on 7, 10 PBD, which was higher than that in T group on 7 PBD (P < 0.05). There was significant decrease in serum level of insulin in S group compared with that of SB group on 4-10 PBD (P < 0.05). The level of insulin in T group increased on 1 PBD, peaked on 4 PBD (327 +/- 15 microU/mL), which was significantly higher than that in SB and S groups (42 +/- 15, 28 +/- 10 microU/mL, respectively, P < 0.01), then decreased gradually to normal level.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Insulin may inhibit apoptosis after burn by down-regulating secretion of apoptotic ligands.</p>

Changes in proliferative activity of myoblasts and expression of Akt in skeletal muscle of rats after severe burn injury / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate changes in proliferative activity of myoblasts in skeletal muscle and potential role of phosphorylated Akt on it, so that a better understanding in mechanisms of skeletal muscle atrophy after burn injury will be got.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and twenty Wistar rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: control and severe thermal injury group. Rats in severe thermal injury group were subjected to a 40% total body surface area full-thickness scald injury, and Tibialis Anterior (TA) muscles were collected on 0, 1, 4, 7, 10, 14 days post-injury. After muscle mass determined, immunohistochemical double staining was used for detection of Proliferative Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) of myoblasts. Protein expression of total Akt and phosphorylated Akt was determined by Western Blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Burn injury induced significant reduction of TA muscle mass and maximal reduction of it appeared by 4 days after injury (P < 0.01). Proliferative activity of myoblasts decreased significantly from the first day post-injury (P < 0.01) and increased slowly to basal level of controls after 7 days post-injury. The phosphorylated Akt was undetectable in both of controls and injured samples before 4 days but increased significantly after 7 days post-injury (P < 0.01), though total Akt expression had no significant alteration at any time points (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Decrease in proliferative activity of myoblasts may be one of the contributors of significant atrophy of skeletal muscle after burn injury. Effect of phosphorylated Akt on proliferation attenuated in early stage and increased significantly in later stage after burn injury may partly explain the changes in proliferative activity of myoblasts.</p>

Characteristics of and strategies for patients with severe burn-blast combined injury / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Severe burn-blast combined injury is a great challenge to medical teams for its high mortality. The aim of this study was to elucidate the clinical characteristics of the injury and to present our clinical experiences on the treatment of such cases.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Five patients with severe burn-blast combined injuries were admitted to our hospital 77 hours post-injury on June 7, 2005. The burn extent ranged from 80% to 97% (89.6% +/- 7.2%) of TBSA (full-thickness burns 75% - 92% (83.4% +/- 7.3%)). All the patients were diagnosed as having blast injury and moderate or severe inhalation injury. Functions of the heart, liver, kidney, lung, pancreas and coagulation were observed. Autopsy samples of the heart, liver, and lungs were taken from the deceased. Comprehensive measures were taken during the treatment, including protection of organ dys function, use of antibiotics, early anticoagulant treatment, early closure of burn wounds, etc. All the data were analyzed statistically with t test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>One patient died of septic shock 23 hours after admission (four days after injury), the others survived. Dysfunction of the heart, liver, lungs, pancreas, and coagulation were found in all the patients on admission, and the functions were ameliorated after appropriate treatments.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Burn-blast combined injury may cause multiple organ dysfunctions, especially coagulopathy. Proper judgment of patients' condition, energetic anticoagulant treatment, early closure of burn wounds, rational use of antibiotics, nutritional support, intensive insulin treatment, timely and effective support and protection of organ function are the most important contributory factors in successful treatment of burn-blast combined injuries.</p>

Effects of insulin on proteolysis of cultured rabbit skeletal muscular myotubes in vitro / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effects of insulin on the proteolysis of cultured rabbit skeletal muscular myotubes in vitro, and their possible mechanisms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Muscles of lower limbs of juvenile rabbits were isolated for tissue-block culture. After passage, myoblasts were formed and fused into myotubes. Then the protein in myotubes was radiolabelled with L-[ 3,5-3H] tyrosine. The myotubes were cultured in DMEM medium containing 100 nmol/L insulin (n = 24, group B) , 100 nmol/L dexamethasone (n = 24, group C) , 100 nmol/L insulin and 100 nmol/L dexamethasone (n = 24, group D) , no insulin or dexamethasone (n =24, group A), respectively. Twenty-four hours after culture, the L-[3,5-3H] tyrosine content in culture medium and cells were determined, and the degradation rates of protein were calculated. The mRNA expressions of ubiquitin and protease C2 subunit were determined by Northern blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The degradation rates of myotube protein in group A(0. 38+/-0.04) was obviously lower than that in group C (0.50+/-0.03, P <0.01), but it was obviously higher than that in group B(0. 35+/-0.03, P <0.05). Though the degradation rates of myotube protein in group D (0.41+/-0. 03) was evidently lower than that in group C ( P < 0.01) , it was still higher than that in group A( P < 0.05 ). The mRNA expressions of ubiquitin and protease C2 subunit in group A ( the scale: 2. 4 kb ubiquitin was 0. 82+/-0. 15, 1. 2 kb ubiquitin was 0. 60+/-0. 10, C2 subunit was 0. 75+/-0. 16) was obviously lower than that in group C ( the scale: 2.4 kb ubiquitin was 2. 15+/-0. 23, 1.2 kb ubiquitin was 1.50+/-0. 14,C2 subunit was 1.50+/-0. 13 , P <0. 01) , but it in group D was lower than that in group C (the scale: 2. 4 kb ubiquitin was 1. 25+/-0. 17, 1. 2 kb ubiquitin was 0. 85+/-0. 09, C2 subunit was 0. 90+/-0. 15, P <0. 01) , and it was similar to that in group B (the scale: 2.4 kb ubiquitin was 0. 85+/-0.07, 1.2 kb ubiquitin was 0. 65+/- 0. 12, C2 subunit was 0. 76 +/-0. 09, P > 0. 05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The effects of insulin on the activity of ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and the proteolytic rate in normal myotubes were relatively weak. However, insulin can significantly inhibit the effects of dexamethasone on the gene expressions of ubiquitin system and the proteolytic rate in myotubes, but the mechanism needs further research.</p>