The detoxification ability of sex-role reversed seahorses determines the sexual dimorphism in immune responses to benzo[a]pyrene exposure.

Sexual dimorphism in immune responses is an essential factor in environmental adaptation. However, the mechanisms involved remain obscure owing to the scarcity of data from sex-role-reversed species in stressed conditions. Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is one of the most pervasive and carcinogenic organic pollutants in coastal environments. In this study, we evaluated the potential effects on renal immunotoxicity of the sex-role-reversed lined seahorse (Hippocampus erectus) toward environmental concentrations BaP exposure. Our results discovered the presence of different energy-immunity trade-off strategies adopted by female and male seahorses during BaP exposure. BaP induced more severe renal damage in female seahorses in a concentration-dependent manner. BaP biotransformation and detoxification in seahorses resemble those in mammals. Benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol-9,10-oxide (BPDE) and 9-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene (9-OH-BaP) formed DNA adducts and disrupted Ca2+ homeostasis may together attribute the renal immunotoxicity. Sexual dimorphisms in detoxification of both BPDE and 9-OH-BaP, and in regulation of Ca2+, autophagy and inflammation, mainly determined the extent of renal damage. Moreover, the mechanism of sex hormones regulated sexual dimorphism in immune responses needs to be further elucidated. Collectively, these findings contribute to the understanding of sexual dimorphism in the immunotoxicity induced by BaP exposure in seahorses, which may attribute to the dramatic decline in the biodiversity of the genus.

[Application of positron emission tomography in detection of myocardial glucose metabolism in rabbit cardiac arrest models].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes of myocardial glucose metabolism in rabbit cardiac arrest models and the effect of hydrogen intervention by 18F-fluroro-2-deoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.
 Methods: Fifteen male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into a hydrogen group (n=6), a control group (n=6) and a sham group (n=3). Cardiac arrest (CA) was induced by intravenous injection of potassium chloride. Conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was initiated after five-minutes CA. The hydrogen group and the control group were mechanically ventilated into mixed gas with 4% hydrogen+96% oxygen and pure oxygen, respectively, for 30 minutes after CPR. Rats in the sham group was performed the same surgical procedure and was injected adrenaline and potassium chloride but did not induce CA. The vital signs at basic state and 30 min after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) were recorded in each group. The parameters of CPR were recorded in two CA groups. Myocardial glucose metabolism was assessed by positron emission tomography (PET) at basic state, 2 h and 24 h after ROSC. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of 18F-FDG was measured.
 Results: There were no significant differences in the basal body weight and vital signs among the three groups. There was no significant difference in the blood glucose level before PET examination. The 18F-FDG SUVmax in the sham group at three time points was not significantly changed. In the hydrogen group and the control group, the 18F-FDG SUVmax at 2 h after ROSC were significantly higher than the basic level (1.89±0.47 vs 3.47±1.24 and 1.90±0.36 vs 4.26±0.80, respectively). Compared with the control group, the 18F-FDG SUVmax in the hydrogen group was lower at the point at 2 h after ROSC. The 18F-FDG SUVmax in the 2 CA group were down to the basic level at 24 h after ROSC (hydrogen group 2.02±0.64, control group 2.07±0.61).
 Conclusion: Myocardial glucose metabolism in CA rabbits was increased significantly after ROSC, and hydrogen intervention can reduce the degree of glucose metabolism.

[The fabrication and clinical application of semi-fixed mandibular lingual arch expansion appliance].

Semi-fixed mandibular lingual arch expansion appliance is composed of a mandibular molar band, a keyway and arch expansion spring. The arch expansion spring are used to expand maxillary arch symmetrically or asymmetrically when bolts of the two ends are inset into keyways. Dental arch expansion appliance for 25 patients with mandibular arch stenosis showed that semi-fixed mandibular lingual arch expansion had good effect and could be used to expand mandibular arch.