[Fuyu Decoction ameliorates myocardial fibrosis in rat model of heart failure by regulating Nrf2/GPX4-mediated ferroptosis].

This study aims to investigate the effect and mechanism of Fuyu Decoction(FYD) in the treatment of myocardial fibrosis in the rat model of heart failure(HF). Sixty Wistar rats were randomized into a modeling group(n=50) and a sham group(n=10). A post-myocardial infarction HF model was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery in rats. The successfully modeled rats were assigned into model, low-dose(2.5 g·kg~(-1)) FYD(FYD-L), high-dose(5.0 g·kg~(-1)) FYD(FYD-H), and FYD+Nrf2 inhibitor(ML385, 30 mg·kg~(-1)) groups(n=10). FYD was administrated by gavage and ML385 by intraperitoneal injection. The rats in the sham and model groups were administrated with equal amounts of normal saline by gavage. After 8 weeks of intervention, the cardiac function indicators were measured, and the myocardial tissue morphology and collagen deposition were observed. The positive expression of collagens Ⅰ and Ⅲ, apoptosis, and oxidative stress were examined, and the levels of Fe~(2+) and reactive oxygen species(ROS) were determined. The protein levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2), solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11), glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4), and acyl-coenzyme A synthase long chain family member 4(ACSL4) in the myocardial tissue were determined. Compared with sham group, the model group showed decreased left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening(LVFS), increased left ventricular end internal dimension in systole(LVIDs), left ventricular internal diameter in diastole(LVIDd), and myocardial collagen deposition, positive expression of collagens Ⅰ and Ⅲ, elevated apoptosis rate and malondialdehyde(MDA), Fe~(2+), and ROS levels, lowered superoxide dismutase(SOD) and glutathione peroxidase(GSH) levels, down-regulated protein levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4, and up-regulated protein level of ACSL4. Compared with the model group, the above indicators were restored by FYD. Moreover, ML385 reversed the protective effect of FYD on myocardial fibrosis in HF rats. In conclusion, FYD can inhibit ferroptosis by activating the Nrf2/GPX4 pathway, thereby ameliorating myocardial fibrosis in HF rats.

Comparison of Cosmetic Effect and Pain Reduction Outcomes of Modified Mini-Laparoscopy Versus Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Surgery for Adrenalectomy.

Objective: This study was to introduce the modified mini-laparoscopic adrenalectomy and investigate the advantage of operative time, cosmetic effect, and pain reduction by comparing the modified mini-laparoscopic adrenalectomy and laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS). Methods and Patients: Between May 2015 and Jun 2018, 76 consecutive patients with adrenal tumor underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Of which, 36 cases were in the mini-laparoscopic surgery group (the M group) and 40 cases in the LESS group. Medical records of the consecutive patients were analyzed. The operative time, blood loss, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores and the Scar Cosmesis Assessment and Rating (SCAR) Scale scores were recorded. Results: The mean operative time in the M group was significantly less than that of in the LESS group (54.75 ± 9.37 min vs. 106.48 ± 19.71 min, P < .01). Mean estimated blood loss did not differ between the 2 groups (12.22 ± 5.29 mL vs. 10.80 ± 6.66 mL, P > .05). The mean VAS scores in the M group were significantly lower than those of the LESS group on postoperative days (POD) 1 and 3. The SCAR scale scores at POD 60 were similar in the M group and the LESS group (0.86 ± 0.64 vs. 0.95 ± 0.71, P > .05). Conclusions: Modified mini-laparoscopic adrenalectomy is safe and convenient. It offered less operative time, significant cosmetic benefit, and reduced incisional pain.

Modified Mini-laparoscopic Surgery Optimized the Laparoscopic Decortication of Renal Cyst.

PURPOSE: This study was to introduce the modified mini-laparoscopic surgery for renal cyst and investigate itsadvantages on operative time, cosmetic effect and pain reduction by comparison with laparo-endoscopic single sitesurgery (LESS) and conventional laparoscopic surgery. METHODS AND PATIENTS: Between May 2015 and October 2018, 140 consecutive patients with benign renal cystunderwent laparoscopic decortication of renal cyst. Of which, 48 cases were in mini-laparoscopic surgery group(M group), 56 cases in LESS group and 36 cases in conventional laparoscopic surgery group (C group). The operativetime, blood loss, visual analog scale (VAS) and Scar Cosmesis Assessment and Rating (SCAR) Scale wasrecorded. RESULTS: The mean operative time in M group (26.08±7.70 min) and C group (28.56 ± 7.99 min). was significantlyless than that in LESS group (47.32 ±10.53 min) (P < 0.01). Mean blood loss did not differ between the 3 groups(P > 0.05). Mean VAS pain scores in M group were significantly lower than that of LESS group and C group onpostoperative day (POD) 1 and 3 (P < 0.01). The SCAR scale of POD 30 in C group (6.25 ± 1.0) was significantlyhigher than that in M group (0.77 ± 0.59) and LESS group (0.98 ± 0.70). The postoperative course was uneventfulwith no morbidity within 1to 6 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Modified mini-laparoscopic decortication of renal cyst have more comprehensive advantages comparingwith LESS and conventional laparoscopic surgery. It is convenient and offered significant cosmetic benefitand reduced incisional pain.

[Spatial Distribution and Source of Perfluorinated Compounds in Urban Soil from Part of Cities in Anhui Province, China].

In order to explore the spatial distribution and source of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs),eleven mixed urban soil samples were collected from 7 cities in Anhui Province in 2013.Fifteen individual PFCs were detected by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS),and principal components analysis was used to trace the different sources of PFCs in urban soil.The results showed that the total concentration of PFCs (ΣPFCs) ranged from 1.15 to 5.98 ng·g-1 dry weight (dw),with an average concentration of 2.69 ng·g-1.perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) with a concentration range of n.d.-3.56 ng·g-1 and an average concentration of 0.96 ng·g-1 was the dominant PFC contaminant,followed by perfluorooctane acid (PFOA) with a concentration range of n.d.-2.89 ng·g-1 and an average concentration of 0.64 ng·g-1.The highest ΣPFCs concentration in all selected mixed urban soil samples was from Chuzhou City with the value of 5.89 ng·g-1,followed by Jingxian County of Xuancheng City (4.04 ng·g-1).Interestingly,the PFOS concentration was as high as 3.56 ng·g-1 in Jingxian County,accounting for 88.1% of the total PFCs concentration,which might be influenced by paper industry in this area.Comparing to other soil samples in China,ΣPFCs concentration of urban soil from Anhui Province was at middle level.Over 60% of ΣPFCs in urban soil of Anhui province could be attributed to the four principal components,represented by PFOA,perfluorobutane sulfonate,perfluorododecanoic acid,perfluorobutane acid and PFOS.

[Yinxingye Capsule Intervened Vascular Endothelial Cell Apoptosis of Hyperhomocysteinemia Rats: an Experimental Study].

OBJECTIVE: To explore targets of Chinese herbal medicine at cellular and molecular leve1s through an experimental study on Yinxingye Capsule (YC) intervening vascular endothelial cell apoptoeis of hyperhornocysteinemia (HHcy) rats. METHODS: The HHcy model was prepared in male Wistar rats. Totally 42 rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, i.e., the control group (n =10), the model group (n = 11), the YC group (n =11), the folic acid group (n =10). Carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) solution (1%) was administered to rats in the control group by gastrogavage.3% methionine suspension at 1. 5 g/kg was administered to rats in the model group by gastrogavage. 3% methionine suspension at 1. 5 g/kg and folic acid suspension at 0. 06 g/kg was administered to rats in the folic acid group by gastrogavage. 3% methionine suspension at 1. 5 g/kg and YC at 0. 02 g/kg was administered to rats in the YC group by gastrogavage. Morphological changes of aortic tissue were observed by hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining. The plasma homocysteine (Hcy) level was detected in each group. The endothelium-dependent diastolic functions of the thoracic aorta on different concentrations of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and acetylcholine (Ach) were detected. Gene expressions of Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), c-Fos, cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein 2 (c-IAP2) were detected by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Pathological results showed that thickening aortic endothelium, swollen and desquamated endothelial cells. Few foam cells could be seen in the model group. Myoma-like proliferation of smooth muscle cells in tunica media could also be seen. These pathological changes were milder in the YC group and the folic acid group. Compared with the control group, plasma Hcy levels increased in the model group (P <0. 05). The endothelium-dependent diastolic rates at 10(-6) and 10(-4)mol/L Ach and 10(-7) -10(-3)mol/L SNP all decreased in the model group (P <0. 01, P <0. 05). Gene expressions of Bax, c-Fos, and iNOS increased, but c-IAP2 gene expressions decreased in the model group (all P <0. 05). Compared with the model group, plasma Hcy levels decreased in the YC group and the folic acid group (P <0. 05). The endothelium-dependent diastolic rates increased in the YC group and the folic acid group at various SNP concentrations except 10(-6) mol/L SNP in the folic acid group. The endothelium-dependent diastolic rates increased in the YC group and the folic acid group at 10(-6) and 10(-4)mol/L Ach (all P <0. 05). Gene expressions of Bax, c-Fos, and iNOS decreased in the YC group and the folic acid group, but c-IAP2 gene expression increased in the folic acid group (all P <0. 05). CONCLUSION: YC could reduce plasma Hcy levels, down-regulate gene expressions of Bax, c-Fos, and iNOS, thereby reducing apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells, improving vascular endothelial function, and delaying atherosclerotic process.

[An experimental study on high intensity focused ultrasound combined with mitomycin treatment of bladder tumor].

OBJECTIVE: To study the therapeutic effect and synergistic inhibition effect of high intensity focused ultrasound in combination with mitomycin on T739 mice bladder tumor. METHODS: BTT739 tumor-bearing mice receiving HIFU and/or mitomycin in two weeks, were divided into control group, low dose chemotherapy group, high dose chemotherapy group, HIFU group and HIFU combined chemotherapy group. The growth of mice tumor volume was observed in two weeks, by which we counted tumor volume doubling time and performed the growth curve. All specimens were analysed histologically. RESULTS: HIFU combined mitomycin has significant synergistic inhibition effect. Tumor tissue damage such as huge coagulation necrosis was observed using light microscopy. However, there were still some remaining alive cells. The apoptosis of tumor cell in HIFU group and HIFU combined chemotherapy group obviously increased in comparison with other groups. CONCLUSIONS: HIFU group, HIFU combined chemotherapy group can distinctively inhibit tumor growth; HIFU combined with mitomycin has notable synergistic inhibitory effect. HIFU may induce the apoptosis of tumor cell.