Subject(s)
Betacoronavirus , Coronavirus Infections , Pandemics , Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A , Pneumonia, Viral , COVID-19 , Female , Genitalia, Female , Humans , SARS-CoV-2ABSTRACT
The 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) appeared in December 2019 and then spread throughout the world rapidly. The virus invades the target cell by binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 2 and modulates the expression of ACE2 in host cells. ACE2, a pivotal component of the renin-angiotensin system, exerts its physiological functions by modulating the levels of angiotensin II (Ang II) and Ang-(1-7). We reviewed the literature that reported the distribution and function of ACE2 in the female reproductive system, hoping to clarify the potential harm of 2019-nCoV to female fertility. The available evidence suggests that ACE2 is widely expressed in the ovary, uterus, vagina and placenta. Therefore, we believe that apart from droplets and contact transmission, the possibility of mother-to-child and sexual transmission also exists. Ang II, ACE2 and Ang-(1-7) regulate follicle development and ovulation, modulate luteal angiogenesis and degeneration, and also influence the regular changes in endometrial tissue and embryo development. Taking these functions into account, 2019-nCoV may disturb the female reproductive functions through regulating ACE2.
Subject(s)
Betacoronavirus/pathogenicity , Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology , Coronavirus Infections/pathology , Genitalia, Female/virology , Pandemics , Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/genetics , Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology , Pneumonia, Viral/pathology , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/genetics , Adult , Angiotensin I/genetics , Angiotensin I/metabolism , Angiotensin II/genetics , Angiotensin II/metabolism , Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 , COVID-19 , Coronavirus Infections/diagnosis , Coronavirus Infections/transmission , Female , Gene Expression Regulation , Genitalia, Female/pathology , Host-Pathogen Interactions/genetics , Humans , Peptide Fragments/genetics , Peptide Fragments/metabolism , Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/metabolism , Pneumonia, Viral/diagnosis , Pneumonia, Viral/transmission , Pregnancy , Protein Binding , Receptors, Virus/genetics , Receptors, Virus/metabolism , Renin-Angiotensin System/genetics , SARS-CoV-2 , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/metabolismABSTRACT
Lycopene is a natural compound that alleviates oxidative stress and inflammation, exerting therapeutic effects in a number of cancers. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of lycopene in inhibiting prostate cancer. Cell viability assays indicated the dose- and time-dependent toxicity of lycopene in prostate cancer cells. Annexin V/propidium iodide double-staining assays revealed the strong apoptotic effects of lycopene. The levels of inflammatory factors, including interleukin-1 (IL1), IL6, IL8, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), in lycopene-treated cells were also reduced by lycopene treatment. With the increasing dose of lycopene, the survival of mice bearing prostate cancer xenografts was significantly improved (P < 0.01), and the tumor burden was significantly reduced (P < 0.01). Our results indicate that lycopene is a promising chemotherapy drug, which inhibits prostate cancer progression by suppressing the inflammatory response.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Tourniquets used during total knee arthroplasty may lead to many complications. The aim of this study was to determine perioperative blood loss and its clinical relevance in total knee replacement surgery after applying a tourniquet.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From June 2009 to October 2009, 60 consecutive patients who underwent routine total knee arthroplasty were randomly divided into two groups and were treated with or without a tourniquet (30 patients/group). There were no significant differences in patient baseline characteristics between the two groups. We compared the two groups of patients in terms of intra- and postoperative bleeding, invisible or visible bleeding, and total blood loss.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>None of the patients showed poor wound healing, lower extremity deep venous thrombosis or other complications. The amount of blood loss during surgery was lower in the tourniquet group than in the control group (P < 0.01). However, postoperative visible bleeding (P < 0.05) and occult bleeding (P < 0.05) were significantly greater in the tourniquet group than in the control group. There was no significant difference in the total amount of blood loss between the two groups (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Tourniquet can reduce bleeding during total knee replacement surgery, but is associated with greater visible and invisible blood loss.</p>
Subject(s)
Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee , Methods , Blood Loss, Surgical , Postoperative Hemorrhage , TourniquetsABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To search for the best method for child semiluxation of circo-axis vertebrae.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty cases were randomly divided into a treatment group of 25 cases treated with auricular point sticking, and a control group of 25 cases treated with normal acupuncture.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total effective rate was 92.0% in the treatment group and 64.0% in the control group with a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Auricular point sticking has a good effect on child semiluxation of circo-axis vertebrae.</p>