Overexpressed microRNA-615-3p promotes progression of neonatal acute respiratory distress syndrome by inhibiting differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells to alveolar type II epithelial cells.

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether microRNA-615-3p participates in the progression of neonatal acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) by inhibiting differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to alveolar type II epithelial cells (ATII) via Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Expression levels of microRNA-615-3p and inflammatory factors (IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) in peripheral blood of 24 neonatal ARDS patients and 14 healthy newborns were detected by qRT-PCR (quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction). MSCs were isolated from bone marrow of mice and identified by flow cytometry. The effect of microRNA-615-3p on regulating the differentiation of MSCs to ATII was analyzed. After altering expressions of microRNA-615-3p and DKK1 by plasmids transfection, Wnt/ß-catenin pathway-related genes were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Higher expression levels of microRNA-615-3p and inflammatory factors (IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) were observed in peripheral blood of neonatal ARDS patients than those of healthy newborns. ATII-specific genes were upregulated, and inflammatory factors were downregulated after the microRNA-615-3p knockdown in MSCs. Moreover, expressions of Wnt/ß-catenin pathway-related genes were downregulated after the microRNA-615-3p overexpression, which was partially reserved by the DKK1 knockdown. CONCLUSIONS: Overexpressed microRNA-615-3p promoted ARDS development through inhibiting differentiation of MSCs to ATII via Wnt/ß-catenin pathway.

Correlation of CD4⁺ CD25⁺ Foxp3⁺ Treg with the recovery of joint function after total knee replacement in rats with osteoarthritis.

In this study, we observed changes in CD4(+) CD25(+) Foxp3(+) Treg expression in rats with osteoarthritis (OA) to explore the role that CD4(+) CD25(+) Foxp3(+) Treg plays in the decline in the condition of OA rats. Thirty rats were randomly divided into 2 groups equally and OA was induced in rats in the model group by injection of papain and l-cysteine into the right knee joint. Cartilage lesions were scored by the modified Mankin scale; pulmonary function was assessed by spirometry; interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-4 levels were evaluated by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; and the levels of CD4(+) CD25(+) Foxp3(+) Treg in peripheral blood were measured by flow cytometry. The left knee joints of the model rats appeared palpable swelling and osteophytes, while the body weight, heart and lung function of these rats decreased. The serum IL-4 level was lower, whereas the serum IL-17 level was higher in the model group (P < 0.05). The peripheral blood CD4(+) CD25(+) Foxp3(+) Treg of CD4(+)T cells was significantly lower. Correlation of the changes in the levels of IL-4, IL-17, and Treg suggests that the underlying mechanism may be a reduction of the regulatory effect of Treg. The specific mechanism still requires further study.

NT-proBNP plays an important role in the effect of ibuprofen on preterm infants with patent ductus arteriosus.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to clarify the role of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, (NT-proBNP) in ibuprofen on preterm infants with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Preterm infants with PDA were enrolled in the present study. Patients were randomized into two groups: ibuprofen group received oral ibuprofen 10 mg/kg, followed by 5 mg/kg after 24 and 48 h, and the placebo group received the same volume of 5% glucose. PDA and NT-proBNP were detected during 24 hours, 3 and 7 days of age. RESULTS: The results indicated that babies who received oral ibuprofen had higher PDA closure at 7 days after treatment (p < 0.05). Significantly decrease of NT-proBNP was found in ibuprofen group than the placebo group at 3 and 7 days (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, the favorable effects of ibuprofen on PDA in premature infants maybe mediated in part by the reduction of NT-proBNP level.

Brain injury due to anaphylactic shock as a result of formocresol used during root canal treatment.

AIM: Formocresol is still used in many parts of the world despite concerns over its toxicity. A case of a 45-year-old women who experienced brain injury after an analyphlactic reaction to formocresol is presented. SUMMARY: During routine root canal treatment, the patient experienced nausea and vomiting after formocresol was used as an antibacterial agent in the pulp chamber. The procedure was discontinued and the symptoms resolved. Four days later, the treatment was continued by a different dentist, and the patient developed anaphylactic shock within 10 min of placement of a formocresol-soaked cotton pellet. She received emergency medical treatment and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed brain injury characterized by swelling of the gyrus in the cerebral watershed territory of the left parietal-occipital lobe. The patient subsequently made a full recovery after supportive treatment. KEY LEARNING POINTS: A type-I allergic reaction can be induced by formocresol. The reasons for the brain injury are thought to be cerebral hypoxia, which was induced by the anaphylactic shock and/or cerebral parenchymal oedema. All dentists should be aware of the risks involved in the use of formocresol and avoid using materials containing formocresol and related agents.

Evaluation and analysis of colonoscopy in the diagnosis of 186 cases of ulcerative colitis patients.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of colonoscopy plus biopsy in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Retrospective analysis was performed on clinical data in 186 cases. Erosions, or ulcers, together with mucosal hyperemia and oedema were the most common manifestations of colonoscopy in 87% of patients. In about 56.4% of 186 cases, such manifestations occurred in the rectum and the sigmoid colon. Nearly 65.6% of the patients had a chronic intermittent clinical course. One case developed colon cancer, and another case had toxic megacolon; each case represents 0.05% of the total 186 patients. Therefore, prevalence of both malignancy and complication is low. Colonoscopy plus biopsy is considered to be the major means of the diagnosis of UC, demonstrating its value in differential diagnosis.