Effects of vinpocetine on random skin flap survival in rats.

The effect of vinpocetine on flap survival, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were evaluated in this study. The McFarlane flap model was established in 20 rats and evaluated within two groups. Postoperative celiac injection was given for 7 days in the two groups: vinpocetine was applied in Group 1, and the same volume of saline was applied in Group 2. Flap necrosis was measured on day 7 by cellophane in all groups. VEGF expression was determined using immunohistochemical methods on tissue samples taken after 7 days of injections. SOD and MDA contents were examined according to the Kit (reagent instructions). Vinpocetine significantly reduced necrosis area in Group 1 (p < 0.05). VEGF expression and SOD contents were significantly increased in Group 1 compared with Group 2 (p < 0.01), whereas MDA level was reduced (p < 0.05). This experimental study demonstrates that vinpocetine improves survival of random skin flaps, promotes neovascularization, and increases VEGF expression. Meanwhile, vinpocetine has a protective effect against ischemia-reperfusion injury by improving SOD vitality and decreasing MDA value.

Effect of hirudin on random skin flap survival in rats / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of Hirudin on random skin flap survival in rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>24 SD rats were randomly divided into control group and experimental group. The "McFarlane flap (3 cm x 9 cm)" rat models were established on the rat dorsum. 3 ml Hirudin (30 ATU) was injected into the flap in the experimental group, while 3 ml saline in the control group. The injection was performed for 7 days. The flap survival area in the two groups was measured. The tissue samples were taken from proximal (I), middle (II) and distal (III) portions of flaps for histologic study. The VEGF and bFGF expression was also detected with immunohistochemistry method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>7 days after operation, the flap survival rate was (69.52 +/- 3.23)% in the experimental group, while (50.36 +/- 2.37)% in control group, showing a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0. 01). In the middle portion, tissue edema and infiltration of neutrophils in experimental group was markedly slighter than that in control group. The VEGF and bFGF expression and neovascularization was enhanced markedly in experimental group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Hirudin can increase the survival of random pattern skin flaps. It may increase the VEGF, bFGF expression through a series of complex regulatory pathway. Then flap neovascularization is promoted and the flap blood supply is increased.</p>

Analysis on recurrence factors associate with giant cell tumor of tendon sheath in upper extremity / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the relation of the sex, age, location and chemotherapy with recurrence of the tumor.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 2000 to August 2010, 47 patients with giant cell tumor of tendon sheath in upper extremity were retrospectively analyzed. Statistical analysis of sex, age at presentation, lesion location, chemical inactivation, surgical complications, tumor recurrence and pathological findings were explored. There were 28 females and 19 males, ranging in age from 17 to 78 years, with an average of 38.15 years. All the patients underwent surgical excision. Fourteen patients received intraoperative chemically inactive treatment. All the patients had routine follow-up to observe the wound healing, pathological findings,tumor recurrence, and received necessary imaging examinations.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 22 to 129 months, with a mean time of 53.89 months. Four patients who received intraoperative alcohol inactivation appeared wound complications such as wound swelling, discharge of necrotic tissue, delayed wound healing. Fifteen patients had active growth of tumor tissue, 1 patient had low-grade malignant giant cell tumor of tendon sheath. The recurrence rate was significantly higher in the group which preoperative X-ray was found to have bone destruction (P = 0.003); patients receiving chemically inactivation had lower risk of recurrence after surgery than patients not receiving chemically inactivation (P = 0.042).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The recurrence rate of giant cell tumor of tendon sheath in upper limb was closely related to tumor growth site, bone destruction and chemical inactivation. Local excision of giant cell tumor of tendon sheath was the effective treatment. How to identify the patients at high risk of recurrence, how to reduce the recurrence rate and the functional restoration after wide resection are the priorities and difficulties of future researches.</p>