Secreted modular calcium-binding protein 2 promotes high fat diet (HFD)-induced hepatic steatosis through enhancing lipid deposition, fibrosis and inflammation via targeting TGF-ß1.

The molecular mechanism revealing the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), one of the most common liver diseases, remains to be investigated. In the study, we found that secreted modular calcium-binding protein 2 (SMOC2), which belongs to the secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) family of matricellular proteins, functioned as a positive modulator of NAFLD. SMOC2 expression was markedly up-regulated in human liver samples with NAFLD, and in hepatic tissues of mice fed with HFD. SMOC2 knockout in mice significantly attenuated metabolic disorders, insulin resistance, glucose intolerance and lipid deposition in mice challenged with HFD. Moreover, liver fibrosis induced by HFD was clearly ameliorated by SMOC2 deficiency mainly through inhibiting transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 expression. Additionally, hepatic inflammatory response triggered by HFD was also improved in SMOC2-knockout mice via inactivating nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Mechanically, SMOC2 could interact with TGF-ß1, and SMOC2 overexpression markedly increased TGF-ß1 in mouse primary hepatocytes, which played an essential role in regulating hepatic steatosis. In conclusion, we provided proof that blocking SMOC2 might be a promising strategy for preventing NAFLD through the interaction with TGF-ß1.

Effects of Omeprazole Combined with Somatostatin on Intra-Abdominal Pressure and Intestinal Mucosal Barrier Function of Elderly Patients with Severe Acute Pancreatitis / 现代生物医学进展

Objective:To explore the effects of omeprazole combined with somatostatin on intra-abdominal pressure and intestinal mucosal barrier function of elderly patients with severe acute pancreatitis.Methods:Selected 82 cases of elderly patients with severe acute pancreatitis from our hospital.They were divided into research group (48 cases) and control group (34 cases).The control group was treated with basic therapy,and the research group was treated with omeprazole combined with somatostatin on the basis of the control group.Analyzed and compared the clinical effects,intestinal mucosal barrier function and symptom indexes of patients in the two groups.Results:①The total effective rate of the research group was significantly better than that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.005).②After treatment,the D-lactose and diamine oxidase (DAO) levels of both groups were significantly lower than before treatment,and the difference was statistically significant (both P＜0.001).In addition,after treatment,the D-lactose and DAO levels were significantly lower in the research group than in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant (mean P ＜ 0.001).③After treatment,patients of the research group showed better results in abdominal pain and abdominal distension relief time,bowel recovery time,hospital stay and blood amylase index than those in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant (mean P ＜ 0.001).④After treatment,the intra-abdominal hypertension of two groups was significantly lower than before treatment,with statistical difference (P ＜ 0.001).Yet it was significantly lower in the research group than in the control group,with statistical difference (P ＜ 0.001).Conclusion:The combined treatment of omeprazole and somatostatin can effectively improve the clinical efficacy of severe acute pancreatitis in elderly patients,correct intra-abdominal hypertension and improve the intestinal mucosal barrier function of patients,so it is worthy of reference and promotion.