Implantable cardiac monitor and leadless pacemaker in the management of syncope due to intermittent high-degree atrioventricular block: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Lead dislodgements, tricuspid valve failure, and wound infections are prominent issues addressed by leadless pacemakers (LPM). These devises have emerged as viable alternatives to conventional transvenous pacemakers. LPMs offer minimized complications and effective pacing, particularly beneficial for elderly patients with a low body mass index (BMI) who are at heightened infection of risk. The Micra AV leadless pacemaker was released in the US in 2020, featuring a VDD pacing mode akin to conventional pacemakers. It senses atrial activity to pace ventricular beats while maintaining the natural atrioventricular activation sequence. Micra AV achieves atrioventricular synchronization through mechanical sensing principles. Ongoing research aims to assess its efficacy, implantation feasibility, and clinical safety. CASE PRESENTATION: An 83-year-old man with a history of syncope was the focus of this case study. An implantable cardiac monitor (ICM) recorded occasional high-degree atrioventricular block in the patient. Subsequently, the Micra AV was implanted via the left femoral vein, and its settings were adjusted in accordance with data obtained from the ICM. No significant issues regarding pacing threshold or impedance were found during the follow-up examinations post-surgery. Importantly, the patient experienced a noticeable reduction in symptoms compared to before the implantation. DISCUSSION: This case underscores the significance of ICM monitoring in elucidating cardiac events leading to syncope and guiding appropriate treatment. It also highlights the successful outcomes and reliable implantation of the Micra AV for managing high-degree atrioventricular block. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the adoption of leadless pacemakers as a viable option for patients requiring cardiac pacing, particularly those vulnerable to complications associated with traditional pacemakers. It provides real-world evidence of Micra AV's efficacy and safety, further validating its role in clinical practice.

Analysis of extreme ultraviolet radiation and hydrodynamics simulation at the core of laser-produced nickel plasmas.

The non-uniformity and transient nature of laser-produced plasma are critical factors that affect the analysis of the extreme ultraviolet spectra of highly charged ions and the diagnosis of plasma states. This paper systematically investigates the characteristics of extreme ultraviolet radiation and the hydrodynamic evolution of laser-produced nickel plasmas from two perspectives: high-spatio-temporal-resolution extreme-ultraviolet spectroscopic measurement and radiation hydrodynamics simulation. The consistency between the four-band experimental spectra and their theoretically simulated spectra confirms the accuracy of the atomic structure parameters and plasma state parameters. We also analyze the significant contribution of the 3d-4f double-excited state radiation to the spectral profile and discuss the influence of the self-absorption caused by plasma opacity on the characteristics of extreme ultraviolet radiation. The findings are crucial for accurately understanding the characteristics of extreme ultraviolet radiation, the hydrodynamic evolution, and the application of medium- and high-Z laser-produced plasma as a pulsed short-wavelength light source.

P-tau217 correlates with neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease, and targeting p-tau217 with immunotherapy ameliorates murine tauopathy.

Neuronal loss is the central issue in Alzheimer's disease (AD), yet no treatment developed so far can halt AD-associated neurodegeneration. Here, we developed a monoclonal antibody (mAb2A7) against 217 site-phosphorylated human tau (p-tau217) and observed that p-tau217 levels positively correlated with brain atrophy and cognitive impairment in AD patients. Intranasal administration efficiently delivered mAb2A7 into male PS19 tauopathic mouse brain with target engagement and reduced tau pathology/aggregation with little effect on total soluble tau. Further, mAb2A7 treatment blocked apoptosis-associated neuronal loss and brain atrophy, reversed cognitive deficits, and improved motor function in male tauopathic mice. Proteomic analysis revealed that mAb2A7 treatment reversed alterations mainly in proteins associated with synaptic functions observed in murine tauopathy and AD brain. An antibody (13G4) targeting total tau also attenuated tau-associated pathology and neurodegeneration but impaired the motor function of male tauopathic mice. These results implicate p-tau217 as a potential therapeutic target for AD-associated neurodegeneration.

Reconstruction and analysis of transient evolution images of laser-produced plasma plumes.

We introduce a method for the analysis and simulation of transient images of laser-produced plasma (LPP) plumes. This method comprises three steps: (i) calculating the two-dimensional distribution of plasma parameters using a radiation hydrodynamics model, (ii) constructing radiation paths through ray tracing, and (iii) solving the radiation transport equation along these paths. In our simulations, we have meticulously considered factors that could influence the imaging results, including the quantum efficiency to different radiation wavelengths, the imaging lens' transmittance, the target surface's reflectivity, and the absorption, emission, and scattering quantum effect of the detector processes occurring in the plasma. We applied this method to analyze and simulate the transient images of aluminum plasma plumes in a background air environment at a pressure of 2000 Pa. The results demonstrate that our method not only produces simulated images that align with experimental results but also provides a reliable distribution of plasma state parameters and clearly identifies the ion species radiating in different bands. Given its capability in transient image reconstruction and its adaptability as a tool for spectral simulation and analysis of LPPs, we believe this method holds significant potential for spectral diagnostics in fields such as laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, extreme ultraviolet lithography sources, and high-energy-density physics, among others.

Passive immunotherapy for Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease characterized by cognitive impairment with few therapeutic options. Despite many failures in developing AD treatment during the past 20 years, significant advances have been achieved in passive immunotherapy of AD very recently. Here, we review characteristics, clinical trial data, and mechanisms of action for monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting key players in AD pathogenesis, including amyloid-ß (Aß), tau and neuroinflammation modulators. We emphasized the efficacy of lecanemab and donanemab on cognition and amyloid clearance in AD patients in phase III clinical trials and discussed factors that may contribute to the efficacy and side effects of anti-Aß mAbs. In addition, we provided important information on mAbs targeting tau or inflammatory regulators in clinical trials, and indicated that mAbs against the mid-region of tau or pathogenic tau have therapeutic potential for AD. In conclusion, passive immunotherapy targeting key players in AD pathogenesis offers a promising strategy for effective AD treatment.

Beneficial effects of upgrading to His-Purkinje system pacing in patients with pacing-induced cardiomyopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of His-Purkinje system pacing (HPSP) in the management of patients with pace-induced cardiomyopathy (PICM). Methods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched comprehensively to collect related studies published from the inception of databases to June 1, 2022. R 4.04 software, including the Metafor package, matrix package, and the Meta package, was utilized to conduct the singe-arm meta-analysis. The methodology index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. Results: A total of seven studies were included, involving 164 PICM patients. The meta-analysis showed that HPSP ameliorated the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by 13.41% (95% CI [11.21-15.61]), improved the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification by 1.02 (95% CI [-1.41 to -0.63]), and shortened the QRS duration (QRSd) by 60.85 ms (95% CI [-63.94 to -57.75]), resulting in improved cardiac functions in PICM patients. Besides, HPSP reversed the ventricular remodeling, with a 32.46 ml (95% CI [-53.18 to -11.75]) decrease in left ventricular end systolic volume (LVESV) and a 5.93 mm (95% CI [-7.68 to -4.19]) decrease in left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD). HPSP also showed stable electrical parameters of pacemakers, with a 0.07 V (95% CI [0.01-0.13]) increase in pacing threshold, a 0.02 mV (95% CI [-0.85 to 0.90]) increase in sensed R-wave amplitude, and a 31.12 Ω reduction in impedance (95% CI [-69.62 to 7.39]). Compared with LBBP, HBP improved LVEF by 13.28% (95% CI [-11.64 to 14.92]) vs 14.43% (95% CI [-13.01 to 15.85]), ameliorated NHYA classification by 1.18 (95% CI [-1.97 to -0.39]) vs 0.95 (95% CI [-1.33 to -0.58]), shortened QRSd by 63.16 ms (95% CI [-67.00 to -59.32]) vs 57.98 ms (95% CI [-62.52 to -53.25]), and decreased LVEDD by 4.12 mm (95% CI [-5.79 to -2.45]) vs 6.26 mm (95% CI [-62.52 to -53.25]). The electrical parameters of the pacemaker were stable in both groups. Conclusions: This meta-analysis showed that HPSP could significantly improve cardiac function, promote reverse remodeling, and provide stable electrical parameters of pacemakers for PICM patients.

Real optical imaging simulation of laser-produced aluminum plasmas.

We developed a post-processing optical imaging model based on two-dimensional axisymmetric radiation hydrodynamics. Simulation and program benchmarks were performed using laser-produced Al plasma optical images obtained via transient imaging. The emission profiles of a laser-produced Al plasma plume in air at atmospheric pressure were reproduced, and the influence of plasma state parameters on radiation characteristics were clarified. In this model, the radiation transport equation is solved on the real optical path, which is mainly used to study the radiation of luminescent particles during plasma expansion. The model outputs consist of the electron temperature, particle density, charge distribution, absorption coefficient, and corresponding spatio-temporal evolution of the optical radiation profile. The model helps with understanding element detection and quantitative analysis of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy.

Correction: Wang et al. Exploration of the Inhibitory Potential of Varespladib for Snakebite Envenomation. Molecules 2018, 23, 391.

The authors would like to correct an error in the original publication [...].

Downregulating PTBP1 fails to convert astrocytes into hippocampal neurons and to alleviate symptoms in Alzheimer's mouse models.

Conversion of astroglia into functional neurons has been considered as a promising therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies reported that downregulation of the RNA binding protein, PTBP1, converts astrocytes into neurons in situ in multiple mouse brain regions, consequently improving pathological phenotypes associated with Parkinson's disease, RGC loss, and aging. Here, we demonstrate that PTBP1 downregulation using an astrocyte specific AAV-mediated shRNA system fails to convert hippocampal astrocytes into neurons in both male and female WT, and ß-amyloid (5×FAD) and tau (PS19) Alzheimer's disease (AD) mouse models, and fails to reverse synaptic/cognitive deficits and AD-associated pathology in male mice. Similarly, PTBP1 downregulation cannot convert astrocytes into neurons in the striatum and substantia nigra in both male and female WT mice. Together, our study suggests that cell fate conversion strategy for neurodegenerative disease therapy through manipulating one single gene, such as PTBP1, warrants more rigorous scrutiny.Significance Statement:Our results do not support some of the recent extraordinary and revolutionary claims that resident astrocytes can be directly and efficiently converted into neurons. Our study is critical for the field of neural regeneration and degeneration. In addition, our study is financially important because it may prevent other researchers/organizations wasting a vast amount of time and resources on the relevant investigations.

Oral iron supplementation in patients with heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: This review aimed to assess whether oral iron supplementation in a chronic heart failure (HF) population with iron deficiency (ID) or mild anaemia is safe and effective according to evidence-based medicine. METHODS: We retrieved 1803 records from the PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases from 1 January 1991 to 15 September 2021. The clinical outcome of oral iron supplementation for ID anaemia in patients with HF was the primary endpoint. The primary safety measures included adverse events and all-cause mortality, and efficacy measures included transferrin saturation (Tsat), ferritin levels, and the 6-min walk test (6MWT). The rate ratio (RR) was used to pool the efficacy measures. RESULTS: Five randomized controlled trials that compared oral iron treatment for patients with the placebo group and included a combined total of 590 participants were analysed. No significant difference was found in all-cause death between oral iron treatment and placebo groups (RR = 0.77; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.46-1.29, Z = 0.98; P = 0.33). However, adverse events were not significantly higher in the iron treatment group (RR = 0.83; 95% CI, 0.60-1.16, Z = 1.07; P = 0.28). In addition, ferritin levels and Tsat were slightly increased after iron complex administration in patients with HF but were not statistically significant (ferritin: mean difference [MD] = 2.70, 95% CI, -2.41 to 7.81, Z = 1.04; P = 0.30; Tsat: MD = 27.42, 95% CI, -4.93 to 59.78, Z = 1.66; P = 0.10). No significant difference was found in exercise capacity, as indicated by the 6MWT results (MD = 59.60, 95% CI, -17.89 to 137.08, Z = 1.51; P = 0.13). We also analysed two non-randomized controlled trials with follow-up results showing that oral iron supplementation increased serum iron levels (MD = 28.87, 95% CI, 1.62-56.12, Z = 2.08; P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the current findings, oral iron supplementation can increase serum iron levels in patients with HF and ID or mild anaemia but does not improve Tsat and 6MWT. In addition, oral iron supplementation is relatively safe.

The molecular basis of venom resistance in the non-venomous snake Sinonatrix annularis.

Various snake species and snake predators have natural neutralization against snake toxins, which their antidotal abilities are commonly attributed to the intrinsic inhibitors produced by the liver, e.g., phospholipase A2 inhibitor (PLI) and metalloproteinase inhibitor (SVMPI). Sinonatrix annularis was found to possess broad-spectrum neutralization to different snake venoms in our lab. Although the anti-venom compound PLIγ has been previously characterized in our laboratory, the mechanism of resistance of S. annularis to snake venoms remains obscure. In this research, a venom affinity chromatography was constructed by immobilizing D. acutus venom to NHS-agarose beads and applied for antitoxins mining from S. annularis. The binding capacity of the venom column was validated using a self-prepared rabbit antivenom against D. acutus. Serum and liver homogenate of S. annularis were then applied to the column, the bound components were profiled using SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry. PLIs, snake venom metalloproteins inhibitor (SVMPI), small serum protein (SSP), heat shock proteins, etc were identified. To identify their toxin targets in D. acutus venom, a reverse separation was conducted by coupling the fractionated S. annularis serum proteins to NHS-agarose beads. Fifteen toxins of five families were captured and identified as follows: PLA2s, metalloproteinases, cysteine-rich secretory proteins, snake venom serine proteinases, and C-type lectins. These discoveries increased our understanding of the capacity and mechanism of the natural neutralization of S. annularis to snake venom. These natural inhibitors are medically significant due to their powerful and broad antidotal activities, which may provide alternative and promising drug candidates for snakebite treatment.

Comparative proteomics of three Chinese potato cultivars to improve understanding of potato molecular response to late blight disease.

BACKGROUND: Late blight disease (LBD) caused by the pathogen Phytophthora infestans (PI), is the most devastating disease limiting potato (Solanum tuberosum) production globally. Currently, this disease pathogen is re-emerging and appearing in new areas at a very high intensity. A better understanding of the natural defense mechanisms against PI in different potato cultivars especially at the protein level is still lacking. Therefore, to elucidate potato proteome response to PI, we investigated changes in the proteome and leaf morphology of three potato cultivars, namely; Favorita (FA), Mira (MA), and E-malingshu N0.14 (E14) infected with PI by using the iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics analysis. RESULTS: A total of 3306 proteins were found in the three potato genotypes, and 2044 proteins were quantified. Cluster analysis revealed MA and E14 clustered together separately from FA. The protein profile and related functions revealed that the cultivars shared a typical hypersensitive response to PI, including induction of elicitors, oxidative burst, and suppression of photosynthesis in the potato leaves. Meanwhile, MA and E14 deployed additional specific response mechanism different from FA, involving high induction of protease inhibitors, serine/threonine kinases, terpenoid, hormone signaling, and transport, which contributed to MA tolerance of LBD. Furthermore, inductions of pathogenesis-related proteins, LRR receptor-like kinases, mitogen-activated protein kinase, WRKY transcription factors, jasmonic acid, and phenolic compounds mediate E14 resistance against LBD. These proteins were confirmed at the transcription level by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction and at the translation level by western-blot. CONCLUSIONS: We found several proteins that were differentially abundant among the cultivars, that includes common and cultivar specific proteins which highlighted similarities and significant differences between FA, MA, and E14 in terms of their defense response to PI. Here the specific accumulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase, Serine/threonine kinases, WRKY transcription played a positive role in E14 immunity against PI. The candidate proteins identified reported in this study will form the basis of future studies and may improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of late blight disease resistance in potato.

Left bundle branch pacing with optimization of cardiac resynchronization treatment: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a well-established therapy for patients with cardiomyopathy. CASE SUMMARY: The patient underwent left bundle branch area and left ventricular (reaching the left ventricular lateral vein through the coronary sinus) pacing. The optimal CRT was performed under the right bundle branch of the patient by adjusting the optimal a-v and v-v interphases to achieve the maximal benefit of the treatment. CONCLUSION: The patient was diagnosed with left bundle branch block and heart failure. A left bundle branch area pacemaker assisted in correcting the complete left bundle branch block. However, the shorter QRS wave shape after pacemaker implantation through the left bundle branch area indicated a complete right bundle branch block pattern. Hence, the left bundle branch area pacemaker is not always considered as the optimal treatment. The left bundle branch pacing with the optimization of cardiac resynchronization treatment may serve as a new CRT strategy.

Treatment of atrial fibrillation with third-degree atrioventricular block by pacing His bundle and left bundle branch: Case report.

INTRODUCTION: Substantial advances in cardiac pacing technology have been developed in the past decades. However, efforts to improve pacing technology to achieve physiological electrical activity, such as with cardiac resynchronization therapy, are underway. Permanent His bundle pacing, which directly stimulates the His-Purkinje network and electrically activates both ventricles, simulates physiological electric activity in the heart, and has been considered an ideal pacing strategy to treat arrhythmias. For patients with atrial fibrillation complicated by third-degree atrioventricular block (AVB), permanent His bundle pacing is a better option than conventional right ventricular apical or septal pacing, the latter of which may be associated with risks, such as heart failure. However, His bundle pacing exhibits some shortcomings, including elevated pacing threshold, dislocation, and abnormal sensing. CASE PRESENTATION: A 69-year-old female patient who had atrial fibrillation (AF) complicated by third-degree AVB and who was treated with permanent His bundle pacing combined with left bundle branch pacing. DIAGNOSIS: AF complicated by third-degree AVB. INTERVENTIONS: We used the left bundle branch as a backup pacing site to overcome any shortcomings related to permanent His bundle pacing. OUTCOMES: The patient recovered well without any events. CONCLUSION: We selected His bundle pacing as the primary pacing, but also used left bundle branch pacing as a backup approach. If His bundle pacing results in an increased sensing threshold, pacing threshold changes, or dislocations, left bundle branch pacing can compensate for dysfunction of permanent deficiencies in His bundle pacing, preserving physiological pacing.

Molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder seen in age-dependent dementia. There is currently no effective treatment for AD, which may be attributed in part to lack of a clear underlying mechanism. Studies within the last few decades provide growing evidence for a central role of amyloid ß (Aß) and tau, as well as glial contributions to various molecular and cellular pathways in AD pathogenesis. Herein, we review recent progress with respect to Aß- and tau-associated mechanisms, and discuss glial dysfunction in AD with emphasis on neuronal and glial receptors that mediate Aß-induced toxicity. We also discuss other critical factors that may affect AD pathogenesis, including genetics, aging, variables related to environment, lifestyle habits, and describe the potential role of apolipoprotein E (APOE), viral and bacterial infection, sleep, and microbiota. Although we have gained much towards understanding various aspects underlying this devastating neurodegenerative disorder, greater commitment towards research in molecular mechanism, diagnostics and treatment will be needed in future AD research.

Quantitative Proteomics of Potato Leaves Infected with Phytophthora infestans Provides Insights into Coordinated and Altered Protein Expression during Early and Late Disease Stages.

In order to get a better understanding of protein association during Solanum tuberosum (cv. Sarpo Mira)⁻Phytophthora infestans incompatible interaction, we investigated the proteome dynamics of cv. Sarpo Mira, after foliar application of zoospore suspension from P. infestans isolate, at three key time-points: zero hours post inoculation (hpi) (Control), 48 hpi (EI), and 120 hpi (LI); divided into early and late disease stages by the tandem mass tagging (TMT) method. A total of 1229 differentially-expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified in cv. Sarpo Mira in a pairwise comparison of the two disease stages, including commonly shared DEPs, specific DEPs in early and late disease stages, respectively. Over 80% of the changes in protein abundance were up-regulated in the early stages of infection, whereas more DEPs (61%) were down-regulated in the later disease stage. Expression patterns, functional category, and enrichment tests highlighted significant coordination and enrichment of cell wall-associated defense response proteins during the early stage of infection. The late stage was characterized by a cellular protein modification process, membrane protein complex formation, and cell death induction. These results, together with phenotypic observations, provide further insight into the molecular mechanism of P. infestans resistance in potatos.

High activity chimeric snake gamma-type phospholipase A2 inhibitor created by DNA shuffling.

The gamma-type inhibitor of snake venom phospholipase A2 (PLIγ) is expressed extensively in livers of both venomous and non-venomous snakes. It is not clear why PLIγs from different snake species possess diverse activities. To obtain high activity PLIγs and interpret the sequence-function relationships, we used DNA shuffling to hybridize the PLIγs of Sinonatrix annularis (saPLIγ) and Elaphe carinata (ecPLIγ). Chimera PLIγs (cPLIγ) of ∼550 bp were obtained by a series of gene manipulations including DNase I digestion, primer-free PCR, and PCR amplification with PLIγs primer pair. After successful insertion of cPLIγs into pCANTAB5e phage vector, the transformed TG1 strain of Esherichia coli was achieved. The cPLIγ phage library was produced and panned in a five-pace snake venom-coated immune tube. Three high affinity cPLIγ isoforms survived two rounds of panning. Prokaryote expression by the pET28c vector was employed for production of the three cPLIγs and the two parental PLIγs. These all showed anti-hemorrhage activity with cPLIγ 2 demonstrating superior inhibition to the parent PLIγs. Sequence alignment showed that the three kinds of cPLIγ were produced by gene splicing of S. annularis and E. carinata at different sites. Primary sequence changes brought regional changes in secondary and tertiary structure, which may explain the differences in PLIγ activity.

Inactivation of Venom PLA2 Alleviates Myonecrosis and Facilitates Muscle Regeneration in Envenomed Mice: A Time Course Observation.

Snake venom is a complex cocktail of toxins which induces a series of clinical and pathophysiological manifestations in victims, including severe local tissue damage and systemic alterations. Deinagkistrodon acutus (D. acutus) ranks among the "big four" life-threatening venomous species in China, whose venom possesses strong myotoxicity and hematotoxicity that often lead to permanent disability or muscle atrophy. Varespladib, an inhibitor of mammalian phospholipase A2 (PLA2), has been recently reproposed as an effective antidote against snakebite envenomation. The present study aimed at evaluating the protective role of varespladib on muscle regeneration in envenomed mice. Mice were grouped and subjected to inoculation with D. acutus venom or a mixture of venom and varespladib or control vehicle in the gastrocnemius muscle. Local injuries including hemorrhage, myonecrosis, ulceration, and systemic damages including general dysfunction, visceral failure, and inflammatory responses were observed at 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days. The results indicated that most of the muscle myonecrosis and hemorrhage were alleviated by varespladib. Besides, the pretreated mice recovered rapidly with lesser atrophy and muscle fibrosis. In conclusion, the findings of the present study suggested that varespladib is an effective antidote that could neutralize D. acutus venom and allow for earlier and improved rehabilitation outcome.

The inhibitory effect of saPLIγ, a snake sourced PLA2 inhibitor on carrageenan-induced inflammation in mice.

SaPLIγ is a natural phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitor, isolated from Sinonatrix annularis, that has been demonstrated to protect against envenomation by other venomous snakes. As snake venom PLA2s and mammalian secretory PLA2s are similar, saPLIγ is thought to have potential to alleviate inflammatory reactions in which PLA2s act as a key enzyme for arachidonic acid release. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of action of saPLIγ in an animal model of carrageenan-induced acute inflammation. The results indicated that saPLIγ inhibited PLA2 subtypes extensively, especially IIA-PLA2, in a dose-dependent manner. Paw swelling in mice was reduced markedly by intraperitoneal saPLIγ 2.5 mg/kg, and the effect was significantly better than observed with dexamethasone at the same dose. Lower neutrophil infiltration and tissue edema was observed in the paws of saPLIγ-treated mice. Additionally, carrageenan-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα and IL-1ß) were also significantly down-regulated by saPLIγ in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggested that saPLIγ had effective anti-inflammatory effects in vivo, and these were produced by blocking mammalian IB, IIA, V and X sPLA2 subtypes.