Objective
To explore the levels and the clinical significance of serum soluble Endoglin (sEng) and soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase (sFlt-1) in patients with preeclampsia (PE).
Methods
Ninety-six patients with PE were included from June 2009 to June 2014. The patients were divided into mild PE group (n=54) and severe PE group (n=42), while 40 healthy pregnant women were in the control group. The general situation and laboratory testing were recorded and the serum levels of sEng and sFlt-1 were detected. All patients were routinely followed up with the recording of delivery and neonatal situation.
Results
The sEng and sFlt-1 levels were highest in the severe PE group [(7345.02±772.73) and (866.08±203.24) ng/L], which was followed by mild PE [(5 547.08±564.06) and (603.99±138.37) ng/L] and control group [(1 840.93±300.71) and (252.68±83.03) ng/L] (P<0.01). Levels of sEng were significantly correlated with sFlt-1 in both mild and severe PE groups. There were significantly correlations between sEng and sFlt-1 in mild or severe PE group respectively. The level of sEng and sFlt-1 was considerably positively correlated with mean arterial pressure, 24-hour urinary protein, serum creatinine, fibrinogen, umbilical artery shrink/diastole and resistance index value, but negatively correlated with prothrombin time, birth weight and the placenta weight (P<0.05). PE patients with sEng of <5 000 ng/L and sFlt-1 levels of <700 ng/L had the risk of severe complications of 6.8% and 14.0%; while patients with sEng of ≥5 000 ng/L and sFlt-1 of ≥700 ng/L had the ratio fo 40.4% and 37.0% respectively (P<0.01).
Conclusion
Serum levels of sEng and sFlt-1 in PE patients indicate that the severity of disease and outcomes of pregnancy.
Objective To explore the construction of a canine model of vascularized allogeneic spinal cord transplantation (vASCT) and preliminarily evaluate its therapeutic efficacy for spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods Sixteen female Beagle dogs aged 8-12 months were randomly selected, with 8 dogs serving as donors for the harvesting of spinal cord tissue with a vascular pedicle [dorsal intercostal artery (DIA) at the T10 level and accompanying vein]. The remaining 8 dogs underwent a 1.5-cm-length spinal cord defect at the T10 level, followed by transplantation of the donor spinal cord tissue for repair. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was applied to both ends to spinal cord graft; then, using a random number table method, the dogs were divided into an experimental group (n=4) and a control group (n=4). The experimental group received immunosuppressive intervention with oral tacrolimus [0.1 mg/(kg?d)] postoperatively, while the control group received no treatment. The operation time and ischemia-reperfusion time of two groups were recorded. The recovery of hind limb function was estimated by Olby score within 2 months after operation; the motor evoked potentials (MEP) was measured through neuroelectrophysiological examination, and the spinal cord integrity was observed through MRI. ResultsThere was no significant difference in the operation time and ischemia-reperfusion time between the two groups (P>0.05). All dogs survived until the completion of the experiment. Within 2 months after operation, all dogs in the control group failed to regain the movement function of hind limbs, and Olby scores were all 0. In the experimental group, the movement and weight-bearing, as well as walking abilities of the hind limbs gradually recovered, and the Olby scores also showed a gradually increasing trend. There was a significant difference between the two groups from 3 to 8 weeks after operation (P<0.05). Neuroelectrophysiological examination indicated that the electrical signals of the experimental group passed through the transplanted area, and the latency was shortened compared to that at 1 month after operation (P<0.05), showing continuous improvement, but the amplitude did not show significant improvement (P>0.05). The control group was unable to detect any MEP changes after operation. MRI examination showed that the transplanted spinal cord in the experimental group survived and had good continuity with normal spinal cord tissue, while no relevant change was observed in the control group. ConclusionThe vASCT model of dogs was successfully constructed. This surgical procedure can restore the continuity of the spinal cord. The combination of tacrolimus anti-immunity is a key factor for the success of transplantation.
ObjectiveTo investigate the molecular mechanism of osteoclast differentiation induced by Staphylococcal peptidoglycan (PGN-sa).
MethodsRaw264.7 cells were stimulated with PGN-sa and with PGN-sa+SC75741[a potent inhibitor of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation] in a concentration of 200 ng/mL. The protein expression of nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) was tested at 0, 1, 2, and 3 days; the proteins related to osteoclast differentiation of extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK), p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), NF-κB, inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB-α), Akt, and the phosphorylation forms of p38, ERK, JNK, Akt, NF-κB were measured at 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 60 minutes by Western blot. In addition, Raw264.7 cells were stimulated with PGN-sa in the concentrations of 100 ng/mL (group A), 200 ng/mL (group B), 400 ng/mL (group C), and with PBS (group D) for 1, 2, and 3 days; the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1α (IL-1α), and IL-6 were detected by ELISA.
ResultsThe results of Western blot showed that the expression of NFATc1 increased gradually with time, showing significant difference between different time points (P<0.05). However, after SC75741 was added, the expression of NFATc1 was inhibited at 2 and 3 days, showing significant difference when compared with no addition of SC75741 (P<0.001). After stimulation of PGN-sa, the expression of IkB-α decreased significantly at 5 and 10 minutes when compared with those at the other time points (P<0.001), and returned to normal at 20 minutes. Meanwhile, the expression of p-NF-κB increased significantly at 5 and 10 minutes when compared with those at the other time points (P<0.001), and returned to normal at 20 minutes; and the expression of p-NF-κB at 5 minutes was significantly higher than that at 10 minutes (P<0.001). After the addition of SC75741, there was no change in the expressions of IκB-α and p-NF-κB, showing no significant difference between different time points P>0.05). Moreover, the expressions of ERK, p38, JNK, NF-κB, Akt, p-p38, p-ERK, p-JNK, and p-Akt showed no significant change between different time points P>0.05). ELISA results showed that there were no expressions of TNF-α and IL-1α in groups A-D at different time points. The expression of IL-6 had an increasing trend with time prolonged in each group, showing significant differences between different time points (P<0.05). Moreover, at 1 day after culture, the expression of IL-6 showed no significant difference among groups P>0.05). At 2 and 3 days after culture, the expression of IL-6 in groups A-C showed an increasing trend and was significantly higher than that in group D, showing significant difference among groups (P<0.05).
ConclusionPGN-sa can promote osteoclast differentiation through NF-κB signaling pathway, and IL-6 may play a role in this process.
Objective
To summarize the research progress of intervertebral disc endogenous stem cells for intervertebral disc regeneration and deduce the therapeutic potential of endogenous repair for intervertebral disc degeneration.
Methods
The original articles about intervertebral disc endogenous stem cells for intervertebral disc regeneration were extensively reviewed; the reparative potential in vivo and the extraction and identification in vitro of intervertebral disc endogenous stem cells were analyzed; the prospect of endogenous stem cells for intervertebral disc regeneration was predicted.
Results
Stem cell niche present in the intervertebral discs, from which stem cells migrate to injured tissues and contribute to tissues regeneration under certain specific microenvironment. Moreover, the migration of stem cells is regulated by chemokines system. Tissue specific progenitor cells have been identified and successfully extracted and isolated. The findings provide the basis for biological therapy of intervertebral disc endogenous stem cells.
Conclusion
Intervertebral disc endogenous stem cells play a crucial role in intervertebral disc regeneration. Therapeutic strategy of intervertebral disc endogenous stem cells is proven to be a promising biological approach for intervertebral disc regeneration.
Objective [WTBZ]To assess the impact of dual antiplatelet therapy using aspirin and clopidogrel on postoperative bleeding and blood transfusion early after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods [WTBZ]In this randomized controlled trial, 249 patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups after coronary artery bypass grafting from December 2007 to December 2008. Daily clopidogrel (75 mg) and aspirin (100 mg) were initiated in 124 patients (group AC) while aspirin (100 mg) alone was administered to 125 patients (group A). Antiplatelet therapy was initiated within 48h postoperatively. Demographic, operative, and postoperative data were compared between the two groups. Chest tube drainage and quantity of blood products used in both groups were recorded. The effects of the antiplatelet regimen on chest tube drainage were compared using a linear regression model. Results [WTBZ]No statistical difference of demographic, operative, and preoperative data was observed between the two groups （Pgt;0.05）. Chest tube drainage after patients received ntiplatelet agents was not significantly different between group A and group AC（495.00±270.89 ml vs. 489.25±316.68ml，t=0.146, P=0.884）. No statistical difference of cases of transfusion(81 cases vs. 91 cases，χ2=1.937, P=0.164) or quantity of red cells (2.51±2.88 U vs. 2.25±2.87 U, t=0.690, P=0.491) and plasma (195.45±300.88 ml vs. 223.01±238.68 ml,t=0.759, P=0.449) transfused was found between group A and group AC. No perioperative mortality, reexploration or extrathoracic bleeding occurred in either group. Early postoperative use of dual antiplatelet therapy was not associated with increased bleeding after coronary artery bypass grafting on multivariable analysis（r=2.297，95%CI:-64.526,69.121，P=0.946）. Conclusionpresent study suggests that according to a predefined administration protocol, dual antiplatelet therapy of aspirin and clopidogrel can safely be administered in the early postoperative period in CABG patients, without increasing the risk of bleeding complications.
【Abstract】Objective To introduce the possible effect of endogenous angiogenesis inhibitive factors in the therapy of hepatocarcinoma. Methods Recent relevant literatures were reviewed. ResultsEndogenous angiogenesis inhibitive factors can suppress the growth of tumor blood vessels, which might head off the development and metastasis of hepatocarcinoma effectively. This might provide a new approach to the therapy of hepatocarcinoma. ConclusionRecent studies on endogenous angiogenesis inhibitive factors will be helpful in the prevention and treatment of hepatocarcinoma.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Staphylococcal peptidoglycan (PGN-sa) on raw264.7 cells differentiating into osteoclasts.
MethodsThere were 5 groups in the experiment: 100 ng/mL PGN-sa group, 200 ng/mL PGN-sa group, 400 ng/mL PGN-sa group, positive control group [100 ng/mL receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)], and blank control group (PBS). Raw264.7 cells were cultured with different concentrations of PGN-sa, RANKL, or PBS for 5 days, and then tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was used to detect the formation of osteoclast-like cells; Image-Pro Plus 6.0 software was used to detect the bone resorption areas of osteoclast-like cells; and MTT assay was used to observe the proliferation activity of raw264.7 cells.
ResultsTRAP staining showed that PGN-sa and RANKL can induce raw264.7 cells to differentiate into osteoclast-like cells; different concentrations of PGNsa groups had more osteoclast-like cells formation than blank control group (P < 0.05), and the number of osteoclast-like cells significantly increased with the increase of PGN-sa concentrations (P < 0.05). Bone resorption cavity experiment showed that bone resorption cavities were obvious in different concentrations of PGN-sa groups and in positive control group, and the area of bone absorption cavities was increased with the increasing PGN-sa concentrations, showing significant difference between groups (P < 0.05). MTT assay showed that no significant difference was found in the absorbance (A) value between different concentrations of PGN-sa groups and blank control group, and between different concentrations of PGN-sa groups (P > 0.05).
ConclusionPGN-sa can promote raw264.7 cells to differentiate into osteoclasts with bone resorption activity.
ObjectiveTo establish a method that can eliminate the pollution of endogenous nucleic acid in the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) reaction system, which can be used to reduce or eliminate the false positive rate of real-time PCR assay in detection of postoperative intracranial bacteria infection.MethodsAt first, eliminated the pollution of endogenous nucleic acid in the real-time PCR reaction system. Then, with mixed bacteria DNA as a template, multiple PCR was used to specifically identify the gram-negative bacteria. Meanwhile, evaluated the text line and sensitivity of the multiple PCR after eliminating pollution in detecting the DNA of the mixed bacteria.ResultsThe method established could quickly eliminate the pollution of endogenous nucleic acid in the real-time PCR reaction system, and it didn’t affect the Taq enzyme activity and the amplification efficiency in PCR system, with the minimum detection limit of 102 CFU/mL (Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), which was the same to the culture method. The enzyme cutting method had no significant effect on the activity and amplification efficiency of the enzyme in PCR system, It had no effect on PCR reaction system and primer specificity (Ct=32, ΔRn=200). However, the filtration method significantly reduced the PCR amplification efficiency (Ct=32, ΔRn=150).ConclusionsThis method can easily and rapidly eliminate the pollution of endogenous nucleic acid in the real-time PCR reaction system, and greatly reduce the false positive of PCR detection. It is able to timely and accurately diagnose the intracranial bacteria infection, which is significant for clinical testing.
ObjectiveTo study the influence of hemin on blood pressure of intermittent hypoxic rats and investigate the mechanism of hypertension caused by intermittent hypoxia.MethodsTwenty-four male SD rats were randomly divided into a hemin group, an intermittent hypoxia group (IH group) and a normal group. Thirty minutes after intraperitoneal injection of hemin, the rats in the hemin group were exposed to intermittent normobaric hypoxic environment (8 h/d). The rats in the IH group were intraperitoneal injected with normal sodium and then exposed to the same environment (8 h/d). The rats in the normal group were intraperitoneal injected with normal sodium and placed in the glass box. The three groups were bred in the same condition. Thirty-five days later, the mean carotid artery pressure (mCAP) of the rats was measured and their plasma carbon monoxide (CO) level was measured by Chalmer’s method. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect the levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) mRNA expression in lung, liver, spleen, kidney and other organs. The expression of HO-1 protein in the organs was detected by immunohistochemistry.ResultsThe mCAP in the IH group was significantly higher than the hemin group and the normal group (P<0.05), and was higher in the hemin group than the normal group (P<0.05). The concentration of plasma CO in the hemin group was higher than the IH group and the normal group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in plasma CO between the IH group and the normal group (P>0.05). The expression of HO-1 mRNA of lung, liver, spleen and kidney in the hemin group and the IH group was higher than the normal group (P<0.05), and was higher in the hemin group than the IH group (P<0.05). The relationship between mCAP and HO-1 mRNA showed a curvilinear trend. The quadratic curve fitting equation was Y=39.715+446.640X-334.353X2.ConclusionsIntermittent hypoxia can cause hypertension in rats. The HO-1 expression is increased in hypoxic rats, but the plasma CO does not increase significantly. As an inducer of HO-1, hemin can increase the expression of HO-1 and CO in hypoxic rats, then lower their blood pressure to some extent.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the effectiveness and safety of aspirin-clopidogrel combined anti-platelet therapy after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
MethodsDatabases including The Cochrane Library (Issue 2, 2013), PubMed, EMbase, CBM, CNKI, WanFang Data and VIP were searched electronically from their inception to September 2013 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about aspirin-clopidogrel combined anti-platelet therapy after CABG. Two reviewers selected literature independently according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. After data extraction and methological quality assessment of the included studies, meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.2 software.
ResultsA total of six RCTs involving 901 patients were included, of which 449 cases were in the aspirin-clopidogrel group (A+C) and 452 cases were in the aspirin with or without placebo group (A+P). The results of meta-analysis showed that: compared with A+P, A+C significantly reduced occlusion rates of the saphenous vein graft (RR=0.59, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.80, P=0.000 6). But no significant difference was found between the two groups in occlusion rates of the left internal mammary artery graft (RR=0.88, 95% CI 0.35 to 2.18, P=0.78), radial artery graft (RR=0.43, 95% CI 0.13 to 1.46, P=0.18), pleural fluid drainage volume (MD=-1.68, 95%CI-48.69 to 45.32, P=0.94), incidence of major bleeding events (RR=1.20, 95% CI 0.39 to 1.65, P=0.75), major cardiovascular events (OR=0.81, 95% CI 0.38 to 1.72, P=0.58), and mortality within 30 days (RR=0.64, 95% CI 0.17 to 2.44, P=0.52).
ConclusionIn reducing occlusion rates of the saphenous vein graft, the A+C group is more effective than the A+P group. Due to the limited quantity and quality of the included studies, the above conclusion still needs to be verified by carrying out more high-quality RCTs.
