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 A series of bioinformatics methods were used to identify ferroptosis related biomarkers in lupus nephritis (LN). Methods We retrieved sequencing data of GSE112943 from the GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) database and screened LN differentially expressed genes. We searched for ferroptosis-related gene (FRG) through FerrDb database, and screened LN-FRG. We conducted enrichment analysis on the LN-FRGs using David online bioinformatics database and screened the core LN-FRG using cytoHubba. We used external data sets to verify the core LN-FRGs, constructed competing endogenous RNA networks, and conducted molecular docking analysis. Results A total of 37 LN-FRGs were selected through screening. These genes are mainly enriched in inflammation, immune regulation and ferroptosis related signaling pathways. Through the cytoHubba and external dataset validation, the key core LN-FRG of ATF3 (activating transcription factor 3) was ultimately identified, and its expression was significantly increased in LN (P<0.05). Molecular docking analysis showed that ATF3 was closely bound to SLC7A11 and NRF2, and may participate in the occurrence and development of LN through the microRNA-27-ATF3 regulation axis. Conclusion The pivotal gene ATF3 may participate in the inflammation and immune injury of LN through ferroptosis.
ObjectiveTo verify the feasibility of a self-designed magnetic anchoring and traction device (MATD) for assisting two-port video-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy.MethodsThree Beagle dogs were selected as animal models with age ranging from 1-6 years and weight ranging from 8-12 kg, and they underwent two-port video-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy after general anesthesia. We used the MATD to retract the esophagus to different directions, which assisted mobilizing esophagus, detecting the nerves along esophagus and dissecting paraesophagus lymph nodes. The operation time, blood loss and feasibility of the MATD were recorded.ResultsWith the aid of the MATD, we successfully retracted and mobilized the esophagus, detected the nerves and dissected the lymph nodes in three Beagle dog models. During the operation, the MATD provided sufficient and steady traction of esophagus to achieve a good exposure of the operative field, effectively decreasing the interference between working instruments. The MATD worked well. The mean operation time was 30 min, and the mean intraoperative blood loss was about 10 mL.ConclusionIt is effective to use the MATD to assist retracting esophagus during video-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy. The magnetic anchoring and traction technique can assist to expose the surgical field, decrease the interference between the working instruments and have the potential clinical application.
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.
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 To explore the mode and role of differential expression of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Methods We preprocessed and analyzed the circRNA expression profile datasets GSE163386, GSE94591, and GSE81173 in the GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) database. By using the circBank database and the ENCORI, miRDB, and miRWalk databases to predict microRNAs (miRNAs) that interacted with differentially expressed circRNAs and messenger RNAs (mRNAs), the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis was constructed. We retrieved miRNAs related to MDS in PubMed and further obtained competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks related to MDS by taking intersections. Results Through analysis, 128 differentially expressed circRNAs were identified, 48 highly expressed, and 80 low expressed. Among differentially expressed circRNAs with multiple differences>10, 3 were upregulated and 11 were downregulated. Through analysis, 101 differentially expressed mRNA were identified, with 9 upregulated and 92 downregulated. Intersecting with the MDS related miRNAs retrieved by PubMed, we further obtained the MDS related ceRNA network, namely circRNA (has_circ_0061137)-miRNA (has-miR-16-5p)-mRNA (RUBCNL, TBC1D9, SLC16A6) and circRNA (has_circ_0061137)-miRNA (has-miR-125b-5p)-mRNA (CCR5, SLC16A6, IRF4), all of which were downregulated. Conclusion The ceRNA networks revealed in this study may help elucidate the circRNA mechanism in MDS.
【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.
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.
Objective To systematically evaluate impact of perioperative use of clopidogrel on coronary bypass grafting (CABG) patients for anti-platelet treatment, in order to provide evidence for the rational drug use of such patients in the perioperative period. Methods PubMed, EMbase, HighWire, CENTRAL and its affiliated clinical trial registered data center, CBM and CNKI were electronically searched from 2003 to November, 2012. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized clinical trials on perioperative use of clopidogrel of CABG patients were collected. References of included studies were also retrieved. Two reviewers independently screened studies according to exclusion and inclusion criteria, extracted data, and assessed the methodological quality. Then, meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.0 software. Results 18 studies (including 10 RCTs and 8 non-randomized clinical trials) involving 14 592 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that: a) Among 10 included RCTs, preoperative use of clopidogrel for anti-platelet treatment reduced the incidence of myocardial infarction obviously, compared with the blank control group (RR=0.63, 95%CI 0.48 to 0.83, P=0.000 9), but there is no significant difference between the two groups in blood loss amount within 24 hours after operation (MD=130, 95%CI –6.21 to 266.22, P=0.06), the number of reoperation patients because of bleeding (RR=1.42, 95%CI 0.92 to 2.20, P=0.12), and risk of postoperative short-term death (RR=1.19, 95%CI 0.89 to 1.58, P=0.24); b) Among 8 non-randomized clinical trials, there was no significant difference between the two groups in reducing the incidence of myocardial infarction (RR=0.83, 95%CI 0.30 to 2.26, P=0.71), but preoperative use of clopidogrel for anti-platelet treatment significantly increased blood loss amount within 24 hours after operation (MD=82.42, 95%CI 35.18 to 129.66, P=0.000 6), the number of reoperation patients because of bleeding (RR=1.71, 95%CI 1.07 to 2.75, P=0.03), and risk of postoperative short-term death (RR=1.89, 95%CI 1.15 to 3.12, P=0.01). Conclusion Current evidence shows that, perioperative use of clopidogrel can reduce the incidence of myocardial infarction, but doctors should consider cautiously the increased risk of bleeding, re-operation and postoperative short-term death. There is contradiction between the results of RCTs and those of non-randomized clinical trials, which may result from the argument intensity, quantity and sample size bias of the included studies. The above conclusion should be proved by large-scale high-quality RCT results in future.
ObjectiveTo detect the differentially expressed circular RNA (circRNA) in rotator cuff tendinopathy and analyze the potential molecular mechanism of these parental genes.MethodsTen supraspinatus tendons donated from patients who underwent tendon repair surgery between June 2018 and June 2019 were used for RNA-sequence. All rotator cuff tendinopathy and normal tendon samples were confirmed by MRI, histological staining, and observation by arthroscopy. All pathological tendons were matched with tendon samples for patients’ age, gender, body mass index, and Bonar score. The bioinformatic analysis was performed based on the differentially expressed circRNA and their parental genes, including gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network construction.ResultsThere were 94 differentially expressed circRNAs, including 31 up-regulated and 63 down-regulated, detected between the rotator cuff tendinopathy and normal tendon samples with |log2 fold change (FC)| >2, P<0.05. GO analysis showed that the genes were mostly enriched in response to cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). KEGG pathway analysis showed that the most genes were enriched in extracellular matrix-receptor interaction, protein digestion and absorption, cell cycle, and nuclear factor κB signaling pathway. ceRNA networks showed the interactions among circRNAs, mRNAs, and miRNAs. And circRNA.8951-has-miR-6089-DNMT3B was the most sum max energy.ConclusionThis bioinformatic study reveals several potential therapeutic targets for rotator cuff tendinopathy, which paves the way to better treatment and prevention of this disorder.