The application of DWI and ADC mapping in acute cerebral infarction and basis of pathophysiology

AIM:To study the roles of isotropic diffusion weighted imaging(DWI)and apparent diffusion coeficient(ADC)mapping in diagnosing early cerebral infarction.METHODS:21 patients with cerebral in farction (8hyperacute,13 acute)were imaged with both convent ional MRI and single-shot echo-planar isotropic diffusion weighted imaging.Among them 12 pat ients had CT scanning simultaneously within 24 hours after onset.The positive rate of early in farction was comparted on CT,T₂WI and DEI.The change of the infarct lesion in DWI and T₂WI was also analysed.The av erage ADC,relat ive ADC(rADC)and the ADC from center to periphery of the lesion were calculated.RESULTS:8 hypera cute cerebral ischemic regions were revealed at DWI and ADC mapping,but CT and conventional MR were not.Hyperacute and acute infarcts appeared as areas of hyperintensity on DWI,and their average ADC was significantly depressed comparted with homologous contralateral tissue(0.698±0.104)×10^-3mm²/s vs(0.990±0.161)×10^-3mm²/s(P<0.01).ADC value in 21 hypera cute had gradient sign.CONCLUSION:Isotropic diffusion weighted imaging and ADC mapping have greater senstitivity for acute and hyperacute cerebral infarction than conventional MRI and CT,and may be used to defined the core and penumbra of ischemic lesion.     

Ischemia postconditioning induces tight junction protein expression and inhibits brain edema after thrombotic cerebral ischemia in tree shrews

AIM: To assess whether the expression of tight junction(TJ) proteins, occludin/zonula occludins(ZO)-1, and regional cerebral blood flow(rCBF) link to brain edema in tree shrews during thrombotic cerebral ischemia and ischemic postconditioning(PC), and to explore how TJ affects brain edema and cerebral infarction. METHODS: Tree shrews were randomly grouped into control, ischemia and cerebral ischemia+PC(n=23), and the remaining 3 animals were used for magnetic resonance imaging(MRI). The local cerebral thrombosis were induced by photochemical reaction in the tree shrews, and ischemic PC was established at 4 h after induction of cerebral ischemia followed by clipped ipsilateral common carotid artery(5 min×3). The changes of the neural ultrastructure were observed under electron microscope. The neuronal apoptosis was analyzed by the method of TUNEL. Laser Doppler brain flowmetry was used to monitor the rCBF. The protein levels of occludin/ZO-1 were determined by immunochemistry and Western blot. The cerebral infarction volume was detected by MRI. The brain water content was measured by dry-wet weight method. RESULTS: Induction of cerebral ischemia led to a significant reduction of the normal neuron numbers in the hippocampal CA1 area, and conversely, the number of neurons with abnormal ultrastructure was increased. The TUNEL positive cells were increased significantly(P<0.01) in ischemia group. Moreover, the rCBF decreased significantly(P<0.01), and occludin/ZO-1 protein expression decreased(P<0.01). The brain water content and cerebral infarction volume were significantly increased(P<0.01). Ischemic PC increased the rCBF and the occludin/ZO-1 expression, but reduced the brain water content, the TUNEL positive cells, and the infarction volume(P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Ischemic PC increases the rCBF but not the local water content, suggesting that reduced cerebral infarction volume after ischemia PC is associated with the attenuation of cerebral edema by the enhancement of occludin/ZO-1 protein expression.     

Effects of ischemic postconditioning on hippocampus CA1 area rCBF and astrocyte activation after cerebral ischemia in tree shrews

AIM: To study the effects of ischemic postconditioning (PC) on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and astrocyte (AS) activation in hippocampus CA1 area and to explore the possible mechanism of ischemic PC affecting glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression during focal cerebral thrombosis. METHODS: The thrombotic focal cerebral ischemia was induced by photochemical reaction in tree shrews, and ischemic postconditioning was established by cliped ipsilateral carotid of the animal at 4 h after cerebral ischemia. The rCBF and GFAP expressions in hippocampus CA1 area were detected, respectively, by laser-Doppler (LD) fowmeter and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The numbers of GFAP positive cells were increased markedly and GFAP expression enhanced (P<0.01). AS oncosis was apparent 24 h after cerebral ischemia. Postconditioning increased hippocampus rCBF from (2.55±0.28) PU to (10.42±3.75) PU (P<0.05) at 24 h and from (9.84±1.22) PU to (18.74±1.60) PU (P<0.05) at 72 h after the cerebral ischemia, and AS oncosis was inhibited markedly. CONCLUSION: Multiple, short, regional carotid occlusions may prolong “time window” of therapeutic cerebral ischemia. The protection mechanism of the ischemic postconditioning may be associated with the increase in rCBF and improvement of hippocampus microenvironment by regulating AS activation.     

Expression of CD44s in lung cancer and its significance

AIM: To investigate expression of CD44s in lung cancer and it's clinical significance. METHODS: A total of 117 primary lung cancer from patients were examined for CD44s expression by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: CD44s mostly expressed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) but not in small ecll lung cancer (SCLC), and squamous cell carcinoma(SCC) showed much stronger expression of CD44s than adenocarcinoma(ADC)(P＜0.05). In comparison of the lung cancer with/ without lymph node metastasis, the latter showed stronger expression of CD44s(P＜0.01). According to TNM, there was a distinct statistic difference between early stage and advanced stage(P＜0.05). CONCLUSION: CD44s might be a better indicant in histological classification of lung cancer, lymph node metastasis, clinical stage and prognosis.     

Relation between rCBF and neuronal apoptosis in penumbra following focal cerebral infarction

AIM: To study regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and neuronal apoptosis in penumbra following focal cerebral infarction in rats. METHODS: To establish the model of focal cerebral infarction based on the principle of photochemical initiation of thrombosis. Laser Doppler flowmetry was used to measure rCBF in ischemic core and penumbra. The numbers and anatomic distribution of apoptosis cells were examined in situ histologically with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP-fluorescein nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay in adjacent sections. RESULTS: rCBF in penumbra decreased to the minimum at 6 h in which it was 30.88%±7.11% of normal. From 9 h to 48 h, rCBF in penumbra increased gradually. At 48 h, 91.90%±4.56% of normal cerebral blood flow was recovered which was significant differences than others. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP-fluorescein nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay demonstrated that TUNEL-positive cells occurred at 6 h and were expending in a radial fashion only in penumbra. The numbers of apoptosis cells were progressively increased with time and to the maximum in penumbra after 48 h following focal cerebral infarction. CONCLUSION: There were delayed neuronal apoptosis following focal cerebral infarction. The mechanism may be related to ischemia-reperfusion injury induced by the recovery of rCBF in penumbra.     

Application of three-dimensional high-resolution diffusion-weighted MRI based on steady state in diagnosis of Parkinson disease

AIM: To explore the value of three-dimensional high-resolution diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based on steady state in free precession technique (3D-DW-SSFP) at 3.0 T for diagnosis of Parkinson disease. METHODS: Twenty patients with idiopathic Parkinson disease (PD) and 13 controls were enrolled in this study. Standardization volume, fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of substantia nigra and red nucleus in PD patients together with controls were obtained using regular MRI based on 3D-DW-SSFP at 3.0 T. The data of duration, age, clinical severity, tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia and posture stability between the PD patients and the controls were compared.RESULTS: No significant difference of the standardization volume of substantia nigra and red nucleus between PD patients and controls was observed. The FA and ADC values of the substantia nigra in PD patients were lower than those in controls (P<0.05 and P<0.01,respectively), and FA value had inverse correlation with the duration of PD. The values of FA and ADC had no relationship with tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia and postural stability. CONCLUSION: 3D-DW-SSFP can be used for obtaining high-resolution MRI image of substantia nigra and red nucleus. It is helpful for the diagnosis of Parkinson disease.     

Diffusion effect of malignant tumor in cervix observed by 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging

AIM: To investigate the diffusion effect of malignant tumor in cervix by diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).METHODS: Routine MRI sequences and axial diffusion weighted sequences were performed in the cases of cervical cancer and endometrial carcinoma. Normal cervixes and endometria were served as controls. The ADC values of cervical cancer and normal cervix, endometrial carcinoma and normal endometrium were measured and analyzed respectively.RESULTS: (1)The ADC values in 37 cases of cervical cancer and normal cervix of 16 volunteers were (0.92±0.20)×10-3 mm2/s and (1.26±0.24)×10-3 mm2/s respectively, with statistically significant difference between cervical cancers and normal cervixes (P<0.01). (2)The ADC values in 14 cases of endometrial carcinoma and normal endometrium of 14 volunteers were (0.87±0.17)×10-3 mm2/s and (1.34±0.26)×10-3 mm2/s respectively, with statistically significant difference between endometrial carcinoma and normal endometria (P<0.01).CONCLUSION: The diffusion effects of cervical cancer and endometrial carcinoma were different from those of normal cervical tissues. The DWI of 3.0T MRI may be used to quantitatively determine the limitation of diffusion effect in the malignant tumor in cervix by measuring the ADC value.     

Fluorocitrate inhibits regulatory effect of ischemic postconditioning on HIF-1α/iNOS signaling pathway after cerebral ischemia in tree shrews with brain injury

AIM: To investigate the regulatory effect of HIF-1α/iNOS signaling pathway on the neuroprotection of ischemic postconditioning (PC) in tree shrews, and to explore the mechanisms of deteriorated cerebral injury after inhibiting astrocyte (AS) metabolism. METHODS: Thrombotic cerebral ischemia was induced by photochemical reaction in tree shrews. Fluorocitrate (FC) was used to inhibit AS metabolism and the ischemic PC was established at 4 h after ischemia followed by clipped ipsilateral common carotid artery on the ischemia side for 3 times, 5 min/time. A total of 67 male tree shrews were randomly divided into 7 groups:control (n=9), ischemia (4 h and 24 h, n=9 for each group), ischemia with PC (4 h and 24 h, n=9 for each group), and FC pretreatment (4 h and 24 h, n=11 for each group). The cerebral infarction size was detected by TTC staining, and the histological changes of hippocampal neurons were observed under light microscope. The regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in ischemic cortex was monitored by laser Doppler brain flowmetry. The protein expression of iNOS in hippocampus was detected both by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The production of NO detected by spectrophotometer. The level of HIF-1α in hippocampus analyzed by ELISA. RESULTS: The cerebral infarct volume was increased with prolonged duration of ischemia, and the changes of ischemia at 24 h were significant (P<0.05). The cortical rCBF was progressively decreased, and it was decreased at 4 h and 24 h after ischemia (P<0.05). The expression of HIF-1α and iNOS in hippocampus was enhanced, and the production of NO was increased significantly (P<0.05). Ischemic PC restored the cortical rCBF (P<0.05), reduced cerebral infarction volume (P<0.05), down-regulated iNOS expression and reduced NO production in the hippocampus (P<0.05). However, the cortical rCBF in FC pretreatment group was significantly lower than that in ischemic group (P<0.05), the neuronal damage was aggravated, and the infarction volume was increased after pretreatment with FC (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Ischemic PC may reduce cerebral injury by regulating the expression of HIF-1α and iNOS. Inhibition of AS function may attenuate the protective effect mediated by ischemic PC and aggravate brain injury.     

Effect of cholecystokinin-octapeptide on focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

AIM:To examine the effect of cholecystokinin-octapeptide (CCK-8) on focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury and its underlying mechanisms.METHODS:By using the suture model of focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion, the effects of intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of CCK-8 and proglumide, nonselective CCK receptors antagonist, on the infarct size, regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), and the levels of nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) were observed in different brain regions of rats subjected to 1 h focal cerebral ischemia followed by 24 h reperfusion.RESULTS:(1) pretreatment with different doses of CCK-8 (0.3 μg,1.0 μg,2.0 μg or 4.0 μg) could attenuate the infarct size, but the statistically significant effects of CCK-8 were obtained only at the doses of 1.0 μg and 2.0 μg(P＜0.05). The neuroprotective effects of CCK-8 were blocked by pretreatment with proglumide. Administration of proglumide alone could worsen the ischemia/reperfusion injury. (2) CCK-8 (1.0 μg) inhibited the increase in NO, MDA levels in the ischemic core, and also inhibited the increase in NO level in the ischemic penumbra. The rCBF in the CCK-8 group was significantly higher than the normal value at 24 h after reperfusion (P＜0.05).CONCLUSIONS:These results suggest that both endogenous and exogenous CCK-8 alleviate focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Such an action may be associated with inhibition of free radical-induced injuries and the improvement in rCBF.     

Neuroprotective effect of L-serine on rats with permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion

AIM: To investigate the neuroprotective effect, therapeutic dosage and time window of L-serine against permanent cerebral injury in rats. METHODS: Permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) was induced in the rats to determine the efficacy of L-serine (ip) by neurological evaluation, TTC staining and Nissl staining.L-serine was used at different doses (56 mg/kg, 168 mg/kg and 504 mg/kg) and for different time periods (1 h, 3 h, 6 h, 12 h and 24 h after pMCAO). Aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA), an inhibitor of serine racemase, was used to alter the efficacy of L-serine. Laser Doppler perfusion monitor was used to observe the regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in the ischemic cerebral cortex under the condition with or without L-serine treatment. RESULTS: Treatment with L-serine at doses of 168 mg/kg and 504 mg/kg at time point of 3 h after pMCAO greatly decreased the neurological deficit score and infarct volume,and attenuated the loss of hippocampal CA1 neuronal cells. In the observation of therapeutic time window, L-serine displayed a significant neuroprotective effect if used within 6 h after pMCAO, but did not exert any notable effect if used over 12 h after pMCAO. AOAA hardly changed the effect of L-serine. L-serine treatment notably raised rCBF in the area of ischemic cerebral cortex when it was injected 30 min after pMCAO. However, strychnine, an antagonist of strychnine-sensitive glycine receptor, did not alter this effect of L-serine. CONCLUSION: L-serine has neuroprotective effect on permanent ischemic brain injury in rats if administered early and sufficiently by augmentation of rCBF in the ischemic cerebral cortex.     

Effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on cerebral ischemia during early stage of subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats

AIM: To investigate the effect of Ginkgo biloba extrac (GBE) on cerebral ischemia during early stage of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). METHODS: Noncraniotomy models of SAH in Wistar rats were used and animals were divided into sham-operated group, SAH group and SAH+GBE group. Dynamic change of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was detected. Brain endothelin-1(ET-1) and calcium contents were also determined at different time point during 24 hours after the operation. Pathological change of neurons of hippocampus CA1 region was observed. RESULTS: In SAH group, rCBF decreased immediately and persistently after induction of SAH. Values of brain ET-1 content and calcium content at 1 hour, 6 hours and 24 hours were significantly higher than those in sham-operated group. Neurons of hippocampus CA1 region were damaged severely 3 days after onset of SAH. Above abnormal changes in SAH+GBE group were much slighter than those in SAH group. CONCLUSION: GBE may relieve cerebral ischemic damage after SAH.     

Electroacupuncture improves spatial learning and memory ability of rats with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion and signal regulation of hippocampal IL-6/JAK2/STAT3

AIM:To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the inflammatory response and hippocampal JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in the rats with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH), and to explore the mechanism of EA attenuating the spatial learning and memory impairment induced by CCH. METHODS:Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham group, model group and EA group (n=10). Modified permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion was used to establish animal model. The rats in EA group were stimulated at "Baihui" and "Dazhui" acupoints by 2/15 Hz frequency (30 min/d for 4 weeks), while the rats in the other 2 groups received balanced treatment. The spatial learning and memory ability and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) were detected by the methods of Morris water maze and laser Doppler flowmetry. The concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β, the mRNA expression of JAK2 and STAT3, and the phosphorylated JAK2 and STAT3 protein levels in the hippocampus were determined by ELISA, RT-PCR and Western blot. The pathological changes of the hippocampus were observed with HE staining. RESULTS:In EA group, the rCBF, the average escape latency at every time point, and the original platform quadrant residence time were better than those in model group (P<0.01 or P<0.05). The level of IL-1β in EA group was significantly lower than that in model group (P<0.05), and the level of IL-6 was significantly increased (P<0.05). The mRNA expression of JAK2 and STAT3, and the protein levels of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 in EA group were significantly higher than those in model group (P<0.05). The impairment of nerve cells in the hippocampal CA1 region was reduced. CONCLUSION:Electroacupuncture inhibits inflammatory response, and alleviates the hippocampal damage and the cognitive disorder by regulating IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways.     

Relationship between TNF-α gene polymorphism-308 and type 2 diabetes with periodontitis

AIM: To investigate the gene polymorphism-308 of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in the relation with the susceptibility to periodontitis combined with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and its severity.METHODS: Human DNA samples were obtained from 240 DM patients with periodontitis (periodontitis group, n=120) and without periodontitis (control group, n=120). All patients were genotyped by PCR-RFLP analysis. The frequencies of genotypes and alleles were analyzed. Sulcus bleeding index (SBI) and probing depth (PD) in all patients were measured. The polymorphism-308 of TNF-α gene in the relation with the susceptibility to periodontitis combined with DM and its severity was analyzed.RESULTS: No significant difference in the frequency of genotype and allele was found between DM patients with mild periodontitis and DM patients without periodontitis (P>0.05). However, the frequencies of these genotypes and alleles in DM patients with moderate and severe periodontitis were significantly higher than those in DM patients without periodontitis (P<0.01). The findings showed that the level of TNF-α was associated with SBI and PD (P<0.01).CONCLUSION: TNF-α -308 G/A polymorphism is not associated with DM patients with mild periodontitis, whereas it may have a role in pathogenesis and prognosis of moderate and severe periodontitis combined with DM through TNF-α level.     

Changes and clinical implications of plasma ANP,BNP and CNP levels in type 2 diabetic patients with vascular complications

AIM:To examine the changes and clinical implications of the plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide(BNP) and C-type natriuretic peptide(CNP) levels in type 2 diabetic patients with vascular complications. METHODS:9 subjects without diabetes, 34 diabetic patients without vascular complications and 23 diabetic patients with vascular complications were enrolled in the study and categorized into three groups. Plasma proANP, BNP fragment and N-terminal pro-CNP (NT-proCNP) were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The changes and associations of the plasma natriuretic peptide levels among three groups were analyzed. RESULTS:Compared with those in the controls and diabetics without vascular complications, the plasma proANP and BNP fragment levels in diabetic patients with vascular complications increased significantly (P<0.01). However, the plasma NT-proCNP level in this group decreased significantly (P<0.01). Nevertheless, no significant differences in the plasma proANP, BNP fragment and NT-proCNP levels among three subgroups (diabetics patients with macrovascular and/or microvascular complications) were observed (P>0.05). The plasma ANP level of diabetic patients with vascular complications was corelated significantly with the BNP levels (r=0.309, P<0.05). Furthermore, the ANP and BNP levels were correlated significantly with the CNP level (r=-0.374, P<0.05; r=-0.653, P<0.01). CONCLUSION:Measurement of the plasma ANP, BNP and CNP levels together may be a simple, cost-effective and reliable way to screen for diabetic patients with vascular complications.     

不同浓度NaCl处理对鸭梨叶片多胺代谢的影响

以鸭梨枝条为试材,研究盐胁迫下鸭梨叶片内多胺含量的变化。结果表明:随处理NaCl浓度的上升,鸭梨叶片内ADC活性明显上升,盐浓度过高时(150 mmol/L)酶活性不再上升。ODC活性明显低于ADC,盐处理前后活性变化不明显。TGase活性随处理盐浓度的上升呈上升趋势,盐浓度过高时活性略有下降。多胺氧化酶活性在盐处理后明显被激活,盐浓度过高时活性略有下降。随处理盐浓度的上升,游离Put含量和Spd含量明显上升,随处理盐浓度的提高含量逐渐下降;盐处理前后Spm含量变化不明显。结合态多胺总量在低浓度盐处理时含量上升,盐浓度过高时明显下降。     

Alteration of serum IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and sICAM-1 in patients with pre-menstruation recurrent aphthous ulceration

AIM:To investigate the serum levels of interleeukin-6(IL-6), interleukin-8(IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1)in female patients with pre-menstruation recurrent aphthous ulceration(RAU).METHODS:Serum levels of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and sICAM-1 in 21 pre-menstruation RAU patients were examined using ELISA technique, and compared to 10 healthy individuals and 22 the female RAU patients unrelated to menstrual cycle.RESULTS:The serum levels of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α in patients with pre-menstruation RAU were not only significantly higher than that in the normal control group(P＜0.01), but also higher than that in the RAU patients without pre-menstruous recurrence (P＜0.01).The level of serum TNF-α in the RAU patients without pre-menstruous recurrence was slightly higher than that in the normal control group(P＜0.05).The level of sICAM-1 had not changed.CONCLUSION:The serum levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α increase in pre-menstruation RAU patients, which might play a role in local lesion of RAU.     

Clinicopathological features and treatment of 12 cases of AIDS-related cutaneous Kaposi sarcoma in Chinese Han people

AIM:To explore the effective treatment and prognostic factors of 12 cases of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related cutaneous Kaposi sarcoma (KS) in Chinese Han people. METHODS:The clinicopathological characteristics and immune phenotypes of the 12 patients with AIDS-related cutaneous KS were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS:The 12 cases of AIDS-related cutaneous KS were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive. Most skin lesions of the 12 patients presented as purple and solid papules or plaques. Skin biopsy showed the diffuse or sheet-like infiltration of spindle cells, the active proliferation of slit-like blood vessels, the extravasation of erythrocytes, the deposition of hemosiderin, and the infiltration of inflammatory cells. The results of immunohistochemistry were as follows: T-cell ubiquitin C-terminal hydroxylase L1 (UCHL1) (+), local CD31 (+), endothelial cell factor VIII (+), HHF-35 (+) in the vessel wall, vimentin (+), S-100 protein (-), spindle cell CD34 (+++) in 6 cases and CD34 (-) in 1 case. The 12 patients were all treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Four patients with small sarcoma were treated with surgery and microwave therapy, and the prognosis is good. Two patients with greater sarcoma were treated microwave therapy, and most skin lesions disappeared. In 6 patients with widely-distributed sarcoma, 5 cases were given microwave and 1 case was given microwave and chemotherapy, and then 5 cases gained significant efficacy and 1 case died. CONCLUSION: The clinicopathological characteristics and immune phenotypes of the 12 cases of AIDS-related cutaneous KS in Chinese Han people are similar to those in other people. HAART is necessary for the treatment of AIDS-related cutaneous KS. The patients in the early stage with the sarcoma smaller than 2 cm in diameter should be treated with surgery and microwave therapy, and the patients with the sarcoma greater than 2 cm in diameter should be treated with chemotherapy and microwave therapy.     

Relationship between epicardial adipose tissue thickness and plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide level in patients with stable coronary artery disease

AIM: To analyze the relationship between epicardial adipose tissue(EAT) thickness and plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP) level in the patients with stable coronary artery disease.METHODS: The patients with chest pain(n=115) admitted to our hospital underwent coronary artery computer tomography and further underwent coronary angiography for confirming whether they had coronary artery disease. EAT thickness was evaluated at the right ventricular free wall imaged by coronary artery computer tomography. Plasma NT-proBNP level was examined by an automatic biochemistry analyzer.RESULTS: Eighty-one patients were confirmed to have stable coronary artery disease and thirty-four patients were excluded to have coronary artery disease. Left ventricular ejection fraction of these patients of 2 groups were all normal. The natural logarithm of plasma NT-proBNP level [ln(NT-proBNP)] of the patients with stable coronary artery disease was significantly higher than that of the patients without coronary artery disease(P<0.05). EAT thickness of the patients with stable coronary artery disease was also higher than that of the patients without coronary artery disease(P<0.05). EAT thickness was related to ln(NT-proBNP) positively(P<0.05). After adjustment of related impact factors, EAT thickness was still related to ln(NT-proBNP) positively(P<0.05). Multiple-factor regression analysis showed that EAT thickness was the independent influence factor on LnNT-proBNP(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: EAT thickness and plasma NT-proBNP level are both increased significantly and is related to each other in the patients with stable coronary artery disease.     

Alteration and significance of protein expression profile in gastric cancer with preoperative conformal radiation therapy

AIM: To investigate the alteration and significance of the protein expression profile in gastric cancer with preoperative conformal radiation therapy. METHODS: The pathologically-diagnosed gastric cancer patients were randomly chosen to perform conformal radiation therapy before operation. The patients without conformal radiation treatment served as controls. The tumor tissues were collected after operation from the patients. The alteration of the protein expression profile was detected by 2-dimensional electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF-MS. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), c-erbB-2 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: Compared with the patients without conformal radiation therapy, the protein expression profile of tumor tissues from gastric cancer patients with conformal radiation therapy was obviously altered. The expression of VEGF, c-erbB-2 and EGFR was differentially reduced (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The preoperative accurate conformal radiation therapy reduces the expression of gastric cancer-related epithelial proteins, indicating new therapeutic targets for gastric cancer.     

Association of SOX5 polymorphisms in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-related pulmonary hypertension

SOX5) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients,COPD with pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients and healthy controls,and to explore the association of the SOX5 SNPs in COPD-related PH.METHODS: From April 2013 to April 2015,250 patients with stable COPD were enrolled continuously in Ningxia People's Hospital according to COPD treatment guidelines (2013 edition).All the patients received echocardiography,and were divided into COPD with PH group[pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP)≥50 mmHg,n=103] and COPD without PH group (PASP<50 mmHg,n=147).The healthy persons (matched for age,sex,race and smoking index,n=127) were selected as control group at the same period.Genotyping of SOX5 gene rs10842262 and rs11046966 loci was performed using MassARRAY genotyping system (Sequenom).Genotype frequencies were calculated.RESULTS: Age,sex and smoking index showed no significantly difference between control group and COPD group,neither between COPD with PH group and COPD without PH group.Genotype frequencies of SOX5 gene rs10842262 and rs11046966 loci between control group and COPD group was of significant difference (P<0.05).Genotype frequencies of SOX5 gene rs10842262 and rs11046966 loci showed no significant difference between COPD with PH group and COPD without PH group.CONCLUSION: SOX5 gene rs10842262 and rs11046966 loci may play an important role in COPD,but not in COPD-related PH.