Changes of matrix metalloproteinase-3 and urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor in type 2 diabetes mellitus with macroangiopathy

AIM: To investigate the function of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) and urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) to macroangiopathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: The levels of MMP-3 and uPAR in plasma were determined by ELISA sandwich method in 26 healthy controls and 39 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus including 15 complication-free cases and 24 with macroangiopathy. RESULTS: The plasma level of uPAR but not MMP-3 was higher in patients without macroangiopathy than that in normal controls (P<0.05). In patients with macroangiopathy, the plasma levels of MMP-3 and uPAR were higher than those in normal controls (P<0.01) and patients without angiopathy. There was positive relationship between MMP-3 and uPAR in type 2 diabetes mellitus (r=0.405, P<0.05), and LDL-C was the important affecting factor of uPAR. CONCLUSION: MMP-3 and uPAR are associated with the development of macroangiopathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus. MMP-3 can be regarded as the circulatory markers in type 2 diabetes mellitus with macroangiopathy.     

Pulmonary function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIM: To evaluate the pulmonary function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in order to identify whether the lung is a target organ of chronic pathologic changes in diabetes mellitus. METHODS: Pulmonary ventilation function and diffusion capacity were studied in 107 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 61 healthy subjects matched for age and sex. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), urine albumin excretion rate (AER), fundus examination and nerve conduction velocity were included as parameters of glycemic control and diabetic microangiopathies. RESULTS: Pulmonary ventilation function was similar in type 2 diabetic group and the control. Compared with the control, carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DLCO) and DLCO corrected by alveolar volume (DLCO/VA) were significantly lower in type 2 diabetic group (P<0.05). DLCO and DLCO/VA were inversely correlated with microangiopathy score (r: -0.291, -0.324， respectively, P<0.01). Furthermore, DLCO/VA was negatively correlated with age and duration of diabetes mellitus (r: -0.269, -0.236， respectively, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary ventilation function is normal in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, but their diffusion capacity is impaired. It suggests that the lung may also be the target organ of the chronic pathologic changes of diabetes mellitus.     

Influences of apolipoprotein CII concentrations on high-density lipoprotein subclass distribution

AIM: To investigate the influence of serum apolipoprotein (apo) CII concentrations on the distribution of serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subclasses. METHODS: Serum HDL subclasses in 247 subjects were determined by two dimensional gel electrophoresis-immunodetection. RESULTS: With the increase in serum apolipoprotein CII levels, age, BMI, the contents of TG, TC, apoB100, apoCII, apoCIII, apoE, preβ1-HDL, preβ2-HDL, HDL3b and HDL3a increased significantly, but the contents of HDL-C, HDL2a and HDL2b decreased remarkably. The contents of preβ1-HDL increased with the rise in apoCII and apoA I levels, whereas the content of HDL2b increased with the rise in serum apoA I level in the same apoC II group, but decreased with the increase in serum apolipoprotein CII level in the same apoA I group. With the increase in the ratio of apoCII/ apoCIII, the content of preβ1-HDL elevated, but the content of HDL2b decreased. The correlation analysis illustrated that the apoCII level was positively correlated with preβ1-HDL (r=0.186, P<0.01), but inversely correlated with HDL2b (r=-0.149, P<0.05). The apoA I level was positively associated with all HDL subclasses (r in the range of 0.349-0.587, P<0.01). In addition, the apoCIII level was positively correlated with preβ1-HDL (r=0.184, P<0.01) and preβ2-HDL (r=0.178, P<0.01), while the apoE level was positively correlated with HDL3a (r=0.040, P<0.05). The apoB100 level was inversely correlated with HDL2a (r=-0.102, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The particles of HDL show a general shift towards smaller size with the increase in apoCII levels, indicating that the maturation of HDL is abnormal. Whereas the contents of apoA I level correct the effect of apoCII on the distribution profile of HDL subclasses. The ratio of apoCII/apoCIII might also been taken as one of the indexes reflecting the distribution profile of serum HDL subclasses.     

Protective role of carnosine on cardiac dysfunction in type 1 diabetes mellitus rat model

AIM:To explore the effects of carnosine (CAR) on cardiac dysfunction in type 1 diabetic mellitus rats and the underlying mechanism. METHODS:The SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups:control (C) group, control+carnosine (C+CAR) group, diabetes mellitus (DM) group and diabetes mellitus+carnosine (DM+CAR) group (n=10). The rats were sacrificed after 12 weeks. The cardiac function was assessed by ventricular cannulation. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed by ELISA. The mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β) and IL-6 were measured by real-time PCR. The distribution of connexin 43 (Cx43) was examined by immunofluorescence. The protein levels of Cx43 and protein kinase C (PKC) were determined by Western blot. RESULTS:Compared with the C group, the left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) was increased whereas the left ventricular pressure maximum rise/fall velocity (±dp/dt_max) was decreased in the DM group (P<0.01). The activity of SOD decreased while the MDA increased in the left ventricular tissues (P<0.01). The mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were increased (P<0.01). The Cx43 distribution was irregular. The protein levels of phosphorylated Cx43 and PKCε were elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the DM group, the cardiac function of LVEDP and ±dp/dt_max in DM+CAR group was ameliorated (P<0.01), with increased SOD activity and decreased MDA content (P<0.05). The mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were reduced (P<0.01). The Cx43 distribution was improved and the protein levels of phosphorylated Cx43 and PKCε were decreased (P<0.01). CONCLUSION:CAR treatment can improve the cardiac function by its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammation effects and suppression of Cx43 abnormalities through PKCε in DM rats.     

Serum apelin and chemerin levels in female obese children and their correlation with insulin resistance

AIM: To investigate the serum levels of apelin and chemerin in female obese children and their correlation with insulin resistance (IR).METHODS: Thirty-five female children participated in the study, 20 of which were obese and 15 were non-obese controls ,without statistical difference in age between the 2 groups. Serum levels of apelin and chemerin were measured by ELISA method. The concentrations of triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), fasting glucose and fasting insulin (FINS) were measured. Body mass index standard deviation score (BMI-SDS) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were calculated for all participants. RESULTS: A significant difference of BMI between obese group and control group (24.02±3.90 vs 16.46±1.93, P<0.01) was observed. Serum levels of TG, LDL-C, FINS, and HOMA-IR were significantly higher in obese group than those in control group (allP<0.05). Serum levels of apelin and chemerin were also significantly higher in obese children than those in the controls . Serum level of apelin was positively correlated with BMI-SDS (r=0.356, P<0.05), TG (r=0.548, P<0.01), FINS (r=0.541, P<0.01) and HOMA-IR (r=0.551, P<0.01) in all individuals. The negative correlation between serum chemerin level and age (r=-0.362, P< 0.05), and positive correlations between serum chemerin level and BMI-SDS (r= 0.315, P<0.01), TG (r= 0.28, P<0.05), FINS (r= 0.38, P<0.01) and HOMA-IR (r= 0.41, P< 0.01) were detected.CONCLUSION: Increased serum apelin and chemerin levels are correlated with insulin resistance, indicating their roles in the pathogenesis of children obese.     

Subclasses of serum HDL in middle and old aged patients with hyperlipidemia in Chengdu City

AIM: To detect the change of composition and ratio of serum HDL subclasses and explore the relationship between these changes and the plasma lipid level in patients with hyperlipidemia. METHODS: The components of subclasses of serum HDL in 172 middle and old aged patients with hyperlipidemia and 115 healthy middle and old aged were determined by dimensional gel electrophoresis associated with immuno-blotting method. RESULTS: Compared to the healthy controls, the contents of pre β1-HDL，　HDL3b and HDL3a were significantly higher (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01), while that of HDL2b was significantly lower (P＜0.01) in middle and old aged patients with hyperlipidemia. The content of pre β1-HDL increased with age in healthy controls, whereas the HDL2b decreased. The content of pre β1-HDL was significantly higher (P＜0.05), while the HDL2b (P＜0.05) was significantly lower in men than in women in patients with hyperlipidemia and the healthy controls. In middle and old aged patients with hyperlipidemia, the content of pre β1-HDL was positively correlated with the serum TG, TC, apoB100, apoCⅡ, apoCⅢ, apoE and TG/HDL-C (r=0.432; r=0.243; r=0.341; r=0.259; r=0.335; r=0.308 and r=0.453, P＜0.05 or P＜0.01), while it was negatively correlated with HDL-C (r=－0.167, P＜0.05). The content of HDL2b was negatively correlated with TG, TC, apoCⅡ, apoCⅢ and TG/HDL-C (r=－0.296; r=－0.156; r=－0.182; r=－0.216; r=－0.203 and r=－0.313, P＜0.05 or P＜0.01), while it was positively correlated with HDL-C (r=0.124, P＜0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The particle of HDL in the middle and old aged patients with hyperlipidemia showed a general shift towards smaller size, which indicated that the reverse cholesterol transport might be weakened. Men had smaller HDL particle size than women.     

Correlation among plasma leptin,resistin an type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIM：To assess the association of resistin,obesity,serum lipid levels and insulin resistance with plasma leptin.METHODS：The concentrations of fasting serum glucose,insulin,lipid profiles,plasma resistin and leptin were assayed in 80 cases (including 37 controls with normal glucose tolerance and 43 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus).RESULTS：Fasting plasma leptin level was positively correlated with sex,body mass index (BMI),waist circumference (WC),waist-hip ratio and fasting serum insulin (F Ins) （P<0.01）.Fasting plasma leptin level was negatively correlated with insulin sensitivity index (r=-0.373,P<0.01).There was no correlation between the concentrations of plasma leptin and FPG,TG,TC and resistin （P>0.05）.CONCLUSION：Fasting plasma leptin level is positively correlated with obesity and insulin resistance,not resistin.Leptin may play a role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus.     

Antagonistic effect of bilirulin on acute lung injury induced by LPS in rats

AIM: To investigate the effect of bilirubin on acute lung injury (ALI) and the mechanism. METHODS: 30 male Wistar rats were divided into normal group, ALI group and bilirubin treatment group. Lung specimens were examined by histopathological technique. Lung index (LI) and lung permeability index (LPI) were measured. Moreover, white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil percentage (PMN%) and the content of protein (Pr) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), as well as the contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malonaldehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the lung homogenate were determined. RESULTS: (1) In ALI group: LI, WBC count, PMN%, Pr and LPI increased significantly compared with normal group (P<0.01). In bilirubin treatment group, all the values determined decreased compared with ALI group (P<0.01; P<0.05). No notable discrepancy between bilirubin treatment group and normal group (P>0.05) was observed. (2) In ALI group, the content of MDA was significantly higher (P<0.01), but the contents of SOD and GSH-Px were significantly lower than those in normal group (P<0.01). In bilirubin treatment group, the content of MDA decreased significantly (P<0.01) but the contents of SOD and GSH-Px increased significantly (P<0.01; P<0.05) compared with ALI group. No notable discrepancy between bilirubin treatment group and normal group was observed (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Bilirubin relieves ALI induced by LPS in rats via antioxidation.     

Changes in serum TGF β1 in type 2 diabetic patients

AIM: To explore the changes in serum TGF β₁ in type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: Forty-five cases type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were divided into three groups according to urine albumim excretion rate(UAER): normoalbuminuria(NA)group and microalbuminuria(MA) group and macroalbuminuria group (Overt DN). Serum TGF β₁, fasting blood glucose(FBG), HbA_1c,BUN,Cr,Ccr,lipidemia were detected in all cases. RESULTS: Serum TGF β₁ in NA, MA and ODN groups was higher than that in control. Serum TGF β₁ was positive correlation with Cr(r=0.390,P＜0.05), LDL(r=0.503,P＜0.01), HbA_1c (r=0.676,P＜0.01), and UARE(r=0.777,P＜0.01). CONCLUSION: Type 2 diabetes mellitus have a higher serum TGF β₁ than controls, serum TGF β₁ was positive correlation with HbA_1c and injury of renal function.     

Se-containing spirulina phycocyanin attenuated liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride in mice

AIM:To investigate the effect of Se-containing spirulina phycocyanin (Se-SPC) on liver injury of mice induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄). METHODS:The mouse model was conducted by intragastric feeding with 2% CCl₄ oil for three times, meanwhile Se-SPC, spirulina phycocyanin (SPC) and Na₂SeO₃ were injected (ip) to various groups for 7 days. Then selenium (Se), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), malondiaoldehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in blood and liver were measured. RESULTS:The level of Se,GPx and SOD activities were obviously higher(P<0.05)but ALT activity,MDA and NO₂^-/NO₃^- levels were remarkably lower(P<0.05)in Se-SPC treated groups than those in CCl₄ groups,and effects of high dose Se-SPC on Se,GPx,MDA and NO₂^-/NO₃^- were even more significant(P<0.01).Under the same dose of Se or protein,effects of all selected targets in Se-SPC groups were more efficient than those in SPC groups and inorganic-Se groups.Furthermore,Se levels had a positive correlation with GPx activity(r=01705),which had negative correlation with levels of MDA,NO₂^-/NO₃^- and ALT(r=-0.629,r=-0.336,r=-0.457,respectively), and positive correlations between ALT activity and MDA or NO₂^-/NO₃^- level were found (r=0.519,r=0.641). CONCLUSION:These results indicated that Se-SPC may attenuate liver injury of mice induced by CCl₄ through its anti-inflammatory action and enhancing selenoenzyme expression.     

Injury effect of recombinant soluble human CD40 ligand on human umbilical vein endothelial cells

AIM: To investigate the damage in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) induced by recombinant soluble human CD40 ligand (rshCD40L). METHODS: The cultured HUVECs were treated with rshCD40L for 12 h. The survival activity of the HUVECs was observed by MTS assay. The expression of E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, tissue factor (TF) and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) was measured by ELISA. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected by the methods of thibabituric acid (TBA). RESULTS: Compared with normal group, different concentrations of rshCD40L (0.5, 1, 2, 3 mg/L) had no obvious effect on the survival activity of the HUVECs (P>0.05). rshCD40L at concentration of 0.5 mg/L promoted the secretion of E-selectin, sICAM-1, TF and TFPI in the HUVECs (P<0.01). rshCD40L at concentration of 0.5 mg/L also increased MDA content and reduced the activity of SOD in the HUVECs (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: 0.5~3mg/L rshCD40L has no obvious effect on endothelial cell survival, but already causes endothelial dysfunction by increasing endothelial inflammation and exogenous coagulation reaction, inducing lipid peroxides injury and reducing antioxidant capacity.     

Effect of E-selectin pretreatment on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

AIM:To study the effect of nasal mucosal tolerance to E-selectin on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.METHODS:Two different doses (single and booster) of E-selectin or PBS were dropped into membrana mucosa nasi of rats. The middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model referring to Zea Longa method with modifications was performed 48 h after the last dose of E-selectin or PBS. After 2 h ischemia and 22 h reperfusion, the numbers of CD3+CD4+T-lymphocyte and CD3+CD8+T lymphocyte subgroup in the blood were examined with flow cytometry. Rats were killed, then part of the animals was used to measure the cerebral infarction volume by TTC staining. mRNA expressions of E-selectin, ICAM-1 and lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1(LFA-1) were determined by RT-PCR and activity of SOD was determined by xanthinoxidanse method in ischemic cortex of the other part of animals. RESULTS:The ratio of the numbers of CD3+CD4+T-lymphocytes and CD3+CD8+T-lymphocytes increased in E-selectin single pretreatment group (P<0.05). Compared to other groups, E-selectin booster pretreatment group showed decreased CD3+CD8+T-lymphocytes (P<0.05), increased ratio of the numbers of CD3+CD4+T-lymphocytes and CD3+CD8+T-lymphocytes (P<0.05), reduced cerebral infarction volume by 40.87% (P<0.05), heightened activity of SOD (P<0.05), lowed E-selectin mRNA and ICAM-1 mRNA expression (P<0.05), and less tendency of LFA-1 mRNA expression.CONCLUSION:E-selectin induces cerebral ischemic tolerance and relieves cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. The mechanisms are related to the changes in the ratio of CD4+T-lymphocyte and CD8+T-lymphocyte. The heightened activity of SOD, the lowed mRNA expressions of E-selectin and ICAM-1, as well as the less tendency of LFA-1 mRNA expression are also involved.     

Protective effects of hypercapnia on acute lung injury and it's mechanisms

AIM: To investigate whether hypercapnia is protective against acute lung injury (ALI) in a rabbit model, and study it's potential mechanisms. METHODS: Twenty-two healthy New Zealand white rabbits were involved in this study, and randomly allocated to control group (group C), normocapnic group (group N) and hypercapnic group (group H). Oleic acid (0.1 mL/kg) was injected intravenously to establish ALI model. Lung mechanics, hemodynamics, blood-gas analysis, the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in lung tissue were measured. Apoptosis was analyzed after 3h mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: (1) Peak airway pressure in group H was significantly lower than that in group N (P<0.05) and the dynamic lung compliance was significantly higher than that in group N (P<0.05). (2) PaO₂ in group H was significantly higher than that in group N(P<0.05). (3) The content of MDA was significantly lower but the activity of SOD was significantly higher in group H than that in group N (P<0.05). (4) Apoptosis index in group H was significantly lower than that in group N (P<0.01). (5) Histologic damage was significantly severer in group N than group H. (6) PaCO₂ was correlated with pH, PaO₂, dynamic lung compliance, peak airway pressure and pulmonary permeability index (r=－0.928, P<0.01; r=0.511, 0.526, -0.506, -0.556, P<0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: Hypercapnia protects lung from oleic acid-induced injury in rabbits. The mechanisms of protection might be associated with improvement of oxidation/anti-oxidation imbalance and inhibition of apoptosis.     

Influence of APP17 peptide on the learning,memory in SAMP10 mi ce and oxidative stress in mouse mitochondria in hippocampal neurons

AIM:To observe the influence of APP17-mer peptide on the learning and memory,and oxidative stress in mitochondria in hipp ocampal neurons of senescence accelerated mouse/prone 10 (SAMP10).METHODS:The 4-month-old SAMP 10s were randomly divided into mod el group and APP17-mer peptide group (the model group+APP17-mer peptide).The se nescence accelerated mouse/resistance1 (SAMR1) were used for normal control.The APP17-mer peptide group was injected with APP17-mer peptide subcutaneously in a dose of 0.34 μg/per mouse,three times a week;while the model group and the control group were injected with saline.After 28 weeks,water maze test was use d to evaluate the learning and memory of these mice.Then hydroxy lamine reactio n and thiobarbituric acid reaction were used to assay the activity of superoxid e dismutase (SOD) and contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) in mitochondria in hippo campal neurons,respectively.RESULTS:(1) The water maze test showed that the full-course swi mming time and numbers of error committed in model group were significantly incr eased as compared with the normal control (P<0.05).The results in APP17-me r peptide treated group were the same as that in normal control group.(2) Compa red with the normal control,the activity of SOD decreased in model group (P <0.01),and the contents of MDA increased (P<0.01).APP17-mer partially re versed the increase in MDA and the decrease in SOD.The content of MDA was lower and the activity of SOD was higher in APP17-mer peptide group than those in mod el group (P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The learning and memory deficit in SAMP10 are observ ed,and the balance of free radical generation/free radical scavenger is impai red.APP17-mer peptide has an antioxidant character and corrects the abnormal ch ange of SOD and MDA,which may be related to its protective effect of learning and memory.     

Relationship between HDL subclasses and TC/HDL-C,TG/HDL-C ratio

AIM: To study the relationship between HDL subclasses and TC/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C ratio in serum. METHODS: Apolipoprotein (apo) A-Ⅰ contents of serum HDL subclasses in 292 subjects were determined by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis associated with immunodection method. RESULTS: Compared with low TC/HDL-C ratio subgroup, apoA-Ⅰcontents of preβ1-HDL (P<0.01, in middle or high subgroup) and HDL3a (P<0.05, in high subgroup) were significantly higher, but those of HDL2b (P<0.01, in middle or high subgroup) and HDL2a (P<0.01, in high subgroup) were significantly lower. Compared with middle TC/HDL-C ratio subgroup, apoA-Ⅰ contents of preβ1-HDL, HDL3a were significantly higher (P<0.01, P<0.05), but those of HDL2a and HDL2b were significantly lower (P<0.01, P<0.01) in high subgroup. Compared with low TG/HDL-C ratio subgroup, apoA-Ⅰ contents of preβ1-HDL, HDL3a were significantly higher (P<0.01, P<0.05, in high subgroup), but those of HDL2a and HDL2b were significantly lower (P<0.01, in middle or high subgroup). Compared with middle TG/HDL-C ratio subgroup, apoA-Ⅰ contents of preβ1-HDL, HDL3a were significantly higher (P<0.01, P<0.05), but those of HDL2a and HDL2b were significantly lower (P<0.01). In addition, TC, TG, TC/HDL-C ratio and TG/HDL-C ratio showed a positive correlation with apoA-Ⅰ contents of small-sized preβ1-HDL and a negative correlation with those of large-sized HDL2b, but it was reversed for HDL-C. CONCLUSION: When TC/HDL-C>5 or TG/HDL-C>2.2 in serum, the particle size of HDL shifted towards smaller sizes, which indicates that reverse cholesterol transport might be weakened and HDL maturation might be abnormal.     

The interrelationships between serum HDL subpopulations and triacyglycerol

AIM: To Study the influence of plasma TG level on the contents of serum HDL subpopulations. METHODS: Classified by the contents of serum TG, the serum level of HDL subpopulations in 106 normal TC and 183 high TC subjects were analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled with immunodection method. RESULTS: The apo-AⅠcontents of per-β1-HDL, HDL3c, HDL3b and HDL3a were higher in a certain extent in TC high subjects vs corresponding TC desirable subjects. The apo-AⅠ contents of per-β1-HDL （in borer-line high TG subgroup） and HDL3b （in very high TG subgroup） were significantly higher (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while the apo-AⅠ contents of HDL2b and HDL2a were all lower in TC high subjects vs corresponding TC normal subjects. With the increase in plasma TG levels, the apoA-Ⅰ content of pre-β1-HDL increased, and it was significantly higher (P<0.05 or P<0.01) in borderline-high TG(except TC desirable subjects), high TG and very high TG subgroups vs corresponding normal TG subgroup. Contents of HDL3b and HDL3a had the same tendency, and in TC high subjects contents of HDL3b (in very high TG subgroup) and HDL3a (in every subgroups, in which levels of TG were higher) were significantly higher (P＜0.05 and P＜0.01） than in normal TG subgroup. On contrast, the apoA-Ⅰcontents of HDL2b and HDL2a following with the increase of plasma TG levels tended to become lower. Contents of HDL2b were significantly lower (P<0.05) in high TG subgroup and very high TG subgroup vs corresponding normal TG subgroup, and in TC high subjects contents of HDL2a were significantly lower (P<0.05) in very high TG subgroups vs normal TG subgroup. CONCLUSION: Our data show the general shift toward smaller size of HDL particle size with the increase in TC and TG levels. Contents of TC and TG are very important to contents of HDL subclasses.     

Effects of early enteral nutrition on prognosis of severe acute pancreatitis in obese patients

AIM:To evaluate the efficacy of initiation of early enteral nutrition on the prognosis of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) in obese patients. METHODS:A prospective randomized control trial including 156 patients with SAP was conducted. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the nutrition style and the distribution of body mass index. The non-obese patients (group A, n=107) received conventional management and delayed enteral nutrition, whereas the obese patients (body mass index ≥25 kg/m2) were randomized into 2 groups: the patients in group B (n=22) received conventional management and delayed enteral nutrition, and the patients in group C (n=27) received conventional management plus early enteral nutrition. The Ranson score and APACHE-II score of the patients were recorded. The local and systemic complications and case fatality were analyzed. RESULTS:The Ranson score in group B was significantly higher than that in group A (P<0.05), and no significant difference of the Ranson score or APACHE-II score on admission between group B and group C was observed (P>0.05). The rate of the patients developing local complications (pancreatic necrosis, pancreatic infection or abscess) and acute respiratory failure in group B was significantly higher than that in group A (P<0.05). The rate of pancreatic infection or abscess and acute respiratory failure in the patients was greatly reversed by early enternal nutrition in group C (P<0.05). The mortality in group B was significantly higher than that in group A (P<0.05), but it was reversed by early enteral nutrition in group C. The serum levels of CRP and TNF-α in group B were significantly higher than those in group A (P<0.05), and those were reversed by early enteral nutrition in group C. CONCLUSION:Early enteral nutrition in the early stage of SAP (within 48 h after admission) effectively prevents the obese patients from developing pancreatic infection or abscess and acute respiratory failure by reducing the circulating levels of proinflammatory cytokines.     

Effect of Fas/FasL on late reperfusion of acute myocardial infarction and the potential oxidative stress mechanism in canine

AIM: To discuss the effect of Fas/FasL on the late reperfusion of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and the potential oxidative stress mechanism. METHODS:Eighteen anesthetized dogs were randomly divided into three groups: late reperfusion group (n=6): ligated the coronary for 6 h, followed by reperfusion for 6 h; permanent ischemia group (n=6): after pericardium were opened for 6 h, ligated the coronary for 6 h, and did not reperfuse; control group (n=6): did not ligate the coronary but operation last for 12 h. Infarction brim myocardial Fas/FasL was detected by immunohistochemistry. Apoptosis index (AI) was detected by TUNEL. SOD and GR activity and MDA content were detected by colorimetry. RESULTS:The expression of Fas/FasL and apoptosis index were significantly higher in permanent ischemia group and late reperfusion group than those in control group (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the difference between them was also significant (P<0.05). SOD and GR activities were lower in permanent ischemia group and late reperfusion group than those in control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The MDA contents in permanent ischemia group and late reperfusion group were higher than that in control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION:The late reperfusion of AMI promotes the expression of Fas/FasL and myocardial apoptosis, and it may be due to oxidative stress mechanism.     

Effect of pentoxifylline on caspases expression in islet beta-cells of NOD mice

AIM: To investigate the intervention effect of pentoxifylline (PTX) on type 1 diabetes mellitus in non-obese diabetic (NOD)mice and explore its possible mechanism.METHODS: Eight-week-old NOD mice were treated with PTX to investigate the incidence of cyclophosphamide accelerating diabetes.The apoptosis of beta-cells was detected by TUNEL,the expressions of caspase-3 in islet of the NOD mice was checked by immunohistochemistry and the expressions of caspase-8 was determined by RT-PCR.RESULTS: The incidence of diabetes in PTX group was 40.63%,which was obviously lower than 69.70% in the control group (P<0.05). Apoptosis index of beta-cells was 4.80% in PTX group and was 9.04% in control group,of which the former was lower than the latter (P<0.01).The expression of caspase-3 in islet of the mice in PTX group was much lower than that in control group,and the expression of caspase-8 mRNA in pancreas in PTX group were also markedly lower than that in control group (P<0.01).CONCLUSION: PTX prevents NOD mice from developing type 1 diabetes,which may be related to the downregulation of caspase-3 and caspase-8 expressions in pancreas and then the decrease of beta-cell apoptosis.     

Effects of simvastatin on expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in myocardium of rats with renal ischemia-reperfusion injury

AIM: To observe the effect of simvastatin on myocardial tissue after renal ischemia-reperfusion injury and its mechanism. METHODS: A rat model of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury was prepared by clamping the bilateral renal arteries for 45 min. The rats (n=36) were randomly divided into sham operation group, renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) group and simvastatin group with 12 rats in each group. The content of serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and myocardial tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), the myocardial activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the myocardial protein expression of Bcl-2 and Bax were detected. RESULTS: Compared with sham operation group, the content of SCr, BUN and myocardial MDA, and the myocardial activity of LDH and CK in I/R group were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the activity of SOD was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with I/R group, the content of SCr, BUN and myocardial MDA, and the myocardial activity of LDH and CK in simvastatin group were significantly decreased (P<0.05), while SOD activity was enhanced (P<0.05). The protein expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in sham operation group was less than that in I/R group (P<0.05), and the protein level of Bax in simvastatin group was significantly lower than that in I/R group (P<0.05), while the protein level of Bcl-2 was increased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Simvastatin has a protective effect on the myocardium of the rats with renal ischemia-reperfusion injury, and the protective mechanism may be related to the elimination of free radicals by simvastatin, increase in the protein expression of Bcl-2 and decrease in the protein expression of Bax.