[Percutaneous catheterization for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a retrospective case series]

Objective: To review the experience of percutaneous catheterization for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) by respiratory intensivists at a single institution. Methods: A retrospective review of 87 patients undergoing percutaneous catheterization for ECMO in Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from November 2009 to January 2017. Subject demographics, type of support, cannulation configuration, types of cannulas, use of imaging modalities, and complications were recorded and summarized. Results: The 87 patients consisted of 61 males and 26 females. The average age was (47±16)years (range 15-82 years ). Fifty-six patients were given ECMO therapy because of acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS), and 16 were treated as a bridge for lung transplantation and 15 for other causes. Eighty-one cases were given VV-ECMO support, and 6 cases were given VA-ECMO support. The most commonly used cannulas were 15-17 F arterial cannulas and 21-23 F venous cannulas. Preinsertion ultrasound was performed in 62 patients (71%) . Bedside chest radiography was used to help adjust the position of the end of the cannula in 11 patients (13%). Percutaneous catheterization was successful in 85 cases (97%) , while it failed in 2 female patients due to thick subcutaneous fat layer, and open surgical approach was used. Percutaneous femoral artery collateral circulation was established by ourselves in 5 cases. One patient with femoral artery catheterization without collateral circulation had gangrene of limbs. The complications included 9 cases of catheter site hemorrhage, 4 catheter-related bloodstream infection and 1 pulmonary embolism during ECMO weaning. Conclusion: Percutaneous catheterization for ECMO can be performed with a high rate of success and a low rate of complications.

Retinoic acid increases the anticancer effect of paclitaxel by inducing differentiation of cancer stem cells in melanoma

Malignant melanoma is a highly lethal disease, and advanced stages of melanoma have proven to be resistant to many chemotherapeutic drugs including temozolomide and paclitaxel. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified and isolated in different cancers including melanoma, and have been proven playing important role in the drug resistance. Retinoic acid (RA) is a promising anticancer agent, which can induce differentiation of CSCs. The main purpose of the present study was to evaluate the possible RA-induced differentiation of melanoma CSCs and sensitization of melanoma CSCs to paclitaxel. Our results show that CSCs of human melanoma A375 cells was more tolerant to paclitaxel than other non-CSCs melanoma cells. On the contrary, RA had stronger inhibitory effect on melanoma CSCs than on non-CSCs. At the same time, RA could arrest the cell cycle of CSCs and reduce the expression of Sox-2, Oct-4 in CSCs of melanoma, thereby induced the differentiation of CSCs and increased its sensitivity to paclitaxel. With this study we concluded that RA increases the anticancer effect of paclitaxel by inducing differentiation of cancer stem cells in melanoma, and the combined application of RA and paclitaxel may be more effective in the treatment of melanoma.

[Plaque features in saphenous vein graft evaluated by virtual histology intravascular ultrasound]

Objective: To investigate the features of plaques of saphenous venous graft (SVG) with virtual histology intravascular ultrasound (VH-IVUS) in patients underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Methods: From March 2016 to March 2018, a total of 45 patients ((64.4±7.9) years old, 88.9% male (40 cases)) with ischemic symptoms after coronary artery bypass graft surgery and with coronary artery angiography evidenced SVG stenosis greater than or equal to 50%, who received percutaneous coronary intervention in Tianjin chest hospital were continuously included in this study, and the clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. VH-IVUS was performed before PCI to analyze plaque composition. The patients were divided into no smoking group (21 cases) and smoking group (24 cases), no diabetes group (30 cases) and diabetes group (15 cases), normal very low density lipoprotein cholesterin (VLDL-C) group (24 cases) and elevated VLDL-C group (21 cases), stable angina pectoris group (5 cases) and acute coronary syndrome group (40 cases), plaque burden (PB) < 70% group (11 cases) and PB ≥ 70% group (34 cases), without thin-cap fibroatheroma group (35 cases) and thin-cap fibroatheroma group (10 cases), and plaque features were compared between different groups. Results: The graft age was (8.9±3.7) years.The stenosis degree of SVG lesions was 90 (90, 98) %. The minimum lumen diameter was 1.6 (1.5, 1.8) mm. The vessel cross-sectional area was (12.1±4.0) mm(2). The plaque area was 8.6 (5.7,12.0) mm(2). The minimum lumen area was 2.5 (2.1,3.3) mm(2). The plaque burden was (75.3±8.3)%. The fibrotic tissue (FI) ratio was (65.1±10.1)%, fibrofatty plaque (FF) ratio was 13.8 (5.4,25.3) %, necrotic core tissue (NC) ratio was 12.0 (5.4,24.0)%, and dense calcium tissue (DC) ratio was1.0 (0.2,3.8)% in SVG lesions. There were no significant differences in SVG plaque area, FI area,FF area,NC area,and DC area between no smoking group and smoking group, no diabetes group and diabetes group, and normal VLDL-C group and elevated VLDL-C group. SVG plaque volume was significantly higher in acute coronary syndrome group than in stable angina pectoris group (262.2 (148.5,401.2) mm(3) vs. 93.1 (50.6,155.9) mm(3),P=0.006), and plaque area (10.1 (6.6,13.3) mm(2) vs. 5.0 (3.6,6.9) mm(2), P<0.001), FI area(4.8 (3.2,6.8) mm(2) vs. 2.8 (1.9,3.0) mm(2), P<0.001),and FF area (1.15 (0.60, 2.07) mm(2) vs. 0.30 (0.10,0.90) mm(2), P=0.009) were significantly larger in PB ≥ 70% group than in PB < 70% group.The NC area (1.75(0.40,2.78) mm(2) vs. 0.60 (0.20,1.30) mm(2), P=0.030) and DC area (0.35 (0.10,0.50) mm(2) vs. 0.00 (0.00,0.10) mm(2), P=0.006) were significantly larger in thin-cap fibroatheroma group than that in without thin-cap fibroatheroma group. Spearman correlation analysis showed that the plaque area of SVG lesion was positively correlated with FF area (r=0.64, P<0.001) and NC area (r=0.43, P=0.003). PB was positively correlated with FF area (r=0.50, P<0.001) and NC area (r=0.33, P=0.028). Graft age was positively correlated with FF area (r=0.30, P=0.047). Conclusions: The main components of SVG plaque are fibrotic tissue, conversely, calcified tissue is rare in patients with SVG stenosis after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Fibrofatty tissue is increased in the plaque in patients with PB ≥ 70%. The necrotic component is also increased in patients with thin-cap fibroatheroma. The fibrofatty component increases and the plaque tends to be unstable in proportion with increaing age of the graft in this patient cohort.

OCT4 is up-regulated by DNA hypomethylation of promoter in recurrent gliomas

OCT4, a marker of embryonic stem cells, is also a key transcription factor that plays a regulatory role in the self-renewal, proliferation and differentiation of stem cells. Previous studies showed that DNA methylation is involved in the regulation of OCT4 expression during the development and differentiation of embryonic stem cells. However, DNA methylation in the promoter region of OCT4 has not yet been discussed in human recurrent glioma. In this study, we assessed the specimens from 24 cases of recurrent glioma for OCT4 expression and methylation status, and commenced analyzing the correlation between the two by treating glioma cells with a demethylating agent in vitro. The results demonstrated that for the same cases, the expression of OCT4 in specimens of recurrent glioma was significant higher than that in primary glioma (P<0.05). DNA methylation levels in recurrent glioma decreased obviously compared with that in primary glioma (t=9.800, P=0.008). In vitro study indicated, following demethylation treatment, glioma cells had an increased OCT4 expression. These results suggest that DNA hypomethylation may be a key mechanism underlying the up-regulation of OCT4 in the recurrence of glioma, which facilitates the understanding of the role of stem cells and the exploration of novel strategies for the treatment of recurrent glioma.

A Successful Case of Liver Transplantation in an Adult With Congenital Hepatic Arteriovenous Fistulae Associated Cardiac Dilatation and Heart Failure

Congenital hepatic arteriovenous fistulae (CHAVF) are direct communications between the hepatic artery and portal vein or hepatic vein. Clinical symptoms of CHAVF depend mainly on the location, duration, and blood flow volume of the fistulae, which are manifested by portal hypertension, hepatic fibrosis, cardiac enlargement, and eventually heart failure. Here we report a female patient aged 54 who was first admitted to our hospital due to recurrent chest tightness and palpitations in March 2014. Metoprolol tartrate and diltiazem hydrochloride were prescribed to control the symptom since nothing unusual was found in coronary angiography and abdominal ultrasound. Until April 2015, the patient's syndrome relapsed and abdominal computed tomography angiography and digital subtraction angiography revealed diffuse arteriovenous fistulae between the branches of hepatic artery and vein. Subsequently, 3 attempts at hepatic arterial embolization were performed; however, her abdominal pain aggravated and her heart discomfort could not be relieved eventually. Therefore, orthotopic liver transplantation as the salvage treatment was performed using a hepatic graft from a 19-year-old cardiac-death donor performed on January 1, 2017. Upon operation, the enlarged right hepatic artery whose diameter was approximately 1.5 cm in this recipient. And we also demonstrated a novel manner that the graft's celiac artery patch was anastomosed to the recipient's proper hepatic artery and gastroduodenal artery patch, which could reduce the blood flow successfully. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged home on the postoperatively 15th day. Since her liver transplantation, she has not complained of cardiac discomfort and abdominal pain, and her heart size has returned to normal on echocardiography. The hepatic artery peak velocity reduced to normal and the heart shadow also recovered. Nevertheless, for complex and diffuse intrahepatic vascular fistulae after failed hepatic artery embolization, liver transplantation should be strongly considered as the definitive treatment of choice.

Nitric oxide inhibits the transcription of E6 gene of human papillomavirus

High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is an important pathogenic factor for cervical cancer and understanding the mechanism of HPV gene transcription is important for the prevention and therapy of HPV related cervical cancer. This study aimed to investigate the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the regulation of HPV gene transcription. SiHa cells containing integrated HPV16 were treated with NO donor DETA-NO and cell proliferation and cytotoxicity were determined. HPV gene transcription was detected by real-time PCR. We found no significant cytotoxic effects on SiHa cells when the concentration of DETA-NO was less than 0.5 mmol/l. The transcription of HPV E6 gene was inhibited by DETA-NO in a dose-dependent manner and the best inhibitory effect was observed at 0.5 mmol/l DETA-NO. In addition, ERK inhibitor U0126 decreased the transcription of HPV E6 gene at the concentration of 30 μmol/l. In conclusion, NO inhibits the transcription of HPV E6 gene and probably involves MAPK signaling pathway. Keywords: SiHa cells; nitric oxide; MAPK pathway; HPV transcription.

CCR6 defines a subset of activated memory T cells of Th17 potential in immune thrombocytopenia

Current researches have determined the significance of C-C chemokine receptor (CCR)6 expression as either a marker of T helper cells (Th) or an effector and regulator of T cell function. However, the roles of CCR6 in the pathogenesis of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) are unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the phenotype and functional characteristics of circulating CCR6⁺ T cells in blood from chronic ITP patients and healthy controls. We found that the frequency of CCR6⁺ CD4⁺ cells was higher in ITP patients than in healthy controls. Anti-CD3/anti-CD28 stimulation induced rapid expansion of CCR6⁺ CD4⁺ cells in ITP patients. CCR6⁺ CD4⁺ cells had a phenotype of activated cells and predominantly expressed CD45RO. Forkhead box protein P3 (FoxP3) and CD25-positive cells were exclusively detected within the CCR6⁺ CD4⁺ cells. In ITP patients, CCR6⁺ regulatory T cells (T_reg ) were decreased and positively correlated with platelet counts and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β plasma levels. In contrast to CCR6^- counterparts, CCR6⁺ CD4⁺ cells produced higher levels of interleukin (IL)-17A. The frequency of CCR6⁺ Th17 was higher in ITP patients and positively correlated with IL-17A levels in supernatant. Most importantly, CCR6⁺ CD4⁺ cell subpopulations, but not CCR6^- CD4⁺ , were closely correlated to treatment response of ITP patients. These findings suggest that circulating CCR6⁺ CD4⁺ cells in ITP patients have characteristics of activated memory Th17 phenotype and could be used to monitor disease activity and treatment response.

[Research advances on the therapy of pancreatic fistula after pancreatic surgery]

Pancreatic fistula is a common and serious complication after pancreatic surgery. Pancreatic fistula, intra-abdominal infection and hemorrhage are known as the " lethal triad" after pancreatic surgery, which seriously affect the curative efficacy of operation. Although the incidence of pancreatic fistula has not been significantly reduced, there have been a large number of studies on the risk factors of pancreatic fistula and the means of prevention and therapy, which try to minimize the harm of pancreatic fistula. In this article we review the recent development of the latest definition, high risk factors and treatment of postoperative pancreatic fistula according to relevant literatures at home and abroad, aiming at summarizing the research advances on the therapy of pancreatic fistula after pancreatic surgery.

Birth population survey in Huai'an in 2015: perinatal-neonatal mortality and preterm birth rate in emerging regions in China

Objective: This survey followed the birth population-based study conducted in 2010 in Huai'an, Jiangsu Province, with the aim to estimate perinatal-neonatal mortality and preterm birth rate in emerging regions with similar maternal-fetal and neonatal care conditions in China.Materials and methods: Data of total births in 2015 were prospectively collected by regional perinatal network collaboration in Huai'an, a subprovincial region with a population of 5,644,500 and gross domestic production of 9082 USD per capita.Results: The 59,424 birth registries (including 59,023 live births and 167 stillbirths) corresponded to a birth rate of 10.5‰ and a Male-to-female ratio of 113.7:100. All births there were from 85, 16, and 6 level I, II, and III hospitals, with a delivery rate of 30.4, 40.2, and 29.4%, respectively. Of all births, 14.1% had pregnancy-associated comorbidities and complications, 54.4% (32,226/59,190) had cesarean delivery, and multiple pregnancies and birth defects occurred in 2.1% (1,250) and 5.5‰ (324), respectively. The mean birth weight was 3448 ± 507 g with 13.9% being macrosomia, and 2.86% (1695/59,190) low birth weight. Preterm birth rate was 4.06% (2404/59,190) with a mortality rate of 8.5%. There were 94.5% recorded as healthy newborns and 5.5% (3263) requiring hospitalization after birth. The perinatal and neonatal mortality rate was 5.2‰ (167 stillbirths, 139 early neonatal deaths) and 4.0‰, respectively. Compared with the 2010 survey, these data demonstrated generally improved status of perinatal-neonatal healthcare.Conclusions: The low rates of perinatal-neonatal mortality, preterm birth and preterm mortality suggest that the concept and study protocol of perinatal-neonatal healthcare in Huai'an may serve as the benchmark for estimating regional vital statistics and perinatal and neonatal outcomes.

A Panel Containing PD-1, IL-2Rα, IL-10, and CA15-3 as a Biomarker to Discriminate Breast Cancer from Benign Breast Disease

Background: Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), an immune checkpoint molecule, has recently been recognized as a predictive and prognostic biomarker in several malignant tumors, but its diagnostic value remains largely unknown. Aim: We aimed to investigate the differential diagnostic efficiency of PD-1 and other immune molecules, and propose a panel of immune molecules combined with cancer antigen 15-3 (CA15-3) to distinguish breast cancer (BC) from benign breast disease (BBD). Methods: Ninety-one eligible BC patients and 31 BBD patients were enrolled. Pretreatment peripheral blood was collected and tested for mRNA expression of PD-1, cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4), forkhead box P3 (FOXP3), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), interleukin-10 (IL-10), IL-2 receptor alpha (IL-2Rα), and cluster of differentiation 28 (CD28) by quantitative real-time PCR. Results: The diagnostic areas under curve (AUCs) of PD-1, IL-2Rα, and IL-10 for BC-BBD discrimination were 0.764, 0.758, and 0.743, respectively. The diagnostic efficiencies of these 2 parameters in distinguishing early-stage or advanced BC from BBD were consistent with a role in BC-BBD discrimination. A panel of PD-1 + IL-10 + IL-2Rα + CA15-3 showed the highest AUC (0.862), with sensitivity of 0.933 and specificity of 0.724, for BC-BBD discrimination. In addition, for early-stage BC discrimination, this panel also had the highest AUC (0.811), with a sensitivity of 0.933 and specificity of 0.614, while for advanced BC discrimination, a panel of PD-1 + IL-10 + CA15-3 exhibited the highest AUC (0.896), with a sensitivity of 0.933 and specificity of 0.783. Conclusion: These data indicate that the panel containing PD-1, IL-2Rα, IL-10, and CA15-3 can effectively discriminate BC from BBD with a high efficiency. After further confirmation, it could be used to complement conventional imaging modalities, especially in discriminating early-stage BC from BBD.

Increased PD-1 MRNA Expression in Peripheral Blood Cells of ER+ and PR+ Breast Cancer Patients and Its Unfavorable Prognostic Value

Background: The clinical significance of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) expression on tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in breast cancer patients has been confirmed, while that of peripheral blood cells derived immune molecules remain unclear. Aim: We aimed to investigate the clinical importance of immune molecules, including PD-1 and CTLA-4, expression in peripheral blood cells of breast cancer patients, especially in terms of the relationship between immune molecules and estrogen receptor (ER)/progesterone receptor (PR) status, as well as their prognostic values. Methods: We enrolled 109 breast cancer patients, including 52 cases before surgery and neoadjuvant treatment (PreS group), 18 cases postsurgery and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (PostS group), 39 metastatic cases presalvage treatment (Met group), and 21 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers). The mRNA abundance of PD-1, CTLA-4, IL-2 receptor alpha (IL-2Rα), and cluster of differentiation 28 (CD28), forkhead box P3 (FOXP3), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in pretreatment peripheral blood were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. Results: ER+ breast cancer patients showed significant higher mRNA levels of PD-1, CTLA-4, IL-2Rα, and CD28 with fold changes of 10.8, 2.4, 5.0, and 3.8, respectively ( P < 0.05) than that of ER− cases. Similarly, PR+ patients showed increased levels of PD-1, CTLA-4, and CD28 with fold changes of 6.7, 2.0, and 2.5, respectively ( P < 0.05) comparing to that of PR− cases. Patients in PreS group and Met group showed higher mRNA levels of PD-1, CTLA-4, IL-2Rα, CD28, FOXP3, TGF-β, and IL-10 than PostS group and healthy volunteers. Univariable analysis revealed that high PD-1 expression was associated with poorer progression-free survival (PFS) in metastatic breast cancer patients (5.9 vs 14.6 months, HR: 2.47, 95% CI: 1.22-5.02, P = 0.046). Meanwhile, the prognostic value of PD-1 was remained in multivariate analyses (HR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.04-4.73, P = 0.039). Conclusion: Increased PD-1, CTLA-4, and CD28 mRNA abundance were showed in breast cancer patients and ER+/PR+ cases, which may provide the rationale for combining checkpoint inhibitors with endocrine therapy for breast cancer treatment. Furthermore, PD-1 is a promising prognostic biomarker for metastatic breast cancer.

The Src homology and collagen A (ShcA) adaptor protein may participate in the pathogenesis of membranous lupus nephritis

The Src homology and collagen A (ShcA) adaptor protein that binds to tyrosine kinase receptors. ShcA plays a role in insulin signaling, stress resistance and energy metabolism. The 66-kDa Src homology 2 domain-containing protein (p66shc) belongs to the ShcA family and has been associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS); increased ROS is involved in the pathology of lupus nephritis (LN). However, whether ShcA can act as a biomarker for oxidative injury in LN is unknown. This study is aimed to investigate the ShcA expression in kidney tissues from patients presenting with LN and the association between ShcA expression and clinical parameters. Renal biopsy tissues were obtained from 62 LN, 20 primary membranous nephropathy (MN) and 10 other secondary MN patients. ShcA was measured by immunofluorescence. The expression of ShcA in the membranous lupus nephritis (class V) group showed a higher trend but there were no significant differences compared with pure mesangial disease (class II) and proliferative (Class III/IV) lupus nephritis. ShcA deposits were negative in primary and other secondary MN. ShcA might act as a new biomarker and a diagnostic tool to identify membranous lupus nephritis with other MN.

[Clinical analysis of small incision minimally invasive approach in treatment of infected pancreatic necrosis]

Objective: To investigate the safety and efficiency of small incision minimally invasive approach pancreatic necrosectomy in the treatment of infected pancreatic necrosis. Methods: The data of 164 patients who underwent small incision minimally invasive approach pancreatic necrosectomy for infected pancreatic necrosis at Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from January 2012 to December 2016 were analyzed retrospectively.Among 164 patients, there were 102 male and 62 female patients.The median age was 46 years(ranging from 19 to 79 years). One hundred and one patients(61.6%) suffered from severe acute pancreatitis and 63 patients(38.4%) suffered from moderately severe acute pancreatitis.Following step-up approach principle, the surgical procedures were performed for 131 patients(79.9%) who suffered from sepsis which could not be alleviated via percutaneous catheter drainage(PCD). The other 33 patients(20.1%) who did not undergo PCD directly took small incision minimally invasive approach pancreatic necrosectomy.Preoperative CT images were used to determine the location of the lesion.The PCD puncture points or the points where the abscess was closest to the skin were chosen as the incision.Gradually, the small incision minimally invasive approach pancreatic necrosectomy were performed via cutting all layers into the abscess. Results: The median time from the onset of symptom to first operation was 32 days(ranging from 23 to 45 days). The average hospital stay was 46 days(ranging from 29 to 103 days). The average number of drainage tubes placed was 4 pieces(ranging from 2 to 8 pieces). Ninety-two patients(56.0%) underwent minimal access retroperitoneal pancreatic necrosectomy. Thirty-six patients(22.0%) underwent minimal invasive approach lesser omentum sac pancreatic necrosectomy.Thirty-six patients(22.0%) underwent minimal invasive approach lesser omentum sac pancreatic necrosectomy combined with minimal access retroperitoneal pancreatic necrosectomy.A total of 148 cases(90.2%) were cured via minimally invasive approach pancreatic necrosectomy, 8 cases(4.9%) were cured after transfering to open pancreatic necrosectomy.The cure rate was 95.1%(156/164). The mainly postoperative complications included pancreatic fistula(25 cases), intra-abdominal hemorrhage(10 cases), gastric fistula (2 cases), duodenal fistula(4 cases) and colonic fistula(3 cases). The overall incidence rate of complications was 26.8%(44/164). Eight cases were dead after surgery and the in-hospital mortality was 4.9%(8/164). Conclusion: In summary, small incision minimally invasive approach pancreatic necrosectomy is an effective way to clean up necrotic tissue, improve the drainage, reduce complications in dealing with infected pancreatic necrosis.

[Influence of celastrol on toll-like receptor 4-mediated signaling pathway in the free fatty acids-induced HepG2 cells]

Objective: To investigate the effect and mechanism of celastrol on free fatty acids (FFAs)-induced HepG2 cells. Methods: Cultured human HepG2 cells were transfected with toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) siRNA, and the interference efficiencies were examined by real-time PCR. HepG2 cells were treated with FFAs and celastrol, and the untreated cells were used as a normal control (NC). Deposition of lipids in the HepG2 cells were visualized by Oil Red O staining. The protein expression of TLR4 and downstream inflammatory mediators [myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), nuclear factor (NF)-κBp65, interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)] in the HepG2 cells were determined by Western blotting. The significance of the data obtained was evaluated using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: Red lipid droplets were extensively deposited in HepG2 cells after 0.5 mmol/L FFAs induction and significantly decreased in the celastrol-treated group. The protein expression of TLR4 and downstream inflammatory mediators (MyD88, NF-κBp65, IL-1β and TNF-α) in the FFAs-induced HepG2 cells increased significantly compared with those of the NC group (all P<0.05), and were suppressed in TLR4 siRNA-treated and celastrol-treated group (TLR4: 0.69±0.14, 1.63±0.12 vs 2.46±0.23; MyD88: 1.21±0.12, 1.35±0.18 vs 1.62±0.19; NF-κBp65: 1.69±0.14, 1.54±0.36 vs 2.19±0.47; IL-1β: 1.51±0.16, 1.45±0.38 vs 1.82±0.27; TNF-α: 1.60±0.14, 1.41±0.29 vs 1.88±0.19) (all P<0.01). Co-treatment with TLR4 siRNA and celastrol further reduced the expression of inflammation mediators compared with those of the TLR4 siRNA-treated group (MyD88: 1.09±0.23 vs 1.21±0.12; NF-κBp65: 1.24±0.20 vs 1.69±0.14; IL-1β: 1.28±0.31 vs 1.51±0.16; TNF-α: 1.10±0.29 vs 1.60±0.14) (all P<0.01). Conclusion: Celastrol exerts its protective effect partly via inhibiting the TLR4-mediated signaling pathways in the steatotic HepG2 cells.

Effect of rutin on cisplatin-induced damage in human mesangial cells via apoptotic pathway

Cisplatin (CP) is one of the most effective and widely used compounds in the treatment of disease, including cancer, but is known to induce toxicity in patients. Rutin (RUT) is a flavonoid glycoside from Sophora japonica L. that has been shown to possess antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. RUT is also known to attenuate cardiotoxicity, isoproterenol-induced cardiac fibrosis, and ischemia/reperfusion-associated hemodynamic alteration, and prevents high glucose-induced renal glomerular endothelial hyperpermeability. In this study, we investigated the effect of RUT on CP-induced nephrotoxicity. CP was used to induce toxicity in human mesangial cells (HMCs), HMCs were pretreated with different concentrations of RUT before being exposed to 10 μg/mL of CP. A positive group was pretreated with antioxidant agent N-acetylcysteine prior to CP administration. At doses between 12.5 and 25 μM, RUT prevented CP-induced reduction in cell viability. Treatment with RUT suppressed intracellular reactive oxygen species and malonic dialdehyde levels and inhibited cell apoptosis. RUT reversed the CP-induced upregulation of p53, cleaved-caspase-3, and increased pro-caspase-3 and pro-caspase-9 levels. In conclusion, the RUT can relieve CP-induced nephrotoxicity by inhibiting the p53/caspase signaling pathway.