Modulation of soluble phases of endothelial/leukocyte adhesion molecule 1, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 with interleukin-1beta after experimental endotoxic challenge

Association between all-cause mortality and vascular complications in U.S. adults with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (NHANES 1999-2018)

AIMS

The impact of macrovascular and microvascular complications, the common vascular complications of type 2 diabetes, on long-term mortality has been well evaluated, but the impact of different complications of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (diagnosed within the past 2 years) on long-term mortality has not been reported. We aimed to investigate the relationship between all-cause mortality and vascular complications in U.S. adults (aged ≥ 20 years) with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

We used data from the 1999-2018 National Health and Nutritional Examination Surveys (NHANES). Cox proportional hazard models was used to assess hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals for all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 928 participants were enrolled in this study. At a mean follow-up of 10.8 years, 181 individuals died. In the fully adjusted model, the hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) of all-cause mortality for individuals with any single complication compared with those with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes without complications was 2.24 (1.37, 3.69), and for individuals with two or more complications was 5.34 (3.01, 9.46).Co-existing Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) at baseline were associated with the highest risk of death (HR 6.07[2.92-12.62]), followed by CKD and cardiovascular disease (CVD) (HR 4.98[2.79-8.89]) and CVD and DR (HR 4.58 [1.98-10.57]).

CONCLUSION

The presence of single and combined diabetes complications exerts a long-term synergistic adverse impact on overall mortality in newly diagnosed U.S. adults with type 2 diabetes, underscoring the importance of comprehensive complication screening to enhance risk stratification and treatment.

Exploring the shared molecular mechanism of microvascular and macrovascular complications in diabetes: Seeking the hub of circulatory system injury

BACKGROUND

Microvascular complications, such as diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic nephropathy (DN), and macrovascular complications, referring to atherosclerosis (AS), are the main complications of diabetes. Blindness or fatal microvascular diseases are considered to be identified earlier than fatal macrovascular complications. Exploring the intrinsic relationship between microvascular and macrovascular complications and the hub of pathogenesis is of vital importance for prolonging the life span of patients with diabetes and improving the quality of life.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The expression profiles of GSE28829, GSE30529, GSE146615 and GSE134998 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, which contained 29 atherosclerotic plaque samples, including 16 AS samples and 13 normal controls; 22 renal glomeruli and tubules samples from diabetes nephropathy including 12 DN samples and 10 normal controls; 73 lymphoblastoid cell line samples, including 52 DR samples and 21 normal controls. The microarray datasets were consolidated and DEGs were acquired and further analyzed by bioinformatics techniques including GSEA analysis, GO-KEGG functional clustering by R (version 4.0.5), PPI analysis by Cytoscape (version 3.8.2) and String database, miRNA analysis by Diana database, and hub genes analysis by Metascape database. The drug sensitivity of characteristic DEGs was analyzed.

RESULT

A total of 3709, 4185 and 8086 DEGs were recognized in AS, DN, DR, respectively, with 1820, 1666, 888 upregulated and 1889, 2519, 7198 downregulated. GO and KEGG pathway analyses of DEGs and GSEA analysis of common differential genes demonstrated that these significant sites focused primarily on inflammation-oxidative stress and immune regulation pathways. PPI networks show the connection and regulation on top-250 significant sites of AS, DN, DR. MiRNA analysis explored the non-coding RNA upstream regulation network and significant pathway in AS, DN, DR. The joint analysis of multiple diseases shows the common influenced pathways of AS, DN, DR and explored the interaction between top-1000 DEGs at the same time.

CONCLUSION

In the microvascular and macrovascular complications of diabetes, immune-mediated inflammatory response, chronic inflammation caused by endothelial cell activation and oxidative stress are the three links linking atherosclerosis, diabetes retinopathy and diabetes nephropathy together. Our study has clarified the intrinsic relationship and common tissue damage mechanism of microcirculation and circulatory system complications in diabetes, and explored the mechanism center of these two vascular complications. It has far-reaching clinical and social value for reducing the incidence of fatal events and early controlling the progress of disabling and fatal circulatory complications in diabetes.

Platelet-To-Lymphocyte and Neutrophil-To-Lymphocyte Ratios Predict Intestinal Injury in Male Heroin Addicts

Objective

To explore the potential link between gut damage and proinflammatory cytokines in heroin-dependent patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed and compared partial blood counts and biomarkers of intestinal injury and their potential correlations in 38 male heroin abuse patients and 29 healthy male participants. In addition, we compared and assessed proinflammatory cytokines and immune cells in 10 heroin abuse patients and 10 healthy participants.

Results

Neutrophil counts, platelets/lymphocytes (PLR), neutrophils/lymphocytes (NLR), gut injury biomarkers, and proinflammatory cytokines, CD19+B in patients compared with healthy subjects' cells increased significantly. The number of lymphocytes, CD3 CD4 T cells, and CD3 CD8 T cells decreased in patients compared to healthy individuals. When distinguishing between heroin addicts and healthy people, ROC/AUC analysis showed that a cutoff of 142.42 for PLR and 2.18 for NLR yielded a sensitivity of 65% and 85% and a specificity of 96.5% and 89.7%, respectively (p = 0.001, p < 0.001). For predicting intestinal injury, ROC/AUC analysis showed that a cutoff of 135.7 for PLR and 0.15 for NLR yielded a sensitivity of 52% and 60% and a specificity of 82% and 86.4%, respectively (p = 0.003, p = 0.009). Male heroin addicts are subject to intestinal injury and present with increased proinflammatory cytokine levels.

Conclusion

NLR and PLR are possible indirect biomarkers for heroin dependence based on intestinal injury.

Diabetes and Its Complications: Therapies Available, Anticipated and Aspired

Worldwide, diabetes ranks among the ten leading causes of mortality. Prevalence of diabetes is growing rapidly in low and middle income countries. It is a progressive disease leading to serious co-morbidities, which results in increased cost of treatment and over-all health system of the country. Pathophysiological alterations in Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) progressed from a simple disturbance in the functioning of the pancreas to triumvirate to ominous octet to egregious eleven to dirty dozen model. Due to complex interplay of multiple hormones in T2D, there may be multifaceted approach in its management. The 'long-term secondary complications' in uncontrolled diabetes may affect almost every organ of the body, and finally may lead to multi-organ dysfunction. Available therapies are inconsistent in maintaining long term glycemic control and their long term use may be associated with adverse effects. There is need for newer drugs, not only for glycemic control but also for prevention or mitigation of secondary microvascular and macrovascular complications. Increased knowledge of the pathophysiology of diabetes has contributed to the development of novel treatments. Several new agents like Glucagon Like Peptide - 1 (GLP-1) agonists, Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV (DPP-4) inhibitors, amylin analogues, Sodium-Glucose transport -2 (SGLT- 2) inhibitors and dual Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR) agonists are available or will be available soon, thus extending the range of therapy for T2D, thereby preventing its long term complications. The article discusses the pathophysiology of diabetes along with its comorbidities, with a focus on existing and novel upcoming antidiabetic drugs which are under investigation. It also dives deep to deliberate upon the novel therapies that are in various stages of development. Adding new options with new mechanisms of action to the treatment armamentarium of diabetes may eventually help improve outcomes and reduce its economic burden.

Antioxidant Effects and Mechanisms of Medicinal Plants and Their Bioactive Compounds for the Prevention and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes: An Updated Review

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that majorly affects the endocrine gland, and it is symbolized by hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance owing to deficient insulin secretory responses and beta cell dysfunction. This ailment affects as many as 451 million people worldwide, and it is also one of the leading causes of death. In spite of the immense advances made in the development of orthodox antidiabetic drugs, these drugs are often considered not successful for the management and treatment of T2DM due to the myriad side effects associated with them. Thus, the exploration of medicinal herbs and natural products as therapeutic sources for the treatment of T2DM is promoted because they have little or no side effects. Bioactive molecules isolated from natural sources have been proven to lower blood glucose levels via regulating one or more of the following mechanisms: improvement of beta cell function, insulin resistance, glucose (re)absorption, and glucagon-like peptide-1 homeostasis. In recent times, the mechanisms of action of different bioactive molecules with antidiabetic properties and phytochemistry are gaining a lot of attention in the area of drug discovery. This review article presents an update of the findings from clinical research into medicinal plant therapy for T2DM.

Chronic hyperglycemia mediated physiological alteration and metabolic distortion leads to organ dysfunction, infection, cancer progression and other pathophysiological consequences: An update on glucose toxicity

Chronic exposure of glucose rich environment creates several physiological and pathophysiological changes. There are several pathways by which hyperglycemia exacerbate its toxic effect on cells, tissues and organ systems. Hyperglycemia can induce oxidative stress, upsurge polyol pathway, activate protein kinase C (PKC), enhance hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP), promote the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and finally alters gene expressions. Prolonged hyperglycemic condition leads to severe diabetic condition by damaging the pancreatic β-cell and inducing insulin resistance. Numerous complications have been associated with diabetes, thus it has become a major health issue in the 21st century and has received serious attention. Dysregulation in the cardiovascular and reproductive systems along with nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy, diabetic foot ulcer may arise in the advanced stages of diabetes. High glucose level also encourages proliferation of cancer cells, development of osteoarthritis and potentiates a suitable environment for infections. This review culminates how elevated glucose level carries out its toxicity in cells, metabolic distortion along with organ dysfunction and elucidates the complications associated with chronic hyperglycemia.

Less known pathophysiological mechanisms of anemia in patients with diabetic nephropathy

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is currently considered a modern global epidemic, and diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Anemia is one of the most significant complications of CKD, and it is mainly attributed to insufficient erythropoietin (EPO) production. However, anemia develops earlier in the course of CKD among patients with DM, and the severity of anemia tends to be more marked in these patients compared to nondiabetic subjects, regardless of the stage of CKD. In this review, we focus on the "less known" complex interacting mechanisms which are involved in the pathophysiology of anemia associated with DN. Although the major cause of anemia in DN is considered to be an inappropriate response of the plasma EPO concentration to anemia, several other possible mechanisms have been suggested. Glomerular hyperfiltration, proteinuria, renal tubular dysfunction and interstitial fibrosis are among the main culprits. On the other hand, systemic effects such as chronic inflammation, autonomic neuropathy and the renin-angiotensin system are also involved. Finally, several medications are considered to aggravate anemia associated with DN. Since anemia is an important predictor of quality of life and is implicated in the increased burden of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, further research is required to elucidate its pathogenesis in diabetic patients.

Mechanisms of diabetic complications

It is increasingly apparent that not only is a cure for the current worldwide diabetes epidemic required, but also for its major complications, affecting both small and large blood vessels. These complications occur in the majority of individuals with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Among the most prevalent microvascular complications are kidney disease, blindness, and amputations, with current therapies only slowing disease progression. Impaired kidney function, exhibited as a reduced glomerular filtration rate, is also a major risk factor for macrovascular complications, such as heart attacks and strokes. There have been a large number of new therapies tested in clinical trials for diabetic complications, with, in general, rather disappointing results. Indeed, it remains to be fully defined as to which pathways in diabetic complications are essentially protective rather than pathological, in terms of their effects on the underlying disease process. Furthermore, seemingly independent pathways are also showing significant interactions with each other to exacerbate pathology. Interestingly, some of these pathways may not only play key roles in complications but also in the development of diabetes per se. This review aims to comprehensively discuss the well validated, as well as putative mechanisms involved in the development of diabetic complications. In addition, new fields of research, which warrant further investigation as potential therapeutic targets of the future, will be highlighted.

Extracorporeal therapies in non-renal disease: treatment of sepsis and the peak concentration hypothesis

In the setting of intensive care, patients with acute renal failure often present a clinical picture of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). SIRS can be caused by bacterial stimuli or by non-microbiological stimuli that induce a significant inflammatory response. When this response is exaggerated, the patient experiences multiple organ system failure and a condition of sepsis also defined as a systemic malignant inflammation. This is mostly characterized by an invasion of cytokines and other pro-inflammatory mediators into the systemic circulation where major biological effects take place, including vasopermeabilization, hypotension and shock. At the same time, the monocyte of the septic patient seems to be hyporesponsive to inflammatory stimuli to a certain extent. In this condition, the patient faces a situation of hyperinflammation but at the same time of immunodepression expressing a clinical entity defined as counter anti-inflammatory response syndrome. The general picture of the clinical disorder is therefore better characterized by an immunodysregulation than by a simple pro- or anti-inflammatory disorder. Due to the short half-life of cytokines and other mediators spilled over into the circulation, it is extremely difficult to approach the problem at the right moment with the right pharmacological agent. For these reasons, the peak concentration hypothesis suggests that continuous renal replacement therapies, due to their continuity and unspecific capacity of removal, might be beneficial in cutting the peaks of the concentrations of both pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, restoring a situation of immunohomeostasis. Thus the patient may benefit from a lesser degree of immunodysregulation and he/she may restore a close-to-normal capacity of response to exogenous stimuli.

[Pathophysiological role of endotoxins, a common denominator to various diseases]

A growing number of investigations point to endotoxin or lipopolysaccharide as a central player in many pathophysiological states and diseases. Endotoxins are one of the most toxic biological contaminants continuously shed by both dead and live Gram negative bacteria. Endotoxins induce the primitive form of defense called innate immunity. Endotoxins have been related to inflammatory reactions observed in patients suffering from respiratory distress syndrome, multiorgan failure and septic shock, hepatic diseases, or in subjects affected by graft versus host disease after allogeneic transplantation. As our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying pathologies progresses, more diseases involving endotoxins emerge. Although these illnesses are multifactorial, the objective of this article is to review some of the common and distinct processes involving endotoxins in various disease states.

Interpreting the mechanisms of continuous renal replacement therapy in sepsis: the peak concentration hypothesis

Severe sepsis and septic shock are the primary causes of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), which is the most frequent cause of death in intensive care unit patients. Many water-soluble mediators with pro- and anti-inflammatory action such as TNF, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 play a strategic role in septic syndrome. In intensive care medicine, blocking any one mediator has not led to a measurable outcome improvement in patients with sepsis. CRRT is a continuously acting therapy, which removes in a nonselective way pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators; "the peak concentration hypothesis" is the concept of cutting peaks of soluble mediators through continuous hemofiltration. Furthermore, there is evidence of increased efficacy of high-volume hemofiltration compared to conventional CVVH, and other blood purification techniques that utilize large-pore membranes or sorbent plasmafiltration are conceptually interesting.

Artificial organ treatment for multiple organ failure, acute renal failure, and sepsis: recent new trends

Sepsis remains the major cause of mortality worldwide, claiming millions of lives each year. The past decade has seen major advances in the understanding of the biological mechanisms involved in this complex process. Unfortunately, no definitive therapy yet exists that can successfully treat sepsis and its complications. At variance with targeting single mediators, therapeutic intervention aimed at the nonselective removal of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators seems a rational concept and a possible key to successful extracorporeal therapies. A further advantage may lie in the continuous nature of such therapy. With such continuous therapy, sequentially appearing peaks of systemic mediator overflow may be attenuated and persistently high plasma levels reduced. This theoretical framework is proposed as the underlying biological rationale for a series of innovative modalities in sepsis. In this editorial, we will review recent animal and human trials that lend support to this concept. We will also review the importance of treatment dose during continuous renal replacement therapy as a major factor affecting survival in critically ill patients with acute renal failure. Additionally, we will review novel information related to other blood purification techniques using large pore membranes or plasma filtration with adsorbent perfusion. Although these approaches are still in the early stages of clinical testing, they are conceptually promising and might represent an important advance.

Atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance: mechanistic links and therapeutic targets

The ongoing heavy burden of cardiovascular disease associated with diabetes mellitus highlights the failure of current treatment strategies to address effectively the cardiovascular risk profile in such patients. Insulin resistance is not only an underlying feature in most cases of type 2 diabetes, but is also associated, through the Insulin Resistance Syndrome, with cardiovascular risk factors that promote atherothrombosis through diverse mechanisms. Growing evidence suggests that treatment with anti-diabetic agents that improve insulin sensitivity, such as the thiazolidinediones, improve multiple components of the Insulin Resistance Syndrome, have beneficial effects on various atherothrombotic mechanisms, and reduce atherosclerosis in animal models and perhaps humans as well. Given data implicating chronic inflammation as a central feature of atherosclerosis, the anti-inflammatory activity of the thiazolidinediones may contribute to their potential anti-atherosclerotic effects. An improved understanding of the mechanisms linking diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease is needed in order to understand how these and other current and emerging therapies might reduce diabetes-associated cardiovascular disease.

Intestinal damage mediated by Kupffer cells in rats with endotoxemia

AIM: To determine the in vivo effects of phagocytic blockade of Kupffer cell (KC) on the release of proinflammatory cytokines in small intestinal lesion and on the integrity of intestinal tract by using gadolinium chloride (GdCl₃) during early endotoxemia.

METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into three groups: Group A, rats were injected with endotoxin (E. coli O111:B4, a dose of 12 mg•kg⁻¹) only; Group B, rats were pretreated intravenously with 25 mg of GdCl₃ per kg 24 h are given endotoxin; and Group C, sham operation only. All animals were sacrificed 4 h after endotoxin injection. In portion of the rats of three groups, bile duct was cannulated, which the bile was collected externally. Morphological changes of ileum were observed under light microscopy and electronic microscopy. The KC were isolated from rats by collagenase perfusion and in KC, expression of TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA were determined by RT-PCR analysis. Plasma and bile TNF-α and IL-6 Levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS: In group A, there were neutrophil infiltration and superficial epithelial necrosis of the ileal villi, sloughing of mucosal epithelium, and disappearance of some villi. In group B, the ileal mucosal damage was much reduced. Which in group C, no significant morphological changes were seen. GdCl₃ pretreatment decreased significantly the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA in group B (4.32 ± 0.47 and 4.05 ± 0.43) when compared to group A (9.46 ± 1.21 and 9.04 ± 1.09) (P < 0.05). There was no significant expression of TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA in group C (1.03 ± 0.14 and 10.4 ± 0.13). In rats of group A, the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in bile and plasma were 207 ± 29 ng·L^-1, 1032 ± 107 ng·L^-1, 213 ± 33 ng·L^-1, and 1185 ± 127 ng·L^-1, respectively. In group B, they were 113 ± 18 ng·L^-1, 521 ± 76 ng·L^-1, 147 ± 22 ng·L^-1, and 572 ± 54 ng·L^-1, respectively. In group C, they were 67 ± 10 ng·L^-1, 72 ± 13 ng·L^-1, 109 ± 18 ng·L^-1, and 118 ± 22 ng·L^-1 respectively. There were significant difference between the three group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: KC release cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 causing damage to the integrity of intestinal epithelium and play a crucial role in the initiation and progression of intestinal mucosal damage during early endotoxemia.

Effect of pretreatment with interleukin-1 beta on inflammatory infiltrates and tissue damage after experimental endotoxic challenge

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of treatment with murine recombinant interleukin-1 beta on inflammatory infiltrate and tissue damage after experimental endotoxic challenge.

DESIGN

Randomized, controlled study.

SETTING

Experimental Unit, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital.

SUBJECTS

Seventy-two female CBA/H mice, 20-21 g, supplied by the animal center of the Experimental Unit.

INTERVENTION

The mice were randomized into three groups of 24. Group 1 (sham) received two intraperitoneal doses of 0.1 mL of phosphate-buffered saline; group 2 (lipopolysaccharide) was injected with 125 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide (Escherichia coli, intraperitoneally) 24 hrs after 0.1 mL of phosphate-buffered saline; group 3 was pretreated with 80 ng of recombinant interleukin-1 beta per mouse (intraperitoneally) 24 hrs before the endotoxic challenge.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

At 1, 2, 4, and 24 hrs after the endotoxic challenge, we studied inflammatory infiltrate and tissue damage in lung, liver, and intestine by determining myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde tissue concentrations. When we compared the pretreated group with the lipopolysaccharide group, myeloperoxidase concentrations decreased significantly in lung (p <.001) and liver (p <.001) at all study times, and in intestine (p <.001) at 2, 4, and 24 hrs; malondialdehyde concentrations significantly decreased in lung at 1 (p <.05), 2 (p <.01), and 24 (p <.001) hrs, in liver at 2 (p <.001), 4 (p <.01), and 24 (p <.001) hrs, and in intestine at 1 (p <.001), 2, 4 (p <.05), and 24 (p <.001) hrs.

CONCLUSION

Pretreatment with recombinant interleukin-1 beta significantly reduces inflammatory infiltrate and tissue damage in mouse lung, liver, and intestine after an experimental endotoxic challenge.

CD14 C(-260)-->T polymorphism, plasma levels of the soluble endotoxin receptor CD14, their association with chronic infections and risk of stable coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVES

We sought to investigate the association of CD14 genotype and plasma levels of soluble (s)CD14 with risk of stable coronary artery disease (CAD), chronic infections and sensitive markers of systemic inflammation.

BACKGROUND

It has been suggested that genetic variation of the CD14 receptor with increased CD14 gene expression might play a role in atherogenesis. A mechanistic link would consist in its contribution to the inflammatory response seen in this disease.

METHODS

We measured levels of sCD14 (microg/ml; ELISA) in 312 patients with angiographically proven CAD and stable angina pectoris, and in 477 age- and gender-matched healthy blood donors. CD14 genotype was determined by polymerase chain reaction. In addition, seropositivity to Chlamydia pneumoniae and Helicobacter pylori, a complete lipid profile and various sensitive systemic markers of inflammation were measured.

RESULTS

CD14 C(-260)-->T genotype was not independently associated with increased risk of CAD after multivariable adjustments (odds ratio [OR] 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84 to 2.16). However, sCD14 plasma levels were higher in subjects with TT genotype compared with those with CT or CC genotype (p = 0.005). Plasma levels were not different between cases and controls (4.2 +/- 1.3 microg/ml vs. 4.3 +/- 1.3 microg/ml, p = NS). In multivariable logistic regression, the OR for the presence of CAD was 1.11 (95% CI, 0.65 to 1.91) if the top quintile of the sCD14 distribution was compared with the bottom quintile. There was no consistent association between seropositivity to either C. pneumoniae or H. pylori, or both, and sCD14 levels and between sCD14 levels or CD14 genotype and the various markers of inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

These results do not confirm an independent relationship between CD14 genotypes or plasma levels of sCD14 and risk of stable CAD in this population.

Liver sinusoidal endothelial cell injury by neutrophils in rats with acute obstructive cholangitis

AIM: The objective of this study is to elucidate the potential role of poly-morphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) in the development of such a sinusoidal endothelial cell (SEC) injury during early acute obstructive cholangitis (AOC) in rats.

METHODS: Twenty one Wistar rats were divided into three groups: the AOC group, the bile duct ligated group (BDL group), and the sham operation group (SO group). The common bile duct (CBD) of rats in AOC group was dually ligated and 0.2 mL of the E. coli O₁₁₁ B₄ (5 × 10⁹ cfu/mL) suspension was injected into the upper segment, in BDL group, only the CBD was ligated and in SO group, neither injection of E. coli suspension nor CBD ligation was done, but the same operative procedure. Such group consisted of seven rats, all animals were killed 6 h after the operation. Morphological changes of the liver were observed under light and electron microscope. Expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) mRNA in hepatic tissue was determined with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were determined with anutoanalyger and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC) was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS: Neutrophils was accumulated in the hepatic sinusoids and sinusoidal endothelial cell injury existed in AOC group. In contrast, in rats of BDL group, all the features of SEC damage were greatly reduced. Expression of ICAM-1 mRNA in hepatic tissue in three groups were 7.54 ± 0.82, 2.87 ± 0.34, and 1.01 ± 0.12, respectively. There were significant differences among three groups (P < 0.05). The serum CINC levels in the three groups were 188 ± 21 ng•L⁻¹, 94 ± 11 ng•L⁻¹, and 57 ± 8 ng•L⁻¹, respectively. There were also significant differences among the three groups (P < 0.05). Activity of the serum ALT was 917 ± 167 nkat•L⁻¹, 901 ± 171 nkat•L⁻¹, and 908 ± 164 nkat•L⁻¹, respectively, (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Hepatic SEC injury occurs earlier than hepatic parenchymal cells during AOC. Recruitments of circulating neutrophils in the hepatic sinusoidal space might mediate the SEC injury, and ICAM-1 in the liver may modulate the PMN of accumulation.