Platelet-Rich Plasma in Young and Elderly Humans Exhibits a Different Proteomic Profile

As people age, their ability to resist injury and repair damage decreases significantly. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has demonstrated diverse therapeutic effects on tissue repair. However, the inconsistency of patient outcomes poses a challenge to the practical application of PRP in clinical practice. Furthermore, a comprehensive understanding of the specific impact of aging on PRP requires a systematic investigation. We derived PRP from 6 young volunteers and 6 elderly volunteers, respectively. Subsequently, 95% of high-abundance proteins were removed, followed by mass spectrometry analysis. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with the identifier PXD050061. We detected a total of 739 proteins and selected 311 proteins that showed significant differences, including 76 upregulated proteins in the young group and 235 upregulated proteins in the elderly group. Functional annotation and enrichment analysis unveiled upregulation of proteins associated with cell apoptosis, angiogenesis, and complement and coagulation cascades in the elderly. Conversely, IGF1 was found to be upregulated in the young group, potentially serving as the central source of enhanced cell proliferation ability. Our investigation not only provides insights into standardizing PRP preparation but also offers novel strategies for augmenting the functionality of aging cells or tissues.

Neutrophil Membrane-Camouflaged Polyprodrug Nanomedicine for Inflammation Suppression in Ischemic Stroke Therapy

Neuroinflammation has emerged as a major concern in ischemic stroke therapy because it exacebates neurological dysfunction and suppresses neurological recovery after ischemia/reperfusion. Fingolimod hydrochloride (FTY720) is an FDA-approved anti-inflammatory drug which exhibits potential neuroprotective effects in ischemic brain parenchyma. However, delivering a sufficient amount of FTY720 through the blood-brain barrier into brain lesions without inducing severe cardiovascular side effects remains challenging. Here, a neutrophil membrane-camouflaged polyprodrug nanomedicine that can migrate into ischemic brain tissues and in situ release FTY720 in response to elevated levels of reactive oxygen species. This nanomedicine delivers 15.2-fold more FTY720 into the ischemic brain and significantly reduces the risk of cardiotoxicity and infection compared with intravenously administered free drug. In addition, single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis identifies that the nanomedicine attenuates poststroke inflammation by reprogramming microglia toward anti-inflammatory phenotypes, which is realized via modulating Cebpb-regulated activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes and secretion of CXCL2 chemokine. This study offers new insights into the design and fabrication of polyprodrug nanomedicines for effective suppression of inflammation in ischemic stroke therapy.

A deep insight into ferroptosis in lung disease: facts and perspectives

In the last decade, ferroptosis has received much attention from the scientific research community. It differs from other modes of cell death at the morphological, biochemical, and genetic levels. Ferroptosis is mainly characterized by non-apoptotic iron-dependent cell death caused by iron-dependent lipid peroxide excess and is accompanied by abnormal iron metabolism and oxidative stress. In recent years, more and more studies have shown that ferroptosis is closely related to the occurrence and development of lung diseases. COPD, asthma, lung injury, lung fibrosis, lung cancer, lung infection and other respiratory diseases have become the third most common chronic diseases worldwide, bringing serious economic and psychological burden to people around the world. However, the exact mechanism by which ferroptosis is involved in the development and progression of lung diseases has not been fully revealed. In this manuscript, we describe the mechanism of ferroptosis, targeting of ferroptosis related signaling pathways and proteins, summarize the relationship between ferroptosis and respiratory diseases, and explore the intervention and targeted therapy of ferroptosis for respiratory diseases.

Identification of diagnostic signatures for ischemic stroke by machine learning algorithm

OBJECTIVE

Ischemic stroke (IS) is one of the major diseases threatening human health and survival and a leading cause of acquired mortality and disability in adults. The aim of this study was to screen diagnostic features of IS and to explore the characteristics of immune cell infiltration in IS pathogenesis.

METHODS

The microarray data of IS (GSE16561, GSE58294, GSE37587, and GSE124026) in the GEO database were merged after removing the batch effect. Then integrated bioinformatic analysis and machine-learning strategies were adopted to analyze the functional correlation and select diagnostic signatures. The WGCNA was used to identify the co-expression modules related to IS. The CIBERSORT algorithm was performed to assess the inflammatory state of IS and to investigate the correlation between diagnostic signatures and infiltrating immune cells.

RESULTS

Functional analysis of dysregulated genes showed that immune response-regulating signaling pathway and pattern recognition receptor activity were enriched in the pathophysiology of IS. The turquoise module was identified as the significant module with IS. By using Lasso and SVM-RFE learning methods, we finally obtained four diagnostic genes, including LAMP2, CR1, CLEC4E, and F5. The corresponding results of AUC of ROC prediction model in training and validation cohort were 0.954 and 0.862, respectively. The immune cell infiltration analysis suggested that plasma cells, resting and activated NK cells, activated dendritic cells, memory B cells, CD8+ T cells, naïve CD4+ T cells, and resting mast cells may be involved in the development of IS. Additionally, these diagnostic signatures might be correlated with multiple immune cells in varying degrees.

CONCLUSION

We identified four biologically relevant genes (LAMP2, CR1, CLEC4E, and F5) with diagnostic effects for IS, our results further provide novel insights regarding molecular mechanisms associated with various immune cells that related to IS for future investigations.

Integrating DOI in T classification improves the predictive performance of laryngeal cancer staging

It has been recognized that depth of invasion (DOI) is closely associated with patient survival for most types of cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine the DOI optimal cutoff value and its prognostic value in laryngeal squamous carcinoma (LSCC). Most importantly, we evaluated the prognostic performance of five candidate modified T-classification models in patients with LSCC. LSCC patients from Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Cancer Hospital were divided into training group (n = 412) and validation group (n = 147). The primary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS), and the effect of DOI on prognosis was analyzed using a multivariable regression model. We identified the optimal model based on its simplicity, goodness of fit and Harrell's consistency index. Further independent testing was performed on the external validation queue. The nomograms was constructed to predict an individual's OS rate at one, three, and five years. In multivariate analysis, we found significant associations between DOI and OS (Depth of Medium-risk invasion HR, 2.631; P < .001. Depth of high-risk invasion: HR, 5.287; P < .001) and RFS (Depth of high-risk invasion: HR, 1.937; P = .016). Model 4 outperformed the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system based on a low Akaike information criterion score, improvement in the concordance index, and Kaplan-Meier curves. Inclusion of DOI in the current AJCC staging system can improve the differentiation of T classification in LSCC patients.

Young human PRP promotes the rejuvenation of aged bone marrow mesen -chymal stem cells and the therapeutic effect on ischemic heart disease

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) transplantation is an effective treatment for ischemic heart disease, but its effectiveness is limited in aging populations due to decreased viability and injury resistance of autologous BMSCs. The purpose of this study was to compare the differences between platelet-rich plasma (PRP) derived from young and aged donors, and to investigate whether it is possible to enhance the viability of elderly human BMSCs (hBMSCs) using PRP, and to apply the rejuvenated hBMSCs for the treatment of ischemia. The key growth factors in PRP, including IGF-1, EGF, and PDGF-BB, were found to have significant differences between young and old individuals. Our results showed that PRP could enhance the proliferation, cloning, and rejuvenation of aged hBMSCs, with a superior effect observed when using PRP derived from younger donors. In the SD rat infarct model, the application of hBMSCs optimized with PRP resulted in a smaller infarct area compared to the control group (NC-Old). Specifically, the infarct area in the group treated with hBMSCs cultured with PRP from young donors (YPRP-Old) was smaller than that in the group treated with PRP from older donors (OPRP-Old). The survival rate of hBMSCs after transplantation, the number of neovascularization in the infarct area of SD rats and the recovery of cardiac function were all higher in the YPRP-Old group than the OPRP-Old group, and both groups were better than the group treated with aged hBMSCs alone. In conclusion, PRP may provide a new stem cell transplantation therapy option for ischemic diseases.

Cardioprotective effect of ultrasound-targeted destruction of Sirt3-loaded cationic microbubbles in a large animal model of pathological cardiac hypertrophy

Pathological cardiac hypertrophy occurs in response to numerous increased afterload stimuli and precedes irreversible heart failure (HF). Therefore, therapies that ameliorate pathological cardiac hypertrophy are urgently required. Sirtuin 3 (Sirt3) is a main member of histone deacetylase class III and is a crucial anti-oxidative stress agent. Therapeutically enhancing the Sirt3 transfection efficiency in the heart would broaden the potential clinical application of Sirt3. Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) is a prospective, noninvasive, repeatable, and targeted gene delivery technique. In the present study, we explored the potential and safety of UTMD as a delivery tool for Sirt3 in hypertrophic heart tissues using adult male Bama miniature pigs. Pigs were subjected to ear vein delivery of human Sirt3 together with UTMD of cationic microbubbles (CMBs). Fluorescence imaging, western blotting, and quantitative real-time PCR revealed that the targeted destruction of ultrasonic CMBs in cardiac tissues greatly boosted Sirt3 delivery. Overexpression of Sirt3 ameliorated oxidative stress and partially improved the diastolic function and prevented the apoptosis and profibrotic response. Lastly, our data revealed that Sirt3 may regulate the potential transcription of catalase and MnSOD through Foxo3a. Combining the advantages of ultrasound CMBs with preclinical hypertrophy large animal models for gene delivery, we established a classical hypertrophy model as well as a strategy for the targeted delivery of genes to hypertrophic heart tissues. Since oxidative stress, fibrosis and apoptosis are indispensable in the evolution of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure, our findings suggest that Sirt3 is a promising therapeutic option for these diseases. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: : Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is a central prepathology of heart failure and is seen to eventually precede it. Feasible targets that may prevent or reverse disease progression are scarce and urgently needed. In this study, we developed surface-filled lipid octafluoropropane gas core cationic microbubbles that could target the release of human Sirt3 reactivating the endogenous Sirt3 in hypertrophic hearts and protect against oxidative stress in a pig model of cardiac hypertrophy induced by aortic banding. Sirt3-CMBs may enhance cardiac diastolic function and ameliorate fibrosis and apoptosis. Our work provides a classical cationic lipid-based, UTMD-mediated Sirt3 delivery system for the treatment of Sirt3 in patients with established cardiac hypertrophy, as well as a promising therapeutic target to combat pathological cardiac hypertrophy.

Identification of diagnostic signatures associated with immune infiltration in Alzheimer’s disease by integrating bioinformatic analysis and machine-learning strategies

Objective

As a chronic neurodegenerative disorder, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of progressive dementia. The purpose of this study was to identify diagnostic signatures of AD and the effect of immune cell infiltration in this pathology.

Methods

The expression profiles of GSE109887, GSE122063, GSE28146, and GSE1297 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between AD and control brain samples. Functional enrichment analysis was performed to reveal AD-associated biological functions and key pathways. Besides, we applied the Least Absolute Shrinkage Selection Operator (LASSO) and support vector machine-recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE) analysis to screen potential diagnostic feature genes in AD, which were further tested in AD brains of the validation cohort (GSE5281). The discriminatory ability was then assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC). Finally, the CIBERSORT algorithm and immune cell infiltration analysis were employed to assess the inflammatory state of AD.

Results

A total of 49 DEGs were identified. The functional enrichment analysis revealed that leukocyte transendothelial migration, cytokine receptor interaction, and JAK-STAT signaling pathway were enriched in the AD group. MAF basic leucine zipper transcription factor F (MAFF), ADCYAP1, and ZFP36L1 were identified as the diagnostic biomarkers of AD with high discriminatory ability (AUC = 0.850) and validated in AD brains (AUC = 0.935). As indicated from the immune cell infiltration analysis, naive B cells, plasma cells, activated/resting NK cells, M0 macrophages, M1 macrophages, resting CD4⁺ T memory cells, resting mast cells, memory B cells, and resting/activated dendritic cells may participate in the development of AD. Additionally, all diagnostic signatures presented different degrees of correlation with different infiltrating immune cells.

Conclusion

MAFF, ADCYAP1, and ZFP36L1 may become new candidate biomarkers of AD, which were closely related to the pathogenesis of AD. Moreover, the immune cells mentioned above may play crucial roles in disease occurrence and progression.

Emerging roles of platelets in cancer biology and their potential as therapeutic targets

The main role of platelets is to control bleeding and repair vascular damage via thrombosis. They have also been implicated to promote tumor metastasis through platelet-tumor cell interactions. Platelet-tumor cell interactions promote tumor cell survival and dissemination in blood circulation. Tumor cells are known to induce platelet activation and alter platelet RNA profiles. Liquid biopsies based on tumor-educated platelet biomarkers can detect tumors and correlate with prognosis, personalized therapy, treatment monitoring, and recurrence prediction. Platelet-based strategies for cancer prevention and tumor-targeted therapy include developing drugs that target platelet receptors, interfere with the release of platelet particles, inhibit platelet-specific enzymes, and utilize platelet-derived “nano-platelets” as a targeted drug delivery platform for tumor therapy. This review elaborates on platelet-tumor cell interactions and the molecular mechanisms and discusses future research directions for platelet-based liquid biopsy techniques and platelet-targeted anti-tumor strategies.

Human Decidual Mesenchymal Stem Cells Obtained From Early Pregnancy Improve Cardiac Revascularization Postinfarction by Activating Ornithine Metabolism

Background

Compared with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), decidual mesenchymal stem cells (DMSCs) are easy to obtain and exhibit excellent angiogenic effects, but their role in cell transplantation after myocardial infarction (MI) remains unclear.

Methods

BMSCs and DMSCs were harvested from healthy donors. The effects of both cell types on angiogenesis were observed in vitro. Metabonomics analysis was performed to compare different metabolites and screen critical metabolic pathways. A murine model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was established, which was randomized into five groups (control, BMSC, DMSC, DMSC + ODCshRNA and BMSC + ODC consisting of 50 animals, equally divided into each group). The therapeutic effect of DMSCs on MI in rats was assessed based on neovascularization and cardiac remodeling.

Results

DMSCs exhibited a better angiogenic effect on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) than BMSCs in vitro. In addition, ornithine metabolism, which is associated with vascularization, was significantly increased in DMSCs. The transplantation of DMSCs in the rat MI model significantly enhanced angiogenesis of the infarct border area and improved cardiac remodeling and dysfunction postinfarction compared with BMSCs. Furthermore, inhibition of ornithine metabolism by silencing ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) in DMSCs partly abolished the benefits of DMSC transplantation.

Conclusion

Compared with BMSCs, DMSCs exhibited better efficacy in improving revascularization and heart remodeling post-MI via the activation of ODC-associated ornithine metabolism.

Assessment of immune status of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma can predict prognosis and guide treatment

BACKGROUND

In the past few years, immunotherapy has changed the way we treat solid tumors. People pay more and more attention to the immune microenvironment of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). In this study, our immunotherapy research took advantage of the clinical database and focused our in-depth analysis on the tumor microenvironment (TME).

METHODS

This study evaluated the relationship between the clinical outcome and the local tissue and overall immune status in 412 patients with primary LSCC. We constructed and validated a risk model that could predict prognosis, assess immune status, identify high-risk patients, and develop personalized treatment plans through bioinformatics. In addition, through immunohistochemical analysis, we verified the differential expression of CTSL and KDM5D genes with the largest weight coefficients in the model in LSCC tissues and their influence on the prognosis and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs).

RESULTS

We found that interstitial tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, tumor parenchymal-infiltrating lymphocyte volume, tumor infiltrates lymphocytes of frontier invasion, and the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were independent factors affecting the prognosis of patients with LSCC. A novel risk model can guide clinicians to accurately predict prognosis, identify high-risk patients, and formulate personalized treatment plans. The differential expression of genes such as CTSL and KDM5D has a significant correlation with the TILs of LSCC and the prognosis of patients.

CONCLUSION

Local and systemic inflammatory markers in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma are reliable prognostic factors. The risk model and CTSL, KDM5D gene have important potential research value.

Prognostic Significance of Lactate Dehydrogenase in Patients Undergoing Surgical Resection for Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The aim is to estimate the prognostic value of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in patients undergoing surgical resection for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). A total of 640 resected LSCC patients were included. Preoperative lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was assessed. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis were conducted for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Kaplan-Meier analysis, univariate analysis and multivariate analysis demonstrated significant prognostic value for preoperative LDH. Although LDH was predictor of OS, it failed to be a predictor of RFS. The univariate HR and 95% CI of LDH were 0.484 and 0.357-0.658 (P < 0.0001). The multivariate analysis showed that LDH (HR = 0.518, 95% CI: 0.380-0.705, p < 0.0001) was related to OS. Elevated preoperative LDH >132 IU/L was significantly associated with better survival. Preoperative LDH might be an independent prognostic marker of OS in LSCC patients undergoing surgical resection.

Positive change in asthma control using therapeutic patient education in severe uncontrolled asthma: a one-year prospective study

Background

Severe asthma is difficult to control. Therapeutic patient education enables patients to better understand their disease and cope with treatment, but the effect of therapeutic patient education in severe uncontrolled asthma is unclear. We evaluated whether therapeutic patient education is effective in improving asthma control and decreasing the frequency of exacerbations in severe uncontrolled asthma.

Methods

This was a prospective, observational, and self-controlled study that enrolled 40 subjects with severe uncontrolled asthma. Patients were seen at a clinic four times (on day 1 and after 3, 6, and 12 months). After baseline data collection, the subjects completed a therapeutic patient education program and were also followed-up via telephone after 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 months to monitor asthma medication adherence and collect asthma-related information.

Results

Within the 1-year study period, a total of 23 exacerbations were recorded in 14 patients, seven of whom required emergency treatment and two of whom were hospitalized. Twelve months after the standardized therapeutic patient education program, pulmonary function and fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels improved significantly in all 40 patients. Moreover, the scores from three standardized asthma questionnaires and indices suggested improved quality of life in these patients with severe uncontrolled asthma. Serum levels of biomarkers reflecting asthma immune responses did not change between baseline and the 1-year follow-up time point.

Conclusions

Therapeutic patient education is effective in improving asthma control and decreasing exacerbations in patients with severe uncontrolled asthma.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40733-021-00076-y.

Identification of Immune-Related LncRNA Pairs for Predicting Prognosis and Immunotherapeutic Response in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have multiple functions with regard to the cancer immunity response and the tumor microenvironment. The prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is still poor currently, and it may be effective to predict the clinical outcome and immunotherapeutic response of HNSCC by immunogenic analysis. Therefore, by using univariate COX analysis and Lasso Cox regression, we identified a signature consisting of 21 immune-related lncRNA pairs (IRLPs) that predicted clinical outcome and Immunotherapeutic response in HNSCC. Specifically, it was associated with immune cell infiltration (i.e., T cells CD4 memory resting, CD8 T cells, macrophages M0, M2, and NK cells), and more importantly this signature was strongly related with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) [such as PDCD1 (r = -0.35, P < 0.001), CTLA4 (r = -0.26, P < 0.001), LAG3 (r = -0.22, P < 0.001) and HAVCR2 (r = -0.2, P < 0.001)] and immunotherapy-related biomarkers (MMR and HLA). The present study highlighted the value of the 21 IRLPs signature as a predictor of prognosis and immunotherapeutic response in HNSCC.

Prognostic value of platelet distribution width and mean platelet volume in patients with laryngeal cancer

Aims: To investigate the prognostic relevance of platelet volume indices for survival in laryngeal cancer. Patients & methods: The study included 640 patients with laryngeal cancer. We analyzed the optimal cutoff values through receiver operating characteristic analysis, then analyzed the univariate factor and multivariate variables. Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests were conducted to compare the overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival rates between the groups. Results: In multivariate analysis, elevated platelet distribution width (PDW) and PDW/platelet count ratio were significantly correlated with poor prognosis for OS; however, elevated mean platelet volume (MPV) and MPV/platelet count ratio suggested a notable correlation with favorable prognosis for OS. Meanwhile, elevated PDW and decreased MPV were significantly correlated with poor prognosis for recurrence-free survival. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that elevated PDW and decreased MPV could serve as independent biomarkers for worse survival in laryngeal cancer.

Short-term outcomes of COVID-19 and risk factors for progression

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has now become a worldwide health concern. The severity of COVID-19 has been classified as mild, moderate, severe and critical [1]. To date, there have been a few studies focused on the clinical course and outcome of critical cases [2–4]. However, information regarding outcomes of mild-to-moderate cases is lacking, despite the fact that mild-to-moderate cases have accounted for approximately 80% of laboratory-confirmed patients [1, 5]. This study aimed to investigate short-term outcomes of patients rated with different severities on admission, and to identify risk factors for progression, thereby helping the management of COVID-19 in clinical practice.

With a median (IQR) follow-up time of 24.0 (17.5–30.0) days, progression occurred in 19.6% moderate, 27.8% severe and 66.7% critical COVID-19. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio ≥2.973, age ≥50 years, male sex and comorbidity were associated with progression.https://bit.ly/3crsJr0

Coronavirus Disease 2019 in a Hemodialysis Patient

There has been a global outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) since December 2019. Here, we describe the case of a 49-year-old male undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD) who got infected with COVID-19 and our experience in performing HD for him. The patient's symptoms and lung imaging changes were atypical. However, his lymphocyte range decreased upon admission and the polymerase chain reaction of the pharyngeal swab for the -COVID-19 nucleic acid was positive. The patient developed respiratory failure and required mechanical ventilation 8 days after admission. In the end, he died from multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. The difficulties in diagnosis, infection control, and treatment of COVID-19 in maintenance HD patients are discussed in this report.

Effect of propranolol on proliferation and apoptosis of hemangioma endothelial cells in infants and young children

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of propranolol on the proliferation and apoptosis of hemangioma endothelial cells in infants and young children, and to explore the molecular mechanism of hemangioma treatment. Infant HemEC was cultured in vitro. HemEC cells were treated with different concentrations of propranolol (0umol/L, 25umol/L, 50umol/L, 75umol/L, 100umol/L, 125umol/L). After 24, 48 and 72 hours, the viability of the cells was examined by MTT {3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide} method. The apoptosis rate of the cells was measured by flow cytometry using Annexin V. The propranolol concentration was 25umol/L. After 24 h and 48 h, HemEC could slightly proliferate (P<0.05). With the concentration of ≥100umol/L, the survival time of HemEC decreased when the action time was longer than 24 h. Within a certain range, the drug efficacy was positively correlated with drug concentration and action time (P<0.05). When propranolol concentration was ≥100umol/L, it could cause HemEC apoptosis. With the increase of drug concentration and the prolongation of intervention time, the apoptosis rate increased (P<0.05). In conclusion, the inhibition of hemangiomas by propranolol may be related to the inhibition of HemEC proliferation and its promotion of apoptosis.

Cortical microstructure compensates for smaller bone size in young Caribbean Hispanic versus non-Hispanic white men

Hispanic men have smaller bone size but thicker and denser cortices compared to white men, leading to similar mechanical competence.

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to assess differences in vBMD and microarchitecture in young Caribbean Hispanic (n = 30) and non-Hispanic Caucasian (n = 30) men.

METHODS

We measured areal bone mineral density (aBMD) at the spine, total hip (TH), femoral neck (FN), and forearm by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and bone geometry, mass, microarchitecture, and mechanical competence by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HRpQCT), individual trabecula segmentation (ITS), and finite element analysis (FEA).

RESULTS

Hispanic men were slightly older, shorter, and heavier and had higher BMI compared with white men. aBMD, measured by DXA, did not differ at the spine, TH, or forearm before or after adjustment for age, height, weight, and the interaction of height and weight. At the FN, marginally significant higher BMD in Hispanics prior to adjustment was attenuated and no longer differed after adjustment for covariates. Adjusted HRpQCT indices indicated smaller total and trabecular area at the radius but greater total volumetric density and cortical thickness in Hispanic versus white men. The adjusted difference in cortical density at the radius was of borderline significance. Trabecular and ITS microstructure tended not to differ at the radius. At the tibia, results were similar. Bone size tended to be smaller and covariate-adjusted cortical density and cortical thickness were greater in Hispanic versus white men. Additionally, cortical porosity was lower at the tibia in Hispanic compared to white men. Stiffness and failure load did not differ at either skeletal site by ethnicity.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, greater cortical thickness and density as well as lower cortical porosity tend to compensate for smaller bone size in Hispanic men, leading to similar mechanical competence compared with white men.

MiR-200c and miR-141 inhibit ZEB1 synergistically and suppress glioma cell growth and migration

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the expression of miR-200c and miR-141 in glioma tissues and cell lines and then to study their regulative effect on ZEB1 expression and on glioma cell growth and migration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

QRT-PCR analysis was performed to detect miR-200c and miR-141 expression in 10 paired glioma tissues and adjacent normal tissues from patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and in glioma cell lines. U87 and U251 cells were transfected with miR-200c mimics, miR-141 mimics or ZEB1 siRNA respectively. ZEB1 expression was detected qRT-PCR and Western blot assay. MTT assay, flow cytometry and wound healing assay were performed to examine the tumor suppressive effects of the miR-200c/miR-141-ZEB1 axis on glioma cells.

RESULTS

Both miR-200c and miR-141 were significantly lower in glioma tissues than in adjacent normal tissues. The glioma cell lines, including U87, U251 and A172 also had significantly decreased miR-200c and miR-141 expression than normal tissues. ZEB1 expression had at least two-fold increase in glioma tissues than in normal tissues. Both miR-200c and miR-141 could significantly induce ZEB1 mRNA degradation and suppress ZEB1 protein expression. ZEB1 siRNA presented similar growth and migration inhibiting and apoptosis inducing effect to miR-200c and miR-141 mimics in U87 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-200c and miR-141 are significantly downregulated in glioma tissues and cell lines and can significantly induce ZEB1 mRNA degradation and suppress ZEB1 protein expression in the cells. ZEB1 is a functional downstream target of miR-200c and miR-141 in inhibiting glioma cell growth and migration.

Leukotriene D4 inhalation challenge for predicting short-term efficacy of montelukast: a pilot study

INTRODUCTION

The convenient measure to predict efficacy of leukotriene receptor antagonist is lacking.

OBJECTIVES

To determine if leukotriene D4 inhalation challenge predicts short-term efficacy of montelukast in asthma.

METHODS

In this open-labelled 28-day trial, 45 patients with asthma were allocated to leukotriene-sensitive and leukotriene-insensitive group to receive montelukast monotherapy (10 mg, once daily) based on the positive threshold of leukotriene D4 inhalation challenge test (4.800 nmol). Miscellaneous measurements comprised fractional exhaled nitric oxide, methacholine inhalation challenge, Asthma Control Test and Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire. Peak expiratory flow was self-monitored throughout the treatment. End point assessments were performed 3 to 5 days after montelukast withdrawal.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients in leukotriene-sensitive group and 10 leukotriene-insensitive group completed the study. Both groups differed neither in 28-day peak expiratory flow rate nor in maximal weekly peak expiratory flow (both P > 0.05). However, minimal weekly peak expiratory flow was significantly higher in leukotriene-insensitive group throughout the treatment course (all P < 0.05) except for week 1 (P > 0.05). Both groups did not differ statistically in the post-treatment improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1 ) predicted% prior to inhalation challenge, fractional exhaled nitric oxide or the airway responsiveness to leukotriene D4 or methacholine (all P > 0.05). There was a marked increase in Asthma Control Test score and the symptom score of Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire in both groups (both P < 0.05). The overall significance of Logistic regression model was unremarkable (P = 0.467).

CONCLUSION

Responsiveness to inhaled leukotriene D4 alone might not be sufficient to predict the short-term efficacy of montelukast monotherapy in patients with asthma.

Effects of liver diseases on drug-metabolizing enzymes: implications for drug fate alterations and nano-therapeutic openings

Metabolizing and eliminating toxic chemicals in the liver are key processes in the body's defense system. Drug-metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) play central roles in such processes. The activity and expression of several key DMEs are changed in various liver diseases and thus lead to significantly altered drug disposition. This phenomenon severely affects the pharmacotherapy of clinical medications in terms of the safety and efficacy of drug responses. This review highlights liver physiological functions, altered DMEs, and altered drug disposition in liver diseases. Moreover, the implications of changes in DMEs on the fate of clinically relevant drugs are also discussed. Pregnane X receptor and constitutive androstane receptor are two liver-enriched nuclear receptors originally defined as xenobiotic sensors that affect regulation of DMEs. Altered regulation of DMEs in liver diseases contributes to the development of powerful in vitro and in vivo tools to predict drug responses and options for improved drug delivery and development. Although a number of treatment drugs are available for liver diseases, they are limited by their low drug concentration in the target site, presence of side effects, and instability in the human body. The nanoparticle drug delivery system has recently attracted research attention because of its potential to offer solutions to current obstacles that involve the use of therapeutic drugs for liver diseases. Conclusively, this review aims to improve understanding on the regulation of DMEs in liver diseases and on corresponding implications in drug disposition, including novel therapeutic medications.

TRAF2 docking with related proteins in silico studies

Using the protein-protein docking program, this study investigates the relationship between TRAF2 and its related proteins and the diversity within the 3D structures of TRAF2s. TRAF2 exists in monomer, trimer, and hexamer forms and it can combine with a number of proteins. Through comparative analysis we found that TRAF2(122), TRAF2(22), TRAF2(21740), TRAF2(2), TRAF2( 22ABC), and TRAF2(Phyre) perform very close homoousia in docking with the same group of ligands, though these TRAF2s come from different sources. The TRAF2-related proteins of cluster 1 change docking values strongly from top to bottom. The TRAF2- related proteins of clusters 2 and 3 have acceptable variation of the docking values. In consideration of the amino acid percentage, TRAF2-related proteins of cluster 2 represent appropriate docking values.

[The effect of L-arginine on the microcirculation reperfusion of cremaster muscle in rats]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of L-arginine and the role of nitric oxide (NO) on the microcirculation of cremaster muscle after the ischemia-reperfusion.

METHODS

A group of male Sprague-Dawley rats, each weighing 180-220 g, were surgically prepared with the neurovascular bundle freed only to connect to the cremaster muscle, subjected to 5 hours warm ischemia and 2 hours of reperfusion, and treated with L-arginine. The microcirculation was observed with the measurement of the arteriole in diameter under intravital microscopy.

RESULTS

1. The arteriole re-flowing with the L-arginine treatment was significantly higher than the saline control with only 53% in 30 minutes after the reperfusion (P < 0.01). 2. The diameter of the reflowed arteriole and the perfused capillary density were increasing greatly with the L-arginine treatment, compared to the control group. 3. The pathological phenomena of "only irrigation and no reflow" was observed in local muscle microcirculation, which subsequently resulted in the large-scale leakage hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS

The nitric oxide product could relieve the vasospasm and decrease the no-reflow of skeletal muscular during reperfusion; The venular no-reflow resulted from venular thrombi may play an important part during the tissue reperfusion injury.

[Anatomicopathological relation between facial nerve and large vestibular Schwannoma]

OBJECTIVE

To study the anatomicopathological relation between facial nerve and large vestibular schwannoma.

METHODS

Operation by suboccipital retrosigmoid sinus approach was performed on 40 cases with large vestibular schwannoma, During the operation, the anatomicopathological relation between the facial nerve and the vestibular schwannoma was observed directly.

RESULTS

The facial nerve was found to be located ventrally (deep under the tumor), dorsally (over the tumor), at the upper pole of the tumor (near the tentorium cerebelli), at the lower pole of the tumor (near the rear group cranial nerves), or aberrant (unable to be identified because of infiltration of tumor). In 31 cases, mainly with parenchymatous tumor, the facial nerve was flat in shape. In 9 cases, mainly with cystic tumor, the facial nerve was bandlike.

CONCLUSION

The facial nerve varies greatly in neuroanatomy among patients with large vestibular schwannoma. Strengthening of operative monitoring can increase the safety of operation.

[Experimental study on selective thrombolytic activity of pro-urokinase]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the valve of pro-urokinase as a selective thrombolytic agent in microsurgery.

METHODS

The levators muscle model in rats was used to investigate the effect of pro-urokinase on dissolving ischemic thrombi and fibrinogenolytic activities in circulation by local infusion. The tissue microcirculation, pathologic appearance of rat lungs and muscles, and general fibrinogenolytic activities were observed.

RESULTS

The thrombolytic rate of pro-urokinase was 92.3% (P < 0.05), the positive rate of D-dime was 83.3%(P < 0.05). No significant change of alpha 2-PI was observed on general fibrinogenolytic activities(P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

It is suggested that pro-urokinase can be used to dissolve the thrombi in microcirculation of free tissue transplantation without affect general fibrinogenolytic activities. It is safe to use pro-urokinase in free tissue transplantation.

[Influence of reperfusion following ischemia on microvessels and microcirculation of skeletal muscle]

In order to study the influence of reperfusion following ischemia on microvesseles and microcirculation of skeletal muscle, unilateral hindlimbs of 16 rabbits were subjected to normothermic ischemia for 2 and 5 hours by tourniquet. After release of the tourniquet, microcirculation of the peritenon on dorsum of the foot was observed for 1 hours by intravital microscope. At 1 hour and 72 hours following reperfusion, the anterior tibia muscle biopsiy were taken and the specimens were subjected to light and electron microscopic examinations. It was found that after release of the tourniquet, in the limbs undergone 2 hours ischemia, there was immediate and well distributed reflow in the microvesseles of peritenon though a few aggregates of red cells and increase in the number of adherent leukocytes occured in some venules, and the microvesseles of the skeletal muscle only showed signs of minimal injury, the muscle fibers could survive in the limbs undergone 5 hours of ischemia, however, there was serious disturbance of microcirculation in the peritenon, which was characterized by "no reflow" in most area and there was significant increase in the number of leukocytes adherent to venular endothelium, and the microvesseles of the skeletal muscle showed signs of severe injury, including remarkable swelling of the endothelial cell, disruption of the basement membrane and interstitial edema, and finally, most of the muscle fibers had necrosis occured. The results demonstrated that reperfusion following ischimia might result in microvascular injury and microcirculation disorder in the ischemic area. The degree of the injury and disorder depended on the duration of ischemic period, and was an important factor which determined the fate of the parenchymal cell.

[Study on intravascular pressure change during sclerotherapy for cavernous hemangiomas (CHs)]

To investigate the regulation and significance of the intravascular pressure change of cavernous hemangiomas during the treatment of sclerotherapy, we did observations in 29 cases with slowing down the efferent blood flow of the CHs in their treatment. It was found that the baseline intravascular pressure of CHs is 5-15 mmHg, the lowest being at the neck. The efferent rate of CHs is higher than the afferent rate. The higher the efferent rate, the more times of injection and more amount of thrombotic agent were needed. At the beginning of the thrombosis, the CHs pressure rose gradually to a flat curve, which suggested that the efferent veins were being thrombosed one by one. Then the CHs pressure curve became a blunt peak, which suggested that all the efferent veins were thrombosed and it was time to inject the sclerosing agent. Finally the CHs pressure curve became a sharp peak, suggesting that the whole CHs was thrombosed and sclerosed. Follow-up from 6 months to 3 years revealed that CHs disappeared in 26 of 29 cases, recurred in 3 cases. No severe complications were found. The authors concluded that the treatment can improve the curative effect and decrease complications.

[Experimental study on vascularized area of the prefabricated axial skin flap after implantation of vascular bundles]

Thirty-eight New Zealand white male rabbits were used to study vascularized area of the prefabricated axial skin flaps (PASFs) after implantation of vascular bundles (VBs) into subcutaneous tissues of the animal's abdomen. Influential factors were investigated including the interval after implantation, the size of VBs, the subcutaneous layer where VBs were implanted and simultaneous skin expansion. The results indicated that the suitable time for PASFs transferring was 3-4 weeks after implantation of VBs. The VBs of larger diameter prefabricated larger area of PASFs. Larger areas of PASFs were created by implanting VBs into the subcutaneous layers that possessed rich vascular plexuses. It was possible that the expanded PASFs could be transferred.

[Effects of electret and Ligusticum wallichii (chuangxiong) on the functional recovery of muscle grafts]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of electret and Ligusticum wallichii (Chuangxiong, a traditional Chinese herb medicine) on the functional recovery of muscle grafts. Twenty-eight adult dogs were divided into 4 groups with each consisting of 7 animals. After orthotopical transplantation of bilateral rectus femoris muscle with neurovascular anastomosis, group A received electret local implant, group B received Chuangxiong injection, group C received both electret local implant and Chuangxiong injection and group D was used as control. The results showed that the functional recovery of the transplanted rectus femoris muscle in group A and B was better than group D while group C was the best. At 22 postoperative weeks, the recovery rate of maximal tetanic tension was 64.94 +/- 3.82% in group c: 57.68 +/- 1.67% in group A, 53.64 +/- 3.82% in group B and 47.99 +/- 2.21% in group D (P < 0.05). The structural recovery of the transplanted muscle in group C was closest to the normal.

[Changes in surface microcirculation of extensor digitorum longus tendon after ischemia-reperfusion of rabbit hindlimbs]

The circulation was stopped by tourniquet in one rabbit hindlimb. After 2 or 5 hr of ischemia, the hindlimb was reperfused. During the first 1 hr of reperfusion, dynamic changes in surface microcirculation of extensor digitorum longus tendon were observed by using intravital microscopy. Particular attention was paid to leukocyte-endothelium adhesion and microvascular perfusion condition. It was found that 1) the number of leukocytes adherent to the venular endothelium of ischemic tissue significantly increased following reperfusion and the degree of increases appeared to be directly related to the duration of ischemic period; 2) reperfusion after 5 hr of ischemia could result in the formation of "no reflow phenomenon" in the ischemic tissues, including "primary no reflow" and "secondary capillary perfusion failure". These results suggest that 1) leukocyte-endothelium adhesion may contribute to the development of ischemia reperfusion injury; 2) in the limbs undergone 5 hr of ischemia, not all injuries that occur after ischemi-reperfusion can be attributed to ischemia reperfusion injury. The injury seen some in areas may be produced by ischemia alone, and in others ischemia-reperfusion-secondary ischemia injury may be responsible.

[Anastomosis of small artery using ZT medical adhesive and soluble stent]

The conventional technique of interrupted suture in microvascular anastomosis is difficult to perform and timeconsuming. A new method with ZT medical adhesive and soluble intravascular stent is introduced. Using this method, end-to-end anastomosis of small arteries could be performed easily and quickly. Both the patency rate and histopathologic changes at the anastomosis sites were examined. In comparison with suture technique, similar patency rate was obtained. Inflammatory reaction in mid and outer layers of the vessel was observable and reendothelialization of the intima was identical.

[Free medial leg flap with fasciocutaneous branch of tibial nutrient artery]

According to the results of anatomical study in 20 fresh cadaver legs and transparent specimens of 10 medial leg flaps, it is found that the tibial nutrient artery arises from the posterior tibial artery and runs obliquely downwards close to the surface of the popliteal muscle, and at the level of 61.62 +/- 15 mm below the tibial tuberosity it sends out the fasciocutaneous branch, which becomes one of the main nutritional vessels of the medial area of the leg. Vascularized transplantation of the medial leg free flap which is supplied by the fasciocutaneous branch of the above named artery has been undertaken with satisfactory results clinically.

[Experimental studies on microcirculation of the hindlimb after ischemia and reperfusion in the rabbits. 1. Establishment of an in vivo method for observing microcirculation using tendon surface microvessels on the dorsum of the foot]

The blood supply system of the extensor digitorum longus tendon in the rabbit hindlimb is observed by the aid of dye injection technique and dissecting microscope. We find that the segment proximal to metatarsophalangeal joint of this tendon is an ideal site for observation of in vivo microcirculation. In this site, there are abundant microvessels on the surface of the tendon, and as red microvessels are on white tendon, it forms a sharp contrast. In addition, the tendon is only covered by skin and little loose connective tissue, so it is easy to expose. On the bases of abovementioned findings, a new in vivo method for observing microcirculation in the rabbit hindlimb is developed. In our experiences, the advantages of this method are as follows: (1) It is simple and convenient; (2) The time required for preparation is short (about 10-15 min), and the observation period can be extended (over 6 h.); (3) Surgical trauma is not serious; (4) The image is clear. This method opens up a new way to using rabbit hindlimb ischemia model to study microcirculation changes in vivo following reperfusion after extremity ischemia.