The association of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) with the risk of myocardial infarction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective While studies have documented how metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) can contribute to cardiovascular disease (CVD), whether MASLD is associated with myocardial infarction (MI) remains debateable. Herein, we systematically reviewed published articles and performed a meta-analysis to determine the relationship between MASLD and MI risk.Methods PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, CBM, VIP, and WanFang databases were searched, and the DerSimonian Laird method was used to obtain hazard ratios (HRs) for binary variables to assess the correlation between MASLD and MI risk. Subgroup analyses for the study region, MASLD diagnosis, quality score, study design, and follow-up time were conducted simultaneously for the selected studies retrieved from the time of database establishment to March 2022. All study procedures were independently conducted by two investigators.Results The final analysis included seven articles, including eight prospective and two retrospective cohort studies. The MI risk was higher among MASLD patients than among non-MASLD patients (HR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.08-1.47, p = 0.003). The results of the subgroup analysis of the study region revealed an association of MASLD with MI risk among Americans and Asians, but not in Europeans. Subgroup analyses of MASLD diagnosis showed that ultrasonography and other (fatty liver index[FLI] and computed tomography [CT)]) diagnostic methods, but not international classification of disease (ICD), increased the risk of MI. Subgroup analysis of the study design demonstrated a stronger relationship between MASLD and MI in retrospective studies but not in prospective studies. Subgroup analysis based on the follow-up duration revealed the association of MASLD with MI risk in cases with < 3 years of follow-up but not with ≥3 years of follow-up.Conclusion MASLD increases the risk of MI, independent of traditional risk factors.

MicroRNA-27a, downregulated in human obesity, exerts an antiapoptotic function in adipocytes

Adipocyte apoptosis is a key initial event that contributes to macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue (AT) and thus triggers AT inflammation in obesity. MicroRNA-27a (miR-27a) was shown to mediate the pathological processes of many metabolic disorders; however, whether miR-27a is involved in adipocyte apoptosis of obese AT remains unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the alteration of miR-27a in obese individuals and its antiapoptotic function in adipocytes. In vivo, serum samples and omental adipose tissue from humans as well as epididymal fat pads from mice were collected to detect miR-27a expression. In vitro, 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and mature adipocytes were treated with TNF-α to induce apoptosis and transfected with a mimic for overexpressing miR-27a-3p. The results showed that miR-27a was markedly decreased in the serum and AT of obese human patients and in the AT of high-fat diet-fed mice. Regression analyses revealed that the serum level of miR-27a was correlated with metabolic parameters in human obesity. Notably, TNF-α induced cell apoptosis in both preadipocytes and mature adipocytes, as evidenced by the upregulation of cleaved caspase 3 and cleaved caspase 8 and the ratio of Bax to Bcl-2, while these effects were partly diminished by miR-27a overexpression. In addition, TUNEL and Hoechst 33258 staining verified that miR-27a overexpression markedly inhibited the apoptosis of adipocytes under TNF-α stimulation. Thus, miR-27a was downregulated in the AT of obese subjects with proapoptotic status, and overexpression of miR-27a exerted an antiapoptotic effect on preadipocytes, providing a novel potential target for preventing AT dysfunction.

Random and aligned electrostatically spun PLLA nanofibrous membranes enhance bone repair in mouse femur midshaft defects

Long-segment bone defects are a common clinical challenge and abstract biomaterials are a promising therapy. Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) nanofibrous membranes prepared by electrostatic spinning have a good bone repair potential. However, there are random and aligned surface morphologies of electrostatic spun PLLA nanofibrous membranes, which can affect the migration, proliferation, and differentiation ability of cells. The role of surface morphology in the repair of long bone defects in vivo is currently unknown. In this study, random and aligned electrostatically spun PLLA nanofibrous membranes were prepared, characterised, and implanted into a femur midshaft defect mouse model. The ability of electrostatically spun PLLA nanofibrous membranes to enhance bone repair was tested using X-ray photography, high-resolution micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), and pathological section specimens. The results showed that both random and aligned electrostatically spun PLLA nanofibrous membranes enhanced bone regeneration at bone defects, but the aligned ones exhibited superior results. These results provide a theoretical basis for engineering the surface morphology of bone repair materials.

Stiff and strong hydrogel tube with great mechanical properties and high stability in various solutions

Hydrogel tubes are widely used in fields such as artificial blood vessels, drug delivery, biomedical scaffolds and cell adhesion, yet their application is often limited by unsatisfactory mechanical properties and poor stability in various solutions. Herein, a novel hydrogel tube exhibiting a remarkable mechanical performance and stability in various solutions is prepared by introducing a dual physically cross-linked double network (DN) hydrogel matrix. The obtained hydrogel tube can withstand ∼60 N load without fracture and be stretched to over twice its original length before and after immersing in various solutions. The great mechanical properties and stability in various solutions of hydrogel tubes are due to the introduction of a dual physically cross-linked poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid)/carboxymethylcellulose sodium/Fe³⁺ DN hydrogel, which possesses high elastic modulus (3.71 MPa), fracture energy (15.4 kJ m^-2), and great stability in various solutions. In addition, the hydrogel tubes with different thickness, diameters, shapes and the multiple branched hydrogel tubes can also be fabricated to enable further functionalization for application requirements. Therefore, this new type of hydrogel tube presents tremendous potential for applications in biomedical and engineering fields.

Hypoxia-mediated down-regulation of miRNAs' biogenesis promotes tumor immune escape in bladder cancer

BACKGROUND

The study examines the function of hypoxia-mediated down-regulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) (mir-30c, mir-135a, and mir-27a) in the process of bladder cancer immune escape.

METHODS

Quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was carried out to determine gene expression levels of Drosha and Dicer under hypoxia treatment, while western blotting and flow cytometry were used to determine protein expression. Seven reported miRNAs were identified via qRT-PCR assay. Flow cytometry detection of CD3/CD4/CD8-positive expression and statistics. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detected cellular immune factors content. Cell apoptosis was checked via flow cytometry assay. Luciferase report assay and western blot assays were both used to verify the relationship between miRNAs and Casitas B-lineage lymphoma proto-oncogene b (Cbl-b). The animal model was established and Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) staining, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays were separately used to verify the conclusions.

RESULTS

The CD3 + /CD4 + expression was increased in the hypoxia group, while CD3 + /CD8 + expression, the cellular immune factors content Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNFα) along with the cell apoptosis were suppressed. The protein expression of Cbl-b was found to be up-regulated in the hypoxia group. After constructing the overexpression/ knockdown of Cbl-b in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC), Cbl-b has been found to promote tumor immune escape in bladder cancer. Furthermore, Cbl-b had been identified as the co-targets of mir-30c, mir-135a, and mir-27a and down-regulation of miRNA biogenesis promotes Cbl-b expression and deactivating T cells in vitro/in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Hypoxia-mediated down-regulation of miRNAs' biogenesis promotes tumor immune escape in bladder cancer, which could bring much more advance to the medical research on tumors.

Genome-wide association study of fleece traits in Inner Mongolia Cashmere goats

Inner Mongolia Cashmere goat is a well-known local cashmere goat breed in China. It is famous for excellent fleece quality and a significant advantage in cashmere yield compared to other cashmere goat breeds. In this study, a genome-wide association study was used to investigate fiber length, fiber diameter, and cashmere yield of 192 Inner Mongolia Cashmere goats using the Illumina GoatSNP52K Beadchip panel. We discovered that four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) reached genome-wide significance levels. These SNPs were located in some genes, e.g. FGF12, SEMA3D, EVPL, and SOX5, possibly related to fleece traits in Inner Mongolia Cashmere goat. Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that these genes were enriched in several biological pathways that were involved in hair follicle development in cashmere goats. In summary, the identified significant SNPs and genes provide useful information to explore genetic mechanisms underlying the variation in fleece traits and genomic selection of Chinese cashmere goat.

A novel homozygous mutation (p.N958K) of SLC12A3 in Gitelman syndrome is associated with endoplasmic reticulum stress

PURPOSE

Gitelman syndrome (GS) is an autosomal recessive renal tubular disease that arises as a consequence of mutations in the SLC12A3 gene, which codes for an Na-Cl cotransporter (NCC) in distal renal tubules. This study was designed to explore the mutations associated with GS in an effort to more fully understand the molecular mechanisms governing GS.

METHODS

We analyzed SLC12A3 mutations in a pedigree including a 42-year-old male with GS as well as four related family members over three generations using Sanger and next generation sequencing approaches. We additionally explored the functional ramifications of identified mutations using both Xenopus oocytes and the HEK293T cell line.

RESULTS

We found that the subject with GS exhibited characteristic symptoms including sporadic thirst, fatigue, excess urination, and substantial hypokalemia and hypocalciuria, although magnesium levels were normal. Other analyzed subjects in this pedigree had normal laboratory findings and did not exhibit clear signs of GS. Sequencing analyses revealed that the GS subject exhibited a homozygous missense mutation (c.2874C > G, p.N958K) in exon 24 of SLC12A3. Both parents of this GS subject, as well as his older brother and daughter all exhibited heterozygous mutations at this same site. Functional analyses in Xenopus oocytes indicated that this mutated SLC12A3 gene encodes a protein which fails to mediate normal sodium transport, and when this mutant gene was expressed in HEK293T cells, we observed significant increases in endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress pathway activation.

CONCLUSION

The p.N958K mutation in exon 24 of SLC12A3 can trigger GS at least in part via enhancing ER stress responses.

The possible effect of different types of ventilation on reducing operation theatre infections: a meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The relation between type of ventilation used in the operating theatre and surgical site infection has drawn considerable attention. It has been reported that there is a possible relationship between the type of ventilation used in the operation theatre and surgical site infection. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate this relationship.

METHODS

Through a systematic literature search up to May 2020, 14 studies describing 590,121 operations, 328,183 were performed under laminar airflow ventilation and 2,611,938 were performed under conventional ventilation. Studies were identified that reported relationships between type of ventilation with its different categories and surgical site infection (10 studies were related to surgical site infection in total hip replacement, 7 in total knee arthroplasties and 3 in different abdominal and open vascular surgery). Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated comparing surgical site infection prevalence and type of theatre ventilation using the dichotomous method with a random or fixed-effect model.

FINDINGS

No significant difference was found between surgery performed under laminar airflow ventilation and conventional ventilation in total hip replacement (OR 1.23; 95% CI 0.97-1.56, p = 0.09), total knee arthroplasties (OR 1.14; 95% CI 0.62-2.09, p = 0.67) or different abdominal and open vascular surgery (OR 0.75; 95% CI 0.43-1.33, p = 0.33). The impact of the type of theatre ventilation may have no influence on surgical site infection as a tool for decreasing its occurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on this meta-analysis, operating under laminar airflow or conventional ventilation may have no independent relationship with the risk of surgical site infection. This relationship forces us not to recommend the use of laminar airflow ventilation since it has a much higher cost compared with conventional ventilation.

Mode of action and structural modelling of the interaction of formononetin with suilysin

AIMS

Suilysin is a critical pore-forming virulence factor of Streptococcus suis that has been demonstrated to substantially contribute to its pathogenicity. We have demonstrated that formononetin alleviates S. suis infection both in vivo and in vitro by targeting suilysin. However, the molecular mechanism of the effect is unclear. Our aim was to determine the molecular mechanism of the effect of formononetin on suilysin.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The mechanism of interaction between formononetin and suilysin was investigated by molecular modelling. The results indicated that formononetin was bound at the junction of domain two and domain four of suilysin. The binding free energy values indicated that the A415, Y412, E414, N413, T61, T62 and G416 residues are critical for this binding, this observation was confirmed by the changes in the flexibility of these residues and the distances between these residues and formononetin. The inhibitory effect of formononetin on the pore-forming activity of suilysin, binding constant and binding free energy were significantly decreased by site-specific mutagenesis of Y412 and N413. Finally, we analysed the spatial configuration of suilysin before and after formononetin binding, the results indicated that the binding changed the conformation of suilysin, especially the angle between domain two and domain four, resulting in the disruption of cholesterol binding to suilysin and in the loss of pore-forming activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Formononetin is located at the junction of domain two and domain four of suilysin, and Y412 and N413 play critical roles in the binding. Formononetin binding changes the angle between domain two and domain four of suilysin, resulting in the loss of the pore-inducing activity of suilysin.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This work will promote the application of formononetin to combat S. suis infections and may contribute to the development of new inhibitors or modification of existing inhibitors.

Influence of the Internet of Things management system on hand hygiene compliance in an emergency intensive care unit

BACKGROUND

Hand hygiene is a critical strategy for infection prevention in all healthcare settings. Automated electronic monitoring systems are expected to improve hand hygiene performance.

AIM

To investigate the impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) management system on hand hygiene compliance among medical staff in an emergency intensive care unit (EICU).

METHODS

This retrospective observational study was conducted between July 1^st, 2017 and February 28^th, 2018 in a 19-bed EICU. The changes in hand hygiene compliance among 54 members of medical staff and the incidence of hospital infections were compared, counted, and analysed before and after implementing the IoT management system in the EICU that was initiated on November 1^st, 2017.

FINDINGS

After the application of the IoT management system, the hand hygiene compliance rates among the members of the medical staff before (29.5% (3347/11,338) vs 57.9% (4690/8094), P < 0.001) and after (59.9% (9915/16,556) vs 73.8% (17,194/23 286), P < 0.001) the contact with patients and surrounding environment significantly improved. However, hand hygiene compliance among three cleaning staff did not significantly improve after the application. Moreover, there was no significant difference in healthcare-acquired infection rates (2.535% (9/355) vs 2.047% (7/342), P = 0.667) nor in the detection rates of the four major multidrug-resistant bacteria in the EICU before and after the application of the IoT management system (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The IoT management system significantly improved hand hygiene compliance among medical staff, except cleaners, in the EICU of one provincial hospital; however, the rates of nosocomial infection did not significantly decrease. The quality of hand hygiene implementation needs to be improved.

MicroRNA-26b-5p promotes development of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome by inhibiting differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells to type II of alveolar epithelial cells via regulating Wnt5a

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to investigate the role of microRNA-26b-5p in regulating mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiation to type II of alveolar epithelial cells (AECII) in the disease course of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MSCs were first derived from rat bone marrow. In vitro induction of MSCs differentiation to AECII was conducted by SAGM. The mRNA levels of microRNA-26b-5p, Wnt5a, and AECII-related genes (Occludin, KGF, CK18, SpA, SpB, and SpC) during the process of cell differentiation were detected by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted for detecting levels of inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-α (INF-α), and interleukin-1 (IL-1) in cell supernatant. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was then carried out to verify the regulatory effect of microRNA-26b-5p on Wnt5a. MicroRNA-26b-5p expression in serum samples of NRDS neonates and healthy neonates was detected by qRT-PCR as well.

RESULTS

MicroRNA-26b-5p was overexpressed in NRDS neonates than those of healthy neonates. Besides, microRNA-26b-5p was highly expressed in the process of MSCs differentiation to AECII. MicroRNA-26b-5p overexpression remarkably inhibited AECII differentiation and Wnt5a expression. Levels of TNF-α, INF-α, and IL-1 in cell supernatant during differentiation induction were elevated. The regulatory effects of microRNA-26b-5p on AECII differentiation, Wnt5a expression, and inflammatory response were reversed by Wnt5a overexpression.

CONCLUSIONS

MicroRNA-26b-5p inhibits MSCs differentiation to AECII via inhibiting Wnt5a expression through the Wnt pathway.

AB0132 ALTERATIONS IN PERIPHERAL T-CELLS AND B-CELLS SUBSETS IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS AND SJÖGREN’S SYNDROME UNDERGOING THERAPEUTIC PLASMA EXCHANGE OR IMMUNOADSORPTION

Background:

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) are systemic autoimmune diseases characterized by a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations and disease course. Alternative therapies such as therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), immunoadsorption are recommended to the patients who lack a good response to standard therapy [1].

Objectives:

Our observational study was to explored whether abnormalities in T-cells, B-cells and their subtypes were present in the patients who had TPE or immunoadsorption in patients with SLE and SS compared with healthy controls (HC).

Methods:

Demographic, clinical variables and autoantibodies were recorded. Flow cytometry was used to establish the frequencies of lineage subsets. Monoclonal antibodies against 21 surface markers such as CD3, CD4, CD8, were used to distinguish and evaluate T-cells’ and B-cells’ subpopulation. SLE acvity was measured using systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI). Comparisons between subgroups were undertaken using paired T-test, Mann-Whitney U test and ANOVA.

Figure 1.

Altered expression of CD4+ T-cell subsets in the patients with SLE and SS after treated with plasma exchange or immunoadsorption

Results:

6 SS patients and 1 SLE patient underwent immune adsorption, while the other 5 SLE patients had plasma exchange all for three times. There was no significant difference among SLE, SS and HC in the proportion of T-cells and B-cells. The proportion of CD3-CD19+CD27+IgD+ B-cells were reduced in SLE, while CD3+CD4+CD25+CD127- T-cells were elevated in SS. The proportion of CD3+CD4+CD45RA+CCR7+T-cells were increased (p= 0.045), while CD3+CD4+CD25+CD127- T-cells were declined (p= 0.027) and CD3+CD4+CXCR5+PD-1+ T-cells went down after the therapies (p≤ 0.030). The proportion of CD3-CD19+IgD-IgM-CD27+CD38+ B-cells was also reduced after TPE or immunoadsorption (p= 0.032) with ANA titers and IgG decreasing dramatically. SLEDAI scores were reduced after the therapy in SLE patients.

Conclusion:

The T-cell and B-cell’s profiles were proved to have alteration after TPE or immunoadsorption which shed light on the complicated mechanisms of these relatively novel therapy in SLE and SS.

References:

[1]Bertsias GK, Tektonidou M, Amoura Z, et al. Joint European League Against Rheumatism and European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association (EULAR/ERA-EDTA) recommendations for the management of adult and paediatric lupus nephritis. ANN RHEUM DIS 2012;71:1771-1782.

Acknowledgments:

None.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

AB0727 WORK OUTCOMES AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS PATIENTS IN CHINA

Background:

Poorer work productivity due to pain and functional impairment is commonly seen in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients, which may contribute to huge social economic burden. However, data about work outcomes and associated factors in Chinese AS patients were barely reported.

Objectives:

To assess work outcomes and identify factors associated with poor work productivity in patients with AS in China.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in China. Adult patients (aged ≥ 18 years) fulfilled the 1984 New York modified criteria of AS were enrolled from rheumatology center from Jan 2017 to Aug 2017. All participants completed questionnaires about socio-demographic characteristics, disease characteristics, quality of life and the Work productivity and activity impairment questionnaire in AS (WPAI:SpA) to accesses the impact of chronic health conditions on job performance and productivity. Factors associated with work outcomes were evaluated.

Results:

A total of 91 patients with AS were included: 87.8% males, 78.02% employed, mean age and disease duration of 30 and 10 years respectively. The mean (SD) activity impairment of all patients was 48.57% (22.02%). For patients with employed work, mean (SD) absenteeism, presenteeism and work productivity loss were 10.22% (19.44%), 43.86% (22.48%) and 47.92% (25.81%) respectively. In multivariable analysis, activity impairment was associated with Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) (P<0.01) and Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL) (P<0.01). Absenteeism was associated with disease duration (P=0.03). Presenteeism was associated with disease duration (P=0.04), BASFI (P<0.01) and ASQoL (P<0.01). Work productivity loss was associated with BASFI (P<0.01) and ASQoL (P<0.01).

Conclusion:

Longer disease duration, reduced physical function and poorer quality of life are associated with reduced work productivity in Chinese AS patients.

References:

[1]Boonen A, van der Heijde D, Landewe R, Spoorenberg A, Schouten H, Rutten-van Molken M, et al. Work status and productivity costs due to ankylosing spondylitis: comparison of three European countries. Annals of the rheumatic diseases. 2002;61(5):429-37.

[2]Martindale J, Shukla R, Goodacre J. The impact of ankylosing spondylitis/axial spondyloarthritis on work productivity. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2015;29(3):512-23.

[3]Castillo-Ortiz JD, Ramiro S, Landewe R, van der Heijde D, Dougados M, van den Bosch F, et al. Work Outcome in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis: Results From a 12-Year Followup of an International Study. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2016;68(4):544-52.

[4]Sag S, Nas K, Sag MS, Tekeoglu I, Kamanli A. Relationship of work disability between the disease activity, depression and quality of life in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2018;31(3):499-505.

[5]Goh Y, Kwan YH, Leung YY, Fong W, Cheung PP. A cross-sectional study on factors associated with poor work outcomes in patients with axial spondyloarthritis in Singapore. Int J Rheum Dis. 2019;22(11):2001-8.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

AB0049 IMMUNE DYSFUNCTION IN ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS (AS) AND THE POTENTIAL OF TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR-Α (TNF-α) INHIBITOR ANBAINUO AS AN EFFECTIVE TREATMENT

Background:

Studies into ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and its relationship with immune function are controversial, and the correlation between the efficacy of TNF-α inhibitor and changes in immune function is unclear.

Objectives:

We conducted a prospective study of T-cell and B-cell subset distribution and analyzed lymphocyte function in AS patients to further clarify changes to the immune system caused by AS and to explore resistance that could contribute to relapse after treatment.

Methods:

A total of 40 immune cells were tested with flow cytometry, and the results of 105 HC (healthy control) subjects, 177 active-stage AS patients, and 23 AS cases before and after 12 weeks of Anbainuo therapy were analyzed.

Results:

Compared with the HC group, the proportion of immune cells, such as naïve and central memory CD4+T cells, in AS increased (p<0.0001), but effector memory and terminally differentiated CD4+T cells were decreased (p<0.01 and 0.0001, respectively). Naïve, central memory, and effector memory CD8+T cells were increased (p<0.0001, 0.001, and 0.01, respectively), but terminally differentiated CD8+T cells were decreased (p<0.0001). Th1 cells (helper T cells-1), Tfh1 cells (follicular helper T cells-1), Tc1 cells (cytotoxic T cells-1), and Tregs (regulatory T cells) were lower (p<0.01, 0.05, 0.0001, and 0.001, respectively), but Th17 cells, Tfh17 cells, and Tc cells were higher (p<0.001, 0.0001 and 0.001, respectively). The proportions of total B cells and class-switched B cells were increased (p<0.05), but non-switched B cells, plasma cells, memory B cells, and immature Bregs (regulatory B cells) were lower (p<0.01, 0.0001, 0.0001, and 0.0001, respectively). After Anbainuo therapy, the percentage of Tregs and B10 cells (IL-10-producing regulatory B cells) had increased (p<0.01and 0.05, respectively), and the increase in Tregs was positively correlated with the decrease in CRP (C-reactive protein) (r= 0.489, p=0.018).

Conclusion:

We found that, in terms of both innate and acquired immunity, active-stage AS patients have an immunity imbalance involving multiple types of immune cells, including CD4+T cells, CD8+T cells, Th cells, Tfh cells, Tc cells, Tregs, Bregs, and B cells. Anbainuo can not only help to inhibit disease activity and partial immune function imbalance in AS but can also increase the number of negative regulatory cells in inflammation.

References:

[1]Long, S., et al., High frequency of circulating follicular helper T cells is correlated with B cell subtypes in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Exp Ther Med, 2018. 15(5): p. 4578-4586.

[2]An, H., et al., The absolute counts of peripheral T lymphocyte subsets in patient with ankylosing spondylitis and the effect of low-dose interleukin-2. Medicine (Baltimore), 2019. 98(15): p. e15094.

Acknowledgments:

Thanks to Professor Zhinan Yin for his support and assistance with this study

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

0638 Evaluation of an Oral Drug Pyridostigmine Bromide in Patients with Mild to Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Introduction

A randomized, double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled clinical study with pyridostigmine bromide (PYD) in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients ranging from mild to moderate disease was conducted to evaluate its clinical efficacy and safety.

Methods

Six diagnosed male patients with averages of age 48 yr (38 - 57 yr), BMI 28 (26 - 33), AHI 19.2 (15 - 26.2), minimum oxygen saturation (Min SaO2) 81% (75 - 87%) were enrolled to the study. The study consisted one-night acclimatization period followed immediately by a 2-night double-blind treatment period when subjects received either a single dose of PYD (a cholinesterase inhibitor, 90 mg) or placebo before sleep. Subjects were required to maintain in a supine position, and monitored by a standard polysomnography all the time. Sleep questionnaires (The SMH Sleep Questionnaire and ESS) were taken daily immediately after sleep and at the evening to evaluate the sleep satisfaction and the day-time quality, respectively. Safety of the drug was monitored and evaluated.

Results

Reductions of AHI (28.1%, p &lt; 0.01), apnea index (37.2%, p &lt; 0.05), % of total apnea/hypopnea time (36.4%, p &lt; 0.05) were observed in the treatment group compared with the placebo between 2-7 hours of sleep. Min SaO2 was increased, no change, or decreased by PYD in 3, 2, or 1 subject(s), respectively. PYD was generally well tolerated with minimum minor incidents. Subjects reported to have more satisfied sleep and more clear-headed in the treatment night, and more energy, more concentrated and less sleepy during the daytime following the treatment night.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the initial effectiveness of the PYD treatment for OSA, indicating that it may provide a new treatment option if the efficacy can be maintained in a large-scale clinical trial.

Support

N/A

Fully physically cross-linked double network hydrogels with strong mechanical properties, good recovery and self-healing properties

Combining a hydrophobic interaction crosslinked curdlan as the first network and hydrophobic interaction crosslinked polyacrylamide as the second network, we have fabricated a curdlan/HPAAm double network (DN) hydrogel using a one-pot method. The resulting DN hydrogel exhibited good mechanical properties, i.e. an elastic modulus of 103 kPa, a tensile fracture strength of 0.81 MPa, a tensile stretch of 25.3 and a compressive stress of 62.5 MPa when the compressive strain increased up to 99%. The DN gel could withstand ten compression tests under 90% compressive strain without observable damage. The DN gel demonstrated 84% stiffness recovery and 97% toughness recovery after the deformed samples were relaxed and stored at 95 °C for 4 h. The stiffness and fracture stress of the DN gel were enhanced after sterilization treatment at 120 °C. Furthermore, the gels exhibited 52% self-healing of fracture stretch after the samples were cut and brought into contact at 95 °C for 4 h. The self-recovery and self-healing properties of the DN gel both originated from the first curdlan network via the reformation of hydrophobic interactions and the second HPAAm network via reformation of the broken hydrophobic associations.

Tough and Stretchable Dual Ionically Cross-Linked Hydrogel with High Conductivity and Fast Recovery Property for High-Performance Flexible Sensors

As a kind of typical soft and wet material, hydrogel has been increasingly investigated as another way to develop flexible electronics. However, the traditional hydrogel with poor strain and strength performance cannot meet the requirements for stretchable electronics; fabricating a stretchable hydrogel with balanced tensile strength, toughness, and conductivity is still a big challenge. Herein, a new type of physically cross-linked hydrogel with poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid)-Fe³⁺ and chitosan-SO₄^2- dual ionic networks via facile free radical polymerization and soaking processes is developed to fabricate excellent high-performance flexible sensors. The abundant Fe³⁺ and SO₄^2- ions in the hydrogel can not only construct tough and strong dual ionic networks but also give the hydrogel high conductivity. Consequently, the optimal hydrogel possesses high tensile strength (∼5.1 MPa), large strain capacity (∼1225%), elasticity (∼1.13 MPa), high toughness (∼32.1 MJ/m³), and high conductivity (3.04 S/m at f = 0.1M), as well as rapid self-recovery property. Furthermore, the hydrogel conductor has high stretching sensitivity with a gauge factor of 6.0 at strain of 700% and was able to detect conventional motions of the human body such as the motions of the knuckle, speaking, and swallowing, which indicates that our ionic conductive hydrogels can be used to fabricate excellent high-performance flexible sensors.

Expression of sodium/iodide transporters and thyroid stimulating hormone receptors in thyroid cancer patients and its correlation with iodine nutrition status and pathology

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between the expression of sodium/iodide transporter (NIS) and thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) and iodine nutritional status in patients with thyroid carcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

146 cases of thyroid cancer in Shanghai Gongli Hospital, the Second Military Medical University between February and December 2014 were selected as thyroid cancer group, 120 cases of normal thyroid morphology examined by thyroid ultrasound at the same period were selected as normal group. General information and thyroid function of two groups were recorded and analyzed. H&E staining was used to perform histopathological study on both normal group and thyroid cancer group, and immunohistochemistry was used to detect NIS and TSHR protein expression and position. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used for quantitative detection of NIS and TSHR mRNA in the two groups, and the relationship between iodine nutrition and NIS and TSHR expression in thyroid cancer patients was studied. The expression of NIS and TSHR in each group was detected by Western blotting, and the difference in NIS and TSHR expression was analyzed by SPSS 17.0 statistical software.

RESULTS

The difference of serum total triiodothyronine (TT3), total thyroxine (TT4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels between the normal group and the thyroid cancer group was statistically significant (p < 0.05). H&E staining showed that the histopathology of the thyroid cancer group was significantly different from that of the normal group. Immunohistochemistry showed the positive expression of NIS and TSHR in thyroid cancer group. The expression of NIS and TSHR mRNA and protein in thyroid cancer patients was significantly lower than that in normal group detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Analysis of variance showed that the difference of NIS and TSHR expression between the two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicated that the expression of NIS and TSHR in thyroid cancer is closely related to iodine nutritional status, which has important research value.

Curcumin attenuates palmitic acid-induced cell apoptosis by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress in H9C2 cardiomyocytes

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is mediated by multiple molecular mechanisms including endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Curcumin, a phenolic compound, has cytoprotective properties, but its potential protective action against diabetic cardiomyopathy and the related molecular mechanisms are not fully elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the effects of curcumin on cell viability and apoptosis in palmitic acid (PA)-treated H9C2 cardiomyocytes and investigated the signaling pathways involved. Treatment with PA reduced cell viability, induced apoptosis, enhanced apoptosis-related protein expression (Caspase 3 and BCL-2 associated X protein (BAX)), and activated ER stress marker protein expression (glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein (CHOP)). Curcumin attenuated PA-induced reduction in cell viability and activation of apoptosis, Caspase 3 activity, BAX, CHOP, and GRP78 expression. 4-Phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) attenuated the PA-induced effects on cell viability and apoptosis, similar to curcumin. Both curcumin and 4-PBA also attenuated PA-induced increase in ER stress protein (CHOP and GRP78) expression. Curcumin also protected against cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and ER stress induced by thapsigargin. These findings indicate that PA triggers apoptosis in H9C2 cells via ER stress pathways and curcumin protects against this phenomenon.

Association of VDR and OPG gene polymorphism with osteoporosis risk in Chinese postmenopausal women

AIMS

The underlying mechanisms of vitamin D receptor (VDR) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) genetic variation associated with bone mineral density and osteoporosis remain uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the association of VDR and OPG gene polymorphism as well as gene-gene interaction and their haplotype combination with the risk of osteoporosis.

METHODS

Polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism was carried out for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection. Generalized multifactor dimension reduction (GMDR) is used to identify the interaction. SHEsis software evaluated the haplotype and logistic regression was performed to assess the association between the SNPs within the VDR and OPG genes and osteoporosis.

RESULTS

The risk of osteoporosis in the VDR-rs2228570 polymorphism T-allele carriers was significantly higher than that in CC (CT/TT versus CC) individuals (adjusted odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 1.76 [1.33-2.22]). The risk of osteoporosis was also higher in the G-allele carrier of the OPG-rs3102735 polymorphism than in individuals with the AA genotype (AG/GG vs. AA) (adjusted OR [95% CI] = 1.65 [1.27-2.14]). However, after adjusting for sex, age, and waist circumference covariates, no significant association of VDR-rs17879735 and OPG-rs2073618 with the osteoporosis risk was revealed. The GMDR method identified that gene-gene interactions were significant, but not for gene/AO interaction. Haplotypes were analyzed with SHEsis software. We did not detect a high-risk haplotype combination associated with osteoporosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Both VDR-rs2228570-T and OPG-rs3102735-G and their interactions are related to the increased risk of osteoporosis.

Bisphenol A promotes hepatic lipid deposition involving Kupffer cells M1 polarization in male mice

Bisphenol A (BPA), one of the most common environmental endocrine disruptors, is considered to promote hepatic lipid deposition. However, the mechanism has not been fully elucidated. The polarization of Kupffer cells (KCs) plays an important role in hepatic inflammation by promoting pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype (M1KCs), which contributes to dysregulated lipid metabolism. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of KC polarization in BPA-induced hepatosteatosis in male mice. In this study, we examined hepatic lipid contents and quantified M1KC in BPA-treated CD1 mice, and further explored the interaction between KCs and hepatocytes using conditional HepG2 cell culture. BPA treatment significantly increased hepatic fat contents in CD1 mice, accompanied by increased number of pro-inflammatory M1KCs and enhanced secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Increased lipid contents were also observed in HepG2 cells treated with BPA. Interestingly, higher TG contents were observed in HepaG2 cells treated with conditional media from BPA-treated KCs, compared with those treated with BPA directly. Incubation of KCs with BPA promoted the polarization of KCs to pro-inflammatory M1 dominant subtypes, which was blocked by estrogen antagonist ICI182780. Taken together, our results revealed that M1KCs polarization is involved in BPA-induced hepatic fat deposition, which is possibly associated with the estrogen receptor signaling pathway.

Effect of developmental stage of embryos at freezing on live birth outcomes after frozen embryo transfer

　　Purpose Our objective was to evaluate the birth outcomes of FET from different developmental stage of embryo at freezing (Day 3, Day 5 and Day 6). Methods All vitrified-warmed day 3 (D3) and day 5/6 (D5, D6) embryo transfers during the time period from January 2013 until December 2015 were included in the study. The Birthweight, Low birthweight (LBW), sexual distinction, gestation and for singleton births and twins conceived by FET were compared retrospectively between three cryopreservation strategies utilizing either D3, D5 or D6 embryo freezing. All embryos were vitrified by Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), Ethylene glycol (EG) and Sucrose used as Cryoprotectants and using Cryoleaf as the receptacles. Results A total of 993 infants from 771 women. The length of embryos storage was 3-38 months, with a median of 8 months. For singleton, birthweight from D5 and D6 blastocysts transfers were significantly heavier than for D3 cleavage-stage embryos transfers (P =0.0065 P =0.0006). For twins, birthweight from D6 blastocysts transfers were significantly heavier than for D5 blastocysts transfers (P =0.0044), and children born after D3 were at a signigicantly increased risk of being born a LBW. Conclusions Birthweights from FET are influenced by developmental stage of embryos at freezing, which were lower for cleavage-stage embryos transfer than blastocysts transfer after FET in singletons. The birth rate of LBW infants was higher in the twins. The study was small so there may be other factors than cryopreservation which affected outcomes. A higher sample size or a multi-centre prospective randomized design could be used in future studies to corroborate the current findings.

Construction of recombinant adenovirus Ad-rat PLCγ2 and its effects on apoptosis of rat liver cell BRL-3A in vitro

Although the role of PLCγ2 in apoptotic response has been reported, too little is known about whether PLCγ2 induces liver cell apoptosis during liver regeneration. Therefore, this study firstly packaged Ad-PLCγ2 recombinant adenovirus and primarily evaluated its effect on apoptosis of rat liver cell BRL-3A in vitro. Following ten days of co-transfection of pHBAd-MCMV-GFP-PLCγ2 and pHBAd-BHG into HEK293 cells, viral cytopathic effect (CPE) was apparent. Following three rounds of amplification, tissue culture infectious dose 50 (TCID50) assay showed that the titer value reached 1×1010 PFU/mL. After 24 h of transfection of recombinant adenovirus into BRL-3A cells, transfection efficiency of adenovirus into BRL-3A cells was above 90% when obsereved under fluorescent microscopy. qRT-PCR and Western blot assays showed mRNA and protein levels of PLCγ2 were significantly elevated in the transfected BRL-3A cells. Flow cytometric analysis showed that, compared with the control and Ad-GFP groups, cell apoptosis rate of Ad-PLCγ2 group were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the cell cycle in Ad-PLCγ2 group was arrested at G1 phase which was manifested by a marked increase (P<0.01) in the percentage of G1 phase cells and a great decrease (P<0.01) in the percentage of S and G2/M phase cells. It was concluded from above results that recombinant adenovirus Ad-PLCγ2 was packaged successfully, and could promote cell apoptosis by arresting the transition from G1 to S phase of BRL-3A cells.

Glucocorticoid combined with hyaluronic acid enhance glucocorticoid receptor activity through inhibiting p-38MAPK signal pathway activation in treating acute lung injury in rats

OBJECTIVE

In order to seek an effective strategy for clinical treatment of acute lung injury (ALI), we are committed to explore the effect of combination therapy of glucocorticoid and hyaluronic acid on acute lung injury caused by an endotoxin (LPS) and its mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided randomly into 5 groups: normal group (n=8); LPS group (n=8); dexamethasone +LPS group (DXMS group, n=8); hyaluronic acid+ LPS group (HA group, n=8); dexamethasone +hyaluronic acid +LPS group (DXMS+HA group, n=8). Firstly, SD rat model with acute lung injury induced by LPS was established, and injected corresponding drugs according to the plan. Then, the expression of TNF-a, IL-8, IL-10, ICAM-1 and total protein were measured by ELISA, and the HE staining was used for detected the pathological change in lung tissue. Subsequently, the water content, dry and wet ratio and permeability in lung tissues of SD rats was assayed. Finally, the expression level of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) was detected by RT-PCR, and activation of p-p38MAPK was determined by Western blotting.

RESULTS

The results showed that concentration of IL-8, IL-10 and ICAM-1 was significantly increased in BALF after LPS injection, and the results from HE staining showed it had widespread inflammation. However, lung structures in SD rats with inhalation lung injury were improved significantly after the injection of dexamethasone and hyaluronic acid, and the Pa02/Fi02, blood pressure and Cdyn were also increased. Moreover, lung water content, the ratio of wet and dry lung, and lung permeability index (LPI) was decreased after having treated the SD rats with a combination of dexamethasone and hyaluronic acid, and the apoptosis index was also decreased in the rats with LPS-induced ALI. Our data also suggested that TNF-α, IL-8, IL-10, intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and total protein was significantly declined in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of rats with LPS-induced acute lung injury after treated the SD rats with a combination of dexamethasone and hyaluronic acid. In addition, the data also implied that anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the activation of p38MAPK signal pathway induced by LPS through enhancement of the activity of GR, to further analyze the mechanism of the effect of combination therapy with dexamethasone and hyaluronic acid on acute lung injury in SD rats.

CONCLUSIONS

LPS-induced ALI in SD rats is relieved after treatment with a combination of dexamethasone and hyaluronic acid. In the process of its function, activated GR can represent anti-inflammatory effect and protect the lung tissue by inhibiting the activation/phosphorylation of p38MAPK, while hyaluronic acid can enhance micro-environment of alveolar tissue.

A Novel Poly(L-lactide) (PLLA)/Fibroin Hybrid Scaffold to Promote Hepatocyte Viability and Decrease Macrophage Responses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hepatocellular compatibility and assess the inflammatory response of a novel hybrid scaffold of poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and fibroin. The hybrid scaffold was obtained by freezing and lyophilizing a blend of fibroin microspheres and PLLA solution. FTIR and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis indicated that fibroin microspheres were on the surface of the hybrid scaffold. Compared to the PLLA scaffold, SEM and laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) analyses showed that the human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells had spread and proliferated much more in the hybrid scaffold. The MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assays indicated a greater number of cells in this hybrid scaffold. Furthermore, a mouse RAW264.7 macrophages cell line was utilized to characterize and compare the mRNA profiles of TNF-alpha using real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The inflammatory response of the macrophages grown in the PLLA/fibroin scaffold rapidly declined compared to those in the PLLA scaffold and reached the level of cells grown in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM). The hepatocellular compatibility and lower level of inflammatory response makes the PLLA/fibroin scaffold a promising candidate for hepatic tissue engineering.

Biocompatible Fibroin Blended Films with Recombinant Human-like Collagen for Hepatic Tissue Engineering

Recombinant human-like collagen (RHLC) was blended with fibroin to prepare a novel biocompatible film as a scaffold material for hepatic tissue engineering applications. Solution blending was used to incorporate RHLC with silk fibroin to enhance the blend films biocompatibility and hydrophilicity while maintaining elasticity. FTIR and XRD analysis indicated that hydrogen bonds had formed between fibroin and RHLC, while SEM microscopy data confirmed that homogeneous microstructures were still retained after the introduction of RHLC with fibroin. Contact angle measurements indicated that the hydrophilicity of the fibroin/RHLC films was greater after RHLC was added. The elongation at break in the wet state was not markedly changed after blending the recombinant human-like collagen, which implied that flexibility was maintained. The proliferation and viability of the cell cultures on fibroin/RHLC films were significantly enhanced compared to pure fibroin films or tissue culture plates.

Adipose-derived stem cells undergo spontaneous osteogenic differentiation in vitro when passaged serially or seeded at low density

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are a convenient source of cells for regenerating tissue. Widespread application of ADSCs requires that they propagate efficiently and differentiate in vitro. We investigated the differentiation potential of ADSCs during long-term expansion in vitro and when the cells were seeded at low density. ADSCs were isolated from the inguinal fat pads of 3-week-old male rats, then cultured serially for 12 passages; some ADSCs at passage 3 were seeded at low density. The differentiation potential of ADSCs from passage 3 to passage 12 was assessed by their capacity for adipogenesis and osteogenesis while cultured in specific induction media. Spontaneous osteogenesis of ADSCs at passage 12 and of ADSCs that were seeded at low density was detected by western blotting, alizarin red S staining and measurement of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. We found that with increasing passage number, the adipogenic potential of ADSCs decreased and osteogenic differentiation increased. Alizarin red S staining, bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) expressions, and ALP activity demonstrated that both ADSCs at passage 12 and those that were seeded at low density differentiated into osteoblasts without additional induction factors.

Improved systolic function of rat cardiocytes during heart failure by overexpression of SERCA2a

OBJECTIVE

This study shows that overexpression of SERCA2a can improve the systolic function and reduce the occurr-ence of arrhythmias in cardiocytes isolated from the heart of a rat model of heart failure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An animal model of rats experiencing heart failure was established by a surgical procedure producing abdominal aortic coarctation. Cardiocytes from sacrificed rats were isolated by a collagenase digestion method. The SERCA2a adenovirus vector was transfected into the cells after 48h of culture. Overexpression of SERCA2a in cardiocytes was verified by Western Blot. Measurements were taken using a single cell dynamic edge detection system to evaluate the effects on the myocardiocyte function and calcium homeostasis.

RESULTS

Cardiocytes overexpressing SERCA2a displayed a stronger systolic function and lower occurrence rate of abnormal systolic rhythm than mock-transfected cardiocytes. The contraction rhythm abnormality rate percentage was 5.270 ± 1.566% vs. 3.955 ± 1.684% (p < 0.01). The time at which they reached the maximum contraction (TTP) was 0.095 ± 0.009s vs. 0.114 ± 0.008s (p < 0.01). The time at which they reached 50% of the diastolic amplitude (R50) was 0.039 ± 0.008s vs. 0.057 ± 0.010s (p < 0.01). Finally, the occurrence rate of abnormal systolic rhythm during maximal contraction was 58% vs. 81% (p < 0.01). These results show that all data were significantly improved in the SERCA2a overexpressing group, and that parameters achieved were similar to those in the sham-operated non-heart failure group.

CONCLUSIONS

The overexpression of SERCA2a in cardiocytes during heart failure significantly improves cell function and arrhythmia occurrence.

Assessment of myocardial segmental function with coronary artery stenosis in multi-vessel coronary disease patients with normal wall motion

OBJECTIVE

To discover the impact of the various degrees of coronary artery stenosis (CAD) on the left ventricular systolic dysfunction in steady state with quantitative analysis of the regional systolic myocardium in longitudinal, radial and circumferential direction in patients with coronary artery disease by two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (STI).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-three normal wall motion-multi vessel coronary artery disease (NWM-MVD) patients labeled as the experimental groups and forty-two subjects with little risk of CAD marked as the control group were enrolled in this study. The two-dimensional STI was obtained in the apical long axis and three levels of the short axis of the left ventricle. The left ventricular wall was divided into 18 segments. The affected myocardia were divided into three groups: group B (coronary stenosis degree ≤50%), group C (coronary stenosis degree 50%-99%)and group D (coronary stenosis degree ≥99%). Using the Q-analysis software, the longitudinal, radial and circumferential systolic strain (SL, SR, SC) and strain ratio (SrL, SrR, SrC) of the myocardium were analyzed.

RESULTS

The bradycardia in the NWM-MVD group is greater than that in the control group (16/43 vs. 7/42, p <0.05). Compared with the control group, the SL and SR of group B, group C and group D decreased significantly (p <0.05). Compared with group C, the SL of group D also decreased significantly (p <0.05). However, there was no SC difference among the four groups. Meanwhile, compared with group A, the SrL, SrR and SrC of group B, group C and group D decreased significantly (p <0.05). Compared with group A, group B and group C, the SrL and SrC of group D also decreased (p <0.05). Compared with group A and group C, the SrR of group D decreased. The SrL was equal to 1.085 for the cut-off value, and the sum (1.348) of sensitivity (0.673) and specificity (0.675) were the greatest. Bland-Altman analysis showed that there was myocardium conformity of in both the multi-vessel CAD patients and the control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Myocardial systolic function was impaired in the MVD patients of group B (coronary stenosis degree ≤50%), group C (coronary stenosis degree 50%-99%)and group D (coronary stenosis degree ≥99%), especially the longitudinal and radial systolic function, even though they had normal wall motion. The SrL equaled 1.085 for the cut-off value, and the sums (1.348) of sensitivity (0.673) and specificity (0.675) were the greatest. Bradycardia might be a compensatory mechanism in NWM-MVD patients.