Dexmedetomidine Promotes SH-SY5Y Cell Resistance Against Impairment of Iron Overload by Inhibiting NF-κB Pathways.

Iron overload is a common pathophysiological state underlying many diseases that has a detrimental influence on cells. The protective effects of Dexmedetomidine (Dex), a high selective alpha-2-adrenoceptor agonist, have been revealed through many experimental models, whereas no study reports its effects on an iron overload model. To elucidate these effects, we used FeCl2 with or without Dex to treat SH-SY5Y cells for 24 h and then detected indicators of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis and investigated possible mechanisms further. After treatment with FeCl2 for 24 h, cell viability decreased in a dose dependent manner, and Dex promoted cell survival in FeCl2 incubation, also in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with the FeCl2 group, 20 µM Dex significantly attenuated ROS accumulation, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, and inhibited apoptosis. Furthermore, 20 µM concentration of Dex remarkably downregulated the expression of pro-apoptotic protein and activation of caspase 3 while increasing anti-apoptotic protein expression. Additionally, Dex also effectively suppressed the expression of NF-κB and its activation. In conclusion, Dex exerted anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammation, and anti-apoptosis effects on FeCl2-treated SH-SY5Y cells, possibly by inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway.

Lateral Craniopharyngeal Canal: An Anatomical Cause of Spontaneous Rhinorrhea.

The aim of this report is to investigate the pathogenesis and surgical treatment of encephalocele located in the sphenoid sinus and presented with spontaneous rhinorrhea. The data of a patient with sphenoid sinus encephalocele was analyzed in association with the review of literature. The patient admitted to our clinic with rhinorrhea from the left nasal cavity. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging revealed bone defects in the left sphenoid sinus wall, and the presence of brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the sphenoid sinus. The patient underwent dural repair via left pterional approach. Rhinorrhea disappeared after surgery. The pathogenesis of the encephalocele in the sphenoid sinus is not clear. It may be related to the presence of lateral craniopharyngeal canal, extra-gasification in the sphenoid sinus, high intracranial pressure or other factors. It is very important to diagnose accurately the source of CSF fistula in preoperative period, choose the specific operation technique, and follow-up the patient for a long time period.