Endovascular therapy beyond 24 hours for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion or stenosis in acute ischemic stroke: a retrospective study.

Background: To assess the clinical and safety outcomes of endovascular treatment (EVT) administered more than 24 h after the onset of symptoms in patients with acute ischemic stroke resulting from anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion or stenosis (AIS-ACLVO/S). Methods: We enrolled consecutive AIS-ACLVO/S patients who received EVT in our hospital between January 2019 and February 2022 and divided them into two groups based on the time from AIS onset to EVT: EVT < 24 h group and EVT >24 h group. The successful reperfusion (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction, [mTICI] ≥2b), 90-day modified Rankin Scale score (mRS), intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and symptomatic ICH (sICH), as well as mortality, were analyzed in the two groups of patients. Results: A total of 239 patients were included in the study, with 214 patients in the EVT < 24 h group (67.8 ± 0.8 years, 126 males) and 25 patients in the EVT > 24 h group (62.80 ± 2.0 years, 22 males). Both groups were similar in terms of hypertension, diabetes history, responsible vessels, and Alberta stroke program early computed tomography scores (p > 0.05). However, the EVT < 24 h group had significantly higher age, history of atrial fibrillation, proportion of patients receiving intravenous thrombolysis, and NIHSS scores before EVT than the EVT > 24 h group. AIS etiology differed between the groups, with more cases of large artery atherosclerosis in the EVT > 24-h group and more cases of cardioembolism in the EVT < 24-h group. Successful reperfusion (mTICI ≥2b), ICH, and sICH were similar between the groups. The 90-day functional independence rate (mRS ≤ 2) was significantly higher in the EVT > 24-h than in the EVT < 24-h group (80% vs. 39.7%, p < 0.001), while the 90-day mortality rate was lower in the EVT > 24-h group (0% vs. 24.8%, p < 0.001). Conclusion: In our study, we found that EVT beyond 24 h of symptom onset in patients selected with multimodal MR screening, was associated with high functional independence rates and low mortality. Larger or randomized studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles in skin wound healing: roles, opportunities and challenges.

Skin wounds are characterized by injury to the skin due to trauma, tearing, cuts, or contusions. As such injuries are common to all human groups, they may at times represent a serious socioeconomic burden. Currently, increasing numbers of studies have focused on the role of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) in skin wound repair. As a cell-free therapy, MSC-derived EVs have shown significant application potential in the field of wound repair as a more stable and safer option than conventional cell therapy. Treatment based on MSC-derived EVs can significantly promote the repair of damaged substructures, including the regeneration of vessels, nerves, and hair follicles. In addition, MSC-derived EVs can inhibit scar formation by affecting angiogenesis-related and antifibrotic pathways in promoting macrophage polarization, wound angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and cell migration, and by inhibiting excessive extracellular matrix production. Additionally, these structures can serve as a scaffold for components used in wound repair, and they can be developed into bioengineered EVs to support trauma repair. Through the formulation of standardized culture, isolation, purification, and drug delivery strategies, exploration of the detailed mechanism of EVs will allow them to be used as clinical treatments for wound repair. In conclusion, MSC-derived EVs-based therapies have important application prospects in wound repair. Here we provide a comprehensive overview of their current status, application potential, and associated drawbacks.

Exploration of the Risk Factors of Anemia in Patients with Tuberculous Meningitis in South China.

Objective: Central nervous system (CNS) infection has a high incidence and mortality worldwide. Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) accounts for approximately 5-6% of all extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB), and is considered an extremely lethal form of CNS TB, which has become an important threat to human health. Anemia is a common symptom of TB, and its prevalence is generally higher in patients with TBM than in other meningitis patients and healthy individuals. Anemia can increase a person's susceptibility to common infectious diseases, including TB, by compromising the immune system. Information regarding anemia during the hospitalization of TBM is still scarce in China. This study aimed to describe in detail the prevalence of anemia in patients with TBM in Southern China and its association with the clinical forms of TB, as well as other characteristics of these patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with TBM at two tertiary hospitals in southern China. The demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and laboratory results of 114 patients with TBM were collected. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the risk factors for anemia in patients with TBM. Results: Electronic medical record data of adult patients diagnosed with TBM from January 2004 to December 2019 were reviewed. Among 134 patients with TBM, 20 were excluded and 114 were analyzed, of whom 33 had anemic, the prevalence rate of anemia was 28.9%. Among patients with anemia, 51.5% had hypochromic microcytic anemia, 33.3% had normochromic normocytic anemia, and 15.2% had macrocytic anemia. Fever duration, TBM grade III and ESR were found to be independent predictors of anemia. Conclusion: Anemia was highly prevalent in patients with TBM, mainly hypochromic microcytic anemia. Besides, Fever duration, TBM grade III and ESR are predictors of anemia in patients with TBM.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Cranial Nerve Palsy in Patients with Tuberculous Meningitis: A Retrospective Evaluation.

Objective: Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is a common form of central nervous system (CNS) tuberculosis (TB). Cranial nerve palsy is a serious complication of TBM. Literature regarding this subject is still limited in China. This study evaluated the incidence of cranial nerve palsy in patients with TBM in South China, its association with the clinical forms of TB, and other patient characteristics. Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients with a diagnosis of TBM between January 2004 and December 2019 was conducted, and the demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and laboratory results of 114 patients were collected and followed up for 3 months. A multivariate logistic regression analysis model was used to explore the risk factors of cranial nerve palsy in patients with TBM. Results: A total of 114 patients were enrolled in this study. Cranial nerve palsy was observed in approximately 38 (33.3%) of TBM patients. Among them, 13 (28.3%) had optic nerve palsy, 24 (52.2%) had oculomotor nerve palsy, 5 (10.9%) had abducens nerve palsy, 2 (4.3%) had auditory nerve palsy, 1 (2.2%) had glossopharyngeal nerve palsy, and 1 (2.2%) had vagus nerve palsy. Using logistic regression analysis, focal neurological deficit, extracranial TB and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) total white cell count (WCC) were shown to be risk factors for cranial nerve palsy. Conclusion: The prevalence rate of cranial nerve palsy was 33.3% in patients with TBM. Focal neurological deficits, extracranial TB and CSF total WCC are important predictors of cranial nerve palsy in patients with TBM.

Effect of thermophilic bacterium HB27 manganese superoxide dismutase in a rat model of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).

We investigated the therapeutic effects of superoxide dismutase (SOD) from thermophilic bacterium HB27 on chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) and its underlying mechanisms. A Sprague-Dawley rat model of CP/CPPS was prepared and then administered saline or Thermus thermophilic (Tt)-SOD intragastrically for 4 weeks. Prostate inflammation and fibrosis were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and Masson staining. Alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), serum creatinine (CR), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were assayed for all animals. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were performed to analyze serum cytokine concentrations and tissue levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, SOD, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Reactive oxygen species levels were detected using dichlorofluorescein diacetate. The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of tissue cytokines was analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and infiltrating inflammatory cells were examined using immunohistochemistry. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) P65, P38, and inhibitor of nuclear factor-κBα (I-κBα) protein levels were determined using western blot. Tt-SOD significantly improved histopathological changes in CP/CPPS, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis, increased pain threshold, and reduced the prostate index. Tt-SOD treatment showed no significant effect on ALT, AST, CR, or BUN levels. Furthermore, Tt-SOD reduced inflammatory cytokine expression in prostate tissue and increased antioxidant capacity. This anti-inflammatory activity correlated with decreases in the abundance of cluster of differentiation 3 (CD3), cluster of differentiation 45 (CD45), and macrophage inflammatory protein 1α (MIP1α) cells. Tt-SOD alleviated inflammation and oxidative stress by reducing NF-κB P65 and P38 protein levels and increasing I-κBα protein levels. These findings support Tt-SOD as a potential drug for CP/CPPS.

The protective effect of manganese superoxide dismutase from thermophilic bacterium HB27 on hydrochloric acid-induced chemical cystitis in rats.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) from thermophilic bacterium HB27 (name as Tt-SOD) on chemical cystitis. METHODS: Control and experimental rats were infused by intravesical saline or hydrochloric acid (HCl) on the first day of the experiments. Saline, sodium hyaluronate (SH) or Tt-SOD were infused intravesically once a day for three consequent days. On the fifth day, the rats were weighted and sacrificed following a pain threshold test. The bladder was harvested for histological and biochemical analyses. RESULTS: Tt-SOD could reduce the bladder index, infiltration of inflammatory cells in tissues, serum inflammatory factors and SOD levels, mRNA expression of inflammatory factors in tissues, and increase perineal mechanical pain threshold and serum MDA and ROS levels in HCl-induced chemical cystitis. Furthermore, Tt-SOD alleviated inflammation and oxidative stress by the negative regulation of the NF-κB p65 and p38 MAPK signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Intravesical instillation of Tt-SOD provides protective effects against HCl-induced cystitis.

[Efficacy of apolipoprotein 2-Jifusheng in the treatment of osteomyelitis in rabbits].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of one-stage treatment of bone morphogenetic protein 2 combined with Jifusheng in the experimental model of osteomyelitis in rabbits. METHODS: The model of chronic osteomyelitis of tibia was established in 30 3-month-old male New Zealand white rabbits with a body weight of (2.0±0.5) kg, and the model was verified 4 weeks after operation. Thirty rabbits with osteomyelitis were randomly divided into 3 groups with 10 rabbits in each group (n= 10). The model group did not do any treatment after focal debridement, treatment group A was implanted with musculosheng at the site of focal debridement and bone defect, and treatment group B was implanted with apolipoprotein 2-Jifusheng at the site of focal debridement and bone defect. The therapeuticeffect was evaluated by blood biochemical, microbiological, imaging, pathological and immunohistochemical examination 8 weeks after operation. RESULTS: At 4 weeks after operation, 30 rabbits with osteomyelitis were successfully validated. The results of serological examination showed that the hypersensitive C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count(WBC)in the model group were significantly higher than those in the blank group at 2 and 4 weeks after operation. Eight weeks after treatment, the detection of blood indexes showed that the white blood cell count (WBC)and hypersensitive C reactive protein (CRP)in treatment group A and treatment group B were significantly lower than those in the model group (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between treatment group An and treatment group B (P>0.05). Eight weeks after treatment, the bone defect area was measured. The bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) and bone mineral density (BMD)in treatment group A and B were significantly higher than those in the model group (P<0.05), and the bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) and bone mineral density(BMD)in treatment group B were significantly higher than those in treatment group A (P<0.05), the repair of bone defect was almost complete, and the bone volume and bone mineral density increased significantly. At 8 weeks after treatment, the number of osteoblasts/bone tissue area (N.Ob/T.Ar) and the number of osteoblasts/bone tissue perimeter (N.Ob/B.Pm) in treatment group A and B were significantly higher than those in model group, and the N.Ob/T.Ar and N.Ob/B.Pm in treatment group B were significantly higher than those in treatment group A. The immunohistochemical staining of TNF- α and IL-6 around bone tissue in treatment group A and treatment group B was significantly less than that in model group, but there was no significant difference between treatment group B and treatment group A. CONCLUSION: The combined application of apolipoprotein 2-Jifusheng can promote bone repair and reduce the inflammation of the focus. it can treat rabbits with osteomyelitis in one stage, provide objective basis for the formulation of clinical treatment strategy of osteomyelitis and further promote clinical research.

Association between kidney stones and risk of developing stroke: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have described the relationship between kidney stones and stroke, but the results are controversial, so we conducted this meta-analysis to estimate the relationship between kidney stones and the risk of developing stroke. METHODS: Studies were marked with a comprehensive search of PubMed, EMBASE, Google, and ISI Web of Science databases through 25 March 2020. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted, and a random-effects model or fix-effects model was used to compute the pooled combined risk estimate. Heterogeneity was reported as I2. We performed subgroup and sensitivity analysis to assess potential sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS: Eight studies of seven articles involving 3,526,808 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, kidney stones were associated with a moderate risk of stroke incidence (HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.11-1.40; I2=79.6%; p=0.000). We conducted a sensitivity analysis by removing the studies that had a high risk of bias. Heterogeneity subsequently decreased significantly, while an increased risk of stroke in patient with kidney stones was again demonstrated (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.11-1.23; I2=28.7%; p=0.000). Stratifying analysis showed that the results were more pronounced for ischemic stroke (HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.08-1.22; I2=15.6%; p=0.00) and the follow-up duration ≥10 years (HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.10-1.27; I2=31.6%; p=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis suggests that patients with kidney stones may have a modestly increased risk of developing stroke, especially in ischemic stroke. More large-scaled and clinical trials should be done to identify the relative impact of kidney stones on stroke outcomes in the future.

Effect of glycated hemoglobin index and mean arterial pressure on acute ischemic stroke prognosis after intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator.

To determine whether glycated hemoglobin and mean arterial pressure (MAP) during thrombolysis are prognostic factors of intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS).A total of 125 AIS patients, who received rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis in our hospital, were included into the present study, and divided into good prognosis group and poor prognosis group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the prognostic factors of AIS treated by rt-PA thrombolysis, Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation of the accumulated cigarette consumption in the smoking subgroup and glycated hemoglobin in the diabetic subgroup with the prognosis after intravenous thrombolysis and the symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH).Univariate analysis revealed that the interval from onset to thrombolysis, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, MAP during thrombolysis and DRAGON score were prognostic factors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that baseline NIHSS score and MAP during thrombolysis were independent prognostic factors for rt-PA thrombolysis. Furthermore, the glycated hemoglobin index was positively correlated with the incidence of sICH.The NIHSS score before thrombolysis and MAP during thrombolysis were independent factors for the prognosis of AIS treated by thrombolysis. The higher the glycated hemoglobin index of diabetic patients, the more likely they are to develop sICH, the glycated hemoglobin index was negatively correlated with the prognosis after intravenous thrombolysis. The accumulated cigarette consumption was negatively correlated with the prognosis after intravenous thrombolysis.

Pathfast presepsin assay for early diagnosis of systemic inflammatory response syndrome in patients with nephrolithiasis.

It is relatively difficult to diagnose bacterial sepsis in nephrolithiasis patients. The aim of the study is to evaluate the diagnostic ability of presepsin in the differential diagnosis including SIRS, infection, or sepsis and to compare its diagnostic value with other markers, mainly as CRP, procalcitonin (PCT), and white blood cell (WBC) in patients of nephrolithiasis presenting with SIRS. 39 patients of nephrolithiasis who were diagnosed as SIRS were prospectively investigated. Plasma presepsin was detected by Pathfast presepsin assay system; CRP and PCT were measured as well. Additionally, 25 nephrolithiasis patients without SIRS were included. At all timing samples, patients were classified as SIRS or non-SIRS group. Median plasma presepsin levels were significantly increased in the SIRS group compared with non-SIRS group (452 pg/mL versus 178 ng/mL, P < 0.001), and presepsin was markedly elevated even in the early stage of SIRS (584 pg/mL 6 h, 660 pg/mL 24 h versus 452 pg/mL, P < 0.001). According to the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, presepsin demonstrated a high diagnostic value compared with either PCT or CRP. In the early stage of SIRS, presepsin remained a highly sensitive (74.7%) and specific (88.4%) diagnostic marker compared with either PCT, CRP, or WBC. Moreover, the areas under the curve (AUCs) of presepsin (84.6%) were also superior to those seen in either PCT (79.6%) or CRP (71.8%). Thus plasma presepsin levels have comparable performance in SIRS for patients with nephrolithiasis.

Peroxidase-like activity of water-soluble cupric oxide nanoparticles and its analytical application for detection of hydrogen peroxide and glucose.

Water-soluble cupric oxide nanoparticles are fabricated via a quick-precipitation method and used as peroxidase mimetics for ultrasensitive detection of hydrogen peroxide and glucose. The water-soluble CuO nanoparticles show much higher catalytic activity than that of commercial CuO nanoparticles due to their higher affinity to hydrogen peroxide. In addition, the as-prepared CuO nanoparticles are stable over a wide range of pH and temperature. This excellent stability in the form of aqueous colloidal suspensions makes the application of the water-soluble CuO nanoparticles easier in aqueous systems. A colorimetric assay for hydrogen peroxide and glucose has been established based on the catalytic oxidation of phenol coupled with 4-amino-atipyrine by the action of hydrogen peroxide. This analytical platform not only confirms the intrinsic peroxidase-like activity of the water-soluble cupric oxide nanoparticles, but also shows its great potential applications in environmental chemistry, biotechnology and medicine.

[Analysis of fatal risk factors for severe acute pancreatitis: a report of 141 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors affecting the mortality of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). METHODS: The clinical data of 141 patients with SAP treated from January 2001 to October 2005 were analyzed retrospectively. All the patients were divided into 2 groups, the death group and the survival group. Fifteen potential factors influencing the prognosis of SAP were analyzed with Logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-four cases (24.1%) among the 141 patients died. There were significant differences between the two groups in age, body mass index, length of stay, APACHE II score, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) (P < 0.05). Multiple-factor Logistic regression analysis indicated that the MODS (OR = 67. 358, P < 0.01), APACHE II score (OR =9.716, P < 0.01) and ACS (OR = 5.775, P < 0.05) were the independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of SAP during its early stage, whereas pancreatic infection (OR = 9.652, P < 0.01), MODS (OR = 5.212, P < 0.05) and celiac hemorrhage (OR = 4.707, P < 0.05) were the independent risk factors during the advanced stage of SAP. CONCLUSIONS: MODS,especially respiratory dysfunction and renal dysfunction,is the main cause of early mortality for SAP, whereas infection, multiple organ dysfunction and celiac hemorrhage may impact the later mortality. Therefore early prevention and correct management on the risk factors play critical roles in reducing the mortality of SAP.

[Study of effect and mechanism of c-myb on the fertilization in mouse].

AIM: To investigate the distribution of c-myb, an oncoprotein, in mouse oocytes-cumulus cell complex and sperm immunohistochemically. METHODS: To study the effect of c-myb on mouse fertilization in vitro, various concentration of c-myb antisense-oligodeoxynucleotides (c-myb ASODNs) were incubated with sperms and oocytes during fertilization. To explore the possible mechanism involved in fertilization, the relationship between c-myb ASODNs and GABA or dbcAMP or Verapamil or Progesterone in fertilization was also observed by immunohistochemical methods. RESULTS: c-myb oncoprotein was observed on the nucleus of cumulus cell and head of sperm. c-myb ASODNs inhibited the rate of fertilization in vitro in a dose-dependent way. The fertilization rates of the control group, low (5 micromol/L), medium (10 micromol/L), high (20 micromol/L) concentration c-myb ASODNs groups and nonsense tat oligodeoxynucleotides (20 micromol/L) group were 34.97%, 30.89%, 20.14%, 16.68%, 34.47%, respectively. All of GABA, Progesterone and dbcAMP inversed the c-myb ASODNs inhibition effects on fertilization rate, but neither of them showed significant effect on the percentages of immunohistochemical stain of Myb on sperm and cumulus cells. By contrast, Verapamil inhibited the fertilization rate. Co-treated with c-myb ASODNs, Verapamil showed synergic inhibiting effects on the fertilization with c-myb ASODNs. Verapamil also inhibited the expression of Myb on head of sperm. The fertilization rates of the control group, medium (10 micromol/L) concentration c-myb ASODNs group, GABA group, P4 group, Verapamil group, dbcAMP group were 34.81%, 22.96%, 40.83%, 39.12%, 7.46%, 40.61%, respectively. CONCLUSION: c-myb ASODNs is closely correlated with fertilization. Verapamil can inhibit fertilization in vitro through regulating Myb expression of sperm, while GABA, dbcAMP and Verapamil may affect the process of fertilization through the way other than Myb expression.

[Experimental study of c-erbB2 on the fertilization in mouse].

AIM AND METHODS: The distribution of ErbB2 in mouse testis, epididymidis, ovaries, oocyte-cumulus cells-complexes in oviducts and sperms was investigated immunohistochemically. To study the effect of c-erbB2 on mouse fertilization in vitro, various concentrations of c-erbB2 antisense oligonucleotides (c-erbB2 ASODNs) were incubated with sperms and oocyte-cumulus cells-complexes during fertilization in vitro. To explore possible mechanisms involved in fertilization, the relationship between c-erbB2 ASODNs and GABA, or dbcAMP, or verapamil during fertilization in vitro was also observed. RESULTS: ErbB2 oncoprotein was observed in epithelial cells in epididymis, sperms and cumulus cells. C-erbB2 ASODNs inhibited the rate of fertilization in vitro in a dose-dependent way. The fertilization rate of the control group, low (5 micromol/L), medium (10 micromol/L), high (20 micromol/L) concentration c-erbB2 ASODNs group, and nonsense at oligonucleotides group (20 micromol/L) was 38.3%, 19.6%, 10.7%, 5.0%, and 33.8% respectively. Integral optical density immunostaining of ErbB2 in sperms was notably reduced. Medium and high concentration of c-erbB2 ASODNs notably inhibited cumulus cells adhering to inner wall of Petri dish. Treated alone with GABA or dbcAMP, the rate of fertilization was increased. Both GABA and dbcAMP partially inversed the ASODNs inhibition effect on fertilization rate, but neither of them showed significant effect on sperm integral optical density of ErbB2 immunostaining. In contrast, verapamil inhibited fertilization rate. Co-treated with c-erbB2 ASODN, verapamil showed synergic inhibiting effect on fertilization with c-erbB2 ASODN. Verapamil also inhibited the expression of c-erbB2 in sperms. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that c-erbB2 is closely correlated with fertilization. Ca2+ may inhibit fertilization in vitro through regulation the expression of c-erbB2 gene in sperm cells, while both of GABA and dbcAMP may affect the process of fertilization through the way other than c-erbB2 expression in sperm cells.

[Expression of c-fos in various functional state of rat ovaries].

AIM AND METHODS: The method of labeled streptavidin biotin was used to study the expression of c-fos in various functional state of rat ovaries and its relationship with the levels of serum estradiol and progesterone. RESULTS: (1) In the mature rat, c-fos expression was found higher in interstitial gland and stroma of proestrous ovaries and lower in estrous ovaries, and was found higher in luteal cells and stroma of pregnant ovaries and lower in diestrous ovaries. There was a positive correlation between the area and optical density of c-fos expression and the levels of serum E2 and P. (2) In the immature rats, c-fos expression was not found in the ovaries containing preantral follicles from DES-treated rats,and was found both in interstitial gland and stroma of the ovaries containing preovulatory follicles from PMSG-treated rats ,and the expression was higher in day 4 luteinized ovaries and lower in day 9 luteinized ovaries from PMSG with hCG treated rats. There also was a positive correlation between the area and optical density of c-fos expression and the levels of serum E2 and P. CONCLUSION: The results suggested in rat ovaries and might play an important role in follicles development, ovulation, luteum formation and regression.