[Spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of seasonal A(H3N2) influenza in China, 2014-2019].

Objective: To analyze the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of seasonal A(H3N2) influenza [influenza A(H3N2)] in China and to provide a reference for scientific prevention and control. Methods: The influenza A(H3N2) surveillance data in 2014-2019 was derived from China Influenza Surveillance Information System. A line chart described the epidemic trend analyzed and plotted. Spatial autocorrelation analysis was conducted using ArcGIS 10.7, and spatiotemporal scanning analysis was conducted using SaTScan 10.1. Results: A total of 2 603 209 influenza-like case sample specimens were detected from March 31, 2014, to March 31, 2019, and the influenza A(H3N2) positive rate was 5.96%(155 259/2 603 209). The positive rate of influenza A(H3N2) was statistically significant in the north and southern provinces in each surveillance year (all P<0.05). The high incidence seasons of influenza A (H3N2) were in winter in northern provinces and summer or winter in southern provinces. Influenza A (H3N2) clustered in 31 provinces in 2014-2015 and 2016-2017. High-high clusters were distributed in eight provinces, including Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shandong, Shanxi, Henan, Shaanxi, and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in 2014-2015, and high-high clusters were distributed in five provinces including Shanxi, Shandong, Henan, Anhui, and Shanghai in 2016-2017. Spatiotemporal scanning analysis from 2014 to 2019 showed that Shandong and its surrounding twelve provinces clustered from November 2016 to February 2017 (RR=3.59, LLR=9 875.74, P<0.001). Conclusion: Influenza A (H3N2) has high incidence seasons with northern provinces in winter and southern provinces in summer or winter and obvious spatial and temporal clustering characteristics in China from 2014-2019.

High-Performance Dental Composites Based on Hierarchical Reinforcements.

Use of high-performance fibers such as poly(p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole) (PBO) improves the mechanical properties of dental fiber-reinforced composites (FRCs). However, the surfaces of high-performance fibers are relatively inert, and the interface with the resin matrix is poor. This has become a limitation restricting the performance of PBO FRCs in dentistry. Nanomaterials were introduced onto PBO fibers to construct various hierarchical reinforcements to obtain a dental FRC with higher flexural performance and optimized interface bonding. Four hierarchical reinforcements were constructed: PBO-ZnO nanoparticles (NPs), PBO-ZnO nanowires (NWs), PBO-ZnO NPs-cage silsesquioxane (POSS), and PBO-ZnO NWs-POSS. Performance following this optimized method was evaluated at macroscale and microscale levels, including measurement of the interfacial properties and mechanical properties of FRCs. The physicochemical characteristics of PBO fibers before and after modification were measured to determine the interfacial bonding mechanisms and to verify the connection between the microinterface and macromechanical properties. The cytotoxicity of the preferred PBO FRC was evaluated using the CCK8 assay. In comparison to other designs, the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of PBO-ZnO NWs-POSS was the highest (29.31 ± 2.40 MPa). The corresponding FRC had the highest flexural strength under a static load (925.0 ± 39.2 MPa), the flexural modulus (39.39 ± 1.41 GPa) was equivalent to that of human dentin, and in vitro cytotoxicity was acceptable. The interfacial bonding mechanisms of PBO-ZnO NWs-POSS resulted from mechanical interlocking, chemical bonds, hydrogen bonds, and van der Waals forces. In summary, the PBO-ZnO NWs-POSS hierarchical reinforcement was introduced in dental FRCs and showed remarkable enhancement of the IFSS and flexural properties. We verified that the PBO-ZnO NWs-POSS hierarchical reinforcement was successful. This PBO FRC may be applied in dentistry as a new option for endodontic posts. Our study provides an interface design strategy for developing high-performance FRCs reinforced with high-performance fibers for dental applications.

Burden of diabetes, hyperglycaemia in China from to 2016: Findings from the 1990 to 2016, global burden of disease study.

AIMS: The prevalence of diabetes in China is among the highest in the world. For this reason, findings from the 2016 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study were used to calculate the burden of hyperglycaemia and diabetes in China. METHODS: Following the general analytical strategy used in GBD 2016, diabetes prevalence and mortality were analyzed by age and gender. Trends in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to diabetes were assessed in 33 province-level administrative units from 1990 to 2016, and similar data were provided for chronic kidney disease (CKD) related to diabetes and, as an overall summarizing measure, for hyperglycaemia expressed as high fasting plasma glucose (HFPG). RESULTS: From 1990 to 2016, all-age prevalence of diabetes rose from 3.7% to 6.6%, and all-age diabetes and diabetes-related CKD mortality rates increased by 63.5% and 33.3%, respectively, with both rates increasing more rapidly in diabetes patients aged 15-49 years than in any other age groups. In 2016, HFPG became China's sixth leading cause of DALYs, and the attributable DALYs burden was 1802.3/100,000 population. Although the number of diabetes DALYs increased by 95% from 1990 to 2016, age-standardized diabetes DALYs rates increased by only 2.3%. Also, from 1990 to 2016, rates of age-standardized DALYs due to diabetes decreased in 14 provinces, but increased in 19 provinces. High BMI Scores and diets low in whole grains, nuts and seeds were the most important risk factors for diabetes in 2016. CONCLUSION: Diabetes and hyperglycaemia constitute a huge health burden in China. The substantial increase in diabetes-related burden represents an ongoing challenge, given the rapidly ageing Chinese population. Thus, a targeted control and preventative strategy needs to be developed at risk factor level to reduce this burden.

Laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation of hepatic cavernous hemangioma. A preliminary experience with 27 patients.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), currently used extensively for liver tumors, also has been applied successfully to hepatic cavernous hemangioma (HCH) percutaneously. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of laparoscopic RFA for patients with HCHs. METHODS: Between March 2001 and March 2004, 27 patients with symptomatic and rapid-growth lesions were treated by laparoscopic RFA using the RF-2000 generator system. The treatment-related complications were observed. All the patients were followed up with helical computed tomography scans and ultrasonography at regular intervals to assess the therapeutic efficacy of laparoscopic RFA. RESULTS: This study assessed 9 men and 18 women with a mean age of 41.6 +/- 8.3 years. Three additional intrahepatic lesions missed preoperatively were found in three patients on intraoperative ultrasound. A total of 27 patients with 50 liver lesions were treated successfully with laparoscopic RFA. The mean maximum tumor diameter was 5.5 +/- 2.0 cm. The mean length of time for RFA per lesion was 20.7 +/- 11.9 min, and the mean blood loss was 134.4 +/- 88.9 ml. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed simultaneously for gallstones in 13 patients and for abutting of gallbladder from hemangioma in 2 patients. In addition, 3 patients also had a laparoscopic deroofing of simple hepatic cysts. Although postoperative low-grade fever and transient elevation of serum transaminase levels were observed in 13 patients, there were no complications related to laparoscopic RFA. During a median follow-up period of 21 months (range, 12-42 months), complete lesion necrosis was achieved for all the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic RFA therapy is a safe, feasible, and effective treatment option for patients with symptomatic and rapid-growth HCHs located on the surface of the liver or adjacent to the gallbladder. Intraoperative ultrasonography is a useful adjunct for detecting additional liver lesions and offering more accurate targeting for RFA.

In vitro and in vivo activities of oligodeoxynucleotide-based thrombin inhibitors containing neutral formacetal linkages.

A series of 15-mer oligodeoxynucleotide analogues were synthesized, and their thrombin inhibitory activities in vitro and in vivo were evaluated. These oligodeoxynucleotide analogues share the same sequence (GGTTGGTGTGGTTGG) but have one or more phosphodiester linkages replaced by a neutral formacetal group. The results obtained from monosubstitutions show that no single phosphodiester group is critical for the thrombin inhibitory activity, suggesting that the interaction between the oligodeoxynucleotide and thrombin is based on a multiple-site charge-charge interaction. Analysis of the effects of different phosphodiester replacements indicates that the backside and left side of the chairlike structure formed by the molecule may be involved in binding with thrombin, presumably by having direct contacts with the anion-binding exosite of the enzyme. For the oligodeoxynucleotides containing two noncontiguous formacetal groups, the effect of the disubstitution is the sum of the effects obtained from the corresponding two monosubstitutions. Infusion of an oligodeoxynucleotide containing four formacetal groups into monkeys showed an increased in vivo anticoagulant effect and an extended in vivo half-life compared to the unmodified oligodeoxynucleotide.

N2- and C8-substituted oligodeoxynucleotides with enhanced thrombin inhibitory activity in vitro and in vivo.

2'-Deoxyguanosine (G) analogues carrying various hydrophobic substituents in the N2 and C8 positions were synthesized and introduced through solid-phase synthesis into 15-mer oligodeoxynucleotide, GGTTGGTGTGGTTGG, which forms a chairlike structure consisting of two G-tetrads and is a potent thrombin inhibitor. The effects of the substitutions at N2 and C8 of the G-tetrad-forming G residues on the thrombin inhibitory activity are relatively small, suggesting that these substitutions cause relatively small perturbations on the chairlike structure formed by the oligodeoxynucleotide. Introduction of a benzyl group into N2 of G6 and G11 and naphthylmethyl groups into N2 of G6 increased the thrombin inhibitory activity, whereas other substituents in these positions had almost no effect or decreased the activity. Particularly, the oligodeoxynucleotide carrying a 1-naphthylmethyl group in the N2 position of G6 showed an increase in activity by about 60% both in vitro and in vivo. Substitutions on the N2 position of other G residues had little effect or decreased the activity. Introduction of a relatively small group, such as methyl and propynyl, into the C8 positions of G1, G5, G10, and G14 increased the activity, presumably due to the stabilization of a chairlike structure, whereas introduction of a large substituent group, phenylethynyl, decreased the activity, probably due to the steric hindrance.

Improved high-performance liquid chromatographic method for analysis of L-carnitine in pharmaceutical formulations.

A reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatographic method for analysis of L-carnitine is described. The improved method is able to provide a high resolution between L-carnitine and crotonoylbetaine, a major impurity and degradation product, and suitable for quantitative analysis of L-carnitine in pharmaceutical formulations, such as solution, tablets, and capsules. The resolution, linearity, accuracy and reproducibility of the method are discussed.

In vitro maturation of follicular oocytes of the Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca): a case report.

The Giant Panda is an endangered species that would benefit from biotechnological assistance in reproduction. However, because there are only a few of these animals left in the world, scientists hesitate to use them for research procedures. We were fortunate to obtain ovaries from a Giant Panda that died of hepatic cirrhosis during the nonbreeding season. Oocytes were harvested within 4 h of death by dissecting the ovarian cortex in physiological saline and collecting the cumulus-oocyte complexes from the fluid, and then were classified into large (> 125 microns) and small (100 to 124 microns) follicular oocytes and placed in TCM199 supplemented with FSH (10 micrograms/mL) and LH (20 micrograms/mL). After culture for 22 h at 37 degrees C in air with 5% CO2, response was evaluated by growth of oocytes and presence of the first polar body. Of the 26 large follicular oocytes that were harvested, 12 were considered suitable for IVM, and 14 were degenerated, had a broken zona pellucida or had lost some cytoplasm. Of the 12 cultured oocytes, all grew to a mean diameter of 141.1(SD = +/- 6.7, n = 12), and 4 released the first polar body. None of the small follicular oocytes showed growth or other signs of maturation. We conclude from our preliminary results that it is possible to obtain functional Giant Panda oocytes from ovaries obtained post mortem during the nonbreeding season.

Metabolism of GS-7340, a novel phenyl monophosphoramidate intracellular prodrug of PMPA, in blood.

PMPA, an acyclic nucleoside phosphonate analog, is a potent inhibitor of HIV. In the cells, PMPA is efficiently phosphorylated by intracellular kinases to produce PMPApp, the pharmacologically active metabolite. Despite its demonstrated antiviral potency, PMPA has limited cell permeability presumably resulting from the presence of two negative charges on the phosphonyl group. To enhance intracellular concentrations of PMPA, we developed a prodrug, selectively metabolized inside cells. GS-7340 (9-[(R)-2-[[[[(S)-1-(isopropoxycarbonyl)ethyl] amino] phenoxy-phosphinyl]-methoxy] propyl] adenine) is a prodrug which is orally bioavailable in dogs as the intact prodrug and has demonstrated anti-HIV activity in cell culture of over 1000-fold greater than that of PMPA. The metabolism of PMPA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), red blood cells (RBC) and plasma was examined following exposure of whole blood to PMPA or GS-7340 at concentrations similar to ones observed systemically following oral administration in dogs. Following 1 hour incubation with whole blood, GS-7340 was stable in plasma, produced high levels of PMPA and its phosphorylated metabolites in PBMC but not in RBC. No intact prodrug was present in PBMC. The only other species present in PBMC was monoalaninyl PMPA. The levels of PMPA and the phosphorylated metabolites were over 20 times greater than those after incubation with PMPA. The dog and human blood data were similar. The intracellular levels of PMPA and PMPApp were roughly proportional to GS-7340 over a 10-fold concentration range indicating a lack of saturability of uptake and phosphorylation. Since PMPApp is the species responsible for antiviral activity of PMPA, the high intracellular levels of PMPApp should be an important indicator of greater clinical efficacy of GS-7340.

[Studies of the correlation between fragile sites and giant panda's breeding problem].

An unique culture system has been established which can effectively indicate fragile sites induced by BrdU on giant panda chromosomes. After we cultured the lymphocytes of giant panda for 96 hours and treated it with low concentration of BrdU (10 micrograms/ml) for only a short time (4 hours), the areas of high-frequency-expressed fragile sites were successfully located on the centromeres of No. 2 and No. 12 chromosomes. After statistic analysis, we found that the frequency of fragile sites on No. 2 and No. 12 chromosomes are notably different among pandas. What is more important, the former is relative to giant pandas' breeding conditions and correlation coefficiency (r equals to -0.772). The result indicates that high frequency of fragile sites on No. 2 chromosome is unfavorable to giant panda's breeding and survival of filial generation.

[Studies on late replication bands of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) chromosomes].

Using the cultured giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) lymphocytes as experimental material, we carried out the terminal marking on the chromosomes which were in replication by adding BrdU (a final concentration: 10 micrograms/ml) about four hours before harvesting the cells. The chromosomes marked by BrdU were proceeded by staining with acridine orange solution (0.05%), irradiated by ultraviolet and counter-stained by Giemsa, we obtained clear chromosomes replication patterns. According to the different replication bands, every chromosome's characteristics in late replication behavior could be identified. In the two X chromosomes of female individual, one X chromosome is obviously much later than the other one. Especially in the large area near centromere on the long arm of late replicating X chromosome. In the male individual, there is also a large area on the long arm of chromosome Y which replicates very late, but the end of long arm of chromosome Y replicates much earlier.

[A new minor saponin from the leaves of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer].

Two minor compounds isolated from the leaves of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer were characterized as 20(R)-protopanaxadiol (I) and 3 beta, 6 alpha, 12 beta-trihydroxydammar-20 (22), 24-diene-6-O-alpha-L-rhamnosyl-(1----2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (II) on the basis of spectral analysis and chemical evidences. I was isolated for the first time from the leaves; II was shown to be a new saponin and was named as ginsenoside-Rg4.

Study on in vitro sperm capacitation and egg-penetration of giant panda.

A preliminary report on in vitro sperm capacitation and egg-penetration of giant panda is briefly presented. The panda spermatozoon consists of head, neck and tail, just like the spermatozoa of other animals. Before capacitation sperm heads clustered together and dispersed after capacitation. They were then able to swim straight forward. During the time of in vitro capacitation the plasma membrane of the sperm head was first expanded to various degrees, then disintegrated, and finally became detached. The electro-dense material in the acrosome appeared in small clumps with high density. Extensive vesiculation occurred between the bi-layered acrosome membranes and thus led to disintegration. Vesiculation in panda sperm differs from that reported in hamsters. When the capacitated panda spermatozoa came into contact with the hamster eggs, the region between the acrosome collar and postacrosome cap first fused with the egg membrane followed by the penetration of the nucleus into the cortex of the egg. Some of the penetrating sperm nuclei became decondensed and some did not. The success of in vitro sperm capacitation and egg-penetration of giant panda is of great significance, suggesting that it is possible to carry out in vitro fertilization and embryo transplantation in this endangered species.

[Determination of total flavonoids and dihydromyricetin in Ampelopsis grossedentala (Hand-Mazz) W. T. Wang].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a method for the assay of total flavonoids and dihydromyricetin in A. grossedentala. METHOD: The flavonoids were determined by spectrophotometry and dihydromyricetin by TCL-scanner. RESULT: The content of flavonoids was 43.4%-44.0%, RSD 1.56%-2.62% and the content of dihydromyricetin was 37.4%-38.5%, RSD 1.85%-2.65%. CONCLUSION: The method is rapid, simple, accurate and good for the determination of total flavonoids and dihydromyricetin in A. grossedentala.

CT findings of adrenal glands in patients with tuberculous Addison's disease.

The CT findings of adrenals in 18 cases of tuberculous Addison's disease are reported. All cases demonstrated bilateral adrenal involvement, 35 glands with active tuberculosis appeared enlarged and one with non-active tuberculosis showed an atrophic gland with calcification. Areas of non-enhancing necrosis in the enlarged adrenals were seen in 34 glands (17 cases), among them 19 glands showed peripheral rim enhancement. In the 35 enlarged adrenals 25 glands had preserved contours. Small calcification dots in the adrenals were seen in 7 glands with active tuberculosis (4 cases). The CT signs of active tuberculous adrenalitis associated with Addison's disease were enlarged glands associated with large necrotic areas, with or without dot-like calcification. When the contours of the adrenals were preserved, the diagnosis of infectious disease could be made with increased confidence. Tuberculous adrenalitis should not be excluded when the enlarged adrenal glands appear mass-liking. CT study of the morphological changes of adrenal glands on patients with Addison's disease might help to define the etiology of the disease and contribute to treatment planning.

Primary ureteral carcinoma. Report of 15 cases and comparison of the effectiveness of diagnostic methods.

Fifteen cases of primary urothelial carcinomas of the ureter are reported (14 transitional cell carcinoma and 1 mixed transitional cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma). There was a clear male predominance (11/4); the peak incidence was in the sixth decade. Most tumors originated from the distal third of the ureter. Multicentricity and high recurrence rate after partial ureterectomy were noted. The clinical signs were hematuria and flank pain. Urine cytology and IVU were diagnostic in a limited number of cases. Retrograde pyelography was very helpful. CT showed to be the image modality of choice for diagnosis and preoperative staging.

Effects of single-dose atorvastatin on interleukin-6, interferon gamma, and myocardial no-reflow in a rabbit model of acute myocardial infarction and reperfusion.

The mechanisms of statins relieving the no-reflow phenomenon and the effects of single-dose statins on it are not well known. This study sought to investigate the effects of inflammation on the no-reflow phenomenon in a rabbit model of acute myocardial infarction and reperfusion (AMI/R) and to evaluate the effects of single-dose atorvastatin on inflammation and myocardial no-reflow. Twenty-four New Zealand white male rabbits (5-6 months old) were randomized to three groups of eight: a sham-operated group, an AMI/R group, and an atorvastatin-treated group (10 mg/kg). Animals in the latter two groups were subjected to 4 h of coronary occlusion followed by 2 h of reperfusion. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) in normal and infarcted (reflow and no-reflow) myocardial tissue was determined by immunohistochemical methods. The area of no-reflow and necrosis was evaluated pathologically. Levels of serum IL-6 were significantly lower in the atorvastatin group than in the AMI/R group (P<0.01). Expression of IFN-γ in infarcted reflow and no-reflow myocardial tissue was also significantly lower in the atorvastatin group than in the AMI/R group. The mean area of no-reflow [47.01% of ligation area (LA)] was significantly smaller in the atorvastatin group than in the AMI/R group (85.67% of LA; P<0.01). The necrosis area was also significantly smaller in the atorvastatin group (85.94% of LA) than in the AMI/R group (96.56% of LA; P<0.01). In a secondary analysis, rabbits in the atorvastatin and AMI/R groups were divided into two groups based on necrosis area (90% of LA): a small group (<90% of LA) and a large group (>90% of LA). There was no significant difference in the area of no-reflow between the small (61.40% of LA) and large groups (69.87% of LA; P>0.05). Single-dose atorvastatin protected against inflammation and myocardial no-reflow and reduced infarct size during AMI/R in rabbits. No-reflow was not dependent on the reduction of infarct size.

Risk factors associated with tuberculosis infection among health care workers in Inner Mongolia, China.

SETTING: Health care workers (HCWs) are at increased risk for tuberculosis (TB) infection. In China, surveys examining TB infection among HCWs have not studied general health care facilities, compared tuberculin tests conducted using local protocols against an internationally accepted test or characterised risk factors. OBJECTIVE: To measure the prevalence of and risk factors for TB infection among HCWs in Inner Mongolia, China. DESIGN: Between April and August 2010, we administered QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) tests, skin tests using Chinese tuberculin (TST) and surveys among HCWs at an infectious diseases hospital and a general medical hospital. We assessed whether demographic characteristics, personal exposure and work exposure were associated with QFT-GIT and TST positivity, and assessed agreement between test results. RESULTS: Of 999 HCWs, 683 (68%) were QFT-GIT-positive, which was associated with greater age, longer HCW career, TB disease in a co-worker and greater daily patient exposure using multivariable analysis. TST reactions ≥ 5 mm occurred in 69% of the HCWs; agreement between test results was low ( 0.22). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of TB infection among HCWs in Inner Mongolia is high; infection was associated with occupational exposure. Results from locally conducted TST are difficult to interpret. In China, TB infection control in health care facilities should be strengthened.

Availability of second-line drugs and anti-tuberculosis drug susceptibility testing in China: a situational analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the availability of second-line drugs (SLDs) and the use of drug susceptibility testing (DST) results for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) in China. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey in 4675 health care facilities, 1960 of which have a dedicated TB clinic, in 12 provinces in China. RESULTS: More than 70% of TB clinics at the provincial and prefecture levels had at least one SLD available compared to 41.8% of facilities at the county/district level. The proportion of facilities at provincial, prefecture and county levels with any fluoroquinolone was respectively 74.1%, 64.9% and 34.5%. Sputum culture was performed at 6.0% of TB clinics at the county level, 37.5% at the prefecture and 59.3% at the provincial levels, while DST was performed only at the prefecture (28.6%) and provincial (44.4%) levels. Only 18% of the facilities that used SLDs for the treatment of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) based treatment regimens on DST results. CONCLUSION: SLDs are widely available in China for the treatment of both TB and other infectious diseases. To prevent the development of Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistance to SLDs, the availability of SLDs should be limited and they should be used with caution in the treatment of MDR-TB.

Effects of single-dose atorvastatin on interleukin-6, interferon gamma, and myocardial no-reflow in a rabbit model of acute myocardial infarction and reperfusion

The mechanisms of statins relieving the no-reflow phenomenon and the effects of single-dose statins on it are not well known. This study sought to investigate the effects of inflammation on the no-reflow phenomenon in a rabbit model of acute myocardial infarction and reperfusion (AMI/R) and to evaluate the effects of single-dose atorvastatin on inflammation and myocardial no-reflow. Twenty-four New Zealand white male rabbits (5-6 months old) were randomized to three groups of eight: a sham-operated group, an AMI/R group, and an atorvastatin-treated group (10 mg/kg). Animals in the latter two groups were subjected to 4 h of coronary occlusion followed by 2 h of reperfusion. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) in normal and infarcted (reflow and no-reflow) myocardial tissue was determined by immunohistochemical methods. The area of no-reflow and necrosis was evaluated pathologically. Levels of serum IL-6 were significantly lower in the atorvastatin group than in the AMI/R group (P<0.01). Expression of IFN-γ in infarcted reflow and no-reflow myocardial tissue was also significantly lower in the atorvastatin group than in the AMI/R group. The mean area of no-reflow [47.01% of ligation area (LA)] was significantly smaller in the atorvastatin group than in the AMI/R group (85.67% of LA; P<0.01). The necrosis area was also significantly smaller in the atorvastatin group (85.94% of LA) than in the AMI/R group (96.56% of LA; P<0.01). In a secondary analysis, rabbits in the atorvastatin and AMI/R groups were divided into two groups based on necrosis area (90% of LA): a small group (<90% of LA) and a large group (>90% of LA). There was no significant difference in the area of no-reflow between the small (61.40% of LA) and large groups (69.87% of LA; P>0.05). Single-dose atorvastatin protected against inflammation and myocardial no-reflow and reduced infarct size during AMI/R in rabbits. No-reflow was not dependent on the reduction of infarct size.