Cardioprotective Effects of 20(S)-Ginsenoside Rh2 against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity In Vitro and In Vivo.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is considered as one of the best antineoplastic agents. However, its clinical use is restricted by its associated cardiotoxicity, which is mediated by the production of reactive oxygen species. In this study, 20(S)-ginsenoside Rh2 (Rh2) was explored whether it had protective effects against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. In vitro study on H9C2 cell line, as well as in vivo investigation in one mouse and one rat model of DOX-induced cardiomyopathy, was carried out. The results showed that pretreatment with Rh2 significantly increased the viability of DOX-injured H9C2 cells. In the mouse model, Rh2 could suppress the DOX-induced release of the cardiac enzymes into serum and improved the occurred pathological changes through ameliorating the decreased antioxidant biomolecules and the cumulated lipid peroxidation malondialdehyde in heart tissues. In the rat model, Rh2 could attenuate the change of ECG resulting from DOX administration. Furthermore, Rh2 enhanced the antitumor activity of DOX in A549 cells. Our findings thus demonstrated that Rh2 pretreatment could effectively alleviate heart injury induced by DOX, and Rh2 might act as a novel protective agent in the clinical usefulness of DOX.

[Progress on research of Madelung's deformity].

Madelung deformity is a rare deformity of forearm and wrist caused by growth disorders of distal radius ulnar and palmar epiphyseal. Current studies showed that its incidence mainly associated with trauma, epiphyseal developmental abnormalities, nutritional disorders and genetic deletion or mutation. The early clinical presentation is not typical, in middle and late time, wrist deformity and weak can appear. Plain film considered as the main means of diagnosis is often lack of early diagnosis significance. Although wrist joint magnetic resonance imaging showing early soft tissue and skeletal abnormalities were used for the early diagnosis of the disease, current domestic study in magnetic resonance imaging of this deformity is less. According to the size of the distal ulnar inclination angle and palm angle, this deformity can be divided into different types. The patients with severe deformity and symptoms usually need surgical intervention including ulna revision and osteotomy of the distal radius at present. Although the two operation can achieve good clinical results, the surgical trauma, infection and postoperative risk of joint activities are more.