Autologous blood transfusion stimulates wound healing in diabetic mice through activation of the HIF-1α pathway by improving the blood preservation solution.

Transfusion of autologous blood is a timesaving, convenient, safe, and effective therapy from a clinical perspective, and often employed for the treatment of diabetic patients. Stabilization of HIF-1α has been widely reported to be a critical factor in the improvement of wound healing in diabetes. Therefore, our study reveals the roles of improved autologous blood in wound healing in diabetes, through autologous blood transfusion in a mouse model. Initially, BALB/c mice were subjected to streptozotocin for diabetic mouse model establishment. Diabetic mice were transfused with improved or standard autologous blood in perfusion culture system. Roles of improved autologous blood in mediating HIF-1α pathway were determined by measuring expression of VEGF, EGF, HIF-1α, and HSP-90. In order to assess the detailed regulatory mechanism of improved autologous blood in perspective of wound healing, cell proliferation, migration and cell cycle, fibroblasts isolated from diabetic mice were transfected with HIF-1α siRNA. Mice transfused with improved autologous blood exhibited increased levels of CD31 and α-SMA in skin tissues, and reduced TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 levels, indicating that improved autologous blood promoted wound healing ability and reduced the release of inflammatory factors. Diabetic mice transfused with improved autologous blood presented activated HIF-1α pathway. The survival rate, proliferation, and migration of fibroblasts were elevated via activation of the HIF-1α pathway. Taken together, improved blood preservation solution could enhance the oxygen carrying capacity of red blood cells and wound healing in mice with diabetes, which is achieved through regulation of HIF-1α pathway.

Remimazolam tosilate in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: A multicenter, randomized, non-inferiority, phase III trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Remimazolam tosilate (RT) is a new short-acting GABA(A) receptor agonist, having potential to be an effective option for procedural sedation. Here, we aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of RT with propofol in patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. METHODS: This positive-controlled, non-inferiority, phase III trial recruited patients at 17 centers, between September 2017 and November 2017. A total of 384 patients scheduled to undergo upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were randomly assigned to receive RT or propofol. Primary endpoint was the success rate of sedation. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded to evaluate safety. RESULTS: The success rate of sedation in the RT group was non-inferior to that in the propofol group (97.34% vs 100.00%; difference in rate -2.66%, 95% CI -4.96 to -0.36, meeting criteria for non-inferiority). Patients in the RT group had longer time to adequate sedation (P < 0.0001) but shorter time to fully alert (P < 0.0001) than that in the propofol group. The incidences of hypotension (13.04% vs 42.86%, P < 0.0001), treatment-related hypotension (0.54% vs 5.82%, P < 0.0001), and respiratory depression (1.09% vs 6.88%, P = 0.0064) were significantly lower in the RT group. AEs were reported in 74 (39.15%) patients in the RT group and 114 (60.32%) patients in the propofol group, with significant difference (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: This trial established non-inferior sedation success rate of RT compared with propofol. RT allows faster recovery from sedation compared with propofol. The safety profile is favorable and appears to be superior to propofol, indicating that it was feasible and well tolerated for patients.

Anatomical dimensions of the lumbar dural sac predict the sensory block level of continuous epidural analgesia during labor.

BACKGROUND: The anatomical dimensions of the lumbar dural sac determine the sensory block level of spinal anesthesia; however, whether they show the same predictive value during continuous epidural anesthesia (CEA) remains undetermined. We designed the present study to verify the efficacy of the anatomical dimensions of the lumbar dural sac in predicting the sensory block level during labor analgesia. METHODS: A total of 122 parturients with singleton pregnancies requesting labor analgesia were included in this study. The lumbar dural sac diameter (DSD), lumbar dural sac length (DSL), lumbar dural sac surface area (DSA), and lumbar dural sac volume (DSV) were measured with an ultrasound color Doppler diagnostic apparatus. CEA was performed at the L2-L3 interspace. After epidural cannulation, an electronic infusion pump containing 0.08% ropivacaine and sufentanil 0.4 µg/ml was connected. The sensory block level was determined with alcohol-soaked cotton, a cotton swab, and a pinprick. The analgesic efficacy of CEA was determined with a visual analog scale (VAS). The parturients were divided into two groups, "ideal analgesia" and "nonideal analgesia," and the groups were compared by t test. Pearson's correlation was performed to evaluate the association between the anatomical dimensions of the lumbar dural sac and sensory block level. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to create a model for predicting the sensory block level. RESULTS: In the ideal analgesia group, the height, DSL, DSA, DSV and DSD were significantly smaller, and the body mass index (BMI) was significantly larger (P < 0.05). In addition, the DSL demonstrated the strongest correlation with the peak level of pain block (r = - 0.816, P < 0.0001; Fig. 2A), temperature block (r = - 0.874, P < 0.0001; Fig. 3A) and tactile block (r = - 0.727, P < 0.0001; Fig. 4A). Finally, the multiple linear regression analysis revealed that DSL and BMI contributed to predicting the peak sensory block level. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our study shows that the sensory block level of CEA is higher when the DSL, DSA, DSV and DSD of puerperae are lower. DSL and BMI can be treated as predictors of the peak sensory block level in CEA during labor analgesia.

Autologous blood transfusion augments impaired wound healing in diabetic mice by enhancing lncRNA H19 expression via the HIF-1α signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Impaired wound healing frequently occurs in diabetes mellitus (DM) and is implicated in impaired angiogenesis. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 has been reported as being reduced in DM and played a critical role in inducing angiogenesis. Thus, we hypothesized that H19 may affect impaired wound healing in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice transfused with autologous blood preserved in standard preservative fluid or modified preservative fluid. METHODS: Fibroblasts in injured skin were isolated and cultured in vitro. After location of H19 in fibroblasts using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), RNA-pull down, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), Co immunoprecipitation (COIP) and dual luciferase reporter gene assay were used to verify the binding of H19 to HIF-1α. RESULTS: The modified preservative fluid preserved autologous blood increased the H19 expression in fibroblasts, and maintained better oxygen-carrying and oxygen release capacities as well as coagulation function. Furthermore, H19 promoted HIF-1α histone H3K4me3 methylation and increased HIF-1α expression by recruiting EZH2. H19 promoted fibroblast activation by activating HIF-1α signaling pathway in fibroblasts and enhanced wound healing in diabetic mice. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, H19 accelerated fibroblast activation by recruiting EZH2-mediated histone methylation and modulating the HIF-1α signaling pathway, whereby augmenting the process of modified preservative fluid preserved autologous blood enhancing the postoperative wound healing in diabetic mice.

A Comparison of the Efficacy and Tolerability of the Treatments for Sciatica: A Network Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: There remains a lack of a systematic summary of the efficacy and safety of various medicines for sciatica, and discrepancies among these exist. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to comprehensively assess the efficacy of and tolerance to several medical options for the treatment of sciatica. METHODS: We performed a network meta-analysis and illustrated the results by the mean difference or odds ratio. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) was used for indicating the preferable treatments. All data analyses and graphs were achieved via R 3.3.2 and Stata 13.0. RESULTS: The subcutaneous anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (anti-TNF-α) was superior to the epidural steroid + anesthetic in reducing lumbar pain in both acute + chronic sciatica patients and acute sciatica patients. The epidural steroid demonstrated a better ability regarding the Oswestry disability score (ODI) compared to the subcutaneous anti-TNF-α. In addition, for total pain relief, the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs was inferior to the epidural steroid + anesthetic. The epidural anesthetic and epidural steroid + anesthetic both demonstrated superiority over the epidural steroid and intramuscular steroid. The intravenous anti-TNF-α ranked first in leg pain relief, while the subcutaneous anti-TNF-α ranked first in lumbar pain relief, and the epidural steroid ranked first in the ODI on the basis of SUCRA. In addition, their safety outcome (withdrawal) rankings were all medium to high. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous and subcutaneous anti-TNF-α were identified as the optimal treatments for both acute + chronic sciatica patients and acute sciatica patients. In addition, the epidural steroid was also recommended as a good intervention due to its superiority in reducing ODI.

[Effects of ketamine, imipramine, and their combination on depression-like behaviors in Wistar Kyoto rats].

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of ketamine, imipramine, and ketamine plus imipramine on chronic depression-like behaviors of Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats and underlying mechanism. Six-week-old Wistar rats were used as normal control. WKY rats, depression model animal, were injected intraperitoneally with ketamine (1 week, replaced with saline in 2(nd) week), imipramine (2 weeks), or ketamine in combination with imipramine. The depression-like behaviors were assessed by sucrose preference and forced swimming tests. Protein expressions of ß form of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type II (ßCaMKII) and membrane fraction of glutamate receptor 1 (GluR1) were measured in corresponding brain tissue with Western blot. The results showed that, compared with Wistar rats, WKY rats exhibited decreased sucrose preference and extended immobility time. Ketamine alone did not affect depression-like behaviors of WKY, whereas imipramine or its combination with ketamine could significantly decrease the immobility time. Compared with Wistar rats, WKY rats showed up-regulated levels of ßCaMKII and membrane GluR1 protein expressions in habenula, and down-regulated level of membrane GluR1 protein expressions in the prefrontal cortex. Imipramine or its combination with ketamine could reverse these changes of protein expressions in WKY rats. There was no difference in reversing effect between imipramine and its combination with ketamine. Ketamine alone did not affect the ßCaMKII and membrane GluR1 protein expressions in the habenula, but increased membrane GluR1 protein expression in the prefrontal cortex of WKY rats. These results suggest 2-week imipramine treatment significantly improves depressive behavior in WKY rats; however, the addition of ketamine in the first week fails to enhance the effect of imipramine. The underlying mechanisms of imipramine's anti-depressive effect may be associated with the down-regulation of ßCaMKII and membrane GluR1 in the habenula, as well as the up-regulation of membrane GluR1 in the prefrontal cortex.

[Effects of stellate ganglion block on blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of stellate ganglion block (SGB) on blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHRs). METHODS: Thirty-two 10-week-old male spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHRs) were assigned randomly into four groups: left stellate ganglion block group(Group LS), right stellate ganglion block group(Group RS), captopril group(Group D) and control group(Group C). Arterial systolic blood pressure(SBP) was measured, and endothelin (ET-1) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS) in blood vessels were detected by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Compared with baseline value, the blood pressure of Group LS gradually increased significantly (P<0.05 or P <0.01); however, the blood pressure of Group RS was stable(P >0.05) and increased only at week 2(P <0.05).The blood pressure of Group D decreased significantly at week 2 and week 4, and it remained stable compared with baseline value (P<0.05). The blood pressure of Group C gradually increased at weeks 2-10, compared with baseline values (P <0.01). Compared with Group LS and Group C, the expression of eNOS in blood vessels of Group RS significantly increased (P <0.05), and ET-1 decreased (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: The right stellate ganglion block can significantly lower blood pressure, down-regulate ET-1 and up-regulate eNOS protein expression.

Retraction Notice to: lncRNA MALAT1 Accelerates Wound Healing of Diabetic Mice Transfused with Modified Autologous Blood via the HIF-1α Signaling Pathway.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.05.020.].

Effects of acute normovolemic hemodilution on perioperative coagulation and fibrinolysis in elderly patients undergoing hepatic carcinectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) on coagulation function and fibrinolysis in elderly patients undergoing hepatic carcinectomy. METHODS: Thirty elderly patients (aged 60-70 years) with liver cancer (American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II) scheduled for hepatic carcinectomy from February 2007 to February 2008 were randomly divided into ANH group (n = 15) and control group (n = 15). After tracheal intubation, patients in ANH group and control group were infused with 6% hydroxyethyl starch (HES) (130/0.4), and basic liquid containing 6% HES and routine Ringer's solution, respectively. In all the studied patients, blood samples were drawn at five different time points: before anesthesia induction (T1), 30 minutes after ANH (T2), 1 hour after start of operation (T3), immediately after operation (T4), and 24 hours after operation (T5). Then coagulation function, soluble fibrin monomer complex (SFMC), prothrombin fragment (F1+2), and platelet membrane glycoprotein (activated GPIIb/GPIIIa and P-selectin) were measured. RESULTS: The perioperative blood loss was not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). The volume of allogeneic blood transfusion in ANH group was significantly smaller than that in control group (350.5 +/- 70.7 mL vs. 457.8 +/- 181.3 mL, P < 0.01). Compared with the data of T1, prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time in both groups prolonged significantly after T3 (P < 0.05), but still within normal range. There were no significant changes in thrombin time and D-dimer between the two groups and between different time points in each group (all P > 0.05). SFMC and F1 + 2 increased in both groups, but without statistical significance. P-selectin expression on the platelet surface of ANH group was significantly lowered at T2 and T3 compared with the level at T1 (P < 0.05). Compared with control group, P-selectin was significantly lower in ANH group at T2-T5 (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In elderly patients undergoing resection of liver cancer, ANH may not hamper fibrinolysis and coagulation function. It could therefore be safe to largely reduce allogeneic blood transfusion.

Effects of Morphine on Interstitial Cells of Cajal in Rabbit Colon and Small Intestinal Transit: An Experimental Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the effect of morphine with naloxone on intestinal peristalsis and the number of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in colon tissues of rabbits. METHODS: Thirty rabbits were randomly divided into five groups (n=6, each group): saline control group (NS group), low concentration of morphine group (L group), medium concentration of morphine group (M group), high concentration of morphine group (H group), medium concentration of morphine and naloxone mixed with antagonist group (NM group). Rabbits in these five groups were administered with an epidural puncture tube and dorsal epidural analgesia pump, and were continuously infused for seven days. Fecal characteristics were observed, and the ink propulsion rate was calculated. The expression level of ICC C-kit protein in colon tissues was tested by western blot. RESULTS: The stool characteristics in the L, M and H groups were more severe than those in the NS and NM groups. Furthermore, the intestinal propulsion rate in the L, M and H groups was lower than that in the NS and NM groups. The C-kit mRNA and protein expression in the colon of rabbits were significantly lower in the L, M and H groups, when compared to the NS and NM groups. CONCLUSION: Naloxone blocked the mRNA and protein expression of C-kit, and improved intestinal motor function.

The "BURP" maneuver improves the glottic view during laryngoscopy but remains a difficult procedure.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the "BURP" maneuver's effect on the association between difficult laryngoscopy and difficult intubation, and predictors of a difficult airway. METHODS: Adult patients who underwent general anesthesia and tracheal intubation from September 2016 to May 2018 were included. The "BURP" maneuver was performed when glottic exposure was classified as Cormack-Lehane grade 3 or 4, suggesting difficult laryngoscopy. The thyromental distance, modified Mallampati score, and interincisor distance were assessed before anesthesia. RESULTS: Among this study's 2028 patients, the "BURP" maneuver decreased difficult laryngoscopies from 428 (21.1%) to 124 (6.1%) cases and increased the difficult intubation to difficult laryngoscopy ratio from 53/428 (12.4%) to 52/124 (41.9%). For laryngoscopies classified as difficult without the "BURP" maneuver, the area under the curve (AUC) of the thyromental distance, modified Mallampati score, and interincisor distance was 0.60, 0.57, and 0.66, respectively. In difficult laryngoscopies using the "BURP" maneuver, the AUC of the thyromental distance, modified Mallampati score, and interincisor distance was 0.71, 0.67, and 0.76, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The "BURP" maneuver improves the laryngoscopic view and assists in difficult laryngoscopies. Compared with difficult laryngoscopies without the "BURP" maneuver, those with the "BURP" maneuver are more closely associated with difficult intubations and are more predictable. Trial registration: www.chictr.org.cn identifier: ChiCTR-ROC- 16009050.

[Effects of acute hypervolemic hemodilution with hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 on the lung in a rabbit model of sepsis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of acute hypervolemic hemodilution (AHH) with hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 130/0.4 on the lung in a rabbit model of sepsis and their possible mechanism. METHODS: Thirty healthy New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into three groups (n=10 each): group sham operation (C), group sepsis model (E) and group AHH. Sepsis model was reproduced with modified colon ascendens stent peritonitis (CASP). In group C laparotomy was done but without puncturing the colon. At 4 hours after CASP, AHH was carried out intravenous infusion of 6% HES 130/0.4 20 ml/kg at 20 ml/min. Lactated Ringer solution was infused at 10 ml kg (-1) h (-1) in all three groups during the experiment. The animals breathed spontaneously during the experiment. A catheter was introduced into the right carotid artery for blood sampling, and it was connected to a pressure transducer for continuous mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) monitoring. At 4 hours and 8 hours after CASP, a median abdominal incision was made and photographic documentation of abdominal situs was made. At the same time arterial blood samples were drawn at 4 hours and 8 hours after CASP for blood gas analysis and determination of hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct). The plasma component was separated and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) was measured. Respiratory rate and urinary output were record. The rabbits were sacrificed at 8 hours after CASP. The right lungs were immediately removed for determination of total protein concentration in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The wet/dry (W/D) lung weight rate were calculated. The sections of lung were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for light microscopic examination and the injury score was recorded. RESULTS: (1)MAP declined gradually and HR tended to accelerate during the course of the experiment in group E, but no significant differences were found in both group C and group AHH. (2)After AHH, the Hb and Hct decreased by 20% in group AHH. In group E, arterial oxygen saturation (SaO(2)), arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO(2)), arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO(2)) and pH decreased significantly at 8 hours after CASP compared with group C (all P<0.05). (3)TNF-alpha concentration in plasma was higher in group E and group AHH than in group C at 4 hours after CASP (both P<0.05). At 8 hours TNF-alpha concentration was increased in group E compared with group C (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between group C and group AHH. (4)In group E, score of morphological changes in lung was significantly increased compared with group AHH (6.9+/-1.4 vs. 11.2+/-1.7, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: AHH with HES 130/0.4 can protect the lungs from sepsis. Inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines may be involved in the mechanism.

[Protective effect of ulinastatin on lung injury induced by simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation in piglet].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of ulinastatin (UTI) on lung injury induced by simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation in piglet. METHODS: With reproduction of simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation model in piglets, 12 couples of piglets were randomly divided into two groups (n=12). Piglets in UTI group were given a constant infusion of UTI 15 kU x kg(-1) x h(-1) by means of a pump during operation. Control group were treated with constant pumped infusion of 0.9% saline in equal volume. The blood samples were collected to measure the plasma concentrations of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) before operation (baseline levels, T0), at the time of re-establishment of circulation with successful an anastomosis of arteries and veins (T1), at 1 hour and 2 hours after re-establishment of circulation (T2 and T3), and at the end of operation (T4). The pathological changes in the lungs were examined. RESULTS: In control group, plasma MDA concentration was significantly increased from T1 till T4 as compared with T0 (all P<0.05), whereas in group UTI it did not change significantly (all P>0.05). In group UTI, SOD activity was significantly increased at T1-2 and T4 as compared with T0 (all P<0.05), whereas in control group it did not change significantly (all P>0.05). The plasma MDA concentration was significantly decreased at T1 and T2, and SOD activity was increased at T2 in group UTI than those in control group (all P<0.05). In control group, plasma TNF-alpha concentration was significantly increased from T2 to T4 as compared with T0 (all P<0.05), whereas it did not change significantly in group UTI (all P>0.05). The plasma IL-8 concentration was significantly decreased at T1-2 and T4 in group UTI compared with those in control group (both P<0.05). CONCLUSION: UTI can inhibit neutrophil aggregation in lungs and expression of harmful inflammatory cytokines, and it reduces production of oxygen free radical, so that it can protect lung tissue from injury induced by simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation.

lncRNA MALAT1 Accelerates Wound Healing of Diabetic Mice Transfused with Modified Autologous Blood via the HIF-1α Signaling Pathway.

Impaired wound healing is a debilitating complication of diabetes. The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) has been recognized to be differentially expressed in various diseases. However, its underlying mechanism in diabetes has not been fully understood. Notably, we aim to examine the expression of MALAT1 in diabetic mice and its role in wound healing involving the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) signaling pathway with a modified autologous blood preservative solution reported. A mouse model of diabetes was established. MALAT1 was identified to promote the activation of the HIF-1α signaling pathway and to be enriched in autologous blood through modified preservation, which might facilitate the improvement of physiological function of blood cells. Through gain- or loss-of-function approaches, viability of fibroblasts cultured in high glucose, wound healing of mice, and collagen expression in wound areas were enhanced by MALAT1 and HIF-1α. Taken together, the present study demonstrated that the physiological status of mouse blood was effectively improved by modified autologous blood preservation, which exhibited upregulated MALAT1, thereby accelerating the fibroblast activation and wound healing in diabetic mice via the activation of the HIF-1α signaling pathway. The upregulation of MALAT1 activating the HIF-1α signaling pathway provides a novel insight into drug targets against diabetes.

Effect of stellate ganglion block on hemodynamics and stress responses during CO2-pneumoperitoneum in elderly patients.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Elderly patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) were given right stellate ganglion block (RSGB) to observe its effects on the hemodynamics and stress response during carbon dioxide (CO2)-pneumoperitoneum. DESIGN: A randomized, single-blinded, and placebo-controlled study. SETTING: University-affiliated teaching hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty patients (aged 65-78years; weight, 45-75kg; American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification, class I or II) undergoing elective LC. INTERVENTIONS: Right stellate ganglion block was performed via C7 access using 10mL of 1% lidocaine in all patients. MEASUREMENTS: The patients' heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded before the block (T0), 5min following pneumoperitoneum (T1), 30min following pneumoperitoneum (T2), 5min following the deflation of pneumoperitoneum (T3), and upon completion of the surgery (T4). Additionally, the concentrations of epinephrine (E), norepinephrine (NE) and cortisol (COR) were detected in arterial blood at each time point by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. MAIN RESULTS: For control group, the MAP and RPP (RPP=SBP×HR) were significantly elevated at T1~3 (P<0.05) as compared to T0. Inter-group comparison showed that the MAP, HR and RPP were significantly lower at T1~4 in RSGB group (P<0.05 or 0.01). As compared to T0, the E, NE and COR levels significantly rose at T1~4 in control group (P<0.05 or 0.01) and COR at T2, 3 in RSGB group (P<0.05). The E, NE and COR levels at T1~4 were significantly lower in RSGB group as compared to control group (P<0.05 or 0.01). CONCLUSION: Right stellate ganglion block can reduce blood catecholamines during CO2-pneumoperitoneum to maintain perioperative hemodynamic stability and prevent adverse cardiovascular events in elderly patients.

Effect and mechanism of inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal pathway on chronic neuropathic pain and spinal microglia in a rat model of chronic constriction injury.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal pathway on chronic neuropathic pain (CNP) and spinal microglia in a rat model of chronic constriction injury (CCI). METHODS: Male SD rats were assigned into control, sham, CCI, wortmannin, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and wortmannin-positive control groups. Paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) were recorded. qRT-PCR and Western blotting were used to detect PI3K, Akt and mTOR expressions and their phosphorylation. OX-4 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and nerve growth factor (NGF) expressions by immunofluorescence. RESULTS: PWMT and TWL decreased in the CCI group than in the sham group on the 7th and 14th day after operation. Compared with the control and sham groups, the CCI group showed increased PI3K, Akt and mTOR mRNA expressions and elevated PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR and P70S6K protein expressions. More OX-42-positive cells and higher integrated optical density (IOD) of GFAP and NGF were found in the CCI group than the sham group at the 14th day after operation. Compared with the DMSO group, the wortmannin group had higher PWMT and TWL, decreased PI3K, Akt and mTOR mRNA expressions and reduced PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR and P70S6K protein expressions. Less OX-42-positive cells and lower IOD of GFAP and NGF were found in the wortmannin group than the DMSO group 14th day after operation. CONCLUSION: Inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal pathway may alleviate CNP and reduce microglia and GFAP and NGF expressions in marrow in a rat model of CCI.

Effects of stellate ganglion block on cardiovascular reaction and heart rate variability in elderly patients during anesthesia induction and endotracheal intubation.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of stellate ganglion block (SGB) on cardiovascular response and heart rate (HR) variability in elderly patients during anesthesia induction and endotracheal intubation. DESIGN: A randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled study. SETTING: University-affiliated teaching hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty elderly patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists grades I and II) receiving elective surgery during general anesthesia. INTERVENTIONS: Right stellate ganglion injection (SGB) was performed in all patients using 10 mL of 1% lidocaine or normal saline. MEASUREMENTS: Systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP, HR, and calculated rate pressure product. HR variability at the following time points: conscious status before induction (T0); immediately before intubation (T1); immediately after intubation (T2); and 1, 3, and 5 minutes postintubation (T3, T4, and T5). MAIN RESULTS: No significant differences in BP and HR were observed between the 2 groups. Rate pressure product values significantly increased in the control group compared with baseline and SGB group values. Low-frequency power (LF) and LF/high-frequency power (HF) significantly increased, and HF and normalized units of HF significantly decreased in the control group compared with baseline values. LF, normalized units of LF, and LF/HF in the SGB group significantly decreased compared with those of the control group. CONCLUSION: SGB protects the myocardium and effectively suppresses stress responses during anesthesia induction and tracheal intubation in elderly patients.

Resuscitation with hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 attenuates intestinal injury in a rabbit model of sepsis.

OBJECTIVE: Improvement of mucosal barrier function and reduction of bacterial translocation are important in the management of sepsis. The mechanisms that underlie the protective effects of colloids on the intestinal mucosal barrier are unclear. The study aims to investigate the effect of fluid resuscitation with hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 130/0.4 against intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction in a rabbit model of sepsis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty healthy rabbits were randomly and equally divided into a sham-operated control, a sepsis model, or a sepsis + HES treatment group. The sepsis model and sepsis + HES treatment groups were subjected to a modified colon ascendens stent peritonitis (CASP) procedure to induce sepsis. Four hours after the CASP procedure, fluid resuscitation was performed with 6% HES 130/0.4. Arterial and superior mesenteric vein blood samples were collected 4 and 8 h after the CASP procedure for blood gas analysis and measuring tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-10, and D-lactate levels. The rabbits were euthanized 8 h after CASP, and sections of the small intestine were stained to evaluate histopathological changes. RESULTS: Respiratory rate and blood pressure were stable during the resuscitation period. Fluid resuscitation with 6% HES 130/0.4 alleviated pathological changes in the abdominal cavity, improved blood gas parameters and inflammatory mediator levels, decreased plasma D-lactate levels, and reduced intestinal mucosal injury compared with the non-treated sepsis model. CONCLUSIONS: Fluid resuscitation with 6% HES 130/0.4 protects against intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction in rabbits with sepsis, possibly via mechanisms associated with improving intestinal oxygen metabolism and reducing the release of inflammatory mediators.

[Effect of fructose-1,6-diphosphate and dexamethasone on ischemia/reperfusion injury after hemorrhagic shock in rabbits].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanism of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury and the protective effect of fructose-1, 6-diphosphagic (FDP) and dexamethasone (DXM) in hemorrhagic shock in rabbits. METHODS: Using a hemorrhagic shock model of Wiggers, 48 rabbits were randomly divided into 6 groups. Group I control group; GroupII with drugs given before ischemia phase (divided into 3 groups: FDP I, DXM I and FDP I+ DXM I); Group III with drugs given in reperfusion phase (divided into 2 groups: FDPII and DXMII). The levels of creatine kinase (CK) and troponin I (cTnI) in plasma were measured, and myocyte apoptosis index was assessed. RESULTS: Baseline levels of CK and cTnI were similar in three groups; CK and cTnI and apoptosis index were lower or with a lower tendency in groupII and in groupIII (P<0.05 or P<0.01); CK and cTnI showed a lower tendency in rise in FDP I and DXM I than in FDPII and even slower in FDP group than in DXM group; CK and cTnI levels rose slower in FDP I+DXM I than in FDP I and DXM I. CONCLUSION: FDP given during ischemia and DXM could effectively protect the myocardium from reperfusion injury following hemorrhagic shock.