Effects of hesperidin on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune responses and disease resistance of red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii).

We evaluated the effects of hesperidin on the nonspecific immunity, antioxidant capacity and growth performance of red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). A total of 900 healthy crayfish were randomly divided into six groups: the control group (fed the basal diet) and the HES25, HES50, HES75, HES100 and HES150 groups, which were fed the basal diet supplemented with 25, 50, 75, 100 and 150 mg kg-1 hesperidin, respectively. The feeding experiment lasted 8 weeks. The results indicated that compared with the control group, the crayfish groups supplemented with 50-150 mg kg-1 hesperidin had a decreased feed conversion ratio (FCR) and increased final body weight (FBW), specific growth rate (SGR) and weight gain (WG) (P < 0.05). The protein carbonyl content (PCC), reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the hepatopancreas and hemocytes were significantly lower, while the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were significantly higher in the crayfish groups supplemented with 50-150 mg kg-1 hesperidin than in the control group. Supplementation with 50-150 mg kg-1 hesperidin significantly increased the activities of acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), lysozyme (LZM), and phenoloxidase (PO) compared with the control group (P < 0.05); upregulated the mRNA expression of cyclophilin A (CypA), extracellular copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (ecCuZnSOD), GPxs, crustin, astacidin, Toll3 and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) (P < 0.05); and decreased crayfish mortality following white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection. These findings indicate that dietary hesperidin supplementation at an optimum dose of 50-150 mg kg-1 may effectively improve nonspecific immunity, antioxidant capacity and growth performance in crayfish.

The feeding of dietary Codonopsis pilosula polysaccharide enhances the immune responses, the expression of immune-related genes and the growth performance of red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii).

Polysaccharides have many functions in aquatic animals and are widely used as immunopotentiators. However, despite the emergence of serious diseases, few studies have explored the effects of Codonopsis pilosula polysaccharide (CPP) on crustaceans. We studied the effects of CPP on the growth performance, nonspecific immunity, antioxidant activity and disease resistance of red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). Healthy crayfish (5.80 ± 0.1 g) were fed diets supplemented with 0% (control), 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.15%, 0.20%, and 0.30% CPP for 8 weeks. At the end of the 8-week feeding trial, the optimal final body weight (FBW), weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were observed in the crayfish fed the diets with 0.15% and 0.20% CPP, followed by those fed the diet with 0.30% CPP and then those fed the diet with 0.10% CPP, whereas the values of these parameters were obtained with the control crayfish (P < 0.05). The crayfish fed the diets with 0.15% and 0.20% CPP exhibited a significantly higher total hemocyte count (THC) and significantly increased phenoloxidase (PO), lysozyme (LZM), hemocyte (Hc), acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) compared with those belonging to the other groups (P < 0.05). The crayfish fed the diets with 0.15% and 0.2% CPP exhibited significantly higher total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, a significantly increased total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and a significantly lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content compared with the other groups (P < 0.05), which indicated that antioxidant capacity was significantly induced by the CPP-supplemented diets. Significantly upregulated expression of immune-related genes (anti-lipopolysaccharide factors (alf), peroxiredoxin (prx5), cathepsin B (ctsb), mitochondrial manganese superoxide dismutase (mtMnsod), cyclophilin A (cypa), glutathione peroxidase (gpx), Toll-like receptor 3 (tlr3), and heat shock protein 70 (hsp70)) was detected in the crayfish fed the diets supplemented with 0.15% and 0.20% CPP diet compared with the levels observed in the control crayfish. These results showed that dietary CPP supplementation greatly improved the growth, immunity and antioxidant capacities of crayfish, and according to the observed results, 0.15%-0.2% is the recommended optimal level of CPP dietary supplementation for crayfish.

Regulation of mitochondrial biosynthesis and function by dietary carbohydrate levels and lipid sources in juvenile blunt snout bream Megalobrama amblycephala.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary non-protein energy adjustments on the mitochondrial biosynthesis and function of juvenile Megalobrama amblycephala. Fish (average weight: 37.98 ±â€¯0.07 g) were fed eight diets containing two dietary carbohydrate levels (30% and 43%) and four lipid sources (fish oil, soybean oil, palm oil and the mixed oil) for 11 weeks. Liver mitochondrial respiratory chain complex V activity and ATP (adenosine triphosphate) content both increased significantly with increasing dietary carbohydrate levels, whereas the opposite was true for the AMP (adenosine 5'-monophosphate)/ATP ratio, hepatic transcripts of AMP-activated protein kinase α1 (AMPKα1), AMPKα2, peroxisome proliferators γ-activated receptor coativator-1α (PGC-1α), NADH dehydrogenase 1 and cytochrome c oxidase 1 (COX1) as well as the activities of Na+-K+-ATPase, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), citrate synthase (CS) and mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I, III and IV. Additionally, hepatic ATP content, the transcripts of AMPKα, COX1 and ATP6 and the activities of Na+-K+-ATPase, SDH, CS and mitochondrial respiratory chain complex III were all significantly affected by lipid sources. Furthermore, an interaction between dietary carbohydrate levels and lipid sources was also observed in the activities of liver mitochondrial Na+-K+-ATPase and respiratory chain complex III as well as the transcripts of ATP6 and PGC-1α. Overall, these findings suggested that dietary carbohydrate levels and lipid sources remarkably affected the mitochondrial biosynthesis and function of M. amblycephala. A diet containing 30% carbohydrate and FO could boost its mitochondrial biosynthesis, while that of 30% carbohydrate and SO could enhance the mitochondrial function.

Resistin may be an independent predictor of subclinical atherosclerosis formale smokers.

To investigate whether resistin is associated with early atherosclerosis in male smokers. The present study consecutively enrolled 50 male smokers. Their serum resistin contents were detected with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and subclinical atherosclerosis indices, including carotid inner middle thickness (IMT) and arterial elasticity indices (C1 and C2), were measured. The association between serum resistin levels and IMT, C1 and C2 were respectively evaluated with the Pearson's correlation coefficient method. The results showed that the serum resistin level had a positive association with IMT (r = 0.307, p = .030), but were both inversely associated with C1 (r = -0.440, p = .001) and C2 (r = -0.381, p = .006). These associations remained significant even after adjustment for cardiovascular confounders. In conclusion, serum resistin concentration was independently associated with early atherosclerosis in male smokers.

Feeding rates affect stress and non-specific immune responses of juvenile blunt snout bream Megalobrama amblycephala subjected to hypoxia.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of feeding rates on stress response, innate immunity and hypoxia resistance of juvenile blunt snout bream Megalobrama amblycephala. Fish were randomly assigned to one of six feeding rates (2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7% of body weight/day) for 60 days. Then, fish were subjected to hypoxic conditions and haemato-immunological parameters were analyzed pre- and post-challenge. Low feed ration resulted in decreased liver superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and reduced glutathione contents. Inadequate feeding also adversely affected the immune functions of fish, as was characterized by the relatively low haemato-immunological parameters (including alternative complement (ACH50), myeloperoxidase (MPO), plasma protein profiles and transferring) and high hypoxia-induced mortality. High feed ration did not lead to the improvement in antioxidant capability, immune responses and survival. In addition, plasma cortisol, glucose and transferrin levels as well as lysozyme activities all increased significantly after hypoxia challenge, whereas the opposite was true for plasma ACH50 and MPO activities as well as protein profiles in terms of hypoxia challenge. An interaction between feeding rate and hypoxia was also observed in plasma cortisol, glucose and protein profiles. In conclusion, a feeding rate of 4-5% of body weight/day is optimal to boost the innate immunity of juvenile blunt snout bream. Low ration resulted in decreased antioxidant capability, compromised immune functions and reduced hypoxia resistance, while over feeding did not benefit the health status.

Effects of berberine on the growth and immune performance in response to ammonia stress and high-fat dietary in blunt snout bream Megalobrama amblycephala.

This study aimed to figure out the effects of berberine on growth performance, immunity, oxidative stress and hepatocyte apoptosis of blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) fed with high-fat diet. 320 fish (80.00 ± 0.90 g) were divided randomly into four trial groups (each with four replicates) and fed with 4 diets (normal diet, normal diet with 50 mg/kg berberine, high-fat diet, high-fat diet with 50 mg/kg berberine), respectively. At the end of the feeding trial, ammonia stress test was carried out for 5 days. The result showed the growth performance, immune parameters including plasm acid phosphatase (ACP) activities, lysozyme (LYZ) activities and alternative complement C3 and C4 contents were suppressed in fish fed with high-fat diets but improved in berberine diets compared with control (normal diet). Hepatopancreas oxidative status, the malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC) and lipid peroxide (LPO) were increased significantly (P < 0.05) when fish were fed with high-fat diets. Berberine could slow the progression of the oxidative stress induced by high-fat through increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and total sulfydryl (T-SH) levels of fish. And the hepatocyte apoptosis in the high-fat group could also be alleviated by berberine. After the ammonia stress test, the accumulative mortality was extremely (P < 0.05) low in fish fed high-fat diet with berberine compared to other groups. It was concluded berberine as a functional feed additive significantly inhibited the progression of oxidative stress, reduced the apoptosis and enhanced the immunity of fish fed with high-fat diet.

The effects of the 5-HT2A receptor antagonist sarpogrelate hydrochloride on chronic hypoxic pulmonary hypertension in rats.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This study investigated whether sarpogrelate hydrochloride (SPG), a 5-HT2A receptor antagonist, alleviates chronic hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (CH-PH) in rats by stimulating apoptosis and inhibiting proliferation in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were pretreated with SPG (50 mg/kg/day by oral gavage) or saline vehicle and then subjected to chronic hypoxia (CH) (hypobaric chamber set to 380 mmHg, 10% oxygen) or normoxia for 14 days. Mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) were measured. Hypertensive pulmonary vascular remodeling was assayed by light microscopy. Terminal deoxynucletidyl transferase dUTP nick end ligase (TUNEL) assays, western blotting, and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to assess apoptosis, proliferation and underlying signaling pathways in PASMCs from lung tissue and isolated pulmonary artery rings. RESULTS: CH increased mean PAP and RVH. CH increased the percentage of muscularized arteries in the peripheral pulmonary vasculature and medial wall thickness in small muscular arteries. CH increased pulmonary protein and mRNA levels of the B-cell lymphoma protein 2 (Bcl-2), pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK), phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (pERK1/2), cyclin D1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and decreased protein and mRNA levels of Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX), cleaved caspase-3. Pretreatment with SPG, which has been shown previously to inhibit ERK1/2 phosphorylation and PDK, countered all of these effects. Isolated pulmonary artery rings incubated with 5-HT increased pERK1/2, PDK, and Bcl-2 expression, and decreased Bax expression. CONCLUSION: Administration of SPG ameliorated the development of CH-PH by stimulating apoptosis in and inhibiting proliferation of PASMCs.

Feeding rates affect growth, intestinal digestive and absorptive capabilities and endocrine functions of juvenile blunt snout bream Megalobrama amblycephala.

This study aimed to investigate the optimal feeding rate for juvenile blunt snout bream (average initial weight 23.74 ± 0.09 g) based on the results on growth performance, intestinal digestive and absorptive capabilities and endocrine functions. A total of 840 fish were randomly distributed into 24 cages and fed a commercial feed at six feeding rates ranging from 2.0 to 7.0% body weight (BW)/day. The results indicated that weight gain rate increased significantly (P < 0.05) as feeding rates increased from 2.0 to 5.0% BW/day, but decreased with the further increasing feeding rates (P > 0.05). Protein efficiency ratio and nitrogen and energy retention all showed a similar trend. However, feed conversion ratio increased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing feeding rates. Feeding rates have little effects (P > 0.05) on whole-body moisture, ash and protein contents, but significantly (P < 0.05) affect both lipid and energy contents with the highest values both observed in fish fed 4.0% BW/day. In addition, moderate ration sizes (2.0-4.0% BW/day) resulted in the enhanced activities of intestinal enzymes, including lipase, protease, Na(+), K(+)-ATPase, alkaline phosphatase and creatine kinase. Furthermore, the mRNA levels of growth hormone, insulin-like growth factors-I, growth hormone receptor and neuropeptide all increased significantly (P < 0.05) as feeding rates increased from 2.0 to 5.0% and 6.0% BW/day, but decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with the further increase in feeding rates, whereas both leptin and cholecystokinin expressions showed an opposite trend. Based on the broken-line regression analysis of SGR against feeding rates, the optimal feeding rate for juvenile blunt snout bream was estimated to be 4.57% BW/day.

Effects of light intensity on growth, immune responses, antioxidant capability and disease resistance of juvenile blunt snout bream Megalobrama amblycephala.

Light is necessary for many fish species to develop and grow normally since most fishes are visual feeders. However, too intense light may be stressful or even lethal. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of light intensity on growth, immune response, antioxidant capability and disease resistance of juvenile blunt snout bream Megalobrama amblycephala. Fish (18.04 ± 0.22 g) randomly divided into 5 groups were exposed to a range of light intensities (100, 200, 400, 800 and 1600 lx) in cultures for 8 weeks. After the feeding trial, fish were challenged by Aeromonas hydrophila and cumulative mortality was recorded for the next 96 h. The results demonstrated that fish subjected to 400 lx showed the greatest weight gain (125.70 ± 5.29%). Plasma levels of glucose and lactate increased with light intensity rising from 100 lx to 1600 lx while the lowest plasma levels of cortisol was observed at 400 lx group. Post-challenged haemato-immunological parameters (including plasma lysozyme and alternative complement activities, as well as plasma nitric oxide level and globulin contents) improved with light intensity increasing from 100 lx to 400 lx, and then decreased with further increasing light intensity. However, antioxidant biomarkers such as liver catalase and malondialdehyde showed an opposite trend with immune response with the lowest values observed at 400 lx groups. The application of light intensity at 1600 lx significantly lowered liver glutathione activity to 76.78 ± 6.91 µmol g(-1). Within a range of light intensity from 100 to 400 lx, no differences were observed in liver total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities while they were significantly higher at 800 and 1600 lx. After challenge, the lowest mortality was observed in fish exposed to 400 lx. It was significantly lower than that of fish exposed to 100 and 1600 lx. The results of the present study indicated that high light intensities (more than 800 lx) not only produced poor growth, but also led to stress response, as might consequently result in the elevated liver oxidation rates and depress immunity of this species. Although no stress response was observed, fish subjected to low light intensities (lower than 400 lx) also showed oxidative stress, immunosuppression and reduced disease resistance. Taken together, the optimal light intensity to enhance growth and boost immunity of this species at juvenile stage is 400 lx.

Effects of fructooligosaccharide on immune response, antioxidant capability and HSP70 and HSP90 expressions of blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) under high ammonia stress.

This study aimed to determine the effects of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on immune response, antioxidant capability and HSP70 and HSP90 mRNA expressions of blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) under high ammonia stress. A total of 360 fish were randomly distributed into three groups (each with four replicates) and were fed three levels of FOS (0, 0.4 and 0.8 %) for 8 weeks. After the feeding trial, 24 fish per tank were exposed to ammonia at 10 mg L(-1). After stress, plasma cortisol and glucose levels of fish fed 0.4 % FOS were all significantly lower than that of the control group at 6 and 3 h, respectively. Plasma lysozyme and alternative complement pathway (ACH50) activities as well as nitrogen monoxide (NO) levels all increased significantly with the maximum levels being attained at 6, 6 and 3 h, respectively. Thereafter, these parameters all decreased significantly. In addition, fish fed 0.4 % FOS showed higher immune parameters under stress compared with that of control group. In addition, liver superoxide dismutase and catalase activities of fish fed 0.4 % FOS were both significantly higher than that of the control group before and after stress, while the opposite was true for malondialdehyde content. After stress, the expression of HSP70 and HSP90 of fish fed FOS was significantly higher than that of the control group at 6 and 12 h, respectively. After 12 h stress, the cumulative mortality of fish fed FOS was significantly lower than that of the control. The results indicated that the supplementation of 0.4 % FOS could increase the nonspecific immunity, antioxidant capacity and HSP70 and HSP90 expression of blunt snout bream and enhance its resistance to high ammonia stress.

[Effects of different cavosurface margins on color matching of the resin composite].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effects of color matching of different cavosurface margins on the resin composites in vitro. METHODS: Twenty extracted human premolars with an A2 shade buccal surface were used in this study. Rectangular shaped cavities (3.0 mm depth, 2.0 mm width, 2.0 mm length) were prepared in the center of the buccal surfaces. The gingival and occlusal cavosurface margins were prepared to be either shoulder or bevel; the other cavosurface margins remained vertical. Ten teeth were filled with Clearfil AP-X (AP), the other ten with Clearfil Majesty (MJ) and light cured. The color difference at the cavosurface margin area was measured using a spectrophotometer (CrystalEye) and evaluated by 3 observers subjectively. The data were statistically analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Chi-square test. RESULTS: When measured by CrystalEye, the color difference between the tooth and resin composite was reduced from the center of restoration to the cavosurface margin area. Both objective and subjective evaluations showed that for AP, the color difference at the cavosurface margin area had no statistical difference among 3 types of the margins; for MJ, the color difference at bevel margin area was significantly smaller than that at the vertical margin area. CONCLUSION: The resin composite restorations produced the color matching at marginal area. The color matching of resin composites with higher diffused light transmission property is more susceptible to the type of cavosurface margins. Preparing bevels may reduce the color difference between the restoration and tooth surface.

Feeding frequency affects stress, innate immunity and disease resistance of juvenile blunt snout bream Megalobrama amblycephala.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of feeding frequency on stress, innate immunity and disease resistance of juvenile blunt snout bream Megalobrama amblycephala (average weight: 9.92 ± 0.06 g). Fish were randomly assigned to one of six feeding frequencies (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 times/day) following the same ration size for 8 weeks. After the feeding trial, fish were challenged by Aeromonas hydrophila and cumulative mortality was recorded for the next 10 days. Daily gain index of fish fed 3-5 times/day was significantly higher than that of the other groups. High feeding frequencies induced significantly elevated plasma levels of both cortisol and lactate. Fish fed 3-4 times/day exhibited relatively low liver catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities as well as malondialdehyde contents, but obtained significantly higher reduced glutathione levels and post-challenged haemato-immunological parameters (include blood leukocyte and erythrocyte counts as well as plasma lysozyme, alternative complement, acid phosphatase and myeloperoxidase activities) compared with that of the other groups. After challenge, the lowest mortality was observed in fish fed 4 times/day. It was significantly lower than that of fish fed 1-3 times/day, but exhibited no statistical difference with that of the other groups. In conclusion, both low and high feeding frequencies could cause oxidative stress of juvenile M. amblycephala, as might consequently lead to the depressed immunity and reduced resistance to A. hydrophila infection. The optimal feeding frequency to enhance growth and boost immunity of this species at juvenile stage is 4 times/day.

Effects of dietary fructooligosaccharide levels and feeding modes on growth, immune responses, antioxidant capability and disease resistance of blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala).

This study aimed to determine the effects of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) levels and its feeding modes on growth, immune response, antioxidant capability and disease resistance of blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala). Fish (12.5 ± 0.5 g) were subjected to three FOS levels (0, 0.4% and 0.8%) and two feeding modes (supplementing FOS continuously and supplementing FOS two days interval 5 days) according to a 3 × 2 factorial design. At the end of 8-week feeding trial, fish were challenged by Aeromonas hydrophila with concentration of 1 × 10(5) CFU mL(-1) and mortality was recorded for the next 96 h. Fish fed 0.4% FOS continuously (D2) and fish fed the basal diet for 5 days followed by 0.8% FOS for 2 days (D5) showed admirable growth performance. The highest plasma lysozyme, acid phosphatase and myeloperoxidase activities as well as complement component 3, total protein and immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels were all observed in fish fed D5. They were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of the control group and/or fish fed 0.8% FOS continuously, but exhibited no statistical difference (P > 0.05) with that of fish fed D2. A similar trend was also observed in antioxidant capability as well as the expression of Leap-I and Leap-Ⅱ. Mortality showed an opposite trend with the immune response with the lowest rate observed in fish fed D5. The results indicated that diet supplementing FOS in appropriate levels and feeding modes could improve the growth, immune response and antioxidant capability of fish, as might consequently lead to enhanced disease resistance. It can be speculated that the basal diet for 5 days followed by 0.8% FOS for 2 days was most suitable for blunt snout bream.

DHA alleviates high glucose-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in Oreochromis niloticus by inhibiting DRP1-mediated mitochondrial fission.

Dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) is a key regulator in the maintenance of mammalian glucose homeostasis, but the relevant information remains poorly understood on aquatic animals. In the study, DRP1 is formally described for the first time in Oreochromis niloticus. DRP1 encodes a peptide of 673 amino acid residues that contained three conserved domains: a GTPase domain, a dynamin middle domain and a dynamin GTPase effector domain. DRP1 transcripts are widely distributed in all of the detected seven organs/tissues, and the highest mRNA levels in brain. High-carbohydrate (45 %) fed fish showed a significant upregulation of liver DRP1 expression than that of control (30 %) group. Glucose administration upregulated liver DRP1 expression, with peak values observed at 1 h; then its expression returned to the basal value at 12 h. In the in vitro study, DRP1 over-expression significantly decreased mitochondrial abundance in hepatocytes. DHA significantly increased mitochondrial abundance, transcriptions of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and mitofusin 1 and 2 (MFN1 and MFN2) and complex II and III activities of high glucose-treated hepatocyte, whereas the opposite was true for DRP1, mitochondrial fission factor (MFF) and fission (FIS) expression. Together, these findings illustrated that O. niloticus DRP1 is highly conserved, and it participated in glucose control of fish. DHA could alleviate high glucose-induced mitochondrial dysfunction of fish by inhibiting DRP1-mediated mitochondrial fission.

Mesenchymal stem cells neither fully acquire the electrophysiological properties of mature cardiomyocytes nor promote ventricular arrhythmias in infarcted rats.

Electrophysiological properties of implanted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in infarcted hearts remain unclear, and their proarrhythmic effect is still controversial. The intent of this study was to investigate electrophysiological properties and proarrhythmic effects of MSCs in infarcted hearts. Rats were randomly divided into a myocardial infarction (MI) group, a MI-DMEM group (received DMEM medium injection) and MI-MSCs group (received MSCs injection). Survival analysis showed that the majority of engrafted MSCs died at day 9 after transplantation. Engrafted MSCs expressed cardiac markers (MYH, cTnI, Cx43), cardiac ion channel genes (Kv1.4, Kv4.2 and Kir2.1) and potassium currents (I (to), I (K1) and I (KDR)), but did not express Nav1.5, Cav1.2, Na(+) current and Ca(2+) current during their survival. When induced by Ca(2+), implanted MSCs exhibited no contraction ability after being isolated from the heart. Following 8-week electrocardiography monitoring, the cumulative occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) was not different among the three groups. However, the prolonged QRS duration in infarcted rats without VAs was significantly decreased in the MI-MSCs group compared with the other two groups. The inducibility of VAs in the MI-MSCs group was much lower than that in the MI and MI-DMEM groups (41.20 vs. 86.67 % and 92.86 %; P < 0.0125). The ventricular effective refractory period in MI-MSCs group was prolonged in comparison with that in the MI and MI-DMEM groups (56.0 ± 8.8 vs. 47.7 ± 8.8 ms and 45.7 ± 6.2 ms; P < 0.01). These results demonstrate that MSCs do not acquire the electrophysiological properties of mature cardiomyocytes during the survival period in the infarcted hearts. However, they can alleviate the electrical vulnerability and do not promote ventricular arrhythmias.

[Clinical analysis of 150 patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the demographic characteristics and clinical features of patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) in China. METHODS: Between March 2007 and September 2010, IPAH diagnosis was confirmed by right heart catheterization in 150 adult patients from 31 clinical centers in China. Clinical and hemodynamic data were analyzed and patients were divided into WHO functional class I/II and WHO functional class III/IV group. RESULTS: The mean age of 150 patients were 36 ± 13 years with female patient/male patient ratio of 2:1, and mean BMI was (21.3 ± 3.5) kg/m(2). Fatigue (n = 123, 82.0%) and dyspnea (n = 112, 74.7%) are the most common symptoms. Accentuated pulmonic second sound (P(2)) was detected in 92.0% (n = 138) of patients during physical examination, which was also the most common sign. About 49.0% (n = 73) patients were WHO functional class I/II patients and 46.0% (n = 68) patients were WHO functional class III/IV patients. Six minutes walking distance (6MWD) and Borg dyspnea score was (337 ± 101) m and 2.0 (2.0, 4.0), respectively. Right ventricular hypertrophy was suggested by ECG in 93.1% (n = 140) patients. Right atrial pressure was (10 ± 6) mm Hg, mean pulmonary artery pressure was (61 ± 16) mm Hg, cardiac index was (2.3 ± 0.8) L×min(-1)×m(-2) and pulmonary vascular resistance (1484 ± 699) dyn×s(-1)×cm(-5) in this cohort. 6 MWD (305 m ± 89 m vs. 377 m ± 88 m) was significantly shorter while Borg dyspnea score [3.0 (3.0, 5.0) vs. 2.0 (2.0, 3.0)] was significantly higher in WHO functional class III/IV patients than in WHO functional class I/II patients. Similarly hemodynamic parameters were also worse in WHO functional class III/IV patients than in WHO functional class I/II patients (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension patients in this cohort affect mostly young adults, dominated by female gender and lower body mass index. Fatigue and dyspnea are the most common symptoms and accentuated pulmonic second sound (P(2)) is the most common sign. IPAH patients are often displaying severe functional and hemodynamic disturbance at first visit to hospitals. Dyspnea and hemodynamic impairment are related to 6MWD and WHO functional class.

Associations between coagulation factor XII, coagulation factor XI, and stability of venous thromboembolism: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a fatal clinical syndrome that is generally caused by an embolus from unstable deep venous thrombosis (DVT). However, clinical and biochemical factors that are related to the stability of DVT are not fully understood. AIM: To evaluate the relationships between plasma antigen levels of factor XII (FXII:Ag) and factor XI (FXI:Ag) with the stability of DVT. METHODS: Patients with DVT and no PE, DVT and PE, and controls with no DVT or PE that matched for age, gender, and comorbidities were included in this study. FXII:Ag and FXI:Ag in peripheral venous blood were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS: Using the 95th percentile of FXI:Ag in patients with DVT and PE as the cut-off, a higher FXI:Ag was associated with a higher risk of unstable DVT (odds ratio: 3.15, 95% confidence interval: 1.18-8.43, P = 0.019). Stratified analyses showed consistent results in patients ≤ 60 years (P = 0.020), but not in those > 60 years (P = 0.346). CONCLUSION: Higher plasma FXI:Ag might be a marker for unstable DVT, which might be associated with PE in these patients.

[Preliminary study on the efficacy and safety of oral sildenafil in pulmonary arterial hypertension in China].

OBJECTIVE: Sildenafil has been shown to be effective in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, the impact of sildenafil on PAH has been under-investigated in China. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral sildenafil in PAH patients in China. METHODS: In this prospective, open-label and multi-center study, 90 patients were recruited from 14 centers to receive oral sildenafil (75 mg/d) for 12 weeks. They underwent a six-minute walk test (SMWT) and cardiac catheterization at the beginning and the end of 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the changes in exercise capacity as assessed by SMWT. And the secondary endpoints included assessment of functional class, evaluation of cardiopulmonary hemodynamics and clinical deterioration (defined as death, transplantation and re-hospitalization for PAH). Drug safety and tolerability were also examined. RESULTS: There were 19 males and 71 females with an average age of 32.5 ± 12.1 years old (range: 18 - 61). Their etiologies were idiopathic (n = 15), related with congenital heart disease (n = 60), or related with connective tissue disease (n = 9) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (n = 6). Oral sildenafil significantly increased the SMWT distances [(342 ± 93) m vs. (403 ± 88) m, P < 0.001]. There was also remarkable improvement in Borg dyspnea score (2.9 ± 2.6 vs. 2.4 ± 2.0, P = 0.005). Furthermore, significant improvements in World Healthy Organization (WHO) functional class and cardiopulmonary hemodynamics were also found (mean pulmonary artery pressure, P < 0.001; cardiac index, P < 0.001; pulmonary vascular resistance, P < 0.001). Side effects were mild and consistent with other reports. CONCLUSION: This study confirms and extends previous studies. Oral sildenafil is both safe and effective for the treatment of adult PAH patients in China.

Downregulation of Kir6.1/SUR2B channels in the obese rat aorta.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the contribution of adenosine triphosphate-dependent potassium channels to the increase in blood pressure observed in obese rats. METHODS: The experiment was performed in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Glibenclamide-sensitive currents were measured in vascular smooth muscle cells by patch-clamp. Expressions of Kir6.1 and SUR2B were examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot techniques, respectively. RESULTS: In the aortic vascular smooth muscle cells, pinacidil induced glibenclamide-sensitive currents. The current from obese rats was significantly lower (-10.55 +/- 1.63 pA/pF) compared with that from the control rats (-20.18 +/- 2.79 pA/pF). Expressions of Kir6.1 and SUR2B were downregulated in vascular smooth muscle cells of aortas from the obese rats. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the adenosine triphosphate-dependent potassium channel is downregulated in smooth muscle cells from the aortas of obese rats, which may contribute to the increase in blood pressure in these rats.

[Clinical observation of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the treatment of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) in venous thromboembolism. METHODS: A total of 202 patients with venous thromboembolism without anticoagulation contraindications were enrolled. All of them were treated with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and/or unfractionated heparin (UFH). The peripheral blood cells were examined regularly. RESULTS: HIT occurred in 6 patients. And argatroban was used to treat HIT. The overall incidence rate of HIT in this study was 2.97%. The time of occurrence of HIT was about Days 3 - 9 after using heparin. The platelet recovered to the basic level at Days 3 - 7 after withdrawing heparin and initiating argatroban. CONCLUSION: The count of platelet should be measured in the patients receiving regular LMWH and/or UFH therapy. And the above regimen should be discontinued timely when the platelet count declined progressively by over 50%. Argatroban was effective.