[Huangqi Danshen decoction attenuates isoproterenol-induced myocardial remodeling via STIM1, TRPC1, CaN and NFATc3 pathways in rats].

To investigate the inhibitory effect of Huangqi Danshen decoction (HDD) on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial remodeling and explore its effect on STIM1, TRPC1, CaN and NFATc3 expressions. ISO (2.5 mg•kg⁻¹â€¢d⁻¹×14 d) was given by subcutaneous injection to establish myocardial remodeling models in rats, and then were randomly divided into control group, ISO model group, HDD5 group (HDD 5 g•kg⁻¹â€¢d⁻¹+ISO), and HDD10 group (HDD 10 g•kg⁻¹â€¢d⁻¹+ISO). After intervention for 4 weeks, the heart mass index (HW/BW) and the left ventricular mass index (LVW/BW) were calculated; the structure of myocardium was observed by echocardiography; the pathological changes of myocardium were observed by HE staining; levels of BNP, CaN and CaM kinases II in serum were detected by ELISA, and the protein expression levels of STIM1, TRPC1, p-CaN, p-NFATc3, and NFATc3 in left ventricular tissues were detected by Western blot. The results showed that the HW/BW and LVW/BW in ISO group were greater than those in HDD5 group and HDD10 group (P<0.05); Echocardiography showed that HDD inhibited ISO-induced increase in LVEDD and LVESD; ELISA results showed that HDD could significantly inhibit the increase of BNP, CaN and CaM kinases II levels in serum of rats with ISO-induced myocardial remodeling (P<0.01). Western blot results showed that STIM1, TRPC1, p-CaN, p-NFATc3 and NFATc3 expression levels were increased in the myocardial tissues of ISO group rats, and after HDD administration, the above expression levels were decreased in group ISO, HDD for myocardial tissue after administration of STIM1, TRPC1, p-CaN, p-NFATc3 and NFATc3 expression decreased (P<0.05). Our findings indicated that HDD can attenuate the myocardial remodeling induced by ISO, and its mechanism may be related to down-regulating the expression levels of STIM1, TRPC1, CaM kinases II, p-CaN/CaN and p-NFATc3/NFATc3.

Significance of mast cell renal infiltration in patients with anti-GBM nephritis.

To investigate the role of mast cells (MCs) renal infiltration in the progression of human anti-GBM nephritis, 38 patients diagnosed with anti-GBM nephritis were enrolled. Renal biopsies were performed. Immunohistochemistry was conducted to detect MCs in renal tissues. Patients were divided into group 1 (MCs <50 mm(-2), n = 18) and group 2 (MCs ≥50 mm(-2), n = 20) according to the infiltrating renal MC count. The clinical-pathological indices were compared. And, correlation between MCs and the clinical-pathological indices was analyzed. Patients of group 2 had more severe renal dysfunctions, expressed as higher levels of serum creatinine (SCr 8.95 ± 3.66 vs. 4.75 ± 2.73 mg/dL, p < 0.001), urine retinol-binding protein (RBP 29.8 ± 13.9 vs. 15.7 ± 11.5 mg/dL, p = 0.005), and lower urinary osmotic pressure. Pathologically, patients of group 2 had a higher percentage of fibrous/fibrocellular crescents (66.7 ± 21.9 vs. 47.0 ± 33.6%, p = 0.037) but a lower percentage of cellular crescents. More CD8 (268 mm(-2) vs. 180 mm(-2), p = 0.045) and CD68 (268 mm(-2) vs. 180 mm(-2), p = 0.045) positive cells infiltrating the interstitium were observed in group 2. Furthermore, renal MCs correlated significantly with the total number of crescents and the tubular interstitial CD8 and CD68 positive cells. And, the number of MCs was associated with the histological types. The renal function was significantly different between the two groups at presentation. However, at 3 and 6 month follow-up, the patient outcome was associated with the histological types. Our study showed that MC infiltrations were associated with chronic lesions in anti-GBM nephritis and may be involved in the loss of renal function with pathological changes.

Comparison of double filtration plasmapheresis with immunoadsorption therapy in patients with anti-glomerular basement membrane nephritis.

BACKGROUND: Double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) and (IA) are both used to clear antibody. However, the clinical efficacy and safety of DFPP in patients with anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) disease are unclear. METHODS: The 28 enrolled patients diagnosed serologically and pathologically with anti-GBM disease from 2003 to 2013 included 16 treated with DFPP and 12 with IA, with all patients administered immunosuppressive agents. DFPP consisted of an EC50W filter for plasma separation and an EC20W filter for plasma fractionation. A double volume of plasma was processed, and each patient received a 30-40 g human albumin supplement during each session. IA consisted of 10 cycles per session, with 8-10 sessions performed daily or every other day and each session regenerating 30-60 L of plasma. Serum anti-GBM antibodies and IgG were measured, and urinary and blood tests were performed, before and after each procedure. Renal function and outcome were determined. RESULTS: The 28 patients consisted of 13 males and 15 females, of median age 44.5 years (range, 22.5-57 years). Six patients had pulmonary hemorrhage and 18 had serum creatinine concentrations >500 umol/L. The average serum creatinine concentration at early onset of disease was 525 umol/L while the peak concentration was 813 umol/L. All patients showed progressive increases in serum creatinine and required CRRT during the course of disease. Pathological examination showed an average 73.9% of crescents (range, 54.6-95.4%).The clinical and pathological features of the DPPP and IA groups were similar. Efficacy of clearing anti-GBM antibody was similar in the two groups (59.0 vs. 71.2%, P = 1.00), although fewer patients in the DFPP group experienced reduced IgG (62.7 vs. 83.5%, p = 0.002). One patient each had a pulmonary hemorrhage and a subcutaneous hemorrhage during treatment, but there were no other serious complications. At the end of follow-up, patient survival and renal survival were similar in the DFPP and IA groups. CONCLUSION: DPPP plus immunosuppressive therapy efficiently and safely removed anti-GBM antibodies. The fewer plasma-associated side effects and reduced loss of IgG suggest that DFPP may be a better treatment choice for anti-GBM disease, especially in patients with insufficient plasma.

Determination of chromium(III) in aqueous solution using CePO4 :Tb(3+) nanocrystals in a fluorescence resonance energy transfer system.

Trivalent chromium is an essential element required for normal carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism in humans and animals. This article describes an efficient fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) system between CePO4 :Tb(3+) nanocrystals as the donor and chromium(III) as the acceptor. CePO4 :Tb(3+) nanocrystals were synthesized in aqueous solution, and characterized by transmission electron microscopy. Under optimum conditions, a linear calibration graph was obtained (R(2) = 0.996). The linear range and detection limit of chromium(III) were 0.01-2.2 µM, and 9.1 nM, respectively. The proposed method had a wide linear range and proved to be very sensitive, rapid and simple. Moreover, the method was applied successfully to the determination of chromium(III) in synthetic samples and tap water.

Concentrated sodium chloride catheter lock solution--a new effective alternative method for hemodialysis patients with high bleeding risk.

BACKGROUND: Locking catheter with heparin may increase bleeding risk of some hemodialysis (HD) patients. Hence, the security and effectivity of 10% concentrated sodium chloride (CSC) used as an alternative method for patients with high bleeding risk need to be investigated. METHODS: Seventy-two patients inserted temporary central venous catheters were divided into two groups randomly. A total of 3125 U/mL heparin saline (HS) was used in HS group and 10% CSC in CSC group to lock catheters. Heparin-free HD was used for the first time and plasma specimens were collected to test coagulation indicators before catheter-locking (at the end of HD) and at 30 min after it. Then, blood flow velocities (BFVs), incidences of catheter thrombosis, etc. were followed up at each time of HD. RESULTS: Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) of two groups had no difference at the end of heparin-free HD (27.100 [25.675-28.950] vs. 27.250 [25.150-29.575] second, p = 0.933), but at 30 minutes after using different catheter lock solutions, APTT of HS group was obviously longer than CSC group (50.100 [41.275-65.400] vs. 27.500 [25.525-29.875] second, p < 0.001). Catheters' retaining time of two groups were the same (p = 0.306), so did the average BFVs (p > 0.05). But catheters' thrombosis incidence and urokinase usage of HS group were less than CSC group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Comparing with HS group, thrombosis incidences of CSC group increased, but catheters' retaining time and average BFVs remained the same and coagulation indicators of it were unaffected. Therefore, it can be an effective alternative lock method for HD patients with high bleeding risk.

Near-infrared to near-infrared upconverting NaYF4:Yb3+,Tm3+ nanoparticles-aptamer-Au nanorods light resonance energy transfer system for the detection of mercuric(II) ions in solution.

A new luminescence resonant energy transfer (LRET) system has been designed that utilizes near-infrared (NIR)-to-NIR upconversion lanthanide nanophosphors (UCNPs) as the donor, and Au nanorods (Au NRs) as the acceptor. The UCNPs were excited by a near-infrared (980 nm) wavelength and also emitted at a near-infrared wavelength (804 nm) using an inexpensive infrared continuous wave laser diode. The Au NRs showed a high absorption band around 806 nm, which provided large spectral overlap between the donor and the acceptor. Hg(2+) ions were added to an aqueous solution containing the UCNPs and Au NRs that were modified with a Hg(2+) aptamer. Then, a sandwich-type LRET system was developed for the detection of Hg(2+) ions that had high sensitivity and selectivity in the NIR region. The method was successfully applied to the sensing of Hg(2+) ions in water and human serum samples.

Effects of postoperative use of proton pump inhibitors on gastrointestinal bleeding after endoscopic variceal treatment during hospitalization.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic variceal treatment (EVT) is recommended as the mainstay choice for the management of high-risk gastroesophageal varices and acute variceal bleeding in liver cirrhosis. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used for various gastric acid-related diseases. However, the effects of PPIs on the development of post-EVT complications, especially gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB), remain controversial. AIM: To evaluate the effects of postoperative use of PPIs on post-EVT complications in patients with liver cirrhosis during hospitalization. METHODS: Patients with a diagnosis of liver cirrhosis who were admitted to the Department of Gastroenterology of the General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, treated by an attending physician between January 2016 and June 2020 and underwent EVT during their hospitalization were included. Logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the effects of postoperative use of PPIs on the development of post-EVT complications during hospitalization. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 143 patients were included. The incidence of post-EVT GIB and other post-EVT complications was 4.90% and 46.85%, respectively. In the overall analyses, postoperative use of PPIs did not significantly reduce the risk of post-EVT GIB (OR = 0.525, 95%CI = 0.113-2.438, P = 0.411) or other post-EVT complications (OR = 0.804, 95%CI = 0.413-1.565, P = 0.522). In the subgroup analyses according to the enrollment period, type and route of PPIs after the index EVT, use of PPIs before the index EVT, use of vasoactive drugs after the index EVT, indication of EVT (prophylactic and therapeutic), and presence of portal venous system thrombosis, ascites, and hepatocellular carcinoma, the effects of postoperative use of PPIs on the risk of post-EVT GIB or other post-EVT complications remain not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Routine use of PPIs after EVT should not be recommended in patients with liver cirrhosis for the prevention of post-EVT complications during hospitalization.