Huoxin Pill Reduces Myocardial Ischemia Reperfusion Injury in Rats via TLR4/NFκB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the protective effect of Huoxin Pill (HXP) on acute myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (MIRI) injury in rats.@*METHODS@#Seventy-five adult SD rats were divided into the sham-operated group, model group, positive drug group (diltiazem hydrochloride, DH), high dose group (24 mg/kg, HXP-H) and low dose group (12 mg/kg, HXP-L) of Huoxin Pill (n=15 for every group) according to the complete randomization method. After 1 week of intragastric administration, the left anterior descending coronary artery of the rat's heart was ligated for 45 min and reperfused for 3 h. Serum was separated and the levels of creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were measured. Myocardial ischemia rate, myocardial infarction rate and myocardial no-reflow rate were determined by staining with Evans blue and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC). Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular mechANism of Traditional Chinese Medicine (BATMAN) databases were used to screen for possible active compounds of HXP and their potential therapeutic targets; the results of anti-inflammatory genes associated with MIRI were obtained from GeneCards, Drugbank, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), and Therapeutic Target Datebase (TTD) databases was performed; Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment were used to analyze the intersected targets; molecular docking was performed using AutoDock Tools. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NFκB)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3).@*RESULTS@#Compared with the model group, all doses of HXP significantly reduced the levels of LDH, CK and CK-MB (P<0.05, P<0.01); HXP significantly increased serum activity of SOD (P<0.05, P<0.01); all doses of HXP significantly reduced the levels of hs-CRP and IL-1β (P<0.05, P<0.01) and the myocardial infarction rate and myocardial no-reflow rate (P<0.01). GO enrichment analysis mainly involved positive regulation of gene expression, extracellular space and identical protein binding, KEGG pathway enrichment mainly involved PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and lipid and atherosclerosis. Molecular docking results showed that kaempferol and luteolin had a better affinity with TLR4, NFκB and NLRP3 molecules. The protein expressions of TLR4, NFκB and NLRP3 were reduced in the HXP group (P<0.01).@*CONCLUSIONS@#HXP has a significant protective effect on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats, and its effect may be related to the inhibition of redox response and reduction of the inflammatory response by inhibiting the TLR4NFκB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

The risk prediction value of paraquat poisoning dose, urine protein and myocardial enzymes / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective: To explore the value of paraquat (PQ) intake, urine protein and myocardial enzyme indexes in judging the prognosis of patients with acute PQ poisoning. Methods: From September to December 2021, all 201 patients with acute PQ poisoning admitted to Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital from January 2010 to December 2019 were selected as the research objects. Based on follow-up results 60 days after poisoning, the research objects were divided into survival group (n=78) and death group (n=123) . The differences in information about poisoning, treatment plan, PQ intake, urine protein, creatine kinase, creatine kinase isoenzyme, lactate dehydrogenase, and α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase between the two groups of patients were compared and analyzed. Logistic regression and Cox regression were used to analyze the correlation between poisoning outcome and PQ intake, urine protein and myocardial enzymes. ROC curve and principal component analysis were used to explore high-efficiency indicators for predicting the outcome of acute PQ poisoning. Results: The PQ intake[50 (20, 100) ml], urine protein (total rank 15570.50) , creatine kinase[ (336.36±261.96) U/L], creatine kinase isoenzyme[ (43.91±43.74) U/L], lactate dehydrogenase [ (346.01±196.50) U/L], α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase content[ (271.23±11.92) U/L] of patients in the death group were all higher than the survival group[15 (10, 20) ml, 4730.50, (187.78±178.06) U/L, (18.88±15.50) U/L, (190.92±60.50) U/L, (152.60±48.34) U/L, respectively] (P<0.05) . The outcome of acute PQ poisoning was positively correlated with PQ intake, urine protein, creatine kinase, creatine kinase isoenzyme, lactate dehydrogenase, and α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (P<0.05) . Multivariate logistic regression and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that creatine kinase, creatine kinase isoenzyme, lactate dehydrogenase and α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase was positively correlated with the prognosis of patients with acute PQ poisoning (P<0.05) . ROC curve analysis and principal component analysis showed that the combined indexes of PQ intake, urine protein and myocardial enzymes had the highest efficacy and weight in judging the prognosis of patients (AUC=0.91, weight coefficient=0.19, sensitivity=0.76, specificity=0.89) . When the combined score was ≥4, the probability of accurately predicting the death of patients was as high as 91% (positive predictive value=0.91) . Conclusion: PQ intake, urine protein combined with creatine kinase, creatine kinase isoenzyme, lactate dehydrogenase, and α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase has high value in predicting the prognosis of patients with acute PQ poisoning.

Analysis of clinical characteristics and risk factors of early heat stroke-related acute liver injury / 中华危重病急救医学

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the clinical characteristics and risk factors of early acute liver injury in patients with heat stroke (HS), and to provide basis for early identification of HS-related liver injury and its pathogenesis in clinical practice.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of patients with HS admitted to the department of critical care medicine of Haian People's Hospital from June 2015 to August 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients with HS were divided into early liver injury group and early non-liver injury group according to the occurrence of acute liver injury within 24 hours of admission. The differences of basic data, clinical data, laboratory indexes and clinical outcomes of the two groups were analyzed. Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for early HS-related acute liver injury, and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn to evaluate their value in predicting the occurrence of early HS-related acute liver injury.@*RESULTS@#A total of 76 patients with HS were enrolled, and 46 patients with acute liver injury, accounting for 60.53%. In the early liver injury group, 14 patients (30.43%) had elevated aminotransferase alone, 9 patients (19.57%) had elevated total bilirubin (TBil) alone, and 23 patients (50.00%) had elevated both aminotransferase and TBil. Among the patients with elevated aminotransferases, 24 patients (64.87%) had mild elevation, 5 patients (13.51%) had moderate elevation, 8 patients (21.62%) had severe elevation. Compared with the early non-liver injury group, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), arterial blood lactate (Lac), interleukin-6 (IL-6), procalcitonin (PCT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), TBil, γ-gamma glutamyl transferase (γ-GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase (CK-MB), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), myoglobin (MYO), N-terminal B-type pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), D-dimer in the early liver injury group were significantly increased, while platelet count (PLT) were significantly decreased within 24 hours after admission, the 28-day mortality was significantly increased [28.26% (13/46) vs. 6.67% (2/30)], and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Univariate Logistic regression analysis showed that APACHE II score, SOFA score, PLT, Lac, IL-6, PCT, γ-GGT, LDH, CK, CK-MB, cTnI, MYO, PT, APTT, D-dimer were risk factors of early HS-related acute liver injury (all P < 0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that PLT, IL-6, and LDH were independent risk factors of early HS-related acute liver injury [odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were 0.986 (0.974-0.998), 1.027 (1.012-1.041), and 1.002 (1.000-1.004), all P < 0.05]. The ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of PLT, IL-6 and LDH for predicting the occurrence of early HS-related acute liver injury was 0.672 (95%CI was 0.548-0.797), 0.897 (95%CI was 0.824-0.971) and 0.833 (95%CI was 0.739-0.927), respectively. IL-6 had the highest predictive value for early HS-related liver injury. When the optimal diagnostic threshold of IL-6 was 48.25 ng/L, the sensitivity was 95.7%, the specificity was 73.3%, and the predictive value of PLT was the lowest.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The early HS-related liver injury is mainly manifested as the simultaneous elevation of aminotransferase and TBil, and most of cases are mild liver injury. PLT, IL-6 and LDH are independent risk factors of early HS-related acute liver injury.

Comparison of early clinical outcomes between SuperCap and direct anterior approaches for total hip arthroplasty / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the short-term clinical efficacy of SuperCap approach and direct anterior approach in total hip arthroplasty.@*METHODS@#Clinical data of 70 patients who underwent minimally invasive SuperCap approach and DAA THA in January 2016 to June 2017 were retrospective analyzed. These patients were divided into two groups:SuperCap approach group(SuperCap group) and direct anterior approach group(DAA group). There were 15 males and 15 females in SuperCap group, aged from 45 to 71 years old, and the follow-up time ranged from 24 to 30 months. There were 24 males and 16 females in Group B, aged from 51 to 76 years and the follow-up time ranged from 24 to 36 months. Hemoglobin level of the 3rd day after operation, transfusion rate, acetabular abduction angle, anteversion angle and creatine kinase level of the 3rd day after operation, Harris score of 3 months and the last time, VAS score of 1 week and the last time were recorded and compared. Complications were recorded at the final follow-up.@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up, the follow-up time of SuperCap group ranged from 24 to 30 months, that of DAA group ranged from 24 to 36 months. No significant differences were found in hemoglobin level on the 3rd day after operation, transfusion rate, Harris score or VAS score between two group (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in Harris score between 3 months after operation and the final follow-up in both groups (P>0.05). There were no significant difference in VAS scores of 6 weeks after operation and on the final follow-up neither(P>0.05). The level of creatine kinase in SuperCap group was significant lower than that in DAA group(P<0.05). Until the final follow-up, there was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups(P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The clinical effect of minimally invasive SuperCap approach after total hip arthroplasty is comparable to that of DAA approach with less soft tissue injury. Patients can recover rapidly after operation and it is a safe and effective surgical approach for surgeons with short learning curve.

Effect and mechanism of Jiming Powder on myocardial fibrosis in mice with myocardial infarction / 中国中药杂志

Jiming Powder is a traditional ancient prescription with good therapeutic effect in the treatment of heart failure, but its mechanism lacks further exploration. In this study, a mouse model of coronary artery ligation was used to evaluate the effect and mechanism of Jiming Powder on myocardial fibrosis in mice with myocardial infarction. The study constructed a mouse model of heart failure after myocardial infarction using the method of left anterior descending coronary artery ligation. The efficacy of Jiming Powder was evaluated from multiple angles, including ultrasound imaging, hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, Masson staining, Sirius Red staining, and serum myocardial enzyme spectrum detection. Western blot analysis was performed to detect key proteins involved in ventricular remodeling, including transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1), α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA), wingless-type MMTV integration site family member 3a(Wnt3a), β-catenin, matrix metallopeptidase 2(MMP2), matrix metallopeptidase 3(MMP3), TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 1(TIMP1), and TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 2(TIMP2). The results showed that compared with the model group, the high and low-dose Jiming Powder significantly reduced the left ventricular internal diameter in systole(LVID;s) and diastole(LVID;d), increased the left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening(LVFS), effectively improved cardiac function in mice after myocardial infarction, and effectively reduced the levels of myocardial injury markers such as creatine kinase(CK), creatine kinase isoenzyme(CK-MB), and lactic dehydrogenase(LDH), thus protecting ischemic myocardium. HE staining showed that Jiming Powder could attenuate myocardial inflammatory cell infiltration after myocardial infarction. Masson and Sirius Red staining demonstrated that Jiming Powder effectively inhibited myocardial fibrosis, reduced the collagen Ⅰ/Ⅲ ratio in myocardial tissues, and improved collagen remodeling after myocardial infarction. Western blot results showed that Jiming Powder reduced the expression of TGF-β1, α-SMA, Wnt3a, and β-catenin, decreased the levels of MMP2, MMP3, and TIMP2, and increased the level of TIMP1, suggesting its role in inhibiting cardiac fibroblast transformation, reducing extracellular matrix metabolism in myocardial cells, and lowering collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA content, thus exerting an anti-myocardial fibrosis effect after myocardial infarction. This study revealed the role of Jiming Powder in improving ventricular remodeling and treating myocardial infarction, laying the foundation for further research on the pharmacological effect of Jiming Powder.

Protective Effect of Combined Metoprolol and Atractylenolide I in Rats with Acute Myocardial Infarction via Modulation of the SIRT3/ß-CATENIN/PPAR-γ Signaling Pathway

ABSTRACT Herein, we examined the protective effect of metoprolol combined with atractylenolide I (Atr I) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) by regulating the SIRT3 (silent information regulator 3)/ß-catenin/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) signaling pathway. Briefly, 50 rats were randomly divided into the sham operation, model, metoprolol, Atr I, and combination metoprolol with Atr I groups (combined treatment group). The AMI model was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. After treatment, infarct size, histopathological changes, and cell apoptosis were examined using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, hematoxylin-eosin staining, and the TUNEL assay. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular fraction shortening (LVFS), and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were detected by echocardiography. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Furthermore, we measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK) isoenzyme (CK-MB), and CK levels. Western blotting was performed to determine the expression of SIRT3, ß-catenin, and PPAR-γ. Herein, the combined treatment group exhibited increased levels of LVEF, LVFS, and NO, whereas LVMI, ET-1, TNF-α, IL-6, LDH, CK-MB, and CK levels were decreased. Importantly, the underlying mechanism may afford protection against AMI by increasing the expression levels of SIRT3, ß-catenin, and PPAR-γ

HyperCKemia-MB due to macroCK type 1: Case report

HyperCKemia is a rare condition characterized by a persistent increase in serum creatine kinase (CK) levels or some isoenzymes. Usually, there are no clinical, electromyography or histological manifestations, which involves a challenge at the time of diagnosis. The patient in question showed no characteristic signs or symptoms, apart from fatigue and post-exercise myalgia. Assessment was performed by rheumatology and endocrinology, determination of total CK and MB fraction in blood, and electromyography and protein electrophoresis were requested as part of the approach. This case report is considered as novel, interesting, and useful for clinical practice as few similar ones were found in the scientific literature. The difficult etiological diagnosis of this entity, and the algorithm used to arrive at it, are all presented. It is concluded that in those patients with hyperCKemia of unknown etiology, this diagnosis should be kept in mind, and be confirmed by performing a CK electrophoresis.

La hiperCKemia es una condición poco frecuente caracterizada por un aumento persistente de los niveles de creatina quinasa (CK) sérica o de algunas isoenzimas, sin que suelan presentarse manifestaciones clínicas, electromiográficas o histológicas, lo cual implica un desafío a la hora del diagnóstico. El paciente cuyo caso se presenta aquí no mostró signos o síntomas característicos, únicamente fatiga y mialgias posteriores al ejercicio. Se llevó a cabo valoración por reumatología y endocrinología, determinación de CK total y fracción MB en sangre; además, se solicitó electromiografía y electroforesis de proteínas como parte del abordaje. Consideramos que este reporte de caso es novedoso, interesante y de utilidad para la práctica clínica pues se encuentran pocos similares en la literatura científica; adicionalmente, se pone en evidencia el difícil diagnóstico etiológico de esta entidad, así como el algoritmo utilizado para llegar a ella. Se concluye que este diagnóstico debe tenerse en mente en aquellos pacientes con hiperCKemia de etiología desconocida, y para confirmarlo es necesario hacer una electroforesis de CK.

Comparação do efeito de beta alanina, bicarbonato de sódio e limão como agentes tamponantes entre ciclistas em exercício de alta intensidade / Comparison of the effect of beta alanine, sodium bicarbonate and lemon as tamponant agents among high-intensity exercise cyclists

Alguns suplementos exercem atividade tamponante e têm sido reconhecidos por sua contribuição anaeróbica em exercícios de alta intensidade, retardando a fadiga muscular periférica e potencializando assim a performance esportiva. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o benefício ergogênico no tamponamento e dano muscular, dos suplementos beta alanina, bicarbonato de sódio e suco de limão por meio da dosagem de lactato sanguíneo e creatinofosfoquinase (CPK) e na performance de ciclistas submetidos a exercício anaeróbico de alta intensidade. Estudo transversal crossover, realizado em quatro etapas, com ciclistas do sexo masculino. A suplementação foi constituída de 6 g de beta alanina, 0,2 g/kg de bicarbonato de sódio e 30 mL de suco de limão. Lactato sanguíneo e enzima CPK foram dosados pelo método teste ultravioleta enzimático e cinético, respectivamente, em cada uma das etapas. A performance correspondeu à rotação máxima por minuto (RPM) da Air Bike. Participaram do estudo sete ciclistas, com média de idade de 31,14 ± 3,71 anos. O lactato e a CPK apresentaram significância entre os momentos em todas as etapas avaliadas, porém as suplementações comparadas entre si não apresentaram diferença estatística. Não houve melhora da performance (p>0,05) com as utilizações de bicarbonato de sódio, beta alanina e suco de limão em ciclistas. Para os parâmetros avaliados, nenhum dos suplementos apresentou superioridade nas variáveis de tamponamento, dano muscular e performance no treinamento.

Some supplements exert buffering activity and have been recognized for their anaerobic contribution to high-intensity exercise, delaying peripheral muscle fatigue and thus enhancing sports performance. The aim of this study was to compare the ergogenic benefit in muscle buffering and damage of beta alanine, sodium bicarbonate and lemon juice supplements through the measurement of blood lactate and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and on the performance of cyclists submitted to high intensity anaerobic exercise. Cross-sectional study, carried out in 4 stages, with male cyclists. Supplementation was 6 g beta alanine, 0.2 g/kg of sodium bicarbonate and 30 mL of lemon juice. Blood lactate and creatine phosphokinase enzyme were measured by the enzymatic and kinetic ultraviolet test method, respectively, in each of the steps. Performance corresponded to the maximum rotation per minute (RPM) of the Air Bike. Seven cyclists participated in the study, with a mean age of 31.14 ± 3.71 years. Lactate and CPK presented significance between the moments in all the evaluated stages, however the supplements compared to each other showed no statistical difference. There was no performance improvement (p>0.05) with the use of sodium bicarbonate, beta alanine and lemon juice in cyclists. For the parameters evaluated, none of the supplements showed superiority in the variables of buffering, muscle damage and training performance.

Niveles séricos de la isoenzima creatina quinasa-MB y lactato deshidrogenasa como indicadores de daño miocárdico en perros con enfermedad valvular degenerativa / Serum levels of the isoenzyme creatine kinase-MB and lactate dehydrogenase as indicators of myocardial damage in dogs with degenerative valve disease

RESUMEN Se analizaron los niveles séricos de creatina quinasa-MB (CK-MB) y lactato deshidrogenasa (LDH) en 10 perros diagnosticados con enfermedad valvular degenerativa y en seis perros clinicamente sanos, con el objetivo de evaluar si sus niveles séricos indican daño miocárdico. Las muestras de suero se analizaron mediante el método UV. Se utilizó la prueba de diferenciación de medias para determinar diferencias entre medias, y la prueba de correlación de Pearson para determinar si existe correlación entre los niveles séricos de ambas enzimas. Los valores de CK-MB y de LDH fueron significativamente diferentes entre los dos grupos de pacientes. Los niveles de CK-MB y LDH tuvieron correlación positiva, pero no significativa.

ABSTRACT Serum levels of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were analyzed in 10 dogs diagnosed with degenerative valvular disease and in six clinically healthy dogs with the objective of evaluating whether their serum levels indicate myocardial damage. Serum samples were analyzed by UV method. The mean differentiation test was used to determine differences between means and the Pearson correlation test was performed to determine if there was a correlation between the serum levels of both enzymes. The CK-MB and LDH values were significantly different between the two groups of patients. The levels of CK-MB and LDH had a positive but not significant correlation.

Polimiositis: evolución de 4 años y agudización en 2019, caso masculino en Popayán, Cauca / Polymyositis: evolution of 4-years and agudizacion in 2019, male case in Popayán, Cauca

Resumen La polimiositis es una miopatía autoinmune que causa cada año a nivel mundial 4 casos por cada millón de habitantes, es de diagnóstico clínico y necesita tratamiento rápido y agresivo porque puede llevar a desenlaces fatales. Esta patología es infrecuente en hombres con una proporción mujer/hombre de 2.5:1, por lo que el objetivo del artículo fue describir y comparar con la literatura el caso de un paciente masculino con polimiositis quien debutó con debilidad muscular y dolor poliarticular de 20 días de evolución, con valores de creatina quinasa de 24000 UI/L, asociado a pérdida de peso y respondiendo adecuadamente al tratamiento médico brindado en el momento. Después de 3 años asintomático, sufrió una agudización que fue manejada con medicamentos de primera línea, pero sin mejoría, por lo que requirió metilprednisolona oral a altas dosis e inmunomoduladores. En ningún momento presentó compromiso de órganos vitales, actualmente es sintomático y se encuentra en manejo médico. MÉD.UIS.2022;35(1):49-56.

Abstract Polymyositis is an autoimmune myopathy and each year it causes 4 cases per million in the worldwide population, it is clinically diagnosed and needs rapid and aggressive treatment because it can lead to fatal outcomes. This pathology is infrequent in men, with a proportion women/men 2.5:1, the objective of the article was to describe and compare with the literature the case of a male patient with polymyositis, who presented with muscle weakness and polyarticular pain of 20 days of evolution, with Creatine kinase values of 24,000 IU/L, associated with weight loss, and responding adequately to the medical treatment provided at the time. After 3 years asymptomatic, he suffered an acute phase that was managed with first-line medications but without improvement, for which he required oral methylprednisolone at high doses and inmunomodulators. At no time did he present vital organ involvement, he is currently symptomatic and is under medical management. MÉD.UIS.2022;35(1):49-56.

Ursolic acid increases strength in mdx mice model and may decrease fibrosis deposition by tgf-ß downregulation / El ácido ursólico aumenta la resistencia en el modelo de ratones mdx y podría disminuir la deposición de fibrosis mediante la regulación decreciente de tgf-ß

SUMMARY: Dystrophin disfunction results in sarcolemma destabilization, leading muscle cell damage by continuous degeneration cycles and limited regeneration. In muscle dystrophy, caused by dystrophin dysfunction, inflammation, necrosis and fibrosis are pathophysiological muscle function loss characteristics. As a genetic disease, this muscle dystrophy has no cure, however, advances in drug therapy using glucocorticoids can decrease the disease progression. Subsequently, alternative therapies were studied, such as ursolic acid (UA), that inhibits muscle atrophy and increases muscle mass and strength. Herein, we used 10 mg/kg daily supplementation in mdx mice for 4 weeks to evaluate serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK), muscle strength (Kondziela test), muscular organization (histology) and expression of fibrosis related genes (TGF-ß, TNF-α, mstn and ostn). UA supplementation increased muscle morphological organization, motor strength and decreased muscular TGF-ß expression. Altogether, the gene expression profile, histological organization and strength could suggest that UA treatment did not stop the fibrogenesis but decreased its progress.

RESUMEN: La disfunción de la distrofina resulta en la desestabilización del sarcolema, llevando al daño de las células musculares por ciclos continuos de degeneración y regeneración limitada. En la distrofia muscular, debido a la disfunción de la distrofina, la inflamación, la necrosis y la fibrosis, son características fisiopatológicas de la pérdida de la función muscular. Como enfermedad genetica no es possible remediar esta distrofia muscular, sin embargo, los avances en la terapia de medicamentos con glucocorticoides pueden disminuir la progresión de la enfermedad. Se estudiaron terapias alternativas, como el ácido ursólico (UA), que inhibe la atrofia muscular y aumenta la masa y la fuerza muscular. En este estudio, utilizamos una suplementación diaria de 10 mg / kg en ratones mdx durante 4 semanas para evaluar la creatina fosfoquinasa (CPK) sérica, la fuerza muscular (prueba de Kondziela), la organización muscular (histología) y la expresión de genes relacionados con la fibrosis (TGF-ß, TNF- α, mstn y ostn). La suplementación con AU aumentó la organización morfológica muscular, la fuerza motora y la disminución de la expresión muscular de TGF-ß. El perfil de expresión génica, la organización histológica y la fuerza simultáneamente podrían sugerir que el tratamiento con AU no detuvo la fibrogénesis sino que disminuyó su progreso.

The Correlation between Cardiac Enzymes and Cardiotrophin-1 Levels in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

Abstract Background In the current era, there is always search for better cardiovascular biomarkers to early diagnose the disease. Objectives We aimed to investigate the association between a novel biomarker, cardiothropin-1 (CT-1), and standard markers of myocardial ischemia in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in Turkey. Patients and Methods In this prospective cohort study, patients who were admitted to our institution between July 2012 and July 2013 with the diagnosis of ACS were included. The standard markers of myocardial necrosis and CT-1 were evaluated at the time of admission and after 6 hours. Changes in laboratory parameters were statistically tested and correlated with routinely used markers of myocardial ischemia. The distribution of the data was analyzed by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Proportional analysis and changes in laboratory parameters were evaluated with Chi-Square test and Fisher Exact test. Statistical significance was defined as p<0.05. Results The study enrolled 24 patients (14 male, 10 female) with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and 16 patients (9 male, 7 female) with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) with elevated cardiac enzymes such as creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and Troponin-T (Tn-T). The average age of the patients was 61.45 ± 11.04 years. Increasing CT-1 levels were correlated with the increasing CK (p=0.035 and p=0.018, respectively), CK-MB (p=0.006 and p=0.096, respectively), and Tn-T (p=0.041 and p=0.000, respectively) at first and at the 6th hour measurements. The CT-1 values were found to be more increased in the STEMI group (p=0.0074). Conclusion CT-1 is one of the novel biomarkers for cardiac injury. It is correlated with standard markers of myocardial ischemia and the results suggest that CT-1 can be used as a new biomarker.

O efeito agudo do fst-7 no desempenho, variáveis metabólicas e respostas perceptivas em homens bem treinados / Acute effect of fst-7 on performance, metabolic variables, and perceptual responses in well-trained men

O método Fascia Stretch Training 7 Sets (FST-7) ganhou popularidade nos últimos anos sendo disseminado por fisiculturistas norte-americanos. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar os efeitos do protocolo de treinamento do método FST-7 com ou sem alongamento passivo entre as séries nas variáveis metabólicas (lactato [LAC] e creatinofosfoquinase [CPK]), desempenho (volume total de treinamento ­ VTT) e percepção subjetiva de esforço (PSE) em homens bem treinados. Nove homens (23, 2 ± 1,7 anos; 174,2 ± 6,2 cm; 84,6 ± 9,8 kg, 3,4 ± 1,0 anos de experiência em treinamento de força) foram submetidos ao teste e re-teste de 10 repetições máximas (10RM) nos exercícios supino reto livre e crucifixo horizontal com halteres em dias distintos, respeitando 48 horas de intervalo entre a s sessões de teste e re-teste. Decorridas 72 horas do último dia de teste, os participantes realizaram os protocolos experimentais de forma randomizada com 72 horas de intervalo entre as sessões. As coletas sanguíneas foram realizadas 10 minutos antes e imediatamente após os protocolos de treinamento. O protocolo sem alongamento aumentou significativamente a concentração de LAC (p = 0,029). No entanto, o mesmo não ocorreu para a concentração de CPK (p = 0,302). O VTT foi maior para o protocolo sem alongamento (p < 0,001) e a PSE foi maior para o protocolo com alongamento entre as séries (p = 0,003). Concluímos que o método FST-7 com alongamento resultou em uma maior PSE, o que pode estar relacionado com o declínio do desempenho, traduzido pelo menor VTT em relação à condição sem alongamento. Adicionalmente, o menor VTT pode ter afetado o menor acúmulo de LAC observado no método FST-7 com o alongamento. (AU)

The Fascia Stretch Training 7 Sets (FST-7) method has gained popularity in the recent years being disseminated by American bodybuilders. The purpose of the study was to compare the effects of the Fascia Stretch Training 7 Sets (FST-7) method with or without passive stretching between sets on metabolic variables (lactate [LAC] and creatine kinase [CK]), performance (total training volume - TTV) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) in trained men. For this, nine recreationally trained men (23.2 ± 1.7 years; 174.2 ± 6.2 cm; 84.6 ± 9.8 kg, 3.4 ± 1.0 years of experience in strength training) were submitted to the test and re-test of 10 repetition maximum (10RM) in the barbell bench press and fly with dumbbells on different days, respecting a 48-hour interval between the test and re-test sessions. After 72 hours of the last test day, participants performed the experimental protocols in randomized order with a 72-hour interval between sessions. Blood samples were taken 10 minutes before and immediately after the training protocols. The protocol without stretching was significantly increased LAC concentrations (p = 0.029). However, the same did not occur for the concentration of CK (p = 0.302). The TTV was higher for the protocol without stretching (p < 0.001), and the RPE was significantly higher for the protocol with stretching between sets (p = 0.003). We concluded that the FST-7 method with stretching resulted in higher RPE, which may be related to the decline in performance, translated by the lower TTV in relation to the condition without stretching. This lower TTV may have affected the lower LAC accumulation observed in the FST-7 method with stretching. (AU)

Rabdomiólisis como presentación inicial de COVID-19: caso Clínico / Rhabdomyolysis as the presentation form of COVID-19 infection: report of one case

COVID-19 infection causes a systemic inflammatory response, which mainly presents as a febrile syndrome with respiratory involvement. We report a 37-year-old male who consulted for myalgia, nausea and epigastric pain lasting three days. On admission, he had crepitations at the lung bases. The initial laboratory showed a creatine kinase of 62,768 U/L, a LDH of 1,110 IU/L, a creatinine a 2.1 mg/dL, an aspartate aminotransferase of 1,347 IU/L, a D-dimer of 1,140 ng/mL, a ferritin of 1,201 ng/mL and a lymphocyte count of 810 cells/mm3. The chest CT scan was compatible with multifocal pneumonia, suggesting a COVID-19 infection. COVID-19 PCR was positive. The patient was managed with hydration, sodium bicarbonate, ceftriaxone, and azithromycin, with a good clinical response.

Delayed onset muscle soreness intensity affects muscular performance / El Dolor muscular de aparición tardía afecta el desempeño muscular

Abstract Background: The study of functional impact of delayed onset muscle soreness has been limited to describe the decline on maximal isometric contraction, but muscular work and time to peak torque has not been examined yet. Purpose: To describe the changes induced by a session of lengthening contractions on muscle performance and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in the Institutional laboratory; Twenty healthy men; mean age 21 SD 0.34 were recruited, all subjects performed 200 lengthening contractions of the quadriceps at 120°/s. Isometric and isokinetic peak torque, muscular work, time to peak torque, DOMS and creatine kinase activity were assessed at baseline, 48 h and 96 h post-exercise. The muscle performance was assessed with an isokinetic dynamometer and DOMS with a visual analog scale (VAS). Results: Relative to baseline, isometric and isokinetic peak torque and muscular work decreased in ~30% at 48 h post-exercise; delayed onset muscle soreness increased ~300%, which remained at 96 h post-exercise. Conclusions: These reflect that the decline in muscular performance is due to the changes in peak torque and muscular work, which has greater implications on muscle function. No changes were detected in time to peak torque. The alterations in muscular performance variables are accompanied by delayed onset muscle soreness which has also a negative impact on force production (29% of the drop on peak torque is explain by soreness intensity).

Resumen Introducción: Los estudios de impacto funcional del dolor muscular de aparición tardía (DMAT) se han limitado a describir la disminución de la contracción isométrica máxima, pero aún no se ha examinado el trabajo muscular y el tiempo del torque máximo. Objetivo: Describir los cambios inducidos por una sesión de ejercicio excéntrico sobre el rendimiento muscular y DMAT. Método: se realizó un estudio cuasi-experimental, los participantes fueron veinte hombres sanos; edad media 21 DE 0,34, todos los sujetos realizaron 200 contracciones excéntricas del cuádriceps a 120°/s. Se evaluó el torque pico isométrico e isocinético, el trabajo muscular, el tiempo hasta el torque máximo, DMAT y la actividad de la creatina quinasa al inicio, 48 h y 96 h después del ejercicio, el rendimiento muscular se evaluó con un dinamómetro isocinético y DOMS con una escala análoga visual (EAV). Resultados: en relación con la línea de base, el torque pico isométrico e isocinético y el trabajo muscular disminuyeron en ~ 30 % a las 48 h post-ejercicio; El dolor muscular de aparición tardía aumentó ~300 %, que permaneció 96 h después del ejercicio. Conclusiones: los resultados reflejan que la disminución del rendimiento muscular se debe a los cambios en el torque pico y trabajo muscular, lo que tiene mayores implicaciones en la función muscular. No se detectaron cambios en el tiempo hasta el torque máximo. Las alteraciones en las variables de rendimiento muscular se acompañan de DMAT que también tiene un impacto negativo en la producción de fuerza (el 29 % de la caída en el torque máximo se explica por la intensidad del dolor).

Parâmetros sanguíneos de potros da raça Crioula / Blood parameters of crioulo breed horse

Com o propósito de estabelecer valores de hematócrito, proteínas plasmáticas totais, fibrinogênio, creatina quinase , aspartato transferase e lactato em potros da raça Crioula, do nascimento até os dois anos, utilizaram-se amostras sanguíneas de 85 animais, divididos pela estratificação etária: Grupo 1 (G1) Até 15 dias de vida (n=70); grupo 2 (G2), entre 16 dias até um mês (n=67); grupo 3 (G3), entre 1 e 3 meses (n=75); grupo 4 (G4), entre 3 e 6 meses (n=64); grupo 5 (G5), entre 6 e 9 meses (n=59); grupo 6 (G6), entre 9 e 18 meses (n=39); e grupo 7 (G7), entre 18 meses até 2 anos (n=17). Foi realizado estudo estatístico entre os grupos pela análise de variância unidirecional (one-wayANOVA), complementada pelo teste de Tukey. Para comparação das médias entre os sexos utilizou-se o teste t de Student. O hematócrito foi significativamente mais elevado até os 90 dias e nas fêmeas do G7. Para proteínas plasmáticas totais, notou-se aumento significativo nos grupos 3, 4, 6 e 7. Os valores de fibrinogênio foram maiores no G1. A CK apresentou maior concentração no G5 e a AST no G7. A AST assumiu valores semelhantes dos 30 dias até os 2 anos. A concentração de lactato foi mais elevada no G3. Conclui-se que na interpretação dos exames laboratoriais de potros da raça crioula, o gênero não interfere significativamente nos resultados, porém a idade deve ser considerada devido à ocorrência de variações relevantes. Recomenda-se que para interpretação sejam consultadas tabelas específicas para cada análise.

Plasma levels of hematocrit, total plasma protein, fibrinogen, creatine phosphokinase, aspartate transferase, and lactate were analyzed in blood samples of 85 Crioula breed foals, from birth to two years of age. The animals were divided into age groups: G1 (up to 15 days of age; n=70), G2 (from 16 days to one month of age; n=67), G3 (between one and three months of age; n=75), G4 (between three and six months of age; n=64), G5 (between six and nine months of age; n=59), G6 (between nine and 18 months of age; n=39), and G7 (between 18 months and two years of age; n=17). These groups were statistically analyzed by one-way variance analysis (ANOVA) and Tukey’s test. Male and female means were compared by Student’s t-test. Hematocrit levels were significantly higher up to 90 days of age and in G7 females. Total plasma proteins increased significantly in groups 3, 4, 6, and 7. The highest fibrinogen levels were found in G1. Yet for creatine phosphokinase, the highest concentrations were detected in G5, whereas those of aspartate aminotransferase in G7. The levels of this enzyme remained similar from 30 days to two years of age. Lactate concentrations were higher in G3. We concluded that the sex of the animal had no significant effect on laboratory test interpretations. By contrast, the age of the animal should be considered since relevant variations were observed with time. Nevertheless, specific tables for each analysis should be consulted for interpretation of results.

Blood parameters of crioulo breed horse / Parâmetros sanguíneos de potros da raça Crioula

Plasma levels of hematocrit, total plasma protein, fibrinogen, creatine phosphokinase, aspartate transferase, and lactate were analyzed in blood samples of 85 Crioula breed foals, from birth to two years of age. The animals were divided into age groups: G1 (up to 15 days of age; n=70), G2 (from 16 days to one month of age; n=67), G3 (between one and three months of age; n=75), G4 (between three and six months of age; n=64), G5 (between six and nine months of age; n=59), G6 (between nine and 18 months of age; n=39), and G7 (between 18 months and two years of age; n=17). These groups were statistically analyzed by one-way variance analysis (ANOVA) and Tukey's test. Male and female means were compared by Student's t-test. Hematocrit levels were significantly higher up to 90 days of age and in G7 females. Total plasma proteins increased significantly in groups 3, 4, 6, and 7. The highest fibrinogen levels were found in G1. Yet for creatine phosphokinase, the highest concentrations were detected in G5, whereas those of aspartate aminotransferase in G7. The levels of this enzyme remained similar from 30 days to two years of age. Lactate concentrations were higher in G3. We concluded that the sex of the animal had no significant effect on laboratory test interpretations. By contrast, the age of the animal should be considered since relevant variations were observed with time. Nevertheless, specific tables for each analysis should be consulted for interpretation of results.

Com o propósito de estabelecer valores de hematócrito, proteínas plasmáticas totais, fibrinogênio, creatina quinase , aspartato transferase e lactato em potros da raça Crioula, do nascimento até os dois anos, utilizaram-se amostras sanguíneas de 85 animais, divididos pela estratificação etária: Grupo 1 (G1) Até 15 dias de vida (n=70); grupo 2 (G2), entre 16 dias até um mês (n=67); grupo 3 (G3), entre 1 e 3 meses (n=75); grupo 4 (G4), entre 3 e 6 meses (n=64); grupo 5 (G5), entre 6 e 9 meses (n=59); grupo 6 (G6), entre 9 e 18 meses (n=39); e grupo 7 (G7), entre 18 meses até 2 anos (n=17). Foi realizado estudo estatístico entre os grupos pela análise de variância unidirecional (one-wayANOVA), complementada pelo teste de Tukey. Para comparação das médias entre os sexos utilizou-se o teste t de Student. O hematócrito foi significativamente mais elevado até os 90 dias e nas fêmeas do G7. Para proteínas plasmáticas totais, notou-se aumento significativo nos grupos 3, 4, 6 e 7. Os valores de fibrinogênio foram maiores no G1. A CK apresentou maior concentração no G5 e a AST no G7. A AST assumiu valores semelhantes dos 30 dias até os 2 anos. A concentração de lactato foi mais elevada no G3. Conclui-se que na interpretação dos exames laboratoriais de potros da raça crioula, o gênero não interfere significativamente nos resultados, porém a idade deve ser considerada devido à ocorrência de variações relevantes. Recomenda-se que para interpretação sejam consultadas tabelas específicas para cada análise.

Protective effects of ischemic postconditioning on skeletal muscle following crush syndrome in the rat

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate the effect of ischemic postconditioning (IPostC) on skeletal muscle and its optimal protocol. Methods This article is about an animal study of rat model of crush syndrome. Sixty rats were randomized into nine different IPostC intervention groups and a control group. The anesthetized rats were subjected to unilateral hindlimb 3-kg compression with a compression device for 6 h, followed by nine different IPostC intervention protocols. Results Serum levels of creatine kinase (CK) at 3 h post-crush became 2.3-3.9 times among all 10 groups after crush. At 72 h post-crush, serum CK level was reduced to 0.28-0.53 time in all intervention groups. The creatinine (CREA) level in the control group was elevated to 3.11 times at 3 h post-crush and reduced to1.77 time at 72 h post-crush. The potassium (K+) level in the control group was elevated to 1.65 and 1.41 time at 3 and 72 h post-crush, respectively. Conclusions Our IPostC intervention protocols can effectively protect rats from crush-induced elevation of serum CK, CREA, and K+ levels. The timing of IPostC intervention should be as early as possible, to ensure the protective effect.

Síndrome de ALCAPA em uma Mulher Jovem / ALCAPA Syndrome in a Young Woman

Mulher de 18 anos com histórico de síncope, angina e palpitações há um ano. Uma indicação crucial era artéria coronária direita dilatada na ecocardiografia transtorácica. Os achados da tomografia computadorizada resultaram no diagnóstico da origem anômala da artéria coronariana esquerda proveniente da síndrome da artéria pulmonar.(AU)