Myths about Insulin Resistance: Tribute to Gerald Reaven

Gerald Reaven was often called the “father of insulin resistance.” On the 1-year anniversary of his death in 2018, we challenge three myths associated with insulin resistance: metformin improves insulin resistance; measurement of waist circumference predicts insulin resistance better than body mass index; and insulin resistance causes weight gain. In this review, we highlight Reaven's relevant research that helped to dispel these myths associated with insulin resistance.

Safety and efficacy of regional citrate anticoagulation in continuous blood purification treatment of patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome

The aim of this study was to discuss the safety and efficacy of regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) on continuous blood purification (CBP) during the treatment of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Thirty-five patients with MODS were divided into two groups: the local citrate anticoagulation (RCA) group, and the heparin-free blood purification (hfBP) group. The MODS severity was assessed according to Marshall's MODS score criteria. Blood coagulation indicators, blood pressure, filter lifespan, filter replacement frequency, anticoagulation indicators, and main metabolic and electrolyte indicators were analyzed and compared between RCA and hfBP groups. RCA resulted in lower blood pressure than hfBP. The filter efficacy in RCA treatment was longer than in the hfBP group. The blood clearance of creatine, blood urea nitrogen and uric acid was better in the RCA group. RCA also led to higher pH than hfBP. Neither treatment resulted in severe bleeding events. In addition, MODS score was positively correlated with prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time but negatively correlated with platelet concentration. RCA is a safer and more effective method in CBP treatment; however, it could also lead to low blood pressure and blood alkalosis.

Puerarin protects against damage to spatial learning and memory ability in mice with chronic alcohol poisoning

We evaluated the effect of puerarin on spatial learning and memory ability of mice with chronic alcohol poisoning. A total of 30 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into model, puerarin, and control groups (n=10 each). The model group received 60% (v/v) ethanol by intragastric administration followed by intraperitoneal injection of normal saline 30 min later. The puerarin group received intragastric 60% ethanol followed by intraperitoneal puerarin 30 min later, and the control group received intragastric saline followed by intraperitoneal saline. Six weeks after treatment, the Morris water maze and Tru Scan behavioral tests and immunofluorescence staining of cerebral cortex and hippocampal neurons (by Neu-N) and microglia (by Ib1) were conducted. Glutamic acid (Glu) and gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) in the cortex and hippocampus were assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β were determined by ELISA. Compared with mice in the control group, escape latency and distance were prolonged, and spontaneous movement distance was shortened (P<0.05) by puerarin. The number of microglia was increased in both the cortex and hippocampal dentate gyrus (P<0.01), and neurons were reduced only in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (P<0.01) in puerarin-treated mice. In the model group, Glu and GABA levels decreased (P<0.05), and Glu/GABA, TNF-α, and IL-1β increased (P<0.01) with puerarin treatment, returning to near normal levels. In conclusion, puerarin protected against the effects of chronic alcohol poisoning on spatial learning and memory ability primarily because of anti-inflammatory activity and regulation of the balance of Glu and GABA.

Expression, production, and renaturation of a functional single-chain variable antibody fragment (scFv) against human ICAM-1

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is an important factor in the progression of inflammatory responses in vivo. To develop a new anti-inflammatory drug to block the biological activity of ICAM-1, we produced a monoclonal antibody (Ka=4.19×10−8 M) against human ICAM-1. The anti-ICAM-1 single-chain variable antibody fragment (scFv) was expressed at a high level as inclusion bodies in Escherichia coli. We refolded the scFv (Ka=2.35×10−7 M) by ion-exchange chromatography, dialysis, and dilution. The results showed that column chromatography refolding by high-performance Q Sepharose had remarkable advantages over conventional dilution and dialysis methods. Furthermore, the anti-ICAM-1 scFv yield of about 60 mg/L was higher with this method. The purity of the final product was greater than 90%, as shown by denaturing gel electrophoresis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, cell culture, and animal experiments were used to assess the immunological properties and biological activities of the renatured scFv.

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis in children-report of one case.

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is rare in pediatric patients. The three main manifestations, defined by Klein et al. in 1970, were (a) predominant mucosal, (b) predominant muscular-layer, and (c) predominant subserosal disease. The predominant subserosal type is the rarest of the three. We report on a 43-month-old boy who, on admission, suffered from recurrent abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea for one week, with ascites and pleural effusion noted. The white blood cell (WBC) count of ascites fluid was 8,000/mm3, with a differential count of 99% eosinophils. The peripheral WBC count was 44,000/mm3, with 78% eosinophils. Three days after diagnosis, ascites, pleural effusion and other gastrointestinal symptoms were gradually relieved using steroid therapy, with the peripheral eosinophil count returning to normal. The steroid therapy was discontinued after two months with tapering dose. The boy was in good health with no recurrence of symptoms in a follow-up conducted after one year.