CTRP family in diseases associated with inflammation and metabolism: molecular mechanisms and clinical implication.

C1q/tumor necrosis factor (TNF) related proteins (CTRPs) is a newly discovered adipokine family with conservative structure and ubiquitous distribution and is secreted by adipose tissues. Recently, CTRPs have attracted increasing attention due to the its wide-ranging effects upon inflammation and metabolism. To-date, 15 members of CTRPs (CTRP1-15) with the characteristic C1q domain have been characterized. Earlier in-depth phenotypic analyses of mouse models of CTRPs deficiency have also unveiled ample function of CTRPs in inflammation and metabolism. This review focuses on the rise of CTRPs, with a special emphasis on the latest discoveries with regards to the effects of the CTRP family on inflammation and metabolism as well as related diseases. We first introduced the structure of characteristic domain and polymerization of CTRPs to reveal its pleiotropic biological functions. Next, intimate association of CTRP family with inflammation and metabolism, as well as the involvement of CTRPs as nodes in complex molecular networks, were elaborated. With expanding membership of CTRP family, the information presented here provides new perspectives for therapeutic strategies to improve inflammatory and metabolic abnormalities.

[Effects of Hematocrit on the Parameters of Thromboelastography in Healthy Adults].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of hematocrit (HCT) on the parameters of thromboelastography (TEG) in healthy adults, so as to judge coagulation and fibrinolysis more accurately. METHODS: Three hundred and ninety-three healthy adults examined in Chengdu 363 Hospital Affiliated to Southwest Medical University from May 2018 to May 2019 were selected. HCT and TEG were detected at the same time. The differences of TEG parameters between the high HCT group and the low HCT group were compared. The correlation between HCT and TEG parameters was analyzed. The differences of TEG parameters between the healthy adults in Plateau and plain areas were compared. RESULTS: Among the parameters of TEG, R and K in high HCT group were significantly higher, and Angle, MA and CI were significantly lower than those in low HCT group, which showed statistically significance (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in LY30 and EPL between the two groups (P>0.05). R and K positively correlated with HCT (r=0.112, 0.517, P=0.027, 0.000), and Angle, MA and CI negatively correlated with HCT (r=-0.490, -0.408, -0.414, P=0.000). LY30 and EPL not correlated with HCT (P>0.05). HCT in plateau area was significantly higher than that in plain area (P<0.05). Among the parameters of TEG, K value was significantly higher, and Angle, MA and CI were significantly lower than those in plain area (P<0.05). R, LY30 and EPL were not significantly different from those in plain area (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The difference of HCT may affect the values of R, K, Angle, MA and CI in TEG parameters. R and K positively correlate with HCT, while Angle, MA and CI negatively correlate with HCT. It is suggested that a suitable TEG reference range for the local population should be established, in plateau area especially K, Angle, MA and CI, which will be more conducive to the accurate evaluation of patients' coagulation and fibrinolysis status.

Activation of cannabinoid receptor type II by AM1241 protects adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells from oxidative damage and enhances their therapeutic efficacy in myocardial infarction mice via Stat3 activation.

The poor survival of cells in ischemic sites diminishes the therapeutic efficacy of stem cell therapy. Previously we and others have reported that Cannabinoid receptor type II (CB2) is protective during heart ischemic injury for its anti-oxidative activity. However, whether CB2 activation could improve the survival and therapeutic efficacy of stem cells in ischemic myocardium and the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we showed evidence that CB2 agonist AM1241 treatment could improve the functional survival of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) in vitro as well as in vivo. Moreover, AD-MSCs adjuvant with AM1241 improved cardiac function, and inhibited cardiac oxidative stress, apoptosis and fibrosis. To unveil possible mechanisms, AD-MSCs were exposed to hydrogen peroxide/serum deprivation to simulate the ischemic environment in myocardium. Results delineated that AM1241 blocked the apoptosis, oxidative damage and promoted the paracrine effects of AD-MSCs. Mechanistically, AM1241 activated signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (Stat3) through the phosphorylation of Akt and ERK1/2. Moreover, the administration of AM630, LY294002, U0126 and AG490 (inhibitors for CB2, Akt, ERK1/2 and Stat3, respectively) could abolish the beneficial actions of AM1241. Our result support the promise of CB2 activation as an effective strategy to optimize stem cell-based therapy possibly through Stat3 activation.