Low sodium intake ameliorates hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy in mice with primary aldosteronism.

The goal of this paper is to elucidate the effects of sodium restriction on hypertension and left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy in a mouse model with primary aldosteronism (PA). Mice with genetic deletion of TWIK-related acid-sensitive K (TASK)-1 and TASK-3 channels (TASK-/-) were used as the animal model of PA. Parameters of the LV were assessed using echocardiography and histomorphology analysis. Untargeted metabolomics analysis was conducted to reveal the mechanisms underlying the hypertrophic changes in the TASK-/- mice. The TASK-/- adult male mice exhibited the hallmarks of PA, including hypertension, hyperaldosteronism, hypernatremia, hypokalemia, and mild acid-base balance disorders. Two weeks of low sodium intake significantly reduced the 24-h average systolic and diastolic BP in TASK-/- but not TASK+/+ mice. In addition, TASK-/- mice showed increasing LV hypertrophy with age, and 2 weeks of the low-sodium diet significantly reversed the increased BP and LV wall thickness in adult TASK-/- mice. Furthermore, a low-sodium diet beginning at 4 weeks of age protected TASK-/- mice from LV hypertrophy at 8-12 weeks of age. Untargeted metabolomics demonstrated that the disturbances in heart metabolism in the TASK-/- mice (e.g., Glutathione metabolism; biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids; amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism; pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis; D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism), some of which were reversed after sodium restriction, might be involved in the development of LV hypertrophy. In conclusion, adult male TASK-/- mice exhibit spontaneous hypertension and LV hypertrophy, which are ameliorated by a low-sodium intake.

Circuit-Specific Control of Blood Pressure by PNMT-Expressing Nucleus Tractus Solitarii Neurons.

The nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) is one of the morphologically and functionally defined centers that engage in the autonomic regulation of cardiovascular activity. Phenotypically-characterized NTS neurons have been implicated in the differential regulation of blood pressure (BP). Here, we investigated whether phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT)-expressing NTS (NTSPNMT) neurons contribute to the control of BP. We demonstrate that photostimulation of NTSPNMT neurons has variable effects on BP. A depressor response was produced during optogenetic stimulation of NTSPNMT neurons projecting to the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, lateral parabrachial nucleus, and caudal ventrolateral medulla. Conversely, photostimulation of NTSPNMT neurons projecting to the rostral ventrolateral medulla produced a robust pressor response and bradycardia. In addition, genetic ablation of both NTSPNMT neurons and those projecting to the rostral ventrolateral medulla impaired the arterial baroreflex. Overall, we revealed the neuronal phenotype- and circuit-specific mechanisms underlying the contribution of NTSPNMT neurons to the regulation of BP.

A Neural Circuit Mechanism Controlling Breathing by Leptin in the Nucleus Tractus Solitarii.

Leptin, an adipocyte-derived peptide hormone, has been shown to facilitate breathing. However, the central sites and circuit mechanisms underlying the respiratory effects of leptin remain incompletely understood. The present study aimed to address whether neurons expressing leptin receptor b (LepRb) in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) contribute to respiratory control. Both chemogenetic and optogenetic stimulation of LepRb-expressing NTS (NTSLepRb) neurons notably activated breathing. Moreover, stimulation of NTSLepRb neurons projecting to the lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPBN) not only remarkably increased basal ventilation to a level similar to that of the stimulation of all NTSLepRb neurons, but also activated LPBN neurons projecting to the preBötzinger complex (preBötC). By contrast, ablation of NTSLepRb neurons projecting to the LPBN notably eliminated the enhanced respiratory effect induced by NTSLepRb neuron stimulation. In brainstem slices, bath application of leptin rapidly depolarized the membrane potential, increased the spontaneous firing rate, and accelerated the Ca2+ transients in most NTSLepRb neurons. Therefore, leptin potentiates breathing in the NTS most likely via an NTS-LPBN-preBötC circuit.

Respiratory Control by Phox2b-expressing Neurons in a Locus Coeruleus-preBötzinger Complex Circuit.

The locus coeruleus (LC) has been implicated in the control of breathing. Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome results from mutation of the paired-like homeobox 2b (Phox2b) gene that is expressed in LC neurons. The present study was designed to address whether stimulation of Phox2b-expressing LC (Phox2bLC) neurons affects breathing and to reveal the putative circuit mechanism. A Cre-dependent viral vector encoding a Gq-coupled human M3 muscarinic receptor (hM3Dq) was delivered into the LC of Phox2b-Cre mice. The hM3Dq-transduced neurons were pharmacologically activated while respiratory function was measured by plethysmography. We demonstrated that selective stimulation of Phox2bLC neurons significantly increased basal ventilation in conscious mice. Genetic ablation of these neurons markedly impaired hypercapnic ventilatory responses. Moreover, stimulation of Phox2bLC neurons enhanced the activity of preBötzinger complex neurons. Finally, axons of Phox2bLC neurons projected to the preBötzinger complex. Collectively, Phox2bLC neurons contribute to the control of breathing most likely via an LC-preBötzinger complex circuit.

Contribution of retrotrapezoid nucleus neurons to CO2 -amplified cardiorespiratory activity in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

KEY POINTS: This study demonstrates that both CO2 -induced respiratory and cardiovascular responses are augmented in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Genetic ablation of the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) neurons depresses enhanced hypercapnic ventilatory response and eliminates CO2 -stimulated increase in arterial pressure and heart rate in SHRs. SHRs have a high protein level of pH-sensitive channels in the RTN, including the TASK-2 channel, Kv12.1 channel and acid-sensing ion channel 3. The inhibition of putative TASK-2 channel activity by clofilium diminishes amplified hypercapnic ventilatory and cardiovascular responses, and reduces the number of CO2 -activated RTN neurons in SHRs. These results indicate that RTN neurons contribute to enhanced CO2 -stimulated respiratory and cardiovascular responses in SHRs. ABSTRACT: The respiratory regulation of cardiovascular activity is essential for maintaining an efficient ventilation and perfusion ratio. Activation of central respiratory chemoreceptors not only elicits a ventilatory response but also regulates sympathetic nerve activity and arterial blood pressure (ABP). The retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) is the most completely characterized cluster of central respiratory chemoreceptors. We hypothesize that RTN neurons contribute to augmented CO2 -stimulated respiratory and cardiovascular responses in adult spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Our findings indicate that SHRs exhibit more enhanced hypercapnic cardiorespiratory responses than age-matched normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats. Genetic ablation of RTN neurons notably depresses an enhanced hypercapnic ventilatory response (HCVR) and eliminates a CO2 -stimulated greater increase in ABP and heart rate in SHRs. In addition, SHRs have a higher protein level of pH-sensitive channels in the RTN, including TASK-2 channels, Kv12.1 channels and acid-sensing ion channel 3. Administration of clofilium (i.p.), an unselective inhibitor of TASK-2 channels, not only significantly reduces the enhanced HCVR but also inhibits CO2 -amplified increases in ABP and heart rate in SHRs. Moreover, clofilium significantly decreases the number of CO2 -activated RTN neurons in SHRs. Taken together, we suggest that RTN neurons play an important role in enhanced hypercapnic ventilatory and cardiovascular responses in SHRs and the putative mechanism involved is associated with TASK-2 channel activity in the RTN.

Disordered Leptin signaling in the retrotrapezoid nucleus is associated with the impaired hypercapnic ventilatory response in obesity.

Sleep-disordered breathing is characterized by disruptions of normal breathing patterns during sleep. Obesity is closely related to hypoventilation or apnea and becomes a primary risk factor for sleep-disordered breathing. Leptin, a peptide secreted by adipose tissue, has been implicated in central control of breathing. Activation of the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) neurons, a critical central respiratory chemoreceptor candidate, potentiates a central drive to breathing. Here, we ask whether the disordered leptin signaling in the RTN is responsible for obesity-related hypoventilation. In a diet induced obesity (DIO) mouse model, the hypercapnic ventilatory response (HCVR) was assessed and the cellular leptin signaling in the RTN was examined. Our main findings demonstrate that DIO mice exhibit overweight, hypercapnia, high levels of serum and cerebrospinal leptin. During exposure to room air, DIO mice manifest basal hypoventilation with a rapid and shallow breathing pattern. Exposure to CO2 elicits the impaired HCVR in DIO mice. In addition, both the number of CO2-activated neurons and expression of TASK-2 channels in the RTN are dramatically reduced in DIO mice. Moreover, there is leptin signaling disorder in RTN neurons in DIO mice, including a significant decrease in leptin-activated RTN neurons, downregulation of phosphorylated STAT3 and upregulation of SOCS3. Altogether, we suggest that the disordered leptin/STAT3/SOCS3 signaling pathway in the RTN plays a role in obesity-related hypoventilation.

Environmental enrichment ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced cognitive impairment by inhibiting NOD-like recepter protein 3 in fla mmasome activation in mice / 解剖学报

Objective To investigate the effect of environmental enrichment (EE) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced cognitive dysfunction in mice. Methods A total of thirty six 3 weeks old Kunming mice experienced 8 weeks of EE or standard environment (SE) feeding. After 8 weeks, they were divided into three groups: standard environment+ normal saline (SE+NS) group, standard environment+lipopolysaccharide (SE+LPS) group, environmental enrichment+ lipopolysaccharide (EE+LPS) group. The open field test was used to measure the locomotive of mice, and the cognitive function was determined by novelty object recognition test. The expression of microglial marker ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule-1 (IBA-1) in hippocampus was determined by immunohistochemical staining. The expression of microglial activation marker CD68 and NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome related protein in the hippocampus was detected by Western blotting. Results In the open field test, there was no difference in the activity among the three groups. Compared with the SE + NS group, SE + LPS group showed decreased discrimination ratio in novelty object recognition task, with remarkably up-regulated expression of CD68 in the hippocampus (P< 0. 01) . In addition, SE+LPS group exhibited significantly enhanced expression of NLRP3, apoptosis associated speck-like protein (ASC), Caspase-1 and interleukin-1β(IL-1β) in the hippocampus compared with SE + NS group (P < 0. 05) . Compared with the SE + LPS group, EE+LPS group showed enhanced discrimination ratio in the object recognition task, with down-regulated expression of CD68, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 in the hippocampus (P < 0. 01) . Conclusion Environmental enrichment can alleviate LPS induced cognitive dysfunction, which might be attributed to the inhibiting of microglia and NLRP3 activation in the hippocampus.

Dynamic expression of insulin￣like growth factor 2 during critical period of visual development in lateral geniculate body of mice / 解剖学报

Objective To detect the dynamic expression of insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) in lateral geniculate body (LGB) during the critical period of visual development. Methods Three groups of Kunming mice of different ages were selected for testing, which were 3 weeks old, 5 weeks old and 7 weeks old, twelve in each group. The forepaw-reaching reflex test was used to detect whether the visual function of the mice was normal in each group. Immunohistochemical technique was used to detect the expression of IGF2 protein and its receptor in the lateral geniculate body of normal mice at week 3, 5 and 7 postnatal, and to analyze the expression of the protein of IGF2 and its receptor in each part of the lateral geniculate body. Results The expression of IGF2 protein in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus decreased significantly at week 5 postnatal and increased significantly at week 7 postnatal, and increased gradually over time at week 5 and week 7 postnatal in the ventral geniculate nucleus. The expression of IGF2 receptor protein in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus and ventral nucleus increased significantly at week 5 postnatal, and at week 7 postnatal, the expression of IGF2 receptor decreased to week 3 level in lateral geniculate body of mice. Conclusion The expression of IGF2 and its receptor in lateral geniculate body of mice during critical period of visual development changed dynamically, and the expression patterns of IGF2 and its receptor in different parts of LGB were not completely consistent. The expression of IGF2 and its receptors may be related to the plasticity of visual development in mice.

Mineralocorticoid Receptor-Dependent Impairment of Baroreflex Contributes to Hypertension in a Mouse Model of Primary Aldosteronism.

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common cause of secondary hypertension. The paucity of good animal models hinders our understanding of the pathophysiology of PA and the hypertensive mechanism of PA remains incompletely known. It was recently reported that genetic deletion of TWIK-related acid-sensitive potassium-1 and potassium-3 channels from mice (TASK-/-) generates aldosterone excess and mild hypertension. We addressed the hypertensive mechanism by assessing autonomic regulation of cardiovascular activity in this TASK-/- mouse line that exhibits the hallmarks of PA. Here, we demonstrate that TASK-/- mice were hypertensive with 24-h ambulatory arterial pressure. Either systemic or central blockade of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) markedly reduced elevated arterial pressure to normal level in TASK-/- mice. The response of heart rate to the muscarinic cholinergic receptor blocker atropine was similar between TASK-/- and wild-type mice. However, the responses of heart rate to the ß-adrenergic receptor blocker propranolol and of arterial pressure to the ganglion blocker hexamethonium were enhanced in TASK-/- mice relative to the counterparts. Moreover, the bradycardiac rather than tachycardiac gain of the arterial baroreflex was significantly attenuated and blockade of MRs to a large degree rescued the dysautonomia and baroreflex gain in TASK-/- mice. Overall, the present study suggests that the MR-dependent dysautonomia and reduced baroreflex gain contribute to the development of hyperaldosteronism-related hypertension.

Activation of Phox2b-Expressing Neurons in the Nucleus Tractus Solitarii Drives Breathing in Mice.

The nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) is implicated in the control of breathing, but the neuronal phenotype and circuit mechanism involved in such a physiological function remain incompletely understood. This study focused on the respiratory role of paired-like homeobox 2b gene (Phox2b)-expressing NTS neurons and sought to determine whether selective stimulation of this set of neurons activates breathing in male mice. A Cre-dependent vector encoding a Gq-coupled human M3 muscarinic receptor (hM3Dq) was microinjected into the NTS of Phox2b-Cre transgenic mice. The hM3Dq-transduced neurons were pharmacologically activated in conscious mice while respiratory effects were measured by plethysmography. We demonstrate that chemogenetic stimulation of Phox2b-expressing NTS neurons significantly increased baseline minute volume via an increase in respiratory frequency rather than tidal volume. Chemogenetic stimulation also synergized with moderate CO2 stimulation to enhance pulmonary ventilatory response. Selective ablation of Phox2b-expressing NTS neurons notably attenuated a hypercapnic ventilatory response. Moreover, histological evidence revealed that stimulation of Phox2b-expressing NTS neurons increased neuronal activity of the preBötzinger complex. Finally, we presented the neuroanatomical evidence of direct projection of Phox2b-expressing NTS neurons to putative respiratory central pattern generator. Overall, these findings suggest that selective activation of Phox2b-expressing NTS neurons potentiates baseline pulmonary ventilation via an excitatory drive to respiratory central pattern generator and this group of neurons is also required for the hypercapnic ventilatory response.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) has been implicated in the control of breathing. The paired-like homeobox 2b gene (Phox2b) is the disease-defining gene for congenital central hypoventilation syndrome and is restrictively present in brainstem nucleus, including the NTS. Using a chemogenetic approach, we demonstrate herein that selective stimulation of Phox2b-expressing NTS neurons vigorously potentiates baseline pulmonary ventilation via an excitatory drive to respiratory central pattern generator in rodents. Genetic ablation of these neurons attenuates the hypercapnic ventilatory response. We also suggest that a fraction of Phox2b-expressing neurons exhibit CO2 sensitivity and presumably function as central respiratory chemoreceptors. The methodology is expected to provide a future applicability to the patients with sleep-related hypoventilation or apnea.

Neutrophil-mimicking therapeutic nanoparticles for targeted chemotherapy of pancreatic carcinoma

Due to the critical correlation between inflammation and carcinogenesis, a therapeutic candidate with anti-inflammatory activity may find application in cancer therapy. Here, we report the therapeutic efficacy of celastrol as a promising candidate compound for treatment of pancreatic carcinoma naïve neutrophil membrane-coated poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether--poly(lactic--glycolic acid) (PEG-PLGA) nanoparticles. Neutrophil membrane-coated nanoparticles (NNPs) are well demonstrated to overcome the blood pancreas barrier to achieve pancreas-specific drug delivery . Using tumor-bearing mice xenograft model, NNPs showed selective accumulations at the tumor site following systemic administration as compared to nanoparticles without neutrophil membrane coating. In both orthotopic and ectopic tumor models, celastrol-loaded NNPs demonstrated greatly enhanced tumor inhibition which significantly prolonged the survival of tumor bearing mice and minimizing liver metastases. Overall, these results suggest that celastrol-loaded NNPs represent a viable and effective treatment option for pancreatic carcinoma.

New progress in the treatment for gastrointestinal stromal tumors / 医学研究生学报

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors. Surgery remains to be the primary treatment for patients with localized GISTs, but there are still many patients suffering from tumor metastasis and recurrence after surgery. Imatinib adjuvant therapy plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of tumor metastasis and recurrence, but there are still many controversies in terms of dosage and time of administration. For initial unresectable GISTs with large volume, neoadjuvant therapy may considered to be an option. Sunitinib and regorafenib have played an important role in the second and the third line treatments. BLU-285 has brought hope to patients with mutation of PDGFRA D842. The emerging immunotherapy is still in the exploration stage of gastrointestinal stromal tumors in recent years. This article reviews the research progress of surgical treatment, neoadjuvant therapy, postoperative adjuvant therapy and other treatments for GISTs.

MRI in differential diagnosis of breast medullary carcinoma and fibroadenoma / 中国医学影像技术

Objective To explore the value of MRI in differential diagnosis of breast medullary carcinoma and fibroadenoma.Methods Data of 11 patients with medullary carcinoma (medullary carcinoma group) and 36 patients with fibroadenoma (fibroadenoma group) confirmed with pathology were analyzed retrospectively.MRI characteristics were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Results The age of patients in medullary carcinoma group was greater than those in fibroadenoma group (t=2.791,P=0.008).There were statistical differences of the maximum diameter of lesions,internal enhancement characteristics,necrotic and cystic degeneration of lesions,un-enhanced T2WI signal intensity of lesions,DWI signal intensity of lesions and time-signal intensity curve (TIC) type (all P＜0.05),while no statistical difference of lesion numbers,morphology and edge of lesions was found between the two groups (all P＞0.05).Conclusion The features of MRI are helpful to differential diagnosis of medullary carcinoma and fibroadenoma of the breast.

Simultaneous Determination of Borneol and Camphor in Xingkening Capsules by GC / 中国药师

Objective: To establish a GC method for the determination of borneol and camphor in Xingkening capsules. Methods:A capillary column using polyethylene glycol 20000 (PEG-20M) as the stationary phase (30 m×0. 53 mm,1 μm) was employed. The flow rate of carries gas (N2) was 3. 0 ml·min-1. The inlet temperature was 200℃, the temperature of flame ionization detector was 210℃, the column temperature was 140℃, and the split ratio was 1 ∶ 1. Results: The linear range of borneol was 13. 25-1 325. 19 μg·ml-1(r=0. 999 9), and the average recovery was 100. 22% with the RSD of 0. 92% (n=6). The linear range of camphor was 1. 029-16. 464 μg·ml-1(r=0. 997 5),and the average recovery was 98. 89% with the RSD of 2. 78% (n=6). Conclusion: The method is simple, accurate and reliable, which can be used for the quality control of borneol and camphor in Xingkening capsules.

Determination of Ginsenoside Rg1 ,Ginsenoside Re and Ginsenoside Rb1 in Xueluotong Capsules by HPLC / 中国药师

Objective:To establish an HPLC method for the determination of ginsenoside Rg1 ,ginsenoside Re and ginsenoside Rb1 in Xueluotong capsules. Methods:A column of Waters Symmetry C18 ( 250 mm × 4. 6 mm,5 μm) at the temperature of 35 ℃ was used to separate the target components, the mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile-water with gradient elution, the flow rate was 1. 0 ml ·min-1 , the detection wavelength was 203 nm and the injection volume was 10 μl. Results:The linear range of ginsenoside Rg1 was 0. 055-2. 732 μg(r=0. 9998), and the average recovery was 107. 23% with RSD of 1. 17%(n=6). The linear range of ginsenoside Re was 0. 341-8. 542 μg(r=0. 9999), and the average recovery was 101. 63% with RSD of 3. 52%(n=6). The linear range of gin-senoside Rb1 was 0. 717-14. 336 μg(r=0. 9997), and the average recovery was 100. 63% with the RSD of 3. 79%(n=6). Conclu-sion:The method is simple, accurate and reliable, which can be used for the quality control of Xueluotong capsules.

Application value of unenhanced CT in differential diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma and high density renal cyst / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To investigate the value of distinguishing small clear cell renal cell carcinoma and high-attenuation renal cysts by applying unenhanced CT value and homogeneity of the esions.Methods Retrospective analysis of 38 cases of small renal cell carcinoma confirmed by operation and pathology and 58 cases of high-attenuation renal cyst that were confirmed by enhanced CT,and measured CT value and homogeneity of each mass,and did statistical analysis for corresponding datas.Results The CT value of small clear cell renal cell carcinoma was (35.5±10.1)HU (range 20-60.3 HU).The CT value of high-attenuation renal cysts was (70±1 5.2)HU (range 29-95 HU).Difference of the two groups had statistical significance (P <0.001).For high-attenuation re-nal cysts,uniform density often can be seen(47 cases,81.03%).For small clear cell renal cell carcinoma,uneven density often can be seen (29 cases,76.32%).Difference of the two groups had statistical significance (P <0.001).When optimal cut-off of CT value determined by ROC was 5 1.5 HU,the sensitivity and specificity were 89.7% and 92.1%,respectively.Conclusion Unenhanced CT may be helpful in distinguishing small clear cell renal cell carcinoma and high-attenuation renal cysts,which can provide reasona-ble suggestions on the next identification examinations.

Genetic polymorphism of 11 Y-chromosomal STR loci in Yunnan Han Chinese.

Allele frequencies and haplotypes of 11 Y-chromosome STR loci, DYS19, DYS389I, DYS389II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, DYS393, DYS385 ab, DYS438, DYS439 and DYS437 were determined in 320 unrelated Yunnan Han Chinese males. A total of 293 haplotypes were identified, of which 268 were unique, 23 were shared in two individuals, and 2 were shared in three individuals. The allele diversity values for each locus ranged from 0.4087 (DYS438) to 0.9701 (DYS385). The allele observed haplotypes diversity value was 0.9994. The combined Y-chromosome STR polymorphisms provide a powerful discrimination tool for routine forensic applications.

Changes of circulating endothelial progenitor cells in patients with coronary heart diseases before and after percutaneous coronary intervention / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) number between normal controls and patients with coronary heart diseases (CHD), and to explore the influence of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on the number of EPCs in patients with CHD.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 48 hospitalized patients with CHD were enrolled and divided into three groups, including stable angina pectoris (SAP) group, unstable angina pectoris (UA) group, acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) group. Patients with normal coronary angiography served as controls. The percentage of EPCs in peripheral blood nucleated cells was measured at admission and immediately after and 24 hours after PCI in CHD patients by double-color flow cytometry analysis. EPCs were identified with CD133(+)/VEGFR-2(+).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>At admission, the percentage of EPCs in peripheral blood nucleated cells was significantly lower in SAP group (0.043% +/- 0.043%), UA group (0.014% +/- 0.018%) and STEMI group (0.040% +/- 0.036%)than that in the control group (0.111% +/- 0.078%, all P < 0.01). The number of EPCs in UA group was significantly lower than that in the SAP group (P < 0.05). In the UA group, the number of EPCs at 24 hours after PCI (0.054% +/- 0.045%) was significantly higher than before operation (0.014% +/- 0.018%, P < 0.01) and tended to be higher than the value immediately after PCI (0.028% +/- 0.041%, P > 0.05). The before and after PCI EPCs numbers were similar in SAP and STEMI groups (all P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The number of peripheral EPCs in patients with CHD is lower than that in normal subjects and negatively related with severity of coronary heart disease. The number of circulating EPCs increased post PCI in patients with unstable angina pectoris.</p>

Analysis of the factors contributing to diabetes insipidus after surgeries for craniopharyngiomas / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the factors contributing to the occurrence of diabetes insipidus after operations for craniopharyngiomas.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 121 cases of diabetes insipidus following surgeries for craniopharyngiomas were retrospectively analyzed and the factors associated with postoperative diabetes insipidus were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The incidence of diabetes insipidus was 27.3% (33/121 cases) before the operation, 89.9% (107/1119) early after the operation and 39.8%(37/93) in later stages after the operation. The occurrence of early postoperative diabetes insipidus showed a significant relation to the classification and calcification of the craniopharyngioma. Patients with supradiaphragmatic and extraventricular tumors had the lowest incidence of postoperative diabetes insipidus. Late postoperative diabetes insipidus was closely correlated to such factors as age, classification of craniopharyngioma, and intraoperative treatment of the pituitary stalk, but not to the scope of tumor resection or tumor calcification. Late diabetes insipidus was more frequent in children and patients with severed pituitary stalk. The incidence of late postoperative diabetes insipidus was significantly higher in patients with supradiaphragmatic and extra-intraventricular tumors than in those with tumors beneath the diaphragma sellae and extraventricular tumors.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Postoperative diabetes insipidus following surgeries for craniopharyngiomas is closely related to the tumor classification, calcification and pituitary stalk protection.</p>