Hyperin inhibits nuclear factor kappa B and activates nuclear factor E2-related factor-2 signaling pathways in cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury in mice.

Hyperin, a flavonoid compound found in Ericaceae, Guttiferae, and Celastraceae, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects. In the present study, we investigated the effects of hyperin on cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) in mice. The renal tissue damage induced by cisplatin was detected by H&E staining. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were also detected. Further, the effects of hyperin on cisplatin-induced TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6 were detected by ELISA. In addition, the phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and the expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) and HO-1 were detected by western blot analysis. The results showed that hyperin attenuated histological changes of kidney induced by cisplatin. The levels of BUN, creatinine, ROS, MDA, TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6 induced by cisplatin were also inhibited by hyperin. Cisplatin-induced NF-κB activation was inhibited by hyperin. Additionally, hyperin was found to up regulate the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1. In conclusion, the results suggest that hyperin protects against cisplatin-induced AKI by inhibiting inflammatory and oxidant response.

Original Research: Porcine model for observing changes due to ischemia/reperfusion injury secondary to intra-abdominal endovascular balloon occlusion.

Compared with conventional aortic cross-clamping, endovascular balloon occlusion (EBO) is a valuable strategy in unstable ruptured abdominal aorta aneurysm patients; however, it is unclear how long the balloon may remain safely inflated. Using a porcine model, we evaluated the influence of different EBO time periods on intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and the association between various pathophysiologic indicators and reperfusion time. Twelve healthy three-month-old domestic piglets were subjected to ischemia/reperfusion injury using EBO within the abdominal aorta. Animals were grouped as A, B, and C based on 30, 60, or 120 min of ischemic time, respectively. Changes in IAP, hemodynamic data, respiratory and renal function, and histology after reperfusion were compared with baseline measurements. All pigs gradually developed intra-abdominal hypertension after ischemia/reperfusion injury. IAP increased significantly after 4 h of reperfusion in all three groups (all P < 0.001) with maximal IAP reaching > 22 mmHg in 10 pigs. However, no significant intergroup differences were found. Cardiac output remained stable, but mixed venous oxygen saturation decreased significantly at 4 h after reperfusion (P < 0.05). The pH decreased significantly at 10 min in all three groups (all P < 0.001). Histological changes in the small intestine, lung, and kidney occurred secondary to aortic ischemia; however, no significant differences were noted between groups (P > 0.05). EBO within the abdominal aorta induced ischemia/reperfusion injury which led to intra-abdominal hypertension, pathological changes within multiple organs, and decreased mixed venous oxygen saturation after only 30 min of abdominal aortic ischemia.

Hemostatic resuscitation for massive hemorrhage with warm fresh whole blood in a patient with severe blunt trauma.

A 24-year-old male Navy soldier was struck on the left thigh by a ruptured cable and was subsequently thrown into the sea. Initial evaluation showed an Injury Severity Score of 34. Core body temperature was 34.1°C. Laboratory data included a hemoglobin level of 4.5 g/dL and a hematocrit of 13.3%. Prothrombin time was prolonged (>100 seconds), international normalized ratio was elevated (9.99), and partial thromboplastin time was elevated (>180 seconds). The patient was treated for hypothermia, coagulopathy, and metabolic acidosis during resuscitation. The patient was transfused with 16,320 mL of blood during the first 24 hours following the accident, including 4500 mL (18 units) of warm fresh whole blood (WFWB) donated by the patient's military colleagues. The patient was successfully resuscitated, and the injured leg was salvaged. Component therapy can afford replacement of specific deficiencies or requirements, decrease the risk of transfusion-transmitted infectious diseases, and improve resource utilization. However, a protocol of early transfusion with WFWB should be considered during resuscitation following massive hemorrhage in specific conditions such as battle fields or urgent situations.

Correlation between methyltetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms and isolated patent ductus arteriosus in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T and A1298C gene polymorphisms are associated with the risk of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) congenital heart defects. This study aimed to determine the association of these polymorphisms in patients with isolated PDA and in non-PDA patients group without congenital heart disease. METHODS: This retrospective case-controlled study was undertaken in 17 patients with isolated PDA and a control non-PDA group consisting of 34 subjects without congenital heart disease. MTHFR gene polymorphisms were analysed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). In addition, the genotype distribution of the MTHFR gene was compared among different ethnicities using the HapMap database. RESULTS: In contrast to the MTHFR C677T polymorphism, differences in the MTHFR A1298C genotype were observed between the two groups (P=0.002); a greater proportion of the PDA patients had the MTHFR 1298CC and 1298AA genotypes as compared to the non-PDA control group. After merging the data obtained from the Taiwanese participants with that from the HapMap database, genetic diversity of the MTHFR 1298AA genotype was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, the MTHFR A1298C polymorphism is associated with isolated PDA in Taiwan. Larger studies are necessary to evaluate the prognostic value of determining MTHFR polymorphism in PDA.

Application of positive end-expiratory pressure in a case with large laceration on the superior vena cava.

Iatrogenic injury is a difficult situation for a surgeon. Being successful in saving a patient at risk is the major concern in this situation. Once an iatrogenic injury to the superior vena cava (SVC) is found, increasing the intrathoracic pressure is theoretically able to overcome the venous pressure and to alleviate or even stop bleeding from injury. A 76-year-old female patient, who had suffered from end-stage diabetic nephropathy, developed tension hemothorax during insertion of the cuffed hemodialysis catheter. The successful course of resuscitation without emergent operation or endovascular repair is presented here.

Extrathoracic bypass of an orifice occlusive lesion in the arch vessels: case reports and literature review.

Arterial occlusive disease of the arch vessels is often associated with flow reversal in the vertebral artery of such patients, the so-called subclavian steal syndrome. We treated two such cases that were diagnosed based on symptoms, physical examination and angiography. In the first case, the occlusive lesion was found at the origin of left subclavian artery, while the occlusion was positioned at the origin of innominate artery in the second case. A carotid-subclavian and a carotid-carotid bypass using 8-mm PTFE grafts were performed, respectively. No complications were noted and the patients have retained a symptom-free status during a follow-up of 5 years. Taking into account the expense of stenting and the patency rate, extrathoracic bypass surgery using a PTFE graft for the treatment of orifice occlusive lesions of arch vessels is cheaper and has an overall better patency rate. Furthermore, because it is the final choice of treatment after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty fails, it should be considered as an ideal therapy for lesions at the origin of arch vessels.