Autophagy is involved in traumatic brain injury-induced cell death and contributes to functional outcome deficits in mice.

Previous data demonstrate that traumatic brain injury (TBI) activates autophagy, and increases microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) immunostaining mainly in neurons. However, the role of autophagy in traumatic brain damage remains elusive. The aim of the present study was to investigate the autophagic mechanisms participating in traumatic brain injury. The autophagy inhibitors 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and bafliomycin A1 (BFA) were administered with a single i.c.v. injection before TBI. We first examined the protein levels of Beclin-1 and LC3 II, which have been found to promote autophagy previously. Immunoblotting analysis showed that 3-MA pretreatment reduced post-TBI Beclin-1 and LC3-II levels, and maintained p62/SQSTM1 (p62) levels. In addition, double immunolabeling showed that the increased punctate LC3-II dots colocalizing with Propidium Iodide (PI)-stained nuclei at 24 h after injury, were partially inhibited by 3-MA pretreatment. Furthermore, inhibition of autophagy could reduce TBI-induced cell injury assessed with i.p. injection of PI and lesion volume, and attenuate behavioral outcome evaluated by motor test and Morris water maze. The neuroprotective effects were associated with an inhibition on TBI-induced up-regulation of LC3, Beclin-1, cathepsin B, caspase-3 and the Beclin-1/Bcl-2 ratio. Taken together, these data imply that the autophagy pathway is involved in the pathophysiologic responses after TBI, and inhibition of this pathway may help attenuate traumatic damage and functional outcome deficits.

Interventional treatment of hepatic artery stenosis after orthotopic liver transplantation with balloon-expandable coronary stent.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of hepatic artery stenting with a balloon-expandable coronary stent for the treatment of hepatic artery stenosis (HAS) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed retrospective review of all 11 patients who underwent hepatic artery stenting after a diagnosis of HAS. RESULTS: A total of 13 balloon-expandable coronary stents were placed into 11 patients. The technical and immediate success rate was 100%; all stents remained patent during follow-up. One patient required 2 stents due to the length of the stenotic artery. Another underwent a second stenting after developing restenosis proximal to the original stenotic site. No procedure-related complications occurred, and no surgical revascularization or retransplantation was required during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A balloon-expandable coronary stent can play a role in the management of HAS. It can be used with great safety, with immediate as well as longer-term success.

Percutaneous intravascular stents for treatment of portal venous stenosis after liver transplantation: midterm results.

Portal vein stenosis after liver transplantation is a relatively uncommon vascular complication that may result in graft loss if not promptly treated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the midterm result of the use of intravascular stents for portal vein stenosis after liver transplantation. From April 2004 to September 2005, percutaneous transhepatic balloon dilation with stent deployment was performed in nine cases. Varices were embolized with stainless steel coils in two cases. No procedure-related complication occurred. Portal venous patency was maintained in all nine patients from 6 to 19 months (mean 10 months). In conclusion, an intravascular stent is an effective treatment for the portal vein stenosis after liver transplantation with excellent midterm patency.