Effects of therapeutic hypercapnia on the expression and function of γδT cells in transplanted lungs in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of therapeutic hypercapnia on the expression and function of gamma delta T (γδ T) cells during ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) after lung transplantation. METHODS: We randomly divided male Wistar rats into three groups (n = 6 in each group), the control group (group N), the IRI group (group I), and the therapeutic hypercapnia group (group H). We then assessed pulmonary edema, neutrophil infiltration, wet-to-dry (W/D) weight ratio, and microscopic histopathology and separately measured the levels of γδT cell surface antigen (TCR) and Interleukin-17 (IL-17) using flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). RESULTS: The infiltration of neutrophils and the expression of TCR and IL-17 were significantly increased in the I group compared to the control, and the biopsy edema in group I was more severe. Arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) was decreased after reperfusion in group I compared with the control group. W/D weight ratio, neutrophil infiltration, and the expression of TCR and IL-17 decreased drastically in the H group compared to the I group. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that γδ T lymphocytes were directly involved in lung injury. In addition, therapeutic hypercapnia effectively reduced the expression of γδ T cells and IL-17, and this has the potential to become a treatment strategy for IRI and an intervention to improve lung function.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress regulators exhibit different prognostic, therapeutic and immune landscapes in pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and unfolded protein response are the critical processes of tumour biology. However, the roles of ERS regulatory genes in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) remain elusive. A novel ERS-related risk signature was constructed using the Lasso regression analysis. Its prognostic value, immune effect, metabolic influence, mutational feature and therapeutic correlation were comprehensively analysed through multiple bioinformatic approaches. The biofunctions of KDELR3 and YWHAZ in pancreatic cancer (PC) cells were also investigated through colony formation, Transwell assays, flow cytometric detection and a xenograft model. The upstream miRNA regulatory mechanism of KDELR3 was predicted and validated. ERS risk score was identified as an independent prognostic factor and could improve traditional prognostic model. Meanwhile, it was closely associated with metabolic reprogramming and tumour immune. High ERS risk enhanced glycolysis process and nucleotide metabolism, but was unfavourable for anti-tumour immune response. Moreover, ERS risk score could act as a potential biomarker for predicting the efficacy of ICBs. Overexpression of KDELR3 and YWHAZ stimulated the proliferation, migration and invasion of SW1990 and BxPC-3 cells. Silencing KDELR3 suppressed tumour growth in a xenograft model. miR-137 could weaken the malignant potentials of PC cells through inhibiting KDELR3 (5'-AGCAAUAA-3'). ERS risk score greatly contributed to PAAD clinical assessment. KDELR3 and YWHAZ possessed cancer-promoting capacities, showing promise as a novel treatment target.

The effects of ultrasound-guided QLB and TAPB combined with opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) on clinical efficacy of the patients undergoing abdominal surgery.

Background: Although opioids provide effective analgesia for abdominal surgery, they also present serious unwanted side effects. Ultrasound-guild quadratus lumborum block (QLB) and transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) have been proven to offer long-lasting and efficient analgesia during abdominal surgery. However, the clinical efficacy of ultrasound-guided QLB and TAPB combined with opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) in abdominal surgery remains unclear. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of ultrasound-guided QLB and TAPB combined with opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) on the clinical efficacy of abdominal surgery. Methods: A total of 122 patients scheduled for abdominal surgery at People's Hospital of Wanning between March 2021 and April 2022 were enrolled in this study. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group (QLB/TAPB + OFA, 62 patients) and the control group (opioid anesthesia, 60 patients). The clinical efficacy of the QLB/TAPB combined with OFA technique was evaluated by analyzing patients' vital signs, postoperative consciousness recovery time, numeric rating scale (NRS) score, and immune function in both groups. Results: We observed that systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in experimental group were significantly higher than those in control group after induction (p < 0.05). Heart rate (HR) in experimental group was significantly lower than in the control group at intraoperative 1h (p < 0.05). Additionally, bispectral index (BIS), state entropy (SE), and response entropy (RE) levels in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, extubation and awakening time were significantly shorter in the experimental group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The NRS scores in the experimental group were markedly lower than those in the control group. Moreover, IL-6 and CRP levels in the experimental group were obviously lower than in the control group after postoperative 1d (p < 0.05). Interestingly, IL-6 (p < 0.001), CRP (p < 0.001), and PCT (p = 0.037) levels in female patients of the experimental group were all significantly lower than those in the control group after postoperative 1d. Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided QLB and TAPB combined with OFA technique can reduce pain intensity and enhance the patients' immune function in abdominal surgery.

Application of surgical pleth index in the opioid-free anesthesia: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Currently, there is no gold standard for monitoring noxious stimulation during surgery, and the surgical pleth index (SPI) is only one of many monitoring methods. It is commonly used in the monitoring of conventional opiate anesthesia, but its effectiveness in opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) has not been evaluated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to observe the guidance value of the surgical pleth index in opioid-free anesthesia for patients undergoing lower abdominal or pelvic surgery. METHODS: A total of 122 patients who underwent lower abdominal or pelvic surgery in our hospital between March 2021 and July 2022 were selected and equally divided into OFA (F) and control (C) groups according to the random number table method. Both groups underwent ultrasound-guided unilateral/bilateral quadratus lumborum block in the supine position according to the surgical field. In group F, 0.50% lidocaine and 0.20% ropivacaine (in 20 mL of 0.9% normal saline) were injected on each side. In group C, 20 mL 0.9% normal saline was injected on each side. Group F received general anesthesia without opioids and group C received general anesthesia with opioids. BP, pulse oxygen saturation, PETCO2, reactionentropy, stateentropy, and SPI values; Steward score; dosage of propofol, dexmedetomidine, rocuronium, and diltiazem; extubation time; and awake time were monitored in both groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the general data between the 2 groups (P > .05). There were no significant differences in SPI values at T0, T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 or the number of cases requiring additional remifentanil, propofol, and diltiazem between the 2 groups (P > .05). The stateentropy, reactionentropy, and Steward scores were higher in group F than in group C at T4 and T5, while the extubation and awake times were lower in group F than in group C (P < .05). The heart rate and SPI of group F were lower than that of group C at T3 (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The guiding value of SPI in OFA was similar to its use in opiated anesthesia. Its clinical efficacy is exact, vital signs are stable, enabling rapid, and complete regaining of consciousness.

[Retracted] Morphine­induced delayed pre­conditioning against anoxia/reoxygenation injury in pulmonary artery endothelial cells: The role of mitochondrial KATP channels.

Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editor's attention by a concerned reader that several of the flow cytometric plots featured in Fig. 2A on p. 1050 contained repeating patterns of dots, both vertically and horizontally, in addition to a variety of other apparent anomalies. The authors were asked to provide an explanation to account for the apparent anomalies in this figure, but they did not respond to the request posed by the Editorial Office. Therefore, the Editor of Molecular Medicine Reports has decided that this paper should be retracted from the journal on account of a lack of confidence in the presented data. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Molecular Medicine Reports 13: 1047­1053, 2016; DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.4629].

Spatial and Temporal Evolution and Prediction of the Coordination Level of "Production-Living-Ecological" Function Coupling in the Yellow River Basin, China.

To clarify the evolution of "production-living-ecological" function coupling in the Yellow River Basin, coordinating the spatial allocation of resources, development management and layout optimization, is an important means for achieving ecological protection and high-quality development in the region. In this paper, we conducted an empirical analysis and ARIMA prediction of the coupled production-living-ecological function coordination level in the Yellow River Basin of China from 2008 to 2018, and found that: (1) In terms of temporal evolution, the production-living-ecological function and coupling coordination level of each province and region in the Yellow River Basin generally shows a sharp and then slow upward trend, with the living functions changing more than the production and ecological functions; (2) in terms of spatial pattern, the production and living functions of each province and region show the trend of functional level increasing from east to west over time; the ecological functions, contrary to production and living functions, show a "high-low" aggregation, midstream shows "low-low" aggregation, and downstream shows "low-high" aggregation; (3) According to the regression results of the spatial Dubin model, the environmental governance level, technological research and development level, and social security level and resource dependence degree have positive promoting and spillover effects on the coupling coordination level of the "production-living-ecological" function in the region. However, population density and carbon emission intensity will hinder the development of regional coupling coordination level; (4) from the ARIMA prediction, the coupling coordination level of "production-living-ecological" in the Yellow River Basin continues the development trend of 2008-2018 in the short term, the overall coordination level is at a high level, and the variability of coupling coordination level among provinces and regions is further reduced. Finally, corresponding development countermeasures and suggestions are given to different provinces and regions based on the spatial and temporal evolution characteristics, influencing factors and development trend of the "production-living-ecological" function in the Yellow River basin.

Resolution of herpes zoster-induced small bowel pseudo-obstruction by epidural nerve block: A case report.

BACKGROUND: When herpes zoster is complicated with paralytic ileus, this mostly involves acute intestinal pseudo-obstruction of Ogilvie's syndrome manifesting as obvious dilatation of the cecum and right colon; small intestinal obstruction is rare. Here, we present a patient with a very rare case of small bowel pseudo-obstruction. CASE SUMMARY: A 76-year-old female patient complained of right upper quadrant pain. Two days later, a blistering, right-sided rash of the thoracoabdominal dermatome (T5-T10) emerged in conjunction with small intestinal dilatation and the inability to defecate. Computed tomography of the abdomen confirmed small bowel pseudo-obstruction. Antiviral therapy, gastrointestinal decompression, and enemas proved unproductive. After 4 d of stagnation, an epidural block was performed for pain relief and prompted the passage of gas and stool, resolving the obstructive problem. Three days later, the rash appeared dry and crusted, and the pain diminished. After 5 d, no abnormality was visible by gastroenteroscopy, and the patient was discharged on day 7. CONCLUSION: This case shows that herpes zoster may induce small bowel pseudo-obstruction in addition to colonic pseudo-obstruction. Epidural block can not only treat intercostal neuralgia but also resolve small bowel pseudo-obstruction caused by herpes zoster.

Protective effects of brain-targeted dexmedetomidine nanomicelles on mitochondrial dysfunction in astrocytes of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury rats.

Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CIRI) is closely related to mitochondrial dysfunction in astrocytes. Therefore, based on glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), which is highly expressed in the brain tissue of rats with CIRI, we design a kind of brain-targeted dexmedetomidine (Man@Dex) nanomicelles. The results showed that Man@Dex not only had the advantages of small particle size, stability and non-toxicity, but also realized brain-targeted drug delivery. Primary astrocytes were cultured in vitro to construct CIRI cell model. It was found that Man@Dex could improve the activity of injured astrocytes. Man@Dex could exert antioxidant activity by inhibiting the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production of astrocytes, thus inhibiting the cytotoxicity induced by hypoxia and reoxygenation. Man@Dex could improve the ATP level and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) to protect mitochondrial function of damaged astrocytes. The CIRI rat model was constructed and confirmed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE), Triphenyl-2H-tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining and nerve defect score. It indicated that Man@Dex could alleviate CIRI and improve MMP, which was beneficial to the recovery of brain injury in rats. This research provides a new theoretical basis and target for the development of brain-targeted nano-drugs of CIRI.

Isoform-specific functions of c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 and 2 in lung ischemia-reperfusion injury through the c-Jun/activator protein-1 pathway.

BACKGROUND: c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1) and JNK2 regulate distinct pathological processes in lung diseases. Here we discriminated the respective roles of these kinases in lung transplantation-induced ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). METHODS: Rat pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells were transfected with JNK1 small-interfering RNA (siRNA) and JNK2 siRNA and then subjected to in vitro IRI. For the isoform confirmed to aggravate IRI, the delivery of short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) plasmid was performed by intratracheal administration 48 hours before transplantation into donor rats. After a 3-hour reperfusion, the samples were collected. RESULTS: JNK1 siRNA decreased but JNK2 siRNA increased JNK phosphorylation and activity, phosphorylated and total c-Jun, and activator protein-1 activity. Although JNK1 siRNA decreased apoptosis and the levels of malondialdehyde, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), it increased the levels of superoxide dismutase, S-phase percentage, and cyclin D1; JNK2 siRNA had a converse effect. JNK1 siRNA decreased the level of lactate dehydrogenase and increased the levels of VE-cadherin, nitric oxide, phosphorylated nitric oxide synthase, and cell viability; JNK2 si RNA had a converse effect. Compared with the control group, the JNK1 shRNA group exhibited a higher lung oxygenation index and lower lung apoptosis index, injury score, wet weight:dry weight ratio, and levels of IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α. CONCLUSIONS: JNK1 aggravated, but JNK2 alleviated, IRI through differential regulation of the JNK1 pathway in in vitro ischemia-reperfusion. JNK1 silence attenuated lung graft dysfunction by inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis. These findings provide a theoretical basis for devising therapeutic strategies against IRI after lung transplantation.

Curcumin alleviates oxidative stress and inhibits apoptosis in diabetic cardiomyopathy via Sirt1-Foxo1 and PI3K-Akt signalling pathways.

Diabetes is a disorder of glucose metabolism, and over 90% are type 2 diabetes. Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the type 2 diabetes complications, usually accompanied by changes in myocardial structure and function, together with cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Our study investigated the effect of curcumin on regulating oxidative stress (OS) and apoptosis in DCM. In vivo, diabetes was induced in an experimental rat model by streptozoticin (STZ) together with high-glucose and high-fat (HG/HF) diet feeding. In vitro, H9c2 cardiomyocytes were cultured with high-glucose and saturated free fatty acid palmitate. Curcumin was orally or directly administered to rats or cells, respectively. Streptozoticin -induced diabetic rats showed metabolism abnormalities and elevated markers of OS (superoxide dismutase [SOD], malondialdehyde [MDA], gp91phox , Cyt-Cyto C), enhanced cell apoptosis (Bax/Bcl-2, Cleaved caspase-3, TUNEL-positive cells), together with reduced Akt phosphorylation and increased Foxo1 acetylation. Curcumin attenuated the myocardial dysfunction, OS and apoptosis in the heart of diabetic rats. Curcumin treatment also enhanced phosphorylation of Akt and inhibited acetylation of Foxo1. These results strongly suggest that apoptosis was increased in the heart of diabetic rats, and curcumin played a role in diabetic cardiomyopathy treatment by modulating the Sirt1-Foxo1 and PI3K-Akt pathways.

Effects of Erythropoietin on Lung Injury Induced by Cardiopulmonary Bypass After Cardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND Lung injury after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is a serious postoperative complication and can affect the postoperative recovery. The purpose of this study was to explore whether erythropoietin (EPO) has an effect on lung injury caused by CPB. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty patients who received the CPB were randomly divided into a saline group and the EPO group. All the patients received saline or EPO preoperatively, respectively. The ventilation function, including dynamic compliance, peak airway pressure, and plateau pressure, were recorded. The level of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1ß, and IL-10 in serum and arterial blood gas were analyzed. The mechanical ventilation time in the intensive care unit (ICU), the length of time spent in the ICU, the time from operation to discharge, and the total time of hospitalization were recorded. Adverse events in the ICU were monitored and recorded. RESULTS EPO significantly decreased the level of TNF-alpha and IL-1ß, but increased the level of IL-10 after CPB. EPO significantly improved pulmonary ventilated function and gas exchange function after CPB. EPO significantly shortened the mechanical ventilation time and stay in the ICU. CONCLUSIONS Preoperative EPO injection reduced lung injury and promoted lung function in patients who underwent CPB. The protection effect of EPO may be associated with inhibition of inflammatory response.

Optimal Dexmedetomidine Dose to Prevent Emergence Agitation Under Sevoflurane and Remifentanil Anesthesia During Pediatric Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy.

Background: Emergence agitation (EA) is a common pediatric complication after sevoflurane anesthesia that can be prevented with dexmedetomidine. However, an inappropriate dose of dexmedetomidine can cause prolonged sedation and cardiovascular complications. Thus, we evaluated the optimal dose (ED95) of dexmedetomidine for preventing EA with sevoflurane and remifentanil anesthesia after pediatric tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Methods: We enrolled American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I and II children 3-7 years of age who underwent tonsillectomy with adenoidectomy. During induction, dexmedetomidine was infused for 10 min. Anesthesia was induced with sevoflurane and maintained with sevoflurane and remifentanil, resulting in a bispectral spectrum index (BIS) range from 40 to 60. Extubation time, surgical and anesthetic duration time, and duration time in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) stay were recorded. EA [measured with Pediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scores] and pain [measured with Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scores] were assessed at extubation (E0), 15 min after extubation (E1), and 30 min after extubation (E2). If EA occurred, the next surgical procedure included increased dexmedetomidine by 0.1 µg/kg, and if not, the drug was reduced by 0.1 µg/kg. Results: The 50% effective dose (ED50) of dexmedetomidine for preventing EA after sevoflurane and remifentanil anesthesia for tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy was 0.13 µg/kg, and its 95% confidence interval is 0.09-0.19 µg/kg; ED95 was 0.30 µg/kg, and its 95% confidence interval is 0.21-1.00 µg/kg. Conclusion: Intravenous dexmedetomidine infusion at ED50 (0.13 µg/kg) or ED95 (0.30 µg/kg) during induction for 10 min can prevent half or almost all EA after sevoflurane and remifentanil anesthesia during pediatric tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.

Hydrogen sulfide attenuates lung ischemia-reperfusion injury through SIRT3-dependent regulation of mitochondrial function in type 2 diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: Lung ischemia-reperfusion injury is a complex pathophysiologic process associated with high morbidity and mortality. We have demonstrated elsewhere that diabetes mellitus aggravated ischemia-induced lung injury. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are drivers of diabetic lung ischemia-reperfusion injury; however, the pathways that mediate these events are unexplored. In this study using a high-fat diet-fed model of streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes in rats, we determined the effect of hydrogen sulfide on lung ischemia-reperfusion injury with a focus on Sirtuin3 signaling. METHODS: Rats with type 2 diabetes were exposed to GYY4137, a slow release donor of hydrogen sulfide with or without administration of the Sirtuin3 short hairpin ribonucleic acid plasmid, and then subjected to a surgical model of ischemia-reperfusion injury of the lung (n = 8). Lung function, oxidative stress, inflammation, cell apoptosis, and mitochondrial function were measured. RESULTS: Compared with nondiabetic rats, animals with type 2 diabetes at baseline exhibited significantly decreased Sirtuin3 signaling in lung tissue and increased oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction (P < .05 each). In addition, further impairment in Sirtuin3 signaling was found in diabetic rats subjected to this model of lung ischemia-reperfusion. Simultaneously, the indexes showed further aggravation. Treatment with hydrogen sulfide restored Sirtuin3 expression and decreased lung ischemia-reperfusion injury in animals with type 2 diabetes mellitus by improving lung functional recovery, decreasing oxidative damage, suppressing inflammation, ameliorating cell apoptosis, and preserving mitochondrial function (P < .05). Conversely, these protective effects were largely reversed in Sirtuin3 knockdown rats. CONCLUSION: Impaired lung Sirtuin3 signaling associated with type 2 diabetic conditions was further attenuated by an ischemia-reperfusion insult. Hydrogen sulfide ameliorated reperfusion-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction via activation of Sirtuin3 signaling, thereby decreasing lung ischemia-reperfusion damage in rats with a model of type II diabetes.

Effect of preoperative inhaled budesonide on pulmonary injury after cardiopulmonary bypass: A randomized pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary bypass can result in lung injury. This prospective, double-blinded, randomized trial aimed to evaluate the protective effect of inhaled budesonide on lung injury after cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: Sixty patients, aged 25 to 65 years, requiring cardiopulmonary bypass were randomized to groups treated with saline or budesonide inhalation preoperatively. The respiratory mechanics were recorded. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was collected before cardiopulmonary bypass and after sternal closure. Serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid levels of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors were analyzed. The primary end point was the lowest ratio of the partial pressure of arterial oxygen to the fraction of inspired oxygen after cardiopulmonary bypass. The durations of ventilation and postoperative recovery time were noted. RESULTS: Budesonide significantly improved respiratory mechanics after cardiopulmonary bypass. Budesonide improved the partial pressure of arterial oxygen to the fraction of inspired oxygen ratio from 8 to 48 hours after the operation. Budesonide shortened the durations of mechanical ventilation and postoperative recovery time. Budesonide decreased the levels of proinflammatory factors while increasing the levels of anti-inflammatory factors in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum (all P < .05). The macrophage and neutrophil counts, and protein and elastase concentrations were decreased by budesonide treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Budesonide treatment shortened the durations of mechanical ventilation, inhibited local and systemic inflammation, and improved respiratory function after cardiopulmonary bypass.

Endothelial progenitor cells attenuate the lung ischemia/reperfusion injury following lung transplantation via the endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway.

OBJECTIVE: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) can improve endothelial integrity. This study aimed to examine the effects and the mechanism of EPCs on lung ischemia-reperfusion injury (LIRI). METHODS: Wistar rats were randomized into the sham or the left lung transplantation group. The recipients were randomized and treated with vehicle as the LIRI group, with EPC as the EPC group, or with N5-(1-iminoethyl)-l-ornithine-pretreated EPC as the EPC/L group (n = 8 per group). The ratios of arterial oxygen partial pressure to fractional inspiratory oxygen were measured. The lung wet-to-dry weight ratios, protein levels, and injury, as well as the levels of plasma cytokines, were examined. The levels of endothelin (ET)-1, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), phosphorylated eNOS, inducible NOS, phosphorylated myosin light chain, nuclear factor-κBp65, Bax, Bcl-2, cleaved caspase-3, and myeloperoxidase in the graft lungs were detected. RESULTS: Compared with the LIRI group, EPC treatment significantly increased the ratios of arterial oxygen partial pressure to fractional inspiratory oxygen and decreased the lung wet-to-dry weight ratios and protein levels in the grafts, accompanied by increasing eNOS expression and phosphorylation, but decreasing endothelin-1, inducible NOS, phosphorylated nuclear factor-kBp65, phosphorylated myosin light chain expression, and myeloperoxidase activity. EPCs reduced lung tissue damage and apoptosis associated with decreased levels of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 expression, but increased Bcl-2 expression. EPC treatment significantly reduced the levels of serum proinflammatory factors, but elevated levels of interleukin-10. In contrast, the protective effect of EPCs were mitigated and abrogated by N5-(1-iminoethyl)-l-ornithine pretreatment. CONCLUSIONS: Data indicated that EPC ameliorated LIRI by increasing eNOS expression.

Efficacy of Xuebijing Injection () on Cardiopulmonary Bypass-Associated Pulmonary Injury: A Prospective, Single-center, Randomized, Double Blinded Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of Xuebijing Injection (, XBJ) on the lung injury induced by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). METHODS: Fifty patients undergoing CPB were randomized to either the saline group or XBJ group according to a random number table (25 cases in each group). The patients in the saline group received saline and patients in XBJ group received XBJ at 12 h prior to the operation, at the beginning of the operation, and at 12 h after the second injection. The PaO2/FiO2 at extubation 3 days post-operation, duration of ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU), and lengths of stay in the ICU and hospital were recorded. The levels of inflammatory mediators including interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-8, IL-10, and C-reactive protein (CRP) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and plasma were measured. The neutrophil count and elastase neutrophil elastase in BALF were also measured. In addition, adverse events were monitored. RESULTS: The PaO2/FiO2 in the XBJ group was higher than that in the saline group from 12 to 72 h post-operation (all P<0.05). The blood levels of IL-1ß, IL-8, and CRP in the XBJ group from 12 to 72 h were all significantly lower than those in the saline group (all P<0.05). In contrast, the level of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was significantly higher in the XBJ group than in the saline group (P<0.05). In addition, 4 patients presented with atelectasis in the saline group and none in the XBJ group. Ten patients experienced mild acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) during hospitalization, and 5 patients with mild ARDS were in the XBJ group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: XBJ shows protective potential against lung injury in patients who undergo CPB surgery, possibly through the downregulation of inflammatory mediators, reduction in neutrophil infiltration, and upregulation of IL-10 (Trial registry: ChiCTR-TRC-14004628).

CONSORT-epidural dexmedetomidine improves gastrointestinal motility after laparoscopic colonic resection compared with morphine.

BACKGROUND: We have previously shown that epidural dexmedetomidine, when used as an adjunct to levobupivacaine for control of postoperative pain after open colonic resection, improves recovery of gastrointestinal motility compared with morphine. METHODS: Sixty patients undergoing laparoscopic colonic resection were enrolled and allocated randomly to treatment with dexmedetomidine (group D) or morphine (group M). Group D received an epidural loading dose of dexmedetomidine (5 mL, 0.5 µg/kg), followed by continuous epidural administration of dexmedetomidine (80 µg) in 0.125% levobupivacaine (240 mL) at a rate of 5 mL/h for 2 days. Group M received an epidural loading dose of morphine (5 mL, 0.03 mg/kg) followed by continuous epidural administration of morphine (4.5 mg) in 0.125% levobupivacaine (240 mL) at a rate of 5 mL/h for 2 days. Verbal rating score (VRS) of pain, postoperative analgesic requirements, side effects related to analgesia, and time to postoperative first flatus (FFL) and first feces (FFE) were recorded. RESULTS: VRS and postoperative analgesic requirements were not significantly different between the treatment groups. In contrast, FFL and FFE were significant delayed in group M compared with group D (P < .05). Patients in group M also had a significantly higher incidence of nausea, vomiting, and pruritus (P < .05). No neurological deficits were observed in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with morphine, epidural dexmedetomidine is a better adjunct to levobupivacaine for control of postoperative pain after laparoscopic colonic resection.

Adiponectin protects against lung ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Adiponectin (APN) has been associated with the pathogenesis of acute brain, liver and heart injury. However, the role of APN in lung ischemia-reperfusion injury (LIRI) in diabetes mellitus remains unclear. To investigate this, the present study evaluated the effects of APN on lung dysfunction and pathological alterations in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus via lung ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). The lung­protective effects of APN globular domain (gAPN) in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus were also investigated by measuring the oxygenation index, inflammatory cytokines, lung edema, histopathology, oxidative stress, apoptosis and the protein expression levels of phosphorylated 5'adenosine monophosphate­activated protein kinase (p­AMPK), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). The results of the present study demonstrated that the diabetes mellitus rats + I/R (DIR) group exhibited greater concentrations of tumor necrosis factor­α and interleukin­6, and increases in the wet­weight to dry­weight ratio, lung injury score, oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis. These effects were accompanied by lower pulmonary oxygenation compared with the normal rat + I/R (NIR) group (P<0.05). Additionally, all of these alterations were attenuated in the NIR + gAPN and DIR + gAPN groups compared with in the NIR and DIR groups, respectively. In the DIR group, the expression levels of p­AMPK/AMPK and eNOS were significantly downregulated, and the levels of iNOS were upregulated, compared with those of the NIR group. Treatment with APN activated AMPK, increased eNOS expression and attenuated iNOS expression. The results of the present study demonstrated that APN exerted protective effects against LIRI via its anti­inflammatory, antioxidative stress and anti­apoptotic activities. These protective effects of APN were eliminated in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus, in which LIRI was exacerbated. The present study indicated that APN may be a potential therapeutic agent for LIRI in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Inhibition of WNT7A-ß-catenin signaling pathway sensitizes oral squamous cell carcinoma to cisplatin.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common type and most threatening head and neck cancer worldwide. Here, we aim to study the relationship between the WNT7A-ß-Catenin signaling pathway and the chemotherapy resistance of OSCC patients. We analyzed 42 OSCC patients and 19 adjacent non-tumor tissues, evaluated the expression levels of WNT7A mRNA, and subsequently studied WNT7A dependent cisplatin resistance in OSCC cell line KB cells. Moreover, we also utilized an in vivo mouse model to validate our findings. We first found a significant upregulation of WNT7A mRNA in OSCC patients. Our results showed that the knockdown of WNT7A sensitized KB cells to cisplatin. Moreover, our results revealed that nuclear ß-catenin was dramatically reduced and cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP were dramatically induced when WNT7A was knocked down in cisplatin treated KB cells. Besides, we found that the knockdown of WNT7A significantly reduced the weight and volumes of xenograft tumors. Moreover, we examined apoptotic cells and found that the combination of WNT7A knockdown and cisplatin treatment resulted in many more apoptotic cells than cisplatin treatment alone, suggesting that the knockdown of WNT7A sensitized KB cells to cisplatin treatment in vivo. Our results revealed that inhibition of WNT7A-ß-catenin signaling sensitizes OSCC to cisplatin, which has provided insights into the molecular diagnosis and treatment of OSCC.

Amelioration of lung ischemia­reperfusion injury by JNK and p38 small interfering RNAs in rat pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells in an ischemia­reperfusion injury lung transplantation model.

The inhibition of mitogen­activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including c­Jun NH2­terminal protein kinase (JNK), p38 MAPK (p38) and extracellular signal­regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), have an important effect on lung ischemia­reperfusion injury (IRI) during lung transplantation (LT). However, the way in which combined MAPK inhibition exerts optimal protective effects on lung IRI remains to be elucidated. Therefore, the present study evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of the inhibition of MAPKs in rat pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) in an IRI model of LT. The rat PMVECs were transfected with small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) against JNK, p38 or ERK1/2. Cotransfection was performed with siRNAs against JNK and p38 in the J+p group, JNK and ERK1/2 in the J+E group, p38 and ERK1/2 in the p+E group, or all three in the J+p+E group. Non­targeting (NT) siRNA was used as a control. The PMVECs were then treated to induce IRI, and the levels of inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress were detected. Differences between compared groups were determined using Tukey's honest significant difference test. In all groups, silencing of the MAPKs was shown to attenuate inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress to differing extents, compared with the NT group. The J+p and J+p+E groups showed lower levels of interleukin (IL)­1ß, IL­6 and malondialdehyde, a lower percentage of early­apoptotic cells, and higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, compared with the other groups. No significant differences were observed in the inflammatory response, SOD activity or early apoptosis between the J+p and J+p+E groups. These findings suggested that the dual inhibition of JNK and p38 led to maximal amelioration of lung IRI in the PMVECs of the IRI model of LT, which occurred through anti­inflammatory, anti­oxidative and anti­apoptotic mechanisms.