Salidroside Protects Acute Kidney Injury in Septic Rats by Inhibiting Inflammation and Apoptosis.

Purpose: To clarify the protective effect and mechanism of salidroside (SLDS) on acute kidney injury (AKI) in septic rats. Methods: We pretreated rats with different doses of SLDS and analyzed the impact of SLDS on the survival of septic rats. We evaluated the levels of inflammatory factors in rats, the expression of NF-ƙB p65 in the kidney, and the apoptosis of kidney tubular epithelial cells (KTECs). Results: SLDS significantly decreased the mortality of septic rats, and it reduced the levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-17A in plasma and kidneys and decreased the levels of serum creatinine, plasma renal injury molecule-1 and plasma neutrophil gelatin-associated lipocalin. Moreover, SLDS could significantly decrease the expression of NF-ƙB p65 in kidney tissues and the apoptotic number of KETCs, while reducing the mRNA levels of Caspase-3 and Bax mRNA, and increasing the level of Bcl-2 mRNA. Conclusion: SLDS pretreatment protects against AKI in septic rats by inhibiting the inflammation of kidney and the apoptosis of KTECs.

Incidental para-ureteral aggressive angiomyxoma: a rare case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Aggressive angiomyxoma (AA) is a rare tumor that typically occurs in the pelvis and perineum, most commonly in women of reproductive age. However, no para-ureteral AA has been reported according to the literature. Case presentation We herein describe the first case of para-ureteral AA. A 62-year-old male presented to our institute in March 2017 with a para-ureteral mass that was 15 mm in diameter incidentally. No symptom was observed and laboratory analysis was unremarkable. Magnetic resonance and computed tomography imaging showed a non-enhancing mass abutting the left ureter without causing obstruction. Laparoscopic resection of the mass was performed without injury to the ureter. Pathologic and immunohistochemical results were consistent with AA. Till now, no recurrence was noticed. CONCLUSIONS: We reported a rare case of para-ureteral AA, along with a literature review. Early diagnosis, proper surgical plan and long-term close follow-up is recommended for its high risk of recurrence and malignant potential.

Familial hypercholesterolemia in Chinese patients with premature ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction: Prevalence, lipid management and 1-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), characterized by elevated plasma low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and premature coronary artery disease (CAD), remains mostly underdiagnosed and undertreated. We investigated the prevalence of clinical FH among Chinese patients with premature ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and one-year follow-up on their lipid management and cardiovascular events. METHODS: Four hundred and ninety-eight premature STEMI patients (363men) were enrolled. FH patients were identified using the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network Criteria. Lipid management and cardiovascular events in all patients were assessed. RESULTS: Nineteen patients (3.8%) were diagnosed as definite/probable FH, 211 (42.4%) as possible FH and 268 (53.8%) as unlikely FH. All patients were divided into two main groups: unlikely FH (0-2 points) and possible FH (≥3 points). Possible FH patients were younger (50.1 years vs. 53.5 years) with higher NT-proBNP level (3014.15 pg/mL vs. 2326.25 pg/mL), occurrence of multi-vessel CAD (37.4% vs. 18.3%), lower LVEF (47% vs. 49%) and more severe Killip classification (Class 3, 20.0% vs. 9.7%). Follow-up data were available for 203 patients from the possible FH group and 243 patients from the unlikely FH group. High intensity statin intake status (%) of possible FH vs. unlikely FH was as follows: 1) on admission: 4.8% vs. 0.4%; 2) at discharge: 10.4% vs. 1.6% and 3) at one year follow-up: 5.4% vs. 0.8%. A significantly low percentage of possible FH patients (18.7% vs. 51.4%) achieved target LDL-C levels. There were no significant differences in MACE defined as a composite of cardiogenic shock or Class IV heart failure, recurrent MI, cardiovascular-related rehospitalization, TLR and CV death between the two groups. However, the proportion of cardiogenic shock or Class IV heart failure was significantly higher in possible FH patients group (5.9% vs.1.2%). CONCLUSION: Clinical diagnosis of possible FH is common in Chinese patients with premature STEMI. A low proportion of FH patients were prescribed high intensity statins. Despite aggressive cholesterol-lowering drugs, a significantly lower proportion of FH patients achieved LDL-C targets compared to unlikely FH patients. Possible FH patients were younger with a significantly higher occurrence of multi-vessel CAD and impaired cardiac function.

Selective tubeless minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy for upper urinary calculi.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and safety of tubeless minimally-invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) in a randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Patients receiving MPCNL from September 2014 to November 2015 were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria after nephrolithotomy and divided into study group (tubeless MPCNL) and control group (standard MPCNL) by random number table. A total of 62 patients were included (N.=31 each), and there was no significant difference in age, gender and calculus size between the two groups (P>0.05). All operations were carried out by the same surgeon. The evaluation indexes included postoperative pain, hemoglobin (Hb) drop, incidence of fever, perirenal leakage/hematoma incidence and length of stay, etc. Independent sample t-test was used for comparison of measurement data, and rank-sum test was adopted for comparison of skewed-distributed data. χ2 test was used for comparison of enumeration data. RESULTS: Significant difference was shown in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of pain and average length of stay after surgery between the two groups (P<0.01), but there was no significant difference in postoperative Hb drop, calculus clearance rate and incidence of perirenal seepage/hematoma or fever. CONCLUSIONS: The strictly chosen tubeless MPCNL is safe and feasible, and can reduce postoperative pain and other discomforts, shorten length of stay and maybe a probable choice for patients.