Effects of simvastatin on the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in a lipopolysaccharide-induced rat model of Parkinson disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of simvastatin on the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the substantia nigra in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced rat model of Parkinson disease (PD), and to study the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of simvastatin in PD. METHODS: The LPS-PD model was established by injection of LPS (5 mg/mL, 2.0 µL) into the right substantia nigra compacta (SNC). Rats in the sham-operated group received saline. The simvastatin treatment group was intraperitoneally administered simvastatin (5 mg/kg, 2.0 µL) at 1 h before, and daily for 14 days after surgery, while the sham-operated and LPS-model groups received saline. Iba-1-positive cells and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), as well as iNOS and BDNF in the SNC were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting, respectively. The effect of simvastatin in the PD model was also examined in behavioral tests. RESULTS: The LPS-model group exhibited typical animal PD behaviors. Compared with the control group, the LPS-model group exhibited a decreased number of DA neurons (p < 0.01) in the SNC, as well as increases in the Iba-1-positive cell number and iNOS expression (p < 0.05), while BDNF expression was downregulated (p < 0.01). These effects were inhibited by simvastatin treatment (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Simvastatin mediates a protective effect on dopaminergic neurons in the SNC in the LPS-PD model, possibly by promoting neuronal repair and regeneration, and by inhibiting oxidative stress, thus improving substantia nigra function.

The prognostic role of neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio and platelet count in gastric cancer: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Systemic inflammatory response was reported to be associate with a poor survival in gastric cancer. However, these results remain inconsistent. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the prognostic role of neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio (NLR) and platelet count in gastric cancer. METHODS: Relevant studies were identified by searching PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library. Data was pooled using a fixed-effects models or random-effects models. RESULTS: A total of 29 studies were included for meta-analysis (19 for NLR, 10 for platelet count). Elevated NLR and platelet count were associated with an increased lymph node metastasis and serosal invasion (T3+T4) risk with individual ORs being 1.70 (95% CI: 1.05-2.75) and 2.93 (95% CI: 2.27-3.78), 1.62 (95% CI: 1.08-2.42) and 2.09 (95% CI: 1.57-2.77), respectively. The incidence of stage (III + IV) in elevated NLR group was higher than in normal NLR group (OR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.48-2.35). The disease-free survival in patients with elevated NLR was markedly shorter (HR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.28-1.94). For the overall survival, both indicators were strong predictors with individual HRs being 1.65 (95% CI: 1.47-1.83), 1.61 (95% CI: 1.35-1.86), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis suggests that elevated NLR and platelet count predict poor survival in patients with gastric cancer, and may provides some useful evidence for the clinical application of the two prognostic indicators in gastric cancer.

Influence of simvastatin on dopaminergic neurons of lipopolysaccharide-induced rat model of Parkinson's disease

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the neuroprotective effects of simvastatin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD) and the mechanisms involved.@*METHODS@#Hemiparkinsonian rat models were induced by stereotaxieal injection of LPS in the right substantia nigra compacta. After 2 weeks of simvastatin treatment, rotational behavior test was performed after the intraperitoneal injection of apomorphine. Expression of tyroxine hydroxylase (TH) and glial fibrillary acidic protein were analyzed through immunohistochemical staining of substantia nigra and striatum, and the level of TNF- α was evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.@*RESULTS@#Comparing with untreated group, behavioral symptoms of the rats were significantly less in the rats that received simvastatin treatment. The TH positive cell count in substantia nigra and striatum were significantly increased (P<0.05) and TNF- α expression was significantly decreased (P<0.05) in simvastatin group compared to untreated group.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Simvastatin could effectively inhibit the activation of astrocytes, reduce TNF- α expression, and exert anti-inflammatory effects, and thus protect the dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra and striatum of the rat model of PD.

Influence of simvastatin on dopaminergic neurons of lipopolysaccharide-induced rat model of Parkinson's disease

Objective: To investigate the neuroprotective effects of simvastatin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD) and the mechanisms involved. Methods: Hemiparkinsonian rat models were induced by stereotaxieal injection of LPS in the right substantia nigra compacta. After 2 weeks of simvastatin treatment, rotational behavior test was performed after the intraperitoneal injection of apomorphine. Expression of tyroxine hydroxylase (TH) and glial fibrillary acidic protein were analyzed through immunohistochemical staining of substantia nigra and striatum, and the level of TNF- α was evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Comparing with untreated group, behavioral symptoms of the rats were significantly less in the rats that received simvastatin treatment. The TH positive cell count in substantia nigra and striatum were significantly increased (. P<0.05) and TNF- α expression was significantly decreased (. P<0.05) in simvastatin group compared to untreated group. Conclusions: Simvastatin could effectively inhibit the activation of astrocytes, reduce TNF- α expression, and exert anti-inflammatory effects, and thus protect the dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra and striatum of the rat model of PD.

Effect of percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage with bile reinfusion and enteral nutrition via the nasojejunal tube on visceral protein and hepatic function / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To discuss the clinical value of percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage (PTCD) combined with nasojejunal tube for bile reinfusion and enteral nutrition for patients with malignant obstructive jaundice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty patients with malignant obstructive jaundice were randomly divided into bile reinfusion group (n=20) and exclusive external drainage group (control group, n=20), and the clinical data concerning the hepatic function, visceral protein and postoperative complications of the patients were collected.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In both of the two groups, the levels of ALT, AST, and TB-2 reduced significantly after the operation as compared with the preperative levels (P<0.05), and no significant difference was found in the postoperative hepatic function between the two groups (P>0.05). The postoperative levels of the visceral proteins such as ALB, TRF and PRE increased significantly after the operation (P<0.05), and the changes in ALB and PRE were comparable between the two groups (P>0.05). TRF was significantly higher in bile reinfusion group than in the control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PTCD combined with bile reinfusion and early enteral nutrition via the nasojejunal tube may facilitate the recovery of hepatic function and visceral proteins in patients with malignant obstructive jaundice.</p>

Effect of different approaches to transplanting bone marrow stromal stem cells into the allogenic rat liver / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the effect of different approaches of bone marrow stromal stem cell (BMSCs) transplantation into the allogenic rat liver.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty male SD rats were randomized equally into local liver group, portal vein group, and femoral vein group, and received injection of 1×10⁶/ml BMSCs directly into the rat liver, through the portal vein and through the femoral vein, respectively. The rat livers were scanned by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 12 h and 1, 3, 5, 7, 14 days after the cell transplantation. Prussian blue staining of the rat liver sections was also performed 14 days after the transplantation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>MRI showed decreased signal intensity in all the rat livers of the local liver group; the ovoid area of the signal intensity gradually shrunk and the signal intensity increased with the passage of time. Lowered signal intensity was also seen in the rat livers of the portal vein group, appearing constantly branch-shaped, indistinct and increased gradually. Decreased signal intensity did not occur in the livers of femoral vein group. Prussian blue staining of all the rat livers at day 14 showed the presence of cells containing blue particles in all the groups, most numerous in the local liver group followed by the portal vein group and then the femoral vein group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Direct intrahepatic injection of the BMSCs results in better effect than cell transplantation via the portal vein or the femoral vein.</p>

Expression of Beclin1 in primary hepatocellular carcinoma / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To detect Beclin1 expression and explore its clinical significance in primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Beclin1 expressions in 10 normal hepatic tissues, 30 hepatitis liver, 30 cirrhotic liver and 50 HCC tissues were detected by immunohistochemical staining.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The positivity rates of Beclin1 expression in the HCC, cirrhotic liver, hepatitis liver and normal liver tissues were 78.00% (39/50), 26.67% (8/30), 53.33% (16/30), and 10.00% (1/10), respectively, showing significant differences between them (chi(2)=28.31, P<0.05). Beclin1 expression was significantly higher in HCC tissues than in the cirrhotic, hepatitis and normal liver tissues (chi(2)=20.39, 5.31, and 14.41, respectively, P<0.05), and hepatitis tissues showed significantly higher Beclin1 expression than hepatic cirrhosis tissues and normal hepatic tissues (chi(2)=4.44 and 4.12, respectively, P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The abnormal expression of Beclin1 is closely associated with the pathogenesis and development of primary hepatocellular carcinoma, and may play an important role in this process.</p>

Laparoscopic anterior resection of rectal carcinoma with preservation of the left colonic artery / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of laparoscopic anterior resection of rectal carcinoma with preservation of the left colonic artery.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From February 2006 to February 2009, 52 patients with rectal carcinoma formerly scheduled for Dixon operation (clinical stage I and II) received laparoscopic Dixon surgery. The inferior mesenteric artery, left colonic artery, sigmoid artery or superior rectal artery, and lymph nodes were dissected through the vasa vasorum approach. The left colonic artery was retained by transecting the inferior mesenteric artery inferior to the left colonic artery. The operative time, intraoperative hemorrhage volume, intraoperative complications, anastomotic tension, number and histopathological features of the dissected lymph nodes surrounding the inferior mesenteric artery, and the rates of local recurrence, lymph node metastasis and anastomotic leakage were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The operation was successfully completed in all the 52 cases. The operative time ranged from 115 to 320 min with a mean of 150 min. The mean intraoperative hemorrhage was 25 ml (range 15-75 ml). None of the patients had perforation of the rectum, injuries to blood vessel, ureter or adjacent organs, or anastomotic tension. The number of dissected lymph nodes surrounding the inferior mesenteric artery ranged from 4 to 8, with a mean of 6.2. The dissected lymph nodes in the base of the inferior mesenteric artery showed no cancer cell metastasis, while 4 patients had cancer cell metastasis in the lymph nodes surrounding superior rectal artery. None of patients had anastomotic leakage. Local recurrence was found in only 1 case at 7 months after the operation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Laparoscopic anterior resection of the rectal carcinoma with preservation of the left colonic artery can be completed in patients with rectal carcinoma planning to receive Dixon operation (clinical stage I or II). This surgical approach preserves more supplying vessels and prevents anastomotic leakage without increasing the anastomotic tension or affecting lymph node dissection surrounding the inferior mesenteric artery.</p>

Involvement of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK in up-regulation of 14-3-3 protein induced by hydrogen peroxide preconditioning in PC12 cells / 神经科学通报·英文版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the protective effects of hydrogen peroxide preconditioning (HPP) on the pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells treated with 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)) and to explore the potential mechanisms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The viability and apoptosis of PC12 cells were determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and 4',6'-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining, respectively. The expressions of 14-3-3 protein and phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) were determined by Western blot. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the activity of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The cell viability decreased and the number of apoptotic cells increased dramatically in MPP(+) group compared with that in Control group. HPP induced a significant increase in cell viability and a marked decrease in population of apoptotic cells of the MPP(+)-treated PC12 cells, accompanied with up-regulation of 14-3-3 protein and increase of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK activities. The 14-3-3 protein expression was positively correlated with the phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Furthermore, inhibition of the ERK1/2 with PD98059 abolished the 14-3-3 protein up-regulation in PC12 cells induced by HPP.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>HPP protects PC12 cells against MPP(+) toxicity by up-regulating 14-3-3 protein expression through the ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways.</p>

The tracking of allogenic grafted rat bone marrow stem cells in rat liver and their role on repairing injured liver / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the location, immigration of allogenic grafted Feridex-labeled rat bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) in chemically-induced acute injured livers and their role on repairing the injured liver function.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The rat models of chemically-induced acute hepatic injury established with CCl4 Feridex-labeled BMSCs were injected into the injured livers. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination was conducted on rat livers, the levels of ALT, AST and Fe3+ in the serum and hepatic tissues were studied 6 h before and 6 h, 1 w and 5 w after injection.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Cellular necrosis, congestion in the hepatic sinusoid and infiltration of inflammatory cells were seen in the model livers. Above 90 percent of the cells were Feridex-labeled BMSCs positive by prussian blue staining and iron particles were found in their endochylema through electron microscopy. MRI examination at the sequence of SE-T2WI showed remarkably low signal changes 6 h after injecting Feridex-labeled BMSCs and the site with signal changes gradually expanded 1 and 5 w after injection. Comparatively, the changes of low signal images at each time point in the injured livers were more obvious than those of the controls at all time points, respectively. Simultaneously, pathological injuries in the livers were ameliorated and the levels of ALT and AST in serums declined: these changes in the Feridex-labeled BMSCs group were more obvious than those in the non-Feridex-labeled BMSCs group. Uniformly, there were no significant differences between the Feridex-labeled BMSCs group and the non-Feridex-labeled BMSCs group in view of histopathological examination and serological examination (including ALT, AST, Fe3+ levels) at all time points.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The liver function in the model of chemically-induced acutely-injured liver may be repaired by BMSCs implantation. Traced by MRI, BMSCs in the injured liver of rats disperse at a higher rate than in the normally fed ones.</p>

Overexpression of 14-3-3 protein protects pheochromocytoma cells against 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium toxicity / 神经科学通报·英文版

Objective To investigate the effects of 14-3-3 protein overexpression on the 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)) induced pheochromocytoma (PC12) cell death and the potential mechanisms. Methods pcDNA3.1(+)-14-3-3 plasmids, which could be expressed in mammalian cell, were constructed and transfected into PC12 cells with Lipofectamine 2000. The expression of 14-3-3 protein, Bcl-2 protein, and BAD protein were determined by western blot. 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, microplate reader, and flow cytometric analysis were used to measure cell viability, the caspase activity, and apoptotic ratio respectively. Results (1) The expression of 14-3-3 protein increased significantly three weeks after pcDNA3.1 (+)-14-3-3 plasmids transfected into PC12 cells. (2) MPP(+) caused a decrease of cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. At 100 mu mol/L MPP(+), cell viability reduced approximately 50%. (3) The caspase activity increased along with the MPP(+) concentrations rising and reached its maximum value (0.34 mu mol/mg protein) at 100 mu mol/L MPP(+). However caspase activity decreased significantly when the MPP(+) concentration exceeded 100 mu mol/L. (4) Overexpression of 14-3-3 protein decreased the apoptosis ratio of PC12 cells treated with 100 mu mol/L MPP(+) from 26.5% to 8.6%. (5) Bcl-2 protein tended to decrease but BAD protein tended to increase after treatment of PC12 cells with 100 mu mol/L MPP(+). Overexpression of 14-3-3 protein significantly increased the cellular level of Bcl-2 protein and decreased that of BAD protein. Conclusion Overexpression of 14-3-3 protein may reduce MPP(+)-induced apoptotic cell death in PC12 cells by up-regulating the Bcl-2 expression and down-regulating the BAD expression. These results may provide a promising target for treatment of Parkinson' s disease.

Histological observations of chemically induced acute hepatic injury repaired by allogeneic bone marrow stem cell transplantation / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the possibility of repairing chemically induced acute hepatic injuries with allogeneic bone marrow stem cell (BMSC) transplantation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A SD rat model of CCl(4)-induced acute hepatic injury was established, which received transplantation of BMSCs (2.0 ml, 1x10(6)/ml) or normal saline injection into the local liver parenchyma, respectively. The rats were sacrificed at 6 h before and 6 h, 1, and 5 weeks after transplantation, and the livers were prepared for microscopic examination.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Cellular necrosis, bridging necrosis, congestion in the hepatic sinusoid, and inflammatory cell infiltration were seen in the chemically injured livers 6 h after model establishment, and these changes were ameliorated in rats receiving BMSC transplantation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Allogeneic BMSC transplantation can repair chemically induced acute liver injuries.</p>

Expressions and significance of Survivin and VEGF in hepatocellular carcinoma / 中国基层医药

Objective To explore the expressions of Survivin and VEGF and relationship between them in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods The expressions of Survivin protein and VEGF protein in 50 HCC.30 cirrhosis and 10 normal tissues were assessed by immunohistochemical method.The expressions of Survivin mRNA and VEGF mRNA in 50 HCC,30 cirrhosis and 10 normal tissues were assessed by in situ hybridization.Results The expressions of Survivin and VEGF in cancer tissues,cirrhosis tissues,normal tissues weresignificantly different. The expression of Survivin in HCC tissues was stronger than that in cirrhosis,but the expreesion of VEGF in cirrho- sis was stronger than that in HCC tissues.Conclusion The expression of survivin.is closely associated with the ex- pression of VEGF in HCC and they take positive correlation.The abnormal expressions of Survivin and VEGF are closely associated with the development of HCC.They may play important roles in the development of HCC.

Repair of excised burn wound with microskin grafting covered by autologous burn eschar / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the feasibility of autologous burn eschar as the coverage of microskin grafting in the repair of excised severe burn wounds.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twelve severe burn patients underwent massive escharectomy during 3 to 7 post burn days (PBD), and autologous eschar instead of alloskin was employed as the coverage of microskin. The integrity of grafted eschar and survival of microskin grafts were observed at 1 to 6 weeks after operation. The wound healing rate in grafted area was determined at 6 post operation week (POW), and the wound healing time was recorded.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The autologous eschar in the grafted area were integral and attached tightly to the wound during the 1 to 2 POW and began to dry and detach from the burn wound with the microskin underneath growing and fusing at 3-4 POW. This process went on until the eschar was completely detached from the burn wound and the microskin fused in large areas, with some granulation wounds left at 5 and 6 POW. The wound healing rate at the 6 POW was (87 +/- 4)%. The average wound healing time of burn patients in this group was (56 +/- 8) days.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Autologous eschar could be used as a substitute for the alloskin for microskin grafting in excised burn wounds.</p>

Value of magnetic resonance angiography combined with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography on diagnosis for patients with carcinoma of head of pancreas / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combined with magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in the preoperative diagnosis of patients with carcinoma of head of pancreas.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-two patients were examined by MRI, MRCP and MRA. The results were compared with the intraoperative exploration findings and operative procedures.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The MRCP and MRA results of 42 cases demonstrated that peripancreatic tissues and blood vessels were not invaded in 24 cases, while portal vein and superior mesenteric vein were invaded by the tumor in 5 cases, and peripancreatic vessels were infiltrated in 10 cases, and 3 cases were detected with organ metastasis. Thirty-five of forty-two cases were consistent with the intraoperative exploration findings, and the accurate rate was 89.7%. Pancraticoduodenectomy was performed in 28 patients, internal drainage in 11 and interventional therapy in 3 cases. The resection rate was 66.7%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The results of MRCP and MRA could definitely demonstrate the preoperative organ metastasis and peripancreatic organization invasion, especially blood vessel infiltration. So the imaging results played an important role in estimating the level of the process and guiding the treatment.</p>

Overexpression of 14-3-3 protein alleviates the toxicity of MPP~+ to PC12 cell / 中华神经科杂志

Objective To investigate the protective effects of the 14-3-3 protein overexpression on the injury of PC12 cell induced by MPP~+ and its mechanisms.Methods For expression in mammalial cells, pcDNA3.1(+)-14-3-3 plasmid was constructed and transfeeted into PC12 cell with Lipofectamine~(TM)2000. The overexpression of transfected 14-3-3 gene in PC12 cell was determined by immunofluorescence and Western blotting.The effects of 14-3-3 overexpressing on the cells viability,apoptotie ratio and the activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD)as well as glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)of PC 12 cell treated with MPP~+ were measured by MTT assay,flow cytometry analysis and microplate reader respectively.Results The expression of 14-3-3 protein in transfection group(1.19?0.06)increased evidently compared with control group(0.75?0.05).And the antioxidant enzyme activity assession,MTT assay and flow cytometry analysis shows that the overexpression of 14-3-3 protein elevates the activity of SOD(transfection group:(9.13? 0.41)U/mg protein,MPP~+ group:(6.45?0.52)U/mg protein)and GSH-Px(transfection group: (89.66?3.42)?mol/mg,protein MPP~+ group:(82.73?4.15)?mol/mg protein),increases the cell viability(transfection group:0.78?0.06,MPP~+ group:0.54?0.07),and inhibits cell apoptosis (transfeetion group:11.87%?3.26%,MPP~+ group:36.30%?2.39%)of PC12 induced by MPP~. Conclusion The overexpression of 14-3-3 protein could elevate the activity of antioxidant enzymes SOD and GSH-Px,reduce oxidant stress,alleviate MPP~+ toxicity,and thus inhibit the apoptosis of PC12 cell induced by MPP~+.