[A new bibenzyl derivative from stems of Dendrobium officinale].

Eleven compounds were isolated from the 95% ethanol extract of the stems of Dendrobium officinale after water extraction by various modern chromatographic techniques, such as silica gel column chromatography(CC), octadecyl-silica(ODS) CC, Sephadex LH-20 CC, preparative thin layer chromatography(PTLC) and preparative high performance liquid chromatography(PHPLC). According to spectroscopic analyses(MS, 1D-NMR, 2D-NMR) combined with optical rotation data and calculated electronic circular dichroism(ECD), their structures were identified as dendrocandin Y(1), 4,4'-dihydroxybibenzyl(2), 3-hydroxy-4',5-dimethoxybibenzyl(3), 3,3'-dihydroxy-5-methoxybibenzyl(4), 3-hydroxy-3',4',5-trimethoxybibenzyl(5), crepidatin(6), alternariol(7), 4-hydroxy-3-methoxypropiophenone(8), 3-hydroxy-4,5-dimethoxypropiophenone(9), auriculatum A(10) and hyperalcohol(11). Among them, compound 1 was a new bibenzyl derivative; compounds 2 and 7-11 have not been previously reported from Dendrobium plants; compound 6 was reported from D.officinale for the first time. Compounds 3-6 exhibited potent antioxidant activity with IC_(50) values of 3.11-9.05 µmol·L~(-1) in ABTS radical scavenging assay. Compound 4 showed significant inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase, with IC_(50) value of 17.42 µmol·L~(-1), indicating that it boasted hypoglycemic activity.

[Heterocyclic compounds and phenolic glycosides from flowers of Dendrobium officinale].

Eight heterocyclic compounds and twelve phenolic glycosides were separated from the water extract of Dendrobium officinale flowers through chromatographic techniques, such as Diaion HP-20 macroporous adsorption resin column chromatography(CC), silica gel CC, ODS CC, Sephadex LH-20 CC, and preparative high performance liquid chromatography(PHPLC). According to the spectroscopic analyses(MS, ~1H-NMR, and ~(13)C-NMR) and optical rotation data, the compounds were identified as dendrofurfural A(1), 2'-deoxyadenosine(2), 4-[2-formyl-5-(hydroxymethyl)-1H-pyrrol-1-yl] butanoic acid(3), 4-[2-formyl-5-(methoxymethyl)-1H-pyrrol-1-yl] butanoic acid(4), 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-5-(methoxymethyl)-1H-pyrrole-2-carbaldehyde(5), 5-(methoxymethyl)-1H-pyrrole-2-carbaldehyde(6), methyl 5-(hydroxymethyl)-furan-2-carboxylate(7),(S)-5-hydroxymethyl-5H-furan-2-one(8), 2-methoxyphenyl-1-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside(9), arbutin(10), isotachioside(11), 2,6-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenol-1-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside(12), orcinol glucoside(13), tachioside(14), gastrodin(15), 4-O-ß-D-glucopyranosylvanillyl alcohol(16), 2,6-dimethoxy-4-hydroxymethylphenol-1-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside(17), icariside D_2(18), 4-formylphenyl-ß-D-glucopyranoside(19), and vanillin-4-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside(20). Among them, compound 1 is a new furfural benzyl alcohol condensate, with the skeleton first found in Dendrobium. Compounds 2-9, 11, 13, and 19 are reported from Dendrobium for the first time, and compounds 14 and 18 are reported for the first time from D. officinale. Compounds 11 and 14 showed moderate DPPH radical scavenging capacity, and compounds 11-14 demonstrated potent ABTS radical scavenging capacity, possessing antioxidant activity.

Immuno-modification of enhancing stem cells targeting for myocardial repair.

Despite the controversy in mechanism, rodent and clinical studies have demonstrated beneficial effects of stem/progenitor cell therapy after myocardial infarction (MI). In a rat ischaemic reperfusion MI model, we investigated the effects of immunomodification of CD 34(+) cells on heart function and myocardial conduction. Bispecific antibody (BiAb), consisting of an anti-myosin light chain antibody and anti-CD45 antibody, injected intravenously was used to direct human CD34(+) cells to injured myocardium. Results were compared to echocardiography guided intramyocardial (IM) injection of CD34(+) cells and PBS injected intravenously. Treatment was administered 2 days post MI. Echocardiography was performed at 5 weeks and 3 months which demonstrated LV dilatation prevention and fractional shortening improvement in both the BiAb and IM injection approaches, with BiAb achieving better results. Histological analyses demonstrated a decrease in infarct size and increase in arteriogenesis in both BiAb and IM injection. Electrophysiological properties were studied 5 weeks after treatments by optical mapping. Conduction velocity (CV), action potential duration (APD) and rise time were significantly altered in the MI area. The BiAb treated group demonstrated a more normalized activation pattern of conduction and normalization of CV at shorter pacing cycle lengths. The ventricular tachycardia inducibility was lowest in the BiAb treatment group. Intravenous administration of BiAb offers an effective means of stem cell delivery for myocardial repair post-acute MI. Such non-invasive approach was shown to offer a distinct advantage to more invasive direct IM delivery.

[HPLC characteristic chromatographic profile of Sarcandra glabra].

OBJECTIVE: To develop the characteristic chromatographic profile of Sarcandra glabra by HPLC for its quality control. METHOD: The HPLC analysis was performed on an Agilent Zorbax Eclipse XDB-C18 column (4. 6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) with column temperature at 40 degree C. The mobile phase was consisted of water containing 0. 5% formic acid and acetonitrile to methanol (1:9) in gradient mode, and the detection wavelength was set at 344 nm. RESULT: A common mode of the HPLC characteristic chromatographic profile has been establised. There were 20 common peaks , seven of which were identified, and 46 samples from different habitats were classified into five groups based on principal component cluster analysis. CONCLUSION: The method was time-saving and can represent the chemical information and provide a scientific basis for quality control of S. glabra.

Lead helix winding tricuspid chordae tendineae: A case report.

BACKGROUND: As left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) is more like physiological pacing, LBBP has emerged as a novel pacing strategy that uses the native conduction system to improve ventricular synchronization with stable pacing parameters. LBBP has been revealed associated with a significantly reduced risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation and heart failure compared with conventional permanent pacemaker implantation. CASE SUMMARY: A 64-year-old man was admitted with a 24-h history of chest distress and shortness of breath, which continued unabated. The patient had no symptoms of chest pain, dizziness, syncope, nausea nor vomiting. There were no abnormalities found in routine examinations after admission. Twelve-lead electrocardiogram presented a result of 2:1 atrioventricular block. Coronary angiography was performed the next day and no abnormality was found. Finally, the patient agreed to received LBBP and signed the informed consent. During the process of withdrawing the Medtronic Model 3830 lead into sheath, we found the lead helix was wrapped around the chordae tendineae of the septal valve of tricuspid. Attempts to rotate the 3830 lead failed to release the lead helix from the chordae tendineae, and ultimately we used radiofrequency ablation to ablate the wrapped chordae tendineae. CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency ablation effectively solved this problem without complications. It is an effective and reliable method to resolve lead winding chordae.

Continuous positive airway pressure therapy might be an effective strategy on reduction of atrial fibrillation recurrence after ablation in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: insights from the pooled studies.

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an independent and modifiable risk factor in the initiation and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the effective of the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on AF patients with OSA after ablation is elusive. Methods: Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were systematically searched up to February 1, 2023. Studies comprising the AF recurrence rate between the CPAP therapy group and non-CPAP therapy group for the AF patients with OSA were included. Meanwhile, trial sequential analysis (TSA) was conducted to adjust the lower statistical power and random error in this study. Subgroup analysis identified the potential determinants for the AF recurrence rate with CPAP therapy. Results: A total of eight studies including 1,231 AF patients with OSA were eligible. Compared with non-CPAP treatment group, CPAP treatment group was statistically associated with a lower AF recurrence rate (risk ratio [RR], 0.58; p = 0.000). TSA indicated the firm evidence favoring CPAP group for AF recurrence risk. Three significant intervention-covariate interactions for AF recurrence was identified, including study design, non-paroxysmal AF (PAF) proportion, and CPAP treatment strategy. Conclusion: Our study suggests that CPAP therapy might be an effective strategy on reducing AF recurrence post-ablation for AF patients with OSA. The CPAP treatment strategy and the non-PAF proportion might be the possible determinants on AF recurrence for AF patients with OSA after ablation. Clinical trial registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023398588, identifier (CRD42023398588).

Sulfur-containing amino acids and their metabolites in atrial fibrosis.

Atrial fibrosis, a symbol of atrial structural remodelling, is a complex process involved in the occurrence and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF). Atrial fibrosis is regulated by multiple factors. Sulfur containing amino acids and their metabolites, such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and taurine, can inhibit the process of atrial fibrosis and alleviate atrial remodeling. However, homocysteine can promote the activation of atrial fibroblasts and further promote atrial fibrosis. In this review, we will focus on the recent progress in atrial structural changes and molecular mechanisms of atrial fibrosis, as well as the regulatory roles and possible mechanisms of sulfur containing amino acids and their metabolites in atrial fibrosis. It is expected to provide new ideas for clarifying the mechanism of atrial fibrosis and finding targets to inhibit the progress of atrial fibrosis.

[Inhibitory effects of melatonin on the expression of phosphorylation p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase during acute lung injury in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effect of melatonin (MT) on lung tissues during acute lung injury (ALI) in rats and its possible mechanism. METHODS: Seventy-two Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group and MT treatment group. In LPS group and MT treatment group, 1 ml/kg of LPS (200 mug/200 mul) was administered through the airway. In MT group, 10 mg/kg of MT was injected intraperitoneally before and after administration of LPS, and 1 ml/kg of ethanol-normal saline was given in control rats. The rats were sacrificed at 3, 6, 10 hours after administration of LPS, and the lung tissue was obtained for determination of the contents of nitrogen monoxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD). In addition, the expression of phosphorylation p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-p38 MAPK) in lung tissue was assayed with immunohistochemistry staining. RESULTS: Compared with control group, SOD activity (U/mg) decreased significantly in LPS group (3 hours: 73.78+/-3.62 vs. 112.69+/-3.26, 6 hours : 66.07+/-2.31 vs. 117.85+/-1.96, 10 hours: 55.13+/-5.26 vs. 118.27+/-2.16, all P<0.01), but NO (micromol/mg), MDA (nmol/mg) content and the expression of p-p38 MAPK [absorbance (A) value] increased obviously (NO: 8.19+/-0.48 vs. 2.32+/-0.20 at 3 hours, 11.71+/-0.27 vs. 2.08+/-0.15 at 6 hours, 16.53+/-0.60 vs. 2.76+/-0.21 at 10 hours; MDA: 11.43+/-0.68 vs. 2.86+/-0.21 at 3 hours, 19.63+/-1.29 vs. 2.85+/-0.19 at 6 hours, 26.63+/-2.00 vs. 2.84+/-0.28 at 10 hours; p-p38 MAPK: 0.340+/-0.020 vs. 0.238+/-0.019 at 3 hours, 0.410+/-0.016 vs. 0.218+/-0.024 at 6 hours, 0.578+/-0.066 vs. 0.238+/-0.036 at 10 hours, all P<0.01). The administration of MT mitigated above contents significantly [SOD (U/mg) was 86.02+/-2.81, 80.87+/-3.40, 94.46+/-5.03, NO (micromol/mg) was 3.80+/-0.28, 5.32+/-0.22, 7.24+/-0.52, MDA (nmol/mg) was 8.18+/-0.84, 7.84+/-0.78, 6.43+/-1.06, and p-p38 MAPK (A value) was 0.311+/-0.018, 0.312+/-0.019, 0.314+/-0.021 at 3, 6, 10 hours, respectively, P<0.05 or P<0.01]. CONCLUSION: MT possessed protective effect on lung tissues during ALI by its antioxidation effect and inhibition of over- expression of p-p38 MAPK.

[Role of polymorphonuclear neutrophil in exogenous hydrogen sulfide attenuating endotoxin-induced acute lung injury].

The animal model of acute lung injury (ALI) caused by intravenous injection of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and cultured human peripheral blood polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) were used to study the effects of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donor, on LPS-induced PMN accumulation, microvascular permeability and PMN apoptosis. Control group, NaHS group, LPS group and LPS + NaHS group were established both in in vivo and in vitro studies. Microvascular permeability, PMN accumulation in lung and apoptosis of PMN were detected. The results showed that: (1) In in vivo study, PMN accumulation in lung, the protein content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and the Evans blue dye in lung tissue of LPS group were markedly higher than those of both sham operation group and LPS + NaHS group (P<0.05, P<0.01); (2) In in vitro study, the apoptotic rates of PMN in LPS group and NaHS group were significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.01), while compared with LPS group, LPS + NaHS group showed significantly higher apoptotic rate (P<0.01). These results suggest that NaHS attenuates LPS-induced microvascular permeability and alleviates ALI. PMN apoptosis induced by NaHS is possibly one of the potential mechanisms underlying the decrease of PMN accumulation in lung tissue.

[Ameliorative effects of exogenous sulfur dioxide on lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in rats].

To investigate the influence of sulfur dioxide (SO2) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI), we examined the influence of exogenous SO2 on pulmonary tissue inflammatory response. A rat model of ALI induced by intravenous (IV) injection of LPS was developed. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into four groups randomly: control group, LPS group, LPS plus SO2 group (IV injection of 0.5 mL Na2SO3/NaHSO3 10 min before LPS administration) and SO2 group (only given Na2SO3/NaHSO3). Animals were sacrificed 6 h after agent administration. Lung weight/body weight ratio (LW/BW) was measured and calculated. Morphological changes of lung tissues were observed. The number of polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), intercellular adhesion factor-1 (ICAM-1) expression in the lung tissue and IL-1, IL-6 and IL-10 levels in the serum were tested. The results showed that, compared to control rats, the LPS-treated rats had severe injuries of lung tissues and an increased LW/BW, increased index of quantitative assessment (IQA) score, increased PMN number in the BALF, increased ICAM-1 expression in the lung tissue and increased IL-1, IL-6 and IL-10 levels in the serum 6 h after LPS injection. Administration of the SO2 donor, Na2SO/3NaHSO3, into LPS-treated rats reduced the LW/BW, PMN number and ICAM-1 expression, and alleviated the degree of ALI (measured by the IQA score). In addition, Na2SO3/NaHSO3 decreased IL-1 and IL-6 levels, but increased IL-10 level in the serum. There were no significant differences in the above indexes between SO2-treated rats and control rats. These results suggest that exogenous SO2 could inhibit the pulmonary tissue inflammatory response in rats with LPS-induced ALI.

[Inhibitory effect of melatonin on the expression of nuclear factor-kappaB during acute lung injury in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effect of melatonin (MT) on lung tissue during acute lung injury (ALI) in rats and its possible mechanism. METHODS: Ninety-six Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group, dexamethasone (DEX) and MT treatment group, with 24 rats in each group. Rat model of ALI was established by instilling LPS intratracheally, and DEX and MT were injected intraperitoneally. All rats in each group were sacrificed at 3, 6 and 12 hours after intratracheal instillation of LPS, and lung tissue samples were harvested. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in lung tissue samples were detected in each group. In addition, the expression of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) was assessed with immunohistochemistry staining in lung tissues. RESULTS: Compared with control group, SOD activity in LPS group decreased at different time points significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01), but MPO activity, MDA content and the expression of NF-kappaB increased obviously (P<0.05 or P<0.01); the administration of MT and DEX could mitigate above values significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The changes in above each indexes were most obvious at 6 hours, either reaching the peak or the trough, respectively. CONCLUSION: MT possesses protective effect on lung tissues during ALI through scavenging free radicals and inhibiting the activation of NF-kappaB.

In vitro Effects of Nerve Growth Factor on Cardiac Fibroblasts Proliferation, Cell Cycle, Migration, and Myofibroblast Transformation.

BACKGROUND: Recent research indicates that nerve growth factor (NGF) promotes cardiac repair following myocardial infarction by promoting angiogenesis and cardiomyocyte survival. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of NGF on cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) proliferation, cell cycle, migration, and myofibroblast transformation in vitro. METHODS: CFs were obtained from ventricles of neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats and incubated with various concentrations of NGF (0, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 ng/ml; 0 ng/ml was designated as the control group). Cell proliferation and cell cycle of the CFs were measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and flow cytometry (FCM), respectively. A cell scratch wound model and transwell were carried out to observe effects of NGF on migration of CFs after 24 h of culture. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting were used to measure α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) at mRNA and protein levels after CFs were incubated with various concentrations of NGF. RESULTS: Expression of α-SMA measured by RT-PCR and Western blotting significantly increased in the 1 and 10 ng/ml NGF groups (P < 0.05). Absorbance values of CFs showed that NGF did not influence the proliferation of CFs (The A490values were 0.178 ± 0.038, 0.182 ± 0.011, 0.189 ± 0.005, 0.178 ± 0.010, 0.185 ± 0.025, and 0.177 ± 0.033, respectively, in the 0, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 ng/ml NGF groups [P = 0.800, 0.428, 0.981, 0.596, and 0.913, respectively, compared with control group]), and FCM analysis showed that the percentage of CFs in G0/G1, S, and G2/M phases was not changed (P > 0.05). The cell scratch wound model and transwell showed that CFs migration was not significantly different (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: NGF induces myofibroblast transformation but does not influence proliferation, cell cycle, or migration of CFs in vitro.

[Protective effect of endogenous carbon monoxide on organs during septic shock in rat and its mechanisms].

OBJECTIVE: To study the protective effect of endogenous carbon monoxide (CO) on lung and liver during septic shock in rat and its mechanism. METHODS: Septic shock model was replicated by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Ninety-six rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, CLP group, CLP+ hemin (Hm) group and CLP+zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP) group. The carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels of in-flowing pulmonary blood (IPB) and out-going pulmonary blood (OPB) were determined at 2, 4 and 6 hours after treatments. Malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in the lung, liver and blood were also determined. Pathological changes in lung and liver were examined with light microscope, and immunohistochemical technique was used for analysis of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein expression and distribution in lung and liver. RESULTS: Compared with sham operation group, the COHb level in OPB and IPB as well as MDA contents of lung, liver and blood significantly increased in CLP group, while the SOD activities significantly decreased at different time points (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the pathological changes and expressions of HO-1 in two tissues were more marked. However, in CLP+Hm group the results of MDA, SOD activities and pathological changes were reversed. The content of COHb increased compared to those of CLP group. Immunohistochemical studies showed that there were more HO-1 positive deposits in CLP+Hm group than those in CLP group. CONCLUSION: Increase in endogenous CO may play a protective role in lung and liver during septic shock.

Curcumin reduces cardiac fibrosis by inhibiting myofibroblast differentiation and decreasing transforming growth factor ß1 and matrix metalloproteinase 9 / tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of curcumin on fibroblasts in rats with cardiac fibrosis. METHODS: The rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=12 in each group): the normal control, isoproterenol (ISO), ISO combined with low-dose curcumin (ISO+Cur-L), and ISO combined with high-dose curcumin (ISO+Cur-H) groups. ISO+Cur-L and ISO+Cur-H groups were treated with curcumin (150 or 300 mg•kg-1•day-1) for 28 days. The primary culture of rat cardiac fibroblast was processed by trypsin digestion method in vitro. The 3rd to 5th generation were used for experiment. Western blot method was used to test the expression of collagen type I/III, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was applied to test the proliferation of fibroblast. RESULT: Curcumin significantly decreased interstitial and perivascular myocardial collagen deposition and cardiac weight index with reducing protein expression of collagen type I/III in hearts (P<0.05). In addition, curcumin directly inhibited angiotensin (Ang) II-induced fibroblast proliferation and collagen type I/III expression in cardiac fibroblasts (P<0.05). Curcumin also inhibited fibrosis by inhibiting myofibroblast differentiation, decreased TGF-ß1, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expression (P<0.05) but had no effects on Smad3 in Ang II incubated cardiac fibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS: Curcumin reduces cardiac fibrosis in rats and Ang II-induced fibroblast proliferation by inhibiting myofibroblast differentiation, decreasing collagen synthesis and accelerating collagen degradation through reduction of TGF-ß1, MMPs/TIMPs. The present findings also provided novel insights into the role of curcumin as an antifibrotic agent for the treatment of cardiac fibrosis.

[Preparation of composite of poly (o-methyl-acrylamide-benzoic acid)/ znO nanoparticles and its property of fluorescence].

The preparation of P(o-MAABA) via ATRP and the composite of P(o-MAABA)/ZnO nanoparticles were described. 1H NMR, IR, TA and TEM were utilized to confirm the results. 1H NMR indicates that the structure of the P(o-MAABA) was definite, and the molecule weight of P(o-MAABA) was 7900. IR shows that ZnO nanoparticles were introduced to P(o-MAABA) and were interacted with the reactive groups of polymer. TA shows that the heat stability of P(o-MAABA))/ZnO composite increased greatly. TEM photo demonstrates that the composite was spherical and the surface was smooth. The P(o-MAABA)/ZnO composite exhibits particular fluorescence property, and the emission spectrum of the P(o-MAABA)/ZnO composite red shifts 25 nm compared to the polymer. In addition, the composite features good solubility and film formability, and may become a new optical material.

Molecular basis of selective atrial fibrosis due to overexpression of transforming growth factor-ß1.

AIMS: Animal studies show that transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) is an important mediator of atrial fibrosis and atrial fibrillation (AF). This study investigated the role of TGF-ß1 in human AF and the mechanism of atrial-selective fibrosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Atrial specimens from 17 open heart surgery patients and left atrial and ventricular specimens from 17 explanted hearts were collected to assess the relationship between TGF-ß1, AF, and differential atrial vs. ventricular TGF-ß1 levels. A transgenic mouse model overexpressing active TGF-ß1 was used to study the mechanisms underlying the resultant atrial-selective fibrosis. Higher right atrial total TGF-ß1 levels (2.58 ± 0.16-fold, P < 0.0001) and active TGF-ß1 (3.7 ± 0.7-fold, P = 0.013) were observed in those that developed post-operative AF. Although no ventricular differences were observed, 11 explanted heart failure hearts exhibited higher atrial TGF-ß1 levels than 6 non-failing hearts (2.30 ± 0.87 fold higher, P < 0.001). In the transgenic mouse, TGF-ß1 receptor-1 kinase blockade resulted in decreased atrial expression of fibrosis-related genes. By RNA microarray analyses in that model, 80 genes in the atria and only 2 genes in the ventricle were differentially expressed. Although these mice atria, but not the ventricles, exhibited increased expression of fibrosis-related genes and phosphorylation of Smad2, there were no differences in TGF-ß1 receptor levels or Smads in the atria compared with the ventricles. CONCLUSIONS: TGF-ß1 mediates selective atrial fibrosis in AF that occurs via TGF-ß Receptor 1/2 and the classical Smad pathway. The differential atrial vs. ventricular fibrotic response occurs at the level of TGF-ß1 receptor binding or phosphorylation.

[Protective function of melatonin to acute lung injury and its mechanisms in rats caused by oleic acid].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the expression of P-selectin (Ps), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) in lung tissues of acute lung injury (ALI) rat model induced by oleic acid (OA) and to explore the protective effects of melatonin (MT) in lung tissues in rats. METHODS: All rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group, OA group, MT + OA group and SB203580 + OA group. Rat model of ALI was established by intravenous injection of oleic acid (OA). Lung coefficient was measured, lung tissues were imbedded by paraffin to observe morphological changes and the expression of Ps, ICAM-1 and NF-kappaB in lung tissues by means of immunohistochemistry staining. RESULTS: Compared with control group, the lung coefficient increased significantly in OA group (P < 0.05). Alveolar septum thickened significantly in OA group, there had many infiltrated inflammatory cells and collapsed alveoli of lung; positive expression of Ps, ICAM-1 and NF-kappaB were very obvious (P < 0.05); the administration of MT and SB203580 mitigated above changes significantly (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: MT possesses obviously protective effect on lung tissues during ALI, its protective mechanism might be related to the inhibition of the expression of Ps, ICAM-1 and NF-kappaB.

[Protective effects of melatonin in acute lung injury rats caused by LPS].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the expression of p-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in lung tissues of acute lung injury rat model induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and to explore the protective effects of melatonin (MT) in lung tissues in rats. METHODS: Seventy-two rats was randomly assigned to three groups, control group, LPS group and LPS + MT group. Rat model of ALI was established by instilling LPS intratracheally. We used immunohistochemical SP and Western blot method to detect the expression of p-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in lung tissues and used light microscope to observe morphological changes. RESULTS: There were rare p-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase positive cells scattered in alveolar and airway epithelial cells in control group (P < 0.01). The positive p-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase cells in LPS group increased obviously than those in control group (P < 0.01), and were mainly distributed in infiltrative inflammatory cells, airway epithelial cells, alveolar epithelial cells and pleurames epithelial cells. In MT group, the p-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase positive cells in airway and lung tissues were much less than those in the LPS group (P < 0.05). The Western blot results were consistent with those of immunohistochemical method. CONCLUSION: The expression of p-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase increases in alveolar and airway epithelial cells in acute lung injury rat models induced by LPS. The activation of p-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase is found in most lung tissues, suggesting that p-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase participates in the signal transduction in inflammatory and noninflammatory cells. MT is an effective antioxidant, which relieves the inflammation in acute lung injury rats, possibly through the inhibition of the pathway of p38 MAPK over activation.