Protective effects of Schisandrin on high glucose-induced changes of RhoA and eNOS activity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Schisandrin, derived from the Chinese medicinal herb Schisandra chinensis, has been found to confer protective effects on circulation systems. But the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a high level of glucose on RhoA and eNOS activity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs) and how Schisandrin plays a role in mediating these effects. To find the optimal treatment time, HUVECs were cultured at a high glucose concentration (30 mM) for different lengths of time (0, 12, 24, and 48 h). Subsequently, the cells were randomized into five groups: a normal group, a high glucose group, and three high glucose groups that were given different doses (5, 10, and 20 µM) of Schisandrin. The cells were pretreated with Schisandrin for 24 h before stimulation with high glucose. The morphology of HUVECs in the various groups was assessed under a light microscope. Immunocytochemical staining was used to detect the level of p-MYPT1 expression. The levels of RhoA activity were determined using the RhoA Activation Assay Biochem Kit. The levels of eNOS activity were examined using a nitrate reduction test. The results showed that in the high glucose group, the activity of RhoA was increased and the activity of eNOS was reduced, thus decreasing the secretion of NO. However, after pretreatment with Schisandrin (10, 20 µM), the activity of RhoA was inhibited and the activity of eNOS increased, which led to an increase in NO production compared with the high glucose group. There was no evident difference between the 5 µM Schisandrin group and the high glucose group. Taken together, these findings indicate that Schisandrin can improve the function of endothelial cells by lowering the activity of RhoA/Rho kinase and raising both the activity of eNOS and the production of NO.

Multiple symmetric lipomatosis and gynecomastia: A case report and relative literature review.

Multiple symmetric lipomatosis is a rare disease characterized by a symmetrical accumulation of massive adipose tissue on the neck, the superior part of the trunk, and limbs. Here, we reported an extremely rare case of multiple symmetric lipomatosis in a 46-year-old Chinese man, who has a history of heavy drinking and smoking and presented with diffuse lipomatosis and bilateral breast enlargement. Hyperuricemia and impaired glucose tolerance test were all found in this patient. A brief review of the literature was also made in this article.