硝苯地平控释片对肝硬化患者门脉血流动力学影响的双功多普勒观察

目的 研究硝苯地平控释片对门脉高压的治疗作用。方法 以双功多普勒技术检测了３２例肝硬化门脉高压患者在用硝苯地平控释片３０ｍｇ１次／ｄ前后门脉血流动力学的变化。结果 用药后门静脉流速降低，充血指数上升；脾静脉流速、流量降低、肝动脉、脾动脉的阻力指数及脉动指数降低；肝总血流量增加；平均动脉压及心率无显著变化。结论 肝、脾动脉的阻力指数及搏动指数是门脉阻力的良好指标。硝苯地平控释片可通过如下机制降低门脉     

当归对肝硬化门脉高压影响的临床与实验研究

目的和方法：通过对胆管结扎肝硬化犬门脉系压力的直接测定，超声多普勒监测肝硬化患者的门脉血流，研究当归对肝硬化门脉血流动力学的影响。结果：（１）当归静脉给药，肝硬化犬的门静脉压（Ｐｐｖ）、嵌塞肝静脉压（ＷＨＶＰ）、肝静脉压力梯度（ＨＶＰＧ）显著降低（Ｐ＜００５～００１），平均动脉压（ＭＡＰ）、心率（ＨＲ）无明显变化（Ｐ＞００５）；（２）当归口服用药后（１０～１２周），肝硬化患者门静脉内径（Ｄｐｖ）、脾静脉内径（Ｄｓｖ）、脾静脉血流量（Ｑｓｖ）显著降低（Ｐ＜００５～００１），门静脉血流量（Ｑｐｖ）降低无显著意义（Ｐ＞００５）。结论：用药后，患者症状与肝功能（ＡＬＴ）部分好转，未见副作用。表明，当归为降低门静脉高压安全有效的药物     

丹参对门脉高压血流动力学影响的实验与临床研究

为研究丹参对肝硬化门脉血流动力学的影响，利用血管插管测定用药前后胆管结扎肝硬化犬门脉系统压力变化，超声多普勒监测肝硬化患者用药后门静脉系统血流动力的改变。结果：（１）丹参静脉给药可使肝硬化犬门静脉压（ＰＰＶ）、嵌塞肝静脉压（ＷＨＶＰ）、肝静脉压力梯度（ＨＶＰＧ）显著降低（Ｐ＜０．０５～０．０１），而平均动脉压（ＭＡＰ）、心率（ＨＲ）无明显变化（Ｐ＞０．０５）；（２）丹参长期口服（１０～１２周），可显著降低肝硬化患者（Ｃｈｉｌｄ－ＰｕｇｈＡ、Ｂ级）门静脉内径（ＤＰＶ）、脾静脉内径（ＤＳＶ）、门静脉血流量（ＱＰＶ）、脾静脉血流量（ＱＳＶ）（Ｐ＜０．０５～０．０１），并对患者乏力、厌食、腹胀及肝功能（ＡＬＴ）具有部分改善作用，未见副作用。本研究表明，丹参为安全有效的降低门静脉压力药物，值得对其做进一步研究。     

丹参等活血化淤中药对门脉高压血流动力学影响的临床与实验研究

目的探讨丹参、当归等及硝苯啶对门脉高压血流动力学的影响。方法采用血管插管测定胆管结扎肝硬化犬门脉系统压力变化；超声多普勒观测肝硬化患者门脉血流动力学变化。结果（１）静脉滴注丹参、当归后，肝硬化犬门静脉压（Ｐｐｖ）、嵌塞肝静脉压（ＷＨＶＰ）、肝静脉压力梯度（ＨＶＰＧ）显著降低（Ｐ＜０．０５～０．０１），平均动脉压（ＭＡＰ）、心率（ＨＲ）无明显变化（Ｐ＞０．０５），硝苯啶则使Ｐｐｖ，ＷＨＶＰ，ＭＡＰ．ＨＲ显著降低（Ｐ＜０．０５）。（２）丹参、丹参＋硝苯啶．丹参＋水＋硝苯啶口服药１０－１２周，能显著降低肝硬化患者门静脉内径（Ｄｐｖ）、脾静脉内径（Ｄｓｖ）．门静脉血流量（Ｑｐｖ），脾静脉血流量（Ｑｓｖ）（Ｐ＜０．０５－０．０１，当归作用较弱。结论对比表明，丹参、当归等中药较硝苯啶对门脉压力作用为慢，但较持久，无副反应。     

当归对肝硬化门脉高压患者全身及门脉血液动力学的影响

为了解当归对肝硬化门脉高压的降压效果，对１１例肝硬化门脉高压患者在输注当归注射液期间（每分钟２０ｍｇ／ｋｇ体重）进行了全身及门脉血液动力学指标的观察。结果表明：静脉滴注当归注射液后，患者全身血液动力学无明显变化，门脉血液动力学则变化显著，表现为肝静脉嵌塞压（ＷＨＶＰ）和肝静脉压力梯度（ＨＶＰＧ）显著下降，门静脉和脾静脉血流量显著减少，但其降压效果与基础ＷＨＶＰ呈反比。提示当归可通过减少门静脉血流量而降低门脉压，但没有全身性副作用     

狗肝硬化门脉高压症血浆儿茶酚胺浓度变化的实验研究

本研究通过结扎狗胆总管形成肝硬化门脉高压症的动物模型，对模型成前后门静脉压力、肝静脉压力、门静脉血流量、肝动脉血流量、门静脉血管阻力，肝动脉血管阻力和门静脉、肝静脉、脉主动脉。下腔静脉四部位血浆儿茶酚胺浓度的变化进行了自身对照性对比研究。结果：①肝硬化形成后门脉压力明显增高，肝静脉嵌塞压也明显增高，门脉血流量减少而肝动脉血流量增加，门脉血管阻力增加而肝动脉血管阻力则下降，这些变化与人类肝硬化门脉高压症相同。②门静脉、肝静脉。腹主动脉和下腔静脉血浆去甲肾上腺素的含量均在门脉高压形成后明显增加。提示肝硬化时血浆去甲肾上腺素的增加可能参与门脉高压症的某些病理生理过程，并进一步支持用a受体阻滞剂降低门脉压力和门脉血管阻力，治疗肝硬化食道静脉曲张破裂出血或预防出血。     

微创治疗肝硬化食管胃底曲张静脉破裂大出血研究

食管胃底曲张静脉破裂是肝硬化门静脉高压上消化道大出血的主要原因，经皮经肝曲张血管栓塞术（percutaneous transhepatic varices embolization，PTVE）和部分脾动脉栓塞术（partial splenic embolization，PSE）是近年来治疗肝硬化门脉高压症的新技术。本研究旨在探讨PTVE联合PSE对门静脉（PV）压力、PV血流量的影响，及对止血、延长出血间期、降低死亡率的价值。     

双剂量奥曲肽对肝硬化门脉高压症断流术后患者血流动力学的影响

目的研究双剂量奥曲肽对肝硬化门脉高压症断流术后患者门脉压力、肝脏血流动力学影响。方法肝硬化门脉高压症断流术患者26例,随机分两组,术后24h开始用奥曲肽。A组12例,奥曲肽50μg／h;B组14例,奥曲肽25μg／h;胃网膜右静脉插管至门静脉主干,动态测定门脉压力;彩色超声多普勒测定门脉直径（PV）、门脉最大血流速度（PFVmax）、门脉平均血流速度（PFVmean）、肝动脉最大血流速度（HAVmax）、肝动脉最小血流速度（HAVmin）;计算门脉血流量参数（PFI）、肝动脉血流量参数（HAFI）。结果断流术后,两组患者门脉压力平均降幅15．4％,PFI降低（P〈0．05）;HAVmax、HAVmin、HAFI增加（P〈0．05）。用奥曲肽72h后,两组PFI、PFVmax、PFVmean降低（P〈0．05）;用药5min门脉压力降低,24h达高峰,门脉压力平均降幅20．6％。A组停药后48h内,门脉压力未见回升,平均降幅23．1％;B组停药后2h门脉压力有回升趋势,平均降幅11．6％;停药后24h、48h两组患者门脉压力比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。Logistic分析发现,PV、PFVmax、PFVmean、HAVmax、HAVmin与门脉压力无独立相关性。结论肝硬化门脉高压症患者行断流术后,门脉压力降低。双剂量奥曲肽均能明显降低门脉压力;停药后48h内,奥曲肽50μg／h组门脉压力未见回升。提示,临床用奥曲肽50μg/h对防止静脉曲张再出血更合理。     

强肝软坚汤与心得安联合治疗肝硬化门脉高压症临床观察

对110例肝硬化门脉高压症患者随机分组,前瞻性研究强肝软坚汤、心得安及强肝软坚汤与心得安联合用药三组临床疗效,结果联合用药组疗效优于单独用药二组(P<0.01)。提示强肝软坚汤与心得安二者不同的治疗机制,对肝硬化门脉高压症可起到协同治疗效果。     

软肝冲剂对肝炎肝硬化门脉高压患者血清一氧化氮、内皮素的影响

目的：观察软肝冲剂对肝炎肝硬化门脉高压患者门静脉主干内径及血流量、血流速度和血清一氧化氮（NO），内皮素（ET）的影响。方法：选择肝炎肝硬化门脉高压患者97例，随机分为两组，治疗组口服软肝冲剂，对照级以西药常规治疗，观察治疗后的总有效率、肝功能，门静脉主干内径及血流量、血流速度和血清NO、ET的变化。结果：经治疗后治疗组总有效率优于对照组（P＜0．05），患者ANT，TBil明显降低，Alb和A／G均明显升高，门静脉内径变窄，血流量增多，血流速度变快，同时NO及ET亦显著降低，与对照组比较，差异有显著性意义（P＜0．05或0．01）。结论：软肝冲剂治疗肝炎肝硬化门脉高压疗效显著，能明显改善肝功能，降低门静脉压力，其作用机制之一是降低血清NO、ET水平。     

Three layer functional model and energy exchange concept of aging process

Relying on a certain degree of abstraction, we can propose that no particular distinction exists between animate or living matter and inanimate matter. While focusing attention on some specifics, the dividing line between the two can be drawn. The most apparent distinction is in the level of structural and functional organization with the dissimilar streams of ‘energy flow’ between the observed entity and the surrounding environment. In essence, living matter is created from inanimate matter which is organized to contain internal intense energy processes and maintain lower intensity energy exchange processes with the environment. Taking internal and external energy processes into account, we contend in this paper that living matter can be referred to as matter of dissipative structure, with this structure assumed to be a common quality of all living creatures and living matter in general. Interruption of internal energy conversion processes and terminating the controlled energy exchange with the environment leads to degeneration of dissipative structure and reduction of the same to inanimate matter, (gas, liquid and/or solid inanimate substances), and ultimately what can be called ‘death.’ This concept of what we call dissipative nature can be extended from living organisms to social groups of animals, to mankind. An analogy based on the organization of matter provides a basis for a functional model of living entities. The models relies on the parallels among the three central structures of any cell (nucleus, cytoplasm and outer membrane) and the human body (central organs, body fluids along with the connective tissues, and external skin integument). This three-part structural organization may be observed almost universally in nature. It can be observed from the atomic structure to the planetary and intergalactic organizations. This similarity is corroborated by the membrane theory applied to living organisms. According to the energy nature of living matter and the proposed functional model, the decreased integrity of a human body's external envelope membrane is a first cause of the structural degradation and aging of the entire organism. The aging process than progresses externally to internally, as in single cell organisms, suggesting that much of the efforts towards the restoration and maintenance of the mechanisms responsible for structural development should be focused accordingly, on the membrane, i.e., the skin. Numerous reports indicate that all parts of the human body, like: bones, blood with blood vessels, muscles, skin, and so on, have some ability for restoration. Therefore, actual revival of not only aging tissue of the human body's membrane, but the entire human body enclosed within, with all internal organs, might be expected. We assess several aging theories within the context of our model and provide suggestions on how to activate the body's own anti-aging mechanisms and increase longevity. This paper presents some analogies and some distinctions that exist between the living dissipative structure matter and inanimate matter, discusses the aging process and proposes certain aging reversal solutions.     

Unusual responses of nocturnal pineal melatonin synthesis and secretion to swimming: Attempts to define mechanisms

Abstract: The effect of swimming at night on rat pineal melatonin synthesis was compared with that of light exposure at night. Rats were forced to swim at 0030 hr (lights out at 2000 hr) and sacrificed by decapitation 15 and 30 min later, immediately after swimming. Other groups of animals were exposed to white light (650μW/cm²) for 15 and 30 min at same time. Swimming caused a rapid and highly significant drop in the melatonin content in the pineal gland; however, the activity of N-acetyltransferase (NAT), the supposed rate limiting enzyme in the melatonin production, was not changed. Despite the drop in pineal melatonin levels, serum concentrations of the indole remained elevated in the rats that swam. In contrast, melatonin levels in the pineal and serum of light exposed rats fell precipitously, accompanied by a significant suppression of NAT activity. Since we anticipated that the strenuous exercise associated with swimming may induce release of artrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) from the heart, which in turn could cause the release of pineal melatonin, in a second study we injected physiological saline intravenously to stretch the cardiac muscle and release ANP. Three milliliters of normal saline was injected during the day into the jugular vein of anesthetized rats that were pretreated with isoproterenol to stimulate pineal melatonin production. Animals were killed 15 min after the saline injection, and pineal NAT activity and pineal melatonin levels were measured. The saline injections caused no alteration in the elevated levels of either NAT or melatonin. These data suggest that the disparity in pineal NAT activity (which was high) and pineal melatonin (which was low), in animals swum at night, may not be caused by ANP which is released during strenuous exercise such as swimming.     

Melatonin and photoperiodic time measurement: Seasonal breeding in the sheep

Abstract: Well-established circadian physiology supports the view that photoperiodic time measurement utilizes the coincidence between the presence of light and a photosensitive phase of a 'biological clock' to alter reproductive status—the so-called external coincidence model of seasonal breeding. In this review, we examine the mechanism whereby photoperiod interacts with presumed suprachiasmatic nuclei activity to allow endogenous melatonin to normally synchronize reproductive activity to the optimal time of year. The Romney Marsh sheep is particularly explored as an experimental model. It is suggested that the on/off activity of seasonal reproduction may be a robust mechanism able to be predictably manipulated by the judicious use of the light/dark cycle and exogenous melatonin, but firmly based on circadian principles.     

The immunoneuroendocrine role of melatonin

Abstract: A tight, physiological link between the pineal gland and the immune system is emerging from a series of experimental studies. This link might reflect the evolutionary connection between self-recognition and reproduction. Pinealectomy or other experimental methods which inhibit melatonin synthesis and secretion induce a state of immunodepression which is counteracted by melatonin. In general, melatonin seems to have an immunoenhancing effect that is particularly apparent in immunodepressive states. The negative effect of acute stress or immunosuppressive pharmacological treatments on various immune parameters are counteracted by melatonin. It seems important to note that one of the main targets of melatonin is the thymus, i.e., the central organ of the immune system. The clinical use of melatonin as an immunotherapeutic agent seems promising in primary and secondary immunodeficiencies as well as in cancer immunotherapy. The immunoenhancing action of melatonin seems to be mediated by T-helper cell-derived opioid peptides as well as by lymphokines and, perhaps, by pituitary hormones. Melatonin-induced-immuno-opioids (MHO) and lymphokines imply the presence of specific binding sites or melatonin receptors on cells of the immune system. On the other hand, lymphokines such as -γ-interferon and interleukin-2 as well as thymic hormones can modulate the synthesis of melatonin in the pineal gland. The pineal gland might thus be viewed as the crux of a sophisticated immunoneuroendocrine network which functions as an unconscious, diffuse sensory organ.     

Serological survey of HIV and syphilis in pregnant women in Madagascar

Objectives Peripartal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis, leads to severe consequences for newborns. Preventive measures require awareness of the maternal infection. Although HIV and syphilis testing in Madagascar could be theoretically carried out within the framework of the national pregnancy follow‐up scheme, the required test kits are rarely available at peripheral health centres. In this study, we screened blood samples of pregnant Madagascan women for HIV and syphilis seroprevalence to estimate the demand for systemic screening in pregnancy. Methods Retrospective anonymous serological analysis for HIV and syphilis was performed in plasma samples from 1232 pregnant women that were taken between May and July 2010 in Ambositra, Ifanadiana, Manakara, Mananjary, Moramanga and Tsiroanomandidy (Madagascar) during pregnancy follow‐up. Screening was based on Treponema pallidum haemagglutination tests for syphilis and rapid tests for HIV, with confirmation of positive screening results on line assays. Results Out of 1232 pregnant women, none were seropositive for HIV and 37 (3%) were seropositive for Treponema pallidum. Conclusions Our findings are in line with previous studies that describe considerable syphilis prevalence in the rural Madagascan population. The results suggest a need for screening to prevent peripartal Treponema pallidum transmission, while HIV is still rare. If they are known, Treponema pallidum infections can be easily, safely and inexpensively treated even in pregnancy to reduce the risk of transmission.     

Response of rat pineal melatonin to calcium, magnesium, and lithium is circadian stage dependent

Abstract: Herein we documented the response of pineal melatonin production to electrolytes known to be effective on pineal function in view of a possible circadian stage dependence. We studied the release of melatonin by perifused rat pineal glands at 2 different circadian stages corresponding to the middle of the light and dark periods, i.e., respectively, 7 and 19 HALO (Hours After Light Onset, L:D = 12:12). The initial efflux rates were, as expected, much higher in the perifusates of glands removed from rats sacrificed during the dark phase than of those removed during the light phase. After 3 hr of perifusion, melatonin release reached similar levels which were found constant up to the 8th hr of perifusion, whatever the circadian stage. Perifusion of the glands with physiological concentrations for the rat of calcium (5.2 mmol/1) and magnesium (1.34 mmol/1) resulted in a stimulatory effect on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed in the middle of the dark period (19 HALO), whereas no effects were observed on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed during the light (7 HALO). Lithium (0.28 and 0.55 mmol/1) was ineffective on melatonin release in pineal glands removed 7 and 19 HALO. Our results show differences in the initial efflux rates of melatonin and in the response of perifused pineal glands to calcium and magnesium according to the circadian stage.