氯化血红素诱导大鼠肝脏血红素加氧酶1表达对急性乙醇性肝损害的保护作用

目的观察氯化血红素（heroin）对大鼠肝脏血红素加氧酶-1（HO-1）的诱导表达作用，并探讨HO-1对大鼠急性乙醇性肝损害的防治作用。方法SD大鼠28只随机分为三组：模型组（10只），予白酒连续灌胃10d制造急性乙醇性肝损害模型；hemin处理组（10只），在hemin腹腔注射基础上予白酒灌胃；正常对照组（8只），生理盐水灌胃。第10d处死大鼠后检测血清ALT、AST、SOD、MDA水平，光镜观察肝组织细胞形态学改变，采用逆转录聚合酶链反应（RT—PCR）检测肝组织HO-1mRNA表达以及免疫组织化学方法观察HO-1的表达。结果hemin处理组与正常对照组大鼠血清ALT、AST、MDA水平明显低于模型组，SOD水平明显高于模型组。模型组肝细胞肿胀、炎症细胞浸润等形态学改变比hemin处理组与正常对照组明显。hemin处理组HO-1表达明显高于模型组与正常对照组。结论hemin能诱导大鼠肝组织HO-1表达增加，提高HO-1表达对大鼠急性乙醇性肝损伤有保护作用。     

松果菊苷对大鼠急性肝损伤的保护作用

目的 研究松果菊苷对大鼠急性肝损伤的保护作用及机制.方法 随机将大鼠分为急性肝损伤组、药物干预组和正常对照组.大鼠经腹腔注射四氯化碳制备急性肝损伤模型;药物干预组大鼠给予松果菊苷连续灌胃7d,然后再进行四氯化碳染毒.染毒24h后测定各组大鼠血清ALT、AST水平,肝组织MDA浓度和SOD活性以及肝组织caspase-3活性和TNF-α水平;HE染色观察肝组织病理形态学改变.结果 急性肝损伤组大鼠血清ALT、AST水平以及组织MDA含量显著升高,伴SOD活性明显下降,与正常对照组相比差异非常显著;同时肝组织caspase-3活性和TNF-α水平亦显著高于对照组.预先给予松果菊苷能显著改善大鼠肝损伤,降低血清ALT、AST、MDA和caspase-3、TNF-α水平,并升高组织SOD活性.结论 松果菊苷对大鼠急性肝损伤有明显保护作用,机制可能与其抗氧化效应和清除自由基的作用有关.     

实验性肝损伤大鼠肝脏HO-1的表达及CO水平变化

目的研究急性肝损伤时大鼠肝脏HO-1的表达情况和CO水平,探讨HO-1和内源性CO在大鼠急性肝损伤中的作用.方法制备急性四氯化碳肝损伤模型,采用RT-PCR和免疫组化法测定不同时间点大鼠肝脏HO-1 mRNA和蛋白的表达情况;测定各时间点肝组织SOD、MDA含量变化,同时测定股静脉血中HbCO水平和ALT、AST肝功能指标.结果HO-1mRNA在正常大鼠有弱表达,染毒3 h后表达显著增强,于24 h时间点表达最强,与对照组相比差异非常显著(P＜0.01);免疫组化结果显示;HO-1蛋白在正常大鼠表达较低或无,染毒3h后即有明显表达,16至48h的时间点内表达均显著增强,主要定位于肝实质细胞、库普细胞的胞浆内.对照组HbCO水平极低,给予四氯化碳3 h后HbCO水平开始升高,此后各时间点均明显高于对照组,差异有显著性,这与HO-1表达情况相一致.此外,染毒后大鼠血清ALT、AST和MDA明显升高,SOD活性则显著降低,和对照组相比差异均十分显著.结论大鼠急性肝损伤后出现HO-1表达持续上调和血中CO水平迅速增高,提示HO/CO系统参与急性肝损伤的病理生理过程,其表达增加可能对机体有重要调节作用.     

茵陈紫金汤对小鼠四氯化碳急性肝损伤的保护作用

[目的]观察茵陈紫金汤对四氯化碳(CCl4)诱导的小鼠急性肝损伤保护作用.[方法]以0.12?l4花生油溶液经腹腔注射,制备小鼠急性化学性肝损伤模型,测定给药后模型小鼠血清丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)、天冬氨酸转氨酶(AST),肝组织匀浆超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性以及丙二醛(MDA)水平,计算肝脏指数,光镜下观察肝组织病理学变化.[结果]茵陈紫金汤高、中剂量组均能显著降低CCl4所致小鼠急性肝损伤血清ALT、AST活性,提高肝组织匀浆SOD活性,降低MDA及肝脏指数,明显改善肝组织损伤的程度,与模型组比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).[结论]茵陈紫金汤对CCl4诱导的小鼠急性肝损伤有保护作用,其作用机制可能与抗脂质过氧化有关.     

慢病毒介导PXR体内转染对CCl_4诱导的大鼠肝损伤的保护作用研究

目的探讨PXR对CCl4诱导的大鼠肝损伤的保护作用。方法雄性SD大鼠48只,随机分为4组,空白组不做任何处理;模型组通过CCl4灌胃诱导肝损伤;空载体组在建立肝损伤模型前3天静脉注射慢病毒空载体;PXR慢病毒组在建立肝损伤模型前3天静脉注射PXR重组慢病毒。通过血清AST和ALT检测和肝脏HE染色评估肝损伤程度;Western blot及RT-PCR检测大鼠肝组织中PXR、NF-κB、IL-1、IL-2和TNF-α的表达。结果慢病毒介导PXR体内转染后肝损伤大鼠血清AST和ALT明显降低,肝损伤及纤维化程度明显减轻,PXR表达水平明显升高,相反,NF-κB、IL-1、IL-2和TNF-α的表达水平明显降低。结论 PXR可能通过抑制NF-κB的表达,下调炎症相关因子IL-1、IL-2和TNF-α的表达,从而对CCl4诱导的大鼠肝损伤具有一定的保护作用,可为肝损伤的治疗提供一种新的途径和思路。     

山茱萸总苷对四氯化碳诱导的急性肝损伤的影响

目的观察山茱萸总苷（TGCO）对四氯化碳（CC l4）诱导大鼠急性肝坏死的影响。方法将W estar大鼠分为对照组（A组）、CCl4组（B组）、100 mg/kg TGCO＋CCl4组（C组）和200 mg/kg TGCO＋CC l4组（D组）。16 h后检测各组血清ALT、AST、ALP、SOD、CAT、MDA含量及肝组织TNF-α与NF-κB-p65蛋白表达,HE染色观察病变程度。结果与B组比较,C、D组血清ALT、AST、ALP含量下降,TNF-α与NF-κB-p65蛋白表达降低,胞质中SOD和CAT活性提高、MDA水平降低,HE染色肝组织病变程度较轻,TGCO治疗呈剂量依赖性。结论 TGCO能显著减轻CC l4诱导的肝损伤,可能与TGCO抗脂质过氧化作用及抗炎症反应有关。     

内质网应激在四氯化碳致大鼠急性肝损伤中的作用探讨

目的研究内质网应激在四氯化碳诱导的大鼠急性肝损伤中的变化规律和作用机制。方法采用四氯化碳制备大鼠急性肝损伤模型，动态测定大鼠肝脏GRP78蛋白和caspase 12酶原表达情况，测定大鼠血清ALT、AST水平、肝组织SOD活性、MDA浓度和caspase 3活性变化；采用HE染色和TUNEL法观察肝组织病理形态学和肝细胞凋亡变化。结果四氯化碳染毒后大鼠肝脏GRP78蛋白表达显著增加，caspase 12酶原表达相应减少，呈一定时间依赖方式。大鼠染毒后出现血清ALT、AST水平以及组织MDA含量显著升高，SOD活性明显下降，与对照组有显著性差异（P〈0．01）；染毒后大鼠肝组织caspase 3活性亦显著升高，病理学及TUNEL法检测结果均显示肝脏有严重损伤，大量肝细胞发生凋亡。结论四氯化碳诱导大鼠肝损伤时GRP78和caspase 12的表达变化表明发生了内质网应激反应，其变化趋势和大鼠肝细胞凋亡、病理损伤一致，这一结果提示内质网应激介导的肝细胞凋亡参与了大鼠肝损伤。     

急性肝损伤大鼠肝脏血红素加氧酶-1/一氧化碳系统的变化及意义

目的:研究急性肝损伤时大鼠肝脏HO-1/CO系统的变化规律,探讨HO-1和内源性CO的作用机制及其病理生理意义.方法:采用D-氨基半乳糖(GalN)和脂多糖(LPS)联合腹腔注射制备大鼠急性肝损伤模型,动态测定各时间点(3,6,12,24,36 h)大鼠肝脏HO-1活性和蛋白表达情况,测定肝脏CO浓度以及血清ALT,AST水平和肝组织SOD活性、MDA含量变化.结果:Ga1N和LPS联合注射成功诱导了大鼠急性肝损伤,表现为染毒24 h时大鼠血清ALT,AST水平以及肝组织MDA浓度显著升高(10872.5±708.5 nkat/L,9246.8±814.7 nkat/L,5.06±1.21 μmol/g vs 1043.5±247.4 nkat/L,1278.6±273.8 nkat/L,2.03±0.59 μmol/g,均P＜0.01),SOD活性明显下降(813.7±168.3nkat/mg vs 1248.2±84.9 nkat/mg,P＜0.01),HE染色显示肝细胞出现严重损伤.染毒3-24 h大鼠肝脏HO-1活性明显增强,6-24 h呈现一定的时间依赖方式(4.02±0.74,5.97±1.51,6.13±1.18 μmol/g vs 2.86±0.41 μmol/g);Westernblot测定结果亦显示,HO-1蛋白表达显著增强,24 h时明显高于正常对照组(1.87±0.39 vs0.37±0.09,P＜0.01).正常大鼠肝脏的CO浓度极低,染毒后以时间依赖方式开始升高,并显著高于正常对照组(0.373±0.112,0.474±0.152,0.513±0.193 μmol/g vs 0.172±0.041 μmol/g,P＜0.01),这与HO-1表达情况相一致.结论:大鼠急性肝损伤时出现HO-1活性增加和蛋白表达持续上调以及CO浓度迅速增高,提示HO-1/CO系统参与急性肝损伤的病理生理过程,其表达增加可能对机体有重要调节作用.     

补肾养肝合剂对四氯化碳诱导大鼠急性肝损伤的防护作用

目的：探讨补肾养肝合剂萃取物对四氯化碳（CCl4）诱导大鼠急性肝损伤之影响。方法：用CCl4诱导急性肝损伤模型，造模前口服补肾养肝合剂萃取物（100，500mg／kg），适时检测血清中ALT、AST活性。结果：补肾养肝合剂可有效降低CCl4诱发之ALT、AST活性；提升肝脏中抗氧化酵素（酶）SOD、GPx、GR活性。结论：结果显示补肾养肝合剂萃取物对CCl4诱导急性肝损伤具有防护作用，其防护CCl4诱导急性肝损伤之机转与提升肝脏内抗氧化酵素（酶）GR、GPx与SOD活性有关。     

白术莪术提取物对小鼠急性肝损伤的保护作用

目的 研究白术莪术提取物对四氯化碳(CCl4)诱导的小鼠急性肝损伤的影响.方法 给予小鼠白术莪术提取物灌胃,连续7d,腹腔注射CCl4-花生油溶液造模急性肝损伤,16 h后测定血清丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)、天冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)含量、肝组织中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性及其肝脏、脾脏指数.结果 白术莪术提取物能显著降低急性肝损伤小鼠血清中ALT、AST含量及提高肝组织中SOD活性,减小肝脏指数(P＜0.01).结论 白术莪术提取物对CCl4诱导的小鼠急性肝损伤具有很好的保护作用.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Conservative management of perforated duodenal diverticulum： A case report and review of the literature

Duodenal diverticula are a relatively common condition. They are asymptomatic, unless they become complicated, with perforation being the rarest but most severe complication. Surgical treatment is the most frequently performed approach. We report the case of a patient with a perforated duodenal diverticulum, which was diagnosed early and treated conservatively with antibiotics and percutaneous drainage of secondary retroperitoneal abscesses. We suggest this method could be an acceptable option for the management of similar cases, provided that the patient is in good general condition and without septic signs.     

Changes in connexin43, the gap junction protein of astrocytes, during development of the rat pineal gland

Abstract: The abundance of gap junctions between rat pineal astrocytes formed by connexin43 (Cx43) was studied during development. Levels and distribution of Cx43 were measured by immunoblotting and indirect immunofluorescence, respectively. The amount of Cx43 in cells located within the gland was low until about the 7th postnatal day and increased to adult values between the 14th and 21st days postpartum. Although astrocytes, recognized by their vimentin immunoreactivity, were scarce before birth, they were abundant by the 7th postnatal day suggesting that the low levels of Cx43 found at this age corresponded to a low expression of this protein. Localization of the immunoreactivity to Cx43 and vimentin showed a close correlation, indicating that mature or immature pineal astrocytes form gap junctions made of Cx43. Since Cx43 levels attained their adult values at about the time the innervation and the functional state of the gland reached maturity (2–3 weeks after birth), it is proposed that astrocyte gap junctions are involved in the function of the adult rat pineal gland.     

Language of CTO interventions – Focus on hardware

The knowledge of variety of chronic total occlusion (CTO) hardware and the ability to use them represents the key to success of any CTO interventions. However, the multiplicity of CTO hardware and their physical character and the terminology used by experts create confusion in the mind of an average interventional cardiologist, particularly a beginner in this field. This knowledge is available but is scattered. We aim to classify and compare the currently used devices based on their properties focusing on how physical character of each device can be utilized in a specific situation, thus clarifying and simplifying the technical discourse.     

High prevalence of distal sensory polyneuropathy in antiretroviral-treated and untreated people with HIV in Tanzania

Objectives To describe the prevalence of distal sensory polyneuropathy (DSP), a complication of both advanced HIV disease and of antiretroviral therapy (ART), amongst Tanzanians with HIV, on and off ART (including stavudine) with CD4 counts above and below 200 cells/μl. Methods We recruited participants attending ART clinic into four groups: >6 months ART exposure and (i) CD4 < 200 cells/μl or (ii) CD4 > 200 cells/μl (ART/CD4 < 200 and ART/CD4 > 200, respectively); ART‐naïve and (iii) CD4 < 200 cells/μl or iv)CD4 > 200 cells/μl (noART/CD4 < 200 and noART/CD4 > 200, respectively). Primary outcome was DSP, as defined by presence of at least one symptom and one sign. Results Of 326 evaluable participants, 81 (32 men, median age 38 years, median CD4 142 cells/μl) were enrolled in the ART/CD4 < 200 group, 78 (17 men, median age 37 years, median CD4 345 cells/μl) in ART/CD4 > 200, 81 (30 men, median age 37 years, median CD4 128 cells/μl) in noART/CD4 < 200 and 86 (22 men, median age 33 years, median CD4 446 cells/μl) in noART/CD4 > 200. Numbness was the most commonly reported symptom. DSP prevalence ranged from 43.2% in ART/CD4 < 200 to 20.9% in noART/CD4 > 200. DSP was more common among men (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–3.3) and older participants (aOR 2.7, 95% CI 1.1–6.2 for age 40 + vs. <30 years). Conclusion Distal sensory polyneuropathy is common amongst those attending this clinic, even those with no ART exposure and a CD4 count above 200 cells/μl. Stavudine and didanosine expose HIV‐infected patients to an additional avoidable risk of DSP. Access to non‐neurotoxic ART regimes as well as earlier HIV diagnosis and initiation of ART is needed.