Functions of the endothelium and its role in hematopoietic cell transplantation

The endothelium is a single-layered structure that responds to physical and chemical signals with various factors it synthesizes. In the early days of its discovery, as the inner wall of the vessels, the endothelium was thought to be a simple barrier that lays on the surface. Over time it is discovered that endothelium maintains body homeostasis with the molecules it synthesizes, despite its simple single-layer structure. It has been accepted as an important organ that contributes to the maintenance of vascular tone, cell adhesion, inflammation, vascular permeability and coagulation. Any imbalance in these physiological and pathological events causes endothelial dysfunction. This can cause many diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, or it can occur because of these. Endothelial related disorders may also complicate hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), which is used to treat various hematologic and neoplastic diseases. These life-threatening complications include graft-versus-host disease, hepatic veno-occlussive disease, transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. They share a similar pathophysiology involving endothelial cells with different clinical presentations. Therefore, current researche on the issue is putting the endothelium under the spotlight for novel markers and treatment options that should be used to monitor or treat at least some of these complications following HSCT.     

Clinical features and possible founder mutation of the 8bp duplication mutation in the SLC4A11 gene causing corneal dystrophy and perceptive deafness in three South American families

Background: Corneal Dystrophy and Perceptive Deafness (CDPD) or Harboyan syndrome is an autosomal recessive rare disorder, characterized by congenital corneal opacities and progressive sensorineural hearing loss, which usually begins after the second decades of life. This study reports the ophthalmic, audiological and genetic features, in five CDPD affected patients from three Chilean families.

Materials and Methods: Five individuals affected with CDPD from three unrelated Chilean families were clinically and genetically examined. To evaluate a putative founder mutation 7 SNPs were analyzed in the three families, an Argentinian patient (carrier of the same mutation previously reported) and 87 Chilean controls.

Results: The ophthalmic symptoms in the five patients were bilateral and symmetric, starting before one year of age, and visual acuity varied from 0.1 to 0.3. In all cases, hearing loss began over 8 years old. The sequence of the 19 exons of SLC4A11 gene of all the affected patients exhibited homozygous eight nucleotide sequence duplication (c.2233_2240dup TATGACAC, p.(Ile748Metfs*5)) at the end of exon 16. All the affected patients of the three families were homozygous for a haplotype composed of five SNPs and covering 4,1 Mb. The same haplotype was present in one allele of the heterozygous Argentinean patient and has a frequency of 2.76% in Chilean population.

Conclusions: The five CDPD patients were homozygous for the same mutation in the SLC4A11 gene. Haplotype analysis of all the affected, including the case reported from Argentina was in accordance with a founder mutation.     

Early clinical experience in femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery compared to conventional cataract surgery

ObjectiveTo investigate the safety and efficacy of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery compared to conventional cataract surgery. MethodsEighty-seven patients （114 eyes） were enrolled in this prospective cohert study between December 2013 and May 2014 in Shanxi Eye Hospital. Forty-four patients （60 eyes） underwent femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery. Forty-three patients （54 eyes） underwent 2.2 mm coaxial microincision cataract surgery. Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery involved anterior capsulotomy， corneal incision and lens fragmentation based on optical coherence tomography-guided treatment mapping. An aspheric intraocular lens （SN60WF） or a multifocal intraocular lens （SN6AD1） was implanted based on the patient′s preference. Intraoperative complication rates and phaco energy parameters were recorded. Visual acuity， central corneal thickness and corneal endothelial cell loss were analyzed and the measurements were compared between the two groups. ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences in visual acuity and best corrected visual acuity （BCVA）. The reduction in the mean number of endothelial cells was lower in the femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery group， but the difference was not significant. U/S total time was reduced to 30% compared to the conventional cataract surgery group （t=-2.739， P＜0.01）. Cumulative dissipated energy （CDE） was reduced 49% （Z=-2.979， P＜0.01）. In the femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery group， an incision was easily opened in 78%； incisions for the remaining patients were more difficult to perform. 93% of the capsule buttons were free floating and 7% were incomplete and a manual capsulorrhexis was required to complete the capsulotomy. ConclusionFemtosecond laser capsulotomy and lens fragmentation significantly reduce ultrasound use compared to conventional surgery. The new surgery appears to be safer and more efficient than conventional cataract surgery in the short term postoperatively.     

Total antioxidant status reduction conditioned by a serum selenium concentration decrease as a mechanism of the ultrasonographically measured brachial artery dilatation impairment in patients with arterial hypertension

The objective of the study was to determine the relationship between serum concentrations of selenium (SeS) and zinc (ZnS), total antioxidant status (TAS) and endothelial function assessed by ultrasonographic method of dilatation of the brachial artery in 141 hypertensive patients.Patients with SeS < median were characterized by a statistically significantly lower flow-mediated dilation (FMD) than patients with SeS ≥ median. Patients with TAS < median were characterized by a significantly lower FMD than patients with TAS ≥ median. Older age, higher BMI, male gender, higher blood total cholesterol, ischemic heart disease, smoking and lower SeS constitute independent predictors of inferior endothelial function, expressed in lower FMD values. Smoking is an independent predictor of lower TAS, and the use of β-blockers and higher serum selenium levels are independent predictors of higher TAS.In summary, a decrease in TAS should be considered as a mechanism of inferior endothelial function in hypertensive patients conditioned by a decrease in SeS.     

中药鸡内金的现代研究进展

鸡内金来源于雉科动物家鸡Gallus gallus domesticus Brisson的干燥砂囊内壁,主要含有蛋白质、氨基酸、多糖等成分以及微量元素。作为药食同源中药,鸡内金不仅是一味消食化积的良药,在治疗口腔溃疡、石淋、腹泻、妇科疾病等方面也取得很好的疗效,具有广阔的药食开发前景。本文对鸡内金的来源、炮制加工、化学成分、质量评价、药理作用、临床应用以及综合利用等方面的研究进展进行了归纳总结,为其后续的深入研究及开发利用提供参考。     

A Low‐Cost,Small Volume Circuit for Autologous Blood Normothermic Perfusion of Rabbit Organs

We have designed a laboratory extracorporeal normothermic blood perfusion system for whole organs (e.g., kidney) that achieves pulsatile flow, low levels of hemolysis, and a blood priming volume of 60 mL or less. Using this uniquely designed extracorporeal circuit, we have achieved perfusion of two isolated ex vivo constructs. In the first experiment, we successfully perfused a rabbit epigastric flap based on the femoral vessels. In the second experiment, we were able to perfuse the isolated rabbit kidney for 48 h (range for all kidneys was 12–48 h) with excellent urine output, normal arterial blood gasses at 24 h, and normal ex vivo kidney histology at the conclusion of the experiments. These parameters have not been achieved before with any known or previously published laboratory extracorporeal circuits. The study has implications for prolonged organ perfusion prior to transplantation and for tissue engineering of vascularized tissues, such as by the perfusion of decellularized organs.     

心房颤动患者左心房血清炎性因子和血管内皮损伤标志物水平变化与血栓的相关性研究

背景 心房颤动（以下简称房颤）容易合并脑卒中和外周动脉栓塞。研究房颤血栓形成的具体机制并进行有效干预以降低血栓形成的风险,是目前房颤基础和临床研究的重要方向。 目的 探讨房颤患者左心房血清炎性因子和血管内皮损伤标志物水平变化与血栓的相关性。 方法 选取2017年7月至2019年12月在广西医科大学第一附属医院接受开胸心脏手术的瓣膜性心脏病患者29例和冠心病患者10例,依据心律情况分为窦性心律组15例和房颤组24例。房颤组的24例患者再依据血栓情况分为无左心耳血栓和有左心耳血栓两个亚组,分别为房颤+左心耳血栓亚组和房颤无左心耳血栓亚组,各12例。收集患者的一般资料,并检测左心房内径（LAD）、左心室射血分数（LVEF）,术中抽取左心房血液标本检测蛋白激酶B（AKT）、核转录因子κB（NF-κB）、超敏C反应蛋白（hs-CRP）、白介素（IL）-6、IL-8、肿瘤坏死因子α（TNF-α）、内皮素（ET-1）、一氧化氮（NO）、血管性血友病因子（vWF）、细胞间黏附分子（ICAM-1）及血管细胞黏附因子（VCAM-1）水平,并检测房颤+左心耳血栓亚组患者血栓面积。房颤+左心耳血栓亚组患者LAD、LVEF、炎性因子水平和血管内皮损伤标志物的水平与左心耳血栓面积的关系采用Pearson相关分析。 结果 窦性心律组、房颤无左心耳血栓亚组与房颤+左心耳血栓亚组患者LAD、LVEF比较,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;房颤无左心耳血栓亚组和房颤+左心耳血栓亚组患者LAD、LVEF比较,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。房颤无左心耳血栓亚组患者AKT、NF-κB、IL-8、ET-1、ICAM-1、VCAM-1水平高于窦性心律组,NO水平低于窦性心律组（P<0.05）。房颤+左心耳血栓亚组患者AKT、hs-CRP水平高于房颤无左心耳血栓亚组,NO水平低于房颤无左心耳血栓亚组（P<0.05）;房颤无左心耳血栓亚组和房颤+左心耳血栓亚组患者NF-κB、IL-6、IL-8、TNF-α、ET-1、vWF、ICAM-1、VCAM-1水平比较,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。房颤+左心耳血栓亚组患者血栓面积最大为4.8 cm2,最小为1.67 cm2,平均为（3.48±0.83）cm2。Pearson相关分析结果显示,房颤合并左心耳血栓患者LAD、LVEF、AKT、NF-κB、hs-CRP、IL-6、IL-8、TNF-α、ET-1、NO、vWF、ICAM-1、VCAM-1与血栓面积无直线相关关系（P>0.05）。 结论 房颤患者左心房血液炎性因子和血管内皮损伤标志物水平明显升高,且合并左心房血栓时上述指标更高。检测炎性因子和血管内皮损伤标志物的水平有助于评估房颤患者的血栓状态。     

Novel insight into perirenal adipose tissue: A neglected adipose depot linking cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease

Obesity is associated with adverse metabolic diseases including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). These obesity-related diseases are highly associated with excess fat accumulation in adipose tissue. However, emerging evidence indicates that visceral adiposity associates more with metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors. Perirenal adipose tissue, surrounding the kidney, is originally thought to provides only mechanical support for kidney. However, more studies demonstrated perirenal adipose tissue have a closer association with renal disease than other visceral fat deposits in obesity. Additionally, perirenal adipose tissue is also an independent risk factor for CKD and even associated more with CVD. Thus, perirenal adipose tissue may be a connection of CVD with CKD. Here, we will provide an overview of the perirenal adipose tissue, a neglected visceral adipose tissue, and the roles of perirenal adipose tissue linking with CVD and CKD and highlight the perirenal adipose tissue as a potential strategy for future therapeutics against obesity-related disease.     

老年非瓣膜心脏病心房颤动患者血小板功能及血管性血友病因子的改变

目的探讨老年非瓣膜心脏病心房颤动(房颤)患者血小板活化、内皮细胞功能改变及临床意义. 方法采用全血法流式细胞仪分别测定老年非瓣膜心脏病房颤或无房颤患者及健康老年人血小板膜上活化糖蛋白IIb/IIIa复合物(glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex, GPIIb/IIIa)和糖蛋白Ib(glycoprotein Ib, GPIb)水平.用全自动细胞分析仪及酶联免疫吸附法分别测定平均血小板体积(MPV)和血浆血管性血友病因子(vWF). 结果老年非瓣膜心脏病房颤患者血小板表面活化GPIIb/IIIa荧光阳性率为9.23%(0.66%～73.89%),显著高于无房颤患者的2.61%(0.58%～17.33%)及健康老年组1.71%(0.45%～6.11%),(均为P<0.01).而老年非瓣膜心脏病房颤患者的GPIb荧光阳性率为(93.66±3.66)%,明显低于无房颤组的(96.65±2.10)%及健康老年组(97.88±1.89)%(均为P<0.01).此外,房颤患者的MPV水平也显著高于无房颤患者及健康老年人(P<0.05). 结论老年非瓣膜心脏病房颤患者存在血小板活性增高及内皮细胞功能受损,这些异常改变可能与老年房颤患者心房内血栓形成及血栓或栓塞并发症有关.     

短期应用辛伐他汀对大鼠缺血再灌注后心肌无复流的影响及其潜在机制

目的 探讨辛伐他汀对缺血再灌注后心肌无复流的影响及其潜在机制.方法 雄性Wistar大鼠48只,随机分为假手术组、对照组及辛伐他汀组.对照组及辛伐他汀组结扎左冠状动脉建立大鼠心肌无复流模型,假手术组仅开胸不结扎冠状动脉.术后进行缺血范围(RA/LVA)、无复流范围(NA/RA)及梗死范围(MIA/RA)评估,测定心肌组织内皮型一氧化氮合酶(eNOS)、诱导型一氧化氮合酶(iNOS)活性,一氧化氮(NO)含量、髓过氧化物酶(MPO)活性及丙二醛(MDA)含量,并用免疫组织化学法测定心肌组织及微血管核因子(NF)-кB p65阳性指数.结果 在缺血范围差异无统计学意义的条件下,辛伐他汀组无复流范围显著小于对照组(34.10±7.05比52.09±6.89,P<0.01),梗死范围也小于对照组(78.80±7.60比90.13±5.72,P<0.05).对照组及辛伐他汀组心肌组织iNOS活性、NO含量、MPO活性及MDA含量均高于假手术组,对照组eNOS活性显著低于假手术组(P均<0.05),辛伐他汀组eNOS活性与假手术组比较差异无统计学意义.辛伐他汀组心肌组织iNOS活性、NO含量、MPO活性及MDA含量均低于对照组(5.02±1.64比9.19±2.89,586.21±126.97比744.49±137.53,257.72±93.43比384.10±40.68,72.10±18.56比111.84±38.58,P均<0.05),eNOS活性显著高于对照组(7.08±1.74比3.72±0.98,P<0.01).对照组及辛伐他汀组左心室游离壁梗死周边心肌细胞及微动脉NF-кB p65阳性指数均显著高于假手术组,辛伐他汀组低于对照组(21.59±10.5比34.32±9.55,27.27±13.19比44.91±15.06,P均<0.05).结论 辛伐他汀可以改善缺血再灌注后心肌无复流,其可能机制是通过改善内皮功能,抑制炎症反应,进而抑制中性粒细胞的激活浸润,减少活性氧簇的生成,最终减轻无复流.