浅蓝霉素预处理对小鼠原位脂肪肝移植的影响

目的　探讨供体浅蓝霉素预处理对原位小鼠脂肪肝移植保护作用及机制。方法　建立小鼠原位肝移植模型。随机分为正常小鼠组 (n =8)、肥胖小鼠组 (n =8)、非脂肪肝移植组 (n =12 )、脂肪肝移植组 (n =12 )、浅蓝霉素预处理 2d脂肪肝移植组 (n =12 )与预处理 4d脂肪肝移植组 (n =12 )。检测肝功能 ,肝脏组织苏木素 伊红 (HE)染色 ,油红O染色脂肪定量 ,ATP含量及解偶联蛋白 2 (UCP 2 )水平测定。结果　浅蓝霉素预处理的两实验组 2h存活率 (67%、83 % )明显高于未经浅蓝霉素预处理脂肪肝移植组 (2 5 % ) ,血清ALT水平、脂肪容量、线粒体UCP 2水平明显低于后者 ,分别为 (2 3 16± 662 )IU/L、(12 3 0± 3 2 1)IU /L比 (83 2 0± 465 5 )IU/L ;(5 0± 8) %、(3 0±6) %比 (70± 8) % ;(14 .2 1± 1.82 )、(8.74± 0 .97)比 (18.80± 2 .3 3 )。光镜下肝细胞损伤程度亦低于后者 ,而ATP浓度明显高于后者 ,分别为 (0 .2 5± 0 .0 1)、(0 .5 7± 0 .0 1)与 (0 .13± 0 .0 1) ,P均 <0 .0 5。结论　浅蓝霉素预处理对小鼠脂肪肝移植有明显保护作用。     

小鼠原位脂肪肝移植模型的建立

目的　建立了ob/ob小鼠脂肪肝移植模型 ,探讨保证建模成功的关键因素。方法　采用小鼠非动脉化肝移植技术 ,5～ 7周肥胖小鼠为供体 ,正常小鼠为受体 ,双袖套法行原位肝移植。受体肝组织行HE染色和油红O染色 ,血清ALT、AST水平检测采用常规生化分析法。结果非脂肪肝移植组 (lean to lean)受体长期存活率 (n =10 )为 70 % ,脂肪肝移植组 (ob/obtoagematchedlean)受体存活率为 0 (n =10 ) ,差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 5 )。脂肪肝移植给体积相当的正常小鼠 ,其短期存活率为 3 0 % (n =10 ) ,所有小鼠术后存活并苏醒 ,但均未超过 2 4h。脂肪肝移植受体ALT水平为 (62 85± 2 93 7)U /L ,AST为 (5 812± 2 942 )U /L ;而正常小鼠移植组ALT与AST水平分别为 (5 96± 114 )U /L ,(1796± 870 )U/L ,差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,组织学检测显示大量胆管中央凝固性坏死伴出血。结论　该模型的成功建立为我们提供了一种新的肝原发性肝无功能移植模型 ,为脂肪肝移植后脂肪肝细胞受损的机制研究奠定了基础。     

解耦联蛋白-2基因敲除减轻高脂饮食诱导小鼠脂肪肝缺血再灌注损伤

目的 观察解耦联蛋白-2(UCP-2)基因在脂肪肝缺血再灌注损伤中的作用,探讨以UCP-2为靶点的脂肪供肝预处理新途径.方法 实验动物分为3组:实验组(A组):UCP-2基因敲除小鼠,给予高脂饮食(n=20);空白对照组(B组):野生型同系小鼠,给予正常饮食(n=20);阴性对照组(C组):野生型同系小鼠,给予高脂饮食(n=20).喂养6个月,建屯小鼠脂肪肝模型.各组小鼠阻断门静脉缺血15 min,再灌注24 h后处死,检测肝组织中UCP-2基因表达及三磷酸腺苷(ATP)、活性氧族(ROS)、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)水平;并行血清丙氨酸转氨酶(ALT)、天门冬氨酸转氨酶(AST)检测及肝组织病理学检测.结果 高脂饮食喂养6个月后成功建立小鼠脂肪肝模型;Western blot证实A组小鼠UCP-2无表达,C组表达明显高于B组;A组ALT、AST、ATP、ROS、LDH的定量值为:(55.33±5.51)、(128.33±7.02)U/L、(28.00±2.00)nmol/L、(165.33±7.09)、(1176.00±22.27)U/pmt;B组上述指标为(25.00±4.58)、(85.33±4.51)U/L、(24.33±4.16)nmol/L、(147.33±7.51)、(707.33±31.64)U/prot;C组为(142.67±13.01)、(220.67±7.02)U/L、(8.67±1.53)nmol/L、(65.00±5.00)、(1748.33±42.52)U/prot,A组和C组差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);病理检测表明A组损伤轻于C组.结论 抑制解耦联蛋白-2基因表达能在减轻小鼠脂肪肝急性损伤.     

改良小鼠肝移植模型建立

目的 建立改良的小鼠原位肝移植模型,探讨较优的手术方式.方法选取体质量相近的昆明小鼠作为供、受体,在两袖套法的基础上,将小鼠肝移植术划分为:供体准备手术、受体准备手术、取肝和整肝及供肝植入手术;提高肝上下腔静脉吻合质量;改进门静脉、下腔静脉及胆总管重建方法;缩短供肝冷缺血时间.检测受体小鼠术后14 d血清谷丙转氨酶(ALT)及谷草转氨酶(AST)水平,并与正常小鼠比较.术后14 d切取移植物行病理学检查.结果 供肝冷缺血时间＜45 min,手术成功率达85%,术后小鼠远期存活率近78.5%.术后14 d受体小鼠血清中ALT含量为(35.7±5.8)U/L,AST含量为(110.3±13.9)U/L;与正常小鼠血清中ALT[(31.3±9.5)U/L]及AST[(113.3±15.0)U/L]水平比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).病理学检查示未见缺血再灌注损伤表现.结论 改良的模型制作手术成功率高,供肝冷缺血时间短,是一种较为理想的小鼠肝移植研究模型.     

小鼠肝脏部分缺血再灌注损伤模型的建立

目的 建立小鼠肝脏部分缺血再灌注损伤模型并分析损伤评估指标的变化趋势.方法 采用96只7～8周龄的纯系C57BL/6雄性小鼠作为研究对象,建立70％肝脏缺血再灌注损伤模型.按照缺血时间将小鼠分为假手术组和缺血30、60、90 min组,每组24只.各组小鼠分别于再灌注后6、12、24和48 h处死.通过检测血清ALT、AST、TNF-α、IL-6和巨噬细胞炎性蛋白-2(MIP-2)水平以及病理组织学评分、细胞凋亡指数等方法评估各组小鼠肝组织的损伤情况.两独立样本比较采用t检验.结果 术后88只小鼠存活,8只死亡,造模成功率为91.7％ (88/96).假手术组、缺血30、60、90 min组ALT水平分别为(35±24) U/L、(1703±442) U/L、(5133±681) U/L和(8233±808) U/L,缺血30、60、90 min组ALT水平显著高于假手术组(t=6.54,12.97,17.56,P＜0.05);AST水平分别为(87±28) U/L、(2667 ±451) U/L、(6333±778)U/L和(9967±1168) U/L,缺血30、60、90 min组AST水平显著高于假手术组(t=9.89,13.89,14.65,P＜0.05);TNF-α水平分别为(14 ±5) μg/L、(83±14) μg/L、(133±17) μg/L和(202±21) μg/L,缺血30、60、90 min组TNF-α水平显著高于假手术组(t=7.78,11.82,15.34,P＜0.05);IL-6水平分别为(32 ±9) μg/L、(493±168) μg/L、(844±166) μg/L和(1345±198) μg/L,缺血30、60、90min组IL-6水平显著高于假手术组(=4.74,8.46,11.48,P＜0.05);MIP-2水平分别为(37±11) μg/L、(102±35) μg/L、(177±32)μg/L和(279±50) μg/L,缺血30、60、90 min组MIP-2水平显著高于假手术组(t=3.05,7.28,8.19,P＜0.05);细胞凋亡指数分别为1.7％±2.1％、22.7％±8.6％、54.3％±11.2％和76.3％±14.8％,缺血30、60、90 min组细胞凋亡指数显著高于假手术组(t=4.10,8.04,8.63,P＜0.05).在缺血时间相同的情况下,随着再灌注时间的延长,各监测指标呈“抛物线”样变化趋势.结论 小鼠肝脏部分缺血再灌注损伤模型能较好地反映小鼠肝组织的损伤情况.随着缺血时间的延长,小鼠肝脏的缺血再灌注损伤程度逐渐加重;随着再灌注时间的延长,ALT、AST、TNF-α、IL-6、MIP-2以及病理组织学评分和细胞凋亡指数均呈现“抛物线”样变化趋势.     

黄芪甲苷预处理对小鼠肝脏缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用

目的 探讨黄芪甲苷( astragalosideⅣ)预处理对小鼠肝脏缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用及其机制.方法 将60只雄性C57BL/6小鼠分为4组,15只/组,A组:假手术对照组,B组:假手术黄芪甲苷组,C组:实验对照组,D组:黄芪甲苷实验组.黄芪甲苷组每只腹腔注射黄芪甲苷24 mg·kg-1·d-1,对照组每天腹腔注射等体积无菌生理盐水,共1周.建立小鼠肝脏部分缺血再灌注损伤模型,复流24h后采集标本,测定血清中转氨酶ALT和AST水平,光镜下观察H＆E染色肝组织病理学变化,酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测血清中IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α的含量,采用Western blot 技术检测小鼠肝脏组织中核因子-κB (NF-κB)的表达.结果 黄芪甲苷实验组ALT及AST较实验对照组明显降低[AST:C组(4290±292) U/L vs.D组(2373±416) U/L,t=0.844;ALT:C组(4146 ±500) U/L vs.D组(2318 ±289) U/L,t =7.08,均P＜0.05],组织学损伤也明显减轻;ELISA 结果显示,黄芪甲苷预处理能明显降低外周IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α的含量(IL-1 β:t 10.04;IL-6:t6.281;TNF-α:t =6.817;均P＜0.05).黄芪甲苷实验组肝脏组织中NF-κB表达量明显低于实验对照组.结论 黄芪甲苷预处理对小鼠肝脏缺血再灌注损伤有明显的保护作用.     

七氟醚对兔肝缺血/再灌注损伤后肝组织丙二醛、血浆丙氨酸转氨酶和谷草转氨酶活性及c-Fos蛋白的表达的影响

目的 探讨七氟醚麻醉对兔肝缺血/再灌注损伤(ischemia/reperfusion injury,Ⅰ/RI)的影响. 方法 健康成年新西兰大白兔21只,按照随机数字表法分为3组(每组7例):假手术组(S组)、肝Ⅰ/R组(Ⅰ/R组)、七氟醚麻醉组(Sev-Ⅰ/R组).结扎肝动脉建立兔肝脏Ⅰ/RI模型,分别于缺血前(Tl)、缺血45 min(T2)和再灌注60 min(T3)测定血浆丙氨酸转氨酶(aspartate a minotransferase,AST)及谷草转氨酶(alanine aminotransferase,ALT)水平,于T3测定肝组织丙二醛(malondialdehyde,MDA)含量;免疫组化染色检测c-Fos蛋白的表达情况. 结果 与S组比较,Ⅰ/R组血浆ALT和AST活性[T2:(48±6) U/L和(48±7) U/L,T3:(66±6) U/L和(70±6)U/L]及Sev-Ⅰ/R组血浆ALT和AST活性[T2:(43±7) U/L和(41±3) U/L,T3:(48±6) U/L和(50±6) U/L]、肝组织MDA含量和c-Fos蛋白表达水平均明显升高(P＜0.05或P＜0.01);Sev-Ⅰ/R组所有这些实验指标均明显低于Ⅰ/R组(P＜0.05或P＜0.01). 结论 七氟醚对Ⅰ/RI兔肝组织有保护作用,可与其降低活性氧产物有关.     

高剂量西罗莫司可能通过促进细胞自噬对老年小鼠肝脏缺血-再灌注损伤起保护作用

目的  探讨高剂量西罗莫司(雷帕霉素)对老年小鼠肝脏缺血-再灌注损伤(HIRI)的保护作用及其作用机制。方法  20只C57BL/6系老年小鼠按随机数字表法随机分为4组：缺血-再灌注组(IRI组)、低剂量雷帕霉素预处理组(rpm组)、高剂量雷帕霉素预处理组(RPM组)、对照组(Sham组),每组5只。Sham组仅开腹、关腹;其余3组建立老年小鼠70% HIRI模型,缺血时间均为60 min;rpm组和RPM组分别在术前1 h腹腔注射雷帕霉素1 mg/kg和5 mg/kg。再灌注12 h后,采用苏木素-伊红(HE)染色检测各组小鼠肝组织病理学变化,并采用Suzuki评分法进行病理学评分;比较各组小鼠血清丙氨酸转氨酶(ALT)和天冬氨酸转氨酶(AST)水平、血清肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)-α和白细胞介素(IL)-10水平以及肝组织中细胞自噬相关蛋白LC3B-Ⅱ蛋白水平。结果  小鼠肝组织HE染色示Sham组为正常肝组织;IRI组和rpm组肝细胞损伤严重,炎症细胞大量浸润;RPM组可见肝窦轻度淤血,炎症细胞轻度浸润。病理学评分示RPM组为5(4~6) 分,均低于rpm组[7(5~8) 分]及IRI组[8(7~10) 分](Z=-2.554、-2.731,均为P < 0.05)。各组小鼠术后肝功能结果显示,RPM组AST[(691±207) U/L]显著低于IRI组[(2 032±575) U/L]、rpm组[(1 817±777) U/L] (t=4.90、3.13,均为P < 0.05);RPM组ALT[(996±584) U/L]均显著低于IRI组[(2 992±992) U/L]、rpm组[(2 373±687) U/L](t=3.86、3.41,均为P < 0.05),而IRI组和rpm组的AST、ALT比较,差异均无统计学意义(均为P > 0.05)。各组小鼠血清中的TNF-α和IL-10水平比较差异均无统计学意义(均为P > 0.05)。Western-blot法显示RPM组肝组织LC3B-Ⅱ蛋白的相对表达量明显高于Sham组、IRI组、rpm组(均为P < 0.05)。结论  高剂量雷帕霉素可能通过促进细胞自噬对老年小鼠HIRI起保护作用。     

非体外循环与常规体外循环下冠状动脉旁路移植术后肝肾功能的变化

目的 探讨非体外循环下冠状动脉旁路移植术(off-pump coronary artery bypass, OPCAB)和体外循环下冠状动脉旁路移植术(conventional coronary artery bypass grafting, CCABG)术后肝肾功能的变化规律. 方法 选择2005年6～11月择期冠状动脉旁路移植术(coronary artery bypass grafting,CABG)50例,根据患者意愿及病情匹配原则将患者分为OPCAB组(n=30例)和CCABG组(n=20例).2组患者分别于术前及术后1 d、1周、2周抽血测定血丙氨酸转氨酶(ALT),天冬氨酸转氨酶(AST),尿素氮(BUN),肌酐(Cr)值. 结果 2组患者的肝肾功能水平术前无明显差异(OPCAB组ALT 20.9±10.5U/L,AST 24.0±10.4U/L,BUN 5.7±1.8mmol/L,Cr 70.0±31.0μmol/L;CCABG组ALT 20.3±11.1 U/L,AST 21.9±11.8U/L,BUN 5.9±1.7mmol/L,Cr 73.5±21.5 μmol/L,P＞0.05).2组患者ALT、AST值及BUN、Cr值在术后均有一定程度的增高,术后2周时均恢复到术前水平;OPCAB组术后第1天血ALT值(19.8±8.1) U/L、AST值(27.9±22.2)U/L、BUN值(6.8±1.8)mmol/L、Cr值(78.1±32.5)μmol/L均明显低于CCABG组(ALT 28.1±11.6U/L,AST 40.6±20.0U/L,BUN 7.9±2.0mmol/L,Cr 97.4±29.9μmol/L,P＜0.05). 结论 CABG对肝肾功能均有一定的损害,但在术后早期均可恢复;OPCAB较CCABG对肝肾功能的不利影响更小,在一定程度上保护了肝肾功能.     

肝移植术后早期肝肾功能变化及其对预后的影响

目的 观察肝移植术后受者早期肝肾功能的动态变化,并评估其对预后的影响.方法 回顾性研究161例成人尸肝肝移植临床资料,观察本组肝移植术后受者1周内血清总胆红素(TB)、凝血酶原时间(PT)、丙氨酸转氨酶(ALT)、天冬氨酸转氨酶(AST)和血清肌酐(SCr)的变化趋势;对患者移植术后1 d的各参数进行多因素COX分析.结果 患者肝移植术后1～7 d,TB由116.2 mmol/L降至66.7 mmol/L(Z=5.901,P<0.01),PT由19.4 s降至15.0 s(Z=11.657,P<0.01),ALT由285 U/L降至100 U/L(Z=12.619,P<0.01),AST由264 U/L降至50 U/L(Z=9.776,P<0.01),SCr由103.4 mmol/L降至86.6 mmol/L(Z=1.353,P 0.05).COX分析结果 显示,SCr(RR=3.477,P<0.01)和TB(RR=2.088,P<0.05)为受者预后的独立性影响因素.由此建立肝移植受者预后评分公式为1.276×lnSCr(mmol/L)+0.730×lnTB(mmol/L).结论 肝移植术后受者肝功能可早期恢复,肝移植术后1 d的SCr与TB水平影响受者预后.     

Vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction during major abdominal surgery

Background : We investigated the vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction (MT) with hypotension due to prostacyclin (PGI₂) release in patients undergoing abdominal surgery with a combined general and epidural anesthesia. Methods : In a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study we administered 400 mg ibuprofen (i.v.) in 42 patients scheduled for abdominal surgery. General anesthesia was combined with epidural anesthesia (T4-L1). Before as well as 5, 15, 30, 45, and 90 min after MT we recorded plasma osmolality, hemodynamics and measured 6-keto-PGFlα (stabile metabolite of PGI₂), TXB₂ (stabile metabolite of thromboxane A₂) active renin, and arginine vasopressin (AVP) plasma concentrations by radioimmunoassay. Catecholamine levels were assessed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection. Results : Following MT, arterial hypotension occurred along with a substantial PGI₂ release. This was completely abolished by ibuprofen administration. Although plasma levels of 6-keto-PGF_1α (1133 (708) vs. 60 (3) ng/L, median (median absolute deviation), P=0.0001, placebo vs. ibuprofen) remained significantly elevated, blood pressure was restored within 30 min after MT in the placebo group. At the same point in time plasma concentrations of TXB² (164 (87) vs. 58 (1) ng/L, P=0.0001), epinephrine (46 (33) vs. 14 (6) ng/L, P=0.001), AVP (41 ± (18) vs. 12 (7) ng/L, P=0.0004), and active renin (27 (12) vs. 12 (4) ng/L, P = 0.001) were significantly higher in placebo-treated patients. Conclusion : Under combined general and epidural anesthesia arterial hypotension following MT due to endogenous PGI₂ release is associated with enhanced release of AVP, active renin, epinephrine and thromboxane A₂, presumably contributing to hemodynamic stability within 30 min after MT.     

A Teaspoon Pump for Pumping Blood with High Hydraulic Efficiency and Low Hemolysis Potential

Abstract: Virtually all blood pumps contain some kind of rubbing, sliding, closely moving machinery surfaces that are exposed to the blood being pumped. These valves, internal bearings, magnetic bearing position sensors, and shaft seals cause most of the problems with blood pumps. The original teaspoon pump design prevented the rubbing, sliding machinery surfaces from contacting the blood. However, the hydraulic efficiency was low because the blood was able to "slip around" the rotating impeller so that the blood itself never rotated fast enough to develop adequate pressure. An improved teaspoon blood pump has been designed and tested and has shown acceptable hydraulic performance and low hemolysis potential. The new pump uses a nonrotating "swinging" hose as the pump impeller. The fluid enters the pump through the center of the swinging hose; therefore, there can be no fluid slip between the revolving blood and the revolving impeller. The new pump uses an impeller that is comparable to a flexible garden hose. If the free end of the hose were swung around in a circle like half of a jump rope, the fluid inside the hose would rotate and develop pressure even though the hose impeller itself did not "rotate"; therefore, no rotating shaft seal or internal bearings are required.     

Microspheres Based Detoxification System: A New Method in Convective Blood Purification

Abstract: A variety of protein-bound or hydrophobic substances, accumulating as a result of pathologic conditions such as exogenous or endogenous intoxications, are removed poorly by conventional detoxification methods because of low accessibility (hemodialysis), insufficient adsorption capabilities (hemosorption), low efficiency (peritoneal dialysis), or economic limitations (high-volume plasmapheresis). Combining advantages of existing methods with microspheric technology, a module-based system was designed. Major operating parameters of the latter can be modified to allow for adjustment to individual clinical situations. An extracorporeal blood circuit including a plasmafilter is combined with a secondary high-velocity plasma circuit driven by a centrifugal pump. Different microspheric adsorbers can be combined in one circuit or applied in sequence. Thus, a prolonged treatment can be tailored using specially designed selective adsorber materials. Comparing this system with existing methods (high-flux hemodialysis, molecular adsorbent recycling system), results from our in vitro studies and animal experiments demonstrate the superior efficiency of substance removal.     

A comparison of the inhibitory effects of four volatile anaesthetics on the metabolism of chlorzoxazone, a substrate for CYP2E1, in rabbits

Background: Halothane inhibits in vitro and in vivo activity of cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2E1. There are several fluorinated volatile anaesthetics besides halothane, and most of them are defluorinated by CYP2E1. It is unclear whether other fluorinated anaesthetics inhibit the in vivo activity of CYP2E1.
Methods: We compared the inhibitory effects of therapeutic concentrations of four inhalational anaesthetics, halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane, on chlorzoxazone metabolism in rabbits receiving artificial ventilation.
Results: All four inhalational anaesthetics decreased arterial blood pressure and increased plasma chlorzoxazone concentration. However, no significant differences in the plasma chlorzoxazone concentration were found between the four anaesthetics. The estimated chlorzoxazone clearance increased after beginning inhalation with all four agents, but no significant difference in clearance was noted between agents.
Conclusions: At therapeutic concentrations, the in vivo inhibitory effect on chlorzoxazone metabolism was similar for all four inhalational anaesthetics examined, even though their chemical characteristics and extent of hepatic metabolism differ considerably.     

Tissue perfusion in relation to cardiac output during continuous positive-pressure ventilation and administration of propranolol or verapamil

Background : Our objective was to determine whether administration of propranolol or verapamil modifies the hemodynamic adaptation to continuous positive-pressure ventilation (CPPV), in particular the regional distribution of cardiac output (CO).
Methods : General hemodynamics and regional blood flows assessed by microsphere technique (15 (μm) were recorded in 16 anesthetized pigs during spontaneous breathing (SB) and CPPV with 8 cm H₂O end-expiratory pressure (CPPV8) before and after intravenous administration of propranolol (0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.15 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8) or verapamil (0.1 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8).
Results : CPPV8 depressed CO by 25% without shifts in its relative distribution with the exception of a noteworthy increase in adrenal perfusion. Propranolol increased arterial blood pressure, and due to a fall in heart rate, CO dropped by 25%. The kidneys and, to a lesser extent, the splanchic region and central nervous system received increased fractions of the remaining CO at the expense of skeletal muscle flow. Similar patterns were seen during SB and CPPV8 such that the combination of propranolol and CPPV8 depressed CO by 50%. The circulatory effects of verapamil were less evident but myocardial perfusion tended to increase.
Conclusions : The combination of propranolol or verapamil with CPPV does not result in any specific hemodynamic interaction in anesthetized pigs, except that the combined effect of propranolol and CPPV may severely reduce CO.     

Bariatric Surgery in Some "Central and East-European (former Eastern bloc)"Countries - Current Status and Prediction for the Next Millennium

Background: Obesity is increasing globallly, including in the formerly "Eastern Bloc" countries. Methods: A survey was made of obesity and bariatric surgery. Results: In the 8 East and Central European countries studied, with total population 300 million, roughly 43% of the population was overweight (BMI 25-30), 23% obese (BMI > 30), with about 15 million people morbidly obese (BMI > 40). From 0-10 morbidly obese individuals/100,000/year undergo bariatric surgery. Conclusion: Most countries were found to provide inadequate treatment for obesity.The majority of the morbidly obese are not treated effectively. However, health-care awareness of obesity and bariatric surgeons are slowly increasing.     

Volatile anaesthetics reduce adhesion of blood platelets under low-flow conditions in the coronary system of isolated guinea pig hearts

Background : Inhibitory effects of volatile anaesthetics on platelet aggregation have been demonstrated in several studies. However, the influence of volatile anaesthetics on intracoronary platelet adhesion has not been elucidated so far.
Methods : Isolated hearts of guinea pigs were perfused with buffer in the absence or presence of volatile anaesthetics (0.5 and 1 MAC) at constant coronary flow rates of 5 ml/min for 25 min, then 1 ml/min for 30 min and again 5 ml/min for 10 min. Before, during and after low-flow perfusion, a bolus of human platelets was applied into the coronary system. To simulate thrombogenic conditions, 0.3 U/ml human thrombin was infused during low-flow perfusion and reperfusion. The number of platelets sequestered to the endothelium was calculated from the difference between coronary in- and output of platelets. The myocardial production of lactate and consumption of pyruvate and coronary perfusion pressure were also determined.
Results : At a flow rate of 5 ml/min only about 3% of the applied platelets did not emerge from the coronary system, in any group. In contrast, 13.1±1.2% (mean±SEM) of infused platelets became adherent in low-flow perfusion in the control group without anaesthetic. The adherence was reduced with each 1 MAC isoflurane (to 6.2±1.2%), sevoflurane (to 4.4±0.9%) or halothane (to 3.2±1.5%) (each P <0.05 vs. control). Volatile anaesthetic, 0.5 MAC, did not inhibit platelet adhesion to a statistically significant extent in any case. Perfusion pressure and metabolic parameters were not statistically different between the control and the hearts exposed to anaesthetics.
Conclusion : Volatile anaesthetics in a concentration of 1 MAC can reduce the adhesion of platelets in the coronary system under reduced flow conditions. This action does not arise from vasodilation or inhibition of ischaemic stress.     

Synergistic interaction between the effects of propofol and midazolam with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity in rabbits

Background: It has been shown that the depressive effects of both propofol and midazolam on consciousness are synergistic with opioids, but the nature of their interactions on other physiological systems, e. g. respiration, has not been fully investigated. The present study examined the effect of propofol and midazolam alone and in combination with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity (PNA) and whether such interactions are additive or synergistic. Methods: PNA was recorded in 27 anaesthetised and artificially ventilated rabbits. In three groups, propofol, fentanyl and midazolam were administered intravenously in incremental doses to construct dose-response curves for the depressant effects of each one on PNA. In another two groups, the effect of pretreatment with either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. on the effects of propofol and fentanyl respectively on PNA were studied. Results: Propofol and fentanyl caused a dose-dependent depression of PNA with complete abolition at the highest total doses of 16 mg · kg^?1 i. v. and 32 μg · kg^?1 i. v., respectively. In contrast, midazolam in incremental doses to a total of 0.8 mg · kg^?1 reduced mean PNA by 63%, but approximately 12% of PNA remained at a total dose as high as 6.4 mg · kg^?1. The mean ED₅₀s, calculated from dose-response curves, were 5.4 mg · kg^?1, 3.9 μg · kg^?1 and 0.4 mg · kg^?1 for propofol, fentanyl and midazolam, respectively. Initial doses of either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. acted synergistically with subsequent doses of either propofol or fentanyl to abolish PNA at total doses of 8 mg · kg^?1 and 8 μg · kg^?1, respectively. Conclusion: Fentanyl has a synergistic interaction with both propofol and midazolam on PNA and hence potentially on respiration.     

Influence of dopexamine hydrochloride on haemodynamics and regulators of circulation in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery

Background: Catecholaminergic support is often used to improve haemodynamics in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Dopexamine is a synthetic vasoactive catecholamine with beneficial microcirculatory properties. Methods: The influence of perioperative administration of dopexamine on cardiorespiratory data and important regulators of macro- and microcirculation were studied in 30 patients undergoing Whipple pancreaticduodenectomy. The patients received randomized and blinded either 2 μg · kg^?1 · min^?1 of dopexamine (n=15) or placebo (n=15, control group). The infusion was started after induction of anaesthesia and continued until the morning of the first postoperative day. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), vasopressin, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and catecholamine plasma levels were measured from arterial blood samples. Measurements were carried out after induction of anaesthesia, 2 h after onset of surgery, at the end of surgery, 2 h after surgery, and on the morning of the first postoperative day. Results: Cardiac index (CI) increased significantly in the dopexamine group (from 2.61±0.41 to 4.57±0.78 1 · min^?1 · m^?2) and remained elevated until the morning of the first postoperative day. Oxygen delivery index (DO₂I) and oxygen consumption index (VO₂I) were also significantly increased in the dopexamine group (DO₂I: from 416±91 to 717±110 ml/m² · m²; VO₂I: from 98±25 to 157±22 ml/m² · m²), being significantly higher than in the control group. pHi remained stable only in the dopexamine patients, indicating adequate splanchnic perfusion. Vasopressive regulators of circulation increased significantly only in the untreated control patients (vasopressin: from 4.37±1.1 to 35.9±12.1 pg/ml; ET-1: from 2.88±0.91 to 6.91±1.20 pg/ml). Conclusion: Patients undergoing major abdominal surgery may profit from prophylactic perioperative administration of dopexamine hydrochloride in the form of improved haemodynamics and oxygenation as well as beneficial influence on important regulators of organ blood flow.     

Systemic analgesia adapted to the children's condition

A concept of balanced analgesia using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol (acetaminophen), opioids, and corticosteroids can also be used in patients with pre-existing illnesses. NSAIDs are the most effective treatment for acute pain of moderate intensity in children; however, these drugs should be avoided in patients at increased risk for serious side effects, e.g. patients with renal impairment, bleeding tendency, or extreme prematurity. NSAIDs can be given with minimal risks to the younger child with mild to moderate asthma, and, in these patients, the use of steroids can be encouraged; in addition to their antiemetic and analgesic action, a beneficial effect on asthma symptoms can be expected. In the non-intubated child with cerebral trauma, exaggerated sedation caused by opioids and increased bleeding tendency caused by NSAIDs must be avoided. In neonates and small infants, the oral administration of sucrose or glucose is helpful to minimize pain reaction during short uncomfortable interventions.