退变腰椎间盘髓核组织中NDRG2表达的变化及其意义

[目的]研究退变的腰椎间盘髓核组织中NDRG2表达的变化及其在椎间盘退变中的作用。[方法]收集腰椎间盘标本47例,根据Pfirrmann分级分为Ⅰ~Ⅴ级。采用免疫组织化学染色、实时-定量PCR(RT-PCR)和Western-Blotting技术从细胞、蛋白和基因水平分别检测腰椎间盘髓核组织中NDRG2的表达,并与Pfirrmann分级进行相关性分析;通过RT-PCR分析P53 mRNA的表达;采用衰老相关的β-半乳糖苷酶(SA-β-gal)实验检测腰椎间盘髓核组织中衰老髓核细胞比例,并与NDRG2表达量进行相关性分析。[结果]免疫组织化学染色、RT-PCR及Western-Blotting检测示NDRG2表达随椎间盘退变程度加重而增加,且与Pfirrmann分级呈正相关;P53 mRNA在腰椎间盘髓核组织中的相对表达随着椎间盘退变程度加重而增加,且与NDRG2的表达量呈正相关。SA-β-gal阳性细胞比例在椎间盘髓核组织中随退变程度加重而增加,并且与NDRG2阳性细胞比例呈正相关。[结论]NDRG2参与了腰椎间盘退变的病理过程,并且可能通过介导腰椎间盘髓核细胞衰老对椎间盘退变起促进作用。     

兔退变椎间盘中髓核细胞凋亡与BNIP3基因表达的意义

目的髓核细胞凋亡可能与髓核组织代谢障碍产生缺氧,导致BNIP3基因表达有关。通过观察兔退变椎间盘中髓核组织的细胞密度、细胞凋亡率及BNIP3的表达,为进一步了解髓核细胞凋亡机制提供实验依据。方法健康3月龄雄性新西兰大白兔30只,体重(2.3±0.2)kg,随机分为实验组(n=20)及对照组(n=10)。实验组大白兔采用针刺L3、4、L4、5及L5、6椎间盘制备椎间盘退变模型;对照组仅暴露椎间盘后缝合。术后4、8周通过MRI检查评价椎间盘退变情况,采用组织学观察和TUNEL法检查椎间盘髓核组织中凋亡细胞,用免疫组织化学染色法检测兔椎间盘髓核细胞BNIP3的表达。结果 MRI检查示实验组术后4、8周椎间盘髓核信号强度呈逐渐降低趋势。根据Pfirrmann分级标准,实验组术后4、8周椎间盘退变分级比较,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。组织学观察及TUNEL检查示:对照组椎间盘髓核中细胞密度高,可见少量散在的凋亡细胞;实验组术后4、8周时椎间盘髓核组织内细胞密度逐渐降低,可见较多凋亡细胞。各时间点实验组细胞密度、TUNEL染色阳性细胞率与对照组比较,以及实验组各指标两时间点间比较,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。对照组椎间盘髓核组织细胞中无BNIP3表达;实验组术后4、8周椎间盘髓核组织细胞中BNIP3表达逐渐增多,BNIP3染色阳性细胞率分别为13.45%±1.16%、32.00%±1.82%,BNIP3灰度值分别为194.32±4.65、117.54±2.11,各时间点间比较差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论椎间盘退变与髓核组织中细胞密度下降有关,细胞凋亡是椎间盘髓核细胞减少的原因之一,BNIP3参与了椎间盘髓核细胞凋亡。     

LOX在人体退变椎间盘髓核组织中的表达及临床意义

目的探讨赖氨酰氧化酶(LOX)在人体退变椎间盘髓核组织中的表达及其临床意义。方法选取自2018-01—2018-12诊治的22例腰椎间盘突出症患者作为观察组,将4例同期突发创伤导致腰椎椎体骨折行手术摘除椎间盘的年轻患者作为对照组。按照椎间盘Pfirrmann分级分组,对照组为Ⅰ级(A组);观察组细分为4组,B组为Ⅱ级,C组为Ⅲ级,D组为Ⅳ级,E组为Ⅴ级。取各组椎间盘髓核组织行免疫组化、Western Blot、PT-PCR检测。结果观察组髓核细胞数量及细胞外基质成分明显少于对照组。LOX在髓核细胞中的阳性表达率与Pfirrmann分级、年龄呈负相关。各组LOX蛋白表达量:A组2.69±0.24,B组2.24±0.32,C组1.34±0.19,D组1.30±0.32,E组1.01±0.12。各组LOXmRNA表达量:A组1.06±0.03,B组0.83±0.07,C组0.71±0.09,D组0.53±0.09,E组0.27±0.05。随着椎间盘退变程度加重,髓核组织LOX蛋白表达水平、mRNA表达水平呈逐渐降低趋势。结论 LOX的蛋白及mRNA表达水平随着人体椎间盘退变程度加重而降低,LOX可能参与了人体椎间盘髓核组织退变的发生与发展过程。     

雌激素受体在椎间盘组织中的表达及意义

【摘要】 目的：通过观察雌激素α、β受体在正常与退变的人椎间盘组织的表达,探讨雌激素受体（ER）与椎间盘退变的关系。方法：根据改良Pfirrmann分级将收集的椎间盘组织分为三组：对照组,外伤导致腰椎爆裂性骨折手术取出的正常髓核组织（Pfirrmann分级1~2级）;观察组,女性腰椎滑脱及腰椎间盘突出症手术取出的退变髓核组织,Pfirrmann分级3～4级为A组,5级为B组。用HE染色法观察对照组和A、B组各15例人腰椎椎间盘髓核组织及髓核细胞的形态学变化;用免疫组织化学染色法（Elivison二步法）检测对照组和A、B组髓核组织中ER-α、ER-β的表达;采用Western-blot法检测对照组和观察组髓核组织中ER-α、ER-β的表达。结果：HE染色示对照组髓核组织中髓核细胞分布均匀,形态完整,未见明显细胞凋亡现象,细胞外基质染色鲜亮,分布均匀;A、B两组髓核细胞分布不均匀,形态不规则,凋亡现象明显,细胞核增大,染色深,细胞外基质减少,色彩灰暗,B组较A组更为明显。免疫组织化学染色示ER-α、ER-β在对照组的髓核组织见有明显棕黄色颗粒,在A、B两组表达减少,以ER-β减少最显著,经统计学分析,A、B两组与对照组间ER-β的表达有显著性差异（P＜0.01）,ER-α的表达较对照组无统计学差异（P＞0.05）,其中A组和B组间无明显差异（P＞0.05）。Western-blot方法检测,ER-α表达A组（0.876±0.058）、B组（0.757±0.045）较对照组（0.885±0.036）降低,但无统计学差异（P>0.05）;ER-β表达A组（0.947±0.043）、B组（0.626±0.042）较对照组（1.275±0.150）显著降低（P＜0.01）,B组较A组表达明显减少（P＜0.01）。结论：在人的髓核组织中的髓核细胞（类软骨细胞）的胞核和胞浆中均存在ER。ER-α、ER-β在退变的椎间盘组织都明显减少,以ER-β最为明显,提示雌激素可能通过ER-β的介导对髓核细胞功能起调控作用。     

NF-κB信号通路的激活与椎间盘退变的关系

[目的]探讨NF-κB信号通路在椎间盘退变中的激活机制及其作用。[方法]按照Pfirrmann椎间盘退变分级系统对患者进行分级,分别收集2012~2013年上海市第一人民医院手术患者的正常和退变椎间盘组织(退变102例,正常9例),生化检测试剂盒测定椎间盘组织中丙二醛(MDA)、髓过氧化物酶(MPO)含量;凝胶迁移试验(EMSA)检测细胞核内NF-κB蛋白结合活性;RT-PCR和Western blotting检测凋亡相关分子CHOP和Caspase-3表达。[结果]椎间盘退变组织中MDA、MPO水平较正常对照组明显增加;EMSA显示髓核细胞核中NF-κB活性增高;RT-PCR和Western blotting结果显示椎间盘退变组织中凋亡相关分子CHOP和Caspase-3水平明显增高。[结论]髓核细胞受氧化应激作用后可通过激活NF-κB通路导致细胞凋亡从而在椎间盘退变中发挥作用。     

不同Pfirrmann分级椎间盘内髓核细胞生物学特性的比较

目的比较不同Pfirrmann分级椎间盘内髓核细胞的生物学特性,验证腰椎间盘退变Pfirrmann分级能否反应髓核组织在细胞水平的退变程度。方法取术中获得的患者的髓核组织,按腰椎椎间盘退变Pfirrmann分级标准进行分组。组织切片甲苯胺蓝观察比较各组髓核内细胞的密度。采用酶消化法分离培养髓核细胞。台盼蓝染色计算各组细胞活性比率,光镜观察细胞形态,透射电镜观察细胞的超微结构。MTT法绘制各组2代细胞的生长曲线。阿利辛蓝法检测各组细胞的蛋白聚糖含量,比较各组差异。结果随退变级别升高,标本内胶冻样物质含量减少,透明度降低,纤维化组织增多,Ⅴ级标本完全纤维化,并伴有钙化,无法区分髓核组织。Ⅰ级和Ⅱ级髓核内细胞密度明显高于Ⅲ级,Ⅳ级又明显高于Ⅳ级。Ⅰ级组髓核细胞的活性比率为（93.5±3.7）%;Ⅱ级组细胞活性比率为（91.6±4.3）%;Ⅲ级组细胞活性比率为（83.5±6.7）%;Ⅳ级组细胞活性比率为（74.8±5.9）%。除Ⅰ级与Ⅱ级比较差异无统计学意义外,其余各组两两比较差异均具有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。光镜下Ⅰ级和Ⅱ级组细胞呈短梭形或多角形轮廓清晰饱满,折光性强。Ⅲ级组胞突较长,Ⅳ级组胞突更长,细胞轮廓模糊。电镜下Ⅰ级和Ⅱ级组细胞相似,胞浆内含有大量粗面内质网和线粒体,Ⅲ级组细胞内的粗面内质网和线粒体减少,出现小的空泡,可见溶酶体出现。Ⅳ级组细胞溶酶体大量聚集,可见巨大的空泡样结构。Ⅰ级组和Ⅱ级组细胞生长速率快于Ⅲ级组（P〈0.01））。Ⅲ级组细胞生长速率快于Ⅳ级组（P〈0.05）。Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ组细胞GAG含量分别为（423.19±41.21）mg/L,（408.23±29.25）mg/L、（273.05±52.44）mg/L、（91.73±38.06）mg/L,Ⅰ级组和Ⅱ级组细胞高于于III级组（P〈0.05））。Ⅲ级组细胞高于Ⅳ级组（P〈0.05）。结论椎间盘退变的Pfirrmann分级,能很好的反映髓核组织在细胞水平的退变程度。是一种简单有效的退变分级系统。     

大鼠增龄过程中髓核组织Beclin-1和微管相关蛋白轻链3的表达及其意义

目的 探讨在增龄过程中SD大鼠髓核组织中Beclin-1和微管相关蛋白轻链3(MAPLC3)的表达及其意义.方法 3个月龄、12个月龄、24个月龄SD大鼠各8只,建立青年组、中年组和老龄组大鼠模型,苏木素-伊红(HE)染色检测椎间盘组织的退变;透射电镜检测髓核细胞中自噬体的表达;免疫组织化学染色和逆转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)法测定髓核组织中Beclin-1和MAPLC3的表达.结果 大鼠增龄过程可较好地体现椎间盘的退变变化;不同年龄组大鼠髓核细胞中均有自噬体的表达;Beclin-1和MAPLC3在不同年龄组SD大鼠髓核细胞中均有表达(0.42±0.05,0.47±0.06,0.52±0.05;0.34±0.06,0.39±0.05,0.46±0.09),且老龄组表达均较青年组高(P<0.01).Beclin-1和MAPLC3 mRNA在不同年龄组SD大鼠髓核组织中均有表达(0.86±0.12,0.93±0.14,1.01±0.13;1.09±0.06,1.15±0.07,1.33±0.11),且老龄组表达较青年组表达明显增高(分别为P<0.05和P<0.01).结论 自噬存在于椎间盘退变过程中,且MAPLC3与Beclin-1在椎间盘退变过程中的表达增加,提示自噬活性的增加可能与椎间盘退变的发展进程有关.     

兔髓核组织中BNIP3表达与椎间盘退变的关系

目的:探讨兔椎间盘髓核组织中BNIP3表达量与椎间盘退变的相关性。方法:健康1月龄新西兰白兔24只,随机分为4组,每组6只。在每只动物的L4/5、L5/6和L6/7椎间盘进行纤维环穿刺术,建立椎间盘退变模型,作为实验椎间盘;穿刺椎间盘近端3个椎间盘(L1/2、L2/3、L3/4)作为正常对照椎间盘。分别于术后即刻、2、4、8周对椎间盘进行MRI及组织学评分,应用Real-time PCR定量检测髓核组织BNIP3 mRNA表达,免疫组织化学染色半定量髓核组织BNIP3表达,同时分析同一椎间盘BNIP3表达与MRI评分、组织学评分之间的相关性,并与正常椎间盘进行对照。结果:正常及手术后即刻实验椎间盘在MRI T2加权像上呈高密度,评分为1.0±0.0;手术后2周实验椎间盘信号呈不均一的高密度,评分为2.9±0.4;手术后4周实验椎间盘信号呈不均一中低密度,评分4.2±0.3;手术后8周实验椎间盘信号呈低密度,评分4.9±0.1,各时间点MRI评分比较有显著性差异(P<0.05)。组织学染色显示正常及手术后即刻椎间盘结构整齐,髓核与纤维环交界清晰,组织学评分4.0±0.0;手术后2周实验椎间盘纤维环出现小裂隙,髓核与纤维环交界轻度不清,组织学评分7.5±0.2;手术后4周实验椎间盘纤维环出现较大裂隙,髓核与纤维环交界中度不清,组织学评分10.0±1.0;手术后8周实验椎间盘正常结构丧失,髓核组织纤维化,组织学评分11.8±0.2,各时间点间组织学评分比较有显著性差异(P<0.05)。手术后即刻、2周、4周及8周实验椎间盘BNIP3 mRNA表达是正常组的1.0±0.3倍、2.0±0.1倍、2.8±0.3倍和4.2±0.2倍,与椎间盘MRI退变评分呈显著性正相关(r=0.92,P<0.01)。正常及手术后即刻实验椎间盘髓核组织BNIP3灰度值分别为55.3±6.2和60.7±4.4;而手术后2周、4周及8周实验椎间盘分别为150.4±13.4、176.0±35.1和173.6±7.9,其灰度值与椎间盘组织学评分呈显著性正相关(r=0.92,P<0.01)。结论:兔椎间盘髓核组织中BNIP3 mRNA表达量与椎间盘退变相关,BNIP3表达上调可能在椎间盘退变过程中发挥了重要作用。     

微创针刺旋切制备兔椎间盘退变模型

目的探讨微创针刺旋切制备兔椎间盘退变(intervertebral disc degeneration,IDD)模型的可行性。方法取40只新西兰大白兔,雌雄不限,体质量(2.9±0.3)kg;随机分为对照组和实验组(n=20)。对照组不予处理;实验组采用18G穿刺针在C臂X线机引导下经皮侧后方穿刺进入L4、5、L5、6椎间盘内,旋切髓核组织以促进椎间盘的退变。术后4、8、12、16周行大体观察、MRI观察并根据Pfirrmann分级法评价椎间盘退变情况,然后处死动物取材行Masson染色和番红O染色观察。结果实验组髓核组织颜色较对照组暗,弹性降低。对照组MRI T2加权像椎间盘信号强度早期未见明显改变,后期略减弱;实验组椎间盘信号强度随时间延长呈减弱趋势。根据Pfirrmann分级法评价椎间盘退变程度,两组随时间延长椎间盘退变程度均逐渐加重(P0.05);两组间比较除术后4周差异无统计学意义(P0.05)外,其余术后各时间点实验组椎间盘退变程度较对照组严重(P0.05)。Masson染色示随时间延长,对照组纤维环出现排列不规整,但结构仍完整;实验组纤维环排列紊乱,甚至出现断裂现象。番红O染色示对照组髓核细胞未见明显减少,实验组髓核细胞明显减少。结论微创针刺旋切法可成功制备兔IDD模型。     

腰椎间盘突出症患者突出椎间盘及相邻椎间盘退变程度的MRI分析

目的:分析腰椎间盘突出症患者突出椎间盘及相邻椎间盘的术前MRI表现,评估其退变程度。方法:回顾性分析2014年6月~2015年12月在宁夏医科大学总医院脊柱骨科已行手术治疗的的单节段腰椎间盘突出症患者100例,其中男56例,女44例,年龄23~79岁(51.68±5.60岁),将所有患者以10年为一年龄段进行分组。突出椎间盘发生在L4/5节段50个,其相邻椎间盘100个;L5/S1节段50个,其相邻椎间盘50个。观察术前腰椎MRI,椎间盘采用Pfirrmann分级标准进行评估;软骨终板形态以Pappou分级标准进行评估。年龄段间的比较采用单因素方差分析,相邻椎间盘与退变椎间盘间的相关性采用Pearson相关分析,相邻椎间盘间的比较采用t检验。结果:各年龄段L4/5、L5/S1突出椎间盘的Pfirrmann分级均在Ⅲ级以上、Pappou分级均在Ⅱ级以上,各年龄段间椎间盘退变结果有统计学差异(P0.05);而各年龄段间软骨终板退变结果无统计学差异(P0.05)。各年龄段间突出椎间盘发生在L4/5、L5/S1的上位相邻椎间盘Pfirrmann分级有统计学差异(P0.05),下位相邻椎间盘Pfirrmann分级各年龄段无统计学差异(P0.05),相邻椎间盘软骨终板退变结果各年龄段间无统计学差异(P0.05)。相邻的L3/4椎间盘Pfirrmann分级与突出的L4/5椎间盘Pfirrmann分级有相关性(r=0.696,P=0.000),相邻L5/S1椎间盘Pfirrmann分级与突出L4/5椎间盘Pfirrmann分级间无相关性(r=0.214,P=0.136);相邻的L3/4、L5/S1椎间盘软骨终板形态Pappou分级与突出的L4/5椎间盘软骨终板形态Pappou分级均有相关性(r=0.467,P=0.001;r=0.380,P=0.007)。相邻L4/5椎间盘的Pfirrmann分级与突出L5/S1椎间盘的Pfirrmann分级有相关性(r=0.549,P=0.000);相邻L4/5椎间盘软骨终板形态Pappou分级与突出L5/S1椎间盘的软骨终板形态Pappou分级有相关性(r=0.684,P=0.001)。L4/5椎间盘突出的相邻L3/4椎间盘Pfirrmann分级和软骨终板形态Pappou分级评分分别为3.26±0.87分、1.54±0.50分,均高于相邻L5/S1椎间盘的2.96±0.59分、1.23±0.49分(P0.05)。结论:腰椎间盘突出症患者突出节段的相邻椎间盘及软骨终板的退变与年龄及突出椎间盘退变程度关系密切,且相邻上位椎间盘较下位椎间盘退变更明显。     

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.     

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.     

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.