Oxidized LDL metabolites with high family risk for premature cardiovascular disease

OBJECTIVE: Considering the importance of primary prevention of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) from childhood, especially in children with high family risk for premature atherosclerosis, and also the importance of oxidized LDL in the process of atherosclerosis, the main metabolites of ox-LDL i.e. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Conjugated diene (CDE) have been measured in children of high risk families and compared with a control group. METHODS: Children and adolescents (6-18 years) of parents with premature myocardial infarction (MI < or = 55 y in men and < or = 65 y in women), were selected as the case group. The control group included neighbors of the case group matched for age and socioeconomic status. All samples have been selected by simple random sampling. Both the case and control groups were divided in two subgroups: those with a total cholesterol and/or LDL-C > or = 95th centile and those with normal lipid levels. Each subgroup consisted of 32 subjects, so 128 subjects were studied (64 in the case and 64 in the control group). MDA and CDE were measured by spectrophotometry using molar absorbivity. Data were analyzed by SPSSv10/Win software using ANOVA, Bonferroni, Scheffe-Duncan, Tukey-HSD, and the Student's t-test. RESULT: The mean MDA value in the case and control groups was significantly different (1.84 +/- 0.43 vs. 1.67 +/- 0.41 micromol/L, p=0.03), but this difference was not significant regarding the mean CDE level (0.50 +/- 0.05 vs. 0.47 +/- 0.04 micromol/L, p>0.05). The mean MDA level in the case group with hyperlipidemia was significantly higher than that in the case group without hyperlipidemia (1.985 +/- 0.516 vs. 1.690 +/- 0.366, micromol/L, P=0.02) and also higher than control group with or without hyperlipidemia (1.985 +/- 0.516 vs. 1.720 +/- 0.389, 1.615 +/- 0.429 micromol/L respectively, P<0.05). The mean CDE level in the case group with hyperlipidemia was significantly higher than the case group without hyperlipidemia (0.542 +/- 0.034 vs. 0.494 +/- 0.049 micromol/L, P=0.04) and higher than the control group with or without hyperlipidemia (0.542 +/- 0.034 vs. 0.464 +/- 0.051, 0.484 +/- 0.048 micromol/L respectively, p<0.05). In case boys with hyperlipidemia, the mean MDA (2.03 +/- 0.2 micromol/L) and the mean of CDE (0.56 +/- 0.04 micromol/L) was significantly higher than other subgroups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Considering the increased susceptibility of LDL to oxidation in children with high family risk for premature CVD, special attention should be paid to consumption of foods and seasoning containing antioxidants from childhood especially in high risk families.     

需机械通气的危重症手足口病患儿临床特点及预后因素分析

目的 分析需机械通气的危重症手足口病患儿的临床特点,探讨其预后不良的危险因素。方法 收集2012 年4 月至2013 年9 月因危重症手足口病入住儿科重症监护室且需机械通气的63 例患儿的临床资料进行回顾性分析。结果 63 例患儿中,男43 例,女20 例;平均年龄25±18 个月,其中PP9/L]、血乳酸(6.6±1.8 mmol/L)、血糖(16.4±2.5 mmol/L)与痊愈患儿外周血白细胞计数[(12±5)×10,9/L]、血乳酸(3.6±1.7 mmol/L)、血糖(10.0±3.0 mmol/L)比较,差异均有统计学意义(PP结论 危重症手足口病以3 岁以下儿童为主。当患儿出现四肢循环不良至肘膝关节以上、肺水肿累及≥ 2/3 肺野或肺出血时再予治疗,死亡风险极大;外周血白细胞计数、血乳酸、血糖显著升高是预后不良的指标。危重病例评分与预后不良相关联。     

促红细胞生成素对新生大鼠感染性脑损伤后神经细胞增生与凋亡的影响

目的 研究促红细胞生成素（EPO）对新生大鼠感染性脑损伤后神经细胞增生与凋亡的影响。方法 2 日龄新生大鼠26 只随机分为3 组：对照组（腹腔注入等量生理盐水）、脂多糖（LPS）组（腹腔注入0.6 mg/kg LPS）及EPO 干预组（腹腔注入0.6 mg/kg LPS + 5 000 U/kg EPO）,各组均连续注药5 d,同时腹腔注射5-溴脱氧尿嘧啶核苷（BrdU）（50 mg/kg,Qd,连续5 d）,最后1 次用药24 h 后采用免疫组化方法检测脑组织海马齿状回颗粒下层BrdU 和活化半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶-3（Caspase-3）的表达情况。结果 EPO 干预组、LPS组脑组织海马齿状回单位面积内神经细胞数均显著低于对照组（PPP结论 EPO 可促进感染性新生大鼠脑损伤后海马区新生神经细胞的增生并减轻神经细胞的凋亡。     

Cognition in specific learning disability

Objective : To compare the cognition abilities of children with specific learning disability (SpLD) viz. dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia with those of non-impaired children.Methods : The study group consisted of 95 newly diagnosed SpLD children (aged 9–14 years) and the control group consisted of 125 non-impaired children (aged 9–14 years). An academic achievement of two years below the actual grade placement on educational assessment with a Curriculum-Based test was considered diagnostic of SpLD. A battery of 13 cognition function tests based on Guilford’s Structure of Intellect Model was administered individually on each child in four areas of information viz. fieural, symbolic, semantic and behavioral. Mean scores ±SD obtained in these four areas were calculated in both groups and compared using Independent Samples t-test. A P value < 0.05 was considered significant.Results : Children with SpLD had significantly lower scores (mean ±SD) in all four areas of information: maximally in the symbolic area (18.66 ±4.83 vs. 28.30 ±4.29, mean difference 9.64, P< 0.0001, df = 218,95% Cl 8.43-10.86), followed by semantic (18.72 ±5.07vs 27.36 ±4.17, mean difference 8.64, P< 0.0001, df=218, 95% Cl 7.40 9.87), figurai (17.10 ±5.24 vs 25.14 ±3.36, mean difference 8.04, P< 0.0001, df=218, 95% CI 6.89-9.19), and behavioral (5.68 ±2.10vs 7.54 ±1.46, mean difference 1.86, P< 0.0001, df = 218, 95% C11.39-2.33) areas.Conclusion : Cognition abilities are significantly impaired in children with SpLD.     

The number and function of circulating endothelial progenitor cells in patients with Kawasaki disease

Kawasaki disease (KD) is associated with coronary artery injury. Studies have shown that the endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) participates in the process of arterial repair. Data have been reported that the number of EPC increased significantly in the subacute phase of KD. However, until now, there are no data about the functions of EPC in KD patients. The present study was designed to further investigate the number and functions of EPC in KD. Ten KD patients in the acute phase and ten healthy volunteers were recruited and attributed to the KD group and control group, respectively. The circulating CD34/kinase insert domain-containing receptor double positive cells were evaluated in the two groups using flow cytometry. In vitro assays were used to measure the functions of EPC, including proliferation, adhesion, and migration activities. The plasma levels of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were also assessed in both groups. The number of EPC in the KD group was significantly higher than that of the control group (0.021 ± 0.007% vs. 0.014 ± 0.003%, P < 0.05). The migratory response of EPC was significantly decreased in the KD group, compared with that of the control group (5.50 ± 1.78 vs. 3.40 ± 1.35 cells/high power field, P < 0.01). Similarly, the proliferative and adhesive activities of EPC in the KD group were also decreased (0.47 ± 0.08 vs. 0.66 ± 0.07, P < 0.01; 6.5 ± 2.12 vs. 11.2 ± 2.04 cells/high power field, P < 0.01). The plasma NO, TNF-α, and hs-CRP levels in the KD group were higher than those of the control group (54.10 ± 11.78 vs. 38.80 ± 11.10 μmol/l, P < 0.01; 48.20 ± 7.42 vs. 37.00 ± 11.12 pg/ml, P < 0.05; 87.10 ± 30.18 vs. 5.30 ± 3.37 mg/l, P < 0.01). The number of circulating EPC positively correlated with the level of NO (r = 0.92, P < 0.001), and the functions of EPC negatively correlated with the levels of TNF-α and hs-CRP, respectively. In Kawasaki disease, the number of EPC was enhanced and the functions of EPC were attenuated. The two-way regulation of circulating EPC in KD patients may be associated with the disorders of cytokines or messengers in KD patients.     

Relationship between serum bilirubin and coagulation test results in 1-month-old infants

Objective: Although the connection between cholestasis and conjugated hyperbilirubinemia is well known, mild hepatic dysfunction or cholestasis may also be associated with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in some infants with prolonged jaundice. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum bilirubin levels and alanine aminotransferase levels, asparte aminotransferase levels, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and international normalization ratio findings in a group of infants.Methods: The study included 77 healthy, term, breast-fed infants with jaundice and 56 age-matched, healthy, term, non-jaundiced controls. The 133 babies were divided into three subgroups according to their total bilirubin levels [group I (controls) <50 μmol/L, group II=50–100 μmol/L, and group III >100 μmol/L, and the findings for the noted parameters were compared].Results: The mean conjugated bilirubin level was significantly higher, and the mean activated partial thromboplastin time significantly longer in group III than in group I. A significant positive correlation was found between bilrubin levels and PT and APTT results.Conclusion: Clinical vitamin K deficiency appeared unlikely to develop in this group of infants with prolonged unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. However, a significant positive correlation between bilirubin levels and PT and APTT suggest that a higher bilirubin load to the liver may cause some degree of vitamin K deficiency due to mild cholestasis. The importance of this finding, and the possible benefits of vitamin K supplementation in 1-month-old breast-fed infants with bilirubin levels higher than 100 μmol/L require further investigation.     

Impact of small‐quantity lipid‐based nutrient supplement on hemoglobin,iron status and biomarkers of inflammation in pregnant Ghanaian women

We examined hemoglobin (Hb, g/L), iron status (zinc protoporphyrin, ZPP, µmol/mol heme, and transferrin receptor, TfR, mg/L) and inflammation (C‐reactive protein, CRP and alpha‐1 glycoprotein, AGP) in pregnant Ghanaian women who participated in a randomized controlled trial. Women (n = 1320) received either 60 mg Fe + 400‐µg folic acid (IFA); 18 micronutrients including 20‐mg Fe (MMN) or small‐quantity lipid‐based nutrient supplements (SQ‐LNS, 118 kcal/d) with the same micronutrient levels as in MMN, plus four additional minerals (LNS) daily during pregnancy. Intention‐to‐treat analysis included 349, 354 and 354 women in the IFA, MMN and LNS groups, respectively, with overall baseline mean Hb and anemia (Hb <100) prevalence of 112 and 13.3%, respectively. At 36 gestational weeks, overall Hb was 117, and anemia prevalence was 5.3%. Compared with the IFA group, the LNS and MMN groups had lower mean Hb (120 ± 11 vs. 115 ± 12 and 117 ± 12, respectively; P < 0.001), higher mean ZPP (42 ± 30 vs. 50 ± 29 and 49 ± 30; P = 0.010) and TfR (4.0 ± 1.3 vs. 4.9 ± 1.8 and 4.6 ± 1.7; P < 0.001), and greater prevalence of anemia (2.2% vs. 7.9% and 5.8%; P = 0.019), elevated ZPP (>60) [9.4% vs. 18.6% and 19.2%; P = 0.003] and elevated TfR (>6.0) [9.0% vs. 19.2% and 15.1%; P = 0.004]. CRP and AGP concentrations did not differ among groups. We conclude that among pregnant women in a semi‐urban setting in Ghana, supplementation with SQ‐LNS or MMN containing 20 mg iron resulted in lower Hb and iron status but had no impact on inflammation, when compared with iron (60 mg) plus folic acid (400 µg). The amount of iron in such supplements that is most effective for improving both maternal Hb/iron status and birth outcomes requires further evaluation. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as: NCT00970866.     

Efficacy of caudal butorphanol

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of butorphanol with or without bupivacaine for caudal epidural anesthesia in children undergoing infraumbilical surgery.Methods: Sixty ASA physical status I and II patients of either sex aged 1–10 yr were randomized to one of three groups. Group L received 1 ml/kg of 0.25% bupivacaine; Group B received 1 ml/kg of 25 μg/kg butorphanol diluted in normal saline; and Group LB received 1 ml/kg of 25 μg/kg butorphanol in combination with 0.25% patients. Sedation score, pain score, and requirement of rescue analgesia were recorded at preset time intervals alongwith postoperative complications.Results: There was no difference among the groups regarding sedation scores, requirement of rescue analgesia and post-operative complications. Mean duration of analgesia was maximum in group BL (14.5±3.5 hr, P<0.001), than in group L (8.8±4.8 hr) and group B (6.8±2.9 hr).Conclusion: The, addition of 25 μg/kg butorphanol to bupivacaine resulted in superior analgesia with a longer period compared with caudal bupivacaine and butorphanol alone, without an increase of side effects.     

Right Ventricular Diastolic Function After Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot

The objective of this study was quantitate diastolic dysfunction in the postoperative phase of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and to correlate it with the type of surgical procedure and clinical parameters. Fifty consecutive patients (mean age, 5.0 years; mean weight, 13.5 kg), operated for TOF during the period November 2004 to May 2005, were prospectively studied [infundibular resection, 23; infundibular resection and transannular patch (TAP), 19; right ventricle→pulmonary artery conduit, 8). Detailed echocardiography was done on postoperative days 3 and 9 with a focus on Doppler indices of right ventricular (RV) function, Antegrade late diastolic flow in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) was taken as the marker of restrictive RV physiology. The previous parameters were correlated to the type of surgery and clinical indices of RV dysfunction. There was no mortality. Twenty-four patients showed restrictive RV physiology. This finding correlated with lower values of E/A ratio (0.98 ± 0.17 vs 1.33 ± 0.49, p < 0.002), tricuspid valve E-wave deceleration time (86.9 ± 21.7 vs 151.4 ± 152 msec, p < 0.05), index of myocardial performance (0.15 ± 0.06 vs 0.26 ± 0.09, p < 0.001), isovolumic relaxation time (19.4 ± 17 vs 39±30 msec, p < 0.009), and a higher central venous pressure (15.1 ± 1.5 vs 12.7 ± 1.9, p < 0.001). Restrictive RV physiology correlated with prolonged intensive case unit (ICU) stay (5.1 ± 3.7 vs 2.8 ± 2 days, p < 0.015), longer duration of inotropic support (108.3 ± 56.2 vs 55.5 ± 28.3 hours, p < 0.02), and higher dosage of diuretics. RV diastolic dysfunction is demonstrable by Doppler echocardiography in the first week following surgery for TOF and tends to be worse with TAP. Restrictive physiology demonstrated by RVOT pulse Doppler predicts longer duration of inotropic support, prolonged ICU stay, and higher dosage of diuretics.     

Elimination of iodine deficiency disorders in Delhi

Objective: The present study was conducted in year 2002 in NCT of Delhi with the objective to re-assess the prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders.Methods : A total of 7009 children in the age group of 6–11 years were clinically examined for presence of goiter. A total of 991 salt samples were also collected randomly. On the spot casual urine samples were collected from 1395 children.Results : The total goiter prevalence was found to be 6.2 %. The percentage of children with urinary iodine excretion (UIE) of <20.0, 20.0-<50.0, 50.0–99.9 and 100.0 Μg/l and above was 0.8, 1.8, 8.7 and 88.7%, respectively. The median UIE level was 200 Μg/L The assessment of iodine content of salt revealed that only 16% of the families were consuming salt with iodine content less than 5 ppm.Conclusion : The findings of the present study indicated that the population is in a transition phase from iodine deficient (as revealed by Total Goiter Prevalence) to iodine sufficient nutriture (as revealed by median UIE 200 Μg/l). A significant progress has been achieved towards elimination of IDD from NCT of Delhi.     

来曲唑治疗特发性中枢性性早熟男童的临床观察

目的 对骨龄大于13岁、身高偏矮小的中枢性性早熟（ICCP）男童应用来曲唑（letrozole）治疗,观察该治疗方案对延缓骨龄老化和改善成年预测身高的效果和不良反应。方法 将骨龄大于13岁的ICCP男童20例随机分为2组,每组10例,一组予来曲唑口服治疗6个月[2.5 mg/（m2·d）,Qd];另一组为对照组,定期观察,不予特殊治疗。观察两组男童骨龄、生长速度、身高标准差积分、预测成年身高标准差积分、性征发育情况及性激素水平的变化。并观察来曲唑治疗相关不良反应。结果 试验开始6个月后,来曲唑组和对照组男童骨龄均显著增加,但来曲唑组男童骨龄增长（13.82±0.23岁）较对照组男童（14.47±0.30岁）明显缓慢（PPP结论 对骨龄超过13岁、身高受损显著的ICCP男童应用来曲唑能够有效减缓骨龄老化,改善预测成年身高,且未见明显不良反应。     

中美两家医院早产儿营养策略的对照研究

目的 对比中美两家医院的早产儿营养支持数据,以期找到差距及改善方法。方法 对2011年1 月至2012 年5 月北京协和医院儿科NICU（PUMCH 组）及2011 年1 月至2012 年1 月美国辛辛那提儿童医学中心辛辛那提大学医院NICU（CCHMC 组）收治的胎龄结果 PUMCH 组74 例、CCHMC 组82 例纳入研究。PUMCH 组胎龄和出生体重均显著大于CCHMC 组（PPPPPPP=0.018）。PUMCH 组败血症发生率显著高于CCHMC 组（32% vs 12%,P结论 PUMCH 组较CCHMC 组肠外营养时间延长、院内感染发生增加。需要推进强化母乳喂养、采取更积极的喂养方案以加快喂养进程。     

Effect of antioxidant therapy on collagen synthesis in corrosive esophageal burns

To investigate the efficacy of antioxidant therapy on collagen synthesis in corrosive esophageal burns, 110 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups of 22 animals each. A standard esophageal caustic burn was produced by 1 ml of 10% sodium hydroxide solution for the rats in groups B to E; group A was instilled only with 0.9% saline after preparation of the distal esophageal segment. Group A animals (controls) were uninjured and untreated. Group B had untreated esophageal burns. Esophageal burns were treated in group C with vitamin E (10 mg/kg IM), in group D with vitamin C (10 mg/kg IP), and in group E with methylprednisolone (30 mg/kg IM) on each of 5 days. Eight rats from each group were killed 4 days after initiation of the study and the abdominal esophagus was studied for tissue malondialdehyde (MDA; μmol/g protein) levels. The other rats were killed 28 days after initiation of the study and determination of hydroxyproline (HP) (μg/g tissue) levels in esophageal tissue was performed for 8 rats in each group. Histopathologic evaluation was also performed in the other 6 rats from each group. MDA levels in esophageal tissue were significantly lower in groups C (9.24 ± 2.62, P < 0.01) and group E (6.26 ± 2.22, P < 0.001) than in group B (12.35 ± 1.80). HP levels were significantly lower in groups A (0.75 ± 0.21, P < 0.001), C (1.11 ± 0.15, P < 0.01), and E (0.96 ± 0.15, P < 0.001) than in group B (1.40 ± 0.20). Histopathologically, collagen deposition in the submucosa and tunica muscularis was lower in groups C and E than in group B (P < 0.05, and 0.01, respectively). Our results demonstrate that treatment with antioxidant drugs such as vitamin E and methylprednisolone decreased tissue HP levels, and thus inhibited new collagen synthesis and stricture formation in rats with alkali-induced caustic esophageal burns. Accepted: 16 February 2001     

CEREBROSPINAL FLUID OXIDATIVE STRESS DURING CHEMOTHERAPY OF ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA IN CHILDREN

In this study the authors addressed the question whether neurotoxicity due to the chemotherapy of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is associated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) oxidative stress. Examination of 38 ALL patients revealed significant increases in 8-isoprostane concentration and important decreases in total antioxidative capacity of CSF during therapy. The mean 8-isoprostane level at diagnosis was 9.05 ± 1.62 pg/mL, and no correlations with initial leukocytosis, organomegaly, and lactate dehydrogenase levels were noted. 8-Isoprostane concentrations were increased on the 59th day of treatment (mean level: 24.85 ± 7.59 pg/mL [P < .01]) and remained elevated at 4 points of the consolidation phase (17.28 ± 2.16 pg/mL [P < .05]; 22.72 ± 6.04 pg/mL [P < .05]; 24.92 ± 6.31 pg/mL [P < .01]; 32.32 ± 7.94 pg/mL [P < .01]) as compared to their level at diagnosis. The mean total antioxidative capacity at diagnosis was 203.08 ± 6.17 μmol/L and was remarkably decreased on the 59th day of treatment (189.76 ± 1.9 μmol/L [P < .05]) and at one point of the consolidation phase (188.29 ± 3.46 μmol/L [P < .05]) as compared to the level at diagnosis. This study indicates that neurotoxicity of standard ALL treatment may be related to oxidative stress.     

Cardiopulmonary interaction during partial liquid ventilation in surfactant-treated preterm lambs

Gas ventilation following instillation of perfluorochemical (PFC) liquid, partial liquid ventilation (PLV), improves gas exchange and pulmonary mechanics in neonatal animals and humans with severe respiratory distress. The effect of PLV on cardiac contractility, performance, pulmonary blood flow and ductal shunt has not been fully described. To this end, we evaluated these indices of cardiopulmonary function in eight conventionally gas ventilated, surfactant-treated premature lambs (125 days gestation) before and during PLV. Animals were instrumented with central venous and aortic lines. Serial evaluation of arterial blood chemistry/pressure, and pulmonary mechanics was performed; cardiac contractility, performance, pulmonary blood flow and ductal shunts were serially assessed by echocardiography. As compared to conventional gas ventilation, during PLV there was a significant decrease in left ventricular meridian (22.5 ± 6.6 SE vs 8.1 ± 1.4 SE g/cm², P < 0.02) and circumferential wall stress (54.1 ± 16.5 vs 24.4 ± 3.8 SE g/cm², P < 0.04) at end systole. The fall in wall stress at end systole was associated with a significant decrease in left ventricular internal diameter (1.2 ± 0.05 SE vs 1.04 ± 0.045 SE cm; P < 0.01). There were no significant changes in heart rate, systemic arterial and central venous pressures, systemic vascular resistance, left ventricular shortening and ejection fractions during PLV. The decrease in wall stress was associated with a significant decrease in mean airway pressures (15.9 ± 1.1 SE vs 9.9 ± 0.2 SE cmH₂O; P < 0.05) and ostensibly a change in intrathoracic pressures during PLV. There were no significant differences in blood flows (pre vs during PLV; ml/min/kg): pulmonary (226 ± 62 SE vs 293 ± 65 SE), aortic (237 ± 36 SE vs 204 ± 21 SE), and left to right ductal (119 ± 25 SE vs 105.5 ± 26 SE) measured before and during PLV. Conclusion Cardiac output and pulmonary blood flow do not change significantly during PLV and therefore do not appear to contribute to improved gas exchange. This stable cardiac performance occurs at lower wall stress and thereby more advantageous energetic conditions. Received: 18 July 1996 and in revised form: 28 May 1997 / Accepted: 31 May 1997     

Glutamine attenuates TPN-associated liver injury in infant rabbits

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of parenteral alanyl-glutamine dipeptide (Ala-Gln) on TPN-associated liver injury. Forty-three New Zealand rabbits (6–8 days old) were divided into three groups: 12 in the control group (maternal fed); 18 in the TPN group (TPN for 10 days); 13 in the Gln-PN group (TPN+Ala-Gln 400 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹ for 10 days). At the end of the experiment, liver function and histology were evaluated; MDA content of liver tissues and hepatocyte apoptosis by TUNEL assay were also determined. The serum concentration of direct bilirubin and bile acid in the Gln-PN group was significantly lower than TPN group (P < 0.05), but showed no difference compared with the control group. AST level of the Gln-PN group was lower than the other two groups. The light microscopy (LM) features in the TPN group included cholestasis or diffuse steatosis, while in the Gln-PN group, inflammatory infiltration and mild hydropic degenerative changes were mainly found without obvious cholestasis or proliferation of bile ducts. The electron microscopy appearances corresponded with LM findings. The liver MDA content in the Gln-PN group was clearly lower than the TPN group (P < 0.05), and was lower without statistical significance compared with control group. TUNEL assays showed the ratio of apoptotic hepatocytes in the TPN group was the highest among all the groups (44.59 ± 6.68 vs. 0.92 ± 0.85 in the control group, P < 0.01; 44.59 ± 6.68 vs. 4.14 ± 2.76 in the Gln-PN group, P < 0.01). There were significantly fewer apoptotic hepatocytes in the Gln-PN group. From this study, we found that glutamine dipeptide supplementation could attenuate TPN-associated liver injury in infant rabbits, and could also decrease liver MDA production and hepatocyte apoptosis during total parenteral nutrition. This study was supported in part by the National Key Program Grant (No.2004BA709B09).     

Serum D-lactate levels as a predictor of intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury

Currently, no serum marker has proved helpful in diagnosing intestinal ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury. An experimental study was conducted to determine the value of serum D-lactate in detecting intestinal I/R injury. Thirty New Zealand White rabbits were divided into three groups of 10 animals each: sham-operation controls (S); I/R; and I/R plus mannitol treatment (M). Serum samples were obtained before operation (T₀), at the end of the ischemic period (T₁), after the first 30 min of reperfusion (T₂), and at the end of the reperfusion period (T₃). In Group S, mean D-lactate levels for T₀, T₁, and T₂ were 0 μg/dl, while T₃ was 5.8 ± 4.7 μg/dl. Before the operation (T₀), serum mean D-lactate levels were 0 μg/dl in all groups (S, I/R, M). Levels increased after 1 h of ischemia (T₁) in groups I/R (83.5 ± 25.6 μg/dl) and M (89.8 ± 19.9 μg/dl), but not in group S (0 μg/dl). The mean T₂ level in group I/R (231.6 ± 78.6 μg/dl) was statistically higher than in group M (140.1 ± 53.5 μg/dl) (P = 0.007). At the end of the reperfusion period, the mean T₃ level in group I/R (698.4 ± 360.4 μg/dl) was significantly higher than in group M (158.7 ± 61.4 μg/dl) (P = 0.000). In group I/R, mean D-lactate levels changed significantly at each time point (T₁ vs T₂, P = 0.001; T₂ vs T₃, P = 0.004). However, in group M the increase from T₁ to T₂ was significant (P = 0.012), but that from T₂ to T₃ was not (P = 0.293). As a result, the mean T₃ level was significantly higher than the T₂ level in group I/R (P = 0.004), but not in group M. This study confirmed a significance rise in D-lactate levels in animals with I/R injury compared to sham-operated and I/R injury plus M treatment. We suggest that serum D-lactate levels could be a useful marker of intestinal I/R injury before laparatomy. Accepted: 26 May 1998     

Circulating soluble adhesion molecule levels in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

The aim of this study was to evaluate levels of serum soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) as parameters of disease activity and to monitor the response to treatment in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). The above soluble adhesion molecules were determined in the serum of 35 children with ALL and 30 healthy children (control group) of the same age range. The samples were obtained before treatment, 6 months after the beginning of the treatment (remission of the disease), 6 months after the end of the treatment and during relapse of the disease. The mean levels of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin at the onset of the disease were 646.6 ± 80.9 ng/ml, 1786 ± 151.8 ng/ml and 140.5 ± 17.3 ng/ml, respectively. These values were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than those of the control group, which were, 245.8 ± 25.7 ng/ml, 798.6 ± 78.9 ng/ml and 44.7 ± 18.2 ng/ml respectively. During remission, the mean levels did not differ significantly from those of the control group. After the end of the treatment the mean levels again did not show any significant differences compared to the control group. During relapse the soluble adhesion molecule mean levels (923.9 ± 110.1 ng/ml, 2945.7 ± 349.9 ng/ml and 258.2 ± 5.1 ng/ml) were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than those of the control group and also than those obtained during remission and after the end of the treatment (P < 0.001). Pearson's correlation coefficient r was computed in order to detect possible linear correlations between: (1) sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 (r = 0.632); (2) sICAM-1 and sE-selectin (r = 0.788) and (3) sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin (r = 0.752). All three cases correspond to P < 0.001, thus indicating strong linear correlations. Conclusion The levels of soluble circulating adhesion molecule levels can be utilized for monitoring disease activity of ALL and its response to treatment, as well as for early detection of relapse. Strong linear correlations between the three soluble adhesion molecules tested suggest that each of them may be sufficient as an indicator. Received: 5 August 1996 / Accepted: 13 February 1997     

Anticoagulant action of melagatran: a comparison between neonates and adults using calibrated automated thrombography (CAT)

In the present study, we comparatively evaluated the anticoagulant efficacy of the new direct thrombin inhibitor melagatran in cord vs. adult plasma. In contrast to heparin, melagatran does not require antithrombin as a cofactor. Thus, anticoagulant treatment with melagatran is of special interest in neonatal patients, whose plasma is relatively deficient in antithrombin. We evaluated the anticoagulant action of increasing amounts of melagatran (0.1–2.0 μmol/l) in both cord and adult plasma by means of calibrated automated thrombography (CAT) with respect to the lag time until the onset of thrombin formation, time to thrombin peak maximum (TTP), endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), and thrombin peak height. Melagatran exhibited approximately the same ability to prolong lag times or TTPs in both cord and adult plasma. Similar concentrations (IC₅₀) of melagatran were required to double the lag times (0.44±0.04 μmol/l vs. 0.52±0.05 μmol/l) or to double the TTPs (0.91±0.08 μmol/l vs. 1.06±0.09 μmol/l) in cord vs. adult plasma. Melagatran exhibited a higher ability to suppress ETPs or thrombin peak heights in cord vs. adult plasma. Markedly lower concentrations (IC₅₀) of melagatran were required to suppress ETPs (0.27±0.03 μmol/l vs. 0.70±0.06 μmol/l) or thrombin peak heights by 50% (0.29±0.03 μmol/l vs. 0.53±0.04 μmol/l) in cord vs. adult plasma. We conclude that our results suggest a higher ability of melagatran to suppress thrombin formation in cord vs. adult plasma. Thus, lower amounts of melagatran might be required in neonates undergoing antithrombotic therapy.     

Fat-modified diets during pregnancy and lactation and serum lipids after birth

Objective : This study investigated the influence of modifying the maternal dietary fat on the serum lipids of infants at birth and at one year of age.Methods : This single-blind randomized clinical trial was done on 180 4-month-pregnant women. All subjects proved to have a fat-unmodified diet through a 4-day food record dietary questionnaire. They were divided randomly into two groups. The intervention group was kept on a fat-modified diet including saturated fatty acid (SFA) <10%, monounsaturated fatty acids: (MUFA) 10-5%, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) upto 10% and cholesterol <300 mg/day with dietary advice for the pregnancy period. The control group was given only the latter advice. All subjects were followed up monthly. The serum lipids including total cholesterol (T.cho), triglyceride (TG), and HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) were analyzed through enzymatic methods. The level of LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) was calculated by Friedewald formula. The comparison of mean cord and one-year-old infant serum lipids were done through unpaired T-test in two groups.Results: The mean level of T.cho in the intervention and control group was (70.3±15.9, vs 81.4±17.2, P<0.009), TG (85.3 ± 16.7 vs 97.5 ± 18.2, P<0.007), LDL-C (27.8 ± 15.2 vs 34.8 ±17.1, P<0.04) and non-HDL-C (44.5±7.2 vs 54.5 ± 8.1, P<0.02) and in one year old infant the comparison of serum lipids were as follows. T.cho (145.7 ± 51.4 vs 161.4 + 56.2, P<0.003), TG (90.1 ± 31.8 vs 98.3 ± 33.1, P<0.02), LDL-C (85.6 ± 20.4 vs 92.3 ± 19.6, P<0,05) and non-HDL-C (113.6 ± 30.2 vs 128.8 ± 34.8, P<0.04). However, there was no significant difference in HDL-C of both groups.Conclusion : There is a significant decrease of T.cho, TG, LDL-C and non-HDL-C levels with no significant increase of HDL-C in the intervention group with the fat-modified diet. Maternal fatmodified diet could be suitable way to prevent cardiovascular disease among infants from the beginning of the life.