Tanshinone IIA attenuates interleukin-17A-induced systemic sclerosis patient-derived dermal vascular smooth muscle cell activation via inhibition of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE:Salvia miltiorrhiza has long been used to treat systemic sclerosis. Tanshinone IIA, one of the phytochemicals derived from the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza, exhibits multiple biological activities. The present study aimed to investigate whether tanshinone IIA has an effect on the interleukin-17A-induced functional activation of systemic sclerosis patient-derived dermal vascular smooth muscle cells.METHODS:Systemic sclerosis patient-derived dermal vascular smooth muscle cells were incubated with various dosages of tanshinone IIA in the presence of interleukin-17A or the serum of systemic sclerosis patients. Cell proliferation was assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8. The expression of collagen 1 and 3 in cells was evaluated by immunofluorescence. Cell migration was measured using a transwell assay. The expression of phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase was detected by Western blotting.RESULTS:Our data demonstrate that tanshinone IIA exerts an inhibitory effect on interleukin-17A-induced systemic sclerosis patient-derived dermal vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, collagen synthesis and migration.CONCLUSION:These findings suggest that tanshinone IIA might serve as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of systemic sclerosis.     

拜阿司匹林对老年糖尿病患者血小板活性及眼底血流动力学指标的影响观察

目的:观察拜阿司匹林对老年糖尿病患者血小板活性及眼底血流动力学指标的影响程度。方法:选取2012年12月至2014年1月本院收治的74例老年糖尿病患者为研究对象,将其随机分为对照组(常规糖尿病治疗组)37例和观察组(常规糖尿病治疗加拜阿司匹林组)37例,然后将两组患者治疗前和治疗后4周、8周的血小板活性及眼底血流动力学指标进行检测及比较。结果:观察组治疗后4周及8周时的血小板活性指标均低于对照组,眼底血流动力学指标也均好于对照组,P均<0.05,两组治疗后4周与8周时的比较指标间均有显著性差异。结论:拜阿司匹林对老年糖尿病患者血小板活性及眼底血流动力学指标的影响较大,其有效地改善了此类患者的微血供。     

The role of interleukins 4, 17 and interferon gamma as biomarkers in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and their correlation with disease activity

Aim of the workThis work was designed to study the production of proinflammatory cytokines in SLE patients and their correlation with disease activity and study if they can be used as biomarkers for renal activity in lupus nephritis patients.Patients and methodsThis study was carried out on 70 subjects divided into two groups: Group I (SLE group) which included 40 SLE patients and Group II (Control group) which included 30 apparently healthy controls. The patients were subjected to full history taking and complete clinical examination. Assessment of disease activity in SLE patients by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). Sera of patients and controls were screened for the level of cytokine expression of T helper cells including interleukin 17 (IL-17), interleukin 4 (IL-4) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ).ResultsSerum levels of IL-4 were significantly lower while both IL-17 and IFN-γ were significantly higher in SLE patients than in the control group. The most powerful predictor and correlated cytokine with the SLEDAI in SLE patients was IL-17. Higher serum level of IFN-γ was associated with more pyuria and hematuria, while higher IL-17 was associated with more pyuria and proteinuria in SLE patients.ConclusionThe serum level of IL-17 and IFN-γ was proven to be significantly higher in SLE patients and can be used as biomarkers of renal activity.     

Prevention of unhealthy weight in children by promoting physical activity using a socio-ecological approach: What can we learn from intervention studies?

AimOur objectives was to identify the characteristics of interventions likely to successfully prevent overweight in youngsters by promoting physical activity (PA), with special focus on dimensions of the socio-ecological model of behaviour and health, and unresolved issues.MethodsThis was a systematic review of population-based interventions either promoting PA or limiting sedentary behaviour in children with measure of weight status as an endpoint. The efficacy of studies was evaluated according to the levels of PA determinants in the socio-ecological model (individual, interpersonal, institutional environment, community) targeted by the interventions.ResultsA total of 54 studies met our inclusion criteria, most of them published within the last 5 years and targeting children aged 6–12 years. Twenty-three interventions targeted individual and/or interpersonal PA determinants only; 26 targeted determinants at three or four levels with at least one environment component at the institutional level; and five were multilevel community-based interventions. Our review indicated that programmes targeting PA determinants at the different levels of the socio-ecological model, including the social and organizational/built environments, had the greatest potential for preventing obesity in youngsters. Targeting various facets of PA, including everyday PA, might represent another key element for program efficacy on weight status.ConclusionData regarding the efficacy of comprehensive PA interventions that simultaneously address individual attitudes and skills, the social context, and the environment, to prevent overweight in children are encouraging. Further studies are needed to evaluate the maintenance of the effects and whether such strategies apply to young children and older adolescents, and to different cultural contexts.