Vascular endothelial cell(VEC) is a kind of simple squamous epithelium lined on the inner surface of blood vessels. VEC is an important barrier between the blood and tissue and it also plays a key role in regulating inflammation, thrombosis, endothelial cells mediated vasodilatation and endothelial regeneration. These processes should be controlled by a variety of complex mechanism which requires us to find out. With results of the researches in vascular endothelial cell function, the important roles that microRNA in vascular endothelial cell function draws more and more researchers' attention. MicroRNAs control gene expression in post-transcriptional level and affect the function of endothelial cells. This review focuses on the research progress on regulatory mechanism of microRNA to endothelial cell inflammation, thrombosis, vasodilation and endothelium regeneration.
Objective To study the significance of the levels of plasma inflammatory cytokines (IL-6，IL-8，IL-10 and TNF-α) in patients with acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of lower extremity. Methods Forty untreated DVT cases were selected as the subjects in the DVT group, while thirty healthy subjects, whose ages and genders showed no significant difference with the DVT patients, were collected as the control group. The plasma levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α were detected by radioimmunoassay (RIA), and the plasma level of IL-10 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Correlation analysis was used to investigate the relationships between the levels of different inflammatory cytokines within DVT group. Results The levels of plasma cytokines in the DVT group were all significantly higher than those in control group (P＜0.001). The results of the correlation analysis showed that there were positive correlations between IL-6 and TNF-α (r=0.383, P＜0.05), IL-10 and TNF-α (r=0.390, P＜0.05), respectively, within the DVT group; whereas there were no correlations between IL-6 and IL-8, IL-6 and IL-10, IL-8 and IL-10, and IL-8 and TNF-α. Conclusion The levels of plasma cytokines increased significantly in patients of DVT. Inflammatory cytokines may play an important role in acute DVT by accelerating the pace of thrombosis, intensifying the inflammatory reaction around thrombus and aggravating the injured blood vessel.
【Abstract】ObjectiveBy using multidetectorrow spiral CT (MDCT), to investigate the CT imaging features of inflammatory diseases in retroperitoneal space with correlation of radiological anatomy.MethodsThe clinical and laboratory dada of 30 patients with proven inflammatory diseases of retroperitoneal space were collected. All patients underwent MDCT plain scanning and portal venous acquisition. CT imaging data generated at portal venous phase were processed with coronal, sagittal and oblique multiplanar reformation (MPR) technique.ResultsAcute pancreatitis and various types of renal infection were the two main sources of retroperitoneal inflammation. Depending on the specific anatomic locations, retroperitoneal inflammation of different subspaces demonstrated characteristic imaging features. Spreading of inflammatory process across subspaces was also quite common.ConclusionMDCT is the imaging method of choice to depict comprehensively and clearly the inflammatory diseases of various retroperitoneal spaces.
Objective To explore the effects of Aspergillus fumigatus（A. fumigatus） spores on airway inflammation and responsiveness in asthmatic rats.Methods Seventy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into Ⅰ and Ⅱ groups（n=35 in each group），then Group Ⅰ and Group Ⅱ were subdivided into a normal control group（n=5），an asthma group（n=10），a spores-treated control group（n=10），and a spores-treated asthma group（n=10）.The rats were sensitized to ovalbumin（OVA） and challenged with aerosol OVA to establish the asthma model.The effects of A. fumigatus spores on asthmatic rats before and after OVA aerosol challenging were investigated in Group Ⅰ and Group Ⅱ，respectively.The parameters associated with bronchial epithelial damage were observed by total protein concentration in BALF measured by BCA method.Total and differential cell counts in BALF were also counted.The airway resistance and airway responsiveness were calculated by transpulmonary pressure and gas flow rate.Results In Group Ⅰ，the total protein in BALF in the asthma group treated with A. fumigatus spores before OVA challenging（Group CA） was increased remarkably compared to the asthma group（Group A1）[（1.125±0.254）μg/mL vs（0.825±0.173）μg/mL，Plt;0.01].The nonspecific airway resistances induced by different concentration of acetylcholine in Group CA ［（0.997±0.196）cm H2O•mL-1•s-1，（1.123±0.142）cm H2O•mL-1•s-1，（1.130±0.197）cm H2O•mL-1•s-1］were increased significantly compared to Group A1 [（0.655±0.089）cm H2O•mL-1•s-1，（0.687±0.048）cm H2O•mL-1•s-1，（0.821±0.043）cm H2O•mL-1•s-1]（all Plt;0.05）.In Group Ⅱ，however，the above parameters in the asthma group treated with A. fumigatus spores after OVA challenging（Group AC） were not dramatically increased compared with the asthma group（Group A2）（all Pgt;0.05）.The differences in the total and differential cell counts in BALF in Group CA were not remarkable compared to other subgroups in Group Ⅰ（all Pgt;0.05）.But the BALF neutrophil count in Group AC was increased obviously compared to Group A2 ［（2.488±0.420）×106 vs （0.936±0.459）×106，Plt;0.05］.Conclusion These data indicate that exposure to A. fumigatus spores before challenging causes aggravated epithelial damage and increased airway resistance in an asthma rat model.
Objective To investigate the relations between the human beta defensin-2 (HBD-2) and systemic inflammatory responses in patients with lower respiratory tract infection（LRTI）. Methods Eighty-one patients with confirmed LRTI including community-acquired pneumonia，acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or concurrent lung infection，and bronchiectasis concurrent infection were enrolled，and twenty healthy volunteers were included as control. Plasma concentrations of HBD-2，IL-1β，and IL-8 were assayed with ELISA method in all patients and controls. Furthermore the patients were divided into three groups according to the onset of disease:,ie.group A （shorter than 7 days），group B （7 to 14 days），and group C （more than 14 days）. The differences between these groups were compared. Correlation between HBD-2 and IL-1β or IL-8 concentrations was analyzed. Results HBD-2，IL-1β，white blood cell （WBC） of the peripheral blood in the patients with LRTI were all significantly higher than those in the healthy controls. HBD-2 and IL-1β increased in group A and group B，and decreased in group C comparing to the control group （Plt;0.05 respectively）. There was no significant difference of IL-8 in group A，B and C. HBD-2 showed a positive linear correlation with IL-1β （r=0.313，P=0.030） and no correlation with IL-8（Pgt;0.05）. Conclusions The plasma HBD-2 concentration is increased in LRTI patients，which may be a biomarker of systemic inflammation in the early or relative early course of LRTI.
Objective To evaluate the effects of oxidative stress in the airway inflammation and remodeling of high-fat diet induced obese mice with asthma. Methods Sixty female C57 /6J mice were randomly divided into four groups, ie. an asthma group, an obese group, an obese asthma group, and a control group. The mice in the asthma group were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin ( OVA) and fed with normal diets. The mice in the obese group were fed with high-fat diets. The mice in the obese asthma group were sensitized and challenged as the asthma group, and fed as the obese group. The mice in the control group were sensitized and challenged with normal saline and fed with normal diets. After 12 weeks, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid ( BALF) were collected for total and differential cell count. IL-6 and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α ( 8-iso-PGF2α) in lung tissue homognate were detected by ELISA. The pathological changes were observed under light microscope by HE staining. Meanwhile the remodeling indices including total bronchial wall area ( WAt) , smooth muscle area ( WAm) , and bronchial basement membrane perimeter ( Pbm) were measured. Results In comparison with the obese group and the asthma group, the leukocytes and eosinophils in BALF, WAt/ Pbm, and IL-6 in lung tissue increased significantly in the obese asthma group ( P lt; 0. 05) . 8-iso-PGF2αin lung tissue increased in sequence of the control group, the obese group, the asthma group, and the obese asthma group significantly. Pearson correlation analysis showed that leukocyte in BALF, WAt/ Pbm, and IL-6 were in positive correlation with 8-iso-PGF2α( r =0. 828, 0. 863, 0. 891, respectively, P lt;0. 01) . Conclusion Oxidative stress is involved in the airway inflammation and remodeling of obese asthma mice with high-fat diets.
Objective To establish a cell culture model in vitro of acute lung injury and investigate the effects of NF-κB p65 on the inflammation and oxidative stress in TNF-α-activated type Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cells. Methods A549 cells were treated with TNF-α ( 10 ng/mL, 24 h) in the absence or presence of NF-κB p65 siRNA ( 50 nmol /L) . RT-PCR and Western blot were performed to analyze the silence efficiency of RNAi targeting NF-κB p65. The contents of IL-1β, IL-4, and IL-6 in the culture supernatant were measured by ELISA. The concentration of MDA and SOD were detected by colorimetric method. The survival rate of cell was assessed by the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium ( MTT) assay. Results P65 RNAi significantly decreased the transcription and translation of NF-κB p65 induced by TNF-α( P lt; 0. 05) . The levels of IL-1β, IL-4, and IL-6 were significantly lower in the supernatants of A549 cells pretransfected with NF-κB p65 siRNA ( P lt;0. 05) , while the concentration of MDA markedly decreased ( P lt; 0. 05) , and the activation of SOD increased dramatically ( P lt; 0. 05) . Consequently, the survival rate of A549 in the p65 siRNA group improved( P lt; 0. 05) . Conclusions NF-κB p65 plays a key role in the oxidative stress induced by TNF-α. NF-κB p65 silencing can down-regulate the inflammation and oxidative stress induced by TNF-αand enhance the proliferation of alveolar epithelial cells.
Objective To investigate the influence of different mechanical ventilation modes on inflammatory reaction among COPD patients with severe respiratory failure. Methods A total of 102 COPD patients with severe respiratory failure, admitted in Zhongshan Hospital between January 20007 and June 2012, were enrolled in this study. The subjects were divided into an ASV group receiving adaptive support ventilation, and a SIMV + PSV group received synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation and pressure support ventilation, with 51 cases in each group. Breathing pattern, respiratory mechanics, hemodynamic parameters and seruminflammatory factors were examined among all patients. Results Tidal volume ( VT ) was significantly higher, and the control respiratory rate and ventilation time were significantly lower in the ASV group than those in the SIMV + PSV group ( P lt; 0.05) . Comparing with the SIMV + PSV group, obviously lower peak airway pressure ( Ppeak) ,mean airway pressure ( Pmean) and airway plateau pressure ( Pplat) were observed in the ASV group ( P lt; 0.05) . The patients in the ASV group had obviously lower levels of C-reactive protein, procalcitonin and α1 acid glycoprotein. Conclusion ASV ventilation mode may reduce the inflammatory reaction, facilitate spontaneously breathing and decrease mechanical ventilation time.
Objective To investigate the clinical significance of low dose corticosteroid applied in early period after lung volume reduction surgery（LVRS）. Methods From Apr. 2001 to Mar. 2004, 27 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were undergone video-assisted unilateral LVRS assisted with mini-incision in our department were retrospectively reviewed. According to whether dispensed with postoperative corticosteroid or not, patients were divided into corticosteroid group and non-corticosteroid group. Corticosteroid group received dexamethasone 10mg iv tid for 3 days and then declined to prednisone 5mg qd for 7 days. Both groups were measured and compared the quantity of thoracic drainage flow, duration of chest tube drainage, the time of air leaks and fever, and so on. At same time, blood gas analysis and blood routine test were performed at 1, 3, 7 and 30 d after operation. Results Corticosteroid and non-corticosteroid groups had no statistically differences in the air leaks time （P 〉 0.05）, but the quantity of thoracic drainage flow of corticosteroid group was lower than that of non-corticosteroid group evidently （700±210ml vs. 950±150ml, P = 0.001）. There was significant difference in average duration of chest tube drainage between both groups （9±3 d vs. 12±2 d, P = 0. 05）. Compared with non-corticosteroidgroup, PaO2 of corticosteroid group was higher at 1, 3d after operation （P〈0.05）. The amount of blood leukocyte of corticosteroid group was lower than that of non-corticosteroid group at 3, 7d after operation, there was no statistically significant in two groups （P 〉 0. 05）. At early period after surgery, both groups had no significant infection and death patient. Conclusion The low dose corticosteroid applied in early period after LVRS for short time（10 days in this research） could shorten the duration of chest tube drainage, decrease the quantity of thoracic drainage flow and the extent of inflammation in pleural cavity. In the mean time, this treatment does not increase the occurrence of significant complications during the early postoperative period, and there is no negative influence to the blood gas analysis.
Objective To explore the relationship between the structure and function of galectin-3， lipid metabolism disorders， and investigate the expression of galectin-3 in the occurrence and progress of lower limb arteriosclerosis block disease. Methods Related articles were reviewed. Results Galectin-3 participates in inflammatory reaction and lipid metabolism disorders， regulates the cell growth， differentiation， adhesion， apoptosis， and angiogenesis， and palys a role in the occurrence and progress of arteriosclerosis obliterans. Conclusion Galectin-3 is correlation with the occurrence， progress， and the prognosis of arteriosclerosis obliterans.