ObjectiveTo summarize the role of ionized free calcium/calmodulin/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ (Ca2+/CaM/CaMKⅡ) signaling pathway in hepatic fibrosis so as to provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. MethodThe recent literature relevant research on the role of Ca2+/CaM/CaMKⅡ signaling pathway in the process of liver fibrosis both domestically and internationally was reviewed. ResultsThe Ca2+/CaM/CaMKⅡ signaling pathway played a bidirectional regulatory role in the process of liver fibrosis, potentially facilitating the activation of hepatic stellate cells and triggering hepatocyte apoptosis through synergistic transforming growth factor-β1 and platelet-derived growth factor pathways. ConclusionsAt present, there is very little research on the role of Ca2+/CaM/CaMKⅡ signaling pathway in the process of liver fibrosis, and there is still insufficient understanding. Future research should focus on the mechanism of this signaling pathway in liver fibrosis, especially its upstream genes or downstream target proteins, which will help to develop targeted and effective treatment strategies, achieve the reversal of hepatic fibrosis and even liver cirrhosis, and provide more effective treatment options for patients with hepatic fibrosis.
Objective To summarize the diagnosis and treatment progress of borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (BR-PDAC) in recent years. Methods Through the retrieval of relevant literatures, the progress in the diagnosis and treatment of BR-PDAC in recent years were reviewed, to summarize the current status of definition, management, and outcome of BR-PDAC. Results Pancreatic surgery had significantly changed during the past years and resection approaches had been extended beyond standard procedures, including vascular and multivisceral resections. Consequently, BR-PDAC, which had recently been defined by the International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS), had become a controversial issue with regard to its management in terms of upfront resection vs. neoadjuvant treatment and sequential resection. The key point was preoperative diagnostic accuracy to define the resectability of BR-PDAC and radical tumor resection followed by neoadjuvant treatment. Conclusion Surgery followed by neoadjuvant treatment is the only treatment option for BR-PDAC with the chance of long-term survival.
ObjectiveTo understand the current research status of calorie restriction and calorie restriction mimetics in inflammatory diseases. MethodThe literatures about the effect of caloric restriction and caloric restriction mimetics on immune cells, inflammatory responses, and clinical applications were reviewed and analyzed. ResultsAs a dietary therapy, the caloric restriction affected the immune system and function by limiting daily energy intake, regulating cellular metabolic pathways and energy patterns, reducing the inflammatory reaction and improving body symptoms. A growing numbers of attention had been paid in aging, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, neurodegenerative diseases, etc. And it was found that some caloric restriction mimetics such as resveratrol, rapamycin, metformin, etc. could not only achieve similar effects with caloric restriction, but also did not need to strictly restrict diet. ConclisionsAlthough calorie restriction has been studied extensively, there is still no widely accepted and uniform calorie restriction protocol, which is challenging in clinical practice. The development of calorie restriction mimetics, which has similar effects to calorie restriction without requiring strict dietary restriction, is more in line with human physiology and is advantageous to patients. There is a certain understanding how these drugs can prevent inflammation by regulating metabolic pathways, and the relation between them is complex. In future, the knowledge proposed in new field of immunometabolism is preferred to prevent inflammation in age-related diseases, and anti-inflammatory drugs should be reused as a therapeutic option for treatment of age-related diseases.
Objective To investigate the effect on expression regulation of calmodulin-dependent kinases casades (CaMK) Ⅱ on liver function after liver transplantation in rats. Methods Allogeneic orthotopic liver transplantation model was established by using the classic two-cuff method. The lentiviral expression systems of CaMKⅡγ protein and CaMKⅡγ shRNA were constructed. The lentiviral vector expressing CaMKⅡγ shRNA and the lentiviral vector expressing CaMKⅡγ protein were perfused into the rat after liver transplantation respectively, and the corresponding blank vector and normal saline were perfused into the control group at the same time. The serum levels of ALT and AST were measured at different time points of inferior vena cava blood in rats. Results The serum ALT and AST levels were debased in the after transplantation rats whose lentiviral vector expressing CaMKⅡγ shRNA (P<0.05). The serum ALT and AST levels were raised in the after transplantation rats whose lentiviral vector expressing CaMKⅡγ protein (P<0.05). There were no significant difference of serum ALT and AST levels between the blank control group and the saline group (P>0.05). Conclusion Specific blocking of CaMK Ⅱ signaling pathway can effectively reduce the serum ALT and AST levels after liver transplantation in rats, and enhanced CaMK Ⅱ signaling pathway increases the serum ALT and AST levels after liver transplantation in rats.
ObjectiveTo improve the calculation method of the sum of residual hepatic lobe volume and total liver volume after partial hepatectomy in rats.MethodsOne hundred and thirty-five SD rats of different body sizes were divided into five groups by completely random design. The body length, tail length, chest circumference, body weight and length of hepatic triangle lobe of the rats were measured before surgery. Then, according to the classic Higgins and Anderson methods, different lobectomies of liver were performed for each group: middle lobe + left inner lobe, left outer lobe, bilateral papillary lobe, triangular lobe, and right lateral lobe were removed; the proportion of theoretical liver resection in each group was 38.1%, 30.1%, 7.9%, 7.8% and 15.3%, respectively. The actual liver resection volume and residual liver volume were measured after surgery. we finally analyzed statistical differences of liver volume calculated by different indirect methods. In addition, the correlation analysis and regression analysis were conducted between the preoperative measured rat body surface parameters and the measured whole liver volume, so as to explore a more simple and accurate volume measurement method.ResultsThe actual proportion of liver resection in each group was 35.0%, 29.2%, 7.1%, 4.9% and 12.0%, respectively. Compared with the residual liver lobe volume actually measured, that calculated by using the indirect method of substitution of the theoretical liver resection proportion was statistically different in all the other four groups except the left outer lobe group. However, there was no statistical difference between the residual liver lobe volume actually measured and that calculated by the actual liver resection proportion in the 5 groups. In addition, in the preoperative measurement of 5 kinds of basic parameters of rats, the body length has the best correlation with whole liver volume, and the regression equation is \begin{document}$\hat Y = - 27.667 + 0.899X$\end{document}.ConclusionsThe liver volume calculated by indirect method using the actual liver resection proportion, compared with the theoretical liver resection proportion, is more accurate. Compared with the body weight, the body length has the better correlation with whole liver volume.