Epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, non-coding RNA are reversible, heritable alterations which are induced by environmental stimuli. Major risk factors of diabetes and diabetic complications including hyperglycemia, oxidative stress and advanced glycation end products, can lead to abnormal epigenetic modifications in retinal vascular endothelial cells and retinal pigment epithelium cells. Epigenetic mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of macular edema and neovascularization of diabetic retinopathy (DR), as well as diabetic metabolic memory. The heritable nature of epigenetic marks also playsakey role in familial diabetes mellitus. Further elucidation of epigenetic mechanisms in DR can open the way for the discovery of novel therapeutic targets to prevent DR progression.
ObjectiveTo introduce the surgical method and effectiveness of repairing skin and soft tissue defect in the palm or dorsum of the hand and forearm with epigastric bilobed flap. MethodsBetween October 2010 and December 2013, 4 male patients with skin and soft tissue defect in the palm or dorsum of the hand and forearm were treated, aged from 36 to 62 years. Of them, 3 cases had degloving injury caused by machines and 1 case had necrosis of fingers and skin after surgery of crush injury. The time from injury to hospitalization was from 3 hours to 15 days. Among the 4 cases, the size of palmar defect was 7 cm×4 cm to 16 cm×6 cm, and the size of dorsal defect was 10 cm×7 cm to 20 cm×10 cm. The epigastric bilobed flap was designed based on the axial vessel which was formed by inferior epigastric artery, superior epigastric artery, and intercostals arteries. The size of flap ranged from 12 cm×4 cm to 18 cm×6 cm in the vertical direction, 15 cm×8 cm to 22 cm×11 cm in the oblique direction. The donor site was directly closed. The pedicles were cut at 22 to 24 days after repairing operation. ResultsAll the flaps survived well with the wound healing by first intention. Four patients were followed up 3 months to 1 year and 2 months. The other flaps had good appearance and texture except 1 bulky flap. The flap sensation basically restored to S2-S3. The function of the hands recovered well. ConclusionSkin and soft tissue defect in the palm or dorsum of the hand and forearm can be repaired with the epigastric bilobed flap, because it has such advantages as big dermatomic area and adequate blood supply. Besides, the operation is practical, safe, and simple.
Objective To observe the effect of radiofrequency ablation technology for the treatment of infected wounds in minipigs. Methods Infected wounds of full-thickness skin defects (about 6.15 cm2/wound) were prepared in 8 6-month-old minipigs (weighing, 30-35 kg) using the method of Davis et al. The 160 wounds were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=40). Infected wounds were debrided with the radiofrequency ablation technology in group A, with the electric knife in group B, and with the scalpel in group C; no treatment was done in group D as a control. The healing rate, healing time, and tissue filling rate were observed; bacterial quantitative examination and histological examination were done at 0, 2, 7, and 14 days after operation. Results All infected wounds were successfully established after 48 hours when Staphylococcus aureus dilution were inoculated. The wounds after radiofrequency ablation technology treatment were fresh and flat with slight bleeding; the healing time of group A was significantly shorter than that of groups B, C, and D (P lt; 0.05), and the healing rate of group A was significantly higher than that of groups B, C, and D at 7 and 14 days after operation (P lt; 0.05). The tissue filling rate of group A was significantly higher than that of groups B, C, and D at 2 days after operation (P lt; 0.05); the tissue filling rates of groups A, B, and C were significantly higher than that of group D at 7 and 14 days after operation (P lt; 0.05). At 0, 2, 7, and 14 days, there were significant differences in the bacterial count per gram tissue among 4 groups (P lt; 0.05), the order from low to high was groups A, B, C, and D. The histological observation showed that the surface of wound was smooth in group A at 0 day, and group A was better than the other groups in wound healing; at 2 days, some exudates were observed in 4 groups, but it was least in group A. There was inflammatory cell infiltration in various degrees in 4 groups at 7 and 14 days; it was lightest in group A with thick epithelium and dense collagen bundles, followed by groups B and C, and it was severe in group D. Conclusion The radiofrequency ablation technology can effectively remove the necrotic tissues of infected wounds, remarkably reduce the number of bacteria, improve the healing rate, and shorten the healing time of wounds.
【Abstract】 Objective To investigate the method and effectiveness of expanded delto-pectoral and abdominalperforator flaps in repairing large defects of the face and upper limb after scar excision. Methods Between August 2000 and February 2011, 25 patients with large scars on face and upper l imb were treated. There were 14 males and 11 females with an average ageof 27 years (range, 7-36 years). Scars causes were burn and scald in 25 cases with a disease duration of 6 months to 7 years (mean, 4.5 years). The hypertrophic scars located at face in 15 cases, and at upper limb and hand in 10 cases. The soft tissue expanders (300-500 mL in volume) were implanted in the delto-pectoral zone and abdominal region in one-stage operation. In two-stage operation, after scars were resected, defects (9 cm × 7 cm to 17 cm × 8 cm) were repaired with the delto-pectoralperforator flaps (17 cm × 7 cm to 20 cm × 8 cm) in 15 facial scar cases and with the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps (10 cm × 9 cm to 25 cm × 14 cm) in 10 upper limb and hand scar cases. The donor sites were sutured directly. Results Partial necrosis of the flaps occurred in 2 cases after operation, then the flap survived after expectant treatment. The other flaps and skin grafts survived successfully, and the incisions healed by first intention. Ten patients were followed up 6 months to 4 years. Theappearance, texture, and color of the flaps were similar to those at the donor site. Conclusion It is an effective method to use the delto-pectoral perforator flap and the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap for repairing soft tissue defects of the face and upper limb after scar excision.
Objective To investigate the method and the effectiveness of arthroscopy and/or arthrotomy combinedwith postoperative radiotherapy for diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) of the knee. Methods BetweenSeptember 2000 and August 2010, 97 patients with diffuse PVNS of the knee were treated. There were 38 males and 59 femaleswith a median age of 33 years (range, 8-75 years). The disease duration ranged from 1 week to 30 years, including 52 left kneesand 45 right knees. There were 10 recurrent cases. The extention and flexion of the knee joint were (1.9 ± 2.3)° and (122.9 ± 5.6)°,respectively; the Lysholm score was 43.2 ± 6.7; and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score was53.2 ± 5.7, preoperatively. According to the scope and degree of the knee joint lesions, simultaneous anterior and posteriorsynovectomy was performed under arthroscopy in 82 cases, synovectomy under arthroscopy and removal of posterior extraarticularlesion by arthrotomy in 3 cases, synovectomy and the soft tissue lesions resection under arthroscopy in 9 cases, andstaging resection and bone graft in 3 cases. After operation, 76 patients received postoperative radiotherapy. Results Poplitealartery was injuryed in 1 case and the branch of popl iteal veins were injuryed in 3 cases during operation. Intra-articularhemorrhage occurred in 1 case at 3 days after operation. The other patients achieved heal ing of incision by first intentionwithout nerve damage and other complications. All patients were followed up 1 year and 3 months to 11 years and 2 months(median, 61 months) postoperatively. During follow-up, 89 cases had no relapse. At 15 months after operation, the extentionand flexion of the knee joint were (0.2 ± 1.3)° and (135.9 ± 6.6)°, respectively; the Lysholm score was 89.8 ± 5.8; and the IKDCscore was 87.8 ± 5.8. All indexes were significantly improved when compared with the preoperative ones (P lt; 0.05). At 6 monthsto 8 years postoperatively, 8 cases had occurrence, and they had sl ight limitation of the range of motion but had no pain andswelling of the knees after reoperation. Conclusion According to the scope and degree of the knee joint lesions, arthroscopyand/or arthrotomy combined with postoperative radiotherapy should be chosen for diffuse PVNS of the knee so as to obtain good effectiveness. Radiotherapy and enough total radiation dose are important factors to insure no recurrence.
Objective To introduce a new method of tissue engineering research by transplanting vessels to tissue engineering chamber (vascularized tissue engineering chamber) in vivo, and to review the progress of research in vascularized tissue engineering chamber. Methods The l iterature concerning all kinds of tissue engineering research in chamber was reviewed, analysed, and summarized. Results The use of vascularized tissue engineering chamber allowed generation of vascularized adipose tissue, cardiac tissue, and so on. The most common tissue engineering chamber models were arterio-venous loop model and inferior epigastric artery model. Conclusion The method of tissue engineering research by using vascularized tissue engineering chamber has a potential cl inical value and provides a promising future.
Objective To provide the anatomical basis for the appl ication of the superficial inferior epigastric artery flap. Methods Ten cadavers which were immersed in formal in less than 6 months and were perfused by red latex were used in this study. There were 8 males and 2 females with an average age of 58 years (range, 35-78 years). The origin, course, branch,distribution, diameter, pedicle length, and neighbour of superficial inferior epigastric artery and vein were observed in the 2 sides of inguinal region. Results In these series of 10 cadaver (20 sides) dissections, the superficial inferior epigastric artery was identified in 18 sides, which average cal iber was 1.48 mm with a mean vascular pedicle length of 4.80 cm. In 11 sides, the superficial inferior epigastric artery arose aspart of a common trunk with one or more other vessels; in other 7, it originated from the femoral. There were 4 branch modes of superficial inperior epigastric artery: single trunks (5 sides), double ramification (3 sides), single lateral ramification (7 sides), and single medial ramification (3 sides). The superficial inferior epigastric vein was observed in 20 sides, which average cal iber was 2.33 mm with a mean sides pedicle length of 5.45 cm. In 8 sides, the venous drainage was as an individual vein; in 12 sides, both patterns were observed (a pair of venae comitantes and an individual vein). Conclusion The inferior epigastric artery flap can be appl ied to microsurgical flap transfer, potentially in breast reconstruction, phalloplasty, reconstruction of head, neck and four l imbs defects.
Objective To investigate the expression of c-kit in human intermediate-spl it-thickness skin grafts and normal skin, and to recognize the role of c-kit in hyperpigmented process of the skin grafts. Methods The hyperpigmented intermediate-spl it-thickness skin grafts of 16 patients’ face and cervicum 1 year after operation was harvested and the normal skins around the recipient site and the donor site were used as controls. Envision immunohistochemical technique was usedto detect the expression and distribution of c-kit in the skin grafts and in the normal control skins, respectively. Medical image quantitative analysis system was used to quantitate the positive expression index (PI). Results The expression of c-kit was located in endochylema and cytolemma of melanocytes and keratinocytes in the basilar part of epidermis. The positive expression of c-kit was obvious in the intermediate-spl it-thickness skin grafts and blown zone was observed in the basilar part of epidermis; and was not obvious and local in normal control skins. The PI of c-kit in the intermediate-spl it-thickness skin grafts (131 216 ± 19 130) was significantly higher than that in the normal skin around the recipient site (92 958 ± 16 208) and in the normal skin around the donor site (91 306 ± 8 135); showing statistically significant difference (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion The expression of c-kit in intermediate-spl it-thickness skin grafts increases remarkably compared with that in normal control skin. c-kit may play an important adjusting role in the process of hyperpigmentation of skin grafts．
Objective To explore the technique of arthroscopic treatment of local ized pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee and to evaluate its cl inical results. Methods From February to December 2006, 22 cases of local ized pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee were treated by arthroscopic excision of the focus and partial synovectomy. There were 8 males and 14 females, with an average age of 24 years old (16 to 35 years old). Eight patients had a trauma history, the others had no obvious inducement. The disease course was from 1 month to 30 months with an average of 10 months. The Lysholm score was 68.5 ± 8.2, and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score was 72.7 ± 5.2 before operation. MRI showed that 20 knees had definite focuses and 2 had no ones. In all the cases, routine arthroscopic approach combined with assistant approach adjacent to the focus was used. Results All the patients were diagnosed as having local ized pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee by pathological examination. The incisions healed at stage I. No compl ications occurred after operation. All patients were followed up 18-28 months (average 22 months). The angle of genuflex was less than 90° in 2 cases after 6 weeks, and the range of motion of the knee was recovery after manipulation release. At last followup, MRI showed no recurrence was found in 19 patients. The IKDC score was 92.8 ± 2.4, and the Lysholm score was 94.5 ± 3.5, respectively, indicating significant differences when compered with before operation (P lt; 0.01). Conclusion Local ized pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee can be effectively treated by arthroscopic excision of the focus along with a rim of surrounding healthy synovium with most minimal invasive and best knee function.
Objective To investigate the effect of natural hirudin which is appl ied locally on vein congestion of random pattern skin flap in porcine models. Methods Three Guangxi Bama miniature pigs, including male and female aged 6-8 months and weighing 10-15 kg, were employed to establ ish animal model of vein congestive. Six dorsal random pattern skin flaps (three on each side) were prepared on each animal, 14 cm × 4 cm in size. According to the pharmacologic manipulations which were administered immediately and at 1, 2, and 3 days after operation respectively, the eighteen flaps were divided randomly into 3 groups (six in each group). In group A, isotonic Na chloride was locally appl ied as control group. In group B, 3 mL of 20 ATU natural hirudin was locally appl ied at each flap. In group C, 3 mL of 40 ATU natural hirudin was locally appl ied at each flap. Macroscopic observation (at 1 and 10 days postoperatively) and histological observation (at 1 and 7 days postoperatively) were made, the ratio of wet weight to dry weight of the congestive tissue (at 3 and 7 days postoperatively), the temperature of the surface of congestive flap (at 5 days postoperatively) and local blood flow of the flap (by Color Doppler Ultrasound at 7 days postoperatively) were measured. The survival rate of skin flaps was determined at 12 days postoperatively. Results Macroscopic observation showed that congestion of the flaps had no significance among three groups immediately after operation (P gt; 0.05); at 1 day postoperatively, the length of the congestion of the flap in group A (9.68 ± 0.43) cm was significantly longer than that in group B (6.81 ± 0.53) cm and group C (8.51 ± 0.64) cm (P lt; 0.05), while there was no significant difference between group B and group C (P gt; 0.05); at 10 days postoperatively, the necrosis at the distal end of flap in group A and group C were significantly longer than that in group B (P lt; 0.05), while there was no significant difference between group A and group C (P gt; 0.05). The histological observation revealed that the degree of erythrocyte agglutination in dermis capillary and veinule in group A was more serious than that of group B at 1 day postoperatively, and there was l ittle collagen and granulation tissue in group A when compared with group B at 7 days postoperatively. The ratio of wet weight to dry weight: at 3 days postoperatively, the value in group A (3.94 ± 0.14) was significantly higher than that of group B (3.43 ± 0.14) and group C (3.60 ± 0.19) (P lt; 0.05), and there was no significant difference between group B and group C (P gt; 0.05); at 7 days postoperatively, the value in group A (3.61 ± 0.11) was significantly higher than that of group B (3.08 ± 0.13) and group C (3.34 ± 0.21) (P lt; 0.05), and there was no significant difference between group B and group C (P gt; 0.05). The surface temperature of the congestive flap was (36.64 ± 0.70)℃ in group A, (38.61 ± 0.42)℃ in group B and (37.50 ± 0.46)℃ in group C at 5 days postoperatively; showing significant difference between group A and groups B, C (P lt; 0.05), and no significant difference between group B and group C (P gt; 0.05). The Color Doppler Ultrasound showed that the image of blood flow was very l ittle in group A, the image of venous return and perforator artery could be seen in group B and the image of arterial blood flow could be detected in group C. The survival rate of skin flaps was 45% ± 7% in group A, 67% ± 4% in group B and 52% ± 4% in group C at 12 days postoperatively; showing statistically significant difference between groups B, C and group A (P lt; 0.05), but no statistically significant difference between group B and group C (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion Local appl ication of natural hirudin can significantly improve the congestion of random pattern skin flap in a porcine model.