水飞蓟素对大鼠非酒精性脂肪性肝炎的防治作用及机制

目的研究水飞蓟素对大鼠非酒精性脂肪性肝炎的治疗作用及部分机制研究。方法将30只大鼠随机分为3组（正常对照组、病理模型组、水飞蓟素组），利用高脂饮食联合氧四环素腹腔注射建立大鼠脂肪肝模型，水飞蓟素组给予水飞蓟素干预（100mg／kg），8周后处死所有大鼠，检测大鼠血清丙氨酸转氨酶（ALT）、甘油三酯（TC）、总胆固醇（TG）、丙二醛（MDA）、超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、肝组织TG、TC、MDA、SOD水平及采用半定量逆转录聚合酶链反应（RT-PCR）检测肝脏过氧化物酶体增殖物激活受体α（PPARα）mRNA的表达情况。结果与正常对照组相比，模型组大鼠血清ALT，TG，TC，MDA和肝组织的TG，TC、MDA明显升高，而血清及肝组织的SOD明显降低。肝组织PPARetmRNA表达减少（P〈0．01）。与模型组比较，水飞蓟素组大鼠血清ALT，TG，TC，MDA和肝组织的TG，TC，MDA明显降低。而血清及肝组织的SOD明显升高，肝组织PPARαmRNA表达增加（P〈0．01）。结论水飞蓟素对实验性非酒精性脂肪肝大鼠具有一定的治疗作用，其作用机制之一是促进肝脏PPARα表达。     

肝康Ⅳ号对大鼠酒精性脂肪肝的保护作用

[目的]探讨肝康Ⅳ号对大鼠酒精性脂肪肝的保护作用。[方法]采用高脂饮食和白酒诱导大鼠酒精性脂肪肝模型,以不同剂量肝康Ⅳ号煎液灌胃治疗（治疗组）,于8周末处死鼠,采血检测血清天冬氨酸转氨酶（AST）、丙氨酸氨基转移酶（ALT）及肝脏总胆固醇（TC）、三酰甘油（TG）、超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、丙二醛（MDA）水平,肉眼和显微镜下观察肝组织病理学变化及脂肪变程度计分,并与空白对照组、模型组和东宝肝泰组比较。[结果]模型组肝组织明显脂肪变性,治疗组和东宝肝泰组可显著降低血清AST、ALT和肝组织TC、TG、MDA水平,提高肝组织SOD活性,肝康Ⅳ号治疗效果优于东宝肝泰;肝组织病理检查显示,肝康Ⅳ号可减轻肝组织脂肪变和点灶样坏死,镜下计分显示肝康Ⅳ号中、高剂量组对肝组织改善优于东宝肝泰组。[结论]肝康Ⅳ号可对抗氧化应激和脂质过氧化损害,对大鼠酒精性脂肪肝有良好的治疗效果。     

低铁负荷对大鼠非酒精性脂肪性肝炎的影响

目的研究非酒精性脂肪性肝炎（NASH）大鼠肝铁负荷的变化及低铁负荷对大鼠NASH的影响。方法SD雄性大鼠随机分为4组：正常对照组1、低铁对照组2、模型组3、低铁模型组4。实验的12周末观察血清胆固醇（TG）、甘油三酯（TC）、转氨酶（ALTAST）、血清铁（SI）、过氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、丙二醛（MDA）的含量以及肝匀浆铁、TG、TC、SOD、MDA的含量,观察肝组织病理学改变的特点。结果与正常对照组相比,模型组血清TG、TC、ALT、AST、MDA的含量明显升高,SOD的含量明显降低,血清铁含量升高不明显;肝匀浆TG、TC、ALT、AST、MDA及铁的含量明显升高,肝匀浆SOD的含量明显降低。与模型组相比,低铁模型组血清TG、TC、ALT、AST、SI、MDA含量明显降低,SOD的含量明显升高;肝匀浆TG、TC、SI、MDA含量明显降低,SOD含量明显升高。肝脏病理学切片示：模型组大鼠肝小叶内脂滴比率大于三分之一,造模成功,低铁模型组大鼠肝脏的炎症活动度计分及铁染色计分明显低于模型组。结论NASH大鼠肝脏铁负荷增加,低铁负荷可以减轻大鼠NASH的损伤程度。     

清肝降浊颗粒对酒精合并高脂饮食性脂肪肝大鼠的治疗作用

目的研究清肝降浊颗粒对酒精与高脂饲料联合诱导的大鼠脂肪肝是否具有治疗作用。方法采用灌服56%乙醇同时饲喂高脂饲料的方法,诱导建立复合因素导致的脂肪肝大鼠模型。给药4 w后,检测与酒精性脂肪肝密切相关的各项指标。血液生化学指标检测:天冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)活性,丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)活性;血清及肝组织中总胆固醇(TC)含量,甘油三酯(TG)含量;肝脏组织中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性,丙二醛(MDA)含量;肝脏、脾脏、胸腺及肾上腺脏器系数。结果清肝降浊颗粒对脂肪肝动物血清AST、ALT、TC和TG水平的异常升高均具有明显的降低作用(P0.01或P0.05);可以升高脂肪肝动物肝组织中SOD活性,降低TC、TG和MDA含量及肝脏系数(P0.01或P0.05)。结论清肝降浊颗粒具有保肝降酶、抑制脂质过氧化反应、降低血脂肝脂含量,从而达到治疗复合因素所致脂肪肝的作用。     

谷氨酰胺对非酒精性脂肪肝炎大鼠肠黏膜屏障的保护作用

目的 探讨谷氨酰胺对非酒精性脂肪肝炎肠黏膜屏障功能的保护作用.方法 32只SD大鼠随机分为正常对照组8只,给予普通饮食喂养;高脂饮食组24只,给予高脂饲料喂养,于8周末从高脂饮食组随机抽取8只大鼠处死作为单纯性脂肪肝组,剩余大鼠随机分为谷氨酰胺组、NASH组,谷氨酰胺治疗组在8周末加用谷氨酰胺灌胃.12周末处死所有大鼠,测定大鼠门静脉血浆中内毒素、腹主动脉血浆中D-木糖以及肠粘液中sXgA的水平,测定小肠组织匀浆中SOD的活性和MDA的含量,并测定大鼠血清中TC、TC、ALT、AST,HE染色观察肝脏病理改变.结果 12周模型组大鼠血清ALT、AST明显升高,肝脏病理表现为脂肪性肝炎,谷氨酰胺治疗组大鼠血清ALT、AST明显下降(P＜0.05),肝组织炎症活动计分也明显下降(3.25±1.49 vs.4.38±1.06,P＜0.05),但仍显著高于8周单纯性脂肪肝组大鼠水平(3.25±1.49 vs.2.00±0.76,P＜0.05).谷氨酰胺治疗组肝细胞脂肪变性程度无显著变化.谷氨酰胺治疗组大鼠门静脉血浆中内毒素、腹主动脉血浆中D-木糖、小肠组织匀浆中MDA含量与模型组相比明显降低(P＜0.05).肠黏液中slgA的水平和小肠组织匀浆中SOD与模型组相比明显升高(P＜0.05).结论 谷氨酰胺可以降低高脂饮食诱发的非酒精性脂肪性肝炎大鼠血清中转氨酶水平和肝组织炎症损伤,降低门静脉血中内毒素水平,但不能完全阻止炎症的进展,提示肠黏膜屏障功能的改变是非酒精性脂肪性肝炎发病的重要机制之一.     

甘正复方对大鼠非酒精性脂肪肝的影响

[目的]研究甘正复方对大鼠非酒精性脂肪肝模型形成的影响.[方法]30只SD大鼠随机分为3组(各10只):正常组喂普通饲料;模型组和治疗组喂高脂饲料.治疗组高脂饮食12周后同时给予甘正复方治疗.16周处死大鼠.测定血清丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)、门冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)、总胆固醇(TC)、三酰甘油(TG)、丙二醛(MDA)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性;苏木精-伊红染色观察肝脏病理改变;免疫组化法测定细胞色素P450ⅡE1(CYPⅡE1)及过氧化物酶体增殖物激活受体α(PPARα)表达.[结果]模型组血清ALT、AST、TC、TG及MDA增加,SOD减少;免疫组化示CYPⅡE1表达增高,PPARα表达明显减少;肝脏组织出现脂肪变性和炎症坏死.治疗组较模型组血清ALT、AST及TG、MDA均下降,SOD增加,CYPⅡE1表达减少,肝脏脂肪变性和炎症坏死的程度明显减轻.[结论]甘正复方能通过调节TG代谢、抗氧应激和脂质过氧化有效地治疗大鼠脂肪肝.     

降脂护肝胶囊治疗非酒精性脂肪性肝病的实验研究

目的:探讨降脂护肝胶囊对非酒精性脂肪性肝病(NAFLD)的疗效.方法:采用高胆固醇高脂饮食喂养,复制NAFLD大鼠模型,设降脂护肝胶囊治疗组(Z组)、模型组(M组)及空白对照组(K组),检测各组大鼠血清ALT、AST、TG、TC、TNF-α、IFN-γ水平及肝组织SOD活性、MDA浓度,观察肝脏组织病理学变化.结果:M组大鼠ALT、AST、TG、TC、MDA、TNF-α、IFN-γ水平明显升高,而SOD表达下降,与K组比较,差异有显著性意义(P<0.01或P<0.05);Z组大鼠的8次指标检测结果均得到明显改善,与M组比较,差异有显著性意义(P<0.01或P<0.05).M组大鼠肝脏脂肪变明显,且有散在坏死灶及炎性细胞浸润;Z组大鼠肝脏脂肪变比M组明显减轻,肝窦基本正常,无炎性细胞浸润.结论:降脂护肝胶囊能显著改善非酒精性脂肪肝大鼠的肝功能,降低血脂,提高肝细胞SOD活性,降低MDA含量,抑制炎症反应中细胞因子TNF-α、IFN-γ,改善肝组织学病理情况,对非酒精性脂肪性肝病有较好的治疗效果.     

肝脂康胶囊对非酒精性脂肪肝的防治作用

目的:探讨肝脂康胶囊治疗非酒精性脂肪肝的作用机制.方法:采用高脂饮食制作脂肪肝动物模型,以东宝肝泰作对照观察肝脂康胶囊对模型大鼠的影响.结果:与模型组相比,肝脂康胶囊大、中剂量组能显著降低模型大鼠体重、肝指数、三酰甘油(TG)、总胆固醇(TC)、游离脂肪酸(FFA)及谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、谷草转氨酶(AST),升高高密度脂蛋白(HDL),同时肝组织内丙二醛(MDA)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、谷胱甘肽(GSH)、维生素E及TG恢复到接近正常.在降低肝指数、TC、AST,升高HDL,肝脂康胶囊优于东宝肝泰(P<0.05,<0.01).病理结果显示:在使模型大鼠肝细胞脂肪变性恢复正常或显著减轻方面,肝脂康胶囊也优于东宝肝泰(P<0.05).结论:肝脂康胶囊具有良好的抗脂肪肝作用.     

橙皮苷对四环素所致小鼠脂肪肝的保护作用

目的：观察橙皮苷对四环素引起小鼠非酒精性脂肪肝的保护作用。方法将ICR小鼠分为A、B、C组, A组给予橙皮苷（300 mg／kg）连续灌胃10 d,B、C组给予同体积溶剂;在第10天给药后1 h时A、B组腹腔注射四环素200 mg／kg 20 mL,C组给予相同pH值等体积生理盐水。给毒后24 h眼球取血,并取肝脏,检测血清ALT、AST、TG、TC及肝组织TG、TC、丙二醛（MDA）、超氧化物歧化酯（SOD）、谷胱甘肽（GSH）,HE染色观察肝脏组织病理学改变。结果与C组比较,B组血清ALT、AST升高而TG、TC降低,肝组织中TG、TC、MDA、GSH升高,P均＜0．05;与B组比较,A组血清ALT、AST降低而TG、TC升高,肝组织中TG、TC降低而GSH升高,P均＜0．05。 C组小鼠肝脏未见明显病变,B组动物肝脏的中央静脉和小叶间静脉周围出现肝细胞肿胀、水样变性等病理改变。 A组给药可减轻上述病理改变。结论橙皮苷对四环素所致小鼠脂肪肝具有明显的保护作用。     

降脂保肝丸治疗酒精性脂肪肝的实验研究

目的：探讨降脂保肝丸治疗酒精性脂肪肝的疗效。方法：采用酒精灌胃复制酒精性脂肪肝小鼠模型，设降脂保肝丸大剂量组（D）、小剂量组（X）、模型组（M）及空白对照组（K），检测各组小鼠血清ALT、AST、TG、TC水平及肝组织SOD活性、MDA浓度，观察肝脏组织病理学变化。结果：M组小鼠ALT、AST、TG、TC水平明显升高，与K组比较，差异有显著性意义（P〈0．05）；D组和X组小鼠的4项指标检测结果均比M组下降，差异有显著性意义（P〈0，05），且以D组为优。M组小鼠肝脏脂肪变明显，且有散在坏死灶及炎性细胞浸润；D组小鼠肝脏脂肪变比M组明显减轻，肝窦基本正常，无炎性细胞浸润；X组小鼠肝组织改变介于M组和D组之间。结论：降脂保肝丸能显著改善酒精性脂肪肝小鼠的肝功能，降低血脂，提高肝细胞SOD活性，降低MDA含量，改善肝组织学病理情况，对酒精性脂肪肝有较好的治疗效果。     

Three layer functional model and energy exchange concept of aging process

Relying on a certain degree of abstraction, we can propose that no particular distinction exists between animate or living matter and inanimate matter. While focusing attention on some specifics, the dividing line between the two can be drawn. The most apparent distinction is in the level of structural and functional organization with the dissimilar streams of ‘energy flow’ between the observed entity and the surrounding environment. In essence, living matter is created from inanimate matter which is organized to contain internal intense energy processes and maintain lower intensity energy exchange processes with the environment. Taking internal and external energy processes into account, we contend in this paper that living matter can be referred to as matter of dissipative structure, with this structure assumed to be a common quality of all living creatures and living matter in general. Interruption of internal energy conversion processes and terminating the controlled energy exchange with the environment leads to degeneration of dissipative structure and reduction of the same to inanimate matter, (gas, liquid and/or solid inanimate substances), and ultimately what can be called ‘death.’ This concept of what we call dissipative nature can be extended from living organisms to social groups of animals, to mankind. An analogy based on the organization of matter provides a basis for a functional model of living entities. The models relies on the parallels among the three central structures of any cell (nucleus, cytoplasm and outer membrane) and the human body (central organs, body fluids along with the connective tissues, and external skin integument). This three-part structural organization may be observed almost universally in nature. It can be observed from the atomic structure to the planetary and intergalactic organizations. This similarity is corroborated by the membrane theory applied to living organisms. According to the energy nature of living matter and the proposed functional model, the decreased integrity of a human body's external envelope membrane is a first cause of the structural degradation and aging of the entire organism. The aging process than progresses externally to internally, as in single cell organisms, suggesting that much of the efforts towards the restoration and maintenance of the mechanisms responsible for structural development should be focused accordingly, on the membrane, i.e., the skin. Numerous reports indicate that all parts of the human body, like: bones, blood with blood vessels, muscles, skin, and so on, have some ability for restoration. Therefore, actual revival of not only aging tissue of the human body's membrane, but the entire human body enclosed within, with all internal organs, might be expected. We assess several aging theories within the context of our model and provide suggestions on how to activate the body's own anti-aging mechanisms and increase longevity. This paper presents some analogies and some distinctions that exist between the living dissipative structure matter and inanimate matter, discusses the aging process and proposes certain aging reversal solutions.     

Unusual responses of nocturnal pineal melatonin synthesis and secretion to swimming: Attempts to define mechanisms

Abstract: The effect of swimming at night on rat pineal melatonin synthesis was compared with that of light exposure at night. Rats were forced to swim at 0030 hr (lights out at 2000 hr) and sacrificed by decapitation 15 and 30 min later, immediately after swimming. Other groups of animals were exposed to white light (650μW/cm²) for 15 and 30 min at same time. Swimming caused a rapid and highly significant drop in the melatonin content in the pineal gland; however, the activity of N-acetyltransferase (NAT), the supposed rate limiting enzyme in the melatonin production, was not changed. Despite the drop in pineal melatonin levels, serum concentrations of the indole remained elevated in the rats that swam. In contrast, melatonin levels in the pineal and serum of light exposed rats fell precipitously, accompanied by a significant suppression of NAT activity. Since we anticipated that the strenuous exercise associated with swimming may induce release of artrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) from the heart, which in turn could cause the release of pineal melatonin, in a second study we injected physiological saline intravenously to stretch the cardiac muscle and release ANP. Three milliliters of normal saline was injected during the day into the jugular vein of anesthetized rats that were pretreated with isoproterenol to stimulate pineal melatonin production. Animals were killed 15 min after the saline injection, and pineal NAT activity and pineal melatonin levels were measured. The saline injections caused no alteration in the elevated levels of either NAT or melatonin. These data suggest that the disparity in pineal NAT activity (which was high) and pineal melatonin (which was low), in animals swum at night, may not be caused by ANP which is released during strenuous exercise such as swimming.     

Melatonin and photoperiodic time measurement: Seasonal breeding in the sheep

Abstract: Well-established circadian physiology supports the view that photoperiodic time measurement utilizes the coincidence between the presence of light and a photosensitive phase of a 'biological clock' to alter reproductive status—the so-called external coincidence model of seasonal breeding. In this review, we examine the mechanism whereby photoperiod interacts with presumed suprachiasmatic nuclei activity to allow endogenous melatonin to normally synchronize reproductive activity to the optimal time of year. The Romney Marsh sheep is particularly explored as an experimental model. It is suggested that the on/off activity of seasonal reproduction may be a robust mechanism able to be predictably manipulated by the judicious use of the light/dark cycle and exogenous melatonin, but firmly based on circadian principles.     

The immunoneuroendocrine role of melatonin

Abstract: A tight, physiological link between the pineal gland and the immune system is emerging from a series of experimental studies. This link might reflect the evolutionary connection between self-recognition and reproduction. Pinealectomy or other experimental methods which inhibit melatonin synthesis and secretion induce a state of immunodepression which is counteracted by melatonin. In general, melatonin seems to have an immunoenhancing effect that is particularly apparent in immunodepressive states. The negative effect of acute stress or immunosuppressive pharmacological treatments on various immune parameters are counteracted by melatonin. It seems important to note that one of the main targets of melatonin is the thymus, i.e., the central organ of the immune system. The clinical use of melatonin as an immunotherapeutic agent seems promising in primary and secondary immunodeficiencies as well as in cancer immunotherapy. The immunoenhancing action of melatonin seems to be mediated by T-helper cell-derived opioid peptides as well as by lymphokines and, perhaps, by pituitary hormones. Melatonin-induced-immuno-opioids (MHO) and lymphokines imply the presence of specific binding sites or melatonin receptors on cells of the immune system. On the other hand, lymphokines such as -γ-interferon and interleukin-2 as well as thymic hormones can modulate the synthesis of melatonin in the pineal gland. The pineal gland might thus be viewed as the crux of a sophisticated immunoneuroendocrine network which functions as an unconscious, diffuse sensory organ.     

Response of rat pineal melatonin to calcium, magnesium, and lithium is circadian stage dependent

Abstract: Herein we documented the response of pineal melatonin production to electrolytes known to be effective on pineal function in view of a possible circadian stage dependence. We studied the release of melatonin by perifused rat pineal glands at 2 different circadian stages corresponding to the middle of the light and dark periods, i.e., respectively, 7 and 19 HALO (Hours After Light Onset, L:D = 12:12). The initial efflux rates were, as expected, much higher in the perifusates of glands removed from rats sacrificed during the dark phase than of those removed during the light phase. After 3 hr of perifusion, melatonin release reached similar levels which were found constant up to the 8th hr of perifusion, whatever the circadian stage. Perifusion of the glands with physiological concentrations for the rat of calcium (5.2 mmol/1) and magnesium (1.34 mmol/1) resulted in a stimulatory effect on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed in the middle of the dark period (19 HALO), whereas no effects were observed on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed during the light (7 HALO). Lithium (0.28 and 0.55 mmol/1) was ineffective on melatonin release in pineal glands removed 7 and 19 HALO. Our results show differences in the initial efflux rates of melatonin and in the response of perifused pineal glands to calcium and magnesium according to the circadian stage.     

Serological survey of HIV and syphilis in pregnant women in Madagascar

Objectives Peripartal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis, leads to severe consequences for newborns. Preventive measures require awareness of the maternal infection. Although HIV and syphilis testing in Madagascar could be theoretically carried out within the framework of the national pregnancy follow‐up scheme, the required test kits are rarely available at peripheral health centres. In this study, we screened blood samples of pregnant Madagascan women for HIV and syphilis seroprevalence to estimate the demand for systemic screening in pregnancy. Methods Retrospective anonymous serological analysis for HIV and syphilis was performed in plasma samples from 1232 pregnant women that were taken between May and July 2010 in Ambositra, Ifanadiana, Manakara, Mananjary, Moramanga and Tsiroanomandidy (Madagascar) during pregnancy follow‐up. Screening was based on Treponema pallidum haemagglutination tests for syphilis and rapid tests for HIV, with confirmation of positive screening results on line assays. Results Out of 1232 pregnant women, none were seropositive for HIV and 37 (3%) were seropositive for Treponema pallidum. Conclusions Our findings are in line with previous studies that describe considerable syphilis prevalence in the rural Madagascan population. The results suggest a need for screening to prevent peripartal Treponema pallidum transmission, while HIV is still rare. If they are known, Treponema pallidum infections can be easily, safely and inexpensively treated even in pregnancy to reduce the risk of transmission.     

Conservative management of perforated duodenal diverticulum： A case report and review of the literature

Duodenal diverticula are a relatively common condition. They are asymptomatic, unless they become complicated, with perforation being the rarest but most severe complication. Surgical treatment is the most frequently performed approach. We report the case of a patient with a perforated duodenal diverticulum, which was diagnosed early and treated conservatively with antibiotics and percutaneous drainage of secondary retroperitoneal abscesses. We suggest this method could be an acceptable option for the management of similar cases, provided that the patient is in good general condition and without septic signs.