老年高血压左室肥厚气虚血瘀证血液流变学及左室肥厚指标的变化

目的 研究老年高血压左室肥厚(LVH)气虚血瘀证血液流变学及左室肥厚指标的变化.方法 入选的65例老年高血压LVH患者根据中医辨证分型分为气虚血瘀组(29例)与非气虚血瘀组(36例),观察比较两组血液流变学及左室肥厚相关指标.结果 气虚血瘀组全血黏度(高切变率、低切变率)、纤维蛋白原、血浆黏度显著高于非气虚血瘀组(P<0.05或P<0.01);室间隔厚度(IVSd)、左室心肌质量指数(LVMI)、左室内径(LVDd)、左室心肌质量(LVM)显著高于非气虚血瘀组(P<0.05或P<0.01).结论 气虚血瘀型是老年高血压LVH常见证型之一,血液流变学及左室肥厚指标的变化为其提供实验室客观依据.     

原发性高血压患者血浆肾素活性水平与血压和尿钠的关系

目的分析原发性高血压患者血浆肾素活性水平与血压、尿钠排泄的关系。方法原发性高血压患者479例,根据血浆肾素活性水平的5分位排序,分为3组,低肾素组93例,中间肾素组291例,高肾素组95例。各组血浆肾素活性与24 h动态血压及24 h尿钠排泄情况进行相关性分析。结果与低肾素组比较,中间肾素组和高肾素组年龄明显偏低,血浆肾素活性明显增高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05,P<0.01)。低肾素组老年人、女性、非杓型血压比例明显高于高肾素组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。血浆肾素活性水平与24 h尿钠排泄、24 h血压呈负相关(P<0.05,P<0.01)。结论老年和女性原发性高血压患者血浆肾素活性水平较低。低肾素患者血压昼夜节律改变更明显,以非杓型血压多见。     

原发性高血压患者血浆神经肽Y的变化

目的通过观察血浆神经肽Y(NPY)在原发性高血压(EH)患者中浓度的变化,探讨血浆NPY在EH病理生理进程中的作用及在EH靶器管损害中的意义。方法选EH患者115例,以左室肥厚、脑卒中与肾功能损害为靶器官损害,其中伴有左室肥厚者21例,伴有脑卒中者13例、伴有肾功能损害者11例,为单一靶器官损害组,伴有两种或两种以上靶器官损害者19例为联合靶器官损害组,余下51例为单纯高血压而无靶器官损害组,体检健康者30例为对照组。取空腹静脉血用放射免疫方法测定NPY的血浆浓度。结果1)EH患者血浆NPY浓度高于对照组(P<0.01),不同血压级别之间血浆NPY浓度亦存在显著性差异(F=76.717,P<0.01),且随着血压级别的上升而升高。血浆NPY浓度与平均动脉压呈正相关(r=0.86,P<0.01)。2)单一靶器官损害组血浆NPY浓度高于单纯高血压而无靶器官损害组,差异有非常显著意义(P<0.01)。联合靶器官损害组血浆NPY浓度高于单纯高血压而无靶器官损害组,差异有非常显著意义,而与单一靶器官损害组相比差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论血浆NPY可能与EH的病理生理进程以及EH靶器官损害的发生和发展有关,检测血浆NPY浓度可作为评价EH进程及靶器官损害程度的指标。     

老年与初发高血压非老年患者左室重塑类型差异

目的　探讨老年与初发高血压非老年人患者在左室重塑类型方面的差异。方法　高血压男性患者患病时间≤ 1年、年龄小于 60岁者进入非老年初发高血压组 (简称非老年初发组 ) ,年龄≥ 60岁者进入老年高血压组 (简称老年组 )。超声心动图测量室间隔、左室后壁厚度和左室舒张末期横径 ,计算左室质量指数 (LVMI)、左室相对室壁厚度 (RWT)、每组中各种左室重塑类型的百分比。结果　LVMI老年组明显大于非老年初发组 (P <0 0 1 ) ,RWT两组间没有显著统计学差异。LVMI和RWT均在正常范围者在老年组占 1 7 32 % ,非老年初发组占 2 6 2 2 % (P <0 0 5)。老年组中向心性重塑百分比明显少于非老年初发组 (P <0 0 1 )。向心性肥厚和非对称性肥厚百分比老年组明显大于非老年初发组 (P分别 <0 0 5和0 0 1 )。结论　非老年、初发高血压患者多数已发生左室重塑 ,其中主要是向心性重塑。老年高血压者比非老年初发者无重塑和向心性重塑比例明显减少 ,两种肥厚性重塑比例明显增加 ,肥厚性重塑占老年高血压患者一半。     

血浆肾素-血管紧张素-醛固酮系统活性与原发性高血压患者靶器官损害的相关性

目的探讨血浆肾素-血管紧张素-醛固酮系统(RAAS)活性与原发性高血压患者靶器官损害相关性。方法选取高血压患者105例,按照纳入患者血浆肾素(PRA)活性水平分为A组25例、B1组26例、B2组27组、C组27例。于研究开始24 h内收集研究对象基线资料,观察和记录患者动态血压、心脏彩色超声检查结果、尿素、肌酐、24 h尿蛋白、尿微量白蛋白、血清胱抑素(Cys)C和PRA、醛固酮(PAC)水平。结果 C组男性率、吸烟率、饮酒率、收缩压、舒张压、PRA水平、PAC水平高于A组、B1组、B2组,平均年龄低于A组、B1组、B2组,差异均有统计学意义(P0. 05)。C组心脏超声室间隔厚度(IVST)、左室肥厚检出率和肾脏功能指标尿素氮、肌酐、CysC水平高于A组、B1组和B2组,差异均有统计学意义(均P0. 05)。引入二分类Logistic回归分析,校正后高肾素活性是高血压合并左心室肥厚、肾脏损伤的危险因素。结论血浆RAAS活性是原发性高血压患者靶器官损伤的主要机制,与靶器官损伤密切相关。     

一体化护理模式对老年冠心病合并心力衰竭患者的影响

目的观察高同型半胱氨酸(Hcy)血症对老年原发性高血压患者血压变异性及左室重构的影响。方法选取2014年5月~2015年5月于新疆医科大学附属中医医院住院治疗的61例老年原发性高血压患者,其中男性36例,女性25例,平均年龄(66.5±6.8)岁。根据患者入院时血浆Hcy水平,分为H型高血压组27例及非H型高血压组34例。比较H型高血压组与非H型高血压组的血压变异性指标(24 h、日间及夜间血压变异系数)及左室重构指数(左室舒张末期内径、左室收缩末期内径、左室后壁厚度、室间隔厚度、左室射血分数)。结果两组患者在平均年龄、性别比例、体质指数、吸烟史、糖尿病、高脂血症比例无差异(P0.05)。H型高血压组24 h、日间及夜间血压变异系数明显比非H型高血压组升高(P0.05)。H型高血压组中,血浆Hcy水平与24 h收缩压变异系数呈明显正相关(r=0.373,P0.05),且左室肥厚例数明显比非H型高血压增加(25.93%vs.8.82%,P0.05)。H型高血压组的左室舒张末期内径、左室收缩末期内径、左室后壁厚度、室间隔厚度、左室质量指数均高于非H型高血压组(P0.05)。H型高血压组中,血浆Hcy与左室质量指数(r=0.325,P0.05)、左室后壁厚度(r=0.284,P0.05)呈正相关。结论高Hcy血症与老年原发性高血压患者血压变异性增大、左室重构呈正相关。     

血浆脑钠素浓度与老年高血压患者左室肥厚及心功能的关系

目的观察老年高血压患者左室肥厚与血浆脑钠素(BNP)浓度的关系,并以贝那普利治疗前后左室肥厚及左室舒张功能不全的变化情况,探讨血浆BNP浓度可否作为判断左心室肥厚的逆转及左室舒张功能改变的临床指标.方法老年高血压患者74例,平均年龄(72.0±11.6)岁,其中伴左心室肥厚组患者34例、不伴左心室肥厚组患者40例,正常对照组30例,予以高血压病患者贝那普利5～10 mg/d治疗36周,所有对象行超声心动图测定左心室质量指数(LVMI),E/A比值;采用美国博适Triage及其试剂盒快速测定血浆BNP水平,对BNP与LVMI、E/A比值作相关分析.结果老年高血压左心室肥厚患者组的血浆BNP水平明显高于高血压病不伴左心室肥厚患者组和正常对照组(P<0.01),经贝那普利治疗后高血压病左心室肥厚患者组血浆BNP水平明显下降(P<0.05),且与LVMI呈显著正相关,与E/A比值呈显著负相关.结论血浆BNP浓度能较好地反映老年高血压患者左心室肥厚及左室舒张功能状态.     

血浆脑钠素浓度与老年高血压患者左室肥厚及心功能的关系

目的观察老年高血压患者左室肥厚与血浆脑钠素(BNP)浓度的关系,并以贝那普利治疗前后左室肥厚及左室舒张功能不全的变化情况,探讨血浆BNP浓度可否作为判断左心室肥厚的逆转及左室舒张功能改变的临床指标。方法老年高血压患者74例,平均年龄(72.0±11.6)岁,其中伴左心室肥厚组患者34例、不伴左心室肥厚组患者40例,正常对照组30例,予以高血压病患者贝那普利5~10mg/d治疗36周,所有对象行超声心动图测定左心室质量指数(LVMI),E/A比值;采用美国博适Triage及其试剂盒快速测定血浆BNP水平,对BNP与LVMI、E/A比值作相关分析。结果老年高血压左心室肥厚患者组的血浆BNP水平明显高于高血压病不伴左心室肥厚患者组和正常对照组(P<0.01),经贝那普利治疗后高血压病左心室肥厚患者组血浆BNP水平明显下降(P<0.05),且与LVMI呈显著正相关,与E/A比值呈显著负相关。结论血浆BNP浓度能较好地反映老年高血压患者左心室肥厚及左室舒张功能状态。     

老年高血压临床特点与靶器官损害的相关性

目的:探讨老年高血压的类型、对治疗的反应及其与靶器官损害的相互关系。方法:我院住院的162例老年高血压(EH)患者被分为单纯收缩期高血压(ISH)组和高血压(EH)组;又按治疗反应分为顽固性高血压组和可控制高血压组,观察每组患者的并发症发病率。结果:ISH组与EH组在心律失常、左室肥厚、心肌劳损的发生率上有极显著差异(P<0.01),在脑卒中、肾功能改变的发生率上差异显著(P<0.05)。顽固性高血压组与可控制性高血压组在心律失常、左室肥厚、心肌劳损、脑卒中、肾功能改变的发生率上差异极显著(P<0.01)。结论:重要靶器官合并症的发生率老年单纯收缩期高血压组比高血压组高,顽固性高血压比可控制高血压高。控制高血压可明显改善老年高血压患者的预后。     

老年原发性高血压患者晨峰现象与靶器官损害

目的 探讨老年原发性高血压晨峰(MBPS)现象对靶器官损害的影响. 方法 老年原发性高血压患者186例,依24 h动态血压分MBPS组(104例)和非MBPS组(82例).所有对象进行心脏和颈动脉超声检查,计算左室质量指数(LVMI)、颈动脉内膜中层厚度(IMT)及斑块的发生率. 结果 MBPS组24 h、白昼以及夜间平均收缩压、脉压均较非MBPS组高(P＜0.05或P＜0.01),MBPS组的LVMI及左右两侧颈动脉IMT均明显高于非MBPS组(P＜0.05或P＜0.01);颈动脉斑块的发生率MBPS组显著高于非MBPS组(P＜0.01). 结论 老年原发性高血压患者具有MBPS现象者有明显的靶器官损害.     

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.     

Changes in connexin43, the gap junction protein of astrocytes, during development of the rat pineal gland

Abstract: The abundance of gap junctions between rat pineal astrocytes formed by connexin43 (Cx43) was studied during development. Levels and distribution of Cx43 were measured by immunoblotting and indirect immunofluorescence, respectively. The amount of Cx43 in cells located within the gland was low until about the 7th postnatal day and increased to adult values between the 14th and 21st days postpartum. Although astrocytes, recognized by their vimentin immunoreactivity, were scarce before birth, they were abundant by the 7th postnatal day suggesting that the low levels of Cx43 found at this age corresponded to a low expression of this protein. Localization of the immunoreactivity to Cx43 and vimentin showed a close correlation, indicating that mature or immature pineal astrocytes form gap junctions made of Cx43. Since Cx43 levels attained their adult values at about the time the innervation and the functional state of the gland reached maturity (2–3 weeks after birth), it is proposed that astrocyte gap junctions are involved in the function of the adult rat pineal gland.