肝肺综合征患者降钙素基因相关肽及内皮素含量检测

目的　肝肺综合征 (HPS)的发生与血循环或肺内扩张 /收缩血管物质失衡密切相关。检测HPS患者血浆中降钙素基因相关肽 (CGRP)和内皮素 (ET)含量 ,以探讨它们在HPS发病中的作用。方法　选择经肺灌注扫描及血气分析诊断的HPS患者 16例 ,无HPS的肝硬化患者 30例 ,用放射免疫分析法测定其血浆CGRP、ET含量 ,同时以 15名健康献血员作为对照。结果　HPS组血浆CGRP[(6 5± 15 )pg/ml]、ET[(78± 2 1) pg/ml]显著高于肝硬化组 [(5 1± 15 ) pg/ml,(6 0± 14 ) pg/ml,P <0 .0 1],也显著高于对照组 [(32± 12 ) pg/ml,(36± 11)pg/ml,P <0 .0 1];肝硬化组与正常对照组比较差异也有显著性(P <0 .0 1)。线性相关分析显示 ,HPS组患者血浆CGRP及ET含量与动脉血氧分压呈显著负相关 ,与肺内分流率大小无关。结论　HPS患者血浆CGRP、ET含量增高 ,其增高可能与HPS肺内血管扩张和动脉血氧分压下降有关。     

卡维地洛对慢性心力衰竭患者血浆内皮素及降钙素基因相关肽的影响

目的　观察卡维地洛对慢性心力衰竭 (CHF)患者血浆内皮素 1(ET 1)、降钙素基因相关肽 (CGRP)水平的影响。方法　将 6 0例CHF患者分成卡维地洛组和常规治疗组进行对照 ,测定两组患者在用药前及用药 6个月后血浆ET 1、CGRP水平变化 ,并与正常对照组 (2 0例 )进行对照。结果　CHF患者血浆ET 1较正常对照组明显升高(P <0 .0 1) ,血浆CGRP则明显降低 (P <0 .0 5 ) ;卡维地洛组治疗后血浆ET 1较治疗前明显下降 (P <0 .0 1) ,血浆CGRP治疗后较治疗前明显升高 ;常规治疗组治疗后血浆ET 1、CGRP水平的变化差异无显著性意义。结论　卡维地洛对心力衰竭患者的血浆ET 1有降低作用 ,对血浆CGRP有升高作用     

高血压病人血浆线粒体偶联因子6的变化

目的　观察健康人及高血压患者血浆中线粒体偶联因子 6 (mitochondrialcouplingfactor 6 ,CF6 )的含量变化。方法　用放射免疫法检测血浆CF6的含量。结果　健康成人血浆CF6含量为 2 0 6± 32pg/ml(n =5 0 ) ,单纯原发性高血压患者升高为 2 6 5± 5 8pg/ml(n =5 2 ) ,高血压并发心绞痛患者为 2 93±4 7pg/ml(n =10 ) ,高血压并发心肌梗死患者为 32 4± 5 3pg/ml(n =15 ) ,高血压并发心力衰竭患者为32 7± 4 4pg/ml(n =14 ) ,均比健康成人显著升高 (P <0 0 1) ;和单纯高血压患者比较 ,高血压并发心肌梗死患者和高血压并发心力衰竭患者血浆CF6的水平明显升高 (P <0 0 1) ;高血压并发心绞痛患者与单纯高血压患者比较 ,没有显著差异 (P >0 0 5 )。高血压并发心肌梗死患者与高血压并发心力衰竭患者CF6含量相近 (P >0 0 5 )。高血压并发心肌梗死患者在发生心肌梗死入院即时、以及梗死后一天、三天、七天时血浆CF6含量持续于高水平 ,但各时间点间没有显著差异 (P >0 0 5 )。结论　原发性高血压以及高血压性心脏病患者的血浆CF6含量明显升高 ,并与病情严重程度相关     

心力衰竭患者血浆尾加压素Ⅱ与心钠素关系的研究

目的 :探讨不同程度心力衰竭患者血浆尾加压素Ⅱ、心钠素变化及其关系。方法 :放射免疫法检测 2 0例正常人 (对照组 )、45例心力衰竭患者 (心力衰竭组 ,心功能Ⅱ级 10例 ,Ⅲ级 15例 ,Ⅳ级2 0例 )血浆尾加压素Ⅱ和心钠素含量 ,超声心动图测定左心室射血分数、E峰与A峰比值 (E/A值 )。结果 :①对照组和心力衰竭组血浆尾加压素Ⅱ为 ( 4 3 5± 1 2 2 )pg/mlvs( 1 41± 1 0 9) pg/ml ,心钠素为 ( 4 1 82±6 0 9) pg/mlvs( 3 19 88± 3 0 2 1)pg/ml(P均 <0 0 0 1) ,均有极显著性差异 ;②心力衰竭组心力衰竭症状改善后 ,血浆尾加压素Ⅱ为 ( 1 90± 1 47) pg/ml,较治疗前 ( 1 41± 1 0 9) pg/ml升高 (P <0 0 5 ) ;治疗前后血浆尾加压素Ⅱ有正相关关系(r =0 5 63 ,P <0 0 0 1)。治疗后血浆心钠素为 ( 2 2 8 5 2± 2 2 0 1)pg/ml ,较治疗前明显降低 ,有显著正相关 (r =0 717,P<0 0 0 1) ;③血浆尾加压素Ⅱ含量减低、心钠素含量的升高与心力衰竭严重程度相平行 ;④血浆尾加压素Ⅱ含量与心钠素含量分别与心功能级别、左心室射血分数、E/A值有相关性。结论 :心力衰竭患者血浆心钠素含量升高伴有尾加压素Ⅱ含量下降 ,同时与心力衰竭程度平行 ,血浆尾加压素Ⅱ含量变化可以作为临床心力衰竭严重程度的客观指标     

硝苯地平治疗高血压后血浆内皮素和降钙素基因相关肽的变化

目的硝苯地平降压治疗对血浆内皮素(ET)和降钙素基因相关肽(CGRP)水平的影响.方法31例原发性高血压(EH)患者口服硝苯地平控释片40mg/d×14,用放射免疫法直接测定治疗前后的血浆ET和CGRP水平.结果EH患者血浆ET水平明显高于对照组(85.6±21.0对42.1±20.3pg/ml,P＜0.001);CGRP水平明显低于对照组(23.0±8.1对55.4±17.8pg/ml,P＜0.001).舒张压与ET水平呈正相关(r=0.5302,P＜0.001),ET与CGRP呈弱的负相关(r=0.3707,P＜0.005).治疗后,血压和ET水平明显下降(P均＜0.001),CGRP水平呈显著增高(P＜0.001).结论硝苯地平是一种有效的降压药,它通过调节EH时多种血管活性多肽之间的平衡关系,对器官具有重要保护作用.     

门脉高压患者降钙素基因相关肽、神经肽y与醛固酮检测及意义

目的研究降钙素基因相关肽(CGRP)、神经肽y(NPY)与醛固酮(ALD)在门脉高压症发病中的作用.方法应用放射免疫学方法对30例门脉高压症患者、30名正常对照者的血浆以及20例门脉高压症患者的腹水进行CGRP、NPY与ALD的检测.结果门脉高压症组患者血浆CGRP、NPY与ALD水平分别为125.95±35.43pg/ml、88.49±52.51pg/ml及868.5±459.6pg/ml,正常对照组分别为69.14±23.29pg/ml、151.54±38.51pg/ml及306.4±124.3pg/ml,两组差别有显著意义(P＜0.05),腹水组分别为81.83±38.55pg/ml、61.47±28.35pg/ml及216.7±186.1pg/ml.腹水CGRP与正常对照组相比差异无显著意义,腹水NPY与ALD含量低于正常对照组(P＜0.05).其中有腹水者NPY低于无腹水者,而CGRP与ALD水平高于无腹水者(P＜0.05).结论血浆CGRP、NPY与ALD均在肝硬变门脉高压发病的病理生理机制中起作用.     

慢性肝病患者血浆内皮素水平变化的研究

探讨内皮素(ET)在慢性肝病患者中的变化规律.采用非平衡竞争性放射免疫法测定血浆中ET水平.128例慢性肝病患者中的ET水平分别为慢性轻度肝炎(50.46±32.74)pg/ml;慢性中度肝炎(51.16±30.69)pg/ml;慢性重度肝炎(63.61±24.86)pg/ml;肝硬化代偿期(43.78±18.97)pg/ml;肝硬化失代偿期(79.29±14.02)pg/ml;肝癌(77.00±59.20)pg/ml.各型慢性肝病的El水平与正常(32.33±3.70)pg/nl比较有显著性升高(P＜0.01).各型之间有显著性差异(P＜0.01).结论 ET随着肝脏损害程度加重而升高,与肝病的慢性化程度相关,ET越高,预后越差.     

急性冠脉缺血综合症患者血浆内皮素和内啡肽的变化及意义

目的 :观察急性冠脉缺血综合征 (ACIS)几种血浆介质的变化及意义。方法 :6 5例 ACIS患者被分为 AMI组(4 3例 ) ,不稳定型心绞痛组 (2 2例 ) ,于其发病后 12、 14、 48小时和 2 0天检查血肌酸激酶同工酶 (CK- MB)、内皮素 (ET)、β内啡肽 (β- EP)水平。结果 :ET峰值 :AMI组、心绞痛组分别为发病 12小时的 2 88.4± 80 .6 pg/ml,2 45 .1± 6 3.4pg/ml;β- EP峰值 :AMI组为 2 4小时的 2 10 .9± 5 0 .2 pg/ml,心绞痛组为 12小时的 15 4.2± 47.6 pg/ml;CK-MB>15 0 U/L 组 :β- EP2 40 .5± 42 .6 pg/ml,ET30 2 .4± 5 8.1pg/ml,明显高于 CK- MB<10 0 U/L组的 (P<0 .0 5 )。心功能 级患者 :β- EP 2 48.6± 2 7.3pg/m l,ET 311.6± 45 .2 pg/ml,明显高于心功能正常组 (P<0 .0 5 )。结论 :(1) ACIS发病后 β- EP在 2 4小时达到峰值 ,升高程度与心肌缺血坏死程度有关 ,它是 AMI后心衰的病理性介质之一 ;(2 ) ACIS发病后 ET迅速升高 ,12小时达到峰值 ,是急性损伤时的一种内源性致病因子 ,能诱发冠状动脉痉挛和血小板聚集。     

复方丹参滴丸对冠心病合并充血性心衰患者血浆CGRP和ET浓度的影响

目的　研究复方丹参滴丸对冠心病 (CHD)合并充血性心力衰竭 (CHF)患者血浆降钙素基因相关肽 (CGRP)和内皮素 (ET)的影响。方法　 68例 CHD合并 CHF者随机分为 2组 ,常规治疗组 34例 ,应用地高辛、氢氯噻嗪、硝酸异山梨醇酯等药物治疗 ;联合治疗组 34例 ,常规治疗的同时加用复方丹参滴丸。以放射免疫法测定治疗前后血浆 CGRP和 ET的浓度 ,并与 34例正常人对照。结果　 CHD合并 CHF患者较正常人血浆CGRP浓度明显降低 (P<0 .0 5) ,ET明显增高 (均 P<0 .0 5) ;常规治疗和联合治疗组均可提高 CGRP浓度 ,降低 ET浓度 (P<0 .0 5) ;与常规治疗组相比联合治疗组作用更明显 (P<0 .0 5)。结论　常规治疗加用复方丹参滴丸能显著改善 CHD合并 CHF患者的 CGRP和 ET的代谢失衡     

充血性心衰患者血浆内皮素含量变化以及苯那普利对其影响

目的:探讨充血性心衰患者血浆内皮素(ET)的浓度和苯那普利对ET的影响。方法:用放免法测定79例心衰患者血浆ET含量并用苯那普利10mg/d,连服2周观察疗效。结果:心衰患者的血浆ET浓度较对照组明显升高,NYHA心功能Ⅳ级者的ET水平(94.7±20.0)pg/ml较NYHA心功能Ⅱ级(69.5±19.0)pg/ml和NYHA心功能Ⅲ级者(79.2±14.3)pg/ml明显升高(P均<0.01)。左室射血分数(EF)减低者的血浆ET浓度明显升高,经相关分析后,血浆ET浓度与EF呈显著的负相关(r=-0.35,P=0.02)。其中29例患者经苯那普利治疗后,血浆ET浓度由治疗前的(113.7±36.6)pg/ml下降至(81.1±43.1)pg/ml(P<0.001)。结论:ET参与了心衰的发病和病理过程,苯那普利可明显降低心衰患者的血浆ET浓度。     

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.     

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.     

Variabilité des concentrations plasmatiques de l’angiotensinogène et risque d’hypertension artérielle chez le rat transgénique

Aim

Genetic polymorphisms of the human angiotensinogen gene are frequent and may induce up to 30% increase of plasma angiotensinogen concentrations with a blood pressure increase of up to 5 mmHg. Their role for the pathogenesis of human arterial hypertension remains unclear. High plasma angiotensinogen levels could increase the sensitivity to other blood pressure stressors.

Methods

Male transgenic rats with a 9-fold increase of plasma angiotensinogen concentrations and male non-transgenic rats aged 10 weeks were treated or not with NG-Nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester for 3 weeks in their drinking water (n = 3/group). Systolic blood pressure and body weight were measured at baseline and at the end of the study when left ventricular weight and ventricular expression of angiotensin I-converting enzyme and procollagen Iα1 were determined (polymerase chain reaction).

Results

At baseline, transgenic rats had +18 mmHg higher bood pressure and –8% lower body weight compared to non-transgenic rats (P < 0.05) without significant changes for the vehicle groups throughout the study (P > 0.05). NG-Nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester increased blood pressure, left ventricular weight and left ventricular weight indexed for body weight by +41%, +17.6% and +18.6% (P < 0.05) in transgenic and +25%, +5.3% and +6.7% (P > 0.05) in non-transgenic rats compared to untreated animals, respectively. Cardiac gene expression showed no differences between groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Increased plasma angiotensinogen levels may sensitize to additional blood pressure stressors. Our preliminary results point towards an independent role of angiotensinogen in the pathogenesis of human hypertension and associated end-organ damage.