青少年特发性脊柱侧凸女性患者瘦素基因启动子区-2548G/A基因多态性研究

目的:探讨瘦素基因启动子区-2548G/A(rs7799039)基因多态性与女性青少年特发性脊柱侧凸(adolescent idiopathic scoliosis,AIS)发生发展、异常生长模式及侧凸类型之间的相关性。方法:收集451例AIS女性患者及335例正常同龄女性青少年的静脉血标本,采用PCR-RFLP方法对两组的瘦素基因启动子区-2548G/A(rs7799039)多态性位点进行基因分型,比较两组间基因分型的差异,分析AIS组中基因分型与患者Cobb角和人体测量学指标的关系。结果:AIS组rs7799039位点基因型和等位基因频率与正常对照组之间无明显差异;在AIS组内,rs7799039位点不同基因型所对应的初诊Cobb角、校正身高、BMI、月经初潮年龄及Risser征均没有显著性差异;rs7799039位点等位基因多态性分布情况在不同侧凸类型AIS患者和对照组之间无统计学差异。结论:瘦素基因启动子区-2548G/A(rs7799039)基因多态性与女性AIS的发生发展、异常生长模式及不同侧凸类型之间都没有明显的相关性。     

食管癌易感性与细胞毒性T淋巴细胞相关抗原4基因多态性的关系

目的 探讨细胞毒性T淋巴细胞相关抗原4(CTLA4)基因3个位点基因型及单倍型频率分布与食管癌易感性的关系.方法 应用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性(PCR-RFLP)方法,检测205例食管癌患者(男113例,女92例)和205例与病例组同性别、同年龄的正常对照者CTLA4基因第一外显子区+49A/G、启动子区-1661A/G和-1772A/G位点的基因型,采用条件Logistic回归模型分别进行基因多态性、单倍型与食管癌易感性的相关分析.结果 CTLA4+49位点基因型AG和AA均增加食管癌发病风险(P＜0.01,OR=2.280;P＜0.O1,OR=2.192).-1661位点AG基因型频率在病例组也高于对照组(P＜0.01,OR=1.848),而GG基因型在两组间分布差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);-1772位点各基因型频率在病例组和对照组分布差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).单倍型分析显示AAG单倍型可增加食管癌的风险(P＜0.01,0R=5.035),而GAA单倍型则降低食管癌风险(P＜0.01,0R=0.413).结论 CTLA4基因+49A/G和-1661A/G位点基因多态性与食管癌易感性相关,单倍型分析进一步证实AAG单倍型为食管癌的危险因素,而GAA单倍型是其保护因素.     

COX-2基因启动子区单核苷酸多态与肝癌遗传易感性的关系

目的 探讨COX-2基因启动子区的单核苷酸多态与肝癌发生风险的关系.方法 研究对象包括270例肝癌病人和540例正常对照.采用PCR-限制性片段长度多态方法 进行COX-2基因启动子区-1290A＞G,-1195G＞A和-765G＞C多态的基因型分析,不同基因型与单体型携带者发生肝癌的相对风险度的评估使用比值比(OR)及95%可信区间(CI).结果 多变量logistic回归分析显示-1195AA和-765GC基因型与肝癌风险增高相关,OR值分别为1.57(95%CI=1.01～2.44)和2.89(95%CI=1.65～5.08).单体型分析显示:与A_1290-G-1195-G_765相比较,含有-1195A等位基因的A-1290-A-1195-G-765和A-1290-A-1195-C-765两种单体型发生肝癌的相对风险增高,OR值分别为1.27(95%CI=1.01～1.60)和7.95(95%CI=1.76～36.02).同时包含-1195A等位基因和-765C等位基因的单体型发生肝癌的OR值较高.结论 COX-2基因启动子区的-1195G＞A和-765G＞C单核苷酸多态与肝癌遗传易感性相关.     

白细胞介素-18基因启动子区单核苷酸多态性与慢性丙型肝炎患者干扰素应答关系的研究

目的 探讨白细胞介素18(IL-18)基因启动子区-607C/A和-137G/C位点的单核苷酸多态性(SNP)与慢性丙型肝炎患者干扰素(IFN)疗效间的关系.方法 选取2005年9月23日至2012年8月20日山西医科大学第一医院感染科收治的199例慢性丙型肝炎患者,另选取180名健康人群作为对照.199例患者均采用普通IFNα或聚乙二醇干扰素α(PegIFNα)联合利巴韦林治疗.应用聚合酶链反应(PCR)及限制性片段长度多态性(RFLP)方法检测2组人群IL-18基因启动子区-607 C/A及-137G/C位点的基因型,采用x2检验分析-607C/A和-137G/C位点的基因型和等位基因分布频率,及以上两个位点的SNP与IFN治疗后获得持续病毒学应答(SVR)之间的关系.结果 慢性丙型肝炎组中IL-18基因启动子区-137GG基因型和-137G等位基因的分布频率显著高于健康对照组(x2 =6.612和6.476,P=0.010和0.011),而-137GC基因型分布频率低于健康对照组(x2=5.548,P=0.019).-607位点为AA基因型的慢性丙型肝炎患者经IFN治疗后获得SVR率显著高于CA和CC基因型患者(x2 =4.195和5.230,P=0.041和0.022),且-607位点为A等位基因的患者获得SVR率显著高于C等位基因的患者(x2 =5.903,P =0.015).-137位点为GC基因型的患者获得SVR率显著高于GG基因型患者(x2 =5.869,P=0.015),且-137位点为C等位基因的患者获得SVR率显著高于G等位基因患者(x2=3.885,P=0.049).结论 IL-18基因启动子区-137位点G等位基因可能与HCV的遗传易感性有关.-607AA和-137GC基因型患者容易获得SVR,-607位点A等位基因及-137位点C等位基因有助于慢性丙型肝炎患者经IFN抗病毒治疗后获得SVR.     

eNOS基因单核苷酸多态性与习惯性流产患者的相关性研究

目的探讨内皮型一氧化氮合酶(eNOS)基因21个单核苷酸多态性位点(SNP)与习惯性流产(RSA)的相关性。方法选择eNOS基因21个位点,通过基质辅助激光解吸电离飞行时间质谱技术对227例RSA患者和232例健康对照进行了基因分型及数据统计分析。结果 RSA组及对照组eNOS基因8个位点基因频率分布符合H-W平衡。3个Block处于强连锁不平衡(D’0.9)。RSA组rs11771443位点CC基因型[χ2=5.107,P=0.004,OR(95%CI)=1.710(1.071,2.731)]及C等位基因频率[χ2=7.076,P=0.008,OR(95%CI)=0.682(0.514,0.905)]显著高于对照组;RSA组rs1799983位点GG基因型[χ2=10.587,P=0.001,OR(95%CI)=0.487(0.314,0.754)]及G等位基因频率(χ2=6.250,P=0.012,OR(95%CI)=0.615(0.420,0.902)]显著高于对照组;对照组中T-T-G单倍型频率显著高于RSA组(P=0.015)。结论eNOS基因rs11771443(Promoter)和rs1799983(Exon 7)位点多态性可能与RSA有关,携带有rs11771443多态性位点C等位基因与rs1799983多态性位点G等位基因的个体可能更容易患RSA;携带有T-T-G单倍型可能是RSA的保护因素。     

胰头癌遗传易感性与EGF61*G/G基因型的关系

目的 通过研究表皮生长因子(EGF)61*G/A基因功能多态性了解EGF因子对胰头癌生成的影响.方法 采用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性(PCR-RFLP)方法 检测胰头癌组及正常对照组的EGF 61*G/A基因型.结果 胰头癌患者EGF 61*G/G基因型或61*G等位基因明显高于对照组,其差异有统计学意义(基因型χ~2=6.042,P＜0.05,0R=2.618,95%CI=1.195～5.738;等位基因χ~2=6.007,P＜0.05,OR=1.696,95%CI=1.110～2.592).结论 EGF 61*G/G基因型或61*G等位基因与胰头癌的生成相关.     

白介素-18基因多态性与结直肠癌易感性的关系

目的探讨白介素-18（m-18）基因单核苷酸多态性及其单倍型与结直肠癌易感性之间的关系。方法以170例结直肠癌患者和160名健康对照者为研究对象,应用聚合酶链反应一限制性片段长度多态性（PCR-RFLP）的方法对IL．18基因-137G／C、-607C／A单核苷酸多态性进行基因分型,同时用SHEsis软件分析IL-18基因的连锁不平衡及单倍型频率。结果IL-18基因-607C／A多态性在结直肠癌患者和健康人群中的分布差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）．而IL-18基因-137G／C多态性在两组人群中的分布差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。等位基因频率的相对风险分析显示．C等位基因携带者患结直肠癌的风险是G等位基因的1．814倍（OR=1．814,95％CI：1．246～2．642）。联合基因型分析显示,IL-18基因-137G／C、-607C／A单核苷酸多态性存在着强烈的连锁不平衡（ID＇｜=0．945）,-137C／-607A单倍型频率在结直肠癌患者中显著高于健康人群（P〈0．05）。-137C／-607A单倍型携带者显著增加了结直肠癌的发病风险（OR=1．637,95％CI：1．100～2．437）。结论IL—18基因-137G／C多态性和-137C／-607A单倍型与结直肠癌的发病具有相关性．其中-137C等位基因可能是结直肠癌的遗传易感基因。     

SLC2A9基因rs938552位点SNP多态性与肾结石的相关性研究

目的:探讨葡萄糖易化转运蛋白9(SLC2A9)基因多态性与肾结石的相关性。方法:选择肾结石患者及健康对照组各140例,用聚合酶链式反应(PCR)扩增SLC2A9基因rs938552位点序列,Sanger法测序扩增产物;检测病例组血尿钙(Ca)、磷(P)、尿酸(UA)等指标。分析病例组与对照组中基因型分布差异以及病例组中不同基因携带者的电解质、尿酸水平的差异。结果:SLC2A9基因SNPrs938552位点多态性,其两组基因型分布差异有统计学意义(OR=3.106;95%CI:1.441~6.696;χ2=9.000;P=0.003);等位基因C、T频率差异亦有统计学意义(OR=2.935;95%CI:1.440~5.981;χ2=9.500;P=0.002)。病例组中C/C野生型与C/T+T/T基因携带者比较,血清尿酸水平、尿液尿酸水平、尿液pH值水平差异有统计学意义(P0.05),余无统计学意义。结论:SLC2A9基因rs938552位点多态性与华东地区人群患肾结石的风险有关联性,该多态位点可能通过血清尿酸的代谢障碍导致结石的发生。     

长链非编码RNA母系表达基因3多态性与胃癌关系的研究

目的探讨长链非编码RNA母系表达基因3(MEG3)多态性与胃癌的关系。方法选择2013年3月至2017年10月期间于云南省肿瘤医院住院治疗的汉族胃癌患者172例(胃癌组)及健康体检汉族个体224人(对照组)作为研究对象。采用Taq Man探针法对MEG3两个标签单核苷酸多态性(rs7158663和rs4081134)进行分型,并分析其与胃癌及其临床病理特征的关系。结果 MEG3 rs7158663以GG基因型作为参照,经χ~2检验并校正年龄和性别后发现, AG+AA基因型在胃癌组中的分布频率明显高于对照组[校正OR=1.71,95%CI为(1.14,2.56),P=0.010];以G等位基因作为参照,经χ~2检验并校正年龄和性别后发现, A等位基因在胃癌组中的分布频率明显高于对照组[校正OR=1.58,95%CI(1.15,2.19),P=0.005]。rs4081134多态性的基因型和等位基因在2组间比较差异均无统计学意义(P0.017)。MEG3 rs7158663和rs4081134两位点多态性与胃癌患者的临床病理特征均无关(P0.017)。结论 MEG3 rs7158663 AG+AA基因型可能是中国汉族人群胃癌的易感基因之一。     

酪氨酸蛋白激酶-2 rs2230724基因多态性与结直肠癌风险相关性研究

目的探讨酪氨酸蛋白激酶-2（JAK2）基因rs2230724多态性与结直肠癌风险的相关性。 方法采用多聚酶链式反应-限制性内切酶片段长度多态性（PCR-RFLP）方法分析110例结直肠癌患者（病例组）和150例非肿瘤患者（对照组）JAK2 rs2230724基因的多态性,并对该多态性与结直肠癌风险的相关性进行评估。采用SPSS 26.0软件进行分析。采用拟合优度χ²检验进行Hardy-Weinberg平衡的检测。两组间的一般资料、基因型和等位基因的频率分布的比较采用Student’s t检验和Pearson χ²检验。采用Logistic线性回归（需要进行校正）分析JAK2 rs2230724基因多态性和结直肠癌风险的相关性,相对危险度用优势比（OR）和95%可信区间（CI）估计。以P<0.05为有统计学意义。 结果病例组A等位基因频率明显高于对照组,A等位基因突变增加50%结直肠癌发病风险（P=0.025,OR=1.50,95%CI=1.05-2.14）。与野生基因型（GG）相比,变异基因型（AG+AA）增加79%结直肠癌发病风险（P=0.043,校正OR=1.79,95%CI=1.02-3.15）。其中,突变纯合子（AA）基因型的携带者结直肠癌的风险增加129%（P=0.034,OR=2.29,95%CI=1.06-4.93）,差异有统计学意义。但是,在添加了校正因素后,差异无统计学意义（P=0.052,校正OR=2.29,95%CI=0.99-5.26）。而且,在分层分析中,在高年龄组（年龄>56）、非吸烟受试者和城市居住者中,该多态性增加结直肠癌风险（P<0.05）。 结论在江苏汉族人群中JAK2基因rs2230724多态性与增加结直肠癌风险相关。     

Vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction during major abdominal surgery

Background : We investigated the vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction (MT) with hypotension due to prostacyclin (PGI₂) release in patients undergoing abdominal surgery with a combined general and epidural anesthesia. Methods : In a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study we administered 400 mg ibuprofen (i.v.) in 42 patients scheduled for abdominal surgery. General anesthesia was combined with epidural anesthesia (T4-L1). Before as well as 5, 15, 30, 45, and 90 min after MT we recorded plasma osmolality, hemodynamics and measured 6-keto-PGFlα (stabile metabolite of PGI₂), TXB₂ (stabile metabolite of thromboxane A₂) active renin, and arginine vasopressin (AVP) plasma concentrations by radioimmunoassay. Catecholamine levels were assessed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection. Results : Following MT, arterial hypotension occurred along with a substantial PGI₂ release. This was completely abolished by ibuprofen administration. Although plasma levels of 6-keto-PGF_1α (1133 (708) vs. 60 (3) ng/L, median (median absolute deviation), P=0.0001, placebo vs. ibuprofen) remained significantly elevated, blood pressure was restored within 30 min after MT in the placebo group. At the same point in time plasma concentrations of TXB² (164 (87) vs. 58 (1) ng/L, P=0.0001), epinephrine (46 (33) vs. 14 (6) ng/L, P=0.001), AVP (41 ± (18) vs. 12 (7) ng/L, P=0.0004), and active renin (27 (12) vs. 12 (4) ng/L, P = 0.001) were significantly higher in placebo-treated patients. Conclusion : Under combined general and epidural anesthesia arterial hypotension following MT due to endogenous PGI₂ release is associated with enhanced release of AVP, active renin, epinephrine and thromboxane A₂, presumably contributing to hemodynamic stability within 30 min after MT.     

A comparison of the inhibitory effects of four volatile anaesthetics on the metabolism of chlorzoxazone, a substrate for CYP2E1, in rabbits

Background: Halothane inhibits in vitro and in vivo activity of cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2E1. There are several fluorinated volatile anaesthetics besides halothane, and most of them are defluorinated by CYP2E1. It is unclear whether other fluorinated anaesthetics inhibit the in vivo activity of CYP2E1.
Methods: We compared the inhibitory effects of therapeutic concentrations of four inhalational anaesthetics, halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane, on chlorzoxazone metabolism in rabbits receiving artificial ventilation.
Results: All four inhalational anaesthetics decreased arterial blood pressure and increased plasma chlorzoxazone concentration. However, no significant differences in the plasma chlorzoxazone concentration were found between the four anaesthetics. The estimated chlorzoxazone clearance increased after beginning inhalation with all four agents, but no significant difference in clearance was noted between agents.
Conclusions: At therapeutic concentrations, the in vivo inhibitory effect on chlorzoxazone metabolism was similar for all four inhalational anaesthetics examined, even though their chemical characteristics and extent of hepatic metabolism differ considerably.     

Microspheres Based Detoxification System: A New Method in Convective Blood Purification

Abstract: A variety of protein-bound or hydrophobic substances, accumulating as a result of pathologic conditions such as exogenous or endogenous intoxications, are removed poorly by conventional detoxification methods because of low accessibility (hemodialysis), insufficient adsorption capabilities (hemosorption), low efficiency (peritoneal dialysis), or economic limitations (high-volume plasmapheresis). Combining advantages of existing methods with microspheric technology, a module-based system was designed. Major operating parameters of the latter can be modified to allow for adjustment to individual clinical situations. An extracorporeal blood circuit including a plasmafilter is combined with a secondary high-velocity plasma circuit driven by a centrifugal pump. Different microspheric adsorbers can be combined in one circuit or applied in sequence. Thus, a prolonged treatment can be tailored using specially designed selective adsorber materials. Comparing this system with existing methods (high-flux hemodialysis, molecular adsorbent recycling system), results from our in vitro studies and animal experiments demonstrate the superior efficiency of substance removal.     

Bariatric Surgery in Some "Central and East-European (former Eastern bloc)"Countries - Current Status and Prediction for the Next Millennium

Background: Obesity is increasing globallly, including in the formerly "Eastern Bloc" countries. Methods: A survey was made of obesity and bariatric surgery. Results: In the 8 East and Central European countries studied, with total population 300 million, roughly 43% of the population was overweight (BMI 25-30), 23% obese (BMI > 30), with about 15 million people morbidly obese (BMI > 40). From 0-10 morbidly obese individuals/100,000/year undergo bariatric surgery. Conclusion: Most countries were found to provide inadequate treatment for obesity.The majority of the morbidly obese are not treated effectively. However, health-care awareness of obesity and bariatric surgeons are slowly increasing.     

Is the recovery profile of mivacurium independent of the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with normal plasma cholinesterase activity?

Background: The duration of action of muscle relaxants is poorly correlated to the rate of decay of their plasma concentration. The plasma concentration of mivacurium may rapidly decrease below its active concentration because of the extensive hydrolysis of mivacurium. By inflating a tourniquet on one upper limb for 3 min after the administration of atracurium, mivacurium or vecuronium, we studied the influence of the initial decline of their plasma concentration on their effect. Methods: In 50 patients anaesthetised with thiopental, isoflurane and fentanyl, the effect of bolus doses of 0.15 or 0.25 mg . kg^?1 mivacurium (MIV 15, MIV 25), 0.3 or 0.5 mg . kg^?1 atracurium (ATR 30, ATR 50) and 0.06 or 0.1 mg . kg^?1 vecuronium (VEC 06, VEC 10) were measured on both arms (evoked response of the adductor pollicis to train-of-four stimulation every 12 s), a tourniquet being applied on one arm just before and during 3 min after the muscle relaxant bolus. Results: Tourniquet inflation of 3 min almost abolished the neuromuscular effect of mivacurium. In the vecuronium groups and in the ATR 50 group, tourniquet inflation did not modify the maximum degree of depression of the twitch response. Also, the duration of action of vecuronium was unaffected by the tourniquet. In the ATR 30 group, times to return of the twitch response to 25% (duration 25%) and 75% (duration 75%) of control response were significantly shorter in the cuffed arm, 23 min vs 27 min, and 41 min vs 45 min, respectively. In the ATR 50 group, only duration 25% was significantly shorter in the cuffed arm (41 min vs 45 min). Conclusion: The results suggest that the rate of decline of the plasma concentration of mivacurium is so rapid, that a very low and almost clinically ineffective concentration is present as soon as 3 min after its administration. The results also indicate that the recovery from a mivacurium-induced neuromuscular blockade is not influenced by the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with genotypically normal plasma cholinesterase.     

Membranes in Artificial Organs

Abstract: Membrane processes play a pivotal and enabling role in modern replacement therapy for acute and chronic organ failure and in the management of immunologic diseases. In fact, virtually all contemporary extracorporeal blood purification methods employ membrane devices, and the next generation of artificial organs and tissue engineering therapies are almost certain to be similarly grounded in membrane technology. In this short essay, we comment on the similarities and differences among synthetic membranes and their natural counterparts and also provide a critical overview of the demographics and technology of hemodialysis, hemofiltration, apheresis, oxygenation, and emerging membrane technologies and applications.     

Influence of dopexamine hydrochloride on haemodynamics and regulators of circulation in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery

Background: Catecholaminergic support is often used to improve haemodynamics in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Dopexamine is a synthetic vasoactive catecholamine with beneficial microcirculatory properties. Methods: The influence of perioperative administration of dopexamine on cardiorespiratory data and important regulators of macro- and microcirculation were studied in 30 patients undergoing Whipple pancreaticduodenectomy. The patients received randomized and blinded either 2 μg · kg^?1 · min^?1 of dopexamine (n=15) or placebo (n=15, control group). The infusion was started after induction of anaesthesia and continued until the morning of the first postoperative day. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), vasopressin, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and catecholamine plasma levels were measured from arterial blood samples. Measurements were carried out after induction of anaesthesia, 2 h after onset of surgery, at the end of surgery, 2 h after surgery, and on the morning of the first postoperative day. Results: Cardiac index (CI) increased significantly in the dopexamine group (from 2.61±0.41 to 4.57±0.78 1 · min^?1 · m^?2) and remained elevated until the morning of the first postoperative day. Oxygen delivery index (DO₂I) and oxygen consumption index (VO₂I) were also significantly increased in the dopexamine group (DO₂I: from 416±91 to 717±110 ml/m² · m²; VO₂I: from 98±25 to 157±22 ml/m² · m²), being significantly higher than in the control group. pHi remained stable only in the dopexamine patients, indicating adequate splanchnic perfusion. Vasopressive regulators of circulation increased significantly only in the untreated control patients (vasopressin: from 4.37±1.1 to 35.9±12.1 pg/ml; ET-1: from 2.88±0.91 to 6.91±1.20 pg/ml). Conclusion: Patients undergoing major abdominal surgery may profit from prophylactic perioperative administration of dopexamine hydrochloride in the form of improved haemodynamics and oxygenation as well as beneficial influence on important regulators of organ blood flow.     

Synergistic interaction between the effects of propofol and midazolam with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity in rabbits

Background: It has been shown that the depressive effects of both propofol and midazolam on consciousness are synergistic with opioids, but the nature of their interactions on other physiological systems, e. g. respiration, has not been fully investigated. The present study examined the effect of propofol and midazolam alone and in combination with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity (PNA) and whether such interactions are additive or synergistic. Methods: PNA was recorded in 27 anaesthetised and artificially ventilated rabbits. In three groups, propofol, fentanyl and midazolam were administered intravenously in incremental doses to construct dose-response curves for the depressant effects of each one on PNA. In another two groups, the effect of pretreatment with either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. on the effects of propofol and fentanyl respectively on PNA were studied. Results: Propofol and fentanyl caused a dose-dependent depression of PNA with complete abolition at the highest total doses of 16 mg · kg^?1 i. v. and 32 μg · kg^?1 i. v., respectively. In contrast, midazolam in incremental doses to a total of 0.8 mg · kg^?1 reduced mean PNA by 63%, but approximately 12% of PNA remained at a total dose as high as 6.4 mg · kg^?1. The mean ED₅₀s, calculated from dose-response curves, were 5.4 mg · kg^?1, 3.9 μg · kg^?1 and 0.4 mg · kg^?1 for propofol, fentanyl and midazolam, respectively. Initial doses of either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. acted synergistically with subsequent doses of either propofol or fentanyl to abolish PNA at total doses of 8 mg · kg^?1 and 8 μg · kg^?1, respectively. Conclusion: Fentanyl has a synergistic interaction with both propofol and midazolam on PNA and hence potentially on respiration.     

Intrathecal administration of sameridine to patients subjected to arthroscopic knee joint surgery

Background: Sameridine, a new substance with both local anesthetic and opioid effects, was administered intrathecally for the first time to humans, i. e. in patients subjected to arthroscopic knee joint surgery.
Method: A dose-escalating (10, 15, 20 and 25 mg), open study was performed in 33 patients. Only two patients were included in the 25 mg group.
Results: Sameridine provided good quality of surgical anesthesia in all patients except those receiving 10 mg. The maximum level of sensory block, Th5–Th7, was reached within 30 min with a median duration of 3.6–3.9 h. The motor block was more profound with increasing dose, but never lasted longer than the sensory block. The influence on heart rate and blood pressure was minor and atropine and ephedrine were needed in four patients. No clinically significant ECG-changes were detected and no arrhythmias were recorded. Oxygen saturation and respiratory rate did not decrease in a clinically significant way and were not affected by concomitant morphine given i. v. postoperatively. There were few side-effects, the most frequent being mild pruritus (10/33).
Conclusion: Sameridine provided clinically adequate anesthesia for the patients receiving the doses of 15, 20 and 25 mg. Further studies are needed to evaluate the substance and it is of great interest to clinically investigate the opioid component with respect to postoperative analgesia.     

Reduction of Plasma Fibrinogen, Immunoglobulin G, and Immunoglobulin M Concentrations by Immunoadsorption Therapy with Tryptophan and Phenylalanine Adsorbents

Abstract Immunoadsorption (1A) therapy with tryptophan (TR-350) or phenylalanine (PH-350) adsorbents has been used to reduce the concentration of serum antibodies in human lymphocyte antigen (HLA)-immunized patients. Other forms of plasma purification have been reported to reduce the level of fibrinogen, which affects the blood properties. In this study we investigated the effects of IA therapy using both adsorbents on plasma fibrinogen and immunoglobulins G and M in 13 patients (8 patients were treated with TR-350, and 5 patients were treated with PH-350). During each session 1 plasma volume (2.8 ± 0.4 L of plasma) was processed through the immunocolumn and then returned to the patient together with the blood cells. Compared with the pretreatment values, the plasma fibrinogen, IgG, and IgM concentrations were significantly reduced after IA therapy (p < 0.01 for TR-350; p < 0.04 for PH-350). There was a positive correlation between the degree of reduction of plasma proteins and the number of IA treatments given. A nonpara-metric test (Wilcoxon's signed-rank test or the Mann-Whitney test) was used for statistical analysis. We conclude from our study that IA therapy effectively lowers the plasma levels of fibrinogen, IgG, and IgM and thus can be considered a valuable alternative to other blood purification methods.