不同病因心衰患者血浆脑钠素水平的影响

目的　观察不同病因心衰患者血浆脑钠素(BNP)水平的变化 ,探讨BNP在心衰发病机制中所起的作用以及 β -受体阻滞剂对心衰患者BNP水平的影响。 方法　采用酶联免疫吸附试验 (ELISA)法测定心衰患者血浆BNP水平。结果　心衰组BNP水平与正常对照组相比显著升高(P <0 0 1)。重度心衰心功能Ⅲ、Ⅳ级BNP水平明显高于心功能Ⅱ级。BNP变化的幅度在冠心病、扩张型心肌病不同病因心衰中有所不同 ,冠心病心衰BNP水平升高更明显 (P <0 0 1)。心衰患者中常规治疗组与非 β -受体阻滞剂治疗组相比 ,美托洛尔和卡维地洛治疗组BNP水平明显降低 (P <0 0 5 )。结论　心衰患者血浆BNP水平显著升高 ,BNP水平与心衰严重程度呈正相关 ,冠心病心衰BNP水平较扩张型心肌病组明显升高 ,提示冠心病心肌缺血损伤可能进一步促进BNP分泌。美托洛尔和卡维地洛均能下调心衰BNP水平 ,可能是不同β -受体阻滞剂逆转心衰神经激素过度激活的共同作用机制之一。     

心力衰竭患者纤溶参数变化及药物干预效果的评价

目的 :了解风湿性心脏病和扩张型心肌病心力衰竭 (心衰 )患者纤溶参数的变化 ,并观察血管紧张素转换酶抑制剂和血管紧张素Ⅱ 1型受体拮抗剂对心衰患者纤溶参数的影响。　　方法 :测定 2 0例健康者 (正常对照组 )以及 2 9例风湿性心脏病和 3 1例扩张型心肌病心衰患者血浆组织型纤溶酶原激活物 (t PA)活性和纤溶酶原激活物抑制物 1(PAI 1)活性 ,随后 60例心衰患者被随机分为常规治疗组 ,常规治疗+福辛普利 (fosinopril) 10mg每日 1次 (福辛普利组 ) ,常规治疗 +氯沙坦 (losartan) 5 0mg每日 1次 (氯沙坦组 ) ,均为2 0例 ,治疗 14天后复测t PA和PAI 1活性。　　结果 :与正常对照组比较 ,风湿性心脏病和扩张型心肌病心衰患者纤溶参数异常 ,t PA活性下降 ,PAI 1活性升高 (P均 <0 0 1)。常规治疗组纤溶参数无显著变化 (P >0 0 5 ) ,福辛普利组和氯沙坦组纤溶参数明显改善 ,表现为t PA活性上升 ,PAI 1活性下降 (P均 <0 0 1) ,二者改善纤溶参数的效果相似 (P >0 0 5 )。　　结论 :风湿性心脏病和扩张型心肌病心衰纤溶参数明显异常 ,血管紧张素转换酶抑制剂和血管紧张素Ⅱ 1型受体拮抗剂能改善心衰患者纤溶参数。     

肥厚型心肌病患者外周血淋巴细胞中p53蛋白的表达

目的　探讨肥厚型心肌病的心肌肥厚与p5 3蛋白表达之间关系。方法　选肥厚型心肌病 (HCM)患者 2 4例 ,正常人 2 0例 ,分别用免疫组化染色法测定p5 3蛋白 ,观察肥厚型心肌病组与正常对照组p5 3表达水平、及肥厚型心肌病患者的p5 3蛋白表达水平与室间隔肥厚程度之间关系。结果　①肥厚型心肌病与正常对照组p5 3蛋白的阳性表达率分别为 6 2 5 %、10 % ,两组间比较有显著性差异 (P <0 0 1)。②肥厚型心肌病的p5 3蛋白表达率及相应的室间隔厚度关系的rs=0 6 75 (P <0 0 5 ) ,提示肥厚型心肌病人p5 3蛋白表达率与室间隔厚度之间在统计学上呈正相关。结论　肥厚型心肌病患者外周血淋巴细胞中p5 3蛋白表达率高于正常对照组 ,患者p5 3蛋白表达率与其室间隔肥厚程度呈正相关。     

慢性充血性心力衰竭患者外周血淋巴细胞β-受体密度的变化及不同β-受体密度对其影响

目的　探讨慢性充血性心力衰竭患者外周血淋巴细胞β 肾上腺素受体密度的变化规律。 方法　采用密度梯度离心法分离 112例心衰患者及 4 1例正常人单个核细胞 (含 90 %淋巴细胞 ) ,制备淋巴细胞膜 ,进行受体结合分析 ,求得平衡解离常数Kd和最大结合量Bmax。受体密度以Bmax表示。结果　心衰组 β 受体密度较对照组明显下降 ( P <0 0 1)。心功能Ⅱ级患者 β 受体密度明显低于正常对照组(P <0 0 1) ,重度心衰心功能Ⅲ、Ⅳ级患者β 受体密度下调更明显 (P <0 0 1)。冠心病与扩张型心肌病两组之间Bmax无显著性差异 (P =0 99)。心衰患者中 ,美托洛尔治疗组 β 受体密度明显高于非 β 受体阻滞剂治疗组 ( P <0 0 5 ) ,卡维地洛治疗组β 受体密度与非 β 受体阻滞剂治疗组无显著性差异(P =0 4 0 )。结论　心衰时出现了外周血淋巴细胞β 受体密度下调的现象。心衰时外周血淋巴细胞 β 受体密度下调与病因无关 ,下调的幅度与心衰严重程度有关。应用美托洛尔能明显上调β 受体密度     

生脉注射液治疗扩张型心肌病心力衰竭的疗效观察

目的　探讨生脉注射液对扩张型心肌病心力衰竭 (心衰 )的疗效。方法　将 80例扩张型心肌病心力衰竭患者分为两组 (生脉注射液治疗组 5 0例和对照组 3 0例 )进行观察比较。结果　治疗组显效 2 2例 ,好转 2 0例 ,有效率 84% ;对照组显效 8例 ,好转 10例 ,有效率 60 % ,两组有效率比较差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 5 )。两组治疗后心输出量 (CO)、心搏量 (SV )、心脏指数 (CI)、射血分数 (EF)、左心室短轴缩短率 (△D % )、心室壁增厚率 (△T)均明显增加 ,治疗组较对照组增加更为显著 (P <0 .0 5 )。此外 ,治疗组全身血管阻力 (SVR )明显降低 (P <0 .0 1) ,对照组无明显变化。结论　生脉注射液治疗扩张型心肌病心衰有肯定疗效     

原发性高血压患者炎症因子表达水平及其与血管紧张素Ⅱ的关系

目的 :探讨原发性高血压 (EH)患者血浆中炎症因子单核细胞趋化因子 1(MCP 1)和P 选择素的表达水平以及与血管紧张素Ⅱ (AngⅡ )的关系。 方法 :用ELISA法检测 32例EH患者 (EH组 )和 30例健康者 (对照组 )血浆MCP 1和P 选择素 ,同时用放射免疫法测定其血浆中AngⅡ水平。结果 :与对照组相比 ,EH组患者血浆中MCP 1和P 选择素水平明显升高 [分别为 (18.6 6± 2 .5 5 )∶(15 .4 5± 1.13)ng/L ,(11.4 3± 3.35 )∶(3.4 7±1.31)ng/L ,均P <0 .0 5 ],但与血浆AngⅡ浓度以及血压升高的程度无相关性。结论 :EH患者血浆中炎性因子MCP 1和P 选择素浓度明显增加 ,这可能与高血压促动脉粥样硬化的发生发展有关     

扩张型心肌病心肌组织中肠道病毒感染与趋化因子mRNA表达的关系

目的 探讨病毒感染与趋化因子表达的改变在扩张型心肌病发病中的作用。方法 利用RT-PCR方法检测12例原位异体心脏移植的扩张型心肌病受体心肌组织以及5例正常对照心肌组织中Evs-RNA的存在以及趋化因子RANTES、MCP-1、FKN及其受体US28的表达水平。结果 在病理学证实的12例扩张型心肌病心肌组织中有7例Evs-RNA阳性。25％(3／12)心肌组织中MCP-1mRNA的表达明显增高，经DNA同源序列分析，与人JE MCP-1同源性为97％。而正常对照心肌组织中病毒基因及趋化因子检测均阴性。结论 肠道病毒感染可能会改变趋化因子的表达水平，而趋化因子的异常表达在扩张型心肌病发生发展中可能起重要作用。     

冠心病患者血浆趋化因子MIP-1的对照研究

目的 :观察冠心病患者血浆趋化因子巨噬细胞炎症蛋白- 1α(MIP- 1α)及巨噬细胞炎症蛋白 - 1β-(MIP- 1β)水平的改变。 方法 :10 8例研究对象分为 2组 :冠心病组 5 1例 ,正常对照组 5 7例 ,经冠状动脉造影证实或排除冠心病 ;采用ELISA方法检测血浆MIP 1α及MIP-1β水平。 结果 :冠心病患者血浆MIP 1β水平明显高于正常对照组 [(5 4 . 9± 1 .8)pg mLvs (40 . 4± 1 .4 )pg mL ,P <0 0 0 1];血浆趋化因子MIP -1α水平在 2组间均未见显著差异。结论 :趋化因子MIP -1β可能参与了冠心病的病理发展过程。     

冠心病患者外周血白细胞表面粘附分子的表达

目的　目前认为炎症可能在冠心病发病及恶化过程中起重要的作用。本研究通过测定冠心病患者外周血中性粒细胞和单核细胞表面CD11b、CD18的表达 ,探讨炎症与冠心病的关系。方法　选择 5 4例冠心病患者 ,其中急性心肌梗死 2 5例 ,不稳定心绞痛患者 2 9例。根据不稳定心绞痛患者病情的严重程度将其按Braunwald分级分为三组 :第一组 (9例 ,BraunwaldⅠ级 ) ;第二组 (8例BraunwaldⅡ级 ) ;第三组 (12例BraunwaldⅢ级 )。选择 12例健康人为正常对照组。采用流式细胞术分析外周血中性粒细胞和单核细胞表面粘附分子CD11b、CD18的表达。结果　冠心病患者外周血中性粒细胞和单核细胞表面CD11b、CD18的表达较正常对照组显著升高 (P <0 0 0 1) ;不稳定心绞痛患者由第一组到第三组外周血中性粒细胞和单核细胞表面CD11b、CD18的表达是逐渐升高的 ,且第一组与第三组有统计学意义 (P <0 0 5 )。结论　冠心病患者外周血白细胞是激活的 ;随着不稳定心绞痛病情的加重 ,外周血白细胞活性也是增加的 ,白细胞活性状态与冠脉缺血的严重程度正相关     

扩张型心肌病伴甲状腺功能正常的病态综合征43例分析

近年来 ,有报道许多心血管疾病可引起甲状腺激素水平异常 ,称为甲状腺功能正常的病态综合征。笔者观察了 43例扩张型心肌病者的血浆Ｔ3(三碘甲状腺原氨酸 )、Ｔ4(甲状腺素 )、ＴＳＨ(促甲状腺素 ) ,以进一步了解扩张型心肌病患者心衰程度与Ｔ3、Ｔ4、ＴＳＨ变化的关系。1　资料与方法1999年 12月～ 2 0 0 1年 5月临床确诊扩张型心肌病伴甲状腺功能正常的病态综合征患者 43例 ,男 3 0例 ,女 13例 ,年龄 19～ 73 ( 5 5 9± 12 7)岁 ,病程 3个月～ 9年。临床均表现为有胸闷、乏力、劳力性呼吸困难 ,3 2例伴有腹胀、双下肢浮肿。体检 :43例均…     

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.