TLR4在四氯化碳诱导的肝硬化大鼠骨髓血窦内皮细胞的表达

目的：检测Toll样受体4（TLR4）在四氯化碳诱导的肝硬化大鼠骨髓血窦内皮细胞的表达,为进一步研究肝硬化时骨髓损伤的发生机制提供实验依据。方法：选择Wistar大鼠给予腹腔注射CCl4,一周两次,建立肝硬化大鼠模型。分别于建模8周和12周检测大鼠血浆内毒素的水平,免疫组化检测大鼠骨髓血窦内皮细胞上TLR4的表达情况,RT-PCR测定骨髓组织中TLR4mRNA的表达,分析TLR4的表达与内毒素血症间的关系。结果：给予CCl4 8周和12周时,对照组大鼠血浆内毒素水平分别为（0．216±0．024）Eu／ml和（0．133±0．022）Eu／ml,模型组大鼠血浆内毒素水平分别为（0．626±0．021）Eu／ml和（0．725±0．031）Eu／ml,分别较对照组显著升高,差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．001）;骨髓血窦内皮细胞TLR4蛋白表达及骨髓组织中TLR4mRNA的表达均显著高于对照组,差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。大鼠骨髓TLR4蛋白和mRNA表达与血浆内毒素水平均呈显著正相关（r=0．841,0．803,P均〈0．001）。结论：CCl4诱导的肝硬化大鼠骨髓血窦内皮细胞TLR4表达升高,并伴随大鼠内毒素血症的发生,提示肝硬化时肠源性内毒素血症可能参与了骨髓的造血功能的损害和病变。     

Circulating vascular endothelial growth factor and its soluble receptors in patients with liver cirrhosis: possible association with hepatic function impairment

Recent studies provided in vivo evidences of an increased angiogenesis in animal model of portal hypertension and cirrhosis which was linked to increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor. The aim of study was to evaluate the plasma concentration of VEGF and its receptors in liver cirrhosis and the possible association with the degree of liver insufficiency. Methods. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its soluble receptors: sVEGF-R1, sVEGF-R2 were measured in plasma of 78 patients with liver cirrhosis by ELISA. Results. The significant increase of plasma VEGF and sVEGF-R1 was observed in liver cirrhosis compared to healthy individuals (153.1+/-51.9 vs. 46.8+/-4.1pg/mL, P<0.05; 279.8+/-34.3 vs. 105.1+/-5.9pg/mL, P<0.001, respectively). Plasma VEGF and foremost sVEGF R1 showed significant associations with biochemical indices of liver function. Among clinical parameters, only ascites revealed significant association with plasma VEGR and sVEGF-R1. VEGF and sVEGF-R1 were increased respectively to the degree of liver insufficiency. It was demonstrated through a significant positive correlation with Child-Pugh score and MELD classification. In conclusion, our study suggests that serum VEGF and VEGF-R1 may reflect the hepatic function impairment in liver cirrhosis and seems to be associated with portal hypertension symptoms.     

培菲康对肝硬化血浆内毒影响的研究

目的　探讨益生菌制剂培菲康治疗肝硬化内毒素血症的作用机制。方法　采用大鼠肝硬化模型,其中治疗组予以培菲康液每天灌胃治疗,共8周,检测治疗组及对照组血浆内毒指标;并选取70例肝硬化Child-Pugh分级为B级的患者,其中治疗组口服培菲康胶囊(每次2粒,每天3次) 3周,观察治疗前后血浆内毒素变化。结果　培菲康治疗组的肝硬化大鼠及患者血浆内毒素均明显低于对照组( P<0 .0 5 )。结论　培菲康能明显降低肝硬化患者血浆内毒素水平,可作为肝硬化患者的辅助用药     

思连康对肝硬化血浆内毒素影响的研究

目的:探讨益生菌制剂思连康治疗肝硬化内毒素血症的作用机制。方法:采用大鼠肝硬化模型,其中治疗组予以思连康液灌胃治疗,共8周,检测治疗组及对照组血浆内毒素指标;并选取70例肝硬化ChildPugh分级为B级的患者,其中治疗组口服思连康(每次两粒,每日三次)3周,观察治疗前后血浆内毒素变化。结果:思连康治疗组的肝硬化大鼠及患者血浆内毒素均明显低于对照组(p<0.05)。结论:思连康能明显降低肝硬化患者血浆内毒素水平,可作为肝硬化患者的辅助用药。     

Antioxidant properties of colchicine in acute carbon tetrachloride induced rat liver injury and its role in the resolution of established cirrhosis

Antioxidant and antifibrotic properties of colchicine were investigated in the carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) rat model. (1) The protective effect of colchicine pretreatment on CCl(4) induced oxidant stress was examined in rats subsequently receiving a single lethal dose of CCl(4). Urinary 8-isoprostane, kidney and liver malondialdehyde and kidney glutathione levels increased following CCl(4) treatment, but only the rise in kidney malondialdehyde was significantly inhibited by colchicine pretreatment. Serum total antioxidant levels were significantly higher in the colchicine pretreatment group. (2) The long term effects of colchicine treatment on CCl(4) induced liver damage were investigated using liver histology and biochemical markers (hydroxyproline and type III procollagen peptide). Co-administration of colchicine with sub-lethal doses of CCl(4) over 10 weeks did not prevent progression to cirrhosis. However, rats made cirrhotic with repeated CCl(4) challenge and subsequently treated with colchicine for 12 months, all showed histological regression of cirrhosis. (3) The antioxidant effect of colchicine in vitro was evident only at very high concentrations compared to other plasma antioxidants. In summary, colchicine has only weak antioxidant properties, but does afford some protection against oxidative stress; more importantly, long term treatment with this drug may be of value in producing regression of established cirrhosis.     

TLR4 在四氯化碳诱导的肝硬化大鼠骨髓血窦内皮细胞的表达

目的：检测Toll样受体4(TLR4)在四氯化碳诱导的肝硬化大鼠骨髓血窦内皮细胞的表达,为进一步研究肝硬化时骨髓损伤 的发生机制提供实验依据。方法：选择Wistar大鼠给予腹腔注射CCl4,一周两次,建立肝硬化大鼠模型。分别于建模8 周和12 周 检测大鼠血浆内毒素的水平,免疫组化检测大鼠骨髓血窦内皮细胞上TLR4 的表达情况,RT-PCR 测定骨髓组织中TLR4 mRNA 的表达,分析TLR4 的表达与内毒素血症间的关系。结果：给予CCl4 8 周和12 周时,对照组大鼠血浆内毒素水平分别为(0.216± 0.024) Eu/ml 和(0.133± 0.022) Eu/ml,模型组大鼠血浆内毒素水平分别为(0.626± 0.021) Eu/ml 和(0.725± 0.031) Eu/ml,分别较对 照组显著升高,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.001);骨髓血窦内皮细胞TLR4蛋白表达及骨髓组织中TLR4 mRNA的表达均显著高于 对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。大鼠骨髓TLR4 蛋白和mRNA表达与血浆内毒素水平均呈显著正相关（r=0.841,0.803,P 均<0.001）。结论：CCl4 诱导的肝硬化大鼠骨髓血窦内皮细胞TLR4 表达升高,并伴随大鼠内毒素血症的发生,提示肝硬化时肠源 性内毒素血症可能参与了骨髓的造血功能的损害和病变。     

Vascular reactivity to norepinephrine in rats with cirrhosis of the liver

Vascular reactivity to norepinephrine was studied in rats with early cirrhosis of the liver and in control rats. Cirrhotic rats showed water and sodium retention but not ascites. Studies were performed in whole animals, isolated hindquarters, and isolated femoral arteries. Plasma catecholamine levels were measured by radioenzymoassay and their urinary metabolites by gas-liquid chromatography. Plasma norepinephrine was 331 +/- 49 pg/mL (mean +/- SEM) in control rats and 371 +/- 66 pg/mL in cirrhotic animals (p greater than 0.05). No differences in plasma epinephrine or dopamine were observed. Urinary excretion of catecholamine metabolites was increased in cirrhotic rats. These data suggest a moderate activation of the sympathetic nervous system. In basal conditions, cirrhotic rats showed lower mean arterial pressure than controls (101 +/- 4 vs. 116 +/- 4 mmHg (1 mmHg = 133.3 Pa); p less than 0.01). However, perfused hindlimb resistance was similar in cirrhotic and in control animals. In the whole animal and in the perfused hindquarter, the contractile response to norepinephrine was similar for control and for cirrhotic rats. The contractile response to norepinephrine exhibited by isolated femoral arteries was similar in those from cirrhotic and control rats. This indicates that the peripheral vascular bed has a well-maintained ability to constrict in response to norepinephrine, suggesting that circulatory abnormalities in early experimental cirrhosis are not caused by refractoriness of the vascular smooth muscle to norepinephrine.     

The gene expression of adrenomedullin, calcitonin-receptor-like receptor and receptor activity modifying proteins (RAMPs) in CCl4-induced rat liver cirrhosis

This study was undertaken to determine AM expression in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver cirrhosis developed with peritoneal ascites. Sprague-Dawley rats received subcutaneous injections of CCl4 twice weekly in olive oil (1:1, 0.3 ml per kg body weight) for 6 or 12 weeks until ascites developed, or saline in olive oil as control. At 6 weeks, fibrosis developed and at 12 weeks cirrhosis developed with ascites formation. At both 6 and 12 weeks, increases in plasma renin and AM were evident, as was the gene expression of AM. At 12 weeks after CCl4 injection, the gene expression of calcitonin-like-receptor (CRLR) and receptor activity modifying proteins (RAMP1, RAMP2 and RAMP3) were all elevated when compared to the control. The results suggest that liver cirrhosis increases mRNA expressions of AM, CRLR and RAMP1, RAMP2 and RAMP3 and that the increase in AM gene expression precedes the development of cirrhosis. The increase in AM synthesis as reflected by an increase in AM gene expression, together with a lack of increase in AM peptide at both 6 and 12 weeks may suggest an elevation of AM release. Given the potent vasodilatory action of AM, the increase in the synthesis and release of AM in the cirrhotic liver may also contribute to peripheral vasodilatation in liver cirrhosis.     

慢性阻塞性肺疾病大鼠模型中痩素及白介素-8 的表达分析

目的:观察COPD大鼠模型中瘦素(leptin)、白细胞介素8(IL-8)的表达情况,分析其相关性,探讨leptin在COPD发生发展中的作用及意义.方法:36只雄性SD大鼠随机分为①健康对照组;②COPD模型1组:分别于第(1、14)d经气管内注入内毒素200ug,熏5％香烟(第1、14d除外),2h/d,共4周;③COPD模型2组:单纯熏5％香烟2h/d,共12周.观察肺组织病理变化,免疫组化法测定leptin、IL-8在支气管肺组织的表达情况,放免法测定血清leptin及IL-8浓度.结果:细胞因子leptin及炎性因子IL-8在支气管肺组织阳性表达.LPS联合熏烟诱导COPD1组支气管肺组织中leptin(52.67±04.72)和IL-8(59.56± 3.94)表达较单纯熏烟诱导COPD2组leptin(38.89± 2.57)和IL-8(55.22± 3.42)表达明显升高,P＜0.05,两组COPD大鼠模型支气管肺组织中leptin及IL-8表达较正常对照组leptin( 1690± 1.52)和IL-8 (28.00± 4.24)表达均明显增高,P＜0.05,COPD1组血清中leptin(3.26± 0.95)ng/mL和IL-8( 107.51±13.38 )pg/mL-较COPD2组中leptin(2.42± 0.69 )ng/mL和IL-8((94.07± 11.20)pg/mL明显增高,P＜0.05,两组COPD大鼠模型血清中leptin及IL-8浓度较正常对照组leptin(0.95±0.56)ng/mL和IL-8( 39.48± 6.35 )pg/mL浓度显著升高,P＜0.05.血清中Leptin与IL-8表达水平呈显著正相关(r值分别为0.72 0.67 0.84均P＜0.05).经过q检验,两两之间比较均有统计学意义.结论:leptin和IL-8均参与COPD炎症反应过程,并且具有相关性,LPS促进二者的表达.     

The adaptation of the blood-brain barrier to vascular endothelial growth factor and placental growth factor during pregnancy

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placental growth factor (PLGF) are increased in the maternal circulation during pregnancy. These factors may increase blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, yet brain edema does not normally occur during pregnancy. We therefore hypothesized that in pregnancy, the BBB adapts to high levels of these permeability factors. We investigated the influence of pregnancy-related circulating factors on VEGF-induced BBB permeability by perfusing cerebral veins with plasma from nonpregnant (NP) or late-pregnant (LP) rats (n=6/group) and measuring permeability in response to VEGF. The effect of VEGF, PLGF, and VEGF-receptor (VEGFR) activation on BBB permeability was also determined. Results showed that VEGF significantly increased permeability (×10(7) μm(3)/min) from 9.7 ± 3.5 to 21.0 ± 1.5 (P<0.05) in NP veins exposed to NP plasma, that was prevented when LP veins were exposed to LP plasma; (9.7±3.8; P>0.05). Both LP plasma and soluble FMS-like tyrosine-kinase 1 (sFlt1) in NP plasma abolished VEGF-induced BBB permeability in NP veins (9.5±2.9 and 12±2.6; P>0.05). PLGF significantly increased BBB permeability in NP plasma (18±1.4; P<0.05), and required only VEGFR1 activation, whereas VEGF-induced BBB permeability required both VEGFR1 and VEGFR2. Our findings suggest that VEGF and PLGF enhance BBB permeability through different VEGFR pathways and that circulating sFlt1 prevents VEGF- and PLGF-induced BBB permeability during pregnancy.     

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 inhibition or deletion attenuates portal hypertension in rodents

Liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension are accompanied by hyperdynamic circulation, angiogenesis and portosystemic collaterals. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) participate in fibrogenesis and angiogenesis, however, whether they can be targeted in cirrhosis treatment is unclear. Therefore, we performed three series of experiments to investigate this issue. Liver cirrhosis was induced by common bile duct ligation (BDL) in Sprague-Dawley rats. Sham-operated rats served as controls. Rats were randomly allocated to receive vehicle, minocycline (a nonselective MMP inhibitor) or SB-3CT (MMP-2 and −9 inhibitor) for 28 days in the first and second series, respectively. MMP-9 knockout mice were used in the third series. The results showed that minocycline ameliorated portal hypertension, hemodynamic abnormalities, reduced collateral shunting, mesenteric vascular density, plasma VEGF level and alleviated liver fibrosis. SB-3CT attenuated portal hypertension, hemodynamic derangements, reduced shunting, mesenteric vascular density, mesenteric VEGF protein expression, and liver fibrosis. Knockout BDL mice had significantly alleviated portal hypertension, liver fibrosis, liver α-SMA and mesenteric eNOS protein expressions compared to wild-type BDL mice. Liver SMAD2 phosphorylation was down-regulated in all series with MMP inhibition or knock-out. In conclusion, MMP-9 inhibition or deletion ameliorated the severity of cirrhosis, portal hypertension, and associated derangements. MMP-9 may be targeted in the treatment of liver cirrhosis.     

Evaluation of Current Knowledge, Awareness and Practice of Spirometry among Hospital -based Nigerian Doctors

Background

The association between systemic sclerosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is well recognized. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been reported to play an important role in pulmonary hypertension. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between systolic pulmonary artery pressure, clinical and functional manifestations of the disease and serum VEGF levels in systemic sclerosis.

Methods

Serum VEGF levels were measured in 40 patients with systemic sclerosis and 13 control subjects. All patients underwent clinical examination, pulmonary function tests and echocardiography.

Results

Serum VEGF levels were higher in systemic sclerosis patients with sPAP ≥ 35 mmHg than in those with sPAP < 35 mmHg (352 (266, 462 pg/ml)) vs (240 (201, 275 pg/ml)) (p < 0.01), while they did not differ between systemic sclerosis patients with sPAP < 35 mmHg and controls. Serum VEGF levels correlated to systolic pulmonary artery pressure, to diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide and to MRC dyspnea score. In multiple linear regression analysis, serum VEGF levels, MRC dyspnea score, and D_LCO were independent predictors of systolic pulmonary artery pressure.

Conclusion

Serum VEGF levels are increased in systemic sclerosis patients with sPAP ≥ 35 mmHg. The correlation between VEGF levels and systolic pulmonary artery pressure may suggest a possible role of VEGF in the pathogenesis of PAH in systemic sclerosis.     

Pancreatic polypeptide response to secretin in obesity: effects of glucose intolerance

Pancreatic polypeptide (PP) may function as a regulator of satiety. Its secretion is impaired in certain animal models of obesity and the administration of PP may improve the hyperphagia and hyperinsulinism seen in these animals. In obese humans, decreased, normal or increased, basal and stimulated concentrations of PP in plasma have been reported. However the advent of diabetes confounds the picture since PP levels in diabetes are generally raised. We have therefore examined the PP responses to intravenous secretin, a known PP secretagogue, in 23 obese subjects, 12 with normal and 11 with abnormal glucose tolerance, and compared the results with those in 23 age and sex-matched healthy controls. The mean maximum PP level in obese subjects with normal glucose tolerance (98 +/- 13 pg/ml) was significantly less than that in normal subjects (218 +/- 23 pg/ml) but in obese subjects with abnormal glucose tolerance, it was significantly greater (578 +/- 115 pg/ml). Within each of the 3 study groups taken separately, PP response to secretin was not correlated with glucose or insulin levels, or with the degree of obesity. Thus, obesity per se appears to be associated with impaired PP responses, which may be masked by abnormalities in glucose tolerance.     

Elevated levels of plasma VEGF in patients with dengue hemorrhagic fever

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) can be produced by monocytes and endothelial cells. It plays important role in angiogenesis and vascular permeability. The phenomenon of extensive plasma leakage into various serous cavities of the body is a cardinal symptom of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). This study was performed to investigate the role of VEGF in patients with DHF. Plasma samples collected from the 53 dengue fever (DF) patients (including 14 patients with DHF), and 5 additional subjects with non-dengue febrile illness as controls were tested for VEGF levels using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The results showed that median plasma levels of VEGF in the patients with DHF (54.6 pg ml(-1)) were significantly higher than those of DF (14.6 pg ml(-1)) and control group (27.1 pg ml(-1)) (P<0.05). In addition, VEGF levels in DF patients were not significantly different from those of control patients with non-dengue febrile illness (P=0.17). Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the clinical variables independently associated with VEGF levels. The data showed that D-dimer levels were significantly associated with VEGF levels. In this study, plasma VEGF levels in patients with DHF were significantly higher than values from DF patients. The association between increased plasma VEGF levels and increased plasma D-dimer levels in the patients with dengue illness suggests that activation of the fibrinolytic system may play a role in VEGF production in the patients with DF.     

布拉氏酵母菌对肝硬化模型大鼠的影响

目的研究布拉氏酵母菌能否通过改善肠源性内毒素血症、肠道环境改善四氯化碳诱导的肝硬化模型大鼠肝纤维化的程度。方法50只雄性Wistar大鼠随机分为正常组（8只）、模型组（20只）、预防组（14只）和治疗组（8只）。预防组在制模同时给予喂服布拉氏酵母菌制剂,治疗组在制模成功后开始给予喂服布拉氏酵母菌制剂,正常组和模型组给予同等生理盐水喂服。实验过程中每周称量所有大鼠体重,观察其日常生活习性,实验在18周末处死所有大鼠,HE染色观察肝脏病理改变,测定血清中天冬氨酸转氨酶（AST）、丙氨酸转氨酶（ALT）、丙二醛（MDA）和白蛋白（ALB）水平及血浆内毒素含量,用变性梯度凝胶电泳法检测大鼠肠道菌群情况。结果正常组[（0．052±0．005）EU／mL]、预防组[（0．058±0．028）EU／mL]和治疗组[（0．230±0．027）EU／mL]大鼠血浆中的内毒素明显低于模型组[（0．310±0．039）EU／mL]（P〈0．05）。预防组和正常组大鼠血浆内毒素含量有区别,但差异无统计学意义。通过变性梯度凝胶电泳发现正常组大鼠肠道菌群数量明显好于模型组,肝硬化大鼠肠道菌群失衡。而治疗组介于预防组和模型组之间。结论布拉氏酵母菌对于改善肝硬化模型大鼠肠道菌群情况,减少肠源性内毒素血症有重要意义。     

Development of young rats and rabbits exposed to a strong electric field

Body growth and circulating levels of hormones were assessed in young rats and rabbits exposed to a 50-Hz electric field of 50 kV/m. Eight-week-old male rats were exposed 8 h/day for 4 weeks and rabbits were exposed 16 h/day from the last 2 weeks of gestation to 6 weeks after birth. The body and the organ growth of exposed rats were not statistically different from those of sham-exposed controls. No important differences from controls were observed in plasma levels of corticosterone, TSH, ACTH, and T4 or in adrenal levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and corticosterone although T3 was slightly, but significantly, decreased. No large histological changes in the thyroid or adrenals were noted. In rabbits, organ and body weights of exposed animals were comparable to those of controls. Plasma levels of various hormones (ACTH, GH, T3, T4, corticosterone, cortisol), serum glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol were not significantly altered. Adrenal content of cortisol was lower, however, in exposed rabbits. No histological changes of the thyroid or adrenal glands were observed.     

Hypertension in response to CD4(+) T cells from reduced uterine perfusion pregnant rats is associated with activation of the endothelin-1 system

We have shown that adoptive transfer of CD4(+) T cells from placental ischemia (reduction in uteroplacental perfusion, RUPP) rats causes hypertension and elevated inflammatory cytokines during pregnancy. In this study we tested the hypothesis that adoptive transfer of RUPP CD4(+) T cells was associated with endothelin-1 activation as a mechanism to increase blood pressure during pregnancy. CD4(+) T cells from RUPP or normal pregnant (NP) rats were adoptively transferred into NP rats on gestational day 13. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was analyzed on gestational day 19, and tissues were collected for endothelin-1 analysis. MAP increased in placental ischemic RUPP rats versus NP rats (124.1 ± 3 vs. 96.2 ± 3 mmHg; P = 0.0001) and increased in NP recipients of RUPP CD4(+) T cells (117.8 ± 2 mmHg; P = 0.001 compared with NP). Adoptive transfer of RUPP CD4(+) T cells increased placental preproendothelin-1 mRNA 2.1-fold compared with NP CD4(+) T cell rats and 1.7-fold compared with NP. Endothelin-1 secretion from endothelial cells exposed to NP rat serum was 52.2 ± 1.9 pg·mg(-1)·ml(-1), 77.5 ± 4.3 pg·mg(-1)·ml(-1) with RUPP rat serum (P = 0.0003); 47.2 ± .16 pg·mg(-1)·ml(-1) with NP+NP CD4(+) T cell serum, and 62.2 ± 2.1 pg·mg(-1)·ml(-1) with NP+RUPP CD4(+) T cell serum (P = 0.002). To test the role of endothelin-1 in RUPP CD4(+) T cell-induced hypertension, pregnant rats were treated with an endothelin A (ET(A)) receptor antagonist (ABT-627, 5 mg/kg) via drinking water. MAP was 92 ± 2 mmHg in NP+ET(A) blockade and 108 ± 3 mmHg in RUPP+ET(A) blockade; 95 ± 5 mmHg in NP+NP CD4(+) T cells+ET(A) blockade and 102 ± 2 mmHg in NP+RUPP CD4(+) T cells+ET(A) blockade. These data indicate the importance of endothelin-1 activation to cause hypertension via chronic exposure to activated CD4(+) T cells in response to placental ischemia.     

慢性阻塞性肺疾病大鼠模型中瘦素及白介素-8的表达分析

目的：观察COPD大鼠模型中瘦素（1eptin）、白细胞介素8（IL-8）的表达情况,分析其相关性,探讨leptin在COPD发生发展中的作用及意义。方法：36只雄性SD大鼠随机分为①健康对照组;②COPD模型1组：分别于第（1、14）d经气管内注入内毒素200ug,熏5％香烟（第1、14d除外）,2h／d,共4周;⑧COPD模型2组：单纯熏5％香烟2h／d,共12周。观察肺组织病理变化,免疫组化法测定leptin、IL-8在支气管肺组织的表达情况,放免法测定血清leptin及IL-8浓度。结果：细胞因子leptin及炎性因子IL-8在支气管肺组织阳性表达。LPS联合熏烟诱导COPDl组支气管肺组织中leptin（52．67±04．72）和IL-8（59．56±3．94）表达较单纯熏烟诱导COPD2组leptin（38．89±2．57）和IL-8（55．22±3．42）表达明显升高,P〈0．05,两组COPD大鼠模型支气管肺组织中leptin及IL-8表达较正常对照组leptin（16．90＋1．52）和IL-8（28．00±4．24）表达均明显增高,P〈0．05,COPD1组血清中leptin（3．26±0．95）ng／mL和IL-8（107．51±13.38）pg／mL较COPD2组中leptin（2．42±0．69）ng／mL和IL-8（（94．07±11．20）pg／mL明显增高,P〈0．05,两组COPD大鼠模型血清中leptin及IL培浓度较正常对照组leptin（0．95±0．56）ng／mL和IL-8（39．48±6．35）pg／mL浓度显著升高,P〈0．05。血清中Leptin与IL-8表达水平呈显著~-ffn关（r值分别为0．720．670．84均P〈0．05）。经过q检验,两两之间比较均有统计学意义。结论：leptin和IL-8均参与cOPD炎症反应过程,并且具有相关性,LPS促进二者的表达。     

Tempol attenuates the exercise pressor reflex independently of neutralizing reactive oxygen species in femoral artery ligated rats

In decerebrate rats, we reported previously that the exercise pressor reflex arising from a limb whose femoral artery was occluded for 72 h before the experiment was significantly higher than the exercise pressor reflex arising from a contralateral freely perfused limb. These findings prompted us to examine whether reactive oxygen species contributed to the augmented pressor reflex in rats with femoral artery occlusion. We found that the pressor reflex arising from the limb whose femoral artery was occluded for 72 h before the experiment (31 ± 5 mmHg) was attenuated by tempol (10 mg), a superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic (18 ± 5 mmHg, n = 9, P < 0.05), that was injected into the arterial supply of the hindlimb. In contrast, the pressor reflex arising from a freely perfused hindlimb (20 ± 3 mmHg) was not attenuated by tempol (17 ± 4 mmHg, n = 10, P = 0.49). Nevertheless, we found no difference in the increase in 8-isoprostaglandin F(2α) levels, an index of reactive oxygen species, in response to contraction between freely perfused (3.76 ± 0.82 pg/ml, n = 19) and 72-h occluded (3.51 ± 0.92 pg/ml, n = 22, P = 0.90) hindlimbs. Moreover, tempol did not reduce the 8-isoprostaglandin F(2α) levels during contraction in either group (P > 0.30). A second SOD mimetic, tiron (200 mg/kg), had no effect on the exercise pressor reflex in either the rats with freely perfused hindlimbs or in those with occluded femoral arteries. These findings suggest that tempol attenuated the exercise pressor reflex in the femoral artery-occluded hindlimb by a mechanism that was independent of its ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species.     

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) concentrations in peripheral blood as markers of pituitary tumours

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) are important cytokines. They are secreted by normal pituitary glands and those with all types of adenomas and may be involved in pituitary tissue growth. The peripheral blood concentrations of VEGF, bFGF and sIL-2R in nineteen patients (17-70 years) with pituitary tumours and ten healthy subjects (23-34 years) were studied. Hypersecretion of prolactin (five cases), human growth hormone (four cases), and thyroid stimulating hormone (one case) was recorded in some patients, and the remaining subjects were diagnosed as having nonfunctional pituitary tumours. Increased peripheral blood plasma levels of VEGF (310.82 +/- 59.17 pg/ml) compared with controls (40.32 +/- 11.80 pg/ml; p < 0.01), as well as bFGF (87.27 +/- 7.58 pg/ml) versus controls (11.14 +/- 2.43 pg/ml; p < 0.001) were recorded. The levels of sIL-2R did not differ between the pituitary tumour patients (4,490.58 +/- 581.50 pg/ml) and control subjects (3,617.01 +/- 1,397.18 pg/ml; p > 0.05). The concentrations of VEGF and bFGF in the peripheral blood are useful additional markers of the presence of tumours.