The present study depicts the therapeutic effect of Zygophyllum cornutum methanolic extract (ZCME) on metabolic disturbances, oxidative stress in heart and myocardium histological changes in streptozotocin (STZ)-i...The present study depicts the therapeutic effect of Zygophyllum cornutum methanolic extract (ZCME) on metabolic disturbances, oxidative stress in heart and myocardium histological changes in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Three days after diabetes induction, ZCME was administered orally for six weeks (700 mg/kg bw/day). Serum glucose and lipid profile were evaluated. Reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were measured in heart tissue. The results showed increased levels of blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) in the diabetic rats. On the other hand, the level of HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) decreased. Compared to the control normal rats, the level of TBARS in heart tissue was markedly increased while GSH and CAT were significantly modified in the diabetic rats. Oral administration of ZCME has normalized serum glucose and lipid profile. TBARS were significantly reduced in heart while CAT and GSH were markedly normalized. Myocardium sections showed the absence of histological changes observed in the diabetic rats. The study suggests that Zygophyllum cornutum may provide a useful therapeutic option in the reversal of metabolic disturbances and oxidative stress-induced cardiac dysfunction in diabetes mellitus.展开更多
AIM To investigate the behavior of pulsatile pressure zones(PPZ's) as noted on high resolution esophageal impedance manometry(HREIM), and determine their association with dysphagia.METHODS Retrospective, single ce...AIM To investigate the behavior of pulsatile pressure zones(PPZ's) as noted on high resolution esophageal impedance manometry(HREIM), and determine their association with dysphagia.METHODS Retrospective, single center case control design scr-eening HREIM studies for cases(dysphagia) and controls(no dysphagia). Thoracic radiology studies were reviewed further in cases for(thoracic cardiovascular) thoracic cardiovascular(TCV) structures in esophageal proximity to compare with HREIM findings. Manometric data was collected for number, location, axial length, PPZ pressure and esophageal clearance function(impedance). RESULTS Among 317 screened patients, 56% cases and 64% controls had PPZ's. Fifty cases had an available thoracic radiology comparison. The distribution of PPZ's in these 50 cases and 59 controls was similar(average 1.4 PPZ/patient). Controls(mean 31.2 ± SD 12 years) were a significantly younger population than cases(mean 67.3 ± SD 14.9 years) with P < 0.0001. The upright posture PPZ pressure was higher in controls(15.7 ± 10.0 mm Hg) than cases(10.8 ± 9.7 mm Hg). Although statistically significant(P = 0.005), it was a weak predictor using logistic regression and ROC model(AUC = 0.65). Three dysphagia patients had partial compression from external TCV on radiology(1 aberrant subclavian artery, 2 dilated left atrium). The posture(supine vs upright) with more prominent PPZ's impaired bolus clearance in 9 additional cases by > 20%. CONCLUSION Transmitted TCV pulsations observed in HREIM bear no significant impact on swallowing. However, in older adults with dysphagia, evidence of impaired bolus clearance on impedance should be evaluated for external TCV compression. These associations have never been explored previously in literature, and are novel.展开更多
The pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) is complex and not fully understood, so the aim of this study was to evaluate whether visceral and somatic hypersensitivity, autonomic cardiovascular dysfunction,...The pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) is complex and not fully understood, so the aim of this study was to evaluate whether visceral and somatic hypersensitivity, autonomic cardiovascular dysfunction, and low-grade inflammation of the gut wall are associated with diarrhea-predominant IBS(D-IBS). Sixty-two patients with D-IBS and 20 control subjects participated in the study. Using the ascending method of limits(AML) protocol, we demonstrated that D-IBS patients had significantly lower sensory thresholds compared with healthy controls(P〈0.001). Using diverse methods, especially the ischemic sensitivity test, for the first time in China, we confirmed that D-IBS patients have somatic hypersensitivity. They had a significantly higher systolic blood pressure and heart rate after a cold stimulus, indicative of autonomic cardiovascular dysfunction. Compared with the control group, D-IBS patients had a significantly higher level of calprotectin(P〈0.001). We also found significant correlations between visceral and somatic hypersensitivity, visceral hypersensitivity and autonomic cardiovascular dysfunction, and somatic hypersensitivity and autonomic cardiovascular dysfunction. Our findings may provide valuable suggestions for the treatment of D-IBS.展开更多
As the most prevalent and abundant transcriptional modification in the eukaryotic genome,the continuous and dynamic regulation of N^6-methyladenosine(m^6 A)has been shown to play a vital role in physiological and path...As the most prevalent and abundant transcriptional modification in the eukaryotic genome,the continuous and dynamic regulation of N^6-methyladenosine(m^6 A)has been shown to play a vital role in physiological and pathological processes of cardiovascular diseases(CVDs),such as ischemic heart failure(HF),myocardial hypertrophy,myocardial infarction(MI),and cardiomyogenesis.Regulation is achieved by modulating the expression of m^6 A enzymes and their downstream cardiac genes.In addition,this process has a major impact on different aspects of internal biological metabolism and several other external environmental effects associated with the development of CVDs.However,the exact molecular mechanism of m^6 A epigenetic regulation has not been fully elucidated.In this review,we outline recent advances and discuss potential therapeutic strategies for managing m^6 A in relation to several common CVD-related metabolic disorders and external environmental factors.Note that an appropriate understanding of the biological function of m^6 A in the cardiovascular system will pave the way towards exploring the mechanisms responsible for the development of other CVDs and their associated symptoms.Finally,it can provide new insights for the development of novel therapeutic agents for use in clinical practice.展开更多
Objective: To investigate the effect of tea polyphenols on cardiac function in rats with diabetic cardiomyo- pathy, and the mechanism by which tea polyphenols regulate autophagy in diabetic cardiomyopathy. Methods: ...Objective: To investigate the effect of tea polyphenols on cardiac function in rats with diabetic cardiomyo- pathy, and the mechanism by which tea polyphenols regulate autophagy in diabetic cardiomyopathy. Methods: Sixty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups: a normal control group (NC), an obesity group (OB), a diabetic cardiomyopathy group (DCM), a tea polyphenol group (TP), an obesity tea polyphenol treatment group (OB-TP), and a diabetic cardiomyopathy tea polyphenol treatment group (DCM-TP). After successful modeling, serum glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were determined; cardiac structure and function were inspected by ul- trasonic cardiography; myocardial pathology was examined by staining with hematoxylin-eosin; transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the morphology and quantity of autophagosomes; and expression levels of autophagy-related proteins LC3-11, SQSTM1/p62, and Beclin-1 were determined by Western blotting. Results: Com- pared to the NC group, the OB group had normal blood glucose and a high level of blood lipids; both blood glucose and lipids were increased in the DCM group; ultrasonic cardiograms showed that the fraction shortening was reduced in the DCM group. However, these were improved significantly in the DCM-TP group. Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed disordered cardiomyocytes and hypertrophy in the DCM group; however, no differences were found among the remaining groups. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the numbers of autophagosomes in the DCM and OB-TP groups were obviously increased compared to the NC and OB groups; the number of autophagosomes in the DCM-TP group was reduced. Western blotting showed that the expression of LC3-11/I and Beclin-1 increased obviously whereas the expression of SQSTM1/p62 was decreased in the DCM and OB-TP groups (P〈0.05). Conclusions: Tea polyphenols had an effect on diabetic cardiomyopathy in rat cardiac function and may alter the levels of autophagy to improve glucose and lipid metabolism in diabetes.展开更多
OBJECTIVE: To examine whether electric acupuncture can improve the daily life of patients with ischemic cerebral apoplexy at acute stage.METHODS: A stratified-block randomized controlled multicenter trial was designed...OBJECTIVE: To examine whether electric acupuncture can improve the daily life of patients with ischemic cerebral apoplexy at acute stage.METHODS: A stratified-block randomized controlled multicenter trial was designed for this study.Totally 340 patients with acute ischemic cerebral apoplexy were randomly divided into an electric acupuncture group and a control group. In the electric acupuncture group, 170 patients were treated with electric acupuncture and routine therapy, and170 patients in the control group with routine therapy alone. Major indexes for judging curative effect were Barthel index at 3- and 6- months follow-up visits and number of re-hospitalized patients. Mi-nor indexes for judging curative effect were change in the score for nervous dysfunction at 4and 12 weeks follow-up visits and number of patients persisting in rehabilitation treatment with acupuncture during follow-up visit.RESULTS: Baseline data at the time of case selection between the two groups were similar. The odds ratio(OR) was 0.92, and the 95% confidence interval(CI) was 0.49-1.73 in disabled rate and 0.73 and 0.51-1.05 in the number of re-hospitalized patients in the electric acupuncture group at 6-month follow up visit compared with the control group.There was no difference in the score for nervous dysfunction at the end of 12-week follow-up visit between the two groups. The score for nervous dysfunction at the end of 4-week treatment in the electric acupuncture group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05). The number of patients discharged from hospital who persisted in rehabilitation treatment with acupuncture in the acupuncture group was significantly higher than that in the control group.CONCLUSION: Using electric acupuncture to treat patients with acute ischemic cerebral apoplexy can effectively improve the nervous dysfunction scores after 4-week treatment and their ability to deal with daily life after 6-month follow-up visit. Systematic treatment with acupuncture may also reduce the number of patients with secondary apoplexy.展开更多
Excess lipid storage in adipose tissue results in the development of obesity and other metabolic disorders including diabetes,fatty liver and cardiovascular diseases.The lipid droplet(LD)is an important subcellular or...Excess lipid storage in adipose tissue results in the development of obesity and other metabolic disorders including diabetes,fatty liver and cardiovascular diseases.The lipid droplet(LD)is an important subcellular organelle responsible for lipid storage.We previously observed that Fsp27,a member of the CIDE family proteins,is localized to LD-contact sites and promotes atypical LD fusion and growth.Cidea,a close homolog of Fsp27,is expressed at high levels in brown adipose tissue.However,the exact role of Cidea in promoting LD fusion and lipid storage in adipose tissue remains unknown.Here,we expressed Cidea in Fsp27-knockdown adipocytes and observed that Cidea has similar activity to Fsp27 in promoting lipid storage and LD fusion and growth.Next,we generated Cidea and Fsp27 double-deficient mice and observed that these animals had drastically reduced adipose tissue mass and a strong lean phenotype.In addition,Cidea/Fsp27 double-deficient mice had improved insulin sensitivity and were intolerant to cold.Furthermore,we observed that the brown and white adipose tissues of Cidea/Fsp27double-deficient mice had significantly reduced lipid storage and contained smaller LDs compared to those of Cidea or Fsp27single deficient mice.Overall,these data reveal an important role of Cidea in controlling lipid droplet fusion,lipid storage in brown and white adipose tissue,and the development of obesity.展开更多
文摘The present study depicts the therapeutic effect of Zygophyllum cornutum methanolic extract (ZCME) on metabolic disturbances, oxidative stress in heart and myocardium histological changes in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Three days after diabetes induction, ZCME was administered orally for six weeks (700 mg/kg bw/day). Serum glucose and lipid profile were evaluated. Reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were measured in heart tissue. The results showed increased levels of blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) in the diabetic rats. On the other hand, the level of HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) decreased. Compared to the control normal rats, the level of TBARS in heart tissue was markedly increased while GSH and CAT were significantly modified in the diabetic rats. Oral administration of ZCME has normalized serum glucose and lipid profile. TBARS were significantly reduced in heart while CAT and GSH were markedly normalized. Myocardium sections showed the absence of histological changes observed in the diabetic rats. The study suggests that Zygophyllum cornutum may provide a useful therapeutic option in the reversal of metabolic disturbances and oxidative stress-induced cardiac dysfunction in diabetes mellitus.
文摘AIM To investigate the behavior of pulsatile pressure zones(PPZ's) as noted on high resolution esophageal impedance manometry(HREIM), and determine their association with dysphagia.METHODS Retrospective, single center case control design scr-eening HREIM studies for cases(dysphagia) and controls(no dysphagia). Thoracic radiology studies were reviewed further in cases for(thoracic cardiovascular) thoracic cardiovascular(TCV) structures in esophageal proximity to compare with HREIM findings. Manometric data was collected for number, location, axial length, PPZ pressure and esophageal clearance function(impedance). RESULTS Among 317 screened patients, 56% cases and 64% controls had PPZ's. Fifty cases had an available thoracic radiology comparison. The distribution of PPZ's in these 50 cases and 59 controls was similar(average 1.4 PPZ/patient). Controls(mean 31.2 ± SD 12 years) were a significantly younger population than cases(mean 67.3 ± SD 14.9 years) with P < 0.0001. The upright posture PPZ pressure was higher in controls(15.7 ± 10.0 mm Hg) than cases(10.8 ± 9.7 mm Hg). Although statistically significant(P = 0.005), it was a weak predictor using logistic regression and ROC model(AUC = 0.65). Three dysphagia patients had partial compression from external TCV on radiology(1 aberrant subclavian artery, 2 dilated left atrium). The posture(supine vs upright) with more prominent PPZ's impaired bolus clearance in 9 additional cases by > 20%. CONCLUSION Transmitted TCV pulsations observed in HREIM bear no significant impact on swallowing. However, in older adults with dysphagia, evidence of impaired bolus clearance on impedance should be evaluated for external TCV compression. These associations have never been explored previously in literature, and are novel.
基金Project supported by the National Science & Technology Pillar Program during the Twelfth Five-year Plan Period of China(No.2014BAI08B02)the National Science & Technology Major Projects(Major Drug Discovery)of China(No.2012ZX09103201-021)
文摘The pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) is complex and not fully understood, so the aim of this study was to evaluate whether visceral and somatic hypersensitivity, autonomic cardiovascular dysfunction, and low-grade inflammation of the gut wall are associated with diarrhea-predominant IBS(D-IBS). Sixty-two patients with D-IBS and 20 control subjects participated in the study. Using the ascending method of limits(AML) protocol, we demonstrated that D-IBS patients had significantly lower sensory thresholds compared with healthy controls(P〈0.001). Using diverse methods, especially the ischemic sensitivity test, for the first time in China, we confirmed that D-IBS patients have somatic hypersensitivity. They had a significantly higher systolic blood pressure and heart rate after a cold stimulus, indicative of autonomic cardiovascular dysfunction. Compared with the control group, D-IBS patients had a significantly higher level of calprotectin(P〈0.001). We also found significant correlations between visceral and somatic hypersensitivity, visceral hypersensitivity and autonomic cardiovascular dysfunction, and somatic hypersensitivity and autonomic cardiovascular dysfunction. Our findings may provide valuable suggestions for the treatment of D-IBS.
基金Project supported by the Grants-in-Aid from the Graduate Research and Innovation Projects of Jiangsu Province(No.KYCX18_1461),China。
文摘As the most prevalent and abundant transcriptional modification in the eukaryotic genome,the continuous and dynamic regulation of N^6-methyladenosine(m^6 A)has been shown to play a vital role in physiological and pathological processes of cardiovascular diseases(CVDs),such as ischemic heart failure(HF),myocardial hypertrophy,myocardial infarction(MI),and cardiomyogenesis.Regulation is achieved by modulating the expression of m^6 A enzymes and their downstream cardiac genes.In addition,this process has a major impact on different aspects of internal biological metabolism and several other external environmental effects associated with the development of CVDs.However,the exact molecular mechanism of m^6 A epigenetic regulation has not been fully elucidated.In this review,we outline recent advances and discuss potential therapeutic strategies for managing m^6 A in relation to several common CVD-related metabolic disorders and external environmental factors.Note that an appropriate understanding of the biological function of m^6 A in the cardiovascular system will pave the way towards exploring the mechanisms responsible for the development of other CVDs and their associated symptoms.Finally,it can provide new insights for the development of novel therapeutic agents for use in clinical practice.
基金Project supported by the Scientific and Technological Projects for Medicine and Health of Zhejiang Province(No.2015128660)the Major Research and Development Projects for the Zhejiang Science and Technology Agency(No.2017C03034),China
文摘Objective: To investigate the effect of tea polyphenols on cardiac function in rats with diabetic cardiomyo- pathy, and the mechanism by which tea polyphenols regulate autophagy in diabetic cardiomyopathy. Methods: Sixty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups: a normal control group (NC), an obesity group (OB), a diabetic cardiomyopathy group (DCM), a tea polyphenol group (TP), an obesity tea polyphenol treatment group (OB-TP), and a diabetic cardiomyopathy tea polyphenol treatment group (DCM-TP). After successful modeling, serum glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were determined; cardiac structure and function were inspected by ul- trasonic cardiography; myocardial pathology was examined by staining with hematoxylin-eosin; transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the morphology and quantity of autophagosomes; and expression levels of autophagy-related proteins LC3-11, SQSTM1/p62, and Beclin-1 were determined by Western blotting. Results: Com- pared to the NC group, the OB group had normal blood glucose and a high level of blood lipids; both blood glucose and lipids were increased in the DCM group; ultrasonic cardiograms showed that the fraction shortening was reduced in the DCM group. However, these were improved significantly in the DCM-TP group. Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed disordered cardiomyocytes and hypertrophy in the DCM group; however, no differences were found among the remaining groups. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the numbers of autophagosomes in the DCM and OB-TP groups were obviously increased compared to the NC and OB groups; the number of autophagosomes in the DCM-TP group was reduced. Western blotting showed that the expression of LC3-11/I and Beclin-1 increased obviously whereas the expression of SQSTM1/p62 was decreased in the DCM and OB-TP groups (P〈0.05). Conclusions: Tea polyphenols had an effect on diabetic cardiomyopathy in rat cardiac function and may alter the levels of autophagy to improve glucose and lipid metabolism in diabetes.
基金Chongqing Municipal Planned the Sci-tech Project(#CSTC,No.2011AC5187)
文摘OBJECTIVE: To examine whether electric acupuncture can improve the daily life of patients with ischemic cerebral apoplexy at acute stage.METHODS: A stratified-block randomized controlled multicenter trial was designed for this study.Totally 340 patients with acute ischemic cerebral apoplexy were randomly divided into an electric acupuncture group and a control group. In the electric acupuncture group, 170 patients were treated with electric acupuncture and routine therapy, and170 patients in the control group with routine therapy alone. Major indexes for judging curative effect were Barthel index at 3- and 6- months follow-up visits and number of re-hospitalized patients. Mi-nor indexes for judging curative effect were change in the score for nervous dysfunction at 4and 12 weeks follow-up visits and number of patients persisting in rehabilitation treatment with acupuncture during follow-up visit.RESULTS: Baseline data at the time of case selection between the two groups were similar. The odds ratio(OR) was 0.92, and the 95% confidence interval(CI) was 0.49-1.73 in disabled rate and 0.73 and 0.51-1.05 in the number of re-hospitalized patients in the electric acupuncture group at 6-month follow up visit compared with the control group.There was no difference in the score for nervous dysfunction at the end of 12-week follow-up visit between the two groups. The score for nervous dysfunction at the end of 4-week treatment in the electric acupuncture group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05). The number of patients discharged from hospital who persisted in rehabilitation treatment with acupuncture in the acupuncture group was significantly higher than that in the control group.CONCLUSION: Using electric acupuncture to treat patients with acute ischemic cerebral apoplexy can effectively improve the nervous dysfunction scores after 4-week treatment and their ability to deal with daily life after 6-month follow-up visit. Systematic treatment with acupuncture may also reduce the number of patients with secondary apoplexy.
基金supported by grants from the National Basic Research Program(2013CB530602 and 2011CB910801 to Li Peng)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(30925017,31030038 and 90913024)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2012M520249 and 2013T60103 to Zhou LinKang)
文摘Excess lipid storage in adipose tissue results in the development of obesity and other metabolic disorders including diabetes,fatty liver and cardiovascular diseases.The lipid droplet(LD)is an important subcellular organelle responsible for lipid storage.We previously observed that Fsp27,a member of the CIDE family proteins,is localized to LD-contact sites and promotes atypical LD fusion and growth.Cidea,a close homolog of Fsp27,is expressed at high levels in brown adipose tissue.However,the exact role of Cidea in promoting LD fusion and lipid storage in adipose tissue remains unknown.Here,we expressed Cidea in Fsp27-knockdown adipocytes and observed that Cidea has similar activity to Fsp27 in promoting lipid storage and LD fusion and growth.Next,we generated Cidea and Fsp27 double-deficient mice and observed that these animals had drastically reduced adipose tissue mass and a strong lean phenotype.In addition,Cidea/Fsp27 double-deficient mice had improved insulin sensitivity and were intolerant to cold.Furthermore,we observed that the brown and white adipose tissues of Cidea/Fsp27double-deficient mice had significantly reduced lipid storage and contained smaller LDs compared to those of Cidea or Fsp27single deficient mice.Overall,these data reveal an important role of Cidea in controlling lipid droplet fusion,lipid storage in brown and white adipose tissue,and the development of obesity.