Clinical Nursing Intervention of Moxibustion on Abdominal Distension Symptoms in Heart Failure (Heart and Kidney Yang Deficiency and Blood Stasis Blocking Collaterals Syndrome)

Objective:To investigate the clinical nursing intervention effect of moxibustion on abdominal distension symptoms in heart failure(heart and kidney yang deficiency and blood stasis blocking collaterals syndrome).Methods:62 patients with heart failure(heart and kidney yang deficiency and blood stasis blocking collaterals syndrome)admitted to our hospital from February 2023 to February 2024 were selected and divided into the observation group(n=31)and the control group(n=31)by using the random numerical table method.The control group adopted conventional nursing interventions,and the observation group received the nursing program of the control group with the addition of moxibustion nursing interventions.The nursing effectiveness,quality of life scores,and nursing satisfaction were compared between the two groups.Results:The nursing effectiveness of the observation group was significantly higher than the control group(P<0.05);the quality of life score of the observation group was significantly higher than the control group(P<0.05);the nursing satisfaction of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The use of moxibustion nursing intervention in patients with heart failure(heart and kidney yang deficiency and blood stasis blocking collaterals syndrome)can effectively relieve the symptoms of abdominal distension,improve patients'quality of life,and increase nursing satisfaction,which has promotion and application values.

Network pharmacology-based exploration of molecular mechanisms underlying therapeutic effects of Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe on chronic heart failure with spleen Qi deficiency syndrome

BACKGROUND Chronic heart failure is a complex clinical syndrome.The Chinese herbal compound preparation Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe has been used to treat chronic heart failure;however,the underlying molecular mechanism is still not clear.AIM To identify the effective active ingredients of Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe and explore its molecular mechanism in the treatment of chronic heart failure.METHODS The effective active ingredients of eight herbs composing Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe were identified using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform.The target genes of chronic heart failure were searched in the Genecards database.The target proteins of active ingredients were mapped to chronic heart failure target genes to obtain the common drugdisease targets,which were then used to construct a key chemical componenttarget network using Cytoscape 3.7.2 software.The protein-protein interaction network was constructed using the String database.Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were performed through the Metascape database.Finally,our previously published relevant articles were searched to verify the results obtained via network pharmacology.RESULTS A total of 227 effective active ingredients for Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe were identified,of which quercetin,kaempferol,7-methoxy-2-methyl isoflavone,formononetin,and isorhamnetin may be key active ingredients and involved in the therapeutic effects of TCM by acting on STAT3,MAPK3,AKT1,JUN,MAPK1,TP53,TNF,HSP90AA1,p65,MAPK8,MAPK14,IL6,EGFR,EDN1,FOS,and other proteins.The pathways identified by KEGG enrichment analysis include pathways in cancer,IL-17 signaling pathway,PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,HIF-1 signaling pathway,calcium signaling pathway,cAMP signaling pathway,NF-kappaB signaling pathway,AMPK signaling pathway,etc.Previous studies on Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe suggested that this Chinese compound preparation can regulate the TNF-α,IL-6,MAPK,cAMP,and AMPK pathways to affect the mitochondrial structure of myocardial cells,oxidative stress,and energy metabolism,thus achieving the therapeutic effects on chronic heart failure.CONCLUSION The Chinese medicine compound preparation Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe exerts therapeutic effects on chronic heart failure possibly by influencing the mitochondrial structure of cardiomyocytes,oxidative stress,energy metabolism,and other processes.Future studies are warranted to investigate the role of the IL-17 signaling pathway,PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,HIF-1 signaling pathway,and other pathways in mediating the therapeutic effects of Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe on chronic heart failure.

A Chinese Multi-Specialty Delphi Consensus to Optimize RAASi Usage and Hyperkalaemia Management in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and Heart Failure

Objective Variations are present in common clinical practices regarding best practice in managing hyperkalaemia(HK),there is therefore a need to establish a multi-specialty approach to optimal renin angiotension-aldosterone system inhibitors(RAASi)usage and HK management in patients with chronic kidney disease(CKD)&heart failure(HF).This study aimed to establish a multi-speciality approach to the optimal use of RAASi and the management of HK in patients with CKD and HF.Methods A steering expert group of cardiology and nephrology experts across China were convened to discuss challenges to HK management through a nominal group technique.The group then created a list of 41 statements for a consensus questionnaire,which was distributed for a further survey in extended panel group of cardiologists and nephrologists across China.Consensus was assessed using a modified Delphi technique,with agreement defined as"strong"(≥75%and<90%)and"very strong"(≥90%).The steering group,data collection,and analysis were aided by an independent facilitator.Results A total of 150 responses from 21 provinces across China were recruited in the survey.Respondents were comprised of an even split(n=75,50%)between cardiologists and nephrologists.All 41 statements achieved the 75%consensus agreement threshold,of which 27 statements attained very strong consensus(≥90%agreement)and 14 attained strong consensus(agreement between 75%and 90%).Conclusion Based on the agreement levels from respondents,the steering group agreed a set of recommendations intended to improve patient outcomes in the use of RAASi therapy and HK management in China.

Efficacy and safety of Guipi Decoction combined with conventional Western medicine in the treatment of insomnia with deficiency of heart and spleen:a meta-analysis

Objective:To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Guipi Decoction combined with Western medicine in the treatment of insomnia with deficiency of heart and spleen.Methods:English databases(PubMed,Web of Science,The Cochrane Library,EMBASE)and Chinese databases(CNKI,Wanfang database,China Biomedical Literature Service System,VIP database)were searched by computer.Randomized controlled trials of Guipi Decoction on insomnia with deficiency of heart and spleen were searched from the database construction to November 2021.After the first and second authors independently screened the literature,extracted the data and evaluated the risk of bias in the included studies,meta-analysis was performed using RevMan5.3 software.Results:A total of 9 RCTS were included after screening,including 914 patients.Meta-analysis results showed that:Total effective rate[RR=1.22,95%CI(1.16,1.30),P<0.00001],total PSQI score[MD=-3.05,95%CI(-3.96,-2.14),P=0.008],number of night awakening times[[MD=-1.18,95%CI(-1.42,-0.94),P<0.00001],adverse reaction rate[RR=0.32,95%CI(0.21,0.51),P<0.00001]were better than the control group,and the differences were statistically significant.Conclusion:The current evidence shows that,compared with pure using conventional western medicine,belongs to the spleen decoction combined western medicine therapy,cases both deficiency type of insomnia in the total effective rate,reducing the total PSQI score(improve sleep quality,sleep efficiency,sleep disorder,daytime function,etc.),reducing frequency of nighttime awakening,security,have more advantages.However,due to the limitation of the quality and quantity of articles included in the study,more randomized,double-blind,large-sample clinical studies are needed to confirm the above conclusions.

Clinical Observation on the Treatment of Insomnia in Germany with Deficiency of Heart and Spleen by the Ear Bean Therapy

Objective: To observe the effect of insomnia patients with deficiency of heart and spleen in Germany by the therapy of ear points pressing with bean. Methods: A total of 80 cases of insomnia with deficiency of heart and spleen in Germany were divided into the observation group and the control group, with 40 cases in each group. The patients in the control group were treated with oral modified Guipi Decoction(归脾汤), while the patients in the observation group were treated with oral traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and the therapy of ear points pressing with bean. The efficacy, sleep quality, the TCM syndromes score and the incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results: The effective rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group, and there was statistical difference between the two group(P<0.05). After treatment, the Pittsburgh sleep quality index scale(PSQI) score, insomnia severity index(ISI) score and the TCM syndromes score in the two groups were decreased sharply(P<0.01), and those scores in the observation group were lower than that in the control group(P<0.05). There was no adverse reaction between the two groups. Conclusion: The therapy of ear points pressing with bean is effective on insomnia in Germany, which is worth further study and promotion.

Regulating and tonifying spleen and kidney traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of chronic uric acid nephropathy: A systematic review

Objective:To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine for regulating spleen and kidney.Methods:We developed a search strategy and then retrieved the database including CNKI,Wanfang data knowledge service platform,VIP journals resource integration service platform,PubMed,Embasefor randomized controlled trial of regulating spleen and kidney traditional Chinese medicine compared with conventional western medicine in the treatment of chronic uric acid nephropathy.The search deadline was set to June 30,2020.For the included literature,we applied the cochrane collaboration network risk bias assessment tool to evaluate the methodological quality,and evaluated the level of evidence according to GRADE standards.Quantitative data was analyzed by RevMan5.3 software,and trial sequential analysis method was used to analyze its efficiency.Results:A total of 709 cases in 10 articles were included.Compared with the control group,the related traditional Chinese medicine group improved the effective rate[RR=1.45,95%CI(1.32,1.58)],reduced the level of UA[MD=-36.24,95%CI(-41.03,-31.45)],BUN[SMD=-1.27,95%CI(-1.47,-1.07)]and SCR[MD=-36.33,95%CI(-55.79,-16.87),P=0.0003],the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).There was no evidence that a significant adverse reaction occurred.The results of TSA analysis showed that the Chinese medicine group had definite evidence for improving the efficiency.According to the GRADE evaluation criteria,the efficiency,UA,BUN and SCR outcome indicators were extremely low-quality evidence.Conclusions:Traditional Chinese medicine for regulating spleen and kidney in the treatment of chronic uric acid nephropathy improved efficiency,reduced the level of UA,BUN,SCR.Meanwhile,the therapy was proved to be safe.Nevertheless,the conclusions need further high-quality evidence to support.

ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT FOR 100 CASES WITH INSOMNIA OF THE TYPE OF THE HEART AND SPLEEN DEFICIENCY

cases of insomnia of the type of heart and spleen deficiency were treated by acupuncture.Results indicated that 95 cases were cured,accounting for 95%;3 cases were markedly effective,accounting for 3% and the 2 cases were ineffective,accounting for 2%,the total effective rate was 98%.

Proteomics analysis of IBS-D with spleen and kidney yang deficiency

Objective:To investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the development of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) with spleen and kidney yang deficiency (SKYD) using a proteomics approach.Methods:Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n =22) were divided into IBS-D (n =12) and normal control (n =10) groups.SKYD was then modeled in IBS-D rats by a combination of acetic acid enema,bondage,rectal dilation,tail stimulation,and Senna gavage.Colon tissue samples were subsequently collected and examined by Q Exactive mass spectrometry to identify differentially expressed proteins between the two groups.Results:The occurrence of SKYD/IBS-D was associated with ribosomal protein S23 (Rps23),protein phosphatase 2 catalytic subunit alpha (Pp2a),and growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (Grb2),which are involved in the ribosome,neurotrophin signaling,and Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathways.Conclusion:These data suggest that SKYD/IBS-D pathophysiology likely involves inflammation,cell growth,apoptosis,stress granule formation,immune activation,loss of epithelial cell integrity,and visceral hypersensitivity.

Water metabolism from lung,spleen and kidney

Water and liquid are the material basis of human metabolism.Traditional Chinese medicine believes that water and liquid metabolism is a very complex process that requires the synergy of the internal organs,but mainly the physiological functions of the lungs,spleen and kidneys.If the function or structure of the spleen,lungs,kidneys,or triple-burner is abnormal,it is easy to cause abnormalities in the body's water metabolism,which in turn leads to the production of pathological products such as damp phlegm.

Pattern of disharmony between the heart and kidney: Theoretical basis, identification and treatment

'Harmony between the heart and kidney' refers to the physiological relationship between these two zang organs in Chinese medicine,while 'disharmony between the heart and kidney' (also called disharmony between fire and water) refers to the pathological state.The pattern of disharmony between the heart and kidney is widely observed in patients with insomnia,anxiety disorder and menopausal syndrome,etc..In order to gain a full and systematical understanding of this pattern,from the perspective of ancient Chinese philosophy and zang-fu theory in Chinese medicine,we systematically reviewed and discussed the functions and physiological characteristics of the heart and kidney,the origin and development of theories relating to heart-kidney relationship,the pathogenesis and identification of the pattern,as well as the commonly used classical formulas for its treatment,including Coptis and DonkeyHide Gelatin Decoction (Huánglián (E)jiāo Tāng) and Grand Communication Pill (Jiāotài Wán).Two examples of clinical modifications of these formulas in the treatment of insomnia and menopausal syndrome are provided in this article.It should be noted that in clinical practice,these formulas should be used flexibly,and modified in accordance to the condition of the patient.

Theoretical Discussion on Treatment of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Based on Theory of Liver,Spleen and Kidney

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a disease in which ulnar nerve is compressed by its surrounding tissues,and its main clinical manifestations are pain,sensory disturbance and dyskinesia.Its incidence rate is the second highest among peripheral nerve entrapment diseases,and it is one of the common clinical diseases.The theory of liver,spleen and kidney can guide the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome with traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture.By discussing the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)pathogenesis and treatment principles of cubital tunnel syndrome,it provides modern medical theoretical support for TCM treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome.

Sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and heart disease:Current perspectives

Sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors(SGLT-2i)are antidiabetic medications with remarkable cardiovascular(CV)benefits proven by multiple randomised controlled trials and real-world data.These drugs are also useful in the prevention of CV disease(CVD)in patients with diabetes mellitus(DM).Although DM as such is a huge risk factor for CVD,the CV benefits of SGLT-2i are not just because of antidiabetic effects.These molecules have proven beneficial roles in prevention and management of nondiabetic CVD and renal disease as well.There are various molecular mechanisms for the organ protective effects of SGLT-2i which are still being elucidated.Proper understanding of the role of SGLT-2i in prevention and management of CVD is important not only for the cardiologists but also for other specialists caring for various illnesses which can directly or indirectly impact care of heart diseases.This clinical review compiles the current evidence on the rational use of SGLT-2i in clinical practice.

Exploring kidney biopsy findings in congenital heart diseases:Insights beyond cyanotic nephropathy

BACKGROUND The association between congenital heart disease and chronic kidney disease is well known.Various mechanisms of kidney damage associated with congenital heart disease have been established.The etiology of kidneydisease has commonly been considered to be secondary to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis(FSGS),however,this has only been demonstrated in case reports and not in observational or clinical trials.AIM To identify baseline and clinical characteristics,as well as the findings in kidney biopsies of patients with congenital heart disease in our hospital.METHODS This is a retrospective observational study conducted at the Nephrology Depart-ment of the National Institute of Cardiology“Ignacio Chávez”.All patients over 16 years old who underwent percutaneous kidney biopsy from January 2000 to January 2023 with congenital heart disease were included in the study.RESULTS Ten patients with congenital heart disease and kidney biopsy were found.The average age was 29.00 years±15.87 years with pre-biopsy proteinuria of 6193 mg/24 h±6165 mg/24 h.The most common congenital heart disease was Fallot’s tetralogy with 2 cases(20%)and ventricular septal defect with 2(20%)cases.Among the 10 cases,one case of IgA nephropathy and one case of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis associated with immune complexes were found,receiving specific treatment after histopathological diagnosis,delaying the initiation of kidney replacement therapy.Among remaining 8 cases(80%),one case of FSGS with perihilar variety was found,while the other 7 cases were non-specific FSGS.CONCLUSION Determining the cause of chronic kidney disease can help in delaying the need for kidney replacement therapy.In 2 out of 10 patients in our study,interventions were performed,and initiation of kidney replacement therapy was delayed.Prospective studies are needed to determine the usefulness of kidney biopsy in patients with congenital heart disease.

Cardiac evaluation of renal transplant candidates with heart failure

Patients with advanced kidney disease are at elevated risk of developing heart failure and appropriate risk stratification is important to permit them to receive kidney transplantation.The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology joint statement provides guidance on risk stratification for the major cause of heart failure for these patients in its recommendations for coronary heart disease.Herein we provide an overview of the available literature on risk strati-fication for nonischemic heart failure and functional heart disease states such as pulmonary hypertension.Many of these options for optimizing these patients be-fore transplant include optimizing their volume status,often with more agg-ressive ultrafiltration.Kidney transplantation remains the treatment of choice for patients with advanced kidney disease and cardiac disease,the correction of the azotemic substances with kidney transplantation has been associated with imp-roved survival than remaining on dialysis long-term.The findings in the studies reviewed here are expected to help clinicians refine current strategies for evalua-ting potential kidney transplant recipients.

Intraoperative Blood Glucose Levels and Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury in Pediatric Patients Having Congenital Heart Surgery under Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Purpose:This study sought to explore the effect of intraoperative mean blood glucose levels and variability on postoperative acute kidney injury(AKI)in children undergoing congenital cardiac surgery.Methods:We conducted a prospective nested case-control study in children(age<18 years)undergoing congenital heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB)at the Fuwai Hospital between April 01,2022 and July 30,2022.Cases were individuals who developed AKI within the first postoperative 7 days(AKI group)and controls were those without AKI(Non-AKI group)according to KDIGO criteria.AKI and Non-AKI groups unmatched and 1:1 matched by age,sex,and baseline serum creatinine were separately analyzed.Multivariate logistic and conditional logistic regressions were used to assess the associations between blood glucose variables and AKI.Results:688 consecutively approached patients were included in the final analysis.On multivariate analysis,intra-CPB(adjusted odds ratio[OR]0.802;95%confidence interval[CI],0.706 to 0.912;p=0.001)and post-CPB(adjusted OR 0.830;95%CI,0.744 to 0.925;p=0.001)blood glucose levels were associated with postoperative AKI.There were no significant differences in pre-CPB blood glucose(adjusted OR 0.926;95%CI,0.759 to 1.129;p=0.446)or intraoperative glycemic fluctuations(adjusted OR 0.905;95%CI,0.723 to 1.132;p=0.382)between AKI and Non-AKI groups.Results based on matched cases and controls were consistent with those from the unmatched analyses.Conclusion:Higher intraoperative blood glucose levels during and after CPB were protective factors against postoperative AKI in pediatric patients after congenital heart surgery.

Efficacy and Safety of Jianpi Jieyu Decoction for Patients with Mild-to-Moderate Depression of Xin(Heart)-Pi(Spleen)Deficiency Syndrome:A Multi-centre Randomized Controlled Study

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Jianpi Jieyu Decoction(JJD)for treating patients with mild-to-moderate depression of Xin(Heart)-Pi(Spleen)deficiency(XPD)syndrome.Methods:In this multi-center,randomized,controlled study,140 patients with mild-to-moderate depression of XPD syndrome were included from Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and Botou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from December 2017 to December 2019.They were randomly divided into JJD group and paroxetine group by using a random number table,with 70 cases in each group.The patients in the JJD group were given JJD one dose per day(twice daily at morning and evening,100 m L each time),and the patients in the paroxetine group were given paroxetine(10 mg/d in week 1;20 mg/d in weeks 2-6),both orally administration for a total of 6 weeks.The primary outcome was the change of 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale(HAMD-17)score at week 6 from baseline.The secondary outcomes included the Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA)score,Traditional Chinese Medicine Symptom Scale(TCMSS),and Clinlcal Global Impression(CGI)scores at the 2nd,4th,and 6th weekends of treatment,HAMD-17 response(defined as a reduction in score of>50%)and HAMD-17 remission(defined as a score of 7)at the end of the 6th week of treatment.Adverse events(AEs)were also recorded.Results:From baseline to week 6,the HAMD-17 scores decreased 10.2±4.0 and 9.1±4.9 points in the JJD and paroxetine groups,respectively(P=0.689).The HAMD-17 response occurred in 60%of patients in the JJD group and in 50%of those in the paroxetine group(P=0.292);HAMD-17 remission occurred in 45.7%and 30%of patients,respectively(P=0.128).The differences of CGI scores at the 6th week were not statistically significant(P>0.05).There were significant differences in HAMD-17 scores between the two groups at 2nd and 4th week(P=0.001 and P=0.014).The HAMA scores declined 8.1±3.0 and 6.9±4.3 points from baseline to week 6 in the JJD and paroxetine groups,respectively(P=0.905 between groups).At 4th week of treatment,there was a significant difference in HAMA between the two groups(P=0.037).TCMSS decreased 11.4±5.1,and 10.1±6.8 points in the JJD and paroxetine groups,respectively(P=0.080 between groups).At the 6th week,the incidence of AEs in the JJD group was significantly lower than that in the paroxetine group(7.14%vs.22.86%,P<0.05).Conclusion:Compared with paroxetine,JJD was associated with a significantly lower incidence of AEs in patients with mild-tomoderate depression of XPD syndrome,with no difference in efficacy at 6 weeks.(Trial registration No.Chi CTR2000040922).

Heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction in older patients with chronic kidney disease: the China Hypertension Survey (2012‒2015)

Background Heart failure(HF)is a leading cause of hospitalization and mortality for older chronic kidney disease(CKD)patients.However,the epidemiological data is scarce.We aimed to determine the prevalence of left ventricular(LV)dysfunction and HF,and to explore the risk factors for HF among those patients.Methods This is a cross-sectional analysis of the China Hypertension Survey conducted between October 2012 and December 2015.A total of 5,808 participants aged≥65 years were included in the analysis.Self-reported history of HF and any other cardiovascular diseases was acquired.2-D and Doppler echocardiography were used to assess LV dysfunction.CKD was defined as either estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)<60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 or urinary albumin to creatinine ratio(ACR)≥30 mg/g.Results Among CKD patients aged≥65 years,the weighted prevalence of HF,heart failure with preserved ejection fraction(HFpEF),heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction(HFmrEF),and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction(HFrEF)was 4.8%,2.5%,0.8%,and 1.7%,respectively.The weighted prevalence of HF was 5.0%in patients with eGFR<60 mL/min per 1.73 m2,and was 5.9%in patients with ACR≥30 mg/g.The prevalence of LV systolic dysfunction was 3.1%,and while it was 8.9%for moderate/severe diastolic dysfunction.Multivariate analysis showed that smoking was significantly associated with the risk of HF.Furthermore,age,smoking,and residents in rural areas were significantly associated with a risk of LV diastolic dysfunction.Conclusions The prevalence of HF and LV dysfunction was high in older patients with CKD,suggesting that particular strategies will be required.

Prognostic impact of atrial fibrillation on clinical outcomes of acute coronary syndromes,heart failure and chronic kidney disease

Atrial fibrillation(AF) is the most common type of sustained arrhythmia,which is now on course to reach epidemic proportions in the elderly population. AF is a commonly encountered comorbidity in patients with cardiac and major non-cardiac diseases. Morbidity and mortality associated with AF makes it a major healthcare burden. The objective of our article is to determine the prognostic impact of AF on acute coronary syndromes,heart failure and chronic kidney disease. Multiple studies have been conducted to determine if AF has an independent role in the overall mortality of such patients. Our review suggests that AF has an independent adverse prognostic impact on the clinical outcomes of acute coronary syndromes,heart failure and chronic kidney disease.

Recognizable type of pituitary, heart, kidney and skeletal dysplasia mostly caused by SEMA3A mutation: A case report

BACKGROUND The SEMA3A gene,which is located at 7q21.11,is involved in hypothalamic neuron migration,heart development,kidney development,and skeleton metabolism.Mutation of the SEMA3A gene is associated with Kallmann syndrome 16 with or without a normal sense of smell.In addition,two case reports showed that mutation of the SEMA3A gene could cause short stature,low gonadotropin,hypogonadism,thoracic deformity,a high scapula,rib and lower limb deformity,facial deformity(long face,epicanthic folds,backwards ears),and arterial malformation.CASE SUMMARY We reported the case of a 26-year-old Chinese man who was admitted because of short stature.Physical examination showed that he had many abnormal symptoms,including a short neck,facial moles,knee valgus,transverse palm,continuous grade 5/6 murmurs in the pulmonary auscultation area,no whiskers,or pubic hair,no Adam’s apple,short penis and cryptorchidism.Radiological examination showed pituitary,gonad,heart,kidney and skeletal dysplasia.The laboratory tests revealed low growth hormone,luteinizing hormone,folliclestimulating hormone,testosterone and estrogen.Clinical whole-exome detection showed that our patient,unlike previously reported patients,has a new SEMA3A gene mutation(c.950A>G).Now,his height has increased by 3 cm.In addition,he has a good appetite and reduced subcutaneous fat over 3 mo of recombinant human growth hormone injections therapy.Unfortunately,he refuses further treatment about gonad.CONCLUSION Patients who come to a hospital because of their short stature must undergo gene detection if they have other simultaneous abnormal phenotypes.

Comparative Assessment of Melatonin-Afforded Protection in Liver, Kidney and Heart of Male Mice against Doxorubicin Induced Toxicity

Melatonin (MEL) was investigated for protection against the anthracycline antibiotic doxorubicin (Dox) that is well known for its oxidative damage to various body organs. It was aimed to have a comparison of this protection to heart, liver and kidney in the treated subjects. In this study, groups of mice were treated with Dox and melatonin and their individual or combined effects were evaluated by assessing lipidperoxidation, non-protein sulfhydryls (NP-SH) and nitrate/nitrite (NO) contents in these tissues. Plasma aminotransferases, LDH and CK-MB enzyme activities were measured. Moreover, these tissues were subject to histopathological assessment. MEL co-treatment significantly prevented any rise in lipidperoxides more significantly in heart and liver as compared to kidney. In tandem, MEL prevented a decline in GSH that was observed by Dox alone in liver and kidney. Dox significantly increased total NO levels in all the tissues. Melatonin at both dose levels could not afford protection against nitrosative stress. MEL in combination treatment provided significant