Objective To observe the eotaxin expression of rat airway smooth muscle cells ( ASMCs) induced by serum from asthmatic rats, and explore the possible mechanism. Methods ASMCs isolated fromrat tracheas were cultured in vivo. Then they were treated with serum from asthmatic rats, or treated with serum and dexamethasone simultaneously. The level of eotaxin protein in supernatant and eotaxin mRNA in ASMCs were measured by ELISA and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The expression of cAMP in ASMCs was examined by radioimmunoassay. Results After the treatment with sensitized serum, the eotaxin level in supernatant and mRNA expression in ASMCs were significantly higher [ ( 107. 09 ±7. 12) ng/L vs. ( 0. 63 ±0. 56) ng/L, P lt; 0. 05; 1. 39 ±0. 04 vs. 0. 05 ±0. 01, P lt;0. 05] , and the level of cAMP in ASMCs was significantly lower compared with the control group [ ( 17. 58 ±3. 62) ng/L vs. ( 32. 39 ±3. 36) ng/L, P lt; 0. 05] . After intervened by the sensitized serum and dexamethasone simultaneously, the protein and mRNA expressions of eotaxin were lower compared with those intervened by sensitized serumalone [ ( 64. 18 ±4. 04) ng/L and 0. 77 ±0. 19] . The level of eotaxin in supernatant was negatively correlated with cAMP level in ASMCs ( r = - 0. 788, P lt; 0. 01) . Conclusions There is anautocrine function in ASMCs as inflammatory cells after stimulation with sensitized serum. Eotaxin may play an important roll in the pathogenesis of asthma via a cAMP-dependent pathway.
Objective To explore the feasibility and safety of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to support the airway reconstruction for the patients with airway obstruction or stenosis who cannot be ventilated routinely. Methods There were 3 patients received trachea reconstruction procedures assisted by ECMO. Among the patients, 2 cases with tracheal neoplasms underwent fibrobrochoscopy treatments, another one with endotracheal stenosis and fistula received tracheoplasty and semi-tracheostomy. Results ECMO can provide enough oxygenation for the patients with airway obstruction or stenosis and more time for advanced therapies. All three patients recovered after interventional surgeries, in whom one case died due to multiple organ failure caused by esophageal carcinoma metastasis after 3 months, and the others survived with dyspnea classification of 2-3 grade. Conclusion ECMO can be a safe and effective approch for the patients who cannot be ventilated conventionally in airway reconstruction.
Objective To identify the short ( lt;30 days) and intermediate ( 30 days to 6 months) benefits and risks of tracheobronchial stents in patients with malignant airway stenosis. Methods 55 cases with malignant airway disease who underwent tracheobronchial stents placement from January 2006 to May 2008 were followed up for 6 months. The efficacy rate, complication rate, reintervention rate, and survival were analyzed. Results There were 61 self-expanding metal stents placed in 55 patients with malignant disease, with no intraoperative mortality. The immediate efficacy rate was 100% , the short-term( lt;30 days) efficacy rate was 94. 5% , and the survival rate in 6 months was 32. 7% . The complications included tumor ingrowth, excessive granulation tissue, stent migration, and restenosis. A total of 14 cases of complicationswere observed, in which two occurred during the short-term period ( lt; 30 days ) and the remaining complications occurred after 30 days. Conclusions Tracheobronchial stents can improve symptoms immediately for the patients with unresectable malignant central airway obstruction with fairly safety. The benefit of airway stents is particularly seen in the short-termperiod and the complications occur mainly after 30 days.
ObjectiveTo investigate the changes of lung function after exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) for 60 days and the expression of miR-146 in mice.MethodsThirty SPF BALB/c mice were treated with noninvasive tracheal instillation of fine particulate matter suspension at different doses (2.5 mg/kg, 5.0 mg/kg, 10.0 mg/kg) for 2 months (two times one week), the blank group and normal saline group were set as control groups. The mice were examined and killed on the next day after the last instillation. Histopathological changes of the lungs, pro-infammatory factors levels in the lung tissues, pulmonary functions and the relative expression of miR-146a and miR-146b in the lung tissues were detected.ResultsPeak inspiratory flow (PIF) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were decreased significantly after PM2.5 exposure, however, lung resistance increased and maximal voluntary ventilation reduced from the general tendency without significant difference. Hematoxylin-eosin stain showed lymphocyte infiltration and macrophage infiltration by phagocytic particles, alveolar spacer widening, inflammatory response increased with the increase of PM2.5 exposure dosage. Pro-infammatory factors as interleukin-6 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α in the lung homogenate were increased significantly by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The relative expressions of miR-146a and miR-146b were up-regulated remarkablely in treatment groups compared to the control group by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, which had negative relationships with PIF and PEF.ConclusionsThe lung function of mice decreases significantly after exposure to fine particulate matter, and the expression of miR-146 is up-regulated.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and impacts of air tamponadein treating rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRD) including inferior breaks after 25G pars plana vitrectomy (PPV).MethodsA prospective non-randomized study. From November 2016 to December 2018, 110 RRD patients receiving PPV in the Ophthalmology Department of Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University were included in the study. All the patients choose the operation mode voluntarily after fully understand the condition and operation mode. There were 90 eyes in the air filling group and 20 eyes in the silicone oil filling group. There was no difference of age (t=－0.082), sex ratio (χ2=1.538), left or right eye (χ2=0.839), average course of disease (Z=－0.276), intraocular pressure (t=3.669), axial length (t=0.765), grade of proliferative vitreous retinopathy (Z=－2.101), high myopia (χ2=0.013), lens state (χ2=1.275), logMAR BCVA (t=－0.681), the scope of retinal detachment (t=0.970), the site (χ2=0.108) and numbers (t=0.158) of the retinal holes, whether involving macula (χ2=1.791) between the two groups (P＞0.05). At 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery, the first retinal reduction rate, BCVA increase rate, visual recovery rate, intraocular pressure, fovea retinal thickness (CFT), ellipsoid and cross sectional area, and the occurrence of postoperative complications in the two groups were observed and compared. Independent sample t test and Chi-squared test, Mann-Whitney U test, and ANOVA were used for data comparision.ResultsAfter the first operation, retinal reattachmnents were achieved in 87 eyes (96.6%) in the air group and 19 eyes (95.0%) in the silicone oil group (χ2=0.130, P＞0.05). In the air group and the silicone oil group, there were 7 and 2 eyes with subretinal holes, whose retinal reattachmnents were achieved. At 6 months after surgery, logMAR BCVA of the eyes in the air group and the silicone oil group were 0.23±0.23 and 0.37±0.23, respectively. All of them were higher than that before operation (t=－2.410, P＜0.001). BCVA in the air group was superior to that in the silicone oil group (P＜0.05). The increase rate of BCVA of the eyes in the air group and the silicone oil group were 0.69±0.28 and 0.48±0.30 logMAR units, respectively (t=－3.225, P＜0.05). The CFT of the eyes in the air group and the silicone oil group were 226.87±42.30 μm and 234.83±36.10 μm, respectively (t=－0.448, P=0.657). In the air group and silicone oil group, posterior cataract was observed in 15 and 4 eyes, subretinal residual fluid in 1 and 2 eyes, and visual object deformation in 3 eyes respectively. In the air group and silicone oil group, posterior cataract was observed in 15 and 4 eyes, subretinal residual fluid in 1 and 2 eyes, and visual object deformation in 3 eyes respectively.ConclusionsAir filling combined with PPV can effectively treat RRD, which is suitable for both superior and inferior holes. The visual acuity recovered well and the complication is less. The time of retinal detachment (especially the time of macular detachment) is an important factor affecting the prognosis.
Objective To investigate the effects of TiotropiumBromide on airway inflammation in a rat model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease( COPD) . Methods Thirty Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group A received normal breeding as normal control. Group B and group C received LPS( 200 μg, intratracheally injected at the 1st and the 14th day) and tobacco exposure( from the 2nd day to the 30th day except the 14th day) to establish COPD model. And group C received a nebulized dose of Tiotropium Bromide( 0. 12 mmol / L, 10 minutes) 30 minutes before the tobacco exposure each time. Airway resistance and compliance were measured before sacrificed. Histological examination was performed with Hematoxylin-Eosin staining. The concentrations of IL-8 and LTB4 , total and differential cells counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid( BALF) were examined, and the concentrations of IL-8 and LTB4 in blood serum were also examined by ELISA. Results Severe lung inflammation and decreased lung function were demonstrated in the rats in the group B compared with those in the group A. The inflammatory cell counts in BALF, and the levels of IL-8 and LTB4 in BALF and serum were significantly increased in the group B compared with those in the group A. Tiotropium Bromide administration improved the parameters above. Conclusions The results suggest that Tiotropium Bromide can alleviate the lung inflammation and improve the lung function in a rat COPD model. These effects may be exerted through reducing the mediators of inflammation.
ObjectiveTo observe the efficacy of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membrane tamponade combined with air filling for giant macular hole (MH). MethodsA prospective case-control study. From January 2019 to February 2021, 56 patients (56 eyes) diagnosed with giant MH from Eye Center of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University were enrolled. Among them, there were 17 males with 17 eyes and 39 females with 39 eyes. The average age of the patients was 64.23±9.30 years old. The average MH minimum diameter was 827.36±83.16 μm. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) examination were performed before surgery. The Chinese version of 25-item National Eye Institute visual functioning questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) was used to investigate patient's visual-related quality of life. There were 28 eyes of 28 cases receiving PRF membrane covering, as PRF group, another 28 eyes of 28 cases receiving inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) insertion into giant MH, as ILM group. The differences of the age (t=－1.588), sex ratio (χ2=0.760), BCVA (Z=－0.400), macular hole minimum diameter (t=－0.604), choriocapillary blood flow area (CBFA) (t=1.331) and NEI VFQ-25 score (t=0.921) were not statistically significant (P＞0.05). All eyes underwent 23G minimally invasive vitrectomy. In the PRF group, PRF membrane was used to fill the hole, and in the ILM group, the hole was filled with ILM inversion, and filled with sterile air after full gas-liquid exchange. The follow-up time after surgery was ≥6 months. The same equipment and methods as before surgery were used to conduct related examinations, and the changes of BCVA, the shape of hole closure, CBFA and the improvement of vision-related quality of life were compared between the two groups. For comparison between groups, independent samples t-test was used for data with normal distribution, and Mann-Whitney U test was used for data with non-normal distribution. For intra-group comparisons, paired-samples t-test was used for data with normal distribution, and Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for non-normally distributed data. ResultsSix months after surgery, in the eyes of PRF group and ILM group, the hole of 27 (96.4%, 27/28) and 26 (92.6%, 26/28) eyes were closed; the median BCVA was 0.70 and 0.70, respectively; CBFA were 1.99±0.20 and 1.91±0.18 mm2; NEI VFQ-25 scores were 81.36±12.39 and 78.39±10.12, respectively. Compared with before surgery, the BCVA (Z=－4.636,－4.550) and CBFA (t=－27.115,－31.135) of the affected eyes in the PRF group and ILM group were significantly improved after surgery, and the NEI VFQ-25 scores (t=－15.557, －10.675) was significantly increased, and the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05). There was no significant difference in BCVA (Z=－0.167), CBFA (t=1.554), and NEI VFQ-25 scores (t=0.980) between the two groups after interocular surgery (P=0.726, 0.126, 0.331). ConclusionPRF membrane insertion with air filling has the same efficacy as ILM insertion in the treatment of giant MH, which can improve the closure rate of MH, patients' vision and vision-related quality of life, and increase choroidal blood perfusion.
Objective To explore the role of nuclear factor kappa B(NF-KB)in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)and the therapeutic efects of glucocorticoid．Methods Twenty-four Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups，ie．normal control，COPD model and prednisone preventive treatment group．Rat COPD model Was established by exposing the rats to cigarette smoke daily．Prednisone Was given through stomachal injection on altemate days．After COPD model Was set up，bronchoalveolar lavage(BAL)Was performed．Total cell counts and neutrophil counts in BALF were examined．Pathological changes of lung tissue Was observe0 by hematoxylin-eosin staining．The morphological indices of pulmonary emphysema(MLI，MAN and PAA)Was measured by a computerizedimage analyzer and compared in three groups．NF-KB expression in lung tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry assay．Rults Emphysema Was confirmed by three morphological indices in COPD model group compared to those of normal control group[MLI：(97.97±11.10)×10-6m vs (47．23±2．80)×10-6 m，MAN：(95.98±l4.89)×106 ／m vs (164.21±9．30)×106 ／m ，PAA：(64 ±5.7)％vs (44±2.7)％，Plt;0.01]．Total cell counts and neutrophil counts in BALF of COPD model group were significantly higher than those of control group[（5.76±0.29）×108/L vs （1.64±0.12）×108/L，（1.26±0.25）×108/L vs （0.099±0.065）×108/L，Plt;0.01]．After the preventive treatment with prednisone，MLI，MAN and PAA were significantly changed[（57.66±4.62）×10－6mvs （97.97±11.10）×10－6m，（111.40±16.92）×106個/m2 vs （95.98±14.89）×106個/m2，Plt;0.01；（58±6.1）% vs （64±5.7）%，Plt;0.05]，which indicated that airway inflammation and emphysematous injury in preventive treatm ent group were milder than those of COPD mode1．Total ceil counts and neutrophil countsin BALF were found in preventive treatment group as compared to those of COPD model[[（3.18±0.29）×108/L vs （5.76±0.29）×108/L，（0.57±0.12）×108/L vs （1.26±0.25）×108/L，Plt;0.01].The percentage of positive cells of NF-KB nuclear staining in bronchiolar epithelial ceils was significantly increased in the COPD group than that in the control group[（29.02±1.25）% vs （12.17±1.13）%，Plt;0.01]，but was significantly decreased in the preventive treatment group[(19.23±1.18)％vs (29.02±1.25)％，Plt;0．01]．Conclusions NF-KB may be responsible for the persistence and amplification of inflammation in COPD through neutrophil recruitment and activation．Prednisone may suppress airwayinflammation in COPD by inhibiting NF-KB．
Objective To investigate the effects of smoking intensity, duration and cessation on mRNA and protein expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-9 ( MMP-9) in tracheal epitheliumof rats, and the relationship between smoking or smoking cessation and airway remodeling in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD) . Methods Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, ie. a normal control group, a long termheavy smoking group, a short termheavy smoking group, a long termlight smoking group,and a smoking cessation group which was exposed to room air for 10 weeks after long term heavy smoking.The expressions of MMP-9 mRNA and protein in tracheal epithelium of rats were detected by in situ hybridization and munohistochemistry respectively. Results ( 1) The pathological changes of emphysema were observed in the lung tissue of every smoking rat, and were most sever in the long term heavy smoking group. ( 2) Compared with the normal control group [ ( 0. 88 ±0. 88) PU, ( 2. 80 ±1. 66) PU] , the expressions of MMP-9 mRNA and proteins in tracheal epithelium were remarkable elevated in the long term heavy smoking group [ ( 22. 01 ±2. 86) PU, ( 20. 81 ±2. 46) PU] , the short term heavy smoking group [ ( 14. 94 ±3. 46) PU, ( 13. 68 ±2. 00) PU] , the long term light smoking group [ ( 6. 92 ±2. 71) PU,( 8. 84 ±1. 80) PU] and the smoking cessation group [ ( 19. 00 ±3. 36) PU, ( 14. 82 ±1. 74) PU] ( P lt;0. 01) . Compared with the long term heavy smoking group, the expressions of MMP-9 in tracheal epithelium were decreased in other three smoking groups ( P lt; 0. 05) . Conclusions Smoking could increase the expression of MMP-9 in tracheal epithelium and cause trachea damage and remodeling with intensity and duration in rats. Smoking cessation could decrease the MMP-9 expression and alleviate trachea remodeling,suggesting its role in the prevention of COPD.
ObjectiveTo observe repairing process of trachea epithelium cells in chlorine-induced airway epithelial injury.MethodsTwelve mice were exposed to chlorine gas and prepared the mice model of airway damage. Three mice were executed respectively on 2nd, 4th, 7th, 10th day after exposure to chlorine gas, and tracheal tissues were collected. In addition 3 normal mice served as control. Airway repair and cell proliferation were detected by EdU labeling method. The basal cell markers keratin 5 (K5), keratin 14 (K14) were adopted as the tracheal epithelial markers for locating the position of the proliferation of repairing cells. Morphological analysis was adopted to measure the proliferation rate as well as the recovery of the false stratified epithelium.ResultsIn the control group, cell proliferation rate was very low, all basal cells expressed K5, and most basal cells did not express K14. Most of epithelial cells shed from the trachea epithelium after exposure to chlorine gas. 2-4 days after chlorine exposure, K5 and K14 expression basal cells increased, K14 expression cells increased greatly. In the peak period of cell proliferation, only a small number of ciliated cells appeared in the repairing trachea area. Epithelial cells repaired fast and widely at the bottom of the trachea.ConclusionThe trachea residual basal cells play roles of progenitor cells and repair the airway epithelium after chlorine damage in mice.