Dexmedetomidine Protects Against Multi-Organ Dysfunction Induced by Heatstroke via Sustaining The Intestinal Integrity.

Previous studies have indicated that gut-derived endotoxin played a pivotal role for aggravating systemic inflammatory response to multi-organ dysfunction under heatstroke. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) could protect against inflammation and multi-organ injury in various scenarios. The aim of this study was to explore the protective effect of DEX on heatstroke and the mechanism involved.

NLRP3 inflammasome activation mediates radiation-induced pyroptosis in bone marrow-derived macrophages.

A limit to the clinical benefit of radiotherapy is not an incapacity to eliminate tumor cells but rather a limit on its capacity to do so without destroying normal tissue and inducing inflammation. Recent evidence reveals that the inflammasome is essential for mediating radiation-induced cell and tissue damage. In this study, using primary cultured bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) and a mouse radiation model, we explored the role of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and the secondary pyroptosis underlying radiation-induced immune cell death.

NLRP3 gene knockout blocks NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathway in CUMS-induced depression mouse model.

Background: Abundant researches indicate that neuroinflammation has important roles in the pathophysiology of depression. Our previous study found that the NLRP3 inflammasome mediated stress-induced depression-like behavior in mice via regulating neuroinflammation. However, it still remains unclear that how the NLRP3 inflammasome influences related inflammatory signaling pathway to contribute to neuroinflammation in depression.

Chronic preclinical safety evaluation of EPO-018B, a pegylated peptidic erythropoiesis-stimulating agent in monkeys and rats.

EPO-018B, a synthetic peptide-based erythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA), is mainly designed for treatment of anemia caused by chronic renal failure and chemotherapy against cancer. It overcomes the deficiencies of currently approved ESA, including the frequent administration of temperature-sensitive recombinant protein and anti-EPO antibody-mediated pure red cell aplasia (PRCA). This study was designed to evaluate the potential chronic toxicity of EPO-018B.

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor for control of wound healing in glaucoma surgery.

Background: Trabeculectomy is performed as a treatment for glaucoma to lower intraocular pressure (IOP). The surgical procedure involves creating a channel through the wall of the eye. However scarring during wound healing can block this channel which will lead to the operation failing.

Is the CARD8 rs2043211 polymorphism associated with susceptibility to Crohn's disease? A meta-analysis.

Many studies have reported the association between the CARD8 gene polymorphism rs2043211 and the susceptibility to Crohn's disease (CD), but the results have remained quite contradictory. Therefore, the aim of the meta-analysis was to explore whether the CARD8 rs2043211 polymorphism has an effect on CD risk. We performed a systematic literature search for related articles published up to July 2014 in multiple databases.

Association between vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to Parkinson's disease: a meta-analysis.

Previous studies have reported an association between vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms and Parkinson's disease (PD), but the results were controversial. To explore whether VDR gene polymorphisms have an effect on PD risk, we performed this meta-analysis to evaluate the association between three VDR gene polymorphisms (Bsml, Apal, Taql) and PD susceptibility. We performed a systematic literature search for articles published up to February 2014 in multiple databases and selected seven eligible studies.

Subchronic safety evaluation of CMS-1 (a botanical antihypertensive product derived from Semen Cnidium monnieri) in Sprague-Dawley rats and beagle dogs.

CMS-1, mainly composed of imperatorin as its active compound, is a partially purified fraction of a Chinese herbal medicine, Semen Cnidium monnieri. CMS-1 has the potential to be further developed as a new treatment for hypertension. Thus, we studied its toxicity in both Sprague-Dawley rats and beagle dogs.

Subchronic safety evaluation of EPO-018B, a pegylated peptidic erythropoiesis stimulating agent, after 5-week subcutaneous injection in Cynomolgus monkeys and Sprague-Dawley rats.

EPO-018B, a synthetic peptide-based erythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA), is coupled to polyethylene glycol (PEG) and designed to specifically bind and activate the erythropoietin (EPO) receptor to result in production of red blood cells. This study was designed to evaluate the potential subchronic toxicity of EPO-018B for Cynomolgus monkeys and Sprague-Dawley rats both at 0, 0.5, 5 and 50 mg/kg every week for 5 weeks, followed by 6-week recovery for rats and 12-week recovery for monkeys.

Myocilin polymorphisms and primary open-angle glaucoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world. Recent evidence indicates a role for genetic susceptibility to primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). The relation between myocilin polymorphisms and POAG susceptibility has been studied in different populations.

Intraocular pressure-lowering effects of commonly used fixed-combination drugs with timolol: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The first goal of medical therapy in glaucoma is to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP), and the fixed-combination medications are needed to achieve sufficiently low target IOP. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate IOP-lowering effect of the commonly used fixed-combination drugs containing 0.5% timolol.

E-selectin deficiency attenuates brain ischemia in mice.

Aims: To determine whether E-selectin deficiency can attenuate brain ischemia in a mouse model of focal cerebral ischemia.

Methods: E-selectin was determined in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR-SPs). E-selectin knockout (Es(-/-) ) mice and wild-type control (WT) mice underwent permanent distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).

Effect of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy on the risk of arterial thromboembolic events: a meta-analysis.

Background: Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monoclonal antibodies are used in ocular neovascular diseases. A consensus has emerged that intravenous anti-VEGF can increase the risk of arterial thromboembolic events. However, the role of intravitreal anti-VEGF in arterial thromboembolism is controversial.

Meta-analysis of α2-adrenergic agonists versus carbonic anhydrase inhibitors as adjunctive therapy.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of α2-adrenergic agonist (AA) brimonidine and topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) dorzolamide and brinzolamide in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) when used as adjunctive therapy to β-blockers (BBs) or prostaglandin analogs (PGAs).

Research Design And Methods: Pertinent publications were identified through systematic searches of PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. Randomized controlled trials comparing AA with CAIs in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT) who had inadequate IOP control with monotherapy of a BB or PGA.

Hepatoprotective effects and mechanisms of dehydrocavidine in rats with carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis.

Aim Of The Study: The current study was designed to examine the effects and possible mechanisms of dehydrocavidine (DC) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats.

Materials And Methods: Hepatic fibrosis was induced in male rats with CCl4 administration for 12 weeks. Liver histopathological study was performed, and the liver function was examined by determining the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and total bilirubin (TBIL) for evaluating the effect of DC on hepatic fibrosis.

The features of reserpine-induced gastric mucosal lesions.

Aim: To reinvestigate the characteristics of reserpine-induced gastric mucosal lesions (GMLs).

Methods: The GML-inducing effect of reserpine and the time-course of recovery from reserpine-induced GMLs were examined in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The GML-inducing and blood pressure-decreasing effects of Compound Hypotensive Tablets (CHTs) were investigated in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs).

A systematic review of angiotensin receptor blockers in preventing stroke.

Background And Purpose: Angiotensin receptor blockers are widely used in patients at high risk of cardiocerebrovascular events. The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of angiotensin receptor blockers on the risk of stroke.

Methods: Electronic searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane central register of controlled trials were performed.

[Studies on interaction of sinafloxacin with bovine serum albumin and effect of the coexistent metal ions on the reaction].

Serum albumin is the most abundant protein in plasma. It can bind with many intrinsic and extrinsic materials. The study of the interaction between serum albumin and drugs is a very important task in life science and chemistry.

Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing telmisartan with losartan in the treatment of patients with hypertension.

Background: Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and data regarding the efficacy and tolerability of telmisartan compared with losartan on blood pressure (BP) control in patients with hypertension.

Methods: Pertinent studies were selected through extensive searches of PubMed (1966 to 29 December 2007), Embase (1980 to 29 December 2007), and the Cochrane library (29 December 2007). Randomized clinical trials comparing telmisartan with losartan in patients with hypertension were selected using predefined criteria.

Protective effects of dehydrocavidine on carbon tetrachloride-induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats.

Aim Of The Study: To investigate the protective effects of dehydrocavidine (DC), a main active ingredient of Corydalis saxicola Bunting (Yanhuanglian), on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity and the possible mechanisms involved in male Sprague-Dawley rats.

Materials And Methods: Acute hepatotoxicity was induced by CCl4 intoxication in rats. Serum biological analysis, lipid peroxides and antioxidants estimation, histopathological studies were carried out.