Atractylenolide III alleviates sepsis-mediated lung injury via inhibition of FoxO1 and VNN1 protein.

Purpose: To evaluate the influence of atractylenolide (Atr) III on sepsis-induced lung damage.

Methods: We constructed a mouse sepsis model through cecal ligation and puncture. These mice were allocated to the normal, sepsis, sepsis + Atr III-L (2 mg/kg), as well as Atr III-H (8 mg/kg) group.

[Role of inflammation factors in impaired glucose tolerance and sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome in pregnant women].

Objective: To investigate the possible role of inflammation factors in the pathogenesis of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) with concurrent obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) in pregnant women.

Methods: Twenty-five pregnant women with IGT and concurrent OSAHS and 35 pregnant women with IGT but not OSAHS were monitored for all night polysomnography (PSG), and the apnea hypopnea index (AHI) and the lowest pulse oxygen saturation (LSpO2) were recorded. The body mass index, glycated serum protein (GSP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured in these women.

[Relation of advanced oxidation protein products with VEGF and TGF-β1 in colon cancer cells exposed to intermittent hypoxia].

Objective: To investigate the association of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) with oxidative stress in colon cancer cells exposed to intermittent hypoxia (IH).

Methods: Colon cancer SW480 cells were exposed to IH, continuous hypoxia, or normoxia. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to examine the levels of AOPP and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), xanthine oxidase assay was used to determine malonaldehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and Western blotting and immunofluorescence assay were performed for detection of transforming growth factor-β(1) (TGF-β(1)) expression.

[A study on the heterogeneous apoptosis of lymphocytes, eosinophils, and neutrophils from peripheral blood of asthmatic patients].

Objectives: To observe different responsiveness of lymphocytes, eosinophils, and neutrophils from peripheral blood of asthmatic patients to dexamethasone and montelukast-induced apoptosis and to explore the roles of Fas antigen and caspase-3 in the heterogeneity of cell apoptosis.

Methods: Lymphocytes, eosinophils, and neutrophils were isolated from peripheral blood of 18 asthmatic patients. Cells were incubated in vitro and treated with dexamethasone and leukotriene receptor antagonist montelukast respectively.