Arch Med Sci
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Exposure to the fine particulate matter PM2.5 is strongly associated with atherosclerotic diseases, creating considerable public concern. Nevertheless, the mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. We exposed atherosclerosis-prone apoE-deficient mice to PM2.5 to begin investigating these mechanisms. ⋯ PM2.5 exposure activated circulating leukocytes, platelets and associated inflammatory factors, contributing to the progression of atherosclerosis in apoE-/- mice.
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Familial focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FFSGS) was found in a large cohort of patients in our previous study. Under the sponsorship of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, we conducted linkage analysis and full exon sequencing on the genomes of 54 patients diagnosed with FFSGS. The results revealed a FAM40A gene signature in those patients. To determine whether FAM40A was associated with podocyte lesions and whether changes in the podocyte cytoskeleton could affect podocyte function, mouse podocytes (MPs) were used in this study. ⋯ FAM40A played an important role in maintaining the normal morphology and function of MPs by stabilizing the cytoskeleton of MPs. Moreover, mutant FAM40A (p521M>T) was able to alter the morphology and cytoskeleton of the MPs, and to decrease the expression of nephrin, which may be the main factor contributing to FSGS.
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It has been shown that long bone fractures are correlated with the inflammatory response. In the initial injury, surgical reduction and fixation of fractures induce the immunoinflammatory response. This study aimed to evaluate serum variation of inflammatory markers in patients undergoing surgical treatment for early and delayed femoral fractures. ⋯ The inflammatory status of the patient may be a useful adjunct in clinical decisions. With an improved understanding of the molecular basis of the inflammatory response, and by identifying relevant clinical markers of inflammation, surgeons can better manage the timing of surgical stabilization.
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Many experimental and clinical trials have suggested that flaxseed might be a potent antihypertensive, but the evidence concerning the effects of flaxseed supplements on plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations has not been fully conclusive. We assessed the impact of the effects of flaxseed supplementation on plasma CRP concentrations through a systematic review of literature and meta-analysis of available randomised controlled trials (RCTs). ⋯ The meta-analysis of RCTs did not show a significant change in plasma CRP concentrations following supplementation with various flaxseed products. Large, well-designed studies should be still performed to validate the current results.
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Piper sarmentosum (Piperaceae) is traditionally used by Asians to treat numerous common ailments including asthma, fever and gastritis. The aim of the research was to determine and compare the effects of Piper sarmentosum (PS) with omeprazole (OMZ) on gastric parameters in rats exposed to restraint stress. ⋯ Piper sarmentosum possesses a similar protective effect against stress-induced gastric lesions as omeprazole. The protective effect was associated with decreased lipid peroxidation, increased prostaglandin E2, reduction in gastric acidity and reduction in COX-2 mRNA expression which was altered by stress.