Int J Med Sci
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Objective: Efficient and highly predictive biomarkers reflecting the prognosis of persistent atypical squamous cells of unknown significance(ASCUS) and low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion(LSIL)s are unavailable and need to be developed urgently. We aimed to develop a predictive model for diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia(CIN)2+ by analyzing the immunocytochemical expression of the HPV L1 capsid protein in patients with persistent ASCUS and LSIL with a high risk of HPV infection. Methods: Cervical cytology samples comprising (70 ASCUS and 215 LSIL Pap smears) were analyzed. ⋯ Results: Negative results for HPV L1 immunochemistry test were more frequently observed in CIN2+, and expression of the HPV L1 capsid protein was higher in CIN1 or cervicitis (Fisher's exact test, p<0.05). Diagnosis rates for CIN2+ were highest for the combination of HPV L1 capsid protein immunocytochemistry, cytology and HPV test when compared with other combinations (Akaike information criterion (AIC): 191.7, Schwarz criterion(SC): 206.3, p<0.001). Conclusion: Absence of HPV L1 capsid expression and presence of HPV type 16 or 18 infection are reliable predictors of progression to CIN2+ in patients showing persistent ASCUS and LSIL.
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Background: This study investigated the effects of propofol and isoflurane on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in an animal model under general anaesthesia. Methods: Rats were randomly divided into Propofol and Isoflurane groups. Anaesthesia was maintained with propofol for Propofol group or isoflurane for Isoflurane group during 3 h. ⋯ Conclusion: Significant higher of ER stress from blood and liver were observed in rats under anaesthesia with isoflurane, compared to those that received propofol. ROS from blood also showed significant higher under anaesthesia with isoflurane. However, these findings were not associated with any changes in cytokines in blood or immunohistochemical assay in tissues.
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Background: Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process whereby epithelial cells lose cell-cell contacts and acquire expression of mesenchymal components and manifest a migratory phenotype. Recent studies indicated that EMT is involved in the development of keloids. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the mechanisms of the effects of metformin in hypoxia-induced EMT in keloid fibroblasts (KFs). ⋯ PKM2 is involved in hypoxia-induced EMT of KFs and metformin decreased the expression of p-p70s6k and PKM2. Conclusions: Metformin abolishes hypoxia-induced EMT in KFs by inhibiting the HIF-1α/PKM2 signaling pathway. Our study provides a novel mechanistic insight into potential use of metformin for treatment of keloids.
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Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been investigated as a new treatment option for various diseases in recent years. However, the role of placenta-derived MSCs in children with asthma remains unclear. We assessed the effect of placenta-derived MSCs on T cell immune responses and cytokine IL-5 levels according to cultures in children with and without asthma. ⋯ IL-5 levels differed significantly between the PBMC culture and P+S coculture in both the lower (P < 0.05) and higher (P < 0.0005) IgE asthma subgroups. IL-5 levels were also decreased in children with all severities of asthma (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Placenta-derived MSCs exerted an anti-IL-5 effect and reduced the IL-5 level in culture in different subgroups of children with asthma.
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The use of semi-solid enteral nutrients plays an extremely important role in accurate nutrition management. In the present study, we compared the pharmacokinetic profile of orally administered carbamazepine (CBZ) in rats treated with liquid RACOL®, semi-solid RACOL®, and HINE E-gel®, which are enteral nutrients marketed in Japan. Since liquid and semi-solid formulations are both marketed in Japan for RACOL®, liquid RACOL® was orally administered to control rats. ⋯ No significant differences were observed in the pharmacokinetic behavior of CBZ between the semi-solid RACOL®-treated and HINE E-gel®-treated groups. Regarding pharmacokinetic parameters, the impact of the area under the curve (AUC0→5h) was the liquid RACOL® group > the semi-solid RACOL® group ≈ the HINE E-gel® group. Therefore, we concluded that serum concentrations of CBZ were lower when concurrently treating with semi-solid enteral nutrients than when simultaneously processing liquid enteral nutrients.