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Price: EUR 185.00Authors: Wei, Wenbo | Tang, Min | Wang, Qi | Li, Xiaoming
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a common coronary artery disease. The functional mechanism of circular RNA (circRNA) HECT, C2 and WW domain containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 2 (circ_HECW2, hsa_circ_0057583) in ox-LDL-treated human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (hCMECs) is still unclear. METHODS: Expression levels of circ_HECW2, microRNA (miR)-942-5p, and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot assays. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were analyzed by 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) assay, and flow cytometry, respectively. Tube formation assay was performed to analyze the angiogenesis of cells. Luciferase reporter and …RNA pull-down assays were performed to analyze the target relationship among circ_HECW2, miR-942-5p and TLR4. RESULTS: Circ_HECW2 and TLR4 expression levels were up-regulated and miR-942-5p expression was decreased in the serum of CAD patients and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced hCMECs. Knockdown of circ_HECW2 enhanced cell proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis in ox-LDL-treated hCMECs. MiR-942-5p was the target of circ_HECW2 and directly targeted TLR4. Moreover, the effect of circ_HECW2 knockdown could be weakened by anti-miR-942-5p, and TLR4 could restore the function of miR-942-5p on cell damage of ox-LDL-induced hCMECs. CONCLUSION: Circ_HECW2 could regulate ox-LDL-induced cardiovascular endothelial cell dysfunction through targeting miR-942-5p/TLR4 axis. Show more
Keywords: Circ_HECW2, miR-942-5p, TLR4, coronary artery disease
DOI: 10.3233/CH-221550
Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-14, 2022
Authors: Chen, Jianfei | Guan, Peishan | Sun, Pei | Yu, Qing | Yuan, Haixia
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: As a rare biliary tract tumor, intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) is most common in elderly men and can progress to cholangiocarcinoma- (CCa) if left untreated. It is reported that IPNB usually communicates with the bile duct. As a result, the downstream bile ducts are imaged asymmetrically dilated. However, a case of IPNB that we report here is different. Enhanced MRI revealed a lack of connectivity with the bile duct in this case. Based on this, the purpose of this case study is to suggest that the majority of imaging doctors should widely understand the various imaging …manifestations of the disease to avoid misdiagnosis. In addition, although this feature was not indicated by ultrasound in this case, given previous studies and considering the convenience and non-ionizing radiation damage of CEUS, we recommend its use as a screening method for IPNB to improve diagnostic accuracy. Show more
Keywords: Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct, cholangiocarcinoma, contrast-enhanced ultrasound
DOI: 10.3233/CH-242167
Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-6, 2024
Authors: de Souza, Maria das Graças C. | Cyrino, Fatima Z.G.A. | Bouskela, Eliete
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Despite the well-recognized effectiveness of Ruscus aculetus extract combined or not with ascorbic acid (AA) and hesperidine methyl chalcone (HMC) on ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury protection, little is known about the contribution of each constituent for this effect. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of AA and HMC combined or not with Ruscus extract on increased macromolecular permeability and leukocyte-endothelium interaction induced by I/R injury. METHODS: Hamsters were treated daily during two weeks with filtered water (placebo), AA (33, 100 and 300 mg/kg/day) and HMC (50, 150 and 450 mg/kg/day) combined or not with Ruscus …extract (50, 150 and 450 mg/kg/day). On the day of experiment, the cheek pouch microcirculation underwent 30 min of ischemia, and the number of rolling and adherent leukocytes and leaky sites were evaluated before ischemia and during 45 min of reperfusion. RESULTS: Ruscus extract combined with AA and HMC (Ruscus extract mixture) significantly prevented post-ischemic increase in leukocyte rolling and adhesion and macromolecular permeability compared to placebo and these effects were more prominent than AA and HMC alone on leukocyte adhesion and macromolecular leakage. CONCLUSION: Ruscus extract mixture were more effective than its isolated constituents in protect the hamster cheek pouch microcirculation against I/R injury. Show more
Keywords: Ruscus extract, ischemia/reperfusion injury, hamster cheek pouch preparation, microcirculation
DOI: 10.3233/CH-242111
Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-21, 2024
Authors: Jin, Dong-Dong | Lin, Jin-Hua | Li, Shi-Hui | Zhuang, Bo-Wen | Xie, Xiao-Yan | Xie, Xiao-Hua | Wang, Yan
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and features of conventional ultrasound (CUS) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in differentiating between renal urothelial carcinomas (RUC) and endophytic clear cell renal cell carcinomas (EccRCC). METHODS: A total of 72 RUCs and 120 EccRCCs confirmed by pathology were assessed retrospectively. Both CUS and CEUS were performed within 4 weeks before the surgery. Logistic regression analyses were used to select statistically significant variables of clinical, CUS, and CEUS features for the differentiation of RUC and EccRCC. Sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), and the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) were …assessed for diagnostic performance. Inter- and intra-observer agreements of CUS and CEUS features were evaluated using the intra-class correlation coefficient(ICC). RESULTS: Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that clinical (age >50 years old and hematuria), CUS (size <4.0 cm, hypo-echogenicity, irregular shape, hydronephrosis) and CEUS (absence of non-enhancement area, iso- /hypo-enhancement in cortical phase and absence of rim-like enhancement) features were independent factors for RUC diagnosis. When combining clinical characters with CUS and CEUS features into an integrated diagnostic criterion, the AUC reached 0.917 (95% CI 0.873–0.961), with a sensitivity of 95.8% and specificity of 87.5%. ICC ranged from 0.756 to 0.907 for inter-observer agreement and 0.791 to 0.934 for intra-observer agreement for CUS and CEUSfeatures. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of clinical features of age and hematuria with imaging features of CUS and CEUS can be useful for the differentiation between RUC and EccRCC. Show more
Keywords: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound, conventional ultrasound, urothelial carcinomas, endophytic clear cell renal cell carcinomas, differential diagnosis
DOI: 10.3233/CH-242119
Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-15, 2024
Authors: Tastekin, Fatih | Akay, Olga Meltem | Colak, Ertugrul | Gunduz, Eren
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although plateletpheresis donation is commonly accepted as a safe procedure, its influence on platelet function, coagulation system and fibrinolysis is not completely elucidated. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we tried to assess the effects of plateletpheresis on donor’s hemostasis system by measuring platelet activation, development of platelet-leukocyte aggregates, and coagulation activation. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study. METHODS: We used flow cytometry to determine the levels of platelet-monocyte complexes (PMC) and platelet-neutrophil complexes (PNC). sP-selectin and prothrombin fragment (PF) 1 + 2 values were determined by ELISA. RESULTS: The PMC levels increased significantly seven days …after apheresis in comparison with just after apheresis and 24 h after apheresis (p < 0.05). The PNC levels increased significantly seven days after apheresis compared to immediately after apheresis (p < 0.05). sP-selectin values decreased significantly immediately after apheresis (p < 0.05). While sP-selectin values increased seven days after apheresis in comparison with immediately after apheresis and 24 h after apheresis, but there were not statistically significant differences for sP-selectin levels (p > 0.05). PF1 + 2 levels decreased significantly immediately after apheresis compared to pre-apheresis (p < 0.05) and increased 24 h after apheresis and seven days after apheresis, but these differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: We concluded that plateletpheresis affects platelet activation but does not cause any change in coagulation activation. Show more
Keywords: Plateletpheresis, platelet-leucocyte aggregate, P-selectin, prothrombin fragment
DOI: 10.3233/CH-242325
Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-8, 2024
Authors: Li, Wei-Wei | Guo, Ze-Ming | Wang, Bing-Cai | Liu, Qing-Quan | Zhao, Wen-An | Wei, Xiao-Lan
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the arteries, and its pathogenesis is related to endothelial dysfunction. It has been found that the protein convertase subtilin/kexin9 type (PCSK9) plays an important role in AS, but its specific mechanism is still unclear. METHODS: In this study, we first cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with 50 or 100μg/ml oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) for 24 hours to establish a coronary atherosclerosis cell model. RESULTS: The results showed that ox-LDL induced HUVEC injury and autophagy and upregulated PCSK9 protein expression in HUVECs in a concentration-dependent …manner. Silencing PCSK9 expression with siRNA inhibited ox-LDL-induced HUVEC endothelial dysfunction, inhibited the release of inflammatory factors, promoted HUVEC proliferation and inhibited apoptosis. In addition, ox-LDL increased the expression of LC3B-I and LC3B-II and decreased the expression of p62. However, these processes are reversed by sh-PCSK9. In addition, sh-PCSK9 can inhibit PI3K, AKT and mTOR phosphorylation and promote autophagy. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our research shows that silencing PCSK9 inhibits the PI3K/ATK/mTOR pathway to activate ox-LDL-induced autophagy in vascular endothelial cells, alleviating endothelial cell injury and inflammation. Show more
Keywords: PCSK9, atherosclerotic coronary, autophagy, endothelial cell, PI3K
DOI: 10.3233/CH-242172
Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-13, 2024
Authors: Chen, Po-Yu | Huang, Hsing-Hao | Chan, Wing-Sum | Liu, Chih-Min | Wu, Tsung-Ta | Chen, Jyun-Han | Chao, Anne | Tien, Yu-Wen | Chiu, Ching-Tang | Yeh, Yu-Chang
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that dexmedetomidine may improve microcirculation and prevent organ failure. However, most evidence was obtained from experimental animals and patients receiving cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. This study aimed to investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine on microcirculation and organ injuries in critically ill general surgical patients. METHODS: In this prospective randomized trial, patients admitted to the surgical intensive care unit after general surgery were enrolled and randomly allocated to the dexmedetomidine or propofol groups. Patients received continuous dexmedetomidine or propofol infusions to meet their requirement of sedation according to their grouping. At each time …point, sublingual microcirculation images were obtained using the incident dark field video microscope. RESULTS: Overall, 60 patients finished the trial and were analyzed. Microcirculation parameters did not differ significantly between two groups. Heart rate at 4 h after ICU admission and mean arterial pressures at 12 h and 24 h after ICU admission were lower in the dexmedetomidine group than in the propofol group. At 24 h, serum aspartate aminotransferase (41 (25–118) vs 86 (34–129) U/L, p = 0.035) and alanine aminotransferase (50 (26–160) vs 68 (35–172) U/L, p = 0.019) levels were significantly lower in the dexmedetomidine group than in the propofol group. CONCLUSION: Microcirculation parameters did not differ significantly between the dexmedetomidine and propofol groups. At 24 h after ICU admission, serum liver enzyme levels were lower in patients receiving dexmedetomidine as compared to propofol. Show more
Keywords: Microcirculation, dexmedetomidine, propofol, surgery, critical care
DOI: 10.3233/CH-232093
Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-11, 2024
Authors: Oh, Ju Seok | Prabhakaran, Prem | Seo, Dong Kil | Kim, Do Yeon | Lee, Woonhyoung | Ahn, Kyung Hyun
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: The greater the viscosity of the blood, the more difficult its flow becomes, leading to an increased incidence of diseases caused by blood circulation disorders. These diseases are commonly associated with the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems. High blood viscosity is a primary cause of circulatory system diseases. Studies have shown that accurately measuring blood viscosity and applying this data in clinical trials can help prevent circulatory system diseases. Viscosity data can vary depending on the measurement methods used, even when these methods are based on hydrodynamic principles. Despite using approved blood viscometers, the results often differ depending on …the type of viscometer used, potentially causing confusion within the medical field. Informing the medical community about these differences and the level of error associated with each measurement method can help reduce this confusion. To our knowledge, the degree of difference in viscosity measurement results due to different measurement methods and the reasons for these differences have not yet been thoroughly explored. In this study, we selected three blood viscosity measurement methods registered with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety of Korea to analyze the same canine blood. The viscosity measurements were carried out using each device and compared. The parallel plate and scanning capillary methods yielded similar viscosity values, while the cone plate method showed lower viscosity values. The viscosity of blood, as measured by the three viscometers, differed, indicating that more experimental data must be accumulated to evaluate the cause of these differences. In this paper, we identified several causes of inconsistency and suggested measures to avoid this confusion. However, confirming that the test results show systematic differences is expected to assist clinicians who diagnose and prescribe treatments based on blood viscosity results. The findings of this comparative study are anticipated to serve as a starting point for establishing guidelines or standards for blood viscosity measurement methods. Show more
Keywords: Whole blood, viscosity, viscosity measurement standard, parallel plate viscometer, capillary viscometer, cone-plate viscometer
DOI: 10.3233/CH-242256
Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-9, 2024
Authors: Wang, Yali | Ye, Qing | Cui, Yongqi | Wu, Yunjiang | Cao, Sipei | Hu, Feng
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a refractory disease characterized by elevated pulmonary artery pressure and resistance. Drag-reducing polymers (DRPs) are blood-soluble macromolecules that reduce vascular resistance by altering the blood dynamics and rheology. Our previous work indicated that polyethylene oxide (PEO) can significantly reduce the medial wall thickness and vascular resistance of the pulmonary arteries, but the specific mechanism is still unclear. METHODS: This study was designed to investigate the role and mechanism of PEO on intracellular calcium [Ca2 + ] i and cytoskeletal proteins of endothelial cells (ECs) induced by low shear stress (LSS) in PH. Primary …Pulmonary Artery Endothelial Cells (PAECs) were subjected to steady LSS (1 dyn/cm2 ) or physiological shear stress (SS) (10 dyn/cm2 ) for 20 h in a BioFlux 200 flow system. Calcium influx assays were conducted to evaluate the mechanisms of PEO on [Ca2 + ] i . Subsequently, taking the key protein that induces cytoskeletal remodeling, the regulatory light chain (RLC) phosphorylation, as the breakthrough point, this study focused on the two key pathways of PEO that regulate phosphorylation of RLC: Myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) and Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) pathways. RESULTS: Our current research revealed that PEO at LSS (1 dyn/cm2 ) significantly suppressed LSS-induced [Ca2 + ] i and the expression level of transient receptor potential channel 1(TRPC1). In addition, ECs convert LSS stimuli into the upregulation of cytoskeletal proteins, including filamentous actin (F-actin), MLCK, ROCK, p-RLC, and pp-RLC. Further experiments using pharmacological inhibitors demonstrated that PEO at the LSS downregulated cytoskeleton-related proteins mainly through the ROCK and MLCK pathways. CONCLUSIONS: This study considered intracellular calcium and cytoskeleton rearrangement as entry points to study the application of PEO in the biomedical field, which has important theoretical significance and practical application value for the treatment of PH. Show more
Keywords: Pulmonary hypertension, drag-reducing polymers, shear stress, myosin light chain kinase, Rho-associated kinase
DOI: 10.3233/CH-242281
Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-15, 2024
Authors: Chen, Jian | Chen, Fei-yu | Lu, Chan-jun | Yi, Sheng-wu
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Endothelial cells play a critical role in maintaining vascular function and kinetic homeostasis, but excessive accumulation of palmitic acid (PA) may lead to endoplasmic reticulum stress and trigger endothelial cell dysfunction. Baicalin (BCL), a natural plant extract, has received widespread attention for its biological activities in anti-inflammation and anti-oxidative stress. However, the mechanism of BCL on PA-induced endothelial cell dysfunction is unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether BCL could inhibit PA-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and thus attenuate endothelial cell dysfunction. METHODS: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were divided into Control, PA, …PA + BCL-10 μM, PA + BCL-20 μM, and PA + BCL-50 μM groups. The PA group was treated with PA (200 μM), while the PA + BCL groups were co-treated with different concentrations of BCL (10 μM, 20 μM, 50 μM) for 24 hours. Cell viability was detected by MTT. Cell migration ability was determined by Transwell assay, apoptosis level by flow cytometry, and tube formation ability by tube formation assay. Finally, the levels of apoptosis-related proteins (Bax, Bcl-2, and cleaved caspase-3) and angiogenesis-related proteins (VEGFA and FGF2) were detected by western blot, MMP-9, as well as the protein levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress biomarkers (GRP78, CHOP, PERK, and ATF4). RESULTS: The results at the cellular level showed that cell viability, migration ability and tube formation ability of PA-induced HUVECs were significantly reduced, while apoptosis level was significantly increased. However, administration of different concentrations of BCL significantly enhanced PA-induced cell viability, migration ability and tube formation ability of HUVECs while inhibiting apoptosis. The results of protein levels showed that the protein levels of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 were observably up-regulated in the cells of the PA group, while the protein level of Bcl-2 was significantly down-regulated; compared with the PA group, the protein levels of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 were much lower and the Bcl-2 protein level was much higher in the PA + BCL group. Additionally, the protein levels of VEGFA, FGF2 and MMP-9 were raised and those of GRP78, CHOP, PERK and ATF4 were lowered in the PA + BCL group of cells in a concentration-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: BCL significantly attenuates PA-induced endothelial cell dysfunction by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress. Show more
Keywords: Baicalein, endoplasmic reticulum stress, palmitic acid, endothelial cell, dysfunction
DOI: 10.3233/CH-242230
Citation: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-11, 2024
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