ObjectiveTo evaluate the dynamic changes of blood flow and blood pressure of acute hindlimb ischemia of rats by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) and laser Doppler perfusion imaging (LDPI). MethodsThe acute hindlimb ischemia model of rats was established by resection of rats femoral arteries of left hindlimb. The blood flow and blood pressure between operated and nonoperated hindlimbs were examined by LDF on 2, 7, 14, 28, and 49 d after operation. And the blood flow was evaluated by LDPI on 7 d after operation. ResultsAll rats survived after operation and no hindlimb necrosis occurred. The mean score was 2 on 14 d after operation and 1 on 49 d after operation. The ratio of blood flow between operated and nonoperated hindlimbs on 2 d after operation significantly increased from 1 to 1.31±0.439 (P=0.021). The ratio of blood flow on 7 d (0.82±0.538) and 14 d (0.93±0.294) after operation was significantly lower than that on 2 d after operation (P=0.032 and P=0.019), although the difference between the two former was not significant (P=0.502). Furthermore, the ratio of blood flow on 28 d after operation reached the bottom (0.41±1.970), which was obviously lower than that on 2, 7, and 14 d after operation (P=0.004, P=0.007, and P=0.006). The blood flow of operated hindlimbs recovered approximately the value before operation (0.98±0.093), which was significantly lower than that on 2 d (P=0.010), higher than that on 28 d (P=0.005), but not different from that on 7 d and 14 d after operation (P=0.126 and P=0.382). The ratio of blood pressure between operated and nonoperated hindlimbs on 2 d after operation significantly increased from 1 to 0.47±0.375 (P=0.031). The ratio of blood pressure decreased on 7 d after operation (0.44±0.118), which was not different from that on 2 d after operation (P=0.203). Furthermore, the ratio of blood pressure on 14 d after operation reached the bottom (0.35±0.115), which was obviously lower than that on 2 d and 7 d after operation (P=0.001 and P=0.036). On 28 d after operation, the ratio of blood pressure increased (0.54±0.146), which was significantly higher than that on 14 d after operation (P=0.008), while not different from that on 2 d (P=0.493) and 7 d after operation (P=0.551). The ratio of blood pressure recovered approximately the value before operation (0.97±0.094), which was significantly higher than that on 2, 7, 14, and 28 d (P=0.013, P=0.021, P=0.002, and P=0.031). ConclusionAcute hindlimb ischemia model of rats can be established by resection of rats femoral arteries of left hindlimb and the most serious stage of hindlimb ischemia is on 14-28 d after operation. LDF and LDPI are of importance for monitoring the dynamic changes of rats hindlimb ischemia after operation.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of autologous hemopoietic stem cell implantation for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified from CBM (1978 to September 2010), CNKI (1979 to September 2010), MEDLINE (1950 to September 2010), Pubmed (1950 to September 2010), Embase (1970 to September 2010), and Cochrane l ibrary (issue 4, 2010). The papers of the RCTs of cl inical therapeutic studieson PAD treated by autologous hemopoietic stem cell implantation were included and analyzed according to the criteria of the Cochrane handbook. Results Eight RCTs involving 280 patients and 322 extremities were included, with majority of trials of low methodological qual ity. Meta-analysis indicated that autologous hemopoietic stem cell transplantation had an increased ulcer cure rate [RD=0.38, 95% CI= (0.25, 0.50)], a significant improvement in the ankle brachial index [MD=0.11, 95%CI= (0.04, 0.18)], transcutaneous oxygen tension [MD=7.33, 95%CI= (3.14, 11.51)], and pain-free walking distance [SMD=1.35, 95%CI= (0.90, 1.79)], a significant reduction in rest pain scores [MD= —1.70, 95%CI= (—2.15, —1.25)], and a significant benefit in terms of l imb salvage [RD= —0.19, 95%CI= (—0.31, —0.07)]. Only 2 trials reported the side effects of autologous hemopoietic stem cell transplantation, such as l imbs swell ing and concentrations of serum creatine phosphokinase increasing, and the long-term safety was not reported. Conclusion Based on the review, autologous hemopoietic stem cell transplantation may have positive effect on “no-option” patients with PAD. However, the evidence is not b enough due to the general low methodological qual ity, so we can not draw a rel iable conclusion about the effects of autologous stem cell transplantation for PAD at the moment. Further larger, randomized, double bl ind, placebo-controlled, and multicenter trials are needed.
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of Shenfu injection on liver injury in rats with hind limb ischemia-reperfusion and its mechanism. MethodsSixty-four male rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, ischemia-reperfusion group, Shenfu group〔Shenfu injection 7.5 mL/kg injection of peritoneal(ip), given 10 min before ischemia-reperfusion〕, Shenfu+Znpp group(Shenfu injection 7.5 mL/kg+Znpp 5 mg/kg ip, given 10 min before ischemia-reperfusion), 16 rats in each group. The rat model of hind limb ischemia-reperfusion injury was reproduced by occluding the hind limb artery of the rats for 3 h and subsequent reperfusing for 4 h. The liver tissues were gathered for malondialdehyde(MDA)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)determination. The expression of hemeoxygenase 1(HO-1)protein in the liver tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. The pathological changes of liver were observed under the light microscope. The changes of serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase(GPT)and glutamine oxaloacetic transaminase(GOT)were observed respectively. Results①Compared with the sham operation group, the contents of MDA, GPT, GOT, and the expression of HO-1 protein were markedly increased in the ischemia-reperfusion group, Shenfu group, and Shenfu+Znpp group(P < 0.05), the activities of SOD were markedly decreased in the ischemia-reperfusion group and Shenfu+Znpp group(P < 0.05).②Compared with the ischemia-reperfusion group, the contents of MDA, serum GPT, GOT, and the expression of HO-1 protein were markedly decreased, the activity of SOD was markedly increased in the Shenfu group(P < 0.05).③Compared with the Shenfu group, the contents of MDA, GPT, GOT were markedly increased, the activity of SOD was markedly decreased in the Shenfu+Znpp group(P < 0.05). Unde ther light microscope, the pathological changes induced by ischemia-reperfusion were significantly attenuated by the Shenfu injection in the Shenfu group and were reversed by the Znpp in the Shenfu+Znpp group. ConclusionShenfu injection inhibits liver tissue injury during hind limb ischemia-reperfusion, this protective effect might be partly through induction of HO-1.
ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy and safety of low-(10 mg) and high-dose (20 mg) of recombinant tissue typeplasminogen activator (rt-PA) catheter-directed thrombolysis for lower limb ischemia by using meta-analysis. MethodsThe literatures of randomized clinical trials (RCT) concerning low-versus high-dose rt-PA catheter-directed thrombolysis for lower limb ischemia study were searched using the national and international electronic databases.The literatures were screened and quality evaluated according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and analyzed by using the Cochrane Center the RevMan 5.2 software. ResultsA total of 4 RCT studies, with a total of 360 patients (192 patients in low dose group and 168 patients in high-dose group) were included.No statistical difference were noted in low-versus high-dose group with regard to ankle-brachial index (RR=0.20, 95%CI=-0.43-0.02, P=0.07), 30 days amputation-free survival (RR=1.00, 95%CI=0.94-1.08, P=0.91), 6 months the probability of restenosis (RR=1.00, 95%CI=0.60-1.67, P=1.00), and the incidence of groin hematoma (< 5 cm, RR=1.24, 95%CI=0.56-2.77, P=0.59).But the incidence of bleeding and the incidence of stress ulcer in low-dose group were lower than those in high-dose group (RR=2.38, 95%CI=1.10-5.15, P=0.03;RR=2.49, 95%CI=1.21-5.13, P=0.01). ConclusionTwo doses of rt-PA treatment of limb ischemia similar efficacy, but the incidence of low-dose regimen of complications is significantly lower than the high dose regimen.
ObjectiveTo put forward the concept of acute peroneal artery ischemia syndrome, and to study its typical clinical manifestations and imaging features so as to provide the basis of the evidence-based medicine for the diagnosis and treatment of acute peroneal artery ischemia. MethodsBetween October 2009 and December 2012, 3 cases (2 males and 1 female, aged 57, 68, and 71 years) of acute peroneal artery ischemia syndrome were treated. All the patients displayed typical three symptoms of "peroneal artery blood supply zone pale/red + severe pain of the gastrocnemius muscle + acute drop foot". Medical examination revealed that they all had localized tenderness in the lateral and inferior part of the gastrocnemius muscle, with decreasing of skin temperature. The pulse of dorsalis pedis artery and the posterior tibial artery on affected limbs could be felt. Blood coagulation function and biochemical assay showed that D-dimer, fibrinogen degradation products, creatine kinase, or myoglobin markedly elevated. Magnetic resonance angiography revealed proximal peroneal artery stenosis. All patients were treated with intravenous thrombolysis, anticoagulation, vasodilation, and improving circulation therapy. ResultsThe symptoms of lower limb swelling, pain, and fatigue were improved obviously in all patients after treatment. Blood coagulation function and biochemical assay showed D-dimer, fibrinogen degradation products, creatine kinase, or myoglobin were gradually reduced. The patients were discharged at 9-13 days after treatments, without recurrence during the follow-up of 1year. ConclusionAcute peroneal artery ischemia syndrome is a special type of acute lower limb ischemia, with the three symptoms of "peroneal artery blood supply zone pale/red+ severe pain of the gastrocnemius muscle + acute drop foot" as the main characteristics and should be treated by early active anticoagulant and recanalization therapy.
Objective To compare the effectiveness of autologous implantation between bone marrow stem cells and peripheral blood stem cells for treatment of lower limb ischemia. Methods From December 2004 to December 2005, 42 patients with unilateral lower limb ischemia were treated with both autologous bone marrow stem cell implantation(group A, n=21)and autologous peripheral blood stem cell implantation (group B, n=21). Fortytwo patients included 32 males and 10 females. The age ranged from 34 to 80 years, with a mean of 65.6 years. Of the patients, there were 28, 8 and 6 patients suffered from diabetic lower limb ischemia, Burger’s disese and atherosclotic occlusion, respectively. Ischemic history was from 3 months to 5 years, with amean of 2.1 years. A series of subjective indexes (such as improvement of pain, cold sensation and numbness) and objective indexes such as increase of ankle brachial index (ABI), transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2), angiography, amputation rate, and improvement of foot wound healing, were used to evaluate the effect. Results After 4 weeks of implantation, the rate of pain relief was 88.2% in group A and 89.5% in group B (Pgt;0.05) ; the rate of cold sensation relief was 94.4% in group A and 94.7% in group B（Pgt;0.05）; improvement of numbness was 69.2% and 66.7% respectively in groups A and B（Pgt;0.05）. Increaseof ABI was 38.1% in group A and 33.3% in group B（Pgt;0.05）; increase of TcPO2 was 85.7% and 90.5% respectively in groups A and B（Pgt;0.05）; angiography was performed in 12 patients (group A) and 9patients (group B), and the new formed collateral vessel rate was 83.3% in group A and 77.8% in group B（Pgt;0.05）; the amputation rate was 9.1% in groups A and B（Pgt;0.05）; the rate of improvement of foot wound healing was 60.0% in group A and 66.7% in group B(P＞0.05). Forty patients were followed up 3-15 months(mean 8 months). The improvement rate of subjective symptoms was 75.0% in group A and 70.0% in group B (Pgt;0.05); increase of ABI was 60.0% in group A and 65.0% in group B; increase of TcPO2 was 80.0% and 75.0% respectively in groups A and B; the new formed collateral vessel rate was 90.0% in group A and 84.6% in group B. All ulcers healed except 1 case in group B. Conclusion Bone marrow stem cell graft and peripheral blood stem cell graft are all effective in treatingower limb ischemia.
Sepsis-associated organ dysfunction arises from uncontrolled inflammation and immune dysregulation, causing microcirculatory impairment and multi-organ failure. Stellate ganglion block (SGB) may confer organ protection by regulating the sympathetic nervous system and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis to suppress excessive inflammation and oxidative stress. Available evidence, mainly from experimental and small clinical studies, suggests potential benefits of SGB in sepsis-induced acute lung injury, ventricular arrhythmias, and limb ischemia, which require confirmation in multicenter randomized controlled trials. This review outlines the mechanisms and clinical advances of SGB in sepsis-related organ dysfunction, providing a theoretical basis for its application in critical care.
Objective To summarize the research progress of gene-based therapeutic angiogenesis in lower limb ischemia, so as to provide a new method for non-invasive treatment of lower limb ischemia. Method The literatures on studies of gene-based therapeutic angiogenesis in lower limb ischemia in recent years were read and reviewed. Results The incidence of peripheral arterial disease had been increasing annually. How to effectively reduce the amputation rate and mortality rate of patients with critical limb ischemia was still a clinical problem that needs to be solved urgently. A large number of basic and clinical studies had shown that gene-based therapeutic angiogenesis could effectively induce angiogenesis and collateral circulation in ischemic tissue of lower limb, leading to the significant improvements of blood perfusion in ischemic areas. Additionally, the construction of many kinds of new non-viral gene delivery vectors could also improve the safety and effectiveness of gene therapy to a certain extent. Conclusion Although promising therapeutic effect of gene-based therapeutic angiogenesis brings new ideas and strategies for the treatment of lower limb ischemia, issues still exist that have not been solved.
Objective To establish chronic hindlimb ischemia model with suture-occluded method in rats， and then compare the effects of chronic hindlimb ischemia model with acute ischemia model. Methods Models of chronic hindlimb ischemia were established by using suture-occluded femoral artery method. The laser Doppler blood flow analysis and angiography were performed on day 7， 14， 28， 42， and 49 after operation， and then the rats were sacrificed after angiography， respectively， the quadriceps and gastrocnemius of contralateral and ipsilateral （surgical side） were gotten， which were tested by HE staining and α-actin immunohistochemistry staining， and then calculate arteriolar density. Results There were no lameness and limb necrosis after operation in chronic hindlimb ischemia models. Laser Doppler analysis found that chronic hindlimb ischemia models were still maintained in ischemia state on day 49 after operation compared with acute ischemic models. The resluts of HE staining showed no acute necrosis and muscle fibrosis in chronic hindlimb ischemia model group. Chronic hindlimb ischemia models after operation did not appear obvious lameness and limb necrosis. The arteriolar density of quadriceps femoris on day 7 after operation in chronic hindlimb ischemia models were less than that in acute hindlimb ischemia models （0.015 2 vs. 0.036 4）. Conclusions Compared with the commonly used acute ischemic models， the duration of arterial limb ischemia in chronic hindlimb ischemia rats， which were established by suture-occluded method， is longer and less likely to be affected by the compensatory mechanisms. So suture-occluded method can provide a new animal hindlimb ischemia model for further study of ischemia angiogenesis mechanism and treatment of severe lower extremity ischemia.
Objective To explore the mechanism of mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs） transplantation for chronic hindlimb ischemia in Lewis rats by using cell tracer technique. Methods MSCs were isolated and cultured by using density gradient centrifugation and adherence method respectively， then labeled by 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine （BrdU）. Eight chronic hindlimb ischemia models of Lewis rats were prepared by using suture-occluded method and then divided randomly to MSCs transplantation group and control group， each group enrolled 4 rats， accepting MSCs transplantation and saline respectively. Then on 7 days and 14 days after transplantation， clinical observation， determination of blood flow， and angiography were performed on rats of the 2 groups. At the same time points after previous tests， rats of the 2 groups were sacrificed to get quadriceps tissues and gastrocnemius tissues to perform HE staining and BrdU immunohis-tochemistry. Results The 8 rats were all survived on 14 days after transplantation， with no tumor happened and necroses in the transplanted area. On 14 days after transplantation， the blood flow ratio of operated side to un-operated side in the hindlimb （1.773 vs. 1.279） of rats in MSCs transplantation group and control group increased， and the angiography results showed that there were no much increase in ratio of collateral vessels number （0.908 vs. 0.835）. There were no significant change in the quadriceps tissues and gastrocnemius tissues by HE staining. The BrdU positive kernels located in the inter-stitial substance cells and vascular endothelia cells， and divided differently in different parts of hindlimb at different time points， that the ratio of positive cells in gastrocnemius tissue was higher than those of quadriceps tissue on 7 days after transplantation， but lower on 14 days. Conclusions MSCs transplantation can increases the blood perfusion of hindlimb in the early stage of chronic hindlimb ischemia model， and the possible mechanism may be the paracrine effect of MSCs but not the number increase of collateral vessels.