ObjectiveTo observe the effect of metformin on airway remodeling in asthma and its possible mechanism.MethodsTwenty-eight B/N rats were randomly divided into control group, asthma group, metformin intervention group and rapamycin intervention group. After that, the asthma model was established and intervened with metformin and rapamycin. The airway resistance and airway reactivity were measured 48 hours after the last challenge, and then the lung tissue samples were collected. Histopathological examination was used to observe airway inflammatory cell infiltration, goblet cell proliferation, airway wall fibrosis and remodeling, as well as airway smooth muscle proliferation. The expression of AMPK/mTOR pathway related proteins was detected by Western blot.ResultsCompared with the asthma group, metformin and rapamycin significantly reduced the airway responsiveness induced by high concentration of acetylcholine (P<0.05), reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells in lung tissue and the changes of airway wall structure (P<0.05), reduced goblet cell proliferation in airway epithelium, collagen fiber deposition in lung tissue and bronchial smooth muscle hyperplasia (P<0.05). Further studies showed that the effects of metformin and rapamycin were related to AMPK/mTOR pathway. Compared with the asthma group, metformin and rapamycin could significantly reduce the expression of p-mTOR, p-p70s6k1 and SKP2, while p21 protein expression was significantly increased (P<0.05). In addition, metformin and rapamycin had similar effects (P>0.05).ConclusionMetformin can alleviate airway hyperresponsiveness and airway remodeling by activating AMPK and then inhibiting mTOR pathway, which may be a potential drug for treating asthma and preventing airway remodeling.
Objective To evaluate short-term effects of percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy（PMCT） combined with chemotherapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer（NSCLC）.Methods Eighty cases with advanced NSCLC were randomly assigned to underwent chemotherapy plus PMCT(PMCT group，n=40) or single chemotherapy(chemotherapy group，n=40).The chemotherapeutics regimen was Taxotere plus Cisplatin.The preliminary results and quality of life score of two groups were compared.Results In PMCT group and chemotherapy group，the 3-month relieve rate was 52.5% and 32.5%，and the half-year survival rate was 87.5% and 62.5%，respectively.The differences between the two groups were both significant(Plt;0.05).The quality of life score in PMCT group was significantly higher than that in chemotherapy group (Plt;0.05).Conclusion PMCT combined with chemotherapy is effective and safe in the treatment of advanced NSCLC.
Objective To evaluate the control status and knowledge level about disease in asthmatic patients in region level cities of Shaanxi province for effect appraisal of patient education. Methods Eight hospitals were selected from six region level cities, where questionnaire survey was completed in out-patients with asthma ( ≥14 years old) . Results A total of 523 patients completed the questionnaire with a ratio of male to female of 1∶1. 14, and an average age of ( 44. 3 ±15. 5) years old. The percentage of controlled,partly controlled and uncontrolled by self-evaluation was respectively 26. 4% , 52. 4% and 11. 1% . 48% insisted on using inhaled corticosteroids ( ICS) . The average score was 17. 88 ±4. 43 by asthma control test ( ACT) . The first three medicines used daily were ICS ( 26. 6% ) , sustained-release theophyline ( 25. 2% )and combination ICS/ long-acting β2 -agonists ( 21. 8% ) . 12. 6% had no medicine and 5. 2% used nonorthodox medicines. 68. 6% patients had omen before exacerbation, and those were sneezing, chest distress and cough. 73. 6% knew asthma is a disease of airway inflammation, and 33. 3% selected ICS as the leader medicine. Only 32. 1% attended the lecture about asthma in hospitals and 85. 0% longed for such education. Conclusions The control status and knowledge level about disease in asthmatic patients in cities still need to be improved in Shaanxi province, and too much work need to be done in order to realize the total control in all patients.