International journal of clinical and experimental medicine
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The activation of alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7-nAchRs) are currently being considered as novel therapeutic approaches for managing hyperalgesia in inflammation and chronic neuropathic pain, but the role of a7-nAChRs on opioids induced hyperalgesia remain unknown. The present study investigated the effects of α7-nAChRs selective agonists PHA-543613 and type II positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) PNU-120596 in remifentanil induced postoperative hyperalgesia. As the results shown, intrathecal treatment with both α7-nAChRs agonists and type II PAMs could attenuate remifentanil induced hyperalgesia by increasing paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) and paw withdrawal thermal latency (PWTL). ⋯ Our data indicated that activation of α7-nAchRs decreased the proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) and p-NR2B protein level in the spinal cord. The depression of the increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines and p-NR2B after remifentanil treatment may contribute to the anti-hyperalgesia effects of PHA-543613and PNU-120596 via α7-nAChRs. Therefore, our findings demonstrated that α7-nAChRs may be potential candidates for treating opioids induced hyperalgesia.
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Continuous femoral nerve block (CFNB), guided by ultrasound combined nerve stimulations, offers advantages for both sides and provides effective postoperative analgesia after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The objective of this study was to evaluate the medium-term impact of continuous femoral nerve block on knee function and quality of life in patients following TKA. ⋯ Continuous femoral nerve block not only could provide effective postoperative analgesia but also could improve joint function and quality of life in patients at one month postoperatively. Continuous femoral nerve block is a good choice for postoperative analgesia after TKA.
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Hedyotis diffusa is a well-known herb in traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which is used to treat various cancers including prostate cancer. Recently, lots of cyclotides possessing anti-cancer activities were found in Hedyotis family plants, suggesting that H.diffusa may also contain these bioactive ingredients. Cyclotides are heat-stable macrocyclic peptides from plants that display a wide range of biological activities. Currently, over 250 cyclotides have been discovered. ⋯ The novel cyclotides extracted from H.Diffusa have anti-cancer effects, and they are potential bioactive ingredients in H.diffusa.
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The present study aims to evaluate the relation between PON1 L55M polymorphism and ischemic stroke by a meta-analysis method. ⋯ Available evidences suggested that L55M polymorphism had no effect on the risk of ischemic stroke. However, this conclusion needs further validation by larger sample and well-designed studies.
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To illustrate whether the steroid-antivirals treatment could acquire a better recovery in patients with Bell's palsy than the steroids alone treatment. ⋯ This meta-analysis showed that the steroid-antivirals treatment achieved the better outcomes in patients with Bell's palsy. Clinicians should consider that steroid-antivirals therapy is an alternative choice for the patients with Bell's palsy.