Cortex Moutan (Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews, Ranunculaceae) has several uses in traditional medicine, such as analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory applications and use in the prevention of thromboembolic diseases. Paeonol, a main active component in Cortex Moutan, possesses various pharmacological activities, particularly an anti-atherosclerosis effect. However, so far there have been no reports evaluating the anti-inflammatory action of paeonol in atherosclerosis therapy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of the therapeutic effect of paeonol on atherosclerotic rabbits with its anti-inflammatory action. The atherosclerotic model was developed in 24 rabbits fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. Twelve rabbits on the high-fat diet then were administered with paeonol (p.o) for a subsequent 6 weeks at the doses of 75 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg. Histological analysis showed significant improvement in atherosclerosis plaque in the paeonol groups. Moreover, the blood levels of TNF- alpha, IL-1 beta, and CRP and the translocation of NF- kappaB to the nucleus were significantly suppressed in paeonol groups, as was the inhibition of lipid peroxidation. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the anti-inflammatory action of paeonol may contribute to its anti-atherosclerosis effect.

Recently, numerous evidence has revealed that excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitochondrial disruption during acute lung injury (ALI) and its most severe form, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) will aggravate the inflammatory process. To identify whether antioxidation can be one of the treatment strategies during this progress, we chose mitoQ, a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant that was proved to be effective in reducing ROS generated in mitochondria, as a ROS scavenger to investigate the role of antioxidation in ALI. We demonstrated that overoxidation occurred during the process of ALI, which could be reduced by mitoQ. In the meantime, apoptosis of endothelial cells of ALI mice, accompanied by hyperpermeability of pulmonary vascular and impaired pulmonary function, was partially reversed following an intraperitoneal injection of mitoQ. Moreover, in in vitro study, lipopolysaccharides (LPS) induced excessive ROS production, mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs), which were rectified by mitoQ. To explore underlying mechanisms, we proceeded RNA-sequencing and found significantly upregulated expression of musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma F ( MafF) in mitoQ treated group. Additionally, mitoQ inhibited the degradation and increased nuclear translocation of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and upregulated its downstream antioxidant response elements (AREs), such as heme oxygenase (HO)-1 and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO)-1. This effect was abolished by transfecting HPMECs with Nrf2 or Maff siRNA. In Nrf2 deficient mice, the protective effects of mitoQ on LPS model of ALI were largely vanished. Taken together, these results provide insights into how antioxidation exerts beneficial effects on ALI via maintaining mitochondrial hemostasis, inhibiting endothelial cells apoptosis, attenuating the endothelial disruption and regulating lung inflammation via Nrf2-MafF/ARE pathway.

It is generally acknowledged that short-segment pedicle screw instrumentation is the preferred surgical method for thoracolumbar fractures. However, the use of short-segment instrumentation with or without intermediate screws at the fracture level remains controversial.We retrospectively evaluated 44 patients (28 men, 16 women) with unstable thoracolumbar fractures. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the surgical method used. In group 1, 24 patients underwent surgery with a posterior approach via short-segment pedicle screw instrumentation (1 level above and 1 level below the fractured level). In group 2, 20 patients received an additional 2 screws at the fractured vertebrae. Clinical and radiologic parameters were evaluated before surgery and at 1 week, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery.We found no significant difference in the demographic characteristics between the 2 groups. No significant difference was observed in the operative time and intraoperative blood loss between the 2 groups. Clinical outcomes also showed no significant differences between the groups preoperatively or at all follow-up periods. The correction of the Cobb angle (CA) 1 week after surgery was better in group 2, whereas the anterior vertebral body height of the fractured level (AVHF) and compression ratio of the AVHF (AVHFCR) were not significantly different between the 2 groups 1 week after surgery. Moreover, group 2 had better maintenance of restored CA, AVHF, and AVHFCR at the fractured level than did group 1 at 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. In addition, the reduction of mid-sagittal diameter (MSD) of spinal canal 1 week and 1 year after surgery was better in group 2. Besides, bone fragments in the spinal canal have a tendency to be less in group 2 1 week and 1 year after surgery.Reinforcement with intermediate screws for a single thoracolumbar fracture not only enhanced the stability of the internal fixation system, but it was also conducive to the correction of kyphosis and the maintenance of the reduction effects. Furthermore, this method is helpful to restore the spinal canal and reduce the bone fragments in the spinal canal. However, more long-term follow-up studies are needed.

Rationale:Schwannomas grow slowly, originating from the Schwann cells of the nerve sheath. Schwannomas of cranial origin have the highest incidence, followed by intraspinal schwannomas. However, paravertebral schwannoma is rare, and to our knowledge, giant paravertebral schwannomas near the lumbar nerve roots with bone destruction are extremely rare.Patient concerns:A 47-year-old Chinese woman complained of lower back soreness and a sensation of a bulging lumbar disc with no obvious cause for the past 3 years.Diagnosis:Lumbar magnetic resonance imaging showed a large mass with uneven density, 17 × 12 × 15 cm in size, located to the right of the 4th lumbar with obvious bony destruction. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed that this mass was a benign schwannoma.Interventions:Complete resection of the tumor (measuring about 17 × 12 × 15 cm in size) and vertebral reconstruction using internal fixation were performed.Outcomes:The patient was discharged without complications after surgery. The 3-year follow-up revealed that the patient recovered well with no evidence of recurrence.Lessons:Here, we emphasize the importance of careful radiological examination and reflect on the difficulty of tumor resection. Furthermore, understanding the treatment and diagnosis of lumbar paravertebral schwannoma is critical for plastic surgeons and radiologists when encountering similar cases.