Biomedical subjects

S C Chen

Publications and source records attributed to S C Chen.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

PubMed1999

Color Doppler ultrasound in benign and malignant breast tumors.

To study the flow indices of color Doppler ultrasound in the differentiation of malignant and benign breast tumors, data of 1124 female patients with breast lesions were analyzed. Of 1124 breast lesions, 590 (525%) were benign and 534 (47.5%) were malignant. Color Doppler scanning detected vascularity in 505 (85.6%) of benign lesions and 509 (95.3%) of malignant tumors. The tumors without detectable vascularization (1.9 +/- 0.1 cm) were significantly (p < 0.0001) smaller than the tumors with vascularization (2.7 +/- 0.1 cm). The age of the patients with malignant tumors was older than that of the patients with benign lesions. The size of malignant tumors was significantly larger than that of benign lesions. Significantly higher values of vessel number, resistance index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), and systolic peak flow velocity (Vmax) were found in carcinomas but the striking overlap of the values did not allow defining cutoff values which allow an accurate differentiation. Vmax did not correlate with the size of tumors. When tumors were grouped as T1 (2 cm or less), T2 (>2 cm, but not >5 cm), and T3 (>5 cm), the results were similar to those of all breast tumors. In conclusion, number of vessels, RI, PI, and Vmax do not provide accurate differentiation of benign and malignant tumors. However, average values of these flow indices of malignant tumors were significantly larger than those of benign lesions. Tumors with larger values of vessel number, RI, PI or Vmax require further studies to disclose the possibility of malignant tumors.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Intermediate-term results of endoscopic transaxillary T2 sympathectomy for primary palmar hyperhidrosis.

BACKGROUND: This report examines the intermediate-term results of endoscopic transaxillary T2 sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis. METHODS: A retrospective review was carried out of 91 consecutive patients, 38 men and 53 women, with a mean age of 23 years. Attention was focused on patient satisfaction, late complications and morbidity. RESULTS: After operation, no patient died or developed Horner's syndrome. Nine of 21 patients with craniofacial, five of 16 with axillary and 17 of 73 with plantar hyperhidrosis showed simultaneous improvement. Fifteen patients (16 per cent) developed recurrent sweating, but none required reoperation. The overall mean satisfaction rate was 78 per cent with a median 80 per cent improvement using a visual linear analogue scale from 0 (poor) to 100 per cent (excellent). Twelve patients (13 per cent) were dissatisfied with the operative results, mainly owing to compensatory hyperhidrosis, which occurred in 88 patients (97 per cent) within the first year. CONCLUSION: The results of endoscopic sympathectomy deteriorate progressively from the immediate outcome.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Nosocomial infections with ceftazidime-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa: risk factors and outcome.

Prospective studies were conducted for nosocomial Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections from February 1, 1994, to October 30, 1995. Of 97 P. aeruginosa isolates from 97 patients, 35 were resistant to ceftazidime. Logistic regression revealed previous cephalosporin or piperacillin use as independent risk factors for nosocomial ceftazidime-resistant P. aeruginosa infection. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis revealed that four nosocomial ceftazidime-resistant P. aeruginosa infections were caused by cross-infection, probably through medical personnel.

Ceftazidime↗

PubMed1999

Combined use of mini-laparoscope and conventional laparoscope in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: preservation of minimal invasiveness.

Mini-laparoscopic cholecystectomy using a 2-mm mini-laparoscope has been reported to be beneficial but technically difficult. This study attempted to evaluate the relative efficacy of a new method, which provides the benefits of both conventional and mini-laparoscopic cholecystectomy. From March 1997 to December 1997, 143 patients (49 men, 94 women, mean age 52.6 years, range 20-79), American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) class I-II, underwent elective cholecystectomy by a combination of a 2-mm mini-laparoscope and 10-mm conventional laparoscope (combined lap-aroscopic cholecystectomy, C group) in National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. The entire procedure was done through four ports (one 11-mm port and three 2-mm ports). For comparison, records from 46 patients receiving mini-laparoscopic cholecystectomy (M group, 17 men, 29 women, mean age 49.0 years, range 26-76) and 139 patients receiving conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (L group, 47 men, 92 women, mean age 51.2 years, range 28-82) by the same operative team were included retrospectively. Mean operation time, time until first postoperative oral intake, dosage of analgesic, and postoperative hospital stay as well as possible complications were compared. No significant differences concerning the age, sex, and ASA classification were identified between all groups. The operative time of the C group (59.9 +/- 17.3 min, p = 0.420) but was significantly shorter than that of the M group (72.8 +/- 26.5 min, p < 0.001). No differences concerning the analgesic usage (0.5 +/- 0.8 unit vs. 0.4 +/- 0.7 unit, p = 0.372), postoperative oral intake (4.4 +/- 1.9 h vs. 3.3 +/- 2.3 h, p = 0.067), and postoperative hospital stay (1.7 +/- 0.7 days vs. 1.7 +/- 0.7 days, p = 0.941) were found between the C group and the M group. However, compared with the L group, analgesic usage (0.5 +/- 0.8 unit vs. 0.8 +/- 1.0 unit, p = 0.003) and time until first postoperative oral intake (4.4 +/- 1.9 h vs. 6.2 +/- 3.0 h, p < 0.001) were less, and the postoperative hospital stay (1.7 +/- 0.7 days vs. 2.0 +/- 0.9 days, p = 0.002) was significantly shorter in the C group. Combined use of the mini-laparoscope and the conventional laparoscope in cholecystectomy provides the benefits of both conventional laparoscopic and mini-laparoscopic cholecystectomy. It is easier to perform than cholecystectomy that uses the mini-laparoscope alone and results in a much smaller wound with less pain than conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy. It is a feasible, safe procedure, and the minimal invasiveness of mini-laparoscopic cholecystectomy is preserved. It is an alternative way to deal with gallstone disease, especially for younger women, who tend to be more concerned about cosmetic outcome.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Diffusion of dialkylnitrosamines into the rat esophagus as a factor in esophageal carcinogenesis.

To indicate how readily nitrosamines (NAms) diffuse into the esophagus, we measured diffusion rate (flux) through rat esophagus of dialkyl-NAms using side-by-side diffusion apparatuses. Mucosal and serosal flux at 37 degrees C of two NAms, each at 50 microM, was followed for 90 min by gas chromatography-thermal energy analysis of NAms in the receiver chamber. Mucosal flux of one or two NAms at a time gave identical results. Mucosal flux was highest for the strong esophageal carcinogens methyl-n-amyl-NAm (MNAN) and methylbenzyl-NAm. Mucosal esophageal flux of 11 NAms was 18-280 times faster and flux of two NAms through skin was 13-28 times faster than that predicted for skin from the molecular weights and octanol:water partition coefficients, which were also measured. Mucosal: serosal flux ratio was correlated (P < 0.05) with esophageal carcinogenicity and molecular weight. For seven NAms tested for carcinogenicity by Druckrey et al. [(1967) Z. Krebsforsch., 69, 103-201], mucosal flux was correlated with esophageal carcinogenicity with borderline significance (P = 0.07). The MNAN:dipropyl-NAm ratio for mucosal esophageal flux was unaffected when rats were treated with phenethylisothiocyanate and was similar to that for forestomach, indicating no involvement by cytochromes P450. Mucosal esophageal flux of MNAN and dimethyl-NAm was reduced by >90% on enzymic removal of the stratum corneum, was unaffected by 0.1 mM verapamil and was inhibited 67-94% by 1.0 mM KCN and 82-93% by 0.23% ethanol. NAm flux through rat skin and jejunum was 5-17% of that through esophagus. Flux through skin increased 5-13 times after enzymic or mechanical removal of the epidermis; the histology probably explained this difference from esophagus. Hence, NAms could be quite rapidly absorbed by human esophagus when NAm-containing foods or beverages are swallowed, the esophageal carcinogenicity of NAms may be partly determined by their esophageal flux and NAm flux probably occurs by passive diffusion.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Body region prevalence of injury in alcohol- and non-alcohol-related traffic injuries.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between alcohol use and body region of injury in patients injured in traffic collisions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study of 381 patients involved in traffic collisions over the past 4 months. These patients were categorized as either using alcohol or not using alcohol on the day of the accident. Eighty of 381 patients (21%) had detectable blood alcohol concentrations. Age, sex, location of injury, helmet use, clinical diagnosis, Injury Severity Score, Glasgow Coma Scale score, and blood alcohol concentrations were collected for each patient. Blood alcohol concentrations were measured by the radioactive energy attenuation method. RESULTS: The incidence of head, face, chest, abdomen, and extremity injury in patients with alcohol use was 39%, 56%, 13%, 15%, and 55%, respectively, and 26%, 32%, 15%, 12%, and 63% in those without alcohol use, respectively. The differences in the incidence of head and facial injuries were significant between these two groups (p<0.05). Mean blood alcohol concentrations in head, face, chest, abdomen, and extremity injury were 171, 204, 215, 231, and 163 mg/dL, respectively. CONCLUSION: More injuries to the head and facial areas compared with other body parts were found in patients with alcohol use. However, alcohol level did not seem to influence the region of the body injured.

Accidents, Traffic↗

PubMed1999

Changes in gut mucosal nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity after thermal injury and its relation with barrier failure.

This study was designed to investigate changes in mucosal NOS activity after burns and its relation to barrier failure. In Experiment 1, female specific pathogen free (SPF) Sprague-Dawley rats underwent 35% total body surface area (TBSA) burn. One to six days after burn, intestinal permeability was determined from the plasma leakage of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran 4400, intestinal mucosal cNOS and iNOS activity were assayed using Griess' reagent, and the cellular localization of iNOS was examined using immunostaining. In Experiment 2, S-methylisothiourea (SMT) was given (5 mg/kg, i.p. every 12 h) for 2 days to suppress inducible NOS (iNOS) activity after thermal injury. On postburn Day 2, the effect of SMT on gut mucosal NOS activity, intestinal permeability, and barrier function were evaluated. The activity of iNOS increased 24 h after the injury and up to a maximum of twofold on postburn Day 2, and decreased thereafter. The increase in iNOS activity in gut mucosa correlated well with the increase in intestinal permeability, an index for barrier failure (r = .776, p = .0002). Results from iNOS immunostaining showed that changes in mucosal iNOS activity after the burn occurred mainly in the enterocytes rather than in the macrophages. Administration of SMT decreased mucosal iNOS activity, intestinal permeability, and bacterial translocation incidence to mesenteric lymph node concurrently. In conclusion, thermal injury induces intestinal mucosal iNOS, which is principally in the enterocytes. The increased intestinal iNOS activity was closely related to barrier failure. SMT inhibited intestinal mucosal iNOS activity and prevented barrier failure as demonstrated by a decrease in BT occurrence and intestinal permeability.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Clinical application of the Quantiplex HCV RNA 2.0 and Amplicor HCV Monitor assays for quantifying serum hepatitis C virus RNA.

AIM: To compare the performance characteristics and clinical application of two different technologies for quantifying serum hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA levels. METHODS: HCV RNA was quantified by Amplicor HCV Monitor assay (Amplicor) and Quantiplex HCV RNA 2.0 assay (bDNA-2) in 119 sera from 107 HCV infected patients. RESULTS: Both assays had similar sensitivity (79.4% for Amplicor; 86.0% for bDNA-2), acceptable coefficients of variation (5.3% in Amplicor; 2.6% in bDNA-2), and good linearity (r2 > or = 0.98). There was a positive correlation between quantification values of both methods (r = 0.683, p < 0.001). The Amplicor values were on an average 1.76 log lower than bDNA-2 results. Male subjects and HCV genotype 1b were significantly associated with higher viral load determined by Amplicor, but not with viral load measured by bDNA-2. In 70 chronic HCV infected patients treated with interferon alfa, mean (SD) pretreatment viral load in 27 complete responders (3.47 (0.84) logs for Amplicor, 5.63 (0.58) for bDNA-2) was significantly lower than in non-responders (4.43 (1.01) logs for Amplicor, 6.10 (0.67) logs for bDNA-2; p < 0.001). Cut off points of 3.9 logs for Amplicor and 5.8 logs for bDNA-2 were determined to be the best for predicting response to interferon alfa, giving acceptable sensitivity (70.4%, 74.1%), specificity (72.1%, 65.1%), and accuracy (71.4%, 68.6%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Both the Amplicor and bDNA-2 assays are clinically useful methods for HCV RNA quantification and are reliable for predicting the outcome of treatment, despite differences in absolute quantification values and in the correlation between HCV genotypes and viral load.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

CT colonography: value of scanning in both the supine and prone positions.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of CT colonography when patients were imaged in both the supine and prone positions. We evaluated whether imaging in two positions decreased the number of collapsed colonic segments and increased sensitivity for polyp detection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three patients underwent CT colonography in both the supine and prone positions. Colonic distention for each of the 46 scans was graded. Adequacy of distention for either position alone was compared with that of the combination of the two positions. Polyp data revealed by colonoscopy were reviewed, and the CT data were then retrospectively reviewed for polyp detection. RESULTS: When each scan was considered alone without benefit of the scan obtained in the opposite position, 27 (58.7%) of 46 scans showed inadequate distention. When scans obtained in both positions were considered together, 20 (87.0%) of 23 patients had adequate distention with the grading system used. However, this value increased to 23 (100%) of 23 patients when the reasons for inadequate distention in the three patients were considered. Of the 27 polyps detected with colonoscopy, 21 (77.8%) were also detected retrospectively with CT colonography. Colonoscopy showed 20 polyps that were 5 mm or larger; nineteen (95.0%) of these 20 polyps were also detected retrospectively with CT colonography, nine (47.4%) of which were seen in only one position. CONCLUSION: Use of both the supine and prone positions for patients undergoing CT colonography improves evaluation of the colon and increases sensitivity for polyp detection.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

Prospective sonographic study of 3093 breast tumors.

To evaluate the predictive ability of sonographic tumor characteristics to differentiate benign from malignant tumors, we examined 3093 breast tumors (2360 benign and 733 malignant tumors) with ultrasonography. The ratio of the longest dimension to the anteroposterior diameter of benign tumors was significantly larger than that of malignant tumors (1.88+/-0.1 versus 1.69+/-0.02, P < 0.0001). Shape, margins, echogenicity, internal echo pattern, retrotumor acoustic shadowing, compressibility, and microcalcification were significant factors in the logistic regression model. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of breast sonography for malignancy were 86.1, 66.1, 44.1, 93.9, and 70.8%, respectively. Biopsy of the tumor for pathologic diagnosis is recommended if sonographic features are suggestive of malignancy.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Progression of cytomegalovirus retinitis in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: a case report.

We report an AIDS patient with cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis that developed from an early minor lesion and progressed to extended involvement of the retina and severe deterioration of vision due to poor compliance with ganciclovir treatment. A 33-year-old man was known to have acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) for eight months. The patient had no complaint of visual symptoms. A routine eye examination revealed his visual acuity to be 6/6 in both eyes. The dilated eye fundus examination using indirect ophthalmoscopy disclosed a localized white yellowish granular lesion in the peripheral retina of the right eye and a completely normal left eye. CMV retinitis with initial manifestation in the right eye was diagnosed. Due to incomplete treatment with ganciclovir, the retinal lesion rapidly enlarged and extended to the posterior pole, with eventual destruction of the nerve fiber layer and optic disc. The visual acuity of right eye dropped from 6/6 to 1/60 within six months. This case report indicates the importance of early, dilated eye fundus examination and recognition of early CMV retinitis in order to salvage visual function in AIDS patients. Completion of the anti-CMV treatment course in halting the progression of CMV retinitis is also emphasized.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

PubMed1999

Timing of shoulder exercise after modified radical mastectomy: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: There are several factors those contribute to the amount of axillary drainage after modified radical mastectomy. The drains should be removed as early as possible. Whether the active shoulder movement of the lesion side increases the amount of axillary drainage needs to be studied prospectively. METHODS: From 1994 through 1995, 344 consecutive patients were randomly divided into three groups. One hundred sixteen patients in the early group performed upper arm exercises including pendulum, wall climbing and pulley exercises beginning the third post-operative day. One hundred fifteen patients in the later group patients did the same exercises beginning the sixth post-operative day and 113 patients in the delayed group did the same exercises after all the drains were removed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in patient characteristics, including age, body weight, operation methods and the pathology in the three groups. The amount of axilla fossa drainage was significantly less in the patients in the delayed group than in the early and later group (485 ml, 568 ml, 559 ml, respectively, p = 0.032). However, there were no differences in the amount of chest wall site drainage or the number of aspiration of seroma among the three groups. The drains were removed on the average of seventh and ninth post-operative day in the delayed and early group patients, respectively (p = 0.124). Although the range of motion (ROM) of the shoulders in the delayed group patients was slightly limited during the first month after operation, ROM returned at 3 months and no difference was found 6 months after operation. CONCLUSION: Upper arm exercise can start after the drains in the axilla are removed. The delay does not limit the shoulder function at 6 months after modified radical mastectomy.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

[Morphological changes of muscle and capillary endothelial cells after aerobic exercise training under different temperature conditions].

The morphological changes of muscle cells and capillary endothelial cells of skeletal muscles were in wshigutet after long-term exercise training at various temperatures. One-hundred and forty rats were divided into seven groups and received a one-month exercise training at conditions of low (0 degree C), normal (26 degrees C) or high (42 degrees C) temperatures respectively. Muscle samples were obtained from extensor digitorum longus muscle (EDL) and soleus muscle (SOL) of each animal. These samples were used to observe the hitological differences by light microscope, and to observe the changes in the number of muscular mitochondria and capillary endothelial pinocytotic vesicles by electron microscope. We found that both low and high temperature groups had higher frequency of atrophy and necrosis in muscle fibers than the normal temperature group. Moreover, EDL muscle had significantly more mitochondria and pinocytotic vesicle than SOL muscle in the high and normal temperature groups. From these results, we suggested that changes of the environmental temperature cause histological malformations of muscle fibersabtw; in addition, these effects were more prominent in fast twitch muscles.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Relationship between pterygium/pinguecula and sunlight exposure among postmen in central Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate outdoor hazards and their relationship to conjunctival disorders experienced by postmen. METHODS: Three hundred and ninety-four employees (248 postmen and 146 officers) working in 11 post offices in central Taiwan were recruited and participated in the 1994 annual labor health examination. Pinguecula and pterygium were diagnosed by an ophthalmologist. Meanwhile, detailed personal and occupational information was obtained using a structured questionnaire. The cumulative occupational sunlight exposure was calculated for each postman by considering the duration of their employment as postmen, the average working hours per day and their spectacle use (sunglasses and eyeglasses). A logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between cumulative occupational sunlight exposure and pinguecula. RESULTS: Among the postmen, the prevalences of pinguecula and pterygium were 62.9% and 7.3%, respectively. The outdoor nature of postal work was significantly associated with the occurrence of pinguecula as well as pterygium (p < 0.05). When the cumulative occupational sunlight exposure increased by one unit (one year x hour/day), the risks of developing pinguecula and pterygium were raised by 2.1% and 0.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that conjunctival disorders were associated with the cumulative occupational sunlight exposure of postmen working outdoors. This study reinforces the importance of ocular protection from sunlight.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Comparison of necrotic characteristics and benefits between 50% acetic acid and pure ethanol in local hepatic injection: a study in rats.

This study compares the characteristics of acetic acid and pure ethanol in local hepatic injection and identifies the possible benefits from acetic acid by an animal model. We injected 0.03 ml of pure ethanol and 0.01 ml of 50% acetic acid separately into different sites of the same liver. The shape and diameter of the lesions were recorded at 0 min, 5 min and 15 min, and 5 lesions were also reviewed one day later. The lesions induced by pure ethanol were irregular, whereas those induced by 50% acetic acid were round or oval. The diameter of lesions induced by 50% acetic acid was 2.62 +/- 0.58 mm initially and increased to 4.50 +/- 0.84 mm and 5.25 +/- 0.75 mm at 5 min and 15 min, (5 min compared with 0 min, p < 0.0001; 15 min compared with 5 min, p < 0.001) respectively. The diameters of lesions induced by pure ethanol did not increase. The diffusion diameter at 5 min and 15 min were 1.88 mm and 2.63 mm respectively. Furthermore, viable liver cells were occasionally found in two lesions induced by pure ethanol. Acetic acid had a more homogeneous distribution and better infiltrating ability than pure ethanol and may be superior to pure ethanol in local injection therapy of HCC. But more clinical trials in the treatment HCC should be carried out.

Acetic Acid↗

PubMed1999

Congenital anterior urethrocutaneous fistula.

PURPOSE: Congenital anterior urethrocutaneous fistula is a rare anomaly that may present in an isolated fashion or in association with other penile abnormalities, such as chordee or hypospadias. There have been 18 cases of congenital anterior urethrocutaneous fistula reported in the literature. We present 14 additional cases of congenital anterior urethrocutaneous fistula. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We treated 14 patients with congenital anterior urethrocutaneous fistula, of whom 9 were uncircumcised at presentation. Two patients had evidence of chordee and 4 had distal hypospadias. RESULTS: The type of repair was determined by the anatomical variations of this anomaly. All cases were corrected electively by various techniques based on the degree of the defect, including primary closure via a Thiersch-Duplay urethroplasty, pedicle flap urethroplasty, hinged flap urethroplasty and interpositioned island pedicle tube or onlay urethroplasty. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge the embryological events that cause anterior urethrocutaneous fistula are unclear but they likely result from a defective urethral plate or an abnormality of the infolding of the urethral groove. Surgical technique must be individualized to fit the defect. While there has been considerable skepticism regarding the existence of congenital urethrocutaneous fistula, the fact that 9 of our 14 patients were uncircumcised confirms the congenital nature of this lesion.

Child↗

PubMed1999

Previous hyperthermic treatment increases mitochondria oxidative enzyme activity and exercise capacity in rats.

The study was designed to investigate the role of hyperthermia in the tolerance of exercise in rats and the possible mechanism was examined. The hyperthermic pretreatment was performed using an electric pad on the anesthesized rats 24 hours before exercise. Rats were exercised passively in a motor-controlled round treadmill in high temperature environment (36-37 degrees C) until exhaustion. The capacity of tolerance was calculated. Lymphocytes and gastrocnemius muscle were collected from both groups. The changes in muscular morphology, mitochondria oxidative enzyme activity and induction of Hsp72 were investigated. The results revealed that experimental rats were more tolerant to exercise at high temperature than the control group; the duration time were 89 +/- 17.8 min and 63.1 +/- 7.3 min, respectively. Hsp72 was induced markedly in the experimental group, both in muscle and lymphocytes, indicating a heat shock response. There was no significant change in morphology of the mitochondria, 24 hours after hyperthermic treatment, as shown by histopathological and electromicroscopic investigation. However, the activity of mitochondrial enzymes increased significantly in experimental group before exercise: 84.6 +/- 6.3 and 345 +/- 15.4 (nmole cytochrome c/min/mg total protein) respectively of NADH-cytochome c reductase and succinate-cytochome c reductase activity in experimental group compared to 58.9 +/- 4.7 and 269.0 +/- 24.0 in control group (p < 0.05, by student t-test). It is concluded that hyperthermic treatment enhances muscular mitochondrial oxidative enzyme activity in rats, and results in increasing tolerance to exercise at high temperature. The heat shock response, most probably the inducible Hsp72, is a crucial factor in this effect.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

PubMed1999

Effects of perindopril, propranolol, and dihydrochlorothiazide on cardiovascular remodelling in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

AIM: To investigate the effects of perindopril, propranolol, and dihydrochlorothiazide on artery wall thickening, left ventricular hypertrophy, and cardiac fibrosis in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). METHODS: After measurement of systolic blood pressure (SBP), 16-wk-old Male SHR were randomly divided into 3 groups (each n = 10), given perindopril (Per, 5 mg.kg-1.d-1), propranolol (Pro, 40 mg.kg-1.d-1), dihydrochlorothiazide (DCT, 100 mg.kg-1.d-1) respectively by gavage for 12 wk. Sex-, age-, and number-matched untreated SHR and normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) served as controls. When the treatment finished, body weights (BW) and SBP were measured before decapitation of the rats. The heart was excised rapidly, the left ventricle was weighed and then subjected to collagen content analysis. Vascular wall and lumen ratio from aorta, renal arteries and branch III vessels of mesenteric arteries were determined morphometrically. RESULTS: Treated rats in 3 groups showed a lower SBP and the ratio of left ventricle weight to body weight (LVW/BW) compared with WKY. Artery wall thickening was similarly inhibited in the treated groups. Per and Pro inhibited cardiac fibrosis, but collagen concentration increased in DCT treated SHR [collagen volume fraction (CVF): 19 +/- 4 vs SHR 14 +/- 4, P < 0.05; perivascular collagen fraction(PVCF): 84 +/- 7 vs SHR 79 +/- 5, P < 0.05]. CONCLUSION: Per and Pro inhibited, but DCT promoted, cardiac fibrosis.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗