OBJECTIVE:This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with the initial failure of ultrasound-guided percutaneous thrombin injection in the treatment of iatrogenic femoral pseudoaneurysms (FPA). METHODS:A retrospective analysis was performed on 60 patients who developed iatrogenic FPA following transfemoral procedures at Zhongshan Hospital Xiamen University between January 2015 and December 2023. All patients received ultrasound-guided percutaneous thrombin injection. Fifty patients were successfully treated with a single injection (control group), while 10 patients required additional injections (experimental group). Baseline patient and pseudoaneurysm characteristics were compared between the two groups. RESULTS:Ultrasound-guided percutaneous thrombin injection successfully treated all pseudoaneurysms. No statistically significant differences were observed between the experimental and control groups in terms of sex, age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, use of antiplatelet agents, parent artery involvement, maximum pseudoaneurysm diameter, ostium, or blood flow velocity at the ostium (p > 0.05). However, statistically significant differences were noted in aneurysm neck length and anticoagulant use (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION:Aneurysm neck length and anticoagulant use were identified as factors influencing the effectiveness of initial ultrasound-guided percutaneous thrombin injection for iatrogenic FPA. For patients experiencing treatment failure, additional thrombin injections yielded satisfactory outcomes; surgical repair can even be avoided. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous thrombin injection is proposed as a safe, minimally invasive, and effective treatment option for iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm, valued for its simplicity and repeatability.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical application of percutaneous injection of hemostatic agents guided by ultrasound for arresting active hemorrhage after renal biopsy. MethodsFrom January 2019 to December 2022, 10 cases of active hemorrhage after renal biopsy on ultrasound were retrospectively examined. Hemorrhage continued despite simple compression and it was treated by a percutaneous injection of hemostatic agents under ultrasonic guidance. Then hemostatic outcomes were also evaluated by ultrasound. ResultsUltrasound could detect the hemorrhagic site to enable an accurate injection of hemostatic agents. After injection, there was no active hemorrhage. ConclusionsPercutaneous injection of hemostatic drugs guided by ultrasound for arresting active hemorrhage after renal biopsy offer the advantages of rapid, accurate, effective, simple, repeatable and non-radioactive. This technique is a novel alternative for bedside immediate management of active hemorrhage after renal biopsy. At the same time, considering the safety of two kinds of hemostatic agents, hemocoagulase may be preferentially selected for local hemostasis of active hemorrhage after renal biopsy. When hemocoagulase fails to control active hemorrhage, thrombin can be replaced for hemostasis.

目的 探讨超声造影联合经皮射频消融(RFA)在肝癌破裂出血治疗中的应用价值.方法 回顾分析2013年9月至2019年3月在厦门大学附属中山医院经超声造影引导下急诊行经皮射频消融止血治疗的31个肝癌破裂出血病灶,其中6个病灶为肝癌在经皮穿刺活检出现沿穿刺针道出血,导致腹腔血性积液;25个病灶为肝癌自发破裂出血,31个病灶均在射频消融前通过超声造影检查证实存在肝癌破裂活动性出血征象,并确定出血部位,随即在超声引导下经皮射频消融止血治疗,术后超声造影即刻评价止血效果.结果 31个病灶在射频消融术前通过超声造影均能确定出血部位,并能准确引导射频针至出血点,达到精准射频消融止血目的.术后利用超声造影即刻评估止血效果,所有病灶有效止血.结论 超声造影与经皮射频消融两种方法的联合,在肝癌破裂出血的止血治疗中具有快速、有效、微创、简便、可重复性的优点,并能即刻评价止血效果,射频消融止血同时还可达到减少癌细胞活性的治疗效果.

Objective To assess the application value of real-time three-dimensional echocardiography(RT-3DE)in evaluating left ventricular(LV)systolic function in patients with percutaneous ventricular restoration(PVR).Methods Seven patients with anterior wall myocardial infarction complicated with apical aneurysm were enrolled for PVR. The changes in LV morphology,LV systolic function and systolic synchrony were observed by RT-3DE.before and 6 months after the operation.The standard deviation(SD)and difference(Dif)of the time to the point with minimal systolic volume(Tmsv)in 16 and 12 segments adjusted by the R-R interval(Tmsv16-SD%,Tmsv16-Dif%,Tmsv12-SD%,Tmsv12-Dif%)were measured.Results Six months after the operation,post-procedure NYHA class reduced and six-minute walk test increased evidently compared to pre-procedure (all P<0.01).LV apical geometry recovered and LV systolic function(3D-EF,3D-EDV and 3D-ESV)improved significantly after PVR(all P<0.05).The index of LV systolic synchrony(Tmsv16-SD%and Tmsv16-Dif%)were reduced markedly compared to pre-procedure(both P<0.05).Conclusion PVR is a relatively safe and effective technology for apical aneurysm therapy.RT-3DE can accurately evaluate the heart shape,LV systolic function and systolic synchrony after PVR.

Objective To investigate the relationship between fragmented QRS(fQRS)and left ventricular systolic synchronicity in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods A total of 176 CHD patients with narrow QRS and near-normal EF were recruited and divided into two groups according to the ECG with or without fQRS,fQRS group(n=55) and non-fQRS group (n=121).The systolic velocity of left ventricular segments, time to peak were evaluated by tissue Doppler imaging echocardiography.The maximum and standard values(Ts-12, Ts-SD) of the time to peak in twelve segments were calculated.The differences in the two groups were compared and Ts-SD≥32.6 ms was used as the standard of intraventricular dyssynchrony.The association between fQRS and clinical and echocardiographic variables was analyzed using multivariable Logistic regression models.Results The Ts-12 and Ts-SD were significantly prolonged in fQRS group compared with non-fQRS group[(128.8± 49.6)ms vs.(110.6±46.3)ms,(43.7±17.7)ms vs. (37.8±17.4)ms,P=0.019,0.040].In addition,the proportion of left ventricular dyssynchrony was significantly higher in patients with fQRS compared with those without fQRS(75% vs . 58%, P=0 . 033). Multivariate analysis revealed that Ts-SD(OR=1.06,P=0.016) and multivessel lesion(OR=2.85,P=0.011) were independent predictors for fQRS. Conclusion Intraventricular dyssynchrony is evident in CHD patients with narrow QRS and fQRS.

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether low-frequency ultrasound (US)-mediated microvessel disruption combined with docetaxel (DTX) can be used as a novel type of chemoembolization. Mice were assigned to four groups: i) The USMB group, treated with low-frequency US combined with microbubbles (USMB); ii) the DTX group, treated with DTX; iii) the USMB + DTX group, treated with combined therapy; and iv) the control group, which was untreated. Immediately after the first treatment, the average peak intensity (API) on contrast-enhanced US was calculated, and tumors were excised for hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. At 2 weeks post-treatment, the tumor volumes and wet weights were calculated, and tumors were excised for immunohistochemistry to calculate apoptotic index (AI), proliferative index (PI) and microvessel density (MVD) values. Immediately after the first treatment, in the DTX and control groups, the tumors demonstrated abundant perfusion enhancement, while in the USMB + DTX and USMB groups, blood perfusion of the tumors was interrupted. Compared with that of the control group, the API was significantly lower in the USMB + DTX USMB groups (all P<0.001). HE staining showed that tumor microvasculature was disrupted into flaky hematomas and severely dilated microvessels in the USMB + DTX and USMB groups. In the DTX and control groups, there was no distinct evidence of the disruption and dilation of blood microvessels. At the end of the treatment, the mean tumor inhibition ratio was 73.33, 46.67 and 33.33% for the USMB + DTX, DTX and USMB groups, respectively. The USMB + DTX group had the highest AI, and the lowest PI and MVD compared with the other groups, although the difference between the USMB + DTX and DTX groups with regard to PI and MVD was not significant (USMB + DTX vs. DTX group, P=0.345 and P=0.059, respectively). In conclusion, as a novel type of chemoembolization, USMB combined with DTX is more effective than USMB or DTX alone in inhibiting tumor growth via the enhancement of apoptosis, and the suppression of proliferation and angiogenesis.

OBJECTIVES:We aimed to evaluate whether ultrasound (US) and microbubble-mediated delivery of Cluster of Differentiation 151 (CD151) could enhance the therapeutic effects of CD151 on myocardial infarction (MI).METHODS:A rabbit model of MI was established by a modified Fujita method. Then, 50 MI rabbits were randomly divided into 5 groups, including G1 (CD151 plasmid and physiological saline in the presence of US); G2 (CD151 and Sonovue in the presence of US); G3 (CD151 and Sonovue in the absence of US); G4 (Sonovue in the absence of US), and a control group (physiological saline in the absence of US). After 14 days of treatment, the expression of CD151 was detected by Western blot. Besides, vessel density of peri-infarcted myocardium was measured by immunohistochemistry, and cardiac function was analyzed by echocardiography.RESULTS:The rabbit model of MI was established successfully. CD151 injection increased the expression of CD151 and microvessel density in the myocardium of MI rabbits. Heart function was significantly improved by CD151, which exhibited increased left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular fractional shortening and a reduced Tei index. Besides, US Sonovue significantly increased the expression efficiency of CD151.CONCLUSION:US microbubble was an effective vector for CD151 delivery. CD151 might be an effective therapeutic target for MI.

目的 探讨经食管实时三维超声心动图(RT-3D-TEE)在心血管疾病手术中的应用价值.方法 对接受经导管主动脉瓣置换术(TAVI)、经心尖二尖瓣机械瓣瓣周漏封堵术、外科经皮房间隔缺损封堵术及二尖瓣成形术的8例患者应用RT-3D-TEE进行术前超声诊断和术中监测,并与外科术中所见进行比较,术后即刻评价手术效果.结果 8例患者术前RT-3D-TEE均能清晰、立体地显示病变部位、大小、程度及其与周围组织的关系,可以明确诊断,并选取适宜的人工瓣膜型号或封堵器型号.超声三维重建显示的病变结构与术中所见高度相符,RT-3D-TEE术中监测显示8例患者的手术均取得成功,且术后未见明显的并发症.结论 RT-3D-TEE通过三维重建能实时、动态地再现心脏的立体解剖结构,更为直观、准确地显示房室瓣、房间隔、室间隔及病变部位等微细结构,在心血管疾病手术中有重要作用.

The present study aimed to provide a complete exploration of the effect of sound intensity, frequency, duty cycle, microbubble volume and irradiation time on low-frequency low-intensity ultrasound (US)-mediated microvessel disruption, and to identify an optimal combination of the five factors that maximize the blockage effect. An orthogonal experimental design approach was used. Enhanced US imaging and acoustic quantification were performed to assess tumor blood perfusion. In the confirmatory test, in addition to acoustic quantification, the specimens of the tumor were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and observed using light microscopy. The results revealed that sound intensity, frequency, duty cycle, microbubble volume and irradiation time had a significant effect on the average peak intensity (API). The extent of the impact of the variables on the API was in the following order: Sound intensity; frequency; duty cycle; microbubble volume; and irradiation time. The optimum conditions were found to be as follows: Sound intensity, 1.00 W/cm2; frequency, 20 Hz; duty cycle, 40%; microbubble volume, 0.20 ml; and irradiation time, 3 min. In the confirmatory test, the API was 19.97±2.66 immediately subsequent to treatment, and histological examination revealed signs of tumor blood vessel injury in the optimum parameter combination group. In conclusion, the Taguchi L18 (3)6 orthogonal array design was successfully applied for determining the optimal parameter combination of API following treatment. Under the optimum orthogonal design condition, a minimum API of 19.97±2.66 subsequent to low-frequency and low-intensity mediated blood perfusion blockage was obtained.

目的 探讨外源性成纤维细胞生长因子(FGF)21对链脲佐菌素(STZ)型糖尿病小鼠心肌组织中IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α和TGF-β表达的影响及其机制.方法 将50只4周龄雄性C57 BL/6J小鼠随机分入对照组(10只)、FGF21对照组(10只)、STZ型糖尿病组(15只)和STZ型糖尿病FGF21治疗组(FGF21治疗组,15只).通过单次小鼠腹腔内注射STZ(150 mg/kg)建立STZ型糖尿病动物模型,建模成功后小鼠再予腹腔内注射FGF21(100 μg·kg-1·d-1),连续8周.实验达终点时采用超声心动图检测小鼠的心脏功能,采用实时定量RT-PCR技术检测心肌组织IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α、TGF-β mRNA和FGF-21 mRNA,采用Western印迹法检测心肌组织磷酸化蛋白激酶B(Akt)表达.结果 STZ型糖尿病组小鼠心肌组织FGF21 mRNA表达水平显著高于对照组(P＜0.05).STZ型糖尿病组和FGF21治疗组小鼠左心室射血分数和左心室短轴缩短率均显著低于对照组(P值均＜0.05),FGF21治疗组均显著高于STZ型糖尿病组(P值均＜0.05).STZ型糖尿病组小鼠心肌组织IL-1β mRNA、IL-6 mRNA、TNF-α mRNA、TGF-β mRNA水平均显著高于对照组(P值均＜0.05),FGF21治疗组均显著低于STZ型糖尿病组(P值均＜0.05).STZ型糖尿病组小鼠心肌组织中磷酸化Akt的表达水平显著低于对照组(P＜0.05),FGF21治疗组显著高于STZ型糖尿病组(P＜0.05).结论 FGF21可提高STZ型糖尿病小鼠的心脏功能,显著减少其心肌组织中IL-Iβ、IL-6、TNF-α、TGF-β的表达,其机制可能与激活心肌组织磷酸化Akt的表达有关.

Objective To observe the expression of fibroblast growth factor 21( FG F21) for inducing the primary myocardial cells by high glucose and to explore the protection effect of endogenous FG F21 on the cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by high glucose.Methods C ardiomyocytes of neonatal rat C 57 BL /6J were primarily cultured and expressions of FG F21 were detected for different concentrations of glucose( 5,25,33,and 45 mmol / L) and different exposure time( 24 and 48 h).T he small interfering RN A( siRN A) for silencing the FG F21 gene was designed and synthesized.M orphological changes of cardiomyocytes were observed and expressions of hypertrophy phenotype AN P and β-M H C mRN A of cardiomyocytes were detected by the Real-time PC R.Results T he FG F21 level increased with the concentration of glucose.T he FG F21 level of high glucose groups( 33 and 45 mmol / L) was higher than that of the control group at the same time point( P 0.05).W ith the increase of exposure time,the FG F21 level increased first and then decreased.T he FG F21 level at 24 h increased and was higher than that at 48 h( P 0.05).T he expression of FG F21 mRN A of high glucose groups( 33 and 45 mmol / L) was higher than that of the control group.W ith the increase of exposure time,the expression of FG F21 mRN A increased first and then decreased( P 0.05).After being treated by FG F21-siRN A,the cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by high glucose was more significant andexpressions of AN P and β-M H C increased( P 0.05).Conclusion T he expression of endogenous FG F21 depends on the concentration of glucose to a certain extent under high glucose condition.FG F21 may involve in the process of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by high glucose and protect cardiomyocytes against the hypertrophy.

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the role and signalling of microRNA(miR)-182 on regulating high glucose-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.METHODS:The candidates of miR which might potentially be involved on targeting Rac1 were predicted by applying bioinformatics analysis. The expression of all related candidates miRs was verified by real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) in cardiac tissues of db/db mice and db/m mice. Then the relationship between candidates miR and Rac1 was investigated with Pearson relevant analysis. Neonatal mice cardiomyocytes were cultured and divided into 2 groups: normal glucose group and high glucose group. The level of selected miR and Rac1 in two groups was detected by RT-PCR. Neonatal mice cardiomyocytes were then randomly divided into 4 groups: normal glucose group, selected microRNA mimics control group, high glucose group, high glucose plus selected miR mimics control group. The morphology of cardiomyocyte in each group was detected under light microscope. Furthermore, Rac1, β-MHC and α-SMA expressions were detected in cultured cardiomyocyte treated by high glucose for 48 h after transfecting selected miR mimics by RT-PCR and Western blot.RESULTS:A total of 6 miR candidates potentially targeting Rac1 were screened by bioinformatics, which were miR-182, miR-142-3p, miR-140, miR-101a, miR-429 and miR-200b. Among these candidates, miR-182 and miR-142-3p expression was significantly downregulated in cardiac tissues of db/db mice compared with db/m controls (P < 0.05). MiR-182 was negatively correlated with Rac1 by person analysis (r = -0.891 02). Downregulation of miR-182 and upregulation of Rac1, β-MHC, α-SMA were found in high glucose-induced cardiomyocyte. After transfection of miR-182 mimics, hypertrophic changes were significantly reduced and Rac1 as well β-MHC expression was significantly downregulated in cardiomyocyte incubated with high glucose.CONCLUSION:MiR-182 might be involved in the regulation of high glucose-induced myocardial hypertrophy process via targeting Rac1.

Objective To investigate the effects of miR-182 mimics on cardiac function in type 1 diabetic mice and explore the mechanisms of action .Methods Forty 8-week-old C57 mice were randomly divided into 4 groups:control group (n=5), miR-182 mimics control groups group (n=5), type 1 diabetes group (n=15) and type 1 diabetes treated by miR-182 mimics (n=15).Eight weeks after modeling , the cardiac function was evaluated by a high-resolution ultra-sonic imaging system for small animals (Vevo 2100).The samples of cardiac tissue was used to observe the ultrastructural changes by electron microscopy and to detect the expression levels of β-MHC,α-MHC, ANP, Col I, Col III and miR-182 mRNA .Results ①MiR-182 mimics improved the cadiac function of type 1 diabetic mice with an increase of left ventricu-lar function and left ventricular short axis fractional shortening ( P<0.01);②MiR-182 mimics significantly decreased the expression level of ANP , Col I, Col III protein and the ratio of β/α-MHC in cardiac tissue;③MiR-182 mimics induced ul-trastructural changes of cardiac tissue in type 1 diabetic mice and the phenomenon of autophagy .Conclusions MiR-182 mimics may improve the cardiac function of type 1 diabetic mice , which is associated with decreased expression of hypertro-phy-related gene ANP,β/α-MHC ratio and expression of Col I, Col III, reduction of mitochondrial damage and autophagy .

Objective To investigate whether the transfection of wild-type p53 gene into DU145 cells through 20 kHz ultrasound combined with microbubbles and liposome can induce cell apoptosis,and to explore the probable mechanism.Methods Ultrasound with a frequency of 20 kHz and power of 80 mW in continuous wave mode was used to transfect wild-type p53 gene into DU145 cells,and microbubble and liposome were added.DU145 cells were divided into four groups:control group (A),ultrasound combined with microbubbles group(B),liposome group(C),and ultrasound combined with microbubbles and liposome group(D).Twenty-four hours after treatment,the early apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry,and western blotting was used to evaluate the expression of the apoptosis-related proteins,p53 and MDM2,after treatment for thirty-six hours.Results The early apoptosis rate of group D was much higher than that of group A,B and C (P ＜0.01).Western blotting showed that the treatment of group D increase the expression of p53 protein and decreased the expression of MDM2 protein,which has a significance difference when compared with group A,B and C(P ＜0.01).Conclusions The treatment of transfection wild-type p53 gene into DU145 cells through 20 kHz ultrasound combined with microbubbles and liposome induce cell apoptosis may through up-regulation of p53 and down-regulation MDM2.

Objective To compare the different method of transplanting subcutaneously transplanted tumor in nude mice. Methods Xenograft models of human PC-3 prostate cancer in nude mice with cell suspension of different concentrations and tumor tissue were established, respectively. Then the time of tumor formation, take rates, morphological features and central tumor necrosis werecompared between the two groups. Meanwhile the histopathological features of transplanted tumor were examined, the tumor volume were measured, and the growth curve was drawn. Results No significant differences were observed in take rates in tumors established from the two types of implants. The xenograft of tumor tissue group formed in an earlier time, but the shape was irregular and central necrosis occured more easily. Though the xenograft of cell suspension group formed later than tumor tissue group, the shape was regular and central necrosis occurred late. There were no significant differences in the pathological features between the two groups. With the increase of concentrations of cells, the time of tumor formation was significantly shortened. Conclusion High concentration cell suspension is an ideal method to implant subcutaneously transplanted tumor of prostate cancer in nude mice.

目的 探讨低频超声促进基因转染裸鼠人前列腺癌皮下移植瘤的可行性及转染效率.方法 首先建立裸鼠人前列腺癌皮下移植瘤模型,成瘤后于瘤体内注射pEGFP质粒20μg,采用80 kHz的低频超声辐照3d后,激光共聚焦显微镜下观察绿色荧光蛋白的表达,分析其平均荧光强度,同时行常规病理学检查.结果 低频超声辐照组绿色荧光蛋白表达明显强于单纯裸质粒注射组(P＜0.05),而且荧光蛋白的表达主要集中在细胞质内.病理结果显示经低频超声辐照后,可见细胞发生明显形变、胞膜空泡形成以及核碎裂等改变.结论 低频超声能够有效的促进pEGFP质粒转染裸鼠人前列腺癌皮下移植瘤.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the sonication effects of 21-kHz ultrasound (US) with microbubbles (MBs) on the subcutaneous prostate tumors of nude mice. In total, 15 tumor-bearing nude mice were divided into three groups: The control group, the low-frequency US group and the US+MB group. The MBs used were from US contrast agent SonoVue. The parameters of the US were as follows: 21 kHz, 26 mW/cm(2) and a 40% duty cycle (2 sec on, 3 sec off) for 3 min, once every other day for 2 weeks. Color Doppler flow imaging, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, immunoblotting and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to evaluate the results. Following 2 weeks of treatment, the blood flow signal disappeared in the US+MB group only, and the tumor size was smaller when compared with the control and US groups. For the immunoblotting, the intensity of cyclooxygenase-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor in the US+MB group was lower compared with the other two groups. Tumor necrosis was present and the nucleus disappeared upon HE staining in the US+MB group. Upon TEM analysis, increased cytoplasmic vacuolation and dilatation of the perinuclear cisternae of the tumor cells were found in the US+MB group. In the control and US groups, the tumors had intact vascular endothelia and vessel lumens. However, lumen occlusion of the vessels was observed in the US+MB group. In conclusion, 21-kHz low-intensity US with MBs may result in vessel occlusion and growth inhibitory effects in the subcutaneous tumors of nude mice.

Objective To investigate the feasibility of low-frequency ultrasound combined with microbubbles improving transfection of enhanced green lfuorescent protein plasmid (pEGFP) to subcutaneously transplanted prostate cancer in nude mice, and to optimize the parameters of intensity. Methods The model of nude mice of subcutaneously transplanted prostate cancer were built. Then they were divided into 2 groups including low-frequency ultrasound group and low-frequency ultrasound combined with microbubbles group, each group with 15 mice. Then 250μl of mixture of saline and pEGFP (50μg) were co-injected in low-frequency ultrasound group and 250μl of mixture of SonVue and pEGFP (50μg) were co-injected in low-frequency ultrasound combined with microbubbles group through tail vein. According to intensity, they were divided into 3 subgroups respectively, including group 1 W/cm2, group 2 W/cm2 and group 3 W/cm2, each group with 5 mice.&nbsp;Ultrasound was applied at 80 kHz input frequency with 50%duty cycle for 10 minutes after pEGFP injection. The tumors were collected on the third day after treatment. The expression of pEGFP in tumor was examined by laser scanning confocal microscope (ISCM) and the average lfuorescence intensity were estimated. At the same time, routine pathological examination was performed. The mean lfuorescence intensity of low frequency ultrasound group and low frequency ultrasound combined with microbubble group were compared with one-way ANOVA and those of any two groups were compared by SNQ-q test. Results TThe mean lfuorescent light in low-frequency ultrasound combined with microbubbles group were 23.75±2.54, 30.25±1.67 and 59.60±2.03, which were obviously stronger than those of low-frequency ultrasound treatment group (14.04±1.35, 14.66±0.98 and 14.32±1.20), the difference was statistically signiifcant (the value of q were 18.26, 14.12 and 13.88, P<0.05). The rate of gene transfection increased along with the enhancement of the ultrasound intensity (the value of q were 15.33, 17.81 and 13.79, P<0.05). Histology analyses performed by HE staining showed that there was no damage to the tumor tissues in all groups, tumor tissues were intact and without infection. Conclusions Low-frequency ultrasound combination with microbubbles can significantly enhance pEGFP transfecting into subcutaneously transplanted prostate cancer in nude mice. In certain range, improving the ultrasound intensity can increase the rate of gene transfection.

Objective To investigate the effect of 20 kHz low-intensity ultrasound combined with microbubbles on autophagy of both PC3 cells and DU145 cells. Methods Ultrasound with a frequency of 20 kHz and intensity of 80 mW in continuous wave mode was used. Both PC3 cells and DU145 cells were divided into four groups, including control group (A), microbubbles group (B), ultrasound group (C) and ultrasound combined with microbubbles group (D). Twenty-four hours after treatment, the acid vesicular organelles were detected by acridine orange lfuorescence staining, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe autophagosomes. Results Acridine orange lfuorescence staining showed formation of acid vesicular organelles (AVOs) in the cytoplasm with normal nucleus in both PC3 cells and DU145 cells in group D, while in group A cells were basically normal. Lots of autophagosomes with double-membrane structure were detected by transmission electron microscope in group D. Conclusions Low-frequency and low-intensity ultrasound combined with microbubbles can induced autophagy in both PC3 cells and DU145 cells.