Abstract:

Objective    To investigate the role of COX-2 in signal transduction of myocyte apoptosis in order to know the mechanism of heart injury after intestinal perforations due to abdominal firearm wound. Methods    A total of 42 Chang-bai piglets were randomized into 7 groups: the control group and 6 wound groups(1-, 2-, 4-, 8-, 12- and 24-h groups after wound). The model of intestinal perforations due to abdominal firearm wound was established in the wound groups. Expression of COX-2 in myocardial cells in all groups was measured with immunohistochemical staining and image analysis. Myocardial apoptosis indexes and plasma LPS levels were determined at the same time. Results    Expression levels of COX-2 in myocardial cells were significantly elevated, and myocardial apoptosis indexes and plasma LPS levels were markedly increased in the wound groups than in the control group (P＜0.05). All these changes were positively related to the changes of myocardial COX-2 activity. Conclusion    Myocardial COX-2 expression increases after intestinal perforations due to abdominal firearm wound, which can induce myocardial apoptosis and heart injury.

Key words: Cyclooxygenase-2； Abdominal firearm wound； Myocardial apoptosis； Heart injury