1.Emerging evidence of inter-organ interaction on drug transporters under liver injury.
Ling JIANG ; Ying DENG ; Ruijing MU ; Wenke FENG ; Xiaonan LIU ; Li LIU
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(6):687-699
Dysfunction of drug transporters significantly affects therapeutic outcomes and drug efficacy in patients with liver injury. Clinical and experimental evidence demonstrates that liver injury involves complex inter-organ interactions among the brain, eye, liver, intestine, and kidney. Recent advances in basic and clinical research have illuminated the physiologic and molecular mechanisms underlying transporter alterations in liver injury, particularly those associated with bilirubin, reactive oxygen species, ammonia, bile acid, and inflammatory factors. Notably, the influence of these transporter modifications on drug pharmacokinetics in liver injury patients remains inadequately understood. Additional research is necessary to fully comprehend these effects and their therapeutic implications. The documented alterations of transporters in distant organs across various liver diseases indicate that dosage modifications may be required when administering transporter-substrate drugs, including both traditional Chinese and Western medicines, to patients with liver dysfunction. This strategy helps maintain drug concentrations within therapeutic ranges while reducing adverse reactions. Furthermore, when utilizing transporter inducers or inhibitors clinically, consideration of their long-term effects on transporters and subsequent therapeutic impact is essential. Careful attention must be paid to avoid compromising the elimination of toxic metabolites and proteins when inhibiting these transporters. Similarly, prudent use of inducers or inducer-type therapeutic drugs is necessary to prevent enhanced drug resistance. This review examines recent clinical and experimental findings regarding the inter-organ interaction of drug transporters in liver injury conditions and their clinical relevance.
Humans
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Liver/drug effects*
;
Animals
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Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/metabolism*
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Membrane Transport Proteins/metabolism*
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Biological Transport
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Liver Diseases/drug therapy*
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Pharmaceutical Preparations/metabolism*
2.Clinical features and initial outcomes in elderly patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy
Jinxiu LIANG ; Fangxiao XIA ; Wenke HAO ; Wenxue HU ; Yanhua WU ; Feng YU ; Zhi ZHAO ; Wei LIU
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2024;43(2):168-174
Objective:The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical features and initial treatment outcomes of elderly individuals with idiopathic membranous nephropathy.Methods:This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics and therapeutic effect of hospitalized patients aged 60 years or older with renal-biopsy-proven idiopathic membranous nephropathy for at least one year.Results:This study enrolled a total of 91 elderly patients with IMN, consisting of 51 males(56.0%)and 40 females(44.0%). The median age of the patients was 67 years.The urinary protein creatinine ratio(uPCR)and urinary albumin creatinine ratio(uACR)of the patients were 4 454.3 mg/g and 2 258.5 mg/g, respectively.The median 24-hour urinary protein and urinary albumin levels were 5 098.2 mg/24 h and 2 800.6 mg/24 h, respectively.The average estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)was(60.5±20.4)ml·min -1·1.73 m -2.Out of the total of 61 patients, 67.0% achieved remission, including complete and partial remission, within a year of renal biopsy.The levels of uPCR and uACR were significantly higher in the non-remission group compared to the remission group(5 462.5 vs.2 271.1 mg/g, P<0.001; 2 774.4 vs.1 320.0 mg/g, P=0.001). Additionally, the levels of 24h urinary protein and urinary albumin were significantly higher in the non-remission group compared to the remission group(6 526.4 vs.3 210.4 mg/g, P=0.002; 3 067.7 vs.2 102.4 mg/g, P=0.007). The remission group had a higher proportion of patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy(85.2% vs.33.3%, P<0.001). The remission rates were higher in patients treated with glucocorticoid combined with cyclophosphamide, glucocorticoid combined with calcineurin inhibitors, or glucocorticoid combined with mycophenolate mofetil compared to those receiving conservative treatment(88.2% vs.31.0%, P=0.001; 80.0% vs.31.0%, P<0.001; 100.0% vs.31.0%, P=0.007). There was no significant difference in remission rate between the three immunosuppressive therapy groups( P>0.05). However, upon further analysis, it was found that the levels of uPCR, uACR, and serum cystatin C(CysC)were higher in the immunosuppressive therapy groups compared to conservative treatment.Additionally, serum total protein and albumin were lower in the immunosuppressive therapy groups, and these differences were statistically significant( P<0.05). Conclusions:The majority of elderly patients diagnosed with IMN have multiple comorbidities.For those at high risk with elevated urinary protein levels, early initiation of immunosuppressive therapy may lead to a higher initial urinary protein remission rate.Therefore, it is advisable to develop individualized treatment plans for elderly patients with IMN based on their clinical characteristics, as well as the risks and benefits associated with immunosuppressive therapy.
3.Progress of IL-21 and Tfh Mediated Immunotherapy in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
LIU XINGKAI ; ZHANG YIFAN ; ZHANG XIN ; HE GONGHAO ; CAI WENKE
Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer 2024;27(7):550-558
Non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)is a prevalent and aggressive global malignancy.Conventional sur-gical treatments,radiotherapy,chemotherapy,and targeted therapies often fall short in halting disease progression due to inher-ent limitations,resulting in suboptimal prognosis.Despite the advent of immunotherapy drugs offering new hope for NSCLC treatment,current efficacy remains insufficient to meet all patient needs.Therefore,actively exploring novel immunotherapeu-tic approaches to further reduce mortality rates in NSCLC patients has become a crucial focus of NSCLC research.This article aims to systematically review the anti-tumor effects ofinterleukin-21 and follicular helper T cells in NSCLC immunotherapy by summarizing and analyzing relevant literatures from both domestic and international sources,as well as exploring the potential for enhancing NSCLC treatment prospects through immune checkpoint regulation via immunotherapeutic means.
4.Role of macrophages in pulmonary blood-air barrier impairment induced by PM2.5 exposure
Mengfei YAO ; Guozhen WANG ; Xiaonan HOU ; Duo TANG ; Zijia LIU ; Chao SHENG ; Yuchen ZHENG ; Qi ZONG ; Wenke LI ; Zhixiang ZHOU
Journal of Army Medical University 2024;46(8):849-858
Objective To investigate the role of macrophages in the process of fine particulate matter (PM2.5)exposure induced damage to pulmonary blood-air barrier.Methods Eighteen male BALB/C mice (aged of 10 weeks,weighing 24~27 g)were randomly divided into control group and low-and high-dose PM2.5 exposure groups (receiving 1 .8 and 16.2 mg/kg,respectively),with 6 mice in each group.The control group received tracheal instillations of normal saline on days 1,4,and 7,whereas the exposure groups were administered corresponding dose of PM2.5 exposure at the same time points.In 24 h after last exposure,pathological changes in the lung tissues were observed,and the contents of total protein (TP ),lactate dehydrogenase (LDH ),and alkaline phosphatase (AKP ) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF ),and F4/80 protein level in lung tissue were measured to evaluate the blood-air barrier damage and macrophage infiltration within the lung tissues.Additionally,an in vitro model of the blood-air barrier was established using A549 alveolar epithelial cells and EA.hy926 vascular endothelial cells.In combination with a THP-1 macrophage model,the supernatant PM2.5 supernatant,macrophage supernatant,and PM2.5-macrophage supernatant were incubated with the barrier model for 24 h,respectively.Transmembrane electrical resistance (TEER),sodium fluorescein permeability of the barrier model,and LDH release from the barrier cells were measured to ascertain the extent of macrophage-mediated enhancement in barrier damage induced by PM2.5 exposure.Furthermore,the expression of inflammatory cytokines,such as TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,and IL-8 in the macrophages after PM2.5 exposure was analyzed with quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR)and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results PM2.5 exposure induced lung tissue damage in mice in a dose-dependent manner,significantly elevated the contents of TP,LDH and AKP in the BALF and caused marked infiltration of macrophages into the lung tissue,especially the high-dose exposure when compared with the mice from the control group (P<0.01 ).In vitro barrier model exposure experiments showed that in comparison with the treatment of 150 and 300 μg/mL PM2.5 and macrophage supernatant,the same doses of PM2.5-macrophage supernatant resulted in notably decreased TEER and significantly enhanced permeability in the barrier model (P<0.01 ),and markedly increased LDH release from epithelial and endothelial barrier cells (P<0.01 ).Additionally,the exposure of 150 and 300μg/mL PM2.5 led to a significant up-regulation of TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,and IL-8 in the macrophages (P<0.01 ).Conclusion Macrophages deteriorate PM2.5-induced functional impairment of the pulmonary blood-air barrier.
5.Protocol for the Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines for Children with Upper Airway cough Syndrome
Lingyun ZHANG ; Xiyou WANG ; Daxin LIU ; Qiang HE ; Xuefeng WANG ; Xun LI ; Yutong FEI ; Yi XIAO ; Xiaoxue LAN ; Yuanwen LIANG ; Xiaoxuan LIN ; Rong ZHOU ; Sirui GU ; Ying ZHANG ; Yue WANG ; Xingzhu YE ; Wenke LIU ; Hong CHEN ; Changhe YU
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(8):961-966
In order to standardize the clinical diagnosis and treatment of upper airway cough syndrome (UACS) for children in China, Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine initiated the development of this Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines for Children with Upper Airway cough Syndrome based on evidence-based medical evidence. This guideline will process registration, write a plan, and develop relevant processes and writing norms, develop and publish official documents. This plan mainly introduces the scope of the guidelines, the purpose and significance, the composition of the guidelines working group, the management of conflicts of interest, the collection, selection and determination of clinical problems, the retrieval, screening and rating of evidence, and the consensus of recommendations. Registration information: This study has been registered in the international practice guidelines registry platform with the registration code of PREPARE-2023CN087.
6.Clinical treatment guideline for pulmonary blast injury (version 2023)
Zhiming SONG ; Junhua GUO ; Jianming CHEN ; Jing ZHONG ; Yan DOU ; Jiarong MENG ; Guomin ZHANG ; Guodong LIU ; Huaping LIANG ; Hezhong CHEN ; Shuogui XU ; Yufeng ZHANG ; Zhinong WANG ; Daixing ZHONG ; Tao JIANG ; Zhiqiang XUE ; Feihu ZHOU ; Zhixin LIANG ; Yang LIU ; Xu WU ; Kaican CAI ; Yi SHEN ; Yong SONG ; Xiaoli YUAN ; Enwu XU ; Yifeng ZHENG ; Shumin WANG ; Erping XI ; Shengsheng YANG ; Wenke CAI ; Yu CHEN ; Qingxin LI ; Zhiqiang ZOU ; Chang SU ; Hongwei SHANG ; Jiangxing XU ; Yongjing LIU ; Qianjin WANG ; Xiaodong WEI ; Guoan XU ; Gaofeng LIU ; Junhui LUO ; Qinghua LI ; Bin SONG ; Ming GUO ; Chen HUANG ; Xunyu XU ; Yuanrong TU ; Liling ZHENG ; Mingke DUAN ; Renping WAN ; Tengbo YU ; Hai YU ; Yanmei ZHAO ; Yuping WEI ; Jin ZHANG ; Hua GUO ; Jianxin JIANG ; Lianyang ZHANG ; Yunfeng YI
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2023;39(12):1057-1069
Pulmonary blast injury has become the main type of trauma in modern warfare, characterized by externally mild injuries but internally severe injuries, rapid disease progression, and a high rate of early death. The injury is complicated in clinical practice, often with multiple and compound injuries. Currently, there is a lack of effective protective materials, accurate injury detection instrument and portable monitoring and transportation equipment, standardized clinical treatment guidelines in various medical centers, and evidence-based guidelines at home and abroad, resulting in a high mortality in clinlcal practice. Therefore, the Trauma Branch of Chinese Medical Association and the Editorial Committee of Chinese Journal of Trauma organized military and civilian experts in related fields such as thoracic surgery and traumatic surgery to jointly develop the Clinical treatment guideline for pulmonary blast injury ( version 2023) by combining evidence for effectiveness and clinical first-line treatment experience. This guideline provided 16 recommended opinions surrounding definition, characteristics, pre-hospital diagnosis and treatment, and in-hospital treatment of pulmonary blast injury, hoping to provide a basis for the clinical treatment in hospitals at different levels.
7.Association between the severity of hypodontia and the characteristics of craniofacial morphology in a Chinese population: A cross-sectional study
Xin XIONG ; Jiaqi LIU ; Yange WU ; Chengxinyue YE ; Qinlanhui ZHANG ; Yufan ZHU ; Wenke YANG ; Jun WANG
The Korean Journal of Orthodontics 2023;53(3):150-162
Objective:
To investigate craniofacial differences in individuals with hypodontia and explore the relationship between craniofacial features and the number of congenitally missing teeth.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 261 Chinese patients (males, 124; females, 137; age, 7–24 years), divided into four groups (without hypodontia: no teeth missing, mild: one or two missing teeth, moderate: three to five missing teeth, severe: six or more missing teeth) according to the number of congenitally missing teeth. Differences in cephalometric measurements among the groups were analyzed. Further, multivariate linear regression and smooth curve fitting were performed to evaluate the relationship between the number of congenitally missing teeth and the cephalometric measurements.
Results:
In patients with hypodontia, SNA, NA-AP, FH-NA, ANB, Wits, ANS-Me/N-Me, GoGn-SN, UL-EP, and LL-EP significantly decreased, while Pog-NB, AB-NP, N-ANS, and S-Go/N-Me significantly increased. In multivariate linear regression analysis, SNB, Pog-NB, and S-Go/N-Me were positively related to the number of congenitally missing teeth. In contrast, NA-AP, FH-NA, ANB, Wits, N-Me, ANS-Me, ANS-Me/N-Me, GoGn-SN, SGn-FH (Y-axis), UL-EP, and LL-EP were negatively related, with absolute values of regression coefficients ranging from 0.147 to 0.357. Further, NA-AP, Pog-NB, S-Go/N-Me, and GoGn-SN showed the same tendency in both sexes, whereas UL-EP and LL-EP were different.
Conclusions
Compared with controls, patients with hypodontia tend toward a Class III skeletal relationship, reduced lower anterior face height, flatter mandibular plane, and more retrusive lips. The number of congenitally missing teeth had a greater effect on certain characteristics of craniofacial morphology in males than in females.
8.The prescription rule analysis of the New Theory on Spleen Dampness Syndrome by Academician TONG Xiaolin
ZHENG Jinghui ; LI Lijuan ; HUANG Feijian ; CHEN Xuan ; LEI Ye ; ZHU Xiangdong ; LIU Wenke
Digital Chinese Medicine 2022;5(1):33-48
Objective To analyze the basic characteristics, drug features, prescription rules, and drug-symptom relationships of patients in the splenic deficiency and impairment stage, by data mining of medical records under the New Theory on Spleen Dampness Syndrome (Pi Dan Xin Lun, 《脾瘅新论》). Methods Medical records listed in the “New Theory on Spleen Dampness Syndrome – Understanding and Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome from the Perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine”, and which were diagnosed with the spleen dampness syndrome at the splenic deficiency and impairment stage, during January 2004 and December 2016 were selected. These patients’ data, including basic information, clinical symptoms, laboratory examination results, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and western medicine diagnoses, treatment methods, prescriptions, etc., were collected. The collected data were subsequently compiled into a medical record database using the Epidata 3.1 data management software, followed by the use of Apriori algorithm provided in the SPSS Modeler 14.2 statistical software to investigate the association rules between drug-drug, drug-symptom, and drug-western medicine indices. Results (i) A total of 51 medical records were included, involving 17 types of syndromes. Among them, the top three with frequency ≥ 3 included “Phlegm and blood stasis, and thoracic obstruction” “Deficiency-weakness of the spleen Qi, and static blood blocking collaterals”, and “Deficiency-weakness of the spleen Qi, and static blood blocking collaterals”. Alternatively, of the 14 treatment methods, the top three treatments with frequency of ≥ 3 included “Activating Yang and eliminating turbidity, and removing phlegm and dredging channel blockage” “Strengthening the spleen and benefiting Qi, and eliminating phlegm to activate the channels”, and “Warming Yang and benefiting Qi, and expelling cold to remove obstructions”. Among the 15 prescriptions, the top three used with frequency ≥ 3 included Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Tang (黄芪桂枝五物汤), Gualou Xiebai Banxia Tang (瓜蒌薤白半夏汤), and Ganjiang Huangqin Huanglian Renshen Tang (干姜黄芩黄连人参汤). Lastly, of the 83 drugs used for a total of 476 times, those with frequency ≥ 15 included Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Huangqi (Astragali Radix), Jiudahuang (Wine-processed Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), Jixueteng (Spatholobi Caulis), Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), and Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus). (ii) For the drug-drug associations, under the criteria of support ≥ 15% and confidence = 100%, seven second-order association rules, seven third-order rules, and six fourth-order roles were identified. The top-ranking rule of each was “Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) → Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma)” “Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma) + Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) → Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma)”, and “Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) + Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) + Jixueteng (Spatholobi Caulis) → Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix)”, respectively. Alternatively, the drug-symptom associations were analyzed under the criteria of support ≥ 5% and confidence = 100%, which derived eight second-order association rules, 31 third-order rules, and 30 fourth-order rules. The top-ranking association rule of each order was “Huangqi (Astragali Radix) → Limb edema” “Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) + Jixueteng (Spatholobi Caulis) → Limb numbness and pain”, and “Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) + Jixueteng (Spatholobi Caulis) + Huangqi (Astragali Radix) → Limb numbness and pain”, respectively. Similarly, the drug-western medicine index associations were investigated under the criteria of support ≥ 5% and confidence = 100%, and five second-order association rules, 16 third-order rules, and 16 fourth-order rules were identified. In this category, the top-ranking association rule of each order was “Qinpi (Fraxini Cortex) → Uric acid” “Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma) + Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma) → Glycated hemoglobin”, and “Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma) + Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma) + Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) → Glycated hemoglobin”, respectively. Conclusion Through association rule mining, this study objectively and quantitatively demonstrated the drug-drug, drug-symptom, and drug-physicochemical index associations of patients with the spleen dampness syndrome at the splenic deficiency and impairment stage treated by Academician TONG Xiaolin. The results indicated that treatment for these patients adopted the “state-target” syndrome differentiation method. The drug combination was characterized by “small prescriptions”, targeting both the patient’s symptoms and signs (syndrome target) and western medicine indices (treatment target). This study could provide references for future research on the academic thoughts and medical experience of Academician TONG Xiaolin.
9.Two-stage repair of composite soft tissue defect of dorsal wrist: Free flap transfer followed by transplantation of allogeneic tendon
Xiang WANG ; Qingsong LI ; Wei LIANG ; Liang JI ; Xingfeng HU ; Bowei ZHANG ; Ding XU ; Wenke LIU
Chinese Journal of Microsurgery 2022;45(6):643-649
Objective:To explore the clinical effect of a two-staged repair and reconstruction of composite soft tissue defect of dorsal wrist with transfer of free flap (in stage-one) repair and followed by transplantation of allogeneic tendon (in stage-two) reconstruction.Methods:From December 2018 to January 2021, 6 cases with dorsal wrist composite tissue injury and extensor tendon defect were treated in the Department of Hand and Microsurgery of the Fourth People's Hospital of Guiyang City. Four cases were treated with free anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF) combined with allogeneic tendon in the first stage to reconstruct finger dorsiflexion function, and 2 cases were treated with free ilioinguinal flap combined with allogeneic tendon in the second stage to reconstruct finger dorsiflexion function. The age of the patients ranged from 22 to 62 years old. The areas of defect were 5.0 cm×12.0 cm-8.0 cm×20.0 cm. Two cases had 2 extensor tendons defect, 1 had 3 extensor tendons defect, 2 had 4 extensor tendons defect, and 1 had 5 extensor tendons defect. The length of extensor tendon defects was 7.0-22.0 cm. In 5 cases, the wounds were covered by VSD for 5 to 7 days after complete emergenly debridement. Then, after the wounds had been cleared and clean, the wounds of 3 cases were covered with free ALTF, 2 with free ilioinguinal flap, and 1 with free ALTF after skin graft scar resection. At 3-4 months later, the extension function of digit was reconstructed with the transplantation of allogeneic tendons. Postoperative appearance of the flaps and functions of digits were observed at the outpatient clinics during the follow-up.Results:The postoperative follow-up lasted for 10 to 26 (15 in average) months. All 6 flaps surrived completely, and 1 case was further treated with flap thinning at 4 months after the second surgery. During the follow-up, all flaps healed well and were good in appearance and texture. Meanwhile, the donor areas were all healed well with no dysfunction nor sensory disorder. All the transplanted tendons were in good glide without adhesion. The active motion of metacarpophalangeal joints ranged from (10±10) ° to (80±10) °. According to the Evaluation Trial Standards of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, at the final follow-up, 4 cases were excellent and 2 cases were good.Conclusion:It is safe and effective that using the two-staged procedure in repair of composite tissue defect of dorsal wrist with stage-one ALTF or ilioinguinal flap transfer combined with stage-two reconstruction with transplantation of allogeneic tendon. It can minimize the adhesion after tendon transplantation and donor site damage
10.Customized maxillary incisor position relative to dentoskeletal and soft tissue patterns in Chinese women: A retrospective study
Xueman ZHOU ; Yingcheng ZHENG ; Zhenzhen ZHANG ; Zihan ZHANG ; Lina WU ; Jiaqi LIU ; Wenke YANG ; Jun WANG
The Korean Journal of Orthodontics 2022;52(2):150-160
Objective:
To provide reliable prediction models based on dentoskeletal and soft tissue variables for customizing maxillary incisor positions and to optimize digitalized orthodontic treatment planning.
Methods:
This study included 244 Chinese women (age, 18–40 years old) with esthetic profiles after orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances (133 in group I: 1° ≤ The angle between the nasion [N]-A point [A] plane and the N-B point [B] plane [ANB] ≤ 4°; 111 in group II: 4° < ANB ≤ 7°). Dental, skeletal, and soft tissue measurements were performed on lateral cephalograms of the participants. Correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were used to determine the influence of dentoskeletal and soft tissue variables on maxillary incisor position.
Results:
The ideal anteroposterior position of the maxillary incisor varied between sagittal skeletal patterns. The position of the maxillary incisor correlated with the sagittal discrepancy between the maxilla and the mandible (ANB), protrusion of the midface, nasal tip projection, development of the chin, and inclination of both the maxillary and mandibular incisors. Distance from the maxillary central incisor to nasion-pogonion plane predicted using multiple linear regression analysis was accurate and could be a practical measurement in orthodontic treatment planning.
Conclusions
Instead of using an average value or norm, orthodontists should customize a patient’s ideal maxillary incisor position using dentoskeletal and soft tissue evaluations.

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