1.Structure and Function of GPR126/ADGRG6
Ting-Ting WU ; Si-Qi JIA ; Shu-Zhu CAO ; De-Xin ZHU ; Guo-Chao TANG ; Zhi-Hua SUN ; Xing-Mei DENG ; Hui ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):299-309
GPR126, also known as ADGRG6, is one of the most deeply studied aGPCRs. Initially, GPR126 was thought to be a receptor associated with muscle development and was primarily expressed in the muscular and skeletal systems. With the deepening of research, it was found that GPR126 is expressed in multiple mammalian tissues and organs, and is involved in many biological processes such as embryonic development, nervous system development, and extracellular matrix interactions. Compared with other aGPCRs proteins, GPR126 has a longer N-terminal domain, which can bind to ligands one-to-one and one-to-many. Its N-terminus contains five domains, a CUB (complement C1r/C1s, Uegf, Bmp1) domain, a PTX (Pentraxin) domain, a SEA (Sperm protein, Enterokinase, and Agrin) domain, a hormone binding (HormR) domain, and a conserved GAIN domain. The GAIN domain has a self-shearing function, which is essential for the maturation, stability, transport and function of aGPCRs. Different SEA domains constitute different GPR126 isomers, which can regulate the activation and closure of downstream signaling pathways through conformational changes. GPR126 has a typical aGPCRs seven-transmembrane helical structure, which can be coupled to Gs and Gi, causing cAMP to up- or down-regulation, mediating transmembrane signaling and participating in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation and migration. GPR126 is activated in a tethered-stalk peptide agonism or orthosteric agonism, which is mainly manifested by self-proteolysis or conformational changes in the GAIN domain, which mediates the rapid activation or closure of downstream pathways by tethered agonists. In addition to the tethered short stem peptide activation mode, GPR126 also has another allosteric agonism or tunable agonism mode, which is specifically expressed as the GAIN domain does not have self-shearing function in the physiological state, NTF and CTF always maintain the binding state, and the NTF binds to the ligand to cause conformational changes of the receptor, which somehow transmits signals to the GAIN domain in a spatial structure. The GAIN domain can cause the 7TM domain to produce an activated or inhibited signal for signal transduction, For example, type IV collagen interacts with the CUB and PTX domains of GPR126 to activate GPR126 downstream signal transduction. GPR126 has homology of 51.6%-86.9% among different species, with 10 conserved regions between different species, which can be traced back to the oldest metazoans as well as unicellular animals.In terms of diseases, GPR126 dysfunction involves the pathological process of bone, myelin, embryo and other related diseases, and is also closely related to the occurrence and development of malignant tumors such as breast cancer and colon cancer. However, the biological function of GPR126 in various diseases and its potential as a therapeutic target still needs further research. This paper focuses on the structure, interspecies differences and conservatism, signal transduction and biological functions of GPR126, which provides ideas and references for future research on GPR126.
2.In situ Analytical Techniques for Membrane Protein Interactions
Zi-Yuan KANG ; Tong YU ; Chao LI ; Xue-Hua ZHANG ; Jun-Hui GUO ; Qi-Chang LI ; Jing-Xing GUO ; Hao XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1206-1218
Membrane proteins are integral components of cellular membranes, accounting for approximately 30% of the mammalian proteome and serving as targets for 60% of FDA-approved drugs. They are critical to both physiological functions and disease mechanisms. Their functional protein-protein interactions form the basis for many physiological processes, such as signal transduction, material transport, and cell communication. Membrane protein interactions are characterized by membrane environment dependence, spatial asymmetry, weak interaction strength, high dynamics, and a variety of interaction sites. Therefore, in situ analysis is essential for revealing the structural basis and kinetics of these proteins. This paper introduces currently available in situ analytical techniques for studying membrane protein interactions and evaluates the characteristics of each. These techniques are divided into two categories: label-based techniques (e.g., co-immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assay, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, resonance energy transfer, and proximity labeling) and label-free techniques (e.g., cryo-electron tomography, in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance, and structure prediction tools). Each technique is critically assessed in terms of its historical development, strengths, and limitations. Based on the authors’ relevant research, the paper further discusses the key issues and trends in the application of these techniques, providing valuable references for the field of membrane protein research. Label-based techniques rely on molecular tags or antibodies to detect proximity or interactions, offering high specificity and adaptability for dynamic studies. For instance, proximity ligation assay combines the specificity of antibodies with the sensitivity of PCR amplification, while proximity labeling enables spatial mapping of interactomes. Conversely, label-free techniques, such as cryo-electron tomography, provide near-native structural insights, and Raman spectroscopy directly probes molecular interactions without perturbing the membrane environment. Despite advancements, these methods face several universal challenges: (1) indirect detection, relying on proximity or tagged proxies rather than direct interaction measurement; (2) limited capacity for continuous dynamic monitoring in live cells; and (3) potential artificial influences introduced by labeling or sample preparation, which may alter native conformations. Emerging trends emphasize the multimodal integration of complementary techniques to overcome individual limitations. For example, combining in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry with proximity labeling enhances both spatial resolution and interaction coverage, enabling high-throughput subcellular interactome mapping. Similarly, coupling fluorescence resonance energy transfer with nuclear magnetic resonance and artificial intelligence (AI) simulations integrates dynamic structural data, atomic-level details, and predictive modeling for holistic insights. Advances in AI, exemplified by AlphaFold’s ability to predict interaction interfaces, further augment experimental data, accelerating structure-function analyses. Future developments in cryo-electron microscopy, super-resolution imaging, and machine learning are poised to refine spatiotemporal resolution and scalability. In conclusion, in situ analysis of membrane protein interactions remains indispensable for deciphering their roles in health and disease. While current technologies have significantly advanced our understanding, persistent gaps highlight the need for innovative, integrative approaches. By synergizing experimental and computational tools, researchers can achieve multiscale, real-time, and perturbation-free analyses, ultimately unraveling the dynamic complexity of membrane protein networks and driving therapeutic discovery.
3.A systematic evaluation of the public health governance capacity of 40 cities in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui Provinces
Huayi ZHANG ; Qingyu ZHOU ; Huihui HUANGFU ; Peiwu SHI ; Qunhong SHEN ; Chaoyang ZHANG ; Zheng CHEN ; Chuan PU ; Lingzhong XU ; Anning MA ; Zhaohui GONG ; Tianqiang XU ; Panshi WANG ; Hua WANG ; Chao HAO ; Zhi HU ; Chengyue LI ; Mo HAO
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(5):451-457
ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the public health governance capacity of 40 cities in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui Provinces, providing a scientific evaluation basis for building a "Healthy Yangtze River Delta". MethodsA comprehensive collection of policy documents, public information reports, and research literature related to public health governance capacity in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui Provinces was conducted, totaling 6 920 policy documents, 1 720 information reports, and 1 200 literature pieces. Based on the evaluation standards for an appropriate public health system established by the research team, the basic status of public health governance capacity was assessed to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the 40 cities. ResultsIn 2022, the public health governance capacity score for the 40 cities in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui Provinces was (562.5±38.0) points. In terms of specific areas, the emergency response field received the highest score of (791.4±49.7) points, while the chronic disease prevention and control field received the lowest score of (368.2±29.6) points. The Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Anhui region has largely achieved the strategic priority of health, gradually improved public health legal regulations, and established a basic organizational framework with a solid foundation for information and data infrastructure. However, challenges still need to be addressed, such as unstable government funding for public health, unclear departmental responsibilities, and barriers to information interoperability. ConclusionThe public health governance capacity of the 40 cities in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui Province has been at a moderate level, but disparities have still existed across regions and fields. In the future, while continuing to deepen existing advantages, it is essential to accurately identify the causes of problems, establish a long-term and stable investment mechanism, enhance information connectivity mechanisms, further clarify departmental responsibilities, and promote the achievement of the "Healthy Yangtze River Delta" goal.
4.Safety of teriflunomide in Chinese adult patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis: A phase IV, 24-week multicenter study.
Chao QUAN ; Hongyu ZHOU ; Huan YANG ; Zheng JIAO ; Meini ZHANG ; Baorong ZHANG ; Guojun TAN ; Bitao BU ; Tao JIN ; Chunyang LI ; Qun XUE ; Huiqing DONG ; Fudong SHI ; Xinyue QIN ; Xinghu ZHANG ; Feng GAO ; Hua ZHANG ; Jiawei WANG ; Xueqiang HU ; Yueting CHEN ; Jue LIU ; Wei QIU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(4):452-458
BACKGROUND:
Disease-modifying therapies have been approved for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). The present study aims to examine the safety of teriflunomide in Chinese patients with RMS.
METHODS:
This non-randomized, multi-center, 24-week, prospective study enrolled RMS patients with variant (c.421C>A) or wild type ABCG2 who received once-daily oral teriflunomide 14 mg. The primary endpoint was the relationship between ABCG2 polymorphisms and teriflunomide exposure over 24 weeks. Safety was assessed over the 24-week treatment with teriflunomide.
RESULTS:
Eighty-two patients were assigned to variant ( n = 42) and wild type groups ( n = 40), respectively. Geometric mean and geometric standard deviation (SD) of pre-dose concentration (variant, 54.9 [38.0] μg/mL; wild type, 49.1 [32.0] μg/mL) and area under plasma concentration-time curve over a dosing interval (AUC tau ) (variant, 1731.3 [769.0] μg∙h/mL; wild type, 1564.5 [1053.0] μg∙h/mL) values at steady state were approximately similar between the two groups. Safety profile was similar and well tolerated across variant and wild type groups in terms of rates of treatment emergent adverse events (TEAE), treatment-related TEAE, grade ≥3 TEAE, and serious adverse events (AEs). No new specific safety concerns or deaths were reported in the study.
CONCLUSION:
ABCG2 polymorphisms did not affect the steady-state exposure of teriflunomide, suggesting a similar efficacy and safety profile between variant and wild type RMS patients.
REGISTRATION
NCT04410965, https://clinicaltrials.gov .
Humans
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Crotonates/adverse effects*
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Toluidines/adverse effects*
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Nitriles
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Hydroxybutyrates
;
Female
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Male
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Adult
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ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Member 2/genetics*
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Middle Aged
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Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting/genetics*
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Prospective Studies
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Young Adult
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Neoplasm Proteins/genetics*
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East Asian People
5.Guiding significance of intra-articular sagittal reduction in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures.
Jia-Fan ZHANG ; An-Hua LONG ; Da-Cheng HAN ; Zi-Chao JIA ; Ya-Kui ZHANG
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(1):100-104
Tibial plateau fracture is a fracture involving the proximal articular surface of the tibia, and its injury mechanism is complex, the fracture morphology is different, and it is often accompanied by different degrees of soft tissue injury, which is difficult to diagnose and treat. In recent years, the research hotspot has focused on solving the reduction and fixation of the posterior lateral column of the tibial plateau, because it has been clinically found that the residual sagittal plane after tibial plateau fracture is insufficient reduction or loss of reduction leads to knee joint dysfunction. The posterior inclination angle of the tibial plateau is an important parameter to describe the sagittal alignment of the tibia. In the natural state, the posterior tibial slope(PTS) is altered to involve the soft tissues around the knee joint such as anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament(PCL), which affects the stability of the knee joint. In total knee arthroplasty(TKA), choosing the appropriate PTS can effectively increase the prosthesis survival rate, improve the flexion and extension knee efficacy, which is beneficial to knee joint stability. In the field of orthopedic trauma, correction of sagittal deformity is equally important, following the principle of "reverse mechanism of injury". Quantitative evaluation of postoperative sagittal realignment of tibial plateau fractures and investigation of the effect of sagittal realignment on long-term outcomes and complications are still poorly understood and require further clinical and biomechanical studies.
Humans
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Tibial Fractures/physiopathology*
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Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods*
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Tibial Plateau Fractures
6.FGF19 alleviates inflammatory injury in vascular endothelial cells by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
Yan-Jun ZHANG ; Fei-Fei XIAO ; Xiao-Hua LI ; Shen-Hua TANG ; Yi SANG ; Chao-Yue LIU ; Jian-Chang LI
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(5):601-608
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the role and mechanism of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 19 in inflammation-induced injury of vascular endothelial cells caused by high glucose (HG).
METHODS:
Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were randomly divided into four groups: control, HG, FGF19, and HG+FGF19 (n=3 each). The effect of different concentrations of glucose and/or FGF19 on HUVEC viability was assessed using the CCK8 assay. Flow cytometry was utilized to examine the impact of FGF19 on HUVEC apoptosis. Levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured by ELISA. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting were used to determine the mRNA and protein expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Cells were further divided into control, siRNA-Nrf2 (siNrf2), HG, HG+FGF19, HG+FGF19+negative control, and HG+FGF19+siNrf2 groups (n=3 each) to observe the effect of FGF19 on oxidative stress injury in HUVECs induced by high glucose after silencing the Nrf2 gene.
RESULTS:
Compared to the control group, the HG group exhibited increased apoptosis rate, increased IL-6, iNOS and MDA levels, and increased VEGF mRNA and protein expression, along with decreased T-SOD activity and decreased mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 (P<0.05). Compared to the HG group, the HG+FGF19 group showed reduced apoptosis rate, decreased IL-6, iNOS and MDA levels, and decreased VEGF mRNA and protein expression, with increased T-SOD activity and increased Nrf2 and HO-1 mRNA and protein expression (P<0.05). Compared to the HG+FGF19+negative control group, the HG+FGF19+siNrf2 group had decreased T-SOD activity and increased MDA levels (P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
FGF19 can alleviate inflammation-induced injury in vascular endothelial cells caused by HG, potentially through the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
Humans
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NF-E2-Related Factor 2/genetics*
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Signal Transduction
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Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/drug effects*
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Fibroblast Growth Factors/pharmacology*
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Heme Oxygenase-1/physiology*
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Apoptosis/drug effects*
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Glucose
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Inflammation
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Interleukin-6/analysis*
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Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/genetics*
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Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/analysis*
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Cells, Cultured
7.Advances in Surface Modification Techniques of Ureteral Stents.
Guanjun MA ; Hua XIE ; Chao ZHOU ; Guangtai ZHOU ; Haijun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Instrumentation 2025;49(4):406-414
The article introduces the formation process of bacterial infection and encrustation on the surface of ureteral stents, elaborates in detail on six surface modification methods for ureteral stents, namely impregnation, spraying, vapor deposition, chemical grafting, self-assembly, and electrospinning, then analyzes the advantages and limitations of each technique during application. Meanwhile, it introduces three commonly used materials for ureteral stents, namely polymers, metals, and biodegradable materials, and further explains the commonly used surface modification methods corresponding to different materials. Looking ahead, with the continuous strengthening of the multi-technology integration trend and the continuous advancement of new material research and development, it is expected that a more ideal ureteral stent can be developed.
Stents
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Ureter
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Surface Properties
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Humans
8.Endosomal catabolism of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate is fundamental in building resilience against pathogens.
Chao YANG ; Longfeng YAO ; Dan CHEN ; Changling CHEN ; Wenbo LI ; Hua TONG ; Zihang CHENG ; Yanling YAN ; Long LIN ; Jing ZHANG ; Anbing SHI
Protein & Cell 2025;16(3):161-187
Endosomes are characterized by the presence of various phosphoinositides that are essential for defining the membrane properties. However, the interplay between endosomal phosphoinositides metabolism and innate immunity is yet to be fully understood. Here, our findings highlight the evolutionary continuity of RAB-10/Rab10's involvement in regulating innate immunity. Upon infection of Caenorhabditis elegans with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an increase in RAB-10 activity was observed in the intestine. Conversely, when RAB-10 was absent, the intestinal diacylglycerols (DAGs) decreased, and the animal's response to the pathogen was impaired. Further research revealed that UNC-16/JIP3 acts as an RAB-10 effector, facilitating the recruitment of phospholipase EGL-8 to endosomes. This leads to a decrease in endosomal phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) and an elevation of DAGs, as well as the activation of the PMK-1/p38 MAPK innate immune pathway. It is noteworthy that the dimerization of UNC-16 is a prerequisite for its interaction with RAB-10(GTP) and the recruitment of EGL-8. Moreover, we ascertained that the rise in RAB-10 activity, due to infection, was attributed to the augmented expression of LET-413/Erbin, and the nuclear receptor NHR-25/NR5A1/2 was determined to be indispensable for this increase. Hence, this study illuminates the significance of endosomal PI(4,5)P2 catabolism in boosting innate immunity and outlines an NHR-25-mediated mechanism for pathogen detection in intestinal epithelia.
Animals
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Caenorhabditis elegans/genetics*
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Endosomes/immunology*
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Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins/immunology*
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Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Diphosphate/immunology*
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Immunity, Innate
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Pseudomonas aeruginosa/immunology*
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rab GTP-Binding Proteins/genetics*
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Diglycerides/metabolism*
9.High-throughput screening of novel TFEB agonists in protecting against acetaminophen-induced liver injury in mice.
Xiaojuan CHAO ; Mengwei NIU ; Shaogui WANG ; Xiaowen MA ; Xiao YANG ; Hua SUN ; Xujia HU ; Hua WANG ; Li ZHANG ; Ruili HUANG ; Menghang XIA ; Andrea BALLABIO ; Hartmut JAESCHKE ; Hong-Min NI ; Wen-Xing DING
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2024;14(1):190-206
Macroautophagy (referred to as autophagy hereafter) is a major intracellular lysosomal degradation pathway that is responsible for the degradation of misfolded/damaged proteins and organelles. Previous studies showed that autophagy protects against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced injury (AILI) via selective removal of damaged mitochondria and APAP protein adducts. The lysosome is a critical organelle sitting at the end stage of autophagy for autophagic degradation via fusion with autophagosomes. In the present study, we showed that transcription factor EB (TFEB), a master transcription factor for lysosomal biogenesis, was impaired by APAP resulting in decreased lysosomal biogenesis in mouse livers. Genetic loss-of and gain-of function of hepatic TFEB exacerbated or protected against AILI, respectively. Mechanistically, overexpression of TFEB increased clearance of APAP protein adducts and mitochondria biogenesis as well as SQSTM1/p62-dependent non-canonical nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) activation to protect against AILI. We also performed an unbiased cell-based imaging high-throughput chemical screening on TFEB and identified a group of TFEB agonists. Among these agonists, salinomycin, an anticoccidial and antibacterial agent, activated TFEB and protected against AILI in mice. In conclusion, genetic and pharmacological activating TFEB may be a promising approach for protecting against AILI.
10.Effect of lactobacillus complex capsules combined with nutritional support on nutritional biochemical indices and intestinal microecology in patients with severe pneumonia
Journal of Xinxiang Medical College 2024;41(5):449-454
Objective To investigate the effect of combined lactobacillus complex capsules and nutritional support on nutritional biochemical indices and intestinal microecology in patients with severe pneumonia.Methods A total of 117 patients with severe pneumonia treated in Zhengzhou Central Hospital from October 2017 to November 2019 were selected as the research subjects.The patients were divided into the control group(n=58)and observation group(n=59)based on their treatment plans.Both groups received basic symptomatic treatment,and on this basis,the control group was given enteral nutritional support,while the observation group was given both enteral nutritional support and lactobacillus complex capsules for two weeks.The duration of mechanical ventilation,hospital stay,length of stay in the intensive care unit,duration of antibiotic use,and incidence of adverse events were recorded and compared between the two groups.The serum albumin(ALB),pre-albumin(PA),and total lymphocyte count(TLC)of patients in the two groups were detected using the fully automatic biochemical analyzer;the proportion of helper T cell(Th)1 and Th2 was detected by flow cytometer,and the Th1/Th2 ratio was calculated;the partial pressure of carbon dioxide(PaCO2),oxygenation index(PaO2/FiO2),and blood oxygen saturation(SaO2)were measured using the blood gas analyzer.Before treatment and after two weeks of treatment,the severity of the disease was evaluated using the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ(APACHE Ⅱ)score,and intestinal microecological indicators(the counts of Lactobacillus,Enterococcus,and Bifidobacterium)were measured.Results The observation group had shorter durations of mechanical ventilation,hospital stay,intensive care unit stay,and antibiotic use compared to the control group(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in the levels of PA,TLC,and ALB between the two groups before treatment(P>0.05).After two weeks of treatment,the levels of PA,TLC,and ALB in both groups increased compared to before treatment(P<0.05),and the observation group had higher levels of PA,TLC,and ALB than the control group(P<0.05).Before treatment,there were no significant differences in PaO2/FiO2,PaCO2,SaO2,and APACHE Ⅱ score between the two groups(P>0.05).After two weeks of treatment,both groups had higher PaO2/FiO2 and SaO2,and lower PaCO2 and APACHE Ⅱ score compared to before treatment(P<0.05).After two weeks of treatment,the observation group had higher PaO2/FiO2 and SaO2,and lower PaCO2 and APACHE Ⅱ score than the control group(P<0.05).Before treatment,there were no significant differences in Th1 and Th2 proportions and Th1/Th2 ratio between the two groups(P>0.05).After two weeks of treatment,both groups had higher Th1 proportion and Th1/Th2 ratio and lower Th2 proportion compared to before treatment(P<0.05).After two weeks of treatment,the observation group had higher Th1 proportion and Th1/Th2 ratio and lower Th2 proportion than the control group(P<0.05).Before treatment and after two weeks of treatment,there was no significant differences in the counts of Lactobacillus,Enterococcus,and Bifidobacterium between the two groups(P>0.05);there was no significant differences in the counts of Lactobacillus,Enterococcus,and Bifidobacterium before and after treatment within each group(P>0.05).The incidences of ventilator-associated pneumonia(VAP),respiratory failure,diarrhea,and 28-day mortality in the control group were 18.97%(11/58),17.24%(10/58),20.70%(12/58),and 5.17%(3/58),respectively;and in the observation group,they were 5.08%(3/59),3.40%(2/59),3.40%(2/59),and 1.70%(1/59),respectively.The incidences of VAP,respiratory failure and diarrhea in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05),and there was no significant difference in the 28-day mortality rate between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion The combination of lactobacillus complex capsules with nutritional support improves the nutritional biochemical indicators and blood gas indicators of patients with severe pneumonia,reduces APACHE Ⅱ scores,and decreases the occurrence of adverse events.

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