1.Polydatin Delays Progression of Colitis-associated Colorectal Cancer by Modulating IL-17A/Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Jie LIU ; Mengmeng LYU ; Yanfei HONG ; Xinmei NAN ; Jialong SU ; Huachen LIU ; Qing WANG ; Guiying PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):144-154
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of polydatin in delaying the progression of colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) by constructing an azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced CAC mouse model and conducting in vitro experiments. MethodsFifty-four male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into normal, model, and polydatin groups (0.045 g·kg-1). The CAC mouse model was established using AOM/DSS, and samples were collected at 4, 7, and 10 weeks. Body weight change rate, disease activity index (DAI), and tumor formation were assessed. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological injury in intestinal tissues. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to detect zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) expression in colonic tissues, and Western blot was used to detect the expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin in colonic epithelial cells. Real-time PCR was used to measure mRNA expression of interleukin-17A (IL-17A), Wnt3a, β-catenin, T cell factor 1 (Tcf1), E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin in colonic tissues. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the proportion of CD8+T cells and the expression of exhaustion-related molecules in tumors. Human colon cancer DLD-1 cells were cultured in a polydatin-containing medium, and wound healing assays were performed to observe migration changes. Real-time PCR was used to detect mRNA expression of interleukin-17 receptor A (IL-17RA), Wnt3a, β-catenin, Tcf1, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin in DLD-1 cells. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group at all three time points showed significantly decreased body weight change rate (P<0.01), significantly shortened colon length (P<0.01), and markedly increased DAI scores (P<0.01). HE staining revealed significant inflammatory cell infiltration in the submucosa of the colon in the model group, accompanied by epithelial dysplasia. ZO-1 expression in colonic tissues was significantly reduced (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of the pro-inflammatory factor IL-17A and key molecules of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway (Wnt3a, β-catenin, Tcf1) was significantly elevated (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers N-cadherin and Vimentin was significantly upregulated (P<0.05), while E-cadherin expression was significantly downregulated (P<0.05). The proportion of tumor-infiltrating CD8+T cells expressing immunosuppressive molecules (TIM-3, LAG-3, PD-1) was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the polydatin group showed significant improvement in body weight and DAI score (P<0.01), as well as recovery of colon length and tissue injury. ZO-1 expression in colonic tissue was significantly increased (P<0.01), while IL-17A, Wnt3a, β-catenin, Tcf1, N-cadherin, and Vimentin expression levels were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and E-cadherin expression was significantly increased (P<0.01). Tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells expressing immunosuppressive molecules were significantly reduced (P<0.05). In vitro experiments showed that polydatin significantly inhibited migration of DLD-1 cells (P<0.01) and reversed the upregulation of IL-17RA, Wnt3a, β-catenin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin mRNA, as well as the downregulation of E-cadherin mRNA (P<0.05). ConclusionPolydatin inhibits IL-17A secretion and IL-17RA expression, improves the immune microenvironment, blocks activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, suppresses EMT markers (N-cadherin and Vimentin), and restores tight junction protein expression in intestinal epithelial cells, thereby delaying the progression from colitis to colorectal cancer in mice.
2.Molecular Mechanism of Gypenoside L Inducing Ovarian Cancer Cell Apoptosis by Regulating NUF2 and Influencing Magnesium Homeostasis
Yang HONG ; Di ZHANG ; Yuanguang DONG ; Jiaxin WANG ; Lu PAN ; Lijiang ZHOU ; Mingdian YUAN ; Qun WANG ; Nan SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):155-165
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the role of NDC80 kinetochore complex component (NUF2) and magnesium homeostasis in ovarian cancer cell apoptosis, as well as the regulatory mechanism of gypenoside L (Gyp-L) on NUF2 and magnesium homeostasis. MethodsOvarian cancer OVCAR3 cells were divided into a blank control group, a low-concentration Gyp-L group (50 µmol·L-1), a high-concentration Gyp-L group (100 µmol·L-1), and a cisplatin (15 µmol·L-1) group. The migration, proliferation, and apoptosis capabilities of OVCAR3 cells were evaluated through cell scratch assays, clonal experiments, and terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling assay (TUNEL) staining. Differentially expressed genes of ovarian cancer were screened by using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The interaction relationships of differentially expressed genes and proteins were analyzed via the Search Tool for Recurring Instances of Neighbouring Genes (STRING) database. The prognostic survival analysis was performed by using the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) database, and the differential expression levels of genes were validated with the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database. The mRNA expression levels of NUF2, magnesium homeostasis-related indicators, such as magnesium transporter 1 (MAGT1), non-imprinted in Prader-Willi/Angelman syndrome 1 (NIPA1), NIPA-like domain containing 1 (NIPAL1), as well as apoptosis-related indicators B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) in OVCAR3 cells, were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The protein expression levels of NUF2, MAGT1, NIPA1, NIPAL1, Bcl-2, and Bax in OVCAR3 cells were quantitatively analyzed by ProteinSimple WES. A model of overexpression of NUF2 was constructed, and Gyp-L intervention was performed. The molecular mechanism by which Gyp-L induces ovarian cancer cell apoptosis by regulating NUF2 and influencing magnesium homeostasis was quantitatively analyzed and detected through cell cloning, TUNEL staining, Real-time PCR, and ProteinSimple WES. Finally, the Mg2+ content and protein synthesis efficiency were detected by immunofluorescence. ResultsGyp-L significantly inhibited the migration and proliferation capabilities of OVCAR3 cells and promoted their apoptosis (P<0.05). Overexpression of NUF2 markedly increased the expression levels of MAGT1, NIPA1, NIPAL1, and Bcl-2, while reducing the expression level of Bax (P<0.05). It also significantly elevated intracellular Mg2+ content and protein synthesis efficiency and simultaneously inhibited apoptosis (P<0.05). Gyp-L could reverse the magnesium homeostasis imbalance and apoptosis inhibition caused by the overexpression of NUF2, downregulating the expression levels of NUF2, MAGT1, NIPA1, NIPAL1, and Bcl-2 (P<0.05), while upregulating the expression level of Bax (P<0.05). ConclusionGyp-L can inhibit the occurrence of ovarian cancer, and its mechanism may involve inhibiting the expression of NUF2 to maintain magnesium homeostasis and inducing apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells.
3.Usefulness of intraoperative choledochoscopy in laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy for severe cholecystitis
Rui-Hui ZHANG ; Xiang-Nan WANG ; Yue-Feng MA ; Xue-Qian TANG ; Mei-Ju LIN ; Li-Jun SHI ; Jing-Yi LI ; Hong-Wei ZHANG
Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery 2025;29(2):192-198
Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (LSC) has been a safe and viable alternative to conversion to laparotomy in cases of severe cholecystitis. The objective of this study is to determine the utility of intraoperative choledochoscopy in LSC for the exploration of the gallbladder, cyst duct, and subsequent stone clearance of the cystic duct in cases of severe cholecystitis. A total of 72 patients diagnosed with severe cholecystitis received choledochoscopy-assisted laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (CALSC). A choledochoscopy was performed to explore the gallbladder cavity and/or cystic duct, and to extract stones using a range of techniques. The clinical records, including the operative records and outcomes, were subjected to analysis. No LSC was converted to open surgery, and no bile duct or vascular injuries were sustained. All stones within the cystic duct were removed by a combination of techniques, including high-frequency needle knife electrotomy, basket, and electrohydraulic lithotripsy. A follow-up examination revealed the absence of residual bile duct stones, with the exception of one common bile duct stone, which was extracted via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. In certain special cases, CALSC may prove to be an efficacious treatment for the management of severe cholecystitis. This technique allows for optimal comprehension of the situation within the gallbladder cavity and cystic duct, facilitating the removal of stones from the cystic duct and reducing the residue of the non-functional gallbladder remnant.
4.Review of application scope of mobile medical devices combined with EMA method for lung cancer patient caring
Zi-dan WANG ; Hong-yue WU ; Bing LI ; Xin-tong ZHENG ; Jun-ling LIU ; Ying-nan ZHAO ; Yan LI
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(10):71-77
Relevant literature on mobile medical devices combined with the ecological momentary assessment(EMA)method applied to lung cancer patient caring was collected from some databases of CNKI,Wanfang,VIP,China Biomedical Literature Database,PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,CINAHL and Web of Science.The method of scoping review was used to sort out the general characteristics of the included literature,types and application of mobile medical devices,assessment content elements and outcome indicators.The feasibility and validity of mobile medical devices combined with the EMA method for the symptom assessment of lung cancer patients were described,whose advantages in monitoring during lung cancer caring and application prospects were elaborated.The problems of mobile medical devices during practical application were pointed out and some countermeasures were put forward accordingly.References were provided for personalized remote caring of lung cancer patients and development of intelligent multi-modal mobile devices.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(10):71-77]
5.Application of In-fusion Cloning Technology as a Teaching Example in the Molecular Biology Laboratory(A National First-class Undergraduate Course)
Jing LUO ; Ya-Nan LI ; Yi-Di WANG ; Dong YANG ; Li TONG ; Hong-Yu SHEN ; Yan-Xia YIN
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(10):1552-1558
In-fusion cloning technology,as a revolutionary and efficient molecular biology tool,has been applied in multiple research fields such as basic biology,biotechnology,and biomedicine.In this article,we introduce a teaching reform project suitable for undergraduate students in the course of"Molecular Bi-ology Laboratory",which utilizes in-Fusion cloning technology to construct a prokaryotic expression vector for alkaline phosphatase mutant genes.Through specific teaching cases,we systematically explored the design and implementation of experimental projects,and focused on analyzing the key and difficult points of the teaching content.Our teaching practice has found that the implementation of this educational re-form project has achieved very good results in enhancing students' core biological literacy,bioinformatics skills,research thinking,and innovation abilities.At the same time,the application of this technology can significantly improve the quality of experimental teaching,providing new ideas and practical refer-ences for promoting the reform and innovation of National First-Class Courses.
6.Baicalein attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced myocardial injury by inhibiting ferroptosis via miR-299b-5p/HIF1-α pathway.
Wen-Yan ZHOU ; Jian-Kui DU ; Hong-Hong LIU ; Lei DENG ; Kai MA ; Jian XIAO ; Sheng ZHANG ; Chang-Nan WANG
Journal of Integrative Medicine 2025;23(5):560-575
OBJECTIVE:
Baicalein has been reported to have wide therapeutic effects that act through its anti-inflammatory activity. This study examines the effect and mechanism of baicalein on sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC).
METHODS:
A thorough screening of a small library of natural products, comprising 100 diverse compounds, was conducted to identify the most effective drug against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated H9C2 cardiomyocytes. The core target proteins and their associated signaling pathways involved in baicalein's efficacy against LPS-induced myocardial injury were predicted by network pharmacology.
RESULTS:
Baicalein was identified as the most potent protective agent in LPS-exposed H9C2 cardiomyocytes. It exhibited a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on cell injury and inflammation. In the LPS-induced septic mouse model, baicalein demonstrated a significant capacity to mitigate LPS-triggered myocardial deficits, inflammatory responses, and ferroptosis. Network pharmacological analysis and experimental confirmation suggested that hypoxia-inducible factor 1 subunit α (HIF1-α) is likely to be the crucial factor in mediating the impact of baicalein against LPS-induced myocardial ferroptosis and injury. By combining microRNA (miRNA) screening in LPS-treated myocardium with miRNA prediction targeting HIF1-α, we found that miR-299b-5p may serve as a regulator of HIF1-α. The reduction in miR-299b-5p levels in LPS-treated myocardium, compared to the control group, was reversed by baicalein treatment. The reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and dual-luciferase reporter gene analyses together identified HIF1-α as the target of miR-299b-5p in cardiomyocytes.
CONCLUSION
Baicalein mitigates SIC at the miRNA level, suggesting the therapeutic potential of it in treating SIC through the regulation of miR-299b-5p/HIF1-α/ferroptosis pathway. Please cite this article as: Zhou WY, Du JK, Liu HH, Deng L, Ma K, Xiao J, Zhang S, Wang CN. Baicalein attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced myocardial injury by inhibiting ferroptosis via miR-299b-5p/HIF1-α pathway. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(5):560-575.
Flavanones/pharmacology*
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Animals
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MicroRNAs/genetics*
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Lipopolysaccharides
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Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/genetics*
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Ferroptosis/drug effects*
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Mice
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Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism*
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Rats
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Male
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Cardiomyopathies/etiology*
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Cell Line
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Sepsis/complications*
8.Therapeutic early efficacy of finerenone and correlated factors of renal function changes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease
Yangmengqi LI ; Guoqin WANG ; Xiaoyi XU ; Fengbo XU ; Nan YE ; Hong CHENG
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2025;41(10):738-743
Objective:To evaluate effectiveness of finerenone in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the real world, and to analyze the associated factors of renal function progression during treatment.Methods:It was a single-center retrospective study. The patients diagnosed with T2DM and CKD who received finerenone treatment for 3 months in Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University between April 1 and October 1, 2023 were included. The clinical data before and after finerenone treatment were collected. Based on urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), the patients were divided into different groups, and the differences of clinical data before and after treatment were compared respectively. Logistic regression models was used to analyze the correlated factors of renal function changes during the treatment.Results:A total of 151 patients were included with age of 63 (54, 70) years, and 103 males accounted for 68.2%. UACR level after 3 months of finerenone treatment was significantly lower than those before treatment ( Z=-5.051, P<0.001), whereas there was no statistically significant change in eGFR ( P>0.05). Both patients with baseline eGFR ≥60 ml·min -1·(1.73 m 2) -1 ( Z=-4.543, P<0.001) and those with baseline eGFR <60 ml·min -1·(1.73 m 2) -1 ( Z=-2.610, P=0.009) showed significant reductions in UACR after treatment. Both patients with baseline UACR ≥300 mg/g ( Z=-4.681, P<0.001) and those with baseline UACR <300 mg/g ( Z=-1.979, P=0.048) exhibited significantly lower UACR levels after treatment. The percentage reduction in UACR was greater in patients with baseline UACR ≥300 mg/g than in those with baseline UACR <300 mg/g ( Z=-2.102, P=0.036).After 3 months of finerenone therapy, serum potassium level was slightly higher than baseline, but the difference was not statistically significant ( P>0.05).The incidence of hyperkalemia after treatment was higher than baseline in patients with baseline eGFR <60 ml·min -1·(1.73 m 2) -1 ( χ 2=2.558 , P=0.039). During the treatment, 74 patients (49.0%) experienced renal function progression. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified increased baseline serum albumin <45 g/L was an independent correlated factor of renal function progression during finerenone therapy ( OR=1.934, 95% CI 1.157-3.231, P=0.012). Conclusions:UACR in patients with T2DM and CKD can be reduced significantly after short-term treatment of finerenone. Increased baseline serum albumin level <45 g/L is independently associated with renal function progression during finerenone therapy.
9.The effect of cytomegalovirus and EB virus activation on hematopoietic reconstitution after intensive immunosuppressive therapy for severe aplastic anemia
Qian ZHANG ; Hong WANG ; Xiaoli LI ; Miao MIAO ; Hongxia MA ; Yaoyao SHEN ; Nan WEI ; Kai ZOU ; Wanxiu SU ; Jingqiu YU ; Depei WU ; Limin LIU
Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;64(6):514-521
Objective:To investigate the infection rate of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in patients with severe aplastic anemia (SAA) after intensive immunosuppressive therapy in combination with a thrombopoietin receptor agonist (lST+TPO-RA) as well as assess the clinical impact of treatment.Methods:A retrospective, case series study was undertaken involving patients with SAA who were admitted to Soochow Hopes Hematonosis Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, and Zhengzhou Third People′s Hospital from June 2022 to February 2025. Thirty patients with complete CMV and EBV monitoring data after IST+TPO-RA treatment were enrolled. The first activation time of CMV and EBV, the maximum viral load, the first negative conversion time, and blood routine tests within 3 days before CMV and EBV positivity, during the positive period, and within 3 days after turning negative were recorded. The patients were followed up for 9 months after the completion of IST. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the changes of blood routine before and after virus positivity and after turning negative. The χ2 test was used to compare the viral infection rate and the therapeutic effect of IST between the two groups. Results:The 30 SAA patients comprised 15 males and 15 females with an average age of (40.0±16.9) years. Of the 30 patients, 18 (60.0%) were infected with CMV and 6 (20.0%) with EBV. Among them, 17 cases received rabbit anti-human thymocyte immunoglobulin (r-ATG) treatment (r-ATG group), 13 cases received porcine anti-human lymphocyte immunoglobulin (p-ALG) treatment (p-ALG group). The CMV infection rate was significantly higher in the r-ATG group than in the p-ALG group (15/17 vs. 3/13, χ2=13.03, P<0.001); meanwhile, the rate of EBV infection was only slightly higher in the r-ATG group than in the p-ALG group, and the difference did not reach statistical significance (5/17 vs. 1/13, χ2=2.17, P=0.196). In patients infected with CMV, neutrophil, hemoglobin, and platelet counts were significantly decreased during the infection phase, followed by significant increases after CMV clearance ( F=14.48, 11.38, 4.73; all P<0.05). No significant differences in treatment efficacy were found between the r-ATG and p-ALG groups at 3, 6, and 9 months post-IST (all P>0.05). Conclusions:This preliminary study showed that the incidence of CMV and EBV infection in patients with SAA increased after IST, with CMV infections occurring significantly more frequently than EBV infections. The CMV infection rate was significantly higher in patients treated with r-ATG than in those receiving p-ALG. CMV infection was associated with notable alterations in hematological parameters, highlighting the need for close clinical monitoring.
10.Periodontal health status and associated factors in community-managed patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Nanjing
Hao XU ; Nan ZHOU ; Chenchen WANG ; Yijia CHEN ; Yi ZHANG ; Xin HONG
Chinese Journal of Stomatology 2025;60(9):997-1007
Objective:To investigate the prevalence, severity, and influencing factors of chronic periodontitis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Nanjing.Methods:From June to August 2022, by using a multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method, a total of 1 477 community-dwelling T2DM patients aged 35 years and older were selected and included from the National Essential Public Health Services Program for T2DM health management. Physical examinations, laboratory tests, and questionnaire surveys were conducted. Study participants were divided into chronic periodontitis group and non-chronic periodontitis group. The chronic periodontitis group was defined as having interproximal clinical attachment loss (CAL) detected at least at two non-adjacent sites, or having buccal/lingual CAL≥3 mm at least at two sites with probing depth (PD)≥3 mm, while excluding CAL caused by non-periodontal reasons. The remaining participants were classified as the non-chronic periodontitis group. In the chronic periodontitis group, patients who had PD≥6 mm at least at two sites with CAL≥5 mm were defined as severe periodontitis, with remaining cases classified as mild-to-moderate periodontitis.Results:The prevalence of chronic periodontitis among T2DM patients was 70.1% (962/1 373), with mild to moderate and severe periodontitis prevalence rates of 62.4% (857/1 373) and 7.6% (105/1 373), respectively. After complex weighted processing, the prevalence of chronic periodontitis in T2DM patients was 67.9%, with mild to moderate and severe periodontitis prevalence rates of 61.2% and 6.7%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting all covariates, compared with mental workers, the risk of chronic periodontitis was significantly higher in retired people ( OR=1.78, 95 %CI: 1.75-1.81, P<0.001), unemployed/others ( OR=2.18, 95 %CI: 2.14-2.22, P<0.001), and physical workers ( OR=3.80, 95 %CI: 3.73-3.87, P<0.001). In terms of blood glucose control status, compared with the group that met both control targets, the risk of chronic periodontitis was significantly higher in the group that met only one target ( OR=1.28, 95 %CI: 1.27-1.30, P<0.001) and the group that met neither target ( OR=3.29, 95 %CI: 3.25-3.34) ( P<0.001). The results of ordered Logistic regression showed that after adjusting for all covariates, compared with male patients, female patients had a significantly lower risk of progression to severe periodontitis ( OR=0.77, 95 %CI: 0.76-0.78, P<0.001). In terms of the score of healthy lifestyle, compared with those with a score of 0-2, the risk of progression to severe periodontitis was significantly lower in those with a score of 3 ( OR=0.85, 95 %CI: 0.84-0.86, P<0.001) and 4 ( OR=0.51, 95 %CI: 0.50-0.52, P<0.001). In terms of blood glucose control, compared with the group that met both control targets, the risk of progression to severe periodontitis was significantly higher in the group that met only one target ( OR=1.27, 95 %CI: 1.26-1.29, P<0.001) and the group that meet neither target ( OR=3.24, 95 %CI: 3.21-3.28, P<0.001). Furthermore, poor blood glucose control was significantly positively associated with increased periodontitis severity, demonstrating that worse glycemic control status corresponded to a higher risk of worsening periodontitis severity ( P<0.001). Conclusions:There is an association between the glycemic control status of T2DM patients and chronic periodontitis.

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