1.Electroacupuncture reduced airway inflammation by activating somatosensory-sympathetic pathways in allergic asthmatic rats.
Hongli MA ; Xiaowen LIU ; Huamei CAI ; Yun YAN ; Weixia LI ; Jing ZHAO
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(6):702-712
BACKGROUND:
Electroacupuncture (EA) treatment is efficacious in patients with respiratory disorders, although the mechanisms of its action in lung-function protection are poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the neuroanatomical mechanisms of EA stimulation at the BL13 acupoint (Feishu, EA-BL13) improvement in asthma.
METHODS:
Allergic asthma was induced by intranasal 2.0% ovalbumin (OVA) instillation combined with intraperitoneal injection of the 10.0% OVA. The levels of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid-schiff stain were used to evaluate inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus secretion. Cellular oncogene fos induction in neurons after EA stimulation was detected by immunofluorescent staining. The messenger RNA expression levels of adrenergic receptors were quantified with real-time polymerase chain reaction.
RESULTS:
EA improved airway inflammation and mucus secretion mainly by activating somatosensory-sympathetic pathways ( P <0.001). Briefly, the intermediolateral (IML) nuclei of the spinal cord received signals from somatic EA stimulation and then delivered the information via the sympathetic trunk to the lung. Excited sympathetic nerve endings in lung tissue released large amounts of catecholamines that specifically activated the β2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR) on T cells ( P <0.01) and further decreased the levels of IL-4 and IL-5 ( P <0.001) through the cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase A signaling pathway.
CONCLUSION
This study provided a new explanation and clinical basis for the use of EA-BL13 as a treatment for allergic asthma in both the attack and remission stages and other respiratory disorders related to airway inflammation.
Electroacupuncture/methods*
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Animals
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Asthma/immunology*
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Rats
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Male
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Inflammation/therapy*
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Interleukin-4/metabolism*
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Interleukin-5/metabolism*
2.LncRNA SNHG15 promotes proliferation, migration and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells by regulating COX6B1 through sponge adsorption of miR-30b-3p.
Xiuying GONG ; Shunfu HOU ; Miaomiao ZHAO ; Xiaona WANG ; Zhihan ZHANG ; Qinghua LIU ; Chonggao YIN ; Hongli LI
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(7):1498-1505
OBJECTIVES:
To explore the molecular mechanism by which lncRNA SNHG15 regulates proliferation, invasion and migration of lung adenocarcinoma cells.
METHODS:
The lncRNA microarray chip dataset GSE196584 and LncBase were used to predict the lncRNAs that interact with miR-30b-3p, and their association with patient prognosis were investigated using online databases, after which lncRNA nucleolar RNA host gene 15 (SNHG15) was selected for further analysis. The subcellular localization of lncRNA SNHG15 and its expression levels in normal human lung epithelial cells and lung adenocarcinoma cell lines were detected using fluorescence in situ hybridization and qRT-PCR. In cultured A549 cells, the changes in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion following transfection with a SNHG15 knockdown plasmid (sh-SNHG15), a miR-30b-3p inhibitor, or their co-transfection were assessed with EdU, wound healing, and Transwell assays. Bioinformatics analyses were used to predict the regulatory relationship between lncRNA SNHG15 and COX6B1, and the results were verified using Western blotting and rescue experiments in A549 cells transfected with sh-SNHG15, a COX6B1-overexpressing plasmid, or both.
RESULTS:
LncRNA SNHG15 was shown to target miR-30b-3p, and the former was highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma, and associated with a poor patient prognosis. LncRNA SNHG15 was localized in the cytoplasm and expressed at higher levels in A549 and NCI-H1299 cells than in BEAS-2B cells. In A549 cells, lncRNA SNHG15 knockdown significantly inhibited cell migration, invasion and proliferation, and these changes were reversed by miR-30b-3p inhibitor. A regulatory relationship was found between lncRNA SNHG15 and COX6B1, and their expression levels were positively correlated (r=0.128, P=0.003). MiR-30b-3p knockdown obviously decreased COX6B1 expression in A549 cells, and COX6B1 overexpression rescued the cells from the inhibitory effects of lncRNA-SNHG15 knockdown.
CONCLUSIONS
LncRNA SNHG15 may compete with COX6B1 to bind miR-30b-3p through a ceRNA mechanism to affect proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells.
Humans
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MicroRNAs/metabolism*
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RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics*
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Cell Proliferation
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Cell Movement
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Lung Neoplasms/genetics*
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Adenocarcinoma of Lung
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Neoplasm Invasiveness
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A549 Cells
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Adenocarcinoma/genetics*
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Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
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Cell Line, Tumor
3.Molecular Mechanism of Endometrial Cell Senescence During Window of Implantation in Unexplained Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion and Intervention Effect of Bushen Huoxue Method
Xiaoxuan ZHAO ; Jing MA ; Xinyi DING ; Hongli ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(19):106-115
ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the molecular mechanism of endometrial cell senescence during the window of implantation (WOI) in unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) and the intervention effect of Bushen Huoxue method through the integrated research strategy of bioinformatics, machine learning, and animal experiments. MethodThe microarray gene sets of the endometrium of healthy women of childbearing age and patients with URSA during WOI were retrieved through the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of URSA were screened by using the limma package of R language. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to obtain the most relevant module genes of URSA, and the gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed. Gene sets related to cell senescence were obtained by the Human Gene Database (GeneCards) and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM). The Venn online mapping software was used to screen the intersection genes of DEGs of URSA, the most relevant module genes, and the genes related to cell senescence. Then, the search tool for the retrieval of interacting genes/proteins (STRING) was used to analyze the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of the interacting genes, and the hub genes were screened through Cytohubba. In addition, the least absolute selection and shrinkage operator (LASSO) and random forest algorithm were used to screen diagnostic genes related to cell senescence of URSA. Finally, mouse models with URSA were established and randomly divided into the model group, Bushen Huoxue group, and aspirin group, with six mice in each group, and six normal pregnant mice were selected as a blank group. The Bushen Huoxue group was given Shoutai pill combined with Danggui powder formula granular liquid (12.35 g·kg-1) by gavage, and the aspirin group was gavaged with aspirin at a dose of 0.011 mL·g-1. The blank group and model group were given the same volume of distilled water by gavage. Drug administration began on the first day after the discovery of vaginal thrombus (recorded as the first day of gestation, i.e. GD1), and the mice were sacrificed 12 hours after administration at GD5. The endometrium samples were collected. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of cell senescence-related diagnostic genes in the endometrium tissue of URSA mice during WOI and the intervention effect of the Bushen Huoxue method. ResultThe gene set of the GSE165004 microarray was included for bioinformatics analysis. According to the “limma” package of R language, 585 DEGs of URSA were selected (P<0.05). WGCNA results suggested that the gene in the magenta module was the most closely related to URSA (r=0.32, P<0.05). The results of the KEGG analysis of the magenta module suggested that the genes were mainly enriched in cell senescence, Hippo, and NF-κB signaling pathways (P<0.05). In addition, 2 138 genes related to cell senescence were obtained from Genecards and OMIM websites. The Venn online mapping tool was used to obtain 27 intersecting genes of DEGs of URSA, the magenta module genes, and cell senescence-related genes, namely, cell senescence-related DEGs in endometrium tissue during WOI of URSA. PPI analysis showed that synuclein alpha (SNCA), heme oxygenase 1 (HOMX1), and matrix metallopeptidase 1 (MMP1) were hub genes. Besides, four diagnostic genes were identified by LASSO regression and random forest, including gelsolin (GSN), cyclin2 (CCND2), RB binding protein 8 (RBBP8), and lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 (LPAR1). Animal experiments confirmed that the mRNA level and fluorescence intensity of GSN were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the mRNA and fluorescence intensity of CCND2, LPAR1, and RBBP8 were significantly decreased (P<0.05) in the model group when compared with the blank group. The expression level of GSN was decreased (P<0.05), while the expression levels of CCND2, LPAR1, and RBBP8 were remarkably increased (P<0.05) in the Bushen Huoxue group when compared with the model group. ConclusionThe senescence of endometrial cells during WOI of URSA is related to multiple genes. Bushen Huoxue method can act on multiple targets that are related to cell senescence, which may be the key mechanism of improving endometrial receptivity in URSA.
4.Analysis on the Registration of Clinical Trials of Headache Treated by TCM
Yanhua JIANG ; Zhenzhen QIAN ; Sha ZHOU ; Yonglie ZHAO ; Jian ZHU ; Guang WU ; Hongli WU ; Zhiwei JING
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(4):79-85
Objective To analyze the registered clinical trials of headache treated by TCM;To discuss the current research status;To provide reference for the optimization of subsequent clinical trial research plans.Methods All clinical trials of headache treated by TCM were retrieved from the ChiCTR and the ClinicalTrials.The retrieval time was from the database establishment to May 22,2023.The general characteristics,study types,intervention measures and outcome indicators of the trials were analyzed respectively.Results A total of 104 registered studies were included,with the number of registered studies increasing since 2004 and reaching a peak in 2020,involving 25 provincial administrative regions or countries and 69 clinical trial institutions;the funding sources were mainly scientific research funds of universities,national finance and local finance.The research type was mainly intervention research;the designing scheme was mainly randomized parallel control study;the high frequency random method was simple random method;45 registered studies used blind methods.Exploratory studies/pre-trials were the most commonly used in the phases of clinical researches.Most of the registered studies were single-center clinical trials with a total sample size of 9 648 patients.The main interventions were acupuncture and oral Chinese medicines.The high frequency outcome indicators included life quality of score,headache attack frequency,headache attack days and headache severity,etc.There were some problems in outcome indicators,such as non-standard,lack of TCM characteristic advantages,and insufficient patient participation.Conclusion The number of registered studies of headache treated by TCM has increased by year,but there are some problems in design elements,such as random method,blind method,number of research centers,sample size and the setting of outcome indicator.
5.Arthroscopic partial trapeziectomy and suture button suspensionplasty in the treatment of first carpometacarpal joint athrosis
Zhe ZHAO ; Hongli GENG ; Jianquan LIU ; Yongsheng LI ; Jianwen YIN ; Xiaoqiang CHEN ; Guanghui WANG ; Xiangyu CHENG ; Jiabei LI ; Zhiqin DENG ; Aozhengzheng DONG ; Manyi WANG ; Xiaofei ZHENG ; Wencui LI
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2024;44(1):25-32
Objective:To analyze the clinic effects of arthroscopic partial trapeziectomy and suture button suspensionplasty in the treatment of first carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ) Eaton stage II/III arthrosis.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on a total of 15 cases (16 hands) of patients including 5 males (1 bilateral) and 10 females with CMCJ stage II/III arthrosis who underwent surgical treatment at the first affiliated hospital of Shenzhen university from January 2020 to June 2022, with mean age of 56.7±6.4 years (range, 46-75 years). The duration from pain to treatment was 7.8±3.2 months (range, 4-14 months). X-ray showed narrowing of CMCJ with osteophytes and distal radial subluxation. All the patients were treated with arthroscopic partial trapeziectomy and suture button suspensionplasty. The preoperative and last postoperative follow-up radiographs, visual analogue scale (VAS), thumb's Kapandji scores, disabilies of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) scores, grip and pinch strength and time to return to work were compared.Results:All cases were followed up for 19.6±6.3 months (range, 11-36 months). The postoperative X-ray showed all the CMCJs were reduced with a normal height of first metacarpal. The mean time for patients to return to their daily activities was 18.69±3.70 d and the mean time to return to work was 24.63±4.91 d. The average VAS score decreased from 6.56±1.15 preoperatively to 1.00 (0.75, 1.25). The preoperative Kapandji's score was 8.00±0.82 and the postoperative Kapandji's score was 8.00 (7.25, 9.00). The average DASH values improved from 24.06±3.19 to 4.00 (3.00, 5.00). The were significant differences except for Kapandji score ( Z=-4.905, P<0.001; Z=-0.121, P=0.905; Z=-4.846, P<0.001). The mean grip and pinch strength showed improvement from an average of 16.4 (14.13, 18.68) kg and 1.70±0.35 kg to 26.14±3.27 kg and 3.58±0.91 kg with significant difference ( Z=-4.617, P<0.001; t=-7.669, P<0.001). Conclusion:Arthroscopic partial trapeziectomy and suture button suspensionplasty is a minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of first CMCJ Eaton stage II/III arthrosis. By this technique, the patients' existing instability and pain problems can be solved.
6.ZHAO Hongli's Experience in Diagnosing and Treating Male Infertility with Six Meridians
Qujia YANG ; Yun CHU ; Hongli ZHAO
Journal of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University 2024;48(3):295-299
[Objective]To summarize the academic experience of Director ZHAO Hongli in the treatment of male infertility with six meridians syndrome differentiation.[Methods]By summarizing the clinical cases of male infertility treated by Director ZHAO and combining his interpretation of the six meridians syndrome differentiation,this paper summarizes Director ZHAO's experience in treating this disease with six meridians syndrome differentiation,fully elaborates the characteristics of the disease and the diagnosis and treatment ideas,and verifies and analyzes it with a typical medical case.[Results]Director ZHAO believes that male infertility has many clinical symptoms and can be treated with six meridians syndrome differentiation.The first step in syndrome differentiation is to distinguish between deficiency and excess.Those who belong to the excess category are based on the disease of the six Fu organs and Yang meridians,which are mostly three Yang disease patterns.Those who belong to the deficiency category are based on the disease of the five Zang organs and Yin meridians,which are mostly three Yin disease patterns.Director ZHAO carefully observes the pathogenesis and also establishes cold-heat complex type of male infertility,using Banxia Xiexin Decoction to communicate Yin and Yang.In terms of drug application,attention should be paid to patients'innate physique,combining Chinese and western medicine according to the characteristics of laboratory tests,advocating food therapy at the same time as medication,and paying attention to psychological counseling.In the case presented,the patient experienced erectile dysfunction after marriage,symptoms differentiation was of Yangming Channel syndrome.Treatment involved modified Gegen Qinlian Decoction to clear the Yangming heat,combined with Simiao Powder to clear damp-heat in lower-Jiao.After more than three months of comprehensive treatment based on the evolving symptoms,the patient's wife was successfully conceived.[Conclusion]Director ZHAO deeply verses in the classics,applies the six meridians syndrome differentiation to the treatment of male infertility innovatively,emphasizing individualized treatment based on syndrome differentiation,receiving remarkable efficacy,which offers a new perspective for both the clinical application of classical prescriptions and the treatment of male infertility.
7.Evaluation of Risk Factors of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients Undergo-ing Gynecological Surgery and Establishment of a Modified Score Model
Xiaopeng ZHAO ; Danni LI ; Jun BAI ; Junyao CHEN ; Xinling TAN ; Hongli ZHU ; Lixiu LIU ; Nan LI ; Xiaoning LI ; Haijing WANG
Journal of Practical Obstetrics and Gynecology 2024;40(1):64-68
Objective:To study the risk factors of venous thromboembolism(VTE)and the predictive value of the improved VTE score model to identify the risk of VTE in gynecological surgery patients.Methods:From Janu-ary 1,2020 to December 31,2022,41 patients with VTE after gynecological surgery were selected as the VTE group,and a total of 164 patients with adjacent gynecological surgeries during the same period were selected as the non-VTE group with a ratio of 1 :4.Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used to ana-lyze the risk factors of VTE after gynecological surgery,and a modified VTE risk factor rapid assessment model(referred to as the improved VTE score model)was constructed.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to study the predictive value for VTE for in gynecological surgery,and compared with the Caprini score model(Caprini table for short).Results:①Multivatiate Logistic regression analysis showed that there were independent risk factors for postoperative VTE in gynecology surgery(OR>1,P<0.05),including age≥60 years,BMI≥28 kg/m2,malignant tumors,surgery time>3 hours,history of thrombosis,and the increased D-di-mer difference before and after surgery.②The Area under Curve(AUC)of ROC was 0.963 in the improved VTE score model with a Youden index 81.10%,sensitivity 87.80%and specificity 93.29%.The AUC of the Caprini score model was 0.888 with Youden index 63.41%,sensitivity 73.17%and specificity 90.24%.The improved VTE score model the Caprini score model identified 92.68%and 85.37%of VTE patients as high-risk or ex-tremely high-risk,respectively,but the difference was not statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusions:More attention should be paid to the six independent risk factors for postoperative VTE in gynecology surgery.The two score models showed a similar identified level.However,the improved VTE score model is more simple and easier to operate,has better practicality,and has certain clinical promotion value.
8.Surgical techniques for pollybeak deformity correction
Hongli ZHAO ; Xiancheng WANG ; Yang SUN ; Xiang XIONG ; Xianxi MENG ; Wenbo LI ; Zhihua QIAO ; Kai YANG ; Weiliang ZENG ; Yi TIAN
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2024;40(2):156-162
Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of surgical methods for correcting pollybeak deformity in Chinese rhinoplasty.Methods:A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients who underwent pollybeak correction between January 2021 and December 2022 at the Department of Plastic and Aesthetic (Burn) Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. Individualized correction was tailored based on the etiology and severity of the nasal deformity of each patient, involving techniques such as resection of the anterior part of the nasal septum, reconstruction of nasal tip support, reconstruction of the middle part of the nasal vault, and excision of skin in the upper region of the nasal tip. A modified classification system for pollybeak deformity, the supratip fullness rating scale (SFRS), was developed to evaluate supratip fullness (0-3 points, with higher scores indicating more apparent deformity). The patients aesthetic outcomes were assessed by surgeons using the visual analogue scale (VAS) (0-10 points, with higher scores indicating more apparent deformity), and patient self-assessed using the rhinoplasty outcome evaluation (ROE) questionnaire (0-100 points, with higher scores indicating higher satisfaction). The measurement data of normal distribution was expressed as Mean±SD and analyzed by paired t-test; the measurement data of non-normal distribution was expressed as M( Q1, Q3) and analyzed by Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results:In a cohort study of 53 rhinoplasty patients (7 male, 46 female; age range 19-45 years, mean 29 years), comprising 15 primary and 38 secondary surgeries, nasal tip deformities were evaluated. Deformities were classified as mild (5 cases), moderate (25 cases), and severe (23 cases). Over a follow-up period of 6-17 months (mean 9.5 months), significant aesthetic improvements in the nasal tip region were observed. The SFRS scores decreased from 2(2, 3) preoperatively to 0(0, 0) postoperatively ( Z = -6.58, P < 0.001), and VAS scores decreased from 7.47±1.73 to 1.79±1.67 ( t = -25.61, P < 0.001). High patient satisfaction was indicated by a mean ROE score of 82.45±11.55. No significant complications, such as nasal tip ptosis, skin necrosis, or scar hyperplasia, were reported. Conclusion:Selecting an appropriate surgical method based on the severity and cause of pollybeak deformity can achieve satisfactory outcomes. Post-operative patients exhibit significant aesthetic improvement in the upper nasal tip area, resulting in high patient satisfaction.
9.Modified superomedial pedicle technique for reduction mammaplasty with inverted T-shaped incision
Kai YANG ; Xiancheng WANG ; Yang SUN ; Xiang XIONG ; Xianxi MENG ; Wenbo LI ; Zhongjie YI ; Hongli ZHAO ; Zhihua QIAO
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2024;40(5):491-498
Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy of modified superomedial pedicle technique using an inverted T-shaped incision for reduction mammaplasty and mastopexy.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data of patients who underwent modified superomedial pedicle technique for breast reduction surgery with inverted T-shaped incision between March 2021 and March 2023 at the Department of Plastic and Aesthetic (Burn) Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. Preoperatively, a handheld Doppler ultrasound blood flow detector was used to detect and mark the exit points of the 2nd to 4th perforating vessels of the internal thoracic artery, and a superomedial pedicle containing at least two perforators was designed based on the perforator locations, with a pedicle width generally about 6 cm. Intraoperatively, the pedicle was rotated superolaterally, moving the nipple-areola complex (NAC) upwards to construct a fuller upper pole of the breast and removing excess skin in the lower fold to form a inverted T-shaped incision. Postoperatively, the blood supply of the NAC, breast morphology, and incidence of complications were observed and followed up. Canfield Mirror 7.1.1 software was utilized to measure pre- and post-operative breast morphology data from lateral photographs at 6 months, including total breast area, maximum breast protrusion, upper pole protrusion, lower pole height, and nipple elevation height. The BREAST-Q questionnaire was used to survey patient satisfaction with breast appearance, psychosocial well-being, sexual well-being, and physical health before surgery and 6-12 months after surgery, with each dimension scoring 0-100 points, where higher scores indicate greater satisfaction and health. SPSS 28.0 software was used for data analysis, with normally distributed measurement data expressed as Mean±SD, and paired t-test was applied for comparisons of pre- and post-operative breast morphology data (the first 4 indicators) and BREAST-Q scores, with P<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results:A total of 56 female patients were included, with an age of (32.0±6.7) years and a body mass index of (29.1±5.7) kg/m 2. Preoperative Doppler ultrasound blood flow detection showed that none of the patients had missing or significantly variant perforators of the superomedial pedicle. The volume of breast tissue removed ranged from 890 to 1 800 ml, averaging 1 250 ml, with an average pedicle width of 5.4 cm (4.0-7.0 cm). The follow-up period was (13.3±2.5) months, during which all patients exhibited good blood supply to the NAC and favorable breast morphology, with universal high satisfaction with surgical outcomes. Postoperatively, one case developed incisional seroma, which resolved naturally within 3 months; two cases experienced minor incision dehiscence, which healed well after dressing changes; all other patients recovered well without any complications such as flap necrosis or hematoma. Comparison of breast morphology data showed significant reductions in postoperative left and right total breast area ( P<0.05 for both), and increases in maximum breast protrusion and lower pole height postoperatively ( P<0.05 for both), while the difference in upper pole protrusion was not statistically significant ( P>0.05 for both); postoperative left and right nipple elevation heights were (6.30±1.84) cm and (6.52±1.66) cm, respectively. Among the 44 patients who completed the BREAST-Q survey both before and after surgery, scores showed significant improvements in postoperative breast satisfaction [(50.30±10.30) points vs. (83.20±6.02) points] ( t=5.17, P=0.008) and psychosocial well-being [(56.20±17.20) points vs. (89.70±2.70) points] ( t=5.09, P=0.010), while sexual well-being and physical health scores did not differ significantly from preoperative scores ( P>0.05 for both). Conclusion:Preoperative identification of perforator locations using a handheld Doppler blood vessel detector, followed by the design of a modified superomedial pedicle technique for reduction mammaplasty with inverted T-shaped incision, can not only ensure NAC blood supply, avoiding ischemic necrosis due to vascular anomalies, but also maximally reduce pedicle width and increase pedicle rotation flexibility, achieving desirable breast shaping effects.
10.A retrospective study of pedicled upper lip mucosal flap in repairing nasal septal mucosa defect after rhinoplasty
Yiwen DENG ; Xiancheng WANG ; Hongli ZHAO ; Zhihua QIAO ; Yi TIAN ; Weiliang ZENG ; Kai YANG ; Chunjie LI ; Quanding YAN ; Yang SUN
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2024;40(8):838-845
Objective:To investigate the surgical effect of pedicled upper lip mucosal flap in repairing nasal septal mucosal defects after rhinoplasty.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed from January 2016 to October 2022, the clinical data of patients with nasal septal mucosal defects after rhinoplasty were collected in the Department of Plastic and Aesthetic (Burn) Surgery at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. The pedicled upper lip mucosal flap was utilized for repair based on the patient’s medical history and wound condition. The pedicle of the flap was designed 1 cm adjacent to the frenulum of the upper lip, and an appropriate flap was incised based on the size of the wound, with dissection performed up to the superficial layer of the orbicularis oris muscle. The dissection establishes an upper lip tunnel that connects the gingival-buccal groove to the nasal cavity. The pedicled upper lip mucosal flap was elevated and transposed into the nasal cavity via the upper lip tunnel. The position of the flap was adjusted to ensure complete coverage and fixation of the nasal septal defect wound using 5-0 absorbable suture. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and the nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) scale were utilized to facilitate patients’ satisfaction evaluation and assessment of nasal obstruction symptoms before surgery and at 6 months post-surgery. The VAS total score was 10 points, with higher scores indicating greater levels of patient satisfaction. The NOSE scale comprises of 5 items, each assigned a score ranging from 0 to 4, denoting absence of symptoms, very mild presence, moderate intensity, relatively severe manifestation, and highly severe indication respectively. The measurement data of VAS and NOSE scores before surgery and at 6 months post-surgery was expressed by Mean±SD, using paired t-test. The score distribution of the NOSE scale was represented by the number of cases, using Mann-Whitney U test. Results:The study included a total of 15 female patients, with an average age of (27.6±2.9) years (ranging from 23 to 33 years). Eleven cases presented with preoperative cartilage exposure, and the size of tissue defect ranged from 0.9 cm×0.5 cm to 1.5 cm×0.7 cm. Nine patients had a history of smoking. Skin grafting was performed in 9 patients, while nasal mucosal metastasis was observed in 8 patients. The dimensions of the flap varied from 4.0 cm×1.2 cm to 7.0 cm×1.5 cm. The postoperative recovery was satisfactory, with successful survival of the skin flaps and no occurrences of infection, hematoma, wound dehiscence, or flap necrosis. The average duration of follow-up was (8.2±2.1) months (ranging from 6 to 12 months). The postoperative VAS score (7.73±0.88) was significantly higher compared to the preoperative score (1.86±0.74) ( P<0.01). Additionally, the postoperative NOSE score (4.66±1.71) showed a significant decrease from the preoperative score (10.73±2.68), with a statistically significant difference ( P<0.01). Among them, after surgery items of stuffy or unbreathable nose (2 cases vs. 15 cases), nasal obstruction (1 case vs. 14 cases), and feeling that the nose was not enough to breathe during exercise or exertion (4 cases vs. 14 cases) scored≥2 points were significantly less than those before operation (all P<0.01). Conclusion:The utilization of pedicled upper lip mucosal flap in the reconstruction of severe nasal septal mucosal defects following rhinoplasty has proven to be highly effective. The postoperative satisfaction of patients is remarkably high, the ventilation function exhibits significant improvement, and no severe complications are observed.

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