1.Mechanisms of Xiaozhi Qinggan Decoction in Treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease by Regulating Ferroptosis
Haihang DONG ; Yuying TU ; Xingrong LI ; Yujie CAI ; Yi REN ; Huiqin ZHANG ; Yinqiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):109-119
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Xiaozhi Qinggan decoction (XQD) in preventing and treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) by regulating ferroptosis, network pharmacology, in vitro and in vivo experiments. MethodsIn the in vivo experiment, mouse MASLD models were established by high-fat diet (HFD) induction. The model mice were randomly assigned to a positive control group (silybin, 50 mg·kg-1), low-, medium- and high-dose XQD groups (4.725, 9.45, 18.9 g·kg-1), with a normal control group. After 4 weeks of modeling, mice except the normal group were administered intragastrically for 8 consecutive weeks. Liver function, serum lipid levels, hepatic histopathology, as well as the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and Fe2+ were detected. The mRNA and protein expression of p53, SLC7A11 and GPX4 were determined by quantitative Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) and Western blot. In the network pharmacology analysis, active components and potential targets of XQD for MASLD were screened, followed by functional and pathway enrichment analyses, and molecular docking was performed to verify the target binding activity. In the in vitro experiment, the optimal concentration of XQD-containing serum was screened by cytotoxicity assay. HepG2 cells were transfected with ov-NC or ov-p53 plasmid, and a lipid accumulation model was induced by free fatty acid (FFA, 1.0 mmol·L-1). Cells were divided into a normal group, FFA model group, ov-NC+XQD (15%) group and ov-p53+XQD (15%) group. Intracellular Fe2+ level and lipid accumulation were evaluated, and the protein expression of p53, SLC7A11 and GPX4 was measured by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited markedly elevated body weight, liver weight, liver index, fasting blood glucose, AUC of glucose tolerance test, serum liver function and blood lipid levels at week 12 (P<0.01). Hepatic steatosis and inflammatory infiltration were observed by pathological staining. Additionally, hepatic levels of MDA, SOD and Fe2+ were increased (P<0.01), while GSH, GSSG and the GSH/GSSG ratio were decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of hepatic p53 was upregulated (P<0.01), whereas the expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 was downregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the low- and medium-dose XQD groups showed significantly decreased body weight at week 12 (P<0.05). The silybin group, together with the medium- and high-dose XQD groups, presented reduced liver weight and liver index (P<0.05). Fasting blood glucose and the AUC of glucose tolerance test were lowered in all four treatment groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Pathological staining revealed alleviated hepatic steatosis and inflammation, accompanied by decreased serum liver function and blood lipid levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, hepatic MDA and SOD levels were markedly reduced, while GSH, GSSG and the GSH/GSSG ratio were significantly elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Hepatic Fe2+ level was decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of hepatic p53 was downregulated, and the expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 was upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Network pharmacology analysis identified quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, tanshinone IIA and isorhamnetin as the core active components of XQD, with p53 serving as the key target. Stable binding was verified between these active components and the p53 protein. The optimal concentration of XQD-containing serum in vitro was determined to be 15%. Compared with the normal group, the model group showed increased intracellular Fe2+ and lipid accumulation, significantly upregulated p53 protein expression (P<0.01), and markedly downregulated SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the ov-NC group exhibited reduced Fe2+ and lipid accumulation, downregulated p53 expression, and upregulated SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression. In the ov-p53 group, p53 expression was upregulated (P<0.01), while SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression was downregulated (P<0.01). ConclusionXQD inhibits ferroptosis by downregulating p53 and upregulating SLC7A11 and GPX4, thereby alleviating oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in hepatocytes and improving MASLD.
2.Factors Affecting Survival of 4892 Patients with Colorectal Cancer in Yunnan Province
Ruiqi CAI ; Zhijian YANG ; Yanyan YANG ; Guoyu MA ; Yuying PANG ; Mengjiao ZHANG ; Lei LUO ; Sile LI ; Min ZHAO
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(4):274-280
Objective To analyze survival outcomes and influencing factors among patients with colorectal cancer in Yunnan Province. Methods Clinical data were retrospectively collected from 4 892 patients with colorectal cancer. Survival data were obtained through follow-up. Overall survival (OS) was calculated by using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate analysis was performed by applying the log-rank test. Meanwhile, multivariate analysis employed the Cox proportional hazards regression model. Results The 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year OS rates for the entire cohort were 91.90%, 74.40%, 64.40%, and 28.70%, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that age, ethnicity, region, differentiation grade, TNM stage, clinical stage, metastatic status, histological type, and treatment modality (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery) were associated with patient prognosis (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis identified age (HR=1.250), region (HR=1.262), differentiation grade (HR=0.761), clinical stage (HR=3.128), and treatment modality (chemotherapy, HR=0.644; radiotherapy, HR=1.605; surgery, HR=0.384) as independent factors affecting survival prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer (all P<0.001). Conclusion Age, region, clinical stage, and treatment modality are independent factors influencing survival among patients with colorectal cancer in Yunnan Province. In clinical practice, these factors should be integrated to develop individualized prevention and treatment strategies, thereby improving patient outcomes.
3.Epidemiologic Burden of Colorectal Cancer in Xishan District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, 2018—2020
Mingzhu GAO ; Ruiqi CAI ; Sile LI ; Yuying PANG ; Yanyan YANG ; Weilin ZHANG ; Min ZHAO
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(2):142-151
Objective To analyze the epidemiologic burden of colorectal cancer in Xishan District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province from 2018 to 2020. Methods Indicators of epidemiologic burden were calculated, including incidence rate, mortality rate, age-specific incidence/mortality rates, potential years of life lost (PYLL), and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) based on the National Disease Control and Prevention Center’s "Cancer Information Registration and Reporting System" and "Cause of Death Registration System". Results From 2018 to 2020, the ASR (China) for the incidence of colorectal cancer in Xishan District, Kunming City increased from 25.27/105 to 26.29/105, while the ASR (China) for mortality decreased from 17.11/105 to 16.03/105. The PYLL in 2018–2020 were
4.Effect of miRNA-381-3p/MuRF1 axis on cardiopulmonary injury in mice with hypoxic pulmonary hypertension
Bin WU ; Zigeng YANG ; Ling JIN ; Jing ZHANG ; Hongmei WEI ; Bingbing CAI ; Yuying WEI
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(6):571-577
Objective To explore the effect of microRNA-381-3p(miR-381-3p)/MuRF1 axis on cardiopulmonary injury in hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension(HPH)mice and its potential mechanisms.Methods Sixty mice were randomly assigned to four groups:the normal control group(NC),the hypobaric hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension(HPH)group,the HPH+agomir control group and the HPH+miR-381-3p agomir analog group(HPH+miR-381-3p agomir),with 15 mice in each group.The HPH mouse model was established using a low-pressure and hypoxic artificial chamber.Three weeks prior to the establishment of the HPH model,miR-381-3p agomir and its corresponding control agomir were prepared by dissolving them in RNA-free phosphate-buffered saline(PBS)according to the experimental requirements.These solutions were administered via tail vein injection at a dose of 10 mg/kg,twice weekly for three consecutive weeks.Right heart function was assessed using echocardiography.Right ventricular systolic pressure(RVSP)was measured via cardiac catheterization.Pulmonary vascular remodeling was evaluated through hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining.Levels of inflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Real-time quantitative fluorescent PCR(RT-qPCR)was employed to analyze the mRNA expression levels of miR-381-3p and MuRF1.Potential targets of miR-381-3p were predicted,and pathway enrichment analysis was conducted.A dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to confirm the direct regulatory effect of miR-381-3p on MuRF1.Results Compared with the NC group,the mRNA expression of miR-381-3p was significantly decreased in both the HPH group and the HPH+agomir control group,whereas the mRNA expression of MuRF1 was significantly increased(P<0.05).In contrast,compared with the HPH group and the HPH+agomir control group,the mRNA expression of miR-381-3p was significantly increased in the HPH+miR-381-3p agomir group,while the mRNA expression of MuRF1 was significantly decreased(P<0.05).Additionally,compared with the NC group,RVSP,right ventricular anterior wall thickness(RVAW),right ventricular hypertrophy index(RVHI),right ventricular collagen volume fraction(CVF),distal pulmonary artery wall thickness ratio(WT),pulmonary artery wall area ratio(WA),as well as IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α levels in alveolar lavage fluid were significantly increased in the HPH group and the HPH+agomir control group,whereas the right ventricular diameter(RVID)was significantly decreased(P<0.05).Conversely,compared with the HPH group and the HPH+agomir control group,RVSP,RVAW,RVHI,right ventricular CVF,WT,Wa and RVID were decreased in the HPH+miR-381-3p agomir group,and IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α levels of alveolar lavage fluid were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Furthermore,the downstream target genes of miR-381-3p were predicted in the database,and MuRF1 was a potential target,and the Cytoskeleton in muscle cells ranked first in the significant enrichment of target genes.Compared with WT-MuRF1+mimic control group,the luciferase activity was decreased in the WT-MuRF1+miR-381-3p mimic group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the luciferase activity between the Mut-MuRF1+mimic control group and the Mut-MuRF1+miR-381-3p mimic group.Conclusion Overexpression of miR-381-3p can improve cardiopulmonary injury in HPH mice,and the mechanism may be related to the targeted inhibition of MuRF1 by miR-381-3p.
5.Experience in Staged Differentiation and Treatment of Cirrhotic Ascites Based on the Theory of Tonification and Purging
Haihang DONG ; Yujie CAI ; Huiqin ZHANG ; Yan CHEN ; Yuying TU ; Dongling WANG ; Yinqiang ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(5):532-536
It is believed that patients with cirrhotic ascites exhibit a pathological mechanism characterized by the decline of healthy qi and the accumulation of pathogenic factors. Clinically, treatment should be based on the theory of tonification and purging, with a staged approach distinguishing between the active phase and the remission phase. The balance between tonification and purging should be adjusted according to the progression of pathogenic and healthy actors. In the acute phase, purging should take precedence over tonification, using purging as a means of tonification to facilitate the flow of water and qi through the triple energizer. The severity of water retention, dampness, blood stasis, and heat should be carefully assessed to ensure thorough elimination of pathogenic factors while avoiding harm to healthy qi. Medication adjustments should be made once the pathogenic factors are significantly weakened. In the remission phase, an integrated approach combining both tonification and purging should be adopted, incorporating purging within tonification to clear residual pathogens and prevent recurrence. Concurrently, proactive treatment of the underlying disease is essential to achieve complete recovery and prevent the recurrence of ascites.
6.Safety analysis of Yttrium-90 resin microsphere selective internal radiation therapy on malignant liver tumors
Jia CAI ; Shiwei TANG ; Rongli LI ; Mingxin KONG ; Hongyan DING ; Xiaofeng YUAN ; Yuying HU ; Ruimei LIU ; Xiaoyan ZHU ; Wenjun LI ; Haibin ZHANG ; Guanwu WANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(1):24-29
Objective To explore the safety of Yttrium-90 resin microsphere selective internal radiation therapy (90Y-SIRT) on malignant liver tumors. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 64 patients with malignant liver tumors who underwent 90Y-SIRT from February 2023 to November 2024 at Weifang People’s Hospital. The clinical characteristics of the patients and the occurrence of adverse reactions after treatment were analyzed to assess the safety of 90Y-SIRT. Results Among the 64 patients, there were 52 males (81.25%) and 12 females (18.75%); the average age was (56.29±11.08) years. Seven patients (10.94%) had tumors with maximum diameter of less than 5 cm, 38 patients (59.38%) had tumors with maximum diameter of 5-10 cm, and 19 patients (29.68%) had tumors with maximum diameter of greater than 10 cm. There were 47 cases (73.44%) of solitary lesions and 17 cases (26.56%) of multiple lesions; 53 cases (82.81%) were primary liver cancers and 11 cases (17.19%) were metastatic liver cancers. Of the 64 patients, 63 successfully completed the Technetium-99m macroaggregated albumin (99mTc-MAA) perfusion test and received the 90Y-SIRT; one patient received 90Y-SIRT after the second 99mTc-MAA perfusion test due to a work error. The most common adverse reactions included grade 1 alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation in 26 cases (40.62%) and grade 2 in 2 cases (9.37%), grade 1 aspartate aminotransferase (AST) elevation in 27 cases (42.18%) and grade 2 in 7 cases (10.93%); grade 1 nausea in 17 cases (26.56%) and grade 2 in 6 cases (9.37%); grade 1 abdominal pain in 12 cases (18.75%), grade 2 in 5 cases (7.81%), and grade 3 in 1 case (1.56%); grade 1 vomiting in 11 cases (17.18%), grade 2 in 5 cases (7.81%), and grade 3 in 1 case (1.56%). Conclusion The adverse reactions of 90Y-SIRT for treating malignant liver tumors are mild, indicating good safety.
7.Risk factors for mortality in neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis: analysis of 118 cases
Yueju CAI ; Yuying LIN ; Dabin HUANG ; Xiaowen CHEN ; Yongjiang JIANG ; Wei ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2025;28(2):142-149
Objective:To investigate the risk factors for mortality in neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).Methods:This retrospective cohort study included patients diagnosed with NEC at stage Ⅱ-Ⅲ (Bell's criteria) and admitted to the Neonatology Department of Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center Affiliated to Guangzhou Medical University from January 2017 to December 2022. According to the outcomes, these patients were divided into the mortality and survival groups. Perinatal conditions, clinical manifestations, disease status during hospitalization, and blood routine parameters at different time points after birth were compared between the two groups to analyze the risk factors for mortality of NEC. Statistical analysis was performed using independent-sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-square test (or Fisher's exact test), and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results:(1) A total of 118 NEC cases were included, with 100 in the survival group and 18 in the mortality group. (2) The gestational age and birth weight were significantly lower in the mortality group than in the survival group [(28.9±4.2) weeks vs. (33.7±3.9) weeks, t=4.78; 940 g (685-1 275 g) vs. 1 830 g (1 352-2 368 g), Z=4.18; both P<0.05]. The incidence of neonatal asphyxia was higher in the mortality group [9/18 vs. 18% (18/100), χ2=7.13, P<0.05]. (3) Compared with the survival group, the mortality group had higher proportions of patients who were at NEC stage Ⅲ, accepted surgery, were treated with vasoactive drugs, had undergone invasive mechanical ventilation, or had metabolic acidosis, hyperlactatemia, shock, or hematochezia [17/18 vs. 24% (24/100), χ2=33.39; 17/18 vs. 31% (31/100), χ2=22.88; 16/18 vs. 22% (22/100), χ2=31.26; 16/18 vs. 39% (39/100), χ2=15.26; 18/18 vs. 28% (28/100), χ2=30.29; 16/18 vs. 20% (20/100), χ2=34.15; 17/18 vs. 21% (21/100), χ2=37.69; 9/18 vs. 82% (82/100), χ2=7.13; all P<0.05]. (4) The proportions of patients who developed late-onset sepsis, hemodynamically- significant patent ductus arteriosus, respiratory distress syndrome, or pulmonary hemorrhage were significantly higher in the mortality group than in the survival group [15/18 vs. 33% (33/100), χ2=16.01; 9/18 vs. 21% (21/100), χ2=5.32; 15/18 vs. 39% (39/100), χ2=12.08; 7/18 vs. 7% (7/100), χ2=11.94; all P<0.05]. (5) Within 24 h of birth, the levels of red blood cells and platelets were lower in the mortality group than in the survival group [4.1×1012/L (3.8×10 12/L-4.6×10 12/L) vs. 4.6×10 12/L (4.0×10 12/L-4.9×10 12/L), Z=2.04; (199.9±68.6)×10 9/L vs. (239.8±72.6)×10 9/L, t=2.16; both P<0.05]; at 6-8 d after birth, the levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (HCT) were lower in the mortality group than in the survival group [(3.2±0.5)×10 12/L vs. (3.9±0.8)×10 12/L, t=3.30; (111.2±19.2) vs. (138.1±28.3) g/L, t=3.51; (33.0±5.4)% vs. (40.9±8.1)%, t=3.61; all P<0.05]; at the diagnosis of NEC, red blood cell count, Hb level, HCT, and platelet count were lower in the mortality group than in the survival group [(3.3±1.0)×10 12/L vs. (3.8±0.8)×10 12/L, t=2.47; (102.8±28.8) vs. (124.4±26.3) g/L, t=3.59; 31.0% (25.9%-38.4%) vs. 37.2% (31.5%-43.7%), Z=2.62; 87.0×10 9/L (50.2×10 9/L-157.0×10 9/L) vs. 228.0×10 9/L (130.0×10 9/L-414.7×10 9/L), Z=3.78; all P<0.05], while mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width, and the differences in hemoglobin (ΔHb) and hematocrit (ΔHCT) between the first 24 h after birth and 6-8 d after birth were significantly higher in the mortality group than in the survival group [13.1 fl (11.4-13.6 fl) vs. 11.6 fl (10.7-12.4 fl), Z=3.26; 19.6% (13.9%-25.2%) vs. 14.8% (12.0%-18.6%), Z=2.76; 35.5 g/L (28.3-57.3 g/L) vs. 27.0 g/L (8.0-42.5 g/L), Z=2.20;11.5% (9.4%-16.3%) vs. 6.3% (2.2%-11.2%), Z=2.85; all P<0.05]. (6) Late-onset sepsis ( OR=5.568, 95% CI: 1.201-25.816), hyperlactatemia ( OR=6.702, 95% CI: 1.193-37.651), shock ( OR=10.616, 95% CI: 1.157-97.406) and MPV elevation at the diagnosis of NEC ( OR=2.769, 95% CI: 1.468-5.223) were independent risk factors, while gestational age ( OR=0.836, 95% CI: 0.708-0.986), and HCT at 6-8 d after birth ( OR=0.848, 95% CI: 0.759-0.947) were protecting fctors for death in NEC. Conclusions:Preterm infants with smaller gestational age are more prone to mortality of NEC. Early identification and management of late-onset sepsis, shock, and hyperlactatemia may reduce the risk of mortality in NEC.
8.Machine Learning-Assisted Efficacy Evaluation of Resveratrol Therapy in a Mouse Model of Acute Pancreatitis
Ziyu LI ; Yuxing TIAN ; Wenhao CAI ; Yongzi WU ; Shiyu LIU ; Linbo YAO ; Yuying LI ; Xueying WU ; Tingting LIU ; Wei HUANG
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(4):1051-1058
Objective To develop a machine learning(ML)-based prediction model for assessing the therapeutic effects of resveratrol(RES)on the pathological damage of acute pancreatitis(AP),and to optimize RES administration strategies for AP through validation using an animal model.Methods AAn ML-based prediction model was constructed using published data.Interpretability analysis was applied to identify high-efficacy zones within the parameter space of administration dose and frequency,which was followed by rigorous screening to select the optimal dosing strategy that balanced therapeutic efficacy and experimental feasibility.A total of 32 C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups(n=8 per group),including a control group(Ctrl),an AP model group induced by caerulein(CER)and referred to as CER-AP,a treatment group receiving RES via intraperitoneal injection(RES i.p.),and a treatment group receiving RES via intragastric gavage(RES i.g.).The Ctrl group received intraperitoneal injection of normal saline.The CER-AP and the treatment groups were induced with 10 intraperitoneal injections of CER at 50 μg/kg.RES was administered to the RES i.p.and RES i.g.groups according to the optimal dose and timing predicted by the ML model.Blood and tissue samples were collected 12 hours after the experiment started.Results The gradient boosting decision tree model,optimized via Hyperopt,yielded the best performance,predicting that the optimal dose and administration frequency were 19.992 mg/kg and 3.828 times,respectively.Accordingly,a regimen of 20 mg/kg RES,administered four times,was used in the animal experiments.Compared with the Ctrl group,the CER-AP group exhibited higher pancreatic pathology scores and elevated levels of serum amylase,lipase,pancreatic myeloperoxidase,and trypsin,with all differences reaching statistical significance(all P<0.05).The administration of 20 mg/kg RES via both intraperitoneal injection and intragastric gavage mitigated pancreatic inflammatory cell infiltration and necrosis,improved the overall pathology score,and reduced serum amylase,lipase,and pancreatic myeloperoxidase levels to varying degrees(all P<0.05).Conclusion A regimen of 20 mg/kg RES administered four times effectively alleviates the severity of CER-induced AP.The therapeutic benefits appear to arise from a multi-target regulatory network that simultaneously suppresses inflammatory cascades,mitigates oxidative stress,and reduces apoptosis,thereby reducing pancreatic tissue damage and systemic inflammatory responses.
9.Risk factors for mortality in neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis: analysis of 118 cases
Yueju CAI ; Yuying LIN ; Dabin HUANG ; Xiaowen CHEN ; Yongjiang JIANG ; Wei ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2025;28(2):142-149
Objective:To investigate the risk factors for mortality in neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).Methods:This retrospective cohort study included patients diagnosed with NEC at stage Ⅱ-Ⅲ (Bell's criteria) and admitted to the Neonatology Department of Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center Affiliated to Guangzhou Medical University from January 2017 to December 2022. According to the outcomes, these patients were divided into the mortality and survival groups. Perinatal conditions, clinical manifestations, disease status during hospitalization, and blood routine parameters at different time points after birth were compared between the two groups to analyze the risk factors for mortality of NEC. Statistical analysis was performed using independent-sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-square test (or Fisher's exact test), and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results:(1) A total of 118 NEC cases were included, with 100 in the survival group and 18 in the mortality group. (2) The gestational age and birth weight were significantly lower in the mortality group than in the survival group [(28.9±4.2) weeks vs. (33.7±3.9) weeks, t=4.78; 940 g (685-1 275 g) vs. 1 830 g (1 352-2 368 g), Z=4.18; both P<0.05]. The incidence of neonatal asphyxia was higher in the mortality group [9/18 vs. 18% (18/100), χ2=7.13, P<0.05]. (3) Compared with the survival group, the mortality group had higher proportions of patients who were at NEC stage Ⅲ, accepted surgery, were treated with vasoactive drugs, had undergone invasive mechanical ventilation, or had metabolic acidosis, hyperlactatemia, shock, or hematochezia [17/18 vs. 24% (24/100), χ2=33.39; 17/18 vs. 31% (31/100), χ2=22.88; 16/18 vs. 22% (22/100), χ2=31.26; 16/18 vs. 39% (39/100), χ2=15.26; 18/18 vs. 28% (28/100), χ2=30.29; 16/18 vs. 20% (20/100), χ2=34.15; 17/18 vs. 21% (21/100), χ2=37.69; 9/18 vs. 82% (82/100), χ2=7.13; all P<0.05]. (4) The proportions of patients who developed late-onset sepsis, hemodynamically- significant patent ductus arteriosus, respiratory distress syndrome, or pulmonary hemorrhage were significantly higher in the mortality group than in the survival group [15/18 vs. 33% (33/100), χ2=16.01; 9/18 vs. 21% (21/100), χ2=5.32; 15/18 vs. 39% (39/100), χ2=12.08; 7/18 vs. 7% (7/100), χ2=11.94; all P<0.05]. (5) Within 24 h of birth, the levels of red blood cells and platelets were lower in the mortality group than in the survival group [4.1×1012/L (3.8×10 12/L-4.6×10 12/L) vs. 4.6×10 12/L (4.0×10 12/L-4.9×10 12/L), Z=2.04; (199.9±68.6)×10 9/L vs. (239.8±72.6)×10 9/L, t=2.16; both P<0.05]; at 6-8 d after birth, the levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (HCT) were lower in the mortality group than in the survival group [(3.2±0.5)×10 12/L vs. (3.9±0.8)×10 12/L, t=3.30; (111.2±19.2) vs. (138.1±28.3) g/L, t=3.51; (33.0±5.4)% vs. (40.9±8.1)%, t=3.61; all P<0.05]; at the diagnosis of NEC, red blood cell count, Hb level, HCT, and platelet count were lower in the mortality group than in the survival group [(3.3±1.0)×10 12/L vs. (3.8±0.8)×10 12/L, t=2.47; (102.8±28.8) vs. (124.4±26.3) g/L, t=3.59; 31.0% (25.9%-38.4%) vs. 37.2% (31.5%-43.7%), Z=2.62; 87.0×10 9/L (50.2×10 9/L-157.0×10 9/L) vs. 228.0×10 9/L (130.0×10 9/L-414.7×10 9/L), Z=3.78; all P<0.05], while mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width, and the differences in hemoglobin (ΔHb) and hematocrit (ΔHCT) between the first 24 h after birth and 6-8 d after birth were significantly higher in the mortality group than in the survival group [13.1 fl (11.4-13.6 fl) vs. 11.6 fl (10.7-12.4 fl), Z=3.26; 19.6% (13.9%-25.2%) vs. 14.8% (12.0%-18.6%), Z=2.76; 35.5 g/L (28.3-57.3 g/L) vs. 27.0 g/L (8.0-42.5 g/L), Z=2.20;11.5% (9.4%-16.3%) vs. 6.3% (2.2%-11.2%), Z=2.85; all P<0.05]. (6) Late-onset sepsis ( OR=5.568, 95% CI: 1.201-25.816), hyperlactatemia ( OR=6.702, 95% CI: 1.193-37.651), shock ( OR=10.616, 95% CI: 1.157-97.406) and MPV elevation at the diagnosis of NEC ( OR=2.769, 95% CI: 1.468-5.223) were independent risk factors, while gestational age ( OR=0.836, 95% CI: 0.708-0.986), and HCT at 6-8 d after birth ( OR=0.848, 95% CI: 0.759-0.947) were protecting fctors for death in NEC. Conclusions:Preterm infants with smaller gestational age are more prone to mortality of NEC. Early identification and management of late-onset sepsis, shock, and hyperlactatemia may reduce the risk of mortality in NEC.
10.Effect of miRNA-381-3p/MuRF1 axis on cardiopulmonary injury in mice with hypoxic pulmonary hypertension
Bin WU ; Zigeng YANG ; Ling JIN ; Jing ZHANG ; Hongmei WEI ; Bingbing CAI ; Yuying WEI
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(6):571-577
Objective To explore the effect of microRNA-381-3p(miR-381-3p)/MuRF1 axis on cardiopulmonary injury in hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension(HPH)mice and its potential mechanisms.Methods Sixty mice were randomly assigned to four groups:the normal control group(NC),the hypobaric hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension(HPH)group,the HPH+agomir control group and the HPH+miR-381-3p agomir analog group(HPH+miR-381-3p agomir),with 15 mice in each group.The HPH mouse model was established using a low-pressure and hypoxic artificial chamber.Three weeks prior to the establishment of the HPH model,miR-381-3p agomir and its corresponding control agomir were prepared by dissolving them in RNA-free phosphate-buffered saline(PBS)according to the experimental requirements.These solutions were administered via tail vein injection at a dose of 10 mg/kg,twice weekly for three consecutive weeks.Right heart function was assessed using echocardiography.Right ventricular systolic pressure(RVSP)was measured via cardiac catheterization.Pulmonary vascular remodeling was evaluated through hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining.Levels of inflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Real-time quantitative fluorescent PCR(RT-qPCR)was employed to analyze the mRNA expression levels of miR-381-3p and MuRF1.Potential targets of miR-381-3p were predicted,and pathway enrichment analysis was conducted.A dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to confirm the direct regulatory effect of miR-381-3p on MuRF1.Results Compared with the NC group,the mRNA expression of miR-381-3p was significantly decreased in both the HPH group and the HPH+agomir control group,whereas the mRNA expression of MuRF1 was significantly increased(P<0.05).In contrast,compared with the HPH group and the HPH+agomir control group,the mRNA expression of miR-381-3p was significantly increased in the HPH+miR-381-3p agomir group,while the mRNA expression of MuRF1 was significantly decreased(P<0.05).Additionally,compared with the NC group,RVSP,right ventricular anterior wall thickness(RVAW),right ventricular hypertrophy index(RVHI),right ventricular collagen volume fraction(CVF),distal pulmonary artery wall thickness ratio(WT),pulmonary artery wall area ratio(WA),as well as IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α levels in alveolar lavage fluid were significantly increased in the HPH group and the HPH+agomir control group,whereas the right ventricular diameter(RVID)was significantly decreased(P<0.05).Conversely,compared with the HPH group and the HPH+agomir control group,RVSP,RVAW,RVHI,right ventricular CVF,WT,Wa and RVID were decreased in the HPH+miR-381-3p agomir group,and IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α levels of alveolar lavage fluid were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Furthermore,the downstream target genes of miR-381-3p were predicted in the database,and MuRF1 was a potential target,and the Cytoskeleton in muscle cells ranked first in the significant enrichment of target genes.Compared with WT-MuRF1+mimic control group,the luciferase activity was decreased in the WT-MuRF1+miR-381-3p mimic group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the luciferase activity between the Mut-MuRF1+mimic control group and the Mut-MuRF1+miR-381-3p mimic group.Conclusion Overexpression of miR-381-3p can improve cardiopulmonary injury in HPH mice,and the mechanism may be related to the targeted inhibition of MuRF1 by miR-381-3p.

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