1.EGR2 maintains neuropathic pain by promoting microglial phagocytosis.
Caiyun XI ; Jianxi ZHANG ; Zhifeng HUANG ; Liqiong HE ; Kailu ZOU ; Xiaoping XU ; Qulian GUO ; Bei SUN ; Changsheng HUANG
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(4):586-601
OBJECTIVES:
Neuropathic pain (NP) is one of the most common forms of chronic pain, yet current treatment options are limited in effectiveness. Peripheral nerve injury activates spinal microglia, altering their inflammatory response and phagocytic functions, which contributes to the progression of NP. Most current research on NP focuses on microglial inflammation, with relatively little attention to their phagocytic function. Early growth response factor 2 (EGR2) has been shown to regulate microglial phagocytosis, but its specific role in NP remains unclear. This study aims to investigate how EGR2 modulates microglial phagocytosis and its involvement in NP, with the goal of identifying potential therapeutic targets.
METHODS:
Adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used to establish a chronic constriction injury (CCI) model of the sciatic nerve. Pain behaviors were assessed on days 1, 3, 7, 10, and 14 post-surgery to confirm successful model induction. The temporal and spatial expression of EGR2 in the spinal cord was examined using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) was used to overexpress EGR2 in the spinal cord, and behavioral assessments were performed to evaluate the effects of EGR2 modulation of NP. CCI and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) models were established in animals and microglial cell lines, respectively, and changes in phagocytic activity were measured using RT-qPCR and fluorescent latex bead uptake assays. After confirming the involvement of microglial phagocytosis in NP, AAV was used to overexpress EGR2 in both in vivo and in vitro models, and phagocytic activity was further evaluated. Finally, eukaryotic transcriptome sequencing was conducted to screen differentially expressed mRNAs, followed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses to identify potential downstream effectors of EGR2.
RESULTS:
The CCI model successfully induced NP. Following CCI, EGR2 expression in the spinal cord was upregulated in parallel with NP development. Overexpression of EGR2 via spinal AAV injection enhanced microglial phagocytic activity and increased pain hypersensitivity in rats. Both animal and cellular models showed that CCI or LPS stimulation enhanced microglial phagocytosis, which was further amplified by EGR2 overexpression. Transcriptomic analysis of spinal cord tissues from CCI rats overexpressing EGR2 revealed upregulation of numerous genes associated with microglial phagocytosis and pain regulation. Among them, Lag3 emerged as a potential downstream target of EGR2.
CONCLUSIONS
EGR2 contributes to the maintenance of NP by enhancing microglial phagocytosis in the spinal dorsal horn.
Animals
;
Microglia/metabolism*
;
Phagocytosis/physiology*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Neuralgia/physiopathology*
;
Early Growth Response Protein 2/metabolism*
;
Male
;
Rats
;
Spinal Cord/metabolism*
;
Sciatic Nerve/injuries*
2.Current status of electronic health literacy of caregivers of total laryngectomy patients and its influencing factors
Fei XU ; Caiyun ZHANG ; Jialu HUANG ; Shan LI
Journal of Navy Medicine 2025;46(4):352-356
Objective To explore the current status and its influencing factors of electronic health literacy of caregivers of total laryngectomy patients and its influencing factors.Methods A total of 145 caregivers of total laryngectomy patients who were admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University from August 2018 to August 2023 were selected by convenience sampling.A questionnaire survey was conducted on these caregivers by demographic data questionnaire,electronic health literacy scale(e-HLS),and general self-efficacy scale.Results The average total score of electronic health literacy among the caregivers was 25.09±5.31.One-way analysis of variance showed that there were significant differences in the scores of e-HLS among caregivers with different age,education level,self-efficacy,frequency of online health information search,and disease course(P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age,education level,self-efficacy,frequency of online health information search,and disease course were the main factors affecting the electronic health literacy of caregivers of total laryngectomy patients.Conclusion Electronic literacy of caregivers of total laryngectomy patients is at a low level,and it was affected by many factors.Appropriate guidance can be provided to caregivers with low electronic health literacy,so as to improve the electronic health literacy of caregivers and the quality of care for total laryngectomy patients.
3.The application of self-management intervention programs for hypertension patients based on the chronic disease trajectory framework
Li PAN ; Wenliang PENG ; Caiyun TIAN ; Dengping YAO ; Li YANG ; Dieran HUANG
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(11):2583-2587
Objective To study the application effects of a hypertension self-management intervention program based on the chronic illness trajectory framework(CITF).Methods A total of 100 hypertension pa-tients treated at Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture People's Hospital and hypertension management demonstration sites from July 2023 to July 2024 were selected as study subjects.They were ran-domly divided into a study group and a control group(50 cases in each group)using a random number table method.The control group received conventional intervention,including basic measures such as hypertension education,dietary management,psychological counseling,medication guidance,and blood pressure monitoring.The study group received a personalized self-management intervention program based on CITF.Blood pres-sure,medication adherence,hypertension knowledge level,and chronic disease management self-efficacy were compared between the two groups at baseline(before intervention)and 3 months after intervention(after in-tervention).Results After the intervention,systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased in both groups compared to pre-intervention levels,with the study group showing lower values than the control group(P<0.05).The scores of hypertension knowledge level scale(HK-LS),MMAS-8,and chronic disease management self-efficacy scale increased in both groups compared to pre-intervention levels,with the study group scoring higher than the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion The CITF-based self-intervention program effectively improves patients'blood pressure levels,enhances health knowledge level,medication adherence,and chronic disease self-management efficacy,promoting proactive disease coping and strengthened self-management.
4.Advances in the application of thiopurines in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease
Chinese Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2025;09(4):339-344
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is one of the common diseases of the digestive system, characterized by recurrent chronic intestinal inflammation. Despite the introduction of new biological agents and small molecule drugs into clinical practice, thiopurines continue to play an important role as first-line therapy for IBD, yet the adverse reactions associated with these drugs should not be overlooked. With the widespread adoption of pharmacogenomics, personalized treatment strategies for thiopurines based on genotype and phenotype have gained attention. This review focuses on the mechanisms of thiopurine drugs, application in IBD, and the monitoring of adverse reactions.
5.Clinical analysis of β-thalassemia combined with α-globin gene triplet
Yingli CAO ; Caiyun LI ; Haoqing ZHANG ; Shuai HOU ; Jufang TAN ; Dongqun HUANG ; Dongzhu LEI
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(10):1344-1348
Objective:To explore the clinical phenotypes and hematological characteristics of β-thalassemia combined with α-globin gene triplet.Methods:A retrospective case analysis study was conducted, taking individuals diagnosed with thalassemia who sought for outpatient services in No 1 people′s hospital of Chenzhou affiliated to South China University from August 10, 2021, to December 31, 2023 as study objectives. Among them, there were 8 768 males and 11 707 females, aged 31.5 (23.0, 46.0) years old. Blood analysis were analyzed by hematology analyze.The hemoglobin(Hb) Hb A, HbA 2,Hb F bands were analyzed by Capillary electrophoresis method, and the genotypes of thalassemia were analyzed by high-throughput sequencing technology.Hematological parameters between different genotypes of thalassemia were analyzed using t-tests and calibrated t-tests for data analysis. Results:A total of 27 cases of beta thalassemia combined with alpha globin triplet were detected, The average hemoglobin (Hb) of 11 cases of β Codon41/42 (-CTTT)/β N combined with ααα anti 4.2 (3.7) (92±16)g/L was lower than that of β Codon41/42 (-CTTT)/β N(112±11)g/L, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=3.97, P0.05). The average Hb of 8 cases of β IVS-Ⅱ-654 (CT)/β N combined with ααα anti 4.2 (3.7)(85±21) g/L was lower than that of β IVS-Ⅱ-654 (CT)/β N(116±12) g/L, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=4.05, P0.05). Conclusion:When the mutation site is at Codon41/42 (-CTTT) or IVS-Ⅱ-654 (CT), β-thalassemia combined with alpha globin triplet can make the clinical manifestations of β-thalassemia at this site more pronounced.
6.Clinical features and predictive indicators in children with recurrent simple febrile seizures
Qi ZHANG ; Yun ZHOU ; Minhui ZHU ; Caiyun ZHANG ; Yuanyuan HUANG
Chinese Journal of Primary Medicine and Pharmacy 2025;32(5):730-734
Objective:To investigate the clinical features and predictive indicators of children with recurrent simple febrile seizures, providing theoretical guidance for the early identification of such patients in clinical practice.Methods:This study is a single-center, retrospective analysis. It included 152 children with febrile seizures who were admitted to Department of Emergency, Hangzhou Children's Hospital from January 2021 to December 2023. Based on whether multiple episodes of simple febrile seizures occurred within 24 hours, the children were divided into a recurrent simple febrile seizure group ( n = 44) and a simple febrile seizure group ( n = 108). Demographic characteristics, clinical data, and laboratory test results were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression, correlation analysis, and receiver operating characteristic curves. Results:Among the 152 children with febrile seizures included in this study, 44 (28.95%) were diagnosed with recurrent simple febrile seizures. Children with recurrent simple febrile seizures had lower temperatures upon admission, were younger at the time of their first febrile seizure, and had a higher proportion of cases where the time interval from fever to seizure was < 12 hours ( t = 2.84, 4.25, 8.45, all P < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that recurrent simple febrile seizures were negatively correlated with admission temperature and age at first febrile seizure ( r = -0.599, -0.609, both P < 0.001) and positively correlated with the time interval from fever to seizure ( r = 0.568, P = 0.004). Logistic regression analysis indicated that age at first febrile seizure and a time interval from fever to seizure of ≥ 12 hours were influential factors of recurrent simple febrile seizures ( OR = 2.864, 2.145, P = 0.004, 0.007). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that admission temperature, age at first febrile seizure, a time interval from fever to seizure of ≥ 12 hours, and their combination were all effective in detecting recurrent simple febrile seizures. However, the combined assessment had higher sensitivity and specificity than any single assessment, with a sensitivity of 88.60%, specificity of 89.80%, a cutoff value of 0.840, and an area under the curve of 0.886. Conclusions:Lower admission temperatures, younger age at the time of the first febrile seizure, and a time interval of < 12 hours from fever to seizure are associated with an increased likelihood of simple febrile seizures developing into recurrent simple febrile seizures.
7.Advances in the application of thiopurines in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease
Chinese Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2025;09(4):339-344
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is one of the common diseases of the digestive system, characterized by recurrent chronic intestinal inflammation. Despite the introduction of new biological agents and small molecule drugs into clinical practice, thiopurines continue to play an important role as first-line therapy for IBD, yet the adverse reactions associated with these drugs should not be overlooked. With the widespread adoption of pharmacogenomics, personalized treatment strategies for thiopurines based on genotype and phenotype have gained attention. This review focuses on the mechanisms of thiopurine drugs, application in IBD, and the monitoring of adverse reactions.
8.Clinical features and predictive indicators in children with recurrent simple febrile seizures
Qi ZHANG ; Yun ZHOU ; Minhui ZHU ; Caiyun ZHANG ; Yuanyuan HUANG
Chinese Journal of Primary Medicine and Pharmacy 2025;32(5):730-734
Objective:To investigate the clinical features and predictive indicators of children with recurrent simple febrile seizures, providing theoretical guidance for the early identification of such patients in clinical practice.Methods:This study is a single-center, retrospective analysis. It included 152 children with febrile seizures who were admitted to Department of Emergency, Hangzhou Children's Hospital from January 2021 to December 2023. Based on whether multiple episodes of simple febrile seizures occurred within 24 hours, the children were divided into a recurrent simple febrile seizure group ( n = 44) and a simple febrile seizure group ( n = 108). Demographic characteristics, clinical data, and laboratory test results were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression, correlation analysis, and receiver operating characteristic curves. Results:Among the 152 children with febrile seizures included in this study, 44 (28.95%) were diagnosed with recurrent simple febrile seizures. Children with recurrent simple febrile seizures had lower temperatures upon admission, were younger at the time of their first febrile seizure, and had a higher proportion of cases where the time interval from fever to seizure was < 12 hours ( t = 2.84, 4.25, 8.45, all P < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that recurrent simple febrile seizures were negatively correlated with admission temperature and age at first febrile seizure ( r = -0.599, -0.609, both P < 0.001) and positively correlated with the time interval from fever to seizure ( r = 0.568, P = 0.004). Logistic regression analysis indicated that age at first febrile seizure and a time interval from fever to seizure of ≥ 12 hours were influential factors of recurrent simple febrile seizures ( OR = 2.864, 2.145, P = 0.004, 0.007). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that admission temperature, age at first febrile seizure, a time interval from fever to seizure of ≥ 12 hours, and their combination were all effective in detecting recurrent simple febrile seizures. However, the combined assessment had higher sensitivity and specificity than any single assessment, with a sensitivity of 88.60%, specificity of 89.80%, a cutoff value of 0.840, and an area under the curve of 0.886. Conclusions:Lower admission temperatures, younger age at the time of the first febrile seizure, and a time interval of < 12 hours from fever to seizure are associated with an increased likelihood of simple febrile seizures developing into recurrent simple febrile seizures.
9.Clinical analysis of β-thalassemia combined with α-globin gene triplet
Yingli CAO ; Caiyun LI ; Haoqing ZHANG ; Shuai HOU ; Jufang TAN ; Dongqun HUANG ; Dongzhu LEI
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(10):1344-1348
Objective:To explore the clinical phenotypes and hematological characteristics of β-thalassemia combined with α-globin gene triplet.Methods:A retrospective case analysis study was conducted, taking individuals diagnosed with thalassemia who sought for outpatient services in No 1 people′s hospital of Chenzhou affiliated to South China University from August 10, 2021, to December 31, 2023 as study objectives. Among them, there were 8 768 males and 11 707 females, aged 31.5 (23.0, 46.0) years old. Blood analysis were analyzed by hematology analyze.The hemoglobin(Hb) Hb A, HbA 2,Hb F bands were analyzed by Capillary electrophoresis method, and the genotypes of thalassemia were analyzed by high-throughput sequencing technology.Hematological parameters between different genotypes of thalassemia were analyzed using t-tests and calibrated t-tests for data analysis. Results:A total of 27 cases of beta thalassemia combined with alpha globin triplet were detected, The average hemoglobin (Hb) of 11 cases of β Codon41/42 (-CTTT)/β N combined with ααα anti 4.2 (3.7) (92±16)g/L was lower than that of β Codon41/42 (-CTTT)/β N(112±11)g/L, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=3.97, P0.05). The average Hb of 8 cases of β IVS-Ⅱ-654 (CT)/β N combined with ααα anti 4.2 (3.7)(85±21) g/L was lower than that of β IVS-Ⅱ-654 (CT)/β N(116±12) g/L, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=4.05, P0.05). Conclusion:When the mutation site is at Codon41/42 (-CTTT) or IVS-Ⅱ-654 (CT), β-thalassemia combined with alpha globin triplet can make the clinical manifestations of β-thalassemia at this site more pronounced.
10.Epidemiological characteristics of brucellosis among non-occupational population in Jinan City
Jianbao LIU ; Shujuan HUANG ; Caiyun CHANG ; Qingmei SUI
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2024;43(9):746-749
Objective:To study the epidemiological characteristics of brucellosis (hereinafter referred to as brucellosis) among non-occupational population in Jinan City, and to provide a basis for formulating further prevention and control measures.Methods:From "the Infectious Disease Monitoring System of the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention", Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Jinan City and its subordinate counties, the epidemiological data and case investigation data of brucellosis in Jinan from 2012 to 2021 were collected and statistically analyzed using descriptive epidemiological methods.Results:From 2012 to 2021, a total of 453 cases of brucellosis were reported in the non-occupational population of Jinan City, accounting for 20.21% (453/2 241) of the total number of cases. The proportion of brucellosis cases in the non-occupational population showed an increasing trend year by year (χ 2tend = 25.50, P < 0.001). Among the non-occupational population, there were 317 males and 136 females, with a gender ratio of 2.33∶1.00; the age was (46.34 ± 17.72) years old, with a minimum age of 1 year and a maximum age of 86 years. The majority of the affected population were farmers, accounting for 71.74% (325/453). The peak onset time was April and May. The main routes of infection were through the digestive tract and respiratory tract, accounting for 36.87% (167/453) and 33.77% (153/453), respectively. The clinical symptoms were mainly fever, muscle soreness, fatigue, and hyperhidrosis. The diagnosis time was 20.0 (7.5, 37.5) d, and the sensitivity of city and district general hospitals to detect and diagnose brucellosis was relatively low. Conclusions:The incidence rate of brucellosis among non-occupational population in Jinan is increasing year by year. The high incidence season is spring, and the high incidence population is male young and middle-aged farmers. Digestive and respiratory transmission are the main transmission routes, with atypical clinical symptoms and a long diagnosis time. The next step is to strengthen the promotion of brucellosis prevention and control knowledge and the training of medical personnel in brucellosis diagnosis.

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