Objective:To investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) agonist Roxadustat in alleviating pulmonary ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) in mice.Method:This study consisted of both in vivo and in vitro experiments. Thirty-six male C57/BL6 mice (6~8 weeks old) were used. In the animal experiments, 20 mice underwent left pulmonary artery ligation to establish the IRI model and were divided into reperfusion groups of 0, 1, 2, or 4 hours (IR-0/1/2/4 h, n=4 each), with a sham group ( n=4) as control. Temporal and spatial changes in pulmonary HIF-1α expression were analyzed. Another 16 mice were randomized into four groups: sham ( n=4), I/R+vehicle (DMSO, n=4), and I/R+Roxadustat treatment at 25 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg (I/R+ROX-LD, I/R+ROX-HD, n=4 each). Roxadustat or DMSO was administered intraperitoneally once daily for 5 days before surgery. Lung injury, inflammation, and endothelial apoptosis were subsequently assessed. In the cell experiments, human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) was subjected to hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) to determine the time course of HIF-1α expression. Cells pretreated with Roxadustat (25 μmol) were then exposed to H/R, and HIF-1α expression and apoptosis were analyzed. To verify the role of HIF-1α, siRNA knockdown of HIF-1α mRNA was performed before Roxadustat pretreatment and H/R exposure. Result:In vivo, pulmonary HIF-1α mRNA expression increased progressively after reperfusion, while protein expression peaked early and subsequently declined ( P<0.05). Immunofluorescence staining revealed HIF-1α predominantly localized to pulmonary endothelial cells following I/R. Compared with the I/R+DMSO group, Roxadustat (both doses) upregulated HIF-1α expression in lung tissue. In vitro, HIF-1α mRNA expression increased continuously after H/R, while protein levels first rose and then decreased ( P<0.05). Roxadustat pretreatment upregulated Bcl-2 and downregulated Bax and cleaved caspase-3 compared with the H/R group ( P<0.05). HIF-1α knockdown reversed these effects, resulting in decreased Bcl-2 and increased Bax and cleaved caspase-3 expression relative to the Roxadustat-treated group. Conclusion:The HIF-1α agonist Roxadustat inhibits vascular endothelial apoptosis, alleviates endothelial injury, reduces inflammatory cell infiltration in lung tissue, and lowers inflammatory responses in mice with pulmonary ischemia-reperfusion injury.

The accurate and timely detection of biochemical coagulation indicators is pivotal in pulmonary and critical care medicine. Despite their reliability, traditional laboratories often lag in terms of rapid diagnosis. Point-of-care testing (POCT) has emerged as a promising alternative, which is awaiting rigorous validation. We assessed 226 samples from patients at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University using a Beckman Coulter AU5821 and a PUSHKANG POCT Biochemistry Analyzer MS100. Furthermore, 350 samples were evaluated with a Stago coagulation analyzer STAR MAX and a PUSHKANG POCT Coagulation Analyzer MC100. Metrics included thirteen biochemical indexes, such as albumin, and five coagulation indices, such as prothrombin time. Comparisons were drawn against the PUSHKANG POCT analyzer. Bland-Altman plots (MS100: 0.8206‒0.9995; MC100: 0.8318‒0.9911) evinced significant consistency between methodologies. Spearman correlation pinpointed a potent linear association between conventional devices and the PUSHKANG POCT analyzer, further underscored by a robust correlation coefficient (MS100: 0.713‒0.949; MC100: 0.593‒0.950). The PUSHKANG POCT was validated as a dependable tool for serum and whole blood biochemical and coagulation diagnostics. This emphasizes its prospective clinical efficacy, offering clinicians a swift diagnostic tool and heralding a new era of enhanced patient care outcomes.
Humans ; Point-of-Care Testing ; Critical Care ; Blood Coagulation Tests/methods* ; Male ; Blood Coagulation ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Reproducibility of Results ; Prothrombin Time ; Aged ; Adult ; Point-of-Care Systems

Receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) plays an essential role in regulating the necroptosis and apoptosis in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, the regulation of RIPK1 kinase activity after cerebral I/R injury remains largely unknown. In this study, we found the downregulation of protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) was induced by cerebral I/R injury, which negatively correlated with the activation of RIPK1. Mechanistically, we proved that PRMT1 directly interacted with RIPK1 and catalyzed its asymmetric dimethylarginine, which then blocked RIPK1 homodimerization and suppressed its kinase activity. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition or genetic ablation of PRMT1 aggravated I/R injury by promoting RIPK1-mediated necroptosis and apoptosis, while PRMT1 overexpression protected against I/R injury by suppressing RIPK1 activation. Our findings revealed the molecular regulation of RIPK1 activation and demonstrated PRMT1 would be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Objective:To investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) agonist Roxadustat in alleviating pulmonary ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) in mice.Method:This study consisted of both in vivo and in vitro experiments. Thirty-six male C57/BL6 mice (6~8 weeks old) were used. In the animal experiments, 20 mice underwent left pulmonary artery ligation to establish the IRI model and were divided into reperfusion groups of 0, 1, 2, or 4 hours (IR-0/1/2/4 h, n=4 each), with a sham group ( n=4) as control. Temporal and spatial changes in pulmonary HIF-1α expression were analyzed. Another 16 mice were randomized into four groups: sham ( n=4), I/R+vehicle (DMSO, n=4), and I/R+Roxadustat treatment at 25 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg (I/R+ROX-LD, I/R+ROX-HD, n=4 each). Roxadustat or DMSO was administered intraperitoneally once daily for 5 days before surgery. Lung injury, inflammation, and endothelial apoptosis were subsequently assessed. In the cell experiments, human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) was subjected to hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) to determine the time course of HIF-1α expression. Cells pretreated with Roxadustat (25 μmol) were then exposed to H/R, and HIF-1α expression and apoptosis were analyzed. To verify the role of HIF-1α, siRNA knockdown of HIF-1α mRNA was performed before Roxadustat pretreatment and H/R exposure. Result:In vivo, pulmonary HIF-1α mRNA expression increased progressively after reperfusion, while protein expression peaked early and subsequently declined ( P<0.05). Immunofluorescence staining revealed HIF-1α predominantly localized to pulmonary endothelial cells following I/R. Compared with the I/R+DMSO group, Roxadustat (both doses) upregulated HIF-1α expression in lung tissue. In vitro, HIF-1α mRNA expression increased continuously after H/R, while protein levels first rose and then decreased ( P<0.05). Roxadustat pretreatment upregulated Bcl-2 and downregulated Bax and cleaved caspase-3 compared with the H/R group ( P<0.05). HIF-1α knockdown reversed these effects, resulting in decreased Bcl-2 and increased Bax and cleaved caspase-3 expression relative to the Roxadustat-treated group. Conclusion:The HIF-1α agonist Roxadustat inhibits vascular endothelial apoptosis, alleviates endothelial injury, reduces inflammatory cell infiltration in lung tissue, and lowers inflammatory responses in mice with pulmonary ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Objective To analyze the effect of night-shift work, anxiety and their interaction on work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among electronics manufacturing employees. Methods A total of 2 676 employees from 58 electronic manufacturing enterprises in the Pearl River Delta region of Guangdong Province were selected as the research subjects using the judgment sampling method. The Basic Situation Survey Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item Scale and Questionnaire of Musculoskeletal Disorders were used to assess night-shift work, anxiety and the prevalence of WMSDs in employees. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the effects of night-shift work, anxiety and their combined effects on the risk of WMSDs. Results The proportion of night-shift work was 30.3%, and the detection rates of anxiety and WMSDs were 26.8% and 41.3%, respectively. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that night-shift work and anxiety were independent risk factors of WMSDs in the research subjects, after excluding the influence of confounding factors such as age, marital status, enterprise size and length of service [odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were 1.307 (1.092-1.564) and 3.282 (2.739-3.934), respectively, both P<0.01]. Compared with those without night-shift work or anxiety, the risk of WMSDs was higher in individuals with only night-shift work, only anxiety, or both night-shift work and anxiety [OR and 95%CI were 1.347 (1.091-1.663), 3.395 (2.727-4.227) and 4.117 (3.072-5.519), respectively, all P<0.01]. Conclusion Both night-shift work and anxiety can increase the risk of WMSDs among electronic manufacturing employees, and these two factors exhibit a synergistic effect in increasing the risk of WMSDs.

OBJECTIVE To explore the risk signals of Fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implants and promote safe and rational drug use for patients. METHODS Based on the data from the Hainan Province Franchised Drug Adverse Reaction Monitoring Subsystem （hereinafter referred to as the “Franchised Drug Monitoring System”） and the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System （FAERS）， the adverse drug reaction （ADR）/adverse drug event （ADE） reports of Fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implants were coded by using system organ classification and preferred terminology， and relevant patient information was collected. Risk signal mining was carried out by using the reporting odds ratio （ROR） method and the comprehensive standards method of the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency （hereinafter referred to as the “MHRA method”）. RESULTS Among the 72 reports of Fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implants received by the Franchised Drug Monitoring System， the ratio of male to female was 1∶1.4， the patient’s age was mainly distributed between 18 and 64 years old； ADR/ADE affected 5 systemic organs， with eye organ diseases accounting for 87.7%； among them， there were 9 new and general ADR reports （12.5%） and 4 severe ADR reports （5.6%）； ROR method and MHRA method both identified three risk signals： cataracts， glaucoma， and high intraocular pressure. Among the 244 reports received by the FAERS database， the ratio of male to female was 1∶1.5； ADR/ADE damage affected 10 systemic organs， with 46.1% suffering from various injuries， poisoning， and operational complications， and 32.0% suffering from product problems； there were 20 severe ADR reports （8.2%）； ROR method and MHRA method both identified 19 risk signals， including implantation complications， medication system issues， etc. CONCLUSIONS When using Fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implants in clinical practice， in addition to paying attention to eye ADR/ADE such as high intraocular pressure， cataracts， and glaucoma， attention should also be paid to the potential risks caused by ADE due to product quality and unreasonable use.

Objective To investigate the changes of serum cardiac-specific troponin I (cTnI) level in patients after lung transplantation. Methods Clinical data of patients undergoing lung transplantation in our hospital from December 2016 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The relationship between postoperative serum cTnI level and clinical characteristics were explored. Results Finally 20 patients were collected, including 15 males and 5 females with an average age of (51.65±12.79) years. The serum cTnI level was significantly increased after lung transplantation. The serum cTnI reached the highest level on the first day after transplantation, and significantly decreased from the third day after transplantation. The serum cTnI levels in patients with obstructive pulmonary disease and bilateral lung transplantation were significantly higher than those in patients with restrictive pulmonary disease and unilateral lung transplantation on the day after surgery and on the first day after transplantation. Conclusion Transient myocardial injury can occur after lung transplantation, which is characterized by an abnormal increase in serum cTnI level.

Objective:To report the clinical manifestation and genetic characteristics of a case of de novo Huntington′s disease due to paternal intermediate alleles. Methods:Clinical data and imaging features of a middle-aged female, who complained of unstable walking without positive family history and was admitted to Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University on September 20, 2022, were retrospectively analyzed. The serum samples of the patient and her parents were used to screen HTT gene dynamic mutation in accordance with the principle of informed consent and voluntary. And the relevant literatures were reviewed. Results:This is a 38-year-old female with progressive course, who presented as ataxia, involuntary movement at the end of extremities, dystonia, and cognitive impairment. Imaging results showed atrophy of bilateral caudate nuclei, as well as decreased glucose metabolism of bilateral caudate nuclei, putamen and partial cortex. Genetic testing showed the abnormal expansion of polymorphic trinucleotide (CAG) repeats in HTT gene and confirmed the diagnosis of Huntington′s disease. The CAG repeat length of the patient was 17/47 (pathopoiesis), of the father was 17/35 (intermediate alleles), and of the mother was 17/17 (normal). Conclusions:Paternal intermediate alleles may cause the first case of Huntington′s disease in a family. Importantly, HTT gene screening should be performed for the patient and parents when the diagnosis of Huntington′s disease is clinically possible despite negative family history, to prevent the misdiagnosis.

OBJECTIVES: Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have certain side effects in the treatment of hypertrophic scar, and the scar recurrence is easy after withdrawal of steroid anti-inflammatory drugs. Finding reliable alternative drugs is an effective means to improve this defect. Aspirin, a traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is safe for topical use and has anti-inflammatory effects similar to those of steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which may have similar effects on the treatment of hypertrophic scar. This study aims to investigate the inhibitory effect of aspirin on the proliferation of hypertrophic scar in rabbit ears and the underlying mechanism. METHODS: The rabbit ear hypertrophic scar models were prepared. The rabbits were randomly divided into a normal skin group (group A), a blank control group (group B), a 0.9% NaCl group (group C), a 0.2% aspirin group (group D), a 0.5% aspirin group (group E), a 2% aspirin group (group F), and a triamcinolone acetonide group (group G). Macroscopic observation of hyperplasia was performed 8 weeks after local injection of the scar, followed by collecting the scar tissue samples for HE staining, Masson staining, and immunohistochemistry, respectively to assess the proliferation of fibroblasts and collagen fibers, and calculate the hypertrophic index, microvessel density, and immunohistochemical score. RESULTS: All rabbit ear hypertrophic scar models were successfully constructed. In groups B and C, the hypertrophic scar edge was irregular, with reddish protruding epidermis, significant contracture and hard touch. In group D, E, and F, with the increase of aspirin administration concentration, the scar became thinner and gradually flat, the proliferation of fibrocytes and collagen fibers was weakened, and the hypertrophic index was gradually decreased (P<0.05). Immunohistochemistry showed that the expression of β-catenin was decreased in the group D, E and F in turn, and the immunohistochemical score was gradually decreased (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in hypertrophic index, microvessel density, and immunohistochemical score (all P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Local injection of aspirin can reduce the generation of hypertrophic scar in a dose-dependent manner within a certain concentration range; aspirin inhibits the growth of hypertrophic scar in rabbit ears by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway; 2% aspirin and 40 mg/mL triamcinolone acetonide have similar curative efficacy on hypertrophic scar.
Animals ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use* ; Aspirin/therapeutic use* ; Cicatrix, Hypertrophic/pathology* ; Collagen ; Rabbits ; Signal Transduction ; Triamcinolone Acetonide/therapeutic use* ; beta Catenin/metabolism*

Objective:To explore the effects and mechanism of apigenin on lung ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in mice.Methods:A total of 40 male C57/B6 mice were randomized into 4 groups of sham, I/R, low-dose apigenin and high-dose apigenin (n=10 each). Lung I/R injury model was established by clipping left hilum for 1h and reperfusion for 2 h. Low/high-dose apigenin group received a gavage of apigenin (10/50 mg·kg -1·d -1) for 7 days before lung I/R.After 2-hour reperfusion, lung tissue was collected and lung injury status evaluated and scored by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) stain; mRNA expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR); Western blot was utilized for detecting the protein expressions of Bax, Bcl-2 and HIF-1α.Finally, after morinostat activated Hif-1α, the effect of apigenin (50 μmol/L) on hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R)-induced ferroptosis was further observed in A549 lung epithelial cells. Results:As compared with sham group, lung injury score spiked markedly in I/R group (7.05±0.6 vs.1.25±0.42), pulmonary edema worsened obviously (8.65±1.12 vs.4.17±0.54), the percentage of Tunel positive cells rose significantly (58.22±4.92 vs.8.23±1.22) and mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, TNF-α and HMGB1 increased (7.82±0.16 vs.1.00±0.14, 4.24±0.12 vs.1.00±0.19, 6.24±0.19 vs.1.00±0.11) ( P<0.05); Compared with I/R group, lung injury score declined markedly in low/high-dose apigenin group (4.88±0.31/2.11±0.29 vs.7.05±0.66)( P<0.05), pulmonary edema lessened markedly (6.42±1.03/4.88±1.62 vs.8.65±1.12)( P<0.05) and the percentage of Tunel positive cells (41.46±6.73/16.02±5.31 vs.58.22±4.92) and the mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, TNF-α and HMGB1 became obviously suppressed (5.88±0.13/3.21±0.19 vs.7.82±0.16, 3.56±0.11/2.12±0.09 vs.4.24±0.12, 4.12±0.14/3.12±0.09 vs.6.24±0.19)( P<0.05); protein expressions of HIF-1α and PTGS2 dropped sharply in low/high-dose apigenin group (2.00±0.10/0.93±0.11 vs.2.99±0.06, 4.12±0.14/2.51±0.18 vs.6.11±0.12) while GPX4 protein rose obviously (0.55±0.02/0.83±0.02 vs.0.38±0.04)( P<0.05). In vitro experiments further showed that apigenin could significantly suppress the H/R-induced protein expression of PTGS2 in A549 lung epithelial cells (1.11±0.0 vs.4.55±0.12)( P<0.05) while up-regulating the protein expression of GPX4 (0.93±0.11 vs.0.32±0.04)( P<0.05). The inhibition of PTGS2 protein (4.01±0.12 vs.1.11±0.05) and the up-regulation of GPX4 were significantly blocked (0.52±0.05 vs.0.93±0.11)( P<0.05). Conclusions:Through an inhibition of HIF-1α/ferroptosis axis, apigenin can alleviate lung injury, apoptosis and inflammatory response associated with lung I/R in mice.