1.A Case of Multidisciplinary Treatment for a Patient with Gorham-Stout Disease
Jing HU ; Ying JIN ; Yan ZHANG ; Ji LI ; Wenhui WANG ; Yue CHI ; Chunxu LI ; Zhenjie ZHANG ; Yaping LIU ; Xiaotian CHU ; Jin XU ; Min SHEN
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(1):52-59
Gorham-Stout disease(GSD) is a rare osteolytic disorder characterized by spontaneous and progressive osteolysis, along with abnormal angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, with no new bone formation. We present a case of a 15-year-old female admitted due to " recurrent right leg pain for 5 years, 11 months after undergoing right femoral fracture surgery". Through comprehensive integration of the patient's clinical phenotype, laboratory tests, imaging findings, pathological examinations, and molecular biological test results, GSD was considered highly likely. A multidisciplinary treatment approach was conducted, including a combination of zoledronic acid and sirolimus to inhibit osteolysis, along with rehabilitation training and orthopedic intervention, providing a personalized and comprehensive treatment strategy.
2.Quantitative Molecular Detection of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Its Processed Products Based on Herb-Q Method
Mingyu ZHANG ; Wenjun JIANG ; Baoyu JI ; Yue WANG ; Haitao ZHANG ; Haobo ZHANG ; Xue FENG ; Xiwen LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):192-200
ObjectiveAngelicae Sinensis Radix, a commonly used medicinal herb with both medicinal and edible properties, is frequently adulterated in the market, severely affecting the clinical efficacy of preparations. While qualitative identification techniques for adulterants and counterfeits are now relatively mature, quantitative detection methods for adulterated processed products remain unexplored. Quantitative detection research of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and its primary closely related adulterant, "Tu Danggui" (Angelica gigas), was conducted to establish a herbal quantitative molecular detection (Herb-Q) method for Angelicae Sinensis Radix and its processed products, providing a model for the establishment of quantitative detection technologies for Angelicae Sinensis Radix and related health products. MethodsThe specific single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Angelica gigas Nakai were screened based on the complete chloroplast genome sequence. The specific SNP loci of Angelicae Sinensis Radix were selected for quantitative methodological investigations (linearity, limit of quantification, limit of detection, and reproducibility) by mixing the powder of the herbs with different adulteration ratios. Huoxue Zhitong powder with three distinct adulteration ratios (15%, 25%, and 35%) was utilized to ascertain the precision of the Herb-Q method for the quantitative detection of Chinese patent medicines containing Angelicae Sinensis Radix. ResultsBy comparing the 123 chloroplast genome sequences of Angelicae Sinensis Radix, based on the principles of intraspecies conservation, interspecies specificity, and meeting the requirements of pyrophosphate high-throughput sequencing, it was determined that 9 674th locus (A/G) in the chloroplast genome sequence NC_042826.1 and 38 592nd locus (T/C) in the chloroplast genome sequence NC_029393.1 could be the exclusive molecular identification loci of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Angelica gigas Nakai, respectively. The linear relationship R2 of the Herb-Q method established by selecting the specific 9 674th locus (A/G) of Angelicae Sinensis Radix was 0.997 4 (R2>0.99), indicating an excellent linear relationship. The limits of quantification and detection were established at 2.0%, exhibiting excellent reproducibility [relative standard deviation(RSD)<2.0%]. The established quantitative system based on the Herb-Q method detected the adulteration amount of counterfeit A. gigas in the Huoxue Zhitong powder, with an average deviation of 1.3% for three molecular quantitative replicates. ConclusionThis research demonstrates that the Herb-Q quantitative detection method established based on the 9 674th locus (A/G) in the chloroplast genome sequence NC_042826.1 of Angelicae Sinensis Radix has good applicability, objectivity, and accuracy for Angelicae Sinensis Radix and A. gigas, and its processed products. This method has the capacity to provide technical support for the quantitative detection of commercially available Angelicae Sinensis Radix derivatives, including traditional Chinese medicinal preparations, dietary supplements, and nutraceuticals.
3.Quantitative Molecular Detection of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Its Processed Products Based on Herb-Q Method
Mingyu ZHANG ; Wenjun JIANG ; Baoyu JI ; Yue WANG ; Haitao ZHANG ; Haobo ZHANG ; Xue FENG ; Xiwen LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):192-200
ObjectiveAngelicae Sinensis Radix, a commonly used medicinal herb with both medicinal and edible properties, is frequently adulterated in the market, severely affecting the clinical efficacy of preparations. While qualitative identification techniques for adulterants and counterfeits are now relatively mature, quantitative detection methods for adulterated processed products remain unexplored. Quantitative detection research of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and its primary closely related adulterant, "Tu Danggui" (Angelica gigas), was conducted to establish a herbal quantitative molecular detection (Herb-Q) method for Angelicae Sinensis Radix and its processed products, providing a model for the establishment of quantitative detection technologies for Angelicae Sinensis Radix and related health products. MethodsThe specific single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Angelica gigas Nakai were screened based on the complete chloroplast genome sequence. The specific SNP loci of Angelicae Sinensis Radix were selected for quantitative methodological investigations (linearity, limit of quantification, limit of detection, and reproducibility) by mixing the powder of the herbs with different adulteration ratios. Huoxue Zhitong powder with three distinct adulteration ratios (15%, 25%, and 35%) was utilized to ascertain the precision of the Herb-Q method for the quantitative detection of Chinese patent medicines containing Angelicae Sinensis Radix. ResultsBy comparing the 123 chloroplast genome sequences of Angelicae Sinensis Radix, based on the principles of intraspecies conservation, interspecies specificity, and meeting the requirements of pyrophosphate high-throughput sequencing, it was determined that 9 674th locus (A/G) in the chloroplast genome sequence NC_042826.1 and 38 592nd locus (T/C) in the chloroplast genome sequence NC_029393.1 could be the exclusive molecular identification loci of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Angelica gigas Nakai, respectively. The linear relationship R2 of the Herb-Q method established by selecting the specific 9 674th locus (A/G) of Angelicae Sinensis Radix was 0.997 4 (R2>0.99), indicating an excellent linear relationship. The limits of quantification and detection were established at 2.0%, exhibiting excellent reproducibility [relative standard deviation(RSD)<2.0%]. The established quantitative system based on the Herb-Q method detected the adulteration amount of counterfeit A. gigas in the Huoxue Zhitong powder, with an average deviation of 1.3% for three molecular quantitative replicates. ConclusionThis research demonstrates that the Herb-Q quantitative detection method established based on the 9 674th locus (A/G) in the chloroplast genome sequence NC_042826.1 of Angelicae Sinensis Radix has good applicability, objectivity, and accuracy for Angelicae Sinensis Radix and A. gigas, and its processed products. This method has the capacity to provide technical support for the quantitative detection of commercially available Angelicae Sinensis Radix derivatives, including traditional Chinese medicinal preparations, dietary supplements, and nutraceuticals.
4.Treatment of Liver Cancer by Intervening TGF-β Signaling Pathway with Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Hao CHENG ; Haohao GUO ; Jun SUN ; Juan XUE ; Chunyan JI ; Shiyi LI ; Yuxue DING ; Huaqiang YUE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):318-326
Liver cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in the digestive system and ranks sixth among newly diagnosed malignant tumors worldwide. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) regulates cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and other physiological and pathological mechanisms and exerts cancer-suppressive and pro-cancerous dual effects in the process of tumor development. In recent years, with the continuous exploration of the mechanism of liver cancer, it has been found that the conversion of the cancer-suppressive effect into a pro-cancerous effect of this pathway plays a key role in the development of liver cancer. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) provides a unique perspective for the classification, diagnosis, and treatment of liver cancer with its comprehensive regulatory effects of multi-components, multi-targets, and multi-pathways. This paper summarized that the cancer-suppressive mechanisms of the TGF-β signaling pathway included promoting cancer cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, autophagy, et al, while the pro-cancerous mechanisms included promoting cancer cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis, immunosuppression, angiogenesis, et al. The TCM compounds intervening this pathway were sorted out, including Jianpi Huayu compound, Fuyang Baoyuan compound, Yipi Yanggan compound, Fuzheng Jiedu compound, compound Astragalus and Salvia, Biejia Jianwan, Dahuang Zhechong pill, and Qingxiang powder. The single TCMs mainly included Schizocapsa plantaginea, Dendrobii Caulis, Gleditsia sinensis, and Dracaena cochinchinensis. The active ingredients of TCM are mainly concentrated on flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, phenolics, terpenoids, polysaccharides, and other kinds of compounds. At the same time, it summarized that the liver cancer inhibition mechanism of TCM by regulating this pathway mainly included promoting apoptosis of liver cancer cells, blocking the cell cycle, and inhibiting liver cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, immune escape, etc. The mechanism aims to give full play to the advantages of TCM and precisely regulate the TGF-β signal, thereby exerting positive anti-tumor effects, opening up a new direction for the precise targeted treatment of liver cancer, and providing a scientific basis and a new strategy for the application of TCM in the treatment of liver cancer.
5.Treatment of Liver Cancer by Intervening TGF-β Signaling Pathway with Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Hao CHENG ; Haohao GUO ; Jun SUN ; Juan XUE ; Chunyan JI ; Shiyi LI ; Yuxue DING ; Huaqiang YUE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):318-326
Liver cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in the digestive system and ranks sixth among newly diagnosed malignant tumors worldwide. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) regulates cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and other physiological and pathological mechanisms and exerts cancer-suppressive and pro-cancerous dual effects in the process of tumor development. In recent years, with the continuous exploration of the mechanism of liver cancer, it has been found that the conversion of the cancer-suppressive effect into a pro-cancerous effect of this pathway plays a key role in the development of liver cancer. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) provides a unique perspective for the classification, diagnosis, and treatment of liver cancer with its comprehensive regulatory effects of multi-components, multi-targets, and multi-pathways. This paper summarized that the cancer-suppressive mechanisms of the TGF-β signaling pathway included promoting cancer cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, autophagy, et al, while the pro-cancerous mechanisms included promoting cancer cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis, immunosuppression, angiogenesis, et al. The TCM compounds intervening this pathway were sorted out, including Jianpi Huayu compound, Fuyang Baoyuan compound, Yipi Yanggan compound, Fuzheng Jiedu compound, compound Astragalus and Salvia, Biejia Jianwan, Dahuang Zhechong pill, and Qingxiang powder. The single TCMs mainly included Schizocapsa plantaginea, Dendrobii Caulis, Gleditsia sinensis, and Dracaena cochinchinensis. The active ingredients of TCM are mainly concentrated on flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, phenolics, terpenoids, polysaccharides, and other kinds of compounds. At the same time, it summarized that the liver cancer inhibition mechanism of TCM by regulating this pathway mainly included promoting apoptosis of liver cancer cells, blocking the cell cycle, and inhibiting liver cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, immune escape, etc. The mechanism aims to give full play to the advantages of TCM and precisely regulate the TGF-β signal, thereby exerting positive anti-tumor effects, opening up a new direction for the precise targeted treatment of liver cancer, and providing a scientific basis and a new strategy for the application of TCM in the treatment of liver cancer.
6.Mechanism of Electroacupuncture Alleviating Inflammatory Pain in Rats by Regulating ErbB Subtypes in the Spinal Dorsal Horn
Yuxin WU ; Shuxin TIAN ; Zhengyi LYU ; Dingru JI ; Xingzhen LI ; Yue DONG ; Binyu ZHAO ; Yi LIANG ; Jianqiao FANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):69-78
ObjectiveTo observe the changes in the levels of different subtypes of epidermal growth factor receptor (ErbB), namely ErbB1, ErbB2, ErbB3, and ErbB4, in the spinal dorsal horn of inflammatory pain model rats, and to explore their mechanism of mediating hyperalgesia as well as the intervention mechanism of electroacupuncture at "Zusanli (ST 36)" and "Kunlun (BL 60)". MethodsThe study was divided into five parts. In experiment 1, 14 Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control and inflammatory pain group (7 rats each group) to observe the pain behavior and the protein expression of different ErbB receptor subtypes in the spinal dorsal horn. In experiment 2, 30 rats were randomly divided into control group 1, inflammatory pain group 1, and low-, medium-, and high-concentration TX1-85-1 groups, with 6 rats in each group, to observe the effect of inhibiting spinal ErbB3 on inflammatory pain. In experiment 3, 12 rats were randomly divided into control virus group and ErbB3 knockdown virus group, with 6 rats in each group, to observe the effect of knocking down ErbB3 in the spinal dorsal horn on inflammatory pain. In experiment 4, 44 rats were randomly divided into control group 2, inflammatory pain group 2, electroacupuncture group, and sham electroacupuncture group, with 11 rats in each group, to observe the effect of electroacupuncture. In experiment 5, 40 rats were randomly divided into control group 3, inflammatory pain group 3, electroacupuncture group 1, and electroacupuncture + NRG1 group, with 10 rats in each group, to observe the effect of activating ErbB3 on electroacupuncture. A rat model of inflammatory pain was established by subcutaneous injection of 100 μl of complete Freund's adjuvant into the sole of the unilateral hind foot of SD rats. Rats in the low-, medium-, and high-concentration TX1-85-1 groups were intrathecally injected with ErbB3 inhibitor TX1-85-1 on day 5 to day 7 after modeling. Rats in the ErbB3 knockdown virus group were injected with ErbB3 knockdown virus packaged with adenovirus vector-based short hairpin RNA (shRNA) into the spinal dorsal horn in situ 3 weeks before modeling. Rats in each electroacupuncture group received electroacupuncture at bilateral "Zusanli (ST 36)" and "Kunlun (BL 60)" from day 1 to day 7 after modeling, with dense-sparse waves at a frequency of 2 Hz/100 Hz and a current of 0.5-1.5 mA for 30 minutes once a day. Rats in the electroacupuncture + NRG1 group were intrathecally injected with ErbB3 ligand recombinant human neuregulin-1 (NRG1) after electroacupuncture intervention from day 5 to day 7 after modeling. The mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency of rats were measured on day 1, 3, 5, and 7 after modeling to evaluate behavior, and Western Blot was used to detect the protein and phosphorylation levels of each ErbB subtype in the spinal dorsal horn. ResultsCompared with the control group, rats in the inflammatory pain group showed decreased mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency of rats, and increased expression of phosphorylated ErbB3 (p-ErbB3) protein in the spinal dorsal horn on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 after modeling (P<0.01). On day 5 and day 7 after modeling, compared with the inflammatory pain group 1, the mecha-nical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency of rats in the medium- and high-concentration TX1-85-1 groups increased, and the expression of p-ErbB3 protein decreased (P<0.05). On day 1, 3, 5, and 7 after modeling, compared with the control virus group, the mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency of rats in the ErbB3 knockdown virus group increased (P<0.05). On day 5 and day 7 after modeling, compared with the inflammatory pain group 2 and the sham electroacupuncture group, the mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency of rats in the electroacupuncture group increased, and the expression of p-ErbB3 protein decreased (P<0.05). On day 5 and day 7 after modeling, compared with the electroacupuncture + NRG1 group, the mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency of rats in the electroacupuncture group 1 increased (P<0.05). ConclusionThe p-ErbB3 in the spinal dorsal horn involved in hyperalgesia in rats with inflammatory pain, and electroacupuncture at "Zusanli (ST 36)" and "Kunlun (BL 60)" can alleviate inflammatory pain by inhibiting the expression of p-ErbB3 protein in the spinal dorsal horn of rats.
7.Clinical characteristics and therapy experience of 179 cases of botulism induced by cosmetic botulinum toxin injections
Yangyang XU ; Xin LYU ; Xiangyu JI ; Yue WANG ; Lipeng ZHU ; Hongwei CAO
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(10):1023-1031
Objective:To summarize the clinical characteristics and treatment experience of patients with botulism after cosmetic botulinum toxin injection.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on patients admitted to the Department of Medical Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery of the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University for botulism after cosmetic botulinum toxin injection between January 1, 2023, and October 31, 2024. Clinical data and treatment regimens were collected. Patients received botulinum antitoxin injection, neurotrophic therapy, nutrition supplementation, modulation and enhancement of cellular immune function, and systemic supportive care based on their condition. Prior to antitoxin administration, a skin test was performed. Patients with a negative test received intramuscular injections of 10 000 U of antitoxin serum every 12 hours, while those with a positive result underwent a desensitization protocol. The cessation criterion was significant improvement of toxic symptoms. Data collected included age, gender, region, time of presentation, injection location, brand and type of toxin, injection time, sites and dose of injection, time to onset of initial symptoms, main symptoms, skin test result for antitoxin, dosage of antitoxin administered, length of hospital stay, adverse reactions and prognosis. Data analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism Version 10.2.0.Results:A total of 179 patients were included, with 8 cases in 2023 and 171 cases in 2024. The majority were female (97.2%, 174 cases). The age range was 18-62 years, with a median age of 35 years; the highest proportion was in the 20-40 age group (71.5%, 128 cases). Patients were from 23 different provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the central government in China. The injected product was mostly an unspecified brand of botulinum toxin (57.5%, 103 cases). Injections were primarily administered in non-medical institutions, with beauty salons or private studios accounting for 88.8% (159 cases). Injection sites included the platysma (92 cases), masseter muscle (82 cases), orbicularis oculi muscle (82 cases), frontalis muscle (67 cases), among others, with some patients receiving injections at multiple sites. 69 cases (38.5%) of patients were unaware of the injected dose; for the remaining cases, based on information provided, the injected doses were all within the safe range. The incubation period was mostly 1-7 days. The main symptoms included fatigue (171 cases), dysphagia (137 cases), dizziness (101 cases), blurred vision (76 cases), and difficulty opening eyes (66 cases). 176 patients received botulinum antitoxin treatment; 82 cases (46.6%) had a positive skin test and received desensitization injections, while 94 cases (53.4%) had a negative test. The total dosage of antitoxin used ranged from 10 000 U to 240 000 U. Three patients received only adjuvant therapy such as neurotrophic support. Adverse reactions during treatment primarily included induration at the injection site and serum sickness, all of which resolved after symptomatic treatment with antihistamines, steroids, etc. The hospital stay ranged from 1 to 24 d, with an average of 4.6 d. Upon discharge, symptoms in all patients had alleviated or resolved. At the 6-month follow-up after discharge, 14 patients were lost to follow-up; the remaining patients recovered well with no other complications.Conclusion:Poisoning incidents due to the illegal or improper use of botulinum toxin are increasing. Administration of botulinum antitoxin is an effective means to ameliorate intoxicating symptoms. Patients should seek timely medical intervention and receive antitoxin treatment as early as possible. Desensitization administration does not affect the efficacy of the antitoxin.
8.Comparison and evaluation of three different methods for preparing rat models of lumbar disc herniation
Hao YIN ; Meiqi JI ; Zhixiang HU ; Han WU ; Heng LYU ; Shengyun LI ; Lei LI ; Chuntao ZHAI ; Yue LYU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(14):2930-2936
BACKGROUND:Currently,there are various rat models of lumbar disc herniation used in experiments,each with its own advantages and disadvantages.The most common modeling methods include autologous nucleus pulposus transplantation and annulus fibrosus puncture models.OBJECTIVE:To establish two autologous nucleus pulposus transplantation models(with spinous process and mastoid process excision and with transverse process and mastoid process excision)as well as an annulus fibrosus puncture model,and to compare and evaluate the characteristics of the three models.METHODS:Forty male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups(n=10 per group):sham surgery group,spinous process group,transverse process group,and annulus fibrosus puncture group.In the sham surgery group,surgical preparation was performed,the skin was incised,and the spinous process was exposed,and then sutured.In the spinous process group,L5 spinous process and transverse process were excised,and two pieces of tail nucleus pulposus were placed in the intervertebral foramen.In the transverse process group,L5 transverse process and transverse process were excised,and two pieces of tail nucleus pulposus were placed in the intervertebral foramen.In the annulus fibrosus puncture group,the transverse process was excised and annulus fibrosus puncture and intervertebral disc injection of interleukin 1β were then performed.Thermal paw withdrawal latencies were tested before and after modeling.Lumbar spine MRI was performed 2 weeks after modeling.Pathological changes in the intervertebral discs were observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining and safranin-O-fast green staining.Immunofluorescence was used to observe CD68+positive expression.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Thermal withdrawal threshold testing results showed that compared with the sham surgery group,pain sensitivity and tolerance time of rats decreased significantly after modeling(P<0.05).(2)Lumbar spine MRI images showed that the spinous process and transverse process groups had obvious protrusion of nucleus pulposus tissue,which more closely resembled MRI images of patients with common lumbar disc herniation.(3)Hematoxylin-eosin staining revealed that compared with the sham surgery group,nucleus pulposus tissues in the model groups showed varying degrees of degeneration,inflammatory cell infiltration,and degradation of spinal cord cells,with the appearance of cystic changes,among which the annulus fibrosus puncture group had the most severe pathological changes.(4)Safranin-O-fast green staining showed that compared with the sham surgery group,the boundaries of nucleus pulposus tissues in the three model groups were blurred,with extensive inflammatory reactions and varying degrees of degeneration in the annulus fibrosus.(5)CD68+immunofluorescence staining results showed that compared with the sham surgery group,the expression of CD68+in the model groups was higher and more widespread,with the annulus fibrosus puncture model showing the highest expression.All the three methods could be used to effectively establish rat models of lumbar disc herniation,with the annulus fibrosus puncture model established after excision of the transverse process being superior to the autologous nucleus pulposus transplantation model(spinous process+mastoid process),and the first two models being superior to the autologous nucleus pulposus transplantation model(transverse process+mastoid process).
9.The protective effect of methyl rosmarinate on myocardial injury induced by high altitude hypoxia and its network pharmacology study
Qian JI ; Yue-mei SUN ; Fang-fang CHOU ; Yan-ling WANG ; Rong WANG ; Wen-bin LI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(10):1956-1962
Aim To investigate the protective effects of methyl rosmarinate(MR)on myocardial injury in-duced by high-altitude hypoxia and explore its underly-ing mechanisms.Methods BALB/c mice were ran-domly divided into a control group,a model group,and low-,medium-,and high-dose MR groups(25,50,and 75 mg·kg-1,respectively).Except for the control group,all other groups were exposed to a hypobaric hypoxia chamber and administered MR via intraperitoneal injection daily for three days.After the experiment,myocardial tissues were collected for he-matoxylin and eosin(HE)staining to observe morpho-logical changes.Levels of malondialdehyde(MDA),glutathione(GSH),and superoxide dismutase(SOD)were measured to evaluate the anti-myocardial injury activity of MR.Network pharmacology was employed to predict drug-disease interaction targets,construct a protein-protein interaction(PPI)network,and identify core targets.Functional enrichment analysis was car-ried out using Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Ency-clopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathways.Molecular docking was used to verify the binding affini-ty of MR to core targets,and Western blot was conduc-ted to detect the expression of related proteins.Results MR significantly alleviated myocardial injury caused by high-altitude hypoxia.Network pharmacology analy-sis identified EGFR,Bcl-2,STAT3,MMP9,ESR1,and MTOR as key targets.Molecular docking con-firmed strong binding between MR and these core tar-gets.Western blot results demonstrated that MR im-proved myocardial injury by regulating the expression of STAT3,Bax,and Bcl-2 proteins.Conclusion MR may exert its protective effects on high-altitude hypoxi-a-induced myocardial injury through a multi-target mechanism.
10.Clinical characteristics and therapy experience of 179 cases of botulism induced by cosmetic botulinum toxin injections
Yangyang XU ; Xin LYU ; Xiangyu JI ; Yue WANG ; Lipeng ZHU ; Hongwei CAO
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(10):1023-1031
Objective:To summarize the clinical characteristics and treatment experience of patients with botulism after cosmetic botulinum toxin injection.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on patients admitted to the Department of Medical Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery of the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University for botulism after cosmetic botulinum toxin injection between January 1, 2023, and October 31, 2024. Clinical data and treatment regimens were collected. Patients received botulinum antitoxin injection, neurotrophic therapy, nutrition supplementation, modulation and enhancement of cellular immune function, and systemic supportive care based on their condition. Prior to antitoxin administration, a skin test was performed. Patients with a negative test received intramuscular injections of 10 000 U of antitoxin serum every 12 hours, while those with a positive result underwent a desensitization protocol. The cessation criterion was significant improvement of toxic symptoms. Data collected included age, gender, region, time of presentation, injection location, brand and type of toxin, injection time, sites and dose of injection, time to onset of initial symptoms, main symptoms, skin test result for antitoxin, dosage of antitoxin administered, length of hospital stay, adverse reactions and prognosis. Data analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism Version 10.2.0.Results:A total of 179 patients were included, with 8 cases in 2023 and 171 cases in 2024. The majority were female (97.2%, 174 cases). The age range was 18-62 years, with a median age of 35 years; the highest proportion was in the 20-40 age group (71.5%, 128 cases). Patients were from 23 different provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the central government in China. The injected product was mostly an unspecified brand of botulinum toxin (57.5%, 103 cases). Injections were primarily administered in non-medical institutions, with beauty salons or private studios accounting for 88.8% (159 cases). Injection sites included the platysma (92 cases), masseter muscle (82 cases), orbicularis oculi muscle (82 cases), frontalis muscle (67 cases), among others, with some patients receiving injections at multiple sites. 69 cases (38.5%) of patients were unaware of the injected dose; for the remaining cases, based on information provided, the injected doses were all within the safe range. The incubation period was mostly 1-7 days. The main symptoms included fatigue (171 cases), dysphagia (137 cases), dizziness (101 cases), blurred vision (76 cases), and difficulty opening eyes (66 cases). 176 patients received botulinum antitoxin treatment; 82 cases (46.6%) had a positive skin test and received desensitization injections, while 94 cases (53.4%) had a negative test. The total dosage of antitoxin used ranged from 10 000 U to 240 000 U. Three patients received only adjuvant therapy such as neurotrophic support. Adverse reactions during treatment primarily included induration at the injection site and serum sickness, all of which resolved after symptomatic treatment with antihistamines, steroids, etc. The hospital stay ranged from 1 to 24 d, with an average of 4.6 d. Upon discharge, symptoms in all patients had alleviated or resolved. At the 6-month follow-up after discharge, 14 patients were lost to follow-up; the remaining patients recovered well with no other complications.Conclusion:Poisoning incidents due to the illegal or improper use of botulinum toxin are increasing. Administration of botulinum antitoxin is an effective means to ameliorate intoxicating symptoms. Patients should seek timely medical intervention and receive antitoxin treatment as early as possible. Desensitization administration does not affect the efficacy of the antitoxin.

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