1.Shashen Maidong Tang Enhances Efficacy of Chemotherapy in Mouse Model of Lewis Lung Cancer by Modulating JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Lin YU ; Yaoyao WANG ; Limin LIU ; Zuowei HU ; Yanping ZHOU ; Shang WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):1-10
ObjectiveTo predict the mechanism through which Shasheng Maidong Tang enhances the efficacy of chemotherapy for lung cancer via network pharmacology and validate the prediction results in animal experiments. MethodsThe potential mechanism through which Shasheng Maidong Tang enhances the efficacy of chemotherapy for lung cancer was predicted by network pharmacology, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and molecular docking methods. C57/BL6 mice were assigned into normal, model, cisplatin, and Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin groups. In addition to the normal group, the remaining groups were injected subcutaneously with 0.2 mL of 1×107 cells·mL-1 Lewis lung cancer cells to establish the Lewis lung cancer model. The daily gavage dose of Shasheng Maidong Tang was 3.58 g·kg-1, and the concentration of cisplatin intraperitoneally injected on every other day was 2 mg·kg-1. Drugs were administered for 14 d. The changes in the tumor volume and the rate of tumor suppression were monitored, and the tumor histopathological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the interleukin (IL)-6 and interferon (IFN)-γ levels in peripheral blood. Real-time PCR was performed to quantify the mRNA levels of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in the tumor tissue of mice. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of JAK2, STAT3, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3 (Caspase-3), and Pim-1 proto1 (PIM1) in the tumor tissue. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of Bcl-2 and PIM1 in the tumor tissue. ResultsNetwork pharmacological predictions indicated that Shasheng Maidong Tang might enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy for lung cancer by regulating nitrogen metabolism, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, cancer pathway, and JAK/STAT signaling pathway. The experimental results demonstrated that tumor volume in the cisplatin group and Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin group was reduced compared with the model group, with statistically distinct differences observed on days 14, 17, 20 post modeling (P<0.05). Notably, the Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin therapy further decreased tumor volume compared with the cisplatin group, showing marked reductions on days 17 and 20 (P<0.05), consistent with trends visualized in tumor volume comparison charts. The Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin group exhibited higher tumor inhibition rate than the cisplatin group (P<0.05). Histopathological analysis via HE staining revealed that the tumors in the model group displayed frequent nuclear mitosis, densely arranged cells, hyperchromatic nuclei, and no necrosis. Cisplatin treatment induced partial necrosis and vacuolization, while the Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin group exhibited extensive necrotic regions, maximal vacuolization, disarranged tumor cells, and minimal mitotic activity. Compared with the model group, the cisplatin group and the Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin group showed elevated level of IFN-γ (P<0.01) and declined level of IL-6 (P<0.01) in the peripheral blood. Compared with the cisplatin group, the Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin group presented elevated level of IFN-γ (P<0.01) and lowered level of IL-6 (P<0.01) in the peripheral blood. Compared with the model group, the cisplatin group and the Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin groups showed down-regulated mRNA levels of JAK2 and STAT3 (P<0.01) and up-regulated mRNA level STAT1 (P<0.01). Compared with the cisplatin group, the Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin group presented down-regulated mRNA levels of JAK2 and STAT3 (P<0.01) and up-regulated mRNA level of STAT1 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the cisplatin group and the Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin group showed down-regulated protein levels of JAK2 (P<0.01), Bcl-2 (P<0.01), PIM1 (P<0.01), and STAT3 (P<0.05), and up-regulated protein level of Caspase-3 (P<0.01). Compared with the cisplatin group, Shasheng Maidong Tang+cisplatin group presented down-regulated protein levels of JAK2 (P<0.01), Bcl-2 (P<0.01), PIM1 (P<0.01), STAT3 (P<0.05), and up-regulated protein level of Caspase-3 (P<0.01). The Bcl-2 and PIM1 expression results obtained by immunohistochemistry were consistent with those of Western blot. ConclusionShasheng Maidong Tang may enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy in the mouse model of Lewis lung cancer by regulating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
2.Research progress on periodontal pathogen inducing mitochondrial dysfunction promoting periodontitis
LI Limin ; PENG Xian ; ZHOU Xuedong
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(9):801-808
Mitochondria, ubiquitous energy-producing organelles in eukaryotic cells, can have their normal functions disrupted by bacterial infections, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction. This dysfunction is closely associated with inflammatory diseases. Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disorder of periodontal tissues caused by pathogenic microorganisms, has been increasingly linked to mitochondrial dysfunction in its pathogenesis and progression. Compared to healthy periodontal tissues, inflammatory lesions exhibit more pronounced mitochondrial dysfunction—a pathological process that is strongly correlated with periodontal pathogen infection. Studies reveal that these pathogens disrupt mitochondrial homeostasis in host cells (e.g., gingival epithelial cells and fibroblasts) through multiple mechanisms, including disrupting mitochondrial biogenesis, altering mitochondrial dynamics (promoting excessive fission), inhibiting mitophagy, impairing mitochondrial dysfunction-associated apoptosis, and inducing endogenous oxidative stress, which upregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines. Collectively, these processes drive the establishment and persistence of an inflammatory microenvironment. This review explores how periodontal pathogens affect mitochondrial function and their mechanistic contributions to periodontitis progression, with the goal of providing novel insights for developing mitochondria-targeted therapeutic strategies.
3.EZH2 protein expression in predicting malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia: a prospective cohort study
MEI Nianrou ; LIU Limin ; YANG Jingwen ; XU Siming ; LI Chenxi ; GE Shuyun ; ZHOU Haiwen
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(10):862-872
Objective:
To investigate the predictive value of EZH2 expression for malignant transformation in oral leukoplakia (OLK) and to provide a reference for clinical practice.
Methods:
This study was approved by the institutional ethics committee, and informed consent was obtained from all participants. A total of 114 patients diagnosed with OLK by pathological examination and treated at our hospital between November 2020 and July 2022 were initially enrolled. After excluding those with incomplete data or follow-up, 105 participants were included in the final analysis, comprising 14 in the high EZH2 expression group and 91 in the low EZH2 expression group. Histopathological examination of oral mucosa and immunohistochemical detection of EZH2 protein expression were performed. The follow-up period was 30 months; participants were followed until malignant transformation occurred or until the end of follow-up, at which point they were withdrawn from the study. The exposure factor was the level of EZH2 protein expression, and the outcome was the malignant transformation rate of OLK. Differences in EZH2 expression levels and transformation outcomes were analyzed.
Results:
There were no statistically significant differences between the high and low EZH2 expression groups in terms of age, sex, history of systemic disease, lifestyle habits, psychological status, diet, and sleep conditions (P > 0.05). Lesions in the high EZH2 expression group were mainly located on the ventral tongue, while in the low EZH2 expression group, they were more commonly found on the dorsal tongue and buccal mucosa. The malignant transformation rate was 28.6% (4/14) in the high expression group and 8.8% (8/91) in the low expression group; these differences were not statistically significant (P=0.053). In univariate Cox regression analysis, the risk of malignant transformation in the high EZH2 expression group was 3.647 times that of the low EZH2 expression group (HR = 3.647, 95% CI: 1.097-12.120, P<0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that over the 30-month follow-up period, the cancer-free survival rate in the high EZH2 expression group was 19.8% lower than in the low expression group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, only moderate and severe epithelial dysplasia were identified as independent risk factors for malignant transformation. The risk of malignant transformation in the moderate and severe dysplasia groups was 10.695 and 13.623 times higher, respectively, than in the mild dysplasia group (HR = 10.695, 95% CI: 2.270-50.396, P<0.05; HR=13.623, 95% CI: 1.918-96.774, P<0.05). EZH2 high expression was not an independent risk factor in the multivariate model (HR= 2.528, 95% CI: 0.752-8.500, P = 0.134).
Conclusion
High EZH2 protein expression is a risk factor for the malignant transformation of OLK but does not have independent predictive value.
4.Practice pathway and effectiveness evaluation of GCP resident pharmacists in the management of dermatolo-gical drug clinical trials
Yunlong WANG ; Limin ZHOU ; Hua ZHANG ; Quanchao LI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(20):2507-2511
OBJECTIVE To explore the practice pathway and evaluate the effectiveness of the resident pharmacists stationed in the Drug Clinical Trial Institution Office (hereinafter referred to as the “GCP resident pharmacist”) in the management of dermatological drug clinical trials. METHODS The practical approach of GCP resident pharmacists participating in dermatological drug clinical trials at our hospital was introduced. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of dermatological drug clinical trials from 2021 to 2024, comparing efficiency and quality indicators between dermatological clinical trials and those of other specialties. RESULTS With the involvement of our hospital’s GCP resident pharmacists throughout, the process for dermatology drug clinical trials was constructed and optimized, a dedicated quality control system was established, and the acceleration strategy for subject enrollment was optimized. The number of dermatological drug clinical trials at our hospital showed a compound annual growth rate of 69.56% from 2021 to 2023. In terms of efficiency indicators, the approval waiting time for dermatological drug clinical trials was (12.31±4.99) days, which was significantly shorter than that of other specialties ([ 19.68±6.09) days, P<0.05]. Regarding quality indicators, the enrollment rate for dermatological drug clinical trials was 75.71%(50.00%,114.48%), which was significantly higher than that of other specialties [51.00%(25.00%,174.17%), P<0.05]. The numbers of first quality control issues ([ 8.31±3.25)items vs.( 11.68±4.49)items] and protocol deviations [5.5(2.0,11.0)times vs. 11.0(5.5,17.5)times] were significantly lower than those of other specialties (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS GCP resident pharmacists significantly enhance the overall efficiency of dermatological drug clinical trials, playing a crucial role in ensuring the reliability and authenticity of drug clinical trials, as well as safeguarding the rights and safety of trial subjects.
5.Salidroside alleviates PM2.5-induced pulmonary fibrosis through PINK1/Parkin
Ruixi ZHOU ; Wenbo WU ; Limin ZHANG ; Meina WU ; Chen LIU ; Siqi LI ; Xiaohong LI ; Mengxiao LUAN ; Qin WANG ; Li YU ; Yumei LIU ; Wanwei LI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(10):1240-1246
Background Existing studies have confirmed that fine particulate matter (PM2.5)is one of the important factors inducing pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary fibrosis is the terminal stage of a major category of lung diseases characterized by the destruction of tissue structure, and eventually leading lung ventilation and ventilation dysfunction. No effective pulmonary fibrosis treatment is available yet. Objective To investigate the protective effect of salidroside on pulmonary fibrosis induced by the exposure of PM2.5 and its molecular mechanism. Methods Seventy 7-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups: control group (intratracheal instillation of normal saline + saline by gavage, n=25), Sal group (intratracheal instillation of normal saline + Sal 60 mg·kg−1 by gavage, n=10), PM2.5 group (intratracheal instillation of PM2.5 5 mg·kg−1 + saline by gavage, n=10), and Sal + PM2.5 group (intratracheal instillation of PM2.5 5 mg·kg−1 +Sal 60 mg·kg−1 by gavage, n=10). The mice were administered by gavage once daily, intratracheal instillation once every 3 d, and every 3 d constituted an experimental cycle. At the end of the 26-30th cycles, 3 mice in the control group and 3 mice in the PM2.5 group were randomly sacrificed, and the lung tissues were collected for Masson staining to verify whether the pulmonary fibrosis model was successfully established. After 30 cycles, the model was successfully constructed. After 1 week of continuous observation, the mice were sacrificed, and the blood and lung tissues of the mice were collected to make lung tissue sections. Assay kits were correspondingly employed to detect oxidative stress indicators such as serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Western blotting was used to detect the expression of fibrosis-related proteins (Collagen-III, α-SMA), mitochondrial dynamics-related proteins (MFN1, Drp1), and mitophagy-related proteins (PINK1, Parkin, and LC3). Results Compared with the control group, the weight gain rate of the PM2.5 group was slowed down (P<0.05), which was alleviated by the Sal intervention (P<0.05). The lung coefficient increased after the PM2.5 exposure (P<0.05), which was alleviated by Sal intervention. Compared with the control group, the PM2.5 group showed severe alveolar structure damage, inflammatory cell infiltration, and blue collagen deposition, and significantly increased the lung injury score, collagen volume fraction (CVF), Szapiel score, and Ashcroft score (P<0.05), as well as serum oxidative stress levels (P<0.05). The protein expression levels of Collagen-III, α-SMA, Drp1, PINK1, Parkin, and LC3 II/I were increased (P<0.05), and the expression of MFN1 was decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the PM2.5 group, the Sal intervention alleviated lung injury, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition, showing decreased lung injury score, CVF, Szapiel score, and Ashcroft score (P<0.05), and decreased serum oxidative stress levels (P<0.05); the protein expression levels of Collagen-III, α-SMA, PINK1, Parkin, and LC3 II/I were decreased (P<0.05), the expression level of Drp1 was decreased, and the expression level of MFN1 was increased. Conclusion In the process of pulmonary fibrosis induced by PM2.5 exposure in mice, Sal may affect mitochondrial autophagy through PINK1/Parkin pathway and play a protective role. The specific mechanism needs to be further verified.
6.Effect of home-based exercise rehabilitation on cardiac structure and exercise capacity in patients with severe aortic stenosis after transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Zehan XIE ; Shouling MI ; Nianwei ZHOU ; Zhiyun SHEN ; Wei LI ; Xianhong SHU ; Limin LUO ; Xingguo ZHU ; Zhenglong XIAO ; Lei ZHUANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(5):827-834
Objective To explore the effects of home-based exercise rehabilitation on cardiac structure, valvular function, and exercise capacity in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Methods 49 patients with severe AS who underwent TAVR at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, from January 2024 to February 2025 were enrolled. They were divided into an exercise group (n=25) or a non-exercise group (n=24) based on participating or not in home-based rehabilitation after TAVR. The exercise group received 12 weeks of home-based exercise training (aerobic exercise plus resistance training every week); the non-exercise group received routine care. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was used to assess cardiac structural parameters before discharge (T0) and after 12 weeks of exercise (T1). Functional outcomes including the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), Duke Activity Status Index (DASI), and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) were compared between the two groups. A linear mixed-effects model was used to analyze the effect of home-based rehabilitation on echocardiographic parameters. Patients were stratified by baseline 6MWT (<240 m as low-function subgroup, ≥240 m as high-function subgroup) to compare exercise-related outcomes between subgroups. Results At T1, the exercise group had a longer 6MWT distance than the non-exercise group (P=0.012). The linear mixed-effects model showed that after 12 weeks of exercise, the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) decreased in the exercise group but slightly increased in the non-exercise group, with a significant difference in changes over time between the two groups (Pinteraction=0.030). The exercise group also showed greater improvement in effective orifice area index (Pinteraction=0.028) and effective orifice area (Pinteraction=0.042) than the non-exercise group. Subgroup analysis revealed that in the low-function subgroup, the exercise group showed greater improvement in the 6MWT (Pinteraction=0.035) and the effective orifice area index (Pinteraction=0.046) compared to the non-exercise group; in the high-function subgroup, the exercise group showed greater improvement only in LVEDD compared to the non-exercise group (Pinteraction=0.046). Conclusions Home-based exercise rehabilitation improves exercise capacity, optimizes left ventricular remodeling, and enhances valvular function in patients with severe AS after TAVR, with greater benefits observed in patients with lower baseline 6MWT.
7.Low disease activity and remission status of systemic lupus erythematosus in a real-world study
Limin REN ; Chuchu ZHAO ; Yi ZHAO ; Huiqiong ZHOU ; Liyun ZHANG ; Youlian WANG ; Lingxun SHEN ; Wenqiang FAN ; Yang LI ; Xiaomei LI ; Jibo WANG ; Yongjing CHENG ; Jiajing PENG ; Xiaozhen ZHAO ; Miao SHAO ; Ru LI
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2024;56(2):273-278
Objective:To investigate the rates of low disease activity and clinical remission in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)in a real-world setting,and to analyze the related factors of low disease activity and clinical remission.Methods:One thousand patients with SLE were enrolled from 11 teaching hospitals.Demographic,clinical and laboratory data,as well as treatment regimes were collec-ted by self-completed questionnaire.The rates of low disease activity and remission were calculated based on the lupus low disease activity state(LLDAS)and definitions of remission in SLE(DORIS).Charac-teristics of patients with LLDAS and DORIS were analyzed.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the related factors of LLDAS and DORIS remission.Results:20.7%of patients met the criteria of LLDAS,while 10.4%of patients achieved remission defined by DORIS.Patients who met LLDAS or DORIS remission had significantly higher proportion of patients with high income and longer disease duration,compared with non-remission group.Moreover,the rates of anemia,creatinine eleva-tion,increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR)and hypoalbuminemia was significantly lower in the LLDAS or DORIS group than in the non-remission group.Patients who received hydroxychloroquine for more than 12 months or immunosuppressant therapy for no less than 6 months earned higher rates of LLDAS and DORIS remission.The results of Logistic regression analysis showed that increased ESR,positive anti-dsDNA antibodies,low level of complement(C3 and C4),proteinuria,low household in-come were negatively related with LLDAS and DORIS remission.However,hydroxychloroquine usage for longer than 12 months were positively related with LLDAS and DORIS remission.Conclusion:LLDAS and DORIS remission of SLE patients remain to be improved.Treatment-to-target strategy and standar-dized application of hydroxychloroquine and immunosuppressants in SLE are recommended.
8.Effects of Shengxue Tongbian Granules on Colonic Myoelectric and Ca2+/CaM/MLCK Signaling Pathway in Rats with Slow Transit Constipation of Blood-deficiency and Intestinal Dryness Syndrome
Wenpeng LUO ; Zhenquan WANG ; Jiamin ZHOU ; Limin XIAO ; Junwen WANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(2):97-103
Objective To observe the effects of Shengxue Tongbian Granules on colonic myoelectricity and Ca2+/CaM/MLCK signaling pathway in rats with slow transit constipation(STC)of blood deficiency and intestinal dryness syndrome;To explore its mechanism for the treatment of STC.Methods The STC model of blood deficiency and intestinal dryness syndrome was established by intragastric administration of loperamide combined with tail bloodletting.The rats were divided into control group,model group,mosapride citrate group and Shengxue Tongbian Granules group,with 8 rats in each group.The administration group was given corresponding drugs by gavage for 14 days.The general condition of rats before and after treatment was observed,the fecal water content was detected,the slow wave frequency,amplitude,and coefficient of variation of colonic electromyography were detected using a biological function experimental system,and intestinal propulsion rate was detected.HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of colon tissue,the concentration of Ca2+ in colonic smooth muscle cells was detected by colorimetry,the expression of Cx43,calmodulin(CaM),myosin light chain kinase(MLCK)and p-MLC20 in smooth muscle tissue were detected by Western blot.Results Compared with the control group,the body mass,fecal water content and intestinal propulsion rate of rats in the model group decreased(P<0.01),the slow wave frequency of colonic electromyography slowed down,the coefficient of variation of frequency increased(P<0.01),and the amplitude and coefficient of variation of slow wave increased(P<0.01);colonic mucosal structure was damaged,with visible inflammatory changes and significant erosion,and the concentration of Ca2+ and the expressions of Cx43,CaM,MLCK,p-MLC20 proteins in colonic smooth muscle cells were significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the body mass,fecal water content and intestinal propulsion rate of the rats in the mosapride citrate group and the Shengxue Tongbian Granules group significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),the slow wave frequency of colonic electromyography increased and the coefficient of variation of frequency decreased(P<0.01),and the slow wave amplitude and amplitude variation coefficient decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01);the colonic mucosal structure was relatively intact,the erosion situation was improved,and the Ca2+ concentration,Cx43,CaM,MLCK and p-MLC20 protein expressions in colonic smooth muscle cells significantly increased(P<0.01).Conclusion Shengxue Tongbian Granules can improve defecation symptoms and promote colonic motility in STC rats with blood deficiency and intestinal dryness syndrome,which may be related to regulating colonic myoelectric rhythm and activating Ca2+/CaM/MLCK signaling pathway.
9.Clinical guidelines for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis combined with lower cervical fracture in adults (version 2024)
Qingde WANG ; Yuan HE ; Bohua CHEN ; Tongwei CHU ; Jinpeng DU ; Jian DONG ; Haoyu FENG ; Shunwu FAN ; Shiqing FENG ; Yanzheng GAO ; Zhong GUAN ; Hua GUO ; Yong HAI ; Lijun HE ; Dianming JIANG ; Jianyuan JIANG ; Bin LIN ; Bin LIU ; Baoge LIU ; Chunde LI ; Fang LI ; Feng LI ; Guohua LYU ; Li LI ; Qi LIAO ; Weishi LI ; Xiaoguang LIU ; Hongjian LIU ; Yong LIU ; Zhongjun LIU ; Shibao LU ; Yong QIU ; Limin RONG ; Yong SHEN ; Huiyong SHEN ; Jun SHU ; Yueming SONG ; Tiansheng SUN ; Yan WANG ; Zhe WANG ; Zheng WANG ; Hong XIA ; Guoyong YIN ; Jinglong YAN ; Wen YUAN ; Zhaoming YE ; Jie ZHAO ; Jianguo ZHANG ; Yue ZHU ; Yingjie ZHOU ; Zhongmin ZHANG ; Wei MEI ; Dingjun HAO ; Baorong HE
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2024;40(2):97-106
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) combined with lower cervical fracture is often categorized into unstable fracture, with a high incidence of neurological injury and a high rate of disability and morbidity. As factors such as shoulder occlusion may affect the accuracy of X-ray imaging diagnosis, it is often easily misdiagnosed at the primary diagnosis. Non-operative treatment has complications such as bone nonunion and the possibility of secondary neurological damage, while the timing, access and choice of surgical treatment are still controversial. Currently, there are no clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of AS combined with lower cervical fracture with or without dislocation. To this end, the Spinal Trauma Group of Orthopedics Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts to formulate Clinical guidelines for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis combined with lower cervical fracture in adults ( version 2024) in accordance with the principles of evidence-based medicine, scientificity and practicality, in which 11 recommendations were put forward in terms of the diagnosis, imaging evaluation, typing and treatment, etc, to provide guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of AS combined with lower cervical fracture.
10.The value of spectral CT combined with metal artifact reduction algorithms in improving the CT image quality for patients with 125I seeds implantation in the chest and abdomen
Yuhan ZHOU ; Limin LEI ; Zhihao WANG ; Wenpeng HUANG ; Weimeng CAO ; Shushan DONG ; Meng WANG ; Zhigang ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2024;58(2):172-179
Objective:To investigate the value of the virtual monoenergetic image (VMI) obtained by a new dual-layer detector spectral CT combined with metal artifact reduction algorithms(O-MAR) in reduction of different types of artifacts caused by 125I seeds implantation and in improvement of the post-operative CT image quality. Methods:This was a cross-sectional study. Thirty-five patients who underwent dual-layer detector spectral CT scanning of the chest and abdomen after 125I seeds implantation were retrospectively included at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from March to September 2022. The spectral data were collected and reconstructed into conventional CT image (CI), VMI image (50-150 keV, 20 keV/level), CI+O-MAR image, and VMI+O-MAR image (50-150 keV, 20 keV/level). The artifacts′ removal effects and image quality improvement in each group were evaluated. Two slices with the strongest artifacts were selected for analysis for each patient, resulting in a total of 70 slices. Objective indicators including artifact index (AI), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of soft tissue regions affected by artifacts were measured and calculated. Subjective indicators including the overcorrected artifacts and new artifacts, the different forms of artifacts, the diagnosis of artifacts, and the image quality were assessed. One-way analysis of variance was used for comparisons among multiple groups. Paired t test was used to compare the quantitative indicators between the combined O-MAR group and the non-O-MAR group. Kappa statistics was used to evaluate the consistency between observers. Results:In high/low-density artifacts (ROI H/L), the AI values in all groups showed decrease with increasing VMI keV. In artifact-affected tissue (ROI T), SNR of the CI/VMI (70-150 keV)+O-MAR group were significantly higher than those of the CI/VMI group ( P<0.05), CNR of the CI/VMI(50-150 keV)+O-MAR group were significantly higher than those of the CI/VMI group ( P<0.05). Both overcorrection and new artifacts mainly presented in VMI 50 keV and VMI 70 keV groups; Compared with VMI (50-70 keV) group, significantly less numbers of overcorrection and new artifacts were found in VMI (50-70 keV)+O-MAR group ( P<0.05); regarding the comparison of artifact types, with the VMI keV increasing, the number of a-type banded artifacts gradually decreased on images with high-density artifacts, reaching a minimum of 3 in the VMI 150 keV+O-MAR group; while the number of e-type artifacts with little or no artifacts increased, with the highest number of 23 in the VMI 150 keV+O-MAR group. The total number of high-density artifacts in each type decreased with increasing VMI keV. As VMI keV increased, the diagnostic and image quality scores of high-density artifacts in each group were significantly higher than those of low-density artifacts in the VMI+O-MAR group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:VMI combined with O-MAR can significantly improve the objective and subjective image quality of follow-up CT imaging after 125I seed implantation, enhancing lesion visibility and diagnostic confidence. Additionally, VMI+O-MAR showed more pronounced correction effect on high-density artifacts.


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