1.Tangbikang Granules Improve Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via AMPK/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Zehong YANG ; Tonghua LIU ; Xiaohong MU ; Yaqi ZHANG ; Huizhong BAI ; Lingling QIN ; Xiaolei JIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):52-60
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Tangbikang granules improve diabetic peripheral neuropathy based on ferroptosis mediated by the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (AMPK/Nrf2) signaling pathway. MethodsA diabetes model was established using spontaneous male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. After successful modeling, the rats were divided into a normal group, a model group, high-, medium-, and low-dose Tangbikang granules groups, and a metformin hydrochloride group. The high-, medium-, and low-dose Tangbikang granules groups were administered by gavage at doses of 2.5, 1.25, 0.625 g·kg-1, respectively. The metformin hydrochloride group received 0.135 g·kg-1 by gavage, while the remaining groups received an equal volume of deionized water. Administration continued for 12 weeks. Blood glucose levels were measured after administration, and at 4, 8, 12 weeks. Following the 12-week intervention, the thermal pain threshold and the sciatic nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) were measured. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the sciatic nerve were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Morphological changes in the sciatic nerve were observed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and the ultrastructural changes were examined using transmission electron microscopy. The levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) were detected using immunofluorescence (IF) assay. The protein expression levels of p-AMPK, Nrf2, GPx4, and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) were detected using Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group had significantly higher blood glucose levels after administration and at weeks 4, 8 and 12 (P<0.01). The thermal pain threshold was significantly prolonged (P<0.01), and the SNCV was significantly slowed down (P<0.01). The SOD and ATP levels significantly decreased (P<0.01), while the MDA levels significantly increased (P<0.01). Pathologically, the sciatic nerve fibers in the model group showed a dispersed structure, disordered and sparse arrangement, axonal atrophy, irregular myelin sheath halo, increased and swollen Schwann cell nuclei, obvious endoneurial fibrosis, and collagen hyperplasia. Immunofluorescence assay revealed fragmented red fluorescence and significantly reduced expression of GPx4 (P<0.01). Western blot analysis showed significantly decreased protein expression levels of p-AMPK, Nrf2, and GPx4 (P<0.01), and significantly increased expression of ACSL4 (P<0.01) in the model group. Compared with the model group, fasting blood glucose level decreased significantly in the high-dose Tangbikang granules group at weeks 4 and 12 (P<0.05). The thermal pain threshold was significantly shortened in the high- and medium-dose Tangbikang granules groups (P<0.01). The SNCV was significantly accelerated in the high- and medium-dose Tangbikang granules groups (P<0.01). The SOD levels were significantly elevated in the high-dose Tangbikang granules group (P<0.01). The MDA levels significantly decreased in all Tangbikang granules groups (P<0.01). Both the metformin hydrochloride group and the high-dose Tangbikang granules group exhibited relatively orderly and densely arranged sciatic nerve fibers with more regular myelin sheath halos. The GPx4 expression significantly increased in both the metformin hydrochloride group and all Tangbikang granules groups (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of p-AMPK, Nrf2, and GPx4 were significantly increased (P<0.01), while ACSL4 protein expression significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionTangbikang granules may improve peripheral neuropathy by suppressing ferroptosis through the regulation of the AMPK/Nrf2 signaling pathway.
2.Expression of TRM cells in the lesions of imiquimod-induced models of psoriasis in mice
Yuchan ZHOU ; Rongchang ZHENG ; Huarun LI ; Jinping HUANG ; Si QIN ; Ting LI ; Zhenyu LU ; Sihui LI ; Xianwen LI ; Mu-jin LI ; Ju WEN
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(9):1327-1331
Objective To investigate the effect of tissue-resident memory T cells(TRM)on imiquimod-induced psoriatic-like skin lesions in mice,and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of TRM involvement in this process.Methods Forty female BALB/c mice were procured and randomly allocated into four groups:ten in the blank control group,and thirty for the establishment of a psoriasis mouse model.Following successful modeling,the thirty mice were further randomized into three groups:the model control group,the methotrexate-treated group,and the imiquimod-treated group,with ten mice in each group.Mice in the blank control group and model control group were uniformly treated with Vaseline for intervention.The methotrexate group and the imiquimod group were treated with 62.5mg of 5%imiquimod cream.The methotrexate group was administered by gavage at a dose of 1 mg/kg,and the gavage volume of each group was 10 mL/kg.The model control group,blank group and imiquimod group were gavaged with the same volume of normal saline.Treatment was conducted over six consecutive days.Subsequently,comparisons were made across groups regarding the psoriasis area and severity index(PASI),histopathological findings,inflammatory cytokine levels,and TRM cell levels.Results(1)The imiquimod group exhibited signifi-cantly lower scores for erythema(2.54±0.32),skin thickening(2.59±0.25),and scaling(2.52±0.29)compared to the methotrexate group,model control group,and blank control group(P<0.05).Additionally,the methotrexate group demonstrated reduced scores for erythema,skin thickening,and scaling compared to the model control group(P<0.05).(2)Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining revealed that the epidermis in the methotrexate group became thin-ner,with fewer parakeratotic cells and increased hair follicles.Conversely,the imiquimod group displayed abnor-mal cell morphology and relatively thicker white skin after modeling.(3)The imiquimod group showed significantly lower levels of TNF-α(51.63±4.39 pg/mL),IL-1β(35.53±4.15 pg/mL),IFN-γ(23.43±3.41 pg/mL),and IL-23(15.24±2.95 pg/mL)compared to the methotrexate and model control groups(P<0.05).Similarly,the methotrexate group exhibited reduced levels of TNF-α,IL-1β,IFN-γ,and IL-23 compared to the model control group(P<0.05).(4)The imiquimod group had significantly lower levels of CD8+CD103+cells(15.39±2.31)than the methotrexate and model control groups(P<0.05).Furthermore,the methotrexate group demonstrated lower levels of CD8+CD103+cells compared to the model control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Miquimod induces heavier skin lesions,faster response,and more epidermal thickening in psoriasis like mice.CD8+CD103+TRM cells and inflammatory factors may be involved in the recurrence of psoriasis.
3.Interaction between perceived social support and TMEM161B gene rs768705 polymorphism and its association with risk of developing depression
Xingmeng NIU ; Hanyun LI ; Xueyi WANG ; Sifang NIU ; Yan QIN ; Yi ZHENG ; Fuqin MU ; Yueqin HUANG ; Yan LIU
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(2):107-114
Objective:To explore the association between perceived social support,TMEM161B gene rs768705 polymorphism,and their interaction with incidence of depressive symptoms in the freshmen.Methods:A total of 9928 freshmen from two medical universities were investigated at baseline and follow-up two years later during 2018-2020 by cluster sampling.A self-report demographic characteristics questionnaire was used to collect information of general demographic characteristics.Perceived Social Support Scale,Beck Depression Inventory,Beck Anxiety Inventory and Adolescent Self-Rating Life Events Check List were used to measure the level of perceived social support,depressive symptoms,anxiety symptoms and the number of negative life events of individuals.Blood sam-ples were collected and typed for DNA by professionals.Results:Family support and other support were all nega-tively associated with depressive symptoms in the freshmen(OR=0.96,95%CI:0.93-0.99;OR=0.94,95%CI:0.91-0.98).There was no correlation between friend support and depressive symptoms in the freshmen(OR=0.99,95%CI:0.95-1.02).TMEM161B gene rs768705 polymorphism(AG)was positively associated with de-pressive symptoms in the freshmen(OR=1.58,95%CI:1.12-2.23).The interactions of friend support with TMEM161B gene rs768705 polymorphism(AG)(OR=1.13,95%CI:1.02-1.26)and other support with TMEM161B gene rs768705 polymorphism(AG)(OR=1.13,95%CI:1.02-1.25)had significant effects on the incidence of depressive symptoms in the females and no significant effect in the males.Conclusion:The perceived social support,TMEM161B gene rs768705 polymorphism and their interaction are associated with influence of de-pressive symptoms,and have sex difference in the freshmen.
4.Laparoscopic subtotal colectomy with antiperistaltic cecorectal anastomosis versus laparoscopic total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis for slow transit constipation: a multicenter retrospective cohort study
Yang LUO ; Taotao HOU ; Yifei MU ; Chundi MIAO ; Tingyue GONG ; Jun QIN ; Dongyang WANG ; Dawei SONG ; Hao LI ; Shaolan QIN ; Rong CUI ; Tingfeng WANG ; Ming ZHONG ; Minhao YU
Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 2025;28(12):1426-1433
Objective:To compare postoperative anal function recovery between laparoscopic subtotal colectomy with antiperistaltic cecorectal anastomosis and laparoscopic total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis for slow transit constipation.Methods:This multicenter retrospective cohort study enrolled patients meeting the following criteria: (1) severe constipation symptoms (<2 bowel movements/week), absent or insignificant defecation urge, abdominal distension, requiring laxatives to maintain bowel movements or laxatives being ineffective; (2) constipation symptoms for over 5 years, ineffective after >2 years of medical treatment, with strong desire for surgery; (3) significantly prolonged colon transit time (>72 hours) without significant gastric or small intestinal transit dysfunction; (4) no organic colonic lesions confirmed by colonoscopy and abdominal CT. Exclusion criteria: (1) patients undergoing open surgery; (2) exclusion of outlet obstruction constipation (e.g., rectocele, rectal prolapse, puborectalis spasm) by functional defecation MRI; (3) comorbid psychiatric disorders; (4) missing clinical data or loss to follow-up (postoperative follow-up <24 months). Based on these criteria, clinical and follow-up data were collected from 220 patients who underwent either laparoscopic subtotal colectomy with antiperistaltic cecorectal anastomosis (LSC group, n = 115) or laparoscopic total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (LTC group, n = 105) for slow transit constipation between January 2013 and December 2022. Subjective anal function (Constipation Severity Score and Wexner Fecal Incontinence Score) and objective anal function (positive rate of rectoanal inhibitory reflex [RAIR] and anorectal manometry) were observed preoperatively and at 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Results:No significant differences were found in baseline characteristics between the two groups (all P >0.05). All surgeries were completed successfully without major significant complications. Subjective anal function assessment: At 24 months postoperatively, Constipation Severity Scores decreased significantly compared to preoperative scores in both groups [LSC group: (25.2±2.8) vs. (2.9±1.8), P <0.001; LTC group: (25.8±2.9) vs. (2.8±1.9), P<0.001]. No significant differences were found between the groups at 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively (all P>0.05). Wexner Fecal Incontinence Scores at 24 months were significantly lower than those at 6 months in both groups [LSC group: (12.9±1.8) vs. (3.9±2.5), P<0.001; LTC group: (12.6±1.8) vs. (5.4±2.4), P<0.001]. Although no significant difference was found at 6 months ( P = 0.190), the LSC group had significantly lower Wexner scores than the LTC group at 12 and 24 months postoperatively (both P < 0.001). Objective anal function assessment: (1) Positive RAIR rate: Preoperative positive RAIR rates were 33.0% (38/115) in the LSC group and 25.7% (27/105) in the LTC group ( P > 0.05). At 24 months, positive rates increased significantly in both groups [LSC: 66.1% (76/115); LTC: 63.8% (67/105)] compared to preoperative rates (both P<0.001), but no significant differences were found between groups at 6, 12, and 24 months (all P>0.05). (2) Resting pressure (RP) and squeeze pressure (SP): No significant differences were found in preoperative RP and SP between groups (all P>0.05). The LSC group had significantly higher RP and SP than the LTC group at 6 and 12 months postoperatively (all P<0.05), but no significant differences were found at 24 months ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Both laparoscopic subtotal colectomy with antiperistaltic cecorectal anastomosis and laparoscopic total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis are safe for patients with slow transit constipation. However, laparoscopic subtotal colectomy with antiperistaltic cecorectal anastomosis offers superior postoperative anal function recovery.
5.Development and validation of a nomogram prediction model of suicidal ideation in community residents
Yan QIN ; Sifang NIU ; Xingmeng NIU ; Yangziye GUO ; Yu SUN ; Yi ZHENG ; Fuqin MU ; Zhaorui LIU ; Yueqin HUANG ; Yan LIU
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(3):244-250
Objective:To explore the risk factors of suicidal ideation in community residents in Shandong province,China,and to establish a prediction model and a nomogram for the risk of suicidal ideation.Methods:To-tally 11 087 community residents in Jining City,Zoucheng City,and Weifang City,Shandong Province,were recrui-ted as the study subjects.The general information questionnaire,Composite International Diagnostic Interview-3.0,General Anxiety Disorder-7,were used to collect demographic information,mental health status,family information,and lifestyle using a computer-assisted interview system to conduct face-to-face interview.LASSO regression and binary logistic regression analyses were used to develop a nomogram model of the risk of suicidal ideation.Results:Young people,female,smoking,non-new town residents,no physical exercise,difficulty approaching people,anxiety symptoms and depression were effective predictors of suicidal ideation.The area under the curve(AUC)of the training set(AUC)was 0.89(95%CI:0.85-0.93)and AUC of the validation set(AUC)was 0.83(95%CI:0.75-0.92).Conclusion:The nomogram prediction model constructed in this study on suicidal ideation in com-munity residents has a high degree of differentiation and accuracy.It could be used to screen people at high risk of suicide and provide intervention to suicidal ideation in community residents.
6.Gallstones, cholecystectomy, and cancer risk: an observational and Mendelian randomization study.
Yuanyue ZHU ; Linhui SHEN ; Yanan HUO ; Qin WAN ; Yingfen QIN ; Ruying HU ; Lixin SHI ; Qing SU ; Xuefeng YU ; Li YAN ; Guijun QIN ; Xulei TANG ; Gang CHEN ; Yu XU ; Tiange WANG ; Zhiyun ZHAO ; Zhengnan GAO ; Guixia WANG ; Feixia SHEN ; Xuejiang GU ; Zuojie LUO ; Li CHEN ; Qiang LI ; Zhen YE ; Yinfei ZHANG ; Chao LIU ; Youmin WANG ; Shengli WU ; Tao YANG ; Huacong DENG ; Lulu CHEN ; Tianshu ZENG ; Jiajun ZHAO ; Yiming MU ; Weiqing WANG ; Guang NING ; Jieli LU ; Min XU ; Yufang BI ; Weiguo HU
Frontiers of Medicine 2025;19(1):79-89
This study aimed to comprehensively examine the association of gallstones, cholecystectomy, and cancer risk. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to estimate the observational associations of gallstones and cholecystectomy with cancer risk, using data from a nationwide cohort involving 239 799 participants. General and gender-specific two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was further conducted to assess the causalities of the observed associations. Observationally, a history of gallstones without cholecystectomy was associated with a high risk of stomach cancer (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.50-4.28), liver and bile duct cancer (aOR=2.46, 95% CI 1.17-5.16), kidney cancer (aOR=2.04, 95% CI 1.05-3.94), and bladder cancer (aOR=2.23, 95% CI 1.01-5.13) in the general population, as well as cervical cancer (aOR=1.69, 95% CI 1.12-2.56) in women. Moreover, cholecystectomy was associated with high odds of stomach cancer (aOR=2.41, 95% CI 1.29-4.49), colorectal cancer (aOR=1.83, 95% CI 1.18-2.85), and cancer of liver and bile duct (aOR=2.58, 95% CI 1.11-6.02). MR analysis only supported the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer. This study added evidence to the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer, highlighting the importance of cancer screening in individuals with gallstones.
Humans
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Mendelian Randomization Analysis
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Gallstones/complications*
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Female
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Male
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Cholecystectomy/statistics & numerical data*
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Middle Aged
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Risk Factors
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Aged
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Adult
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Neoplasms/etiology*
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Stomach Neoplasms/epidemiology*
7.Network analysis of the symptom structure and associated factors of subjective cognitive decline among middle-aged and older adults
Yangziye GUO ; Yu SUN ; Xingmeng NIU ; Yan QIN ; Zhaorui LIU ; Yueqin HUANG ; Yan LIU ; Fuqin MU
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(8):705-712
Objective:To investigate the symptom network structure of subjective cognitive decline(SCD)and its associated factors in middle-aged and older adults.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 8,262 community residents aged 45 years and over in Shandong Province(Jining,Weifang,and Zoucheng).SCD was assessed using the 8-item Ascertain Dementia(AD8)questionnaire,while mental health status was evaluated with Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and General Anxiety Disorder-7.SPSS and R were applied to construct the SCD symptom network model and examine its association with psychological factors.Results:The prevalence of SCD was 24.53%."Difficulty using household appliances"emerged as the core symptom,with the strongest connections to"forgetting appointments"(edge=2.13)and"declining daily memory and thinking ability".Additionally,"poor self-rated mental health"was most strongly linked to"loss of interest,change in hobbies and reduced activities"(edge=0.38).Conclusion:SCD symptoms in middle-aged and older adults exhibits strong interconnections and are closely linked to the individual's mental health condition.
8.Newly formulated Tadalafil tablets alleviates liver fibrosis in mice by inhibiting activation of hepatic stellate cells
Wen-bin FENG ; Jian-qin YANG ; Li-mei LI ; Jia-xiu LEI ; Fan LIU ; Zi-jian ZHAO ; Yun-ping MU ; Fang-hong LI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(2):290-297
Aim To investigate the therapeutic effect of newly formulated Tadalafil tablets on liver fibrosis in mice induced by carbon tetrachloride(CCl4)and its impact on the activation of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs).Methods Liver fibrosis model was estab-lished by intraperitoneally injecting 20%CCl4 corn oil solution twice a week for eight weeks.After four weeks of modeling,the treatment group was administered ei-ther the newly formulated Tadalafil tablets(1.0 mg·kg-1)or the Cialis(2.5 mg·kg-1)via gavage for the remaining four weeks.We assessed the effects of Tadalafil on collagen deposition,tissue structural dam-age,and HSCs activation markers in the fibrotic liver of mice using serum biochemical analysis,histopathologi-cal staining,and Western blotting following the treat-ment period.LX-2 cells were cultured and treated with tadalafil after TGF β1 stimulation,and the effects of tadalafil on LX-2 cell activation were assessed via Western blot.Results Compared to the normal mice,the model group mice exhibited a significantly higher liver-specific index,increased liver function indicators,and notable hepatocyte necrosis.Additionally,liver lobules were damaged,accompanied by severe infiltra-tion of inflammatory cells.Both smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)and fibronectin(Fn)were elevated,serving as markers of HSCs activation.As a result of treatment with the newly formulated Tadalafil tablets,liver tissue damage was significantly reduced,transaminase levels decreased,necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration were reduced,and collagen fiber deposition was allevia-ted,and α-SMA and Fn expression was reduced.It was worth noting that low-dose newly formulated Tadalafil tablets were found to be as effective as high-dose Cia-lis.In a cellular model,Tadalafil significantly inhibited the activation of LX-2 cells and reduced the expression of proteins related to cell activation.Conclusions The newly formulated Tadalafil tablets can significantly inhibit HSCs activation,reduce extracellular matrix(ECM)deposition,improve liver fibrosis and liver function damage caused by CCl4.This new formulation offers a significant advantage over Cialis in terms of ef-fectiveness,with a lower effective dose.
9.Effect of vorinostat on P-gp expression and pharmacokinetic parameters of its substrate phenytoin sodium in rats under hypoxic environments
Zi-qin WEI ; Hong-fang MU ; Lin JIANG ; Fang-fang QIU ; Dou-dou LI ; Wen-bin LI ; Rong WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(12):2291-2297
Aim To investigate the effects of SAHA on the expression of P-gp and the pharmacokinetic pa-rameters of its substrate phenytoin sodium in rats under hypoxic environments.Methods Wistar rats were randomly divided into the normioxic group,the hypoxic model group,and the low-,medium-and high-dose vorinostat(SAHA)groups.Liver tissues were col-lected,and the expression levels of P-gp and HDAC5 were detected by Real-time PCR and Western blot.The morphological changes of liver tissues were ob-served by HE staining.Following intragastric adminis-tration of 50 mg·kg-1 phenytoin sodium to each group,blood samples were collected,and the plasma concentration of phenytoin sodium was determined u-sing UFLC-MS/MS to calculate pharmacokinetic pa-rameters.Results Compared with the normoxic group,the expression of HDAC5 in the liver tissues of hypoxia model rats increased,while the expression of P-gp decreased.After SAHA treatment,HDAC5 expression decreased,and P-gp expression increased.Among the SAHA groups,the medium-dose group showed the most significant effect,and HE staining re-sults indicated that this concentration did not cause damage to rat liver tissues.Compared with the normox-ic group,the AUC,Cmax,and T1/2 of phenytoin sodium in hypoxia model rats were significantly raised.After administration of the medium dose of SAHA,the AUC,Cmax,MRT,and T1/2 were significantly reduced,while CLZ/r was significantly increased.Conclusions Un-der hypoxic environments,the expression of P-gp in rat liver tissue is significantly downregulated,leading to increased systemic exposure of phenytoin,reduced clearance,and consequently elevated blood concentra-tions,raising the risk of central nervous system toxici-ty.In contrast,SAHA suppresses HDAC5 expression,thereby activating P-gp transcription and enhancing its efflux function.This results in decreased systemic ex-posure and improved clearance of phenytoin,signifi-cantly reducing drug accumulation in body and ulti-mately lowering the risk of adverse effects.
10.Rectocele repair with perineal approach using autologous tissue:clinical analysis of 23 cases
Liancheng LIU ; Lei TIAN ; Ping SUN ; Lin MAO ; Yajing LU ; Yi HE ; Peixin WANG ; Shijia MU ; Xinjian LI ; Jiayan LI ; Fang XIONG ; Pengpai QIN
Journal of Clinical Surgery 2025;33(7):726-729
Objective To analyze the efficacy of autologous tissue repair for rectocele through the perineal approach in treating constipation and fecal incontinence in patients.Methods From January 2021 to November 2022,23 female patients with symptomatic rectal protrusion were treated with perineal autologous tissue repair.Preoperatively and at 12 months postoperatively,the Cleveland Clinic Constipation Score(CCCS),Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score(CCIS),and Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life(PAC-QOL)questionnaires were used to assess postoperative outcomes and quality of life.Results Among the 23 patients,with a median follow-up time of 12.6 months,CCCS decreased from 17.09±1.68 to 3.96±2.08(P<0.05);CCIS decreased from 1.52±4.15 to 0.52±1.41(P>0.05);PAC-QOL:physical discomfort decreased from 13.00±1.51 to 4.74±1.98;psychological discomfort decreased from 20.96±3.27 to 5.74±2.67;concern and anxiety decreased from 26.13±4.37 to 8.78±3.14;satisfaction decreased from 15.39±2.35 to 4.60±1.59(P<0.05).All patients showed significant improvement in constipation and incontinence symptoms postoperatively,with no serious postoperative complications and a marked improvement in postoperative quality of life.Conclusion Rectocele repair with perineal approach using autologous tissue is an effective and safe method,avoiding potential potential complications associated with grafts.

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