1.Analysis of clinical and imaging characteristics of neonatal arterial ischemic stroke with different long-term motor function prognoses
Liming CHEN ; Shiwen XIA ; Huaping ZHU ; Jing YANG ; Mi MU ; Yong LIU
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(3):266-271
Objective:To explore baseline clinical and imaging characteristics of children with neonatal arterial ischaemic stroke based on their long-term motor function prognoses.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Clinical data, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electroencephalogram (EEG) findings, were collected from 31 neonates diagnosed with ischemic stroke admitted to the Department of Neonataology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province between January 2015 and December 2019. Unified follow-up was conducted between May and July 2024. Long-term motor function outcomes were assessed using the modified Rankin scale(mRS) and categorized into two groups: the good motor function group (mRS score 0-1) and the motor impairment group (mRS score≥2).Baseline clinical and imaging data were summarized for all children, and differences between the two groups were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher′s exact test. Results:A total of 31 neonates (21 males, 10 females) with an admission age of 1-19 days, all diagnosed within 28 days of birth, were included. At follow-up, 4-8 years after disease onset, 26 neonates (84%) showed good motor function, while 5 (16%) had motor impairments. Compared to the good motor function group, the motor impairment group had higher proportions of females (4/5 vs. 23% (6/26)), main middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction (4/5 vs. 19% (5/26)), basal ganglia involvement (4/5 vs. 27% (7/26)), corticospinal tract involvement (posterior limb of internal capsule (PLIC) 5/5 vs. 38% (10/26) and cerebral peduncles 5/5 vs. 31% (8/26)) shown by MRI images, and meconium-stained amniotic fluid (4/5 vs. 15% (4/26))(all P<0.05).No significant differences were observed in gestational age, birth weight, abnormalities in muscle tone or primitive reflexes at admission or discharge, or abnormal EEG findings (all P>0.05). Conclusions:Neonatal arterial ischemic stroke commonly manifests as seizures, which are generally controllable, with a relatively stable clinical course and a low incidence of long-term motor impairment. Children with long-term motor impairments are more likely to have main MCA infarction, basal ganglia and corticospinal tract involvement (PLIC and cerebral peduncles), as well as meconium-stained amniotic fluid. This condition is also more commonly observed in females.
2.Associations of age and nail-tract bone density with postoperative stability in proximal femoral nail anti-rotation-Ⅱ fixation for geriatric intertrochanteric fractures: a finite-element analysis
Yufeng GE ; Chen YI ; Dongchen YAO ; Yu LI ; Rui ZHANG ; Ling WANG ; Yong XUN ; Minghui YANG ; Shiwen ZHU ; Xinbao WU
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2025;27(9):806-812
Objective:To investigate how age and nail-tract volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) are associated with postoperative mechanical performance of proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA-Ⅱ) fixation for geriatric intertrochanteric fractures using a finite-element analysis.Methods:Fifteen elderly patients with intertrochanteric fracture of the femur were selected for this study. They were 11 females and 4 males and divided into 5 groups based on their ages ( n=3): 55-year-old, 65-year-old, 75-year-old, 85-year-old, and 95-year-old groups. After three-dimensional models of the proximal femur were constructed using the preoperative CT data of their healthy contralateral hip, 31-A1.2 fractures of the AO/OTA type were created and PFNA-Ⅱ fixations simulated. Two loading schemes were created: graded quasi-static axial loads (700 N, 1,400 N, 2,100 N, and 2,800 N) were applied to compute equivalent plastic strain volumes in the femoral head region; displacement-controlled loading was applied to failure to derive load-displacement curves for stiffness and the maximum failure load. Nail-tract vBMD and regional hip vBMDs were measured by quantitative CT. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to investigate the associations of age and nail-tract vBMD with the aforementioned mechanical indicators. Results:Under the same load, compared with the 55-year-old, 65-year-old, and 75-year-old groups, the plastic strain unit volumes of the fracture models in the 85-year-old and 95-year-old groups increased significantly. Under a load of 700 N, no plastic strain was observed in the fracture models in the 55-year-old, 65-year-old, and 75-year-old groups, while an average plastic strain of approximately 50 mm 3 was observed in the fracture models in the 85-year-old group. Under a load of 2,800 N, the high strain areas in the fracture models in the 85-year-old and 95-year-old groups were mainly concentrated at the tip of the head nail and the junction between the head nail and the main nail. Load-displacement curves showed a marked reduction in the failure load in patients aged ≥85 years. Under loads of 1,400 N, 2,100 N, and 2,800 N, there was a strong association between the nail-tract vBMD and the volume of the plastic strain unit ( r=-0.82, -0.88, -0.89, respectively), which was stronger than those for total-hip vBMD. Conclusions:Finite-element analysis indicates that age and nail-tract vBMD are closely related to local plastic strain and overall stiffness of the proximal femur after PFNA-Ⅱ fixation for the geriatric intertrochanteric fractures. Patients aged ≥85 years old are more prone to plastic yielding, which compromises fixation stability.
3.Clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of sacroiliac complex injuries (version 2025)
Fulin TAO ; Jinlei DONG ; Gang WANG ; Xianzhong MA ; Guanglin WANG ; Jiandong WANG ; Zhanying SHI ; Wei FENG ; Shiwen ZHU ; Gang LYU ; Guangyao LIU ; Dahui SUN ; Yuqiang SUN ; Ming LI ; Weixu LI ; Yan ZHUANG ; Kaifang CHEN ; Dapeng ZHOU ; Qishi ZHOU ; Zhangyuan LIN ; Chengla YI ; Longpo ZHENG ; Jianzhong GUAN ; Zhiyong HOU ; Shuquan GUO ; Xiaodong GUO ; Xiaoshan GUO ; Xiaodong QIN ; Hua CHEN ; Shicai FAN ; Dongsheng ZHOU ; Lianxin LI
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(8):709-720
Sacroiliac complex injuries are commonly seen in high-energy pelvic fractures. The injuries make a big difference in treatment patterns due to the diverse injury types, posing considerable challenges in formulating optimal treatment strategies, and hence are persistent clinical difficulties in orthopedic trauma. The clinical management of sacroiliac complex injuries presents several key challenges such as a non-negligible rate of missed diagnoses in associated vascular and visceral injuries, absence of standardized protocols for surgical approaches and reduction-fixation strategies across different injury patterns, and ongoing controversies regarding surgical indications and optimal timing for patients combined with concomitant lumbosacral plexus injuries. Currently, no systematic clinical guidelines are available for the diagnosis and treatment of sacroiliac complex injuries both domestically and internationally. To this end, the Pelvic and Acetabular Surgery Group, Orthopedic Branch, China International Exchange and Promotive Association for Medical and Health Care and Orthopedic Physician Branch, Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized a panel of domestic experts in the field to develop the Clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of sacroiliac complex injuries ( version 2025), based on evidence-based medicine and adhering to the principles of scientific rigor, clinical applicability, and innovation. These guidelines provided 11 recommendations covering diagnosis, therapeutic principles and techniques, management protocols for lumbosacral plexus injuries, outcome evaluation, and postoperative rehabilitation pathways, etc., aiming to standardize the clinical management of sacroiliac complex injuries.
4.Clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of sacroiliac complex injuries (version 2025)
Fulin TAO ; Jinlei DONG ; Gang WANG ; Xianzhong MA ; Guanglin WANG ; Jiandong WANG ; Zhanying SHI ; Wei FENG ; Shiwen ZHU ; Gang LYU ; Guangyao LIU ; Dahui SUN ; Yuqiang SUN ; Ming LI ; Weixu LI ; Yan ZHUANG ; Kaifang CHEN ; Dapeng ZHOU ; Qishi ZHOU ; Zhangyuan LIN ; Chengla YI ; Longpo ZHENG ; Jianzhong GUAN ; Zhiyong HOU ; Shuquan GUO ; Xiaodong GUO ; Xiaoshan GUO ; Xiaodong QIN ; Hua CHEN ; Shicai FAN ; Dongsheng ZHOU ; Lianxin LI
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(8):709-720
Sacroiliac complex injuries are commonly seen in high-energy pelvic fractures. The injuries make a big difference in treatment patterns due to the diverse injury types, posing considerable challenges in formulating optimal treatment strategies, and hence are persistent clinical difficulties in orthopedic trauma. The clinical management of sacroiliac complex injuries presents several key challenges such as a non-negligible rate of missed diagnoses in associated vascular and visceral injuries, absence of standardized protocols for surgical approaches and reduction-fixation strategies across different injury patterns, and ongoing controversies regarding surgical indications and optimal timing for patients combined with concomitant lumbosacral plexus injuries. Currently, no systematic clinical guidelines are available for the diagnosis and treatment of sacroiliac complex injuries both domestically and internationally. To this end, the Pelvic and Acetabular Surgery Group, Orthopedic Branch, China International Exchange and Promotive Association for Medical and Health Care and Orthopedic Physician Branch, Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized a panel of domestic experts in the field to develop the Clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of sacroiliac complex injuries ( version 2025), based on evidence-based medicine and adhering to the principles of scientific rigor, clinical applicability, and innovation. These guidelines provided 11 recommendations covering diagnosis, therapeutic principles and techniques, management protocols for lumbosacral plexus injuries, outcome evaluation, and postoperative rehabilitation pathways, etc., aiming to standardize the clinical management of sacroiliac complex injuries.
5.Analysis of clinical and imaging characteristics of neonatal arterial ischemic stroke with different long-term motor function prognoses
Liming CHEN ; Shiwen XIA ; Huaping ZHU ; Jing YANG ; Mi MU ; Yong LIU
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(3):266-271
Objective:To explore baseline clinical and imaging characteristics of children with neonatal arterial ischaemic stroke based on their long-term motor function prognoses.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Clinical data, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electroencephalogram (EEG) findings, were collected from 31 neonates diagnosed with ischemic stroke admitted to the Department of Neonataology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province between January 2015 and December 2019. Unified follow-up was conducted between May and July 2024. Long-term motor function outcomes were assessed using the modified Rankin scale(mRS) and categorized into two groups: the good motor function group (mRS score 0-1) and the motor impairment group (mRS score≥2).Baseline clinical and imaging data were summarized for all children, and differences between the two groups were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher′s exact test. Results:A total of 31 neonates (21 males, 10 females) with an admission age of 1-19 days, all diagnosed within 28 days of birth, were included. At follow-up, 4-8 years after disease onset, 26 neonates (84%) showed good motor function, while 5 (16%) had motor impairments. Compared to the good motor function group, the motor impairment group had higher proportions of females (4/5 vs. 23% (6/26)), main middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction (4/5 vs. 19% (5/26)), basal ganglia involvement (4/5 vs. 27% (7/26)), corticospinal tract involvement (posterior limb of internal capsule (PLIC) 5/5 vs. 38% (10/26) and cerebral peduncles 5/5 vs. 31% (8/26)) shown by MRI images, and meconium-stained amniotic fluid (4/5 vs. 15% (4/26))(all P<0.05).No significant differences were observed in gestational age, birth weight, abnormalities in muscle tone or primitive reflexes at admission or discharge, or abnormal EEG findings (all P>0.05). Conclusions:Neonatal arterial ischemic stroke commonly manifests as seizures, which are generally controllable, with a relatively stable clinical course and a low incidence of long-term motor impairment. Children with long-term motor impairments are more likely to have main MCA infarction, basal ganglia and corticospinal tract involvement (PLIC and cerebral peduncles), as well as meconium-stained amniotic fluid. This condition is also more commonly observed in females.
6.Associations of age and nail-tract bone density with postoperative stability in proximal femoral nail anti-rotation-Ⅱ fixation for geriatric intertrochanteric fractures: a finite-element analysis
Yufeng GE ; Chen YI ; Dongchen YAO ; Yu LI ; Rui ZHANG ; Ling WANG ; Yong XUN ; Minghui YANG ; Shiwen ZHU ; Xinbao WU
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2025;27(9):806-812
Objective:To investigate how age and nail-tract volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) are associated with postoperative mechanical performance of proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA-Ⅱ) fixation for geriatric intertrochanteric fractures using a finite-element analysis.Methods:Fifteen elderly patients with intertrochanteric fracture of the femur were selected for this study. They were 11 females and 4 males and divided into 5 groups based on their ages ( n=3): 55-year-old, 65-year-old, 75-year-old, 85-year-old, and 95-year-old groups. After three-dimensional models of the proximal femur were constructed using the preoperative CT data of their healthy contralateral hip, 31-A1.2 fractures of the AO/OTA type were created and PFNA-Ⅱ fixations simulated. Two loading schemes were created: graded quasi-static axial loads (700 N, 1,400 N, 2,100 N, and 2,800 N) were applied to compute equivalent plastic strain volumes in the femoral head region; displacement-controlled loading was applied to failure to derive load-displacement curves for stiffness and the maximum failure load. Nail-tract vBMD and regional hip vBMDs were measured by quantitative CT. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to investigate the associations of age and nail-tract vBMD with the aforementioned mechanical indicators. Results:Under the same load, compared with the 55-year-old, 65-year-old, and 75-year-old groups, the plastic strain unit volumes of the fracture models in the 85-year-old and 95-year-old groups increased significantly. Under a load of 700 N, no plastic strain was observed in the fracture models in the 55-year-old, 65-year-old, and 75-year-old groups, while an average plastic strain of approximately 50 mm 3 was observed in the fracture models in the 85-year-old group. Under a load of 2,800 N, the high strain areas in the fracture models in the 85-year-old and 95-year-old groups were mainly concentrated at the tip of the head nail and the junction between the head nail and the main nail. Load-displacement curves showed a marked reduction in the failure load in patients aged ≥85 years. Under loads of 1,400 N, 2,100 N, and 2,800 N, there was a strong association between the nail-tract vBMD and the volume of the plastic strain unit ( r=-0.82, -0.88, -0.89, respectively), which was stronger than those for total-hip vBMD. Conclusions:Finite-element analysis indicates that age and nail-tract vBMD are closely related to local plastic strain and overall stiffness of the proximal femur after PFNA-Ⅱ fixation for the geriatric intertrochanteric fractures. Patients aged ≥85 years old are more prone to plastic yielding, which compromises fixation stability.
7.Correlation between CT imaging-derived hip muscle factors and recovery of independent mobility within 1 year after surgery in older adults with hip fractures
Yufeng GE ; Feng GAO ; Chao TU ; Ling WANG ; Gang LIU ; Wenshuang ZHANG ; Shiwen ZHU ; Minghui YANG ; Xinbao WU
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2024;40(6):531-538
Objective:To explore the correlation between hip muscle factors measured with CT imaging and recovery of independent mobility within 1 year after surgery in elderly patients with hip fractures.Methods:A prospective cohort study was conducted on the clinical data of 680 elderly patients with hip fractures admitted to Beijing Jishuitan Hospital of Capital Medical University from November 2018 to December 2019. The patients were assigned to dependent group and assistant group according to whether they regained pre-injury independent mobility within 1 year after surgery. Gender, age, body mass index, personal history, living habits, past diseases, Charlson comorbidity index, laboratory test indicators, fracture types, anesthesia types, surgical methods, rehabilitation training, time from injury to surgery, and hip muscle parameters in both groups were recorded. OsiriX software was employed in the measurement of the hip muscles to measure the muscle area and density of the gluteus maximus and gluteus medius/minimus on CT images, and the average values were calculated as hip muscle area and density. Then the variables of hip muscle area and density were converted seperately to gender-normalized Z-scores, and were divided into high-area group ( Z≥0) and low-area group ( Z<0), and high-density group ( Z≥0) and low-density group ( Z<0) respectively. Observable variables were primarily analyzed using univariate analysis between the independent group and assistant group. Those variables with statistically significant differences in the univariate analysis or would potentially affect mobility recovery according to previous researches although there were no statistical significance were included in a multivariate Logistic regression analysis. Three Logistic regression models were designed (Model 1 uncorrected, Model 2 corrected for gender, age and body mass index, Model 3 corrected for variables in Model 2 and other variables included after above-mentioned analysis) to analyze whether muscle parameters were risk factors for recovery of independent mobility. Additionally, generalized estimating equations were used for repeated measurement to analyze the correlation between hip muscle area and recovery of independent mobility after surgery. Results:Compared to the assistant group, the independent group were younger in age, with lower rate of living alone, being housebound, cognitive impairment, and Charlson comorbidity index, lower level of hemoglobin and albumin, higher rate of femoral neck fractures, lower rate of internal fixation, shorter time from injury to surgery, larger hip muscle area, and higher hip muscle density ( P<0.05 or 0.01). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that, in the fully corrected Model 3, only hip muscle area remained significantly correlated with recovery of independent mobility ( P<0.05), while no significant difference was found between the high-density group and low-density group ( P>0.05). In the repeated measurement, patients in the high-area group were 1.84 times more likely to restore independent mobility than those in the low-area group ( OR=1.84, 95% CI 1.33, 2.53, P<0.01). Conclusions:Hip muscle area measured with CT imaging is closely correlated to the recovery of independent mobility within 1 year after surgery in elderly patients with hip fractures. Moreover, larger hip muscle area indicates a larger likelihood of recovery of independent mobility.
8.A digital classification system of pelvic fractures based on close reduction techniques
Xu SUN ; Yuneng LI ; Qiyong CAO ; Chunpeng ZHAO ; Yimin CHEN ; Minghui YANG ; Shiwen ZHU ; Honghua WU ; Xinbao WU
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2024;26(5):428-434
Objective:To explore the feasibility and consistency of a new digital classification system of pelvic fractures named as JST classification based on close reduction techniques.Methods:A retrospective collection was conducted of the data from the 63 patients with pelvic fracture who had undergone surgical treatment after JST classification at Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from March 2021 to March 2023. Digital classification of the pelvic fractures was performed based on their locations and displacements. The classification first divides the pelvis into 4 parts: left half pelvis and right half pelvis; sacral Denis Ⅲ area and pubic symphysis. The symmetrical left and right sacral Denis Ⅰ and Denis Ⅱ areas are also included in the left/right half pelvis. Subsequently, the left half pelvis and right half pelvis are divided into 4 regions and marked by capitalized English letters: Sacrum Area (including Denis Ⅰ and Denis Ⅱ, denoted as S), Sacroiliac Joint Area (denoted as J), Iliac Area (denoted as I), and Pubic Area (denoted as P); to distinguish right/left, R and L are used as prefixes. The 2 asymmetric parts are also marked with English letters: Denis Ⅲ area of the sacrum (denoted as Sac), and pubic symphysis (denoted as C). Afterwards, the fracture line morphology and displacement in each region are marked digitally to form a complete JST classification system. The inter- and intra-observer reliabilities (Fleiss' and Cohen's Kappa) of the JST classification system were tested by 3 observers with more than 10 years of experience in pelvic fracture treatment.Results:Consistency analysis of the JST classification results showed that the mean κ value of the intra-observer reliability was 0.818 (from 0.658 to 0.946, P<0.001) and the inter-observer reliability 0.873 (from 0.674 to 1.000, P<0.001), both indicating excellent agreement. Of the 63 patients, 59 obtained successful closed reduction with the assistance of the Rossum Robot R-Universal intelligent orthopedic surgical robot system after fracture classification by the JST system, yielding a success rate of 93.7% (59/63). Conclusions:The new JST classification system for pelvic fractures demonstrates strong intra and inter-observer reliabilities compared with traditional classification systems. As JST classification system labels each fracture site and key bones, it is of great significance for the deep learning and intraoperative operations of intelligent fracture robots.
9.Mechanism of Wenfei Huaxian Decoction-containing Serum in Delaying Inflammatory Senescence of Lung Mesenchymal Stem Cells Based on NAMPT/SIRT1
Junxia HU ; Yueqi XU ; Jun WANG ; Guoshaung ZHU ; Shiwen KE ; Mingliang QIU ; Liangji LIU ; Lisha MO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(12):45-53
ObjectiveThe lung mesenchymal stem cells (LMSCs) induced by D-galactose (D-gal) were intervened by Wenfei Huaxian decoction-containing serum to explore the mechanism of Wenfei Huaxian decoction in delaying the senescence of LMSCs through the nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase/silent information regulator 1 (NAMPT/SIRT1) signaling pathway. MethodWenfei Huaxian decoction-containing serum was prepared. LMSCs were isolated by gradient density centrifugation, and they were cultured and identified in vitro. The senescence model in vitro was established by stimulating cells via D-gal for 24 h. LMSCs cells were modeled after being treated with different volume fractions (5%, 10%, 20%, 40%, and 80%) of Wenfei Huaxian decoction-containing serum for 24 h, and the cell proliferation level was detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) method. The cells were randomly divided into blank serum group, model group, and high, medium, and low dose groups of Wenfei Huaxian decoction-containing serum. Senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining was used to detect the senescence of LMSCs in each group. The content of NAD + was detected by colorimetry. The levels of senescence-associated factors (p16 and p53), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in cell culture supernatant were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was used to detect the relative expression of senescence-associated proteins and NAMPT/SIRT1 signaling pathway-related proteins. ResultCompared with the blank serum group, the proliferation of LMSCs was significantly inhibited after D-gal stimulation for 24 h (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the proliferation of LMSCs could be promoted after intervention with the corresponding Wenfei Huaxian decoction-containing serum (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the blank serum group, the SA-β-gal staining of LMSCs in the model group after D-gal stimulation was enhanced, and the content of NAD+ was increased (P<0.01). The expression levels of senescence factors p16 and p53, as well as SASP pro-inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α in the cell culture supernatant, were significantly increased (P<0.01). The expression of senescence-associated proteins p16, p21, and p53 increased (P<0.01), and the protein expression of NAMPT, SIRT1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), and forkhead box family transcription factor O1 (FoxO1) decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the SA-β-gal staining of LMSCs in each group of Wenfei Huaxian decoction-containing serum was significantly reduced, and the content of NAD+ was decreased (P<0.01). The senescence factors (p16 and p53) and inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α) in the cell culture supernatant were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The expression of senescence-associated proteins (P16, P21, and P53) decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The protein expressions of NAMPT, SIRT1, PGC-1α, and FoxO1 were significantly up-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionWenfei Huaxian decoction can alleviate senescence and inflammatory response damage of D-gal-induced LMSCs, and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the NAMPT/SIRT1 signaling pathway.
10.The Effects of Wenfei Huaxian Decoction (温肺化纤汤) on Pulmonary Fibrosis and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease Model Mice
Mingliang QIU ; Jiali XIONG ; Chenxiao XIAO ; Xinzhu ZHOU ; Lisha MO ; Shiwen KE ; Guoshuang ZHU ; Liangji LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(13):1383-1391
ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of Wenfei Huaxian Decoction (温肺化纤汤) in treatment of pulmonary fibrosis in systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). MethodsSixty C3H/He female rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, a pirfenidone group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose Wenfei Huaxian Decoction groups. The SSc-ILD model mice was established by subcutaneous injection of bleomycin solution 0.04 mg/d into the back of mice for 28 days in all groups but the control group. After successful modelling, the pirfenidone group was given pirfenidone capsule 300 mg/(kg·d) by gavage, the low-, medium- and high-dose Wenfei Huaxian Decoction groups were given Wenfei Huaxian Decoction 7.81, 15.62, and 31.24 g/(kg·d) by gavage, respectively, and the control group as well as the model group were given normal saline 0.1 ml/10 g by gavage, for a total of 21 days. At the end of the intervention, HE staining and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes in the skin and lung tissues; the hydroxyproline content of the skin and lung tissues was detected; the protein expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins glucose-regulated protein 78 (BIP) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) as well as those of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway p65 were measured by western blot; ELISA was performed to determine the expression levels of interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in serum of rats. ResultsThe results of HE and Masson staining indicated that compared with the control group, the dermis significantly thickened, the number of collagen fibers significantly enlarged, and the number of inflammatory cells significantly increased in the model group; the lung tissue showed a marked inflammatory cellular response with massive collagen fibre proliferation with inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared with the model group, the skin tissue and lung tissue collagen fibre proliferation significantly reduced and inflammatory cell infiltration reduced in the pirfenidone group and all dose groups of Wenfei Huaxian Decoction, and the effects of pirfenidone group and Wenfei Huaxian Decoction medium- and high-dose groups were basically comparable. Compared with the model group, the content of hydroxyproline in skin and lung tissue, the serum level of IFN-γ, IL-6 and TNF-α, and the expression levels of BIP and CHOP protein in lung tissue increased in model group (P<0.05). Compared with model group, the content of hydroxyproline in skin tissue of pirfenidone group, low-and medium-dose Wenfei Huaxian Decoction groups decreased, and the content of hydroxyproline in lung tissue of medium-dose Wenfei Huaxian Decoction group decreased. The serum level of IFN-γ, IL-6, TNF-α and the expression levels of BIP, CHOP and p65 protein in lung tissue of rats in pirfenidone group and high-dose Wenfei Huaxian Decoction group decreased (P<0.05). The content of hydroxyproline in lung tissue of medium-dose Wenfei Huaxian Decoction group was significantly lower than that of low-dose and high-dose Wenfei Huaxian Decoction group, and the serum level of IFN-γ, IL-6, TNF-α in low- and medium-dose Wenfei Huaxian Decoction group were higher than those in high-dose Wenfei Huaxian Decoction group. The expression level of BIP protein in high-dose group was significantly lower than that in low- and medium-dose Wenfei Huaxian Decoction groups (P<0.05). ConclusionWenfei Huaxian Decoction can improve the skin and lung fibrosis of SSc-ILD rats, which may act through anti-inflammation, inhibition of NF-κB pathway, and then inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress, which ultimately blocked the fibrotic process.

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